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Gazans dig through rubble by hand for bodies, survivors amid fresh horrors of Israeli offensive

Xinhua) 09:16, November 11, 2024

People search among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat camp, central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

GAZA, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Much rattled, Mohammed Alloush, a Palestinian man from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, rushed to his relatives' house on Sunday to see what had happened after it was attacked by the Israeli army.

Upon his arrival with dozens of his neighbors, Alloush was shocked to find the house, once alive with more than 50 residents, completely destroyed.

"We heard cries for help from beneath the rubble. Some were still alive. I must help and rescue them," Alloush told Xinhua with a breaking voice.

However, neither Alloush nor any other responders have any tools in hand.

"We are forced to dig with our bare hands to help the injured and pull out the dead as possible as we can," said the 35-year-old father of four, holding the body of a child in his arms.

"The situation is very dangerous here, as the Israeli army may strike the house again, but we have to race against time to rescue as many as we can," he said.

People search among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in the Nuseirat camp, central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

Alloush said he and his neighbors have to bury the dead in place, and transfer the injured to the Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals, which have been out of service, with donkey carts.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli army killed at least 36 members of Alloush's family in an attack on their house in Jabalia refugee camp, according to locals and medical sources.

The attack was part of Israel's ongoing large-scale military offensive in the area starting from Oct. 5, which aims to kill the remnants of Hamas and prevent it from regrouping in the territory, the Israeli military has claimed.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza, said the Israeli military forced the Civil Defense teams to leave the area and sieged many locals inside their houses.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 43,603, with injuries up to 102,929, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday.

People conduct rescue work at a school-turned shelter after an Israeli bombing in the al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, on Nov. 7, 2024. (Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

In northern Gaza, the Israeli offensive has killed more than 1,800 people, wounded about 4,000 others, and left hundreds missing, apart from destroying all local hospitals, the Hamas-run government media office said Monday in a press statement.

Meanwhile, rescue operations are difficult in Gaza City, even with the presence of the Civil Defense services.

On Saturday night, the Israeli army killed at least five Palestinians in an attack on a house of the al-Khour family in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood west of Gaza City.

"It was very hard for the ambulances and Civil Defense to reach the area quickly, so I decided to use my hands to rescue the survivors and pull out the dead to bury them in the early morning," 25-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Doghmosh told Xinhua.

Doghmosh said he and his friends used the flashlights on their mobile phones to see clearly through the rubble so that they could pull out the casualties as soon as possible.

"All the time, we are in a race against death, war, and time. So, we have to take the mission into our own hands and help each other as best we can," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Fearing Islamist rage, residents in an area of Lahore on Nov. 3 fled their homes after a Christian was arrested under Pakistans blasphemy laws, sources said.

Panic spread in Ward No. 12 of Kahna in Lahore, Punjab Province, after area Muslims accused Zafar Iqbal of setting fire to quranic pages in the courtyard of his house, said rights activist Napolean Qayyum.

As news spread, many Christian families locked their homes and left for safer places, fearing a Jaranwala-type attack on their homes, he said.

The complainant in the First Information Report (FIR) registered by Kahna police, Qari Mujahid Abbas Fareedi, imam of the Noorani Mosque in Kahna, said he was at the mosque after leading the afternoon prayers when two local Muslims told him Iqbal was burning pages of the Quran in the courtyard of his house, according to the FIR.

According to the complainant, when he and the other Muslims went to Iqbals house, they found him standing next to the burning papers, Qayyum said. He claimed that when they sifted through the burnt pages, they found that they were from the Quran.

The FIR states that the complainant and other Muslims immediately took Iqbal into custody and called police, Qayyum said.

Many Christian residents fled their homes as news of the alleged blasphemy spread, and members of Islamist outfits, including the extremist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), started gathering there, he said.

The residents feared that the situation could turn violent, so they left as a precaution, Qayyum said. However, timely intervention by senior officials and arrest of the suspect helped in placating the religious activists and thwarting any violence against other Christians.

Christian families began returning to their homes, he added.

Iqbal was charged under Section 295-B of Pakistans widely condemned blasphemy statutes, which prescribes a life term in prison for Quran desecration.

Iqbal is now in prison on judicial remand, while his family has gone into hiding and are inaccessible, Qayyum said. Iqbal is over 40 years old and has three children. He is also said to be suffering from some mental illness. The situation will become clearer when we make contact with his family.

Christian lawyer Lazar Allah Rakha said that if reports of Iqbal being mentally challenged were true, then he would not be fit to stand trial or be punished under the law.

A medical board should be formed to ascertain his mental health, and he should be discharged from the charges if it is found that he is not of sound mind, said Rakha, who has successfully defended several persons accused of blasphemy.

Multiple churches and homes of Christians were ransacked and burned by Muslim mobs in Jaranwala, Faisalabad District, Punjab Province on Aug. 16, 2023, after two Christian brothers were accused of desecrating the Quran and writing blasphemous content. The charges were dismissed in March after a court learned that another Christian had falsely accused them.

Blasphemy Business

Mere allegations of blasphemy in Muslim-majority Pakistan can ignite public outrage and sometimes result in mob violence. Hundreds of people have been accused and jailed for alleged blasphemy, and some were handed the death penalty, though none has been executed so far.

An investigative report by Pakistans National Commission for Human Rights issued on Oct. 31 revealed that a steep increase in blasphemy cases this year, many of them filed against Christians and other religious minorities, is tied to collusion between Muslim vigilantes and federal investigators.

Pakistan saw three times as many blasphemy cases in the first seven month of this year compared with all of last year, according to the NCHR investigation.

As of July 25, there were 767 people accused of blasphemy languishing in jails across Pakistan, whereas in 2023 there were 213 suspects incarcerated for blasphemy, 64 in 2022, nine in 2021 and 11 in 2020, according to the data gathered by the NCHR.

Most of the blasphemy cases were registered with the Federal Investigation Agencys Cybercrime Unit in collaboration with a private entity, the NCHR noted, adding that young men were targeted through entrapment tactics involving females using pseudonyms to lure them into blasphemous activities online.

At least 594 blasphemy suspects were imprisoned in Punjab Province alone, followed by 120 in Sindh Province, 64 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and two in Balochistan Province, the NCHR added.

The report follows a study by the Special Branch of the Punjab Police released in January, which for the first time revealed the presence of a blasphemy business that exploits the controversial blasphemy laws to entrap victims for extortion.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee on Oct. 17 observed that Pakistani authorities have failed to curb a range of human rights violations, including a sharp increase in blasphemy-related violence. Expressing serious concern over frequent attacks against religious minorities, including accusations of blasphemy, targeted killings, lynchings, mob violence, forced conversions, and desecration of places of worship, the committee stated that Pakistani society has become increasingly intolerant of religious diversity.

Religious minorities are facing a constant threat of persecution and discrimination amid the rise of religious radicalism, the committee stated.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.
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Mazoon Mining, a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), has broken ground on the Mazoon Copper Project in the Wilayat of Yanqul, Al Dhahirah Governorate.

Mazoon Copper Project is the largest integrated copper concentrate production project in Oman, covering 20 sq kms and consisting of five open-pit mines with an estimated 22.9 million tonnes of copper ore reserves. The project also includes the construction of a state-of-the-art processing plant, spanning 56,000 sq m, with the capacity to process 2.5 million tonnes of copper ore annually. It is projected to produce 115,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per year at a 21.5% copper grade.

Strategic hub

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Abdul Salam bin Mohammed Al-Murshidi, Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA). The project is set to play a key role in meeting the growing global demand for copper while positioning Oman as a strategic hub for high-quality copper concentrate production.

The project underscores a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, integrating advanced technologies in the management of both mining operations and the processing plant to adhere to the highest environmental standards. Furthermore, it aims to enhance local impact by investing in the social and economic growth of the Yanqul community, reinforcing the companys dedication to fostering sustainable development across economic and social dimensions.

Strategic partnerships

Mazoon Copper Projects journey began with extensive exploration activities, culminating in the signing of a concession agreement in 2022 for Concession Area 12-A1. To ensure the successful delivery of the project, the Canadian firm Lycopodium was appointed to provide engineering, procurement, and construction management services. With the project now in its initial development stages, site preparations are well underway, and tenders are being issued, signalling the next steps for the project.

Construction of the processing plant is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2025, and production of copper concentrate is set to commence in the first quarter of 2027. This strategic timeline will play a crucial role in ramping up copper production and meeting both local and international market demands.

Al Murshidi stated: "This project marks a transformative step in positioning Oman as a strategic copper hub, contributing to the diversification of our national economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for Omanis. We are confident that the project will have a significant positive impact on the local community, supporting SMEs and driving economic development."

Dr Badar bin Saud Al Kharusi, Chairman of Minerals Development Oman, said: "We are proud to witness the Mazoon Copper Project come to fruition after an extensive series of exploration activities. This project marks a milestone for Minerals Development Oman, adding invaluable assets to our portfolio. The company began copper ore extraction from Block 4 in Wilayat of Sohar in 2024 and has continued its exploration efforts across its 23,644 sq km concession area. We are excited to see our resource base grow. With the necessary financing secured, the project reflects both our financial stability and the trust we have garnered locally and globally. We are committed to ensuring that each phase of the project meets the highest environmental and social standards."

Commitment to sustainability, community engagement

Sustainability is a core pillar of the Mazoon Copper Project. The project has adopted a zero-water discharge system, ensuring that treated water is recycled to minimise water consumption. Additionally, waste management systems are in place to preserve the surrounding environment, safeguarding air quality, and protecting groundwater.

Najib bin Ali Al-Rawas, Governor of Al Dhahirah, said: "We are committed to working hand-in-hand with Minerals Development Oman to establish a strong community partnership that focuses on achieving both social and economic development in Yanqul. By collaborating with various government entities, we aim to strike a balance between the companys business goals and its responsibility toward community growth. This project will significantly bolster economic development in Al Dhahirah and empower SMEs, which are vital to the local economy."

Expanding horizons with new exploration projects

In addition to the Mazoon Copper Project, MDO continues to advance its exploration campaigns across a diverse range of strategic minerals, including copper, chromite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, and silica.

The company has also initiated the redevelopment of copper mines in Sohar and Liwa, aiming to produce 800,000 tonnes of copper ore annually, with confirmed reserves of 2.78 million tonnes of copper ore. These efforts reflect MDOs ongoing commitment to strengthening its market position and driving sustainable economic development across Oman.--TradeArabia News Service
The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has signed an investment agreement with Osara Real Estate Development, an Omani investment company, for the establishment of 52 ready-built factories over more than a 45,000 sq m area in the Second Industrial City of Jeddah.

Announcing the strategic deal, Modon said the project is a first-of-its-kind to be developed by the GCC private sector in the construction and development of ready-built factories in industrial cities.

It aligns with Modon's objectives to develop and grow foreign direct investment, while fostering sustainable strategic partnerships and alliances in line with the goals of the National Strategy for Industry and the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, it stated.

According to Modon, the agreement contributes to empowering entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and represents a significant step towards plans to grant the private sector a larger role in industrial development.-TradeArabia News Service
Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holdings pioneering real estate arm Dubai Holding Real Estate, today announced the highly anticipated release of its latest luxury residences at Palm Jebel Ali: The Beach Collection  an exclusive collection of 10 bespoke beach villa styles.

Crafted by world-leading architects, this latest release brings to market a new level of elegance in the heart of Dubai's most coveted island destination.

Situated on prime beachfront locations along the fronds of Palm Jebel Ali, these five- and six- bedroom villas, ranging from 7,300 sq ft to 8,500 sq ft, offer unparalleled privacy and exclusivity. Residents will enjoy direct private beach access, seamlessly blending luxury living with breathtaking coastal beauty.

The Beach Collection showcases 10 distinct villa styles, including eight brand new designs, each offering a distinct expression of beachfront living.

Each villa boasts a unique and contemporary facade, meticulously designed to complement the coastal setting. Grand entryways with double height volumes lead to expansive living spaces, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase captivating views of the Arabian Gulf.

The first residences are anticipated for completion by the end of 2027, stated the developer.

The launch follows news that construction on Palm Jebel Ali is well underway with recent contractor award announcements.

This included the commencement of the first phase of villas, infrastructure and public area construction, which was awarded to Ginco General Contracting, Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast and United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC).

The construction of public access roads was awarded to DBB Contracting, while road and lighting enhancements were awarded to Khansaheb Civil Engineering and marine works to Jan De Nul. These significant developments underscore Nakheel's commitment to delivering this renowned project on schedule.

Dubai Holding Real Estate CEO Khalid Al Malik said: "This latest release of Palm Jebel Ali villas marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver one of Dubais most renowned projects. The overwhelming response to our first phase, with all villas selling out within record time, is a testament to the appeal of this iconic destination."

"We are proud to launch The Beach Collection, which embodies our commitment to creating extraordinary destinations that offer an unparalleled lifestyle, setting new global benchmarks for luxury and design," he stated.

Palm Jebel Alis seven islands span 13.7km feature 16 fronds and over 90km beachfront. It marks the beginning of a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area, underlining the expansion of the emirate in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The landmark development is designed with several mixed-use pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Residents and visitors will enjoy an abundance of recreational spaces, catering to a diverse array of lifestyles and interests with a focus on smart city technologies and sustainability.

Lauding the design, Al Malik said the open plan layouts effortlessly combine the living, dining and show kitchen areas, creating grand and versatile spaces ideal for both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining.

"Gourmet kitchens feature sleek, contemporary top-of-the-line appliances, inspiring culinary creativity. Master suites offer a spacious layout that includes a private balcony for enjoying the serene surroundings, a generously sized walk-in closet and a spa-inspired bathroom, complete with luxurious fixtures and finishes," he noted.

"Residents of Palm Jebel Ali will have access to world class amenities, including state-of-the-art fitness centres, swimming pools and exclusive beach clubs, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Cityscape Global, the world's largest real estate event, opened its doors today (November 11) in the Saudi capital with an expanded focus on driving business-to-business (B2B) transactions, marking its second consecutive year under the theme "The Future of Living".

Running until November 14 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre, this years event grows to add on two new halls over 45,000 sq m, featuring various new segments, more than 150 hours of content, 500 experts sharing Future of Living insights, and 400 exhibitors, said the organiser Tahaluf, a joint venture of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, the Events Investment Fund, and global company Informa.

Cityscape Global 2024 will offer real estate technology professionals and enthusiasts a packed schedule of opportunities to learn and engage through interactive dialogue sessions.

These sessions will explore the future of real estate and housing, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies in smart cities, stated the organiser.

The agenda for the opening day includes a ministerial session titled "Harnessing Foreign Direct Investment and Global Partnerships for Saudi Arabia's Vision."

This session will feature discussions with Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al Hogail and Minister of Investment Engineer Khalid Al-Falih, as well as a special meeting with Mayor of the Riyadh Region Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, focused on "Riyadh 2030Driving Transformation Through Visionary Leadership."

Various platforms will showcase the latest innovations in housing, global real estate trends, and visions extending beyond 2050, featuring contributions from over 500 experts and leaders in the global real estate sector.

Investors and those looking to enter the sector will find numerous opportunities to network, share experiences, build relationships, and discover new technologies and methods to enhance their businesses, said the organiser.

They can participate in international conferences and forums, such as the Future of Living Summit and the Assets Horizons Stage. The exhibition will see substantial participation from real estate developers and major global investors, with over 100 international institutional investors attending, it added.

Cityscape Global has redefined its offerings this year by expanding into cutting-edge segments, including Stadiums & Mega Events, Sustainable Smart Cities, Hotel Development, and Next-Generation Construction Technologies.

These new verticals align with the events enhanced B2B goals, attracting an additional 130 regional and international exhibitors to forge partnerships and seize unprecedented opportunities within Saudi Arabias flourishing real estate market, said Tahaluf in a statement.

Additionally, the exhibition will host a special investors' programme that includes more than 150 leading institutional investors, representing a collective $1.3 trillion in assets under management.

The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH) in partnership with Real Estate General Authority (REGA), Vision 2030, Housing Programme.-TradeArabia News Service
Kuwait's Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) has awarded contracts for the construction of a total of 3,345 residential units as part of its Jahra City affordable housing project.

In addition, it will implement other key infrastructure work for the project including roads and lighting and complete it within a three-year period, said PAWH in a statement.

The scope of work also includes development of public buildings within the project, located 16km south of Al Salmi Road from Jahra City.

Kuwait PAHW said the first of the contracts is for construction of 1,568 residential units of different models in addition to infrastructure works related to the low and medium voltage electrical network, streetlighting and asphalting of roads; and the other is for building 1,777 homes, in addition to schools, main mosques, housing for the imam and muezzin, and fire stations..

As per the deals inked in the presence of Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdul Latif Al Mishari, and the Acting Director General of the Corporation, Engineer Rashid Al-Anzi, and the Corporations leaders, the work is for completion within a three-year period.
Procore, a leading global provider of construction management software, has appointed Lee Miles as its new general manager for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

An industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the software industry, Lee Miles will in his new role, oversee the company's growth and expansion efforts to empower construction professionals with innovative tools and solutions that enhance project efficiency, collaboration, and profitability across the region.

Miles brings to the GM's post a wealth of expertise in revenue growth, high-performance team building, and customer-focused solutions across diverse markets.

His proven track record in leading successful business strategies will be instrumental in Procores mission to transform the construction landscape in Mena, said the statement.

As Procore deepens its commitment to supporting the construction industry in Mena, Miles will spearhead its growth strategy in the region.

In Saudi Arabia alone, nearly $1.8 trillion in projects are underway, with the UAE following closely with a project pipeline valued at $857 billion.

To support this expansion, Procore said it aims to connect stakeholders across the construction sector through a global platform, enabling construction leaders to deliver projects on time and within budget.

In his new role, Miles will focus on tailoring Procores go-to-market strategies to the unique needs of the Mena region, fostering innovation, and enhancing customer success.

Earlier in his career, he helped steer cloud transformations as Vice President for Central Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Red Hat. He also held senior roles at Infor, overseeing the Middle East, Turkey, and India, and at SAP across EMEA.

"Procore has already laid a remarkable foundation for construction technology in this region, and Im eager to drive the growth plan for the success of our customers," stated Miles.

Previously, Miles had served as Chief Customer Success Officer at Sitecore, where he led sales, customer success, and professional services in a cohesive strategy to drive revenue throughout the customer lifecycle.

His leadership played a pivotal role in Sitecores transformation, particularly in customer engagement and experience within the dynamic SaaS landscape.-TradeArabia News Service
Diriyah Company has announced the launch of 59 new luxury apartments and villas for the Signature Collection of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, thus marking the latest release of its luxury branded residences on the opening day of Cityscape Global in Riyadh.

This launch at the mega real estate event follows the successful sell-out of the initial 106 Ritz Carlton Residences, said Diriyah Company in a statement.

This exclusive new collection offers 59 fully furnished apartments and villas, with options ranging from one- to four-bedroom configurations, each meticulously crafted to meet the legendary standards of The Ritz-Carlton brand, where the daily life of residence owners is elevated with sophisticated style and attention to detail.

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to amenities at the co-located hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, including a state-of-the-art gym, luxurious spa, and fine-dining restaurants.

Announcing this on the sidelines of Cityscape Global, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: "We are delighted to unveil these new world-class luxury homes from the Ritz-Carlton brand. Following the incredible success and sell-out of our initial release of 106 villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are anticipating significant demand for this exceptional new offering."

"This announcement underscores our dedication to delivering best-in-class offerings at every stage of our incredible development journey," he stated.

Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President - Mixed-Use Development (EMEA), Marriott International said: "Following the overwhelming success and sold-out response to the initial release of villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are excited on the launch of the new inventory of villas and apartments."

"We are once again expecting high levels of demand for the newly launched residences offering tranquility, privacy and luxury living in one of the most significant cultural and heritage destinations in the region," he added.

Inzerillo said the development of these luxury hotels residences at Diriyah was part of a comprehensive residential strategy, which aims to create diverse living opportunities for over 100,000 future residents.

This wide-ranging plan underscores Diriyahs vision to become a premier destination for luxury living and community development, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
NEOM, the sustainable region taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, has signed up world-leading partners - Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler and Mott MacDonald - to deliver the core city planning, design and engineering services for the first phase of The Line.

These firms are collaborating with The Lines design, development and project delivery teams to provide urban design, planning consultancy and infrastructure design for the first phase of the city.

NEOM, with the support of this group, has established a sophisticated design ecosystem with advanced and rigorous methodologies to deliver on The Lines urban objectives.

This will then be followed by the planning and design of the neighborhoods within phase one, which will be undertaken by a suite of architects starting early 2025.

Denis Hickey, the Chief Development Officer of The Line, said: "As development and construction of The Line progresses, we have established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliver Phase One."

"Collaboration is at the core of this, with a city-wide best practice group that will showcase how innovation can change the way we consider, design and build cities forever. This reflects NEOMs vision and global ambition," he stated.

DMAA has been appointed as urban designer, leading the concept and detailed masterplan of Phase One. The Lines urban design will challenge traditional planning conventions that leverage a vertically organized city.

DMAA will later support NEOM in maintaining the design vision of Phase One, as neighborhood architects are appointed. DMAA is working with a team of experts across a range of topics such as microclimate and ecology, mobility and logistics, and sustainability.

As per the deal, NEOM has appointed global design firm Gensler as city planning consultant for Phase One, an essential role given the unprecedented size, scale and complexity of the project.

Gensler will lead on city design coordination and city planning, providing leadership and governance across the project on crucial areas, including planning policies and frameworks, land use and design compliance.

Gensler has also been appointed as city asset design architect for critical city infrastructure, including transport hubs and the public realm.

Mott MacDonald joins the project as city infrastructure engineer. It will drive management and control of vertical and horizontal structures and city utility systems for Phase One.

This role will focus on the efficiency and sustainability of the design for a functional, constructable and operable city, it stated.

The Line is being designed to tackle global urban challenges head-on and will establish a transformative and sustainable urban environment that co-exists in harmony with nature.

It will be built without roads and cars, combining the vibrancy of city living with the peace and tranquility of green spaces and access to nature.

Additional to building the necessary regional capital projects surrounding The Line, NEOM is currently focused on the initial phases of infrastructure and enabling works for the new city.

With more than 120 foundation piles being cast into the ground each week at the Phase One site, The Line is on track to be the largest piling operation ever conceived.-TradeArabia News Service
Diriyah Company has sealed its first residential partnership with hospitality group Raffles Hotels & Resorts for the launch of its branded homes in the ancient Saudi city.

Announcing this at Cityscape Global 2024, Diriyah said the new Raffles Residences Diriyah offers 90 apartments and townhouses primarily featuring one-, two- or three-bedroom residences and seven spacious duplex accommodations.

It will bring together the elegance and spirit of enchanted glamour for which Raffles is known alongside Najdi architectural influences. This unique collection of residential homes is located in Diriyah South, close to the 3km escarpment walk overlooking Wadi Hanifah, blending cultural legacy with modern luxury.

On completion, residents will have full access to the world-class luxury facilities and amenities at the premium property.

"We are thrilled to unveil these exceptional luxury residences from a top-tier, esteemed hotel brand. Introducing these stunning Raffles Residences to Diriyah reinforces our commitment to world-class standards of excellence and quality that we are delivering at every step of our accelerating development journey," remarked Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo.

Omer Acar, CEO for Raffles Hotels & Resorts said: "With Raffles Residences Diriyah, we are offering residents an unparallelled living experience steps away from the 300-year-old Unesco World Heritage Site of At Turaif and overlooking the breathtaking natural landscape of Wadi Hanifah, putting homeowners in one of Saudi Arabias cultural centers."

Raffles Residences Diriyah is part of a comprehensive residential strategy by the Diriyah Company, which aims to create diverse living opportunities for over 100,000 future residents.

This wide-ranging plan underscores Diriyahs vision to become a highly sought after place for luxury living and community development in the City of Earth, said Inzerillo.

"We look forward to welcoming residents from the Kingdom and wider region to enjoy these exceptional homes where they can experience the inspirational and glamorous lifestyle of Raffles while benefiting from the outstanding service and amenities at the forthcoming Raffles Diriyah hotel," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A local group of Muslim extremists on Oct. 30 killed an evangelist in eastern Uganda after he and another Christian refused to convert to Islam, the other Christian said.

After three days of a scheduled six-day evangelistic event at Nawaikoke trading center in Kaliro District at which 18 Muslims put their faith in Christ, area Islamists surrounded Emmanuel Dikusooka, a 29-year-old father of three children, and a fellow church member, Jack Mbulante, at about 6:30 p.m. as they returned to their hotel in Kaliro town, Mbulante said.

The six Muslim youths stopped the motorcycle the two Christians had rented just before crossing Lumbuye bridge, Mbulante said. Wearing traditional Islamic dress of tunics and capes and armed with long Somali swords (pangas), sticks and iron bars, the assailants forced them to surrender their bags, which contained Bibles and other Christian books, he said.

They threw them all into the River Lumbuye, then ordered us to hold the Quran up that they had and told us to recite and swear in the name of Allah, Mbulante told Morning Star News. They tried to force us to renounce Jesus Christ and our faith and then embrace the Islamic faith. We openly refused, which angered them, and they hit Dikusooka with an iron bar on the head, and he fell down.

Mbulante said he jumped into the river and started swimming as Dikusooka wailed and screamed for help. After crossing to the other side of the river, he recruited some Christians to try to rescue the evangelist.

But unfortunately, when we arrived at the scene of the incident, Dikusooka was dead in a pool of blood, Mbulante said. He had deep head injuries, cuts at the neck and back and an injured mouth.

Dikusooka leaves behind a wife and children ages 9, 6 and 4.

The Christians have reported the attack to police, who were said to be searching for the killers. Some of the former Muslims whom Dikusooka led to Christ know the assailants and fear for their lives, Mbulante said. They have taken refuge at an undisclosed location.

Dikusooka had organized the open-air event in predominantly Muslim Nawaikoke along with other evangelists from Pentecostal churches in Kaliro, Namwendwa and Bulumba villages. It began on Oct. 28 and was scheduled to end on Nov. 2.

The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.
Pioneering Finnish materials technology company Betolar has partnered with Saudi Readymix (SRMCC), a leading producer and supplier of ready-mixed concrete products in the kingdom, to achieve a significant milestone in sustainable concrete technology.

The joint project, running from 2023 to 2024, has successfully developed breakthrough low-carbon concrete recipes, tailored to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia.

This collaboration reinforces both companies' alignment with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, demonstrating their commitment to transforming the construction landscape with environmentally responsible practices, said the company in a statement.

The joint cooperation has led to the development of two advanced low-carbon concrete formulations:

*A fully cement-free mix, offering a significant reduction in carbon emissions and contributing to greener construction practices and

*A mix with an ultra-low cement dosage of 2.5%, driving further sustainability in concrete production.

According to Betolar, these innovative solutions were achieved by incorporating alternative binder materials such as ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and natural pozzolans.

The Finnish group's proprietary Geoprime technology played a pivotal role in activating these binders, allowing the new concrete formulations to meet key performance metrics.

Extensive slump and compressive strength tests confirmed the practicality and scalability of these solutions for the Saudi Arabian market, it stated.

Ahmad Alzaza, the Senior Researcher at Betolar, said: "This project pushed the boundaries of innovation by bringing low-carbon technology into the ready-mix concrete space. We are proud to have contributed to a solution that will help advance sustainable construction across Saudi Arabia."

Chris Leptokaridis, Technology & Strategy Director at Saudi Readymix, highlighted the project's importance to local market dynamics: "Saudi Readymix has been at the forefront of developing new technologies to meet our customers' increasing demand for eco-friendly, low-CO2 solutions. Our partnership with Betolar has enabled us to successfully deliver on this goal, offering groundbreaking concrete recipes that significantly reduce carbon emissions."

The low-carbon concrete solutions developed by Betolar and Saudi Readymix are not only addressing the immediate needs of the construction industry but are also contributing to the Saudi Arabias broader efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.-TradeArabia News Service
Almarai, the Middle Easts leading dairy and food company, has selected leading Swiss packaging systems group SIG as a strategic partner for its five-year expansion plan aimed at strengthening market leadership and driving sustainable innovation.

Announcing the strategic partnership, Almarai said this move builds on two decades of successful partnership, during which Almarai and SIG have jointly pioneered product innovations and advanced packaging solutions across the region.

Together, they have set benchmarks in quality, adaptability, and environmental responsibility, enhancing Almarais product portfolio and expanding its reach in key markets, it stated.

Over the coming five years, SIG is set to support Almarais objectives through flexible manufacturing solutions that align with their sustainability goals.

The strategic alliance underscores a shared commitment to environmental responsibility, and the two companies are exploring new packaging innovations that will enhance Almarais operational and geographical impact, it added.

To commemorate their two-decade journey, Almarai and SIG are launching a campaign, Pioneering Together for 20 Years, which will spotlight the strength and impact of their partnership.

The campaign will highlight SIGs advanced packaging solutions, symbolizing the ongoing evolution of Almarais product portfolio and underscoring the partnerships commitment to innovation for the regions consumers.

Ramesh Nair, Head of Central Procurement at Almarai: "The journey with SIG has been integral to our growth. Hand in hand, weve been able to deliver sustainable packaging solutions that enhance the consumer experience and reinforce our joint commitment to innovation and adaptability in packaging solutions across our expanding product lines."

Throughout their long-standing partnership, Almarai and SIG have introduced pioneering products, including the first-to-market 150 ml portion packs for juice, which quickly resonated with consumers and later evolved into the highly popular 140 ml format, he stated.

In 2021, Almarai was the first to use SIG Asset Health Monitoring, a solution for condition-based maintenance, designed to measure the wear and tear of parts and equipment and provide online monitoring to anticipate issues, recommend preventative measures, and offer solutions to optimize availability and reduce unplanned downtime.

Earlier in 2008, Almarai became the first in the region to introduce a white cheese delicacy in carton packs from SIG.

Through these efforts, Almarai has been able to reach diverse consumer segments, expanding its market footprint while ensuring product quality and maintaining the trust of millions of loyal customers, stated Nair.

Their partnership has also demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt during challenging times, he added.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Nair pointed out that SIGs steadfast support became especially vital, with technical teams stationed at Almarais facilities to ensure uninterrupted production in line with national guidelines.

This commitment enabled Almarai to continue meeting consumer demand for fresh and packaged products across the regiona true testament to the strength and resilience of their alliance, he added.

According to him, the Swiss groups packaging technology has played a critical role in enabling Almarai to respond swiftly to changing market demands.

"With a versatile range of portion packs and adaptable filling options, Almarai has continued to offer a high-quality and diverse product range that meets the needs of consumers across the GCC and beyond. The collaborative effort has not only strengthened Almarais position as a trusted brand but has also extended their market reach into joint ventures, amplifying their presence in key regions," he added.

David Kazan, the Head of Markets - Middle East & Pakistan at SIG, said: "We are proud to support Almarai in its mission to bring nutritious and quality products to consumers."

"Our shared commitment to operational excellence and sustainability has been the cornerstone of our partnership, and we look forward to continuing to innovate together in the years to come," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
#dltledgers Singapore, a leader in multi-party orchestration technology for logistics and supply chain management, is redefining the fintech and sustainability finance landscape in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The capabilities were launched across the region, as a part of the Singapore technology exchange programme, with several of GCC countries, today. By leveraging multi-party, multi-ledger technology and advanced Hyperconnect technology, GCC companies can seamlessly network and operate across on its shared data collaboration centre, a release said.

A networked and shared data framework will cut cost and deliver immediate value for the entire trade-block and connect across the south east and far east markets. #dltledgers is uniquely positioned to augment your current sustainability initiatives, Supply chain eco systems, digital finance and support the region's transition towards a sustainable circular economy.

Multi-party eco system

In todays fast-paced market, businesses face the challenge of maintaining efficiency and transparency across a multi-party eco system and complex supply chains. #dltledgers addresses these challenges head-on with its Proteus platform, designed to enhance collaboration among multiple stakeholders, from manufacturers to distributors. This innovative solution allows for real-time collaboration, authentication and validation of transactions, fostering trust and accountability within the finance and supply chain ecosystem.

The multi-party, multi-ledger approach utilised by #dltledgers empowers organisations to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, enabling them to enhance their current value chain processes without overhauling their infrastructure. This adaptability ensures that businesses can benefit from cutting-edge technology while maintaining operational continuity.

As the GCC embarks on a mission to diversify its economies and embrace sustainable practices, #dltledgers stands ready to support this transition. The Hyperconnect technology facilitates enhanced communication and data sharing among all parties involved in the supply chain, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to market demands and regulatory changes. This agility is critical for companies seeking to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

Reducing costs

The transition to a circular economy is not just a goal; it is a necessity for sustainable growth. #dltledgers is committed to helping organisations in the GCC implement practices that reduce costs and promote resource efficiency. By utilising the Proteus platform, businesses can track sustainability across product lifecycles and optimise resource utilisation, ensuring compliance with emerging environmental standards.

With #dltledgers at the forefront of fintech innovation, businesses in the GCC can confidently navigate the complexities of transparency in logistics and supply chain management. Their solutions not only enhance operational efficiencies but also pave the way for a sustainable future.--TradeArabia News Service
The 20th GCC  CIGRE International Conference and 30th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, GCC POWER 2024 Conference & Exhibition, have opened in Manama, Bahrain focusing on the need to generate sustainable power.

Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohamed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), top officials, dignitaries, industry leaders, speakers, panelists, analysts and financial experts participated in the event. The three-day event gives participants the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the electricity and energy industry, as well as providing exhibitors with access to the most lucrative deals.

Mohamed said the main theme of the gathering is to provide sustainable electricity for all through the development of power system expertise globally. He urged the GCC region to play its role in producing sustainable energy and reducing carbon footprints. He said Bahrain stands at a moment, where growing energy demands, sustainability goals, and economic aspirations require a thoughtful, innovative approach in the energy sector.

Diversifying energy sources

During a session moderated by Dr Lawrence Jones, Senior Vice President for International Programmes at the Edison Electric Institute in the US, the President reviewed Bahrains plans to diversify energy sources, touching on the EWAs efforts to implement the renewable energy transformation plan, which includes increasing the share of renewable energy by 20% by 2035, and reducing carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Also discussed was the Authoritys gradual shift towards adopting advanced technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency in the energy sector, along with plans to replace old stations with more efficient stations.

Ahmed Naser Al-Nasr, Chairman, GCC CIGRE, Board of Directors, in his keynote address noted that CIGRE operates in the world's foremost knowledge programme, spanning 16 domains of work encompassing all the core areas of the power system. Across these domains 250+ Working Groups draw and build on practical expertise to solve existing and future challenges facing the power system.

Our mission is to contribute to the betterment of power systems and electricity by enhancing the community of power system expertise and leading the most innovative global community for the sharing and development of electric power system expertise.

Platform for dialogue

He emphasised the value of this forum as a platform for essential dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the energy sector. Highlighting the key priorities and challenges, he added that collaboration, grid resilience, and sustainable energy integration are the key to growth.

GCC CIGRE, Technical Committee Chairman Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim, said that GCC POWER 2024 promises to be an essential gathering for anyone involved in the electrical and energy industries. Exhibitors can look forward to connecting with a diverse audience and the potential for lucrative business opportunities, while attendees can enhance their knowledge through tutorials.

We will also cover specialised topics such as transformer design, manufacturing, and performance, overhead lines and insulated cables, HVDC and FACTS technology, renewable and nuclear energy for the Gulf States, smart grids, and asset management for power systems.--TradeArabia News Service
Hyatt has announced plans for affiliates of Hyatt and Grupo Pinero to enter into a long-term asset-light strategic joint venture, which will manage Bahia Principe-branded hotels and resorts and own the Bahia Principe brand.

Headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, the 50/50 joint venture is expected to expand Hyatts all-inclusive room portfolio by approximately 30% and enhance Hyatts position as one of the leading providers of all-inclusive offerings across the world.

For Grupo Pinero, this strategic venture will build on the companys longstanding success in all-inclusive hospitality with a robust European customer base and is expected to provide expanded opportunities with travellers in the Americas and other important markets.

Transaction close soon

The transaction is anticipated to close in the coming months subject to customary closing conditions. Hyatt plans to appoint Bahia Principes current Chief Executive Officer Julio Perez as Chief Executive Officer to lead the management company following close, with Grupo Pineros current Global Chief Executive Officer Encarna Pinero serving as Chairman of the Board and additional officers to be named at a later time.

Upon closing, 23 resorts, totalling over 12,000 rooms, including 22 resorts under the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts brand located across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Spain, as well as the exclusive Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic will be added to Hyatts Inclusive Collection. A majority of the proceeds from this transaction will be leveraged by Grupo Pinero to enhance existing Bahia Principe resorts.

The addition of Bahia Principes resorts to Hyatts Inclusive Collection will enhance Hyatts all-inclusive offering and strengthen our leadership position with one of the largest collections of all-inclusive resorts in the world, said Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt.

Grupo Pineros family business culture, shared values, and expertise in the four- to five-star all-inclusive category coupled with Hyatts leadership in luxury all-inclusive creates powerful opportunities across Hyatts business  for guests and World of Hyatt members seeking quality all-inclusive experiences across stay occasions, and for hotel owners who can benefit from the network effect of more travellers within the portfolio.

Clear path

For Grupo Pinero, the asset-light long-term strategic joint venture with Hyatt will strengthen Bahia Principes legacy and represents a clear path to build on its success and growth strategy for the future, said Pinero.

Bahia Principe has experienced rapid growth since the opening of our first property in the Dominican Republic nearly 30 years ago. Throughout our journey, we have maintained our core beliefs as a family-owned business, always being faithful to our purpose of seeking to generate a positive social and economic impact for the local communities of the destinations in which we operate. We appreciate and recognise these values in Hyatts purpose of care and look forward to the next chapter in Bahia Principes bright future.

With a history of almost 50 years, Grupo Pinero has established itself as a benchmark in the tourism industry internationally. Grupo Pineros company culture aligns closely with Hyatts values, purpose, and a shared commitment to responsible business.

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is expected to join the World of Hyatt loyalty programme at a later date.--TradeArabia News Service
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the low-fare national airline of the UAE, and the second largest airline in Abu Dhabi, has started a thrice-weekly service between Abu Dhabi and Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, that is known for its historic sites.

The service will operate on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, providing affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the UAE, Moldova and across the region.

Tickets are on sale on Wizz Air website and app, and available in the Arabic language.

Wizz Air has also expanded its winter schedule, adding 40% more flights on its most popular destinations. Travellers can now enjoy more flexibility and convenience while saving more on their travel, the airline said.

Tamara Vallois, Head of Commercial of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: We are delighted to inaugurate our first flight to Chisinau, an affordable city of spectacular natural beauty and incredible history, as we reaffirm our commitment to growing our ever-expanding network throughout the region.

Our enhanced winter schedule will enable travellers from all backgrounds to benefit from our incredibly low fares with a convenient and tailored product.

Wizz Air is committed to carrying the flag of ultra-low-cost travel and enabling its customers to travel to their favourite destinations at the best value. We look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft and sharing our love of travel soon.

Nathalie Jongma, VP of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: Our first year at Zayed International Airport (AUH) has exceeded expectations, thanks to the strong support of airline partners like Wizz Air.

Not only has AUH been recognised as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East in terms of international seat capacity (Official Airline Guide), but we have also seen a robust YTD increase in passenger traffic quarter-on-quarter.

We are excited to continue expanding our network and connecting Abu Dhabi like never before, offering passengers more travel options and convenient access to new destinations.

Chisinau is known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Adventurous travellers of all ages can explore historical sites such as the iconic Stephen the Great Monument and the tranquil Valea Morilor Park, delve into Moldovas diverse cultural heritage and have a taste of local life, at the bustling Piata Centrala, where they can enjoy the rich culinary traditions.

Situated on the Bic River, Chisinau boasts top tourist attractions for adventure lovers, with 23 lakes and one of the highest proportions of natural green spaces of any city in Europe.

The national airline recently announced the expansion of WIZZ MultiPass, a pioneering and innovative flight subscription service that allows frequent travellers to travel from the UAE every month and explore multiple destinations while saving more.

WIZZ MultiPass enables passengers to lock in a fixed price for tickets and baggage for the entire year. Passengers can save up to 40% on tickets to popular destinations using the ticket-only fare.

Also, passengers can book tickets with confidence, thanks to WIZZ Flex, which allows them to change their flight up to three hours before departure without any fee and receive 100% of the fare immediately reimbursed in airline credit.

Strategically located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi provides ultra-low-fares and efficient travel options to Alexandria (Egypt), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Amman (Jordan), Aqaba (Jordan), Athens (Greece), Baku (Azerbaijan), Belgrade (Serbia), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Cairo (Egypt), Cluj (Romania) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia).

As well as routes to Kutaisi (Georgia), Larnaca (Cyprus), Male (Maldives), Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Nur Sultan (Kazakhstan), Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Turkistan (Kazakhstan), Tirana (Albania) and Yerevan (Armenia) among others.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai-based carrier, flydubai, inaugurated its operations to Bhairahawa in Nepal, on November 9. Flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport in the Lumbini province of the Himalayan kingdom, will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International.

The inaugural flight touched down at Bhairahawa Airport, also known as Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA), and was greeted with a water cannon salute and a warm welcome by airport officials.

The inaugural flight marks the start of the carriers daily service to Bhairahawa, located in Siddharthanagar city, and flydubais second destination in Nepal since the launch of its direct flights to Kathmandu in 2009, carrying more than three million passengers and stimulating free flows of trade and tourism between Nepal and the UAE.

Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: We are committed to opening up underserved destinations and creating free flows of trade and tourism and we are pleased to add Bhairahawa to our service offering in Nepal.

We are always exploring opportunities to better serve our customers and the inauguration of our new daily flights to Bhairahawa underscores our commitment to offer reliable and convenient travel options via Dubais aviation hub.

flydubais daily service to Bhairahawa will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB), offering customers a convenient travel option to a new gateway in Nepal.

Return flights to Dubai will be operated via Kathmandu, supporting the growing demand for travel between Dubai and Nepal.

flydubai recently started operations to Basel in Switzerland, Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan and Kerman and Kish Island in Iran, growing its network to more than 125 destinations in 55 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia.  TradeArabia News Service
Why there wasn't as much Democratic cheating this year in battleground states By Rachel Alexander

web posted November 11, 2024 Conservatives heaved a sigh of relief when Donald Trump was announced the winner of the presidential election, since most believed the left was going to cheat and steal the election again from him. While there was almost certainly cheating in the U.S. Senate race in Arizona between Kari Lake and no-name, open borders Ruben Gallego, as well as with Arizona's abortion-till-birth Prop. 139 , Trump was allowed to win the state and the six other battleground states. The common wisdom developing is the massive increase in observers watching this election compared to the 2020 and 2022 elections made the difference. Combined with the huge GOTV effort led by Turning Point USA and the GOP, the left was under far more scrutiny and risked being caught due to how much vote padding they would need in order to catch Trump. Additionally, the courts began revealing that they were less likely to rubber stamp the fraud. One of the biggest dominoes was the Arizona Supreme Court unanimously ruling earlier this year that attorneys cannot be disciplined for bringing election challenges. As a direct result of that, the State Bar of Arizona's disciplinary judge dismissed disciplinary proceedings against two of Lake's attorneys, citing the fact she would be reversed by the court otherwise. The next biggest domino to fall was the Supreme Court accepting certiorari on a lawsuit just days before the election and ruling in favor of Republicans. The court upheld an injunction backing Virginia removing 1,600 noncitizens from the voter rolls. Normally, the courts refuse to get involved immediately prior to elections due to the "Purcell principle." The Purcell principle, which numerous courts used as an excuse in 2020 and 2022 to duck election lawsuits, is the presumption that "courts should not change election rules during the period of time just prior to an election because doing so could confuse voters and create problems for officials administering the election," according to SCOTUSBlog . Based on the few cheaters around the country who have been caught and actually prosecuted since 2020, it's become clear they fit a pattern. Power players on the left encourage criminals who aren't necessarily very bright to do the dirty work. They choose thugs since they're far more likely to agree to commit crimes, and prey on less intelligent people since they don't fully understand the ramifications of getting caught and prosecuted. Much of the cheating is organized by progressive nonprofits. Former Maricopa County Elections temporary worker and progressive activist Walter Ringfield, who was caught on video stealing a key FOB earlier this year that would have reprogrammed all 140 voting machine tabulators in Maricopa County on Election Day according to Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates, is a classic example. He was on probation for a felony and should have never been hired. According to his father, who has raised no money for him yet with a GoFundMe , Ringfield suffered an accident a few years ago which affected his brain. In Arizona, the left targeted Lake's race because they thought due to a few noisy voters supposedly on the right stating on social media that they didn't like Lake, the public would buy that approximately 150,000 more Arizona voters cast ballots for Trump but not Lake. Lake allegedly performed terribly in Maricopa County  but Maricopa County is one of the reddest parts of the state, with 7% more registered Republicans than Democrats, which has increased since 2020. It made no sense that the county trended more Democrat than in 2020 unlike most of the other counties. Some of the cheating in that race looks so bad the left may not get away with it. The no-name Green Party Senate candidate, Eduardo Quintana, supposedly received over 400% more votes than the Green Party presidential candidate, well-known Jill Stein. In the primary, Quintana and his two opponents received a total of about 575 votes. Yet we're supposed to believe Quintana, who has only 342 followers on X, received over 63,000 votes in the general election. Similarly, Arizona's abortion-till-birth Prop. 139 passed with a huge 63 percent supposedly voting yes. This was strange considering Republicans and their ballot measures swept most of the state, including the far reaching Secure the Border Prop. 314 passing with 61 percent support. The reason Democrats thought they could get away with cheating on Prop. 139 is because of the spin they've used about abortion in recent years  they claim that adverse abortion laws and court decisions drive moderate and independent women out to vote for abortion who wouldn't otherwise vote. I've never seen any real evidence proving this; in fact, the evidence goes the other way. Rasmussen Reports conducted an exit poll after the 2022 election in Arizona, which Lake allegedly lost, and found that she really won by 8 points over Democrat Katie Hobbs for governor. Considering this was a few months after Roe v. Wade was reversed, this is evidence women weren't driven to go vote for abortion. Since there was massive fraud involved getting Prop. 139 on the ballot, it's not much of a stretch that supporters would commit fraud during the election. Some believe there were a few other races around the country affected by fraud. They include down-ballot races in North Carolina with associated shenanigans , down-ballot races in Michigan, and three other Senate races in battleground states that Trump won. While the entire country shifted a few points to the right, the battleground states unrealistically only shifted about 1 to 3 points to the right. The blue states have been accused of election fraud going back years, but since it's been completely mastered in those states, they no longer get much scrutiny. The concern now is that Democrats will pull some last minute shenanigans to prevent Trump from taking office. The main method I'm hearing is they are still trying to secure wins in a few congressional races in order to gain control of the House of Representatives. If successful, they could invoke the Constitution's insurrection clause against Trump. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home
WHITE candles were yesterday placed on the side of the road in Sennon Village Number Three, Siparia, where the severed head of 59-year-old Joanne Estick was found in a bag on Thursday.

Estick, a mother of one and grandmother of three, was last seen in the village earlier this week.

A senior police officer of the South Western Police Division said they are yet to officially confirm that the head is that of Estick without the rest of the human remains.
I imagine by the time readers get through todays column, the Peoples National Movement (PNM) will have completed its processes and revealed its full slate of candidates minus Dr Keith Rowley, who, as far as I can translate what is happening, will not be prime minister but will remain political leader of the party.

Yeah, I know: Ive just burdened you with a long-winded sentence; bear in mind that the narrative reflects what is actually happening on the ground. So, if people are confused by what is happening, hopefully they will not be confused by my writing.
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A Veteran's Day remembrance: David Larkin, USNR By Thomas M. Sipos

web posted November 11, 2024 I met David Larkin in the 1990s, when we were both active in the Libertarian Party. He served in many party offices, including two years as Los Angeles County LP Chair (2004-06), which overlapped my term as Vice Chair (2005-07). I interviewed David for California Freedom (the state LP's newsletter) on November 2, 2007 in Pasadena. The Iraq War was still a hot topic, so our interview focused on his service in the Vietnam War. David joined the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1964 while still in high school. In 1966 he became active duty and worked in the USS Okanogan's boiler room. "The worst job on the ship," said David. "One of our chiefs came up to me and said, 'They're looking for volunteers for Vietnam, you wanna go?' I said, 'Can I think about it?' He said, 'Yeah, I'll give you 30 seconds.' So I said, 'I'll go.' I figured anything was better than working in the boiler room." After additional training, David was flown to Vietnam in April 1967. Thirty-six hours flying time from San Diego to Saigon on a four-engine propeller plane. He landed at Tansanute Air Force Base and was assigned to a naval patrol on the Mekong Delta and Saigon River. One of seven men in his boat's crew. "We were Rivron 111-1," said David. "Part of the transports. Drop troops off, pick them up. Provide fire if needed. Generally, in the Navy you have two jobs. A regular job -- I worked as an engineman. And your general quarters job -- I was a machine gunner on general quarters. I had a .50 caliber machine gun and an automatic grenade launcher. "There were other types of boats in our group. A kind of patrol boat, not for carrying troops, just for fighting. Another like a battleship. Over time, the Navy developed lots of different weapons, because the VC would fire at you from these hardened bunkers. They were like adobe, made of clay, sunbaked. Even a .50 caliber round wouldn't penetrate one of those things. "We had the same problem they have now in Iraq. They'd ambush you from the side and shoot rockets, RPGs. We had a lot of armor. They made the boat wider to accommodate the extra weight, for buoyancy. But RPGs can penetrate armor plate like a hot knife through butter. Our armor was about 3/4 of an inch thick. It'd stop a heavy bullet, .50 caliber, but not these RPGs. It's called a shape charge. They detonate against the armor and blow a hole through it. If you're on the other side, too bad for you." Seeking a solution, the crew welded rebar to the boat. "The RPGs would hit these outside bars first and detonate," said David. "This widens the blast, so it's not concentrated, and the armor can stop it. Well, that's how it worked in theory. But it still detonated the armor, and guys were killed." David recounts being under enemy fire. "One night we were cruising up the channel. I was cockswain, on the wheel driving the boat. All of a sudden a rocket shot across and hit the boat ahead of us. Boom! Stuff flying everywhere. "Well, the armor saved them, nobody got hurt. But I didn't want to cross the line of fire, so I threw the engines in reverse. I heard rockets go whoosh, exploding. Two or three more fired. Maybe they were shooting at us but they missed. Had it hit the armor where I was, there wasn't any rebar. It'd have wiped me out. We lost one guy like that. One of those things hit, turned him into jello on the inside. "I kind of saw the futility of it all. How we treated the Vietnamese, not really good. I remember a fisherman. We took him off his boat. He didn't get tortured, but we took him for questioning. We brought him back at the end of the day. Well, the boats leak. They have to constantly bail them. When we came back, his boat was under water. He was madder than a wet hen. I thought to myself, if he wasn't a Vietcong before, he probably is now. "I saw a lot of incidents like that. We wanted to get the people on our side. Instead we infuriated them half the time. Not that we didn't do good deeds. We'd throw them our C-rations and stuff like that. We tried to help them when we could. "It's kind of how libertarians see the government. An elephant in a china shop. They may have the intention of doing well, but they just manage, with their brute force, to screw things up." David returned to the U.S. in October 1967 with a Navy commendation medal bearing a combat V. "I was still in favor of the war, because this was before I became a libertarian. But I began to have questions about it. I don't know what the medal was for. Burglars stole it last year. I still have the citation for it." A former Republican, David shifted toward libertarianism in the 1980s. "What really got me interested was their position on the war on drugs. It made sense. I think I joined the party in '89. I'd been going to meetings and somebody says, 'Why don't you become an officer?' So I said, 'Oh, okay.' "When the Gulf War came, I was not antiwar, because I identified with our troops. But later I saw that a lot of the information and justification for the war was spin, and not necessarily true." David has since continued his political education, and has opposed the recent wars in the Balkans and the Mideast. He can't understand why any libertarian would feel otherwise. "What really shocked me was libertarians agreeing with the government's use of torture. I've had some libertarians say, 'These are bad people, torture's okay in this case,' forgetting everything the party stands for. Everything that liberty and freedom are about. "Plus, this war's costing us a fortune. It's devastating our economy. We're spending so much on this military that is not redeemable. That's not doing anything for us. The average citizen, I don't believe, benefits from this stuff. They maybe say, it's protecting him, but I don't think so. It's just making the risk of [future] war very high. "Democrats waste a lot of money, but at least it's spent here, on stupid social projects. Those are preferable to war. "Being libertarians, being against the war on drugs, you know what the government is like. You know how they spin. How could they be so bad in everything else and good about this war?" Nearly a year after our interview, on October 8, 2008, David was attending a Libertarian supper club in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley. He complained of not feeling well and went home early. When he failed to return phone calls or emails for several days, a friend and neighbor checked up on him and discovered David lying in his bed, having died of natural causes at age 59. We held a memorial service for David Larkin on November 2, 2008 in the San Fernando Valley, which had been his home for many decades. He was a good guy. Principled, friendly to all, generous, helpful, without ego or malice. He volunteered for his country in time of war, then spent the rest of his life fighting for peace. He was survived by his sister and many friends. Thomas M. Sipos writes satirical novels and film criticism. His website is CommunistVampires.com . Home
Countries worldwide, including Vietnam, are voicing concerns over the potential economic impacts of Donald Trumps election on their economies but these risks may be overstated, according to Michael Kokalari, director of macroeconomic analysis and market research at VinaCapital, a Vietnam-based investment and asset management firm.

With the U.S. presidential election now complete, all eyes have turned to what the new Trump administration will actually do once he takes office in January 2025.

Kokalari claimed that the U.S. campaign was rife with outlandish statements and hyperbolic media reporting, leaving many voters feeling that the coverage was more campaign-driven than fair and objective.

We see no risk that Trumps election will derail Vietnams healthy economic trajectory, the VinaCapital expert added.

Trump said if elected, he would impose 60-percent tariffs on imports from China and slap a 20-30-percent tax rate on other countries.

That is considered part of his campaign to gain support from working-class voters. However, VinaCapital believes this is primarily a negotiation tactic, and the likelihood of actually implementing these high tariffs is very low.

Trump now has several accomplished advisors on economic issues who are likely to have greater influence on him than those from his first administration.

These advisors fully understand the negative impact that excessively harsh tariffs on imports could have on the U.S. economy.

Those negative consequences include preventing re-shoring manufacturing jobs to the U.S. because draconian tariffs would push up the value of the greenback.

Trump considers China as the focus, not Vietnam, Kokalari stated, stressing that the U.S. government shows an enthusiastics economic brace of Vietnam at the highest level.

VinaCapital is not aware of any significant reservations from American consumers to purchase made-in-Vietnam products, Kokalari said.

Vietnam may be viewed as helpful in weening the U.S. off of low-end China-made goods because high wages and low availability of qualified factory workers will likely limit U.S. efforts to re-shore manufacturing jobs to only high value-added products.

Vietnam can produce goods that appeal to U.S. consumers -- items that are too costly to manufacture in the U.S. but that Trump would rather they did not source from China.

According to Tran Nhu Tung, vice-chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, the local textile and garment sector will benefit if the U.S. increases tariffs on shipments from China.

Vietnamese enterprises should focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies and traceability, Tung added.

Vietnam has a massive trade surplus with the U.S., estimated at US$100 billion last year, making it the country with the third-largest trade imbalance with the U.S., after China and Mexico.

At some point, this numerical imbalance will become an issue for the Trump administration.

Lawyer Tran Anh Duc from the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association said Vietnams trade surplus with the U.S. is high and may increase further in the coming time.

Vietnam is favorably positioned to reap the benefit of the global trade diversion and the supply chain alterations.

Welcoming new investment flows is in the interest of Vietnam and will help the Southeast Asian nation climb the value-added ladder across various industries and sectors, said HSBC expert Joon Suk Park.

On Sunday, U.S. media all called the presidential election, which took place on November 5, for Republican Trump, predicting he will win 312 electoral votes compared to Democrat Kamala Harris' 226.

Harris later acknowledged President-elect Donald Trump's win.

She said she had called Trump, congratulated him on his triumph in last Tuesday's presidential election and promised to engage in a peaceful transfer of power, Reuters reported.

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Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and his entourage on Sunday visited and laid a wreath at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in a park named after him in Cerro Navia District of Chiles capital Santiago, as part of their official visit to the South American country.

The wreath-laying ceremony was also joined by former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, President of the Communist Party of Chile Lautaro Carmona Soto, and Mayor of Cerro Navia District Mauro Tamayo.

During the ceremony, all Vietnamese and Chilean officials observed a minute of silence to pay tribute and show respect to the late leader.

The melody of the famous song praising President Ho Chi Minh, El derecho de vivir en paz (The right to live in peace), by Chilean musician Victor Jara, was also played at the ceremony by local artists, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Mayor Tamayo expressed his delight and honor in welcoming Cuong and the Vietnamese delegation.

He affirmed that his administration and the people of Cerro Navia will continue to care for and preserve the park as a symbol of solidarity and friendship between the governments and people of both countries.

Bachelet expressed her honor at joining the meaningful ceremony and fondly recalled her previous visits to Vietnam in various roles.

She shared her deep appreciation for the warm and genuine hospitality shown to her and the Chilean people by generations of Vietnamese leaders and citizens.

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong (L) presents a picture of Ho Chi Minh President to Mauro Tamayo, Mayor of Cerro Navia District in Chiles capital Santiago, November 10, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

The former president expressed her admiration for the unyielding and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people in their fight for national independence, which she noted has become a symbol for peace advocates worldwide.

She stated that State President Cuongs visit not only reflects the enduring friendship between the two countries but also opens doors for more comprehensive and profound cooperation.

In his address, Cuong thanked the people of Chile, especially the residents of Cerro Navia, for preserving Ho Chi Minh Park as a symbol of the unique solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the two nations.

Established in 1969, the park was renovated later with the addition of President Ho Chi Minhs statue, and efforts are now underway to expand the area into a Ho Chi Minh Space.

Recalling the close relationship between late President Ho Chi Minh and late Chilean President Salvador Allende, Cuong affirmed that Allendes visit to Vietnam in May 1969 in his then capacity as president of the Chilean Senate brought the Vietnamese people a great sense of solidarity and spiritual support, serving as a friendship symbol between the two peoples.

Following the ceremony, Cuong and Bachelet planted a commemorative tree in the park and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on establishing the friendly and cooperative relationship between Cerro Navia District and Nam Dan District in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh.

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After typhoon Yinxing, the seventh to strike the East Vietnam Sea this year, weakens, two more typhoons -- Toraji and Man-yi -- will possbily arrive in quick succession, according to the national weather agency.

Nguyen Van Huong, head of the Weather Forecasting Department under the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said on Sunday that these three typhoons are currently active in the northwestern Pacific.

Among these weather systems, typhoon Yinxing is currently moving through the East Vietnam Sea, while Toraji is developing east of the Philippines and Man-yi is farther out in the northwestern Pacific.

Huong noted that a tropical depression is forming between Toraji and Man-yi.

These three typhoons, along with the tropical depression, are situated along an intertropical convergence zone that crosses the northern part of the East Vietnam Sea.

Weather systems on this convergence zone often move along its axis, which could lead to a continuous influx of tropical storms and depressions in the East Vietnam Sea, he explained.

At 10:00 am on Monday, typhoon Yinxing was centered in the northwest of Vietnam's Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago and moving southwest at 15kph, packing maximum sustained winds of 74kph. This is a weaker speed compared to Sunday data when it packed winds of 118-133kph.

The agency has predicted that by Monday evening Yinxing could maintain the same speed and southwest direction toward the coast of central Vietnam, downgrading into a tropical depression in the waters from Quang Nam Province to Binh Dinh Province.

By Tuesday morning, it will potentially weaken into a low-pressure area in the coastal regions from Quang Ngai Province to Binh Dinh Province.

A map detailing the location and direction of typhoon Yinxing, the seventh to strike the East Vietnam Sea in 2024, at 10:00 am on November 11, 2024. Photo: Vietnams National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting

Yinxing's impact may bring strong winds, high waves of 2-5 meters, and rough seas to the waters around Hoang Sa.

From Monday afternoon, the coastal areas from Thua Thien-Hue Province to Binh Dinh may experience strengthening winds.

Meanwhile, typhoon Toraji has intensified and is expected to enter the East Vietnam Sea on Monday night, becoming the eighth storm to hit the maritime area in 2024.

At 7:00 am on Monday, Toraji was spotted east of Luzon Island in the Philippines and was traveling west-northwest at approximately 20kph, packing maximum sustained winds of 133kph.

Toraji will touch land in Luzon on Monday before entering the East Vietnam Sea that evening.

By 7:00 am on Tuesday, the storm is forecast to be in the north of the East Vietnam Sea.

Over the next two days, the forecast showed Toraji moving northwest at about 15kph with little change in intensity.

The agency stated Toraji will possibly shift west-northwest and likely weaken.

In related news, from Monday night through Tuesday night, the central provinces from Thua Thien- Hue to Binh Dinh could see moderate to heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over 250mm.

The weather agency has highlighted a high risk of localized rain of over 100mm within a six-hour period.

The Central Highlands region will also experience significant precipitation, with totals reaching up to 90mm and some areas seeing over 180mm during Tuesday.

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Companies in Vietnam are eagerly welcoming employees who used to work in South Korea and Japan as they have improved their knowledge, vocational skills, and work ethics, according to the Overseas Worker Center under the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs.

The center confirmed that over the past few years, 2,000 enterprises in Vietnam have recruited more than 17,000 high-skilled Vietnamese laborers returning home from Japan and South Korea via 90 job fairs and exchanges nationwide.

In November this year, South Korean and Japanese firms in Vietnam enhanced the recruitment of production managers, interpreters, translators, CNC engineers, and electronic engineers.

The company offers an average monthly salary of VND10-15 million (US$397-595) and prioritizes workers aged 26 to 35 who have participated in the Employment Permit System (EPS) program -- a temporary migration initiative for low-skilled workers in South Korea -- as well as the IM Japan program, a technical internship that selects Vietnamese trainees for Japan.

Ha Van Tai, a 29-year-old from north-central Thanh Hoa Province, said he was offered a position within a company specializing in mechanics, welding, and CNC machine shell assembly in South Korea through the EPS program.

Tai's highest monthly salary during the four years abroad was VND70 million ($2,773). When he returned to Vietnam, he found it hard to immediately find a similar job.

At a job fair in Hanoi this month, a South Korea-invested company recruited him, offering a high salary due to his experience and fluency in the Korean language.

Vietnamese laborers working in South Korea under the EPS program and in Japan under the IM Japan program must meet requirements on foreign language skills and attitude at work. Photo: Gia Doan / Tuoi Tre

Vo Truong, a 35-year-old from Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam, recently passed the first round of interviews for a job in Vietnam offering a monthly salary of VND15-20 million ($595-792).

After his experience working in South Korea under the EPS program, Truong said he learned valuable skills, including time management, systematic work approaches, and effective communication with managers.

This, he believes, has prepared him well for his new role.

At a job fair earlier this month for laborers participating in the EPS and IM Japan programs, Baek Seok Hyun from the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam highlighted that Vietnam is the leading country sending workers to South Korea under the EPS program.

Many South Korean employers praised Vietnamese workers for being hard-working, diligent, quick to learn new skills, and possessing a strong industrial work ethic.

The South Korean government has also been offering support to foreign workers through its dedicated support centers.

According to Ishii Chikahisa, first secretary at the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, the number of Vietnamese people living and working in Japan reached 600,000 in the first half of this year, making the Vietnamese community the second-largest foreign community in Japan.

The Japanese government, along with the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, is committed to continuing efforts to create a positive work environment for Vietnamese laborers, improving working conditions and easing requirements for Vietnamese workers.

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Saigon Waterbus crew members have been applauded for their swift response and bravery after they managed to save a distressed young man who jumped off the Saigon Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday evening.

The incident took place at 8:15 pm, when some Saigon Waterbus staff members were working at Binh An Station, located in Thu Duc City, a district-level unit of Ho Chi Minh City, they spotted a man jumping off the bridge, which spans over the Saigon River and links Thu Duc with Binh Thanh District.

Immediately, they hopped on a waterbus to approach the man who had drifted to the middle of the river.

A staff member then jumped into the water, securing the man with a lifebuoy and a rope to bring him safely aboard.

The man, aged approximately 28, was in a state of panic and was handed over to local police for further steps.

The waterbus crew received praise for their bravery from many eyewitnesses.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Nguyen Kim Toan, director of Daily Co. Ltd. (Saigon Waterbus), the operator of the waterbus service in the city, expressed pride in his employees, saying that they will be commended their heroic actions.

Toan added that rescue is a core responsibility for those working in the waterway transport sector.

All waterbuses are equipped with life-saving equipment, and staff members are trained to be prepared for emergencies on the water.

He explained that most people who jump off bridges are in a state of distress. After being rescued, they often return to thank their rescuers.

We aim to offer help and encourage people to pursue a more meaningful life, Toan said.

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Season 3 of French-Belgian mystery series HPI: Haut Potentiel Intellectuel debuts next week on Acorn TV and AMC+.

The series stars Audrey Fleurot (Spiral) as 38 year old Morgane, who has three children, two exes and an IQ of 160; her destiny as a cleaner is turned upside-down when her extraordinary abilities are spotted by the police who offer her a job as a consultant.

This series that inspired the new US version, High Potential starring Kaitlin Olsen (Always Sunny in Philadelphia).

There have been 4 seasons thus far.

Monday 18 November on Acorn TV and AMC+.

French-language trailer is here.
Nova FM radio presenter, Tim Blackwell, will host the 2024 ARIA Awards at Sydney Hordern Pavillion on Gadigal land next week.

Tim Blackwell, said: The ARIA Awards represent the pinnacle of Australias music industry  My first CD was Aria Awards Album 199, so the fact that over three decades later Id be hosting hasnt really sunk in yet! After more than 15 years in the Oz music scene and annoying artists for interviews (and free tickets!), I can say with confidence that our country is home to some of the worlds most outstanding musical talent. We punch above our weight, hard! Im thrilled to be part of the ARIAs and to help celebrate that talent this year.

The red carpet will be presented by Bridget Hustwaite and Christian Wilkins, joined by DJ and triple j radio host, Latifa Tee.

Comedian Rhys Nicholson, will also interview nominees, performers and celebrities on the red carpet and for Stan Backstage (joined by Bridget Hustwaite).

ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: We are incredibly excited to have Tim host the 2024 ARIA Awards with Latifa, Bridget and Christian. As a key figure within Australian music and broadcasting for more than 15 years, Tim has interviewed not only Australias biggest and brightest stars from the last decade or more, but artists from around the world who are setting the global music conversation. Thats really important in a year when we want to take the ARIAs to a global audience and spotlight the Aussie artists and ARIA nominees currently starring on the world stage as well as at home.

Roving Productions hosts the broadcast next Wednesday November 20.

 Live from 1.30pm AEDT: Red Carpet on @ARIA.official YouTube channel.

 Live from 5.00pm AEDT: The 2024 ARIA Awards on Stan (also on demand )

 ARIA Awards special presentation on Channel 9 at 8.30pm and streamed outside of Australia on YouTube.
TCN News

New Delhi: The Darul Uloom, an Islamic seminary in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, has lifted its ban on women entering the campus. However, women will now be allowed entry under certain conditions, the institution announced.

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To access the campus, according to a PTI report, women must wear a hijab and be accompanied by a family member. These new rules, which took effect on Friday, also mandate that visitors deposit their mobile phones at the gate, as videography will be strictly prohibited.

Ashraf Usmani, the media spokesperson for Darul Uloom, stated on Saturday (November 10) that after extensive discussions, the management introduced guidelines for women visiting the institution from around the world. As a result, women will now be permitted on the campus.

Usmani explained that the seminary has designated an officer responsible for issuing visitor passes, applicable to both men and women. To obtain a pass, visitors must present identification such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or PAN card. The visitors name, contact details and the number of men and women seeking entry will be recorded.

Women will be permitted to enter the campus only until sunset. All visitors, including women, will need to deposit their mobile phones at the main gate, with the phones being returned upon departure. Each visitor pass will be valid for two hours and will automatically expire after sunset.

The entry ban for women was initially imposed on May 17 following complaints that some women, not wearing veils, were photographing and filming the institutions buildings and sharing the content on social media. According to the spokesperson, this behavior was also having a negative impact on the madrassas students.
Saffron, Sanatan and Sacred Land: The Battle to Define Jharkhands Tribal Identity

Shahnaz M, TwoCircles.net

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Ranchi: Amidst the rolling hills and verdant forests in Jharkhand, a quiet yet intense religious struggle is unfolding  one that is reshaping the identity of the regions tribal communities. It is a story of faith, identity and power, with tribals caught in the crossfire of a religious tug-of-war between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Sarna tribals and the church.

One such scene unfolds in the small village of Mali in Godda district, where Surya Narayan Hembrum, a proud member of the Santhal tribe, has just completed rituals at a newly constructed Shiva temple. The reporters question hangs in the air: Are tribals Hindus by faith? Without hesitation, Hembrum responds with a firm belief in his roots, We belong to the Santhal tribe. The word Santhal means a place of saints  Santh + Asthal. We believe in worship and avoid non-vegetarian food, he explains.

For Hembrum and many like him, the connection to Hinduism seems clear. He goes on to elaborate that the words Sanatan and Sarna are the same, reinforcing the idea that the Sarna worship practices align closely with Hindu traditions. He points to the small stone in the shape of a Shiva linga at a Sarna worship place, much like those found in Hindu temples.

We worship both, he adds, proudly declaring that festivals like Durga Puja are celebrated with the same enthusiasm as in any Hindu home. Tribals are not Christians, but Hindus or Sanatans, he insists.

But this confidence is not universal. Despite Hembrums strong assertions, others within his community share a different story. In the neighboring Phulwaria village of Godda, Subal Murmu, a tribal elder, speaks with frustration about the pressure to conform to Hinduism. We are not Hindus, he says with conviction. We are worshippers of nature  mountains, forests and water.

Murmu rejects the narrative of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that tribal people are descendants of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Instead, he argues that many tribals, disillusioned with their own traditions, are turning to Hinduism as a last resort for solace in times of suffering.

They go to Hindu temples when they are desperate, he explains. When there is no end to their woes, they seek refuge in prayers. And if they find peace, they believe they have found something that their own gods could not offer.

Murmu believes the RSS is exploiting this vulnerability. He accuses the organisation of trying to erase tribal culture, replacing it with Hindu customs in a bid to control their land and resources. He points out how figures like the so-called Ram Baba have found influence in tribal villages, encouraging people to worship Hindu deities. Hes an RSS agent, Murmu claims, And the RSS is using him to win over the tribals.

Yet, despite this resistance, the influence of Hinduism is undeniable. Murmu reveals that many tribals have started adopting Hindu customs, including intermarrying according to Hindu traditions. Adivasiyon ko dharmik samajh bahut kam hai, he says, referring to the minimal religious understanding within his community. We pray to nature, but as per our convenience.

Among the tribal gods worshipped are Marang Buru (the great mountain), Jaher Aayo (the land god) and Gosai Aayo (the guardian spirit protecting the community from evil). Villages have sacred places like Manjhi Thans, where rituals are conducted, and Jaher Thans, which are patches of sacred land with medicinal plants and emergency seeds for droughts. These spaces represent a deep connection to nature and tradition practices that many fear are under threat.

Tribal activist Dayamani Barla, a vocal critic of the ongoing cultural shift, warns that the situation is part of a larger agenda to divide the tribal population. The introduction of the anti-conversion law, which criminalises forced conversions, and the linking of reservations to religious identity, she argues, are strategic moves to impose Hindu supremacy on the tribes.

Renaming tribal villages is part of this plan, she says. When you change the name of an Adivasi village, you erase its identity and culture.

Xavier Dias, a tribal rights activist, sees a similar pattern, one that has been evolving for years. It was once about Sanskritisation, but now it is saffronisation for political gain, he says. The influx of temple-building in tribal areas, funded by powerful businessmen and politicians, he believes, is part of a concerted effort to win over the tribals.

There is competition over who can build the bigger temple, he notes, And the tribals are being brainwashed into thinking they are Hindus.

But not all are convinced. While some, especially among the younger generation, have begun identifying as Hindus, the Santhals, who remain deeply rooted in their traditions, continue to resist.

The political impact is significant. In recent elections, except the 2024 general elections, a large section of tribals voted in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which many attribute to the partys financial muscle and its ability to exploit tribal moral sensibilities.

Adivasis are willing to work for the BJP if it means getting money, says Dias. But Christianisation succeeded because it came with education and healthcare. If the saffronisation effort does not bring tangible benefits like development, it will fail.

Ruby Hembrom, founder of Adivaani, an Adivasi expression platform, sees the growing influence of the RSS in even more subtle ways. The saffron brigade has a well-crafted strategy, she says. Government buildings, hoardings and boundary walls are painted in saffron to project an image of a saffronised state. The stone mining industry in the region has also played a role in cementing this shift. The result, she argues, is a visual and cultural transformation that is steadily eroding the tribal identity.

As this religious and cultural battle continues, the future of Jharkhands tribal communities hangs in the balance, caught between the forces of tradition, modernity and religion.
Israel is now the Middle East strong horse By Dr. Dan Diker

web posted November 11, 2024 Osama bin Laden said, "When people see a strong horse and a weak horse, by nature they will like the strong horse," in a 2001 interview, expressing a Middle Eastern axiom unchallenged for millennia. Bin Laden was alluding to the fourteenth-century Arab Muslim historian and political theorist Ibn Khaldoun, who assessed that history is a cycle of violence in which strong horses  in Arabic, "al-faras al-asil"  replace weak horses. Middle East analyst Lee Smith's 2010 book, The Strong Horse: Power, Politics, and the Clash of Arab Civilizations, argues that violent power is central to the politics, society, and culture of the Middle East. He writes, "Bin Ladenism is not drawn from the extremist fringe but represents the political and social norm." The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is merely a distraction from the larger, endemic, and ongoing power struggles in the Arab Muslim majority Middle East. After Hamas's October 7 massacre, Israel, by necessity, has become the Middle East's strong horse in its ongoing battle against the Iranian regime and its terror proxies  the current "weak horses" of its own apocalypse  Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various militias in Iraq and Syria. The Arab world knows this. They witnessed the IDF's lightning destruction of both Hamas and Hezbollah's command structure, the elimination of their leaderships, and the detonation of much of their weaponry and ammunition stockpiles. They then watched as Israel's air force decimated Iran's entire anti-aircraft defenses, and dominated Iranian air space for three hours, executing 20 separate attacks across the vast Islamic Republic. The assault shocked the Iranian regime to its core. Iran's cultural institute Tebyan, under the aegis of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, admitted being mystified as to how Israel succeeded in attacking the IRGC's intercontinental ballistic missile testing center in the northeastern city of Shahroud, hundreds of kilometers from other targeted sites in Iran. It will take years for the regime to recover, if at all. Israel's ongoing offensive ground operations in Lebanon and Gaza have hastened the enemy's desertion of the battle zone. Israel's renewed strong horse status has generated fear and awe across the Arab world. At the same time, the Arab powers suffer from cognitive dissonance. Arab League members widely denounced Israel's counterassault against the Iranian regime, which contradicts the Saudis' decades-long enmity for their Iranian regime neighbors, notwithstanding recent diplomatic agreements and reports of security cooperation. This cognitive dissonance underscores an important principle in understanding the political culture of the Middle East, which can be summed up as: "Watch what I do, not what I say." The evidence is overwhelming: Abraham Accords diplomats from Bahrain, Morocco and the UAE have remained in Tel Aviv, as have ambassadors from Jordan and Egypt. Similarly, Israeli ambassadors have remained in those respective Arab countries. Beyond this, Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, and Bahrain opened their air spaces and even assisted Israel during Iranian regime missile and killer drone attacks on Israel in April and October 2024. Israel's strong horse status is a key to winning peace and moderation in the Middle East but has been misunderstood in the West. The Biden administration had urged and even demanded that Israel refrain from attacking Hamas in Rafah, controlling the Philadelphi Corridor, and recently, in Northern Gaza. Israel has done the opposite, reasserting its strong horse status opposite a bleeding and nearly defeated adversary. Israel's recent attacks on Iran, America's nightmare scenario, have changed the strategic balance, enhancing Israel's profile among its Middle Eastern neighbors. America's mistaken mirroring of Israel as a small version of itself has constrained the Jewish and democratic state from defeating radical Middle Eastern enemies. Victory cannot be achieved against radical Islamic terrorism using Western principles and methods of compromise, ceasefire, diplomacy, and territorial concession. The Middle East does not work that way. Different rules apply: Compromise signals weakness. A ceasefire is merely a cessation of hostilities to rearm and resupply. Territorial concession is the fate of the vanquished.Israel's strong horse status is a reversal of past missteps that proved lethal. When Israel applied Western rules, such as its unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, it invited four years of PLO and Hamas suicide bombings, murder, and mayhem, costing thousands of lives. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah referred to Israel as "weaker than a spider's web" following Israel's May 2000 withdrawal from Southern Lebanon. Arafat and his Fatah and PLO colleagues were encouraged by Israel's overnight retreat from Lebanon, observing that for Hezbollah and the Palestinians alike, "resistance," meaning terror, was an effective weapon against Israel. The withdrawal was a prelude to the Palestinian "Al Aqsa Intifada," which resulted in more than 1000 Israelis killed and thousands more wounded. The unilateral territorial concession of Gaza in 2005 led to five Hamas wars, climaxing in the October 7 "Al Aqsa Flood" of Hamas atrocities. October 7 proved conclusively that "goodwill diplomacy" and territorial compromise opposite jihad, as demanded by the United States and Europe, was a strategic disaster and existential threat to Israel. Having paid an enormously high human price, Israel has embodied the lesson of the strong horse in a chaotic, unstable, and unforgiving Middle East. Israel's evolving self-awareness as an indigenous ethnic minority today understands that, as Smith notes, "He who punishes enemies and rewards friends, forbids evil and enjoins good, is entitled to rule. There's no alternative, not yet anyway, to the strong horse." Dr. Dan Diker, President of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, is the longtime Director of its Counter-Political Warfare Project. He is former Secretary-General of the World Jewish Congress and a Research Fellow of the International Institute for Counter Terrorism at Reichman University (formerly IDC, Herzliya). He has written six books exposing the "apartheid antisemitism" phenomenon in North America, and has authored studies on Iran's race for regional supremacy and Israel's need for defensible borders. Home
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Lufthansa Group has decided to extend the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv up to and including Dec. 15, the airline said on Monday.

Lufthansa Airlines, the group's core brand, will suspend its flights up to and including Dec. 31, 2024, for operational reasons, it added.

(Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Rachel More)
As our own David Krauss did an amazing review for this film already, Ill let his words stand. But first I have to say how much I adore the Sydney Pollack and Dustin Hoffman teamup Tootsi. I grew up with this film, it was one we owned on VHS and watched all the time. It came out the year I was born, so I was pretty well raised with this film.

For how many viewings Ive gone through, I still discover new little tidbits that never really resonated when I was younger. This time around I was struck by Michaels new sense of purpose. When we first meet him, he thinks the best part of him is an actor and a teacher. Thats it, theres nothing else he can do to serve humanity (other than being a waiter when he cant get a gig, but thats a different kind of service). But by becoming Dorothy and working at being his best self, he realizes that he can be a better man for other people. He doesnt have to be an amazing accomplished actor to be a good friend or lover, he can just be who he really is inside.

Anyway, enough of my psycho-babble dithering, I love the movie to bits, thats all you need to know from me. But from Mr. Krauss, heres what he had to say when he reviewed the Criterion Collection Blu-ray:

"There are no other women like you. You're a man!"

Cross-dressing comedies are a dime a dozen, but 'Tootsie' remains unique, namely because it's not a one-gag film. Sure, there's innate humor in watching Dustin Hoffman flounce around in a dress, stumble in high heels, and fend off the attentions of a couple of smitten men, but unlike 'Some Like It Hot,' that's not the meat of the movie. Sydney Pollack's warm, witty, and oh-so-wise romp examines sexual roles and how an insensitive, selfish guy becomes a more enlightened and caring man by being a woman. It also tackles gender politics in the workplace and chronicles the desperation of a serious actor who goes to extreme lengths to ply his craft. All these messages - woven into a tight comedic fabric by screenwriters Larry Gelbart and Murray Schisgal (with uncredited help from the great Elaine May) - ring terrifically true and still strike a chord 33 years later, making 'Tootsie' much more substantive than any other movie in its class.

'Tootsie' works because its premise is fairly plausible. Michael Dorsey (Hoffman), an intensely committed, classically trained actor, is a first-class pain in the ass who drives his directors to distraction by stubbornly refusing to compromise, even in ridiculous situations. (He played a tomato in a TV commercial and held up production for hours because he felt it was "illogical" for a tomato to sit down.) Much to the chagrin of his exasperated agent, George Fields (wonderfully played by Pollack), Michael alienates everyone with whom he works, and his inability to secure theatrical employment makes it tough for him to raise enough money to produce a play written by his roommate (Bill Murray) in which he hopes to star with his good pal Sandy (Teri Garr). Michael needs $8,000 to mount the drama, but George promises he won't even raise 25 cents. "No one will hire you," he bluntly and emphatically states. Yet with dogged determination, Michael perseveres, and in a last-ditch effort to find meaningful work (and prove George wrong), he dons a curly red wig, spectacles, panty hose, and pumps, and transforms himself into Dorothy Michaels, a dowdy, middle-aged character actress with spirit, drive, and enough spunk to land a featured role on the hit daytime soap opera 'Southwest General.'

Michael channels his penchant for truth into Dorothy, who often veers off the soap's trite script, ad-libbing more believable lines to make her character, hospital administrator Emily Kimberly, a more forceful, independent presence. Dorothy's bosses don't like her renegade attitude, but America eats her up, and as Emily becomes less subservient on screen, her strength, moxie, fierceness, and refusal to be stepped on and manipulated by men make her a role model for millions of women who watch the show every day. Almost overnight, Dorothy becomes a star, but her fame and success are tempered by the stress of maintaining her ever-more-tenuous masquerade.

That stress is compounded by Michael's instant attraction to Julie (Jessica Lange), the resident hottie of 'Southwest General,' who is romantically involved with the soap's chauvinistic and womanizing director, Ron (Dabney Coleman). Julie, however, only knows Michael as Dorothy, and as the two become close girlfriends, Dorothy empowers the insecure Julie, helping her take charge of her life and career and navigate the treacherous waters of an unhealthy relationship. (Michael knows guys like Ron all too well, because he is one.) Yet while Dorothy counsels and supports Julie, Michael treats Sandy, with whom he shared an unfortunate one-night stand, like dirt, deceiving her with half-truths and flat-out lies, and showing her none of the respect and empathy he showers upon Julie while wearing a blouse and skirt. As a man, Michael behaves in a stereotypical (and reprehensible) manner, treating women as objects and second-class citizens, but as a woman (who quickly endures her fair share of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and condescension), he champions other women and encourages them to stand up for themselves and confront the arrogant males who minimize and marginalize them.

Further complications ensue when a frisky older actor on the soap (George Gaynes) becomes infatuated with Dorothy, as does Julie's widowed father (Charles Durning), who hasn't fallen for a woman since his wife's death many years ago. At the same time, Michael's feelings for Julie intensify, and the resulting confusion leads to a total mix-up of sexual perception. Sandy thinks Michael might be gay and Julie believes Dorothy to be a lesbian. Amazingly, the script sorts everything out in a relatively believable fashion, which allows the relatable themes of 'Tootsie' to resonate.

'Tootsie' is smart, romantic, touching, thought-provoking, and, most importantly, laugh-out-loud funny. Sure, the outrageous scenario strains credulity, but the humor is grounded in reality, and the most amusing lines skewer our ingrained perceptions of how men and women relate. Though feminism has clearly evolved and advanced in the 30-plus years since the film premiered, the movie's assessment of male-female relationships - both professional and personal - remains accurate and relevant. We've come a long way, baby, but we may never scale certain humps, and 'Tootsie' reminds us of our inherent differences while helping us bridge the gaping chasm between the sexes so we can hopefully find a bit of common ground.

Hoffman creates two distinct characters and juggles them well. Tapping so deeply into one's feminine side isn't easy, but Hoffman fully embraces Dorothy, making her both tough and endearing...just masculine enough to remind us of the ruse, but also warmly feminine in a plain, spinster-ish sort of way. And Michael's genuine affection for his creation and concern for her well-being is quite touching. Hoffman also acutely transmits Michael's passion for acting, which drives the story and fuels his intense commitment to his new persona. Without such fervent motivation, 'Tootsie' would lose both its sting and relevance. Unfortunately, Lange is saddled with the film's only bland role, but her disarming naturalness and fresh-faced beauty instantly win us over. The scene in which she recalls her mother helping her pick out her bedroom wallpaper is played with such simple tenderness, it's impossible not to fall in love with her. Though Lange gave a riveting performance in the Frances Farmer biopic 'Frances' the same year (for which she received a well-deserved Best Actress Oscar nomination), the Academy gave her the consolation prize of Best Supporting Actress for 'Tootsie' instead. The choice was popular and predictable (Meryl Streep was a lock to win Best Actress for her magnificent work in 'Sophie's Choice'), but ironically, Lange's portrayal wasn't the best of the year. It wasn't even the best featured performance by an actress in the film.

That honor goes to Garr, whose brilliantly etched, savagely funny portrayal of the ditzy and neurotic Sandy provokes many of the movie's biggest laughs. It's a shame she didn't win the award (she, too, was nominated), and it's a shame the sardonic, bemused Murray didn't receive any tangible accolades for his fine work. His deadpan deliveries help him steal almost every scene in which he appears, especially the one in which he derisively utters the disdainful assessment "You slut," a line that never fails to bring down the house during theatrical showings. Coleman, Durning, Pollack, Gaynes, a young Geena Davis in her film debut, and Doris Belack as the acerbic soap producer all assert themselves well and help make the internal engine of 'Tootsie' hum.

In all, 'Tootsie' received 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Screenplay, Cinematography, Song, Sound, and Editing, yet the Academy's habitual and shameless disregard of comedy left it criminally ignored on awards night. (Lange took home the film's only citation.) 'Gandhi' was the big winner, yet Richard Attenborough's bloated epic isn't nearly as beloved as Pollack's intimate and insightful farce, which still speaks to us on a variety of levels today. Most guys won't put on a dress to become a better human being, but we all can learn plenty about each other from 'Tootsie,' and laugh a lot along the way. That's the essence of comedy, and few films capture its elusive qualities with as much verve and relish as this perennial favorite.

Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Tootsie rolls onto 4K UHD thanks to Sony as part of the Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 5 as a two-disc 4K UHD + Blu-ray. A digital slip is also included unlocking the film in 4K along with the other five films in the set. The 4K is pressed on a BD100 with a BD50 serving up 1080p and bonus features. Like previous Columbia Classics sets, the discs are housed in a two-disc case with a custom slipcover unique to this release. As of now, there are no current plans for a solo release, but I wouldnt put it past Criterion to offer their own edition down the line.
HCM CITY  Viet Nams footwear industry is utilising the United KingdomVietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) to increase exports, according to the Viet Nam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso).

Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, deputy chairwoman and general secretary of Lefaso, said that in the first eight months of the year, Viet Nams exports of footwear to the UK grew by 25 per cent, and accounted for 8 per cent of total exports to the EU.

Xuan also said that in the first nine months, footwear exports grew by 17 per cent year-on-year to US$16.54, thanks to the increase in exports across many markets such as the US, the EU and China.

Before leaving the EU bloc, the UK was Viet Nams main export market for leather and footwear products. Then, during the period from 2019 to 2020, exports saw a light dip, but since then they have picked up remarkably.

Even during the challenging COVID-19 period, exports of footwear to the UK still saw growth, and in 2023, when exports of the product to most countries dropped (especially the EU), export turnover to the UK still grew, she said.

Thanks to the UKVFTA, which came into effect in 2021, many Vietnamese products benefit from favourable tariffs such as footwear, textiles and garments, and agricultural produce, with up to 99.2 per cent of all import taxes to the UK to be eliminated in the first six years of the agreement.

Footwear is currently Viet Nams third largest export product group to the UK, a long-standing traditional market for Vietnamese exports where many local consumers are familiar with Vietnamese footwear. Footwear accounts for around 13 per cent of total exports, behind mobile phones and components, and machinery.

It is also among the top 10 product groups with the highest export turnover to the UK, making the country an important market for footwear.

Thanks to the UKVFTA, Viet Nam has a competitive edge compared to other suppliers, according to Xuan.

Since last year, the footwear industry began working with SATRA (a leading research and testing organisation based in the UK), which provides testing methods for footwear products to assess their quality and adherence to export criteria. This has helped small to medium-sized businesses improve their products, obtain certifications and export not only to the UK but also other markets around the world.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam is currently the second largest exporter of footwear in the world, thanks to double-digit growth of exports for many years in a row.

Nevertheless, the UK is a highly competitive market for footwear due to its high import requirements, and many exporting countries are also eyeing this market.

These include China, whose footwear exports account for 40 per cent of the worlds, along with the Netherlands, Italy and Germany, who are highly capable in terms of design.

After joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the UK is also opening its markets to other member countries, including ones that make similar products to Viet Nam.

This means that Vietnamese businesses have to improve their competitiveness, invest in better model designs and have easy access to raw production material.

The leather and footwear industry targets exports of around $27 billion worth of goods in 2024.

Businesses are focusing on diversifying their markets while maintaining traditional ones such as the US, the EU and the UK, as well as being self-reliant in sourcing raw materials so that they can satisfy rules of origin requirements and benefit from free trade agreements, including the UKVFTA.

It would also allow them to fulfil green and sustainability requirements. Xuan said that green production was becoming an inevitable requirement for footwear products to be exported to the UK and other markets.

Businesses should have a suitable roadmap to gradually transform their production so they can firmly partake in global supply chains.

Lefaso has proposed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade build a trading centre for raw materials for Viet Nams fashion industry, which would allow businesses to be more proactive in sourcing materials that fit an export market's criteria and complete their production orders quickly.

Other experts noted that Vietnamese footwear businesses should ultilise e-commerce platforms and other digital means to expand their search pool, gain access to more markets and better connect with buyers, as well as applying digital technology in supply chain management and customer relations management.

They should also actively partake in trade fairs and industry events to network with potential partners from the UK who wish to do business with Viet Nam; raise their awareness of intellectual property rights before exporting; and even co-operate with UK footwear design companies to gain access to new technology or product design processes, which would improve their value chains.

A thorough understanding of different free trade agreements, their benefits and requirements on traceability and rules of origin is a must, accordingto experts.

Viet Nams leather and footwear industry has over 1,000 factories and contributes around 8 per cent of the countrys GDP.  VNS
HA NOI  The stock market opened the new week with a slight decline, marking the VN-Index's third consecutive session in the red, while liquidity reached its highest level in five weeks.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index ended the session at 1,250.32 points, down by 2.24 points or 0.18 per cent.

Market breadth was negative, with 162 stocks declining, 145 advancing and 60 remaining unchanged. Liquidity saw a notable increase, reaching VN19.6 trillion (US$776.2 million), up 41 per cent from the previous session.

The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest stocks by market capitalisation on HoSE, also declined by 6.88 points or 0.52 per cent, to 1,310.46 points. Within the VN30 basket, 19 stocks fell, ten advanced and one remained unchanged.

The downturn was primarily influenced by large-cap banking stocks, with the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID) recording the sharpest drop, down 1.9 per cent, contributing more than 1.2 points to the VN-Index's overall decrease.

This was followed by losses in Sai Gon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (STB), down 4.79 per cent and Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG), which declined by 3.08 per cent.

However, market losses were partially offset by gains in key stocks, led by Hoa Phat Group JSC (HPG), which rose by 2.59 per cent, adding over 1.1 points to the VN-Index.

Analysts from Viet Dragon Securities noted: "The market continues to face profit-taking pressure near the 1,300-point level, retreating below the 1,290 threshold. The increase in liquidity compared to the previous session indicates sustained profit-taking pressure as the market approached resistance.

"This signal could hinder upward momentum and place pressure on the market. It's possible the market may retreat to the 20-day moving average, around 1,280 points, to test support in the coming period before further signals emerge.

Therefore, investors should monitor supply-demand dynamics to assess market conditions. Currently, priority should be given to stocks showing strong liquidity from support levels and investors should consider any recovery as an opportunity to rebalance portfolios to mitigate risk.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also closed slightly lower, falling by 0.01 per cent to 226.86 points.

During the session, shares worth over VN1 trillion were traded, with a total volume exceeding 56.5 million shares on the northern bourse.

Foreign investors continued their net selling streak, with net sales amounting to over VN943 billion on the HoSE.  VNS
HA NOI  Bat Trang ancient pottery village is located on the left bank of the Red River in Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Ha Noi. The craft village was formed during the Ly Dynasty (1010 - 1225). Through many ups and downs over time, the traditional cultural values of Bat Trang ancient pottery village are still preserved to this day...

Each visit to Bat Trang Commune in Gia Lam District evokes profound emotions. With every trip, visitors witness the evolving lives of the locals. The village features clean, paved roads, numerous modern houses and attractively decorated ceramic showrooms that draw in tourists.

Despite facing historical challenges, the ceramic industry in Bat Trang has persevered. Generations of artisans remain dedicated to the craft passed down by their ancestors, tirelessly producing intricate ceramics infused with the spirit of Bat Trang.

At the Bat Trang Ceramic Museum, artisan Ha Thi Vinh, President of the Ha Noi Handicraft and Craft Villages Association, shared: Bat Trang has nearly 200 enterprises and about 1,000 households engaged in ceramic production and trade. This industry creates jobs for tens of thousands of workers, both locally and beyond, with an average monthly income of around VN7.5 million. The annual production and trade value exceeds VN2,000 billion, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of the area. Joining the global network of creative craft cities will enhance our integration and foster innovation in our product designs, bringing Bat Trang ceramics to international markets.

Recognised as the quintessential craft village of Ha Noi ceramics, Bat Trang is home to over 100 artisans and thousands of skilled workers. Their expertise, honed over centuries, enables them to create unique ceramic products, successfully restoring ancient works from the Ly, Tran and Nguyen Dynasties while developing distinctive glaze formulas. Today, technological advancements have led to constant improvements in design and quality, allowing products like teapots, bowls, plates and vases to meet contemporary consumer preferences. As a result, Bat Trang ceramics have reached markets across Europe and Asia.

In Bat Trang Commune, pottery making remains the primary occupation supporting many families, fostering a strong commitment to preserving this craft. The secrets of pottery are traditionally handed down from father to son.

Artisan Tran uc Tan, Director of Tan Thinh Ceramic Production and Trading Cooperative, reflected on his journey: Growing up in a pottery-making family in Bat Trang, I have always dreamed of creating unique ceramic products that embody the style and branding of uc Tan ceramics. With over 30 years in the profession, my passion for this craft and our national culture continues to inspire me to innovate with each Bat Trang ceramic piece.

This love for ceramics has also been passed down to Tans eldest son, Tran Anh Tu (born in 1995), who brings fresh perspectives and creativity to the craft. He is known for 'rejuvenating' Bat Trang ceramic designs, infusing them with contemporary elements while honoring the traditional values of the village.

Nguyen Van Chi, Head of the Ha Noi Rural Development Department under the Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that Bat Trang pottery was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2019 due to its exceptional value. The Bat Trang pottery brand has since established its significance and potential in the global development and integration process, gaining recognition not only across Viet Nam but also in international markets such as Europe, the US, Japan and South Korea.

This article was written with coordination from the Ha Noi Rural Development Department.
Ha Noi The Dragon Walk for Change programme will be jointly held on Sunday (November 3) by the Ascott Limited, a wholly-owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand, and the Blue Dragon Childrens Foundation at Yen So Park in the capitals Hoang Mai District.

This heartwarming event, organised in partnership with Viet Running and the Intrepid Foundation, aims to raise essential funds and awareness for homeless children and victims of human trafficking.

It is one of Ascott Viet Nams charitable programmes aimed at underprivileged children.

The Dragon Walk for Change invites a vibrant community of over 1,500 participants, including embassies, NGOs, international schools, and leading companies, to walk together in solidarity and empathy for the cause.

With distances of 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km, this event is designed to support the life-changing work of Blue Dragon Childrens Foundation, which has, to date, rescued 1,654 individuals from trafficking and provided critical educational and vocational training for over 6,400 children.

As a key sponsor, Ascott Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to giving back to the local community and empowering vulnerable children to lead better lives. Through our involvement, we aim to support Blue Dragon's mission of transforming lives and creating sustainable opportunities for at-risk children and families.

The Blue Dragon Foundation has changed the lives of thousands of children and families in difficult circumstances.

David Cumming, Regional General Manager Viet Nam Cambodia & Myanmar says, "At Ascott, sustainability and social responsibility have been central to everything we have achieved over the past 30 years here in Viet Nam and will continue to do so as we look forever more ways to make a difference in our local communities. By partnering with Blue Dragon for the Dragon Walk for Change, we are able to take meaningful action to support vulnerable children and contribute to lasting change to improve the quality of their lives in so many ways. Our Ascott Cares initiative believes in the power of the community and forever giving back; thus, this event is a perfect reflection of those values. Together, we can all make a real difference, one step at a time."VNS
Thank God!

By Mark Alexander

web posted November 11, 2024

A few weeks ago, I began contemplating the two potential outcomes of the 2024 election. At the top of my worksheet, I noted that if Donald Trump was reelected, I would make this the shortest column I have ever written  just two words: "Thank God!"

And while that would suffice, Trump's victory is worthy of some additional context.

Last weeked marks the 40th anniversary of Ronald Reagan's historic 1984 landslide reelection.

I graduated college the year prior to Reagan's election in 1980  the previous three years under the catastrophically failed domestic and foreign policies of Jimmy Carter. From the ashes of those failures, Reagan rose, defeating Carter in the general election by carrying 44 states.

Unlike any other president in the preceding decades, Reagan was, in fact, a uniter  so much so that he was reelected in 1984 by historic margins, winning 49 of 50 states. He lost only Minnesota, the home state of his opponent Walter Mondale, Carter's former vice president  and by only 3,800 votes, at that. Oh, and, of course, he lost the bureaucratic stronghold of the District of Columbia.

Reagan won 525 electoral votes (the most in history) and 58.8% of the popular vote. That was a very RED map.

On his decision to become a Republican, Reagan noted: "I did not leave the Democrat Party. The Democrat Party left me." On voting Republican, he declared, "I know what it's like to pull the Republican lever for the first time because I used to be a Democrat myself, and I can tell you it only hurts for a minute, and then it feels just great."

Last week millions of Americans learned just how great it really feels!

How fitting that on that anniversary, we had the privilege of being up all night, watching President Donald Trump soundly defeat socialist Kamala Harris and the corrupt Biden/Harris regime, a perilous threat to our Republic.

Trump's considerable and well-documented record of domestic and foreign policy successes stands in stark contrast to the abysmal Biden/Harris record of policy failures, especially their long list of disastrous foreign policy decisions over the last almost four years. Still, Trump had an enormous uphill battle.

Trump would have covered Biden in a sea of red, but once Harris kicked Biden to the curb, this became a slog.

The Demo Machine had and has a well-oiled strategy to rig this and future elections, predicated on their 2020 election three-prong approach.

First is orchestrating massive suppression of conservative free speech by collaborating with their Leftmedia publicists and social media platforms in order to keep a chokehold on public opinion. Second is using deep state assets to set up candidates for lawfare prosecutions. And the third prong is implementing their bulk-mail ballot fraud strategy promoting unauthenticated votes.

Combined, this is precisely how Demos plan to perpetuate permanent majority control of the executive and legislative branches  and ultimately, state governments nationwide. Their planned systemic election corruption, if left unchecked, will become virtually impossible to undo, which is to say that Republicans must use their majority tenure to stop this strategy.

Those machinations notwithstanding, Trump dodged another bullet  and, by extension, so did all Americans who love our country and support our legacy of Liberty.

Amazingly, and a testament first and foremost to a groundswell of grassroots American Patriots, Trump not only won the electoral vote, but he had a strong lead in the popular vote.

Trump was outspent 4-1 by the leftist billionaires and their collaborators, but that could not overcome the words he borrowed from Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign: "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?"

The success of that question hinged on whether Trump could make the case that Harris was Biden 2.0, despite her deceptive socialist "New Way Forward" slogan.

On Election Day, a huge coalition of voters composed of what Harris and her ilk described as "deplorable," "fascist," and "garbage"  Americans from all walks of life  broke through the Demo hate and division barriers to vote for Trump and other Republicans nationwide.

Clearly, the Republican Party is, once again, the Party of working men and women, the Party of American families, the Party of Liberty, just as it was under the leadership of President Reagan  until George H.W. Bush managed to undo much of the grassroots unity Reagan created. It has been born again, as reflected in our mission statement, to sustain the endowment of American Liberty in this generation and extend it to the next by, first, advocating for individual rights and responsibilities; second, supporting the restoration of constitutional limits on government and the judiciary; and third, promoting free enterprise, national defense, and traditional American values.

In addition to the presidency, Republicans have retaken the Senate with what could be a 54-plus-seat majority, and the implication for the composition of the Supreme Court with appointments over the next two years is enormous  as it was when Trump was elected in 2016. Also, I suspect Republicans will retain their narrow majority in the House.

As you well know, it is going to be very challenging for Trump and JD Vance and their administration to clean up the domestic and foreign policy disasters Biden and Harris will leave behind. And as Trump endeavors to do that, the Demos will redouble their efforts to suppress Liberty on all fronts.

As a wise elder once advised me in the midst of a disaster, "Start where you are and move on from there." And we are prepared to do just that in order to "Make America Great Again" (also Reagan's 1980 campaign slogan).

A couple of final notes...

First, what distressed me most about the prospect of a Harris/Walz victory was that Harris would become commander-in-chief for 1.3 million uniformed American Patriots. Just one heartbeat away from that command would be her disgraceful VP candidate Tim "Stolen Valor" Walz.

Now, one heartbeat away from Trump, who already has the overwhelming support of military personnel and Veterans, is Marine Veteran JD Vance. You can rest easy with that Trump pick!

Second, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Elon Musk, who acquired the social media platform X for $44 billion. He did so with one objective: "I acquired X in order to preserve freedom of speech in America, the First Amendment, and I'm going to stick to that, and if that means making less money, so be it." Of his alliance with Trump, he said: "I have never been materially active in politics before, but this time I think civilization as we know it is on the line. If we want to preserve freedom and a meritocracy in America, then Trump must win."

Third, I am so grateful that America has been "unburdened from what has been!" Unfortunately, millions of Democrats refused to wash the Biden/Harris blood from their hands, opting instead to remain the vanguard of the Democrat Party's "confederacy of dunces." But many of them are not forever lost, and we must endeavor to win their hearts and minds in the coming years.

Last, our Creator always has a plan, and I'm grateful that plan was revealed last week.

Thank God!

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post.
SANTIAGO State President Luong Cuong received President of the Socialist Party of Chile Paulina Vodanovic in Santiago on November 10 (local time) during his ongoing official visit to Chile.

Cuong thanked the Chilean people and left-wing, peace-loving forces for supporting and standing in solidarity with Viet Nam in the past struggle for national independence and reunification, especially the Socialist Party of Chile's assistance for Viet Nam during the country's oi Moi (Renewal) under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

He highlighted the two countries and Parties similarities in the aspirations for freedom, independence, justice, equality, and social progress on the basis of a solid relationship, shared interests, and the potential to expand cooperation, supplement and support each other in the development process for the benefit of the people of each country, for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Briefing the Socialist Party of Chile's leader of Viet Nam 's current situation, the Vietnamese State leader said that after nearly 40 years of persistently implementing the renewal policy, Viet Nam has achieved great and historic achievements, especially in economics, social security, national defence and security, building a socialist rule-of-law State, and promoting administrative and judicial reform, and anti-corruption.

He clarified that Viet Nam always pursues to a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, proactive and active international integration, being a friend, a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of the international community, in which Viet Nam always attaches importance to developing a comprehensive and modern diplomacy based on three pillars of party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people diplomacy, creating a framework for stable and sustainable relations with partners.

Viet Nam aims for proactive, active comprehensive and extensive international integration, contributing to the process of building and shaping multilateral and regional institutions, especially ASEAN, the United Nations, as well as regional, inter-regional and Mekong sub-region cooperation mechanisms, he stated.

Cuong underlined that Viet Nam wishes to cooperate with traditional friends in Latin America, especially with Chile, an important country that plays a leading role in regional integration and regional connectivity and with an increasingly important role in global issues.

He said he hopes that in the coming time, the two Parties will strengthen close coordination and effectively implement their cooperation agreement, while continuing to consolidate high-level trust and the foundation of political relations as the basis and orientation for the development of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, especially in areas where both sides have strengths.

Cuong emphasised that the two sides need to continue to support, encourage and create conditions to promote the implementation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms as well as agreements and action plans between the two countries, focus on enhancing collaboration in areas where both sides have needs and potential such as security-defence, science-technology, green development, digital transformation, and renewable energy to create motivation for the their trade and investment between the two countries.

Two countries governments need to coordinate closely at international forums, especially at the United Nations, while facilitating and promote people-to-people exchanges to increase mutual understanding, thus creating a premise for maintaining and further promoting traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries people, he said.

He expressed his belief that with the Socialist Party of Chiles attention and joint efforts, the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries will develop more strongly and substantially.

For her part, President of the Socialist Party of Chile Vodanovic expressed her pleasure to welcome President Cuon and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, underlining that the visit is of important significance in promoting relations between the two countries and between the two parties in particular.

She said that immediately after being elected in 1971, President Salvador Allende decided to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam and became the first South American country to set up diplomatic ties with the Southeast Asian nation.

Vodanovic described the good friendship which has always been preserved and growing, especially in recent years, as a basis for the two countries to continue expanding cooperation in across economic, political, diplomatic and cultural fields.

She said she hopes Viet Nam will share experiences in areas that the two countries are interested in, such as social security, security and safety for people, and at the same time she wishes to cooperate with Vietnam in the issues of illegal immigration and anti-crime.

She affirmed with its role, the Socialist Party of Chile will continue to preserve and build the good traditional friendship between the two countries. VNS
SANTIAGO - State President Luong Cuong had a meeting with President of the Communist Party of Chile Lautaro Carmona in Santiago on November 10 (local time) as part of his ongoing official visit to Chile.

Cuong expressed his delight at visiting the beautiful and hospitable nation of Chile, and thanked the people of Chile, the Communist Party of Chile, and left-wing, progressive and peace-loving forces for their enduring support and solidarity with Vietnam during the country's past struggle for national independence and reunification and in its ongoing efforts for national development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

He showed his appreciation to Carmona who in the 1970s actively participated in anti-war movements and supported the Vietnamese people, and acknowledged Carmonas significant contributions to fostering relations between the two Parties and the two peoples.

Cuong conveyed the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam's regards and invitation to Carmona to visit Viet Nam at a convenient time. He expressed his confidence that as a member of Chiles ruling coalition, the Communist Party of Chile will actively contribute to the Chilean left-wing governments success, especially in advancing proactive foreign policies and international coperation.

Briefing the Communist Party of Chile's leader on Viet Nams current situation and the role of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Cuong said that despite severe war consequences and todays complex global landscape, Vietnam has made historic achievements over the past nearly 40 years of oi Moi (Renewal).

Viet Nam is now among the world's 40 largest economies and one of the 20 fastest-growing countries.

Viet Nam constantly pursues a foreign policy of independence, peace, and proactive international integration, being a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, he said.

The State leader said that the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam set a goal for Vietnam to become a developing country with a modern industry and upper middle income by 2030-marking the 100th anniversary of the Party- and a high-income developed country by 2045, celebrating 100 years of the National Day. He emphasised the importance of international support, including from Chile, in achieving these goals.

Chile is currently Viet Nams leading export market in Latin America, while Viet Nam is Chiles top trade partner in ASEAN, he noted, adding that the Communist Party of Viet Nam highly values and wishes to promote cooperation with ruling and progressive as well as political parties with traditional friendship, including the Communist Party of Chile, for the benefit of people in each country and peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Cuong said that Viet Nam sticks to the path of independence towards socialism, and stressed the importance of experience-sharing between the two Communist Parties.

For his part, Carmona said that attendees at the meeting represented different generations, yet shared a common admiration for Viet Nams people and culture. Many had once marched for peace in solidarity with Viet Nams cause, he said.

He described Viet Nam as a model in the world, including for Chile. The Communist Party of Chile has drawn valuable lessons from Viet Nams experience in national liberation, particularly the commitment to an all-inclusive revolutionary cause, and the engagement of all people in national development.

He acknowledged the current challenges facing Chiles governing coalition and underscored the partys commitment to strengthening its own capacities and learning from Viet Nams model, especially in approaches suited to Chiles context.

Carmona assured that, regardless of political parties, Chilean leaders always support cooperation with Viet Nam in all fields. VNS
SANTIAGO  State President Luong Cuong on November 10 evening (local time) visited the home of late Chilean President Salvador Allende, a great friend of President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people as part of his official visit to Chile.

The Vietnamese state leader extended his regards and best wishes for health to the family's members, including Senator Isabel Allende, a daughter of the late President, who has special affection for the land and people of Viet Nam.

Isabel Allende said the visit by the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to Chile helps further strengthen and deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries.

She recalled her father's visit to Viet Nam in 1969, including his historic meeting with President Ho Chi Minh. She recounted the deep impressions and special sentiments he held for the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.

At that time, as then President of the Senate, Salvador Allende delivered many impactful speeches at the Chilean Senate about the Vietnamese people's struggle for national independence. Later, upon his election as President, Salvador decided to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam.

Isabel expressed her admiration for Viet Nam 's socio-economic achievements and comprehensive development in recent years.

Cuong expressed his heartfelt appreciation and was deeply moved by the warmth and admiration that the Chilean people have for late President Ho Chi Minh, affirming that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, they have always remained close and supportive of each other in all circumstances.

He said that for generations of Vietnamese people during the struggle for national independence, the mention of Chile evokes memories of solidarity marches held across many Latin American countries, including Chile, to express support for Viet Nams just cause.

For the Vietnamese people, Salvador is remembered as a symbol of the international movement supporting Viet Nam during its resistance war against the American imperialism, Cuong stressed, adding that that special visit by the late Chilean President to Vietnam showed solidarity and immense moral support to the people of Viet Nam in their struggle for national liberation, becoming a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

Salvador played a decisive role in establishing diplomatic relations with Vietnam, making Chile the first nation in South America and the second in Latin America and the Caribbean to set up relations with Viet Nam, Cuong noted.

Cuong stated that through his visit, the two sides will identify key strategic breakthrough areas of cooperation to further strengthen the connection between the two economies, thus making tangible contributions to the development efforts of Viet Nam and Chile.

He hoped that Isabel, in her position in the Senate and the Socialist Party of Chile, will continue her contributions to strengthening the special friendship between the peoples of the two countries, and help advance the comprehensive development of Viet Nam  Chile relations. VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) have long been partners in external information, contributing to effectively realising the Party and State's foreign policies, VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang said on Monday during a working session with heads of Vietnamese representative missions abroad for the 2025-2028 term.

Trang highlighted the close cooperation between the VNA and the MoFA, as well as between the VNAs overseas bureaus and Vietnamese representative offices abroad, noting that both sides support each other in fulfilling their missions.

According to the General Director, the VNA, as Viet Nam's key national press agency for foreign affairs, continuously strives to spread information about the countrys external activities, including the efforts of Vietnamese representative agencies, citizen protection activities, and the lives and sentiments of the overseas Vietnamese community toward the homeland. It also promotes Viet Nams image globally, delivers information on foreign countries and issues related to Viet Nam there to the home country, and brings the world closer to Viet Nam.

Currently, the national news agency boasts more than 2,000 staff members, including 927 reporters and sub-editors, with its presence in 30 countries and territories across the five continents.

The VNA produces approximately 60 media products in Vietnamese and nine foreign languages, including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Lao, Khmer, Korean, and Japanese. It also publishes books and reference materials.

"Amid many challenges, the VNA's correspondents overseas always receive effective support from ambassadors and embassies," Trang noted.

Through its overseas bureaus, the VNA and the embassies have organised numerous photo exhibitions highlighting Viet Nams relations with other countries, promoting the country and its people on the anniversaries of their diplomatic ties and during important national celebrations such as the founding of the Party and National Day.

Given the countrys development in this new phase and the complex, unpredictable international situation, she emphasised that cooperation between the VNA and Vietnamese representative agencies abroad should be further strengthened to keep pace with global trends, particularly amid the booming in digital technology and artificial intelligence.

The VNA wishes to receive more support from Viet Nam's representative offices abroad to broaden the reach of its foreign service products, including VietnamPlus e-newspaper, Viet Nam Pictorial, Viet Nam News, and Le Courrier du Vietnam, the official said, adding this collaboration will help improve the efficiency of the countrys external communications work.

She suggested adding links to the VNA's websites and e-newspapers on the pages of these offices and called on their heads to continue supporting the agencys reporters.

The VNA stands ready to work together with the offices to organise exhibitions in host countries showcasing Viet Nams image, people, economic achievements, and external relations, the General Director went on.

Reflecting on the key tasks of protecting sovereignty in cyberspace, countering hostile and false viewpoints, and ensuring information security, Trang said the VNA hopes to receive official information from the diplomatic missions regarding sensitive political security issues, helping stabilise public opinion amid conflicting information.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Thanh Binh attributed diplomatic achievements, regarded by leaders as a bright spot over the past years, partly to the press circle, saying thanks to its efforts, the image of a peaceful, independent, stable, and growing Viet Nam has been introduced to the world.

Highlighting the VNAs crucial role in disseminating the Party's and State's policies, guidelines, and laws, he said its mainstream information has a significant influence on the public, helping foster social consensus and serving national construction, development, and defence.

The agencys activities and its network of correspondents in various countries around the world contribute to promoting Viet Nams image and enhancing understanding between the Vietnamese people and other nations, Binh said, lauding the VNAs role in connecting overseas Vietnamese with their homeland.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), in coordination with the Viet Nam - China Friendship Association, on Monday organised a scientific seminar highlighting President Ho Chi Minh as a symbol of solidarity and friendship between the Vietnamese and Chinese revolutions.

The event marked 100 years since Ho Chi Minh came to Guangzhou, China, to engage in revolutionary activities (November 11, 1924 - 2024).

In his opening remarks, HCMA Vice President Prof. Dr Le Van Loi emphasised that President Ho Chi Minh is a symbol of unity between the Vietnamese revolution and global revolutionary movements, as well as the solidarity and friendship between the Vietnamese and Chinese revolutions.

In his journey to realise the aspiration of independence, freedom, and happiness for his nation and humanity, Nguyen Ai Quoc, later known as Ho Chi Minh, travelled to many places and countries, leaving significant imprints on the development of both the Vietnamese and international revolutionary movements. Guangzhou (China) was one of such notable places where he opened a new chapter for Viet Nams revolutionary history while laying a solid foundation for the future friendly relationship between the Vietnamese and Chinese revolutions.

President Ho Chi Minh's legacy on Viet Nam - China relations is immensely valuable and deeply embedded in the hearts and minds of generations of officials, Party members, and people of both nations. It needs to be cherished, inherited and promoted in the new context, Loi said.

The seminar featured nearly 40 speeches from representatives of various central agencies, ministries, departments, and organisations, as well as the Viet Nam - China Friendship Association and numerous scholars.

The discussions highlighted various topics such as the role of Guangzhou in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minhs strategic vision to achieve national liberation and connect the Vietnamese revolution with the Chinese and global revolutionary movements. They also explored Ho Chi Minhs efforts to enhance cooperation between the Vietnamese and Chinese revolutions during the resistance wars against foreign invaders and the building of socialism. How to inherit and promote the solid foundation of the two countries' solidarity and friendship, and to develop their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height was also among the issues under consideration.  VNS
SANTIAGO  Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font hosted a welcome ceremony in Santiago on Monday for Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong, who is on an official visit to the South American country.

Following the ceremony, the leaders held talks, where they compared notes on measures to deepen and enhance the efficiency of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier, Cuong and his entourage laid a wreath at the monument dedicated to national hero Bernardo O'Higgins, who led Chile in the fight for independence from colonial rule in the early 19th century.

This is the first visit to Chile by a Vietnamese State President in 15 years, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the historic meeting between President Ho Chi Minh and President Salvador Allende, which laid the foundation for Chile to become the first country in South America to establish diplomatic ties with Viet Nam.

Over the years, despite the geographical distance, diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Chile have developed fruitfully. Political-diplomatic relations between the two countries have become increasingly close and reliable, as demonstrated through visits and meetings between senior leaders and officials of ministries, sectors and localities.

Trade cooperation remains a highlight of bilateral relations. Over the past decade, two-way trade has quadrupled, reaching US$ 1.5 billion in 2023. Chile is now one of Viet Nams key partners in the region and the first Latin American country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Viet Nam in 2014. As both are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, ample room remains for their cooperation.

The visit also aims to continue implementing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations, proactive, positive, comprehensive and extensive international integration and raising the level of multilateral foreign affairs in the spirit of the 13th National Party Congress, contributing to promoting peace, cooperation, economic linkage and regional connectivity. It also demonstrates Viet Nam's consistent policy of treasuring and wishing to consolidate and promote the Viet Nam-Chile relations. VNS
SANTIAGO  State President Luong Cuong met President of the Chilean Senate Jose Garcia Ruminot in Santiago on November 11 morning (local time) as part of the Vietnamese leaders ongoing official visit to Chile.

Jose Garcia stressed the importance of Cuongs visit, affirming that it is expected to deepen and advance the comprehensive partnership between the two countries through State, parliament, and people-to-people diplomacy channels.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his pleasure at making his first official visit to Chile and congratulated the South American country on its great socio-economic achievements over the past decades, helping raise its reputation and position in the region and the world at large.

He affirmed the importance Viet Nam attaches to developing its friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Latin American nations, with Chile playing a crucial position.

Viet Nam deeply values the support of the Chilean people during its past struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as the present cause of national development, Cuong said, noting that, through this visit, Viet Nam wishes to promote the comprehensive partnership, making it more intensive, substantive, and effective, towards elevating the relationship to a higher level in the time ahead.

Garcia said in recent times, the Viet Nam-Chile relations in general and the parliamentary ties in particular have continued to grow strongly, substantively, and effectively across various areas, including politics-diplomacy, economy-trade, security-defence, investment, education, agriculture, and justice. Notably, both sides have regularly exchanged high-level delegations and maintained contacts.

He expressed his delight at the growth in bilateral trade, which continues to be a highlight in their relationship, reaching over US$1.3 billion in the first nine months of this year. Chile remains Viet Nams fourth-largest trade partner in Latin America, while Viet Nam is a major trade partner of Chile within the Association of Southeast Asia (ASEAN).

Cuong affirmed that strengthening parliamentary relations is one of the important pillars of the two countries' diplomacy, contributing to promoting the Viet Nam - Chile bilateral relationship in general as well as establishing and implementing a favourable legal corridor between the two countries in particular.

He expressed his support for the two legislatures to continue strengthening cooperation through increased exchanges between their Friendship Parliamentary Groups as well as between delegations at all levels, and promoting coordination at various forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum.

The State President suggested that the two parliaments enhance cooperation, promote their role in supporting the ratification of initiatives, agreements, and cooperation pacts signed by their governments, ministries, and localities of the two nations to complete the bilateral collaboration framework, contributing to further consolidating and advancing the comprehensive partnership.

On this occasion, Cuong conveyed an invitation from the Chairman of the National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man, to the Chilean Senate leader to visit Viet Nam at an appropriate time. VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam talked over the phone with President-elect of the US Donald Trump on the evening of November 11.

The Party leader congratulated Trump on his election as the 47th President of the US while highly valuing the latters contributions to the development of Viet Nam - US relations.

The two sides discussed the positive results of the Viet Nam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in recent times.

Lam stated that Viet Nam is ready to promote the stable and long-term development of the bilateral ties for the sake of the two peoples, as well as for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and the world.

The Party chief and the President-elect also exchanged views on major orientations for fostering the bilateral economic, trade and investment links in the areas matching their strengths and demands.

Trump expressed his satisfaction with the positive development in the bilateral relations, and affirmed the importance he attaches to the relationship with Viet Nam, particularly economic cooperation. He highlighted specific areas of economic and trade collaboration that the US seeks to advance.

The President-elect expressed his confidence that the Viet Nam - US friendship will continue to grow. He also shared his good impressions of the Vietnamese people, recalling his previous two visits to the Southeast Asian nation.

Trump also appreciated the contributions of the Vietnamese community in the US.

On this occasion, Lam invited Trump to visit Viet Nam again. The President-elect accepted the invitation with pleasure, and in turn invited the Party chief to visit the US at an appropriate time.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has given the green light to the future evolvement and development of the area which constitutes the Viet Nam-Laos-Cambodia triangle.

He recently signed a decision on the agenda implementing Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) Regional Planning in the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Under the decision, six key task groups include economic structure transformation, infrastructure development, economic corridors development, urban and rural development, resource management and environmental protection and national defence and security.

In agriculture, forestry and fisheries, the planning focuses on developing high-value, ecological and large-scale agriculture associated with concentrated agricultural production areas that apply high-tech solutions suited to the region's natural conditions, concentrating on key crops.

It is necessary to create agricultural hubs linked with economic corridors, develop forestry and forest-based economies, encourage the planting of production forests in suitable areas to provide raw materials for processing plants, promote the cultivation of medicinal plants and non-timber forest products and ensure sustainable development of resource areas for economic benefit while protecting the environment in forest product extraction and processing.

For the industry sector, priority will be given to accelerating structural transformation towards increasing the proportion of processing and manufacturing industries and environmentally friendly, technology-intensive sectors. It will strengthen links with the south central and southeast regions, as well as the Viet Nam-Laos-Cambodia Development Triangle, to expand material supply and product markets.

It needs to develop sustainable industrial zones and promote the establishment of sustainable, specialised hubs for agriculture and forestry processing associated with central urban areas and economic corridors as well as sustainably develop mining, bauxite and aluminium processing industries in ak Nong and Lam ong provinces and mechanical, textile, chemical, pharmaceutical, fertiliser and bio-fertiliser industries in the region. It will expand renewable energy industries in line with the national power development plan and natural conditions, especially in Gia Lai and ak Lak provinces.

To develop service industries synergistically with agriculture and industry, the planning focuses on expanding supply and demand markets within and outside the region through regional connection corridors and seaports to international markets and strengthening border trade activities. This will mean infrastructure improvements at key international border gates, such as Bo Y in Kon Tum Province, Le Thanh in Gia Lai Province and ak Peur in ak Nong Province to enhance trade with Laos and Cambodia.

Eco-tourism and cultural tourism will also be highlighted, combined with preserving and promoting the cultural values and identity of Tay Nguyen ethnic groups.

In infrastructure, the transport network will be enhanced to align with approved transport plans and leverage transport modes advantages, ensuring comprehensive and modern connectivity across the region to major ports, domestic and international airports, reducing transportation costs.

Energy infrastructure will be developed with the National Energy Development Plan and a modernised electricity network will be completed. Fuel and gas storage and supply infrastructure according to the National Storage and Supply Infrastructure Plan for 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050 will be carried out.

The Tay Nguyen region will also concentrate on three pillars of digital transformation - government, economy and society, ensuring synchronicity and modernity, in alignment with the Information and Communications Infrastructure Plan for 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050. VNS
TIEN GIANG  Tien Giang Province has been strengthening linkages among various stakeholders in agricultural production to ensure sustainable development.

The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province has approved financial and other forms of support for 97 linkage projects and plans for the 2021-25 period.

Of them, 16 projects and 20 plans are currently underway at a cost of VN154.7 billion (US$6 million), with VN24.1 billion ($950,000) provided by the province, according to the Sub-department of Rural Development.

Vo Van Lap, its head, said stakeholders participating in these projects would have access to support policies, including consultancy, to set up projects and financial assistance for purchasing machinery and facilities.

Participants would also benefit from the transfer of advanced technologies and additional support to develop sustainable linkages, he said.

"Companies and co-operatives involved in these linkages are guaranteed a steady supply of high-quality input materials, while farmers are assured of a stable market for their products," he promised.

These linkages will ensure the production of clean, safe agricultural produce with clear origins and create jobs.

The province has successfully implemented several effective linkage models.

For instance, three co-operatives in Go Cong ong and Go Cong Tay districts have formed a partnership to grow clean vegetables to Vietnamese good agricultural practice standards.

They include the Tan ong Safe Vegetable Co-operative in Go Cong ong, and the Phu Quoi and Thanh Hung Safe Vegetable Co-operatives in Go Cong Tay.

Together, they produce three to four tonnes of vegetables daily, supplying supermarkets, restaurants and export markets in Japan and the EU.

Fruit co-operatives in the province have partnered with companies and fruit trading establishments to ensure stable outlets and prices for their members.

Tien Giang, the country's largest fruit-producing province, has over 84,000 hectares of fruit orchards that yield 1.8 million tonnes annually.

The province is known for its speciality fruits like Hoa Loc mango, grapefruit, durian, milk apple, pineapple, and dragon fruit.

Nguyen Thanh Hien, director of the Trade, Services and Agriculture Co-operative in Tan Phuoc District, said his co-operative had a farming contract with the Minh Hung pineapple trading establishment, ensuring a steady market for their produce.

Our members receive VN500 per kilogram more than the market price, and they are very pleased with the higher income.

Relevant provincial departments are implementing support policies to strengthen these linkages.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is promoting the production of OCOP (One Commune - One Product) items through linkages between various stakeholders.

These products will receive marketing and branding support, enhancing their visibility and market value.

The department is also assisting co-operatives to build operational capacity, enabling them to better serve as a bridge between farmers and companies.

The province is encouraging investment in concentrated farming areas that produce high-quality products with traceable origins and robust stakeholder linkages.

Rice production initiatives

Many rice companies in Tien Giang have established partnerships with farmers and co-operatives to produce high-quality rice that meets export standards.

HK Trading Company Limited, based in My Tho City, collaborates with co-operatives to cultivate rice on pooled fields in Go Cong ong, Go Cong Tay, Cai Lay Town, and Go Cong City.

Chau Minh Hai, the company's director, said: We are implementing linkages to grow 1,800 to 2,000 ha of rice per crop.

Farmers are taught organic farming methods, and we assist them with soil improvement, crop care, and proper fertilisation.

The My Quoi Agricultural Service Co-operative, in collaboration with the Phuoc Loc Thien Ho Company Limited in Cai Be Districts Hau My Bac B Commune, cultivates 100 ha of rice using organic and high-tech methods.

Their two rice varieties, ST24 and Nang Hoa 9, have been recognised as four-star OCOP products.

Tien Giang has over 54,000 ha under the grain and produces around 800,000 tonnes of paddy annually.

Though its rice growing area has shrunk, productivity and quality have improved thanks to advanced farming techniques and mechanisation.

Yields have increased by 1.2-2.2 tonnes per hectare per crop from five years ago.

The province has also developed brand names for high-quality rice varieties, such as Go Cong rice, VD 20, Nang Hoa 9, OM 4900, and OM 5451, enhancing their market value and competitiveness.

It is implementing a national project to develop one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation, contributing to green growth in the delta, by 2030.

Tran Hoang Nhat Nam, the department's deputy director, said the project focuses on key rice-growing areas like Cai Be, Cai Lay, Tan Phuoc, Go Cong ong, and Go Cong Tay districts, Cai Lay Town and Go Cong City.

These places will cultivate 22,100 ha by 2025, increasing to 29,500 ha by 2030.

The project will train 20,000 farmers in sustainable rice farming techniques such as reducing seed use to 80-100 kg per hectare and water, pesticide and fertiliser use by 20 per cent compared to traditional methods.

Sensor-based water monitoring systems will be installed to manage irrigation effectively.

All rice-growing areas under the project will cover at least 50 ha and be cultivated through linkages between companies, co-operatives and farmer groups.

The province is also investing in rice processing to enhance quality for exports, assisting 15 companies to improve processing capacity.

With 500 rice milling companies, Tien Giang exports nearly 200,000 tonnes of rice annually.  VNS
San Antonian Paulina Chavez, second from left, plays a young mother in the "Landman," the latest series from "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan. Chavez appears alongside Kayla Wallace, from left, and Colm Feore as Nathan in the sixth episode of the show. Emerson Miller/Emerson Miller/Paramount+

San Antonio-raised actress Paulina Chavez reads a lot of scripts that dont really resonate with her.

Paulina Chavez is one of two San Antonio actresses cast in "Landman," the latest series from "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan. Brittany Bravo San Antonian Rylie Rodriguez is part of the cast of "Landman," Taylor Sheridan's new series about the oil industry. Dani Raen

Chavez was asked to audition for the part of Ariana, a young Latina mother, for the newest addition to Taylor Sheridans TV empire. She loved the part but figured it would most likely go to someone a little older.

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Being sent this audition, I was like, Oh my God what a dream. If only I was like 30 years old, she said. Stuff like this is the thing that I want to be doing, telling our stories in a really beautiful light.

Landman Where to see it: First two episodes debut Sunday on Paramount+, with new episodes arriving weekly.

She won the part. And shes not the only San Antonio actress in the series. Rylie Rodriguez also has a role as the daughter of a wealthy couple played by Jon Hamm and Demi Moore.

Theres so much talent in Texas, and so it is amazing that that there are two San Antonians in this show, as there should be, said Chavez, whose credits include starring turns in the Netflix comedy series The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia and the Lifetime movie Feliz NaviDAD. Its a Texas story, so, of course. And I think it also opens the door for other aspiring actors, producers, directors, whatever, to go for it, because its not impossible.

COMING UP: CowParade public art project returns to San Antonio in 2025

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San Antonio itself will pop up in Sheridans Yellowstone prequel 1923. A few scenes were shot downtown earlier this year. Rodriguez visited the set.

San Antonian Rylie Rodriguez, right, plays a member of a wealthy family in "Landman," the latest series from "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan. The rest of the family is played by Demi Moore, from left, Dani Raen and Jon Hamm. Emerson Miller/Emerson Miller/Paramount+

It was so cool, she said. To see that my city has the architecture to be able to be used for something like that, and the fact that theyre using the city for something like that is like: OK! Representation! Im very happy about that, and Im proud to be a part of 'Landman' as a San Antonian.

She and Chavez dont have any scenes together in the first season of the show, which begins streaming Sunday on Paramount+.

Landman is a fictional tale set in the oil business. It looks at both those who labor in the oil fields and those who profit from that labor. The cast also includes Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter.

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It was inspired by Boomtown, Texas Monthlys documentary podcast about the oil business in the Permian Basin. Christian Wallace, who reported and hosted the podcast, co-created Landman with Sheridan.

People keep asking me if its a sequel to Yellowstone, but this is actually separate, said Rodriguez, who studied film at the North East School of the Arts before being home-schooled her senior year. Its a brand-new thing.

The show is a big break for Rodriguez, who has spent much of her young life acting. She booked her first film gig when she was 8, starring in the award-winning student film Para Ellos.

She appears in three episodes of Landman. She filmed her scenes in Fort Worth, including some in the real-life mansion that stands in for her TV familys abode.

She enjoyed working with Moore and Hamm.

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You forget theyre celebrities, she said. Its really like being in a master class working with them up-close.

She now is working on a personal project, a video podcast titled Lights, Camera, Faith that will explore how her career and her Christianity intersect.

In the Christian world, many people think that people should stay away from Hollywood, but its not something we should be afraid of, she said.

She sees her career as a business, which reflects the entrepreneurial streak in her family. In addition to working on acting, she runs the social media account for El Montan Motor Hotel, which her family owns.

She is hoping that Landman will get a second season, and so is Chavez.

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Chavez is eager to see where Arianas story goes. It is her first adult role, she said, and the first time shes had a chance to explore motherhood a bit.

Im the youngest in the family, so I didnt grow up with any babies and I dont have a maternal bone in my body, she said. But at the beginning of 2023, my sister had her first baby. So my mom and I were just there helping as much as we could. And I feel like that, her experiencing that and getting to see that, helped me interpret it into Ariana. I was definitely calling my sister, saying how do you do this again? How do you hold a baby?

Billy Bob Thornton is one of the stars of "Landman," the latest series created by Taylor Sheridan. Emerson Miller/Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Chavez didn't have any scenes with Hamm or Moore, but she did get to work with Thornton.

"He is an absolute sweetheart," she said. "Hes so down-to-earth and talks to everybody, and it's just beautiful to see that."

Chavez did get to see a rough cut of her scenes, and she's eager to see the finished episodes.

She and Rodriguez both are planning to go to the red carpet premiere in Los Angeles.
YEN BAI  The severe consequences of Typhoon Yagi caused thousands of homes in the mountainous northern province of Yen Bai to be swept away, buried or remain at high risk of further landslides.

Currently, many families are in dire need of housing, so construction, placement and resettlement in new homes is becoming an urgent task for the Party Committee and authorities at all levels in the province to stabilise peoples lives.

New housing

Statistics on housing damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in Yen Bai show that the whole province saw more than 27,300 homes damaged, of which 326 completely collapsed and 973 were severely damaged.

After nearly two months, many families have repaired homes that were slightly damaged and were able to return to normal life. Meanwhile, thousands of others could not return home due to their houses' locations in areas at high risk of landslides. They are now hoping to have a new place to live that is safer and more convenient.

Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Sang said that thus far, the province had arranged relocation for people to avoid the risk of landslides and flooding.

The province hoped that by the end of this year, those in need would have new accommodation.

Following inspections and reviews in 14 communes of Luc Yen District, authorities found that nearly 1,400 households were affected by and suffered damage in the typhoon; of these, 76 houses had completely collapsed, while more than 100 households were located in high-risk areas that are not safe to live in.

The district has a plan to arrange land funds and build resettlement areas to ensure that nearly 200 households can move to new homes.

Located in a flood-prone area, Van Yen District had to evacuate over 2,500 households with over 7,100 people to safe shelters.

After the typhoon, 109 houses either completely collapsed or suffered severe damage, 268 houses lost their roofs or were partially damaged, and 1,833 others were flooded for a long time.

More than 300 households need new housing immediately. Meanwhile, in the long term, the locality will need to arrange new housing for nearly 2,000 households.

Yen Bai City suffered the most severe housing damage of any locality after Typhoon Yagi.

The storm affected tens of thousands of households in the city, including thousands of homes that were damaged by landslides with over one million cubic metres of soil and rock and had to be relocated to ensure safety.

The landslides were concentrated in Au Lau and Van Phu communes and Nguyen Thai Hoc, Yen Ninh, Minh Tan, Nam Cuong and ong Tam wards.

According to Deputy Chairman of Yen Bai City People's Committee Phung Tien Thanh, the city has more than 1,400 households with 4,830 people who have to be relocated.

Resettlement areas

An urgent task for localities in Yen Bai Province is creating safe accommodation to restore the quality of life for residents and production for the economy after the typhoon. Localities are currently focusing on the arrangement of temporary accommodation for households that have lost their homes.

At the same time, they are reviewing and selecting safe and convenient locations to design and build long-term resettlement areas for those in need.

Deputy Chairman of Yen Bai Provincial People's Committee Nguyen The Phuoc said that ensuring the peoples safety was the top priority, with a focus on land allocation and provision of housing for people as quickly as possible.

Authorities are also gradually working to complete infrastructure, electricity and water for the resettlement areas.

These areas are carefully selected by the province for construction at a safe distance from mountainous locations with a high risk of landslides, ensuring plenty of agricultural land for new residents.

Authorities are also taking into account residents' need for both shelter from natural disasters as well as a place for cultural activities when building infrastructure.

Since the beginning of last month, Luc Yen District has quickly started to build a resettlement area for 11 households in At Thuong Village, Minh Xuan Commune.

Nguyen Ngoc Son, head of the district's Division of Natural Resources and Environment, said that in the short term, the district would quickly build 31 houses at the old location, relocate 17 houses in the residential area, and propose to change agricultural land to residential land for seven more houses.

In the long term, Luc Yen District plans to build resettlement areas, specifically an area of over 13,000sq.m for 31 households in Lang Muong Village, To Mau Commune and another area of over 5,000sq.m for 19 households in Khe Pan Village, Khanh Hoa Commune.

Van Chan District has planned nine resettlement areas, of which two will be completed this year. The remaining seven will be constructed by 2030 to relocate all households in areas at high risk of landslides.

Mai Mong Tuan, Secretary of the Van Chan District Party Committee, said that although the work was very urgent, each resettlement area was planned in detail, and would include all necessary infrastructure.  VNS
THANH HOA  Under the 'Bright Border Villages' initiative, civil works are being installed by the Thanh Hoa Provincial Border Guard in their jurisdiction.

The initiative's positive results not only bring joy to people in border areas, but also raise the reputation of soldiers.

The Tam Chung Border Guard Station is located in the Muong Lat border district. Soldiers at the station are tasked with managing and protecting 7.3km of borders encompassing four national border markers, from marker 270 to marker 273.

In Tam Chung Commune, there are eight villages with 837 households and 4,011 people belonging to six ethnic groups living together, including Mong, Thai, Kinh, Muong, Dao and Kho Mu.

Over the past few years, the Tam Chung Border Guard Station has worked with the local Party Committee and authorities to deploy many new initiatives and practices to help people develop the economy, stabilise their lives and ensure security and order.

One good example is the 'Bright Border Villages' initiative.

As part of the project, the station soldiers poured concrete for 15 pillars and installed 500W solar bulbs along both sides of the road leading to the resettlement area of On Village in Tam Chung Commune.

The unit, along with the communal Women's Union, Youth Union and local people, also cleaned up the environment and planted and cared for nearly 2km of flower beds along the roads, creating a green, clean and beautiful space and landscape.

Lo Van Lieu, Chairman of the Tam Chung Commune People's Committee, said: "The border guards' support for installing solar power systems on roads leading to villages is a creative and practical way to improve the peoples cultural and spiritual life, creating a new look for the village. Our locality hopes to have more 'Bright Border Villages' projects to facilitate people's travel and ensure security and order in the area."

Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Minh Quang, Head of the Tam Chung Border Guard Station, said: "Closely following the locality and understanding the peoples wishes, the stations Party Committee and Command and the communal Party Committee and People's Committee have coordinated and unified in leadership and direction.

To complete the project, the station assigned officers and soldiers to erect poles and pull wires. At the same time, the unit selected people with mechanical skills who know how to use welding and cutting machines to install the lamp system to ensure aesthetics, sustainability and efficiency.

We've received approval and support from local people," he said.

Good work

In Muong Lat District, there are five border posts, all of which are working on the 'Bright Border Villages' initiative. The posts are the Tam Chung Border Post in On Village, the Ten Tan Border Guard Station in oan Ket Residential Quarter, Muong Lat Town, the Quang Chieu Border Station in Pu ua Village, the Trung Ly Border Station in Ta Com Village and the Pu Nhi Border Station in Com Village.

After only a few months, the projects positive effects have spread widely across the border roads of Thanh Hoa Province.

The Bat Mot Border Guard Station in Thuong Xuan District has chosen Ruong Village to deploy the initiative this year, helping people there reduce poverty, develop the economy and ensure national defence and security.

To this end, the station has been coordinating with the Bat Mot Commune People's Committee and socio-political organisations to support Ruong Village in renovating, restoring and expanding its agricultural land areas and building a model for household economic development.

In particular, the station unit plans to focus on supporting villagers to raise snails, livestock, poultry and bees for honey, as well as planting, maintaining and protecting forests.

They will also work to restore and promote pieces of national cultural identity, such as Khap Thai and Khua Luong costumes and folk games.

Colonel Le Van Long, Chief of Politics of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Border Guard, said that during the 2024-2027 period, the Provincial Border Guard Command will coordinate with the Party committees and authorities of the 11 poorest villages in five border districts, including Thuong Xuan, Lang Chanh, Quan Son, Quan Hoa and Muong Lat, on the 'Bright Border Villages' project.

The initiative will be evaluated and then replicated in other villages.

The 'Bright Border Villages' project is a creative way for the Provincial Border Guard to promote the combined strength of the entire political system, concentrating resources to build new rural areas and help people reduce poverty.

With this goal in mind, they have worked to improve coordination between Border Guards and local Party committees, authorities, departments and organisations in building and protecting territorial sovereignty and national border security as well as keeping an increasingly strong border defence.  VNS
HA NOI  Operation Walk Ireland will provide free knee and hip replacement surgeries for about 70 poor patients at the 108 Military Central Hospital.

The patients are in extremely difficult circumstances with hip and knee diseases and with indications for joint replacement.

This year, Operation Walk Ireland sent a delegation of nearly 100 experts and medical staff in joint surgery, in coordination with doctors and medical experts of the 108 Military Central Hospital, to perform hip and knee surgery and provide post-operative recovery treatment for patients.

Many poor patients have knee and hip diseases that affect mobility, but do not receive surgery because of the high cost of treatment. Therefore, when participating in the programme, patients will receive free of charge the entire cost of artificial joint replacement surgery, each worth about VN50 million (US$2,000). After surgery, all patients are trained to restore the motor function of their limbs and return to normal work and daily activities.

The humanitarian programme was under the framework of a cooperation programme between the 108 Military Central Hospital and the Operation Walk Organisation since 2008, helping patients restore the motor function of their limbs in order to resume normal activities.

The annual programme aims to continuously improve the hospitals quality of examination, treatment and patient care in general and surgery for patients with knee and hip replacement indications.

It also helps strengthen the exchange and learning of experiences with Irish surgeons in the fields of joint replacement surgery, anaesthesia and resuscitation, intensive care, comprehensive care as well as rehabilitation for patients with knee and hip replacement.

Operation Walk is a humanitarian organisation specialising in joint replacement surgery, established in 1996 in the United States. After nearly 30 years of operation, the organisation has operated on thousands of patients worldwide.

In Viet Nam, Operation Walk has worked with many medical facilities, such as the 108 Military Central Hospital and the Military Hospital 175, to provide humanitarian activities since 2008.

Up to now, the 108 Military Central Hospital has coordinated with the Operation Walk organisations of the United States and Ireland to perform humanitarian surgery to replace hip and joint joints for about 1,000 patients in Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  State President Luong Cuongs official visit to Peru and attendance at the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders Week in Lima from November 12  16 will demonstrate the robust bilateral relations from politics  diplomacy to economy  trade as well as offer an opportunity to deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The trip, to be made at the invitation of Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, will take place as the two nations are celebrating their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations (November 14, 1994-2024).

Three decades of growing partnership

Peru was one of Latin America's strongest supporters of Vietnam in its resistance war against the US. Since the establishment of the diplomatic ties, both nations have enjoyed sound bilateral relations across politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, and investment.

Along with maintaining bilateral high-level visits and meetings on the sidelines of international conferences, they have set up dialogue mechanisms, including the political consultation between the two foreign ministries and the intergovernmental committee on economic and technical cooperation.

Besides, Viet Nam and Peru have demonstrated strong alignment at multilateral forums and been members of the UN, the Asia  Pacific Economic Partnership (APEC), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans  Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Forum for East Asia  Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC).

Economic  trade partnership flourishing

The bilateral trade relationship has shown remarkable growth, with value surging 79.1 per cent from US$353.78 million in 2016 to $600 million in 2022 and reaching $486 million in 2023 and $289.6 million in the first nine months of this year.

Viet Nam has shipped electronics and footwear to Peru while importing various products from the Latin American country such as zinc, fishmeal, wood, seafood, quinoa, chia seeds, and fresh grapes. They could capitalise on their strengths to bolster export to each others market, given the complementary nature of the two economies.

With a view to facilitating the bilateral cooperation, a wide range of pacts and agreements have been signed between the two countries in the domains of politics, diplomacy, agriculture, and science  technology, among others, including visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports and a Memorandum of Understanding on collaboration in the APEC framework.

Peru currently stands as Viet Nam's sixth-largest trading partner and is the Southeast Asian countrys largest direct investor in Latin America. Vietnamese enterprises have invested over US$1 billion in Peru, primarily through Viettel's telecommunications operations and PetroVietnam's energy projects.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Peru Bui Van Nghi, Vietnamese firms hold huge potential to expand investment in Peru, given that the countrys recent CPTPP membership serves as an important tool to bolster two-way trade and investment.

Furthermore, their membership to the APEC and CPTPP will give them opportunities to increase the bilateral trade revenue while bolstering cooperation and linkage between ASEAN and Latin America.

The diplomat said Viet Nam could play an important bridging role to connect ASEAN and Latin American nations, particularly Peru which shares similarities with Viet Nam regarding economic development, diverse culture and commitments to sustainable development. He added Vietnam could share its economic development, international integration, and climate change response experience with its Latin American peers, contributing to boosting a sustainable, substantive and effective partnership.

Additionally, Viet Nam and Peru have enhanced cultural and educational exchange programmes, helping improve mutual understanding between their peoples and promote their win-win friendship and cooperation.

A wide range of cultural activities has been held on the occasion of their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with the highlights being an exhibition to explore Peru and the Q'pop & Quechua concert in Hanoi that drew the attention of the public.

Ambassador Nghi noted that President Cuons visit aims to continue the implementation of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations while affirming the countrys comprehensive international integration

Ambassador Nghi notes that the President's visit reflects Viet Nam's commitment to the foreign policy of independence and comprehensive international integration, while demonstrating the countrys consistent policy of treasuring the relationship with Peru and develop it to a deeper and more substantive and effective fashion. VNS
KUALA LUMPUA  Social media platform providers have been given a one-month deadline to respond to a code of conduct, after which they will be required to register with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for licensing purposes, according to Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Once it is finalised by the end of this year, the code of conduct will be published, and all social media platform providers with more than eight million users in Malaysia will be required to register, the minister said.

He said the code of conduct is a set of guidelines that social media platform providers must adhere to, including being responsive to any complaints from users.

He added that if the providers meet the set requirements, they will be obligated to register. Failure to register within the specified period will result in serious consequences, including possibile fines.

Fahmi also noted that providers have cooperated in providing feedback. VNA/VNS
It has been scheduled that a forum on developing a free trade zone (FTZ) for the city as a new driving force for the logistics industry will take place on November 14, attracting 350-400 domestic and international guests.

Danang has the opportunity to become a major logistics hub for the region

Danang Peoples Committee said that the forum aims to introduce the potential in logistics with the Danang FTZ model to attract investment, as well as enhance exchange activities, and support business connections through exhibitions and introductions of products and services in the industry.

This is also an opportunity for the city to exchange and discuss specific solutions and tasks to promote the development of the logistics industry, as well as orientation for the construction of the Danang FTZ.

According to Danangs planning for this decade, approved a year ago, it aims to become a regional logistics centre - an orientation considered more feasible with the presence of an FTZ.

Duong Tien Lam, a representative from the Vietnam Logistics Service Enterprises Association, said that Danangs industry is facing a great opportunity, with Lien Chieu seaport under construction and the FTZ still to be formed.

When put into operation, Lien Chieu port will be very convenient to attract goods from the Central Highlands region and southern provinces of Laos, replacing Tien Sa port, which no longer has much room for development, Lam said.

In addition, many key traffic projects such as highways, coastal roads connecting Lien Chieu port, or upgrading traffic axes on the East-West Economic Corridor route have been invested in, creating a synchronous infrastructure for Danangs logistics industry.

Great prospects

The FTZ associated with Lien Chieu port is creating interest and some large corporations want to participate.

The ports developers said that the infrastructure part has a total investment of about $146 million, which is being accelerated for completion in 2025. It has already completed 70 per cent of the progress.

It is seeking investment for eight container terminals, six general cargo terminals, terminals for river-sea ships, and the port rear. According to preliminary calculations by Danangs authorities, the investment cost is about $2.04 billion.

In October, the APM Terminal-Hateco joint venture was the next latest to submit an expression of interest for the Lien Chieu project. The venture commits that, if selected as investor, it will ensure the volume of transported goods and create a flow of goods to and from key locations, turning Danang into an important freight transit centre in the medium and long term. It also commits to build it into the first green port in Vietnam, with green logistics services and maintaining the highest standards of governance, environmental, and social responsibility.

In addition to that, Lien Chieu port has also attracted the attention of Adani from India and Sumitomo from Japan.

Meanwhile, Danang will invest in the construction and business of infrastructure for functional areas in the Danang FTZ, including the trade-service zone with capital of as much as $126 million; and a logistics centre associated with Lien Chieu seaport with funding of a similar figure. In addition, it will also invest in the construction and business of inland waterway tourism for about $337 million.

Realising the dream

According to Assoc. Prof., Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, permanent vice president of the Vietnam Fisheries Association, with its favourable geographical location and natural conditions, Danang will develop into a major marine economic centre of the country, an international-class marine urban area.

Danang is an important traffic hub, with full road, rail, sea, and air traffic. This is a condition to promote the role of the gateway to the East-West Economic Corridor, an important port of the central region, aiming to become an international gateway port. It is the foundation for building a logistics service supply chain, and a logistics centre of the region and ASEAN, Hoi said.

The marine economic sectors that need to be prioritised for development in Danang, according to Hoi, are maritime economy, seaport services, tourism services, seafood exploitation, aquaculture, and the marine urban economy.

To realise its long-term developmental goals, Danang has made a detailed plan to develop the logistics industry. According to the project on service development for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, Danang sets a target that by 2030, the contribution rate of the logistics service industry to regional GDP will reach more than 11 per cent, the outsourcing rate will hit more than 40 per cent, and related costs will be reduced to 13 per cent of regional GDP. Logistics centres in Danang will meet about 55 per cent of the service demand for goods through seaports, 20 per cent of goods through railways and airways.

By 2050, the contribution rate of the logistics service industry to regional GDP will reach more than 15 per cent. Related centres in

Danang will hit about 55 per cent of the service demand for goods through seaports, and 40 per cent of goods through railways and airways.

Danang will also implement a series of solutions to develop relevant services from seaports, airports, and railways. In particular, enterprises operating at Danang seaports are encouraged to provide full basic logistics services. The city encourages aviation logistics enterprises to provide 24/7 services; and must strengthen the connection between Danang International Airport and key domestic and international economic centres.

In addition, railway services are also focused on, building a cargo terminal in the Kim Lien area connecting Lien Chieu port, and investing in developing Kim Lien station into a multimodal connection point.

At the same time, it will invest in infrastructure serving logistics services, especially IT infrastructure. It will form and operate an information network providing such services to businesses in the area, the Central Key Economic Zone, and along the East-West Economic Corridor.

Ten logistics centres seeking investment Lien Chieu Port Logistics Centre is planned to be a regional, Class 1 centre, with a scale of 30-35 hectares by 2030 and increased to 65-70 ha by 2050. This will be a seaport logistics facility with related services, container yards, bonded warehouses, and container freight station warehouses. Danang International Airport Logistics Centre is planned to be a specialised facility with a scale of 4-5 ha by 2030, expanding to 8-10 ha by 2050. The remaining eight provincial complexes include Kim Lien Cargo Station, Danang High-Tech Park, other logistics and warehouse centres on highway bypasses or in industrial parks, and five centres in Hoa Nhon, Hoa Phuoc, Hoa Phu, Hoa Ninh, and Hoa Hiep Bac.

Resolution creates premise for a more innovative Danang A National Assembly resolution for the central city of Danang is being considered a turning point for the development of the central city thanks to creating unprecedented policies.

Danang creating strengths from digital transformation Danang has identified digital transformation as a new driving force and the key to solving development bottlenecks, and its efforts have been duly rewarded.

Free trade zones to be offered admin process incentive Breakthrough mechanisms for a free trade zone in Danang are being completed, which may be a basis for building similar policies in other localities across the country.
Nguyen Thanh Trung, leader of PwCs Tax and Legal Practice in Vietnam

Vietnams rapid digital transformation is reshaping its economy, with over 78 million internet users accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the population. The digital economy is projected to reach $43 billion by 2025, doubling 2021 figures. This significantly impacts various sectors, including tax management, where nearly one million enterprises and 27 million individuals have taxable income.

In response to the digital surge, Vietnam has implemented substantial regulatory changes, including regulations on e-commerce, e-invoices, and personal data protection. The tax authorities in Vietnam are leveraging advanced data analytics and digital tools to enhance tax management efficiency, minimise budget losses, and increase transparency.

For instance, the General Department of Taxation is deploying a digital map of business households and operating a data analysis system and electronic invoice management system based on digital analysis. These initiatives aim to strengthen tax management, control invoices, prevent and combat tax refund fraud, and quickly detect other cases of fraud.

On a global scale, technology has driven significant changes, with the two pillar initiatives of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project being a prime example. The global minimum tax Pillar 2 aims to curb tax avoidance by ensuring multinational enterprises pay a minimum level of tax regardless of their operational base, marking a fundamental change in global tax regulations.

To comply with these new rules, companies must disclose their global income and taxes paid. Cutting-edge technological tools are indispensable in this process, meticulously tracking and analysing complex financial transactions to guarantee accurate profit reporting and taxation in line with these new global standards.

To adapt to these changes, companies need a clear roadmap for technology investment. This includes stages like automated data management, robotic process automation, analytic process automation, and digital tools. For example, models for dealing with the rules and draft disclosures of Pillar 2 can assist in automating the creation of these required documents, and generating initial drafts that tax professionals can then review and finalise.

Companies must invest in upskilling their staff to effectively leverage off new technologies. Training employees to use advanced data-driven technologies ensures that the workforce can adapt to and benefit from technological advancements.

For a successful technology transformation, it is imperative that tax departments and the C-suite are closely aligned. This synergy ensures that data-driven technologies are effectively utilised, regulations are meticulously followed, and resources are efficiently allocated. By integrating tax functions with broader business objectives, companies can achieve greater coherence and operational success.

Incorporating environmental, social, and governance principles into tax strategies is also becoming increasingly important. Transparency mandates now require businesses to align their tax practices with these commitments, not only to avoid penalties but also to take advantage of tax incentives. This integrated approach enhances regulatory compliance and fosters a sustainable and socially responsible business model.

Technology is not intended to replace the workforce, but to complement it by saving time and boosting efficiency. The integration of digital tools is designed to support human efforts, streamlining processes and enhancing productivity. However, human expertise remains indispensable for interpreting and validating the outputs generated by these advanced technologies. By harmonising technological advancements with human insight, businesses can achieve a more effective and accurate approach to tax management and other critical functions.

The future of tax management in Vietnam looks promising, with the support of technology. These advances are transforming how businesses comply with regulations and manage their tax liabilities and reporting. Embracing technology is essential for the future of tax management in Vietnam, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strategic alignment with broader business goals.
The enforcement of Circular No.68/2024/TT-BTC has captured the attention of stock market investors. The regulation, effective last week, marks a significant shift by allowing foreign institutional investors to purchase shares without pre-funding and establishes a roadmap for information disclosure in English.

Funding change paves way for FTSE upgrade, Source: freepik.com

Specifically, it amends and supplements existing regulations governing securities transactions, clearing and settlement, the operations of securities companies, and market information disclosure.

A standout feature of this circular is the provision that permits foreign institutional investors to buy shares without needing sufficient funds upfront, known as the non pre-funding solution.

The new rule generally requires investors to have enough funds when placing buy orders, with two exceptions: margin trading as outlined in Article 9 of the circular, and foreign entities investing in the Vietnamese stock market, which are allowed to purchase shares without pre-funding as detailed in Article 9a, Circular 68 stated.

The addition of Article 9a, covering non pre-funding share purchases by foreign institutional investors, has been met with positive responses from analysts.

Nguyen Trieu Vinh, deputy investment director at Vietcombank Fund Management, noted that implementing Circular 68 could lay the groundwork for Vietnams stock market to be upgraded by the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) in 2025. The 100 per cent pre-funding requirement has been the most significant barrier for foreign institutional investors, and this change could help overcome that obstacle, he said.

Likewise, Maybank Investment Bank highlighted that these changes are a step forward, easing pre-funding requirements, managing failed transactions, and ensuring capital adequacy for securities firms.

We expect that the FTSE could announce an upgrade for Vietnam to emerging market (EM) status as early as March 2025 in an optimistic scenario or by September 2025 under more conservative assumptions. This would set the stage for Vietnamese stocks to be included in the FTSEs EM indices during 2025-2026, the securities firm noted.

ACBS Securities analysts further projected that Vietnamese shares could carry a weighting of approximately 0.7-0.9 per cent in the FTSEs Secondary EM index, attracting around $500-600 million in passive fund inflows, excluding potential capital from active funds.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh Securities Corporation (HSC) observed that foreign institutional investors, now allowed to place non-pre-funding orders, are eager to make use of this new service.

Although domestic investors and foreign individual investors do not qualify for non-pre-funding under Circular 68, their response has been positive, with expectations that the regulation will encourage more trading activity by foreign institutions and, in turn, enhance market liquidity, HSC said. We hope that as the legal framework matures, non-pre-funding privileges will be extended to all investors, enabling them to trade without needing full cash collateral upfront.

On the other hand, some market experts caution that liquidity from foreign investors may not see an immediate increase, maintaining a share of 8-10 per cent of total daily trading volume. This is because the non-pre-funding mechanism primarily supports settlement processes, while the T+2.5 trading cycle remains in place.

Resolving this regulatory hurdle is also expected to act as a catalyst for reversing the outflow of foreign capital. During the first 10 months of 2024, foreign investors have remained consistent net sellers, with net sales amounting to over $3 billion on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange alone.

Barry Weisblatt, head of Research VNDirect Securities This move marks a significant shift as it permits foreign institutional investors to purchase stocks without needing pre-funding. This regulation signals the governments strong commitment to attracting foreign investment into Vietnams stock market and is hopefully part of a broader movement to position Vietnam as a prime destination. We foresee two main impacts: the direct effect of the circular itself and the indirect impact of an FTSE upgrade announcement in March. The immediate impact is that active fund managers may increase their allocations to Vietnam due to improved cost efficiency. However, this will mainly pertain to a limited set of global and regional funds that consider Vietnam as part of their broader portfolio. Established funds already fully invested in Vietnam will not alter their allocations, although they might see a slight boost in profitability. The more significant effect will be the indirect one, enhancing the probability of an FTSE EM upgrade announcement in March. Such news could invigorate market sentiment and retail investor interest. Existing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could witness increased assets under management as overseas retail investors anticipate the upgrade. This could be a notable market event, potentially lifting share prices in Q1 2025. Once the upgrade becomes effective in September and Vietnamese companies are included in EM indices, we expect substantial capital inflows from EM ETFs. While estimates vary, inflows of $500 million to just under $1 billion seem reasonable. Beneficiaries of these developments would likely include companies currently dominating the FTSE Frontier Market index. However, there are risks involved for securities companies. With this regulation, they bear the responsibility for covering settlement defaults by foreign institutional investors, which could impact their proprietary books - a relatively new scenario. While securities firms have conducted e-verification for foreign clients, assessing counterparty risk has not been standard practice. Currently, only a select few securities firms actively cater to foreign institutional clients. To scale up in this sector, firms will need to make significant investments in developing the necessary systems and risk management policies to support this product.

FTSE Russell meeting reveals optimism on Vietnam's stock market upgrade In pursuit of elevating Vietnam's stock market status, officials from the State Securities Commission (SSC) on October 18 engaged in a dialogue with representatives from FTSE Russell, an essential market indices player.
At last week's event Warrick Cleine, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, highlighted the increasing globalisation and the world's and Vietnam's dominant economic trends over the past three decades.

Vietnam and the world have witnessed a globalisation super cycle, evident in technological advancements, trade liberalisation, and the rise of emerging economies. This period has brought significant benefits to many countries, such as economic growth, reduced prices for goods and services, and access to new markets, said Cleine.

Warrick Cleine spoke at the event. Photo: KPMG

Cleine added that the global landscape has been marked by several significant events, including the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the imposition of tariffs on Chinese products, the the UK's exit from the European Union.

These events underscore escalating trade tensions and geopolitical rivalries, placing immense pressure on global enterprises, he added.

However, amidst this backdrop, Vietnam's recent growth trajectory has remained partially unclear.

In the context of Vietnam's expected large investment inflows and its promising destination, I believe the Vietnamese government will take new, practical, and open-minded steps with businesses in the new era, he said.

Cleine analysed that although having a vibrant industrial and export sector, Vietnam had had a weak consumer market and property sector and, to some extent, the banking sector as well. However, he believes that the above issues will continue to improve as the financial year of 2025 approaches.

Through the forum, KPMG in Vietnam believes that the business community has had many questions about tax, trade, and customs resolved, and many now better understood the mindset of policymakers and the government's orientation through new policies that have been passed, or will be in the near future.

In addition to experts from KPMG, the forum also featured lawmakers, senior experts in tax and law, and many business leaders. It served as a platform for updating tax and legal matters and a place for business leaders to network and express their shared concerns through direct dialogues with representatives from tax authorities and experts.

Also at the event, deputy general director of the General Department of Taxation (GDT) Dang Ngoc Minh discussed the Law on Tax Management, considered a key to comprehensively regulating tax and addressing shortcomings in previous legislation.

In response to a query regarding the formulation of regulations concerning the global minimum tax (GMT) and specific guidelines for businesses, Minh disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had designated the GDT as the primary entity tasked with drafting a decree providing detailed provisions.

One of the important contents being discussed in the National Assembly is VAT, special consumption tax, and corporate income tax.

Vietnam is a country that has successfully implemented VAT, helping Vietnam integrate with the regional economy and especially creating better conditions for Vietnam to export, said deputy general director of the General Department of Taxation Dang Ngoc Minh.

"The VAT tax has been implemented since 2006 and has improved the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods in the international market, achieving an export figure of over $300 billion this year, making Vietnam's total import-export turnover reaching a record number of approximately $800 billion so far," Minh explained.

Minh also released that by receiving comments from foreign businesses, the National Assembly decided to continue applying the special zero VAT regime for non-tariff zones.

The GDT has convened a Drafting Committee, with the direct involvement of Minh, representatives from various departments and units department, and representatives from the big four accounting firms, including KPMG in Vietnam.

After consulting with experts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and numerous review sessions to develop the content of the decree, the GDT found some difficulties for businesses in Vietnam if they fall within the scope of application due to some OECD regulations being quite unprecedented for Vietnam, Minh said.

Photo: KPMG

Low-code: a powerful enabler for the digital transformation The low-code development platform is emerging as a powerful enabler for digital transformation. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang, director and digital innovation lead at KPMG in Vietnam, explains how it empowers business users to quickly create and adapt applications without the need for specialised programming knowledge and experience.

Clear characteristics shaping expectations in M&A Despite some mega deals, Vietnam is waiting for a rebound in merger and acquisition activities. Warrick Cleine, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, talked with VIRs Thanh Van his insights into dealmaking activities in the Vietnamese market.
The SemiExpo event was the first of its kind in Vietnam, photo: NIC

At last weeks panel discussion on opportunities in semiconductors at the SemiExpo Vietnam event at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park in Hanoi, experts noted that the semiconductor equipment manufacturing supply chain was huge, with the participation of many enterprises from around the world.

Amid the booming global semiconductor industry, Vietnam is striving to become a hub for supplying raw materials, components, and assemblies for the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry, entering the value chain of the global semiconductor equipment industry.

BE Semiconductor Industries NV (BESI) from the Netherlands plans to inject a further $42 million into its factory that produces equipment for the microchip packaging and testing process in Saigon High-Tech Park, following the inauguration of a 2,000 square-metre plant.

Steven Lim, vice president of BESIs Strategic Project, said, We are excited to set foot in the Vietnamese semiconductor market. The reason that we came here is to follow our customers, and Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for the semiconductor supply chain, particularly in precision engineering.

Despite operating in Vietnam for a few months only, BESI has found that Vietnamese enterprises in the field have made good progress, and the personnel and infrastructure serving the semiconductor industry is getting much better.

BESI is a pioneer equipment manufacturer here, though the semiconductor supply chain here is quite young, so we need many local suppliers and to have a plan to support and train them on working processes and qualification management, Lim said.

The next years will be a strong development period for this industry. We should work and cooperate closely to enjoy and grow together. Supporting industry is expected to contribute up to 90 per cent of the equipment value of the final product, a huge opportunity for Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Hans Duisters, CEO and founder of Sioux Group, said that Vietnam had met the manufacturing demands of Sioux, a maker of high-tech equipment, and each component for semiconductor equipment also had its own supply.

Vietnam has clear goals and strategies to develop human resources for the semiconductor industry, and it has been successful in implementing it all. This is why we chose the country as an investment destination for developing the semiconductor software design sector, Duisters said.

Andrew Goh, corporate vice president and general manager of Lam Research Southeast Asia, said that the company had a factory in Malaysia to produce thousands of components and parts, which were very sophisticated with its own criteria and requirements.

We are considering working with Vietnamese businesses to outsource some modules or tasks and then ship to Malaysia for assembly, Goh said.

However, Goh added, building a support ecosystem for the semiconductor industry, especially in equipment manufacturing, is necessary. Connection and cooperation between domestic and foreign enterprises will be a key factor in improving the competitiveness and sustainable development of Vietnamese enterprises and further expanding the semiconductor industry, Goh explained.

Nguyen Trung Kien, vice chairman of CNC Tech Group, said that the company received its first orders related to semiconductors five years ago. CNC Tech provides drawings for semiconductor equipment manufacturers, in addition to mould making, plastic, and electronic assembly.

To maintain orders from partners, attitude is a key factor, even on a minimal scale of just a few components. We are always learning, and improving quality and implementation, Kien said. However, the gap between local and foreign businesses is large. To push Vietnamese enterprises to join the global supply chain, narrowing this gap is necessary, and we need some help from the government.

At last weeks event, Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar said that the nation can fully utilise and develop the existing supporting industry to participate more deeply in the value chain.

Equipment manufacturing is the pillar of the Dutch semiconductor industry, and the Netherlands is ready to cooperate with Vietnam to contribute to the overall development of the global semiconductor industry. With an abundant human resource base and competitive production costs, Vietnam is capable of exploiting these opportunities to grow strongly, he said.

It was made clear at the event that Vietnam still has a lot of work to do if it wants to keep up with or surpass other countries in this endeavour.

Lim from BESI said that the production of semiconductor equipment had gradually changed to much smaller items that involves extreme temperature manufacturing, which cannot be carried out easily as it required high-precision machines.

To join the supply chain, Vietnamese vendors have to strictly follow up the process, ensure quality, and not outsource modules to third parties to ensure maximum quality. Therefore, BESI vendors have to invest and develop a fairly comprehensive and complete production line to join a semiconductor supply chain, Lim said.

Goh from Lam Research added that with tech changing rapidly every year, suppliers had to train their employees and meet standards very early on.

The ability to update and adapt is essential for all suppliers. We highlight transparency, and communication with all parties to share concerns and overcome difficulties together, Goh said.

The government should provide some help for small- and medium-sized enterprises to improve skills, standardise processes, and get certificates to easily join global semiconductor supply chains.

SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 to reaffirm Vietnam's semiconductor ambitions On November 7 and 8, SEMI, a leading microelectronics industry association, together with the National Innovation Centre, and the Ministry of Planning and Investment, will host the SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi.
From left: Devaun Sales, 17, Korie Turner, Dekariai Sales, 12, and Kaylene Sales share in laughter as they recount memories of their grandfather and great-grandfather Trenholm Turner Sr. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart charter 1836 salute during the Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The Robert G. Cole JROTC present the colors during the Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Army Ret. Sgt. Franklin Blizzard greets Vietnam veteran Rito Rivera following the Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Army veteran Cynthia Barrera stands to be recognized as a woman veteran during the Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Larry Haven sits next to the grave of his wife Margrate Haven at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Larry has visited the grave of his wife every day for the last eight years. They were married for 48 years and Larry says, were still married, it still goes on. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Brenda L. Hoster speaks during the Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart listen to proceedings during the Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Col. Will Freds, deputy commander of Joint Base San Antonio, takes a photo with U.S. Army veteran Rudy Cruz and Jackie Cruz of San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Bobby Collins of the Military Order of the Purple Heart charter 1836 shakes hands with attendees of the Veterans Day ceremony held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Billie Stewart prays over the grave of her last husband Sammie Stewart at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News From left: Dominga Palacios visits the grave of her husband Hector J. Palacios with her daughters Tricia Fayadh, center, and Maria Palacios, right, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The trio brought an old school radio to play music for Palacios as they catch him up on what has been happening in the world. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Korie Turner arranges flowers around the grave of her grandfather Trenholm Turner Sr. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery marked a solemn, stripped-down version of Veterans Day on Monday.

A brass quintet from the 323rd Army Band performed patriotic songs and the Robert G. Cole High School JROTC honor guard presented the colors. A chaplain and a keynote speaker each spoke their piece, but retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Riojas r., 84, a Vietnam War veteran, noticed what was missing.

"It's disappointing to me that we didn't hear the three rifle volleys, which is a tradition, or the playing of Taps," he said. "We're honoring our veterans that served and gave their lives ... and to me Taps is what makes a Veterans Day."

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The salute to deceased soldiers and other Veterans Day fixtures, including a performance by the Texas Childrens Choir and a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens, was discontinued at Fort Sam this year and transferred to a separate afternoon observance at San Antonio National Cemetery on the East Side.

The downsizing of the Fort Sam ceremony was a compromise; the Department of Veterans Affairs initially wanted to kill it altogether.

A little more than 100 people converged on Fort Sam's Assembly Area for the 43-minute ceremony Monday morning. It was the smallest crowd in decades.

Among those in attendance was Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Agustin Llano, 86, whose late wife, Roselea, is buried at the cemetery. He said it was "a shame" that VA officials had contemplated ending the Fort Sam observance.

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"All gave some, some gave all," he said.

Rose Cherry, 76, of San Antonio, also expressed dismay.

"I was shocked that the VA tried to kill it and said that we were only 200 out here last year at Veterans Day. I was here, and I know there had to be more than that," she said. Her husband, the late Ronald Cherry, an Air Force veteran, served as sergeant-at-arms at Veterans Day ceremonies at Fort Sam dating to the 1980s.

Gerald Lefler, director of Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, said the rifle volleys and playing of Taps were dropped from the ceremony this year because they are more appropriate for Memorial Day.

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"This is a celebrating veterans service," he said. "Memorial Day is to commemorate the service of those who passed on."

Monday's ceremony at San Antonio National Cemetery emphasized the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers. A member of the organization, Jerry Cheatham, was master of ceremonies. The Buffalo Soldiers, a historic all-Black unit of cavalrymen who served in the American West, have been a principal focus of Veterans Day observances at San Antonio National for many years.

The ceremony was far better attended than the one at Fort Sam. Hundreds of people sat in folding chairs or stood in the shade of graceful old trees. The keynote speaker, retired Army Maj. Gen. Barbara Holcomb, the 25th Army Nurse Corps chief, spoke of the relatively few Americans who serve in todays all-volunteer armed forces  about 1% of the nations population.

And 61 percent of those whove served are more likely to have been exposed to military life through family or friends, said Holcomb, a veteran of both Operation Desert Storm, the successful 1991 campaign to drive Iraq out of Kuwait, and the 2003 U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. Its sort of become the family business.

The dual ceremonies at national cemeteries reflect the historic presence of the military in San Antonio, home to Randolph and Lackland Air Force bases, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, an Army training range. The installations collectively employ about 80,000 active-duty, reserve and National Guard personnel and civilian workers.

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Going back decades, the Fort Sam observance was the bigger of the two. Then, in September, the VA announced plans to cancel the Fort Sam ceremony beginning this year.

At the time, Lefler pointed to dwindling attendance and said it was duplicative to have Veterans Days observances at two cemeteries within miles of one another. Staging just one, at San Antonio National, would make the event a little more significant, he said.

A bipartisan group of San Antonio-area members of Congress objected to the change, and the VA reversed course, at least for this year.

Asked Monday whether Fort Sam would have a Veterans Day ceremony next year, Lefler replied, "Not even thinking about it."

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The keynote speaker at Fort Sam, retired Army Sgt. Maj. Brenda L. Hoster, talked about the role of women in the armed services. She joined the Women's Army Corps in 1975 and entered basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. She served 21 years and was a first sergeant during Operation Desert Storm.

"As I was preparing to give this speech today I was prompted to call attention to the service of our women veterans, maybe because I am one, but also because as a woman I often have my service ignored or dismissed. So today was my opportunity to bring some light to the history of women in the military, and it's a long history, as it should be," she said.

The nation's 18 million veterans include 2 million women. Projections indicate that by 2040, women will make up 18 percent of all veterans, Hoster said.

"I am not one to brag about my service. But I served for almost 22 years, and I learned that if I don't tell my story, no one will, and that seems to be the case for most women veterans," she said.

Hoster said that after she retired in 1996, she was often asked for her sponsor's name when she appeared for appointments at military bases or the VA.
The dual transition is a concept that describes the integration of digital transformation and the green transition, aimed at achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for businesses, nations, and global society.

In a context where technology and environmental concerns are highly influential, this combination is seen as strategic priorities for Vietnam to meet the stringent demands of the modern market while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Supporting the government in this journey, the Vietnamese business community has made significant strides, implementing practical and effective measures across all sectors and industries.

This years sustainable development conference serves as a bridge connecting government agencies, domestic and international organisations, experts, businesses, and the wider community. It aims to share valuable real-world experiences in sustainable investment and business operations, inspiring innovation and creativity for greener and more sustainable growth in key sectors.

The first session, titled Dual-Transition Motivators, will highlight the benefits companies can achieve through the dual transition and emphasise the risks of falling behind if they are unprepared. It will also address the challenge of securing substantial capital.

The second session, Taking the Lead, will showcase stories from pioneering businesses at the forefront of innovation and green, sustainable initiatives. Companies will share their insights and solutions for optimising available resources, minimising costs, and accessing green credit effectively. These efforts aim to spread valuable lessons and inspire sustainable development within the community for a better Vietnam.

An honouring ceremony will also recognise and celebrate the contributions of agencies, organisations, associations, and both domestic and international businesses that have partnered VIR and played a vital role in advancing the sustainable development of the nation.

The conference will be held 8am-12pm on November 12 at the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi. It will be live-streamed on VIR's websites and social media platforms.

Enticing FDI legal framework for dual transformation Vietnam is preparing for future foreign direct investment (FDI) shifts to ensure funding reaches the right areas and embraces green and digital goals.

Businesses embrace dual transformation to drive growth Digital transformation is a prerequisite for businesses to achieve faster green transition, and green transformation itself is pressuring businesses to select the right tools for digital transformation.
According to the organisers, the fair is expected to attract 250-280 booths across an area of nearly 4,500 square metres. The exhibition space will be designed to reflect the distinctive features of various regions of the country.

The fair aims to boost trade promotion and support the marketing and expansion of signature regional products, particularly agricultural and food products meeting export standards. It also seeks to strengthen connections between manufacturers and domestic and international distributors, promoting a sustainable supply chain for both local and export markets.

Vietnam Regional Specialities Fair 2024 is expected to attract over 250 booths. Photo: Chi Cuong

Key activities at the event include showcasing, promoting, introducing, and selling products, as well as networking and providing business consultancy. Moreover, the fair will feature advisory sessions aimed at enhancing competitiveness, improving product design, and packaging quality for businesses.

The event will also focus on creating opportunities for direct transactions between distributors, shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, retail chains, wholesale markets, and e-commerce platforms with exhibitors. This will allow businesses to learn about the products, production capabilities, and supply potential, leading to expanded sourcing channels and negotiations on cooperation agreements and supply contracts.

The organisers will also partner with international distributors operating in Vietnam, such as AEON, Central Group, Lotte, Vingroup, BRGmart, and both domestic and international e-commerce platforms, to select qualified products for export and overseas distribution.

Alongside the business-distributor connections, the event also aims to raise consumer awareness and confidence in the quality and branding of Vietnamese products.

Organised by the Hanoi Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Centre, the fair is supported by the Domestic Market Department, the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, and the Departments of E-commerce and Digital Economy, Cooperative Economy and Rural Development, and Agricultural Product Processing and Market Development.

Hanoi targets digital and high-tech investment with upcoming event Hanoi is enhancing efforts to attract investment in digital technology, high technology, and electronic industry products, along with related ecosystems through the Hanoi Digitech 2024 event set to take place in the capital city.

Hanoi sets dual path through green and digital transformation Green and digital transformation are becoming dual drivers of growth for Hanoi, paving the way for the citys modern and sustainable development.
Vietnam welcomes more semiconductor enterprises, Source: freepik.com

Last week, SemiExpo Vietnam debuted at the National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hanoi. The event attracted over 5,000 shows and featured 100 booths from major semiconductor players, including Cadence, Qualcomm, Intel, and Qorvo.

This landmark event, Vietnams first and largest international semiconductor showcase, was organised by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) with support from the NIC and the Global Semiconductor Association. SemiExpo highlights Vietnams commitment to joining the global semiconductor value chain, a sector considered the heart of modern technology and a foundation for the digital economy.

Addressing the event, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that Vietnam is ready to welcome and collaborate with global semiconductor enterprises and investors.

Vietnam has a stable political environment and strong commitment from our Party and state leaders to foster innovation and advance high-tech industries, Minister Dung said. With a population of over 100 million, the country has a youthful, ambitious workforce skilled in science, technology, and STEM disciplines, ideal for developing advanced technology. We also have a robust industrial ecosystem with participation from high-tech partners and enterprises.

He underscored a new decree establishing an investment support fund aimed at semiconductor assisting firms in workforce training, asset investment, and high-tech product manufacturing, raising Vietnams profile globally.

The Semiconductor Industry Association and the NIC announced collaborative efforts with have industry partners to accelerate semiconductor development in Vietnam.

This partnership will serve as a launchpad for Vietnams integration into the global semiconductor sector, enabling the country to participate in multiple stages of this industry, Minister Dung said. This collaboration reflects the semiconductor communitys commitment to supporting Vietnams industry development towards a rapid and sustainable future.

Vietnams government has introduced a semiconductor industry development strategy through 2030 with a vision for 2050, aiming to establish Vietnam as a global hub for semiconductor talent by 2030 and a global centre for semiconductor and electronics by 2040.

To achieve these targets, the MPI has proposed a human resources development programme to train at least 50,000 university-level semiconductor professionals and 1,300 specialised faculty by 2030, alongside establishing national and institutional labs for training.

Additionally, the MPI has directed the NIC, in cooperation with the US Department of State and Arizona State University, to launch a scheme to train over 4,000 microchip packaging and testing engineers in Vietnam by the end of 2025.

According to German online platform Statista, revenue from Vietnams semiconductor industry is projected to reach $18.23 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 11.48 per cent over the next five years.

Explaining these growth prospects, KC Yang, who is the president for Asia at semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries, said Vietnams strategic location is a major advantage.

Vietnam is close to some of the worlds largest markets, including China and the rest of Southeast Asia. It sits along major shipping routes, providing easy access to European and North American markets, Yang said. This strengthens Vietnams potential in integrated circuit design, assembly, testing, and packaging, building a foundation for fulfilling its semiconductor industry vision by 2050.

SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 to reaffirm Vietnam's semiconductor ambitions On November 7 and 8, SEMI, a leading microelectronics industry association, together with the National Innovation Centre, and the Ministry of Planning and Investment, will host the SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi.

Semiconductor giants to gather at SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 The Vietnam Semiconductor Industry Exhibition 2024 will take place at the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park from November 7-8.
Historically, investors in emerging capital markets have prioritised short-term profits over long-term sustainability, and Vietnams capital market is no exception. However, evidence suggests that this mindset is evolving.

A recent study by Samuel Buertey, Richard Ramsawak, and Nguyen Hoang Binh from RMIT University Vietnams Business School highlights how investors in Vietnam respond to the annual Sustainability Reporting Awards (SRA), introduced in 2013 to recognise listed companies for their commitment to sustainability.

Nguyen Hoang Binh, Richard Ramsawak, and Samuel Buerte (left to right). Source: RMIT

Challenges remain

The research, which analysed organisations listed on the Vietnam Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2022 using an event study methodology, found that Vietnamese investors respond positively to sustainability reporting, particularly compared to investors in other emerging markets.

Companies receiving the SRA in Vietnam showed above-average abnormal returns within five days of the announcement. This contrasts with markets such as China, where similar studies have indicated negative investor reactions to sustainability recognition. Likewise, while some Latin American countries, like Argentina and Chile, exhibit positive reactions, the responses are not as pronounced as those observed in Vietnam.

Investors on the Vietnamese stock market are placing greater value on transparent sustainability efforts by companies, aligning with global trends towards responsible investing, said Ramsawak.

From a policy perspective, the organisers of the SRA should ensure the award continues to align with internationally accepted standards, fostering greater investor trust. This alignment will be essential for sustaining long-term market impact and encouraging more companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Binh said that despite this growing interest, sustainability reporting in Vietnam lags the countrys economic growth. It remains primarily concentrated among large listed organisations and faces several obstacles.

A major hurdle is the absence of clear regulatory guidelines defining comprehensive and reliable sustainability reporting. While various international reporting frameworks are available for voluntary adoption, clear local guidelines from policymakers would set a standard for accountability and encourage companies to adopt sustainability practices.

Another barrier is the need for stronger commitment from management and boards, which would establish a company-wide focus on sustainability. A recent report from the Vietnam Listed Company Award shows that only 3.3 per cent of companies in Vietnam have a board-level committee or appointed board members to oversee sustainable development, and among these, just 2.7 per cent identify risks and opportunities related to sustainability issues.

Overcoming these barriers will require capacity-building initiatives, robust regulatory frameworks, and fostering a corporate culture that values transparency and long-term sustainability, Binh said.

RMIT lecturers expected a growing trend towards more standardised and comprehensive sustainability reporting among Vietnamese firms. Source: Freepik

Future trends

Buertey said the studys findings deliver a clear message to Vietnamese companies: sustainability reporting can improve market perceptions and investor confidence. Companies that invest in transparent, high-quality sustainability practices are likely to see a positive market response, potentially boosting their stock value.

Sustainability reporting is not only an ethical or regulatory obligation but also a strategic tool for improving market standing, said Buertey.

Looking ahead, Buertey anticipates a trend towards more standardised and comprehensive sustainability reporting among Vietnamese organisations. As investor awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors grows, companies are expected to adopt more transparent and comparable reporting frameworks. This shift may be driven by both regulatory pressure and market demand, as global investors increasingly include sustainability metrics in their investment criteria.

We also expect technology to play a significant role in the evolution of sustainability reporting, with advancements in data analytics enabling companies to track and report their ESG performance more accurately, Buertey added.

With consumer preferences increasingly favouring ethical and sustainable brands, Vietnamese companies may begin using sustainability reporting not only for compliance but also as a competitive edge to differentiate themselves in both domestic and international markets. This trend could significantly impact Vietnams investment landscape by attracting sustainability-conscious investors.

To further strengthen the role of sustainability reporting in Vietnams financial markets, regulators could introduce clearer and more stringent guidelines on sustainability standards, ensuring consistency and comparability across industries, said Buertey.

This would provide investors with reliable data to assess a companys long-term value. He also suggested that establishing sustainability committees within corporate governance could help ensure sustainability is prioritised strategically at the board level.

Overall, these policy measures would promote a robust and transparent investment environment, driving sustainable growth and enhancing Vietnams position in the global market, Buertey said.

There is still room for growth, and investors in Vietnam are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability reporting, said Binh. As both local and international investors appreciate the long-term value of sustainable business practices, ESG considerations will play an increasingly important role in Vietnams investment landscape.

Policy dialogue aims at driving sustainable growth The Vietnam Business Forum (VBF), in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, will host a dialogue under the theme: Driving Sustainable Growth: Optimising Economic Ecosystems, Technology, and Energy on September 18.

Corporate governance foundation for sustainable development goals Corporate governance is increasingly recognised as the cornerstone for achieving sustainable development goals, particularly amid the challenges posed by political instability, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rapid technological advancements.
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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.
Wrexham councillors set for almost six per cent pay increase from April

This article is old - Published: Monday, Nov 11th, 2024

Wrexham councillors look set for an almost six per cent pay rise.

The Independent Renumeration Panel for Wales (IRPW) have recommended that the basic pay for councillors across Wales is increased by 5.92 per cent from April 2025.

It would take the salary for councillors  excluding senior members  from 18,666 to 19,771.

This is a pay rise of 1,105 on the previous financial year for 36 councillors.

As part of the IRPWs Annual Report is has been proposed that the pay for the leader of opposition  which in Wrexham is Labours councillor Dana Davies  scrutiny committee chairs and the Mayor of Wrexham increases from 27,999 to 29,657.

The deputy mayors salary would also increase from 22,406 to 23,726.

Eight executive board members would see their pay rise from 37,799 to 40,036, whilst Deputy Council Leader David Bithell would see an increase from 44,099 to 46,709.

The Leader of Wrexham Council Councillor Mark Pritchard would see a rise from 62,998 to 66,727.

It is estimated that the pay increases would cost Wrexham Council an additional 80,257. Including oncosts this brings an overall expense of 101,124.

According to the IRPW the basic salary will be aligned with three fifths of all Wales 2022 Average Hourly Earnings in Wales (ASHE).

On November 14 members of Wrexham Councils democratic services committee will be asked to consider the panels recommendations.

Contrary to popular belief  councillor pay is not set directly by local authorities. Pay levels are effectively set by the IRPW, which each year releases details of the recommended pay levels for councillors across Wales.

Councillors do note the report that comes before them, and in what has been a topical discussion here and in a courtroom in London around the LDP, it is unclear what the raising of hands in a democratic manner exactly means  and what would happen if the report is not noted.

Over the last two years the pay increase for councillors would be more than 12 per cent.

The draft IRPW report includes the following statements by the Panel: The Local Government Measure requires the Panel to take cognisance of the overall cost to the public purse.

We have continued to do this, and maintained the principle that the remuneration of elected members of our Principal Councils is linked specifically to the average wages of people in Wales.

I am satisfied that the balance between fairness and support to elected members and the overall impact on public finances has been achieved for 2025 to 2026.

Whilst the total cost of remuneration for elected members is relatively low in terms of overall budgets, the Panel are aware of the continuing economic and

fiscal strain on Principal Councils.

In reaching our decision to continue the link between elected members remuneration and the average earnings of constituents, the Panel remain of the view that a fair and reasonable remuneration package will continue to support elected members and not act as a barrier to participation.

This is an important principle, underpinning our considerations on appropriate remuneration.

In the past some councillors have chosen to forgo their pay rise and donate the money to charity.

However over the years there has been a change in the tide with some councillors stating that improved pay would help to encourage younger people in the community to come forward and run for election.

The report will be considered by members of Wrexham Councils democratic services committee on November 14. The meeting will also be webcast on the Wrexham Council website.

You can read the full report on the Wrexham Council website here.
Wrexham village pub gets quizzy for good causes this winter

This article is old - Published: Monday, Nov 11th, 2024

A popular Wrexham pub is gearing up for a series of quiz-based events that will help raise hundreds of pounds for local good causes.

The Golden Lion in Rossett will host several events in its Scandinavian-style tipi throughout November and December, taking the fundraising total for the year to around 3,000.

A quiz will be hosted on Sunday 17 November in support of Hope House Hospices Quality Moments Matter campaign. The quiz has some great prizes up for grabs including a 100 voucher top prize and the total amount raised on the evening will be boosted by match funding.

The tipi is also the place to be on Friday 22 November when the Golden Lions popular Big Fat Music Quiz returns in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. The evening will include live music throughout and has been organised by a pub regular who has battled prostate cancer this year.

A Christmas-themed charity night in recognition of pub regular and tireless fundraiser Terry Colley will be held on Friday 13 December.

Terry retired from hosting charity nights this year and the event aims to celebrate his fundraising efforts over the past 30 years and continue his achievements for future years, with all proceeds going to Hope House Hospice.

The final fundraising quiz also in aid of Hope House Hospice will be held on Sunday 29 December.

Now in its fifth year, the Golden Lions Big Fat Quiz of the Year is always a sell-out and is a fun way to fill the gap between Christmas and New Year.

Earlier this year, the pub hosted its Live at the Lion festival which attracted thousands of visitors who enjoyed 15 acts over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Allan Parrington, general manager at The Golden Lion since 2009, has established the Hydes-owned pub as a real community hub for the people of Rossett and surrounding areas.

Allan, who also doubles at the village Father Christmas and chairman of the village community council, the Village Hall, as well as running The Golden Lion, said: Weve had a very busy year in the fundraising front and its not over yet.

Weve got lots of quizzes organised in the run-up to Christmas and the local community really gets behind everything we organise.

We couldnt ask for a more supportive community and its great that the pub is the focus for lots of the events.

Everyone at The Golden Lion loves being at the heart of village activity whenever it can and were looking forward to rounding off this year in style with a big push supporting some great local causes. As a team, were also grateful for the ongoing support and encouragement from Hydes.

Managing director of Hydes Brewery, Adam Mayers said: The Golden Lion is the very definition of a community pub. As a popular and busy pub, it really does play a vital role in the community and has helped to raise thousands for charity over the years, thanks to the generosity of regulars and visiting customers.

Hydes is fully committed to all of the pubs across its estate and community-focussed events such as the programme run by The Golden Lion, helps our pubs to stand out from the crowd.
Chef Charlie Abowd, co-owner of Cafe at Adele's in Carson City and well-known local philanthropist has passed away.

Karel Ancona, who co-authored the book "Recipes and Rambles That Made Adele's a Nevada Hot Spot: Forty Years of Cuisine and History as Told by Chef Charlie Abowd" with the chef and handles media relations for Charlie and his wife Karen, posted about the chef's passing on Facebook:

"Dear Everyone, It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the passing of Charlie Abowd, Saturday night. I have no words. Today, the world is a very different place. Thank you,

Karel"

Andi Cassinari got a chance to speak with Charlie back in 2018, during a Someone 2 Know segment here on 2 News Nevada - you can find that article below.

This is a developing story; we will provide more updates as we receive them.
Last week was a lot. Bring yourself back to life with transportive events, art, and food as only San Francisco can do.



Find fresh perspective, at the Transgender Film Festival, an out-of-the-box performance from the International Orange Chorale, and talks at Design Sausalito. Plus get ahead of holiday shopping at multiple craft fairs.

If all else fails, dance it out Bhangra and Beats. Have a good one.

Treat yourself to some self-care and clean beauty. Join 7x7 Social Club , then head to Credo for a complimentary express facial and a discount on in-store purchases. // Credo Beauty, 2136 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights); credobeauty.com







Taco Tuesday, but make it mushroomy. Enjoy a delicious fungi-forward dinner and learn all about California foraging with a leading mycologist; Tuesday, 6pm to 9pm. // Berkeley; register at forkinthepath.org





Show up for the community at the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival. Tune in to documentaries, shorts, and films that challenge mainstream media stereotypes; Wednesday through Saturday. // Schedule and details at sftff.org





Catch Oakland chef David Tu at Abaca. The Top Chef alum and recent cookbook author brings his unique approach to Vietnamese cuisine for a creative pop-up dinner; Thursday, 5pm to 9pm. // Abaca, 2700 Jones St. (Fisherman's Wharf); tickets at restaurantabaca.com





Step back in time at Old Skool Cafe, a jazz supper club that trains and empowers at-risk and formerly incarcerated youth. 7x7 Social Club members get a free round of wine for the table; Thursdays through Saturdays, 5pm to 9pm. // Old Skool Cafe, 1429 Mendell St. (Bayview); reservations at oldskoolcafe.org

Load up on veggies at Greens. The renowned vegetarian restaurant is slinging a free mocktail for 7x7 Social Club members. // Greens, Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, 2 Marina Blvd, Building A (Marina); reservations at greensrestaurant.com





Chat about love in the Bay Area with sexologists, technologists, journalists, and more, and top it all off with drag performances; Thursday, 7:30pm to 10pm. // Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market St. (Duboce Triangle); tickets at sf.gazetteer.co





Walk Your Values. This fashion show with purpose hosted by SF nonprofit Remake and KQED's Fit Check will feature secondhand looks and spark discussion around the intersection of style, conscious consumption, and sustainability; Thursday, 8pm to 11pm. // SF Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero); tickets at kqed.org

Check out Design Sausalito, a weekend devoted to the region's craft, fashion, textiles, and art. Look out for 7x7's own style editor Gail Goldberg interviewing Simon Ungless; Friday through Sunday. // Details at designsausalito.org





Appreciate paper at Connecting Cuts, an exhibit dedicated to traditional, cultural, and contemporary papercut art; opening reception on Friday, 7pm to 9 pm. // Olive Hyde Gallery, 123 Washington Blvd. (Fremont); details at olivehydeartguild.org





Explore deep notes of chardonnay and pinot noir with Seadon Shouse, executive chef at Timber Cove Resort and author of From the Hill by the Sea: A Cookbook and Memoir. Enjoy pairings inspired by his Nova Scotia roots and cooking from the land and sea; Friday through Monday. // Flowers Vineyards and Winery, 4035 Westside Rd. (Healdsburg); tickets at exploretock.com/flowerswinery

Celebrate Diwali with the final Bhangra and Beats Night Market. The citys first official celebration of the Festival of Lights will have South Asian food and goods on offer as well as culturally rooted music to get you moving; Friday, 5pm to 10pm. // Battery St. and Clay St. (FiDi); RSVP at eventbrite.com







Nosh at a pop-up night market from La Cocina. Enjoy unlimited bites and nonalcoholic beverages from seven up-and-coming businesses to support the organizations food incubator program; Friday, 6pm to 9pm. // La Cocina, 101 Hyde St. (Tenderloin); tickets at eventbrite.com

Do your holiday shopping at Marche, a female-led holiday marketplace. Shop fashion, design, jewelry, art, beauty, and culinary goods from more than 50 women-owned local and national brands; Saturday, 10am to 4pm. // The Bridge Yard, 210 Burma Rd. (Oakland); tickets at eventbrite.com







Support local makers at the Arts and Crafts Fair. Shop original artfrom jewelry and ceramics to prints, glass, and handmade clothingfrom more than 140 talented artists, including CCA students, teachers, and alumni; Saturday, 11am to 4pm. // California College of the Arts, 145 Hooper St. (SoMa); RSVP at eventbrite.com





Go on a musical journey with the International Orange Chorale of SF. Voices Unbound: The Sound of Instinct features four distinct sets exploring improvisation, a capella, and more rooted in worldwide traditions; Sunday at 4pm. // St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 3281 16th St. (Mission); tickets at iocsf.org





Be there for the grand opening of Cura Contemporary, a new architectural landmark and fine art gallery; Saturday, 11am to 5pm. // Cura Contemporary, 17395 Monterey Rd. (Morgan Hill ); details at visitmorganhill.org

Thank you to our partners at Visit Morgan Hill.





Hear the queen of neo soul. Erykah Badu is in town; Saturday, 8pm. // Bill Graham Civic Center, 99 Grove St. (Civic Center); tickets at ticketmaster.com





Catch Foil Arms and Hog. The Irish sketch comedy group is bringing their antics off the internet and to the SF stage on their Skittish World Tour; Sunday at 8pm. // The Warfield, 982 Market St. (SoMa) tickets at axs.com





Close out SF Restaurant Week with an epic brunch. Chef Tyler Florence is serving a three-course all-American mid-afternoon meal; Sunday, 11am to 2:30pm. // Wayfare Tavern, 558 Sacramento St. (FiDi); reservations at opentable.com





Head to the Russian River for a tasting at Paul Mathew. This indie wine producer focuses on family-owned vineyards and sustainable practices; Thursdays through Sundays, 10:30am to 4:30pm. // Paul Mathew Vineyards, 9060 Graton Rd. (Russian River); paulmathewvineyards.com (Hot tip: 7x7 Social Club members can enjoy a free tasting and 10 percent off wine purchases.)





Eat and shop at Eataly's Holiday Taste Around. Enjoy seasonal sips, bites, and sweet treats as you peruse the marketplace; Sunday, 4pm to 6pm. // Eataly Silicon Valley, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. (San Jose); tickets at eventbrite.com





Get a private yacht tour of the bay. Make it a memorable weekend with wine, cheese, treats and five-star service. 7x7 Social Club members enjoy 20 percent off an exclusive Escape to Alcatraz experience. // Passage Nautical; book at passagenautical.com .





Make someones 2025 epic with a membership to Studio Social Collective, Napas new private social club. Its the gift that keeps on giving, with access to the regions best food, wine, and music scene. // Feast it Forward, 1031 McKinstry St. (Napa); feastitforward.com

Thank you to our partners at Feast it Forward.
Every year on Veterans Day our nation honors those who have sacrificed and served our country. Behind these veterans there are family caregivers who reflect on a very different kind of service and often feel forgotten. Life has not moved forward or gotten easier for many of our nations military caregivers, who are silently earning their version of a combat badge, setting aside their own goals and even their identities, long after their loved ones have made it home.

Nancy Treaster, 63, a certified caregiving consultant from Johns Creek, Georgia, is a co-founder of The Caregivers Journey a podcast and website offering practical advice to caregivers, especially around difficult subjects.

Members only

There is often a sense of pride from the veterans perspective around their service, Treaster says. But we need to do a much better job helping the caregiving spouse manage the everyday challenges, especially when it comes to resources and support.

Aging and the physical toll on veteran caregivers

As service members retire from active duty and transition to civilian life, they continue to rely on the people who love them and, in cases of injury, care for them. A share of our veterans suffer from injuries and conditions that will shadow them  and their families for the rest of their lives.

A Rand study found that while few spouses are prepared to manage the physical and mental injures of war, an estimated 80 percent of veterans will have some need for long-term services and supports in their lifetime. AARP reports that there are 6.5 million miltary and veteran caregivers in the U.S. Roxana Delgado, 47, an epidemiologist and professor at UT Health, San Antonio School of Nursing looks at the long-term effects on veteran caregivers.

They are great about accessing care for their loved ones, but we need more care and attention on screenings and follow-up for the caregivers themselves, she says.

Delgado has seen firsthand how the aging process for caregivers looks different than other populations, as the physical and mental health demands of caregiving on the body can accelerate or exacerbate certain health conditions.

For example, we see 50-year-olds in the general population getting arthritis, but its not uncommon to see a caregiver in her 50s needing a hip replacement from 24/7 lifting and bending to tend her son who was wounded in Fallujah, or to see caregivers developing aging-related chronic diseases earlier in life.

Caregiving spouses often attempt to give their physically or mentally injured veteran partners continued dignity and honor, however traumatic brain injury (TBI), and PTSD, signature wounds of the recent wars, can lead to changes in behavior, increased anger and suicidal thoughts. Spouses and partners of veterans report that these injuries impact not just their loved ones, but their marriage as well, and they often need to find ways to protect other family members from negative emotional effects. The burden of this care and protection can be overwhelming. Its not unusual for spouses of veterans to develop what is known as secondary PTSD, due to the strain of caregiving and managing a partners mental health issues and symptoms.

In sickness and in health

Mary Stone*, 53, from Lexington, Kentucky, met her husband Steve when he was an Army reservist in 1995, after he had deployed to Desert Storm. In sickness and in health, she says. I committed to that, but I didnt know it was going to be all sickness, and when its my sickness, its all mine. When its someone elses needs, that has to be the priority. Its my job to make him feel better.
Invest in China: U.S. materials science giant to firm up China presence

Xinhua) 09:30, November 11, 2024

SHANGHAI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. materials science giant Dow said it will stay committed to the Chinese market with steady investment and stronger partnerships to seize the opportunities brought by the country's shift to a greener and smarter economy.

"We are very bullish about the growth plans in China, and we believe that innovation in China is going to grow and benefit beyond our region as well," Dow Asia Pacific President Puay Koon Chia told Xinhua during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Dow's entry into China, the multinational firm's largest overseas market outside the United States. The company has built an extensive network in China to focus on the innovation, development and production of chemicals, plastics and advanced materials applied in sectors such as packaging, infrastructure, consumer care and new energy.

Puay Koon, who first came to China in 2000, said it's "exciting" to see how China has been transforming.

She noted that China's economy is shifting from rapid growth to high-quality development, citing growing customer demands for circular and low-carbon solutions. "The shift is really a game-changer."

Dow's response to the changing market is evident at its CIIE booth, which showcases a wide range of high-tech materials solutions for sustainability, such as a thermally conductive gel for electronics technology, which made its global debut at the event.

This was the second time Puay Koon attended the CIIE, which she called "a great platform for launching new technologies."

It was also the seventh time for Dow to participate in the expo, making the company a full-time CIIE attender. Over seven CIIE sessions, Dow has introduced some 90 new products and technologies via the platform and signed over 50 strategic partnership agreements.

"Sometimes a potential partnership comes from just a conversation," Puay Koon said. "This (CIIE) is where innovation is placed on the table, and you can have all the players across the value chain come together."

The company brought its most robust lineup and saw the most agreements signed at this year's CIIE since its initial presence in 2018.

It also set up a special exhibition area at the booth to showcase its fast expansion and landmark achievements in the Chinese market since 1979, such as the Shanghai Dow Center, the company's largest integrated R&D center outside the United States.

Despite a slowdown in headline GDP growth, Puay Koon said the opportunities and attractions of China are "definitely still very evident" thanks to a large and stable economy, efficient supply chains, a large skilled workforce and an innovation drive, among others.

In the past two decades, Dow invested in new production lines every 12 to 18 months at its manufacturing site in eastern Chinese city Zhangjiagang, and Puay Koon said the company will strive to keep up the expansion pace.

"Our dedication to China remains strong," Puay Koon said. "The country's vast market potential and improving business environment inspire our confidence in its future."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Titan the dog takes a photo with investigator Keith Kunz and McClennan County prosecutors Ryan Calvert and Alyssa Killin. Courtesy McClennan Country District Attorney's Office

A Texas dog helped lead law enforcement to his owners killer by refusing to leave the scene of her burning body, according to Central Texas authorities.

Police in Robinson, just outside Waco, were responding to a brush fire on April 5, 2023, when they found a body in flames, according to a Friday release from the McLennan County District Attorneys Office. The body had been burned inside a plastic storage container.

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A white dog at the scene was barking frantically and would not leave the area, despite attempts by officers to capture it, prosecutors said in the release. The body was removed and the next morning, a local person reported that the dog was sitting at the spot where the burning body had been.

Robinson animal control officers checked the dog for a microchip, learning that his name was Titan and that he belonged to 26-year-old Mandy Rose Reynolds of San Marcos.

San Marcos police went to her home and found it empty. All her possessions were gone, including her black Honda Accord, prosecutors said.

Police found her belongings April 7, 2023, in an abandoned truck near her home.

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Using a license plate reader database, authorities tracked Reynolds' Honda Accord to Wichita, Kansas. Officers in Wichita saw the car April 8, 2023, and tried to pull it over, but the driver led them in a high-speed chase hitting over 100 miles per hour.

ALSO READ: Wells Fargo Bank reaches settlement with 17 Hispanic workers who accused it of discrimination

About 30 minutes later, the car collided with another vehicle, prosecutors said. The driver fled the scene on foot and ran into a grocery store, where he hid on a shelf behind canned goods.

Police captured the driver and identified him as 29-year-old Derek Daigneault, Reynolds' cousin.

Under the drivers seat floorboard of the car was a .380-caliber handgun. A crime lab confirmed it had fired a round whose casing turned up at the scene of the blaze and whose bullet was recovered from Reynolds' remains.

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Surveillance footage from a San Marcos Walmart showed Daigneault buying a plastic storage container, shovel and gas can April 4, 2023, just one day before Reynolds' body was found in flames. The container was identical to the one found with Reynolds' body, prosecutors said.

Footage from Walmart that day also captured Daigneault leaving the store in Reynolds' Honda Accord. Titan the dog was sticking his head out of the window, according to the prosecutors.

Daigneault was sentenced to life in prison Oct. 5 for Reynolds' murder, prosecutors announced Friday.

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Tiros Infill Drilling and Project Update

Toronto, Nov 11, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. ( ASX:RAU ) ( CVE:RSM ) ( 8TX:FRA ) ( RSGOF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce that the infill drilling campaign for mine planning at the Tiros Titanium and Rare Earth Elements ("REE") Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil ("Tiros Project" or "Tiros" or "Project") has been completed.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Assay results received from the first three diamond drill holes of a 46-diamond drill hole program.



- 2,922 meters were drilled, in total.



- Results included 4 meters at 22.5% Titanium Dioxide ("TiO2") and 7,117ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO").



- Data from the program will be used for future estimation of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") and a maiden ore reserve.



ASSAY RESULTS



Assay results from the first three diamond drill holes from the Tiros Central Block infillcampaign in Brazil are summarized as follows:



- 50 metres at 12.9% TiO2 and 3,969ppm TREO (818 ppm Neodymium and Praseodymium ("NdPr")) from 45 metres in drill hole FDTIR-34 ("FDTIR") including,



o 4 metres at 18.5 TiO2% and 3,969ppm TREO (818ppm NdPr) from 53 metres downhole



- 49 metres at 13.7% TiO2 and 4,222ppm TREO (873ppm NdPr) from 5 metres in FDTIR-35, including;



o 4 meters at 22.5% TiO2 and 7,117ppm TREO (1,260ppm NdPr) from 13 metres downhole; and



o 3 metres at 8.9% TiO2 and 8,034ppm TREO (1,196ppm NdPr) from 26 metres downhole.



- 55 meters at 9.9% TiO2 and 3,486ppm TREO (836ppm NdPr) from 31 metres in FDTIR-36, including;



o 4 metres at 8.63% TiO2 and 8,801ppm TREO (3,005ppm NdPr) from 52 metres downhole.



The results reported above are consistent with assay results from previous drilling at the Tiros Central Block, adding high confidence to the consistency of mineralisation.



These reported results represent preliminary assays from an infill diamond drill program, which includes 46 drill holes totalling 2,922m in the Central Block at Tiros using cut-off grades of 1,000ppm for TREO and 6% for TiO2 (refer Appendix 1, 2, 3*). The assay data from the current drill program will be incorporated into the existing resource model for Tiros and used for the updated mineral resources.



Commenting on completion of the infill diamond drill program at Tiros, Resouro's CEO, Alistair Stephens, said: "Completing our infill drilling program brings us one step closer to achieving our development objectives and enhances our understanding of the resource's continuity and quality. We believe the data collected will provide valuable insights that support our future planning and decision-making as we advance towards a comprehensive evaluation.



We look forward to sharing detailed results once the data has been fully analysed."



The difference in the average grades of mineralisation to the grades in the MRE is due to the treatment of cut-off grades and spatial statistical analysis of mineralised domains used in the resource calculation that is different from the average of the data sets. In all data sets, elevated assay of barium, strontium, zircon and niobium are evident, warranting further analysis.



The cross section of the Tiros Project mineralisation (Figure 1) illustrates the high-grade domain, that varies between 2 to 10 metres in thickness (shown in red). The high-grade mineralised layer is exposed at surface in many areas. This high-grade occurs close to the top of a lower grade mineralisation layer that is typically 30 to 40 metres thick.



High-grade titanium and rare earths mineralisation has a correlation to high-iron and low-silica assays, while lower grade titanium and lower grade rare earths mineralisation is associated with low iron and low silica grades.



Figure 2*, in link below, demonstrates how ground penetrating radar has been used to assist in the definition of geological domains. When used in conjunction with drill hole assay data, this information assists in the definition of the mineralisation domains that define the MRE.



Figure 3*, in link below, demonstrates the spatial distribution between the Tiros North (northern), Tiros Central (central), Sao Gotardo and Campos Altos (southern) regions of mineralisation and tenement holding. High grades of mineralisation in drill holes are present in each tenement of the Tiros North, Tiros Central and Sao Gotardo Targets (reference: Prospectus ASX RAU dated 1 May 2024 and lodged with ASX on 13 June 2024).



Background to Tiros Project Drilling



The drilling completed at Tiros has consisted of three phases (Table 3). Historic drilling included 21 drill holes, and an additional 98 drill holes in 2023, which were used to compile the data necessary to complete the maiden MRE.



Drilling Completed by Resouro in the Central Block



Following the release of the Company's maiden JORC compliant MRE for the Tiros Project (reference: ASX Announcement 18 July 2024, TSXV 17 July 2024), an infill drilling campaign was completed within the Central Block at Tiros.



The infill drilling program consisted of 46 diamond drill holes for 2,922m in flat areas with low overburden thickness that would be optimal for the commencement of a mining operation.



The drilling program was designed to provide an improved confidence in a resource model at the Tiros Central Block using the same cut-off grades of 1,000ppm TREO and 6% TiO2 as used in the existing MRE. The data from this program will also be incorporated into the existing Mineral Resource model for Tiros and used for future estimation of an updated Mineral Resource estimation and a maiden ore reserve.



Figure 4* (in link below), outlines the three phases of drilling completed (including the most recent 46 diamond drill holes) on the Central Block at Tiros, which currently represents approximately 7% of the total project tenements area.



Next Steps



Resouro plans to undertake surveys over the Company's tenements, focussing on areas where stripping ratios are optimal for bulk mining trials which have the potential to deliver material within the quickest timeframe. This work includes:



- Further metallurgical test work programs with preferred laboratory partners to optimize REE leaching recovery and TiO2 extraction conditions.



- Undertaking a scoping study with Subject Matter Experts in 2025, as a precursor to Prefeasibility Studies.



- Complete preliminary mining and environmental baseline studies for bulk mining trials.



- Downstream studies and product testing to align the metallurgical flow sheet with potential offtake partners.



- Continued engagement with regulatory authorities in Minas Gerais to progress the process for application of a mining concession over the Central Block of Tiros.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/49K8GQ4A





About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc.





Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (ASX:RAU) (CVE:RSM) (OTCMKTS:RSGOF) (FRA:8TX) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects.



The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor.



The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Company's operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Company's wholly owned subsidiary.

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Bauxite Resource Drilling Update

Perth, Nov 11, 2024 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Arrow Minerals Limited ( ASX:AMD ) is pleased to advise that its maiden drilling program is progressing ahead of schedule at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea.



Key Points



- 86 holes out of a planned 150 holes completed, with drilling progressing ahead of schedule and the program due for completion in November 2024



- First results expected by early December 2024



- Geological logging for the program completed to date has confirmed the presence of residual bauxite, consistent with drill logging from 2007 conducted by Vale



- Past exploration, which includes 448 drill holes conducted across multiple campaigns by various companies including Vale's 180 holes in 2007 has informed the current drilling campaign



- This current drilling program tests three of these targets and is intended to provide sufficient data to achieve the Company's goal for the estimation of maiden Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources in the first half of 2025



- Drilling is specifically targeting sufficient bauxite mineralisation for the estimation of Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources to facilitate delivery of a Scoping Study in the June 2025 Quarter



There is currently insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.



Bauxite mineralisation is being targeted at three areas previously identified by Vale, and combined with favourable drill penetration rates, equipment reliability and good ground conditions, the program has exceeded expectations.



Arrow Managing Director David Flanagan said: "Vale explored this area as recently as 2007 and completed 180 holes on an 800 metre by 800 metre spacing. This data is not sufficiently reliable for resource estimation, but it has been extremely useful in providing a focus on specific areas with the goal of estimating Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources needed as a basis for our planned scoping study in the first half of 2025."



Since the early 1960's the project area has been subject to many campaigns of exploration including mapping, surface sampling and drilling identifying nine potential bauxite targets. The current drilling will thoroughly test three of these targets in the southern part of the tenement, linked by existing roads to the dual track, multi-user railway, which is due for commissioning in late 2025.



The drill program, which is progressing ahead of schedule, is expected to be completed during late November 2024. We are pleased to confirm that the first 86 holes, representing over half of the program, have been successfully completed.



Project Geology



Geological logging for the program completed to date has confirmed the presence of residual bauxite consistent with genetic models for lateritic plateau style bauxites within Guinea. Drill logging also aligns well with logging from the 2007 Vale drilling campaign, confirming the presence of bauxite mineralisation at all three target areas tested.



Principal lithological units that have been identified in the drill program are bauxite, ferruginous bauxite, laterite and basal clay.



Within the bauxites, characteristic textures are noted in drill cuttings and in outcrop, including: gelomorphic, oolitic and pisolitic textures. The former is more widespread and is noted across the Northern and Central zones of the Boussoura Plateau. Oolitic and pisolitic textures have only been noted in the Southern limit of the Boussoura Plateau drill tested to date.



These textures are all significant to the grade potential of the bauxite, since they are associated with, and imply chemical re-precipitation and residual enrichment of alumina during chemical lateritic weathering processes. These textures are noted in some of Guinea's high-grade bauxite provinces including Sangaredi, Gaoual, and Boffa.



Ferruginous bauxites are also encountered in drilling and are typically encountered close to ground surface associated with surficial laterites, and in areas of suppressed topographic expression where groundwater carrying iron migrates, accumulates, and evaporates, resulting in iron precipitation.



Samples from the first 43 drill holes for a total of 504m of drilling completed as of 4 November 2024 have been prepared, and pulps are currently in transit to ALS Global's analytical laboratory in Loughrea, Ireland for analysis. Chemical analyses from these drill samples are expected to be received in early December 2024 and will provide insight into the economic significance of these bauxite deposits. Assays from the remaining 107 holes of the 150 hole program, are expected to be received later in December 2024.



The results of the exploration program including all relevant information will be reported as Exploration Results in accordance with the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' on receipt of assay data, and its interpretation in context with all other relevant exploration information.



Cautionary Statement: The Company is highly encouraged by the geology encountered in the drilling at Niagara this year, but notes that chemical analyses are still to be completed by independent assay laboratory, ALS Global, Loughrea, Ireland. The presence of bauxite identified by geological logging of auger drill samples does not imply bauxite mineralisation that is of potential economic significance until it is confirmed by chemical assay. No drill widths or thicknesses of mineralisation are given at this stage.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/H3O84L68





About Arrow Minerals Ltd





Arrow Minerals Ltd (ASX:AMD) is an exploration and development company focused on delivering long-term shareholder value through the discovery of economic mineral deposits in West Africa. The Company has implemented a systematic science-based exploration philosophy whilst remaining commercially nimble to ensure we capture and retain value.

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Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) walks to a vote in the Senate Chambers at the U.S. Capitol on February 07, 2024 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

With just two days until Republicans vote for the next Senate majority leader, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn says the chamber should stay in session indefinitely if Democrats try and block Donald Trump's cabinet appointments when he returns to the White House in January.

The Texas Republican, along with rivals U.S. Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and Rick Scott of Florida responded Sunday to a social media post by Trump warning any candidate for majority leader must agree to recess appointments, a practice by which presidents appoint federal officials when Congress is on break, either to avoid a contentious hearing or push through someone unlikely to win Senate support.

"Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!," Trump wrote.

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At present, both chambers of Congress hold "pro-forma" sessions when not in session, to stop presidents from carrying through on recess appointments  a practice popularized by former majority leader Harry Reid during George W. Bush's presidency.

In 2014 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled former president Barrack Obama exceeded his authority by making appointments when the Senate was on a three-day break, which they deemed did not count as a recess.

Cornyn, Thune and Scott are expected to appear at a candidate's forum for majority leader Tuesday evening, hosted by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. Senators are scheduled to cast ballots Wednesday morning on who will replace U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, as majority leader after Republicans won control of the Senate last week. As of Monday, the party was on track to win 53 seats, giving them a wide enough margin that the recess appointments may not be necessary in the end.

Cornyn wrote on X Sunday afternoon that the Constitution gives presidents authority to make recess appointments.

"It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President @realDonaldTrumps cabinet appointments," he wrote. "If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent."

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His post came almost three hours after Scott wrote on X just six minutes after Trump's post: "100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible." The response draw an endorsement from Texas billionaire and rising Trump ally Elon Musk.

Thune responded two hours later, writing "all options are on the table" to get Trump's appointments through the senate, "including recess appointments."
TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators' Council (SATRC). He was unanimously elected to the position, having served as the Vice Chairman of the Council prior to this role.

Lahoti's appointment was announced by TRAI during the ongoing 25th SATRC meeting in New Delhi, which is scheduled from November 11 to 13, 2024. The SATRC serves as a platform for telecommunication regulatory bodies across South Asia, where key issues surrounding telecommunications and ICT regulations are discussed and coordinated.

The SATRC comprises the heads of telecommunication regulatory authorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. At the meeting, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications, delivered a special address focused on transformative advancements in South Asia's telecom sector. In addition, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Chairman of Bangladesh's Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), highlighted regional priorities for telecom development.

Lahoti, in his welcome address, reiterated India's commitment to furthering collaboration within the telecom sector and emphasized the importance of sharing regulatory experiences to foster growth across the region.

The SATRC meeting provides an important forum for regulatory bodies to work together on issues that shape the future of the telecommunications industry in South Asia.

Also Read: Ex-Railway Board Chief Anil Kumar Lahoti appointed as TRAI Chairman
Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has entered into a strategic partnership with Adda247 to develop a talent pipeline through skill-building initiatives. This collaboration aims to secure high-quality and job-ready talent for Axis Bank across sales, relationship management, and other customer-facing roles.

Through this partnership, Axis Bank and Adda247 will introduce multiple initiatives to recruit, nurture, and build the next generation of skilled bankers. These initiatives will provide a co-curated and purpose-built learning experience focusing on domain knowledge and skillsets essential for young professionals to build successful careers at Axis Bank.

The learning journeys have been collaboratively designed to develop necessary skills through deep practice of various customer sales and service scenarios in banking, and simulations aimed at accelerating the learning and experience curve to excel in the real-world environment.

Rajkamal Vempati, President & Head of Human Resources at Axis Bank, said, At Axis Bank, we bet on young people. The landscape of talent is changing, and we are committed to reaching out to young employees, wherever they may be. Adda247 has made several strides in developing talent through its dominant digital presence. By tapping into the demographic dividend of the country, with Adda247's reach, we can harness the potential of a young and vibrant workforce."

Anil Nagar, Founder & CEO, Adda247 said, Adda247 started as Bank Power in 2010 when the founders started training public sector bank job aspirants. Over the last 14+ Years, Adda247 has made significant investments in building a very vast and contemporary digital footprint and content driven ecosystem. Our banking focused digital assets including bankersadda.com and the whole ecosystem have helped us build a strong community of over 9mn+ young banking job aspirants and a daily active user base of over 1.5 lakh job aspirants preparing on our App for banking careers. These job aspirants are trained by a very young faculty (average age: 32 years, 50% women faculty) who are exceptionally talented in engaging job aspirants through live classes on our learning App. We are confident that will be able to leverage our decades of experience, digital assets and our learning App to deliver impactful learning interventions for Axis Bank."

Bimaljeet Singh Bhasin, CEO, Skilling & Higher Education, Adda247 said, We are excited to partner with Axis Bank in building job ready workforce across sales, relationship management and customer service roles. This collaboration will combine Axis Banks strong talent building practices with Addas expertise in providing job readiness offerings to job aspirants. Job aspirants will undergo focused learning interventions designed to build contemporary mindsets, skillsets and expertise required to excel in their career at Axis Bank. Through this joint initiative, we aim to reach a wider geographical audience, including Tier 3 and 4 cities, and create opportunities for young job aspirants across India to learn in-demand skills and gain employment with Axis Bank.

Also Read: Axis Bank encourages Young Minds to express Gratitude through SPLASH
Dubai-based siblings Jainam and Jivika have offered to transfer the JioHotstar domain to "Team Reliance" at no cost. The siblings originally acquired the domain from a Delhi-based app developer who registered it in 2023, hoping to sell it to Reliance for Rs 1 crore to fund an executive MBA at Cambridge. When Reliance declined, citing legal and technical constraints, the developer sold the domain to Jainam and Jivika on October 26, 2024, to support his educational pursuits.

In a message posted on the site, the siblings stated, "Given the ongoing discussions, we believe it's best for Team Reliance to have this domain if they wish. We're ready to transfer [the JioHotstar domain] to them for free, with all proper documentation." Visitors to their site are now redirected to a page that shares the siblings' story, along with details about their educational outreach program for underprivileged children.

The siblings clarified that their acquisition was solely to highlight their seva (service) journey, with no intention of financial gain or creating controversy. Despite numerous offers, including significant sums, they have consistently maintained that the domain is not for sale. They have invited Reliance to contact them if interested in assuming ownership.

Also Read: Dubai Police dismantle massive IPTV Piracy Operation after Disney Star complaint
Adgullys AG Talk brings unfiltered insights and thoughts of CEOs, MDs, and CMOs, who have been leading the marketing landscape, and in fact, also laying the ground rules to keep up with the transformative times.

German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen is one of the world's leading car makers with a rich history dating back to 1937. Known for its innovative engineering, iconic models like the Beetle, Volkswagen has grown into a global powerhouse in the automotive industry. The brand is recognized for producing a wide range of vehicles that balance performance, safety, and cutting-edge technology, appealing to a diverse set of consumers worldwide.

Volkswagen entered the Indian market in 2007 and has since established itself as a key player in the countrys automobile industry. Known for offering premium build quality, advanced safety features, and German engineering at competitive prices, Volkswagen India caters to a growing demand for reliable and stylish vehicles.

In this exclusive Ag Talk interaction with Adgully, Abbey Thomas, Head of Marketing & PR, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, discusses the companys offerings of over 40 active and passive safety features. The latest campaign by the company emphasizes on the importance of six airbags as a standard feature across all variants. Thomas speaks about Volkswagens marketing plans for the festive season this year, including safety-focused campaigns that aim to strengthen the brands resilience in a competitive market. He also highlights how the company balances traditional media, such as print, with digital and out-of-home (OOH) advertising in their media mix for this campaign, including the percentage allocation across these platforms, and more.

Volkswagen has been at the forefront of vehicle safety, offering over 40 active and passive safety features. Could you share how this focus on safety aligns with current consumer priorities, especially in the mass market?

At Volkswagen, we have always prioritized safety as a core pillar of our brand. In fact, our focus on marketing the 5-star GNCAP safety credentials of our cars was instrumental in making safety a key consideration for car buyers, which today is up there with other make-or-break considerations like fuel economy. This is also reflective of the shift thats taking place in what car buyers want from their cars. The Indian consumer, with more disposable income in his/her pocket, has today gone from being cost conscious to value conscious and safety, alongside other value drivers like immersive cabins and digital technology, has emerged as a big part of the value pie. So, in that sense, our focus on safety, with our cars packed with over 40 active and passive safety features, aligns perfectly with consumer priorities. We believe that safety should not be a luxury, but a standard feature accessible to all customers, and this approach resonates well, especially with the mass market.

The campaign emphasizes the significance of 6 airbags as a standard feature across all variants. How has customer feedback been so far on this initiative, and how do you see it influencing purchase decisions?

The introduction of 6 airbags as a standard feature across all our variants has been met with a very positive response from customers. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to safety, and it has positively influenced purchase decisions, especially among our core audiences that are married with children and safety-conscious consumers. Both of our India 2.0 products  Taigun and Virtus  are 5-star GNCAP safety rated cars and customers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are driving one of the safest vehicles in the market, and this is reflected in the comments weve heard from both existing and prospective customers.

Can you share some insights into Volkswagens festive season marketing plans this year? How have you leveraged this period to promote safety and other brand values?

We, at Volkswagen, ushered in excitement this festive season with the Volksfest 2024, our annual celebratory extravaganza which commenced from September 14 and culminated in October. Each year at Volkswagen India, our aim is to make the Volksfest bigger and special and leverage this period for our customers with exclusive offers, benefits, and engagement opportunities. This Volksfest, we are bringing our brand even closer to customers, at the heart of cities, at premium malls across the country. We have also built a unique Trust Drive zone that invites prospective customers to get behind the wheel and spend quality time experiencing their preferred Volkswagen model thats safe, sturdy and fun-to-drive.

Volkswagen has consistently focused on building brand resilience. How do you believe your safety-focused campaigns and festive season marketing will help in strengthening the brands resilience in a competitive market?

Marketing and positioning for any brand cannot be a short term engagement, much rather, it must outline the tenets over a longer duration for consistent positioning and recall/ association. For us, we have been quite consistent with our communications that have reinforced the ideology of Build Quality, Safety and Fun-to-Drive. Moreover, these have been built in as qualities of our German Engineered products. So, whether its a campaign specifically communicating the safety credentials of our cars or festive campaigns, consistent messaging of our key tenets have always been placed up front and centre in our messaging. As a result these facets have become intrinsically-linked propositions of the Volkswagen Brand in the minds of our customers and prospective customers alike. It is one of the key pillars that differentiate our brand and set us apart in an increasingly crowded and competitive market.

Volkswagen is known for its innovative print ads. How are you balancing traditional media like print with digital and OOH in your media mix for this campaign? Could you share the percentage allocation across these platforms? Are there any shifts in focus, such as increased investment in digital or experiential advertising, especially considering the growing importance of vehicle safety?

We constantly tweak the mix of our delivery mechanisms to engage customers in the most effective and goal oriented manner. Like in the past, print and OOH advertising remains a key pillar of our strategy. We see them as key channels for building brand visibility. But at the same time, we have certainly sustained a healthy mix of penetration through digital platforms. Like we mentioned earlier, consistency is key and this holds true for our optimum mix as well, addressing more than just the top funnel but even down funnel strategies, where we can be more tactical with our communications, tailoring the messaging for specific audiences and that is where we leverage strengths of digital platforms.

Could you tell us about the creative and media agencies you have partnered with for this campaign? How have they contributed to bringing the campaign vision to life?

DDB Mudra has been our creative partner for over a decade in India and has played a key role for us on many fronts. As for this campaign on safety with 6 airbags as standard, DDB has really put together a unique way of reaching out to customers to emphasize on the number 6, to send out a captivating message while embodying the core narrative of safety.

With consumers becoming more environmentally conscious, how is Volkswagen India integrating sustainability with safety in its vehicle offerings? Are there any plans to align future campaigns with both these themes?

Sustainability in mobility solutions currently means green or electric product offerings. However, it is also important to understand that at present, especially in India, we are yet to move to more sustainable renewable energy forms. So ideally, while EVs may replace tailpipe emissions with industrial emissions, these do continue contributing to the carbon footprint. With that said, in the interim, we are providing ICE powertrains that not only conform to the standard emission norms of the nation but also bring in innovative technologies such as ACT or active cylinder deactivation technology on our 1.5 l TSI EVO engine. This technology moderates usage of cylinders in the engine block to optimize fuel consumption, returning a good mileage and reducing tailpipe emissions depending on power consumption patterns.

How do you see the role of emerging technologies, like AI and connected cars, shaping the future of vehicle safety for Volkswagen India? Will we see these innovations reflected in future campaigns or product launches?

While AI and connected cars as technological services in mobility continue to evolve, their role in terms of safety would still be at a nascent stage. Globally this year, At CES 2024, Volkswagen presented the first vehicles in which the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT is integrated into its IDA voice assistant. In future, customers will have seamless access to the constantly growing artificial intelligence database in Volkswagen models equipped with the IDA voice assistant and have researched content read out to them while driving.

Enabled by Cerence Chat Pro, the integration of ChatGPT into the backend of the Volkswagen voice assistant offers a multitude of new capabilities that go far beyond the previous voice control. These are just a few glimpses into what capabilities AI may unravel not just in-terms of convenience but even safety in the years to come.

Also Read: Neha Agrahari on Flipkarts big video commerce push for festive season this year
Tom Homan speaks as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump listens at a primary election night party in Nashua, N.H., Jan. 23, 2024. Matt Rourke/AP

President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead his border security and deportation efforts is an ally of Gov. Greg Abbott and a self-described "fan" of the Republican governor who regularly praised Texas' border crackdown on Fox News.

Trump announced Sunday night that Tom Homan, an immigration hard-liner who previously ran U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, would be his "border czar" and would oversee Trump's mass deportation efforts.

READ MORE: What to know about Donald Trump's immigration plans and how it could impact Texas

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Abbott quickly praised the pick, writing on the social media site X that "there's no one tougher on the border."

"He knows what to do, how to do it with speed, and will work collaboratively with Texas," Abbott wrote.

Homan has been a major cheerleader for Abbott's $11 billion border initiative, Operation Lone Star, and said in an interview with Hearst Newspapers earlier this year that he regularly talked with state leaders overseeing it, including Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, to "share ideas."

Homan said at the time that he believed Abbott has proven over the last four years that Trumps hard-line immigration policies work.

He specifically pointed to the state's use of barriers  including razor wire, cargo boxes, buoys, fencing and more  to try to keep migrants out. Homan also praised Abbott's busing of more than 119,000 migrants to Democratic-led cities as key to drawing attention to the border.

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It made immigration the top issue in the country, Homan said. Immigration was lagging at the time, it was on the third page. He put it back on the front page.

And he said Abbott "took a page" out of the Trump administration's "consequence delivery system" by directing state troopers to arrest migrants on trespassing charges.

Texas saw a sharp decline in crossings earlier this year, but the dip was in line with other border states, including Arizona, which has a Democratic governor and no comparable border initiative.

In between Trump administrations, Homan was a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind the controversial Project 2025 blueprint that calls for reshaping the federal government.

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READ MORE: How Greg Abbott made the Texas border America's problem

Trump appointed Homan in an advisory role, meaning he won't need Senate confirmation to take the job.

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.

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Homan said on Fox News on Monday that those deemed to be a threat to public safety or national security would be top priorities, and that the administration would ramp up work site raids, as well.
ThunderPlus, one of Indias fastest-growing EV charging company, has launched an empowering new initiative, Charger Lagao Paise Kamao, designed to transform homes and walls across the country into income-generating EV charging stations. This innovative program is especially focused on empowering women and the differently abled by providing them with a sustainable source of passive income, with minimal to no manual intervention required.



Inspired by the simplicity and accessibility of the classic coin box phone, ThunderPlus is reinventing passive income opportunities by turning every household into a potential EV charging station. With the 3.3 KW OCPP AC Charger, a universal charger for 2, 3, and 4-wheelers, this campaign not only brings clean energy accessibility closer to communities but also enables its beneficiaries to earn a substantial income. The products robust design includes IP67 certification for dust, sun, and rain protection, ensuring resilience across diverse environments, making it a suitable addition to homes, walls, and even commercial locations.



With a single ThunderPlus charger, individuals can earn up to 15,000 per month, and in high-demand commercial locations, three chargers could yield an income of up to 50,000 per month. At an accessible price of 9999significantly lower than similar products priced at 25,000 or moreThunderPlus is making entry into the EV charging business financially viable for all.



ThunderPlus aims to partner with government bodies, NGOs, and CSR organizations to drive positive societal impact, particularly for women and the differently abled. By working with local communities, this initiative will provide financial independence and growth opportunities for women and those differently abled, making it a powerful tool for economic empowerment, said Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus.
Congress 'Shahi Parivar' Hell-Bent on Breaking OBC-ST-SC Unity to Snatch Reservations: PM Modi 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Congress during an election rally in Gumla, Jharkhand, on Sunday. He accused the Congress, particularly its shahi parivar (royal family), of attempting to divide the unity among Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to snatch reservations through what he termed an evil design.

PM Modi argued that the Congress aims to weaken tribal communities by fostering division among groups, including Munda, Oraon, Lohra, Kharia, Kharwar, and Korwa. He also alleged that Congress has historically opposed the elevation of tribals to high positions, pointing to resistance against President Droupadi Murmus appointment.

Modi also criticized the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government, accusing it of exploiting Jharkhands resourcesminerals, forest, land, and coalwhile compromising the states Roti-Beti-Mati (bread, land, and daughter).

He assured that under the BJPs Dharti Aba Janjatiya Utkarsh Abhiyan, over 60,000 tribal villages across India will be developed with an investment of Rs 80,000 crore. Additionally, he promised that the BJPs Gogo Didi scheme, offering Rs 2,100 monthly to women, will be implemented in Jharkhand, and Lakhpati Didis will benefit through promoted millet (Ragi) cultivation.

Modi pledged that leaders involved in resource exploitation and youth neglect will face justice, urging voters that their support will ensure a prosperous future for Jharkhand in the next 25 years.
This is an opinion column.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen doesnt want you to vote. Not unless you can get to and into the polling place on your own  on Election Day. Otherwise hell stonewall almost any effort to enhance accessibility, just as hes done for years.

He crouches under the guise of election integrity without citing a shred of evidence of election fraud. As a state lawmaker, Allen spawned laws banning curbside voting, blocking aid for physically challenged and elderly voters and forbidding private financial support for aiding voters.

Gas card for driving voters to the poll? Not out of Wes wallet.

Early voting to give Alabamians more flexibility? No Wes way.

Since before I was elected as Secretary of State, I have been clear that I believe in Election Day, not election month, Allen has said, on repeat.

So, he probably wont want to hear this: The Republican who had his job for eight years before Allen got elected says that Alabama should explore early voting.

It may be time for the legislature to explore an early in-person voting pilot that you would have in certain locations around the state, former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill told me last week, a couple of days after the election. And you would see whether or not its something that would increase participation. Then youll have part of a model that will help you understand whether or not its a benefit to the people.

You likely know this by now: Alabama is one of just three states without early in-person voting. Early in-person voting has been anathema to Republican leaders and lawmakers. Yet, as long lines snaked prodigiously at numerous polling places around the state on Election Day, some Republican lawmakers appeared to be open to considering early voting .

A Democrat, Rep. Thomas Jackson of Thomasville, pre-filed a bill that would allow voters to cast their ballots before Election Day . The bill, if passed in next years legislative session, would require each county to open at least one early voting center during the week prior to the election. Merrill suggests opening early voting sites at convenient locations in every county.

Anybody who has to drive more than 20 minutes from where they live to a polling place, thats a problem, he said. And anybody who has to wait more than 20 minutes in line to vote, thats a problem.

After the pilot, Merrill said: Then measure that success or failure and determine whether or not you want to do it again.

Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill speaks at a lunch in Birmingham hosted by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition on November 7, 2024Roy S. Johnson

Last week, Alabamians voted at the lowest rate the state has seen in any presidential election year since 1988 (58%) , according to the secretary of states website. At the same time, the more than 2.2 million votes cast was the second-highest in the states history, behind only 2020 when just over 2.3 million residents checked a ballot.

Merrill served as Alabamas secretary of state, from 2015-2023, and is currently the director of public policy at Waggoner Engineering in Birmingham.

When Allen was in the legislature from 2018-2022, he served as vice chair of the House Committee on Constitution, Campaigns and Elections and was both the match and the firewall for election-related legislation.

Alabamians deserve a fair, secure, and transparent election, Allen said recently when asked his position on early in-person voting. 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.

Of course, Allen does not offer any instances of chaos and confusion in other states.

Like him, Merrill recites the Election Day mantra, yet still believes early voting should be studied.

I have said and would say again, you know, its not election season, its not election month, its not election week, its Election Day, Meredith said. Alabama has led the nation for the last several decades in-person voting on Election Day. Our people take pride in that we have more people participate. But somebody else might say we dont give them another option.

He recalls learning that early in-person voting was once piloted in the state.

I didnt know this, but when I got to Montgomery, I found out that at some time, I guess it was in the late 80s, maybe the early 90s, they actually had early in-person voting as a pilot, he said. The members of the body at that time felt with the results that were given that it was a failure and that it was not something we needed to explore again. A lot of things have changed since the last 30 years.

Enough to move state Republicans? One can hope  then just slip on comfortable shoes and get in line.

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 Daphne man has been charged with one count of vehicular homicide and one count of DUI manslaughter following a Wednesday crash in Escambia County.

On the night of Nov. 6, Shawn Wilber, 49, was driving his pickup truck in the westbound lane of Interstate 10 near mile marker 9 in Escambia County when he collided with a Toyota van, according to the Pensacola News Journal.

The van contained a 50-year-old woman, 50-year-old man, 25-year-old man, 12-year-old boy, 27-year-old man and the 14-year-old boy.

At least one of the vehicles rolled over after the collision and everyone in the van sustained minor injuries, except the boy, who was pronounced dead on Nov. 9.

The Florida Highway Patrol was unable to determine if the boy was wearing a seatbelt, but everyone else in the van was, according to the article.

Wilber is currently held without bond in Escambia County Jail.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said he is backing Sen. Rick Scott of Florida for Senate majority leader.

The nation delivered a mandate on Tuesday, Tuberville wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday. They want @realdonaldtrumps America First agenda, and they want it now.

The nation delivered a mandate on Tuesday. They want @realdonaldtrump's America First agenda, and they want it now.



Senator Rick Scott represents millions of Americans from Alabama to California who voted for a unified Republican government.



I'm proud to support  Tommy Tuberville (@TTuberville) November 10, 2024

Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas are also running for the position.

Senator Rick Scott represents millions of Americans from Alabama to California who voted for a unified Republican government. Im proud to support @scottforflorida for Majority Leader, Tuberville wrote.

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt has not announced her endorsement. But her staff issued a statement Sunday evening about the process she is taking to decide.

Senator Britt is looking forward to attending Senator Mike Lees forum on Tuesday evening, where shell question each of the candidates. Senator Britt wants the next Republican Senate leader to significantly overhaul how the Senate has been operating and make it actually work for the American people. She will be looking for candidates to showcase the ability to successfully advance President Trumps agenda through Congress; a commitment to restore regular order in the appropriations process and end omnibuses; and a plan to empower committees and decentralize power within the chamber. She will ensure Alabama continues to have a strong seat at the table and that our states values, people, and priorities are put first.

Last week was a tremendous victory for our nation, according to Britts statement. Working with President Trump, a Republican Senate majority is ready to deliver real results and achieve commonsense solutions for the American people. Senator Britt is eager to get to work and put America back on track.

The Republican Party gained control of the Senate chamber after four years in the minority following Tuesdays election. As of Sunday evening, Republicans control 53 Senate seats, according to The Associated Press.

Last week, Tuberville said he will remain in the Senate instead of taking up an appointment with the incoming Trump administration.
The Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign aircraft is currently parked at Mobiles Aeroplex at Brookley for reworking, according to airport spokesperson Devon Calametti.

Calametti said the plane is being repainted by one of Aeroplexs 89 partners, but she was unable to confirm which one.

While it is at the Aeroplex, the plane will undergo any remodeling it needs before it reused in another capacity, she said.

The news comes less than a week after the Democrat suffered a crushing defeat, losing the electoral college and popular vote to President-elect Donald Trump.

For the third time in a row, Trump easily carried Alabama and claimed its nine electoral votes.

Even more Alabama voters supported Trump compared to the previous two elections.

He won by 65%, or 1,454,170 votes, according to unofficial results released by the Alabama Secretary of States Office.

Thats up from his share of about 62% of Alabama ballots in 2020.
Legendary ocean liner the S.S. United States will begin its journey down to Mobile this week before heading to Florida to become the worlds largest artificial reef.

The liner is scheduled to be towed out of the Philadelphia pier where it currently resides at midday on Thursday, according to the SS United States Conservancy.

While the SS United States journey from Philadelphia is a complex process and is subject to many factors, the ship is currently scheduled to be towed off from Pier 82 mid-day on November 14th and then remain temporarily at nearby Pier 80, reads a post on the groups Facebook.

There, she will await the tidal cycle and depart on her journey south very early in the morning on Friday, November 15th.

The current tentative schedule of events for the move is as follows, according to the conservancy:

- Nov. 14, 2024: Tugboats will secure themselves to the S.S. United States during high tide and begin maneuvering the vessel to the north side of the slip and secure her at Pier 80.

- Nov. 15, 2024: Tugboats will begin maneuvering the S.S. United States into the Delaware River pre-dawn, in preparation for low tide. When the ship is passing under the various bridges (Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322), and the Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295)) along its route, the Department of Transportation will be coordinating bridge closures.

After its journey south, which is predicted to last two weeks, the ship will dock in Mobile for a year to undergo preparations for its final move to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

Anyone interested in watching the ships journey can track it using this link created by Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Some of the vessels transformations in Mobile will include removing materials that are dangerous to sea life and poking holes in its hull to ensure it will land upright at the bottom of the Gulf, according to the conservancy.

Though the ship was originally supposed to dock in Norfolk, Va., after leaving Philadelphia, Florida officials recently decided to dock it in Mobile due to space and availability, as AL.com reported.

This decision was also cheaper and more convenient due to Mobiles proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, according to a previous release from the Okaloosa County Commission.

Originally designed as a top-secret, convertible troop carrier during the Cold War in 1951, the S.S. United States has been hailed as Americas Greatest Ocean Liner.

In its two decades of service, the vessel transported presidents, famous actors, heads of state, tourists, members of the armed forces, and immigrants before it was retired in 1969.

Notable passengers included four U.S. Presidents (Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and a young Bill Clinton), Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, and John Wayne.
An Alabama lawmaker has pre-filed a bill to make Election Day a state holiday, but Alabamas Secretary of State does not believe the idea will have much impact.

The legislation, HB64, was filed by Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Bessemer. The bill appears to be part of a package of voting rights legislation Alabama Democrats are pushing in the upcoming legislative session.

Tillman told AL.com that he thinks it is important to promote participation in the voting process and elected officials should find ways to make voting easier.

To me, if we want to promote more participation in voting, why not make it a holiday to where people who may have to work on Election Day wont have to worry about that, Tillman said.

For people who cannot leave their jobs earlier may not have to worry about that, because once it becomes a holiday, now we can encourage more voting, more people to come out to the polls and participate in the voting process.

Tillman said he understands the bill will likely face scrutiny during the legislative session but is preparing to address any concerns that detractors may have. He noted that fiscal concerns should be alleviated due to the holiday only arising every other year.

The proposed law would designate election day as the, the next Tuesday after the first Monday in November for each year in which there is a presidential or gubernatorial election.

AL.com asked Secretary of State Wes Allen whether he would be in favor of Election Day being recognized as a state holiday. Allen said, the majority of Alabamians do not work for the government and would not be impacted by this.

Currently under Alabama law, employees can request time off to vote however, with certain restrictions. Employers do not have to provide time off if an employee starts two hours after polls open or their shift ends an hour before polls close. In Alabama polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

This means that if an individual begins work at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. an employer is not required to provide time off for voting. But according to the law, if the employee is approved, they only have one hour to vote, and employers are not mandated to provide pay during the time off.

The general election Tuesday highlighted how it often takes much longer than an hour to vote as many Alabama polling places reported long lines. The issue even has some rank-and-file Alabama Republican lawmakers saying that early voting may need to be explored.

However, the leadership such as Allen and GOP Chairman John Wahl, remain opposed to early voting. Allen said he believes in, Election Day not election month claiming that voting reforms could lead to chaos and confusion during the voting process.

As many states engaged in early voting leading up to the Nov. 5 election, many reports did not find any evidence to suggest inconsistencies in the process.

In 2022, Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, filed a bill to remove Confederate Memorial Day and add Election Day as a state holiday.

14 states currently have laws recognizing Election Day as a state holiday with five also requiring employers to provide paid time off for voting.
Alabama U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville on Monday called for the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to be shut down in a post to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Tubervilles post reads SHUT IT DOWN! #MAGA in response to a meme posted by X owner Elon Musk mocking former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who created the department in 1979.

Not a great value for money! reads Musks original post.

Educators nationwide have expressed concerns about the departments future after Donald Trump, who was elected the 47th president of the United States last week, vowed to eliminate it throughout his campaign.

Were going to end education coming out of Washington, DC., he said in a campaign video last year.

Were going to close it up  all those buildings all over the place and people that in many cases hate our children. Were going to send it all back to the states.

Although Trump has previously denounced the plan, eliminating the DOE is included in Project 2025, a 900-page document detailing proposed policies for the return of the Trump administration spearheaded by the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation.

The plan also involves 100 conservative groups including the Alabama Policy Institute.

Currently, the DOE establishes policy for, administers, and coordinates most federal assistance to education, according to its website.

The Departments mission is to serve Americas students-to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access, the site reads.

Those opposed to the shutdown say that without the DOE, schools cannot be held to a uniform standard and students may face unfair treatment.

Attempts by the Republican party to shut down the agency go back to the Reagan administration in 1981.

But because the move requires approval from Congress, previous efforts have been unsuccessful, according to Education Weekly.
Donald Trump's election victory paves the way for a fresh wave of misinformation, not only around politics but also on vaccines and climate, with his expected cabinet picks ready to challenge the scientific community.

In the closing weeks of his 2024 campaign, Trump aired false claims about weather manipulation and government assistance after hurricanes hit North Carolina, a swing state he would ultimately win.

With fewer checks from social media platforms and the struggling traditional media, he also complained -- without evidence -- about voter fraud, the 2020 election, the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine harms and more.

These claims ricocheted across the internet through a network of social media influencers, who in many cases have become news sources for the public as media become increasingly fragmented.

"The problem of misinformation and disinformation is the worst it's ever been," said Bill Adair, a Duke University professor who founded the fact-checking site PolitiFact and authored the 2024 book "Beyond the Big Lie."

The tactics designed to contain and correct misinformation, such as fact-checking and social media moderation, "are clearly not working," Adair added.

He predicted few changes ahead from platforms that have largely exempted elected officials from fact-checking "because they don't want to make the politicians mad."

Even as the 2024 campaign was under way, polls found roughly one-third of Americans believed the 2020 election was stolen by Joe Biden.

Misinformation researchers at NewsGuard found 963 websites and 793 social media accounts that have repeatedly published false election information, and 1,283 partisan websites masquerading as neutral news organizations during the campaign.

"The right has invested, since 2016, in building participatory, activist, factional social media networks that are directly tied into its 'small batch' propaganda media ecosystem," said Renee DiResta, a misinformation researcher, in a Threads post.

"Things move from one sphere to the next: rumors are picked up by the propaganda machine if useful. Memes shape the messaging.

"The influencers boost each other."

Ethan Porter, a researcher and professor at George Washington University, said that while misinformation efforts may not have been decisive in his victory, "Trump was almost certainly helped by Twitter/X's apparent refusal to contain or mitigate pro-Trump misinformation."

The upcoming four more years for Trump have raised concerns of legitimizing misinformation about vaccines, climate change and other health issues given his alliance with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose nonprofit has been a major promoter of false conspiracy theories on Covid-19.

"How are people not alarmed by Trump wanting RFK Jr, a person who has no formal education in health care, in charge of health... this man has promoted anti-vaccine misinformation and public-health conspiracy theories for years," Alma Hernandez, a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives, said on X.

The Union of Concerned Scientists said the first Trump administration made 1,400 changes to agency websites that removed science-based information on environmental issues such as water pollution, climate change, and endangered species.

"President-elect Trump's path to the White House has been an unprecedented campaign of disinformation, threats, divisive language, and dangerous policy promises. It's understandable to look ahead to the next four years with serious worry," acting president Kim Waddell said in a statement.

Trump's attacks on the media have also raised alarm bells about coverage of his administration.

Journalist and author Kyle Paoletta wrote that he fears "Trump's assault on the press will become a fusillade of discreet attempts to quash whatever reporting he views as antagonistic" and questions whether reporters will maintain access or face harassment.

In a similar way, social media has retreated in content moderation as misinformation researchers face threats and attacks from conservative lawmakers.

Since taking over Twitter, now known as X, Elon Musk -- who may join Trump's cabinet -- has amplified rather than curbed misinformation.

Matt Gertz of the left-leaning watchdog Media Matters said Trump won over voters thanks in part to "a right-wing media complex that bombards them with falsehoods and grievances while dissuading them from consulting any alternative sources of information, be they legacy news outlets or government officials or medical experts."

Daniel Kreiss, a professor and researcher at the University of North Carolina Center for Information, Technology and Public Life, said the failure of fact-checking and traditional reporting to stem the spread of misinformation could be "devastating."

"What we're going to see are concerted campaigns to undermine democratic institutions and democratic norms," Kreiss said.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik for a cabinet position in his upcoming administration, setting the stage for a special election to fill her New York congressional seat.

The New York Post reports Stefanik, one of the highest ranking Republicans in the House and a close Trump ally, will serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Trumps White House.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said in a statement.

Stefanik, who won reelection in New Yorks 21st Congressional District on Tuesday, said she will accept the role.

I am truly honored to earn President Trumps nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Stefanik told the Post. During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.

Stefanik, 40, was first elected to Congress in 2014 and rose in the GOP ranks with her support of Trump, including being rumored as his potential vice presidential candidate earlier this year. The Harvard University alumna also made headlines in December when she grilled college presidents over antisemitism on campuses and was named one of Time magazines 100 most influential people in April.

Nikki Haley was the first of three people who served as Trumps UN Ambassador in his first administration, which pulled the United States out of the UN Human Rights Council; she resigned in 2018 and later ran against Trump for president. He also cut ties with the UNs World Health Organization in 2020, criticizing the WHO during the Covid pandemic. The U.S. reengaged with both in President Joe Bidens administration.

Stefanik, one of the first people to be named for Trumps Cabinet, said she plans to advance his restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations.

America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek, Stefanik told the Post. The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries.

According to the Post, Stefaniks departure would mean New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has to call a special election within 10 days of her seats vacancy.

Stefanik won her re-election bid with more than 60% of the vote over Democratic challenger Paula Collins, according to the New York State Board of Elections. The Republican nominee to replace Stefanik will be chosen by county GOP chairs rather than a primary, according to the Post.

Stefaniks new position will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, which the Republican Party reclaimed a majority in during Tuesdays election. Trump has encouraged Sens. John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida, who are running to replace Mitch McConnell as the new GOP Senate leader, to empower him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that cabinet positions should be filled IMMEDIATELY!
Tuskegee University has replaced its security chief and established a new policy requiring identification badges for entry and to be worn at all times on campus, the university announced after the early Sunday morning shooting that resulted in one death and injuries to 16 others.

Tuskegee President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown on Monday said the university was making the changes to protect students.

Tuskegee University is no longer an open campus, Brown said.

Effective immediately, we require IDs for everyone to be displayed to enter campus and worn at all times while on campus, like the one that you see me wearing today.

This morning, we hired a new campus security leader and relieved our previous security chief of his duties.

Our new campus security chief and ultimately his team, will complete a full review, including all implementations of new security procedures.

Brown did not answer questions from the news media. He did not name the former security chief or the new one or say why the former chief was fired.

Brown said the university had no plans to change its homecoming celebration traditions. He said security measures were in place but did not account for what he said was an unapproved event on campus.

This year, to us, was special, Brown said. It was our centennial, our 100th anniversary. The university planned for thousands of people to join us to celebrate our centennial homecoming.

We hired over 70 additional law enforcement officers from throughout Alabama and Georgia with authority for crowd control. We sold tickets to all events in advance to avoid ticket lines, although we realized that we would still have lines associated with security checks. We told visitors to expect some inconvenience.

Brown said he made a video to clearly state the universitys clear bag security policy and prohibitions against drugs and weapons on campus. He said there were entry checks at all officially sponsored events, some random and some 100% checks.

However, the general campus remained open and we did not, nor could we have planned for security at an event that was not approved in advance or officially sanctioned by the university, Brown said.

The event in which the shooting took place was not approved in advance, and in no way was it sanctioned by the university.

Nonetheless, it happened on our campus, and we take full responsibility for allowing a thorough investigation and implementing corrective actions.

Students are our greatest asset, and we will do everything possible to protect them. Mother Tuskegee has been serving students and changing their lives for the betterment of some 143 years. We remain resolute to safely continue that mission.

In addition to the security changes, Brown said Tuskegee is focusing on the well being of students who could be affected by the tragedy.

Today and tomorrow, the campus is closed so that students can take a moment to focus on their own mental health and healing, Brown said. Counseling is available to them in person or virtually for as long as they may need it. We have and will prioritize the mental health of our students.

Kimorie Carlisle, a sophomore from Birmingham, said she was talking to some friends and heard gunfire from what sounded like more than one shooter.

Out of nowhere we just heard gunshots, Carlisle said. And I remember just getting down on the ground. There was like maybe five people on top of me. It was really scary.

Carlisle estimated she stayed on the ground about eight minutes before running to a dorm and still heard gunshots after she was inside.

Carlisle said the campus needs to improve its security.

She noted there was also a shooting last year. Four people were injured at a student housing complex while leaving an unauthorized party in September 2023.

They need to do better, Carlisle said. Enforce more security, because this all could have been prevented.

Carlisle said she is relying on her faith to cope with the trauma.

Im trusting that God is going to do something here and things will turn out better eventually.
Today, Nov. 11, 2024, is Veterans Day, a time to honor all those who served in the U.S. military. The date itself is significant and traces its roots back to the end of World War I.

Unlike several federal holidays that change dates each year, Veterans Day is commemorated on Nov. 11, no matter which day it falls.

Heres why:

Known as the Great War, World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice  a temporary cessation of hostilities  between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918 was considered the official end of the war to end all wars.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov 11 as Armistice Day in the U.S. Congress recognized the day with a resolution passed June 4, 1926. The day continued as Armistice Day throughout the 1930s and into the 1940s even as World War II broke out and some 16.5 million Americans served in the military.

Alabamas role in Veterans Day

The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham in 1947, according to the Veterans Administration. World War II veteran Raymond Weeks organized National Veterans Day, with a parade and other events to honor all veterans. The events were held on Nov. 11, which, at the time, was still referred to as Armistice Day.

Later, U.S. Rep. Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Congress passed the measure in 1954 and it was signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, officially changing the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The word veterans is plural to reflect the holiday honors all those who served.

Veterans Day remained on Nov. 11 until 1968 when a law was passed to change the national commemoration to the fourth Monday in October in keeping with other federal holidays - Washingtons Birthday, Memorial Day and Columbus Day - that were moved to give federal workers three-day weekends. The move was unpopular, however, and Congress returned it to the traditional date in 1978.
A 58-year-old Alabama man died after his vehicle veered off the road and overturned Saturday evening in Autauga County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Lorenza Cutler, from Jones community, was not using a seat belt when the 2022 Ford F-150 he was driving crashed around 5 p.m. near Autaugaville, according to a news release from ALEA.

ALEA is investigating the incident, Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney said in a statement Sunday morning.
A 21-year-old man faces murder charges in a Saturday night shooting at a Huntsville restaurant that left one dead and two injured.

Jeremiah Matkins of Huntsville was arrested and charged with murder in the death of Rayshun Markelle Bates, 23, of Decatur, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Sunday.

He has been booked into the Madison County Jail with a $50,000 bond, ALEA added.

The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. Saturday at Twin Peaks restaurant on University Drive after a verbal exchange among several individuals escalated.

A uniformed Huntsville Police Department officer was working a departmentally approved off-duty security job for the business when the shooting occurred, the agency stated. The officer discharged his weapon; however, no individuals were struck by the officers gunfire.

Two people suffered injuries from the incident and were taken to the hospital, according to ALEA.

Investigation is continuing and the law enforcement agency is not releasing further information.

Once complete, the findings will be turned over to the Madison County District Attorneys Office, the statement said.
Staff Reports

news@albanyherald.com

ALBANY  George Green served his country in the U.S. Army. He served his state in the Georgia National Guard. He served his city as an Albany firefighter. Now, hes serving his community in a new and meaningful way: as a mens health advocate, encouraging men to get screened for prostate cancer.

I hope and pray that I can continue to help other men and myself by talking about my cancer diagnosis; I want to ease their minds, Green said. My advice to men is to take time to take care of yourself and have your prostate checked regularly.

It wasnt something he liked to think about, but Green knew he had a high risk of developing prostate cancer because of a history of the disease in his family.

I had four uncles, one brother and one cousin to pass from prostate cancer, he said.

In 2015, Green was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. He was prescribed medicine to help with symptoms and began seeing a urologist every six months for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. A PSA screening is a simple blood test, and high levels may indicate the presence of cancer. In 2021, Phoebe Urologist Dr. John McGill noticed Greens PSA level had increased, so he ordered a biopsy which confirmed Georges worst fear: He had cancer.

I was in denial because I didnt want to believe I had prostate cancer, he said.

Greens wife Gloria helped him face the reality and convinced him to pour all his energy into battling the cancer. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Adam Jones oversaw 45 radiation treatments for Green over a 2 1/2-month period, then hematologist/oncologist Dr. Thomas Neal led a team that, for two years, provided quarterly injections of a synthetic hormone used to treat prostate cancer.

Everyone in the Phoebe Cancer Center was so caring, Green said. All the doctors and all the staff who assisted me in my care, they all did a great job. The best part was I didnt have to travel. It was all right here.

Green continues his after-care at the Phoebe Oncology Wellness Center, a facility at Meredyth Place in Albany for cancer survivors that was partially funded through Lights of Love. Since the Phoebe Foundation started the annual holiday tradition more than 40 years ago, Lights of Love has raised more than $1 million to support local cancer patients.

Green said the survivorship programs and resources available at the Phoebe Oncology Wellness Center have helped him maintain good physical and mental health, and he has become especially close with Oncology Wellness Program Coordinator Robin McCord.

Robin has been sensational ever since I started, he said. I do chair exercise classes and sometimes tai chi and yoga. They help me stay active and talk to me about what food I should eat. I go to a prostate cancer survivors group meeting once a month. Its very important because mentally you can just start to worry about things. It releases the pressure off me. I know I have a place to go to talk about it.

And Green said he wants to be there for other men and talk to them about the importance of making their health care a priority.

I dont really like to think about what could have happened if I hadnt gotten those regular screenings, because I know what the result couldve been. But I feel good now, real good. Green said. I hope other men will get checked. Its very important because its a silent killer. If you dont get that screening, youll never know. Dont take anything for granted.

Green will flip the switch on this years Lights of Love tree at the annual lighting ceremony outside the Phoebe Cancer Center on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Individuals can donate in honor or memory of a loved one at www.lights-of-love.org.

Special Photo: Phoebe










English News China will always be important opportunity for global development

Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 8 Novembre 2024



The 7th CIIE has once again demonstrated to countries around the world that China remains committed to high-level opening up and open international cooperation. By further deepening reforms comprehensively and open its doors wider to the outside world, China will always be an important opportunity for global development.

By Guo Jiping, People's Daily The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on Nov. 5. Running from Nov. 5 to 10, the 7th CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. It also sets a new record with 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders attending the event.



Besides, it has brought together 77 countries and international organizations to participate in the Country Exhibition, with France, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and Uzbekistan serving as guest countries of honor.



Political and business leaders from 152 countries, regions and international organizations attended the opening ceremony. Around 3,800 Chinese and foreign journalists from more than 400 media outlets are participating in the coverage of this event. Additionally, the area dedicated to cultural exchanges exceeded 32,000 square meters, marking a new high in the history of the expo.



Opening up is a defining feature of Chinese modernization and is also the core philosophy of the CIIE. Hosting the import expo is an important step for China to further open up and a concrete action China took to build an open world economy.



In July this year, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded its third plenary session, drawing up a grand blueprint for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.



The CPC noted that to further deepen reform comprehensively, it is a must to maintain a unified approach to reform and opening up. The deeper the reform goes, the higher the requirements for the level of opening up; the higher the level of opening up, the greater the boost to reform.



As a significant economic diplomatic event held after the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, this year's CIIE highlights China's confidence, determination, and practical actions in further deepening reform comprehensively, promoting high-quality development, and advancing high-level opening-up.



Based on the super-sized Chinese market, the CIIE has enabled exhibits to become traded goods and exhibitors to spot more investment opportunities. It has become a catalyst for enhancing global consensus on open cooperation and pursuing an open world economy, creating new opportunities for the world through China's further development.



Open cooperation is a defining feature of the CIIE, and the key to its success. The annual expo has leveraged the strengths of China's enormous market and fulfilled its platform function for international procurement, investment promotion, people-to-people exchanges and open cooperation, facilitating the exchanges of cultures and ideas, as well as transactions of goods and services.



The CIIE has continuously embraced innovation and green development. The previous six editions of the expo saw nearly 2,500 new products, technologies, and services make their debut. The 7th CIIE has, for the first time, established the new materials section, which showcases over 400 representative new products, technologies, and services, unleashing the vitality of innovation and green development.



The expo has served as a platform of high-standard opening up that allows China's enormous market to be shared by the world. The first six editions of CIIE have generated a total intended transaction amount exceeding $420 billion. Additionally, over 1,130 foreign enterprises and investment promotion organizations have conducted targeted connections across the country. A total of 186 enterprises and institutions have achieved full attendance across all seven editions of the expo, and many exhibitors have gone on to open new stores, factories, and R&D centers in China.



With a population of over 1.4 billion, a middle-income group exceeding 400 million people, a complete supply chain, a well-developed infrastructure, an abundant talent pool, and a vibrant innovation ecosystem, the Chinese market continues to unleash tremendous dividends, enabling all parties to achieve mutual benefit.



"The CIIE is a unique grand event filled with opportunities," said Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L'Oreal and rotating chairman of the CIIE Enterprise Alliance. He noted that the expo serves as an "amplifier" for new product debuts, a "catalyst" for cooperation, and a "propeller" for business development.



The spring breeze of China's openness has continuously brought warmth to all parts of the world. So far, China has signed 22 free-trade agreements with 29 countries and regions. The country has been continuously deepening regional economic and trade cooperation by applying the highest standards in implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and taking proactive steps to align its economic and trade rules with the high standards of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).



In the first three quarters of this year, China's goods trade volume exceeded 32 trillion yuan ($4.45 trillion), reaching a new high, and its trade with over 160 countries and regions around the world achieved growth.



As a developing country and a natural member of the Global South, China is a staunch supporter, active participant and key contributor of South-South cooperation. By committing itself to openness to meet development challenges, fostering synergy for cooperation, building the momentum of innovation, and delivering benefits to all, China has provided all nations with greater and fairer access to the fruits of development.



Since its inaugural edition of the CIIE, China has offered free booths and other support measures to the least developed countries, such as product transportation and personnel reception, to help them showcase their products at the import expo.



This year's CIIE offered more than 120 free exhibition booths for vendors from 37 least developed countries. To expand unilateral opening to the least developed countries, the expo has also enlarged the exhibition area for African agricultural products.



Starting from Dec. 1 this year, China will give all the least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This significant measure was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). China is the first major developing country and major global economy to implement such a measure.



The 7th CIIE has once again demonstrated to countries around the world that China remains committed to high-level opening up and open international cooperation. By further deepening reforms comprehensively and open its doors wider to the outside world, China will always be an important opportunity for global development.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's economic resilience: overcoming challenges, advancing with confidence High-quality Belt and Road cooperation create opportunities for global growth China's new chapter in global innovation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News When AI joins forces with scientific research

Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 8 Novembre 2024



Take the design of small molecules to combat HIV as an example. Jin Yaohui, chief engineer of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, explained that previously, screening lead compounds took two to three years. With the AI-driven research platform, researchers are able to generate over 250,000 new molecules in less than two minutes and further narrowed down 172 potentially effective molecules within 30 minutes, which greatly enhances the iteration efficiency of molecular design.

By Yu Sinan, People's Daily How powerful is the energy generated when artificial intelligence (AI) collides with scientific research? Recently, the 2024 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry were awarded to scientists in AI-related fields, which highlighted AI's increasingly significant role in scientific research.



Turing Award winner and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Yao Qizhi believes that the future development of AI science will follow two major trends: advancing from narrow AI toward general AI, and enabling interdisciplinary synergies. New technologies and applications, such as embodied AI, AI-driven biomimicry, and AI combined with quantum science, are expected to emerge in abundance.



In recent years, Chinese scientists have been exploring "AI-driven scientific research" across multiple fields, using AI technologies to shorten R&D cycles and reduce costs, accelerating the integration of AI with scientific research.



Electrolytes, often referred to as the "lifeblood" of batteries, are crucial to the development of next-generation batteries. However, the vast molecular combinations of electrolyte materials make it inefficient to screen each one individually.



To address this situation, professor Zhang Qiang and associate researcher Chen Xiang with the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University worked together and led their team to propose a novel "AI-designed lithium-ion battery electrolyte" approach, achieving efficient design and development of advanced electrolytes.



The team developed high-throughput computational methods and software for electrolytes, creating a leading database covering over 250,000 electrolyte molecular structures. It developed a domain-knowledge-embedded large model and software platform for electrolytes, enabling rapid property predictions and precise, targeted design within a molecular space of hundreds of millions. According to Chen, these tools allow researchers to design the most suitable electrolytes based on user requirements.



The deep integration of AI with scientific research is not only elevating the application of AI but also driving a shift in scientific research from an experience-led to a data-driven paradigm.



Li Huihui, a researcher with the Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and deputy director of the CAAS National Nanfan Research Institute, has witnessed the transformative impact of AI technologies firsthand.



"Conventional breeding methods rely heavily on experience. They are time-consuming, and have low efficiency when it comes to improving traits that are highly influenced by environmental factors. With AI algorithms, researchers can rapidly predict field performance of crops before breeders conduct field trials, which significantly shortens breeding cycles," Li explained.



Globally, around 1,750 plant germplasm banks hold over 7 million germplasm resources. Due to limitations in analytical tools, many valuable genetic resources remain underutilized.



"AI-assisted genomic selection can analyze millions of genotypes within weeks, greatly enhancing the efficiency and precision of the breeding process and presenting vast application potential," Li added.



In recent years, the CAAS has accelerated innovation through the integration of agricultural science and AI technologies, forming interdisciplinary teams in areas such as biological breeding and intelligent agricultural machinery.



Today, Li is leading a team dedicated to developing AI tools like deep learning-based genomic selection models and a whole-process smart breeding platform to enhance the breeding efficiency of staple crops like rice, corn, and wheat.



Currently, in fields like materials research, life sciences, pharmaceutical development, semiconductors, and environmental science, scientists are exploring the use of AI to shorten R&D cycles and reduce costs.



The integration of AI with scientific research relies heavily on technical support platforms. Yang Xiaokang, executive vice dean and professor of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, explained that to enable more faculty members to use AI in research, the university partnered with Baidu AI Cloud to create an AI-driven scientific research platform. With the computational power, large model development tools, and other resources provided by Baidu AI Cloud, researchers have achieved a series of breakthroughs across fields such as chemical synthesis, fluid dynamics, urban science, and law.



Take the design of small molecules to combat HIV as an example. Jin Yaohui, chief engineer of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, explained that previously, screening lead compounds took two to three years. With the AI-driven research platform, researchers are able to generate over 250,000 new molecules in less than two minutes and further narrowed down 172 potentially effective molecules within 30 minutes, which greatly enhances the iteration efficiency of molecular design.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's economic resilience: overcoming challenges, advancing with confidence High-quality Belt and Road cooperation create opportunities for global growth China's new chapter in global innovation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
It looks as if We the People have won the trifecta  White House, Senate, House. Every state but my stupid state of Washington shifted to the right. Anarchists mostly stayed home, and cities are not peacefully burning. The market is liking Trumps election. Tensions are softening internationally.

This is a sweet victory not just for President Trump and his MAGA movement but for truth, beauty, and the American way. Americans chose

Their God-given individualism over group identity politics

The reality of two sexes, regardless of various sexual expressions

Prosperity through capitalism instead of totalitarian dogma

Law, order, secure borders, and drug-free streets over some squishy compassion for others

Our childrens well-being contra those who would twist their minds and destroy their bodies

Our nations welfare before the lies told by profiteering climate alarmists

Acting honorably even as our compatriots persistently call us bitter clingers, deplorable, fascists, Nazis, Hitler, white supremacists, garbage, and all kinds of bigots

Conservatives, you armored yourselves against these evils and battled to make life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness available to all Americans. Now stand fast against those evils, amid the continuing battle, and in victory.

Image by AI.

Weve won. Now, its time for a nap, a deep breath, and expanding our big tent to include all Americans... Whoa. No. Conservatives must hold steady and not yield to the siren calls for unity and bipartisanship.

What, then, shall we do with the left? Ignore them, for the most part, and enjoy making fun of them for their silly excesses. We do not need to silence others or control a single national narrative as they do. Let them cry, snivel, and scream into the void, wondering at the brass doors of heaven. We have work to do. We do not need to listen or respond to those who would only befoul the gears.

RINOs who denigrated us are now clamoring to be let in, to be seen, to be heard, and to be given power and authority. Just say no.

Quasi-quislings from previous administrations, including Trumps own, who turned against him even before he was out of office, now want the Good Governance stamp of approval on their ideas and ideals. Just say no.

Leftists will be accusing us of a hundred new sins for not sharing power and position with them. Just say no.

Some members of Congress, smarting from their partys public humiliation, will demand that conservatives be nice, play fair, and uphold the prime legislative principle of bipartisanship. Just say no. Dont budge an inch in their direction.

Decades ago, I listened to a talk by New Zealand youth evangelist Winkie Pratney. Winkie was discussing resisting temptation. He spoke about how hard it is to stand fast and how easy to fall. He invited my friend Anne to join him as he talked.

Anne is very strong. She had been a high school athlete and was even stronger then. Winkie is a slight fellow. He had Anne stand on a chair to demonstrate that she was in the more righteous position relative to him. She was to lift him up to be with her. She worked diligently to do so.

He continued to talk, and she continued to pull. Suddenly, Winkie gave a yank, and down off the chair came Anne. It was a stunning illustration that has stayed with me for nearly 50 years.

There will be unity. When those who stood against us recognize the error of their ways, repent, and find reconciliation by standing with us. They must join us rather than demand we meet on some middle ground away from our position of victory. Its not compassion but is, instead, just plain wrong to compromise with those who labeled us terrorists, threw us in solitary confinement for years, dragged us out of school board meetings, silenced our voice on social media, and forced their bad science on us.

We will never forget what they have said and done. We will forgive them. But we will not welcome them until they change. People do change; JD Vance is an example. Words are not enough. It is not by their fragrant blossoms that we shall know them but by their fully ripened fruit. They must take the time to demonstrate their change of heart.

Let those who want in go out and speak to their followers. Let them change their local and state policies, procedures, and laws to come more in line with the incoming administrations goals.

Let them rally the country to this new vision for America. Let them make sure the 2026 midterms continue the swell.

Let those in Congress propose legislation in line with bringing America to greatness. Let them abandon the former taxbucks-thieving policies based on very bad science.

Dont give in to the easy temptations, Conservatives. Stand fast for what you know is right.

Anony Mee is the nom de blog of a retired public servant who X-tweets at oh_yeahMee.
As the name suggests, the Florida scrub jay lives exclusively in the scrublands of the Sunshine State. A medium-sized, long-tailed, blue-and-gray songbird, its call when perched on scrubs is a screechy scold that sends its tail up like a Roman catapult launching a rock. One of 15 bird species native to the continental U.S.and allegedly threatened by loss of habitatit is protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.

But should protecting the bird take precedence over a citizens property rights when his land isnt habitat suited to the bird? And doesnt the arbitrary development fee that Florida counties imposeda scrub jay fee, supposedly for offsetting the environmental impact of building on a propertyamount to an exorbitant ransom?

These are among the questions raised in a federal lawsuit filed by Michael Colosi, a tech entrepreneur who hopes to build a house on a five-acre plot he recently bought in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida. Though he believes that his land, thick with pine and saw palmetto, is unsuited to the scrub jay, he is happy to adhere to the countys habitat conservation plan (HCP) requirements, such as planting scrub oaks to encourage bird visits and avoiding land clearance during nesting season. But he refuses to pay the hefty $120,000 scrub jay fee for allowing him to build on his plot, for he plans to use only an acre or so for a house and garage, leaving the rest in its natural state.

Image: The Florida scrub jay by Sandhillcrane. CC BY-SA 4.0.

The lawsuitin which Charlotte County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the U.S. Department of the Interior are defendantsis in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Fort Myers Division). The Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) is representing Colosi pro bono in a suit challenging the fee as an unconstitutional infringement of Colosis right to develop and use his property. It also challenges the unconstitutional regulation under federal lawin this case, the ESAof an intrastate species of no commercial or economic value, and hence not under the Commerce Clauses purview.

Before discussing the precedents that the PLF cites in the lawsuit, some background on the ESA is in order. The act, which the FWS and U.S. NOAA Fisheries Services administer, is not only the most wide-ranging in the U.S. but is one that unaccountable bureaucrats in the administrative state rampantly abuse through overreach.

For example, without a holistic look at the causes, farmers in Californias fertile San Joaquin Valley and cities in southern California were made the scapegoats for the decline in the population of the once plentiful Delta smelt, a three-inch fish that lives in brackish water. After a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling upheld protections for the so-called endangered fish, they faced damaging restrictions on pumping water for irrigation or human use.

Under the ESA, animal or plant species may be designated as endangered or threatened based on the best scientific and commercial data available (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(1)(A)). But behind this science charade, there is no transparency. There is no recourse to challenge the designations or have them changed. The anonymous scientists certifying the listings dont have to release their data, and economic factors arent to be considered. There are no time frames for reevaluating a species endangered or threatened status. The government punishes statute violations with hefty fines or imprisonment, while it offers rewards for reporting actual or potential violations.

On paper, there are three ways to challenge an ESA ruling: a biological challenge, a species challenge, and a hearing before the Endangered Species Committee (ESC). But successful challenges are virtually nil.

The biological challenge is rendered ineffectual by an established testing methodology that makes no allowance for changes in habitat or migratory patterns over the years. If independent researchers provide different data, courts generally defer to the FWS.

The species challenge is nullified because the ESA allows species to be categorized into dubious sub-species based on population, localization, etc. Thus, even plentiful species across the U.S. may be recategorized as several endangered or threatened sub-species with a specific geographic region.

The third option is to go before the Endangered Species Committee (ESC) or the God squad. This seven-member, cabinet-level committee may remove a species from the endangered/threatened lists with a five-vote majority. However, the committee rarely meetsit has met only six times since 1978and its complex procedures have allowed only one change in 46 years.

In the Colosi lawsuit, the PLFs salients, or points of attack, are the infringement of property rights, the rational nexus test, and the proportionality principle. It cites three precedent rulings, all from the Supreme Court of the United States: Nollan v. California Coastal Commission (1987), Dolan v. City of Tigard (1994), and Koontz v. St Johns River Water Management District (2013).

In 1982, Marilyn and Patrick Nollan sought permission to add a story to their one-story beach house in Ventura County, California. This pitted them against the California Coastal Commission (CCC), which demanded they give away one-third of their property to the state for public access because their expanded home would be a psychological barrier to the ocean view for passing motorists. The PLF represented the Nollans.

The court ruled that exaction without just compensation was unconstitutional and an out-and-out plan of extortion because building another story did not directly harm anyone. The ruling established the rational nexus test: Is there a direct connection between the government demand and the effect of the proposed property use?

In the Dolan case, Florence Dolan of Tigard, Oregon, wanted to expand her store and pave her parking lot. To permit this, the city demanded that she give up land for a public greenway and a pedestrian/bicycle path. The city authorities said these measures were necessary to reduce flooding and relieve traffic congestion.

The case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. The court held that the city could not require property owners to give up constitutional rights in exchange for discretionary benefits. Drawing on the Fifth Amendment, the court reinforced the concept of rough proportionality: Is the governments demand reasonably proportional to the impact of the proposed land use? The ruling limits the use of zoning and land-use regulations to force property owners to make public improvements.

While these two cases related to land exactions, the Koontz case extended the idea to permit denial and condition imposition. In 1972, Coy Koontz, Sr., purchased undeveloped property in Florida that was later designated a wetland. He decided to develop part of it in 1994. Still, the St. Johns River Water Management District refused to allow this unless he reduced his development area and funded improvements to district-owned land.

Koontz refused, and PFL eventually took up the case. After his death, his son, Coy Koontz, Jr., continued the fight until it reached the Supreme Court. The court affirmed that the government cannot require someone to surrender a constitutional right in exchange for a government benefit. This gave property owners the right to challenge permits that government agencies denied or conditioned on monetary contributions.

Hopefully, the Colosi case will prove another win for property owners and check administrative overreach. John A. Baden and Douglas S. Noonan write that the command-and-control approach of the ESA is counterproductive, for it pits landowners against endangered species. They cite the irony of Cones folly: a landowner took such good care of his land that he attracted ESA action that reduced its value. Colosis folly is that he chose to buy a wooded property and take care of it, building only on a fifth of it. But the ESA will neither let him do that nor work actively to protect the scrub jay where it does thrive.
Russia and Ukraine both launched record drone attacks on each other overnight, despite a phone call reported by the Washington Post from US president-elect Donald Trump urging Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the conflict.

Trump's election to the White House has the potential to upend the almost three-year conflict and has thrown into question Washington's multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv, crucial to its defence.

The Republican said on the campaign trail that he could end the fighting within hours and has indicated he will talk directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin -- a major break from the approach adopted by President Joe Biden.

On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that Trump had had a phone call on Thursday with the Russian strongman in which he told Putin not to inflame the attritional war.

Just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, Trump reminded Putin of Washington's sizeable military foothold in Europe from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, according to the Post.

The Kremlin had earlier said it saw "positive signals" from Trump's willingness to strike a deal, and several people speaking to the US paper said Trump had expressed the desire for more conversations on "the resolution of Ukraine's war soon".

Trump will not be inaugurated until January and for the moment on the battlefield and in the skies, the conflict shows no signs of subsiding.

Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said -- more than in any single night-time attack of the conflict so far.

"Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine," Zelensky said on social media, urging Kyiv's Western allies to do more to help Ukraine's defence.

Russia also said it had downed 34 Ukrainian attack drones targeting Moscow on Sunday, the largest attempted attack on the capital since the start of the offensive in 2022.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday that the White House was to spend its remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine before Trump takes office, warning of the risks of ending US support for Kyiv.

While having publicly claimed to be backing Harris in the US election, the Kremlin is widely believed to have actually wanted to see Trump return to the White House, welcoming his scepticism over American aid to Ukraine and his chaotic leadership style.

"The signals are positive," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with state media published Sunday.

"Trump during his election campaign talked about how he perceives everything through deals, that he can make a deal that can lead to peace.

"At least he's talking about peace, and not about confrontation. He isn't talking about his wish to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia -- that distinguishes him from the current administration," Peskov added.

"What will happen next, it's hard to say," Peskov said, adding that Trump was "less predictable" than Harris and Biden.

"It's also less predictable to what extent he will stick to the statements that he made on the campaign trail," Peskov added.

Trump has not said how he intends to strike a peace deal or what terms he is proposing.

Russia's President Putin has demanded Ukraine withdraw from swathes of its eastern and southern territory as a precondition to peace talks.

People familiar with Thursday's call said Trump had briefly raised the question of land with Putin.

Following Trump's election, Zelensky warned there should be "no concessions" to Putin. Ceding land or giving in to any of his other hardline demands would only embolden the Kremlin and lead to more aggression, he said.

Zelensky has also previously warned that without US aid Kyiv would lose the conflict.

Talk of a US-brokered deal comes as Russia advances on the battlefield.

Moscow's troops made their largest territorial gains in October since March 2022, according to AFP analysis of data from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Moscow's defence ministry claimed Sunday to have captured another village in Ukraine's east.

In his evening address, Zelensky alluded to Ukraine's attempted barrage of Moscow, the largest attack targeting the Russian capital since the start of the conflict.

Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov called it a "massive" attempted strike.

It forced the temporary closure of three airports, wounded a 52-year-old woman and set two homes on fire in the village of Stanovoye in the Moscow region, officials said.

While the Ukrainian capital Kyiv is frequently targeted by massive Russian drone and missile strikes, attacks on Moscow are far less frequent.
Numbers are the essence of the Trump victory. Voters used numbers to reason what was best for them, and their country.

The new administration will have positive impacts on domestic energy supply and gas prices. Better international relations will help stabilize world oil output and manufacturing costs. Lower tax rates and smarter rules will improve individual and corporate earnings. Companies will have higher free cash flow, so they can invest in new technology. Select tariffs will encourage businesses to move back here, build and hire. Together these will have a compounding" effect on economic growth.

You may remember when the Dow was around 1,000and had been there, it seemed, forever. Ronald Reagan then flipped the country red, and his belief in people, markets, and smaller government, suddenly ignited a takeoff in the economy that has not slowed down, except generally for periods of government interference, regulatory ineptitude, or political corruption.

This brings up a key point about Trumps brand of economics: it is based on markets and especially, prices. In academia, this is known as price theory, which says that our free market is one big system of prices, and price signals, and that these prices, not government, guide our choices and behavior. The same is true for business. This contrasts to progressive ideology, which still believes that government can run the economy better than you can. When this happens, all market price signals, including currencies, are corrupted; trust and confidence are degraded.

Markets and prices explain the election results perfectly: voters used market prices to make a rational choice of political economy; they assessed the price of food, the cost of gas, the expense of mortgages, and nearly all other consumer and business costs. Government debt, and currency value, are also set in prices, and voters weighed these risks as well.

Most of all, voters used prices to rationally weigh human values and social risk: the cost of war, the price of government ideological intrusions into health, privacy, and education, the toll on jobs and safety from illegal immigration, and the costs and risks of Democrat party incompetence in foreign trade and international relations.

All these things are made visible through prices. Price is what the election turned on, and price will reflect a new golden age of economic growth. Dow 100,000 may be just the beginning.

Matthew G. Andersson is a former CEO and author of the upcoming book Legally Blind concerning law and public policy. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Financial Times, the Washington Post, the National Academy of Sciences, and the 2001 Pulitzer Prize report by the Chicago Tribune, and hosted on ABC, CBS, Bloomberg, the BBC and Public Television. He received the Silver Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of America, and has testified before the U.S. Senate, the Connecticut General Assembly, and cited by the UK Parliament on international trade policy. He attended Yale College, the University of Chicago and the University of Texas at Austin where he worked with economist and White House national security advisor W.W. Rostow at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
Years ago, Kodak, a long-forgotten company that was once the superpower of photographic film, came up with a brilliant marketing phrase: The Kodak Moment. There are very few marketing phrases that withstand the test of time. The Kodak Moment, however, made it into the American lexicon: an occasion suitable for memorializing with a photograph.

No one could have imagined or foretold that mighty Kodak would one day be relegated to the dustbin of history. It was all because of a change in the marketplace. The Goliath of film was slain by a tiny David: a 4 phone that took digital pictures.

Fast forward to 2022. Elon Musk bought 100% of Twitter for cash. Twitter was all his and he could do anything he wanted with it. One of the first things he did was to examine the extent of government influence. The ensuing Twitter Files made clear that Twitter had been an arm of the federal government. It had been used to reinforce government positions and squash dissenting opinions. Twitter censorship got so bad that a former president, Donald Trump, was banned from its pages.

Our government, which was created to be of the people, by the people and for the people, had clandestinely and purposefully morphed into a propaganda machine used to kill free speech. Musk, explained the obvious, If you dont have freedom of speech, people cannot make an informed vote. If they are just being fed propaganda and there is no free speech, democracy is an illusion.

This wasnt the first time the government was found to be massaging public news. Over several years, starting perhaps as early as 1960, our government had increasingly commanded the alphabet networks, ABC, CBS, NBC, as well as multiple cable outlets that sprang up in the 70s and 80s, to parrot government talking points. There are many examples to be found where newsreaders all across the country recite from the same script, saying exactly the same thing. What a coincidence!

In effect, the mainstream media was nothing more than a propaganda arm of the government. It spit out government approved news while ridiculing and limiting opposing views. Anyone in opposition was severely chastised. The typical treatment was to be labeled a racist, homophobe, election denier, or any number of derogatory tropes designed to marginalize the speaker. The free press was a hollow shell, a Wizard of Oz full of bloat and bile.

The marketplace noticed.

As a reminder, the marketplace is where all voluntary human interaction takes place. The marketplace started when humans appeared on Earth. It came long before money or countries. It is the counterpoint to big government.

The lesson for government is no matter how hard it tries, how tightly it squeezes, people are going to talk, even within the worst dictatorial systems with the biggest prisons.

People talk. Its what we do. In the final analysis, you cant stifle human nature. We buy truth and in time, reject what we see is bull. If the marketplace won't buy, the government, or any other entity, cant sell.

This is what happened to Kodak. They were selling film while the marketplace was buying digital. The Kodak moment we are seeing today is not a picture, but rather a paradigm shift of how the public gets its news. We aint buying what the mainstream media is selling.

Twitter, now X, is the new sheriff in town. It is cleaning up the lies and propaganda the old order has been spewing for far too long. Just like the iPhone, no one imagined this would happen until it did. History has shown the marketplace always changes in the most unexpected ways. We can now see that those who bet on the mainstream media were sadly mistaken.

Image: JD Lasica
'Celebrate diversity,' the lefties like to say. And who could forget Jesse Jackson's 'rainbow coalition'?

Guess who's celebrating diversity these days?

That's right, President Trump, the man smeared by the left as a 'white nationalist.'

Electoral maps are coming in and getting dissected like wild by election watchers, revealing something that has got to have Democrats choking on their soy lattes: President Trump has drawn the mother of all kaleidoscope ethnic and religious groups that Democrats like to box people into, into his massive victory this past Tuesday.

Sure, you may have heard some of it -- the Latinos went for Trump, the Orthodox Jews went for Trump, the Miami Cubans went for Trump.

But it's possible you haven't heard the half of it.

Here's a map of New York City which drew significant numbers of Trump voters:

Last night I attended a celebration party with the local Chinese Americans. We put our heart and soul into the Trump campaign: fundraising, door knocking, poll watching



We are so happy that America has narrowly survived a Communist take over of the presidency. And we are pic.twitter.com/wYxk2kRSmU  Xi Van Fleet (@XVanFleet) November 10, 2024

The most fascinating statistic for me about Trump's performance in Chicago. One of his best precincts is Chinatown. Despite his tough talk on immigration AND China, he received 47% of the vote in a precinct that is more than 90% Asian and an immigrant community (Ward 11 P7). pic.twitter.com/vmHmG8yl8H  Frank Calabrese (@FrankCalabrese) November 9, 2024

Chinese-Americans, many of whom live in Queens in the eastern part of the megalopolis, also rallied for Trump in New York:



This is the map of how much NY shifted red in 2024 vs 2020.



Major gains in Queens, the Bronx and part of Brooklyn.



We still have work to do in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Its those limousine liberals that live in their bubbles .



Great to see FiDi, the LES and pic.twitter.com/U7Xd2gqhf1  Steve (@stealthsteve360) November 9, 2024

Here's Los Angeles, and no, they aren't all Orthodox in that part of town (there are more just south of Beverly Hills in the Pico-Robertson part of West L.A.):

Donald Trump won in Beverly Hills.  https://t.co/ifmVgN9VfF  Christina Hoff Sommers (@CHSommers) November 10, 2024

The red area is Beverly Hills, where holiday lights around town go blue at the end of the year in honor of Hanukkah, one house after another. After a shocking series of antisemitic attacks and smash-and-grab robberies, they went red in November. They stand out in the great sea of blue in Los Angeles County.

Jewish voters in Los Angeles:



BREAKING: PRECINCT ELECTION DATA SHOWS TRUMP WON KEY LOS ANGELES JEWISH NEIGHBORHOODS



Precinct election data shows that Trump won predominately LA Jewish neighborhoods such as Encino/Tarzana, Pico-Robertson and almost all precincts in Beverly Hills.https://t.co/MajgV0MvMF pic.twitter.com/uaa1VEeFG9  Shelley G (@ShelleyGldschmt) November 10, 2024



Catholics, too, who are all over:

Trump won Catholics by 18%



The largest landslide for a Republican with Catholics since Reagan 1984 and Nixon 1972



And we are seeing decisive swings among Catholics in all 7 swing states



The Catholic vote was the margin of victory  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) November 10, 2024



Native Americans:

That's because Native Americans have become incredibly based, and they are not for your weak, leftist, LGBTQ victim culture. pic.twitter.com/jANrh6xeOh  MegaGator (@megagator) November 10, 2024



Native Hawaiians:

The island of Ni'ihau is 100% native Hawaiian. Considering that 64% of Indians(Native Americans) voted for Trump, you sound like a bigoted colonizer.  Uncle Bosie, Cannibal Entree (@SowellianHaggis) November 10, 2024



While we are at it, here are more unspecified Latinos:

Im working at the polls right now, and its been disheartening to see. About 85% of the Latino votes have been for him. pic.twitter.com/eur5nN069f https://t.co/RKwwWec5H4  XPHIROX (@XephiroX) November 6, 2024

45% Latino vote. FORTY FIVE.



We are NOT your fuckin sheep. We are NOT a fuckin voting block.



We are a diverse group w experiences as vast and beautiful as the lands we called home. No party owns us. And this election cements our important place and voice in this country



VAMOS!  Dave Martinez (@DaveMartinezNY) November 6, 2024



Also unspecified Latinos, but knowing the area, these would be Mexican-Americans:

Turns out Latinos in California do not like being called LatinX pic.twitter.com/5cExo5Cl5u  Amy Reichert (@amyforsandiego) November 9, 2024



I dont know many Mexicans who didnt vote for Trump in SoCal.



This map here posted earlier also shows Latinos, mostly Puerto Rican and Dominican going red in the north:

This is the map of how much NY shifted red in 2024 vs 2020.



Major gains in Queens, the Bronx and part of Brooklyn.



We still have work to do in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Its those limousine liberals that live in their bubbles .



Great to see FiDi, the LES and pic.twitter.com/U7Xd2gqhf1  Steve (@stealthsteve360) November 9, 2024



Let's look at the Amish, too, another ethno-religious minority who normally dont engage in politics nor vote:

Turns out the amish came out to vote in record numbers in response to the crackdown on them selling raw milk 



Don't f with milk pic.twitter.com/uuOxEz5t79  Carnivore Aurelius   (@AlpacaAurelius) November 6, 2024

Not all heros wear capes. The Amish are voting @realDonaldTrump and building new cabins for those in NC! pic.twitter.com/8D0QgYLfzB  Burnt Toast (@sports_loud) November 6, 2024

The Amish coming out to vote in Pennsylvania was like the trees in Lord of the Rings joining the fight. pic.twitter.com/9poY2MnsEL  Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) November 10, 2024

I ran into an Amish group at the truckstop this morning, and I asked them why they voted and his answer will make you laugh pic.twitter.com/5NhjhwiEHO  Eli Yoder (@Yodertoter40) November 8, 2024



Trump winning the Puerto Rican vote was sweet:

Im Puerto Rican. I saw the number of Latino men that voted for him, some 40%. Its disappointing.  The Bronx Pulse (@TheBronxPulse) November 6, 2024

On CNN Wolf Blitzer realizes that the Tony Hinchcliffe Puerto Rico garbage joke not only *didn't* negatively affect the Trump vote, his numbers in the Puerto Rican community actually went up. Way up. pic.twitter.com/ND8Dgjfc5P  Erich Hartmann (@erichhartmann) November 6, 2024

Tonight, Latino voters throughout America made their voice heard and were seeing a resounding movement that is ACTUALLY materializing for Republicans.



-Trump SOARING with the Latino vote in MI, FL

-Flipped the most PUERTO RICAN county in America

-Trump on track to win 45% of pic.twitter.com/ay66sPPVQs  Jacob Chacon (@jjacobchacon) November 6, 2024



Heard in Brooklyn:

The Puerto Rican community of Williamsburg is overwhelmingly voting Trump. This crowd of guys has been emphatically telling every passer by:



Vote! Did you vote today? Vote Trump! Trump! Trump is number 1! You have to go vote!



Not a joke. I was in awe witnessing this. pic.twitter.com/jmJDFCCJzv  Sam Eshaghoff (@SamEshaghoff) November 5, 2024



And still more: Chaldean Christians (mostly from Iraq) in San Diego, joining many Arab-Americans in Michigan:

Thank you to the Chaldean & Middle Eastern community in San Diego for registering voters and turning out votes for Trump. It was my honor to partner with you  pic.twitter.com/g5hznxejjd  Amy Reichert (@amyforsandiego) November 9, 2024



Maybe even felons and hippies:

Heres a map of how each county in Oregon voted. I assure you that we are not feeling the blow of this election. In fact were more determined than ever to take back our beautiful state from the radical leftists trying to destroy it. pic.twitter.com/eOahGn2J0C  Vanessa Hunt (@meetuatthefence) November 9, 2024



The bottom line here is that Trump has unified the country, pulling in majorities from every group divvied up by Democrats into an ethnic or religious special interest group to a mighty diversity coalition of the real kind, where people who believe in their religion are respected, and people who come to America with big dreams demands to have those dreams. Those are the things Democrats rejected and dismissed, which is why these groups proved that just like anyone, they want the same things the rest of Americans who don't fit into any particular group want. Trump did it, leftists didn't. Their entire diversity schtick is in ruins, and Trump is holding it in his hand. Maybe they can learn from Trump that people like freedom, good economies, respect for their cultures and a less intrusive culture trying to shoehorn them into their boxes. People are people, and there's a vast consensus from those Democrats claimed as their own that they weren't be listened to. Thank goodness they are all here now, safely present in the wildly diverse, radiantly rainbow Trump train.

Image: Picryl, via Pixabay // CCO 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
By election day, if reports are to be believed, the Harris-Biden administration knew that it would lose and knew that many Jews were abandoning Democrats because the administrations approach to Israel in the year since October 7 frightened them. Those two facts possibly explain two things that the administration has done on the day of the election since then. (Alternately, they would have done the same thing if they were winning because no one could stop them.)

On November 5, without fanfare, the Harris-Biden administration waived terrorism sanctions on the Fatah government (aka the West Bank). The Free Beacon broke this story, which hasnt gotten the attention it deserves:

Just before Tuesdays presidential election, the Biden-Harris administration quietly waived mandatory terrorism sanctions on the embattled Palestinian governmenteven as it determined that the governments leaders are paying imprisoned terrorists and fomenting violence in breach of U.S. law. The State Department, in a non-public notice to Congress, determined that the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) are not complying with agreements to curb terrorism against Israel and end the pay-to-slay program, which rewards imprisoned terrorists for committing acts of violence. Those violations should trigger American sanctions, barring members of the Palestinian government from obtaining U.S. visas. The Biden-Harris administration nonetheless used its executive power to waive the sanctions.

According to a State Department, which has been letting its once politely hidden antisemitic freak flag fly since Obama first entered office, the purpose of allowing the Palestinian Authority to go on fomenting terrorism was to be consistent with the U.S. governments expressed willingness to partner with the PLO and PA leadership. Keep in mind that the West Bank has been unwavering in its desire, along with Hamas, to clear out Israels Jewish population from the river to the sea, which means to make the State of Israel vanish in a welter of blood.

But thats not enough for an administration that is no longer constrained by trying to win the Jewish vote. World Israel News reports that, on the Friday following the election, the administration warned Israel that, unless it followed the Biden administrations war plans against Hamas (i.e., effectively surrender), the administration would place it under an arms embargo:

On Friday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with his new Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Israel Katz (Likud), who last week replaced Yoav Gallant (Likud). The call marked the first conversation between the two since Katz became Defense Minister. According to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, during the phone call, Austin Austin reaffirmed the United States ironclad commitment to Israels security and support for its right to defend itself, while emphasizing to the Israeli defense minister the administrations demand that Israel work to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. According to a report by Channel 12, however, Austin warned that the administration would restrict the transfer of military equipment to Israel, should it fail to implement the policy changes listed in a memo from the Biden administration last month.

Keep in mind that the dire humanitarian conditions have almost nothing to do with Israel and everything to do with three things: (1) Hamas uses civilians as human shields for weapons and troops; (2) Hamas steals supplies from civilians; and (3) Hamas lies about whats going on in Gaza.

Obama may be ghosting Kamala (which, I must admit, amuses me tremendously), but the reality is that its his anti-Israel animus that still sets the tone in the White House and the State Department.

Its sickening, but it also makes me think of Genesis 12:13, when God spoke to Abraham about the Jews becoming a people chosen to bring ethical monotheism to the world: I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

One of the reasons for the Democrat partys downfall in this election was the sense of revulsion that Americans felt when they saw the Democrat party bow down before the Hamas altar. The Democrats, from the discrete, two-faced White House crew down to the screaming lunatics on the Ivy League campuses, cursed Israel and, in doing so, seem to have started well down the road to cursing themselves.

Image: An anti-Israel protest in the West Bank. YouTube screen grab.
November 11th is Veterans Day and I am proud to have served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970. My father served in the Navy in WWII and both of us love America and were honored to serve.

Veterans need to be honored for their courageous service facing machine-gun fire, catapulting from heaving carrier decks, and fighting in fetid jungles alone, terrified, and hoping to return to their loved ones once again. Unfortunately, many of those brave women and men have been forgotten and one day is insufficient for a grateful nation to honor their sacrifices.

Veterans can be honored by giving them food, shelter, and lifetime medical support. My brother-in-law Bob, who lives in Tennessee, volunteers with the Sumner County Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 240, to supply veterans with food for their families. Many of those veterans are forgotten and the VVA serves 14 families (including 23 children) weekly to ensure that they dont go hungry. Why does our government send billions of dollars to Ukraine and other countries while those wonderful veterans who faithfully served our country are desperately seeking food for their families? That situation is infuriating, insulting, and despicable. Also, many veterans who are suffering from PTSD and/or drug addiction are homeless while illegal immigrants are given debit cards, free phones, and housed in nice hotels. Many veterans are not being honored but rather discarded and unforgotten.

Veterans can be honored by not sending them to fight in stupid wars. Herbert Hoover once said, Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die. Vietnam comes to mind. 58,000 wonderful young men and women fought valiantly and died horribly in a misguided effort to stop communism. Afghanistan was another debacle. We spent twenty years in that graveyard of empires and then one day the USA walked away, sans equipment, leaving stranded Americans and allies to fend for themselves. Thirteen men and women soldiers were killed at the Kabul airport. Biden was observed callously checking his watch when their flag-draped bodies were solemnly being removed from the plane at the Dover Air Force Base. Those wars were stupidly conceived and poorly managed. The government failed spectacularly to honor the men and women who were sent to die courageously but vainly on remote battlefields.

Veterans can be honored by never abandoning them. Benghazi comes to mind. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty died in an attack at the mission and the nearby annex. They desperately needed help, but their pleas for military support were ignored and they were abandoned. The U.S. military was told to stand down and those brave patriots in Libya were left to fend for themselves. Ringing any bells? According to Paul Ryan, Repeated requests for additional security in Benghazi were routinely denied by Hillary Clintons State Department. Can you image the last minutes of their brave lives hoping in vain that America would come to their aid?

Veterans should be honored, respected, and appreciated on November 11th and all year for their service. As a grateful nation we can never repay veterans for their sacrifices but we can bow our heads and thank almighty God that such patriotic Americans were willing and able to defend our country. Where did we find such magnificent men and women?

Image: Pixabay/Charles Thompson
Just when you think the Democrats are actually beginning to understand how they lost the 2024 election, they show you how clueless they are. There were some brief signs of awakening:

No doubt there'll be a lot of post-mortem discussion, an autopsy of the results and the campaign if you will, Filippo Trevisan, an associate professor at American University's School of Communication, told DW. Did the party do enough to give their base good reason to go out and vote for Kamala Harris? I dont think they did. Trevisan says that Harris tried so hard to win over moderate Republicans or undecided centrist voters that she didn't address core Democratic voter groups enough. As a result, large numbers of young voters, African American men and Latino men shifted over to Donald Trump.

Another Democrat was even more specific:

There is a cohort of Americans frustrated at feeling like the middle class is out of reach, he said. People vote on feelings, not facts. Geopolitical issues, existential questions about democracy, or identity politics dont resonate with this cohort. And last night, demonstrated that this is more than half of the country. My recommendation would be to speak less and listen more. T. J. Rooney, a former Pennsylvania Democratic Party chairman, said he was feeling that disconnect personally. Im not sure what it will take to win back working-class voters, but Im sure it is not to move our party more to the left, he said. If thats the direction the party takes, I will likely find it impossible to identify with.

Yet Sasha Tirador, a Florida-based progressive consultant took a firm stance on the Democrats next steps:

Sasha Tirador, a Florida-based Democratic strategist, said the party needs to take a more hard-line stance on what it believes in. She cited Trumps unwillingness to back down from his most controversial policies as one of his strengths. Democrats, unfortunately, continue to show weakness time and time again, election cycle after election cycle, she said. Democrats dont understand that a campaign is a knife fight  you dont show up unarmed. They dont realize that, and its sad. She would have, for example, had the Department of Justice go after Trump over Jan. 6 much earlier in President Joe Bidens term, saying its failure to do so undercut the Democratic Partys message. You cant tell the American people that this man is a danger to our Democracy, and also sit on your butt for three years and not file charges, she said.

Seriously? She wants to cite January 6, which almost no one cares about, as an example for fighting the Republicans? I think Tirador stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the many deluded Democrats.

So, what should the Dems seriously consider?

How about something akin to the Blue Dog Democrats? Where have they gone? And who are they? They stillbarelyexist:

The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives comprised of fiscally-responsible Democrats, who are leading the way to find commonsense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people.

There are several explanations for the origins of the Blue Dogs:

One is that founding members of the congressional caucus in the mid-1990s claimed to have felt choked blue by the extremes in both parties. Another explanation for the term Blue Dog Democrat is that the group initially held its meetings in an office that had a painting of a blue dog on the wall.

Other causes have been given:

The name Blue Dog was inspired by the famous Blue Dog paintings by Cajun artist George Rodrigue. The term is also based on the long-time tradition of referring to a strong Democratic Party supporter as being a Yellow Dog Democrat, who would have sooner voted for a yellow dog than a Republican.

By 2010, there were over 50 members of the caucus. But as some members drifted away, and others lost elections, the group membership decreased.

Recently some members recommended changing the name of the group, because they thought blue dogs had a negative connotation; when the rest of the coalition disagreed, even more members left. It seems to me that their mission should be more important than their title:

Currently, the Blue Dog Coalition is comprised of moderate, fiscally-responsible Democrats who represent every corner of the country and continue to work to end the divisive and toxic nature of politics today. They have a long history of working with members of both parties to find areas of compromise and to advance public policies that benefit the entire nation.

You might be wondering why I even care about the blue dogs. First, I want to see some effort to lessen the polarization in this country; the consequences of the strife increasing are ominous. Second, something needs to be done to move the Democrats back to sanity and away from the radical left. Calling oneself a progressive should be seen as an insult to the Democrat party. Third, even if the Republicans have majorities in both the House and Senate, work will get done in a more productive and efficient way if both sides are working with each other with honesty, fairness, and trust.

I dont know at this point if the Dems remember the meaning of those words, but Im holding out hope.

Image generated by AI.
Democrats are quite a bag of snakes, lovin' their candidates in victory, and pretending they ever heard of them in defeat.

So, with the presidential defeat of Kamala Harris after a costly, hard-fought campaign, the Obamas reportedly aren't taking her phone calls.

The reports on Twitter suggest this going on:

JUST IN: Kamala has not spoken to either Obama. Her team has been reaching out but no one on Obamas team is calling or texting back, per WH official  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) November 11, 2024

"JUST IN: Kamala has not spoken to either Obama. Her team has been reaching out but no one on Obamas team is calling or texting back, per WH official" @JackPosobiec pic.twitter.com/zh20q02ROZ  Christopher Calvin Reid (@ReidFirm) November 11, 2024

What a wretched story. A whirlwind campaign, an Obama endorsement, a feisty debate, a billion spent, celebrity endorsements galore, Kamala $20 million in the hole, and he's not speaking to her now.

Shortly after her defeat, he made a statement about "headwinds" doing Kamala in, and later, aides spoke her mistakes, while ignoring Obama's, such as hectoring black men to vote for Harris, which seems to have actually driven black male voters to Trump. Michelle hectored voters as racists, too, no doubt driving away even more voters:

Michelle Obama's Backstabbing "Endorsement" of Kamala (Lala)



Is Michelle clearing the deck for the next election?#KamalaHarris #MichelleObama pic.twitter.com/7J2krbldWU  David Knight Show LIVE 9am EST, M-F (@libertytarian) October 29, 2024



Now he won't even be a shoulder for Kamala to cry on.

Which is quite a shift from just a few months ago.

Back in July, Obama actually plotted with Kamala to oust Joe Biden as the Democrats' presidential nominee, according to this report from Seymour Hersh:

HAPPENING NOW: President Obama and Michelle Obama just called Kamala Harris to officially endorse her. The Obamas were the last of the Democrat leadership to not endorse Kamala Harris.



Many rumors started earlier this week claiming that Obama did not want to endorse pic.twitter.com/l6iA9Sqh36  Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) July 26, 2024

Kamala onboard? Obama might have been bluffing to scare Joe, but in light of Kamala asking around about the 25th Amendment "in a non-joking way" again according to Posobiec, the odds rise that she was not.

Obama wanted an open primary to select a candidate like Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, but a bitter, seething, Joe shut the door to that by naming Harris as his successor over the weekend, handing over his formidable campaign cash war chest to her.

Democrats were thrilled Joe was finally out, so after other Democrats came forward, Obama eventually endorsed her:

BREAKING NEWS

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle officially Endorses Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party's 2024 Presidential Nominee.pic.twitter.com/TAof9vM3sa  Omwamba  (@omwambaKE) July 26, 2024

Im so proud of my girl, Kamala. Barack and I are so excited to endorse her as the Democratic nominee because of her positivity, sense of humor, and ability to bring light and hope to people all across the country. Weve got your back, @KamalaHarris! pic.twitter.com/xldcZeDXuS  Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 26, 2024

Listen to all that gush about "friendship," and that this endorsement "means so much to me" from Kamala.

There was phony gushiness from Joe, too:

Kamala speaks to Biden over phone at campaign HQ: "It is so good to hear our President's voice. Joe, I know you're still on the reco... on the call... and we've been talking everyday..."



pic.twitter.com/Hk1ZQE7p7r  I Meme Therefore I Am  (@ImMeme0) July 22, 2024

Trump saw right through it, by the way, making political hay of it on the campaign trail:

HAHAHAHA this is incredible 



Trump reenacts the staged call between Obama and Kamala Harris:



pic.twitter.com/TnsekZF35w  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 31, 2024

Now we learn he was right again -- turns out all that gush and love never lasted beyond Election Day. Now Obama's not taking Kamala's phone calls, and other Democrats are pretending they never heard of her, either.

Is this legit? Because if it is, it's hilarious. Not sure why he'd bother, though. https://t.co/CfB5u5hbvB  Ed Morrissey (@EdMorrissey) November 11, 2024

They're probably worried she'll ask them for money, given her huge campaign debt left after blowing it on useless celebrity endorsements, and well, they love their money.

That's the fate of phony Potemkin candidates, who have no popular support beyond their paid endorsements and devouring political machines. A candidate is only valuable to them so long as they are winning. Anything else, and they never heard of you.

Obama is now cutting her dead and looking for the next guy in his continued plottings.

And as usual, Obama was thinking about himself:



Obama's biographer reveals ex-president fears for his legacy after 'tone-deaf preaching' harmed Harris campaign https://t.co/4MjCzxjmyt pic.twitter.com/LKiZ5URWqT  Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) November 9, 2024

That's sad stuff, and Harris, who's just as nasty and conniving as they are, but probably not as clever, probably knew it. These people don't have friends, they have rivals, prey, and roadkill. They're all a bag of snakes, and any Democrat without the deliverables turns into their mouse supper.

Image: Twitter screen shot
Theres already some amazing AI on the market, but companies like Google and OpenAI arent satisfied. Both companies are poised to release their next biggest AI innovations, and one of them might steal the show. According to a new report, were already starting to see some signs that Google Gemini 2.0 is around the corner.

AI users are eagerly waiting for OpenAI to launch o1, its most advanced AI tool. When it launches, we know that it will set the standard for AI going forward. According to OpenAIs CEO Sam Altman, the company has reached human-level intelligence, and many believe that this is because of o1. At this point, its tough to tell. What we know is that it will most likely put current AI tools to shame.

Google Gemini 2.0 could come rather soon

At this point, Google hasnt hinted at an imminent launch, but we know that the company has something in the oven. A few clues have popped up in a few places showing us that at least something exists.

Firstly, @testingcatalog on X.com posted a screenshot of the Gemini website with the model selector expanded. Under the Gemini Advanced option, we see with 2.0-Pro-Exp-0111 as the bottom option. The subtitle reads Our experimental model.

The user said that they could already prompt it and get responses, so that could point to a functional model. They also said that it seems to be working quite fast. The user, however, said that they didnt know if the response was really from Gemini 2.0.

Along with that, another clue popped up thanks to @slow_developer on X.com. According to the user, an unknown Gemini model appeared on the LMSYS Arena (battle). We cant tell if thats Gemini 2.0, but the user said that it outperformed OpenAI o1 mini in a test. So, theres a chance that it could be the next Gemini model.

So, it seems that Gemini 2.0 exists somewhat on the internet. Again, we dont know when Google plans to release this model, but we know that it should be pretty soon. Theres a chance that the company is waiting for OpenAI to launch o1 before launching Gemini 2.0. If so, then it could be similar to how OpenAI launched GPT-4o just a day before Google announced Gemini 1.5 Pro.
Russia should face justice for war crimes committed in Ukraine under any future peace deal and pay for the destruction it has wrought, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Sunday.

This was the first visit by a top EU official to Ukraine since Donald Trump's election victory in the United States, days earlier.

His win has sparked fears in Ukraine and Europe that Kyiv could be pushed to make concessions to Russia to secure a quick peace deal.

The volatile Republican vowed on the campaign trail that if elected he could end the war within hours -- without giving details of how he planned to achieve this.

Borrell, during his visit to Ukraine's Chernigiv region, said: "The peace, to be peace and not just a ceasefire, to be peace, it has to be just and sustainable.

"This is a warning for the ones who say, this war has to end, so let's finish it as soon as possible, no matter how."

"How matters," Borrell insisted. "The war has to end in a manner that there is accountability -- not only economic recovery and justice, but also accountability".

He also suggested that $300 billion of Russian state assets frozen in the West could eventually be used to help Ukraine rebuild after the war.

"That could be used in order to pay for the accountability and for the compensation for the people who suffer it and for the destruction that has been produced by the Russian invasion," Borrell said.

"It should not be for free."

The European Union's top diplomat spoke after visiting a school basement in the village of Yahidne.

Russian troops held more than 300 Ukrainian civilians there in atrocious conditions for a month following the 2022 invasion.

Ukrainian officials say 11 of them died during their captivity, which only ended when Moscow's forces were forced to retreat.

"What happened here brings us back to the darkest moments of the history of Europe. Moments that we believed were forgotten and would never happen again," Borrell said,

"But unhappily they happened again. They happened here in Ukraine with the Russian invasion."

Ukrainian officials say that some 140,000 war crimes cases have been opened since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court and some of Moscow's lower-ranking troops have been tried in absentia in Ukraine for individual incidents.

But actually bringing those responsible for any alleged crimes committed in the country to justice remains a difficult prospect.

Ukraine has made prosecuting Russia's crimes a key part of its proposal for any eventual peace agreement.

But efforts to establish an international tribunal have stalled as Ukraine and some of its international backers have been unable to agree on how it should work.

For now, international partners such as the EU and United States have been supporting the Ukrainians in their work collecting evidence and conducting investigations.

On using the frozen assets, international powers have so far only allowed the interest being earned on them as backing for a $50-billion loan agreed by the G7 this year.
2024 set to be hottest year on record as temperatures breach 1.5C threshold

This year is on track to be the hottest on record, the UNs World Meteorological Organisation said as it issued a red alert over climate change.

The WMO said the global average temperature for January to September 2024 was 1.54C above pre-industrial levels, based on analysis from six global datasets, boosted by a warming El Nino weather phenomenon in the Pacific.

This year is set to outstrip even the record heat of 2023, the agency said.

Although this breaches a key threshold of 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures to which countries have committed to limit global warming to avoid its worst impacts, the WMO said it did not mean the world had failed to meet the goal over the long-term.

But the organisations state of the climate report, published on the first day of the UN Cop29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, has issued a red alert for the pace of climate change in a single generation, driven by rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Countries are under pressure at the conference to deliver finance for poorer nations to tackle climate change and to increase their actions to meet the goals of the Paris climate treaty to curb global warming to 1.5C or 2C.

The WMO said that while long-term warming measured over decades remains below 1.5C, the past 10 years are the warmest on record, ocean heat reached new records in 2023, sea-level rise is accelerating, and Antarctic sea-ice extent is at its second-lowest level on record.

And the WMO warns weather and climate extremes from floods and storms to dangerous heat are hitting millions, causing loss of life, damage, worsening food insecurity and exacerbating displacement and migration.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said: Climate catastrophe is hammering health, widening inequalities, harming sustainable development, and rocking the foundations of peace.

WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo said: As monthly and annual warming temporarily surpass 1.5C, it is important to emphasise that this does not mean that we have failed to meet the Paris Agreement goal to keep the long-term global average surface temperature increase to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the warming to 1.5C.

The January to September 2024 global mean surface air temperature was 1.54C above pre-industrial averages, but the WMO said monthly and annual temperatures were affected by natural variability as well as climate change.

The WMO said there was a need to monitor where global warming is relative to the long-term goal in the Paris Agreement, with initial assessments from a team of experts assembled by the agency finding that the world is currently likely to be 1.3C above the 1850-1900 baseline.

(PA Graphics)

But Prof Saulo warned that whether it was above or below 1.5C, every additional increment of global warming increases climate extremes, impacts and risks.

The record-breaking rainfall and flooding, rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones, deadly heat, relentless drought and raging wildfires that we have seen in different parts of the world this year are unfortunately our new reality and a foretaste of our future, she said.

We urgently need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our monitoring and understanding of our changing climate, she warned.

 Today at #COP29 we release the latest #StateOfClimate global update and the message is clear:  2024 is on track to be hottest year on record as warming temporarily hits 1.5C  Full report: https://t.co/IRzRXXGPhl pic.twitter.com/RFGvyJi9CU  World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) November 11, 2024

The state of the climate report also shows:

 For 16 consecutive months from June 2023 to September 2024, average global temperatures likely exceeded anything recorded before, and often by a wide margin.

 Greenhouse gases reached record levels in 2023, and data indicates they continued to rise in 2024, with concentrations of carbon dioxide up from around 278 parts per million to 420 in 2023, an increase of 51%.

 Ocean heat was the highest on record in 2023 and preliminary data show 2024 has continued at comparable levels, with ocean warming irreversible over the coming centuries or even millennia.

 Sea level rise is accelerating, going up at a rate of 4.77mm a year from 2014-2023, double the rate between 1993 and 2002.

 Glacier loss is worsening, with the largest melt in 2023 since records began in 1953, due to extreme melting in North America and Europe.
Coleen Rooney is hopeful that appearing on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! will give people a better idea of what kind of person I am.

The wife of former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 38, has been embroiled in a high-profile libel battle with fellow footballers wife Rebekah Vardy, who previously competed on the ITV reality show in 2017.

She has been confirmed in the line-up alongside former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, champion boxer Barry McGuigan, N-Dubz band member Tulisa Contostavlos, Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, Loose Womens Jane Moore, and McFly singer Danny Jones.

Wayen and Coleen Rooney attend the screening of Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story last year (Peter Byrne/PA)

When asked about the biggest misconception she wants to dispel, Rooney said: I have been in the public eye for over 20 years now and people take what they want from it.

I do think people will get a better idea of what kind of person I am.

She was dubbed Wagatha Christie in 2019, when she accused Vardy, the wife of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, of leaking her private information to the press in a viral post on social media.

In July 2022, a judge at the High Court found the post was substantially true.

Speaking about going on the programme, Rooney said: It has been year after year I have been asked to go on a programme, and its always been a straight no.

Over the years, there have been different things going on in my life and also, my children have been really young. But they are at an age now where I can go away for this length of time.

I also feel its time to have a challenge for me and do something different. It has taken many, many years but Im finally doing it.

And I have always said, if I was going to do one  then it would be this show. I think it will be good for me.

Rebekah and Jamie Vardy. (Yui Mok/PA)

She also said that she watches Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! every year, and called it a good family show.

The most rewarding thing for me is the fact I have actually agreed to do it, she added.

I am a really organised person and so to take myself away from that is going to be difficult.

But Ive got a very supportive family around me and I know everything is going to be fine.

Aside from her friends and family, Rooney says she will most miss her phone in the jungle along with a notepad and pen, as she loves jotting things down.

Rooney also said that she is scared of heights, and explained her best attribute is that she is quite a focused person, while her worst  according to Wayne  is her snoring.

She also explained that as she is concerned about giving someone food poisoning, she will not put herself through as camp chef, even though she is the cook at home.

I dont think small portions will be as hard as other things, she added.

I am quite petite and I do run around some days and miss a meal. But not on purpose, more because I am so busy. When that happens, I dont get hangry.

Rooney also said that Wayne is supportive, and fine with her being on camera 24/7 in the jungle, but would be unable to commit to the long filming time of the ITV reality show himself.

She added: I am not saying he would go in, but he wouldnt be completely put off. I havent spoken about it with my younger two boys as not many know, but my eldest son told me: Yeah, go for it.

My second one was a bit more emotional. He thought about me being away for a long length of time, but hopefully that will pass. My parents are happy too that Im doing something for me.

Rooney has four sons  Kai Wayne, Klay Anthony, Kit Joseph and Cass Mac  with her teenage sweetheart Wayne, and recently starred in her own Disney+ documentary series Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story.

Also heading to the Australian outback is BBC Radio 1 stars Dean McCullough and Melvin Odoom, and Loose Women star and internet personality GK Barry.

Mabuse, a Dancing On Ice judge, says that after having her first child, a daughter, last year, she wants to get back to the adventurous and fun Oti by heading on the show.

I feel ready for a change and doing something completely different, she added.

I will have no make-up, concealer, lashes  its going to be nice to be laid back.

Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! returns on Sunday at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
A Covid denier has been jailed for five years after encouraging violence against Professor Sir Chris Whitty on social media.

Patrick Ruane, 55, was found guilty at the Old Bailey of two charges of encouraging terrorism in a series of Telegram posts in which he advocated the use of weapons, guns and explosions.

He suggested whacking the chief medical officer for England Sir Chris over the head with a rounders bat in one post.

Sentencing on Monday, Judge Richard Marks KC said Ruanes messages were extremely dangerous during a volatile time.

Chief medical officer for England Professor Sir Chris Whitty was named in the posts (James Manning/PA)

The judge said the defendant could not be sure that people would not act out what was said in the messages.

He went on to say that Ruane had a compulsive and obsessive mindset about the vaccines and that he often posted the messages while blind drunk.

The judge also acknowledged Ruanes childhood trauma and alcohol dependence.

He added: The overwhelming view around the world was that the vaccines were hugely effectively in saving lives. You and others, however, did not share that opinion.

Ruane was said to believe conspiracy theories about a hidden agenda and was particularly focused on manufacturers of the Covid vaccine (Andrew Milligan/PA)

You were, of course, fully entitled to publicly vent your views and to do so in an extremely cogent and forceful way, if you chose.

You, however, went very much further and in so doing committed the offences of which you were convicted.

Ruane specifically targeted individuals, such as Sir Chris, and the chief executive officer of Covid vaccine developer Pfizer in a series of posts during 2021, the court heard previously.

Ruane had replied to a post about Sir Chris, saying: The weakest point of the scull (sic) is the back of the scull (sic) and all it would take is riding a bike very fast and whacking target over the back of head with a rounders bat but a mace (a piece of metal ball and chain) would be way better.

Patrick Ruane was found guilty at the Old Bailey (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

He said this would turn said target into a vegetable for the rest of its life.

In response to the creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine getting a standing ovation at Wimbledon, he commented: Its a shame there was not a sharp shooter to take that f****** POS (piece of shit) out.

Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said that Ruane was angry, frustrated and upset about lockdown policies and the vaccine rollout.

He believed conspiracy theories about a hidden agenda and was particularly focused on manufacturers of the Covid vaccine and those who administered jabs, she said.

In one post, Ruane wrote that he was all for hunting them down and f****** executing them, saying too many people had died and its not going to stop until we start killing them back.

When someone posted about not allowing a satanist puppet to come near his children with that poison jab kill shots, the defendant encouraged others to find where they live, put a kill squad together and shoot them in their beds.

In response to another post, he advocated burning all the big pharmas offices, manufacturing plants and infrastructure to the ground.

The court heard Ruane referred to executing politicians, saying the manufacture of ammunition for sniper weapons could end corrupt politicians and Davos scum in one shot.

Ruane, an audio producer who worked in films, posted images of Semtex explosive and when asked about delivery, wrote: Why deliver when you can make it yourself.

He called for an IRA playbook to be implemented after then-prime minister Boris Johnson extended powers for a further period.

The defendant also suggested destroying 5G communications, saying in one post: 5G towers are easy, Semtex, easy to make recipies (sic) on the www.

Ms Faure Walker had said that the posts spanned many months and encouraged serious violence and disruption designed to influence the government or intimidate a section of the public.

The posts reached a very large audience through two Telegraph chat groups, one of which had 18,000 users and the other 8,000.

Ruane, of Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, west London, was cleared of collecting information useful to a terrorist, relating to a manual entitled Anon  How To Make A Jolly Roger which was said to include viable instructions on making Semtex.

He had denied the charges against him and claimed his film work gave him a reasonable excuse for having the manual with Semtex instructions.
A detective inspector said the decision to search the Skripals home after they were poisoned with Novichok still haunts me, after a police officer also became contaminated with the nerve agent.

Detective Inspector Ben Mant of Wiltshire Police told the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry on Monday that it was his decision for a search to be carried out at the home of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in March 2018.

Former police officer Nick Bailey was contaminated after the nerve agent was smeared on Mr Skripals door handle.

Former police officer Nick Bailey used a key to unlock a door to the property (Wiltshire Police/PA)

The poisoning of Mr Bailey followed the attempted murder of Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia and came a few months before Ms Sturgess, 44, died after being exposed to Novichok left in a discarded perfume bottle in nearby Amesbury, Wiltshire.

After the Skripals became unwell, Mr Mant had been given a briefing by other officers and was told about the Skripals symptoms.

This included how Mr Skripal had vomited and one of the hypotheses was potentially poison in their food, the inquiry heard.

One officer had an aide memoire where he was ticking off some of the symptoms that would be consistent with nerve-agent poisoning and told Mr Mant that the Skripals were exhibiting seven out of the 12 symptoms listed, he said.

Mr Mant said he was extremely concerned and stopped the briefing and called Superintendent Tim Corner.

Reading the detective inspectors witness statement, Emilie Pottle, counsel to the inquiry, said Mr Mant said he (Mr Corner) reassured me that he had already spoken to (the officer who had the aide memoire) and he appeared far less concerned.

Mr Mant also told the inquiry he was told special branch hadnt expressed any interest.

There were a number of hypotheses at that point, Mr Mant added.

Mr Mant said it was his decision to search the house, as his overriding concern was there could be another person inside the home who was injured or potentially dying.

Dawn Sturgess died after being exposed to Novichok months after Mr Bailey was posioned (Family handout/Home Office/PA)

On the decision to search the property, Mr Mant told the inquiry: Its something that still haunts me, as clearly Sergeant Bailey became very ill as a result of our actions that night.

Mr Mant travelled to the Skripals home with Mr Bailey and another officer, referred to as VN005, and told the inquiry they dressed in personal protective equipment including white suits, boot covers, gloves, goggles and surgical masks.

He said Mr Bailey unlocked the home with a key.

Mr Mant also said in a witness statement read to the inquiry that all three of the officers inside the house raised their goggles at different times as they had steamed up.

He added in the statement it clearly risks the potential for any contaminant on the outside of the gloves to be transferred to the skin.

It was later brought to his attention that an officer outside the property had one pupil which was the size of a pinprick and the other very dilated, and Mr Mant said: That was the moment of course it occurred to me that whatever it was we were dealing with is likely to have been at Christie Miller Road.

Detective Inspector Ben Mant told the inquiry it was his decision to search the property on Christie Miller Road in Salisbury (Ben Birchall/PA)

Mr Mant also told the inquiry that both he and Mr Corner initially considered links to Alexander Litvinenko, the Russian defector to the UK who was poisoned and died in 2006, after the Skripals were poisoned.

But Mr Mant said he was told Mr Litvinenkos illness was radiation poisoning and it was unlikely the Skripals were also poisoned with radiation as the Skripals had become ill apparently very quickly and the symptoms of radiation poisoning take longer to manifest themselves.

Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies then started her evidence on Monday afternoon by expressing her condolences.

The inquiry continues.
Geese have a reputation for being one of the more aggressive breeds of birds kept as livestock, Chickens can be friendly and ducks can be easy goingbut geese have not forgotten that they were once dinosaurs. They are ready to throw down whenever, and wherever. And that fact remains only slightly more true for wild geese than their supposedly domesticated counterparts. Go to any geese breeding or supplier page na they will extol the apparently gentle or docile behavior of their geese, as opposed to what you may be used to from the species.

But dont be fooled, even by geese as magical and fairylike as the fluffy breed in this video.

This clip features a flock of geese with long, fluffy feathers streaming across a lawn, The gentle, whimsical music overlaying the clip makes them appear almost like ballerinas, flowing over the grass, their airy feathers waving in the air. Youd be forgiven for thinkingeven for a momentthat these geese are of the friendly variety.

Dont.

Related: Goose Does Cutest Happy Dance Out of Joy Over Playing in Mud

Most geese are naturally fearful of strangers, says their keeper, trying to explain why these look so relatively chill. I raised these from babies and they see me as Mother Goose.

So the reason these beautiful geese look on the friendlier side is because they are looking at their favorite human, the person they imprinted on at birth. You can tell they see their bond person by how they call, says one person in comments. Loud screeches until they see you then the greeting calls.

Their keeper agrees. Geese get a bad rap but they will do anything to protect their babies and family.

But what makes these geese so very beautiful? Turns out they are a specialty breed, prized for their unusual feather formation.

All About the Sebastopol Goose

The Sebastopol goose is said to have originated in southeastern Europe near the Black Sea, but are known in America by this name because they were originally imported to the U.S. from that city in Crimea. They owe their gorgeous appearance to a mutation which causes their feathers to grow in long, fluffy spirals. Though beautiful, this modification does keep the geese from flying (and sometimes mating).

Sebastopol geese are kept primarily for ornament and as pets. They are moderate layers and good for roasting, and a flock will also help keep your grass clipped. They are good swimmers and should be given easy access to water, especially if you want to keep all those gorgeous feathers clean.

And, despite their beauty and somewhat docile behavior, its important to remember that these are still very much geese.

Not Suitable For Weddings

Geese are not the worlds most friendly animals.

Totally enjoy being mean. They're malice with a beak, writes one person in comments, not fooled by their pretty appearance. At least these are pretty...pretty terrifying.

But others are too intrigued by the notion.

I have never seen these before, exclaims one person in comments I needed them for my daughters wedding. They look like brides.

But despite their bridal appearance, we suggest you stick with doves.

Even their keeper knows they would not make good wedding guests.

I saw people say they would be beautiful at a wedding except I know they would scream at all the people they dont know the entire time, she admits.

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Donald Trump is expected to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Russia, the Defence Secretary has said.

John Healey said he believes the incoming administration will be steadfast in backing Kyiv, and downplayed concerns that the US will turn away from Nato under the president-elect.

But he cautioned that any potential peace talks were for Ukraine alone to call after a senior Trump adviser suggested Washington would be focused on resolving the conflict rather than helping the country regain territory.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer meets French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss Ukraine on Armistice Day, amid ongoing uncertainty about the future of US backing for the country after Mr Trumps election victory last week.

The Republican politician has insisted he would find a solution to end the war within a day without explaining how he would do so, which some have interpreted to mean a peace on terms favourable to Moscow.

Facing broadcasters on Monday morning, Mr Healey said he expected the new administration to continue backing Ukraine until it secures a victory over Russia.

As far as President Trump goes, he recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do, and I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putins invasion, he told Sky News.

The Kremlin has denied reports that Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin against escalation in Ukraine (Brian Lawless/PA)

He dismissed suggestions that a withdrawal of US commitments to Nato, which Mr Trump has previously alluded to, would leave the UK weakened.

I dont expect the US to turn away from Nato. They recognise the importance of the alliance. They recognise the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe, Mr Healey said.

Mr Trump has criticised Washingtons provision of tens of billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia, as well as expressing scepticism towards Nato and accusing European countries of free-riding on America.

On the weekend, Bryan Lanza, who worked on the Trump campaign, said the incoming administration would be focused on achieving peace rather than helping Ukraine gain back territory like Crimea, though a spokesperson for the president-elect later distanced him from the remarks.

Asked what the UKs reaction would be to such a suggestion, Mr Healey told BBC Breakfast: Its Ukraine that gets to call when the talking starts. Our job is to support Ukraine, stand by them when they fight, stand by them if they decide to talk.

This could be ended today if Putin withdrew following his illegal invasion thats the way this conflict could be ended, and the importance for us for Europe and for the United States is that Putin in the long run does not prevail, because if he does prevail, he will not stop at Ukraine, and the cost to us all will be much greater in the future.

There have been suggestions that Sir Keir and Mr Macron could ask US President Joe Biden whether Ukraine can be given permission to fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russia before he leaves the Oval Office.

Asked whether the two leaders were likely to talk about anything that might happen before Donald Trump takes over, Mr Healey said: These are part of the discussions that have been going on for some time.

It came as a row broke out over reports of a phone call between Mr Trump and Vladimir Putin in which the president-elect was said to have warned the Russian leader against escalation in the war.

Mr Healey had said on Monday morning that the UK welcomed the Republican politicians intervention as exactly right when asked about the report in the Washington Post on Sunday.

Sir Keir Starmer will discuss Ukraine with Emmanuel Macron (Isabel Infantes/PA)

However, moments later, the Kremlin denied that any call had taken place.

This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, its just false information, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

There was no conversation.

The spokesman reportedly attacked the quality of the information that is published even by reputable outlets.

Elsewhere, Mr Healey downplayed reports of a rift between the new Labour administration and Ukraine.

He rejected suggestions that support had waned since Sir Keir took office after the Guardian reported officials in Kyiv had said relations had worsened and expressed frustration over Britains failure to provide additional long-range weapons.

Asked about the reported comments, Mr Healey said: That is simply not correct.

Weve stepped up with more military support. Weve speeded up deliveries. Were now spending more on military aid for Ukraine than ever before as a UK Government, and I spoke at length to the defence minister in Ukraine yesterday.

He certainly doesnt see the UK support weakening, and he said the Ukrainians are confident in Britains continuing and steadfast support for their country.
Israeli air strikes killed dozens of people in Lebanon and Gaza Sunday, rescuers and authorities said, ahead of a US deadline for improved aid delivery to the Palestinian territory.

Another strike south of the Syrian capital Damascus killed nine people including a Hezbollah commander, a war monitor said.

Rescuers in the Gaza Strip said 13 children were among 30 people killed by Israeli strikes in the territory's north.

The first hit a house in Jabalia, killing at least 25 people including 13 children and injuring more than 30, Gaza's civil defence agency said.

At around 6:00 am, "there was a very huge explosion" at the Alloush family home, said relative Abdullah al-Najjar.

"When we arrived here, all the bodies were torn apart."

Vowing to stop Hamas militants from regrouping in already ravaged north Gaza, Israel on October 6 began a major air and ground assault.

The United Nations has described the area as "under siege", and Washington set a deadline of this coming week for Israel to get more aid in or face possible cuts to military assistance.

After the Jabalia strike, Israel's military said it hit "infrastructure" in which militants were operating and "posed a threat" to troops.

Another strike on Gaza City's Sabra neighbourhood killed five people, the civil defence agency said.

In Lebanon, the health ministry said an Israeli strike on Almat village north of Beirut killed 23 people including seven children.

"Under the rubble, there are only children, elderly men and women," Hezbollah lawmaker Raed Berro said, denying Israeli allegations that Hezbollah and weapons were embedded among civilians.

The ministry reported at least another 15 dead in strikes in the east as well as three Hezbollah-affiliated rescuers killed in the south, both areas where the Iran-backed group has a strong presence.

War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an Israeli strike on an apartment belonging to Hezbollah south of Damascus killed nine people, including a Hezbollah commander.

Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strike, calling for "an arms embargo" on Israel and its "expulsion from the United Nations".

Since late September Israel has been engaged in a two-front war after turning its focus north towards Lebanon.

Israel admitted for the first time Sunday it was behind a wave of deadly attacks on Hezbollah communications devices in September.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "greenlighted the pager operation in Lebanon" in which hundreds of devices exploded, killing nearly 40 people and wounding around 3,000, his spokesman said.

The operation preceded Israel's ongoing air and ground campaign in Lebanon, after almost a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of fire with Hezbollah, which said it was acting in support of Hamas.

The war in Gaza erupted with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel which resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 43,603 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.

On Sunday, Israel's military said it intercepted two drones approaching from the east. Pro-Iran groups in Iraq have previously said they launched attack drones at Israel.

Israel's main military backer the United States on October 15 warned that it could withhold some of its billions of dollars in assistance unless Israel improves aid delivery to the Gaza Strip within 30 days -- a deadline that expires on Wednesday.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at the time top US officials made "clear" to Israel's government that changes need to be made "to see that the level of assistance making it into Gaza comes back up from the very, very low levels that it is at today".

The demand came before Tuesday's vote for President-elect Donald Trump, who has suggested he would give freer rein to Israel.

On Saturday, a UN-backed assessment warned that famine is imminent in northern Gaza.

Fewer aid shipments were allowed into Gaza than at any time since October 2023, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

The alert from the Famine Review Committee warned of "an imminent and substantial likelihood of famine occurring, due to the rapidly deteriorating situation".

Israel's military questioned the report's credibility, denouncing "partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests".

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that "humanitarian access must be granted at all times and must never become a means of warfare".

She said that "time and again" promises of aid were not kept, and that an Israeli pledge to flood Gaza with aid "must happen, without excuses".

The heads of UN agencies in early November described north Gaza as "under siege" and denied "basic aid and life-saving supplies".

Arab and Muslim leaders are gathering in Saudi Arabia for a summit Monday that will focus on the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

On Saturday, Gaza mediator Qatar said it had suspended its role in trying to broker a deal.
The government says the system delivers efficiencies by prioritising work and that a human remains responsible for each decision. Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

A Home Office artificial intelligence tool which proposes enforcement action against adult and child migrants could make it too easy for officials to rubberstamp automated life-changing decisions, campaigners have said.

As new details of the AI-powered immigration enforcement system emerged, critics called it a robo-caseworker that could encode injustices because an algorithm is involved in shaping decisions, including returning people to their home countries.

The government describes it as a rules-based rather than AI system, as it does not involve machine-learning from data, and insists it delivers efficiencies by prioritising work and that a human remains responsible for each decision. The system is being used amid a rising caseload of asylum seekers who are subject to removal action, currently about 41,000 people.

Migrant rights campaigners called for the Home Office to withdraw the system, claiming it was technology being used to make cruelty and harm more efficient.

A glimpse into the workings of the largely opaque system has become possible after a year-long freedom of information battle, in which redacted manuals and impact assessments were released to the campaign group Privacy International. They also revealed that people whose cases are being processed by the algorithm are not specifically told that AI is involved.

The system is one of several AI programmes UK public authorities are deploying as officials seek greater speed and efficiency. There are calls for greater transparency about government AI use in fields ranging from health to welfare.

The secretary of state for science, Peter Kyle, said AI had incredible potential to improve our public services  but, in order to take full advantage, we need to build trust in these systems.

The Home Office disclosures show the Identify and Prioritise Immigration Cases (IPIC) system is fed an array of personal information about people who are the subject of potential enforcement action, including biometric data, ethnicity and health markers and data about criminal convictions.

The purpose is to create an easier, faster and more effective way for immigration enforcement to identify, prioritise and coordinate the services/interventions needed to manage its caseload, the documents state.

But Privacy International said it feared the system was set up in a way that would lead to human officials rubberstamping the algorithms recommendations for action on a case because its so much easier  than to look critically at a recommendation and reject it.

For officials to reject a proposed decision on returns  sending people back to their home country  they must give a written explanation and tick boxes relating to the reasons. But to accept the computers verdict, no explanation is required and the official clicks one button marked accept and confirms the case has been updated on other Home Office systems, the training manuals show.

Asked if this introduced a bias in favour of accepting the AI decision, the Home Office declined to comment.

Officials describe IPIC as a rules-based workflow tool that delivers efficiencies for immigration enforcement by recommending to caseworkers the next case or action they should consider. They stressed that every recommendation made in the IPIC system was reviewed by a caseworker who was required to weigh it on its individual merits. The system is also being deployed on cases of EU nationals seeking to remain in the UK under the EU settlement scheme.

Jonah Mendelsohn, a lawyer at Privacy International, said the Home Office tool could affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

Anyone going through the migration system currently has no way of knowing how the tool has been used in their case and if it is putting them at risk of wrongful enforcement action, he said. Without changes to ensure algorithmic transparency and accountability, the Home Offices pledge to be digital by default by 2025 will further encode injustices into the immigration system.

Fizza Qureshi, the chief executive of the Migrants Rights Network, called for the tool to be withdrawn and raised concerns the AI could lead to racial bias.

There is a huge amount of data that is input into IPIC that will mean increased data-sharing with other government departments to gather health information, and suggests this tool will also be surveilling and monitoring migrants, further invading their privacy, she said.

IPIC has been in widespread operation since 2019-20. The Home Office refused previous freedom of information inquiries because greater openness could be used to circumvent immigration controls by providing insight into how work in the Home Office and immigration enforcement is triaged.

Madeleine Sumption, the director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said the use of AI in the immigration system was not inherently wrong, because in theory AI could improve human decision-making rather than replace it.

She said: The government might well be able to make the case AI is leading to better decision-making and reducing unnecessary detention but without greater transparency we cant know.

For example if a country such as Iran is unlikely to accept deported nationals, pursuing such cases could be considered a waste of limited enforcement resources. Or if a persons argument to remain is underpinned by human rights law meaning they are unlikely to be quickly deported, it may be better to prioritise other removals and in doing so avoid taking people into indefinite detention.

Home Office documents say the tool is used to assess the removability and level of harm posed by immigration offenders, automate the identification and prioritisation of cases, and to provide information on the length of time a barrier to removal has been in place.

A new draft data bill was introduced for debate in the UK parliament last month that would effectively permit automated decision-making in most circumstances, according to lawyers. This would be allowed as long as individuals affected can make representations, obtain meaningful human intervention and challenge automated decisions.

 This article was amended on 12 November 2024 to reflect in the headline and through an addition to the third paragraph that the Home Office does not consider its IPIC system to be artificial intelligence because the tool does not learn from the data it receives; AI systems may, however, be described in terms of those that are rules-based and those that use machine-learning.
Israels data shows that an average of 57 aid trucks a day crossed into Gaza. The UN says 600 a day are needed to meet basic needs. Photograph: Vassil Donev/EPA

The amount of aid reaching Gaza has dropped to the lowest level since December, official Israeli figures show, despite the US having issued a 30-day ultimatum last month threatening sanctions if there was no increase in humanitarian supplies reaching the territory.

The ultimatum was delivered on 13 October, so will expire on Tuesday or Wednesday. It is unclear what measures Israels apparent failure to fulfil US demands will trigger, but they may include a temporary halt to the supply of some munitions or other military assistance.

Only 8,805 tonnes of food aid has crossed through Israeli checkpoints into the territory so far this month.

In an apparent last-minute concession on Monday, Israeli authorities announced an extension of the designated humanitarian zone, adding inland areas which could partially relieve intense overcrowding and allow some displaced people to move away from the coast as winter approaches.

However, Israel appears to have ignored most of the demands made in a letter sent jointly by Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Lloyd Austin, the defence secretary, on 13 October.

Aid officials in Gaza describe the situation in much of the territory, where more than 80% of the population of 2.3 million have been displaced and more than two-thirds of buildings have been destroyed or damaged in 13 months of war, as apocalyptic.

Almost nothing is getting in any more. The small street markets that sprung up have all gone. Theres a bit of flour, some washing-up liquid  a kilo of tomatoes costs nearly $20 [16]. Even if you have money there is nothing to buy. Everyone is going hungry again, said one UN official.

Israel imposed a total blockade of Gaza in the first weeks of the war, before gradually easing restrictions under international pressure. Deliveries of aid peaked in May, when 117,000 tonnes of food entered Gaza on more than 6,000 trucks. Tents, medicine and other vital supplies also reached the territory.

Statistics released by Cogat, the Israeli military authority charged with coordinating humanitarian aid for Gaza, show that only 25,155 tonnes of food aid entered Gaza in October, less than in any full month since December 2023.

In October, 57 trucks a day were allowed to cross into Gaza on average  far short of the 350 trucks a day demanded by the US and the 600 a day that aid agencies say are necessary to meet basic needs. So far, only 624 trucks have entered the territory in November, the Cogat statistics show.

It is unclear if the statistics include crossings on Sunday, when more than 170 trucks and fuel tankers entered Gaza, according to Cogat.

Israeli officials reject the charge that aid is deliberately restricted and accuse humanitarian agencies of failing to organise its distribution. UN logistics specialists in Gaza say Israeli military operations and general lawlessness often prevent them from collecting supplies, leaving hundreds of truckloads stranded at the border.

Humanitarian agencies also suffer from a shortage of drivers, communications equipment, protective gear and much else. Since May, only a tenth of more than 300 requests to Cogat to issue permits to individual drivers have been granted, UN officials said.

Coordination with the Israeli military authorities is also laborious and time-consuming, and many requests for convoys are turned down. In October, Israeli authorities directly denied or impeded 58% of aid movements, aid agencies said.

Lawlessness has led to systematic looting of about a third of all aid brought into Gaza, UN officials said. Some was taken by Hamas, which retains some influence in much of the territory, but most was stolen by criminal gangs for resale. Private commercial convoys have also been stopped.

The US has previously demanded that Israel allow in more aid but done little to enforce its requests, even reportedly ignoring its own agencies after they concluded that Israel had deliberately blocked deliveries of food and medicine to Gaza. US law requires that weapons shipments be cut off to countries that prevent the delivery of US-backed aid.

Last week, the US state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said Israel had made some progress by announcing the opening of a new crossing into central Gaza and approving new delivery routes, but said it must do more. Its not just sufficient to open new roads if more humanitarian assistance isnt going through those roads, he said.

The most acute crisis is in the far north of Gaza, where the towns of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya have been under a month-long siege. The Israeli military has said it is rooting out Hamas militants who have regrouped in the area and have been carrying out hit-and-run attacks from tunnels and bombed-out buildings. The military has surrounded the area with checkpoints, ordering residents to leave. Many Palestinians fear Israel aims to depopulate the north in the long term.

People in north Gaza have got nothing. Every single day from 3 October to end of month, UN asked to take stuff into Jabaliya, but [was] turned down, said one UN official in Gaza.

Last week, a committee of global food security experts known as the IPC warned of a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas of northern Gaza.

Cogat denied there was a risk of famine, saying that previous projections by the IPC had proved incorrect and relied on partial, biased data. Israeli officials say they also successfully facilitated a polio vaccination campaign across Gaza, which reached 94% of the target population of 600,000 children under the age of 10.

There is a glaring gap between the reality on the ground and the distorted declarations that some NGOs have been stating about Israel, Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the UN, told the Jerusalem Post.

The conflict in Gaza was triggered by a surprise Hamas attack into southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and 250 abducted. Since then, more than 43,500 have died in the Israeli offensive in Gaza, more than half women and children.
Ariana Grande stars in the upcoming Wicked movie with Cynthia Erivo - Universal Pictures

Mattel has apologised after it mistakenly printed an address for a porn website on boxes of Ariana Grande dolls.

The Singing Glinda toys, which share the actresss likeness, are intended to mark the movie release of the musical Wicked, a Wizard of Oz prequel starring Grande as Glinda, but the packaging has accidentally been printed with the name of a porn website.

Hundreds of boxes had been affected, in an embarrassing development for the toy manufacturer, best known as the company behind Barbie.

According to the packaging, the dolls are recommended for children aged four and above.

They are being sold by major retailers including Walmart, although it is unclear whether the issue has since been fixed and how many products are affected.

The dolls appear to have been removed from the Target website since the news broke on Sunday.

The doll depicts the singer in her role as Glinda

A Mattel spokesman advised that the website on the box was not appropriate for children and those who had purchased the misprinted boxes should discard them.

The link to the porn website is located on the back of the box underneath the Universal Logo  the film studio behind the production.

A Mattel spokesman said: Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the US, which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page.

We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this.

Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children.

Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.

The adaptation of the Broadway play follows the unlikely friendship between Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, and Elphaba, who is played by Cynthia Erivo and goes on to become the Wicked Witch of the West.

Singing Elphaba dolls released to tie in with the film are also reported to have been stamped with the porn website address.
Labor says it will pursue national priorities on AI and social media. US president-elect Donald Trump and backers such as Elon Musk oppose regulation. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

The Australian government will push on with regulation of social media and artificial intelligence despite the incoming Trump administrations opposition to both, Ed Husic has signalled.

On Monday the industry minister sought to reassure Australians that the Albanese government would pursue national priorities despite Donald Trumps promise to roll back AI regulation in the US, as well as the potential influence of the billionaire X owner, Elon Musk, who opposes regulation of social media.

Australia is in the process of developing guardrails for high-risk uses of AI such as a European Union-style artificial intelligence act.

Related: Trumps White House circle takes shape amid fears over extremist appointments

Trump, by contrast, has promised to repeal a President Joe Biden executive order on AI, which Trumps platform claimed hinders AI innovation and imposes radical left-wing ideas on the development of this technology, such as requiring it to be free of biases.

Husic told reporters in Canberra that Australia needed to be able to work effectively with like-minded countries, given AI technology crosses multiple borders.

The US may adopt in time a different approach to what the Biden administration had undertaken  well wait and see and let that play out, he said.

But there are a lot of other countries that are thinking deeply about this and acting on it, he said, citing the Bletchley AI safety summit convened by the UK.

We have a job weve said well do for the public, and theres an expectation  we will continue to do that, and we will.

We will harmonise where we can and localise where we have to.

That is, we will work with other [countries] where we absolutely can find common ground, to give people the assurance in the Australian context about the use of AI. We will take the steps necessary so people have the confidence to use it.

The Albanese government has also introduced legislation to allow the Australian Communications and Media Authority to force social media companies to upgrade their policies to respond to misinformation and disinformation on their platforms.

Asked whether the influence of Musk in the incoming administration could see Trump pressure Labor to dump the bill, Husic replied that we take our responsibility to the Australian people seriously.

I think people here want us to be able to deal with issues in a way that reflects our national priorities. And so I think youll see we continue to do what we have to do.

In September JD Vance, now the vice-president-elect, warned Americas allies in Nato to respect free speech by not imposing excessive social media regulation on Musks platform X.

Nato wants us to continue us being a good participant in this military alliance  why dont you respect American values and respect free speech? he said in an interview with YouTuber Shawn Ryan.

Its insane that we would support a military alliance if that military alliance isnt going to be pro-free speech.

I think we can do both, but we have to say that American power comes with certain strings attached, one of those is: respect free speech.
A mini monastery  Dongs seashore library. Photograph: Su Shengliang

Artificial boulders fill the studio of Vector architects in Beijing, like the result of a dramatic landslide, their craggy polystyrene surfaces rendered with chalky grey plaster. One rock has a striking house sprouting from its summit, a group of intersecting cubic volumes crowned with a curving barrel-vaulted roof. Another has a cluster of industrial looking buildings nestled at its base, connected by an intricate colonnade. A third features a series of momentous terraces and rectangular pits carved into a gulley, with the air of an ancient burial site.



These are the enigmatic visions of Dong Gong, an architect who has risen to prominence in China as a conjuror of mesmerising spaces, crafting libraries, schools and museums that feel grown out of, or hewn into, their sites, built with extraordinary attention to detail. His seashore library in Aranya feels like a miniature jewel-like version of Le Corbusiers La Tourette monastery, marooned on the beach, where daylight pierces through angled shafts and plays across the sculpted concrete walls.

Architecture needs to reclaim its raison detre, to soothe our bodies and souls

His courtyard elementary school in Shenzhen is a protected oasis, its classrooms and running track wrapping a grove of mature banyan trees in the middle of the bustling high-rise metropolis, a world away from the usual state-mandated educational barracks. While Chinese cities continue to build at relentless speed, moving mountains and razing neighbourhoods overnight, Dongs approach is to slow down, and draw on the value of what is already there.



Chinas current economic slowdown has actually been helpful, he says, sitting in his office in Beijing, where a framed drawing of La Tourette leans against the wall. It means we can slow down too, and rediscover a kind of thoughtfulness. While big commercial offices that worked for the countrys major real estate developers are struggling, the likes of Vector architects see the current moment as a chance to take stock, recalibrate, and encourage their clients to approach things more carefully. Where demolition was once the default, the economic lull has given more currency to the option of retaining and reusing existing structures  a boon for both heritage and the environment.

Born in 1972, Dong trained at Tsinghua University in Beijing and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and worked in the offices of Richard Meier and Steven Holl in New York. Returning to China to found his practice in 2008, he is part of a generation of Chinese architects, now mostly in their 50s, who, having worked abroad, came back with a different perspective on the countrys recent decades of rapid urbanisation. In contrast to the frenetic pace and vast size of city-building before them, they prefer to work at a smaller scale, exploring handmade materials and reviving vernacular techniques.



This generation came to maturity at an opportune moment, just as Chinas central government shifted its primary focus away from high-rise mega-development towards rural revitalisation, with an emphasis on reinvigorating depopulated areas. This coincided with a widespread longing among burnt-out young urbanites for a more primitive, rustic life  a rural nostalgia, or jizhu xiangchou, for a simpler, slower, more meditative world, away from the stress of the city. And it spawned a strong appetite for a kind of architecture stripped back to its raw elements, with a renewed focus on soothing all the senses. Architecture needs to reclaim its raison detre, says Dong, to soothe our body and soul. His buildings, which put an emphasis on atmosphere, playing with light and shadow, and the haptic quality of materials, have clearly struck a chord.

His practices 15 years of soul-soothing, spirit-uplifting work has now been brought together in Vector Architects: Dong Gong and the Art of Building, a hefty English-language monograph, featuring about 20 projects built across the country. One of the most famous, which featured in a recent exhibition at MoMA in New York, is a hotel in Yangshuo, a paradisiacal place in the lush southern province of Guangxi. At a time when postwar industrial relics were seen as blights on the landscape to be swept away, Vectors client proposed retaining a derelict 1960s sugarcane mill, and transforming it into an atmospheric place to stay.

The architects added a series of pitch-roofed wings on either side of the mill, fronted with perforated concrete blocks and connected by delicate bamboo canopies. It is impossibly photogenic, an instant hit on Chinese social media, its swimming pool framed by a colonnade of columns like a classical ruin, with jagged limestone peaks rising in the background. Like Vectors fairytale chapel and library in Aranya, it became wanghong (internet-famous) overnight. But the projects arent just made to look good in photos, like so much Instagram-friendly fodder. They have an impeccable quality of finish when experienced in person  an exacting result that is due to intense on-site supervision. For the Yangshuo hotel, the architects couldnt find a manufacturer who could produce the quality of the concrete blocks they wanted, so they made them on-site themselves. It was also a cost-efficient option that saved on transportation and allowed for adaptation and customisation on site.



In China, the builders dont necessarily look at the drawings, says Dong. Its a constant battle, every day. His solution is to send a site architect to supervise every stage of every project, from the manufacture of building materials, to the prototyping and calibration of joints and details, overseeing every stage of the construction process. They can sometimes be stationed on site for three years, far from home. They become like the mafia guy, he jokes, reporting everything back here to the office, so we can keep on top of every detail.

The scrupulous approach pays off. From the cast in-situ concrete to the timber joinery, Vectors buildings are of a quality rarely seen elsewhere in the country, more akin to the level of finish you might find in Switzerland or Japan. Western architects working in China often bemoan how their precious designs are bodged by sloppy builders, but Dongs work shows that quality is possible, if you take the trouble to fight for it.



Its also a reflection of the practices hands-on design process. The Beijing studio is a wunderkammer of huge working models so they can be opened up and seen from the inside, and qualities of light and shadow can be tested. A model of the seashore library features handles that can be wound to slide the building apart, revealing its complex cross-section. Other projects, with their concrete waffle ceilings and brutalist bulk, look like they could be from another era, summoning strains not only of Le Corbusier, but the forms of Alvar Aalto, Louis Khan, or the muscular brutalism of Paul Rudolph, echoing an era before computers took over the manual craft of making spaces.



Theres a touch of surrealism, too, lightening what could otherwise feel overly dour. Dong prises another model apart to reveal a stack of three curious cylindrical spaces inside a tower-like structure. This is the Chapel of Music, completed last year, also in Aranya, one of Vectors most theatrical creations yet. Ascending a long curving ramp, visitors find themselves inside a tall concrete chamber, ringed by a circular reclining bench. The domed ceiling is pieced by a halo of nine holes, about 20cm in diameter, marking the ends of long copper tubes, that poke up into the floor above, where further tiered seating surrounds a small performance space.

The room is capped by a large circular skylight, which can be raised so the sound of music can not only filter down to the listening chamber below, but also spill on to the public plaza outside. Its like music from heaven, says Dong, with a gnomic smile. You dont really know where its coming from.



The studios walls are covered with dreamy computer renderings of dramatic Piranesian spaces, depicting tiny figures at the base of deep concrete wells, at the summit of mountain-top concrete lookouts, or traversing vertiginous concrete stairs  vignettes for various museums, hotels and performance spaces in the making. Theyre seductive images, but its an awful lot of concrete.



Were now trying to use less, Dong says, but its still the cheapest option here. The structural code for timber is not as developed here yet, but its on the way. China now has clear carbon targets, so I think it will happen.



As the country ramps up efforts to decarbonise its power supply  boasting two-thirds of the worlds wind and solar projects under construction  tackling the embodied carbon of its buildings will be the next big challenge. Its up to Dong and his agenda-setting peers to show that just as atmospheric, seductive, soulful spaces can be made without resorting to untold tonnes of board-marked concrete.

 Vector Architects: Dong Gong and the Art of Building is published by Rizzoli.

https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847835744/
The beloved 100ft conifer is growing on the hillside near the city of Trento in the north of Trentino-South Tyrol - Alamy

An Italian mountain town is trying to stop their favourite tree being cut down and given to Pope Francis for Christmas.

The 200-year-old fir, nicknamed The Green Giant, has been earmarked as a gift to the Vatican where it will form the centrepiece of St Peters Squares festive celebrations.

But almost 40,000 people have signed a petition calling for the beloved 100ft conifer  growing on a hillside near the city of Trento in the northern region of Trentino-South Tyrol  to be spared.

Residents from Trento and surrounding villages say the felling of such an old tree runs counter to Pope Francis repeated pleas to protect the environment and combat climate change.

Were against this useless sacrifice, the protesters say in an open letter to the Argentinian pontiff, 87, who has made caring for the environment one of the key motifs of his papacy.

It doesnt make sense to talk about the fight against climate change and then perpetuate traditions like this, which require the death of a tree that is so old and symbolic.

The Alpine locals said the Pope had written several encyclicals  open letters on specific themes  about the importance of protecting the environment.

The Green Giant grows in a forest in Val di Ledro, a valley near Lake Garda.

Each year a tree is given to the Vatican by one of Italys 20 regions or another European country. In the past, trees have been gifted by Germany, Slovenia, Austria and Poland.

Pope Francis has been an advocate of protecting the environment and reducing climate change - Remo Casilli/Reuters

The protesters have also questioned the cost that will be borne by the local community in chopping down the tree and having it transported to Rome.

The operation will cost 60,000 (49,000) and they say the money could be better spent on public transport and health services.

They have suggested that the Vatican instead commissions the creation of a permanent Christmas tree sculpture made from the timber of trees that have fallen naturally.

The sculpture could be used each year so that living trees do not have to be felled, they argued.

The tradition of placing a Christmas tree in the middle of St Peters Square in the weeks leading up to the festive season was established by Pope John Paul II in 1982.

But cutting down huge firs for the Vaticans festivities has proved controversial on more than one occasion.

Austrian environmentalists objected to one of their trees being donated in 1989 and there was a similar debate over a tree that grew in the forests of Calabria in southern Italy in 2006.

In 2022, environmentalists blocked the felling of a huge 200-year-old fir in a forest on the border between the central Italian regions of Abruzzo and Molise.

They said that the custom of chopping down ancient trees for St Peters Square should sooner or later be brought to an end.

The Vatican has been approached for comment.
The increase in capital gains tax comes after fury over a tractor tax that slashes inheritance tax relief - Debove Sophie/iStockphoto

Farmers who are forced to sell their land for new transport links and housing face receiving less compensation following Rachel Reevess capital gains tax raid.

Landowners hit with compulsory purchase orders will be stung by more capital gains tax on their payouts after the Chancellor almost doubled the basic rate.

As a result, some farmers who have not been compensated for projects announced before the election, such as HS2, are set to receive less than they expected.

It comes after fury over Ms Reevess decision to impose a tractor tax by cutting the amount of inheritance tax relief available when passing on farms.

In the Budget, the Chancellor increased rates of capital gains tax, which people pay on the profit they make when selling an asset such as land or property.

Some farmers who have still not been compensated for HS2 are set to get less than they expected - Valeninrussanov/E+

The move will affect farmers who have their land forcibly bought under compulsory purchase orders to make way for major new national infrastructure.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has unveiled plans to make wider use of the orders to secure land for a wave of new towns.

It will also hit some landowners who were subject to orders before the election, but who are still in negotiations about how much compensation they will receive.

Andrew Williams owns a farm in Cambridgeshire, part of which was compulsorily purchased almost 10 years ago for the construction of a new A14 bypass.

He said: National Highways are now in the process of finalising the compensation payment, which will be subject to capital gains tax at the new rate and income tax.

The Government took our assets and will belatedly conclude payment with a sum which is, after tax, considerably less than the compensation agreed seven years ago. How can this be fair?

Compulsory purchase is necessary to build our country but, in a civilised society, surely those affected should receive 100 per cent of the agreed valuation within two years of the bulldozers going in.

Mr Williams, who received a standard 90 per cent upfront payment based on the estimated value of his land, said many neighbouring farmers were in the same position.

Under the current rules, the rate of capital gains that landowners are charged is based on when their compensation payment was agreed.

When a compulsory purchase order is made, the authorities typically take control of the land concerned first and negotiate the price later.

That process can take several years, meaning some farmers who had their land bought to make way for projects such as HS2 have not yet settled.

National Highways confirm there are still a number of cases where compensation for HS2 has still not been agreed - SolStock/E+

National Highways confirmed that there are still a number of cases relating to the A14 bypass where compensation has not been agreed.

HS2 said that 70 per cent of its forecast amount of money on compensation has been paid out to date, with the remaining 30 per cent of claims yet to be settled.

Ms Reevess Budget almost doubled the lower rate of capital gains, which is paid by basic rate taxpayers, raising it from 10 per cent to 18 per cent.

The upper rate, paid by higher and additional rate taxpayers, went up from 20 per cent to 24 per cent, with the changes coming into force immediately.

A government spokesman says those selling land under a compulsory purchase order should not be affected by the new rates - Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe

Farmers who are subject to compulsory purchase orders can avoid having to pay capital gains on their compensation if they use it to buy new land.

But if they choose to take the cash or reinvest it in the remaining area of their existing farm, such as in new buildings, they are subject to the tax.

A government spokesman said: The Budget delivered on our commitment to keep taxes low for working people by not raising rates of income tax, national insurance, or VAT.

Fewer than 1 per cent of UK adults pay capital gains tax on any type of asset each year. Those who do because of a compulsory purchase order should not be affected by the new tax rates if their compensation was agreed before the Budget.
International criminal court chief prosecutor Karim Khan pictured in The Hague in February 2024. Photograph: Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters

The chief prosecutor of the international criminal court will face an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, the courts governing body has said.

In a statement, the president of the body that oversees the ICC said the inquiry would examine the allegations against Karim Khan, which related to his alleged conduct towards a woman who worked for him.

Since the allegations emerged last month, there has been intense behind-the-scenes negotiations among the courts member states about the shape and scope of the investigation, as the court has scrambled to formulate a response to the allegations.

Paivi Kaukoranta, the president of the governing body, the assembly of state parties (ASP), said an external investigation was being pursued in order to ensure a fully independent, impartial and fair process.

She said the ASP was still finalising the practical modalities of the investigation and the involved parties have been informed that the courts internal watchdog had been relieved from investigating the matter. She did not announce who would carry out the investigation.

The external inquiry will examine the allegations against the prosecutor, which the Guardian reported last month include claims of unwanted sexual touching and abuse over an extended period, as well as coercive behaviour and abuse of authority.

Lawyers for Khan, 54, have said he denies the whole of the allegations. On Monday he said: I welcome the opportunity to engage in this process.

The alleged victim, a lawyer in her 30s who worked for Khan, has declined to comment. Multiple sources said ICC staffers were informed last week that the woman would be willing to assist an independent investigation.

The announcement comes amid growing disquiet within the prosecutors office, which has about 450 staff, concerning Khans handling of the situation and attempts to suggest the allegations may be part of a smear campaign against him.

Multiple ICC sources said some of Khans most senior staff had in recent weeks openly pushed for an external inquiry and advised him to take a leave of absence until it had concluded.

Responding to the ASPs announcement, Khan said he would remain in his role but his two deputy prosecutors would handle any issues relating to the allegations.

At my request, a coordination group chaired by the deputy prosecutors, acting independently and not reporting to me, has already taken responsibility for addressing all relevant issues connected to this issue internally within the office, he said.

He told the Guardian: I will be continuing all other functions as prosecutor, in line with my mandate.

The external inquiry will replace efforts by the courts internal watchdog, which Khan had asked to investigate the allegations  a move some of his staff have opposed due to concerns about its independence.

Multiple senior ICC sources said the delay in establishing an external inquiry has exposed the court to attacks by those seeking to exploit the allegations to discredit the judicial body and undermine its investigation into the situation in Palestine.

A panel of ICC judges is considering applications by Khan for arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his former defence minister for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Although many among Khans staff are alarmed by pro-Israeli interests seizing on the sexual misconduct allegations, there are concerns among senior ranks of his staff about his public response to the situation.

Addressing the allegations last month, Khan said this is a moment in which myself and the ICC are subject to a wide range of attacks and threats. His lawyers later said the claims may have been released to undermine his high-profile ongoing work at a delicate time.

Five ICC sources familiar with the situation said that while Israel or its allies might be attempting to take advantages of the allegations, many within Khans top team did not believe they had been invented by external actors hostile to the court.

Pro-Israeli interests may have exploited the story but they didnt create the story, one official said.

When the claims were first reported internally in early May, Khans closest advisers are understood to have discussed whether the allegations could be part of an elaborate plot by Israeli intelligence agencies.

At the time, the prosecutor was on high alert and sensitive to external threats but officials close to Khan concluded it was highly unlikely the allegations were part of an espionage operation.

Sources within the prosecutors office said no evidence or intelligence had since emerged of any involvement of an intelligence agency, such as Israels the Mossad.

Two sources said that if there had been genuine concerns that the alleged victim was part of a plot, she would have been removed from her position and her access to deliberations in the Palestine case would have been revoked, but this did not happen.

For a second I had my doubts, but if you look at the timeline and the details of how this came about it has nothing to do with any kind of plot, one ICC official said. I dont think anyone in the [prosecutors] office seriously believes in that.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces has torn the country asunder - AMAURY FALT-BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Ive been a humanitarian for 20 years now and have been on the ground during humanitarian crises in places like Afghanistan after the Taliban take-over, Yemen during the food crisis, and more, but nothing has shaken me to my core than what I saw in Sudan this autumn.

I visited refugee camps in Port Sudan and Gedaref, supposedly the safest areas of the country. What I experienced I will never forget. Gedaref province neighbours the capital Khartoum, the epicentre of violence, and is the frontline of the worst IDP (Internally Displaced Person) crisis in the world, becoming a city of tears. At one camp in Gedaref, the stench alone knocked the wind out of me. I saw 20,000 people living in one warehouse. Sleeping on the cold floor, no beds, no privacy, very little sanitation facilities. There was a single water point where women, children and men queued for hours to get whatever little water they could. The risk of disease being spread was so high I was forbidden from walking around the camp.

The community leaders pleaded with us for whatever support we could provide. Their gaunt faces told the story of the countless people who now relied so heavily on them, whilst the leaders themselves were suffering from the same hunger, receiving just one meal a day. The generosity to the newly arrived displaced families from both local government and families in the community was astounding, but they had been simply overwhelmed by the numbers and their own lack of resources. The local and international NGOs who are present are doing everything they can too, but the lack of funding and the restriction of aid and food trucks by the warring parties are simply too severe, leaving them to face impossible decisions.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has torn the country asunder. Stories of human rights abuses are rife; I heard harrowing reports of the brutal killing of civilians and the rape of women. Khartoum, the historic capital, has been all but destroyed, few homes are left un-pillaged, entire villages have been wiped out, and over 11m people have been forced to flee. This is the equivalent of the entire population of London and Birmingham losing their homes and being driven across the country.

Aisha, a mother who was now living with just three of her children in a tent bare of possessions told me of the terrifying heart defect she was facing. There was no healthcare to be found on site, leaving her in fear of dying and orphaning her children. She had already endured a perilous journey over hundreds of miles to Port Sudan from Khartoum, leaving behind her eldest son and her husband, whose severe asthma prevented him from making the journey. She later learnt that the RSF house arrest on Khartoums remaining residents meant her husband had no access to healthcare  he died as a result. She has had no news of her son since leaving Khartoum. The violence she witnessed in the capital was horrific. Her neighbours homes were destroyed, she saw people killed, her familys possessions were pillaged in front of them.

The conflict has created the worlds worst hunger crisis, which has stripped Aishas access to food to feed herself and her family. The whole family had just a small bowl of lentils and half a plate of pasta to share between them, twice a day (for families in camps in Gedaref, they only had half of this). Hauntingly the early signs of malnutrition in some of the children in the camp were brutally visible.

Hunger and disease now run unchecked throughout the country, killing even more than the brutal violence of war. 25.6m people, half the population, are now food insecure, meaning they do not know when their next meal will come, if it comes at all. Worse still, famine has reared its ugly head in Sudans Darfur region.

I met a disabled man who fled Khartoum under the cover of darkness alongside his son with severe learning difficulties who was also physically disabled and in a wheelchair. In the capital armed men did not allow people to leave their homes, meaning many starved once food ran out. Rather than choosing to stay home and starve, he had made the hazardous decision to risk violence and broke house arrest to save his family from hunger. He travelled for over 1,000 miles on makeshift crutches, little more than sticks, to safety in Port Sudan, leaving him in severe pain. Along the way he told me he was arrested and detained by the RSF for six days, during which he was not given a single morsel of food. Nothing.

Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war for 18 months now, and with pitifully little international intervention, there are no signs of cessation of violence. The world may have decided to ignore Sudan, but that does not mean the conflict will go away. Future generations will not forgive us if we leave the Sudanese people to their intense suffering. I will never forget the desperate and hungry faces I saw but its the lack of international response that shocked me like nothing else. The Sudanese people must not be allowed to suffer in darkness, we must shine a light and help bring an end to this misery.

Tufail Hussain is director of Islamic Relief UK

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The group intercepted in international waters around Italy arriving in Shengjin, Albania on an Italian navy vessel. Photograph: Malton Dibra/EPA

Italian judges have ordered seven men detained in a migration hub in Albania to be transferred to Italy, in another blow to a controversial deal between the far-right Rome government and Tirana aimed at curbing the arrival of asylum seekers.

The men arrived at the Albanian port of Shengjin aboard a military vessel on Friday after being rescued in international waters while trying to make their way to Europe.

The Italian government had argued that all should be returned to their safe home countries of Egypt and Bangladesh. One man who had originally formed part of the group was already taken to Italy after he was deemed vulnerable.

Mondays ruling marked the second time that Italian judges have ordered the return of people from the hub in Albania to Italy, further raising questions about the EUs plans to establish migration processing and detention centres outside the bloc.

Italys government, led by Giorgia Melonis far-right Brothers of Italy, angrily condemned the judges decision on Monday, blaming politicised magistrates who would like to abolish Italys borders.

Another political sentence, not against the government, but against Italians and their security, said the deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini.

Under the deal, men from countries deemed safe and intercepted in international waters while attempting to cross from Africa to Europe are supposed to be held in Albania while their asylum claims are processed. The scheme, which excludes women, children and vulnerable individuals, could process up to 3,000 men a month.

However, since the hubs were opened on 11 October only 24 people have arrived in Albania in total and, after Mondays ruling, all will have been transferred to Italy on the order of judges who have ruled they cannot be sent back to their countries of origin.

Aid workers and opposition parties attacked the Italy-Albania deal, hailed by far-right leaders and others in Europe as a potential blueprint for the future of migration, as a complete failure and financial disaster on Monday.

This is the story of a failure, of the inability or lack of willingness to manage the phenomenon, said Laura Boldrini, an MP for the Democratic party and a former spokesperson for the United Nations high commissioner for refugees for southern Europe.

I hope that Giorgia Meloni at least feels great embarrassment for these people who are being bounced around like ping-pong balls for a game that is purely propagandistic. Far from being a model for Europe, this is a boomerang. The migrant facilities in Albania serve no purpose other than to humiliate migrants used as puppets.

The judges rulings that the 24 men should be transferred to Italy in effect support a previous ruling of the European Unions court of justice (ECJ) which the Italian government was accused of disregarding.

Only people coming from a list of 18 nations Italy classified as safe can be sent to Albania. Egypt and Bangladesh are among them, but the ECJ ruled that a country outside the bloc could not be declared safe unless its entire territory was deemed safe.

The bill for the initiative, which NGOs have labelled inhumane, absurd and a costly system that breaches international human rights obligations, is estimated at about 1bn (830m) over five years.

The Albania deal row has exacerbated the already tense relations between the government and the judiciary, with the justice minister, Carlo Nordio, attacking the magistrates. The definition of a safe country cannot be [left] up to the judiciary, he said.
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly offered the role of United Nations ambassador to House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York. The 40-year-old has accepted new position, the New York Post reported Monday.

"I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to The NY Post Sunday night.

In a statement of her own, Stefanik said that she truly honored to serve in Trump's cabinet.

"During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate. President Trump's historic landslide election has given hope to the American people and is a reminder that brighter days are ahead  both at home and abroad," she said.

Stefanik, the fourth-ranking House Republican, frequently appears on television to advocate for GOP positions on various issues, including support for Israel and critiques of the "Biden Crime Family." This was in contrast to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield from the Biden-Harris administration who avoided the media.

Stefanik will step into the debate as the UN faces conservative criticism, particularly regarding the presence of authoritarian regimes like China and Cuba on the Human Rights Council. Additionally, the General Assembly's frequent, lopsided votes critical of Israel have drawn ire from U.S. conservatives.

Recently, the UN has faced significant criticism over its response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some alleging that certain UN-affiliated members may have participated in Hamas attacks against Israel. This comes amid broader conservative concerns over UN practices.

In a previous term, former President Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the UN's World Health Organization, halting the $450 million annual U.S. contribution. This decision stemmed from dissatisfaction with the WHO's efforts to investigate COVID-19's origins in China effectively.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Trump announced that former Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would not be invited to join his administration. Haley, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, had endorsed his candidacy despite her previous strong criticisms during the party primaries when she ran against him.

Trump is currently meeting with potential candidates to fill key positions in his administration ahead of his January 20 presidential inauguration.
British chef Jamie Oliver - Laurent Gillieron

Oh dear Jamie Oliver. Not sure how youre going to bish, bash or even bosh your way out of this one.

Im no hater, but launching a half-baked childrens book is even worse than that time you brought us to the brink of war with Spain by adding chorizo to paella. And then, despite the social media death threats, foolishly, courageously refused to recant, defiantly insisting on The Graham Norton Show: Just FYI, it tastes better with chorizo.

Im not sure theres a enough smoked sausage on the planet to leaven the humble pie the celebrity chef has been force-fed since sparking outrage with his most recent foray into childrens publishing.

His fantasy novel Billy and the Epic Escape has apparently contributed to the erasure, trivialisation and stereotyping of Indigenous Australians, prompting the entire run to be removed from shelves worldwide and such extravagant apologies from Oliver Im wondering if he actually penned his book, or was it in fact summoned up by a ghost writer in the literary equivalent of a dark kitchen?

Either way, his publishers were evidently too star-struck to carry out the sort of boring due diligence proper writers have to endure. Thats the thing about showbizzy folks; agents, publishers and retailers will accept any old guff if theres a household name on the dust jacket.

Shame on them; upsetting First Nation Australians inadvertently is easily resolved, less so is letting famous faces masquerade as authors just when we need to engage children in reading as never before.

Which makes it all the more reassuring when said children turn up their noses at amateurish efforts; young readers can always spot a fraud. The tortured attempt at rhyming couplets and entire absence of plot ensured that Meghan Markles picture book The Bench sold just 8,000 copies in the UK. And a discerning tweenager demographic explains why Madonnas egregiously unoriginal The English Roses hasnt entered the timeless pantheon of childrens classics.

Theres more. Sorry. Keira Knightley has written a childrens book, as has Jennifer Aniston,Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon and (say it aint so!) Barack Obama, whom I thought was cool enough to know better. Even Channing Tatums had a go. Yes, the Magic Mike actor popped his pants on long enough to dream up Sparkella, a series based on his relationship with his daughter. Sigh. It sounds churlish to nix such a beautiful and potentially lucrative bond, but thats always the sentimental justification for vanity projects.

Writing for children is hard. Its an art, a challenge and above all a full-time job. Which is why celebrity dilettantism is not a victimless crime; not only do they take the spotlight off professional authors, but they seriously impact their income. And as for the quality of stories; suffice to say Philip Pullman wont be losing much sleep, but a host of other less well-known writers will be, as they, and their work, struggle for recognition above the sea of dross. Unlike Cat Deeley or Sir Paul McCartney (yup, him too), they havent got a highly paid main hustle to rely on.

As Jamie O has discovered the hard way, theres no point banning junk food from the canteen then serving up garbage in the library. My advice to narcissistic celebrities is to stick with being utterly fabulous at the day job and let the real experts get on with the serious business of making reading fun.
New homes under construction in the Chilmington development in Kent - Gareth Fuller/PA

Land supply for new homes is falling off a cliff because of Scotlands planning system, builders have warned after a sharp decline in applications for major housing developments.

Official figures disclosed that 77 planning applications for major housing developments were determined in 2023-24, down from 97 the previous year.

The average decision time for applications without a processing agreement  where the developer and the council agree on a timescale  was more than a year (59.8 weeks). This compared with 39.3 weeks in 2022-23.

The number of applications for local housing developments, of less than 50 homes each, also declined and the average decision time increased by more than a fortnight.

Ivan McKee, the SNPs public finance minister, admitted he was concerned about the length of the delays. He said he would make a statement to MSPs on Tuesday afternoon on how he intends to shorten them.

Ivan McKee, the SNP public finance minister, said he is concerned about the length of delays - Ken Jack/Getty

But Homes for Scotland, the trade body representing housebuilders, said the figures demonstrated a planning service which is under-resourced and ill-equipped to deal with Scotlands escalating housing emergency.

Jane Wood, the organisations chief executive, challenged SNP ministers to take urgent action to get Scotlands planning system sorted to ensure the homes that Scots need are built.

The challenge was made ahead of an East Lothian council meeting on Tuesday to decide whether to become the 13th Scottish local authority to declare a housing emergency.

The move would be deeply embarrassing for Paul McLennan, the local MSP, as he is the SNP Housing Minister. Other local authorities to have declared an emergency include Edinburgh and Glasgow.

SNP ministers declared a national housing emergency in May but the announcement was not accompanied by a new plan to fix the crisis and did not trigger any special powers.

The next month it emerged that the number of private new homes started fell to 12,904 in 2023/24, down 16 per cent and the smallest level since 2014/15. This was lower than during the pandemic.

Ms Wood said: Todays statistics are a crucial indicator of Scotlands ability to tackle the national housing emergency across the short, medium and long term.

She said the planning processing figures only confirm what the sector already knows: our planning system is poorly resourced and ill-equipped to deal with the policy implications of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) which is seeing land supply for new homes fall off a cliff.

The SNP declared a national housing emergency in May this year but it was not followed by a new plan to speed up builds - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

Ms Wood also said that the figures provided a timely reminder to the Scottish Government of the consequences of its decision to cut the planning budget by 43 per cent last year.

Mark Griffin, Scottish Labours housing spokesman, said: These stark figures must be a wake-up call for the SNP government.

Our country is in the grips of a housing emergency, but major housing developments are stuck in limbo for over a year waiting for a decision.

Meghan Gallacher, the Scottish Tories housing minister, added: If his own council area declaring an emergency isnt a wakeup call, then I dont know what will be for Paul McLennan.

The figures showed there were 227 applications for major developments of all types, including business and housing, in 2023/24. This was a decline of more than a quarter compared to the 307 recorded in 2019/20.

While decision times were lower than the previous three years, at an average of 36.1 weeks, the report noted this was still higher than before the pandemic.

Mr McKee said the figures paint a stark picture of the scale of the challenge we have currently in our planning system.

He added: Whilst there can be many reasons for delays to decisions, there is clearly room for improvement.
Despite an often hefty price tag, Le Creuset remains a staple of kitchens across Britain

Its so British it should be immediately turned into a Richard Curtis film. Over the weekend, Le Creuset threw a warehouse sale in Hampshire, with up to 50 per cent off various kitchen items, and chaos followed. There was a traffic jam of several miles to get to the warehouse, queues of four hours to get inside once youd managed to find a parking spot, presumably fisticuffs over bright-coloured casserole dishes when you finally made it in, and the police had to be called to help disperse everyone afterwards. We began receiving reports at 9.45am, the Hampshire Constabulary later told The Telegraph. Traffic had eased around 11.15am and we left the area shortly afterwards.

Is that not magnificent? A terrific performance from everyone involved  and perhaps almost inevitable given that the French brand remains quite the status symbol. Ancient, scuffed orange casserole dishes sit on the smartest Agas, and although now wildly expensive (the largest casserole dish is 559), they last forever, trill the fans. My mother still has a blue one that was on her wedding list in 1979.

The trick that Le Creuset has pulled off is appealing to old-school sorts as well as younger generations. Help! Which Le Creuset colour should I pick? was a genuine American Vogue headline in August, with the 30-something writer agonising over Cerise Red, yellow or orange. In the end, she went for Cerise Red (a classic). Traditional country ladies like to cook venison or pheasant stews in theirs; Gen Z presumably use more muted or pastel tones to cook something bean-based.

Not that Le Creuset only make casserole dishes. In recent years, the brand has also branched out and offered more creative, and dare I say it, Instagrammable items, pictures of which have been known to go viral on social media. Over the summer, although only available in America, this was a set of three cocottes shaped like fruit  a blueberry, a raspberry and a strawberry respectively. Right now, if you fancy it, you can find a set of four Christmas-themed mini dishes  a Christmas tree, a gingerbread house, a bell and a snowman  for nuts or snacks at 51. Or a cast iron soup pot, if you fancy spending more, which looks almost exactly the same as the casserole dishes but comes with holly decorations on the lid. Festive, and a mere 329.

A set of four Christmas-themed mini dishes? Tis the season and Le Creuset is branching out

With prices so high, little wonder that the discount sale sparked such pandemonium last weekend. Although, as one friend said quietly to me, both Aldi and Lidl flog pretty decent copies. Why didnt they just go to Bicester Village? murmured another friend, since theres a Le Creuset outlet store there, too. Still, may all those who did manage to get their hands on a casserole dish, of any colour, celebrate with pheasant stew for many years to come.

What other middle-class brands are so lusted after that they could spark a very British riot? Barbour, perhaps, if they suddenly declared a warehouse sale on their wax jackets. Or Le Chameau, another French brand which has been adopted by the Brits in a major way. The Princess of Wales (and my mother) loves their comfortable, smart and very long-lasting wellies. The grandest ones are leather-lined and cost 420. If you want the same look on a shooting weekend but dont feel like spending that much, you can fork out 330 for the neoprene version instead. Should Le Chameau announce a flash sale, the posh gun shop William Evans, on St Jamess Street where theyre stocked, would find itself under siege.

The Princess of Wales is regularly seen in her pair of Le Chameau wellies

Not far from there is Paxton and Whitfield, the cheesemongers, where people already queue for Christmas cheese but which would cause further desperation if they, say, declared a Black Friday discount on stilton. Well-dressed gentleman nearby might cause a disturbance if New & Lingwood suddenly offered cut-price silk dressing gowns (since, in normal times, if you want the full-price Cary Grant look itll cost you up to 2,500.)

Lakeland could be in trouble if they decided to slash the cost of their cling film dispensers and heated clothes driers. In 2018, Neptune, the British interiors firm, did actually cause problems for hundreds of shoppers, keen to buy their tasteful sofas and kitchen chairs during a clear-out sale at their warehouse in Swindon. Several punters earned themselves fines for parking on double yellow lines in their desperation to get inside and there was a queue on the M4.

The linen department of Peter Jones can feel a bit like theres a brawl on in January when their sale is on, with men in red cords and women with expensive highlights competing over the cut-price Egyptian cotton pillowcases and saying things like But Rupert, you really should replace your pillows. Theyre revolting.

A few months ago, I was sad to miss out on the With Nothing Underneath (Aka WNU) sample sale because I was away. WNU is the impeccable British shirt brand worn by the likes of Florence Pugh and the Duchess of Sussex and queues for their shirts apparently ran down the streets of Belgravia. Civilised queues though, much as this weekend in Hampshire. Because whether scrabbling for an oven dish or a linen shirt, were British, after all.
Libya has faced deep instability since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafis dictatorial rule in 2011 - AMR NABIL/AP

Libya will introduce morality police in the capital to enforce modesty and clamp down on strange haircuts, the countrys interior minister has said.

Girls from the age of nine will have to wear veils, and women will be forbidden from travelling without a male companion or sitting inappropriately with men in public after the crackdown begins next month.

The sweeping attack on personal freedom is also intended to reverse the influence of imported European fashion and social media trends, such as clothing and popular hairstyles including quiffs or skin-fades.

The morality police will have the power to shut down barbershops and shisha bars that do not comply with the new regulations.

Emad Al-Trabelsi, the interior minister of Libyas Tripoli-based, UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU), warned the morality police would ensure strict adherence to the countrys Islamic social values.

Personal freedom does not exist here in Libya, said Mr Al-Trabelsi, adding that those seeking it should go to Europe.

Experts have warned that the Libyan government is introducing the so-called morality police to tighten its grip on the country.

Repression under the guise of upholding morality

Libya has faced deep instability since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafis dictatorial rule in 2011. The country was severed into eastern and western factions in 2014, each governed by rival administrations.

Bassam Al Kantar, Amnesty Internationals Libya Researcher, said that Mr Al-Trabelsi threat was a a dangerous escalation in the already suffocating levels of repression faced by Libyans.

The Government must scrap plans for these repressive measures and instead address the human rights crisis across the country, characterised by mass arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture and unfair trials, he said.

Hanan Saleh, associate director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch, said the arbitrary and repressive laws for women and girls were being implemented under the guise of upholding morality.

The government should urgently rescind any such plans that would violate fundamental rights, and instead, guarantee that women and girls do not face discrimination and that their rights are respected, she told The Telegraph.

Jalel Harchaoui, an expert on North African security and a fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security (RUSI), warned that installing morality police would also give the government vicious powers to streamline arrests without the formality of legal procedures.

Mr Harchaoui emphasised that due to Libyas continued political divisions, the new restrictions will be concentrated in some areas of the capital.

Libya is not a normal situation. The Prime Minister cannot project power in all of the capital, let alone beyond the capital. Were talking about some neighbourhoods, in the best scenario, he told The Telegraph.

He added that the measures were a way for Mr Al-Trabelsi, the interior minister, to consolidate his power.

The main goal here is to remind the universe that [Mr Al-Trabelsi] exists as an interior minister, that he matters, that this is still just the beginning, he said.

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David Pickthall arrives at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex for sentencing - Lucy North/PA Wire

A boarding school music teacher and choirmaster, who had worked on television and film projects including Wallace and Gromit, abused boys for more than 40 years.

David Pickthall, who was made an MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours in 2015 for his services to education and charity, has been jailed for 12 years after admitting 29 child sex offences concerning 19 people between 1980 and 2021 in Brentwood in Essex and Upminster in east London.

The 66-year-old, who worked as a teacher at Brentwood School in Essex and choirmaster in Havering, would ply boys with whisky, put on pornography and begin to tickle them, a victim recalled.

Detectives said Pickthall probably thought he was untouchable because of his reputation. They voiced concern that the 19 victims may be the tip of the iceberg.

Pickthall worked on the 1993 stop-motion animated short film Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, with his role described as the musical voice of villainous penguin Feathers McGraw. He also worked on the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later and with a number of philharmonic orchestras.

Pickthall was a music teacher at Brentwood School in Essex - JOHN McLELLAN

Judge Mary Loram KC, sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, told Pickthall: You are without a shadow of a doubt a predatory and manipulative paedophile who has adapted his offending over the years.

She added: If you hadnt been arrested you would have carried on.

The judge sentenced Pickthall to 12 years in prison, with a four-year extended licence period, and also made him subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Pickthall, who glared at the judge during sentencing, slowly put his jacket on afterwards before he was led to the cells.

The courts public gallery was filled with victims and their supporters who came to see Pickthall face justice.

Fiona Ryan, prosecuting at Mondays hearing, said Pickthall had admitted a range of predatory sexual offences, primarily committed against students and former students of his at Brentwood School.

She said that secretly he had a penchant for touching and spying on young adolescent boys and his desires were easily satisfied because of the positions he held.

The judge sentenced Pickthall to 12 years in prison, with a four-year extended licence period, and also made him subject of a sexual harm prevention order - Essex Police/PA Wire

One of his victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and is using the pseudonym Edward, said Pickthall would always have boys over to stay.

Edward, who was a secondary school pupil at the time, said: He used to do this thing where he would essentially start play-fighting and tickling but the tickling would then always involve what he used to refer to as a tickle spot which was basically him getting his hand down your trousers.

Edward, who is now aged in his late 30s, said Pickthall would put pornography on to watch and boys would be plied with alcoholdrinking beer, drinking whisky, not a bit, a lot when they stayed at his house.

Its quite shocking looking back as an adult, he said, believing Pickthall to have been very calculatedly predating on boys.

Det Con Chelsie Stamford, the officer in the case, urged any further victims to contact police.

She said: I do think he probably thought he was untouchable because the offences spanned more than four decades and he got away with it for that amount of time.

I think that perhaps because he had the title of an MBE and had worked on some TV and film projects, perhaps he thought no-one would suspect someone such as him, would be capable of these crimes.

Ms Stamford said Pickthall had been very composed under interview, initially denying allegations and giving the impression he thought hed walk free.

This case is the tip of the iceberg

Pickthall was a very well-respected member of the community, she said, adding: He was a teacher but he was also a musician, he did a lot of things for church and for charities, and he not only groomed his victims but he groomed their families, his friends, his colleagues.

He hid behind this facade that he was a respectable individual.

She added: I think this case is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his offending and I dont doubt there are more victims out there.

Eve George, mitigating, said Pickthall did see the good sense in pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

She added: Perhaps the greatest punishment is his fall from grace.

Ms George read a statement written by Pickthall, which said he was profoundly sorry and deeply ashamed of myself.

The judge said she had read Pickthalls letter with some amazement, adding: I dont know how any of the boys  now men  feel about hearing the repeated abuse that they were subjected to as students referred to as inappropriate interactions.
Oxford

As a Cambridge University undergraduate, Alfie* was on the committee of his colleges politics society. During his tenure, he suggested several guest speakers. Each name he put forward was vetoed by his peers for being right of centre. It was that subtler side of cancel culture that I noticed constantly, he says.

The students refusal to engage with views different from their own was no isolated case, but can be seen as part of a new campus censoriousness affecting Oxford and Cambridge as well as other universities.

Its victims include such supposed extremists as former Conservative Home Secretary Amber Rudd, whose invitation to speak at an Oxford University society was pulled in 2020, and former Labour prime minister Tony Blair, who is said to have been quietly no-platformed by students who might otherwise have asked him to speak at an event, were it not for his opinions.

Denying a platform to those with views deemed offensive raises its own issues. But a recent case of so-called cancel culture at Oxford University highlights a potentially more sinister side to this relatively recent outbreak of group condemnation. An inquest into the death of 20-year-old Alexander Rogers heard how the Oxford student killed himself after an allegation was made against him.

A female student had expressed discomfort about a sexual encounter with him, the inquest was reportedly told. Rogers friends are said to have told him he had messed up and that they needed space from him.

Nicholas Graham, area coroner for Oxfordshire, is reported to have said in his findings of fact that Rogers suicide was likely to have been influenced by the isolation he felt after being ostracised.

Alexander Rogers, 20, died by suicide after feeling ostracised by peers in Corpus Christi college - Alexander Rogers / LinkedIn/Alexander Rogers / LinkedIn

A serious incident review commissioned by Corpus Christi College, where he studied, subsequently pinpointed a concerning culture of social ostracism among some students.

This culture, described as a form of cancel culture, involved the exclusion of students from social circles based on allegations of misconduct, often without due process or a fair hearing, wrote Graham.

Cancel culture, it seems, has now come not only for public figures and academics, but also for students themselves. As Rogers story shows, it can have the gravest consequences. But from where has this culture arisen? And is it worse in the highly pressurised student communities of Oxford and Cambridge than at other universities?

Where unpalatable views are concerned, there has long been policing by students. The National Union of Students introduced a No Platform policy in 1974, in an attempt to block those with racist opinions from expressing them on campuses.

Fifty years on, the ensuing free speech debate continues to rage. But the censoring and ostracising of those at universities judged to have sinned in less well-defined ways, either by expressing wrong views, or by behaving with wrong conduct, appears to have escalated lately, with students themselves walking a moral tightrope.

It was a very charged atmosphere, where I had to be incredibly careful with words, says Alfie, who has now graduated. The pernicious side of cancel culture was in the everyday. I watched lecturers and supervisors tiptoe around sensitive topics, labouring over their words to ensure they didnt offend. And its so tedious  when you force people to watch their every word, you discourage honest discussion and you push people to the extremes.

A very charged atmosphere: students have described feeling anxious about holding views disliked by their peers - oversnap/iStockphoto

One recent Oxford graduate recalls a culture of what she calls super-toxic bullying that people could justify. She says: Plenty of people had their university experience ruined due to one slip-up. All it took was one allegation and youd be done for. A loud few people acted as judge, jury and executioner, which set the tone for a lot of the rest of college culture. I think most people hated it, but couldnt speak up for fear of being cancelled themselves.

A recent graduate of Peterhouse, Cambridge, meanwhile talks of a group-think mentality in which a vocal minority paraded themselves as paragons of virtue.

This was not the case a generation ago, but much has changed since. Social media has brought with it polarised debates and an ever-shifting roster of heroes and villains that has arguably permeated real world student culture.

That would be my diagnosis, agrees Jeff McMahan, Emeritus Sekyra and Whites Professor of Moral Philosophy at Oxford University. All this ultimately derives from the fact that people started early on in social media to be vituperative and condemnatory because they could either be anonymous or invulnerable, as the people they were attacking were in distant places.

So I do think social media and the internet are largely responsible for having produced this culture of vituperation.

Yet even just a few years ago, this internet-fuelled censoriousness did not seem to have prevented what many young women described as a pervasive rape culture at secondary schools and universities. The online Everyones Invited movement, which started in 2020, saw tens of thousands of young people anonymously share their experiences of sexual harassment, sexual bullying and worse. Social media and online porn were blamed for helping a misogynistic culture to flourish.

Students live in small communities in Oxbridge colleges, which some believe could intensify polarised debate at universities - Poohz/iStockphoto

Are we now seeing a course correction, which perhaps threatens in some cases to go too far? It could easily be an excessive backlash, a way of overcompensating for past injustices, says Prof McMahan.

But theres also a problem, he says, with students feeling very self-righteous about their moral views. They seem to think they somehow know the truth about matters and anyone who disagrees with their views must be wicked.

Although he describes himself as politically Left-wing, and takes many of the same positions on issues as the students doing the censoring, he diverges from them on one important point: I dont think we should treat everyone who disagrees with us as evil.

Prof McMahan knows what its like to fall foul of cancel culture, after all. A critic of Israel, he was asked to withdraw from giving a lecture at the American University of Beirut in 2018 after someone checked his CV and discovered he was an adviser to the Center for Moral and Political Philosophy at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He attended all the same, and was shouted down for 20 minutes.

They presumed I was a baddie and shouldnt be allowed to speak, he says. It shows its everywhere, not just in Europe and the US.

The Oxbridge cases garner particular attention, however. This is perhaps due to the special place those universities hold in the British psyche, and the fact their unions secure such high profile speakers. When a row erupts, society takes notice.

But some Oxbridge graduates suggest the elite institutions may inherently be more susceptible to this new brand of moral censorship too. Its a growing problem at Oxbridge because people are passionate, intelligent and driven, which distorts and exaggerates every social trend, says Alfie.

The college system means university life can be cloistered and intimate. Perhaps more than elsewhere, everyone knows your business and hiding places are few. Where in other universities youll have friends in the hall that youll stay with, the college system at Oxbridge forces people to go into groups, says the Peterhouse graduate.

People who go to Oxbridge think of themselves as bright and smart, so overestimate their intellectual capabilities and self-righteousness. Colleges are so anxious to make it clear that the students are always right that they perpetuate these self-appointed crusades for morality that to any adult are potentially ridiculous, but for students, thats their whole life.

Alexander Kardos-Nyheim, 24, believes he has also experienced the sharp end of such culture. While reading Law at Trinity College, Cambridge, he submitted an article to the student newspaper in which he criticised what he claims is a campus culture of reducing the evidence threshold and shunning those who are alleged to have transgressed in the absence of proven wrongdoing. That can destroy lives, he says. They will become not only social outcasts, but will struggle to get jobs in the future.

But Kardos-Nyheim claims students on the newspaper decided his writing was inflammatory and rejected it. They refused to platform the article, which I think revealed something insidious, which is that they dont want to tolerate any points of view on this particular issue, he says.

Alexander Kardos-Nyheim, 24, says cancel culture can destroy lives

University cancel culture is particularly pronounced at Oxbridge, he believes, in part because Oxbridge as institutions feel the need to constantly apologise and justify themselves in the new era of apology, where if youre a successful institution, you must have done something wrong or immoral.

In the worst case scenarios, lives may be lost. But there are other damaging outcomes too.

The broader issue is a lack of viewpoint diversity, says an Oxford academic who does not want to be named. Those who go against the grain are ostracised. For universities that claim to place so much emphasis on diversity and inclusion, this is inherently exclusive and not diverse at all.

The very mission of higher education is at stake, and independent thinking is at risk, he suggests. Universities are where students should be taught how to think, not what to think. I feel were moving away from this, and the question is how to return to it.

A joint spokesperson for the University of Oxford and Corpus Christi College, Oxford, says: 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.

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. The Telegraph approached the University of Cambridge for comment.

Prof McMahan, for his part, would like to see universities do more to defend free speech. Fittingly enough, not all who agree feel able to publicly say so.

*Name has been changed to protect anonymity
A water tanker crashed into a Riddells Creek kindergarten at about 2.20pm on Monday, killing a teachers aide. Photograph: James Ross/AAP

A woman is dead and a child remains in hospital after a truck crashed into a kindergarten in a regional Victoria town.

Victoria police said the water tanker was believed to have crashed into the playground outside the kindergarten building in Riddells Creek, about 57km north-west of Melbourne, about 2.20pm on Monday.

A 43-year-old woman who had been working as a teachers aide at the kindergarten died at the scene from her injuries, Victoria police confirmed at a press conference on Monday evening.

A three-year-old boy was struck and received an injury to his arm and was in Royal Childrens hospital in a non-life-threatening condition.

The truck driver, who was working for McKenzie Water, was taken by ambulance to Royal Melbourne hospital in a stable condition.

Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital, McKenzie Waters owner, Alan McKenzie, said in a statement on Monday evening.

McKenzie offered heartfelt condolences to everyone involved and said the company was assisting authorities with their investigations.

No charges have been laid over the incident and police said the circumstances of the crash were being investigated.

Speaking to journalists at the scene of the crash, the major collision investigation units Insp Christian Von Tunk said it did not appear to be a deliberate act and the driver was assisting police with their inquiries.

Were not ruling anything out. We are taking blood samples, he said.

Were going to look at drug and alcohol effect. Were looking at medical conditions.

Von Tunk said it was tragically sad that a woman had died and a young child was injured. The kindergartens play equipment was extensively damaged and the other staff and children had a very considerable near miss.

I dont know how only one person has died today. Its unbelievable, he said.

That certainly will be explored  how we ended up with only one child injured and, thankfully, not overly badly.

The Riddells Creek crash occurred less than a fortnight after 11-year-old Jack Davey was killed and four students injured when a car crashed through the fence of Auburn South primary school in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn East.

Von Tuck said that tragedy would be fresh in the minds of all the parents with children at the Riddells Creek kindergarten.

I couldnt imagine getting a phone call like that in the wake of what happened in Hawthorn East not long ago, and having to drive here to pick up your child not knowing whats going on, he said.

I daresay therell be some kids getting squeezed very tightly tonight.

The state MP for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, described the crash as a terrible incident.

Our thoughts are with the family of the victims and the broader Riddells Creek community, she said.

We thank our first responders who are on scene investigating and helping those injured.

The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, also offered her condolences.

I know the close-knit community of Riddells Creek will be grieving tonight, she wrote on X.

Were thinking of them, and everyone impacted by this terrible tragedy.

With reporting by Australian Associated Press




Urfan Sharif was being cross-examined by the barrister of his wife, Beinash Batool, who is also on trial for Sara Sharifs murder. Illustration: Elizabeth Cook/PA

The father of Sara Sharif was accused of abusing three girlfriends before his daughters death, a court has heard.

Urfan Sharif, 42, was allegedly reported to the police by three separate, unconnected women who each accused him of holding them against their will and controlling behaviour.

Sharif, 42, his wife, Beinash Batool, 30, and brother Faisal Malik, 29, are on trial accused of carrying out a violent campaign of abuse before Sara was found dead in a bunk bed at the family home in Surrey on 10 August 2023.

The defendants allegedly killed 10-year-old Sara on 8 August before fleeing to Pakistan, from where Sharif called police to say he had beat her up too much. He had left a handwritten confession near her fully clothed body saying: I swear to God that my intention was not to kill her. But I lost it.

A postmortem found Sara had suffered fractures and 71 external injuries, including burns and human bite marks.

On Monday, Sharif was cross-examined by Batools barrister, Caroline Carberry KC, who questioned him about a video played to court in which Sara could be seen with a very nasty black eye 11 days before her death.

Sharif denied causing it, and said he could not remember the bruise, when he gave evidence last week. Carberry said: Its going to take a while to unpick the misleading impression you gave to the jury last week of you as a man, husband and father.

I want to make it clear to you from the start that you are a lying, manipulative and controlling man.

Sharif replied: Im not.

Carberry went on question Sharif about allegations against him by three Polish women, including Saras biological mother, Olga. She asked: You have been arrested in respect of allegations made by three separate, unconnected women? Sharif replied: Yes.

She continued: Do you accept that on each of those occasions you told the police those women concerned were lying? Sharif replied: Yes.

The court heard that in 2007 a woman reported him to the police for violent and controlling behaviour towards her and he was arrested for assault and false imprisonment.

Carberry said: She said that you had held her in a bedroom against her will, that you locked the door using her key, that you shouted at her: Dont go to your friends and I want to see you always at home and when you were doing that you were squeezing her face? Sharif replied: No, I wasnt.

She said he was also accused of stamping on her phone, taking her passport, punching her in the face and pointing a knife towards her.

Carberry asked: Did you ever threaten to kill her? Sharif replied: Never.

Carberry added: Thats a bit of a theme, something you say to women youre in a relationship with.

Sharif denied all the allegations.

The court heard that 15 months later he had another Polish girlfriend who reported him to Surrey police in March 2009 for holding her against her will for five days, which Sharif denied. He also denied controlling behaviour and taking the womans passport.

The court heard he married Olga eight months later as his student visa was about to expire. Within one year he was arrested for assaulting Olga, jurors were told.

Sharif said: Those were allegations, to which Carberry replied: Were they false allegations? Another set of false allegations being made by women about your behaviour?

The court heard that Olga told police Sharif had hit her, taken her phone away and locked her in a room, which Sharif said was false.

Carberry asked: So its a coincidence that this is a third woman who is suggesting that you had kept her locked up?

Sharif said the allegations were false.

Sharif said he had only ever been charged and convicted of stealing 1,700 from a McDonalds branch where he worked as a shift manager. Sharif was also accused of being a gambler who was 17,000 in debt and an angry drinker.

Carberry said: You routinely took your anger out on the women in your life: Olga, Beinash and also [others]? Sharif replied: No.

Carberry added: But its little Sara in the months before her death that suffered the most at your hands, isnt it? Sharif replied: No maam.

All three defendants have denied murder and causing or allowing the death of a child between 16 December 2022 and 9 August 2023.

The trial continues.
The Prime Minister is pressing to hold face-to-face talks with outgoing president Joe Biden when they both attend the G20 summit in Brazil next week - Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

Sir Keir Starmer is to urge Joe Biden to release funds for a $20 billion (15.5 billion) loan to Ukraine before Donald Trump takes office.

The Prime Minister is pressing to hold face-to-face talks with Mr Biden, the outgoing US president, when they both attend the G20 summit in Brazil next week.

Sir Keir is also expected to say Ukraine should finally be given permission to fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russia, something Mr Biden has opposed.

Sir Keir and Emmanuel Macron, the French president, discussed getting the US to change its stance on Storm Shadows during talks in Paris on Monday, as revealed by The Telegraph.

The two leaders spent 20 minutes talking one-on-one about Ukraine, with the wider delegation of aides not in the room  a sign of the political sensitivity of the discussions.

A No 10 spokesman said: The leaders started by discussing the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter.

The Prime Minister has insisted that Britain will support Ukraine for as long as it takes - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP

The meeting was held as Sir Keir became the first Prime Minister to attend the Armistice Day commemorations in Paris for 80 years, including a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.

Storm Shadow missiles are made by Britain and France but can use US systems in deployment.

Ukraine has permission to use them to strike just over the Russian border but not far beyond it.

Western allies appear to be working on two fronts  money and weapons  to try to get Mr Biden to go further on support for Ukraine than is currently planned for his last two months in office.

There are concerns in European capitals that Mr Trump, who returns to the White House on Jan 20, will force Ukraine to permanently give up Russian-held land for a peace deal.

Mr Trump has vowed to end the conflict in Ukraine, which Russia invaded, on day one of his presidency and has criticised the billions of pounds of financial support for Kyiv given by Mr Biden.

Credit: TrumpDailyPosts/X

The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro at the start of next week could be crucial as allies discuss speeding up support for Ukraine. Sir Keir, Mr Biden and Mr Macron will all be there.

One focus emerging from London lobbying is for the G7 nations  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the US  to all deliver on the past promise of new loans for Ukraine.

G7 world leaders agreed back in June to $50 billion (38 billion) of loans for Kyiv, funded in part by the interest earned on Russian assets seized after the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The US pledged to provide $20 billion of that $50 billion total, however it is yet to be delivered. Reports from the US last month indicated the money is being prepared for release this year.

A green light to aggressors everywhere

One Whitehall insider close to policy discussions said Britain was willing to hold Bidens feet to the fire on the promise.

Sir Keirs talks for the G20 summit are yet to be finalised and announced but figures in Downing Street and the Foreign Office expected a bilateral meeting with Mr Biden will be agreed.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, is expected to push the same arguments on delivery of loan promises at a G7 gathering of foreign ministers in Rome later this month.

Sir Richard Knighton, the Air Chief Marshal, on Monday appeared to throw his support behind letting Ukraine fire Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russian territory.

Sir Richard said the alternative to Ukraines victory is unthinkable and would be a green light to aggressors everywhere in a speech to the Royal United Services Institute.

Sir Keirs 20-minute conversation with Mr Macron on Ukraine was matched with a similarly long discussion with the senior teams for both leaders present in the room.

The pair discussed tackling the small boat crossings in the English Channel, a UK-EU defence and security pact  expected to be negotiated next year  and the conflict in the Middle East.

Sir Keir was pressed on whether he discussed Storm Shadow missiles with Mr Macron when speaking to journalists on the plane to the Cop 29 UN Climate Change summit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Sir Keir said: Ive always said that we support Ukraine for as long as it takes, and were stood by that. Ive also said that on a number of occasions, we need to put Ukraine in the best possible position.

It has been my constant refrain for four months now, since Ive been Prime Minister, in all the discussions that Ive had. That is the heart of the discussions that weve been having.

However, the Prime Minister declined to get into the specifics of any discussions about operational military matters.
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu have been voted off - PA

Shirley, some mistake? After a season of predictable dance-offs and inevitable exits, Strictly Come Dancing (BBC One) finally served up a nail-biter as head judge Shirley Ballas used her casting vote to eliminate Shayne Ward and pro partner Nancy Xu from the contest. It was one of the few true cliffhangers to date on Strictly 2024: until she opened her mouth, there was a sense that not even Ballas knew who she was going to spare.

She opted to save Wynne Evans and Katya Jones  on shaky ground after a polite but firm thumbs down from judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse. But Wynne will live to spin another day and grace the traditional Blackpool live spectacular.

It was a sad farewell for the likeable Ward, whose Cyndi Lauper-soundtracked rumba didnt have quite enough thunder to sway the judges  at least not Anton Du Beke and head honcho Ballas. Ward was keen to reach Blackpool so that his mother could see him dance live. Cruel though it may sound, his eagerness and subsequent disappointment raised the stakes 1000 per cent.

Nancy Xu and Shayne Ward dance the rumba - PA

Strictly has rumbled along reliability since September, while giving viewers far too few moments of genuine tension. Here was one - you could see Wards hopes crushed in real time as Shirley delivered the bad news. Awful for him, mildly gripping for the viewer.

Ward took it on the chin, to his credit. You guys up there are a dream, he said, waving to his fellow contents, smugly installed on high in the Clauditorium.

He proceeded to give the standard Strictly exit speech. The journey was amazing, hed learnt so much, he would never forget it. There was a danger that his words might ring hollow in the aftermath of the Amanda Abbington/Giovanni Pernice unpleasantness  a controversy which revealed that the celebs arent always having the time of their lives under the glitterball. But Ward sounded like he meant it, and it introduced some real emotion.

That was just as well, as the episode elsewhere felt like an appetite whetter for Blackpool, which Claudia Winkleman mentioned roughly 8,000 times. There was a live performance from Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, who delivered a cuddly cover of He Aint Heavy Hes My Brother  performing as Ball and Boe when Malfie was right there.

But mostly dancers and celebrities wanted to talk about Blackpool. Motsi Mabuse recalled how coming straight from South Africa to grace the famous dance floor was a life-changing moment. That message was echoed by celeb Jamie Borthwick, who recommended Blackpool because its full of chips. So is my local pizza joint, Jamie, but I wouldnt advise you rock up there in shimmering trousers performing a cha cha cha (I tried it once: never again).

One thing I want to do is get to Blackpool, added another contestant. Unfortunately, it was Shayne Warde whose Blackpool dreams faded to grey. It was a ripple of heartache coursing through what until now has been an often inert and predictable season. Fingers crossed further drama is yet to come and that the fireworks start in earnest next week.
The Kremlin on Monday denied claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President-elect Donald Trump spoke over the phone. The Washington Post reported on Sunday that Trump had called Putin, urging him to not escalate the war in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the claims "pure fiction," adding that there are "no concrete plans" so far of a communication between Trump and Putin.

"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information. There was no conversation," Peskov told reporters. "This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications."

The Washington Post report had claimed that Trump called Putin from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

The Post cited multiple anonymous sources familiar with the call. The sources reportedly stated that Trump reminded Putin of the significant U.S. military presence in Europe. He also reportedly expressed interest in future discussions aimed at "resolving the Ukraine conflict soon."

In his victory speech following last week's 2024 U.S. election results, Donald Trump had notably stated, "I will not start wars; I will help end them." Just days after his win, the President-elect reached out to Ukrainian President Zelensky, signaling potential diplomatic moves regarding the ongoing conflict.

"I had an excellent call with President Trump and congratulated him on his historic landslide victory - his tremendous campaign made this result possible," Zelensky shared on X after the phone call.

On Sunday, Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House plans "to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table."

Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine continues to remain tense as authorities issued a nationwide alert on Monday and implemented preventative power blackouts across multiple cities in response to threats of a new large-scale Russian attack.

"Attention! Missile danger throughout Ukraine! MiG-31K takeoff," Ukraine's air force said in a post on Telegram. "The air alert is related to the launch of cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers," it added.

Kyiv's military administration also issued an emergency blackout order for the city, citing the threat of imminent missile attacks. Ukrainian media also reported similar orders for Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv.

Monday's air alerts sounded off after Russian airstrikes killed at least six people in southern Ukraine, following a day of record overnight drone attacks between Moscow and Kyiv.
Humza Yousaf, John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon react after Mr Yousaf delivered his farewell speech as first minister - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have put their names forward to be potential SNP candidates at the 2026 Holyrood election, despite widespread speculation that they would quit as MSPs.

The two former first ministers, who both represent Glasgow constituencies in the Scottish Parliament, are understood to have submitted their applications before Mondays noon deadline.

However, it was thought that they were keeping their options open and could still choose to stand down before the May 2026 election. Ms Sturgeons allies told The Telegraph that she had not yet made a decision whether to become a candidate.

Sources close to Mr Yousaf told the Daily Record that he was weighing up his career choices, following his humiliating resignation as first minister earlier this year.

His decision to boot the Scottish Greens backfired spectacularly when they threw their votes behind a threatened vote of no confidence, forcing him to quit.

SNP members had until the noon deadline to enter the internal process for candidate selection, with vetting to follow. However, candidate nominations do not open until next year and both Ms Sturgeon and Mr Yousaf could withdraw their names at any time.

It has been widely predicted that Ms Sturgeon will step down from Holyrood rather than contest her Glasgow Southside seat.

She has kept a low profile at Holyrood since police last year raided the home she shared with Peter Murrell, her husband and the SNPs chief executive, as part of their investigation into the partys finances.

The former first minister remains under police investigation as part of Operation Branchform but she has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged.

Ms Sturgeon has spoken only four times in the Holyrood chamber this year and one of those was because the Parliaments electronic voting system had malfunctioned.

In addition, she has set up a company to handle her non-MSP earnings, including a 75,000 instalment on the fee she has negotiated for her memoirs and 25,000 for appearing on ITVs expert panel on general election night.

It emerged last week she is to headline a show at next years Glasgow Comedy Festival, alongside her friend Val McDermid, the crime author.

Ms Sturgeon has spoken only four times in the Holyrood chamber this year - Andrew Milligan/PA

Although the vast majority of his working life has been spent at Holyrood, Mr Yousaf has also been trying to diversify his career since leaving Bute House.

He has made a series of videos for social media that have criticised British foreign policy, particularly on the Gaza crisis.

Mr Yousaf has also set up a company to receive payments for his non-MSP work, although its income so far has been dwarfed by Ms Sturgeons.

The firm has been paid 2,400 for presentations delivered at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva. It is understood the Glasgow Pollok MSP intends to do further work outside Holyrood on international relations and conflict resolution.

There is also intense speculation that Stephen Flynn, the SNPs Westminster leader, has applied to be a candidate. The Aberdeen South MP is touted as a possible successor to John Swinney, the First Minister.

Mr Flynn enjoyed a high profile in the Commons in the last parliament, as the SNP was the third largest party and he was called every week at Prime Ministers Questions. However, the Nationalists were reduced to a rump of only nine MPs in Julys general election.

An SNP spokesman said: The SNP is lucky to count on a strong and diverse set of candidates. We look forward to offering people the opportunity to vote SNP in 2026 for SNP candidates who will work tirelessly to improve the lives of people across Scotland and for an SNP Scottish Government that provides an alternative to Labour cuts.
Tom Homan was widely expected to rejoin the president-elects second administration in a border-related role - Reuters

Donald Trumps new border tsar told Democrat governors to get the hell out of the way so he could carry out mass deportations in their states.

Tom Homan, a former head of immigration and customs enforcement, pledged to override states who try to block Mr Trumps plans for the largest deportation programme in US history.

Several Democratic governors, including Californias Gavin Newsom and New Yorks Kathy Hochul, have indicated that they were drawing up plans to do so.

Ive seen some of these Democratic governors say theyre going to stand in the way. Theyre going to make it hard for us, Mr Homan told Fox News on Monday.

A suggestion: if youre not going to help us, get the hell out of the way for were going to do it.

So, if we cant get assistance from New York City, we may have to double the number of agents we send to New York City because were going to do the job. Were going to do the job without you or with you.

Police should help with deportations

Mr Homan, the architect of Mr Trumps controversial policy of separating migrant children from their families, suggested that local police should help with deportations. Law enforcement should work with law enforcement, he said.

It comes after NBC News reported last month that Mr Trump was considering pressuring local law enforcement to join in immigration raids by threatening to withhold grants.

Mr Homan said the administration would maintain asylum seekers rights to see a judge but the courts final decision needed to be enforced.

If the judges order doesnt mean anything, then shut down immigration court, take the Border Patrol off the border if theres no consequences violating the laws of this country, he said.

It came as Mr Trump, the president-elect, also named his long-time adviser Stephen Miller, an immigration hard-liner, to be the deputy chief of policy in his new administration.

Mr Miller was a senior adviser in Mr Trumps first term and has been a central figure in many of his policy decisions, particularly on immigration, including Mr Trumps move to separate thousands of immigrant families as a deterrence program in 2018.

Mr Miller has also helped craft many of Mr Trumps hard-line speeches, and was often the public face of those policies during Mr Trumps first term in office and during his campaigns.

Since leaving the White House, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organisation of former Trump advisers fashioned as a conservative version of the American Civil Liberties Union, challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as freedom of speech and religion and national security.

Nobody better at controlling our borders

Mr Homan will be in charge of our nations borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the southern border, the northern border, all maritime, and aviation security, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our borders.

Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all deportation of illegal aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.

Mr Homan is also a contender for secretary of homeland security.

It comes as Mr Trump pledged to launch - on day one of his presidency - the largest deportation operation of undocumented immigrants in US history.

He repeatedly railed against irregular immigrants during his campaign, employing violent rhetoric about those who poison the blood of the United States.

Mr Trump frequently praised Mr Homan during the campaign, and Mr Homan often hit the trail to rally supporters.

In an interview on Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures programme, Mr Homan said the military would not be rounding up and arresting immigrants in the country illegally and that ICE would move to implement Mr Trumps plans in a humane manner.

Its going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. Theyre good at it, he said.

When we go out there, were going to know who were looking for. We most likely know where theyre going to be, and its going to be done in a humane manner.

Earlier this year at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, Mr Homan expressed frustration at the news coverage of a mass deportation operation.

Wait until 2025, he said, adding that, while he thinks the government needed to prioritise national security threats, no ones off the table. If youre here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.

He also said: Youve got my word. Trump comes back in January, Ill be in his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation operation this countrys ever seen.

The president-elect is meeting with potential candidates to serve in his administration before his Jan. 20 inauguration as president.

CNN reported on Sunday that Mr Trump had also offered Republican Representative Elise Stefanik the job as US ambassador to the United Nations.
The Chagos Islands form part of the British Indian Ocean Territory - CPA Media/Alamy

Sir Keir Starmers decision to give up the Chagos Islands is a sneaky agreement that Donald Trump must block, the leader of a Chagos citizens group has said.

Vanessa Calou, the co-head of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Citizens platform, has voiced the plea to the incoming US president in a piece to The Telegraph.

Hundreds of Chagossians are gathering in London on Tuesday evening to protest against the Prime Ministers deal to hand the islands over to Mauritius, which was announced last month.

The Chagos Islands, which form part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, are in the Indian Ocean and have been the subject of a decades-long sovereignty dispute.

Joe Biden, the US president, backed the deal when it was announced by the UK. Americas stance is key because it has a military base on one of the islands.

But British critics of the agreement are hoping that Mr Trump, the president-elect who will take office on Jan 20, will intervene to try to block it.

Ms Calou writes: The British Chagossians do not support the agreement on a treaty to surrender the British Indian Ocean Territory to the Mauritian government.

There was no consultation by the current UK Government with the indigenous population to include our views in this agreement.

With the great victory of Donald Trump in the US election, the United States president-elect is a beacon of hope for the Chagossians population hoping that Donald Trump will stop the treaty UK Mauritius on BIOT and grant the indigenous of the Chagos the right to self-determination.

Ms Calou also references the American military base on Diego Garcia, one of the land masses that makes up the islands, in her article.

She writes: As it is a United States military base, the president-elect ... must have strong views over this sneaky agreement and therefore stop this treaty and assist the indigenous return under the British flag. We are proud to be British and wish to remain British.

Ms Calou will be at a call to action rally to oppose Britain giving up the Chagos Islands held at the Round Chapel in Hackney, east London, on Tuesday evening from 6pm.

Representatives from three other Chagos Groups will be there: the Chagos Islanders Group, Chagos Islands Welfare Group and Chagos Voice. About 500 Chagossians are expected by organisers to be in attendance.

The event has been arranged by Friends of the British Overseas Territories. Other speakers down to attend include Wendy Morton, the Tory shadow foreign minister, and Zia Yusuf, the Reform Party chairman.

Foreign Office sources have defended the UK deal by arguing that Britain was on the wrong side of international law on the Chagos Islands and that giving the territory up was inevitable.

We Chagossians are proud to be British and wish to remain British

By Vanessa Calou

The British Chagossians do not support the agreement on a treaty to surrender the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) to the Mauritian government. There was no consultation by the current UK Government with the indigenous population to include our views in this agreement.

With the great victory of Donald J Trump in the US election, the United States president-elect is a beacon of hope for the Chagossians population hoping that Donald Trump will stop the treaty UK Mauritius on BIOT and grant the indigenous of the Chagos the right to self-determination.

The British Indian Ocean Territories indigenous population were expelled from their homeland to Mauritius and Seychelles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and there were no plans to relocate the Chagossians providing a home where we can prosper.

Instead, the population which includes mothers with infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities, were dumped and left stranded on the Wharf to fend for themselves with no help from any government.

Vanessa Calou is campaigning for the Chagos Islands to stay British - Heathcliff O'Malley

In Mauritius, the Chagossians were oppressed, suppressed and treated as second or even third-class citizens in the host countries. We British Chagossians have suffered greatly from losing our right to speak with the Mauritian criminal code preventing anyone from being proud to be British by recognising the UK sovereignty over BIOT.

My father told me once that under the UK government before Mauritius questionably got its independence, the UK provided adult evening classes for all Chagossians to learn to read and write English. After independence was granted, the Mauritian government stopped all adult evening classes and started its suppression of British Chagossians.

Compensations were paid to the Mauritian government to accommodate the Chagossians in the 70s and the 80s. The UK government memo from the National Archives T-442-53, published in 1981, shows evidence that the Mauritian Government pocketed most of the compensations which were planned for the British Chagossians better livelihood in Mauritius.

Also, concerns have been raised about Mauritius ties with China. China inked its first free trade deal with an African country, Mauritius, in 2019, and bilateral commerce has increased by 75 per cent since then. China has also made significant investments in Mauritius, For example, the Mauritius Safe City Project was funded by a $455 million loan from Chinas Export-Import Bank, and Chinese businesses provide most of the monitoring equipment.

Weve had enough and all the British Chagossians around the UK are gathering to rally on the 12th of November to show our disagreement with this UK government treaty with the Mauritian government. As it is a United States military base, the president-elect Mr Trump must have strong views over this sneaky agreement and therefore stop this treaty and assist the indigenous return under the British flag. We are proud to be British and wish to remain British.

Vanessa Calou is co-head of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Citizens platform
Lee Zeldin speaks in Concord, New Hampshire, in January. Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

Donald Trump has picked Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), vowing the appointment will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions by the regulator.

Trump, who oversaw the rollback of more than 100 environmental rules when he last was US president, said that Zeldin was a true fighter for America First policies and that he will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.

Zeldin, a Republican who was in the House of Representatives until last year as a member for a New York district that covers part of Long Island, said the nomination was an honor and that he was looking forward to cutting red tape as the EPA administrator.

Related: Trump picks Lee Zeldin to lead environment agency as Kamala Harris makes first appearance since concession speech  live

We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI, Zeldin wrote on X. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.

Zeldin, 44, is considered a close Trump ally and ran in a surprisingly close race for New York governor in 2022, before being pipped by Kathy Hochul, a Democrat. During the campaign, Zeldin attacked Hochuls far-left climate agenda and assailed Democrats for allegedly forcing people to drive electric cars.

The EPA nominee, who will have to be confirmed by the US Senate, has rarely spoken out on environmental or climate issues, although he said in 2014 he was not sold yet on the whole argument that we have as serious a problem as other people are with global heating, and added in 2018 that he did not support the Paris climate agreement, which Trump is again expected to withdraw the US from.

Zeldin, who has a score of just 14% from the League of Conservation Voters on his votes on environmental issues in his 15 years in Congress, is expected to oversee an overhaul of the EPA that will rival anything seen since its foundation in 1970.

An exodus of staff is expected from the agency, with employees already raising fears they will be subject to political interference and that their work to protect Americans from toxic chemicals and planet-heating emissions from cars, trucks and power plants will be torn up.

Naming an unqualified, anti-American worker who opposes efforts to safeguard our clean air and water lays bare Donald Trumps intentions to, once again, sell our health, our communities, our jobs, and our future out to corporate polluters, Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, said of Zeldins nomination.

Related: Trump administration: after Homan and Stefanik, who else could be in the cabinet?

Our lives, our livelihoods, and our collective future cannot afford Lee Zeldin  or anyone who seeks to carry out a mission antithetical to the EPAs mission.

The naming of Zeldin, less than a week after Trump won the presidential election, is far quicker than his previous term in the White House, when he took until December to name Scott Pruitt as his pick for the EPA.

Pruitt resigned in 2018 amid a flurry of ethics scandals, including allegations that he gave staffers improper pay raises, that he constructed an expensive soundproof phone booth in his office, and that he tasked employees with fetching him moisturizer and a favorite mattress.
Music for Youth Proms

Music for Youth Prom/ Royal Albert Hall 

While music in state schools withers and traditional forms of extra-curricular music like school orchestras and bands suffer from lack of funds, the work of Music for Youth becomes ever more vital. Its a charity that organises events for young musicians and mentorship schemes for talented individuals, in every style of music across the country. Once a year they bring 3,000 children and young adults from every corner of Britain to the Royal Albert Hall to take part in two Music for Youth Proms.

You might have expected the first Prom to start off with something rousing and spectacular; an orchestra of box beaters playing Peruvian rhythms, say, or a band of saxophones, brass and percussion playing drivingly energetic music by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, or a huge orchestra playing some thrilling film score by Hans Zimmer. We did in fact get all of those, plus 10 other groups ranging from a duo of violin and marimba from Aberdeenshire to a grime quartet from south London. Music for Youth also gave a platform to disabled musicians from St. Martins College in Stroud, who played specially adapted laptops in lieu of standard musical instruments.

However what launched the evening was something unexpectedly quiet and mysterious: a lovely unaccompanied sacred melody by the 12th century abbess Hildegard of Bingen, sung with affecting rhythmic suppleness by a young singer and echoed from one side to the other by massed choirs, while little lights waved by the singers in the darkness added to the sacred atmosphere.

This was one of many signs that Music for Youth has its ear to the ground for cultural trends. Here the trend was for spiritual music, a feeling that during the evening came back more than once, blended with the idea we must care for the planetan idea expressed with touching fervour by the Cross Keys Choir from Portsmouth. Another theme was kindness, which was the theme of the newly composed piece The Colour of All Things constant by Cassie Kinoshi for massed choirs and orchestra.

Taken as a whole the show was dazzling, with acts big and small streaming on and off that famed platform with slick precision, all compered with smiling energy by jazz musician YolanDa Brown. Though every performance blazed with the youthful fervour, some really stood out. The saxophonists and trumpeters of Youthsayers in Lambeth were wonderful together, but a little shy when it came to improvising; apart from one trumpeter, who let fly with a jaw-dropping riff. But he wasnt the only possible star in the making. The four rappers of London group Spit Game summoned up a street energy, while at the other end of the spectrum, the Rossignol String Quartet from Huddersfield played two Danish folk-flavoured pieces with a smiling charm that had the audience completely rapt. IH

For more info on Music for Youth visit mfy.org.uk for tickets for tonights Music for Youth Prom visit royalalberthall.com

Soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha sings in A Child of Our Time, Glasshouse, Gateshead

A Child of Our Time, Glasshouse, Gateshead 

When professional orchestras and choirs invite amateur musicians to join them for a performance of a big choral-and-orchestral blockbuster  an increasing trend these days caution in terms of technical demands normally rules. You can imagine an amateur choir being given the big sturdy hymn tunes in a Bach Passion; the complex fugal movements are probably best reserved for the professionals.

On Sunday at Gatesheads Glasshouse International Centre for Music, the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus threw caution to the winds. They invited hundreds of amateur musicians, including many who cannot read music, to join them in a performance of one of the most demanding oratorios of the 20th century: Michael Tippetts A Child of Our Time. The piece is a dark meditation on human beings horrible propensity to project all their dark, loathsome aspects onto a scapegoat. In this case, the scapegoat was the Jews during the Second World War: the one race than stands for all, as Tippetts own libretto says.

That dark theme drew from Tippett a language of troubled dissonance, the angular melodies and scurrying fugal chases a metaphor for humanitys anguished search for salvation. Its hard enough for professionals, but only one concession was made to the amateurs among the 200 singers; some four-part passages were rewritten as three. Apart from that, they performed every last note, as was made clear in the list of performers in the programme note, where the professionals and amateurs names were mingled together.

The results could frankly have been dire, with uncertain pitching and rhythms. In fact, it was a triumph. Much of the credit for this must go to the two chorus masters, Tim Burke and Audrey Lawrence-Mattis, whove been rehearsing the singers since early September. The orchestra, bolstered by amateurs, had been rehearsed since early October by assistant conductor Sinead Hayes.

The reward for them and the packed, raptly attentive hall was a performance that sounded utterly secure and focused. Because everyone had the music in their bones, conductor Dinis Sousa was able to plumb the musics depths in daringly slow tempos. Tippett summons a universal voice of humanity in this piece through five spirituals, which blazed here with special fervour. The performance was also blessed with four superb soloists, who were tellingly contrasted. Bass-baritone Willard White was bleakly disillusioned, tenor Nicky Spence impassioned and bewildered as the persecuted boy, Sarah Connolly sorrowful and compassionate as the Mother. Floating over them all with seraphic beauty was South African soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha.

Though the soloists diction was uniformly good, surtitles or a libretto (a proper printed one, not the online one on offer) would have helped everyone grasp the meaning of Tippetts often obscure words. But somehow the works compassion and wisdom still shone out. Beyond that, the performance was a magnificent riposte to the fashionable idea that to be inclusive, any work of music must also be accessible. Tippetts troubled oratorio is far from accessible  but it welcomes anyone willing to give it the necessary time, attention and love. IH

To see this concert for one month via the orchestras YouTube channel, go to theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/child-of-our-time

Take Me to the River, Barbican, London EC2 

Take Me to the River: A Celebration of New Orleans Music, part of EFG London Jazz Festival at the Barbican Hall, London - Ash Knotek/Barbican

The rhythms and colours of Mardi Gras came to wintry London, as Martin Shores Take Me To The River All-Stars brought a joyous evening of New Orleans music to the Barbican Hall.

Louisianas Crescent City can claim to be the birthplace of blues, jazz and funk, and Shore, who won a Grammy for his restoration project, had assembled a crack team dedicated to bringing its early/mid-20th century traditions alive.

If the line-up was short of star originals  best known was Cyril Neville, conga player with 60s-70s funk overlords The Meters (most key players are deceased or retired)  the Anglo-American cast made up for it with exceptional commitment to getting a street party started within the Barbicans hoity-toity environs.

Awl-right London, are you ready to get funky? Shore enquired, to modest assent, first introducing elite-class British-born pianist Jon Cleary, who expertly conjured the NAwlins boogie-woogie of James Booker and Jelly Roll Morton.

Soon, the stage was overtaken by the walking, barking riot of feathers, brocade and pink sticky-back plastic that is Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr, scion of Mardi Indian tribal dynasty, The Wild Magnolias. Historically, these tribes erred on the side of gang warfare, but Dollis Jr was soon cheerily handing out feathers to kids and singing with a powerful Otis Redding rasp.

As a taut young interracial funk quartet, featuring Cyril Nevilles nephew Ian on guitar, nailed down whip-smart grooves, the room temperature soared when Anjelika Jelly Joseph took over the mic, her sweet soul voice ranging from a seductive purr to an earth-shaking scream on a righteously empowered Yes We Can Can.

After the interval, a trio of Nevilles, completed by Cyrils son Omari on hip hop MC-ing, struck up a short but irresistible set of silky Meters funk. Though originally a sideman, Cyril, in a feathered fedora, black sparkly jacket and matching shoes, sang with that exquisite Nevilles clarity on classics including Hey Pocky A-Way, No More Okey Doke and Cabbage Alley.

Your correspondent couldve raved to another hour of Meters bangers, but the show was already in its final stages, with Cleary tinkling forth a twinkly Such A Night, commemorating the late Dr John.

Dollis Jr rematerialized in a turquoise leather suit, enthusiastically cross-stepping to Big Chief by another NOLA piano legend, Professor Longhair, and there was scarcely a seat still occupied as Joseph led into Take Me To The Rivers eponymous anthem  actually an Al Green gem from Memphis, TN, but no-one was quibbling. The heedless abandon of arguably the worlds greatest music city ultimately prevailed. AP

The EFG London Jazz Festival concludes tonight with Anohni at the Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk)

Crosscurrents, Barbican 

The Crosscurrents trio: Dave Holland, Chris Potter and Eric Harland - Mark Allan

The incredible musical jamboree of the EFG London Jazz Festival is our yearly reminder that the jazz scene has never been more various. And if that brings in its wake the question yes, but is it really jazz?, thats all to the benefit of the genre. Jazz fans enjoy a good argument almost as much as they enjoy the music.

This years festival is strong on British talent, which last year received a massive shot in the arm from Ezra Collectives Mercury Award. But if theres ever a lesson to be learnt from the jamboree, its that jazz is now truly global. Among the international artists appearing are an Israeli trumpeter, a Tamil singer, a Palestinian pianist and a host of South African bands  as well as top-drawer Americans like Pat Metheny.

Last nights gig at the Barbican seemed at first glance to fall into the global category. It launched with the Mongolian singer Enji whose short set, charming though it was, showed the perils of trying to fuse jazz and a remote musical culture. Four of the five songs were her own, and had a perfectly turned but somewhat bland quality, with supporting harmonies from bassist River Adomeit and guitarist Paul Brandle etched in too delicately. You could just about discern that Enji has a remarkable voice, but only once did it blaze out with untrammelled power, in the Mongolian folk-song Sevkhet Bor. For a moment we were offered a heart-stopping glimpse of some ancient tragedy. If she could only harness that power in her jazz songs, Enji could really be something.

The evenings main event, a long set from the trio Crosscurrents, was also meant to fall into the global jazz category. The venerable British bass player Dave Holland and the hardly less distinguished American saxophonist Chris Potter were supposed to be joined by Zakir Hussain, the Indian percussionist whose list of musical collaborators stretches back to George Harrison. Hes not well, so a fine jazz drummer, Eric Harland, stepped into the breach.

Given that the event was originally conceived of as a marriage of Indian ragas and a jazz spirit, this must have involved a very thorough rethink, done at speed. You would never have guessed that from the set, which was as free and easy as if these three had been playing together forever. It was also cunningly crafted, with six very distinct numbers which provided a specific stimulus for six long, engrossing improvisations. Chris Potters Sky seemed brightly major-key, until some minor-key digressions wrong-footed us. Hollands Triple Dance had a winding chromatic energy, occasionally running against the obstacle of a fixed note which he and Harland pushed against, amusingly.

With lesser players, this careful pre-planning would have put a break on any improvisational spirit. But these three are among the very best, so that spirit was actually released, and magnificently. Their 70-minute set was an astonishing display of musical intelligence, playfulness and sheer stamina, which proved the ancient truth that nothing stimulates a true artist so fruitfully as limitations. IH

The EFG London Jazz Festival continues until November 24; efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Lighthouse Poole 

Mark Wigglesworth launches his tenure as chief conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra - Mark Allan

When a new Chief Conductor makes their debut, theres any number of ways they can make their mark. They can challenge us with something modern, intrigue us with something little-known, dazzle us with a conductors showpiece such as The Rite of Spring. The BSOs previous chief conductor, the Ukrainian Kirill Karabits, often did all three in one evening, and gained a national reputation for the orchestras daring programmes, which often included music from his homeland.

He was a great asset to the orchestra, but my hunch is that Mark Wigglesworth will prove a worthy successor in every way. For his first concert as Karabitss successor, he stuck to the tried-and-tested format of overture followed by concerto followed by symphony, and the three works by Wagner, Ravel and Walton were firmly mainstream.

Some might say that was a bit tame, but the great advantage of hearing familiar works is that it makes the conductors particular qualities shine out all the more clearly. The orchestra already sounds different: less bright and vividly coloured, more fine-detailed and soft-grained. Admittedly, there wasnt much opportunity for softness in the evenings major work, William Waltons First Symphony. Its a work that can often deafen and browbeat the listener, and that was a particular danger in the Lighthouse, which has a glaringly bright acoustic.

Under Wigglesworths direction, we were neither deafened nor browbeaten. The constant ratcheting up of tension in the first movement was achieved very subtly, so one always felt there was power to spare. The amazing seat-of-the-pants urgency of the second movement was thrilling, and Wigglesworth made sure we noticed the brief lyrical efflorescence in the third movement, amid all the film-noirish glamour.

In Ravels Concerto for the Left Hand, Wigglesworth proved an alert and sensitive accompanist to soloist Nicholas McCarthy. He has overcome what you might think would be an impossible obstacle to being a pianist: being born without a right hand. Since graduating from the Royal College of Music McCarthy has carved out quite a career for himself. As he reminded us in his post-performance chat from the platform, McCarthy is actually the second one-handed pianist to perform this piece with the BSO; the first was the pianist who commissioned the concerto from Ravel, Paul Wittgenstein. McCarthy found the craggy nobility of Ravels great work as well its nostalgic tenderness, and for an encore played Skryabins well-known Nocturne for the Left Hand with exemplary grace.

All this was hugely enjoyable; but the most interesting music-making actually came in the place youd least expect to find it: the overture. Wagners Meistersinger curtain-raiser is so solid and good-humoured and four-square  how could it yield something new? Wigglesworth showed how, by making it flowing and flexible, more a mighty river with little eddies and whirlpools than a pompous Germanic parade. He is a fine thoughtful musician, and as this concert shows he has a fire in the belly too. Over the coming years, that should stand him and the BSO in good stead. IH

Watch this concert for one month at bsolive.org. Hear the BSO play this programme on November. 21 at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

Academy of Ancient Music, West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge 

The Academy of Ancient Music - Ben Ealovega

The past is never dead. Its not even past. Great performances of classical music show the truth of William Faulkners line every time, but its especially true of performances from an orchestra such as the Academy of Ancient Music. Its mission is to delve into long-lost music, and, by restoring its original colours and playing styles, the ensemble makes it seem as if its being born right now, before ones very ears.

Wednesday nights inspired act of revival was prompted by a historical event: a quartet party in Vienna sometime in 1784, where four great musicians played, chatted and probably drank a bit. Two of them, Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Mozart, we know well. The other two, the Bohemian composer Johann Wanhal and the splendidly named Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf, we hardly know at all.

This prompted the thought: why not put symphonies composed in that year by all four side-by-side? It was a fascinating exercise, requiring only a teensy bending of history, and the results reminded us that no musical culture is ever monolithic; it is full of cross-currents and contrasts.

Take the symphony in D by Wanhal, which began in a mood of dusky, muted mystery, as if Romanticism was casting a backward shadow to 1784. The finales rushing, motoric figures, thrown off with hair-raising vigour by the orchestral strings, pulled us back with a jerk to the 18th century. In the slow movement flautist Rachel Brown spun a beauteous melody which seemed to bend the tempo gracefully, even though the hushed, high-stepping plucked chords in the strings kept up their perfectly even tread.

That was one of evenings lovely moments of individual artistry. The other came in Dittersdorfs Symphony in F, which portrayed a story in Ovids Metamorphoses where the hero Perseus rescues the Ethiopian princess Andromeda (these composers knew their classics). Oboist Leo Duarte portrayed the languishing princess in plangent tones, the string players matching his drooping tenderness, before the Perseus came riding to the rescue, horns rasping in triumph.

Compared with all this, the blazing good spirits of Mozarts Linz symphony seemed straightforward, though the way he blended wit with pathos in the slow movement still seemed miraculously subtle. Finally came Haydns Symphony No 80, which for sheer bizarre originality knocked everything else off the stage. The slow movement combined serene spaciousness with nervy intensity, a combination you might think was beyond even Haydns genius. And the finale, with its single-note emphasised on the wrong part of the beat, was inspired buffoonery.

Laurence Cummings didnt overemphasise the buffoonishness, and in fact throughout his vision of the music avoided the extremes of speed and manic energy that some period performance orchestras go for. Sometimes it seemed too restrained; the way Haydn pushes against the triple time of the first movement with a two-beat pattern should seem startling, but here it felt muted. On the whole, the sensitivity and stylishness of the performances was a joy, and in the slow movements Cummings and the orchestra showed those four periwigged gentlemen could touch the heart as well. IH

Hear the AAM play this programme on November 14 at Milton Court, London EC2; barbican.org.uk

LSO/Klaus Makela, Barbican, London EC2 

Klaus Makela and the LSO - Mark Allan

One of the less lovely traits of the English is a resentment of overly conspicuous success. Every now and then, this resentment pops up in the classical music world, especially around conductors. When a brash young man appears who hoovers up awards and recording contracts well before theyre 30, a feeling gathers that they Need Taking Down A Peg Or Two.

One certainly gets that feeling from classical twitterati and  dare I say  one or two critics, in connection with Klaus Makela, the 28-year-old Finnish conducting phenomenon. But most classical fans cant get enough of him. He already leads the Oslo Philharmonic and the Orchestre de Paris, and in three years time takes over at two even more prestigious orchestras, in Chicago and Amsterdam. Any concert he gives is packed out and abuzz with excitement, as was shown last night at the Barbican.

One thing soon became clear: the orchestra loves him. The London Symphony Orchestras sound is always superbly vivid and full, but on this occasion it seemed especially so. Makela cuts an incredibly exuberant figure on the podium, his slender frame bending and gyrating like a coiled spring. Its mesmerising for the audience, but I did wonder whether his balletic acting-out of the musics ebb and flow might actually be quite hard for the orchestra to follow.

But the results were wonderful, which in the end is all that counts. Admittedly, the programme was exactly right for him: two bleakly thrilling masterpieces evoking ancient deities by Sibelius and Stravinsky, separated by delicate charm from Prokofiev. The opening piece, Sibeliuss Tapiola summons up the pagan god of the Finnish forests, brooding savage dreams. At times, it seems becalmed in utter stillness, the harmonies circling in a way both drifting and sinisterly purposeful  a dichotomy this performance caught superbly.

Just when wed got used to the drifting, the god woke up. Hurricanes broke out in the strings, galvanised by Makelas slashing beat, and the brass and percussion erupted savagely. It was a foretaste of the Russian pagan spirits in the Rite of Spring, which we would hear later.

Between them, in Prokofievs 2nd violin concerto, the LSO reminded us that it can do lyric grace every bit as well as savagery. The soloist Andrej Power is actually the orchestras recently appointed leader, but he yielded nothing in terms of poised control and rhythmic exuberance to more famous names. Behind him his colleagues, above all clarinetist Sergio Pires, conjured the musics ambiguous colours with delicate artistry.

Finally came the Rite of Spring, a piece that evokes the savagery of Russian paganism in a musical language that is often sumptuously beautiful. Makela made sure the orchestra relished every opportunity for beauty, especially at the opening which was taken with luxuriant slowness. But this was only to set the poundingly rhythmic sections in relief, so they seemed more orgiastic than ever. The contrast was epitomised in the performances final seconds. Makela sent the flutes despairing flourish aloft like a pirouette, and held them there for a moment, smilingly. For a moment, we could have been in Tchaikovskys world. Then came the crack of doom. IH

No further performances

West-Eastern Divan Orchestra/Barenboim, Royal Festival Hall 

Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra - Pete Woodhead

The packed Royal Festival Hall on Monday night was in a fever of anticipation for Daniel Barenboims appearance. The great pianist, conductor and musical mover-and-shaker made his Festival Hall debut in 1956 at the age of 13. Now the 81-year-old maestro was about to appear in front of the orchestra he co-founded 25 years ago with the Palestinian-born scholar and activist Edward Said, to bring Arab and Israeli and Iranian musicians together.

The mere fact of his presence seemed miraculous, as Barenboim has been seriously ill with an unnamed neurological illness for two years. When he emerged gingerly onto the stage, grasping the occasional orchestral players chair for support, one felt a surge of affection for that frail, frosty-haired figure. The unspoken question hung on the air: might this be the last time we would see him?

It wasnt just Barenboims health that cast a shadow over the evening. The orchestra was founded to create a dialogue between the two sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but reconciliation between the two sides has never seemed more distant. A statement in the programme expressed sorrow at the extreme escalation of violence and called diplomatically for the safe return of all hostages and unlawfully held detainees.

Despite the shadows, it was an uplifting evening, because one became aware that a profound reversal of roles has taken place. Barenboim in his prime was a domineering figure, who was quite capable of intimidating players during rehearsals. Now it felt as if the players were supporting him, and looking as much for the pulse to the orchestral leader Michael Barenboim  son of the maestro  as they did to Barenboim himself. In the opening piece, Mendelssohns radiant, joyous Italian symphony, Barenboim senior took on the role of the gentle overseer. He surveyed the players benignly, occasionally emphasising an important moment with an emphatic gesture.

Perhaps I am being fanciful, but the overall sound seemed more soft and fine-grained than in the orchestras early years. There was some especially fine playing from the wind players, especially the two flautists, who intertwined a tender counterpoint to the main melody in the Pilgrims March of the second movement. But theres no doubt the absence of a strong guiding hand took its toll. The opening movement should leap up to the skies; here it felt too stately for that.

In the other work, Brahmss Fourth Symphony  conducted from memory, like the first piece  Barenboim seemed more deeply engaged, and sometimes one saw flashes of his old self. The way the opening eased tentatively into being was a lovely moment. As for the tremendous finale, a kind description of its shaky ensemble and uncertain tempos would be careless grandeur  because there was undeniably a craggy magnificence to it. But it was also simply not that good, technically speaking.

At the end, Barenboim and the players received a standing ovation, which one could hardly begrudge them. The performances didnt deserve it, but the nobility of the orchestras mission and the indomitable spirit of their conductor certainly did. IH

Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott, Barbican Hall, London 

Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott on stage at the Barbican on Nov 2 2024 - Mark Allan

In his almost 60-year career, Yo-Yo Ma has clocked up many firsts. The American is the only cellist to have played all six of Bachs cello suites at the Hollywood Bowl, holding thousands of people spellbound. Hes the only classical performer to have appeared in an Apple commercial; he once graced an episode of The Simpsons. He has played with Metallica and Ennio Morricone and Sting and Diana Krall; he has performed for presidents and royalty.

So you might imagine that when Ma appeared last night at the Barbican with Kathryn Stott, his duet partner of 40 years, he would hog the limelight. Not a bit of it. Although this was billed as the last time they might play live together  Stott is retiring from the concert platform  Ma clearly thought of the evening as a tribute to her. Theyre amusingly different in temperament: she punctures his on-stage flights of fancy with a bit of Manchester sarcasm, something he enjoys. Ma wanted us to applaud Stott, not him, and insisted the evenings programme was all her idea.

It was indeed a nicely contrived programme, which saluted the music that has meant most to them over the years: the charm of Brazilian composer Sergio Assad, the nostalgia of Dvoraks Songs My Mother Taught Me, and above all the music of French composers Gabriel Faure and Nadia Boulanger (which has a personal connection to them both, through one great French teacher they shared). Alongside these bonbons were two big works: Shostakovichs early, surprisingly lyrical Cello Sonata in D minor, and Cesar Francks yearningly romantic Violin Sonata (in an arrangement for cello).

Ma and Stott had that wonderful freedom that comes when two performers know each others foibles as well as they do their strengths. Stott knows that Ma likes to wring the maximum intensity from an expressive moment  which he did, as ever, and just occasionally it seemed a bit much. But the co-ordination between the two at those moments when Ma lingered over Francks top notes was so instinctive and subtle that you couldnt help warming to it. Ma in turn understood that Stott needed space as well as time, in the finger-twisting complications of the second movement. The musics perfume, redolent equally of the organ-loft and the boudoir, came over with intensity.

There were many other moments to savour, such as the deliciously sweet major-key melody that breaks like sunlight into the first movement of Shostakovichs sonata. Here, Ma and Stott pulled back the tempo back to a degree some might say was indulgent, but to me felt exactly right. There was the sheer wildness of the finale, which came as such a shock after the cheerful insouciance of the opening. (Ma is especially good at cheerful insouciance.) There was the elfin dancing of Faures Papillon (Butterfly), and the almost-whispered charm of Dvorak.

Most spellbinding of all, though, were the slowly wheeling star-shapes of Arvo Parts Spiegel in Spiegel (Mirror within a Mirror). Here Stott made the unvarying tread seem both perfectly regular and tending towards stillness, as if eternity were folding the music into its embrace. Mas long notes were lovely, but his applause for Stott told us he knew it was her who really nailed the piece  and we knew it, too. IH

No further performances

Yuja Wang and Vikingur Olafsson perform at the South Bank Centre - Pete Woodhead

Vikingur Olafsson & Yuja Wang: Two Pianos, Royal Festival Hall, London 

Bringing the worlds two most in-demand classical pianists together for a duet recital tour (and eventually a recording) was a brilliant but also mischievous idea, born, one suspects in the brain of some canny recording executive. They seem so perfectly unmatched it would be like mixing two combustible chemicals and standing back to watch the fireworks.

The flamboyant Yuja Wang, as famous for her Louboutin heels and short skirts as for her pianism, made her break into stardom well before Vikingur Olafsson, despite being three years younger than him. While the bespectacled, neatly confident Icelander was a penniless student in New York, the Chinese-born Wang had already won a string of prizes and undertaken her first triumphal tours.

As for their pianistic styles, it really is a case of chalk and cheese. Wang has become famous for the easy way that she tosses off titanically difficult concertos by Prokofiev and Rachmaninov, energy and grace perfectly in balance. Olafsson shot to fame through the uncanny delicacy and clarity he brought to Baroque music, particularly the tenderly evocative character pieces of Rameau. They were the perfect antitheses: extrovert and introvert, yin and yang.

But which way round? The moment they started to play last night the neat antitheses fell away. Wang showed us in numerous passages in Schuberts well-known Fantasia in F that she can make a sound as delicately far-away as Olafssons. In Rachmaninovs Symphonic Dances, Olafsson showed a steely yet joyous virtuosity that was positively Yuja-like in its flamboyance.

Another quality that kept our appetite keen for two and a half hours was the ingenious programme. It began with the tiny regretful falling phrases of Luciano Berios Wasserklavier (Water Keyboard) from 1984, sounding like bits of half-remembered romantic music, which faded without pause into Schuberts Fantasia. Later came the witty rhythmic dislocations of an arrangement of Conlon Nancarrows Study No. 6 for player piano, where these two human performers brilliantly evoked the machines attempt to be engagingly human. We had surprisingly old-fashioned melodic charm from that master of musical anarchy John Cage, and a gentle kaleidoscope of harmonies wheeling around a fixed tolling note from Arvo Part. Then came the magnificently sustained hammering of John Adamss Hallelujah Junction, sounding as if joyous hymn-singing had somehow been crossed with bellringing.

All this was brilliantly conjured by the two pianists, though the best playing came in the final piece, Rachmaninovs Symphonic Dances, where the sinister dance-of-death of the second movement shone out with jet-black glamour. It deservedly brought the house down, as did the six encores that followed. So why not five stars? Because although Wang and Olafsson shone in music that was somehow strange and marginal, the deep pathos of Schuberts Fantasia  which ought to have been the evenings heart  somehow eluded them. Admittedly Schuberts piece may have suffered from being in such odd musical company. One thing is for sure; as a display of pianistic mastery, from two artists at the top of their game, this concert was utterly spellbinding. IH

No further performances
The Archbishop of Canterbury is facing calls to quit from victims as well as senior members of the Church of England - Andrew Matthews/PA

The Archbishop of Canterbury is under growing pressure to resign over his handling of a child sex abuse scandal.

A bishop, multiple victims and three senior members of the clergy have all said the Most Rev Justin Welby must quit as the leader of the Church of England.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has refused to support him and more than 7,000 people have signed a petition started by senior clergy calling for his resignation.

The leaders of a major charity representing the evangelical wing of the Church have also joined the calls.

It comes after an independent report released last week concluded that the Archbishops failure to act on concerns about the abuser John Smyth meant he was never brought to justice.

Smyth, a barrister who is thought to be the Churchs most prolific serial child abuser, is said to have subjected as many as 130 victims to appalling sexual violence. He died in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire police.

However, the report found that his crimes could have been exposed in 2013 if the Archbishop, who had become aware of concerns that year, had followed up to ensure the police investigated.

John Smyth routinely subjected teenage boys to sadomasochistic assaults during his time in charge of Christian holiday camps in the Seventies and Eighties - UNPIXS

On Monday, the Right Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley became the first bishop to call for him to quit.

The Bishop of Newcastle described the Archbishops position as untenable and said urgent action was needed to prevent the Church of England losing complete credibility.

Her comments came after three ordained members of General Synod, the Churchs legislative body, set up a petition arguing he should resign over his handling of the scandal. More than 7,000 people have signed the petition in which the Rev Dr Ian Paul, the Rev Robert Thompson and the Rev Marcus Walker said he must quit for the protection of the vulnerable, and for the good of the Church.

Sir Keir declined to offer his public support to the Archbishop. Speaking on the way to Baku for the Cop29 climate conference, he said the issue was a matter really for the Church rather than for me.

Speaking exclusively to The Telegraph on Monday, two of Smyths victims also said the Archbishop should resign.

Andrew Morse, 63, was violently beaten by Smyth as a teenager and told The Telegraph the Archbishops failure to act in 2013 was a dereliction of duty and a betrayal of victims.

Andrew Morse, who was abused by John Smyth as a teenager, has called for the Archbishop to step down

He said: I think it feels like he prioritised his position and the reputation of his church above the plight of the victims and, because Smyth was still alive at that time, above other potential victims as well.

Richard Gittins first met Smyth at a Christian Union event at Magdalene College, Cambridge University, and went on to be beaten by him. Now 64 and a retired teacher he said that, on balance, the Archbishop should resign.

A third victim, Mark Stibbe, told Channel 4 that the Archbishops comments last week in the wake of the reports publication that he would not resign for this had trivialised and minimised the suffering of victims.

Rev Dr Lee Gatiss, the director of the Church Society, an evangelical organisation that promotes the Churchs biblical foundations, along with Dr Ros Clarke, its associate director, signed an open letter calling for the Archbishops resignation. They claimed he was now, personally, bringing the Church of England into utter disrepute.

Martin Sewell, a lay member of General Synod, also joined the calls, telling The Telegraph: Even without personal involvement, the head of a major institution so lax about crime and cover-up should resign, but the Archbishop has serious personal responsibility. He added: His inaction is inexcusable.

The Archbishop has refused to quit in the wake of criticism in the Makin Report, published last week. A spokesman said he had apologised profoundly for his own failures and the abuse by the Church in general but did not intend to resign.

However, his situation is unprecedented. At 68, he has two more years to serve until he hits the mandatory retirement age of 70. If he resigned, it would mark the first time that an Archbishop of Canterbury has done so in such controversial circumstances.

While Lord Williams of Oystermouth resigned at the age of 62 in 2012, this was to take up a prestigious position as master of Magdalene College.

It is more common for archbishops to die in office than to resign. Thomas Becket and lfheah of Canterbury were both assassinated. Thomas Cranmer was executed under Mary Is reign.

This is not the first time the Archbishop has come under fire from within the Church. Since he took up the position in 2013, he has been criticised for his approach to same-sex marriage and interventions over government policy on immigration.

If the Archbishop wished to resign, he would need the Kings acceptance. This approval is not guaranteed; when Lord Carey tried to step down, the late Queen reminded him that she cant resign either.

Dr Paul, one of the Synod members who started the petition, said that if the Archbishop did not take it upon himself to resign, the General Synod could pass a vote of no confidence in him at the next meeting in February.

This unprecedented measure would require approval from all three houses which make the Synod  the House of Bishops, the House of Clergy and the House of Laity  with at least 50 per cent of the vote. It would not be legally binding.

It is almost impossible to get rid of an Archbishop, explained the Rev Marcus Walker, Rector of St Bartholomew the Great, in the City of London, another Synod member behind the petition.

He added: The point is, what kind of a last few years will he have? Hell be dumped on by protests. Who will want him to come and mark the anniversaries of their church? I cant imagine what staying on would look like.

In calling for his resignation, Bishop Hartley told the BBC: Its very hard to find the words to respond adequately to what the report tells us.

I think rightly people are asking the question: Can we really trust the Church of England to keep us safe? And I think the answer at the moment is no.

She also published a letter from both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, which she received before the Makin Report, on a separate safeguarding issue. She claimed the language used reflected a systemic dysfunction in the Churchs safeguarding, and accused the Archbishops of coercive language.

A spokesman for the Archbishop of York said he was saddened that the letter was being described as coercive, as this was not his intention, nor did he wish to cause any distress.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has insisted he had no no idea or suspicion of Smyths abuse before 2013 but acknowledged the review had found that he had personally failed to ensure it was investigated.

He has been accused of lying when he told Channel 4 News in 2019 that he was unaware of the severity of the child abuse.

Channel 4 News

The Archbishop knew Smyth because of his attendance at the Iwerne Christian camps in the 1970s, but the review said there was no evidence that he had maintained any significant contact with the barrister in later years.

The Government is planning to reform the House of Lords but has not proposed axing the 26 bishops who sit as Lords Spiritual. However, Sir Gavin Williamson, the former Tory minister, has tabled an amendment asking MPs to consider removing the bishops, which could be discussed as soon as Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the Archbishop faces a further challenge in a judicial review of a decision not to allow a disciplinary case to proceed over a vicar who was blacklisted for giving a sermon on identity politics.

The Rev Dr Bernard Randall, 52, has been barred from preaching for five years after he gave a sermon at a private school telling children that they could question teaching on LGBT relationships. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing, he is barred from preaching as a result of a decision by the Bishop of Derby, the Right Rev Libby Lane, the churchs first female bishop.

A leading lawyer for the Church in August ruled the Archbishop of Canterbury was plainly wrong in dismissing concerns about the blacklisting of a gender-critical chaplain.

A spokesman for Lambeth Palace said: The Archbishop reiterates his horror at the scale of John Smyths egregious abuse, as reflected in his public apology. He has apologised profoundly both for his own failures and omissions, and for the wickedness, concealment and abuse by the Church more widely.

As he has said, he had no awareness or suspicion of the allegations before he was told in 2013  and therefore having reflected, he does not intend to resign. He hopes the Makin Review supports the ongoing work of building a safer church here and around the world.
Noel Gallagher has created an immersive version of an Oasis hit for the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Champagne Supernova, which appears on the album (Whats the Story) Morning Glory?, has been turned into a six-hour ambient mixed track as Gallaghers portrait goes on to display at the Trafalgar Square-based museum later this month.

The immersive soundscape, a form of art that combines sounds to create an experience for the audience, will be available for visitors to the gallery as part of the Legends exhibition, which will feature 100 portraits taken by London-based photographer, Zoe Law, of people who have influenced her life and career.

In the display will also be a portrait, which the gallery said has not been seen before, of The Girl star, Sienna Miller, holding the 1967 Epiphone guitar that Gallagher used to compose Champagne Supernova.

The black and white photos by Law are also of England World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, actor Orlando Bloom, and a never-before-seen picture of Canadian actress and Sex And The City star, Kim Cattrall.

Gallagher previously said that the thought of the portrait of a grumpy middle-aged man, who frankly hates having his picture taken, being permanently displayed for future generations to marvel at is very special.

Thanks and praise, he added.

Oasis band members Noel Gallagher, left, and Liam Gallagher (Zak Hussein/PA)

It comes as he reformed, with his brother, Liam Gallagher, to have a series of shows next year as part of Oasis Live 25 tour.

All the UK dates have sold out, and the band is soon set to release tickets for the South America leg.

Champagne Supernova enjoyed popularity in the US, and in the Best of British poll by Radio X in 2016, it was voted third.

It has reached number 29 in the UK charts.

The image of Gallagher will remain part of the gallerys permanent collection once the exhibition ends on March 2 2025.

Legends opens on November 29.
ONeill says criticism of her Remembrance Sunday attendance difficult to hear

Stormonts First Minister has acknowledged it has been difficult to hear fellow republicans criticise her participation in the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Belfast City Hall.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeills comments came after a banner with the word Traitors on it was erected at her constituency office in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, at the weekend.

Ms ONeill broke new ground for her party by attending the event commemorating fallen members of the UK armed forces at the Cenotaph in Belfast, where she laid a laurel wreath.

However, she has faced criticism from some people in the republican and nationalist community.

More than 100 relatives of IRA members and civilians killed by the security forces and loyalists during the Troubles signed a public statement, published in the Irish News, expressing devastation at her decision to attend.

Michelle ONeill lays a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday service at Belfast City Hall (Liam McBurney/PA)

Ms ONeill was asked about the letter at a post-Executive press conference on Monday morning.

Of course, it is difficult to hear that, particularly from people who I know all of my life, but I also absolutely accept that theyre entitled to feel how they feel, particularly if theyve lost a loved one, she said.

So I accept and understand exactly where people are coming from.

However, I cant be distracted from the role that I play. I want to drive our society forward. I want to build a shared future.

I want to take as many people with us on that journey as we possibly can, but Ive committed to being a First Minister for all, and I will live up to that at every turn.

Asked if it was difficult to be called a traitor, she added: Look, people are entitled to express their view, and I can accept where theyre coming from, but I also have a role to play, and Im determined to keep driving us forward.

Ms ONeill did not attend an Armistice commemoration at Parliament Buildings in Stormont on Monday morning, telling reporters she was not available.

The partys national chairman Declan Kearney and chief whip at the Assembly Sinead Ennis did attend.

However, unlike all the other main parties in the devolved legislature, they did not lay a wreath at a memorial inside the building in a secondary event after the main commemoration.

Edwin Poots, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, during a ceremony to mark Armistice Day at Parliament Buildings in Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA)

The First Minister attended Sundays ceremony alongside DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Afterwards, Ms Little-Pengelly insisted the focus should be on remembrance rather than who attended.

On Monday, Ms ONeill fielded questions on the issue as she faced the media at Stormont Castle in Belfast.

I understand that some people have difficulties, particularly republicans, have difficulties with me attending yesterdays remembrance event, and I accept that, its understandable from their perspective, particularly given those that have lost loved ones, she said.

So theyre entitled to express their view. However, I have a role to play in terms of being First Minister for everybody here, and I think that me attending the remembrance event yesterday was the right thing to do in terms of representing everybody fairly in society, and also to acknowledge the fact that so many people have lost a loved one, whether it be in the First World War or in subsequent conflicts.

So it was important for me, as First Minister, to be there.
Sir Keir Starmer is in Paris to mark Armistice Day, while events will take place across the UK to commemorate the end of the First World War.

The Prime Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron as he became the first British premier to attend the armistice ceremony in Paris since Winston Churchill.

In the UK, events will focus on the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Duchess of Edinburgh will be among the guests at the event.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the British Ambassadors residence in Paris (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Sir Keirs trip to Paris comes as European leaders consider how to respond to the election of Donald Trump in the US.

The Prime Minister had already hoped to reset relations with Europe, and the prospect of a second Trump presidency is causing leaders on the continent to discuss what the new US administration will mean for trade and security.

As well as his talks with Mr Macron and French prime minister Michel Barnier, Sir Keir had a breakfast reception with representatives of the British defence community in France.

According to Number 10, Sir Keir is the first UK prime minister to have attended the Paris commemorations since Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Paris for the Armistice Day events (Isabel Infantes/PA)

It comes as Sir Keir announced more than 10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day.

The Prime Minister has pledged a moment of national reflection in 2025, with events on May 8 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe, and also on August 15 to mark the end of the Second World War.

This morning, we look forward to welcoming Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO to our annual #ArmisticeDay Service of #Remembrance on the Armed Forces Memorial at the Arboretum. https://t.co/hB5xr8mPeu pic.twitter.com/31qvTWj9Aq  National Memorial Arboretum (@Nat_Mem_Arb) November 11, 2024

Sir Keir said he is honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.

He added: These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.

That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.
Sir Keir Starmer would not comment on Donald Trumps views about climate change, saying instead that he is very clear that in his own mind that it is a challenge he must rise to.

The UK will on Tuesday set out a new target to reduce fossil fuel emissions but will not make any new financial commitments at the Cop29 environment summit in Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister said.

Under the target, the UK will pledge to reduce its emissions by 81% compared with 1990 levels by 2035, a goal in line with the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee, according to The Guardian newspaper.

Sir Keir also said he would be pushing for the private sector to start paying their fair share when it comes to climate commitments.

The newly re-elected US president is expected to boost fossil fuels, roll back green incentives domestically and pull his country out of the Paris climate agreement again.

Sir Keir said he would not comment on Mr Trump when asked if he was prepared to call out the president-elect about his claims that climate change is a hoax.

Well Im not going to comment on his views.

I am very clear in mine, which is that the climate challenge is something that we have got to rise to and thats why Ive repeatedly said weve got to show leadership, Sir Keir told journalists travelling with him to Baku for the summit.

The Prime Minister said he saw action on climate change as not just an obligation, but an opportunity.

The UK has a huge opportunity to get ahead here when it comes to renewables.

Thats why Im encouraging as much investment as I can when it comes to carbon capture, when it comes to hydrogen, when it comes to offshore wind.

Theres a global race on now to be the global leader on this. I want us to be in the race and I want us to win the race.

Donald Trump is expected to pull his country out of the Paris climate agreement again (Steven Senne/AP)

Wealthier countries are facing pressure over delivering finance to help poor countries cope with climate change, and increasing their ambitions on emissions cuts.

One hundred billion dollars (77 billion) a year was pledged in private and public finance to help poorer nations, as part of efforts to secure the Paris treaty negotiated in 2015.

But wealthier nations must now iron out a new finance agreement that meets the Paris commitments for sufficient cash flows for cutting emissions and adapting to climate change, with experts saying one trillion US dollars needs to be flowing into developing countries each year by 2030.

In 2019, the Tories pledged 11.6 billion to help poorer countries deal with climate change over five years to 2025/26.

The Labour Government will honour that commitment and set out a new target to reduce emissions, the Prime Minister said, adding: When it comes to emissions, we will set out our target tomorrow.

Obviously Cop will then want to look at a future (climate finance) sum taking us through to 2035, but were not making UK commitments in relation to that.

This exercise is not about domestic countries and the contribution theyre making, thats about the Cop arrangement for what the sum will be to 2035. So Im not making any commitment for the UK at this COP at all on that front.

Sir Keir Starmer will argue that the climate transition presents an almost seven trillion-dollar (5.43 trillion) investment opportunity.

The Government estimates that supplying the goods and services to enable the global net-zero transition could be worth 1 trillion to UK businesses by 2030.

https://x.com/COP29_AZ/status/1841137855491662181

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband travelled with Sir Keir to the summit.

During Cop29, the Government will announce the launch a new CIF Capital Market Mechanism on the London Stock Exchange which it says could mobilise up to 75 billion dollars (58 billion) in additional climate capital for developing countries over the next decade.

I will be making an argument powerfully that now is the time for the private sector to start paying their fair share in relation to these commitments, Sir Keir told journalists.

He said they would be launching the initiative because I think its high time the private sector played their part in this.

Sir Keir will hold a one on one meeting with the president of the World Bank on the fringes of the summit on Tuesday.
Vitamin String Quartet Courtesy Vitamin String Quartet

The first thought that comes to mind when one thinks of a string quartet is probably more Beethoven and less Billie Eilish, but Vitamin String Quartet has been changing the paradigm when it comes to reproducing pop music a la classical instruments over the last few decades. Houston audiences will get the chance to witness the modern interpretations of Top 40 along with a few other surprises when Performing Arts Houston welcomes the group to Wortham Center on Tuesday for The Music of Taylor Swift, Bridgerton, and Beyond.

We're playing a bunch of music that the audience is going to be familiar with, and we're going to play some music that the audience is not going to be familiar with, said Derek Stein, cellist. We may be playing string quartet or rock and pop tunes that all of us have been trained in the classical tradition. We are very experienced chamber music players, and all of that comes out in this performance.

Audiences can expect Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Radiohead and other modern artists music, and the quartet will also cater to their conservatory background with classical selections as well.

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Hugh Sachs, left, as Brimsley and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in Season 3 of "Bridgerton." Liam Daniel/Netflix/LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Vitamin String Quartet received a boost in public interest lately thanks to the Netflix series "Bridgerton." Set during the early 1800s in an alternative London Regency era, the series often includes orchestral covers of contemporary pop music.

Olivia Rodrigo performs at Chase Center in San Francisco in Aug. 2024 Estefany Gonzalez / Special to t Vitamin String Quartet Courtesy Vitamin String Quartet

Enter Vitamin String Quartet. The groups covers in the show include Sias Cheap Thrills, Robyns Dancing On My Own, Miley Cyrus Wrecking Ball, Coldplays Yellow, Maroon 5s Girls Like You, Ariana Grandes thank u, next, and a bevy of other instantly recognizable tunes.

Our performance in Houston will be a very diverse program, and it's good for all ages, Stein said.

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It is also the type of programming that will whet the palate of budding modern classical music enthusiasts as well as provide an easy entry point for people who have not yet developed a taste for classical but enjoy Top 40 hits.

Stein recalled an experience from the groups most recent performance in Conway, Ark., located about 30 minutes outside Little Rock.

After the shows, we like to go out into the lobby to greet the fans, and there was a young lady who came up to us and said, Oh my gosh, this is the very first concert I've ever been to. I've never I had any experience with this kind of music, Stein said. This person is now going to go and explore string quartets; she is going to find a lot of stuff that is not what we do, but hopefully she will find some stuff that she likes just as much.

Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium on June 21, 2024, in London. Gareth Cattermole/TNS

The experience underscores Vitamin String Quartets raison detre: to create experiences for music fans and provide a bridge between classical music and mainstream music.

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'The Music of Taylor Swift, Bridgerton, and Beyond' When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Where: Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Details: $29-$79; 713-227-4772, performingartshouston.org

Interestingly, Vitamin String Quartet has spent 25 years in an effort to fulfill this mission. Since the projects start in 1999, Vitamin String Quartet has helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. Yet, back then, it was not a band so much as it was a concept.

The concept was born at the record label CMH Records that came out of a series of experiments mashing up musical idioms and genres and forming a specialization doing interesting cover versions of pop music, and one of those iterations was string music, said Leo Flynn, the groups brand manager. It was started as an album series, and it took off really quickly.

Later in the mid 2000s when the catalog went digital, the studio project was brought under the banner Vitamin String Quartet.

Opportunities came around for special appearances, so we jumped into it and figured out, in our world of different musicians, how to pull this together, Flynn said. We made the leap into live performances and took advantage of every opportunity.

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Thom Yorke of Radiohead as they play the Lands End stage during day two of the Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco in 2016 Michael Macor/The Chronicle

The work during the last quarter century has paid off.

To date, the group has significantly moved the needle in accomplishing its goal. Across more than 300 releases, the quartet has produced cutting-edge string renditions of a highly eclectic mix of artists, erasing boundaries between classical, dance, hip-hop, rock and pop. The recordings have earned the ensemble more than 2 billion streams, almost 4 million downloads, and more than 1 million physical units sold. Seven albums have charted with Billboard, peaking at No. 4 in both the classical and classical crossover categories.

As for the "Bridgerton" connection, VSQ had a history of placements in shows like "The Vampire Diaries," "The Reign," "Gossip Girl," and "Westworld." So there was awareness of VSQ among music teams as a go-to for alluring, sophisticated string covers that bridge both classical and modern. So given that, and the "Bridgerton" team's vision for the series the show reached out to VSQ.

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Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron discussed putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into winter as they met amid uncertainty over the future of US backing for Kyiv.

In a show of European solidarity days after Donald Trumps election win, the two leaders held talks in Paris to mark Armistice Day and consider how best to continue supporting the wartorn country.

It comes amid suggestions that the UK and France could seek to persuade Joe Biden to grant Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike into Russia before he leaves the White House.

Sir Keir Starmer during a breakfast with some of the British defence community at the British Ambassadors residence in Paris on Monday (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Sir Keir met Mr Macron on Monday ahead of commemorations in Paris marking the end of the First World War, becoming the first British prime minister to attend the events since Winston Churchill in 1944.

The leaders started by discussing the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Turning to the Middle East, both underscored their deep concern at the situation in Gaza and Lebanon. They also reiterated the need for stability in the West Bank.

Reflecting on the situation in the Channel, the Prime Minister set out his mission to disrupt and deter smuggling gangs across Europe, and the leaders strongly agreed on the importance of bearing down on illegal migration at every stage of a migrants journey.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

As he travelled on to Cop29 in Baku, Sir Keir was asked by reporters if he had discussed with the French president whether Mr Biden should allow Kyiv to use the long-range Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory before he leaves office.

The Prime Minister replied: We did, of course, discuss Ukraine this morning, as you would expect, and for reasons that youll already understand, Im not going to go into the operational matters.

But full support for Ukraine and making sure Ukraine is in the best possible position have been the sort of driving principles of the arguments that Ive been putting forward.

The Prime Minister also said his Government will set out a path to spend 2.5% of national output on defence in the new year once a strategic review reports back, as it prepares for the possibility a Trump presidency may call for greater spending commitments from Nato allies.

Brussels is also likely to redirect tens of billions of euros towards defence investment ahead of Mr Trumps return to the White House, telling EU capitals they have more flexibility to provide financial support to their defence industries, according to the Financial Times newspaper.

Sir Keir also met French prime minister Michel Barnier, who said afterwards that the Franco-British relationship had endured trials before and would be invaluable in facing the challenges that lie ahead.

Very happy to see you again, (Sir Keir Starmer), Mr Barnier said in a post on social media.

Franco-British friendship has a long history and has known trials. It will be invaluable in facing the challenges that lie ahead. Thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for being with the French people on this November 11.

Defence Secretary John Healey earlier downplayed concerns that the incoming Trump administration could imperil Ukraine, insisting he expects the US to support for Kyiv for as along as it takes to prevail over Russia.

During his campaign, the president-elect had insisted he would find a solution to end the war within a day without explaining how he would do so, which some had interpreted to mean a peace on terms favourable to Moscow.

He has also accused European countries of free-riding on America in an expression of scepticism towards Nato.

But facing broadcasters on Monday morning, Mr Healey said he believed Washington would remain steadfast in its backing and would not turn away from the military bloc.

As far as President Trump goes, he recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do, and I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putins invasion, he told Sky News.

I dont expect the US to turn away from Nato. They recognise the importance of the alliance. They recognise the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe.

Donald Trump has said he would want to end the war in Ukraine within a day without explaining how he would do so (Brian Lawless/PA)

Downing Street refused to say whether Sir Keir Starmer believes Ukraine will be safe under a second Trump presidency, but added that it expected Washington to remain alongside allies like the UK.

Were not going to speculate on positions before the administration is in place. We always welcome sustained bipartisan support in the US or Ukraine, and thats been key to our international efforts to support, a Number 10 spokeswoman said.

We expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK in standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over (Vladimir) Putins invasion.

Mr Trump has previously criticised Washingtons provision of tens of billions of dollars of aid to Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia, leading to fears that funding could wane under his second presidency.

At the weekend, Bryan Lanza, who worked on the Republican politicians campaign, said his administration would be focused on resolving the conflict rather than helping Ukraine regain territory such as Crimea  though a spokesperson for the president-elect later distanced him from the remarks.

Downing Street said any peace talks should be led by Ukraine.

Asked whether the UK was looking to provide as many arms as it can before Mr Trumps presidency, Number 10 said there was no change in that regard.

Well be maintaining our position of continually stepping up, a spokeswoman said.
A person has been arrested in connection with a shooting at Tuskegee University that killed one person and injured at least 16 other people on the Alabama school's homecoming weekend.

Jaquez Myrick, 25, was arrested and charged with possession of a machine gun, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, or ALEA, said in a statement. Officials said Myrick had a handgun with a machine gun conversion device and was found leaving the scene.

In a statement, ALEA said that special agents were notified that multiple people had been shot on the universitys campus around 1:40 a.m. and that it is still gathering information about the events that led to the shooting.

The campus of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala., on March 28, 2019.

An 18-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene, the agency said. Tuskegee University said the victim was "a non-university individual."

A total of 16 people were injured, including 12 who were shot and taken to local hospitals for treatment. "Four other individuals sustained injuries that were not related to gunfire over the course of the incident," ALEA said.

The university canceled all classes scheduled for Monday, when grief counselors will be available for students in the chapel.

ALEA asks anyone with information to get in touch with the FBI, which is investigating.

A nearly minutelong video on social media appears to show a person sheltering behind a car as gunshots ring out almost continuously.

Another witness, Alyssa, who asked to be identified by only her first name, told NBC News she was visiting a friend at Tuskegee this weekend.

She said there was a big gathering, almost like one big party, in the parking lot of the west end campus, where she was staying.

She said that though easily over 1,000 people were there, everything was calm, and people were dancing and mingling. Alyssa and her friend were walking around and recording TikTok videos near a truck playing music when she saw people running. Then, she said, she heard the first gunshots.

"I grabbed my friend immediately, and that's when I heard the shooting," said Alyssa, 21, of Atlanta. She said she and her friend were pinned on the ground between two cars with a group of other people as the shooting occurred.

Video Alyssa posted to social media shows the group on the ground, hiding behind a vehicle. They tell one another to "get down" as rounds of gunfire ring out in the background.

"It was nearby. You could hear the bullets hitting glass and whistling past us," Alyssa said. She said she heard people running by and yelling that they were going to pull their guns out and start shooting back, adding that there were multiple shooters.

"We were pinned down for a few minutes because they wouldn't stop shooting," she said. "It would be five-second breaks and they started right back up."

Alyssa said she is OK.

Unfortunately this isnt the first time Ive been through something like this. Its the new norm for America, she said, adding that after the shooting ended, the party continued.
An arrest has been made in connection with the deadly shooting at Tuskegee University in Alabama, which killed an 18-year-old and left at least 16 people injured early Sunday.

Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, was charged with being in possession of a machine gun, according to authorities, who said he was found leaving the scene of the shooting.

PHOTO: Booking Photo for Jaquez Myrick Kevon (Montgomery County Sheriffs Office)

The deadly barrage of gunfire erupted around 1:40 a.m. on the Macon County campus as the school's centennial homecoming festivities were winding down, authorities said.

La'Tavion Johnson was identified late Sunday night as the teenager who died during the shooting, according to the Macon County Coroner's Office.

PHOTO: LaTavion Johnson (Tamika Johnson)

Police said that 12 people were injured when they were hit by gunfire, while another four were hurt over the course of the incident, some while running from cover.

Several videos posted on social media captured what sounded like numerous gunshots being fired and showed people diving to the ground or taking cover in vehicles.

A release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Sunday, announcing the arrest, did not indicate whether authorities were still searching for additional suspects, but it did appeal to the public to continue sending relevant information to the FBI.

MORE: Suspect captured in killing of off-duty Florida sheriff's deputy who attempted to intervene in a domestic violence incident

According to radio transmissions from police officers sent to the campus to investigate the shooting, there had initially been a suspicion of multiple shooters.

"There's going to be two shooters at this time, maybe more," one officer said in a radio call, according to transmissions provided by Broadcastify.

In a statement from the university early Sunday, Johnson was identified only as a "non-university individual." The statement also noted that the individual's parents had been notified.

"Several others including Tuskegee University students were injured and are receiving treatment at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery," the statement continued.

State police added hours later that the person killed in the shooting was 18 years old. Shortly before midnight on Sunday, Johnson's name was released.

PHOTO: White Hall historic building, Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee, Ala. (Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images, FILE)

At the request of the Macon County Sheriff's Office, special agents from ALEA's Bureau of Investigation were investigating the shooting as of Sunday.

"Special Agents are still in the process of gathering and examining information relative to the sequence of events which ultimately led to the shooting," ALEA said.

Officials asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators immediately. Authorities also asked potential witnesses to upload any digital files of the incident, including video, to the FBI.

MORE: Suspect arrested in Halloween mall shooting in Vancouver, Washington, that killed 1, injured 2

Officials from the university said that it is "in the process of completing student accountability and notifying parents."

"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available," the university added.

Tuskegee University canceled Monday's classes and announced that grief counselors would be available for students in the school's chapel.

ABC News' Jessica Gorman and Stefan Joyce contributed to this report.

Deadly Tuskegee University shooting leads to machine gun possession arrest originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Two of the "I Voted" stickers that are mailed, one for each ballot mailed, with mail in ballots in Maricopa County shown here Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PHOENIX (AP)  The Arizona Supreme Court declined Sunday to extend the deadline for voters to fix problems with mail-in ballots, a day after voter rights groups cited reports of delays in vote counting and in notification of voters with problem signatures.

The court said Sunday that election officials in eight of the state's 15 counties reported that all voters with inconsistent signatures had been properly notified and given an opportunity to respond.

Arizona law calls for people who vote by mail to receive notice of problems such as a ballot signature that doesnt match one on file and get a reasonable chance to correct it in a process known as curing.

The Court has no information to establish in fact that any such individuals did not have the benefit of reasonable efforts to cure their ballots, wrote Justice Bill Montgomery, who served as duty judge for the seven-member court. He noted that no responding county requested a time extension.

"In short, there is no evidence of disenfranchisement before the Court, the court order said.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Campaign Legal Center on Saturday named registrars including Stephen Richer in Maricopa County in a petition asking for an emergency court order to extend the original 5 p.m. MST Sunday deadline by up to four days. Maricopa is the states most populous county and includes Phoenix.

The groups said that as of Friday evening, more than 250,000 mail-in ballots had not yet been verified by signature, with the bulk of those in Maricopa County. They argued that tens of thousands of Arizona voters could be disenfranchised.

Montgomery, a Republican appointed to the state high court in 2019 by GOP former Gov. Doug Ducey, said the eight counties that responded  including Maricopa  said all such affected voters received at least one telephone call along with other messages by emails, text messages or mail.

He noted, however, that the Navajo Nation advised the court that the list of tribe members in Apache County who needed to cure their ballots on Saturday was more than 182 people.

Maricopa County reported early Sunday that it had about 202,000 ballots yet to be counted. The Arizona Secretary of State reported that more than 3 million ballots were cast in the election.
President Joe Biden, from left, Vice President Kamala Harris, Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, commanding general of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Military District of Washington, stand during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday made their first joint appearance since her election loss when they observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The pair then went to the cemetery's memorial amphitheater, where Biden honored the service and sacrifice of America's military veterans  including those who paid the ultimate price, and their families  during what was his final time speaking there as commander in chief of the U.S. military.

It's been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation, Biden said. You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world.

Biden announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding the types of cancers covered under the PACT Act, legislation he signed to expand health care services for veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from burn pits" that incinerated garbage and other waste.

The president opened his brief remarks by stating that America's truly sacred obligation is to prepare those it sends into harm's way and care for them when they come home, or don't.

To all the military families, to all those with a loved one still missing or unaccounted for, to all Americans grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, Jill and I want you to know we see you, we thank you and we'll never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your family, he said.

The president's son, Beau Biden, served in the Delaware Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2008 for about a year. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

Biden and Harris appeared solemn as they approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. They placed their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played before the wreath-laying, and again afterward as Taps sounded.

The president and first lady hosted veterans and members of the military community at the White House before they and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, departed for the hallowed burial ground across the Potomac River from Washington.

It was the first time that Biden and Harris had been seen together in public since the vice president lost last week's election to former President Donald Trump, though Biden had spoken to both Trump and Harris by phone. The president plans to host the president-elect at the White House on Wednesday.

Before leaving the cemetery, Harris and Emhoff visited a gravesite. The White House did not say who is buried there.

After the Veterans Day observance, Biden flew home to Delaware to attend the unveiling of a plaque in Claymont honoring his late son. Biden also visited Beau's gravesite in Wilmington.

___

Associated Press writer Ayanna Alexander in Delaware, contributed to this report.
The first vote the lame-duck Senate will take as it returns Tuesday will be on a nominee for a Chicago federal court, kicking off Democrats uphill campaign to confirm as many of President Joe Bidens picks for the judiciary as possible before losing power at the end of next month.

By the time Biden leaves office, he will not be able to fully counter the makeover of the Supreme Court and of federal appeals courts that President-elect Donald Trump achieved during his first term. He could, however, come close to or even eclipse Trumps numbers on district judges who will be the first line of defense in the legal battles over Trumps agenda in the next four years.

There are 17 judicial nominees who have already been advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee and are ready for a floor vote.

Trumps return to the White House will only increase the influence hes had on the federal bench, so every judge confirmed in the lame-duck session will be one less vacancy that he can fill.

But holding the White House and Senate majority for another few weeks doesnt guarantee Democrats will have an easy time processing the final batch of Biden appointees. Many of the pending nominees have been ready for floor votes for months due to unified GOP opposition. And Trump has called on Republicans to blockade the remaining Biden picks, meaning that the White House could need all of the Democratic votes they can get, including from members who are retiring or were defeated last week.

There is a push across the board from the White House and the Senate for Democrats to show up and do the job they were elected to do, a senior White House official, asking for anonymity to speak candidly, told CNN.

A symbol of the Democratic worry is the renewed concerns that Republicans can flip another seat on the 6-3 Supreme Court because Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is 70, did not step down when Biden and Senate Democrats would have been well-poised to replace her.

Sotomayor has indicated to colleagues that she has no plans to step down this year, and Democrats were not planning on launching a concerted effort to convince her to retire in the lame duck, a maneuver that would have created its own risks.

While there may have been some outside talk of that in the elections immediate aftermath, Democratic Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, called that fantasy football discussions.

Maggie Jo Buchanan, the managing director of Demand Justice, which advocates for progressive judicial nominations, told CNN that the emphasis is on lower court judges, as she called on Democratic Senate leadership to work through the remaining weekends if need be.

We are firmly focused on the nominees that we know and pushing the Senate to do whatever is possible to get them off the finish line, Buchanan said.

The White House official pointed to how Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn on Saturday promised no weekends, no breaks to confirm Trumps Cabinet once he took power, and the White House official encouraged Democrats to show that dedication to judges in Bidens final stretch.

I hope we are going to see some later nights, the official said, suggesting Senate leaders rethink the usual 6 p.m. end time for their workdays. On a day you would normally process two nominees, why not process three?

A final sprint after 213 judges confirmed

The Democratic judicial push has confirmed 213 Biden nominees to the federal bench so far and has broken records in terms of racial and professional diversity, even if Biden is still short of the 234 judges Trump put on the bench in his first term.

Democrats are vowing to close out strong. From what I understand, its going to be a robust few weeks, said New Jersey Sen. George Helmy.

In order to get as many possible nominees confirmed, Senate leaders will need floor time, Republican absences and a willingness from Democrats to stand firm behind nominees that have been targeted with vigorous GOP opposition. Democrats will also have to juggle confirmation effort with the work that will need to be done to pass a spending bill to avert a government shutdown and the annual defense policy bill in December.

If Republicans are united against a nominee, the defection of just two Democratic-aligned senators would be the end of the road. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, an independent, has also warned previously he will not advance any nominees that only have one partys support.

For some of the most controversial of Bidens picks for the federal bench, Democrats have successfully brought the nominees up for floor votes when enough Republicans were absent. Hope remains among liberals that the attendance stars align again in the lame duck so that long-stalled nominees, like 3rd Circuit nominee Adeel Mangi, can finally be confirmed.

This December 2023 photo shows Adeel Abdullah Mangi during a Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing in Washington, DC. - Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg/Getty Images

If confirmed, Mangi would be the first Muslim judge on any US federal appeals court.

Even nominees that arent controversial on the merits could struggle to get Republican support post-election, said Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond School of Law professor who closely tracks the nomination process.

Some Republicans could be emboldened by their victories in the presidency and pick up of the Senate, Tobias said.

Trump is counting on that, urging GOP senators not to allow any nominations to be filled with Biden appointees.

No Judges should be approved during this period of time, Trump said in a social media post this weekend.

Senate Republicans, meanwhile, confirmed 14 Trump judicial nominees in the lame-duck period after his 2020 electoral defeat but while the GOP controlled the upper chamber.

Regardless of party, the American people expect their leaders to prioritize the rule of law and ensuring the criminal justice system can function effectively in every stated, said White House spokesperson Andrew Bates. Delaying the confirmation of strongly qualified, experienced judges takes a real-life toll on constituents and leads to backlogs of criminal cases.

In his first term, Trump inherited more than 100 openings on the federal bench, benefitting from a Senate that was under GOP control during the last two years of President Barack Obamas term. That wont be the case when Trump returns to Washington in January. There are 47 current openings  many of them in for district court seats where Republican home state senators and the White House could not reach agreement on a nominee  and Democrats have 17 nominees ready to fill them pending on the floor. There are around nine  depending on what the calendar will allow  other Biden nominees who could still come through committee.

Senate Democrats are in a strong position regarding judicial confirmations as we approach the lame duck session given that we have a number of nominees on the floor ready for a vote, said a spokesperson for Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin of Illinois.

Urgency now more than ever

All told, Biden has five nominees queued up for the influential federal appeals court spots, where Trump was able to make a major impact, and four of them are ready for floor votes.

In addition to Mangi, Biden nominees for the First and Sixth Circuits  Julia Lipez and Karla Campbell, respectively  could face a tough road on the floor after every Republican on the Judiciary Committee voted against them there.

As for the district courts, other nominees also faced party-line opposition in committee, so their approval on the floor will likely depend on attendance and the possibility that Senate Republican moderates like Sens. Susan Collins or Lisa Murkowski cross over to help Democrats.

In the wake of the election, Democrats may also be more suspect about voting to advance nominees that they have concerns or questions about.

Even before the election, one of Bidens nominees, Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, who has been selected for Manhattans federal trial court, attracted the opposition of Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, blocking her path out of committee.

But other Democrats on the committee argue that the reality of a Trump administration could also work to motivate colleagues to move expeditiously to fill the courts.

I think there is a sense of urgency now more than ever, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, told CNN.

CNNs Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report.

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A brand-new Disney cruise ship rushed to the aid of a catamaran taking on water in the Atlantic on Sunday and plucked four people to safety, authorities said.

The 50-foot Serenity was 265 miles from Bermuda when it called for help at 8:30 a.m., prompting the Coast Guard out of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to alert nearby vessels, the agency said in a statement.

The Disney Treasure responded, saying it was 80 miles from Serenity, before it headed to the catamaran and arrived between 1 and 1:45 p.m., the Coast Guard said.

A lifeboat from the cruise ship Treasure heads toward a disabled catamaran.

Once Treasure got close enough, it launched a lifeboat and got all four passengers off Serenity, officials said.

We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril, Treasure captain Marco Nogara said in a statement Disney released Monday.

"Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety," Nogara said.

A bilge pump on Serenity was working and helped stem the flow of water, but that was only a temporary solution.

"The vessel was able to control parts of the flooding they were experiencing, but they couldn't keep up with it," Petty Officer 3rd Class Christine Bills told NBC News.

Disney Treasure, which was recently constructed, was headed from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its future home in Port Canaveral, Florida, when it was unexpectedly called to duty.

The ship was on a journey "across the Atlantic Ocean ... in preparation for its inaugural season this December," according to a Disney blog posting Friday.

Treasure is scheduled to arrive in Florida on Tuesday morning and make its first planned passenger journey on Dec. 21, officials said. It is set to cast off for seven nights with stops in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

The $1.1 billion Treasure has 1,250 passenger cabins, according to its German builder, Meyer Werft.
By Moira Warburton and Leah Douglas

(Reuters) -Businessman Elon Musk, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, endorsed Republican Senator Rick Scott for U.S. Senate majority leader on Sunday as Trump pushed candidates for the influential post to help him make changes quickly after his party won control of the chamber.

Republicans are expected to hold at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate after capturing three previously held by Democrats in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana in last Tuesday's election.

Current Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who has led his party in the chamber since 2007, is not seeking election to the post.

"Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader!" Musk, a tech billionaire who has emerged as a major backer of Trump in recent months, wrote in a social media post on Sunday.

Trump has not yet endorsed anyone in race for majority leader.

Musk is the world's wealthiest person. Scott, who represents Florida in the Senate, is a former healthcare executive and the wealthiest sitting senator.

In an interview on Fox News on Sunday, Scott said the Senate needs to implement real change.

"We can't keep doing what we're doing," Scott said. "That's what Donald Trump got elected to do, to be the change."

In a tweet on Sunday, Trump said anyone seeking to be Senate majority leader must agree not to stand in the way of temporary presidential appointments being made when the Senate is not in session.

During Senate sessions, senators exercising their constitutional power to provide its "advice and consent" hold hearings and confirmation votes for presidential appointmees such as Cabinet heads of massive government agencies including the Defense Department and Department of Health and Human Services.

Scott responded on X that he agreed with Trump's demand, which would enable the incoming president to quickly fill posts, even if only temporarily. Two other Republican senators vying to lead the body - John Thune and John Cornyn - later posted their support for Trump's push to quickly fill appointments.

Trump campaigned on promises, among other things, to deport immigrants who are in the United States illegally, cut taxes, impose tariffs on international trading partners and loosen fiscal policy.

Scott has the backing of several hard-right Republican senators, but it remains whether he can bring Republican moderates to his side.

Senate Republican leadership elections are scheduled for Wednesday, shortly after the chamber returns to work following a recess for the Nov. 5 elections.

The outcome of two Senate races - in Pennsylvania and Arizona - has not yet been called by Edison Research.

HOUSE CONTROL STILL UNCLEAR

Control of the U.S. House of Representatives has not yet been decided. Republicans already have won 214 seats, according to Edison, just shy of the 218 needed to retain their current majority.

If Republicans lead both chambers, it would mean that most of Trump's agenda would have a much greater likelihood of winning congressional approval than if Democrats controlled one of them.

Partial results show Republicans have a narrow lead in nine of the remaining uncalled House races and Democrats in seven, according to a New York Times analysis, although many thousands of votes remain to be counted.

Most of the remaining House seats are in Western states, where vote tallying typically takes longer than elsewhere in the country.

(Reporting by Leah Douglas and Moira Warburton; Editing by Will Dunham and Lincoln Feast.)
Chinese premier meets with Italian president in Beijing

Xinhua) 09:35, November 11, 2024

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing on Saturday.

Li said that at present, China-Italy relations have maintained healthy and stable development, exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been deepened, and new practical results have been achieved.

China is ready to work with Italy to take the opportunity of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, continue to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and push bilateral relations to a higher level, Li said.

Li pointed out that China is willing to work with Italy to promote two-way opening-up, continuously improve the level of bilateral trade and investment facilitation, expand the breadth and depth of cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises, create new growth points of cooperation in innovation and green fields, better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly promote development and prosperity.

China welcomes more Italian companies to invest in China and hopes that Italy will create a fair, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies in Italy, he noted.

Li also called on the two sides to implement the outcomes of the meeting of the China-Italy Cultural Cooperation Mechanism, deepen cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education and local affairs, and better promote people-to-people exchanges.

China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Italy to jointly promote the sound and stable development of China-EU relations, he said.

Mattarella said Italy attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with China and looks forward to working with China to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, deepen practical cooperation in trade, investment, small and medium-sized enterprises, green development and climate change, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning in culture, education and other fields, and push for sustained and in-depth development of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both Italy and China support multilateralism, advocate free trade and open cooperation, and oppose protectionism, he said, noting that Italy is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on multilateral affairs, jointly deal with global challenges, and play a positive role in promoting the stable development of EU-China relations.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Houston Chronicle, one of the largest newspapers in the United States, was founded in 1901 and was acquired by Hearst in 1987.

In addition to delivering in-depth coverage of local issues, the Chronicle is committed to covering state, national and international news. The newspaper operates a news bureau in Washington, D.C., that provides coverage of issues of special interest to residents of Houston and Texas.
Elon Musk had a scathing response to Saturday Night Live spoofing him on last nights episode.

During the cold opening skit, the cast members cheekily showed allegiance to President-elect Donald Trump following his historic victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

Dana Carvey  who previously played President Joe Biden  made an unexpected appearance as Musk, 53, who backed Trump, 78, in the race.

Elon Musk at Donald Trumps rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27. AP

Dana Carvey as Elon Musk on SNL. NBC / SNL

Check it out dark MAGA, the 69-year-old comedian said while impersonating the Tesla founder in a black MAGA hat. But seriously, I run the country now, he added.

Musk lashed out at Carvey and SNL on his own social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), on Sunday.

SNL has been dying slowly for years, as they become increasingly out of touch with reality, Musk wrote.

Elon Musk at Donald Trumps rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on October 5. REUTERS

Their last-ditch effort to cheat the equal airtime requirements and prop up Kamala before the election only helped sink her campaign further, the billionaire added, referring to the FCC commissioner blasting Harris, 60, for allegedly breaking the Equal Time rule after her appearance on the show last week.

In another response to the sketch, Musk wrote, Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey.

They are so mad that @realDonaldTrump won @nbcsnl, Musk said in another message.

The cast of SNL in their cold opening after the 2024 election. NBC / SNL

Musk previously hosted SNL in 2021.

On last nights episode hosted by Bill Burr, Carvey introduced his Musk impersonation as the show reacted to the results of the election.

Americas going to be like one of my rockets, Carvey as Musk said in the cold opening, while jumping up and down. Theyre super cool and super fun, but theres a slight chance it could blow up and everybody dies. Haha!

Dana Carvey spoofing Elon Musk on SNL. NBC / SNL

See you in the White House! he added.

The rest of the cast then began singing Y.M.C.A., an anthem at Trumps rallies, as they poked fun at the young men who helped elect the Republican politician.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk at a campaign rally in October. AFP via Getty Images

Musk was with Trump on election night at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He joined the Trump family in a victory squad photo after the election results were revealed.

The SpaceX founder was one of Trumps most high-profile supporters in the 2024 presidential election cycle.

Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Michigan on November 1. REUTERS

He donated nearly $120 million alone to a pro-Trump super PAC, addressed rallies on Trumps behalf and set up a $1 million-per-day giveaway for registered voters.

At an Oct. 5 rally in Butler, Pa.,  where Trump was nearly assassinated several months earlier  Musk took the stage and urged voters to elect the 45th president again.
Ghost light sighting

Floridas inexplicable ghost lights phenomenon has haunted drivers for six decades and counting  still with no explanation for its cause as motorists prepare for its potential reappearance in the coming winter months.

The Oviedo Lights have been reported on Snow Hill Road, a straight shot connecting Chuluota, Fla. to Geneva, Fla. since the 1960s, according to local Florida historian Jason Byrne.

The blue lights appear primarily in the winter, most often around midnight, and always approaching from the south on a bridge over the Econlockhatchee River. The lights make it appear as if there is an oncoming car, except with the brightness of a train headlight, according to a blog post written by the historian.

An unexplained ghost lights sighting from the October 6, 1969. University of Central Florida

As terrifying as the image sounds, the ghost lights legend has been passed down for decades and is still used today as a rumor for teenagers to spread, similar to the story of Bloody Mary, Byrne said.

You drive out there and sit in the middle of the night  drink beer or whatever teenagers do  and look for these legendary lights, Byrne told News 6. So theres literally generations of people who remember going out there, taking a date or taking some friends in search of these ghost lights.

Because of the open-ended nature of the legend, many have ascribed their own origin stories to explain the lights.

Some are simple, like one that attributes the lights to a car crash that drowned two boys in the river. Others take more creative liberties, like a story that pins the lights to a Cub Scout that wandered away from his troop with a lone lantern and was never seen again.

A bridge over the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, Florida, infamous for its unexplained ghost light phenomenon. Flickr / Katja Schulz

Mural depicting City of Oviedo, Florida. City of Oviedo

The tragedies in the rumors, while specific in some cases, are unconfirmed. Byrnes told News 6 that of all the tall tales told about the lights, only one has ever been verified.

In 1963, 17-year-old Norbert Hyman drove across the bridge with three of his friends to set off some fireworks. When theyd finished, one of the friends returned to the car, while the other three walked back to the main road.

The friend who went to get the car didnt turn the headlights on and drove down the main road towards the others. Two of the teens managed to dive out of the way, but Hyman was fatally struck and died on the way to the hospital.

Whether you believe its the root of the actual ghost story  and this kid is haunting, if thats your way of believing  or whether you just think that its the root ghost story that kicked off all these other stories, thats, I guess, up to the reader, he said.

1800s painting by George Catlin depicting Zurumati Indians approaching a will-o-the-wisp in a jungle at night. Heritage Images via Getty Images

The most likely scientific explanation for the phenomena is tied to the dead vegetation surrounding the lake, which can break down into highly combustible methane that may be the source of the bluish light, or a will-o-the-wisp phenomenon, according to the local outlet.

However, no one has actually tested the swamp gas theory, and there havent been any reports of the wisp in over a century. The only time wisps are ever mentioned during the modern day is, more often than not, in Pokemon discussions, as will-o-wisp is a popular status move in the video games.

With no firm explanation, the community has accepted the unsolved mystery, as the folklore surrounding it has provided families with stories to pass on through generations.
Tel Aviv  Early this fall in Gaza, aid workers doled out one food portion per mealtime, per family to starving civilians displaced by Israel's raging war with Hamas. But as Israel choked off aid deliveries to the Palestinian territory, the meals dwindled. Last week, the United Nations again warned that some Gazans are facing famine conditions.

Israel's government faces a deadline this Wednesday. The Biden administration warned almost a month ago that Israel must significantly increase the amount of aid reaching Gaza's beleaguered civilian population within 30 days, or it would face restrictions on American military support to the country.

The ultimatum, laid out in a letter from the administration to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his deputies, appears to have had some impact.

A driver prepares a truck carrying humanitarian aid before crossing into the Gaza Strip, Nov. 11, 2024, at the Erez West Crossing, Israel. / Credit: Amir Levy/Getty

CBS News saw aid trucks roll across the border from Israel into Gaza at one of the four land crossing points on Monday morning.

Under U.S. pressure, Israel has increased the amount of aid from a low of just 30 aid trucks entering per day in October, to about 150 now. But that's still less than half of

the 350 trucks the U.S. government said must be rolling into Gaza to meet the urgent needs of the enclave's 2 million-plus people.

United Nations humanitarian agencies have said in recent days that far from a dramatic increase, even less food and other aid are reaching Palestinian civilians in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli restrictions and evacuation orders and ramped-up offensives in the north and center of the territory, along with chaos created by the lack of any law enforcement presence in the enclave.

Children are seen as Palestinians flee to safer areas amid Israeli attacks on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, Nov. 11, 2024. / Credit: Ashraf Amra/Anadolu/Getty

Netanyahu's newly appointed Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday he was confident that Israel would "reach understanding with our American friends and that issue will be solved."

But Michael Oren, a former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, told CBS News that if the outgoing Biden administration does determine the minimum aid threshold isn't being met and it decides to curb the flow of American military support, it could impact Israel's war effort.

"Israel has to ask itself, 'Do we have the ammunition we need to get to January 20th, 2025?' I don't know. I served in the Army over the summer, up in the north, and there were some severe shortages back then."

But while the vast material support from the U.S. may be crucial, Oren said there were broader implications for Israel should the U.S. government scale back its backing.

"It's a signal given to other suppliers," he said.

In other words, if Israel's biggest ally reduces the extent of its support for the multifront war, it could prompt other nations that have continued backing the Israeli government despite major human rights concerns, including some that have already imposed some limits, to rein in their aid and diplomatic support, too.

"That signal from the United States  where you already have Canada and Great Britain withholding certain types of arms deliveries from us  the signal, saying that our primary ally in the world is not delivering these arms, [would be] a very, very dangerous signal," said Oren.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog will be in Washington to meet with President Biden on Tuesday, and the provision of aid to Gaza is certain to be a key topic of discussion.

But Netanyahu is also clearly aware that the White House is now set to change hands, and while its incoming resident, President-elect Donald Trump, has criticized the current Israeli government's tactics in communicating about the war, he's seen as less likely to keep up or increase the U.S. pressure over humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

Netanyahu has said he's spoken with President-elect Trump three times in recent days.

Trump has said he wants the war in Gaza to end quickly  reportedly even before he takes office in January - but he hasn't said how he intends to make it happen.

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'Billy and the Epic Escape' was pulled from shelves after Indigenous groups called it "culturally insensitive and harmful"

Rocket Weijers/Getty; Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Jamie Oliver and his book 'Billy and the Epic Escape'

Jamie Oliver has apologized after his children's book was pulled from shelves following criticism from Indigenous Australians.

The celebrity chef, 49, said he was "devastated to have caused offense" after it was revealed that publisher Penguin Random House U.K. would be withdrawing Billy and the Epic Escape following its initial release back in May, per NBC News.

Per the BBC, the book  which is a sequel to Oliver's 2023 release, Billy and the Giant Adventure  "features an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers living in foster care who is abducted from her home in central Australia."

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) criticized the release, claiming it "dangerously trivializes the ongoing trauma associated with Australias violent history of child removal," per a statement obtained by NBC News.

Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Jamie Oliver with his book 'Billy and the Epic Escape'

For years in the country, children of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent were removed from their families by government agencies and church missions based on assimilation policies. These children were known as the Stolen Generations.

Oliver added in his own statement, per NBC News: I am devastated to have caused offense and apologize wholeheartedly."

"It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale," he continued.

According to the Associated Press, Indigenous campaigners thought they should have been consulted before the book was published.

It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action, Penguin Random House U.K. said, per the news agency.

With that in mind, we have agreed with our author, Jamie Oliver, that we will be withdrawing the book from sale, the company added.

Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty A photo of Jamie Oliver's 'Billy and the Epic Escape'

The BBC reported that Oliver had requested Indigenous Australians be consulted by the publisher before the book's release, but an "editorial insight" got in the way.

NATSIEC's Sharon Davis also commented on the character in the book being able to communicate with animals and plants and read minds because "thats the Indigenous way," the outlet stated. Davis insisted the character's description reduces "complex and diverse belief systems" to "magic," the BBC reported.

This trivialization is both culturally insensitive and harmful," the organization said, per NBC News.

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Davis also said that the fact the character uses vocabulary from the Gamilaraay people of New South Wales and Queensland showed "complete disregard for the vast differences among First Nations languages, cultures, and practices," per the BBC.

Penguin Random House U.K., a rep for Oliver and NATSIEC didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.
angellodeco // Shutterstock

The COVID-19 pandemic was the third leading cause of death globally in 2020 and the second in 2021, according to a recent World Health Organization report. The almost 13 million lives lost during those years opened peoples' eyes to the way viruses can mutate or change. Words such as 'variant,' 'subvariant,' and 'strain' became part of the lexicon.

All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, acquire mutations over time as they spread. Some mutations do not change any characteristics of the virus. Other mutations, however, change how easily the virus spreads, the severity of the disease it can cause, and its sensitivity to vaccines. When the new properties significantly differ from those of a previously detected virus, the new virus type is known as a variant. A strain is a variant with enough mutations to dramatically change its characteristics compared to the parent virus.

The WHO classifies emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as 1) variants under monitoring, with mutations that may affect the virus's ability to spread and cause severe illness, but more evidence is needed; 2) variants of interest, with mutations that are known to affect their transmissibility and the severity of the illness they cause; and 3) variants of concern, which are variants of interest known to cause more severe illness with low sensitivity to available vaccines.

In May 2021, the WHO began assigning Greek letters to SARS-CoV-2 variants to help guide public discussion of the virus.

Stacker examined how SARS-CoV-2 has evolved since 2020 and consulted research from experts at Yale Medical School, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization to identify the major variants that have emerged and the efficacy of vaccines against the newer variants.

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fongbeerredhot // Shutterstock

Alpha (B.1.1.7)

The first highly publicized variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was called alpha (B.1.1.7). The variant began circulating in Great Britain in late 2020. Alpha spread worldwide, including to the U.S., where the CDC labeled it a variant of concern.

Scientists believe mutations in the virus' spike protein, which it uses to infect cells, made it 30% to 50% more infectious than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. The CDC reported that 66% of COVID-19 cases between April 11 and 24, 2021, were caused by the alpha variant. Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson and Johnson, and Moderna said their vaccines prevented severe illness and hospitalization in COVID-19 cases caused by the variant. Alpha eventually receded, however, and the delta variant replaced it.

Jarun Ontakrai // Shutterstock

Beta (B.1.351)

The beta variant first surfaced in South Africa at the end of 2020 and spread to other countries. This variant was uncommon in the U.S. Scientists were concerned about its ability to evade detection and eradication by antibodies.

The CDC said beta was about 50% more contagious than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. Some evidence suggested the beta variant was more likely to cause hospitalization and death than other variants. Early in 2021, South Africa stopped offering the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine when clinical trials found it provided inadequate protection against moderate to severe COVID-19 caused by the beta variant.

angellodeco // Shutterstock

Delta (B.617.2)

First identified in India in late 2020, the delta variant soon spread across the globe. It became the dominant variant of SARS-CoV-2 until the emergence of omicron in December 2021.

Delta is thought to have caused more than twice as many infections as previously circulating variants. The emergence of the delta variant coincided with a rapid spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. beginning in June 2021. Surges in cases in the fall of 2021, even in states with the highest vaccination rates, prompted scientists to urge people to get a booster shot.

Delta caused more severe disease in unvaccinated people than other variants. A study published in 2022 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that between March 29 and May 23, 2021, people in England infected with the delta variant had twice the risk of hospitalization as those infected with the alpha variant, the previously dominant variant in the country.

All three vaccines available in the U.S. prevented severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the delta variant. Delta also prompted the CDC to recommend what it called layered prevention strategies for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, including keeping up to date with booster shots, hand washing, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask.

Although the basic symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, chills, and fatigue, remain the same, coughing and loss of smell became less common with the delta variant.

Dan74 // Shutterstock

Omicron (BA.1, EG.5, BA.2.86)

Omicron was the predominant variant circulating in the U.S. between late 2021 and 2023. It was first identified in late 2021 in Botswana and South Africa and quickly spread to other countries. Although the original Omicron variant BA.1 stopped circulating, a number of subvariants emerged.

The subvariant EG.5, or eris, was the dominant subvariant in the U.S. in 2023. Another subvariant also emerged called BA.2.86, or pirola. Omicron subvariants were thought to be particularly contagious, which scientists believe to be the result of mutations in the virus' spike protein. According to the CDC, staying up to date with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was considered the best way to prevent hospitalization and severe illness caused by EG.5 and BA.2.86.

Omicron symptoms are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat.

Saiful52 // Shutterstock

JN.1

The JN.1 variant was a descendant of the omicron subvariant BA.2.86. It was identified in September 2023 and spread throughout the U.S. JN.1 had one or two additional mutations on the spike protein, allowing it to spread more efficiently. By November 2023, it was believed to have caused 60% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. JN.1 was not thought to cause more severe disease or different symptoms, however, compared to previous omicron variants.

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Ground Picture // Shutterstock

FLiRT (KP.1.1, KP.2, and KP.3) and LB.1

FLiRT variants are subvariants of omicron and were responsible for most COVID-19 cases in the U.S. by the beginning of July 2024. The KP.1 and KP.2 strains of FLiRT are the dominant strains of the virus circulating in the U.S. this autumn. These subvariants are called FLiRT and have two additional mutations on their spike proteins. These mutations may make it easier for the virus to evade immunity that people may have from a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or a vaccine.

LB.1 emerged in June 2024 and is similar to the FLiRT subvariants except for an additional mutation. Experts like Scott Roberts, Yale Medicine's infectious diseases specialist, think LB.1 and KP.2.3 may be more transmissible, although more studies are needed to confirm this theory.

Daisy Daisy // Shutterstock

XEC

XEC is a new SARS-CoV-2 strain that emerged in Germany in June 2024 and rapidly spread throughout Europe. What makes XEC unique is that it is a recombinant strain, a hybrid of omicron subvariants KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. It also has one additional mutation in its spike protein compared to KP.3.3 and KS.1.1., although researchers don't know if that makes XEC more easily transmissible than other strains.

As of mid-October 2024, 10.7% of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the U.S. were caused by XEC, making it the second most prevalent viral strain in the country. That was far behind the omicron subvariant KP.3.1.1, which accounted for 57.2% of infections.

The newly updated mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, which target KP.2, the dominant strain last spring, and the Novovax vaccine, which targets JN.1, should be effective against XEC.

Story editing by L.C. De Shay. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have joined other MAGA celebrities in calling on Republican senators to elect Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) as the next Senate majority leader.

Musk and Kennedy were just two of several prominent allies of President-elect Trump, including conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson and Vivek Ramaswamy, to back Scott in hopes of shaking up a race where Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) are viewed as the front-runners.

Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader! Musk posted on his social media platform, X.

Musk reposted Scotts pledge on X to do whatever it takes to get Trumps nominations through the Senate as quickly as possible by allowing him to make recess appointments, something that hasnt happened in years.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more, Trump tweeted.

Senate leaders in both parties have agreed in recent years to hold ceremonial pro-forma sessions every few days during an extended recess to prevent the sitting president from making emergency appointments.

Senate majority leaders in both parties, whether current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) or Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), when he controlled the chambers agenda, agreed to hold pro forma sessions when their party controlled the White House in order to get the minority party in the Senate to agree to recess the chamber for extended periods.

Kennedy, who has been promised a senior position in the Trump administration, warned on X that without Rick Scott, the entire Trump reform agenda wobbly.

Carlson accused Thune and Cornyn, who have served in the Senate since 2005 and 2002, respectively, and who are close allies of McConnell, of secretly hating Trump.

What the hell is going on in the U.S. Senate? Hours after Donald Trump wins the most conclusive mandate in 40 years, Mitch McConnell engineers a coup against his agenda by calling early leadership elections in the Senate. Two of the three candidates hate Trump and what he ran on, Carlson posted on X.

Both Thune and Cornyn have clashed with Trump in the past, but they are pledging to work closely with him if elected Senate majority leader.

Thune spoke to Trump the day after he won the election and visited him in March at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to mend fences.

Cornyn spent time with Trump recently in Austin, Texas, and last month attended a rally with Trump in Reno, Nev.

Vivek Ramaswamy, who also may be in line for a senior position in the Trump administration, also endorsed Scott.

Said it earlier this year & Ill say it again: @ScottforFlorida for Senate Majority Leader, Ramaswamy posed on X.

But the biggest star in the MAGA universe, Trump, has yet to make an endorsement in the Senate leadership race.

Thune and his allies last week urged Trump to stay out of the leadership race, a request that appears to be being ignored by figures close to the president-elect.

Im staying in regular contact with him and with his team and, 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 [the race], Thune told CNBCs Joe Kernen.

These Senate secret-ballot elections are probably best left to the senators, and hes got to work with all of us when its all said and done, he said.

Trump endorsed Scott when he challenged McConnell for the Senate Republican leaders job after the 2022 midterm election, when Democrats increased their Senate majority to 51 seats.

McConnell handily defeated Scott by a vote of 36-10.

Several MAGA-allied Republican senators also announced their support for Scott over the weekend, including Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

Any leader of this new majority must be able to work hand-in-hand with President Trump to advance his America First agenda. The Senate must lean into advancing this agenda. Thats why I want to see a Senate Majority Leader who can join me in embracing the Trump agenda, which will unify Senate Republicans. On Wednesday, I will be voting for Rick Scott, Hagerty posted on X.

The Tennessee senator is also thought to be on the short list to serve in Trumps Cabinet.

Tuberville argued that Scott would also be able to best deliver results for Trumps mandate.

The nation delivered a mandate on Tuesday. They want @realdonaldtrumps America First agenda, and they want it now, he posted on X.

Sen. Rick Scott represents millions of Americans from Alabama to California who voted for a unified Republican government. Im proud to support, he wrote.

Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) also expressed support for Scott over the weekend.

I will be voting for my Florida colleague @ScottforFlorida to be our next Senate GOP leader, Rubio posted on X.

Lee, who nominated Scott for leader when he challenged McConnell in 2022, wrote: Rick Scott speaks the truth.

Republican senators will convene at 9:30 a.m. EST Wednesday to elect their new leadership team.

McConnell is retiring as Senate GOP leader after 18 years in the job. He says he will serve the remainder of his Senate term, which runs through 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 The Hill.
By Maria Martinez

(Reuters) - By chiefly focusing on trying to salvage its industry champions, German policymakers may have overlooked the untapped growth potential of the country's services sector.

The German economy, once described as Europe's growth engine, has underperformed euro zone peers since 2018 and faces further pain amid plans by car giant Volkswagen to shut factories at home.

Adding to such woes, Germany's governing coalition collapsed on Wednesday after Chancellor Olaf Scholz sacked his finance minister, capping months of wrangling over budget policy and the direction of the economy.

While Scholz favoured putting a lid on energy costs and funding state-backed measures to save jobs in the ailing auto sector, pro-market minister Christian Lindner wanted spending cuts, lower taxes and less regulation to allow Germany to keep its "industrial heart."

Yet, Germany needs to start focusing on its services sector, which is smaller than in comparable European economies but growing faster than the country's manufacturing segment, according to Reuters interviews with 12 executives, entrepreneurs and economists.

"If you can do something to boost a bit the services sector, it could overcompensate for the shrinkage in manufacturing," said Guntram Wolff, senior fellow at think tank Bruegel and professor of economics at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles.

Services, which range from hospitality to finance and IT and already make up the bulk of Germany's economy, grew 1.6% in the first half of this year from a year ago, while manufacturing contracted by 2.8%, data from the German Economic Institute IW showed.

The services sector represented 70% of Germany's gross domestic product last year, against 78% in France, 72% in Italy and 75% in Spain, according to Eurostat data.

Business executives and company founders believe a suffocating bureaucracy and a culture of heavy regulation is stifling the creation of new companies and new jobs, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses that together account for 55% of Germany's workforce.

Leonard Benning, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of fintech lending company Selina Finance, said opening up his company in Britain was painless as he could legally establish it online and get a tax identification number in a matter of days.

However, when he launched a business for purchasing and running vending machines in Germany, called DAP GmbH, the same processes took him more than four months and endless paperwork involving authorities and tax accountants. It also cost thousands of euros against just 50 pounds ($64.57) for his UK firm, he told Reuters.

While red tape is a problem across the whole economy, 56% of respondents to a services sector poll by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) published on Oct. 29 listed regulation as their main concern. German industry sector respondents, on the other hand, listed risks to domestic demand as their main worry, along with energy prices, according to the same survey.

Lengthy and costly certification and approval procedures prevent small and young companies from entering the German market, particularly in the financial or health sector, said Daniel Breitinger, an executive in charge of startups at Bitkom, the German association for the information technology sector.

"The result is that innovation takes place in other countries," said Breitinger, whose association represents 2,200 companies.

BARRIERS REMAIN

Overregulation is also exacerbating a labour shortage, with 50% of companies active in Germany's services sector saying they struggle to find workers, according to a 2023 report by DIHK.

Many services sector professions, including lawyers, accountants and doctors, require specific legal standards and certificates to practice. But in Germany the requirements appear to be stricter and affecting a wider range of jobs. The country has 33% of the total workforce employed in regulated professions, well above an EU average of 21% and the highest proportion of any EU member, data from a 2021 European Commission report show.

Marcel Krieb, managing director at Pretium Associates, said Germany's strict employment qualifications make it difficult to find young new hires for his firm, a financial consultancy for mid-sized companies:"We are the country of titles," he told Reuters.

Only 1.4% of German-based auditors are under 30 due to the long training requirements, while 31% are between 50 and 59, according to a July report by the German Chamber of Public Accountants.

Overcoming such barriers requires getting policymakers' attention.

But while manufacturers can count on the mighty business lobby BDI, which describes itself as 'The Voice of German Industry', the domestic services sector is extremely fragmented and represented by a myriad of small associations, Krieb and other executives lamented.

Tellingly, Germany's statistical office publishes more than 20 monthly datasets for the industrial sector, including very detailed figures for the automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical sub-segments. But monthly figures pertinent to services looks limited to retail sales, people employed in the sector and turnover in accommodation and food services.

For Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, the scarcity of data is the best example of the scant attention paid by politicians to this crucial part of the German economy.

"It is a demonstration of a biased view on the economy," de la Rubia said.

($1 = 0.7701 pounds)

($1 = 0.7744 pounds)

(Reporting by Maria Martinez, Editing by Lisa Jucca)
(Refiles to clarify it was COP29 presidency that declined to comment)

By Mohammad Yunus Yawar, Charlotte Greenfield and Gloria Dickie

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan Taliban officials will attend a major United Nations climate conference that starts next week, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, the first time they have attended since the former insurgents took power in 2021.

The COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan's capital Baku will be among the highest-profile multilateral events attended by Taliban administration officials since they took control in Kabul after 20 years of fighting NATO-backed forces.

The U.N. has not allowed the Taliban to take up Afghanistan's seat at the General Assembly, and Afghanistan's government is not formally recognised by U.N. member states, largely due to the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and freedom of movement.

Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said officials from the National Environmental Protection Agency had arrived in Azerbaijan to attend the COP conference. The Taliban took over the agency when they returned to power as U.S.-led forces withdrew.

Taliban officials have taken part in U.N.-organised meetings on Afghanistan in Doha, and Taliban ministers have attended forums in China and Central Asia in the past two years.

But the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Changes Bureau of the COP has deferred consideration of Afghanistans participation since 2021, in effect freezing the country out of the talks.

Afghan NGOs have also struggled to attend the climate negotiations in recent years.

Host Azerbaijan invited the Afghan environment agency officials to COP29 as observers, enabling them to "potentially participate in periphery discussions and potentially hold bilateral meetings," a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Because the Taliban are not formally recognised within the U.N. system as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, the source said, the officials cannot receive credentials to take part in the proceedings of full member states.

Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency declined to comment.

The Taliban has closed schools and universities to female students over the age of around 12. It also announced a set of wide-ranging morality laws this year that require women to cover their faces in public and restrict their travel outside the home without a male guardian.

The Taliban says it respects women's rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law.

Afghanistan is considered one of the countries worst affected by climate change. Flash floods have killed hundreds this year, and the heavily agriculture-dependent country has suffered through one of the worst droughts in decades. Many subsistence farmers, who make up much of the population, face deepening food insecurity.

Some advocates have criticised international isolation of the Taliban, saying it only hurts the Afghan people.

"Afghanistan is one of the countries that is really left behind on the needs that it has," said Habib Mayar, deputy general secretary of the g7+, an intergovernmental organisation of countries affected by conflict.

"It is a double price that they are paying," Mayar said. "There is lack of attention, lack of connection with the international community, and then there are increasing humanitarian needs."

(This story has been refiled to clarify that it was the COP29 presidency that declined to comment)

(Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Charlotte Greenfield in Kabul and Gloria Dickie in London; Editing by William Mallard)
By Takaya Yamaguchi and Leika Kihara

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday unveiled a $65 billion plan to boost the country's chip and artificial intelligence industries via subsidies and other financial incentives.

The plan, which will provide support worth 10 trillion yen ($65 billion) or more by fiscal 2030, comes as countries look to strengthen control over their chip supply chains after global shocks including trade tensions between the United States and China.

Japan's government intends to submit the plan, including bills to support the mass production of next-generation chips, to the next parliament session, according to a draft of the plan seen by Reuters earlier on Monday.

It specifically targets chip foundry venture Rapidus and other suppliers of chips for artificial intelligence, the draft showed.

The government expects the economic impact to total around 160 trillion yen, according to the draft.

Rapidus is headed by industry veterans and is targeting mass production of cutting-edge chips on the northern island of Hokkaido from 2027 in partnership with IBM and Belgium-based research organisation Imec.

In Monday's news conference, Ishiba said the government would not issue deficit-covering bonds to fund the plan to support the chip industry. He did not reveal details on how it would be financed.

A deficit-covering bond is a type of bond that is issued to make up for a state revenue shortfall.

Last year, the Japanese government said it would allocate some 2 trillion yen to support its chip industry.

The latest plan, part of the government's comprehensive economic package to be approved by cabinet on Nov. 22, will call for a total of 50 trillion yen public and private sectors investment in chips over the next 10 years.

Ishiba said the government planned to meet with business and labour union representatives later this month to discuss next year's annual wage negotiations.

Achieving sustained wage increases has been a priority for the government as rising living costs hit households, potentially weighing on consumption and the broader economy.

($1 = 153.6000 yen)

(Reporting by Takaya Yamaguchi and Leika Kihara; Writing by Makiko Yamazaki and Leika Kihara; Editing by Alexander Smith and Christina Fincher)
By Jessica Donati

DAKAR (Reuters) -A decline in U.S. influence in Africa means U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration will have to grapple with blind spots in its understanding of a fast-changing continent increasingly allied with China and Russia and threatened by spreading jihadist insurgencies.

Interviews with eight current and former officials along with a review of U.S. government watchdog reports show that a dearth of staff and resources under President Joe Biden at embassies in Africa undermined efforts to implement Washington's goals.

The U.S. racked up diplomatic setbacks over the past four years, including losing America's major spy base in Niger and failing to negotiate a deal with any ally to reposition those assets. It is now caught without a foothold among the Sahel region's Russia-backed military juntas just as the region becomes the world's terrorism hotpot.

In soft power terms, a Gallup poll published this year showed that China surpassed the U.S. in popularity in Africa.

Cameron Hudson, a former CIA analyst who worked on Africa in a number of roles for both Democrat and Republican administrations, said the lack of resources had led to missteps.

These include being caught by surprise when war erupted in Sudan in April last year, he said, and bungling talks with Niger's junta over its airbase.

"We have huge blind spots in our understanding of political dynamics, military dynamics in the countries where we are active," Hudson, now at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told Reuters. "This is a mega issue that U.S. diplomacy faces, and it's particularly acute in Africa."

In response to Reuters questions, the U.S. State Department said applicants for posts in Africa were dissuaded by insufficient schools, health care, and the remote nature of many postings, adding that monetary and non-monetary incentives were in place to encourage service in what it called difficult posts.

Other signs point to Americas decline in a region long considered to be a low priority for U.S. foreign policymakers.

Washington has made little progress towards advancing access to vast reserves of African minerals that it says are critical for national security. A flagship U.S.-backed railway project to export resources through Angola to the West is still years from completion.

Biden made sweeping political promises to Africa that he has yet to keep, including visiting during his presidency, which ends in January. He vowed to support the addition of two permanent seats for Africa at the U.N. Security Council and for the African Union to join the G20, but neither has happened.

Two former senior officials that served in Trump's 2017-2021 administration said they expected him to pursue a more pragmatic approach than Biden, seeking tangible returns for U.S. spending in the region.

Competition with China will be a major focus, they both said, along with fresh support for U.S. businesses. The U.S. may also revisit its politics towards military leaders in the troubled Sahel, with less focus on democracy and human rights, they said.

"Africa policy needs a bit of realism," said Tibor Nagy, a retired career ambassador and former Trump envoy to Africa. "I'm hoping that with a second Trump administration, where policy is more transactional, you can actually end up with more successes."

The Trump campaign did not respond to emails requesting information about its plans for Africa. Brian Hook, a former Trump official overseeing the diplomatic transition at the State Department, did not respond to a request for comment.

"THE LIGHTS WERE OFF"

The troubled U.S. diplomatic footprint on the continent is visible in U.S. government data and official reports that are publicly available but have not appeared in the media.

Numerous reports by the State Departments watchdog, the Office of the Inspector General, detail staffing problems at embassies that undermine U.S. goals including promoting political and economic stability.

One example is the situation in the Central African Republic, a gold-producing, increasingly authoritarian state that pays Russian mercenaries for protection while receiving millions in U.S. aid, according to a watchdog report in June.

The report described how embassy staffing shortages meant the U.S. ambassador in the country often had no note-taker at meetings. Sending documents could take hours due to a weak internet connection at the embassy.

Over $2 million worth of inventory was lost in 2023, linked partly to theft and fraud by local hires, the report said.

Even in places where the U.S. wants to compete with Beijing, a top national security priority, staffing problems are severe. At one point in 2023, a U.S. congressional official said, the political section was vacant in Guinea, home to the world's largest bauxite reserves, with exports mostly destined for China.

"The entire department was empty, the lights were off," the official told Reuters, on condition of anonymity to speak candidly.

In Togo, a coastal West African nation threatened by jihadists, the small U.S. embassy was unable to keep up with Washington's demands after Togo was selected to pilot the bipartisan Global Fragility Act, a U.S. strategy to promote political stability around the world through 10-year plans, an inspector general report published in mid-2023 described.

The report blamed a lack of both staff and experience, with almost every U.S. official at the post serving in their job for the first time. The embassy declined additional funding for security assistance because it didn't have the resources to spend it, the report said.

The State Department declined to comment on specific questions about embassy operations in the Central African Republic, Guinea and Togo.

CUTS, CUTS, CUTS

With major wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, Africa may well be low on Trump's foreign policy priorities. He has yet to appoint an Africa team, in contrast to his defeated opponent U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who named a team for the region in the days before the Nov. 5 election.

During his last administration, many in the region were enraged when Trump reportedly referred to African nations as "shithole countries". Close allies were hit with travel bans. Eritrea, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania were among 13 countries on the list when he left office.

Peter Pham, a former top Trump envoy to Africa's Great Lakes and Sahel region, said he did not expect a major drop in U.S. aid for Africa with the new government but that with Trump there was a higher chance assistance would be cut off if a country was perceived to be acting against U.S. interests.

"We have to be more intentional about that, and that means capable partners and accountability," he said in an interview.

The first Trump administration proposed sweeping cuts to the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development and struggled to fill posts during its time in office. It also pulled funds from the United Nations and healthcare organizations that supported family planning.

The American Foreign Service Association, the union that represents U.S. diplomats, said that a shortage of mid-level staff, red tape and other institutional issues all contributed to the problems in Africa.

The State Department has been hiring above attrition for the first time in 15 years, Marcia Bernicat, the foreign service director general, said in an interview in September, citing initiatives to address mid-career shortages.

A quarter of the workforce is now made up of people hired since 2020, she said. Two studies are underway to review incentives to draw people to hard to fill jobs.

Despite these efforts, staffing levels in Africa changed little overall during Biden's time in office after falling during the global pandemic.

Limited State Department data provided to Reuters shows the number of foreign service officers in Africa dipped to 2,057 in 2023 from 2,175 in December 2018.

"It's frustrating for everyone involved," Tom Yazdgerdi, the foreign service union president, told Reuters. "It's not just a staffing issue  it's a national security concern."

(Additional reporting by David Lewis in Nairobi, Daphne Psaledakis and Gram Slattery in Washington; Editing by Estelle Shirbon and Frank Jack Daniel)
Chris Luna shops with his service dog, Astro. K9s for Warriors/Courtesy Service dog Astro was trained by K9s for Warriors. K9s for Warriors/Courtesy Chris Luna and his service dog, Astro K9s for Warriors/Courtesy Chris Luna and his service dog, Astro K9s for Warriors/Courtesy Chris Luna and his service dog, Astro K9s for Warriors/Courtesy Chris Luna and his service dog, Astro K9s for Warriors/Courtesy

When Chris Luna decided to join the Navy, he was following in his father's footsteps. His grandfather had served in the Army; his brother, the Marines. Enlisting was in his DNA, he said.

Raised in a small town in Oklahoma, Luna, 47, would end up traveling the world during his time of service, from 1996 to 2018.

Ive been to many different countries around the globe on humanitarian missions and combat missions, he said.

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After retiring from the Armed Forces, Luna eventually made his way to Houston after a friend bought a home in the Champions Forest area.

He said, You want to rent the pool house? Luna recalled. I was like Yeah, lets do it. I told him that Id stay a year. And here I am, six years later.

Before he moved, Luna had been in therapy, while living in Washington, D.C. He had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and hypervigilance, constantly on guard and prepared from his years in service and his time in combat.

He also tried biofeedback, a technique that teaches those with PTSD and anxiety how to control physiological processes, like heart rate, which are often thought of as involuntary.

It helped me a tremendous amount, Luna said.

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He found the most solace, however, out riding through the fresh air on his Harley, which he calls wind therapy.

Luna joined the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association in 2016 and transferred his membership to the Houston chapter.

The wind therapy, and the techniques learned to maintain his mental and emotional health, kept Lunas PTSD at bay for years  until COVID hit.

I could jump on the bike, but there was nowhere to go, he said.

As social distancing became the norm, he lost the camaraderie of the other vets in the motorcycle group. Seeing people in masks also triggered his anxiety, making him feel like he could no longer read people's intentions.

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He thought, Ive got to get this under control.

Luna went to hear a friends speech about K9 for Warriors, the nations largest provider of service dogs to military veterans  not going out of any interest in the program. He just wanted to support his friend. Speaking about your personal experience can be very hard, he said.

Later, that same friend invited Luna to dinner with his family at their home in Katy. It was there that he saw his friends service dog in action and witnessed the strength of their bond.

Then he shared his story with me one-on-one, Luna said. I felt like, You must be telling me this for a reason. Thats when I decided to fill out an application.

Rescuing dogs to save veterans

K9s for Warriors was established in 2011. It was started by an amazing mom, spokeswoman Dani Bozzini said. And her vision is still very much alive.

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The late Shari Duval's son, Brett Simon, returned home from two tours in Iraq suffering from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury.

She noticed that the only time he was really himself was when he was with his dog, Bozzini said.

Where doctors had failed to help her son, Duval realized that a service dog could.

It was founded on a mothers love for her son, Bozzini said.

After witnessing what a service dog could do for her own family, Duval created a program rescuing shelter dogs and pairing them with veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma.

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Theyre invisible wounds of war, Bozzini said. Theyre the wounds you dont see. You would never know what these veterans are fighting every single day.

And because rescue dogs are recruited for the job, two lives are saved in the process.

Since the nonprofits launch, more than 2,000 dogs have been saved from shelters and more than 1,000 veterans have received new best friends, all without cost to the veterans.

Ive met so many veterans who have told me, This dog has saved my life, Bozzini said. For a long time, these veterans didnt ask for help. Some of them didnt even know how. So by the time they found K9s for Warriors, it was the last house on the block. It was their last hope.

The dogs provide unconditional love with zero judgment.

They just want to love on that veteran, and sometimes, thats just what that veteran needs, Bozzini said.

It can be life-saving in the face of the startling veteran suicide rates, she added.

According to a 2021 study from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, an average of 17.5 vets die by suicide every day. The American Psychological Association reports that veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than civilian adults.

Bozzini said a recent study shows that veterans with service dogs could have less severe PTSD symptoms than those with a canine companion.

Its proving what we already know, she said.

Someone to love

At K9s for Warriors, dogs are trained specifically to react to the symptoms a veteran with invisible wounds might experience.

For instance, if an individual has hypervigilance, even going to the grocery store can be a source of intense stress, especially waiting at the register with people standing behind them.

In this case, a veteran can command back, and he can relax as the dog takes over rear guard.

In a time of heightened anxiety, the veteran can say lap, sit down and the dog will lay down, providing a soothing deep pressure therapy.

The dogs train for six to eight months for the job, Bozzini said. There are currently 350 veterans on the waiting list.

After applying, there are several rounds of interviews to ensure each vet finds the right match.

They call it a pairing, Luna explained. Theyre looking for the right dog to fit your needs.

Luna's first interview was about 90 days out. His last interview was the day before he went to meet his dog.

They said, What are you looking for? he recalled. I told them, I just want someone to love me. And Ill tell you, thats exactly what I got.

The veterans spend three weeks with their dogs at one of the K9s for Warriors locations, the headquarters in Ponte Vedra, Florida, or the San Antonio location, where Luna went.

You pack up all your stuff, he said. The whole three weeks are nothing but us bonding with the dog and them training us how to properly handle and care for the dog. Its an awesome experience.

On their graduation Nov. 16, 2023, Luna drove back to Houston with his dog, Astro, named for her sponsor, Astros pitcher Lance McCullers.

Luna clearly remembers the first time he laid eyes on his new yellow lab.

She didnt come up to me right away, he said.

Part of him worried, but by the end of three weeks, the K9s for Warriors staff told him, Ive never seen a dog bond so quickly.

Sharing his story

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, Astro would wake Luna, nudging him. Or he would hear the pitter patter of her nails as she turned in circles.

He assumed Astro needed to go out.

At first I was annoyed, he said.

But then, after a couple of months, Luna realized what was really going on.

It was just after New Years, and that night, Luna barked, which was a rare occurrence.

I looked at her, and she was looking intensely at me, Luna said. I said, Do you want to go out? Normally she would jump up, but she didnt move.

He took her out, but she continued to just stare at him.

Finally, Luna put two and two together. Astro had been waking him up from his nightmares. All along, she was sensing changes in his breathing and movement.

Now, knowing Astro is keeping a vigilant watch as he sleeps, he is able to get more rest.

Shes significantly impacted my sleep, he said. The quality has gone way up. I wake up in a better mood. I wake up knowing someone is happy to see me, and my whole day goes better.

Luna even joined the ambassador program for K9s for Warriors, helping the organization with fundraising that puts more service dogs on veterans leashes.

Last year on Veterans Day, Luna was in training to receive Astro. This year, the two are heading to San Antonio to help out at a K9s for Warriors telethon with TV station KENS5.
Donald Trump may have a different immigration talking point since becoming the president-elect: Americans wanting to move abroad.

As emotions ran high after Trump won the presidential election on Wednesday morning, the number of Google searches to leave the country increased by 1514 per cent, according to VisaGuide.World.

From Election Day through November 6, search traffic for immigration related pages on its site grew by 338 per cent, as disgruntled Americans looked up where they had the best shot of moving to, the website said.

Trumps recent victory has driven many Americans to search about moving abroad (REUTERS)

Pages with information about relocating to specific countries also gained traction. Norway was the most popular of those pages, followed by the UK, Ireland and Costa Rica.

Germany-Visa.org also saw a 336 per cent uptick in traffic for pages related to immigration, with particular interest in the countrys Opportunity Card  a residence permit that allows anyone from a country outside of the European Union to live in Germany for up to one year to find a job.

Google searches in the US for migration topics are roughly 15 times higher this week compared to the week before the presidential election.

Moving to New Zealand from the US was the most-searched term, with searches for the phrase up 76 times from before Trumps victory. Similarly, moving to Germany from the US was 42 times more searched this last week, and searches for Moving to the Netherlands was searched 32 times more, the site found.

Americans most frequently searched for information about relocating to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
New York Mayor Eric Adams leaves federal court in New York on Nov. 1.

New York Mayor Eric Adams asked a judge Monday to set an earlier trial date in his federal corruption case next year, arguing the current date would impede his participation in his re-election campaign, according to court documents.

In a letter to the court, Adams lawyer, Alex Spiro, requested that the trial begin weeks earlier, on April 1, rather than later that month.

Spiro said that under the current schedule, the trial would conclude in late May just one month before ballots are cast in the Democratic primary, which would sideline Adams "for the vast majority of his remaining reelection campaign, during many of the most important moments.

An earlier trial date will ensure that Mayor Adamss speedy trial rights are upheld, that the Mayor will be able to fully participate in his reelection campaign and that this Citys voters can be rid of the distraction of this misguided indictment as they hear from and evaluate the Democratic candidates for Mayor on their merits, Spiro said.

He added that the prosecution will cast a cloud over Adams campaign until a New York jury resolves the case at trial.

Adams, a tough-on-crime former New York police captain, pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges in September after he was hit with five criminal counts, including bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national.

Adams pledged to fight the charges and stay on as mayor.

Prosecutors alleged in the indictment that Adams accepted illegal campaign contributions, airline upgrades and luxury hotel stays from Turkish nationals and at least one government official in exchange for political favors, according to court filings.

This was a multiyear scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference in September.

Adams  who is the first sitting mayor of New York City to face criminal charges in the modern era  asked the court in late September to dismiss the bribery charge, saying the governments allegations were extraordinarily vague.

Federal prosecutors pushed back against his motion to dismiss the bribery charge, saying that even though Adams claims that accepting tens of thousand of dollars worth of benefits in exchange for pressuring a City agency is routine and common. But however routine that may have been for Adams, the law permits a jury to conclude that it was nonetheless illegal.

The court has yet to respond to Adams' request for a rescheduled trial date, which for now is April 21.
An Army veteran has called on people to remember those who served in lesser-known conflicts, and not just to focus on the big wars.

During his 25 years in the Army, Derek Benny Bennett saw active service in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles, served in a peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, and as a liaison officer in the Gulf War.

The 72-year-old, who left the Army in 1992, said the scars people got from serving in less talked-about places are just as real as those from well-known conflicts, and that they deserve the same respect.

Speaking ahead of Remembrance Day, he said: Its crucial we remember not just the big wars like the Second World War, the Falklands, Afghanistan, or Iraq, but all the conflicts and peacekeeping missions that dont always make the headlines.

I know people who have suffered, and I personally know that the scars  whether seen or unseen  are just as real for those who served in less talked-about places.

The impact on those who were there is the same, and their sacrifices deserve the same respect and remembrance.

The veteran, originally from Shotton in North Wales and who now lives in a home in Edinburgh run by veterans charity Erskine, recalled some of his own military experiences.

These included one particularly close call while he was serving with the Parachute Regiment (Paras) in Northern Ireland.

A rocket fired by an RPG-7 missed our vehicle by just six inches  we were very lucky, he said.

Derek Benny Bennett, third right, served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus and the Middle East during his 25-year military career (David Wooliscroft/PA)

Youd be lying if you said you werent scared. We were backing up the infantry, and you could feel the tension in the air.

The fear was always there, but you just had to push it down and get on with the job.

There were some dark days, but amidst it all I met some wonderful people.

Sergeant Major Bennett was also with the Paras on the ground in Cyprus in 1974, when the Turkish invasion unfolded, and he spent six months as part of the UN peacekeeping force.

I loved every minute of it; that was the best three years of my Army career, he said of his time with the regiment.

In 1989 he was deployed to Tel Aviv in Israel, where he served as a liaison officer with the multinational force and observers (MFO) during the first Gulf War.

This role saw him responsible, alongside a Dutch major, for trying to ensure the safety of staff and MFO personnel amid a barrage of Scud missile attacks.

Derek Bennett, back, sitting on a UN peacekeeping vehicle in Cyprus (David Wooliscroft/PA)

Despite suffering a serious spinal cord injury in 2018 that left him paralysed, the veteran remains active and driven, and maintains a daily fitness routine at the Erskine home.

Erskine is a great place to be and the staff are brilliant, he said.

They do a fantastic job. The staff at Erskine honour veterans of all ages every single day with their care and dedication.

Its not just about remembering our service; its about making sure we feel valued, respected, and looked after, no matter what weve been through.

They really go above and beyond, and I couldnt ask for a better place to be.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: Erskine, as Scotlands leading veterans charity, is committed to honouring veterans like Benny who have given so much for their country.

Our staff work tirelessly every day to provide the highest standard of care, accommodation and community support, to ensure that all our veterans feel valued and respected.

This Remembrance Day, we will come together as a charity to pay tribute to veterans of all ages and from all conflicts, reflecting on their immense contributions and sacrifices.

Its our mission to make sure their legacies are never forgotten, and we are proud to be a part of their journey.
President-elect Donald Trump has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty after feeling bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term.

His first pick happened during the campaign: JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate, elevating a onetime critic who became a loyal ally and at age 39 became the first millennial to join a major-party ticket at a time of deep concern about the advanced age of Americas political leaders.

Now Trump is filling out the rest of this administration. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate even with Republicans in control, and two candidates have already withdrawn from consideration. Others are appointments Trump can make without Senate approval.

Here's a look at Trump's choices:

CABINET: Secretary of State: Marco Rubio

Rubio a Florida Republican senator, was chosen to be the nation's top diplomat. He is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran. Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His selection punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House.

Defense: Pete Hegseth

Hegseth was a co-host of Fox News Channels Fox & Friends Weekend and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars but lacks senior military and national security experience. His confirmation prospects came into question after a woman told police that Hegseth sexually assaulted her in 2017, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing. Other reports have surfaced about his drinking, and questions have been raised about his comments that women should not serve in combat.

Treasury: Scott Bessent

Bessent is a former money manager for George Soros, a big Democratic donor, and an advocate for deficit reduction. He founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management after working on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would be the nations first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trumps campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending.

Director of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard is a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who has been accused of echoing Russian propaganda. She unsuccessfully sought the 2020 presidential nomination and left the party in 2022. Gabbard endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him. Gabbard has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. If confirmed, she would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor, Avril Haines, who several years in top national security and intelligence positions.

Attorney General: Pam Bondi

Bondi was Florida's first female attorney general, serving from 2011 to 2019. She was on Trumps legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Bondi also has served with the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-allied group that has helped lay the groundwork for his future administration. She was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush-money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appeared on Fox News and has been critical of the criminal cases against him.

Homeland Security: Kristi Noem

Noem is a well-known conservative who used her two terms as South Dakota's governor to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions like other states, instead declaring South Dakota open for business. More recently, Noem faced sharp criticism for writing in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog. She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elects hard-line immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

CIA Director: John Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe a former U.S. House member from Texas, was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trumps first term. He led the U.S. governments spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have held the highest intelligence positions in the U.S.

Health and Human Services: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy ran for president as a Democrat, then as an independent before he dropped out and endorsed Trump. He's the son of Democratic icon Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign. Kennedy's nomination alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines. He has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.

Education: Linda McMahon

McMahon, a billionaire professional wrestling mogul, would make a return appearance in a second Trump administration. She led the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 in Trumps first term and twice ran unsuccessfully in Connecticut as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. McMahon served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She has expressed support for charter schools and school choice.

Labor: Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The Republican U.S. House member narrowly lost her reelection bid on Nov. 5 but had received strong backing from union members in her district. Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the departments workforce and budget and put forth priorities that affect workers wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employers' rights to fire employees, among other responsibilities. Shes one of a few House Republicans to endorse the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO, Act that would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and penalize companies that violate workers rights. The act would also weaken right-to-work laws that are in place in more than half the states.

Commerce: Howard Lutnick

Lutnick heads the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and is a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He is co-chair of Trumps transition operation, charged along with Linda McMahon with helping the president-elect fill key jobs in his second administration. Lutnick would play a key role in carrying out Trumps plans to raise and enforce tariffs. He would oversee a sprawling Cabinet department whose oversight ranges from funding new computer chip factories and imposing trade restrictions to releasing economic data and monitoring the weather.

U.S. Trade Representative: Jamieson Greer

Greer is a partner at King & Spalding, a Washington law firm. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be responsible for negotiating directly with foreign governments on trade deals and disputes, as well as memberships in international trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization. He previously was chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, who was the trade representative in Trumps first term.

Energy: Chris Wright

A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Wright is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking  a key pillar of Trumps quest to achieve U.S. energy dominance in the global market. He also has been one of the industrys loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. Wright said the climate movement around the world is collapsing under its own weight. The department is responsible for advancing the energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States.

Transportation: Sean Duffy

Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin and Fox News host who was one of Trumps most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of The Bottom Line on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, Fox and Friends Weekend co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children.

Interior: Doug Burgum

The North Dakota governor is a former Republican presidential candidate who endorsed Trump this year after ending his bid. Burgum then became a serious contender to be Trumps vice presidential choice in part because of his executive experience and business savvy. He also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump said Burgum would chair a new National Energy Council and have a seat on the National Security Council, which would be a first for the interior secretary.

Agriculture: Brooke Rollins

Rollins is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping lay the groundwork for Trumps second administration. She is a Texas attorney who was Trumps domestic policy adviser and director of his office of American innovation during his first term. Rollins previously was an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who also served in Trumps first term. Rollins also ran the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Veterans Affairs: Doug Collins

Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential campaign, but was acquitted by the Senate. Collins also served in the armed forces himself. He is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.

Housing and Urban Development: Scott Turner

Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trumps first term. Trump credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person hes yet selected for his administration, with helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Countrys most distressed communities.

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WHITE HOUSE STAFF: Chief of staff: Susie Wiles

Wiles was a senior adviser to Trumps 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. She was key to Trumps defeat of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary. Wiles hire was Trumps first major decision as president-elect. Wiles is said to have earned Trumps trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trumps three presidential campaigns.

National security adviser: Mike Waltz

Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida. A former Army Green Beret, he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing for the country's role in the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.

National Economic Council: Kevin Hassett

Hassett is a major advocate of tax cuts who was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the first Trump term. As chair of the National Economic Council, Trump said Hassett will play an important role in helping American families recover from inflation as well as in renewing and improving tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017. Many of those tax cuts are set to expire after 2025.

Border czar: Tom Homan

Homan has been tasked with Trumps top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nations history. He led the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump's first administration. Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trumps zero tolerance policy on border crossings in the first term, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.

Office of Management and Budget: Russell Vought

Vought held the position during Trumps first presidency. He founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank whose mission is to renew a consensus of America as a nation under God. Vought also was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trumps second term that Trump tried to distance himself from during the campaign.

Deputy chief of staff for policy: Stephen Miller

Miller an immigration hard-liner, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trumps priority of mass deportations. Miller was senior adviser during Trumps first term. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trumps policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nations economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people living illegally in the U.S.

Deputy chief of staff: Dan Scavino

Scavino was an adviser in all three of the president-elect's campaigns and was described by the transition team as one of Trumps longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino previously ran Trumps social media profile in the White House.

White House press secretary: Karoline Leavitt

Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing the general election to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.

White House counsel: David Warrington

Warrington has served Trump as his personal attorney and lawyer for the campaign. Trump initially had tapped William McGinley to be White House counsel but three weeks later said he instead was dispatching McGinley to work with his new Department of Government Efficiency. That panel will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending.

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FOREIGN POLICY POSITIONS: Special envoy to the Middle East: Steven Witkoff

Witkoff is the president-elects golf partner. The two were golfing at Trumps club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15 when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Trump also named Witkoff co-chair of his inaugural committee alongside former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler.

Special envoy for Ukraine and Russia: Keith Kellogg

Kellogg is a highly decorated retired three-star general and one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an America First national security agenda for Trumps second term. He has long been Trumps top adviser on defense issues and served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence. Kellogg also was chief of staff of the National Security Council under Trump and stepped in as an acting national security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned from the post.

Special presidential envoy for hostage affairs: Adam Boehler

Boehler is the founder and CEO of Rubicon Founders, a health care investment firm. He also served as the first CEO of the International Development Finance Corp. He would serve as Trumps lead hostage negotiator at a time when the U.S. is trying to secure the release of prisoners in Gaza and other regions around the world. The role has been held since 2020 by Roger Carstens, who was appointed by Trump and remained in the job throughout the Biden administration.

Ambassador to China: David Perdue

Former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia would serve as the Trump administrations envoy to what is expected to be Americas most complicated diplomatic relationship in the years to come. Trump said in a social media post that Perdue, a former business executive, brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China. Perdue pushed Trumps debunked lies about mass voter fraud during his failed bid for Georgia governor.

Ambassador to Mexico: Ron Johnson

Johnson  not the Republican senator  served as ambassador to El Salvador during Trumps first administration. Johnson is also a former U.S. Army veteran and was in the CIA.

Ambassador to Turkey: Tom Barrack

Barrack, a wealthy financier, met Trump in the 1980s while helping negotiate Trumps purchase of the renowned Plaza Hotel. He was charged with using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates, but was acquitted of all counts at a federal trial in 2022.

Ambassador to Greece: Kimberly Guilfoyle

Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trumps 2020 campaign and became engaged to Donald Trump Jr. in 2020. The president-elect called her a close friend and ally and said her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified for the role.

Ambassador to Chile: Brandon Judd

The head of the Border Patrol Union, Judd has been a longtime supporter of Trumps, appearing with him during his visits to the U.S.-Mexico border. He notably supported a Senate immigration bill championed by Biden that Trump sank in part because he didnt want to give Democrats an election year win on the issue.

Ambassador to Israel: Mike Huckabee

Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel, and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israels interests. Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are Gods chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, served as White House press secretary in Trumps first term.

Ambassador to the United Nations: Elise Stefanik

Stefanik is a congresswoman from New York and one of Trumps staunchest defenders dating to his first impeachment trial. In 2021, she was elected chair of the House Republican Conference, the third-highest position in House leadership, after then-Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post for publicly criticizing Trump's false claims over his 2020 election loss. Stefanik further raised her national profile with her strong questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses, helping lead to the resignations of two of them.

Ambassador to the Bahamas: Herschel Walker

Walker is a former football legend who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022 with Trump's backing. In his campaign against Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, Walker benefitted from nearly unmatched name recognition from his time at the University of Georgia and in the NFL. But he ultimately was unable to overcome a bevy of damaging allegations, including claims that he paid for two former girlfriends abortions despite supporting a national ban on the procedure. Walker also campaigned for Trump this year in Georgia, which Trump won.

Ambassador to NATO: Matthew Whitaker

A former acting attorney general during Trumps first administration, Whitaker has a background in law enforcement but not in foreign policy. Whitaker, is also a former U.S. attorney in Iowa and served as acting attorney general between November 2018 and February 2019 until William Barr was confirmed for the role. That was when special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference was drawing to a close. Whitaker also faced questions about his past business dealings, including his ties to an invention-promotion company that was accused of misleading consumers.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT: FBI director: Kash Patel

Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administrations attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel has called for dramatically reducing the agencys footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who have sought additional resources for the bureau. And though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters phone records during leak investigations, Patel has said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner: Rodney Scott

Scott, a career official, was appointed head of Border Patrol in January 2020 and enthusiastically embraced Trumps policies, particularly on building a U.S.-Mexico border wall. He was forced out by the Biden administration.

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TRADE AND THE ECONOMY: Federal Trade Commission chair: Andrew Ferguson

Ferguson, who is already one of the FTCs five commissioners, will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars worth of corporate acquisitions. The replacement of Khan at the FTC likely means that the commission will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement.

Securities and Exchange Commission chair: Paul Atkins

Atkins, a former SEC commissioner, is the CEO of Patomak Partners and a cryptocurrency advocate. Atkins has argued against too much market regulation, and Trump said Atkins is a proven leader for commonsense regulations. The agency oversees U.S. securities markets and investments. The current chairman, Gary Gensler, has been leading the governments crackdown on the crypto industry.

Senior counselor for trade and manufacturing: Peter Navarro

Navarro was a trade adviser during Trumps first term. He is a longtime critic of trade arrangements with China. Navarro was held in contempt of Congress and served four months in prison for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

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HEALTH CARE: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Dr. Mehmet Oz

Oz is a former heart surgeon who hosted The Dr. Oz Show, a long-running daytime TV talk show. He won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 but lost the general election to Democrat John Fetterman. Oz is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed his bid for elected office.

Food and Drug Administration: Dr. Marty Makary

Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. Although not opposed to the COVID-19 vaccine, he voiced concerns about booster vaccinations in young children. He was part of a vocal group of physicians calling for greater emphasis on herd immunity to stop the virus, or the idea that mass infections would quickly lead to population-level protection.

Surgeon general: Dr. Janette Nesheiwat

Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor on Fox News.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Dr. Dave Weldon

Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a state legislative seat and lost. Trump backed Weldons opponent in the race. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nations most heated debates of the 1990s: whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed.

National Institutes of Health: Dr. Jay Bhattacharya

Bhattacharya is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. As head of the NIH, the leading medical research agency in the United States, Trump said Bhattacharya would work with Kennedy to direct U.S. medical research and make important discoveries that will improve health and save lives. Bhattacharya is a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and was one of three authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 open letter maintaining that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic were causing irreparable harm.

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WITHDRAWN: Chad Chronister for Drug Enforcement Administration

Chronister removed himself from consideration to lead the nation's top controlled substances enforcement agency just days after being tapped for the post. Trump later said he was the one who pulled the plug on Chronister's nomination.

Trump's announcement that he would nominate Chronister, who has worked for the Hillsborough County, Florida, Sheriffs Office since 1992, was met with backlash from some conservative figures over his enforcement of lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and his past comments that his sheriffs office was not focused on enforcing federal immigration laws.

Matt Gaetz for attorney general

Gaetz withdrew from consideration to become the nation's top law enforcement officer amid fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed by the Senate. In choosing Gaetz, Trump had passed over more established lawyers whose names had been floated as possible contenders for the job.

Gaetz resigned from Congress after Trump announced his nomination on Nov. 13. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old. Gaetz has denied wrongdoing.

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Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Zeke Miller, Farnoush Amiri, Lolita C. Baldor, Jill Colvin, Matthew Daly, Edith M. Lederer, Adriana Gomez Licon, Lisa Mascaro, Chris Megerian, Michelle L. Price, Will Weissert and Meg Kinnard contributed to this report.
Crowds gather at the Pitchfork Music Festival at Union Park in Chicago on July 20.

Pitchfork announced that its annual Chicago music festival would not return in 2025.

In a statement posted on social media and on its website, the music publication said it made the decision after assessing the rapidly evolving "music festival landscape." It did not elaborate further.

"This decision was not made lightly," Pitchfork wrote. For 19 years, Pitchfork Music Festival has been a celebration of music, art, and communitya space where memories were made, voices were amplified, and the shared love of music brought us all together."

The news comes after major changes at the publication this year. In January, the magazine's parent company, Conde Nast, merged the publication with mens magazine GQ, according to Variety. The merger resulted in layoffs.

Representatives for Pitchfork did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment on Monday.

Pitchfork Music Festival was founded in 2006 by the publication's founder Ryan Schreiber, ex-Pitchfork staffer Chris Kaskie and festival producer Mike Reed.

The last Chicago festival was held in July in Union Park, and featured performances from artists such as Alanis Morissette, Jamie xx, Black Pumas and Carly Rae Jepsen.

In recent years, the event expanded to Paris, London and Mexico City. It is unclear if the music festival will move forward in the other cities, but Pitchfork said in its statement that it "will continue to produce events in 2025 and beyond."

Pitchfork also thanked the artists, fans and event production company At Pluto for contributing to the festival over the years.

"We look forward to continuing to create spaces where music, culture, and community intersect in uplifting ways  and we hope to see you there," the publication wrote.
FILE - Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco watches from the dugout during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Aug. 13, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP)  Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who awaits trial in a sexual abuse case, was arrested for his involvement in an armed altercation in the Dominican Republic countryside, police said Monday.

Meregirdo Espinosa, a Dominican police spokesman, told The Associated Press the altercation happened in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana, a city that is located 116 miles (187 kilometers) west of Santo Domingo. Franco was arrested Sunday. Another man and a woman were also detained, and two firearms were seized, police said.

Espinosa said one of the guns presumably belonged to Franco, who was allegedly fighting with the other man over the woman's attention.

Police didn't say whether there were injuries.

The 23-year-old Franco is scheduled to go to trial Dec. 12 in the northern province of Puerto Plata in a sexual abuse case involving a 14-year-old girl. He was also charged with sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking.

Franco was conditionally released Jan. 5, four days after his arrest on the abuse allegations.

Franco, who has refused to speak to the media, has said about the case: Everything is in Gods hands.

Franco was in the midst of his third major league season when his career was halted in August 2023. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.

Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list on July 10, cutting off the pay he had been receiving while on administrative leave.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -A Spirit Airlines flight destined for the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince was struck by gunfire on Monday, forcing it to be diverted to the neighboring Dominican Republic.

Spirit said in a statement that the plane had been damaged and taken out of commission upon landing in the northern Dominican city of Santiago.

A flight attendant was injured in the incident, Spirit said. The Miami Herald had reported that the attendant was grazed by a bullet.

No passengers were injured, Spirit added.

A video circulating on social media, which appears to have been taken by a Spirit employee but which Reuters was unable to immediately verify, shows where a bullet had come through near the back exit door to then strike the overhead bin across the aisle.

All flights in and out of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince have been halted, the U.S. embassy to the Caribbean nation said in a travel advisory.

The embassy "is aware of gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports and airports," it said.

Spirit said that it had suspended flights to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien, in Haiti's north, "pending further evaluation."

JetBlue and American Airlines will cancel flights through Thursday, they said separately, and will monitor to determine whether more cancellations may be needed.

The passengers aboard the Spirit flight on Monday will be taken back in another aircraft to Fort Lauderdale, where the flight departed from, Spirit said.

Armed gangs in Haiti's capital have shot at aircraft in recent weeks as the security situation deteriorates. Last month, a U.N. helicopter was hit by gunfire over Port-au-Prince.

(Reporting by Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince, Anthony Esposito in Mexico City and David Shepardson in Washington; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle and Sandra Maler)
A surprising trinity of Donald Trump, Hungarys right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban and Pope Francis could spell the end to hopes for continued support for Ukraine in fighting the war against Vladimir Putins Russia.

The Independent has spoken to Hungarys ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, who has been critical in attempting to create an international coalition to find a peace deal to end the war.

He has spoken about how Pope Francis has played an important role in supporting a deal that will probably see Mr Trump push for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to cede territory to Russia.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer held talks in Paris with French president Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Ukraine and the need for a European security pact as part of a post-Brexit reset was at the top of the agenda as the leaders vowed to ensure support for Kyiv continued.

Pope Francis stands with President Donald Trump on Ukraine (AFP/Getty)

Earlier, defence secretary John Healey defiantly rejected claims the US president-elect will reverse the current Ukraine policy. He toldSky News: I dont expect the US to turn away from Nato. They recognise the importance of the alliance. They recognise the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe.

The Pope, along with Hungary, has called for a ceasefire and talks to break the cycle of war and achieve peace. Mr Orban is seen as being the closest EU leader to Mr Putin, even visiting Moscow over the summer, while he has also been against providing Kyiv with weapons and funds.

Last week at the European Political Community summit, Mr Orban boasted of how the world is changing with Mr Trump re-elected, while renewing his demands for a Ukrainian ceasefire.

The clash with Mr Zelensky, who was at the summit, saw the Ukrainian leader note that the Hungarian prime minister is the one Nato member state leader to oppose Ukraines membership of the defence alliance.

Since his election less than a week ago, Mr Trump is already reported to have had a telephone conversation with Mr Putin warning him not to escalate the war before his inauguration.

Eduard Habsuburg-Lothringen is Hungarys ambassador to the Vatican (Hungary Embassy)

Having made several trips to visit Mr Trump at his home in Mar-a-Lago, Mr Orban has gone from being mostly internationally isolated on the war to now being the closest ally to the president-elect in Europe.

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Habsburg-Lothringen said: During Donald Trumps first presidency, Hungarian-American political relations were at their peak, with dialogue and negotiations taking centre stage in resolving conflicts that threaten world security.

Following the decision of the American electorate a few days ago, we really have good hope that Hungarian-American political cooperation will return to its peak: we share similar views on peace, illegal immigration and the protection of families. I believe there is a better chance than ever that peace will finally return to Ukraine after almost a thousand days of war.

The Pope recently made a visit to Hungary and has told Mr Habsburg-Lothringen that his affinity to the eastern European country came from a group of Hungarian nuns who lived in Argentina after fleeing following the Russian invasion in 1956.

Victor Orban and Trump are allies (Getty)

Now, with their shared view of bringing an early end to the war, he believes the Pope will support a peace deal opposed by all the other Western allies in Nato.

For the last years, Hungary has been fighting a lonely fight for immediate ceasefire and peace in Ukraine. Being a direct neighbour and having a Hungarian minority inside Ukraine gives us a very clear vision. The only ally was the Holy Father Pope Francis, who spoke in the same direction and engaged in peace diplomacy.

With the new President Trump, we have an ally who has clearly stated, even in his speech during election night, that he wanted to end the wars, which also means the one in Ukraine. This fills me with hope.

Zelensky has warned against a deal on Putins terms (PA Wire)

He added: You can say a lot of things about Donald Trump, you may even dislike him, but there is one thing that nobody questions: that he will not start a war. I see him as a man who hates war, and as a real businessman who thinks that everything will be better if there is no war.

In a previous interview with The Independent, the ambassador outlined what Hungary and the Vaticans position has been on talks.

As long as nobody talks with Russia, a real dialogue doesnt happen. The Vatican strongly encourages a climate of talking everybody to everybody, and I believe that this would be the step forward. Thats as I said, before Pope Francis and Viktor Orban both asked for immediate ceasefire and immediate peace negotiations.
Montgomery County Republican Women publicity chairperson Pat Spackey takes photos during a meeting of the Montgomery County Republican Women Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Conroe. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer From left, Jack Shepherd as Charles B. Stewart with Stewart's great-great-great granddaughter Pat Spackey and her husband, Ted Spackey as a Texas history event. Photo courtesy Pat Spackey Pictured from left are Pat Spackey, (descendant of designer of the Texas Flag Charles B. Stewart and speaker during the Texas Flag Celebration), Ted Spackey (speaker during the Texas Flag celebration) and Sara Countryman, Mayor of Montgomery. The pictured was taken at a celebration of Montgomery as the birthplace of the Texas flag. Photo courtesy Pat Spackey

The life of a dedicated descendant of the designer of the Texas flag is being remembered in Montgomery County.

Pat Spackey, 82, of The Woodlands, died over the weekend. She was the great-great-great granddaughter of Charles B. Stewart, a pharmacist, doctor and political leader in the Republic of Texas. The early resident of Montgomery is also credited with designing Texas' flag.

Spackey, also known as "The Texas Flag Lady" and "picture lady," gave presentations across Montgomery County and the state on her famous ancestor.

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"I lost my wonderful, green-eyed beauty last night," her husband, Ted, posted on Spackey's Facebook page Saturday. "We believe she had a heart attack and didn't suffer. She is in the arms of Jesus and has never been happier than she is now."

A memorial service is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Crossroad's Baptist Church, 5000 College Park Drive in The Woodlands. A live stream link will be posted for family and friends unable to attend in person. Arrangements are through Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery.

NEW DAY CENTER COMING: New $2.1M center in Conroe aimed at helping people without housing get off the street

Pat Spackey, right, spaeks with artist Lee Jamison during a grand opening ceremony Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Spirit of Texas Bank in Montgomery. Cody Bahn, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

State recognition for the flag

In a previous Courier story, Spackey said when she was growing up and hearing stories about Stewart, there wasn't much emphasis on his relation to the flag.

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Her second cousin, Virginia Lindley Ford, had trunks and trunks of documentation about Stewart, calling her the family historian.

A group with representatives from the Heritage Museum of Montgomery and other historians led the effort with state Rep. Bob Rabuck, R-Conroe, who represented Conroe and Montgomery at the time.

The resolution was signed by Speaker of the House Pete Laney on May 30, 1997 recognizing Montgomery County as the birthplace of the Texas flag.

Great-great-great granddaughter of Charles B. Stewart, Pat Spackey and her husband, Ted, stand next to a bronze statue of Stewart during the unveiling of the statue and a 175th birthday of the Lone Star flag celebration at Cedar Brake Park in Montgomery in 2014.

Preserving Stewart's legacy

Spackey graduated in 1960 from MacArthur High School in San Antonio. She worked for Prestonwood Baptist Church in the Dallas area.

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After her retirement in 2006, she and Ted moved to Montgomery County and she became passionate about preserving her famous ancestor's legacy.

The Montgomery Historical Society, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Daughters of the American Revolution were just a few of the lineage groups she was involved in.

She was also a supporter of Republican women groups and patriotic events where she could be found with her camera capturing each event.

"On a personal level, I can truly say that I never heard her say an unkind word," wrote her friend and fellow Republican women member Alice Lantier Melancon in tribute on Spackey's Facebook page. "She was always smiling and ready to capture that perfect photo with her camera that was always at her side."

For one of their recent fundraisers she and Ted dressed up like Fox News reporters with cameras ready.

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NEW POLLINATOR PROGGRAM: H-E-B and Texas Master Naturalist program team up for new pollinator initiative

Pat Spackey of the Montgomery Historical Society, loved greeting and thanking Carrie Butler and her daughter Rachel Butler during the annual "Christmas in Historic Montgomery Cookie Walk on Dec. 9, 2023. Photo courtesy Pat Spackey

Stewart's impact today

Today Spackey's ancestor is celebrated for his legacy in Texas history across the county.

A replica of his office is in the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County and a statue of him is installed at Cedar Brake Park in Montgomery in the "Pioneers of Montgomery" monument.

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The West Branch of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System is named after him and a bronze bust of him resides in The Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park.

Spackey helped unveil the statue and the bust of her ancestor and was present for the opening of monument and flag park in 2011.
(Getty Images)

Liverpool have been given an injury boost with Trent Alexander-Arnold only expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a hamstring problem.

The vice-captain, who limped off in Saturdays 2-0 win over Aston Villa, could be fit for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid and is expected to be back for the Premier League meeting with champions Manchester City at the latest.

However, he is set to miss Englands Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland this week.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he feared Alexander-Arnold had suffered a serious injury on Saturday but the right-back mitigated the damage by coming off as soon as he felt a problem.

He has been playing with pain in recent weeks, having injections on a side injury he sustained during Englands October win in Finland.

Alexander-Arnold, who scored in Helsinki, has been named man of the match in all three of Englands victories under interim manager Lee Carsley and played on against Finland to help them complete a 3-1 win. He has since played six games for Liverpool, with the team needing him for a demanding block of matches.

Conor Bradley is Liverpools alternative right-back, though Joe Gomez can also fill in there as required. Kyle Walker is the other right-back in Carsleys England squad.
President-elect Donald Trump at an election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday.

President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday involved himself publicly in the Senate leadership race for the first time, writing on Truth Social that anyone running to be the next Senate majority leader should agree to let him make recess appointments to his cabinet.

"Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner," Trump wrote, adding, "Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!"

One of the demands he outlined is the ability to make recess appointments, which would allow the president to appoint people to senior administration positions and bypass Senate confirmation.

Currently, both chambers of Congress enter "pro forma" sessions, even when the House and the Senate are out of town, as a tactic to block the president from bypassing confirmation votes.

The Supreme Court rebuked President Barack Obama when he made recess appointments, ruling 9-0 that he made them during a three-day break and that recesses are technically longer than that. The ruling gave the Senate more power to thwart such appointments in the future.

In 2020, during the throes of the Covid pandemic, Trump threatened to unilaterally adjourn Congress so he could make recess appointments, but the threat never materialized.

Trump's post Sunday is his first time he has weighed into the race to replace Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Republicans' de facto leader in the Senate.

GOP Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, Rick Scott of Florida and John Thune of South Dakota, the minority whip, are running to replace him.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., quickly weighed in Sunday, writing on X: "I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible."

Scott quickly weighed Sunday, writing on X that he agrees with Trump about recess appointments.

"100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible," Scott wrote.

Cornyn wrote on X that it is unacceptable for Senate Democrats to block Trump appointments.

The Constitution expressly confers the power on the President to make recess appointments, he wrote in the post. Article II, Section 2, Clause 3: The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Thune said members of the Senate must act "quickly and decisively" on Trump appointments.

We must act quickly and decisively to get the presidents nominees in place as soon as possible, & all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people," he wrote on X.

The race to succeed McConnell has heated up since Election Day, with rank-and-file GOP senators publicly endorsing their picks.

Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Marco Rubio of Florida and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee have all endorsed Scott.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has endorsed Cornyn.

On Thursday, Thune urged Trump not to endorse in the race, telling CNBC in an interview, 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."

Scott told Trump in May that he would run to succeed McConnell and asked for his endorsement, a source familiar with the call told NBC News.

Cornyn, Scott and Thune will meet Tuesday evening at a candidates forum organized by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. On Wednesday morning, just hours before Trump meets with President Joe Biden at the White House, senators will vote for a new majority leader by secret ballot.

In the second part of his Truth Social post Sunday, Trump called on Democrats not to confirm any additional judicial nominees before the start of the next congressional session.

"Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!" Trump wrote, suggesting Republicans should stop Democrats from confirming judges during the lame duck session.

That would work only if Republicans slow-walk the process. They cannot unilaterally stop Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., from putting nominees on the floor.
After a sweeping victory over Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 5, President-elect Donald Trump is now set to become just the second ever to serve nonconsecutive terms in office.

Trump has wasted no time in moving to assemble his team for a second term in the White House -- naming Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security adviser and Tom Homan as his "border czar," among other positions.

Inauguration Day is Jan. 20.





Latest Developments





Nov 12, 7:58 PM

Gov. Kristi Noem picked for Homeland Security secretary

Trump confirmed he has picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to be his Homeland Security secretary.



Trump said in a statement that Noem will work closely with "border czar" Tom Homan and "will guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries."



The role requires Senate confirmation.

PHOTO: Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks with moderator and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem during a town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, Oct. 14, 2024. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)





Nov 12, 8:00 PM

Trump announces Department of Government Efficiency led by Musk, Ramaswamy

Trump has announced that billionaire Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and ally of the president-elect, will lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.



"Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies," Trump said in a statement.



The Department of Government Efficiency is not a new government agency. Trump said it will "provide advice and guidance from outside of government" and "partner" with the White House and Office of Management and Budget to drive structural government reform.



Trump has previously said Musk would take a role in his administration as head of a new "government efficiency commission."

PHOTO: Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk speaks during a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former president Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Oct. 5, 2024. (Carlos Barria/Reuters, Files)





Nov 12, 7:33 PM

Trump nominates Pete Hegseth for defense secretary

Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth to be his defense secretary.



Hegseth is currently a host of "Fox & Friends" as well as an Army combat veteran.



"Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our 'Peace through Strength' policy," Trump said in a statement.



The role requires Senate confirmation.





Nov 12, 6:29 PM

Trump picks John Ratcliffe for CIA director

Trump announced that John Ratcliffe is his pick for director of the Central Intelligence Agency.



The role requires Senate confirmation.



Ratcliffe was a former director of National Intelligence during Trump's first term.



"I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nations highest Intelligence positions," Trump said in a statement, adding that Ratcliffe "will be a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans."





Nov 12, 5:52 PM

Trump names attorney Bill McGinley as his White House counsel

Trump has named attorney Bill McGinley as his White House counsel, his transition team announced.



McGinley served as the White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first term and has served as general counsel at the National Republican Senatorial Committee.



"Bill is a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement," Trump said in a statement.



The White House counsel is appointed by the president.





Nov 12, 5:26 PM

Trump taps friend and donor Steve Witkoff as special envoy to the Middle East

Trump has tapped his longtime friend and donor Steve Witkoff as his special envoy to the Middle East, the president-elect's transition team announced.

PHOTO: Businessman Steve Witkoff stands onstage with Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Macon, Georgia, Nov. 3, 2024. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Witkoff, along with former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, has been leading the inauguration efforts.



Witkoff has held multiple fundraisers for Trump throughout the election cycle and accompanied him to numerous campaign rallies. He was also golfing with Trump during the alleged second assassination attempt in West Palm Beach earlier this year.



-ABC News' Soo Rin Kim, Kelsey Walsh and Lalee Ibssa





Nov 12, 5:22 PM

Trump expected to tap Kristi Noem for DHS secretary: Sources

Trump is expected to soon announce he has chosen South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as his next secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, according to sources.



The role requires Senate confirmation.



Noem was on the short-list to be Trump's running mate, but her chances dimmed as she fended off controversy over accounts in her book about killing her dog that she claimed was showing aggressive behavior.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump stands next to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem during a town hall campaign event in Oaks, Pennsylvania, Oct. 14, 2024. (David Muse/Reuters)

She also faced backlash after her spokesperson said a claim she made about meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and an account of an interaction with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley were "errors."



She is a loyal Trump ally who will work closely with Trump's new border czar Tom Homan and new deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller. CNN was first to report the news of Noem as the secretary pick.



-ABC News' Jonathan Karl. Rachel Scott, Katherine Faulders and Luke Barr





Nov 12, 5:36 PM

Tracking those Trump has named to serve in his Cabinet, administration

Ahead of his return to power in January, Trump is announcing who he wants to fill Cabinet positions and other key roles inside his administration.



They include some of his staunchest allies on Capitol Hill and key advisers to his 2024 campaign.



Here is a running list of the people Trump has selected, or is expected to select, to serve in his administration.





Nov 12, 3:27 PM

DeSantis must call for special elections to fill Waltz's impending vacancy

To replace Florida Rep. Mike Waltz in the U.S. House following his selection to serve as Trump's national security adviser, state statute requires Gov. Ron DeSantis to call for a special primary and then a special election in Florida.



The special elections to fill the House seat differ from Florida's way of filling Senate seats. State law mandates that DeSantis appoint an individual to fill any Senate vacancy.



Waltz currently represents Florida's solidly red 6th Congressional District, one that hasn't been represented by a Democrat since 1989. DeSantis himself was the congressmember for the northeastern Florida seat ahead of Waltz.



ABC News has not yet reported a projection for who will have control of the House, but Waltz's impending vacancy could impact Republicans' numbers as they head toward a GOP "trifecta" in Washington.



-ABC News' Isabella Murray





Nov 12, 2:03 PM

Trump nominates Mike Huckabee to be Israeli ambassador

Trump announced he has nominated former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel.



"Mike has been a great public servant, Governor, and Leader in Faith for many years," Trump said in a statement. "He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him. Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!"



The role, which will need to be confirmed by the Senate, will be a key appointment as tensions remain high in the Middle East.

PHOTO: Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee moderates a roundtable discussion with Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 29, 2024, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Spoiler alert! We're breaking down the pivotal first "Yellowstone" episode from Part 2 of Season 5.

It didn't take long to find out Kevin Costner's "Yellowstone" fate.

Sunday's Paramount Network premiere of the long-awaited second half of "Yellowstone" Season 5 starts with emergency crews at the Montana governor's mansion, home of Costner's embattled patriarch, Governor John Dutton.

Even director and longtime collaborator Christina Voros was blown away discovering how "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan handled John Dutton's end (after Costner officially left the show in June).

"When I read the first episode, I was shocked," says Voros. "Like many fans, I was like, 'So we're doing this now!' I'm paraphrasing here, but (Sheridan) was more interested in the season's story being about those who remain  rather than overly complicating, sentimentalizing, or preparing for the inevitable. Seeing how the rest of the season goes, it's such a ballsy, brave and beautiful choice."

Here's how the return of Paramount Network's "Yellowstone" (Sundays, 8 EST/PST) handled Costner's departure from America's No. 1 show after six years.

Spoilers ahead! Last warning!

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Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) tries to break the news of his father John Dutton's demise on the Season 5, Part 2 season premiere of "Yellowstone."

What happened to Governor John Dutton in 'Yellowstone'?

Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) screeches up to the emergency crews at the governor's home (played by the historic Daly Mansion, which is located in Hamilton, Montana).

"What the hell? Beth says frantically. "My father!"

Beth's worst fears are confirmed after Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) pulls up, and the two push through the police tape to investigate. There's a handgun on the bathroom floor and blood. The camera never shows John's face, but you can see his body sprawled on the ground (Costner's stunt double) and his grown children's distraught looks. Their reaction is the "intentional choice" to confirm "the truth" of Dutton's death, says Voros.

"There is no denying that they have lost their father," says Voros. "You see that not by blood and a gun on a bathroom floor but by the tears coming down Beth's face and Luke's gutting performance. It leaves no shadow of a doubt."

It looks like a suicide, but Beth knows better. "It was Jamie!" she whispers to her brother.

When Season 5 opened in November 2022 and Costner played the embattled governor, his son, Attorney General Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), teamed with lawyer Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) to upend his father's political and business life. At Atwood's urging, Jamie started impeachment proceedings against the governor and even mused about going on the "offensive" and hiring pros to take him out. Such nefarious "corporations" exist, his lover Atwood told him.

Kelsey Asbille as Monica Long, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton in Paramount Network's 'Yellowstone.'

Fast-forward to Sunday's premiere: "Some sort of tragedy has taken place," a news reporter says in a live report from the mansion. "To recap, Day One of the impeachment hearing against the governor was set to begin at 8 in the morning and the governor failed to appear at that hearing."

Beth frantically calls her husband Rip (Cole Hauser), who has moved the Yellowstone cattle to Texas to save the herd from a deadly outbreak of brucellosis. Rip thunders off on his horse, heading towards his truck, so he can start the long drive home.

AG Jamie grimly faces the media, but can't even finish the statement about his father's death.

Wes Bentley as Attorney General Jamie Dutton on "Yellowstone."

How do we know Jamie Dutton is responsible?

A flashback scene shows Atwood entering a heavily fortified building and being searched (extensively) for any recording devices. She meets a mysterious operator who goes over the best options to kill Dutton secretly. Faking a heart attack is too risky with toxicology reports and an autopsy.

"Suicide offers the highest reward and lowest risk," he says, seeking Atwood's verbal approval to "execute" the mission. She consents.

In another flashback, Jamie gets a call that the unspecified deed is done. He is bereft, crying as he stumbles into his bedroom, where the lingerie-clad Atwood is waiting for him. He tells her he merely mentioned hiring killers but never thought she'd do it.

"You are completely protected," Atwood tells him. "Old lions die in the jaws of younger lions, and you are the younger lion."

What is Beth going to do about her father's death?

Kayce relies on his Bureau of Land Management credentials to find out what the police know. A power transponder mysteriously went out around the neighborhood in the early morning hours of his father's death, so there's no security footage. Police are buying the suicide theory. But Beth and Kayce are sure that if Jamie didn't do the dirty deed, then Dutton-enemy Atwood had the contacts.

"Come home and help me decide how to kill him," Beth tells the still-traveling Rip. The episode's final scene features Rip pulling up as Beth runs from the house and jumps into his arms.

Will Season 5 end 'Yellowstone'? How does it end?

Voros claims she does not know whether "Yellowstone" will end after the second half of Season 5 (as originally reported) or continue with a Beth-and-Rip-centered spinoff or a Season 6 (cast members have alluded to both scenarios). But the new Season 5 six episodes will give "a real conclusion" while offering the chance for more.

Sheridan "has made some very strong choices about the 'Yellowstone' world being forever changed in John Dutton's absence," says Voros. "But when you write characters with depth, heart, and complexity, there's always room to wonder what happens next. These are some of the most popular characters in modern television."

We've got room on the couch! Sign up for USA TODAY's Watch Party newsletter for more recaps of your favorite shows.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Yellowstone' recap: What happened to Kevin Costner's John Dutton
Cloud software vendor Zoho has grown its local customers by 19 per cent and revenue by 18 per cent, attributing the growth in no small part to its local partner network.

The vendor revealed these figures at its annual Zoholics conference in Sydney on 11 November, where it renewed its commitment to local channel partners, which include resellers, distributors, implementation partners, platform partners, systems integrators and independent software vendors (ISV).

In Australia, partners play an instrumental role in the country, collectively providing services such as data migration, third-party integrations and custom applications, explained Vijay Sundaram, chief strategy officer at Zoho.

Were enjoying strong and sustainable growth here, both in terms of our customers and revenue, and the channel is one of the driving forces behind that, Sundaram told ARN. In the last three years alone, our partner network has grown by 131 per cent.

Not just in Australia, but globally, the channel has evolved from an important to an absolutely critical part of our business.

This was in contrast with its position in 2012 when the channel accounted for 13 per cent of total revenue globally.
Saddle Creek Village, a $23.6 million affordable housing complex, is set to open in 2025 in Spring. Stewardship Development and Harris County Houston Finance Corp., are partnering on the project, which will be a 72-unit complex at 15960 Kuykendahl, according to the Harris County Houston Finance Corp. The project is expected to break ground Tuesday. Submitted by Harris County Housing Finance Corporation

Saddle Creek Village, a $23.6 million affordable housing complex, is set to open in 2025 in the northwest Houston suburbs.

Stewardship Development and Harris County Housing Finance Corp., are partnering on the project, which will be a 72-unit complex at 15960 Kuykendahl in Spring, according to the Harris County Housing Finance Corp. The project is expected to break ground Tuesday.

The development was awarded a low-income housing tax credit and Harris County ARPA funds.

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Rene Martinez, executive director with the Harris County Housing Finance Corp., said by phone the project will address and help the housing crisis.

Its going to address the extreme housing crisis that we have in Harris County, Martinez said. A person employed by Spring ISD that meets the income levels that are necessary to qualify, let's say a teacher's aide or entry level firefighter or something like that, I think that they can certainly look at this as a place to call home.

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The Houston area is second only to the Las Vegas area in terms of the housing shortage for extremely low-income households, falling far behind other regions often considered more unaffordable, according to a previous Houston Chronicle report. In the Houston region, there are only 15 apartments affordable for extremely low-income households for every 100 families that meet that definition, compared to 34 apartments per 100 families nationwide.
by Fady Noun

The war waged by the Jewish state on Hezbollah has rendered nine facilities unusable and caused 178 deaths and 292 injuries among health workers alone. Almost USD 120 million will be needed to cover at least the basic expenses in the sector within the next six months. The commitment of the interim government and Minister Abiad to try to meet the needs of public and private healthcare.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - Rendered fragile by the war, Lebanon's once-rich public and private hospital networks, as well as makeshift shelters for displaced people, are combining their efforts under the leadership of Health Minister Firas Abiad to meet huge and growing needs.

We have not yet realised the full extent of the drama. We will see it more clearly when peace has returned,' believes the interim holder of the ministry, who is particularly concerned with emergencies and, above all, the reception centres for displaced persons. The latter host, according to official figures from the Beirut authorities, about 240,000 people out of an overall total of 1.3 million displaced by the conflict.

Experts' figures indicate that over 300,000 Lebanese have already found temporary refuge in Iraq and Syria. The balance of these two figures, compared to the total number of displaced persons, must be attributed to the reception of some of them in private homes, although their needs are as real as they are difficult to assess. During the first month of the all-out air offensive in Lebanon that began on 23 September, the toll of Israeli attacks in the Land of the Cedars rose to 3,013 dead and 13,553 wounded, according to the Ministry of Health itself.

Pending a ceasefire that is still far from materialising, the death toll is rising by 20, 30 or 50 people a day, with the Israeli Air Force not hesitating to bring down a building on its occupants to eliminate a Hezbollah leader. This is what happened again yesterday in Almate, in the Jbeil region, where 22 civilians who had fled from the Baalbeck region were killed by the collapse of the two-storey building in which they had been taken in by relatives out of family ties.

In its latest report, dated 1 November, the Lebanese Ministry of Health states that 178 people were killed and 292 injured in health and emergency services alone. And emergency workers of Shia Islamic associations are targeted in the same way as fighters. Three of them were killed in recent days when their vehicle was targeted in the Tyre region. Only Lebanese Red Cross ambulances are allowed to circulate in the regions affected by the attacks, provided they have coordinated their routes in advance with the army and the international Unifil force.

Overcrowded centres

For the time being, Minister Abiad is devoting all his attention to the reception centres, which are generally overcrowded and occupied by families. A major concern in these overcrowded centres is the risk of contagion from skin diseases such as scabies and bacterial infections including cholera and polio. We have organised ourselves to carry out regular tests and checks on the drinking water, explains the former director of the government hospital Rafic Hariri in Beirut. The work currently focuses on four particular categories: the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities and newborn babies.

The volume of aid received is not proportional to the needs, continues Abiad, who estimates that nearly 0 million would actually be needed to cover healthcare costs for the next six months. Nevertheless, the minister says he is at the same time satisfied with the availability of the drugs needed to treat chronic illnesses. There are about 45,000 people, he emphasises, who suffer from them, a situation that reflects that of the general population of Lebanon, about 20 per cent of whom suffer from chronic diseases.

Hospitals out of service

Nine hospitals have been forced to close due to Israeli attacks since 23 September, added the minister, who went on to add that others are out of service because they are located in unsafe areas. According to a CNN report, at least 24 hospitals are located within the 500-metre danger zone used by the Israeli army as a benchmark for civilian evacuation zones. To reduce his vulnerability and protect his medical and care team, Elie Hachem, director of the Hopital Sainte Therese, a private hospital on the edge of the southern suburbs, fortified his emergency department with sandbags. In the event of further bombings, he explains, all services will be moved to the chapel on the ground floor, which is considered the safest part of the entire building.

The doctors and nursing staff are working beyond their normal capacity, says Health Minister Abiad, who goes on to ask how long this state of grave emergency will last. There are no doctors leaving yet, but will it last? We will be able to hold out for a little while longer, but if it goes on for more than two or three months, we will need something else' to survive and to be able to continue to ensure the health system's resilience.
The news of the day: Evacuation alerts in the Philippines for another typhoon; In China, editions of books published in Taiwan collapse; Bhutan wants to build city of awareness:; Qatar has suspended its role as mediator between Hamas and Israel, describing the role described by the US media as inaccurate.

JAPAN

Today Shigeru Ishiba, head of the Liberal Democratic Party, was formally re-elected prime minister of Japan in the first runoff in three decades against Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party. With a minority government, the opposition is likely to intensify pressure on Ishiba to adopt drastic political reforms.

CHINA-TAIWAN

The introduction of a stricter form of censorship in 2019 is leading to a drastic drop in the publication of books by Taiwanese writers in the People's Republic of China. According to data provided by the South China Morning Post, at least 70 titles had been published in mainland China in the three years prior to the 2019 revision.

The number dropped to 26 between the introduction of the new rules and August 2022, when the situation worsened following Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Since then, only four works of Taiwanese literature have been published in Mainland China, including only one this year.

RUSSIA - NORTH KOREA

In addition to the soldiers supporting the Russian army, estimated at around 12,000, North Korea sent 3,765 of its citizens to Russia for the purpose of study between July and September 2024, according to data from the border service on the website of the statistics institute Rosstat, a record number on a historical level, even though only 300 of them were registered for studies by the Ministry of Education.

PHILIPPINES

This morning 2,500 villages in the Philippines were ordered to evacuate due to a new typhoon, Toraji, the fourth in less than 30 days. Schools and government offices remained closed in the areas expected to be hardest hit along the north-eastern coast, while about 700 passengers were stranded at ports as shipping was suspended.

INDIA

The Punjab police arrested two alleged associates of Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla, accused of several crimes, including murder, extortion and terrorism, and himself an aide to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist killed in Vancouver last year. According to the police, the arrest of the two, who were found in possession of weapons, cash and false identity documents, foiled four potential targeted killings.

BHUTAN

Bhutan plans to build a city of mindfulness, for which it issued a USD 100 million bond today. The Gelephu Mindfulness City will be built in a special administrative region with separate rules and laws, and will serve as an economic corridor between South Asia and South East Asia, covering an area of over 2,500 square kilometres on the border with India.

MIDDLE EAST

Qatar has suspended its role as mediator in the ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas, stressing that it will resume work when Hamas and Israel demonstrate their willingness to negotiate and calling initial reports of the US willingness to close the Hamas office in Doha inaccurate. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in northern Lebanon and Gaza have killed dozens of people, including several children.

KYRGYZSTAN

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zaparov, met with representatives of the country's religious communities to discuss the new draft of a law On the Freedom of Religious Profession and Religious Organisations, which should make it possible to regulate the positions of all denominations, and above all ensure the unity of all Muslims, with fewer prohibitions.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Khaled Abu Ajwa, executive director of the non-profit organisation, received the award at yesterday's ceremony in Mumbai. The award recognises the children who inspire us every day in Lebanon, across the Levant, and around the world, he told AsiaNews. The event was an opportunity to focus on the Syrian war, which has now lasted for 13 years. Ratan Tata, the Indian tycoon who died a few weeks ago, was also awarded.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  Jusoor ("bridges" in Arabic), a non-profit organisation that provides educational opportunities to Syrian refugees around the world, especially young people, received the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice yesterday in Mumbai on the theme "Humanity in Action".

The motivation for the prize by the Harmony Foundation is the NGOs commitment to maximise the potential of [displaced] Syrian children and youth through the power of education.

The award was established in 2005 to keep alive the memory of the unforgettable saint who dedicated her life to the downtrodden.

This years award sheds light on the Syrian conflict, which is still ongoing but is often forgotten.

Its a great honour to accept the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, said Khaled Abu Ajwa, JUSOOR executive director, speaking to AsiaNews. This recognition is not just for JUSOOR, but for the countless displaced children whose resilience and relentless determination inspire us every day in Lebanon, across the Levant, and around the world.

As a result of the civil war, which began in 2011 with a crackdown by President Bashar al-Assad, a generation of boys and girls have known only war and who remind us that even in the face of adversity, dreams and hope can thrive, director Abu Ajwa added.

Since it broke out, the war in Syria has triggered a massive exodus: 7.2 million internally displaced people, plus 5 million in neighbouring countries; Lebanon alone hosts about 1.5 million.

JUSOOR operates globally with educational and entrepreneurial programmes for Syrian youth and host communities in the Middle East.

The Syrian conflict since 2011 as well as the economic collapse in Lebanon since 2019 have meant the support JUSOOR is able to galvanize and provide is meaningful and in fact essential for the lives of thousands of young people, reads the NGOs website.

This is an essential commitment since many people have not yet found any form of stability. Many of those who fled to Lebanon are now experiencing a return exodus due to the instability of the country following the outbreak of hostilities with Israel.

Let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure that every child regardless of their background and circumstances has the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential for a brighter future, the director told AsiaNews.

Created in 2005 by Dr Abraham Mathai, the Harmony Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that promotes social justice; its raison d'etre is the creation and strengthening of social cohesion between various communities and working for the benefit of all without any discrimination of religion, caste, creed, gender, or region.

The Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice recognises the efforts of individuals and groups around the world to promote peace, harmony, and social justice. Previous recipients include Nobel laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai.

Among this year's notable honourees is Ratan Tata (1937-2024). The former president of the Tata Group and leading figure in Indian industries passed away last October, and was posthumously given the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice In recognition of his extraordinary contributions as a humanitarian, beyond his role as a business leader.

Dr Mathai explained that the decision to honour Ratan Tata posthumously is not only a tribute to his remarkable achievements, but also a reminder that his values and contributions live on.

Ratan Tatas legacy of compassion, ethical business practices, and philanthropy exemplifies the spirit of service, compassion, and commitment to social justice that this award represents, reads Dr Mathais statement.

Ratan Tatas many acts of altruism include the commitment to affordable cancer care in India; through the Tata Trusts, he has transformed cancer treatment, research and awareness nationwide.

His visionary approach has set a lasting example of strategic philanthropy in healthcare, inspiring everyone to tackle critical challenges with the same compassion and dedication, Dr Mathai noted.
by Gianni Criveller

In his speech at Peking University and in his visit to the graves of Intorcetta and Martini in Hangzhou, the Italian leader noted the contribution made by missionaries to dialogue, before and after Marco Polo. Following in their footsteps, the Italian president also spoke in China about human rights.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Deep historical and cultural ties between China and Italy marked the visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to China, which is now coming to an end. Missionaries have made fundamental contributions to this relationship.

During the visit, Marco Polo was remembered as one might expect since this year marks the 700th anniversary of his arrival in the Middle Kingdom. However, the Venetian merchant traveller was not the first Italian or European to set foot in China.

Numerous Franciscan missionaries from Italy and other European countries came before, during and after his time, in the 13th and 14th centuries, travelling on the silk roads of Central Asia or crossing the seas of South and East Asia, to reach China.

In his Lectio magistralis last Saturday at Peking University (also known as Beida), President Mattarella mentioned the names of four Italian missionaries, citing them as champions of intercultural dialogue: Matteo Ricci, Michele Ruggieri, Alessandro Valignano, and Prospero Intorcetta.

On Sunday, the president visited the grave of Jesuit missionaries in the beautiful city of Hangzhou, including those of Prospero Intorcetta and Martino Martini.

Sicilian-born Mattarella is well acquainted with Intorcetta, a fellow Sicilian from Piazza Armerina, whom he mentioned seven years ago on his previous visit to Beijing.

In China from 1659 to 1696, he is considered one of the most cultured and undoubtedly the best sinologist among Jesuit missionaries in China.

A convinced follower of the line of 'accommodation' inaugurated by Matteo Ricci (who is decidedly better known and appreciated in China than in Italy), Intorcetta was also involved in the Chinese Rites controversy as his writings indicate.

A major and original authority on the Chinese language, he translated Chinese classics into Latin and published them in Europe. With his work Confucius, Philosopher of the Chinese (Paris 1687, with contribution from the French Jesuit Philippe Couplet), he introduced Confucianism to Europe.

Readers of these works included philosophers like Leibniz, Spinoza, Voltaire, and other scholars linked to Sorbonne University, where events and controversies involving China were followed with great interest. Likely, reading Confucian works translated by the Jesuits and their letters from China somehow inspired the French intellectuals who gave birth to the Enlightenment.

The ideal of an enlightened sovereign, who rules the people with reason and surrounds himself with the best, is also borrowed from the Jesuit description of the Chinese imperial system.

Martino Martini, a missionary from Trento, was in China from 1642 to 1661. He too was involved in the Chinese Rites controversy, authoring the important Novus Atlas Sinensis (Amsterdam, 1655), the first accurate atlas of Chinese cities and provinces available in Europe.

At PIMEs Peoples and Cultures Museum in Milan, we have a very precious copy of the first edition, also available in its entirety in digital form and accessible to the public.

The Jesuit missionaries Intorcetta and Martini have an extraordinary historical merit: they were the first to introduce the geography and philosophy of China to Europe, thus becoming central characters in the Age of Modernity and intercultural dialogue.

Regarding President Mattarella's noteworthy speech at Peking University, I was struck not only by the ideal reference to missionaries, but also to human rights and peace, two of the great contributions of the Christian faith brought by missionaries to China and the world.

The explicit reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is all the more significant since it cannot by any means be taken for granted.

It refers to a theme that is very topical in China and the world. Just as it is not obvious to invoke the goodness of peace, Mattarella reminded China of its responsibility in mediation and peacemaking in the world, in particular with respect to Russia, whose invasion of Ukraine the president explicitly condemned.

The visit to China took place in the name of friendship and dialogue. It is a very positive thing that Mattarella and Chinese President Xi Jinping address each other with respect and sympathy. But this did not prevent the Italian leader from encouraging  in a clear language  his Chinese hosts to follow the path of human rights and peace.
Meeting in the Vatican with this confession from Kerala of Syriac origin but very close to the Reformed world, the pontiff expressed his desire for a common appointment among Christians of every denomination on the theme of mission: Working together to bear witness to the Risen Christ is the best way to bring us closer together.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - An ecumenical synod to reflect and engage with other Christian denominations on the theme of evangelisation was proposed tofay by Pope Francis when meeting in the Vatican for the first time with the entire Synod of the Syro-Malankara Mar Thoma Church, a Christian confession in Kerala that is heir to both the Syriac tradition of the Christians of St Thomas and the Reformed one.

It broke away in 1889 from the other Indian Churches that were heirs to the preaching of St Thomas precisely because of its closeness to the Protestant world in its relationship with Holy Scripture.

Welcoming the prelates led by Metropolitan Barnabas representing Metropolitan Theodosius (whom he wished good health), the pontiff emphasised the ecumenical vocation of the Mar Thoma Church, which defines itself as a bridge between East and West. He recalled how the future Metropolitan Philipose Mar Chrysostom also participated as an observer at the Second Vatican Council.

In recent years, recalled Pope Francis, Providence has allowed new relations to develop between our Churches. These contacts of ours have led to the start of an official dialogue: the first meeting was held last December in Kerala and the next one will take place in a few weeks. I rejoice at the beginning of this dialogue, he added, which I entrust to the Holy Spirit and which I hope will hasten the day when we will be able to share the same Eucharist, fulfilling the Lord's prophecy: They shall come from the East and from the West and sit at table (Mt 8:11).

And it is by referring to an idea that emerged during the Synod on Synodality just celebrated by the Catholic Church that the Pontiff evoked the horizon of a meeting between all Christian confessions on the theme of mission. Synodality and ecumenism are inseparable also because both have as their objective a better witness of Christians, Francis said.

However, mission is not only the end of the ecumenical journey, it is also its means. I am convinced that working together to bear witness to the Risen Christ is the best way to bring us closer. That is why, as our recent Synod proposed, I hope that one day we can celebrate an ecumenical Synod on evangelisation all together. And this Synod will be to guarantee, to pray, to reflect and to commit ourselves together for a better Christian witness, so that the world may believe (Jn 17:21). Here too, I am certain that the Mar Thoma Church, which carries within itself this missionary dimension, can offer much'.
Emergency officials are shown at the scene Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Houston where Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia of Station 23/B died from injuries sustained while fighting a warehouse fire at 6536 Supply Row Blvd. near Polk St. overnight. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Yesenia Espinoza, accused of setting a warehouse fire that killed a firefighter, during her arraignment before Judge Brian Warren in 209th District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Yesenia Espinoza, accused of setting a warehouse fire that killed a firefighter, during her arraignment before Judge Brian Warren in 209th District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Defense attorney Allen Otto speaks to the media after the court appearance of Yesenia Espinoza, accused of setting a warehouse fire that killed a firefighter, during her arraignment before Judge Brian Warren in 209th District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor Yesenia Espinoza, accused of setting a warehouse fire that killed a firefighter, during her arraignment before Judge Brian Warren in 209th District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor

Months before a Houston firefighter was crushed by a collapsing wall while responding to a fire at an East End warehouse, city inspectors visited the property in response to nuisance complaints, according to city records.

The visits over complaints of illegal dumping raised questions about conditions at the East End facility before the fire that killed 42-year-old Marcelo Garcia last week. It's unclear if the violations had any role in contributing to the fire.

On Saturday, Yesenia Espinoza, 38, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection to the fire.

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FIRE FALLOUT: Funeral arrangements for Houston firefighter who died responding to warehouse fire

Espinoza was allegedly caught on camera walking away from the building after it started burning, according to charging documents. Shes accused of using a lighter to start the fire that grew into a three-alarm blaze.

Garcia died after the north wall of the 69-year-old building collapsed outward, burying him in rubble. He was the first Houston firefighter to die while responding to a fire in more than 10 years.

Houston firefighters Marcelo Garcia, 42, died on Thursday, Nov. 24 while responding to a fire in Houston's East End. Courtesy/City of Houston

Its unclear what connection, if any, Espinoza had with the building. The buildings owner told police that she didnt have permission to stay there, according to charging documents. The same document references a witness who told police he'd been staying at the commercial property for two years; although it was unclear if he was allowed to be on the property.

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The man told police the building began burning after he left to go gather items from a Dumpster, according to court records.

Complaints over debris

Employees from neighboring businesses told the Chronicle they believed the warehouse was vacant, but that there were sometimes people inside. City records show the building also started generating complaints beginning in February.

Around Feb. 26, the city received a complaint about potential illegal dumping at the address, according to 311 records. On March 7, a inspector from the citys Department of Neighborhoods found the property had weeds, debris and rubbish, including discarded plastic and wood pallets.

Inspectors found the same debris during a follow-up inspection in April and issued a violation, according to city records. The complaint then remained apparently unresolved for months. The department closed three other complaints about the property this year, records shows.

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In a statement Friday, city spokeswoman Mary Benton said the department had set a goal of closing the nuisance complaint by Nov. 5, but that hadnt happened.

MORE ON GARCIA: Firefighter Marcelo Garcia remembered as son of Houston's East End

The target represents our goal for closing cases within the system, Benton said. We do not hit that goal 100% of the time and use it as a measure of where we stand operationally.

The property owner hadnt addressed the violations, and that the citys response to the building was delayed by the May 17 derecho and Hurricane Beryl in July, Benton said.

The buildings owner, Salim Muhammad, declined to comment when reached by phone Monday.

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The 13,000 square foot warehouse was built in 1955, according to Harris County property records.

Muhammad's company, Jensal Holdings LLC, bought the property in 2020. Jenny Garcia, who is listed along with Muhammad as a director of the business, didn't return a request for comment Monday.

Woman accused of arson now in jail

Espinoza was being held in the Harris County Jail on Monday. During her initial court appearance, her defense attorney, Allen Otto, said she would be unable to make bail.

Otto declined to discuss Espinozas personal life or finances.

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Her story hasn't been heard in front of a jury, nor the judge, and we look forward to the day where well be able to do that, Otto said.

He declined to discuss court records that indicated Espinoza was earlier diagnosed with either a mental health or intellectual disability.

Yesenia Espinoza, accused of setting a warehouse fire that killed a firefighter, during her arraignment before Judge Brian Warren in 209th District Court at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor

Surveillance footage showed Espinoza was the only person who had access to the warehouse at the time, prosecutors said. She dropped a red lighter nearby after setting a fire, they said.

Espinoza isnt charged with murder, but prosecutors said she was to blame for Garcias death.

This is a first responder who essentially has laid his life on the line and after laying his life on the line, unfortunately, he died just because of her actions, said assistant district attorney Keegan Childers. Just because she decided that she wanted to light something on fire. We now have to make sure that we seek justice for him and his family, and that people like this don't get away with it.

The charge carries a punishment range of five years to life imprisonment if shes convicted.

Espinoza will return to court in January.
Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanian said the Armenian government has still not decided whether to attend the annual UN summit that will last for almost two weeks.

If there is no decision yet, both going and not going [to COP29] are theoretically possible, he told journalists. That depends on current processes  That depends on the dynamics of the [Armenia-Azerbaijan] settlement process.

Kostanian implicitly linked Yerevans decision to further progress towards an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal and the release of Armenian prisoners still held in Azerbaijan.

Armenian press reports said late last month that Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is ready to attend COP29 if Baku agrees to free at least some of the remaining 23 prisoners. Mirzoyan was scheduled to fly to Sweden on Monday for a two-day working visit.

According to a senior Armenian lawmaker, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian proposed to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev last month that their foreign ministers hold two-day intensive talks to iron out their remaining differences and sign a bilateral peace treaty before COP29. Kostanian admitted on Monday that the two sides still disagree on some provisions of the would-be treaty after exchanging fresh peace proposals last week.

There are still issues on which the two sides differ, but we see an opportunity to approximate those views, he said, answering a question from RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

Armenia had dropped its objections to Bakus bid to host the global summit last December as part of a deal that led to the release of 32 other Armenian soldiers and civilians held in Azerbaijani captivity. In recent months, Mirzoyan and other Armenian officials have expressed concern that Azerbaijan could invade Armenia after COP29.

Aliyev again threatened such military action on Friday, saying that Armenia must stop acquiring weapons and rebuilding its armed forces. In a weekend phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Aliyev also repeated his main precondition for a peace treaty with Yerevan: a change of Armenias constitution which he says contains territorial claims to Azerbaijan.
Under a relevant bill drafted by the Interior Ministry, the requirement would apply to private entities occupying at least 50 square meters of commercial space. Ministry officials have said that this would make it easier for the police and other law-enforcement agencies to combat street crime.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians cabinet approved the bill early this year despite its negative assessment by the Justice Ministrys Personal Data Protection Agency. The latter warned of significant risks to the security of personal data and a disproportionate restriction of citizens right to privacy. Armenias Central Bank, human rights ombudswoman as well as civil society organizations and opposition groups voiced similar concerns.

Deputy Interior Minister Arpine Sargsian dismissed those concerns before the Armenian parliament passed the bill in the first reading in June. Sargsian argued that the mandatory CCTV cameras would not lead to privacy violations because they would be installed in public places. Nevertheless, the government seemed in no rush to push the bill through the parliament in the second and final reading.

The Interior Ministry announced on Monday that it has withdrawn the bill from the National Assembly for now because the Armenian public lacks a broad consensus on this initiative aimed at its own security. In a statement, it expressed readiness for further discussions with critics of the proposed measure.

The announcement came less than two weeks after Human Rights Watch (HRW), a U.S.-based watchdog, said the measure is unjustified and interferes with privacy and other rights.

Mass surveillance in public spaces would have a chilling effect on fundamental civil and political rights, said Giorgi Gogia, HRWs associate director for Europe and Central Asia.

Armenias crime rate has risen considerably since the 2018 velvet revolution that brought Pashinian to power. There has been a particularly sharp increase in drug trafficking cases. They more than doubled last year, according to law-enforcement authorities. The Armenian police's record on fighting against these and other crimes has been criticized by not only opposition lawmakers but also some of their pro-government colleagues.
11 November 2024 00:31 (UTC+04:00)

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) is just a few minutes away, and for the first time ever Baku hosts this grandiose event. After more than 11 months of preparation, the capital of Azerbaijan is becoming a venue for over sixty thousand guests to discuss climate issues in the South Caucasus.

Since the decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan in December 2023, Azernews has published extensive research articles on initiatives to solve climate problems, climate action, and climate-oriented projects implemented by Azerbaijan.

Today, along with all the media, the staff of Azernews, Azerbaijans number one English-language newspaper is eagerly awaiting COP29, which will begin in one of the most prominent locations in the capital, Baku.

The eyes of the world are already on us. COP29 is not only a major platform for solving climate problems but also a source of hope for countries suffering from global warming and environmental problems. Azerbaijan will start discussions on the most global problems of concern to the world from November 11 to 22, together with climate experts and delegations from different parts of the world.

In this regard, the role of a number of world media, agencies, and print media in promoting COP29 and Azerbaijan's global initiatives on climate issues on a global scale is invaluable.

COP29 through the eyes of the world media

Leading media outlets in Turkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have extensively covered the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to be held in Azerbaijan today.

Media structures of friendly countries informed the audience about the agenda of the global environmental event, Azerbaijan's efforts to organize COP29 and Turkiye's priorities in the field of environmental protection.

The media specifically emphasizes that climate financing is a priority issue on the agenda of the global discussions to be held in Baku.

The expected participation of heads of state and government of about 100 countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at COP29 was highlighted.

In particular, it is emphasized that the number of registered COP29 participants has already exceeded 67 thousand people.

In addition, the Turkish press notes that, among others, the "Zero Waste" project, initiated by Emine Erdogan, the spouse of the Turkish President, will be presented as part of the global event in Azerbaijan.

Anadolu Agency published an interview with Elnur Sultanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and Chief Executive Officer of COP29.

"Preparation of infrastructure, solving transport issues, accommodation, and issuing visas are just part of the complex work that we have completed in just one year. More than 67 thousand people have already registered to participate in COP29. This is not the final indicator. Azerbaijan is ready to receive all its guests," said E. Sultanov.

The Deputy Minister drew attention to the high level of security measures within the framework of the COP29 session and expressed hope that the success of the global event will have a positive political, social and economic impact on Azerbaijan.

In addition, an article about COP29 under the title "The future of our planet will be discussed in Azerbaijan" was published in the media of France, Morocco, Egypt, Kuwait, Ukraine, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Senegal and Mauritania.

The article notes that the COP29 event, which will be held in Baku on November 11-22, is a confirmation of Azerbaijan's international prestige: "The future of our planet will be discussed in Azerbaijan. As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said, COP29 is an indicator of respect and support for Azerbaijan by the international community: "We are in an active stage of preparation. COP29 is a huge responsibility. It is not only about organizational issues but also about achieving results."

Yes, on the eve of COP29, the media outlets of foreign countries are increasing their attention to this important event. Thus, Kazinform is among the international press organizations and agencies. The agency notes that the goal of the COP activities is to bring together all parties in an initiative to take significant, flexible and sustainable emission reduction measures to keep global warming under control and to keep the temperature within 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The article states that Azerbaijan has put forward 14 initiatives within the framework of COP29, including proposing new technologies, innovations, and challenges to further accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, as well as launching mechanisms and tools in this direction.

Meanwhile, leading Romanian media outlets, including the news portal "Aktual", have published articles about the COP29 summit to be held in Azerbaijan.

The articles state that world leaders will gather in Azerbaijan from today for the COP29 summit. It is noted that this summit is dedicated to financing measures to combat climate change.

It was noted that the decisions in Baku will be of critical importance for preventing climate change and a financial target of $ 1 trillion will be discussed annually.
11 November 2024 20:00 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

COP29 is being held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan with an attendance of over 60 thousand guests from the world's countries to tackle many issues, especially the climate crisis which is of main concern.

Let's first look at what the gravity of COP29 is for Azerbaijan and how this country in the South Caucasus approaches some sensitive issues.

Baku has been preparing for the UN Climate Conference since January, a month after the decision was made at COP28 in Dubai to organise the event in Azerbaijan.

COP29 is a platform that creates broad opportunities not only for solving climate problems but also for creating robust and sustainable peace in the region. Azerbaijan also hoped to see Armenia on this platform, and even its staunch supporter, France.

COP29 was supported by many countries that are friends of Azerbaijan, but many parties opposed it, even trying to conduct boycott campaigns. Despite all this, Azerbaijan's being on the right path always opens up broad opportunities for it and gives it high credit for upholding global initiatives.

But I wonder if they regret what they did or don't they see that they are now becoming objects of condemnation?

Former French Environment Minister Brice Lalonde touched upon some very interesting points regarding the COP29 event held in Baku in an interview with France24. The former French minister criticized his government for not attending the event. He even emphasized in the interview that Emmanuel Macron was not honest.

"French President Emmanuel Macron should have discussed with President Aliyev very frankly. We have a long-time friendship with Armenia, but it doesn't mean Armenia was right."

He said this while talking about Garabagh and French-Armenian relations. He said that he was a witness to the processes related to Garabagh when he was a minister about thirty years ago.

"When I was a minister of the French government last century, in the 1990s, I remember, Armenia invaded Garabagh. And of course, many have forgotten that and they think it is Azerbaijan who invaded Garabagh; no, it (Azerbaijan) took Garabagh back and it is within international law and they have their rights," he said.

At the end of his interview, Lalonde appealed to France's young ministers to be cautious when speaking about Azerbaijan. He criticized the French government, as well as the heads of state who shunned participating at COP29, for not supporting Azerbaijan in this matter.

"Lots of French politicians, who do not have memory should be careful with whatever they think of Azerbaijan. I think Azerbaijan is a very nice country and trying to seriously organise COP and we should help them to do their job."
11 November 2024 14:56 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

On November 13, the Ministry of Economy will organize a High-Level Session with the World Economic Forum on the topic "The Power of Collaboration: Uniting Forces for Net Zero," Azernews reports.

The event will take place in Baku from today until November 22, as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

On November 14, the Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), will present the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT) as part of the Finance, Investment, and Trade Day (Climate FIT Day).

A number of events will be organized under the Business, Investment, and Philanthropy Climate Platform, where discussions on climate finance and strategic partnerships will take place.

As part of COP29, an event on "Strengthening a Sustainable Future: Driving Green Growth through Finance" will be held, and the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) will be presented.

Ministerial meetings on the CAREC Partnership for Climate, Innovation, and Trade, the Turkic States Organization's Partnership on Climate, Innovation, Green Economy, and Trade, and the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue will also take place.

On November 15, as part of the Energy, Peace, Aid, and Recovery Day, the Ministry of Economy will present the "Green Growth" portal developed in collaboration with Harvard University's Growth Lab International Development Center. Other events will focus on topics such as "Carbon Pricing: Current Challenges and New Strategies," "Developing Sustainable Finance and Climate Resilience Strategies through Public-Private Partnership Projects," and "The Role of the Private Sector in Solving Climate Change."

On November 16, during the Science, Technology, and Innovation  Digitalization Day, a conference titled "The Role of SMEs in the Green Economy" will be held, along with discussions on "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: The New Era of Digital Economy Management through Technological Forecasting" and "The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence: Reducing Environmental Impacts and Achieving Sustainable Development."

On November 20, during the Urbanization, Transport, and Tourism Day, a Roundtable with the leaders of the Green Cities of the EBRD from the SPECA region is planned, as well as a briefing on the SPECA Multilateral Trust Fund.

During COP29, the Ministry of Economy and its affiliated institutions are expected to sign agreements with the Islamic Development Bank, the International Trade Centre, and several foreign companies.

In addition, the Ministry of Economy will hold a series of meetings with representatives of international organizations and officials from other countries.
11 November 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

About 500 members of the delegations of different countries participated in the briefing held on November 10 at Baku Olympic Stadium, the COP29 conference venue, Azernews reports.

Shahla Abbekirova, member of the Coordinating Council of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, Wasim Mir, Director of the Conference Affairs Department of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Grace Ann Smith, representative of the Protocol and External Relations Department, gave the latest information on the operational aspects of COP29. provided information.

The briefing covered important issues, including the reception, transportation, and accommodation of high-level guests attending the international climate conference. Shahla Abbekirova, a member of the Coordinating Council of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, reported on the main events and organizational aspects of the meetings to be held during the Summit of World Leaders on Climate Action, which will take place in the first days of the COP29, and the measures taken to meet the heads of state at the required level during the conference. The briefing also provided detailed information on the various areas available in the COP29 Blue and Green Zones, catering and other locations, and areas where activities are set up, as well as the work being done to manage the large flow of visitors and ensure a positive visitor experience.

In the second part of the briefing, the members of the delegations of foreign countries talked about the summit's organization, transport networks, visa procedures, etc. Questions on the topics were answered.
11 November 2024 09:12 (UTC+04:00)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit Azerbaijan to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Azernews reports, citing the information released by the Italian Council of Ministers.

According to information, the Italian delegation headed by Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni will go to Baku on November 13.

It should be noted that the Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Picetto-Fratin, and other officials are expected to be in the delegation.
Brush burns on July 26, 2017, as firefighters and members of the Texas Forest Service contain a wildfire that spread to more than 200 acres near the Crown Ranch subdivision in West Montgomery County. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle

A potent mix of natural factors and human activity makes Texas one of the states most at risk for wildfires, according to a report on the threat that wildfires pose to neighborhoods near woodlands in metropolitan areas.

Texas has the third-highest number of homes at a moderate or higher risk of wildfires, just behind California and Colorado, the property data analysis company CoreLogic found. The risk level was determined by examining the quantity of homes and the cost it would take to rebuild in certain areas. The study highlighted the magnitude of risk that exists across the nation and shows how much could be lost to wildfires if nothing is done.

Texas frequently experiences wildfires because of its history of fluctuating rainfall patterns. The state often endures droughts over multiple years, as well as extremely high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds  all of which contribute to making the state more susceptible to wildfires.

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TEXAS FIRE RISK: Smokehouse Creek wildfire highlights Texas' lack of regulations for utilities

Then, theres the human element: more land development with increased population growth puts homes closer to wooded areas.

As cities, communities, and suburbia expand into these rural areas, these people and structures are now close to large areas of vegetation and have an increased wildfire risk, said Bruce Woods, department head of fire mitigation at the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Of all wildfires in the Lone Star State, 90% are caused by people, through burning debris or improperly using equipment, Woods said. Of those wildfires triggered by human activity, about 86% occur within two miles of an established community, he said.

The CoreLogic 2024 Wildfire Risk Report indicates that Texas has nearly a quarter of a million homes in wildfire risk zones, with a combined reconstruction cost value of $88.4 billion. Austin and San Antonio are among the top 10 cities in the United States with the highest wildfire risk concentration.

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According to the study, Austin has 94,673 homes at a moderate or higher risk of wildfire damage, with potential reconstruction costs estimated to be more than $40 billion. San Antonio ranks slightly lower, with 78,207 homes at risk and about an estimated $29 billion in reconstruction costs.

An area of forest in Bastrop County is left burned by the Hudson Fire on Sunday. Associated Press

In recent history, Central and South Texas have experienced several major wildfires.

2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire : One of the most destructive wildfires in Texas history, it destroyed 1,700 homes and burned 32,000 acres. It also consumed large parts of Bastrop State Park and the Lost Pines forest.

: One of the most destructive wildfires in Texas history, it destroyed 1,700 homes and burned 32,000 acres. It also consumed large parts of Bastrop State Park and the Lost Pines forest. 2011 Pedernales Bend Fire : This fire started near Lake Travis, upstream on the Colorado River from Austin, and eventually jumped across the Pedernales River into Hays County. It took three days to contain, destroying 34 homes and burning 6,400 acres.

: This fire started near Lake Travis, upstream on the Colorado River from Austin, and eventually jumped across the Pedernales River into Hays County. It took three days to contain, destroying 34 homes and burning 6,400 acres. 2015 Hidden Pines Fire : This fire in October 2015 burned more than 4,500 acres and 60 homes in Bastrop County woodlands that also were burned in the Bastrop Complex Fire.

: This fire in October 2015 burned more than 4,500 acres and 60 homes in Bastrop County woodlands that also were burned in the Bastrop Complex Fire. 2022 Das Goat Fire : This fire in Medina County burned for more than a week, destroying three homes, and burning 1,000 acres.

: This fire in Medina County burned for more than a week, destroying three homes, and burning 1,000 acres. 2022 Cedar Park Grass Fire : Last year, a grass fire in Cedar Park spread into trees and destroyed an apartment complex and condominiums, forcing hundreds to evacuate.

: Last year, a grass fire in Cedar Park spread into trees and destroyed an apartment complex and condominiums, forcing hundreds to evacuate. 2024 Hudson Fire: The 400-acre fire began Nov. 3 and was burning areas in Bastrop County where pine regeneration had been healing the fire scar left by the Hidden Pines Fire of 2015 and the Bastrop Complex Fire of 2011.

In contrast, metropolitan Houston has a minimal wildfire risk because its humid, subtropical climate has higher levels of atmospheric moisture and more frequent rain.

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However, the suburbs have had several close calls. One significant incident was the 2011 Riley Road Fire, which started Sept. 5, 2011, in Grimes County and quickly spread south into Waller and Montgomery counties. This fire burned for 28 days, scorching almost 20,000 acres, and destroying more than 100 homes. The Texas A&M Forest Service determined that the fire, caused by a lightning strike, stopped just short of the Harris County line in Houston.

To mitigate the wildfire threat, the city of Austin has introduced a set of development rules called the Wildland-Urban Interface code, which mandates the use of fire-resistant materials in new construction and requires clearing brush and trees around properties.

The city of San Antonio also launched a program in which neighborhoods can request a vegetative fuel assessment conducted by the San Antonio Fire Department. Many other local fire departments collaborate with neighborhoods to become part of the Fire Wise USA community.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with homeowners, Woods said. He urged homeowners to keep trees trimmed, thin dead branches, and mow the grass to reduce wildfire risk around your property.

Having a defensible space of up to five feet around the home with no landscaping is highly recommended, he said. Investing in fireproof construction materials, as well as ensuring vents and chimney screens can prevent fire embers from entering the home, is also advised.

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Most importantly, homeowners should pay attention to weather forecasts, have an emergency plan and be aware of evacuation routes.
11 November 2024 09:30 (UTC+04:00)

A special panel discussion and exhibition program under the name of FINS Initiative (International Protection of Marine Species) will be held in Baku within the framework of COP29, aiming to highlight the importance of protecting the worlds waters and underwater ecosystems.

Azernews reports that the photo exhibition is dedicated to the underwater world and the importance of the creatures living in the worlds waters, highlighting the importance of their protection. When discussing the topic of climate change, it is impossible not to take into account the waters that cover 70% of the world and their ecosystems. Protecting this ecosystem is of great importance because when the balance is disturbed, the threats that arise can be more serious than we think.

Unfortunately, there are threats to marine life in many parts of the world. More than 100 million sharks are killed worldwide every year, and in some countries, dolphin hunting is legal and even customary. For example, in Denmark and Iceland, dolphin hunting is protected by law. In Norway, whaling is legal and supported by the state, and the quotas for this hunt are increasing every year. The fact that this whale meat is turned into pet food is of great concern.

It is not enough to limit hunting alone to protect whales. Currently, large cargo ships all over the world also pose a serious threat to their lives. These ships often hit whales and pose a risk to their lives.

Norway is currently discussing opening its deep waters to local mining companies. This area is the size of Great Britain, and more than 800 international scientists have signed a petition to stop mining, stating that this activity will harm underwater ecosystems.

As FINS Initiative, our goal is to bring these important issues to the table at COP29. Over the course of 11 days, we will organize panel discussions with foreign experts, presentations, and screenings of documentary films on the topic in our pavilion set up in the green zone. Our goal is to discuss the problems of the world's oceans, including our Caspian Sea, and prepare a joint statement to propose to COP29. We hope that as a result of these discussions, we will find new ways to protect the Caspian Sea and the world's waters through new technologies and approaches.

Let us recall that 20 years ago, it was common to see walruses on the shores of the Caspian Sea, but today this has become a rare occurrence. This indicates a decrease in their number and an ecological threat to the Caspian Sea. As the FINS Initiative, we will continue to support initiatives aimed at protecting our Caspian and the world's waters.
11 November 2024 10:31 (UTC+04:00)

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Jakov Milatovic was welcomed by Farid Gayibov, Azerbaijans Minister of Youth and Sports, along with other officials.

Jakov Milatovic, President of Montenegro, arrived in Azerbaijan on November 11 to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Azernews reports.

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11 November 2024 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Azerbaijan will be represented at the informal summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League (AL) to be held in Riyadh at the ambassadorial level, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shahin Abdullayev, will attend the meeting.

The meeting is expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
11 November 2024 11:25 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, President of Mongolia, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijani leader expressed his pleasure in welcoming the President of Mongolia to Baku and thanked him for accepting the invitation to attend COP29. President Ilham Aliyev noted that this was their first meeting, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange views on the prospects for bilateral relations.

Recalling with satisfaction his previous interactions with Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh at international events, President Ilham Aliyev described his first visit as the Mongolian President to Azerbaijan as a historic event.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope that future interactions between the two nations at various levels would continue. Praising the level of bilateral political relations, the head of state stressed the importance of identifying areas of cooperation in the economic sector as well.

Expressing gratitude for the kind words and the invitation to COP29, the President of Mongolia expressed great pleasure at accepting President Ilham Aliyevs invitation to visit Azerbaijan.

The President of Mongolia described the meeting as historic for bilateral relations.

Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh extended congratulations to Azerbaijan for hosting and chairing COP29.

For his part, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh recalled his positive interactions with President Ilham Aliyev at international events.

The Mongolian President noted that diplomatic relations between the two countries have been ongoing for 32 years and invited President Ilham Aliyev to visit Mongolia.

He expressed admiration for the significant development taking place in Azerbaijan under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership and highlighted the historical ties between the two nations. Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh emphasized the importance of strengthening the bilateral legal framework.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked his Mongolian counterpart for the invitation and for the congratulations on hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan. He also underlined Mongolia's progress under President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukhs leadership.

Both leaders hailed their countries' cooperation within international organizations and issued instructions for organizing visits at the foreign ministers and relevant agency levels. They discussed investment opportunities in Mongolia.

The meeting also explored the establishment of an intergovernmental commission and potential cooperation in tourism, education, and agriculture, including animal husbandry.
11 November 2024 11:33 (UTC+04:00)

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Mark Brown was welcomed by Adil Karimli, Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture, along with other officials.

Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, arrived in Azerbaijan on November 11 to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Azernews reports.

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11 November 2024 12:01 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has officially kicked off in Azerbaijan, marking a new chapter in global climate action, Azernews reports.

At the opening ceremony, Sultan Ahmad Al-Jaber, President of COP28, expressed confidence in the upcoming sessions success. "Our actions should be stronger than our words, and we should show ourselves with our actions," he stated. Al-Jaber called for global unity, urging nations to come together in a collective effort for a sustainable future. "Let's be united 'for the sake of a green world,' as Azerbaijan says in its slogans. Let's cooperate and partner together. We must have the will to work on a topic like climate change."

In a symbolic gesture of leadership transition, Al-Jaber also officially handed over the chairmanship of COP to Azerbaijan, setting the stage for the country's role in steering the next phase of climate negotiations.

The event, which brings together world leaders, policymakers, and experts, highlights the importance of strong, action-oriented commitments in the fight against climate change.

In addition to the ceremonial handover of the COP chairmanship to Azerbaijan, a key focus of COP29 is the adoption of a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Target (NCQG) on climate finance. This target is expected to play a central role in advancing global climate goals by ensuring adequate financial support for developing nations and addressing the climate crisis in a just and equitable manner.

Azerbaijan's leadership has also brought forward 14 key initiatives aimed at bridging climate action with sustainable development goals. These initiatives include efforts to develop green energy corridors, green energy storage solutions, clean hydrogen technologies, and methane reduction from organic waste. Other priorities include advancing green digital solutions and fostering greater harmony for climate sustainability.
11 November 2024 12:16 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

In a compelling address at the opening ceremony of COP29, the designated president of COP29, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, underscored the urgency of scaling up global climate ambitions, Azernews reports.

Babayev emphasized that the upcoming round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) represents the worlds final opportunity to align with the 1.5C climate goal and build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

"We are at a crossroads," Babayev stated. "The plans we submit in this cycle are critical. They must be informed by the first global stocktake, which provides us with an essential roadmap. The time to act is now."

He also expressed gratitude to those countries that have already committed to 1.5C-aligned NDCs but called on all nations to increase their ambition in the next round. "We need to get this right and we need to do it on time," Babayev said, adding that the transition away from fossil fuels must be done in a just and orderly manner, considering the diverse national circumstances and pathways.

Highlighting the pivotal role of mitigation, Babayev reaffirmed that COP29, as the world's foremost climate forum, would not remain silent on the issue. "Alongside the International Energy Agency, we are publishing a call to action for a just and orderly energy transition. We are calling for a six-fold increase in global energy storage capacity by 2030," he noted. He also pointed out the urgent need to address overlooked issues like food waste, which contributes nearly 10% of global emissions.

The minister further announced a co-hosted summit with the United States and China, aimed at bolstering collective mitigation efforts. "Mitigation is our priority, but we are tackling the issue from every angle to ensure no one is left behind," Babayev said, emphasizing the importance of keeping focus on the global goal of carbon neutrality.

Azerbaijans leadership on climate adaptation was also highlighted. "Adaptation must receive the attention it deserves," Babayev said, stressing that the countrys own challengessuch as the shrinking Caspian Sea, glacier retreat, and freshwater loss in the Caucasusunderline the need for robust adaptation strategies. He called for the timely submission of national adaptation plans, which are vital for sharing best practices, transferring technology, and providing mutual support.

"These plans must be submitted by 2025 to ensure we make meaningful progress by 2030," he said, adding that adaptation finance must play a central role in the climate finance agenda. "This is our last chance to significantly scale up support for adaptation, and we must ensure public funding is a key part of the equation," he emphasized.

Transparency, according to Babayev, is paramount. He stressed that countries must submit their first biennial transparency reports (BTRs) by the end of the year. Azerbaijan, he noted, is fully committed to this process and ready to submit its own report.

The minister also called for more inclusive climate plans that are responsive to age and gender, reaffirming Azerbaijans support for the Lima Work Programme and its Gender Action Plan.

COP29, Babayev concluded, is a critical moment for the future of the Paris Agreement. "We must now demonstrate that we are ready to meet the commitments we made. This is not an easy task, but it is absolutely necessary. The science is clear. The future of our planet depends on the actions we take today."

He added, "This is a race against time. We have agreed to always raise our ambitions, and now we must deliver on those commitments. What seemed impossible yesterday must become a reality today."

Azerbaijan, Babayev affirmed, is ready to lead by example. "We have overcome the odds before, and we are determined to do so again. But this is a collective challenge. No single country can solve this crisis alone. The success or failure of COP29 will be shared by all."

As the world gathers in Baku, Babayevs message was clear: "Azerbaijan can build the bridge, but we all must walk across itand we need to start running."

In closing, he reminded the delegates that while they represent diverse communities, "our common humanity and shared world must always remain at the heart of our efforts."
11 November 2024 12:40 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, Azernews reports.

Stating that they attach special importance to climate change and environmental issues, the President of Iraq underscored the significance of implementing the agreements reached on climate change.

The Iraqi leader stated that wars and military conflicts pose significant threats to the environment. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid stressed that his country is represented by a large delegation at COP29. The President of Iraq hailed the successful development of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Noting that Azerbaijan prioritizes result-oriented negotiations, President Ilham Aliyev stressed that the country strives to foster solidarity and build bridges among states on global climate change. The head of state touched on the importance of setting new financial targets at COP29, revealing that nearly 70,000 people had registered to participate in the event. President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan, as the host, had carried out the preparations for COP in a short time and at a high level, essentially building a city within a city. The President also pointed out that the materials used in the conference venue fully meet sustainability requirements.

The Azerbaijani President also addressed the unjust attacks against Azerbaijan in Western-oriented media under the pretext of COP29.

Touching on the relations between Azerbaijan and Iraq, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the functioning of the bilateral intergovernmental commission.
11 November 2024 13:20 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, met with Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Azernews reports.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb for accepting the invitation to participate in COP29 and emphasized that his presence added special significance to the event.

The head of state noted that just a few days ago, Azerbaijan hosted a major event with the participation of world religious leaders, including representatives from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. President Ilham Aliyev also highlighted the importance of the participants visits to Azerbaijans liberated territories after the event.

Reflecting on his visit to Egypt, President Aliyev recalled his meeting with Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, where several key issues were discussed, and ideas were exchanged on future cooperation.

Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, in turn, thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the invitation to participate in COP29 and described the event as magnificent. He also expressed gratitude to the head of state for his support in organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP29.

The Grand Imam shared how honored he felt meeting President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Egypt.

Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb congratulated the President on the return of Azerbaijans occupied territories, stating, You are truly a victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief. You have shown great generosity to the opposing side. Your humane attitude towards the opposing side is well-known. Your magnanimity aligns with the principles of all religious denominations.

El-Tayeb also highlighted Azerbaijans crucial role in improving relations with regional countries and expressed his anticipation for Azerbaijans participation in the interfaith and Sunni-Shia dialogue in Bahrain next February. He pointed out that Azerbaijan has a successful experience in Sunni-Shia dialogue and praised Azerbaijans successful practice in fostering relations and harmony among representatives of different religions.

In response, President Ilham Aliyev thanked the Grand Imam for his kind words and congratulations on the liberation of Karabakh. He stressed that, despite 30 years of occupation, Azerbaijan had come forward with a peace treaty initiative.

President Ilham Aliyev also mentioned that Muslims living in Azerbaijan pray for unity and solidarity at the Heydar Aliyev Mosque, adding that this experience could serve as an example for other countries. He emphasized Azerbaijan's efforts to strengthen unity within the Islamic world and regretted the existence of attempts to divide it. The President reaffirmed that representatives of all religions live peacefully in Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev also confirmed that Azerbaijans delegation will actively participate in the upcoming event in Bahrain.
11 November 2024 14:17 (UTC+04:00)

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Antonio Guterres was welcomed by Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population, along with other officials.

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, arrived in Azerbaijan on November 11 to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Azernews reports.

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Eric Dexheimer is a member of the Houston Chronicles investigations team. He can be reached at eric.dexheimer@houstonchronicle.com.

Eric covers a wide variety of beats, from criminal justice to education to politics. He has also written about surveying history and recreational explosives.

Prior to working at the Chronicle, he worked for the Austin American-Statesman, alt-weeklies in Denver and Portland and daily and weekly newspapers in New York. He is originally from Batavia (Exit 48, NYS Thruway).
11 November 2024 14:05 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, Azernews reports.

Charles Michel congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting COP29 and wished success for the event. He expressed hope that important decisions on climate change would be made at this event. He also emphasized that climate change is one of the priority and crucial topics on the European Union's agenda.

During the meeting, they discussed the prospects for developing relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan.

The head of state highlighted the mediating role played by President Charles Michel in the negotiation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, noting that under his mediation, the structure of the negotiation process and the agenda on key issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan were established.
11 November 2024 15:15 (UTC+04:00)

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Ahmed Afif was welcomed by Adil Karimli, Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture, along with other officials.

Ahmed Afif, Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, arrived in Azerbaijan on November 11 to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Azernews reports.

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11 November 2024 15:59 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On November 11, 2024, at the opening of COP29, the Azerbaijani government signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, committing to prioritize children in its climate policies, Azernews reports.

The signing ceremony included Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijans Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and COP29 President; Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director; Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Youth Climate Advocate; government officials; and youth representatives.

UNICEF lauded this commitment, noting the declaration as the first local and global framework to fast-track child-centered climate policies. Highlighting the urgency, UNICEF reported that around one billion children globally face high vulnerability due to climate change impacts.

Minister Babayev reaffirmed Azerbaijans commitment to engaging youth in climate action, saying, We call on everyone to consider how climate actions can contribute to a more sustainable future for children and youth. UNICEFs Catherine Russell underscored the need for climate policies that safeguard childrens future, describing Azerbaijans signing as a step that puts children at the center of the climate agenda.

UNICEF is now calling on other countries to join this declaration, pledging to help nations build climate-resilient systems in education, social protection, and healthcare to better support vulnerable children.
11 November 2024 16:17 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

In his interview with journalist at COP29, the renowned Indian yogi and environmental advocate, Sadhguru, emphasized the urgent need for long-term environmental responsibility, Azernews reports.

When asked about the future of children and how to ensure their well-being, Sadhguru highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture and ecosystem management.

We should have some sense in our head, Sadhguru remarked. When we produce children, we are responsible for at least a hundred years of their well-being. But we currently have only fifty to sixty harvests left, which equates to just twenty-five to thirty years of agriculture. This alarming statistic, he suggested, underscores the need for immediate action to protect the environment for future generations.

Sadhguru stressed the importance of focusing on nature-based solutions. Every extra green leaf we put on this planet is a small yet crucial step toward climate mitigation. Soil, not oil, is the most important thing, he noted. This statement aligns with his broader message on soil conservation, a cause he has championed globally.

Sadhguru, the founder of the Isha Charitable Foundation, arrived in Azerbaijan on November 10 to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). His presence at the event highlights the role of spiritual and cultural leaders in the global climate dialogue, emphasizing that sustainable practices and soil health are crucial for securing a livable planet for future generations.
11 November 2024 16:39 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Azerbaijan has been invited to the interfaith dialogue to be held in Bahrain in February next year, Azernews reports, citing Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, as he said during his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.

He stated that Azerbaijan plays a special role in improving relations with the countries of the region and expressed his expectation for Azerbaijan's participation in the interfaith dialogue and Sunni-Shia dialogue in Bahrain next February. The guest noted that Azerbaijan has a very successful experience in the Sunni-Shia dialogue and also mentioned with pleasure that Azerbaijan has a successful track record in fostering relations and harmony between representatives of different religions.

The President of Azerbaijan stated that the Azerbaijani delegation will actively participate in the event in Bahrain.
11 November 2024 15:10 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, Azernews reports.

Highlighting that Finland will assume the OSCE Chairpersonship next year, Alexander Stubb noted that the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act will be celebrated.

The President of Finland reaffirmed his countrys support for the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan and expressed interest in advancing this agenda.

The Azerbaijani President pointed out that the OSCE Minsk Group is now part of history and emphasized that Azerbaijan supports the peace agenda. President Ilham Aliyev also mentioned that Armenia had been invited to attend COP, but whether it participates or not remains Armenias decision.

Alexander Stubb invited President Ilham Aliyev to visit Finland. The Azerbaijani leader accepted the invitation with gratitude.

During the conversation, the Presidents exchanged views on bilateral issues.
11 November 2024 15:35 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, Azernews reports.

The Prime Minister congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting COP29, calling it a significant event for addressing climate change issues.

He emphasized Azerbaijan's crucial role in organizing COP and its position as an energy-rich country in the context of climate change.

Alexander De Croo noted that this visit to Azerbaijan provided an opportunity to discuss both bilateral and Azerbaijan-European Union relations. He highlighted the strong ties between the European Union and Azerbaijan and expressed support for further developing these relations.

The President of Azerbaijan praised the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Touching upon Azerbaijan's green energy opportunities, President Ilham Aliyev pointed out the significant wind energy opportunities along the coasts of the Caspian Sea and stated that concrete projects are underway to export Azerbaijans green energy to Europe.

The President of Azerbaijan also commended the productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union in other areas.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that, despite the limited time available for preparation, Azerbaijan had made significant efforts to ensure the high-level organization of COP29.

The President added that Azerbaijan is also affected by climate change.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on regional issues and the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The head of state said that serious progress had been made as a result of active negotiations over the past year and pointed to some advances in the field of border delimitation. President Ilham Aliyev noted that territorial claims against Azerbaijan, reflected in the Constitution of Armenia, remained an obstacle to the signing of a peace treaty, adding that this Constitution should be amended.

President Ilham Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan had invited Armenia to COP29. Whether Armenia participates in COP29 or not is up to this country.

During the conversation, the sides also discussed cooperation in the field of ports. It was noted that Belgian companies have significant opportunities in the field of renewable energy at sea.
11 November 2024 17:32 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), hosted by Azerbaijan, will feature discussions on green education, environmental literacy for students, the role of education in combating climate change, and other related topics in events organized in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Education, Azernews reports.

On November 18, panels on "Greening Education and Climate Resilience" and "Measuring Environmental Literacy within International Assessment Frameworks" will be organized in partnership with the COP29 Presidency, the Ministry of Science and Education, UNESCO, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). These panels will include education ministers from various countries. The second annual meeting of the "Greening Education Partnership" initiative, launched by the UN in 2022 and joined by over 90 countries, is also planned to take place during COP29.

The panel on "Measuring Environmental Literacy within International Assessment Frameworks" will discuss an initiative proposed by the Ministry of Science and Education for assessing students' climate literacy through the International Student Assessment Program (PISA). The Ministry, together with the OECD, has suggested developing a competency-based measurement and assessment framework for climate literacy as part of the next PISA assessment in 2029.

The panel on "Greening Education and Climate Resilience" will focus on creating a discussion platform on how education systems can be made more climate-resilient. In cooperation with UNESCO, the Ministry of Science and Education will facilitate discussions on preparing students to be climate-resilient. This conversation will address key components such as schools, curricula, student knowledge and skills measurement, and teacher training.

It should be noted that education has been given special importance in the agenda of the COP29 session, which is being held in Azerbaijan. One of the discussion topics, the inclusion of climate literacy indicators in PISA assessments, is an initiative by Azerbaijan aimed at increasing climate awareness within the education systems of various countries.
11 November 2024 16:20 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic, Azernews reports.

President Peter Pellegrini hailed Azerbaijan's development, particularly the progress in Baku.

The meeting highlighted the growing economic and trade relations between the two countries, including discussions on the creation of joint industrial enterprises, cooperation in the IT sector, and the involvement of Slovak companies in reconstruction projects in Karabakh. The intensification of reciprocal visits between delegations of both countries was also emphasized.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed pleasure in noting that a Slovak-led reconstruction project is underway in Karabakh.

It was also announced that, starting next year, the Slovak Embassy will take on the role of NATO coordinator in Azerbaijan.

President Peter Pellegrini invited his Azerbaijani counterpart to visit Slovakia, and the invitation was warmly accepted.
11 November 2024 16:44 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Aleksandar Vucic, President of the Republic of Serbia, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the Presidents commended the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and noted the frequency of high-level reciprocal visits. They exchanged views on cooperation within international organizations and discussed collaboration in industry, infrastructure, investments, and renewable energy.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that coordinated media attacks have been organized against Azerbaijan.

The President of Azerbaijan also expressed condolences for the casualties resulting from the recent accident at a railway station in Serbia.

The President of Serbia expressed his gratitude for the condolences.
11 November 2024 19:03 (UTC+04:00)

On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus, Azernews reports.

The head of state expressed gratitude to his Belarus counterpart for accepting the invitation to attend COP29. He emphasized that, despite the limited time for preparation, the COP29 had been perfectly organized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko shared his admiration for Baku, commenting on how the citys beauty had once again left a deep impression on him.

The two leaders emphasized the successful development of bilateral relations across various sectors, along with effective cooperation within international organizations. They noted that the total trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Belarus had increased by 41%.

The involvement of Belarusian companies in the reconstruction and restoration projects in the liberated territories, including the construction of modular homes, was highlighted with appreciation.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked President Aleksandr Lukashenko once again for the tractors donated by Belarus to Shusha.

President Aliyev thanked President Lukashenko once again for the tractors donated by Belarus to Shusha.

The Belarus leader also recalled his visit to Azerbaijan in May, expressing his satisfaction with the trip.

The leaders discussed ongoing work to launch the joint production of elevators for residential buildings, the establishment of an agro-town in the Aghdam district, and cooperation in agriculture, machinery, and industry. They also touched on training agricultural specialists and facilitating expert exchanges.
11 November 2024 17:47 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

At the opening of COP29, Nigerian Member of Parliament St. Andy Kama NkemKanma shared his initial impressions of the event and outlined his key expectations for the climate summit. In a conversation with Azernews, NkemKanma expressed optimism about the smooth proceedings so far, emphasizing the importance of the conference's focus on climate finance.

"Everything is going on smoothly, smooth transition, and everything seems to be going very well so far," NkemKanma remarked, indicating a positive start to the conference. However, he also acknowledged that past COP meetings have often been marked by discussions without sufficient concrete outcomes, especially regarding climate finance.

Action, Not Just Talk, on Climate Finance

When asked about the steps needed to ensure climate finance finally translates into real-world action, NkemKanma was clear in his call for urgent change. "The developed countries should remove some of the bottlenecks in getting the finance down to poorer countries," he said. He emphasized that the current barriers make it difficult for funds to flow to those who need them most, especially in developing nations. "As I keep saying, we've been talking and talking for too long. It's time for action."

He highlighted the importance of providing financial incentives for countries, particularly those in Africa, to take meaningful climate action. "People need incentives. Some countries need that financial support to be able to do certain things. This should be considered," NkemKanma stressed. As a representative from Nigeria, he underscored the significance of his countrys stability for the broader African continent. "Nigeria is the epicenter of Africa, and a stable, self-sufficient Nigeria would stabilize the whole of Africa. If Nigeria is stable, Africa will be stable," he stated, further advocating for international support to ensure Nigeria's resilience and capacity to lead climate action in the region.

A Call for Full Implementation of Agreements

Looking ahead, NkemKanma shared his primary aim for the conclusion of COP29. While climate finance remains a central issue, he emphasized the need for decisive actions that go beyond mere commitments. "The most important thing for me is that whatever decisions are made here are implemented to the coreno half measures," he said firmly.

NkemKanma expressed hope that COP29 would result in concrete steps that would ensure climate finance reaches the countries that need it, enabling them to take the necessary actions. "I pray that, at the end of the day, finance action is taken seriously and that every country gets the funding and support it requires," he added.

In closing, NkemKanma's comments reflected the need for urgency and accountability as world leaders come together at COP29 to address the escalating climate crisis. With a focus on removing financial barriers and ensuring full implementation of agreements, his message was clear: it's time to move beyond talk and take meaningful action.
11 November 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

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The APEC Economic Leaders Week (AELW) is the apex of Perus presidency of this large transpacific economic integration alliance, which the President of the United States, Joe Biden will also attend together with the President of the People's Republic of China. In Lima is expected to take place a bilateral meeting between President Biden and the President of P. R. Chinas Xi Jinping.

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"China Mitch" McConnell in his role as GOP Senate leader has been a backstabber who has colluded over and over with both Obama and Biden. It is a relief to see him finally go. However in the race for the new Senate majority leader to be held Wednesday two McConnellites are running against one conservative, and there are indications that both of our NC senators may sellout conservatives.

In the McConnell camp are his longtime alter ego and lap puppy Senator John Thune of South Dakota and Texas wimp Sen. John Cornyn. Both have disappointed conservatives on issues ranging from gun control to immigration to overspending. In Cornyn's case, he betrayed the grassroots so bad that delegates to his own state Republican convention loudly booed him. Against this pair of useless wannabees, running on the conservative side is Senator Rick Scott of Florida.

Thune or Cornyn would be little more than a continuation of McConnell's long list of betrayals. Yet some of those counting votes for the election Wednesday are counting Thom Tillis for Thune and Ted Budd for Cornyn.

https://dailyhaymaker.com/yet-another-sellout-in-the-us-senate/

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/11/kachelman-jr-fifth-column-todays-republican-senate/

https://thefederalist.com/2024/11/12/republicans-cant-afford-to-elect-another-mitch-mcconnell-as-senate-leader/

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/cornyn-will-undermine-the-trump-agenda/

Elon Musk is backing Rick Scott, calling Thune "the top choice of the Democrats."

https://www.axios.com/2024/11/10/musk-calls-thune-top-choice-of-democrats-for-gop-leader

Conservatives are urged to call or email the offices of Tillis and especially Budd and ask them to vote conservative for Rick Scott.
The program is slated to launch in 2026, according to a Nov. 8 news release from the university. Dr. Dunworth has a joint appointment as a VUSN associate professor of nursing and with the school of medicine as an associate professor of clinical anesthesiology.

He most recently served as associate nurse executive of the Vanderbilt University Medical Centers Office of Advanced Practice, leading more than 1,600 certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants.

He has 25 years of experience as a CRNA and more than 20 years of experience as an educator.

Dr. Dunworth joined VUMC in 2015. Previously, he was the senior director for nurse anesthesia at Pittsburgh-based UPMC.

Vanderbilt School of Nursing announced plans to launch a three-year nurse anesthesia program in 2023. The program is pending review for initial accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
1. Theresa Gabana, MD, a former physician at Tufts Medical Center in Boston is suing her former employer, alleging she was wrongfully terminated after she refused the COVID-19 vaccine. In her Oct. 10 filing, Dr. Gabana alleged that she was fired in December 2021 after Tufts Medicine rejected her request for a religious exemption to the hospitals vaccine requirement. Dr. Gabana, who worked at Tufts for nearly 30 years, seeks $5 million in compensation as well as another $1 million in punitive damages, according to the lawsuit.

2. Salem, Ore., radiologist David Tarbox, MD, filed a lawsuit against a Kaiser Permanente-affiliated physician group alleging he faced retaliation after bringing forth fraud allegations against two other physicians. The practice, Northwest Permanente, is the largest medical group in Oregon and southwest Washington and strongly disputes the allegations.

Dr. Tarbox filed a complaint Oct. 20 alleging fraudulent conduct by Joe Shen, MD, and Dorothy Pao, MD, a married couple employed by the practice until November 2022. Dr. Tarbox discovered Dr. Shen purportedly was reading exams and taking shifts for Dr. Pao, causing fraudulent claims and medical records. When Dr. Tarbox raised concerns, his superiors allegedly responded with retaliation and cover-up.

3. Two surgeons  Kevin Day, MD, and Richard Havard, MD  filed a whistleblower complaint against Corvallis, Ore.-based Samaritan Health Services. The suit comes almost a year after their termination led to the sudden closure of Samaritan Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery.

The suit alleges that Samaritans top-heavy and profit-focused management resulted in sudden cancellations of entire days of surgery, with little or no notice in some cases, and made it progressively more difficult to secure the resources [the physicians] required to provide timely, quality care to their patients, according to the suit.

4. Dermatologist Barbara Vail, MD, is suing Doylestown, Pa.-based Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Center and its parent companies, along with two executives, alleging wrongful termination. According to the lawsuit, Dr. Vail sold her practice, Dermatology Specialists of Warrington (Pa.), in March 2021 to Anne Arundel Dermatology Management and continued to work at the practice. Following the acquisition, the suit alleges, AAD began firing or forcing out her staff and replacing them with inexperienced and poorly trained medical assistants. Dr. Vail then complained to AAD about the lack of experienced staff, and AAD allegedly responded by investigating and eventually firing Dr. Vail.
Hector Ubaldo, MD, was indicted in September for accepted cash from purported marketers in return for sending patients blood and urine samples to particular labs, including R.K. Clinical, according to a Nov. 8 news release from the Justice Department.

Dr. Ubaldo also entered sham medical agreements with the labs where he provided advisory services, that were never provided, in exchange for a monthly fee. Instead, these services were used to funnel kickbacks for the lab referrals.

Dr. Ubaldo accepted more than $253,000 in bribes over the course of the scheme. The lab was able to bill payers around $3.4 million as result of the scheme.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., at a Turning Point Action campaign rally, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Duluth, Ga. Alex Brandon/AP

President-elect Donald Trumps incoming administration could try to remove fluoride from drinking water, according to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.



Kennedy, who campaigned with Trump after dropping his own presidential bid in August, called fluoride an "industrial waste" and linked it to cancer and other diseases and disorders.

"On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease," Kennedy wrote Nov. 2 on X. Kennedy linked to a video from an attorney who recently successfully sued the Environmental Protection Agency to take additional measures to regulate fluoride in drinking water.

Discussion

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"There is evidence that fluoride exposure has been associated with the diseases (and) disorders that RFK listed, but with caveats," said Dr. Ashley Malin, an assistant professor in the University of Floridas Epidemiology Department who has studied fluorides effects in pregnant women.



Malin referred to studies showing that higher fluoride exposure, particularly during pregnancy, is associated with reduced child IQ, and that prenatal exposure also is linked to decreased intellectual functioning and executive function. For high exposure in pregnancy, the studies showed symptoms associated with other neurobehavioral issues, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

However, many of these studies took place in countries other than the United States and looked at fluoride in drinking water at sometimes twice the U.S. recommended level. Also, some of the other ailments that Kennedy listed, such as an association with bone cancer, have less robust evidence and need more study.



PolitiFact contacted Kennedy through his Childrens Health Defense organization, but received no reply. The organization sued PolitiFact and Meta related to a 2020 fact-check. That lawsuit was dismissed by a federal court. The dismissal was upheld on appeal, and the case is pending a possible appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Fluoride is a mineral naturally occurring in soil, water and some foods that helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. It strengthens tooth enamel that acid from bacteria, plaque and sugar can wear away.

Water fluoridation has been happening in the U.S. since 1945.

The federal Public Health Service first recommended fluoridation of tap water in 1962, but the decision still lies with states and municipalities. Around 73% of the U.S. population, or about 209 million people, have access to fluoridated water, the CDC reported. Fluoride also has been added to oral care products such as toothpaste and mouth rinse.



In 2015, U.S. health officials lowered the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water to 0.7 milligrams per liter, saying a higher level was less necessary given other sources of fluoride, and that the lowered amount would still help protect teeth without staining them.

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Pediatric dentists note that applying fluoride with toothpastes and rinses is beneficial, but small amounts circulating in the body via water consumption helps younger children who still have their baby teeth, because it can benefit the developing permanent teeth.



The American Dental Association says studies have shown that fluoride in community water systems prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults and that "for more than 75 years, the best scientific evidence has consistently shown that fluoridation is safe and effective."

The association says on its website, "Its similar to fortifying other foods and beverages  for example, fortifying salt with iodine, milk with vitamin D, orange juice with calcium and bread with folic acid."

According to the CDC, health experts and scientists from the U.S. and other countries have so far "not found convincing scientific evidence linking community water fluoridation with any potential adverse health effect or systemic disorder such as an increased risk for cancer, Down syndrome, heart disease, osteoporosis and bone fracture, immune disorders, low intelligence, renal disorders, Alzheimer disease, or allergic reactions."

The agency says risks of water fluoridation are limited to dental fluorosis, which can alter dental enamel and cause white flecks, spots, lines or brown stains on the teeth when too much fluoride is consumed.
Outpatient surgery was the top service line for joint partnerships in a VMG Health survey of healthcare leaders earlier this year, and Beckers has reported on at least 55 hospitals and health systems that opened ASCs in 2023 alone.

Several leaders joined Beckers on a Nov. 2 panel at the 30th annual Business and Operations of ASCs Meeting in Chicago to discuss the benefits and challenges of joint ventures for ASCs.

There are definitely benefits to partnering with a large health system, said Beth Inman, MSN, director of nursing for Akron, Ohio-based Summa Health System.

As far as contract pricing for supplies and equipment, there are several experts in the system we collaborate with, she continued. We can bring new knowledge [to] the ASC and also access increased resources, such as educational programs and training advancement.

Ms. Inman added that ASCs looking to partner with larger health systems should carefully consider a potential partners values and mission, as well as likely changes to oversight, policies and procedures.

If youre used to being very much on your own, there is more oversight, she said. There can be struggles with allocation of block time regarding hospitals, where cases go, where doctors go, and sometimes competing priorities with capital resources.

For smaller ASCs, in particular, leaders stressed the importance of evaluating potential partners intentions and goals.

You have to ask yourself whats the incentive for them if theyre not going to be generating a huge revenue stream to help support the big sister, the big hospital, said Kenneth Candido, MD, professor of surgery and anesthesiology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.

The oversight is the issue that you really have to be very careful with when they try to control how you manage the flow of your cases, how they manage your business model, he added.

One way to preserve autonomy for small ASCs entering joint ventures is to have a physician champion within leadership who can ensure that procedures and policies align with the workflow and values of ASC physicians and providers.

Ms. Inman said a physician leader was key in purchasing equipment for her ASC, which ultimately led to higher efficiency and profit for the facility.

He was the main driver of this, she said. And thats really what we would take away. Again, having that strong physician champion and their desire to continue to grow their practice and learning how to spot those folks early.
Several leaders joined Beckers during panels on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at the 30th annual Business and Operations of ASCs Meeting in Chicago to discuss red flags in ASC-hospital partnerships.

1. Lack of alignment with existing physicians. When exploring a partnership with hospitals, ASCs consider the level of buy-in among its employed physicians.

Marco Araujo, an anesthesiologist at Advanced Pain Management in Green Bay, Wis., shared his experience in partnering APM with a hospital in the state whereby other physician groups employed by the hospital did not share the same interest in the partnership as the executives forming the venture.

The CFO was motivated, the chief medical officer was motivated, but the motivation did not trickle all the way down to the physician groups, he said. In fact, even some physician groups saw us as competitors.

As a result, those physicians did not want to refer to APM for procedures, leading to lower case loads and an unbalanced relationship

So if you ever go to do a partnership with a hospital, make sure that the physicians in that hospital are benefiting from it, otherwise youre not going to get referrals, he said.

2. Money isnt being put back into the ASC. ASCs should be wary of hospital partnerships in which the intentions are less about the growth of the ASC itself, but more focused on the ASC as a supportive revenue stream for the hospital instead.

The bigger fish always wants to be in control and they want to control the revenue stream, said Kenneth Candido, MD, professor of surgery and anesthesiology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. They want to control the facility fees.

While these relationships may still overall be beneficial for the ASCs, [hospitals] also want to make sure that their protocols, their policies, their strategies, their patient safety initiatives are always those which trickle down from the main institution to your surgery center, Dr. Candido said.

And thats what I have found.  [T]hey take the facility fees back to the main institution and they utilize them not to improve your processes per se, but to improve their processes and to pay for all their big expenses. Even nonprofits are taking huge fees from smaller surgery centers just to manage their costs and try to offset and defray their costs, he added.

3. Hospitals blocking ASC expenditures. The ASC-hospital relationship can suffer if the hospital begins reducing needed expenditures by the ASC, said Jeffrey Dottl, principal of Woodland, Calif.-based Physicians Surgery Center.

Weve seen a health system get in the way of the surgery center making needed capital expenditures where they [the system] didnt want to do it, he said. [The system] consolidated our balance sheet into theirs and they didnt like the financial ratios that were going to show up on their balance sheet.

This can disrupt the ASC in recruiting new physicians and ultimately cut into the autonomy many ASCs seek to preserve in hospital partnerships.
1. Harvey Lefton, MD, a gastroenterologist with a career spanning more than 55 years, died on Nov. 5 at 80. Dr. Lefton was responsible for building the largest GI practice in Northeast Philadelphia while also serving as chief of gastroenterology at Jefferson North East Hospitals.

2. Three gastroenterologists joined Beckers to discuss whether they are truly seeing a growing number of young colonoscopy patients.

3. Shabail Mazumdar, MD, a gastroenterologist at Aurora Health Care in Menomonee Falls, Wis., joined Beckers to discuss how the juggling act of economic and regulatory pressure can turn into a symphony of smooth practice operations with the right team.

4. Hickory, N.C.-based Gastroenterology Associates added its 10th physician, gastroenterologist Devan Patel, MD.

5. Camarillo, Calif.-based gastroenterologist Jack Rotenburg, MD, died at 78. Dr. Rotenburg attended UCLA School of Medicine before moving in 1976 to Camarillo, where he co-founded Ventura County Gastroenterology Medical Group and maintained the independent practice until his retirement in 2015.

6. Gastro Healths Kennewick, Wash.-based Tri-Cities Endoscopy Center added to its team gastroenterologist Amber Charoen, MD, one of only a few female GIs working in the area.

7. Newport Beach, Calif.-based Hoag Digestive Health Institute is bringing on Jennifer Phan, MD, as medical director for the Hoag Irvine (Calif.) Advanced Endoscopy Center.

8. Mohammad Alomari, MD, joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences division of gastroenterology and hepatology to oversee its inflammatory bowel disease program and clinic.
Here are five things to know:

1. This announcement, made on November 7, marks Mr. Trumps first key personnel decision since winning the election to become the 47th president of the United States.

2. In January, Ms. Wiles will become the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.

3. Ms. Wiles also played significant roles in Mr. Trumps 2016 and 2020 campaigns.

4. Ms. Wiles has experience in both local and national campaigns. Her work includes leading Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis 2018 campaign and serving as co-chair of Mitt Romneys Florida advisory council during his 2012 presidential run, according to Politico.

5. Ms. Wiles also served as a scheduler for former President Ronald Reagan and as an aide to the late Rep. Jack Kemp. She also served as deputy director of operations on the vice presidential campaign for the Bush-Quayle ticket in 1988 and contributed to Rick Scotts 2010 Florida gubernatorial campaign.
Norton Healthcare opened a $90 million hospital in West Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 11, representing the neighborhood's first new hospital in more than 150 years.

Norton West Louisville Hospital offers inpatient and 24/7 emergency care, as well as surgical, laboratory, imaging and retail pharmacy services. The facility also houses medical offices for adult and pediatric specialty and primary care, and employs about more than 350 workers.

Louisville-based Norton Healthcare aims to address significant health disparities in West Louisville through the new hospital. A report from the Louisville Metro Center for Health Equity found that life expectancy for residents in the neighborhood is 15 years lower than in other parts of Louisville.

"Norton West Louisville Hospital was constructed to provide access to quality medical treatment by eliminating obstacles so all residents can live a healthy and prosperous life," Russell Cox, president and CEO of Norton Healthcare, said in a Nov. 11 news release. "While we have adult and pediatric medical offices in West Louisville, this state-of-the-art hospital will help us care for more patients and continue to put health equity in the forefront."

Norton West Louisville is Norton Healthcare's ninth acute care hospital. The health system also operates five hospitals in Louisville and three in Southern Indiana.
Providence, R.I.-based Brown University Health has appointed Angie Wright, MSN, RN, as the organization's chief nursing executive, a newly created role for the health system.

Ms. Wright will also serve as the chief nursing officer for Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital, both based in Providence, according to a Nov. 11 news release from Brown University Health shared with Becker's.

Ms. Wright previously served as chief nursing officer of two Banner-University Medicine hospitals in Tucson, Ariz.
Cory Edmondson, president and CEO of Kerrville, Texas-based Peterson Health, will leave the system on Feb. 7 for a new role.

Mr. Edmondson was named president and CEO of Wichita Falls, Texas-based United Regional Health Care System, according to a Nov. 8 news release from Peterson Health.

Mr. Edmondson joined Peterson Health in 2019. During his tenure, he and his team developed new service lines and acquired land for future growth, among other accomplishments.

"This was one of the hardest decisions of my life, and I wasnt looking to make a change," Mr. Edmondson said in the release, adding that the move will bring him closer to his family. "I always said I would retire here unless God had other plans."

Peterson Health includes its 124-bed flagship hospital, Peterson Regional Medical Center, as well as ambulatory, hospice and home care services.
Scott McConnaha is stepping down as president and CEO of the Manitowoc, Wis.-based Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sponsored Ministries, according to a news release shared with Becker's.

Mr. McConnaha's last day with the system will be Dec. 19, the release said. Tim Loch, who has been CFO and vice president of finance at FSCCM since 2019, will take on the role of interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

Mr. McConnaha joined FSCC Sponsored Ministries in 2008, initially serving as director of corporate relations and then as vice president of mission and strategy. He has helmed the health system since 2018.

"For more than 16 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to help promote and extend the Sisters' mission and ministry," Mr. McConnaha said in the release.

"These past six years as the system's CEO have been quite rewarding and humbling. My decision to leave this wonderful organization has been made after many months of prayerful discernment. I am very proud of everything we've accomplished over the past several years. I recognize that it's now time to pass the baton to someone with the energy and fresh ideas to lead this ministry into its next exciting chapter."

FSCC Sponsored Ministries operates a network of acute and long-term care facilities across Wisconsin, Nebraska and Ohio.
Eduardo Conrado, president of St. Louis-based Ascension, discussed the health system's May ransomware attack at a Nov. 8 United Nations Security Council meeting.

The council met to discuss strategies for countering cyberattacks in healthcare, according to a Nov. 8 news release from the U.N.

Ascension's response to the May 8 ransomware attack cost the health system approximately $130 million. The attack forced its hospitals and clinics off its EHR system and disrupted key diagnostic services, including MRIs and CT scans.

It took 37 days to fully restore Ascension's systems, Mr. Conrado wrote in a Nov. 10 LinkedIn post about his briefing at the meeting.

"Overnight, nurses were unable to quickly look up patient records from the computer stations and were forced to comb through paper back-ups for patient medical history and medications," Mr. Conrado said at the meeting. "Imaging teams were unable to quickly send the latest scans up to surgeons waiting in the operating rooms, and we actually had to rely on runners to deliver printed copies of the scans to the hands of our surgery teams."

A comprehensive approach is key, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, director-general of the World Health Organization, told the U.N. Countries should invest not only in technologies for detecting and mitigating cyberattacks but in training staff to respond to them, he added.

"Just as viruses don't respect borders, nor do cyberattacks," Dr. Tedros said in the release. "International cooperation is therefore essential."

The WHO plans to release new cybersecurity guidance in 2025.
Two health systems are tapping veterans to address healthcare worker shortages and support veterans transitioning to civilian medicine.

Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic offers a military medicine fellowship in Phoenix, helping veterans gain experience and transition into civilian medical careers. The program also prepares individuals to become educators in military medicine or pursue pathways to medical school or additional training.

"The fellows ensure that what we teach is relevant and aligned with the needs of military medical personnel," Pierre Noel, MD, military medicine medical director and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, said in a Nov. 11 news release.

The military medicine program has two fellows who serve for one to two and a half years.

Madison, Wis.-based UW Health is taking additional steps by changing its culture to better integrate military-trained team members. The organization is moving from being "military-friendly" to actively supporting and integrating veterans into the workforce.

UW Health has partnered with Heroes for Healthcare and the Wisconsin Hospital Association to smooth the transition of military personnel into civilian healthcare roles. This includes assisting veterans in obtaining college credit for military service, fostering an environment that supports camaraderie, and proactively accommodating active-duty service members during deployments.

In addition, a bill in the Wisconsin state legislature allows certain military personnel to provide healthcare services without immediate licensure, making it easier for hospitals to address staffing shortages by enabling veterans to fill roles as they work toward licensure.
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 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

President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his administration ahead of his return to the White House early next year.

Since beating out Vice President Kamala Harris and earning a second term, Trump has begun the process of selecting those who will stand by him for the next four years as he works toward executing the many promises he made throughout his campaign, including major tax cuts for workers and the largest deportation operation in American history.

Here is who the former president has tapped for his second administration. Cabinet, CIA director and ambassador positions require Senate confirmation.

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Brooke Rollins  Secretary of agriculture

Trump has tapped Texas native Brooke Rollins to head the United States Department of Agriculture under his second administration.

Born in Glen Rose, Texas, Rollins is a graduate of Texas A&M and a former White House aide to Trump during his first term. Following Trumps defeat to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Rollins became the president and CEO of Trumps America First Policy institute, a political organization dedicated to promoting Trumps campaign agenda.

Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. It will be the honor of my life to fight for Americas farmers and our Nations agricultural communities. This is big stuff for a small-town ag girl from Glen Rose, TX  truly the https://t.co/h91Zx3eEgl pic.twitter.com/DLgxrmZhH6  Brooke Rollins (@BrookeLRollins) November 23, 2024

Brookes commitment to support the American farmer, defense of American food self-sufficiency, and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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Scott Turner  Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Scott Turner, Trumps choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a Dallas native and former NFL player who previously served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during the latter half of Trumps first term.

Turner was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017. After an unsuccessful bid to become the speaker of the state house in 2015, the NFL player-turned-politician announced he would not seek a third term.

Turner is the first Black person to be appointed to Trumps cabinet, according to the Associated Press. In a post on Truth Social, Trump touted Turners accomplishments under his first administration, claiming he brought more than $50 billion in private investment to Opportunity Zones, which were areas designated as economically disadvantaged and eligible for tax incentives.

Thank you, Mr. President. I am thrilled to continue the outstanding work we began in your last administration at HUD with an incredible team. I am deeply humbled by your confidence in my nomination.



I would also like to express the sincerest of gratitude to my mentor, Secretary pic.twitter.com/X2ZJLSrfGI  Scott Turner (@sturnerofficial) November 23, 2024

Dr. Marty Makary  Commissioner of Food and Drugs

Trump has nominated Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins professor of surgery and prominent skeptic of vaccine mandates, to head the Food and Drug Administration.

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Makary rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a recurring guest and medical expert on Fox News and other conservative outlets, according to the Associated Press. The surgeon and cancer specialist generally supported vaccination from a medical perspective, but opposed government-mandated requirements and certain boosters.

Makarys nomination came as Trump put the finishing touches on his second administrations public health team. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Makary will work under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to course-correct and refocus the agency.

I am confident that Dr. Makary, having dedicated his career to high-quality and lower-cost care, will restore FDA to the gold standard of scientific research, and cut the bureaucratic red tape at the agency to make sure Americans get the medical cures and treatments they deserve, Trump said.

Dr. Dave Weldon  Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Trump has tapped Republican former Florida Rep. Dr. Dave Weldon to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Weldon, who represented Floridas 15th District from 1995 to 2009, introduced a bill in 2007 to remove vaccine oversight from the CDC to an independently-established agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. At the time, Weldon said the bill would eliminate an enormous conflict of interest at the CDC.

As a father of two and husband for 45 years, Dave understands American family values, and views health as one of utmost importance, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Dave will proudly restore the CDC to its true purpose, and will work to end the chronic disease epidemic, and make America healthy again!

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat  Surgeon general

Trump has nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a medical director for a New York-based urgent care company and frequent guest on Fox News, to serve as the surgeon general under his second administration.

Nesheiwat has been a vocal supporter of Trump. She shared photos of herself at Trumps 2024 victory celebration at Mar-a-Lago with the caption history witnessed!

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History witnessed! Such a great time with friends & family. A night never to forget pic.twitter.com/q7npkXXxiN  Dr Janette Nesheiwat (@DoctorJanette) November 6, 2024

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Nesheiwat had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to saving and treating thousands of American lives.

She is committed to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare, and believes in empowering individuals to take charge of their health to live longer, healthier lives, Trump said.

Scott Bessent  Secretary of the treasury

Trump has nominated hedge fund manager Scott Bessent to serve as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under his second administration.

Bessent was the economic advisor for Trumps 2024 presidential campaign and has been a major player on Wall Street for several decades. The 62-year-old founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, and has previously worked for Soros Fund Management on several occasions.

On the eve of our great countrys 250th anniversary, he will help usher in a new golden age for the U.S., as we fortify our position as the worlds leading economy, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. We will ensure that no Americans will be left behind in the next and greatest economic boom, and Scott will lead that effort for me.

Russel Vought  Director of the Office of Management and Budget

Russel Vought will once again serve as the budget czar for Trumps second administration.

Vought was a key figure in drafting the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, a blueprint for what the foundation refers to as an effective conservative administration. He previously served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget from 2020 to 2021.

Russ knows exactly how to dismantle the deep state and end weaponized government, and he will help us return self governance to the people, Trump said in a Truth Social announcement. We will restore fiscal sanity to our nation, and unleash the American people to new levels of prosperity and ingenuity. I look forward to working with you again, Russ.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer  Secretary of labor

Oregon Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer was nominated to lead the Department of Labor under Trumps second administration.

Chavez-DeRemers term in the House of Representatives is set to expire. The Oregon Republican lost her bid for re-election to Democratic challenger Janelle Bynum in the November election by just over 2%.

In a post on Truth social, Trump said he expects Chavez-DeRemer to help rekindle the U.S.s ailing manufacturing sector.

Lori has worked tirelessly with both business and labor to rebuild Americas workforce, and support the hardworking men and women of America, Trump said. Together we will achieve historic cooperation between business and labor that will restore the American dream for working families.

Pam Bondi  Attorney general

Trump nominated Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Department of Justice Thursday evening after former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his bid for the position amid accusations of sex trafficking.

Bondi has been a vocal supporter of Trump and is the chair of the Center for Litigation and co-chair of the Center for Law and Justice at the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank set up by former Trump administration staffers.

For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans - Not anymore, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.

Linda McMahon  Secretary of Education

Linda McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainment co-founder and the former head of the Small Business Administration under Trumps first administration, has been nominated to head the Department of Education under the second Trump administration.

She is married to Vince McMahon. Together, the pair head the WWE, which is the largest professional wrestling organization in the world. McMahon is a longtime Republican who launched her political career in 2010 when she ran for U.S. Senate in Connecticut but lost during the general election.

Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World, Trump said in a statement on Truth Social.

Dr. Mehmet Oz  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator

Daytime television personality and one-time Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz has been appointed to oversee Medicare and Medicaid services under the Trump administration.

Oz, a celebrity doctor and titular star of "Dr. Oz," made his political debut in 2022 when he ran against Sen. John Fetterman for a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania. Oz secured the Republican nomination by a slim margin and became the nominee in early June after his opponent, David McCormick, conceded following a short-lived dispute over mail-in ballots.

Although Oz ultimately lost the race to Fetterman, the reality TV star was endorsed by Trump early on in the lead-up to the election. In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said he expects Oz to work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "take on the illness industrial complex."

I am honored to be nominated by @realDonaldTrump to lead CMS. I look forward to serving my country to Make America Healthy Again under the leadership of HHS Secretary @RobertKennedyJr. pic.twitter.com/aYIQJHG5Ej  Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) November 19, 2024

Howard Lutnick  Secretary of Commerce

Billionaire investor and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Group, Howard Lutnick, has been nominated to lead the Department of Commerce under Trump.

In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said Lutnick will also have the additional responsibility of directly overseeing the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative  a department tasked with developing and promoting U.S. trade policies abroad. Lutnick was a vocal supporter and fundraiser for the Trump campaign in both 2020 and 2024, and is a member of the Trump-Vance transition team. He has previously supported Trump's tariff policy and is expected to implement the incoming president's vision for foreign trade.

Doug Collins  Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Doug Collins, a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine, is Trump's pick to lead Veterans Affairs.

"We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Collins, 58, holds a masters degree in divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and pastored a church for 11 years, the Associated Press reported. He served as a U.S. Navy chaplain for two years in the late 1980s. After the Sept. 11 attacks, he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a chaplain. Collins deployed to Balad Air Force Base in Iraq for five months in 2008. He remains a colonel in the Air Force Reserve. Collins became a lawyer well into adulthood.

Doug Burgum  Interior Secretary

Trump has named North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as his choice for Secretary of the Interior.

According to the Associated Press, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. He was also contender to be Trump's choice for vice president. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.

Burgum, 67, grew up in tiny Arthur, North Dakota, population 328. He earned a bachelor's degree from North Dakota State University and his masters of business administration from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

He went on to become a wealthy software executive. He led Great Plains Software, which Microsoft acquired for $1.1 billion in 2001. Burgum stayed on as a vice president until 2007. He's also led other companies in real estate development and venture capital, the Associated Press reported.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  Secretary of Health and Human Services

Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

In an announcement posted to X, Trump said U.S. citizens have "been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies," and said Kennedy will be instrumental in Trump's plan to end what he called an "overwhelming health crisis."

"The safety and health of all Americans is the most important role of any administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products and food additives," Trump said. " Kennedy will restore these agencies to the traditions of gold standard scientific research."

The former independent presidential candidate became a Trump ally shortly after withdrawing his electoral bid in August. Kennedy is a well-known vaccine skeptic, and was identified as one of the "Disinformation Dozen"  a moniker applied to the 12 individuals who researchers at the Center for Countering Digital Hate said were responsible for as much as 65% of anti-vaccine misinformation on social media.

Marco Rubio  Secretary of State

Sen. Marco Rubio from Florida is Trump's choice for Secretary of State, The Associated Press reported.

In the role, Rubio will be tasked with carrying out the president-elect's foreign policies. The Florida senator has established a reputation as a hawk on China, Cuba and Iran.

He will be a strong advocate for our nation, a true friend to our allies, and a fearless warrior who will never back down to our adversaries, Trump said in a statement.

Currently in his third congressional term, Rubio serves as the vice chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence and is a senior member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. He is also a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Special Committee on Aging.

Kristi Noem  Secretary of Homeland Security

Trump has appointed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security under his administration.

Noem was initially considered as a contender for the Republican nomination in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election but declined to run against Trump. According to the Associated Press, Noem positioned herself as a potential vice presidential pick, a move which ultimately failed after Trump selected Ohio Senator J.D Vance for the position.

Pete Hegseth  Secretary of Defense

Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth has been appointed to lead U.S. national defense under Trump.

Hegseth reached the rank of major in the U.S. Army and is a two-time Bronze Star recipient. Despite having served in both the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan, Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience, and he is a controversial pick for the position, according to the Associated Press.

Mike Huckabee  Ambassador to Israel

Former Republican Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee has been selected to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Israel under Trump.

Huckabee is widely considered to be a passionate Zionist, and has signaled his strong support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the Associated Press. Huckabee has also previously voiced support for a one-state solution headed by Israel.

The former TV host and Baptist preacher has framed his view on Israel in biblical terms and recently said the title deed was given by God to Abraham and to his heirs, regarding the West Bank and contested Palestinian territory.

John Ratcliffe  CIA director

Former Director of National Intelligence and Texas Congressman John Ratcliffe has been selected to head the Central Intelligence Agency under Trump.

Ratcliffe represented Texas 4th district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2016 until 2020, when he was appointed to replace Dan Coats as director of national intelligence. Ratcliffes tenure as intelligence czar was short-lived  only holding the position for the final months of Trumps first administration.

Ratcliffe has experience in the field of intelligence, having previously served as chief of anti-terrorism and national security for the Eastern District of Texas in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Susie Wiles  Chief of staff

Susie Wiles, a political strategist from Florida with decades of political experience, will serve as the president-elect's chief of staff.

During his third presidential run, Wiles served as Trump's campaign co-chair and took a non-public role in helping him secure a return to the White House.

Trump went through four chiefs of staff in his last administration but said he now knows the "best people" to choose for the job, The Associated Press reported.

Tom Homan  'Border Czar'

Tom Homan, former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve in the role of "border czar" overseeing the "deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin," Trump announced on his Truth Social site late Sunday.

Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our borders, the former president said in his post.

Homan previously worked under Trump from 2017 to 2018 as acting ICE director and has vowed to assist Trump in his promise to execute the largest deportation operation in the history of our country."

Elise Stefanik  United Nations ambassador

Rep. Elise Stefanik from New York will serve as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations.

Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said in a statement Monday, according to The Associated Press.

Stefanik, who currently serves as the House Republican Conference Chair, has been a strong supporter of the president-elect since his first term in the White House. Though she has little foreign policy experience, Stefanik will represent the United States in front of the U.N. Security Council as wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are ongoing.

Stephen Miller  Deputy chief of staff for policy

Stephen Miller will take over as deputy chief of policy next year during Trump's second term.

Miller previously served as the president-elect's senior adviser during his first term and is one of Trump's longest-serving aides, often traveling with him on the campaign trail.

In his role, Miller will likely assist Trump in his plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Vice President-elect JD Vance confirmed the pick via a post on X Monday.

"This is another fantastic pick by the president," he wrote.

Lee Zeldin  Environmental Protection Agency

Trump has chosen U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin from New York to serve as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator during his second term.

Zeldin said it is an "honor" to join the president-elect's cabinet.

"We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI," he wrote in an X post Monday. "We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water."

In a statement, Trump said Zeldin's background as an attorney will help him fight for "America first policies" in his new role.

He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet, the statement reads.

Mike Waltz  National security adviser

U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz from Florida is Trump's pick to serve as his national security adviser, The Associated Press reported.

A retired Army National Guard officer, Waltz has served three terms in the House and previously worked in the Pentagon as a defense policy director for Secretaries of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates.
More details have emerged regarding Evansville, Ind.-based Deaconess Health System's plan to acquire Hopkinsville, Ky.-based Jennie Stuart Health.

Here are five things to know:

1. The two parties signed a nonbinding letter of intent for Jennie Stuart to join Deaconess, an 18-hospital system, in late September.

2. Under the acquisition, all Jennie Stuart employees and physicians "in good standing will be retained," according to a Nov. 10 news release.

3. Deaconess will also commit $95 million to the Jeannie Stuart community, including $90 million for Jennie Stuart and a $5 million donation to the Jennie Stuart Health Foundation.

4. Jeannie Stuart's IT upgrades, such as integration to Epic's electronic health record platform, will be financially covered by Deaconess and range from $40 to $60 million. Deaconess will also grow and maintain core service lines at Jennie Stuart.

5. Other commitments under the acquisition will include a locally managed board of trustees that includes community members that Jennie Stuart serves, shared services and commitment to ensure Jennie Stuart Medical Center maintains its essential acute care hospital status, and ongoing financial support for the Jennie Stuart Health Foundation.
Nurses at Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, Calif., plan to strike on Nov. 19.

Four things to know:

1. The nurses are members of California Nurses Association/National Nurses United, according to a Nov. 11 news release from the union.

2. Bargaining began in March, and the previous contract expired on May 25.

3. The nurses are seeking improved recruitment and retention to address staffing issues, including temporary reassignments to units outside their expertise and excessive on-call shifts, according to the union release.

4. CNA/NNU represents more than 900 nurses at the hospital.

Antelope Valley Medical Center was not immediately available for comment. This story will be updated if more information becomes available.
A federal grand jury has re-indicted a former Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital nurse accused of tampering with medications meant to be dispensed to patients, according to a Nov. 9 report from the Republican-American.

Sean Falzarano was first indicted in October 2023 on five counts of tampering with a consumer product. The Southbury nurse pleaded not guilty.

In August, Mr. Falzarano was re-indicted with a superseding indictment, which added new charges and identified the hospital where he worked, according to the Republican-American's report. The re-indictment charges him with 17 counts of tampering with a consumer product and five counts of illegally obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation.

Federal prosecutors allege that between September 2021 and January 2022, Mr. Falzarano removed vials of lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication, and hydromorphone, a pain reliever, from the hospital's automated medication dispensers. Prosecutors say he replaced the drugs with saline solution before returning them to the dispensing system for use.

Mr. Falzarano's nursing license has been suspended since June 2022, according to the states professional license lookup.

In a statement to Becker's on Nov. 11, a spokesperson for Yale New Haven Health said the system "is committed to patient safety and worked to immediately address the identified drug diversions and to mitigate harm to the affected patients."

"Patient safety is our paramount focus, and we continue to refine our practices to detect and prevent future cases of diversion. These practices include robust technology and security measures designed to keep patients safe."
A few weeks after Baxter temporarily shuttered its manufacturing plant in Marion, N.C., which was the nation's main supplier of intravenous solutions, 84% of hospital pharmacy workers reported a moderate or critical fluid shortage.

In late September, Hurricane Helene flooded Baxter's site, spawning a national shortage of IV fluids and prompting some hospitals to delay surgeries. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists surveyed 401 of its members from Oct. 16-25 to assess the severity of the shortage.

Three-fourths of respondents said Baxter is their facility's main supplier of large-volume fluids. The most common mitigation strategies included converting infused medications to injection or intramuscular administration (71% of respondents), rationing fluids for specific clinical indications (60%) and implementing oral hydration protocols (58%).

Among respondents who are in charge of purchasing and inventory management, 47% reported their current inventory of large-volume fluids is down to two weeks' supply or less, the survey found.

On Nov. 7, Baxter said it expects to soon manufacture 85% of its pre-Helene supply of 1-liter units of IV solution  the most common size used by hospitals and clinics. The North Carolina site is currently producing 50% of its normal output of 1-liter IV bags.
McLaughlin & Harvey has completed work on offices at New Bridge Street, London

Northern Ireland building and civil engineering firm McLaughlin & Harvey has said it has returned to profitability in its latest financial results.

Results for the holding company behind the Newtownabbey-based firm are to be published soon at Companies House, it said.

The results are due to show turnover of 870.4m and pre-tax profit of 12m for the year to June 30 2024.

The business carries out building and civil engineering contracting, as well as property development, operation of landfill sites and wholesale distribution.

Its latest results are an improvement on the previous year, with turnover up 18% from 737m. And its also transformed a before-tax loss of 8.6m to this years 12m pre-tax profit.

The scale of that loss compared with pre-tax profits of 3.2m over the 18 months to June 2022.

McLaughlin & Harvey said that over the most result financial year, it had 872 direct employees, up 7% on the year before. It said that there were many thousands more indirectly employed around the UK and Ireland via its supply chain.

It said that construction and civil engineering accounted for nearly 90% of turnover, at 782.7m out of 870.4m.

Its cash at bank for the most recent year was 147m, with no borrowings, while net assets were 58.4m.

McLaughlin & Harvey has completed work on offices at New Bridge Street, London

Philip Cheevers, group chief executive, said: Our reported results show a return to profitability in the financial year, with all parts of the business contributing positively to performance.

"The business continues to benefit from a diversified portfolio of work in both the private and public sectors across our target industries, with a focus on winning new work via two-stage tender processes and frameworks, whilst developing long-standing client relationships.

"Looking forward, the current construction and civil engineering order book is in a positive position, with the majority of budgeted turnover secured for the financial year ahead.

The company said its 12m profit before-tax followed absorption of 3.4m of asset impairment costs, after the cessation of landfill operations at the remaining operating landfill site within Scottish subsidiary Barr Environmental.

The extraordinary costs included a one-off closure cost due to an impending landfill ban and changing laws in Scotland which meant the landfill business could no longer trade efficiently.

The company said it had also reported a high score in Considerate Constructor Scheme audits, while making progressing on achieving net zero emissions.

It said it was now entering a new trading year in a strong financial position with net assets of 58.4m and a cash balance of 147m, with no borrowings.

McLaughlin & Harvey was founded in 1853 and now operates throughout the UK and Ireland, with offices in Belfast, Glasgow, London, Birmingham and Bristol.

Recently-completed projects for the company include The James Hutton Institute Crop Innovation Centre and the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme, both in Scotland, and offices at New Bridge Street, London.
Michael OLeary has repeated controversial comments he made about teachers, arguing that they are not the best type of politicians to deliver change in Ireland.

The Ryanair boss said at an election event at the weekend, where he endorsed Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael TD Peter Burke, that teachers should not lead the country.
Northern Irish presenter Eamonn Holmes has left fans surprised after he made a dramatic transformation on social media, channelling his inner Donald Trump.

Fresh from stepping out at The Irish Post Awards at Londons Grosvenor House Hotel alongside new girlfriend Katie Alexander at the weekend, the Belfast man decided to undergo something of a makeover.
A former British intelligence asset has been given new hope in his legal battle over the PSNIs refusal to confirm the paid agent status of a man who operated inside the IRA.
Cameron Thompson in the Mournes on his way to completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

Cameron Thompson in the Mournes on his way to completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

Cameron Thompson, with mum Natalina, in the Mournes on his way to completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

Cameron Thompson and family in the Mournes after completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

Cameron Thompson (6) in the Mournes on his way to completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

When six-year-old Co Down schoolboy Cameron Thompson says hes going to do something, he means it.

And just a few weeks after declaring he was going to complete a unique seven peaks challenge in the Mournes before his seventh birthday, hes done it  raising thousands of pounds for Pancreatic Cancer UK in the process.

Cameron Thompson and family in the Mournes after completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

It was only at the end of August, on a day out walking up Slieve Croob with mum Natalina, that the challenge was proposed to the Dromara Primary School pupil.

It would mean scaling Slieve Donard, Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Meelbeg, Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Binnian, Slieve Lamagan and Slieve Commedagh in the Mourne Mountains.

We were just sitting there at the top of Slieve Croob watching the sunset at the end of August and I mentioned the challenge to him in passing, said mum Natalina.

Cameron Thompson, with mum Natalina, in the Mournes on his way to completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

He just told me he was going to do it before he turned seven at the start of December, and Im so proud of him for achieving it  and well ahead of schedule.

Hes always been keen on being outdoors; hes with the Scouts in Hillsborough and loves camping and that sort of stuff. He seemed determined to do it before he was seven, so the #7peaksbefore7 challenge was born.

We initially set a target of 200 and thought family and friends would support him. But within an hour hed beaten that target, she continued.

The total for Pancreatic Cancer UK has now gone over 3,500 and Cameron is thrilled.

He lost an aunt suddenly to cancer, and there have been some school friends affected by the disease, so it was an obvious charity for him to support.

Cameron Thompson in the Mournes on his way to completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

We were very lucky with the weather. It was only last Saturday, when he did the final climb in the series on Slieve Commedagh, that it turned against us.

Wed had six lovely clear days for the previous climbs, but the wind and rain hit us hard on that final day and made it the toughest climb.

He did it, though, and it was very satisfying to sit there at the top and look out over the stunning views and know that hed achieved exactly what he said he was going to do. He had plenty of friends with him, and family came over from Scotland and England to lend their support on the climb, so that really helped him complete it. But nothing was going to stop him doing it.

We have been overwhelmed by the support from his school, local community and wider hiking community, who have all been fantastic in their encouragement and social media shares, added Natalina.

Cameron Thompson in the Mournes on his way to completing his #7peaksbefore7 challenge for Pancreatic Cancer UK

And what was really special for him was that a lot of the people he met on his climbs knew him from the social media posts wed been putting out to let people know how he was getting on.

Seeing his wee face light up with pride and elation as he made it to the top  it was clearly worth every step.

I think hell stick at the hiking and climbing now, she added.

But we might wait until the lighter days next year before coming up with another challenge for him. Im sure hell be up for it.

Pancreatic Cancer UK has also supported Cameron with fundraising materials. He also featured on the charitys Supporter Saturday fundraiser of the month on social media.

To support Cameron, his JustGiving page is still live (search for Camerons 7 Peaks Before 7 Challenge)
A Co Down woman has opened up about being scammed out of 4,000 as the Trading Standards Service (TSS) urged people here to be extra cautious over impersonation fraud.

The woman  who was anonymised by TSS  said she wanted to share the details of what happened to her to prevent this happening to someone else.

The woman was targeted with a call from a person claiming to be from the HMRC and telling her she owed unpaid tax back in 2020.

In what has been described as a highly convincing scam, the victim felt it was a plausible and genuine call.

A further follow up was made to the victim from someone claiming to be from her local police station, with the woman threatened with arrest and court action if she did not pay.

Put under high amounts of pressure and fearing the consequences of not paying during what was a difficult period in her life, she transferred the 4,000 to the fraudsters, only to realise shortly afterwards that she had been scammed.

When the victim initially contacted her bank she was told because she had transferred there funds there was nothing they could do.

She then contacted TSS in February 2024 to get help over getting the money back, despite feeling hesitant over the amount of time that had passed.

TSS confirmed they reviewed the womans case, helped her in raising a complaint with the bank and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Before the victims complaint could be assessed by FOS her bank decided to refund her 4,000 plus interest and 250 compensation.

Speaking after she said: I wanted to tell my story to prevent this happening to someone else.

"Im very happily surprised at the result and would like to thank TSS for all their support and help, it wouldnt have been possible without them. Its a big deal for me, not just about the money but the emotional impact.

Yasmin Johnstone of the TSS said: This scam was highly convincing particularly as they had cloned the genuine telephone number of a local police station and this serves as a stark reminder of the tactics used by scammers to exploit an individual's fears and trust.

"If you receive a similar call do not make any payments or share personal information. Instead, contact the organisation directly using verified contact details.

The TSS urged anyone contacted by someone to:
China's top legislator meets with Italian president in Beijing

Xinhua) 09:52, November 11, 2024

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met on Saturday with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the development of China-Italy relations continues to embrace new opportunities and achieve new results.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, Zhao said that China is ready to work with Italy to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, push bilateral relations to a higher level, and inject more positive energy into China-Europe relations and world peace and stability.

The NPC of China is willing to work with Italy's parliament to make good use of the regular exchange mechanism and other platforms to strengthen exchanges, Zhao said, calling on the two sides to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on legislation, supervision and the rule of law, to provide legal guarantees for bilateral practical cooperation.

Mattarella said that Italy is willing to uphold the spirit of openness and cooperation, deepen cooperation with China in the fields of economy, trade and culture, among others, and strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies to promote the development of Italy-China and Europe-China relations.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A character inspired by the old textile workers of Belfast is spreading her Christmas cheer for the third winter in a row and has raised over 12,500 this year for Womens Aid NI.

Wee Millie was created by award-winning artist Sara ONeill, whose fashion designs have been seen worn by U2 guitarist The Edge, and onstage at the Oscars last year by creatives from An Irish Goodbye.

Based on the north coast, her work is inspired by Irish stories, folklore, history and women.

Three years ago, Sara released Millie to the world, and she has now become an annual festive fundraising initiative for Womens Aid, with all profits from the sales going to the local domestic abuse charity.

Millie outside The King's Hall in Belfast

Each year, Sara creates Christmas cards and seasonal postcards which feature Millie in different surroundings.

There were six designs to choose from in the latest batch, including five Belfast settings and one Dublin theme.

I just thought, we are being inspired by women, so we have to give back to women, Sara explained.

I know that here in Northern Ireland, we have such an issue with violence against women and girls, and Womens Aid do incredible work.

I reached out to them and we came up with this fundraiser, which has just grown year on year.

We opened our sales on a Tuesday evening and by Sunday, when the online shop closed, we had reached 12,500.

Millie helped raise just under 4,000 in her first year, and then 9,000 in 2023.

(L-R) Minister of Finance Caoimhe Archibald, 'Millie' creator Sara O'Neill and Women's Aid Federation NI chief executive, Sarah Mason

Sarah Mason, chief executive of Womens Aid Federation NI, praised the glamorous illustration and noted that because sales were all driven through social media, it has raised so much awareness also of the work done by Womens Aid.

Packaging for the Millie cards took place at Belfast Castle last Thursday, with all work being completed by a variety of volunteers, including Minister of Finance Caoimhe Archibald and Lord Mayor Micky Murray.

Ms Archibald said the event itself was important, because we all recognise the important work carried out by Womens Aid.

That work is so vital and crucial, especially as the prevalence of domestic abuse and violence is far too high, she said.

Since the start of 2017, 42 women and girls have been killed in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray helping with the Christmas card packing

A spate of sexual assaults have also been reported to police, particularly in the Derry city area, over the last month.

It makes me feel so angry, Sara added.

Anger, for me, is an energy, and it was just about trying to channel that energy into something positive.

She said that she is especially proud of the lovely community that has grown around this project.

All of our volunteer packers here have given up their time, Belfast Castle has given us their beautiful room to do it all in, and so many people have said this year that its like their new Christmas tradition to buy these cards.

I love that whole idea. Not only is it great for raising funds and awareness for the work Womens Aid is doing, its also created community and tradition.
Some of the victims of online predator Alexander McCartney have spoken out for the first time about their devastation after the Newry man was handed a life sentence last month.
A Belfast-born chef has claimed that little sharing plates have ruined dining after hitting out at groups of diners who order one meal between them.

Restaurateur Hugh Corcoran, who runs The Yellow Bittern on London's Caledonian Road and is originally from Northern Ireland hit out at the new dining trend on Instagram and said its costing restaurants money.

"Little sharing plates has ruined dining. Or rather it has ruined diners. It is now apparently completely normal to book a table for 4 people say and then order one starter and two mains to share and a glass of tap water, the chef wrote on social media, sharing it alongside a photograph of a large pie.

There was at one point an etiquette in restaurants that if you booked a table in a nice place you at the very least had to order a main course (and possibly even a starter or dessert) and drink wine in order for your table to be worth serving.

He claimed that the dining trend means restaurants are losing out, stating they go to the effort of dressing the table, picking and arranging the flowers, of polishing the glasses and reserve the table for 2 hours for someone to order a meal which ends up costing 25 a head. It's not worth us opening.

"We can either jack up the prices, punishing everyone else for those who don't play by the rules, or simply not have our types of tiny, family run restaurants anymore, he added.

When you come to a restaurant, it is expected that you are there to eat and drink with some sort of abandon. A grand cru to drink and a Beaujolais Villages to rinse the mouth" (It is of course different in a no-booking cafe or bar sort of environment).

So at the very least, order correctly, drink some wine, and justify your presence in the room that afternoon. If you do not drink because you have done so to such excess that it cannot be permitted any longer, then come hungry and eat your fair share.

This justification of one's presence is something which I have always been acutely conscious of whether it be a docker's bar in Belfast or a Michelin starred restaurant in the Basque Country.

"I do not suppose the right to be anywhere except on the public highway. Restaurants are not public benches, you are there to spend some money. And in the case that a plate of radishes is enough for you and your three friends for lunch, then perhaps an allotment would be a better investment than a table at a restaurant.

Much like its owner, The Yellow Bittern has also made headlines for its unconventional operations. It was featured by the Financial Times for customers being able to book a table by post, is only open during the week for lunch and only takes cash.

However, many people in the comments of the Belfast chefs post took issue with his remarks, with one user writing: Sounds like youve only just realised lunchtime weekday trade wont pay the rent.

Another commenter wrote that they couldnt disagree more with Corcoran.

Stock image

News Catch Up: Monday 11th November
exclusive | LucidTalk poll: Michelle ONeills popularity tumbles as child protection scandals take their toll

SDLP's Claire Hanna is straight in as most popular political leader as MON drops to fifthSupport for Sinn Fein as a party remains solid, down just 1%DUP fails to significantly narrow gap

First Minister Michelle ONeill. (Liam McBurney/PA)

Suzanne Breen Sun 10 Nov 2024 at 22:00







Michelle ONeills popularity has plunged in the wake of the child protection scandals that have engulfed Sinn Fein, but support for the party remains solid.
Taoiseach Simon Harris was given a mug by Helen Drumm from Sound Quality Gifts (Liam McBurney/PA)

The election campaign was in full swing on Monday as Simon Harris and Mary Lou McDonald were challenged to a jive while canvassing in Monaghan town.

Both party leaders danced with TikToker Helen Drumm of Sound Quality Gifts shop on Monday afternoon while out appealing for votes.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Mr Harris arrived at the eclectic shop accompanied by retiring Cavan-Monaghan TD Heather Humphreys, who introduced Ms Drumm as the TikTok queen.

Ms Drumm told Mr Harris after a few twirls around the shop floor youre not bad at all and that he has a little bit of rhythm.

Next on the dancefloor was Ms McDonald, who spun Ms Drumm while sharing Sinn Feins policy proposals on childcare and housing.

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald was gifted an umbrella (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Sinn Fein leader said: The things I will do for a vote.

An upbeat Ms Drumm asked the Dublin TD: Are you going to give them everything they want?

Ms McDonald replied, that depends what they want, Helen.

Sinn Fein Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy was next to partner Ms Drumm, asking: Is there an election coming up, Helen? while Ms McDonald told Sinn Fein TD Pauline Tully, youre getting off light.

The lively scenes came after controversies for both leaders  with Mr Harris answering a series of questions earlier on Monday about Ryanair boss Michael OLearys heavily criticised comments about teachers while he endorsed Fine Gael.

Ms McDonald, having been grilled on a series of scandals that have dogged her party in recent weeks, was accused of being a traitor by a punter while having a coffee in Monaghan town.
Irish premier Simon Harris has discussed conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine during a telephone conversation with President-elect Donald Trump.

Their conversation on Monday was their first since Mr Trumps victory in the US presidential election last week.

Mr Trump will take office for the second time on January 20.

A spokesperson from the Taoiseachs office said Mr Harris congratulated President Trump on his comprehensive victory in the US election.

The spokesperson added: They reflected on the strong and enduring ties between Ireland and the United States and said they hoped to meet soon.

The Taoiseach and President Trump discussed the many serious challenges the world faces, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

President-elect Trump extended his best wishes to the people of Ireland and he and the Taoiseach agreed to stay in touch.
As Cop29 gets under way in Azerbaijan, here are answers to some of the key questions about the climate conference.

 What is Cop29?

Cop29 is the 29th Conference of Parties. It is the latest set of UN climate negotiations, which take place every year.

Governments, business leaders, scientists and campaigners will gather this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, for two weeks of talks from November 11-22.

The meeting kicks off against a backdrop of deadly weather events, extreme conditions and record temperatures in recent months.

These include the floods in Valencia and Hurricane Helene that hit parts of the US in October  both of which scientific analysis showed were made more frequent and more intense by rising temperatures.

And this year is on course to break temperature records once again.

 What will be discussed?

Dubbed the finance Cop, one of the central issues at the conference will be agreeing new commitments on finance for poor countries to cope with climate change impacts and green their economies.

Wealthier countries have previously pledged 100 billion US dollars a year in private and public finance to help poorer nations, but experts have warned that figure needs to rise to one trillion dollars a year by 2030.

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Reaching a consensus on money will be difficult, with nations so far disagreeing on almost all elements of the goal, like the amount of money needed, which countries should contribute, the types of finance and what it should fund.

But without a successful agreement on funding, the world will not be able to meet the scale of the challenge posed by climate change.

The talks will also focus again on boosting efforts to cut emissions amid increasingly dire warnings over the planets future.

During the summit, many countries are expected to publish their new national action plans to cut emissions  known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs)  including the UK.

These outline how each nation plans to help meet the goals of the 2015 global Paris Agreement, which aims to prevent the worst impacts of warming.

The latest NDCs, which will cover 2025 to 2035, are due ahead of Cop20 in Brazil next December.

Flood water in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire (Joe Giddens/PA)

So the spotlight will be on the level of ambition seen in these NDCs, including how they incorporate last years landmark deal to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems  agreed at Cop28 in Dubai.In recent months, some oil rich-nations have sought to pushback and frustrate progress to deliver on this agreement.

So the world will also be watching how Azerbaijan, as the host country and an oil-rich nation itself, will handle discussions around fossil fuel phaseout discussions.

 How is the world doing on climate action and finance?

Since the Paris Agreement, where countries pledged to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, the world has seen some landmark agreements, the green transition has truly crossed the starting line and almost 200 countries have put forward plans to cut emissions.

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Greenhouse gases continue to rise and reached record levels of concentration in the worlds atmosphere in 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said.

The UN has warned that existing policies are falling so far short and the world is on track for a catastrophic 3.1C of global warming.

In its annual report on the gap between the emissions cuts needed to limit global warming to 1.5C and what countries are doing and have pledged to do, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said the goal would soon be dead without a global mobilisation on a scale and pace never seen before.

UNEP also highlighted an enormous gap in financing for adapting to climate change with authors saying adequate financing for prevention is much cheaper than compensating for losses and damage.

Donald Trump will soon be in the White House (Evan Vucci/AP)

 How Donald Trumps election win could affect global climate action?

World leaders will be grappling with the fallout of the US presidential election, which is returning Donald Trump to the White House in what analysts say is a trend of climate scepticism in elections this year.

The president-elect said he plans to roll back green incentives domestically and take America  the worlds second largest emitter after China  out of the Paris Agreement again.

While President Joe Bidens outgoing administration will be involved in the talks, Mr Trumps victory could nonetheless overshadow the negotiations and dampen ambition from other nations.

 What is the UKs position?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is heading to the opening summit of Cop29, while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will also play a key role for the UK during the talks.

It comes as Labour seeks to reposition Britain at the centre of global climate and nature diplomacy, marking a contrast from the previous Conservative government, which rowed back on green policies and axed the climate envoy position.

UK officials plan to send a strong message with its plans for climate action as it releases its NDC for 2035 at the summit, coming the hopes of galvanising ambitious commitments from other countries.

Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband will play a leading role for the UK during the talks (Ben Whitley/PA)

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has recommended the Government commit to cutting emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035 in its new NDC. The then-Tory Government followed the CCCs advice on the target the last time around in 2020.

The UK is also expected to take a strong position on cementing the Cop28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, including being clear on how the world will take forward and track progress on this commitment.

Awareness of the talks remains low among the UK public, according to PA Mediapoints opinion tracker, which found that two thirds of Britons are unfamiliar with the Cop29 conference

The Ipsos survey, conducted exclusively for PAs non-media wire, questioned 1,088 British adults between September 25-26 on the upcoming conference.

Just 19% of respondents said it was likely that commitments agreed at Cop29 would result in action while more than half lack confidence that commitments agreed at the summit will make a real difference to tackling climate change.
Green energy industrialist Dale Vince was libelled multiple times by the false allegation he supports Hamas, the High Court has been told.

Mr Vince is suing Richard Tice MP, the deputy leader of the Reform UK party, and Paul Staines, the editor-in-chief of the Guido Fawkes website, for libel following a radio interview in October last year.

The Labour donor is also suing Lord Shaun Bailey, the former London mayoral candidate now known as Lord Bailey of Paddington, in a third libel case related to the same allegations.

Lawyers for Mr Vince told a hearing in London that during a Times Radio interview on October 9, two days after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, Mr Vince said that one mans freedom fighter is another mans terrorist as part of a wider discussion on the issue lasting around two minutes.

In March this year, Guido Fawkes published two articles and a 16-second extract from the interview, which included the quote.

This was followed by a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Mr Tice, which claimed Mr Vince was pro the murderous antisemitic Hamas, the court was told.

At a preliminary hearing on Monday, Mr Justice Pepperall was asked to decide several early issues in the case, including the natural and ordinary meaning of the articles and whether they and the post were statements of fact or opinion.

William Bennett KC, appearing for Mr Vince, said in written submissions: The claimant has been libelled multiple times by the false allegation that he supports Hamas by reason of an alleged statement attributed to him that Hamas are freedom fighters.

In court, he continued: His case is that his words have been fatally distorted and readers have been misled, because (Mr Staines) has chosen to take an out-of-context, a 16-second extract, from part of an interview discussing the Palestine-Israel issue which extended over a minute-and-a-half.

The root of this claim is that very serious way that he has been misrepresented in this article.

He continued: Stripped of context, this does appear to be someone apologising for the behaviour of Hamas.

Mr Vince denies that. Looked at in the proper context, his interview said nothing of the sort.

Mr Bennett said in written submissions that the original Times Radio interview was unremarkable and no-one in the media, mainstream or social, showed any interest in it.

But the interview returned to the spotlight in March this year following the row over donations to the Conservative Party made by Frank Hester, who was reported to have said Labour MP Diane Abbott made him want to hate all black women and that she should be shot.

Guido Fawkes then published the two articles, which Mr Bennett said in written submissions were accusatory and unequivocal.

The first, published on March 13, was headlined Multimillion-pound donor to Labour says Hamas are freedom fighters, with the second article, titled Jewish MP blasts Labour for taking millions from Hamas freedom fighters donor, published the following day.

Richard Tice MP (Lucy North/PA)

Mr Tice posted on X on March 13, which said: So major Labour donor is pro the murderous antisemitic Hamas Mmmm.

The post  which was made when Mr Tice was leader of Reform UK and before his election as MP for Boston and Skegness in Lincolnshire  did not name or picture Mr Vince, but included a copy of a tweet by Guido Fawkes, which itself contained a link to the first article which named Mr Vince and included the 16-second clip.

Mr Bennett said at least 568,000 people had seen Mr Tices tweet and that a substantial number of them would have followed the links provided to the Guido Fawkes article.

He said Mr Tice intended for people to read the article, adding: If you dont intend that, why on earth did you insert the hyperlink?

Ben Gallop, for Mr Staines, said in written submissions that Mr Vince had exaggerated the meanings of the publications.

He said: The reasonable reader would know from watching the video that the claimant did not literally say Hamas are freedom fighters.

In court, the barrister continued that the 16-second clip was likely to provoke a range of subjective reactions and that it was obvious to the reader that it was taken from a longer interview.

He said: We do not accept for a moment that this clip distorts what the claimant said.

He continued: It would be obvious, whatever else you thought about it, that this was an absolute howler by the claimant in terms of its potential to generate adverse comment.

Richard Munden, for Mr Tice, said in written submissions that Mr Vinces argument was strained and unreasonable and that readers would not have read the Guido Fawkes article from the post, as it makes complete sense without the hyperlinked material.

In court, he said: This is a very simple case about a man in public life, the claimant, who has chosen to make comments on a controversial subject, and another man in public life, Mr Tice, who has given his own assessment of those comments in a brief post on social media.

Shaun Bailey (Victoria Jones/PA)

He added: It is clearly not saying that he is a supporter of Hamas. It does not say he is out on marches or has done anything other than express views in this interview, and that makes him, in the views of this tweeter, pro-Hamas.

In a separate case, Mr Vince is also suing Lord Bailey over comments made by the former mayoral candidate on GB News about the issue on March 14, where he said that Mr Vince had called Hamas freedom fighters, and two other publications.

Mr Justice Pepperall will give his judgments on all three cases in writing at a later date.
Detective Inspector Ben Mant said it was his decision for a search to be carried out at the home of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in March 2018 (Andrew Matthews/PA)

A detective inspector said the decision to search the Skripals home after they were poisoned with Novichok still haunts me, after a police officer also became contaminated with the nerve agent.

Detective Inspector Ben Mant of Wiltshire Police told the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry on Monday that it was his decision for a search to be carried out at the home of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury in March 2018.

Former police officer Nick Bailey was contaminated after the nerve agent was smeared on Mr Skripals door handle.

Former police officer Nick Bailey used a key to unlock a door to the property (Wiltshire Police/PA)

The poisoning of Mr Bailey followed the attempted murder of Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia and came a few months before Ms Sturgess, 44, died after being exposed to Novichok left in a discarded perfume bottle in nearby Amesbury, Wiltshire.

After the Skripals became unwell, Mr Mant had been given a briefing by other officers and was told about the Skripals symptoms.

This included how Mr Skripal had vomited and one of the hypotheses was potentially poison in their food, the inquiry heard.

One officer had an aide memoire where he was ticking off some of the symptoms that would be consistent with nerve-agent poisoning and told Mr Mant that the Skripals were exhibiting seven out of the 12 symptoms listed, he said.

Mr Mant said he was extremely concerned and stopped the briefing and called Superintendent Tim Corner.

Reading the detective inspectors witness statement, Emilie Pottle, counsel to the inquiry, said Mr Mant said he (Mr Corner) reassured me that he had already spoken to (the officer who had the aide memoire) and he appeared far less concerned.

Mr Mant also told the inquiry he was told special branch hadnt expressed any interest.

There were a number of hypotheses at that point, Mr Mant added.

Mr Mant said it was his decision to search the house, as his overriding concern was there could be another person inside the home who was injured or potentially dying.

Dawn Sturgess died after being exposed to Novichok months after Mr Bailey was posioned (Family handout/Home Office/PA)

On the decision to search the property, Mr Mant told the inquiry: Its something that still haunts me, as clearly Sergeant Bailey became very ill as a result of our actions that night.

Mr Mant travelled to the Skripals home with Mr Bailey and another officer, referred to as VN005, and told the inquiry they dressed in personal protective equipment including white suits, boot covers, gloves, goggles and surgical masks.

He said Mr Bailey unlocked the home with a key.

Mr Mant also said in a witness statement read to the inquiry that all three of the officers inside the house raised their goggles at different times as they had steamed up.

He added in the statement it clearly risks the potential for any contaminant on the outside of the gloves to be transferred to the skin.

It was later brought to his attention that an officer outside the property had one pupil which was the size of a pinprick and the other very dilated, and Mr Mant said: That was the moment of course it occurred to me that whatever it was we were dealing with is likely to have been at Christie Miller Road.

Detective Inspector Ben Mant told the inquiry it was his decision to search the property on Christie Miller Road in Salisbury (Ben Birchall/PA)

Mr Mant also told the inquiry that both he and Mr Corner initially considered links to Alexander Litvinenko, the Russian defector to the UK who was poisoned and died in 2006, after the Skripals were poisoned.

But Mr Mant said he was told Mr Litvinenkos illness was radiation poisoning and it was unlikely the Skripals were also poisoned with radiation as the Skripals had become ill apparently very quickly and the symptoms of radiation poisoning take longer to manifest themselves.

Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies then started her evidence on Monday afternoon by expressing her condolences.

The inquiry continues.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arriving to attend the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. (PA)

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to discuss Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East when he meets Emmanuel Macron in Paris ahead of attending an Armistice commemoration.

The Prime Minister is heading to the French capital at the invitation of the French president to attend the annual event.

Ahead of the commemorations, Sir Keir will hold a bilateral meeting with the French president. Foreign policy issues are thought to be among the topics they will discuss, including the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

During the morning the Prime Minister will host veterans, defence charities and British military personnel at the ambassadors residence, and is also expected to meet the new French prime minister Michel Barnier.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) and President of France Emmanuel Macron during a bilateral meeting at the European Political Community summit.

The meetings come less than a week after it was confirmed that Donald Trump will be returning to the White House in January having been re-elected US president.

There are concerns over what a second Trump term could mean for US support for Kyiv and NATO.

On Sunday, a Treasury minister confirmed that the UK is considering and planning lots of different scenarios after the election result.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: Were going to continue to work with the Biden administration until the inauguration on current American policy bases that aligns with our position in the UK, where we want to support Ukraine, that our support for Ukraine is resolute.

We dont want any countenance of the idea that were stepping back from that. Thats why were offering them 3 billion a year, which you know, in the fiscal context here in the UK, is difficult but the right decision for us.

Mr Jones added: Officials will be considering and planning lots of different scenarios  as they would do under any administration  to make sure that the UK is in the strongest possible position.
The latest round of international climate talks have kicked off in Azerbaijan as the UN warns 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record.

Sir Keir Starmer, whose Labour Government has made clean energy a key plank of its plans for the UK, has headed to the Cop29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, although many leaders including the US and Chinese presidents and European heads of state are not attending the talks.

While the Taliban are among the delegations who are attending the conference, Downing Street said the Prime Minister had no plans to meet with them.

As the conference kicked off, the UNs World Meteorological Organisation issued a red alert over the speed of climate change in a single generation, as it warned this year would break 2023s record temperatures.

The WMO said the global average temperature for January to September 2024 was 1.54C above pre-industrial levels, based on analysis from six global datasets.

(PA Graphics)

This breaches a key threshold of 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures to which countries have committed to limit global warming to avoid its worst impacts, though the WMO said it did not mean the world had failed to meet the goal over the long-term.

But temperatures are already at 1.3C of long term warming above pre-industrial levels, according to initial assessment by experts appointed by the WMO.

And the world is facing increasing sea level rise, record ocean heat battered by deadly storms, droughts, heatwaves and floods,

There could be much worse to come, as current climate policies by countries put the world on what UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has described as a catastrophic 3.1C of warming.

But with many leaders choosing not to attend the opening summit, and the talks hosted by oil-rich Azerbaijan, it is unclear how much progress will be made on key issues such as agreeing climate finance for poorer countries, as well as increasing ambition on emissions cuts and phasing out fossil fuels.

(PA Graphics)

And the re-election of Donald Trump as US president last week will cast a shadow over the talks, as Mr Trump has repeatedly dismissed climate change and pledged to curb environment legislation domestically and boost fossil fuels.

As the conference opened, UN climate chief Simon Stiell called on country delegations to agree a new global climate finance goal, warning that every country pays a brutal price if poorer nations could not afford to cut emissions quickly or build resilience into supply chains.

He told countries that we mustnt let 1.5 slip out of reach.

Speaking against a background of geopolitical instability and what analysts have said is a trend towards climate scepticism in elections around the world this year, he also said: Now is the time to show that global co-operation is not down for the count.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris look on during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

US President Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris have made their first joint appearance since her election loss.

They observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mr Biden honoured the service and sacrifice of Americas military veterans, including those who paid the ultimate price, and their families, during what was his final time speaking at the cemeterys memorial amphitheatre in his capacity as commander in chief of the US military.

Its been the greatest honour of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation, Mr Biden said.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris placed their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played before the wreath-laying ceremony (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world.

He reminisced about trips to US military installations around the world, and to such historic military sites as Valley Forge and Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.

The president opened his brief remarks by stating that Americas truly sacred obligation is to prepare those it sends into harms way and care for them when they come home, or do not.

To all the military families, to all those with a loved one still missing or unaccounted for, to all Americans grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, Jill and I want you to know we see you, we thank you and well never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your family, he said.

President Joe Biden speaking at Arlington National Cemetery (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Mr Bidens son, Beau, who Jill Biden helped raise, served in the Delaware Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2008 for about a year. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

Mr Biden and Ms Harris, accompanied by veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough, wore solemn expressions as they approached the tomb. They placed their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played before the wreath-laying.

The president and first lady had hosted veterans and members of the military community at the White House before they and Ms Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, departed for the hallowed burial ground on the other side of the Potomac River from Washington.

It was the first time that Mr Biden and MS Harris had been seen together in public since the vice president lost last weeks election to former president Donald Trump.

After the observance, Mr Biden was travelling home to Wilmington, Delaware, for reasons the White House had yet to disclose.
Donald Trump with wife Melania following his election victory last week

If you joined me in staying awake to watch the US election results, then Im sure youll agree it was a rollercoaster of a night.
Aoife Madden, niece of Sinn Fein finance minister Conor Murphy, was sentenced to over four years behind bars after scamming HMRC of 2.8 million

Aoife Madden was part of a criminal gang behind a sham movie project called, appropriately, A Landscape Of Lies

Aoife Madden received jail time after pleading guilty to conspiracy to cheat the public revenue for 2.8 million.

Our very own home-grown Hollywood scam  the film ironically titled A Landscape of Lies.

An out-of-work actress is joined by a wealthy Iraqi businessman to try their hand at making it on the big screen, but what appeared as a lifelong dream was really all about conning investors and the tax man out of millions.

Newry-born Aoife Madden, who happens to be the niece of Sinn Fein Finance Minister Conor Murphy, received four years and eight months jail time after pleading guilty to conspiracy to cheat the public revenue for 2.8 million.

Madden, along with her business partner Bashar Al-Issa, received 19.6 million in funding from Al-Issa's wealthy family in Jordan after promising the involvement of A-list actors like Jeremy Irons, Michael Caine and Liam Neeson in the production.

After an initial arrest and release on bail, the duo decided to continue to make the film, with a more conservative budget of under 100,000.

It featured Loose Women panellist Andrea McLean in her acting debut.

The film won an award at the Las Vegas Film Festival in 2012, which was later rescinded as the public became aware of the films dodgy dealings behind the scenes.

Did the pair really dream of Hollywood acclaim, how did they get caught, and what happened to the film?

Ciaran Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraphs Kurtis Reid.
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It's considered one of the Bible's most righteous acts of humility. To people outside the Church, washing someone else's feet could be viewed as humiliating. That's not what Jesus thought. Whenever He did anything, it had a purpose and usually more than one important reason. Washing His disciples' feet (including Judas') was a remarkable act of self-awareness and selflessness. Jesus washed the disciples' feet to model humility, spiritual cleansing, and unconditional love. He set an example of servitude and prepared them for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus Teaches Through Servanthood

In John 13, Jesus stopped eating and started serving during the Last Supper before He went to the Cross. This man, their teacher and friend, removed a towel wrapped around Him and filled a basin with water. Everyone in the room seemed to know what was coming. Naturally, Peter, who seemed to always need a nudge in the right direction, asked the obvious question and received a revelatory answer.

Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will know after this.

Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet but is completely clean, and you are clean, but not all of you." John 13:6-10 NKJV

Humility as a Path to Service

Washing feet wasn't a novel act. These were men who walked with open sandals in a desert. They weren't sitting at fancy dining room tables when they gathered to eat. They sat on a dusty floor, so having clean feet was the least they could do around the food. Yet, it was a servant's job to clean off the feet of an upper-class homeowner. Peter knew this, which is why he spoke up to Jesus.

Jesus wanted to welcome His guests during dinner. Washing someone's feet was a customary practice of literal hospitality and a Christ-like practice of spiritual purification. Peter missed that piece.

A Symbol of Spiritual Cleansing

In Peter's mind, Jesus was the "upper-class" person in the house. Peter was His servant, so offering to wash the Savior's feet was what should have happenedat least to Peter. "You shall never wash my feet, Lord." Peter didn't understand that Jesus had done that for Peter every day since they met. Nonetheless, he insisted Jesus may have gotten this tradition wrong.

Jesus' truth was in His service to others despite leading and teaching the disciples and the masses. Then, something peculiar happened. Peter understood Jesus' act, so he begged for more. "Well, since you're washing my feet, can you get my head and hands too, Lord?" During this intimate moment between peoplemaster to servant, Lord to student, parent to childJesus wanted to teach one more lesson.

There is no class or creed, young or old, status or stature of person that Jesus can't roll up His sleeves in this world to bless. Jesus washed their feet to show them how they should wash everyone else's with their actions and words. The key was humility; however, both parties must exhibit it to partake. Without it, how can either party appreciate the act and the heart behind it?

The Lower Service

In the message, we learned that all had "bathed," and they were "all clean" but one, Judas. Bathed people must wash their feet after walking miles daily amid a foray of dust and grime. Then, Jesus makes the point to say the greatest of these should serve the least of these (Matthew 25:40) because the action shouldn't be seen as stooping to their level but rather reaching down and lifting the rest.

This was reiterated in John 13, a moment Jesus used to underscore the need for us to become living epistles (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).

So, when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet."

"For I gave you an example that you should also do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." John 13:12-17 NIV

What was Jesus trying to teach His disciples by taking the position of a lowly house servant? He washed their feet, which is not what the head of the house or the master of all would do.

What good does it do the Lord to ask someone to do something He wasn't willing to do Himself? If the Son of God is not going to take the place of someone else before a meal, how will he replace the position of all humanity on the Cross? The lesson was I am more than a Master; I am a servant. Take that position in your heart and serve everyone. Forget tradition. Ignore customs. Do what is right and put everyone on the same level because that is what Jesus did.

The Higher Standard

There were 12 disciples in the room, including that one elephant everyone chose to ignore. What did Jesus mean when he addressed everyone in the room?

Jesus said to [Peter], "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet but is completely clean, and you are clean, but not all of you. For He knew who would betray Him; therefore, He said, "You are not all clean." John 3:10-11 NKJV

Was He saying someone here is less clean than the rest? Surely, a few of the disciples knew they were doing good by Jesus and honoring a solid example as Christ. But "not all of you."

The Deeper Meaning: Washed by Christ's Sacrifice

As we would later learn, Judas was identified as the betrayer of Christ (John 13:26-29). Yet, Jesus washed his feet, too. That was the first lesson: Treat everyone the same. The Bible says there is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11). Jesus was living that example in front of his closest friends and followers before that scripture was considered.

People will lie to your face, turn you around with their words, and stab you in the back. Even still, wash their feet. No one is beyond the touch of the Lord. If you don't do it with a basin of water and a damp cloth, find other ways to serve people. Dedicate those actions to the Lord and pray Jesus blesses them through your service.

"Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." (John 13:8 NIV)

That leads us to the second blessing of Jesus' standardwe aren't washed by water but by the shed blood of Christ. The washing of feet was an allegory that took His followers forward past the Via Dolorosa and up to Golgotha's hill. The crucifixion was the ultimate action of service, and that washed us all. That's why we should look back at Jesus' words to Peter and emphasize where it belongs.

Most Christians read John 13:11 like this: "For He knew who would betray Him; therefore, He said, "You are not all clean." Jesus is pointing someone out in this room. As disciples, they'll figure it out eventually. So, they go on living the good life, walking alongside Jesus. But change the emphasis, which may be the way Jesus needs us to read this verse.

"For He knew who would betray Him; therefore, He said, "You are not all clean."

You think your good work is your reward, and you believe your kind words bless you. But you're not quite where you think you are in God's graces. There is another task that will make you "all clean." Following the Passover meal and past Jesus' walking out of the borrowed man's tomb, we must accept that He washed all of us in His blood. That single act made us all clean.

Now, go wash others.
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PITTSFIELD  Another growing plastics manufacturer in the area is looking to hire skilled workers.

Hi-Tech Mold & Tool, Inc. said it can hire 10 to 15 new workers immediately, and will soon be looking to add more than a dozen employees after that.

The Pittsfield-based company wants workers facing layoffs from Plaskolite Massachusetts Sheffield plastics plant to know it is looking to increase its workforce back to pre-pandemic numbers.

The company wants to ultimately hire roughly 35 new employees, but will ideally do it in two or three waves, said Hi-Tech Vice President and General Manager Dane Matthews.

Before the pandemic, the company had 100 employees, Matthews said. After a period since, of rapidly growing its contracts, Matthews said it is ready to start hiring.

Matthews said that the firm is looking for skilled labor, including Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists who are trained at programing a machine that cuts parts. Hi-Tech is also hiring mechanically-inclined workers who, if not necessarily qualified, the company will train.

Were more than willing to invest in employees that want to advance, he said. The company will cover any training costs.

Matthews reached out to The Eagle after reading about Plaskolites plans to close its Sheffield plant by spring of 2026, and base that operation in Ohio  where the company is headquartered. Plaskolite bought Sheffield Plastics in 2018.

The move will result in waves of layoffs of nearly all 96 employees. The company, which specializes in thermoplastic sheets, is offering all its workers jobs at two of its Ohio plants. But not all will want to make a move.

Upon hearing this, Pittsfield Plastics Engineering, LLC last week said it is growing and would like to recruit some Plaskolite employees.

Now, Hi-Tech is also hoping to hire from this experienced pool.

Hi-Tech, headquartered on Technology Drive, has been in business for 38 years making 2,500 different parts for customers that include those in the aerospace and defense, automotive, medical, wastewater and outdoor recreation industries.

The company makes a wide range of thermoplastics to withstand a variety of temperatures. It makes, for instance, a part that keeps moisture out of F16 fighter jet cockpits for pilot visibility, Matthews said. It also makes air handling system part for all of Boeings 787 Dreamliners.

Airbus is also a customer. So is bike rack company, Thule.

For financial stability, Hi-Tech has worked on expanding and diversifying the industries it sells to, Matthews said.

The company has waited to hire, he said, amid the ebbs and flows of the economy, to avoid having to hire people only to let them go.

"Hi-Tech is in a very good position," he said, "where we can now actively bring on employees with no worries of an economic downfall."

Many Hi-Tech employees have stayed with the company 15 to 25 years. Matthews himself has worked there for 23 years.

The company has a number of recruitment strategies. Hi-Tech has trained students during their junior and senior years at Taconic High School and McCann Technical School. Matthews said the cooperative education programs with these schools have resulted in 12 students who stayed on as full-time employees after graduation.

Matthews said interested applicants can reach out to him or Sara King in human resources.

Were willing to interview over the phone or via Zoom," he said, or whatever is easiest for these employees. Wed love to be able to help out employees that are in need, and we certainly have room and options for them available.
PITTSFIELD  During the second half of the 1969 school year, Miss Hall's School students woke up to find that the headmaster was gone.

A campus of teenage girls were abuzz about the allegations that led to that resignation  that Richard E. McLain had slept with a student.

The administration said not a word. Neither did any of the teachers or other staff. The matter had been dropped  dropped for half a century, say two alums who were there at the time.

One Pittsfield native and school alum from the class of 1969 is speaking out about how the matter was quickly cleaned up by administrators, and how the girls were left wondering  for decades  about the details of what happened, and what became of McLain.

Judy Wayne, a day student at the school who had transferred there from Pittsfield High School to start her junior year, is still wondering. She is still troubled. Still dismayed by the longstanding silence.

Wayne reached out to The Eagle after reading about the firestorm over sexual misconduct allegations made more than six months ago about a longtime teacher, Matthew Rutledge.

Rutledge resigned in late March following the public accusations made by alum Melissa Fares, and followed by similar allegations by alum Hilary Simon. Other former students also made claims, but privately, against Rutledge.

Soon the boarding and day school off Holmes Road was swept up in more accusations made by more than a dozen alumnae, that administrators and other staffers over a 30-year span had silenced girls and reports of misconduct by Rutledge and other teachers.

In July, longtime staffer and dean of students Sarah Virden also resigned. Virden is mentioned in the civil lawsuit filed last month by Fares against the school, Rutledge, former Head of School Jeannie Norris and other unnamed staff. It says a student reported to Virden seeing Rutledge engaging in sexual activity with another student. In the court filing, Fares alleges Rutledge raped her, and that she did not consent.

Two days after Fares filed her lawsuit, the Berkshire District Attorneys Office announced that it was closing the case against Rutledge it opened in April because the students were at least 16 at the time of the alleged abuse. The state's "age of consent" is 16. An internal investigation launched by the school's board of trustees is still underway, conducted by Aleta Law.

At least a dozen alums have told The Eagle that the administrations silencing of girls and doing nothing with reports of misconduct by staff has permeated the school culture.

It is partly for this reason that Wayne, a North Shore attorney and a former prosecutor, said she is speaking out now. She said she is disgusted by the way the McLain matter was handled, the current allegations and the dragging on of the investigations. Wayne spoke to The Eagle before the DA said it was dropping the case.

That it happened in my class, Wayne said of her reason for speaking out, and appears to be continuing.

Wayne recently called the investigators working on the schools investigation to ask them if they knew about McLain, and they said they already did.

Full statement from Miss Hall's School We are deeply grateful that our alums are engaging in the process the School initiated last spring and contacting Aleta Law, a firm with extensive experience conducting trauma-informed and equitable investigations. We remain grateful for the expertise of the professionals at Aleta Law and confident that they will conduct a neutral and thorough investigation, which is ongoing. We continue to encourage anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact:  Kai McGintee, Managing Director  kmcgintee@aletalaw.com  Amber Attalla, Director  aattalla@aletalaw.com

They knew about the 1969 case, Wayne said, but the investigators would not confirm the specifics.

When asked about McLain, school spokesperson David Smith emailed a statement that said the school continues to be "fully committed to learning the truth about what occurred at our school, so that we may extend support to anyone in our community who was harmed and continue our efforts to safeguard the wellbeing of our students today and in the future."

The school also urges anyone with information about Miss Hall's to contact the investigators at Aleta Law.

VERY GRIM

McLain, at age 38, was hired as the first headmaster instead of a headmistress in July 1967, according to a report at the time by The Eagle about his arrival and plans for the school in September of that year.

The Duluth, Minn., native held a master's degree in speech pathology and studied psychology in graduate school. He previously taught at Whittier College in California where he also was dean of students.

The Eagle described him as a man with red hair, a bass voice and a background in psychology, who arrived with his wife and their golden retriever Andorra Belle.

Wayne's parents sent her to Miss Hall's after pulling her out of Pittsfield High, where they both taught music. Wayne said her family lived in the country near Lanesborough. Both her parents were immigrants with doctorate degrees. Her mother, Wayne said, was a Holocaust survivor from Germany.

It was overcrowding at Pittsfield High at the time, and frequent bomb scares that would close the school, that led her parents to send her to Miss Halls. Her parents thought, Wayne said, that she might get a better education at the grades nine-to-12 private school.

She was one of 10 day students in a class of 47, and her experience there was not positive, she said.

That school really changed the course of my life, Wayne said, in a negative way.

There was the guidance counselor who would not allow her to apply to the school of her choice because he didnt like it. And there was the history teacher who ripped up one of her exam papers in front of her. Wayne was so upset that she walked the 15 miles home and told her parents she wasnt going back. Her parents, however, made her return the next morning.

It was in the weeks leading up to graduation that Wayne arrived at school in the morning, and saw members of the schools Board of Trustees leaving the building, looking very grim.

I dont remember who told us, said Wayne, in a phone interview with The Eagle, but we found out somehow that [McLain] had been removed in the night.

What students had learned is that McLain had had sex with a student.

Wayne recalls him leaving that night in the weeks before graduation, but said she may have misremembered the timing. An Eagle article about his departure dated Jan. 24, 1969, says he had already resigned effective the end of the current school year.

The Eagle was unable to find information about where McLain went next. "McLain gave no reason for his resignation," the Eagle article said, "and said he has no plans for the future at this time."

Susan Gordon, a day student from Lee who was in the same class as Wayne, said that the assumption among students was "that [McLain] was involved with a student and the board became aware of it and said, 'Youre gone.'"

"I went to school one day and he had disappeared overnight," Gordon said. "And it's something people will not talk about to this day, including people who would know what had happened."

She said the students were "never told" why McLain was gone, and attributed some of that to the way adults handled teens in that era. But the students were left feeling confused.

"It was a tumultuous year," Gordon said, noting that the Latin teacher, Joseph Buerger, was suddenly an interim headmaster, and that Donald Oakes soon took the permanent post.

It is unclear whether McLain is still alive. The Eagle was unable to find any information about him beyond what was in the Eagle archives.

Wayne still keeps in touch with some of her former classmates. The McLain episode, she said, continues to haunt this small group.

Nobody told us why and nobody would talk about it, she said. I always wanted the truth. Ive still not gotten it. And I doubt I ever will.
DALTON  After Randy Cormier learned of the devastating flooding in North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene, he feverishly tried to contact loved ones.

Cormier and his girlfriend, Heidi White, lived in Asheville, N.C., for months at a time when their children were younger, where they ran a campground and made music. But despite his efforts, he had no way of reaching anyone because the severe weather took out cellular service and the internet.

After several days, he finally connected with someone. Then his heart sank.

The campground he used to manage was destroyed and the community he once called home was devastated.

Cormier, the frontman and founder of country-rock band Whiskey City, recounted the experience at a benefit concert for North Carolina on Sunday at the Stationery Factory in Dalton. The concert featured 10 musical acts, with all proceeds going to North Carolina's relief fund, which is overseen by the state's United Way.

White said the catastrophic flooding may have disappeared from the national headlines, but those she knows in the region are still struggling.

"They'll be able to, at some point, rebuild," Cormier said. "But it's never going to be the same."

He heard from one friend who lost their home, but he hasn't been able to contact him to check in again, despite several attempts.

The band is no stranger to pitching in to help. Beth Maturevich, vocalist and tambourine player, said they organize a few benefits annually for various causes, and take part in several more.

Seeing the scale of the problem unfolding in a state where, she said, her daughter used to live, she felt called to help.

"We just felt like sitting here in Massachusetts, all cozy and not doing anything, was not a choice," she said.

Presale tickets alone had already netted $2,200 to the relief effort, the band said, and that's not counting the number of people who bought tickets at the door. The Stationery Factory hosted the relief concert free of charge and staffed the show with volunteers.

Getting bands on board was easy, Cormier said. He said the Berkshires is full of musicians eager to lend their craft to the cause.

"What's great about Berkshire County is the community of musicians that instantly respond," he said. "We could have had five days worth of music and people playing every hour every day."

The final event unfolded over about six hours, with two different stages hosting both acoustic and electric acts.

Maturevich said it can be easy to fall into a trap where you think that you can't make a difference, that what you're able to contribute isn't enough. But she said every donation, no matter its scale, has the power to help.

"I don't care if we send $2,000 or we send $10,000, somebody is gonna benefit in some way," Maturevich said.

To contribute to the North Carolina relief fund, go to pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations.
UPDATE: A label on the attached map has been clarified.

As Massachusetts looks to meet clean energy goals by 2050, will Berkshire Countys verdant farmland become a sea of indigo tiles?

Not if the Berkshire County legislative delegation can help it.

A map showing solar energy possibilities across the state created by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources shows high potential for solar farms in Berkshire County. With Massachusetts clean energy goals setting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and land cheaper in this part of the state, Berkshire farms and fields are vulnerable to solar development.

And, thanks to a clean energy bill  which the Senate passed 38-2 on Oct. 24 and the House is expected to pass in coming days  the state may be given more control over where and when solar farms are built. In an effort to speed up the process of reaching the state's clean energy goals, the bill overhauls the states siting and permitting process, taking much of the control out of local government.

In an Oct. 10 letter to Berkshire lawmakers, Thomas Matuszko, executive director of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, said he was alarmed by siting proposals that will drastically impact our environment and economy, especially the removal of local control from permitting and the potential disregard of local input in decision making.

Matuszko isnt alone.

Lawmakers say theyre also concerned about how small- and large-scale solar arrays will be sited and will be overseen, even as they are poised to vote yes  or already have  on the bill.

Years ago, a power station was a substation for National Grid, said state Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli, D-Lenox, who previously served on the Lenox Planning Board. A power station today could be a large solar field taking up farm space, agricultural land, open space here in the Berkshires."

Matuszkos letter states the issue plainly:

Berkshire County is a region very different than eastern Massachusetts," he wrote, adding that the region depends on small businesses, farms and its tourism industry. He requested "pathways that will allow our area to be part of the solution while also addressing the unique concerns of Western Massachusetts.

That didnt happen and it almost certainly wont  given that the bill's language is not subject to debate, having already gone through a House and Senate conference committee.

I think that there should be some mechanism whereas one or two communities just dont end up with a lot of these clean energy facilities, Matuszko told The Eagle.

He pointed out that the same map showing expanses of solar potential in much of Berkshire County also shows room for rooftop solar in eastern Massachusetts. `

Under the clean energy bill, small solar arrays, those of less than 25 megawatts and generally taking up less than 125 acres, will be reviewed and permitted locally, according to criteria set by the state. A developer may appeal to a court or to a state siting director, who would make the final decision.

Large-scale solar projects, generally 125 acres or more, will be overseen by a state energy facilities siting board. Towns and cities could provide advisory comments and would be afforded intervenor status.

Last week, Pignatelli and Matuszko met with state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Norfolk, who chairs the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Pignatelli said he was feeling better after that conversation, given there's still time to gather input in drawing up the regulations that the bill will create.

Im a bigger advocate for putting them on peoples rooftops than on peoples front lawns," he said, mentioning as an example Berkshire Community College's rooftop solar array. "And I think the rural part of Massachusetts needs to have a voice in this conversation.

Both Pignatelli and state Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, are concerned about the potential for small towns in Berkshire County to be bamboozled by a sharp-tongued lawyer or a developer that will make all kinds of false promises, as Pignatelli put it.

For Mark, he's concerned for the capacity of the volunteer boards and governing bodies of these small populations to handle these kinds of negotiations.

The strategy now becomes for me, how do we get them the assistance they need," Mark said.

Mark is working with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and Berkshire Community College to provide technical training to town staffs and officials in order to develop the know-how to handle the consolidated siting process. He's also working to get more state money to beef up that technical assistance.

Clean energy defined The clean energy bill defines clean energy as: "Technologies powered, in whole or in part, by the sun, wind, water, geothermal energy, including networked geothermal and deep geothermal energy, hydrogen produced by non-fossil fuel sources and methods, alcohol, fuel cells, fusion energy, nuclear fission or any other renewable, nondepletable or recyclable fuel."

He said the state will likely use offshore wind, out-of-state hydroelectric power and nuclear energy from Connecticut to help meet its clean energy goals. Other forms of energy are contemplated as well in the bill.

Still, Mark said he believes there will be opposition if an overwhelming number of developers try to start coming to our area" to set up solar arrays.

"The legislative delegation's going to work together with communities to keep out projects that arent in our best interest," he said.

He also hopes to get representation from his district on the energy facilities siting board as it's reenvisioned in the clean energy bill.

Mark tried, without success, to add language to the bill that would have prioritized solar development on disturbed land, so brownfields, landfills, places where youre not cutting down anything beneficial, he said, adding, around GE that would be a good place to put some solar development if someone was interested.

In fact, there is already a solar field at Silver Lake in Pittsfield.

Mark separately also sought an amendment to the bill that would have required new municipal and state buildings to install solar panels, but that didn't make it into the final version.

State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, said the loss of control in siting solar projects could have an impact on all of Western Massachusetts.

I worry that when the states in charge of something like this, there could be problems, Barrett said. And I think its incumbent on us as legislators to make sure that doesnt happen.

As he prepares to leave the Legislature, Pignatelli raised a long-term related issue: How to dispose of thousands and thousands of expired solar tiles once they've reached their useful lifespan. He hopes they won't be left to rot in place.

In reflecting on Berkshire's future landscape, he quoted George William Wilde, whose family owned High Lawn Farm for generations:

Our natural beauty in the Berkshires is more valuable than an oil well in Saudi Arabia.
DoP announces regulatory support for 6 healthcare startups funded by Pfizer INDovation Programme

November 11, 2024 | Monday | News

To accelerate development of 6 Indian innovations to improve ease of access to diagnostics and treatment monitoring

Pfizer Limited, in collaboration with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), NITI Aayog and Social Alpha, have announced six winners of the NIPER-A edition of Pfizers flagship INDovation programme for healthcare startups.

The winning startups have received a grant of Rs 25 lakh each from Pfizer, while NIPER-Ahmedabad will provide comprehensive incubation support that will help accelerate their lab-to-market journey. The winners include Aarca Research (diagnosing Peripheral Artery Disease), Babycue (POC device for childhood diarrhoea), Biolockey Healthworks (at-home test for cervical cancer), Brela Innovations (breast pads for women for early detection of breast cancer), RNT Health Insights (AI-assisted early gastric cancer detection software) and Utopic Tech (POC test for kidney health).

In addition, Dr Arunish Chawla, Secretary, the Department of Pharmaceuticals announced that the government will provide regulatory support to these startups. "The government has approved these winners for startup assistance under the research linked incentive scheme, and also approved these products for support for pre-clinical and clinical studies. We hope to see these innovations entering the market in the next 2-3 years", he said.

This support announced by the Secretary falls under the recently launched Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry.


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TOKYO, Nov 11 (News On Japan) - Tokyo Skytree has started a pilot project for a 'Real-Time Translator' that can display up to 100 languages.

With the Christmas market open and the weekend drawing crowds, the Skytree is bustling with people. Currently, about 40% of Skytrees visitors are foreign tourists, many of whom come from non-English-speaking countries, making multilingual service a key challenge.

The experimental device being introduced at the ticket counter from November 11th is called the "VUEVO Display." It can translate up to 100 languages and display subtitles on screen in real-time.

Tourist from Peru: "It's so cool. The translations were very fast and accurate."

Tourist from India: "It's very convenient. I think it's helpful not only for tourists but also for operators."

Since the subtitles are projected on a transparent display, staff can maintain eye contact and gauge expressions while interacting.

Hiroshi Hashimoto, Planning Manager at Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd., said, "We hope each interaction creates lasting memories, encouraging visitors to return to Japan and Skytree."

Tokyo Skytree is considering expanding the installation of this technology in more locations in the future.

Source: FNN
Green Party leader Roderic OGorman has accused Fianna Fail and Fine Gael of marginalising his party, in a bid to keep it out of the next government.

Mr OGorman said his sense is that both parties do not want a coalition partner that is as robust and determined to push for its manifesto goals as the Greens.

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He made the comments in response to a report of a preference in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to enter coalition with the Labour Party following the general election.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Mr OGorman said: My sense is that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael maybe dont want a coalition partner that is as robust, that is as determined and that is as focused on getting in through its key manifesto goals.

I think thats why there does seem to be a push to maybe marginalise us out of the next government.

But if we want to focus on climate, we want to focus on supporting families, we want to focus on investment in public transport, we need the Green Party re-elected, and part of the next government.

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Mr OGorman said he acknowledges change in Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels approach to climate over the last four-and-a-half years.

But he said his party is always pushing for change in bringing in climate change measures.

Weve worked well with them on certain issues, but we are always the ones pushing. We are the ones driving the momentum, he added.

Weve seen that theres a limit to what Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will do on these issues, particularly when they wouldnt support the very important, the very worthwhile investment in the climate and nature funds, that they vetoed at a recent Cabinet meeting.

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Green Party leader Roderic OGorman said he believes Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are marginalising his party and want to keep it out of the next government. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images

Election 2024 Simon Harris calls Michael OLearys teacher comme... Read More

Cop (Conference of the Parties) is starting today. We were disappointed seeing Fianna Fail and and Fine Gael both deciding not to attend. I know its the middle of an election campaign, but this is the biggest challenge that our humanity faces.

I think it is so important that we have a clear focus on climate. Its great to see a greater focus in this election campaign, on the issue going forward.

But, ultimately, if we want to be bringing in those policies to support people, to support families, to make the changes they need to make in terms of climate, in terms of reducing emissions, you need the Green Party in the next government.
A criminal with a history of violence who beat a man about the head with a bike saddle in an unprovoked and brutal Dublin city centre attack has been jailed for two years and nine months.

Patrick Byrne (27) of Cooleven Close, Cloverhill Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm to the 33-year-old man at Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2, on October 15th last year.

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The court heard the victim in the case was left with a scar to his forehead after Byrne attacked him in an entirely unprovoked encounter as the man was walking through town at 9pm on the evening in question.

Byrne has 36 previous offences, including three for assault causing harm, as well as attempted robbery, drugs, and threat to kill. He received a suspended six and a half year sentence in 2020 for attempted robbery.

Sentencing him at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Monday, Judge Orla Crowe said Byrne has a tendency to violence.

This was a senseless, brutal attack on a man who was out minding his own business, socialising with a friend, the judge said.

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She noted that while the victim was left with a physical scar, It is the sheer safety and peace of mind that is taken from the injured party.

She sentenced Byrne to two years and nine months in jail and backdated it to when he first went into custody.

Garda Stephen McDonald told Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, that the victim was walking across O'Connell Bridge on the night in question when a group of young men started shouting at him and telling him he owed them money.

He took refuge in Supermacs on Westmoreland Street and, when the group appeared to have calmed down, he went back outside to try and reason with them.

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The court heard the victim did not know any of the men and tried to tell them this. At this point, Byrne hit him twice over the head with a bike saddle, causing cuts to the man's forehead and lip.

Gardai were called to the scene and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment. After looking at CCTV footage of the incident, gardai identified and arrested Byrne just over an hour later around the corner on Aston Quay.

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In a victim impact statement read out by counsel, the man said he is now wary and vigilant when he goes out and does not go in town much any more. Every time I look in the mirror I see a scar on my forehead, he said.

David Fleming BL, defending, said his client had carried out an unprovoked and vicious assault and there was no excuse for it. He said Byrne's position was that this was a case of mistaken identity.

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He said his client had a history of drug abuse since he was a teenager and that he wished to apologise unreservedly to the injured party.

Prosecution counsel sought leave to re-mention the case, noting the issue of the offence possibly being carried out while Byrne was on a suspended sentence may need to be dealt with.
A Hungarian court has ordered that an Irish man being questioned by police in connection with the murder of American woman Mackenzie Michalski to remain for a further 30 days.

Ms Michalski (31), who was on holiday in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, was last seen at a nightclub in the city on Tuesday last and listed as missing by Budapest Police Headquarters later that day.

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It is understood that Ms Michalski, who is originally from western New York, had travelled from Portland, Oregon in the US, and was last seen near Szimpla Kert, known as the party district in the city, at around 10pm.

The nurse practitioner had been travelling throughout Europe with a female friend and Hungary was their last stop. The two separated for the last night of their trip.

Ms Michalski's friend said she received texts from her and that she was at a bar in the Jewish run district having a drink and dinner.

She detailed how she responded to a message from Ms Michalski at around 12:45 am on Tuesday. That was the last time they communicated.

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The dead womans friend received messages from Airbnb that her friend had not checked out and that is when she reported her missing to the US Embassy.

The 6th District Police Department along with the Fugitive Search Division obtained footage from all available CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood, and noticed a man with whom the missing girl was seen together in several nightclubs.

The arrested man, who had been in Budapest for a week on holiday prior to meeting the American woman, has allegedly told police that he and the dead woman went back to his rented apartment, were intimate, and that her death was an alleged accident.

He allegedly informed police after his arrest that he attempted to conceal her body in a suitcase, which he transported in the boot of his rental car to a marshy area in Szigliget.

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Detectives have also said they found numerous alleged incriminating online searches on a computer.

Ms Michalskis belongings were discovered at her Airbnb after the designated check-out time, and she missed her flight scheduled on Tuesday for Amsterdam. She worked as a neurosurgery nurse practitioner at Providence St Vincent Medical Center in Oregon.

The Irish mans lawyer, Jozsef Pasztor, according to local media, informed the Hungarian court that the womans death was an accident and has denied any guilt.

According to Mr Pasztor, his client has no prior criminal record in Ireland or the UK, and maintains that the incident was a tragic mishap.

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A post-mortem and forensic examination are still pending, and authorities have yet to confirm the cause of Ms Michalskis death.

The court has ordered the Irish man's 30-day arrest, citing the risk of escaping and hiding, but the order is subject to appeal.

At a memorial service outside the US Embassy in Budapest, Ms Michalskis parents expressed deep gratitude to the Hungarian community and police for their unwavering efforts in the search for their daughter, who was tragically murdered.

Friends, family, and former colleagues gathered to honour the 31-year-old, lighting candles in her memory. Mackenzie was remembered for her compassion and dedication to her work.
A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Josephine Jo Jo Dullard, who has been missing for almost 30 years.

Gardai said a man in his 50s was arrested on Monday morning on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard.

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The man is currently detained under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Co Kildare.

A search operation is taking place on open ground at a location in Co Wicklow near the Kildare border.

Gardai said this area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over the coming days.

Officers also searched two private residences on Monday morning.

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The Dullard family are aware of the developments, gardai said.

Saturday marked the 29th anniversary of when Ms Dullard was last seen.

Ms Dullard went missing on November 9th, 1995, after spending an evening socialising in Dublin. She had been in Bruxelles bar and later missed her last bus home to Kilkenny.

She instead boarded a 10pm bus to Naas, Co Kildare.

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Ms Dullard had intended to hitchhike the rest of the way home to Callan, Co Kilkenny.

She hitched a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at Kilcullen, Co Kildare, and at 11.15pm got another lift to Moone in the county.

There, Ms Dullard called her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm from a phone box.

During that call, Ms Dullard told Ms Cullinan that a car had stopped for her and she was going to take the lift.

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This was the last known interaction with Ms Dullard.

She was 21 when she disappeared.

Ms Dullards father, John, died before she was born and her mother Nora died from cancer in 1983.

She was the youngest of five siblings, her sisters Mary, Nora and Kathleen and brother Thomas.

The disappearance of Ms Dullard has been the subject of a sustained Garda investigation, by the investigation team based at Naas Garda Station.

The investigation is subject to ongoing review by the Serious Crime Review Team, National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Her disappearance was confirmed to be classified as murder in November 2020, with investigators believing that serious harm came to her around the time of her disappearance.

No person has been brought to justice for her murder.
Michael OLeary has repeated controversial comments he made about teachers, arguing that they are not the best type of politicians to deliver change in Ireland.

The Ryanair boss said at an election event at the weekend, where he endorsed Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael TD Peter Burke, that teachers should not lead the country.

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This prompted sharp criticism from teachers unions and political parties, while the Fine Gael leadership have attempted to distance themselves from the comments.

Michael OLeary said Catherine Martin had been a failure as Minister for Tourism. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Mr OLeary has since doubled down on his stance, telling Newstalk radio on Monday that there are too many teachers in the Dail.

He said that he was making a serious point about the need for more diversity in the Dail  and said there was a need for more business owners to become TDs.

The Ryanair chief also said that Minister for Media and Tourism Catherine Martin was far better off back in the classroom.

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This country is facing enormous challenges over the next decade, where the population is going to rise from five to six million people, Mr OLeary said.

Now we need lots of teachers delivering excellent education in the classroom, but a Dail where there is a striking surplus of teachers in the Dail is not necessarily one thats going to get things done.

I want to see more people enter the Dail from private enterprise, from the private sector, and thats the energy we need if were going to fix the infrastructure challenges we face, and if were going to provide housing and infrastructure for a population of six million people.

I think teachers do a great job in the classroom, but Im not sure that teachers in the Dail are necessarily the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

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Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary caused controversy with his comments. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

He cited Green Party ministers Catherine Martin and Roderic OGorman as two former teachers who have clearly failed in their roles.

Ill give you the example of Catherine Martin, for example, whos the Minister for Tourism. Shes been Minister for Tourism for five years, and what has she delivered? A [passenger] cap at Dublin Airport.

I think Catherine Martin will be far better off back in the classroom doing the valuable work that teachers do and as far away from the reins of government or making decisions, where I think shes clearly failed.

He said that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had done a great job in government, while their coalition party colleagues the Green Party needed to be weeded out and the main opposition party Sinn Fein should be ignored.

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I think people should vote for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, I think Fine Gael and Fianna Fail should transfer to each other. I think nobody should vote for the Greens.

Asked about Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who was a former teacher, he said there is an exception to every rule.

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Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, also speaking on Newstalk, said that Mr OLeary dislikes the Green Party because we deliver, but not what he wants.

The real question here, and this is an election issue, is: why is Fine Gael aligning themselves with Michael OLeary in this way? the former Green Party leader said.

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Mr Ryan said it was a sign that the party wants to be less ambitious on climate which he said was a mistake.
A woman with over 200 previous convictions who sent threatening messages to a witness in an upcoming Circuit Court trial has been jailed for 21 months.

Sinead White (38) of Collins Place, Finglas, Dublin 11 pleaded guilty to witness intimidation on September 1st, 2023.

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She has 210 previous convictions, 158 of which are for theft. White is currently serving a sentence on other matters.

Imposing sentence on Monday, Judge Martin Nolan said this would have been intimidating and frightening for the injured party, and that it occurred against a serious background.

He said the court accepted White is probably not an insidious person, but made insidious threats to the victim, which had a serious impact on her.

The judge noted White was intoxicated at the time, but he said she knew what she was doing was wrong.

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He said the offence was serious and a person cant intimidate witnesses and not go to prison.

Having considered the mitigation, Judge Nolan imposed a 21-month prison sentence, with credit for any time served in custody on this matter only.

If she was an insidious person capable of carrying out those threats, the sentence would be higher, Judge Nolan said, adding that the court had concluded that White was not this type of person.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that White left the injured party two voice messages on Facebook on September 1, 2023 in which she used threatening language.

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These messages were played to the court. In one of the messages, a co-accused, who is also before the courts, spoke while White made a threatening comment.

The injured party is expected to be a witness in a trial before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which is scheduled to take place in 2025, the court was told on Monday.

After her arrest, White became unwell and was taken to hospital, before she was deemed fit for interview.

She was co-operative during interview and accepted she sent the voice messages but couldnt recall what she said. White agreed with gardai that the messages were threatening, intimidating and wrong.

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White was apologetic and said she didnt mean it.

A victim impact statement was handed to the court. Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, told the court that the injured party had given birth a few weeks prior to this incident, which had caused hurt and sadness at a point which should have been a happy time in her life.

The investigating garda agreed with Aoife OLeary BL, defending, that her client was co-operative, but could not recall her behaviour as she was taking heroin and crack cocaine at the time.

It was accepted that White was apologetic, and there has been no contact since between her and the injured party.

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The garda also agreed that White has no history of violence or previous convictions for assault.

The court heard this is Whites first time before the Circuit Court.

Ms OLeary told the court her client is remorseful for her actions and accepts it would have been a serious and frightening experience for the injured party.

Counsel asked the court to take into account that her client didnt tell the injured party not to give evidence or make threats to her place of residence.

She said these unpleasant threats were made while White was intoxicated and were not cold and calculating.

Her client is engaging with all relevant services and supports while in custody.
US President Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris have made their first joint appearance since her election loss.

They observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Mr Biden honoured the service and sacrifice of Americas military veterans, including those who paid the ultimate price, and their families, during what was his final time speaking at the cemeterys memorial amphitheatre in his capacity as commander in chief of the US military.

Its been the greatest honour of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation, Mr Biden said.



Joe Biden and Kamala Harris placed their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played before the wreath-laying ceremony (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world.

He reminisced about trips to US military installations around the world, and to such historic military sites as Valley Forge and Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.

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The president opened his brief remarks by stating that Americas truly sacred obligation is to prepare those it sends into harms way and care for them when they come home, or do not.

To all the military families, to all those with a loved one still missing or unaccounted for, to all Americans grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, Jill and I want you to know we see you, we thank you and well never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your family, he said.



President Joe Biden speaking at Arlington National Cemetery (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Mr Bidens son, Beau, who Jill Biden helped raise, served in the Delaware Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2008 for about a year. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

Mr Biden and Ms Harris, accompanied by veterans affairs secretary Denis McDonough, wore solemn expressions as they approached the tomb. They placed their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played before the wreath-laying.

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The president and first lady had hosted veterans and members of the military community at the White House before they and Ms Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, departed for the hallowed burial ground on the other side of the Potomac River from Washington.

It was the first time that Mr Biden and MS Harris had been seen together in public since the vice president lost last weeks election to former president Donald Trump.

After the observance, Mr Biden was travelling home to Wilmington, Delaware, for reasons the White House had yet to disclose.
TOKYO, Nov 11 (News On Japan) - Major izakaya chain operator Watami has acquired Subway Japan in a large-scale acquisition it views as a 'second founding,' aiming to establish a foothold in the fast-food market.

Watami Chairman and CEO Miki Watanabe (65): "Im tackling this with the same excitement as my first foundingits really fun. I want to spark a new boom."

Speaking with a smile, Watami's CEO, 65-year-old Miki Watanabe, has ventured into fast food for the first time.

Watanabe (October 25): "I want the 'Watami of Izakayas' to be known instead as the 'Watami of Subway.'"

Watami has fully acquired Subway Japan, taking a major step into the fast-food business with the goal of building a chain that can rival McDonald's.

With a bold plan to expand from the current 178 locations to 3,000 over the next 20 years, Watami has set an ambitious target.

On October 7th, Watanabe was seen in front of Kawasaki Station in Kanagawa Prefecture.

During a 20-minute site inspection, he walked around four candidate areas, assessing foot traffic and the presence of nearby eateries. After comparing notes with data, he gave the go-ahead for several new locations.

Watanabe: "(Q: What are you looking for in the area?) The main thing is the vibehow lively people are. Some people just walk by without shopping, and understanding their consumer behavior is crucial."

Visionary CEO Prepares 'Ultra-C' Announcement

Even while traveling, Watanabe keeps a notebook to record his ideasa habit since the companys founding.

Watanabe: "(Notes say) its about properties, numbers, right? Store count for next year."

His notes include targets for new store openings: 25 locations this fiscal year, 50 next year, and 100 in three years.

He also monitors stock prices, exchange rates, and economic news on his tablet.

Watanabe: "Someones saying reaching 3,000 stores like McDonald's will be tough. Well, were preparing an Ultra-C that will surprise everyone."

Subway Acquisition Marks Second Founding

Watanabes next stop was a Subway location, where he assessed the taste from a customers perspective.

He requested "extra" vegetable toppings on his order.

Watanabe: "(Q: You ordered extra vegetables?) I just love vegetables. Absolutely love them."

With Watamis agricultural arm, "Watami Farm," already producing vegetables at seven locations across Japan, Watanabe expects synergy with the Subway business.

After placing his order, Watanabe moved to the tasting stage, his earlier smile replaced by a critical eye.

Watanabe: "I just wrote that for morning items, you cant just offer cheap drinksyou need to create proper set menus."

Watanabe is meticulous in his directives, viewing the Subway acquisition as a "second founding."

Watanabe: "Compared to pre-COVID, the izakaya (pub) business hasnt regained 20% to 25% of its customers. Recovery is happening in takeout, delivery, and fast food. (For Watami overall) were aiming for a trillion-yen group in 24 years. I see Subway as the central business supporting our 300-billion-yen domestic food service target."

Source: ANN
Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli strike hit a tent sheltering a displaced family in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least three people, including the parents of twins.

The strike in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp late on Sunday seriously injured the two children, aged 10, who were being treated at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah.

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The details of the casualties were listed in hospital records and an Associated Press reporter saw two of the bodies.





The humanitarian situation in #Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, and famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.



Is required within days to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation.



Immediate, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access and a #CeasefireNow are pic.twitter.com/quYdc0LkzG  UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 10, 2024

The Israeli military has said it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians.

Palestinians reported heavy bombing late on Sunday in the western areas of Nuseirat camp, which dates back to the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation.

At least 24 people were wounded and taken to the Awda hospital in Nuseirat, said Mohamed Muhareb, head of the hospitals ambulance service.

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Meanwhile, a senior diplomat for the United Arab Emirates called on the world to focus on the plight of civilians and de-escalate the ongoing Mideast wars.

Anwar Gargashs remarks, made at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, followed the pattern of comments made by the UAE amid the Mideast wars. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms home to Dubai, diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020.

The complexities of the region require a steady hand and a clear and consistent vision, Mr Gargash said.



Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, with many more displaced (AP)

The recent cycle of escalation between Israel and Iran cannot become a permanent feature of the strategic landscape of our region. This must be addressed through a political framework.

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He called for pragmatism and a serious political horizon to resolve the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reach a two-state solution. He described the war in the Gaza Strip as being driven by extremists on both sides, from the Israeli and Arab side.

However, he also called the systemic violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza criminal and unacceptable.

He added: At the present time, it is vital to identify that not all crises stem from the Palestinian issue, yet it undeniably remains central to the conflict in our region.



There is no sign of any ceasefire in the region (AP)

The UAE has provided aid for both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon in the wars, while maintaining its diplomatic ties with Israel. The UAE has, however, strenuously criticised Israels conduct.

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Mr Gargash also offered criticism of governance in both the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

In both Palestine and Lebanon, a drastic reform is essential for the world to step in and provide considerable support, Mr Gargash said.

The Israel-Hamas war began after militants stormed into Israel on October 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.

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Hezbollah began firing into Israel on October 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 injured in Lebanon, the health ministry reported.
The Kremlin has rejected reports that President Vladimir Putin spoke last week with President-elect Donald Trump about the war in Ukraine.

A spokesman for Mr Trump refused to comment on what he called his private calls with world leaders.

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The Washington Post reported that the two spoke on Thursday, with Mr Trump advising Mr Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and citing the sizable US military presence in Europe.

In a conference call on Monday with journalists, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said there was no conversation between the two, and the report at the weekend was completely untrue, it is pure fiction.



Mr Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the US election (AP)

Asked about the report, Mr Trumps communications director Steven Cheung said: We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.

Speaking at a foreign policy forum on Thursday in Russias Black Sea resort of Sochi, Mr Putin offered congratulations to Mr Trump on his election victory and praised him for what he said was brave behaviour during an assassination attempt on him in July.

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Mr Peskov said there are no specific plans yet for a conversation between Mr Putin and Mr Trump.

He said previously that contacts between the two before Mr Trumps inauguration are not ruled out and pointed to Mr Trump saying that he would call Mr Putin before the inauguration.



(PA Graphics)

The Russian spokesman denied, however, that Russias presidential administration or Foreign Ministry had any contacts with Mr Trumps campaign after the election.

During his campaign, Mr Trump repeatedly said he could quickly end the fighting in Ukraine, but did not offer details about how he would accomplish that.

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Russia has intensified strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine as the war approaches its 1,000-day mark.

For its part, Ukraine sent a massive wave of drones that rattled Moscow and its suburbs over the weekend.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to take tougher measures against the misuse of political funds after he was re-elected by parliament following a major loss in the polls last month by his governing coalition.

Mr Ishibas Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner Komeito together lost a majority in the 465-seat Lower House, the more powerful of Japans two-house parliament, in the October 27 election.

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The defeat was blamed on voter outrage over financial misconduct by his party.

We must remind ourselves of the basics that politics is for the people, as we tackle political and party reforms, Mr Ishiba said.





He said that in response to the poor election results we must be able to have empathy for the pain, sorrow and anger of the people.

A special parliamentary session convened on Monday to pick a new leader in a vote required within 30 days of a general election. Mr Ishiba beat top opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda by 221 to 160 in the first run-off in 30 years.

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In his second cabinet in just over a month, Mr Ishiba reappointed most of its previous members, including foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya, defence minister Gen Nakatani and chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. He replaced three ministers who lost seats or were affected by the election results.

Mr Ishiba stressed the importance of pursuing the significant build-up of Japans defence power to deal with growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea, while co-operating with its ally the United States and other like-minded partners.



Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (Kyodo News via AP)

He said he plans to attend Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation and G20 summits later this month to further strengthen a partnership with the global south nations and the Asia-Pacific region. He said he will hold talks with US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other leaders.

His government is also reportedly arranging a possible meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on his way home.

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Mr Ishiba has refused to step down and showed a willingness to co-operate with additional coalition partners to boost stability and help him pursue his partys policies.

Mr Ishiba will struggle in the coming months to gain consent from the opposition on policies including the budget and other legislation, experts say. Mr Ishiba said he will listen to opposition parties more carefully than before.



Head of the Democratic Party of the People Yuichiro Tamaki (Kyodo News via AP)

He wants to co-operate more closely with a rising smaller, conservative Democratic Party for the People, whose seats quadrupled to 28 under its popular leader Yuichiro Tamaki. His proposal for raising the basic tax-free income allowance and increasing take-home wages garnered support from low-income and younger voters.

Mr Tamaki only wants to co-operate with Mr Ishibas party on policy  not as part of a coalition  since he wants to use his leverage to increase his partys standing ahead of the next election.

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Mr Tamaki was recently stung by a magazine article exposing an extramarital affair, which he admitted to on Monday.
China has built a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship, in the clearest sign yet that Beijing is advancing towards producing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

That is according to new analysis of satellite imagery and Chinese government documents provided to The Associated Press.

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Chinas navy is already the worlds largest numerically, and it has been rapidly modernising. Adding nuclear-powered carriers to its fleet would be a major step in realising its ambitions for a true blue-water force capable of operating in seas far from China in a growing global challenge to the United States.

Nuclear-powered carriers would place China in the exclusive ranks of first-class naval powers, a group currently limited to the United States and France, said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC.

For Chinas leadership, such a development would symbolise national prestige, fueling domestic nationalism and elevating the countrys global image as a leading power.



Chinas third conventionally powered aircraft carrier,(Ding Ziyu/Xinhua via AP)

Researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California said they made the finding while investigating a mountain site outside the city of Leshan in the southwest Chinese province of Sichuan, where they suspected China was building a reactor to produce plutonium or tritium for weapons.

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Instead, they concluded that China was building a prototype reactor for a large warship.

The project at Leshan is dubbed the Longwei, or Dragon Might, Project and is also referred to as the Nuclear Power Development Project in documents.

Neither Chinas Defence Ministry nor Foreign Affairs Ministry responded to requests for comment.

There have long been rumours that China is planning to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, but the research by the Middlebury team is the first to confirm that China is working on a nuclear-powered propulsion system for a carrier-sized surface warship.

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The reactor prototype at Leshan is the first solid evidence that China is, in fact, developing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, said Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at Middlebury and one of the researchers on the project.

Operating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is an exclusive club, one that China looks set to join.

Drawing on satellite images and public documents including project tenders, personnel files, environmental impact studies  and even a citizens complaint about noisy construction and excessive dust  they concluded a prototype reactor for naval propulsion was being built in the mountains of Mucheng township, some 70 miles southwest of Sichuans provincial capital Chengdu.

The reactor, which procurement documents indicate will soon be operational, is housed in a new facility built at the site known as Base 909, which houses six other reactors that are operational, decommissioned or under construction, according to the analysis.

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The site is under the control of the Nuclear Power Institute of China, a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation, which is tasked with reactor engineering research and testing.

Documents indicate that Chinas 701 Institute, formally known as China Ship Research and Design Center, which is responsible for aircraft carrier development, procured reactor equipment intended for installation on a large surface warship under the Nuclear Power Development Project as well as the projects national defence designation helped lead to the conclusion the sizable reactor is a prototype for a next-generation aircraft carrier.

Satellite images from 2020 to 2023 have shown the demolition of homes and the construction of water intake infrastructure connected to the reactor site.

Contracts for steam generators and turbine pumps indicate the project involves a pressurised water reactor with a secondary circuit  a profile that is consistent with naval propulsion reactors, the researchers say.

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An environmental impact report calls the Longwei Project a national defence-related construction project that is classified as secret.

Unless China is developing nuclear-powered cruisers, which were pursued only by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, then the Nuclear Power Development Project most certainly refers to a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier development effort, researchers wrote in a detailed 19-page report on their findings.

Sarah Laderman, a senior analyst with Open Nuclear Network, a program of the US-based NGO PAX sapiens Foundation, said the findings were carefully conducted and thoroughly researched.

Given the evidence presented here, I see a compelling case made that China seems to be working towards building a nuclear propulsion system for its naval surface ships (likely aircraft carriers) at this location, said Ms Laderman, who is based in Vienna and was not involved in Middleburys research.

The US is obligated by domestic law to supply Taiwan with sufficient weapons to deter invasion, and it could provide assistance to the island from its bases in the Pacific in the event of an invasion or blockade.

Tensions also have risen in the South China Sea between China and neighbouring nations over territorial disputes and maritime claims.



Conventionally powered Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carry out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea (Chen Mengxi/Xinhua via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has tasked defence officials with building a first-class navy and becoming a maritime power as part of his blueprint for the countrys rejuvenation.

The countrys most recent white paper on national defence, dated 2019, said the Chinese navy was adjusting to strategic requirements by speeding up the transition of its tasks from defence on the near seas to protection missions on the far seas.

The Peoples Liberation Army Navy is already the worlds largest navy with more than 370 ships and submarines. The country also boasts powerful shipbuilding capabilities: Chinas shipyards are building many hundreds of vessels each year, whereas the US is building five or fewer, according to a US congressional report late last year.

However, the Chinese navy lags behind the US Navy in many respects. Among other advantages, the US currently has 11 carriers, all nuclear-powered, allowing it to keep multiple strike groups deployed around the world at all times, including in the Indo-Pacific.

But the Pentagon is growing increasingly concerned about Chinas rapid modernisation of its fleet, including the design and construction of new carriers.

That aligns with Chinas growing emphasis on the maritime domain and increasing demands for its navy to operate at greater distances from mainland China, the Defence Department said in its most recent report to US Congress on Chinas military.

Chinas growing force of aircraft carriers extend air defence coverage of deployed task groups beyond the range of land-based defences, enabling operations farther from Chinas shore, the report said.
At least six civilians have died and around 30 others were injured after Russian glide bombs, drones and a ballistic missile struck cities in southern and eastern Ukraine, officials said.

Moscow has intensified strikes that have long tormented civilian areas, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said, in an apparent effort to unnerve Ukrainians and wear down their willingness to keep up a war that is approaching its 1,000-day milestone.

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Mr Zelensky said in a post on the Telegram messaging app: Every day, every night, Russia commits the same terror. Except that an increasing number of civilian objects are becoming targets.





Kryvyi Rih. An ordinary five-story apartment building hit by Russian terrorists with a missile. The first to fifth floors of one of the stairwells were destroyed. So far, seven people have been reported injured, including two children. Emergency rescue operations are underway, pic.twitter.com/usuWFCrehZ  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 11, 2024

Both Russia and Ukraine are waiting to see how Washington will change its policy on the war after Donald Trump takes office as US president in January.

The US is the biggest provider of military help to Ukraine but Mr Trump has chided Joe Bidens administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars of aid.

The Ukrainian army intends to expand its mobile units, which are primarily tasked with shooting down drones, in the regions most frequently targeted by Russian strikes, Mr Zelensky said on Telegram.

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He also said that Ukraine is working on producing its own glide bombs as part of a domestic missile programme. Russian glide bombs have significantly impacted the battlefield, as their destructive power reduces settlements to rubble and makes it increasingly difficult for Ukrainian forces to hold their defensive fortifications.



Firefighters work at the site of an apartment building destroyed by a Russian attack in Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Ukrainian forces are being slowly pushed backward in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia is bringing its greater military might to bear. Mr Zelensky said Ukraine would conduct a substantial reinforcement in areas near the Donetsk settlements of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, where Ukraines army is in danger of being overrun.

Mr Zelensky added that Ukraine is holding its positions in Russias Kursk border region, where western and Ukrainian officials say Russia is being helped by thousands of newly arrived North Korean troops. He said Russia has deployed some 50,000 troops to Kursk.

Also in Donetsk, near the settlement of Hirnyk that was recently captured, the Russians have damaged a dam at the Kurakhiv reservoir, regional governor Vadym Filashkin said.

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The local water level in the Vovcha River has risen by 1.2 metres, though no homes have been affected, and possible flooding threatens both the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, he said.



The war is approaching the 1,000-day mark (Ukrainian Emergency Services/AP)

The development revived memories of the collapse of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine in June 2023, killing hundreds of people. An Associated Press investigation found the collapse was likely caused by Russian forces.

The major cities struck by Russia are close to the wars 600-mile front line.

Russian drones hammered the southern city of Mykolaiv, killing five people and injuring a 45-year-old woman, local authorities said. Around two dozen people sought psychological help following the attack that damaged houses and stores, officials said.

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Mykolaiv, located about 37 miles north-west of the front line in the Kherson region, frequently comes under Russian attack.



The Russian barrage hit civilian areas (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

An overnight attack on Zaporizhzhia, also in the south, with three powerful glide bombs killed one person and injured 21, including a four-year-old boy, Ukraines National Police said.

The strikes partially destroyed a two-storey apartment building and damaged a dormitory.

A five-storey apartment building in Kryvyi Rih  Mr Zelenskys hometown in central Ukraine  was hit by a Russian ballistic missile, injuring at least eight people.

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Emergency services are searching through the rubble, Oleksandr Vikul, head of Kryviy Rih Military Administration said.





This week, weve seen important decisions from our partners, decisions that really help. France has confirmed a new missile package. We continue with France a significant training program for our soldiers. Im grateful for this support.



We are working closely with the U.S. on pic.twitter.com/Bdg7JW1duQ  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 10, 2024

The missile destroyed all five storeys in one part of the building, he added.

Meanwhile, Ukraines intelligence agency claimed in a statement it destroyed a Russian Mi-24 assault helicopter parked at the Klin-5 airfield in the Moscow region. The claim could not be independently verified.

The Russian Defence Ministry said 17 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Russian regions of Kursk, Belgorod and Voronezh overnight and in the morning.
Days before Senate Republicans pick their new leader, Donald Trump is pressuring the candidates to change the rules and empower him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote.

Republican Senators John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida are running in a secret ballot election on Wednesday to lead the conference and replace longtime leader Mitch McConnell, who is stepping aside from the job after almost two decades.

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All three have courted Mr Trumps support in the race, vying to show who is the closest to the president-elect as they campaign to become majority leader.

Mr Trump has not endorsed in the race, but on Sunday he made clear that he expects the new leader to go around regular Senate order, if necessary, to allow him to fill his Cabinet quickly.

In a statement on X and Truth Social, Mr Trump said that the next leader must agree to allow him to make appointments when the chamber is on recess, bypassing a confirmation vote.

He said: Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Mr Trump posted, adding that positions should be filled IMMEDIATELY!

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The Senate has not allowed presidents to make so-called recess appointments since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling limited the presidents power to do so.

Since then, the Senate has held brief pro forma sessions when it is out of town for more than 10 days so that a president cannot take advantage of the absence and start filling posts that have not been confirmed.

But with Mr Trumps approval paramount in the race, all three candidates quickly suggested that they might be willing to reconsider the practice. Mr Scott replied to Mr Trump: 100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.

And Mr Thune said in a statement that they must quickly and decisively act to get nominees in place and that all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments.

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He noted that recess appointments are allowed under the Constitution.

Mr Trumps relationship with Congress  especially the advice and consent role afforded to the Senate when it comes to nominations  was tumultuous in his first term as he chafed at resistance to his selections and sought ways to work around lawmakers.

With Mr Trump now entering a second term emboldened by his sweeping election victory, he is already signalling that he expects Senate Republicans, and by extension, their new leader, to fall in line behind his Cabinet selections.

Mr Trump also posted on Sunday that the Senate should not approve any judges in the weeks before Republicans take power next year  a more difficult demand to fulfil as Democrats will control the floor, and hold the majority of votes until the new Congress is sworn in on January 3.

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With days to go, the race for Senate Republican leader is deeply in flux. Mr Thune and Mr Cornyn are both well-liked, longtime senators who have served as deputies to Mr McConnell and have been seen as the front-runners, despite past statements criticising Mr Trump.

Then-Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event (AP/Evan Vucci)

Mr Scott  a longtime friend of Mr Trumps and fierce ally  has been seen as more of a longshot, but he has mounted an aggressive campaign in recent days on social media and elsewhere with the aim of getting Mr Trumps endorsement.

Senators who are close to Trump, such as Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida, have endorsed Mr Scott, as have tech mogul Elon Musk and other people who have Mr Trumps ear.

All three candidates are promising that they will be more open and transparent than Mr McConnell was and that they would give senators more power to get their priorities to the floor.

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They have also tried to make clear that they would have a much different relationship with Mr Trump than Mr McConnell, who once called the former president a despicable human being behind closed doors.

As the Senate haggles over how to fill Mr Trumps Cabinet, many of his allies are campaigning for the nominations. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said on ABCs This Week that there are a couple of great options on the table.

Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee who served as US ambassador to Japan between 2017 and 2019, said on CBSs Face the Nation that one of his greatest honours was to represent the Trump administration overseas.

He said he would advance the positions that President Trump has articulated.

While Mr Trump has made only one personnel move public so far, naming Susie Wiles his chief of staff, he has already ruled out two names for top positions.

Mr Trump said on Saturday that he would not be inviting Mike Pompeo, his former US Secretary of State and CIA chief, and Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor who served as his UN ambassador and challenged him for the Republican nomination.
The Kremlin dismissed on Monday reports that US president-elect Donald Trump had spoken to Russian president Vladimir Putin in recent days as "pure fiction".

A source told Reuters on Sunday that Mr Trump, who has criticised the scale of US military and financial support for Kyiv and said he will end the war quickly, had spoken to Putin in recent days.

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The source told Reuters they were familiar with the conversation, first reported by The Washington Post, which cited unidentified sources as saying Mr Trump had told Putin that he should not escalate the Ukraine war.

In an unusual move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday no such call had taken place between Putin and Mr Trump.

"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," he told reporters. "There was no conversation."

"This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications," he said.

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Asked whether Putin had plans for any contacts with Trump, Peskov said: "There are no concrete plans yet".

Mr Trump spoke to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy last Wednesday.

Asked about the purported Trump-Putin call, Steven Cheung, Mr Trump's communications director, said: "We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders."

Republican Trump will take office on January 20th after winning the November 5th presidential election. Mr Biden has invited Mr Trump to the Oval Office on Wednesday, the White House said.

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US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday Mr Biden's top message would be his commitment to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, and he will also talk to Mr Trump about what's happening in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

"President Biden will have the opportunity over the next 70 days to make the case to the Congress and to the incoming administration that the United States should not walk away from Ukraine, that walking away from Ukraine means more instability in Europe," Mr Sullivan told CBS News' "Face the Nation" show.

Mr Sullivan was asked whether Mr Biden would ask Congress to pass legislation to authorise more funding for Ukraine.

"I'm not here to put forward a specific legislative proposal. President Biden will make the case that we do need ongoing resources for Ukraine beyond the end of his term," he said.

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Ukraine funding

Washington has provided tens of billions of dollars worth of US military and economic aid to Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia in February 2022, funding that Mr Trump has repeatedly criticised and rallied against with other Republican lawmakers.

Mr Trump said last year that if he had been in the White House at the time, Putin would not have invaded Ukraine. He told Reuters Ukraine may have to cede territory to reach a peace agreement, something Kiev rejects and Mr Biden has never suggested.

Ukraine funding

Mr Zelenskiy said on Thursday he was not aware of any details of Mr Trump's plan to end the war quickly and that he was convinced a rapid end would entail major concessions by Kyiv.

According to the Government Accountability Office, Congress appropriated over $174 billion to Ukraine under Mr Biden. The pace of the aid is almost certain to drop under Mr Trump, with Republicans set to take control of the US Senate with a 52-seat majority.

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Control of the US House of Representatives in the next Congress is not yet clear, with some votes still being counted. Republicans have won 213 seats, according to Edison Research, just shy of the 218 needed for a majority. If Republicans win both chambers, it will mean the majority of Mr Trump's agenda will have a significantly easier time passing through Congress.

Republican US senator Bill Hagerty, a Trump ally who is considered a top contender for secretary of state, criticised US funding for Ukraine in a CBS interview.

"The American people want sovereignty protected here in America before we spend our funds and resources protecting the sovereignty of another nation," Mr Hagerty said.
DC received a clear message that being anti-crypto is a good way to end your career, Armstrong wrote after the result. Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, the bitcoin-backing identical twins who run the online exchange Gemini, also saw the value of their holdings surge. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the Bitcoin-backing identical twins who run the online exchange Gemini, both donated to the Trump campaign. Credit: Bloomberg The twins, who have become billionaires thanks to cryptocurrency, both donated to the Trump campaign. The morning after the election, Cameron Winklevoss tweeted: gm [good morning] @GaryGensler  youre fired! referring to Bidens head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who has led a series of enforcements against cryptocurrency companies.

JD Vance, Trumps vice president, has also consistently owned bitcoin since 2021, according to recent financial disclosures. Loading His most recent filing in August shows he owns between $US250,000 and $US500,000, although this is a relatively small part of his $US4 million in assets. The cryptocurrency industry has become an astonishingly effective Washington lobbying force in recent years. Three political action committees, Fairshake, Defend American Jobs and Protect Progress, spent more than $US133 million supporting both Republican and Democrat candidates who voiced pro-crypto views during the campaign.

As of Monday morning, 52 out of 56 House and Senate candidates backed by the three organisations had won an election or were leading races. Armstrong, whose company was one of the biggest donors to pro-crypto campaign groups, said it would be the most pro-crypto Congress ever. But Trump himself was the big prize. While Kamala Harris had made a late attempt to embrace the crypto industry, pledging to support innovation in digital assets, the Trump campaign had courted bitcoin backers for months. Shares in Coinbase have also climbed by more than 50 per cent, leading to a $US3.3 billion windfall for its chief Brian Armstrong. Credit: Bloomberg In June, Trump attended a fundraising dinner at the San Francisco mansion of prominent backer David Sacks, promising to be a crypto president.

The campaigns biggest crypto moment came when Trump delivered a speech at the annual bitcoin conference in Nashville, an event that came after months of petitioning from cryptocurrency entrepreneur David Bailey. At the conference, Trump warned: If we dont embrace crypto and bitcoin technology, China will, other countries will, theyll dominate, and we cannot let China dominate. DC received a clear message that being anti-crypto is a good way to end your career. Coinbase chief Brian Armstrong. He also vowed to fire Gensler on day one and promoted crypto fans pet policies such as self-custody, the idea that individuals can store their own bitcoin, rather than having it saved in an online wallet. In a later interview to promote his own cryptocurrency venture, Trump declined to provide any concrete details on the business and admitted he relies on crypto advice from his 18-year-old son Barron.

However, it was already clear he had won over the industry. Cryptos anarchist roots meant the movement spent years avoiding politics. But Bidens appointment of Gensler, who embarked on a series of crackdowns, as well as the anti-crypto campaigning of Senator Elizabeth Warren, put the industry on the defensive. Crucially, it also turned its investors against the Democrats. Trump vowed to fire SEC chairman Gary Gensler on day one of his term. Credit: AP Last year, Genslers SEC charged cryptocurrency company Kraken with violating US securities laws. The company is fighting the case, which is scheduled for trial, while this summer Kraken founder Jesse Powell donated $US1 million to Trumps campaign.

Bidens Justice Department also pursued the founders of what were the worlds two biggest crypto exchanges, Sam Bankman-Frieds FTX and Changpeng Zhaos Binance. Bankman-Fried is now serving a 25-year prison sentence over FTXs collapse, while Zhao, who pleaded guilty to federal charges over anti-money-laundering controls, recently left prison after a four-month sentence. Peter McCormack, a bitcoin investor and entrepreneur, says that Trumps election amounts to a rejection of that crackdown and vindication for crypto enthusiasts. The bitcoin industry has been under various attacks for the history of its existence, he says. Under the Biden administration, there was a lot of pressure. That pressure now feels like its gone. We know that Trump is going to be pro-bitcoin, pro-freedom and pro-supporting these technologies. Analysts at Standard Chartered call the idea of a strategic bitcoin reserve, mulled by Trump, as low-probability but high-impact.

However, they anticipate a sweeping deregulation program and lighter-touch enforcement under a Trump-controlled Congress. Loading With a Republican sweep in the US election now looking likely, we believe we have entered the crypto summer, they said, predicting that bitcoin could hit $US200,000 by the end of next year. At this level, the total value of all bitcoin would hit $US4.3 trillion, exceeding the entire money supply of the British pound. That would only endear Trump more to his new wave of crypto backers  making them even richer in the process.
Its a hell of a metaphor for the Australian housing market: all five houses on The Block have sold  delivering record-breaking winnings  to one billionaire.

Adrian Portelli  known by Block viewers as Lambo Guy  revealed in the closing moments of Sunday nights finale that he had secured the royal flush, paying a total of $15.03 million for all the properties featured in this season of the reality-TV show. The renovated homes, in a former resort in Cowes on Phillip Island, netted $5.43 million in winnings for the contestants  the most lucrative season in the 20-year history of The Block, which screens on Nine, owner of this masthead.

So I bought these houses, a little bit for a premium, but I get all the amenities that come with it: Winning bidder Adrian Portelli (left) with another bidder at The Block auction. Credit: Nine

The season winners, sisters Maddy and Charlotte Harry, in their early 20s, made a $1.55 million profit (plus the $100,000 grand prize).

To be honest, I barely watch the show, Portelli said after the auctions. But he said he had seen the girls having a hard time and getting bullied and was happy to give them the win. The move is being celebrated by many on social media who were happy to see the kind and hard-working contestants net a big profit, but critiqued by others who feel Portellis influence undermines the concept of the show.
HOKKAIDO, Nov 12 (News On Japan) - An 88-year-old father and his 60-year-old son were arrested in Kushiro, Hokkaido, after a violent dispute where the father allegedly threatened the son with a knife, and the son retaliated by hitting his father with a frying pan, causing minor injuries.

According to the fathers statement, "Theres no mistake that I threatened him by holding a knife up to him."

Meanwhile, the son is suspected of retaliating by hitting his father with a frying pan, causing minor injuries. The son admitted, "Its true that I hit him with the frying pan."

The confrontation took place at a restaurant where the father works as a chef and the son is the manager. Both men were taken into custody by the police but were later released.

Source: ANN
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Review Eating outPaddington Cant snag a table at the new Restaurant of the Year? Stroll into the (fancy) bar instead The new three-hat home for chef Josh Nilands fish cookery, Saint Peter at the Grand National, includes a walk-in bar serving seafood-led snacks such as swordfish empanada and deeply glazed fish pie. Terry Durack November 12, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

1 / 9 The large bar has magnificently streaked marble. James Brickwood 2 / 9 Salt and pepper calamari. James Brickwood 3 / 9 Abrolhos scallops in bull kelp oil, served with bread and cultured butter orbs. James Brickwood 4 / 9 Saint Peter Bars sought-after booths. James Brickwood 5 / 9 Swordfish empanada. James Brickwood 6 / 9 Curried fish pie. James Brickwood 7 / 9 Chocolate mint slice dessert. James Brickwood 8 / 9 James Brickwood 9 / 9 James Brickwood Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15 / 20 How we score Seafood$$$$ This is a bar, but it isnt your ordinary, everyday bar, because this isnt your ordinary, everyday pub. What was the Grand National became Saint Peter at the Grand National in August  home to the fish cookery of Josh Niland and newly awarded three hats in the 2025 Good Food Guide. In the next-door restaurant  luxe, comfortable, warmly serviced  its all about the seven-course set menu for $275 a head. Dish after dish is immaculate, precise and surprisingly classic until it sinks in that the meaty charcuterie, silken noodles and beefy wellington are all, in fact, fish  every part of the fish  and your mind is blown. Swordfish empanada. James Brickwood

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But this is a bar, and nobody wants their minds blown in a bar. They want a deliciously cold and oily oyster shell martini ($25) while waiting for their restaurant booking, or they want to wander in off the street and see what all the fuss is about over a Reschs and a cheeseburger ($25). Never mind that the patty is made with aged yellowfin tuna and the bacon is cured swordfish belly; its still a cheeseburger. The corner bar frames eucalypts and Paddo renos through large windows, with rippled glass doors leading to a private dining room. Studio Aquilo worked with the Nilands to create the space and flow, with sought-after booths, high and low tables and paint-scumbled walls the texture of oyster shells. Add a large bar of magnificently streaked marble and it feels like a seascape. Niland is militant about the menu just being snacks because he doesnt want to cannibalise the restaurant offering. It begins with preserves of fish and shellfish, cured or pickled and kept under oil, accompanied by good bread and oyster shells of butter. Yamba sardines under smoked oil ($24) are a slippery, oily stairway to heaven, and Abrolhos scallops under bull kelp oil ($26) taste remarkably buttery, sweet and nutty. Even preserved, they feel fresh and lively. Abrolhos scallops in bull kelp oil, served with bread and cultured butter orbs. James Brickwood Theres an oyster list, which should be leapt upon. Tonight, they are from Merimbula Lakes, Merimbula Sapphire and Pambula ($8 each). Niland stores them at 12 degrees, which keeps them in such good nick they bring a breath of salty sea breeze with them.

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Each is markedly different, the Sapphire particularly minerally, with the umami of seaweed. Local ceramicist Claudia Lau even uses oyster shell in the clay for the shell-shaped platter. Theres something ceremonial about this food. Empanadas of Mooloolaba swordfish ($14 each) are dramatically borne to the table on a bed of spiky, bleached fish vertebrae as if they are the overlords of the sea. The stuffing is intense, the pastry richly bubbled. After that, Im expecting a brass band for the curried fish pie ($40). A small, deep pot is topped with strong, deeply glazed, pastry sealing in a silky veloute enriched with vadouvan curry spice mix, onions and roasted garlic, liberally studded with chunks of line-caught Busselton bar cod. A green salad on the side is the perfect foil. Curried fish pie. James Brickwood Wine service is responsive, and wines are often coastal and saline, able to put up a fight against what can be intensely flavoured food. Niland is not doing fish and chips (before you ask), because giving people what they want is not the point. Everything here plays a supporting role to the philosophy of the restaurant. The popular, strongly battered, salt-and-pepperberry Corner Inlet calamari ($32), for instance, uses unwanted tentacles and trimmings. If theres a no-show in the restaurant, four crumbed garfish might pop up on the bar menu.

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Dessert ($18) is small and chic, a homage to Arnotts mint slice, with Jivara chocolate cremeux set with fish gelatine and topped with native mint and chocolate ganache, mint chocolate sorbet and a crisp cocoa tuile. With the discipline, high principles, warm service and depth of flavour and meaning built into every dish, its a stretch to think of this as a bar. Its more of a bar raised. The low-down Vibe: Sophisticated Euro-influenced bar hiding in a dear old Paddington pub Go-to dish: Mooloolaba swordfish empanada, $14 each Drinks: Oyster shell martinis, NSW wine heroes and great old world/new world cellar Cost: About $175 for two, plus drinks The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025, featuring more than 450 reviews, is on sale for $14.95 from newsagents, supermarkets and at thestore.com.au. The new Good Food app is now available to download, featuring Good Food Guide reviews, recipes and food news. Its available as a standalone subscription and as part of Nines Premium Digital packages for subscribers of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Good Food hat Good Food hat Good Food hat 18 / 20 Review Sydney has a new three-hat restaurant, and its in a former pub
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Eating outGood Food Guide 2025 Whats up, whats down: Which restaurants gained (and lost) hats in the new SMH Good Food Guide While emerging talent flourishes in Sydneys inner west, some of the citys most-loved restaurants lost a hat at the launch of the Good Food Guide 2025. Scott Bolles November 12, 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

This story appears in the SMH Good Food Guide Awards collection. See all stories .

Whos up and whos down in 2025? Nine Full list of hats

All the award winners On a night when several stalwart restaurants were stripped of chef hats, The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025 Awards highlighted the emergence of inner-west suburb Marrickville and neighbouring Newtown as the citys new dining destinations. Its the new Surry Hills, absolutely, editor Callan Boys says of the rise of talent in the industrial streets of Marrickville, with Babas Place and former Rockpool chef Corey Costelloes 20 Chapel joining the one-hat club this year. He expects the area will continue to flourish, thanks to a link to Sydneys new Metro and more attractive rent for emerging talent frozen out of traditional restaurant turf.

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It was a similar story in neighbouring Newtown, where Comedor and Maiz debuted with hats and Firepop went one better, not only snaring a fedora, but edging out a field of fancied rivals to claim new restaurant of the year. The laws of physics always hover precariously over the Guide, with this years falls including stalwarts Fratelli Paradiso, China Doll, Alpha and Marta, which all dropped out of the one-hat category. Franca, Ragazzi, Continental Deli Bar Bistro, Restaurant Leo and cult CBD steakhouse Bistecca also fell out. On historic Bridge Street in the CBD, high-profile restaurants Clam Bar and the Bentley Restaurant Groups Brasserie 1930 were demoted from two toques to one. The Bentley crew fared better across town at its Asian eatery King Clarence, which joined new modern Korean venue Allta in achieving the rare and difficult feat of debuting in the Guide with two hats. The list of one-hat arrivals read at times like the birth notices from the 1940s, with Sydneys Pearl and Jane joined by Norma, in Albury. We just needed a Mavis, Boys says.

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It was often the less-trodden restaurant path that bore fruit, with newly hatted restaurants including Taste of Shunde in Hurstville, Ammos at Brighton-le-Sands, Sinclairs in Penrith and Cricca in Windsor, which Boys cited for its inspiring backstory. Two young chefs who wanted to create something special near where they grew up, tapping into produce of the Sydney basin, he says. Fork and pen in hand, the Guide team picked over more than 400 restaurants this awards season. With the standard of Sydney food never higher, Boys explained that a point or two of lost marks for service determined the fate of some of the latest batch. One restaurant lost a mark not because it had a toilet directly facing the dining room, but because the reviewer noted that not one staff member thought to close the door during service. When you have to look at a loo with its seat left up, it really takes the shine off a $100 steak, he says. 20 Chapels 66-seat dining room in Marrickville. Oscar Colman In the snakes and ladders of the Guide, Balmoral institution Bathers Pavilion rose from one hat to two after recruiting chef Aaron Ward, and an upgrade in digs and service helped the reborn Saint Peter in Paddington climb to the dining summit of three hats, which also planted a flag as restaurant of the year.

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Why all the fuss about hats? In a changing world, it remains a benchmark. One regional restaurateur told Boys their hat puts more bums on seats than any online review. The awards shine a light on the restaurant industrys trials and triumphs. In April, landslides closed the road to Megalong Restaurant, a formidable challenge for the then-year-old restaurant. The regional restaurant, which grows and raises most of its own produce, not only overcame the disruption to trade but impressed the Guide team, earning a hat. Then there was the redemption story of Paddington restaurant Buon Ricordo, which until last year had a run of hats that stretched back to 1990. Its rare for a restaurant to bounce back the year after demotion, but when the roll-call of Good Food Guide hats was read out at the Sydney Opera House on Monday night, the Italian stalwart was back (Chaco Bar shared the same feat). As for the next awards redemption arc, well have to wait until next year. The ultimate guide to the Good Food Guide

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The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025, featuring more than 450 reviews, is on sale for $14.95 at newsagents, supermarkets and at thestore.com.au. The new Good Food app is now available to download, featuring Good Food Guide reviews, recipes and food news. Its available as a standalone subscription and as part of Nines Premium Digital packages for subscribers of The Sydney Morning Herald. Premium Digital subscribers can download the Good Food app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store now.
Glossy hair, perfectly pressed trench coats and unassuming  yet oh-so-elegant  leather bags and shoes. Tailored pants, pristine white sneakers, manicured nails and eyebrows. Not a tracksuit, hoodie or athleisure outfit in sight.

Welcome to Denmark on a Sunday morning. Or any morning, really. Having recently returned from living there for seven months, I can confirm that our far-flung Nordic friends do, in fact, dress a million times better than us Aussies  no matter the weather, event or circumstance.

Australians leave a lot to be desired when it comes to fashion. Credit: Luis Ascui

As someone who has always been obsessed with clothes  something I share with my very stylish Polish mother  moving to a country where people treat clothing as more than just something to cover a naked body was a surreal experience.

But it wasnt just Denmark. In Milan, locals donned fabulous bling, Chanel gumboots, polished loafers and leopard print. Bordeaux was a sea of floaty, floral dresses, dainty gold sandals and artfully crushed linens. Barcelona, home to Zara, Massimo Dutti and some of the most beautiful espadrilles I have ever encountered, was the motherland of off-duty street style.
Agent Peter Walker, of Ray White, said the guide price for the 1948 house was above $3.5 million. Lodge neighbour Arne Schimmelfeder I think it is important to point out that its not heritage-listed so its a blank canvas for people if they want to build their own home, Walker said. Never one to miss a trick, the real estate agent has stuck a slogan on his sign: If you buy this home, you cant get voted out of the neighbourhood! The auction is scheduled for November 16. Schimmelfeder said The Lodges rear entrance opposite his home, rather than the more famous entrance on Adelaide Avenue, was always busier.

When Kevin Rudd was prime minister, the Commonwealth car basically roared down the street at a great rate of knots because he was always in a hurry. When Julia [Gillard] took over, the Commonwealth cars were considerably slower. Return lap It is a great time to get involved in sport, Olympian Nicole Livingstone told this masthead back in October last year as part of a careers feature. Nicole Livingstone at the AFLW awards night in 2023. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images There are more opportunities on offer for women to have a career in footy, which is exciting, Livingstone said. But not, as it turned out, for her.

Just the following month, Livingstone, a three-time Olympic medallist in backstroke, announced she was leaving her role as the AFLs general manager of womens sport after seven seasons in the role. Now Livingstone is the new chief executive at the Victorian Institute of Sport, replacing Anne Marie Harrison who has left after 18 years. The VIS sent 122 Victorian athletes to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, bringing home 23 medals; five gold, four silver and 14 bronze. The VIS gig is a back-to-the-future move for Livingstone. When the institute was established in 1990, one of the first recipients granted a scholarship for swimming was ... Nicole Livingstone. But she still hasnt achieved her childhood career ambition, which was to become a mounted officer in the Victoria Police.

Renovation rescue Womens media mogul Mia Freedman is quite the striver. Last year, she was played by Asher Keddie in Strife, a small-screen adaptation of her memoir, Work, Strife, Balance, that aired on Foxtel-owned streamer Binge. To a couple of cynics like us, nothing screams strife quite like a $12.75 million mansion in Sydneys Point Piper, where Freedman happens to live with her husband, Jason Lavigne. Bellevue Hills Fintry was previously home to online publisher Mia Freedman and husband Jason Lavigne before it sold for $16.1 million to Andrew Charlton. Credit: But it hasnt all been smooth sailing for the Mamamia founder. Freedman and Lavigne bought the Point Piper abode after getting evicted from their $12 million Bellevue Hill trophy home, Fintry.

The couple had moved into the home five years earlier, with an option to buy the property, but settlement negotiations fell apart, leading to a dispute before the NSW Supreme Court, which ruled against the Lavigne-Friedmans. Fintry was subsequently bought for $16 million by management consultant Andrew Charlton, who soon decided he was actually a westie, and traded the sweeping harbour views for Parramatta, where Labor parachuted him in as the partys new MP for the seat. Friedman and Lavignes plans for a $3.9 million renovation of the Point Piper home were rejected by Woollahra Council. But strivers never quit, and last week, the pair lodged another $3.9 million development application to demolish and rebuild the property. If at first you dont succeed, strive, strive again.

Qantas delay on lounge delivery for senator As more politicians performatively tear up their Qantas Chairmans Lounge memberships to protest against the sickening culture of corporate largesse, some of their colleagues have only just gotten a foot in the door. Spare a thought for Malcolm Roberts, the One Nation senator from Queensland with a soft spot for just about conspiracy theory under the sun. Just this month, Roberts declared receiving access to the Chairmans Lounge. When Roberts was first elected to the Senate in 2016, he was a member. But then, a year later, the High Court ruled Roberts hadnt effectively renounced his British citizenship, and disqualified him. But while Roberts was returned to the upper house after the 2019 election, his golden lounge ticket only mysteriously arrived recently.
As a surfer and shark expert, Laura Ryan has spent much of her career pondering how to safely keep her two great passions apart.

Most shark-fighting strategies involve stopping the animal with nets or electric currents. What if she could work out a way to stop them from taking an interest in humans in the first place? To find that solution, shed have to climb into the mind of a hungry great white.

The Macquarie University biologist studied the behaviour of white sharks towards their prey and found evidence to support the theory that they attack because they confuse surfers with seals. A sharks eyesight is too poor to determine colours or detail; all it sees is grey, blurry silhouettes.

If surfers could use light to change the shape of their silhouette from below, she figured, the sharks might just swim away. Then there may be less need for drum lines, which can be destructive to other marine life, or intensive patrols over long stretches of beaches.
Western Australias school system will receive an overhaul as dramatically declining numbers are staying in school to obtain their West Australian Certificate of Education.

On Monday at the Education Awards breakfast, state Education Minister Tony Buti announced the final recommendations from a review into senior secondary pathways, the Post-School Success report.

It found that while assessment is critical to understanding what a student has learned, it should not determine what that student should learn. Unfortunately, the Western Australian system has evolved in such a way that this is occurring in some cases.

Ive been hearing of schools coaching students out of taking challenging ATAR courses because they feel the student is not performing as well as they should be and that may impact the schools overall performance, Buti told the audience.
Senators who probed the governments new misinformation laws on Monday were searching for a crucial but elusive detail: how will the truth be determined under the governments new regime?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)? Social media platforms? Fact-checkers employed by either entity?

That is the gaping hole at the heart of the bill, said James McComish from the Victorian Bar, one of three legal experts who responded to their inquiries. For it to be shown that any content is misinformation or disinformation, the true position has to be identified.

The government is seeking to pass new laws to combat political falsehoods spread on social media  but the opposition is wary. Credit: Matt Davidson

The assumption is that the social media platform will do it. If it fails, the regulator steps in. The laws simply suppose the truth will be discerned along the way, McComish said. Theres a gap on the critical question, about how the truth  is to be set out. The bill just doesnt tell us.
Hezbollah fighters have been using pagers as a low-tech means of communication in an attempt to evade Israeli location-tracking, two sources familiar with the groups operations said this year. A pager is a wireless telecommunications device that receives and displays messages. Israel followed up the pager detonations with the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike and the launching of incursions in south Lebanon. Israel strikes in Lebanon, Gaza Israeli strikes killed dozens of people, including children, on Sunday in Lebanon and isolated northern Gaza as the world watched for signs of how the US election might affect the wars between Israel and Iranian-backed militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Palestinians at the site of an Israeli strike in the courtyard of a hospital where displaced people live in tents, in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip on Saturday. Credit: AP

Netanyahu said he had spoken three times with Donald Trump since Tuesdays election, and they see eye to eye regarding the Iranian threat and all of its components. Loading Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. The Israeli airstrike in Lebanon killed at least 23 people, including seven children, in Aalmat village, north of Beirut, far from the areas in the east and south where Hezbollah has a major presence. There was no Israeli evacuation warning. Israels military said that it hit a Hezbollah site used to store weapons, and the strike was under review. Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into Israel after war broke out in Gaza, in solidarity with the Palestinians and Hamas. Israel retaliated, and a series of escalations have led to all-out war.

In northern Gaza, an Israeli strike on a home sheltering displaced people in the urban refugee camp of Jabaliya killed at least 17 people, including nine women, according to Dr Fadel Naim, director of Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza City. Israels military said that it targeted a site where militants were operating. It said the details of the strike were under review. A separate strike hit a house in Gaza City, killing Wael al-Khour, a minister in the Hamas-run government, as well as his wife and three children, according to the Civil Defence first responders who operate under the government.

An Israeli airstrike killed seven people late on Monday at a cafe near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, Palestinian medics said, bringing the death toll from Israeli strikes since Sunday night to at least 37. Israel strikes deeper into Lebanon

Israel has struck deeper inside Lebanon since September, when it killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and most of his top commanders. Hezbollah has expanded its rocket fire from northern to central Israel. The fighting has killed more than 3100 people in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry, and more than 70 people in Israel. After Israels strike in Aalmat, around 40 kilometres north of Beirut, legislator Raed Berro denied that any Hezbollah personnel or assets were in the building hit. A woman gathers her belongings in an apartment in Baalbek, Lebanon, after an Israeli airstrike killed nine people the previous day. Credit: Getty Images Everyone can see, in front of cameras, that what is being pulled from under the rubble are women, children and elderly people who have nothing to do with weapons or rocket warehouses, Berro said. Hassan Ghaddaf, who lived next door and was slightly wounded while heading to his balcony with morning coffee, said displaced people were in the building.

Loading I had seen them and got to know them the other day, Ghaddaf said. They were peaceful. On the contrary, they had someone from the Lebanese Internal Security Forces that works for the state, and we saw their garb and clothes in the rubble. In Syria, an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in the Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, and the Defence Ministry said that seven civilians were killed, state news agency SANA reported. Britain-based opposition war monitor The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggested that Hezbollah was targeted. Israel didnt immediately comment. Fears of famine in northern Gaza

The mid-month deadline is approaching for the Biden administrations ultimatum for Israel: allow more aid into Gaza or risk possible restrictions on US military funding. Israel said on Monday it had met most US demands to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza but was still discussing some items as the deadline loomed. An Israeli official told reporters that a number of issues remain under discussion, and they touch on safety issues. He said most issues had been addressed. Among the US demands that Israel appears to have refused is allowing the entry of 50 to 100 commercial trucks a day. The official said commercial activity had been halted because Hamas was controlling the merchants. Restrictions on the entry of closed containers would also not be lifted due to security risks, the official said.

Others, including the opening of a fifth crossing into Gaza, had been implemented. The US told its ally Israel in a letter on October 13 that it must take steps to improve the aid situation within 30 days, with Tuesday as the final deadline. Last week, the State Department said Israel had taken some measures to increase aid access to Gaza but had so far failed to significantly turn around the humanitarian situation. Israeli forces have encircled and largely isolated Jabaliya and the nearby northern Gaza towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun for the past month, allowing only a trickle of humanitarian aid. Experts from a panel that monitors food security say famine is imminent or may already be happening.

The northern third of Gaza, including Gaza City, has suffered the heaviest destruction of the 13-month war. Israel has sent forces back in, saying Hamas has regrouped. Israeli strikes often kill women and children. The military says it only targets militants, whom it accuses of hiding among civilians. Tents are crammed together as displaced Palestinians camp along the beach of Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, last month. Credit: AP Also on Sunday, Israels military released what it called footage of Hamas abusing detainees. The soundless footage, dated from 2018 to 2020, appears to show hooded detainees chained in stress positions. In some clips, men beat or poke them with batons. It wasnt possible to independently verify the videos, which the military said that it recovered during operations in Gaza. Rights groups have long accused the Hamas-run government in Gaza and the Western-backed Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank of abusing detainees and violently quashing dissent.

Israel has been accused of similar abuses, especially since the start of the war. Israeli prison authorities say they follow relevant laws and investigate allegations of wrongdoing. The toll of war The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed around 1200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, and about a third are believed to be dead. Israels offensive has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities who dont distinguish between civilians and militants in their count but say more than half the dead were women and children. Israeli bombardment and ground invasions have left vast areas of Gaza in ruins. Credit: Getty Images

Israeli bombardment and ground invasions have left vast areas of Gaza in ruins and displaced around 90 per cent of the population of 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hundreds of thousands live in tent camps with few, if any, services. Ceasefire talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt have repeatedly stalled, as have parallel efforts by the US and others to halt the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Qatar, a key mediator with Hamas, said on Saturday that it had suspended its efforts and would resume them when the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war. Some Palestinians in Gaza responded with frustration. The Arab silence that controls the Arab capitals, thats because of the fear of the American administration and Israel, said Akram Jarada, displaced from Gaza City.
Some Democrats are finally waking up and realising that woke is broke. Donald Trump won a majority of white women and remarkable numbers of black and Latino voters and young men.

Democratic insiders thought people would vote for Kamala Harris, even if they didnt like her, to get rid of Trump. But more people ended up voting for Trump, even though many didnt like him, because they liked the Democratic Party less.

The scene at Howard University at what was supposed to be Kamala Harris celebration on election night. Credit: AP

I have often talked about how my dad stayed up all night on the night Harry Truman was elected because he was so excited. And my brother stayed up all night the first time Trump was elected because he was so excited. And I felt that Democrats would never recover that kind of excitement until they could figure out why they had turned off so many working-class voters over the decades, and why they had developed such disdain towards their once loyal base.

Democratic candidates have often been avatars of elitism  Michael Dukakis, Al Gore, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and second-term Barack Obama. The party embraced a world view of hyper-political correctness, condescension and cancellation, and it supported diversity statements for job applicants and faculty lounge terminology like Latinx and BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of colour). This alienated half the country or more. And the chaos and antisemitism at many college campuses certainly didnt help.
TOKYO, Nov 12 (News On Japan) - Tokyo's Asakusa district, bustling with foreign tourists, is famous for its rickshaws, a unique attraction that combines sightseeing with memory-making for visitors.

Recently, an increasing number of female rickshaw pullers have been seen on Asakusas streets. However, some comments from foreign visitors have sparked debate.

In a video that has become a talking point, a female rickshaw puller is seen pulling a rickshaw carrying a physically large man. The video, intended to promote the charm of Asakusa and its rickshaw pullers on social media, has received mixed responses. Many viewers have praised the puller with comments like, "They are amazing!" But some foreign viewers criticized the scene, with remarks such as, "Poor girl," "Are you trying to kill her?" and "This should be reported as abuse."

These concerns might reflect genuine worry for the pullers well-being, but what do those involved think about it?

We spoke to Ryuya Nishio, President of Tokyo Rickshaw, a company that operates rickshaws mainly in Asakusa.

Mina Aoi, Reporter: How many rickshaw pullers are there?

Tokyo Rickshaw President Ryuya Nishio: About 100 with our company, around 30 of whom are women.

Mina Aoi, Reporter: Foreign visitors have expressed concern about women pulling rickshaws.

Tokyo Rickshaw President Ryuya Nishio: Yes, when we share posts on social media, comments like, "Why make them do work akin to slavery?" or "Why have women do this instead of men?" come up.

How do the female rickshaw pullers themselves feel? We spoke to Minami Kawai, 20, who started pulling rickshaws in May 2024 and was featured in the video that stirred controversy.

On busy days, Kawai takes around 10 groups of customers. When asked if she finds the work challenging, she admitted, "There are tough times."

Mina Aoi, Reporter: What was the hardest part during your first six months?

Tokyo Rickshaw, Minami Kawai: Definitely the summer heat. After just 10 minutes, I would be drenched in sweat. (Q: Do you handle the physical strain?) Physically, I'm okay.

She mentioned that working in the summer also brought challenges with sunburn, which was tough on her as a woman. Still, when asked why she continues pulling rickshaws, Kawai said, "Ive admired this job since I was young. I love it, and that motivates me to keep going. People worry, but Im fine."

What do foreign tourists think of the criticism?

Tourist from Italy: If its her choice, isnt that fine?

Tourist from Indonesia: At first, I felt uneasy, but then it became enjoyable.

How will Tokyo Rickshaws president respond to the overseas criticism directed at female rickshaw pullers?

Tokyo Rickshaw President Ryuya Nishio: Whatever we do, criticism will come from somewhere, so Im focused on creating an environment where our staff can do what they want.

Some rickshaw pullers reportedly earn over 1.3 million yen a month. Nishio emphasized that visitors should enjoy the rickshaw experience, understanding that the pullers find fulfillment in their work.

Source: FNN
Indias premier luxury fashion brand, The Collective, has re-opened its boutique at Elante Mall, Chandigarh. As part of the prestigious Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd portfolio, this re-launch brings global luxury fashion even closer to the vibrant, style-forward clientele of North India. The event was graced by celebrity Shanaya Kapoor, whose presence added a layer of glamour and sophistication, perfectly reflecting The Collective's luxury ethos. Curated by The Collectives team of luxury fashion experts, the Chandigarh location features contemporary architectural elements blended with refined interiors. The store offers a curated selection of the worlds most iconic fashion houses, including Moschino Couture, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, Kenzo, Karl Lagerfeld, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Philipp Plein - creating an exclusive destination for style-conscious shoppers. Speaking on the launch, Mr. Amit Pande, Brand Head for The Collective & International Brands at Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd, shared, Chandigarh has been extremely special for The Collective since launched in 2013. We are thrilled to relaunch our luxury fashion store in a city that embodies a unique blend of modernity and heritage. Our vision is to offer an exclusive shopping experience, bringing global fashion trends and style to Chandigarh while celebrating the city's discerning taste and vibrant spirit. We look forward to welcoming both loyal customers and new fashion enthusiasts. The store presents an exclusive selection of both mens and womens collections and accessories, highlighting The Collectives reputation as a star in Indias fashion landscape.

About The Collective



The Collective is Indias first, and now the largest, luxury multi brand retail concept with a unique assortment of global fashion brands for men and women under one roof.



With over 80+ of the worlds best fashion brands across 17 (New Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Lucknow, Noida, Pune, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata among others) stores spanning over a total of 65,000+ sq. feet of retail space, this unique lifestyle store offers an exceptional point of view tailored to each individuals personal style.



The extensive product portfolio not only includes apparel but also accessories such as watches, cufflinks, shoes, ties, leather products and jewelry amongst its repertoire of brands. A team of buyers and international fashion experts ensure that The Collective has a unique point of view with international brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, Moschino Couture, Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs and many more.



The brand has been retailing for more than a decade offline and expanded online since 2015. The Collective is an omni-channel business and it has seen notable changes in the e-commerce vertical specially during the global pandemic. With an unparalleled reach & distribution through its presence across cities in India via its stores as well as through the online platform, The Collective ensures latest runway fashion for consumers ahead of the peak season.
1Comparatives exclude impact of one-time cairn arbitration gain in 2Q FY24.

2 Excludes custom smelting at copper business.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Enabling independent accessibility and mobility are key to ensuring persons with disabilities are actively involved in society, said a group of 27 young men and women from across Libya in an online workshop
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A GROUND-BREAKING programme promoted by local group Austim Heroes has been placed firmly in the hands of key decision-makers.

Austim Heroes recently presented taoiseach Simon Harris with a progressive idea it is working on, which it now hopes will be considered by the Department of Education. Taoiseach Harris was in Carlow last week with Fine Gael general election candidate Catherine Callaghan as part of the election campaign, visiting the Arboretum in Leighlinbridge, where he met Louise Moran from Autism Heroes.

I want to thank Catherine and cllr Paul Doogue for arranging the meeting with the taoiseach and for being such a huge support to us. The taoiseach was very interested, and I am hopeful that it will lead to a formal meeting with the department in the coming weeks, she added.

Louise also presented the information pack to Hildegarde Naughton, government chief whip with responsibility for special education and inclusion, on the ministers recent visit to Tullow.

Louises son Oisin has autism and the family lived in Perth, Australia for ten years, where the combination of an early diagnosis, early intervention and school-age therapy is the reason Oisin is the outgoing boy he is today.

Moving home from Australia to Ireland in recent years and seeing how families are in great need of more help and services became the reason Louise founded Autism Heroes.

The long-term goal of the group is to have the support and funding that Irish families not only want but need and deserve. They say the difference it can make to a child is literally life-changing. Autism Heroes imagines a world of greater understanding, where everyone can feel both accepted and included.
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) armed group has killed, injured, and unlawfully detained scores of civilians and raped women and girls during attacks across Al Gezira state, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Monday
THE CARLOW Farmer Wellbeing Day will take place today, Monday 11 November from 10am to 1pm at Leinster Mart, Killeshin Road, providing vital support and resources for the Carlow farming community.

This unique and much-anticipated event aims to address the many challenges faced by farmers today, offering a range of services focused on health, safety and overall wellbeing.

Farmers and their families are invited to enjoy a day filled with valuable resources, including:

Free Health Checks: Keep your health in check with complimentary health assessments provided by qualified professionals.

Information Stands: Engage with a variety of organisations offering insights and advice tailored to the farming community.

Farming Advice: Connect with agri-specialists, who will provide expert guidance on farming practices and addressing current agricultural challenges.

Free haircuts: Pamper yourself with complimentary haircuts, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed.

Free first-aid kits: Equip yourself with essential first-aid supplies to ensure safety on the farm.

Lunch included: Enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch.

This event is an opportunity for our farmers to focus on their wellbeing, while also accessing the information and support they need to navigate the challenges they face, said Michael Brennan, director of services, Carlow County Council.

We encourage all members of the Carlow farming community to join us for a day dedicated to their health and welfare. Speaking about the initiative, cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, cllr Fergal Browne shared his enthusiasm: This is a fantastic programme we are piloting and we hope to engage the farming community around Co Carlow. The Farmer Wellbeing Day on 11 November in Leinster Mart will be a unique opportunity to meet organisations, agri-specialists, get advice and information. We will have free farm first-aid kits, health checks and lots more on the day. Its an opportunity to address the many challenges faced by farmers today, from mental health to safety on the farm, said cllr Browne.

We invite all farmers and their families to attend this important event, where their health and wellbeing are the top priority. Together, we can strengthen the resilience of the Carlow farming community.

For more information, please contact Victoria on 087 1515740 or Martina on 087 4051253. The programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

The programme is supported by a range of key stakeholders, including Carlow County Council, Healthy Carlow, Leinster Mart, County Carlow Development Partnership, Embrace Farm, Teagasc, IFA, Macra na Feirme and Kelly Agri Consultants.
James Cox

The Irish Physical Activity Alliance (IPAA), representing 891 gyms and fitness facilities across the country, is "perplexed" by Fine Gael's recent announcement proposing an increase in VAT on gym memberships from 9 per cent to 11 per cent.

The IPAA said it appreciated the party's commitment to a tax rebate on gym memberships, however, "this proposed VAT hike would negate any benefits by forcing gyms to raise their prices, making them less accessible to the public".

"Such an increase demonstrates a lack of understanding of the current health crisis, and is at odds with the governments own healthcare policies, including the Healthy Ireland Strategic Initiative."

Gym owners pointed out that physical activity is one of "the most effective ways to reduce the burden on the HSE". Theys said the proposed VAT increase would "raise costs and create barriers to gym membershipthe most popular form of exercise for adults in Irelandimpacting over 700,000 people".

The IPAA cited evidence which has found physical activity reduces cancer risk by 30 per cent, cardiovascular disease by 30 per cent, mental health episodes by 40 per cent, and fragility fractures by 65 per cent.

IPAA chair Darina Dunne said: Physical inactivity already costs the state 1.5 billion per year, and age-related healthcare expenditure is projected to add 3 per cent to our gross national income by 2050. One of the biggest drivers of nursing home admissions in Ireland is declining strength, which starts with muscle loss as early as our 30s.

"Currently, it is projected that we will need an additional 45,000 nursing home beds by 2031 (increase of 180 per cent). We urgently need to reverse this trend."

Ms Dunne added: The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise and two resistance training sessions weekly. Given our climate, with frequent rain and long winter nights, we need to ensure people have safe, year-round facilities to meet these guidelines. Gyms provide that solution.

We can only assume that this perplexing policy proposal is an unintended side effect of Fine Gaels support for the hospitality industry. In light of this, the IPAA has requested an urgent meeting with Simon Harris to discuss reversing this decision.
Chinese premier meets with Indonesian president in Beijing

Xinhua) 10:01, November 11, 2024

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Beijing on Saturday.

Li said that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Indonesia relations have continued to improve steadily and entered a new stage of jointly building a community with a shared future.

China is willing to always be a good neighbor and partner of Indonesia, jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation, to provide solid support for the two countries to jointly pursue the path of modernization and contribute more to the development, prosperity and stability of the region and the world at large, he said.

Li called on the two sides to strengthen the synergy of development strategies, further expand the scale of bilateral trade and investment, and explore the potential of cooperation on green minerals, photovoltaic wind power, digital economy, marine scientific research and environmental protection, to add more impetus to the two countries' respective development.

China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Indonesia on multilateral platforms such as the UN, practice true multilateralism, safeguard international equity and justice, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries, he noted.

Prabowo said that Indonesia firmly adheres to the one-China principle, believes that issues related to Xinjiang are China's internal affairs, and supports China's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty.

Indonesia is willing to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year as an opportunity to intensify exchanges with China at all levels, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, strengthen key projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung Highspeed Railway, and intensify exchanges in humanities fields such as education and tourism, he noted.

Indonesia greatly appreciates China's important role and contribution in safeguarding international equity and justice, promoting the development of the Global South, and safeguarding the interests of developing countries, and looks forward to continuing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China on international and regional affairs, Prabowo said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A Kenosha school district staff has thwarted a possible shooting at an elementary school after they stopped a 13-year-old boy who attempted to enter the premises while carrying suspicious bags.

Investigators said the suspect, whose identity was not released to the public, attempted to enter Roosevelt Elementary School in Kenosha carrying two suspicious bags. The staff confronted the teen in the entryway, which led to the 13-year-old fleeing the school into a nearby neighborhood.

Staff members promptly placed the elementary school on a "secure hold" until authorities arrested the teen just after 2 p.m.

Was the Teen Carrying Firearm?

Following an investigation, Kenosha police did not indicate whether there was any weapon on the teen when he attempted to enter the elementary school. However, they said they believed firearms were inside the bag at the time.

"We believe that this was actually an armed suspect with a firearm, and there was no legitimate reason to enter the school," Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said at a news conference, as quoted by NBC News.

They also noted that the teen had taken videos of him practicing "rudimentary techniques" with a rifle. Police also found multiple internet searches related to school shootings.

Investigators conducted a search of the teen's home, where they found replica handguns and a replica rifle. There were no real firearms located during the search.

During interviews with the detectives, the 13-year-old said he went to the elementary school to "sell candy." It was noted that the teen later told social workers that he had the "intent to scare students."

Detectives said the teen's mother has been "cooperative" throughout the investigation.

What Happens to the Teen Now?

The teen, who attends Mahone Middle School but was formerly a Roosevelt Elementary School student, has been arrested by police. He will also be charged with one count of making "terroristic threats," the police department said in a statement posted on Facebook.

The teen is expected to make an appearance in juvenile court. Proceedings in the court will be confidential, as reported by The Associated Press, citing information from Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Gravely.
On the morning of Nov. 7, Arizona and Nevada were finally called by Decision Desk HQ for Donald Trump. This finalized the now President-Elects electoral sweep with all seven swing states, easily catapulting to the White House in the space of eight hours. On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris struggled, trailing Trump the entire election night in both electoral and popular votes. Once the state of Pennsylvania was called for Trump by Fox News, it was over for the campaign of joy.

This has come to quite a shock to 48 percent of the country. Major polling outlets were giving Harris a +5 nationally and with a slight edge in her favor for the electoral vote. A poll released a week before the election even claimed she was up by 4 points in Iowa. This all was looking good for the VP until Trump again defied the odds and easily took Iowa by over 10 points, along with the presidency.

Why did this happen? Weve been told constantly that Trump is a convicted felon, a rapist, a conman, a crook and a moron. Weve been shown glowing and positive coverage of Harris since she jumped in the race (and how her initially underwater approval rating as VP magically shot up in July). Weve been shown surveys claiming that America trusts Harris more on issues such as the economy, polls that Harris leads Trump nationally, that Harris had a polling foothold in all seven swing states, and so forth. And yet after all this, the election turned into a landslide for Donald Trump and a bloodbath for Kamala Harris, with even further-reaching consequences with both House and Senate leaning GOP (as of this writing, the House has yet to be called).

In the end, it comes down to the fact that the Democratic Party underestimated the average American voter. Convinced that all of America still took the mainstream media as gospel, they hammered down the anti-Trump rhetoric. They shamed voters for possibly supporting him. They called Trump voters Nazis, fascists, homophobes, transphobes, bigots, racist, sexist and garbage for the mere crime of having a different opinion. They propped up Kamala Harris as a savior candidate, here to right the economic and domestic wrongs that have plagued the country since 2021 (many of which couldve been solved by Harris herself as VP without having to run for president). While spewing negatives and insults at the Republican Party, they failed to incentivize the average voter on anything except abortion (which neither candidate can legally authorize or deauthorize as President).

American people are patient. They can put up with a lot. But after eight years of being attacked, shamed, maligned and shunned for their political views, the Right and the Center had enough in this election. They showed the Democratic Party that they care about solving the real issues - the economy, immigration, foreign wars, safety and health. And most importantly, they showed the Democratic Party that they can no longer be swayed by the mainstream media. Clearly, running on abortion and DEI policies are not appealing to the majority of voters.

Now the Democratic Party are standing at a crossroads. Will they continue on their self-destructive far-left agenda that has proven this election cycle to fail with voters? Or will they take the advice of Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and re-focus on the working class unions and blue-collars workers? If Kamala Harris really believes that the middle class is the backbone of America, the Democratic Party better gear up and be ready to earn back the middle classs trust. Because until that happens, winning the election in the coming years is going to be impossible.

James Cowart
Election Day is over. That means, mercifully, annoying political TV ads have ceased, mailboxes are no longer overflowing with promotional flyers touting this candidate or that, and phone calls and texts generated by many campaigns no longer plague us.

In some quarters theres been great celebration and rejoicing, while elsewhere theres been grumbling and gnashing of teeth. Prior to the election, some celebrities boldly declared if their candidate did not win, theyd be leaving the country. No word on whether theyve obtained their plane tickets yet.

Days before the election there was a call for prayer, asking God to guide the outcome. Millions of men and women answered that call. Many of them were pleased with how they believe the Lord responded, but others were not. Either way, since then the sun has continued to rise and set. Soon thoughts will shift to more immediate matters, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But before moving on, lets revisit this matter of prayer and its role regarding what transpires in the public square. For some of us, prayer is an activity we undertake only in times of crisis and distress. Hence the eagerness of many to engage in praying for the outcome of the recent election. But God never intended for prayer to be a tool for crisis management.

Were told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (the first Bible verse I ever learned) to, pray without ceasing. As another translation expresses it, pray continually. To pray we dont need to retreat to a special place, or to assume a specific posture. We can do it in the car (with eyes open), during a business meeting (no need to fold hands), in the midst of a conversation, or while cleaning a bathroom. Even in the middle of the night if we awaken and God brings someone or something to mind.

Too rarely do many of us remember the admonition of 1 Timothy 2:1-2, I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Years ago, I had a good friend who said he was praying every day not only for family members, friends and people he knew, but also  by name  for the leaders of the then-Soviet Union. I probably scratched my head then, wondering why we should pray for atheistic, Communist authorities. But my friend prayed  and on Nov. 9, 1989, the Berlin wall fell. Not long afterward, the U.S.S.R. collapsed.

Did this all occur because of my friends faithful prayers? I suspect he was just one of many whom God had impressed to pray in such a way. He understood clearly the biblical instruction that Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God (Romans 13:1).

Which brings us back to the current state of our nation and its impending transition of power. Whether we appreciated the outcome of the election or not, theres no better time than now to commit to faithfully praying for all those in authority, that God would direct their deliberations and decisions.

My own prayers will include the request that steps will be taken to return the United States to being a nation that recognizes and honors the involvement of God in the affairs of humankind. Our U.S. currency still declares, In God We Trust, and the Pledge of Allegiance, whenever its recited, includes the words, One Nation Under God.

Psalm 33:12 declares, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance. Some may disagree, but I believe one reason our country has prospered is because it was established with Judeo-Christian principles  drawn from the Scriptures  as its foundation. Can we expect His continued blessings if we as a society persist in drifting further and further from Him?

In less than two years, our nation will be observing the 250th anniversary of its founding  its semiquincentennial. (Ive just added that word to my vocabulary.) This is a duration longer than many revered societies over the course of history have endured, so wed hope to find the United States of America in a healthy place on July 4, 2026.

A good start toward that end would be a regular observance, as Ive noted in the past, of the exhortation from 2 Chronicles 7:14, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

* * *



Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. A weekly business meditation he edits, Monday Manna, is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.
Qemetica has announced significant growth in its salt business in Europe. Overall, European sales of salt products increased almost two and a half times between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2024. In Germany and France, sales more than doubled during this period.

Sales of Qemetica's main salt product, salt tablets, increased by 30% compared to the previous year. There was also strong growth in table salt, with sales up 35% on the previous year. Qemetica is selling from the salt works in Stafurt to more and more European countries, e.g. Italy, Spain and Slovenia. Growth in these countries was eight or ten times higher in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023.
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The Iraqi government is poised to pass a new law that would lower the age of consent from 18 to nine and allow men to marry girls that young, according to a report.

In August, the Shia religious group that dominates Iraq's political system introduced an amendment to "Law 188" that would roll back women's rights in the country. Under the law, known also as Personal Status Law, the legal age of marriage was raised to 18. Forced marriages were prohibited. Mothers also had custody of their children until the age of 10, with a possible extension to age 15. Furthermore, all marriages were to be contracted before a judge.

If passed, the bill would lower the age of consent from the current 18 to nine. It would also allow families to marry off their young girls to grown men. Additionally, it would allow religious authorities or the civil judiciary to make decisions related to family affairs, per the New York Post.

"This is a catastrophe for women," Raya Faiq, a coordinator of a coalition of groups opposing the change, said, as quoted by The Guardian. "This law legalizes child rape."

In addition to lowering the age of consent, the Shia group is also proposing severely restricting women's rights to divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

Read Also: Eight Countries Plan to Ban Corporal Punishment Against Children Under 18

Iraq's Child Marriages

The Iraqi government outlawed marriages involving children under the age of 18 in the 1950s. However, a 2023 survey from UNICEF found that 28% of girls in Iraq were married before they even reached the age of 18. No evidence of child marriages was reported among Iraqi boys.

Should the new law pass, it could further increase the number of young girls who are married off before their 18th birthday. It also puts young girls at risk of experiencing physical or sexual violence.

It is unclear when the amendment will go before the parliament for a vote. The Shia group has previously attempted to amend Law 188 in 2014 and 2017 but failed after receiving backlash from Iraqi women.

However, the group now holds a large majority in the parliament.
Home News 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Cuba: 'Crisis without parallel in our nation'

Two strong earthquakes measuring 5.9 and 6.8 on the Richter scale surprised the Cuban population on Sunday.

Cities in different regions in the southestern part of the island, which were close to the epicenter, reported collapsed buildings. As of this moment, no fatalities have been reported yet. But it only adds to the suffering of a population that experienced storms and blackouts, as Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition, reported earlier.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 6.8 magnitude earthquake had its epicenter located 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Bartolome Maso, in the province of Granma, located in the eastern region of the island. The origin of the earthquake had a depth of only 12.8 kilometers (7.9 miles). The information was confirmed by the National Center for Seismological Research of Cuba (CENAIS). Although the epicenter was in the sea, no tsunami warning was issued.

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The ESBU (Urban Basic Secondary School) Juan Vitalio Acuna was affected by the effects of the earthquakes on the morning of this Sunday in Pilon, Granma. Aftershocks are still being felt, freelance journalist Evaristo Pardo Fonseca reported on the social network X.

State newspaper Granma said no deaths had been immediately reported but the quake had been felt across the Caribbean island.

There is fear in the streets. My house suffered damage to the structure of the living room wall, said Pastor Andre Wanton Roca, from Santiago. There is desperation in the streets, especially among people who live in buildings. There are many people sleeping in the parks, he added.

Cuba's population has been affected by a series of blackouts, and recently Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 hurricane, passed over the island.

From Havana, communicator Sandy Cancino, a member of the Evangelical League of Cuba church, told Diario Cristiano, We are living through a crisis without parallel in the history of our nation.

Cancino added that his congregation is beginning to distribute aid among those affected. On [Nov. 12] we will be leaving for the Far East, to distribute food aid there ... as well as things necessary to rebuild roofs and so on.

Previously, Cuban Pastor Yarrian Sierra asked believers around the world to pray for Cuba, not only for the restoration of basic services, but also for the spiritual strength of Christians on the island. Please pray for the nation of Cuba. Please pray for the Cuban people. Please pray for the Cuban churches. And I especially ask you to pray for those whom God has been pleased to put as shepherds of his flock in this land.

He also expressed his hope that despite the difficulties, faith in God remains a beacon of light for Cubans. Although we appear to be a ghost island, an island forgotten by everything and everyone, God has not forgotten Cuba.

Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
Home News Anglican school chaplain fired for not caving to LGBT indoctrination warns of soft totalitarianism

WASHINGTON  An Anglican chaplain who was fired and reported to an anti-terrorism program for preaching Christian doctrine on sexual ethics during a chapel service is warning about the totalitarian ideologies actively at work in the West.

At a breakout session at the International Religious Freedom Summit, a panel on polite persecution  a phrase coined by Pope Francis  assembled by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, described how secular abortion and gender activists are gutting cherished freedoms in countries that have historically championed religious liberty. Often, religious persecution is state-sanctioned.

This so-called polite kind of hostility is often experienced by practitioners of faiths that adhere to more traditional views about human life, marriage, and the material reality of biological sex.

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In his remarks, the Rev. Bernard Randall recounted how just over three years ago, he, as an ordained chaplain, was reported to authorities and investigated as part of a government anti-terrorism probe for espousing Christian sexual ethics during a chapel service in a Church of England school.

The school had invited LGBT activist Elly Barnes, founder of Educate & Celebrate, an LGBT education charity, to a staff training session to introduce a new curriculum under the guise of anti-bullying education, he said, noting that no one objects to protecting students from bullying. Yet, he soon found out that there were aspects of this training that were not about bullying but the indoctrination of LGBT ideology. It went so far that at one point the trainers had the staff chanting about the need to smash heteronormativity.

Thats something well beyond not bullying people, Randall said.

The LGBT group further taught staff that there are nine characteristics that are protected under British law, among them gender and gender identity. But that is not true, Randall stressed, noting that the trans movement has coerced the public into believing such claims.

Since the aim of the Educate & Celebrate curriculum material is to embed gender, gender identity and sexual orientation into the fabric of your organization, students asked Randall to address the issue at a chapel service.

After doing so, he was summarily dismissed from school for gross misconduct and reported to the counter-terrorism program after he told students, aged 11 to 17, that they were not compelled to accept an ideology they disagree with. He also told the students that they could make up their own minds about gender identity and sexuality.

Randall added that students could either choose to adopt the thinking of LGBT activists or adhere to Christian sexual ethics  that marriage is only between a man and woman and that sex is confined to that context. Most importantly, he advised students to show respect for those who disagree.

I was summoned into what I can only describe as an interrogation by the senior leadership," he said. "I was suspended. And I was fired for gross misconduct for doing my job as per the job description."

Randall was also reported to Child Protective Services and a British government anti-terrorism program as a potential violent extremist.

Id like to think that Im a reasonably moderate sort of chap, he said, reiterating how he left the question of believing the claims of LGBT activists open-ended in his chapel remarks.

But his firing and being reported to the government anti-terrorism task force was a revealing moment showing how far the school's administration had gone to the other extreme.

He is now suing the school for religious discrimination but noted how astonishing it is that he has to take legal action against a Church of England institution, for proclaiming Christian beliefs in a sermon during a chapel service. The Christian Legal Centre has since been representing him.

Speaking of the relevance of the international religious freedom summit, the Anglican chaplain stressed that freedom of religion includes freedom from religion. The Marxist progressive ideology at work functions much like a religion and people should be free from that if they wish to be.

If Western countries cannot protect their own religious groups from discrimination there is absolutely no reason that the other countries at which we might point the finger who are violating religious freedom, and they can say to the West and say, Youre not taking it seriously, so why should we? he said.



When asked by The Christian Post why gender ideologues won't even allow a disagreement, Randall pointed to its philosophical roots.

It seems to me that if you look at the Marxist-type origins of this sort of thing, whats going on is that they are objecting to what they regard as religion  the opiate of the masses  this sort of false consciousness, and they just have to educate us into true consciousness, he said.

But anybody who says Oh no, Im quite happy with my religious ideas, Im quite happy with this consciousness Ive got already is a real threat to the whole set of concepts. They are a threat to the idea that what everybody believes is false and the Marxists will take us to this new wonderful, enlightened utopia.



And they cannot tolerate that kind of threat. Its a very totalitarian system," he added.

What Randall experienced three years ago in England is what he and others have called soft totalitarianism, whereas what people endure in China is hard totalitarianism.

But the difference between them is not as much as we might like to think, he stressed.
Home News Chaplain blacklisted by CofE for teaching Christian views on gender identity takes archbishop to court 'I long to see a Church that is healthy and strong, unashamedly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ,' says the Rev. Bernard Randall

The Rev. Bernard Randall, an ordained Church of England chaplain, has taken legal action against Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby for blocking a disciplinary case against the Bishop of Derby, the Rt. Rev. Libby Lane, who labeled Randall a safeguarding risk due to his traditional Christian views on gender identity.

The Judicial Review, scheduled for Tuesday at the Royal Courts of Justice, challenges Welbys decision to prevent an investigation into Lanes actions following Randalls sermon on identity politics, said the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which is supporting Randall, in a statement to The Christian Post.

Randall argues that Welby misunderstood the scope of his powers in blocking the complaint, which alleges that he misused safeguarding processes without evidence, deeming the chaplain a risk to students.

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According to a senior CofE legal officer for clergy discipline, Welbys decision to stop the case was plainly wrong, said CLC.

Randall was blacklisted after delivering a sermon at Trent College in Derbyshire in 2018, questioning the teachings of Educate and Celebrate, a group later disbanded due to scandals. Despite Randall being cleared by entities including Prevent, the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer), the TRA (Teaching Regulation Agency) and the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service), the CofE maintains its ban on his ministry, citing safeguarding concerns.

The ongoing restrictions have blocked Randalls employment in ministry roles. He has been turned down for multiple positions and remains unemployed since being dismissed by Trent College in 2020. The college also reported Randall to the governments counter-terrorism watchdog, Prevent, though no evidence of extremism was found.

Ahead of the Judicial Review, Randall will submit a petition signed by over 38,000 people demanding an apology from Welby and the reinstatement of his career. He argues that safeguarding has been weaponized as a political tool against his theological beliefs.

The failure to hold anyone to account for such deeply flawed processes is a scandal. It looks like a whitewash, as if the Archbishops knee-jerk reaction was to protect a senior colleague, rather than to seek justice or reconciliation, even to the extent of ignoring a safeguarding complaint, Randall said.

Randall claims his case demonstrates how the [CofE] has closed ranks to protect senior people.

Bishop Lane is accused of flawed safeguarding processes based on stereotyping on the grounds of belief. Lawyers for Randall argue that he faced harassment due to his beliefs without credible evidence.

In July 2021, Randall was asked to undergo an independent safeguarding assessment by a psychologist specializing in sex offenders. He refused, seeing it as an admission of wrongdoing, leading to a recommendation that his license not be renewed. The decision was based not on his actions but on what he might do if approached by someone with questions about sexuality.

After his license was refused, Randall lodged a formal complaint against Lane under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003. In July 2022, Welby dismissed the complaint, citing insufficient evidence. Randall requested a review, and in June 2023, Gregory Jones K.C. overturned much of Welbys ruling, finding that the investigation lacked credible evidence of harm. Jones noted a lack of accountability and clarity in the CofE's processes.

Welby later reviewed Jones findings, dismissing nine of 13 allegations against Lane, stating bishops should not intervene in safeguarding processes unless in the most egregious circumstances. Jones, however, described the case as egregious and the error gross.

In September 2023, Dame Sarah Asplin, president of Tribunals, concluded that Lane did not have a case to answer, attributing safeguarding failures to other CofE officers without identifying individual accountability. Despite noting serious errors in the process, she ruled against convening a tribunal. This forced Randall to seek a Judicial Review.

Nine months after Dame Asplins ruling, Randall still hasn't regained his ministry license. I long to see a Church that is healthy and strong, unashamedly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, said Randall. As it stands, the Church of England is not that Church.
Home News Easier for students to come out as gay than Christian, Evangelical group says

In schools across Northern Ireland, students are finding it more challenging to reveal their Christian faith than their sexual orientation, according to testimony provided during an ongoing inquiry into Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) at Stormont.

David Smyth, a representative of the Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland, told the Education Committee that some young people find it much more difficult now to come out as an Evangelical Christian in school than it is to come out as LGBT, according to the BBC.

Smyth's comments came as part of a discussion on the content and delivery of RSE in Northern Irish schools, Premier Christian News noted.

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Smyth said the Evangelical Alliance had concerns over the content being provided but clarified that this was not a confrontation between religion and RSE.

We're not looking to fight a culture war where children are the casualties, Smyth told the BBC. He added that there's a need to find common ground between Christians and non-Christians regarding the teaching of healthy relationships, consent and preventing violence against women and girls.

The Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland, which represents a range of churches and individuals, addressed specific issues within RSE that have raised concern among parents and members of the faith community.

Smyth referred to a report by Conservative MP Miriam Cates on RSE in England and Wales, citing examples of age-inappropriate material being taught in RSE on issues like sexual practices which may be dangerous or even illegal, like chocking or chem [drugs] sex. He pointed out that some RSE materials also contained scientifically inaccurate content which confuses and conflates biological sex with gender identity.

Smyth expressed additional concerns that the Christian perspective is becoming increasingly marginalized in school environments. He said there are some specific areas where the views of Evangelical Christians, and many Catholics and Muslims, are very distinctive, for example abortion.

The teaching of access to abortion and prevention of early pregnancy is set to become compulsory for all post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, following regulations laid in Parliament by former Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris in 2023.

During questioning, Nick Mathison, the committee chair, asked Smyth if he believed that teachers might be attempting to effectively change children's minds to push an agenda of some sort. Smyth responded that his concern lay in ensuring that the teaching of sensitive issues, such as abortion and differing sexual identities, allows for space where students are not subjected to ideological pressures.

Is it secular blasphemy to believe that a man cannot biologically become a woman? Smyth asked the committee members.
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Home News Episcopal Church loses nearly 40K members, but sees worship attendance grow

The Episcopal Church saw a decline in membership of about 40,000 people last year, but also saw an increase in average Sunday worship attendance, according to recently released statistics.

According to numbers released last Friday, the mainline Protestant denomination had a membership of approximately 1.547 million people and 6,754 congregations in 2023.

This marks a decline from 2022, when the denomination reported having 1.584 million members and a slight decrease in the number of congregations, which was 6,789.

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It also represents a sharp drop compared to 2010, when the denomination reported that its membership was 1.96 million, or nearly a half million more people than last year.

However, for the second consecutive year, the denomination saw a rise in average Sunday worship attendance, with 2023 seeing nearly 411,000 average attendance, while 2022 had 373,000 and 2021 had 312,000.

The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe speaks at the service held to formally install him as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at The Chapel of Christ the Lord in New York, New York. | Screengrab/YouTube/The Episcopal Church

According to the 2023 Parochial Report, the rise reflects a gradual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, when, because of lockdowns and public health concerns, worship attendance plummeted.

It is important to note that [the average Sunday attendance] reported here only reflects in-person attendance, explained the report. About three-quarters of Episcopal congregations offered online or hybrid worship at some point during 2023.

While about two-thirds of those congregations track virtual participation, there is no standardized way to measure it  whether by counting people, counting connected devices, using a formula to estimate based on other metrics, etc.  therefore online attendance numbers are not included in this report.

Nevertheless, average Sunday attendance remains well below the 600,000 reported in 2014 and the 547,000 reported in 2019.

The 2023 numbers also show that nearly a third (32.9%) of Episcopal congregations have 25 or fewer average Sunday attendance, while 26.8% have between 26 and 50, almost one-third (32.1%) have between 51 and 150, while 8.3% have 151 or more in average attendance.

Over the last couple of decades, The Episcopal Church has experienced considerable decline in its membership and average worship attendance, driven by multiple factors, including its increasingly progressive theological direction.

In 2003, for example, when the denomination ordained its first openly gay bishop, scores of theologically conservative congregations and a couple of dioceses opted to leave in protest.

These departures led to years of litigation over numerous church properties and assets, as the national denomination refused to recognize the disaffiliation of congregations and regional bodies.

Earlier this month, the Rev. Sean Rowe was installed as the new presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, succeeding the Rev. Michael Curry, who became the first African American leader of the denomination in 2015.

During the installation service, Rowe preached that churches and dioceses cannot go it alone, but rather, they must acknowledge our mutual interdependence, our need to do ministry together, to share what we have and to sustain one another.

In this badly hurting world, we need to become one church, Rowe said. Were not a collection of dioceses and institutions, a collection of the ways of doing things. We are one church, one church in Jesus Christ.

This work, the work of proclaiming in word and deed that Jesus resurrection and life is the work to which God has called The Episcopal Church, now and always, as one church, together.
Home News Angolan authorities claim illicit romance at center of missionary wife's murder for hire plot

Angolas Criminal Investigation Service claims that the murder of an American missionary was orchestrated by his wife in a plot involving an alleged illicit romance and financial promises. Authorities say that Jackie Shroyer, 44, enlisted the help of three Angolan men to kill her husband, Beau Shroyer, in a remote part of the country.

The authorities have alleged that Jackie Shroyer plotted with a security guard at their residence, Bernardino Elias, 24, along with two other men, identified as Isalino Kayoo, 23, and Gelson Ramos, 22, KFGO reported.

According to Superintendent Manuel Halaiwa of the CIS, Jackie had promised the men $50,000 to carry out the killing, as reported by the Angolan Press Agency, Angop. The alleged motive for the crime, authorities say, stemmed from her romantic involvement with Elias and a desire not to leave Angola, where Beau Shroyer was concluding his mission work.

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The details of the alleged crime unfolded as follows, according to DL-Online: the three suspects rented a vehicle on Oct. 25, drove to a remote location and called Beau Shroyer under the pretense of a vehicle breakdown. When Beau arrived to assist, he was stabbed to death, according to statements from Angolan authorities. The murder weapon, described as an American-made knife, was recovered at the scene. Authorities believe the knife was originally gifted by Beau Shroyer to Elias.

Authorities reportedly arrested Jackie Shroyer and Elias four days after the killing. Kayoo was apprehended a few days later, while Ramos remains at large. The suspects have previous criminal histories, including charges related to armed robbery and kidnapping, which have come under scrutiny during the ongoing investigation.

Last week, two of the suspects were presented by authorities in Lubango, the provincial capital, where additional details of the case were released.

Angop reported that Jackie Shroyer had been referred to as the mastermind of the murder plot, and that she appeared disingenuous when authorities arrived at the crime scene, allegedly pretending to be distraught. She was notably absent from Lubango during the suspects presentation, reportedly for health reasons. The CIS has placed Jackie Shroyer and the two suspects in preventive detention under a judges orders.

According to Pastor Troy Easton of Lakes Area Vineyard Church, the five Shroyer children are reportedly being well cared for since the death of their father and the arrest of their mother.

SIM USA, a North Carolina-based Evangelical organization overseeing Beau Shroyers work in Angola, has expressed its heartbreak over the incident. The organization commended Angolan law enforcement for its diligence in investigating the matter and affirmed its support for the ongoing pursuit of justice for Beau Shroyer.

The Shroyers moved to Angola in 2021 with their five children to serve as missionaries with SIM USA. According to the churchs statement, they aimed to teach residents about Christianity and Gods love in a remote bush village that has no electricity.

Before their missionary work in Angola, Beau served as a pastor at Lakes Area Vineyard Church and had a background in law enforcement, having worked for the Detroit Lakes Police Department in 2013, according to the Detroit Lakes Tribune. He also worked as a real estate agent prior to moving abroad.
Home News Before leaving for Angola, missionary and wife charged with his murder shared troubled paths to Jesus

Barely a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2021, and shortly before they would jet off to Angola in southern Africa with their five children to do missionary work, Beau Shroyer and his wife, Jackie Shroyer, who was recently charged in connection with his Oct. 25 murder, shared their troubled paths to Jesus and what made them so willing to dive into the mission field no matter the cost.

We were like, we'll do it God, we don't care what it costs. We need to make You known, Jackie Shroyer recalled about their decision to do ministry work in Angola in a recording of their testimonies shared on YouTube in a video titled, Why I Believe in Jesus  Beau and Jackie Shroyer.

Angolan authorities revealed at a press conference last Thursday that Beau Shroyer was found fatally stabbed in a thicket on the outskirts of the municipality of Humpata in Huila province, Voice of America reported.

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Manuel Halaiwa, a spokesperson of the countrys Criminal Investigation Service, said Jackie Shroyer was the mastermind behind a murder for hire plot involving three other men in which her husband was killed. Investigators also allege that Jackie Shroyer was involved in a romantic relationship with one of the men, Bernardino Elias, 24, who worked as a security guard for her family. The two other men have been identified as Isalino Kayoo, 23, and Gelson Ramos, 22.

There are strong suspicions here of a possibly romantic relationship in relation to the person who ordered the case and her accomplice, the citizen who was initially a guard through a private security company, but who, after ending his contract with this company, was welcomed because he seemed to be a good person very close to the couple and was hired with another salary to serve the couple, Halaiwa said.

Beau Shroyer was found fatally stabbed inside his vehicle on Oct. 25 in a thicket in the Palanca commune on the outskirts of the municipality of Humpata in the province of Huila.

Investigators say the missionary's wife, 44, first asked her alleged lover to kill her late husband, also 44, and he hired the two other men with a promise to pay $50,000 for the murder.

Jackie Shroyer allegedly paid $400 to set the stage for her husbands murder in a place where he was known to give her driving lessons. The murder was set up to look like a robbery and the guard reportedly paid the other two men $9,000.

The couple were beloved members of the Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, before moving to Lubango, Angola, to do missionary work under the auspices of SIM USA, a longtime global missionary organization that focuses on doing missionary work in places where its difficult to share the Gospel.

When asked for comment on the allegations by Angolan investigators on Friday, SIM USA noted that because the matter is now an ongoing investigation, they wouldn't comment further.

In light of an ongoing investigation, SIM USA has no further comment beyond the statement that we have previously provided, Mark Bosscher, chief personnel officer at SIM USA told The Christian Post in a statement Friday.

In explaining what led them down the path of missionary work, the couple noted that they were searching for love.

Beau Shroyer described being born to teenage parents and experiencing a lot of instability during his early years with a loneliness that haunted him throughout his life before he knew Jesus.

There was just never a place where I belonged and [I] never had real friends, never really had any real relationships growing up, he recalled.

The late missionary, who previously worked as a realtor and a police officer, said he would do funny things to get attention and described himself as a goofy guy. He was voted as the class clown in high school and met his wife in college on the party scene.

Jackie Shroyer said she grew up in a Christian home and she got baptized when she was around 10 or 12 years old, but strayed from the faith as a teenager.

I grew up being a good kid and then when I was a teenager, I think like just that longing and searching for love caught up with me. I started to get into the bad crowd. I started looking for love in all the wrong places and acceptance in all the wrong ways, she recalled.

[I] just got into the party scene, got in with the bad crowd. I was having a blast. I loved it, but I never felt loved. I remember being a teenager just coming home after partying and being with friends and just sobbing in bed like, why doesn't anybody love me? she recalled. I just really wanted to be loved for who I was. I was tired of always trying to be something to make people like me and look a certain way.

She said when she met Beau in college they were just living for themselves, and it continued like that even after they got married.

We weren't even really living as a married couple. We loved each other certainly, but we were individuals. We were still just having fun doing whatever we wanted. He was a police officer, so he got busy working and then I became pregnant with our first child, Jackie Shroyer explained.

When that happened, she said she fell back to her Christian roots and tried being a grown-up.

I feel like it's time to grow up and do what grown-ups do. When I was a kid we went to church every week. This is what my mom taught us. We do all the church things. I want my kids to be good moral people, so I was like, we're starting to go to church, she said.

And they found themselves a church in the Detroit Lakes area just to be grown up and be around good people. Beau Shroyer said he wasnt a fan of church and described how his wife dragged him to participate.

By our second child I was going to church every week. I was getting the kids into Sunday school and Beau would show up at the last minute. Sometimes he wouldn't even show up, but he got really busy working as a police officer, Jackie Shroyer said.

She described how her husband would work at nights and had a lot of weird hours, and would also spend time in bowling leagues and doing other fun things in life while she was stuck alone with their children.

I'm now at home with our two youngest children who are only a year apart. Obviously, that life is done for me. I've moved on beyond that and I just remember feeling really alone and sad and lost again, she recalled. I know that my husband loves me, and I have a great family, but I still just had this empty feeling of loneliness, and I didn't even really pray to God or anything like that.

Jackie Shroyer said she began having conversations with Jesus during her loneliness over time and discovered a new relationship with Him that eventually caught her husbands attention.

I remember one day [...] looking at Jackie and she physically looked different. Like more happy. I started to realize that when I would do not smart things in a marriage that would normally make her angry and would get in this five-day long fight, she's not getting upset about this stuff anymore, Beau Shroyer said.

I started to think about what's going on. Like, did she find another man? he quipped. I started going through all these things in my head and finally, I got up the courage to ask her what's up, why are you so happy? Why aren't we fighting? Why does this stuff that normally bothers you not bother you?

And thats when Beau Shroyer said his wife told him about her newfound relationship with Jesus which made him jealous.

She told me how she has this personal relationship with Jesus, and I got mad. I got jealous. I was like who's this Jesus dude and how dare He take my wife from me.

Beau Shroyer said he then went on a journey to learn more about Jesus and became more active in his church before eventually deciding to do missionary work overseas for the first time.

I set out to find out who He was so that I could defeat Him and get my wife back. I got into the Bible, and I started praying. I realized He's not against me. He's for me. Our marriage was always Jackie, the individual, me the individual, married. And you know, trying to do things together but individually. Once Jesus came into our marriage and it was the three of us working together, it was like we don't have those stupid fights anymore, Beau Shroyer said.

We're one now instead of being two individuals and this is really refreshing that Jesus found her or she found Him and then He found me in the middle of all of the turmoil. I went from being really jealous that she had this love and acceptance that I had always been looking for and now I have it too.
Home News Trump taps former acting ICE director Tom Homan as 'border czar' Homan has called for mass deportations

President-elect Donald Trump announced that former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan will serve as "border czar" in his new administration.

"I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security," Trump said in a statement.

"Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders," he continued. "Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job."

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Homan is a former police officer and Border Patrol agent who served as executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations for ICE under former President Barack Obama, whose administration set a record for the number of deportations.

Homan resigned from his position as acting director of ICE in the first Trump administration in 2018 after he grew frustrated that the White House wasn't moving his nomination forward for Senate confirmation, according to The Washington Post.

While he was still in the role under Trump, Homan advocated for a "zero-tolerance" policy toward illegal immigration and became the face of the administration's controversial family separation policy, which Trump stopped via executive order in 2018 before it was ultimately rescinded by President Joe Biden.

At the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, D.C., earlier this year, Homan pledged to "run the biggest deportation operation this countrys ever seen," as noted by the New York Post.

"Wait until 2025, no ones off the table. If youre here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder," he said. "Youve got my word. Trump comes back in January, I'll be in his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation operation this countrys ever seen."

Since the announcement of Homan's new position, clips have gone viral on social media showing him engaging with liberal members of Congress about illegal immigration while he was in the first Trump administration.

In one clip from 2019, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., was reduced to repeatedly slamming her gavel as Homan kept speaking over her to explain how Congress failed to close loopholes to secure the border.

"I'm a taxpayer, you work for me!" Homan said as Jayapal tried to silence him.

Meet the new Border Czar Tom Homan who previously destroyed Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Gaza)



Im a taxpayer, you work for me! pic.twitter.com/065JQYecnH  Ari Hoffman ???? (@thehoffather) November 11, 2024

In another clip from a House Oversight Committee hearing in 2019, Homan confronted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, R-N.Y., when she grilled him about family separations.

Homan noted that even U.S. citizens are separated from their families when they commit a crime, and that people who have entered the country illegally have also broken the law.

I like Tom Homan.



Watch this clip. Its from 2019, but more relevant today than it has ever been. @aoc airhead extraordinaire thinking she has a gotcha on Homan, who proceeds to humiliate her in real time.



Anybody arrested for breaking the law is separated from their pic.twitter.com/AJjbHJafoA  Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) November 11, 2024

During an interview on "60 Minutes" last month, Homan suggested a hefty price tag for deportations is "worth it" for national security, and that families "can be deported together."

During a speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July, Homan said to illegal immigrants, "You better start packing now, because you're going home."

Several prominent figures took to X to congratulate Homan on his appointment, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

"Congratulations @RealTomHoman on being given responsibility for enforcing our borders!" Musk tweeted.
Home News UK gov't won't ban chaplain who told students to question LGBT ideology

The government body that decides whether adults are suitable to work with children is to take no action against a school chaplain who was sacked after telling pupils that they did not have to agree with LGBT ideology.

The Disclosure and Barring Service said "it would not be appropriate" to take action against Bernard Randall.

The 51-year-old ordained Church of England chaplain was sacked by Trent College in Derbyshire after he preached a sermon to pupils in the school chapel in which he expressed the church's own official position on marriage and human sexuality.

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He had also expressed concerns about training provided in the school by LGBT charity Educate and Celebrate in which staff were encouraged to chant "smash heteronormativity."

In a letter to Randall, the DBS said: "After consideration of your representations, we have decided it would not be appropriate to include your name on the Children's Barred List."

The DBS is now the third body to take no action over referrals by the college after Randall was cleared by the government's anti-terrorism program, Prevent, and the Teaching Regulation Agency.

Despite this, the Church of England Diocese of Derby, after carrying out its own safeguarding investigation into Randall, concluded that he posed a "moderate risk to children" and vulnerable adults. Bizarrely, the diocese's safeguarding team concluded that "the Church itself is a risk factor." He has not been allowed to officiate in church services since.

Commenting on the DBS's decision, Randall said, "I am obviously relieved that another malicious referral has been thrown out. It saddens me that it is now the CofE that continues to blacklist me and label its own teaching as a 'risk factor.'"

He added, "By blacklisting me as a safeguarding risk to children, the CofE at the highest level, and locally, has been complicit in allowing the far-left Queer Theory agenda of E&C and similar groups in our schools."

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Randall, said the Church of England had "thrown one of their own under the bus".

"Instead of defending Bernard, who had simply upheld the Church's own teaching, the church authorities have refused to clear his name. This must now change," she said.

"In his sermon, Bernard shared the Bible's teaching on marriage and human nature. He explained that Christians are always called to love their neighbor no matter how much they might disagree. E&C, and groups like them, encourage children to 'smash heteronormativity' and teach them about the Gender Identity Unicorn.

"Who are the extremists and real danger to children here?"

This article was originally published by Christian Today.
Susie Wiles Named Trump's Chief Of Staff, Pro-Abortion Election Results, 1776 Project PAC Flip 3 School Boards

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:52 07:52

Top headlines for Monday, November 11, 2024

In this episode, we explore President-elect Donald Trump's decision to appoint veteran GOP strategist Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, marking a significant move for his upcoming administration. We also examine the outcomes of the 2024 election, where voters showed mixed support for pro-abortion ballot measures across several states. Additionally, we discuss startling testimony from a former Boston Children's Hospital employee, shedding light on the rapid assessment and referral process for minors seeking transgender procedures. Finally, we highlight recent victories by school board candidates backed by a parental rights organization, signaling a push against what they describe as political indoctrination in education.

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Home Opinion How veterans can overcome internal battles

On this Veterans Day, I reflect on the deep struggles many of my fellow veterans face. For many of us, the battle doesnt end when the boots come off, and for some, the greatest fight is within.



Anger  something weve all experienced  can feel like a tidal wave, especially for those of us dealing with the unseen wounds of Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). But heres the thing: anger, if left unchecked, becomes more than just an emotion. It becomes a weight that can cripple our spirit and our purpose.



In the military, anger was often the fuel we needed to prepare for the fight to come. It gave us the edge to push through pain, loss, and fear. But once we come home, that same fire, if not managed, can burn us from the inside out.

The Apostle Paul recognized that our struggles often start within. In Ephesians 3:16, he says, "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Each of us needs inner strength to stand against the enemys attempts to overwhelm us. We must remember the One within us is greater! We dont have to face these inner battles alone, because God has boundless resources to help us overcome.

With this prayer, however, Paul also offers caution. He urges, In your anger, do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). Notice he doesnt say dont get angry. Anger is a human emotion, but its how we respond that matters. The problem comes when anger controls us, and for many veterans, thats the challenge.



Ive seen it firsthand in my own life and in the lives of those Ive had the honor to serve alongside. There are moments where the anger from past experiences seems too overwhelming, like a storm that won't let up. However, I have also witnessed the calming power of faith. According to James 1:19, we should be slow to anger, and it's during these times that we begin to recover. Healing is believing that God's plan is greater than our suffering, but it doesn't entail forgetting what we've experienced.



Ive spent years wrestling with my frustrations  both from combat and life in general. But heres what Ive learned: anger can either drive you away from your purpose or refine you for it. When Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, Hes not offering an escape from reality. Hes offering a path to peace, right in the middle of our battles. Thats what many veterans need to hear  that we dont have to carry the burden alone. We dont have to let anger be the chain that keeps us from living a life of purpose.

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For the veteran or the civilian who is struggling with invisible wounds, Romans 12:2 offers a profound message of the hope and transformation we can find with the Lord. The verse encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of your mind  another important reminder that the true battle is often fought within our hearts and minds. This transformation involves shifting focus from past traumas to healing and growth, embracing new perspectives and finding strength in the journey to recovery. By renewing our minds, we can find peace and resilience and rebuild our lives with a sense of purpose and hope.

At SOF Missions, we walk with veterans who are struggling with the weight of their past, and the moral injuries of having to take life from another human, helping them find healing in body, mind and spirit. They must understand that anger doesnt have to be a disability  it can be a signpost directing us toward Gods grace and healing. This emotion, while challenging, can be a catalyst for seeking help and finding a path to recovery. Ive seen countless veterans reclaim their purpose, not because their anger vanished, but because they learned to give it to God and let Him lead.

Each year on Veterans Day, we pause to express our heartfelt gratitude to the retired servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. As we honor their bravery and sacrifice, its important to also acknowledge the invisible scars and internal battles they may continue to face long after their service has ended. Recognizing these challenges is a crucial part of our appreciation, reminding us to offer support and understanding to those who have given so much.
Home News Forrest Frank, CeCe Winans among Christian artists nominated for Grammys

The Recording Academy announced nominations for the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Thursday, with Christian and gospel artists such as Bethel Music, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans and newcomer Forest Frank receiving nods.

Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson, alongside CeCe Winans, were nominated for the live rendition of "Holy Forever" in The Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song category. Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, Chris Brown and Chandler Moore were nominated for "Praise," a song written by a team including Pat Barrett and Steven Furtick.

Other nominees in that category include "Firm Foundation (He Won't)" by Honor & Glory featuring Disciple, and JWLKRS Worship with Maverick City Music and Chandler Moore for "In The Name Of Jesus." CeCe Winans "Thats My King" was also nominated.

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In the category of Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, Heart Of A Human by DOE was nominated, along with When Wind Meets Fire from Elevation Worship, Forrest Franks Child Of God, Coat Of Many Colors by Brandon Lake and The Maverick Way Complete by Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore.

CeCe Winans album More Than This was nominated in the Best Gospel Album category along with Covered Vol. 1 by Melvin Crispell III, Choirmaster II (Live) from Ricky Dillard, Father's Day by Kirk Franklin and Still Karen from Karen Clark Sheard.

In the Best Gospel Performance/Song category, Yolanda Adams received a nod for "Church Doors," a collaboration with songwriters Sir William James Baptist and Donald Lawrence. Meanwhile, Melvin Crispell III is recognized for his song "Yesterday," and Ricky Dillard for the live track "Hold On." DOEs "Holy Hands," which features a collaborative team of songwriters including Jonathan McReynolds and Juan Winans, joins the nominees, as does "One Hallelujah," a collaboration by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton and others.

The Best Roots Gospel Album category, which celebrates traditional and roots-infused gospel music, included Authentic Unlimited with The Gospel Sessions, Vol 2, Mark D. Conklins reflective The Gospel According To Mark, and The Harlem Gospel Travelers with Rhapsody. Also nominated are Cory Henry for Church and The Nelons for Loving You, albums that blend gospel with Southern, bluegrass and Americana influences.

The Grammy Award nominations come on the heels of the GMA Dove Awards, where both Lake and Winans took home three awards and Holy Forever snagged Song of the Year.

Jenn Johnson, a worship pastor at Bethel Church in Redding, California, described Holy Forever as an eternal song  one that strips away focus on the self and centers entirely on Gods character.

It doesn't have any Is or wes, its all about who He is. Its a reminder for us to keep our eyes on Him and who He is, she said.

Frank was awarded the coveted New Artist of the Year, while his song Good Day snagged the Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year award.

Franks first full-length project, Child of God, has held the No.1 spot on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart for 14 weeks.

The fact that anybody would listen to something that I make and say that's good is shocking to me, the 28-year-old told The Christian Post. Anything beyond that is all just a bonus. So the fact that I'm here and nominated for an award is beyond me. I think God wants it that way, so I just give Him all glory for this, and He's orchestrating my path.

Frank told CP he feels alive when performing worship music, adding that he tries to put the truth of the Gospel" in every song he pens.

Going back to making pop music is just like, it's like air. There's no substance in it for me, personally. The fact that I get to wake up every day and worship Jesus and then just record it, and other people get to worship Jesus too. It is so fulfilling and so life-giving, and I'm here to stay," he said.

Crispell III also won Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for God Is (Radio Edit)."

Crispell told CP that when creating music, he always starts with Scripture, adding: A melody can come to you and I record that melody, but then I ask myself, What do I want to talk about? That's what leads me to Scripture, whether it's something I went through, a testimony, how does that relate to Scripture, and what is the message I want to relay through this song? That's really the catalyst for songwriting. I'm still developing as a songwriter. I've got a long way to go, but I'm grateful for the process.

The next Grammy Awards ceremony is set for Feb. 2, 2025, airing live from Los Angeles, California, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Home News Muslims forcibly expel Christians from their homes in South Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan  Muslims in Sudans River Nile state drove 34 displaced Christians from their homes, sources said.

The Muslim residents of the El Matamah area of Al-Makniya told the Christians of Nuba Mountains ancestry who had fled military conflict in Omdurman, near Khartoum, that they did not want Christians or black people in the area, according to a report on the website of the Sudans People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

An area church leader confirmed the SPLM-N account to Morning Star News. Though the Muslim residents initially accused the Christians of stealing livestock and violating Islamic codes, a police officer told the Christians that the residents objected to their presence essentially on religious grounds, according to the SPLM-N website. It added that authorities later apprehended the cattle thieves, who were not Christians.

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Initially, about 30 residents showed up at the home of one of the displaced Christian families last month and said they must vacate their houses and leave the area, according to the SPLM-N. Later more than 50 Muslims issued the same demand, and when the Christians refused to leave, some days later an even larger crowd of neighbors arrived and demanded they leave within three days.

We dont want you here at all, and we are giving you three days to vacate the house, one of the residents told them, according to the SPLM-N. We are not concerned with the law, and we do everything with our own hands.  I am a racist, and I dont want any black person here.

The displaced persons asked for police help but received no response, a Christian identified only as Y.M.T. told the SPLM-N. Officers told the Christians that no one had filed any complaints against them. Later the Muslim residents asked police for an expulsion order, which was denied, according to Y.M.T.

When the Muslim residents then went to the public prosecutor seeking an eviction order from the area, the office denied their request due to lack of evidence of any charges, Y.M.T. told the SPLM-N.

The Christians appeals for help to other local officials fell on deaf ears.

Muslim resident Barai Khader reportedly demanded that one of the Christians, Darius Yasser Hussein, remove a cross and convert to Islam, according to SPLM-N.

One of the officers, who asked not to reveal his name to the family, said that the problem was basically religious and had nothing to do with the aforementioned charges, one of the Christians told SPLM-N.

The Muslim residents on Oct. 19 arrived at the Christians homes and forcibly expelled them from Al-Makniya, according to the SPLM-N.

While we were waiting and following up on the legal procedures, the people of the neighborhood came to us on Saturday, October 19, and expelled and deported us from the Makniya area without protection from any official body in the locality, despite their knowledge of that, the Christian told the SPLM-N. We were forcibly displaced for the second time, as half of us went to Shendi [River Nile state], while the other half preferred to return to Omdurman to avoid repeating religious, ethnic and regional discrimination.

He called on human rights organizations and humanitarian workers to assist them.

We are in a very bad humanitarian situation, as we have lost our shelter, and we have children, women and the elderly, and we have lost our livelihoods that help us provide for our basic daily needs, the Christian told the SPLM-N.

In Omdurman, across the Nile River from Khartoum, fighting and shelling between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continues.

Fighting in Sudan between the paramilitary RSF and the SAF broke out in April 2023. The conflict between the RSF and the SAF, which had shared military rule in Sudan following an October 2021 coup, has terrorized civilians in Khartoum and elsewhere, displacing 11.2 million people within and beyond Sudan borders, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency.

The SAFs Gen. Abdelfattah al-Burhan and his then-vice president, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, were in power when civilian parties in March 2023 agreed on a framework to re-establish a democratic transition the next month, but disagreements over military structure torpedoed final approval.

Burhan sought to place the RSF  a paramilitary outfit with roots in the Janjaweed militias that had helped former strongman Omar al-Bashir put down rebels  under the regular armys control within two years, while Dagolo would accept integration within nothing fewer than 10 years. The conflict burst into military fighting on April 15, 2023.

Both military leaders have Islamist backgrounds while trying to portray themselves to the international community as pro-democracy advocates of religious freedom.

Christian sites have been targeted since the conflict began.

In Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Sudan was ranked No. 8, up from No. 10 the previous year, as attacks by non-state actors continued and religious freedom reforms at the national level were not enacted locally.

Sudan had dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in six years when it first ranked No. 13 in the 2021 World Watch List.

Following two years of advances in religious freedom in Sudan after the end of the Islamist dictatorship under Bashir in 2019, the specter of state-sponsored persecution returned with the military coup of Oct. 25, 2021. After Bashir was ousted from 30 years of power in April 2019, the transitional civilian-military government had managed to undo some Sharia (Islamic law) provisions. It outlawed the labeling of any religious group infidels and thus effectively rescinded apostasy laws that made leaving Islam punishable by death.

With the Oct. 25, 2021, coup, Christians in Sudan feared the return of the most repressive and harsh aspects of Islamic law. Abdalla Hamdok, who had led a transitional government as prime minister starting in September 2019, was detained under house arrest for nearly a month before he was released and reinstated in a tenuous power-sharing agreement in November 2021.

Hamdock had been faced with rooting out longstanding corruption and an Islamist deep state from Bashirs regime  the same deep state that is suspected of rooting out the transitional government in the Oct. 25, 2021, coup.

The U.S. State Department in 2019 removed Sudan from the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) that engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom and upgraded it to a watch list. Sudan had previously been designated as a CPC from 1999 to 2018.

In December 2020, the State Department removed Sudan from its Special Watch List.

The Christian population of Sudan is estimated at 2 million, or 4.5% of the total population of more than 43 million.

Originally published at Morning Star News
Home News Pastor Greg Locke reneges on offer to refund tithes amid church dispute

After promising to refund the donations of members who questioned the stewardship of his church's finances, outspoken Tennessee Pastor Greg Locke has reneged on that offer, and his attorney has allegedly threatened at least one donor who asked for their money back.

Locke, who leads the Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, made the offer during a diatribe against some members of his church during an Oct. 27 service amid a dispute about money donated to the church's building fund.

"Listen, we got IRS paperwork. We got lawyers. We got a CPA that says we have a squeaky clean book, and you're like, 'Well, [why] won't you show them to me?' You think I carry them around in my iPhone?" Locke asked.

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"If you're that worried about it, listen, if you think we abscond with money, then we can look up your giving record, and I'll give it all back to you tomorrow. No matter how much you've ever given to this church, you can have it [because] it's there. And by the way, every dime that's ever come in for that building at Love's Way is still in the bank right now," he said.

Locke claimed that critical members had falsely accused him of mismanaging and misappropriating funds from the church's building fund.

The accusations arose as members questioned why the church failed to close on a real estate deal to move the church from its current location at 2060 Old Lebanon Dirt Road in west Wilson County to the Love's Way Church facility at 310 Coles Ferry Pike in Lebanon.

Locke stated that he was under contract to buy the Love's Way property for $5.5 million, but the building fund was $5 million short, which he said would require a miracle from God to fulfill. He added that the real estate deal would not go through if God did not provide this miracle.

Love's Way Pastor Johan McGregor confirmed on Oct. 30 that Global Vision Bible Church could not close on the sale, and they would remain in the building for the next few months.

"The church in Mt. Juliet was unable to close and we will continue to pray for them God's blessing and favor in the next season," McGregor said.

Several YouTubers, such as Corey Minor of Smart Christians Life, highlighted that at least one donor to Locke's ministry sent him an email requesting the return of their donations following his service comments.

"Based on your publicly stated verbal contract on October 27, 2024 (see included video clip), the stipulation for receiving these monies is that we must think that you abscond with money. We therefore state that we think you abscond with money. The conditions to receive all monies back have therefore been met and no further conditions shall be required," the redacted email from the donor said, in part.

An Oct. 29 response on behalf of Locke from the Rose Firm made it clear to the donor that no refund would be made, and if the donor insisted on trying to recover their donations, the church is prepared to defend itself legally.

"Please be advised that I serve as legal counsel to Global Vision and Pastor Locke. All subsequent communication regarding this matter should be directed exclusively to me. If you continue to attempt communication with Pastor Locke, please be advised that all of those communications will be ignored," the attorney wrote.

"I have had the opportunity to review and investigate the claims you make in your email. Please be further advised that there is no 'verbal contract' as you claim, and Global Vision will not be making any 'refund,'" the letter noted.

"You should know that if you or your agents choose to pursue this matter, as the church has done with all legal matters, it will aggressively defend all of the church's interests under Tennessee and federal law to include, but not be limited to, seeking all remedies against you in accordance with the Tennessee Public Participation Law.

Neither the Rose Firm nor a spokesperson for Global Vision Bible Church immediately responded when contacted for comment by The Christian Post on Tuesday.

In his Oct. 27 comments, Locke suggested that some members of the church accused him and his family of using the church's money for personal enrichment, including the purchase of new cars and a mansion allegedly worth $1.6 million.

Locke said that he and his wife and daughter had purchased new cars, but they were all financed. He also said that though he had purchased a new house, it was only worth $625,000. He said he paid $1 million for 28 acres of land as a good investment.

"'Well, you know the reason we've not been able to close on Love's Way is because Pastor Locke stole all the building fund money to buy a $1.6 million house.' Let me tell you something, not only is that a lie, that is slanderous, and I'm going to tell you why," Locke said, repeating the allegations from his members against him.

"First of all, I bought a $625,000 house and a million dollars worth of 28 acres. And I remind you, six acres right here cost us $1.2 million three years ago."

He further noted that the money for his new house came from five businessmen and his personal savings. Locke purchased the new home after a gunman unloaded a garage of bullets into his family's former home in September.

Locke also claimed that very little of the $500,000 collected for the church's building fund actually came from in-person members. He insisted that had it not been for the generosity of his online followers, the church could not survive.

"Before you get too happy about it, let me tell you something: the three largest givers to our building program have been two people online in hubs right now that loaned us $100,000 each for the building and me and my wife," he said. "Now I'm not shaming you. I'm just telling you so when people make silly accusations [they will know]."
Home News Photo emerges of woman with Steve Lawson at John MacArthur's church

An alleged photo showing Pastor Steve Lawson next to a woman believed to be his mistress has emerged online amid new scrutiny about the role of a California megachurch in the scandal.

Following Lawson's removal in September as lead pastor at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas, Texas, due to his admission of "an inappropriate relationship with a woman," Phil Johnson, executive director of Grace to You, shared unpublished details about the scandal on social media.

Grace to You is the radio and TV ministry of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, led by Pastor John MacArthur. Lawson previously served as a dean at GCC's The Master's University and Seminary.

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Johnson stated at the time that the woman involved "is not a member of [Lawson's] church" and resides in a different state, asserting that the affair with Lawson lasted five years until the woman's father caught them. He described the relationship as having "strong romantic overtones" but insisted that "no literal fornication was involved." He clarified that the woman in question lives out of state, "nowhere close to" any of Lawson's ministries.

In response to Johnson's post, an X user who identified herself as a fan of Lawson's and supporter of Ligonier Ministries questioned his accuracy in an Oct. 22 tweet, saying, "It seems maybe you weren't telling the truth here."

She included an image of Lawson sitting next to a young woman with her face blurred out, originally shared and taken down by the Grace Community Church Crossroads Instagram account.

It seems maybe you werent telling the truth here? This picture was scrubbed from the Crossroads IG but word on the street is this is the girl who was nowhere close to Steves ministries. Care to confirm or deny? pic.twitter.com/3i3MbPCAoU  Casey (@AwakeNotWoke75) October 22, 2024

"If the young woman in the photo is, in fact, his mistress, she was apparently very close," the post added.

Johnson defended his statements, responding, "What I said is true," and suggested that the woman  who identified herself later as Casey Statts  contact him directly for further clarification.

In her follow-up email, Staats expressed her disappointment and emphasized the public's demand for transparency, stating, "People are desperate for transparency in a world that gets crazier by the day."

Johnson replied in detail by reiterating that the woman does not live close to Lawson's ministries and commented on the nature of the woman's relationship with Lawson, emphasizing that she was "a consenting adult in her mid-twenties" at the time. He confirmed that she was a "student at The Master's College during some of the time that they were engaged in this adulterous affair."

He also addressed rumors of pastoral abuse by asserting, "This was not a case of pastoral abuse as defined by Texas law," stating that even though Lawson formerly served as a dean at the Master's University and Seminary, the woman's connection with Lawson originally came from her "family's relationship with Lawson and had nothing to do with her student status."

"After the scandal broke, I did hear from one Grace Church secretary who told me she had observed some overly-familiar behavior between Lawson and his mistress," Johnson wrote in the email. He noted that the secretary did not report her concerns to any elders at Grace Community Church but instead took that concern to an employee of Lawson's ministry, OnePassion.

Johnson concluded his email by stating, "If credible testimony is brought forward proving that any of our elders 'DID know about this and did nothing,' then that elder... will be dismissed." He cautioned against spreading unverified rumors, urging caution in discussing the matter.

Following the initial report about Lawson in September, Johnson wrote in a series of now-deleted X posts that Lawson only informed the elders at Trinity Bible Church after "the girl's father had confronted Steve and threatened exposure."

"This was not a noble confession of sin," Johnson added.

In another reply on X, Johnson said the woman was in her late 20s and not a Trinity Bible Church member. He also said while Lawson and the woman "insist no literal fornication was involved," their "tie to one another was adulterous in spirit, if not in fact."

Johnson later deleted the X thread, but not before it was captured in a screenshot and shared across the platform.

"In deference to the elders of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas, I removed the comments I posted this morning regarding the Steve Lawson scandal," Johnson wrote. "Those elders shepherd the local church Lawson belonged to, so their pastoral duty takes precedence over mine."

"These are godly men, committed to the truth of Scripture, and I'm fully confident they will do the right thing," he added. "They have every right to set their own pace."

With more than 40 years dedicated to ministry as a prominent figure in the Reformed/Calvinist Evangelicalism movement, Lawson formerly served as a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries and as the dean of Doctor of Ministry Studies at The Master's Seminary but has since been removed from both websites.

A frequent speaker with MacArthur at TMS events, Lawson often appeared in front of MacArthur's congregation at Grace Community Church for The Shepherds Conference and other events.
Home News Woman pastor to lead historic AME church for first time in its 230-year history

A historic African Methodist Episcopal church in Pennsylvania has been appointed its first woman pastor since the congregation was founded in the late 18th century.

Mother Bethel AME Church of Philadelphia, which was established by AME Church founder Richard Allen in the 1790s, announced Saturday that its newest pastor was the Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness.

Cavaness was appointed to the pastoral position by Bishop Samuel Green at the AME First Episcopal District Planning Meeting on Saturday, having previously served as pastor at Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

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According to the announcement, Cavaness graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University of New York City, with a major in urban studies, and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary of New York City.

In addition to her pastoral duties, Cavaness has worked on interfaith charitable efforts and served as deputy finance director for Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign.

At her first service as pastor at Mother Bethel AME church on Sunday, Cavaness told those gathered for worship that she was tremendously honored and humbled and overwhelmed by Gods goodness and faithfulness.

I stand before you as a new pastor before new people, she continued. But the same God that has kept us yesterday and is keeping us right now is the same God that will keep us in the days that will unfold.

Cavaness also spoke about her family's history, identifying herself as a fourth-generation preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and noted how her great-grandfather, grandmother, and father were all active in the AME denomination.

She talked about standing on the shoulders of the women preachers that came before her, including Jarena Lee, who became the first woman authorized to preach in the AME back in 1819.

Im looking forward to working together; Im looking forward to continuing in the long legacy as we stand as the mother of them all, Cavaness continued. I stand here with a debt of gratitude.

Mother Bethel was founded by Richard Allen, who also launched the AME denomination in 1816 partly in response to the racism he experienced while a member of the predominantly white Methodist Episcopal Church.

Since Mother Bethel was initially founded, there have been multiple church buildings on the congregations Philadelphia property, with the present sanctuary having been built in 1890.

In January, Mother Bethel staff announced that it had been granted $90,000 in preservation funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was among several historic black churches to receive such funds.

"Mother Bethel is honored to be awarded such a generous grant to assist with vital preservation efforts on our 134-year-old building! The $90,000 grant will make raising additional preservation dollars a much easier lift," the church stated at the time.
(Photo: Lambeth Palace)

The Archbishop of Canterbury "does not intend to resign" despite calls from influential clergy to go following a damning report into failings over the handling of the John Smyth abuse scandal.

The Makin Review published last week accused the Church of England of a "cover-up" of the abuse perpetrated by Smyth, who died in 2018.

The long-awaited report detailed "prolific and abhorrent" abuse involving at least 115 adults and children at the hands of Smyth over a period spanning 40 years.

The failings go right to the top with the report stating that from July 2013, the Church of England knew "at the highest level" about the abuse and that it "could and should have been reported to the police in 2013".

"Despite the efforts of some individuals to bring the abuse to the attention of authorities, the responses by the Church of England and others were wholly ineffective and amounted to a cover-up," lead reviewer Keith Makin said.

The report said that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby "held a personal and moral responsibility" to pursue the abuse allegations further and failed to do so.

In response Archbishop Welby apologised "not only for my own failures and omissions but for the wickedness, concealment and abuse by the church more widely".

Speaking to reporter Cathy Newman, he admitted "incompetence" but denied a cover-up. He has also resisted calls to resign.

"I have given it [resigning] a lot of thought and have taken advice as recently as this morning from senior colleagues, and, no, I am not going to resign," he said.

A petition calling for Welby's resignation has been backed by Rev Dr Ian Paul, a member of General Synod and the Archbishops' Council, Rev Robert Thompson, Synod member and vicar of St Mary's Kilburn & St James' West Hampstead, and Rev Marcus Walker, Synod member and vicar of Great St Bartholomew.

"Given his role in allowing abuse to continue, we believe that his continuing as the Archbishop of Canterbury is no longer tenable," they said.

"We must see change, for the sake of survivors, for the protection of the vulnerable, and for the good of the Churchand we share this determination across our traditions.

"With sadness we do not think there is any alternative to his immediate resignation if the process of change and healing is to start now."

The petition has been signed over 2,000 times.

Fergus Butler Gallie, vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton, has written to Archbishop Welby asking that he step down.

"We will continue to pray for you, but I for one will be praying that you will resign. The damage you have done to this church will take a very long time to repair," he wrote.

"More importantly, those things you did and failed to do inflicted such damage on peoplemade in the image of that same Godmight never heal.

"Any healing of individuals or the institution must now be in His hands, not yours. The way you might serve that process best now is to resign."

Rev Giles Fraser, writing in Unherd, said, "Welby can't survive this. And his resignation should send a necessary shock wave through the Church of England like nothing else could. No Archbishop would ever again treat the whole matter so lightly."

He continued, "The Makin Report is a watershed moment for the Church. I'm afraid Justin Welby's position is no longer tenable.

"And it is important that when he goes, we use this moment as one for a massive change of culture within the church.

"As a victim of cruel abuse myself, I am finding it increasingly difficult to be a public representative of a church that refuses to find it within itself to do the right thing."

In response to the calls, a Lambeth Palace spokesperson told The Times that Welby "reiterates his horror" over the abuse perpetrated by Smyth and reiterated that he has "apologised profoundly both for his own failures and omissions and for the wickedness, concealment and abuse by the church more widely".

She confirmed that Welby does not plan to step down: "He had no awareness or suspicion of the allegations before he was told in 2013. And therefore, having reflected, he does not intend to resign."
Justin Welby addresses the February 2023 meeting of the Church of England General Synod in London. (Photo: Geoff Crawford/Church of England)

The groundswell of moral outrage at the failure of the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby to deal with a distressing sex scandal is growing daily following the publication of the Makin Report last week.

One of the burdens of accepting leadership and the control of an institution is that you become personally responsible for it. You can't have the perks without being willing to pay the price. The Archbishop of Canterbury wants the perks. He won't pay the price. But someone needs to.

There is always a price to be paid for moral failure. That's the kind of universe we live in. Christians understand it better than most. You would hope that an Archbishop might understand that better than most Christians, but not it appears, in the case of Justin Welby.

John Smyth was an evangelical barrister who came to dominate a sub-culture within the Church of England and secretly sexually and violently molested over a hundred young men.

He ran summer camps for the Iwerne Trust. Only the poshest boys from the poshest schools were invited as future leaders of state and church. In 1984, with murmured suspicions about his activities breaking surface, he slipped over to Zimbabwe to start camps of his own there. This culminated in his arrest in 1997 on suspicion of culpable homicide, as part of the investigation into the drowning of Guide Nyachuru, a 16 year old at the Marondera camp. Nyachuru's unclothed body was found in Ruzawi school pool in December 1992. Smyth then fled to South Africa.

In England despite the size of his molestation, and a private record that had begun to be put together - The Rusten Report - justice was impossible to come by for the victims.

The leaders of the evangelical movement all swore each other to secrecy. After 1984, it was common knowledge that something corrupt and dreadful had happened, but no one with any responsibility for the Iwerne camps was talking.

In 2013 the then Archbishop of Canterbury was officially informed of the scale and scope of the problem, and asked to act on it.

Welby maintained that this was the first he had heard of the abuse by his old friend. But there was a problem: Welby had been one of the posh boys helping run the Iwerne project and was involved in the camps personally. Welby had been a dormitory officer and later a speaker at the camps held in the Dorset village of Iwerne Minster. So the question 'how much did he know?' has become important.

Lots of people, when asked, said they knew nothing and had forgotten. That included Lord Carey whose college Smyth did some refresher Bible courses at.

Noted in the Makin Report is one contributor's claim that they overheard Welby having "grave conversations" about Smyth with Canon Mark Ruston, the compiler of the original report into Smyth in 1982. Welby said he didn't remember that.

Talking to Nick Ferrari in 2017, Welby claimed he went to work in Paris from 1978 to 1983 and had no contact with the people involved with the camps at all during that period. But records detailed in the report state that in 1979 Welby was listed as a speaker at the summer camp, and in 1983 welcomed Smyth to the Anglican chaplaincy in Paris one Sunday as Smyth passed through with a cohort of boys. It also documents that he gave money to support Smyth's ministry.

These are unhappy contradictions. Fast forward to 2013 and Welby has become Archbishop and the full horror of what Smyth got up to is brought to his door at Lambeth Palace. It has become his personal and institutional responsibility to establish what happened and why it happened, and to whom.

And then institutional failure somehow sets in. The blow by blow story of what happened, or to put it better, what didn't happen under Welby from that point on is astonishing. Eleven years later, published this month, the Makin report details exactly what happened.

The quickest way of grasping the scale of incompetence and the damage done is to read the immediate response of the victims. They have responded to the latest report with misery and the deepest morally energised frustration.

In a statement after the Makin report's publication, they write that they are "concerned that the review demonstrates that the entire Church hierarchy still has no understanding of trauma-informed approach despite this being established many times previously."

"We note that publication of the Makin Review is more than 1,630 days late. Justice delayed is justice denied, particularly to all those John Smyth victims who have now died. We attribute the vast majority of that delay to the deliberate under-resourcing of the project by the C of E. We have been making this point to the C of E for the last five years."

The report however demonstrates that perhaps one of the most egregious failures by the Archbishop personally emerged when, in the 2017 LBC interview, he made specific assurances that the activities of Smyth had been reported as a crime to the police. The Church was not dealing with it perhaps, but the police were. But this wasn't true. His office had not reported it to the police, and this was one of the reasons why until Channel 4 News' Cathy Newman got involved in 2017, nothing more happened.

Newman herself has just interviewed Welby to ask him if the failures he oversaw amounted to a cover-up - the failure to bring Smyth's abuse into the light; the failure to report it to the police; the failure to meet the victims for years after making a promise to; the failure to oversee proper and competent due safeguarding process.

After all, not exposing it allows it to remain covered up. The decision to refuse to act is in itself an action.

The way he replied was devastating.

Newman: "Are you ever torn between doing what's right and protecting the institution?"

Welby: "Never ... I don't give a hang about the institution. I really, genuinely don't. If this report was a lethal blow to the institution, so be it. God will raise up another institution."

Newman: "So your failing is incompetence rather than cover up - your personal failing?"

Welby: "Yes. Incompetence? Yes, all right, I'll give you that one."

If you are a victim the fact that you have had neither proper help, recognition or redress because of incompetence rather than mendacity makes little difference.

But admitting that your incompetence has added impossible burdens of additional distress to people wounded in the institution you preside over is a very serious matter.

And think about it for a moment. This is not just the denial of a cover-up (which of course it effectively was). This is a denial that the Church under his care matters very much.

The Church is not and is never just 'an institution'. It is the struggling, wounded, aspiring and glorious body of Christ. Accepting the role of Archbishop involves being given responsibility to oversee and care for it.

To suggest that if it is killed off through his or anyone else's incompetence it doesn't matter because another one will emerge at some time is a form of detached pseudo-pietistic irresponsibility of the worst kind.

Welby has to resign. And he needs to do so, not just because he failed to act to expose the corruption that polluted the evangelical enterprise that he represented and was part of, but because someone has to take responsibility for the failure to do what needed to be done, to bring it to light, acknowledge it and help those wounded by it.

When he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, he accepted responsibility. That's what the office means. It's not just the top of a social tree that through his connections he has managed to climb up.

Taking responsibility and paying the price is the moral currency of recognising truth, virtue and justice; and when necessary sacrificing oneself for them.

Welby claims to serve a God who taught the pattern of sacrifice as the way of making a broken world better.

One of his clergy, the Rev Fergus Butler-Gallie, has written to him, putting the moral case at its most poignant.

"We will continue to pray for you, but I for one will be praying that you will resign. The damage you have done to this church will take a very long time to repair.

"More importantly, those things you did and failed to do inflicted such damage on peoplemade in the image of that same Godmight never heal. Any healing of individuals or the institution must now be in His hands, not yours. The way you might serve that process best now is to resign.

"If you will not go for the love of the institution, if you will not go for the love of its people and priests, if you will not go for the victims, if you will not go for reasons of your own embarrassment or shame, then I pray you, for love of God and Him alone, go."
(Photo: Getty/iStock)

Political logic appears to be on the side of Conservative MP Sir Gavin Williamson in his bid to deprive 26 Church of England bishops of their seats in the House of Lords. But the Labour government is likely to resist his amendment because the "Lords Spiritual" have proved to be so reliably left-wing.

The former Education Secretary in the Conservative government led by Boris Johnson has tabled an amendment to Labour's House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill: "No-one shall be a member of the House of Lords by virtue of being a bishop or Archbishop of the Church of England."

In an article on October 29, the PoliticsHome website reported: "In the biggest Lords reform shake-up in almost 25 years, the Labour government has decided to abolish the remaining 92 hereditary peers, as promised in its manifesto. But 26 Lords Spiritual also possess an automatic right to sit and vote in the Lords and have done so since the 14th century. They constitute another block now thought by some to be outdated and undemocratic, no longer representing Britain today."

PoliticsHome explained the political background to Sir Gavin's amendment: "Tensions between the bishops and the Conservatives reached boiling point during the last parliament, with relations described as 'toxic' and 'unfixable'. The bishops were criticised for being too political by taking strong views on government legislation, in particular its flagship immigration policy. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was one of the major critics of the Rwanda Bill at the time, labelling it 'immoral and cruel'."

The article quoted Sir Gavin explaining the logic behind his amendment: "The Government has made the decision to remove one outlier that has become outdated, they should also recognise the fact that there is another great outlier. What can justify the Church of England having the right to such legislative power? This is completely out of sync with any modern democracy. It's frankly wrong, and it's actually quite insulting."

Significantly, Martin Sewell, a prominent lay member of the C of E's General Synod, agrees that the bishops should lose their seats in the Lords. He wrote to The Church Times on November 1: "The Bishops' privileged status has been founded upon a premiss of moral integrity, which was presumed to ensure that they 'spoke truth to power'. That justification has evaporated with their collective failures to urgently address the multiple disasters in safeguarding...

"The Church that they lead obstructs every attempt to hold episcopal delinquency to account. Under its processes, any complaint is refined and diluted at each stage until it is determined that it is does not 'quite' reach the requisite standard and is dismissed."

He concluded: "The sooner the Established Church is held to the same standards as every other institution the better; the withdrawal of its privileged position in Parliament is the price we have to pay. We only have ourselves to blame."

Fortunately for the Lords Spiritual Labour's new Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha de Cordova MP, appointed by the government to field questions in the House of Commons on behalf of the established Church, has revealed the Westminster elite's determination to reward the leftist loyalty of the bishops.

She defended the bishops without any apparent irony for being non-partisan. She told PoliticsHome: "They scrutinise government legislation, which is what the Upper Chamber is there to do, and one of the positive things is that they are not partisan...To me that is something we should be applauding.

"I always believe there will be a place in the Lords for our bishops. I can't see any space where that wouldn't be the case."

So, the bishops will almost certainly keep their red seats in the Upper House showing that loyalty to neo-Marxist dogma rather than political logic is the dominant factor in the government's purge of the hereditary peers from the Lords.

But under the Labour government's House of Lords shake-up would the C of E's bishops be keeping their hereditary places in the UK legislature if they had consistently stood up for traditional, orthodox Christianity in all its counter-cultural glory?

Julian Mann is a former Church of England vicar, now an evangelical journalist based in Lancashire.
China is leading the world in the new energy sector. The rapid development of new energy has posed major challenges to power grids, which can only be solved through new forms of productivity. The unpredictable nature of renewable energy and fast electrification of loads posed a range of challenges to the power system, including difficult power control, high line loss, low energy absorption and consumption, and difficult operations. Solving these challenges will require a new approach that centers on integrating digital and electric power technologies.

David Sun, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of Electric Power Digitalization at Huawei, highlighted the importance of finding technologies for scenarios and scenarios for technologies.

We believe there are five key components to systematically embracing digital and intelligent transformation: the communication base, massive data, AI breakthroughs, digital rules, and cyber security. On top of this, we also need to resolve the contradiction of production relationships brought about by the extensive development of digital intelligence in the power industry, said Sun. To support the implementation of enterprises phased key tasks and long-term strategies, we need to develop scenario-based services and build digital and intelligent scenarios. We should approach the digital and intelligent transformation of key scenarios from business, economic, and technical perspectives.

From the business perspective: understanding local challenges and priorities

The business perspective, built upon business KPIs and drivers, is the most important factor when integrating digitalization and business systems. Take the power distribution and consumption scenario of the power system. Key services include line loss reduction, power supply reliability improvement, new energy load management, O&M efficiency improvement, internal and external satisfaction improvement, and agile innovation support.

In different countries and regions, power companies have different key challenges and service priorities. For example, line loss reduction is Africas biggest challenge while in Saudi Arabia, power companies are more concerned about power supply reliability.

In China, the biggest concern is about the massive access to new energy and loads. In the case of distributed PV access, solar power is difficult to absorb and consume at noon, which may cause reverse heavy loads or overloads and damage to transformers. To solve this problem, edge computing can help monitor the voltage and reverse active power in minutes, as well as perform smooth adjustments in seconds according to threshold values and rules.

From the economic perspective: keeping in mind ROI and asset appreciation

The economic perspective requires quantitative ROI evaluation for quick decision-making. In an instance, Huaweis Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) was deployed, with an expected lifecycle of 10 years. The total amount of CAPEX and OPEX involved will be $2.5 billion. If the line loss is reduced by 3%, it will generate $6 billion in revenue for the customer. In the 10-year lifecycle, the self-built communication network solution will reduce OPEX by about $700 million and the lifecycle of optical fibers can exceed 30 years.

Huaweis IDS provides digital and intelligent enablement to help power companies increase the value of human resources and assets. For example, it can help customers support two-fold business growth with the same number of staff. In addition, the solution helps power companies improve customer satisfaction, embrace green development, and improve brand and social image.

From the technical perspective: digitalization the key step towards integration

From the technical perspective, Sun opined the need for a future-oriented, open, and sustainable technical architecture to ensure companies move in the right direction in long-term digital development.

To be specific, the communication target network needs to solve two major problems regarding 400V communication and medium-voltage backhaul in distribution network communication. The network must be secure, reliable, flexible and affordable. The vertical block architecture in the information age is evolving into a cloud-edge-device architecture featuring horizontal layering and decoupling in the digital era, explained Sun.

There has also been a change from single-point digitalization to architecture-supported, open, evolvable, and systematic digitalization. The enterprise OS is the root capability of enterprise digital transformation. As such, its key to support heterogeneous deployment across the cloud, edge, and device, and shield differences and enable the flexible access of massive devices.

This way, complex services can run agilely at each layer and interact with each other across layers. The software and hardware of edge devices are decoupled, similar to how the feature phone evolved into the smartphone. This implements software-defined, supports the OTA upgrade of protocols, operating systems, and apps, and enables flexible autonomy under centralized governance.

In the digital era, from information-based integration to agile innovation, the innovation platform must support interconnection between clouds, between edges and devices, and massive cloud-edge-device synergy to ensure the quick response to enterprise needs.

In summary, from the business perspective, power companies should focus on scenarios, solve problems and create value. From the economic perspective, power companies should pay attention to return on investments as well as the appreciation of human resources and data assets. From the technical perspective, power companies should move in the right direction in our journey of digitalization. Sun believes these three perspectives can support quick decision-making, drive the implementation of phased business strategies, and promote the sustainable development of power companies.

David Sun

Vice President of Huawei

CEO of Electric Power Digitalization Business Unit, Huawei

More than 24 years of experience in the ICT industry.

Mr. Sun has over two decades of experience in the ICT industry. He joined Huawei in 1998, and has taken on various roles during his time with the company, including President of the Southeast Asia Region, President of the Global Marketing and Solution Sales Dept of Carrier Network BG, Deputy Chief of Huawei Strategic Reserves, and Vice President (responsible for technology) of Enterprise BGPresident of EBG Global Energy Business Unit. Member of Huaweis transformation steering committee, member of the Standing Committee of the 11th Council of the China Electrical Engineering Society (CSEE), and director of the CEIA Energy Digitalization Profession Committee.

Over the past years, his work has involved many domains, such as regional market management, R&D, marketing, industry solution planning and design in and out of China. He had taken part in multiple key corporate transformation projects, accumulating extensive experience in new businesses, transformation, and cross-cultural team building.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, Dubai meet in Dubai to reaffirm its commitment to positioning itself as a global hub for technology innovation. The high-level discussions explored avenues to deepen the strategic partnership with Google, enhancing Dubais role in shaping a future powered by advanced digital technologies.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai and the UAEs vision to become a leader in global digital transformation, backed by robust infrastructure and a growth-friendly environment. With its open-door policy for top technology firms, Dubai is increasingly seen as a center for innovation, attracting tech giants, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from around the world to collaborate and develop cutting-edge solutions. Dubai and the UAE are committed to be at the forefront of global digital transformation and become an international centre of excellence for future industries, he noted. We thanked Googles team for choosing Dubai as the launchpad for their largest regional AI initiative, set to empower half a million individuals with AI skills in the next two years.

A critical point of discussion was the role of transformative technologies like AI in realizing Dubais Economic Agenda D33, which aims to generate AED100 billion in annual economic value through a digital transformation over the next decade. The ambitious agenda seeks to establish Dubai as a global leader in digital sectors while attracting top-tier talent and investors. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that partnerships with global leaders like Google are integral to this goal, enabling the city to set new standards in technology and develop scalable solutions that serve international markets.
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The United States is not an autocracy. But the election of Donald Trump to a second term in the White House, where he plans to unleash an assault on journalistic freedom rhetorically and legally, is an occasion to look at the rest of the world, at reporters working under regimes where the press is under constant threat. The lessons of Lina Attalah, Carlos Dada, M. Gessen, Elena Kostyuchenko, Vinod K. Jose, Maria Ressa, and the journalists who documented Philippine president Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs illustrate how to hold power to accountand survive.

1) Do not normalize. When the autocrats speech and behavior are outside the norm and are unacceptable, say so.

2) Do not demonize the autocrats supporters. Listen instead to what they are really saying. Understand where they are coming from before you judge. Telling them they are stupid or misinformed will not help. No one wants to be told theyre being conned or manipulated. Instead, interrogate their real or imagined grievance, their wounded pride, their perceived loss of privilege and status, and the news deserts and information bubbles they inhabit.

3) Refuse to amplify antidemocratic voices. We know that hate and rage go viral. Resist the temptation.

4) Do not underestimate the power of exposure. Change does not happen overnight. You will never know where the tipping point will be. Remember that autocrats have a limited shelf life. When they fall, we are often surprised how brittle they had been. Take comfort in the fact that of forty populist governments between 1985 and 2020, only seven led to authoritarian rule, mostly because of weak institutions. This makes reporting on the erosion of democratic institutions especially urgent.

5) Document for the sake of accountability. Autocracy and kleptocracy are linked, so keep an eye on the public trough. Report the truth nowand leave a trail for the next generation of journalists to follow. If justice is not currently possible, it may be later.

6) Do not look away from atrocity. Resist the urge to avert your eyes, especially if you are told these abuses are being committed in your name. Do not fall for the promise that these horrors will guarantee your peoples safety and security.

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7) Give voice to those suffering under autocracy. Show you hear and see them. If you recognize their humanity, maybe others will, too.

8) Report on the defenders of democracy. They need to know they are not alone.

9) Give hope. Write stories of kindness, solidarity, and empathy. Write exposes. The sight of a journalist standing up to power, asking tough questions, and asserting independence and the publics right to know inspires others.

10) Take care of yourself and others. Build community. Stay safe. Find allies. Keep the faith.
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A week or what feels like five thousand years ago, Semafors Max Tani reported on a recent meeting between journalists and top editors at the New York Times, during which, among other things, the former got to ask the latter about the papers coverage of Donald Trump. In the run-up to the election, liberal readers had been increasingly critical of journalism that they saw as insufficiently tough on Trumps age and authoritarian threats; sanewashing, or the idea that the Times (and other publications) were selectively quoting from Trumps incoherent campaign speeches in ways that made them sound sensible, was a hot new term among media critics. Astead W. Herndon, a Times politics reporter who was moderating the meeting, noted that hed fielded a lot of concerned questions about sanewashing, in particularbut also an observation inside the newsroom that in the last month the paper has gotten more direct and more frank about Trump. Herndon asked the editors present whether this was intentional, and if so, whether it was a response to external criticism.

Joe Kahn, the executive editor, denied that there had been any change in the Times coverage and (generally speaking, at least) dismissed the external criticism. (The most vocal critics, he said, want the Times to be a mouthpiece for their already predetermined point of view.) Still, the fact that the exchange happened at all demonstrated the cut-through of a much broader debate (or, more accurately, the latest iteration thereof) about the language major news outlets were using to describe Trumps rhetoric during the campaign, as it made sense less and less often but was more and more chilling when it did. Around the same time, media discussion of whether Trump was a fascist spiked, albeit, in all likelihood, spurred more by the testimony of his former top staffers than any lightning-bolt realization on the medias part.

One week and a decisive Trump victory later, some critics are freshly furious with the mainstream press for failing to convince enough voters of the danger he poses. But in other quartersincluding among vocal critics of sanewashing and other such practicesthe media meta-debate now feels very different, as if drunk on a potent cocktail of defeatism, self-flagellation, and doubt. Various observers have argued that whatever the media did manage to communicate about Trumps authoritarianism didnt matter since our influence is clearly now at a low ebb, swamped by that of podcasts, social media, and the right-wing echo chamber. Writing in Time, Richard Stengel argued that the press was so busy covering Trump himself that it missed the rightward turn the country was taking. Going forward, Stengel advised that reporters steer clear of the word lie when discussing Trumps rhetoricon the grounds that it presumes intentionality and has a moral valence that probably alienates some peopleand that there be a moratorium on any sentence uttered on a TV news show that begins I think.

The fear that the mainstream media is losing influence is, of course, a serious one; I wrote last week that fact-based reporting faces structural disadvantages in our information marketplace. Still, as I see it, the idea that the media is now totally powerless is an overstatement, and one thats all too easy to indulge at a charged moment like this; indeed, switch around some of the particulars (Breitbart for Joe Rogan, say), and the current existential freakout about the loosening purchase of fact-based reporting strikes me as similar to the reaction when Trump won in 2016. Again, this isnt to diminish the scale of the challenge we face, but to say that panicked post-election litigation is unhelpful, not to mention contingent. (If Trump had lost by the relatively narrow marginin historical termsby which he ended up winning, its doubtful media-watchers would be talking in quite the same way, even though the problems of trust and relevance would arguably be just as acute.) Sometimes, being a media critic in the Trump era can feel like being trapped in the M.C. Escher lithograph with all the stairs.

Andwhile some online media critics clearly have urged the press to cover Trump more aggressively as a means of dissuading people from voting for him, or seemed to believe that sharper New York Times fact-checks might save democracyI have increasingly come to see that sort of mindset as missing the point. When Trump launched his first presidential run, the media was dubious about his chancesbut handed him a bunch of free airtimein ways that I believe were consequential, or at least played into his hands; now everyone knows exactly who Trump is, not least since he freely advertises the fact every chance he gets. To the extent that Ive agreed with the criticisms of journalistic sanewashing and the like, my impulse has been a desire for the media to tell the truest and clearest story about Trump that it canbecause a media that cant consistently name and shine a light on authoritarianism clearly isnt equipped to cover a country tilting in an authoritarian direction. But also, more simply, because telling true stories as clearly as possible is a journalists job.

Weighing in on the media-influence debate last week, the historian Michael Socolow perhaps put it best when he wrote that the media can repeatedly publish or broadcast numerous disqualifying truths about a politician, but they cant ensure the prevention of his or her election. Journalists need to understand how distributing true and useful information out into the world can be its own rewarding serviceno matter what happens next.

In this sense, the valid criticisms leveled at coverage of Trump pre-electionand the truth-based rationale for themare just as valid now; the result doesnt wash them away. And yet, clearly, the election happened, and the result poses several sharp and legitimately difficult questions as to how the press should think about the man, his supporters, and his second administrationquestions that, to me, are more interesting than generalized despondency about the pointlessness of working out answers. Among them: What does it mean to cover Trumps nakedly authoritarian behavior in the run-up to and on January 6, 2021, when a majority of voters clearly dont find it to be disqualifying (even if it would be going too far to suggest that they all endorsed it)? And to what extent should coverage of Trumps rhetoric and behavior occupy the press going forward? Dont his actions now matter more?

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During the campaign, its understandable that debates around Trump coverage centered overwhelmingly on things that he was sayingcampaigns, after all, are typically fought on rhetoric, and Trump was not in power. Even when he was in power, though, his rhetoric was still the defining fault line of such debates, as the political press visibly struggled to adapt from covering presidents whose worst excesses had to be pried out of sources and documents, Watergate-style, to a leader who often just said the quiet part out loud, while also brazenly lying all the time. As I wrote earlier this year, the debate as to how the press ought to handle such rhetoric has gone back and forth for so long because, in part, there isnt a satisfying answer: filter audiences exposure to Trump, and they dont see what hes really like (enter sanewashing); do the opposite, and you hand him a free platform to mislead and antagonize.

Another long-standing dilemma in coverage of Trumps rhetoric has been one of proportion: cover his ever more outrageous pronouncements as if youre on a permanent war footing, and the coverage risks becoming overheated; dont do that, and he succeeds in lowering the bar for the type of behavior that deserves media scrutiny. After the 2016 election, major mainstream outlets experienced a Trump bump, whereby newly engaged audiences tuned in, and often also subscribed, to consume energized journalism about his presidency. High-level industry observers seem to doubt that news consumers will do the same thing this time, at least in any sustained way. As I noted last week, that will likely pose an economic problem for some outlets. On the editorial side of things, there are concerns, too, that there might be less energized journalism this time, not least because those producing it are tired. (CNNs Brian Stelter noted last week that many journalistsat least, the sort who have talent agents, apparentlyare questioning if they have it in them to report on another Trump cycle.)

This, clearly, would be a lamentable development. And yet there is also an opportunity to find a happy medium here. If much of the energized, Trump-bump-era journalism was very good, much of it was also frenzied and reactive, chasing after every Trump tweet. Fatigue with that approach neednt itself be a bad thingas long as we can redirect the energy into accountability reporting on what Trump and his administration are doing. In his Time column, Stengel offered advice that, to me, was more useful than his anxiety about the word lie and effort to do away with opinions on TV: In a second Trump term, dont let him shape the narrative. Covering the White House outrage of the day may draw eyeballs but it is playing his game. Focus on what is happening in the agencies and departments where policy is often made and where those policies affect the American public. Cover what is going on in Congressional committees where legislators are trying to turn his diatribes into policy.

But this doesnt mean that Trumps narrative-shaping rhetoric wont continue to matter, and so the debate will surely swing around again. If nothing else, the line between words and actions is thin, and this is particularly true in authoritarian environments where language can play an outsize role in setting the tone of political discourse, not to mention policy expectations among bureaucrats and other subordinates. And it strikes me as untenable for the press, as an agent of political accountability, to pretend that Trumps 2020 election denialism and its aftermathas sharp an example as one can imagine of the correlation between word and deednever happened just because this election may have seemed to wipe the slate clean; this would be true if Trump had won close to 100 percent of the popular vote, never mind just barely more than half. Last week, The Atlantics Conor Friedersdorf made the case that Trump should now be treated like a normal president; Friedersdorf was writing about Trumps political opponents, but its not hard to imagine a similar demand being made of the media. And yet Trump still isnt a normal president, and shouldnt be covered that way. Indeed, if anything, we should have used his first presidency to explode the notion itself, given how much normalized presidential conduct has long demanded sharper media scrutiny. (Who can forget Trump becoming president in 2017 only after bombing Syria?)

How to proceed, then? While debates about Trump coverage have often focused on his words, I dont see a contradiction between the demand to sharpen that type of coverage and the demand to focus more on his actions. At this point, the nub of the former demand, as I see it, is not so much about quantitative attention as qualitative wording; without wishing to speak for other critics, I would be satisfied if the news media used Trumps return to power as an opportunity to dispense with the cliches and euphemismsTrumps new tone and his showmanship; his racially charged language and his misstatementsthat have so often marred coverage of him up to now, and to instead just speak plainly. What language this will require will be a matter for day-by-day debatebut it has to be a language that recognizes the truths of authoritarianism, not one that tries to shoehorn the latter into the musty tropes of presidencies gone by. Many journalists, to be clear, are already using such language, but the goal is consistency. After eight years of this, we should see this as a low bar that, inevitable disagreement as to the specifics aside, shouldnt be hard for anyone to clearthe fundamental line that we need to assert before we can hold it in the face of intensifying political and legal threats, and lost trust and relevance. In this area, at least, now is not the time for self-doubt.

For what its worth, I was among those who noticed a late pre-election toughening in the Times coverage of Trumpin the consistency and prominence of such coverage, anyway. I noticed the same the day after the election, too: in particular, a story with the headline America Hires a Strongman and the subheading This was a conquering of the nation not by force but with a permission slip. Now, America stands on the precipice of an authoritarian style of governance never before seen in its 248-year history. Liberal media critics might have appreciated such blunt language. So, apparently, did Kahn and the papers other top editorsthey sent Times journalists a note of praise for their election coverage, and quoted this language directly.



Other notable stories:

Charles Ashby, a veteran journalist at the Daily Sentinel newspaper in Colorado, reported on sharp restrictions placed on reporters at an election night event for Jeff Hurd, a Republican who won the congressional seat currently held by Lauren Boebert; Hurd was courteous when he spoke to the reporters, Ashby writes, but otherwise sequestered the media in a curtained area away from everyone, but then required any of them to be escorted by a Hurd staffer if they attempted to go anywhere in the establishment, including to the bathroom. My one-word summation of that gathering would be weird, Nancy Lofholm, of the Colorado Sun, said, adding, as a political newbie, does he maybe not realize that this is not normal?

In Equatorial Guinea, hundreds of sextapes filmed by Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a senior official who led an agency that investigates financial crime, have recently been uploaded to social media and gone viral; the president removed Engonga from his post, while state TV accused him of retaining the videos without consent. His devices were recently confiscated after he was arrested on different charges; the BBC reports that the leaks may be part of a presidential succession drama, but notes that the episode is hard to report on since Equatorial Guinea doesnt have a free press.

And the Wall Street Journals Neil Shah explores why Bob Dylan has recently started posting on X (and to be clear, it is Dylan tweeting, according to a person familiar with the matter). Dylan has long avoided the kind of fan service thats become common for popular musicians, Shah writes. If anything, hes constantly misleading journalists and sparking endless interpretations of his inscrutable behavior. Ultimately, he seems to be just having fun, evoking an earlier period of social media when musicians didnt take themselves so seriously online.
COLUMBUS, OhioEx-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, whos serving a 20-year prison sentence for overseeing the largest bribery scandal in Ohio history, is preparing to ask President-elect Donald Trump for clemency, according to his campaigns attorney.

Householder, a Perry County Republican, is planning to submit an official pardon application to the U.S. Justice Department at some point closer to Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, according to the attorney, Scott Pullins.

We will also be working to build support and communicate with the President and his team, Pullins stated in a message. Pullins is not a member of Householders criminal defense team; rather, hes advised Householder about legal and political matters over the years and represented him in some state elections cases.

Mark Marein, one of Trumps criminal defense attorneys, declined comment.

U.S. presidents have the power to offer two kinds of executive clemency for federal crimes: a presidential pardon, and commuting a prison sentence. Either would result in Householder being immediately released from prison.

Pardons are generally issued after convicts are released from prison, though they dont have to be -- Trump, for example, pardoned Joe Arpaio, the former sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, two months after his conviction for defying a judicial order to stop traffic patrols targeting undocumented immigrants.

When someone applies for a presidential pardon, the U.S. Justice Department conducts an investigation and decides whether to recommend that it be granted.

Justice Department advisory rules normally require people serving a federal prison sentence to wait until at least five years after their release to apply for a pardon. However, Pullins stated that Householder will ask for a waiver of the Justice Departments waiting period  which applicants can do, though it is is rarely granted and then only in the most exceptional circumstances, according to the Justice Departments presidential pardon application.

Householder could also apply for Trump to commute his sentence -- which would reduce his time behind bars but keep his felony racketeering conviction on the books.

Asked whether Householder will ask Trump for a pardon or to commute his sentence, Pullins replied, We will take whatever we can get.

We are pursuing all legal avenues to bring Speaker Householder home, Pullins stated.

Last year, Householder was convicted by a federal jury of leading a scheme to use $60 million in bribes from FirstEnergy to help pass and maintain House Bill 6, a 2019 energy law that offered the Akron-based utility a windfall of financial perks  headlined by a $1 billion-plus bailout of two Ohio nuclear power plants owned at the time by a company subsidiary.

Householder, who has maintained his innocence, has appealed the conviction, claiming  among many other things -- that the judge was biased and the jury was given faulty instructions.

Householder, 65, is currently serving his sentence at a low-security federal prison in Elkton, Ohio.

Even if Trump grants a presidential pardon for his federal conviction, Householder could still remain behind bars if hes convicted of pending state-level charges filed against him last March claiming he lied on state ethics disclosure forms and illegally used campaign funds to pay criminal defense fees from his federal trial.

While Householder was prosecuted at trial by the office of U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, the House Bill 6 corruption investigation was launched under Parkers predecessor, Trump appointee David DeVillers.

DeVillers declined comment Monday on Householders presidential clemency request. The Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com reached out to Parkers office.

Householder was one of the first and most prominent Ohio supporters of Trumps first presidential campaign in 2016, when most Republicans backed then-Gov. John Kasichs GOP presidential run.

As president, Trump took action to release several convicted politicians from both parties, including pardoning former U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter , a California Republican convicted of violating campaign-finance law.

Trump also commuted the prison sentences of, among others, ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (both Democrats), as well as Republican ex-U.S. Reps. Duke Cunningham of California, Rick Renzi of Arizona, and Robin Hayes of North Carolina.

Jeremy Pelzer covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.


Trumps return likely to bolster Indias textile trade with US: Industry The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) on Monday said the return of Donald Trump as the next US President will bolster India's textile and apparel trade with its largest international market. In 2023, the US accounted for approximately 27 per cent of Indias total textile and apparel exports, underscoring its crucial role in the industrys global reach.



In the current financial year, Indias textile and apparel exports to the US during April-August increased by about 6 per cent compared to the same period last year.



This outpaced the growth rates of key competitors, with China at 2 per cent, Vietnam at 0.4 per cent, and Bangladesh recording a decline of -2.2 per cent. Indias enhanced performance signals its growing preference among US buyers and highlights its increasing share in this critical market, said CITI Chairman Rakesh Mehra.



Mehra emphasised that President Trumps previous administration focused on reducing dependency on China by diversifying trade sources, a stance that aligns with India's aspirations to strengthen its position in the US market.



"With the new administration, the Indian textile and apparel industry is optimistic about expanding its role as an alternative supplier to China, said Mehta.



However, a significant barrier remains in the form of high tariff rates, which for certain apparel categories can reach up to 32 per cent.



This restricts Indias ability to further increase its market share, said Mehta.



He further stated that new government will work closely with India to facilitate revisions in tariffs, thus positioning India as a key supplier of quality textile and apparel products to the US.



This could catalyse a new phase in India-US textile trade relations, providing a valuable alternative to China for American retailers and consumers alike, said the confederation.






PM Modi pays tribute to Acharya Kripalani on his birth anniversary Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Acharya J.B. Kripalani, the former President of the Indian National Congress and a prominent freedom fighter, on his birth anniversary on Monday. Acknowledging Acharya Kripalani's significant contributions to India's Independence movement, PM Modi shared his thoughts on social media platform X, highlighting the values of democracy, integrity, and social justice that the freedom fighter embodied.



"Remembering Acharya Kripalani on his birth anniversary. He was a towering figure in Indias freedom struggle and an embodiment of intellect, integrity and courage. He was deeply committed to democratic values and principles of social justice," said PM Modi.



The Prime Minister further expressed his governments continued dedication to fulfilling the freedom fighter's vision of a prosperous and strong India, where both the poor and marginalised are empowered.



"Acharya Kripalani was unafraid to fight injustice. We reiterate our commitment to fulfilling his noble vision of an India that is prosperous, strong and where the poor as well as marginalised are empowered," he said.



Acharya Kripalani, born on November 11, 1888, in Hyderabad, Sindh, played a key role in India's struggle for Independence. He was the President of the Indian National Congress at the time of India's Independence and served in various critical roles, including in the Interim Government of India (1946-1947) and the Constituent Assembly of India.



Acharya Kripalanis political journey saw him rise to prominence within the Congress. His first major post was as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee in 192829, and he held the position of General Secretary again from 1934 to 1945. In 1946, he was elected as Congress President, although his tenure was marked by controversy due to his differences with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who objected to Acharya Kripalani's involvement of the party in governance post-Independence.



Acharya Kripalanis critical views on the partition of India and his condemnation of the Congress leadership, particularly in his autobiography 'My Times', further highlighted his ideological stance, leading to his resignation as Congress President later in 1947.






Justice Sanjiv Khanna sworn in as 51st Chief Justice of India President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Justice Khanna will be the 51st CJI and will have around six months in office.



As a Supreme Court judge, he has been part of the landmark judgments on Article 370, decriminalisation of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, EVM-VVPAT tally etc.



On October 24, the Centre cleared the appointment of Justice Khanna to the highest judicial office of the country after then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud had recommended him as his successor last month.



"In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from 11 November 2024," had said a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.



Justice Sanjiv Khanna held the post of Chairman, Supreme Court Legal Service Committee.



At present, he is the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority and a member of the Governing Counsel of the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.



Before elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna served as a judge in the Delhi High Court till January 2019.



As a judge of the Delhi HC, he held the position of Chairman/Judge-in-charge, Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres.



Born in May 1960, he obtained his law degree from the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University.



He enrolled as an advocate in the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 and primarily practiced taxation, arbitration, commercial law, environmental law, medical negligence law, and company law in the Delhi High Court.



He had a long tenure as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department.



In 2004, he was appointed as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the Delhi government. He had also appeared and argued in a number of criminal cases at the Delhi High Court as an Additional Public Prosecutor and as an amicus curie (friend of the court).




A medical worker is taking care of newborns at Dongfang Hospital in Lianyungang, China, on January 1, 2024.

Chinese authorities last month announced high-level plans for subsidies and tax breaks to households with children under the age of 3. The measures also extended maternity leave to 158 days from 98 days. Last year, the country doubled childcare tax breaks to 2,000 yuan ($280) per month.

Rather than trying to induce a sizeable "birth spurt," China's policies so far have been more about "supporting families [and] allowing those who do want to have a second or third child to do this with more ease and affordability," said Lauren Johnston, associate professor of China Studies Center at the University of Sydney.

The number of new marriage registrations also plunged by 25% year on year in the third quarter, indicating the total for the year will drop to 6.4 million, the lowest since 1979, according to financial services firm Nomura's analysis of official data released this month .

China's efforts to bolster birth rates have yet to address the core reasons for their rapid decline, according to analysts.

Births in China have been on a drastic downward trend since the government implemented its "one-child policy" nationwide in 1980. The United Nations in July forecast that China, the second most-populous country in the world, will likely lose more than half of its population by 2100 in the greatest drop of any country.

The "mental hangover" from the one-child policy has lingered and "fundamentally changed young people's perception of families," said Harry Murphy Cruise, economist at Moody's Analytics. He added that slower economic growth has also led "young people to second-guess or delay plans to start a family."

"It is an incredibly difficult task [and] there is no silver bullet to lifting fertility rates," said Cruise.

World Bank data showed that the fertility rate, defined as births per woman, was 1.2 in China in 2022, below 1.7 in the U.S., which has benefited from a more open immigration policy.

China's share of the world's live births is expected to drop to around 3% in 2100 from 8% in 2021, according to Austin Schumacher, an assistant professor of health metrics sciences at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington.

"Current studies on various pro-natal policies have only shown modest increases which our projections show will not be sufficient to reverse population decline," Schumacher said. "However, with new innovations and research into improving current endeavors and developing new one, it could be possible."

An increasingly pressing factor for families in China is uncertainty about income for raising a child.

After decades of rapid expansion, China's economy has slowed down, dragged down by a real estate slump. Crackdowns on after-school tutoring, gaming, finance and internet platform companies have also hit hiring in industries that were once popular with recent graduates.

China's youth unemployment rate  measured by those aged 16 to 24 and not in school rose to a record high of 18.8% in August. It edged lower in September.

"The problem really is that people don't have the confidence to make ends meet for themselves, let alone think about having enough to raise children," said Sheana Yue, economist at Oxford Economics.

Measures that "earnestly" boost income and alleviate households' living costs would "go a long way" in improving sentiment around childbearing in China, said Yue.

National health authorities have this year tried to encourage businesses to support maternity leave by emphasizing the availability of state funds to pay female employees who give birth.
Chipotle Mexican Grill on Monday named interim boss Scott Boatwright as permanent CEO of the burrito chain in a widely expected move, months after Brian Niccol exited the role to take the top job at Starbucks .

Boatwright, who has been at Chipotle since 2017, takes the helm as restaurants across the United States battle weak consumer demand in the face of higher menu prices.

In a surprise announcement in August, Starbucks named Niccol as its new CEO, leaving Chipotle under Boatwright, who has vowed to push the burrito chain to be a "global lifestyle brand" and expand to 7,000 restaurants in North America.

A veteran in the restaurant industry, Boatwright spent 18 years with Arby's Restaurant Group before joining Chipotle in 2017.

He was named CEO following "a thorough and rigorous external search process," Chipotle said in a statement on Monday.

Boatwright worked closely with Niccol to also steer the company out of a crisis following a severe E. coli and salmonella outbreak in 2015.

"Boatwright was by far the most logical choice given his instrumental role in leading Chipotle's efforts to improve operations, integrate new technology, reduce employee turnover, and bolster customer satisfaction," said Sharon Zackfia, analyst at William Blair.

His appointment as CEO comes amid a slew of changes to the top brass at Chipotle following Niccol's exit.

In August, Chipotle also accelerated the appointment of Adam Rymer as its chief financial officer, and named Rymer's predecessor Jack Hartung as chief strategy officer.

Hartung was originally set to retire in March next year after a little over two decades as the company's CFO. Rymer has been at Chipotle for 15 years, last serving as vice president of finance.

"Boatwright as CEO should build confidence among investors in Chipotle's management," said Jim Sanderson, analyst at Northcoast Research.

Chipotle's stock lost $6 billion in market value immediately after Niccol's departure. Since then, shares have risen about 14%.
LONDON  European stocks closed higher on Monday, starting a data-packed week on a positive footing as investors assessed what Donald Trump's presidency could mean for markets.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index provisionally closed 1.1% higher, with most sectors and major bourses in positive territory. Construction and materials stocks led the gains, ending nearly 2% higher.

The benchmark index logged its third consecutive weekly loss on Friday as market participants assessed the likelihood of universal tariffs from President-elect Trump.

Investors will scrutinize a fresh batch of economic data this week, including inflation readings in Germany and the U.S. and U.K. gross domestic product (GDP).

Wall Street also traded higher Monday after a strong rally last week; the U.S. stock market climbed to another round of records on Friday, as the Dow and S&P 500 wrapped up their best week in a year after Trump's election win.

U.S. stocks also got a boost from the Federal Reserve after it lowered interest rates by a quarter percentage point last Thursday. Global investors will be awaiting the latest U.S. inflation readings due later in the week.

Asia-Pacific markets fell on Monday after China's latest stimulus measures underwhelmed and its October inflation numbers came in lower than expected.
Singapore's biggest lender DBS Group Holdings Ltd is exploring expanding into Malaysia with potential acquisitions of stakes in banks in its Southeast Asian neighbor, including in one of Malaysia's smallest banks by assets, two sources said.

DBS is exploring a purchase of Singapore state investor Temasek's 29.1% stake in Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd, said the two sources with knowledge of the matter, a slice currently valued at about $460 million.

Temasek is biggest shareholder in DBS with a 28.9% stake, according to LSEG data.

Other options for expanding into Malaysia include buying Kuwait Finance House's Malaysian retail banking assets, worth more than $500 million and which have been put up for sale, one of the sources said.

Deliberations are in very early stages, however, the sources said, and any formal negotiations for an acquisition of a stake in a Malaysian bank would need approval from the Malaysian central bank, or Bank Negara Malaysia.

The two sources declined to be named as talks on the possible acquisitions were confidential.

"We do not comment on market rumors and speculation," said a spokesperson for DBS, Southeast Asia's biggest lender by assets. Temasek declined to comment.

Alliance Bank, the second smallest listed bank in Malaysia by total assets, and Bank Negara Malaysia did not respond to requests for comment after business hours on Friday.

Kuwait Finance House said the process for selling its retail banking portfolio in Malaysia was in preliminary stages, and that it was not able to share additional information.

DBS is the only Singaporean bank without a retail banking presence in Malaysia. Local rivals Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation and United Overseas Bank both have retail banking operations in Malaysia.

DBS' plan to foray into Malaysia comes amid improving economic prospects for the Southeast Asian nation, with new infrastructure projects and investments expected to result in a surge in credit growth.

In the second quarter, Malaysia's economy expanded by an annual 5.9%, its fastest in 18 months, on higher household spending, exports and investment. Its monetary unit, the ringgit, is Southeast Asia's best-performing currency this year.

DBS emerged as a regional banking powerhouse under outgoing Chief Executive Piyush Gupta's 15-year tenure, bolstered by acquisitions that established significant presences in markets including China, India, Indonesia and Taiwan.

DBS completed the acquisition of Citigroup's consumer banking business in Taiwan in August last year. In July, Gupta said DBS was looking for bolt-on acquisitions that would support further strategic expansion in the region.

Tan Su Shan, who heads up DBS' institutional banking group and is deputy CEO, will take over from Gupta in March next year, making her the first woman to lead the bank. On Thursday, DBS posted its highest ever quarterly net profit for July-September on record fee income.

DBS last attempted to buy Temasek's stake in Alliance Bank in 2012. Those plans did not go through because of regulatory hurdles, according to sources at the time.

The current Malaysian government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been more forthcoming and open to ideas and investments with an aim to boost economic growth, said the sources with knowledge of DBS' plan for Malaysia.
Tesla shares closed up nearly 9% on Monday, continuing to ride a postelection rally as President-elect Donald Trump, closely allied with CEO Elon Musk, begins to set up his presidential cabinet.

Analysts at Wedbush reiterated their outperform rating on the stock, joining earlier sunny outlooks reacting to Tuesday's results. Tesla recently reclaimed its $1 trillion market cap after surging nearly 30% last week.

"We are raising our price target on Tesla to $400 from $300 as we believe the Trump White House win will be a gamechanger for the autonomous and AI story for Tesla and Musk over the coming years," the Wedbush analysts wrote.

Musk's wealth rocketed past $300 billion in the days since Trump's decisive electoral win, further cementing his place as the richest man in the world and joining the wave of gains across the technology and crypto sector since postelection trading began.

It is unclear whether Musk, who spent at least $130 million on Trump's campaign, will receive an official title in the second Trump White House or if he will influence policy decisions from his inner circle.

Either way, Musk stands to earn potentially billions from new government contracts with his companies, on top of the $19 billion SpaceX has already been awarded. Some or all of the 19 known ongoing federal lawsuits and investigations into his companies may begin to wind down entirely.

"It is difficult to judge how Elon Musk's increasingly close public relationship with President Trump could benefit Tesla, but this needs to be monitored closely," analysts from Bank of America wrote in a note last week, raising their Tesla price target from $265 to $350.

Trump has said previously he may cut the federal $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit, and those credits have historically helped drive sales of Tesla vehicles.

At one of his final campaign rallies, Trump suggested Musk could be put in charge of "government efficiency," and he was present on Trump's phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy two days ago.

 CNBC's Michael Bloom, Annie Palmer and Lora Kolodny contributed reporting.
Former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., September 11, 2019.

WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald Trump announced late Sunday that Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who backed his controversial "zero tolerance" policy, will be his administration's "border czar."

"I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation's Borders ('The Border Czar'), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security," Trump said on Truth Social.

"I've known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders," the post continued. "Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job."

Homan touts hard-line immigration views and previously vowed to "run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen."

He was an early supporter of the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy, which led to thousands of families being separated at the southern border. Trump eventually signed an executive order in 2018 reversing the family separation policy after public outcry.
President Donald Trump meets business leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, in November, 2017.

Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. elections has raised the specter of higher tariffs on China  but it may not be the only Asian country that faces this predicament, according to Goldman Sachs.

While the U.S. bilateral trade deficit with China has decreased somewhat since the Trump administration, deficits with other Asian exporters have risen significantly and may come under increased scrutiny, Andrew Tilton, Goldman's chief Asia-Pacific economist, said in a recent note.

"With Trump and some likely appointees focused on reducing bilateral deficits, there is a risk that  in a sort of 'whack-a-mole' manner--burgeoning bilateral deficits could eventually prompt U.S. tariffs on other Asian economies," he said.

A tariff is a tax on imported goods, but it isn't paid by the exporting country. So U.S. tariffs will be paid by companies looking to import products into the country, raising their costs.

"Korea, Taiwan, and especially Vietnam have seen large trade gains versus the U.S.," Tilton observed, adding that Korea's and Taiwan's positions are reflective of their "privileged positions" in the semiconductor supply chain, while Vietnam has benefited from the redirection of trade from China.

In 2023, South Korea's trade surplus with the United States reportedly reached a record $44.4 billion, the largest surplus with any country, with car exports making up almost 30% of all shipments to the U.S.

Taiwan's exports to the United States in the first quarter of 2024 hit a record high of $24.6 billion, increasing 57.9% compared with the same period last year, with the largest export growth stemming from information technology and audiovisual products.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's trade surplus with the U.S between January and September stands at $90 billion.

India and Japan also run trade surpluses with the U.S., with Japan's surplus remaining relatively stable and India's increasing moderately in recent years, said Goldman Sachs.

Going forward, these Asian trading partners might try to lower these surpluses and "deflect attention" via various means, such as shifting imports toward the U.S. where possible, Tilton expects.

"Trade policy is where Mr Trump is likely to be most consequential for Emerging Asia in his second term as U.S. president," Barclays Bank analysts wrote in a note dated Friday.

Trump's proposed tariffs are most likely to inflict "greater pain" on more open economies in the region, with Taiwan more exposed to that threat than Korea or Singapore, the bank's economists led by Brian Tan wrote.

"We see Thailand and Malaysia in the middle, with Thailand estimated to take a slightly larger hit," the note added.

U.S. data shows that the U.S. trade deficit with China narrowed to $279.11 billion in 2023, from $346.83 billion in 2016.

Although U.S. trade with China dwindled following the implementation of tariffs in the first Trump administration, trade volumes were channeled to third countries instead such as Vietnam, Mexico, Indonesia and Taiwan instead, Mari Pangestu, former minister of trade in Indonesia, said last Thursday.

"But if you look at the supply chain, actually most of the components are still coming from China. We call it lengthening the supply chain. So in Trump 2.0, two things will happen. He will start noticing that [trade] is still going to China," she said during the FT Commodities Asia Summit held in Singapore following the announcement of Trump's victory.

"This is going to increase protection. Not just towards China, but to countries that have bilateral deficits with the U.S.," Pangestu said.

Regardless of tariffs, Goldman still expects continued pressure for the relocation of certain supply chains from China to Southeast Asia, India or Mexico in particular.

U.S. President-elect Trump has announced his intention to impose a blanket tariff ranging from 10% to 20% on all imports, along with additional tariffs of 60% to 100% on products imported from China. Goldman expects the U.S. to impose additional tariffs averaging 20% on Chinese products in the first half of 2025.


Massive search operation for terrorists continues in Kishtwar's forests A massive search operation continued on Monday in the forests of Jammu & Kashmirs Kishtwar district to trace the terrorists responsible for the killing of a para commando during a gunfight in the Keshwan area on Sunday. Security forces continued the search operation in the densely forested Keshwan area of Kishtwar a day after a JCO of the elite Para Commando force of the army was killed in a gunfight with terrorists hiding in the area.



The CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) has been going on for over four days now. The security forces are trying to trace the killers of two civilians, who were abducted from Ohli village and then murdered brutally in the forest area.



Sundays encounter broke out when joint search parties of the army and police intercepted the terrorists around 11 a.m. in the Keshwan forest area.



Fierce firing exchanges had continued for over four hours. During this gunfight, a JCO, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of the Armys 2 Para was killed and three other soldiers were injured, officials said adding that after this contact, no fresh contact with the terrorists was established.



Three to four terrorists responsible for the killings of two village defence guards (VDGs) are still holed up in the area and a massive search operation is underway to neutralise them," officials added.



Thick foliage and the topography of the area pose a challenge for the security forces, who are relentlessly chasing the terrorists to hunt them down, officials added.



Hundreds of people had attended the funeral of the two slain VDGs, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, and a complete protest shutdown was observed in Kishtwar town.



Foreign mercenaries have been active in the hilly areas of Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua and Udhampur dustricts of Jammu division for the last few months, posing serious challenges to the security forces.



The tactics of these terrorists have been to carry out sly attacks against army, security forces, police and civilians and then disappear into densely forested areas of these districts.




A Colorado mining company is at the frontlines in the battle over uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. The outcome of that battle offers all kinds of implications for Americans  jobs, energy, the environment, the economy, national security.
Innovasis is a top medical device company focusing on spinal implants. Established in 2006, it designs and manufactures ground-breaking implants that help surgeons treat spinal problems. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Innovasis supports doctors across the United States with its unique spine care solutions. Innovasis believes in improving patient care and offers the widest selection of bioactive implants for spine surgeries, making it stand out among the nearly 400 companies in the field.

Innovasis at a Glance

Innovasis was founded in 2006 with a goal to improve the lives of patients who suffer from spine issues like deformities, degenerative conditions, trauma, and tumors. With devoted and loyal employees, the company combines research, development, and manufacturing expertise to bring advanced spinal implants to the market. Innovasis stands out because of its wide range of bioactive implants designed to support bone fusion. These implants may help patients recover and return to their everyday lives.

Comprehensive Care for Every Spine

Innovasis provides a full range of spinal products. These include implants and instruments that orthopedic surgeons use in surgeries to treat spine issues from the neck to the lower back, as well as cranial fractures and tumor removal. The main goal of these implants is to restore the spine's mechanical and neurological function.

Bioactive implants are a key focus for Innovasis. These implants are unique because they support bone fusion, which is critical for long-term spinal health. When bones in the spine fuse properly, they create a stable structure that can relieve chronic pain and improve movement. Innovasis believes that bioactive implants are the future of spinal surgery, and it has designed its products to provide better patient outcomes.

A Unique Approach to Better Outcomes

Innovasis is more than just a company that sells products. It aims to support surgeons and healthcare providers with training, customer service, and expert knowledge. This obligation to service helps Innovasis build strong partnerships with surgeons and distributors.

One of the main ways Innovasis shows dedication is through its Biobase data registry. This independent registry tracks the performance and effectiveness of Innovasis implants, helping the company continuously improve its products. With over 3,000 patients enrolled, the Biobase registry provides valuable data that supports the safety and success of Innovasis implants. The registry also gives doctors and patients extra confidence in the implants' effectiveness, as real-world results back the data.

Advancing Spine Health Through Innovation

Innovasis is leading the way in spinal health with a passion for high-quality implants, unique bioactive technology, and support for surgeons. By focusing on data-backed results and continuous product development, Innovasis is transforming how spine conditions are treated, enabling patients to experience improved mobility and reduced pain. Innovasis is well-positioned to shape the future of spinal surgery, providing solutions that will enhance lives and set new standards in the medical device industry.
I dont know how many years on this Earth I got left. Im gonna get real weird with it  these guys, probably

Though Charlie, Dee, Mac, Dennis and Frank are some of the most conniving, scheming and selfish people in their fictitious version of Philadelphia, theres one superlative the Paddys Pub crew probably cant claim: Being the weirdest folks in the greater Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia universe.

The debate on the series strangest character began last week when Additional_Tax_475 took to Reddit with a question for their fellow Sunny fanatics: Who is the weirdest character on the long-running sitcom?

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Much like any other contest, fans were largely split on which role deserved the not-so-coveted title. While several cited Gail the Snail, Franks fake son Franquito, Artemis and the famously incestuous McPoyle clan as prime contenders, others named the cat-identifying Maureen Ponderosa as the one to beat.

Every iteration of Maureen Ponderosa was better than the last, wrote Bulky-Key6735, before commending actress Catherine Reitman on her portrayal of the cat/woman incarnate.

Maureen, Id have said the McPoyles usually, but she was willing to marry one and also turned herself into a god damned cat, added JacedFaced, while Dustmopper simply opted to quote her brother, Bill Ponderosa from Season 12s Making Dennis Reynolds a Murderer.

Ever seen a grown woman take a dump in a sandbox? they wrote, recalling his iconic line.

But to Merijeek2, these side characters respective strangeness fails to hold a candle to the series actual resident weirdo: none other than the gangs own Frank Reynolds.

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He doesnt need to be surrounded by any of this, but hes there because he WANTS to be, they observed of the ultra-wealthy Sunny patriarch, who famously subjected himself to squalor, an unheated apartment and, of course, a poop-filled bed.

He did basically say it himself: I dont know how many years on this Earth I got left. Im gonna get real weird with it.
Although it happened two and a half years ago, it still generates anxiety and restlessness to remember it, is how Goncal Badenes, CIO of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), feels about the ransomware attack carried out by the PYSA cybercriminal group in 2021 against the university.

As it often happens on these occasions, the cyber incident took place over the long weekend for Spains National Day on 12 October. They always act when they think you are weaker, Badenes said during a presentation earlier this year at Dell Technologies World in Las Vegas.

On the day it got hit with ransomware, UABs detection and continuity system sounded the alarms after finding that, one by one, the Universitys systems were beginning crash. The personnel in charge called Badenes and UABs internal security committee to alert them of the situation. From that first minute, all efforts were aimed at understanding what happened, how it happened, and what must be done to recover.
Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Donald Trumps housing proposals are vague and sometimes nonsensical. During the course of his 2024 campaign, he talked about deregulation, cutting taxes, building on federal land, and cutting mortgage rates (which the president doesnt control). He also said that hed clear up the housing crisis by deporting immigrants  an idea that, in addition to its obvious malice and the fact that the crisis predates the most recent immigration surge, has been widely debunked as a potential solution by housing experts, who pointed out that immigrants dont only live in housing but also build a lot of it.

But come January, he will reclaim the Oval Office and, with it, the nations housing crisis. So what will actually happen when Trump assumes the presidency for the second time? We talked to Matthew Murphy, the executive director of NYUs Furman Center, to try to make sense of what we could.

What do you think Trump will actually try to do? While its difficult to pin down what his housing policy is going to be, there are a few areas we can look to for clues: his goals during his first term, his broader vision of slashing bureaucracy, and Project 2025. Even though hes distanced himself from Project 2025, the housing section was written by Ben Carson, the HUD secretary he appointed.

What are some of the big things that happened last time?

One of the largest things was with Section 8  they proposed a rule change where you could take away voucher funding if there was a noncitizen in the household; for example, if there is a woman whos a citizen with a Section 8 voucher, but her nephew, whos not a citizen, is living with her. Only citizens are eligible for Section 8, anyway, but they really tried to limit it. They were very focused on how immigrants use public-housing vouchers and federal funding. You can see a world where they try to bring a version of this back: How do they try to change immigration policy under the guise of housing policy?

One of the other big things that really affected homeowners was capping SALT, the state- and local-tax deductions, at $10,000. [Previously, there was no cap, so Trumps tax bill ended up raising taxes on people in high-tax states like New York and New Jersey.] It was a huge hit for New Yorkers. The next time, will they eliminate it or put it back up because theyre trying to get New York seats?

Project 2025, the policy playbook created by the Heritage Foundation, focuses a lot on public housing and housing vouchers: limiting who can get them and for how long, redirecting who theyll go to, prioritizing single-family homeownership over programs for low-income renters. What do you think will happen there?

A lot of the housing policies we rely on today are either Republican-created or bipartisan. Housing vouchers are all about moving away from public housing and giving people choices. Now Section 8 serves so many elderly households, it benefits so many people in red states, and the payments go to landlords. The politics are actually in favor of not cutting Section 8. Even though Trump always proposed cutting these programs, in reality, during his first term, we didnt see a lot of budget cuts. That might change, but it might not be in his favor to cut all these programs.

What about housing supply?

Looking at Project 2025, at least, its very clear theres going to be a tension: They dont want to add housing supply to the suburbs  they explicitly say that the American Dream is to own a single-family home and that has to be preserved. And then it says we need to add housing at the high end, not the low end, of the market. And thats a tension because in order to meet the nations housing needs, youre going to have to add multifamily homes and townhomes to suburban environments. Texas and Florida, places that have added a lot of homes  those are not all single-family homes. A single-family home may be the American Dream, but if its about increasing home-ownership and building wealth, it cant all be single-family homes.

And for New York City, specifically?

It feels like it could be a pretty chaotic time and New York City will have to defend a lot of programs we rely on. The biggest risk is that we lose federal funding, which shifts the burden to the state and city to fill the gap. Examples would be cuts to HUD programs like the Community Development Block Grants, Section 8, or public housing. Also, if there are changes to the value of the low-income-housing tax credit. And then more broadly, changing public-housing and housing-choice-voucher rules in order to punish households where immigrants reside.

That sounds grim.

As a direct example, the Community Block Development Grant in New York City covered most of the funding for our housing-code-enforcement inspectors. So if that were cut, NYC would have to come up with the funds or youd have fewer inspectors responding to heat, hot water, and other complaints. Ill also be watching the CRA [the Community Reinvestment Act, which prevents redlining], and Frannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which there is some speculation he may try to privatize, and opportunity zones.

What about renters?

Besides deregulation and building on federal land, its hard to find a proposed strategy here. And federal land is his way of, is really a campaign mode, to talk about building more housing without having people say, No, dont do it here.

How does any of this get implemented?

A lot of housing policy actually ends up happening through the tax code  how they fund tax cuts or tinker with it. The last time they came up with opportunity zones that changed the way real estate could be invested in. There were also proposals to completely eliminate the low-income-housing-tax credit [which funds the construction and renovation of affordable rental housing]. But its hard to know if theyll expand it because it has broad support or eliminate it because they dont like poor people or because they want that money to pay for something else.

Some of the biggest changes will probably be to fair housing. Trump has been very unsupportive of making places disclose their segregated housing patterns  cities and towns wont have to report it. During the Obama era, HUD made a lot of data available on housing and health disparities, and cities would say, This is how were going to confront our segregation. Biden has yet to put a new fair-housing rule in place, and its something that Trump is definitely going to move away from.

What will happen with all the suburban towns fighting to avoid building affordable housing?

I think the long-standing cases will continue, but if a town in Long Island says no to an affordable-housing development that would have been for families, they wont step in to say, No, thats discriminatory. The state will still be able to step in, but it will mean losing all the resources HUD could make available  legal resources, data  and thats a big loss.

So it doesnt sound like Trump will be good for the YIMBYs.

[Laughs] I dont think so. Its not like hes embracing a libertarian vision of zoning, which is basically that we should abolish it and embrace market-based solutions. The Biden administration was working on things to incentivize innovation, giving money to people willing to take on zoning challenges. I dont think the Trump administration is going to do that.

Is there anything good, even accidentally, that might happen?

It could be good to have less bureaucracy and more delegation to the state and local level. Once we start seeing how theyre going to deal with public housing, multifamily housing, housing in tax reform, and tax vouchers, well know more.
Belt and Road meeting in Peru eyes new opportunities

Xinhua) 10:05, November 11, 2024

LIMA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- An annual meeting on pragmatic cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was held on Friday, focusing on new opportunities available under the framework.

The event attracted over 100 guests, notably officials and representatives from government, businesses, media, and think tanks from China and Peru.

At the opening ceremony, Angel Manuel Manero Campos, Peru's minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, said that investment and technology from China would bring a "huge technological revolution" to Peru and promote the development of germplasm improvement, bioplastics and animal feed, stimulate Peru's agricultural production potential and increase agricultural exports.

Victor Arroyo, general director of Policies and Regulation in Multimodal Transport, said Peru is exploring advanced technology projects such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, thanks to China's support.

He added the Chancay Port project, as a landmark project by the two countries to jointly build the Belt and Road, has not only improved Peru's logistics efficiency, but also opened up new opportunities for the country's cooperative ties with Asia and even the world. Peru and China share a vision of innovation, growth and mutual benefits.

Gonzalo Gutierrez Reinel, secretary general of the Andean Community, depicted China as an important export destination for the four Andean countries of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

He said diversified trade, technology sharing in areas such as renewable energy, and investment in emerging fields are opening new doors for cooperation between the two sides.

The annual meeting will create new cooperation opportunities, bolster social-economic benefits and improve people's lives, he added.

Felix Paz Quiroz, general director of the Peruvian news agency Andina, said the annual meeting highlighted the economic cooperation between Peruvian and Chinese enterprises under the BRI framework.

The Chancay Port project would achieve modernization while protecting the environment, Quiroz said, adding his confidence that practical collaboration between Peru and China will create a new future for both.

Jorge Chain, general manager of the Peru-China Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that China has long been Peru's main trading partner. He said the free trade agreement between the two countries has benefited Peru, while the Chancay Port project, under the BRI framework, is an example of "beneficial and mutually advantageous cooperation."

Walter Sciutto, general manager of Pluz Energia Peru S.A.A., a subsidiary of China Southern Power Grid Company Ltd., said that the two countries have deepened their Belt and Road cooperation on infrastructure and energy.

He expressed confidence that bilateral collaboration will not only improve electric services in Peru but also boost the country's economic development.

A series of pragmatic results were achieved at the meeting, including the release of a think tank report "Jointly Promoting High-Quality Development and Building an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future."

The new Spanish-language version of the Belt and Road Portal, an official site in Spanish for the BRI, was launched at the meeting, where the Latin America Liaison Office of the Belt and Road Economic Information Association was also officially inaugurated.

The event, jointly organized by the China Economic Information Service of Xinhua News Agency and Peru's Andina News Agency, was co-organized by the China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
From left: Dr. William Whitaker, Honors College dean; Madison Jackson, 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 Madison Jackson as a new Clyburn Scholar within the esteemed Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College.



A driven biology major from Orangeburg, South Carolina, Jackson exemplifies the commitment to academic rigor, leadership, and community service that the Clyburn Honors College fosters.



Madisons unwavering commitment to academic excellence and his passion for community service deeply reflect the values we hold dear at the Clyburn Honors College, said Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., Honors College dean. His dedication to supporting others through tutoring and his involvement in the broader community set him apart as a true leader. We are thrilled to watch him continue to make a positive impact within the Honors College and the SC State community.



In his role as a tutor at Moss Hall, Jackson provides valuable academic support to fellow SC State students, reinforcing his dedication to helping others succeed. He also brings experience as a private tutor for the Urban Community Education Network and Training Center, where he guided local children in mathematics, combining academic support with mentorship. This commitment to community education has helped Jackson form strong connections within the Orangeburg area.



His customer service background, cultivated over seven years with Beauty by Design, has equipped him with skills in client relations, organization, and retail management. He is a graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School and completed dual enrollment studies at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, enhancing his academic foundation as he pursues his bachelors degree in biology at SC State.



As a Clyburn Scholar, Jackson joins a distinguished cohort of students in the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, known for their dedication to academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership. Jackson is eager to make impactful contributions to both the Honors College and the larger SC State community.
Call Me MiSTER cohort at the Orangeburg County School District

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  South Carolina State Universitys Call Me MiSTER Program cohort of future educators recently attended an inspiring luncheon with Dr. Shawn Foster, superintendent of Orangeburg County School District.

Foster is a proud 2005 graduate of SC State having earned his Doctor of Education in educational leadership.

During the Oct. 24 event, Foster delivered impactful insights about navigating the teaching profession and provided advice on selecting the right school to begin ones teaching career. Foster reminded SC States pre-service educators that education is about making a meaningful difference in students' lives. His story of perseverance and passion for education resonated deeply with attendees.

This opportunity to connect with a leader like Dr. Foster was a truly empowering event, said MiSTER Samuel Mitchell, a sophomore elementary education major. His journey shows us that we, too, can have a lasting impact on the next generation.

SC State is leading the way in recruiting and training more African American male teachers for South Carolina classrooms through its Call Me MiSTER Program. The program is designed to provide a pipeline of highly effective African American male educators to South Carolinas public schools who will serve their communities as mentors and role models.

Because SC State is an institution built in part on the legacy of teacher education, the Orangeburg County School District luncheon was not only a chance for students to hear real-world experiences but also a reminder of the strong ties between SC State and the local educational community. Through such events, the Call Me MiSTER program continues its mission of developing diverse, effective educators committed to uplifting their communities.

The MiSTERs were joined at the luncheon by Dr. Costonzo Bryant-Martin, the programs campus director, and Dr. M. Evelyn Fields, dean of the SC State College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Call Me MiSTER is administered through the SC State Department of Education, a unit in the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences.

For more information regarding the Call Me MiSTER program, contact Bryant-Martin at cbryantm@scsu.edu or 803-536-8490. For more information regarding the Department of Education, contact Dr. George Johnson, at gjohns32@scsu.edu or 803-536-8793.
Visitors to San Franciscos Golden Gate Park check out the Solar Arch installation on Friday, Nov. 8. Public art organization Illuminate celebrated the opening of its latest installation on John F. Kennedy Drive near the main entrance to the park off Stanyan Street. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Solar Arch by the artist fnnch contains solar panels that provide environmentally friendly illumination. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Ben Davis, founder of public art nonprofit Illuminate, speaks at the grand opening of Solar Arch in Golden Gate Park. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Solar Arch bleeds from darkness to a variety of colors in four different two-minute sequences. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

It was just past dark when Richard Sarabia and a friend came riding their bicycles up through Golden Gate Park, only to be stunned by a pulsating rainbow of colored light that caused them to stop and dismount.

Half an hour later, they were still sitting mesmerized, oblivious to the steadily dropping temperature and a wet dew forming around them.

It sets a certain mood, and the colors bring out different emotions, said Sarabia, seated in a yellow Adirondack chair provided for gazers on Saturday, Nov. 9. Its comforting, like watching a sunset.

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But they were looking east, not west, at the archway, which spans John F. Kennedy Drive at the east end of the park. The light sculpture, which bleeds from darkness to red to orange to yellow and back again in four different two-minute sequences, was put there by Illuminate, the San Francisco nonprofit that installs large-scale public art in the city. The artwork, called Solar Arch, was created by fnnch, the artist known for painting wall murals featuring a yellow honey bear.

Fnnch at the grand opening of Solar Arch at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Friday, Nov. 08, 2024. Illuminate, the public art organization, celebrated the opening for its latest installation created by Fnnch along John F. Kennedy Drive near the main entrance to Golden Gate Park off Stanyan Street. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

This is his first light sculpture, and it opened Friday as a starting line for the Golden Mile of art installations placed along the main park thoroughfare by Illuminate in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. JFK Drive is permanently closed to automobile traffic and is evolving as a pedestrian promenade, with more than 100 yellow Adirondack chairs in various sizes marking the way. Most prominent in the Golden Mile display is the white-skinned Conservatory of Flowers, which is lit like a kaleidoscope.

This whole park is like Disneyland when you are on shrooms, said Henry Peryer, a student at the California College of the Arts who came walking through the park after dark with two friends because we know there is some dope glowing s.

Unlike Disneyland, Solar Arch is free and has an extremely low impact on its natural environment. It is 26 feet wide and 13 feet tall and composed of seven 400-watt polycarbonate panels. First unveiled at Burning Man in August, it was made available to the Golden Mile after Charles Gadekens tree leafed in light cubes was retired. With a dark spot to relight, Illuminate founder Ben Davis ran into fnnch at a party in September, and they jointly came up with the idea to bring Solar Arch to the park.

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Fnnch and his crew installed it in a day. It is on a six-month permit and is also open during daylight hours, when it serves as a signpost marked by a yellow dot beneath the arch for the Bay Area Ridge Trail, which runs through the park. It shuts off at midnight and comes on before daylight to help wake up early morning joggers. It is most dramatic before sunrise and after sunset when the LED lights go to work after storing up the energy of the sun, captured on the back side of the panels. The energy is stored in batteries hidden in the base of the arch. There is no other power source.

The inspiration is to have solar power integrated in an aesthetic way, said fnnch, 38, who is based in the Mission and attended Friday nights grand opening. One woman told me it made her feel safe going through the park at night. That was an unexpected benefit.

Solar Arch, first unveiled at Burning Man in August, was installed at Golden Gate Park in a day. It is on a six-month permit and is also open during daylight hours. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Fridays opening was attended by fans of fnnch and disciples of Illuminate, most of whom were introduced to the concept through Bay Lights, the Bay Bridge installation that has been dark for nearly two years but is set to return with twice the power early next year. According to Davis, $11 million in funding is in place, all privately raised.

Also in the planning phase is an idea to extend the Golden Mile out to the Great Highway, 2 miles of which has been made car-free by the passage of Proposition K in last weeks election.

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This weekend was the target at which the Princess of Wales had been aiming for months.

Having undertaken just three public engagements all year, due to her cancer diagnosis, along came two less than 24 hours apart.

The Princess was determined to be on parade yesterday for the most sacred day in the royal calendar, Remembrance Sunday.

Her appearance on the Foreign Office balcony for the 11am service at the Cenotaph followed Saturday night at the Royal British Legions Festival of Remembrance in the Albert Hall.

Both appearances spoke to the importance which the Royal Family attach to commemorating the Fallen.

The Princess of Wales's appearance on the Foreign Office balcony for the 11am service at the Cenotaph followed Saturday night at the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance in the Albert Hall

King Charles lays a wreath as he attends the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at The Cenotaph

The Prince of Wales during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh appeared to gently look over towards Kate as she bowed her head in remembrance

It was 52 years ago that a 23-year-old Prince Charles, then newly-commissioned into the Royal Navy, laid his first wreath at the Cenotaph.

Yesterday, he was leading the nation in remembrance, still in a Royal Navy uniform, albeit that of an Admiral of the Fleet rather than a sub-lieutenant.

Though he has resumed his cancer treatment since returning from his Pacific tour, this weekend was of the highest importance to him, too.

It was one of the reasons why the Queen did not leave her Wiltshire sickbed where she is recovering from a chest infection. Aside from following her doctors advice, she was keen to avoid passing on any germs to the more vulnerable members of the family.

The daughter of a double-winner of the Military Cross (and Colonel-in-Chief of several regiments including her late fathers Royal Lancers), she missed yesterday with heavy heart.

The Princess appeared emotional as she closed her eyes in remembrance while the nation fell silent

The mother-of-three wore her brunette locks neatly tied up into a chic black fascinator with feathered detail and a netted veil

The Princess of Wales appeared to bite back tears in an emotional moment as she undertook her second engagement in two days

After laying his wreath, the King was followed by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal. Many cameras were glued to the centre balcony, shared by the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Princess looked, by turn, happy to be there as she chatted beforehand, and genuinely moved as the service followed the time-honoured formalities.

At the end, both women turned to leave and the Duchess put an after you hand on her shoulder, a gentle recognition of the correct order of precedence.

This was a challenging occasion for both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

True, neither had to say a word or do much beyond laying a wreath, but the Cenotaph is a place where the tiniest error has a long tail. Former Labour leader Michael Foot never recovered from the roasting he received in 1981 for wearing a green coat which The Sun branded a donkey jacket.

Jeremy Corbyns stiff-necked bowing problem got him into trouble, too.

Sir Keir Starmer, leading the political contingent for the first time, moved slowly, carefully, respectfully. Known for her more forthright style, the new Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, had made the bold choice of high heels.

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph

The King salutes after laying a wreath at the Cenotaph during the National Service of Remembrance

King Charles, the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal join veterans and dignitaries at the Cenotaph

This was a high-stakes move given the inherent perils of reversing backwards down steps on live television.

Those of a certain age will remember another leader of the Opposition, Neil Kinnock, who took a career-defining tumble in front of the cameras on Brighton beach. In the event, Mrs Badenoch calmly walked the walk.

Behind them stood all the surviving ex-PMs  and what a collection we now have.

There are eight of them, no less. Rishi Sunak, I noted, was the only one coatless against the elements. It made for a crowded spouses balcony. Just as well that three wives were absent since the spaceship span of Lady Starmers splendid hat took up at least two places.

Way over to one side, on an outer balcony, I spotted a sombre Nigel Farage, leader of Reform, standing amid what turned out to be a delegation from Quebec.

Having clocked up 4.1 million votes, some might have expected him to be standing on parade alongside the leader of the Lib Dems (3.5 million), the SNP (725,000), Plaid Cymru (195,000) and the DUP (172,000).

A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, which organises the event, explained that, by a longstanding convention, only parties with six or more MPs are invited on parade, and Mr Farage has five.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lays a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph

Former Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony

The DCMS said there was now an exception to that rule to accommodate the DUP (five MPs) and Plaid (four), to ensure all four constituent parts of the UK can be represented.

Afterwards, Mr Farage told me: People are starting to ask what is going on. I am not going to make a fuss about this but some of my supporters are.

The Bishop of Londons service concluded with the national anthem  during which Stephen Flynn, Westminster leader of the SNP, pointedly clenched his teeth.

Afterwards, the VIPs made way for the great Royal British Legion parade.

Among the 10,000 veterans taking part, there were a gallant handful from the Second World War, all with a D-Day connection.

Nigel Farage stands from the balcony during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph

Princess Kate is in line to carry out her second consecutive day of royal duties for the first time since it was revealed earlier this year she was being treated for cancer

The Princess Royal and The Duke of Edinburgh joined their family in the gesture of respect, saluting towards the cenotaph

Kate, 42, wore Bahrain Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, from the late Queen Elizabeth's private collection, which were also worn by the late Princess Diana in 1982

Six were marching (in wheelchairs) with the Spirit of Normandy Trust, including Stan Ford. He was still wearing the same metal leg callipers he has worn since the day he was blasted over the side by the torpedo which sank HMS Fratton, killing 31 shipmates whom he has never forgotten.

Here, too, was Joe Randall of the RAF, who landed with 5022 Squadron to build frontline airfields, often under enemy fire.

He had come yesterday because he still thinks about it all day long, especially his pal Richard Mac McCristal, killed when they were strafed by an Me109 near Eindhoven.

Leading the parade, in honour of their 360th anniversary, were the Royal Marines. Among them was a member of the Government, Al Carns, the veterans minister.

Quite right, too, given that as Lt-Col Carns, he won the Military Cross in Afghanistan in 2011.

Yesterday also saw the first appearance of a newly-formed outfit, the UK Afghanistan Veterans, 62 of them all sporting their trademark sand-coloured scarf.

The smallest contingent, of just one, was the HMS Gloucester Survivors Association.

The prize for best marching  even slicker than the old boys of the Foot Guards  goes to the Harrier Force Association.

Kemi Badenoch and Prime Minister Keir Starmer carry wreaths to lay at The Cenotaph

Poppy wreaths have been carried for the Royal British Legions march past the Cenotaph

Crowds flocked to the centre of the capital to honour Britain's war dead on Sunday

People gathered near the Monument to the Women of World War II in London

Wreaths left after the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London

The oldest on parade was the indefatigable Christian Lamb, 104, leading a 100-strong detachment from the Association of Wrens. Having joined up at the start of the war (she survived several close shaves in the Blitz), she went on to help draw up plans for D-Day.

With the trademark modesty of her generation, she had never marched at the Cenotaph until yesterday, thinking that others were more deserving.

The youngest, meanwhile, were the detachment from Scottys Little Soldiers, the inspirational organisation for Forces children who have lost a parent.

It was set up by the widow of Corporal Lee Scott, killed in Afghanistan in 2009, and it has gone on to help hundreds of grieving children find that they are not alone. As usual, all were in black and bright yellow scarves (the colours of Lees unit, the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment but, as Nikki Scott explained, very useful for keeping an eye on them all). They were also fortified by the large bag of sweets sent to each of them by global ambassador Prince Harry.

Carrying their wreath yesterday was Ceri Pallett, 14, daughter of RAF Sergeant Oliver Pallett, who died in 2020. Its the biggest honour to be here thinking of my Dad, said her sister, Lexie, 16.

Their mother, Sharon, told me how Scottys has been a godsend for her and for so many families.

One or two of its little soldiers have now grown up and gone on to be proper big soldiers.

All the sadder to hear that, for the first time since it began, the charity can no longer afford its annual festival (scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk for those minded to help).

And so the generational baton gradually moves on. Our duty to remember does not.
Even in Stalin's Russia, the rush to judgment was less ruthless and immediate than in today's British universities.

In the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe under Communism, there was at least some kind of procedure, a show trial process to be followed, before sentence was pronounced.

Those under suspicion could hope for the benefit of a little doubt when their lives were on the brink of ruination.

No such benefit exists in our own academic culture now. For undergraduates in Woke Britain, to be accused is to be instantly guilty. And to be guilty means social oblivion, ostracism... cancellation.

The tragic and needless death of 20-year-old Alexander Rogers this year is bitter proof of this. Alexander was a third-year undergraduate at Corpus Christi College at Oxford, studying materials science at one of the world's most prestigious institutions.

Alexander Rogers (pictured), 20, was a third-year undergraduate at Corpus Christi College at Oxford

Alexander Rogers (pictured) jumped into the River Thames at Donnington Bridge and died of serious head injuries

An inquest last week heard he died by suicide in January from a traumatic head injury after he threw himself from a bridge into the Thames. Students reported that he had been distraught the previous day following an allegation by a young woman.

This accusation was simply that the woman felt 'discomfort' over a sexual encounter. Whether this 'discomfort' was regret and embarrassment, or something else, the inquest wasn't told. There was no suggestion of any misdemeanour.

Yet Alexander's peers took it upon themselves to act as his judge and jury. They told him he had 'messed up' and that they needed to dissociate themselves from him. The following day he killed himself.

The coroner, Nicholas Graham, found that the college was dogged by 'a form of cancel culture, involving the exclusion of students from social circles based on allegations of misconduct, often without due process or a fair hearing'.

Though these persecutions are couched in the jargon of 'kindness' and 'social justice', there is nothing kind or just about them, and the young people brandishing their moral pitchforks have no idea of the toxic consequences of their behaviour.

In most cases, thankfully, those consequences are not fatal. But as an academic, I frequently hear stories that shock me, even though I grew up on the Communist side of the post-war Iron Curtain.

One young woman, for instance, who attended an Oxbridge party was accused of 'cultural appropriation' for wearing a Japanese kimono. Her punishment was to be shunned by everyone she knew for weeks.

The same fate was suffered by a student who brought back a Tibetan prayer mat from gap-year travels in the Himalayas. This souvenir was proudly displayed on a wall in the halls of residence, until another student condemned it as 'imperialist appropriation'. Result: Cancellation for its owner.

Both these supposed faux pas are vanishingly trivial, but there exists no defence. To dispute the charges is to compound the offence. Fighting back against ridiculous accusations of racism is automatically 'racist'. Anyone who offers support, or merely stays in contact with the accused, is guilty by association.

That association does not have to be physical. In fact, it's even more damning to be linked online. Cancellation means an exodus of online 'friends' and social media followers.

Alexander Rogers was a Corpus Christi College (pictured) student at Oxford University

According to one anecdote reported at the weekend, an Oxford student found himself deserted by everyone he knew after an entirely false allegation of racism. Months later, during the summer holidays, one acquaintance did take the bold step of going for a drink with him  and was mightily relieved when the man who'd been ostracised told him that he would not be mentioning their encounter on Instagram.

Some of the offences that lead to cancellation are so petty they'd be laughable, if it weren't for the fact that the punishment is anything but comical. A student found himself frozen out by his peers after trying to organise a barbecue on a Meat-Free Monday. Another, who identified as a witch, attempted to have her whole college cancelled for hosting a party on the summer solstice: This, she said, was a gross offence to her pagan religion.

Others are simply nightmarish. One young man entered into a 'situationship'  Generation Z's term for a no-strings-attached sexual relationship. When it ended, he was accused of 'emotional manipulation' by the woman and universally shunned without hope of appeal.

After a year away from Oxbridge, studying in Europe, he returned to find the charges had been completely forgotten. The students had moved on to other dramas.

This is typical of a phenomenon that sociologists call 'virtue hoarding'. It's not enough to flaunt your political correctness once or twice: Virtue has to be signalled constantly. That means a succession of fresh victims for cancellation.

Not so long ago, one signifier of virtue was to be a staunch and loyal friend no matter what. There was a nobility in maintaining friendship with a member of your social circle who was facing the condemnation of the world, even when they were found guilty. To back away was seen as shallow, even cowardly.

The opposite is now true. Never in our lifetimes has conformism been so institutionalised. It has become a kind of religion.

This attitude begins in schools and is intensified during university. But because college years are the time when most young people are introduced to the twin perils of sex and drinking, some will inevitably fall foul of the conformist edicts.

To reverse this is very difficult. We need a return to the values of free thought and individual rights, but this will not happen without a major cultural shift. One step in the right direction would be for schools to teach children the importance of taking freedom seriously, and for the curriculum to emphasise the need for tolerance.

But while social media preaches the opposite, that every accusation is a guilty verdict, we will continue to see tragic consequences.

Frank Furedi is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent
The festive ad caused a stir online after it was released last week

As festive cheer begins to spread across the nation, viewers are eagerly gathering around the TV to watch the Christmas adverts from the UK's favourite retailers - but some people watching the Lidl offering have been left baffled by the uncanny likeness one character bears to a UK royal.

One of the adorable children in the advert has been compared to nine-year-old Princess Charlotte after viewers noticed her resemblance to the daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The budget supermarket's ad was directed by Oscar-winner Tom Hooper, who already has a regal connection having directed 2010's The King's Speech. It follows the heartwarming tale of a little girl called Emma.

In the film, titled A Magical Christmas, Emma helps an old lady collect her groceries after they spill all over a snow-laden sidewalk.

The lady rewards her simple act of kindness by giving Emma a pair of magical bells with the power to make her siblings' wishes - from sweet treats to stuffed toys - come true.

But, in the true spirit of Christmas, the heroine of Lidl's ad makes a wish to send one of her own presents - a warm beanie - to the young boy she'd noticed earlier in the day.

Lidl released its Christmas advert last week. Directed by Oscar-winner Tom Hooper, it follows the story of a little girl called Emma making a wish to share her presents with another child

The boy was too cold to join the other children playing in the snow but, wearing Emma's gift, he returns the following day - ready for a sleigh ride with Emma.

Although they were meant to be focused on the festive message behind Lidl's ad - and the nod to their annual Toy Bank scheme - viewers could not help but compare the child actor who plays Emma to Princess Charlotte.

One baffled watcher said: 'The girl in this advert looks like Princess Charlotte.'

Another pointed out the same thing on X and tweeted: 'Doesn't the girl in this year's Lidl Christmas ad look like the lovely Princess Charlotte and, of course, our late Queen Elizabeth II too?'

A third agreed and said: 'She is the double of the Princess!'

While Lidl's budget may not have stretched far enough to cast the real Princess Charlotte, they were lucky enough to get Riona Gallagher onboard.

The ten-year-old from Country Antrim in Northern Ireland has been acting since she was seven and has bagged roles in TV, film as well as on-stage.

Riona told MailOnline: 'I like that people think I look like Princess Charlotte because she is very pretty and she is a princess!

'It's a nice thing for people to say.'

In a strange coincidence, she points out that her name - Riona - is derived from the Gaelic word rona, meaning queen.

Lidl Lookalike! Royal fans have compared Lidl's star actor Riona Gallagher, ten, to Princess Charlotte, nine

Riona is from Country Antrim in Northern Ireland and has been acting since she was seven

In a strange coincidence, Riona's name is derived from the Gaelic word rona, meaning queen

Although they were meant to be focused on the festive message behind Lidl's ad, viewers could not help but compare the child actor who plays Emma to Princess Charlotte

Riona's mother is delighted that people are comparing her daughter to the princess - a resemblance she has been pointing out for years.

Asked if she would consider playing Princess Charlotte in a TV series or film, Riona said: 'Definitely! I would love to get to play a princess - that would be so much fun!

'Maybe I'd get to go in a palace!'

Princess Charlotte of Wales was born on May 2, 2015 - making her nine years old.

The second child and only daughter of the Prince, 42, and Princess of Wales, also 42, Charlotte has already won the hearts of royal fans across the country.

With her cheeky yet sassy personality, the young princess has often been seen keeping her brothers in line, playfully cringing at her parents' public displays of affection, and stylishly coordinating outfits with her most fashionable relatives

Princess Charlotte of Wales was born on May 2, 2015 - making her nine years old

Charlotte has already won the hearts of royal fans across the country. Pictured: The princess attends Trooping the Colour in 2023 with her older brother Prince George (left) and younger brother Prince Louis (centre)

In June, Princess Charlotte appeared to take her role as an older sister very seriously at the Trooping the Colour.

During the parade, she was spotted telling her younger brother Prince Louis off, not once, but twice during the annual celebration.

The sisterly moment led royal fans to liken the young Princess to her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth as they compared it to an occasion when the monarch told off her grandson Prince William in 2016.

A TikTok page even posted a video comparing the two moments with enthusiasts saying that Charlotte is the 'new Queen' and that she keeps her siblings grounded as the late Queen Elizabeth once did.

Princess Charlotte is currently third in line to the throne.
Gen Z women are becoming victims of vicious cyber attacks with disgusting trolls telling them 'your body, my choice,' in the wake of the US Presidential election.

US women have reported men are writing 'your body, my choice', as well as threats of rape and assault on their social media posts.

It follows a tweet made by far-right podcaster Nick Fuentes who wrote: 'Your body, my choice. Forever.'

This quickly emboldened hundreds of other accounts to make the same comments - with women saying they are also getting rape threats from men.

Camila Guadarrama, from Atlanta, Georgia, revealed she had to delete one of her videos because men were messaging her saying they can't wait until she 'gets raped' and 'your body, my choice.'

Advocate for women's healing and liberation, Hannah Cor, took to TikTok to say: 'Your body. Our choice' and 'We own your body now' comments are starting to pour in.

In the wake of the former president's shocking political comeback, US women have reported men are writing 'your body, my choice', as well as threats of rape and assault on their social media posts

Elsewhere TikToker Emily Rose called out a man who wrote the insensitive term 'your body, my choice' under one of her posts, only to be met with a slew of men commenting the same under her video

Mia took to her TikTok @burgerwizard500 to say men aren't even trying to hide their hatred of woman anymore

'Men no longer have or be quiet in their hatred for women. They can hate us out loud and lose nothing.'

The slogan 'my body, my choice' was originally popularised by feminists defending reproductive choices as rights in the Sixties.

However, since Donald Trump's reelection women are taking to social media to share the similar vile remarks they have received.

Meanwhile American gamer and influencer Cahla, from who goes by the Cahlaflour online, took to X to say she's glad to have an IUD [birth control device] fitted right now.

However she was met with a vile comment from a male saying: 'Don't worry, we'll just rape through the IUD'.

Sharing the interaction, she said: 'As someone with some trauma in this department, I'm horrifically saddened by all of the emboldened men on social media right now.

'Seeing threats like this and "Your body, MY choice" over and over on posts, TikToks, etc... My heart aches.'

Elsewhere TikToker Emily Rose called out a man who wrote the insensitive term 'your body, my choice' under one of her posts, only to be met with a slew of men commenting the same under her video.

Hard right podcaster Nick Fuentes felt emboldened enough to coin the insensitive phrase, and it appears impressionable boys are spewing the vile phrase all over social media

Meanwhile American gamer and influencer Cahla, from who goes by the Cahlaflour online, took to X to say she's glad to have an IUD [birth control device] fitted right now. However she was met with a vile comment from a male saying: 'Don't worry, we'll just rape through the IUD'

Men commented under Emily Rose's video where she called out another man for saying the insensitive term

During his 2016 campaign, Trump pledged to appoint Supreme Court justices who could help overturn Roe v. Wade.

In 2022, America's top court overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling which had granted women the right to an abortion up until the point of foetal viability, which is about 24 weeks.

More than a dozen states have enacted abortion limits since Roe was overturned, and while abortion remains legal in many states, some Democrats worry that the Trump and JD Vance administration could see a federal ban on the table.

Last year, Trump took credit for the elimination of Roe v. Wade, embracing his role in selecting the Supreme Court justices who were instrumental in ending the half-century precedent that protected abortion rights nationwide.

'After 50 years of failure, with nobody coming even close, I was able to kill Roe v. Wade, much to the 'shock' of everyone,' Trump said on social media.

During the final stages of his campaign, Trump said he thought states should determine their own abortion policies.

However he signalled support for a nationwide ban on abortions after 15 weeks gestation and as president, he supported a House bill that would have banned abortion nationwide after 20 weeks.
It's 9am. I'm at my desk, coffee in hand and about to start a tedious Teams meeting, when my mobile pings to tell me I have a WhatsApp message.

'Hello, darling! Fancy lunch today? There's a cute new place on the High Street I'm dying to try!' It's from my friend Liz, who is texting from bed as usual, and who seems to have forgotten I have a job.

But then her life is so different to mine.

Although she's only just 60, like me, she's been gloriously retired for ten years, ever since she inherited the proceeds of a large house and a lucrative portfolio of shares from her late father. While I'm in meetings, fretting about how on earth I will be able to help my son with his university expenses and dreading my shabby car's MOT, she likes to spend her days pottering around our prosperous suburb's chi-chi shops, getting her hair and nails done, doing Pilates with her personal trainer or planning yet another holiday.

To add to my gloom, another message comes through on a group chat. Alison wants our opinion on a house in France she is considering as a second home  'so lovely to have a little bolthole'  after inheriting a similarly large chunk of cash from her mother two years ago.

The joy of pretending to be cool with friends' new-found wealth - before keeping up with dinners and the odd trip to the theatre maxes out the credit card

I love my friends. But, I admit it, I'm also gnawingly, soul-destroyingly envious of them. And I'm afraid it's beginning to sour our friendships.

You see, until a few years ago, we were all pretty much in the same boat, financially. None of us were particular high-flyers, we'd gone to state schools, most of us had been to university, which is where I met Liz and Alison, and were lucky enough to find interesting, if not terribly lucrative, middle class jobs.

My friends variously worked in publishing, as a graphic designer and in charity fundraising. Ironically, out of all of us, I probably had the biggest career. I was working in advertising at a big agency when my daughter, my second child who is now in her late 20s, was born with additional needs. Deciding to go freelance made sense for my family, if not financially, and as well as the pay cheque, it also meant goodbye to my final-salary pension.

When we were younger my friends, like me, were living in modest homes and more likely to holiday in Wales in a damp cottage than in the Med. I felt as though we were more or less in the same boat.

What I hadn't reckoned on was that they were born middle class, and I, frankly, wasn't. I grew up poor on a council estate. My parents split in my teens and my dad moved in with his dad in his council house and my mum stayed in our flat, where she still lives.

My husband also grew up on a council estate, moving from Manchester to London to pursue a music career. When that didn't take off, he lost all ambition and worked part time giving music lessons to children. This seemed fine when I was earning a good salary, and our friends thought he was marvellous. But it is just another factor in our dismal financial position today.

So, I'll just soldier on, making excuses when I can't afford things, trying to swallow my bile and hoping they don't notice

As the years passed, more and more of us sadly lost our parents. I was one of the first. My father had a heart attack when I was 44. He limped on for a while, then succumbed to complications, leaving me with a houseful of two generations of hoarded tat and, touchingly, just enough savings to cover his funeral.

Liz's widowed father then passed away, a year after her mother. We all rallied round, just as my friends had rallied round for me. But I confess to thinking that at least her bereavement had a silver lining. Liz's father had worked in finance and now, as an only child, Liz was so wealthy she would never need to work again  so she didn't.

Then my friend Alison's divorced mother passed away, leaving her estate to Alison and her brother. She hadn't seemed wealthy, but the value of her London house, bought on a teacher's salary in the 1970s, was now worth a couple of million.

Even though inheritance tax took a bite out of the estate, Alison was still set for life. But what has stung even more is the way another friend, Helen, has been able to set her children up for life.

Helen's father split from her mother when she was young, and we often commiserated about being the children of warring divorced parents. He set up home in the US with his younger mistress and barely ever saw his daughter, which is why I never realised quite how wealthy he was until he died.

Over tea in her perfectly ordinary kitchen a year ago, Helen mentioned that, even though he had left his money to be shared with his four children, there would still be enough, she said happily, to ensure her three adult sons could now buy flats of their own.

Don't get me wrong, the boys are all intelligent, decent and successful, and I shouldn't begrudge them a leg-up in this property market. But I couldn't help comparing their good fortune with the position of my own children. My daughter, who still lives with us, will need lifelong care, meaning we can't sell our house in Kent and downsize. And there's no other way I could dream of setting up our son with property.

When Helen complained at length about how long it was taking to untangle her father's affairs in America, my tea turned to ashes in my mouth. I made my excuses, left and haven't returned her texts. I know it's horribly unreasonable. She hasn't done anything wrong, but I am struggling to deal with my resentment.

What's been truly dispiriting is realising that my belief that I had 'levelled up' and become as middle class as my friends was only ever an illusion. Or should I say, a delusion. When we moaned together about our mortgages and bills, they always had a comforting buffer against being poor in their old age that I wouldn't have. I realise that I was only ever middle class in the most superficial, precarious way. And frankly, it's eating me alive.

I pretend to be cool with their new-found wealth and they don't realise that keeping up with dinners and the odd trip to the races or the theatre has maxed out my credit card. But recently Alison said something that made me realise she and Liz discuss their investments together, which they never do in front of me. I suppose they are being sensitive, but again, it makes me feel as if I no longer belong in their gang.

I also wonder if they pity me. Alison is keen to tell me that I will be able to visit the house in France 'whenever you like', which is undeniably kind, but it makes me feel like a poor relation in a Jane Austen novel. And Liz increasingly announces 'my treat!' when suggesting we go out, which, again, is incredibly kind of her, but it just emphasises how different our lives are now.

Because I need to work while they are comfortably retired, they can meet up when I can't. I am so terrified about my future that I try not to think about it. With the state pension being so pitiful, I need to work until my coffin lid is firmly nailed down. But I worry I'm missing out on jobs due to ageism and I know that will probably only get worse. Do I really want to be competing with bright young things in their 30s when I'm pushing 70?

I have started thinking that I might apply to work on the till at our local Waitrose in a couple of years. What's holding me back is thinking about the awkwardness of scanning Helen's champagne and Charlie Bingham dinners.

My other worry about how poor I will be when I can't work anymore is that, if can't keep up with their lifestyles, will the gap between us grow into a chasm?

I tell myself that they have paid a high price for their money, having lost one or both parents  while I still have my increasingly frail mother  that there are many people much worse off than I am, and that nobody is entitled to an inheritance. But it doesn't really work. I sometimes think about being honest about my feelings, but I would hate to make them feel guilty or uncomfortable or, even think I'm after a handout, which would be utterly humiliating. So, I'll just soldier on, making excuses when I can't afford things, trying to swallow my bile and hoping they don't notice.

Names have been changed
Aussie brand Zimmermann relocated its flagship store in Soho, New York

Beloved Australian fashion label Zimmermann has shocked fans with the closure of a popular store.

The brand's previous store down Mercer Street in Soho, New York, has been taken over by London clothing brand Odd Muse, which launched its first American pop-up store on November 10.

Fans grew worrisome over the future of the popular Aussie label in America and questioned if it was a sign of dire straits.

Shoppers jumped to conclusions after watching the installation of the new Odd Muse sign cover an old Zimmermann sign on a TikTok livestream.

Zimmermann opened its first flagship store at 87 Mercer Street in 2012 but 12 months later relocated up the road to a larger location at 55 Mercer Street.

The brand moved for a third time earlier this year in August and relocated around the corner into a larger restored 1800s building at 39 Greene Street - showing no signs of financial strain.

'New York is a special place to us; it has an incredible creative energy about it. The concentration of architecture, fashion and art in Soho continues to make it one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city for me,' Nicky Zimmermann, Creative Director and Co-Founder said.

'Our Greene Street flagship is the perfect intersection of what we look for in a location: structural character and charm represent the heritage of the area, while the interior is our playground to design an immersive experience for our clients.'

Zimmermann had Aussie fans worried about the future of its stores in America

Shoppers jumped to conclusions after watching the installation of the Odd Muse sign cover the old Zimmermann sign on a TikTok livestream (right)

The new store seamlessly blends elements of modern and historical aesthetics, featuring brutalist concrete windowsills, 19th-century pendant lights, and a seventies Italian timber display table.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Zimmermann for a comment.

Aussie customers aren't to blame for thinking the worst had occurred as a number of other high-end brands have also been struggling.

In September Australian fashion label Sass & Bide announced the closure of close 10 stores across the country from October 6.

The brand has been at the forefront of women's designer fashion for 25 years.

The stores impacted include Bondi, Paddington, Miranda and Chadstone in New South Wales, Rundle Street in South Australia, Doncaster and Emporium in Victoria, Karrinyup in Western Australia and Newmarket in New Zealand.

Only a selected few will remain open - including one in Victoria, one in WA and two in Queensland.

Celebrity-loved fashion brand Dion Lee also closed the doors to its Paddington store in Sydney after collapsing into liquidation owing $35million.

The high-end line was a favourite of global superstars, including Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa, and entered voluntary administration in May after a partnership deal collapsed.

From October 6, 10 Sass & Bide stores across Australia and New Zealand will close. The Aussie brand's managing director Paula Mackenzie confirmed the unexpected news earlier this year

On August 29 creditors opted to put the business into liquidation after receiving no 'acceptable' offers to buy out the brand.

The announcement came as a shock to fans and the second store in Sydney's Strand Arcade is also expected to shut this month.

Antony Resnick, a liquidator from insolvency firm dVT Group, was appointed as the administrator for the brand.

'The second creditors meeting heard that while there had been interest from potential buyers of the brand no acceptable offer was as yet forthcoming,' the liquidators said in a statement to news.com.au.

Major clothing label Cue Clothing Co, reportedly ended their partnership agreement with Dion Lee and also cancelled their investment in the business according to The Australian.

Cue Clothing Co first became a partner with Dion Lee more than a decade ago and the company was also a shareholder in the business.
Queen Mary's fans have been left disappointed after seeing a photo of their favourite royal in Germany last week.

The 52-year-old stood gracefully beside Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria, 47, and Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 51, for the 25th anniversary of the Nordic embassy.

Princess Victoria and Princess Mette-Marit both wore dainty bow-shaped brooches for the occasion. The bow represents the 'Special Class' German Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, an honour Queen Mary is yet to receive.

Fans hoped the popular monarch would be given the bow in October, when she and King Frederik made their way to Germany as part of the accession tour.

But that was not the case, and she will have to wait for another state visit to Germany to be able to receive the prize.

It is awarded for special achievements in political, economic, cultural, intellectual or honorary fields, but the queen is not guaranteed to get one.

The special class edition of the order of the merit is only available to heads of state and their partners.

So far just 212 have been given the honour.

Photos from Queen Mary and King Frederik's recent trip to Germany have left fans disappointed

Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Princess Victoria have both been given Germany's highest honour, Queen Mary has not

Queen Mary isn't the only popular royal waiting patiently for her time.

King Frederik doesn't have the honour either, neither does Crown Princess Victoria's husband, Crown Prince Daniel.

Queen Mary has earned a long list of honours since marrying into the royal family.

Danish honours include include being Knight of the Order of the Elephant, Dame of the Royal Family Decoration of King Frederick X, Dame of the Royal Family Decoration of Queen Margrethe II and Recipient of the Homeguard Medal of Merit.

Most recently she became Commander of the order of the Dannebrog, which she was awarded on May 26.

She has international honours as well including the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown in Belgium, Member 1st Class of the Order of Stara Planina in Bulgaria and Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland.
The Princess of Wales donned Princess Diana's engagement ring in public for the first time in months at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night.

In recent appearances, Kate, 42, has worn a stunning gold 'eternity' band, thought to be a gift from the Prince of Wales and set with diamonds and sapphires, instead of her late mother-in-law's jewellery.

But for her highest-profile appearance since undergoing cancer treatment, the royal opted to wear Prince William's mother's ring, which boasts a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold.

The mother-of-three, who stepped back into the public eye to honour lost servicemen and women this weekend, wore a stylish mid-length black dress with a deep v-neck collar as she arrived at the Kensington venue with her husband.

A beaming Kate, who wore her shoulder-length hair down, also wore a pair of large drop pearl and diamond earrings once owned by Diana.

The Princess of Wales donned Princess Diana's engagement ring for the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night

Royal fans were delighted by Kate's decision to wear her engagement ring once again, with one person writing on X: 'The hair, the makeup, the iconic ring, the outfit, welcome back my favourite Princess.'

Another said: 'I think it is lovely to see the Princess of Wales and her beautiful engagement ring.'

A third enthusiastic individual added: 'The Princes of Wales looks beautiful tonight! And the ring is back!'

Princess Diana's ring was designed by the crown jeweller Garrard and inspired by the sapphire and diamond cluster brooch that was made for Prince Albert in 1840, which he went on to gift Queen Victoria as a wedding present and she wore it as her 'something blue'.

At the time, it was referred to as the 'commoner's sapphire' as the ring was available in the Garrard's catalogue, meaning that anyone could have purchased it for 47,000.

But Princess Diana loved her engagement ring so much that she continued to wear it after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996 - and it seems the Princess of Wales is just as fond of it.

Meanwhile, Princess Diana received her beautiful earrings them from Collingwood Jewellers in London as a wedding gift ahead of her marriage to Charles in 1981.

Princess Diana wore the pair on her wedding day, as part of her going away outfit.

In recent appearances, Kate, 42, has worn a stunning gold 'eternity' band, thought to be a gift from the Prince of Wales and set with diamonds and sapphires, instead of her late mother-in-law's jewellery

But for her highest-profile appearance since undergoing cancer treatment, the royal opted to wear Prince William 's mother's ring, which boasts a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold

Reaction: Royal fans were delighted by Kate's decision to wear her engagement ring once again

On Saturday, Kate's gold winged brooch also saw her paying tribute to her own side of the family.

Last year, the royal was named the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1 Queens Dragoon Guards, and the Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Air Force Coningsby.

Kate's paternal grandfather Peter Middleton served as a fighter pilot during the Second World War.

Captain Middleton died at the age of 90 just days before the Prince and Princess announced their engagement in 2010.

Footage taken outside the venue showed the Princess of Wales stepping out of the royal car with Prince William repeatedly putting his arm behind her in a gesture of support.

At last year's event, Kate wore a pearl necklace and matching earrings that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II alongside a brooch of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, to which she was appointed Colonel-in-Chief last August.

Kate was the most senior female Royal in attendance on Saturday after Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen - who is unwell with a chest infection - would not attend the event, nor the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on Sunday.

A Palace spokesperson said that while her decision to not attend is 'a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home'.

Kate's ring originally belonged to William's late mother Princess Diana and cost 28,500 in 1981

Kate also donned Diana's engagement ring, which features an oval 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold

The Duke of Kent, seen behind King Charles III, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, standing behind Princess Anne, were also spotted in the Royal Box

Kate clapped enthusiastically next to husband Prince William, with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester standing behind them

Ever on trend, Kate wore a mid-length black dress with a deep v-neck collar, accompanied by a stylish black clutch purse

His Majesty, who became Patron of the Royal British Legion earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Princess Anne arrived earlier on Saturday at the central London venue.

The Duke of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucestershire and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence were seated in the Royal Box, as those who put their lives on the line for King and Country were celebrated.

Once the event got underway, the King received a standing ovation as he took his seat, accompanied by a royal fanfare from state trumpeters of the household division.

Hosted by Adrian Lester, several British music icons took to the stage to honour the servicemen and women, including Sir Tom Jones, Alexandra Burke, Jack Savoretti and many more.
The Princess of Wales picked meaningful outfits for her two high-profile appearances this weekend.

Kate, 42, joined the Prince of Wales at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night before attending the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph.

For her two outings, the mother-of-three opted for significant pieces of jewellery - including Princess Diana's engagement ring and the Bahrain Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, from the late Queen Elizabeth II's private collection.

The royal also paid moving tribute to her great-grandmother's family by wearing three poppies on her chest at the service on Sunday (her great-grandmother's three brothers all lost their lives in the First World War).

Kate also paid tribute to her own side of the family by wearing a gold winged brooch on Saturday.

The Princess of Wales (pictured on Saturday night) picked meaningful outfits for her two high-profile appearances this weekend

Last year, the royal was named the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1 Queens Dragoon Guards, and the Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Air Force Coningsby.

Kate's paternal grandfather Captain Peter Middleton served as a fighter pilot during the Second World War. He died at the age of 90 just days before the Prince and Princess announced their engagement in 2010.

For her highest-profile appearance since undergoing cancer treatment, Kate donned a stylish mid-length black coat dress with a deep v-neck collar from Alexander McQueen on Saturday.

Arriving at the Kensington venue with the Prince of Wales, the royal, who stepped back into the public eye to honour lost servicemen and women this weekend, wore a pair of large drop pearl and diamond earrings once owned by Diana.

A beaming Kate, who wore her shoulder-length hair down, also opted to wear Prince William's mother's ring, which boasts a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold.

Princess Diana's ring was designed by the crown jeweller Garrard and inspired by the sapphire and diamond cluster brooch that was made for Prince Albert in 1840, which he went on to gift Queen Victoria as a wedding present and she wore it as her 'something blue'.

At the time, it was referred to as the 'commoner's sapphire' as the ring was available in the Garrard's catalogue, meaning that anyone could have purchased it for 47,000.

But Princess Diana loved her engagement ring so much that she continued to wear it after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996 - and it seems the Princess of Wales is just as fond of it.

Kate's military-style coat was from Catherine Walker, with Kate having her jacket from the brand modified for the event on Sunday (pictured right). She first wore the garment in 2020 (pictured left) and then again in 2022

Kate (left) and Sophie Wessex, the Duchess of Edinburgh, watched the event in Whitehall from the nearby Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office balcony

The Princess of Wales wore three five-petal poppies and the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards brooch

In the early years of her marriage, Princess Elizabeth frequently wore the Bahrain pearl drop earrings for official portraits, pictured left. Pictured right, In 1982, Queen Elizabeth lent them to Diana, Princess of Wales, for a banquet at Hampton Court Palace

Meanwhile, Princess Diana received her beautiful earrings them from Collingwood Jewellers in London as a wedding gift ahead of her marriage to Charles in 1981.

Princess Diana wore the pair on her wedding day, as part of her going away outfit.

Kate added to Saturday's outfit with her 125 Nura Pearl necklace from Monica Vinader, which features a striking freshwater pearl set on an 18-carat gold-plated vermeil chain.

She completed her look with her Chanel Classic Square Mini Flap Bag and Jimmy Choo Romy 100 Pumps in Black Velvet.

The Princess looked equally elegant on Sunday; she cut a stylish figure as she arrived at the Cenotaph, wearing a structured black coat and three-flowered fascinator as she joined her fellow royals at the Remembrance service.

Her military-style coat was from Catherine Walker, with Kate having her jacket from the brand modified for this weekend. She first wore the garment in 2020 and then again in 2022.

Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, she donned the Bahrain Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, from the late Queen Elizabeth II's private collection.

The earrings were crafted from pearls gifted to the Queen and Philip from the ruler of Bahrain at the time of their wedding in 1947.

The monarch famously wore the jewels in her first Royal Command portrait by Dorothy Wilding in July 1952.

Ever on trend, Kate wore a mid-length black dress with a deep v-neck collar, accompanied by a stylish black clutch purse

Kate also donned Diana's engagement ring, which features an oval 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold

Kate's ring originally belonged to William's late mother Princess Diana and cost 28,500 in 1981

The Princess of Wales looked radiant as she arrived at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, wearing the dazzling earrings once worn by the late Princess Diana

In the early years of her marriage, Princess Elizabeth frequently wore the earrings for gala events and official portraits. But as her jewellery collection grew, the earrings were seen in public less often.

In 1982, Queen Elizabeth lent them to Diana, who teamed them with the Lover's Knot tiara for a banquet at Hampton Court Palace during a state visit from Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Netherlands.

In October 2012, the Queen loaned the earrings to Sophie, then the Countess of Wessex, who wore them for a performance by the Massed Bands and Bugles of The Rifles at the Royal Albert Hall.

However, since debuting the earrings on Remembrance Sunday in 2016, Kate has been the exclusive wearer of these earrings.

On Sunday, the Princess wore her brunette locks neatly tied up into a chic black fascinator with feathered detail and a netted veil from Juliette Botterill Millinery.

Her coat featured a 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Brooch, alongside three five-petal royal poppies.

Brigadier Alan Richmond gifted Catherine the brooch when she was made Colonel-in-Chief of the Dragoon Guards in 2023.

The two-minute silence on Sunday was be led by King Charles, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Queen Camilla did not attend, while still recovering from a chest infection.

Kate clapped enthusiastically next to husband Prince William, with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester standing behind them

The Duke of Kent, seen behind King Charles III, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, standing behind Princess Anne, were also spotted in the Royal Box

Also in attendance was Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Thousands of veterans, members of the public and dignitaries gathered at Whitehall at 11am to honour those lost in conflict.

Following the Prince and Princess of Wales' appearance on Saturday evening at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, a body language expert told MailOnline that the couple looked closer than ever.

This weekend marks the Princess' first high-profile appearance in months since she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.

Prince William this week described the year as the 'hardest' of his life, whilst remarking how proud he was of his father and wife for their bravery and dignity amid their health woes.

On Saturday, prior to entering the Royal Albert Hall, the Princess of Wales lovingly and gently rubbed William's lower back.

Several times throughout the ceremony, the royal couple could be seen glancing and whispering in each others direction giving us a glimpse of the 'mutual affection' they share.

Footage also showed Prince William lightly and lovingly clasping at Princess Kate's upper waist and back as they were guided into the renowned London music hall.

Body language expert Judi James revealed exactly what the Wales's body language says about their relationship.

Judi told MailOnline that it indicated the royal couple 'couldn't keep their hands off each other' and they will be 'far more open about showing the strength of their love' in the future.
The Duchess of Edinburgh stood with Kate on the balcony at the Cenotaph

The Duchess of Edinburgh has been labelled the 'royal who brings a sense of calm and support to some of the most emotionally-charged occasions' - and this was true even 25 years ago, just six months after Sophie married into The Firm.

Prince Edward's wife, 59, offered a supportive gesture to the Princess of Wales, 42, as they attended the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph this weekend, marking one of Kate's most high-profile appearances since her cancer treatment.

Sophie placed a supportive hand on Kate's back as the pair left the balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office following the event in London.

It isn't the first time the Duchess has been captured supporting a member of the Royal Family at the emotional occasion; in 1999, Sophie helped an 11-year-old Princess Beatrice as she collapsed on the home office balcony' on Remembrance Sunday.

Sarah, the Duchess of York, was in America while her young daughter attended the event - but Beatrice was supported by Sophie, Prince Edward and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Sarah, the Duchess of York , was in America while her young daughter attended the event - but Beatrice was supported by Sophie, Prince Edward and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence

The princess managed to remain at the service until the end of the national anthem, according to The Guardian.

On Sunday, the Duchess of Edinburgh once again showed why she is one of the most trusted members of the current royal family - as she helped support Kate.

Body language expert Judi James said Sophie offered a 'very telling-looking gesture' - a supportive hand on Kate's back - that signified exactly why she was chosen to be by the younger royal's side at the Cenotaph.

The Princess of Wales, in the absence of Queen Camilla, who is recovering from a chest infection and watched the service on TV at home, was joined by Sophie on the balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office just before 11am - as the two minutes' silence was broadcast live to the nation, with around 10,000 military veterans attending the service.

Expert James said: 'That simple hand gesture showed Sophies dual role today. She is always the royal who brings a sense of calm and support to some of the most emotionally-charged royal occasions.

'She and Kate always appear to be close and to share a sense of humour but Sophies gesture here seems to show her in a more maternal mode, as she places on hand on or near Kates back as she stepped inside the building.'

James added the heartfelt moment between Kate and Sophie mimicked the supportive touches by Prince William towards his wife during the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.

'The gesture looked similar to the back touches William had been performing the night before. It registered fondness and maybe a small congratulatory "well done" for another milestone achieved in terms of Kates return to royal duties.

The princess managed to remain at the service until the end of the national anthem

Sophie offers a helping hand to Beatrice who collapsed at the Remembrance Sunday Service in 1990

On Sunday, the Duchess of Edinburgh once again showed why she is one of the most trusted members of the current royal family - as she helped support Kate

'But it also looked like a small but powerful signal to William and even George and Charlotte that, even when William is not at Kates side, she is still surrounded by royal family that are taking very good care of her, albeit subtly.'

The Princess of Wales appeared to appreciate the support of the Duchess of Edinburgh at the Cenotaph, where the two women stood side-by-side as King Charles led the wreath-laying alongside the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

James also said that the Princess appeared to be increasingly comfortable back in the spotlight.

She explained: 'Kates body language and even her styling today showed a return to what looked like full regal form.

'Even her fascinator and the way she wore her hair swept up looked like a re-run of one of her most iconic "regal" moments when she was photographed in the car, in her Covid face mask, at Philips funeral, looking fiercely elegant and regal and so much like a future queen.

'She was seen chatting and smiling gently with Sophie on the balcony and, with Camilla not attending, she appeared to move into central position with Sophie standing to her side, with relaxed-looking confidence.

'Her facial expression became sombre once we heard the chimes of Big Ben and there was a more contained version of her clearly emotional signalling that we saw at the concert the evening before. Then she appeared tearful, but here her sadness registered with a fiercely regal look of stoic reflection.'

The well-liked Duchess of Edinburgh has become an increasingly significant member of the royals in recent years, taking on bigger roles at public events and representing the Windsors when others haven't been able to make commitments.

Side-by-side: With Prince William joining the King to lay wreaths, Kate took her place on the balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with the Duchess of Edinburgh - who, says body language expert Judi James, took on a maternal role

Sophie, 59, offered a reassuring touch of the hand on Kate's back as the two women left the balcony following the two minutes' silence. Body language expert James says the Duchess of Edinburgh echoed the supportive touches also shown by Prince William on Saturday evening at the Royal Albert Hall

For Kate, much has changed in the year since she last attended the Remembrance Service, with the royal revealing to the nation earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

On Sunday, the Princess cut a stylish figure as she arrived at the Cenotaph, wearing a structured black coat and three-flowered fascinator as she joined her fellow royals.

The royal - who continued her favoured tradition of wearing a military style coat for the service - also donned a significant piece of royal jewellery.

The mother-of-three picked the Bahrain Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, from the late Queen Elizabeth's private collection, which were also worn by the late Princess Diana in 1982.

The earrings were crafted from pearls gifted to the Queen and Philip from the ruler of Bahrain at the time of their wedding in 1947.

The monarch famously wore the jewels in her first Royal Command portrait by Dorothy Wilding in July 1952.

Kate first wore them in 2016 for the Remembrance Day service at Westminster Abbey, and also wore them to attend Prince Philip's funeral in 2021.

Kate wore her brunette locks neatly tied up into a chic black fascinator with feathered detail and a netted veil.

Deep in thought: The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh look straight ahead as the clock struck 11am on Sunday - with James saying Kate looked 'so much like a future queen'

The Princess of Wales appeared to bite back tears in an emotional moment as she undertook her second engagement in two days

On her coat was a 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Brooch, alongside three five-petal royal poppies.

Brigadier Alan Richmond gifted Catherine the brooch when she was made Colonel-in-Chief of the Dragoon Guards in 2023.

The two-minute silence was be led by King Charles, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Queen Camilla did not attend, while still recovering from a chest infection.

Also in attendance was Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.

Thousands of veterans, members of the public and dignitaries gathered at Whitehall at 11am to honour those lost in conflict.

This weekend marks the Princess' first set of high-profile appearances since she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in March.

Prince William this week described the year as the 'hardest' of his life, whilst remarking how proud he was of his father and wife for their bravery and dignity amid their health woes.
California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard rewards oil and gas companies that slash emissions from transportation fuels and adds costs to companies that dont. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

California air quality regulators on Friday tightened a key environmental program credited with reducing the amount of pollution churned out by cars and trucks but criticized for raising the states already high gasoline prices.

The California Air Resources Board voted 12-2 on Friday to strengthen the Low Carbon Fuels Standard, which creates financial incentives for oil and gas companies that slash emissions from transportation fuels and adds costs to companies that dont.

Liane Randolph, Air Resources Board chair, said that while gasoline affordability is a priority, extreme events like wildfires, hurricanes, droughts and flooding illustrate why California must continue pushing for a cleaner transportation sector.

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We cannot afford to continue with the status quo. The climate crisis is accelerating, Randolph said.

The Low Carbon Fuel Standard doesnt directly add to gasoline prices, but experts generally agree that oil and gas companies pass through between 8 and 10 cents per gallon to consumers. Thats likely to increase by between 5 and 8 cents per gallon with the changes, according to Colin Murphy, deputy director of UC Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment, and the Economy.

The air board said the hallmark program, established in 2011, has doubled the volume of low carbon fuels such as renewable diesel on the market, slashed regular diesel consumption in half and generated $4 billion oil and gas industry investments in cleaner fuels and technology.

The vote came the week Donald Trump was elected to the presidency, making it very likely that his administrations policies will be at odds with Californias nation-leading efforts to decarbonize. Trump has called climate change a hoax.

Even without the potential for federal interference, the standard is controversial.

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Some environmental advocates say the policy encourages deforestation by promoting the production of renewable fuels made with soy and other vegetables. Many environmental justice proponents said the policy doesnt go far enough to improve air quality in heavily polluted neighborhoods, which are largely working class and immigrant.

However, the Air Resources Board has said the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, first implemented in 2011, has drastically improved the states shift from polluting fossil fuels.

Critics and proponents alike say the standard adds to Californias already high gasoline prices.

Murphy said the election supercharges uncertainty around how exactly California and federal policies will combine to impact gasoline prices.

The standard works by rewarding oil and gas companies for lowering the carbon intensity of fuels, which encompasses the greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout their life cycle, from refining, transportation, gas stations and tail pipes.

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Companies that lower their carbon intensity below a certain level are given credits, and other companies must buy credits from those companies to compensate for producing higher amounts of greenhouse gases.

Michael Wara, the director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University, said a Trump administration could drive retail gasoline prices higher in California.

Current federal policies have generated a significant uptick in renewable diesel production, which lowered the cost for big polluters buying credits from companies with lower carbon intensity, Wara said. If the Trump administration paused these federal programs promoting renewable fuels production, that could raise credit prices, which companies could pass on to consumers. An upshot of higher credit prices is that they generate more funding for clean technology programs.

California is the leading voice in the United States, Wara said. How that works out with the Trump administration remains to be seen.
An adorable kitten has been nursed back to health after being found without a tail or ears.

The tiny, stray feline, who is named Kiara, was just ten weeks old when a passerby discovered her wandering wearily through the streets.

The kind person then took a cold and hungry Kiara to the nearby Woodgreen Pets Charity in Cambridgeshire to be assessed by their staff.

On arrival, she was transferred straight to its veterinary team for a thorough examination.

There, vets were able to identify the wounds where her ears and tail should have been.

Since the wounds had already started to scab, Kiara did not require any treatment.

A spokesperson for the charity could not say for sure how Kiara sustained her lesions but speculated that 'it may have been frostbite' or the result of 'a traumatic injury.'

A kitten named Kiara (pictured) was nursed back to health after being found without a tail or ears

Just ten weeks old when she was found wandering the streets, Kiara was taken to Woodgreen Pets Charity in Cambridgeshire by a kind passerby

Kiara did, however, have treatment to tackle a nasty infestation of fleas and worms, and remained under supervision for the next few days.

Yet, after receiving plenty of food and enjoying the warmth and care provided by the charity, she made a remarkable recovery.

Kiara has since been rehomed with a smitten new family.

A spokesperson from Woodgreen Pets Charity said: 'Despite her unknown start in life, young Kiara was surprisingly full of confidence and very sociable.

'She craved constant affection from everyone around her.

'Kiara stayed with one of Woodgreen's Cat team for a couple of days, before going to stay with a foster carer, which helped prepare her for life in her new home.

'Two weeks after arriving at Woodgreen, Kiara was rehomed to a loving family.'

They added: 'Sadly, Woodgreen has seen an increase in stray cats and kittens coming to its centre.

'Over the past 12 months the charity has taken in 205 stray cats/kittens, compared to 150 over the previous 12 months.'

Kiara made a remarkable recovery thanks to the care she received at Woodgreen Pets Charity and has now been rehomed with a smitten new family

It come after a cat that went missing from her owner 14 years ago has been found alive after living a 'semi-feral' existence.

Pet Charlotte disappeared from her home in Maida Vale, west London, back in 2010 - much to the despair of her devoted owner Vivien Tarlton, 66.

Ms Tarlton searched everywhere for the cat, putting posters on trees, and sticking leaflets through front doors.

In her desperation, she even asked for a psychic to help find her but the trail went cold.

But earlier this month her dreams finally came true when she received a call from the RSPCA.

She was told Charlotte was alive and had been found six miles away in Lambeth, south London.

Pet Charlotte disappeared from her home in Maida Vale, west London back in 2010 - much to the despair of her devoted owner Vivien Tarlton

Ms Tarlton searched everywhere for her cat, putting posters on trees, and sticking leaflets through front doors

She said: 'I never gave up hope of seeing her again as she was an amazing little cat.

'When she disappeared, I kept two of her kittens. Holly died in 2019, but Harley is still with me.'

When she got the call telling her the cat had been found, RSPCA officers explained how Charlotte, now aged 20, had been living a 'semi-feral' existence in the borough - although in recent years she had been fed by a local resident.

But they had noticed Charlotte's health decline as she aged - which prompted her to contact the animal welfare charity.

RSPCA inspector Jade Guthrie collected the cat and managed to find she belonged to Ms Tarlton via the microchip.

Soon, Charlotte was reunited with her owner and the feline was even able to spend time with her son Harley - one of a litter of six she gave birth to just a month before she vanished in 2010.

Unfortunately the cat's health had deteriorated, meaning the reunion did not last for very long.

Ms Tarlton was advised by her vet that the prognosis for Charlotte was poor - and that the kindest course of action was to put her to sleep.

Knowing the clock was ticking, Charlotte was showered with love during the last two weeks of her life - and Ms Tarlton now says she is extremely grateful to the caller and the RSPCA for making that possible.

She said: 'I've gone from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, but the 16 days Charlotte was with me was lovely.

'She was home and safe - although I suspected her time with me might be short.

'When she lived with me, she was quite feral. But it is still amazing that she managed to get to the other side of London and had someone feeding her there.

'She must have jumped on a bus as it is quite a distance.'
After flying home to Kauai, Hawaii, from California in 2018, Katy Grainger noticed a tiny purple bump on her thumb which was oozing - but thought nothing of it.

However, just hours later, Katy, 58, was in hospital in a medically induced coma - about to become a double below-knee amputee and lose seven of her fingertips due to septic shock.

'I had been traveling in California, and I had flown home to the Hawaiian Islands where I live on the small island of Kawaii,' she explained in a recent TikTok, where she often shares content warning people about the signs of sepsis.

'I got off the plane and I noticed this infection,' she continued. 'It was a little bit purple and there was fluid oozing from it.'

Noting it seemed a bit 'odd,' the mom-of-two was concerned it was a staph infection or even MRSA, because they'd had a huge flood a couple of months before, so stopped at a doctor to get an antibiotic on the way home.

Katy Grainger noticed a tiny purple bump on her thumb which was oozing - which later led to septic shock and the loss of several limbs

'They checked me out, they gave me some antibiotic ointment, they tested my viral signs,' she recalled, adding she had a strong heartbeat, good breathing rate, normal blood pressure, and no fever.

After telling her to seek emergency help over the weekend if it got worse, Katy went home and went to sleep almost immediately.

'I was really sleepy, so I went to bed early that night, the next morning I woke up, took a cool shower and just realized I was still really sleepy,' she noted.

Although she doesn't have much memory of what happened the following day, she had taken a photo of the infection getting bigger on her finger.

She texted her husband, who was away on a fishing trip, telling him she had been throwing up but put it down to taking antibiotics on an empty stomach.

'I was discounting the symptoms I was having,' Katy admitted. 'I still didn't have a fever - turns out I didn't need one.'

Although her memories are hazy, Katy said she had obviously gotten up at some point to use the bathroom and missed a step, breaking one of her ankles and spraining the other - but had crawled back into bed which was a clear indication of how much distress she was in.

She eventually texted her friend for help, saying she had 'never been so sick' and saying her 'hands and feet were on fire.'

Katy recalled getting off the plane and noticing the infection on her thumb, describing it as 'a little bit purple' with 'fluid oozing from it'

Katy's husband Scott (pictured) was away on a fishing trip so couldn't be reached until she was in hospital

She is now an advocate for Sepsis shock, to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms

Signs of sepsis According the CDC, sepsis - which is the body's extreme response to an infection - is a life-threatening medical emergency that usually starts in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin or urinary tract. A person with sepsis might have one or more of the following signs or symptoms: Clammy or sweaty skin

Confusion or disorientation

Extreme pain or discomfort

Fever, shivering or feeling very cold

High heart rate or weak pulse Advertisement

Her friend arrived, finding her unresponsive, and took her to the hospital where she was then airlifted 24 hours later to a trauma center in Honolulu.

Once she had kidney dialysis, as her hands and feet were turning purple, doctors told her they would have to sedate and intubate her before transporting her.

Katy said when her husband eventually made it to the hospital, he didn't recognize her because she had been pumped full of so many fluids to try elevate her blood pressure.

The ICU doctor told him she wasn't stable, and she may lose some of her limbs as she was in septic shock.

Katy recalled waking up in ICU to find her fingers were black and was told they would have to be surgically removed, admitting she hadn't yet seen her feet, so didn't realize it was likely the same thing would happen there too.

'That's exactly what did happen,' she shared. 'They were able to save my hands - I only lost my fingertips - but we weren't able to save my feet.'

Katy ended up having her lower legs amputated, and later seven of her fingertips due to gangrene.

She also experienced post ICU delirium, which she said she was like exhibiting signs of dementia.

Katy spent six weeks in the hospital, recovering from her surgeries.

Katy and her husband moved back to Seattle, where they were living for 10 years before, so they would have more options for her medical care.

She is now an advocate for sepsis shock to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms. She volunteered for the Amputee Coalition as a Lead Advocate and is also on the board of directors of Sepsis Alliance.

Katy has also written a candid memoir called Discovering Your Grit which details her experience of nearly dying from a small skin infection.

According to the Mayo clinic, sepsis affects an American every 20-seconds. Cases are on the rise - up 20 per cent between 2019 and 2021, according to the most recent CDC data.

Now, speaking to DailyMail.com, the US' biggest sepsis charity has called for urgent national action to prevent millions more needless deaths and life-destroying injuries.

'Doctors are not provided with enough information to help them to diagnose sepsis,' Dr Steven Simpson, Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas and Chair of the Sepsis Alliance, told DailyMail.com.

'There's no catchy phrase to help doctors and hospitals look out for it, like they have in other countries.

'Every hospital in the country should have a sepsis committee, a sepsis quality improvement program and organize their facility so it is primed to spot and treat sepsis. Currently, this is absolutely not the case.'

Although not the stance of the Sepsis Alliance, Dr Simpson said he believes the CDC should also do more to guide hospitals in looking out for the disease.

'The CDC is getting better, at least they now have a sepsis webpage. But they should use the effort of specialist organizations like ours to inform official guidance that can be given to hospitals.'
Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors airs tonight at 9pm on ITV1

Queen Camilla has praised a domestic abuse campaigner whose daughter was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by her estranged and abusive husband as 'wonderful' and 'dignified' and admitted she 'tried to put myself in your shoes'.

The royal, 77, features in the new ITV documentary, Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, which airs tonight at 9pm and highlights the progress being made to eliminate domestic and sexual violence in the UK.

In a clip from the programme, Camilla, who was forced to pull out of her public engagements recently after becoming unwell with a chest infection, meets with Diana Parkes, who now runs a foundation to support children affected by domestic violence.

Diana's daughter, Joanna Simpson, was brutally killed by her estranged husband Robert Brown, while their children were hiding in the playroom, in 2010.

Recalling the first time she met Diana and heard her story in 2016, the Queen says: 'I tried to put myself in your shoes, thought to myself, "what if it had been my daughter?" I don't think I would've been able to sit and be as dignified and as wonderful as you were that day.'

Queen Camilla has praised a domestic abuse campaigner whose daughter was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by her estranged and abusive husband as 'wonderful' and 'dignified' and admitted she 'tried to put myself in your shoes'

Camilla, whose children are Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, adds: 'I'm never going to forget that meeting. It's engraved on my heart... I remember seeing you sitting there, and I thought, well goodness, there's somebody of my generation.'

Diana co-founded the Joanna Simpson Foundation after the 46-year-old was killed by former British Airways captain Robert Brown just a week before their divorce was due to be finalised in 2010.

The former pilot killed the millionaire at her home in Ascot, Berkshire, within earshot of their two children, then nine and ten.

Brown buried Joanna's body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park before confessing to police the following day. He was cleared of murder and convicted of manslaughter by way of diminished responsibility.

It meant the killer was due for release in 2023 after serving just half of his 26-year jail sentence.

But following a campaign backed by the Mail, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk stepped in to block the automatic release and referred the case to the Parole Board.

Elsewhere in the documentary, the Queen explains how 'by scratching the surface, you get a terrible shock. It's such a heinous crime'.

She continues: 'If we could just get more people discussing it, talking about it, people are so shocked by what they hear, that, rather like me, that they want to say "hang on a minute, perhaps there's something we can help with" to hopefully, in the end, put an end to it.'

The royal, 77, features in the new ITV documentary, Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, which airs tonight at 9pm and highlights the progress being made to eliminate domestic and sexual violence in the UK

Laura Lopes, Queen Camilla and Tom Parker Bowles at Tom's book launch in London in September

In a clip from the programme, Camilla, who was forced to pull out of her public engagements recently after becoming unwell with a chest infection, meets with Diana Parkes (pictured left), who now runs a foundation to support children affected by domestic violence

Recalling the first time she met Diana and heard her story in 2016, the Queen says: 'I tried to put myself in your shoes, thought to myself, "what if it had been my daughter?" I don't think I would've been able to sit and be as dignified and as wonderful as you were that day.'

The 90-minute programme will include details of the Queen's work to tackle the issue.

In a trailer for the documentary, Camilla is heard giving an answer to an interviewer who asked: 'How do we eradicate domestic abuse'.

Responding candidly, the Queen said: 'Don't let's kid ourselves, it's going to take a long long time because it's been going forever.

'You know, it's been going, well, since time began,' she said.

Dressed in a glamorous royal blue frock, the wife of King Charles added that there has been immense progress made to combat the issue.

'If you look at the steps we've taken, since the bad old days, we have made a huge amount of progress. And I shall keep on trying until I am able to no more,' she said.

One in five adults are victims of domestic abuse in the UK, including a quarter of women.

An estimated 2.1 million people over the age of 16 are thought to be currently experiencing domestic abuse in England and Wales, with one woman killed by a partner or former partner every five days.

Diana's daughter, Joanna Simpson, was brutally killed by her estranged husband Robert Brown, while their children were hiding in the playroom, in 2010. Pictured, Diana in the documentary

Queen Camilla (pictured) has vowed to work towards eradicating domestic abuse for as long as 'she is able' in new a documentary on the issue

Camilla has done pioneering work in the sector, meeting survivors, undertaking visits to Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the country, and even launching the wash bag scheme.

While monarchs, or the spouses of monarchs, have traditionally shied away from appearing on camera, the royal has instead chosen for the first time to front the powerful new programme.

In the new film, viewers are expected to see various examples of the Queen's work to tackle the issue, including scenes of her hosting a round-table with teenagers, and celebrating International Womens Day at Buckingham Palace.

Camilla has also said she is determined to break the 'taboo' over the issue. 'It's so important to do something now,' she said in another trailer released by ITV.

It is understood Camilla started off by agreeing only to a cameo appearance - preferring to focus on the victims and survivors - but became more confident at helping tell the women's' stories as time went on.

Camilla said: 'One of the most difficult things about domestic abuse, to understand, it's not the bruises and the black eyes, which, unfortunately you see, through violence, this is something that creeps up very slowly and, far too often, it ends up with women being killed.

'You meet somebody, you think they're wonderful and attractive and love youand then bit by bit, they start to undermine you. They take away your friends, they take away your familyand then when you start questioning itthese people become very violent.'

The film has been directed by Angela Byrne and Kerene Barefield. When it was first announced that the royal would be taking part, Kerene said it was a 'privilege' to work alongside Camilla.

In the new film, viewers are expected to see various examples of the Queen's work to tackle to issue, including scenes of her hosting a round-table with teenagers, and celebrating International Womens Day at Buckingham Palace

The 90-minute programme will air on Monday 11th November 2024 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, and will include details of the Queen's work to tackle the issue

'It has been a privilege to have been entrusted to produce this film and observe firsthand Her Majesty The Queen's work in the field of domestic abuse,' she said.

'Our aim was to not only highlight the devastation caused by domestic abuse in the UK, but also give a voice and re-empower the victims.

'The Queen is not alone in trying to 'obliterate' this curse, and we have been honoured to work with charities and services who work on the frontline to support survivors, rehabilitate victims and campaign for change.

'We are humbled that our brave survivors have told their stories on camera. It is our belief that by sharing them in this film, we can help people understand what abuse looks like in 2024.

'If we understand what it looks like, together we will be able to tackle domestic abuse and make a difference.'

As part of her extensive ongoing work in the sector, in 2013, Camilla started the Wash Bags project to provide survivors of sexual assault with toiletries, including soap and shampoo, to use following forensic examination.

The project aimed to offer comfort and familiarity to victims at what can be a very sensitive and dehumanising time.

It comes after Camilla was forced to pull out of taking part in the Remembrance Sunday memorial service in London this weekend.

A chest infection meant she had to miss an Olympic and Paralympic reception at Buckingham Palace earlier this week, as well as the opening of the Field of Remembrance at nearby Westminster Abbey.

It was confirmed on Saturday that she would not be well enough to make Sunday's ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London.

Her husband King Charles led the nation in remembering Britain's war dead, placing a wreath at the Cenotaph as crowds including military veterans looked on.

His daughter-in-law the Princess of Wales watched from a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, alongside Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors airs 11th November at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
It tracks steps, can make phone calls, plays music and now apparently it can detect heart conditions.

TikTok user Evie Clayton spent 10 years being told that she was battling anxiety, but later discovered she was actually suffering from a condition called Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT.

'POV: your Apple watch catches your arrhythmia the doctors never could,' Evie, from Townsville, Australia, shared in a TikTok.

'You got admitted and the 10 years of 'anxiety' diagnoses are thrown in the bin because you actually have atrial tachycardia (SVT).

'Now I'm getting medication and a potential ablation,' she continued.

It tracks steps, can make phone calls, plays music and now apparently it can detect heart conditions (stock image)

'Thank you trusty watch,' she ended the post.

Other users chimed in, sharing their own stories of when their Apple watch has detected heart problems.

'Mine caught my arrhythmia that's been diagnosed as idiopathic tachycardia where my heart will skip a few beats and then race to catch up. I'll go from 70bpm to 120bpm and back,' one TikTok user commented.

'I had a heart attack in infancy, had to go to the doctor because my watch kept (and still does) recording high heart rates just got told it's anxiety, like dude I've literally had a heart attack,' shared another.

'My Apple watch literally woke me up at 3am with an alarm of DANGER... I immediately call my doctor... I have hypertension and I'm medicated now... that night I thought I just had anxiety,' another user wrote.

'I was also diagnosed with atrial tachycardia from data I collected with my Apple watch!' shared another person.

It's not the first time Apple watch users have credited their watch for flagging severe health issues.

In May last year, 35-year-old Jessie Malone, from New York City, credited her gadget for saving her life after it alerted her to a deadly health condition.

TikTok user Evie Clayton had spent 10 years told she was suffering from anxiety, but later discovered she was actually suffering from a condition called Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT (stock image)

Other users chimed in, sharing their own stories of when their Apple watch has detected heart problems

Jessie was riding home on an electric bike when her smartwatch flagged her for a rising heartbeat, telling her to 'seek medical attention immediately.'

Her Apple watch began sending her warnings about a heart rate over 160 beats per minute and advised her to seek medical attention.

She decided to go to the emergency room, where she was immediately given medication and underwent a minimally invasive procedure the following day.

'I was just going to go home and take a nap if my watch hadn't said anything,' Jessie now 36, recalled to TODAY.

At the time, Jessie was not familiar with atrial fibrillation (Afib), an irregular, often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow, blood clots and even a stroke.

'I didn't really feel anything other than nausea. That gave me a little bit of anxiety. I'm like, "That's so bizarre."'

'It started blaring that my resting heart rate was elevated and also that I had gone into Afib,'she added.

She remembered dumping the back and texting her friend, saying 'This thing is happening. I don't know if it's serious.'

Doctors rushed to give Malone two types of medication to reduce her heart rate to 130 per minute.

The following day, she underwent cardioversion, a procedure in which doctors used electricity to restore her heartbeat to a normal rhythm.
Prince Harry has spoken of his 'lifelong admiration and appreciation' for his 'fellow veterans' in a heartfelt statement for Remembrance Day.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, who completed two tours of Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot, shared a message on his and Meghan's website, offering his 'deepest a respect and thanks' to soldiers.

He expressed gratitude for the 'service and sacrifice' made by veterans and their families, 'both in times of conflict and peace'.

King Charles's youngest son also wrote: 'You have played a vital role in defending the values of liberty, freedom, and security.

'These values bind us together and have shaped you as leaders and role models.'

Harry shared his hope that communities will continue to support veterans, and added that 'your contributions do not stop because you no longer wear the uniform'.

He concluded: 'I am honored to stand with you.'

The statement marked both Veterans Day in the US and Remembrance Day in the UK.

Prince Harry (pictured last week) has spoken of his 'lifelong admiration and appreciation' for his 'fellow veterans' in a heartfelt statement for Remembrance Day

Earlier last week, Harry surprised bereaved children marching past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday with the charity Scotty's Little Soldiers with bags of sweets.

The Duke of Sussex is Global Ambassador for Scotty's, which was established in 2010 by Army widow Nikki Scott to support bereaved military children and young people.

Nikki was motivated to set up the charity after witnessing the impact of the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009 on their two young children.

Speaking of Harry's long-term involvement, Nikki said: 'He's very much in contact. He sent the children sweets today as well.

'They all have sweets in their pockets from Prince Harry.'

Scotty's has supported more than 700 bereaved military children and young people so far this year and has a long-term goal to support over 1,000 children annually by 2030.

Lexie Pallet, 16, was one of the children marching with Scotty's to receive sweets from Prince Harry ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

The teenager has told how she was 'proud' to march past the Cenotaph to 'honour' her father who died after serving in the RAF.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, (pictured in 2012) who completed two tours of Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot, shared a message on his and Meghan's website , offering his 'deepest a respect and thanks' to soldiers

He expressed gratitude for the 'service and sacrifice' made by veterans and their families, 'both in times of conflict and peace'

Lexie, who also marched in 2022, said: 'I'm immensely proud of me being here today, but I'm also proud of the fact that I'm here to honour my dad and honour the things that he did while he was in service.'

Her father Sergeant Oliver Pallett died in 2020 by suicide and Lexie joined the charity two months later.

Throughout her time at Scotty's, Lexie and her family have been supported through respite breaks, emotional bereavement support, group events and grants to help towards their education and development.

Discussing her experience of the charity, Lexie said: 'You also talk about everything else so that's really nice.

'There's a sense of family - you don't have to talk about your loved one if you don't want to, because everyone knows why you're there.'

Around 100 people from the charity, including 53 children and young people - many of whom were wearing their parent's medals - attended the Royal British Legion's march past the Cenotaph on Sunday.

The children were accompanied by a parent or carer, and the charity said those marching wore a yellow and black scarf to help them 'feel united in their grief and part of Scotty's supportive community'.

Nikki said funding had been a 'real challenge' this year and the charity had been unable to put on a winter festival for the children it supports in 2024.

Harry shared his hope that communities will continue to support veterans, and added that 'your contributions do not stop because you no longer wear the uniform'. Pictured on Remembrance Day in 2018

The statement marked both Veterans Day in the US and Remembrance Day in the UK. Harry and Meghan pictured honouring veterans at an Anzac Day dawn service at Hyde Park Corner on April 25, 2018

On Thursday, Prince Harry penned a letter to the children who belong to Scotty's Little Soldiers, explaining that he 'understands the weight' of losing a parent at a young age.

In his letter, which was addressed to 'Scotty's Little Soldiers', Prince 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.

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.'

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.
Queen Silvia of Sweden cut an elegant figure in a deep purple outfit as she attended an awards ceremony in Stockholm this evening.

The royal, 80, was joined by her husband King Carl XVI Gustaf, 78, as the couple looked on while the winners of The Marcus Wallenberg Prize 2024 for scientific achievements within forestry were announced.

The Swedish queen wore a stunning mauve ensemble complete with a lace bodice for the occasion, having arrived at the event in a black coat complete with a fur trim.

When seated in the venue, she added a shawl in the same shade to keep off the chill.

Silvia, who has been married to Carl XVI Gustaf since 1976 - seven years before he acceded to the throne - completed her regal look with two strings of pearls and a pair of diamond earrings.

Queen Silvia of Sweden (pictured) cut an elegant figure in a purple ensemble accessorised with two strings of pearls

Her black, kitten heels were adorned with diamantes, continuing the sparkly theme.

The mother-of-three wore her brown hair in a voluminous blow dry and kept her make-up simple, adding only black eyeliner and a slick of lipstick.

Meanwhile, Carl XVI Gustaf, who walked behind Silvia as she entered the venue with Fanny Sachs - the wife of Swedish banker and industrialist Marcus Wallenberg, whose late father the prize is named after - looked dapper in black tie.

The longest reigning monarch in Swedish history, Carl XVI Gustaf, wore a black suit along with a white dress shirt and black bowtie.

According to the official website of The Marcus Wallenberg Prize, its purpose is 'to recognise, encourage and stimulate pathbreaking scientific achievements which contribute significantly to broadening knowledge and to technical development within the fields of importance to forestry and forest industries.'

The Swedish royals have a lot to celebrate, as Princess Sofia of Sweden, the wife of Prince Carl Philip - Silvia and Carl XVI Gustaf's second-born - is currently pregnant.

On September 10, Sofia, 39, showed off her baby pump in a beautiful ensemble at the State Opening of Parliament, where she was accompanied by Carl Philip, 45.

The couple had announced that Sofia was pregnant with her fourth child at the beginning of September.

The queen was joined by Swedish banker and industrialist Marcus Wallenberg (pictured), whose late father The Marcus Wallenberg Prize 2024 is named after

Silvia wore her brown hair in a voluminous blow dry and brightened her complexion with a slick of lipstick

Silvia entered the venue with Fanny Sachs (left), the wife of Marcus Wallenberg, while King Carl XVI Gustaf (right) walked behind his glamourous wife

For the State Opening of Parliament, Sofia sported a red velvet dress which was belted at the waist, highlighting her bump.

She teamed the dress with a pair of nude heels and completed the look with a ruby-red clutch bag and a pair of statement gold earrings.

The mother looked glamorous in heavy makeup, which included smoky eyeshadow and lipstick, and wore her brown hair loose in a bouncy blow dry.

Carl Philip looked cheerful and content as he stood proudly with his wife, dapper in a navy suit.

The State Opening of Parliament is held every year in September and sees the monarch, Carl XVI Gustaf, declare the new session open.
Today, we remember those who gave their lives in service for their country. And the legacy of the Venus/Neptune link suggests feelings of loss will resonate more than ever.

But Armistice Day is also a call for more peace and understanding. As Venus enters Capricorn, it's a chance to work on our relationships.

Taking this opportunity will benefit us as individuals. And that can change the world.

Need to know your more? These spookily accurate birth charts, based on your unique birth placements will tell you everything you need to know. Simply enter your birth details and receive a completely personal Personal Birth Chart made just for you.

Read more horoscopes from MailOnline.

ARIES

(March 21 - April 20)

We've all got bad habits and practices. We do something. Then we regret doing it. Then we decide we'll never do it again. Then we might manage to stick to our vow... for a while. Then, when enough time has passed, we do it again... and regret it. If that sounds familiar, you're in good company. We all do this! It's part of being human. You've got an impulsive streak, and an inner wisdom. Which will vanquish today? Under these sensitive skies, if you find a balance between the two, you'll have an unforgettably good day.

Learn the hidden secrets of the planets and how they affect your life and shape your future. Start your journey of self-discovery here!

Oscar Cainer (pictured) reminds us that we remember those who gave their lives in service for their country today. And the legacy of the Venus/ Neptune link suggests feelings of loss will resonate more than ever

TAURUS

(April 21 - May 21)

We love learning about mysteries. Unexplained phenomena are fascinating. But in real life, when we encounter something that doesn't make sense, we feel irritated and frustrated. We like puzzles and brain-teasers too. But we're not so happy when we're obliged to stretch our minds in order to work out how to solve a complicated situation. With your ruler, Venus, arriving in Capricorn, you find a newfound resilience that enables you to work steadily through the complexities of the challenge you face. You might even enjoy it!

Now, do you want to know more about whats going to happen to you, when its going to happen and why? Get yourself a full, spookily accurate horoscope birth-chart report, and youll find out. Download your Birth Chart report here!

GEMINI

(May 22 - June 22)

Imagine if your powers of prescience were so strong you could look ahead and see every aspect of your future? Like a movie, you'd be able to watch it on an inner screen; slow it down, speed it up, and focus on the parts you like the look of. You'd be able to familiarise yourself with what lies ahead... but powerless to change anything. How frustrating! Today, instead of worrying/wondering about what lies ahead, if you focus on what you're absolutely sure of, you'll realise that you've got much more choice than you think.

There are powerful changes in store for you soon. What are they? How can you best prepare for them? Find out in a full horoscope birth-chart. It's full of amazing predictions about you and your future. Get yours now.

CANCER

(June 23 - July 23)

You're making progress. When the plan you're currently embarked on is finished, your life will be very different. Good. You don't want things to stay as they are. You know something needs to change. But you're nervous about getting it wrong. Suppose you make a bad decision and don't like the consequences? Stop worrying. Since your heart is in the right place trust that your mind knows what it's doing. Your thoughts just need longer to catch up with your feelings. Then, you'll find yourself moving forwards, with confidence.

Wish you could fulfil more of your potential? A Personal Profile, based on your exact date of birth, reveals your secret gifts and blessings. Click here!

LEO

(July 24 - August 23)

Successful sales people know that when customers who've shown interest in a product back away, there are always two reasons. There's no point arguing against their first objection. But there's always a second, less obvious one. And if the seller can find it, they can work on finding a way to dismantle it. It's always more emotive and less logical, so figuring it out takes skill. In your world now, someone is saying 'no' to a proposal that would benefit them. If you take time to talk to them today, you'll be able to help them say 'yes'.

Give me your date of birth and I will tell you something wonderful about your future. Download your personal horoscope here.

VIRGO

(August 24 - September 23)

Some people are spiky. They come across as problematic, argumentative, and uncooperative. It's not always intentional on their part. Often, they've got no idea of the vibes they're exuding. We find it easy to criticise other folks' behaviour. But we're often unaware of our own shortcomings, or how we're coming across. If you'd like someone to show you more respect, try modelling the behaviour you'd like them to show you. If you put yourself in their shoes, you'll be more empathic towards them. Their response will be positive.

Find out what the planets have in store for you. Instantly download your Year Ahead chart. Now! Click here!

LIBRA

(September 24 - October 23)

If everything is ticking along nicely, do you need to instigate a change? And if there's only one thing that's OK, do you need to alter everything? It's not easy to work out the difference between a big problem and an irritating issue. Sometimes, we have inappropriately large reactions to relatively insignificant annoyances. When we're in the middle of things, it's hard to get perspective. But you can do that today. As your ruler moves into earthy Capricorn it brings a sense of calm that enables you to sort the wood from the trees.

Now is the right time for you to take an in-depth, up close and personal look at your life. To get your full horoscope based on your date, time and place of birth, click here.

SCORPIO

(October 24 - November 22)

Chess. What a game. The players know what each piece can (and can't do). They can also work out all the different options available, and force their opponent to make a bad move. It's a game of logic. Which makes it sound boringly predictable. But it's not! Can life be played in a similar, strategic way? Sometimes. Weighing up our options and planning moves in advance is smart. But right now, you're working in the spontaneous realm. Go with whatever your heart tells you to do today. It's your instincts that will make you a winner.

Reveal the astrological secrets of the coming year, today. For a complete set of totally personal predictions download 'Your Guide to the Future'.

But Armistice Day is also a call for more peace and understanding. As Venus enters Capricorn, it's a chance to work on our relationships

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23 - December 21)

Where does luck come from? Do we make our own? Or are some folks blessed with lots? It seems that some people manifest it, and others accept whatever comes their way. But in an ideal world, we'd manage to do both of these things. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, is known for its lucky powers. Now that it's in mutual reception with Mercury (the planet of ideas), there's a chance that you're brimming with so many concepts that you're overlooking the opportunities coming your way. To get really lucky, stay open-minded today.

To find out what the planets have in store for you over the coming, critical next few months, download your Guide to the Future, now.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 - January 20)

Why do we need to go to the effort of expressing gratitude for our lives here on this ball of rock? The cosmos doesn't demand it. And who's to say that we get rewarded for recognising that we've been rewarded? But just as your tea/coffee tastes better when you're using your favourite mug, success seems sweeter when we allow ourselves to be thankful. As Venus the planet of love and abundance enters your sign, you're about to have lots of reasons to be grateful. If you express your thanks, there will be even more reasons to smile.

Want to know what the coming year has in store? Let me calculate your full personal horoscope from your exact date, time and place of birth. Click here!

AQUARIUS

(January 21 - February 19)

Even the most adventurously-minded people sometimes put their feet up, get the ice cream out, and watch a boxset. No one has the capacity to keep pushing themselves without taking a break. 'Down time' enables us to assess our progress and consolidate our gains. With Venus in grounded Capricorn, the cosmos offers you a chance to get your bearings and plan your next move. The timing might feel a bit off: you're in a rush to progress. But if you adjust your ideas, you'll find a way to get where you want to be, at a perfect pace.

A powerful cosmic climate is working in your favour right now. You can make a positive transformation and achieve what youve been hoping for. A personal birth-chart report will tell you whats really possible... and when and how. Download yours now!

PISCES

(February 20 - March 20)

Lucky you! You've been blessed with a vivid imagination. Yet maybe the most imaginative people of all are those who imagine they don't have an imagination! Everyone has the ability to fantasise. And our dreams and imaginings not only help us to escape from the humdrum; they enable us to see beyond the restrictions of our lives so that we can set our sights higher, and take action to achieve our goals. Once we believe in something it takes a lot to make us disbelieve. If you believe in yourself today, the perfect things will unfold.

Discover your inner light, the one that shines regardless of the weather in your 'Guide to the Future'.
Kaela Graham-Bowman was 29 when she started experiencing a sharp hip pain that stretched down to her knee. She brushed it off as a sports injury, or one of the many aches and pains from her career in the Australian military.

Just 18 months later she was diagnosed with stage-three cancer.

When the mother of two finally went to see a doctor, her diagnosis was almost immediate: she had a rare form of sarcoma that surgeons deemed inoperable.

It took everything Kaela had to fight off the cancer the first time - but two years after being given a clean bill of health, the illness metastasised in her lungs.

Her long journey back to health saw Kaela become so unwell she dropped down to just 43kg (6st and 11lbs) and 'literally felt the life leaving my body'.

Kaela, an emergency department nurse from Canberra, is currently stage-four metastatic and has to take oral chemotherapy for the foreseeable future.

'I used to be in the military, so I just thought I had bad hips when the pain started. But I was also working out five days a week, so I was very healthy,' she tells me.

Her pain turned to panic when a lump popped on her thigh, seemingly overnight.

Kaela Graham-Bowman (pictured with her children) was 29 years old when she started experiencing a sharp hip pain that stretched down to her knee. It turned out to be cancer

'If I didn't have my kids, there's no way I would've have fought as hard as I had,' Kaela says

She thought it was a torn muscle as first, but scheduled an appointment with her general practitioner to make sure.

'He sent me for an ultrasound, and everything went downhill from there. I was an oncology nurse at the time but I'd never heard of sarcoma before - it's so rare. It only affects one per cent of adult cancers and ten per cent of childhood cancers.'

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that can occur in different parts of the body and begins in the connective tissues, such as bone and cartilage.

Scientists don't know exactly what causes most soft tissue sarcomas, but they have found some genetic factors can make a person more likely to develop them.

'While there is no such thing as "good" cancer, sarcoma is particularly difficult to beat because it's usually a late-stage diagnosis. It doesn't present as cancer; it feels like a soft tissue injury, which is what I mistook it for,' Kaela says.

Kaela underwent a tumour resection, where surgeons cut the cancer out of her right thigh, followed by three months of intense chemotherapy and two months of radiotherapy.

Patients diagnosed with sarcoma have to get scanned every three months and do not officially go into remission for five years.

'Just as I hit the two-year mark, I relapsed,' Kaela says. 'The cancer was in both my lungs.'

She tried another unsuccessful round of chemotherapy and then underwent three surgeries to remove the tumours from her lungs.

Kaela was then put on oral chemotherapy, which she still takes to this day.

Her long journey back to health saw Kaela become so unwell she dropped down to just 43kg (6st and 11lbs) and 'literally felt the life leaving my body'

'If I didn't have my children, there is no way I would have fought as hard as I did,' she adds.

'It was gruelling, to say the least. My daughter was seven and my son was four at the time and I felt complete despair every time I looked at them.

'The thought of dying didn't scare me; it was knowing I'd be without them.

'I had to make sure I was present enough to be their mum while I was fighting for my life, but some days I was asleep for 15 hours at a time because of the chemotherapy. Seeing me so unwell was very traumatic for my children.'

Kaela had the support of her husband, but the couple did not have any family living nearby while she was undergoing chemotherapy, which made things difficult.

The cancer-stricken mum ended up using all of her work leave because of the lack of support from the government during her treatment.

The cancer-stricken mum ended up using all of her work leave because of the lack of support from the government during her treatment

'Having a rare cancer is so isolating,' she explains.

'You have to use your own [annual] leave, find the services on your own, and just do all of the admin yourself. There aren't even any support groups online.'

Kaela started her own Instagram account, @sorareity, to document her cancer treatment, and has built up an online community of people from around the world affected by sarcoma.

She is still working full-time as an emergency department nurse because she cannot afford to quit her job.

'It's brutal but I love my job so much. It provides some normality to my life, focusing on everyone else's problems except my own,' she says.

'But it's not easy - there are some days I walk out the door literally vomiting and I have to medicate myself to go to work.

'Other days I'm fine. You just don't know how you're going to feel.'

Being a healthcare professional, Kaela knew the right questions to ask to get the best care possible.

But she also knew from experience that there was a strong possibility she could die.

'I'd be absolutely terrified if I were someone without a background in medicine. I'm lucky I know what to advocate for because I'd be dead otherwise,' she tells me.

'The doctors told me I was inoperable when I relapsed, but I pushed and fought for more surgeries they initially said I couldn't have.

'I'm only alive because I knew I could ask questions and push and get a second opinion.'

Being a healthcare professional, Kaela knew the right questions to ask to get the best care possible - but she also knew from experience there was a strong possibility she could die

Kaela describes her cancer coming back in July 2022 as 'totally devastating' because she had been through the ordeal before and wasn't sure how she'd make it out again

Kaela says it's 'terrifying' to think there are cancer patients out there who do not know how to advocate for themselves.

She describes her cancer coming back in July 2022 as 'totally devastating' because she had been through the ordeal before and wasn't sure how she'd make it out again.

'I'm kind of in limbo now because sarcoma is so rare. Once you get to the stage I'm at with relapsing, doctors don't expect great outcomes,' she says.

'But because of my advocacy for myself and having the surgeries no one thought was possible, I'm in a space where I just have to wait and watch.'

Kaela emphasises the importance of funding being allocated to the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association because of its life-saving research.

'Without the government funding sarcoma research, we're literally dying,' she says. 'Rare cancers deserve to be recognised.'

She is now focused on making as many memories as possible with her family.

'I've been saying "yes" to a lot more things now because I'm mindful that the time you have with the people you love is so important. None of us know when that's going to end or be taken away from us.'
Another day, another TikTok nomenclature: #morningshed is an elaborate beauty routine that's supposed to work as you sleep, with 'slimming' chin straps, 'detoxing' castor oil stomach wraps and 'plumping' mouth masks so you can 'go to bed ugly' and 'wake up pretty' after shedding these torturous gadgets.

With well over 100 million TikTok posts, your daughter, granddaughter, and even nephew may be suffocating their skin one moment, stripping it the next.

Some are asking whether this is why Gen Z has renounced sex. They're too busy making themselves repulsive, in order to make themselves irresistible, to get up to more traditional bedroom activity.

Sure, sleep on your back for a few days after filler or Botox to stop your face 'setting' wonkily. I use a Muji Neck Cushion (19.95, muji.com) when I don't want to face-plant.

RACE YOU TO IT!

For damaged or coily hair textures, L'Oreal Professionnel's Absolut Repair Molecular Mask (30, boots.com) has been scoring rave reviews. Applied pre or post-cleanse, it promises up to 94 per cent stronger hair.

LIP HITS CLINIQUE Pop Lip & Cheek Oil in Black Honey (23.50, clinique.co.uk). The sell-out take on the 1990s sheer burgundy icon is back as a pout and flush. MAC Ruby Woo/Phew!/ New & Boo (from 17.60, maccosmetics.co.uk). This four-sold-every-minute true red with a blue undertone is now in three new textures. JONES ROAD The Lippie Stick in Me (22, libertylondon.com). Instead of 'ageing' lipstick, Bobbi Brown uses liner, then this minty, nude-tinted balm. LANCOME Juicy Tubes Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss in 03 Dreamsicle (19.50, johnlewis.com). Immerse yourself in retro gloss magic  Dreamsicle is a cloudy Noughties pink. NARS Lipstick in Schiap (20.40, johnlewis.com). Named after surrealist Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who made shocking fuchsia her signature. Advertisement

But some overnight beauty ordeals may actually do you damage. Leave a pore strip on and you can wake to a red and weeping nose. While if I go anywhere near an elasticated bonnet, I am left with furious red welts etched into my skin for hours.

Here's my tried-and-tested guide to the #midlifemorningshed  what's worth an overnight experiment, and what will simply ruin your night (and potentially the next day, too ).

SLIP ON A SLEEP MASK

I was one of the first to trial the Ostrichpillow Original Napping Pillow (99.99, amazon.co.uk): a strange, alien, head cocoon blocking light and sound. Not only did looking so weird nearly get me arrested on a train, regular use would be a (literal) barrier to a relationship.

Opt for an elegant Drowsy Drop Original Sleep Mask (69, drowsy-sleep.com) instead. These cult, adjustable, wrap-around masks block light and muffle noise. I adore the midnight blue, while the rich red and pale gold are currently reduced to 55.

BUILD YOUR BROWS

Leaving eye patches on overnight is a quick route to an allergic reaction. Instead, come morning, don Garnier Anti-Fatigue Hyaluronic Acid Cryo Jelly Eye Patches (now 3.30, boots.com) straight from the fridge. But do use Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (from 59, revitalash.co.uk) and Olaplex Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Enhancer (51.20, johnlewis.com). They work, combatting midlife lash and brow balding beautifully.

SLAP ON A SERUM

Don't suffocate your skin overnight in some sweaty synthetic mask. Rather, apply a serum that addresses its issues, while letting your skin breathe.

I am yet to find a nocturnal stalwart I respect more than Beauty Pie Youthbomb 360 Radiance Concentrate Serum (members 44, non-members, 93, beautypie.com), a fusion of 15 active ingredients to brighten, tighten, firm, hydrate and add glow. Then add a layer of whatever moisturiser floats your boat.

PATCHES ARE SPOT ON

The salicylic acid in Clean & Clear Advantage Rapid Gel (3.37, boots.com) will nuke the odd boil, but it's not for wider areas, where it may render your skin dry and flaky. Instead, act like a teen and festoon your face in patches. Try Hero Mighty Pimple Patches Invisible+ (7.99 for 24, boots.com).

YES, USE A HAIR CREAM

Oiling your hair overnight makes for a depressing mess. Instead, smooth on L'Oreal Paris Elvive Hydra [Hyaluronic] Overnight Cream (7.79, boots.com) for a polished look by breakfast. Or if grease is your issue, sleep in a mist of dry shampoo.

BOOST BEAUTY SLEEP

There's no better beauty boost than a good night's sleep, but it can be hard to come by in midlife. If you're struggling, you need magnesium. This Works' fragrant, magnesium-laden Deep Sleep Body Whip (22.40, johnlewis.com) is very heaven.

My icon of the week...

Sarah Michelle Gellar arrives at the 35th Annual Producers Guild Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom on February 25, 2024 in Hollywood, California

Sarah-Michelle Geller

The Buffy star, above, who's next on our screens as a CSI chief in Dexter: Original Sin, loves pricey skincare Augustinus Bader, but also Cetaphil Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser (11.50, Boots) and Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (8, Boots). She's also a fan of Merit's 1980 Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade and Brow 1990 Ultra Fine Eyebrow Gel Pencil (48 for both, meritbeauty.com).

Cosmetic Craving

A friend having a terrible time told me that her nightly hot-cloth cleanse is her favourite part of the day right now.

I totally understand this, so gave her M&S Apothecary Revive Nourishing Cleansing Butter (12.50, marksandspencer.com) to make the experience still more restorative.

This balm smells sublime: an aromatherapeutic cocktail of eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass and sandalwood. It gently dissolves even waterproof cosmetics and is great for this time of year, leaving complexions softly nourished. I carry a 125g tin whenever I travel, and prefer this to rivals several times the price.
When faced with the angelic smile of a friend's newborn baby, it's tempting to shower his or her adorable face with kisses.

But don't  as doctors say kissing a young infant that isn't yours could be fatal to the child.

Dr Karan Rajan has warned his 5.3 million TikTok followers that our faces and mouths are teeming with millions of microscopic bacteria and viruses that can easily pass to a newborn.

While adults and older children have fullly developed immune systems which means bugs lead to little more than a cold, the same is not true for young babies under three months old.

An infant's immune system is still 'training' to ward off foreign intruders and while it may have built up some defence to bacteria and viruses on their parents' faces, they won't be equipped to fight ones they're newly exposed to.

It means a bacteria or a virus spread from a visitor could cross the blood brain barrier, leading to life-threatening complications.

The NHS surgeon issued the warning in response to a video that sees a woman put clingfilm on her face because she is desperate to kiss her newborn niece.

But Dr Raj said it's far safer to avoid kisses altogether, in his clip that's amassed 3.2 million views.

Dr Karan Raj warned his 5.3 million followers on TikTok that even illnesses that are not harmful to older children and adults could be deadly in newborns

The NHS surgeon revealed the terrifying reason in response to a video showing a 'fun hack' that sees a woman put clingfilm on her face because she is 'desperate to kiss her newborn niece'

'These tiny gremlins have an immune system that's undergoing a software update,' Dr Raj said. 'It's very immature and they're more suseptible to infections.

'This means even infections that cause mild symptoms in older children and adults, like the common cold, could be life threatening for newborns.'

Dr Raj even goes as far as to suggest extended family and friends wait two to three months until the baby's immune system is stronger to plan their visits.

It is thought that the benefits of the occasional kiss from a parent may outweigh the risk, providing the parent is free from any infections such as the sniffles or a cold sore.

This is because physical bonding with parents is vital for the baby's development, and the risk of them carrying pathogens the baby is yet to be exposed to is lower.

Experts have previously warned that some viral infections, which can be passed on through kissing, can cause young children to develop potentially serious complications like pneumonia.

Dr Muriel Meso, consultant paediatrician and endocrinologist at The Portland Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK in London told MailOnline that while adults can simply power through the sniffle, cough or a temperature babies can be hit much harder.

She gave the example of a cold sore, caused by the herpes simplex virus, which often 'spontaneously resolves' in adults, without the help of over-the-counter anti-viral creams.

But in newborns the virus can spread to the brain, causing seizures and damage to the spinal cord.

The same is true for chickenpox: dehydration, inflammation of the brain and other organs including the kidneys are all possible complications of chickenpox in newborns.

'If it is left untreated they may go on to develop complications like pneumonia and other serious secondary infections,' said Dr Meso.
Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie speaks in St. Marys Square a day after winning the mayoral race in San Francisco on Friday. He poured about $8.9 million of his own money into his campaign and spent four times as much as opponent Mayor London Breed. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Daniel Lurie fist-bumps a supporter in Chinatown after unseating Mayor London Breed in San Francisco on Friday. The heir to the Levi Strauss fortune poured millions into his campaign, helping make it the most expensive mayoral race in the citys modern history. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Daniel Lurie, left, and Mayor London Breed listen during the mayoral debate held at the UC Law School in San Francisco on June 17. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle San Francisco mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, right, greets Louise Adler Bennett, left, her husband Mark Adler Bennett and their daughter Lea, of London, as Lurie picks up trash in the Hayes Valley neighborhood on a campaign stop on Nov. 2. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Daniel Lurie was not well-known to San Francisco voters when he walked into City Hall in September 2023 to declare he was running to unseat Mayor London Breed.

Lurie delivered a clear message that day that would broadly resonate with dissatisfied residents craving change and eventually help win him the election. Speaking to a packed crowd of supporters in Potrero Hill, Lurie, a nonprofit founder and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, said Breed was not challenging the system.

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Breed had been on the inside of city politics for more than a decade at that point, first on the Board of Supervisors and then as mayor. She was entrenched in the city bureaucracy, Lurie said. And yet conditions had deteriorated, with open-air drug dealing, brazen retail thefts and empty downtown offices tarnishing the citys reputation.



Lurie argued that what the city needed was an outsider who could shake up the status quo. San Francisco had plenty of money to solve its problems, given the citys ever-increasing budget, he argued.



This isnt a crisis of resources, Lurie told the crowd. This is a crisis of leadership.

Lurie defeated Breed and three other major challengers in Tuesdays election in part because of his immense financial advantage. He poured about $8.9 million of his own money into his campaign and spent four times as much as Breed, helping make it the most expensive mayoral race in the citys modern history. He also got a heavy boost from a political action committee partially funded by a $1 million donation from his wealthy mother, Mimi Haas, the widow of the late Levis CEO Peter Haas.

Yet just as important as Luries money was how he chose to spend it. He hired a team of seasoned political operatives who crafted a strategy tailor-made for the moment: He promised a fresh perspective to a city desperate for something different. They campaigned in neighborhoods across the city and made an aggressive push to win over Asian American voters, who polls showed had drifted away from Breed after forming a crucial part of her winning coalition six years ago.

Breeds campaign knew she was vulnerable and tried to overcome her weaknesses. Surveys consistently found that most voters disapproved of her job performance and were unhappy with the state of the city. In response, Breed promoted a hopeful message about San Franciscos future and repeatedly made the case that conditions were improving because of her policies. It wasnt enough.

Breed also appears to have underestimated Lurie at first, for months seeing former supervisor and interim Mayor Mark Farrell as a bigger threat. Farrell ultimately finished fourth in the mayors race  after Lurie spent heavily to attack him.



To Tyler Law, Luries campaign consultant and the architect of his winning strategy, Lurie prevailed for a straightforward reason.



He was the change candidate in a change election, Law said.



Law, a former aide to Rep. Ro Khanna and a former spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, was Luries earliest hire. As his campaign spokesperson, Lurie selected Max Szabo, a communications strategist who worked for years in the San Francisco District Attorneys Office under George Gascon. Matthew Goudeau, a former City Hall employee, was a senior adviser focused on political strategy and outreach.

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To oversee outreach to the Asian American community, Lurie brought on Kit Lam, an organizer of the 2022 San Francisco school board recall and a former aide to Supervisor Joel Engardio. Luries campaign manager was Han Zou, an organizer who was instrumental in getting Matt Haney elected to the state Assembly two years ago.

Hes the most talented political operative in San Francisco, Law said of Zou. We were very, very fortunate to bring him on. He knows the city extremely well. Hes very disciplined and was just a great leader in keeping people focused.

Law said the campaign was constantly ensuring that Lurie was spending time on the west side, where many of the citys Asian American residents live. The campaign set up its headquarters at Ninth Avenue and Irving Street in the Inner Sunset. Lurie also deployed a team of 23 Chinese-language canvassers to knock on doors and pass out literature about his candidacy. And under Lams guidance, Lurie made a big push to get coverage in Chinese-language news outlets.

Breed tried to persuade voters that Lurie was too risky a choice. In January, she told a crowd of union supporters that San Francisco couldnt afford to elect a mayor that needed on-the-job training and wouldnt know what to do from Day One. It was a line of attack she would later push more aggressively on Lurie  arguing that his lack of government experience would prevent him from running the city well, especially during a crisis.



Daniel Lurie is probably one of the most dangerous people on this stage, so we definitely should be scared, Breed said at the Chronicle-KQED debate in September. He has absolutely zero experience. And when you think about it, this is a major city with serious problems where anything can happen at any given moment. Pandemics, major fires, earthquakes  heaven forbid a terrorist attack.



The critique fell flat. As of the latest tally Sunday, Lurie had the most first-choice votes of any candidate and led Breed by 11 points in the final round of ranked-choice voting. He prevailed in precincts across San Francisco and particularly dominated on the west side.



Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a close Breed ally, said the mayor was dealt a difficult hand that made her reelection bid tough from the start. Incumbent leaders and political parties around the world have been ousted amid public anger about rising prices and disorder during and after the pandemic. Its one likely reason why Vice President Kamala Harris was defeated by President-elect Donald Trump.

This is a global phenomenon, Dorsey said. There are some real headwinds for any incumbent right now. People are surly, and theres a lot of things you can point to that they have a right to be surly about.

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While Lurie and his allies far outspent the rest of the field, Breed did not suffer from a lack of money. She raised at least $2.4 million, including matching funds from San Franciscos public financing program. She also had a political action committee funded by billionaires Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, and Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen. The pro-Breed PAC, Forward Action SF, raised more than $3 million.

Not all of the money was well spent. Breeds PAC invested in television ads and a canvassing effort that emphasized her accomplishments, baffling her supporters who would have preferred the PAC to attack her rivals more harshly. PACs are legally prohibited from coordinating with candidates.

But its not clear that any strategic shifts, either from Breeds campaign or the PAC backing her, would have made a difference in the end.

Its just an era of change, Dorsey said. It feels to me that this was a sweep-of-history election, and I dont think a better campaign would have made it much better  and I think she ran a great campaign.

Meanwhile, Lurie benefited greatly from a PAC whose spending reaped dividends for his campaign.

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The strategist behind the Lurie PAC  called Believe in SF  was Dan Newman, a longtime adviser to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Luries wife, Becca Prowda, works for Newsom as his director of protocol.

Believe in SF began by seeking to boost Luries name recognition, acknowledging that he was running against longtime politicians. The PAC plastered his face on billboards and also paid for ads intended to raise his profile among likely voters.

We thought of it as launching him into orbital velocity so that people would show up at his events to hear from him, Newman said. They would recognize him. They would want to get to know him. We knew that he would close the deal  the more people got to know him, then they would find hes actually what they wanted in a mayor.



Complementing the campaigns own outreach to Asian American voters, Believe in SF also paid for ads in local Chinese-language newspapers. When the Chronicles editorial board  which operates independently from the newsroom  endorsed Lurie, Believe in SF promptly turned it into a mailer.

When Luries campaign announced policies to respond to San Franciscos most pressing problems, the PAC promoted them in direct mail and advertisements.

Every time the campaign would roll something out on their website or send out a policy plan, our job was to pack it up and make sure that everybody heard about it, Newman said.



Another crucial component to Luries victory was the way he helped sink the prospects of Farrell, who had a strong showing in the Chronicles first mayoral poll in February.



Believe in SF went after Farrell a little bit, but Luries campaign directly handled most of the negative messaging. Lurie paid for mailers, television ads and a website lambasting Farrell, painting him as someone who exploited a corrupt bureaucracy he helped create. A central component of the strategy was to highlight various news stories that had raised questions about whether Farrell had followed campaign ethics rules.

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Farrell fired back, accusing Lurie of using his inherited wealth to relentlessly attack me and my family with lies and misleading information  flooding our TVs and mailboxes with a toxic smear campaign. Farrell also sought to highlight Luries glaring lack of experience and criticized Luries record at the nonprofit he founded, Tipping Point Community, saying his first real job shouldnt be Mayor.

Farrells allies went even further. TogetherSF Action, a moderate advocacy group that endorsed Farrell as its top choice, was publicly critical of Lurie, even after saying that voters should rank him and Breed on their ballots after Farrell. In October, the group sent a text message to voters that compared Lurie to a character on the popular HBO show Succession, saying we wouldnt let a billionaire like Kendall Roy buy the Mayors Office. Why should we let Daniel Lurie do it?



Meanwhile, a pro-Farrell PAC backed by conservative donor Bill Oberndorf paid for ads that sought to cast Lurie as a favored choice of Republicans. The San Francisco Republican Party did not endorse a mayoral candidate, though it did list Lurie first, with Farrell second and Breed third, in a comparison of the three candidates. Another PAC backed by Larsen, the Ripple co-founder who supports Breed, paid for mailers that characterized Lurie and Farrell as the preferred candidates for local Republicans who also support Trump.
A South Carolina town remains remains in lockdown as officials try to catch over a dozen lab monkeys still on the loose.

So far 25 of the 43 primates have been captured after escaping a research facility dubbed the 'monkey farm' near the small town of Yemassee, which is less than 50 miles from Charleston.

Residents are being urged to continue locking their doors and windows while local authorities try to lure the animals using food and traps.

Residents are particularly concerned they've been asked to lock their doors and windows after the breakout.

Charlotte Murray, a local business owner told DailyMail.com that people have been more fearful of the monkeys during this breakout than in previous years.

Murray said: '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.'

Police also issued a stern order against using drones in the area, after a remotely operated craft spooked a monkey that the researchers were attempting to capture.

The monkeys are easily frightened and it makes catching them later much harder, Dr Greg Westergaard, the CEO of the facility, called Alpha Genesis, said.

The six-pound rhesus macaques have taken up residence in the forest bordering the facility, cooing at their fellow primates across the fence and jumping from tree to tree.

Dr Westergaard said the monkeys are all young and healthy, and have yet to be tested on, so they pose no threat to humans.

Still, the Yemassee Police Department cautioned against approaching the monkeys, and urged citizens to call 911 if they spot one.

They recommend steering clear of the forested area around the facility, where the remaining monkeys seem to be camped out.

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.

Dr Westergaard said capturing the animals could take a while, because they can't chase the monkeys, since that would scare them.

Instead, they've been leaving trails of fruit to entice the macaques to walk into traps that close behind them. But 18 remain on the loose.

This isn't the first time monkeys have escaped from the Alpha Genesis lab. In 2016, 19 monkeys broke out of the research center, but they were recaptured within the day.

In 2014, 26 monkey escaped and recaptured within a few days, earning Alpha Genesis a $12,600 slap on the wrist of the US Department of Agriculture.

And there were six escape events in 2022 alone.

A local resident recalled these former escapes on X, saying: 'The monkeys escape from Yemassee every year. That s*** happens every year! The workers forget to lock up the cages and they go crazy!'

Right now, there are several thousand monkeys at this facility on over 100 acres of land. It's one of the largest monkey-testing facilities in the nation.

This time around, the monkeys escaped after a worker shut but forgot to lock a door to their enclosure.

Dr Westergaard said the primates likely leaned on the door, opening it. Once one realized it could leave, a whole group followed suit.

Residents in Yemassee, a town of 1,000 less than 50 miles west of Charleston, have been told to lock their doors and windows to prevent the primates from entering their homes

The rhesus macaques that escaped from the facility are all juvenile females, weighing about six or seven pounds, roughly the same size as a house cat. The macaque pictured is an adult in India, not from the Alpha Genesis facility

Dr Westergaard told CBS News: 'It's really like follow-the-leader. You see one go and the others go'.

The unnamed employee is reportedly 'on disciplinary action' at this time.

The group that mounted the heist was all young females who have never been used in testing. They are too young to carry disease, and don't pose a threat to humans.

Veterinarians have been dispatched to the area to perform additional wellness checks on the monkey's still at large, and the police department announced that they seem to be in good condition.

The Yemassee Police Department has been providing periodic updates on the status of the monkeys. A November 7th update reported: 'These animals are highly sensitive and easily startled, we recommend that the public to avoid the area to prevent frightening them further.'

At the facility, Alpha Genesis breeds, raises and performs test on primates - including rhesus macaques and capuchin monkeys.

The monkeys have been used to research everything from Alzheimer's disease to the Zika virus.

The company's website reports that they are used in vaccine development and virus research, and they also sell blood, cells and plasma from the primates to other researchers.
Brits have today reacted in fury after experts called for dozens of popular cold and flu remedies to be pulled from Britain's shelves.

Health specialists claim the medicines, which include Sudafed, Lemsip and Beechams, don't work and customers are being hoodwinked by drug firms.

Yet users took to social media claiming 'miracle' Lemsip was one of the only drugs they'd ever used that actually eases a blocked nose.

Others, however, labelled the products 'expensive con tricks' and blamed pharmaceutical companies for 'ripping the public off'.

US health officials have already proposed getting rid of oral drugs containing the decongestant phenylephrine over concerns they are 'not effective'.

If accepted, it could see popular over-the-counter tablets and pills discontinued the other side of the Atlantic.

In one post, a user said: 'Was sad when they banned Nightnurse the only thing I've ever known to stop cold in its tracks. Now Lemsip!

'Why do they keep meddling and making things worse for everyone.'

US health officials have already proposed getting rid of oral drugs containing the decongestant phenylephrine over concerns they are 'not effective'

Health experts are calling for the same to happen in Britain, arguing that UK customers are being hoodwinked by the drug firms

Another wrote: 'I had a Lemsip a week back with a stinking cold. It worked for me so keep your flipin hands off em.'

A third, on X, added: 'Leave my Lemsip alone! It is a MIRACLE DRUG.'

Yet, some users claimed the products are little more than a placebo in helping to fight colds.

'Isn't Lemsip, like, just soluble paracetamol that tastes s***?' one wrote.

'Get these expensive con tricks off the shelves. The pharmaceutical companies are ripping the public off!', another said.

The concern over phenylephrine relates solely to oral formulations of the product, rather than nasal sprays which cost around 5.

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'.

But social media users were today with one claiming it's one of the only drugs that actually eases a blocked noses. Others, however, labelled the products 'expensive con tricks' and blamed pharmaceutical companies for 'ripping the public off'

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

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.

Professor Ron Eccles, who ran the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University before retiring from the university in 2017, told MailOnline today: 'Phenylephrine should be taken off the shelves as it is an ineffective medicine.

'Consumers can treat nasal congestion with oral products containing pseudoephedrine but this is not on the shelves and only available by asking the pharmacist for a product,

'My opinion is that the nasal decongestant sprays containing either oxymetazoline or xylometazoline are about four times more effective than pseudoephedrine and also work within a few minutes.

'So I would always recommend taking a nasal decongestant spray rather than any oral decongestant.'

Meanwhile, 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.'

Brands like Sudafed, Lemsip and Beechams all sell drugs taken orally that contain phenylephrine in Britain for close to 5

But, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of drugs used in Britain, has refused to take action, given 'no new safety concerns have been identified'.

Instead, it has urged people to continue using 'as directed'.

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.

'The products on the market here, containing phenylephrine, are combined with other active ingredients to provide the best possible symptom relief.'

The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposal will not yet have an immediate impact on the medications.

It is first 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.

The FDA ruling on phenylephrine does not concern another popular decongestant  pseudoephedrine.

Phenylephrine's use boomed after products made with pseudoephedrine were hit with restrictions in the UK in 2008 to prevent criminals turning it into the illegal drug crystal meth.

It is illegal to sell or supply any product to Brits which contains more than 720mg of pseudoephedrine without a prescription.

Earlier this year, however, the MHRA updated its pseudoephedrine guidance following safety concerns, meaning patients with very high blood pressure or kidney disease should no longer take it.

In exceptionally rare cases, this drug can trigger posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) or reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), the medicines watchdog warned.
Caroline Mansi was on a woodland walk in springtime with her sister when she was suddenly overcome with dizziness and felt a huge rush of menstrual blood.

I had to lie down on the forest floor because I was so weak and faint, recalls Caroline, then 39, a primary school assistant headmistress in Enfield.

It was ten minutes before she felt strong enough to get to her feet. They took the quickest route back to the car park, where Caroline dashed into the public loo.

Looking down, I was soaked in blood, she recalls. Id also passed an enormous clot, with a 10cm diameter, as well as my coil. I had to change all my clothes.

Caroline went to A&E, where she had blood tests, but then went home after a long wait  frustrated after getting no answers or advice from the doctors.

Caroline Mansi, 43, didn't have any obvious sign of fibroids until she was in her late-30s

In fact, this wasnt the first such episode. Eighteen months earlier, in the summer of 2019, Caroline had begun bleeding all day every day for no apparent reason. Her GP had prescribed the Mirena coil to try to control the bleeding, as it releases hormones that thin the womb lining so there is less tissue to shed. It had no effect.

She was also prescribed Provera  a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which regulates menstrual bleeding  to lighten her periods; this also made little difference. The GP referred Caroline to a gynaecologist, but there was a two-year wait due to Covid.

It was horrific. I dont know how I got through it, recalls Caroline, now 43.

I regularly passed large clots, had excruciating cramps and blood flooded my clothes. I had to carry a change of clothes everywhere.

While teaching, she had to dash to the loo several times after discovering blood had leaked onto my chair. It was so embarrassing.

The blood loss also caused anaemia and, despite taking daily iron tablets, she felt drained. Pressure on her bladder meant she sometimes leaked urine.

When she finally saw a gynaecologist, in 2021, she was prescribed norethisterone, which mimics progesterone. This helped control the blood loss. An ultrasound scan revealed the cause: a fibroid  a non-cancerous growth of muscle and tissue that develops in and around the womb.

Dr Karolina Afors, a consultant gynaecologist at University College London Hospital and HCA Portland Hospital for Women and Children, says a diagnosis of fibroids is a problem due to the long wait in the UK to see a gynaecologist

Simply knowing the cause was a huge relief, says Caroline. I just wish it hadnt taken so long.

Although two in three women of childbearing age have fibroids, many are unaware because they have no symptoms. Others experience heavy periods; bloating; pelvic pain; bladder pressure; constipation, as well as pain during sex.

The condition is very common yet general awareness of it is low, surveys show.

Another major problem is the long wait in the UK to see a gynaecologist. In some European countries women are seen annually for a scan and check up, according to Dr Karolina Afors, a consultant gynaecologist at University College London Hospital and HCA Portland Hospital for Women and Children.

The fact that heavy periods are disregarded by some doctors can contribute to referral delays.

This was true for Caroline, who felt fobbed off by her GP, whod told her changing sanitary towels every two hours was normal. Fibroids become more common with age, then shrink after the menopause. In Carolines case she didnt have obvious symptoms until her late 30s.

There are different types of fibroids. She had a submucosal fibroid, which grows in the muscle lining and protrudes into the womb, causing distortion and heavy bleeding. It was this, rather than its size, 1.5cm, that caused the intense bleeding.

Other fibroid symptoms include chronic bloating and the need to pee more often than usual (as these are similar to those of ovarian cancer, an ultrasound is needed to rule this out). Fibroids may also affect a womans fertility as they can distort the shape of her womb, making it harder to conceive and increasing the risk of miscarriage.

Some can grow very large. Dr Hlupekile Chipeta, a consultant gynaecologist at Leeds Hospital NHS Trust and a spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says shes operated on women with fibroids so large theyve grown into the upper abdomen, making everyday things like bending over or tying a belt uncomfortable.

When we talk about fibroids being benign, it underplays the distress and significant effects they can have, regardless of their size, she told Good Health.

Yet for such a common and potentially debilitating problem, surprisingly little is known about the causes of fibroids. Hormones are thought to play a part, particularly oestrogen and progesterone.

Women from certain black or Asian groups seem more likely to develop them. Being overweight is also thought to be a factor, possibly due to the increased amount of oestrogen body fat produces. Research also suggests high blood pressure may play a role.

A review, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found middle-aged women with untreated high blood pressure had a 19 per cent greater risk of fibroids. Women with high blood pressure, who controlled it with medication, cut their risk by 49 per cent.

Taking vitamin D can also shrink fibroids in women who are vitamin D deficient, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition in Cancer this year. The charity Wellbeing of Women is funding two research projects on fibroids. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are looking at, among other things, how the hormone progesterone behaves in the lining of the womb in women with fibroids.

This is important as most of the medications in use to treat heavy periods act on the progesterone pathways,' says Dr Varsha Jain, one of the researchers.

But if progesterone functions differently in women with fibroids, this might explain why medications dont work for a third of women with heavy periods, with these women needing to resort to hysterectomy.

As well as the combined contraceptive pill that shuts down the hormones involved in fibroid growth, current treatments include tranexamic acid, which blocks the breakdown of blood clots and prevents bleeding, and the Mirena coil, which thins the lining of the uterus so there is less tissue to shed in a period.

Ryeqo, a daily tablet for heavy bleeding caused by moderate to large fibroids, has been available on NHS prescription since 2023.

It acts on the pituitary gland in the brain, preventing the production of progesterone and reducing oestrogen  both involved in fibroid growth. It is also a hormone therapy that compensates for the lack of oestrogen, which may otherwise cause hot flushes and impact on bone density.

While the fibroids wont disappear, they are likely to remain stable or reduce in size, says Dr Narendra Pisal, a consultant gynaecologist at the private London Gynaecology Clinic.

In severe cases, women may be offered injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to induce temporary menopause. Symptoms usually improve in four to eight weeks. These can be given for up to six months, or up to two years if taken with HRT. Periods return a few weeks after the last jab.

Another option is radio-frequency embolisation, using radio waves delivered vaginally to cut the fibroids blood supply.

A new treatment, Sonata  a combination of high-intensity ultrasound and radio frequency energy used to destroy the fibroid  was recently approved for use on the NHS at selected centres under local anaesthetic.

Keyhole and abdominal surgery can be used to remove fibroids, but the risk is scarring which may affect fertility. And with all treatments, fibroids can grow back or seedling fibroids are missed and may grow in future.

In severe cases, women may be advised to have a hysterectomy.

Following her diagnosis, Caroline was treated in November 2022 using Sonata. The procedure took just over an hour.

The bleeding stopped immediately, and I didnt get my next period for nine months, she says.

When my periods did return, they were relatively normal, lasting just four to five days.

Two years after her treatment she says: I really want to shout from the rooftops about it. More women need to know that fibroids might be the cause of their heavy bleeding  and you dont have to just put up with it.
At the first sign of a runny nose many people dash out to buy a cold and flu remedy  but soon that might become harder to do.

Many of the UKs top brands including Lemsip could be withdrawn from sale after a ruling in the US that a key ingredient found in them, phenylephrine, a decongestant, may be ineffective.

We currently spend more than 250million on remedies to tackle the misery of blocked noses, tickly coughs and sore throats, but the US news raises the question: are we wasting our money?

Last week, a panel of special advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  which oversees the use of medicines in the US  called for a ban on the use of phenylephrine, a key ingredient in most types of oral decongestants sold over the counter both in the US and the UK.

This follows a previous report from the panel which concluded that taking the drug orally, which is the most common approach, is no better than a placebo when it comes to clearing stuffy noses and improving breathing. This is because not enough reaches the nose to have a meaningful effect, as so much of it gets lost on the journey. In nasal spray form, the reviewers said that phenylephrine does seem to work, as almost all the active medicine lands where its needed.

Phenylephrine was developed nearly a century ago and is a key ingredient in top-selling oral brands such as Lemsip, Boots Max Strength Sinus Pressure & Pain Relief Capsules and Superdrug Max Congestion Relief Capsules.

It eases nasal congestion by temporarily shrinking the tiny blood vessels inside the nostrils, which can become inflamed when you have a cold, making more space for air to pass through.

We currently spend more than 250million on remedies to tackle of blocked noses, tickly coughs and sore throats, but the US news raises the question: are we wasting our money?

But the FDA panel has questioned whether it has any effect when taken orally.

The panels proposal will now go out for public consultation in the US before the FDA itself decides whether to implement a ban.

If it does, some experts believe the UK would rapidly follow suit  even though the UK drugs watchdog, the Medicines and healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, says consumers can continue to use tablets and capsules containing phenylephrine (as well as cold and flu remedies, it is found in some tablets for sinusitis and allergy-related stuffiness).

Almost all oral decongestant products on sale here contain phenylephrine, says Professor Ron Eccles, who ran the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University before retiring from the university in 2017. If the FDA ban it - and I think it will - it could have a big effect on the UK, where sales of these products are worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

But manufacturers are not just having to consider reformulating or removing their products; some are now facing possible legal action in the US on the basis of the advisory panel ruling.

The devices and drugs you SHOULD turn to

By Adrian Monti For years, our go-to decongestant has been pills containing the active ingredient phenylephrine. We asked experts to assess the useful alternatives. Contac Non Drowsy Dual Relief 18 tablets, 4.35, lloydspharmacy.com CLAIM: These tablets contain paracetamol and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which is said to 'clear nasal and sinus congestion'. EXPERT VERDICT: 'This is a good and safe decongestant which has been shown to work for many patients,' says Sultan Dajani, a pharmacist based in Bishopstoke, Hampshire. 'Pseudoephedrine eases nasal congestion by shrinking tiny blood vessels inside the nostrils  making more space for air to pass through. It works in a similar way to phenylephrine, but is stronger and has an additional stimulant effect  so if you're tired and run down, it'll give you an energy boost (don't take this before bed). 'As with all tablets, some of the dose will be lost as it passes through the gut, but the formulation of pseudoephedrine is such that enough will reach the nasal passages to be effective on congestion. 'The paracetamol here will also help bring down a fever. 'Don't take with other paracetamol-containing products, and check with your doctor first if you have high blood pressure or take heart medication.' Neti Pot Sinus Rinse Kit 11.99, amazon.co.uk CLAIM: You fill the bottle with water, add a salt sachet (this is provided) and shake well. The bottle has an attached tube which you position into a nostril, then pour the water in. By tilting your head sideways, the water drains out the other nostril, bringing any mucus, which may have clogged the sinuses, with it. EXPERT VERDICT: A Cochrane Review in 2018 concluded that nasal rinsing is 'a cheap, safe and acceptable' way to tackle congestion. Thomas Jacques, a consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon at Cadogan Clinic in London, agrees: 'This is a safe and effective way to wash away any congestion,' he says. 'We recommend using nasal rinsing for rhinitis and chronic sinusitis, and a lot of our patients find these irrigation kits useful. 'It's a device you can use 'as and when', and it will not interfere with any medications you're taking  using it alongside them can give the best possible control.' The bottle has an attached tube which you position into a nostril, then pour the water in. By tilting your head sideways, the water drains out the other nostril, bringing any mucus, which may have clogged the sinuses, with it Sudafed blocked nose spray 15ml, 4.80, tesco.com CLAIM: This contains xylometazoline, to 'unblock your nose fast' using a single spray. Its maker says the effects of each dose last for ten hours. EXPERT VERDICT: 'This spray will help relieve symptoms of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, flu, inflamed sinuses and allergies, thanks to xylometazoline,' says pharmacist Ashley Cohen, from Pharm-Assist, a chemist chain in Leeds. 'This ingredient targets the alpha receptors in the walls of your blood vessels within the nasal passage and sinuses, quickly reducing swelling in this tissue and so relieving congestion. It also decreases mucus production. As it's a nasal spray, it gets absorbed quickly  so as soon as you use it you will feel some symptom relief. 'It is good for most patients, but be cautious if you have high blood pressure, and be aware of 'rebound congestion', where prolonged use of a decongestant causes the nasal blood vessels to swell. 'So don't use this spray for more than a week  and if symptoms haven't cleared up by then, there may be other factors affecting the sinus such as an infection, so see your doctor or consult a pharmacist.' Beurer SI40 Steam Inhaler 35.95, amazon.co.uk CLAIM: This produces steam that you inhale through an attached mask, to 'open nasal passages, loosen mucus and reduce inflammation'. EXPERT VERDICT: The NHS website says steam inhalation can open up inflamed nasal passages and loosen mucus. It recommends steaming once or twice a day for 10-15 minutes. 'Steam will loosen and soften mucus that's causing congestion, making it drain away better,' says Florian Bast, a consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS hospitals in London. 'There are not many studies, but those that exist suggest a device like this can improve breathing if we have a blocked nose  although they won't reduce the viral load. 'In clinic, we often prescribe steroid nasal sprays [to reduce inflammation] with a device like this for severe rhinitis. I have a similar device which I use if I feel a bit of a cold starting.' But note, while it might loosen mucus, the inhaler won't speed up recovery: a 2017 Cochrane Review concluded that 'there is laboratory evidence that the cold virus may be sensitive to heat but no large-scale clinical trials have tested its [i.e. steam] effectiveness'. Colief Breathe Easy Patch 5.99 for 6 patches, chemist-4-u.com CLAIM: Suitable from age three, these are applied to sleepwear  the maker claims that body heat will encourage the release of a eucalyptus and peppermint vapour, which aids 'easy breathing'. EXPERT VERDICT: Scientific research for plant-derived compounds such as menthol, eucalyptus oil and camphor has been mixed. They seem to make people feel better, but don't necessarily have a measurable benefit on nasal congestion. But pharmacist Ashley Cohen says: 'The vapour should have some benefit  and would be especially helpful for children. Apply the patch to clothing or bedsheets to reduce potential skin irritation.' P.S. TRY VITAMIN C FOR SHORTENING COLDS VITAMIN C was once thought to be the perfect drug-free way to ward off colds. But studies showed taking it does not actually reduce the odds for most people. However, some evidence suggests it may reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms, according to a 2013 Cochrane Review  but only if you take it all the time, rather than just when a cold takes hold. Advertisement

A class-action lawsuit, which is still ongoing, claims the companies knew their decongestant products did not work as advertised and caused consumers to waste money on ineffective products  and, given the lack of benefit, unnecessarily exposed them to the potential side-effects of the drug, which can include headaches, insomnia and (at high doses) high blood pressure.

Adam Levitt, one of the U.S. lawyers handling the case, told reporters last year at the launch of the action: There is a serious problem when a decongestant doesnt decongest.

This is a prime example of how the pharmaceutical industry makes billions by knowingly selling questionable products to consumers who are suffering from specific ailments.

Professor Eccles says manufacturers of cold and flu remedies made with phenylephrine are now frantically looking for alternative ingredients in anticipation of future UK restrictions on its use in oral formulations.

Some of them have been asking me what they can use as a replacement and Im having to tell them there isnt anything suitable, now or in the research pipeline, he says.

Many of the UKs top brands, including Lemsip, could be withdrawn from sale after a ruling in the US that a key ingredient found in them, phenylephrine, a decongestant, may be ineffective

Phenylephrines use boomed after products made with a more effective rival ingredient  pseudoephedrine  were removed from shelves in the UK in 2008 to prevent criminals turning it into the illegal drug crystal meth.

Phenylephrine cannot be turned into crystal meth.

Once pseudoephedrine medicines were made pharmacy-only (where you have to ask the pharmacist for it before you can buy it), use of phenylephrine in over-the-counter brands soared. But if phenylephrine is ineffective taken orally, how did it come to be licensed for this type of use?

Some of the experts who have lobbied the FDA to pull it from the market had gone through the data used for the drugs approval in the 1970s and found some of the information submitted had not been peer-reviewed (where experts in the field scrutinise it first).

Furthermore, when the data was run through modern software to analyse its accuracy, the results suggested phenylephrine was no better than a placebo.

HOW EXPERTS TREAT THEMSELVES Professor Ron Eccles, former director of the Common Cold Research Centre at Cardiff University, says: 'I use a nasal decongestant spray containing xylometazoline or oxymetazoline, as they work within minutes and the effects last for up to ten hours.' Professor Penny Ward, a visiting professor in pharmaceutical medicine at King's College London, says: 'I usually struggle through without taking anything, as medication only treats the symptoms, not the virus itself. But I might sometimes take a Lemsip at night to relieve the symptoms and for comfort so I can sleep.' Professor Andrew Easton, a virologist at the University of Warwick, says: 'I take over-the-counter products such as Beechams powders or similar if my symptoms are quite bad.' Advertisement

Concerns about the drug were first put to the U.S. drug authorities 30 years ago. But when the FDA reviewed the evidence in 2005, it judged the drug to be weakly active and, therefore, still worthy of approval.

This isnt the first time questions have been raised about over-the-counter cough and cold remedies.

In 2014, a major review by the highly respected Cochrane organisation, a UK body which scrutinises the evidence for the effectiveness of medicines, found there was no good evidence for or against the use of over-the-counter cough medicines sold here.

After trawling through data from 29 trials, it concluded: This lack of evidence of effectiveness brings into question how these products can continue to be promoted using language that implies that their effectiveness is not in doubt.

But as this research was simply adding to the evidence for and against cough medicines use, rather than a regulatory investigation, no action was taken.

A separate review in 2017 by the American Chemical Society reached a similar conclusion  finding that most cough syrups were no better than a placebo.

If some remedies are ineffective, consumer choice has been further limited by safety concerns relating to products containing pholcodine.

In March 2023, the MHRA ordered that around 20 over-the-counter cough medicines  including Day and Night Nurse and Boots Day Cold and Flu Relief  be withdrawn from the market following an investigation that revealed pholcodine (an opioid-based ingredient that suppresses coughs by interrupting the nerve signals that trigger coughing) increased the risk of having a life-threatening allergic reaction to a general anaesthetic.

Anyone who had taken cough syrup made with pholcodine in the 12 months before an operation was at risk, the MHRA warned.

And though it stressed that such reactions were incredibly rare (affecting only around one in 10,000 procedures), the products have now been withdrawn from the market in the UK and Europe.

Ointment-based remedies may also not be as effective as consumers believe. Research looking at products made with plant-based ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus oil and camphor shows mixed results.

So while Vicks VapoRub contains both eucalyptus and camphor (the UK website says: When you have a cold, turn to Vicks VapoRub ointment to relieve your blocked nose, sore throat and cough due to colds), the evidence suggests that although such ingredients may make people feel better, they have no measurable benefit on nasal congestion.

A 2022 study by Cardiff University, published in the journal Drugs in Context, pooled results from dozens of earlier investigations and found the rub-on remedies did not improve nasal airway measures, though they did help people sleep, which made them feel a bit better.

The Proprietary Association of Great Britain, which represents companies making over-the-counter medicines, insists patients should not be concerned by the recent report on decongestants.

Michelle Riddalls, its chief executive, said last week: 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.

Most High Street products do indeed mix decongestants with a range of other ingredients, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to bring down temperature and banish aches and pains; or caffeine to combat drowsiness.

The attraction is that they provide all-in-one symptom relief in a single product. But leaving aside whether they actually work in terms of clearing the airways, is a combination pill the safest way to take them?

Quite often with nasal congestion, people also get painful blocked sinuses and headaches, says Professor Peter Openshaw, an expert in respiratory viral infections based at Imperial College London.

Paracetamol is an appropriate treatment for that, as is ibuprofen, which can also bring your fever down. But I would always recommend taking these separately, rather than in a combination treatment, to be sure you are sticking to dosing guidelines.

Under NHS guidelines an adult should take no more than eight 500mg paracetamol tablets in 24 hours (a total of 4,000mg).

A 20ml serving of Lemsip Max All in One Liquid, by comparison, contains 1,000mg of paracetamol.

As it can be taken up to four times a day, this gives a total paracetamol intake of 4,000mg - i.e. the maximum safe daily allowance. The worry is that some patients might not realise how much of the painkiller is in these products and may take extra paracetamol tablets in between doses, says Professor Openshaw.

With these combined treatments, its easy to lose track of exactly how much you are taking, and that means there is the potential to overdose on paracetamol, for example, which could lead to liver damage. Its much safer if you know exactly how much you are taking.

Studies show there are up to 90,000 cases of paracetamol overdose in the UK each year  with 150 to 250 deaths.

The British Liver Trust website says: A lot of cold and flu remedies you can buy from a pharmacy contain paracetamol. So it is possible to accidentally take too much by taking different medicines together.

When it comes to nasal congestion, Professor Openshaw recommends over-the-counter sprays. These will not necessarily contain phenylephrine: some are made with other active drugs, such as xylometazoline (used, for example, in Sudafed blocked nose spray) or oxymetazoline (found in Vicks Sinex Soother Nasal Spray).

However, using them for too long can make congestion worse by triggering a blocked nose (often called a rebound effect) caused by the medicine itself.

Although the sprays do shrink blood vessels in the lining of the nose and help you breathe more easily, the lining quickly becomes more reactive and almost addicted to the medication  you have to use more of it to suppress the inflammation, explains Professor Openshaw. Personally, I would not use a decongestant spray for more than three days in a row to reduce the risk of this happening.

One useful suggestion I have seen elsewhere is to limit exposure to the spray by squirting it up one nostril at a time, as its possible to breathe comfortably through one. So maybe squirt it into the left nostril one day and the right one the next to reduce chances of this rebound effect.

Meanwhile, scientists continue to investigate other approaches for tackling colds and flu. Remarkably, given its prevalence, the common cold is one of the few ailments where there are no licensed medicines to tackle the virus itself, only the symptoms.

But dont expect a radical breakthrough any day soon, warns Professor Eccles. The viruses that cause colds are always rapidly evolving and remain one step ahead of the anti-viral medicines we make  so a cure seems a long way off, he says. Compared to the common cold, smallpox was relatively easy to defeat.
The significance of Britains trade with the US cannot be underestimated.

A long sought after free-trade deal is elusive despite the best efforts of former Business Secretary, now Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch.

The debate in Britain foolishly has focused on minor issues such as American chlorinated chicken. This misses the point totally.

The US, it should never be forgotten, is Britains biggest single trading partner. Trade with the 27 nations of the EU is larger in volume.

Less recognised is the data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis which shows that the UK has been and remains the largest trading partner of the US for exports and imports of services. The UK also leads in digital services and those supplied by multi-national enterprises.

Shake-up: Donald Trump has said he wants to impose tariffs of between 10% and 20% on the rest of the world outside China. The president-elect aims for a 60% tariff on China

UK Trade & Investments says that the US is not only Britains biggest trading partner but is among the countries of the world with which we have a trade surplus.

It jumped from 35.6billion in 2014 to 41.4billion in 2016, the year of the Brexit referendum, to 71.4billion in 2023.

Washington also curiously claims a surplus explained by measurement, timing and currency differences.

The special relationship is often disparaged as a political construct. It is indisputable that when it comes to economic ties, those between the UK and US and the City and Wall Street could not be any closer.

The major US investment banks  Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley  run their European and some global operations from London.

Britain has more to lose or gain should Donald Trump succeed in his effort to impose tariffs of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent on the rest of the world outside China. The president-elect aims for a 60 per cent tariff on China.

Given the importance of the US market to British commerce and vice-versa, it makes little sense for Keir Starmer to throw in his lot with Emmanuel Macron and Brussels in negotiating a tariff deal with Washington.

This is especially true as the fate of most commerce in services, where the UK dominates, falls outside normal trade deals.

The Government, with overt support for Kamala Harris in the US elections and disparagement of Trump, has not helped itself in seeking a derogation from the next White House.

Britain can take comfort from other truths. What is said in a campaign  think Labours national insurance tax rise and business friendly agenda  doesnt necessarily stay intact in government.

Moreover, Congress may be less than enthusiastic about trade barriers, which mean higher consumer prices.

Here is hoping for small mercies.

Trenchant defence

Takeover speculation has done wonders for Burberrys beaten up shares over the last month. They were up 17 per cent but still down 45 per cent this year.

Would-be buyer Moncler, a distant cousin of luxury behemoth LVMH, dismisses the bid speculation and, given the scale of the share price movement, Burberry would be obliged to tell shareholders if there had been an approach.

Much depends on chief executive Joshua Schulman when he unveils first half results on Thursday. Revenues are projected to have slumped by 20 per cent and losses are estimated at 45million.

Schulman needs to be given time. It is unthinkable that a brand so associated with Britain and its distinctive country life culture should vanish into the hands of an overpriced Italian puffer jacket maker.

As TV fashion guru Patrick Grant notes, Burberry used to make absolutely brilliant coats which it developed year after year focusing on waterproofing and design qualities.

Under no circumstances should such a British heritage company  which still manufactures at Keighley in Yorkshire  allow itself to be snaffled by a Continental luxury behemoth which would bury it alive.

Research neglect

Amid all the Labour Governments misfiring talk about growth, it is doing precious little to back UK science excellence.

Cambridge University, which this year added a couple more Nobel prize laureates, bringing its proud haul up to 125, is launching a 50million drive to recruit the best and brightest PhD students from around the world.

The goal is to raise the cash over ten years. Given the pay-off, in the shape of companies such as Deep Mind, a government sinking billions into the public sector needs to fast track PhD scholars at our great research institutions now.

Delay is R&D suicide.
Direct Line is cutting 550 jobs as its boss embarks on a 100million cost-saving programme to turn around its fortunes.

The cuts, representing 5 per cent of the beleaguered insurance firms workforce, were announced as the group revealed that it had lost 71,000 own-brand motor insurance customers in the latest quarter.

Chief executive Adam Winslow said the direction of travel is positive, but that there was a lot more work to go.

Job cuts: Direct Line has revealed that it had lost 71,000 own-brand motor insurance customers in the latest quarter

Direct Line fended off a takeover attempt by Belgian rival Ageas earlier this year and has been implementing price hikes as the cost of claims soars.

That has prompted an exodus among its own-brand motor insurance customers, with the total number falling to just over 3m in the third quarter.

It is nearly 400,000 lower than at the same period a year ago, though the rate of customer exits has slowed in the latest three-month period, and other lines of business, including home insurance, have been more stable.

Total gross written premiums and other fees earned by the group in the third quarter fell 35 per cent to 705million, from nearly 1.1billion a year earlier.

Winslows strategy to grow customer numbers again involves making Direct Line insurance available on price comparison websites for the first time, reversing years of resistance to the move under previous bosses.

At the same time, the company said yesterday it was pushing ahead with 50million of the 100million cost-saving target previously announced by the chief executive, who was appointed in March.

Winslow suggested that there could be more cost-cutting to come after hitting the 100million target.

He said the job cuts announced yesterday were not concentrated in one place, they are spread relatively evenly across the entire organisation as we look to improve our way of working.

Bromley-based Direct Line, which also has eight other regional offices, employs around 10,000 staff.

Like other big employers, it has been hit by Chancellor Rachel Reevess decision to hike employer National

Insurance contributions in a 25billion tax raid though Winslow declined to put a figure on it.

We are a relatively large employer and so the cost is therefore relatively large, Winslow said.
Gender gap: My pension is four times that of my wife's pot

There must be a simple way to split pension contributions between partners.

For example you could simply make employers create two pots one for each partner and then pay half of all contributions to each pot.

Sure there is a bit more admin and it creates more pots but at least it addresses the inequality between usually men and women.

For example, my pension is four times that of my wife's pot.

SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ASK STEVE YOUR PENSION QUESTION

Steve Webb replies: We hear plenty about the 'gender pay gap', with larger employers now under legal obligations to publish details of pay differences between men and women in their workplace.

Your question relates to a different  but related  gap, namely the 'gender pension gap'. And this gap is very real.

The average woman reaches retirement with private pension wealth around 35 per cent lower than her male counterpart, according to DWP figures published last year.

While the gender gap in *state* pensions is closing every year, mainly because of the introduction of the new state pension, the gap in *private* pensions between men and women is substantial and is at roughly the same level now as it was a decade earlier.

There are many different factors which lead to pension gaps between men and women, but here are some of the main ones.

- The gender *pay* gap: The size of your pension generally depends on how much you earned and how long you earned for.

As women are on average paid less, they will also tend to build up smaller pensions.

- The 'caregiver penalty': The majority of unpaid care in the UK, whether of children or the older generation, is given by women.

Often this can be at the expense of jobs or careers. Whilst the state pension system provides 'credits' during periods of caring, it can be hard to keep a private pension going if you are not earning or earning at a reduced level because of caring responsibilities.

Got a question for Steve Webb? Scroll down to find out how to contact him

- Gaps in automatic enrolment: Although automatic enrolment has been a great initiative, bringing millions of men and women into pensions for the first time, it does not cover the whole workforce.

In particular, those who earn under 10,000 per year from a single job, or those with multiple low-paid jobs, may miss out, and women are over-represented in these groups.

- Relationship breakdown: Where a couple divorce and there is a sharing of assets, pensions can often be overlooked or undervalued.

Where one member of a couple (typically a man) has built up much larger pension rights than the other, and nothing is done to even things up on divorce, this can leave the spouse with poor pension prospects when she retires.

You can read more about each of these issues in a paper I co-authored on this topic last year: The Gender Pension Gap - How did we get here, and where are we going?

In terms of solutions, there is no doubt that greater equality in the labour market would help, as would more equal contributions between men and women to caring responsibilities, though these could take decades to work through into improved retirement outcomes for women.

You have raised a creative suggestion which is that where an employee is part of a couple, the employer could pay equally into a pension for each partner.

One advantage of your idea is that both parties would build up equal pension rights and this would reduce the potential for unfairness in the event of a divorce.

There are, however, some significant practical problems with this idea.

I suspect employers would not be thrilled about the idea of having to make pension contributions for people who don't even work for them.

Although the total cost might be the same, there would be a considerable administrative burden in establishing the details of the other person to receive the contributions as well as keeping that information up-to-date as relationships are formed or break up.

Some employers would also, presumably, find themselves splitting the pension contributions which they currently make in respect of lower paid women so that half could go to a better paid spouse or partner.

If this was an 'opt-in' scheme it's possible that many people wouldn't bother as they can, if they wish, find simpler ways to even up their finances.

One example would be that in a couple concerned about this issue the higher earner could simply pay directly into the pension of the lower earner without needing to involve the employer.

The tax implications of doing this, both now and in retirement would however need to be thought through.

There is also the challenge that this idea could make the problem of small pension pots even worse.

We know that many people aren't paying enough into their pension and that a short job spell can generate a relatively small pot.

If your suggestion was adopted, each job spell would now generate two pots, some of which would be very small indeed.

I welcome your creative thinking and it's vital that this issue gets more attention.

Whilst I have my reservations about this specific idea, we certainly need to tackle these longstanding pension gaps sooner rather than later.

Ask Steve Webb a pension question Former pensions minister Steve Webb is This Is Money's agony uncle. He is ready to answer your questions, whether you are still saving, in the process of stopping work, or juggling your finances in retirement. Steve left the Department for Work and Pensions after the May 2015 election. He is now a partner at actuary and consulting firm Lane Clark & Peacock. If you would like to ask Steve a question about pensions, please email him at pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk. Steve will do his best to reply to your message in a forthcoming column, but he won't be able to answer everyone or correspond privately with readers. Nothing in his replies constitutes regulated financial advice. Published questions are sometimes edited for brevity or other reasons. Please include a daytime contact number with your message - this will be kept confidential and not used for marketing purposes. If Steve is unable to answer your question, you can also contact MoneyHelper, a Government-backed organisation which gives free assistance on pensions to the public. It can be found here and its number is 0800 011 3797. Stev e receives many questions about the state pension and 'contracting out'. If you are writing to Steve on this topic, he responds to a typical reader question about the state pension and contracting out here.
Bombshell texts show how a Sydney woman allegedly signed herself up to be part of an African romance scam - posing as a wealthy mining heiress to fleece a lonely American doctor of his life savings.

Rebecca Jade Silk, 34, a swim school teacher from the city's northern beaches, is accused of jetting into the US posing as 'Grace Erskine' as part of a romance scam spearheaded by a gang from the West African nation of Ghana.

The alleged scam was shattered by Ghana's Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after the 75-year-old American doctor- who Daily Mail Australia has decided not to name - transferred more than AU$1million overseas, prompting his alarmed family to call in the FBI.

Law enforcement documents, first reported by CBS News and seen by Daily Mail Australia, show alleged WhatsApp message conversations between Ms Silk and the gang's kingpin Alfred Ayivor in February 2019.

There, Silk asks the kingpin: 'So what's my cut.'

'How about $100,000,' Ayivor replied.

'$250,000,' Silk said. 'Without me everyone gets nothing.'

She then allegedly warned that she could bring the apparent scam down unless she was paid appropriately. 'I could always call and say it was a scam.'

Rebecca Jade Silk, a swim school teacher from Sydney's northern beaches, is embroiled in an investigation into a romance scam by African authorities

Law enforcement documents, seen by Daily Mail Australia, show alleged WhatsApp message conversations between Ms Silk and the gang's kingpin in Ghana, western Africa

Rebecca Silk was recruited to play the part of an attractive mining heiress, Ghanaian authorities allege

Rebecca demanded more money for her part in the scam, according to text messages seen by Daily Mail Australia

In another set of messages with Ayivor, Silk describes her victim as 'gross'

The EOCO alleges that after the deal with Ayivor was struck, Silk flew to the States and met the unsuspecting radiologist.

Ayivor, posing as 'Grace', had been texting the doctor daily for months in a bid to make him believe he had a future with the stunning Australian - who, as the story allegedly went, happened to have a gold mine.

Photos showed Silk with his family, staying at his home and cooking for the doctor - all while she showed off her international travel by posting photos of her lavish world trip to Instagram.

She also allegedly later played her part in the scam in Ghana, accompanying the smitten American to the country's capital city of Accra.

Ghanaian authorities claim she told Ayivor: 'He's so gross ... I am not opening my legs for him'.

In Accra, they met with fake lawyers and business executives in a set-up masterminded by Ayivor, who posed as their driver.

Convinced the elaborate scam was real and that Grace was a mining heiress who inherited the family business in Ghana, the doctor transferred large sums of money for a stake in her allegedly non-existent gold mine.

He hoped to make a profit from his investment setting him and his love up for life.

Australian swim school teacher and alleged African romance scam participant Rebecca Jade Silk with the American doctor who was allegedly targeted by a Ghanaian gang

Rebecca enjoying international trips about the time the alleged scam was taking place. Above, in Bangkok

It's not known how Rebecca allegedly became involved with African fraudsters but Ghanaian authorities obtained a series of Whatsapp messages between her and Alfred Ayivor. Alfred Ayivor, above, posed as a driver in Ghana to keen an eye on his alleged victim

But after finding out about the large fund transfers his worried family contacted the FBI who handed the file over to Ghana's organised crime unit resulting in an international investigation.

Alfred Ayivor was arrested, but died of an unknown illness before he faced trial.

It was through his seized devices that conversations between him and Silk were uncovered.

Silk has not been charged with any offences but remains a person of interest for Ghanaian police.

She did not respond when approached with questions by Daily Mail Australia.

But her boyfriend, Tendia Tudela, claimed that his girlfriend was not a willing participant in the scam and did not benefit financially.

'They had something on her,' Mr Tudela told Daily Mail Australia. 'She didn't get that money.'

When asked why the text messages between Silk and Ayivor appeared to show her demanding a larger cut for her part, he said Silk had done that to try to 'put them off asking her to go'.

The Australian Federal Police declined to comment, saying they cannot comment on investigations conducted by Ghanaian authorities.
EXCLUSIVE

For years, Harmony Bryant's tragic death was dismissed as a simple car crash, despite her family insisting the evidence proved it was something far more sinister.

Now they fear something even worse.

Eight years after Harmony died, a coroner finally ruled the 26-year-old had been murdered, but by then the trail had gone cold and the culprit was never traced.

Now her family have been hit by new heartache over growing concerns their daughter may have been a victim of a suspected serial killer prowling northern NSW.

'I have been looking at other cases for years and have thought they are similar,' Harmony's heartbroken mother Karen Bryant told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's been a very long time now and there are so many of them.'

Harmony's shattered body was found with extensive burns and broken bones near her burnt-out car in bushland at Bonny Hills, south of Port Macquarie on August 16, 2003.

For years, doomed Harmony Bryant's tragic death was dismissed as a simple car crash - despite her family insisting all the evidence proved it was far more sinister

Harmony's shattered body was found with extensive burns and broken bones near her burnt-out car in bushland at Bonny Hills, south of Port Macquarie on August 16, 2003

Her family now fear Harmony may have been a victim of a suspected serial killer prowling northern NSW where there are a catalogue of 67 unsolved murders and disappearances

While in intensive care and unable to speak, Harmony had tried to communicate by silently mouthing what had happened to her but without success.

'The fear in her eyes is something that will never ever leave us,' mother Karen said at the time.

Harmony died in hospital a month later without being able to give up her secrets.

Since then, Karen, from Evans Head, fought tirelessly to have her daughter's death investigated but faced a brick wall of resistance from local police.

The mum-of-five was convinced Harmony didn't die in a car accident, but that someone had violently attacked her only daughter and then staged the accident.

She was finally vindicated when a coroner's inquest in 2011 finally found there could be little doubt Harmony had met with foul play.

The inquest heard Ms Bryant's car drove off the road while under control and even managed to avoid a tree.

The car was found smouldering in dense scrubland in Bonny Hills.

But her handbag, car keys and traces of her blood were found on a clifftop 600m away.

Harmony's brothers including Jeremy (centre) urged their mum Karen (right) to take a step back from the investigation for her own wellbeing.

Deputy State Coroner Malcolm MacPherson told the inquest the system had failed Harmony and her family and offered his sincere sympathy.

He criticised the initial police investigation and recommended the reward for information leading to a conviction be increased to $250,000.

He also referred the investigation to Cold Cases at the State Crime Command, Homicide Squad.

The hunt for her killer has so far proved fruitless though.

But chilling new details of the suspected serial killer terrorising the NSW coast south from the paradise coast of Byron Bay has triggered new fears for Harmony's family.

Tammy Bryant grew up with her 'fun and energetic,' cousin Harmony and forged a close bond with her because of their mere 18-month age gap.

The horrific circumstances that led to her death still etched on her mind today.

'I woke up to a phone call from my dad in the early hours of the morning to tell me they found her,' Tammy told Daily Mail Australia.

'It was winter and I just remember thinking she must be cold lying there in the bush.'

Harmony (holding the microphone) and her cousin Tammy (right) were close growing up.

The Gold Coast mum hadn't realised her cousin's murder was among the many unsolved attacks spanning from Byron to the Central Coast until last week.

But she now has no doubt they are connected, and has spoken out in the hope it may help her family finally get justice and unmask the killer on the loose.

'That is a lot of people missing or murdered - there has to be links there,' she said. 'It's been a big shock to me.

'We talk about Harmony a lot and I use her story to warn my own daughter about being safe.

'There are too many cases around there and I do think one killer could be responsible for many of them.'

She has blasted detectives for failing the family in the aftermath of Harmony's death by writing it off as a traffic accident.

But Taylor lives in hope the killer will be identified one day.

'It was bungled from the beginning, all that lost evidence and opportunities for so many years when nobody was working on it,' she said.

'But they will slip up one day and tell the wrong person. No one can keep a secret like that forever.'

Harmony's mother Karen has all but given up hope after decades of trying to uncover the truth of what happened to her child.

'It doesn't matter what I say now because it's never going to happen,' she admitted.

While in intensive care and unable to speak, Harmony Bryant (pictured with brother Jeremy) tried to communicate by silently mouthing what had happened to her but without success

'I'd love for it to happen. When the inquest ended, my sons sat me down and talked to me about it.

'They said mum we have already lost Harmony and our dad, we can't lose you too, you have to take a step back.'

The family urge anyone with information about Harmony's death to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
If you are hoping to spot a UFO zipping across the evening sky, there is one major US city where your chances are highest, new research has revealed.

Phoenix, Arizona, has been ranked as America's supernatural hotspot, with a whopping 323 sightings in the last decade, according data from the National UFO Reporting Center compiled by BetUS.

New York City came in second place with 313 reported incidents and Nevada, which is home to the infamous Area 51, came in third with 309 alleged sightings.

While the data only goes as far back as 2013, Phoenix has long been a hotbed of paranormal activity - with its biggest UFO event occurring on March 13, 1997.

The city has earned the number one spot with a whopping 323 sightings in the last decade alone

Phoenix has long been a hotbed of paranormal activity - with its most major, and widespread, account of UFO sightings happening on March 13, 1997

On this date, hundreds of people reported seeing 'The Phoenix Lights'.

The sightings were so widespread that even a 12-year-old Meghan McCain claiming she saw them - with what she witnessed that night leaving a mark.

After her mom allowed her 'to go out to the yard to take a look', McCain told the DailyMail.com that she saw 'giant, bright objects floating in a straight line in the distance'.

'Even today, it is hard to explain, and there are varying descriptions of what happened over Phoenix between approximately 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm,' she added.

Years later in 2016, locals in Gilbert, just southeast of Phoenix, claimed they had seen a strange set of three lights moving north to south in the East Valley area.

One resident, Todd, shared footage to his X account, writing in the caption: 'Did anybody else just see a UFO!?'

Even more eerily, in 2019, a live-stream just outside Phoenix captured a purple beam of light bursting through the foreground, and multiple alleged UFOs were caught zipping through the night sky.

In 2019, a live-stream just outside Phoenix captured a purple beam of light burst through the foreground, and multiple UFOs were caught zipping through the night sky

Around 65 percent of Americans believe that intelligent life exists on other planets, according to Pew Research Center.

The recent BetUS data showed that some of the other top scoring cities for UFO sightings are in close proximity to notorious locations known for suspected alien activity, such as Area 51 or Roswell, New Mexico.

Roswell had been dubbed the 'UFO capital of the world' and was believed to be near the site of an alleged alien spaceship crash in 1947 known as the 'Roswell Incident'.

In the same year, the National UFO Reporting Center was founded and it has processed more than 180,000 reports.

In 2016, locals in Gilbert, just southeast of Phoenix, claimed to see a strange set of three lights moving north to south in the East Valley area

The city is home to the International UFO Museum and Research Center, which has been open for nearly 30 years and hosts an annual UFO Festival.

Area 51 in Nevada, meanwhile, is one of the most notorious spots for alien conspiracy theories. The site became forever associated with aliens after an interview in 1989.

Former government physicist, Robert Lazar, told a Las Vegas news station that the site housed and studied alien spacecraft. He has said it was his job to to recreate the technology for military use, according to National Geographic.

Other top cities for UFO sightings include Portland, Oregon, in fourth place with 279 reports, and Tuscon, Arizona, ranked fifth with 244 .

Roswell was dubbed the 'UFO capital of the world' following an alleged spaceship crash in 1947 known as the 'Roswell Incident'. Above, a sign directing Roswell, New Mexico visitors to the start of a '1947 UFO Crash Site Tour' circa 1997

A man takes a selfie with his son in front of a sign at the Alien Research Center in Hiko, Nevada on September 21, 2019

Many cities listed were notably large, with more potential eyes looking at the sky and therefore a higher likelihood of a potential sighting.

On the West Coast, six California cities featured on the list of 200 - with the state's highest ranking held by Los Angeles which came in seventh place with 222 sightings.

According to the BetUS, July is best time of year to spot a UFO in New York, Ohio, Colorado and Oregon - with the most common time between 9pm and 10pm.

For states such as California and Arizona, November is reportedly the best month to watch the skies.

In 2019, potential evidence of alien life was announced by an Oxford research project, Breakthrough Listen, with hints that the proof would eventually be released to the public.

The now retired director of the Pentagon UFO office, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick (above), spent 2023 engaged in heated public sparring with UFO whistleblowers over alleged retrievals of alien spacecraft

They had reportedly discovered a signal - a five hour-long burst of radio waves - which appeared to be from a region around 4.2 light years away from Earth.

But the race to find clearer evidence has sparked debate since its discovery.

Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick - a longtime CIA scientist who headed the US military's UFO-chasing All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) - recently admitted to the existence of the program to recover 'alleged alien tech'.

This revelation comes amid decades of speculation and whistleblower testimony alleging that America had been in possession of alien craft for decades.
Jaipreet Hundal of San Jose was the winner of the Dev Patel look-alike contest in San Francisco on Sunday. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Contestants listen to instructions during a Dev Patel look-alike contest at Dolores Park. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Contestant Arthi Vaidyanathan introduces herself during a Dev Patel look-alike contest. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Sudev Namboodiri of Sacramento competes in a Dev Patel look-alike contest. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Jaipreet Hundal of San Jose revs up the crowd as he is named winner of a Dev Patel look-alike contest at Dolores Park in San Francisco on Sunday. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Dozens of South Asian men from all over the Bay Area and beyond flocked to Dolores Park to prove they have the star power of Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel  or at least earn the bragging rights of saying they look like him.

Jaipreet Hundal, 25, of San Jose won the coveted title, $50, flowers and a small monkey statue  in homage to Patels directorial debut film Monkey Man  at a look-alike contest Sunday, Nov. 10.

My girlfriend hypes me up all the time  she always says I look like Dev Patel or (Bollywood actor) Ranveer Singh, Hundal said, noting that she encouraged him to compete. I didnt realize Id actually win.

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His girlfriend, Sophia Anjali Roberts-Tara, wasnt able to join the hundreds that swarmed the Miguel Hidalgo statue at the popular San Francisco park to witness Hundals victory, but he said he planned to celebrate by using his prize money to get burritos at beloved Mission Street Mexican restaurant El Farolito and buy his girlfriend a gift.

Sundays contest was organized by friends Sitara Bellam, Tasnim Khandakar and Sahana Rangarajan, who grew up together in San Jose. The three 20-somethings made a simple social media flyer with Patels face and a QR code linking to an invitation to the event on the party planning app Partiful. They said they never expected to have 50 people attend their event, let alone get more than 500 RSVPs to the event as of Sunday morning.

Were big movie people, Bellam, 26, said, adding that she enjoys planning themed parties for her friends.

Jaipreet Hundal of San Jose celebrates as he is named winner of a Dev Patel look-alike contest at Dolores Park. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

She explained that they originally planned to host a look-alike concert for Twilight film franchise heartthrob Robert Pattinson because of their excitement for his upcoming science fiction film Mickey 17, due out next spring. But realizing other similar contests focused on white actors, like the Timothee Chalamet look-alike contest in New York City that sparked the trend last month, the trio decided to focus on someone who better reflected them.

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We dont get that representation, Bellam said, citing the lack of South Asian actors and creatives in mainstream media. I feel like its fitting of the Bay.

Second-place finisher Arjun Sheth does a dance move during a Dev Patel look-alike contest. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Asian Americans are the fastest-growing race or ethnicity group in California over the past decade, with the population of Asian Indians growing by 53%, according to ethnicity data from the 2020 U.S. census. In the Bay Area alone, the number of Indians grew rapidly, with San Franciscos population doubling and those in Alameda, Contra Costa and San Mateo counties increasing by at least 70%.

I really feel like South Asian actors have always been a little bit marginalized and I think now knowing that Dev Patel can create a crowd this big, this positive  I think thats amazing, Khandakar, 27, said of the event.

Patel, the British Indian actor whose breakout role was as Jamal Malik in Danny Boyles 2008 drama Slumdog Millionaire, garnered mass recognition after starring in 2016s Lion. The role earned him a British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for best actor along with Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.

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British Indian actor Dev Patel attends the 2024 Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25 in New York. Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images

We need a little bit of fun and silliness, Bellam said.

Especially in this current climate, Khandakar added, referring to the presidential election.

Unfortunately for Patel fans, unlike the viral Chalamet look-alike contest, the actor of honor did not show up. But it still might have been fruitful for some attendees.

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Vikas Maturi dances with fellow contestant Arjun Sheth during a Dev Patel look-alike contest at Dolores Park. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

I am looking for my future husband, said Samaria Pugh, 22. Hes out there.  Im staying till the very end till they start shutting down.

I just moved to S.F., so having things like this is a really great way to meet the community, her friend and fellow San Francisco resident Adaeze Chukwaka, 22, chimed in, adding that she was also husband-hunting.

To their delight, several men  and even a young woman named Arthi Vaidyanathan  showed up as self-proclaimed Patel doppelgangers, each with their own source of inspiration.

Arthi Vaidyanathan competes as the only female in a Dev Patel look-alike contest at Dolores Park. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

People have been telling me I look like Dev Patel for a while now, almost three years, said Sudev Namboodiri, 25, of Sacramento. My sister hates this, because Dev Patel is her celebrity crush.

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Namboodiri wore an all-black suit, an ode to Patels outfit in Monkey Man, a thriller released in April that is sparking Oscar buzz.

But while Namboodiri came prepared for the occasion, other contestants simply showed up at the right place at the right time.

Im actually from Atlanta, but I just happened to be here. I saw it on Twitter (now called X) and I was like, Well, this was my moment, said Ashwin Moudgal, 24.

Though he didnt have any clothes with him at the park to pull together a recognizable Patel look, Moudgal had the stars facial hair and mid-length curls to match.

Arjun Sheth, 27, arrived channeling a very particular Patel look from the actors filmography: Patels Jai Ho dance sequence in Slumdog Millionaire.

Dressed in a black tank top, brown pants and a patterned button-up shirt, Sheth was a fan favorite during the competition for showcasing some of his Bollywood dance moves, like the twirl and dip.

The vibes were just so overwhelmingly positive and supportive, Khandakar said at the conclusion of the contest. This really is for the city of S.F.
Kanye West raided his pension pot and used high risk mortgage lenders to fund a $35 million Beverly Hills mansion - a property he does not intend to live in with wife Bianca Censori, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

The rapper, 47, and his wife, 29, borrowed a total of $15.5 million, DailyMail.com can reveal - including a $2.7 million loan from a fitness entrepreneur.

The couple closed on the home with 11 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms in the uber-exclusive Beverly Park gated community last month. Neighbors include Adele and Justin Bieber.

But the property, jointly owned with his wife Bianca Censori through their firm Shore Drive Holdings LLC, was purchased purely for investment purposes and will likely be rented out.

Kanye had to use various lenders to finance the purchase, including a private money lender whose motto is 'when the banks say no, private money is the only way to go'.

Kanye West, 47, supposedly raided his pension pot and used high risk mortgage lenders to fund the recent purchase of his $35 million Beverly Hills mansion

Kanye has borrowed a total of $15.5 million, DailyMail.com can reveal - including a $2.7 million loan from a fitness entrepreneur for the mansion he and wife Bianca own jointly

The deal also involved a firm that offers risky mortgages to people who wouldn't qualify for one based on their credit history and score.

The largest loan amount was $12.5 million with Lone Oak Fund, and its investment arm Lone Oak Industries.

Lone Oak offers bridging loans for investment properties - a loan that provides immediate cash flow by using short-term financing until a person or company secures permanent funds.

Kanye signed an 'assignment of rents and leases' trust deed - which means that if he defaults on the mortgage, the lender can take profits from any future rent.

He's also taken a further $3 million mortgage from two sources - RGGL LLC and pension firm Provident Trust Group.

RGGL is owned by Richard and Lucy Glassman, fitness entrepreneurs who live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They handed over $2,693,000 using their broker Private Money Solutions [PMS].

PMS is a 'hard money lender' meaning they have individuals willing to invest huge sums in a hurry as short-term loans secured by real property.

The Glassmans have no connection to Kanye personally, but Richard told DailyMail.com why he got involved in the deal where Kanye still had to front $19.5 million of his cash to fund the purchase - totaling 55 percent of the asking price.

The property is jointly owned with wife Bianca through their firm Shore Drive Holdings LLC

The home has 11 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms, nestled in the uber-exclusive Beverly Park gated community, where his new neighbors will include Adele and Justin Bieber

'When you have a total of 40 percent loan to value, it's a good investment. This is the great creativity of the broker, it's not the creativity of Kanye West, they do all the due diligence, I'm just the little guy,' Richard explained.

'To be totally honest, sometimes when investors look at celebrities, they don't want to do it. Well, it definitely is, because if they don't pay, we get a $35 million property.

'But we would prefer they just pay, we don't want to hurt nobody, we're just investors. We want to get a return on our money.

The couple have bought numerous properties in California and New Mexico. Richard owned eight gyms in New Mexico as part of Planet Fitness' franchise group before selling them off, according to public records.

He's linked to other fitness firms with his wife Lucy.

The investor surmised that Kanye was able to raise the $19.5 million by using the capital he received when he recently sold his rotting Malibu home in September.

Kanye famously stripped it down to make a 'bomb shelter', which was sold for approximately $21 million  60 percent less than the $57.3 million purchase price in 2021 after his divorce from Kim Kardashian.

Richard said: 'He just sold a $57 million property for $21 million - what happened was, he took the $21 million to buy this property.'

'So we financed the difference. He didn't want to use his cash, it's not like he lives in this property.

Kanye recently sold his rotting Malibu home in September after he stripped it down to make a 'bomb shelter'

'I mean, the guy's got tons of properties, I guess properties to him are like you and I would have a car, or a watch, or a pair of pants.'

Kanye additionally borrowed $307,000 against a 'cash balance pension plan' with Provident Trust Group, which a financial expert claimed could be from the rapper's retirement fund.

The loans from RGGL and Provident Trust were wrapped up in one $3 million mortgage contract and arranged by PMS.

The mortgage trustee is California TD Specialists, based in Anaheim Hills, who are experts at finalizing complex real estate deals.

They are also an arm of FCI Services, which on their website claims to be a 'leading national non-QM and Private Money Servicer'. Non-QM loans are aimed at borrowers who don't meet the usual criteria to buy a home and don't qualify for conventional financing.

Kanye signed the $12.5 million and $3 million loan agreements under the official name 'Ye' on October 16. This was able to happen while the rapper was in Tokyo due to using a notary under Richard Smith, who is registered in Virginia.

Doug Perry is the strategic financing advisor at Real Estate Bees who provided an analysis of Kanye's borrowing.

Kanye signed the $12.5 million and $3 million loan agreements under the official name 'Ye' on October 16

The malibu house sold for $21 million  60 percent less than the $57.3 million purchase price after his divorce from Kim Kardashian in 2021

Perry says that while Kanye put in a substantial $19.5M down payment, his home loans are huge and come with risk.

Perry says: 'There aren't many lenders that make loans that large, the risk is simply too great. Kanye's first mortgage is from Lone Oak, a recognized Business Purpose Commercial lender in the California market.

'They do not lend on owner-occupied properties, and typically make bridge loans for 12 months with rates in the 8.5 to ten percent range, requiring interest-only payments during the loan term.

'There is most likely a second mortgage because the first mortgage lender did not want to lend the entire loan amount, due to the risk of loaning one person or entity that much money.'

Perry explained why he believes some of the funds have come from Kanye's pension, adding: 'I think it is possible the source of the $3M is Kanye's retirement account.

'The company on the document, Provident Trust, is a firm that focuses on self-directed retirement accounts and there is a specific account number on the recorded beneficiary document, so it is likely Kanye borrowed from his own retirement for that part of the loan.'

Kanye also has a six-bedroom mansion in Calabasas which he bought for $2.2 million in May 2018.

His property portfolio includes two rental apartments in Calabasas and Thousand Oaks which cost $1.6 million and $575,000.
Business owners in Britain's shoplifting capital have spoken of their daily war against brazen thieves.

The crime has become so prolific in Teesside that some shopkeepers are desperate to sell up for good.

Recent data for shoplifting singles out the Cleveland Police force area as the worst in the country, which comes as no surprise to business owners in its main towns.

CCTV handed to MailOnline shows very young kids swiping vapes from behind the counter and a woman attempting to steal a pair of headphones.

Parvez Akhtar has run Fix a Fone in Middlesbrough since 2017 and has installed razor wire across his counter to deter thieves in the night.

CCTV handed to MailOnline shows very young kids swiping vapes from behind the counter and a woman attempting to steal a pair of headphones

Parvez Akhtar has run Fix a Fone in Middlesbrough since 2017 and regularly battles thieves

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But the 54-year-old also battles with petty shoplifters on a daily basis.

He said: 'I have the business up for sale now. It's not worth it anymore. Shoplifting is a big issue and it's a reason why I want to sell it.

'I never know when someone might attack me. Nearly every single day people come in and try to steal.

'Every time someone tries to sell me a second-hand phone I ask for their ID and make them fill in a form with their details on.

'I also video them if I think they are suspicious. That way if police come round I can give them it.

'I've got CCTV of one girl asking to try some headphones out and when I told her the cost, she said she would go and get the money from outside.

'But she was never going to do that and I locked the door to stop her leaving with them.

'They also used to jump over my counter and steal phones. Now I've made my counter higher but it's still a big problem.'

Booze 4 U worker Raj Gb, 24, said: 'Sometimes we get gangs of druggies coming in. They will come as a team. We can push the gents away but we can't touch the ladies'

A TV screen at Booze 4 Us in Middlesbrough has installed a screen that displays a headshot of everyone who walks in. There is no suggestion any of these men are shoplifters

Vapes, phone chargers, headphones and to a lesser extent mobile phones are the products most frequently targeted in Mr Akhtar's shop.

Meanwhile, at Booze 4 Us, staff have installed a huge TV screen which displays a headshot of every person who enters in a bid to catch thieves.

Worker Raj Gb, 24, said: 'Sometimes we get gangs of druggies coming in.

'They will come as a team. We can push the gents away but we can't touch the ladies.

'We get an even split between men and women but they come four to five times a week.

'They take alcohol mainly. They used to steal soap powder so we've had to hide that around the corner.

'Just yesterday we had the police in because something had happened. It's worse in the evenings after 5pm.

'The issue is if you put these people in jail they will keep doing it when they get out. It would be good to see longer sentences. Sometimes I don't feel safe here.'

Another phone shop, Internet Mobiles, is also regularly hit.

Carl Dobbs runs the Bits of Plastic toy store in Stockton. Six months ago he moved his business from a shop in the town square to a backstreet in a bid to escape shoplifters

A general view of Middlesbrough town centre. It falls in the Cleveland Police area, which has the country's worst figures for shoplifting

Mohammed Amin, 24, said: 'The area is struggling with unemployment.

'When these people wake up in the morning they are searching for something, it's a habit.

'I think we've lost over 40K worth of stock over the last few years. The problem is getting worse. Somebody tries something every day.

'The shop windows are empty at the front because people would try to steal from them.

'But the police often close the case because there's not enough evidence which is frustrating.'

Locals in nearby Stockton-on-Tees say the problem is just as bad and the data comes as no shock.

Full-time career Rob Cody, 54, thinks more should be done to tackle the route cause.

He said: 'I see it happening around here. But the people who steal are doing it to survive to get money.

'They may steal to sell on to buy drink or drugs but that's all they know.

'More should be done to train people to get people into work so stop so many people being on the streets. It doesn't surprise me that it's such an issue in this area.'

Full-time carer Rob Cody, 54, and Julie White, a 53-year-old mental health worker, both shared their concerns about shoplifting in Middlesbrough

Carl Dobbs runs the Bits of Plastic toy store in Stockton. Six months ago he moved his business from a shop in the town square to a backstreet in a bid to escape shoplifters.

The 37-year-old said: 'People would walk past the shop and take teddy bears.

'They would grab them and walk off. We would run after them and they would hand the teddies back but it was as if it was an inconvenience to them.

'It was little petty things they would take. I think they get a kick out of doing it. One guy in his sixties came in and picked up a 40 DVD set.

'We have community officers on the streets and we did report them. But we were told they wouldn't be prosecuted if they didn't take over a certain amount.'

In Middlesbrough, Arish Ahmed runs a mini-market store.

The 28-year-old said: 'We get a lot of children stealing. They come and take drinks from the fridge or sweets. We get homeless as well.

'The kids will sometimes wear masks so we can't see them.

'There will be four or five at a time who will try to distract me while another one takes stuff from the shop. This year is the worst I've known for it.'

It comes as MailOnline published a new interactive map reveals the UK's shoplifting hotspots, with the scale of the crisis varying dramatically area by area.

Police data shows the North East takes the top spot for shoplifting crimes, with a rate of 11.5 per 1,000 people - 35 per cent higher than the national average.

Shop owners in Middlesbrough complained of losing tens of thousands of pounds to thieves

The area covered by Cleveland Police is worst affected, with 14 reports per 1,000 people, while Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales reported the lowest, recording just three.

The financial hit to businesses is huge, with the Met Police recording more than 15million in stolen goods and money, according to the latest data from last year.

However, this is likely to dramatically understate the scale of the problem, with an inquiry warning this week that police-recorded incidents were a 'drop in the ocean' compared to the number actual shoplifting offences taking place.

Shoplifting in England and Wales surged by 26 per cent last year, with 7.1 crimes per 1,000 people.

Freedom of information requests by Bionic, a comparison site for small businesses, found the North East and Yorkshire held the highest crime rates per 1,000 people.

However, the North West, home to bustling cities like Manchester and Liverpool, only ranked ninth, with 9.2 crimes per 1,000.

On the flip side, the East of England boasts the lowest rates in England (six per 1,000), while Northern Ireland has the lowest rate of shoplifting overall when looking at England, Wales and Ireland (4.6 per 1,000).

London came in seventh place, with 6.5 crimes per 1,000 people, putting it 14 per cent below the national average.

However, business owners have previously warned that they do not bother to report many shoplifting offences to the police, meaning the figures will not provide the full picture.
Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen has been found guilty on all four counts in the 2017 brutal killings of Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13.

Allen, 52, was charged with two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder, which is murder committed in the act of another crime in this instance kidnapping.

Jurors in Carroll County Courthouse deliberated for about 18 hours across four days before reaching a unanimous guilty verdict on Monday afternoon.

Allen showed no reaction as the decision was read to the court, only at one point mouthing to wife Kathy who was present in the courtroom, 'are you okay?'

The verdict marks the culmination of a high-profile three-week trial and an Indiana community's seven-year-long wait for justice.

Allen, who was arrested in connection to the murders in October 2022, has spent the past two years in solitary confinement in Westville Correctional Facility and Cass County Jail where he has been held under a designation of, 'safe keeper,' while awaiting trial.

Now he faces a maximum possible sentence of 130 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20.

Richard Allen, 52, faces murder charges for the 2017 deaths of teenage bestfriends Libby and Abby

Allen is charged with killing best friends Libby, 14, and Abby, 13, after they went on a hike outside their hometown of Delphi, Indiana, in February 2017

The case has drawn outsized attention from true-crime enthusiasts, with repeated delays, a leak of evidence, the withdrawal of Allen's public defenders and their reinstatement by the Indiana Supreme Court.

It has also been the subject of a gag order which will remain in place after the verdict.

Allen's wife Kathy, was in court to hear the sensational end to the highly anticipated trial.

She heard closing arguments to conclude the 17 days she was present at the trial, along with jurors who heard from 60 witnesses and were presented with more than 300 exhibits.

Kathy sat in the second row of the public gallery to the right of the court. The families of the victims sat in the second and third rows across the aisle on the left.

Jurors heard closing statements last Thursday before being sent out to deliberate at 1:25pm.

Standing to address the court shortly after 9am Thursday morning, prosecutor Nick McLeland described February 13, 2017, as, 'a day this community will never forget.'

'Abigail Williams and Liberty German went to the trails for a walk and never returned. The day that both of them were murdered by Richard Allen.'

Law enforcement and locals who joined in the first frantic search for the girls on February 13 and into the early hours of the morning, weren't under the assumption they'd stumble into a horrific crime scene.

'They weren't looking for two bodies, they were looking for two girls,' he said, 'Nobody thought anything bad had happened to Abby and Libby. That doesn't happen round here.'

At the beginning of the trial on October 18, McLeland told jurors the case was about Bridge Guy, a bullet and the brutal murders of two young girls.

He reiterated, 'We told you we would give you evidence to convict Richard Allen, and we have done just that.'

The prosecutor reminded them that Allen had repeatedly damned himself through his own words by placing himself on the bridge at the time of the girls' abductions and through his multiple prison confessions.

It was Allen who put himself on the trail between 1.30 and 3.30pm, Allen who told investigators he had gone out onto Monon High Bridge, Allen who described the outfit he wore and Allen who made a string of prison confessions that included details that only the killer could have known.

The two best friends were last seen alive going on their fateful hike to Monon High Bridge in February 2017

The two girls set off on a trail hike on the fateful day of February 13, 2017. They followed the Monon High Bridge trail (pictured) making the perilous journey across the disused railway bridge that gave it its name

Kathy, accused murderer Richard Allen's wife, sat in the second row of the public gallery to the right of the court to hear the end of the trial

McLeland once again showed the video recorded by Libby at 2.13pm that showed 'the moment the girls were kidnapped.'

The shaky footage was played for the court and showed Abby making her way across the bridge as the bundled-up figure of a man walked with purpose behind her.

'Guys, down the hill,' echoed through the silent room along with a startled chirp from one of the girls and the horrified words, 'That be a gun.'

McLeland described the feeling of this scene to the jury: 'You can hear the fear in their voice. You can see the fear in Abby's face.'

He reminded the jurors of the eyewitnesses who were adamant that the person they saw that day was Bridge Guy. He reminded them of the digital evidence gleaned from Libby's phone which, he said, showed it stopped moving at 2.32pm and never moved again.

McLeland recalled volunteer Kathy Shank's chance find of the lead sheet in 2022  something that hadn't been followed up at the time - recording a man who self-reported being on the trails between 1.30 and 3.30pm.

He told them investigators knew 'all indications pointed to that man being Bridge Guy,' and that man was Allen.

Indeed, when officers searched his home on October 26, 2022, McLeland said they found 'a Bridge Guy starter kit,' - a Carhartt jacket, a Sig Sauer P226 and an unspent 40 caliber Smith and Weston cartridge held in a hope box in Allen's bedroom.

They also seized numerous electronic devices but the only one that was missing was the phone Allen used in 2017 at the time of the murders - a device he had never let law enforcement inspect.

Allen's defense said the conditions he was held in caused an already 'fragile egg' to become mentally ill - to the point of developing Major Depressive Disorder with Psychosis

The state and Allen's defense presented their closing arguments on Thursday morning, both focusing on the timeline and physical evidence at the scene

The prosecutor told jurors that Allen was 'familiar with the area.' He had frequently visited the Monon High Bridge alone and with his family.

'See how the pieces are starting to fall into place?' he urged.

McLeland reminded them that the state presented evidence that the cartridge found between the girls' bodies had 'been cycled through Richard Allen's gun.'

'That could have ended the case,' he asserted. 'But then he starts to confess.'

During the 13 months Allen was held in solitary confinement  or one-man cell as the state referred to it  he made multiple confessions both in phone calls to his mother Janice and wife Kathy and in person to the corrections officers tasked with watching over him on suicide watch, his prison therapist Dr Monica Wala and his prison psychiatrist Dr John Martin.

McLeland played one of Allen's calls from April 3 he made to his wife where he said, 'I just wanted to apologize. I did it. You know I did it. I killed Abby and Libby.'

The call was, McLeland said, 'unprovoked, unpressured' and 'made of his own volition.'

Later that month, Allen confessed on April 26 that he had stolen a box cutter that he used to kill the girls and then threw in the trash at the CVS where he worked.

He made his most detailed confession yet to Dr Wala when he told her he had intended to rape the girls but had seen a van, got scared and killed them instead.

Quoting Allen's own words, the prosecutor said: 'He continued living his life after time had passed because he hadn't been caught.'

The now clean-shaven accused double-murderer is seen sitting alongside defense attorney Andrew Baldwin in a court sketch from Saturday November 2

Inside and outside the courtroom the atmosphere has been one of intense emotion, with dozens lining up in hopes of sitting in on the trial daily. Pictured: Spectators lining up outside Carroll County Court on October 18

Taking the jurors back to February 13, 2017, McLeland said: 'That day started out like any other day. The day that Bridge Guy stole the youth and the life away from Liberty and Abigail. The state has shown you Richard Allen is Bridge Guy.

'For five years he has lived amongst us. He didn't realize he left behind a cartridge from his gun, and he also left behind Liberty's cell phone.'

Allen County Special Judge Frances Gull is presiding over the case

But according to Bradley Rozzi who delivered the defense's passionate closing statements the state had proved nothing.

He described their timeline as 'broken,' their ballistics evidence as 'bungled' and the confessions as 'false' and 'cherry-picked' to present only a fraction of a far more complicated, troubling truth.

The one thing that 'speaks the truth' he insisted was something the state hadn't told jurors about at all  raw data gleaned from Libby's cellphone which showed that at 5.45pm on February 13, 2017, somebody had plugged headphones into the phone and, at 10.32pm, someone had removed them.

The state sought to dismiss this as a technical glitch caused by dirt or water damage.

Rozzi reminded jurors that there was no DNA evidence, no trace evidence, no clothing and no digital data or communications that connected Allen to the crime scene or either of the girls.

Rozzi told them, 'The magic bullet is nothing more than a tragic bullet. It is the catalyst that landed Rick in that prison.' The prison in question was Westville Correctional Facility in Westville some 76 miles outside Delphi.

In their case, the defense has made much of the conditions in which Allen was held stating they caused an already 'fragile egg' to become seriously mentally ill and develop Major Depressive Disorder with Psychosis.

The confessions were nothing but the product of his psychotic mind and should be dismissed entirely and given no weight, they insisted.

The conditions in which he was held were tantamount to torture. A picture of a medieval rack popped up on the large screen behind Rozzi, followed by a picture of a thumbscrew.

Rozzi said these were: 'Medieval devices to interrogate people. As a society, we've evolvedto a more subtle form called solitary confinement. Whether intentional, reckless or negligent somebody should have spoken out. Where was the moral compass? You are the moral compass.'

Becky Patty, the grandmother of Libby, said she had always wanted to grow up to help solve police cases

Jurors heard closing statements Thursday before being sent out to deliberate at 1.25pm

Officers found 'a Bridge Guy starter kit' in Allen's home during a search on October 26, 2022 -including apparel and ammunition

Hammering his point home, Rozzi displayed pictures of Allen in open court, taken from prison video that has, to this point, been shielded from public view and seen only by the jury.

In one photo he lies naked, curled up in the fetal position on the floor. In one he is naked against a wall, and in another, he wears a suicide smock with a white spit hood over his head.

'That's the power of your state,' he said, pointing to the screen behind him. A picture of a python crushing its prey followed next. 'Now is the time to step up and recognize this is not how we function.

'Rendering a verdict of guilt would be endorsing this process and you should not do that. We're asking you to set Richard Allen free.'

But standing to give the brief rebuttal to which the state is entitled, McLeland sought to refocus jurors' minds.

'There are two victims in this case. Liberty and Abigail. But they're more than victims they're heroes. Libby for making the video. Abby for hiding the phone and both of them for camouflaging the bullet.'

Finishing his brief response, he reminded them of the testimony of Libby's grandmother Becky Patty delivered on the first day of evidence.

'Libby told her, 'Someday I'm going to grow up and help police solve crimes' that's exactly what she did, and she brought Abby along with her.'
A bold plan to remove a beachfront carpark in Byron Bay would see the tourist hotspot undergo its biggest transformation in 20 years.

Landscape architect David Vago has pitched a beachfront makeover to Byron Shire Council on the NSW North Coast that would replace the carpark with a solar-powered aquatic centre, wedding function area and a restaurant.

The proposal will also feature a cocktail bar, new seating, boardwalks, viewing platforms, an amphitheatre, playground, public art and an outdoor fitness area.

Mr Vago, a Byron local, told Daily Mail Australia his vision for the tourist hotspot was submitted several weeks ago to 'spark council into action'.

'There's been talk about fixing the foreshore and doing an aquatic centre,' he said.

'The restaurant further up the beach is going to be pulled down because it's near the erosion line of where the corrosion is happening on the beach side.

'So I just put two and two together and came up with a vision that basically incorporates redoing the park foreshore and removing the carpark and putting it behind the aquatic centre.'

The architect said people who know Hollywood star and Byron local Chris Hemsworth say he 'would love to see something happen down there'.

Pictured is an artist's impression of the new three-storey carpark and aquatic centre that would replace the current carpark if landscape architect David Vago has his way

Pictured is the current carpark at the foreshore at Byron Beach on the far-north coast of NSW

Mr Vago has pitched his grand plan to Byron Shire Council Mayor Sarah Ndiaye but she is yet to show any interest.

Mr Vago said he found it surprising that Ms Ndiaye, a Byron Greens councillor, doesn't support his vision which would also involve more trees being planted.

'There seems to be mass hypocrisy on the bold vision to remove carparking from the beachfront as many greens and environmental activists seem to want to keep cars and pavement on the beachfront at the expense of the natural environment,' he said.

'This has led some to express it's an oxymoron for a green LGA to battle over removing cars and concrete from the shores of a protected marine park.'

Mr Vago said there was a lot of opposition to change in Byron and that the concept of NIMBYism is rife, adding many who opposed the plan don't even live in the area.

'This is the other problem, they all used to live here. They now live in Bangalow, or Federal or Mullumbimby, or whatever, and they represent us,' he said.

Mr Vago said the new aquatic centre with an eight-lane Olympic pool would be embraced by locals and tourists alike.

'Tourists will love it. Locals will love it. It's a protected area out of the wind and also great for a lot of families that come here that can't swim very well,' he said.

'Every local wants to see a new pool, and something happen down the beach, because it is pretty bad down there.

'They haven't spent any money there for 20 years.'

Mr Vago's vision also features a restaurant, cocktail bar, boardwalks, an amphitheatre, an outdoor fitness area and a playground (pictured is an artist's impression of the new space)

Pictured is an artist's impression of a new boardwalk included in the architect's plan

Mr Vago said the acquatic centre was vital for maintaining the green space with funds from the kiosk, restaurant, function centre and gym.

Mr Vago's vision also includes a function area for weddings, something he believes Byron is seriously lacking, and a boardwalk for accessibility.

'At the moment you can't even get up to the lighthouse if you're elderly or you've got a pram,' the architect said.

'The idea is that this continues all the way along a boardwalk, and it links up and goes up to the lighthouse around the headland.'

Mr Vago said Byron was heavily reliant on the tourism industry.

'Every so often, Byron has to evolve, because now, it has no industry other than tourism,' he said.

'They don't like tourists. I'm like, "But you have to, there's no economy here".'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Byron Shire Council and Mayor Sarah Ndiaye.
Katie Cederberg was looking for love, so when she saw a good looking guy with the perfect profile on Tinder she had no hesitation swiping right.

Who knows what Mark Lacek was looking for when he swiped in the same direction  but whatever it was it turned into four years of sheer hell for Katie.

Even today, nearly half a decade after that fateful decision to seek a Prince Charming and although Lacek will spend six more years behind bars, Katie still lives in fear for the day he will be released.

'I'm going to have to change my name and move, create a game plan so there's no way he can track me down,' she told DailyMail.com in a exclusive interview.

'He's a danger to society, a crazy f**king monster.

'I still fear him, and there's never going to be a time in my life I won't fear him.'

Katie Cederberg, 26, was stalked by her Tinder date whose obsession led him to attempt to burn her house down

Mark Lacek was described by Cederberg as 'a controlling narcissist with a drug problem'

Lacek was arrested in September 2020 and ended up taking a last-minute plea - being sentenced to 15 years in prison, of which he'd have to serve eight

She has decided to speak out in hopes that her horror story will serve as a cautionary tale for others who are considering diving into a relationship with a stranger.

Katie, a personal banker at a credit union, met Lacek in summer 2020. He invited her to meet up for dinner.

'Our first date went great,' the 26-year-old who was living in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, told DailyMail.com. 'He seemed normal, like he had a good head on his shoulders.

'He had family problems, but I guess we all do.'

Over the next couple weeks, he showered her with affection and gifts.

'It was kind of a love bomb thing where he gave me everything he thought I wanted, bottles of wine, gift cards, cash, flowers,' she said.

Lacek, 31, was out of work but living off loans from his divorced dad  a lawyer who told DailyMail.com that he kicked his son out of his home a year earlier due to his erratic behavior.

The son was renting a room in Mounds View, just a 30 minute drive from where Katie lived when the two met online. She said it soon became evident that he was a controlling narcissist with a drug problem.

Katie admits she too had a drinking problem. 'He was able to take my weaknesses and use them against me,' she explained. 'As we started talking more, he started to become demanding.

'Like if I wanted to go out with certain male friends, I wasn't allowed to. If I was with somebody, he would need to talk to them.'

They'd meet almost every night, a period she described as 'a hazy time.' She said he'd take cocaine, mushrooms, Xanax and Adderall, and that 'I started doing some of that with him too.'

Lacek, 31, was out of work when he met Katie but lived off loans from his divorced dad who was a lawyer and kicked him out earlier that year because of his behavior

She broke off their relationship after a police officer came knocking to serve him a restraining order filed against him by another woman

Just two weeks in, he basically popped the question  presenting her with a fake diamond ring while drinking wine with her in his apartment.

'This ring is to symbolize I will marry you some day,' she recalled him telling her. 'I will buy you a nicer one down the road.'

She accepted the ring, but said she didn't know how to react to his non-proposal.

'I didn't really answer, but he just handed it to me and wouldn't take it back,' she said.

But it didn't take long for her to realize this was no dream romance.

Days later a cop came knocking on his door and served a restraining order filed against him by another woman.

'I was at his house, and he woke me up and he was freaking out,' she recalled. 'He was being accused of harassment but said it was all a lie.'

Cederberg stormed out, and decided to end it. But Lacek wouldn't take no for an answer and started showing up at her workplace,

'He would just sit outside and wait for me to get out to my car.'

She said he also hacked into her social media and made further threats if she wouldn't get back together with him.

'He was blackmailing me, saying he was going to release intimate pictures.'

This went on for nearly two months. He bombarded her with disgusting messages, later shared with detectives.

'I'll chop your head off and f**k your dead corpse and stick my d**k through your neck hole,' one Snapchat posting states, with Lacek staring menacingly ahead.

In other messages, he accused her of cheating, tells her to 'jump off a f**king bridge' and 'kill yourself b**ch,' and adds, 'I hope you get killed or raped or beat the f**k up you're a dumb b**ch.'

'I gave you my everything and it wasn't good enough I hope you fu**ing rot you selfish piece of.'

She reported Lacek to police and obtained a restraining order. But she said nearly a week passed with police failing to serve the papers.

After she left him, she reported Lacek to police and obtained a restraining order. But she said nearly a week passed with police failing to serve the papers

She called the police after she found two Xanax in an envelope and turned the pills over to them. A detective told her to sleep elsewhere that night

Katie is seeking a 50-year restraining order against Lacek after he continued to 'stalk' her from prison

On September 16, 2020, she said, Lacek followed her home from work and knocked on her door. She didn't answer. He sped off but not before leaving her a chilling note.

'He used a chewed-up piece of gum to stick it to the door,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I opened it and it said something like 'please don't be mad at me, I love you.'

He'd also inserted two Xanax in the envelope, hoping she'd take them to help her fall asleep, she said.

But she called police and turned the pills over. A detective told her to sleep elsewhere that night. She did.

Then a few hours later, Lacek showed up to the house again. Her housemate, who was still home, refused to answer. Lacek went around to the backyard and threw her lawn furniture against a tree. He cracked open the back kitchen window, poured gasoline through it, and set a fire.

As flames tore through the townhouse, emergency crews rescued the roommate from upstairs.

Cederberg was sleeping at a friend's house several miles away when a cat woke her. She looked down at her phone noticing a dozen missed calls, one from her housemate and others from random numbers.

'I called back and it was a detective saying my house was on fire,' she recalled.

Responding officers saw a car speeding away at about 100 miles per hour.

'They asked me who did it, and I said that would be Mark Allen Lacek. The detective asked me how do I know?

'I said because he told me he was going to do it and even made a map of how he was going to do it.'

Katie gave investigators Lacek's address, and officers arrested him there early the next morning, she said.

How Mark Lacek looks now. His latest mugshots from Minnesota state prison in Faribault. He will be eligible for parole in September 2030

He would call to tell her she 'lied' to the cops, adamant he didn't set the fire. She alerted investigators, and Lacek was barred from calling her. He then got fellow prisoners call on his behalf, and even get one inmate's girlfriend to contact her

He was ordered held on $1 million bail. He'd call her from jail, asking why she 'lied' to the cops, adamant he didn't set the fire. She alerted investigators, and Lacek was barred from calling her.

He then had other inmates call on his behalf. He even had one fellow prisoner's girlfriend contact her.

'The girlfriend said Mark wants to apologize for what he did, so I should contact him,' Katie recalled. 'The girlfriend said I should use the name Rose so that way I could get through.'

Again and again, she alerted police.

She attended nearly all of the court hearings as the case headed to trial. Lacek ended up taking a last-minute deal and pleaded guilty to attempted murder was sentenced to 15 years in prison, of which he'd have to serve eight.

In a letter to the court Lacek said he was in a 'drug induced and unhealthy mental state that night.

'I know I started the fire, but I wasn't fully aware of how dangerous it was or how out of control it could have gotten,' he added.

Katie thought her nightmare was over. But just as she was hoping to put him out of her mind, Lacek, now Minnesota state inmate #264569, called from prison.

'I answered the first call and he called me, pardon my French, a f**king b**ch and a f**king liar and the town wh*re,' she told DailyMail.com. 'And he was still saying he didn't do it.'

Lacek called her three dozen times over the next 42 days, and wrote her five letters, leveling more threats even as he declared himself a newly born-again Christian, she said.

She reported all of these contacts to police and the Anoka County attorney's office, which brought Lacek up on a new felony stalking charge in early 2023 that seeks to get Katie a 50-year restraining order against him.

Lacek, now serving time in state prison in Faribault, Minnesota, will be eligible for release in September 2030.

His father called his son a changed man. He acknowledged that 'his son was off his rocker in his behavior in that part of his life,' but blamed it mostly on drug abuse.

The scene inside Katie's Coon Rapids, Minnesota, house after the September 2020 fire set by Mark Lacek

Lacek called her three dozen times over the next 42 days, and wrote her five letters, leveling more threats even as he declared himself a newly born-again Christian

Cederberg said: 'Honestly, I never thought I'd find myself stuck in an abusive relationship. It sucks, but if I can help other people who are going through similar experiences with domestic violence, I want to be able to do that'

'Now, I talk to him and tell him 'Mark you're doing time for something that happened in the past, but that's not who you are now.'

He said his son is remorseful and that, 'I hope when he gets out, he'll continue to be a transformed person and never go back to the person he was.'

But Katie doesn't believe it.

'I've spent the last four years fighting him,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I have PTSD, and I suffer from anxiety and depression.

'But I'm going to continue to fight and part of that is sharing my story.'

She said she's been attending therapy and is nine months sober. The only drug she uses now is medical marijuana. Overall, she feels a renewed sense of control over her life.

'Everyone always says my life's a bit like a movie, but it's kind of a crazy movie,' she said.

'Honestly, I never thought I'd find myself stuck in an abusive relationship. It sucks, but if I can help other people who are going through similar experiences with domestic violence, I want to be able to do that.

'You've just got to persevere,' she offered. 'You've got to find the people you trust, and you've got to be willing to ask for the help.'
This is the shocking moment a man goosesteps and does the Nazi salute in front of a pro-Israel demonstration - before the police let him walk away.

The hateful yob, wearing grey jogging bottoms and a fur-lined coat, walked directly in front of a crowd of counter-protesters, who had been waving Israeli flags in response to a pro-Palestine protest which marched through Brighton on Saturday.

As he passes between a police officer and a police liaison officer he starts kicking his trainers out in front of him and raises his right hand in a Nazi salute in a horrific anti-Semitic gesture.

Horrified onlookers react in shock as they call out to the cops - asking why they have not taken action as they let him walk away up the street.

Sussex Police has since revealed it is hunting for the man as the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

The force said: 'We are aware of a video circulating on social media of an incident in Brighton city centre yesterday.

The hateful yob, wearing grey jogger bottoms and a fur-lined coat, walked directly in front of a crowd of counter-protesters, who had been waving Israeli flags in response to a pro-Palestine protest which marched through Brighton on Saturday

As he passes between a police officer and a police liason officer he starts kicking his trainers out in front of him and raises his right hand in a Nazi salute in a horrific anti-Semitic gesture

'It is being investigated as a hate crime, and our enquiries to identify and locate the suspect are ongoing.'

Video of the event shows protesters peacefully gathering as they wave Israeli and US flags, while the sound of 'Free, free Palestine' chants can be heard in the background.

The man passes slowly between members of the group and gathered officers as he marches and gestures.

Accosting one of the liaison officers, the clearly distressed man behind the camera says: 'He's just done a Nazi salute in front of you, you saw that!

'He just did a Nazi salute, goosestepping, a Nazi salute and you did nothing! How dare you!'

Another police liaison officer repeats that she is trying to see where the man has gone and that she is 'trying to assess where he is'.

The filmer replies: 'Why did you not stop him there and then? You let him walk past until I made a fuss. How dare you?'

Horrified onlookers react in shock as they call out to the cops - asking why they have not acted as they let him walk away up the street

Another protester, in the background, can be heard adding: 'Someone could have just grabbed hold of him, he was an old guy!'

Police liaison officers attend marches and protests to identify and differentiate individuals and groups who may become involved in or encourage disorder or violence or increase levels of tension.

They must also provide commanders with 'fast time' updates to enable informed and proportionate decision making, according to the College of policing.

Officers are also responsible for sensing the mood and intent of groups and crowd members.
It was not the only plot to assassinate Trump during the US election but, had it succeeded, it could have changed the world more than any other event of the past six months.

That's because it was not the act of some lone wolf but a state-sponsored conspiracy by Iran concocted as an act of cold-blooded revenge - at least, that's according to US Department of Justice charging documents unveiled by a New York court last week.

Farhad Shakeri, an Afghan-born fixer who once lived in the US but is now based in Tehran, is accused of accepting money from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the private army of the Iranian regime, to surveil and then plot Trump's killing in early October.

The Revolutionary Guard are Iran's increasingly aggressive and sophisticated intelligence and guerilla warfare arm whose nefarious influence extends to many Western countries including the UK and United States.

Their apparent attempt to assassinate a US Presidential candidate on American soil will be interpreted in many quarters as an act of war.

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election early on Wednesday morning as he made a stunning political comeback. Days later, Iran's plot to kill Trump on US soil was revealed

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Pictures released by the Justice Department after the thwarted attempt on Trump's life

The US Department of Justice has released pictures to do with Trump's assassination attempt

Had the plot succeeded, it would have sent shockwaves not just through US politics but around the world, possibly dragging America directly into the war already raging between close ally Israel, Iran's proxy network, and the puppet-masters in Tehran.

On the face of it, it would be easy to assume Iran's motivation for attempting to kill Trump last month was out of fear of what his impending election would mean for the Iranian regime.

Trump was no friend of Tehran during his first term, ripping up the nuclear deal signed by predecessor Barack Obama - which gave sanctions relief in return for not developing a nuclear bomb - and pursuing a 'maximum pressure' campaign instead.

That meant crippling sanctions on Iranian oil which the regime uses to finance its activities, which is thought to have deprived the ayatollah and his mullahs of tens of billions of dollars of income per year.

Trump's team had made no secret of 'maximum pressure' returning if he won the election, briefing journalists that foreign ports and traders who handle Iranian oil would be hit hard.

As one former staffer told Politico, reimposing sanctions are 'a day one foreign policy priority' for Trump.

But, as the court documents reveal, the IRGC expected Trump to lose.

Trump has been a target of Iran assassination threats since he ordered the strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, the leader of the brutal Iranian Quds Forces

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

Indeed, Shakeri was told that, if he couldn't have Trump killed by October 14, he should wait until after voting was finished because he would be easier to get once out of power.

The real reason for the plot, the FBI says, was as revenge for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, head of the IRGC's feared Quds Force who was blown to bits in a US airstrike on Baghdad Airport back in January 2020.

Trump ordered the strike amidst spiralling tensions between US forces in Iraq and Iran-backed proxy groups that had already killed an American contractor in a rocket attack on the Iraqi capital. It was feared Soleimani was in Iraq to orchestrate more strikes.

The grey-haired Iranian general was widely seen as the second-most powerful man in Iran at the time, behind only the ayatollah.

He was the architect of Iran's proxy network - which includes Hamas and Hezbollah - and orchestrated almost every significant attack on US forces in the Middle East over the preceding two decades.

In revenge for his death, Iran fired a clutch of rockets at a US airbase as a show-of-force that failed to kill any American soldiers, but vowed greater vengeance on an unspecified date some time in the future.

Trump celebrates his election victory on Wednesday morning with wife Melania and 18-year-old son Barron

Trump rises from the stage with his fist in the air after a separate assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July

It seems they intended that date to fall between October 7 and October 14 this year and were willing to pay a high price to make it happen.

Shakeri allegedly told the IRGC that killing Trump would cost a lot of money, and they responded 'we have already spent a lot of money the money's not an issue.'

It implies this is not the first time they put a price on Trump's head, and it is certainly not the first time they have tried to carry out the assassination of perceived foes in the West.

Back in 2018, an Iranian diplomat working in Austria was accused of orchestrating a plot to bomb a rally in Paris organised by an exiled opposition group - the National Council of Resistance Iran - and which was due to be attended by Trump ally Rudi Guiliani.

Assadollah Assadi was accused of using his diplomatic position to smuggle bomb components to Luxembourg on the orders of Iranian intelligence, where he passed them to a couple to carry out the attack.

Fortunately the trio were arrested before the plan went ahead, and Assadi was eventually sentenced to 20 years in jail in what became a major political embarrassment for Tehran.

That did not stop the regime's plotting, however, it merely caused them to change tactics.

Instead of using its own agents, Iran began tapping into overseas criminal networks to carry out its threats - much the same way it uses proxies for its wars in the Middle East.

In October this year, the director of British domestic security agency MI5 said his spooks had foiled no less than 20 Iranian plots threatening to kill UK citizens and residents since 2022.

He said: 'Iranian state actors make extensive use of criminals as proxies  from international drug traffickers to low-level crooks.

MailOnline's Chris Pleasance (pictured) discusses how a revenge assassination on Donald Trump could have sparked World War Three

'Last December a man was jailed for reconnaissance he had carried out against the then-headquarters of the Iran International media organisation.'

Iran International, a UK-based Iranian news station critical of the regime, was ultimately forced to shutter its London office after cops warned they could not keep its journalists safe.

It seems Iran tried to leverage that same kind of network to carry out Trump's killing.

Rather than infiltrate the US with home-grown assets, the IRGC turned to Shakeri - a former criminal - to do their dirty work.

Born in Afghanistan, Shakeri emigrated to the US as a boy but ultimately spent 14 years in a New York jail for robbery where he inserted himself into a network of Iranian guns-for-hire.

He was released in 2008 and returned to Tehran, but maintained contact with his American 'friends'. When the IRGC asked him to target Trump, it was this network he turned to.

Fortunately, Shakeri and his network failed - had they succeeded, the repercussions would have been felt the world over.

Nobody in the Biden administration or Trump camp has spelled out exactly what the response would have been, but Washington could not have let the killing go unanswered.

It seems reasonable to expect that Biden would have removed guardrails currently imposed on Israel's strikes against the Iranian regime.

The President is thought to have stopped Benjamin Netanyahu from hitting Iran's oil facilities and nuclear strikes during a recent tit-for-tat missile exchange - guardrails which could easily have been removed.

But more likely, America would have wanted to impose a direct cost on the regime itself and has a huge arsenal of naval and air power currently lurking in the region with which to do it.

The USS Abraham Lincoln - a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with dozens of fighter-bombers on board - is currently lurking in the Gulf of Oman, just off the Iranian coast.

Eight destroyers are spread out between the Gulf, the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, each bristling with advanced missiles including Tomahawks that could be used to attack Iran directly, and anti-air missile to swat away anything Iran fired back.

Lurking beneath the waves and loaded with yet more missiles is the USS Georgia, while stationed around the region are hundreds of additional aircraft including F-22 Raptors, F-15Es and F-16s.

As if that weren't already enough, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered additional destroyers, fighters and B-52 heavy bombers to deploy to the region just last week.

All of which could be used to launch a devastating attack on Iran.

Potential targets would include the oil and nuclear facilities the Iranians wanted to hit, but also members of the regime, IRGC units and bases, and Iranian proxy groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

And that would threaten to drag America directly into fighting which is already threatening to consume the region, as Israel battles Hamas and Hezbollah in Gaza and Lebanon respectively.

America has so-far tried to keep the pot from boiling over, but had Iran succeeded in killing one of the presidential nominees, Biden may have felt he had no choice but to respond - and risk kicking off a bloodbath that could well have led to WW3.

Now that Trump is headed for the White House once more, one can only wonder what response the Iranian attempt on his life will provoke.

Chris Pleasance is host of the Mail's YouTube series War on Tape and Battleboard
At first, it looked like a simple but tragic accident. Fourteen months after they vanished in a snowstorm in the mountains of central Italy, the remains of Briton Jeannette May and her companion Gabriella Guerin were found in a forest ravine by a man who was hunting wild boar.

But far from solving the mystery, the grisly discovery of their decomposed bodies served only to fuel more questions about a case which had gripped the public imagination from the moment they disappeared.

As time passed, speculation veered from one sensational theory to another. The women had been victims of a kidnap and ransom. They were linked to an international ring of jewel thieves. The Vatican was involved, so too the Mafia.

No wonder the suspicion that they had died of anything as straightforward as exposure after getting lost in bad weather was so quickly dismissed.

What drove this fascination was not just the manifest incompetence of the local police, but also the glamour and back story of the striking Mrs May.

Former model Jeanette May, who was found dead in 1982 in Italy, had previously been married to the international banker Sir Evelyn de Rothschild

The body of Jeanette May, above, and that of her companion Gabriella Guerin were found by a man out hunting for birds

A former model, she had previously been married to the international banker Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, a financial adviser to Queen Elizabeth, and, intriguingly, still used his name.

Now, almost exactly 44 years after she and her friend set out to go sightseeing in the countryside where Mrs May had bought a holiday home, only to be swallowed up by a blizzard and never seen alive again, prosecutors dramatically announced that they were re-opening their investigation.

Many of those wilder theories, long since discarded, are bound to be aired again. The question is: Why now? And what can they hope to uncover almost four and half decades after the tragedy?

Police are coy about their motives and speak only of finding aspects worth looking into.

Detectives have begun to re-interview witnesses. Among them is hotelier Oretelio Valori who says he served the women hot drinks and that there was a man waiting for them in a car.

You might think that no one is more important to any fresh examination of the events than Mrs Mays husband, Stephen. But I understand he was not informed of the cold-case review.

Now 87, the former personnel director of the John Lewis Partnership declines to talk about a case which must still be painful to him. How can it not be?

For more than four decades he has had to endure not just the agony of losing his 41-year-old wife but also the morbid curiosity surrounding her disappearance.

The Mays had been married barely four years when Jeannette died. They met at a dinner party in 1975, four years after Jeannettes amicable divorce from de Rothschild  who had not yet received his knighthood.

Jeannette had been working as an interior decorator but was looking for a change. Stephen, a bachelor, suggested she undertake a John Lewis training scheme and she spent six months in the shoe department of the store in Brent Cross, London. They married the following year.

An only child, Jeannette was nine months old when her RAF sergeant father died defusing a German bomb in 1940, and she was brought up by her mother Susan. At 16 she turned to modelling and TV work. Photographs in Vogue and other magazines of the time show a beautiful, slender, blue-eyed blonde.

Following her divorce from de Rothschild  their marriage ended after five years in 1971  the two remained on good terms. This contact was to prove vital in the months after her disappearance.

Ms May's then husband Stephen May (right) at a press conference in Sarmano, Italy

In 1979, she and May bought a 300-year-old farmhouse near the medieval town of Sarnano, 140 miles north-east of Rome  a renovation project for the couple, who loved the area.

It was in Sarnano that she checked into a hotel in November 1980, signing the register in the name of her first husband which she had kept in her passport.

The purpose of the visit was to review progress of work on the house with surveyor Nazzareno Venanzi. He was one of the last people to have seen her and Mrs Guerin, her housekeeper during the marriage to de Rothschild, who was acting as interpreter.

We drank an aperitif before lunch, then she asked me if I wanted to accompany them both in the mountains, but I declined because I was busy, Venanzi said later. When I learnt they did not return to their hotel, I was worried and notified the police.

Quite why the two decided to make such an excursion on the evening of November 29 still remains baffling. That evening a snowstorm began  the heaviest snowfall in the region for 35 years, with drifts up to 10ft deep.

Stephen May disembarks from a helicopter after searching for his missing wife Jeanette

This house in Schitto near Sarnano, Italy, was owned by Mr May and his wife Jeanette

As police began combing the valleys, Stephen May arrived from London. The official view was that the women must be sheltering somewhere. But police also harboured some prejudices, suspecting the women may have been on a romantic adventure.

The search continued for weeks. Then, on December 18, a helicopter team spotted the roof of a Peugeot poking through a drift; the car was empty and locked.

Not far away was a shepherds summer cottage. When police forced their way in, there were signs it had been occupied. Wood had been burnt in the fireplace and there were dirty plates. Outside, a tablecloth had been tied to railings and a fire had been lit with deckchairs.

The police deduced the women had sought shelter there. The tablecloth and fire were thought to have been an SOS signal.

It was assumed that, when no one came to their rescue, the women had set out on foot and had perished in the snow. They were confident the bodies would be found when the snow melted. But when spring came there was still no sign of them. Throughout 1981, Mr May travelled to Italy at least once a month but progress had come to a halt.

In January 1982, he offered a reward of up to 150,000. Twelve days later the hunter made his discovery. Wild animals had been at work and not much remained of their bodies.

Alongside the corpses were the womens handbags containing purses, cash, travellers cheques and their wrist watches, which had stopped at the same time.

Rather than solving the mystery of their disappearance, the recovery of the bodies added to it. Was it, after all, a kidnap that had gone wrong?

Only a year before Mrs Mays disappearance, British businessman Rolf Schild and his wife and daughter had been seized by a gang on Sardinia. They were freed after an appeal by the Pope  and payment of a ransom.

The kidnappers had taken the German-born Schilds name to be Rothschild. Was the same methodology in play with Mrs May?

But in her case there had been no ransom demand. Logic would suggest any such approach would have made to the Rothschild family, but Evelyn de Rothschild, Jeannettes former husband who died two years ago aged 91, assured Mr May that he had received no such demand.

Meanwhile, an examination of the Peugeot found no snow under the car tyres suggesting it had not been snowing when the women parked. And dirty crockery inside the shepherds refuge suggested more than two people had been present.

Samples of twine near the bodies were also found inside the remote cottage adding to the theory the women had been tied up and dumped.

Why did the hunters find the bodies in a spot that had been searched by police? Maybe the police missed them or the bodies were left there later, said Colonel Raffaele Ruocco, who is working on the new investigation.

Had they been lured to the farmhouse and kidnapped and subsequently killed? And what about the mystery figure seen by the hotelier.

Questions were also being asked about a robbery at Christies in Rome a day before they vanished. A fortnight after they left her hotel in Sarnano, a telegram arrived for Mrs May fixing an appointment in a Rome apartment which police were connecting to the stolen goods from the saleroom.

Eventually police decided the telegram was a hoax but did  erroneously  link Mrs Mays death to the murder of an Italian, Sergio Vaccari, who was found stabbed to death in a flat in Holland Park, west London. He was said by them to be an acquaintance from the antiques trade.

Bizarrely, Vaccari was connected to the murder of Roberto Calvi, the banker to the Holy See found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge that year  an apparent Mafia hit.

Sources tell me that Mr May has insisted such links to his wife are preposterous. She did not know Vaccari and the connection to the Christies robbery was said to be nonsense.

Still the outlandish theories persisted. One suggested his wife had been silenced because she was due to make allegations against high-ranking members of the Vatican.

Against such a background it is no wonder that Stephen May has barely spoken publicly of this troubling story.

His wifes death remains a whodunit which has, at times, bordered on farce. It cries out for someone to tie up the loose ends. But, after all these years, no one is expecting this new investigation to achieve that.
There was a particular poignancy about the timing of the film crew's arrival in the narrow streets of the medieval Umbrian city of Perugia last week. A strange scene, and atmosphere, greeted them.

'Rispetto per Meredith' (Respect for Meredith) screamed a red-painted banner hanging from one city centre balcony on Thursday. Not a memorial but a mark of protest.

For there are few who cannot recall  or who do not, at least, know of  the events that unfolded here almost exactly 17 years ago, propelling this tranquil hilltop enclave onto the global stage for the most tragic of reasons.

On November 2, 2007, the body of 21-year-old British exchange student Meredith Kercher was found behind the locked door of her bedroom, in the apartment she shared with two young Italian women and an American student by the name of Amanda Knox.

Then a suspect in Meredith's murder, Amanda Knox smiles as she is led from court after a murder trial session in Perugia on April 18, 2009

And it is here, at the very place where Meredith lived and died  including the apartment on Via della Pergola where she was killed  that an eight-part drama series, current title Amanda: A Coming Of Age Horror Story, is being filmed.

Meredith, who'd been reading European studies at Leeds University, had been stabbed to death, her body abandoned in a pool of blood in a scene of incomprehensible violence. In the days  and, later, weeks and years  that followed, the name Amanda Knox, then a 20-year-old linguistics student from Seattle, would become inextricably linked with this bewildering and terrible crime.

I remember it vividly, having been dispatched by this newspaper to Perugia to follow the investigation.

Day after day a steady stream of leaks from police and lawyers suggested increasingly bizarre motives for the crime.

It was a satanic ritual, they said, or a drug-fuelled sex game that Meredith had refused to participate in.

And there was Amanda, whose self-chosen social media nickname Foxy Knoxy would come to haunt her, just like the cartwheels she reportedly turned in the police station interview room (she later said they were yoga poses).

I was in the city, on November 6, 2007, when Amanda, together with her Italian boyfriend  bespectacled computer science student Raffaele Sollecito  and Congolese bar owner Patrick Lumumba, were arrested.

Amanda Knox being consoled by her Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito after the death of Meredith Kercher, 21, from Croydon, who was found dead in her flat in Perugia in 2007

Under interrogation, Amanda named  falsely, it would transpire  Patrick, a wholly innocent and well-liked character in the student community at the time, as the culprit.

It would be Amanda and Rafaelle, along with another man  a 20-year-old drifter named Rudy Guede  who would go on to be charged and convicted of murder, however.

The young lovers spent four years in prison, and yet more under a cloud of suspicion, until they were finally acquitted, for the second time, in 2015.

Shortly prior to the ruling, Amanda vowed she would 'never willingly' set foot back in Italy.

While Amanda, now 37 and a married mother of two, has not actually travelled to Italy for filming, she has broken her vow not to return to Italy several times.

Earlier this year, she came back for her unsuccessful court attempt to have a slander conviction against Patrick Lumumba overturned.

All of which makes the scenes that unfolded among the cobbled streets and terracotta rooftops of Perugia last week so eerily jarring  and unfathomable.

The drama is being filmed for Disney subsidiary Hulu. What is, perhaps, even more extraordinary are the people behind it. While Amanda is an executive producer, her co-producer is Monica Lewinsky, she of White House intern fame, whose 1995 affair with president Bill Clinton was turned into a Disney-backed series that was released in 2021.

Victim Meredith Kercher was found behind the locked door of her bedroom, in the apartment she shared with two young Italian women and Amanda Knox

The two formed an unlikely alliance after meeting at a public speaking event in 2017 and are understood to have bonded over their shared experiences of having their private lives, and reputations, ripped apart.

Meredith's loved ones, understandably, are horrified. Her parents, John and Arline, died within four months of each other in 2020, leaving her three siblings, John, Lyle and Stephanie, to carry her memory.

Last week, it was Stephanie who issued a statement: 'Our family has been through so much and it is difficult to understand how this serves any purpose,' she said.

Meredith's death, she said, had left 'an indescribable void'.

Francesco Maresca, the lawyer who has represented the Kercher family for nearly two decades, went further.

'Knox is only interested in the profits she continues to make from an affair on which she should be silent. She continues to make money from it. This time she has no qualms about doing it in Perugia, one of the least appropriate places to return to 17 years since Meredith's death.'

Yet support has come from an unlikely source: Raffaele Sollecito, Amanda's erstwhile boyfriend  they had been dating for just a week when Meredith was killed  has maintained a warm friendship with Amanda over the years.

A 'Respect for Meredith' banner hangs from a balcony in Perugia last week

Speaking exclusively to the Mail, the now 40-year-old Italian architect and software engineer said he'd only found out about the drama 'very late during the project', adding that he had no problem with it.

'I have nothing against Amanda doing this; it's her project, part of her job to help innocent people be free again,' he said.

'Amanda and I keep in touch. She sends me pictures [of her children]. We are in contact. We are very far from one another, but we have a nice relationship.'

Of Meredith's family's objections, he said: 'I don't know Meredith. I never knew her. I was sucked into this story without even understanding why. So, for me, it would beinteresting, and I think for many people, too, to know about the life of Meredith.

'I don't see any reason to judge the ethics of this project. If Meredith's family wants to develop a project telling the story of Meredith, I would never say anything against it.'

Yet not everyone in Italy is as sanguine. Take former Perugia public prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, who led the murder investigation and who feels the story of what really happened to Meredith may yet be incomplete, despite Rudy Guede serving 13 years for the crime.

Retired now, the Perugian father of four is clear: filming here and now is wrong, as it is dredging up unhappy memories for a city which was rocked to its core by the tragedy.

Everything that has happened  the murder, trial after trial (Knox and Sollecito were convicted and appealed twice)  has had 'many repercussions', he told the Mail.

'Since then, enrolments have declined at the University of Perugia because students no longer feel safe, as they used to. They don't want to come here.'

And then there's Meredith. 'During the trial, the massive media coverage was overwhelming,' he said. 'Everyone was talking about the victim and defendants, particularly about Meredith. But then, once the final verdict came out and it was all over, no one spoke about it any more.

'Now with this series, the topic will come up again, but it will be Amanda's version, not Meredith's.'

While Amanda is executive producer of the forthcoming drama, her co-producer is Monica Lewinsky, above, whose 1995 affair with president Bill Clinton was turned into a series

His sentiments were echoed last week by Carlo Pacelli, the lawyer of a man entitled to feel aggrieved  Patrick Lumumba  who is still pursuing Amanda for compensation.

His life was torn apart by Amanda's false allegations, which she later claimed had been made under duress.

'This American woman [Amanda] keeps speculating about the case and appears to have become quite wealthy, as she is co-producing the series,' said Pacelli. 'On the other hand, here is a man [my client] who had been deeply damaged, the second victim after Meredith.

'He was slandered by Amanda and she has not compensated him  not even with one euro.'

In the city itself, there were mixed emotions as television cameras rolled in.

City councillor Margherita Scoccia fired off an angry tirade at the city authorities for sanctioning filming (Perugia has delayed hanging its Christmas lights to cater to filming), saying: 'Seventeen years ago, Perugia was shocked by the murder of Meredith Kercher, which sadly made us famous throughout the world.

'Today that tragedy is being recalled and sensationalised in a TV series produced by the American, a figure who exists in public memory exclusively for her involvement in that crime and the sensational acquittal.' One bed and breakfast owner who remembers the tragedy agrees. 'It just brings back the horrible past,' he says. 'It's too macabre.'

Yet others  notably the city's mayor Vittoria Ferdinandi  heralded it as positive for the city, not least economically, although she did later apologise for the upset caused. Dozens of extras are understood to have been hired locally, with a string of locations across the city's historic centre licensed for filming.

The owner of one restaurant, rented in its entirety by the production team, was delighted. 'This is great for Perugia. The TV series will do so much good to our city, in terms of publicity, global image and tourists. I'm very happy,' he said.

Another cafe boss said: 'TV series are made on all sorts of stories, so what's the big deal? If it helps to shed further light [on what happened] it's welcome. I still have no clue what happened that night.'

This last comment reflects how many in Italy and the UK still feel about Meredith's death.

After the circus of theories and allegations and the long-winded legal process, there remains a sense of confusion about what actually happened to her and why.

Rudy Guede, born on the Ivory Coast, remains the only person definitively convicted of her murder.

He chose a fast-track trial, held in a closed session without journalists present.

He always denied murder, even though his DNA was found on Meredith's body and in her bedroom.

He was freed from prison in 2021 after serving 13 years of a 16-year sentence. Now living in Viterbo, in the Lazio region, earlier this year the 37-year-old was ordered to spend 12 months under 'special surveillance', after allegedly abusing his former girlfriend.

Then, of course, there's Amanda herself, who remains a complex character. She undoubtedly suffered, hugely  and not just from the four years she lost in prison because of a crime she didn't commit.

Her wrongful conviction has garnered sympathy, particularly in her homeland.

She married her husband, writer Christopher Robinson, in 2018 and lives in a quiet corner of Washington with their daughter Eureka, three, and son Echo, one.

Yet the association with what has gone before has created a kind of infamy.

In an interview in 2021, she said it was frustrating to be accused of 'profiting off Meredith's death'.

'I exist only through the lens of Meredith's murder in some people's minds,' she said. 'They forget that I'm a human being with my own life and my own experiences and I've literally had nothing to do with Meredith's murder, except that I was her roommate at the time.'

And yet her life continues to circle back to Meredith's death.

She reportedly received a $3.8 million advance for her 2013 memoir, Waiting To Be Heard  the proceeds apparently needed to cover legal fees and debts. A second book is earmarked for release in 2025.

She's become a podcaster, a public speaker and a staunch advocate for the wrongly accused. She has worked with the Innocence Project, a US charity that aims to work to prevent wrongful convictions. She also did a series for Facebook Watch, which brought her into Monica Lewinsky's orbit.

Their rapport was underlined by an exchange on X in 2021, when Amanda responded to a newspaper headline about the 'Monica Lewinsky affair'.

'No,' she wrote. 'Not the 'Monica Lewinsky affair.' Try: 'The Bill Clinton affair.' Try: 'The Clinton impeachment scandal.' Try: 'That time the most powerful man in the world lied under oath about his extra-marital relationship with an intern half his age.' '

Monica responded with a 'Thank you' and a heart emoji.

Intriguingly, it's said that Free, the title of Knox's next tome, will describe the untold story of her return to Italy and the extraordinary relationship she's built with the man who sent her to prison.

That man is Giuliano Mignini, who has formed a rapport with the woman he accused in court. They met in 2022  an encounter forged by their mutual friendship with the priest who befriended Amanda in prison.

They share personal news and send family photographs and holiday greetings to each other.

Yet, he still believes this mystery is incomplete.

Mignini, who has called for the street where Meredith lived and died to be renamed in her honour, said: 'I wonder is there a TV director who wants to make a film about Meredith instead?'

Additional reporting: Silvia Marchetti
A row between British Airways and Rolls-Royce escalated yesterday after the airline blamed its engine maker for having to ground hundreds of flights.

Rolls-Royce produces engines for BAs fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners but maintenance is taking longer due to shortages in its supply chain.

Virgin Atlantic also reportedly had to ground flights over the weekend due to issues with the same Trent 1000 engine.

Rolls faced a backlash from bosses of both carriers who criticised the engine manufacturer over the delays.

Last week BA was criticised by former ministers after the Mail revealed it is axing flights to Bahrain from late March, just weeks before the start of the popular Bahrain Grand Prix.

Rolls-Royce produces engines for BAs fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners (pictured) but maintenance is taking longer due to supply chain issues

Virgin Atlantic reportedly had to ground flights over the weekend due to issues with the same Trent 1000 engine (pictured: Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner)

BA is scrapping direct services to Bahrain (pictured: capital Manama) and Kuwait

The move, which also includes cancelling flights to Kuwait, caused outrage among diplomats.

Dr Liam Fox, who was defence secretary under David Cameron, told the Mail the move would send totally the wrong message about Britains diplomatic intentions while also harming UK business interests in the region.

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.

But BA pointed the finger of blame at Rolls-Royce, with an insider telling The Sunday Telegraph the group needs to get their act together.

Its completely unacceptable that tens of thousands of our customers are having their travel plans cancelled because of the continuing failure of Rolls-Royce, they added. It has also cancelled flights to Dallas, Texas.

BA is owned by Anglo-Spanish conglomerate IAG, which also controls carriers Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Level.

Rolls-Royce said it is doing all it can to resolve the supply chain issues that have affected the sector since the pandemic

It was also reported that Virgin Atlantic is preparing to axe routes due to problems with the Trent 1000 engine.

Virgins flights to Tel Aviv were set to restart in March 2025 and a new route to Accra in Ghana was due to launch in May 2025.

But both journeys have been pushed back to late October 2025 at the earliest due to the debacle.

Rolls-Royce said it is doing all it can to resolve the supply chain issues that have affected the sector since the pandemic.
The tortellini en brodo at Cafe Sebastian in San Francisco. The new all-day restaurant will serve fresh pasta, among other dishes. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle The dining room at Cafe Sebastian, which will be open all day. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Cafe Sebastian is next to the new Transamerica Redwood Park in San Francisco. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Potatoes rest beside a lamb shank at Cafe Sebastian, which will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Ricotta mousse toast is studded with fresh fruit at Cafe Sebastian. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

The first new restaurant thats part of the $400 million revamp of San Franciscos iconic Transamerica Pyramid is about to open its doors with pastries, handmade pasta and fresh-scooped gelato.

Cafe Sebastian, an all-day restaurant from acclaimed Miami chef Bradley Kilgore, will open at 545 Sansome St. on Nov. 14. Its the latest draw at the reimagined Transamerica Pyramid, which developer Michael Shvo and city leaders hope will help reinvigorate San Franciscos post-pandemic downtown.

Cafe Sebastian is a there for when you need it kind of restaurant, Kilgore said. It will be open daily from morning into the evening, servicing downtown workers in need of coffee or a quick lunch as much as locals and tourists wanting a full dinner and cocktails. The light-filled, 65-seat restaurant is in a building adjacent to the Transamerica Pyramid, next to a tranquil new public park filled with redwood trees.

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Kilgore hadnt visited the Transamerica Pyramid until earlier this year, when real estate mogul Shvo pitched him on spearheading all things culinary for the entire building. Kilgore was sold: In addition to the casual Cafe Sebastian, hell soon open a Japanese shaved ice shop called Madlab, an upscale Italian-Japanese restaurant called Ama and a Japanese-inspired hi-fi lounge. His team provides food and beverages for the buildings tenants and events, including at a private 48th-floor bar with sweeping city views. Shvo also tapped Kilgore, a James Beard Award-nominated chef who worked in Michelin-starred kitchens before opening his own restaurants, to devise the menu for a restored oceanfront property in Miami.

Babka, center, will be one of the morning fixtures at Cafe Sebastian. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

At Cafe Sebastian, named after Kilgores son, breakfast will include fresh pastries like warm cinnamon rolls sprinkled with Japanese brown sugar and an everything-spiced croissant served with an herbed Boursin dip, plus egg dishes and a breakfast sandwich. But in a croissant-heavy city, Kilgore decided the heart of the pastry program should be a treat thats relatively less common here: babka. Cafe Sebastian will serve slices of sweet and savory brioche-style babka, swirled with fillings like cocoa-walnut praline or Parmesan and herbs ($5). Before the opening, the kitchen was testing a version layered with mortadella, leeks and Comte cheese, and another with oven-roasted figs, goat cheese and pistachio.

All kinds of bread will be baked in-house: milk bread, mini Parker House rolls, whole wheat, sourdough baguettes. (Kilgore is the proud owner of a decades-old sourdough starter that a chef friend snuck out of the kitchen of a famous California restaurant he refused to name.) The baguettes will be turned into sandwiches, such as with mortadella, cherry-apricot mostarda and pistachio pistou ($18); or turkey with smoked gouda pimento and piquillo peppers ($17). Other lunch fare includes toast topped with beef tartare and caper salsa verde ($19), chorizo deviled eggs ($14) and tortellini en brodo ($19).

Kilgore always puts a Caesar salad on his restaurants menus. Cafe Sebastians comes with little gem lettuces, cauliflower sprouts and house-made sourdough croutons ($17). Staff will encourage diners to add smoked trout, which Kilgore said is folded into the salad to transform it into a salty, smoky, cheesy dish. Dinner will include comfort food like cacio e pepe tortellini ($21), chicken thigh Milanese ($26) and lamb shank with a labneh-miso tzatziki ($36).

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Cafe Sebastians half roasted chicken with watercress pesto and pickled shallot vinaigrette. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

Cafe Sebastian lacks a hood, which limits a kitchens cooking capabilities. Kilgore is instead using high-tech ovens to roast half chickens in less than seven minutes. (The chickens are brined, air dried, marinated and roasted in an everything-spice crust, $24.) Without a fryer, crispy-edged scalloped potatoes will fill in for French fries.

On the right side of the restaurant is an ice cream case for MadLab, a spinoff of Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgores former kakigori spot in Miami. Caraccioli-Kilgore is a pastry chef and Kilgore's wife. MadLab, which is set to open about a week after Cafe Sebastian, will specialize in gelato and Japanese-style shaved ice made with a machine from Tokyo that Kilgore said makes the lightest, snowiest ice. Think desserts layering gelato, yuzu whipped cream and fluffy shaved ice, drizzled with a cherry lychee syrup. Toppings are creative, from pickled Fresno chile caramel to mochi macarons. It wont be on the menu but diners will be able to order a la mode anything, Kilgore said  just ask for a scoop of gelato on a slice of warm babka, or in an espresso for an affogato. MadLab will operate within Cafe Sebastian, but people can come in via a separate entrance just for sweets.

Chef Bradley Kilgore inside the kitchen at Cafe Sebastian, one of the restaurants hes opening as part of the redevelopment of the Transamerica Pyramid. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

Tucked behind Cafe Sebastian is Ama, a dark, moody Italian-Japanese restaurant thats still under construction. Named after famous female Japanese free divers, the restaurant will serve dishes like puttanesca agnolotti with uni fondue sauce or a twist on bruschetta, toasted milk bread slathered with umami butter, roasted tomato jam, dashi gel and more uni. Ama is more upscale than Cafe Sebastian but still a la carte. We're not white tablecloth fine dining, Kilgore said. Just across the hallway from Ama is a semisecret, 70s-inspired back room with cushy seating, pinball machines and a DJ booth. Inside, people will be able to order from the Ama menu and listen to live music until late at night.

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Kilgores hospitality group is expanding internationally, including in Honduras and Mexico, as part of a post-pandemic plan to partner with developers and hotels. But this marks his first-ever San Francisco project.

Being part of this vision is inspirational, Kilgore said. The opportunity is incredible.

Cafe Sebastian is the more casual, all-day restaurant by Bradley Kilgore at the Transamerica Pyramid. A more formal restaurant will follow. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle

Cafe Sebastian. Opening Nov. 14. 545 Sansome St. (3 Transamerica), San Francisco. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. cafesebastiansf.com
More than two million GP appointments could be at risk from the National Insurance (NI) hike, analysis suggests.

While the NHS and the rest of the public sector are protected from the rise, GP practices  which are mostly run as small businesses under Government contracts  will have to pay out.

In the Budget last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves increased NI contributions for employers on wages from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, starting in April.

This will raise the average surgery's tax bill by 20,000 a year, or an estimated 125.5million across all 6,275 practices in England.

And with each patient's appointment costing surgeries 56, it is feared that to cover the tax rise some 2.24 million appointments could be at risk of being cut  an average of 357 per surgery each year.

Rachel Reeves' decision to hike employers' NI contributions could put over two million GP appointments at risk, analysis has suggested

The NI increase will raise the average surgery's tax bill by 20,000 a year, or an estimated 125.5million across all 6,275 practices in England (file photo)

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, the chair of the Royal College of GPs said the health service needed 'significant investment' instead of 'more worry and financial insecurity'

Family doctors have already warned they will be forced to cut back on staff and reduce the number of appointments they can offer  or may even close.

The analysis was conducted by the Liberal Democrats, who believe GP surgeries should be exempted from the tax rise.

Dentists, pharmacists, social care providers and charities have also spoken of their fears that Ms Reeves's NI rise could force them to close.

Helen Morgan, the Lib Dems' health and social care spokesman, said: 'Clobbering GP practices with higher taxes makes no sense at a time when many people are already struggling to get an appointment.

'Surgeries are also struggling, and these increased costs will leave GPs with no choice but to cut services and staff numbers. Ultimately it is patients who will pay the price. The Chancellor needs to urgently rethink these proposals and exempt GPs from this misguided tax hike.'

NHS hospitals will be protected from the rise through Treasury back-payments. But GP surgeries, which work mostly as business partnerships and deliver NHS care under government contracts, are not included.

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And many GPs are already 'working to rule' in protest at their current contract, capping the number of patients they see.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'GP teams are working their hardest to provide care for their patients against a backdrop of significant budget constraints.

'The Government has ambitious plans to move much more care into the community, and we want to work with them to make this happen as we know it's what patients want. But we need significant investment  not more worry and financial insecurity.'

A Government spokesman said: 'We have taken tough decisions to fix the foundations so a 22 billion boost for the NHS and social care could be announced at the Budget. The employer NI rise doesn't kick in until April, and we will set out further details on allocation of funding for next year in due course.'
Bristol Palin's ex husband Dakota Meyer has been appointed the Grand Marshal for the 105th New York City Veterans Day parade.

The Marine Veteran, 36, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, was seen celebrating his latest honor ahead of the highly anticipated parade on Monday.

'Serving in uniform is by far the greatest honor that the United States of America has allowed me to do. Once we take that uniform off, becoming a Veteran is just as important,' Dakota said.

He previously received the Medal of Honor - the country's highest medal for valor - in 2011, presented to him by President Barack Obama.

Dakota, who shares two young daughter's with Bristol, 34, was honored for his heroic actions on September 8, 2009, where the then 21-year-old corporal decided to drive into the 'killing zone' in the village of Ganjgal, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan to save U.S. and Afghan allied troops.

After hearing that Taliban soldiers had trapped his fellow men, Dakota, who was wounded by shrapnel at the time, decided to defy orders to save others that day.

Dakota Meyer, 36, - the ex-husband of Bristol Palin - has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 New York City Veterans Day parade

Dakota, who shares two young daughter's with Bristol, was honored for his heroic actions on September 8, 2009, where he saved dozens of soldiers under attack in the village of Ganjgal, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. (Pictured: Dakota with Bristol, his two daughters and step-son)

'I wasn't really thinking I could die, it was just a matter of when. I never thought I was going to come out... that's just what Marines do,' Dakota recalled.

Over the course of six hours, and five successive missions later, the Kentucky native and Staff Sgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez saved dozens of American and Afghan troops.

During his rescue mission, Dakota and Rodriguez-Chavez continually went in and out of the battle zone to save as many as they could.

At the time, one of his Humvee machine guns stopped working, leading him to direct Rodriguez-Chavez to head back to swap out vehicles so they could continue to fight.

On their third trip back to the ambush area, Dakota discovered the bodies of four missing men from his unit, and was able to return them to a safe area so they could properly be extracted, ABC 7 reported.

The father-of-two then went back in two more times, disregarding his own injury to arm, with help from others.

'They were defying orders, but they were doing what they thought was right,' Obama said at Dakota's Medal of Honor ceremony.

He previously received the Medal of Honor, the country's highest medal for valor, in 2011, presented to him by President Barack Obama

'Those who were there called it the most intense combat they'd ever seen.

'Dakota and Juan would have been forgiven for not going back in. But as Dakota says, you don't leave anyone behind,' the 44th president said.

Obama told Dakota that because of his determination, '36 men are alive today.'

'Because of your courage, four fallen American heroes came home, and in the words of James Layton's mom, [their families] could lay their sons to rest with dignity,' Obama added, referring to the four deceased soldiers Dakota found during the mission.

Dakota told the former president that he accepted the award in honor of the late troops.

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Johnson, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Aaron Kenefick, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class James Layton, a medic, all lost their lives that day.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Westbrook also died after he was wounded in the ambush, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Dakota is the first living American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for what he did in Afghanistan and Iraq. Just two other Marines were received the award

Dakota is the first living American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for what he did in Afghanistan and Iraq. Just two other Marines received the award.

Rodriquez-Chavez, who assisted Dakota on the violent mission, received the Navy Cross for his hard work that day.

Dakota left the Marine Corps in June 2010, and went on to take on a job at a construction site, and worked for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In 2018, Dakota filed for divorce from Bristol Palin, the daughter of the former Governor of Alaska and 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

They met in May 2014 during filming of Sarah Palin's Sportsman Channel show Amazing America.

The couple were married in a private ceremony back in 2016, a little over a year after calling off their first wedding just days before the ceremony.

Dakota and Bristol met in May 2014 during her mother, Sarah Palin's Sportsman Channel show Amazing America. He filed for divorce from the Teen Mom star in 2018

They share two daughters with each other, Sailor, eight, and Atlee, seven.

The couple had planned to wed over Memorial Day Weekend in Dakota's home state of Kentucky back in 2015, but the wedding was called off at the last second.

That December, Bristol gave birth to the couple's daughter Sailor Grace.

Six months after she announced her birth, Bristol and Dakota surprised everyone by revealing they were married.

Dakota had first revealed he and Bristol were back together just days prior with a photo he posted on Facebook and Instagram, which showed his former fiance wearing a diamond ring.

Bristol, who appeared on the reality show Teen Mom, also has a son named Tripp, 15, who she shares with her ex-fiance Levi Johnston, 34.

They share two daughters with each other, Sailor, eight, and Atlee, seven. (Pictured: An undated image of the family in a hospital room after Atlee's birth)

In August of this year, Bristol expressed her heartbreak over her son's decision to leave her family home in Texas to live with his father in Alaska.

At the time, the Wasilla, Alaska native posted an image of her younger two daughters in an Instagram post, with text explaining how she's dealing with Tripp's move.

'This has been the hardest first day of school yet with one of the biggest pieces of my heart missing,' Bristol said. 'Tripp has decided to finish out high school in Alaska to be closer to his dad and our entire family.

'If you know Tripp, you know he lives for hunting/fishing and I honestly cant blame him for wanting to be back home.'

'As hard as it has been to come to this decision  its truly not about what I want,' Bristol said.

Bristol cited her son growing older and the value of him spending time with his father in explaining how she's handling the family issue.

'Hes almost 16 years old and that relationship with his dad is a lot more important than my own selfish desires of having him with his mama forever!' Bristol said.
The editor of America's oldest magazine is now facing calls for her resignation after issuing a groveling apology for her anti-Trump rant earlier in the week.

Laura Helmuth, the editor-in-chief of Scientific American, which has been published continually since 1845, went on the rampage against Trump supporters in posts to social media, describing them as fascists, racists and sexists.

But Helmuth has now walked back her comments claiming she was 'shocked and confused' when she made them - likely in a bid to save her job.

'I made a series of offensive and inappropriate posts on my personal Bluesky account on election night, and I am sorry. I respect and value people across the political spectrum,' Helmuth began.

Laura Helmuth, the editor of America's oldest magazine is now facing calls for her resignation after issuing a groveling apology for her anti-Trump rant earlier in the week

Helmuth issues a groveling apology for her 'offensive and inappropriate posts'

'These posts, which I have deleted, do not reflect my beliefs; they were a mistaken expression of shock and confusion about the election results. These posts of course do not reflect the position of Scientific American or my colleagues. I am committed to civil communication and editorial objectivity,' she continued.

Scientific American endorsed Kamala Harris for president in September, asking readers to vote Democrat 'to support science, health and the environment.'

The once-prestigious magazine made its first ever presidential endorsement for Joe Biden in 2020, with Helmuth and her staff accused of pushing a social justice agenda wherever possible.

But Tuesday night's comments were particularly vitriolic in their nature despite them being posted on Helmuth's personal account.

Laura Helmuth, the editor-in-chief of Scientific American, went on a rampage against Trump supporters in now-deleted posts on social media, calling them fascists, racists and sexists

Scientific American endorsed Kamala Harris for president in September, asking readers to vote Democrat 'to support science, health and the environment'

But Tuesday night's comments were particularly vitriolic in their nature despite them being posted on Helmuth's personal account

'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 went on: '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.'

The following day, Helmuth suggested her staff were as distraught as her, writing: 'Any advice on what workplaces can do to help people who are devastated by the election? Thanks so much.'

Despite her apology they appeared to cut little slack with loyal followers

Trump secured his election victory within the early hours of Wednesday morning

Despite her apology they appeared to cut little slack with loyal followers to the magazine which has featured revolutionary scientists such as Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla among its contributors.

'Wow you should fire your unhinged editor. She needs a long rest somewhere padded,' wrote one user.

'And she needs to lay off the red wine. Her teeth are horribly stained,' added another.

'She should be stripped of membership for any science organization shes a member of. Trust in science is tanking because of these egregious, pathetic, bigoted scientists,' suggested a third.

'She shows that science today isnt objective,' opined a fourth.

Others, however, saw Helmuth's point of view and felt empathy for her rantings.

'A lot of us are embarrassed and angered by our country right now. Peace,' wrote Gerard Griffin.

'I liked and remember your posts,' stated Tom Novak. 

'You said nothing wrong!' added M. OLybdenum.

'I'm sorry you feel like you have to apologize. I didn't notice anything that wasn't very relatable,' said Oliver Plaschka.

'This is the obeying in advance thing people are talking about, if anyone wants to know what that looks like for the average person. Sorry you had to do that to save your job, hopefully you now know that this is who your bosses are, and will be in the coming years,' posted a fifth.

Others saw Helmuth's point of view and felt empathy for her rantings

Helmuth had previously gone viral for her ultra progressive posts, including a long thread where she scolded writers for using health terms such as 'cancer' metaphorically.

The editor of America's oldest magazine is now facing calls for her resignation after issuing a groveling apology for her anti-Trump rant earlier in the week.

She wrote: 'We are pickled in ableism, and it pervades the English language. Avoid using health terms metaphorically, even if they arent used that much in health care anymore. That includes lame, crippled, blind, deaf, feeble, demented, crazy, schizophrenic, etc.

'Unless you are writing about cancer, do not use the word cancer. Or tumor, malignant, or metastasize. Everybody has, has had, or knows someone who has, had, or died of cancer. Find a different metaphor to avoid sending your audiences minds to an awful place.'

Last month, she claimed 'Trump's racist rants are straight-up eugenics.'

Helmuth has previously gone viral for her ultra progressive posts, including a long thread where she scolded writers for using health terms such as 'cancer' metaphorically

In recent years, loyal readers have complained that the publication has become obsessed with race and transgender issues.

In May 2023, Scientific American was blasted for publishing a piece which asserted that arguing there are only two sexes is 'bad science.'

Scientific American also published a recent story accusing Donald Trump of pushing 'eugenics' .

Editor-in-chief Helmuth was one of many prominent progressives who issued questionable messages following Trump's landslide electoral win.

Devastated actress Christina Applegate wrote on X: 'Why? Give me your reasons why????? My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away. Why? And if you disagree, please unfollow me.'

Applegate later apologized for her comments.

Supermodel Cara Delevingne said it was 'gutting but freeing too' to see Trump win.

She added: 'We get to make every day over the next four years hell for fascists, misogynists, bigots and liars. This is not the time to shrink, nor the time to despair.'

Trump was elected the 47th president on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago

Trump was elected the 47th president on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the US Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.

While Harris focused much of her initial message around themes of joy, Trump channeled a powerful sense of anger and resentment among voters.

He seized on frustrations over high prices and fears about crime and migrants who illegally entered the country on Bidens watch.

He also highlighted wars in the Middle East and Russias invasion of Ukraine to cast Democrats as presiding over  and encouraging  a world in chaos.
Shocking footage captured the moment a woman keyed a Tesla as Aussies claim to have noticed an uptick in the number of 'old people' vandalising electric cars.

Coles safety advisor Ibrahim Can had parked his Tesla at a shopping centre in Epping, north Melbourne, last month.

He returned to find a 'deep' scratch stretching from the passenger door to the left of the bumper and immediately checked the car's Sentry security camera.

Footage shared on Facebook last week showed a woman holding a green bag and dragging a key along the side of the vehicle.

'I reviewed the footage and realised an elderly lady has keyed my car,' Mr Can wrote.

He asked other Tesla owners, who were incensed by the incident, if it was worth showing his insurance company with some advising him to go to the police.

'Definitely report it to police! An elderly man was just charged after doing this in Queanbeyan NSW,' one suggested.

Others couldn't believe the recent spate of hatred direct toward electric cars.

Shocking footage captured the moment a woman keyed a Tesla as Aussies claim to have noticed an uptick in the number of 'old people' vandalising electric cars

'What's with all the hate for Teslas in Australia? These videos get posted weekly. What a shame,' one said.

'What the f*** is wrong with all these old people keying cars for no reason? Like every car needs to have these cameras built in now,' another said.

'This type of behaviour is increasing and far too common here in Australia. Have we lost our capacity to respect others like we used to,' one added.

Many said they'd be more vengeful than the Tesla owner was.

'Absolutely no logical reason. I would print off hundreds of pictures and post them around, offer a reward for her name,' one said.

'Report it, put the horrible unit where she belongs,' another said.

Some even attributed the disrespect to age.

'It's always boomers? You already won every lottery in life, there's more to harm?' one asked.

'I agree. It's disgusting. Never ever young people. Always boomers,' another concurred.

'Perhaps Tesla is a symbol of a new generation of vehicles. They are jealous that the younger generations can do better,' one man hypothesised.

However, not everyone agreed.

Footage shared on Facebook last week showed a woman holding a green bag and dragging a key along the side of the vehicle

'She doesn't look like she has won any lotteries and its simple envy on her part, which has nothing to do with age demographic,' one argued.

'There are just as many acts of stupidity and aggression towards Tesla drivers from young boofheads in twin-cab utes.'

'Can you please not stigmatise all dual-cab ute drivers please?' another man replied.

In the year ending June 2024, there were 45 recorded counts of criminal damage to private cars in Victoria, up from 26, and 36 in the two years prior.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Victoria Police for comment.
His lawyer said he had a duty to stop a threat

A police officer who fatally discharged his Taser at a great-grandmother says he 'needed to' discharge his weapon even though he wasn't 'meant to tase elderly people', a court has been told.

Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White was supported by his wife as he walked into the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney on Monday morning.

The 34-year-old has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and will fight the allegation during a trial that is scheduled to run for three weeks.

He is accused of killing 95-year-old Clare Nowland after he was called to Yallambee Lodge nursing home in Cooma, in southern NSW, to respond to an incident in the early hours of May 17 last year.

Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC told jurors Constable White had been called to assist carers with a resident who was wielding a knife and described as 'aggressive'.

The court was told Mrs Nowland could not be located when police arrived at the lodge around 5am, but she was later found sitting in a room with her four-wheeled walking frame and a knife.

Mr Hatfield said she was asked to put down the knife a number of times by Constable White, who then said 'bugger it' and discharged his Taser at her chest.

Mrs Nowland, who displayed symptoms of dementia, fell backwards and sustained 'inoperable' injuries. She died in hospital less than a week later.

Kristian White (pictured) is on trial in the NSW Supreme Court and has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of a great-grandmother who died after he discharged his taser

Clare Nowland, 95, (pictured) died in May last year after sustaining a head injury after being tasered

'The Crown alleges (Constable White's) conduct amounted to manslaughter on the basis of either criminal negligence or manslaughter by an unlawful and dangerous act,' Mr Hatfield said.

He claimed the 34-year-old breached his duty of care to Mrs Nowland and his actions fell 'far short' of a reasonable standard of care expected of a police officer.

The Crown will explore whether the police officer's force exceeded that which was reasonably necessary, given Mrs Nowland's age, frailty and lack of mobility.

However, Constable White's lawyer Troy Edwards SC argued it was 'the sworn duty of a police officer to stop the threat and counteract the risk' Mrs Nowland posed to herself and others while holding the knife.

He said police officers have a duty 'to prevent a breach of the peace' which was 'exactly what was occurring' in the aged care home on the morning of May 17.

'I've had a look and supposedly we aren't meant to taser elderly people, but in this circumstance I needed to,' Constable White allegedly told a colleague after the incident.

Mr Edwards said his client's explanation for his actions had not changed since he deployed his Taser.

'As a violent confrontation was imminent and to prevent injury to police, the Taser was discharged,' Constable White wrote in an incident report on the day.

Constable White is currently on bail (pictured arriving for court on Monday)

Mr Edwards said the police officer had been made aware of Mrs Nowland's 'increasing aggression' and 'declining cognitive function' when he responded to the call.

The court was told the great-grandmother had become violent with nursing home staff and hospital workers prior to May 2023, including punching and attempting to bite those assisting her.

In the hours before Constable White arrived at the home with his colleague, Mrs Nowland had been seen carrying two knives. She threw one at a carer but it landed on the ground, the court was told.

'A reasonable person in Constable White's position would not consider the use of force was disproportionate to the risk,' Mr Edwards said.

'Constable White was acting in the execution of his duty when he discharged his Taser.'

Mr Hatfield said the nearly three minute confrontation had been captured on body-worn cameras and surveillance footage at the nursing home, which would be shown during the trial.

Clare Nowland's family and friends filled the public gallery on the first day of the trial (pictured)

Mrs Nowland's daughter Lesley Lloyd received a call about her mother in the night and offered to assist, but she didn't hear back from the staff until they called to inform her about her mother's fall.

She told the court she had rushed to the hospital and was told around 6am that her mother would not survive the brain bleed.

Mrs Nowland is survived by eight children, 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
This is the shocking moment a Boeing passenger plane's engine caught fire after taking off from an Italian airport.

The packed Hainan Airlines flight was heading to the Chinese city of Shenzen on Sunday when the Boeing 787 was forced to make an emergency landing at Rome's Fiumicino Airport.

The aircraft's right engine burst into flames after takeoff, with 249 passengers and 16 crew members on board.

Footage of the moment shows the plane soaring in the sky before an orange flicker appears on one side of the machine.

Within seconds, multiple blazes can be seen emerging from the engine as the Boeing continued its course ahead.

The packed Hainan Airlines flight was heading to the Chinese city of Shenzen on Sunday before the right engine burst into flames

The plane was reportedly struck by a bird, causing the fiery incident

The Hainan Airlines Boeing's engine caught fire on Sunday with 249 passengers and 16 crew members on board (file photo)

The plane was reportedly struck by a flying bird, the Italian Coast Guard said in a statement following the terrifying incident.

But the Boeing plane swiftly turned back and made a safe landing after dumping fuel over the sea.

There were no delays to air traffic at Fiumicino, an Italian airport official confirmed.

It comes after a Boeing 737-500 aircraft, bound for the town of Wamena, caught fire at Sentani Airport in Jayapura, Papua Province, Indonesia on Tuesday, forcing its 121 passengers to evacuate.

Horrifying footage shows how smoke billowed out from the aircraft's engine, while another clip captured the moment petrified passengers had to stand on the wing of the plane as they awaited their turn to get off.

People on board the jet were also seen skidding down an inflatable emergency slide, as screams and sirens blared in the background.

One passenger reportedly noticed the fire and panicked, prompting them to open the emergency door while screaming to other travellers.

The flight was reportedly cancelled and two others were delayed due to the fire.

In June, an Air Canada Boeing plane burst into flames seconds after take-off.

The plane turned around and landed safely at Rome's Fiumicino Airport

Video footage showed the aircraft gaining altitude before a light flashed from the right engine and the tail of the plane became engulfed in flames - the result of a small explosion.

The frightening ordeal took place thirty minutes after departure as the plane was leaving Toronto Pearson Airport en route to Paris, France.

No crew members or the 389 passengers on the flight were injured and the air crew landed the plane safely.

Three months prior, a Boeing jet's engines exploded and burst into flames in the skies above Texas forcing an emergency landing.

The terrifying incident took place just minutes into a United Airlines flight bound for Fort Myers, Florida.

Video taken from a passenger window shows white-hot flashes streaming out of the 737's jet engine.

Moments later, they were forced to make an emergency landing and return to George H. Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport moments after takeoff.

No injuries were reported in the incident.
A six-year-old girl is fighting for her life after the car she was in swerved into oncoming traffic and caused a head-on collision, it is understood.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident on Chorley Old Road, Bolton, at 10.30pm on Saturday evening.

One car had been travelling along Chorley Old Road, Greater Manchester Police understands, when a second car pulled out from Avenue Street looking to join.

It is understood the first car then swerved into the opposite lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle.

Three people from the third car were taken to hospital, including a six-year-old girl who is said to be in a life-threatening condition.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident on Chorley Old Road, Bolton, at 10.30pm on Saturday evening

Officers at the scene of the collision which has left a six-year-old girl fighting for her life

Officers are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact the force immediately.

A GMP spokesperson said: 'At 10:30pm last night (Saturday 9 November) we were called to reports of a serious collision between three cars on Chorley Old Road, Bolton.

'It's believed that one of the cars was travelling in an easterly direction along Chorley Old Road, with the second car exiting Avenue Street, onto Chorley Old Road.

'The first car crossed onto the opposing side of the carriageway, colliding with the third car.

'Sadly, three people from the third car were taken to hospital for further treatment.

'The injuries of a six-year-old girl are believed to be life threatening.

'GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are following several lines of enquiry but are now appealing for witnesses and anyone who may have information regarding the incident to come forward.

'This includes anyone with relevant dashcam, CCTV, mobile, or doorbell footage from the area and captures any of the incident.'
The women who inspired a disturbing note that spread a false conspiracy theory that sparked panic across Sydney have been identified.

The alarming note, distributed in letterboxes across Western Sydney last week, warned residents to avoid the city.

'Warning, 8th Nov 24. Stay out of the Sydney CBD. Stay safe, stay home,' it reads.

Many residents who received the note raised concerns in community groups, with some taking it seriously and sharing it 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 were forced to reassure the public not to take the threats seriously.

'There is no credible information to substantiate these claims, and the information has been assessed as baseless and without merit,' they said.

Daily Mail Australia can now reveal that the notes were inspired by conspiracy theorists Annette Calarco and Doris Duriye Osman, who warned their followers to prepare for a major catastrophe on Friday, November 8.

Dozens of families across Sydney received a disturbing note inspired by a conspiracy last week. NSW Police were forced to reassure the public not to take the threats seriously.

They claimed the disaster 'may involve nuclear explosives' and 'cause a tsunami along the east coast of NSW', Osman wrote in their Telegram channel.

Their followers discussed stocking up on freshwater and other essentials, and fleeing to the Blue Mountains - and Osman urged them to keep their kids out of school on the day.

When Friday came and went without any tsunamis, Calarco shifted her stance, claiming that the disaster had been averted due to the awareness she raised.

However, she faced backlash for inciting panic.

Daily Mail Australia can now reveal that the notes were inspired by conspiracy theorists Annette Calarco and Doris Duriye Osman, who warned their followers to prepare for a major catastrophe on Friday, November 8.

'Now we're being crucified by people who've come out of nowhere, they haven't looked at anything and they've jumped on the hating band wagon,' she said on Instagram.

'We're not apologising guys, we're not doing that. I absolutely know that you guys are completely uninformed - you want to shoot the messenger.'

Calarco has a large social media following for her efforts to rehome stray cats.

Meanwhile Osman, is a naturopath who sells products through her Instagram store, including seeds and water filtration systems.

In 2021 she worked for the anti-vaxxer group Reignite Democracy Australia.
Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to hold talks on how to support Ukraine against Russia following Donald Trump's election win.

The leaders will speak on Monday in Paris to discuss whether US President Joe Biden can be convinced to give the war-torn country permission to use Storm Shadow missiles in their defence against Russia, The Telegraph reports.

The newspaper revealed that there are high hopes in London that Biden will give permission to Kyiv to use the missiles - a request Ukraine has made for months.

It comes after the US president prevented Ukraine from using the British Storm Shadows at targets inside Russia over fears of retaliatory attacks on Western military bases.

US intelligence long believed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would respond to such attacks by ordering counter-assaults on US and European military bases, while also stepping up sabotage efforts on Western soil.

Keir Starmer is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss whether US President Joe Biden can be convinced to give Ukraine permission to use Storm Shadow missiles

The US president prevented Ukraine from using the British Storm Shadows at targets inside Russia over fears Putin would carry out retaliatory attacks on Western military bases

The use of Storm Shadow missiles in Ukraine has been widely debated by leaders for months

In September, Starmer vowed he would press Biden to grant Ukraine permission to use the missiles when the pair met at the UN General Assembly.

The UK Prime Minister said he firmly believed the US and UK should move as a coalition on the issue.

At the upcoming talks in Paris between Starmer and Macron, the impact of the incoming Trump presidency on the conflict in the Middle East and the potential of a trade war with Europe are also expected to be discussed.

World leaders around the globe are anticipating how drastically Trump intends to change US policy on Ukraine following his presidential victory last week.

Trump issued a stern warning to Putin on Thursday in their first phone call since the Republican won the presidency.

Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe', according to the Washington Post.

Sources also told the newspaper that Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraine's war soon'.

Starmer has pledged to work closely with Trump, despite cabinet ministers including David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, and Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, criticising the president-elect in the past.

But since Trump's victory, Biden has still attempted to secure US support for Ukraine.

On Thursday, the White House said the president will continue 'surging' humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine using funds already authorised by Congress.

However, a recent report claimed Trump's transition office is considering a proposal that would seek to freeze the conflict in Ukraine with an '800-mile demilitarised zone'.

FILE - President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, July 7, 2017

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

Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe', according to the Washington Post

There are high hopes in London that Biden will give permission to Kyiv to use the Storm Shadow missiles - a request Ukraine has made for months

That is unlikely to be welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European partners who are adamant that Kyiv should not surrender territory to the Kremlin, and remains unsubstantiated by US officials.

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.

A recent Wall Street Journal report citing three sources 'close to the president-elect' claimed that Trump's transition office is considering one proposal that would prevent Kyiv from joining NATO for at least 20 years in exchange for lucrative arms deals.

In the meantime, the conflict would be halted by the implementation of a large demilitarised zone (DMZ) that would effectively freeze the fighting in place and force Kyiv to relinquish up to 20 per cent of its territory as part of an '800-mile DMZ'.

But the sources offered no insight into how such a buffer zone between Russia's border and unoccupied Ukraine would be monitored or managed, other than to say it would not be staffed by American peacekeepers.

'We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European... and we are not paying for it,' one source is quoted as saying.

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.

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.

On Monday, Starmer will also meet with Michel Barnier, the new French prime minister, who was the European Unions Brexit negotiator.

The UK PM hopes to negotiate a defence and security pact with the EU in the new year, another topic that is expected to be discussed with Macron.
Jeremy Clarkson is set to join protesting farmers at a rally against the Chancellor's tractor tax next week.

The former Top Gear presenter, 64, who runs Diddly Squat Farm, is in talks with organisers to give a speech at the demonstration, it is understood.

Thousands of fellow farmers are set to appear at Westminster on November 19 to oppose Rachel Reeve's new tax, which will stop all farms being passed on free from inheritance tax.

The decision was announced by Ms Reeves in her Autumn Budget at the end of last month.

It will see farm estates worth more than 1million incur a 20 per cent inheritance tax charge from April 2026.

Jeremy Clarkson (pictured) owns and runs Diddly Squat Farm near Chipping Norton, West Oxfordshire

The former Top Gear presenter, 64, is furious at Rachel Reeves (pictured) over the Chancellor's inheritance tax raid for farmers

Clarkson showcases the running of his 1,000-acre farm near Chipping Norton, West Oxfordshire, in his popular Amazon series Clarkson's Farm.

The presenter revealed his unhappiness at the Chancellor's inheritance tax shift soon after the Budget was announced, writing on social media that farmers had been 'shafted'.

Mr Clarkson wrote at the time: 'Farmers. I know that you have been shafted today. But please don't despair. Just look after yourselves for five short years and this shower will be gone.'

His appearance at the rally will place added pressure on the Government to reverse the new plans.

A representative for Mr Clarkson confirmed to The Telegraph that the presenter would attend but said the decision on whether or not he will give as a speech has not been finalised.

Two events are set to take place on November 19, aimed at urging the government to take back their changes to agricultural property relief.

A rally is in the process of being planned by farmers, including a march through Westminster.

Meanwhile, a separate event for around 1,800 farmers will reportedly take place on the same day at Church House in Westminster by the National Farmers' Union (NFU).

It comes after a call by farmers' leaders for its members to keep away from tax protests in Westminster over fears of a risk to public safety were dropped after a revolt this month.

Clarkson (pictured on a tractor at Diddly Squat Farm) is in talks with organisers to give a speech at the demonstration about the tax raid on farmers

The NFU had urged that only the 1,800 farmers registered to attend an event on November 19 in the capital should go - fearing potential chaos on the streets.

But later the union backed down after rebel farmers insisted they would come to the capital to vent their anger at MPs in defiance of the union.

On Sunday, Clarkson accused Labour of wanting to 'ethnically cleanse' the countryside in order to build 'new immigrant towns' over farmland.

The presenter made the accusation in a furious no-holds-barred rant at Ms Reeves over her inheritance tax raid.

Clarkson said the Budget makes farming 'nigh on impossible' and believes it's part of a 'sinister plan' to 'carpet bomb our farmland'.
Diners eat at outdoor tables at Cassava in San Franciscos North Beach. The restaurant will close this week. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle Cassava co-owner Yuka Ioroi pours a glass of wine at the bar inside the North Beach restaurant. Ioroi, along with husband and co-owner Kris Toliao, will close the restaurant to launch three new concepts. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle A four-course prix-fixe meal at Cassava, as seen in 2017, consisted of Bloomsdale spinach, stone fruits and figs; San Francisco Bay halibut; roasted squab; and a honey lavender panna cotta. The California-style bistro will close this week. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

After 12 years of serving bistro fare and brunch in San Francisco, Cassava announced its final day of service will be Sunday, Nov. 17.

In the Instagram announcement, co-owner Yuka Ioroi pointed to San Franciscos current economy as a motive behind the closure at 401 Columbus Ave. in North Beach. Next, she and co-owner Kristoffer Toliao plan to open a takeout-only kiosk in Jackson Square in early 2025, and eventually open a dinner spot with Michelin recognition in mind.

Ioroi told the Chronicle business activity has been low since last year and has declined further this year. The restaurants pandemic business loans had also come due, adding a major expense.

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Cassava owners Yuka Ioroi (left) and chef Kris Toliao, as photographed in 2017, pose outside of their restaurants former Outer Richmond location. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The majority of Cassavas staff about 75%  will be moving to North Beach Restaurant, Ioroi wrote, a long-running restaurant that closed in 2023 and will reopen soon; Ioroi and Toliao are consulting on the menu. The remaining 25% of Cassavas employees will work at the new takeout kiosk. The San Francisco Standard reports that for now, Toliao will also be cooking at lauded chef Dominique Crenns Atelier Crenn. He previously worked under her at Luce at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Cassava originally opened in 2012 in the Outer Richmond, where it offered prix-fixe dinners featuring dishes like squab with smashed corn and polenta. The Japanese breakfast  a spread that included rice, roasted fish, pickles and miso soup, among other bites  and crisp fried chicken were among its brunch staples.

The restaurant was also known for its progressive stances on fair wages for restaurant workers and vaccination mandates. Along with Zuni Cafe, it was among the first restaurants in the country to require proof of a COVID-19 shot to dine indoors in 2021.

In 2022, Cassava relocated to North Beach, taking part in a restaurant renaissance in the neighborhood as San Francisco left behind the pandemic eras most severe restrictions. The restaurateurs were optimistic about the move.

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Back then we saw an uptick in people (going out to restaurants again), but we didnt have that, Ioroi said.

The Japanese breakfast at Cassava was a popular brunch item consisting of several small items. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle

The decision to focus on three projects  the takeout kiosk, North Beach restaurant and the eventual fine-dining restaurant  rather than one, Ioroi wrote, is informed by the state of the city today. Given the current economy in San Francisco, she wrote, we believe its wiser to create smaller units in different market segments rather than running everything in one location.

This article has been updated with comments from Cassava co-owner Yuka Ioroi.
A scorned female barrister who was jailed for her life after plotting to frame her ex-lover with false rape, kidnap and stabbing claims has been freed after spending less than four years behind bars.

Anisah Ahmed, 37, was handed a life sentence after staging her own kidnapping and stabbing in a 'comprehensive and orchestrated' revenge campaign against fellow barrister Iqbal Mohammed, 41, after finding out he had a wife.

She became the first person to receive life for perverting the course of justice in April 2021, but her sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeal seven months later, who changed her prison term to 10 years.

Now in a devastating blow to her victim, Ahmed, from Oxford, has been released from prison after spending less than four years in jail. She is under a home detention curfew, which she means she has to wear an electronic tag and is restricted to what times she can leave the house.

Mr Mohammed, from Birmingham, was informed of the update by The Sun, which he told: 'I can't believe nobody bothered to bloody tell me this before. It's unbelievable. I've been completely left in the dark.'

Iqbal Mohammed (pictured), 41, was framed by his ex-lover Anisah Ahmed who has been freed from jail

Anisah Ahmed (pictured), 37, was handed a life sentence after staging her own kidnapping, rape and stabbing. It was later reduced to 10 years but she has been freed after four

He added: 'I don't feel safe at all. I feel we've been completely let down and it's completely disgraceful that this can happen.

'I'm extremely worried and dreading telling my wife because I think she'll be really, really scared.'

Mr Mohammed has previously compared his ordeal to the the 1987 thriller Fatal Attraction, explaining he had been unable to watch the film as 'it was just like what happened to me.'

In the film, Glenn Close's character Alex stalks and terrorises attorney Dan, played by Michael Douglas, his wife and child after a one-night stand.

It is believed that Ahmed first contacted Mr Mohammed after watching him on the 2008 BBC docuseries The Barristers.

She sent him her CV and asked for career advice via email and LinkedIn but their relationship turned flirty in 2013.

Ahmed and Mr Mohammed, who is still with his wife, embarked upon a nine-month relationship with him in 2014, the court previously heard.

However, it soon emerged that her lover was married and the snubbed lawyer began an elaborate campaign of revenge described in court as 'malicious' and 'even evil.'

The harrowing ordeal has been likened to the 1987 movie Fatal Attraction (pictured), starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close

The twisted plot saw the qualified barrister send intimate messages of her lover's affair to his wife and colleagues, before emailing his Head of Chambers demanding an investigation into his integrity.

Ahmed's scorn took a more sinister turn when she created fake emails to support her false claims which made it look like they were sent by the victim threatening her, amounting to 'blackmail.'

But after the emails were found to be falsified, she then accused Mr Mohammed of raping her on several occasions, giving detailed and convincing accounts to investigators.

In a final, desperate bid to frame her ex-lover, Ahmed then staged her own kidnap and stabbing  roping in an ex-boyfriend as an accomplice  who confessed to police she had ordered him to knife her three times.

When he refused, fearing he might accidentally kill her, Ahmed is believed to have stabbed herself  almost severing her femoral artery with a horrific injury to her thigh.

She told police Mr Mohammed had ordered the attack on her, later producing a forged confession from an imaginary hitman.

Fortunately, her plot was foiled, and Ahmed was convicted for perverting the course of justice.

Sentencing her at Oxford Crown Court, Judge Michael Gledhill previously said: 'It appears that Ahmed had no idea that Mohammed was married.

'When she found out, she felt utterly betrayed and took her revenge by putting into effect a comprehensive and orchestrated plan to destroy him - both professionally and personally.'

Mr Mohammed, who the court heard became suicidal during the ordeal, had been publicly arrested at his barrister chambers before he was taken to a police station and locked in a cell for seven hours, the judge heard.

After Mr Mohammed's chambers instructed IT experts to search the chambers' computers, they discovered that the email evidence had been falsified and police arrested Ahmed for harassment.

She later admitted that she had created the fake emails but persisted in the lie that Mohammed was still harassing her.

When it was decided to instead prosecute Ahmed for harassment, far from stopping her campaign of destruction - she escalated it.

The disturbing case is set to be shown in a new ITV documentary, The Real Fatal Attraction.
Americans are fleeing to southern states, lured in by the low cost of living and absence of a state income tax, census data revealed.

An estimated 611,942 people moved from their home states to Texas and approximately 636,933 moved to Florida from 2022 to 2023, according to the data released in October.

California lost the most residents to Texas, with an estimated 93,970 people relocating to the Lone Star State.

Former Golden State residents said they were motivated to relocate for affordable housing, cheaper living costs and to cut their tax bills.

'It was about doing something completely different. We've experienced city life and wanted to embrace country living and own some land,' Michelle Clifford, who moved her family from California to Texas last year, told Business Insider.

An estimated 611,942 people moved from their home states to Texas from 2022 to 2023. Pictured: Austin, Texas

Approximately 636,933 moved to Florida from 2022 to 2023. Pictured: Miami, Florida

'Over time, our priorities changed. We wanted to slow down and buy a house, but it wasn't realistic for us in California.'

Approximately 50,513 people from Florida moved to Texas, 29,743 from Oklahoma and 29,610 from New York.

The fact that Texas and Florida don't levy income taxes on their citizens is a major pulling factor from California and New York, both of which have top marginal rates over 10 percent.

The cost of housing has driven many Americans to move to Texas and Florida where they feel they can afford to purchase a home.

The typical home price in California ($791,000) and New York ($459,000) is much higher than in Texas ($303,000) and Florida ($415,000), according to Zillow.

Jillian Lovato and her wife, Jamie, had a good life in Orange County, but felt they needed to leave the state in order to achieve their dream of becoming homeowners.

'My wife Jamie and I knew we wouldnt be able to buy the home we wanted in California,' Jillian told Realtor.com.

Michelle Clifford (center right), who moved her family from California to Texas last year, said she moved to the Lone Star State to buy a house

Many are fleeing to the Lone Star State in search of jobs where massive companies like Tesla and Samsung have been setting up shop. Pictured: Celina, Texas

Many are fleeing to the Lone Star State in search of jobs where massive companies like Tesla and Samsung have been setting up shop.

Hundreds of California cops are fleeing to Texas to escape 'soft-on-crime' policies they say have made their jobs 'pointless', DailyMail.com revealed.

Evan Leona, 38, who ditched his job as a detective in a multi-agency gang unit in Fresno, California, to work for Denton Police in Texas, in 2022, said he had met 'more than a hundred officers' in the Dallas / Fort Worth area who had fled California.

'There are five officers who have come from various agencies in California on my shift alone in Denton,' he told DailyMail.com. 'The justice system just works a lot better here.'

Millions of Americans flocked to Florida for sunny weather and low taxes for years, but some experts said that could change as the Sunshine States gets hit with natural disasters and soaring insurance premiums.
Aussies have poked fun at a plumber over a massive fail that has left many scratching their heads and wondering how it happened in the first place.

The tradie had been contracted to carry out work on a property at Clayton in south-east Victoria.

A video showed the length of a PVC pipe running alongside the building and skirting around a gate - trapping it against the wall.

The footage was shared to Instagram where social media users said the plumber seemed like they couldn't have cared less about the job.

'New gate lock looks good,' one wrote sarcastically.

'Seriously how does that person think they're doing the right thing,' another wondered.

'The award of "I don't give a f***" goes to...' another said.

'Not my job huh,' a fourth added.

The Aussie job site became the ridicule of tradies online after closing over an open gate with PVC pipe

Some defended the construction, noting the piping, at least, appeared to be functional.

'S*** runs downhill and payday is Thursday is all that's important,' one man wrote.

'What's the problem...? Water runs downhill,' another agreed.

'C'mon it was a Friday afternoon,' another jokingly said.

One tradie dropped a classic: 'Looks good from my place.'

Another man said the tradies should have used common sense and consulted the higher-ups before blocking the gate.

'Engineers of all trades and designers need to communicate between each other through the entirety of the build,' he said.

'I've seen this type of s*** way too much and I blame them and the occasional foreman of the job who couldn't care.

'Tradies don't want to install stuff they know is completely wrong but their concerns fall onto deaf ears and lose all sense of care.

'It can be so frustrating as a tradie honestly. Just my opinion, you get payed to do what you're told despite others incompetence or ignorance.

'Go home at the end of the day and leave work behind, enjoy the rest of it with your family.'

Though many wondered if the pipe wasn't just a temporary fixture on the building.

'Surely that's temp plumbing,' one wrote.

'Either that or a temporary plumber,' another replied.
The death sentence for a notorious Miami gang leader has been nixed and a judge trying to defend her role in the case was exposed for sending vicious text messages to the DA's office.

Corey Smith, the boss of the John Does, a violent drug gang in Liberty City, was found guilty of four murders in 2004. The next year, he was sentenced to death following his high-profile trial.

But on Sunday, the State Attorney's Office announced it will spare Smith's life and try to negotiate a lesser sentence after his attorneys pushed for a retrial.

Also, it was revealed text messages from Judge Bronwyn Miller, 52, berated defense attorneys and made digs at fellow judges, according to messages sent between January and July, according to the Miami Herald.

Miller has been accused of pressuring Miami-Dade Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle on how to handle his resentencing. She had presided over Smith's case as a prosecutor two decades ago.

Corey Smith, the boss of the John Does, a violent drug gang in Liberty City, was found guilty of four murders in 2004 and sentenced to death. His attorneys have fought for him to be resentenced since

Text messages from Judge Bronwyn Miller, 52, who presided over Smith's case two decades ago, revealed her pressuring Miami-Dade Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle on how to handle the blockbuster case

Despite leaving the State Attorney's Office 20 years ago, the exchanges showed Miller trying to convince the DA to oust the current judge appointed to Smith's case, Circuit Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson.

Smith's attorneys previously fought for a resentencing, but claimed that the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office is 'too compromised' to participate in it.

Because the decision to sentence him to death was not unanimous, he is being resentenced to reflect recent court decisions, NBC Miami reported. He is due in court on Wednesday.

Wolfson is now considering throwing out his sentences and convictions, leaving the state to retry him.

In one exchange to Fernandez Rundle, Miller said: 'I think you should disqualify her,' referring to Wolfson.

'Then all ruling can be reconsidered,' Miller added, according to the messages.

During another conversation, Miller spoke of the DA that Michael Von Zamft, a prosecutor disqualified by Wolfson for telling Latravis Gallashaw, a partner of Smith, he would make a witness in the case 'unavailable,' NBC Miami reported.

Miller added that Fernandez Rundle that Zamft, a former defense attorney, should have never been involved in Smith's case.

Many of Fernandez Rundle's responses to Miller were not included in the released records, and it is unclear if they were withheld completely or redacted. (Pictured: Miami-Dade Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle)

'They play by different rules. No defense attorney should be training [assistant state attorneys]. It should be someone who knows that prosecutors are held to higher ethics,' Miller said in the texts.

The Miami Herald previously reported that Smith's attorneys argued that the state attorney should not play a role in the case because of 'favors' being made to possible witnesses.

According to a memo placed into discovery two months before Smith's original trial began, 'civilian witnesses' were offered beverages, food and Black & Mild cigars, the outlet said.

In February, Miller was called to testify over the memo she wrote during Smith's trial, as the mention of 'favors' was looked over decades ago.

At the witness stand, she said under oath that she prepped the witnesses almost every day, either in the jury room or at the police department.

In response to the 'favors' being mentioned, Miller told Fernandez Rundle in a text: 'This is insane.'

In one text message, Miller told Fernandez Rundle that Michael Von Zamft (pictured), a prosecutor recently disqualified from Smith's case, should not be involved

Her requested changes then showed up in a subsequent filing and Smith's attorneys had the case moved in July to another appellate district, according to the Miami Herald.

In addition to allegedly harassing Fernandez Rundle on how Smith's case was being handled, Miller went on to attack the DA for who she allowed to work on the murderer's case.

In reference to Steve Gosney, a private practice lawyer who wrote a 'sadomasochistic sex novel', titled Death Penalty Desired: Passion and Murder, Miller questioned why Fernandez Rundle let him in on the case.

'I just dont know whats going on in the office anymore. Its outlandish. Im sorry,' Miller told Fernandez Rundle.

The judge insisted that because Gosney opposes the death penalty, he should be removed from Smith's case by the governor.

'Whoever is advising you has lost the big picture,' she said.

Many of Fernandez Rundle's responses to Miller were not included in the released records, and it is unclear if they were withheld completely or redacted.

The exchanges showed Miller trying to oust the current judge appointed to Smith's case, Circuit Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson (pictured)

In one response, the DA told Miller 'You're right,' which appeared to be in reference to the judge's comments on Gosney.

'...He is not going to. Let's talk,' Fernandez Rundle added.

Soon after that exchange, Gosney was told his role in the case was 'operationally impossible.' He was then given two months to leave the job, according to emails, reviewed by the Miami Herald.

In response to the messages between Miller and Fernandez Rundle, Gosney told the outlet that 'even lawyers sometimes get fooled by the leftist, fake media.'

Further conversations between the judge and DA revealed that Miller felt that two judges, Wolfson and Miami-Dade Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie, were against her because of a failed bail bond reform effort.

The blame fell on the State's Attorney's Office, and Miller now believes that Wolfson's rulings were motivated by the dispute.

'By the way, I have no idea [why] you refuse to listen to me regarding Andrea [Wolfson]. She will destroy you because of the bail bond issue,' Miller wrote on March 18, soon after Wolfson removed prosecutors.

'Im so beside myself. You refuse to see what is going on with her and Nushin,' Miller added.

The text messages were submitted by the State's Attorney's Office on Friday as a discovery in Smith's case.

Miami-Dade Public Defender Carlos Martinez said he has reviewed the text messages.

Further conversations between the judge and DA revealed that Miller felt that two judges, Wolfson and Miami-Dade Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie (pictured), were against her because of a failed bail bond reform effort

'We are investigating and looking at what the remedy, if any, is going to be, to protect my clients,' Martinez told the outlet.

When contacted by DailyMail.com, Judge Miller said: 'I have sought an opinion from Founding Director Professor Anthony V. Alfieri of the Center for Ethics and Public Service.

'He has recommended that I do not make any public comment at this time, as it might affect the pending proceedings. I strive always to adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct.'

DailyMail.com contacted Fernandez Rundle, Wolfson and Sayfie for comment.

Attorneys in the Miami-Dade court system were shocked to hear about the messages Miller sent, including Smith's defense attorneys Allison Miller and Craig Whisenhunt.

'Judge Bronwyn Miller has called into question her fitness to serve the people of the state of Florida and called into doubt every case that has come before her for decades,' they told the Miami Herald.

'The consequence of these revelatory messages will be substantial and have reverberations across our community and state.

'She simultaneously played the parts of judge, prosecutor, witness, and quite literally attempted to subvert justice to see Corey Smith executed,' Miller and Whisenhunt added.

After sentencing Smith, Miller was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, and by 2018, then-Governor Rick Scott appointed her to the Third District Court of Appeal, according to her bio.

The following year, she failed to get appointed to the Florida Supreme Court, the Miami Herald reported.

From 1997 to 2005 she was a prosecutor at the Miami-Dade County State Attorney's Office, where she served as the Training Director and Division Chief in the Felony Unit.
The UK could be asked to pay into a staggering 1trillion fund for poor countries fighting climate change at this year's COP29 summit.

Richer and more well-off countries around the globe are set to face mounting pressure to donate money to help poorer nations invest in renewable energy sources during the two-week summit which begins on Monday in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Leaders in developing nations across the planet are pushing for a mega fund of up to 1trillion which would be funded from the pockets of wealthier countries and injections of investment from the private sector.

Evans Njewa, the chairman of the Less Developed Countries group at the United Nations negotiations, said: 'A failure to conclude COP29 without a bold new finance goal would be a tragic disservice to both the planet and vulnerable populations.'

The UK has admitted that more money is required to help poorer countries in the fight against climate change, but has so far refused to spend more than its 11.6billion budget in foreign development aid, which ceases next year.

The UK will face calls to pay into a 1trillion pot to help poor countries tackle climate change at the COP29 summit which will begin Monday in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan

Evans Njewa, the chairman of the Less Developed Countries group at the United Nations negotiations, said: 'A failure to conclude COP29 without a bold new finance goal would be a tragic disservice to both the planet and vulnerable populations'

As well as the question of who should be expected to cover the funding needed, the re-election of Donald Trump as US president has also cast doubts over the role America will play in tackling the climate crisis.

It comes as Trump promised to pull out of the Paris Agreement - leaving the US as one of the only countries not to be a party to the 2015 pact, in which nearly 200 governments have made pledges to reduce their pollution.

The Biden administration will be negotiating during the two-week summit, but many countries may be cautious about making commitments that may quickly be undone by Trump.

Governments are now scrambling to save crucial alliances that were headed by the outgoing US president, Joe Biden, who made climate change one of his top priorities during his term.

Though a team from the Biden White House will still attend the COP29 meetings, the highly-likely possibility that Trump will withdraw US support means other countries will have to set back their expectations due to the potential absence of the world's biggest economy.

The UK energy secretary, Ed Miliband, also shared his warnings that the UK must ramp up its efforts on renewable energy to foster national security.

He pledged that the UK would lead efforts at Cop29 to secure the global agreement needed to stave off the worst impacts of climate breakdown.

'The only way to keep the British people secure today is by making Britain a clean-energy superpower, and the only way we protect future generations is by working with other countries to deliver climate action,' Miliband told the Observer.

The Biden administration will be negotiating during the two-week summit, but many countries may be cautious about making commitments that may quickly be undone by Trump

The climate change committee, the Government's advisers on net zero, recently recommended an 81 per cent drop on 1990 levels of emission within a decade

Starmer is expected to relay his Government's commitments to net zero, including bringing forward the date to achieve 100 per cent green power by 2030

Trump promised to pull out of the Paris Agreement - leaving the US as one of the only countries not to be a party to the 2015 pact, in which nearly 200 governments have made pledges to reduce their pollution

'This government is committed to accelerating climate action precisely because it is by doing this that we protect our country, with energy security, lower bills, and good jobs.'

UK PM Keir Starmer, who will spend nearly two days at the summit, is one of the few remaining leaders of the world's biggest industrialised economies who will attend.

He is expected to announce strict new targets for the UK to cut greenhouse gases by 2035, and a commitment to fulfil a pledge of 11.6bn in climate finance to poor countries, made under the Conservatives.

The climate change committee, the Government's advisers on net zero, recently recommended an 81 per cent drop on 1990 levels of emission within a decade.

Starmer is expected to relay his Government's commitments to net zero, including bringing forward the date to achieve 100 per cent green power by 2030.

A spokesman from the Foreign Office said: 'Tackling climate change is in the UK's national interest. By acting decisively and early, the UK has an opportunity to lead the world in the clean industries of the future.

'We're honouring the last government's commitment to 11.6 billion of climate finance from 2021/22 to 2025/26.'

The United States, among others, has called on China to contribute to the new global fund, but Beijing says widening the 'donor base' would violate the Paris agreement principle that only richer countries should be obligated to provide finance.

'Developed countries should earnestly meet their responsibilities to provide strong financial support for developing countries to cope with climate change,' Mao Ning, the spokeswoman and deputy director of information at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

China is also urging countries at COP29 to refrain from protectionist measures that make it more expensive to cut emissions, it said in a climate action plan this week.
Labour's plan to smash the small boat gangs 'won't work', Home Office insiders have claimed.

Civil servants at the department are said to be 'underwhelmed' by the Government's proposals to tackling Channel crossings and reducing illegal migration to the UK.

It comes as nine different boats carrying 572 migrants were intercepted crossing the Channel on Saturday.

This bring the total number of migrants to arrive so far this year to 32,691 which is up 22 per cent on the same time last year (26,699) but still 18 per cent less than recorded by November 2022 (39,929).

Some in the Home Office have reportedly claimed 'nobody' understands how the new Border Security Command (BSC) - set up just days after Labour swept to power in July - will work and department officials are 'underwhelmed' by strategy outlined last week.

Experts have warned that smugglers will adjust to any changes and that demand for gangs' services is not slowing, according to the i newspaper.

The damning revelations will heap further pressure on Labour to get a grip on the small boats crisis, which saw its busiest fornight on the Channel so far this year with the migrants reaching Britain since the new Government took office topping 18,000.

Home Office officials are 'underwhelmed' by Labour 's plans to tackle the small boats crisis

A group of migrants waiting to cross the Channel on the beach of Sandgatte in Calais, France on November 10

According to the i, there is 'cynicism' among department officials about whether the BSC, backed by 150m of funding from the Government, will prove to be any more successful than previous units operated under the Conservatives.

One Home Office official told the newspaper: 'It's fine for us to talk about targeting smugglers in the UK but there are a lot of people in Europe who have to get involved.

'There are clearly political reasons about why they want to look tough on all this, but what is the impact actually going to be on the number of people arriving in the UK?'

The source added that the BSC was partly a 'holding pen for people who didn't have anything to do anymore because they got rid of the Rwanda policy'.

'Nobody quite knows how it's going to work,' they added.

A former senior Government official described Labour's plans as 'pretty underwhelming'.

They told the i: 'This 'smash the gangs' thing seems to be the only show in town, which I think is disappointing,' he said.

Another look at migrants on a beach in Calais on Sunday morning on November 10

Migrants crowd a smuggler's inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel on October 30

'Surely when you're looking at the problem, one of the things you're looking at is why people are coming. If you don't know what the reason is you can't address it. Blaming the gangs might be answering the wrong question.'

Labour's Border Security Command (BSC) - led by former police chief Martin Hewitt - was set up to 'strengthen Britain's border security and smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings'.

But during the election campaign, Tory PM Rishi Sunak claimed that thousands of migrants were 'queueing up; in Calais as they waited for an incoming Labour government that pledged to scrap the Conservatives' Rwanda asylum deal.

In its manifesto, Labour promised to set up a returns and enforcement unit to fast-track removals to safe countries for people who do not have the right to stay here.

The latest crossings come as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has entered into a new initiative to intercept criminal gangs smuggling migrants through the western Balkans as part of efforts to bring down the number of small boat crossings.

Sir Keir announced deals to boost intelligence-sharing, expertise and co-operation with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo at a meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday.

On Tuesday and Wednesday four bodies were discovered in the water off the coast of Calais, the French coastguard said.

Kent Police also said the body of a man was pulled from the Channel on Tuesday as officers were called to Dover lifeboat station.

Investigations have been launched into the deaths and authorities are yet to confirm whether those who died were migrants.

Some 50 people have died while trying to cross the Channel this year, according to incidents recorded by the French coastguard, which do not include the most recent deaths.

Sir Keir also vowed the Government would 'treat people smugglers like terrorists' as he announced an extra 75million for his border security command during a speech at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow on Monday.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.

'Our new Border Security Command will strengthen our global partnerships and enhance our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute these evil criminals. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.'
Students at Edinburgh University have been told to not be 'snobs' towards state-educated peers.

The University said that prejudice towards those from disadvantaged backgrounds was prevalent on campus, including slurs on accents and perceived 'lack of knowledge'.

New guidance issued by the institution to 'counteract socio-economic microaggressions' encourages better off students to help create a 'more inclusive environment', such as by asking them about their interests instead of quizzing them on their backgrounds.

Privileged students are also asked to try and erase 'unhelpful mythology' suggesting a connection between intelligence or hard work and affluence, and staff will be trained on accent bias.

Despite comprising of just seven per cent of secondary students, pivately-educated pupils now make around 40 per cent of university intake.

Students at the University of Edinburgh have been encouraged to avoid being 'snobs' towards their state-educated peers in new guidance

The guidance issued by Edinburgh University contains a quote from a student on its widening participation programme who said that her more affluent peers during a discussion on inheritance tax 'that they have more money because they have 'just worked harder'.

Six per cent of the UK population come from a 'wealthy and privileged background', members of whom have a greater chance of 'financial success' and taking on 'leadership positions, the guidance states.

It adds that people from less affluent backgrounds receive less support or encouragement to go to university, despite being highly capable academically.

Students are also recommended to consider where they place on the socio-economic spectrum before embarking on a course, the Telegraph reported.

Graduates at Edinburgh University. Privately educated students make up 40 per cent of UK universities' intake

It comes as the newly formed Scottish Social Mobility Society (SSMS) said it had received 200 reports of state-educated students being ridiculed or mocked for their backgrounds.

Its president Shanley Breese, 20, said that the university must take seriously concerns from students joining from state schools.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh University said it was looking to create 'an environment that eliminates discrimination' and enables all students to have the 'best possible experience' on campus.

They said: 'Our Dignity and Respect policy sets out clear expectations of behaviour, including recognising when comments or behaviour may be harmful or upsetting to others and acting accordingly.'
The Human Rights Act has curtailed the traditional powers and freedoms held by the British government, a review has found.

Eminent lawyers have compiled a dossier of 25 cases where the Human Rights Act was applied and have shown how its use removed power from Parliament.

Branding the judgements 'unstable', the review concludes power once held in Westminster is increasingly being transferred to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Included in the report is the decision to refuse the right of the British government to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda in 2023 and banning the press from naming individuals under suspicion of serious criminal offences in 2022.

Britain became subject to the Act in 1998 a year after Tony Blair took power as Labour Prime Minister.

Power once held in Westminster is increasingly being transferred to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg (pictured)

Responding to the publication, Lord Faulks KC (pictured) said: 'They demonstrate just how widespread has been the effect of the Act on the ability of an elected government to govern'

In his manifesto campaign Blair pledged to introduce the Act which would force British judges to interpret legislation in a way which was compatible with the European Court of Human Rights.

But according to the authors of the report, the 25 cases they have selected show there is no clear meaning to the Human Rights Act, which is interpreted on a case-by-case basis.

Professor Richard Ekins KC, who helped write the report, wrote: 'Any intelligent evaluation of the Human Rights Act requires one to be aware that its meaning and effect has changed, sometimes radically, over time and that it remains unstable.'

Responding to the publication of the paper last night Lord Faulks KC, a former Justice Minister, said: 'In their analysis of twenty-five cases, they demonstrate just how widespread has been the effect of the Act on the ability of an elected government to govern and how much power has been transferred to our courts here and in Strasbourg.'

In a foreword to the paper published by the think-tank the Policy Exchange, Lord Howard, who was the leader of the Conservative Party and a Home Secretary, said the removal of power from Parliament was at the 'expense of the electorate.'

He added: 'In my forty-one years in Parliament, I have seen the continual expansion of judicial power in our constitution - at the expense of the rightful power of Parliament and the electorate.

'This expansion has had many forms and many causes, not least the willingness of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to remake European human rights law in each new case.

'For the reasons given in this powerful paper, it is past time for Parliament to take seriously its responsibilities and to restore the constitution.'
Thousands of oysters released into the Firth of Forth appear to be flourishing again after going extinct in the Scottish estuary for more than 100 years due to overfishing.

Some 30,000 European flat oysters were reintroduced to the estuary last September and marine experts have revealed that divers and underwater cameras show they are thriving.

The Firth of Forth was once home to one of the biggest native European oyster reefs in the north-east Atlantic, but they had been fished to local extinction in the early 1900s.

Once native to Scotland, it has been estimated that 30million European flat oysters were being yielded in the Firth of Forth towards the end of the 1800s.

Oysters, long considered an aphrodisiac, have been absent from the Firth of Forth for nearly 100 years and so far those reintroduced to the area through the Restoration Forth project have had an 85 per cent survival rate.

In September 2023, a total of 30,000 European flat oysters were reintroduced into the Firth of Forth

The project aims to create a new oyster reef in the famous estuary, providing a vital habitat for many other species including fish, crabs, sea snails and sponges

Bill Sanderson, professor of marine biodiversity at Heriot-Watt, said: 'From its inception, Restoration Forth has taken careful steps to find the best places to restore oysters to the Firth of Forth.

'We are delighted that their high survival so far reflects the painstaking efforts we have made to support this initiative.'

Naomi Kennon, a Heriot-Watt research associate for the project, said: 'We have worked with hundreds of people from around the Forth to clean and move oysters to their new home.

'Working with the volunteers, over the next year we hope to see these oysters continue to thrive and to start to enhance the biodiversity on the seabed.

'Our project will not only bring back a native species lost to overfishing in the 1800s, but also the ecosystem services those animals bring with them.

'Oysters enhance water quality through filter feeding, store carbon and enhance biodiversity by creating a complex habitat providing homes and shelter for countless other organisms.'

Anna Inman, shellfish engagement officer at the Marine Conservation Society, said: 'The community support for oyster restoration has been incredible.

'We truly appreciate all the hard work that has gone into bringing oysters back to the Firth of Forth.

'This achievement is a testament to the dedication of all the volunteers who have generously given their time.

'The project not only aims to revive marine life but also highlights the cultural heritage of oysters and emphasises our collective responsibility to restore and protect our seas for future generations.'

Naomi Arnold, Restoration Forth project manager from WWF Scotland, said: 'We're delighted by the early signs of success.

'This is down to the hard work of not only the staff involved, but the hundreds of volunteers who have turned out in all weathers to help us prepare the oysters for deployment, and to physically put them in the water.

'This is a key milestone in our project, with this success and the amount we have learned, things are looking very positive for future restoration in the area.'

Once native to Scotland, it has been estimated that 30 million European flat oysters were being yielded towards the end of the 1800s

Last September, 30,000 oysters were transported from Little Loch Broom, near Ullapool, Wester Ross, with the aim of creating an oyster reef in the estuary.

The first seeding of seagrass was carried out in three locations along the coast as part of a three year project.

The trial sites are Tyninghame Beach in East Lothian, Pettycur Bay in Fife and Dalmeny's Drum Sands near Edinburgh.

Caitlin Godfrey, of the Marine Conservation Society, one of the organisations involved in the project, said at the time: 'It's so exciting that the first native oysters are now in their new home.

'Native oysters have huge cultural value in this area.'

Marine experts hope the oysters will filter the water in which they live and improve its clarity, allowing more light to reach the seabed and help the growth of water plants such as sea grass.
Armistice Day is first and foremost held to honour those who fought and lost their lives in battles to defend our country.

But it also serves as an annual reminder of the values for which they fell. Our freedoms, and the peace and prosperity we continue to enjoy, is evidence that their sacrifice was not in vain.

As the King led the Remembrance Sunday tributes at the Cenotaph, millions all over the country stood in silence for two minutes to commemorate the war dead.

As they do so again at 11 o'clock today, we should reflect on how dangerous it would be to take our freedoms and peace for granted.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of the Armed Forces, hammered this point home yesterday in a stark and timely intervention.

He warned that Britain faces decades of security threats as a new axis led by Russia plunges the world into a dangerous new era.

For all the fine words Sir Keir Starmer spouts about being 'committed' to the Forces, the Prime Minister refuses to give them the funding boost they urgently need

The King salutes after laying a wreath at the Cenotaph during the National Service of Remembrance

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (right) the head of the Armed Forces, hammered this point home yesterday in a stark and timely intervention

In such febrile times, it's vital that our military is properly resourced and fit for purpose. So why does the Government not give defence the priority it deserves?

For all the fine words Sir Keir Starmer spouts about being 'committed' to the Forces, the Prime Minister refuses to give them the funding boost they urgently need.

Indeed, the Chancellor's deputy refused to confirm that Labour will raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2029.

Donald Trump's election victory may force Labour to buck up its ideas. Since his first term in the White House, Mr Trump has complained about Nato members shirking on armed forces spending. The days of Europe riding on American military coat-tails are surely now over.

We must start investing sufficiently in defence so we can protect ourselves. Yes, public money is exceptionally tight, but we can't rely on our ever-scheming enemies to leave us alone. If history has taught us anything, it is that credible deterrence is the only way to avoid war.

Do a trade deal, PM

Sir Keir's mission to grow the economy will suffer a major blow if Mr Trump carries out his threat to impose 20 per cent tariffs on all imports into the US.

It would inflict huge damage on British exporters, while a global trade war would hit output and whack up consumer prices.

But thanks to his fondness for the UK, the President-elect is reportedly well disposed to offering the PM a free-trade deal. That would give British businesses a massive advantage over their overseas competitors  and be a triumph for Brexit. Without leaving the EU, it would never have been possible.

Sir Keir's mission to grow the economy will suffer a major blow if Mr Trump carries out his threat to impose 20 per cent tariffs on all imports into the US

Thanks to his fondness for the UK, the President-elect is reportedly well disposed to offering the PM a free-trade deal. That would give British businesses a massive advantage over their overseas competitors  and be a triumph for Brexit

Sadly, Sir Keir  an arch Remainer  appears at best indifferent, at worst hostile to a deal. Rather than seizing this golden opportunity with both hands, he is instead 'wargaming' retaliatory tariffs.

It's not hard to guess why. Signing a trade deal with the US would mean diverging further from EU standards, obstructing the Labour leader's attempts to forge closer ties with his beloved Brussels.

If Sir Keir is sincere when he says he wants to put country first, party second, he should strain every sinew to get a deal. Or does he consider Remainer ideology more important than our economic wellbeing?

One reason Labour hiked employers' National Insurance contributions was to help fund two million more NHS appointments each year.

But analysis suggests the extra cost to GP surgeries would see them cut staff, close or reduce patient consultations  amounting to the loss of, yes, two million appointments. As an example of the law of unintended consequences, this tax grab is hard to beat.
Smoked salmon is a fixture on the menu at Lele Kitchen, a new contemporary Eastern European restaurant in the South Bay. Courtesy Masha Goltsvard One of the desserts at Lele Kitchen is apple cake with white chocolate, ginger and shortbread crumble. Courtesy Masha Goltsvard

Its rare for Eastern European restaurants to open in the Bay Area, but a newcomer is presenting an exciting take on the cuisine in an unlikely location.

Lele Kitchen, which officially opened its doors in late October at 14178 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos, is a new venture by Elena Leskina, who also runs cafe and bakery Lele Cake next door. Leskina immigrated to the Bay Area from Moscow six years ago and took a chance on an unassuming industrial location with little to no foot traffic, far away from San Franciscos bursting pastry scene. I was a little bit afraid, Leskina said. It's a big deal to open a big place in the middle of nowhere, but I was thinking my place will be a destination.

The gamble paid off. Word about the cafes syrniki (sweet farmers cheese fritters), savory waffles, and crepes with smoked salmon and sour cream spread through the South Bay, and now, Leskina says she sees the previously empty parking lot full on a daily basis. Lele Kitchen, with its intricate salmon macarons and an exclusively Californian wine list, is a slightly more ambitious project. The menu is Eastern European fine dining nostalgia meets Californian farm-to-table with Asian flair, as described by chef Ulad Skobila.

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In the Bay Area there arent enough unusual restaurants, Leskina said. The Bay Areas small Eastern European restaurant community lost a power player when San Franciscos Birch & Rye, which got a James Beard award nomination for best new restaurant in the country, closed in March. It would be tempting to say Lele Kitchen fills that void. But Skobila said he doesnt want to compare Lele Kitchen to other places, though hes inspired by Birch & Rye, the success of Lele Cake and the 1-year-old Dacha.

Belarus-born chef Ulad Skobila is behind the menu at Lele Kitchen. Courtesy Masha Goltsvard

A Belarus-born, self-taught chef, Skobilas path to cooking is by no means typical. He moved to the Bay Area 10 years ago to study at UC Berkeley. As a student, he took on jobs in hospitality  first as busboy, later as a floor manager at the now-closed Grotto on Fishermans Wharf, and then in front-of-house roles at high-end San Francisco restaurant Third Cousin.

Skobila, who embraced being gay after moving to the U.S, was, at the time, pondering what love  and closeness  really meant to him. He arrived at the conclusion that food was a key love language throughout his life.

In my family, moments of intimacy were quite rare, and the moments when we were intimate is when we were feasting, he said. I started thinking that love is food, connecting over a glass of wine and a little bite.

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He then started learning French cooking techniques and discovered Chez Panisse and the French Laundry. He hosted multi-course supper clubs at his home in Berkeley and worked as a private chef, which is how he eventually met Leskina.

A modern spin on the sprat sandwich features butter shaped like a fish tail. Courtesy Masha Goltsvard

At the restaurant, diners can find small items that look both familiar and novel. Skobila likes to take on well-known formats, such as oysters mignonette and macarons, and infuse them with unexpected flavors, or deconstruct favorite Soviet Union-era classics, like the sprat sandwich, which comes as a plate of brioche, dainty fish and butter shaped like a fish tail. The granita that adorns the Miyagi oysters is flavored with hibiscus and honey. A salty-sweet financier comes with smoked salmon and garlic cream. A savory macaron is made with goat cheese and roe.

For mains, ingredients that dont normally get a spotlight are put at the center of the plate, such as beets made into swanky pancake-like cutlets. Meanwhile, wild mushrooms form the base of rich tagliatelle sprinkled with a rye crumble. Every so often, the Asian inspiration  Skobila credits his time at Third Cousin  appears, as with the bavette steak cooked over Japanese binchotan charcoal. On the more unorthodox end of the spectrum, theres a dessert of pepper jack ice cream with bacon.

Ingredients familiar to those who grew up in the former Soviet Union  horseradish, dill, potatoes aplenty, pickled vegetables, smoked and cured fish  are widely used in creative ways. One appetizer showcases Skobilas vision accurately: the pie tees, a riff on a Malaysian street snack, feature chicken liver mousse in a small, crispy cup made of rice flour. Kumquat adds the final touch. I grew up eating a lot of liver, Skobila said. With Eastern European cuisine, its either dirt poor or luxurious. Chicken liver and black caviar. Luxury and simplicity.

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The dining room at Lele Kitchen, an exciting new restaurant in Los Gatos. Courtesy Masha Goltsvard
Drones that have the ability to scan zebras like barcodes are set to be used to help track animals in the wild as part of a conservation project in Kenya.

The aerial machines, which have the ability to capture the veins in an animal's ear from 120metres above ground are to be used by Hampshire zoo as part of plans to monitor snow leopards and other endangered species.

Field trials have already found that the technology can capture crucial images with enough detail that the animal would not need to be disturbed.

The project - carried out by Marwell Wildlife and the University of Southampton - will begin by watching snow leopards in Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan and Grevy's zebra in Kenya.

Each zebra has its own unique set of black and white stripes which can be used to identify a specific individual within a herd.

Each zebra has its own unique set of black and white stripes which can be used to identify a specific individual within a herd

Marwell Wildlife has partnered with the University of Southampton to develop the uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to identify and assess animals without disturbing them

Zoologists at Marwell Zoo developed the high-tech unmanned drones with thermal imaging and artificial intelligence to differentiate each animal by their unique coats.

Marwell Wildlife said the drones had already undergone several trials, including two at Hampshire Zoo, which showed the technology can pick up any identifying feature on an animal from spots to stripes, and even to shadows.

A spokeswoman for Marwell Wildlife, which runs Marwell Zoo near Winchester, said: 'Every zebra, for instance, has a unique stripe pattern and much like a human fingerprint or barcode that can be used to identify an individual.'

Professor Philip Riordan, director of conservation at Marwell Wildlife, added: 'The potential applications of existing technologies for wildlife conservation are already huge and largely untapped.

'This project will use what is available and, with our partners, drive further innovations that can help conservationists around the world.'

The charity's spokeswoman added: 'During the most recent trial, the drones were able to capture images with enough detail to clearly see the veins in the ear of a zebra from 120m high.

'Even animals' shadows can give conservationists information about the animals they're looking at, for instance, scimitar-horned oryx all look alike from above, but the shadows of males clearly show their horns.

Zoologists at Marwell Zoo developed the high-tech unmanned drones with thermal imaging and artificial intelligence to differentiate each animal by their unique coats

The uncrewed drones can detect the veins in an animal's ear from 120metres above ground

'Zoom features allow our team to check body condition by, for example, checking whether an animal's pelvis and ribs are particularly visible, an indicator that they might not have access to sufficient resources.'

'The ultimate goal of the project is to develop an adaptable UAV platform that can be made widely accessible to conservationists around the world.

'The trials in Kazakhstan and Kenya will provide case studies and help the project team ensure the technology is able to deliver against the projects needs.

'In time though, drones could be used to monitor wild populations of endangered animals all around the world in a non-invasive, cost effective and mutually beneficial way.'
The Greens, continuing their strategy of aggressively targeting disgruntled inner-city Labor voters, today announced a radical policy of total student debt forgiveness.

If elected, they will wipe all existing HECS debt - at an eyewatering cost of $81billion. It's an extension of the vow Labor has already made to slash student debt by 20 per cent - but unlike Albo's election promise, the Greens' policy is essentially reintroducing free education by stealth.

Free education was a Labor policy, introduced by Gough Whitlam, that was so extreme and costly to taxpayers that Bob Hawke's Labor government had to scrap it.

Now Australian taxpayers stand to be the biggest losers should Labor be forced to reintroduce this policy after next year's election as the price of a power-sharing deal with the Greens.

While the Greens say their policy is about 'putting an extra $5,500 into people's pockets a year' during the cost-of-living crisis and 'making it easier for first home buyers', in reality their plan to forgive average student debts of $27,600 would effectively be reviving the free education model that existed from 1974 to 1989.

'Free' education, of course, was so expensive that it was simply not sustainable and the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) was introduced by Education Minister John Dawkins.

Since then graduates, who typically earn more than people who haven't been to university, have been required to repay their student debt once their income reaches a certain level - rather than leaving the bill entirely to taxpayers.

Emeritus Professor Bruce Chapman, an economist who designed HECS, says the Greens' 'very expensive' policy punishes those who didn't go to university.

The Greens, continuing their strategy of aggressively targeting disgruntled inner-city Labor voters, today announced a radical policy of total student debt forgiveness. (Pictured: Monash University students)

'Let's start with free: there is no such thing as free tertiary education,' he tells me.

'If it's free to the students, then it's paid for by the taxpayer.

'Somebody has to pay it - what they mean is free to the students and free to the graduates.'

Taxpayers are already stumping up $20,000 a year on average when a student enrols for full-time study.

The universities get the money upfront from the government but the tax office has to wait a few years to start collecting the outstanding debt, once that student graduates and earns $54,435 a year.

'If students aren't contributing anything, then the entire amount is paid for by the public purse,' Prof Chapman says.

'Who finances the public purse? And the answer is all taxpayers.'

Prof Chapman, who has been an Australian National University economist since 1984, says it's working-class people who end up cross-subsidising university graduates who earn higher incomes later in life.

'People who left school after year 12 or before year 12 or people who had an apprenticeship, they're all paying tax,' he says.

Emeritus Professor Bruce Chapman, an economist who designed the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, says the Greens policy punishes those who didn't go to university

'It is a problem. Most people who are not graduates don't do as well in the labour market as graduates - that's why it's inequitable because you're asking people who don't have a degree to cover the additional costs of the graduates not paying anything.

'That is probably the most inequitable aspect of public policy education that you could devise.'

Graduates fresh out of uni typically earn $71,000, which is already above the middle income of $67,600.

But those studying a subject like dentistry can earn as much $94,400 straight out the gate.

Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi, who holds the party's higher education portfolio, didn't use the term 'free education' in her Monday media release but the intention was clear in her appeal to the 2.9 million students with debt.

'Student debt can't be fixed because student debt shouldn't exist,' she said.

'All student debt should be wiped.'

While the Greens only hold four House of Representatives electorates, Labor is in danger of losing more inner-city or gentrified seats to the Greens that have a higher proportion of university students.

Education Minister Jason Clare this month announced the government would spend $16billion reducing student debt by 20 per cent.

Increases in HECS or Higher Education Loan Program fees will, from June 2025, be indexed to the wage price index or the consumer price index - whichever is lower.

Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi, who holds the party's higher education portfolio, didn't use the term 'free education' in her Monday media release but the intention was clear

A three per cent swing against Labor - as predicted by Newspoll - would see Labor lose seven seats and therefore its majority.

The Greens already hold three lower house seats in Brisbane and one in Melbourne, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Sydney inner-west seat of Grayndler overlaps with the state Greens electorates of Newtown and Balmain.

Senator Faruqi pointed out how the PM - a late baby boomer - benefited from free education as a University of Sydney student during the 1980s.

'If Anthony Albanese can go to uni for free, so should everyone else,' she said.

The Greens claimed former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd's old inner-Brisbane seat of Griffith in 2022 and they are now eyeing the Melbourne electorate of Wills - once held by Hawke, the PM who abolished free education.

Samantha Ratnam, a former Victorian MP now running for the Greens in Wills, even featured in Monday's announcement on wiping out student debt.

'People in Wills know that they can't keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result,' she said.

Australian taxpayers stand to be the biggest losers should Labor be forced to introduce this policy after next year's election as the price of a power-sharing deal with the Greens. (Pictured: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)

'Only the Greens will wipe your student debt, so you can keep more of your paycheck.'

Albanese's Left faction was opposed to the abolition of free education during the 1980s but has since supported deferred student payments in the Labor caucus - only to have the Greens revive an old ghost that will haunt all taxpayers with or without a degree.

Australia has hardly been the only country to scrap free education because of the cost to taxpayers, with UK Labour prime minister Tony Blair introducing deferred tuition fees in 1998 and New Zealand this year scrapping free education for first-year students.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris last week lost the presidential election after her boss Joe Biden announced student debts of up to US$20,000 (AU$30,300) would be forgiven.

Working-class American voters without a university degree baulked at this policy and threw their lot in with Donald Trump. But there is a very real possibility the Greens' appeal to debt-laden graduates will propel them to a shared government with Labor.

And, as history has shown us, someone has to pay for all this free education - and it's not the graduates who benefit from their degrees. It's the taxpayers.
Balmoral Castle has launched an online shop featuring a range of gifts inspired by Royal Family's private Scottish residence for more than 170 years - where the late Queen's spent her summers and her final days.

Leading designer Araminta Birse-Stewart has created a collection of using the newly launched Balmoral hunting tartan - including a 962 cashmere tartan throw, a scarf priced at 385 and a shawl priced at 140.

Other luxury products include a deerskin zip-top backpack for 750, a thistle tall lamp for 365 and a Balmoral tweed wool throw for 285.

On the lower end of the scale, shoppers can find a pair of cashmere socks priced at 38, baby boots costing 29 and a Balmoral monogram Christmas decoration for 24.

Dog owners can also invest in a a 30 Balmoral tweed treat bag, a 32 collar and a 40 lead.

Leading designer Araminta Birse-Stewart has created a collection of using the newly launched Balmoral hunting tartan - including a 962 cashmere tartan throw, a scarf priced at 385 and a shawl priced at 140

Dog owners can also invest in a a 30 Balmoral tweed treat bag, a 32 collar and a 40 lead.

Balmoral souvenirs A hand-engraved crystal glass bowl, featuring a 3D image of the castle and the surrounding grounds, listed at 2,050. A range of luxury crockery, including a 150 tartan teapot, fine bone china plates priced at 69 each and matching cups embossed with Balmoral insignia at 39 each. Among the range of products available bearing the Balmoral coat of arms are a dog bowl (28), utensil pot (65) and teabag tidy (15). A tea towel twin pack costs 21. A Balmoral Hunting tartan tie costs 65, and a hair scrunchie 25. There is also a range of food and drinks including Balmoral milk and dark chocolate, flapjacks, cookies, cheese sables and ground coffee. Soft toy corgi dogs are available for 25 Advertisement

The new items fall in line with King Charles's plan to make Balmoral more accessible to the public.

He has introduced a series of new money making measures. First it was 250-a-head fine dining, now the King is offering 'unique' 25 Sunday lunches this winter at his Scottish home for the first time.

The chance to dine like the King at his Scottish castle sold out in rapid time and all of the 70, 250-a-head tickets were quickly snapped up.

For those lucky enough to get a ticket it is another chance to see the interior of Balmoral - but this time to be wined and dined.

The 50,000-acre estate has been part of royal life since Queen Victoria bought it in the mid-19th century.

It was further thrown into the global spotlight in September 2022, when Queen Elizabeth II died at the retreat - which she adored all her life.

But until recently, the royals fiercely guarded their privacy at their Deeside getaway that they usually visit during the summer.

Balmoral was beloved by the late monarch and she, and the wider family, came to be regarded as neighbours by the locals in the nearby towns of Ballater and Braemar.

In a statement, Balmoral Castle and Estate said: 'It is an exciting time of change for Balmoral, a place that has been the cherished home of the British Royal Family since 1852, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

The late Queen Elizabeth II 'treasured' her Balmoral Castle home in Aberdeenshire, her son King Charles has told the Scottish Parliament - she is seen there in September 1952

The new items fall in line with King Charles's (pictured in September 2024) plan to make Balmoral more accessible to the public

'While our full new website is launching soon, you can now shop online while you wait! The Balmoral Castle Gift Shop is officially open and ships worldwide.

'Discover a wide range of carefully curated products that embody the rich heritage and timeless elegance of Balmoral, including our brand-new product range, exclusive collections, treasures handmade by Scottish artisans, authentic local delicacies, and much more.'

Mrs Birse-Stewart says she created the Balmoral tartan to 'tell the story' of Balmoral Castle and Estate.

The 36-year-old, who runs a textile design firm, described the commission as 'a personal dream come true'.
An international student is facing more than $70,000 in vet bills after her beloved cat was bitten by a tick.

Brisbane student Josette Gu, 22, was at work when she received a phone call from an emergency animal hospital last Sunday, November 3.

Her cat, Mr Mayonnaise, was found unresponsive under her neighbour's car.

Vets initially believed the three-year-old ragdoll had been hit by a vehicle but couldn't find any broken bones.

It was only discovered Mr Mayonnaise had been bitten by a paralysis tick when he was transferred to a second hospital.

'It took the vets so long to find the tick because normally they're found around animals' faces or necks,' Ms Gu told Daily Mail Australia.

'The tick was actually on his tummy so it was hard to see because he has a long coat.'

Mr Mayonnaise has been relying on a ventilator to breathe since he was first admitted. Ms Gu said the ventilator and intensive care were costing a combined $7,000 to $9,000 per day.

Mr Mayonnaise (pictured) was bitten by a paralysis tick last weekend and remains dependent on a ventilator to breathe

Josette Gu adopted Mr Mayonnaise (pictured together) shortly after moving to Australia a little over three years ago

Vets initially believed Mr Mayonnaise (pictured) was hit by a car but later discovered the tick on his stomach

'I have already used up all my savings over the past five days he is hospitalised, and managed to secure a loan to cover some of the expenses as he might need another five days on the machine,' she said.

While most cats are able to recover within 10 days of a tick bite if treated early, Mr Mayonnaise's small frame combined with life-saving, strong medication has made it difficult for him to function on his own.

Paralysis ticks are found across Australia's east coast and have an oval, seed-shaped body.

They attack both animals and humans, with people likely to suffer flu like symptoms, rashes, an unsteady gait, weak limbs and partial face paralysis.

Ms Gu adopted Mr Mayonnaise shortly after moving from China to Brisbane for university.

'In my culture we like to name our pets after food because it's cuter than giving them a human name. I liked Mr Mayo because he's white and looks like a pot of mayo,' Ms Gu said.

'Also, mayo sounds like "mei you" in Chinese, which kind of means nothingness. I felt it was perfect because sometimes it's like he's got nothing in his brain.

'He's the cutest, sweetest and gentlest cat. My heart breaks seeing him so weak.'

Ms Gu, who works two jobs, has already burnt through her savings and received loans from her parents and friends to help pay with what she already owes.

One close friend, another international student, even gave part of her tuition for their next semester.

The cost for Mr Mayonnaise's (pictured) treatment is believed to be between $7,000 and $9,000 a day

Ms Gu (pictured with her partner, Isaac) faces more than $70,000 in vet bills for Mr Mayonnaise's treatment

However, with Mr Mayonnaise only slowly recovering, it's likely to amount of bills will soon overwhelm Ms Gu.

Still, she is determined to stay on top of the payments as her cat has an 80 per cent chance of recovering.

'The first hospital told me it would cost between $7,000 and $9,000 a day for Mr Mayonnaise's treatment. Otherwise he'd die,' Ms Gu said.

'Of course, it was a no brainer that we'd get treatment - I'll always choose my cat.

'I know that money is worth a Tesla or a first home deposit, but I'd rather rent for an extra five years with my cat.

'I just want my cat back.'

Despite the significant cost, Ms Gu said she it was a 'no brainer' to get Mr Mayonnaise treatment

Ms Gu has created a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of Mr Mayonnaise's treatment.

She first heard of the fundraising platform after her coworker suffered liver failure.

'Our area manager set up a GoFundMe so we could get him a PlayStation to keep him occupied during recovery,' Ms Gu said.

'It's just such a positive thing.'

Ms Gu hopes to raise enough money to help cover some of Mr Mayonnaise's ongoing medical bills.

With at least $7,000 a debt being added every day, the young student is grateful for any help.

'Thank you so much for your support, love, and compassion... Mr Mayo and I will be forever grateful,' she said.
Women walking the famous Camino de Santiago trail have revealed they have faced 'terrifying' sexual harassment in rural areas of Spain, Portugal and France which has left them fearing for their lives.

Nine women have told The Guardian they had been harassed while attempting the pilgrimage route over the past five years.

In a series of disturbing allegations, seven of the women say they faced men masturbating or touching themselves in Spain and Portugal, one of whom chased a victim through the countryside.

Another woman said she had to fight off disgusting comments from several men, while the ninth said a man drove up to her in a van and begged her to get inside.

The horrifying incidents took place as the female pilgrims were walking along remote stretches of the Camino, which stretches nearly 500 miles from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port, near Biarritz in France, to Santiago de Compostela, in Spain.

Lorena Gaibor, the founder of Camigas, an online forum for female pilgrims, said: 'Sexual harassment is endemic on the Camino... Every freaking year we get reports of women experiencing the same things.'

Women walking the famous Camino de Santiago trail have revealed they have faced 'terrifying' sexual harassment in rural areas of Spain, Portugal and France. (File image of Camino de Santiago)

The horrifying incidents took place as the female pilgrims were walking along remote stretches of the Camino, which stretches nearly 500 miles from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port, near Biarritz in France, to Santiago de Compostela (pictured), in Spain

A 25-year-old woman, named by The Guardian as Rosie, said she was hiking through a forested route in Portugal over the summer when she came across a man wearing no trousers and masturbating.

She described the incident as 'terrifying' and claimed the local police did not answer the phone when she tried to call them. 'I just felt completely alone,' she recalled.

Rosie, who did not give her surname, said this was an added element that female hikers are facing on a trail which is already physically and mentally demanding.

The Camino de Santiago trail has soared in popularity in recent years, with a record 446,000 walking it last year - 53 per cent of them women.

Marie Albert, a journalist and feminist writer, told The Guardian that there is a 'taboo' around claiming the routes are unsafe for women.

During her huge trek to Santiago de Compostela in 2019, she recalled experiencing a number of aggressions.

One man tried to kiss her, another masturbated in front of her, a third bombarded her with texts and fourth followed her in the street. On some occasions, the harassers were fellow pilgrims.

Of the nine women that spoke to The Guardian, six reported their incidents to police. And in only one case was the perpetrator found and prosecuted.

The allegations follow a slew of incidents along the famous trail. In 2018, a 50-year-old Venezuelan woman was allegedly kidnapped and raped by two men as she hiked through northern Spain.

The Camino de Santiago trail has soared in popularity in recent years, with a record 446,000 walking it last year - 53 per cent of them women. (File image)

Last year, Spanish police arrested a 48-year-old man accused of holding a 24-year-old German walker against her will in his house and sexually assaulting her.

And in 2019, police in Portugal arrested a 78-year-old man who was accused of kidnapping and attempting to rape a pilgrim from Germany.

The Spanish government launched a campaign in 2021 for female pilgrims to access information on how to contact emergency services.

Police in Portugal told the Guardian they had stepped up patrols along various Camino routes.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has no plans to retire, according to those close to her, despite a number of Democrats calling for her to stand down.

Liberal pundits have asked the 70-year-old jurist to stand down and allow President Joe Biden to replace her with a younger liberal before Donald Trump's inauguration in January.

Their strategy supposes that Sotomayor might not survive Trump's second term, which would allow him to select a fourth justice for the Supreme Court. But one person close to Sotomayor told the Wall Street Journal that the justice has no plans to step down.

'This is no time to lose her important voice on the court. She just turned 70 and takes better care of herself than anyone I know,' the source said.

The 70-year-old, seen here in February, is being asked to stand down to allow President Joe Biden to replace her with a younger liberal, before Donald Trump takes over

Liberals have been asking for Sotomayor to stand aside en masse and have even suggested Kamala Harris as her successor

Over fears of history repeating itself - as in the 2020 death of liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, 87, while on the bench during Trump's first term - liberals have been asking for Sotomayor to stand aside and have even suggested Kamala Harris as her successor.

David Dayen, executive editor of the liberal magazine American Prospect, said on the day after the election: 'This would probably be a good day for Sotomayor to retire'.

MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan also reposted an op-ed he wrote in April suggesting time was up for Sotomayor.

At the time he said: 'Why take the risk? You have a Democratic president and a Democratic Senate, and you have a justice who is about to turn 70.'

Hasan shared his article again on social media on Wednesday. 'I happen to think this piece of mine aged (sadly!) pretty well,' he wrote.

Miranda Yaver, a political scientist at the University of Pittsburgh, said: 'Sotomayor should retire tomorrow and let the lame duck Senate confirm her replacement.'

CNN analyst Bakari Sellers even proposed the idea of replacing Sotomayor with Vice President Kamala Harris, after she loss to Trump.

Choosing a sitting vice president for the Supreme Court would be a historically unprecedented event. President Biden is seen here on Sunday in Delaware

'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.'

Anchor John Berman reacted to the idea with amazement, questioning whether it was even possible given it can take months to get a Supreme Court nominee through the confirmation process and even then Republicans could provide enough of a stumbling block over the next two-plus months before Trump takes over.

'Not only am I floating it, but I want to stir up everything. I want peoples heads to explode this morning,' Sellers said.

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.

Members of the Supreme Court sit for a group portrait in Washington, Oct. 7, 2022. Sotomayor is seen on the bottom row on the far left

The theory that Harris could end up in the Supreme Court had also previously been floated by a former Trump aide in July.

Richard Grenell, who served as the Director of National Intelligence under Trump, posted on X predicting an 'open convention fight for President' with the High Court seat serving as either a carrot or consolation prize for Harris.

The 57-year-old said: 'If [Harris] doesn't cut it then Justice Sotomayor will be forced to resign to make way for Kamala and then an open convention fight for President.'

Like Sotomayor, Ginsberg resisted calls from Democrats to step aside and let President Obama and the Democrats appoint someone younger.

President-elect Donald Trump greets Sotomayor after addressing a joint session of the U.S. Congress in 2017

However, Sotomayor, aside from living with Type I diabetes, has no known illness while Ginsberg had been battling cancer and was significantly older.

The death of Ginsburg allowed then-president Trump to cement a 6-3 conservative majority with the appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Conservative justices including Clarence Thomas, 76, and Samuel 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 by nominating younger replacements.
A hotel tycoon has binned plans to invest 20million into his British hospitality empire because of Rachel Reeves's 'anti-business' inheritance tax raid.

Steve Perez ditched his plans to extend his string of upmarket hotels and restaurants in the East Midlands, claiming the potential cost to his family if he died meant there would be little incentive.

The entrepreneur, who also owns drinks company Global Brands, was granted planning permission to add a spa and 27 bedrooms to his Peak Edge hotel, which is on farmland.

He was also about to apply for permission to install a new canning line at his drinks factory in Clay Cross, Chesterfield - which he says would have created 50 jobs in the area.

But he has now made a U-turn on these investments, as he fears that the Chancellor's changes to inheritance tax relief will leave his family with a huge tax bill when he dies.

In her maiden budget, Ms Reeves announced a major shake up to business property relief, meaning properties that were handed down to descendants and valued at more than 1m will now have to pay the levy at a rate of 20 per cent.

Steve Perez ditched his plans to extend his string of upmarket hotels and restaurants in the East Midlands, claiming the potential cost to his family if he died meant there would be little incentive

In her maiden budget, Ms Reeves announced a major shake up to business property relief, meaning properties that were handed down to descendants and valued at more than 1m will now have to pay the levy at a rate of 20 per cent

Previously, properties used for business purposes could be passed down free of inheritance tax.

Mr Perez told The Telegraph: 'I'm fortunate, I'm a wealthy chap. What people like me do  I'm an entrepreneur  rather than just going and buying a new boat or something like that, or buying a jet, I'll invest in my business.

'What this is going to mean is insecurity for the working person in my business, because once I die, their jobs are on hold. The business may well be sold so straight away  that gives them insecurity, rather than security.'

He went on to label the budget as 'anti-entrepreneurs' and 'anti-business', adding that an inheritance tax raid would raise questions over the future of his farms.

After creating the vodka-based cocktail drink Vodka Kick (VK), Mr Perez founded his drinks company, Global Brands, in 1997.

It now owns brands including Hooch and Franklin & Sons and its latest accounts show it posted revenue of 75m in 2023.

He expanded his business empire with the construction of the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield in 2010, going on to buy the nearby Peak Edge Hotel as well as the Red Lion Restaurant in 2017.

He also owns a farm, called Walton Lodge, which supplies food to his hotels and restaurants.

Mr Perez joins a long list of business owners and farmers who are furious with Ms Reeves proposals.

Farmers demonstrated in London in March over food security fears - and it is feared they could do so again

A field of potato crops. There are fears changes to farm inheritance rules could impact on the country's ability to grow its own food

There are fears supermarket prices could rise as Tesco faces having to pay an extra 1 billion tax bill thanks to Rachel Reeves ' National Insurance raid on businesses

There are fears changes to farm inheritance rules could impact on the country's ability to grow its own food.

It came as unions said farmers were considering 'military' action - including a sewage strike.

George Weston, boss of Associated British Foods, which supplies farmers with feed and technology services, said the death taxes on farms pose a threat to the country's ability to grow its own food.

There are also fears supermarket prices could rise as Tesco faces having to pay an extra 1 billion tax bill thanks to Rachel Reeves' National Insurance raid on businesses.

The supermarket will have to pay 250 million more for each of the next five years under a Labour government, according to analysis by Morgan Stanley.

Tesco, which is expected to make 2.9 billion in operating profits this year, did not dispute the figure when it was put to them by The Sunday Times.

Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons' bill comes to a combined 1.3 billion over the course of this Parliament.

It comes following Ms Reeves' decision to raise employers' National Insurance to 15 per cent from next spring.
Drivers were mistakenly handed Dartford Crossing fines totalling more than 4million over just 12 months, an investigation has found.

A total of 59,007 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were cancelled in the year after National Highways switched to a new provider to manage payments for the south-east England crossing.

In the previous 12 months, 3,595 charges were cancelled.

The total value of the 59,007 PCNs at the point of issue was 4.1million, each charging drivers 70, reduced to 35 if paid within 14 days.

Private company Conduent was handed a 150 million contract by National Highways to manage crossing payments from July 28 last year.

After Conduent began its work, there were instances of drivers being fined or charged when a vehicle with a similar plate to their own used the crossing, which connects Thurrock in Essex with Dartford in Kent.

A total of 59,007 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were cancelled in the year after National Highways switched to a new provider to manage payments for the south-east England crossing. Pictured: The Dartford Crossing

The total value of the 59,007 PCNs at the point of issue was 4.1million, each charging drivers 70, reduced to 35 if paid within 14 days

Crossing made between 6am and 10pm are chargeable, with prices for one-off payments ranging from 2.50 for cars to 6 for lorries.

The crossing charges a fee, known as the Dart Charge, which must be paid by midnight the day after the crossing, with several available methods such as online accounts, telephone and post.

But drivers found they were unable to make payments and manage accounts.

National Highways said it has 'resolved the issues'.

Dr Jenny Dunne, 64, was charged 34 times through her Dart Charge account in the seven months to late April for crossings she did not make.

This was partly because a car with a number plate similar to hers was being incorrectly identified by the cameras.

Dr Dunne, from north London, repeatedly telephoned the Dart Charge contact centre but struggled to resolve the situation.

She said: 'I had no idea what was happening. At the beginning I got quite upset. I thought my number plate had been cloned so I contacted the police. It turned out the cameras were faulty.

'It's taken an awful lot of my time and wasted a lot of my energy. I rang them so many times. I never felt like they were treating it urgently even though it was happening so frequently.

'They're very unforgiving if you make a mistake, but they don't care if they make a mistake. They've never properly apologised.'

The crossing charges a fee, known as the Dart Charge, which must be paid by midnight the day after the crossing, with several available methods such as online accounts, telephone and post

it comes after a string of problems arose when the provider for the Dart Charge system was switched in July 2023

A spokesman for National Highways said it has since apologised to Dr Dunne.

Another driver, Sarah Rodwell-Dodsworth, 37, from Ipswich, Suffolk, said she was fined twice in January because the payment card registered with her Dart Charge account to automatically pay for crossings was 'removed'.

Crossing users were required to re-validate payment cards when Conduent took on its new role, but Mrs Rodwell-Dodsworth said she was unaware of this.

'We had an account set up, there was no reason for the card to be removed', she said.

'It's quite frustrating. I've never had a fine (for the Dartford Crossing) until this occasion.

'In our opinion, we were trying to be law-abiding citizens paying the toll as required, and were punished off the back of that. It almost feels like they want to catch you out.'

National Highways said in a statement: 'There were technical issues with the transition to the new service providers, which resulted in an increased number of PCNs issued and an increase in cancelled PCNs.

'We regret that some customers have experienced issues when making payments and managing their accounts following the transition to the new Dart Charge service providers.

'We understand that anything associated with finances can be stressful, and we apologise for the inconvenience that these customers have faced.

'In the minority of circumstances where PCNs are issued in error, the charge will be cancelled as soon as a customer contacts us to let us know.'

It added: 'We have resolved the issues and seen the errors reduce to less than 1 per cent of all PCNs issued.'

Conduent declined to comment.
Struggle Streets famous pregnant bong smoker Billie Jo Wilkie is back behind bars after a violent daylight hammer attack on another woman earlier this year.

Wilkie, 32, who made international news in 2014 after smoking a bong while sitting on the toilet when she was pregnant, assaulted the woman outside the Meriton Suites Broadbeach in March following an arranged meet-up.

CCTV footage showed Wilkie repeatedly punching and kicking the woman before pulling out the hammer and striking her multiple times on the body and then the head.

The woman collapsed to the ground as Wilkie fled the scene.

Appearing at the Southport Magistrates Court via video link on Friday, Wilkie pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, 9News reports.

Her defence lawyer told the court she endured a sad upbringing, which contributed to her behaviour.

Wilkie was sentenced to a year and a half in prison and will be eligible for parole in January.

Struggle Street star Billie Jo Wilkie, 32, has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison after she attacked another woman Broadbeach's Meriton Suites hotel in March

The two had previously agreed to meet, but as soon as they met, Jo Wilkie launched a sudden attack.

Wilkie originally gained notoriety on the first season of controversial SBS TV documentary 'Struggle Street' where she was filmed smoking a bong while pregnant

She appeared alongside her partner Bob Quinn who died in June 2024

Wilkie originally gained notoriety on the first season of controversial SBS TV documentary 'Struggle Street' alongside her partner Bob Quinn.

The pair later told Daily Mail Australia after filming had wrapped that they were both 'smashed' on ice during production.

Wilkie caused an enormous outcry when she was filmed smoking a bong on the toilet while she was pregnant. She was also seen lighting a cigarette as she entered into labour later in the series.

Wilkie went to prison in 2015 after she was caught driving while disqualified four times, and twice in one day.

She was jailed again in 2018 for multiple charges relating to a shoplifting spree with another male friend, who was not Quinn, at Westfield Mt Druitt.

Wilkie and Quinn both managed to stay out of the public eye for the next four years before Quinn died on June 26 and Wilkie moved to Queensland.
A controversial senator has goaded 'woke ass clowns' to criticise him after sharing a series of unprintable and shocking slurs.

Victorian Senator Ralph Babet, who was elected in 2022 as part of billionaire Clive Palmer's United Australia Party (UAP), shared a broadcast by misogynist influencer Andrew Tate on Monday morning.

'My ni****r nailed this one,' Mr Babet wrote on social media platform X. 'One hundred percent.'

The Senator, an unmarried former real estate agent who was born in Mauritius and now earns a base salary of $233,000 after being the only UAP Senator to be elected, doubled down, daring anyone to criticise him.

'In my house we say ph****t, re***d and ni***r. We are sick of you woke ass clowns,' he wrote.

'Cry more. Write an article. Tweet about me. No one cares what you think.'

Mr Babet's post was inundated with outrage.

'This guy is a sitting senator in Australia!!!' one wrote.

Controversial Senator Ralph Babet (left, with Craig Kelly) has goaded ' woke ass clowns' to criticise him after sharing unprintable slurs

The Senator, an unmarried former real estate agent who was born in Mauritius and now earns a base salary of $233,000 after being the only UAP Senator to be elected, doubled down on his offensiveness, daring anyone to criticise him

'What an embarrassment.'

Others suggested he was not fit for public office.

'Hes getting paid $200k a year to sit on Twitter, say s*** like this, and do nothing for the people of Victoria,' one wrote.

Another said: 'Beside all the obvious issues here, amazes me when people over 20 operate with sheer desperation to get reactions out of people like this.

'Seem to think of themselves as braveheart running into battle for saying a few naughty words.'

Mr Babet later wrote on X: 'The chances of me apologising for anything Ive said on X are zero.'

Mining magnate and former politician Mr Palmer reportedly spent $100million on his partys election campaign, only to see Mr Babet as the only elected candidate.

Mr Babet later wrote on X: 'The chances of me apologising for anything Ive said on X are zero'

Mr Babet, who opposes vaccines and has called for the ABC to be defunded, has form when it comes to posting inflammatory views.

Recently, he claimed that 'the world is run by Satanic pedophiles'.

In one of his many X posts, he also said: 'If elected to power I will eradicate the radical elements within the LGBTQIA2S+ agenda and relegate it to the dustbin of history.'

In response, Redbridge pollster Kos Samaras described Mr Babets election as 'a political accident'.

'The most expensive seat in the senate and the least likely to be returned to the senate when their term has expired,' Mr Samaras wrote.

'The only thing that will be eradicated is his name on a Senatorial office door.'

Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Babet and Mr Palmer for comment.
Contra County District Attorney Diana Becton might face the same kind of backlash that toppled her progressive colleagues, including recalled San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin an unseated Los Angeles County DA George Gascon. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle 2021

Diana Becton, the relatively low-profile district attorney of Contra Costa County for the last seven years, has suddenly become Californias leading progressive local prosecutor.

With the likely recall of Pamela Price by voters in Alameda County, and George Gascons defeat for reelection in Los Angeles County, Becton is the only remaining district attorney on the advisory board of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, the states most prominent group of liberal prosecutors. She is also the first Black and first female district attorney in her countys 167-year history.

She might still face the same kind of backlash that toppled her progressive colleagues. On Sept. 26, a group describing itself as representing victims of crime, their families, local business owners and employees said it was launching a campaign to recall Becton from office, claiming she permits criminals to roam free.

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Besides Becton, the Prosecutors Alliance of California includes Price, Gascon and two other former district attorneys  Tori Verber Salazar, who served for eight years in San Joaquin County before being defeated by a conservative opponent in 2022, and Chesa Boudin of San Francisco, who was recalled by the citys voters in a similar campaign in 2022 after 2 years in office. He now leads the Criminal Law and Justice Center at UC Berkeley.

Becton is an exceptional leader, extremely balanced, the benefit of having been a judge, bringing that judicial temperament and balance to the role, said Cristine Soto DeBerry, founder and executive director of the Prosecutors Alliance.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, right, talks with public information officer Scott Alonso in her Martinez in office in August 2020. In September, a group describing itself as representing victims of crime, their families, local business owners and employees said it was launching a campaign to recall Becton from office. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

The group, launched in 2020, has 4,000 members on prosecutors staffs in 40 states, and promotes rehabilitation, rights of crime victims and reduced incarceration.

We can have public safety but we can also have policies that seek equity and fairness, Becton said in an interview. She steers clear of the progressive label, saying instead that I consider myself to be reform-minded.

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The group seeking to oust her said it has registered with the state but did not identify its leaders and apparently has not yet begun collecting signatures on recall petitions. It did not respond to inquiries from the Chronicle.

Similar tough-on-crime campaigns failed this year to unseat two San Francisco Superior Court judges, Patrick Thompson and Michael Begert, who won reelection in March over opponents who outspent them more than 2 to 1. But a sense among voters that crime is rampant helped fuel Proposition 36  a measure to impose tougher criminal penalties on some repeat theft and drug crimes  to victory, as well as the likely recalls of Price, and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao in the November election.

Becton, now 73, grew up in Oakland, attended San Francisco State University and Golden Gate University School of Law, and practiced law privately for eight years before Gov. Pete Wilson appointed her to the Contra Costa County Superior Court in 1995. She became the courts presiding judge, was president of the National Association of Women Judges, and chaired a State Bar council on promoting diversity in the legal profession before stepping down from the bench in 2017 to seek appointment as Contra Costa County district attorney after incumbent Mark Peterson admitted committing perjury about using campaign funds for personal expenses.

County supervisors confirmed her, on a divided vote, to lead an office of about 230 lawyers and staff in a county with 1.15 million residents. She won a 56% majority in the 2018 election, defeated a challenger by 50% to 41% in 2022, and, when asked whether she will seek another term in 2026, said, Its too early to make that decision.

One of Bectons priorities since taking office has been diversion programs seeking rehabilitation rather than imprisonment for defendants accused of low-level, nonviolent crimes.

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She started a Neighborhood Partnership Program last year, in which trained panels of civilians prescribe programs and treatment for first-time offenders. Of the 50 defendants who have participated, so far, knock upon wood, we havent had one case of further crimes by any of them, Becton said. She has also obtained $1 million in grants for the juvenile diversion program and said she plans to extend it to defendants ages 18-25.

Meanwhile, in 2021 Bectons office won a conviction of Sheriffs Deputy Andrew Hall for fatally shooting motorist Laudemer Arboleda after a slow-speed chase in Danville, making him the first-ever law enforcement officer in the county to be found guilty in an on-duty killing. The jury deadlocked on a manslaughter charge but convicted Hall of assault, and he was sentenced to six years in prison.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, left, listens to victim advocate Isabel Serna translate to Spanish for rental scam victims at the Richmond District Attorneys office in January 2020. One of Bectons priorities since taking office in 2017 has been diversion programs seeking rehabilitation rather than imprisonment for defendants accused of low-level, nonviolent crimes. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

A conviction integrity unit Becton established to review past cases has won dismissal of three convictions based on the uncorroborated testimony of a police officer who was accused of misconduct.

At the same time, Becton said, her office has worked with local businesses to crack down on organized retail theft rings, and recently obtained a federal grant to fund aid and services to victims of unsolved violent crimes.

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And, like Gascon, Price and every San Francisco district attorney since 1995, she has not sought the death penalty.

Theres been a lot of efforts to try to make Americas death penalty system somehow fair and somehow just. But the reality is that, I think were all learning based on the data and the statistics, that this system cannot be repaired. It is broken, Becton said in a 2022 interview with Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center.

It often penalizes those who are the most impoverished and poorly represented, those who have mental illness, and we know that race certainly plays a very disturbing role in terms of who the death penalty is applied against.

Ballot initiatives to repeal Californias death penalty law were narrowly defeated in 2012 and 2016. Becton favors a repeal, but said the prospects were not brightened by the results of Tuesdays election  the defeat of Gascon, the recall of Price, the passage of Prop 36 and victories for law-and-order Republicans nationwide.

Weve really seen a rightward shift across America, she told the Chronicle. Its hard for me to say what has caused the shift.

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An employment law expert has warned workers who steal another colleague's lunch could end up costing them their jobs.

Melbourne-based lawyer Roxanne Hart warned workplaces typically have strict policies prohibiting the act.

She added nicking a co-workers' packed lunch may seem harmless, but amounts to theft in the workplace.

'You can be fired for serious misconduct on the spot, and serious misconduct includes theft, but for theft to be shown, an employee would have to believe on the balance of probabilities, that you intended to steal it,' she told Yahoo.

She said sneaky lunch thieves will typically attempt to avoid the blame when confronted by a company's human resources department.

'Any employee caught stealing somebody else's lunch is just going to say, "Oh, I didn't realise it wasn't mine", or "I thought this was communal", and then the employer will be having some doubt potentially, about the intention of the theft.

'But technically, it is serious misconduct to steal in the workplace.'

Ms Hart believes most first-time fridge-raiders would receive a warning when they're caught.

Employment and business lawyer Roxanne Hart urged would-be lunch thieves to think twice before nicking a colleagues' meals

But, she cautioned, the penalty could escalate upon further thefts.

In a Reddit thread for Australian corporates, one office worker revealed another member of staff had pilfered the leftovers of her daughter's birthday cake from a labelled container in the fridge.

She then revealed the most detestable detail  her co-worker had taken the slice with the most icing.

'I need to know karmic retribution is happening somewhere in the world,' she wrote.

Her post was then inundated with dozens of similar stories.

'I used to work in temp recruitment,' one reader said.

'I sent a temp to a client for a couple of weeks and received reports that lunches were going missing from their fridge.'

They revealed the temporary worker's contract expired after a month, but the employer then reported an odd scent had begun to linger behind the photocopier.

'They pulled the copier away from the wall and the remains of the stolen lunches had been shoved between it and the wall, and were rotting,' they explained.

'The client checked the CCTV and saw the temp stealing the lunches from the fridge, eating as much as they could, and cramming the remains behind the photocopier.'

The commonplace crime can carry harsh penalties if bosses and HR staff can prove a worker was stealing lunches

Another office worker revealed the resident bandit in their office was made redundant following a reign of terror, but refused to go quietly.

'There was a guy at my work who was strongly suspected of stealing people's lunches and snacks from the fridge, but he was never caught in the act so he couldn't be disciplined.

'About a year later the guy was made redundant, for other reasons, and apparently he was really pissed off about it. On that day the fridge got raided and a bunch of people's food got stolen for the first time in a year.

'That was a while ago and there haven't been any problems since. It's now pretty obvious it was this guy who did one last heist on his way out.'

One reader revealed the time their colleague absent-mindedly ruined another's lunch.

'A colleague accidentally took someone else's lunch which he thought was his a microwaved it.

'Upon taking it out of the microwave he realised it was someone else's lunch, a salad, that was in no way supposed to be microwaved.

'He put it back in the fridge but the owner of the salad took it out of the fridge to eat for his lunch before it had cooled down. He was not happy.'
Direction 110 aims to make it easier to deport criminal migrants

New Zealand's deputy prime minister has taken aim at Australia for deporting Kiwi criminals back to his country while Aussies remain locked up in NZ.

Winston Peters, who is also foreign minister, urged the Albanese government to 'show a bit of gratitude' towards Kiwis.

'Ned Kelly should show a bit of humility on this matter and don't come the raw prawn with us, to use an Aussie expression,' he said.

The Albanese government has been working on tightening immigration and visa laws so that it is easier to deport foreigners if they commit crimes while Down Under.

Mr Peters made a note of the positive economic impacts Kiwi migrants bring to Australia.

He also highlighted the lack of repercussions to Aussies-at-large after Brenton Tarrant travelled to New Zealand and murdered 51 people on March 15, 2019.

Tarrant was jailed for life without parole following the massacre at the Al-Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch.

It was the worst terror attack in New Zealand's history.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters, 79, slammed the federal government's new direction 110 which aims to make it easier to deport criminal migrants to their country of origin

Mr Peters said Aussies would be wise to 'show some gratitude' to Kiwi immigrants especially after the 2019 Christchurch massacre that was carried out by an Australian in New Zealand

'Dare I say it: on March 15th, we had the worst terrorist event ever committed by an Australian in New Zealand,' Mr Peters told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'I hate to think that we might be being used for political purposes.'

Mr Peters urged the Albanese government not to strain their trans-Tasman relationship with its new immigration rule which is known as Direction 110.

Direction 110 aims to make it easier for administrative review officials to deport foreign criminals.

A previous version, Direction 99, has already been scrapped after it was blamed for releasing countless criminals into Australia instead of deporting them.

Mr Peters said this type of legislation was not helpful in the country's relationship with New Zealand.

He argued that Australia had been a 'massive beneficiary of New Zealand's education and skills system' as New Zealanders are amongst its highest-earning immigrants.

Mr Peters is the leader of New Zealand's conservative First Party and has been the country's Foreign Minister for three terms, working in Christopher Luxon's current and Jim Bolger's former National government, as well as Jacinda Ardern's Labour government.

Mr Peters also slammed the Albanese government's COVID inquiry which he called a 'whitewash'

He also took aim at the Albanese government's Covid inquiry which was released in October.

'You guys haven't had a review, you've had a whitewash,' he said in Auckland.

'And I'm out to make sure it doesn't happen in my country... we are going to get to the truth.'

Health Minister Mark Butler defended the inquiry saying it was 'very comprehensive' and that it 'doesn't pull its punches at all'.

A New Zealand royal commission into the pandemic was established by Ms Ardern in 2022 was recently expanded by Mr Luxon who is now prime minister.

Mr Peters demanded their commission examine the use of vaccines and vaccine mandates, social and economic impacts of COVID policies and if shorter lockdowns might have been equally effective in protecting the public health.
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A woman has been killed and a child has been seriously injured after a tanker truck ploughed through a kindergarten playground north-west of Melbourne.

The water tanker smashed into the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool at Riddells Creek at 2.20pm on Monday.

A boy, 3, was taken to Royal Children's Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries sustained to his upper body. He's understood to be in a stable condition.

A woman, 43, who worked with children with special needs at the kindergarten died at the scene.

It's understood the truck driver, 68, suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel.

He was also taken to hospital for observation, where he remained on Monday night.

The tanker is believed to have struck a power pole on Main Road before the trailer ploughed into a playground area and came to rest in the sand pit.

The company of the tanker involved, McKenzie Water broke its silence on Monday night to express its shock and offer heartfelt condolences to everyone involved.

A kindergarten worker is dead after a water tanker ploughed through Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool. Pictured are police at the scene

Police investigations into the tragedy continue

A woman has been killed and a child seriously injured after a water tanker ploughed into a kindergarten north-west of Melbourne

Concerned parents were initially separated from the pupils by felled powerlines, then they could be seen embracing their children after crews cleared the danger

Police have blocked roads surrounding the school after powerlines were knocked down in the accident

This is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends,' owner Alan McKenzie said.

'Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital. We are doing what we can to support him and his family.'

'We thank staff and emergency workers who responded. We are assisting authorities with their investigations.

'McKenzie Water Pty Lid has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance.'

Locals reported hearing the sound of fire alarms from the nearby fire station just after 2.20pm.

McKenzie Water has expressed its shock and offer heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted after one of its water tankers ploughed into a kindergarten

A car was also damaged in the crash which has rocked the small community

Main Road in Riddells Creek was cordoned off for much of Monday afternoon

A three-year-old boy was also seriously injured in the crash

The water tanker ploughed through the playground before coming to a rest in the sand pit

Parents were initially held outside due to fallen powerlines, while the children were kept indoors for their own safety.

Parents of the pupils were seen from a television helicopter embracing as they were reunited.

An air ambulance attended the scene, with paramedics seen working on the injured.

A worker from a local bakery told Daily Mail Australia initial reports suggested the truck crashed into a car.

'What we've been told is a truck has rear-ended a car and the back of the truck trailer has gone into the kindergarten,' she said.

'The truck driver has gone to hospital.'

The worker described the scene as 'chaos'.

'I knew it was something serious when the alarm at the fire station went off behind us and shortly after they left I could hear two ambulances come through,' another local posted online.

'All the emergency services arrived really fast and power company workers are there working on the fallen power lines,' another witness said.

'Not a very pleasant scene to see an ambulance chopper arrive and land, and I so hope everyone is okay and safe.'

One witness revealed they heard the accident from just in front of the crash.

It's understood the driver of the water tanker suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel

Emergency including police, firefighters and paramedics remain on scene in Riddells Creek

Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool is in Riddells Creek, a small town north-west of Melbourne

'Those poor children. I was two cars in front. The sound was petrifying,' they said.

'Awful, (we) didn't see the truck fly off the road, just the powerlines come down...just horrible.'

Roads were closed in all directions around the school.

'The exact circumstances are being investigated,' a police statement read.

It is understood Macedon Ranges Shire Council workers had just begun road works in the same area in an effort to improve road and pedestrian safety.

The incident comes just 13 days after a car killed 11-year-old boy Jack Davey and injured four other students, having crashed through the fence of Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, Melbourne.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The mastermind behind the plan to reopen the nuclear plant that caused America's worst reactor accident hatched the idea after learning tech CEOs were desperately searching for energy to power artificial-intelligence.

Constellation Energy and Microsoft announced a power purchase agreement in September to reopen the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear plant in Pennsylvania.

The plant is home the worst commercial nuclear power accident after the Unit 2 reactor suffered a partial meltdown due to mechanical failure and human error in 1979.

Joe Dominguez, the chief executive of Constellation Energy, said he came up with the idea after OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman revealed data centers for some AI models would require as much power as a large city during a gathering for CEOs in May 2023.

'My first reaction is, "Wow, these guys are going to be in for a rude awakening about how much power is actually going to be available,"' Dominguez told The Wall Street Journal. 'It was like a lightning bolt hit me.'

Constellation Energy and Microsoft announced a power purchase agreement in September to reopen the Three Mile Island (pictured) nuclear plant in Pennsylvania

Joe Dominguez (pictured), the chief executive of Constellation Energy, said he came up with the plan after learning tech CEOs were searching for energy to power artificial-intelligence

The most advanced AI models are projected to need five gigawatts of power, as much as five nuclear reactors, and there is nowhere in the U.S. where it will be easy to connect data centers of that magnitude, according to WSJ.

Constellation executives code named the project Tetris - after the videogame - and quickly launched into researching how they could meet the energy demand tech CEOs needed.

Dominguez said he told colleagues, 'Saddle up. I want to understand within five weeks whether we could do this.'

Constellation's engineers determined that a restart of Three Mile Island could be possible.

The Unit 1 reactor located on TMI Unit 2 was shut down in 1979 after its partial meltdown. Its twin - the Unit 2 rector - was operating until 2019.

To restart Unit 2, Constellation will invest $1.6 billion in the turbine, generator, main power transformer and cooling and control systems.

Then Dominguez had to get Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's support for the move. The two met for the first time last December and the CEO said Shapiro questioned him on the plant conditions and if a restart could be done safely without cost to the state.

Three Mile Island is home the worst commercial nuclear power accident after the Unit 2 reactor suffered a partial meltdown due to mechanical failure and human error in 1979

The Unit 1 reactor located on TMI Unit 2 was shut down in 1979 after its partial meltdown. Its twin - the Unit 2 rector - was operating until 2019

'He grilled me, literally grilled me for well over an hour, maybe an hour and a half,' Dominguez said.

Once he earned the governors support, Dominguez started to search for a corporate client.

Noelle Walsh, Microsoft's corporate vice president of cloud operations and innovation, told WSJ the deal made sense because it would bring a large amount of reliable, carbon-free power to market more quickly and cheaply than other options.

'If we had walked from the deal, I'm sure somebody else would have stepped in,' Walsh said.

The companies have not released the financial details of the deal, but analysts at Jefferies estimate Microsoft will pay between $110 to $115 per megawatt hour of electricity.

The plant is expected to start delivering energy in 2028 under the agreement, and Constellation said they will pursue license renewal that will extend plant operations to at least 2054.
California, a longtime Democratic stronghold saw a notable shift towards the right in Tuesday's election with even the states bluest county, San Francisco County, far from immune to the trend.

The city registered a 7-point swing in favor of Donald Trump compared to the 2020 election - possibly as part of a broader political realignment within the state.

The swing towards the GOP was only the second time since 1984 that California voters have offered stronger support for a Republican presidential candidate than in the previous cycle.

And it appears that voters in Asian and less college-educated parts of the city were the two main key demographics that helped move the city a few points to the right.

California , a longtime Democratic stronghold saw a notable shift towards the right in the election with even the states bluest county, San Francisco, far from immune to the trend

And it appears that voters in Asian and less college-educated parts of San Francisco were the two main key demographics that helped move the city a few points to the right

Across the state as a whole major counties including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Fresno saw significant shifts toward Trump.

Fresno, a longtime Democratic stronghold, flipped to Trump for the first time in 20 years.

While San Francisco managed to hold on to a Democratic majority, a similar pattern emerged.

Trumps support in San Francisco county rose from 12.7% in 2020 to 15.3% in this year's election.

The rightward trend led to support for Kamala Harris dropping from 85.3% to 80.8%.

In many parts of the country Latino voters were behind the push towards Trump while in San Francisco the shift was largely driven largely by Asian voters, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

The swing toward Trump is even more profound outside of San Francisco particularly in suburban and rural areas of the state

The swing towards the GOP is only the second time since 1984 that California voters have offered stronger support for a Republican presidential candidate than in the previous cycle

Trump supporters are gathered at a Republican Watch Party for south of San Franscisco in San Carlos, California

Precinct-level data details how neighborhoods with high numbers of Asian residents, particularly in the south and western parts of the city, together with Chinatown, swung the furthest towards the Republicans.

In the past, such areas have been the last progressive in San Francisco and also receptive to messaging from conservatives.

This years results indeed show a more pronounced shift to the right.

A detailed precinct-level analysis shows that that ethnicity was the strongest predictor of voting changes.

Precincts with higher percentages of Asian voters saw the largest gains for Trump, while predominantly white areas showed little movement.

Income, poverty rates, and the proportion of foreign-born residents were also less significant factors in determining shifts.

Less-educated areas were also likelier to shift to Trump.

Precincts with higher percentages of Asian voters saw the largest gains for Trump, while predominantly white areas showed little movement. Pictured, voters cast their ballots at a polling place inside a residential garage

The swing toward Trump is even more profound outside of San Francisco particularly in suburban and rural areas of the state

Analysis reveals that lower-educated neighborhoods, particularly those with fewer residents holding college degrees, were more likely to swing Republican.

It also explains why Trump performed well in areas like Visitacion Valley and Bayview-Hunters Point - both heavily Asian, but with less education levels.

Similar shifts were reported in Los Angeles and Queens, New York with results suggesting a broader, nationwide movement among Asian voters, particularly in working-class communities.

The swing toward Trump is even more profound outside of San Francisco particularly in suburban and rural areas of the state.

Analysts are putting the shift in political leanings down to a variety of factors, including economic concerns, dissatisfaction with pandemic-era policies, and cultural issues that resonated with conservative-leaning voters.

While California will likely continue to remain a Democratic stronghold, the results provide some clear guidance over the areas where Democrats need to up their game.

Republicans, meanwhile, may be able to use to data as an opportunity to further long-held Democratic dominance across the Golden State.
A respected dog trainer who filmed herself admitting to stabbing her neighbour after a bloody altercation in Sydney's eastern suburbs acted out of 'excessive self-defence', a court has been told.

Courtnie Alexandria Donlan, 29, fronted Downing Centre Local Court for sentencing on Monday after pleading guilty to intimidation, reckless wounding and wielding a knife in public.

Donlan was arrested after slashing her neighbour with a kitchen knife following a drinking session. In a video she filmed, she said: 'I'm about to go to f****** jail cause I stabbed some c**t.'

Lawyer Dean Woodbury told the court that Donlan, who has severe mental health issues, acted 'disproportionately' to what she saw as a threat, having told police she'd been pinned against a wall.

'She perceived, in her house, that she was under threat from a man she did not know. It was clearly a disproportionate response,' Mr Woodbury told magistrate Clare Farnan.

He went on to add: 'It was an account she provided to police at the time and to her psychologist as well. It was something she believed, but plainly not reasonable in the circumstances.'

Mr Woodbury said Donlan had faced severe disadvantage since a young age and had spent time homeless, including living out of a toilet block at Sydney's famed Coogee Beach.

'Life is going to be a struggle for her but what is noteworthy is that while in custody she seeks out support. A lot of people in her position don't have the capacity for self-help,' he said.

Eastern suburbs dog trainer Courtnie Alexandria Donlan (pictured) was sentenced over an attack on her neighbour and had pleaded guilty

The court was told Donlan (pictured) acted with 'excessive self-defence'

Ms Farnan said police had accepted that Donlan acted out of 'excessive self-defence' and sentenced her to a 15-month intensive corrections order to be served in the community.

'The prosecution has accepted the plea of guilty on the basis they accept they cannot negatise that in fact Ms Donlan did fear for her safety, but that what she did in response to that perception was not a reasonable response in the circumstances as she perceived them to be,' Ms Farnan told the court.

She said it was 'lucky' the victim had not suffered more severe injuries, and Donlan's 'relationship with dogs had been a significant factor in her dealing with her mental health issues'.

Court documents reveal Donlan was walking her dogs outside her apartment block in Malabar in the early hours of June 11 last year when she crossed paths with her neighbour, Aaron Holten.

The 38-year-old asked her for a cigarette and Donlan invited the man up to her apartment where they chatted for hours while drinking vodka and Redbull before Donlan asked him to leave.

Mr Holten is not accused of any wrongdoing, and the court was told he said to police he had only been abruptly asked to leave the residence.

The documents state that as he was collecting his belongings, Mr Holten spotted Donlan carrying a kitchen knife before raising it and stabbing him in the arm as he attempted to shield himself.

The altercation spilt out into the common area of the apartment complex where a witness saw Donlan pointing the knife at her neighbour, who threw a laundry basket at the dog trainer.

Donlan (pictured training dogs) was released after seven months in custody on remand. The court heard she had faced severe disadvantage since a young age

The incident lasted about 15 minutes and ended after Mr Holten threw a rock in Donlan's direction. He ran for help after realising he was in a 'bad way' and was rushed to hospital.

Medical records showed the 38-year-old sustained a deep 1.7cm stab wound to his right upper arm, a puncture wound to his chest, and a deep 1.4cm laceration to his ring finger.

When police arrived, they noticed a trail of blood droplets along the footpath before spotting Donlan, who had what appeared to be blood splatters on her T-shirt and bruises.

Photos of the dog trainer's injuries show a large bruise on her shoulder, a cut on her neck, and injuries on her legs and hands, though she told police she did not know how she got them.

While she struggled to remember the night, erratic videos recorded by Donlan shed light to investigators.

At 7.34am, she said in a video: 'Bruh, I just let some random dude in my house.'

Four hours later, another video showed her in a distressed state with blood on her face.

'Guys I'm not even kidding. F***ing c**t tried to f***ing attack me,' the 29-year-old said.

She filmed another five videos in quick succession that ranged from telling a friend 'I just stabbed some c**t' to providing instructions on how to care for her dogs in her absence.

'I think I'm about to go to f***ing jail cause I stabbed some c**t,' Donlan recorded herself saying. 'I f***ing tried so f***ing hard but this f***ing c**t pushed my buttons.

'There's so much f***ing blood and I don't know.'

Donlan promotes herself as a specialist in obedience, puppy training and behaviour modification.
Two popular home delivery services have joined forces in a move that is expected to benefit Aussie shoppers.

Online bottle shop Jimmy Brings will join MILKRUN's app, increasing the number of alcoholic products to more than 2,000 on the rapid home delivery service.

The liquor delivery service has been available to customers in the app since last week but will be fully integrated into MILKRUN from November 28.

Aussies will be able to shop for over 10,000 items - and have their order delivered to them in under an hour.

The delivery fee will also be slashed from $8.95 to $5.

The partnership also means Jimmy Brings will become the exclusive provider for beer, wine and spirits for MILKRUN, which is part of the Woolworths group.

MILKRUN co-chief executive David Berger told Daily Mail Australia the company is 'focused' on giving their customers what they want.

'Through combining MILKRUNs extensive grocery selection with Jimmy Brings wide range of alcoholic beverages, we will be creating a one-stop shop for all of our customers' everyday needs,' he said.

Jimmy Brings will be exclusive to MILKRUN's app from November 28

The partnership with MILKRUN will save Aussie customers money

'With delivery to them in minutes.'

MILKRUN orders are fulfilled from Woolworths stores across the country.

Shoppers can track their deliveries in real time and Everyday Rewards members can also collect points on purchases.

EndeavourX director Steve Cuda told Daily Mail Australia the company, which owns Jimmy Brings, is 'pleased' to partner with MILKRUN 'as the exclusive home of the Jimmy Brings brand'.

'This next phase of Jimmy Brings will streamline our ecommerce ultra convenience operating model,' he said.

'And allow us to continue to grow the brand in a way that aligns with how customers want to transact.'

Jimmy Brings services 80 per cent of the Australian population (pictured stock image of a Jimmy Brings delivery vehicle)

MILKRUN operates in 500 suburbs across Australia in Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Perth and Melbourne.

It also operates in New Zealand in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington.

Customers need to show their ID to the delivery driver for alcohol purchases.

Shoppers can also choose to block alcohol products on their app.

Jimmy Brings was founded in 2012 by Nathan Besser and David Berger, who sold the popular business in 2017 to Endeavour Group - which was then part of the Woolworths Group.

The partnership will see over 2,000 alcohol products be available to shoppers on the MILKRUN app (pictured stock of MILKRUN's app)

Jimmy Brings has gone on to service over 80 per cent of the Australian population.

The co-founders joined Woolworths Group in 2021 to launch Metro60, Woolworths fast delivery service.

But when Woolworths Group purchased MILKRUN, Metro60 services was rebranded to MILKRUN in 2023.

To celebrate Jimmy Brings joining MILKRUN, 50 $100 vouchers can be won via MILKRUN's Instagram page.
President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that any Republican senator vying to be the next majority leader must back his use of recess appointments.

The controversial power play would allow the commander in chief to bypass Senate confirmation when appointing people to senior administration positions.

Despite the fact that his party is on track to hold at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate, Trump expects to steamroll his selections through the chamber to avoid any opposition or public scrutiny.

Trump posted on X: 'Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner.

'Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again.

The controversial power play would allow the commander-in-chief in-waiting to appoint people to senior administration positions and bypass Senate confirmation

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Recess appointments are made when the chamber is out of session, and can last for two years without the Senate ever advising or consenting

'We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!'

The recess appointments would also nix any Senate confirmation hearings, which are intended to give voters a chance to view the candidates as they are grilled on their positions.

Presidents have not been able to make so-called recess appointments since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that limited their power to do so.

The last time a recess appointment was used was in 2012 under former president Barack Obama.

That was before the Supreme Court ruled the appointments could not be made while Congress was in pro forma sessions, making them effectively unusable.

Trump and President Biden were unable to use them during their tenure.

Senators John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott are all running in a secret ballot election on Wednesday to replace longtime GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell.

Rick Scott is seen here during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol Building in January 2023 in Washington, DC

Senator of Texas John Cornyn noted that recess appointments are allowed under the Constitution as he agreed with Trump

Despite the Supreme Court ruling, all three candidates immediately relented by suggesting that they would find a way to use the practice.

Scott, from Florida, said: '100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.'

Thune, of South Dakota, said in a statement that they must 'quickly and decisively' act to get nominees in place and that 'all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments.'

Cornyn, from Texas, said: 'It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President Trump's cabinet appointments.

'If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent', he noted that recess appointments are allowed under the Constitution.

Senator John Thune, seen here, said in a statement that they must 'quickly and decisively' act to get nominees in place

The social media exchange on Sunday became a first test for the three candidates since Trump was elected to a second term.

Trump's relationship with Congress was tumultuous in his first term as he chafed at resistance to his selections and sought ways to work around lawmakers.

With a sweeping election victory, he has become emboldened and demanded that Senate Republicans fall in line behind his agenda.

X founder and close Trump ally Elon Musk, who is also said to be appointed the head of a new so-called 'Department of Government Efficiency,' backed the move.

Musk jumps on stage as he joins Trump during a campaign rally at site of his first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania on October 5, 2024.

'This is essential. There is no other way,' Musk commented on Trump's post on X.

Musk then added: 'Without recess appointments, it will take two years or more to confirm the new administration!

'This would make it impossible to enact the change demanded by the American people, which is utterly unacceptable.'

Musk also backed Rick Scott to be majority leader, while Trump has not endorsed anyone in the race.

In addition, Trump called on Senate Republicans to block any attempt by the current Democratic-controlled Senate to push through more judges before the change of power.

Democrats will control the chamber for the rest of Biden's presidency and do not require GOP votes to approve judges.

It comes as Trump offered the role of US ambassador to the United Nations to Elise Stefanik.

The House Republican and ally of the president accepted the UN gig after it was offered on Sunday, according to The New York Post.

Trump also called on Senate Republicans to block any attempt by the current Democratic-controlled Senate to push through more judges before the change of power

The New York representative accepted the role previously held by Nikki Haley - who had ran against Trump in the Republican primaries.

'I am truly honored to earn President Trumps nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,' Stefanik told The Post.

In recent years Stefanik, who is the highest ranking Republican woman in the House, has been one of his closest allies.

Trump has also announced that Susie Wiles would be 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.
A passenger on a flight to South Korea sparked panic after trying to open the emergency door of a plane mid-flight, with dramatic video showing flight attendants tackling him.

The suspect, who has not been named, was said to have sat in a cabin crew seat without permission while on Korean Air flight KE658 from Bangkok, Thailand, to Incheon, South Korea, on November 7.

When an air hostess ordered him to leave, he reportedly threatened her despite being warned that he may have been violating Korea's Aviation Security Act.

Footage shows flight attendants scrambling to stop the man as he grabbed the door latch and allegedly tried to open it.

The crew were able to restrain the man, who reports say threatened them and had been acting aggressively, and he was taken to a separate area to calm down.

A passenger on a flight to South Korea sparked panic after allegedly trying to open the emergency door of a plane mid-flight

An air hostess goes to stop the man, who reportedly threatened one of the crew members after sitting in their seat

Several flight attendants try to grab the man after noticing him going for the door

The Airbus A330-300 with 238 passengers onboard landed without delays at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul at around 4.45 am.

The man was handed over to the Incheon International Airport Police for investigation.

Korean Air said in a statement: 'The incident was managed according to our established security protocols, to prioritise passenger safety and operational integrity.

'While the situation was successfully contained, we will cooperate with relevant authorities in the investigation of this matter.

'Korean Air maintains a zero-tolerance approach to behaviours that compromise aviation safety and will continue to respond decisively to such incidents.'

In June 2023, a teenage passenger sparked panic on a Jeju Airlines flight from Cebu, the Philippines, to Seoul, South Korea, when he also tried to open the emergency door of the plane.

The man is tackled to the ground by the crewmembers. He was later handed over to police

The South Korean man, 19, reportedly dashed to open the door but was quickly subdued by the crew 'using a lasso'.

They allegedly bound him with the rope and tie wraps and moved him to the front of the plane to be observed.

He reportedly tested positive for drugs upon landing. He was handed over to the police at the Incheon International Airport.
Donald Trump announced late Sunday that his former ICE director Tom Homan would serve as 'border czar' to oversee the largest deportation of immigrants in US history.

The president elect, 78, said on Truth Social that Homan would oversee the country's borders in the incoming administration just days after his landslide victory against Vice President Kamala Harris.

'I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation's Borders ("The Border Czar"),' Trump posted on his social network Truth Social.

'I've known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders.'

It comes after Homan said that Trump will use the US Army to round up and deport 'the worst of the worst' illegal migrants in an unparalleled crackdown.

On Monday, meanwhile, word broke that Trump was bringing back adviser Stephen Miller - who is credited with devising the mass deportation plan - to serve as his deputy chief of staff for policy zeroing in on the unprecedented border crackdown.

Tom Homan, former Acting Director of US Immigration and and Customs Enforcement, was appointed to the incoming administration

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The new 'border czar' is expected to oversee the mass deportation of illegal immigrants

Homan said all of the estimated 20 million people residing in the US illegally would be targeted by the campaign, noting: 'Bottom line: if you come to the country illegally, you're not off the table.'

Homan, who was head of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump's first stint in the White House, said he would revive the president elect's 'remain in Mexico' program, in which Mexicans would have their asylum applications processed on their side of the border.

He also promised to close the southern border and build a wall - another flagship Trump pledge.

But the former immigration chief dismissed any suggestion that concentration camps could be used to hold migrants rounded up in the deportation program.

Instead he said he would explore possible arrangements for asylum seekers to be processed in third countries - in an echo of the Rwanda scheme previously touted under Britain before being ditched by Prime MInister Keir Starmer's Labour government.

Newly built holding centers could be built in the US alongside a larger role for the military in transporting refugees, the Times reported.

'It's going to be a lot different to what the liberal media is saying it's going to be', Mr Homan said.

Trump said Homan will be in charge of 'all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin.'

Homan was asked during an interview on 60 Minutes last month whether large scale deportation could take place without separating families.

'Of course there is. Families can be deported together,' he said bluntly.

Tom Homan (left) will serve as 'border czar' in the Trump Administration

Trump announced the 'border czar' position on Truth Social

'I hear a lot of people say, "The talk of a mass deportation is racist. It's threatening to the immigrant community,"' he said, while adding it should only 'be threatening to the illegal immigrant community.'

Homan appeared at the Republican National Convention in July, telling supporters: 'I got a message to the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden's released in our country: You better start packing now.'

Homan is expected to be part of the White House staff and would not be subject to Senate confirmation as a member of Trump's cabinet.

The move by Trump comes after he announced that Susie Wiles would be 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 Harris. Wiles ran his race from behind the scenes and is one of the most feared and effective political operatives in the nation.

Susie Wiles would be the first female chief of staff in U.S. history

Also on Sunday night, Trump offered Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik the job of US ambassador to the United Nations.

The House Republican and ally of the president accepted the UN gig after it was offered on Sunday, according to The New York Post.

'I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter,' Trump told the newspaper.

The move to pick Stefanik appeared to be a snub to former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who did not appear on the campaign trail for him despite repeatedly claiming she was 'on standby'.

Stefanik had appeared at Trump's now infamous rally inside Madison Square Garden last month as the race for the White House intensified.

The New York representative accepted the role previously held by Haley - who had ran against Trump in the Republican primaries.

'I am truly honored to earn President Trumps nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,' Stefanik told The Post.

Trump offered Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik the job of US ambassador to the United Nations

Trump has vowed to tackle migrant gangs using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 - which allows the federal government to round up and deport foreigners belonging to enemy countries - as part of a mass deportation drive he christened 'Operation Aurora.'

Aurora was the scene of a viral video showing armed Latinos rampaging through an apartment block that spurred sweeping, false narratives about the town being terrorized by Latin American migrants.

Trump has similarly promoted the fictitious story that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating residents' pets.
Industrial tourism on the rise in China

People's Daily Online) 10:08, November 11, 2024

An industrial tourism promotional activity was held in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Nov. 4, 2024. Industry experts, scholars, and professionals gathered to explore new opportunities for industrial tourism in China.

In recent years, China has been vigorously developing industrial tourism by actively promoting the revitalization of industrial heritage sites for tourism, turning industrial production sites into tourist attractions, and providing immersive experiences.

During the promotional activity, Zhang Yan, an associate professor from Shanghai's East China Normal University, pointed out that new quality productive forces are driving the transformation of industrial tourism. Industrial tourism has shifted from casual sightseeing to immersive experiences, and the tourism service industry has evolved to provide personalized services.

Gong Xian, deputy director of the general office of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that the industrial sector offers unique resources for future tourism development. The integration of the industrial sector and tourism shows promising prospects for growing attention, innovation, and growth opportunities in industrial development.

Young visitors from Japan visit a river snail rice noodle company in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 24, 2024. (Photo/Lin Xin)

One city that is making headway in industrial tourism is Liuzhou, an industrial hub, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

With river snail rice noodles being a symbol for the city, Liuzhou has promoted a "river snail rice noodles + tourism" model, creating a tourism route anchored by this iconic dish. In the city's River Snail Rice Noodle Industrial Park, visitors can see how packaged noodles are produced, experience the process of making the noodles, and enjoy an authentic bowl of snail noodles.

In addition, by blending its industrial prowess with a modern corporate culture and a focus on automobile manufacturing, Liuzhou has also created travel routes that highlight its breathtaking natural landscapes, pristine ecological environment, and overall livability.

In China, several industrial hubs are now being reimagined as tourist destinations. These include the cultural park under Xiangtan Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd. in central China's Hunan Province, and the Yili industrial scenic area under Chinese dairy giant Yili in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Additionally, Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province has revitalized historic buildings and industrial heritage, creating a city-wide beer culture based on its brewing industry, which in turn boosts cultural tourism.

How can "industry + tourism" be integrated more deeply? Sun Xing, deputy director of the Industrial Culture Development Center at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, suggested that designing industrial tourism activities requires distinct highlights, appeal, and unique selling points. New media and technologies can be employed to create scenic areas and business models that are engaging, educational, recreational, and commercial.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Gov. Gavin Newsom is seen at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 20. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

SACRAMENTO  Gov. Gavin Newsom will travel Monday to Washington to meet with White House officials and members of Californias congressional delegation to discuss policies that could be targeted by President-elect Donald Trump.

Newsom plans to advocate for disaster response funding, climate waivers and health care policies that require federal approval, spokesperson Izzy Gardon said.

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All of those policies could be in jeopardy when Trump takes office in January. Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold disaster aid from California. In September, he said that if Newsom doesnt roll back protections for endangered California fish, we wont give him money to put out all his fires.

Because much of the states health care funding flows through the federal government, Trump could also undermine the states health policies when he takes office. During Trumps first term, he and Newsom repeatedly sparred over the states climate waiver that allows California to set stricter car pollution standards than the rest of the country. Trump had tried to undermine Californias ability to set its own standards, arguing they drive up car prices, but President Joe Biden reversed course when he took office.

Last week, Newsom called a special session of the Legislature to prepare for Trumps second term as president. During the session, he is calling on lawmakers to provide additional money to California Attorney General Rob Bonta to sue the Trump administration and defend against lawsuits by the federal government over California policies.

As the leader of the nations largest Democratically leaning state, Newsom is set on a collision course with the Trump administration. His moves to shore up Californias policies indicate hes eagerly taking up the mantle as the leader of the resistance to the incoming presidents conservative agenda.

Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to criticize the governor shortly after Newsom announced the special session.

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Keir Starmer is holding talks with Emmanuel Macron about Trump, Ukraine and tariffs today ahead of Armistice Day events in France.

The PM was warmly welcomed by the President as he arrived in Paris - with the looming handover in the US high on the agenda.

They are expected to consider whether outgoing commander-in-chief Joe Biden can be convinced to give Kyiv permission to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russia, as well as Donald Trump's approach to the conflict.

The prospect of the Republican imposing sweeping tariffs on imports is also bound to come up, as world leaders brace for him to shake up the world order.

During the morning Sir Keir will host veterans, defence charities and British military personnel at the ambassadors residence, and is also expected to meet the new French PM Michel Barnier.

Sir Keir will be the first UK premier to attend Armistice Day commemorations in France since Winston Churchill was hosted by General de Gaulle in 1944.

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron stand before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Place de l'Etoile in Paris today

The leaders jointly laid a wreath to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day

Keir Starmer was warmly welcomed by Emmanuel Macron as he arrived in Paris today - with the looming handover in the US high on the agenda

Sir Keir and Mr Macron chatted as they headed inside for their talks this morning

The leaders laid wreaths together in front of the statue of Georges Clemenceau on the Champs Elysees

Sir Keir is the first PM to attend Armistice Day events in France since Churchill in 1944

The US president prevented Ukraine from using the British Storm Shadows at targets inside Russia over fears Putin would carry out retaliatory attacks on Western military bases

The use of Storm Shadow missiles in Ukraine has been widely debated by leaders for months

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Trump issued a stern warning to Putin in their first phone call since the Republican won the presidency.In a call that reportedly took place on Thursday, the incoming president advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe'.

Sources also told the Washington Post that Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraine's war soon'.

In a round of interviews this morning, Defence Secretary John Healey said if that message was conveyed it was 'absolutely right'.

'Well have to wait and see what President Trump really proposes but if the reports of his call with (Vladimir) Putin last week are right then President Trump is exactly right to warn Putin against escalation of the conflict in Ukraine,' he told BBC Breakfast.

'And our task as a nation supporting Ukraine, one of its leading supporters, alongside allies like France, is to step up our support to reinforce the position that Ukraine has at this period where its under great pressure from Russia.

Sir Keir has pledged to work closely with Trump, despite cabinet ministers including Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Deputy PM Angela Rayner criticising the president-elect in the past.

Last week the White House said Mr Biden will continue 'surging' humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine using funds already authorised by Congress.

However, a recent report claimed Trump's transition office is considering a proposal that would seek to freeze the conflict in Ukraine with an '800-mile demilitarised zone'

Mr Biden is said to have blocked the UK from authorising Ukraine to use Storm Shadows at targets inside Russia over fears of retaliatory attacks on Western military bases.

At the upcoming talks in Paris between Starmer and Macron, the impact of the incoming Trump presidency on the conflict in the Middle East and the potential of a trade war with Europe are also expected to be discussed.

World leaders around the globe are anticipating how drastically Trump intends to change US policy on Ukraine following his presidential victory last week.

The UK PM hopes to negotiate a defence and security pact with the EU in the new year, another topic that is expected to be discussed with Macron.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump's threat of imposing tariffs on imports has been sparking alarm, with fears of a trade war that will hit the global economy.

FILE - President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, July 7, 2017

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

Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe', according to the Washington Post

There are high hopes in London that Biden will give permission to Kyiv to use the Storm Shadow missiles - a request Ukraine has made for months

That is unlikely to be welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European partners who are adamant that Kyiv should not surrender territory to the Kremlin, and remains unsubstantiated by US officials.

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.

A recent Wall Street Journal report citing three sources 'close to the president-elect' claimed that Trump's transition office is considering one proposal that would prevent Kyiv from joining NATO for at least 20 years in exchange for lucrative arms deals.

In the meantime, the conflict would be halted by the implementation of a large demilitarised zone (DMZ) that would effectively freeze the fighting in place and force Kyiv to relinquish up to 20 per cent of its territory as part of an '800-mile DMZ'.

But the sources offered no insight into how such a buffer zone between Russia's border and unoccupied Ukraine would be monitored or managed, other than to say it would not be staffed by American peacekeepers.

'We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European... and we are not paying for it,' one source is quoted as saying.

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.

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.
Donald Trump Jr has shared a mocking video warning Volodymyr Zelensky that he will 'lose his allowance' when his father returns to office, as fears mount in Ukraine over what a Trump presidency will mean for US support in the war against Russia.

This weekend saw the largest drone attacks by Russia and Ukraine since the war began, with the barrages impacting large swathes of each country and hundreds of drones downed, including in the Moscow region.

Russian air strikes have killed at least six people in southern Ukraine today, with missiles slamming into homes and most of the country under air raid alerts as bombers hovered above.

Strikes have intensified amid expectations that Trump will put pressure on both sides to end the conflict, after the president-elect repeatedly said throughout his campaign that he could end the war 'in a day', without saying how.

Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin following his election victory last week and advised him not to escalate the war, a source familiar with the conversation claimed last night.

The meme was shared by former Alaska governor Sarah Palin and reposted by Donald Trump Jr

Trump Jr played a key role in his father's election campaign and advocated for the selection of JD Vance as his vice-presidential pick

A rescuer works at the site of a Russian night strike in Mykolaiv in Ukraine early on Monday morning

Rescuers work to extinguish a fire in a house following a drone attack in the village of Stanovoye, Moscow region, on November 10

Putin has since denied reports that he has spoken with Trump in recent days and added he has no concrete plans yet to speak to him. The call was first reported by the Washington Post, citing unidentified sources.

Trump and his supporters have roundly criticised the scale of US military and financial support for Kyiv, and he previously labelled Zelensky 'the greatest salesman on Earth.'

The US has provided roughly $106 billion in aid directly to the government in Kyiv, a figure which includes military and financial aid as well as humanitarian support, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

On Saturday, Trump Jr shared a meme showing a solemn-looking Zelensky stood next to Trump as dollar bills fall around him, with the text on the clip reading: 'POV: You're 38 Days from losing you're allowance.'

The clip was posted on Instagram by Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska, and references January 20, the day Trump will return to the White House as the 47th President.

Trump Jr also said over the weekend that there is no place in his father's administration for 'war hawks'.

The 46-year-old also played a key role in his father's election campaign and advocated for the selection of JD Vance as his vice-presidential pick.

Senator Vance told NBC last month that negotiation with Moscow is a 'necessary part' of ending the war, and has outlined plans that would allow Russia to keep territory it has seized in Ukraine.

Ukrainian firefighters respond to an artillery strike on November 10, 2024 in Pokrovsk, Ukraine

A residential building impacted by a Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia this morning

Air alerts wailed across Ukraine early Monday as Russian strikes killed at least six people, a day after record drone attacks by both sides

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, Vance argued against the provision of billions of dollars of aid to Kyiv by the Biden administration.

'I gotta be honest with you, I don't really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another,' Vance said at the time.

Trump and Vance will take office on January 20 after defeating Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz in the presidential election.

Biden has invited Trump to come to the Oval Office on Wednesday, the White House said, with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan saying that they will discuss Ukraine.

Zelensky last week hailed an 'excellent call' with Trump after his election victory last week, saying they had agreed to 'maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation.'

'Strong and unwavering US leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace,' he added.

Russia downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on November 10, 2024

Russian law enforcement officers inspect the wreckage of a drone next to a burnt-out car in the courtyard of residential buildings following a drone attack in the village of Sofyino, Moscow region, on November 10

A Russian police officer pulls caution tape at the site of a drone attack in the village of Stanovoye, Moscow region, on November 10

Both Kyiv and Moscow have stepped up their offensives as the war grinds on, with Ukraine saying today that Russia suffered a record number of daily losses - 1,770 over the past 24 hours.

Ukrainian figures suggest Russia has lost 710,660 troops in total since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, according to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces.

Moscow is nevertheless pushing forward with its 'meat assasults', and has reportedly massed a force of 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, as it prepares to launch an attack aimed at reclaiming territory seized by Ukraine in the Kursk region.

Putin's forces have been gradually clawing back territory in Kursk over the past months, attacking Ukrainian positions with air strikes and artillery, but have so far not staged a major ground assault.

A handout picture made available by the National Police of Ukraine shows the site of a glide bomb attack on a residential area in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine

A car damaged in a glide bomb attack in Ukraine early this morning

Overnight on Saturday into Sunday, Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine, according to Zelensky, more than any previous single nighttime attack during the conflict.

Russia also said it had downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday, the largest attempted attack on the capital since the start of the war in 2022.

Five people were killed in the southern city of Mykolaiv, according to the regional governor, while a sixth died in Zaporizhzhia in an attack that authorities said wounded more than a dozen.

'Five dead,' Mykolaiv Governor Vitaly Kim said early Monday on Telegram, revising up an earlier toll of four after an attack that set several residential buildings on fire.

About 300 kilometres (185 miles) to the east in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's state emergency services agency said Russia carried out three air strikes that killed a man and damaged multiple buildings.

Zaporizhzhia Governor Ivan Fedorov said that 18 people were wounded, including five children.

'Boys aged 4, 16 and 17 and girls aged 15 and 17 have received the necessary medical assistance,' he said.
Defence Secretary John Healey today hailed Donald Trump's warning to Russia against escalating the Ukraine war.

Mr Healey insisted the US president-elect was 'exactly right' to issue the tough message to Vladimir Putin, reportedly in a phone call last week.

In a round of interviews, the minister also voiced confidence about the new administration's approach to the conflict, saying Mr Trump 'recognises that countries get security through strength'.

Speculation has been mounting about the incoming commander-in-chief's intentions after he claimed during the campaign that he would end the war in a single day.

But there is uncertainty about what policy will be pursued, with Mr Trump's son Don Jr raising eyebrows by mocking Volodymyr Zelensky's fears about 'losing his allowance'.

Defence Secretary John Healey today hailed Donald Trump's (pictured) warning to Russia against escalating the Ukraine war

There is uncertainty about what policy will be pursued, with Mr Trump's son Don Jr raising eyebrows by mocking Volodymyr Zelensky's fears about 'losing his allowance'

Mr Healey insisted the US president-elect was 'exactly right' to issue the tough message to Vladimir Putin , reportedly in a phone call last week

Keir Starmer will hold talks with Emmanuel Macron about Trump, Ukraine and tariffs today ahead of Armistice Day events in France.

The PM is in Paris to meet the President as the leaders consider the looming handover in the US.

They are expected to consider whether outgoing commander-in-chief Joe Biden can be convinced to give Kyiv permission to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russia, as well as Mr Trump's approach to the conflict.

The prospect of the Republican imposing sweeping tariffs on imports is also bound to come up, as world leaders brace for him to shake up the world order.

During a call on Thursday, Trump is said to have advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe'.

Sources also told the Washington Post that the president-elect expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraine's war soon'.

Mr Healey told BBC Breakfast: 'We'll have to wait and see what President Trump really proposes but if the reports of his call with (Vladimir) Putin last week are right then President Trump is exactly right to warn Putin against escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

'And our task as a nation supporting Ukraine, one of its leading supporters, alongside allies like France, is to step up our support to reinforce the position that Ukraine has at this period where it's under great pressure from Russia.'

Asked whether Ukraine's safety had diminished since Mr Trump's election win, Mr Healey told Sky News: 'No, I don't. The US alongside the UK have been two of the leading countries that have been standing by Ukraine, supporting Ukraine, our determination to do so is just as strong.'

He added: 'As far as President Trump goes, he recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do, and I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putin's invasion.'
They packed the streets around every London landmark, and filled lorries and buses with their Union Jacks aloft.

Londoners celebrating the end of the First World War in November 1918 had been through more than four years of hardship, loss and grief.

The good news had filtered around Europe within hours of the Armistice between the Allied victors and the defeated Germany being agreed shortly after 5am on November 11.

Pictures show the stunning celebrations in the capital, as hundreds of thousands of Britons marked the joyous moment.

The Daily Mail reported at the time: 'On Armistice Day the middle-aged and the old walked silently, wrapped in silent joy, incommunicable reveries, in a transfiguration of thankfulness and relief.

Nurses, soldiers and other Londoners celebrating in Whitehall after hearing that the Armistice had been signed, November 11, 1918

A group of soldiers, including a Scot, an Australian and a member of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps running down the Strand on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918

'The soldiers and the munition girls made the carnival while London watched them.

'From a thousand factories the girls poured out; on thousands of lorries they swept to the Strand.

'They made caps for their heads with Union Jacks; they used flag pins for hat pins; they ribboned themselves with bunting. They piled their lorries with pyramids of living beings.'

King George V and his wife Queen Mary moved through the jubilant crowds with only two mounted policemen as escorts.

The King told the nation from the balcony of Buckingham Palace: 'With you I rejoice and thank God for the victory which the Allied Armies have won and brought hostilities to an end and peace within sight.'

An Army lorry carrying celebrating soldiers through a London street on November 11, 1918

Jubilant crowds seen celebrating in London after the signing of the Armistice in November 1918

Servicemen and civilians celebrate together outside Buckingham Palace, London after the announcement of the Armistice

King George V and Queen Mary (left) in a carriage in front of St Paul's Cathedral, London, after attending the Armistice Day service

The crowd gathered outside the Stock Exchange and the Bank of England in London after the announcement of the Armistice

The massed crowd in Trafalgar Square after the signing of the Armistice

A group of delighted women seen with soldiers in an American car on the day the Armistice was signed

Crowds and buses in London when the armistice was signed

The first crowds gather at Buckingham Palace on November 11, 1918, after the signing of the Armistice

From Downing Street, prime minister David Lloyd George told crowds massed outside: 'You are well entitled to rejoice. The people of this Empire with their Allies have won a great victory. It is the sons and daughters of the people who have done it.

'It is a victory greater than has ever been known in history. Let us thank God.'

The Daily Mail's coverage added: 'Everywhere the lights went up. Unscreened arc-lights flared.

'Theatres and hotels shone again as they shone before the war, casting a glittering radiance on the wet streets and shining faces below.

'Every girl carried a flag. Many wore the Union Jack like a turban bound across the forehead and falling upon the shoulders.

'They stood on the tops of cabs, screaming their way through the throng.

'They clung to the arms of soldiers, frantically pleased at the lighting of the shadow of war from their young hearts.'

The signing of the armistice came after the deaths of more than 8million soldiers, nearly 900,000 of whom were British.

The toll was so great that the 1921 Census recorded 109 women for every hundred men.
Gen Z and young people say they are scared to wear a poppy because the show of patriotism is 'uncomfortable' for them.

The Royal British Legion says it has distributed 30million paper poppies and six million poppy pins every year for the last decade.

And while it said it would never criticise someone for not wearing the poppy, the public often slams public figures if they neglect to wear the symbol.

Young people in particular said they are reluctant to don the pin because it is 'sending a message I don't really want to send'.

Another Londoner in their 20s said it is a 'show of patriotism' which makes some people 'uncomfortable'.

Poppies on sale to mark Remembrance Day in Sheffield yesterday. Some Gen Z members (not pictured) are reluctant to wear the poppy pins

A young Poppy Appeal collector shows off a paper poppy pin

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and Prime Minister Keir Starmer wear poppies and carry wreaths during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph yesterday

The Princess of Wales stands from the balcony wearing three poppy pins during the National Service of Remembrance yesterday

Some said the poppy is 'tainted' in a similar way to how they view the St George's cross, due to how it has been used by Britain First and the English Defence League.

A 33-year-old writer from London said she wants to respect and commemorate the sacrifice those who fought in the wars.

But she told The Telegraph 'it feels symbols have become really potent in the past few years'.

A 24-year-old commodities trader in the city said the poppy is 'linked to Brexit' in the minds of many young people who 'feel that somehow making a show of patriotism is tied into that' much like the symbol of the St George's flag.

The Director of Remembrance at RBL Philippa Rawlinson said: 'We will always come out in defence of individuals who don't want to wear a poppy in public life.'

But the RBL will be quick to crack down on any misappropriation of the symbol.

An anonymous Londoner said none of her friends would buy a poppy because it 'feels too close to nationalism'.

Falling poppies are shown on the advertising boards of 'Piccadilly Lights' in London at Piccadilly Circus yesterday

King Charles III pictured wearing a poppy during the Remembrance Service

Veterans and serving members of the armed forces on Remembrance Sunday in Edinburgh

World War II veterans Jim Grant, Stan Ford and Henry Rice ahead of the Royal British Legion's March Past the Cenotaph yesterday

King Charles, Prince William and Princess Anne attend the National Service of Remembrance

She said 'I have a lot of pride for my relatives who fought' but wearing a poppy sends a wider message and 'feels a bit adjacent to hanging a St George's cross in the window'.

Sunder Katwala, director of British Future - a think tank specialising in immigration and identity - said: 'The far-right have always wanted to own Remembrance.

'When the English Defence League was at its height about 15 years ago, Remembrance was used heavily as an anti-minority weapon.'

In 2014, Britain First breached the RBL's copyright and used the poppy to sell merchandise.

Extreme right-wingers on social media also often use the phrase 'lest we forget' to show a commitment to their 'duty' to protect Remembrance.

Using the phrase boosts the number of likes and shares because they appear like commemorations.

Just a few days ago, giant Remembrance Day poppies decorating a park bandstand had to be removed after they were attacked by vandals, a council said.

A giant poppy in Eastleigh, Hampshire, was smashed in what the local council referred to as a 'mindless and hugely disrespectful' attack.

The poppies had been put in place on a bandstand in Leigh Road to commemorate the lives of those who fought and died in the First World War.

The poppies were first installed in 2020 as a way of Eastleigh Borough Council showing its support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A giant poppy in Eastleigh, Hampshire, was smashed in what the local council referred to as a 'mindless and hugely disrespectful' attack

The poppies on the band stand (pictured in 2023) before they had to be removed

Since then, they have been installed every year as a mark of respect.

It was also revealed that thousands of pounds worth of fake poppies are being sold by online fraudsters who are pocketing 100 per cent of donations.

Pin badges and brooches were on sale last week with descriptions saying 'Lest We Forget' and 'Remembrance Day Red Poppy'.

One of the fake sites said it sells 'suitable for Remembrance Day activities, soldiers, memorials, veteransto honour the lives and memories of fallen soldiers'.

But fraudsters were taking all the money donated from the counterfeit Remembrance Day merchandise.

Hundreds of items were listed for sale for prices between 3 and 5 on sites such as eBay, with one auction being tagged as 'trending'.

Shadow Secretary of State for Defence James Cartlidge described the scam as 'disgusting' and slammed fraudsters for 'exploiting' Remembrance Day.

The Border Force seized counterfeit poppies worth 25,500 last year.

In 2017, there was 150,000 worth of fake poppy merchandise seized at UK ports, including 1,212 scarves, 5,400 badges and 1,200 key rings.

Former MP and Royal Green Jackets Captain Tobias Ellwood called the fake poppy auctions as 'sick and disturbing'.

He went on to urge eBay to investigate and close down any auctions profiteering of the Royal British Legion (RBL) brand.

When approached, one seller shipping to the UK from China where not able to confirm if proceedings went to RBL. While other Chinese sellers did not respond to claims made by the investigation.
A Syrian asylum seeker is set to be deported from Sweden after a shocking video showed him pushing a 91-year-old woman down a flight of stairs in an attack that is set to reignite the country's debate over migration.

Karam Kanjo, 26, was caught on CCTV assaulting the elderly victim as she made her way to her husband's grave on August 29 this year.

Footage showed Kanjo - who entered Sweden during Europe's migrant crisis in 2015 and was on parole after raping another woman - grabbing his elderly victim on a flight of stairs in Sollentuna station, eight miles northwest of Stockholm.

The victim is seen struggling before the pair tumble down the stairs as he grips her necklaces, causing the woman a number of injuries. A witness to the attack is seen running for safety, leaving the elderly woman behind.

After the pair roll to the bottom of the stairs, Kanjo stands up and yanks her chains from her, before calmly walking away and leaving the elderly woman lying on the ground as two female commuters run down the stairs to assist her.

According to court documents obtained by MailOnline, the necklaces were gifts she received more than 40 years ago.

The attack took place in Sollentuna station, around eight miles northwest of Stockholm, with CCTV footage (pictured) capturing the shocking incident

The pair were seen halfway up a set of stairs in the train station, before the man (top right) grabbed the elderly women (top left)

They tumbled down the stairs together as he tried to pull her necklaces from her neck. A commuter was seen running past as the man dragged the elderly women to the floor

The man and the elderly woman in a heap at the bottom of the stairs. He took her necklaces from her after pulling her to the ground

Karam Kanjo (pictured) has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for the attack

When the victim was questioned by police she said she was petrified by the episode and had never experienced violence like that in her life.

Last Monday, he was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison, and was ordered to be deported back to Syria after he was convicted of aggravated robbery, as well as a violation of Sweden's knife laws and a drug offence.

On top of this, he has to pay her 93,100 Swedish Krona (6,700) in damages.

Kanjo, a convicted rapist, has perpetrated at least 19 crimes since he entered the country in 2015, including aggravated theft and attempted aggravated theft in 2018 and 2020.

He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for raping a woman in 2021, but was released on parole with nearly a year of his sentence left.

A judge said Kanjo's crime was 'life-threatening', given the age of his victim. The judge said the elderly woman 'suffered swelling over her left hip and left arm, bruises on the legs, bruises on the left arm and heavy skin scraped around the neck from the necklaces.'

'The swelling set in, and [caused] pain for several weeks.'

The victim was brought to the floor and had her necklaces yanked from her neck

'Even a fall to the ground could have caused fractures that were serious. Now the fall happened carelessly down a flight of stairs.

'It appears to be a lucky coincidence that [the victim] did not suffer very serious injuries in the fall. Although no legal certificate or the like has been presented in the matter, the court considers that, with regard to [the victim's] age, it is clear that the violence Karam Kanjo used against her was life-threatening.'

He will also be prohibited from returning to Sweden after he is deported, according to the court documents.

Despite him fighting to overturn the deportation order, Swedish authorities told Attunda district court that his 'connection to Sweden is... very weak.'

'According to the Norwegian Correctional Service's investigation, he lives in destructive social conditions without his own accommodation and is unemployed,' the court was told.

He reportedly told the court that if he were to be sent home, he would be 'subjected to torture or inhumane treatment.'

Sweden has this year had a 'net outflow of immigrants for the first time in decades', according to Annika Sandlund, the UNHCR representative to the Nordic and Baltic countries.

The country's government, lead by the Moderate party and supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, has increasingly restricted laws regarding asylum seekers.

Kanjo was caught on CCTV attacking the elderly widow, who was on her way to visit her husband's grave

For after years of horrific gangland violence blamed largely on Swedens soaring migrant population, the centre-Right government has slammed the border shut, announcing a raft of harsh measures aimed at reducing the numbers of foreign-born residents, which currently stands at more than 20 per cent of the 10.6 million total.

Among the policy proposals is an offer of just under 26,000 for legal immigrants willing to return voluntarily to their country of origin; the tightening of family reunification and asylum regulations; and more than doubling the income threshold for those seeking work visas  up from 970 a month to 2,200.

Another such law being pursued by the government is a so-called 'snitch law' that would require public sector workers to report illegal immigrants.

As well as toughening up entry restrictions, the government is also hoping to encourage thousands of migrants who have settled here legally to leave voluntarily.

New migration minister Johan Forssell recently boasted: We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy.

Right-wing politician, Nima Gholam Ali Pour - an Iranian refugee himself - told the Mail 'Sweden has had very difficult problems with immigration in recent years'.

We have areas that are 90 per cent immigrants who dont accept Swedish values and where ethnic Swedes have had to move out.

'Most people dont want Sweden to become like the Middle East. And why should we receive more migrants when we cant integrate those who are already here?

Over the past decade in particular, Swedens plans of creating a harmonious, pluralist society has not come to fruition.

The country that once boasted one of the lowest crime rates in Europe is now the gun-crime capital of the continent, fuelled by violent gangs disproportionately made up of first-generation migrants who control the nations illicit drug and prostitution trades.

According to a 2023 police report, there are believed to be 14,000 active gang members in Sweden along with a further 48,000 people with gang affiliation, many as young as just nine or ten.

Over the first six months of this year alone, Sweden suffered a shocking 148 shootings, resulting in 20 deaths. Last year, 55 people were shot dead across 363 incidents. In 2022, there were a record 62 fatal shootings while 73 people aged between just 15-20 were arrested for suspected or attempted murder with a firearm.
Keir Starmer will face demands the UK pay into a swollen $1trillion fund to help developing countries go green this week as he attends UN climate talks.

The Prime Minister will head to Azerbaijan today for Cop 29, with the main focus being on agreeing a ten-fold increase in financial aid.

The original target was $100billion but pressure is mounting to up the figure available for poor countries to cope with climate change, and increasing their ambitions on emissions cuts.

That goal is competing for resources and attention against economic concerns, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the election of Donald Trump, a climate-change denier, for a second term as president of the United States, the world's biggest economy.

And Sir Keir is one of the only leaders of a major country who is heading to Baku at all.

Outgoing US president Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and India's Narendra Modi are not expected to attend.

Senior figures from the EU and China are also expected to be absent from what is feared will be yet another talking shop that achieves little or nothing in the way of concrete action.

Countries will also be grappling with Trump's return to the White House, in what analysts say is a trend of climate scepticism in elections this year.

The next President of the US, the world's second biggest polluter, is expected to boost fossil fuels, roll back green incentives domestically and take America out  again  of the global Paris Agreement on tackling climate change, which commits countries to pursue efforts to curb warming to 1.5C.

The Prime Minister, who si in Paris this morning, will head to Azerbaijan later today for Cop 29, with the main focus being on agreeing a ten-fold increase in financial aid.

The original target was $100billion but pressure is mounting to up the figure available for poor countries to cope with climate change, and increasing their ambitions on emissions cuts.

Outgoing US president Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and India's Narendra Modi are not expected to attend.

Countries will also be grappling with Donald Trump's return to the White House, in what analysts say is a trend of climate scepticism in elections this year.

A No10 spokeswoman today defended the usefulness of the trip, saying: 'It's important the UK returns to a position of global climate leadership.'

A key part of the negotiations in Baku will be agreeing new finance commitments for the cash that developing countries need to green their economies and cope with the already inevitable impacts of climate change.

Wealthier countries previously pledged 100 billion US dollars a year in private and public finance to help poorer nations, as part of efforts to secure the Paris treaty.

But they must now iron out a new finance agreement that meets Paris commitments for sufficient cash flows for cutting emissions and adapting to climate change, with experts saying one trillion US dollars needs to be flowing into developing countries each year by 2030.

The meeting is being held in the wake of the latest deadly weather events including floods in Valencia and Hurricane Helene in the US, which scientific analyses show were made more likely and intense by rising temperatures.

This year is on course to break temperature records once again and, as countries prepare to submit new plans for climate action by early next year, the UN has warned that existing policies are falling so far short the world is on track for a 'catastrophic' 3.1C of warming.

Champa Patel, from the Climate Group, which works with governments and businesses on global warming action, said delivering a new finance goal was 'not easy as countries bicker over what is meant by climate finance, who pays into the funds, and who can access them'.

But without funding, and provision for 'loss and damage' from climate impacts, the world could not meet the scale of the challenge posed by climate change, she said.

Ms Patel added: 'As the recent floods in Valencia show, this isn't a future problem, it's the reality we live in today.'

Azerbaijan has been lobbying governments to accelerate their move to clean energy while touting gas as a transition fuel.

Cop 29 host Azerbaijan has been lobbying governments to accelerate their move to clean energy while touting gas - which it has in abundance - as a transition fuel.

President Ilham Aliyev has called Azerbaijan's fossil-fuel bounty 'a gift of God,' and Baku has proposed creating a Climate Finance Action Fund to collect voluntarily up to $1 billion from extractive companies across 10 countries including Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's gas exports to Europe this year are expected to exceed 12 billion cubic meters, after 11.8 billion cubic meters last year, as Europe seeks to reduce its reliance on Russian gas.

Presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said that, with its buildup of renewables, Azerbaijan was 'moving from fossil fuel exports to green electricity exports.' Baku aims to have renewable energy fueling 35 per cent of its power plant capacity by 2030. Last year, this figure was about 20 per cent.

Azerbaijan faces criticism of its jailing of political prisoners including journalists, and ethnic Armenians whom Baku describes as separatist leaders.

Aliyev has rejected the criticism and said it could undermine peace negotiations with Armenia.
A British veteran who lost his beret on the Tube while traveling to London for the Remembrance Day service, had it returned to him after a network of cabbies scoured London to find it.

Paul Jacobs, from Ramsgate, only noticed his beret was missing when he reached the Cenotaph in Westminster, as thousands gathered to pay their respects on Sunday.

The father-of-one put a call out on social media, which was picked up by volunteer taxi driver Dave Hempstead who travelled across London to deliver it to Paul.

Paul, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was blinded by a Taliban bomb while trying to save a colleague in Afghanistan in 2009.

The rifleman, aged 20 at the time, spent three weeks in a coma after the incident.

He was awarded the George Medal for bravery having been commended for 'acts of bravery not in the face of the enemy'.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain this morning, Paul said: 'Remembrance Day and Remembrance weekend is the only weekend we have all year to remember the past and the present.

Paul Jacobs who was awarded the George Medal after being blinded by an IED blast in 2009, speaks to Good Morning Britain

Paul put a call out on social media, which was picked up by volunteer taxi driver Dave Hempstead, who travelled across London to deliver it

'I was going to get on the tube when my beret fell out of my pocket. I didn't notice until I was all the way across London at the Cenotaph.

'I put out a message on social media and luckily someone found it, put it on a post and took a photo of it.

'And Dave Hempstead, who is a volunteer taxi driver for the taxi charity for military veterans, who was in my unit, picked it up and delivered it to me.

'I just hope they didn't charge for the journey because I'll be paying a fortune!'

While in hospital recovering from his tour in Afghanistan, Paul met his wife, Louise, who was treating him for his injuries at the time. They have a son together.

When asked about the beret, Paul said: 'The beret represents my unit. It was given to me by someone very dear to me, my secondary school teacher who told me I should join the forces. A very lovely lady, she passed away a few years ago.

Paul, who served in the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was blinded by a Taliban bomb while trying to save a colleague in Afghanistan in 2009

Military veterans gathered on Whitehall in central London for the Cenotaph service

King Charles, the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal join veterans and dignitaries at the Cenotaph

'In the beret is a silver coin she gave me and it goes with me everywhere, any activity I do. It's her still believing in me.

'Getting behind veterans and the armed forces is so important. It is so important the nation is behind us It is the only two days we get to talk, with our sense of humour which got us through the dark times.

'Don't be offended by it. It shouldn't be made into politics. It should be about the veterans and the armed forces.'

King Charles and Prince William left tributes to fallen heroes on Sunday, alongside the leaders of the Conservative party and government, Kemi Badenoch and Sir Keir Starmer to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.

The Royal British Legion's veteran parade saw 10,000 veterans, representing 326 different armed forces and civilian organisations, marching past the Cenotaph.

Second World War vets Alec Penstone and Mervyn Kersh were among those on Horse Guards Parade ahead of the Royal British Legion march past the Cenotaph on Sunday

King Charles appeared emotional as he solemnly looked towards the Cenotaph in remembrance

Further wreaths after the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London

King Charles, who looked emotional as he solemnly saluted the stone monolith, left a message on his wreath reading: 'In grateful remembrance of your service and sacrifice.'

The Queen was absent from yesterday's ceremony to ensure she makes a full recovery from a chest infection, and to protect others from any risk.

In her place, her Equerry Major Oliver Plunkett laid her wreath at the Service of Remembrance.

In a simple message, she had written: 'In everlasting remembrance.'

And the Prince of Wales added: 'In memory of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will remember them'

Thousands of people lined Whitehall for the annual event, including a two-minute silence at 11am, while current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was joined by eight former PMs - a record number - to lay wreaths.

Sir Keir hand-wrote a small message to the remembered heroes, saying: 'To the immortal memory of those who laid down their lives for us all.'

And Kemi Badenoch left a message on her wreath reading: 'We will never forget the incredible courage and bravery of British servicemen and women, who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms today.'

She added in capital letters: 'We will always remember them.'
A cryptocurrency betting site run by a baby-faced boss were hailed as being 'more accurate than polls' for predicting Donald Trump's election win.

The prediction prodigy Shane Coplan and his start-up Polymarket turned out to be more accurate than pollsters as traders bet on an easy Trump victory.

Many experts claimed the battle between the 78-year-old convicted felon and Joe Biden's Vice President Kamala Harris, 60, would be neck-and-neck.

But Polymarket signaled for weeks that Trump would win, and the previously low-profile site turned out to be right - despite raising eyebrows of many experts.

Coplan said in a post on X after the results were announced: 'Make no mistake, Polymarket single-handedly called the election before anything else. The global truth machine is here, powered by the people.'

Prediction prodigy Shane Coplan (pictured) and his start-up Polymarket turned out to be more accurate than pollsters as traders bet on an easy Donald Trump victory

The site has humble beginnings, with Coplan sharing a photo of his 'office' four years ago which was actually in his bathroom, with his laptop resting on a washing basket

The cryptocurrency betting site run by a baby-faced boss was hailed as being 'more accurate than polls' for predicting Donald Trump 's election win

Polymarket's 26-year-old founder Coplan has - until now - stayed out of the limelight.

But after his site - which invited users to bet money on a given outcome - managed to foreshadow the results of the November 5 US election, he has been the subject of praise from Elon Musk and American statistician Nate Silver.

Silver - one of many experts to predict the election would be extremely close - was so impressed that he joined the company as an adviser.

But some critics cast doubt on Polymarket's reliability and how representative it is of the American public.

Coplan grew up in New York City, raised on the Upper West Side by his mother and attended public school in Hell's Kitchen.

He learned to code at an early age, and dropped out of a computer science degree at New York University to pursue his interests in crypto and prediction markets.

A partner at Dragonfly - one of the investors - said Coplan wants to talk about his work 'forever' and 'this is his life'.

The start-up has made $70 million so far, including $45 million in May, from high-profile investors.

It has made several bold predictions, from Joe Biden stepping down to suggesting Trump would pick JD Vance as his running mate.

Instead of a central oddsmaker, Polymarket works by determining the probability by users buying 'shares' in an outcome.

Theoretically, prediction markets this this are more accurate because the financial incentive makes people more likely to be truthful.

Many pollsters saw the race as a statistical dead head, whereas Kalshi, Polymarket and other betting platforms gave the Republican a roughly 65-35 lead.

AP called the presidential results as Trump having 50.4 per cent and Harris having 48 per cent.

Trump will become the oldest president ever inaugurated, beating President Biden's record by five months.

A screenshot of the Polymarket odds predicting Trump's victory

The Polymarket election market seen on October 28

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The site has humble beginnings, with Coplan sharing a photo of his 'office' four years ago which was actually in his bathroom, with his laptop resting on a washing basket in front of a damaged door.

He captioned it: '2020, running out of money, solo founder, HQ in my makeshift bathroom office. little did I know Polymarket was going to change the world.'

The young entrepreneur has kept his personal political leanings under wraps, but he recently went for breakfast with the Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

He even shared a tweet showing Polymarket visuals displayed at RNC HQ in July.

X CEO Elon Musk shared an image of the odds showing Trump's lead with the caption: 'Trump now leading Kamala by 3 per cent in betting markets. More accurate than polls, as actual money is on the line.'

And Coplan later posted: 'Polymarket helped people go to bed early on election night, Elon Musk included' and 'Elon being a Polymarket fan never gets old'.

When his site began to hit the headlines, he posted to clarify his company is 'strictly non-partisan'.

'We're just market nerds who think prediction markets provide the public with a much needed alternative data source.

'Polymarket is not about politics.'

Speaking on CNBC for his first TV interview, the curly-haired founder said he feels a 'sense of victory'.

He said: 'I understand it is a novel concept and people were skeptical, but hopefully people will come around and be more embracing of market-based information.

A devastated Kamala Harris told her scores of tearful fans to keep fighting as she conceded

Elon Musk is a big supporter of Trump, and praised the online predication markets

'The thing that is undeniable is that Polymarket was the first destination to convey that Trump and won. It was a good two, three hours ahead of the media.

'We were in the office, looking at the odds and it seemed like a done deal.'

He went on to say while smiling 'I apologize to the pollsters, I hope we didn't put any of them out of business'.

When his young age was pointed out, he joked 'I feel old' - adding: 'I was just a very curious and very nerdy teenager.'

Coplan called the experience of hearing that people were celebrating while looking at his site as 'humbling'.

Kalshi, Polymarket and other betting platforms have quickly emerged as a way to legally put money on elections and gauge who's ahead, after successive cycles in which pollster forecasts crashed and burned.

How it works is that bettors place 'trades' on a candidate and get a payout if they back the correct outcome. More and bigger bets on a front-runner raise that candidate's odds, while at the same time reducing bettors' returns.

Together, those platforms ended up with a purse of some $450 million as of Tuesday evening. On its own, Kalshi took $1 billion in total volume of bets on the 2024 race, says Mansour.

Tarek Mansour, CEO of Kalshi, said the results validated his fledgling industry, which predicted a Harris defeat weeks earlier - and also correctly called the race for Trump before the major news networks early on Wednesday morning.

'The markets were right. The markets outperformed,' Mansour told DailyMail.com. 'The markets are going to be the thing that people look at next cycle. They're not going back.'

Donald Trump with wife, Melania, and son Barron on Election night. The prediction markets eyed Trump's lead among voters ahead of the polls

The markets are 'not a crystal ball,' Mansour said, but are better than pollsters at pulling together the wisdom of the crowd.

It quickly became clear that the betting markets were on the money.

Polling, which involves canvassing voters about how they plan to vote and then processing that data, had suggested a tight race, including in the seven swing states that decided the contest.

But they undercounted Trump's support nationwide, and by as much as four percentage points in such battlegrounds as North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona, as of the count on Friday.

In a particularly egregious example, Ann Selzer's election eve poll in Iowa, which gave Harris an unlikely lead in a reliably red state, was off by a whopping 17 points.

Kalshi and other markets had given Trump a discernible lead since the beginning of October. The prediction tightened at the beginning of November, but Harris was most often down on her rival by at least 10 points.

Betting directly on elections is restricted in the US.

But such platforms as Kalshi, PredictIt and Polymarket, are not strictly gambling sites - they get around the restrictions by serving as venues for trading contracts on future outcomes.

Kalshi became the first legal prediction market in the US thanks to a federal appeals court ruling last month.

Polymarket says it restricts US-based users from taking part, but crafty bettors sometimes get around that by using a tool known as a VPN, which can hide their location.

The site, which counts Peter Thiel's Founders Fund as an investor, allows bettors to keep making wagers until the bet closes out, which occurred the electoral college was for Trump early on Wednesday.

The payout was estimated at $287 million Tuesday evening.

The Polymarket bettor set for the biggest 2024 race payout is a Paris-based investor known as the 'Polymarket whale' who made $40 million worth of Trump-related bets on the site. He will walk away with $80 million, according to his accounts on the site.
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A kindergarten worker killed after water tanker truck crashed through a preschool has been named as her final heroic act is revealed.

Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled children out of harm's way as the out-of-control tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday afternoon.

The speech pathologist who worked with special needs children at the preschool died at the scene.

It's understood Ms Bryant was the mother of a boy 11, and girl, 9.

Originally from NSW, she moved to Riddells Creek after five years living in Melbourne.

'We are absolutely devastated,' a family friend told the Herald Sun.

'Eleanor was the person that lit up every room she walked into. Her infectious smile, sense of humour and love for her family and friends made her a joy to be around.

'She put everyone else first.'

In 2021, Ms Bryant was recognised by Early Start Australia Victoria in a Facebook video paying tribute to its speech pathology team as part of Speech Week.

Eleanor Bryant has been hailed as a hero after she pulled children out of harm's way

The mother-of-two was a speech pathologist at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool

An out-of-control tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday

Police say it's 'unbelievable' that only one child was injured in the crash

A boy, 3, was rushed to Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne with serious but non-life-threatening injuries sustained to his upper body. He's understood to be in a stable condition.

Police say it's 'unbelievable' that no other children were injured.

'We've lost a 43-year-old teacher's aide, and we've had a child with a very near miss, and a group of children who are in very close proximity, plus some teachers who were fairly close as well,' Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk told reporters.

'This is one of those close calls that I don't know how only one person has died today.

'I dare to say therell be some kids getting squeezed very tightly tonight. Thats a really rough one.'

It's understood the experienced truck driver, 68, suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel.

He was also taken to hospital for observation, where he remained on Monday night.

The tanker is believed to have struck a power pole on Main Road before the trailer ploughed into a playground area and came to rest in the sand pit.

The company of the tanker involved, McKenzie Water broke its silence on Monday night to express its shock and offer heartfelt condolences to everyone involved.

Parent rushed to the kindergarten to pick up their children after learning of the deadly crash. 'I dare to say therell be some kids getting squeezed very tightly tonight,' Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tuk said

Locals in the close-knit town of Riddells Creek consoled each other in the wake of the tragedy

A kindergarten worker is dead after a water tanker ploughed through Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool. Pictured are police at the scene

Police investigations into the tragedy continue

Concerned parents were initially separated from the pupils by felled powerlines, then they could be seen embracing their children after crews cleared the danger

Police blocked roads surrounding the school after powerlines were knocked down in the crash

This is an incredibly distressing time, and our deepest sympathies go to those involved and their families and friends,' owner Alan McKenzie said.

'Our experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode and remains in hospital. We are doing what we can to support him and his family.'

'We thank staff and emergency workers who responded. We are assisting authorities with their investigations.

'McKenzie Water Pty Lid has been operating in Melbourne and Victoria for 40 years, and our priority has always been safety and compliance.'

Locals reported hearing the sound of fire alarms from the nearby fire station just after 2.20pm.

McKenzie Water has expressed its shock and offer heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted after one of its water tankers ploughed into a kindergarten

A car was also damaged in the crash, which has rocked the small community

Main Road in Riddells Creek was cordoned off for much of Monday afternoon

A three-year-old boy was also seriously injured in the crash

The water tanker ploughed through the playground before coming to a rest in the sand pit

Victorian health minister and local Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said her thoughts were with staff, families, and the community.

'Thank you to our first responders and healthcare workers,' she said.

'I know our community will be hurting at this terrible time  please look out for one another.'

The Facebook post prompted calls for the speed limit to be lowered to 40km/h during preschool hours.

'Tthis is the second incident in a week, moving forward it's probably necessary for state Government to enforce the 40k zone for the whole of the school/ Kinder day rather than the AM and PM time slots to help ensure these types of tragedies are less likely to happen ?,' a local commented.

Parents were initially held outside due to fallen powerlines, while the children were kept indoors for their own safety.

They were seen from a television helicopter embracing as they were reunited with their children.

An air ambulance attended the scene, with paramedics seen working on the injured.

A worker from a local bakery told Daily Mail Australia initial reports suggested the truck crashed into a car.

'What we've been told is a truck has rear-ended a car and the back of the truck trailer has gone into the kindergarten,' she said.

'The truck driver has gone to hospital.'

The worker described the scene as 'chaos'.

'I knew it was something serious when the alarm at the fire station went off behind us and shortly after they left I could hear two ambulances come through,' another local posted online.

'All the emergency services arrived really fast and power company workers are there working on the fallen power lines,' another witness said.

'Not a very pleasant scene to see an ambulance chopper arrive and land, and I so hope everyone is okay and safe.'

One witness revealed they heard the accident from just in front of the crash.

It's understood the driver of the water tanker suffered a medical episode while behind the wheel

Emergency including police, firefighters and paramedics remain on scene in Riddells Creek

Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool is in Riddells Creek, a small town north-west of Melbourne

'Those poor children. I was two cars in front. The sound was petrifying,' they said.

'Awful, (we) didn't see the truck fly off the road, just the powerlines come down...just horrible.'

Roads were closed in all directions around the school.

'The exact circumstances are being investigated,' a police statement read.

It is understood Macedon Ranges Shire Council workers had just begun road works in the same area in an effort to improve road and pedestrian safety.

The incident comes just 13 days after a car killed 11-year-old boy Jack Davey and injured four other students, having crashed through the fence of Auburn South Primary School in Hawthorn East, Melbourne.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A cold front will sweep across Northern California on Monday morning. The Bay Area should be dry by late afternoon, but snow will continue in the Sierra Nevada. Baron/Lynx

UPDATED FORECAST: Heres when the Bay Area has another shot at rain

Rain chances are in the Bay Area forecast three times in the next five days, which would be the most rainy days in a week since March.

The first shot of rain will come Monday as a cold front passes over Northern California midmorning before quickly exiting by midafternoon. About a quarter-inch of rain is expected throughout the Bay Area, with less in the rain-shadowed South Bay and East Bay valleys and higher totals in the hills.

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Monday will probably be the coldest day since late April or early May for the inland North Bay and East Bay. For instance, Livermore has not had a high temperature below 60 degrees since April 5, when the high was 56. Mondays forecast high is 61.

Veterans Day travelers should prepare for winter driving conditions in the Sierra Nevada, with up to a half-foot of snow expected. A winter weather advisory will go into effect at 10 a.m. Monday and expire at midnight for elevations above 6,500 feet. The Tahoe basin is included in the advisory, with 2 to 6 inches of snow possible.

The National Weather Service forecasts minor to moderate winter weather impacts in the Sierra Nevada from a quick-hitting snowmaker Monday. Baron/Lynx

A dry break is expected Tuesday, with the only turbulent weather being a large coastal swell resulting in breaking waves of 10 to 15 feet.

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Rain will return to Northern California on Wednesday as an approaching storm taps into a modest atmospheric river of moisture. Up to 2 inches of rain could fall in Eureka and Crescent City (Del Norte County). The system will again weaken upon reaching the Bay Area, with a quarter-inch of rain or less in San Francisco and Oakland, while San Jose may not pick up more than a sprinkle.

A chilly pattern will settle over California from Thursday through Saturday, dropping the snow line down to 4,000 feet or lower. Rain showers will remain in the forecast along the coast and in the Central Valley, with a chance of thunderstorms around Sacramento on Friday.

Weather models predict a low-pressure system will usher chilly air toward California on Thursday, dropping the snow line below 4,000 feet Friday. Baron/Lynx

Despite the gloomy forecast, none of the rainmakers is predicted to be particularly stormy in the Bay Area. Its a different story in the Pacific Northwest, however.

Back-to-back storm systems are forecast to drop 2 to 4 inches of rain in Seattle and Portland, with up to 5 feet of snow in the Cascade Mountains. Wednesday will be the stormiest day up north, with a landfalling atmospheric river producing significant precipitation totals.

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Two to 4 inches of rain is forecast in Seattle and Portland this week, according to the Weather Prediction Center. Baron/Lynx

Until the storm system shifts south, its likely that the Pacific Northwest will continue to receive the bulk of the precipitation along the West Coast in the coming weeks. No significant wetting rainfall is in sight for Southern California, with the northern half of the Golden State alternating between wet and dry weather.

Monday breakdown

San Francisco: Drizzle is possible during the morning commute, with the heaviest rain expected citywide during the cold frontal passage between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Around a quarter-inch of rain is likely. Gusts of 20 to 30 mph will accompany the rain, from the south-southwest in the morning, switching to the northwest in the afternoon. Partly sunny skies will emerge before sunset. Highs will be in the upper 50s to low 60s, with lows in the mid- to upper 40s.

North Bay: A few light prefrontal rain showers are likely in Marin and Sonoma counties before 7 a.m., but a quick-hitting cold front will pass through after, bringing widespread moderate rain to the entire North Bay. About a quarter- to a half-inch of rain is expected in Napa, San Rafael, Petaluma and Santa Rosa, with generally less than a quarter-inch in Solano County. Higher elevations such as Mount Tamalpais could pick up close to an inch of rain.

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The front will move out of the North Bay by 1 p.m., with areas of sunshine emerging for the rest of the afternoon. Highs will be chilly, reaching the upper 50s to low 60s. Lows should drop to the upper 30s to low 40s, with patchy fog in the valleys.

East Bay: Mostly cloudy skies are expected in the morning as a cold front approaches. Widespread rain is expected along the front as it moves from northwest to southeast from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Around a quarter-inch of rain is possible in Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward and Fremont and slightly less in the East Bay valleys. Gusts up to 25 mph are possible as the front moves through. Skies will gradually clear before sunset. Highs will be in the upper 50s to low 60s with lows in the low to mid-40s inland and mid- to upper 40s near the bay shoreline.

Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Roadways may be a bit damp in the morning from overnight drizzle, but a more significant wetting rain is expected in the late morning to early afternoon. A quick-moving cold front is expected to drop about a quarter-inch of rain in Daly City, Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, with slightly less near San Francisco Bay. Gusts up to 30 mph are possible as the front moves through around 9 to 11 a.m. Highs will be chilly, in the upper 50s at the coast and low 60s in San Bruno, San Mateo and Redwood City. Partial clearing is expected in the late afternoon. Overnight lows will be in the 40s.

South Bay and Santa Cruz: The South Bay will stay dry the longest, but rain is forecast to begin shortly before noon and should wrap up by 4 p.m. Rainfall totals are expected to vary from a tenth to a quarter-inch, with locally higher amounts. Highs will be in the low to mid-60s. Overnight lows will drop to the low to mid-40s, with some upper 30s in the foothills.

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A doorbell camera captured the shocking moment a cat was stolen from its owner's driveway.

Anabela Cunha and her husband Joseph said they are 'praying' that their six-year-old cat Simba is still alive after he was taken from their home on Maple Close, Mitcham, south London last Thursday.

The footage shows the thief picking up Simba -a former stray -while trying to restrain him by putting the cat between his legs.

He then walks away from their home with the pet screaming in agony and distress. Anabela also fears that Simba's leg may have been broken during the incident.

The couple have alerted police and are offering a 1,000 reward for the cat's safe return.

Anabela fears her Simbas leg may have been broken when he was taken

Six-year-old Simba (pictured) was taken from his home on Maple Close, Mitcham, south London last Thursday

The man who took Simba dropped a small bag on the drive when he stole the cat

Anabela said: 'It looks as if Simba's back leg was broken when he was taken and that's why he's screaming.

'I just want to know why someone would take him and hurt him like this.

She added: 'He is independent and loves living with us.

'I'm praying that he's still alive and if he is he may make his own way home.'

People have reacted to the footage on social media, one person said: 'Why on earth would someone want to steal a cat?'

Another added: 'I would just need two minutes with that individual.'

The man who took Simba dropped a small bag on the drive. Anabela and Joseph are hoping it may help give the police vital information to catch the thief.

The Met Police have been approached for comment.
A British man fighting against Ukraine for Vladimir Putin has lost an eye and suffered 'serious' chest and leg wounds after his infantry vehicle was hit by an artillery shell, a Russian propagandist has claimed.

War correspondent Yuri Kotenok said that Glasgow-born Ross McElvenny, 25, who went by callsign 'Whisky', is currently in a hospital in Rostov-on-Don after suffering the injuries while fighting in Russia's 1099th Motorised Rifle Regiment.

The Brit, who is understood to be from Newton Mearns, in East Renfrewshire, reportedly took to social media to speak to his pro-Putin followers, though he did not specify what his injuries were.

'My name is Ross, callsign Whisky, but you may know me as Scotlandetz,' he said.

Describing himself as 'volunteer from Scotland', he added: 'I am currently recovering in hospital as I was wounded while fighting near Donetsk direction.

'I am in positive spirits though and have plenty of friends helping me.

Glasgow-born Ross McElvenny (pictured) is said to currently be in a hospital in Rostov-on-Don

The Brit is understood to be from Newton Mearns, in Scotland's East Renfrewshire

Yuri Kotenok (pictured) claimed McElvenny was in hospital after his vehicle was hit by an artillery shell

'I would like to extend a massive thank you to the generous volunteer networks who brought me supplies. I finally got my hands on some of my favourite coffee for the first time in ages.

'I would also like to thank [the] medical staff for the hard work they do. I also can't forget those who send me lovely messages, people I've known for a while now, who continue to check in with me frequently. You guys are awesome.'

Leaked documents appeared to verify his position as a volunteer in Russia's army.

A certificate circulating on Telegram appeared to confirm he was undergoing military service as a private in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Yury Kuznetsov.

He was recruited on August 10 2024. His monthly pay in Putin's forces is shown as 13,318 roubles - or 105.70.

Despite this, McElvenny faces possible deportation from Russia, given his status as a British citizen, according to Kotenok, who said: 'The problem is that he has no Russian citizenship. He came here on a tourist visa.

'They want to dismiss him from [military] service because of his injury.

A certificate circulating on Telegram appeared to confirm he was undergoing military service as a private in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

A handout picture made available by the National Police of Ukraine shows the site of a glide bomb attack on a residential area in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, 11 November 2024

'Without Russian citizenship, he faces expulsion and return to the UK.

'The security services are waiting for him there, having already raided and searched his parents' home. He will be imprisoned for fighting for us.'

Under UK law, it would indeed be illegal for McElvenny to be fighting for Russia.

Section 4 of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 states: 'It is an offence for a British subject to enlist in the military of a foreign state at war with another foreign state with which the UK is at peace.'

It also states anyone found in breach of the law 'shall be guilty of an offence against this Act, and shall be punishable by fine and imprisonment, or either of such punishments, at the discretion of the court before which the offender is convicted.'

It comes as Russia is attempting to push Ukrainian forces from its western Kursk region with tens of thousands of troops, Ukraine's top commander said on Monday, aiming to retake territory it lost in the summer, while its offensive in eastern Ukraine grinds on.

The comment from Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi came a day after the New York Times reported that Moscow had assembled a force of 50,000 troops, including North Korean soldiers, in the region bordering Ukraine for an attack.

'Carrying out an order of their military leadership, (the Russian forces) are trying to dislodge our troops and advance deep into the territory we control,' Syrskyi wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Syrskyi made no reference to the possible presence of North Korean troops among the Russian forces.

Western countries, South Korea and Ukraine have all said that North Korea has sent troops to Russia.

Soldiers and the commander learn how to use an RPG launcher during a training of the 24th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' drone unit on shooting with various weapons, medical evacuations, and tactical medicine deployment in Donetsk region, Ukraine on October 26, 2024

The rubble of a destroyed bridge lies on the severely damaged railway tracks on November 10, 2024, in Pokrovsk, Ukraine

Ukrainian firefighters respond to an artillery strike on November 10, 2024 in Pokrovsk, Ukraine

Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean troops on its territory, though President Vladimir Putin signed into law on Saturday a treaty on his country's strategic partnership with Pyongyang which includes a mutual defence provision.

Ukraine launched its incursion into Kursk in August, seizing settlements in its first such deployment into Russian territory since Moscow launched its February 2022 full-scale invasion.

Russia, however, has continued its slow but steady advance across much of eastern Ukraine, where it is capturing village by village in a bid to seize the entire industrialised Donbas region.

In his statement, Syrskyi said the Kursk operation was still successfully diverting Russian forces from mounting heavier attacks on the eastern front.

'These tens of thousands of enemies from the best Russian shock units would have stormed our positions in the Pokrovsk, Kurakhiv or Toretsk directions, which would have significantly worsened the situation at the front,' he said.

The New York Times report, citing a U.S. assessment, said Russia had built up the Kursk force without needing to move troops from eastern Ukraine
Thousands of doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff have signed a letter to warn against putting an added burden on the 'broken' NHS by legalising assisted dying.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, organised by the Our Duty Of Care group, more than 3,400 NHS staff have cautioned against the move.

It comes ahead of a parliamentary debate, scheduled for 29 November, on a private members' bill to legalise the practice.

This could see MPs vote on the issue for the first time since 2015, when the House of Commons previously opposed changing the law.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater last month formally introduced her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to Parliament ahead of its first full debate.

The full text of her proposed legislation is expected to be published tomorrow and is likely to run to more than 40 pages.

Despite growing doubts about her Bill - with a number of senior ministers saying they will vote against it - Ms Leadbeater said it 'offers hope to those terminally ill people with a clear, informed and settled wish to have a better death'.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater last month formally introduced her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to Parliament ahead of its first full debate

Thousands of doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff have signed a letter to warn against putting an added burden on the 'broken' NHS by legalising assisted dying

But the Bill has support from the Dignity in Dying campaign group, members of which gathered outside Parliament last month

As reported by The Telegraph, 2,038 doctors, 905 nurses, and 462 other healthcare workers have signed the letter to Sir Keir Starmer to warn against assisted dying.

Expressing their 'great concern' over the proposals, their letter stated: 'The NHS is broken, with health and social care in disarray.

'Palliative care is woefully underfunded and many lack access to specialist provision.

'The thought of assisted suicide being introduced and managed safely at such a time is remarkably out of touch with the gravity of the current mental health crisis and pressures on staff.'

The letter added that the 'shift from preserving life to taking life is enormous and should not be minimised'.

'Any change would threaten society's ability to safeguard vulnerable patients from abuse; it would undermine the trust the public places in physicians; and it would send a clear message to our frail, elderly and disabled patients about the value that society places on them as people,' it continued.

'As healthcare professionals, we have a legal duty of care for the safety and wellbeing of our patients.

'We, the undersigned, will never take our patients' lives  even at their request.

'But for the sake of us all, and for future generations, we ask do not rush in to hasty legislation but instead fund excellent palliative care.'

Our Duty of Care is a doctors' campaign group set up to oppose assisted dying.

Their letter is being organised by Dr Gillian Wright, a former palliative care doctor from Glasgow and Dr David Randall, a nephrologist at the Royal London Hospital, in Whitechapel.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds are among Cabinet ministers expected to vote against Ms Leadbeater's Bill later this month, when MPs are given a free vote.

Sir Keir has previously supported assisted dying and made a personal promise to campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen to make time for a debate and vote on the issue.

Writing in The House magazine, Ms Leadebeater promised her proposed assisted dying laws will feature the 'strictest protections' against coercion anywhere in the world.

She said: 'I have been consulting very widely over the past few weeks, mainly because I'm not the sort of person who would embark on a task like this without delving deeply into the issue first.

'But also because I am clear that if we are to have a new law it must be a good law.'

The Bill has support from the Dignity in Dying campaign group, which published a letter to MPs from seven current and former nurses urging them to support the proposal.

'We are joined by a single wish  all of us want choice,' the group, which includes two palliative care nurses, wrote.

'For most, palliative care in hospice, hospital or at home will help them have the death that they want.

'But we feel we have to speak up for those for whom palliative care cannot relieve suffering, or provide the peaceful and painless death that everyone deserves.'
Kamala Harris paid Oprah Winfrey $1million to help her failed presidential bid that cost a whopping $1.2billion.

Winfrey's Harpo Productions received $1million from the Harris campaign on October 15 after Winfrey hosted a star-studded town hall event for the Vice President in September, the Washington Examiner reports.

Winfrey also participated in the Democrat's last campaign rally in Philadelphia on the night before Election Day, alongside celebrities like Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin and Katy Perry, who publicly endorsed Harris.

The legendary talk show host is not the only entertainer who received money from the Vice President in the hopes of helping her presidential campaign.

Harris reportedly spent six figures to build out the set for her October appearance on the hit podcast 'Call Her Daddy', where she sat down with the show's host Alex Cooper.

In total, the Harris campaign spent $1.2billion on the race while Trump's campaign spent $750 million, a Financial Times analysis found, although some believe Harris's spending could be even higher.

Oprah Winfrey holds hands with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris after introducing her to speak during a campaign rally outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia

According to a report by The Washington Examiner , her campaign had spent six figures on building out the set of the podcast for her small appearance

Event production, like the podcast appearance, was a big spend for the campaign who hosted the likes of Lady Gaga (pictured at Harris's Philadelphia rally) and Katy Perry on the eve of the election

While Harris avoided the show's typically sexual content, she spoke of her take on abortion rights and student debt during the seven minute sit down.

According to a report by The Washington Examiner, her campaign had spent six figures on building out the set of the podcast for her small appearance.

The outlet also reported that it was filmed inside a hotel room in Washington DC, with crews building out the set to imitate Cooper's actual set in Los Angeles.

While the FT analysis states the Harris campaign spent $1.2 billion on the race, some believe the race was even 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.

The Examiner had explored ways in which the Harris campaign had managed to burn through the eye-watering figure, which included the podcast appearance.

According to the outlet, her campaign and its affiliates spent over $654 million from July to Election Day. Trump spent $378 million, 57 percent less than her.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris joins US television producer Oprah Winfrey at a 'Unite for America' live streaming rally in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on September 19, 2024

While Harris avoided the show's typically sexual content, she spoke of her take on abortion rights and student debt during the seven minute sit down

The Vice President had sat down with host of the raunchy show Alexandra Cooper, seen here, in October while on the campaign trail

Katy Perry performs during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at Carrie Blast Furnaces in Pittsburgh, November 4, 2024

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One vendor, Village Marketing Agency, was paid over $3.9 million to recruit social media influencers to boost Harris' online appeal.

Event production, like the podcast appearance, was a big spend for the campaign who hosted the likes of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry on the eve of the election.

According to federal filings, the campaign paid over $15 million to companies for such services.

A better idea of their actual spending will be made clear as the Federal Election Commission mandates full reports from candidates within 30 days.

As Democrats still try and gather themselves following their loss to Trump earlier this week, Biden and Harris' teams are blaming each other for wasting their cash.

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.

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.

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.

MailOnline has contacted the Harris campaign for comment.
Traders who placed bets on a victory for Donald Trump in the US election have raked in huge sums on the cryptocurrency trading platform Polymarket, including one anonymous financier who made an estimated $85million.

The crypto betting site beat the pollsters and 'called the election before anything else', its 26-year-old founder Shayne Coplan declared on November 6.

Among those who reaped the biggest rewards from the result was the so-called 'Trump Whale', a French national who calls himself Theo.

The financier relied on predictions from niche 'neighbour polls', including ones he commissioned himself, meaning he effectively bet against the accuracy of US polling data.

He was so confident that the Republican would win the race that he reportedly staked $30 million of his own money on it, at the same time as Polymarket contradicted traditional polls by swinging heavily in favour of a Trump victory.

The crypto entrepreneur - a New York University dropout - boasted that his app had helped Musk and others 'to go to bed early on election night' due to its 'early call'

A screenshot of the Polymarket odds predicting Trump's victory

The 'Trump Whale' was so confident that the Republican would win the race that he reportedly staked $30 million of his own money on it

According to the financier, traditional polls failed to account for the 'shy Trump voter effect' - voters who supported the former president but who were not willing to share their views publicly or with pollsters.

When he placed his bets, the odds of Trump winning were 40 per cent, but his bet was by no means based on a gut feeling, he told the Wall Street Journal.

He had commissioned his own surveys to measure what is known as the 'neighbour effect' - asking people not who they are voting for but who they think those next door are.

Theo slammed the polls put out by mainstream media outlets, saying they underestimated Trump and were skewed in favour of the Democrats.

'In France this is different!! The pollster credibility is more important: they want to be as close as possible to the actual results. Culture is different on this,' he told reporters.

He insisted that he was in no way trying to manipulate the election with his huge bet, telling the WSJ: 'My intent is just making money'.

Many election watchers kept their eyes on Polymarket during the race for the White House, with the odds splashed across X and shared by Elon Musk as evidence of momentum for Trump.

'More accurate than polls, as actual money is on the line,' Musk said on X in October, sharing the latest data from Coplan's app.

The crypto entrepreneur - a New York University dropout - boasted that his app had helped Musk and others 'to go to bed early on election night' due to its 'early call'.

'The night of the election, Polymarket was the first destination to convey that Trump had won,' he told CNBC. 'It was a good two, three hours ahead of the media.'

'On Polymarket it looked like a done deal, and if you were just watching TV, you would think it's neck and neck,' says Polymarket CEO Shayne Caplan on the platform's early call for Trump on Election Day.

Despite endorsements from high-profile Trump backers Musk and Peter Thiel, who was among investors who helped the platform raise $70million this year, Coplan has insisted that Polymarket is 'strictly non-partisan'.

Writing on X, he said the site is 'not about politics. The vision never was to be a political website, and it still isn't'.

While traders on Polymarket went the right way betting on Trump's victory, most favoured Harris to win the popular vote - which he went on to win.

Betting on Polymarket surged as traders rushed to wager on the US presidential election, with more than $3.6 billion in trading volume for predictions on the winner, according to data shared by the platform.

Bookmakers have bet on the outcomes of elections for centuries - Polymarket is different because it operates as more of a financial exchange, with traders buying and selling digital contracts with one another.

While gambling markets have historically been effective at indicating election results, they have on occasion been dramatically wrong, including during the Brexit vote in 2016.

The site has humble beginnings, with Coplan sharing a photo of his 'office' four years ago which was actually in his bathroom, with his laptop resting on a washing basket

Polymarket and other betting platforms have quickly emerged as a way to legally put money on elections and gauge who's ahead, after successive cycles in which pollster forecasts crashed and burned.

People place 'trades' on a candidate and get a payout if they back the correct outcome. More and bigger bets on a front-runner raise that candidate's odds, while at the same time reducing peoples' returns.

Betting directly on elections is restricted in the US.

But platforms such as Kalshi, PredictIt and Polymarket, are not strictly gambling sites - they get around the restrictions by serving as venues for trading contracts on future outcomes.

Kalshi became the first legal prediction market in the US thanks to a federal appeals court ruling last month.

Polymarket says it restricts US-based users from taking part, and it has a large usership abroad in countries like France. However, many users in the country get around that by using a tool known as a VPN, which can hide their location.

Tarek Mansour, CEO of betting platform Kalshi, said the results validated his fledgling industry, which predicted a Harris defeat weeks earlier - and also correctly called the race for Trump before the major news networks early on Wednesday morning.

'The markets were right. The markets outperformed,' Mansour told DailyMail.com.

'The markets are going to be the thing that people look at next cycle. They're not going back.'

Donald Trump with wife, Melania, and son Barron on Election night. The prediction markets eyed Trump's lead among voters ahead of the polls

The markets are 'not a crystal ball,' Mansour said, but are better than pollsters at pulling together the wisdom of the crowd.

It quickly became clear that the betting markets were on the money.

Polling, which involves canvassing voters about how they plan to vote and then processing that data, had suggested a tight race, including in the seven swing states that decided the contest.

But they undercounted Trump's support nationwide, and by as much as four percentage points in such battlegrounds as North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona, as of the count on Friday.
Good Morning Britain panelist Narinder Kaur has faced a furious backlash after saying Kate Middleton has 'aged so much' as she returned to royal duties following cancer treatment.

The former Big Brother contestant made the offensive comment on X yesterday as she reposted an article about the Princess of Wales attending Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph.

The 51-year-old, who appears as a commentator on shows including GMB, GB News and Loose Women, wrote: 'Genuine question  why has Kate aged so much? Isn't she only 42? Is she a smoker? It's the only explanation.'

Ms Kaur's tweet provoked a storm of outrage, with other X users calling the comment 'dreadful' and 'disgusting'.

At first she doubled down, replying to a tweet noting that Kate had been through cancer treatment by saying: 'My brother had cancer he didn't age like that.'

Narinder Kaur made the offensive comment on X yesterday as she reposted an article about the Princess of Wales attending Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph

Ms Kaur later shared a video in which she admitted the tweet was 'stupid'

The TV personality has since shared a video in which she admitted the tweet was 'stupid' before hitting out at trolls who had sent her 'sexual, racist [and] violent abuse'.

She said: 'I thought I'd do a quick video instead of tweet after tweet, because it becomes pretty ridiculous  as if it wasn't ridiculous enough already.

'I put out a stupid tweet. That wasn't my intention, my intention was not to be malicious or nasty or anything.

'I'm not like that, anybody who knows me. It was stupid to ask about the ageing. I've admitted that, I've put my hands up and apologised if it caused offence.

'The only people who were offended though, because many people on Twitter and social media have asked exactly what I've asked but did not receive the sexual, racial, violent abuse that I did from accounts with EDL flags, Union Jacks, disgusting abuse.'

Ms Kaur said her brother 'went through brutal treatment of chemo' when he was suffering from cancer before his death and claimed she wouldn't have made remarks about Kate's appearance with regard to her cancer diagnosis.

In the same video, Ms Kaur went on to outrageously accused Kate of having 'a lot of privilege' for not having to work while she received treatment for cancer.

And, claiming that a lot of the comments she had received in response to her original tweet were about Meghan Markle, she added: 'What's Meghan got to do with it?'

The commentator accused her critics of 'pitting Kate against Meghan', adding: 'You exposed your narrative. You exposed that what this was all about was I as a brown woman, an Indian, had the gall to criticise Kate's appearance.

'I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving the country. I'm gonna continue. You can keep cancelling me as much as you like, but you will not silence my voice just because I'm a brown woman, and it is that, and you will never convince me otherwise.'

X user Paul Tavares was among appalled at Ms Kaur's comments, writing: 'What an utterly appalling tweet by Narinder Kaur; on so many human levels of decency. Just disgusting!!'

Broadcaster Josh Rom added: 'SHE HAS BATTLED CANCER. I cannot tell you how offensive you are being.'

The Princess of Wales joined the King and the Prince of Wales in London yesterday as they led the nation in remembering Britain's war dead

The Princess of Wales appearing alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh during the Remembrance Sunday service

The Princess of Wales joined the King and the Prince of Wales in London yesterday as they led the nation in remembering Britain's war dead.

Kate carried out her second consecutive day of royal duties for the first time since it was revealed earlier this year she was being treated for cancer.

Wearing a black, military-style jacket with epaulettes, she could be seen wearing her traditional three poppies as she joined the nation in two minutes of silence.

The touching tribute remembers her great-grandmother's three brothers, who all lost their lives in the First World War.

She also wore a silver Queen's Dragoon Guards brooch, a reference to her role as the regiment's Colonel-in-Chief.

Kate watched yesterday's Whitehall event from above, on the nearby Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office balcony in central London, alongside Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The Princess appeared emotional as she quietly closed her eyes in remembrance, bowing her head in respect.

In a touching moment following the ceremony, the Duchess of Edinburgh could be seen laying a tender hand on her shoulder as they left the balcony together.

Last night she attended the Festival of Remembrance ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall, alongside her husband William.

Kate, 42, wore Bahrain Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings, from the late Queen Elizabeth's private collection, which were also worn by the late Princess Diana in 1982.

Speaking about the significance of her choice, Laura Taylor, jeweller at Lorel Diamonds, said: 'By wearing these earrings, Kate aims to honour the Queen's legacy and the tradition of wearing pearls for moments of reflection and remembrance, echoing the late monarch's preference for understated elegance on such occasions.'

She added: 'Pearls are deeply associated with respect, dignity, and calm, offering a subtle yet elegant appearance that makes them particularly fitting for events of remembrance.

'The late Queen Elizabeth frequently chose pearls for national mourning and reflective occasions, valuing their subdued beauty. By wearing these meaningful pieces, Kate not only honours her personal connections to Diana and the late Queen but also embraces the solemnity of the events in a way that feels both respectful and deeply personal.'

Ms Kaur regularly appears as a commentator on shows including Good Morning Britain

Ms Kaur revealed during the race riots earlier this year that she felt 'too scared' to let her children out of the house.

The broadcaster, whose parents emigrated from India, told of being left 'distressed and disheartened' by the far-Right violence.

'I'm scared to lets the kids out of the house at all,' she wrote in The Mirror.

'My husband and I are wary of travelling around London, a city we've usually felt safe in, because we're worried about our safety amidst these race riots. The threat is real and personal'.

Last month, the broadcaster claimed she was 'kicked, punched and verbally abused' by a passenger during a flight to India.

She said she was 'flung forward' by a woman as she slept after rowing over a reclined seat on the Air India flight.

Sharing the details to X, she wrote: 'Air rage is real and I had a terrible experience with a woman literally punching and kicking my seat forward as it was reclined (I was sleeping) whilst she was trying to eat behind me.

'She literally flung me forward and I didn't have my belt on. She proceeded to verbally abuse me. FYI she wasn't even drunk.'

In March, Ms Kaur backed Nike's infamous decision to redesign the St George's Cross on England kits, saying it made her feel 'included' because the flag 'is associated with bigotry, fascism and racism' after being 'hijacked' by the far-Right.

England fans vowed to boycott Nike and its hated new 125 shirt for the 2024 Euros after the firm offended millions by redrawing the flag with a 'rainbow coloured abomination'.

Mr Kaur, who appeared on Big Brother in 2001, in a publicity photo for the series

But Ms Kaur shared her controversial belief that the England flag in its original red and white is 'scary' and represents 'racism'.

She told the Jeremy Vine Show: 'I saw that flag and I felt included. I felt Nike's reason was to unite. Sadly the St George's flag has been hijacked, it is tarnished. And as far back as I can remember  60s, 70s, 80s, it's been hijacked by far-Right groups.

'All I see when I see the St George's flag is people draped in it doing the Nazi salute, being racist and hating Muslims. So there's nothing to be proud about when those kind of people are brandishing that flag and it's actually quite scary.

'I don't feel proud of this flag, I feel scared of the flag. That flag doesn't represent tolerance, it represents racism.'

Ms Kaur suggested 'tolerance' was a key national characteristic and claimed there was a need to 'reclaim' the St George's Cross.

'What we need is for the majority who are apparently proud of this flag to reclaim what Britain [sic] is about,' she said.

'Because at the moment, it's [associated] with bigotry, fascism and racism. And the majority aren't displaying it proudly because even they feel slightly ashamed by it.'
Jamie Oliver has been spotted enjoying a Coldplay concert in Sydney with a female friend after his children's book became steeped in controversy and was slammed by Indigenous Australians for its 'damaging and disrespectful' plot.

The British chef was seemingly in awe as the band took to the stage as he enjoyed the gig alongside the woman and her husband who is also a friend of Oliver's.

Penguin Random House UK recently confirmed that the chef's second book Billy and the Epic Escape was removed in all countries where it has rights, including the UK and Australia.

The novel, authored by the 49-year-old, included a chapter titled 'To Steal a Child' detailing an Aboriginal girl being abducted by the book's villain from foster care.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) slammed the 400-page fantasy novel for primary school children for implying that First Nation families 'neglect the safety of their children'.

Oliver, who is currently in Australia, on a promotion run for his latest cookbook, Simply Jamie, has issued his second apology for 'stereotyping' Indigenous Australians in the novel which was published in May.

Jamie Oliver has been spotted with a friend at Coldplay concert in Sydney in the wake of his controversial children's book

The chef, 49, appeared to be enjoying with the woman and her husband at the concert, who is a chef friend of Jamie Oliver's

It comes as the Indigenous Australian community hit out at Oliver stating his book implied First Nation families 'neglect the safety of their children'

The British chef sparked backlash when his book (pictured) saw the villain abduct a young Aboriginal girl from foster care in a story which First Nations communities deemed 'damaging' and 'disrespectful

In a statement released to the Guardian on Sunday, the 49-year-old said: 'I am devastated to hear I have caused offence and wholly apologise for doing so.

'I am listening and reflecting and working closely with my publisher on next steps.

'It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue,' he said. 'Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale.'

MailOnline has approached both Penguin Random House and Jamie Oliver's representatives for comment.

The controversial chapter in the now pulled novel seemingly referenced The Stolen Generations - a traumatic period where the children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were removed from their families by the Australian federal and state government.

For around a hundred years, thousands of Aboriginal children were systematically ripped away from their families, communities, and culture.

'These children were taken by the police; from their homes; on their way to or from school,' according to the Healing Foundation.

'They were placed in over 480 institutions, adopted or fostered by non-Indigenous people and often subjected to abuse.

'The children were denied all access to their culture, they were not allowed to speak their language and they were punished if they did. The impacts of this are still being felt today.'

Jamie Oliver, 49, (pictured) has pulled his second children's book, Billy and the Epic Escape, from sale following condemnation over its Indigenous plotline

The 49-year-old chef pictured with his cookbook Simply Jamie, which he is currently promoting in Australia

Now Oliver and publisher Penguin Random House UK have pulled the book from the shelves, following its release in May, after issuing an official apology, reported The Guardian on Sunday

NATSIEC chief executive, Sharon Davis, hit out at Oliver's children's book claiming it inferred Aboriginal families were 'easily swayed by money', and that it reinforced 'damaging biases'.

She said: '[It] perpetuates a racist stereotype that has been used to justify child removals for over a century.

'This portrayal is not only offensive but also reinforces damaging biases.'

Oliver and his publisher have confessed that they did not consult with any Indigenous Australians prior to the book's publication.

Penguin Random House UK apologised for the 'editorial oversight.'

Davies said the book 'perpetuated harmful stereotypes' and that its depiction of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders was 'irresponsible'.

She told the Guardian: 'We urge Penguin Books and Jamie Oliver to recognise the impact of their content and take swift action to prevent further harm.'

'Penguin Books should pull Billy and the Epic Escape from circulation, specifically removing all content involving First Nations characters and cultural references.'

The book is Oliver's 2024 follow-up to his 2023 children's book debut, Billy and the Giant Adventure.

Set in England, the story features a subplot of a young First Nations girl who is living in foster care, before being stolen by the book's antagonist from her Indigenous community, near Alice Springs.

Oliver was accused of cultural appropriation after he launched a 'jerk rice' that members of the Caribbean community claim 'doesn't have jerk in it' amid criticism from people including Dawn Butler (Pictured)

Levi Roots (pictured with the product) branded the rice a 'mistake' and accused the chef of 'getting on a band wagon'

The book also contained errors as Oliver attempted to use Indigenous words from the Arrernte language of Alice Springs and the Gamilaraay people of New South Wales as well as Queensland.

However, it isn't the first time Oliver has been steeped in a culture row having previously been accused of cultural appropriation in August 2018.

Jamie Oliver was previously accused of cultural appropriation after he launched a 'jerk rice' that members of the Caribbean community claim 'doesn't have jerk in it'.

The row over the TV chef's new product started when London MP Dawn Butler tweeted him saying 'your jerk rice is not ok'.

The MP, who describes herself on social media as 'the UK's first elected female African-Caribbean Government Minister', wrote: '#jamieoliver @jamieoliver #jerk I'm just wondering do you know what #Jamaican #jerk actually is?

'It's not just a word you put before stuff to sell products. @levirootsmusic should do a masterclass. Your jerk Rice is not ok. This appropriation from Jamaica needs to stop.'

After Ms Butler's tweet, TV chef Levi Roots appeared on Good Morning Britain with fellow Caribbean cook Rustie Lee to discuss the row further.

Roots admitted to hosts Jeremy Kyle and Kate Garraway: ' I do think it was a mistake by Jamie, either by him or by his team.'

However Oliver adamantly defended his 'punchy jerk rice' following a torrent of criticism

Oliver also previously complained that Brexit 'ruined' his 40th birthday as he fretted over his business woes

But Lee appeared more infuriated by the row, saying: 'It is an insult. Jerk is from the Caribbean. And as much as I love Jamie. The point is it's getting on a band wagon.'

Roots, who took part in a televised 'jerk masterclass' in London a few years ago, was less incensed.

He said: 'I don't think its that serious. I think for Caribbean food to go get to where we want it to get to, we have to change things and I'm a big one for that.

'But you've got to know what jerk is. Jerk is a method of cooking and it is the actual marinade. If it doesn't have certain ingredients in it, it's not jerk.

'Not a lot of people watching this actually know what jerk is. They think it's just a word but it's a flavour. If you don't have these flavours in the food it's not jerk.'

But Lee insisted that his use of marketing was offensive to her community, saying: 'Why didn't he call it pukka rice? He's taken jerk to try and be funny. It's a bit of an insult to Caribbean people.'

She added that Oliver's rice, which is made with aubergine, chilli and beans, is 'nothing to do with jerk'.

However Oliver adamantly defended his 'punchy jerk rice' following a torrent of criticism.

Amid the controversy, Oliver told Sky News: 'I've worked with flavours and spices from all over the world my whole career, learning and drawing inspiration from different countries and cultures to give a fresh twist to the food we eat every day.

'When I named the rice my intention was only to show where my inspiration came from.'

Oliver also previously complained that Brexit 'ruined' his 40th birthday as he fretted over his business woes.

The chef, who was left 29million out of pocket and with over a 1,000 of his employees without jobs, and the risk of his restaurant chains including Jamie Oliver's Italian and Barbecoa closing, claimed his troubles overshadowed the milestone.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver attending a media conference to mark his arrival in Australia in 2006

Oliver first rose to fame on The Naked Chef cooking show, which ran from 1999 to 2001

Speaking on BBC Radio Four's Food Programme to celebrate 20 years since The Naked Chef first appeared on screens, the 49-year-old said he worked hard to fix his problems and 'gave it his best' in 2019

The Daily Mirror reported that he also blamed Brexit and the 'changing high street' for the problems that he encountered.

He said: 'My 40th birthday was ruined because of the cloud of, "Oh right, what's happening here?" and working out the consequences.

'In a way, there is a massive sense of relief because I gave it my best, and I thought I was clever enough to fix it.'

Oliver first rose to fame on The Naked Chef cooking show, which ran from 1999 to 2001.

His television and publishing career has seen him sell more than 46million books globally, and reach an estimated worldwide TV audience of 67million.
Sir Keir Starmer became the first British Prime Minister since Winston Churchill to mark Armistice Day in France as he joined French President Emmanuel Macron in a remembrance service this morning.

The Prime Minister marked Armistice Day in Paris, while events will take place across the UK to commemorate the end of the First World War.

Sir Keir and the French president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital, on the 106th anniversary of Armistice Day.

His trip to Paris for talks with Mr Macron came as European leaders consider how to respond to the election of Donald Trump in the US.

The Prime Minister had already hoped to 'reset' relations with Europe, and the prospect of a second Trump presidency is causing leaders on the continent to discuss what the new US administration will mean for trade and security.

Sir Keir Starmer became the first British Prime Minister since Winston Churchill to mark Armistice Day in France as he joined French President Emmanuel Macro

Starmer, Macron and representatives from the French Armed Forces pay their respects to fallen soldiers in Paris on Monday

Starmer and Macron lay a large wreath at the Arc de Triomphe during today's remembrance service

The Paris service took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the top of the Champs Elysee

Hundreds of dignitaries and members of the Armed Forces attended the proceedings in Paris

The pair attended a ceremony in Paris on Monday to commemorate the fallen

The motorcade carrying French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer drives up the Champs Elysees

His trip to Paris for talks with Mr Macron came as European leaders consider how to respond to the election of Donald Trump in the US

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh speaks during the Armistice Day celebration at the National Memorial Arboretum on November 11, 2024 in Alrewas, Staffordshire

Legion Scotland deliver the service of Remembrance to commemorate Armistice Day at the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens East in Edinburgh

A Knitted banner is unfurled as residents attend a two-minute silence in Oxford

Wreaths pictured during a remembrance day ceremony in Oxford

A man plays the Last Post next to Oxford's war memorial in the market square on Monday

A veteran salutes during the armistice commemoration at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' monument in Brussels

King Philippe of Belgium lays a wreath during remembrance ceremonies in Brussels

The Duchess of Edinburgh speaks during a ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum on Monday morning

As well as his meeting with Mr Macron and French prime minister Michel Barnier, Sir Keir had a breakfast reception with representatives of the British defence community in France.

According to Number 10, Sir Keir is the first UK prime minister to have attended the Paris commemorations since Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

It comes as Sir Keir announced more than 10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day.

In the UK, events will focus on the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Duchess of Edinburgh will be among the guests at the event, but the Queen is set to miss it as she continues to recover from an infection.

Other events are taking place across Europe, including in Brussels and Ypres.

The Prime Minister has pledged a 'moment of national reflection' in 2025, with events on May 8 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe, and also on August 15 to mark the end of the Second World War.

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer attend commemorations during Armistice Day marking the end of World War I

Today's proceedings marked the 106th anniversary of Armistice Day

The leaders signed the Golden Book of the Unknown soldier's sacred flame at Place de l'Etoile

Macron and Starmer also attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Georges Clemenceau

An electronic display of poppies tumbling to mark Remembrance on Armistice Day is displayed at Piccadilly Circus in London

Three women wearing poppies lay wreaths during the service in Ypres, Belgium this morning

A woman places a poppy during remembrance proceedings in Edinburgh in a tribute to the fallen

The Duchess of Edinburgh views the names of the fallen at the armed forces memorial following a Remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire

Bagpipers and drummers march through the main street toward the Menin Gate during an Armistice commemoration ceremony in Ypres, Belgium

The poppy wreath and message laid by the Duchess of Edinburgh during the Remembrance service at National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire

Starmer is the first British Prime Minister to attend an Armistice Day service in France since Winston Churchill

Hundreds of people gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum on Monday

Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle lays a wreath in Westminster Hall, London, during a ceremony to mark Armistice Day

Politicians in Britain marked Armistice Day with a ceremony in Westminster Hall

Macron and Starmer rode through the streets of Paris on the back of an armed forces Jeep

In Paris, a flame was lit at the Arc de Triomphe as part of the remembrance ceremony

Starmer met with veterans in Paris after wreath-laying ceremonies in the city

Ahead of the ceremony Sir Keir said he is 'honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron'

Starmer greets members of the Chelsea Pensioners veterans organisation

Ahead of the ceremony Sir Keir said he is 'honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today'.

He added: 'These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.

'That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.'
Dramatic new photos have revealed the extent of damage to cars in Valencia that were swept away in the deadly flooding late last month that killed over 200 people.

Nearly 100 people are still missing following the floods, which began after devastatingly heavy rain fell on the eastern Spanish region on October 28.

In one town just outside the city of Valencia, Chiva, more rain fell in eight hours than it had for the preceding 20 months.

The floods took a severe toll on the infrastructure in the region, and swept up countless cars in their wake.

The snaps, taken at a junkyard outside the Valencian city of Paiporta, show rows and rows of still-mud-caked vehicles stacked on top of each other. Many of them are missing major parts, including engine blocks, windscreens and entire doors.

One aerial shot showed an ambulance, with its roof dented and covered in mud, buried underneath an Opel coupe.

Nearly 100 people are still missing following the floods, which began after devastatingly heavy rain fell on the eastern Spanish region on October 28

The floods took a severe toll on the infrastructure in the region, and swept up countless cars in their wake

The snaps, taken at a junkyard outside the Valencian city of Paiporta, show rows and rows of still-mud-caked cars stacked on top of each other

The stacks were as high as six vehicles each, with the bottom cars often being the most severely damaged.

Despite the floods subsiding, the junkyard itself was still waterlogged, with many of the vehicles left to corrode in stagnant, shallow pools of water.

Spain's Consortium for Insurance, a public-private entity that pays insurance claims for extreme risks like floods said that it had received 44,000 claims for motor vehicles damaged by the floods, with the number expected to rise as more and more people return to their homes.

Spaniards are up in arms over the regional and national government's response to the floods.

As many as 130,000 people took to the streets of Valencia on Saturday to rage against the authorities.

Despite the floods subsiding, the junkyard itself was still waterlogged, with many of the vehicles left to corrode in stagnant, shallow pools of water

The stacks were as high as six vehicles each, with the bottom cars often being the most severely damaged

Many of them are missing major parts, including engine blocks, windscreens and entire doors

Protestors, accusing those in charge of issuing warnings far too late, chanted: 'We are stained with mud, you are stained with blood.'

By the time authorities had send alerts to mobile phones, warning Spaniards to stay at home, many had already hit the roads that were soon submerged in water, massively increasing their risk of death.

Anna Oliver, one of the protest organisers, told Reuters: 'We want to show our indignation and anger over the poor management of this disaster which has affected so many people.'

Protestors also clashed with police towards the end of the weekend's demonstrations, and smeared mud into Valencia's City Hall.

The city's mayor, Maria Jose Catala, posted pictures of broken windows and a video appearing to show a fire being started on social media, adding: 'Vandalism is not the solution.'

A view of wrecked cars stored in a junkyard outside Paiporta after they were damaged by flooding in Valencia, Spain on November 10, 2024

The region remains in crisis after the floods, which have claimed 223 lives, with some people still unaccounted for.

Graffiti is seen on the facade of city hall during a demonstration to demand the resignation of Valencia Regional President Carlos Mazon in Valencia on November 9, 2024

Valencia City Council condemned 'vandalism', saying the city had also been affected by the floods.

Scientists trying to explain what happened see two likely connections to human-caused climate change.

One is that warmer air holds and then dumps more rain. The other is possible changes in the jet stream  the river of air above land that moves weather systems across the globe  that spawn extreme weather.

Climate scientists and meteorologists said the immediate cause of the flooding is called a cut-off lower-pressure storm system that migrated from an unusually wavy and stalled jet stream.

That system simply parked over the region and poured rain. This happens often enough that in Spain they call them DANAs, the Spanish acronym for the system, meteorologists said.

Protesters confront police in front of city hall during a demonstration to demand the resignation of Valencia Regional President Carlos Mazon in Valencia on November 9, 2024

Demonstrators kick at the entrance to city hall as a flare is lit during a demonstration to demand the resignation of Valencia Regional President Carlos Mazon in Valencia on November 9, 2024

And then there is the unusually high temperature of the Mediterranean Sea. It had its warmest surface temperature on record in mid-August, at 28.47 degrees Celsius (83.25 degrees Fahrenheit), said Carola Koenig of the Centre for Flood Risk and Resilience at Brunel University of London.

The extreme weather event came after Spain battled with prolonged droughts in 2022 and 2023. Experts say that drought and flood cycles are increasing with climate change.

'Climate change kills, and now, unfortunately, we are seeing it firsthand,' Spanish president Pedro Sanchez said after announcing a 10.6-billion-euro relief package for 78 municipalities.
Ministers could be forced to pump money into hospices over fears that Budget increased to national insurance and the minimum wage could force them out of business.

The Government has reportedly been examining ways of using the NHS to get more money into end-of-life care homes over fears that they face a 30million annual hit to their finances.

According to the Guardian three options are being considered, from offsetting the NICs increase to funding staff pay rises or setting up a pot of funding specifically for hospices.

Last week palliative care charity Marie Curie wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, warning that the Budget would raise its costs by almost 3million a year, with a knock-on effect on care.

It comes as MPs prepare to debate and vote on plans to legalise assisted dying.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who campaigns against assisted dying, told the paper: 'The hospice sector is massively under-resourced  but there is so much that palliative medicine can provide.

'In the assisted dying debate, we are hearing a lot of tragic stories about suboptimal deaths and yet had high-quality provision been made it could have been so much better.'

The Government has reportedly been examining ways of using the NHS to get more money into end-of-life care homes over fears that they face a 30million annual hit to their finances.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who campaigns against assisted dying, told the paper: 'The hospice sector is massively under-resourced  but there is so much that palliative medicine can provide. 'In the assisted dying debate, we are hearing a lot of tragic stories about suboptimal deaths and yet had high-quality provision been made it could have been so much better.'

In his letter to Ms Streeting, Marie Curie CEO Matthew Reed warned that the NICs raid would lead to more people staying in NHS wards.

'Increasing our National Insurance bill is simply counter-productive. It risks doing the exact opposite of what the UK Government is trying to achieve. If our services have to close to pay this extra tax, more people will end up in hospital when they don't need or want to be there,' he said.

'Our incredibly generous supporters did not donate their hard-earned money for us to simply hand it back to the Government in the form of a 3million tax bill.'

Thousands of doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff have signed a letter to warn against putting an added burden on the 'broken' NHS by legalising assisted dying.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, organised by the Our Duty Of Care group, more than 3,400 NHS staff have cautioned against the move.

It comes ahead of a parliamentary debate, scheduled for 29 November, on a private members' bill to legalise the practice.

This could see MPs vote on the issue for the first time since 2015, when the House of Commons previously opposed changing the law.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater last month formally introduced her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to Parliament ahead of its first full debate.

The full text of her proposed legislation is expected to be published tomorrow and is likely to run to more than 40 pages.

Despite growing doubts about her Bill - with a number of senior ministers saying they will vote against it - Ms Leadbeater said it 'offers hope to those terminally ill people with a clear, informed and settled wish to have a better death'.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds are among Cabinet ministers expected to vote against Ms Leadbeater's Bill later this month, when MPs are given a free vote.

Sir Keir has previously supported assisted dying and made a personal promise to campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen to make time for a debate and vote on the issue.
Russia's president Vladimir Putin has denied reports he has spoken with Donald Trump in recent days and added he has no concrete plans yet to speak to him.

The call between the President-elect and Russian leader was first reported by the Washington Post, citing unidentified sources, and said that Trump had told Putin that he should not escalate the Ukraine war. News agency Reuters also reported on the call, citing an unidentified source.

Trump is said to have warned Putin on Thursday not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe', according to the Washington Post.

But now Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has vehemently denied this call ever took place. 'This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information,' Peskov said as he brutally hit back. 'There was no conversation.'

'This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications,' Peskov said.

Asked if Putin had plans for any contacts with Trump, Peskov said: 'There are no concrete plans yet.'

Putin denying that the phone call took place is awkward for Trump, who has long maintained that he has Putin's ear, promising to find a resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Russia's president Vladimir Putin (pictured today) has denied reports that Donald Trump had spoken to him in recent days, adding that he had no concrete plans yet to speak to Trump

During the reported call Putin claims didn't happen, Trump allegedly advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe', according to the Washington Post

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.

Republican strategist Bryan Lanza said incoming president Trump had 'vision for peace' for Ukraine but not a 'winning' outlook for the country at war with Russia.

'When Zelensky says we will only stop this fighting, there will only be peace once Crimea is returned, we've got news for President Zelensky: Crimea is gone,' Lanza told the BBC.

'What we're going to say to Ukraine is, you know what you see? What do you see as a realistic vision for peace? It's not a vision for winning, but it's a vision for peace. And let's start having the honest conversation.

'And if that is your priority of getting Crimea back and having American soldiers fight to get Crimea back, you're on your own.'

Putin congratulated Trump on Thursday, praised him for showing courage when a gunman tried to assassinate him, and said Moscow was ready for dialogue with the Republican president-elect.

The war in Ukraine is entering what some officials say could be its final - and most dangerous - phase as Moscow's forces advance at their fastest pace since the early weeks of the conflict and the West ponders how the war will end.

Russia has been signalling to the US and its allies for weeks that if they give permission to Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with Western-supplied missiles, then Moscow will consider it a major escalation.

Putin said on September 12 that Western approval for such a step would mean 'the direct involvement of NATO countries, the United States and European countries in the war in Ukraine' because NATO military infrastructure and personnel would have to be involved in the targeting and firing of the missiles.

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

Putin congratulated Trump on Thursday, praised him for showing courage when a gunman tried to assassinate him, and said Moscow was ready for dialogue with the Republican president-elect (pictuered: Trump and Putin shaking hands in 2018)

The Kremlin said that it sensed European powers were nervous about Trump's election, but that they were still 'pumping weapons into Ukraine in order to continue this war to the end.'

Kremlin spokesman Peskov was also asked about reports that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron wanted to convince US President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine to fire Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russia.

'Nothing can be ruled out,' Peskov said, adding that European leaders still wanted to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.

'We, in turn, will continue the SMO (special military operation) until we achieve all our goals,' Peskov said.

'The dynamic of the SMO is well understood by the military. They understand well what is happening. And it is probably important to note that no individual types of weapons are able to change this dynamic anymore.'

Putin, who ordered thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022 after eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine, casts the war as a battle between Russia and the declining West, which he says ignored Russia's interests after the 1991 Soviet collapse.

Ukraine and its Western allies say Putin unleashed an imperial-style war against its smaller neighbour and have repeatedly said that if Russia wins the war then autocratic countries across the world will be emboldened.

Putin has set out his terms to end the war in June, but these were rejected by Zelensky (pictured), who put forward a 'victory plan'

Members of the unit Dnipro One of the Joint Assault Brigade of the National Police of Ukraine 'Luty' operate a Soviet-era howitzer D-30 on November 09, 2024, near Toretsk, Ukraine

On June 14, Putin 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 Zelensky has put forward a 'victory plan' that includes requests for additional military support from the West.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr has shared a mocking video warning Volodymyr Zelensky that he will 'lose his allowance' when his father returns to office, as fears mount in Ukraine over what a Trump presidency will mean for US support in the war against Russia.

This weekend saw the largest drone attacks by Russia and Ukraine since the war began, with the barrages impacting large swathes of each country and hundreds of drones downed, including in the Moscow region.

Russian air strikes have killed at least six people in southern Ukraine today, with missiles slamming into homes and most of the country under air raid alerts as bombers hovered above.

Strikes have intensified amid expectations that Trump will put pressure on both sides to end the conflict, after the president-elect repeatedly said throughout his campaign that he could end the war 'in a day', without saying how.
A man who didn't take his badly injured to the vet after she was hit by a car has been banned from owning another animal for five years.

Jason Allen Heelan, 47, has also been ordered to pay thousands of dollars over the shocking case of animal cruelty of four-month-old Staffordshire terrier Diamond.

The dog was left with serious injuries, including a fracture after she became trapped under a car wheel in 2023.

The court heard that RSPCA WA inspector visited a Perth address last October after receiving an animal cruelty report.

The RSPCA inspector noted that Diamond struggled to stand up and had a swollen left hind leg, The West Australian reported.

'She was limping when encouraged to walk and was only able to take a few steps before lying back down again,' a statement said.

'She also had red open wounds on the front of her head and her thigh area.'

The court heard that Heelan was at the property at the time and told the inspector that another man who lived there had taken Diamond to the vet and that her injuries had 'pretty much healed'.

After being struck by a car and caught under its wheel, the four-month-old puppy (pictured) suffered a 'painful' fractured pelvis and other wounds

The RSPCA inspector noticed Diamond was struggling to stand up and had a swollen left hind leg (pictured) - as well as a head and leg wounds

'The inspector was told the puppy was given pain relief at that initial vet visit, but there was no concern about possible broken bones,' the RSPCA said.

RSPCA WA launched as investigation and discovered that an emergency vet only provided first aid to Diamond due to 'the owner's financial constraints'.

But the emergency vet did give the man 'strict instructions' to take Diamond to her regular vet the next day.

The RSCPA issued verbal and written notices for the owner to take Diamond to a vet within 24 hours - a request that was ignored, the court heard.

When police attended the property. Heelan claimed he couldn't take Diamond to the vet because she had run away.

It was later discovered Heelan was trying to hide Diamond from the RSPCA at another address, which he initially denied.

Diamond was later seized and taken to the the RSPA Animal Care Centre, where it was found that she was suffering 'from a painful fractured pelvis'.

Heelan appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was convicted on three charges relating to his cruel treatment of Diamond.

Diamond (pictured recently) has recovered and returned to the family who originally fostered her as a young pup

On top of a five year ban, Heelan ordered to pay more than $2,500 in court costs and fine an additional $1,000 for breaching a suspended imprisonment order.

Diamond has since made a full recovery and adopted by a loving family who were originally fostering her.

Heelan had 'severely' let Diamond down, according to RSPCA WA inspector Manager Kylie Green.

Diamond was so little when this ordeal happened to her, and she was not given the care and dignity she deserved at that time, she said.
Fatal Attraction, starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close, is a seminal film in the female stalker subgenre of erotic thrillers. It was considered to be a pop culture phenomenon, albeit a little far-fetched.

But that opinion might change when the ITV documentary, The Real Fatal Attraction, airs on Wednesday, as it bears a striking resemblance to the 1987 thriller.

It tells the story of scorned barrister, Anisah Ahmed, who embarks on an elaborate revenge plot against her lover, Iqbal Mohammed, 41, after discovering he is married.

The 37-year-old falsely claimed she was was raped and staged her own kidnapping and stabbing in an 'evil' campaign of lies made against Mr Mohammed in order to destroy his life and reputation.

Ahmed became the first person to receive a life sentence for perverting the course of justice in April 2021, but her sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeal seven months later, who changed her prison term to 10 years.

Now in a devastating blow to her victim, Ahmed, from Oxford, has been released from prison after spending less than four years in jail. She is under a home detention curfew, which she means she has to wear an electronic tag and is restricted to what times she can leave the house.

Reflecting on the case, Mr Mohammed told The Sun: 'My biggest worry was that she was going to stab me or my wife.'

Anisah Ahmed (pictured), 37, was handed a life sentence after staging her own kidnapping, rape and stabbing. It was later reduced to 10 years but she has been freed after four

CCTV footage of Iqbal Mohammed (pictured) being interviewed by police after allegations were made by Ahmed

Ahmed sitting in an ambulance after stabbing herself in the leg in a bid to frame her former lover

Blood on the car seat as Ahmed stabbed herself in the leg in a bid to frame Mr Mohammed

The barrister, who specialises in commercial law, said it became 'instinct' to look around outside his house to make sure Ahmed wasn't 'lurking around' when he went to work.

According to The Sun, Mr Mohammed and his wife changed their cars, moved house and altered their day-to-day routines to protect themselves.

In the film, Close's character Alex stalks and terrorises attorney Dan Gallagher, played by Douglas, as she seeks to ruin his marriage and have him all to herself.

'I watched the movie again after all of this happened and I found it too real, too close to home, I knew that obsessive, psychotic behaviour,' Mr Mohammed told The Sun.

It is understood Ahmed first contacted Mr Mohammed after watching him on the 2008 BBC docuseries The Barristers.

She sent him her CV and asked for career advice via email and LinkedIn but their relationship turned flirty in 2013.

Ahmed and Mr Mohammed, who is still with his wife, embarked upon a nine-month relationship with him in 2014, a court previously heard.

Ahmed claims she was unaware that Iqbal was married during this time. The barrister had tied the knot with his wife in December 2013.

When Ahmed discovered Mr Mohammed was married, she contacted his wife on social media and told her about the affair.

She also sent intimate messages of their affair to his colleagues, before emailing his Head of Chambers demanding an investigation into his integrity.

Ahmed's actions then took a more sinister turn when she sent fake emails from his work account and claimed Mr Mohammed was harassing her and that he was threatening to post intimate pictures of her online.

Mr Mohammed told The Sun he was 'scared' of Ahmed because her 'agenda was pure revenge'.

After her initial plan failed, Ahmed then took things a step further by falsely accusing Mr Mohammed of raping her on several occasions, giving detailed and convincing accounts to investigators.

In June 2015, Mr Mohammed was arrested at his chambers and spent seven hours in a police cell.

Iqbal Mohammed (pictured) 41, was framed by his former lover Anisah Ahmed after she discovered he was married

Glenn Close and Michael Douglas star in the 1987 erotic thriller Fatal Attraction

Mr Mohammed said 'it was really traumatic being in that cell' and admitted he 'wanted to die' because he thought people would believe Ahmed.

In a final, desperate bid to frame her ex-lover, Ahmed then staged her own kidnap and stabbing  roping in an ex-boyfriend as an accomplice  who confessed to police she had ordered him to knife her three times.

When he refused, fearing he might accidentally kill her, Ahmed is believed to have stabbed herself  almost severing her femoral artery with a horrific injury to her thigh.

She told police Mr Mohammed had ordered the attack on her, later producing a forged confession from an imaginary hitman.

Ahmed was sentenced in April 2021 after pleading guilty to perverting and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Sentencing, Judge Michael Gledhill said: 'This case clearly involved very careful planning to destroy the personal and professional life of the victim. The lengths you went to, to exact revenge on Mr Mohammed were almost beyond belief.

Reflecting on the case, Mr Mohammed told The Sun: 'My biggest worry was that she was going to stab me or my wife'

'Your actions, Ms Ahmed, were malicious, even evil. You persisted with them over a prolonged period of time and you recruited Hussain and others to assist you.

'False allegations can have dreadful consequences on an innocent person who has committed no crime. Being wrongly accused of harassment is serious enough.

'But accusing him of rape is in quite another category.'

Judge Gledhill added: 'As a barrister, Ahmed was well aware of the gravity of what she had done and the potential consequences to herself. In order to avoid such consequences, her strategy then took an even more sinister turn.

'She made another attempt to frame Mr Mohammed for a serious criminal offence. She reported that he had raped her on several occasions. Her complaint was detailed and convincing, even though it was completely false.

'Her purpose was twofold - revenge and to divert the police attention away from herself and back onto Mr Mohammed. In the short term it worked. Mr Mohammed was again arrested and interviewed.

'The effect on Mr Mohammed can hardly be over-stated. He saw his career, livelihood and family life disintegrating before his eyes, he even thought of taking his own life.'

The Real Fatal Attraction is an ITV documentary series that analyses Ahmed's criminal scheme.

The series will air at 9pm on ITV1 on Wednesday, but will be available to stream on ITV X afterwards.
The family of a student who killed herself after being told she had failed an exam are campaigning for better care at universities.

Mared Foulkes, 21, was devastated after she received an email from Cardiff University to say she had failed an exam - and would not be able to move on to the third year of her pharmacy degree.

An inquest in Caernarfon, in October 2021, heard how one email stated she had failed with a score of 39 per cent - when she had in fact passed with 62 per cent.

Her parents Iona and Glyngwyn Foulkes have received an apology from the university chiefs - who vowed to simplify the exam process.

However, they are now calling on universities to provide better duty of care for their students after the shocking lack of communication that led to their daughter's death.

Mared Foulkes, 21, from Menai Bridge, Anglesey, North Wales, took her life when she received an email wrongly stating that she had failed an exam

Mared Foulkes' parents Glyngwyn and Iona speaking after an inquest in Caernarfon into the death of their daughter in 2021

Iona Foulkes (pictured) holding a photo of her daughter Mared who died in July 2020

Mared, of Menai Bridge, Anglesey, was found dead on July 8, 2020.

Her mother Iona Foulkes said: 'She was very conscientious, and she went to university to succeed.'

'She left that day believing she had failed the year and wasn't able to go back to Cardiff.'

She told S4C's current affairs programme, Y Byd ar Bedwar: 'We have never been the same again. This family unit has gone forever.'

Acting North West Wales Coroner, Katie Sutherland said the way Cardiff University communicated the results was 'complex and confusing.'

She returned a conclusion of suicide and wrote to the university urging the to clarify the results system.

'They've lost a student, but I've lost a very, very sweet girl,' Iona said.

'I have to pass her grave every day, do [Cardiff University] have to do that?'

Mared's family are now a part of the 'For the 100' campaign - which is families calling for better duty of care for students from their universities.

The '100' represents the number of students who die by suicide every year in Britain.

Her parents said that Mared had visited support services to discuss her mental health nine months before she died - which they were unaware of for a year after her death.

The family of Mared Foulkes are campaigning for better duty of care for students at university

Mared Foulkes was described as a dedicated student who would have believed 'her dreams and aspirations were finished' when she received the email telling her she could not progress

Iona said the lack of communication from the university was 'shocking.'

She added: 'I have to do this, as a grieving mother. Things are very slow to develop. No one else should lose their life before things change.

'It was a totally unnecessary tragedy.'

Iona has now created a report with recommendations on how universities can improving the way they communicate with families about their children's mental health.

With the help of lawyers, Iona's report also includes an 'opt-out' system if students do not want their parents to know about any serious wellbeing concerns.

They hope this report will help universities to try to prevent student suicides.

Solicitor Dr Emma Roberts, who helped write the report, said: 'Currently, the confidentiality law restricts universities from contacting the family if a serious welfare or mental health situation arises.

'We want to see the consistency from one university to another, and only by changing the law can that happen.'

A spokesperson for Cardiff University said: 'We are very sorry that the family feels that we have shown a lack of sympathy - that was never our intention.

'We know the family feel we could have done things differently and we have apologised for where we did not get things right.'

Following the inquest the university said they wanted to 'improve the tone and language of all our written communications to our students.'

They have since stopped the practice of using a notional or estimated mark to record an academic 'fail' if a student has not met a competency standard.

They have since revised their processes to ensure the university is as 'open and transparent' as possible.

A spokesperson added that they respect the family's calls for an 'opt-out' system - and are reviewing this alongside their current review into their University Mental Health and Suicide Safety strategies.

They added: 'However, we must respect the privacy of our students, as some students, for different reasons, do not want their information to be shared with their parents.'

They explained that they have 'a new system that allows students to choose one specific person when they start university as a special contact, who will be contacted if any serious concerns arise.'

Y Byd ar Bedwar: Marwolaeth Mared Foulkes will air on S4C at 8pm on Monday, November 11.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
This is the horrifying moment a gang of four masked gunmen killed 10 people in a bloody massacre, before fleeing in a pick-up truck and setting it on fire.

Footage shows bullets ricocheting across Cantaritos Bar in Santiago de Queretaro, which is north-west of Mexico City, at 9.30pm on Saturday.

Some terrified customers dropped to the floor to try and avoid being shot as others fell.

Four suspects were filmed arriving at the bar in a silver pickup before two went inside and the others remained with the vehicle.

At least 10 people - seven men and three women - were killed and 13 others injured, two seriously, according to Public Security official Juan Luis Ferrusca Ortiz.

The gunmen arriving in a pickup truck before opening fire in a bar killing 10 people

People were seen lying on the floor after being shot by the gunmen

Some terrified customers dropped to the floor to try and avoid being shot as others fell

In the aftermath of the attack, video showed a few survivors sitting up, looking around themselves at the carnage.

The suspects reportedly used long-range weapons in the attack, and one has been arrested so far.

The police identified the license plate of the getaway vehicle and tracked it to El Marques, about six miles outside the city.

They found the pickup completely burned out, believing it was set ablaze to cover their tracks. The motive for the attack is currently unclear.

State governor Mauricio Kuri called the massacre an 'unprecedented event', adding: 'We cannot ever stand for this.

'I reiterate to our community that there will be punishment for those responsible for this brutal act.

'We will continue to close our borders and maintain security in our state.

'The entire security system of Queretaro is mobilized to find these criminals.'

The police identified the licence plate of the getaway vehicle and tracked it to El Marques, about six miles outside the city

A Mexican Army soldier and a public security agent stand guard outside the Los Cantaritos bar

Mexican Army soldiers pictured outside the Los Cantaritos bar yesterday

Police tape to prevent access to the crime scene outside the Los Cantaritos bar

He called on the local population to inform themselves through official channels to avoid spreading misinformation.

He also vowed to provide support to the victims' families.

According to security analyst David Saucedo, there are at least four criminal organizations operating in the city, as reported by NeedToKnow.

They are the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, elements of the Familia Michoacana cartel, and a local gang involved in fuel smuggling.

The police have since announced that they have arrested one of the alleged shooters.

The investigation continues.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

The shattered parents of a three-year-old girl are demanding answers after a report revealed that an anti-seizure drug was mistakenly administered to their daughter before she died.

Perth toddler Aliyah Yugovich died unexpectedly in July after she contracted the flu following a tonsillectomy.

A preliminary report by the coroner has found that Aliyah had the 'unaccounted for drug' anti-convulsant Topiramate in her system, which none of the three hospitals that the toddler attended before her death had a record of administering.

How and why the drug was given to the toddler remains unknown.

Aliyah's parents Jessica and Josh Yugovich have expressed disbelief that an unprescribed medication was given to their little girl.

'It should never have happened,' Mrs Yugovich told Seven News.

'I took her to hospital because I trusted them.

'How are we ever supposed to trust another medical professional again?'

Jessica (pictured left) and Josh Yugovich (right) are mourning the death of their three-year old daughter Aliyah (pictured centre)

A report has revealed that an anti-seizure drug was mistakenly administered to the Perth toddler (pictured)

Topiramate is primarily used to prevent seizures in patients with epilepsy and to treat migraines, neither of which were conditions Aliyah suffered from.

'I want to know what happened,' Ms Yugovich said.

'I want to know why my three-year-old daughter is dead and why I'm never going to see her grow up.'

Seven News reported that an independent board investigating the case on behalf of the Health Department was not made aware of the drug finding until the grieving parents notified them.

'Why can't they share this information to the SAC-1 team,' Mr Yugovich said.

'Why can't they work together, so we can find out what happened here in a timely manner and stop it from happening again?'

The cause of Aliyah's death has not yet been officially determined with the coroner's findings expected to be handed down before Christmas.

Aliyah underwent tonsillectomy surgery at Perth's St John of God Murdoch Hospital in Perth's south on June 28.

Aliyah died suddenly in July after catching flu following a routine tonsillectomy in a Perth hospital

Hours later, Aliyah was rushed to Perth Children's Hospital's emergency department after the toddler developed a fever and flu-like symptoms, where she and her mum waited four hours to see a doctor.

Aliyah was diagnosed with influenza A and discharged three days later on July 3.

Her condition rapidly deteriorated early the next morning after she woke up coughing and vomiting blood.

Paramedics were called to the home and performed CPR for an extended period before Aliyah was rushed to Midland Hospital and placed in a coma.

She was then transferred to PCH, where she was placed on life support.

Brain scans and an EEG later revealed that Aliyah had no brain activity and her life support was turned off the next morning.

All three hospitals unable to comment on Aliyah's case while investigations are underway.

It has emerged Aliyah was also given an incorrect intravenous dose of the antibiotic clindamycin while being treated for the flu at PCH.

Aliyah's medical file states her parents were never notified of the error, because they were resting at the time.

The grieving parents claim that the only help made available to them was a stack of grief pamphlets left at their door by a government social worker.

'We had to wait three-and-a-half months for an appointment with a grief counsellor,' Ms Yugovich said.

'That three-and-a-half months is the longest and most torturous wait, as you try to learn to live in a world without your daughter.'

The grieving parents are demanding answers about their beautiful toddler's unexpected death

A Gofundme for Aliyah's family described the toddler as beautiful, smart, cheeky and so full of life.

'She made everyone laugh and lit up the room,' Tessa Pritchard wrote.

'Her beautiful face will forever be etched in our memories,'

The fundraiser, which has stopped receiving donations after it reached $86,600, said it was seeking financial help to give the Yugovichs time off work to grieve and to cover funeral costs.

The couple is setting up a foundation in Aliyah's name to help other grieving families.
A pastor's wife had him murdered because she was having an affair with the couple's security guard in Angola, according to police.

Jackie Shroyer, 44, is accused of being the mastermind of her husband Beau Shroyer's murder in the African nation, where the missionary couple had moved with their five children in 2019.

Beau, 44, was killed on October 25 after he was lured into a remote area, his hometown church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, announced last week.

Police say Jackie, who was arrested days after the murder, paid three men the equivalent of $50,000 to kill her husband. Two have been arrested, while a third remains on the loose.

Jackie was having an affair with one of the hit men, Bernadino Elias, 24, who worked at the family's home as a security guard, according to officials.

Jackie Shroyer, 44, has been accused of the murder-for-hire plot against her husband Beau Shroyer, 44, in Angola, where their missionary family (pictured) moved in 2019

Angola officials say the two men pictured above were promised $50,000 to kill Beau Shroyer. One of the men, Bernadino Elias, 24, was allegedly having an affair with Jackie Shroyer

She had apparently been having misgivings about leaving Angola when their mission ended, as reported by KVRR.

Elias and alleged accomplice Isalino Kayoo, 23, were arrested, and a third suspect, Gelson Ramos, 22, remains on the run.

All of the men have criminal histories that include armed robbery and kidnapping, according to Angola's Criminal Investigation Service.

Police say the three men lured Beau to a remote area by pretending they were having issues with a rented car and stabbed him to death.

Detectives reportedly recovered an American-made knife that had been gifted to Elias at the crime scene.

Beau was the former lead pastor of Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes.

He had moved to the central African country with his wife, Jackie, and their five children in 2021 to become a missionary with the organization SIM USA.

Jackie, pictured with Beau, had apparently been having an affair with their security guard

Officials said the men lured Beau to a remote area, where they fatally stabbed him on October 25

Current Lakes Area Vineyard pastor Troy Easton announced Beau's death to his congregation last week.

'This is unimaginable and yet it is very real,' Easton wrote in an updated letter to congregants on Friday where he revealed Jackie's arrest.

'I love you very much and I am heartbroken and in shock that I need to send this type of update to you today,' he told the congregation, imploring them to 'sit down, take a deep breath and remember that God is our ever-present help in times of trouble' before he revealed the news.

The pastor went on to say 'our grief and sadness has deepened immeasurably' with the news of Jackie's arrest.

'As a community, we must cry out to the Lord for his grace, mercy and comforting presence for the Shroyer children and family,' Easton wrote.

'We must honor God and love each other by how we communicate about this, and we must continue to stand together asking God to do in and through all of this what only He can.'

SIM USA leaders also said they were 'shocked and devastated' by the news.

The family's hometown church in Detroit Lakes, Michigan, confirmed their former pastor's death. The Shroyer family is pictured above

Beau had moved his family to the central African country in 2021 to become a missionary with the organization SIM USA

'SIM is grateful to Angolan law enforcement for their diligence in investigating this matter and encourages patience and respect for all involved as the legal process unfolds,' they told Valley News Live.

'SIM remains committed to supporting the ongoing pursuit of justice for Beau and has taken steps to ensure that Jackie has appropriate legal representation,' they added, noting its leadership team is also working with Lakes Area Vineyard Church 'to care for the Shroyers' five children and everyone else affected by this tragedy.

'We continue to keep them all in our prayers.'

Beau had previously worked as a police officer, joining the Detroit Lakes Police Department in 2013, before becoming a real estate agent, according to the Detroit Lakes Tribune.

He eventually changed careers again to become a pastor, and in 2021, he and his wife, Jackie, became missionaries - and became one of the first families to move to Angola after pandemic lockdowns eased.

Beau would then share updates about his missionary work on social media.

Beau had previously worked as a police officer, joining the Detroit Lakes Police Department in 2013, before becoming a real estate agent

Jackie was arrested shorty after her husband's murder. She is accused of masterminding his killing in Angola

In a post on October 24, just one day before his untimely death, Beau wrote about meeting a young student named Mauricio, who walked long distances to attend school.

Another post mentioned his agricultural efforts in the region, saying he spent the day 'spreading manure by hand over a 40 x 16 meter agricultural plot.'

He had also explained during a presentation that the government of Angola had given the ministry a parcel of land next to an orange farm that was constantly attacked by criminals, according to the Christian Post.

At the top of his list of needs for the property that he presented to Country Faith Church was the need to build a perimeter wall and hire more security.

Beau explained that the orange farm installed an electrified, 10-foot high razor wire fence and hired about 50 guards to protect the farm, but they still struggled with crime in the area.
The shocking moment a toddler in a diaper wandered into the path of oncoming traffic at a busy Arizona intersection was been caught on camera.

Terrifying dash cam footage showed the youngster hobbling into the highway near 96th Street and University Drive in Mesa before dawn on Friday.

A woman filming erupted into howling screams as the young child walked into the road and an SUV swerved to narrowly avoid striking them.

'When you look at the video, I'm completely hysterical because I feel hopeless,' the female motorist told Arizona Family.

'I felt like I was mentally preparing myself to watch a child be crushed,' she added.

A tiny toddler dressed only in a diaper was filmed wandering into the path of oncoming traffic at a busy Arizona intersection

A horrified woman in a nearby car howled with fear vehicles bore down on the young child

The motorist said her seven-year-old son was in the back seat at the time so she couldn't leave her vehicle in the middle of the road to leap out and help.

She could only watch helplessly and honk her horn at the little boy in the hopes of scaring him back to the sidewalk.

The video shows her screaming and honking before the toddler looks her way and pauses, while cars swerve suddenly, missing him by just inches.

As the toddler only narrowly avoids death, a female pedestrian can be seen running after him before picking him up and carrying him to the sidewalk.

It's unclear whether the pedestrian is a bystander or the child's mother.

'I'm feeling overwhelmed, but just happy that the kind woman was willing to sacrifice her life to go into the road and grab him,' the motorist who filmed the ordeal told Arizona Family.

The newspaper also spoke with the boy's father, who said he wasn't home at the time of the incident.

He said his wife had been taking care of their children that day - the two-year-old toddler and nine-month-old son - but left the house momentarily.

The stunned father said he only knew they left the house when he got a Ring camera notification showing a woman carrying his son.

The woman filming erupts into howling screams as the young child walks into the road and an SUV swerves to narrowly avoid striking them

He added that his wife has been suffering with postpartum depression and she forgot to lock the door.

'We don't understand the full extent of her struggles, but as a community, we should be extending grace and approaching her situation with compassion but still fully holding her accountable,' said the woman who caught the incident on her dashcam.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said they are considering submitting endangerment charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron pledged to put Ukraine in the 'strongest possible position' today as they held talks after Donald Trump's bombshell election win.

The PM and the President met in Paris amid rising fears about US withdrawing support for Kyiv and the potential for a trade war.

A readout of the discussions released by Downing Street carefully made no mention of Mr Trump or America - but the two leaders will inevitably have covered the developments.

'The leaders started by discussing the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter,' No10 said.

'Turning to the Middle East, both underscored their deep concern at the situation in Gaza and Lebanon. They also reiterated the need for stability in the West Bank.'

The leaders also chatted about the situation in the Channel, with Sir Keir desperately trying to enlist France's help to stop small boats crossing.

Sir Keir was the first UK premier to attend Armistice Day commemorations in France since Winston Churchill was hosted by General de Gaulle in 1944.

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron pledged to put Ukraine in the 'strongest possible position' today as they held talks after Donald Trump's bombshell election win

Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron stand before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Place de l'Etoile in Paris today

The leaders jointly laid a wreath to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day

Keir Starmer was warmly welcomed by Emmanuel Macron as he arrived in Paris today - with the looming handover in the US high on the agenda

The leaders laid wreaths together in front of the statue of Georges Clemenceau on the Champs Elysees

Sir Keir is the first PM to attend Armistice Day events in France since Churchill in 1944

The US president prevented Ukraine from using the British Storm Shadows at targets inside Russia over fears Putin would carry out retaliatory attacks on Western military bases

The use of Storm Shadow missiles in Ukraine has been widely debated by leaders for months

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Trump issued a stern warning to Putin in their first phone call since the Republican won the presidency.In a call that reportedly took place on Thursday, the incoming president advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe'.

Sources told the Washington Post that Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraine's war soon'.

The call has been flatly denied by the Kremlin, despite also being confirmed by Reuters.

In a round of interviews this morning, Defence Secretary John Healey said if that message was conveyed it was 'absolutely right'.

'We'll have to wait and see what President Trump really proposes but if the reports of his call with (Vladimir) Putin last week are right then President Trump is exactly right to warn Putin against escalation of the conflict in Ukraine,' he told BBC Breakfast.

'And our task as a nation supporting Ukraine, one of its leading supporters, alongside allies like France, is to step up our support to reinforce the position that Ukraine has at this period where it's under great pressure from Russia.'

Speculation has been mounting about Mr Trump's intentions after he claimed during the campaign that he would end the war in a single day.

But there is uncertainty about what policy will be pursued, with Mr Trump's son Don Jr raising eyebrows by mocking Volodymyr Zelensky's fears about 'losing his allowance'.

Sir Keir has pledged to work closely with Trump, despite cabinet ministers including Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Deputy PM Angela Rayner criticising the president-elect in the past.

Last week the White House said Mr Biden will continue 'surging' humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine using funds already authorised by Congress.

However, a recent report claimed Trump's transition office is considering a proposal that would seek to freeze the conflict in Ukraine with an '800-mile demilitarised zone'

Sir Keir and Mr Macron were expected to consider whether outgoing commander-in-chief Joe Biden can be convinced to give Kyiv permission to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russia, as well as Donald Trump's approach to the conflict.

Mr Biden is said to have blocked the UK from authorising Ukraine to use Storm Shadows at targets inside Russia over fears of retaliatory attacks on Western military bases.

World leaders around the globe are anticipating how drastically Trump intends to change US policy on Ukraine following his presidential victory last week.

The UK PM hopes to negotiate a defence and security pact with the EU in the new year, another topic that is expected to be discussed with Macron.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump's threat of imposing tariffs on imports has been sparking alarm, with fears of a trade war that will hit the global economy.

FILE - President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, July 7, 2017

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

Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's sizeable military presence in Europe', according to the Washington Post

There are high hopes in London that Biden will give permission to Kyiv to use the Storm Shadow missiles - a request Ukraine has made for months

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.

A recent Wall Street Journal report citing three sources 'close to the president-elect' claimed that Trump's transition office is considering one proposal that would prevent Kyiv from joining NATO for at least 20 years in exchange for lucrative arms deals.

In the meantime, the conflict would be halted by the implementation of a large demilitarised zone (DMZ) that would effectively freeze the fighting in place and force Kyiv to relinquish up to 20 per cent of its territory as part of an '800-mile DMZ'.

But the sources offered no insight into how such a buffer zone between Russia's border and unoccupied Ukraine would be monitored or managed, other than to say it would not be staffed by American peacekeepers.

'We can do training and other support but the barrel of the gun is going to be European... and we are not paying for it,' one source is quoted as saying.

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.

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 12-year-old girl who was tragically killed by a falling tree branch has been pictured for the first time, as her family pay tribute to her 'shining light'.

Brooke Etherington was with her school friends when she was knocked down by the heavy branches in Grove Place near the junction with Carshalton Road, Banstead at around 4pm on Saturday, November 9.

Residents from a nearby traveller estate attempted to shift the tree and perform CPR, but the youngster had 'already gone', witnesses said.

Her friends had screamed for help and desperately tried to save her life.

Brooke's friends and family have now launched a fundraising page and announced a memorial in her honour.

Brooke Etherington, 12, was with her school friends when she was knocked down by the heavy branches

Brooke's family has since launched a fundraiser page in her memory and are planning a balloon release with her friends and relatives

Brooke had been walking along the grassy footpath - which connects the popular Lavender Fields Farm with the town of Coulsdon - with her friends when the tragic incident took place.

Before her body could be freed using specialist equipment, it is believed she spent between 90 minutes and two hours stuck underneath the branches.

One passerby told The Sun: 'Moments before I saw them walking down the path, and then I heard screams.

'One of her friends shouted, 'My friend has been crushed. Please help me'.'

People have since taken to social media to pay tribute to young Brooke, with her cousin describing her as 'one of a kind'.

They wrote: 'You don't deserve this. You had your whole life ahead of you.

'You were one of a kind and you would never hurt a soul.'

The child, who has been named locally as Brooke, was knocked down by the heavy branches in Grove Place near the junction with Carshalton Road, Banstead (pictured: the fallen tree branches)

Police continue to keep the footpath closed as officers collect evidence at the scene

Another post said: 'This girl had a heart of gold, she didn't deserve half the stuff she went through.'

While a third added: 'I love you so much, you will never be forgotten, you will always be my best friend.

'I can't believe you're gone, I will miss you forever. I'm so sorry I didn't come see you sooner. I love you girl.'

Taking to social media on Sunday, her relatives announced plans for a memorial for Brooke on November 13.

They said: 'On the 9th of November our beautiful Brooke gained her wings, on Wednesday the 13th of November we will all be gathering at Banstead park from 6 oclock to let off lanterns and balloons to celebrate her 13th birthday and to give people a chance to reminisce on memories of our special girl.'

Police continue to keep the footpath closed as officers collect evidence at the scene.

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: 'Emergency services were called shortly after 1600hrs on Saturday, 9 November, to a 12-year-old girl struck by a falling tree branch in Grove Place near the junction with Carshalton Road, Banstead.

'Officers attended along with London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.

'Sadly, the girl died from her injuries. Her next of kin have been informed.

'The incident is not believed to be suspicious, however enquiries continue to establish the circumstances.

'A report will be prepared for the coroner in due course.'

Police rushed to the area after the youngster, said locally to be a 12-year-old girl, was fatally injured

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: 'Earlier today firefighters were mobilised to an incident near Banstead, following reports of a child being trapped by part of a fallen tree.

'At 4pm, crews from Croydon and Wallington fire stations, and a fire engine from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's Banstead Fire Station, were sent to the scene as part of our response.

'Upon arrival firefighters immediately began to coordinate the rescue operation, working to make the scene safe and carrying out immediate emergency care in support of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

'Sadly, despite the effort of emergency service personnel in attendance, the child was declared dead at the scene.

'The thoughts of our crews and staff across the entire Brigade are with the child's family at this difficult time.'
Oregon residents are increasingly relocating to red states, according to recently released data from the US Census.

Arizona and Texas were two favorites among Oregon transplants in 2023, with each attracting more than 10,000 people from the liberal bastion.

Idaho also took in nearly 7,500 Oregon residents last year.

The two most popular states that Oregonians moved to last year were Washington and California - which are both Democrat strongholds.

The data only builds on a trend seen by experts who study demographic shifts.

States like California are losing slowly losing population, while states like Texas and Florida are set to become the most populous in the coming decades.

Arizona was the most popular red state for Oregonians to move to in 2023. Pictured: Tucson, a major metro area in the state that voted for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump

Texas was the second most popular red state for former Oregon residents to flee to. Pictured: Austin, another city that overwhelmingly voted for Harris

Like California, Oregon's population shifted little last year, with the state losing slightly more residents than it took in.

The state saw two population drops after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, Oregon enjoyed rapid population growth. In the 2010s, it added more than 400,000 people.

So far this decade, Oregon has lost a little over 11,000 people, according to the US Census Bureau. But it is still a significant development, since the state has been consistently growing since it was added to the union in 1859.

There are a number of things that could be pulling Oregonians away to Arizona and Texas, states that powered Donald Trump's decisive win over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

For one, Arizona has just switched to flat income tax rate of 2.5 percent this filing season, while Texas has no income tax.

Oregon has a progressive income tax system, with people who earn $50,000 to $125,000 paying an 8.75 percent rate.

Any dollars made after $125,000 are taxed at a 9.9 percent marginal rate, one of the highest in the country.

This means Oregonians can move to Austin, Texas or Tucson, Arizona, cities with somewhat similar sensibilities to Portland, and enjoy lower taxes on top of a lower cost of living in general.

And although Oregon as a whole has a low crime rate compared to the rest of the nation, Portland is a city wracked with homelessness and elevated homicides.

Portland (pictured) is Oregon's biggest city, but is wracked with an elevated crime rate

The city is experiencing a major issue with hard drug use on its streets

The city has a large homeless population and a high incidence of death by overdose of illicit drugs

Oregonians are also fleeing to deep red Idaho, a state where 67 percent of voters cast their ballots for Trump in the 2024 election.

The state, known for producing the most potatoes in the country, appears to be where disaffected residents of California, Oregon and Washington are now flocking to.

Idaho's population has surged by 12 percent in the last five years.
On May 19, 1536, Anne Boleyn's life was ended with a single blow from an expert swordsman at the Tower of London.

Last night, viewers watching the BBC's Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light were left horrified when Anne's execution was gruesomely depicted just minutes into the first episode.

Claire Foy's Anne nervously awaited her fate before an impassive French swordsman dealt the death blow.

Watching on was Mark Rylance's Thomas Cromwell.

The sequence was a shortened version of what viewers saw in the original 2015 series, which ended with Anne's execution.

But, just how accurate was the depiction of the execution of King Henry VIII's second wife? Below, the Mail separates fact from fiction.

Last night, viewers watching the BBC's new series of Wolf Hall were left horrified when Anne's execution was gruesomely depicted just minutes into the first episode

Anne Boleyn was executed on May 19, 1536, as Thomas Cromwell looked on. Above: A depiction of Anne's execution at the Tower of London

Anne not giving a speech

Just moments before she was beheaded, Anne made a final speech, in which she left the massed spectators in no doubt that she still adored her husband.

She said: 'I am come hither to die, for according to the law and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it  I pray God save the King  for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never.'

In the opening episode of The Mirror and the Light, Claire Foy's Anne is only seen breathing heavily with fear before she is put to death.

But the scene is a shortened version of the one that viewers first saw in first series in 2015, when Anne's speech was accurately shown.

Just moments before she was beheaded, Anne made a final speech, in which she left the massed spectators in no doubt that she still adored her husband

Thomas Cromwell watching

Seen observing Anne's execution is Thomas Cromwell himself, played by Mark Rylance.

Henry VIII's chief minister really was present to see his nemesis die.

Having orchestrated false charges of treason against her, he was there along with Anne's other enemies - the Duke of Suffolk, Henry Fitzroy and Thomas Audley.

Seen observing Anne's execution is Thomas Cromwell himself, played by Mark Rylance. Henry VIII's chief minister really was present to see his nemesis die

Anne being blindfolded and not saying prayers

Claire Foy's Anne is fitted with a blindfold in the final moments before she meets her end.

The real Anne had a blindfold put on her just seconds before she was killed, but she was also saying her prayers as the sword fell.

As she knelt in the straw, she said: 'O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul. To Jesus Christ I commend my soul; Lord Jesu receive my soul.'

Foy's Anne in the first series of Wolf Hall is also seen saying her prayers when she meets her maker.

But the scene is cut from the new series.

Claire Foy's Anne is fitted with a blindfold in the final moments before she meets her end

The executioner is French

The BBC production rightly depicts the executioner as being French, but he is impassive before he deals the final blow and in the moments afterwards.

The real swordsman, Frenchman Jean Rimbaud - who was regarded as the best swordsman in Europe - begged Anne's forgiveness for what he was about to do.

The executioner was also left shaken by the atmosphere and Anne's courage - but in the BBC show - both the new series and the original in 2015 - he is seen to be largely unmoved.

The BBC production rightly depicts the executioner as being French, but he is impassive before he deals the final blow and in the moments afterwards

Anne's execution is performed in a single blow

The BBC show depicts Anne as being beheaded in one single blow - and that really is what happened.

It was a stark contrast to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.

When Mary died in 1587, the executioner missed her neck and instead struck her on the head. It took several blows to finish the deed.

Anne's ladies gathering up her head and body

Last night's episode of Wolf Hall also shows Anne's sobbing ladies gathering up her head and body after her death.

The real Anne's remains were collected by her bereft ladies and taken to be buried in an unmarked grave

The gory scene ends with Anne's ladies in waiting, spattered in blood, picking up her head and loading her body in to a waiting coffin

Henry marrying Jane Seymour at the same time as Anne's execution

The Mirror and the Light gives the impression that Henry married his third wife, Jane Seymour, as Anne was being executed.

Although Henry was betrothed to Jane the day after Anne's execution, the couple did not marry until May 30.
Immigration enforcement veteran Tom Homan has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as 'border czar' in his second term - one of the incoming administration's most crucial roles.

The 62-year-old Homan, known as a no-nonsense border hawk, is expected to help lead a total overhaul of both the policies implemented by President Joe Biden over the last four years and restoration of the Trump policies the Democratic administration dismantled.

At the core of his new job will be implementing Trump's vow to undertake mass deportations of illegal immigrants who flooded into the U.S under the Biden administration.

That plan is the brainchild of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, who the president-elect is reportedly bringing back to serve as his deputy chief of staff for policy zeroing in on the unprecedented border crackdown.

Homan served as Trump's Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the first year-and-a-half of his administration that began in January 2017.

Trump went on to nominate Homan to become ICE Director on Nov. 14, 2017, a post that requires Senate confirmation. But in April 2018, the acting chief announced he would step-down from his post in June of the same year.

Just days after winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump announced on Sunday that Homan would succeed Vice President Kamala Harris as 'border czar.'

Former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan (right) was announced Sunday as the new 'border czar' for Donald Trump's second administration

The border czar role, which was implemented by Biden when he named his vice president to the post, does not require Senate confirmation and would make Homan part of the White House staff rather than a cabinet member.

He would not have any legal authority over the federal agencies involved in border and immigration policies.

So who is the man that will lead White House border policy?

Early life and career

Homan is from northern New York State where he earned his degree in Criminal Justice.

He was a police officer in his hometown of West Carthage, New York for a few years before joining in 1984 what was then called the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which eventually was renamed the United States Border Patrol.

Homan spent three decades on the force as a Border Patrol agent and was also an investigator and supervisor for the agency over the years.

In 2013, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Executive Associate Director of ICE.

Homan worked for decades starting in 1984 in different positions with the Border Patrol  including as an agent, investigator and supervisor

A year later, Homan was a large proponent of implementing policies that were widely criticized for separating migrant parents from their children when they illegally crossed the southern border.

'Most parents don't want to be separated,' he said during an interview at the time. 'I'd be lying to you if I didn't think that would have an effect.'

Obama gave Homan the Presidential Rank Award as a Distinguished Executive in 2015

In an April 2016 article, the Washington Post wrote: 'Thomas Homan deports people. And he's really good at it.

Activity in Trump's first administration

About a week after Trump first took office in January 2017, Trump demoted acting ICE director Daniel Ragsdale to deputy director and appointed Homan as acting director.

With Trump at the helm and Homan leading ICE, the acting director said at the time that undocumented immigrants 'should be afraid.'

Homan announced in May 2017 that ICE had arrested 41,319 illegal immigrants between Trump's inauguration and the end of April, which was a 38 percent increase compared to the same time period the year before under Obama.

In April, Homan advised Trump's Homeland Security Secretary Kierstjen Nielsen to implement a 'zero tolerance' policy on immigration, which would prosecute parents and continue separation of those adults who brought minors into the U.S. illegally from other countries.

Trump nominated Homan to be ICE Director in order to drop 'acting' from his position. He was not confirmed by the Senate before announcing six months later his intention to retire by June 2018.

Just before vacating his position, Homan defended the separation policy.

Homan speaks with Border Patrol agents along the southern border wall in San Ysidro, California on May 7, 2018

Homan is credited with implementing the 'zero tolerance' policies that resulted in the separation of parents from their children when they illegally crossed the southern border

Homan has received widespread criticsm from Democrats and progressive who say his approach to the southern border is 'inhumane'

Democratic 'Squad' criticism

Much of the backlash over Homan's policies stemmed from the fact that illegal immigrant parents were kept separate from the children they illegally brought over the southern border.

And the biggest criticism came after the 2018 midterm elections when the so-called congressional 'Squad' of far-left progressive lawmakers took office.

Squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) said during a 2019 hearing with Homan: 'As a fellow American I just want you to know your contribution as Acting Director of ICE under this administration will always be remembered as one that was very ruthless and an inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.

'I'm deeply troubled by your opening statement and continued assault on innocent lives,' she said while bashing him for authoring the child separation policy.

President Trump just put this man, Tom Homan, in charge of deportations.  pic.twitter.com/S5xYeV1Nmm  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 11, 2024

Fellow Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also attacked Homan during the House Oversight Committee hearing after Democrats took control of the lower chamber.

'Zero tolerance was interpreted as the policy that separated children from their parents,' AOC said.

Homan, in explaining the policy, said: 'If I get arrested for DUI and have a young child in my car, then I'm going to be separated. When I was a police officer in New York and I arrested a father for domestic violence, I separated them.'

'Mr. Homan, with all due respect, legal asylees are not charged with any crime,' AOC countered.

'When you're in the country illegally it's violation 8 under the United States Code 1325.'

'Seeking asylum is legal,' AOC insisted.

'If you want to seek asylum and go through the port of entry  do it the legal way,' Homan said. 'The Attorney General of the United States has made that clear.'

Democrats were immediately troubled and expressed their concern over the weekend after Trump announced Homan would be returning to help lead White House immigration and border policies.

Homan became a Fox News contributor and public speaker after his time in the first Trump administration. He also joined the conservative Heritage Foundation as a fellow and founded Homeland Strategies Consulting

Post-White House career

After his time serving in the first Trump White House, Homan became a Fox News contributor.

In February 2022, he joined the conservative Heritage Foundation as a visiting fellow and contributed to its Project 2025 policy proposal that included mass deportation and detention of illegal immigrants living without documentation in the U.S.

He also owns Homeland Strategies Consulting firm, is a best-selling author and a big voice in public speaking when it comes to national security and border-related issues.

During the National Conservatism Conference over the summer, Homan said: '[If] Trump comes back in January, I'll be on his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen. They ain't seen s*** yet. Wait until 2025.'

'If you're here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder,' he said.

Trump said the next day at a campaign rally that he would likely bring Homan back if he got another term.

At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in July this year, Homan called Biden's immigration policies 'national suicide.'

He told 'millions of illegal aliens' to 'start packing'.
More than 3,000 private school pupils have already applied to join the state sector amid Labour's tax raid, new figures revealed today.

Private school fees will be subject to a 20 per cent rate of VAT from January when Labour ends an exemption for education, Rachel Reeves confirmed in her Budget.

Critics of the policy, which will hit parents 2,000 each per pupil on average, have branded it a 'tax on aspiration' and warned it will simply force more parents to send their children to the already overburdened state sector.

New data provides fresh evidence an exodus is already underway, with 124 local councils in England, Scotland and Wales receiving 3,011 applications from private school pupils to move to a state school between June 1 and September 9.

The figures, obtained in Freedom of Information requests by the Telegraph, are likely to understate the scale of private school exits given a further 83 councils either did not respond or said they did not have the data.

Carrdus School, in Oxfordshire, which is owned by leading girls' school Tudor Hall, recently announced it will be closing its doors in the spring if it cannot find a buyer

Critics of the policy, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, have branded it a 'tax on aspiration'

An additional 2,500 pupils have given notice to leave in January, according to separate data compiled by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) following a survey of its 900 members.

Today, ISC chief executive Julie Robinson accused Labour of 'underestimating' how many privately educated pupils would leave as a result of the policy, with the Treasury previously predicting the figure would be 3,000 for the entire 2024-25 academic year.

There are thought to be more than 550,000 children at independent schools across the UK.

Over the weekend a prestigious prep school became the latest private institution to announce it will be shutting its doors within weeks because of Labour's tax raid.

Carrdus School, in Oxfordshire, which is owned by leading girls' school Tudor Hall, said it will be closing its doors in the spring if it cannot find a buyer.

In a letter to parents, Chair of Governors Alison Darling said falling numbers triggered by the VAT policy plus the extra burden of employers' national insurance announced in the Budget meant Tudor Hall could no longer afford to finance the school.

If it closes, it will be the tenth private school to shut since the closure of Alton School in Hampshire in May, according to reports.

Hitting out at the Government's failure to delay the highly controversial January timing of its 20% VAT on fees, Ms Darling said: 'Despite the support of our professional associations in lobbying the Government in recent months, the Government has not responded to the call to reconsider its policy nor, even, to delay implementation until September 2025.'

She wrote that: 'the outcome of VAT on school fees has resulted in a number of Carrdus parents giving notice to withdraw their child from the school either at the end of the autumn term, or at the end of the academic year.

'The combination of VAT across both schools, further compounded by the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions, and the Carrdus pupil roll falling further below a sustainable number, means that Tudor Hall is no longer able to make the substantial financial commitment to Carrdus School that is required.'

The school in Banbury, which educates over 100 boys and girls aged 3-11, is described as a 'gem' by independent schools bible the Good Schools Guide.

It comes as the ISC launched legal action against the Government over claims its policy is discriminatory, including against children with special educational needs and disabilities.

It has instructed leading barrister Lord Pannick KC, who represented Boris Johnson during the Partygate inquiry, to fight its case.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has instructed leading barrister Lord Pannick KC, who represented Boris Johnson during the Partygate inquiry, to challenge the policy

The ISC is hoping for a judicial review of the policy on the grounds that it breaches articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

It will argue on behalf of parents who are unable to find suitable alternatives in the state sector, including for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Office for Budget Responsibility believes the move will send 35,000 children from private schools into the state sector.

In an email seen by the BBC, Chief Executive Julie Robinson said they 'will be defending the rights of families who have chosen independent education, but who may no longer be able to do so as a direct result of VAT on their fees'.

'We continue to ask the government to work with us to mitigate the risks of this policy on specialist arts education, on low-fee faith schools, on small girls' schools and on children with Send.'

The legal claim will focus on the 'right to education' and allege discriminatory practices against independent schools.

The ISC has called on the government to delay their plans and consider the impact on small schools, faith schools and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

MailOnline has contacted the Treasury for comment.
As the holiday travel season approaches, new data is shedding light on which airlines have the worst history when it comes to leaving passengers high and dry.

Data sourced from the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics showed one airline stuck out from the rest regarding the percentage of canceled flights.

QR Code Generator analyzed airlines' scheduled and canceled flights from August 2023 to July 2024 to come up with a list of the worst offenders.

Frontier Airlines, which was also named one of America's worst airlines earlier this year, took the top spot.

1. Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines was ranked the number one US airline when it came to flight cancellations

Frontier Airlines topped the list this year with a 2.22 percentage of canceled flights.

The airline scheduled 200,296 flights from August 2023 to July 2024 and canceled 4,443 during that time.

The Denver, Colorado-based airline has a pattern of being ranked low on traveler satisfaction lists.

Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) also concluded in a 2024 report that Frontier Airlines had the worst ratio of complaints to passengers in 2023 based on data from the US Department of Transportation.

'We have been disappointed in our historical complaints,' a Frontier Airlines spokesperson said in an email to Forbes earlier this year.

'However, we are pleased to have seen a recent drop in complaints due to better operational reliability, the reopening of our call center and the New Frontier which offers clear, upfront low-cost pricing, and no change fees.'

2. Endeavor Air

Endeavor Air is owned by Delta Air Lines, and it operates and maintains Delta Connection flights

Endeavor Air was a close second behind Frontier with a 2.21 percentage of canceled flights from August 2023 to July 2024.

The regional airline had 203,418 flights scheduled during that time period and canceled 4,491.

Endeavor Air has been 100 percent owned by Delta Air Lines since 2013.

'What's important is that our customers know Delta always has their back if a last-resort Delta or Delta Connection flight cancellation becomes necessary,' a spokesperson for Delta told Newsweek.

'Delta and its Delta Connection partners consistently lead operational performance among the largest US carriers as shown in Department of Transportation data.'

Despite the ranking, Delta claimed that Endeavor Air operated 246 days with no cancellations between August 2023 and July 2024.

3. Mesa Airlines

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Mesa Airlines was calculated to have a 2.10 percentage of canceled flights.

The airline scheduled 90,957 flights between August 2023 and July 2024 and canceled 1,914 during that time.

Mesa Airlines serves as a partner for United Airlines and operates under the United Express brand.

The regional airline also operated flights for American Airlines until their partnership ended in 2023.

4. GoJet Airlines

GoJet Airlines had a 2 percent flight cancellation ranking on this year's list

GoJet Airlines is another United Express carrier on the list with a high percentage of canceled flights.

The airline scheduled only 48,997 flights between August 2023 and July 2024 and canceled 979 during that time period.

GoJet Airlines has the lowest number of scheduled and canceled flights on the list, but the data concluded its canceled flight percentage was 2 percent.

A GoJet spokesperson told Newsweek that its 2 percent cancellation rate 'largely reflects uncontrollable factors like ATC (air traffic control) and weather, which accounted for majority of cancellations, while controllable cancellations were just 0.016 percent.'

'GoJet has been the only United Express carrier to report a zero percent cancellation rate - a milestone achieved in October 2024 thanks to our team's exceptional dedication,' the spokesperson added.

'We remain focused on providing a premium, dependable experience for our passengers and will continue to adapt our practices for the best service outcomes.'

5. CommuteAir

CommuteAir describes itself as a 'modern regional airline and United Express partner' on its website.

It also has a 1.98 percentage of canceled flights from August 2023 to July 2024.

The percentage was based on CommuteAir's 68,794 scheduled and 979 canceled flights during that period.

Despite its flight cancellation rate, several Reddit users advised travelers to fly CommuteAir over Republic Airways in a post on the social media platform this year.

Newsweek contacted a CommuteAir spokesperson, who said they 'having nothing to add' about its ranking.

5. Republic Airways

Republic Airways flies for United Express, and it has a 1.98 percent

Republic Airways tied with CommuteAir in fifth place for having a 1.98 percentage in canceled flights from August 2023 to July 2024.

This regional airline scheduled 285,131 flights during that time and canceled 5,638.

Like other airlines on this list, Republic Airways flies for United Express,

It also operates for American Eagle and Delta Connection - brand names under American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

6. Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines scheduled 244,375 flights from August 2023 to July 2024 and canceled 4,427 of them.

Because of these stats, the airline's percentage of canceled flights was 1.81 percent.

A representative from Alaska Airlines explained to Newsweek that it's 'committed to caring for guests from the time they book their ticket to when they touch down - including ensuring guests reach their destinations on time.'

'This year, we have successfully completed 97.9 percent of our scheduled flights. Absent the impact of flight AS1282 [the Alaska Airlines flight that saw a section of its fuselage break off mid-flight] and the grounding of our aircraft this January, our year-to-date completion rate would be 99.34 percent,' the representative added.

7. Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines landed at 1.63 percent in terms of cancelled flights from August 2023 to July 2024 this year.

The airline scheduled 268,322 during that time period and canceled 4,386.

Spirit Airlines has been known for its frequent flight cancellations, and a 2024 study from NerdWallet concluded it canceled 1.70 percent of its flights in 2023.

The Florida-based airline has also found itself in the news after its decision to cut 24 different flight routes over the next few months.

'We routinely evaluate our network and make adjustments to support the company's business strategy based on current market and operating conditions,' a Spirit spokesperson told Travel + Leisure.

'As part of this process, we updated our upcoming schedule to focus on our strongest performing routes.'

8. United Airlines

United Airlines scheduled the highest number of flights on this year's list from August 2023 to July 2024.

The airline scheduled 747,315 flights and canceled 11,578, making its percentage of canceled flights 1.55.

United Airlines was also ranked number four on the top 10 list of airline cancellations between October 27 and November 3, 2024.

Out of its 50,399 scheduled flights during that time, 158 were canceled, making that week's percentage rate 0.31 percent, according to USA Today.

Like CommuteAir, a representative from United Airlines told Newsweek they do not 'have anything to add' regarding the data.

9. PSA Airlines

PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, has a 1.46 canceled flight percentage from August 2023 to July 2024.

It also cracked the top 10 for number of airline cancellations from October 27 to November 3, 2024, canceling 16 of its 12,760.

10. JetBlue Airlines

JetBlue Airlines' percentage of canceled flights from August 2023 to July 2024 was 1.42 based on the recent data.

During that time period, JetBlue had 250,887 scheduled flights, and 3,569 ended up being canceled.

JetBlue has a history of flight cancellations and ranked second on NerdWallet's list of the highest percentage of canceled flights in 2023.

Despite that data, JetBlue was ranked the second highest in customer satisfaction for first class and business segment in the JD Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.
A woman who was abused as a teenager by 'Britain's worst catfish' has described her anger that he used her photograph to lure other victims.

Alexander McCartney, from Newry in Northern Ireland was jailed for at least 20 years at a Belfast court last month.

McCartney, 26, who admitted 185 charges involving 70 children, posed as a teenage girl to befriend young females from across the globe on Snapchat and other platforms before blackmailing them.

The computer science student caused Cimarron Thomas, 12, from West Virginia, to use her father's handgun to shoot herself rather than submit to his 'sadistic' demands for her to involve her younger sister in sex acts.

One of his victims, 'Emily', from Oregon in the US, was 14 when she was abused by McCartney in 2018 and he then created online profiles using images of her to sexually abuse other young girls around the world.

Alexander McCartney (pictured) was jailed for a minimum of 20 years at Belfast Crown Court after admitting 185 charges involving 70 children

Cimarron Thomas, (pictured) from West Virginia, US, took her own life while being blackmailed by prolific online predator McCartney

Snapchat messages from McCartney posing as a teenage girl to lure his victims into sending him photographs

A new BBC programme has heard from three of McCartney's victims.

While he was jailed for the charges relating to 70 victims, it is believed that the number of children he abused is about 3,500.

'Emily' said it made her angry to know he had used her photo to target other girls and hoped speaking out would help her to feel closure, 'wrapping up this chapter of my life'.

She said: 'I know his name. I've learned a lot more about him and how he operated. I know he is behind bars,' she said.

'There were some tears and hugs from both my parents, it felt good to have that support from them.'

'Violet', from Virginia Beach also in the US, was 12 when she was abused by McCartney in 2018.

Her concerns were reported to a police officer based in her school, prompting the involvement of the US Department of Homeland Security.

'Being catfished - it's such like a light term for this situation,' she said.

'To me, being catfished - you are on a Tinder profile and your pictures look different to what you look like in real life - that is not this. It is a sex crime and it is horrible. People have lost their lives over this. I reported him and he got caught.'

McCartney used his technical knowledge as a computer science student to carry out his crimes, said the prosecution

Cimarron Thomas (pictured) was subject to sick blackmailing online by McCartney and used her father's handgun to take her own life

Cimarron Thomas (left) with her US army veteran father Ben Thomas, who later took his own life after being consumed with guilt for leaving his gun where his daughter could access it

She urged other victims to speak out, adding: 'Because you truly never know the magnitude of the situation you are dealing with.'

Cimarron Thomas's grandparents Peggy and Dale Thomas also spoke in the programme.

They said not understanding why she had taken her life had been the hardest part.

Why was the biggest question, why? The investigating people went to the school and talked to everybody and nobody had anything concrete to say. It just wasn't her to do it. That was the hardest part - not understanding why she would,' Ms Thomas said.

She said hearing from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) about McCartney's involvement gave them the answers they had been wanting as to why she took her life.

The young girl's father Ben took his own life 18 months after his daughter's death, and did not learn what had happened.

Ms Thomas added: 'Ben just missed her, he just kind of withdrew, because he couldn't deal with all of it.

'I can't say how he would have handled it. I think it would have given him a reason to know why. In his mind I think that would have helped him accept it maybe a little better ... we'll never know that.'

Detective Sergeant Neil McInnes, who led the investigation for the PSNI and uncovered the evidence from McCartney's devices, described the conversations between McCartney and his victims as 'horrible acts of manipulation'.

'He was 20. How did he ever think that was normal? It's almost as if he is infatuated with her,' he said.

'This ('Emily') is the girl whose images he would then go on to use to send to all the other victims.'

The series also looks at multi-agency international investigations and the events which led to McCartney being convicted.

The three-part Teen Predator/Online Killer series will broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland on November 11, 12 and 13 at 10.40pm and on BBC Three from November 18 at 9pm, and on BBC One on Tuesday November 26 at 11pm.
A missing father who was initially presumed dead after his kayak was found overturned in a lake is now believed to have fled to Europe to begin a new life with a woman from Uzbekistan he met online.

Ryan Borgwardt, 45, vanished on Green Lake, Wisconsin, on August 11 after he went out for a solo fishing trip.

His kayak, life jacket, water bottle, tackle box and fishing pole were found in the water, and his car was still parked nearby. Emergency services searched the lake and surrounds for 54 days before ultimately abandoning the ground search.

Investigators have since revealed that Borgwardt had obtained a new passport and was chatting to a woman online from Uzbekistan.

He changed all the email addresses linked to his bank accounts and had inquired about moving money to foreign bank accounts.

She and Borgwardt celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary in July 2024

Burgwardt had also started a $375,000 life insurance policy and purchased a gift card for an airline.

Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said in a news conference: 'We do not know where he is. We know that he is not in our lake.'

Officers suspect Borgwardt is likely in Europe.

The plot was elaborately planned. Borgwardt left his original passport at home when he left, and the life insurance policy was taken out in January.

A missing father who was initially presumed dead after his kayak was found overturned in a lake is now believed to have fled to Europe to begin a new life

Borgwardt's devastated wife Emily, and their three children, have been grieving their loss, believing for months he was likely dead

His kayak, life jacket, water bottle, tackle box and fishing pole were found in the water, and his car was still parked nearby. Emergency services searched the lake and surrounds for 54 days before ultimately abandoning the ground search

He'd also completely wiped his computer, but authorities were able to recover his web searches.

His new passport was run by law enforcement in Canada on August 13, the day after he was reported missing.

Investigators have since revealed that Borgwardt had obtained a new passport and was chatting to a woman online from Uzbekistan

Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said in a news conference: 'We do not know where he is. We know that he is not in our lake'

Meanwhile, Borgwardt's devastated wife Emily, and their three children, have been grieving their loss, believing for months he was likely dead.

She is now being urged to join support groups for women with 'runaway husbands' as her friends and community rally around her.

'They thought that their dad was drowned. A day ago, they found out that he wasn't,' Podoll said.

She and Borgwardt celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary in July 2024.

If he were to return to the United States, he would likely be hit with a bill to pay restitution for the hundreds of hours poured into searching for him

Podoll described Emily as 'one strong lady' in his press conference, adding that she 'always responded and gave everything she could' during the investigation.

'I cannot imagine what she is going through, and they're going through.'

Officials have urged Borgwardt to come home for the sake of his family.

If he were to return to the United States, he would likely be hit with a bill to pay restitution for the hundreds of hours poured into searching for him.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested following the shooting at Alabama's Tuskegee University during homecoming week early Sunday morning.

Jaquez Myrick, of Montgomery, has been charged with possession of a machine gun following the shooting spree which killed teenager Latavion Johnson while injuring 16 more people.

Myrick was found leaving the scene of the shooting carrying a handgun with a machine gun conversation device, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said. A suspected motive has not been disclosed.

He is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility. Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson said investigators believe there are more suspects out there.

'If you've seen some of the videos, there was shooting all over the place. So, I think there will be multiple suspects,' he told told NBC affiliate WSFA. 'We're going to deal with it and try to get every last one of them.'

Jaquez Myrick, of Montgomery, has been charged with possession of a machine gun following the shooting spree which killed an 18-year-old while injuring 16 more people

Latavion Johnson, 18, has been named as the victim of the November 10 shooting by officials

Macon County authorities named the victim as 18-year-old Latavion Johnson. He was not a college student but a graduate of Charles Henderson High School in Troy.

It is not clear whether he was known to Myrick or what the suspected motive was. DailyMail.com has contacted the sheriff's office for more details.

Tuskegee University students had been in the midst of celebrating the college's 100th homecoming when shots rang out in the early morning hours on Sunday.

The gunfire sent people diving behind cars in the parking lot and huddling together as numerous rounds were shot, as captured in horrific video posted on social media.

Saturday was the last day of homecoming, and the campus had large crowds celebrating late into the night and early the next morning.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested following the fat shooting at Alabama 's Tuskegee University early Sunday morning during homecoming week

Social media videos showed students ducking in a parking lot as numerous rounds of gunfire were heard

The university said law enforcement 'secured the scene,' as the Alabama Bureau of Investigations led the investigation.

'The university is in the process of completing student accountability and notifying parents,' Tuskegee University said on Sunday.

'Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.'

It comes roughly a month after a shooter killed one man and nine other people near Tennessee State University in Nashville.

The October 12 incident also happened during the college's homecoming week.
Kemi Badenoch said Civil Service 'bureaucracy' led to delays in getting compensation to sub post-masters wrongly accused of wrongdoing in the Horizon scandal.

The new Conservative Party leader told an inquiry into the miscarriage of justice that she had raised concerns that the 'government machine' was being allowed to 'get in the way of redress' when she was business secretary.

The inquiry was shown a letter she sent to former chancellor Jeremy Hunt in August 2023, raising concerns about the slow pace of handouts due to Treasury processes.

In it, she said she and Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake had been 'looking at the ways in which we could radically speed up the processes'.

And in her witness statement she said she had been willing to issue a ministerial direction - officially over-ruling recalcitrant civil servants - to get things moving more quickly.

'I feel that there is often too much bureaucracy in the way of getting things done, because people are worried about process,' she told the inquiry.

'They are worried about if things go wrong, then being on the hook for that. And so they carry out lots of checks and balances, well beyond what I think is required in order to deliver the right outcome.

The new Conservative Party leader told an inquiry into the miscarriage of justice that she had raised concerns that the 'government machine' was being allowed to 'get in the way of redress' when she was business secretary.

In her witness statement she said she had been willing to issue a ministerial direction - officially over-ruling recalcitrant civil servants - to get things moving more quickly.

'I remember asking a question like, ''Why can't we just give them the money?''  And then I'd be told, well, there could be judicial review, and the Treasury has these value for money requirements, and if we don't meet them, then we might end up having to go to court 

'I would be told that, there's still an inquiry going on, and if you make a decision like this without going through all the checks and balances, or without waiting for the inquiry to complete to conclude, then you might have a problem later.

'But I thought that it was better to err on the side of ensuring that people got their compensation quickly, rather than making sure that we didn't get into any trouble for not doing it in the perfect way.'

More than 900 sub-postmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faulty Horizon accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their accounts.

Hundreds are still awaiting compensation despite the previous government announcing that those who have had convictions quashed are eligible for 600,000 payouts.

This morning, Ms Badenoch's Labour successor as Business Secretary said the Post Office's corporate culture is at the root of the Horizon scandal, but insisted the organisation is still 'an incredibly important institution in national life'.

Jonathan Reynolds told the inquiry he takes 'ultimate responsibility' at governmental level for full, fair and prompt redress.

He said there had been a 'significant increase in the pace at which compensation has been paid' since the general election, and told the probe he did not believe it had been 'at the cost of fair or accurate compensation being made.'

Giving evidence on Monday, Mr Reynolds said sub-postmasters do not make 'sufficient remuneration from what the public want from the Post Office', adding that increases to their pay will require 'very significant changes to the overall business model'.

-Lead campaigner and former subpostmaster Sir Alan Bates previously told MPs he wanted the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to set a deadline of March next year for redress payments for claimants who took the Post Office to the High Court between 2017 and 2019  also known as the GLO scheme.

Commenting on the culture within the Post Office in his witness statement to the inquiry, he said: 'It is clear that the Post Office's corporate culture is at the root of this scandal, and I want to make sure the system works for sub-postmasters.

'I am supportive of a reform agenda which seeks to turn this ambition into reality.'

-Lead campaigner and former subpostmaster Sir Alan Bates previously told MPs he wanted the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to set a deadline of March next year for redress payments for claimants who took the Post Office to the High Court between 2017 and 2019  also known as the GLO scheme.

Asked if he could commit to the deadline set by Sir Alan, Mr Reynolds said: 'I've thought about this a great deal and obviously anything put forward by Sir Alan in particular is something I'll consider to a significant degree.

'The position I'm in is I'm trying to make sure people get redress for a horrendous scandal  at a minimum, I don't want to do anything that makes that injustice even worse.

'And the worry about a deadline  can you imagine a situation where, for whatever reason, a claim has not come in?

'I think it will be unconscionable to say that that is not going to be considered.'
Russia has suffered its deadliest day of the war in Ukraine so far, with 1,770 soldiers killed or wounded in just 24 hours, according to figures released by Kyiv.

Vladimir Putin's forces have lost 710,660 troops since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion almost three years ago, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said today.

Despite the heavy losses, Moscow is pushing forward with its 'meat assaults' and continues to advance at its fastest rate since 2022, with Ukraine's armed forces chief admitting this month that it is currently facing 'one of the most powerful' Russian offensives since the war broke out.

Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region has stalled, and Moscow has reportedly massed a force of 50,000 soldiers as it aims to reclaim the territory taken from it three months ago.

Kyiv said last week its forces had clashed with some of the estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent to the region to support Moscow, with some experts saying their deployment could be partly due to the heavy Russian losses.

A grab from video footage purportedly shows North Korean troops in Russia being kitted out with military equipment, preparing to be sent to fight against Ukraine

In a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, Russian soldiers record video congratulations at an undisclosed location in Ukraine

A Russian soldier fires from a howitzer toward Ukrainian position in the Russian - Ukrainian border area in the Kursk region

Volodymyr Zelensky said at the time of the August incursion into Kursk that the taking of Russian territory could serve as a bargaining chip with Moscow.

But, stretched by manpower shortages, Ukrainian forces have lost some of the ground they captured in August incursion, and have continued to lose large swathes of its own territory.

The record number of daily Russian losses, which surpasses the previous peak of 1,730 in a day back in May, is broadly in line with estimates from Western countries.

The number of Russian soldiers killed and injured averaged 1,500 'every single day', UK Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin told the BBC on Sunday.

Russia is making huge sacrifices in order to secure 'tiny increments of land,' Radakin said, but added that it continues to make 'tactical, territorial gains,' and is 'putting pressure on Ukraine'.

The past weekend saw the largest drone attacks by Russia and Ukraine since the war began, with the barrages impacting large swathes of each country and hundreds of drones downed, including in the Moscow region.

Strikes have intensified amid expectations that US president-elect Donald Trump will put pressure on both sides to end the conflict.

A rescuer works at the site of a Russian night strike in Mykolaiv in Ukraine early on Monday morning

Rescuers work to extinguish a fire in a house following a drone attack in the village of Stanovoye, Moscow region, on November 10

He repeatedly said throughout his campaign that he could end the war 'in a day', without saying how.

It was reported last night that Trump spoke with Putin in recent days and advised him not to escalate the war.

Putin has since denied the reports and added that he has no concrete plans yet to call him.

Trump and his supporters have roundly criticised the scale of US military and financial support for Kyiv, and he previously labelled Zelensky 'the greatest salesman on Earth.'

The US has provided roughly $106 billion in aid directly to the government in Kyiv, a figure which includes military and financial aid as well as humanitarian support, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

After holding what he said was an 'excellent' call with Trump late on Wednesday, Zelensky the next day that he was convinced a rapid end to the war would mean Kyiv accepting big concessions.
The residents of Delphi, Indiana, are waiting with bated breath for a verdict in the long anticipated murder trial of Richard Allen.

The jury returned to the Carroll County Courthouse on Monday morning to deliberate Allen's fate for a fourth day.

He is accused of the heinous murders of Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, two young friends who were found brutally killed in 2017.

The years-long wait for answers has been agonizing for the girls' families and many others in the small city.

Police and prosecutors, eager to protect the integrity of the case, have been tight-lipped.

Closing arguments were heard in the double murder trial of suspect Richard Allen, 52, on Friday after weeks of testimony

Allen is charged with killing best friends Libby, 14, and Abby, 13, after they went on a hike outside their hometown of Delphi, Indiana, in February 2017

By 10am on Wednesday morning last week, there was a line of close to 30 lawn chairs on the sidewalk in front of Carroll County Courthouse.

Each would be occupied all day and all night by somebody hoping to snag a coveted seat for closing arguments.

It has been like this six days a week since opening statements kicked off on October 18, save for the fact that until Wednesday, when sheriff deputies instituted a ban on chairs on the premises before 7am the chairs and their occupants along with blankets, cushions, and supplies could be found on the access ramp of the courthouse itself.

The girls met their grim end after setting off on a trail walk from which they would never return.

They followed the Monon High Bridge trail, making the perilous journey across the disused railway bridge that gave it its name.

Sixty-three feet above the creek, with no barrier and riddled with missing beams it was the sort of thing teenagers did for a dare.

Arriving at the end, Libby turned to video her friend and captured the image of a man walking with purpose behind her  Bridge Guy.

Now, after 17 days of evidence and 60 witnesses the state has worked to convince jurors that when they look at the almost fragile figure of Allen who sits at the defense table each day it is Bridge Guy that they see.

Inside and outside the courtroom the atmosphere has been one of intense emotion.

The crime shook this small Indiana town, whose name became synonymous with its horror, profoundly.

In the years since, a host of podcasts, Youtubers, true crime fanatics, and conspiracy theorists have bloomed, all gripped with a sort of frenzy that has, at times, erupted into angry confrontations over the past four weeks.

Strong feelings combined with scant public seating and the contentious practice of some who have paid line-sitters hundreds of dollars to avoid an overnight wait have seen tempers flare more than once and deputies step in.

Pictured: Inside the Carroll County courtroom where Richard Allen's murder trial entered its 15th day on Monday November 4

Spectators line up to enter the Carroll County Courthouse to sit in on Allen's trial on Friday, October 18

Inside and outside the courtroom the atmosphere has been one of intense emotion, with dozens lining up in hopes of sitting in on the trial daily. Pictured: Spectators lining up outside Carroll County Court on October 18

Right from the start Allen County Special Judge Frances Gull, brought in to preside over the heavily scrutinized trial, has been clear that she would tolerate 'no nonsense' in her court.

Allen County Special Judge Frances Gull is presiding over the case

She sits at the bench framed by an American and an Indiana state flag and two lamps whose glass shades hang from the scales of justice.

On her orders seating is strictly allocated: ten seats for the state, ten for the defense and ten each for the families of both victims and Allen.

With a further 12 set aside for credentialed media  drawn for each day in a weekly lottery of pool reporters denoted by green lanyards  that leaves just 16 seats for those waiting in line.

There is no drinking or eating in court.

After some members of the public ate chips in her court during jury selection Judge Gull told the gallery at the get go: 'I'm not your mom. I'm not picking up your trash.'

Water bottles and snacks must be kept in bags and only taken out and consumed in the hallways or outside the courthouse.

And there is absolutely no talking in the public gallery when court is in session.

The now clean-shaven accused double-murderer is seen sitting alongside defense attorney Andrew Baldwin in a court sketch from Saturday November 2

Richard Allen's wife Kathy broke down in tears on Thursday as the court listened to him confess to the murders of Libby and Abby in multiple prison phone calls

The crime shook this small Indiana town, whose name became synonymous with the horrific double murders

On Wednesday, clearly frustrated by the rising level of chatter across previous days, Gull instructed Sheriff's Deputies to address the public and inform them that anyone caught whispering or commenting would be tapped on the shoulder, escorted from the court and permanently ejected: 'No questions asked.'

Two deputies remained in court to enforce the edict.

But with many having lined up all night it was clearly not a chance any were willing to take as Wednesday's proceedings played out to a silent court.

Each morning doors open at 8am and the steady stream of family members, friends, media and onlookers slowly makes its way through airport style security.

Bags and all belongings are screened, attendees must pass through a metal detector and are frequent monitored.

There are no electronics of any kind allowed in the 1916 courthouse. Smartwatches, phones, vapes, air pods, laptops, chargers  even smart glasses  are all on the list of items that must be abandoned in a cardboard box set at the courthouse doors.

With no electronics to lean on, the print and broadcast media who have, for the most part, sat in the front row each day in front of the Allen family, have frantically scribbled their notes, running through countless notepads and pens across the days.

The two set off on a trail hike on the fateful day of February 13, 2017. They followed the Monon High Bridge trail, making the perilous journey across the disused railway bridge that gave it its name

Sixty-three feet above the creek, with no barrier and riddled with missing sleepers it was the sort of thing teenagers did for a dare

Arriving at the end Libby turned to video her friend and captured the image of a man walking with purpose behind her  'Bridge Guy '

Once inside the main doors those who don't make it into the morning session, which starts in the third floor Circuit Court at 9am, immediately stand behind a cordon on the ground floor to wait for a chance to get in after the lunch break when public seats must be surrendered, and the line starts all over again.

Yet more lines form immediately at the third and first floor restrooms in the short morning and afternoon breaks  usually 15 minutes around 11am and 3pm.

Maintenance has been called in more than once to fix the 1900s plumbing which has buckled in the face of such demand.

In court Abby and Libby's family members sit in the second and third rows to the left of a central aisle while Allen's wife Kathy, frequently with his mother and stepfather and half-sister Jaime, sits in the second row to the right.

Allen's daughter Brittany has been absent apart from Tuesday when she briefly testified that she loved her father, that he had not  as he confessed in prison  molested her and that she would not lie for him.

State prosecutors Nick McLeland, Stacey Diener and James Luttrull Jr. sit at a table to the left in the court well while Allen's attorneys Andrew Baldwin, Jennifer Auger and Bradley Rozzi sit to the right.

Allen, who has worn button down shirts and khakis almost every day, along with reading glasses he barely uses and apparently does not need perched on top of his head, sits next to Baldwin each day.

At times he has taken notes, at others he has been seen leafing through his bible  a book so well-thumbed that the black leather cover has come loose from the spine.

He has frequently strained back to smile at his mother and at Kathy where they sit behind him, on one occasion mouthing 'Are you okay?' as the court was played emotional prison call recordings of Allen's multiple confessions of guilt to both.

Outside, the lampposts that line the square in which the courthouse sits are adorned with purple and blue ribbons in honor of Libby and Abby.

Inside, the evidence has been presented and final arguments made. The case has been handed to the jurors and deliberations have begun.

Now, after seven years, there is nothing left to do but wait.
A father was seen chillingly running down a darkened street just hours before being found dead in a river.

Kyle Vernon was caught on doorbell footage jogging along a residential road in the village of Ogmore Vale, in South Wales, just before 9pm.

But the 37-year-old never made it home, with his body being found in fast flowing Ogwr Fawr River at around 8am the following morning.

Police have now released footage of his last sighting, which was on a road about 30 minutes away from the river on December 15, last year.

The tragic father can be seen wearing a burgundy hooded top and dark grey tracksuit bottoms as he runs along the street.

Kyle Vernon, pictured here wearing a waistcoat, shirt and blue tie, was found dead on December 15, last year

The 37-year-old was seen running down a street (pictured) in the village of Ogmore Vale in South Wales hours before his body was found

Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward so they can fill in the gaps between the last sighting and the discovery of his body. Pictured: Vernon smiling at the camera while wearing a white shirt

South Wales Police have previously said that while they don't think his death is suspicious, they want to fill in the gaps between his disappearance and the discovery of his body.

Detective Inspector Steve Jones, of the force, said: 'We continue to work to understand the circumstances around Kyle's death and have been speaking with people in the area and looking through local CCTV and doorcam footage.

'We need to fill the gap between this sighting and when Kyle was found in the river just over a mile down the valley, the distance between this sighting and where Kyle was found in the river could be walked in around 30 minutes.'

'My team are trying to establish Kyle's movements in the hours that led up to him being in the river and as part of our investigation we are asking anyone who may have captured Kyle on any CCTV, dashcam or ring doorbell footage to please get in touch.

'We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of North Road, paths around Ogmore Vale Primary School, Saville Road or Penllwyngwent Industrial Estate anytime after 8pm on Friday, December 15 who may have information that could help officers in understanding the circumstances surrounding Kyle's death. Our thoughts remain with Kyle's family.'

Following his death, Kyle's family said: 'Kyle was a loving son, father, brother, partner, and grandson who was well-liked and a very caring person. Everyone who met him loved him.'

An inquest hearing into Kyle's death is scheduled for later this month.
Smugglers' record-breaking haul of cocaine valued at 186million and hidden in a banana cargo boat was uncovered in a sting straight out of a Hollywood thriller.

Just over 2.3 tonnes were secreted in 41 pallets of fruit in Colombia, before being intercepted when arriving at Portsmouth Harbour in February 2021.

But at the Old Bailey this week details of an incredible covert police operation were revealed that blew open the plot to flood London with the drug.

Officers replaced the cocaine with more fruit and pretended to be lorry drivers to deliver the drugs to a bogus grocery warehouse the smugglers had set up in Enfield, north London.

There armed police arrested four of the gang at the warehouse and recovered a loaded revolver hidden on a roof beam as well as the electronic key flat to a flat in nearby Islington.

The flat was empty and it was obvious no-one was staying there, the court heard.

Just over 2.3 tonnes of cocaine were secreted in 41 pallets of fruit in Colombia, before being intercepted when arriving at Portsmouth Harbour in February 2021, jurors have been toild

Petko Zhutev (pictured) has been described as the 'face' of the drug smuggling gang

The drugs deiivery discovered in Portsmouth in 2021 was valued at at least 186million

And yet under the kitchen cabinets police found another 33 kilo blocks of cocaine from a previous shipment worth 1.24million wholesale and with a street value of at least 2million.

Prosecutor Kevin Dent KC told the court: 'That address Flat 7 The Yard, Islington had been uses as a storehouse for significant amounts of cocaine.'

Mr Dent said Albanian Erik Muci, 44, who was not been arrested at the grocery warehouse, was one of the bosses of the operation.

He added: 'Muci, acting together with others had been directing the onward distribution of this cocaine.'

Deliveries had been from the address to dealers across north east and east London.

Muci was not arrested for eight months after the warehouse raid at his home in Hornchurch, Essex.

The 'face' of the operation, Petko Zhutev, 39, had been on trial but admitted the offence in the final week of the four-month hearing.

Muci, 44, and Olsi Ebeja, 40, denied fraudulent evasion of prohibited class A drugs but were convicted by an Old Bailey jury.

Muci was also convicted of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

Two other men, Gjergii Diko, 32, and Bruno Kuci, 40, earlier admitted smuggling cocaine, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

The court heard the cocaine was dispatched from Columbia on January 26.

Police found, under kitchen cabinets, 33 kg blocks of cocaine from a previous shipment worth 1.24million wholesale and with a street value of at least 2million

Bruno Kuci (pictured), 40, admitted smuggling cocaine, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition without a certificate

Mr Dent said: 'There had been sophisticated planning for this operation during a period of at least six weeks prior to the delivery on February 18.

'This involved a number of aspects, including the sending of from Columbia of three other consignments without cocaine as a trial dry runs.'

Zhutev set up the bogus company called Agro Foods on December 30 2020, being a director of the firm.

He rented the warehouse, bought refrigeration equipment and also rented a forklift to move the 41 pallets.

The smugglers had also purchased untraceable Dutch SIMs for phones and had armed themselves with a 9mm calibre Turkish Atak Arms Zotaki.

Originally designed to discharge tear gas cartridges, the firearm had been converted to fire live ammunition.

The revolver contained six unfired modified.380-inch calibre blank cartridges.

Mr Dent said: 'On 18 February 2021, two police officers acting covertly as lorry drivers delivered a consignment of bananas to a warehouse and storage unit called Agro Food Unit.

'Officers making the delivery were operating covertly as, four days earlier, UK Border Force at Portsmouth had found within a consignment of 41 pallets of bananas, pallets containing 2,330 blocks of cocaine, each block around 1kg in weight.

'This had arrived from Colombia. Before delivery of the load on 18 February 2021, delivered to Agro Foods Ltd by officers acting as lorry drivers, the pallet numbers of the four pallets containing drugs had been noted and the cocaine had been removed from the consignment.

Olsi Ebeja (pictured), 40, denied fraudulent evasion of prohibited class A drugs but has been convicted by an Old Bailey jury

Gjergii Diko (pictured) was among drug smugglers who posed as wholesale grocers to import one of Britain's biggest seizures of cocaine inside a consignment of Colombian bananas

'The pallets that previously had cocaine packed on them were replaced by more bananas.

'The wholesale value of the cocaine seized was in excess of 90 million.. The street value is in the region of 186million.'

Mr Dent added: 'At the time this was the largest ever inland seizure by UK officers.'

Zhutev took delivery of the bananas from the two lorries and supervised Diko and Kuci.

Two hours later police arrived in force to arrest the gang and found the pallets which were meant to contain cocaine were already being broken down.

Zhutev Diko and Kuci where arrested at the warehouse and Ebeja was found in a van nearby acting as a driver and lookout man

'He was present and ready to transport the cocaine, once it had been successfully delivered and sorted at Agro Foods,' the prosecutor said.

Muci, of Haynes Road, Hornchurch, and Ebeja, of Malta Street, Islington, denied but were convicted of fraudulent evasion of prohibited class A drugs.

Zhutev, of no fixed address, Diko and Kuci, admitted fraudulent evasion of prohibited class A drugs.

The trial was meant to take three months but lasted more than five and Judge Rebecca Trowler, KC, excused the jury from any future service.

The jury had deliberated for 47 hours and 28 minutes.
Sue Gray is still 'on a break' after being ousted as the PM's chief of staff, Downing Street confirmed today.

It was announced that Keir Starmer's former top aide had left her role on 6 October following weeks of bitter briefings.

At the time, No10 said Ms Gray was being shuffled to a new position as Sir Keir's envoy for the nations and regions as he conducted a 'reset' of his Downing Street team after just three months in office.

But, despite initial suggestions Ms Gray would take up the job immediately, it was later revealed she was taking a 'short break'.

Ms Gray subsequently missed an inaugural gathering of the PM's new council of nations and regions on 11 October, despite expectations she would attend.

The PM's spokesman told a briefing for political journalists today that there is no update on Ms Gray's status, and also refused to say whether she is still earning her previous 170,000 salary.

Sue Gray (pictured) is still 'on a break' after being ousted as the PM's chief of staff, Downing Street confirmed today

It was announced that Keir Starmer 's former top aide had left her role on 6 October following weeks of bitter briefings

There have been claims that Ms Gray is pushing for a payoff, as well as suggestions she could be given a peerage by Sir Keir.

Her three months in No10 were marked by regular reports of tensions within Sir Keir's top team, while it was leaked that she was earning more than Sir Keir's salary of 166,786.

Ms Gray said she was leaving the chief of staff role because it was 'clear to me that intense commentary around my position risked becoming a distraction'.

She has been replaced as Sir Keir's chief of staff by Morgan McSweeney, the apparent victor in a Downing Street power struggle.

He had previously overseen Labour's victorious general election campaign and been the PM's top political adviser in No10.

Ms Gray and Labour donor Lord Alli - an ally of Sir Keir - were spotted catching up on over lunch last week.

The pair, known to be old friends, were spotted dining at the Dean Street Townhouse in Londons Soho.
The GOP are outraged that a federal worker provided aid based on politics

Republicans are furiously calling for mass firings at FEMA after it was discovered that an employee told agents to avoid providing hurricane relief to Donald Trump supporters.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worker was fired after a Daily Wire report revealed she instructed her team to discriminate against MAGA Americans facing disaster.

An internal group message between FEMA workers showed that 'best practices' for responding to the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton included avoiding 'homes advertising Trump.'

Conservatives across the country are now demanding for further investigations and firings.

'The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days,' Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said following the report.

At least 20 homes with signage indicating their support for the President-elect were skipped by FEMA workers, according to a bombshell report. Republicans are furious over the political bias within the agency

He called it evidence of 'targeted discrimination' against Trump supporters based on their political affiliation.

'New leadership is on the way in DC, and I'm optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired,' the governor continued.

Donald Trump Jr. also sounded off on the FEMA worker's prejudice.

'This is outrageous even for the Democrats in charge and should be criminal.'

'These people should be ousted from FEMA, Government and society! A full investigation is in order!'

Marni Washington, the FEMA employee in question, instructed workers in Lake Placid, Florida, to avoid Trump supporting homes.

Republicans call it evidence of 'targeted discrimination' against Trump supporters based on their political affiliation

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worker was fired after a Daily Wire report revealed she instructed her team to discriminate against MAGA Americans facing disaster

FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams clear debris

FEMA officials talk to residents displaced out of their apartment complex during Hurricane Milton

Her edict prompted workers to avoid at least 20 homes with signage, indicating their support for the President-elect, leaving residents to fend for themselves without any federal aid, employees who spoke with the outlet reported.

Washington was rebuked by the FEMA chief in a statement following the report.

'This is a clear violation of FEMA's core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation,' Criswell said. 'This was reprehensible.'

'I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again,' she said.

'Trump sign no entry per leadership,' one of the workers confirmed to a FEMA group chat, indicating that Trump supporter's homes were actually skipped by federal workers, the outlet reports.

'FEMA officials discriminated against Trump voters? Totally illegal,' Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., wrote on X alongside a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) internal investigator.

Ted Cruz, who was just reelected to the Senate in Texas, added that it is a 'stunning abuse of power.'

'Everyone involved in issuing these instructions should be fired immediately.'

'I'm asking the Inspector General to launch a full investigation immediately. Everyone involved needs to be identified, fired - and if necessary, prosecuted,' Hawley continued.

Florida Republican Rep. Bryon Donalds also called for firings.

'Following Hurricane Milton, FEMA workers were told to avoid helping Trump supporters. Anyone involved should be fired immediately.'

'We are one nation. We are one people. And we have one shared destiny. Your politics should never determine whether you receive disaster relief.'
A pregnant carer has won more than 40,000 in compensation after she was sacked by WhatsApp after she told her manager she was pregnant.

Jade Hodkinson was told she was being dismissed by text from her care home position because she had not completed her training.

However, an employment tribunal found the real reason for her 'shocking' dismissal was her pregnancy, coming just weeks after she had informed her boss of the good news.

The tribunal, held in Manchester, heard that Miss Hodkinson was hired by the care home as a senior care assistant in October 2021.

She successfully sued B&R care for pregnancy discrimination and unfair dismissal. Now, the mother-of-four has been awarded 40,349.81 in compensation.

Jade Hodkinson was dismissed by text from her care home position after she told her manager she was pregnant



Manchester Tribunals Service where Jade Hodkinson has been been awarded 40,000

In late July 2022, Miss Hodkinson told her manager, identified in the tribunal judgement only as Mrs Higham, that she was pregnant.

Following this Mrs Higham's tone on WhatsApp became 'less friendly' and more formal, the tribunal heard.

The manager sent a letter to Miss Hodkinson on August 1 inviting her to a probation meeting to discuss her failure to follow 'reasonable management instruction' when it came to training.

The tribunal heard that in March she had been given a 'friendly reminder' by Mrs Higham to complete her training and at a meeting in June she had been asked to complete it by the end of the month.

However, she had never been told that completing it was a condition of her probation period.

On August 14 Miss Hodkinson called in sick because she was suffering from morning sickness, Mrs Higham rescheduled her training for August 19 with a review meeting after, on a day of the week Miss Hodkinson did not normally work, without consulting the carer.

Miss Hodkinson said she couldn't work that day because she wouldn't be able to organise childcare, Mrs Higham did not offer to re-arrange the training again and instead brought forward the telephone review meeting to August 18.

After Miss Hodkinson did not attend that meeting, because she was at her other job, Mrs Higham messaged her on WhatsApp to cancel her second training shift the next week.

When Miss Hodkinson asked if she was being sacked, Mrs Higham replied 'Unfortunately. I have tried to ring you, no answer. Dismissal with immediate effect and letter to follow'.

Miss Hodkinson initially tried to appeal her dismissal but later withdrew it.

The tribunal found that the reason for Miss Hodkinson's firing was her pregnancy and that it was unfair and discriminatory.

At the remedy hearing, the tribunal heard that the 'brutal' dismissal had impacted Miss Hodkinson's mental health and she became 'extremely worried' how she would manage financially.

Employment Judge Kate Ross said '[Miss Hodkinson] is a young woman relatively near the start of her working life.

'The loss of a job is a serious matter, she really loved her job, [Miss Hodkinson] was good at her job and she was liked by the residents in the care home.

'Even the manager who dismissed her agreed she was good at her job.

'We find it was very brutal way in which [her] employment was ended - it was essentially over a text message whilst pregnant - and there was no satisfactory explanation about what the urgency was.

'For [Miss Hodkinson] it was a shocking way to lose her job.

'She became psychologically unwell, lost her confidence and was unable to work at all for some time.

'It was extremely stressful to be dismissed especially when pregnant as she became extremely worried about how she would manage financially without that additional income.'
Iran has broken its silence after a chilling plot to assassinate Donald Trump was exposed Friday by the Justice Department.

News of a foiled Iran-backed plan to hire hitmen to take out Trump a month before the election shook the country last week after criminal charges were unsealed against the main architect of the plot.

Now, Iran is claiming that the allegations are being 'fabricated' by the U.S.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X that because 'a killer does not exist in reality, scriptwriters are brought in to manufacture a third-rate comedy.'

'Who can in their right mind believe that a supposed assassin SITS IN IRAN and talks online to the FBI?!'

Farhad Shakeri who was charged in the murder-for-hire scheme apparently spoke with the FBI to try and trike a deal to help get one of his associates off the hook.

The Justice Department unsealed criminal charges on a thwarted plot by Iran to kill President-elect Donald Trump before the election

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Shakeri, 51, has been described by the FBI as an 'asset' of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and is now on the run in Tehran.

He allegedly plotted 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.

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.

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

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.'
Chilling new details have emerged in the horrific killing of a US nurse in Hungary after an Irishman allegedly stuffed her into a suitcase before dumping it near a lake.

Mackenzie Elizabeth Michalski, 31, a nurse from Portland, Oregon, who was on holiday in Hungary, was reported missing on November 5 after she failed to return from a night out.

A 37-year-old Irish man was interviewed by police on November 7, during which he admitted to the crime and showed them where he hid her body near Lake Balaton in western Hungary.

The man, who has been only identified by his initials L.T.M., allegedly killed Michalski before stuffing her body in a freshly bought and driving it in a rented car to Lake Balaton, police said.

The suspect is alleged to have made several internet searches, including on whether pigs eat dead bodies, the presence of wild boars around Lake Balaton and the reliability of Budapest police.

Mackenzie Elizabeth Michalski (pictured), 31, a nurse from Portland , Oregon , who was on holiday in Hungary, was reported missing on November 5 after she failed to return from a night out

The 37-year-old Irishman suspected of killing Michalski (pictured) led police to the area where her body was dumped following his arrest over her disappearance on November 7

Her body was found near Lake Balaton in western Hungary

Photos showing Mackenzie Michalski, an 31-year-old American tourist who was murdered while on vacation, hang at a candlelight vigil in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, November 9, 2024

Police had identified the man after reviewing security footage from several nightclubs in central Budapest's nightlife district, which officers said showed the pair dancing together before leaving.

A Budapest district court said it had decided at its weekend session to order his detention for one month.

Police said the man confessed to the killing, insisting it was accidental.

Police believe the suspect, who arrived in Budapest in October, met the victim at a nightclub, took her to a rented apartment and killed her while they were being intimate with each other.

'At present, it is not possible to establish exactly how the victim was killed and this is the subject of the ongoing investigation,' the court said.

After allegedly killing Michalski, the man then cleaned the apartment, before stuffing her in the suitcase and driving it to the lake, police said.

Crime scene photos show a rolling suitcase, items of clothing and a handbag next to a credit card with Ms Michalski's name on it, Sky News reports.

The Irish foreign ministry said it 'is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance'. 'As with all cases, the department does not comment on the specific details of individual cases,' it added.

A Facebook group with community members, friends and family was created for a collective effort to find Michalski.

Her parents travelled to Budapest in the hope of bringing their daughter home but learned en route of her death.

They attended a candlelight vigil in her memory near the US embassy on Saturday, thanking those who tried to find their daughter.

Mackenzie Michalski (pictured) had gone to Hungary as a tourist and was last seen at a nightclub on Tuesday before her body was eventually found

Friends hold candles while remembering Michalski during a candlelight vigil in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, November 9, 2024

A statement on behalf of the family was released on the Facebook group: 'Dear members of our community, we are deeply saddened to confirm a report published by Hungarian police announcing the death of our beloved Kenzie.'

The statement further thanked the efforts of everyone including strangers abroad and officials across the world for getting involved in helping find Michalski.

It continued: 'Kenzie will forever be remembered as a beautiful and compassionate young woman who dedicated herself to caring for others and making the world a better place.

'As a nurse practitioner, Kenzie used her humor, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike.'

One of her friends set up a GoFundMe page to hire investigators to find Michalski.

More than $41,000 have been raised in donations, which will now be used to cover the cost of 'travel and funeral arrangements along with any costs associated with ensuring justice for Kenzie', her friend said on the fundraising page.

Michalski had last been seen at a club in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest after her friends had received pictures from her in the bar.

Since then, family or friends hadn't been able to reach her, and her belongings were found in the Airbnb she was staying in.

Michalski also then missed her flight from Hungary to Amsterdam which was on her route back home.

The group of friends had been traveling for a birthday trip, according to fellow traveler and friend, Gretchen Tower, reported WKBW.

Tower was also one of the last people to see Michalski on their Europe tour trip, and Hungary was their last stop.

'We had a great three days in Hungary. Exploring, eating, walking the city,' she told the outlet.

The two said their goodbyes on Monday, Tower recalled: 'She walked me downstairs out of the Airbnb, we hugged goodbye, we said our I love yous, I went to the airport.'

Tower was on her way to Italy to visit some other friends and Michalski stayed behind for one more night in Budapest.

One of her friends set up a GoFundMe page to hire investigators to find Michalski. More than $41,000 have been raised in donations, which will now be used to cover the cost of 'travel and funeral arrangements along with any costs associated with ensuring justice for Kenzie'

Friend and fellow traveler, Gretchen Tower, said the group had been traveling together and when she lost contact with Michalski. Tower was the one who reported her missing

'She was at a bar in the Jewish ruin district having a glass of wine, looked like she was having dinner,' said Tower.

The two exchanged text messages before Michalski's disappearance. Tower said she had responded to a message at around 12.45 Tuesday morning, but Michalski never responded.

It wasn't until Tower got a notification from the Airbnb alerting her that Michalski had never checked out that Tower became concerned.

'I started to worry, and I messaged and said, "This is completely uncharacteristic of her, she would never do this, I don't know what's going on,' Tower told the outlet.

When Tower had still heard nothing from Michalski later that day, she reported her missing to the US Embassy.

After countless efforts to find her from across the world, Michalski's family were eventually informed her body had been found.
A two-year-old girl suffered a blood clot and was put in a coma after a horrendous bout of food poisoning on an all-inclusive holiday in Egypt.

Chloe Crook jetted off to the five-star Jaz Aquaviva resort in Hurghada in July with her parents but began exhibiting debilitating gastric symptoms just two days later.

She was then rushed to hospital by ambulance where she temporarily lost her vision and became non-verbal - before bruising appeared under the skin on her head.

Worrying tests later revealed her kidneys were not working properly, and she underwent emergency dialysis in a semi-sedated state.

Chloe Crook suffered a blood clot and was put in a coma after a horrendous bout of food poisoning on an all-inclusive holiday in Egypt

She was then rushed to hospital by ambulance where she temporarily lost her vision and became non-verbal - before bruising appeared under the skin on her head

Chloe was then found to have Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS), potentially a fatal blood condition linked to the bacteria E. coli, which can lead to brain damage.

Following the family's return to the UK, Chloe was placed into a coma for four days, before developing pneumonia and blood clots in her neck and arm.

Her mum, Megan, 34, said since her hospital discharge, she needs assistance to move freely and now suffers 'nightmares' from her horrendous experience.

She said: 'Since coming home, Chloe is a totally different girl.

'She used to be very social and loved going to nursery, but now she shies away from interacting with people outside her immediate circle.

'She's also started having nightmares about being in hospital; waking up screaming and shouting 'no,' repeatedly and it's horrible to see how affected she is.

'Chloe has been left traumatised by what she has been through, and it has been incredibly difficult to try and come to terms with what's happened.'

Megan and Chloe's dad, Alex, 40, have since instructed serious injury lawyers at legal firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate their daughter's illness.

Jennifer Hodgson, a lawyer from the company, said: 'The family's holiday turned into nothing short of a nightmare after Chloe fell ill.

Chloe was found to have a potentially fatal blood condition which can damage the brain. The condition is called Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS)

'They understandably have many questions and concerns over how she went on to develop E. coli, and the subsequent complications as a result of developing HUS.

'E. coli is extremely serious and can result in long-term health problems, which is potentially the case with Chloe.

'If, during the course of our investigations, any issues are identified, action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of other holidaymakers falling ill in the future.'

Chloe, from Kent, and her parents booked a week-long holiday from July 2 to July 10 this year through tour operator TUI.

But it wasn't long before she started suffering from bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue and stomach cramps.

After she was taken to a hospital in Egypt, she was administered intravenous medication, including antibiotics.

But her condition continued to worsen until Megan found out that she in fact had HUS, which could have been linked to the dangerous bacteria E. coli.

She said: 'When we were in Egypt, she was in so much pain and was only given paracetamol as relief.

'The standard of care was nowhere near what we would have expected, and we kept being told that Chloe had gastroenteritis.

'We had to push for more tests to be done, as we knew there was something very wrong with our daughter.

'It was so distressing for Alex and me to see her like that and know that we couldn't do anything; we felt completely helpless.

She went on: 'To find out that it was E. coli and HUS was a huge shock to us.

'We have read reports on tragic cases of this where children have been brain damaged or lost their life due to this horrific illness and we were terrified.

'Then to be told she was suffering an acute kidney injury and had to be placed into an induced coma due to the seizures, was horrifying.'

Almost four months on, Chloe is on anti-seizure medication, blood thinners, and a number of other medications.

She continued to suffer from vomiting and lack of appetite for a period and now gets tired easily.

Chloe will also require annual check-ups on her kidney function.

After she was taken to a hospital in Egypt, Chloe was administered intravenous medication, including antibiotics. Here she is pictured receiving treatment in hospital

Another holidaymaker, Samantha Rice, 32, was diagnosed with Shigella, an intestinal infection, after returning from the Jaz Aquaviva resort in Hurghada this summer.

Samantha's trip, also booked through TUI, took place from July 16 to 31, and she fell ill after just one week.

She suffered bloody diarrhoea, fatigue, stomach cramps and a high temperature. She also had a rash.

Samantha required hospital treatment in Egypt, including intravenous fluids and blood tests.

Upon her return to the UK, Samantha, from Preston, Lancs., was diagnosed with Shigella and admitted to hospital where she was administered IV antibiotics.

Almost three months on, Samantha is now awaiting test results to confirm whether or not her illness has led to her developing diabetes.

Samantha, who is a manager for an outsourcing company, was signed off work for 11 weeks and has since returned on a part-time basis.

She has continued to struggle in her role since falling ill and may eventually lose her job if appropriate workplace adjustments are unable to be made.

She said: 'The whole experience has left me devastated and feeling very stressed about what I eat; I am now reluctant to go for meals out.

'I'm not usually one to be unwell, so when the symptoms started I knew something wasn't quite right. But not for one minute did I expect it to develop so rapidly.

'To then be told I had Shigella and may possibly develop diabetes came as a huge shock.

'I've now heard about so many other people that were sick, and when I think back the hygiene was very questionable.

'There were flies around the food and the cleaning of the resort left a lot to be desired, poo left smeared on the wall of the public toilet cubicle for a couple of days.

'I don't even remember seeing the pool being cleaned the whole time I was there.

'To think I may have to leave my job as a result is incredibly upsetting and, while there's nothing I can do to change what's happened, I feel I deserve some answers.'

A TUI spokesperson said the company was unable to comment as the incident concerned a legal matter.

Jaz Aquaviva Resort has been contacted for comment.
Ritzy Cape Cod could suffer a brutal punishment after its local lawmakers insulted Donald Trump.

The iconic Massachusetts peninsula desperately needs $4.5 billion in funds to replace the only two bridges linking it to the mainland, which are named the Bourne and Sagamore.

But local lawmakers who've pressed the federal government for cash now face going to Donald Trump with their begging bowl, despite hurling vicious insults at him.

And with the president-elect vowing revenge on his enemies during his second term, the billionaires' playground may find replacement of the 'essential' spans a low-priority for the new White House.

Massachusetts Democrat Governor Maura Healey, who is pushing the project, previously slammed Trump as 'a con man' 'a swindler' and 'a threat to democracy' after suing him a hundred times when she was attorney general and he was 45th president.

Cape Cod's Plum Island desperately needs Trump, 78, to approve a $4.5 billion project to replace two major pre-Second World War bridges - the Sagamore and the Bourne

Donald Trump has pledged to get revenge on a long list of enemies when he returns to the White House in January 2025, including political opponents and prosecutors who have gone after him in court

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey (left) and Senator Edward 'Eddie' Markey (right) both now face having to go to Donald Trump with begging bowl in hand, despite both previously hurling multiple insults at the president-elect

She could send another politician to ask for the money in her place - but the next in line, US Senator Eddie Markey, hasn't been shy about his feelings toward Trump either.

'Trump is absolutely a fascist. He's also a misogynist, a racist [and] a homophobe,' the Democrat lawmaker previously said, per the Boston Herald.

Built in 1935, the Cape Cod bridges are old and in desperate need of repair.

They were designed to last 50 years so have been operating for almost double the recommended time.

Cape Cod is a well-known Democrat stronghold, with President Trump known to enjoy toying with his enemies.

The prospect of refusing to replace the ageing bridges and inconveniencing elite lawmakers and locals who've railed against him may be too tempting to ignore, the Herard speculates.

Govenor Healey has already had her first disagreement with Trump just a week after he won his second election.

She vowed not to comply with the upcoming Republican administration's plan to deport up to 20 million illegal migrants.

Healey did so despite warning the Bay State was buckling under the strain caused by tens of thousands of recent arrivals from the southern border.

They've been bused there by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who decided in 2022 that liberal 'Sanctuary Cities' should share the burden of caring for border crossers they profess to care so much about.

Healey later warned migrants to stop coming to Boston, despite previously vowing to welcome everyone who made the trip.

It comes as nearby Plum Island is also battling it out to save the iconic 100-year-old 'Pink House' which has been a favorite among landscape artists for years.

The nearly 100-year-old double-story house was built by Gertrude Cutter for her son and his family back in 1925.

After going through multiple owners over the years, it was eventually bought by US Fish and Wildlife Service for $375,000 in 2011.

Pictured: MassDOT renderings for the new Cape Cod Bridges in Massachusetts

Pictured: MassDOT renderings for the new Cape Cod Bridges in Massachusetts

Situated alone on the marsh along the causeway, the property was initially going to be used as a dormitory for seasonal workers at a nearby Parker River Wildlife Refuge.

But once the FWS discovered structural contamination at the house, particularly asbestos, they decided to abandon plans and build housing somewhere else.

The federal agency has since attempted to sell the property but since the Pink House is on protected land, the only way it can stay there is through an exchange, according to government law.

Despite the property's artistic appeal, two exchange deals fell through in 2020 and 2022, according to Matt Hillman, the Parker River Wildlife Refuge manager.

As a result, Parker River Wildlife Refuge officials now say they now have no choice but to remove or demolish the structure this winter.

In the meantime, Healey is using the structure as a safehouse following her party's devastating loss in Tuesday's election.
It's an unseasonably warm 72 degrees in Washington, D.C. today - but conditions looked downright icy in the VIP viewing area at Arlington National Cemetery.

Jill Biden, eyes hidden behind sunglasses, looked stoic as she sat next to Kamala Harris while her husband, President Joe Biden delivered his Veterans Day address.

The first lady stared straight ahead as the vice president grinned and leaned into husband Doug Emhoff, who sat on her other side.

There have long been reports there is no love lost between Jill Biden and Harris, a feud tracing back to the 2020 Democratic primary when Harris attacked Joe Biden during the first primary debate.

The first lady did campaign for Harris after her husband was forced to drop his reelection bid, but also had little choice as Harris' campaign was seen as central to upholding Joe Biden's legacy.

But now the votes have been tallied and the results show Harris lost to Donald Trump in a landslide, leaving the Harris camp and Biden allies to blame one another for the Democrats' epic Election Day defeats.

Jill Biden and Kamala Harris at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday

Veterans Day marked the first time President Biden and Vice President Harris saw one another since the election.

Biden and Harris, who looked stoic, stood side-by-side Monday morning to mark Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery.

The two couples journeyed to Arlington National Cemetery to watch Biden lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

None of them spoke as they walked to their positions for wreath laying.

The first lady wore black to mark Veterans Day, which honors America's military veterans. She entered Arlington National Cemetery ahead of the president to take her spot with the rest of the crowd. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff joined her.

Jill and Doug watched as Biden laid the wreath and crossed himself. Harris was at his side.

They then followed their spouses into the amphitheater where the president addressed veterans and members of the military.

Jill Biden had greeted Emhoff enthusiastically. They chatted as they took their seats and waited for the speeches to begin. The two spouses have long been close.

But when Harris took her seat between them, Jill turned her focus to the ceremony.

The first lady is known to hold a grudge.

She and Hunter Biden were influential when it came to Joe Biden deciding to run for a second term. Jill was part of the group surrounding the president when he was being pressured by party leaders to exit the presidential race.

Biden endorsed Harris to replace him.

And Jill campaigned in several battleground states for Harris.

During her campaign stops, the first lady touted get-out-the-vote efforts, reminding voters in each state when early vote starts and urging them to get their ballot cast.

She also pushed aside reports that there were tension between her and Harris in the early days in the Biden administration after Harris went after Joe Biden in the 2020 Democratic primaries, to talk about the Harris she has gotten to know.

'As Kamala and I have gotten to know each other these past four years, you know, we bonded over many things, but one of the things that we talked about is how we lost our mothers, both to cancer, both long before we were done needing them,' the first lady said.

She painted a more compassionate picture of Harris, talking of how the vice president cherishes a recipe from her mother and how she has fought for women her entire life.

Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris smile at one another as Jill Biden stares ahead

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day

Jill Biden stands behind President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the wreath laying ceremony on Veterans Day at Arlington National Cemetery

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Veterans Day

Kamala Harris smiles during the speeches on Veterans Day as Doug Emhoff looks on and Jill Biden sits next to her

She also tackled 'lies' about Harris, who has been the subject of conspiracy theories and false claims from Trump.

'You're probably already hearing all sorts of lies about Kamala,' she told an event in Yuma on Friday night. She went on to describe Harris' work as California attorney general, senator and vice president.

Trump has falsely accused Harris of lying about working at McDonalds as a teenager and has misrepresented the role she played in the Biden administration's work on border security.

Jill Biden also talked about Harris' work fighting crime as an attorney general and how she helped a friend in high school who lived in an abuse situation.

'That's the Kamala Harris I know - a quick, tough, compassionate, decisive leader,' she said.

President Joe Biden (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right) appeared together for the first time since Harris' presidential election loss to former President Donald Trump

President Joe Biden salutes during the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday

During Monday's program, when the Executive Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries Karen Durham-Aguilera announced Harris' and Emhoff's presence, applause broke out in the crowd.

A number of attendees rose and gave Harris a standing ovation.

Pesident Biden clapped heartily.

The president gave Harris a shout-out as he began his speech, along with other top administration officials in the crowd.

'This is the last time I will stand here at Arlington as commander-in chief,' Biden said, calling serving as president the 'greatest honor of my life.'

'To lead you, to serve you, care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation,' Biden continued. 'You are the greatest fighting force. This is not hyperbole.'

The president appeared to wipe away a tear during a playing of God Bless America.

In his remarks he mentioned his son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015. Beau Biden served in Iraq as part of the Delaware National Guard.

Presiden Biden claims that burn pits, which were near where Beau was stationed, contributed to his son's death.
An anti-vaxxer who tried to rally an IRA-style kill squad to target those involved in the Covid-19 jab rollout has been jailed for five years.

Patrick Ruane, 55, encouraged his 26,000 followers on Telegram to run over NHS workers and attack then Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a series of disturbing posts.

Yesterday, he was jailed for encouraging terrorism after urging others to make the explosive Semtex and emulate the IRA playbook by targeting politicians cars and burning down vaccination facilities.

The sound engineer posted around 2,000 messages including chilling references to attacks on Mr Johnson and then Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty.

Ruane said of Mr Johnson: We have the IRA play book remember they nearly took out Thatcher.

An anti-vaxxer has been jailed for trying to rally an IRA style 'kill squad' to target people involved in Covid decision making, including then Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (pictured)

Patrick Ruane, 55, encouraged his 26,000 followers on Telegram to run over NHS workers

Boris Johnson giving a Covid briefing statement in April 2020. Ruane also encouraged his followers to attack the former PM

He also suggested an attack on Sir Chris, saying: The weakest point of the scull (sic) is the back of the scull and all it would take is riding a bike very fast and whacking target over the back of head with a rounders bat but a mace (a piece of metal ball and chain) would be way better which if done right would turn said target into a vegetable for the rest of its life.

On two chat groups called The Resistance UK and The Great Reopening, Ruane talked about using pipe bombs to attack police, burning Big Pharma companies, running over NHS workers administering the vaccine and said it was a shame the creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine had not been shot.

He sent messages in 2021 saying: Dont know why the people dont go after the families and personnel of these drug companies, maim & kill them back, adding Im all for hunting them down and f***ing executing them.

He wrote: We have to start killing the b******* administering the vaccene [sic]. Bomb the f****** labs and vaccene (sic) ventures.

He wrote of putting a kill squad together, adding: Easy, burn all the big pharmas offices manufacturing plants and infastructure [sic] to the f****** ground.

Ruane told followers to target NHS workers administering the vaccine: If you drive and you see the jabbers on a zebra crossing knock them up in the air with your car.

The father of two, from Paddington, West London, also encouraged others to make Semtex.

Prosecutor Julia Faure Walker said Ruane was vehemently against the Governments measures taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and encouraged the use of firearms, explosives and weapons including pitch forks, axes, chainsaw, sledgehammers and machetes.

Sir Chris, pictured in 2020, became a target for Ruane and his views on Covid policies

When he was arrested in November 2021, Ruane claimed he was always drunk, downing a bottle of vodka a day and could not have formed any intent.

But he was convicted of encouraging terrorism after an Old Bailey trial in September.

Yesterday Judge Richard Marks, KC, told him: The vaccinations were highly effective in saving lives but you and others did not share that view.

You developed a compulsive and obsessive mindset about the vaccine and your perception of its deleterious effects.Acting Commander Gareth Rees, from the Metropolitan Polices Counter Terrorism Command said: This wasnt idle chit-chat online - he was encouraging people to seriously injure or kill others.
The mayor of an Italian city where Meredith Kercher was murdered has apologised for allowing s controversial drama to be filmed in the area.

Decision to allow Disney to film the eight part series centred around Amanda Knox - who was jailed and then acquitted for the murder of Ms Kercher - in Perugia sparked outrage among locals.

When film crews arrived in the picturesque medieval city they were met with banners emblazoned with 'Rispetto per Meredith' (respect for Meredith) - making clear their presence in the area was not welcome.

The banners were in reference to the murder of Ms Kercher in 2007 while she was studying on exchange from the University of Leeds. She was found stabbed to death in the apartment which she shared with Ms Knox.

Ms Knox was then jailed after she was found guilty of fatally stabbing Ms Kercher though she was then definitively acquitted of the murder in 2015 due to a lack of evidence - after she had already served four years of her sentence.

Amanda Knox jailed after she was found guilty of fatally stabbing Kercher though she was then definitively acquitted of the murder in 2015 due to a lack of evidence - after she had already served four years of her sentence

Meredith Kercher was on exchange from the University of Leeds in Perugia when she was found stabbed to death in the apartment which she shared with Ms Knox

When film crews arrived in the picturesque medieval city they were met with banners emblazoned with 'Rispetto per Meredith' (respect for Meredith) - making clear their presence in the area was not welcome

Now, a series is being made for Hulu, a subscription streaming service owned by Disney, which tells of Ms Knox's path to freedom.

The city of Perugia nestled in the scenic region of Umbria has long attempted to move on from the now infamous murder case.

Unsurprisingly, residents are angry that their city is once again associated with the 'terrible crime.'

This has prompted the mayor of Perugia - Vittorria Ferdinandi - to apologise to locals in an open letter for allowing the filming to take place.

According to the Guardian, she claimed to have overlooked 'the people and their sorrow, which is still alive in them.'

While also defending the decision, Mayor Ferdinandi said 'would have been filmed in any other town in our region' and by allowing them to film in the city it gave the local government more control over what was filmed.

The new series - titled Blue Moon - has already sparked controversy after Disney was slammed for their 'lack of sensitivity' by Ms Kercher .

The lawyer for the Kercher family, Francesco Maresca, said: 'We've already spoken about this case too much and at a certain point you have to close the chapter.'

Ms Knox and Mr Sollecito, pictured in Italy shortly after the case made headlines in 2007, had only been dating for a short amount of time before Meredith's death

Meredith's parents Arline (centre) and John (right) Kercher - who both died in 2020 - and her sister Stephanie (left) at a press conference in Perugia in November 2007

The city of Perugia nestled in the scenic region of Umbria has long attempted to move on from the now infamous murder case

Speaking to The Times, she added: 'However, Knox does not want to close the chapter.

'This continuous stirring is a demonstration of a lack of sensitivity. She earns money, obtains visibility on the television after many years  It seems that Knox does not want people to forget about this story and does all she can to keep it alive.'

A statement from Meredith Kercher's sister, Stephanie, read 'she will forever hold a lasting legacy in friendship and kindness that no media can change' and spoke of 'an indescribable void'.

The real murderer of Ms Kercher was eventually identified as Rudy Guede, from the Ivory Coast, after his DNA was found on her body.

He was sentenced to 16 years before being freed in 2021 as he only needed to serve 13 years due to good behaviour.

However, Ms Knox's 2011 slander conviction relating to Patrick Lumumba who she accused of killing Ms Kercher would hang over her head for many years.

Ms Knox apologised in June this year to the court and said that she wrongly accused him after being put under intense police pressure for hours, adding she had been 'scared, tricked and mistreated.'

She said: I am very sorry that I was not strong enough to resist the pressure of police'

But the two judges and six jurors found her guilty of slander.

She had earlier told the judge: 'I never wanted to slander Patrick; he was my friend.'

Lumumba's lawyers said the bar owner's reputation suffered regardless of whether she knew who the murderer was.

'When Patrick was accused by Amanda, he became known everywhere as the monster of Perugia,' Lumumba's lawyer Carlo Pacelli told reporters saying that the conviction should be upheld. Lumumba was not in court.

Ms Knox is now 37 and has two children. She spends her time advocating for criminal justice reform and campaigning against wrongful convictions.

Meredith Kercher (pictured) was tragically murdered in 2007

Ms Knox initially accused the Congolese owner of a bar, Patrick Lumumba, (pictured outside Perugia's court, central Italy, Tuesday September 16, 2008) of killing Ms Kercher

She is now the mother of two small children, and has a podcast with her husband while campaigning against wrongful convictions

A 2011 film for US television, the 2013 memoir, Waiting to be Heard, and a 2016 Netflix documentary are just some of the ways she has had her story told already.

Ms Knox was reported to have been paid $3.8 million (2.9 million) for her book deal.

The new series, titled Amanda: A Coming of Age Horror Story, is co-produced by Monica Lewinsky who became well-know for having an affair with the then-American president Bill Clinton - a story which Disney also decided to turn into a television drama.

Ms Knox is also executive producer on the new drama. She is being played by Grace Van Patten.

Series bosses say it tells the 'true story of how Amanda Knox was wrongfully convicted for the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher and her 16-year odyssey to set herself free'.

Lawyer Maresca has made disapproving references to talks Ms Knox gave to American universities in 2018 for which she is reported to have been paid seven and a half thousand pounds for each.

Speaking to The Times, he went so far as to say that her calumny conviction being upheld cast doubt on her complete innocence.

'Knox's silence at the moment would have been the most appropriate thing,' he concluded.
If your smart meter is failing to work properly you might not be alone  devices in the north of Britain are operating on less-efficient technology, it has emerged.

Energy companies have been accused of operating an astonishingly bad, two-tier system under which only customers in the Midlands, Wales and Southern England have the most effective equipment.

An investigation by BBC Panorama found customers in northern England and Scotland are fitted with smart meters which send data back to suppliers using radio waves instead of via mobile phone networks.

The decision to use the older technology was taken because it was thought the signals would be able to travel far across the hills and mountains, reaching more rural communities more easily.

In central and southern areas, meanwhile, all meters use cellular technology, similar to mobile phones  despite there also being remote rural communities in parts of Wales and the West Country.

The technological divide means customers with radio devices sometimes have difficulty connecting with their supplier, and have to send manual readings or receive estimated bills instead.

A Household smart meter on a kitchen work top. Devices across the UK are are operating on less-efficient technology

Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, an umbrella body for energy companies, admitted to problems regarding how the radio signals transmit.

She said: There are issues in the north.

Ms Dhara said there were 'live conversations' within the industry about modifications to meters in northern England and Scotland.

One customer, doctor Hartesh Battu, said he has been fitted with six different smart meters, fitted by two energy suppliers - but none have worked.

Dr Battu, from Glasgow, said: I just think its astonishingly bad in terms of the technology. I do feel like, "how could billions of pounds be spent on something so bad?"'

He said he had wanted a smart meter in order to take advantage of a night-time rate making it cheaper to charge his electric car.

Dr Battu said Octopus Energy, his current supplier, told him the problem was down to signal issues in the area and may be because he lived far up north.

He said: I just thought that was a bit bonkers because I live in Glasgow, Im hardly up in Shetland, Im not rural at all.

The BBC spoke to smart meter engineers who explained the extent of the problems.

One engineer, named only as Ahmed, said problems with smart meters were more common in northern England and Scotland on average, adding the technology further south was more up to date.

He said: You can end up going to someones house at the bottom of a mountain in the north and the radio frequency cant get through. But there could be a good 3G signal nearby and that could get through - the customer doesnt know that.

Pictured: wind turbines and powerlines. Customers in some areas of the UK may be have smart meters which 'don't work'

A second engineer, Steve, based on Merseyside and who has installed both types of meters, told Panorama it was far easier to complete a successful installation in the south and Midlands where he could use the cellular network.

Customers can generally spot which connection their meter has by looking at how many indicator lights are fitted to the device.

Smart meters connected to radio waves have two lights, while those on cellular systems usually have five lights.

In areas of weak signal, cellular systems have a key advantage because their reception can be boosted using an aerial  but no such fix is possible for radio-connected devices.

Since the smart meter rollout began 12 years ago, 36 million smart meters have been installed at a cost of 13.5bn but, according to government figures, 3.5m are not working properly  almost one in 10.

The Government said energy suppliers have a legal requirement to ensure smart meters are working and companies are expected to resolve all issues at a much faster pace.
Labour today came under fresh pressure to firm up their defence spending pledge in the wake of Donald Trump's US election victory.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the Government had a 'cast-iron commitment' to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

But, in a quizzing by MPs in the House of Commons, the Cabinet minister refused to say whether Labour would reach that target within the next five years.

This was despite former military chiefs having implored the Government to set a definite date for meeting their commitment.

They have warned that failing to do so was a 'surefire way' to anger Mr Trump ahead of his return to the White House.

A senior Tory this afternoon said Britain could be at war 'within the lifetime of this Parliament' and called on Mr Healey to 'bust a gut' to boost the Armed Forces.

Defence Secretary John Healey refused to say whether Labour would reach a target to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence within the next five years

Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaks with soldiers and staff at the Stanford Training Area near Thetford, Norfolk, last month

Donald Trump's election win last week has sparked fresh uncertainty over continued US backing for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion

Mr Trump's election win last week has sparked fresh uncertainty over continued US backing for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion.

There are also concerns over the future of NATO, with Mr Trump having consistently harangued European members of the alliance for not spending enough on defence.

Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, Mr Healey told MPs that Labour would only set out a 'pathway' to reaching the 2.5 per cent target in the spring, once ministers have conducted a strategic defence review.

'This isn't just about how much we spend but it is how we spend it too,' the Defence Secretary said.

He also pointed to a 3billion boost for defence spending next year in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent Budget.

Tory shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge noted how ministers have been 'unable' to say whether they would deliver on the 2.5 per cent target in the current Parliament.

He contrasted this with the Conservatives' promise, in their general election manifesto, to reach that level of military spending by 2030.

Mr Cartlidge said: '2.5 per cent is not an end in itself, the key reason in April (why) we set out a fully funded, multi-year pathway to 2.5 per cent was to enable the Ministry of Defence to procure at pace and at scale the munitions we need to urgently replenish our stocks to war-fighting levels.

'With the whole world wanting to buy more munitions, we cannot afford to delay any further.'

But Mr Healey shot back that the Tories had 14 years in power to increase to defence spending to 2.5 per cent, as he tore into the previous government's pre-election pledge.

'It was announced four weeks before they then called the general election,' he told MPs.

'It was unfunded, it was a con on the armed forces and on the British people who gave their answer emphatically by sweeping away Tory MPs in many of the proudest military communities and constituencies across the country.'

Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin called on the Government to 'bust a gut for a major rearmament programme'.

The MP for Harwich and North Essex said: 'With a former chief of the general staff warning that this country might be directly at war within the lifetime of this Parliament... we're going to have to bust a gut for a major rearmament programme that we've not seen in this country since the 1930s?'

Conservative former minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he expects the strategic defence review to find that the UK is facing the biggest threat since the Cold War, as he called on Mr Healey to 'not ask but tell' the Prime Minister '2.5 per cent now'.

Mr Healey said Sir Keir Starmer will 'not need any persuading of the arguments and the assessments of the threats' which come from the review, and a pathway to 2.5% will follow it.

The Defence Secretary also came under pressure from a senior Labour MP to offer a 'timetable' for boosting defence spending to 2.5 per cent.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the chair of the Commons' defence committee, asked whether everyone in Government understood the 'gravity of the situation' as wars continue to rage in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa.

He added: 'We need clarity, we need a timetable so that not only our allies know where we are heading, but also those within our defence community.'

Mr Healey, in reply, said that 'everyone agrees that defence spending must increase'.

On his way to Baku, Sir Keir was equally reticent to stand on his partys election pledges. He said: As we have consistently said, well set out a path to 2.5 per cent. Weve got a strategic review [on Defence] going on which reports in the early part of next year.

Shadow Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois told the Mail: In the Commons, Defence Secretary John Healey refused to commit to raising Defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, even during this Parliament, let alone this year.

Its as a result of that failure that the MoD cannot even tell us when our new, crucial, artillery system is going to enter service. So much for deterring the Russians.

On Monday, former top brass said the defence spending increase was urgently needed.

Former head of the Army Lord Dannatt told the Mail: 'With Trump resuming the presidency in the US, the UK Government would be well advised to commit to 2.5 per cent on defence by a definite date, well before 2029, as soon as possible.

'Not to do so is a surefire way of getting on the wrong side of Trump. In any event, it is the right thing to do.'

Lord West, former First Sea Lord and a security minister under the previous Labour government, said: 'There is no doubt whatsoever that the UK needs to spend more money on defence - it is well accepted. If we need to spend it, then we need to spend it now.

'They've decided they're not going to put more money into defence at the moment because they want to balance the books.

'It seems extraordinary to me - why don't they just admit defence and security of our nation is not the highest priority?'

It came after a Treasury minister refused to confirm that the Government will raise defence funding to 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the current Parliament.

Darren Jones also suggested that spending on the over-stretched Armed Forces may lead to 'tradeoffs' in other public services.

Asked by Sky News if defence spending will be dependent on growth figures, he said: 'Defending the country is a non-negotiable. That is not a trade-off.

'The trade-off is then with other areas of public spending.'
The extraordinary moment a Disney cruise ship saved four people from a sinking catamaran was captured on video.

A 50-foot catamaran called the Serenity was approximately 265 miles from the Bermuda coast when it started sinking into the water on Sunday morning, according to the US Coast Guard.

After the passengers called for help, the Coast Guard broadcasted their request and a Disney Treasure ship was the closest vessel to the sinking Serenity, just about 80 miles away.

Video showed the cruise ship launching a life boat that successfully saved all the people onboard the catamaran within a few hours. No injuries have been reported.

'We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril,' Disney Treasure Captain Marco Nogara said told ABC 7.

Four catamaran passengers were saved by a life boat sent from a Disney cruise ship on Sunday morning

The Disney Treasure, the cruise line's newest ship, was 80 miles away from the sinking catamaran

'Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety.'

The cruise was headed from Eemshaven, Netherlands to Port Canaveral, Florida when the catamaran's escape hatch gasket failed, causing the the boat to start sinking, ABC 7 reported.

The passengers on the damaged boat were a married couple, their daughter and a cousin, aged from 24 to 74, a Coast Guard official told TMZ.

The Treasure is the newest addition to the Disney cruise line, according to the Disney Cruise website.

It will set sail with vacationers for the first time in December.

The 4,000-passenger ship, which measures 1,119ft (341m) in length and weighs approximately 144,000 gross tons, was built at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard.

The Coast Guard issued a broadcast of the catamaran passenger's need for saving, and the cruise was the closest vessel

The catamaran was about 265 miles away from the shore, according to the Coast Guard

First-of-its-kind features on board include a restaurant inspired by the film Coco, an Aladdin-themed 'grand hall' and a Zootopia-inspired sweet shop. There are 1,256 staterooms.

Catamarans are generally considered one of the safest kinds of yachts, with one Florida woman ditching a traditional home and living in one.

Sierra Swezey, lives on a 39ft catamaran with her husband, Billy, and their dog, Jetty, and they have built a loyal social media following thanks to their water-based adventures.

In one TikTok, Sierra gives viewers a tour of their modern catamaran.

On the starboard hull she showcases a guest room, a functional kitchen, another guest room currently used to store their surfboards, and a bathroom where the tap doubles as an extendable shower head to save space.

Moving back upstairs, she shows the salon or main living area 'where the table goes down to make a huge bed.'

All four passengers were saved and no injuries have been reported

The catamaran-cruise ship incident occurred just four months after a humpback whale breached and sank a ship off the coast of New Hampshire.

Nearby boats watched the scene unfold, with one man making a mayday call to the Coast Guard.

In the call, the unknown man can be heard saying: 'Mayday, mayday, flipped vessel, two passengers safe on another vessel, boat sinking.

'There were two people on board, they are currently on another vessel, they are still out here with us, everybody is safe.'

According to a statement by the US Coast Guard, the whale was not injured in the encounter either.
A caregiver was strangled by her coworker in Brazil after she refused to kiss him only days after she got married.

Cintia Barbosa, 38, refused the advances of Marcelo Santos while working at the residence of an elderly couple they were caring for in Goiania on November 4.

In a video recording of his interrogation following his November 5 arrest, Santos told Goias police that Barbosa slapped him when he approached her for a kiss and that he responded by choking her unconscious.

Santos thought he had left Barbosa for dead and attacked her a second time when he saw her running out of the home.

Cintia Barbosa (pictured) was strangled by her coworker who tried to kiss her at the home of an elderly couple they cared for

Marcelo Santos confessed to police that he killed his coworker because she refused to kiss him

He stopped her from climbing over a gate and started to choke her again.

Santos said that he used the masking tape that was meant to secure the elderly couple's diapers to hang and tie Barbosa's hands.

Santos told police that he went to a home of the elderly's couple neighbor to get a shovel, but was unable to bury Barbosa's body nearby. He then dumped her body next door.

Nathanael da Silva and Cintia Barbosa met in 2023 and got married on October 27, eight days before she was murdered

Goias Civil Police arrested Marcelo Santos on November 5

Marcelo Santos was seen on a surveillance camera walking near the home of the elderly couple and searching for a shovel to bury the body of his coworker

Barbosa's husband, Nathanael da Silva, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that they had dated for one year and got married October 27.

'She was a rare jewel in my life,' he said. 'Cintia was an exemplary person, a companion that I wanted for many years in my life. She shared everything with me, she was sincere, a wonderful person.'

He recalled dropping Barbosa off at work and receiving a call from his stepdaughter, one of Barbosa's four children from a previous relationship. He then visited the elderly couple's residence, where he was confronted by the couple's daughter, who was upset that Barbosa had failed to show up for work.

They asked neighbors for permission to search their surveillance cameras and found footage showing Santos walking near the elderly couple's residence while looking for a shovel.

Da Silva said that Barbosa spent the last six years caring for the couple.

The day of the killing, she was supposed to be paired up with a different colleague who called out of work due to a death in the family.

'On the day she was killed, she wasn't expecting anyone else there. She was expecting a friend of hers who worked for the company,' da Silva said.

'He would come in on Saturday and leave on Monday morning. After she arrived, they would take care of the couple. But since he wasn't there, the company sent this coward."
This is the moment a suspected knifeman is arrested after one person was stabbed to death and two more were wounded in a shocking attack at a Sunday market.

The man in his 60s was filmed having handcuffs put on - as a knife lies discarded on the street just a few yards away on Remembrance Sunday morning.

A man died at the scene in East Street Market in Walworth, South London, yesterday morning. A man and woman were also injured and taken to hospital.

The normally bustling market remained cordoned off today as forensic officers searched the street, which was covered in squashed fruit and debris.

A local street seller claimed two of his customers were fatally stabbed 'from behind by a knifeman' who was then wrestled to the ground by heroic traders.

Adam Kadirzadah, who sells fruit from his stall in East Street, has described how the culprit approached shoppers in the busy market from behind with a 'big knife'.

According to the trader, two customers who were buying produce from his store were unaware of the thug's presence and 'fell to the ground' after being knifed in the back.

The man in his 60s was filmed having handcuffs put on after one person was stabbed to death and two more were wounded in an attack in East Street Market in Walworth, South London

As the man is being arrested, a knife lies discarded on the street just a few yards away

Police are investigating after the triple stabbing in East Street in Walworth, south London

Officers were called at about 10.40am on Sunday to reports of people being stabbed

The culprit then fled from the stall after carrying out an attack which Mr Kadirzadah described as 'really shocking' and meant he 'couldn't sleep all night'.

His fellow traders eventually managed to wrestle the suspect to the ground and waited for police to arrive and arrest him.

'As soon as he left my stall, a lot of people were running after him to not let him go until the police came,' Mr Kadirzadah told the BBC.

'Luckily, the police came quick or it could have been more than 20 or 30 people.'

Local shop worker Wasim Hussain had previously described how traders wrestled the suspect to the ground, telling the Sun: 'They just put him down, and they waited for the police.

'It was the general public - they work in the market, most of them.'

Meanwhile, traumatised witnesses at the market recounted the shocking ordeal, with one describing the unexpected incident as 'frightening'.

Poilice and forensics officers have been on the scene in Walworth, south London

Police have arrested a suspect in his 60s after the incident at a street market in Walworth on Sunday morning at around 10.30am

Police say no one else is currently being south in connection with the attacks

They told MyLondon: 'When I arrived, the cordon was already in place, and everyone who visits the market regularly, including my partner and me, couldn't believe what had happened.

'It's a very busy market, especially on weekends. I know stabbings happen every day in London but experiencing it close to home is frightening.'

A father said he worries for the safety of his children after witnessing the aftermath of the stabbing.

Siraj, 46, who lives locally and did not wish to give her surname, was walking through East Street Market when he saw police cars and ambulances going past.

He followed them and found two injured people lying on the ground in the market.

'It was terrifying,' he said, adding he felt lucky the victims were not him or his children.

He added that the area had 'always been safe', but now he was worried.

'I feel unsafe to send my kids to school now,' he said.

On Monday, police tape continued to surround the market area, with debris scattered across the road.

Police at the scene in East Street, Walworth following the fatal stabbing on Sunday morning

Two people suffering wounds were taken to hospital while a third died at the scene

Commander Peter Stevens, from the Metropolitan Police, said: 'Tragically, a man lost his life this morning, and officers are working hard to establish exactly what happened'

Officers were called at around 10.40am on Sunday with reports of a number of people stabbed

Police at the scene in East Street following the fatal stabbing in south London on Sunday

Three people were found with injuries, and one man died at the scene of the stabbing

Police and emergency services at the market after the stabbing in Walworth, south London

Two people - a man and a woman - were taken to hospital while another man died at the scene

Commander Peter Stevens, from the Metropolitan Police, said: 'Tragically, a man lost his life this morning, and officers are working hard to establish exactly what happened and to provide support to his family.

'My thoughts and sincere sympathies are with them, and with the other people injured.

'Our investigation is at a very early stage. One man was rapidly arrested by officers responding to the incident. At present, although enquiries are ongoing, nobody else is sought.

'The incident is not being treated as terrorism. Enquiries continue, led by dedicated detectives from Specialist Crime.

'I want to thank those people who have already shared their accounts of what they saw with police. I urge anyone with information or footage, or any witnesses yet to speak with police, to get in touch.'
This is the tense moment masked Antifa activists dressed in all black surrounded a police cruiser in Seattle.

The far-left masked aggressors joined a protest at the Space Needle on Saturday against president-elect Donald Trump, as reported by The Post Millennial journalist Katie Daviscourt.

About a dozen masked so-called 'anti-fascists' were seen on video holding umbrellas and surrounding a police cruiser.

They yelled slogans such as, 'the people united will never be defeated' and also repeatedly asked for the 'badge numbers' of the cops in the vehicle.

'Are you drinking, sir?' asked one of the masked individuals as the group laughed.

Breaking  Extremely tense scene in Seattle after Antifa militants surrounded a police cruiser in an alley.@SeattlePD has issued them a warning and will now start making arrests. pic.twitter.com/tFhH0fCZDc  Katie Daviscourt  (@KatieDaviscourt) November 10, 2024

Antifa protestors were filmed blocking the path of a police cruiser in Seattle on Saturday

As the masked protesters continued yelling and cursing at the cruiser, police officers on bikes arrived to support the cops in the cruiser.

The cops in bikes then gave the masked protestors a final warning that they would be arrested, prompting to quickly spread out.

Seattle police said they arrested an unnamed 17-year-old for felony property damage during the protest.

The protest was near the six-block area known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) back in 2020.

The CHAZ was established after protesters took over Capitol Hill's East Precinct building, sending members of the Seattle Police Department fleeing.

Saturday's protest was organized by the self-described 'anti-imperialist' group, the International League of Peoples' Struggle.

The demonstration was also against 'America's two-party system' and the war in Gaza.

It's the second time in just one week that Seattle police prevent Antifa members from rioting over the electoral results.

The far left activists yelled and cursed at the officers inside the cruiser, asking questions such as, 'Are you drinking. sir?'

Seattle cops on bikes arrived as reinforcement and were able to disperse the Antifa aggressors

On Election Day last week, Seattle police quickly shut down Antifa militants who were trying to riot on Capitol Hill.

Five people were arrested then for assault and obstruction.

Seattle, one of the country's most progressive cities, has seen several public meltdowns since Election Day last week.

A white woman was filmed being arrested for a hate crime after she allegedly assaulted two Hispanic women for supporting Trump on Tuesday.

The 82-year-old woman, who has not been named, was arrested in suburban Seattle after she allegedly approached MAGA voters Gina Powell and Mary Jennings to ask them why they would support Trump, given the color of their skin.

'I approached her, and I said I want to know why you're voting for Trump. That's the only thing. And. And I said because you're brown-skinned,' the octogenarian told police, according to KOMO News.

The protest was near the six-block area known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) back in 2020. The CHAZ was established after protesters took over Capitol Hill's East Precinct building, sending members of the Seattle Police Department fleeing

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida

Trump was elected the 47th president on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked violent riots at the US Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.

He won Michigan on Wednesday afternoon, sweeping the 'blue wall' along with Pennsylvania  the one-time Democrat-leaning, swing states that all went for Trump in 2016 before flipping to Biden in 2020.

Black voters  men and women  have been the bedrock of the Democratic Party, and in recent years, Latinos and young voters have joined them.

All three groups still preferred Democrat Kamala Harris. But Trump made significant in-roads.

About 8 in 10 black voters backed Harris, down from the roughly 9 in 10 who backed Biden. More than half of Hispanic voters supported Harris, but that was down slightly from the roughly 6 in 10 who backed Biden in 2020.

Trumps support among those groups appeared to rise slightly compared to 2020. Collectively, those small gains yielded an outsize outcome.
A Spirit Airlines flight has been forced to divert after it was struck by gunfire from gangs while trying to land in Haiti's capital on Monday.

The plane had departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was coming into land at Port-au-Prince when it was diverted to the Dominican Republic, where it landed safely.

At least one person, a flight attendant, was grazed by a bullet, the Miami Herald reported.

No passengers were hurt, the airline said.

Officials at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince have grounded all flights.

Images show bullet holes inside a Spirit Airlines flight that was diverted after it was struck by gunfire as it prepared to land in Haiti on Monday

A passenger shared images of the bullet holes aboard the Spirit Airlines flight

All major US airlines have canceled flights into Haiti in the coming days over the incident.

'Spirit Airlines flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Port-au-Prince (PAP) diverted and landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI),' Spirit told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'Following the flights arrival at STI, an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire. One Flight Attendant on board reported minor injuries and is being evaluated by medical personnel.

'No Guest injuries were reported. The plane has been taken out of service, and we are arranging for a different aircraft to return our Guests and crew to FLL today. The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haitien (CAP) pending further evaluation.'

It is the latest gang-related incident in the struggling Caribbean nation. Stock image

It's the second time in just a few weeks that an aircraft traveling over Haiti's capital is hit by gunfire from gangs.

Last month a United Nations helicopter was hit by bullets and forced to return to the airport as it moved over Port-au-Prince.

Haiti's ruling presidential council is scheduled to swear in a new prime minister, businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime, on Monday, following Prime Minister Garry Conille's ousting.

It marks even more turmoil in an already rocky democratic transition process for Haiti, which hasnt held democratic elections in years in a large part due to the soaring levels of gang violence plaguing the Caribbean nation.

The transitional presidential council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haitis next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell turmoil Haiti.

But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille.

The state department said in September that a 'focal point' of gang attacks are concentrated at the Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture in the commune of Port-Au-Prince

At the international airport, US officials said armed robberies and carjackers are probable - often targeting lone drivers and women

Organizations like the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition, according to The Miami Herald.

In September the Department of State urged Americans to avoid visiting Haiti.

A 'Level Four: Do Not Travel' advisory for Haiti has been in place since March due to the country's ongoing civil unrest, gang violence and riots.

But on September 18, the U.S. State Department updated the advisory with details about the risk of traveling - including kidnapping, mob violence and armed robberies.

They wrote: 'Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed. Kidnappers may plan carefully or target victims at random, unplanned times. Kidnappers will even target and attack convoys.

Ariel Henry at a public lecture at the U.S. International University is Nairobi, Kenya on March 1

'Kidnapping cases often involve ransom requests. Victims' families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.'

They also state that mob violence has escalated leading to an increase in deaths and assaults.

A 'focal point' of these attacks are concentrated at the Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture in the commune of Port-Au-Prince.

At the international airport, the department said armed robberies and carjackers are probable - often targeting lone drivers and women.

Alarmingly, the warning said there's little the U.S. government can do for their citizens in Haiti due to a general lack of resources.

Former police officer Jimmy 'Barbecue' Cherizier (middle), leader of the 'G9' gang alliance, is flanked by gang members after a press conference in Delmas 6, Port-au-Prince, Haiti March 5

Even the U.S. personnel are subjected to a 'nightly curfew' and are banned from using public transportation, visiting banks and ATMs, driving or traveling anywhere at night and venturing out without either prior approval and security measures in place.

The recent carnage came after Haiti's prime minister, Ariel Henry, flew to Kenya to persuade the African country to speed up its UN-approved donation of 1,000 police officers to help bring order to Haiti and get rid of the gangs towards the end of February.

Powerful gang leader Jimmy 'Barbeque' Cherizier began his campaign of terror on February 29.

He did so after claiming responsibility for gangs storming two of the country's biggest prisons and freeing 4,000 prisoners before burning down government buildings and attacking a dozen police stations.

Cherizier said his aim was to block Henry's return and capture police and government officials.

Even after securing the 1,000 police officers from Kenya, Henry was still unable to return to Kenya. Weeks later he would step down from the position.

Now the government has disintegrated.
President-elect Donald Trump's newly appointed 'border czar' Tom Homan isn't afraid of engaging in heated debate on some of the administration's most controversial border policies.

A newly resurfaced viral clip features Homan and Democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a testy spat during a congressional hearing in 2019.

Ocasio-Cortez pressed Homan on his role in recommending the separation of illegal immigrants from children as part of a 'zero-tolerance' approach to border enforcement.

Homan, the former head of ICE, informed her that even U.S. citizens are separated from their children if they commit crimes that could affect them, such as driving under the influence or domestic violence.

When Ocasio-Cortez protested that seeking asylum is completely legal, Homan said that illegal border crossers cannot claim asylum after being caught.

Former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Thomas Homan has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as his border czar.

'If you want to seek asylum, go to a port of entry and do it the legal way,' Homan said. 'The attorney general of the United States has made that clear.'

The announcement of Trump's decision sparked celebrations from supporters of the president elect on social media

'President Trump just put this man, Tom Homan, in charge of deportations,' wrote conservative Turning Point activist Charlie Kirk, sharing the clip of Homan's reaction to Ocasio-Cortez, adding fire emojis.

Other clips of Homan's October interview with CBS News 60 Minutes resurfaced.

'Is there a way to carry out mass deportation without separating families?' asks journalist Cecilia Vega in the interview.

Tom Homan and President Delect Donald Trump on the campaign trail

Cecilia Vega asks: Is there a way to carry out mass deportation without separating families?



Of course there is. Families can be deported together, says Tom Homan, head of ICE during Trumps family separation policy. https://t.co/If9G1sNEzj pic.twitter.com/TIWhi25Vdu  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 28, 2024

Former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Thomas Homan

'Of course there is. Families can be deported together,' Homan simply responds.

Homan also spoke with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday about Trump's deportation plan just hours before Trump announced his appointment.

'It's going to be a well-targeted planned operation conducted by ICE... the men and women of ICE do this daily, they're good at it,' he said.

Homan also dismissed fears of 'concentration' camps created by the government to deport millions of illegal immigrants.

'These people will be well taken care of. It will be a humane operation but it's a necessary mass deportation operation,' he said.

Less than 24 hours after Trump's Homan announcement, reports went out that he will name top immigration adviser Stephen Miller as his deputy chief of staff for policy.

It further shows that his administration is zeroing in on an unprecedented border crackdown.

Less than 24 hours after Trump's Homan announcement, reports went out that he will name top immigration adviser Stephen Miller as his deputy chief of staff for policy

Miller was the architect of Trump's immigration plan during his first term and will be on the frontlines of the president-elect's scheme to carry out the largest mass deportation in history.

Miller has previously said that a second Trump administration would see a ten-fold increase in the number of migrants deported.

The news is triggering Democrats, including CNN pundit Tara Setmayer, who called Miller a 'despicable human being' moments after the pick was announced.
Spain is bracing for more weather chaos as storm alerts are put in place for Barcelona, Majorca, and Ibiza just two weeks after deadly floods hit Valencia.

The country's national weather agency AEMET warned that a DANA - which occurs when a mass of warm air collides with a stagnant mass of cold air - will form this week in the Med and the south of Spain causing a 'drop in temperatures'.

The DANA will move in from Wednesday and is set to last until Saturday, resulting in 'heavy and persistent rainfall' in the Balearic Islands and the Mediterranean coast.

AEMET has issued yellow and amber warnings for rain and storms covering Ibiza, Majorca, Barcelona, and Tarragona, for November 12.

There have also been coastal warnings placed along Valencia, Barcelona, Girona, Majorca, and Menorca, with strong winds and large waves expected.

Spain's weather agency AEMET have sued yellow and amber warnings for rain and storms covering Ibiza, Majorca, Barcelona, and Tarragona, for November 12

A resident clears a muddy street in the flood-hit city of Catarroja, province of Valencia, Spain, November 11

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For Wednesday, warnings for heavy rain are in full force for the Valencia and Castellon regions, as well as Ibiza, Majorca, and Girona.

A spokesperson for AEMET said: 'The most likely scenario at the moment is that rainfall in the Mediterranean area will begin on Tuesday, with greater probability in the south of the Balearic archipelago, especially in the Pitiusas, without ruling out other points on the Mediterranean coast.

'Starting Wednesday, rainfall is likely to spread over much of the region.'

The brutal weather conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, but it currently remains 'uncertain'.

The spokesperson added: 'It is likely that from Saturday the 16th the rainfall will begin to lose intensity in the Mediterranean area and move to the Atlantic slope, although the uncertainty about the evolution of the episode is very high.'

The new warnings come just two weeks after catastrophic floods swept through Valencia and parts of north east Spain, claiming the lives of over 200 people.

The deadly storm was caused by a DANA, where masses of warm and cols air collide leading to torrential rains and heavy storms.

Eastern and Southern Spain are particularly susceptible to the phenomenon due to its position between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

The floods in Valencia and neighboring provinces have caused at least 222 fatalities, as efforts continue to search for missing people

BEFORE: Satellite image shows Valencia on October 13, before the deluge of rain

AFTER: Satellite image shows severe flooding in Valencia on October 30 after heavy rains

Shocking images showed how entire towns were plunged underwater while others showed dozens of cars smashed into one another at awkward angles

Warm, humid air masses and cold fronts meet in a region where mountains favour the formation of storm clouds and rainfall.

Valencia's DANA was one of the three most intense such storms in the last century in the region, Ruben del Campo, spokesperson for the national weather agency AEMET, said.

'Forecasts were in line with what happened. But in an area between Utiel and Chiva, in the province of Valencia, rainfall exceeded 300 litres per square meter. In that area, storm systems formed and regenerated continuously,' he explained.

Two days ago, thousands of people took part in a protest calling for officials to lose their jobs following the deadly floods in Valencia.

The demonstration was made up of tens of thousands of angered Spaniards who were protesting to demand the resignation of the regional president in charge of the emergency response to the natural disaster.

Some protestors with flares clashed with riot police in front of Valencia's city hall, where the demonstrators started their march - but cops reportedly used batons to strike back.

The demonstration was called by around 20 civic groups which are demanding the resignation of Valencian regional leader Carlos Mazon.

Protesters clash with police in front of city hall during a demonstration to demand the resignation of Valencia Regional President Carlos Mazon in Valencia on November 9

Demonstrators face off with police during Saturday's demonstration

Spain is in the midst of one of its worst-ever natural disasters, with horrendous flash floods sweeping large parts of the country. The floods turned streets in Valencia into rivers and left hundreds trapped in their homes

A view shows debris and a car stuck on a bridge, in the aftermath of torrential rains that caused flooding, in Torrent, Valencia region, Spain October 31, 2024

Mazon is under immense pressure after his administration failed to send out flood alerts to citizens' mobile phones until hours after the flooding began on October 29.

Mazon, of the conservative Popular Party, is being criticised for what people are perceiving as a slow and chaotic response to the deadly natural disaster.

Spain's AEMET state forecasting agency issued a red alert at 7.31am but later the same day, regional authorities told Valencians the storm would dissipate in a tweet that was later deleted.

Only at 8.15pm did officials finally send a red alert to residents mobiles  about two hours after the storm was at its peak, but this only came as many people returned from work leaving them stranded in their vehicles in the flooded roads.

Spain has sent 17,000 troops and police to help the recovery operation.

The government has approved a 8.82billion relief package for families, business and local authorities. Valencian authorities are asking for an additional 25.7bilion in aid.
A survivor of child abuser John Smyth has called for Archbishop Justin Welby to resign, accusing him of prioritising the Church of England's reputation above victims.

Andrew Morse, 63, was abused by Smyth as a teenager and twice tried to take his own life as a result.

A report found that Smyth's crimes could have been exposed in 2013 if the Archbishop had ensured the police investigated concerns.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Morse said: 'I think it feels like he prioritised his position and the reputation of his church above the plight of the victims and, because Smyth was still alive at that time, above other potential victims as well.'

Mr Morse added: 'Yes, I do think he should resign.

'He knew in 2013, he knew the set-up, the victim group and the place where we were groomed, all the way back to the 1980s.'

Smyth, who died aged 77 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire police, is said to have subjected as many as 130 victims to 'appalling' sexual violence.

Andrew Morse, 63, (pictured) was abused by John Smyth as a teenager and twice tried to take his own life as a result

The Archbishop of Canterbury (pictured) admitted to having 'personally failed' after an independent review found John Smyth's 'abhorrent' abuse of more than 100 children and young men was covered up in the Church for years

John Smyth (pictured) died aged 77 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police

Mr Morse claimed the Archbishop's failure to take action in 2013 was a 'dereliction of duty' and a betrayal of victims.

The CofE knew 'at the highest level' from July 2013 about the abuse the barrister and lay reader had carried out in the late 1970s and early 1980s and Mr Welby was singled out for failing to report Smyth's abuse to police.

A petition arranged by members of the General Synod - the church's parliament - has gathered thousands of signatures urging the cleric to stand down over his 'failures' to alert the authorities.

Mr Welby was today accused by one high-profile vicar of having 'lost the confidence of the clergy', while a bishop called on him to quit to avoid the Church 'losing complete credibility' on safeguarding.

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, told the BBC: 'I think that it's very hard for the church as the national, the established church, to continue to have a moral voice in any way, shape or form in our nation when we cannot get our own house in order with regard to something as critically important, something that would be asked of any institution - let alone the church, which is meant to have the gospel of Jesus Christ looking out for the most vulnerable in our midst.

'We are in danger of losing complete credibility on that front.'

Of Mr Welby, she said: 'I think, sadly, his position is untenable, so I think he should resign.'

She said while his resignation is 'not going to solve the problem', it would be 'a very clear indication that a line has been drawn, and that we must move towards independence of safeguarding'.

Mr Welby, speaking to Channel Four when the report was published, said he had been giving resignation 'a lot of thought for actually quite a long time'.

But he added: 'I have given it (resigning) a lot of thought and have taken advice as recently as this morning from senior colleagues, and, no, I am not going to resign.'

Following the petition's launch, Mr Welby said he 'reiterates his horror at the scale of John Smyth's egregious abuse, as reflected in his public apology', repeated that he does not intend to resign and said he 'hopes the Makin Review supports the ongoing work of building a safer church here and around the world'.
Sir Keir Starmer has defended the amount of time he spends away from Britain as he was quizzed about his 'jet setting' since becoming Prime Minister.

The Labour premier today travelled to the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, after spending the day in Paris to mark Armistice Day with France's Emmanuel Macron.

It followed his recent foreign trips to Dublin, Rome, Washington DC, Berlin, Brussels, New York, Samoa and Budapest.

Sir Keir is also expected to attend the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next week.

It means he will have spent 22 out of the 77 days from 1 September to next Wednesday out of the country.

But the PM stressed the importance of having face-to-face discussions with fellow world leaders.

He also echoed US president-elect Donald Trump - who last week secured an historic return to the White House - by pointing to migration and the economy as his 'key priorities'.

Sir Keir Starmer travelled to the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, after spending the day in Paris to mark Armistice Day with French President Emmanuel Macron

The Prime Minister last month attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa

Sir Keir pictured with Mr Macron, US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on 18 October

The PM previously met with Mr Biden at the White House on September 13

Sir Keir shared a laugh with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni during a trip to Rome on 16 September

Speaking to reporters, Sir Keir brushed off suggestions he was 'jet setting' too much as PM.

'The question is what am I spending my time doing not where I am,' he said. 'Ive been really clear that economic growth and border security are hugely important.

'We want to take down the gangs that are running the vile trade of people smuggling. And weve got to talk to our international partners at every level.

'Im pushing law enforcement very hard. Very, very hard domestically; and urging them to work even more closely with our partners because in the end thats the only way we are going to take these down.

'My inkling is that you have to have those conversations at the highest level to make sure we can bare down on this vile trade.

'Thats why for me, where I am physically is less important than what Im concentrating on.

'But if I want to have an effective discussion with the leaders of Germany Spain France about taking down the gangs then I will make it my business to do whatever I can to have those discussions.

'Theres been too much rhetoric in my view and not enough bearing down and results.

'I find the most effective way to have discussion about bearing down on the gangs is to have it on the leader-to-leader level, and thats what Ive been doing.'

The PM also insisted he would remain focused on domestic issues, such as the Channel migrant crisis, while thousands of miles away from Westminster at a climate conference.

He added: 'The two key priorities for me on all of these engagements with our partners is our economy and economic growth, and border control and border security. They're the two dominant themes.

Sir Keir continued: 'So for me, my focus is on what are the priorities of the British people, and how do I make sure that I'm carrying out those obligations.

'In order to smash the gangs, we've got to be talking to our international partners otherwise, it's rhetoric, and I'm interested in results.'
A mother bled to death after stomach surgery in Turkey went wrong, an inquest has found.

Glamorous driving test examiner Janet Savage, 54, had travelled to the country to undergo a gastric sleeve operation, supposed to help her lose weight, the coroner was told.

She paid 2,750 for a package including flights and the medical procedure via a health tourism company, after her body mass index (BMI) reached a score of 30.7.

According to the NHS, a healthy womans BMI should be in between 18.5 and 24.9. Mrs Savage was in the borderline obese category.

North Wales Coroners Court heard Mrs Savage had been given a course of weight loss jab Ozempic at one stage but was unable to buy it privately  so turned to surgery to help her lose three stone.

Janet Savage (pictured) died in an operation after going to Turkey for gastric stomach sleeve surgery because she could not buy another course of Ozempic, an inquest has heard

An inquest opening heard that during the slimming procedure, surgical implements were placed inside Mrs Savage (pictured) and her aortic artery was ruptured

She booked the trip in July last year, just 24 hours after first contacting the health tourism firm, and arranged to go out the following month.

But after travelling to Turkey to undergo the procedure at the Ozel Rich private hospital in Antalya, on August 5, things went drastically wrong.

Surgical implements were placed inside Mrs Savage and her aortic artery ruptured.

Coroner Kate Robertson said: Sadly, during the procedure it appears the major artery trauma has occurred which was, according to the surgeon, repaired (but) Janet went into cardiac arrest.

Mrs Savage died in the early hours of August 6 last year in the hospitals intensive care unit and her body was formally identified by husband Andrew.

Ms Robertson heard evidence including a post-mortem examination held after Mrs Savages body was flown back to the UK.

Pathologist Muhammad Aslam, who carried out the procedure at Glan Clywd Hospital, St Asaph, found the cause of death was due to acute bleeding from the abdominal aorta.

Recording a narrative conclusion at todays hearing in Caernarfon, the coroner said: She underwent a gastric sleeve operation in Turkey on August 5, 2023. During the procedure an injury occurred, with attempts to repair. She died the following day.

Alison Ergun, a client administrator for Warwickshire-based health tourism company, Regenesis Health Travel, said in a statement that Mrs Savage had declared in one message to her that she was a little worried about having the operation.

She was sent a weblink to converse with other patients, for reassurance, and the booking was made.

But Ms Ergun said of the operation: There was a complication and she had stopped breathing in the first few minutes of surgery.

Ms Ergun said Mrs Savage's family arrived in Antalya later that day.

She told how she escorted them from the airport to the hospital. Using a translator, Mrs Savage's relatives were told there had been "serious internal bleeding" and that she had had a heart attack.

Mrs Savage died in the early hours of August 6 last year in the hospitals intensive care unit and her body was formally identified by husband Andrew

Ms Ergun said the family "thanked" her for her efforts and she escorted them back to the airport afterwards.

Relatives of Mrs Savage, a mother-of-two from Bangor, Gwynedd, chose not to attend the inquest conclusion.

Ms Robertson translated notes from the surgeon who carried out the botched operation, Dr Ramazan Azar.

He described how there had been a 3-4mm defect in the aorta artery when the operation began, resulting in the catastrophic bleeding.

He said that the aorta was repaired and the surgery to fit the gastric sleeve procedure itself was stopped.

Medical staff in the intensive care unit were then unable to find a pulse and Mrs Savage was pronounced dead.

Ms Robertson said that she had considered the evidence as thoroughly as she could but added: As with many deaths that occur abroad, the different judicial processes mean the evidence we are provided with isnt perhaps to the extent we would have in this country.

The NHS advises people considering having surgery abroad to consider potential risks due to differences in safety standards.

Its website advises: It's important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.

It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks. Safety standards may not be as high.

No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.

The coroner passed on her condolences to Mrs Savage's family.

Mrs Savage had been employed by the Driving and Vehicles Standards Agency based in Bangor as an examiner - and had passed hundreds of drivers in her eight years as a driving test examiner.

In May last year, she had been promoted to "recruitment ambassador" as an executive officer with the Government agency.
Two men ran a massive people-smuggling ring - hiding people in cars, boats and lorries - in an operation set up at a car wash in Wales, a court has heard.

Dilshad Shamo, 41, and Ali Khdir, 40, are accused of arranging the movement of migrants in boats, HGVs and cars from Iraq, Iran and Syria.

Khdir, who was born in Iran, and Shamo, originally from Iraq, owned and operated the Fast Track Hand Car Wash in Caerphilly, from where the people trafficking is alleged to have been organised.

Both deny five counts of conspiring to breach migration laws in Italy, Romania, Croatia and Germany to bring people into EU countries.

All the offences are alleged to have taken place between September 2022 and April 2023.

Ali Khdir, 40 and Dilshad Shamo, 40 allegedly operated a huge smuggling ring, transporting hundreds of migrants into Europe and the UK by sea and road

Khdir appeared before the court wearing a black Under Armour coat, with a black beard. Shamo wore a dark suit and also had a black beard.

Speaking on behalf of the prosecution, Sarah Gaunt said the jury would be shown evidence from WhatsApp, including voice messages between the defendants and people based in Iraq, Turkey and Europe attempting to smuggle people across the EU.

Most of the immigrants trafficked came from Iraq, Iran and Syria, and were charged money 'equating to several thousands of pounds', she said.

Much of the money was transferred using the ancient Hawala system of credit notes, with smaller amounts sent through Western Union.

The prosecutor said: 'It's the prosecution's case that these two defendants were conducting a people-smuggling operation from Caerphilly, and primarily from the Fast Track Car Wash.

'The countries focused upon in this case are Italy, Romania, Germany and Croatia.

'These four countries were among the European countries that migrants were trafficked to, or through, by these defendants.'

She added: 'The police carried out surveillance on these defendants and on certain dates recorded their movements.

'The police in their investigation placed listening devices in their cars and the car wash in Caerphilly.

The two smugglers allegedly ran their operation from the Fast Track Hand Car Wash in Caerphilly, Wales

'You will hear various conversations recorded of these defendants talking whilst they were in their motor vehicles and seem to be the only occupants.'

Ms Gaunt said many of the conversations were in Kurdish, which were translated for the jury.

She said the smugglers allegedly used four different routes to traffic people through Europe.

The prosecutor argued the defendants can be seen organising and liaising with a large number of individuals to facilitate or attempt to facilitate illegal immigration, including people taking deposits, taking and storing passports before travel, taxi drivers and ship operators.

The defendants deny sending any messages linking them to the alleged people smuggling.

The trial continues on Tuesday.
Four friends died in a burning Tesla after a crash broke the car's electronic door handles, it is claimed.

A woman in her 20s was the only survivor of the fiery October 24 crash after Rick Harper, a heroic Canada Post employee, smashed the window of the blazing Model Y with a metal pole.

Four of her friends, identified as 25-year-old Neelraj Gohil, his sister Ketaba Gohil, 29, Jay Sisodiya and Digvijay Patel all died in the tragedy.

Harper has since told the Toronto Star that the surviving woman 'couldn't open the doors' from the inside of the wreck.

Teslas have a button which the car's driver and passenger push to open a door, instead of a handle. But if the power fails after a crash, the doors can become stuck and won't open.

A woman who was trapped inside a fiery Tesla with four of her friends was unable to escape the burning car because the electronic door would not open

Four of her friends, identified as 25-year-old Neelraj Gohil (left), his sister Ketaba Gohil, 29 (right), Jay Sisodiya and Digvijay Patel all died in the tragedy

The smoke was so thick he didn't realize there were others trapped inside. He has no way of knowing whether they, too, were frantically trying to get out of the Tesla.

'I would assume the young lady would have tried to open the door from the inside, because she was pretty desperate to get out,' Harper said.

'I don't know if that was the battery or what. But she couldn't get out.'

Harper said the woman scrambled out of the car head-first after he smashed the window.

The smoke was so thick he didn't realize there were others trapped inside. He has no way of knowing whether they, too, were frantically trying to get out of the Tesla.

Harper said the woman scrambled out of the car head-first after he smashed the window

Digvijay (pictured) died in the tragedy alongside three of his friends

Police said the car crashed into a guardrail at high speed along Lake Shore Boulevard East in Toronto

Police said the car crashed into a guardrail at high speed along Lake Shore Boulevard East in Toronto.

Investigators are still to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Tesla boasts of a 'safety-first design' which makes them 'the safest in the world'.

There is a manual override button in Tesla cars but experts say the feature is not widely publicized.

It directs crash victims to pull away a panel in the door and then tug at a cable underneath, which will open the doors.

Safety watchdogs have also highlighted that crash victims may be too panicked or dazed to search for the feature after an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are nine investigations involving the Tesla Model Y - which is the same car involved in the tragedy.

These investigations range from 'unexpected brake activation' to 'sudden unintended acceleration'.
South Carolina's population is experiencing a boom - among baby boomers.

In a few years, the southern state will have more people above the age of 64 than below the age of 18, The Post and Courier reported.

By 2040, more than third of residents will be 65 or older in five South Carolina counties, including coastal Beaufort, Georgetown, Horry and Jasper counties, as well as McCormick County on Lake Thurmond.

With more older people moving to the state to live out their golden years, some areas count a third of their population past retirement age.

'That's stunning to hear, that some of the counties have gotten' there, said former Lieutenant Governor Glenn McConnell, who told the state Legislature a decade ago that they need to prepare for what he called 'the gray tsunami.'

A senior couple dances at the Pinckney Hall at the Sun City Hilton adult community in South Carolina. Developers have responded to the growing need for senior housing and services by building communities like this

Pictured: The cushy Lattitude Margaritaville Hilton Head. It's restricted to people 55 and older and boasts gorgeous pools, luxurious bars and plenty of recreational activities

Developers have responded to the growing need for senior housing and services by building 55-plus communities, such as the cushy Lattitude Margaritaville Hilton Head in Jasper County.

Sun City Hilton Head, another age-restricted community, is just down the road, and is home to more than 17,000 residents.

The luxurious pools, gorgeous bars and recreational activities at Margaritaville don't come cheap though. A two-bedroom home in the gated community can cost as much as $602,000.

Residents who can't afford those prices will have to rely on government services.

'On a state level, you will need more assisted-living facilities, more nursing home beds, more medical facilities,' Frank Rainwater, executive director of the state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, told The Post and Courier.

'It's nice, people want to come here to live and retire,' he added. 'But from our perspective how does government provide services?'

The aging population will more than likely face increasing problems with access to healthcare services and reliable transportation.

This year, nearly 20 percent of South Carolina residents are 65 or older, whereas in 2010 it was just under 14 percent, according to the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.

The state government will be need to assist a population with more disabilities than any other demographic. Across the nation, about one third of people 65 and older had a disability, per the 2023 Profile of Older Americans.

Healthcare facilities and access to in-home care will need to be beefed up.

Jasper County, which is on the coast, may face the most dire crunch.

This year, nearly 20 percent of South Carolina residents are 65 or older, whereas in 2010 it was just under 14 percent, according to the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

By 2040, that county's 65-and-older population is expected to be nearly 47 percent of the total, meaning there will be more people eligible for Medicare than there will be people between the ages of 10 and 64.

'If the whole workforce is smaller than the growing (elderly) population, something's got to give,' said Rainwater. 'I think it's going to take a combination of state and local leaders to analyze this on a local level.'

Home-health aide work and other jobs that serve older people don't often pay well, complicated by the fact that the cost of living in coastal South Carolina is high.

'There are a large number of direct care workers who are eligible for services themselves, because they earn so little,' said Maya Pack, executive director of The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health.

'These are the folks who are helping people with the activities of daily living,' she said. 'They are helping people prepare food, dress, eat and bathe.'

For seniors who won't be lucky enough to age in their homes and are placed in nursing home, they will be in for a rough experience if major changes aren't implemented.

South Carolina was ranked 49th out of 51 (including Washington D.C.) for long-term care by the AARP in 2023

Residents of the age-restricted Sun City Hilton Head gather to watch an outdoor concert

South Carolina was ranked 49th out of 51 (including Washington D.C.) for long-term care by the AARP in 2023. It only managed to beat out Alabama and nearby West Virginia.

'Despite policy strides we are still significantly behind nearly every state in the nation,' AARP State Director Charmaine Fuller Cooper said.

About 40 percent of nursing homes in the state have been federally cited for 'serious deficiencies,' according to ProPublica.

Multiple levels of government are involved in managing the aging and they often tie up efforts to improve the state of care.

For example, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson along with 20 other states are challenging a new federal rule that would mandate more staff at nursing homes.

The director of South Carolina's Department of Aging, Connie Munn, said she's ready to tackle whatever roadblocks come her way.

'We're ready,' Munn said. 'We will have a system in place.'

Pictured: The outdoor pool area at Sun City Hilton Head

Since McConnell issued his 'gray tsunami' warning, the Department on Aging has become a cabinet-level agency that works directly with the governor.

The agency has 49 employees, 20 percent more than when Munn was picked to lead it in 2020.

'There's always room for more money, obviouslybut we're very blessed to have the support from our governor and our Legislature,' Munn said.

One of her priorities is to help seniors stay in their homes and be cared for instead of putting them in nursing homes, where resources are spread thin.

'The main thing people are asking for is in-home services, and transportation,' Munn explained. 'We're tracking every call that comes in, the county it goes to, and what they are asking for.'

She even proposed that some able-bodied seniors could work as home-health aides for their fellow baby boomers.

'This is one way we can help with that shortage,' Munn said. 'We have older adults who want to work.'
Loved ones of the Portland nurse who was murdered in Budapest and stuffed into a suitcase have shared heartbreaking remarks about their loss.

Mackenzie Michalski, 31, was reported missing on November 5 after she failed to return from a night out during her vacation.

An Irishman seen with her at night clubs before her disappearance, only identified by the initials L.T.M., 37, was interviewed by police two days later and admitted to killing her.

He revealed where he hid her body - inside a suitcase near Lake Balaton in western Hungary.

Bill Micahalski, Mackenzie's father, told The Associated Press he was 'still overcome with emotion' at a Saturday candlelit vigil in Budapest.

Mackenzie Michalski (pictured) had gone to Hungary as a tourist and was last seen at a nightclub before her body was eventually found

Friends remembered Mackenzie during a candlelight vigil in Budapest, Hungary

He added: 'There was no reason for this to happen. Im still trying to wrap my arms around what happened ... I dont know that I ever will.'

While struggling to come to terms with his daughter's death, he revealed that Hungary was her 'happy place.'

'The history, she just loved it and she was just so relaxed here,' he said. 'This was her city.'

Vigils were held in both Budapest and New York. People sorrowfully gathered to honor Mackenzie.

Before Mackenzie's death was confirmed a Facebook group was launched to help find her.

The 37-year-old Irishman suspected of killing Michalski (pictured) led police to the area where her body was dumped following his arrest over her disappearance on November 7

Once her body was discovered, her family released a statement on the group: 'Dear members of our community, we are deeply saddened to confirm a report published by Hungarian police announcing the death of our beloved Kenzie.'

The statement further thanked the efforts of everyone including strangers abroad and officials across the world for getting involved in helping find Mackenzie.

'Kenzie will forever be remembered as a beautiful and compassionate young woman who dedicated herself to caring for others and making the world a better place.

'As a nurse practitioner, Kenzie used her humor, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike.'

Mackenzie had last been seen at a club in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest, according to her GoFundMe page, after her friends had received pictures from her in the bar.

Photos of Michalski at a candlelight vigil in Budapest on Saturday, when her father made a heartbreaking statement about her death

Since then, family or friends hadn't been able to reach her, and her belongings were found in the Airbnb she was staying in.

Mackenzie also then missed her flight from Hungary to Amsterdam which was on her route back home.

The group of friends had been traveling for a birthday trip, according to fellow traveler and friend, Gretchen Tower, reported WKBW.

Tower was also one of the last people to see Mackenzie on their Europe tour trip, and Hungary was their last stop.

'We had a great three days in Hungary. Exploring, eating, walking the city,' she told the outlet.

The two said their goodbyes on Monday, Tower recalled: 'She walked me downstairs out of the Airbnb, we hugged goodbye, we said our I love yous, I went to the airport.'

Michalski (pictured) was a nurse from Portland , Oregon on vacation with her friends for someone's birthday

Tower was on her way to Italy to visit some other friends and Mackenzie stayed behind for one more night in Budapest.

'She was at a bar in the Jewish ruin district having a glass of wine, looked like she was having dinner,' said Tower.

The two exchanged text messages before Mackenzie's disappearance. Tower said she had responded to a message at around 12.45 Tuesday morning, but Mackenzie never responded.

It wasn't until Tower got a notification from the Airbnb alerting her that Mackenzie had never checked out that Tower became concerned.

The suspect is alleged to have made several internet searches, including on whether pigs eat dead bodies, the presence of wild boars around Lake Balaton and the reliability of Budapest police.

The late nurse's friend said she knew something was wrong when Michalski never checked out of their Airbnb

Police had identified the man after reviewing security footage from several nightclubs in central Budapest's nightlife district, which officers said showed the pair dancing together before leaving.

A Budapest district court said it had decided at its weekend session to order his detention for one month.

Police said the man confessed to the killing, insisting it was accidental.

Police believe the suspect, who arrived in Budapest in October, met the victim at a nightclub, took her to a rented apartment and killed her while they were being intimate with each other.

'At present, it is not possible to establish exactly how the victim was killed and this is the subject of the ongoing investigation,' the court said.

Friend and fellow traveler, Gretchen Tower, said the group had been traveling together and when she lost contact with Michalski. Tower was the one who reported her missing

After allegedly killing Mackenzie, the man then cleaned the apartment, before stuffing her in the suitcase and driving it to the lake, police said.

'We are thankful that Kenzies soul is now at peace. Her memory and legacy will endure in the hearts of all whom shes touched,' a representative of the family 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.'
An emotional President Joe Biden was guided onstage as he attended a plaque unveiling Monday for his late son Major Beau Biden marking Veterans Day.

The president traveled back to Delaware Monday afternoon, with the White House giving no information about why he was making the trek home after spending the weekend away at Rehoboth Beach.

On-site he was spotted giving a smooch on the lips to sister Valerie Biden and hugging Beau's widow Hallie - who famously dated Hunter Biden after Beau's death from brain cancer in 2015.

The plaque was being installed at the Grubb/Worth Mansion in Claymont, Delaware, the town outside of Wilmington where the 81-year-old president was raised.

On his way to the podium, the president stopped to touch the Guardian of Defenders Monument, and then was guided over to the speaking location by Major General Francis Valala.

President Joe Biden (right) planted a kiss on his sister Valerie Biden's (left) mouth during a plaque dedication for the late Major Beau Biden, which coincided with the Veterans Day holiday

Valala said Beau was a 'truly patriotic American soldier' and said his job was to introduce 'a local guy.'

'Someone who grew up here in Claymont and took his engrained small town values with him on the world stage. The father of a servicemember, a leader who has done more for our military than anyone has in decades,' Valala said.

Valala then pointed to the PACT Act - which increased veterans' health benefits.

Earlier during the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Biden pledged to further enhance cancer-care for veterans exposed to toxins before he left the White House in January.

The president started his speech by mumbling through how he remembered the Grubb/Worth Mansion as a child.

It now serves as a headquarters of the Holy Rosary church.

In 2021, a Guardian of Defenders Monument was installed on the grounds on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.

President Joe Biden (center right) stands alongside his sistser Valerie Biden (right) at a plaque dedication for the late Beau Biden marking Veterans Day on Monday

President Joe Biden (right) gives a hug to Hallie Biden (center), the widow of Beau Biden who briefly dated Hunter Biden after her husband's 2015 death

President Joe Biden attends a ceremony for the dedication of a plaque for his late son, Major Beau Biden, on Veterans Day at the Grubb/Worth Mansion in Claymont, Delaware

That's where Beau Biden's plaque will reside.

'He was so damn proud. So proud to be joining the military, the National Guard,' Biden recalled.

The younger Biden, who served as Delaware's attorney general, told his dad he had a 'duty' to serve.

'That was the code my son lived by. Duty,' the president said.

Biden spoke about how the United States is unique because it's based on an 'idea' - and cited the Declaration of Independence, modifying the quote, 'that all men and women are created equal.'

'That's why we were founded. That's who we are. That's who we were. That's who we remain. And but because of our veterans, because of many of you, we've never walked away from it even though there's been temptations to walk away from that democratic notion,' Biden said.

'Folks, Beau would be very honored, very honored by his plaque, though he would also say "dad, it's not about me,"' the president continued.

Biden also said he wished to revisit the memorial plaque once his whole family could join him.

After the ceremony wrapped up, he took the motorcade to his church, St. Joseph on the Brandywine, to visit Beau's gravesite.
A Ryanair flight to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing at Stansted Airport after a passenger died onboard.

Flight RK8293, which was taking holidaymakers from Tirana, Albania, to Manchester on Sunday evening, had to make the emergency diversion as the passenger was 'having convulsions'.

Ambulance crews and medics swarmed the aircraft when it landed, but the man was declared dead at the scene.

Another passenger who was onboard the flight revealed how the man was moved into the aisle for CPR to be performed.

'He stopped breathing and everything went into chaos,' they told Manchester Evening News.

'A few of us with first aid training jumped in to help and started CPR while the defibrillator was set.'

A Ryanair flight to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing at Stansted Airport after a passenger suffered a medical emergency and died onboard. (File image of Ryanair plane at Stansted Airport)

Flight data shows that the plane left Albania but was forced to divert to London before continuing to Manchester

It's understood two crew members and three passengers performed CPR for 25 minutes until the plane made an emergency landing at Stansted.

Paramedics then took over for another half hour before all passengers were told to leave the plane.

The plane eventually took passengers to Manchester with a new crew and without the man's friends.

Flight data shows that the plane departed Tirana at 5.55pm and was due to land in Manchester around three-and-a-half hours later.

But airport officials confirmed that a flight was forced to divert to Stansted shortly before 8pm because of the emergency.

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service stated: 'One ambulance, one Hazardous Area Response Team vehicle, one paramedic car and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were called to Stansted Airport on Sunday evening following reports of man with a medical emergency on an aircraft.

'Sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, the man had died at the scene.'

Ryanair and Stansted Airport have been approached for comment.
Billionaire Kamala Harris supporter Mark Cuban has quietly wiped some of his social media comments endorsing the Vice President.

The Shark Tank entrepreneur was one of the first from Camp Kamala to publicly concede defeat on election night, sending a message of congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump by about 1.30am.

In the message, he also congratulated X owner Elon Musk, who emerged as one of Trump's most outspoken - and generous - supporters during his campaign.

Now, Cuban has started deleting his pro-Harris commentary from X.

'I've always gone back and deleted tweets,' he said in response to criticism for his actions.

Billionaire Kamala Harris supporter Mark Cuban has quietly wiped some of his social media comments endorsing the Vice President

Cuban had been on the campaign trail to help the Harris-Walz campaign

At the time that Cuban conceded, many Democrats appeared to still be holding out hope

'For years. Same with 2020 election. 2016 election. Same with other stuff.'

Cuban noted that there are websites available to view his old, deleted content if people were truly interested.

On election night, Cuban wrote: 'Congrats @realDonald Trump. You won fair and square. Congrats to @ElonMusk as well.'

At the time, the election was yet to be formally called, but any path to victory for Harris was rapidly deteriorating as swing states kept turning red.

Many Democrats appeared to still be holding out hope, despite North Carolina and Georgia both being called for Trump.

Cuban supported Trump during his successful 2016 bid for the White House, but 'grew out of it'

At the time, Trump was also ahead in critical battleground states Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and Arizona. They would all subsequently be called for him.

Cuban sparked fury earlier this month when he appeared on The View and criticized Trump's inner circle.

He told the panel: 'Donald Trump  you never see him around strong, intelligent women, ever. It's just that simple.'

'It's just that simple. They're intimidating to him. He doesn't like to be challenged by them,' Cuban added.

Trump's campaign immediately seized on the remarks as evidence to back its claim that Democrats, including Harris, despise voters who support the former president.

On election night, Cuban wrote: 'Congrats @realDonald Trump. You won fair and square. Congrats to @ElonMusk as well.' At the time, the election was yet to be formally called but any path to victory for Harris was rapidly deteriorating as swing states kept turning red

Trump's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said the comments were 'extremely insulting to the thousands of women who work for President Trump, and the tens of millions of women who are proudly voting for him.'

Cuban later apologized, saying he 'didn't get it out exactly the way I thought I did.'

The 66-year-old Dallas-based investor, who made his wealth in computer software, supported Trump during his successful 2016 bid for the White House, but 'grew out of it.'

Cuban said that 'whenever you try to get into a conversation about details' with Trump 'it never worked.'

But Trump and Musk supporters both appreciated his 'gracious' - and early - concession in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

'Mature response,' Trump fan Isabella DeLuca said.

'Said like a true gentleman, Mark. We have to hope they'll make good decisions for America,' another added.
Harvey Weinstein is planning to sue New York City following his cancer diagnosis last month.

The basis of the suit, obtained by The New York Post, is that officials' refusal to release him for outside treatment constitutes 'ongoing medical negligence.'

Weinstein, 72, is currently receiving treatment on Rikers Island, where he is being held ahead of yet another sex crimes trial slated to start in 2025.

It was called after a New York appeals court overturned his rape conviction in April, following trials in the Empire State and in California.

Since those proceedings began in 2018, Weinstein has been plagued by health issues. This continued last month, when it was revealed he now has a rare form of bone marrow cancer. He's been receiving treatment ever since.

Harvey Weinstein, seen here in Queens Criminal Court in August, is planning to sue New York City following a cancer diagnosis last month

The basis of the suit is that officials' refusal to release him from Rikers Island for outside treatment constitutes 'ongoing medical negligence.' The jail is seen here

'We won't discuss Mr. Weinstein's medical specifics, but we are appalled by the ongoing medical negligence shown by NYC Health and Hospitals and Bellevue,' a representative for Weinstein told the Post on Friday.

'This isn't the fault of Rikers, CHS [the city jail system's Correction 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 to his own retrial.'

The latter statement had been in reference to a visit the disgraced movie mogul paid to Bellevue Hospital in Midtown earlier in the day, for unknown reasons.

One of the largest hospitals in the US, Bellevue is owned and operated by the city.

The spokesperson went on to tell the Post how Weinstein has hired legal counsel to sue both Bellevue and NYC Health + Hospitals, the government agency that oversees it.

As for why, the representative said it was due to Weinstein having 'the right to proper care while in custody,' and to put a stop a supposed conspiracy the rep seemed to suggest was the work of city officials.

The suit names NYC Health + Hospitals and Bellevue as defendants, with the former being the government-owned agency that operates the city-owned hospital

A representative for the disgraced producer said the suit was due to him having 'the right to proper care while in custody'

'This treatment suggests a broader agenda for a more sinister outcome through lawfare and inadequate healthcare,' it read.

The comment seemed to point to an alleged plot to sabotage the former producer's upcoming trials, after new criminal charges were brought against him this past September.

That same month, Weinstein had to have fluid from his heart and lungs removed in what his lawyer called an emergency surgery, also at Bellevue, after he started suffering from chest pains.

At the time, his prison consultant said the surgery was successful, but that he remains in 'pain from the procedure.'

The rep also pointed to the convicted rapist's previous health problems, which have included bouts with COVID-19 and double pneumonia.

Before that, he spent 10 days in Bellevue in April, after attending his trials in a wheelchair.

The rep also pointed to the convicted rapist's previous health problems, which have included bouts with COVID-19 and double pneumonia. He is now suffering from a rare a rare form of bone marrow cancer

Before that, he attended proceedings in a wheelchair, and had also spent 10 days in Bellevue back in April. Following his February 2020 conviction for rape, Weinstein left court in an ambulance sent to Bellevue - after complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure

Following his February 2020 conviction, Weinstein left court in an ambulance bound to Bellevue, after complaining of chest pains and high blood pressure. He had a stent inserted to unblock an artery.

As the city fields the lawsuit, Weinstein continues to deny that he raped or sexually assaulted anyone, and he remains in custody in New York.

His retrial had been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, though it has since been postponed.

Prosecutors retrying his overturned rape conviction have since disclosed that they have begun presenting new evidence - of up to three additional allegations going as far back as the mid-2000s.
Pressuring someone to end their lives will be a crime punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment under the proposed legalisation of assisted suicide, it last night emerged.

Details of the long-awaited Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill reveal that, if passed by Parliament, it will be illegal to use 'dishonesty, coercion or pressure' to make someone say they want help dying.

It will also become an offence to force someone to take the lethal dose of medication that is supplied for approved applications.

Only terminally ill people with less than six months to live will be allowed to file for help ending their lives under the Bill published by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater last night  with disability and mental illness ruled out as eligible criteria.

They will have to make separate 'clear, settled and informed wishes' to die and have their mental capacity assessed by two independent doctors. They will also be told about alternative treatments such as hospice care.

Pressuring someone to end their life will be a crime punishable by up to 14 years in jail under the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill published by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater

Ms Leadbeater presenting her bill to the Speaker. It will be debated in the Commons on November 29

Their application will then be ruled on by a High Court judge who must take evidence from one of the doctors and may also question the dying patient.

The wait between their medical assessment to being allowed to end their life is expected to be three weeks.

Ms Leadbeater's Private Members' Bill is set to be voted on by MPs on November 29. She said: 'I remain ready and willing to answer any questions they may have, because I don't underestimate the seriousness of the issue.

'I believe this Bill not only offers protections to people nearing the end of their lives that they don't have at present, but also provides for the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world.'

But campaigners have argued it is being rushed through, while growing numbers of MPs have expressed concern about the lack of scrutiny  with even Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood due to vote against it.

Ross Hendry, chief executive of Christian charity CARE, said: 'MPs need time to digest legislation of any kind, but on a proposal like this  which would have profound implications for our society  two weeks seems too narrow a timeframe.'

A campaigner from 'Dignity in Dying' demonstrating outside the Palace of Westminster

Dignity for Dying activists protesting in support of the assisted dying bill at Parliament Square

Campaigners in favour of assisted dying demonstrating outside Parliament in April

Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of Care Not Killing, added: 'This bill is being rushed with indecent haste and ignores the deep-seated issues in the UK's broken and patchy palliative care system and the crisis in social care.

'It ignores data from around the world that shows changing the law would put pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives.'

And prominent barrister Alex Ruck Keene, who has worked on a right-to-die case, said he was 'immensely troubled' by the way the legislation is being introduced as a Private Members' Bill rather than by the Government.

He said MPs and peers are being 'radically unsupported' because of the lack of detail to explain how assisted dying would work in practice, such as complex decisions on who has the mental capacity to make the decision to end their own lives.

He also fears courts may eventually decide it discriminatory to not expand the six-month life expectancy clause to cover others in pain.
A man has been charged with murder after a 77-year-old man was stabbed to death at a London market yesterday while two others were rushed to hospital.

Police were called at 10.40am on Sunday to reports of several people being seriously assaulted on East Street, south London.

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found three people with serious injuries.

Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, of Southwark, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.

Two other men were taken to hospital with serious injuries, and both remain in hospital - one in a critical condition.

Sunday morning's triple stabbings happened by a street market in south London

An investigation remains ongoing within the Met's Specialist Crime Unit and a man has been charged with multiple offences.

Ali Musse, 66, has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

He is due to appear at Croydon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 12.

Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, lead for policing in Southwark, said: 'This was a horrific incident where a man had lost his life and two other people received serious injuries.

'The incident has understandably caused concern amongst the local community. There will be an increased policing presence in the Walworth area as we work alongside our partners to provide reassurance to local people and small businesses operating in East Street.

Poilice and forensics officers were on the scene in Walworth, south London

Officers were called at about 10.40am on Sunday to reports of people being stabbed

Police are investigating after the triple stabbing in East Street in Walworth, south London

'I would like to take this opportunity to thank brave members of the public who assisted police at the scene.

'Lastly we are aware of posts circulating on social media, implying that this was a terrorist incident. Our enquiries indicate this is not the case and we ask the public not to speculate.'

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell said: 'Our officers have worked quickly to investigate this tragic incident and secure these charges.

'I would like to thank the members of the public who have assisted us so far and encourage anyone who hasn't spoken with us, to get in contact.'
Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God is telling his viewers they no longer need to put forth the effort to respect Caitlyn Jenner's pronouns since she voted for Donald Trump.

Charlamagne deliberately misgendered the reality star multiple times on Monday while slamming the transgender Olympic gold medalist over her unwavering support for Donald Trump - who is noted for his anti-trans rhetoric.

The outspoken Breakfast Club host branded Jenner his 'Donkey of the Day' after she posted a controversial photo with Trump and Elon Musk, claiming the pair had 'single-handedly saved western civilization.'

In his on-air tirade, Charlamagne mocked the former Olympic athlete saying: 'Sounds to me like Caitlyn wants his next gender reassignment surgery sponsored by SpaceX.'

Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God is telling his viewers they no longer need to put forth the effort to respect Caitlyn Jenner 's pronouns since she voted for Donald Trump

Charlamagne deliberately misgendered the reality star multiple times on Monday while slamming the transgender Olympic gold medalist (pictured) over her unwavering support for Donald Trump

After using the incorrect pronouns, the radio personality made crude jokes about 'Teslas' and 'vaginas on autopilot.'

'He wants his testicles replaced for Teslas. He wants to have the Tesla of vaginas, just put it on autopilot, and it plays with itself,' he said in the radio segment.

Charlamagne then called Jenner a 'devil damn fool' and claimed she had already 'taken advantage of all the privileges that came with being trans.'

'Caitlyn Jenner, as a transgender, you just look like a devil damn fool glazing Trump and Elon the way you are after hearing stuff like that.'

The media personality's explained that his controversial rant was based on his belief that people who vote against their identity's interests forfeit the right to that identity.

'Now, I don't have a problem choosing issues over identity, but not if one of the issues is somebody trying to erase the existence of my identity altogether.'

He pointed to Jenner's support for Trump despite his adverse policies on transgender rights and compared it to Latino voters backing the former president despite his stance on immigration.

Trump said during the campaign that he would roll back Biden administration action seeking to protect transgender students from discrimination in schools on the first day of his new administration, the AP reported.

His campaign released a controversial ad declaring 'Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.'

The strong anti-trans messaging formed a key part of Trump's final campaign push against his Democratic opponent.

This came after Jenner said she wanted to serve in President-elect Donald Trump's administration, and offered a heavy dose of flattery to help make her case

'If it's one thing this election taught me, people really do vote their interestsand their interest is not attached to their identity.'

This came after Jenner said she wanted to serve in President-elect Donald Trump's administration, and offered a heavy dose of flattery to help make her case.

'Hope is back in America,' Jenner wrote on X alongside a photo of herself, Trump, his granddaughter Kai, and billionaire donor Elon Musk. 'These two men will single-handedly save western civilization and that starts with a strong United States of America.'
A kindergarten worker was killed trying to protect children at a preschool when a truck driver suffered a suspected medical episode and ploughed into the property.

Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled children out of harm's way as the tanker went through the playground at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, 60km north-west of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon.

The speech pathologist who worked with special needs children at the preschool died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital.

The boy was being treated for an arm injury is not in a life-threatening condition.

A suspected medical episode is believed to have caused the 68-year-old driver of the water tanker to veer off the road and hit the building.

The truck driver was also transported to hospital, and police said he was assisting with inquiries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the pre-school.

'It appears there's some contact with that bridge - we can see some debris,' he said.

The mother-of-two was a speech pathologist at Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool

An out-of-control tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday

'There are also some signs on the left-hand side of the road that appear to have been struck as well.

'It's a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse  this is one of those close calls and I don't know how only one person has died today.'

Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O'Sullivan said his organisation's deepest condolences were with the impacted parties.

'We are working closely with emergency agencies in response and to find out more information as it comes to hand,' he said.

'Our immediate priority is to support those affected and our broader communities  particularly those in Riddells Creek  however we practically can.'

The crash comes less than two weeks after 11-year-old Jack Davey was killed and four other students injured after an SUV crashed through a fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne's east.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police say it's 'unbelievable' that only one child was injured in the crash
One of the founders of the worlds oldest breastfeeding support charity has quit in protest at its inclusion of transgender women.

Marian Tompson denounced La Leche League International as an organisation that has become a travesty of my original intent.

In a damning resignation letter from the board of directors, the 94-year-old condemned the groups shift from focusing on mothering to indulging the fantasies of adults.

She wrote in a letter to senior figures at La Leche League (LLL): From an organisation with the specific mission of supporting biological women who want to give their babies the best start in life by breastfeeding them, LLLs focus has subtly shifted to include men who, for whatever reason, want to have the experience of breastfeeding, despite no careful long-term research on male lactation and how that may affect the baby.

This shift from following the norms of nature, which is the core of mothering through breastfeeding, to indulging the fantasies of adults, is destroying our organisation.

La Leche League Founder Marian Tompson, 94, has quit the breastfeeding support charity

She condemned the group for including men who want to experience breastfeeding, calling it a 'travesty' (file image)

She said she had tried to get the board to change its approach but admitted there is nothing I can do.

However, she added that she hoped to return to the organisation  which she helped found in 1956 to improve breastfeeding rates in the USA  when it returns to its original mission and purpose.

Last night Helen Joyce of British womens rights charity Sex Matters said: The situation at La Leche League is one of the starkest examples of how gender-identity ideology turns organisations upside-down.

By including men who want to breastfeed in its services, LLL is destroying its founding mission to support breastfeeding mothers.

'It also goes against the wishes of many mothers, group leaders and trustees around the world, who have been fighting to convince LLL International to hold fast to its woman-focused mission, including here in the UK.

Earlier this year, the Mail told how the British arm of La Leche League had been forced to call in the Charity Commission regulator in a dispute over its trans inclusive policy.

Helen Joyce, from British womens rights charity Sex Matters, said LLL is 'destroying' its founding mission

There were claims of harassment and bullying over a policy to include trans women in meetings.

Directors raised concerns that the diktat from the global organisation could mean volunteers are also forced to give advice to trans women wishing to breastfeed.

One of its trustees of La Leche League GB has now quit over the row.

Miriam Main wrote: I do not recognise LLL in the bullying, lies, and cruelty of recent times and this has been unreasonably hard to endure.

A spokesman for the British charity said: The LLLGB Council of Directors are aware that Marian Tompson has resigned from the La Leche League International Board.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the role Marian Tompson has taken both in founding LLL and her tireless global work in the wider field of breastfeeding support for almost seventy years.
Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen fought back tears as he remembered his family friend - a kindergarten teacher who tragically lost her life while trying to protect children when an out-of-control truck crashed into a preschool.

Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, dragged children out of harm's way as the water tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday afternoon.

It's believed the 68-year-old truck driver had suffered a medical episode before veering off the road.

Speech pathologist Ms Bryant, who worked with special needs children at the preschool, died at the scene, while a three-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital with a non-life threatening arm injury.

The Channel Nine host fought back tears as he spoke about growing up with Ms Bryant in rural Coonamble, in north-west NSW, and paid a heartbreaking tribute to 'EJ' and her family.

'We're hurting - really, really hurting,' he told co- host Sarah Abo.

'There are people in this world who you can hardly believe are so kind, so generous, so wonderful and caring.

'Eleanor Bryant, or EJ as she was to us, was one of those people.

'Eleanor was a light that lit up every room, never spoke ill of anyone, and was an accomplished speech pathologist.

Today Show newsreader Alex Cullen has fought back tears while remembering a kindergarten teacher who was killed trying to protect the children as an out of control truck plowed into a pre-school

Cohost Sarah Abo gave him a hug following his emotional tribute

Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant, 43, pulled children out of harm's way as the tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday afternoon

'She was the eldest of four kids who grew up on a farm just outside my hometown of Coonamble, a community in northwest NSW where everyone knows everyone, and they all look out for each other.

'Eleanor had so many friends - so many wonderful friends - and she would do anything for anyone. She was the kind of person who gave you the feeling that everything would be okay.

'To Tim, her husband, one of the nicest blokes youd ever meet, were thinking of you, mate, and your wonderful kidsyour 11-year-old son, a mad Sydney Swans fan, and your beautiful 9-year-old daughter.

'It doesnt surprise me one bit that Eleanor pushed those school kids out of harm's way, ultimately saving their lives.

'She always, always put others firsta great example to us all. Well miss you, Eleanor, and thank you for everything you gave us.'

The truck driver was also transported to hospital, and police said he was assisting them with their inquiries.

An out-of-control tanker ploughed through the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, north-west of Melbourne on Monday

Police say it's 'unbelievable' that only one child was injured in the crash

Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the pre-school.

'It appears there's some contact with that bridge - we can see some debris,' he said.

'There are also some signs on the left-hand side of the road that appear to have been struck as well.

'It's a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse  this is one of those close calls and I don't know how only one person has died today.'

Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O'Sullivan said his organisation's deepest condolences were with the impacted parties.

Eleanor Bryant has been remembered as an incredible woman who always put others first

Locals in Riddells Creek console each other in the wake of the tragedy

'We are working closely with emergency agencies in response and to find out more information as it comes to hand,' he said.

'Our immediate priority is to support those affected and our broader communities  particularly those in Riddells Creek  however we practically can.'

The crash comes less than two weeks after 11-year-old Jack Davey was killed and four other students injured after an SUV crashed through a fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne's east.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
November 10, 2024: Some things never change. Take Egypt and its continued domination of North Africa. For over 5,000 years, the Egyptian civilization has dominated North Africa. For most of that time the local religion was one based on worshiping multiple gods. Two thousand years ago Christianity took over and after six hundred years Islamic Arab armies invaded and enforced a multi generation effort to convert all these Christians to Moslems. That effort continues because five to ten percent of Egyptians remain Coptic Christians. The current government tolerates Copts as most foreign tourists are Christians and admire the way Egypt supports the continued existence of the Copts.

Egypt is less happy about the Tuaregs, a North African Berber group that dominated the region for over two thousand years until European colonial forces showed up in the early 19th century. The word Tuareg is translated as Free Men and that freedom comes at a cost. The Tuaregs continued to feud with their North African and sub-Saharan African neighbors. The colonial powers left most of Africa in the 1960s. This was bad for the Tuaregs who were outnumbered by the people of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso, countries the Tuaregs used to dominate. The French colonial governments used the Tuaregs as their enforcers and this backfired on them when the French left and the newly independent governments of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso sought to suppress Tuareg power in the region. This effort is still underway as Tuareg power and influence continues to decline.

The Tuaregs put up a fierce resistance to the French and were not defeated in Mali until 1905. There are currently about four million Tuaregs who live west of Egypt extending to Morocco on the Atlantic coast and south as far as in the Sahel as well as southern portions of the Sahara desert and south to nations like Mali and Nigeria. Recent DNA studies show that Tuaregs were present in southern Egypt over 3,000 years ago and some of these Tuareg invaders still exist in southern Egypt. .

As Egypt expands its influence in North Africa, it continues to bump into rebellious Tuaregs, who are not alone in opposing Egyptian influence, While Egypt has the largest economy in North Africa, the other 37 North African and Sahel states would rather get their imports from Europe and North America.

Egypt isnt aggressive about using its status as the largest military and economic nation in the Maghreb (North Africa) and Sahel. Algeria and Morocco are nearly as powerful as Egypt but these three nations are not a threat to each other. Israel and Egypt, who share a common border, cooperate when dealing with local Islamic terrorists and Bedouin smugglers. The Bedouin are another curious minority that exist from the Arabian Peninsula into Egypt, Israel and North Africa. The Bedouin are entrepreneurial and currently dominate smuggling activities in areas where they are present. Bedouin are accommodating and willing to make deals. Egypt and Israel had problems with Islamic terrorists and the Bedouin helped out with that in return for reduced interference with their smuggling.

Bedouin tend to be loyal to the government of countries they live in. As a result there are Bedouin in the Israeli and Egyptian armed forces. One reason Egypt is the North African superpower is because they made peace with Israel in 1979 and have maintained that status ever since. This made it easy for Egypt to develop natural gas deposits that were first discovered in 1967. Back then Egypt was still at war with Israel and losing every time they fought the Israelis. This led to the 1979 peace deal that enabled both Egypt and Israel to peacefully develop their new natural gas fields. One Egyptian natural gas pipeline runs through Israeli territory.

Arab states still at war with Israel criticize Egypt for their cooperation with Israel. Egypt points out that they are not Arab and, aside from being invaded by Arab armies 1,300 years ago, generally stay out of Arab affairs. The other North African states also have some Arabs in residence, but do not act like Arabs. There is little Islamic terrorism in North Africa and a lot of economic ties to Europe, the United States and, to a lesser extent, Israel. Egyptian ties with the United States enabled the Egyptian army to obtain over a thousand M1 tanks, many of them built in Egypt under license. Egypt has access to many other modern American weapons, as well as arms salesmen from European nations. While Egyptian forces do not train with the Israelis, the Americans do and the United States continues to be a major supplier of military equipment to Egypt and Israel.
Keir Starmer threw down the gauntlet to Donald Trump at the Cop29 summit today by urging him to show leadership on climate change.

The Prime Minister issued the challenge to the US President-elect as he arrived at the UN conference in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Sir Keir is one of just a small handful of world leaders who have come to the annual event, aimed at curbing catastrophic global warming caused by greenhouse gases.

It comes as comments from Mr Trump have cast a shadow over the summit. He has promised to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement  in which governments made pledges to reduce pollution  as he believes global warming is a hoax.

Current US President Joe Biden is not attending, and other notable absentees include President Xi Jinping of China, the worlds biggest greenhouse-gas emitter, and prime minister Narendra Modi of India, the third-biggest emitter.

Sir Keir Starmer arriving in Baku, Azerbaijan to attend the COP 29 climate summit on Monday

The PM has urged Donald Trump to 'show leadership' on climate change ahead of the UN conference

French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen are all staying at home. The only other G7 leader taking part in the summit is Italys Giorgia Meloni.

One surprise attendee is the Taliban, which has found time to join the event.

Matiul Haq Khalis, the head of Afghanistans Environmental Protection Agency, spoke to the media about the impact of climate change on the country.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister had no plans to meet the delegation.

The choice of Azerbaijan to host the talks has come under criticism over its human rights record, with failings including the persecution of political opponents and detainment of activists.

Sir Keir said of the summit: I have repeatedly emphasised the importance of global leadership when it comes to the climate challenge, and therefore it is very important for me to come to Cop... I see the climate challenge as a huge opportunity for the UK if we get it right, and that is why we have made it one of our missions to have clean power by 2030.

He said there was a global race to be the leader on renewable energy, adding: I want us to win the race.

Developing countries are calling for richer countries to pay out trillions to help modernise their economies and to invest in clean, green technologies (pictured: The building of COP 29 Summit in Baku)

Outgoing US president Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and India's Narendra Modi are not expected to attend

Cop 29 host Azerbaijan has been lobbying governments to accelerate their move to clean energy while touting gas - which it has in abundance - as a transition fuel

Of Mr Trumps remarks on climate change, Sir Keir said: Im not going to comment on his views, I am very clear in mine which is that the climate challenge is something that we have got to rise to and thats why Ive repeatedly said weve got to show leadership.

Meanwhile, developing countries are calling for richer countries to pay out trillions to help modernise their economies and to invest in clean, green technologies.

Developed countries committed to contributing $100billion (78billion) a year in climate finance between 2021 and 2026, of which the UKs overall contribution has been 11.6billion.

Under the terms of the 2015 Paris agreement, 197 signatories committed to limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius.

Last month, the UN warned the world was on a path towards a catastrophic 3.1 degrees Celsius of warming this century based on current actions.
The Archbishop of Canterbury's position looked increasingly untenable last night after a senior bishop told him to resign.

The Bishop of Newcastle broke ranks to say Justin Welby must step down after a damning report found that his failure to act meant a prolific child abuser was never brought to justice.

Helen-Ann Hartley joined the growing chorus of voices demanding the Archbishop resign immediately so the Church of England can begin drawing a line under the scandal.

A petition calling for Mr Welby to go  started by three members of the Church's ruling body, the General Synod, and backed by several high-profile priests  passed 7,500 signatures last night. Mr Welby was forced to apologise last week after a long-awaited review concluded that barrister John Smyth's 'abhorrent' serial abuse of more than 100 boys and young men was covered up.

The review found that Mr Welby 'could and should' have been involved in reporting the case to the police in 2013 and concluded that it was 'unlikely' he would have had no knowledge of the concerns about Smyth in the 1980s.

The Archbishop of Canterbury (pictured) admitted to having 'personally failed' after an independent review found John Smyth's 'abhorrent' abuse of more than 100 children and young men was covered up in the Church for years

Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley said the Church was in danger of 'losing complete credibility' when it came to safeguarding

John Smyth (pictured) died aged 77 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police

In 2013, Mr Welby was advised that a 'police referral had been made' and believed it was being investigated. However, this was not the case.

The review found that 'having been told of the referral and realising the seriousness of it', Mr Welby 'held a personal and moral responsibility to pursue this further'. But between 2013 and the allegations being made public in 2017, this did not happen.

The Archbishop said he had considered resigning as recently as last week in light of the review but was advised against it.

Yesterday morning he insisted that he 'does not intend to resign'.

But this position looked in doubt last night after Ms Hartley said his position was untenable and told the BBC: 'He should resign. I think that it's very hard for the Church, as the national, established Church, to continue to have a moral voice in any way, shape or form in our nation, when we cannot get our own house in order.'

Ms Hartley is one of just 21 bishops who sit in the House of Lords as Lords Spiritual, making her one of the most senior voices in the Church. Her comments were welcomed by CofE clergy, including Reverend Marcus Walker, the rector of Great St Bart's in the City of London, who described them as 'really very significant'.

Mr Walker, one of the co-sponsors of the petition calling for Mr Welby to go, added: 'It is incredibly rare for bishops to speak out of turn these days. I feel very sorry for Archbishop Welby but this can't go on.'

Another co-sponsor, Reverend Ian Paul, told the Mail: 'Confidence in the national leadership of the Church is essential and it isn't there as long as Justin is in post.'

Andrew Morse, 63, (pictured) was abused by John Smyth as a teenager and twice tried to take his own life as a result

Giles Fraser, vicar of St Anne's in Kew, west London, said Mr Welby had 'lost the confidence of the clergy'

Their calls were echoed by survivors of Smyth's 'abhorrent' abuse of as many as 130 boys across five decades.

Andrew Morse, 63, was abused by Smyth as a teenager and twice tried to take his own life as a result.

He accused the Archbishop of prioritising the Church of England's reputation above victims.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Morse said: 'I think it feels like he prioritised his position and the reputation of his church above the plight of the victims and, because Smyth was still alive at that time, above other potential victims as well.'

Mr Morse added: 'Yes, I do think he should resign.

'He knew in 2013, he knew the set-up, the victim group and the place where we were groomed, all the way back to the 1980s.'

Mr Morse claimed the Archbishop's failure to take action in 2013 was a 'dereliction of duty' and a betrayal of victims

The Smyth review, by former social services director Keith Makin, found the Church knew 'at the highest level about the abuse', but its response was 'wholly ineffective and amounted to a cover-up'. Smyth died aged 77 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police.
Family members of a man discovered buried in concrete have gasped in court at the 'horrific and heinous' details of an attempt to dissolve his body in chemicals.

Two defendants faced separate sentencing hearings at Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday over the deaths of two men at a warehouse.

Family members of the second victim, who has never been found, broke down after pleading for information on the location of his body after both convicted men were jailed for manslaughter.

David Lee Tan, 42, and Billy Lee Bornstein, 30, previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Lachlan James Griffiths, 35, in the early hours of January 17, 2022, at Tan's transport business at Coopers Plains in Brisbane's south.

Tan also pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to the murder of Andrew Christopher Walsh, 35, on November 8, 2021.

Mr Walsh's remains were found in March 2022 encased in concrete at the Coopers Plains transport business during a police search for Mr Griffiths' body, which has not been located.

Justice Frances Williams said Tan had provided significant assistance in a cover-up after Mr Walsh was bashed and stabbed to death by two men who accused him of sexually assaulting a female associate.

'What was done to Mr Walsh's body was horrific and heinous,' she said.

The remains of Andrew Christopher Walsh (right) were found in a concrete pit in Brisbane's south in March 2022. The body of Lachlan James Griffiths (left) has never been located

Mr Griffiths' mother Bernie is seen hugging family members outside Queensland's Supreme Court on Monday. She said her family has not received closure or justice

Justice Williams said Tan helped place Mr Walsh's body at the bottom of an oil drainage pit and weighed him down with a wooden pallet.

'Cleaning products and chemicals were used to try to melt the deceased's body,' Justice Williams said, causing Mr Walsh's family members to gasp.

Tan later purchased concrete to pour into the pit and covered it with a layer of oil and perfume in an attempt to disguise the smell.

In separate sentences, Justice Williams said Tan and Bornstein did not inflict violence on Mr Griffiths but had taken part in a plan to lure him from a Brisbane CBD hotel to the Coopers Plains business with the promise of payment for a drug deal.

Justice Williams said they both engaged in a common unlawful purpose to procure Mr Griffiths so another man, Filip Grbavac, could inflict serious physical harm to him during an 'interrogation' that turned fatal in the warehouse's meeting room.

Grbavac suspected a person close to him had suffered serious offences at the hands of Mr Griffiths.

'The violence must have been prolonged and extreme. You knew Mr Griffiths was being assaulted and in pain. You were aware of this and did nothing,' Justice Williams told Tan and Bornstein.

Mr Griffiths is pictured second from right with his mother Bernie and other family members. He has not been seen since he was lured to a warehouse in early 2022

Tan was sentenced to a total of 15-and-a-half-years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of Mr Griffiths and being an accessory after the fact to Mr Walsh's murder.

He will be eligible for parole in September 2031 having already served 971 days in custody.

Bornstein was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.

He will be eligible to apply for parole in November 2028 with 721 days declared as time already served.

Mr Griffiths' mother Bernie called for anyone with information on her son's whereabouts to come forward so he could be buried at their local church.

'We beg anyone who may know where he is to come forward and give us this small measure of peace,' she said outside court.

Mrs Griffiths (pictured right being comforted by a friend) called for anyone with information on her son's whereabouts to come forward so he could be buried at their local church

Mrs Griffiths said Bornstein and Tan's sentencing was the end of the court proceedings for the family but not an end to their grief.

'It's not closure, nor true justice,' she said.

Mr Griffiths has not been seen since his abduction but police later obtained a photo of his body wrapped in plastic.

Prisoners in Queensland can be denied parole if a victim's body has not been located and the parole applicant is found to have not co-operated fully.

Justice Williams said any further consequences for Tan and Bornstein would be a matter for the parole board.

Grbavac died of critical head injuries after an alleged fight with another prisoner in February 2024.

Two men are due to stand trial in 2025 for the alleged murder of Mr Walsh.
A top real estate agency has admitted using AI to generate property listings after a rental home was advertised as being near two 'excellent' schools that didn't exist.

LJ Hooker listed a four-bedroom home in Farley, in NSW's Hunter region, on Domain and realestate.com.au on Friday which stated that the property was close to 'excellent educational institutions'.

'Families will appreciate being within a short distance from several highly-rated schools, making daily commutes easy and stress-free,' the ad said.

It added that nearby schools included 'Farley Primary School: Known for its nurturing environment and dedicated staff, this school offers a strong foundation for young learners;.

It also said advertised 'Farley High School: With a range of programs and extracurricular activities, this school prepares students for future success'.

However, both are entirely fictional.

After being contacted by Guardian Australia, the principal of the LJ Hooker Edensor Park branch, Patrick Huynh, reportedly admitted the firm had been using ChatGPT.

He said that the non-existent schools had not been picked up due to 'human error', adding: 'All the real estate agencies use AI these days'.

'I dont know any real estate agent that doesnt use AI,' Mr Huynh added.

LJ Hooker listed a four-bedroom home in Farley, in NSW's Hunter region, on Domain and realestate.com.au on Friday which stated that the property was close to 'excellent educational institutions'

Pictured: the ChatGPT-written, erroneous ad

'Most people use ChatGPT now. We have to use AI to help with (producing ads quickly).'

Huynh said he would usually input the address of a rental property and the basic description such as how many bedrooms and bathrooms it had into ChatGPT, a generative chatbot artificial intelligence program developed by OpenAI.

Although he admitted it was a 'worry' that ChatGPT had invented schools.

'The normal standard would be "close to schools, shops and hospitals",' he said.

'Were not specific about particular high schools or public schools.'

The amended ad removed all reference to the schools.

Daily Mail Australia approached the LJ Hooker Group for further comment.
He was found not guilty of her murder due to mental illness

The father of murdered Melbourne woman Courtney Herron has been rebuked by a judge in the Supreme Court of Victoria when his daughter's killer tried to suppress media coverage of the case.

Grieving dad John Herron, who is also a criminal lawyer, appeared in court alongside lawyers acting for Daily Mail Australia on Monday to contest an application by his daughter's killer to suppress his name from the public.

Henry Hammond, 32, was charged with murder the day after Ms Herron's body was found between logs by three dog walkers in Parkville's Royal Park, just outside Melbourne's CBD, in 2019.

The 25-year old had been beaten to death by Hammond with a tree branch before he attempted to bury her body under piles of foliage.

Lawyer John Herron with daughter Courtney Herron in happier times

He was found not guilty of her murder due to mental impairment in August 2020 and has gone on to be treated at Melbourne's Thomas Embling Hospital.

On Monday Hammond's application to suppress his name from all media reports about his case was withdrawn at the last minute, turning the hearing into a formality.

But Justice Phillip Priest questioned Mr Herron's right to be at the bar in court and his knowledge of the law.

He further criticised Mr Herron for failing to check the relevant legislation outlining whether or not he was allowed to address him.

'Answer the question,' Justice Priest demanded. 'You're a qualified lawyer.

'If you're going to come along here and ask to be heard, you should know whether you've got a right to be heard or not ... I'm not sure why you're at the bar table.'

John Herron outside the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday

The judge declared comments Mr Herron made at the time as 'wrong'.

'The article then goes on to quote some remarks supposedly made by Mr Herron. I assume they're accurate, but if they're accurate, they're highly inflammatory and some of it is quite wrong.'

Outside court, Mr Herron said as a lawyer he had a right to appear in court to argue against the suppression application.

He described the withdrawal of Hammond's application as 'a win for the community'.

'It haunts me that I have to read the evidence yet again of her injuries,' he said.

'But a very important thing that stays with me forever is what the police told me.

'It took her three minutes to die.'

Henry Hammond bashed Courtney Herron to death

Hammond has been seen dining out on day release from Thomas Embling

'It's almost inevitable. Very few patients at Thomas Embling do that 25-year nominal sentence - probably a handful,' he said.

Last year, Daily Mail Australia revealed Hammond was enjoying meals in his victim's favourite restaurant a little over two years after being placed in a psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane.

'He was photographed by friends of my daughter. So he's out doing that. What he's up to recently is up to Thomas Embling to reveal,' Mr Herron said.

Mr Herron said he was aware of Thomas Embling patients routinely enjoying unsupervised day release.

'I know that these people are out, particularly in that Fairfield area. They're out there working unsupervised in the community,' he said.

Mr Herron said as a victim of crime, he was kept 'in the dark' about how and why Hammond wanted his name suppressed from the public.

'Hearing about the killer's release third hand is just not good enough,' he said.

'The safety issues for the community are unbelievable.'
In a few months Im going to become a grandmother for the fifth time. August, Ernest, Sienna and Wolfie will be joined by another beautiful boy or girl, as our family grows once more.

As all grandmothers know, from story-time, to tea-time, to nap-time, family life is a hands-on affair  not least when it comes to changing nappies. Over the course of my life Ive been no stranger to it! When my first grandchild was born, I rolled up my sleeves as though a 30-year hiatus had never happened.

Seeing nappy after nappy thrown into the bin, I began to wonder: what are these nappies made of and where are they going? Researching it, I was stunned: they are full of plastic waste, each one damaging our environment.

Nappies are one of the largest contributors to the plastic waste crisis globally, according to the UN, and researchers say that each baby will use approximately 4,000 of them. Every minute, more than 380,000 nappies are thrown away around the world, and the World Economic Forum says that it is producing nearly 40 million tons of waste each year.

Since my daughters Beatrice and Eugenie were born, awareness about plastic pollution and the harm it does has skyrocketed.

The Duchess of York pictured with daughter Princess Beatrice and granddaughter Sienna

(L to R) Princess Beatrice of York, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Princess Eugenie of York attend The Anti Slavery Collective's inaugural Winter Gala at Battersea Arts Centre on November 29, 2023 in London

Princess Beatrice pictured with daughter Sienna

Eugenie's children - and the Duchess of York's grandchildren - August (left) and Ernest

The fight against plastic waste has been relentless, not least from the Daily Mail campaigning against the scourge of plastic bags in supermarkets, and has driven great changes.

But while more and more aspects of our lives have become plastic-free, the huge volume of pollution caused by nappies has rarely entered the conversation.

I want that to change. As I began to research this problem, I was introduced to experts tackling this issue and to the UN Special Envoy for the Oceans, Peter Thomson, and his wife Marijcke, by Eugenie. He showed me the scale of the challenge, and the toll this type of plastic pollution is inflicting on some of the worlds most beautiful natural habitats.

When my grandchildren arrived, I tried to find plastic-free nappies that were 100 per cent compostable for Beatrice and Eugenie, leaving no waste and no pollution. But it just wasnt possible.

Thats why today I am launching a global campaign to move the world away from nappies filled with plastic.

The Greater Good is a global organisation I am leading with experts who have been involved in the industry for decades. I cant think of a more fitting place to launch this campaign than the island state of Samoa, a country particularly impacted by plastic pollution.

Just a few weeks ago, leaders from around the world flew in to the island for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and signed the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, committing to improve our oceans and to protect them from pollution.

Beatrice shares a picture of husband Edo, daughter Sienna and stepson Wolfie walking in the woods earlier this year

Beatrice shares a snap of her daughter - Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi

Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, (2L) with her children at Pisa airport before leaving for London in 1997

Sarah, pictured on the night of the Coronation Concert on May 7 last year, with Beatrice and Eugenie

With the gaze of world leaders now moving to Cop29 in Azerbaijan this week, I have landed in Samoa to launch this campaign and meet the people who are working on our projects.

In Samoa, and other places like it such as Vanuatu and Tuvalu, disposable nappies account for nearly 30 per cent of household waste.

These island states are seeing first-hand the impact of the worlds addiction to plastic. Plastic in our oceans is destroying fragile ecosystems and harming the environment in these beautiful coastal communities.

So what exactly are we doing?

Here in Samoa, the Greater Good campaign has designed, refined and delivered an innovative solution, with high-quality nappies that are composted in the community to create safe, nutrient-rich soil in six to eight weeks.

With the support of the Samoan government, the project has proven that for every 100 babies, 700 kilograms of plastic waste is eliminated every week. Women are at the heart of this project. We have employed and trained 18 women, many of whom have never had a job before, to manage the delivery, collection and composting of these nappies.

Much more needs to be done. This campaign is starting in the South Pacific, but it will end with governments, businesses, and societies working together around the world to make compostable nappies a reality.

If we look seriously at solutions being developed in places like Samoa, we can begin to cut the significant volume of plastic produced by nappies around the world. And if we can get this right, the prize is significant.

With a new grandchild about to enter the world, and my career as a nappy-changer about to re-start, I am incredibly optimistic about the future of our planet, and this is entirely thanks to projects like this which are helping to protect the oceans for our babies to grow up and enjoy plastic-free.
Donald Trump and his new border czar Tom Homan will start their work to deport 'millions' of migrants on his first day in the White House.

Starting with the asylum apps used by migrants to gain interviews and then targeting the super gangs terrorizing American cities, the pair is laying out who will be targeted for removal from the country.

Daily Mail spoke with sources across the country who mapped out exactly how they plan to do it.

President-elect Donald Trump named Tom Homan, pictured above, as his new border czar. Homan served as the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE during Trump's first term in office

THE FIRST TARGETS

After being sworn in on January 20, President Donald Trump will immediately axe the CBP One Mobile app program, billed as the 'legal way' for migrants at the southern border to request an asylum interview at a port of entry, according to sources close to Trump's transition team.

The program hears 1,450 asylum claims a day across the entire US-Mexico border.

'They're going to close the border down immediately,' Mar-a-Lago regular and Miami immigration attorney Rolando Vazquez told DailyMail.com.

After being sworn in on January 20, President Donald Trump will immediately kill the CBP One Mobile app program , billed as the 'legal way' for migrants at the southern border to request an asylum interview at a port of entry

Several Trump insiders also shared that a slew of other pathways into America, like asylum claims made by migrants who enter illegally at the border and the controversial CHNV parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans will cease.

'Immediately, immediately, that's all going to end. Those will be the first targets,' Vazquez explained.

NO MORE BOGUS ASYLUM CLAIMS

Trump's newly named 'Border Czar,' Tom Homan, has expressed particular interest in removing asylum-seekers, who he believes are gaming the legal system.

The US is obligated to hear asylum claims, even though between 60- to 70-percent of all cases are ultimately denied by courts.

'The one group that they are targeting immediately are the fake asylum seekers,' prominent San Antonio Republican Kyle Sinclair shared of his conversations with Homan.

'That was, by far, the one (group) he mentioned to me were the fake-asylum seekers.

'They're known. They have their addresses.'

ENDING BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

Homan has also been telling supporters he's looking for ways to end birthright citizenship, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution that gives automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.

'He's mentioned that he's going to end birthright citizenship,' Vazquez added.

'Just because someone's born here doesn't automatically make them a citizen.'

Migrants wait between barbed wire near the US border wall while trying to enter El Paso, Texas on May 26

It's unclear how Homan and the Trump administration would get around the Constitutional protection and legal challenges that would arise from any changes to birthright citizenship, with Vazquez only saying 'the way he's going to approach it is different.'

For years, some Republicans have attacked so called 'anchor babies' - children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrant parents or other non-citizens.

'Trump won because of his "America first" agenda,' Sinclair stated.

'We want to be taken care of, and by allowing millions of people into the United States, no other country does this.

Trump has every right, under executive order, to try to fulfill what he's doing.'

RESTORING THE REMAIN IN MEXICO PROGRAM

The new border czar intends to bring back the controversial 'remain in Mexico' program or Migrant Protection Protocols, which says that asylum seekers must wait in Mexico until their court date instead of being granted entry into America.

Miami immigration attorney Rolando Vazquez poses with Trump's border czar Tom Homan at Mar-a-Lago.

'MPP will be back in place,' Vazquez said.

'I'm sure they're going to attack it differently because there's been a lot of litigation regarding MPP, so when they implement it, they're going to take into account everything that's happened in the court system.'

Trump launched the policy in 2019 when he was last in office.

Biden, echoing the complaints of human rights groups that the policy was leading to increased rape and abduction cases, vowed to end it.

'Donald Trump's "Remain in Mexico" policy is dangerous, inhumane, and goes against everything we stand for as a nation of immigrants.

'My administration will end it,' he tweeted in 2020, before making good on his promise.

Mexico has consistently resisted the effort.

ENDING TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS

Temporary Protected Status, (TPS) a program that has allowed thousands of newly arrived migrants, including Venezuelans and Haitians, will likely be closed to anyone new.

If a migrant is granted TPS, they are allowed to legally remain in the US and given a work permit for 18 months.

Vazquez had not heard of plans to take it away from people who have been awarded the opportunity to stay in the US on a humanitarian basis, but rather, it would be closed to anyone who isn't already part of it.

He first went to the city manager about two weeks ago to ask about TdA after fire fighters who respond to emergencies in the area where the gang is operating became concerned for their safety

Widespread raids at businesses or other work places are not being discussed, mainly because many of the migrants who will be initially targeted for removal from the country are already known to the government.

Any migrant in the process of seeking asylum, with TPS or parole status has been given permission to be in the US temporarily, and the feds already have their addresses and whereabouts.

Many are required to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and/or have regular court dates.

Between ousting the migrants who arrived during the Biden Administration, Trump's border czar plans to go after a second group.

SHUTTING DOWN THE SUPER GANGS

'They are going after Tren de Aragua,' Vazquez detailed. 'They're going to go after them, and they're going to go after the Mexican cartels.

The Venezuelan super gang, known as TdA to law enforcement, is a vicious prison gang turned international criminal organization.

Its thug members snuck over the border mixed in with asylum seekers and have been linked to a crime wave across the nation including cop beatings, murders, child prostitution and violent robberies.

Part of the plan is to specifically target migrant super gangs like Tren de Aragua

'These are very dangerous people,' the lawyer, who was among the first in the US to ring the alarm on TdA, said.

'I've spoken to so many Homeland Security Investigation agents who are so eager to get back to work. During this (Biden) Administration, there has been so much red tape-- agents haven't been able to do their job.'

During the presidential campaign, TdA dominated headlines after law enforcement made it known the gang had control of entire apartment complexes in cities like Aurora, Colorado and San Antonio, Texas.

'It's time. We need to clean up our communities,' Vazquez added. 'We have our own criminals to deal with. We can't be taking in all the criminals from all over the world .'

Homan also has members of the the Chinese Communist Party and other migrants gangs, like MS-13, in his cross-hairs.

ENLISTING THE POLICE AND MILITARY

Insiders have been hesitant to wade into the details of whether the Trump Administration even has the manpower to deport millions of people, although suggestions of using the military and local police departments have been floated.

'Trump won because of his "America-first" agenda,' said Kyle Sinclair, vice chair of the Bexar County Republican Party in Texas

Each immigration program Trump is proposing to end is legally complex and will no doubt face court challenges from the left.

On top of that, countries like Venezuela and China, whose citizens have flooded the border and US courts with refugee claims, do not have diplomatic relations with the US, making the return of its citizens nearly impossible.

No other country, like Mexico, is obligated to take any migrant from other countries-- only its own citizens.

But Vazquez believes Trump's brash brand of international relations can help convince those countries into working with him.

'I know he's going to make moves in Venezuela, and he's going to do whatever he has to to make these people take back their people,' Vazquez said.
Augmented reality (AR) has already been used in everything from gaming to retail and tourism.

But the technology has been given its most important role yet, in the new Striker II fighter pilot helmet.

The 4.4lbs (2kg) device has been developed by British defence firm BAE Systems, and presents 'mission-critical' data in front of a pilot's eyes, giving them 'unparalleled situational awareness' as they patrol the air.

From hundreds of miles away, it can discern between another RAF fighter pilot and a hostile enemy aircraft  such as a Chinese spy drone.

In a real life defence setting, the technology could help fighter pilots shoot down such a threat, helping to protect British skies.

The RAF has paid 40 million to fit its personnel with the Striker II helmet, of which fewer than 100 currently exist.

BAE Systems calls it 'the world's most advanced helmet-mounted display' that 'immediately calculates the pilot's exact head position and angle'.

At BAE Systems' offices in Rochester, Kent, MailOnline's Jonathan Chadwick was given exclusive access to try Striker II during a simulated flight from RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales.

Augmented reality (AR) has already been used in everything from gaming to retail and tourism. But the technology has been given its most important role yet in the new Striker II fighter pilot helmet

At BAE Systems' offices in Rochester, Kent, MailOnline's Jonathan Chadwick was given exclusive access to try Striker II during a simulated flight from RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales

Nigel Kidd, director of head mounted displays at BAE Systems, worked on the original Striker helmet, developed in the late 1990s.

This new iteration presents 'more information in a crisper format' including coloured symbols  beyond the typical monochrome green  and integrated night vision, all in a 40-degree field of view.

'First and foremost, Striker II is a helmet  it keeps pilots safe,' Kidd told me as I step into the flight simulator, modelled on a cockpit of a Typhoon aircraft.

'But it's not just a helmet  it's a very high performance augmented reality display system.'

While Kidd wouldn't reveal the exact price of manufacturing Striker II, he admitted each individual helmet 'has a high price'.

'The average person would probably buy a small home for what this would cost,' he told MailOnline.

Striker II, which is tethered to the inside of the cockpit, is made of carbon fibre and weighs around 4.4lbs (2kg), so it feels quite heavy as I place it over my head.

I can't imagine wearing it for several hours, especially during a high speed flights  although I'm informed it's light compared to other fighter helmets.

A simulator shows the Typhoon aircraft stationed at RAF Valley prior to take-off. This system is used for pilot training

BAE Systems was awarded 40 million to develop Striker II for RAF pilots - although the firm wouldn't reveal the cost of each individual helmet. There are currently fewer than 100 in existence

Pictured is the view while wearing the helmet, with speed displayed on the left and altitude on the right. Note the coloured shapes, which denote objects in the air and on the ground

Striker II: Key features Integrated Night Vision Striker II features a high-performance, digital night vision camera in the helmet, creating a 24/7 capable HMD with no need for heavy, obtrusive night vision goggles. Colour symbology Striker II offers the use of daylight readable color symbology with a binocular 40 field of view. Picture-in-picture technology Striker II supports picture-in-picture technology that displays imagery in a small offset window separate from that of the main display. 3D audio and active noise reduction 3D audio gives the pilot 360-degree directional audio, so they hear a threat relevant to their position while also seeing it in color symbology. Advertisement

Using optical sensors embedded in the aircraft, Striker II immediately calculates the position and angle of the pilot's head.

This means no matter where the pilot is looking  left, right, up or down  the display is always presented right in front of their eyes.

I pull the visor down and see a collection of green lines, numbers and symbols, including a target crosshair in the centre and long horizon line through the middle.

As I take off from RAF Valley, a stack of changing numbers on the left shows my speed, while another stack on the right shows altitude.

But apart from the green markings, there's also a load of shapes in a variety of additional colours  red, blue and yellow.

These shapes indicate relevant objects in the air and on the ground, which are constantly being detected by a vast network of devices, including drones and radar towers, with signals fed back to my aircraft.

On the display, different colours correspond to the nature of the object  so threats are presented in red, while 'friendlies' are blue and unknowns are yellow.

Amazingly, when I move my head and focus on one of these coloured shapes, a small pop-up video clip appears, showing more about what the object actually is.

Striker II comes embedded with digital night vision (pictured), meaning pilots no longer need to strap night vision goggles in front of the helmet when flying in the small hours

Using optical sensors embedded in the aircraft, Striker II immediately calculates the pilot's exact head position and angle

For example, I see a short clip that plays on a loop of 'friendly' trucks moving along the ground  a clip which in real life would've likely been filmed by a nearby drone.

What's amazing is the AR display is being projected onto the visor and then reflected into my eyeballs.

If I were to stick my smartphone in between my face and the visor, all my camera app would show would be a blank visor  because the reflection is going into my eyes, not my phone's camera lens!

It's probably as close as the RAF will ever get to fitting their pilots with eye implants.

Striker II also comes embedded with digital night vision, meaning pilots no longer need to strap night vision goggles in front of the helmet as they did with Striker I.

This was an experience Kidd describes as like a 'sack of potatoes hanging off the front of your head'  making neck ache a real possibility.

I had expected Striker II's AR display to be a distracting rather than helpful, by presenting the pilot with a barrage of information that could divert attention from the flight path.

Striker II supports picture-in-picture technology that displays imagery in a small offset window separate from that of the main display

Inside the simulator cockpit, the pilot is presented with additional metrics including a map of the flight path

RAF pilots will be wearing Striker II while operating Typhoon (pictured), the aircraft manufactured by German firm Eurofighter

But in actual fact, Striker II shows a pilot only the most important metrics that they'll need to operate the plane.

This is augmented reality in its purest form  helpful yet subtle and unobtrusive.

Overall, a main benefit of this technology is it means pilots are spending more time with their head up and looking out of the cockpit, not down at the controls.

This gives them 'a vital advantage' when it comes to split-second decision-making, according to BAE Systems.

Last year, the firm was awarded 40 million to develop Striker II for RAF pilots who operate Typhoon, the aircraft manufactured by German firm Eurofighter.

Striker II is still undergoing flight trials with the RAF before it will be used by frontline Typhoon pilots.

Kidd told me the helmet is also being made available to other Typhoon users in Europe  namely Spain, Italy and Germany  but he admitted 'there is interest from other nations'.

The Eurofighter Typhoon frontline fleet delivers air security over the UK and its allies 24/7, 365 days a year.
Mysterious objects were spotted falling from the sky and breaking apart over several states, leaving thousands baffled by the cosmic display.

Streaks of glowing lights appeared over parts of Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, leaving people questioned were a possible fireball or part of a series of meteor showers.

Dozens of people reported the phenomenon at about 9pm ET, saying the lights streaked through the sky for up to 60 seconds before disappearing.

Witnesses captured the show, revealing what appeared to be a red and orange meteor shower shining bright as it broke up into several parts before it slowly dimmed and disappeared from the night sky.

A Texas resident reported that it 'first seemed like it was going straight up toward the sky then went directly over our head and we could see it breaking up as it traveled directly over us.'

Another person in the Lone Star State described it as 'by far the brightest meteor event I have ever witnessed.'

However, astronomer and orbital debris expert Jonathan McDowell confirmed the light show was caused by a SpaceX Starlink satellite breaking up as it re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

A Starlink satellite set off a fiery display as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on Saturday night

People across Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and Texas speculated whether the lights in the night sky (pictured) were caused by fireworks

SpaceX has thousands of its Starlink satellites orbiting Earth to provide internet access to remote areas around the world, launching 98 this year as of mid-October.

At the end of their mission, internet satellites are designed to re-enter the atmosphere to avoid cluttering Earth's orbit with space debris.

McDowell told Space.com that these satellites 'are dominating' the clutter in Earth's atmosphere, adding that 'there is now a Starlink reentry almost every day, sometimes multiple.'

The satellite re-entered over Washington state and continued southeast before disappearing over northern Texas.

An Oklahoma resident described the satellite as a 'bright fire ball heading southeast, slow moving, looked like it split into 3 parts,' while another called it 'the coolest thing I've seen.'

Some people speculated that the satellite was part of a series of three meteor showers - the Leonids and Southern and Northern Taurids - that reached peak activity this month.

The number of Starlink satellites that have reentered the atmosphere has drastically increased over the last fiver years, jumping from between 50 and 100 per year to around 300 annually.

'We are seeing a similar increase in the number of satellites now that hundreds of Starlink satellites are starting to come down,' McDowell told Space.com.

The satellite entered over Washington state and flew southeast across the US before fizzling out over northern Texas

Researchers have found that burning up satellites in the atmosphere could destroy the ozone. Pictured: Starlink satellite burning up as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere

Although satellites burning up as they re-enter the atmosphere has become standard practice, researchers have questioned whether the metal particles could destroy the ozone over time.

This is because the satellites are so large and burn up slowly, releasing aerosol particles that are less than one micrometer in size.

A 2023 study found that satellite re-entries have already begun to change the stratosphere's composition.

A NASA WB-57 aircraft found 500,000 single aerosol particles that contained 20 different elements including lithium, aluminum, copper and lead.

Out of all the elements found, aluminum was the most concerning because it could react with the hydrogen chloride - a pre-existing component in the stratosphere - causing it to split apart and destroy the ozone.

Pierre Lionnet, the managing director of ASD Eurospace, a space industry trade association told Science.org that the number of satellites returning to Earth does matter.

SpaceX accounts for more than 6,000 satellites in orbit and the company has already applied to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to launch another 30,000 in low orbit.

Because of the mass volume of Starlink satellites, Lionnet said: 'You have to wonder whether [SpaceX] is creating a major problem 30 years from now.'
Cuba was rocked by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that was felt more than 500 miles away in central Florida.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) detected two quakes off the coast of the island, with the first reaching a magnitude 5.9 that hit at 10:50am ET Sunday and the larger one hitting an hour later.

Videos of the quake showed homes shaking, buildings crumbling and roads splitting in Cuba, but tremors were also felt in Miami through Hollywood and Boca Raton, and even as far north as Orlando.

The 6.8 magnitude struck Cuba's southeastern coast in Granma province near the municipality of Bartolome Maso, where former Cuban leader Fidel Castro had his headquarters during the Cuban Revolution.

The major earthquake occurred on a fault line that runs along the island's southeastern coast, marking the boundary between the North American plate and Caribbean plate.

Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel said: 'There have been landslides, damage to homes and power lines. We have begun to assess damages...the first and essential thing is to save lives.

'We've felt earthquakes in the past, but nothing like this.'

Cuba was rocked by two major earthquakes within one hour. Photos of the aftermath showed buildings had crumbled

Officials said that Cuba is no stranger to earthquakes, but noted that the one on Sunday was nothing like they've ever experienced

Residents in Santiago, Cuba's second-largest city, were left shaken on Sunday. Yolanda Tabio, 76, said that people in the city flocked to the streets and were still nervously sitting in their doorways.

She said that she felt at least two aftershocks following the quake, but that among friends and family she hadn't heard of any damages.

'You had to see how everything was moving, the walls, everything,' she told The Associated Press.

The 6.8 quake was at a depth of 8.7 miles, USGS said.

Cuban authorities said more than 15 perceptible aftershocks followed the first two jolts and warned locals to be vigilant as further aftershocks were possible.

Florida locals in Miami reported shaking shortly after the earthquake hit, but the USGS did not report seismic activity in the area.

Fire officials also emphasized that there was no cause for alarm and no reports of damage or injuries.

'The City of Miami is aware that some residents in the Brickell/Downtown area may be concerned about the recent earthquake off the coast of Cuba, but we want to reassure everyone that no earthquake or aftershocks are being felt in Miami,' the city shared in a statement.

Many of Cuba's homes and buildings are older and vulnerable to quake damage.

State-run media published images of terracota roofs and facades of concrete block homes that had collapsed with the shake.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) detected two quakes off the coast of Cuba Sunday morning. The first was a magnitude 5.9 that hit at 10:50am ET Sunday, followed by 6.8 an hour later

Many images showed structural damage to ceilings, walls, windows columns as well as to public infrastructure.

The earthquake struck an island still struggling to recover from hurricanes, including Oscar in October and Rafael this month that left 10 million locals without power.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami previously warned that Rafael could bring 'life-threatening' storm surges, winds and flash floods to Cuba after ravaging parts of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.

The Category 3 hit the island the evening of November 6, bringing massive waves on Havana's shores as sharp winds and rain left trees littered on flooded roads.

The storm was previously on track to hit a wider area of Texas and Louisiana but has changed track over the past 24 hours.

The hurricane has since downgraded to a tropical storm as it moves toward Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center is still monitoring Rafael, revealing Monday that it could still generate swells in portions of the northern and western Gulf Coast.

These swells are likely to 'cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,' the agency said.
November 11, 2024: One of the more useful weapons NATO sent to Ukraine were about 200 M777 155mm towed howitzers supplied by the United States, Canada and Australia. NATO nations sent Ukraine over 600 155mm howitzers but only a third of these were M777s. Russians found the M777s particularly effective and went to extraordinary lengths to destroy them. So far Ukraine has had 44 M777s destroyed, one captured and 48 damaged and repairable. It can take months to get a M777 repaired and back in service. Most of the damaged or destroyed M777s were hunted down and attacked by Russian drones. The Ukrainians have done the same to Russian towed and self-propelled 152mm artillery. Despite these losses both sides find their howitzers extremely useful and effective doing jobs drones cant handle. The howitzers are getting harder for the drones to find and attack. Ukrainian M777 crews have become more creative and diligent in concealing and camouflaging their M777s. Its a matter of hide or lose your M777 and several of the crew.

The M777 is, at four tons, the lightest 155mm towed howitzer ever fielded. A crew of five fires regular rounds to 24 kilometers and RAP rocket assisted projectiles to 40 kilometers. M777 fire control is handled by a computerized system that allows faster response time and more accurate shooting. Early on users reported that the M777 was accurate and reliable.

The British designed four-ton M777 howitzer was never used by Britain. Currently 1,200 M777s are in use with the Americans owning 83 percent of them. Production of the M777 recently resumed because of heavy use and losses in Ukraine. More nations are considering adding M777s to their forces based on the success of this howitzer in Ukraine and earlier in Syria.

One of the more notable combat achievements of the M777 occurred in Syria during late 2017. A marine artillery battalion fired 35,000 shells in a few months, This was more than any American artillery battalion had fired since the 1960s Vietnam War. In 2017 individual marine 155mm howitzers fired more rounds per gun and fired the largest number of GPS guided rounds per gun ever. During the Syrian campaign there were never more than six marine 155mm howitzers in action at any one time.

The marines rotated artillery batteries in and out of Syria to allow for maintenance on the guns and rest for the crews. During the five months of the fighting, the Marines were mainly supporting Kurdish led rebels fighting to take the ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) capital of Raqqa. Thus each of the marine 155mm guns averaged 39 155mm rounds a day. But the marine 155mm howitzers fired over a hundred rounds on some days and only a few on others, usually on days they were changing position to keep up with the Syrian rebels.

A Marine Corps battery has six M777s, and these 155mm howitzers were sent to Syria in early 2017 to support the SDF Kurdish militia as it advanced towards the ISIL capital of Raqqa. The marines fired a lot of GPS guided shells and often did so at extreme ranges. In the course of the five months, the marines wore out the barrels on two of their howitzers. Normally the barrel can fire up to 2,500 shells before wearing out but barrel life depends on what type of shell your fire. If you fire the longer range shells, which the Marines did, M777 barrel life is reduced to about a thousand rounds. While the GPS guided shells reduced the need for firing a lot of shells, the Americans also noted that fewer howitzers were required to provide accurate artillery support when using GPS guided shells and, even in Afghanistan some isolated artillery units, often as few as two guns, fired a lot of GPS guided shells and provided timely and accurate fire often at extreme range.

At some points during the Raqqa campaign, the marines fired non-GPS shells at area targets, where GPS precision was not a factor, to pin down the enemy forces and prevent them from moving. In Syria, the marine 155mm howitzers were often moved via a sling under a helicopter. These operations usually consisted of just two guns, so more of the rebel detachments could be supported. Most of the fighting inside Raqqa did not require the tons of ammunition needed for each M777 because the guns were dispersed in units of two guns. The marine 155mm shells provided most of the firepower for the battle of Raqqa because airstrikes delivered less than half as many smart bombs and missiles compared to the marine artillery shells fired.

The data on the number of 155mm shells fired by this one marine artillery battalion revealed that the battalion fired more rounds than were fired during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, when many more 155mm howitzers fired 34,000 rounds or 261 rounds per gun. In the 1990-1991 campaign to drive Iraqi troops out of Kuwait, 730 army and marine 155mm howitzers fired 50,000 rounds, or 69 rounds per gun. In both those campaigns, no single 18 gun battalion fired more than a few thousand rounds.

The marine artillery effort in Syria also demonstrated the sturdiness and reliability of the M777. The extraordinarily large number of shells fired by some of these M777s created so many instances of barrels wearing out that the manufacturer ordered more of the new chrome-lined barrel liners. This more expensive barrel lasted about 50 percent longer. In 2017 the marines were only supposed to get about a hundred of the new chrome lined barrels but the Department of Defense reconsidered because the marine M777s most frequently end up in situations like the Raqqa campaign where a few guns fired over a thousand shells each.

In 2007 the U.S. Army and Marine Corps received their first 400 M777A1 howitzers. These guns cost $1.9 million each and the U.S. bought about a thousand of them for the army and marines. BAE, the manufacturer, also received a contract to refurbish dozens of M777s that returned from service in Afghanistan. This cost $91,000 per howitzer. Many of the M777s used in Syria also needed refurbishment because of heavy use during a short period. The M777 was developed in the 1980s and 90s and the first M777 entered service in 1998. The army uses M777s in airborne and Stryker brigades while for the marines all their field artillery is towed. A five ton truck is used to tow the guns.

Most of the fire missions in Syria were called in by American fire control teams attached to the rebel units. These forward observers used GPS and laser range finders. These were binocular-like devices with built-in GPS to provide the marine artillerymen with a precise location of the target. Inside Raqqa the targets were often small and close to friendly troops. While an unguided artillery shell will land within 75 meters of the aiming point, the GPS guided one lands within a ten meter circle around the aiming point. In Raqqa the troops were usually facing small targets, like one or more snipers in a building. Dealing with this required two GPS guided 155mm shells fired nearly simultaneously from up to 40 kilometers away to eliminate the problem. This not only sped up the conquest of Raqqa but kept casualties down among the attacking troops. This does wonders for morale and keeps your most experienced troops in action until the battle is won.
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There is a new bag on the block, and for its luxury reputation, the price tag will shock you.

Singapore-founded fashion brand Charles & Keith is blowing up on TikTok for their Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag, with millions of users around the world sharing reviews. The spacious tote that comes in black and cognac is turning so many heads, that we decided to try it out for ourselves to decide once and for all if the $86.40 bag is worth it.

Charles & Keith Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag Run don't walk to snatch up this tote bag that has TikTokers going feral! At under $100 a luxury tote bag this good is unheard of. The sleek, chic design that comes in black and cognac is catching the eye of women across the world from the U.S. to the U.K. and after trying it for ourselves we see why. When you shop now enjoy 10% OFF while the viral bag is on sale. Shop

New Yorkers take pride in knowing how to differentiate a good tote bag from a great tote bag and let me preface my review by saying that the Charles & Keith Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag is a GREAT tote bag.

I wore the viral bag in the color cognac to work for a week straight, and trust me, I had my hesitations. As a professional schlepper, I tend to pack a lot with my laptop, lunch, a book, and multiple lip products in tow at all times. The Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag, at first glance, seemed too small to get the job done, but I was happily proved wrong. Not only could I fit all my regular essentials, but I was left with even extra room! My favorite part about the storage size was the small detachable pouch that held my personal care items seamlessly.

Sleek leather alternative design looks and feels luxury with each stitch perfectly detailed.

From the MTA to my high-rise office building, I was flooded with compliments from strangers and co-workers alike with comments such as That bag is so cute! to questions asking Where did you get it? As a girl who loves a little attention (who doesnt?) I considered the praise a huge plus.

The rich color of the cognac pleased me throughout the week while planning out my outfits because, unlike the plethora of other work bags I own, this one quite literally went with everything in my closet. I paired it with dressed-down blazers and sundresses all the same, feeling equally fashion-forward in both.

Many TikTokers sharing their love for Charles & Keith and particularly, the Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag, have received questioning comments on how a bag priced at a shocking $86.40 could be considered luxury. So, let me add in my two senses. After using this bag for even one day, it is undeniably luxurious. The Calf Pu leather alternative rivaled that of hobo bags Ive tried that cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Every detail, down to the chic stitching and gold magnetic closure clasp, felt upscale and mature, elevating this from a tote bag to a professional staple.

The removable matching pouch stores away personal care items making everything easily accessible.

The Charles & Keith Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag is proof that you do not need Gucci to look good. Luxury as we know it is changing, and this tote bag receiving millions of rave reviews on social media proves that! Overall, after wearing the Tubular Slouchy Tote Bag for a week, I give it an 8 out of 10 and have a strong sense that it will be my go-to work bag for the foreseeable future.

Check the tote out for yourself on the Charles & Keith website and explore their many other luxe purses and accessories that make them one of the best in the buis.
It's one of the world's most mysterious drinks - and one of the most popular.

However, a global shortage of French herbal liqueur Chartreuse has been giving bartenders everywhere a particularly acute headache.

That's because it's a staple ingredient in lots of cocktails but has a unique taste, so direct replacements aren't available.

What's more - the recipe, a unique blend of herbs and plants - is a secret, known by only two silent monks. And they've announced that they won't be upping production, preferring instead to concentrate on their monastical duties.

The duo are Carthusian monks from the Grande-Chartreuse monastery in France. The monks are silent except during communal prayer and recreation, so theres no chance of getting them to share their secrets.

Chartreuse, which comes with a yellow or green hue, is based on a historic manuscript that was handed to the monks of the the Grande-Chartreuse monastery in 1605 by a military commander. The manuscript contained a recipe for a supposedly life-extending elixir and the monasterys apothecary was charged with recreating it.

The official Chartreuse website says: It took more than 150 years of research for the Carthusian monks to unravel the secret of the manuscript and fix the recipe.

While their original concoction had a potent 69 per cent alcohol content, the final 1764 version thats popular today is a slightly less powerful 55 per cent.

Monk's the word: Chartreuse, a bartender favourite, is made at the Grande-Chartreuse monastery in France. And only two monks know the exact recipe

Although the recipe remains secret, Chartreuse is thought to contain 130 plants and herbs.

The two monks who make it are deeply involved in the liquors production and are committed to ensuring its ingredients remain under wraps.

So what's known about the production line?

Chartreuse Tourism reveals: The 18 tons of plants needed each year are delivered to the Grande-Chartreuse Monastery in St Pierre de Chartreuse. In the plant room, the dried plants are sorted, crushed, weighed and mixed. Then they are delivered to the Voiron distillery in large numbered bags.

After the distillation process, the liquor is aged for several years before it is 'analysed by the monks, who are the only ones to decide whether the liquor can be bottled and marketed'.

While the Grande-Chartreuse Monastery is off-limits to visitors, tourists can visit the Caves de la Chartreuse, a museum and tasting room.

Lonely Planet explains: The museum stops short of giving away the recipe but a tasting of the final products is allowed.

Chartreuse recommends serving the liquor chilled or over ice to discover all its flavour and aromatic power.

Cocktail options include the Chartreuse Swizzle, which is blended with pineapple and lime, or the Green Chaud, which pairs the liquor with hot chocolate and whipped cream.

A guided tour of the museum costs 12 (10/$12) and it's recommended that visitors book tickets in advance.
A plane passenger has sparked a heated conversation about traveling with your partner after she revealed that she was sandwiched between a couple on a recent flight because none of them wanted to give up their seat.

Sydney Miller, from Miami, Florida, recently went viral on TikTok after she opened up about how she ended up sitting in the middle of two lovers on an airplane.

In a video shared to the platform, the Miami-native explained she was assigned a middle seat, with one half of the couple sat on her left in the window seat and the other on her right in the aisle seat.

She said they initially asked her if she'd switch and take the window so they could sit alongside each other in the aisle and middle seats, but Sydney was quick to shoot them down.

Instead, she offered to swap to the aisle seat so they could be in the window and middle, but they weren't interested in that offer - ultimately leaving her in-between them for the entirety of the three-hour flight.

A plane passenger has sparked a heated conversation about traveling with your partner after she revealed that she was sandwiched between a couple on a recent flight

'I ended up in a middle seat surrounded by a couple who didn't want to switch to be next to each other because neither wanted the middle and honestly, I respect it,' Sydney wrote in a clip that showed her sitting in her middle seat on the flight.

'I kinda get it and respect putting themselves first what but what do you guys think?' she asked in the caption.

In a follow-up, Syndey shed some further light on the incident, adding, 'They asked if I wanted to switch to the window but I hate the window so I said no.

'I said I'm happy to switch to the aisle but they didn't want to do that so they sat window and aisle and I sat in the middle.'

Sydney also told Newsweek that the ordeal occurred back in October while she was traveling on an American Airlines flight from New York to Miami.

'I usually prefer the aisle so I can get in and out to the bathroom easily,' she dished.

She explained to the publication that the couple didn't 'interact' and 'remained quiet' throughout the entire flight, so despite her being between them, things never turned awkward.

Viewers quickly took to the comment section of her initial video, which was viewed more than 2.5 million times, to share their thoughts on the topic - and many users confessed that they actually enjoy sitting separate from their partners when they fly.

Sydney Miller, from Miami, Florida, recently went viral on TikTok after she opened up about how she ended up sitting in the middle of two lovers on an airplane

Sydney said she offered to switch and take the aisle so they could be together, but the couple turned down her proposal - ultimately leaving her in-between them for the entirety of the flight

Viewers quickly took to the comment section of her video to share their thoughts on the topic - and many users confessed that they actually enjoy sitting separate from their partners

'We flew from Detroit to Dublin like this. It was perfect,' one person wrote.

'My husband and I do this. But we don't talk during flights,' shared someone else.

'We put on our [headphones] and ignore each other. Middle seat person doesn't even known we're together.'

'My boyfriend and I do that - we high five and say see ya when we land, and ignore each other while someone is between us,' another user added.

'My husband loves the window and I love the aisle. We don't even sit in the same row,' read a fourth comment.

A fifth said, 'I always book window and aisle lol. I can go without talking to him for a couple hours.'

'A nice lady once said, "Oh! Do you want to sit with your wife?" and we both laughed and laughed and I think she thought we were insane lol,' recounted a different person. 'No thank you.'
Instead of the most wonderful time of the year, in soap land Christmas is often the most dramatic time of the year as the soaps compete for the most gripping festive storyline.

However the EastEnders bombshell Christmas plot has reportedly been revealed after a star accidentally left their script on a train.

According to The Sun, the scripts have now been returned to Albert Square after a passenger found them on the Thameslink train at Elstree & Borehamwood station in Hertfordshire in the early morning of October 31.

Labelled 'rehearsal scripts', the papers revealed a key character will be killed off this Christmas in a shocking plot twist.

After finding the papers, the passenger's wife told the publication: 'There's a real twist that will shock everyone and a main character is killed off. It's an incredible storyline.'

A major EastEnders Christmas spoiler has reportedly been revealed after an actress accidentally left the top secret script on a train near the BBC studios last month

Labelled 'rehearsal scripts', the papers revealed a key character will be killed off this Christmas in a shocking plot twist (pictured former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright)

She added: 'The script was clearly owned by an actress in EastEnders because her lines were highlighted and there were Post-it notes with scribbled writing stuck to the pages.

'There was also a page with the actresss filming schedule written in pencil. We desperately wanted to get the script back to her.'

While they have not revealed the name of the actress, the passenger's wife explained they messaged her on Instagram to tell her they had found the script, but received no response.

After four days she went to The Sun for assistance who then returned the scripts to Albert Square, much to the relief of soap bosses.

The front of the script named the entire production team alongside the dates for production.

The filming for two episodes in the script ran from October 14 to November 1, while the third ran from November 4 to 15.

As production usually runs around six to eight weeks ahead of transmission, it seems likely that some of the scripted scenes will be aired over Christmas.

An EastEnders spokeswoman told The Sun: 'A big thank you to The Sun for the safe return of our festive scripts.

The passenger's wife said: 'There's a real twist that will shock everyone and a main character is killed off. It's an incredible storyline' (pictured Patsy Palmer as Bianca in November scenes)

As production usually runs around six to eight weeks ahead of transmission, it seems likely that some of the scripted scenes will be aired over Christmas

'We know just how much the audience loves watching the drama unfold for themselves, rather than having it spoilt  so our surprises will remain a treat this Christmas and beyond.'

MailOnline have contacted EastEnders representatives for comment.

It comes after EastEnders legend Cheryl Fergison secured a new role after she was forced to sell old BBC scripts to 'keep food on the table.'

Cheryl, who played Heather Trott, was axed from the soap in 2012 when her character was murdered during a whodunit storyline.

The actress admitted that she struggled to find acting work after leaving the soap and has been seen selling memorabilia on Instagram.

However, Cheryl has now revealed he will be starring as the Fairy Godmother in a production of Cinderella in Peterborough for Christmas.

Sharing an update to Instagram, she uploaded a poster of the pantomime and some backstage photos.

It comes after EastEnders legend Cheryl Fergison secured a new role after she was forced to sell old BBC scripts to 'keep food on the table' (Cheryl pictured as Heather Trott)

Earlier this month in an interview with OK! Magazine, the soapstar explained how she had been selling items online to 'keep herself afloat.'

Cheryl said: 'There is unofficial merchandise being sold either online or in various places, I wanted to give true fans a chance to have something of my era at EastEnders.

'I think that people need to get their heads around the fact we have to earn a living, we are not always fortunate to be filming all the time and working in our chosen and trained profession.

'I do not want to get into trouble in any way and maybe 50 to some people is not a lot of money, but when it can help to pay an ever-increasing bill or help put a roof over your head and food on the table, just like any other person earning a living, I will continue to buy and sell - and pay tax on it.'
Paramount Network's hit series Yellowstone finally returned with the first of its final six episodes on Sunday, revealing who was responsible for the death of Kevin Costner's beloved character John Dutton.

After the 69-year-old actor had a scheduling conflict over his Horizon movies, he bowed out of the show, with Paramount announcing Season 5 would be its last.

Given that Costner never filmed any part of Season 5 Part 2, many fans assumed he would be killed off quite quickly, and they were right.

Just minutes into the episode, it was revealed that Dutton was found dead in the governor's mansion, with all initial signs pointing to a suicide.

However, as the episode progressed, it became clear one person was responsible: Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) Jamie Dutton's (Wes Bentley) new girlfriend and a lawyer for Market Equities... the firm fighting for land against the Dutton ranch.

Paramount Network's hit series Yellowstone finally returned with the first of its final six episodes on Sunday, revealing who was responsible for the death of Kevin Costner's beloved character John Dutton

Just minutes into the episode, it was revealed that Dutton was found dead in the governor's mansion, with all initial signs pointing to a suicide.

However, as the episode progressed, it became clear one person was responsible: Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri)

Sarah is Jamie Dutton's (Wes Bentley) new girlfriend and a lawyer for Market Equities... the firm fighting for land against the Dutton ranch

Atwood debuted in the second episode of Season 5, called in by Market Equities CEO Caroline Warner (Jacki Weaver).

She came to Montana and immediately set her sights on Jamie, the Montana attorney general who was initially going to run for Governor until John abruptly stepped in.

With Jamie still angered by his father's election to the role he hoped to play himself, Sarah managed to work her way into Jamie's life... and ultimately his bed.

Despite Jamie's family going to figurative war with her company Market Equities, they continued to see each other.

Jamie even convinced himself that she was with him to try and hurt him, but she ultimately persuaded him that she was there for him, and him alone.

After his father John put the massive Yellowstone Dutton Ranch into a conservation easement, that infuriated Jamie because he knew that action would open the ranch up to lawsuits that could ultimately bankrupt the state.

That lead to Jamie calling for his father to be impeached, though he also discussed the possibility of perhaps having his father killed.

Sarah revealed she knew of companies who specialized in making murders look like accidents, a conversation she apparently thought was Jamie giving her the go-ahead to order the hit.

Atwood debuted in the second episode of Season 5, called in by Market Equities CEO Caroline Warner (Jacki Weaver)

Despite Jamie's family going to figurative war with her company Market Equities, they continued to see each other

Sarah is seen meeting with a man named Grant (Matt Gerald) from one of those companies, who insists that suicide is the best option for her situation.

Towards the end of the episode, Jamie breaks down in tears when he gets home, when he finds Sarah, telling him, 'That was not the reaction I expected,' as Jamie realizes that she ordered the hit, which fans were not pleased with.

@SandraTrolinger said, 'Sarah taking out John Dutton is a weak plot point out of ALL the enemies he had. But of course Jamie is still the true puppet.'

@ThaHustleMan330 said, 'Ayo. That b***h Sarah hot but she evil. Both her and Jamie need to go. And John Duttons absence is felt all over this episode Im going to continue to watch to see how this plays out but there are better ways to write off Costners character. Suicide wasnt it.'

@MsKayte95 said, 'I almost forgot how much I detest Jamie and his dusty skank girlfriend Sarah. I need them both gone ASAP.'

@lizzloppp said, 'Sarah & Jamie both messed up. they dont know whats coming for them.'

@BroGod4Life said, 'Jamie is definitely whipped by Sarah ever since he decided to turn against the people that took him in even when he was going through hard times with them they still cared and this is how he repays them.'

@BroGod4Life added in another tweet, 'Sarah if you think that Jamie is protected you don't know the Dutton family like he does then they're going to come after him and you too so you best to get some protection as well.'

Towards the end of the episode, Jamie breaks down in tears when he gets home, when he finds Sarah, telling him, 'That was not the reaction I expected,' as Jamie realizes that she ordered the hit, which fans were not pleased with.

@SandraTrolinger said, 'Sarah taking out John Dutton is a weak plot point out of ALL the enemies he had. But of course Jamie is still the true puppet'

@ThaHustleMan330 said, 'Ayo. That b***h Sarah hot but she evil. Both her and Jamie need to go. And John Duttons absence is felt all over this episode Im going to continue to watch to see how this plays out but there are better ways to write off Costners character. Suicide wasnt it'

@lizzloppp said, 'Sarah & Jamie both messed up. they dont know whats coming for them.'

Some fans wanted to see Beth Dutton attack Sarah

@BroGod4Life added in another tweet, 'Sarah if you think that Jamie is protected you don't know the Dutton family like he does then they're going to come after him and you too so you best to get some protection as well.'

With John Dutton now dead, it could set the stage for Jamie to be elected as the new Governor following a special election.

Whether or not the public finds out about Jamie and Sarah's dalliance, or their involvement in John's murder remains to be seen.

Season 5 Part 2 of Yellowstone will span six episodes in total, all airing Sunday nights at 8 PM ET on Paramount Network.

The series finale will air Sunday, December 15, with Paramount Network also eyeing a few new spin-offs to take over for the flagship series.
The Penguin fans were left shocked and desperate for more after watching the series finale of the hit show.

Colin Farrel returned as the titular character, a.k.a. Oswald 'Oz' Cobb in the HBO show, reprising his role from the 2022 film The Batman.

The series follows the Sugar star as the feared villain and nemesis of Batman and follows his rise to power in Gotham just one week after the events of 2022's The Batman film.

The highly-anticipated series debuted earlier this month, and fans were quick to share their high praise.

Fans gushed over the 70-minute episode on social media, with some calling it one of the 'best series of the year'.

The Penguin fans were left shocked and desperate for more after watching the series finale of the hit show which stars Colin Farrel in the titular role

The highly-anticipated series debuted earlier this month, and fans were quick to share their high praise

Colinplays The Penguin - a.k.a. Oswald 'Oz' Cobb in the HBO show- reprising his role from the 2022 film The Batman

And now, having finished the show, fans are desperate for a second series, describing the finale as one the best thing DC has ever made.

Fans took to X and wrote: '#ThePenguinfinale left me emotionally wrecked. The writing was masterful, the performances heartbreaking. It's a perfect ending, but it's one that will linger long in the memory. #TheBatman universe has a bright future ahead.'

While other said the show should win awards and they had nothing but compliments, commenting: 'The Penguin S1. 10/10' and 'The Penguin has to sweep every award there possibly is.'

Other couldn't believe the finale, calling it poetry: 'Bro this ending. the red wedding was pure shock value. This .... this ending is poetry. Like cot damnnnnnnn #ThePenguin'.

Fans might not have to wait long for another instalment of the hit show after Colin revealed he would love to be involved in another series.

He told The Hollywood Reporter: 'If theres a great idea [for season two], and the writing was really muscular and as strong or stronger on the page than it was the first season, of course I would do it.'

He explained that he was convinced to commit to another series after seeing the fan response.

Fans might not have to wait long for another instalment of the hit show after Colin revealed he would love to be involved in another series

The Irish actor previously cast doubt on the possibility of reprising his role, admitting he had an 'outburst' on set and he feared he would not be welcome back but has since quashed those fears

'For me, the bar for success is not very high. Its, "Do most people like it?"  just the simplicity of that.

'I love being in things that are critically approved  its much better than the alternative  but Ive been around long enough [to know] that its the audience who are really the most important critics.'

The Irish actor previously cast doubt on the possibility of reprising his role, admitting he had an 'outburst' on set.

When asked in September if he would return for another season, during a new interview with Total Film, Farrell said: 'I don't know, man.

'Don't get me wrong  I loved it  but it got in on me a little bit. By the end of it, I was bitching and moaning to anyone who would listen to me that I f***ing wanted it to be finished,' he admitted.

'I tried to remind them that I had "grumpy gratitude." I was still grateful, and still honored,' Colin insisted.

He added that he, 'grew up' seeing Burgess Meredith portray The Penguin in the original Batman TV series, adding Danny DeVito from Tim Burton's 1992 film Batman Returns, 'was my Penguin.'

And now, having finished the show, fans can't wait for series two, praising the show as one the best thing DC has ever made

'So being a part of the lineage of that storytelling, I really did feel privileged. But by the end of it' he said with a pause, with the interview claiming he, 'practically turns purple at the memory.'

'It's not like I didn't know who I was and I was going out and burning cars and s**t, but if you take what (The Batman director) Matt Reeves created and then what (The Penguin showrunner) Lauren (LeFranc) did and what (prosthetics and make-up designer) Mike (Marino) did and put them all together, it was a really powerful experience,' Farrell said.

While the prosthetic suit was clearly a cumbersome issue, an equally important one for him was being willing to get back into this villainous character's headspace again, which he may not be ready to do right away.

But fans of the show will still have to wait a little while until they see the In Bruges star in his Penguin suit once again as he was recently confirmed to return for Reeves' The Batman 2

'Lauren said, "Look, if I could find a way that makes sense, would you talk about it?" And I said, "Absolutely." And maybe in a year I would,' Farrell admitted.

'But when I finished I was like, "I never want to put that f***ing suit and that f***ing head on again,"' Farrell admitted.

But fans of the show will still have to wait a little while until they see the In Bruges star in his Penguin suit once again as he was recently confirmed to return for Reeves' The Batman 2.

Despite committing to the film, the star revealed he had yet to even read a script and originally hadn't expected to be asked back but was excited and nervous to see what filmmaker Matt Reeves has planned for his character.
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left utterly speechless when he discovered the incredible value of a sculpture he had been casually using as a doorstop.

This week, Fiona Bruce, 60, hosted the show from the historic Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, uncovering treasures including a possible first edition of Winnie the Pooh and a rare ballerina brooch.

But the highlight of the show came when one guest brought in an intriguing sculpture, explaining that he's always been 'perplexed' by the item and wondered what it was.

He joked: 'It's been my doorstop for the last 12 months,' before adding that he had picked it up at a car boot sale in Anglesey three years ago for just 50.

Unsure of its origins, he added: 'Someone mentioned it could be African; I dont know.'

An Antiques Roadshow guest was left utterly speechless when he discovered a sculpture he had been casually using as a doorstop was an incredibly valuable item

This week, Fiona Bruce, 60, hosted the show from the historic Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, uncovering treasures including a possible first edition of Winnie the Pooh and a rare brooch

Expert John Foster identified the piece as a work of art by Ben Enwonwu, one of Nigeria's most celebrated sculptors.

He explained that Enwonwu was the first pioneer in mixing Nigerian art with Western art as he described his rise to fame in the 1940s after he was discovered by the Zwemmer Gallery, which led to him having exhibitions in New York, London, and Milan.

He said: 'The sculptor Ben Enwonwu (is) one of Nigerias most celebrated sculptors. He was born in Nigeria in 1917 and died in the sort of mid-90s.'

'He was the first pioneer in mixing Nigerian art with Western art. Known really as a sculptor in bronze and stone, and this being in carved stone style-wise I thought it sort of dates from the 1970s.'

'He was picked up by a gallery in the 40s and it was a gallery called the Zwemmer Gallery. And that, literally from there, skyrocketed him to having shows in New York, London and Milan.'

He then valued the sculpture between a staggering 10,000 and 15,000, leaving the guest lost for words.

In disbelief, the guest exclaimed: 'Youre joking! I could cry. I had no inclination that it was going to be worth so much money. Its shocked me.'

As the true value of his 50 find sank in, he added with a smile: 'I thought it might be 100.'

But the highlight of the show was when one guest brought in an intriguing sculpture, explaining that he's always been 'perplexed' by the item and wondered what it was

He joked: 'It's been my doorstop for the last 12 months,' before adding that he had picked it up at a car boot sale in Anglesey three years ago for just 50

Expert John Foster identified the piece as a work of art by Ben Enwonwu, one of Nigeria's most celebrated sculptors

He explained that Enwonwu was the first pioneer in mixing Nigerian art with Western art as he described his rise to fame in the 1940s

He then valued the sculpture between a staggering 10,000 and 15,000, leaving the guest lost for words

It comes after a guest on the show this month gasped 'behave yourself!' as she learned the eye-watering value of her grandmother's jewellery collection.

The episode took place at Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders and one unsuspecting guest brought two brooches and a pendant from her grandmother, with the hopes of finding out more about them.

The collection included an opal and diamond brooch dated from 1890 to 1910, a pearl and diamond pendant from the 1900s, and a sapphire and diamond brooch from 1970.

Expert Susan Rumfitt had the task of valuing the items and said the sapphire and diamond brooch could sell for between 500 to 700.

The pearl and diamond pendant was valued at between 1,500 and 2,000 and the opal brooch would fetch between 5,000 to 7,000.

The stunned guest then excitedly exclaimed: 'No, behave yourself! Wow, thank you very much!'

They added: 'I'm absolutely flabbergasted and was delighted to hear such lovely news about the jewellery.'

'No, I won't be having them remodelled, I'll be keeping them the exact same!'

Antiques Roadshow continues on Sunday, November 17, on BBC1 at 8pm.
Viewers cried over the emotional scene that aired over the weekend

Saturday Night Live viewers were brought to tears over the weekend by an emotional sketch starring Bill Burr, Kenan Thompson, Andrew Dismukes, and Devon Walker.

Titled 'Calling Dad,' the moving scene saw Andrew and Devon try to reconnect with their dads, played by Bill and Kenan, over the phone.

While both sons admitted their fathers were 'tough to talk to,' they decided to call them anyway to check in.

At first, Andrew and Devon struggled to keep their dads on the line, and quickly had to dial them once more in a bid to engage in a proper conversation.

Once back on the call, Devon's father Kenan couldn't stop talking about the Philadelphia Eagles while also using the team to refer to himself.

Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson and Devon Walker played a father and son duo

Bill Burr and Andrew Dismukes also appeared in the sketch, which left viewers in tears

'I'm starting to feel like the Eagles don't have much time left,' he said.

'It's just that the Eagles have been going to a lot of funerals lately, you know, for the other teams that the Eagles grew up with.

'Last week, the Eagles fell in the shower. Eagles was laying there thinking this might be when the Eagles die.'

Similarly, Bill's character also talked in code and referred to both himself and his son as vehicles.

He admitted: 'I just worry about your car, you know? I just think that my car wants to be closer to your car, because my car's car died around the age your car is now.'

'Dad, your car is not your car's car,' Andrew responded.

'Last week, the doctor found some polyps in my car's ass,' Bill said. 'And my car's worried because that's what killed my car's car.'

Wrapping up the sketch, Bill suggested that his car and his son's car should go to Ireland together 'to see where our cars' family is from.'

Kenan talked about Philadelphia Eagles while also using the team to refer to himself

Meanwhile, Devon told his father, 'I think the Eagles still has some good seasons left and no matter what, they'll always be my favorite team.'

Viewers were moved by the tender scene, with many admitting they it caused them to cry.

Commenting on a clip of the sketch on the show's official YouTube account, one person said: 'My dad died last year. He was from Boston and when I called him he ALWAYS said 'what's going on, buddy?' And now I'm in tears.'

Another wrote: 'Damn, this one hit home big time. Better call my dad tomorrow to talk fishing and winterizing the house.'

A third added: 'This sketch is oddly profound and sentimental. Didn't think SNL had this kind of father/son messaging up their sleeve.'

'The older you get the more you will understand how real this is. Made me cry - my dad exactly!' said a fourth.

Viewers were moved by the tender scene, with many admitting they it caused them to cry

A fifth added: 'This made me CRY. And then laugh. And then cry. Make those calls. You truly will not know when they're gone.'

'First time shedding tears while watching SNL,' said a sixth.

Echoing a similar sentiment, another posted: 'This is a deep sketch. Gonna call my pops tomorrow. We're so stupid sometimes, life's too short.'

While viewers were overcome by the sketch, they were not amused by the show's cold open which cited Donald Trump's election win.

The bit had started off on an unusually serious note with cast members solemnly reflecting on the election outcome, but as the script progressed, it took a dark turn - and divided some viewers as it made comparisons between Trump and Adolf Hitler.

During the scenes, the cast rattled off several reasons people may be concerned about Trump's presidency before the tone shift occurred.

Kenan said: 'We at SNL would like to say to Donald Trump, we have been with you all along.'

They spent the rest of the nearly five-minute segment sarcastically praising Trump, which did not sit well with some MAGA-supporting SNL watchers.
The trailer for Return to Paradise, an Australian spin-off of the popular BBC crime drama Death in Paradise, has landed as the BBC finally give fans a release date.

The highly anticipated offshoot follows DI Mackenzie Clarke, an Australian ex-pat who made a name for herself in London's Met Police for solving uncrackable murder cases, played by the show's first female lead, Anna Samson.

The series arrives in full on BBC iPlayer on Friday 22 November, and will air on BBC One from 8pm that night.

When Mackenzie is accused of tampering with evidence she is forced to return to her hometown of Dolphin Cove, where she is not particularly welcome having fled the town six years ago after leaving her ex- fiancee Glenn at the altar.

Despite the frosty welcome, the talented detective has no choice but to join the team at Dolphin Cove Police Station and attempt to win over her colleagues with her tenacity and work ethic.

The 25-second trailer opens with the team pushing back on the idea of Mackenzie joining them and pressing her over why she left the town in the first place.

The offshoot follows DI Mackenzie Clarke, an Australian ex-pat who made a name for herself in London 's Met Police for solving uncrackable murder cases, played by the show's first female lead, Anna Samson (pictured)

The brand new series also features Mackenzie's ex Glenn Strong played by Home and Away star Tai Hara (left)

Police volunteer Reggie Rocco played by Wentworth actress Celia Ireland (right) and PC Felix Wilkinson played by Gold Diggers actor Aaron McGrath (left)

But a choppy montage of short snippets shows the fiery detective finding her feet as she proves her worth.

The final clip hints at a friendship born from a power struggle between Mackenzie and Detective Senior Constable Colin Cartwright who is played by British actor Lloyd Griffith.

The series also features Glenn Strong played by Home and Away star Tai Hara, Police volunteer Reggie Rocco played by Wentworth actress Celia Ireland and PC Felix Wilkinson played by Gold Diggers actor Aaron McGrath.

When the new spin-off series was announced earlier this year, Sue Deeks, the Head of Programme Acquisition at BBC said: 'Everything we all love about Death in Paradise, the humour, the beautiful scenery, the likeable characters, the ingenious plots - now in a fabulous Australian setting.

'I cannot wait for BBC viewers to meet Detective Mack and the good (and not-so-good!) folk of Dolphin Cove. What a treat we have in store!'

Mackenzie with Detective Senior Constable Colin Cartwright who is played by British actor Lloyd Griffith

When Mackenzie is accused of tampering with evidence she is forced to return to her hometown of Dolphin Cove where she is not particularly welcome having fled the town six years ago after leaving her ex- fiancee Glenn at the altar

Tai Hara as his character Glen and Lloyd Griffith as Colin in a scene filmed on the beach

The original Death in Paradise series first aired in 2011 and now boasts 13 seasons and shows no signs of ending soon.

Return to Paradise is not the first spin-off to come from the popular series.

Beyond Paradise was released last year and currently has two seasons with the BBC delighting fans when they confirmed a 2024 Christmas special and a third season.

It is set in the sleepy town of Shipton Abbott in Devon and follows DI Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall, after he moves over from the fictional island of Saint Marie in search of a quieter life.

All series of Death In Paradise are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
This Morning viewers were left raising their eyebrows after Cat Deeley made an unfortunate mistake ahead of the nation's two-minute silence on Armistice Day.

Cat introduced the national annual act of mourning with the words: 'We're going to go celebrate now.. with the memorial'.

The unfortunate misstep split viewers today, some of whom were outraged while others defended her from criticism.

At 11am, the nation fell quiet for two minutes as they reflected on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces have made and paid their respects to the fallen.

The silence was observed by ITV's This Morning as the cameras panned to memorial services in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast and Westminster Abbey. The feed then returned to the Cenotaph where service men and women continued to pay their respects and observe the silence.

Cat went on to state: 'Incredibly moving scenes there, you're watching This Morning on ITV1.'

This Morning viewers were left raising their eyebrows after Cat Deeley made an unfortunate gaffe ahead of the nation's two-minute silence on Armistice Day

Cat was joined in the studio by Alison Hammond and former Royal Marine Ben McBean, who on his first tour in Afghanistan was catastrophically injured in an explosion, losing a leg and arm

People are seen standing in silence during a Remembrance Day service in Whitehall, London

Cat had been joined the studio by co-host Alison Hammond and former Royal Marine Ben McBean, who on his first tour in Afghanistan was catastrophically injured in an explosion, losing his right leg and left arm.

Viewers were quick to disagree with Cat's choice of words, pointing out that had said it was time to 'celebrate' rather than commemorate.

Viewers wrote: 'Can I just say, Cat, that was a time to remember, not to, as you said, "celebrate". Enough with this disrespectful nonsense, please. #ThisMorning';

Meanwhile others, watching on a delay, accused the programme of cutting into the two-minute silence, when it fact Cat spoke after the silence had ended.

'ITV even cut into the two minutes silence. Disrespect all round. Shame on you @ITV #ThisMorning,'; Well done #ThisMorning for breaking into the two minute silence before it had even bl**dy finished.. So bl**dy disrespectful!'.

'#thismorning two minutes silence once a year too much to ask to acknowledge the debt we owe those who fought for our freedom. Shocking decision.';

Cat had said: 'It is the 11th of November and as we approach 11 o'clock, it is time for us to pay our respects and join the nation for a two-minute silence where we'll remember those who served and still serve our country.'

The Duchess of Edinburgh was among those paying their respects on Remembrance Day as she solemnly read a poem at a service in Staffordshire.

Sophie, 59, who is married to Prince Edward, 60, attended the Armistice service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this morning.

Alongside Sophie, thousands of veterans, serving personnel and members of the public gathered at the base of the Armed Forces Memorial this morning to pay their respects to 'those who have served and sacrificed for the country'.

Viewers were quick to disagree with Cat's choice of words after she said it was time to 'celebrate', while others - seemingly watching on a delay - claimed ITV had cut into the silence

The National Memorial Arboretum was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 and is designed in such a way that at precisely 11:00 on November 11, a shaft of light falls on the bronze wreath in its centre.

Ever graceful, Sophie laid a wreath to mark Armistice Day - with a message written in her loopy handwriting: 'In memory of our fallen.'

After the service, the Duchess took in the memorial itself, reading through the 16,000 names of those in the Armed Forces who were killed on duty.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has announced more than 10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day.

The Prime Minister pledged a 'moment of national reflection' in 2025, with events on May 8 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe, and also on August 15 to mark the end of the Second World War.

Ahead of the ceremony, Sir Keir said he was 'honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today'.

He added: 'These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was among those paying their respects on Remembrance Day as she solemnly read a poem at a service in Staffordshire

'That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.'

Of the Remembrance weekend, Sir Keir said the 'courage and sacrifice of so many over the generations' brings the country together on Remembrance Day 'in a spirit of the most profound gratitude and respect'.

* A previous version of this article said that Ms Deeley had spoken during the two minute silence. In fact, she spoke after the silence had ended. The article has been amended to make this clear.
CIIE boosts mutually beneficial cooperation, shares Chinese opportunities

10:29, November 11, 2024 By Huan Xiang, Meng Xianglin, Gong Ming ( People's Daily

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first import-themed national-level expo, being held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, sees its "circle of friends" continuously expanding, playing a more and more important role in international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and open cooperation.

International attendees to the event told People's Daily that CIIE's upgrades and expansion created valuable opportunities for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and advancing common development, making economic globalization more inclusive and open.

Photo taken on Nov. 4, 2024 shows the Medical Equipment & Healthcare Products Exhibition Area of the 7th China International Import Expo held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). (People's Daily Online/Wang Chu)

This year, the Business & Enterprise Exhibition maintains its massive scale of over 360,000 square meters, hosting 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions, both numbers surpassing those in the previous year. Notably, 297 Fortune Global 500 and industry-leading companies participate in the event, marking a new record. A total of 186 exhibitors and organizations have joined the expo for the seventh consecutive time.

The CIIE not only fosters further openness of the Chinese market but also creates broader opportunities for global cooperation across diverse fields, said Paul Hudson, CEO of French multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi.

According to Hudson, the company has been deeply rooted in China for over 40 years, making China one of its primary markets. He said that the company greatly values the scale and pace of innovation in China and looks forward to continuing its support for China's healthcare development to benefit more people.

Japanese company Kao Corporation has participated in all seven sessions of the CIIE. It has launched multiple products in the Chinese market that debuted at the expo.

The CIIE has become a vital link for Kao in connecting with the Chinese market, said Takeyasu Masaru, chairman and president of Kao (China) Holding Co., Ltd. The expo showcases China's commitment to sharing its vast market opportunities with the world, he said, adding that the company looks forward to continuing to expand its 'circle of friends' through this open platform.

Photo shows the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the venue for the 7th China International Import Expo. (People's Daily Online/Wang Chu)

To move forward with China is to move forward with the future and opportunities, said Pontus Erntell, president and chief sustainability officer of IKEA China. The Chinese market, with its enormous size, vitality of innovation, and favorable business environment, provides strong support for the growth of numerous multinational companies, he added.

CEO of Singapore's Nipsea Group Wee Siew Kim noted, the number of exhibitors at this year's CIIE has reached a new high. He added that as a first-time exhibitor, the company is excited about the 'CIIE effect' and eager to collaborate for mutual success, sharing opportunities from both China and the world.

The Innovation Incubation Special Section of this year's CIIE has made improvement in both its size and quality. For the first time, it focuses on the four main themes of digital economy, green and low-carbon solutions, life sciences, and manufacturing technology. A range of exhibits representing the forefront of new quality productive forces make their global or China debut at this section.

Philips showcases new products in areas such as ultrasound, image-guided therapy, and personal health care, with several items making their Asia or China premiere. CEO of Royal Philips Roy Jakobs said, China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, with its innovation speed and capacity continuously advancing. The resilience of China's economy, potential of the Chinese market, and advantages in the industrial chain and talent pool make China highly attractive for international companies to invest and grow, he added.

"In the past six years, we have showcased over 260 innovative products and cutting-edge technologies at the CIIE, including several first launches of new products and solutions," said Gu Chunyuan, chairman of ABB (China) Limited. He added that China's active drive for industrial upgrading and energy transition has provided new growth opportunities for the company.

Models of China's homegrown aircraft are exhibited at the China Pavilion of the Country Exhibition of the 7th China International Import Expo. (People's Daily Online/Tang Ke)

This year's expo sees the participation of 37 least developed countries, with the organizers providing over 120 free exhibition booths. The African product zone at this year's CIIE is significantly expanded, and a sub-forum titled "Sustainable Development of Global South and China-Africa Cooperation" has been hosted. These efforts aim to open new doors of opportunity for least developed countries and other developing nations.

The CIIE offers a platform for the least developed countries to showcase their products, attract investment, and integrate into global value chains, helping boost their international visibility and expand trade, said director-general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Gerd Muller.

Since the 1st CIIE, UNIDO has consistently supported the event, which mirrors the two sides' strong partnership in areas such as South-South cooperation and trade facilitation.

As one of this year's guest countries of honor, Tanzania has brought a range of new products, including specialty agricultural goods and handcrafted items, to further unleash the country's development potential and showcase its cultural heritage, said Latifa M. Khamis, director general of Tanzania Trade Development Authority.

The CIIE offers developing countries greater access to global markets and shared growth opportunities, Khamis said, adding that the platform is crucial for the country to achieve sustainable development and advance poverty reduction.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
November 11, 2024: The Chinese Communist Party is energetically seeking food and respect. First priority is food. China has not got enough of it and is taking extreme measures to fix the problem. At the time China had to import about 40 percent of its food for a hungry population of a billion people. Since the 1990s China has been assisting Russia to develop thinly populated areas in central and eastern Russia to feed the hungry Chinese.

The original Russian farmers and their families left during the 1990s after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The Soviets prohibited privately owned farms. Instead there were state owned collective farms where farmers did the work as employees of the state. This arrangement was unpopular with Russian farmers and when the Soviet government disappeared, so did the collective farm workers. This left thousands of square kilometers of prime farmland in central Russia unused. Chinese farmers sought to gain access to that land so they produce more food for hungry Chinese. China needed the food, but Russia already had markets in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

The situation changed in 2014 and 2022 when Russian aggression resulted in economic sanctions that included food exports. Russia went looking for more reliable markets and found it in China. Russia accepted the Chinese proposals for allowing Chinese farmers to enter the underused central Russian and far eastern farmlands. The large number of Chinese farmers would produce a lot more food, which the Chinese were willing to pay for. Russia needed the money and this seemed like an excellent way to monetize the food produced on some of the most productive Russian farmlands.

This doesnt leave the Middle East, Africa and Europe hungry because North American and Australian farmers are major, and flexible producers of food. The Americans and Australians were able to keep everyone supplied with affordable food.

The new Central Asian food arrangement for the Chinese had significant political implications. Now the food supplies were coming overland, not by ship. The use of ships was always threatened by blockade by a hostile American navy if there was war with China. Now the larger Chinese navy could confidently threaten to attack the Americans Pacific fleet without worrying about U.S. Navy nuclear submarines blockading Chinese ports.

The food arrangement provides Russia with sanction-proof food income from China. Food is a major Russian export and now it is safe from disruptions by sanctions or unreliable shipping. For China, conquering Taiwan is now more likely because the Americans can no longer threaten the Chinese food supply. Yet the Taiwanese do not feel threatened. Taiwan has increased its defensives and is still a vital source for scarce electronic components and production equipment. China cannot ignore that risk and that means Taiwan is still safe.

While Taiwan is not threatened, international use of the South China Sea, China wants to control this body of water and thus control seas through which over 40 percent of the world's waterborne traffic moves. Without the threat of a food blockade, China can now be more aggressive in gaining complete control of the South China Sea. China has asserted such control for over a decade, but now they can afford to use violence to enforce their control. The Chinese dont believe the Americans would risk a war against a larger Chinese fleet in waters close to Chinese territory and land-based bombers and fighters. For the U.S. Navy, this is not a good place to fight a war.

Gaining control over the South China Sea would be a major accomplishment and indicates the growing power of China to get what it wants and feels it deserves. With these changes China finally becomes a true superpower, with a secure food supply and a population willing to risk war without the threat of privation when come to food supplies and the quality of the food available.
The Block's Kylie showed off her incredible weight loss as she returned to the show with her husband Brad on Sunday night for auction day.

The controversial couple walked off set in spectacular fashion last Sunday, with Kylie unleashing a foul-mouthed tirade before disappearing into the night.

In recent weeks, Kylie and Brad saw their seven-year marriage implode on-air amid the 'flirtgate scandal', which saw the Cairns-based tradesman tell fellow contestant Mimi Belperio he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account if she had one.

But Kylie put all the drama aside as she dressed to impress in a racy $2400 yellow cut-out dress by LaPointe for the nail-biting auction.

The mother-of-four surprised impressed fans as she revealed her incredible figure in the racy frock.

Viewers flocked to social media after the finale to compliment Kylie on her stunning new look.

'Did anyone notice how much weight Kylie has lost!!' one person questioned.

'Yes, a lot!' another agreed, while a third said: 'You look gorgeous Kylie. I'm glad you got a decent return for your efforts.'

The Block's Kylie showed off her incredible weight loss as she returned to the show with her husband Brad on Sunday night for auction day. Pictured Kylie and Brad earlier in the series, left, and on Sunday, right

'Loving that whole look tonight,' one person commented.

'Happy for them and pleased to see her looking beautiful and relaxed,' another one added.

Kylie and Brad left the show with a very healthy $650,000 profit on their property's $1,950,000 reserve on Sunday night.

The couple laughed all the way to the bank, with Adrian Portelli making a headline-grabbing purchase, securing their property for $2.6 million.

The millionaire Block bidder also purchased the other four properties on the night, spending a total of $15.03million.

Meanwhile, Maddy and Charlotte become the youngest-ever auction winners of The Block, taking home an eye-watering $1.65million profit on Sunday night's nail-biting finale.

The sisters, who were latecomers to the 2024 series, secured the highest bid on the day, with their renovated Phillip Island property selling for $3.5million.

Maddy, 24, and Charlotte, 22, also took home an extra $100,000 for their monumental victory.

The win comes after Kylie unleashed a foul-mouthed tirade on the show last Sunday and ordered her tradies off-site.

'F**king leave it, all of you. I want everyone gone, I'm not kidding,' she instructed, before telling Brad to 'get them OUT. GET. THEM. OUT. Tell them to leave, I don't want their help.'

Brad, left with no choice, relayed her orders to their stunned tradies, who reluctantly packed up and left.

Explaining her decision, Kylie claimed, 'I just feel like everyone is against us.'

The following day, as host Scott Cam called 'tools down' for the final time, Kylie was noticeably absent from the celebration.

In an emotional confession on camera, she shared that she and Brad initially joined The Block for a 'holiday,' adding, 'We're always working, always being parents.'

Kylie and Brad left the show with a very healthy $650,000 profit on their property's $1,950,000 reserve on Sunday night

She revealed that, unlike her husband, who runs a 'very successful' business, she lives 'pay cheque to pay cheque' and was hoping to make some much-needed money from her time on the show.

After a gruelling week, Kylie and Brad were met with criticism from the judges, who pointed out that their front yard seemed unfinished.

Judge Shaynna Blaze noted the outdoor area required 'more thought and planning'.

A tense exchange erupted between Kylie and Scott Cam during feedback.

'Alright, let's wrap it up,' Kylie interjected as Scott read the judges' critiques.

When Scott replied, 'I'm not going to wrap it up... this is part of the deal,' Kylie muttered under her breath, 'I fking hate this guy...'
Ben Affleck enjoyed some quality time with his son Samuel, 12, over the weekend.

The father and son duo were spotted shopping in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon.

The actor and director though looked somewhat downcast while across town, his ex Jennifer Lopez put on a spectacular show on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere for Wicked.

The singer and actress bared her washboard abs in a peekaboo dress as she posed solo at the event held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

The gown featured stunning brocade and a tantalizingly high thigh-slit that showcased her incredible physique.

Ben Affleck enjoyed time with his son Samuel, 12, over the weekend as the pair went shopping together in Los Angeles

The actor and director though looked somewhat downcast while across town, his ex Jennifer Lopez put on a spectacular show on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere for Wicked

The singer and actress, bared her washboard abs in a stunning peekaboo gown with intricate brocade and a thigh-high slit

Ben and Sam were seen strolling across a parking lot of a shopping center in their coordinating Nike sneakers on their retail outing.

The Argo Oscar-winner, 52, wore jeans and an Army green button-down with the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows.

Samuel looked down at the ground while wearing light-colored jeans and a black t-shirt.

Ben shares Samuel as well as daughter Violet, 18, and child Fin, 15 with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, 52, whom Ben was married to from 2005 to 2018.

The Alias star, meanwhile made time to attend church services in Santa Monica over the weekend.

The mom of three looked lovely in a long-sleeved black dress with a black and white polka-dot organza overlay on the skirt.

Jennifer recently took a trip home to West Virginia to see her family and shared a darling photo with her younger sister Melissa Wylie and their mother Patricia Garner.

'West Virginia you know how to autumn,' the 13 Going on 30 star captioned the post.

Both sightings come as insiders reveal Ben is almost ready to date again following his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, 55, after two years of marriage.

JLo filed for divorce in August on her and Ben's second wedding anniversary, after months of rumors that their relationship was on the brink of collapse.

Ben shares Samuel as well as daughter Violet, 18, and child Fin, 15 with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner , 52, whom Ben was married to from 2005 to 2018

The Alias star, meanwhile made time to attend church services in Santa Monica over the weekend

Jennifer recently took a trip home to West Virginia to see her family and shared a darling photo with her younger sister Melissa Wylie and their mother Patricia Garner

When Ben moves on to his next girlfriend, he has one thing that is not negotiable. The woman must either be sober or in recovery as he is not willing to jeopardize his own sobriety.

'Ben has not given up on relationships and finally feels ready to move forward and start dating again,' an insider told DailyMail.com exclusively.

'He is not going to jump into anything serious until the divorce is finalized but that does not mean he cannot date.'

They continued: 'He only wants to date someone who is sober or in recovery. These past two years have been tough for Ben and as he begins to heal, one thing is very clear: his recovery comes before anything. He is not going to put his sobriety in jeopardy.
Robert Irwin has whipped his fans into a frenzy after he shared a jaw-dropping gallery of photos of him looking confident and stylish in a designer tuxedo.

The celebrity conservationist, 20, posted the eye-popping pictures to Instagram, in which he looked dapper in the black and white suit as he posed on a roof top.

He completed his slick look with stylish sunglasses and exuded such strong charisma his followers were quick to point out he would make a great James Bond.

His fans quickly took to the comment section to gush how the photos demonstrated Robert would be the perfect fit for the next Bond actor, following Daniel Craig's retirement from the role in 2021.

'Robert is the next Bond,' one fan wrote and a second person added: 'Such a Beautiful 007!'

'Looking rather Bond,' a third user chipped in.

Ever since Sean Connery first played the British super spy in 1962, the character has developed a reputation for his suave demeanour, in which he saves the world while wearing a dashing tuxedo.

The conservationist has made waves on screen since his TV hosting debut on I'm A Celebrity Australia and made history as the youngest star to nab a Gold Logie nomination.

Robert Irwin (pictured) has whipped his fans into a frenzy after he shared a jaw-dropping gallery of photos to social media of him looking confident and stylish in a designer tuxedo

The celebrity conservationist, 20, posted the eye-popping pictures to Instagram, in which he looked dapper in the black and white suit as he posed on a roof top

It was previously reported that Robert had hopes of launching a career in movies, and was working hard to get his body into shape to be an action star.

The reality TV star was said to be 'jealous' of his older sister Bindi, 26, being cast in a voice role in the Marvel animated series Spidey and his Amazing Friends.

'Robert is single-minded. He spends hours in the gym, networks like a champion, and is seen as very much a real-life superhero,' an insider told New Idea.

In addition to presenting I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, Robert also voiced a character for the hit ABC Kids series Bluey.

He also appeared alongside his sister Bindi Irwin in the 2010 movie Free Willy: Escape From Pirates Cove.
Bella Hadid made jaws drop while showing off her incredible physique in a lavish Dubai getaway on Sunday.

The champion equestrian, 28  who frequently flaunts her sexy cowgirl style  took to Instagram to share a carousel of racy snaps from her two-day trip to Dubai, giving her audience of 61.6M followers a glimpse into her upscale outing.

In one snap, she modeled a tiny black bikini top and chic coverup skirt that showed off her glistening tan and chiseled abs as she posed on the beach.

The brunette beauty wowed in a blue gingham string bikini, smiling for a make-up free selfie, flaunting her naturally curly locks.

'48 hours,' she wrote in the caption, showing off her pals and their weekend getaway.

Bella Hadid made jaws drop while showing off her incredible physique in a lavish Dubai getaway on Sunday

Bella also displayed her taut tummy and slender frame in a black gingham halter-top bikini as she lay tanning under the sun, reading The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.

She laid beside disposable and digital cameras while snapping a photo with her smartphone.

The Victoria's Secret vet looked radiant as she sipped on a coconut and wore her hair in a messy bun.

To maintain her impressive physique, the entrepreneur has revealed she frequently exercises and eats healthy whole foods.

She also shared that competing in horse-riding derbies helped her stay fit for her modeling gigs as it keeps her body in motion.

'You know how every model is like, "I do yoga." Well, I find horses have the same effect,' she shared.

'You have to put your ego aside and concentrate on making the horse do the things you want it to do, and move in the way you want it to move.'

The star has been dating cowboy boyfriend Adan Banuelos, 35, a wildly successful rodeo star and equestrian champion.

The pair first started stirring up dating rumors when they were seen kissing and holding hands together in Fort Worth, Texas in October 2023 by TMZ.

Bella has since moved to Fort Worth, at least part-time, to be closer to her man, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

When she's not busy serving stylish new looks and riding her beloved stallion Metallic Tito, Bella runs a successful fragrance brand  Orebella.

We also see the brunette beauty in blue gingham string bikini as she posed for a make-up free selfie, flaunting her naturally curly locks in the snap

Bella also displayed her taut tummy and slender frame in a black gingham halter-top bikini

She lay tanning under the sun while reading The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

The Victoria's Secret vet looked radiant as she sipped on a coconut and wore her hair in a messy bun

'48 hours,' she wrote in the caption, showing off her pals and their weekend off together

The five-foot-nine looker opened up to Harper's Bazaar about the brand earlier this year, sharing: 'I never had a fragrance I was so obsessed with that made me feel unique and different. I started making my own and started making decks about it.

'Then, all of a sudden, I had conversations with myself about my future and, like, what excited me, and it really was bringing something that was so personal to me to the world, and having the opportunity for people to see my heart and my brain,' she model added.

She added: 'Creating Orebella was the best form of therapy, especially just using my brain again and educating myself on different things and knowing the business behind all of this, but also being able to stay true to who I am.'
Laura Dundovic and Saskia Wotton stepped out wearing the exact same Rebecca Vallance dress as they attended a Nicky Hilton event on Thursday night.

The Aussie model and the influencer both put on stunning displays as they spent the evening on a lavish yacht on the Sydney Harbour with a whole host of stars.

They stepped out in the same dress from Aussie designer Rebecca Vallance at the event, which celebrated the brand's collaboration with US socialite Nicky, 41.

Posing for the cameras, they both looked equally as glamorous in the black sequinned gown which featured the brand's iconic silver bow at the centre.

The dazzling number also features silver jewelled straps and a shimmering figure-hugging skirt as both Laura, 37, and Saskia made sure to turn heads.

From Rebecca's new holiday capsule collection with Nicky, the jaw-dropping dress retails for an eye-watering $1,820.

And neither Laura or Saskia appeared to mind that they were wearing the same outfit, instead proudly showing off their glitzy ensembles.

Laura, the winner of Miss Universe Australia in 2008, took to her Instagram to share an array of photographs from the night, one of which featured Saskia.

Laura Dundovic (left) and Saskia Wotton (right) stepped out wearing the exact same Rebecca Vallance dress as they attended a Nicky Hilton event on Thursday night

Posing for the cameras, they both looked equally as glamorous in the black sequinned gown which featured the brand's iconic silver bow at the centre. Laura is pictured

She flashed a huge grin as she posed arm-in-arm with the Byron Baes star as they both proudly showed off their matching fashionable ensembles.

Saskia is no stranger to the world of fashion, having founded her very own label Muma World with Dave Frim.

The pair joined a whole host of stars as they all boarded the luxury Bluestone superyacht at King Street Wharf for the lavish event.

Guests were joined by designer Rebecca and Nicky - the sister of Paris Hilton - as they celebrated the launch of their new holiday collection.

Also in attendance at the exclusive event were the likes of Nicole Kidman's niece Lucia Hawley, Anna Heinrich, Lisa Wipfli and Terry Biviano, among others.

The dazzling number also features silver jewelled straps and a shimmering figure-hugging skirt as both Laura, 37, and Saskia (pictured) made sure to turn heads

From Rebecca's new holiday capsule collection with Nicky, the jaw-dropping dress retails for an eye-watering $1,820. Saskia is pictured

Neither Laura or Saskia appeared to mind that they were wearing the same outfit, instead proudly showing off their glitzy ensembles

Guests were joined by designer Rebecca and Nicky (both pictured) - the sister of Paris Hilton - as they celebrated the launch of their new holiday collection

They were all greeted with a Tommy's Margarita's on arrival and then mingled over champagne and canapes.

The night before, Nicky had given her insight into her biggest ever style successes while speaking to Daily Mail Australia at another Rebecca Vallance launch event.

After decades of walking red carpets, Nicky revealed which of her red carpet looks she considers to be the most iconic.

She said her biggest hit came this year when she attended the Cannes Film Festival wearing a glittering ice blue gown by Aussie designer Rebecca Vallance.

Speaking at a Sydney event celebrating her new holiday capsule with Vallance, Nicky shared the little-known inspiration behind the custom-made dress.

The night before, Nicky had revealed the inspiration behind her most iconic red carpet look (pictured) while speaking to Daily Mail Australia at another Rebecca Vallance launch event

She said she wanted to channel one Disney princess in particular.

'Rebecca and I designed an ice blue gown together, with the bows down the middle and it was very inspired by Cinderella,' Nicky told Daily Mail Australia.

Indeed, Nicky oozed elegance in the gorgeous off-the-shoulder ice blue gown designed by herself and Rebecca Vallance.

The head-turning satin dress featured a dramatic train billowing out behind her and featured the brand's signature silver bows below the plunging neckline.
Justin Hemmes and his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel appeared in good spirits as they arrived back in Sydney on Sunday after a family weekend away.

The Merivale billionaire, 52, and his girlfriend, 27, looked as loved-up as ever as they left the private jet terminal following their luxury holiday.

The couple were seen doting over Justin's daughters Alexa, six, and Saachi, five, who he shares with his model ex Kate Fowler.

For the outing, Justin cut a laidback figure in a light blue T-shirt as he sweetly cradled his daughter in his arms, proving himself to be every inch the doting father.

Meanwhile, Madeline kept it casual in an oversized white T-shirt and shorts, while she toted her essentials in a small brown handbag.

Madeline - the younger sister of Aussie model Simone Holtznagel - showed off her natural beauty as she went make-up free for her travels and flashed a huge smile.

It is not known where the family jetted off to for their intimate weekend away, but they travelled in style on Justin's private jet.

Justin and Madeline quietly began seeing each other in 2019, a year after his debut on the Financial Review Rich List with an estimated net worth of $951million - which has since risen to $1.39billion.

Justin Hemmes and his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel appeared in good spirits as they arrived back in Sydney on Sunday after a family weekend away

Madeline kept it casual in an oversized white T-shirt and shorts, while she toted her essentials in a small brown handbag. She showed off her natural beauty as she went make-up free

Their latest trip comes after Justin broke his silence after bombshell allegations emerged about The Ivy in Sydney, which is part of his hospitality empire.

The exclusive nightclub, frequented by high rollers, faces claims of sex assault, harassment and grooming along with copious drug use enabled by CCTV 'blind spots'.

Amid the reports, Justin emailed 5,000 of his employees to say he is 'devastated' at allegations, according to the The Sydney Morning Herald.

In the email to staffers, he vowed to take the 'allegations against Merivale concerning our staff and our culture' seriously.

'Please be assured that we are taking this matter very seriously and do not condone, encourage or tolerate any of the behaviours which have been alleged,' he said.

'We will continue to work to address every allegation made within today's article.'

He went on: 'Utmost in my mind is my concern for all of you, and especially for the distress caused by the aspersions that have been cast on those who work and have worked in the past, at Merivale and within the hospitality industry in general.

For the outing, Justin cut a laidback figure in a light blue T-shirt as he sweetly cradled his daughter in his arms, proving himself to be every inch the doting father

'I am overwhelmingly sad that today's article broadly denigrates everything that we do.'

Level 6, located in the Sydney CBD as part of the Ivy-branded cluster of venues owned by the Merivale group, was 'one step short of being a brothel', an unnamed manager told Nine newspapers.

Staff at the ritzy venue, where membership costs $10,000 a year, detailed allegations of sexual assault and being pressured into pleasing the largely wealthy male clientele.

In return, glamorous young women, mostly aged between 18 and 21, employed as 'hosts' would allegedly take home Gucci handbags and up to $600 in tips for a couple of nights' work.

An unnamed staff member told Nine newspapers workers were 'expressly told' they could not refuse a guest who wanted to buy them a drink.

Another said when senior Merivale staff were in the venue drunk and or high, staff would be 'pressured' into drinking with them, and it was 'very difficult' to say no.

In a separate incident, a senior staff member allegedly forced himself on to a host so hard it winded her.

Justin and Madeline (pictured in December 2022) quietly began seeing each other in 2019, a year after his debut on the Financial Review Rich List with an estimated net worth of $951m

It was also claimed a VIP guest pushed a staff member into the bathroom to use cocaine and ripped open her top.

When she raised the reported incident with management, she was allegedly told: 'Don't beat yourself up about it. It happened, now just move on.'

James Henderson - who was a bartender at Ivy and another Merivale company Bar Tottis, but resigned in August - said what allegedly happened in the venues was 'disgusting'.

Merivale told Nine newspapers it took the allegations extremely seriously but had no record of them.

It added that it has appointed leading human rights and discrimination lawyer Kate Eastman, SC to lead an investigation into allegations of misconduct at the company.

'If any of these allegations are even remotely true, we sincerely regret any distress caused,' Merivale said.

It comes after Justin broke his silence after bombshell allegations emerged about The Ivy (pictured) in Sydney, which is part of his hospitality empire

However, company rejected claims it had fostered a culture that exploited women and put its staff in danger.

'In all hospitality businesses, including Merivale's, incidents occur involving both patrons and staff. There is no denying this,' a spokesperson said.

'However, Merivale handles complaints that are made about such incidents in accordance with its policies and procedures as well as its legal obligations.'

Merivale operates more than 70 hospitality venues across New South Wales and Victoria.
The Bachelor's Noni Janur is now a single mother of two after splitting with her partner Sam Livingston, just one year after giving birth to their second child.

Janur, who rose to fame after appearing on Richie Strahans season of The Bachelor in 2016, confirmed the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Sunday.

She told her followers she wanted to share 'a bit about where life has taken me' after speculation surrounding the couple's relationship.

The former reality star has moved back to the Gold Coast after living in Bali with Livingston and their two children, Indah and Koda.

'I know some of you have been wondering, and I feel its time to share a bit about where life has taken me,' Janur wrote.

'After much reflection, for myself and my children, its best to move forward on a separate path and step into this new chapter as a single mother.

'This isnt the journey I originally envisioned as a mum of two, but its the one that feels right.'

The 33-year-old, who founded Bali-based swimwear company Balini, has listed her three-bedroom, three-bathroom Seminyak Beach property for rent on AirBnB.

The property is listed for $174 per night, plus the AirBnB service fee of $135 for the booking.

The Bachelor's Noni Janur is now a single mother of two after splitting with her partner Sam Livingston, just one year after giving birth to their second child

Janur, who rose to fame after appearing on Richie Strahans season of The Bachelor in 2016 , confirmed the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Sunday

'As I enter into this new chapter of co-parenting, I know it wont be without its challenges, yet I trust that everything will unfold as its meant to,' she continued in the caption, which was shared alongside a black-and-white family portrait.

'My love for my children will always be at the heart of every choice I make. Their happiness and well-being remain my greatest priority.'

The content creator, who has 43,000 Instagram followers, indicated she separated from her ex some time ago and thanked her inner circle for their support.

'I couldnt be here without the unwavering support from my loved ones, you know who you are, and Im beyond grateful,' she wrote.

The 33-year-old, who founded Bali-based swimwear company Balini, has listed her three-bedroom, three-bathroom Seminyak Beach property for rent on AirBnB and has moved back home to the Gold Coast where she has begun nursing

Janur, 33, made the heartbreaking decision to leave her life in Bali behind after her split

'This experience has opened my eyes to the struggles single mums face, and if youre in a similar situation, please reach out. Id love to offer support, just as I know you would for me.'

On Monday, Janur shared a selfie wearing her navy nurse's scrubs as she began her new career on the Gold Coast.

'First day of work,' she wrote in the caption.

The photo was worlds away from the alluring beachside content that has drawn followers to Janur's social media account over the years.

Following her stint on The Bachelor, Janur went on to date The Bachelorette alum Samuel Johnston for three years long-distance, before they broke up in 2020.

In 2021, Janur debuted her relationship with Livingston.

Janur first relocated to Bali after graduating from high school to launch her swimwear business, Balini, which sparked controversy during her season of The Bachelor because she was using models as young as 15 in her advertisements.

'Bali, youve helped me more than you know, guiding me through seasons of growth and transformation,' Janur wrote a few weeks ago as she shared a collection of photos of her old life.

'You are, and always have been, just what I needed. On to the next chapter. Gold Coast.'

Noni was 25-years-old when she first appeared on Australian reality TV and at the time had 21,000 followers.
Sam Thompson has revealed Pete Wicks is likely to travel to Australia for I'm A Celeb if he's booted off Strictly Come Dancing.

The TOWIE star, 36, has every reason for a trip Down Under as his best friend Sam, 32, is hosting the spin-off show and his partner Maura Higgins, 33, is tipped to head into the Jungle.

When asked who he would miss most, Sam said: 'Probably Zara because Pete is so stressed with Strictly! I've never seen a man so stressed with his dancing because he's having to learn a whole new skill.

'I've got to say my girlfriend, I don't want to get in trouble!

'Pete did say if he gets booted out of Strictly he might come out and see me! We'll get to have another bridge reunion.'

Sam Thompson has revealed Pete Wicks is likely to travel to Australia for I'm A Celeb if he's booted off Strictly Come Dancing (Pete pictured with partner Jowita Przystal last week)

The TOWIE star, 36, has every reason for a trip Down Under as his best friend Sam, 32, is hosting the spin-off show and his partner Maura Higgins , 33, is tipped to head into the Jungle (Sam and Pete pictured on I'm A Celeb 2023)

Sam said: 'Pete did say if he gets booted out of Strictly he might come out and see me! We'll get to have another bridge reunion' (pictured)

A trip out to Australia is looking less likely after Sunday night when it was revealed Pete would be heading to Blackpool for the Strictly finals.

Scoring 38 points, Pete wowed the judges with his Couple's Choice dance dedicated to his late Nan.

But if he gets booted off in the next two weeks, Pete will still have plenty of time to fly out and support Sam and his rumoured girlfriend.

Pete seemingly confirmed his romance with the Irish Love Island star after the pair were seen kissing outside a restaurant in East London last month.

Rumours were circulating that Pete was involved with his Strictly partner Jowita Przystal, 30, but shortly afterwards reports he was kissing Maura at a private bar at the Pride of Britain awards emerged.

The couple have been linked for over a year so it would come as no surprise if Pete made an appearance Down Under to support Maura.

The Celebs Go Dating star went out to Australia to meet Sam when he won the show last year and enjoyed a holiday at the luxury Marriott Hotel with other friends and family.

A trip out to Australia is looking less likely after Sunday night when it was revealed Pete would be heading to Blackpool for the Strictly finals (pictured on Saturday's show)

Scoring 38 points, Pete wowed the judges with his Couple's Choice dance dedicated to his late Nan (pictured together)

Pete seemingly confirmed his romance with the Irish Love Island star after the pair were seen kissing outside a restaurant in East London last month (Maura pictured)

It comes after MailOnline revealed Zara McDermott, 27, would again not be joining her boyfriend of five years as she has to stay in the UK to film her latest BBC documentary on stalking.

Arriving at Brisbane Airport on Sunday, Sam told MailOnline: 'I don't know if Zara will be coming out, that's a good question.

'Maybe, if she's not working, maybe. That would be nice, if she could come out it would be really nice to see her.

'I called Pete when I was on the layover. He smashed his dance I watched it on the flight, it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. He deserved that ten from Shirley. So beautiful.'

The Celebs Go Dating star went out to Australia to meet Sam when he won the show last year and enjoyed a holiday at the luxury Marriott Hotel with other friends and family (pictured)
The promotional push for Christina Ricci's new book Cat Full Of Spiders Tarot Deck And Guidebook brought the actress to Barnes & Noble The Grove at Farmers Market in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Hollywood leading lady would end up being greeted by a sold out audience of fans looking to get their hands on a book and have it signed by the Yellowjackets star.

The book has been described as 'a surrealist dive into the cinematic subconscious of the iconic actress, featuring a personal foreword by Ricci and deluxe custom artwork, fans will experience a retrospective of her personal and professional journey told through tarot,' according to Barnes & Noble.

For the event, the Santa Monica, California native, 44, showed off her business chic look in a black, double-breasted blazer dress and matching pumps.

Rounding out her overall look she wore sheer black stockings, and had her raven tresses styled long, sleek, and flowing down well past her shoulders with a part on the slight left.

Christina Ricci, 44, attended a signing for her new book Cat Full Of Spiders Tarot Deck And Guidebook at Barnes & Noble The Grove at the Farmers Market in Los Angeles on Sunday

Cat Full Of Spiders Tarot Deck And Guidebook takes a surrealist dive into the cinematic subconscious of the iconic actress who has starred in such memorable films as Mermaids (1990), Addams Family (1991), Casper (1995), and Now And Then (1995) as a pre-teen youngster.

Featuring a personal foreword by Ricci, creative direction by Mark Hampton, and custom artwork by Felipe Flores; the book gives fans a retrospective look at Ricci's personal journey as told through the tarot.

Containing both the Major and Minor Arcana, the ensemble also comes with a comprehensive guidebook, written by tarot author Minerva Siegel, explaining each card's meaning as well as suggestions for simple spreads for easy readings.

The unique tarot deck, which is packed in a decorative box, provides a unique way to examine the many journeys our lives take and the characters we play along the way.

As she began to take on adult roles the actress took the route of independent productions like The Ice Storm (1997), Buffalo '66 (1998), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), The Opposite Of Sex (1998), Pecker (1998), Prozac Nation (2001), Pumpkin (2002), and Monster (2003).

Eventually, Ricci would take on big production films such as Sleepy Hollow (1999), Black Snake Moan (2006), Speed Racer (2008), Mothers And Daughters (2016), and The Matrix Resurrections (2021).

She would also take on some select television roles such as Ally McBeal (2002), Grey's Anatomy (2006), The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015), Z: The Beginning Of Everything (2017), while most recently wowing audiences by playing the quirky and sometimes creepy Misty Quigley in the Showtime hit Yellowjackets (2022-present).

The book signing at Barnes & Noble at the Farmers Market ended up being a sold out event

For the event, the Santa Monica, California native, 44, showed off her business chic look in a black, double-breasted blazer dress, matching pumps, and her hair flowing down

Cat Full Of Spiders Tarot Deck And Guidebook has been described as 'a surrealist dive into the cinematic subconscious of the iconic actress, featuring a personal foreword by Ricci and deluxe custom artwork, fans will experience a retrospective of her personal and professional journey told through tarot,' according to Barnes & Noble

The Buffalo '66 star signed copies of her new book that officially dropped on October 8

Cat Full Of Spiders features 78 cards and a specially curated guidebook explaining each tarot card.

There's also simple tarot spreads for beginners who want to experiment with an easy reading.

Ricci says she first discovered tarot cards on the set of Now And Then when her character (Roberta) visits a psychic with her friends, but her relationship with mysticism has since gone much deeper.

'My perspective on pretty much all things mystical is that there is real magic in the world. Most of it is sort of grounded and nature-based,' she shared to People, before adding, 'I think all of the magic that comes from something like tarot has a lot to do with the person asking the questions.'

Ricci has also collaborated with West Elm on a special edition of the new tarot deck book

'My perspective on pretty much all things mystical is that there is real magic in the world. Most of it is sort of grounded and nature-based,' she shared to People

'I think all of the magic that comes from something like tarot has a lot to do with the person asking the questions,' Ricci added to People

Basically, tarot is equivalent to a mirror, reflecting the seeker's inner thoughts and essentially guiding them towards clarity.

'Tarot for me feels like an incredible instrument to use your self-knowledge, self-reflection capabilities [and] your intuition,' Ricci explained. 'You come as yourself with your full journey behind you, all the things you've collected in your life emotionally and experientially.'

Cat Full Of Spiders Tarot Deck And Guidebook has turned into a passion project for Ricci.

Ricci has two new films that are now in some phase of post-production, including the science fiction heist film The Dresden Sun and Unplugged, although neither has released an official premiere date.








Bradley Cooper's appearance in a group shot from a Saturday date night with Gigi Hadid had fans chatting Sunday, questioning whether the A-list actor's appearance had been digitally-altered prior to posting.

The Philadelphia native, 49, was seen in an image posted to Instagram by Alyssa Milano, who is performing in the famed musical Chicago at New York City's Ambassador Theater on Broadway.

Milano, 51, who plays Roxie Hart in the musical, shared a backstage image of herself posing with costar Kimberly Marable, Cooper, and Hadid, 29.

'Bradley, Gigi, Erinn, Michelleand so many more that I dont have pictures with,' Milano captioned the post. 'Thank you to all who came out to see me in @chicagomusical tonight. And thank you to all those who waited my the stage door in the cold (brrrr). 2 more performances left. My heart is so full.'

The Academy Award-nominated star of The Hangover, American Sniper and Silver Linings Playbook was clad in a brown leather coat with gray pants and gray sneakers, sporting facial hair.

Bradley Cooper's appearance in a group shot from a date night with Gigi Hadid had fans chatting Sunday, questioning whether the A-list actor's appearance had been digitally-altered prior to posting. Pictured with Chicago's Alyssa Milano and Kimberly Marable

Many users sounded off about Cooper's unusual appearance in the social media shot, with speculation ranging from AI to photoshop

On social media, many users sounded off about Cooper's unusual appearance in the social media shot, with speculation ranging from AI to photoshop.

'Is that AI Bradley because I have questions... lol,' one user said, while another said, 'The filter on this photo is insane' and one user described the image as the 'worst photoshop ever.'

Another user added, 'Plssss the way she photoshopped that first image.'

One user suggested Cooper didn't look like himself in the image, with one person asking, 'Is Bradley in the room with us?' while another said, 'You cant even recognize Bradley.'

Multiple comments made reference to the filtering application Facetune, with comments such as 'this picture is over facetuned;' 'girl chill with the Facetune' and 'the FaceTune on this is insane.'

One commenter said that Hadid's appearance was also unrecognizable due to the edits made to the image.

'Bradley and Gigi look nothing like themselves and no ones noticing that?' the user said.

Other celebrities who have been accused of using Facetune to excess include Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Teresa Giudice.

Multiple commenters took to social media with comments on the Limitless star's look in the pic

Multiple comments made reference to the filtering application Facetune

Cooper pictured in LA this past April

Cooper and Hadid have been romantically-linked since October of 2023, when they were pictured on an outing in New York City.

He is father to daughter Lea, seven, with his ex-girlfriend, model Irina Shayk, 38.

Hadid is mother to four-year-old daughter Khai with her ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik, 31.
The latest win of Donald Trump has significant speculations and a direct effect on the technology industry, but part of the current questions center on how his future administration could affect the TikTok ban, being last week's top story on Weekly Wrap. There are also significant rumors behind Apple's plans to release the next round of Apple Intelligence features under iOS 18.2's earlier arrival.

Lastly, there is also the huge fine that South Korea has imposed against Mark Zuckerberg's Meta regarding the misuse of its users' sensitive data that are collected via Facebook, reportedly shared with third-party partners.

TikTok Ban May Come Soon Amidst Donald Trump's Presidency

The Chinese social media currently fighting against the United States Foreign Adversary law, TikTok, is already skating on thin ice, but the recent win of former President Donald Trump in the 2024 US Elections is also putting them in an uncertain position. It is known that during Trump's first term, TikTok also faced a shaky standing in the country with the threat of ban looming over its head.

One of the most recent news during this election period was TikTok's ban in another North American country, Canada, which had many speculating that it would also face the same fate in the US, especially after who won the elections.

However, according to Forbes, Trump previously made a TikTok account where he amassed a massive following, as well as claiming later on that he would not ban the social media platform. That being said, the Foreign Adversary Law is still in effect.

Apple's iOS 18.2 is Coming Earlier Than Expected.

The next update for iPhones and iPads may be coming earlier than expected, with this seeming to be an early holiday gift from the Cupertino tech giant that will offer new Apple Intelligence features under iOS 18.2. While the original speculated release date of iOS 18.2 is for this December, it was believed to be coming later in the next month, but not as early as the latest claims.

It was revealed by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his previous Power On newsletter that Apple is ready with iOS 18.2's developments, and that its public release will arrive several weeks advance than previous speculations.

The significant iOS 18.2 update will usher in a more powerful Apple Intelligence experience to users as it will finally deliver Siri's ChatGPT integration to the experience, as well as Genmoji, Image Playground experiences, and more.

South Korea Fines Meta Almost $16M

Meta Platforms, the social media company under Mark Zuckerberg, is now facing a significant complaint from the South Korean government for reportedly breaching the user privacy of the country's citizens. As many as 980,000 Facebook users in South Korea had their data collected by Meta and was shared with third-party users without their consent, now asking for $15.67 million to pay from the company.

It was revealed by Reuters that Meta accessed sensitive data of almost a million South Koreans regarding political beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, and more information, which it reportedly shared with over 4,000 advertisers for custom-made ads.

Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) claimed that this is a massive violation of the country's data privacy laws, giving Meta a 21.62 billion won fine amounting to 15.67 million US Dollars.
The Block host Scott Cam is reportedly terrified of contestant Kylie Baker after she stormed off the set last week and insisted she would not be present on auction day.

According to Woman's Day, Scott tried to avoid Kylie at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday after his 'traumatic' time on the show.

'He did see them but their exchange was brief, almost like a brush off. Scott seems to get more and more hesitant to build relationships each year,' a source said.

The insider also claimed Scott had 'feared Kylie would corner him off-camera at the auctions if she showed up.'

'He was a nervous wreck in the lead-up to auction day,' they added.

The host was also reportedly 'frustrated' over the show's 'flirtgate' scandal, during which Kylie's husband Brad admitted to flirting with his co-star Mimi.

Scott's experience on this season of The Block has 'solidified his decision to leave the show by the end of 2025'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.

The Block host Scott Cam is reportedly terrified of Kylie after she stormed off the set last week and insisted she would not be present on auction day

Kylie and her husband Brad sensationally returned to The Block on Sunday night for auction day after the mother-of-four vowed she would never return to the Channel Nine show during a foul-mouthed tirade last week.

The controversial couple walked off the set of the show in spectacular fashion last Sunday, with Kylie unleashing a foul-mouthed tirade before disappearing into the night.

A tense exchange erupted between Kylie and Scott during the feedback when the mum-of-four interjected, 'Alright, let's wrap it up,' as Scott read the judges' critiques.

When Scott replied, 'What's that?' Kylie doubled down and fumed, 'I said, wrap it up,' as her husband Brad attempted to cut her off.

Stunned by the outburst, Scott arced up and said: 'Kylie, I'm not going to wrap it up, because this is part of the deal, unfortunately.

'We're reading out feedback, and it's the last feedback you're going to get from these judges on your house.'

'I really couldn't care,' Kylie tried to interrupt, but Scott spoke over her in a rage, adding: 'So I'd really appreciate it if you didn't tell me to wrap it up.'

Kylie became visibly teary over being dressed down on national TV and muttered under her breath: 'I f**king hate this guy,' before exiting the show.

In recent weeks, Kylie and husband Brad saw their seven-year marriage implode on-air amid the 'flirtgate scandal', which saw the Cairns-based tradesman tell fellow contestant Mimi Belperio he would 'follow' her OnlyFans account if she had one.

According to Woman's Day, Scott tried to avoid Kylie at the Melbourne Cup last week after his 'traumatic' time on the show. Pictured Kylie and husband Brad

The couple's return on Sunday night sparked fierce reactions from fans, with many questioning why they were allowed back on the set.

On X, formally known as Twitter, fans voiced their concerns over Kylie and Brad's continued involvement in the show.

'The Block really is turning into MAFS it seems,' they added.

'So Kylie and Brad have come crawling back obviously for the possible $$$,' wrote another viewer.

'They should not be allowed to win anything, what the [expletive],' quipped another.

'The producer's really are milking it,' wrote one more, before adding: 'Fark Kylie and Brad back again'.
Chris Martin stunned onlookers at Sydney Airport on Monday when he performed a bizarre act before boarding a private jet to Auckland, New Zealand.

Moments before he stepped onto the plane, the Coldplay frontman, 47, got down on his hands and knees to kiss the tarmac.

Stunned by the move, airport workers watched on as the award-winning artist pressed his lips to the ground.

Wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and black cargo pants, the Fix You hitmaker didn't seem to mind getting a bit dirty while performing his unusual pre-flight act.

It seems kissing the tarmac before he flies and when he lands has become a common ritual for the musician.

He was also spotted pecking the ground when he landed in Malaysia last November ahead of his concert in the Southeast Asian country.

Chris had the same entrance into Indonesia during his previous tour.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Chris' representatives for comment.

Chris Martin, 47, stunned onlookers at Sydney Airport on Monday when he performed a bizarre act before boarding a private jet to New Zealand

Moments before he stepped onto the plane, the Coldplay frontman, 47, got down on his hands and knees to kiss the tarmac

While Chris has yet to reveal why he performs the act before and after his flights, the ritual may stem from a brush with death he had early on in his music career.

The English star, who formed his band in London in 1997, claimed in 2005 he nearly died when his plane hit a dust storm while flying over West Africa.

He was on his way to Ghana with Oxfam earlier that year when disaster struck just as the rocker's flight was coming into Tamale Airport.

'It was so terrifying, the plane was all over the place,' Chris told Sun newspaper at the time.

'Once a year, for a week, all this dust blows over from the Sahara Desert. You could not see a thing. I couldnt see the ground and as it turns out, nor could the pilot.'

The British singer was all smiles as he spoke with fans in an impromptu meet and greet after he arrived at the airport

Stunned by the move, airport workers watched on as the award-winning artist pressed his lips to the dirty ground

He added: 'The plane dropped off violently... It was lurching all over. But somehow the pilot pulled it off and landed. I dont know how he did it.'

At the time, Chris was still married to American actress Gwyneth Paltrow, with whom he shares daughter Apple, 20, and son Moses, 18.

The couple famously announced their split in 2014 by stating they were 'consciously uncoupling'.

During his recent trip Down Under, Chris saved a young boy from being crushed at one of Coldplay's Sydney concerts.

Chris noticed the young boy struggling in the standing section of the crowd on Thursday night.

Chris is pictured boarding the plane after kissing the tarmac

Wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and black cargo pants, the Fix You hitmaker didn't seem to mind getting a bit dirty as he performed his unusual pre-flight act

The father-of-two pointed the boy out and offered the young fan a safer spot to watch the show.

'You can sit right here, you don't have to be squeezed,' Chris said.

'You don't have to be squished by all these adults,' he added, as the young fan was lifted over stage barriers to a spot next to the runway.

'Sit right there my little brother... better? We'll take care of you man,' he added before continuing to perform.

Before boarding his flight, Chris posed with fans and airport workers for several photos

Chris was swarmed by fans during the impromptu meet and greet

The rocker took it all in his stride though and was happy to stop for a chat

Coldplay had a rocky start to their Australian stadium tour when their first show was derailed after one band member suffered a health emergency.

In a career first, lead singer Chris announced the band would play their first show in Melbourne's Marvel Stadium without bassist Guy Berryman after he was struck down by an illness.

During the concert, Chris said: 'We will have a slightly different show and we'll do our best to make it amazing because we are in Melbourne with all you beautiful people.

'If you see some mistakes and problems, it's because we don't have our bass player. You won't see Guy tonight because he is vomiting.'

Taking to Instagram after the show, the band thanked their fans for understanding.

'Tonight was the first time in our band's history that we've played a show without all four members onstage. Guy was taken ill unexpectedly just before the show. Thank you for carrying us through it,' they said.

Coldplay performed their final Australian concert on Sunday night and have now taken their Music of the Spheres tour to Auckland for three sold-out shows.
A shock clip has resurfaced of two former The Block stars accurately predicting Adrian Portelli would purchase every single property during Sunday's auction.

Controversial couple Brett and Kristy Beames, who last year raked in just $65,000 profit on their property, reshared a TikTok clip they made in August in which they revealed their shock theory.

'The reserve prices have been listed at $1.8million. Substantially lower than they have been in years,' Brett told his followers, before revealing his theory.

'To pop the tinfoil hat on, this screams Adrian buying the whole resort.'

Kristy added the low reserve prices seemed suspicious and indicated an agreement had already been made between Channel Nine and the property investor to purchase the five Phillip Island properties.

'It's like the amount he is going to buy it all for and then wrap it up,' Kristy said.

'It's like he said, "I've got $10million, keep your reserves that price, I'll cop all of them and there will be a big resort giveaway." I can almost pictured it. That's what we're predicting,' Brett added.

They wrote in the comments that it 'sucks it to be a genuine buyer' when they believed the auction outcome was pre-determined.

A shock clip has resurfaced of former The Block stars Brett and Kristy Beames accurately predicting Adrian Portelli would purchase every single property at Sunday's auction. Both pictured

Their shock prediction was proven to be correct on Sunday night, when Portelli, 35, purchased all five properties for $15.03million.

They were also correct he would be giving away all the houses in a massive 'resort giveaway' through his LMCT+ raffle business.

'Under new management! And as mayor of Portelli town, I would like to announce a world first. LET'S GIVE AWAY A FKN RESORT!' the entrepreneur posted on social media, following the auction.

It follows the Melbourne property mogul confirming on the radio that part of the auction was rigged.

Controversial couple Brett and Kristy Beames, who last year raked in just $65,000 profit on their property , reshared a TikTok clip they made in August in which they revealed their shock theory. (Pictured: Adrian Portelli with Block winners Maddy and Charlotte Harry)

The billionaire businessman, who made history on Sunday night when he snapped up every Block home on Phillip Island, told Nova's Jase & Lauren the auction order was pre-determined.

'We hand-selected the auction order to make sure the girls [Maddy and Charlotte Harry] went last. So we can get them to win,' Portelli said.

The Harry sisters became the youngest-ever auction winners of The Block, taking home an eye-watering $1.65million profit, with their property selling for $3.5million.

'The reserve prices have been listed at $1.8million. Substantially lower than they have been in years. To pop the tinfoil hat on, this screams Adrian buying the whole resort,' Brett told his followers

Portelli revealed it was decided their house would be the last to go to auction, in order to increase the drama.

He said they were informed in advance as to why their property would be auctioned last, adding other contestants were kept in the dark.

Meanwhile, their co-stars also walked away from the auction pocketing millions, with Courtney and Grant kicking off auction day with a stunning victory, selling their property for a whopping $3.3million.

This sale gave the pair an incredible profit of $1.35million over their $1.95million reserve, instantly propelling them into The Block's all-time high earners.

Kylie and Brad Baker also laughed all the way to the bank, with Portelli making another headline-grabbing purchase, securing the property for $2.6 million.
Nova FM's Tim Blackwell has been named the host for the 2024 ARIA Awards.

The annual awards ceremony will take place on November 20 from Sydney's iconic Hordern Pavilion.

The popular radio presenter will be joined by co-hosts Bridget Hustwaite, Latifa Tee, Christian Wilkins, and Rhys Nicholson, creating a star-studded team to lead Australian music's biggest night.

Blackwell, a mainstay on Nova's drive-time show Ricki-Lee, Tim, and Joel, has been one of Australia's top radio personalities since 2001.

Known for his charismatic style, he's excited to bring his energy to the ARIAs stage.

Reflecting on the role, Tim said, 'The ARIA Awards represent the pinnacle of Australia's music industry I'm thrilled to be part of the ARIAs and to help celebrate that talent this year.'

Some of Australias most recognised artists and presenters will be hitting the red carpet, including: Ava Max, Missy Higgins, CYRIL, 3%, Jessica Mauboy, Julian Hamilton from The Presets, and Amy Shark.

Kane Brown, Artemas, Budjerah, Concetta Caristo and Luka Muller are also set to make an appearance.

This year's nominees feature some of Australia's biggest stars and rising talents.

Nova FM's Tim Blackwell has been named the host for the 2024 ARIA Awards

The popular radio presenter will be joined by co-hosts Christian Wilkins (L) and Rhys Nicholson (R), creating a star-studded team to lead Australian music's biggest night

Pop icon Kylie Minogue has received five nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Solo Artist for her latest hit album Tension.

Her record-breaking album, along with its popular title track, has also landed her nominations for Best Pop Release and Song of the Year.

Minogue, 56, will go head-to-head with big names like The Kid LAROI, Tones and I, Troye Sivan, and Dom Dolla in the Best Solo Artist category, and with Amy Shark, Angie McMahon, and Royel Otis for Album of the Year.

Blackwell, a mainstay on Nova's drive-time show Ricki-Lee, Tim, and Joel, (all pictured) has been one of Australia's top radio personalities since 2001

They are followed closely behind by Dom Dolla, who has secured six nominations including for best solo artist, best electronic release and song of the year.

Meanwhile, Troye, Tones and I, First Nations hip hop collective 3%, Amy Shark, Rufus Du Sol and The Kid LAROI have all landed four nominations.

Confidence Man and FISHER have also been recognised in three categories, with the winners set to be crowned at the Hordern Pavilion on November 20.

The 2024 Aria Awards in partnership with YouTube showcase the best of Australia's music talents and will air live from 5pm AEDT on Stan.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said: 'Everyone at ARIA is absolutely thrilled to celebrate such an incredible list of commercially successful nominees for 2024, across a huge breadth of genres.

Royel Otis (pictured), known for their cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor's hit Murder on the Dancefloor, are up for album of the year, best group and best rock album, among others

'It is a list that covers global megastars, touring acts on the brink of world domination and a genuinely exciting group of up-and-coming stars with plenty of buzz.'

Kylie's award success is her latest achievement in an incredible year since the release of her smash hit album Tension.

Tension's lead single Padam Padam received critical acclaim from music critics and it won the inaugural Best Pop Dance Recording award at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February.

In the best solo artist category, Kylie is up against huge Aussie stars including Troye Sivan (pictured), The Kid LAROI , Tones and I, and Dom Dolla

After Tension outsold the entire top 20 combined on the UK charts gave Kylie her second Grammy, the songstress is now releasing a follow-up album titled Tension II.

Tension II will hope to replicate the success of Tension and her fans have gone wild after learning of her new music plans.

She will also be jetting off on a world tour at the start of 2025, and is treating Aussies to an epic 10 shows Down Under.

It marks Kylie's first tour Down Under since 2019 and comes after her headlining stint at Splendour In The Grass festival had to be cancelled earlier this year.

As well as her Australia dates, Kylie will also be performing around Asia and the United Kingdom.

'I can't wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more,' she gushed in an announcement this week.

'It's been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!'
Katie Price took to the stage for a performance at The Clapham Grand on Saturday.

The former glamour model, 46, serenaded the audience at the Top of the Slops Drag Competition with her 2017 song I Got U.

But along with her judging duties, Katie also got on stage herself and performed for the crowd, who burst into applause when she began singing.

The reality star showcased her assets in a skintight camo vest top with matching leggings and cap. She also sported a pair of black leather boots.

Alongside the clip, she wrote: 'Thanks for having me @theclaphamgrand as a judge'.

Katie Price took to the stage for a performance at The Clapham Grand on Saturday

The former glamour model, 46, serenaded the audience at the Top of the Slops Drag Competition with her 2017 song I Got U

Katie is no stranger to showing off her singing chops as she previously tried to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005.

The mother-of-five entered the selection competition Making Your Mind Up but lost to Javine with the Song Touch My Fire.

She and her then husband Peter Andre released a cover of the song A Whole New World in 2006 which reached number 12 in the charts.

They also released a collaboration album of the same name that year which reached number 20 in the charts and was ceritfied gold.

The TV personality also reignited an old feud during the performance as she called out Emily Atack.

'Has anybody ever seen me do the "pwor fishy",' Katie asked the crowd.

The 'fishy' comment references a video Katie shared back in 2019 where she slammed Emily for making jokes about her.

The pair's feud kicked off in 2019 when Emily appeared on the I'm A Celebrity spin-off show Extra Camp.

But along with her judging duties, Katie also got on stage herself and performed for the crowd, who burst into applause when she began singing

Emily joked she would need to 'get tested in a clinic' after learning the rock pool she bathed in had previously been used by Katie and Peter Andre.

'Now I am not one to attack, even though it was Emily Atack,' Katie added. 'I don't attack anyone. I am the kindest person ever.

'But if someone goes for me, I make sure I have the last word.'

A source previously told The Sun Katie was 'furious' when she heard what Emily had said about her.

They revealed: 'She was telling people that she can't believe Emily would say something so snide and if she "wants a problem, I'll give her a problem".

'At one point Katie was saying she'd fly out to Australia and confront her. She's not going to, obviously, but she was asking around to see if anyone had Emily's number.'

Emily has not responded to Katie's most recent jibe or the video she previously made about her.

Katie last resurrected the feud in 2023 when she took a swipe at her in a new TikTok video.

She appeared on a podcast with popular TikTok star GK Barry - aka Grace Keeling - and took a swipe at The Inbetweeners actress.

Katie also reignited an old feud during the performance as she called out Emily Atack who previously made a jibe about Katie on I'm A Celebrity spin-off show Extra Camp

Katie previously reignited her feud with Emily Atack as she took a swipe at her in a new TikTok video

Promoting the pair's chat, Grace shared a video on TikTok where she said: 'Guys I am with someone proper fishy.'

Katie then said: 'Pwhoar Emily Atack, proper fishy mate,' while waving her hand under her nose.

Grace captioned the clip, seen by The Mirror, with: 'Next week's podcast episode is one of the most iconic things ever.'
James Argent packed on the PDA with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson as the besotted couple shared a passionate kiss during a Bonfire Night display in Essex on Wednesday.

The former TOWIE star, 36, and model, 31, looked more loved-up than ever as they enjoyed a romantic evening watching the fireworks and enjoying the fairground rides at Woolston Manor.

Seeming to be on cloud nine, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other as they wrapped up warm in winter coats for the date night.

Former Miss Sweden Nicoline put on an effortlessly stylish display in a nude roll neck top and a fluffy white teddy coat, paired with matching earmuffs.

She completed her look with grey flared trousers and brown boots, letting her blonde tresses fall over her shoulders in a natural wavy style.

James Argent, 36, packed on the PDA with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson, 31, as the besotted couple shared a passionate kiss during a Bonfire Night display on Wednesday

The former TOWIE star and model looked more loved-up than ever as they enjoyed a romantic evening watching the fireworks

Meanwhile, Arg, who couldn't keep his eyes off his new girlfriend, looked equally fashionable in a tan trench coat and black jeans.

The couple were all smiles and laughter as they watched the display together and made their way around the event.

Nicoline wrapped her arms around the reality star as they made the most of the romantic night, before packing on the PDA for a smooch in front of the colourful display.

James even attempted to win a prize for his lover, as he tried his hand at a strong-man game with a hammer.

And the couple seem to be going from strength to strength after the news James is reportedly hoping 'to marry and start a family' with his new girlfriend.

The former TV star, who lost 14 stone and is now clean and sober after battling addictions and 'learning to love himself', has been seen looking very loved-up with the model on multiple occasions.

After turning his life around, it seems Arg is now ready to settle down with a source claiming he believes 'she is the one.'

A source told OK! Magazine: 'He had a real problem loving himself, outside and in. But now that he's worked on that relationship, the one with himself, he's been able to have a really healthy relationship with someone else.

Seeming to be on cloud nine, they couldn't keep their hands off of each other as they wrapped up warm in winter coats for the date night

Former Miss Sweden Nicoline put on an effortlessly stylish display in a nude roll neck top and a fluffy white teddy coat, paired with matching earmuffs

She completed her look with grey flared trousers and brown boots, letting her blonde tresses fall over her shoulders in a natural wavy style

Meanwhile, Arg, who couldn't keep his eyes off his new girlfriend, looked equally fashionable in a tan trench coat and black jeans

The couple were all smiles and laughter as they watched the display together and made their way around the event

Nicoline wrapped her arms around the reality star as they made the most of the romantic night

'He absolutely thinks she's the one and he wants to marry her. He wants a family, she wants a family, it all makes sense.'

The source added: 'Hes been asking for advice from friends about rings and proposals, its definitely at the forefront of his mind right now.'

MailOnline has contacted James Argent's representative for comment.

The couple went Instagram official during a lavish getaway to St Tropez in September.

The former TOWIE star seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a romantic date night.

The couple looked happier than ever as they cosied up a the dinner and coordinated in their purple outfits.

James looked dapper in a purple open collar shirt while model Nicoline stunned in a matching lilac plunging maxi dress.

The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other as they were seen dancing in another video before packing on the PDA and kissing.

James even attempted to win a prize for his lover, as he tried his hand at a strong-man game with a hammer

And the couple seem to be going from strength to strength after the news James is reportedly hoping 'to marry and start a family' with his new girlfriend

The former TV star, who lost 14 stone and is now clean and sober after battling addictions and 'learning to love himself', has been seen looking very loved-up with the model

A source said: 'Hes been asking for advice from friends about rings and proposals, its definitely at the forefront of his mind right now'

The reality star gushed: 'I honestly started to think that it might not happen for me but I found you and everything changed! I love you'.

Nicoline won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch. She was also asked to take part in the French version The Bacherlorette but declined to focus on her studies.

Rumours swirled on the pair's romance after James liked a picture of Nicoline shared to her Instagram at the World Vision Gala in August.

Sharing a snap of herself in a navy satin one-shoulder wrap dress, complete with a high-leg split, Nicoline wrote: 'It's an absolute pleasure to be apart of this years WORLD VISION GALA to help everyone come together for a greater cause!

'Huge thank you to everyone who attended for all the support and contributions! 2011 I was crowned as Miss Sweden and it's a Title I've forever cherished and honored for its deep purpose.'

It is James's first relationship since splitting from his ex Stella Turian last November.

In March, Arg told the My Dirty Laundry podcast that he really struggled on Valentine's day because of his single status - and had to stay off social media because it got him down so much.

Having tackled his demons, staying sober for two years and losing 15 stone in weight, James said: 'I'm in a really good place.

Rumours swirled on the pair's romance after James liked a picture of Nicoline shared to her Instagram at the World Vision Gala in August

The former TOWIE star, who lost 14 stone and is now clean and sober after battling addictions and 'learning to love himself', has been seen looking very loved-up with the model

Nicoline won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and has modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch

James broke up with Stella, 16 year his junior, in November after a year-long romance and said 'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew social media was not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend.

Before that, James dated his former TOWIE co-star Lydia Bright - they were childhood sweethearts and dated on and off between 2008-2016 and he now credits her as being one of his best friends (pictured in 2011)

'Everything in my life is perfect, apart from my love life. It would be nice if that would change.

'I'll be completely honest, this year I really struggled on Valentine's Day. I remember, I woke up and thought, I am not going to look at social media.

'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew it's not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend.

'But, I couldn't help it. There was times where I'd just have a little glance and all you would see was couples. Everyone's madly in love. Everyone's happy.

'Everyone's out on dates. There's flowers, there's balloons, there's chocolates,there's date nights or trips or happily married couples - and yeah, it did start to affect me a little bit.'
The much-anticipated film Wicked, from director Jon M. Chu, made its world premiere at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia last week, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on Saturday.

In between those days, and moving forward to the widespread release in theaters, it's all about the promotional push through interviews, appearances, and social media posts.

While in the midst of promo mode, the two stars of the film, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, issued apologizes for all the tears they've been shedding as they talk about their friendship and the film.

'We've cried 500 times today. And honestly, this is a PSA. So sorry guys,' Grande, 31, could be heard saying in a give-and-take with Erivo in a video shared by E! News.

'It is what it is,' her British-born co-star added. 'There's just nothing we can do about it.'

Cynthia Erivo, 37, and Ariana Grande, 31, have been issuing apologies for all the crying they've been doing while promoting Wicked and talking about their budding friendship

The two stars of Wicked formed a close friendship and bond since being named as part of the cast in late 2021; they are seen on the red carpet for the LA premiere

Grande jumped back in: 'I can't imagine, and you know what? If you're going to comment saying how annoying it is, I'll say it first,' she said sitting next to Erivo for an interview. 'I said it first. I'm annoyed. I'm tired. My tear ducts I'm tired, emotionally tired.'

'We've come through a massive, massive thing and we've really stuck together,' Erivo, 37, explained.

'Yeah, the stuff you don't see is the most special stuff, Ariana added while the two ladies sounded like old friends or a married couple.

They would apologize again when Erivo and Grande, who play Elphaba Thropp/Wicked Witch Of The West and Glinda The Good Witch Of The North, respectively, attended the Los Angeles premiere on Saturday.

'We're sorry. It just happens. It happens. We can't help it. We're trying our best, but there's a lot of emotional things that happen and we're just going with it,' Erivo told ET.

'Yeah, you need to understand. It's been like three years, people!' Ariana pleads. 'Why does emotional availability scare you so?'

Next up, the lead actresses will take the trip to Mexico City, Mexico on Monday, November 11, for the next Wicked premiere.

From the sounds of things, the two leading ladies have formed quite the bond, which is understandable considering they have been connected at the hip since they were announced as the leads in in late 2021.

'We've cried 500 times today. And honestly, this is a PSA. So sorry guys,' Grande, 31, could be heard saying in a give-and-take with Erivo in a video shared by E! News

They would apologize again when Erivo and Grande, who play Elphaba Thropp/Wicked Witch Of The West and Glinda The Good Witch Of The North, respectively, attended the Los Angeles premiere on Saturday

The filming of the 2024 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked took about a year, with principal photography starting in December 2022 in England.

But, the shoot was paused in July 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, only to pick back up after the winter holidays of that same year and eventually conclude in January 2024.

Remember, director Jon M. Chu decided to film the adaptation of Wicked into two separate movies, so that means the cast and crew will be doing all the promotional interviews all over again this time next year.

Wicked is the origin story of 'a green-skinned woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West', and serves as a prequel to The Wizard Of Oz, exploring the narrative before Dorothy's arrival and delving into the former friendship between the characters Elphaba and Glinda.

Wicked: Part One hits theaters in the U.S. on November 22, and the sequel, Wicked Part Two, will follow the next year, premiering in cinemas on November 21, 2025

Along with Erivo and Grande, the film's cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, Peter Dinklage, Aaron Teoh, Grecia de la Paz, Colin Michael Carmichael, Adam James and Andy Nyman.

The movie is about an unlikely friendship that emerges between Elphaba and Glinda, 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: Part One hits theaters in the U.S. on November 22, and then the sequel, Wicked Part Two, will follow the next year, premiering in cinemas on November 21, 2025.
Ice Spice flashed her abs in a cropped varsity top and low-rise pleated skirt as she headed out for dinner in Paris.

The American rapper, 24, arrived in the French capital over the weekend to perform her Y2K! World Tour at L'Olympia on Sunday.

She looked incredible as stepped out for dinner at Siena in a short grey skirt with brown suede slouch boots and a navy crop top.

Ice Spice was beaming as she smiled at fans outside the lavish restaurant in Paris's famous Marche Saint-Honore.

She sported a huge butterfly-shaped diamond chunky chain necklace with a priceless Richard Mille watch.

Ice Spice flashed her abs in a cropped varsity top and low-rise pleated skirt as she headed out for dinner in Paris

It comes after Ice Spice performed in Birmingham on Tuesday evening as part of the UK leg of her Y2K! world tour.

She made sure to turn heads in a very busty bra top and mini skirt at the O2 Institute.

Ice Spice teamed the black satin lingerie with a cropped shrug that closed at the neck with an embellished butterfly necklace.

She added a pair of fishnet stockings and completed her outfit with chunky knee high lace-up boots.

The American rapper was in Birmingham as part of her Y2K! world tour to the UK, which saw her take to the stage in Manchester last week.

Her debut album, Y2K!, came out on July 26, and features 10 new hits from Popa to TTYL.

Ice Spice announced her debut full-length project in late January, sharing the title with her millions of online followers.

'I definitely wanted to branch out more and try different sounds, and it was also just really natural, too,' she told RS about the release.

She looked incredible as stepped out for dinner at Siena in a short grey skirt with brown suede slouch boots and a navy crop top

She sported a huge butterfly-shaped diamond chunky chain necklace with a priceless Richard Mille watch

It comes after Ice Spice performed in Birmingham on Tuesday evening as part of the UK leg of her Y2K! world tour

She made sure to turn heads in a very busty bra top and mini skirt at the O2 Institute

'I'd get in the studio and just really say the first thing that comes to mind. A lot of these beats are still drill beats, but we're using a lot of trap elements, too, to spice it up,' she noted.

The Princess Diana hitmaker recently sparked rumours of Ozempic use after debuting a very trimmed down physique.

She has denied using the popular diabetes medicine for weight loss and shared a workout video on Instagram to refute the allegations.

'We beatin them allegations bae [red-heart emoji],' captioned Ice Spice as her hit, BB Belt, played in the clip.

A few days before that Instagram post, Ice took part in an X (formerly Twitter) Spaces chat to discuss the rumours.

'I actually came on here to talk about that real quick. Cuz I was like, b****, I wish y'all never learned the word Ozempic,' the Deli rapper said.

And she denied knowing of the weight loss drug saying she maintains her fit figure by working out regularly.

She teamed the black satin lingerie with a cropped shrug that closed at the neck with an embellished butterfly necklace

Ice Spice added a pair of fishnet stockings and completed her outfit with chunky knee high lace-up boots

The American rapper was in Birmingham as part of her Y2K! world tour to the UK, which saw her take to the stage in Manchester last week

'That's one thing I wish. Oh my God! Like what even is Ozempic? What the f*** is that? Genuinely, what is that, bro? Like, you lazy b***es never heard of the gym?

'It's called the gym, it's called eating healthy, it's called being on tour. Like, what the hell? Maybe if I was sitting home all f***ing day, it'll be easier to stay big,' she shared.

Ice Spice's former friend Cleotrapa, 26, didn't believe her claims and wasn't afraid to share her thoughts.

'Imagine being called big by someone that was just big. I'm going to bed bro ozempic got yall gassed & fatphobic now? BET,' Cleotrapa tweeted.

Cleotrapa was the opening act on several dates on Ice Spice's recently wrapped Y2K tour but they had a falling out over chicken salad.
Lauren Pope is getting in the Christmas spirit a little too early this year as she put up her Christmas tree with her two children on Monday.

The model, 42, shared a glimpse of her festivities at home this year as she posted a sweet clip on Instagram of her starting the holidays early.

She appeared in top spirits as she got her two daughters, Raine Anais Keterman and Leni Star Keterman, who she shares with her ex Tony, excited for Christmas.

The clip showed Lauren, dressed in brown joggers and a white top, decorating her tree with warm gold lights, pink and purple ornaments and a big gold star.

At the end of the sweet clip, the blonde beauty hugged her two daughters as they prepared for the holiday season.

Lauren Pope is getting in the Christmas spirit early this year as she put up her Christmas tree with her two children on Monday

The model, 42, shared a glimpse of her festivities at home this year as she shared a sweet clip on Instagram of her family starting the holidays early

She captioned her post: 'I know it's early but f*ck itWhy not

'They asked and I had absolutely no reason to say no so this is how we spent our Sunday afternoon!

'It's also a little proud moment because last Christmas putting up the tree made me feel quite anxious but we were all so excited to do it this year. Anyone having a tough time coming into the festive period and feeling overwhelmed, I feel you. I promise you the light is at the end of that tunnel, it just may take a bit of time to find it!'

And Lauren isn't the only celebrity who is putting their tree up early this year as Kerry Katona had her home professionally decorated last week.

The former Atomic Kitten star, 44, flaunted her two lavish-looking Christmas trees as she shared a snap of her home transformation at the beginning of November.

In one room, Kerry placed a silver-decorated tree in the corner, which boated an arrangement of oversized silver baubles and frosted twigs.

In an adjoining room, the songstress switched it up and had a classic red, gold, and green tree, which featured an array of ribbons and unique ornaments, such as a mask for a tree topper.

Her home was also decorated with life-sized nutcrackers and oversized baubles.

She appeared in top spirits as she got her two daughters, Raine Anais Keterman and Leni Star Keterman, who she shares with her ex Tony, excited for Christmas

Lauren pictured with Tony in 2020 before they split in November 2023 after five years of dating

The clip showed Lauren, dressed in brown joggers and a white top, decorating her tree with warm gold lights, pink and purple ornaments and a big gold star

She captioned her post: 'I know it's early but f*ck itWhy not. They asked and I had absolutely no reason to say no so this is how we spent our Sunday afternoon!'

And Lauren isn't the only celebrity who is putting their tree up early this year as Kerry Katona, 44, had her home professionally decorated last week as she boasted two Christmas trees

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have also got their decorations up in prompt time as they showed off their very lavish Christmas lights and decorations at their Essex 3.5m mansion on Sunday.

Former TOWIE star Mark, took to the couple's home Instagram account to give fan an insight as he got into the festive spirit.

The Georgian-style windows of their home were framed in fairy lights, with leaves framing the door and reindeer stood on either side.

The clips also showed extravagant indoor decorations, which included hundreds of baubles up their sweeping staircase.

Topping off the hallway decor, a huge Christmas tree with red and gold-themed bows and stars stood to the side.

Mark captioned the update: 'Its that time of year again!! The best time of the year!! Just when you think @4.seasonevents cant do any better Killed it.'

Last week, Mark gave fans a glimpse of the latest update from the renovations at the luxury home he shares with wife Michelle, including a very racy feature.

The couple have been completely renovating their Essex mansion since purchasing it in October 2019 and have been keeping fans updated with the incredible changes on their home Instagram account.

Mark offered a look at the pair's luxurious bathroom, which has been transformed with brand new tiles.

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have also got their decorations up in prompt time as they showed off their Christmas lights and decorations at their Essex 3.5m mansion on Sunday

Former TOWIE star Mark, took to the couple's home Instagram account to give fan an insight as he got into the festive spirit

The clips also the showed extravagant indoor decorations, which included hundreds of baubles up their sweeping staircase

Mark captioned the update: 'Its that time of year again!! The best time of the year!! Just when you think @4.seasonevents cant do any better Killed it'

In a video from his home account, @wrightyhome, Mark filmed around the sizeable space, which featured white marble tiling across the floors and walls.

While the former TOWIE star told how he was 'so happy' with the latest update, he's also no doubt chuffed with very large shower with room for both him and Michelle.

The huge two-person shower room sits next to the couple's very own steam room and sauna, with the lucky pair, who married in 2015, likely making the most of their home spa on a regular basis.

Mark also took fans around another smaller bathroom in the vast home, which this time featured grey marble tiling as well as his 'n' hers sinks and a luxury freestanding bath.
Damian Lewis has been criticised for his conduct during an interview plugging his new BBC series, Wolf Hall.

The British actor, 53, was scheduled to chat with Radio Times' award-winning journalist Ginny Dougary to promote the return of the historical drama after nearly a decade off air.

As the show's star, playing well-known Tudor monarch King Henry VIII in the series, Damian is said to have agreed to an hour-long chat.

But according to Ginny, the actor abruptly cut off his remote interview after turning up 10 minutes late.

When asked if he could make up the lost time, he decided to leave 15 minutes early.

Damian Lewis has been criticised for his conduct during an interview plugging his new BBC series, Wolf Hall (pictured on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg)

The British actor, 53, was scheduled to chat to Radio Times' journalist Ginny Dougary in a bid to promote the return of the BBC's historical drama after nearly a decade off air

Unimpressed with the actor's abrupt behaviour, Ginny scolded him in her writeup of the chat, branded him 'cunning' and 'controlling' and comparing his behaviour to that of Henry VIII.

Documenting her experience, she penned: 'So this is a first, My interviewee has walked out. Not in a flounce or in uncontrolled anger but dead casually, as though it's no real biggy.'

She went on to reveal that the interview was organised remotely but pre-agreed to have cameras on as it was supposed to be recorded to promote the return of the series.

Ginny continued: 'As a matter of fact, as he mentioned just before the interview started, he will have to "bail" 15 minutes early, thereby cutting our agreed time by half (reduced yet further when he pulls the plug).'

She went on to compare the traits evident in Damian's behaviour with those of Henry VIII, leading to her to query whether his behaviour was 'method acting in reverse'.

Despite her sour interview with Lewis, Ginny noted that director Peter Kosminsky, who she interviewed earlier behaved more 'reasonably'.

MailOnline contacted Damian's representatives for a comment.

Lewis' scolding from Ginny came after he revealed that taking on the role of Henry VIII in the BBC's adaptation of Wolf Hall wore him down.

Unimpressed with the actor's abrupt behaviour, Ginny scolded him in her writeup of the chat, branded him 'cunning' and 'controlling' and comparing his behaviour to that of Henry VIII.

The actor confessed that he usually finds acting very therapeutic but found the role of the Tudor monarch exhausting.

The Homeland star explained that acting a character who can seemingly do whatever they please had moments of fun because life is not usually like that.

He told The Radio Times that it was a welcome contrast as he often found life could be grey and dithering.

He said: 'Well, acting is therapeutic, for sure, but I don't think you'd want to be playing these kinds of people too often because they do wear you down over time.

'So, yes, there is a freedom, there is something therapeutic to be able to behave in whatever way you want, because any good drama most of the time explores us in extremis  our excesses, our greatest conflicts and our greatest triumphs  and life isn't always like that. Life can be a bit more grey and a bit more dithering.'

Damian plays an increasingly paranoid King Henry in the hit BBC series

The star made the candid confession three years after the death of his wife Helen McCrory.

The Peaky Blinders star tragically died of breast cancer at the age of 52 in April 2021 and Damian channeled his grief into music.

The star wrote some deeply personal songs that have featured on his debut album Mission Creep which was released last year.

And the Billions star has been enjoying the change of creative outlet, spending time with other musicians and performing.

But Damian added that he will only continue with his music as long as there is public appetite for it.

The star said: 'It has to wash its own face,' and added he would like to keep going if he can.

He also revealed that his new music career is a step up from his early days when he would perform on the street as a teenager outside tube stations.

Damian said: 'I did a smorgasbord of greatest hits from back in the day. The Elvis medley went down very well.'

Lewis' scolding from Ginny came after he revealed that taking on the role of Henry VIII in the BBC 's adaptation of Wolf Hall wore him down

The star made the candid confession three years after the death of his wife Helen McCrory (pictured together in 2020)

And the star has more than one string to his bow.

He told the publication he enjoyed the role of Henry VIII because it allowed him to immerse himself in the history of the period.

He said: 'I enjoyed history very much. I enjoy the university of acting. You can continue to put yourself through an education if you're careful and clever in your choice of roles; if you're fortunate enough to have choice in the first place.

'So, yes, playing someone like Henry VIII does open an opportunity to read extensively about Tudor history and that is certainly partly what interests me about the roles I take.'
Iskra Lawrence has been praised after she shared a two-part homebirth video after welcoming her second child in a bid to help other women 'prepare' themselves for childbirth.

The British model, 34, took to Instagram to share her experience a month after giving birth to her daughter - who is currently known as 'P.P'.

Iskra and her partner, music producer Philip Payne, are also parents to four-year-old son Alpha.

Sharing her whole journey, from contractions, to giving birth, to her daughter's first moments at home, Iskra posted her 'unfiltered moments' to her 5.3million followers.

The first clip began with the star rocking back and forth on the toilet as she breathed through each contraction.

Iskra Lawrence shared a two-part homebirth video after welcoming her second child in a bid to help other women 'prepare' themselves for childbirth

The British model, 34, took to Instagram to share her experience a month after giving birth to her daughter - who is currently known as 'P.P'

The clip then showed Iskra moving to the bathtub as she breathed through the pain before her partner, Philip, poured water over her bump.

As the contractions became more intense, Iskra could be seen wincing in pain as she breathed heavily, screamed, and started pushing.

Iskra revealed that at the point, she started 'thinking of affirmations' and covered her intimate area with a picture of a rose as P.P. started crowning but got stuck.

Part one finished with the midwife feeling for the baby's head as Philip started comforting Iskra in a bid to provide her with her 'needed oxytocins'.

Iskra then shared part two, which started with the model breathing heavily as she waited for next contraction to push for the final time.

Iskra was heard screaming as her daughter was welcomed and put into her arms.

The model then stroked the back of her newborn as they acclimatised to their environment following the exhausting experience.

After wrapping the newborn in a towel, Iskra and Philip shared a sweet moment as they kissed and cradled their newborn.

Iskra and her partner, music producer Philip Payne, are already parents to four-year-old son Alpha

She shared her journey from contractions to pushing out her second child to her daughter's first moments at home, Iskra posted her 'unfilitered moments' to her 5.3million followers

She shared her first clip on social media on October, 9, which initially began with the star rocking back and forth on the toilet as she breathed through each contraction

The clip then showed Iskra moving to the bathtub as she happily breathed through the pain before her partner, Philip, poured water over her blossoming bump

As the contractions became more intense, Iskra could be seen wincing in pain as she breathed heavily, screamed, and started pushing in the hopes of meeting her baby girl

Iskra then revealed that at the point of birth, she started 'thinking of affirmations' and covered her areas with a picture of a rose as P.P. started crowning but got stuck

Iskra showed them having their first hour of uninterrupted 'skin-on-skin' contact time before P.P. 'latched on straight away' for her first run of breastfeeding.

Philip then had his own time to have skin-to-skin contact with the little one before they cut the baby's cord.

The clip then showed the baby being cleaned next to her placenta after she revealed it was the 'redemption birth of her dreams'.

Sharing the first clip to social media, Iskra penned: 'On the final day of Virgo season our daughter arrived in the water, my midwife laid her on my chest and I felt complete awe

'this is part 1 of my home birth redemption story. A new birth team, and a totally new mindset. This was the birth of my dreams - you may watch this and think "it looks painful" but trust me you welcome it because you know that it's time to meet your baby and every contraction is bringing you closer

'birth is the most alive feeling I've every experienced when you feel the human you've been building moving down and getting ready to enter the world you have to completely surrender you have to work together and invite everything that comes with it

'you are pushed to your furthest limit and realize you are more powerful than you can every imagine that you will be able to get through anything after this and it prepares you for the challenges ahead by showing you what you're capable of

Part one finished with the midwife feeling for the baby's head as Philip started comforting her in a bid to provide her with her 'needed oxytocins'

Iskra then shared part two, which started with the model, breathing heavily as she waited for next contraction to push for the final time

'the women's body is a miracle, and in a way I get how romanticized and mysterious it can seem but I felt lost and alone and searching for so many answers during my first birth that I knew I wanted to share the raw reel footage of this one to help others see what birth looks like - that it's the hardest more rewarding experience you'll have and that no matter what fears you have you are capable and you and your baby will knew what to do when the time comes

'yes there was throw up, poop, blood, sweat, tears, moments I didn't know if I had enough energy left but that's where you get to tap into the deepest depths of your soul and give everything you have - which to my symbolizes how we give everything to our children and instead of feeling like we have nothing left for us just remember you did that, you are a creator and your body is miraculous

'To those who will shame me for having a home birth that's ok I love u and I understand your mindset and my birth is no greater because it was at home or unmedicated and if I had needed I would have happily gone to a hospital and for those who think this is grotesque and tmi I am at such peace and I'm so proud of myself and my body you simply don't have to watch or comment on this I realize this won't be for everyone'

For the second video, she captioned it: 'Her arrival part 2 of my 2nd homebirth sharing these intimate unfiltered moments because how can we prepare for birth if we've never seen it?

'many of you have opened up that giving birth seems scary and you feel fear around it from hearing others birth stories

'or that you're curious about home birth because you've only ever seen births in hospitals in the movies and want to learn more (feel free to ask Qs)

'I didn't document my first birth and regretted it because it was the most powerful and soul shattering experience.'

Iskra can heard screaming as her daughter was welcomed and put into her arms while still attached to her ambilocal cord

The model then stroked the back of her newborn as they acclimatised to their environment following the exhausting experience

The clip then showed the baby being cleaned next to her placenta after she revealed it was the 'redemption birth of her dreams'

Iskra continued: 'I choose to give birth at home again because that's how I always envisioned bringing my babies into the world. first time around my son got stuck and I didn't have the confidence and still had fear surrounding birth that I let my previous midwife intervene and help pull him past my cervix for him to then get stuck again after he crowned and as I got up to let her look he breathed air I had to immediately get out the birth pool and she pulled him out (he was fine) but it felt traumatic and I told my new midwife and doula

'I would need to work on the fear of baby girl getting stuck this time too

'But often our bodies rememberand as she began to crown she got stuck in the ring of fire but unlike my first birth my midwife, doula and Philip didn't intervene they calmed me, supported me and I surrendered.

'Breathing deeply I waited for the next contraction and when it came I tapped into a depth of myself I didn't even know existed my most powerful raw energy and there she was laid on my chest her heart on mine her first breath the first moment we became a family of 4

'birth is a miracle, I'm forever grateful to have my babies and

'I hope I can inspire you to see birth as something magical and that you and your baby know exactly what to do and you are capable

'(this does not mean I'm trying to convince anyone to have a home birth) please keep the comments kind and open minded and a safe space for mama's to share their positive stories because we need more of them not just the horror stories that fill us with fear you've got this mamas'

Iskra's brave decision to share her homebirth videos on social media was applauded by women from across the world as they thanked the mother-of-two for her 'vulnerbale' account.

One penned: 'You are the epitome of beauty and grace and strength. And how beautiful how Philip cherishes and adores you. A baby into love love love'

'Awwww I love this so much. The vulnerability, surrendering and trusting your body and baby will work together. Thank you for sharing this'

Iskra's brave decision to share her homebirth videos on social media was applauded by women from across the world as they thanked the mother-of-two for her 'vulnerbale' account

'Beautiful! Thank you all for sharing. What a Gift. The Love is palpable. Super Sacred.'

'Thank you for sharing. I've always been nervous myself even though I've had the privilege of witnessing two births. But seeing a different experience can truly help put you at ease. And definitely think everyone should get the opportunity to witness a child being born. It's life changing.'

'I am not a mommy and don't expect to be one but this was an amazing share you did with us. Birth is for me the scariest thing on the world and this helped a little, seeing you and the baby safe and respected during this experience. Thanks for taking us with you on this journey showing s peaceful birth'

'Congratulations!! This looked like such a beautiful experience! I want to have kids one day but I don't think I'd have the strength to handle pregnancy/birth! But seeing this made me inspired'
Charlotte Dawson has detailed how she's learning to forgive her fiance Matthew Sarsfield's sexting scandal, likening the undertaking to a 'grieving process'.

The reality TV star, 32, revealed in August that she and Matt, 33, were expecting their 'surprise' third child - just weeks after news broke he had been sexting another woman.

Charlotte has since reconciled with her partner and said Matt is banned from using social media as she admitted it's taking her a 'long time to rebuild the trust' with him.

And in an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Charlotte opened up on her relationship, stating that the couple were 'taking it slow' and that it would have been 'easier walk away' from their eight-year romance.

Discussing how it's been learning to trust her partner again and the time it takes, the star shared: 'As much as this is public, this is our actual lives. This is what has actually been happening to us, it's not a showmance! It's one of those those where there is a lot of hurt, it's like a grieving process.'

Charlotte Dawson has detailed how she's learning to forgive her fiance Matthew Sarsfield's sexting scandal, likening the undertaking to a 'grieving process'

The reality TV star, 32, revealed in August that she and Matt, 33, were expecting their 'surprise' third child - just weeks after news broke he had been sexting another woman

Speaking further about her process of forgiveness, Charlotte continued: 'We're taking it slow and just taking it each day as it comes really. Obviously we have a baby on the way and we've got a family.

'I actually always say, it's a lot harder to stay with them and it's actually easier to walk away. Do you know what I mean? So we're happy.

'We're taking it slow and he's not on social media at the moment just because of the obvious reasons. I just think it's the best thing for us at the moment.

'You know what it's like on social media, you just end up scrolling for hours, so it's just a waste of time and you end up in a bit of a like habit of it, don't you? So he's happy, he doesn't know anything that's going on with anyone, so it's quite nice actually. It was his decision. He said he just came off it [social media] and he was going to go back on it and then he just decided to not go back on.

Charlotte said that if he did return to social media, it wouldn't be a deal breaker because they are 'learning to trust each other', adding that Matt will return to social media 'when the time's right'.

Meanwhile, the former Celebrity Bumps star addressed the backlash she gets for posting Matthew on her Instagram, declaring she 'can't win' either way.

She said: 'I used to love doing my funny videos with him and stuff like that. I keep putting him at the end of my photos all the time. Everyone's like, I want to see a picture of you and Matthew, it's like you can't win!

'People are upset that I'm hiding him away, which I'm not, he doesn't particularly want to be in it anyway! If I don't show him, it's like "oh you're not showing him", but if I do show him, I get the odd idiot saying I'm a mug! You just can't win!'

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Charlotte opened up on her relationship, stating that the couple were 'taking it slow' and that it would have been 'easier walk away' from their eight-year romance

'As much as this is public, this is our actual lives. This is what has actually been happening to us, it's not a showmance! It's one of those those where there is a lot of hurt, it's like a grieving process'

'We're taking it slow and just taking it each day as it comes. Obviously we have a baby on the way and we've got a family. I actually always say, it's a lot harder to stay with them and it's actually easier to walk away'

Despite the difficult time, Charlotte - who is gearing up for a starring role in Aladdin the pantomime this Christmas - is looking forward to beginning a New Year with her family.

The TV personality is counting down to baby number three - a little girl - with Matthew, with the couple already sharing sons Noah, three, and one-year-old Jude.

She told how the they we're just trying to work through things as best they can and are even planning a Babymoon soon, despite her finding things 'difficult' navigating the scandal while pregnant.

The beauty is thrilled to be expecting a little girl, and is currently torn between the names Penelope and Gigi.

But before the arrival of the latest Dawson-Sarsfield tot, there's the small number of a pantomime stint to get through, with Charlotte set to tread the boards playing evil sorceress Abananzar at The Globe theatre at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort.

The star recently kicked off rehearsals and though she told that it would be difficult juggling work with her two young children, which leaves her feeling 'mum guilt', she has Matthew and her mother on hand for support.

Detailing how she's coping with all the things in her life, Charlotte shared: 'It's a bit stressful. I'm thinking "Oh my God, how am I gonna do this?" Like, I mean, I'm doing it and I have sciatica as well.

Meanwhile, the former Celebrity Bumps star addressed the backlash she gets for posting Matthew on her Instagram, declaring she 'can't win' either way.

Charlotte told how the they we're just trying to work through things as best they can and are even planning a Babymoon soon, despite her finding things 'difficult' navigating the scandal while pregnant

The star recently kicked off rehearsals and though she told that it would be difficult juggling work with her two young children, which leaves her feeling 'mum guilt', she has Matthew and her mother on hand for support

Charlotte will appear in Aladdin at Blackpool's Globe Theatre from November 23 which runs on selected dates until December 24,

'So I struggle with that and obviously I'm gonna be in heels all the time. I've got bloody Barry and Billy bunions, they're on fire every day.

'So I'm like, "how the hell am I gonna do this?" But I know I can do it. I'm gonna do it, do it and I'm gonna have the best time. I'm lucky because it's only down the road, you know, so I can literally pick the kids up from nursery when I finished and take them out, you know, be with them.'

Charlotte continued: 'I'm trying to do everything I can for the family and everything like that. There's pros and cons but I think I'm gonna have the best time. I

'I love my panto family, I love being on stage, so it'll make me feel amazing when I'm back there, you know? And I mean, I hope the outfits will just keep on expanding!'

On looking to the future and putting the tough events of 2024 behind her, Charlotte concluded: 'I can't wait for 2025. I really just want that happiness, that positivity. I want to get back on telly and just, you know, just have a happy family life.'
Brooklyn Beckham has shared an emotional tribute to his pal Quincy Jones, following his death at the age of 91.

Sharing a snap of the tattoo he has in the producer's honour, Brooklyn wrote that 'he misses him more than he can imagine.'

Brooklyn, 25, shared an image of the moment he showed Quincy the tattoo on his neck, which featured a pair of eyes.

He captioned the post: 'Quincy, We will always and forever miss you. Your talent will remain in everyones hearts for eternity.

'Thank you for being so kind to me. We love and miss you more than you can imagine.'

Brooklyn Beckham has shared an emotional tribute to his pal Quincy Jones, as he shared a snap of one of his tattoos in honour of the producer, following his death at the age of 91

Sharing a snap of the tattoo he has in the producer's honour, Brooklyn wrote that 'he misses him more than he can imagine'

In 2022, Brooklyn revealed he'd had an iconic Quincy Jones quote tattooed on his arm, one of the over 100 inks he had on his body.

It read: 'Once a task is just begun, never leave it till it's done. Be the labour great or small, do it well or not at all.'

Brooklyn's wife Nicola Peltz had also shared an emotional tribute to Quincy, writing her 'heart is shattered' in the emotional statement, and promising to look after his daughter Kenya Kinski-Jones, 31, for the 'rest of her life.'

Nicola's brother Will, 38, has been dating Quincy's daughter - who he shares with German actress Nastassja Kinski - since 2011.

Sharing a series of photos to Instagram, she wrapped her arms around the musician while her husband Brooklyn, 25, stood beside them.

She wrote: 'Quincy, my heart is shattered I cant comprehend saying goodbye to you so I wont, I will say see you later.'

Nicola continued: 'You were truly a gift from God. The legacy you have left here on earth is not only your musical genius that has touched the hearts of millions of people but the most beautiful children that you raised - the Jones family, my family - I am so beyond grateful to know them.

'Quincy I cant believe I got lucky enough in this life to grow up knowing your love, wisdom, laughter and light.

Brooklyn shared an image of the moment he showed Quincy the tattoo on his neck, which featured a pair of eyes

In 2022, Brooklyn revealed he'd had an iconic Quincy Jones quote tattooed on his arm, one of the over 100 inks he had on his body

Brooklyn's wife Nicola Peltz had also shared an emotional tribute to Quincy, writing her 'heart is shattered' in the emotional statement

'The twinkle in your eye perfectly matched your smile and lit up this world. Your humour was unmatched and you made me laugh more than anything, I miss laughing with you.

'I love you so much q I will miss you every single day and everyday I will be reminded of your beauty through your unbelievable children.

'I promise to look out for Kenya for the rest of my life. She is my chosen sister and has your magic running through her. Love always your pita.'

Quincy was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, with his family saying in a statement that the 'intimate ceremony included his seven children, his brother, two sisters, and immediate family members.'

The family did not reveal the cemetery where the ceremony took place.

They added that they remain 'enormously grateful for the outpouring of condolences and tributes from his friends and fans from around the world.

'Details for a memorial celebration of Mr. Jones life will be announced at a later date.'

Jones died surrounded by his family at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles on November 3

Jones died surrounded by his family at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles on November 3.

His seven decades of musical mastery included producing Michael Jacksons 'Thriller' album, writing prize-winning film scores and collaborating on classic recordings with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of others.

Tributes to him after his death came from some of the biggest figures in media and politics.

Saturday Night Live, which he once hosted, paid tribute to him a night before his service with a memorial photo in a quiet moment of the show.
Sofia Richie made a rare sighting with her older sister Nicole Richie at the 2024 Baby2Baby gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old model  who recently shared a glimpse of her six-month-old daughter Eloise  made heads turn in a form-fitting, black velvet dress with a white bow accent and matching straps.

Sister Nicole, who is 17 years older, opted for a purple long silk gown with her blonde hair down.

The daughters of American Idol judge Lionel Richie posed together for the cameras and then they were seen hugging.

Also present was Nicole's Simple Life costar Paris Hilton who posed with her husband Carter Reum.

Sofia Richie made a rare sighting with her older sister Nicole Richie, 43, at the 2024 Baby2Baby gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night

The sisters - who have 17 years between them - hugged it out at the party at Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles

Sofia was joined by her husband Elliot Grainge who looked dashing in a black suit and tie.

The Baby2Baby gala is an annual event that raises funds to provide supplies such as diapers and food for underprivileged children living in poverty.

In 2023, the organization raised a record-breaking $12 million dollars.

This year, the Baby2Baby gala honors Atomic Blonde actress Charlize Theron for her role in aiding poverty-stricken children and championing childhood education.

Other stars at event included the likes of Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, Cash Warren and Katy Perry as well as the evening's honoree, Charlize Theron.

Prior to walking the red carpet, Richie took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of herself getting glammed up for the event with her baby Eloise sitting on her lap during the process.

Richie looked glamorous

(L-R) Joel Madden, Nicole, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Co-CEO, Baby2Baby, Sofia, and Rachel Zoe

(L-R) Nicole, Joel, Jamie Mizrahi, and Cash Warren a

The starlet sat in her chair as she got her hair done by her hairstylist, Kathleen, who she tagged in the post.

'My mini,' she penned in the caption, referring to her six-month-old.

The post was a hit with her 11M followers, racking up over 245K likes, as fans rushed to the comments to praise the new-mother.

'I know you dreamed of moments like this,' one top comment read.

'This is probably THE BEST photo ever! Or at least my fav cuz its amazing!!! ' another fan chimed in.

Richie's post comes just after she celebrated her husband's 31st birthday with a photo dump and romantic dinner date.

She and Grainge welcomed their baby girl, Eloise Samantha, in Los Angeles on May 20. The lovebirds have yet to post a full image of their newborn due to privacy concerns.

Nicole and her Simple Life costar Paris Hilton were seen on stage together

The ladies have a new Simple Life show coming out soon

And their newborn's middle name serves as a tribute to Elliot's late mother, Samantha Berg, who died tragically young in 2007.

While giving birth to Elliot in 1993, the businessman's mother had an amniotic fluid embolism, resulting in a coma that she remained in until her death.

Sofia and Elliot had been acquaintances for several years before they began dating in early 2021.

They got engaged in 2022 and ultimately said 'I do' in 2023. She was walked down the aisle by her famous father during her lavish wedding ceremony to the music executive in France.

Sofia was joined by her husband Elliot Grainge who looked dashing in a black suit and tie

Richie took to Instagram to share a sweet photo of herself getting glammed up for the event with her baby Eloise sitting on her lap during the process

Back in June, a source close to the couple revealed that they are still 'adjusting' to life as parents.

'Sofia and Elliot have been on cloud nine since welcoming baby Eloise. They are still adjusting to becoming parents, but it's come fairly natural to both of them,' they told Us Weekly.

The insider also shared that the pair are trying to keep their newborn from the limelight and are reluctant to let others visit.

'Sofia and Elliot haven't let many people over to see the baby, they're both being very protective,' they claimed.

The insider shared that the new mom 'still has that pregnancy glow' and that she 'can't believe' she has a baby.

'It's all very surreal,' the source claimed of the new parents.

The model is also slated to release an infant clothing line that can be purchased on Amazon, though no exact release date has been confirmed.

Her forthcoming children's clothing brand, Amazon Essentials by Sofia Grainge, will be available to the public just in time for the winter, according to the WSJ.

Her line, which she serves as creative director for, will include baby clothing and swaddles.
Country star Ella Langley took a tumble on stage at her concert and accidentally took out her guitarist in the process.

The 25-year-old rising country performer was performing at John T. Floore Country Store in Helotes, Texas on Friday when the incident happened.

Video from the concert showed Ella slipping and falling even letting out a scream before frantically grabbing the arm of guitarist Ben Flanders.

However, she was unsuccessful in gaining her footing and ultimately fell and her bandmember also took a tumble.

Both seemed in good spirits regardless of the embarrassing moment as Ella could be heard laughing in the microphone as Ben looked at her and erupted in boisterous laughter.

Country star Ella Langley took a tumble on stage at her concert and accidentally took out her guitarist in the process

is seen at the The 25-year-old rising country performer is seen at 2024 People's Choice Country Awards at The Grand Ole Opry back in September

Before video was posted on the internet Ella talked about the incident on her TikTok and asked for footage from the fans in attendance.

She said: 'Last night, I fell down for the first time in my career, and I also brought my guitar player down with me, because I could not just fall down by myself.

'So, if you have a video of that, please, we wanna see it. Let me see it. I wanna see it.'

Luckily a fan did send the country star a video from the incident which has since landed on fan account @ellalangleyarchive on TikTok.

Ella reposted the video with the funny caption: 'Damn, didn't mean to do you dirty like that @benflanders.'

The You Look Like You Love Me hitmaker was ending her Hungover Tour in the small Texas town.

To commemorate the moment she captioned an Instagram post: 'the very last show of the hungover tour thank you for selling out every single one of these shows & helotes, thank you for making last night one to remember.'

Ella was born on May 3, 1999 in Hope Hull, Alabama.

Before video was posted on the internet Ella talked about the incident on her TikTok and asked for footage from the fans in attendance

was performing at John T. Floore Country Store in Helotes, Texas on Friday when the incident happened

Video from the concert showed Ella slipping and falling and frantically grabbing the arm of guitarist Ben Flanders

However, she was unsuccessful in gaining her footing and ultimately fell and her bandmember also took a tumble

Both seemed in good spirits regardless of the embarrassing moment as Ella could be heard laughing in the microphone as Ben looked at her and erupted in boisterous laughter

Ella (seen January in Nashville) was born on May 3, 1999 in Hope Hull, Alabama and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in 2019 and began her country career opening for high-profile country artists and releasing promotional singles

She later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in 2019 and began her country career opening for high-profile country artists and releasing promotional singles.

In February 2023 it was announced that Ella had signed a major record deal with Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records.

That same month she hit a career milestone as she performed at the Grand Ole Opry on February 17, 2023.

Months later she released her debut EP - titled Excuse The Mess - in May 2023.

Shortly after she recorded a duet with Kameron Marlowe - titled Strangers - which reached No. 43 on the US Country Charts.

Ella released her first full-length debut studio album, Hungover, on August 2.

Her single, You Look Like You Love Me, featured Riley Green and became her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 as it debuted at No. 53.
Brian Austin Green is wishing ex-wife Megan Fox the best following her pregnancy announcement.

Megan, 37, revealed that she was expecting her first child with rapper boyfriend Colson 'Machine Gun Kelly' Baker in a wild Instagram post on Monday.

'Brian knows how great of a mother she is and has been for their children, and he doesn't imagine that will change in any way as she welcomes a new child with Colson,' a source close to Green told DailyMail.com.

'He wants everyone to be healthy and Brian will welcome her new child into the world when it happens with no drama,' they continued.

'Brian is not going to make this wonderful moment in their life a time to bruise his ego. He is OK with it and was made aware of it before the world found out. Brian's cool with it.

Brian Austin Green is wishing Megan Fox the best following her pregnancy announcement on Monday. (Pictured 2019)

Megan, 37, revealed that she was expecting her first child with rapper boyfriend Colson 'Machine Gun Kelly' Baker on Monday

The source also said that the Beverly Hills, 90210 actor has 'made peace' with Megan and Colson's romance.

Despite his support, Brian's not planning on dishing out any parenting advice to the happy couple.

'Brian doesn't expect to be asked or will be giving advice to Colson, he's already been a father, and Brian is also a father to other children outside of Megan,' the insider said.

'It's just how life turned out for all of them. Brian is going to be happy for Megan and Colson moving forward and won't get in any way.'

Megan is already a mother of three - she shares sons Noah, 10, Bodhi, nine, and Journey, six, with Brian, who she was with from 2010 until their divorce was finalized in 2021.

Her latest pregnancy will also be Machine Gun Kelly's second child - he has daughter Casie Colson Baker, 15, with ex Emma Cannon.

Meanwhile, Brian moved on with professional dancer Sharna Burgess.

Megan is already a mother of three - she shares sons Noah, 10, Bodhi, nine, and Journey, six, with Brian, who she was with from 2010 until their divorce was finalized in 2021

They welcomed a son named Zane in 2022 and officially got engaged the following year.

Since their divorce, Brian and Megan both co-parent their children, and Sharna has previously opened up about the co-parenting relationship between the two exes.

On the Not So Hollywood podcast, she said 'the relationship is great' because 'the focus is the kids.'

'There's nothing else that needs to be considered other than making this a beautiful, healthy, whole environment for them,' she said.

Brian moved on with professional dancer Sharna Burgess after splitting with Fox

Megan's pregnancy announcement comes a year after she revealed she suffered a miscarriage with MGK.

During an interview on Good Morning America at the time, Megan said she had 'never been through anything like that before in my life'.

'It was very difficult for both of us,' she explained.

'And it sent us on a very wild journey together and separately, and together and apart, and together and apart, and together and apart, trying to navigate, "What does this mean? Why did this happen?'"
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly's fans took to social media to share their reactions after the couple made a shocking pregnancy announcement on Monday.

One person took to X, formerly Twitter, and tweeted a GIF of Anne Hathaway screaming in her movie The Idea of You. 'Can't believe I just opened Instagram to Megan Fox pregnant with Machine Gun Kelly's baby.'

'Megan Fox is pregnant,' another X user wrote. 'Excuse me while I pass away.'

Besides plain old shocked reactions, some social media users appeared to be disappointed and frustrated by the news as the couple had previously ended their engagement eight months earlier and were seemingly going through troubles in their relationship.

'The fact Megan Fox is pregnant by MGK after constantly breaking up with him is beyond me,' one X user tweeted.

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly 's fans took to social media to share their reactions after the couple made a shocking pregnancy announcement; pictured February 2023 in Los Angeles

The 38-year-old actress revealed the exciting news that she is pregnant with her first child with her fiance, 34, in an Instagram post on Monday

'Megan Fox is really having a baby with that man,' a social media user wrote alongside a GIF expressing exasperation and judgment.

'Don't you love it when you think a baby will fix a toxic relationship...' another person tweeted with an unenthusiastic 'congrats' and a grimacing emoji with clenched teeth.

This will be the actress' fourth child as she already shares three sons  Noah, 12, Bodhi, 10, and eight-year-old Journey  with her ex-husband, Brian Austin Green.

Meanwhile, Kelly is dad to daughter Casie, 15, whom he shares with his ex, Emma Cannon.

The Jennifer's Body star took to Instagram on Monday to announce that she will soon be expanding her brood by posting a photo of herself cradling her baby bump while nude but covered in black paint.

She tagged the the rapper, born Colson Baker, over her baby bump and also shared a snapshot of her positive pregnancy test.

'Nothing is ever really lost. welcome back,' she captioned the post, using song lyrics from Kelly's track, Last November, a song about his and Fox's past pregnancy loss.

Fox and Kelly first started dating in 2020 after meeting on the set of the crime thriller Midnight in the Switchgrass; pictured September 2021 in New York City

The pair got engaged two years into their romance, but then, they sparked breakup rumors in February 2023. After ending their engagement, the pair reconciled at some point and sparked up their whirlwind romance again; pictured May 2022 in Las Vegas

One person took to X, formerly Twitter, and tweeted a GIF of Anne Hathaway screaming in reaction to the news

'Megan Fox is pregnant,' another X user wrote. 'Excuse me while I pass away.'

-Besides plain old shocked reactions, some social media users appeared to be disappointed and frustrated by the news as the couple had previously ended their engagement eight months earlier and were seemingly going through troubles in their relationship

'Megan Fox is really having a baby with that man,' a social media user wrote alongside a GIF expressing exasperation and judgment

'Don't you love it when you think a baby will fix a toxic relationship...' another person tweeted with an unenthusiastic 'congrats' and a grimacing emoji with clenched teeth

Fox and Kelly first started dating in 2020 after meeting on the set of the crime thriller Midnight in the Switchgrass.

The pair got engaged two years into their romance, but then, they sparked breakup rumors in February 2023.

After ending their engagement, the pair reconciled at some point and sparked up their whirlwind romance again.
Waleed Aly has moved past his awkward US election gaffe upon returning to Australia.

The Project co-host, 46, travelled to US capital Washington DC to cover the election for Channel Ten last week.

He has since returned home and appeared on this week's panel of hosts in the Sydney studio, which included Sarah Harris and Sam Taunton.

On Monday, Harris took to Instagram to share two photos of herself with Aly and Taunton, all posing in matching outfits.

Aly looked delighted to be back, while his blonde co-host seemed equally excited to see her colleague.

'Papa Wal is back!!! And (very) coincidentally it's dress like your co-host day!' Harris captioned her post.

It comes after Aly faced harsh criticism on social media last week for incorrectly predicting Democrat nominee Kamala Harris would win the US Presidential Election.

Just hours before Donald Trump won, he told Kate Langbroek he tipped Harris to win.

Waleed Aly (left) has moved past his US election gaffe upon returning to Australia. On Monday, his co-host Sarah Harris shared a group photo of them alongside Sam Taunton (centre)

Aly looked delighted to be back, while his blonde co-host seemed equally excited to see her colleague

'Kamala Harris. There's a name. My theory is, Trump has fewer ways to win. Kamala has a bit more room for error in the people she is targeting and who might turn out,' Waleed said earlier this week.

Soon after, angry viewers took to social media to mock the political pundit.

'Waleed is a cheerleader not a commentator,' one person sniped and a second person added: 'Obviously he has no idea.'

Last week, Waleed Aly (pictured) was roasted online for incorrectly predicting Democrat nominee Kamala Harris would win the US Presidential Election on Tuesday

'Got any other hot predictions Waleed?' another person cheekily asked.

'How WRONG was Waleed.....HAHAHAHAHAHA,' a fourth user wrote.

'Wally always has been and always will be a muppet,' another critic declared.

Following his incorrect prediction, Waleed blamed Harris' loss on not providing voters with a direct message.

The TV star explained his theory on Wednesday night while speaking with US political commentator Steve Clemons.

The pair spoke an hour after Trump took to the stage in Florida to address the nation about his victory.

'This is as bad a loss as they could probably have conceived,' Waleed said.

'When you lose like this, everything was wrong,' Mr Clemons replied.

Following his incorrect prediction, Waleed blamed US presidential candidate Kamala Harris' (pictured) loss on not providing voters with a direct message

'Joe Biden stepped out too late. She didn't tend to wing it very well when asked about her economic plan - the nuts and bolts of policy.'

Waleed added his own theory about Vice President Harris losing because of a lack of clarification.

He admitted he was surprised at the speed of the outcome as the results of some of the 'key' battleground states were predicted to take longer to reveal.

Trump ultimately won with 295 Electoral College votes to Harris' 226.

270 votes are required to win the presidency.
BBC Radio 1 host Melvin Odoom is the seventh star to arrive in Brisbane airport for this years Im a Celebrity.

Along with Rickie Haywood Williams, who he met at Bedfordshire university in 1998, and Charlie Hedges - the 44-year-old hosted the Kiss Breakfast show for 12 years before the trio moved on to Radio 1 in 2019.

Commenting on the weather, he told MailOnline: It looks lovely. Its warmer than home. I'm just here to relax and not doing anything too strenuous.'

The DJ also admitted he was ready for a potential three weeks of outdoor living thanks to his love of live music.

He added: 'I've been camping before, but only at festivals.'

BBC Radio 1 host Melvin Odoom is the seventh star to arrive in Brisbane airport for this years Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Melvin was confirmed in an official ITV1 announcement, released on Monday evening

He joins Coleen Rooney, Love Islands Maura Higgins and McFlys Danny Jones in this years Jungle line-up.

He previously danced with Janette Manrara on the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing alongside Joel Dommett who is also part of the Im A Celeb team this year presenting the spin-off show, Unpacked.

Rickie, Melvin and Charlie replaced the disgraced DJ, Charlie Sloth, to host his late Radio 1 show after he jumped on stage at the 2018 Aria Awards when he was beaten by Edith Bowmans Soundtracking podcast.

In front of a baffled audience in Leeds, Sloth grabbed the microphone and said: Edith Bowman, f*** your life I just wanna say BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Saturday night rap show. F*** your life. God bless.

Melvin also hosted the ITV spin-off, the Xtra Factor, of Simon Cowells former prime time talent show, alongside Rochelle Humes who made the trip Down Under last year to support her husband and JLS frontman, Marvin.

The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! lineup has been officially unveiled by ITV, with just six days to go until the new series.

While rumours have swirled for months about the stars set to be jetting to Australia for a three-week stay in the rat-infested camp, first look snaps have given fans a full glimpse at the lineup.

However, there are two names noticeably absent from the confirmed lineup, hinting that they are going to be late additions to the camp.

Commenting on the weather, he told MailOnline: It looks lovely. Its warmer than home. I'm just here to relax and not doing anything too strenuous'

The DJ also admitted he was ready for a potential three weeks of outdoor living thanks to his love of live music

The 44-year-old hosted the Kiss Breakfast show for 12 years before the trio moved on to Radio 1 in 2019

Maura Higgins and Reverend Richard Coles are also set to take part in the show, and are expected to be heading into the camp later in the series.

Leading the confirmed pack is Coleen Rooney, who has ditched her WAG glamour for the famous jungle get-up as this year's highest-paid signing.

Melvin was previously courted by I'm A Celeb bosses back in 2021, but turned down the offer at the last minute.

He also had a primetime stint on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2016.
With Veterans Day just around the corner, popular restaurants have announced impressive discounts for former and active military personnel.

Monday's holiday commemorates the end of World War I, even though the war technically ended on June 28, 1919 when the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

But fighting stopped about seven months earlier when a 'cessation of hostilities' between the Allies and Germany was put into motion on the 'eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,' according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

'Veterans Day: a celebration to honor Americas veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,' the VA wrote.

More than 80 national businesses are expressing their gratitude for that sacrifice, USA Today reported. All veterans or active soldiers need is a form of military identification to take advantage of the savings.

Starbucks

Starbucks is one of the over 80 national chains offering significant savings to military members on Veterans Day

The fan-favorite coffee chain is offering veterans, active military and military spouses a free coffee on Veterans Day.

This deal applies to a tall 12-ounce hot or iced coffee at participating locations - just as their brand new holiday cup designs were released.

Cold brews are not included.

Starbucks is also giving back on a greater level by donating $200,000 to veterans' organizations Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project.

CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project Walt Piatt wrote in a statement: 'We are proud to partner with Starbucks this Veterans Day to honor our nations heroes and ensure theyre connected with each other and their communities.

'Supporters like Starbucks help us keep the promise to always be there for those who bravely served, including their families and caregivers.'

Applebee's

Veterans and military personnel can get a free meal on Monday

Applebee's is offering a free meal from the American-staple's Veterans Day Menu to veterans and current military, as well as members of the reserves and National Guard.

'At Applebees, Veterans Day is one of our favorite days of the year,' Applebee's president Tony Moralejo said in a press release.

'Were honored to welcome our nations heroes and thank them for their service and sacrifice with a complimentary entree as a small token of appreciation. Thank you to all who are serving and all who have served.'

The special menu includes seven popular options: Three-Cheese Chicken Penne, Oriental Chicken Salad, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and Six-Ounce Top Sirloin.

Those dining-in will receive a $5 gift card to apply to any dine-in or to-go order within three weeks.

According to the chain, Applebee's has served more than 11.7 million service members over the past 17 years.

Chipotle

while ordering through Grubhub+, Chipotle orders for military members can reap the benefits of a buy one, get one discount

Chipotle-loving veterans and service members can buy their favorite meals with a buy one, get one half-off discount on Grubhub+.

For orders $20 or more, Grubhub+ is offering $7 off.

But this is not just a one day deal - the savings are lasting until November 17.

People with Grubhub+ memberships also get $0 delivery fees on regular orders and minimized service fees.

Orders must be places through Grubhub+, as Chipotle individually is not offering an military-specific savings this year.

Other deals

Another Broken Egg Cafe will give military members and veterans a free serving of Patriot French Toast, which is garnished with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream. Eligible diners will also get free coffee.

Veterans and active military can receive a free 2-2-2 Breakfast, including two eggs, two pancakes and two pieces of bacon, at Bakers Square.

At Bar Louie, military can get a free burger or an Impossible burger for just $4 on Sunday and Monday.

Beef O' Brady's has a BYOB - build your own burger - deal that comes with fries at participating locations.

From 11pm to 3pm on Monday, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is giving away a five-ounce BD's All American Burger with cheese and a side, along with a 16-ounce drink to wash it all down.

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is giving military a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie and a bounce-back coupon that is valid until December 31.

Black Rifle Coffee started giving veterans free 16-ounce coffees on Friday. They can also get 25 percent off on merchandise and 40 percent off online purchases. The deals will last until Monday.

Broken Yolk Cafe is offering breakfast-loving military members a free short stack of pancakes.

Buffalo's Cafe is offering a 25 percent discount off meals at participating locations.

While ordering from the prix fix menu, military members can get a complimentary meal and a drink. Those dining in will receive a buy One Get One coupon for any pasta, pizza or salad that lasts until November 25.

Coffee chain Dunkin is offering up a free donut for in-store purchases on Veterans Day

Casey's is offering a refreshing fountain drink or coffee to veterans throughout the day.

Chicken Salad Chick will hand out members in uniform - or with ID - a free Chick Meal and a drink.

Cici's Pizza announced that former or active military will have access to the Adult Buffet for free.

The Sunrise Pancake Special will be free for veterans and current service members at every Cracker Barrel in the US for dine-in guests.

Eligible military and veterans can eat and play for a slashed cost at Dave & Busters. They can get a free meal, worth up to $20, and a $10 power card to play arcade games with.

Dunkin' is offering free donuts, but the deal does not apply to mobile orders.

Eddie Merlot's is giving veterans and military members a free burger with fries.

Veterans can get a free lunch at Famous Dave's, specifically a Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and a side.

Farmers Boys will offer up free Big Cheese burgers.

Fazoli's will give military and veterans a complimentary spaghetti meal with marinara sauce or meat sauce.

Military and veterans can enjoy a free combo meal including a medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink at Firehouse Subs.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will be gifting free meal cards for a combo meals.

Military members dining at Hooters are eligible for a free meal after they buy a drink

Seemingly the most popular give-away item, Friendly's is offering military personnel a free All American Burger with cheese and a drink on Monday from 11am to 5pm.

From 4pm until closing, Golden Corral is opening its buffets to military members for free. Eligible diners can get a drink as well.

A free Deluxe Cheeseburger Combo will be offered at Good times Burgers & Frozen Custard from 11am to 3pm.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria is dishing out a 25 percent discount to active military, veterans and retirees.

Happy Joe's is promoting its plans to give out free lunches - smorgasbords or two-topping pizzas - and drinks.

The Hooters family is showing their patriotism by offering retired and current military members who buy themselves a drink a free meal from the special Veterans Day Menu.

A free MVP Breakfast Platter is being offered at Huddle House.

Select entrees will be complimentary at Hurricane Grill & Wings.

Veterans and active-servers with a sweet tooth can redeem their free Deluxe cookie from Insomnia Cookies after a $5 purchase.

IHOP is serving up patriotic pancakes on Veterans Day

From 7am to 7pm, IHOP will serve free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combos for dine-in meals only.

Johnny Rockets will serve up Single Burgers for free with any drink purchase.

Kona Grill has already started with their military savings, offering veterans and military 50 percent off all weekend, ending on Monday.

Lazy Dog Restaurants will give military free meals, as well as extend its Weekend Brunch to Monday.

Lion's Choice is offering a free roast beef sandwich.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes will give veterans and active military free a Freedom Rings Burger after they buy a drink or fries.

Free Garlic Sticks are up for grabs for any eligible pizza-lover who spends $25 at Mountain Mike's Pizza.

Perkins American Food Co. is offering veterans and military personnel a Great American Trio Meal.

Raising Canes is giving military personnel and their families a 10 percent discount on their meals

Pollo Campero is giving any in-store military diners 50 percent off their meal.

Qdoba has a similar offering, with 50 percent off any full-sized entree while eating at the restaurant.

Raising Cane's extended the offer to active or nonactive military, firemen, police officers, EMTs and their spouses 10 percent off their meals if they mention the Hero Discount Program at the register.

Red Lobster is sharing a free Veteran's Shrimp & Chips meal with those who served the country.

Sonic Drive-In is handing out half-priced shakes to all of its customers.

Sullivan's Steakhouse is offering a free Sullivans Signature Angus Burger with Fries to past and current military members.

Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal or a voucher to military members and veterans

Texas Roadhouse is giving military members the option between dining-in for a free meals or accepting a meal voucher from 11am to 2pm.

Tim Hortons has a similar offer to Dunkin, giving away a free donut in stores.

Twin Peaks will serve up free lunches from 11am to 3pm.

Whataburger will give out free hot or iced 16-ounce coffees to veterans and active-military.

Those who served in the military - or still are serving - can enjoy Yogurtland's frozen yogurt at 15 percent off at participating locations.
Some of America's biggest retailers - including like Amazon, Walmart and Target - have a little-known policy that's delighting customers.

Sometimes they'll refund you in full and let you keep the item.

Known as 'returnless refunds,' this practice is used to save time and money on low-value items that would be too costly to get back from customers.

For inexpensive products, like a $20 T-shirt that might cost $30 to ship back, or single-use items such as plastic straws, it's simply not worth the hassle for retailers.

While this policy is generally limited to cheaper items with low resale value, some lucky shoppers have even scored refunds on more expensive products.

Some of America's biggest retailers - including like Amazon, Walmart and Target - have a little-known policy that's delighting customers. Sometimes they'll refund you in full and let you keep the item

Dalya Harel, 48, received a return-free refund recently after ordering a desk from Amazon that cost $300.

When the desk arrived, she noticed it was missing some key pieces and would be impossible to put together.

Unable to get a replacement on time, Harel reached out to Amazon and was told she'd receive a refund - no return needed.

She even reused the parts to create makeshift shelves in the offices of her New York lice detection removal, calling the policy 'one less headache.'

Retailers are staying tight-lipped on how often they let customers keep items, fearing fraud and return abuse.

Even if brands don't provide details about such policies on their websites, returnless refunds are expanding in at least some retail corners.

Amazon, however, recently expanded this policy to include third-party sellers, allowing them to offer refunds on items under $75 without requiring returns.

This option is especially attractive for goods shipped directly from overseas, as seen in a new Amazon section featuring products from China.

And it's not just Amazon. Walmart offers this choice to third-party sellers, while other big names like Shein, Target, Wayfair and Chewy also allow returnless refunds on select orders.

Companies even encourage customers to donate items they don't want - especially helpful for pet products from Chewy, often sent to animal shelters.

Many retailers are using algorithms to decide who qualifies for returnless refunds, looking at factors like purchase history, return patterns, and the overall demand for the product.

In other cases, it's an unofficial loyalty perk for valued customers. according to Amena Ali, CEO of Optoro, a company that helps streamline returns for Best Buy, Staples and Gap.

Such customers could be seen as 'good returners' if they purchase - and keep - many more items than they send back, Ali said.

'Oftentimes, your most profitable customers tend to be high returners,' she said.

But retailers are getting stricter elsewhere. H&M, Zara and J. Crew started charging customers return fees in the past year. Others have shortened their return windows.

Some shopping sites, such as the Canadian retailer Ssense, have threatened to ban frequent returners.

Even Amazon is tightening its return policy - and one customer, Tatianna Diaz, is warning that it is 'bananas.'

Tatianna Diaz took to TikTok to issue the words of caution - explaining how her account hit her with a list of precautions before making it to the return process page.

Shoppers hold bags after shopping in Bradenton, Fla., Feb. 9, 2024

People return items purchased online at an Amazon counter inside a Kohl's department store in Clifton, New Jersey, in 2021

In a TikTok video, Diaz shared how she faced multiple warnings on Amazon's return page. A screenshot shows that Amazon cautioned she might be charged a restocking fee, receive only a partial refund, or get no refund at all.

Frequent returners are even being warned they could be banned from shopping platforms if suspected of abusing return policies.

Online shopping surged during the pandemic, but so did returns, costing US retailers a staggering $743 billion in 2022.

Fraud accounted for about 14 percent of returns, draining $101 billion from retail coffers.

So while customers may appreciate the ease of returnless refunds, retailers are balancing convenience with the rising costs of returns - and the fight against return fraud.
Trumps second term promises to reshape alliances and influence critical issues, including US-India relations, climate policy and the global energy market

Donald Trump has made history by winning the 2024 US Presidential election, securing 292 Electoral College votes and defeating Kamala Harris, the medias favoured candidate. His resounding victory marks a significant comeback and has reignited debates globally about what his second term might bring. This election wasnt without its drama, as Trump survived an assassination attempt on September 15, 2024, amid allegations of interference from powerful interest groups attempting to prevent his reelection. The victory was further shaped by the support of influential figures, including Indian American Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican hopeful who backed Trump. Trumps comeback is Americas comeback, Ramaswamy remarked, applauding Trumps strong persona as a badass Commander-in-Chief that many believe the US needs.

A substantial part of Trumps campaign success was due to substantial financial support from allies like Elon Musk, who reportedly contributed $119 million to the campaign. Musks active presence on X (formerly Twitter) and outspoken defence of Trump against media criticism played a key role, particularly in swing states like Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina and Florida. This unconventional alliance between Trump and Musk has sparked speculation and surprise, even influencing figures abroad, such as Bangladeshs Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Previously critical of Trump, Yunus has become a reluctant admirer following Trumps success.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely pleased with Trumps return. The two leaders share a warm rapport, marked by a mutual understanding rooted in their strong nationalist stances. Though Modi was unable to meet Trump during his September 2024 visit to the US due to protocol issues, Trumps victory strengthens India-US ties and suggests a renewed focus on strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Trumps America First policy will likely shape his approach to foreign relations in this term. Expect him to push allies, including NATO and the European Union, to shoulder more of their defence costs. He may scale back US involvement in international conflicts, aiming instead to negotiate peace agreements that align with American interests.

A notable example is his stance on Ukraine: Trumps re-election could mean a reduction in US military and financial support for Ukraine, possibly pressuring the country toward a peace settlement with Russiaa development that could lead to a significant de-escalation of the conflict.

In the Indo-Pacific region, Trumps focus will likely remain on curbing Chinas influence and India could play a pivotal role in these efforts. Indias strategic importance as a counterbalance to China in the region aligns well with Trumps vision. The US-India partnership could expand in sectors like defence, technology and energy security. Trumps push for reshoring American manufacturing from China may create new investment opportunities for India, especially in high-growth industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and renewable energy.

Energy collaboration will also likely be a highlight of US-India relations. With Indias growing energy needs, Trumps focus on US energy independence could lead to mutually beneficial trade in oil, natural gas, and renewable technologies, while US firms may look to invest in Indias energy infrastructure. However, Trumps immigration policies, particularly concerning H-1B visas for skilled workers, may remain a point of contention. While Trump generally supports highly skilled professionals, further restrictions on visas could push India to enhance its own tech ecosystem, promoting more in-country growth and innovation.

Trumps stance on climate change negotiations may remain divisive. Given his scepticism toward multilateral climate agreements, he could once again withdraw the US from global climate accords. This could impact the efficacy of initiatives like the Paris Agreement, where developed countries have pledged $100 billion to support developing nations.

So far, only a fraction of this amount has materialised, raising concerns about the long-term viability of global climate targets. Trumps reluctance to support these accords without substantial changes could weaken international resolve on climate issues.

India will closely watch Trumps policies on counterterrorism, particularly regarding Pakistan, a country that has historically been linked to terrorism in the region. Trumps past rhetoric and strong stance against terrorism suggest he may align with Indias concerns. A tougher US stance on Pakistan could address Indias longstanding issues with cross-border terrorism, potentially strengthening US-India ties in this area.

Trumps complex relationship with the US media, especially during the 2024 campaign, added another layer to the narrative. Musk was one of the few who openly supported Trump on X, condemning what they saw as a biased media landscape that often criticised Trump. This approach may have contributed to his strong showing in swing states, bolstered by Musks strategic influence on social media.

As Trump prepares to re-enter the White House in January 2025, the world anticipates how his policies will unfold. His administrations priorities are expected to bring significant shifts in US domestic and foreign policy, from trade and immigration to international alliances and climate action. Global leaders and citizens alike are waiting to see how Trumps assertive approach to governance will redefine Americas role on the world stage.

(The writer is former member of Indian Forest Service; views are personal)
As world leaders and climate negotiators converge in Baku for COP29, beginning Monday, India is set to bring renewed focus to the urgent need for climate finance, accountability and protection for vulnerable communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the conference, and environment minister Bhupender Yadav may also be absent, with Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh leading the 19-member delegation instead.

Indias national statement is scheduled for November 18-19. Indias key priorities at the conference are likely to focus on ensuring accountability of developed nations on climate finance, strengthening resilience for vulnerable communities, and achieving an equitable energy transition, experts anticipate.

Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), emphasised that COP29 must go beyond promises, pushing developed nations to accelerate their paths to net zero and meet their financial commitments.

The climate COPs are about raising ambition, enabling action, and, most importantly, holding everyone accountable. While COP28 resulted in many promises, it let developed countries off the hook. COP29 must be about accountability, said Ghosh.

The largest historical emitters must move faster and raise their ambition.

Climate finance should be consistent, convenient, catalytic, and credible, and COP29 must ensure it delivers real resources and capacity to protect the most vulnerable.

This years negotiations are anticipated to tackle the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, a critical benchmark that could reach trillions of dollars annually, a figure many developing nations insist is essential to combat climate change effectively.

Ali Mohamed, Kenyas Climate Change Envoy, reinforced the urgency for a Finance COP that prioritises financing without deepening debt burdens for nations already struggling to adapt to climate impacts.

For Africa, it is important that the final goal agreed in Baku should not worsen our debt situation, Mohamed said. The Framework on Global Climate Resilience needs to translate into real actions that support agriculture, water, health, biodiversity, infrastructure, and human settlements.

Dr Frances Colan, Senior Director for International Climate Policy at the Center for American Progress, highlighted the conferences importance following the re-election of Donald Trump in the US, who is anticipated to adopt policies favouring oil and gas expansion.

In a departure from past conferences, India will not host a pavilion at COP29.

This absence also comes as India balances its role as a developing nation with rising energy demands and a focus on economic growth, particularly as the world looks to emerging economies for leadership in reducing emissions.

The release of the Global Carbon Budget on November 13 will provide a detailed assessment of current emission trends and the global trajectory toward meeting the Paris Agreement targets. Linda Kalcher, Executive Director of Strategic Perspectives, underscored that the EU must step up its efforts in response to shifting US climate policies.

The EU is one of the most reliable partners on climate finance for developing countries, but it cannot hide from the moment, Kalcher noted.
DIAL 100- An integrated Emergency Response system Sunday came to the rescue of two budding trekkers in Srinagar, who were caught in a crossfire in the Zabarwan forest of Srinagar, following reports of suspicious movement of terrorists in the highly guarded area.

As security forces resorted to speculative firing to establish contact with the terrorists spotted in the area, the trekkers, who climbed the hills to soak themselves in the serene atmosphere, panicked and took shelter behind the rocks to avoid being hit by bullets.

While security forces rushed reinforcements to cordon off the entire area one of the trekkers acted smartly and dialled 100 informing the police control room about their whereabouts in the vicinity of the encounter site.

Responding swiftly to the SOS call made by these trekkers the ongoing operation was halted and both the trekkers were rescued by the security forces from the forest area of Zabarwan hills. According to preliminary reports, the operation was launched in the highly guarded area on Sunday after noticing the suspicious movement of two individuals with rucksacks. The trekkers were later identified as Tariq Ahmad Mir and Mufti Ziyan. They are both employed at a well-known missionary school in Srinagar.

After safely rescuing both the trekkers the police shifted them to a local police station for questioning, where their identities and credentials were thoroughly verified. The duo were released after confirmation that both of them were innocent.

Following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an advisory for trekkers and adventurers, urging them to alert local authorities before venturing in sensitive areas and high-security zones.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, Monday emphasised the need to keep local police stations informed about travel plans. Prior information about trekkers plan and their routes will allow us to act quickly in case of any untoward occurrence, Birdi said.

We encourage adventurers, especially those venturing into high-security areas, to always share their travel plans with the nearest police station. This communication helps us prepare and respond swiftly should any unforeseen issues arise, he noted.

Locals, tourists, and especially trekkers should reach out to us if they encounter any situation that requires urgent attention. Dialling 100 or contacting the nearest police station helps us coordinate with ongoing operations and ensures rapid assistance, Birdi said. After the tourism department opened up several trekking sites across different parts of Kashmir valley several amateur trekkers undertook weekly treks in the precincts of Mother Nature.
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on Monday issued threats targeting Hindu temples, including the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. In a video released by the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit, Pannun, currently staying in the United States, and Canada, warned of an attack on November 16 and 17. The video, reportedly recorded in Brampton, Canada, is aimed at inciting violence against Hindu places of worship.

In his statement, Pannun said, We will shake the foundations of Ayodhya, birthplace of the violent Hindutva ideology, a direct threat to one of Indias most sacred sites. The video shows images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi praying in the Ram Temple during its Pranpratishta in January this year. Pannun has also warned Indians in Canada to stay away from Khalistani attacks on Hindu temples.

Last month, Pannun cautioned passengers against flying on Air India flights between November 1 and 19. Pannun claimed the period coincided with what he called the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide.

Pannun has also called for violence against Indian diplomats, indicating a broader attempt to provoke unrest and tension within Indian and expatriate communities.

Pannuns SFJ has been involved in various anti-India activities, aiming to promote the idea of a separate Sikh state. Pannu has issued several incendiary statements aimed at destabilising communal harmony.

Pannun was designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in July 2020. The government of India has also issued multiple warrants for his arrest. However, he continues to function from the United States and Canada.


Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said in a press conference on Monday that the party will once again repeat its 2019 performance in Kolhan and the alliance will once again win all the seats.



Bhattacharya said that the campaign for the first phase of polling will now end in a few minutes while the campaign for the second phase will continue. Guruji has released the party's manifesto, due to some technical difficulties the hard copy could not come, so the soft copy has been released. We have focused on nine points in our manifesto, which includes women's rights, food security, state rights etc., but today the biggest issue is the arrival of Home Minister Amit Shah in Jharkhand, where he is addressing the assembly constituencies, he said.



The party General Secretary said that apart from the Home Ministry, Amit Shah also holds the Cooperation Ministry. The NIA has filed a chargesheet in the Tamar assembly constituency where he was addressing the NDA candidate. "We all know that Ramesh Singh Munda was killed by Maoists and the NIA itself investigated and later former Tamar MLA Gopal Krishna Patar alias Raja Peter was arrested and is currently out of jail. Supporting such a candidate raises questions on the BJP. The Home Minister was there in the match-fixing case. Raja Peter is accused of killing a minister," he said.



Bhattacharya said that our star campaigners were held hostage in the name of air clearance in the name of ATC clearance. "Yesterday there was a road show of the PM due to which the whole of Ranchi was under arrest from 10 am to 7 pm wondering what is happening here in this election. The entire Cabinet is standing in support of the culprits of their department. The PM has become desperate so there is no respect for the Constitution in his address," he said.



The party General Secretary further said that Amit Shah insulted Champai Soren. "I have always heard Guruji calling him Champai Babu and Hemant and Kalpana calling him Chacha Ji. Kolhan will take revenge and repeat the 2019 result. All anti-social elements are roaming around with the Home Minister," he said.



Bhattacharya said the Election Commission was silent on the BJP's antics. "The PM said if we stay united, we will be safe. After 11 years, he realised that if Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians stay together, they will be safe. The Adivasis and Moolvasis are committed to staying together. We will win 38 out of 43 seats in the first phase and if the BJP does not mend its attitude, it will not even reach double digits," he said.
The BJP and AAP on Monday locked in a heated debate over the issue of re-employment of bus marshals in the national Capital with the Chief Minister Atishi saying that the issue of continuation of their services falls under the purview of the Central government. This is the first time the Arvind Kejriwal government has admitted that services-related matters fall under the BJP led Central government. Meanwhile, BJP has slammed Atishi for betraying Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs), saying the AAP has failed to reinstate them.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Atishi said that her government is sending a proposal to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for the formulation of a policy on retaining 10,000 bus marshals on permanent basis.

In a press conference, Atishi said that the removal of bus marshals has led to a rise in crimes against women on public transport buses. At an all-minister meeting held on Sunday, the Transport Commissioner indicated that decisions on reinstating bus marshals fall under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor as it is a service-related matter, the chief minister said, adding that the Delhi government is moving ahead with a proposal on an "as-is, where-is" basis, while it waits for a policy from the LG.

"The Delhi government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and will provide the necessary financial resources for the marshals' salaries," Atishi said. She also expressed fear that the LG may "take months or even years" in coming up with a permanent solution to the matter.

Delhi Health and Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who was also present at the press conference, criticised the LG's handling of the matter, asserting that the matter must be dealt with urgently. He claimed that the transport officer appointed by the LG has classified the issue as a "reserved" subject, limiting the state's ability to take immediate action.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said it is unfortunate that despite the clear order of Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, Atishis government has not reinstated civil defense volunteers, who worked as bus marshals until October 2023, on duty since 1 November. Furthermore, the promise to start their duty from 11 November has not been fulfilled, he added.

When the announcement came for a press conference by Chief Minister Atishi and Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, we hoped the government would fulfill its promise to assign these volunteers four months of duty and announce a committee to regularize them. However, it is disappointing that the Chief Minister did not reinstate the civil defense volunteers on duty and only engaged in political blame, he claimed.

South Delhi BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri has said that the job of making the policy is of the Delhi government, but Chief Minister Atishi is saying that the Lieutenant Governor should make the policy. It is clear that she wants to delay this matter further so that she can play politics on the pretext of these ten thousand volunteers. These volunteers from poor families have understood all the tricks of AAP and will take revenge for it in the upcoming assembly election, he claimed.
An army perssonel committed suicide while on duty in the state capital at 4 pm on Saturday, he was found hanging after he went missing for two hours on-duty at Bairagarh Cantoment.

His body was found hanging from a noose in a room. The body was taken out by breaking the door.

Bairgarh police said that Shobhit Kumar was a resident of Calicut, Kerala. He was posted in Bairagarh Cantt area. On Saturday, he was assigned duty with another officer. He was alone at 4 pm. During this time, he had locked the door of the mess room from inside.

On Sunday afternoon, the body was handed over to the army officials after a post-mortem at Hamidia Hospital. From here, the body will be taken to Indore by road. Then from there it will be taken to Kerala by air.

The door was not opened even after knocking several times

The police said that while searching for Shobhit, fellow soldiers reached a room in the mess. This room was locked from inside. Even after knocking several times, the door was not opened. So they informed the officials about it. When they broke the door and entered inside, they saw that Shobhit had hanged himself.

In a separate incident a woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances at Harshvardhan Nagar in TT Nagar on Saturday evening.

When the husband reached home, the woman's condition started deteriorating, due to which the woman was admitted to JP Hospital.

The woman died during treatment. On receiving information from the hospital, the police reached, registered a case and got the postmortem of the body done on Sunday morning.

The woman identified as Poonam (26), her husband Hariram said that I had gone to work at 3 pm on Saturday. At 6 pm, an unknown person called. He said that your wife's health has deteriorated. I immediately reached home. Where my children were crying and my wife's condition was bad. Foam was coming out of her mouth. At 6.30 pm we took Poonam Raikwar to JP Hospital. After an hour the doctors declared her dead.
LUBULINI  Disaster!

This resonates with the suffering of farmers from four communities, who have lost 170 cattle due to drought. In a space of five months, four communities; namely Mcocwane, Sinyamantulwa, Bhadlane and Lugaganeni, lost a combined 170 cattle due to the drought, as the rivers and dams have dried up, as a result of the persistent dry spell. When these communities were visited over the weekend, it was established that some of the rivers and dams had dried up, while other communities have no rivers and water supply.

Noteworthy is that bones and carcasses of cattle were found in the veld in these communities. It was also established that some of the cattle died while trying to drink from some of the drying streams and dams. A resident of Bhadlane, Mahlathini Matse, lost a herd of 49 cattle due to the drought. Another resident, Mzileni Dludlu, lost 15 cattle. Dumsile Shongwe from the same community also lost 15. At Lugaganeni, Nduku Nhleko lost 16 cattle, while Bakhetsile Shongwe also suffered a loss of 10 cattle. Interviewed about this tragedy, community members collectively expressed their suffering, as they survive through selling their livestock to raise money for their families. They further urged government to intervene and make means of compensating the farmers.

A resident of Bhadlane, Phineas Dludlu, shared that he lost four cows and his brother also suffered a loss of 12 cattle due to the drought. Phineas stated that government is moving slowly in addressing the issue of water shortage in the affected communities. He said government is supposed to build dams to mitigate the situation, as more cattle will die as a result of the scarcity of water and grass.

The aggrieved resident pointed out that some families have managed to buy hay in bales and also arranged water tanks to supply water for their livestock. It is painful to lose your livestock due to natural disasters, as we tried to engage and involve government to ensure that more dams are constructed in these communities, but so far, nothing has been done to mitigate and remedy the situation, he said.

Adding, the resident mentioned that officers from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) have visited the communities recently to assess the situation and promised to return for a meeting with the affected farmers. He went on to state that the farmers have requested that government compensate those who have lost their cattle, so that they could be able to survive and take care of their families. We have been told that they will be meeting the affected farmers to find a lasting solution to this matter. Government should come forth and construct dams as well as boreholes in these communities hit hard by drought, Phineas said.

Also sharing the same sentiments was Jimson Dludlu of Sinyamantulwa, who indicated that he has lost over 10 cattle due to the drought. The resident described the situation as a disaster, on the basis that more cattle are still dying due to the shortage of water and grass. He pointed out that government should fast-track the process of building dams for the affected communities. Its a huge blow for us farmers as we earn a living through selling our livestock to pay school fees for our children and to buy food for our families. We urge government to compensate us, so that we can be able to take care of our families, Jimson said.

Echoing the sentiments of the affected farmers, Ntunthwakazi Bucopho Bonginkosi Mabaso also described the situation as a catastrophe, as more cattle will die if government does not take immediate measures to remedy the situation, by constructing more dams in the affected communities. Mabaso said the farmers have reported the matter to the Lubulini Inkhundla Council. According to the bucopho, they further involved NDMA and they are expecting a feedback meeting soon. Moreover, he highlighted that the cattle are subjected to walk for 14km to get water from some of the dams and rivers and fail to reach their destination due to being weary and hungry.

Shortage

Mabaso shared that 52 cattle reportedly died at Esihlahleni Sendvodza, while 35 died at Lugaganeni. He pointed out that the big issue is shortage of dams and rivers in these communities, hence government has to fast-track the process of constructing dams to collect water during the summer season. The bucopho went to state that some of the cattle died along their way to Esicelweni, where there is a pond. He mentioned that some of the farmers were unable to collect the carcasses of their cattle, as some died malnourished.

I am optimistic that government, through NDMA, will do something about the plight of the farmers. They have greatly been affected by losing their stock through the drought. We appeal that more dams be constructed, so that in future, the cattle can be able to drink water in a closer area than walking long distances, he said.

Mabaso stated that the office of the NDMA has assured the farmers that a feedback meeting will be convened soon with the affected farmers. He indicated that he is currently collecting and compiling data of the affected farmers, so that it could be presented to the NDMA officials during the proposed meeting. We are praying to God that the farmers be compensated, so that they could be able to buy hay and also drill boreholes for their cattle. The situation is so dire as most of the farmers are people who survive through selling their livestock to earn a living. It is unfortunate that this is a natural disaster, but it could have been prevented if government had constructed dams on time, the bucopho opined.




Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court Justice Suresh Kumar Kait visited Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrhalaya , Bhopal on Sunday.

Museum Director Prof. Amitabh Pandey took him on a tour of Kumhar Para, Tribal Habitat Open Air Exhibition and Veethi sankul Indore Exhibition Building.

While visiting Justice Suresh Kumar, Kait said that the Manav Sangrahalaya reminded me of my village days. This museum has maintained its unique identity due to its rich art and cultural heritage. Saw such a collection after a long time, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I appreciate how the museum authorities maintain the tradition of the village and the lifestyle, it is an incredible effort. While looking at the visual gallery, he said that this gallery has everything that has been used in villages till date. This is a wonderful collection.

Please preserve it so that future generations can understand what life was like in villages.

The artefacts collected here leave an indelible impression on the minds of researchers, intellectuals and the general public by giving a glimpse of the glorious culture of the nation's past.
Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, successfully hosted the 4th Justice RK Tankha National Parliamentary Debate on November 9 and 10, 2024. The event was supported and sponsored by the Office of Shri. Varun Tankha, Advocate, Supreme Court of India.

This vibrant two-day event brought together over 48 teams from various institutions, who showcased their debating skills across three preliminary rounds on the first day and one preliminary round followed by semi-finals, novice finals, and final rounds on the second day.

Participants engaged in stimulating debates, rigorously deliberating on assigned themes and presenting well-rounded arguments. The event was a product of the combined efforts of students, faculty, and the administration, guided by invaluable leadership.

The Valedictory Ceremony marked the conclusion of the event, beginning with an address from Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, who commended the organizing committee and celebrated the enthusiastic participation of students nationwide.

The ceremony was followed by the inaugural Shastrartha Panel, where esteemed speakers-including Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, Pro-Chancellor of IILM University; Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh, President of the Global Media Education Council; Dr. Rakesh Pathak, Associate Editor at DBLive Channel; and Manwendra Kumar Tiwari, Associate Professor at DNLU who shared perspectives on "One Nation, One Election." This discussion encouraged the formation of diverse opinions on issues of national importance. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Ashit Kumar Srivastava, Assistant Professor of Law.

The journalist from various print and digital media houses were also felicitated and honoured for their immense support in upholding the spirit of journalism during the panel discussion.

The 4th Justice RK Tankha Memorial National Parliamentary Debate set a high standard, leaving a lasting impact and exceeding expectations at DNLU. This achievement was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Ms. Swati Singh Parmar and Dr. Animesh Jha, Faculty In-Charge(s), along with his committed student team. The event was organized under the esteemed guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Manoj K. Sinha, Vice-Chancellor; Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh N. Hadli, Registrar and P, Dean of Student Welfare.
Former AAP councillor Ram Narayan Bhardwaj on Monday joined the BJP at the party's Delhi unit office in yet another setback for the ruling party ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.

Bhardwaj was welcomed to the party fold by Delhi unit president Virendra Sachdeva and North West Delhi MP Yogender Chandolia at a small event with the gift of a 'patka' and sweets. Welcoming him, Sachdeva said that with Bhardwajs inclusion, BJP has become even stronger in outer Delhi and is ready to contest the upcoming assembly elections with full strength.

The BJP MP mentioned that Bhardwaj shared with him how Arvind Kejriwal has deceived not just the people of Delhi but his own followers, and the former AAP councillor himself fell victim to this. Only Arvind Kejriwals word is law in the AAP, where members are only allowed to listen, not speak. Kejriwal and his MLAs impose pressure when one tries to serve the public. Therefore, he along with his son and hundreds of supporters, has joined the BJP, trusting in Narendra Modis policies. A significant section of the Narela constituency will now strengthen the BJP, he said.

The former AAP leader on joining the BJP expressed that over the past 10 years, he lived a stifling life within the AAP, as the actions of its leadership contradicted their public statements. The AAP is a dictatorial party with no sense of democracy, where only Arvind Kejriwals whims prevail. I faced immense pressure even when I held a chairmans seat, whether from MLAs or higher-ups, hindering my ability to work and serve the public, he said.
BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin A Sinha levelled accusations against Chief Minister Hemant Soren, portraying him as the "leader of Bangladeshi infiltrators in Jharkhand." During a media interaction, Sinha asserted that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress alliance government has systematically neglected and marginalized the states indigenous tribal population, prioritizing policies he claimed serve non-local interests, particularly those of undocumented migrants from neighboring countries.

 It is really surprising to see the rise in Bangladeshis across Jharkhand. This has also led to cases of Love Jihad and Land Jihad. The JMM led government has deliberately led to increase Bangladeshis for the sake of vote bank, said the spokesperson.

Sinhas statement underscores a broader BJP strategy as the party seeks to consolidate support within Jharkhand's substantial tribal constituency. Historically, this demographic has been a stronghold for Soren's JMM due to its roots in tribal advocacy. However, Sinha contended that Sorens leadership has compromised tribal welfare in favor of "Bangladeshi infiltrators," positioning BJP as a protector of Jharkhands indigenous culture, resources, and local rights.

Sinha emphasized that it is crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent further marginalization of the indigenous tribal communities. He argued that the demographic changes pose a threat to the cultural and social fabric of the region. "It is time to put an end to the misrule of the State Government," he declared, calling for decisive action against the alleged infiltration.

The timing of Sinhas remarks is strategic, as the states two-phase assembly elections are scheduled to commence on November 13. BJPs messaging has honed in on tribal identity and local rights, with Sinha expressing confidence in a BJP victory. As part of this narrative, Sinha criticized the Congresss choice of candidates, particularly the nominee in Jamshedpur East Dr Ajoy Kumar, claiming the candidates "anti-tribal" stance and "dubious track record" threaten the integrity of tribal representation.
A high-level delegation comprising the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) visited the first RRTS corridor, connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, on Monday as part of their five-day visit to the country. India is a founder member and has the largest financing portfolio of about USD 10.8 billion.

The delegation was accompanied by officials from Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, as well as senior officials of NCRTC, during the visit.

Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, extended a warm welcome to them at the corporate office of NCRTC, Gatishakti Bhawan. A detailed presentation was given to the delegation covering the project overview and various innovative initiatives taken by NCRTC, challenges overcome in the implementation of the project and so on.

The delegation took a round trip on the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad to Duhai RRTS station, where they experienced the commuter-centric features of the Namo Bharat trains. They expressed their appreciation for the detailed focus on the comfort and diverse needs of commuters.

They particularly noticed the presence of women in various roles such as train operators, station control officers and so on and commended the women-led development of the organisation.

The visit also included a demonstration of several groundbreaking technologies being adopted for this first-of-its-kind project in India. The members of the delegation complimented the NCRTC team on the adoption of these innovative practices, including the successful implementation of the latest technologies, such as ETCS-2 signalling over an LTE backbone for this transformative mobility solution.

The delegates were keen to learn about the initiatives taken by the NCRTC team to share the knowledge and experience gained during the implementation of this project with industry peers both within India and abroad. They also expressed interest in the various stakeholder-engagement programs organized by NCRTC.

AIIB is one of the primary financial partners for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, having extended a loan of USD 500 million through the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that BJP does not want the votes of Bangladeshi infiltrators. These infiltrators should either be sent to jail or go back to the border of Bangladesh, this is the resolution of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He was addressing a public meeting at Saraiyahat of Poraiyahat Assembly of Dumka district of Jharkhand and Sarad and Mohanpur Assembly of Deoghar district on Sunday.

He further said, My request to all of you is that these elections are very responsible elections. You have seen how people like Congress and Hemant Soren, who were following the path of Kansa, had captured power and thieves, robbers, pickpockets all had gathered together. Therefore, all of you should take a resolution that on the coming 13th, until the votes of every house are not cast for BJP, you will not sit in peace.Yadav said that ever since Lord Ram has smiled in Ayodhya, there is a different joy in the whole country. Diwali has been celebrated for the first time after the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram. When we shout loud slogans of Jai-Jai Shri Ram, our joy doubles. But the opposition party members lose their senses. They get scared and their chests cool down. They feel as if hammers are falling on their heads.

Yadav said that when there is a chant of Sanatan Dharma, we remember our glorious past. We remember the rebellion of the Santhal brothers in 1855, which stunned the British. I bow at the feet of martyr Sidhu Kanu and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who considered their lives as flowers and offered them at the feet of Bharat Mata.

The tradition of sacrifice and renunciation has been going on here so that we can dedicate every moment of our life for our country and religion. Yadav said that the government of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is working to change the life of every poor and bring prosperity in his life. He has given the slogan of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.

They have made a rule that they will neither eat nor let others eat. Yadav said that the government of Prime Minister Shri Modi Ji is working to send the dishonest people to jail and provide all the resources to the good people. For the first time, such a person is sitting on the chair of the country, who says that no matter how big someone is, whether he is a minister or a chief minister, if he has done something wrong, then the place for him is jail.

That is why our opponents shout 'Hai Re Modi, Hai Re Modi'. But let them keep on shouting 'Hai-Hai', the Bharatiya Janata Party will say bye-bye to all the dishonest people.

Yadav said that when Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji had announced a separate Jharkhand state, his dream was that Jharkhand state with mineral wealth and hardworking people would become the best state in the country. But unfortunately, a group of thieves came to power here, who wanted to loot your earnings. You kept earning with your hard work and they kept looting.

Can anyone imagine that a person sitting on the post of Chief Minister will ever go to jail? But he has done such deeds. But he is so thick skinned that he did not understand even after going to jail. He is on bail, still he is asking for your votes. Now on the coming 13th, the people of Jharkhand will decide with their votes whether he should be sent back to jail and punished for doing injustice to the poor people of Jharkhand.
The Delhi Police has busted an inter-state syndicate of gun dealers and arrested 18 members of the gang in a month-long operation while four semi-automatic pistols, eight country made pistols, one country made rifle, three knives, and 33 live bullets were recovered.

According to the police on Monday, the accused during the entire operation, which was named 'Eagle' and added that the arrested persons were previously involved in more than 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, dacoity, robbery, extortion, burglary riot, theft, the Arms Act and the Gangster Act.

Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava said, "The operation, named 'Eagle', was conducted to crack down on gunrunners active in Delhi and NCR." According to the officer, the operation was launched after two men -- Arshad and Mohammad Suleman -- were arrested from Ghazipur during a raid.

While developing information about gunrunners active in Delhi - NCR, a tip off was received that two criminals would go to Noida to execute a plan of robbery. Further, they had illegal arms and ammunition and were travelling in a stolen car with a fake number plate. Accordingly, during a raid by the team at Paper Market, Ghazipur, Delhi, an I-20 car was intercepted. The person sitting in the front passenger seat pointed a gun at the team, but he was overpowered, he said, adding that a gun, three live bullets, three knives and a stolen car were seized from them.

"During interrogation of both the accused, they revealed the names of several other gang members involved in procuring and selling weapons in Delhi-NCR to many criminals. Multiple teams were formed to investigate the entire network and to dismantle it by arresting all the accused," said the special commissioner.

The officer said the teams raided multiple locations and apprehended 16 more people associated with the 'Madan gang'. The arrested accused confessed to the police that they were all members of the same gang and are involved in procuring and selling illegal weapons in Delhi-NCR, Srivastava said.

He added that the police arrested the gang's head Madan from Dasna Jail in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, from where was operating the gang.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday addressed election rallies at Bhawanathpur, Hussainabad, Panki and Latehar assembly constituencies under Palamu division. Chief Minister Yogi addressing the gathering said that every political analyst of the country is saying that on the 23rd, lotus is going to bloom in Jharkhand. Referring to Haryana, he said that the people of Haryana have done the work of blooming lotus for the third time on the basis of development and now it is time for people of Jharkhand.

CM Yogi targeted the Hemant government and said that for the last 5 years, the people of the state have seen corruption and anarchy. But on the other hand, public welfare and development works are being done in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Hemant government and its ministers have looted the resources of Jharkhand. The youth, farmers and every backward class of Jharkhand are troubled by the corrupt government. But Prime Minister Modi started giving free ration to the poor, 80 crore people are getting the benefit of free ration. 4 crore people have benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Toilets were provided to 10 crore poor people, gas connections were provided to 10 crore people under the Ujjwala scheme. 12 crore farmers have received the benefit of Kisan Samman Nidhi. BJP has provided free health services to 50 crore poor people of the country.

CM Yogi surrounded the Hemant government and said that Congress-JMM-RJD is a threat to the security of the country and the state. Three families are looting the poor, one family is sitting in Ranchi, the second one is sitting in Patna and the third family is sitting in Delhi. These three families only develop their own nepotism, not the poor and Dalits. The looter government in Jharkhand has made it a den of land mafias, and has given permission to the infiltrators to spread anarchy for vote bank.

He said that there is a BJP government in UP. No one breaches security there, those who touch the honor of mothers and sisters, those who breach security, get a ticket to Yamraj's house directly. After the formation of the BJP government, stone pelters will be treated. The BJP government will also treat goons and mafias. He said that daughters and traders will get security and the poor will get respect. The BJP government will make Jharkhand a developed state by giving the benefits of schemes to the poor.

He said that only the BJP can provide security, respect and good governance. As soon as the government is formed, the Gogo Didi scheme will be implemented, under which every month Rs 2100 will be given to sisters and mothers. Under the Lakshmi Johar scheme, gas cylinders will be given for Rs 500, apart from this, free cylinders will be given twice a year. Unemployed youth will be given an allowance of Rs 2000 per month for 2 years. 21 lakh families will be given the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

CM Yogi appealed to the public and said that if Jharkhand has to be made a developed state, then a double engine government will have to be formed here. He said that whenever we are divided, cut ruthlessly, if we stay united, we will be safe. He said, we should not get influenced by JMM-Congress-RJD, the BJP government is going to be formed in the state.
As part of its ongoing efforts to deal with emergencies during the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025, the Yogi Adityanath government will deploy 220 highly skilled deep-sea divers from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to secure the Sangam waters.

The countrys top Water Police personnel from Goa, Kolkata and Maharashtra will join the forces in Prayagraj this year to guard the devotees. For the first time, such a large number of hi-tech divers will be stationed to ensure the safety of pilgrims and saints during the sacred bathing rituals.

Notably, to ensure safety of devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025, the largest gathering in Sanatan Dharma, teams from the NDRF, SDRF, water police, PAC, and healthcare staff are working in unison. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths directives, comprehensive security measures are being put in place for the millions of devotees arriving from across India and abroad.

According to Water Police in-charge at Kila police station, Janardan Prasad Sahni, 220 deep-sea divers, 180 of them brought in from various regions and 39 already stationed locally, will remain on high alert to ensure round-the-clock water safety.

Significant local participation is also being enlisted to support the event. Local boatmen, skilled in navigating depths up to 40 feet without equipment, are also contributing their expertise. Additionally, 10 PAC companies, 12 NDRF teams, and six SDRF units are being deployed to ensure the safety of bathers and manage any potential emergencies effectively.

Various government and non-governmental organisations have pledged their support for this grand cultural gathering. Alongside the PAC and NDRF-SDRF teams, large numbers of residents are also actively participating.

Furthermore, over 200 local individuals are undergoing training by the Water Police to assist in safeguarding the saints and pilgrims during the holy bathing rituals at Maha Kumbh.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav addressed a huge election rally in Garhwa and Simaria. During this, Dr. Yadav once again raised the issue of Bangladeshi intruders and fiercely targeted the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress. He said that this is not just an election, it is a religious war which we have to win. Dr. Yadav appealed to the public to vote for BJP candidate Satyendra Nath Tiwari in Ramkanda of Garhwa Assembly of Jharkhand.

While addressing the public meeting, he called upon the people of Jharkhand state for a massive victory. Addressing the public, he said, every citizen of Jharkhand is determined to establish an unbroken record of good governance and development. The double engine BJP government will liberate every section from the exploitation and injustice of Congress and JMM.

CM Dr. Yadav said that, this is not an election but a religious war, this religious war has to be fought and won, he said that this is the right time for Sanatan also, it is a time of challenge but the biggest challenge is of Bangladeshi intruders who are around your lands. The Chief Minister said who is supporting them. He said that Hemant Soren and Congress are silent so that they can get power.

The CM said that Bangladeshi intruders want to occupy the land of Jharkhand, they want to kidnap your sisters and daughters and misbehave with them. These Bangladeshis are torturing Hindus there. They are damaging our religious places, they are against our choti, our daughter and our worship.

Dr. Yadav said that Congress and JMM are hungry for power, they have forgotten the contribution of Lord Birsa Munda. A person who became God from a human being while alive, he showed so much valor that the British got weak. But today there is a need to remember his contribution, unfortunately it has to be said that Congress never remembered him. But due to PM Narendra Modi, today the country is celebrating Birsa Munda's birth anniversary as Gaurav Diwas. Change is going to happen in Jharkhand state. The NDA government is going to be formed in Jharkhand state.
Before I delve into the topic for the day, let me express my disappointment regarding the water tariff increase that was approved by members of Parliament. It is indeed surprising that the honourable members of Parliament are fully aware that emaSwati are struggling financially. Unemployment and underemployment are very high.

The working class has been struggling to secure salary increases to mitigate the high cost of living. It is indeed disappointing that when the MPs were canvassing for elections, they made promises to the voters, especially as it relates to addressing the interests of the voters. I sense a disconnect between their campaign messages and how they behave once they have secured the plum job in Parliament.

Proposal

Unfortunately, the Eswatini Electricity Company has also made a proposal to increase tariffs. We trust that ESCOM will be able to engage stakeholders in all corners of the country so that consumers interests and capacity to pay are taken into account. I would like to congratulate the Batswana founding fathers, led by Sir Seretse Khama, who, at independence in 1966, embraced multiparty democracy. I recall when we were at primary school level, Botswana, Swaziland (now Eswatini), and Lesotho were known as the BLS countries. Botswana was very poor compared to our country before the discovery of diamonds that unlocked unprecedented levels of development in that country. Whereas many countries regarded minerals as a curse, it was not so in Botswana, as the government then laid a solid foundation for diamonds to be used to prosper the Tswanas.

Today, Botswana is one of the best examples of how good governance can change peoples lives, as opposed to changing the lives of the political elites. The 2024 elections were indeed consequential elections that have dramatically changed Botswanas political landscape. After 58 years in power, the Botswana Democratic Party, founded by the father of that nation, Sir Seretse Khama, was humiliated at the polls.

Persecution

It was a clear indication that the Dr Masisi-led government had veered off course. The persecution of the former president, Ian Khama, and his family, which resulted in the self-imposed exile of the former president in South Africa and Eswatini, was not acceptable to Batswana, among other challenges such as the economic downturn. The ruling party had taken Batswana for granted for having entrusted them with power for 58 years. They forgot that it is the people who are sovereign, not the party. Those Tswanas with whom I was in contact in civil society pointed out that the government had lost its legitimacy, and hence, the outcome of the election came as no surprise. They also credit the young people who turned out in large numbers to change the history of their country.

What I would also like to observe is that the former president, who endured persecution from the ruling party, decided to abandon his fathers political organisation and formed his own political party. Unfortunately, his political party, like the ruling party, performed poorly at the polls. This outcome indicates that Batswana also rejected him at the polls, which was a different outcome for the former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, whose new political party received the third highest votes. This is a lesson that political parties and political leaders should never assume that their political party or leader is popular; rather, what is required is to work hard to convince voters that the political organisation will serve the people better than the rest of the contending political parties. What I would also like to observe is that the opposition was adamant that the election body in Botswana should deliver free, fair and transparent elections.

Succeed

They questioned every step that they considered a threat to a free and fair election process, even approaching the courts. Democracy can only succeed if democratic institutions are strong and can be trusted by the citizenry. The opposition deployed observers in every polling station to ensure the security of the vote. I hope opposition parties in the SADC region will learn from Botswana. I would like to applaud Dr Masisi, who displayed respect for the will of the people. As soon as it was clear that his political party had been decimated at the polls, he conceded defeat and congratulated the incoming president.

For this gesture, Dr Masisis democratic credentials and his role in consolidating Botswana will be etched in history for years to come. It saddens me that in our neighbour, the Republic of Mozambique, the outcome of the elections has triggered violent protests as the opposition complained that the elections were rigged. When institutions such as the elections body and the courts are not trusted, it leads to mistrust and ultimately conflict. May the new Botswana president do his best to deliver, because democracy must change peoples lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a jumla ke juggler. When he talks about Jharkhand, he only scratches the wounds of the people of Jharkhand, said Lohardaga MP Sukhdev Bhagat on Sunday, making the above allegation.



Bhagat said that when Modi ji talks about roti, beti and maati, he does not remember anything. "When India alliance talks about roti, then Modi ji talks about boti and cow in terms of polarization. Before talking about beti, he should remember Manipur where atrocities were continuously committed on women but he did not even think it necessary to hold a discussion inside the House and kept silent on the incident of Manipur and did not even think it appropriate to go to Manipur," he said.



The party MP said that Modi Ji should remain silent about the soil of Jharkhand because in 2016, the BJP government in Jharkhand prepared to hand over 22 lakh acres of community land, Sana Masana and other socially useful lands to industrial houses by creating a land bank, whereas the security cover of CNT and SPT is in place for the lands of Jharkhand. Modi Ji says that the country is in safe hands, then how is infiltration happening in the country. All the security forces and security agencies are with Modi Ji and his generals, but still if he talks about infiltration, it means that he is accepting his failure, he said.

"BJP takes credit for removing 370 and claims peace in Kashmir but in the 100 days of its tenure till 2024, 26 terror attacks happened, 21 soldiers were martyred and 29 civilians were killed, 47 civilians were injured and other incidents are happening continuously but Modi ji is lying to the people of the country," Bhagat said. The party MP said that Modi Ji has abandoned the dignity of the post of Prime Minister. His words are that if you divide, you will be cut, whereas he should have said that we will stay united and take the country forward.

"His words have always been against dignity, the country has heard his indecent words in the Lok Sabha elections. After the formation of Jharkhand, the BJP government reduced the limit of 27 percent reservation for the backward class to 14 percent, the brunt of which is being faced by the backward class society even today. The Mahagathbandhan government has passed a proposal for 27 percent reservation in the assembly, which is pending and here Modi Ji comes to shed crocodile tears. The paper leak was not even discussed in the house, the adjournment motion was rejected," he said.

"Modi ji, who pretends to have false love for the tribal community, did not even invite the country's first woman President, Mrs. Draupadi Murmu, the custodian of the Constitution and Parliament, the head of the country's constitutional system, to the inauguration ceremony of the Parliament House. This is a grave insult to the tribals. They are running away from implementing the Sarna Dharma Code for the religious identity of the tribals. Modi ji and his advisors want to make Jharkhand a colony of industrialists," he said.



The press conference was also addressed by Colonel Rohit Chaudhary, President of the All India Sainik Cell.



Media in-charge Rakesh Sinha, President Satish Paul Munjani, Sonal Shanti, Jagdish Sahu, Rishikesh Singh, Hridayananda Yadav were present in the press conference.
n Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that for balanced industrial development and employment promotion in the state, the Regional Industry Conclaves held at the divisional level and roadshows organized in major cities outside the state have delivered promising results nationwide.

This momentum will continue until the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal in February 2025. A division-level Industry Conclave is scheduled in Narmadapuram on December 7, where activities will focus on advancing the state's economic growth by connecting investors with opportunities in the Narmadapuram region. Industrialists from all sectorsincluding IT, Health, Education, Tourism, Heavy Industries, MSME, and Small Cottage Industrieshave been invited to the conclave to generate employment opportunities for the people of the state. These initiatives by the state government are showing significant positive outcomes.

Yadav said that he will be traveling abroad this month to attract investments for Madhya Pradesh. During this visit, he will invite foreign industrialists to establish industries in the state, showcasing the supportive policies and favorable industrial environment offered by the government. Dr. Yadav emphasized that the government is making consistent efforts to foster a strong economic environment within the state, providing ample employment opportunities and enabling local youth to find jobs that match their skills, reducing the need to seek work elsewhere. He shared these remarks in a statement issued from the Chief Ministers residence on Sunday.

Industry-friendly policies for investors

Chief Minister Yadav said that the government has made a provision of Rs 4 thousand 190 crore for the industrial sector in 2024-25. To encourage industrial investment, facilities like single window system, investment promotion and customized packages have been provided in the state. New investors are being ensured a simple and easy investment process with industry-friendly policies. To promote industries, Investment Facilitation Centers are being established in every district of the state. It has already started in many districts. To promote industries, district collectors have been made nodal officers in these centres.

Industrial investment in Madhya Pradesh

Yadav said that the efforts made in the last 8 months for industrial investment and employment generation in the state included Regional Industry Conclaves held in Ujjain, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Sagar and Rewa and road shows along with interactive sessions held in Mumbai, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Kolkata have yielded very positive results. Of these, investment proposals worth Rs 2 lakh 76 thousand crore have been received in various sectors, which will create 3 lakh 28 thousand 670 employment opportunities. Chief Minister Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh will celebrate the year 2025 as the Year of Industry. This year, a two-day Global Investors Summit will be organized in Bhopal on 7-8 February 2025.

Madhya Pradesh is becoming the first choice of investors

The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is not only becoming an industrial hub but is also paving the way for progress in every field. Due to better connectivity, industry-friendly policies, and strong infrastructure in the state, Madhya Pradesh is becoming the first choice for investors.
As the first phase of Assembly elections draws near, the District Election Officer for East Singhbhum, Mr. Ananya Mittal, has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure a secure and fair voting process. With polling day set for November 13, 2024, in all six constituencies of East Singhbhum, these measures underscore the Election Commission of Indias commitment to upholding law and order during the electoral period, especially the critical 72 hours leading up to polling day.

The directive mandates the enforcement of several key measures aimed at preventing potential disruptions and ensuring compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Notably, Mr. Mittal emphasized that any violation of these orders will lead to immediate action under relevant legal provisions.

Starting from P-3 day, or 72 hours before polling day, all inter-state and inter-district borders surrounding East Singhbhum will be sealed. This measure is specifically aimed at preventing the entry of anti-social and disruptive elements who may attempt to influence or disturb the election proceedings. The district administration, in coordination with law enforcement, will deploy personnel to monitor and strictly control access at all major entry points to the district.

On P-2 day, or 48 hours before polling, strict surveillance will be placed on all public gathering spaces, including Kalyan Mandaps, marriage halls, guest houses, and dharamshalas. Additionally, hotels, hostels, and lodges across the district will be thoroughly checked by designated teams to ensure that these premises are not being used by political parties or candidates for unauthorized gatherings, which could potentially influence voter sentiment in violation of the MCC. Officers will be on high alert for any signs of political gatherings or attempts to sway voter behavior.

On polling day, each candidate will be permitted only one vehicle for personal use, with additional restrictions applying to their election agents and party workers, who are also limited to one vehicle each. This policy is in place to prevent the excessive movement of vehicles that could disrupt polling station security and to maintain a level playing field among candidates.

Private vehicles will not be allowed within a 200-meter radius of polling booths to avoid congestion and potential disturbances near voting centers. This restriction aims to create a controlled environment around polling stations, minimizing the possibility of voter intimidation or interference.

On the day of polling, cellular phones, mobile devices, wireless telephones, and other communication devices will be banned within 100 meters of polling stations, with exceptions made only for officers on duty. This measure is designed to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the voting process, reducing the risk of any attempts to influence or disrupt voting within the vicinity of the polling booths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took part in a mega 3-km roadshow in Ranch with thousands of people lining both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of their charismatic leader. The Prime Minister, atop a saffron-coloured open vehicle adorned with flowers and his cutouts, waved at the crowd, which chanted slogans like "Modi Zindabad."



Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Ranchi has sparked enthusiasm among BJP workers. The Prime Minister Road show was for CP Singh, Naveen Jaiswal, Jitu Charan Ram and Ram Kumar Pahan the BJP candidates from Ranchi, Hatia, Kanke and Khijri respectively. All four candidates along with Ranchi MP and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth were seen in the vehicle along with Modi. The road show was from OTC ground to New Market.

Supporters lined the streets, waving flags and chanting slogans. This event has boosted the party's confidence for the 2024 Jharkhand elections. The roadshow is seen as a strategic move to gain momentum and challenge rivals in the state. BJP workers are optimistic about a strong performance in the upcoming polls. They believe Modi's leadership and recent development efforts will lead to victory. The roadshow has increased political excitement in Jharkhand, with many feeling hopeful about the party's chances.

As Modi's convoy moved through Ranchi, there was a visible wave of support. People expressed pride and happiness, showing their readiness to support the Prime Minister. Many believe that the BJP will work for the rights of Ranchi's people.

Earlier, prior to participating in the road show, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a busy day in Jharkhand as he addressed two rallies at Chandankiyari and Gumla respectively.



While addressing an election rally in Chandankyari of Bokaro district of Jharkhand, PM Modi fiercely attacked JMM and Congress. He said that there is a strong storm in favor of BJP in Jharkhand. This plateau of Chhota Nagpur is also saying: Roti-Beti-Mati ki pukar, BJP-NDA government in Jharkhand. PM Modi said that BJP-NDA has only one mantra here - we have made Jharkhand, we will improve Jharkhand. Such people will never develop Jharkhand, who have been against the creation of Jharkhand state.

The Prime Minister said that 10 years ago, from 2004 to 2014, there was a Congress government at the center, Madam Sonia ji used to run the government and Manmohan Singh ji was made the Prime Minister. At that time, the central government had given 80 thousand crore rupees to Jharkhand with great difficulty in 10 years. After 2014, the government changed in Delhi, you gave your servant Modi a chance to serve and in the last 10 years, we have given more than 3 lakh crore rupees to Jharkhand.

BJP wanted that the poor should get concrete houses, good roads should be built in cities and villages, electricity and water should be available, there should be medical facilities, education facilities, water for irrigation, medicines in old age. But in the last 5 years of JMM government, these facilities that were your right were looted by the people of JMM and Congress.

Now you have decided to form BJP-NDA government. I promise you that after the government is formed, we will fight the entire battle in the court to get these corrupts the severest punishment. The money that is your right will be spent on you, it will be spent for you, it will be spent for the future of your children.

We send the money of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi directly to the bank accounts of the farmers of Jharkhand and they get the entire amount. Similarly, there are many works of highways, railways and airports on which the central government directly spends, no one gets a chance to cut in the middle. Our government has also spent lakhs of crores of rupees in Jharkhand. The BJP-NDA government is promoting new industries. We are also opening old factories lying closed in Jharkhand. The fertilizer factory of Sindri was also closed due to the bad policies of the previous governments. We started the Sindri fertilizer factory. This has provided employment to thousands of youth of Jharkhand.

In the rally in Jharkhand's Gumla, PM Modi also said that former Indian Prime Ministers, from Congress, ignored the recommendations for reservation to the OBC community.

"The Congress party has always been opposed to the OBC (Other Backward Classes) from the very beginning. Kaka Saheb Kalelkar said in 1955 that the backward classes should be given reservation. Jawaharlal Nehru put the files in the cold storage. In 1980, the Mandal Commission recommended that OBCs should receive reservations. Indira Gandhi also put the file in the cold storage," PM Modi said in Gumla.

PM Modi also outlined the policies introduced by his government while speaking in Gumla and said that it was his regime that granted 27 per cent reservation to backward classes in all the central institutions across the country.

"When my government came into power, it gave 27 per cent reservation to the backward classes in all central institutions. We also granted constitutional status to the Backward Classes Commission, the Varanasi MP said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, said that Palamus Hussainabad should be renamed Ram Nagar. He also accused the JMM-led government in Jharkhand of converting the state into a dharamshala for Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators.

Addressing a public rally at Bhawanathpur assembly constituency in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Yogi observed that a double-engine government is needed in the state for the treatment of stone pelters and those spreading disturbances during festivals.

The state has been converted into a dharamshala for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators, who continue to spread anarchy, Yogi Adityanath said at the rally. He also urged the people to stay united, saying batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to safe rahege (if divided, we will be wiped out, if united, we will remain safe).

The Bharatiya Janata Party star campaigner, while referring to the family of Shibu Soren, the Gandhi family and that of Lalu Prasad said that the three families encouraged corruption in the state.

Attacking Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Rashtriya Janata Dal, Yogi Adityanath said one of these families lives in Ranchi, the other in Bihar and the third in Delhi, and they loot the poor.

They have no thought of development outside the family. They are not concerned about employment of youth, respect for farmers, security of sisters, daughters and businessmen. Power is a means of looting for them, he said.

Yogi said, The demography of Jharkhand is being changed. Congress, JMM and RJD are not your well-wishers, but well-wishers of Bangladeshi infiltrators, Rohingyas and stone-pelters. These people have made Jharkhand a dharamshala and have given Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims the freedom to spread anarchy. Love jihad and land jihad are going to create problems for the soil and daughters of this place.

The UP chief minister asserted that only Bharatiya Janata Party was the cure for the ills of Jharkhand  Rohingya, love jihad, conversion, Bangladeshi infiltration, crisis of bread-daughter and soil, stone pelters, mafia-goons and smugglers.

Yogi Adityanath on Monday sought votes for MLA and party candidate Bhanu Pratap Shahi from Bhawanathpur, Kamlesh Kumar Singh from Hussainabad and Shashi Bhushan Mehta from Panki.

Yogi held the fourth public meeting in Daltonganj for MLA and party candidate Alok Kumar Chaurasia. He said that Jharkhand had decided to neither tolerate nor say anything, but remain united and change the corrupt government. He counted Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantee for Jharkhand and invited the people of the state to Ayodhya and Prayagraj Kumbh.

Yogi asserted that BJP means development, security, good governance and respect for heritage. Everyone has seen anarchy and corruption in Jharkhand for five years. The notes which should have gone into the accounts of the poor are being found in the houses of Jharkhand ministers, their families and servants. Here festivals are not allowed to be celebrated peacefully. Here farmers commit suicide and the poor are forced to die of hunger, he said.

Yogi said, Kashi and Vindhyavasini Dham have become very good. After 500 years, Lord Shri Rams temple has been built in Ayodhya. This could not be expected from Congress, JMM and RJD of the INDI Alliance. These people are a threat to security. A double-engine government is needed for Atal Bihari Vajpayees dream Jharkhand.

Yogi said that the Jharkhand High Court had pointed out how the tribal population in Palamu decreased from 44 per cent to 28 per cent. Neither roti is safe here, nor daughter and soil. If Ram temple is built in Ayodhya, then the blessings have been received by all the Indians. BJP candidate Kamlesh Singh has resolved to make this area Ramnagari on the lines of Ayodhya Dham by renovating and constructing hundreds of temples to protect Hindu identity. We have renamed Faizabad as Ayodhya and Allahabad as Prayagraj again. Now Hussainabad should become Ram Nagar, he said.

Yogi said that in the name of love jihad, Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingya Muslims were hatching a conspiracy in Jharkhand and Congress, JMM and RJD were also involved in it.

These people are creating an identity crisis, which is extremely dangerous. JMM, RJD and Congress have given shelter to the mafia for vote bank. Tribal daughters are being cheated here in the name of love jihad, while in UP, if a daughter is cheated in the name of love jihad, then Yamraj will be ready to cut the ticket at the next crossroad. When the Congress, RJD and JMM government was at the Centre, Pakistan and China used to infiltrate. Now the Chinese army is retreating near Ladakh and the Indian army is patrolling. Congress, RJD and JMM are the problem and BJP is the solution, he said.

Yogi said that the maximum increase in incidents related to women had happened in Jharkhand in the last five years. The prime minister is giving jobs to lakhs of youth every month through Mission Rozgar. Congress, RJD and JMM did not respect Hindu faith and Lord Birsa Munda, whereas Modi celebrated 15th November as Tribal Day and worked towards making Baba Sahebs Panch Teerth, he said.

The UP chief minister said that these people (Congress, RJD and JMM) could not throw out the infiltrators and Rohingya Muslims from the country, so they need to be rejected. He said like UP, Jharkhand was also a state of unlimited potential.

Pointing out that devotees from the country and all over the world come to Baba Dham with kanwar yatra and perform jalabhishek, Yogi said if Congress, JMM and RJD had their way, they would stop the kanwar yatra too.

Earlier, kanwar yatra was not allowed in UP too. Governments used to say that there would be riots. We said that if someone is hell-bent on rioting, then we should deal with him once and for all. Our government said that we will also play conch, DJ, bells and shower flowers from helicopters. Now the kanwar processions start in a peaceful manner, he pointed out.

Yogi said to deal with security and the mafia, a spirit of honesty was needed. He said India would become great, safe and developed only when it remained united.

Those who divide are enemies of the country. These people used to serve the British. We were divided and had to face humiliation in Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura. Crores of Hindus were killed. If we do not divide, then no one will have the courage to kill us. When divided, we were cut; if we remain united, we will be safe. We do not have to be spectators but decision makers, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.
Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday cautioned those engaged in recent lathi charges, warning they could face similar treatment themselves in future.

Addressing a public event in the Kundarki area of Moradabad ahead of the November 20 bypolls, Yadav condemned the handling of protests, particularly citing the recent incident involving UPPSC aspirants in Prayagraj.

Government service aspirants held demonstration in Prayagraj on Monday in large numbers against the decision of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) to hold the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) preliminary, and Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) exams on different dates, citing violation of rules.

"This (BJP) is the government which engages in lathi charge. Yaad rakhna lathi chalaane walon, ye jo lathi aap chala rahe ho, yeh jaisi seva aap kar rahe ho waisi seva aapko bhi kabhi kabhi milegi (Remember, those using the lathi now may face the same treatment in return someday)," Yadav remarked.

SP's Kundarki bypoll candidate Haji Rizwan stood next to the former chief minister on stage during the address.

Referring to the Prayagraj incident, where UPPSC students were lathi-charged while pressing their demands, Yadav alleged that this was the government's way of suppressing people because they no longer have popular support.

In a series of pointed comments, Yadav attacked the BJP government, alleging it adopts a negative political approach. He said the PDA represents a positive force that has unified the marginalised communities "unlike the BJP's divisive politics".

PDA is an acronym Yadav coined ahead of the last Lok Sabha polls for a combine of 'pichhde' (backwards), Dalits and 'alpsankhyak' (minorities).

"Their politics isn't constructive. It doesn't foster harmony because their thinking is negative," he said, arguing that the PDA stands for progressive politics and unity.

Yadav alleged that Chief Minister Adityanath branded PDA as a "production house of dangai (rioters) and apradhi (criminals)".

Yadav countered and alleged that Adityanath's opposition to PDA extended to all backward communities, Dalits, minorities, tribal people and "even to our women and mothers".

Switching to issues impacting farmers, the former UP chief minister slammed the government's handling of fertiliser supplies.

"Nobody is getting DAP (diammonium phosphate) because it also includes the same letters as PDA. This government has failed to provide seeds, fertiliser or even reliable electricity," he alleged.

Yadav added that electricity costs had increased under the current administration, yet the government had failed to explain these rising expenses.

Yadav said the recent loss in the Lok Sabha polls had unsettled the BJP and claimed that that the public was now rejecting the government's "negative politics". He said PDA embodied "positive politics", focused on uniting the disadvantaged and preserving the Constitution as a guiding principle.

Yadav also highlighted the Supreme Court's recent penalties against the state government as evidence of its mismanagement through demolitions using bulldozers.

"The Supreme Court recently imposed a Rs 25 lakh fine on the government. This fight to protect the Constitution is far from over and our aim is to remove the BJP from both Delhi and Lucknow," he stressed.

Kundarki in Moradabad is among the nine seats in UP where bypolls will be held on November 20. Counting of votes will be undertaken on November 23.

The Kundarki seat was held by the SP in the 2022 polls with Ziaur Rahman Burq as its candidate. Burq later ran for Lok Sabha this year and won the polls, necessitating a bypoll in the Kundarki assembly seat.
The opposition's fake narrative during the Lok Sabha polls about the BJP wanting to the change the Constitution has been "finished" and will play no role in the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday.

Fadnavis, who held a campaign rally in his Nagpur South West constituency during the day, was speaking to television channels.

"We have completely finished the fake narrative of the Lok Sabha (about BJP seeking 400-plus seats to change the Constitution) and the public is standing with us," he said when asked about the difference in situation in the assembly polls when compared to the general elections.

The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, managed to win just 17 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi won 30 seats, while one Independent (who won from Sangli) is also aligned to it.

"The Mahayuti will win the assembly polls with a comfortable majority," Fadnavis said.

Nagpur South West constituency came into existence in 2009 and Fadnavis has been MLA since then.

Results of the Maharashtra assembly polls will be declared on November 23.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time admitted that Israel was behind the pager and walkie-talkie attacks on Hezbollah in September that left at least 39 people dead and more than 3,000 injured, local media reports have said.

The pager operation and the elimination of (Hezbollah leader Hassan) Nasrallah were carried out despite the opposition of senior officials in the defence establishment and those responsible for them in the political echelon, The Times of Israel newspaper quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Netanyahu's remarks came during Sunday's weekly Cabinet meeting, according to Hebrew media reports.

Israel had so far not taken responsibility publicly for the attacks, but it was widely speculated that it was behind the complex successfully orchestrated attacks that took the world by surprise.

Thousands of pagers containing explosives exploded on their Hezbollah owners across Lebanon and parts of Syria on September 16

While the world was still absorbing the news of pager explosions, walkie-talkies met the same fate a day later on September 17, shocking the world at the level of Israeli intelligence's preparation in its war against the Lebanese Shia militia.

Netanyahu's statement is being interpreted in the context of his firing of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and efforts to shore up personal popularity by taking credit for war successes.

Gallant was fired from the defence minister's position on November 5.

Netanyahu and Gallant have clashed repeatedly over the course of their time in government together.

Netanyahu also tried to get rid of him in March 2023 as well, a day after Gallant called for pausing the legislation process of the government's contentious judicial overhaul plan arguing that it caused divisions that posed a threat to national security, but had to reinstate him due to massive public protests.

He was the defence minister when Hamas committed its deadly terror assault in southern Israel on October 7 last year and had so far carried out his duties in the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip, the fighting on the northern border, and the ground operation in southern Lebanon.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Gallant said that he was fired because of differences on the issue of the need to draft ultra-orthodox men in the Israel Defence Forces, the imperative to bring back the hostages from Gaza, and the need for establishing a state commission of inquiry to look into the October 7 Hamas terror attack and the ensuing war.

Netanyahu has resisted taking responsibility for the country's security oversights, blaming Israel's security forces for the failure to foresee Hamas' October 7 massacre.

He has also ducked calls for a public commission of inquiry to be constituted into events leading up to it.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand of converting the state into a 'dharmshala' for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Adityanath said a double-engine government was needed in Jharkhand for "treatment" of mafia, stone pelters and those spreading anarchy and creating disturbances in festivals.

"Jharkhand has been converted into a 'dharmashala' for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators who have been given free rein to spread anarchy," he claimed, while addressing an election rally at Bhawnathpur in Garhwa.

He urged people to remain united, saying if divided they will be wiped out.

"Batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to safe rahege (If divided, we will be wiped out, if united, we will remain safe)," he said.

Adityanath alleged that the JMM-led government in Jharkhand fuelled corruption, anarchy and loot of natural resources.

In an apparent reference to Soren family, Lalu Prasad's family and Gandhi family, he alleged that three families in Ranchi, Patna and Delhi indulged in loot and corruption for personal growth.

"Natural wealth is being plundered under the JMM-led regime, labourers are forced to migrate from Jharkhand and farmers are committing suicide," he alleged.

He said a double-engine government was needed in Jharkhand for "giving tickets to stone pelters and mafioso to Yamraj's home" on the lines of UP.

"People are not being allowed to celebrate festivals peacefully under JMM-led regime in Jharkhand," he alleged.

He claimed that the BJP is the "only party that can guarantee the country's security and pride, women's empowerment and employment to youth".

Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand assembly will be held on November 13 and 20, while the counting of votes polled will take place on November 23.
Karnataka Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan has courted a controversy by calling Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy 'Kaaliya', a racist slur for being dark complexioned.

Retorting strongly, the JD(S) demanded that the Congress government should sack Khan from the Cabinet for his racist slur.

At an election rally addressing the minorities in Ramanagara on Sunday, Khan said the Channapatna Congress candidate C P Yogeeshwara had no other option but to join the BJP earlier.

"Due to some differences in our party (Congress), he contested as an independent. He had no option but to join the BJP. He was not ready to join the JD(S) because 'Kaaliya Kumaraswamy' was more dangerous than the BJP. Now he (Yogeeshwara) has come back home," the minister said.

Yogeeshwara has a direct contest in the Channapatna assembly bypoll against Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy who is contesting as an NDA candidate on the JD(S) ticket.

Khan also alleged that Kumaraswamy had said he did not need Muslim votes.

Khan also played out the audio of the purported statement of Kumaraswamy where he is heard saying, "My politics is not dependent on Muslim votes. I am making this clear. I don't need Hijab or Pajaab."

The minister told the audience, "Kumaraswamy says he does not want Hijab or Pajaab but he wants Muslim votes. Will you vote for him?"

He said Kumaraswamy is under the impression that he can buy Muslim votes. "Aye Kumaraswamy, tell me your bidding amount. The Muslim community will generate funds that can buy your entire clan," Khan said amid cheers of the crowd.

The JD(S) in a post on 'X' called Khan a 'racist'.

"Your power and greed that you will buy the family of Deve Gowda who brought you up politically will not last long," the JD(S) said.

The party sought to know the colour of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, ministers H C Mahadevappa, Satish Jarakiholi, Priyank Kharge and K H Muniyappa.

"Dismiss such a low mentality person from the Cabinet immediately," the party demanded.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju too condemned Khan's slur.

"I strongly deplore Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed calling Union Minister & Ex CM of Karnataka Sh. Kumaraswamy as 'Kaalia Kumaraswamy'. This is a racist remark, same as Rahul Gandhi's adviser calling South Indians look like Africans, North East as Chinese, North Indians as Arabs," Rijiju said in a post on 'X'.
India's 51st Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has his imprint on several landmark judgements such as upholding the sanctity of EVMs, abrogation of Article 370, scrapping the electoral bonds scheme and granting interim bail to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Hailing from an illustrious Delhi-based family, Justice Khanna is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of the iconic late former apex court judge H R Khanna.

A third-generation lawyer before being elevated to the Delhi High Court, the 64-year-old is driven by the zeal to reduce pendency and speed up justice delivery.

He was recommended by predecessor CJI D Y Chandrachud as his successor on October 17 and was sworn in as the CJI on Monday. Justice Khanna will retire on May 13, 2025, after serving over six months as head of the judiciary.

Some of the notable judgments of Justice Khanna in the Supreme Court include upholding the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections, saying the devices were secure and eliminating booth capturing and bogus voting.

A bench headed by Justice Khanna had on April 26 termed the suspicion of manipulation of the EVMs "unfounded" and rejected the demand for reverting to the old paper ballot system.

He was also part of the five-judge bench that declared the electoral bond scheme, meant for funding political parties, as unconstitutional.

Justice Khanna was a part of the five-judge bench, which upheld the Centre's 2019 decision abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

It was the Justice Khanna-led bench, which, for the first time, granted interim bail to then Delhi chief minister Kejriwal in the excise policy case to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections.

In 2021, a bench he was a part of upheld the validity of the e-voting process for winding up mutual fund schemes in a case related to the closure of schemes of Franklin Templeton Trustee Services Private Limited.

In a case related to news anchor Amish Devgan, Justice Khanna, who was part of a bench, had held the freedom of speech and expression cannot be pressed into service for defeating the fundamental right guaranteed by Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) as if one claims to right to speech, the others have the right to listen or decline to listen.

The bench had refused to quash the FIRs registered against the journalist but granted him interim protection against arrest subject to his cooperation in the probe.

Ignoring the huge row over his elevation that has led to supersession of several judges, the Government had in January 2019 appointed Justice Khanna to the Supreme Court as recommended by the apex court's collegium.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) had then termed his appointment as "whimsical and arbitrary", saying it will lead to "humiliation and demoralisation" of the superseded judges.

The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, had said the decision of the collegium was viewed by the Bar and the common man as "unjust and improper".

In a statement, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra had then said that the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people.

"We have no grievance against Justice Khanna. But he can wait for his turn. There is no hurry to elevate him ignoring the merit and seniority of several Chief Justices and puisne Judges of the country," it had said.

Then sitting Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul had also written a note to then CJI Ranjan Gogoi and fellow judges in the collegium for ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively.

Sources had then said that Justice Kaul was of the view that a wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges.

Justice Khanna was born on May 14, 1960, and studied law at the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, before enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983.

As a lawyer, he practised in the district courts at the Tis Hazari complex and subsequently moved his practice to the Delhi High Court.

He had a long tenure as the senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department and was appointed the standing counsel (civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi in 2004.

Justice Khanna also appeared and argued several criminal cases at the Delhi High Court as an additional public prosecutor and as an amicus curiae.

Justice Khanna was also the executive chairman of the National Legal Service Authority.

His uncle, Justice H R Khanna, during his judgeship, made waves when he resigned in 1976. He had penned a dissenting verdict in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency.

The majority judgment of a Constitution bench verdict upholding the abrogation of fundamental rights during the Emergency was considered a dark day in the history of the judiciary.

Justice H R Khanna declared the move unconstitutional and against the rule of law. He paid the price when the erstwhile government at the Centre superseded him with Justice M H Beg, the next CJI.

Justice H R Khanna was also part of the landmark verdict propounding the basic structure doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973.
24 killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern, eastern Lebanon

Beirut, Nov. 10 (UNI) At least 24 people were killed and several others injured on Sunday afternoon in Israeli airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported.

According to NNA, most of the casualties resulted from Israeli attacks on towns and villages in the city of Baalbek, the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, and the Bekaa Valley.

The agency reported that the death toll from the Israeli airstrike earlier in the day, which targeted the town of Almat in the Jbeil District north of Beirut, has risen to 23, with search efforts still ongoing for additional victims.
Stormonts health minister has refused to support an Executive funding reallocation exercise, insisting the 350 million given to his department is not enough to cover recommended pay rises for healthcare workers.

Despite receiving 57% of the total funds shared among departments, Mike Nesbitt insisted he is still 100 million short of the money he needs to make pay awards of at least 5.5% to all health staff.

First Minister Michelle ONeill said it was unfortunate that Mr Nesbitt did not support the October monitoring round agreed by other ministers at an Executive meeting on Monday morning.

The exercise allocated around 630 million of additional day-to-day spending funds that came to Northern Ireland after the UK Governments budget last month.

Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald has warned that, despite the funding boost from the Chancellors budget, the devolved administration is still overcommitted by around 180 million this year.

She has made clear that ministers need to find more savings and balance the books, highlighting that failure to balance the overall Stormont budget by the end of the financial year would see the Westminster Government withdraw a previous offer to write off 559 million of debt owed to the Treasury.

The Treasury offer, made by the last government, to set aside the 559 million was conditional on the Executive delivering a balanced budget in 2024/25.

Mr Nesbitt told reporters at Stormont that he was incredibly reluctant to even contemplate overspending his budget. He said that meant he would have to enter pay negotiations with health unions starting on the basis that he would be unable to make the recommended awards and keep pay parity with healthcare workers in the rest of the UK.

He said even though health trusts had already made unprecedented savings of 200 million in the current financial year, he had still been faced with a funding gap of 450 million  130 million of inescapable pressures within his department and 320 million for the recommended annual pay awards for staff.

That gap has been reduced to 100 million as a consequence of the 350 million allocated to his department on Monday, he said.

Explaining his decision not to support the monitoring round, Mr Nesbitt said: Im not prepared to look at a health worker in the eye whos gone through what theyve gone through over the last number of years, trusts whove delivered over 200 million in unprecedented savings this year, and say, Im not trying to maintain pay parity for you.

So I put it to Executive colleagues, this has to be an Executive decision, and it is an Executive decision to balance the books and, as a consequence, not be able to maintain national pay parity.

Mr Nesbitt added: The choice to me is either to overspend, which the Executive made clear is an option that should not be on the table, or go into negotiations with the unions, making clear from the get go that I dont have enough money for the various national pay awards to be met.

I am incredibly reluctant to even contemplate going over budget because of the implications, not least in that loan being clawed back by Treasury, but it will depend on the attitude of unions.

Ill be going in with a plan. Its not something I would expect the unions to particularly like, because they think they deserve pay parity with England and Wales. But there is, I hope, room for some negotiations.

Ms ONeill said ministers needed to focus on public sector pay awards, and urged Mr Nesbitt to get on and do that now.

I think that every minister around the Executive table recognised that its going to be challenging, she said. We dont have enough money to do all the things that we would want to do, that weve prioritised, even collectively.

Unfortunately, the Minister for Health didnt support the allocation today, but that is to ignore the fact that he did, in fact, receive 57% of the entire funding that was available to us.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the budget had created very difficult decisions for all ministers.

It has been very, very tough, and I think it is absolutely fair to say that no minister has received what they have asked for in this, and therefore these processes are always about trying to work with ministers around what they can get, she said.

Ms Archibald warned that the monitoring round was likely to be the last significant injection of added funding in the financial year. She said it was important for all ministers to prioritise public sector pay.

I have encouraged ministers to try and prioritise pay within their (funding) envelopes, because if we are going to deliver and drive the transformation agenda that we need to do, then were going to have to have the support of our workforce, she said.

As well as the 350 million to health, the monitoring round saw 170 million allocated to the education department and 36 million to the justice department. That department also got an additional 2.8 million to pay for costs incurred by the PSNI during the race-related disorder of the summer.

The Department for Communities was provided with a general allocation of 11.3 million, and an addition 17 million to provide further support to some pensioners set to lose out on winter fuel payments.

The Department for Infrastructure was given 22.8 million.

The Executive also agreed a capital funding allocation of 68 million from the UK budget.

A total of 24 million was given to the Department for Communities for new social housing and almost 40 million was directed to capital pressures in the Department for Infrastructures budget.
The Northern Ireland Executive should send a united message to the UK Government that it needs to change course urgently over changes to inheritance tax for farmers, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said.

Ms Little-Pengelly told MLAs that farmers cannot be used as a cash cow and urged people to attend a protest against the planned changes next week.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in her first Budget that inheritance tax on agricultural assets will be charged at 20% above 1 million, sparking anger among many in the farming community.

Ms Reeves has said that in some cases the threshold could in practice be about 3 million.

During ministerial question time at Stormont, Ms Little-Pengelly was asked if she had had conversations with the Chancellor about how the change would impact family-owned farms in Northern Ireland.

The deputy First Minister said many farmers and families are particularly concerned by the measure announced in the Budget.

She said she had raised concerns about the change ahead of the Budget with Ms Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Ms Little-Pengelly added: However, that was not listened to and has now been put in place in terms of the announcements around the Budget.

We will continue to fight that fight.

The deputy First Minister encouraged people with concerns to attend a rally near Lisburn next Monday.

She said: Farming is at the heart of our economy here in Northern Ireland.

Farming is incredibly important, our local farmers provide good quality, locally grown, locally supported, locally produced food.

We are a net supplier of food across this UK.

That is something to be valued, that is something to be protected.

We should be standing up for our farmers and I am determined that is what I will be doing as we move forward, including on this very important issue.

Ms Little-Pengelly was asked what steps the Executive could take to address the impact on farms.

She said: Farmers need support, they are not a cash cow to raise cash for anything else.

They require support, not additional burdens.

I believe we can have a strong united voice from the Northern Ireland Executive to say to the Chancellor and to say very strongly, protect our farmers, we will be fighting for our farmers.

We are on the side of farmers on this issue and we are asking the Chancellor to change course urgently.

The Ulster Farmers Union is set to stage a rally against the changes at the Eikon Exhibition Centre  the site of the Balmoral Show  on November 18.
Education Minister Paul Givan went against the advice of a department official when he met a group linked to loyalist paramilitaries, MLAs have heard.

He told the Assembly that the meeting with the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) was not the only occasion when he met a group or individual after being advised not to.

Mr Givan and his DUP ministerial counterpart Gordon Lyons were criticised by other political parties after they held separate meetings with the LCC in September.

The LCC is an umbrella group which represents the Ulster Volunteer Force, the Ulster Defence Association and the Red Hand Commando.

After the meeting, the LCC said it had advised Mr Givan that a proposal to build an Irish language school in east Belfast should be stopped.

Mr Givan said the meeting was to discuss educational underachievement in loyalist areas.

A freedom of information request, first reported by UTV, showed that a Department of Education official had given advice to Mr Givan that he should decline the meeting with the LCC.

SDLP MLA Cara Hunter raised the issue during ministerial question time at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

She said: Would it be typical for a minister to ignore advice from his department and, if so, is this something he does often?

Mr Givan responded: There have been occasions where I have been recommended not to meet with a particular individual or group and I have met.

So this isnt the one occasion where that has occurred.

Ms Hunter said: I think it is crystal clear that young people reject paramilitary activities in their communities and young people listening today will be disappointed you met with this group.

Can you provide this chamber with any concrete outcomes from this meeting that will contribute to the betterment of our education here in Northern Ireland?

Mr Givan said: Back in the day when I was a young person I actively campaigned against releasing prisoners, I wanted them kept in prison.

The members party campaigned to release mass murderers from our jails but now lectures me about who I should and shouldnt meet.

I will meet with those who want to move our society forward.

Those who dont, I very much appeal to the PSNI and our security forces, get the evidence, put them behind bars and I will campaign to keep them behind bars, unlike the member and her party who embraced paramilitaries and let them out of jail.
A new body tasked with investigating outstanding cases from the Northern Ireland Troubles is to look at the death of a teenage IRA member who was killed by the British Army in 1972.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will also examine the murder of a retired RUC reservist and his wife in Belfast in 1990.

The ICRIR has published the details of a number of cases which have been accepted for investigation and are in the information recovery stage.

It said it had accepted 14 individual requests for investigation and is working with more than 100 individuals on taking their cases forward.

The commission was created by the Conservative governments controversial Legacy Act which halted scores of civil cases and inquests into Troubles deaths.

Bereaved families, victims and certain public authorities can instead request the ICRIR carry out an investigation.

While Labour has committed to repealing the Act and has said legacy inquests will resume, it is continuing with the ICRIR.

The cases in information recovery include the killing of James and Ellen Sefton in Ballygomartin Road, Belfast, on June 6 1990.

Mr Sefton was a retired RUC reservist. He and his wife died after an IRA bomb exploded under their car.

The commission is also to investigate the death of 19-year-old Seamus Bradley in Londonderry in 1972. A coroner previously ruled that the Armys shooting of the IRA member during Operation Motorman was unjustified.

The ICRIR will also investigate the shooting of bus inspector Alexander Millar at Ardoyne Bus Station on May 2 1975.

It has also commenced an investigation into the shooting of Thomas Sheppard in Ballymena on March 21 1996 after he was accused by the UVF of being a police informer.

The only case the commission had previously confirmed was in the information recovery stage was its investigation into the Guildford pub bombings in 1974.

The commission is headed by former Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan.

He said: With over 100 individuals coming to the commission, a figure that is continuing to rise, we have a crucial role to play in supporting the vast number of victims, survivors and families who are still looking for answers.

We will do so with integrity, independence and a focus on providing them with the unvarnished truth about what happened to their loved ones.

Sir Declan also welcomed a pledge from Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn that inquests which had been halted by the Legacy Act would be allowed to proceed.

The commission hosted a meeting with officials from the Council of Europe on Monday.

The delegation from the Department of the Execution of Judgments (DEJ) is on a visit to Northern Ireland.

Sir Declan said: This meeting gave us the chance to repeat just how important that commitment is for us, how it informs everything we do in the same way as our respect for the Good Friday Agreement and our focus on providing information to victims, survivors and families.

The ICRIR has faced sustained criticism from groups representing Troubles victims since it was established by the Legacy Act.

In September, the Court of Appeal part-allowed an appeal by several Troubles victims against the ICRIR.

The appeal was mounted after High Court judge Mr Justice Colton ruled in February that the legislation underpinning the commission did not contravene human rights laws and the body could undertake effective investigations of Troubles murders.

Three Court of Appeal judges ruled that a Government veto power over what sensitive material can be disclosed to bereaved families by the commission is incompatible with human rights laws.

They also found that the work of the commission also does not provide victims and their next of kin adequate means to participate in its processes.

However, other grounds of the appeal were dismissed, including a challenge over its operational independence.
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HIGHLIGHTS Patricia was legally blind without glasses owing to astigmatism and myopia. Her vision was worse than 20/200 which means that she couldnt even read the largest E on an eye chart. This life-changing technology is called Eyevatar.

A 31-year-old Portuguese woman, who was declared legally blind, now has better than 20/20 vision, thanks to AI. She became the first person in the UK to undergo a revolutionary AI-powered laser eye surgery. Patricia Goncalves underwent the new Lasik procedure at Focus Clinics in London Post the surgery her eyesight was restored to a remarkable 20/16 visual acuity.

Patricia was legally blind without glasses owing to astigmatism and myopia. Her vision was worse than 20/200 which means that she couldnt even read the largest E on an eye chart. Hence, her lasik procedure involved creating a digital clone of her eyes, which allowed an AI program to simulate thousands of laser adjustments to determine the best approach for her specific needs. The surgery was performed under the supervision of chief surgeon David Allamby.

After the procedure, she achieved a 20/16 vision. This is even better than the standard 20/20, which represents normal clarity at a distance of 20 feet. Speaking about the same, Dr Allamby said, Her best vision pre-op was with glasses at 20/200. Today, she sees better at 20/16, gaining an extra line down the test chart.

What is Eyevatar?

This life-changing technology is called Eyevatar. It has been used in China and Australia and is now available in the UK. This technology creates a high-precision eye map in just 10 minutes. This then allows an AI to replicate up to 2,000 laser beams to improve accuracy. When this technology was under clinical trial, 200 participants participated in it and the trial revealed that all patients achieved better-than-20/20 vision within three months, with some reaching an extraordinary 20/10, the theoretical human eye limit. Eyevatar provides great clarity by optimising the point spread function (PSF). This tells how much an image deviates from the retina.
HIGHLIGHTS A duo from Rajasthan has been arrested for a major e-commerce scam. The total value of their stolen goods is estimated to be over Rs 1.29 crore. They are believed to have defrauded Amazon and other e-commerce platforms across multiple states in India.

A duo from Rajasthan has been arrested for a major e-commerce scam, where they used fake identities and manipulated delivery processes to loot high-value items from Amazon, including Sony cameras and iPhones. The total value of their stolen goods is estimated to be over Rs 1.29 crore, and they are believed to have defrauded Amazon and other e-commerce platforms across multiple states in India.

The fraud unfolded in Mangaluru on September 21, when the accused placed an order worth Rs 11,45,000 for two Sony cameras and 10 other items from Amazon, using fake details under the name Amith. They provided a fake delivery address near the KSRTC bus stand and scheduled the delivery for the same.

Also read: ED raids Amazon and Flipkart sellers over foreign investment violations

Upon arrival, one of the accused distracted the delivery executive, while the other swapped out stickers of the Sony camera boxes with other items in the order, reports Deccan Herald. To further delay the process, the duo made sure to provide a wrong OTP, causing a delay in confirming the delivery. They convinced the delivery executive to return the next day.

When the executive came back, the duo had already kept the cameras, while the rest of the items were returned. They promptly cancelled the order for the cameras, keeping them for resale. This trick was discovered when Amazons delivery partner, Mahindra Logistics, examined the swapped stickers and alerted the e-commerce giant.

Also read: Amazon asks employees to come to office 5 days a week or look for other jobs

The police, after a detailed investigation, arrested Raj Kumar Meena (23) and Subhash Gurjar (27). Meena, who was already involved in a similar scam in Salem, was initially caught by the Salem Police before being handed over to the Urwa Police in Mangaluru. Gurjar was arrested later in Mangaluru. Their pattern of ordering high-value electronics across multiple states led to the discovery of similar fraud cases in Assam, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.

The police have seized Rs 11,45,000 in cash from the duo, which they obtained from selling the stolen goods. The total value of goods defrauded in these cases is over Rs 1.29 crore, and the accused face multiple charges. Their operation involved 11 separate cases across India, using fraudulent orders for expensive items.
US directive halts TSMC's sub-7nm supply to China; Samsung, SMIC may fill gap amid AI funding and capacity strain

On November 11, 2024, TSMC reportedly suspended its sub-7nm process services to China's AI and GPU chipmakers following the Huawei "chip controversy," triggering widespread industry impacts and potential order transfers. The company has already issued notifications to affected clients regarding the cessation.

US halts AI chip exports to China

The US Commerce Department issued an "is informed" directive to TSMC, as reported by Reuters on November 10, halting advanced sub-7nm chip exports to China starting November 11. This measure aligns with the US strategy to limit China's access to high-end semiconductor technology for national security reasons.

The restriction, which targets AI applications, may impact TSMC's operations in China, where demand for high-performance AI chips continues to grow. TSMC has affirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance but has not yet publicly commented on the order.

This latest directive marks another step in Washington's effort to restrict technologies with dual-use potential, building on similar measures previously imposed on other leading chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD.

Industry ripples

Industry analysts are closely monitoring the effects of TSMC's decision on global supply chains and its China strategy. Chinese firms are likely to shift orders to SMIC and Samsung, with Samsung positioned to benefit in the short term.

TSMC's decision has strained its relationship with Chinese clients, with the Huawei controversy amplifying supply chain concerns. The company's halt of 7nm GPU and AI chip supply has led to many of its clients being "caught in the crossfire," creating uncertainty for AI-driven chip companies focused on autonomous driving and cloud computing.

Following this development, Chinese clients with advanced process needs are expected to turn to SMIC and Samsung for these services.

Samsung: a viable alternative?

With TSMC unable to accept orders, Samsung also faces export restrictions, leaving Chinese foundries as the main option, according to OFweek. However, questions remain about their technology and capacity to meet demand.

US export controls impact not only American firms but also foreign companies like Samsung that use US-origin technology, potentially limiting Samsung's ability to supply advanced chips to Chinese customers, as per Financial Times.

The Korean chipmaker's cautious approach reflects broader compliance concerns, possibly limiting its ability to expand production for Chinese clients, Reuters notes.

An SMIC takeover?

SMIC's advanced process platform, overseen by Co-CEO Mong-song Liang, remains somewhat opaque. SMIC no longer reports sub-7nm processes separately in revenue, and Liang's absence from earnings calls adds to the enigmatic nature surrounding the company.

The launch of Huawei's Mate 60 and the upcoming Mate 70, both using HiSilicon Kirin chips, has put SMIC's 7nm process technology back under scrutiny.

Observers note that limitations in SMIC's EUV lithography force reliance on complex multiple-patterning processes, restricting output. Meeting demand for Kirin chips alone strains capacity, and with TSMC stepping back from China's 7nm market, SMIC's ability to absorb this demand is limited.

At SMIC's November 8 earnings call, Co-CEO Haijun Zhao addressed questions on AI innovation, its impact on China's semiconductor supply chain, and SMIC's advanced packaging plans. Zhao's cautious response emphasized that SMIC would meet customer needs within its platform's capabilities.

Zhao described SMIC as an "indirect beneficiary" of the AI wave, noting that as other firms allocate capacity to AI, some customers face shortages and may turn to SMIC as a second source.

Chinese IC clients report that new US restrictions on AI investments are constraining funding for Chinese AI chip firms, affecting R&D and expansion. With TSMC halting sub-7nm supply, China's AI chip sector faces a dual squeeze on funding and production capacity.
Gaza, Nov. 11 (UNI) At least 44 Palestinians were killed in two Israeli airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources said Sunday.

Palestinian security sources said an Israeli aircraft bombed and completely destroyed a house housing displaced people in the Jabalia area.

Palestinian medical sources told Xinhua that 36 Palestinians, including 13 children, were killed and dozens of others wounded in the airstrike.

In another attack on Gaza City, an Israeli airstrike killed Wael al-Khor, director of social development in Gaza City, and seven other members of his family, including his wife and children, according to Palestinian medics.

In a statement on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that its troops continue operational activities in Jabalia and that over the past day, its troops killed dozens of militants and dismantled many infrastructure sites, as well as a weapons storage facility, in the area.

The troops also continue operational activities in the town of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, have killed dozens of "terrorists" in cooperation with the Air Force, and located weaponry and a tunnel shaft in the area, the IDF said.

Also on Sunday, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said in a statement that its members targeted a group of 15 Israeli soldiers with an anti-personnel bomb and killed them from zero distance with weapons and hand grenades west of the Al-Shimaa area, north of Beit Lahia.

In a separate statement, the Qassam Brigades said its fighters targeted two Israeli armored personnel carriers with a "Yassin 105" missile and a bulldozer with shells in the Jabalia refugee camp.

The Israeli army has not commented on the alleged attacks by Hamas yet.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 43,603, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday.

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India roundup: Trump's return expected to boost India's 2025 manufacturing prospects

The US presidential election results are expected to accelerate global supply chain relocation, benefiting India. India-based Sahasra Semiconductor is stepping up the talent hunt for its semiconductor business.

Trump's return expected to boost India's 2025 manufacturing prospects

With Donald Trump set to take office as US President in early 2025, India could become a focal point under his "America First" agenda. However, India may benefit from Trump's hardline stance on trade, particularly with China.

India's Sahasra Semiconductor taps expat talent, plans year-end customer reveal

India's Sahasra Semiconductor appointed Jerry Enriquez as head of a new business unit, aiming to tap global talent for innovation and growth in the semiconductor industry. The company is nearing completion of its first operational phase, preparing for volume production in December. Sahasra is also expanding its EMS division with a new plant in Bhiwadi.

Xiaomi India president to step down by 2024-end

Muralikrishnan B, president of Xiaomi's Indian operations, announced he will resign at the end of 2024 after six years with the company. He will continue with Xiaomi as an independent strategic adviser.

Lessons from Vietnam: how Apple could strengthen its supply chain amidst struggling expansion in India

Amid the ongoing US-China conflict, the industry is focusing on Apple's efforts to shift its supply chain away from China to other regions. However, one of Apple's primary alternative destinations, India, is now facing challenges in its competitiveness compared to Vietnam. Vietnam offers a more favorable tariff structure and dedicated task forces to support investments, making it a more attractive option for companies looking to relocate their supply chains.

Japan's Denso taps Telangana for automotive innovation hub in India

The Telangana government has partnered with Japanese technology firm Denso to establish the state as a premier hub for the automotive industry. This collaboration will integrate Denso's expertise into India's leading startup incubator, T-Hub.
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard as gardai prepare to search land in Co Wicklow.

The man, aged in his 50s, was arrested on Monday and is being detained at a Kildare garda station.

Two private residences were also searched by gardai on Monday morning.

Josephine Jo Jo Dullard went missing on November 9 1995 after spending an evening socialising in Dublin.

Gardai launched a fresh appeal on Saturday into her disappearance and murder to mark the 29th anniversary of when she was last seen missing.

On Monday, gardai said an arrest had been made and a search is to be carried out on open ground at a location in Co Wicklow near the Wicklow-Kildare border.

The land is to be searched, excavated and a technical and forensic examination is to be carried out in the coming days.

Gardai said the Dullard family are aware of the developments.

The arrest and search operation is being led by the investigation team from Kildare Division Serious Crime Unit and the Serious Crime Review Team at the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

An Garda Siochana has also appealed to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant, to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884 300 or any Garda station.

Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially can contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Gardai investigating a fatal road crash in County Louth earlier this year have arrested a woman.

Arthur Daly, 64, from The Salting, Annagassan,died at the scene of the collision which happened close to the village of Dunleer - midway between Dundalk and Drogheda - shortly before 9am on July 14.

The father of two adult children, who was originally from Howth in County Dublin, was the driver of one of the two cars which collided with each other.

At the time, numerous tributes were paid, with many people describing Arthur as a "true gent" and a "great sportsman".

Following the incident, gardai stated the driver of the second car, a female aged in her 50s, was airlifted from the scene to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin, where she was treated for serious injuries.

READ ALSO: Property search and dig conducted after man arrested in connection with murder murder of Jo Jo Dullard

In an update, issued this Monday morning, gardai confirmed that a woman has been arrested and is being questioned about the crash.

"Gardai have arrested a woman as part of the investigation into a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Dunleer, Co Louth on Sunday, July 14, 2024. The woman, aged in her 50s, is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a garda station in County Louth," said a spokesperson.


Fianna Fail has pledged to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use as part of its lengthy manifesto promises.

Party leader Micheal Martin launched the partys General Election manifesto, which sets out six priority areas including cost of living, health, housing communities, economy and education.

Titled Moving Forward, Together, the 194-page document pledges to help families and businesses, reform health services and cut waiting times for patients, as well as accelerating the momentum in home building.

Among its promises is the decriminalisation of drug possession for personal use.

The party said it will introduce legislation to require those found in possession of illegal drugs for personal use to attend educational or treatment programmes.

Mr Martin said the decriminalisation of possession of drugs is an important step.

I think it reflects the understanding that the most effective way of dealing with drugs is a health-based model, as opposed to a criminal justice-based model, he said.

That requires resources in personnel and in people, around addiction, around various therapies and so forth.

We did this in previous times, particularly during the heroin epidemic of previous eras. We can do it again. We must do it in a more consistent, sustained way, perhaps, than was the case in the past.

Mr Martin did not confirm the value of drugs that this would apply to.

Mr Martin was joined by the partys election candidates for the launch of the manifesto, which took place at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin.

The party has also pledged to reduce childcare fees to 200 euro a month for each child, saying it could go further should economic and fiscal circumstances permit.

It said it will also set up a new National Childcare Price Register to ensure that there is transparency in fees for parents.

Mr Martin said the changes to childcare fees would be over the time of the next government.

We could increase that. We could move it faster, but that is a commitment over the next term of government, he said.

The party has also committed to double the tax rent credit, with Mr Martin saying that renters need help and assistance.

He ruled out bringing in a rent freeze.

In respect of renters, we have to maintain a viable rental market, and there is evidence of people leaving the market, he added.

If one was to initiate a rent freeze, I think it would be counterproductive to the objective of having more homes provided in the rental market itself.

The rental tax credit would go to renters, and because of the rent pressure zones and so on, theres no evidence that the existing rents were going up for existing tenants for quite some time, but I think renters do need help, and do need assistance.

The party has also pledged to increase the entry point to the higher rate of income tax to at least 50,000 euro, and the lower rate of Universal Social Charge (USC) would fall from 3% to 1.5% over the lifetime of the Government.

Among the partys pledges is to increase the number of gardai by up to 5,000 over the next five years.

It also said it would reform the garda recruitment and training processes to increase capacity and to widen the talent pool.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has announced the launch of a new project, Science in a Box, developed in collaboration with secondary school teachers from six schools across the North East region. The project aims to bring engaging science learning experiences into the classroom, sparking curiosity and excitement among students.

The schools involved in bringing this collaboration to life include: Colaiste na Hinse, Laytown and teacher Val Van Veen, St Olivers, Drogheda and teacher Sinead Kelly, Mercy School, Navan and teacher Katie Buchanan, Royal School, Cavan and teacher Lynne Kelly, Our Ladys, Drogheda and teacher Laura Rahill, and Loretto Balbriggan and teacher Colin Doyle.

Dr Orla Sherlock created the box, working in collaboration with Dr Chiara Hanlon and Dr Bridget Kelly, all lecturers in the Department of Life & Health Sciences in DkIT. The purpose of the initiative is to engage second level school students with third level science programmes as well as educate young students on critical scientific challenges facing our world today in the comfort of their own classrooms.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Sherlock, Microbiology lecturer and Outreach coordinator at DkIT said: "Science in a Box" aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and encourage them to take action on important health issues. We believe that by bringing real-world challenges into the classroom, we can ignite curiosity and passion for science among students. We would like to thank the very passionate school teachers who have designed this with us and who will deliver this activity in their classes. We are looking forward to hearing from them and their students next week.

The first box, focusing on the urgent global issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), will be delivered to schools by DkIT staff during Science week 2024. This theme was chosen in alignment with DkIT School of Health & Sciences commitment to the One Health framework and ties into a larger initiative -The Microbiology Society Knocking Out AMR project. This project aims to promote practical, effective solutions to the AMR crisis through cross-disciplinary and multi-sector collaboration on a global scale. Education and public engagement on this issue is a key component of the solution.

Read Next: Appeal granted on planning condition for Marist buildings in Dundalk

School students participating in this activity will complete 3 challenges, a creativity AMR art-based design task, antimicrobial structure modelling and finally an AMR Escape Room challenge. This engaging format not only fosters teamwork and critical thinking but also empowers students to become heroes in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Participants will work in teams and compete within classes as well as across participating schools in the confines of their own classrooms. Schools interested in participating in the "Science in a Box" project can contact the outreach team at https://www.dkit.ie/p/science-outreach.html

Science Week is a week-long event in Ireland each November, celebrating science in our everyday lives. It includes a wide variety of events involving industry, colleges, schools, libraries, teachers, researchers, and students throughout Ireland. In addition, there a number of regional festivals offering a range of opportunities for the public to engage with STEM across Ireland. From the 10th to the 17th November, DkIT will be involved in a variety of activities to celebrate this week, including Cell Explorers: Fantastic DNA Roadshow, H2O Heroes: H2O Heroes Roadshow and a variety of workshops and talks. To find out more about the events taking place visit: https://www.dkit.ie/events/science-week-2024.html
Friends of the Earth Dundalk and CATU Louth are organising a community walk on Saturday, 16th November, to raise awareness of the vacant and derelict houses in Dundalk's town centre. This walk aims to inspire a new vision for sustainable living, drawing attention to the potential for revitalising the town by transforming empty properties into affordable, eco-friendly homes.

During the walk, participants will explore the town centre, focusing on the issues of dereliction, vacancy, and the growing shortage of affordable housing.

The group say: "Many of Dundalks buildings, though beautiful, are neglected and underused. If these empty properties were restored as homes, they could provide a much-needed solution to the towns housing crisis. Additionally, renovating these existing properties is far more eco-friendly than building new ones from scratch.

"Both Friends of the Earth and CATU believe that the creation of sustainable homes in the town centre is entirely possible. The visible depopulation of Dundalks town centre is a direct result of political inaction and the lack of affordable, renovated housing options. With housing costs among the highest in the EU, many peopleespecially younger generationsare locked out of the housing market, either forced to rent at extortionate rates or remain living with parents. This is compounded by the cultural and political attitude of treating property as an investment, rather than as homes where people can live and thrive.

"Both organisations strongly oppose the notion that property should be viewed as a mere financial asset, and believe this mindset is harming both people and the environment. Treating our planets resources as tools for endless profit and growth, as we do with vacant properties, leads to further environmental degradation and social inequality."

A spokesperson from Friends of the Earth says, We can create a different futureone where homes are valued for their ability to support communities, not just as financial commodities. In the 1920s, despite widespread poverty, the Irish state embarked on bold public building projects that were admired internationally for their vision. We need that same ambition today to create a sustainable future, where people and nature are prioritised over profit.

The group continued: "CATU joins in urging all political candidates to account for their actions in ensuring a liveable planet for both people and nature, with a particular focus on the provision of affordable, sustainable homes. Both organisations are calling for a shift in policy to encourage the renovation of vacant properties and make housing more accessible to all.

Read Next: Pieta opens new self-harm and suicide prevention service in Dundalk

"The walk hopes to spark a new conversation about what is possible when politics values the well-being of people and nature over profit-driven development. By revitalising Dundalks town centre and addressing the housing crisis, we can create a more vibrant, sustainable, and just community.

"CATU (Community Action Tenants Union) is a union for communities and tenants. Its members include renters, mortgage holders, people in emergency accommodation and precarious living situations. By a union it means its members come together for common issues that affect them in their communities e.g. deposits being withheld, damp and mould issues and resisting evictions.

"Friends of the Earth Dundalk is part of an international organisation committed to creating and campaigning for a just world where humans and nature thrive."

Information on the local group is available on instagram @foedundalk and on email at foedundalk@gmail.com
After deciding to spend the election night at Howard University, her alma mater, Kamala Harris supporters are standing by for support.

On the night of November, a crowd of Harris supporters gathered at the university to await results. The event, currently being held in The Yard, is the heart of the historically Black campus. Community members, alumni, and students are coming together in high spirits.

According to CNBC, the night was initially filled with hope until it grew tense as Trump slowly led the race to 270, though no definite results are expected at the moment yet.

To support their alumni, the Howard University Gospel Choir performed uplifting songs with students cheering and bonding over Harris' historic candidacy. University President, Wayne Frederick reminded everyone that the university honored generations of Black excellence and resilience, in parallel to Harris possibly making history in the US as the first woman and Black woman president.

US 2024 Election Results Through the Night

At the moment, projections showed Trump leading in many states, which dampened spirits. Supporters reacted intensely in the area, with cheers erupting every time Harris gained a state. For the crowd, the stakes are high since a Harris win would mean increased support for black communities, women, and American-leaning policies.

Despite the tension, and regardless of the outcome, some Howard students expressed pride in seeing an alumna in such an important political position that can move the country. For students, Harris' candidacy showed that hard work can lead to historic achievements, even in a country that constantly blocks people of color from progress.

Her co-alumni stated that, in a way, Harris had already won by gathering the Howard community together and making a historic mark on the US presidency.

A recent update from NBC showed that Trump had just won Pennsylvania, gaining 266 electoral votes against Harris'194. The Republican candidate will only need 4 more to secure his second term as the United States President.
The carers allowance means test and the genocide in Gaza were among the issues highlighted by Louth Sinn Fein TD, Ruairi O Murchu, during his final contributions to the Dail ahead of the general election.

On the Sinn Fein motion on the carers means test, the Dundalk TD said there was an element of Groundhog Day, particularly around the issues of services for people with disabilities, school places for children with disabilities and carers. Deputy O Murchu said the abolition of the carers allowance means test is necessary and fair and he highlighted the cases of two women who have visited his constituency office in Dundalk.

He said: She is a carer at home. She also works for a home care company and tries to do so within the 18.5 hours per week limit. The nature of the work with her current client means she sometimes has to exceed the time she is allotted. She works up to 20 hours and when this happens, the carer's allowance section reviews the case.

When it receives her payslips it is found that she has worked more than 18.5 hours and she has to pay back the full amount for the week. The Government is penalising people who are doing huge work on behalf of society.

Another lady who works for a charity was asked by her boss to fill in for someone who was off sick. She did this necessary work for a considerable period. She faced the same scenario but for a longer period and she now has to pay back 28,000.

In his final contribution to the 33rd Dail, Deputy O Murchu spoke about Palestine and called the current situation genocide.

In relation to what Ireland can do, he said: We need to ensure that no dual-use technologies are used for genocidal weapons that come from Ireland.

We need to ensure that there are no overflights of weapons. It is all well and good talking about procedure and legal frameworks but we need to see enforcement. We should deal with the occupied territories Bill.

The Louth TD added: There has to be follow-through as soon as possible because we are failing to do all we can and are failing the Palestinian people as they are slaughtered.
Kenya seeks to enhance ties with China in tourism, cultural sectors

Xinhua) 10:52, November 11, 2024

NAIROBI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with China in the tourism and cultural sectors, building on the success of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September in Beijing, China's capital.

Benard Kahuthia, acting tourism secretary in Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, highlighted the enduring partnership between Kenya and China, rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for growth.

"As we come together to deepen our ties, we recognize the impact of tourism in building bridges between our countries, fostering mutual respect, and inspiring the exchange of ideas," Kahuthia said on Friday during the China-Kenya Tourism Dialogue, dubbed "Nihao! China," at the world-famous Maasai Mara game reserve in southwest Kenya.

The event was also attended by visiting Lu Yingchuan, China's vice minister of culture and tourism, and local officials from Narok County.

Tourism has long been a cornerstone of Kenya's economy, showcasing the country's stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and diverse wildlife. The East African nation seeks to increase Chinese tourist arrivals and further strengthen cultural interactions with China.

"Over the years, China has become one of Kenya's source markets in tourism, a partner in infrastructure development and cultural exchange, contributing to the growth of our nations," Kahuthia said. "The collaborations we celebrate today offer us new perspectives, inspiring us to explore, appreciate, and connect with the unique offerings of our countries."

In 2023, Kenya welcomed 52,865 visitors from China, and the country aims to grow these numbers to foster economic gains and deepen cultural ties, Kahuthia said.

On his part, Lu emphasized the importance of cultural and tourism collaboration in advancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. He noted that the FOCAC Beijing Summit adopted the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027), which stresses the importance of culture as a vital link between African and Chinese people, while tourism serves as a bridge between civilizations and strengthens friendships.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to tourism exchanges and cooperation with African countries, and emphasized the immense potential and wide prospects for tourism cooperation between China and Kenya, he said.

The China-Kenya Tourism Cooperation Dialogue is concrete measures being taken to deliver on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Lu said. "Here with us, we have many representatives of tourism administrations, agencies and businesses from both our countries. You have already talked to each other and I believe through the sharing of resources and information, you will find more and better cooperation opportunities. Your work plays a significant role in promoting tourism exchanges and cooperation between our two countries."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Colorado Mesa University has received an honorable award from the Colorado Department of Higher Education for its support toward first-generation students.

With a new title as the First Generation-Serving Institution, the CDHE acknowledged CMU's commitment to supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Currently, nearly 50% of CMU's student body consists of these first-gen learners compared to 2021's 37%, per the University report itself. With their commitment, they not only let students access college but also help them thrive. It's one of the only five institutions that received this enrollment distinction.

CMU's Programs for First Gen Learners

To guide first-gen students to their own success, there are programs that ensures they have the tools to succeed, such as targeted scholarships and peer mentoring. In fact, several faculty and staff were also the first in their families to attend college as well and have now been mentoring students in the same distinction.

Beyond academics, CMU also promotes an innovative approach that helps them focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. This way, students aren't just learning facts, they're also learning how to think independently so they can address real-world challenges, which is valuable for first-gen students who often face unique challenges in their academic journey.

For this approach, CMU is on a mission to include and prepare students for meaningful careers and civic engagement. Through personal growth that is sustained by specific programs, and intellectual development, Colorado Mesa University hopes that these students can also create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and their future generations.

With this recognition, CMU reinforces its goal of providing quality education for all, regardless of their background.
HSBC UK unveils new best-in-class Premier World Elite Credit Card

HSBC UK has debuted a myriad of travel, hotel, and lifestyle privileges to Premier customers with the launch of its brand-new HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard Credit CardOpens in new window.

As part of the redesign of its PremierOpens in new window proposition, the HSBC UK Premier World Elite credit card offers a host of new benefits including accelerated reward points, the option to redeem airmiles across 11 airlines, airport security fast-track, as well as range of other unique offers.

Customers can redeem reward points equivalent to 1.5 airmiles for every 1 spent in sterling, or choose to use them for shopping vouchers, hotel stays and more. The card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus, offering 40,000 reward points to customers who spend 2,000 on their card in the first 90 days of card membership.

The new credit card, which is available with a 290 annual fee, is exclusive to HSBC UK Premier Bank Account holders. The representative APR is 100.2% variable, including the annual fee.?The representative APR on purchases is 29.9% variable.

A premium travel experience for Premier customers

The card is designed to fully enhance a customers travel experience, so on top of the range of airlines customers can redeem airmiles against, the card comes with a number of other elevated benefits.

This includes the addition of airport security fast-track world-wide, allowing preferential access to a dedicated lane straight through the security checkpoint in 179 airports.

Card holders will still have airport lounge access at more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world through Mastercard Priority Pass, and also offers up to 14% discount at more than 180,000 Agoda hotels and up to 10% at Expedia hotels.

Andy Rankin, Head of unsecured lending at HSBC UK, said: The launch of the new Premier World Elite Credit Card in the UK is a key part of our new Premier offering, which will deliver a range of enhanced features, centred around the themes of wealth, health, international and travel.

Some of the most exciting benefits of this new card are focused on travel  the card offers one of the richest airmiles rewards programmes in the market, while allowing customers the freedom to redeem these airmiles at 11 different airlines, which is a key differentiator. On top of this, it offers airport lounge access and airport security fast-track, making it the perfect card for those who want a luxury travel experience.

Simon Forbes, Divisional President UK&I at Mastercard, added: Were delighted to have worked with HSBC on the redesign of their Premier World Elite Mastercard and to help them deliver exceptional travel benefits and experiences that meet the needs of their customers.
A Cork county councillor has welcomed that the HSE is in the process of selecting a site to house a purpose-built centre of excellence for the ambulance service in Midleton.

Fianna Fail councillor for East Cork, Ann Marie Ahern, brought forward a motion at a recent meeting of the HSE Health Forum South at Cork County Hall requesting an update on plans for a new ambulance base in the town.

Ms Ahern asked the HSE to advise if a new permanent building is in the plans for the ambulance service, incorporating staff quarters, offices, and secure locked dispensing units, as staff are currently working out of portable buildings.

Rob Moriarty of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) confirmed that the general manager of NAS South West and the general manager of NAS Estates met with HSE Estates on October 25 to review progress.

While Mr Moriarty could not confirm an exact date for completion of the purpose-built ambulance station, he confirmed that the project is at site selection phase and a suitable site that serves the needs of the service that is outside the flood risk zone is being sought.

Once suitable sites are identified, a full capital submission will be made to the National Capital and Property Steering Group for approval to proceed with a capital project to replace the current infrastructure, he said.

When asked if interim measures could be put in place for staff until a permanent base is developed, Mr Moriarty said the objective is to secure the capital funding for a purpose-built facility, and he does not foresee any capital investment short of that.

I have an annual small budget for minor improvements at station level and Ill certainly look at Midleton again within that scope but thats quite limited.

The long term objective for Midleton is a purpose-built centre of excellence, but that will take time.
Are you looking for a magical Santa experience in the run-up to Christmas?

Santa is popping up at Douglas Village Shopping Centre in a custom-crafted Christmas tipi (or Kota, as it is known in Finland) for a charming Nordic-inspired Christmas experience.

Set within a miniature village, with a beautifully decorated Scandinavian-style tipi at its heart, the area will be surrounded by Christmas trees and a festive market where you can enjoy seasonal treats.

These warming roasted chestnuts, delicious hot chocolate with all the toppings and other tempting fare.

Santa will arrive at Santas Nordic Tipi on Saturday, November 23, at 12 noon with Christmas magic in the air.

Santa is excited to come to Douglas spreading holiday cheer to families and friends, and will make his home in the Nordic Tipi until December 23.

Santas home away from home is decked out with a cosy fire, toys, his all-important desk for making his list and checking it twice, all under the shadow of a beautiful Christmas tree.

Guests will be given time to sit and talk with Santa, ask him any questions, and maybe even answer a few of his.

Children will leave with a special gift and Santa;s elves will capture this magical moment with a photo to remember your special visit.

These can be purchased afterward in a variety of prints and can be made into photo snow globes and bauble for added souvenirs or as ideal gifts for special family members.

The event is also fully accessible. And with Douglas Village Shopping Centres festive atmosphere and wide range of shops, theres plenty to do before or after your visit to Santas Nordic Tipi.

Commenting on this years event, David ODriscoll, marketing manager at Cork-based TS Events, said: We are thrilled to have Santa join us to bring this magical experience to Douglas. Weve worked closely with the elves to make this a unique and memorable event for all.

As a family-run business, we know a little something about what makes Christmas special, and we cant wait to share the joy of Christmas with everyone who visits.

Adding to the feel good factor is that Enable Ireland has been the events charity partner.

Tickets are: Adults, 6.50; babies aged 0-12 months, 6 (without gift) or 17 (with gift); children aged 13 months and above, 17 (with gift) and pre-paid photo print is 15. Optional extras such as photo prints and festive treats will also be available.

For more details and bookings, visit or follow @Santas_Nordic_Tipi on social media. Tickets are now on sale.

System overhaul needed to address Douglas traffic chaos

Douglas is continuing to grind to a halt at weekends and a busy times of the day which requires a complete reset and overhaul of traffic systems in the village, according to General Election candidate Mick Finn.

The former councillor said he had raised issues with the build-up of vehicles on the Douglas West ramp at the Gaelscoil and Douglas Community School while he was in City Hall, but said he had limited success with any improvements and his calls largely fell on deaf ears.

Its worse its getting, he stated. I have been in an around Douglas lately and people are complaining about traffic chaos, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, he claimed.

Coming into Douglas from the Well Road, traffic was at a stand-still and nothing was moving in between the shopping centres with lines of vehicles stalled in all directions. I know this is a regular occurrence and people are getting very frustrated by it: something major needs to be done.

Finn said that tinkering with elements of traffic infrastructure may yield some success, but added that a major overhaul of whats presently in place is required.

The current traffic light regime is just not working and is under severe pressure from increased vehicles using the roads: so we need a regime change and a complete reset of the systems in operation.

This is likely to required funding for a major survey and I will be pushing that with the Infrastructure Directorate and with the new CE of Cork City Council, Valerie OSullivan when she starts the role.

Finn also believes that a move to buses is unlikely to be considered by more people at present, given the unreliable nature of the present service.

And it would appear that the Bus Connects proposals are targeting the wrong arterial route in Douglas, as mentioned by several councillors at the time, he said.

There is a lot to be done before people opt for public transport over cars, which is we need and want.

The absence of sufficient electric vehicle charging stations isnt helping the cause either, as well predicted by many of us.

Amy Cantwell, Veterinary Nursing, at the class of 2024 Cork College of FET Douglas Street Campus, Certificate Ceremony at City Hall.

Comhaltas na Duglaise to hold their AGM tonight

Comhaltas na Duglaise will hold their AGM this Monday at 8pm at Gaelscoil na Duglaise.

Last week branch musicians played at the cafe MYO on Popes Quay as part of a fundraiser in aid of Palestine.

The branch also held their annual collection at Douglas Court Shopping Centre last Saturday and continue to promote the national draw. Meanwhile classes continue from 4.30pm in Gaelscoil na Duglaise every Wednesday evening. Enquiries Douglas@comhaltas.net

Ballinlough Writers Group to meet next Friday evening

The Ballinlough Writers Group will be at the Ballinlough community centre this coming Friday, November 15, from 5.30pm.

A spokesperson said: If you are new to this please note the Ballinlough Writers Group meet on the third Friday of every month and its open to all people, including beginners, and anyone interested in writing.

So even if youre only half interested please come along and check us out. We look forward to meeting you.

Enquiries to Ronnie 087 1672715.

Analysis of disability spending highlights fragmented system

Labour Party Candidate in Cork South Central Cllr Laura Harmon has said the newly published report on disability spending highlights the fragmented nature of disability financing in Ireland and says it must be brought into a cohesive financial vote which is critical to ensure it is being spent correctly.

This new report highlights the massive spread in the disability sector of State financing, but critically, finds that there is a lack of clarity re eligibility to various schemes and supports which seemingly conflate age and disability. The very idea that when a child hits the age of 16 they are kicked off domiciliary care allowance and forced to apply, with all the documentation ended, for disability allowance, is antiquated. disability doesnt magically disappear when the clocks strike midnight on someones birthday.

The messy, fragmented nature highlighted in the report shows that we need to stop ad hoccing disability payments across Departments and centralise it further, ideally within the Department of the Taoiseach.

This election is a chance to elect TDs that will treat disability funding with the respect it deserves.

Have Douglas news to share? Contact Rory.noonan@theecho.ie
How much indulgence must be given to the DPP? the solicitor for a member of the Irish Defence Forces asked at Cork District Court today in a case related to the alleged seizure of more than 25,000 of cocaine at Collins Barracks on Old Youghal Road in Cork.

Shane Scanlon of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, County Cork, was represented by solicitor Frank Buttimer who asked this question of the Director of Public Prosecutions when it emerged that directions were not available.

Sergeant John Kelleher confirmed that directions were not yet available. Judge Mary Dorgan noted that forensic analysis of the drugs had not yet been undertaken.

Mr Buttimer was critical of the delay particularly in light of bail conditions which had to be observed by the accused, including the surrender of his passport and travel documents and signing three times a week at Cobh garda station.

The solicitor asked for the case to be adjourned on a peremptory basis against the state whereby it would be struck out if there are no directions on the next occasion. Judge Dorgan adjourned the case on that basis until January 13 2025.

Sergeant Kelleher said he was not objecting to the application to have the adjournment made peremptory against the state for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Drugs cases often require a lengthy adjournment to allow time for forensic analysis of the items seized and the delays in having this done.

34-year-old Shane Scanlon is charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, at Old Youghal Road in Cork for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another on March 27.

He is also charged with having cocaine unlawfully in his possession for his own use at Old Youghal Road on March 27. Both charges are brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
An investigation into passport fraud which was described as calling into question the integrity of both the Irish birth certificate registration system and the Irish passport system resulted in a 44-year-old non-national woman pleading guilty to four fraud charges today.

The woman cannot be identified as it would lead inevitably to the identification of her child which is prohibited in this case under the Childrens Act.

The 44-year-old woman was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on four charges and she pleaded guilty to each of them. The pleas of guilty were entered as a jury was about to be sworn in for a trial of the case.

She admitted falsely claiming that an Irish man was the biological father of her son, and three counts of false information in passport applications in 2009, 2012 and 2017.

This man previously pleaded guilty to his part in this deception.

Defence senior counsel Marjorie Farrelly said of the woman in the circuit court today, She is under the care of a consultant psychiatrist. I am not sure if I need to extend free legal aid for that purpose. Judge Dermot Sheehan did allow the extension of free legal aid for that purpose.

Ms Farrelly said that she would also be furnishing the court with other documentary evidence in relation to the defendant for the sentencing hearing.

On an application for a probation report Judge Sheehan said he would not direct the preparation of one at this stage but that the matter could be revisited at the sentencing hearing if it was found to be necessary. Ms Farrelly stated that the defendant had no previous convictions and did not have any other issues.

The first charge stated that she provided information which was false or misleading contrary to Section 69 Subsection 3 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, namely that on July 29 2009 at the Civil Registration Office, Adelaide Street, Cork, did provide to the registrar, particulars of information which you knew to be false or misleading, knowingly providing false information naming (co-defendant) as the biological father of her child.

The other three charges under the Passports Act 2008 relate to applications for passport renewal for the child.

Detective Garda Mark Hennebry of Garda National Immigration Bureau alleged at Cork District Court when the matter first appeared that the alleged offences would have serious repercussions for both systems  registrations of births and passport applications.

Det Sgt Keith Cleary of GNIB gave further related evidence. He said obtaining the false Irish passport for the child gave the woman an immigration advantage and she was subsequently able to apply for an Irish passport for herself and her other children who were all born here since and those passport entitled her to claim various social welfare entitlements.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Simon Harris has called Michael OLearys comments about teachers who become politicians crass and ill-informed and said he would have no further involvement in the Fine Gael campaign.

The Ryanair boss has come under criticism for saying he would not hire teachers to get things done at a Fine Gael event at the weekend.

Mr OLeary was endorsing Minister for Enterprise and Fine Gael candidate Peter Burke in the LongfordWestmeath constituency, adding that he would give his second preference to Fianna Fail candidate Robert Troy.

He has doubled down on the remarks on Monday, telling Newstalk that there are too many teachers in the Dail and they are not the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

The businessman also said that Media and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin was far better off back in the classroom," while endorsing Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

Addressing the comments, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said he was annoyed at Mr OLearys remarks.

I think the comments made were crass, they were ill-informed. Im pretty annoyed about it, he said.

He said the Dail was not like running a company and was meant to be reflective of society.

He also pointed out that former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and former finance minister Michael Noonan were both teachers before entering politics.

Teachers are the people that we can trust with our most precious possessions: our children, I know that in my own house. And theres not that many people who can stand up in front of a classroom for five seconds and last, let alone for the full day, for the full week, full month, it is a tough job.

Its an impactful job, and I have nothing but respect for teachers.

Asked about laughter at the comments made by Mr OLeary at a Fine Gael event at the weekend, he said that cheering at the comments was inappropriate.

Mr Harris also said he did not know whether Mr OLeary had donated to the Fine Gael campaign.

Michael OLeary was at a local event in the constituency in which he resides. He will have no further involvement, nor does he have any involvement in the campaign, Mr Harris said.

His views dont reflect my position, or the position of my party at all.

He added: Michael OLeary is Michael OLeary. Im not sure hes ever made an intervention that hasnt generated a significant level of discussion and debate. We live in a democracy. He can say he wants.

Quite frankly, he wouldnt be somebody Id be inviting to a launch, because his way of engaging and speaking isnt it to my taste. He can engage in speaking as he wishes, but I prefer to do my politics in a more mannerly fashion.

I didnt like some of the interventions that he had made in relation to some of my Cabinet colleagues  even if, by the way, I saw validity in the point and the passenger cap needs to go, by the way, I think its extraordinarily problematic. But I never believed in the politics of personalisation.

Michael OLeary said Catherine Martin had been a failure as Minister for Tourism (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr OLearys remarks have prompted sharp criticism from teachers unions and parties across the political spectrum, while senior Fine Gael figures have distanced themselves from the comments.

Speaking on Newstalk earlier on Monday, Mr OLeary said he was making a serious point about the need for more diversity in the Dail  and said there was a need for more business owners to become TDs.

This country is facing enormous challenges over the next decade, where the population is going to rise from five to six million people, Mr OLeary said.

Now we need lots of teachers delivering excellent education in the classroom, but a Dail where there is a striking surplus of teachers in the Dail is not necessarily one thats going to get things done.

I want to see more people enter the Dail from private enterprise, from the private sector, and thats the energy we need if were going to fix the infrastructure challenges we face, and if were going to provide housing and infrastructure for a population of six million people.

I think teachers do a great job in the classroom, but Im not sure that teachers in the Dail are necessarily the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary caused controversy with his comments (Brian Lawless/PA)

He cited Green Party ministers Catherine Martin and Roderic OGorman as two former teachers who have clearly failed in their roles.

Ill give you the example of Catherine Martin, for example, whos the Minister for Tourism. Shes been Minister for Tourism for five years, and what has she delivered? A (passenger) cap at Dublin Airport.

I think Catherine Martin will be far better off back in the classroom doing the valuable work that teachers do and as far away from the reins of government or making decisions, where I think shes clearly failed.

He said that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had done a great job in government, while their coalition party colleagues, the Green Party, needed to be weeded out and the main opposition party Sinn Fein, should be ignored.

I think people should vote for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, I think Fine Gael and Fianna Fail should transfer to each other. I think nobody should vote for the Greens.

Asked about Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who was a former teacher, he said there is an exception to every rule.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, also speaking on Newstalk, said that Mr OLeary dislikes the Green Party because we deliver, but not what he wants.

The real question here, and this is an election issue, is why is Fine Gael aligning themselves with Michael OLeary in this way? the former Green Party leader said.

Mr Ryan said it was a sign that the party wants to be less ambitious on climate which he said was a mistake.
High Court reporters

An appeal by two women over their alleged refusal to undergo hotel quarantine on a return trip from Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic has been dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Niamh Mulreany (27), of Scarlett Row, Essex Street West, and Kirstie McGrath (32), St Anthonys Road, Rialto, both Dublin, had brought an appeal over the High Courts dismissal of their challenge to their prosecution for that alleged refusal.

The women had gone to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where they claimed they intended to undergo cosmetic surgery but ultimately did not undergo the procedure.

They were arrested at Dublin Airport on Good Friday, April 2nd, 2021 on their return.

At the time, they and most other passengers arriving from certain designated countries, which had included the UAE, were required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a hotel for up to 14 days. The measures were introduced to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

They refused to go to the hotel claiming that they could not afford the cost of the stay, estimated at over 1,800 each, and that they needed to get back to their children.

They claimed they had only had child-minding arrangements in place for the time they were away.

As a result, they were charged with breaches of the Health (Amendment) Act 2021, and if convicted faced fines of up to 2,000 and a period of several months' imprisonment.

They claimed the charges against them were unconstitutional and launched judicial review proceedings against the DPP, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Health, Ireland and the Attorney General.

After the High Court dismissed their challenge, they were granted an appeal to the Supreme Court.

They argued the procedural mechanism through which states were designated for mandatory quarantine was an impermissible exercise of the law-making power of the Oireachtas under the Constitution (Art 15.2.1).

They also argued that, as a result of this, the power of review of the subsequent quarantine by a Designated Appeals Officer was an impermissible exercise of the judicial function, contrary to Article 34.1 of the Constitution.

The respondents opposed the appeal.

In a judgement on Monday given by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, on behalf of a unanimous five-judge Supreme Court, she found the designation of states from which travellers would be required to quarantine by the Minister for Health was not ultra vires, or outside the exercise of legislative power.

She said the arguments on behalf of the women were wafer-thin. It was demonstrably clear from Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution that this type of designation was wholly suited to be carried out at ministerial level and did not require any specific parliamentary oversight in circumstances where the criminal scheme had been established clearly by statute.

The designation of the scheme gave a choice of designation based on considerations set out in the Health (Amendment) Act 2021, she said.

She also found the review by the Designated Appeals Officer did not constitute the administration of justice.
Eoin Reynolds

A Dublin man has pleaded guilty to possession of an assault rifle in a residential part of the capital two years ago.

Eric O'Driscoll (22), who has an address in Dublin, appeared briefly before the three-judge Special Criminal Court on Monday morning.

He pleaded guilty to possession of a .223 calibre Remington AR-15 semi-automatic rifle at Ratoath Drive in Finglas on January 9th, 2022, in circumstances giving rise to the reasonable inference that he did not have it for a lawful purpose.

O'Driscoll was charged with four further firearms offences but Sean Gillane SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said the plea meets the prosecution's case. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, presiding, adjourned the matter to a later date.

O'Driscoll was due to go on trial later this year with his brother Glen Ward (31), who faces a charge of possession of an AR-15 rifle and another of reckless discharge of a firearm at Ratoath Drive in Finglas on January 1st, 2022.

Mr Ward is due before the court at a later date.
Gordon Deegan

A judge has jailed a 60-year-old Portuguese drugs-mule for three years and four months.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a 40-month prison sentence on Maria Lucilia Martins of Lisbon, Portugal after she was found to have cannabis with an estimated street value of 479,245 at Shannon airport on April 7th.

Judge Comerford said that with the amount of damage drugs do, there has to be a significant period of jail.

In evidence, Detective Sgt Dara OSullivan said that a member of the Customs department at Shannon Airport found Ms Martins to be in possession of suitcases both vacuum packed with cannabis herb and cannabis resin at the airport.

Det Sgt OSullivan said that there were 30 packs of cannabis resin and 22 packs of cannabis herb.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that Ms Martins had just arrived into Shannon off a flight from Faro, Portugal.

Ms Comerford said that in response to caution and charge, Ms Martins said: I already told you. I don't know about it. I know there is evidence and exhibits. They were in my suitcases. I only saw them when the suitcases were opened.

Counsel for the accused, Michael Collins SC (instructed by solicitor, John Casey) said that there was a rambling incoherence to Ms Martins replies at Garda interview after her arrest.

At Garda interview, Ms Martins said: If you want to call me a mule or a horse or whatever else, I will say whatever else you want to hear.

In the interview, Ms Martins also said: Yes, yes I'm a mule, what do people want?

Det Sgt OSullivan said that Ms Martins told gardai that her ultimate destination after Shannon Airport was Cork.

He said that over three interviews, Ms Martins denied knowledge as to how the drugs got into her suitcases.

Det Sgt OSullivan said that Ms Martins has no previous convictions and lives in rented accommodation with her sister in Portugal.

He said that her husband lives in India, but she has not seen him in person in five years but sees him everyday online.

Ms Martins was before Ennis Circuit Court on foot of a signed plea of guilty to possession with intent to sell or supply cannabis with a street value of 13,000 or more contrary to Section 15(a) of the Drugs Misuse Act or more at Shannon Airport on Sunday, April 7th of this year.

Ms Martins also pleaded guilty concerning the importation of cannabis at the same location on the same date.

The signed pleas removed the need for the State to prepare a Book of Evidence in the case.

In sentencing Ms Martins - who is 61 next month - Judge Comerford said that the large quantity of drugs was an aggravating factor in the case.

He said that no one is suggesting anything other than a profit motive in the case for Ms Martins transporting the drugs.

Judge Comerford said that the headline sentence in the case was 80 months, and he reduced the prison term to 40 months after taking into account Ms Martinss early guilty plea, her previous good character and her age.

Judge Comerford backdated the 40-month prison term to April 8th when Ms Martins was remanded to the women's wing of Limerick prison.
By Cate McCurry, PA

Fianna Fail has pledged to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use as part of its lengthy manifesto promises.

Party leader Micheal Martin launched the partys general election manifesto, which sets out six priority areas including cost of living, health, housing communities, economy and education.

Titled Moving Forward, Together, the 194-page document pledges to help families and businesses, reform health services and cut waiting times for patients, as well as accelerating the momentum in home building.

Among its promises is the decriminalisation of drug possession for personal use.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin (centre) with candidates at the launch the partys general election manifesto at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Images

The party said it will introduce legislation to require those found in possession of illegal drugs for personal use to attend educational or treatment programmes.

Mr Martin said the decriminalisation of possession of drugs is an important step.

I think it reflects the understanding that the most effective way of dealing with drugs is a health-based model, as opposed to a criminal justice-based model, he said.

That requires resources in personnel and in people, around addiction, around various therapies and so forth.

We did this in previous times, particularly during the heroin epidemic of previous eras. We can do it again. We must do it in a more consistent, sustained way, perhaps, than was the case in the past.

Mr Martin did not confirm the value of drugs that this would apply to.

Mr Martin was joined by the partys election candidates for the launch of the manifesto, which took place at the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin.

The party has also pledged to reduce childcare fees to 200 a month for each child, saying it could go further should economic and fiscal circumstances permit.

It said it will also set up a new National Childcare Price Register to ensure that there is transparency in fees for parents.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin speaking at the launch of the partys election manifesto in Dublin on Monday. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Images

Mr Martin said the changes to childcare fees would be over the time of the next government.

We could increase that. We could move it faster, but that is a commitment over the next term of government, he said.

The party has also committed to double the tax rent credit, with Mr Martin saying that renters need help and assistance.

He ruled out bringing in a rent freeze.

In respect of renters, we have to maintain a viable rental market, and there is evidence of people leaving the market, he added.

If one was to initiate a rent freeze, I think it would be counterproductive to the objective of having more homes provided in the rental market itself.

The rental tax credit would go to renters, and because of the rent pressure zones and so on, theres no evidence that the existing rents were going up for existing tenants for quite some time, but I think renters do need help, and do need assistance.

The party has also pledged to increase the entry point to the higher rate of income tax to at least 50,000, and the lower rate of Universal Social Charge (USC) would fall from 3 per cent to 1.5 per cent over the lifetime of the government.

Among the partys pledges is to increase the number of gardai by up to 5,000 over the next five years.

It also said it would reform the garda recruitment and training processes to increase capacity and to widen the talent pool.
Isabel Hayes

A man who assaulted his partner, her sister, and her mother in a Dublin hotel attack, leaving the oldest woman with three missing teeth, has been jailed for a year and a half.

Jason McDonagh (31) had travelled to Dublin from Manchester with his partner, her sister, and mother along with his sister and mother on a trip to visit a family grave in February this year, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Monday.

On the evening in question, he started assaulting his partner in their hotel room, dragging her around and threatening to bite her ear off.

When she fled the room and alerted her sister and mother, McDonagh ended up punching all of them in a scuffle captured on hotel CCTV footage.

A large pyramid ring he was wearing on his hand  which was initially described by witnesses as a knuckle duster - exacerbated the injuries caused, the court heard.

McDonagh, with an address in Bread Street, Manchester, England, pleaded guilty to three counts of assault causing harm to the three women at Cassidy's Hotel, Dublin 1, on February 16th this year. It is an offence that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years under legislation that came into effect late last year.

Sentencing him on Monday, Judge Orla Crowe said McDonagh engaged in utterly shameful violence.

These are people for whom he ought to have had the utmost respect, the judge said.

The attack against his partner's mother, who is in her 60s, was particularly bad, the court heard.

In a victim impact statement  the only one before the court  the 65-year-old woman said she was left embarrassed about her appearance and suffered severe head pain and eye problems in the wake of the assault.

The court heard McDonagh's partner suffered lacerations to her head and ear and her sister suffered bumps to her head and bruising.

Judge Crowe took into account a number of mitigating factors before the court, including that McDonagh has a history of severe mental health problems, has a low level of intellectual functioning and has no previous convictions.

She handed down a two-year sentence but suspended the final six months on a number of conditions. She backdated the sentence to when he went into custody following his arrest last February.

Garda Ciaran Cahill told Miranda Egan-Langley BL, prosecuting, that gardai responded to reports of a man beating up his partner with a knuckle duster in the hotel on the night in question. They found the three women in a hotel room, two of whom were bleeding to the head and face.

Gardai arrested McDonagh in his hotel room, and he was taken into custody. It later emerged the knuckle duster was actually a pyramid-shaped ring he was wearing at the time.

CCTV footage played in court showed McDonagh's partner joining her mother and sister in the hallway after McDonagh assaulted her in their room. McDonagh joined the women and a verbal altercation broke out, before it turned physical.

At one point, the three women were on the ground as McDonagh threw a number of punches in quick succession. His mother and sister were also present during the scuffle, along with two hotel staff members who appeared on the scene and helped break it up.

Defence counsel Cathal O Braonain said it was a brutal attack. He said there has since been some kind of reconciliation between McDonagh and his partner. The court heard he has had no visitors while in prison, with his family residing in Manchester.

He takes full responsibility for his actions that night and is remorseful, the court heard.
Fiona Magennis

The fully suspended sentence handed down to the "determined and organised" admin of a child abuse messaging group who was caught with hundreds of images and videos after an FBI tip-off was too lenient, the State has argued.

Anthony Ryan, with an address at Macoyle Upper, Inch, Gorey, Co Wexford, deserved an "immediate custodial sentence", lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court on Monday.

Ryan had pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography on September 22nd, 2020.

He was sentenced to three years in prison suspended for a period of four years by Judge James McCourt at Wexford Circuit Court on March 20th, 2024.

The court heard Ryans home was searched following a tip-off from the FBI after an undercover agent infiltrated messenger groups and alerted authorities.

A large number of images and videos were found on Ryans personal mobile phone and further material was retrieved from the Kik messaging application.

The combined examinations revealed 575 items, including 326 images of young girls - the majority of whom were under the age of 12  exposing themselves and 159 videos of young boys and girls engaged in sexually explicit activity.

At the Court of Appeal on Monday, Patricia McLaughlin SC, for the DPP, contended this was a case that called for an immediate custodial sentence.

She argued the nature of the material involved, the methodology around acquiring and distributing these images and videos and the level of activism of the respondent on particular chat threads merited a higher headline sentence.

Counsel referenced the nature and content of the material involved - including children under the age of eight engaged in oral sex with both adults and children - and the young age of the children, which she said was a relevant consideration.

She said Ryan effectively used the tools of the internet to assist his offending, not only by registering on Kik but also signing up to Dropbox and other sites to store the images so that they were readily available to him.

Ms McLaughlin asserted there was a difference between someone who is drawn unwittingly into viewing this material and someone who does it in a determined, organised and premeditated way.

The barrister acknowledged that the sentencing judge had referenced the relevant aggravating circumstances in his judgement but submitted he had given them insufficient weight.

Michael OHiggins SC, representing Ryan, argued the sentence imposed had not been unduly lenient and said there was very strong mitigation in this case.

He said there had been instant co-operation with gardai, Ryan had supplied his pin number to access the phone and there had been an early plea of guilty.

He said this was a case which was on the line where there was some very depraved conduct with regard to establishing the facts of the case, but on the other hand, there was very significant mitigation.

Counsel described Ryans offending as an affliction and compulsive behaviour.

Theres no justification here, its rationalisation, he said.

Mr OHiggins said the respondent had seen the death of both his father and a teenage daughter and this had led him into a very dark place but when the knock comes at the door the turning around could not have been any quicker. He said his client had immediately engaged with child abuse support service One in Four.

He said Ryan recognised he was in the throes of this affliction and took every single step to stabilise it,

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the three-judge court said would reserve judgement in the case.

Detective Garda Jacinta Gordon told the sentencing hearing that gardai searched Ryans home following a tip-off from the FBI in Winnebago, Illinois in relation Kik Messenger accounts associated with email addresses linked to the respondent.

The court heard Kik Messenger is a messaging platform with similar functions to Whatsapp and Viber, permitting group chats of up to 50 people. The platform also facilitates the sharing of pictures, videos and links between participants.

Several electronic devices were seized from Ryans home and a large quantity of images and videos were found on his personal mobile phone. The respondent was present during the execution of the warrant and cooperated by providing all devices and PIN codes to the gardai.

The mobile phone was examined in December 2021 and material was extracted using Cellebrite software with further material from the contents of the Kik application retrieved manually using the screenshot function.

The combined examinations revealed 575 items, including 326 images of girls, the majority of whom were under the age of 12, with the genital region exposed and 67 images of young girls engaged in or subjected to sexually explicit activity.

Gardai also found 23 videos depicting both boys and girls, mostly under the age of 12, with the genital region exposed, and 159 videos of young boys and girls engaged in sexually explicit activity.

In addition to the material in Ryans possession on Kik, there was also evidence of the distribution by him of images and videos of child pornography on those chat threads. In total, he shared 42 images.

The court heard that Ryan actively engaged in commenting on images shared by others.

When interviewed, he admitted that he was a group administrator of a Kik Messenger group which shared child sexual abuse images.
Katriona OSullivan, the author of Poor, is set to visit West Cork this month.

She will address the Network Ireland West Cork event on Friday, November 22.

The renowned author and education advocate will share her powerful story, at the event in Dunmanway.

OSullivan will offer an inspiring talk on overcoming adversity and the transformative power of education.

Born into a life of poverty, homelessness, and addiction, Katrionas journey is one of remarkable resilience. Against all odds, she turned her life around and became one of Irelands most respected voices for equal access to education.

Today, she is a lecturer at Maynooth University, where her work focuses on helping marginalized groups access opportunities through education and technology.

The event will take place at the Parkway Hotel, Park Road, Dunmanyway from 7pm to 9pm and is open to everyone. Free admission for all Network Ireland members. Tickets for non-members are 25.

Speaking about the upcoming event, President of Network Ireland West Cork, Sandra Maybury said: I am thrilled to welcome Katriona OSullivan to my home town of Dunmanway, in what will be one of my final events officially as president of the branch.

Katrionas story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of education in transforming lives.

Her experience promises to inspire deep reflection and meaningful conversations; she will share a raw, honest look at the challenges shes faced and how, through sheer determination and access, she turned those challenges into triumphs.

On the night, our MC is the wonderful Siobhan Cronin, Editor of the Southern Star, she continued.
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.

Parts of Sanibel Causeway and its bridge are washed away after Hurricane Ian passed through in Sanibel, Florida on Sept. 29, 2022. Joe Raedle / Getty Images

According to a new report by the International Chamber of Commerce and consultancy firm Oxera, extreme weather events over the past 10 years have cost a total of $2 trillion globally. The countries that have faced the biggest losses include the U.S., China and India.

The report tracked nearly 4,000 extreme weather events from 2014 through 2023. In total, the results found that these events affected more than 1.6 billion people and cost around $2 trillion in economic losses.

Over just the past two years, losses linked to extreme weather cost the world $451 billion. According to the report, that is about 19% more than the losses from the previous 8 years analyzed in the study.

The data from the past decade shows definitively that climate change is not a future problem: major productivity losses from extreme weather events are being felt in the here and now by the real economy, John W.H. Denton AO, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.

The report also warned about the increase in frequency of these extreme weather events, noting that there has been an 83% increase in climate disasters when comparing 19801999 to 20002019.

Extreme weather-related losses can affect a wide range of sectors and may include direct impacts, such as property and infrastructure destruction, agricultural losses, premature deaths and injuries and more. From there, these problems can lead to indirect impacts, such as more strain on healthcare systems, supply chain disruptions and productivity loss. As such, the economic losses over the past decade can be hard to measure accurately and may be much greater than the $2 trillion accounted for in this report.

Data shows that the lowest income countries in the world have the smallest contributions of emissions and are hardest hit by the impacts of climate change. The International Chamber of Commerce warned that a single extreme weather event could lead to costs that are higher than some countries entire GDP for the year, and lower income countries faced higher losses per capita compared to wealthier nations.

The main caveat is that these numbers actually miss the impact where it truly matters, in poor communities and in vulnerable countries, Ilan Noy, a disaster economist who was not involved in the study, told The Guardian. Noy explained that losses in low-income countries can be even longer lasting on these communities compared to losses in high-income countries.

But the new report from the International Chamber of Commerce could still put pressure on high-income countries by outlining the economic impact of their major share of emissions that cause climate change. According to World Resources Institute, China, the U.S. and India are the worlds biggest greenhouse gas emitters, making up about 42.6% of global emissions. The U.S. lost $934.7 billion over the 10-year period, followed by China with $267.9 billion in losses and India with $112.2 billion in losses.

As the International Chamber of Commerce noted, Climate inaction comes at a high price to us all.

The report authors hope that the findings will inspire stronger, more immediate climate action from countries, particularly with the report published just before the start of COP29.

The upcoming UN Climate Change Conference cannot be  as some have suggested  a transitional COP, Denton said. We need to see outcomes capable of accelerating climate action commensurate with the immediate economic risks. This must start with a comprehensive package to accelerate the deployment of finance to ensure that all countries can transition towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development without further delay.

Simply put, the time for action is now, Denton added.
Social media has been buzzing regarding rumors that Kate Middleton allegedly never had cancer, despite her statement that she completed treatment for the disease in September.

Talks online began after a report by royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills -- a well-respected and accredited journalist -- surfaced, reiterating that the Princess of Wales never had cancer at all, but instead showed a positive result for "pre-cancerous cells," per the 'Daily Beast.'

Online conspiracy theories suggest Middleton allegedly pulled the move as a cover-up for personal matters following her seemingly random disappearance months ago, which left fans asking, "Where's Kate?"

That said, fans weren't the only one left confused about the royal's untimely disappearance. Even reality TV and SKIMS bombshell Kim Kardashian shared a photo dump of an evening look with a caption that said, "On my way to go find Kate," back in March  which she was later slammed for.

Mills of 'Sky News' reignited the discussion after stating that the princess confirmed "pre-cancerous cells had been found following abdominal surgery and that she would have to undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy." Mills' comments seemingly hold weight, as she's a member of "royal rota," a group of royal journalists working for British media who reportedly cooperate with the palace in their reporting.

In a video released in September, 42-year-old Middleton said, "The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you... This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."

"Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus," she added.

That said, a doctor at the 'Daily Beast' told the outlet: "You either have pre-cancerous cells or you have cancer, the two terms are not interchangeable."

Fans across Twitter, now X, are now in a tizzy, as it seems many overlooked "pre-cancerous" before Middleton's celebration of being cancer free in September. "So Kate Middleton's "cancer" was in fact some pre cancerous cells that had to be removed?" one fan asked, while another suggested that the princess was "Shamelessly faking cancer."

So Kate Middletons cancer was in fact some pre cancerous cells that had to be removed. pic.twitter.com/jDZZRyM9wj  Hannah (@queen_meghan14) November 9, 2024

Kate Middleton is shamelessly faking cancer & the British media is as shameless for calling a woman who made Remembrance Day all about her and her photo op. #ThatFamilys chests emblazoned with unearned medals, the competing headlines and brave Kate disturbing  #KateMiddleton pic.twitter.com/vJ3V2t1WUA  Carmella (@Sussex5525) November 11, 2024

"Kate, Prince William, KP, King Charles & Camilla, the royal family lied about Kate Middleton having cancer. She had pre-cancerous cells something that is removed upon discovery no further treatment needed. Does Charles have cancer? What are #SlumlordWilly & #KateMiddleton up to?" a seemingly disappointed fan wrote.

Kate, Prince William, KP, King Charles & Camilla, the royal family lied about Kate Middleton having cancer. She had pre-cancerous cells something that is removed upon discovery no further treatment needed. Does Charles have cancer? What are #SlumlordWilly & #KateMiddleton up to? pic.twitter.com/Ft6l1bYIZ3  Carmella (@Sussex5525) November 9, 2024

Despite fans' claims, neither Buckingham Palace or the Royal Family have come forward to confirm, deny, or clarify any claims from Mills. That point stands significant as the palace is reportedly often allowed to correct rota journalists' errors. A correction, as of this writing, has not been made.
Jaleel White recently opened up about his decision to turn down the chance to reboot 'Family Matters,' despite Netflix's interest in reviving the beloved series after the success of 'Fuller House.' In a promo clip for his memoir, 'Growing Up Urkel,' White shared the backstory and explained why he felt the project was not a good fit.

"Somewhere around 2013, 2014, I was approached by one of our former producers that Netflix had interest in doing a reboot of 'Family Matters' on the heels of 'Fuller House' having done so well. And that didn't make any sense to me," White explained. He emphasized that the show's unique charm shouldn't have to conform to a model based on another series' success.

"I didn't feel that it was right for us to have to copy what 'Full House' had done to fit inside someone's business model to capture the magic that made our show make sense," White said. Instead, he envisioned a reboot inspired by the real-life events that led to the show's creation. "What I imagine for any reboot effort would be inspired by what really happened. How 'Family Matters' came to pass is actually a greater story than what was made up inside the show," he added.

The 47-year-old actor also reflected on his journey as Steve Urkel, sharing how the show shifted unexpectedly to focus on his character. "The show was never intended for me to be the star," he revealed. White described his experiences growing up both on set and in public school as compelling stories in their own right.

However, not everyone shared White's vision. He recounted a conversation with a former executive producer who dismissed his perspective, saying, "That person told me that no one has interest in my 'memoirs.' " Undeterred, White pointed to the passage of time as proof of his story's appeal. "But here we are 12 years later, and I think there's some people that might be interested in those memoirs," he said confidently.

'Family Matters' originally aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997 before moving to CBS for its final season. Centered on the Winslow family in Chicago, the show became a cultural touchstone, with White's portrayal of the nerdy yet lovable Steve Urkel transforming him into a breakout star. The ensemble cast included Reginald VelJohnson, Jo Marie Payton, and Darius McCrary, among others.
Jasper, IndianaThe Halloween Book Festival, based in Hollywood, California, has awarded FIRST PLACE to Kevin Schewe's Bad Love Medicine in the TIME TRAVEL genre.

The highly acclaimed Bad Love Medicine has also won an award in the Young Adult category at the Southern California Book Festival plus an International Book Impact Award in the same category with the addendum of Excellence for Book Content Quality.

Creating time travel fiction requires an attention to detail predicated on intense research. Kevin Schewe's zealous fascination with everything World War II, which began at a young age, gave him a headstart and inspiration to write his four-book Bad Love sci-fi adventure series. With his background in physics and time travel as a primary element driving all the books, Schewe started with the premise of the WWII Manhattan Project and the race to become the first nation with the atomic bomb. Throughout the books, real life characters such as Presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Ford and British PM Winston Churchill make appearances and are portrayed with historical accuracy. Weapons, aircraft and classic cars are also highlighted with key specifications and in proper historical context.

Bad Love Medicine Book Trailer





In Bad Love Medicine the Bad Love Gang return to Earth after saving an alien planet from an extinction event in order to reunite a love-struck couple while saving one of them from a deadly disease in the future. At the same time, they must prevent Hitler and the Nazis from creating a time machine of their own in a quest to take their evil agenda to the future. They battle Russian KGB agents in the 1970s, Nazi military forces and scientists in the 1940s and travel from London to Liverpool in 1945.

"These stories have come to life in such an organic way," says Schewe. "They combine my childhood friendships and memories with my love of history, music, military aviation, WWII, science fiction and time travel." Whether you're a history aficionado, a time-travel buff, a sci-fi lover, or are just in need of a fun book to cheer you up, Bad Love Medicine is the adventure you've been waiting for.

In Bad Love Strikes, the Gang discover The White Hole Project, a time machine created by Albert Einstein at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt as a back-up plan in case the Nazis had won the race to be first with an atomic bomb. In the exciting sequel, Bad Love Tigers, the gang use the White Hole Project to travel back to 1945 to thwart Russian spies and protect the U.S. top-secrets of Area 51. In Bad Love Beyond, the gang travel not just through time but through space as well to learn the reason behind Blue Nova One's mysterious visit to earth and help save her planet from an extinction event.

Other awards the books have won are the Wishing Shelf Red Ribbon Winner, Literary Titan Silver Book Award, NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, AMI Indie Book Awards, and an eLit Award to name a few.

"Skillful writing (both historical and fantastical), a zesty sense of humor, an appreciation for pop culture, and the ability to create memorably entertaining characters combine to make this an immensely impressive noveland experience! Very highly recommended." Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Reviewer, 5-Stars

"If history was taught this way in school, everyone would be a scholar and educating ourselves not only about our accomplishments but the horrors of the past that should awaken and give insight to the path of a better future. A rare gem!"David Holladay, MD, 5-Stars

The screenplay for Kevin Schewe's Bad Love Tigers, the second book in the series, has also taken the world by storm with 450 international screenplay awards. It has won awards at Cannes World Film Festival, Madrid Arthouse Film Festival, Rome International Movie Awards, New York International Film Awards, and The Los Angeles Movie Awards, to name a few.

Be sure to watch the exciting book trailers for the Bad Love series: https://bit.ly/BadLoveStrikes-Trailer and https://bit.ly/BadLoveTigers_Trailer and https://bit.ly/BadLoveBeyondTrailer.

Bad Love Strikes Book Trailer





Bad Love Tigers Book Trailer





Bad Love Beyond Book Trailer





About: Kevin L. Schewe, MD, FACRO, is a board-certified cancer specialist who has been in the private practice of radiation oncology for 37+ years. Join 57K followers of Schewe on Instagram @realkevinschewe and discover all of his books at KevinSchewe.com
Luke Evans came out as gay to Gemma Arterton and she "had his back" when he felt under pressure to keep his personal life secret.

Luke Evans had to keep his sexuality a secret during the early days of his career

The 45-year-old actor met the Bond girl when he was cast as her love interest in 2010 movie 'Tamara Drewe' and he later had a candid chat with her confessing the "friend" named Lee who visited him during filming was actually his boyfriend - and he credits Gemma with being incredibly supportive.

In his book 'Boy from the Valleys: An Unexpected Journey', Luke wrote: When I started working in movies, it suddenly became an issue again because at that time you just didnt get openly gay actors playing straight romantic leads ...

"[My] sexuality became a thing to be handled and strategised, rather than simply being just another aspect of my identity, like having green eyes or being Welsh."

He admitted when Lee came to visit during filming he introduced him as his "friend" but he later told the truth to Gemma.

Luke added: "Our bedrooms were next to each other in our hotel and when I confessed that Lee was actually my boyfriend she said with a smile: Honey, Im in the room next door  I know!

"It was such a relief to be able to be open with her and know that she had my back regardless, because she knew how the industry worked and the pressure I was under. The big American studios were still very much of the a man is a man mindset."

It comes after Luke admitted moving to London as a teenager after growing up in Wales helped him feel more "free" as a gay man because he relished the anonymity that comes with living in a big city.

Speaking to The Independent, Luke shared: "You could almost disappear. "Thats the reason London appealed to me when I was a young man. You want to find your community, and often where [gay people] are brought up, there isnt one, or theres shame, or theres secrets.

"To feel free, and to feel part of something, you go to a big city where youll find people like you. Its what gay people have done for decades and will keep on doing. Though I do hope that these smaller villages and cities are a bit more accepting now."
Quincy Jones has been laid to rest.

Quincy Jones has been laid to rest

The legendary producer passed away at his California home on 3 November at the age of 91, and his "intimate" funeral service has already taken place at an undisclosed location, with plans underway for a private memorial service at a later date.

According to reports, the service was attended by the 'Thriller' producer's seven children, his brother and two sisters, and other immediate family members.

Quincy's family announced his death last week.

They said in a statement: "Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones' passing.

"And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him."

A few days later, his actress daughter Rashida Jones paid a separate heartfelt tribute to her dad, hailing him "an icon".

Sharing a photo of herself as a baby with her father, she wrote on Instagram: 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. 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.

Quincy 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.
Prince Harry had sweets sent to bereaved military children on Remembrance Sunday (10.11.24).

Prince Harry sent sweets to the children of fallen war heroes

The 40-year-old royal and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 43, stepped back from royal duties to lead an independent life in the US in 2020, and although Harry did not join his father King Charles, 75, and other members of the royal family at the Cenotaph to honour fallen war heroes, he had a small role as an ambassador for the charity Scotty's Little Soldiers.

Harry - who has Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, with former actress Meghan - not only had the bags of sweets sent for the children for the march past the Cenotaph in London, but he also penned the youngsters a letter.

The charity's founder Nikki Scott - a widow who lost her husband Corporal Lee Scott in the war in Afghanistan in 2009 - launched the non-profit in 2010 to help children left devastated by the loss of their parents at war.

She said of Harry's involvement with Scotty's Little Soldiers: "He's very much in contact. He sent the children sweets today as well.

"They all have sweets in their pockets from Prince Harry."

Harry - who lost his own mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 in 1997 - wrote to the children: "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.

"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."

He went on: "The tears and laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of joy you create together are powerful reminders that love endures."

Harry concluded: "Our 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."

Harry  who served in the British Army for 10 years and completed two tours of Afghanistan  has made it a "tradition" to pen a note for the children each year.

Nikki 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."
The e-commerce market in Vietnam is estimated to hit $22 billion this year, growing by 18 per cent and ranking next to Indonesia ($65 billion) and Thailand ($26 billion) in Southeast Asia, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2024 report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company.

The rate of growth was also the third fastest behind the Philippines (23 per cent) and Thailand (19 per cent).

Vietnam's e-commerce market is estimated to hit $22 billion in 2024, growing by 18 per cent and ranking next to Indonesia and Thailand in Southeast Asia, according to a report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company. The rate of growth was also the third fastest behind the Philippines and Thailand. With a growth rate averaging over 19 per cent annually, the market may reach $63 billion by 2030.

Vietnams e-commerce market is projected to maintain this growth rate, averaging over 19 per cent annually and reaching $63 billion by 2030. At that point, it is projected to surpass Thailand, ranking second in the region behind Indonesia, a domestic media outlet reported.

E-commerce accounts for over 60 per cent of Vietnams digital economy this year.

Retail e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, Tiki and Sendo, have recently been joined by cross-border giants like Shein, further expanding market choices.

The number of consumer brands in the country with video channels has increased by 5 per cent over the past two years, the report said. TikTok Shop has seen high growth in gross merchandise value (GMV).

On October 10, the top 100 TikTok Shop accounts drew more than 11.7 million views and nearly 500,000 engagements, according to statistics from VeenaMedia and Stickler technology platform.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing an increasingly dominant role in shaping consumer shopping habits and behaviours.

Google's AI interest index, calculated based on search volumes related to AI, is particularly high in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Eighty-eight per cent of respondents in Southeast Asia reported making purchase decisions based on AI-generated content and product suggestions, a Lazada survey revealed.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Cambodias national assembly last week approved the cancellation of the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Facilitation for the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA).

The agreement was originally announced for withdrawal by the government on September 20 this year. The decision was taken after assessing cooperation-related achievements over the past 25 years under the CLV-DTA.

Cambodia's national assembly last week approved the cancellation of the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Facilitation for the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA). The decision was taken after assessing cooperation-related achievements over 25 years under the CLV-DTA. Cambodia believes each of three countries now is fully capable of continuing and ensuring its own development.

Cambodia believes that each of three countries now is fully capable of continuing and ensuring its own development, according to media reports in the country.

Cambodian minister of commerce Cham Nimul said the government had drafted a law to approve the cancellation of the agreement.

The repealed agreement only covered trade promotion and facilitation in the four Cambodian provinces of Stung Treng, Kratie, Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri that have international borders with Laos and Vietnam, she added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The United Kingdom and Ukraine recently launched a new unit, called the Green Transition Office, to develop a state policy for decarbonisation and climate-compatible growth.

Policy tools necessary for Ukraine to rebuild a greener and more resilient economy will be developed there.

The UK and Ukraine recently launched the Green Transition Office to develop a state policy for decarbonisation and climate-compatible growth. Policy tools needed for Ukraine to rebuild a greener and more resilient economy will be developed there. The new unit will also work to help Ukrainian companies attract green finance and enhance the role of the private sector in Ukraine's green transition.

The new unit will also work to help Ukrainian companies attract green finance and enhance the role of the private sector in Ukraines green transition, an official UK government release said.

The United Kingdom has committed over 1 million in international development funding for the Green Transition Office via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Offices (FCDO) Ukraine Resilience and Energy Security Programme.

The Green Transition Office, designed with the help and advice of the UKs Climate Change Committee, will help implement Ukraines National Energy and Climate Plan, a cross-sector plan setting out milestones and policy measures to help Ukraine meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2030.

It will provide expert advice and support to Ukraines ministries, with a view to attracting green investment and enhancing the role of business in Ukraines green recovery.

UK support to Ukraines energy system also includes vital repairs and protection to energy infrastructure in the face of Russian attacks. This includes emergency support to reconnect customers to the grid, as well as the delivery of generators for those cut off from the power network.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Excitement is at an all-time high for the trailer of Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule. Initially, it was anticipated that the trailer would launch on 15th November , however, the actor just revealed the actual date of the trailer release, putting an end to all anticipation. He also shared a new poster of the film which shows him in a rugged, intense look. In the poster, his character wears a brown shirt, and pants of the same colour, and carries a gun along with him. Behind him, we can see several silhouettes of men.

Sharing the poster, he revealed that the trailer will be out on November 17. The superstar captioned the post, "#Pushpa2TheRule Trailer out on November 17th at 6:03 PM in Patna!"

Pushpa 2 will see Allu Arjun reprise his role as a sandalwood smuggler with Rashmika Mandanna returning as his love interest. Fahadh Faasil will also reprise his role.
JAKARTA (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Monday release September figures for its current account, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In August, the current account surplus came in at 3.804 trillion yen.Japan also will see October results for the economy watchers current index and bank lending. In September, the index score was 47.8, while overall bank lending was up 2.7 percent on year,Indonesia will provide October results for its consumer confidence index; in September, the index score was 123.5.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.
Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov 9, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - The U.N. Climate Change Conference next week needs to urgently address major gaps in funding and technology and adopt fresh approaches to meet the challenges of developing countries with vulnerable communities such as Bangladesh, Summit Power International Limited ("SPIL"), the country's largest private sector power generation company, said today.Singapore-headquartered SPIL, the leading foreign direct investor in Bangladesh's power sector, said it hoped the widely anticipated COP29 Climate Change Conference starting 11 November in Azerbaijan will lead to an actionable agenda that can balance global net zero targets with the needs of poorer countries seeking to eradicate poverty and create jobs on an accelerated scale.SPIL operates 18 power plants with a combined capacity of 2,255 MW or approximately 17% of the total installed private power generation capacity in the country of 173 million people. As a responsible company with a strong track record of providing energy and power to Bangladesh, SPIL is acutely aware of the international initiatives to de-carbonise.At COP21 in 2015, 196 countries signed the Paris Agreement with collective commitments to limit global warming. However, subsequent global financing initiatives have been deadlocked. Among the key initiatives of COP29 is a New Collective Quantified Goal to deliver substantive climate financing to regions that need it most.Beyond the pledges, global climate goals must also take into consideration challenges unique to each country, especially the lesser developed, said SPIL. Prior to COP29, SPIL had outlined its internal Climate Action Plan to support Bangladesh's stated goal (declared at the COP26 in Glasgow in 2021) to achieve up to 40% of clean energy use in its power generation mix by 2041."Both the national and SPIL's own de-carbonisation targets have to be viewed against the backdrop of the pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions as well as the conflict in Ukraine which drove up prices of fossil fuels. Bangladesh, which has to contend with cyclones and flooding on a regular basis, has felt the impact of such disruptions more acutely than most other countries."We hope COP29 - whose leaders have promised engagement, ambition, and action - will address decisively real-world issues from the perspective of developing nations and responsible corporates involved in the energy eco-system, such as SPIL. We look forward to holistic approaches that avoid a one-size-fits-all mindset," SPIL said.SPIL's Founder and Chairman, Mr Muhammed Aziz Khan, a Singapore citizen, said: "We hope COP29 adopts approaches fairly and equitably to address the social and economic impact, particularly for vulnerable communities and workers in fossil fuel industries in developing countries. A just energy transition must promote circular economy principles that benefit local populations to ensure resilience.Second, international organisations, governments, and corporations must provide funding and technology to support the energy transition. For developing countries such as Bangladesh, such approaches must combine development finance and foreign direct investments.Third, different regions will have different timelines to progress towards net zero. For the near term, Bangladesh's power sector - which has been facing issues of imbalance of supply and demand and delays in payments - needs to reduce dependence on coal or heavy fuel oil and increase usage of natural gas which is less carbon-intensive, even as it pursues initiatives in renewable energy."As part of its Climate Action Plan, SPIL has committed not to develop new fuel-fired power plants in Bangladesh. It will also reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 10% by 2030 as compared to its 2021 baseline and plans to derive 40% of its energy generation portfolio from clean energy sources by 2040. SPIL has also formed a Sustainability Task Force under the leadership of the CEO.While recognising geographical limitations in Bangladesh for large-scale solar or wind farms, SPIL has outlined plans to invest or obtain international financial support for up to USD 3 billion in renewable energy projects in the country.About Summit Power International Limited ("SPIL")SPIL is the largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Bangladesh, reflecting 17% of the country's total private installed capacity and 7% of the country's total installed capacity. SPIL owns and operates a total of 18 power plants with a combined generation capacity of 2,255MW. It also operates Bangladesh's second Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and LNG import terminal with daily regasification capacity of 500 million cubic feet.SPIL is a privately-held Singapore-registered company that is 78%-owned by the family of Mr Muhammed Aziz Khan. In 2016 SPIL acquired Bangladesh-registered Summit Corporation Ltd (SCL) in a transaction that was financed primarily by International Finance Corporation, the World Bank's private sector arm. SCL holds various infrastructure assets in Bangladesh. In 2019, JERA Co., Inc., Japan's largest power generation company, acquired a 22%-stake in SPIL and remains its second largest shareholder to date.Learn more at: www.summitpowerinternational.comMedia ContactWeR1 Consultants Pte LtdWhatsApp (Text): (+65) 9748 0688Email: summit@wer1.netSource: Summit LNG Terminal II Co LtdCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
HONG KONG, Nov 10, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - - The three-day Fair concluded yesterday, attracting over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions- 50 events and conferences held during the Fair helped facilitate trade and business networking- A lower duty rate for liquor, announced in the latest Policy Address, helps promote emerging Chinese baijiu to the international marketThe 16th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Yesterday's public day attracted over 10,000 visitors aged 18 and above, who enjoyed fine alcoholic beverages from around the world and participated in master classes, tasting sessions, and seminars in the Wine Fiesta zone. This reflects the Fair's important role as a trade and promotional platform.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "This year's Fair has attracted over 8,200 trade buyers. The number of buyers from some countries and regions increased, including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Mainland China and more. Global buyers are keen to come to Hong Kong to participate in the Wine and Spirits Fair, promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wines and spirits."Ms Chong added: "The latest Policy Address announced a lower duty rate for liquor, which is expected to enhance the trade of high-end spirits. More than one quarter of exhibitors at the Fair brought spirits from around the world, including Chinese baijiu, whisky, vodka, brandy and more. We are glad to see that so many exhibitors and buyers interacted with each other, seizing the business opportunities brought about by the new policy."Importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce buyers who attended the Fair included: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies from the United Kingdom; Grupo Alpom Importaciones SL from Spain; Le Clos (MMI) from the United Arab Emirates; ASC Fine Wine (Shanghai) Ltd, Beijing WJ E-Commerce Co, Ltd. and Vinehoo (Chongqing) Co. Ltd. from Mainland China; Mercian Corporation from Japan; Thevincsr from Korea; Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd from Malaysia; Wine Creek Pte Ltd. from Singapore; Thai Beverage Distribution Co Ltd from Thailand; Phu & EM Group from Vietnam and more.Trading and marketing opportunities for spirits exhibitorsThis year's Fair showcased a wide selection of Chinese baijiu from various regions, including Moutai and Zhenjiu from Guizhou, Fenjiu from Shanxi and "Zhongmao" from Sichuan. Exhibitors are capitalising on the Government's reduction in liquor duty to expand their business opportunities.Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor Industry (Group) Co,. Ltd which specialises in high-end Chinese baijiu, reached a strategic agreement with Hong Kong distributor Wines up Shoppers Group. Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor's CEO Xu Xinzhou said that the anticipated collaboration amount is expected to reach at least RMB10 million in one year, helping the company expand its overseas market. Matthew Lun, CEO from Wines up Shoppers, said, "Chinese baijiu holds significant potential in the global Chinese market. We plan to capitalise on the Government's recent reduction in liquor tax to tap into this market and promote Chinese baijiu, a traditional cultural product, throughout Southeast Asia and beyond." Guizhou Jin Jiao also identified another Hong Kong buyer through the Fair, aiming to distribute its baijiu in Hong Kong. The two parties will negotiate a first-year business agreement valued at around RMB2 million.Irish whiskey exhibitor Clonakilty Distillery Ltd made its first appearance at the Fair. Company founder Michael Scully said that they have identified about 30 potential buyers from around the world within a day and a half. "The slashing of liquor tax is excellent news, demonstrating to the world that Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a trading hub for premium wines and spirits in Asia," he said."We met a major buyer who distributes alcoholic beverages in both Hong Kong and Mainland China, and we expect him to place an initial order of around EUR100,000 in which some of the high-end whiskies will benefit from the new taxation and enjoy a lower tax rate while being imported to Hong Kong. We believe that the tax reduction has significantly increased the interest of buyers." Mr Scully also estimated that he could secure orders worth approximately EUR1 million within a few years through the Fair.50 events were held during the Fair, with 12 of these related to spirits. At a seminar themed "A Review and Outlook of the HK Spirits Market (Taste Changes and Taxation)", speakers noted that Hong Kong's reduction of duty on high-end spirits has prompted many businesses in the industry to immediately lower their prices, which helps stimulate demand for spirits.The Fair also presented fine wines from Mainland China, including wines from Ningxia, Yantai in Shandong, Xinjiang and Yunnan, as well as yellow wine from Shaoxing. Chateau Xianghai, a wine exhibitor from Xinjiang, connected with potential buyers from the United States as well as Malaysia and Vietnam from the ASEAN Region. The company's General Manager Guo Cong said, "The Fair is an international platform providing us with numerous opportunities to expand into overseas markets."Diverse fine wines and spirits to meet buyer demandTo meet consumers' and buyers' diverse preferences for alcoholic beverages, the Fair presented an extensive selection of global offerings. These included Old World wines from the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Italy, and New World wines from Australia, South Africa and the United States, as well as whiskey from Ireland. There were also dedicated buyers for sake, gin, plum wine and shochu from Japan, along with tequila from Mexico.Participating for the first time in the Wine and Spirits Fair, Czech exhibitor THAYA vinarstvi, spol. s r.o. engaged with around 50 buyers in just one day and a half, with over 10 showing potential for collaboration. THAYA's Chief Operating Officer, Ing. Vit Travnicek said, "The Sommeliers" Picks is a great initiative. One of our white wines is featured on the list, and several buyers came specifically to source based on the list."He also mentioned that the company has just started to explore the Asian market. They have successfully connected with potential buyers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam during their very first time at the Fair, "We participate in eight wine exhibitions each year, and this one stands out as the most international."Sambath Sothea, CEO of Auskhmer Import Export Co., Ltd, a buyer from Cambodia, stated that he has a fruitful experience at the Fair and has identified four potential suppliers. He plans to purchase products worth approximately US$50,000, including Japanese sake and wines from Italy and Georgia.Seminars explored consumer demands and sustainable developmentA seminar hosted by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg explored consumption trends and preferences among Gen Z and millennials, an emerging consumer group. Industry representatives speaking at the event noted that young adults have a strong preference for cocktails. The vibrant colours of cocktails are perfect for sharing on social media, allowing the industry to achieve significant promotional results.Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Concepts crafted a special cocktail, HK & Suit, for yesterday's public day. Many visitors tried it, fostering a lively atmosphere.Sustainability has become a significant industry trend. At a seminar on promoting sustainable wine, a renowned sommelier and alcoholic beverage manufacturer emphasised that providing information on sustainable wine and spirits-making would enhance consumer confidence in the market.Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, buyers could use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors' unique QR codes during the physical exhibition. They could also bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online after the show. Exhibitors and buyers can also engage in online business negotiations and matching through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 16 November.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4fpgZ9GThe Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Over 10,000 members of the public visited yesterday's public day to enjoy fine wine and spirits from around the globeMore than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions took part in this year's FairThis year's Fair exhibited Chinese fine wine and baijiu such as Guizhou Moutai and Zhenjiu, providing more choices for international buyers50 events and conferences took place during the Fair. Stef Yim (pictured), the first Hong Kong winemaker to establish a winery at the volcano in Sicily, Italy, shared his winemaking journey and invited attendees to taste his wine.Members of the public savoured the HK & Suit cocktail specially crafted for the Fair by Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) ConceptsPublic day, on the final day of the Fair, allowed members of the public to sample wines and spirits around the globe, including Japanese sake, at the Wine Fiesta ZoneWine Master Jennifer Docherty hosted a blind wine-tasting training session during the Fair. In another event, Nelson Chow, Billy Yeung and Ricky Tsui, three experts from different wine fields, discussed the career path of a sommelierThe Fair hosted several wine prize presentation ceremonies and competitions, including the Cathay Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2024 Award Presentation CeremonyThe inaugural Sommeliers' Picks engaged three renowned sommeliers to recommend their favourite wine and spirits lists to industry professionals and the public. Many of these exquisite wine and spirits selected by the sommeliers attracted visitors to taste and purchase themHKTDC Media Room: mediaroom.hktdc.comWebsiteHong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Kelly Shek Tel: (852) 2584 4537 Email: kelly.yt.shek@hktdc.orgSnowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@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.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tranglo, a leading global cross-border payment hub, today announced its expansion within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by launching services in three new markets: Oman , Qatar , and Bahrain .

This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand for efficient remittance services across the GCC region, one of the largest remittance markets globally.

By expanding into Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, Tranglo's innovative payment solutions are now accessible to over 31 million migrant workers, primarily from South and Southeast Asia, many of whom depend on remittances to support their families.

In 2022, the total remittances to LMICs were estimated at USD 626 billion, with more than USD 120 billion coming from the six GCC countries alone. Remittances from the GCC are projected to grow further in 2024, driven by the positive outlook for oil prices, and the extended social protection for migrant workers.

With the addition of these new markets, Tranglo solidifies its commitment to transforming remittance and cross-border transactions across the region. Tranglo entered the UAE market in 2023, enabling individuals to make direct transfers to bank accounts.

Commenting on the latest milestone, Tranglo Group CEO, Jacky Lee, said: "The entry into Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, is evidence of our dedication to building a more inclusive and connected world.

"The GCC region has a unique remittance landscape, with millions of workers relying on safe, cost-effective cross-border payments to support loved ones back home. Our expansion in these countries will streamline financial access and strengthen our commitment to providing solutions that make sending money simpler and more affordable."

At launch, individuals can send funds using the cash pick-up method, with transactions available for near-instant collection in Omani Rial (OMR), Qatari Riyal (QAR), and Bahraini Dinar (BHD). The cash pick-up option is now also available in the UAE.

Tranglo helps financial institutions and businesses pay through Tranglo Connect, its proprietary cross-border payments solution. Tranglo seamlessly integrates payout and partner services, unifying the end-to-end process with direct API access. With Tranglo Connect , companies can reliably and securely make payments to over 100 countries .

About Tranglo

Tranglo is a cross-border payment hub with a proven track record in business payment, foreign remittances and mobile payment solutions. Founded in 2008, we have offices in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, and London. Our global network spans 100+ countries, 250+ mobile operators, 1,500+ banks/wallets and 60 cash pickup services with thousands of touchpoints. Tranglo is a proud partner of Ripple, the leading enterprise blockchain solutions for global payments. We offer enhanced cross-border payout services with even broader coverage through Ripple Payments. For more information, visit www.tranglo.com or connect via LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

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CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Novonix Limited (NVX, NVX.AX), a battery materials and technology company, and Stellantis NV (STLA) have signed a binding offtake agreement for the supply of high-performance synthetic graphite material. The agreement covers a minimum of 86,250 tonnes, with a target volume of up to 115,000 tonnes, to be delivered to Stellantis' cell manufacturing partners in North America. The supply will begin in 2026 and continue over a six-year term, sourced from NOVONIX's Riverside facility and a planned expansion site.Novonix noted that its Riverside facility is poised to become the first large-scale production site dedicated to high-performance synthetic graphite for the battery sector in North America and is slated to begin commercial production in 2025, with plans to grow output to 20,000 tonnes per annum ('tpa') to meet current customer commitments. Previously, the company announced the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains or 'MESC' awarded the Company a US$100 million grant and was selected for a US$103 million investment tax credit towards the funding of the Riverside facility.The company is also advancing plans to build a new production facility in the southeastern United States, initially with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes per annum, with plans to expand it to 75,000 tpa.Novonix said it remains in discussions with the DOE Loan Program Office for an Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program loan to support the construction of this new production facility. Novonix's current plans call for total production to increase to at least 150,000 tpa of synthetic graphite material to accommodate anticipated customer demand.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.
CHONGQING, China, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SWS Medical, a leading blood purification solution provider in China, will participate in the MEDICA Trade Fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, from November 11 to 14 (Hall 11/F14). This event is recognized as one of the largest medical B2B trade fairs globally.

Over the past two decades, SWS (SWS hemodialysis Care Co., Ltd.) has cemented itself as a key player in the blood purification sector, exporting over 100 countries and holding 200 authorized patents.

At MEDICA, the company will showcase three flagship hemodialysis machines:

The SWS-4000 features an advanced Online HDF system that allows for on-demand production of high-quality sterile replacement fluid. This capability offers personalized care tailored to each patient's unique clinical needs, enhancing treatment outcomes for those undergoing hemodialysis.





features an advanced Online HDF system that allows for on-demand production of high-quality sterile replacement fluid. This capability offers personalized care tailored to each patient's unique clinical needs, enhancing treatment outcomes for those undergoing hemodialysis. The SWS-6000 stands out with its intelligent interaction and precise control powered by cutting-edge information technology. This system includes features such as online pre-filing for replacement tubing, improved compatibility with heparin syringes, and automated heparin injection functionalities. This machine is designed for efficiency and convenience, making it an ideal solution for healthcare providers focused on delivering high-quality patient care.





stands out with its intelligent interaction and precise control powered by cutting-edge information technology. This system includes features such as online pre-filing for replacement tubing, improved compatibility with heparin syringes, and automated heparin injection functionalities. This machine is designed for efficiency and convenience, making it an ideal solution for healthcare providers focused on delivering high-quality patient care. The SWS-5000 unit integrates Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) with advanced Artificial Liver and Plasma Exchange technologies. This versatile device offers a range of innovative treatment modalities, including Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS), Continuous Plasma Filtration Adsorption (CPFA), and Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP). Designed for multi-organ support, it effectively addresses the complex needs of the kidney, liver, heart, lung, and beyond, securing its status as China's best-selling CRRT machine.

"Over the years, our dedicated SWS team has transformed the company from a start-up into a leader in the blood purification equipment industry. SWS epitomizes the rise of Chinese medical device enterprises globally. We are committed to fostering a brand that empowers kidney patients worldwide" GAO Guangyong, Chairman of SWS Medical.

Based in Chongqing, SWS Medical, is a prominent global provider of innovative medical products and services. Its offerings include advanced blood purification devices, high-quality disposables, intelligent dialysis management system, and a network of dialysis centers. SWS is uniquely positioned with a comprehensive blood purification industrial chain, chairs the China Blood Purification Industry Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance and leads the development of national and industry standards. Publicly traded on the STAR Market (SSE: 688410), its devices hold CE markings and comply with ISO 13485:2016 standards.

swsdialysis.com

Media contact: Marie Bedard, marie@swskj.com

healthcare medicaldevices medtech medica hemodialysis nephrology

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Key development reinforces QCP Trading's commitment to regulatory excellence in Singapore.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- QCP Trading Pte. Ltd. ("QCP Trading"), has received an In-Principle Approval ("IPA") for a Major Payment Institution ("MPI") License from the Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS"). The IPA represents an essential step toward full licensing, allowing QCP Trading to prepare to offer regulated spot trading services for digital payment tokens.

The IPA reinforces QCP Trading's dedication to Singapore's high regulatory standards, marking a key step towards the eventual goal of providing compliant, innovative, and efficient solutions for clients. QCP Trading aims to provide spot trading for a wide range of stablecoins and major digital tokens supported by its comprehensive on/off ramping services in multiple currencies. Leveraging 24/7 support, seamless API integration, dedicated voice trading capabilities and same-day settlement through its local banking partners, QCP Trading aspires to build a leading spot franchise and position itself as one of the most price-competitive players in the digital asset space.

"As we pursue the full MPI license, we remain focused on supporting Singapore's growing reputation as a leader in digital asset regulation," said Darius Sit, Founder of QCP Trading. "We take pride in our ability to remain agile and responsive to both global and local market conditions, which is the key to success in this rapidly evolving sector. This latest milestone for QCP Trading reinforces our belief in the importance of a strong regulatory foundation for sustainable growth and positioning ourselves to be a trusted partner of choice in the digital asset space."

"QCP Trading aims to champion robust governance frameworks and our early recognition of the critical role of regulation has proven to be a strategic foresight," Melvin Deng, Chief Executive Officer of QCP Trading added. "We reaffirm our dedication to fostering strong partnerships in Singapore and look forward to working closely with the MAS to achieve the MPI license."

With Singapore at the core of its strategy, QCP Trading aims to grow the local team, prioritizing the recruitment of exceptional talent to facilitate its ongoing growth and ensure adherence to local regulations. QCP Trading is dedicated to delivering institutional-grade solutions in digital assets spot trading, positioning itself as a trusted partner in Asia and beyond.

About QCP Trading

QCP Trading is the dedicated OTC spot trading arm of QCP Group, providing institutional clients with secure, compliant, and efficient spot trading solutions. QCP Trading offers a wide array of services such as on/off ramping, seamless API integration, and personalized voice trading channels, ensuring a smooth and tailored trading experience with quick settlement times.

QCP Trading has received the IPA from MAS for an MPI License to provide digital payment token services for OTC spot trading in Singapore.

More information can be found at www.qcpgroup.com .

Media Contact

Elisha Thiara - elisha.thiara@qcp.capital

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LEM HOLDING SA / Key word(s): Half Year Results

LEM with weak first half in 2024/25



11-Nov-2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Geneva, 11 November 2024 - LEM (SIX: LEHN), a global leader in electrical measurement for automation, e-mobility, renewable energy, power network and railroad applications, announces its results for the first half of 2024/25 (April-September):

Sales declined 29.9% to CHF 156.5 million (H1 2023/24: CHF 223.3 million); at constant exchange rates, the decrease was 29.0%. In sequential terms, Q2 2024/25 sales were down 6.6% compared to Q1 2024/25.



LEM recorded significant sales declines in the EMEA region of 37.9%, in Rest of Asia of 42.7% and in the Americas of 29.4%, while China was down 11.7%.



Overall, bookings decreased by 9.7% compared to the previous year's level to CHF 127.9 million (CHF 141.5 million); the book-to-bill ratio was 0.82.



EBIT was down by 72.6% to CHF 14.2 million (CHF 51.7 million); the EBIT margin stood at 9.1%. Net profit for the period fell to CHF 8.6 million, resulting in a net profit margin of 5.5% (CHF 43.4 million; 19.4%).



Cash flow from operating activities amounted to CHF -2.7 million (CHF 37.3 million) as a result of the lower profit level and an increase in net working capital.



LEM currently expects the business environment to remain subdued. Therefore, the company expects sales in the range of CHF 290 to 310 million for the full year 2024/25 and a high single-digit EBIT margin. Considering this outlook, LEM has launched the performance improvement program "Fit for Growth", which will review the organizational structure and related operating expenses, as well as indirect operational costs. Frank Rehfeld, Chief Executive Officer, said: "The global electronics industry is experiencing significant headwinds. Therefore, the result in the first half of 2024/25, while certainly disappointing looking at our overall growth ambitions, was not unexpected. The slowdown in the electronics industry, weak EV sales in Europe and North America, and persistently high inventories in some of our key industries did not leave us unaffected. However, we have used the time to further develop the company. With the acceleration of our innovation process through our new and expanded R&D centers in Munich and Shanghai, the expansion and flexibilization of our production footprint through the Penang site, our greater customer proximity and the cost initiatives we have implemented, LEM is in a very good position. As a one-stop shop with the largest and broadest product portfolio in the industry, we are ready to continue to benefit from the fundamental, environmentally friendly trends in the areas of electrification, renewable energies and e-mobility as soon as the businesses pick up again." Andrea Borla, Chief Financial Officer, commented: "The significant decline in the EBIT margin is the result of the 29.9% decline in sales and the associated under-absorption of fixed costs, as well as a less favorable product and geographic mix. At present, we see no signs of a recovery in our markets in the second half of 2024/25. For this reason, our guidance for the full year is significantly below the previous year, and we are going to intensify our work to improve our overall cost position." Sales by business in CHF millions H1 2024/25 H1 2023/24 Change Business Scope Automation drives, robots, tooling machines, elevators, HVAC 45.2 66.9 -32.4% Automotive battery (EV & CE), motor control, onboard charging 39.8 53.4 -25.3% Renewable Energy solar, wind 25.5 40.8 -37.6% Energy Distribution & High Precision charging stations, smart grid, energy storage, high precision 23.7 32.6 -27.3% Track trains, metro, trackside 22.4 29.7 -24.7% Total 156.5 223.3 -29.9%

Automation The Automation business was affected by the difficult economic environment in Europe and the low investment activity of customers, who still have high inventories that are only slowly returning to normal levels. In China, the business grew slightly compared to the same period last year. Automotive Performance in the Automotive business varied significantly from region to region. In China, LEM's most important market, the company was able to increase sales, largely due to market share gains with Chinese OEMs as well as general market growth. While exports by Chinese manufacturers slowed, LEM profited from the stronger position in the domestic market. In Europe, LEM was able to slightly grow in an overall contracting market thanks to new projects for battery management and inverter applications being ramped up. Demand in the Rest of Asia and Americas regions severely suffered from weak demand, delayed launches of new car platforms and high inventory levels. Renewable Energy The business saw a sharp decline due to the slow provision of solar capacities and still high inventories originating from China. This in turn led to a weak export business from China. The local Chinese market developed satisfactorily, and LEM gained market share as its customers profit from the consolidation in the market. LEM observed an increase in project activities related to stable power supply for high-performance data centers. Energy Distribution & High Precision The DC meter business for charging stations recorded a significant decrease in Europe, due to a slowdown of the installation speed, price pressure and the loss of market share by some LEM customers. In the US, the deployment of charging stations is only progressing slowly. By contrast, LEM saw strong demand for DC meters from Chinese charging station manufacturers exporting to Europe and the US. Demand for smart grid products was restrained due to the low level of investment, while high-precision solutions performed steadily. Track The business, which is characterized by long investment cycles, has returned to its normal level after a strong prior-year period where backlogs accelerated business growth. It was still supported by the periodic retrofit business for renewing energy meters for locomotives in several smaller EU countries, where governments are investing counter-cyclically in rail infrastructure. In China, Track recorded a stable overall business performance. Sales by region in CHF millions H1 2024/25 H1 2023/24 Change Region Scope China

60.2 68.2 -11.7% Rest of Asia Japan, South Korea, India, South-East Asia 25.4 44.2 -42.7% EMEA Europe, Middle East & Africa 53.4 85.9 -37.9% Americas NAFTA & Latin America 17.6 25.0 -29.4% Total 156.5 223.3 -29.9%

China The stabilization in China, which was noticeable in the first quarter of 2024/25, continued during the second quarter. In particular, the Automation, Automotive and DC meter businesses grew. The Renewable Energies business benefited from strong exports in the first quarter, but high inventory levels at customers slowed growth in the second quarter. Thanks to the measures taken to improve flexibility, cost efficiency and customer proximity, LEM has acquired promising new customers and projects. Rest of Asia The other Asian markets, particularly Korea and Japan, experienced a broad-based downturn. Automation suffered from the general economic weakness and high inventory levels, while weak exports and delayed launches of new platforms slowed down the Automotive business. The Indian market was stable overall. EMEA LEM's business in Europe weakened significantly compared to the strong first semester 2023/24 that profited from backlogs from the times of the semiconductor supply crisis. Automation suffered from the general decline in demand of capital investments because of the difficult economic environment. Renewable Energy recorded a significant decline due to the slow expansion of solar capacity and the still high inventories. The slower-than-expected expansion of charging capacity also reduced demand for DC meters. Americas In the Americas, LEM experienced the cautious investment behavior of customers in the Automation business, where weak end customer demand kept inventories high. Demand also declined in the Automotive business. Pressure on margins Gross profit for the first half-year 2024/25 declined by 34.1% to CHF 69.0 million (CHF 104.7 million). The gross profit margin decreased from 46.9% to 44.1%. This is primarily due to the less favorable product and geographic mix, as well as the under-absorption of production fixed costs due to the lower volume. SG&A costs increased by 3.7% to CHF 36.4 million (CHF 35.1 million), mainly due to investments in digitalization and build-up costs for the new production facility in Malaysia. LEM continued its investment in future applications. R&D costs rose by 2.9% to CHF 18.5 million (CHF 18.0 million), mainly due to new and expanded R&D centers. EBIT was down by 72.6% to CHF 14.2 million (CHF 51.7 million); the EBIT margin stood at 9.1%. Net profit for the period fell to CHF 8.6 million, resulting in a net profit margin of 5.5% (CHF 43.4 million; 19.4%). Outlook and mid-term financial ambitions LEM currently expects the business environment to remain subdued. Therefore, the company expects sales in the range of CHF 290 to 310 million for the full year 2024/25 and a high single-digit EBIT margin. Considering this outlook, LEM has launched the performance improvement program "Fit for Growth", which will review the organizational structure and related operating expenses, as well as indirect operational costs. A full update on the program's outcome will be provided no later than the announcement of the 2024/25 full-year results. LEM aims to grow at least as fast as the market, targeting growth in the low double digits. Even so, the goal of reaching CHF 600 million in sales has been postponed by two years, now expected by 2029/30, with an EBIT margin of around 20% to be achieved at that level of sales. Conference call and audio webcast Frank Rehfeld, CEO, and Andrea Borla, CFO, will explain the 2024/25 half-year results and provide an outlook for the current financial year today at 10:30 CET at a media and investor conference call and audio webcast. Furthermore, Thomas Mellano, who will lead LEM's finance organization on an interim basis starting 12 November 2024, will introduce himself. To participate in the conference call, you can register here . After registration, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail with individual dial-in data. As a participant in the telephone conference, you can follow the presentation here (please mute the browser sound). The presentation will be broadcast as a live audio webcast. To access, please use this link . Questions can be asked via the chat function. A replay will be available on the same day at this link . Download link The ad hoc announcement, Half-Year Report and presentation are available in the Investor Relations section of the LEM website ( www.lem.com/en/investors ). Financial calendar The financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March. 7 February 2025 9 months results 2024/25 27 May 2025 Full year results 2024/25 26 June 2025 Annual General Meeting for the financial year 2024/25 1 July 2025 Dividend ex-date 3 July 2025 Dividend payment date

LEM - Life Energy Motion A leading company in electrical measurement, LEM engineers the best solutions for energy and mobility, ensuring that our customers' systems are optimized, reliable and safe. Our 1'800 people in 17 countries transform technology potential into powerful answers. We develop and recruit the best global talent, working at the forefront of megatrends such as renewable energy, mobility, automation and digitization. With innovative electrical solutions, we are helping our customers and society accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 1986, the company's ticker symbol is LEHN. www.lem.com Investor contact (until 11 November 2024) Andrea Borla, Chief Finance Officer +41 22 706 1250 investor@lem.com Media contact Dynamics Group Thomas Balmer, +41 79 703 87 28, tba@dynamicsgroup.ch Christian Wolf, +41 79 457 72 05, cwo@dynamicsgroup.ch

Investor contact (from 12 November 2024) Thomas Mellano, interim Chief Finance Officer +41 22 706 1136 investor@lem.com Appendix ATTACHMENTS: Press Release (pdf): LEM HY Results 2024/25 If you do not wish to receive further media releases from LEM, you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the following link: One-click-delete If the email looks unformatted, please use this alternative link .

End of Inside Information
GURUGRAM, India, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VVDN Technologies, a global provider of software, electronics engineering, and product manufacturing services and solutions, today announced it has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) for Cybersecurity collaboration with SecureThings.ai Pvt Ltd, a leader in Vehicle Cybersecurity Solutions. This collaboration represents a major step forward in delivering robust cybersecurity assurance for Automotive, Networking & Wi-Fi, IoT, and Cloud solutions globally, with a special focus on the connected vehicle ecosystem.

The engagement enables the integration of SecureThings.ai's advanced cybersecurity solutions into automotive products and solutions designed and manufactured by VVDN for its customers, which include Vehicle Connectivity, in-vehicle Infotainment and Instrument Clusters, ADAS solutions, Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) solutions, Network & Wi-Fi Devices, IoT, and Cloud Services & Solutions. The collaboration aims to ensure that VVDN meets global regulatory requirements, including the adoption of ISO 21434 standards for cybersecurity in the automotive industry.

Key initiatives under this collaboration include:

'Intrusion Detection and Protection Solutions' - To monitor, detect, and prevent cyber-attacks in real time

- To monitor, detect, and prevent cyber-attacks in real time 'Threat Intelligence Services' - For continuous monitoring, vulnerability detection, and correlation with products/solutions developed by VVDN for its customers

Services' - For continuous monitoring, vulnerability detection, and correlation with products/solutions developed by VVDN for its customers Setting up of a 'Security Research Lab' - To focus on developing customized security concepts to address the cybersecurity requirements of VVDN's customers

Lab' - To focus on developing customized security concepts to address the cybersecurity requirements of VVDN's customers 'Red Team as a Service' - To be deployed to conduct independent cybersecurity assessments across multiple customer deployments, ensuring comprehensive protection

Both companies are exploring possibilities for extending the collaboration into other allied domains, further expanding the scope of their collaboration. This long-term engagement highlights their shared vision of driving innovation and excellence in cybersecurity for the automotive and IoT sectors.

Vivek Bansal - Co-founder and President of VVDN Technologies: "Cybersecurity is a prime focus for VVDN.This collaboration with SecureThings.ai underscores our commitment to delivering secure and reliable automotive solutions globally. By integrating SecureThings.ai's cutting-edge Cybersecurity expertise, we aim to set new benchmarks in safeguarding connected vehicles and IoT ecosystems. With the landscape of automotive connectivity rapidly evolving and stringent cybersecurity regulations like R 155/156 and AIS 189/190 in India coming into play, it's crucial to fortify every device on the vehicle with robust cyber assurance. SecureThings will bring invaluable cybersecurity expertise, independent insights, and unbiased security concepts to our solutions. This collaborationmarks the beginning of a proactive approach in this direction."

SecureThings.AI is a leader in vehicle cybersecurity, offering a robust suite of multi-layered AI/ML-powered Real-time Protection and Threat Intelligence solutions that protect vehicles throughout their lifecycle. Vishal Bajpai, Co-Founder and CEO of SecureThings.ai highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "Our mission is to revolutionize automotive cybersecurity by leveraging deep security research and cutting-edge technologies. We empower OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to combat cyber threats and effectively adhere to evolving regulatory standards. Collaborating with VVDN, known for its extensive product engineering prowess and esteemed OEM partnerships, not only strengthens our market position but also enhances VVDN's capabilities as a leading secure devices provider."

About VVDN:

Founded in 2007, VVDN is a technology innovation company focusing primarily on Software Services, Product Engineering and Manufacturing Services. VVDN's India HQ is located at Gurgaon, India, and its North America HQ is located in Fremont, CA, USA. VVDN has a presence across the world with offices in US, Canada, Europe, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. With 11 advanced R&D Centres, VVDN is fully equipped to design, develop & test the complete hardware, mechanical & software required for a complete product or solution. VVDN's 7 Manufacturing facilities are located at Manesar, Gurgaon, and Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India, which includes in-house best-in-class SMT Factory, Mold & Tooling Factory, Injection Molding, Die Casting, Powder Coating, Sheet Metal, Product Assembly Factory, and Product Certifications labs. Company offers a comprehensive suite of services from Hardware to Mechanical, Embedded Software to Cloud & Apps, Testing & Validation to Automation as well as Mass Manufacturing to its global customers.

About SecureThings.ai Pvt Ltd:

SecureThings.AI leads the charge in automotive cybersecurity innovation, equipping industry players with advanced solutions and insights to navigate regulatory complexities and emerging threats. Their flagship AI/ML solutions, like xSecureSquadron, are pivotal in securing mobility solutions for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers worldwide.

For further information, please contact:

Kunwar Sinha

Kunwar.sinha@vvdntech.com

+91 9971887719

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OSLO, Norway (11 November 2024) - TGS, a leading provider of energy data and intelligence, is pleased to announce award of the company's first 3D streamer contract for the 2025 Northwest Europe summer season. Acquisition is scheduled to commence in May with a total duration of approximately 35 days.

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, commented, "We are very pleased to secure our first streamer contract job for the 2025 summer season. Award of this program underscores our strong position in Northwest Europe. We are experiencing higher bidding activity for this region compared to recent years, and while most of our streamer acquisition programs in Northwest Europe were multi-client in 2024, this trend will likely be reversed in 2025 with an overweight of contract work. The planned activity increase in the Northwest Europe region mirrors the global demand increase we experience for our services scheduled for first half 2025. We look forward to supporting our client's exploration efforts with our proven GeoStreamer technology and Ramform acquisition platform."

For more information, visit TGS.com or contact:

Bard Stenberg

IR & Communication

Mobile: +47 992 45 235

investor@tgs.com

About TGS

TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

Forward Looking Statement

All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include volatile market conditions, investment opportunities in new and existing markets, demand for licensing of data within the energy industry, operational challenges, and reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.
India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has proposed antidumping duties on solar glass imports from China and Vietnam. It says the landed cost of such imports aew lower than the selling prices and production costs of Indian manufacturers. From pv magazine India India's DGTR has recommended antidumping duties on imports of textured tempered solar glass from China and Vietnam, as these imports significantly undercut domestic prices. The recommended duties would be the lesser of the dumping and injury margins, aimed at alleviating the impact on Indian manufacturers. The textured tempered ...

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.
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.
EBX-102 demonstrated proof-of-principle across multiple microbiome assessments, inflammatory biomarkers and clinical assessments, supporting its continued development as the first microbial therapy for individuals with liver disease





Glasgow, Scotland - 11 November 2024. EnteroBiotix Limited ('EnteroBiotix' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focussed on developing best-in-class full-spectrum microbiome therapeutics, today announced positive results from its Phase 1b IMPuLCE study evaluating EBX-102 in patients with liver cirrhosis.

EnteroBiotix's first-in-human study of EBX-102 was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Ph1b study of adult participants with stable liver cirrhosis. It was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and translational biomarker effects of two different doses of EBX-102. The study was conducted across ten sites in the United Kingdom. Participants were followed up for 12 weeks after dosing.

Dr James McIlroy MBChB, CEO of EnteroBiotix, said: "We wish to thank the participants and the investigators for making this study possible and for their contributions to enable the development of EBX-102. In addition to safety and tolerability data supporting further studies, we observed multiple microbiome and systemic measurements supporting mechanistic proof-of-principle. There are very large unmet medical needs in the field of advanced liver disease, and it is greatly encouraging that EBX-102 has potential efficacy in this population."

Data highlights:

EBX-102 was well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile. The commonest adverse events were gastrointestinal, and mainly mild and self-limiting. No serious treatment emergent adverse events were reported.

Participants receiving the higher dose of EBX-102 in Cohort 2 showed significant shifts in stool bacterial microbiome composition compared to placebo, assessed by 16SrRNA sequencing.

Participants receiving EBX-102 showed statistically significant changes to stool bacterial metabolites. Shotgun sequencing is ongoing and will provide additional insights into engraftment.

Venous ammonia concentrations remained stable in all study participants, whereas there was a statistically significant increase in stool ammonia concentrations in the treatment groups but not the placebo group. This suggests a shift towards enhanced ammonia excretion through the stool rather than absorption into the bloodstream.

A reduction in plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) was observed in the drug cohorts but not in the placebo. This may indicate successful modulation of the gut microbiota towards a more beneficial ecology, improved gut barrier integrity, and a reduced inflammatory response.

An improvement in hospital anxiety and depression scores were observed in the treatment groups but not in the placebo group, with a stronger trend at the higher dose, indicating potential gut-brain-axis effects.

Professor Ewan Forrest, Chief Investigator of the IMPuLCE study and Honorary Professor, School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow commented: "These exciting data demonstrate that EBX-102 is well tolerated in patients with chronic liver disease, showing promising biological effects that strongly support further clinical development. The observed improvement in mental health scores is particularly intriguing, and we look forward to continuing to explore the potential of EBX-102 in future liver disease trials."

About EBX-102

EBX-102 is an encapsulated full-spectrum microbiome therapeutic with differentiated characteristics, such as consistency, high-bacterial diversity, and stability. EnteroBiotix has platform manufacturing technologies and a well-developed analytical toolkit that enable the scalable manufacture of EBX-102. The Company controls the supply chain for its products through sophisticated MHRA-licensed manufacturing infrastructure together with its Number 2 brand, which ensures the safety, security, quality, and sufficiency of supply of microbiota obtained from healthy human donors.

About EnteroBiotix

EnteroBiotix is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics to treat gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases. EnteroBiotix's therapies contain highly diverse ecosystems of microorganisms stabilised using proprietary platform technology and designed to improve gut health by augmenting the gut microbiome.



EnteroBiotix is currently enrolling patients in a Ph2 double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre clinical study in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is progressing a Ph2a study with Imperial College in patients undergoing allo-HSCT.

Media contacts

EnteroBiotix

Dr James McIlroy MBChB, CEO

info@enterobiotix.com

ICR Healthcare

Namrata Taak, Kris Lam

enterobiotix@ICRHealthcare.com
STC-15 is well tolerated and demonstrates promising signs of clinical activity observed in multiple tumor types

Gene expression data shows upregulation of innate immunity pathways

Tumor regressions observed at all dose levels, 60-200 mg TIW

CAMBRIDGE, England, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- STORM Therapeutics Ltd. (STORM), the clinical stage company pioneering cellular reprogramming through RNA modifications to treat disease, today announces that it presented promising data from its Phase 1 clinical study evaluating its METTL3 RNA methyltransferase inhibitor, STC-15, at the Society of Immunotherapy for Cancer (SITC) 39th Annual Meeting, held in Houston, US, from 6-10 November 2024.

The Phase 1 clinical study enrolled 42 patients across five dose escalation cohorts ranging from 60mg to 200mg and explored daily and thrice weekly oral dosing regimens. Data presented at SITC follows the Company's presentation at the 36th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in October 2024.

The presentation at SITC titled, 'Phase 1 dose escalation and cohort expansion study evaluating safety, PK, PD and clinical activity of STC-15, a METTL3 inhibitor, in patients with advanced malignancies', showed:

Gene expression pathways related to Interferon (IFN) signalling, response to virus and dsRNA binding were enriched in patients with longer duration of STC-15 treatment

Tumor regressions were achieved at all dose levels, 60 mg - 200 mg three times a week (TIW), with three sustained Partial Responses (PRs) at 60 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg TIW in multiple tumor types

Treatment emergent adverse events, including target-related AE's (e.g. platelet reductions, rash, pruritis) were mainly mild, transient and well managed with supportive care and were not treatment limiting

No maximum tolerated dose established up to 200 mg TIW

Evidence of M1 macrophages in the TME, consistent with preclinical data

Robust METTL3 target engagement indicated by rapid and long-lasting m6A inhibition

Kyriakos P. Papadopoulos, Co-Director of Clinical Research at START San Antonio, principal investigator for the STC-15 Phase 1 study and lead author of the SITC presentation, said: "The ability to activate the innate immune system while maintaining tolerability and efficacy is what is truly unique about STC-15. STC-15 targets METTL3, initiating a novel immunologic mechanism that demonstrates remarkable safety for an immuno-oncology drug. The early efficacy and safety data in the advanced cancer setting supports further clinical development in Phase 2, in multiple tumor types."

Jerry McMahon, Chief Executive Officer at STORM Therapeutics, said: "STC-15 is first in its class - first to target METTL3, and first to target a RNA methyltransferase. We are pleased to report encouraging signs of clinical activity and corresponding upregulation of the gene pathways associated with the METTL3 mechanism of action. We look forward to developing and progressing our product into a Phase 2 study following these positive results."

NOTES TO EDITORS

About STORM Therapeutics

STORM Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering cellular reprogramming through RNA modifications to treat disease. Its world leading understanding of RNA modifying enzymes (RME) has led to the discovery of breakthrough small molecule drugs that precisely reprogram cells through RNA biology for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, viruses and CNS diseases.

STORM's lead product, STC-15, is the first RNA modifying enzyme inhibitor to enter human clinical development. STC-15 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors, establishing a data set allowing development in future clinical studies. Preclinical data have revealed that METTL3 inhibition stimulates immune cells and activates interferon pathways, leading to the destruction of tumor cells. Additional preclinical studies have demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor properties in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, supporting clinical development in tumor types where an augmented immune response may result in anti-cancer activity. STORM is building on its first-mover advantage by positioning additional RME inhibitor programs to advance into IND-track activities in 2024. STORM is seeking partners to collaborate and accelerate development of these novel drugs for disease applications outside of oncology.

STORM's specialist healthcare investors include M Ventures, Pfizer Ventures, Taiho Ventures LLC, Seroba Life Sciences, Cambridge Innovation Capital Limited, IP Group plc, UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. and the Fast Track Initiative (FTI).

For more information, please visit www.stormtherapeutics.com

About STC-15

STORM's lead product, STC-15, is the first RME inhibitor to enter human clinical evaluation. This agent is an oral small molecule that inhibits METTL3, an RNA methyltransferase implicated in oncology and other diseases. Certain RNA methyltransferases are important regulators of RNA sensing and innate immune activation and, as such, represent novel immune-regulatory targets.

STC-15 has also been shown preclinically to inhibit tumor growth through mechanisms involving anti-cancer immune responses, such as changes in interferon signaling and constructive interaction with T cell checkpoint blockade.

STORM is studying the safety and pharmacology of STC-15 in a Phase 1 clinical study in patients with solid tumors. Details of the study can be found on clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT05584111.

About SITC Annual Meeting

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting is the largest cancer immunotherapy conference, hosted by the leading member-driven organization focused on cancer immunotherapy, SITC. The Annual Meeting brings together international leaders from academia, regulatory and government agencies, as well as industry representatives for unmatched education, scientific exchange and networking with the scientists driving the field.

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ZURICH, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amcor (NYSE: AMCR, ASX: AMC), a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, has been granted a European patent for paper packaging with thin film barrier, affirming the unique attributes of its AmFiber portfolio. AmFiber Performance Paper is a high-barrier, paper-based solution that delivers recyclability and high-speed customer line performance for food- and healthcare-grade packaging.

The European patent recognizes AmFiber Performance Paper's innovative barrier materials and patterned sealable material, which provides a unique combination of functional attributes for paper-based packaging.

Currently on store shelves across the globe, the AmFiber portfolio is suitable for a wide range of applications including snacks and confectionary, dry culinary and beverage, meat, dairy, home and personal care and more.

"With its superior barrier properties, high performance and excellent runnability, AmFiber Performance Paper is an ideal choice for brands across the globe seeking recyclable paper-based packaging solutions," said Ilya Syshchikov, vice president of Amcor's Global Product Management AmFiber. He added, "Receiving the European patent is acknowledgment of Amcor's leadership in paper-based packaging development and is an important step toward creating a circular economy."

Amcor is committed to delivering packaging innovation and more sustainable solutions across a variety of materials. Learn more about Amcor's AmFiber paper-based solutions and read its 2024 Sustainability Report for details on Amcor's commitment to circularity.

About Amcor

Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions across a variety of materials for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect products, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains. The Company offers a range of innovative, differentiating flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures and services. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly recyclable, reusable, lighter weight and made using an increasing amount of recycled content. In fiscal year 2024, 41,000 Amcor people generated $13.6 billion in annual sales from operations that span 212 locations in 40 countries. NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC

www.amcor.com I LinkedIn I YouTube

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Condor Resources Inc. ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSXV:CN) is pleased to report that it has acquired additional exploration concessions at its Huinac Punta high-grade silver prospect adjacent to its current project significantly expanding the property size from 2,000 to 7,200 hectares (Ha). The additional concessions acquired by uncontested application add 5,200 Ha of prospective ground to the project land package. Management believes Huinac Punta has the potential to host a large, carbonate replacement style (CRD) silver-dominant polymetallic mineralized body.

Based on sampling of existing surface exposures, mineralization includes high-grade Ag and elevated Cu, Zn, Pb and Co values. Of 163 two-metre rock chip samples collected by Condor, 28 samples reported silver grades greater than 100 g/t and included bonanza grades in two-metre chip samples of 4,115 and 3,225 g/t Ag. Evidence of historical workings from Spanish colonial times is present with several accessible historical adits showing evidence of the elevated silver values associated with disseminated grey and black breccia-hosted sulfide material consisting of sphalerite, galena, chalcocite, bornite, covellite and undetermined lead and silver sulphosalts.

Chris Buncic, President & CEO of Condor, commented, "the acquisition of these additional concessions provides Condor with a significant land package at Huinac Punta, where we hope to make a new district-scale silver and base metals discovery. Adding to our land package was a significant step to ensure the company's exposure to this resource and development potential as we set about our preparing for the maiden drill program at the project. Our latest understanding is that the Initiation of Activities document, in effect the final drill permit, should be forthcoming in a matter of days."

Figure 1: Pre-Existing and New Exploration Concessions at the Huinac Punta Project

Technical Disclosure/Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Quinton Hennigh, (P.Geo., PhD), a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and a Director of Condor Resources.

About Condor Resources Inc.

Condor Resources is a precious and base metals exploration company focused on advancing its projects in Peru. The Pucamayo project, an 8,500 Ha property in Ica, Peru, contains a high sulfidation epithermal system with disseminated precious metals mineralization with a large lithocap alteration visible at surface. The Huinac Punta project, a 7,200 Ha property in Huanuco, Peru, has the potential to host a large carbonate replacement style (CRD) silver-dominant polymetallic mineralized body with the potential for discovery of a bulk tonnage silver and base metals deposit. The Company has optioned several large projects to partners who continue to advance these projects. The Company's award-winning exploration team in Peru has a long history of success in discovering and advancing high quality exploration projects and managing the social aspects of its exploration activities.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.condorresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Chris Buncic

President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact the Company at 1-866-642-5707, or by email at info@condorresources.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such 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.

SOURCE: Condor Resources, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Water Sector Accelerating Decarbonization in Effort to Cut 2% of World's Carbon Emissions

75% of surveyed utilities intend to achieve GHG reduction goals by 2040, with 48% having set a specific net-zero emissions target

World leaders are gathering this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, to accelerate the decarbonization of the world economy at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The water sector, which accounts for almost 2% of the world's carbon emissions, is answering the call with ambitious strategies to deploy advanced technology to cut the sector's carbon footprint.1

A recent survey of more than 100 utilities by water technology company Xylem (NYSE: XYL) showed that 75% of utilities have set greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals that they plan to achieve by 2040 or earlier, with 48% having set a specific net-zero emissions target.2 As highlighted in Xylem's new paper, Net Zero: Utilities Setting the Pace on Decarbonization, these targets reflect growing momentum across the water sector in the fight against climate change.

Water and wastewater utilities are often the largest power users in cities and can generate powerful methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Leading utilities are deploying replicable approaches that any community can use to cut emissions from their water systems and make their communities more water secure. Xylem's research shows how these experiences can serve as a framework for achieving rapid and lasting emissions reductions across the sector:

Prioritize energy efficiency for quick wins: Pumping, treatment, and distribution processes consume large amounts of electricity. Energy-efficient technologies can deliver immediate decarbonization results across the sector. For example, Scottish Water has deployed high-efficiency smart pumping systems that cut energy consumption by 40% and reduce unplanned maintenance costs by 99%. Combine net zero and climate adaptation efforts: By uniting greenhouse gas reduction and resilience strategies, utilities can fast-track decarbonization and adaptation. In Santiago, Chile, Aguas Andinas is turning wastewater into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. By converting organic waste into biogas, the utility generates energy onsite to cut emissions, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance energy security for critical water treatment processes. These measures, combined with purchasing renewable energy and finding efficiencies, have enabled the utility to reduce GHG emissions by 25%. Manage emissions across all operational processes: Utilities are adopting an end-to-end approach, addressing emissions across all operational processes, from energy generation to wastewater treatment. After reaching net energy neutrality in 2023 with renewable sources such as solar and hydropower, Ruhrverband of Essen, Germany, is deploying advanced sensors to monitor and address nitrous oxide emissions and leveraging artificial intelligence to identify further emission reduction opportunities.

The research highlights how water utilities are adopting cutting-edge solutions from smart pumping systems to digital monitoring tools to reduce emissions, optimize performance, and extend the life of critical assets. It shows that utilities have a wide variety of tools to help them reach net-zero targets faster and more efficiently.

"By deploying advanced technologies, we can make our assets work harder and smarter," said Nathan Wield, Wastewater Operations West Manager for Scottish Water. "Not only does this improve efficiency, but it also prolongs the life of our equipment, reduces service disruptions, and improves our overall environmental impact."

Alexis de Kerchove, Senior Director, Client Sustainability, at Xylem, said, "Innovative utilities are demonstrating that water sector emissions are a solvable problem and that net zero can be a catalyst for optimization, delivering positive social impacts and cost savings. By scaling these approaches, the entire sector could reach net zero faster than previously imagined."

To read the Xylem Net Zero paper, visit https://www.xylem.com/en-us/campaigns/net-zero/.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company that empowers customers and communities to build a more water-secure world. Our 23,000 diverse employees delivered combined pro forma revenue of $8.1 billion in 2023, optimizing water and resource management with innovation and expertise. Join us at www.xylem.com and Let's Solve Water.

1 Estimates from Global Water Intelligence

2 Global Water and Wastewater Utilities Take Aim at Climate Change

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241111634169/en/

Contacts:

Houston Spencer

+1 (914) 240-3046

Houston.Spencer@xylem.com
GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the afternoon of November 8, the 2024 Global Investment Promotion Conference for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was jointly hosted by the governments of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. The event brought together representatives from 650 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders from 89 countries and regions around the world. Party Secretary of Guangdong Huang Kunming delivered a keynote speech at the conference, while Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao presented video speeches or promotional presentations. Guangdong Provincial Governor Wang Weizhong also attended and presented a keynote introduction.

In his speech, Huang Kunming emphasized that this year marks the fifth anniversary of the release of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. "Over the past five years, the three regions have collaborated closely to enhance connectivity and promote industrial and technological innovation. I warmly invite business partners and outstanding talents from around the world to join us in developing the Greater Bay Area into a world-class bay area," he stated.

Wang Wentao said in his remarks that the Ministry of Commerce would strengthen coordination with the three regions of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to further advance high-level opening up of the Greater Bay Area.

In his promotional address, John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted that Hong Kong would deepen cooperation with cities in the Greater Bay Area, continuously optimize connectivity measures, and bolster its status as an international financial, shipping, and trading center to attract global companies to invest in the region.

Ho Iat Seng noted that Macao stands as one of the four major central cities in the Greater Bay Area, benefiting from unique advantages such as its status as a free port, a separate customs zone, the free movement of capital, a Sino-Portuguese platform, and a business environment that aligns with international standards.

Wang Weizhong highlighted that Guangdong has ranked first in regional innovation capabilities for eight consecutive years, becoming a "test field" and "incubator" for new technologies, products, business models, and service models. He also noted that Guangdong is vigorously promoting ecological progress and green development is unleashing fresh momentum. Additionally, Guangdong has been recognized for four consecutive years as the province with the best business environment, offering a first-class, market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment.

The conference received positive responses and strong support from global enterprises. Business leaders, including Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF SE-the world's largest chemical company based in Ludwigshafen, Germany; Kuok Khoon Hong, chairman of Wilmar International, a Singapore-based food and agriculture enterprise; and Darren W. Woods, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation shared their experiences and insights on investing and developing in the Greater Bay Area during the event. According to statistics, this conference successfully facilitated 1,933 projects with a total investment amounting to 2.26 trillion yuan. Notably, projects from the previous two investment conferences have accelerated implementation, with 76.8 percent of projects-representing over 1 trillion yuan-having commenced.

Wang Weizhong also presided over a roundtable meeting for multinational companies in Guangzhou as part of the 2024 Global Investment Promotion Conference for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This meeting invited representatives from multinational companies to discuss and share insights, enabling a deeper understanding of their investment and business operations in Guangdong and the Greater Bay Area, as well as their future development plans. The discussions included listening to their expectations and suggestions.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2553793/Guangdong_Conf.jpg

Contact: Zi Xiang

Tel.: 0086-15099961640

E-mail: 376468540@qq.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2024-global-investment-promotion-conference-for-the-guangdong-hong-kong-macao-greater-bay-area-held-in-guangzhou-302301185.html
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (TSXV: DWS) ("Diamond Estates" or the "Company") announces the replacement of $4.759 million aggregate principal amount of 10.0% unsecured convertible debentures of the Company, which includes the $2,850,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.0% unsecured convertible debentures of the Company issued to 3346625 Canada Inc. ("Lassonde Holding") and the $500,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.0% unsecured convertible debentures of the Company issued to Lassonde Industries Inc. ("Lassonde Industries", a joint actor of Lassonde Holding and together with Lassonde Holding, the "Lassonde Group") (the "2023 Replacement Debentures") with new debentures (the "2024 Replacement Debentures") maturing on November 9, 2025, the whole in accordance with the terms of the 2023 Replacement Debentures.

The material terms of the 2024 Replacement Debentures, including their principal amounts, are the same as the 2023 Replacement Debentures, other than (i) the conversion price, which is now $0.24, and (ii) the maturity date, which is now November 9, 2025.

Insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of $3,350,000 in principal amount of 2024 Replacement Debentures. The issuance of the 2024 Replacement Debentures to such insiders (the "Insider Issuance") may be considered related party transactions within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). As the Company's securities are listed on the TSXV, the Insider Issuance is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 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 Insider Issuance issued to such insiders nor the consideration to be paid by such insiders is expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

All securities issued in connection with the 2024 Replacement Debentures are subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with Canadian securities laws. The issuance of the 2024 Replacement Debentures is subject to the final approval of the TSXV.

About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc.

Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and ciders as well as a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates four production facilities, three in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, Creekside, D'Ont Poke the Bear, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Mindful, Shiny Apple Cider, Fresh Wines, Red Tractor, Seasons, Serenity and Backyard Vineyards.

Through its commercial division, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company is the sales agent for many leading international brands in all regions of the country as well as being a distributor in the western provinces. These recognizable brands include Fat Bastard, Meffre, Pierre Chavin and Andre Lurton wines from France, Brimincourt Champagne from France, Merlet and Larsen Cognacs from France, Kaiken wines from Argentina, Blue Nun and Erben wines from Germany, Calabria Family Estate Wines and McWilliams Wines from Australia, Saint Clair Family Estate Wines and Yealands Family Wines from New Zealand, Storywood and Cofradia Tequilas from Mexico, Maverick Distillery spirits (including Tag Vodka and Barnburner Whisky) from Ontario, Talamonti and Cielo wines from Italy, Catedral and Cabeca de Toiro wines from Portugal, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead single-malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland, Islay Mist, Grand MacNish and Waterproof whiskies from Scotland, C. Mondavi & Family wines including C.K Mondavi & Charles Krug from Napa and Hounds Vodka from Canada, Bols Vodka from Amsterdam, Koyle Family Wines from Chile, Pearse Lyons whiskies and gins from Ireland and McCormick Distilling International including Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream, Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, Broker's Gin, Hussong's Tequila, Tarantula Tequila, 360 Vodka and Holliday Bourbon.

Early Warning Disclosure

On November 8, 2024, Lassonde Holding, a corporation controlled by Mr. Pierre-Paul Lassonde, Chairman of the Board of Lassonde Industries, was issued a 2024 Replacement Debenture in the aggregate principal amount of $2,850,000 and Lassonde Industries was issued a 2024 Replacement Debenture in the aggregate principal amount of $500,000.

Prior to the issuance of the 2024 Replacement Debentures, Lassonde Industries directly owned 32,846,506 Common Shares, 1,123,958 warrants convertible into 1,123,958 Common Shares, $500,000 in principal amount of 2023 Replacement Debentures, 80,000 options exercisable for 80,000 Common Shares and 446,830 deferred share units which may be settled, at the discretion of the Company, for up to 446,830 Common Shares. Prior to the issuance of the 2024 Replacement Debentures, Lassonde Holding directly owned 2,117,824 Common Shares, $2,850,000 in principal amount of 2023 Replacement Debentures and 250,000 warrants convertible into 250,000 Common Shares. As such, prior to the issuance of the 2024 Replacement Debentures, the Lassonde Group, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled, 34,964,330 Common Shares, representing approximately 53.58% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares, $3,350,000 in principal amount of 2023 Replacement Debentures, 80,000 options, 1,373,958 warrants and 446,830 deferred share units.

Following the issuance of the 2024 Replacement Debentures, based on the number of the issued and outstanding Common Shares and without additional issuance or conversion of securities (including the 2024 Replacement Debentures), the security holdings of the Lassonde Group in the Company have not changed, except that the Lassonde Group now owns $3,350,000 in principal amount of 2024 Replacement Debentures in lieu of the 2023 Replacement Debentures.

The 2024 Replacement Debentures are convertible into Common Shares. If Lassonde Holding was to convert all of its 2024 Replacement Debentures (exclusive of accrued interest), it would own, directly or indirectly, 14,242,824 Common Shares, representing approximately 19.21% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (based on the then current number of issued and outstanding Common Shares, assuming no additional issuance or conversion) and if Lassonde Industries was to convert all of its 2024 Replacement Debentures (exclusive of accrued interest), it would own, directly or indirectly, 34,929,840 Common Shares, representing approximately 54.29% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (based on the then current number of issued and outstanding Common Shares, assuming no additional issuance or conversion). Accordingly, the Lassonde Group would own, directly or indirectly, 49,172,664 Common Shares, representing approximately 64.52% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (based on the then current number of issued and outstanding Common Shares, assuming no additional issuance or conversion).

The participation by Lassonde Group in the issuance of the 2024 Replacement Debentures was undertaken for investment purposes and to assist the Company with the execution of its strategic plan. The Lassonde Group may, from time to time, acquire additional securities of the Company for investment purposes and may, from time to time, increase or decrease its beneficial ownership or control of the Company depending on market or other conditions.

This news release is being issued as required by National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues and National Instrument 62-104 - Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and relates to: (a) Lassonde Holding, whose head office is located at 54 rang de la Montagne, Rougemont, Quebec, J0L 1M0; and (b) Lassonde Industries, whose head office is located at 755 rue Principale, Rougemont, Quebec, J0L 1M0. Copies of the early warning reports with additional information in respect of the foregoing matters will be available under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca or by contacting:

For Lassonde Holding:

Pierre Boulais, Financial Director

3346625 Canada Inc.

54 Rang de la Montagne, Rougemont, Quebec, J0L 1M0

450-469-2912

For Lassonde Industries:

Eric Gemme, Chief Financial Officer

Lassonde Industries Inc.

755 rue Principale, Rougemont, Quebec, J0L 1M0

450-469-4926, ext 10456

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to the economy generally; consumer interest in the services and products of the Company; financing; competition; and anticipated and unanticipated costs. While the Company acknowledges that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the views of the Company as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS 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/229481

SOURCE: Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Hayasa Metals Inc. (TSXV: HAY) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR2) ("Hayasa" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an operational update and announce the appointment of Robert Furse and Derek White to Hayasa's Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Operational Update

Hayasa's drill program at Urasar is the focus of our current update. To date, the company has completed two holes at Copper Creek (UDD-001 and UDD-002 per Figure 1); both holes were planned for approximately 200m. Drill hole UDD-001 was lost at just under 150m which was disappointing as the hole displayed good silica-hosted mineralization in the last several boxes of core. The second hole, UDD-002, warranted deeper drilling based on encouraging visual evidence at depth and was completed to 395m. Hayasa has two rigs on site and are currently operating at Golden Vein (UDD-003) and Oxide Basin (UDD-004). Assay results are expected to be received in early 2025.



Figure 1: Magnetic IP map of Urasar

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/229475_f9b7ed64e40cdb96_002full.jpg

President and QP Dennis Moore comments:

"We are encouraged by what we are seeing in the drill core to date: intense alteration, abundant hydrothermal brecciation and ubiquitous sulfide mineralization, with up to 10% by volume pyrite with lesser chalcopyrite. All four holes to date display significant sulfide mineralization over long intervals and contain numerous faults and zones of obvious fluidization, signifying key pathways for mineralizing fluids.

As explained in earlier NRs, the entire Urasar District is hosted within a major structural corridor containing numerous thrust faults as well as normal faults and is one of the main reasons the District is well mineralized. However, the faulting and intense alteration does make the drilling a bit more complicated and slower than our program last year at Vardenis.

The first two holes have been logged and cut and will be sent to the laboratory early next week, and we are quite excited to see what the lab results will reveal."

Figure 2: Drill Core from Urasar

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/229475_hayasafig2.jpg

Board of Directors

The company is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Furse and Derek White to Hayasa's Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Based out of Toronto, Robert Furse is a serial entrepreneur and investor having founded and built companies in several industries including information technology and wealth management. Mr. Furse has been involved in wealth management and capital markets since joining Integral Wealth Securities in 2006 as an investment banker and one of the founding members of the capital markets group. He is co-founder, former Chairman and past President of Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (now Ventum Financial). Mr. Furse graduated from Queen's University in 1994 and lives in Toronto, with his wife and children.

Based out of Vancouver, Derek White has over 35 years of experience in the mining and metals industry. He holds an undergraduate degree in Geological Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is also a Chartered Accountant. Mr. White is the President and CEO of Ascot Resources Ltd. Prior to joining Ascot Resources Ltd. he was the Principal of Traxys Capital Partners LLP, a private equity firm specializing in the mining and minerals sectors. Mr. White was President and CEO of KGHM International Ltd. from 2012 to 2015, and also held the positions of Executive Vice President, Business Development and Chief Financial Officer of Quadra FNX Mining Ltd. from 2004 to 2012. Mr. White has held executive positions with International Vision Direct Ltd., BHP-Billiton Plc, Billiton International Metals BV and Impala Platinum Ltd., in Vancouver, Toronto, London, The Hague, and Johannesburg. Mr. White was appointed as a Director of Boliden AB in April 2024.

Jason Libenson and Michael Williams have resigned from the Board and the Company is grateful for their advice, insight and many years of service.

Company CEO Joel Sutherland comments, "Thank you to Jason and Michael for their Board leadership during a transition period of the company. We are delighted to welcome Rob and Derek as a new Board members to the Hayasa team. Rob's pedigree in the capital markets is a big win for a company our size and he brings a perspective that compliments the technical mining expertise offered by other members; Derek's mining career has spanned senior positions at a number of global resource organizations. His experience at building and operating mines, including Sierra Gorda (estimated to hold over 1 billion tonnes of copper-molybdenum-gold sulphide mineral reserves) in Antofagasta, Chile and the Premier Gold Mine in northern BC, will be invaluable as we prove up the resource of the potential copper porphyry mineralization at Vardenis."

Company President and CEO Dennis Moore comments, "I am delighted to welcome Rob and Derek as new board members to the Hayasa team. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Company's shareholders, I also wish to thank Jason and Mike for their contributions to the Company over the years. Their guidance helped put the Company in the strong position it is in now, and we want to thank them for their invaluable service."

Grant of Stock Options

Hayasa's Board of Directors has approved the granting of stock options pursuant to the Company's 2024 omnibus equity incentive plan. The stock options will entitle the holders to purchase a total of 600,000 common shares in the capital stock of the Company at a price of $0.15 per common share. The grant includes 550,000 stock options granted to the Company's three independent directors (including the two new directors) and 50,000 stock options granted to an independent geological adviser. The stock options have a term of five years and will vest over a 24-month period.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Joel Sutherland

CEO

Hayasa Metals Inc.

For further information, contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking statements

Certain statements and information contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are based on several material factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the completion of the Private Placement or the actual use of proceeds to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Hayasa undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229475

SOURCE: Hayasa Metals Inc.
SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elegoo, a rapidly developing brand in global smart manufacturing, has kicked off its much-anticipated Black Friday sale, running from November 4 to December 2, 2024 (PST). The sale offers incredible discounts on top-selling products, including the award-winning Saturn 3 Ultra, the versatile Neptune series, and the high-performance Mars and Jupiter resin printers. This promotion spans Elegoo's official stores in the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, making it the perfect opportunity to elevate users' 3D printing experience.

The Award-winning Saturn 3 Ultra: Exceptional Detail and Reliability

The Saturn 3 Ultra stands out in this year's Black Friday sale with its exceptional performance and precision. Praised by GamesRadar as "Highly Recommended," this award-winning resin printer features a 12K screen that delivers stunning detail and smooth finishes, making it the perfect choice for intricate models or prototypes. With its large build volume and fast print speeds, the Saturn 3 Ultra ensures efficiency without compromising quality. Its intuitive interface and reliable performance make it a top pick for both hobbyists and professionals looking for high-end results.

US: 289.99 USD - 23% off

CA: 399.99 CAD - 36% off

EU: 269.99 EUR - 42% off

AU: 409.99 AUD - 37% off

JP: 46,999 JPY - 33% off

Neptune Series: Versatile and High-Speed Performance

For those who require a large build volume, the Neptune 4 Max is the ideal choice, perfect for creating sizable prints with professional-grade quality. The Neptune 4 Plus strikes a balance between size and performance, catering to a variety of projects. Meanwhile, the Neptune 3 Plus offers a reliable and user-friendly experience for newcomers, ensuring smooth and consistent prints.

US: 349.99 USD for Neptune 4 Max - 26% off

CA: 359.99 CAD for Neptune 4 Plus - 35% off

EU: 247.99 EUR for Neptune 4 Plus - 42% off

JP: 29,999 JPY for Neptune 3 Plus - 37% off

Mars & Jupiter Series: Precision and Productivity for Every Creation

Elegoo's Mars and Jupiter series of resin printers offer users high performance with a focus on detail and efficiency. Featuring a 9K screen, the Mars 4 is perfect for those needing to print smaller, highly detailed models, providing outstanding precision with every print. On the other hand, the Jupiter SE caters to those looking for larger prints with sharp resolution, ideal for creating both small and large-scale projects with ease.

UK: 131.99 GBP for Mars 4 - 39% off

UK: 484.99 GBP for Jupiter SE - 34% off

AU: 241.99 AUD for Mars 4 - 34% off

For more information on Elegoo's Black Friday sale and to explore the full range of discounted products, please visit Elegoo's official stores.

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/2553902/Elegoo_kicked_much_anticipated_Black_Friday_sale_running_November_4_December.jpg

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elegoo-rolls-out-black-friday-deals-on-popular-3d-printers-302301221.html
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Regions Bank

Ranked Among the Best Workplaces in America for Employees to Advance their Careers.

By Evelyn Mitchell

Regions Financial has been recognized as an Employer Honoree by the 2024 American Opportunity Index - a ranking that measures how effective companies are at developing talent to drive business performance and advance individual employees' careers.

The Index is a joint project of the Burning Glass Institute, Harvard Business School's Managing the Future of Work Project, and the Schultz Family Foundation. Explore the Index and read the full report at www.AmericanOpportunityIndex.org.

At Regions we know that our people make the difference, and that's why we continue to invest in professional development, associate wellbeing and other programs that help our teams thrive. Ryan King Regions Bank head of Talent Acquisition

Regions was among the top 100 companies in the Index "hiring" category, a measure of how well companies hire people without degrees and those with little experience.

"We are proud to be recognized, once again, as a great place for people to begin and grow their careers," said Ryan King, head of Talent Acquisition for Regions Bank. "At Regions we know that our people make the difference, and that's why we continue to invest in professional development, associate wellbeing and other programs that help our teams thrive."

Regions Financial and Regions Bank continue to be recognized for creating an outstanding workplace culture:

Named a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for ten consecutive years.

Received Gallup's Don Clifton Strengths-based Culture award multiple times.

Designated as a 2024 Military Friendly  Employer by Military Friendly 

Recognized as a 'Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion'

Designated a Great Place to Work CertifiedTM Company

Build your Career at Regions

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit the careers page on regions.com to search current job listings and to learn more about working at Regions.

About the American Opportunity Index

The American Opportunity Index is a groundbreaking ranking of how well companies maximize their internal talent to drive business performance and individual employee growth. Unlike most measures of employer performance, the Index is based on real world outcomes, assessing the progress of millions of workers by tracking the progress of their individual careers. The Index measures hiring and promotion practices, pay, race-and-gender parity, and cultural components such as retention and whether companies hire their leaders internally. This ranking is rooted in the belief that when employers enable the full potential of their people-by providing good jobs and opportunities for advancement-their business does better. In recognizing the companies where workers and firms thrive symbiotically, and showing the areas where each company can continue to improve, we seek to spark a new focus on sustainable talent management across American businesses. The American Opportunity Index is a joint project of the Burning Glass Institute, the Managing the Future of Work Project at Harvard Business School, and the Schultz Family Foundation. Explore the Index and see who's leading the way at: americanopportunityindex.org.

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REDDING, Calif. , Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled, 'Whole Genome Sequencing Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Offering (Library Preparation, DNA Extraction) Sequencing Type (Large, Small, Phased), Technology (SBS, SMRT, Nanopore, Nanoball) Application, End User - Global Forecast to 2031,' published by Meticulous Research.

The whole genome sequencing market is projected to reach $7.17 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2024 to 2031.

Whole Genome sequencing is a method for analyzing entire genome. It determines precise order of every base pair in a genome. Whole genome sequencing provides information about protein coding and non-coding regions. With the advent of next generation sequencing whole genome sequencing have become cheaper, faster and powerful. Whole genome sequencing has wide applications including genetic disease research, cancer research, genotyping and epidemiology.

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The growth of this market can be attributed the declining costs of sequencing, the increasing prevalence of cancer & genetic disorders, the growing utilization of whole genome sequencing in disease diagnostics & precision medicine, increasing pharmaceutical R&D expenditures, improvements in regulatory & reimbursement scenarios for whole genome sequencing, rising healthcare expenditures, increasing funding for research activities, the growing need for the early detection & prevention of diseases, technological advancements in sequencing products, and government initiatives promoting the use of sequencing in clinical & research applications. However, the high costs of whole genome sequencing consumables, the low chances of identifying positive actionable mutations for precision medicine, and the ethical & legal issues related to whole genome sequencing-based diagnosis restrain the market's growth.

Furthermore, increasing applications of whole genome sequencing, government support for large-scale genomic sequencing projects, and emerging economies are expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market. However, uncertainties in the regulatory landscape, the limited expertise & sequencing capabilities of small & medium-sized laboratories, the lack of sequencing professionals in developing countries, and the high capital investments required for NGS setups are major challenges impacting market growth.

Emerging whole genome sequencing companies' focus on improving technologies and reducing costs and key market players' emphasis on portable and real-time sequencing technologies are prominent trends in the whole genome sequencing market.

The Growing Utilization of Whole Genome Sequencing in Disease Diagnostics & Precision Medicine is Driving the Market.

The utilization of sequencing technologies is rapidly growing in precision medicine. Advancements in genome sequencing technologies are changing how doctors diagnose and treat cancer. New targeted cancer treatments that use genomic data to provide patient-specific treatments are known as precision oncology, a rapidly developing field that has already become a part of mainstream clinical practices. It involves the molecular profiling of cancer cells to identify targetable alterations, also known as biomarkers. Quick and reliable simultaneous sequencing of multiple genes has become possible with the availability of sequencing technologies such as NGS and nanopore sequencing.

The advent of NGS has helped develop precision medicine, which involves tailoring treatments based on disease-causing molecular changes in a person's body. While whole genome sequencing is conducted in various scenarios, oncologists are currently using it to sequence patients' biopsy samples to determine the right medicines that can target the genetic abnormalities driving tumor growth.

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The key players operating in the whole genome sequencing market are Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S) Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S), Danaher Corporation (U.S), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K),MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (China), Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) (China).

Whole Genome Sequencing Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players (INSTANT DOWNLOAD FREE PDF SAMPLE)

In May 2024, QIAGEN N.V. (Netherland) launched QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Library Kit. The kit enables the preparation of RNA and DNA libraries for NGS, which includes whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) and whole genome sequencing (WGS).

In November 2023, QIAGEN N.V. (Netherland) launched a research workflow that includes high-quality DNA extraction kits, library preparation for whole genome metagenomics, and user-friendly bioinformatics analysis.

In October 2023, Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S.) launched the Pacific Biosciences of California WGS variant pipeline. It is a complete, standardized computational method for HiFi Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data analysis.

In March 2023, Illumina, Inc. (U.S.) launched Connected Insights, a cloud-based software for tertiary analysis of clinical next-generation sequencing data, including somatic oncology applications, whole genome sequencing for rare diseases, and reduced turnaround time of clinical reporting via integration of third-party knowledge bases.

In July 2022, Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) (China), BGI Genomics partnered with the Serbian Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics Center to enhance and develop the center's whole exome sequencing (WES), whole genome sequencing (WGS), and genomic analysis capabilities.

Based on offerings studied in this report, in 2024, the consumables segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 15.4% during the forecast period. Growing demand for whole genome sequencing kits and reagents and increasing whole genome sequencing product launches by key market players. Furthermore, recurring demand for whole genome sequencing consumables, and increase in number of sequencing projects are factors expected to support the segment's high growth.

Based on sequencing types studied in this report in 2024, the large whole-genome sequencing segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period. The large whole-genome sequencing helps in identification of causative variants which helps in further studies of regulation mechanism and gene expression, helps in sequencing large genome for providing population level studies which increases the adoption of large whole genome sequencing in research are factors expected to support the segment's high growth.

Based on technologies studied in this report, in 2024, the sequencing by synthesis segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 16.2% during the forecast period. The sequencing by synthesis technology offers long-insert paired-end reads for de novo sequencing and sequence assembly, it supports both paired end and single read libraries. Furthermore, its cost effectiveness, and high-resolution genome sequencing offered by the technology increases the adoption of the sequencing by synthesis technology are factors expected to support the segment's high growth.

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Based on applications studied in this report, the clinical applications segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 17.3% during the forecast period. The growing cases of infectious diseases, and rising number of cancer cases. According to the World Health Organization, the global burden of cancer is expected to increase from 19.3 million cases in 2020 to 24.6 million cases by 2030 are factors expected to support the segment's high growth.

Based on end users studied in this report, in 2024, hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories segment is slated to register the highest CAGR of 16.7% during the forecast period. Hospitals & diagnostic laboratories are dedicated facilities for various diagnostic procedures. These facilities are involved in genetic disease testing, infectious diseases testing, NIPT, carrier screening, in-vitro fertilization, and newborn screening. All these procedures require whole genome sequencing products to obtain critical insights for treatment purposes. The growing adoption of NGS in diagnostic laboratories are factors expected to support the segment's high growth.

This research report analyzes major geographies and provides a comprehensive analysis of the market in North America (U.S. and Canada), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), and Middle East & Africa.

Among all regions studied in this report, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 16.4% during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing investments from market players and government organizations in healthcare sector, rising focus on medical tourism and becoming competitive in the global biotech market. Additionally, governments in this region are aiming to make considerable developments in genomic research. For instance, in March 2024, the Genome India Project, started by Department of Biotechnology in India completed sequencing of 10,000 Indian genomes. Also, the bioeconomy of India is expected to grow approximately to USD 130 billion in 2024 from USD 10 billion of 2014.

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Scope of the Report:

Whole Genome Sequencing Market Assessment- by Offering

Consumables Sample Preparation Kits & Reagents Nucleic Acid Extraction & Amplification Library Preparation & Target Enrichment Quality Control Other Consumables

Instruments

Software

Services

Note: Other consumables include vials, pipettes, containers, trays, sequencing reagents, flow cells, and tubes.

Whole Genome Sequencing Market Assessment- by Sequencing Type

Large Whole-Genome Sequencing

Small Whole-Genome Sequencing

Human Whole-Genome Sequencing

Other Whole-Genome Sequencing Types

Note: Other Whole-genome sequencing types include De novo sequencing, Phased sequencing, Long-read sequencing, Clone-by-clone sequencing.

Whole Genome Sequencing Market Assessment- by Technology

Sequencing by Synthesis

Ion Semiconductor Sequencing

DNA Nanoball Sequencing

Single-molecule Real-time Sequencing

Other NGS Technologies

Note: Other whole genome sequencing technologies include nanopore sequencing and AVITI sequencing (Avidity base chemistry (ABC).

Whole Genome sequencing Market Assessment-by Application

Research and Other Applications

Drug Discovery



Agriculture and Animal Research



Other Applications

Clinical Applications

Reproductive Health



Oncology



Infectious Diseases



Other Clinical Applications

Note: Other applications include food microbiology, microbiota analysis in the beverage industry, and environmental studies.

Other clinical applications include the detection of genetic aberrations in neurological disorders, rare diseases, metabolic and immune disorders, and food-borne illnesses.

Whole Genome Sequencing Market Assessment-by End User

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories

Academic Institutes & Research Centers

Other End Users

Note: Other end users primarily include forensic laboratories & security agencies, food & beverage companies, and agriculture companies.

Whole Genome Sequencing Market Assessment-by Geography

North America U.S. Canada

Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Rest of Europe (RoE)

Asia-Pacific Japan China India Australia South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific (RoAPAC)

Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America (RoLATM)

Middle East & Africa

Read More Related Reports:-

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Informatics Market is projected to reach $4.3 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2023 to 2030 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/ngs-informatics-market-3483

Next Generation Sequencing Services Market is expected to register a CAGR of 19.8% from 2024 to 2031 to reach $24.44 billion by 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/next-generation-sequencing-services-market-5041

Next generation sequencing market is expected to reach $27.5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2023-2030 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/next-generation-sequencing-market-5040

Sequencing Kits Market is projected to reach $25.29 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 15.5% from 2024 to 2031- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/sequencing-kits-market-5656

DNA Sequencing Market, valued at $9.14 Billion in 2023, is projected to reach $21.30 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2024 to 2031 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/dna-sequencing-market-5992

NGS Automation Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% from 2022-2029 to reach $1.33 billion by 2029 - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/ngs-automation-market-5271

Whole Genome Sequencing Market Research Summary -

Particulars Details Number of Pages 312 Format PDF Forecast Period 2024-2031 Base Year 2023 CAGR 15.2 % Estimated Market Size (Value) $7.17 billion by 2031 Segments Covered by Offering Consumables

Sample Preparation Kits & Reagents



Nucleic Acid Extraction & Amplification





Library Preparation & Target Enrichment





Quality Control





Other Consumables



Other Consumables

Instruments

Software

Services

(Note: Other consumables include vials, pipettes, containers, trays, sequencing reagents, flow cells, and tubes.) by Sequencing Type Large Whole-genome Sequencing

Small Whole-genome Sequencing

Phased Sequencing

Other Whole-genome Sequencing Types

(Note: Other sequencing types include De novo sequencing, Phased sequencing, Long-read sequencing, Clone-by-clone sequencing.) by Technology Sequencing by Synthesis

Ion Semiconductor Sequencing

DNA Nanoball Sequencing

Single-molecule Real-time Sequencing

Other NGS Technologies

(Note: Other whole genome sequencing technologies include nanopore sequencing and AVITI sequencing (Avidity base chemistry (ABC).) by Application Research and Other Applications

Drug Discovery



Agriculture and Animal Research



Other Applications

Clinical Applications

Reproductive Health



Oncology



Infectious Diseases



Other Clinical Applications

(Note 1: Other applications include food microbiology, microbiota analysis in the beverage industry, and environmental studies.)

(Note 2: Other clinical applications include the detection of genetic aberrations in neurological disorders, rare diseases, metabolic and immune disorders, and food-borne illnesses.) by End User Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories

Academic Institutes & Research Centers

Other End Users

(Note: Other end users primarily include forensic laboratories & security agencies, food & beverage companies, and agriculture companies.) Countries Covered North America (U.S. and Canada), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), and Middle East & Africa Key Companies Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S) Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S), Danaher Corporation (U.S), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K), MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (China), Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) (China)

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RT2024 sees new strategic partnerships to better address deforestation, improve smallholder inclusion through climate-smart programmes and drive global demand for RSPO Certified products

BANGKOK, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Building upon two decades of impact, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has called for more concerted efforts to scale innovation and drive transformative and systemic change within the sector. Supported by Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the RSPO's Annual Roundtable conference (RT2024) took place in Bangkok from 11 to 13 November, amidst preparations for the adoption of the RSPO 2024 Standards.

Comprising the 2024 RSPO Principles & Criteria (P&C) and the 2024 RSPO Independent Smallholder (ISH) Standard, the revised Standards bring greater clarity, auditability and implementability, and addresses market and regulatory relevance, with a strong focus on addressing deforestation, human rights due diligence, and smallholder inclusion in global supply chains.

In his keynote address, RSPO's first Secretary General, Teoh Cheng Hai, reflected on the organisation's illustrious journey to become today the gold standard for sustainable palm oil production. He underscored the importance of innovative partnerships as a key strategy for RSPO to evolve as a world-class standard setter that can lead the global sustainable palm oil supply chain in line with the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

RSPO CEO, Joseph D'Cruz, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed that the RSPO is well positioned to meet the future demands of the industry. "Building on our strong foundations, the RSPO is ready to meet the next 20 years with fortified Standards, enhanced verification systems, and an end-to-end digital certification, trade and traceability architecture powered by data."

He added that the revised Standards have also been strengthened in its integration with the certification system through RSPO's certification, trade and traceability platform, prisma, which stands for Palm Resource Information and Sustainability Management. At RT2024, delegates previewed how prisma is built to provide digital data and supply chain traceability and can act as a supporting tool for members to strengthen risk assessment and due diligence for emerging regulatory compliance.

A testament to RSPO's credibility and reach as a global sustainability organisation, RT2024 witnessed the forging of several strategic partnerships designed to increase the social, environmental and economic benefits in the production and trade of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO).

Advancing high conservation value protection for sustainable palm oil

At RT2024, RSPO and the High Conservation Value Network (HCVN) renewed a longstanding partnership to promote best practices and innovative approaches to HCV protection. Aligned with the revised RSPO Standards, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a shared mission to protect high conservation value (HCV) and high carbon stock (HCS) forests within sustainable palm oil landscapes. The MoU will strengthen the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity, and areas of critical importance for indigenous and local communities.

"By prioritising conservation values as an integral part of sustainable palm oil production, HCVN will continue to collaborate with RSPO to embed HCV protections within sustainable land management practices across palm oil landscapes, setting clearer benchmarks for environmental and social stewardship across the palm oil sector," said Belinda Bowling, Global Director, HCV Network.

As of 2023, RSPO Certification has protected over 466,600 ha of valuable HCV and HCS forests since adopting the HCV Approach in November 2005 and the HCS Approach in November 2018.

Overall, taking into account other critical ecosystems, RSPO Certification has protected and remediated about 646,700 ha of valuable forests and areas including tropical peatlands and riparian reserves globally.

Integrating climate impact reduction within RSPO Independent Smallholder certification

Globally, RSPO's smallholder certification footprint has grown significantly. As of 2023, over 40,000 individual independent smallholders have been certified globally, up 11,268 from 2022, with certification now expanded to Colombia, Ecuador and Honduras.

Recognising the critical role that smallholders can play in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions derived from palm oil production, RSPO signed an MoU with Global Green Chemicals Public Company Limited (GGC) and the German sustainable development entity, GIZ. The MoU will integrate climate impact reduction within RSPO Certification through the Sustainable Palm Oil Production and Procurement Project on Climate Mitigation and Adaptation (SPOPP CLIMA), funded by GGC, a leading company in Thailand committed to achieving carbon neutrality.

The partnership aims to promote low-carbon farming practices and includes the development of a carbon footprint calculation tool for fresh fruit bunches to measure emissions and eventually develop reduction strategies, in line with guidelines from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO).

Mr. Kridsada Prasertsuko, Managing Director, Global Green Chemical PCL commented, "GGC has worked with GIZ and RSPO to support our oil palm smallholders in reducing carbon emissions and carbon footprints. Together, our goal is to achieve 20% carbon emission reduction by Year 2030 and achieve Net Zero by Year 2050, together with promoting sustainable oil palm production in accordance with the European Union Deforestation-free Regulations (EUDR), effective on 1 January 2025. This cooperation will not only reduce climate impact on the agricultural sector but also enhance sustainability to the oil palm industry and promote the image of the Thai oil palm industry in the global market."

Additionally, the project will create a training curriculum on carbon footprint calculation for farmers and establish demonstration plots to showcase suitable low-carbon farming practices. Since 2015, cumulative GHG emissions (~2 million MT CO2e) avoided through the implementation of RSPO Standards is equal to 468,864 passenger vehicles driven over a year.

Observing the MoU, Dr. Taworn Thunjai, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who delivered remarks on behalf of Her Excellency Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Thailand's Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, recognised the RSPO's role in supporting smallholder farmers, who play a vital role in Thailand's palm oil sector. In the five years since the last Roundtable Conference was held in Thailand, the country has fortified its position as the world's third-largest palm oil producer. Today, smallholders from 400,000 households in Thailand account for 85% of Thailand's palm oil production area. Thailand has the highest percentage of RSPO certified independent smallholders who are women, 42%, compared to the global average of 28%.

Growth in RSPO Certification continues to drive supply and consumption

As of 2023, RSPO Certified oil palm area spans 5.2 million ha across 23 countries. Midstream and downstream facilities certified under the RSPO Supply Chain Certification (SCC) Standard stand at 6,907 sites worldwide.

CSPO supply reached a new milestone at 16.1 million MT, representing a 4.3% growth in production year-on-year, while CSPO consumption grew to 9.8 million MT, representing a 7.2% increase in downstream usage year-on-year. Consumption growth was supported by the RSPO Shared Responsibility (SR) Framework, designed to support members in compliance reporting as it requires having in place relevant policies and plans, and a commitment to meet yearly uptake targets. More than half of applicable processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, and retailer members met their 2023 CSPO SR uptake targets. To support independent smallholders (ISH), RSPO downstream members bought 261,792 ISH Credits worth US$7.0 million in 2023 (up by US$1.53 million from 2022) directly benefiting 85 certified ISH groups.

Downstream players from China, the world's second-largest palm oil importer, featured prominently at RT2024. In recent years, emerging policies in China have been steering suppliers towards sustainable palm oil sourcing practices, giving rise to a demand for more sustainable palm oil products in the Chinese market. In November, one of the world's top five dairy companies, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group (Yili Group), and Yihai Kerry, the leading palm oil trader in China spearheaded the very first shipment of RSPO CSPO into the country. The first tranche involves 750 tonnes of CSPO, certified under the Identity Preserved (IP) supply chain model, which maintains a single identifiable certified source that is kept separate from ordinary palm oil throughout the supply chain.

Further sealing its commitment to sourcing CSPO products into China, at RT2024, Yili Group signed two additional sustainable procurement agreements with major international traders, Bunge and Cargill, demonstrating its ambition to build a global green value chain for palm oil.

The conference also featured the RSPO Excellence Awards, which saw fifteen RSPO Members nominated for their outstanding contributions to sustainable palm oil. The winners were World Association of Zoos and Accreditation for Innovation; Hacienda La Cabana S.A for Conservation Leadership; Sustainable Palm Oil Production (ThaChana-Chaiya) Community Enterprise for Smallholder Impact; Ferrero Trading Luxembourg S.A and Chester Zoo for Communicating for Good, and Proctor and Gamble for Shared Responsibility. Learn more about the winners, nominees and their award-worthy initiatives here.

For further information on our work and impacts, view the RSPO Impact highlights here.

About RSPO:

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs.

As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification.

The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.

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Tampa Bay Area, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Planet Friendly Technologies, Inc., an American non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide and promoting sustainability, is thrilled to announce that it has successfully donated 247 commercial-grade refurbished laptops to underprivileged children across the US. This success marks a significant milestone in the organization's mission of ensuring every child has access to essential educational tools while addressing the growing issue of electronic waste (e-waste).





Planet Friendly Technologies, Inc.



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Technology as a Pathway to Opportunity

Access to technology is essential for educational success. However, millions of children from low-income households in the US face significant barriers due to the lack of basic digital tools like laptops and reliable internet connection.

According to a report from K-12 Drive, over 9 million school-aged children in America live in households without consistent access to the technology required for modern learning. This leaves many students unable to fully participate in online learning or complete homework.

On a global scale, the situation is even more dire. In the 2020 UNICEF-ITU report, two-thirds of the world's school-age children, about 1.3 billion, do not have internet access at home. This severely limits their ability to do remote learning and increases the gap in educational equity. The COVID-19 pandemic only deepened these disparities, making it clear that digital access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for educational progress.

Planet Friendly Technologies addresses these issues with its refurbished laptops. These laptops are fully upgraded to meet the performance needs of modern education. They're equipped with solid-state drives (SSD), enhanced memory, and the latest software. Through these laptops, the organization is leveling the educational playing field and giving underprivileged students access to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

With a reliable laptop, students can attend virtual classes, complete coursework, and access research materials. They are also better equipped to pursue higher education and prepare for future careers.

The organization's initiative is filling an immediate gap and creating long-term opportunities for children to thrive in a digital world.

Sustainable Solutions, Meaningful Impact

Beyond addressing the tech gap in education, Planet Friendly Technology, Inc. is also deeply committed to tackling the global issue of e-waste-one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. The organization's unique model of refurbishing and donating laptops not only equips underprivileged children with the tools they need for success but also plays a critical role in mitigating the environmental impact of discarded electronics.

According to the Global E-Waste Monitor, over 62 million metric tons of electronic waste were generated globally in 2022 alone, with only a small fraction - just 22% - being properly recycled. This number is projected to skyrocket, with estimates suggesting that by 2030, the amount of e-waste generated annually will exceed 80 million metric tons. This rapid growth poses a significant threat to the environment, as improperly discarded electronics can release harmful chemicals into the soil, air, and water, contributing to pollution and climate change.

The 247 laptops already donated represent just the beginning of Planet Friendly Technologies' efforts to promote sustainability through the responsible use of technology. Each refurbished laptop represents an opportunity to divert waste from the environment and put valuable resources back into use. By keeping these laptops in circulation and giving them a second life, Planet Friendly Technology is actively reducing the amount of e-waste generated, conserving resources, and contributing to a greener future.

Scaling the Mission: From Local Impact to National Reach

Planet Friendly Technologies is eager to build on its early success by scaling its mission nationwide. The organization's model is simple yet powerful: refurbish laptops, donate them to children who need them most, and reduce e-waste in the process. With every donation, the nonprofit moves closer to its goal of providing laptops to children in all 50 states.

The plan is ambitious but achievable. The broader the support for Planet Friendly Technologies, the faster it can expand its reach and contribute to providing underprivileged children with the tools they need to succeed while helping to combat the growing problem of e-waste.

This initiative is a national project, focused entirely on helping American children access the technology they need for a complete and fulfilling education. As the technology access gap persists, it is crucial to ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of resources.

A Nationwide Call for Support

Planet Friendly Technologies is now preparing for its second round of laptop donations and is looking for partners across the country to help support its mission. With enough backing, Planet Friendly Technologies can dramatically scale its impact, bringing sustainable solutions to children in need, while continuing the fight against global waste.

Participating in this initiative contributes to a mission that empowers students and promotes environmental responsibility, creating a future where every child has access to the technology they need and electronic waste is repurposed for meaningful use.

For those who are passionate about closing the digital divide and reducing e-waste, this initiative offers a tangible way to make a difference. By being a part of Planet Friendly Technologies' mission, individuals can help build a brighter, greener future for both children and the planet.

For more information about Planet Friendly Technology, Inc. and to join this cause, visit https://www.PlanetFriendly.Tech.

About Planet Friendly Technologies, Inc.

Planet Friendly Technology, Inc. is a U.S.-based non-profit dedicated to providing refurbished, high-quality laptops to underprivileged children, ensuring they have access to essential technology for their education. The organization also reduces e-waste by extending the life of these devices, combining sustainability with educational empowerment.

Media Contact

Company Name: Planet Friendly Technologies, Inc.

Contact Person: Shivas Patel

Contact Number: 1 727 415 2972

Email: Contact@PlanetFriendly.tech

Country: United States

Website: https://PlanetFriendly.Tech

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/228031

SOURCE: Brand Featured
Wake Forest, North Carolina--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Ellis Family Law, an award-winning family law firm known for its personalized client-focused services, is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Wake Forest, North Carolina. This new location at 1740 Heritage Center Drive, Suite 202, marks the firm's third expansion in the Triangle, offering greater access to expert legal representation for families in Wake County and surrounding areas. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Vivian Jones will take place on December 5, 2024.





Ellis Family Law



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"We are so excited to further expand our reach into the Wake Co area. Our goal is to provide personalized representation, with the knowledge and credentials that you need. We are looking forward to getting more connected to the Wake Forest and North Raleigh communities, and to giving back as is part of our mission," said Gray Ellis, the Founder and Managing Partner of Ellis Family Law.

New Location Reflects Commitment to Clients

Ellis Family Law's new office is designed to provide the same high level of service that clients have come to expect, with an emphasis on personalized attention and tailored strategies. The firm's board-certified specialists bring years of experience to every case, helping families navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and empathy.

This expansion into Wake Forest allows Ellis Family Law to deliver its expertise in family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence cases, and estate planning, directly to clients in the area. The new office is also equipped to handle litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), offering clients options like mediation and collaborative law that can often be less contentious and more cost-effective than traditional litigation.

Ellis Family Law's expansion reaffirms its mission to be a reliable legal partner for families, offering both legal insight and compassionate representation to help clients achieve favorable outcomes in their most critical family law matters.

Building Stronger Ties with the Wake Forest Community

Beyond legal services, Ellis Family Law is eager to build deeper connections with the Wake Forest and North Raleigh communities. This expansion is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and support local initiatives.

Through outreach efforts and partnerships with local organizations, the firm aims to give back to the community and make a meaningful impact beyond the courtroom. The firm's community outreach initiatives align with its commitment to service and building lasting connections with the people it serves.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 5, 2024, will celebrate this next step, welcoming the Wake Forest community to the new space and introducing them to the firm's mission of serving families with integrity and compassion. While the event will officially open the new office, it also marks Ellis Family Law's dedication to providing high-caliber legal services with a human touch. It will continue to work tirelessly to make trusted legal representation accessible to families, all while staying true to its roots as a trusted, community-focused firm.

Continued Growth and Client-Centered Focus

Ellis Family Law's new office in Wake Forest represents the firm's ongoing growth. It has built a reputation for providing clear communication, detailed billing disclosures and dedicated client support, all of which will be integral to the services offered at the new location.

With three offices now serving the Triangle region - Durham, Pittsboro, and Wake Forest -

Ellis Family Law is positioned to meet the growing demand for skilled family law representation in the area. The firm's expanded footprint allows it to offer the same high standards of legal excellence to a broader range of clients, while also maintaining the close, personal relationships that are at the heart of its practice.



For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Ellis Family Law at 919-688-9400 or visit http://ellisfamilylaw.com/.

About Ellis Family Law,

Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., is a multi-award-winning firm led by NC Board-Certified Family Law Specialists. With locations in Durham, Pittsboro, and Wake Forest, Ellis Family Law provides dedicated legal services in divorce, property division, child custody, support and estate planning - serving families throughout the Triangle with personalized care and professionalism. The firm has been recognized for its quality service, earning the BBB torch award for ethics in 2023 and the Best of Durham Award in since its inception in 2015, amongst many others. There are multiple attorneys in the office who have reached the status of NC Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and SuperLawyers. It's founder, Gray Ellis, is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated and was most recently named NC Leader in the Law for Family Law for the second year in a row.





To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229253

SOURCE: Brand Featured
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / For the seventh consecutive year, the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Entergy with the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, honoring exceptional achievement in veteran employment. During a virtual award ceremony in October, U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Entergy alongside 838 other recipients who have demonstrated a commitment to hiring veterans and ensuring they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

"I am proud to be part of an organization that understands the value that veterans add - in our company and in our communities," said Tina Morton, Entergy's Veterans Employee Resource Group president and senior project manager, nuclear. "Our VERG team is an important part of instilling the knowledge to others that we (veterans) are assets in leadership, display adaptability to change, have diverse perspectives, are problem solvers, and have a strong work ethic and integrity - all of which are necessary for success."

Entergy continues to meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs. The VERG is an employee-led group committed to supporting the unique needs of veterans, active-duty military and their families.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire and retain veterans. Awardees must have a veteran organization or resource group - like Entergy's Veterans Employee Resource Group - a leadership program, dedicated human resources professionals, and pay differential and tuition assistance program.

To learn more about our military hiring efforts and how we support veterans, visit the Military and Veterans Careers webpage.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Entergy Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Entergy Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/entergy-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Entergy Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Kudelski Group / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Kudelski IoT Launches Quantum-Resistant Security IP, Future-Proofing Semiconductors Against Emerging Quantum Threats



11.11.2024 / 17:43 CET/CEST





New Quantum-Resistant Algorithms Integrated into KSE Security IP to Protect the

Next Generation of Chips and Devices, Responding to Global Regulations

Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland, and Phoenix, AZ, (November 11, 2024) - Kudelski IoT , a division of the Kudelski Group (SIX: KUD.S), today announced the integration of quantum-resistant cryptography into its KSE security IP products for semiconductor manufacturers, further enhancing their ability to safeguard System on Chip (SoC) products and the devices that use them from emerging quantum computing threats and ensure long-term data protection for their customers.

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography (QRC) is specifically designed to withstand the advanced capabilities of quantum computers, which are expected to surpass the strength of current cryptographic systems within the next decade. Traditional cryptographic methods, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography, face the risk of becoming vulnerable. By incorporating quantum-resistant algorithms into the KSE, Kudelski IoT strengthens the security SoCs, protecting them from emerging threats while maintaining performance, efficiency, and flexibility.

KSE is a flexible security IP platform that delivers robust authentication and secure updates for System-on-Chip (SoC) devices. With the integration of quantum-resistant algorithms, KSE now provides a future-proof solution to safeguard the authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality of IoT assets, automotive application assets and AI models in a post-quantum world. The quantum-resistant algorithms integrated into KSE include LMS from NIST special publication SP800-208 for stateful hash-based signature schemes, ML-KEM from FIPS 203 standard for key encapsulation mechanisms, and ML-DSA from FIPS 204 standard for digital signatures. These algorithms, recommended by leading bodies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and in US CNSA 2.0 (The Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0), ensure that SoCs are well-protected against quantum-based threats. Quantum-Resistant Cryptography is crucial for devices and data with long lifecycles, making sectors like automotive, telecommunications, energy, finance, healthcare, government and military prime beneficiaries of these advanced cryptographic methods.

A major advantage of Kudelski IoT's solution is its ability to update cryptographic algorithms in the field as new vulnerabilities or advances in cryptography emerge. This ensures that manufacturers can keep their devices secure without the need for costly recalls or hardware replacements, providing a level of security that evolves with technology.

As one of the first companies to offer quantum-resistant security IP for semiconductors and devices, Kudelski IoT is at the forefront of future-proofing connected assets. Combined with its renowned Security Labs and device-to-cloud Public Key Infrastructure solution, keySTREAM, Kudelski IoT delivers a comprehensive suite of services that assist manufacturers in navigating the transition to quantum security.

"We are tackling the quantum challenge with a comprehensive, end-to-end approach," said Frederic Thomas, CTO of Kudelski IoT. "Our team of cryptographers, mathematicians, and security experts is dedicated to ensuring that semiconductors and the products they're built into are resilient against quantum threats, providing long-term security and value to our customers."

Kudelski IoT's quantum-resistant KSE security IP is now available to semiconductor and device manufacturers. As industries prepare for the post-quantum era, Kudelski IoT's solution empowers manufacturers to design, produce, and deploy secure devices with confidence, ensuring long-term protection for years to come.

For more information on Kudelski IoT's quantum-resistant security solutions, please visit www.kudelski-iot.com.

About Kudelski IoT

Kudelski IoT is the Internet of Things division of Kudelski Group and provides end-to-end IoT solutions, IoT product design, and full-lifecycle services to IoT device manufacturers, ecosystem creators, and end-user companies. These solutions and services leverage the group's 30+ years of innovation in digital business model creation; hardware, software and ecosystem design and testing; state-of-the-art security lifecycle management technologies and services and managed operation of complex systems. For more information about Kudelski IoT, please visit www.kudelski-iot.com .







Media contacts



Christopher Schouten

Sr. Marketing Director

+1 (480) 819-5781

christopher.schouten@nagra.com



Marc Demierre

Kudelski Group

Director Corporate Communications

+41 79 190 17 09

marc.demierre@nagra.com

End of Media Release


Through the FAO ELEVATE PROGRAMME of the Office of Innovation, smallholder farmers will be equipped with the technology to promote sustainable pineapple farming in Suriname.

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dimitra , a global leader in agricultural technology and sustainability solutions, is supporting the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to develop a smartphone application for Indigenous farmers in Suriname. FAO is working in the country to enhance organic pineapple production by leveraging blockchain technology to modernize cultivation practices, boost productivity, and secure market access. Leveraging Dimitra's traceable and immutable technology, through this app local growers will access advanced techniques including mechanical land preparation and artificial flower induction to produce premium organic pineapples and meet market demands.

Dimitra is deploying immutable blockchain and AI technology to support FAO providing Surinamese farmers with real-time comprehensive farming data on their crop production and supply chains from end-to-end. From creating digital farmer profiles and registration with their demographic and plot details, to tracking crop activities and managing harvests with traceability services, the platform aims to ensure that every step of the pineapple production process-from planting to harvesting-is traceable. By providing a secure record of sustainable practices through actionable data, Surinamese farmers can gain access to advanced technology to transform agricultural practices, enhance market competitiveness, and forge key alliances, opening doors to premium markets that require stringent compliance with international standards.

FAO has been working in the country since 2018 with UNIDO, ILO and UNFPA through the ASTA Suriname initiative has been driving the pineapple sector's growth in Suriname, a focal commodity for the country's economic growth. Backed by the Joint United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) Fund , the ASTA Suriname project has conducted in-depth analysis of farms and rolled out initial implementation activities. The project aims to empower indigenous and rural communities across Suriname's pineapple belt to modernize organic pineapple production, transforming Suriname into a major producer and exporter of high-quality organic fresh and processed pineapples, and moving away from outdated practices with little value-addition and limited exports.

The innovation project proposed by FAO - to develop a digital traceability app to support indigenous pineapple farmers in Suriname - was funded by the 2024 Elevate Grant Programme of FAO, an initiative that fosters innovative initiatives for the agricultural sector targeting smallholder farmers.

The new app, already developed in local language, will be launched with the farmers and key stakeholders in early December 2024.

Jon Trask , CEO of Dimitra said: "Dimitra is dedicated to empowering smallholder pineapple farmers in Suriname with cutting-edge, easy-to-use technology to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainability, and ultimately improve the quality of life for these communities. Through the Agrifood Systems Accelerator (ASTA) and the Horticulture Innovation HUB of Suriname - a newly established public-private partnership providing multiple services to farmers in Suriname - supported by the Joint UNSDG Fund, we aim to foster a more resilient and equitable agrifood system globally and give consumers the origin story of their food."

With 95 percent of its land covered in forest including parts of it forming a portion of the Amazon rainforest, Suriname's interior regions face economic challenges, leaving many Indigenous, tribal and rural communities in poverty. Through the ASTA Suriname project, farmers are provided with hands-on training, and on-the-ground trial plots to showcase effective techniques like enhancing soil, optimizing inputs, and planting pineapples in beds. By using the app local growers in the country will be exposed to international markets, expanding the country's economic horizons, and aligning with the responsible consumption and production of the UN's sustainability goals .

Margherita Bavagnoli , FAO's International Value Chain Finance Expert, oversees project activities among various Indigenous villages in Suriname: "So far, the ASTA Suriname project has equipped 120 marginalized Indigenous women and youth to take control of and benefit from the evolving pineapple value chain. There was a need to allow Indigenous communities in the country to reach markets, receive agronomic information and access services. This app aims to be beneficial in controlling deforestation, providing access to markets and information to farmers in remote areas, significantly contributing to the realization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs)."

Jon Trask, CEO of Dimitra Incorporated and Margherita Bavagnoli, FAO's International Value Chain Finance Expert, are available for interview on request.

About Dimitra

Dimitra is a global Agtech company with a mission to help smallholder farmers across the world. Dimitra works with governments, government agencies, NGOs, and for-profit organizations. The Dimitra platform is built on blockchain technology and incorporates mobile technology, machine learning, IoT devices, satellite and drone imagery, genomics, and advanced farming research. Through our data driven approach, Dimitra helps farmers increase yields, reduces expenses, and mitigates risk. Dimitra believes that every smallholder farmer, regardless of economic standing, should benefit from simple, beautiful, and useful technology.

About ASTA

The Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA) program, led by FAO and UNIDO in collaboration with other UN agencies, aims to transform Suriname into a leading producer and exporter of high-quality organic pineapples. Supported by the Joint SDG Fund and driven by the Government of Suriname and key UN agencies, including FAO, UNIDO, ILO, and UNFPA, the program utilizes an inclusive and sustainable value chain approach. It connects local pineapple actors to new markets, fostering economic development in rural communities with a focus on gender equality, youth engagement, and environmental sustainability. Since 2018, ASTA has been developing Suriname's pineapple value chain, culminating in a 2024 FAO Elevate grant to establish a traceability platform for producers.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-food-and-agriculture-organization-of-the-united-nations-launches-an-app-to-support-indigenous-pineapple-farmers-in-suriname-302301565.html
New innovation harnesses the power of artificial intelligence in a wearable IoT device for real-time heart monitoring

Lenovo, in partnership with the Instituto do Coracao - InCor HCFMUSP - the largest cardiology hospital in Latin America - announces the launch of TRAdA (from portuguese Telemonitoramento Remoto Assistido de Arritmia), an innovative platform that assists in the identification of arrhythmia events. It leverages the power of artificial intelligence in a wearable IoT device for real-time heart monitoring.

In Brazil, over 20 million people suffer from some form of cardiac arrhythmia, a condition responsible for more than 320,000 sudden deaths each year in the country, according to data from the Sociedade Brasileira de Arritmias Cardiacas (SOBRAC). This makes effective monitoring and early intervention crucial. Through a discreet and comfortable wearable device, TRAdA continuously monitors heartbeats and the heart's electrical signals, using advanced AI algorithms to identify potential arrhythmia events in real time. During telemonitoring, critical alerts are sent to a designated monitoring panel, allowing healthcare professionals to have an overall view of the patient and to intervene quickly and efficiently.

Technologically validated within InCor through 3 clinical development steps involving 253 participants, TRAdA has proven to be a comprehensive and innovative technological solution for remote patient monitoring and care. In step 3 of the project, a proof of concept was carried out to test the solution in 51 patients in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery, aiming to identify the occurrence of arrhythmias when the patient was in their home environment. Once again, TRAdA demonstrated its effectiveness by identifying arrhythmia episodes and generating alerts that allowed for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The critical 72-hour period after hospital discharge, identified by Brazilian cardiac research, is particularly vulnerable to complications, and Lenovo's solution offers essential support during this window. "We see an opportunity in a significant and untapped market in Brazil to prove a more cost-effective and efficient arrhythmia risk management solution. We believe that this innovative approach will not only contribute to saving lives but also enhance healthcare system resources by helping to reduce costs and improve the quality of care." explains Ricardo Bloj, President of Lenovo Brazil.

Through its commitment to scientific rigor, technological innovation, and a patient-centered approach, Lenovo aims to revolutionize arrhythmia detection and treatment, saving lives and improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. "After successful market validation in Brazil, we plan to expand our solution to new markets in Latin America over the next two years, ensuring that our system is adapted to the specific demographics and regulatory landscape of each region," he says.

"Innovation in healthcare is not just about new ideas, products, and solutions, but also about how we can integrate them into patient care and overcome present challenges of patient engagement in their treatment journey, such as the remote monitoring of physiological parameters that identify potential arrhythmias. If these events are diagnosed more quickly, preventive and corrective actions can be taken early, ultimately resulting in greater patient safety. This is one of the key motivators for this partnership with Lenovo - to create collaborative bridges that foster synergistic innovation" comments TRAdA project lead researcher, Prof. Fabio B. Jatene, VP of InCor and coordinator of InovaInCor.

Explored Experiences

Vitoria - 26 years old, no prior history of cardiovascular disease

In February 2024, during the clinical Phase 2 of the TRAdA project, the patient was remotely monitored for 7 days and spontaneously reported a symptom of "palpitation" through a symptom reporting app. The clinical team, upon identifying a correlation between the electrocardiographic signal registered on the platform and the symptom report, conducted a teleconsultation for evaluation. Subsequently, the medical team identified that the patient had supraventricular tachycardia, leading to a recommendation for an ablation procedure to correct the arrhythmia. One month after the intervention, the patient was asymptomatic, with no further complaints.

Adao - 56 years old, with associated comorbidities, no prior history of arrhythmia

After treating mitral insufficiency at InCor and undergoing a successful surgery in February 2024, the patient was included in the TRAdA Project, receiving home telemonitoring for 15 days. During the telemonitoring, he reported palpitations via the study's app, leading to a teleconsultation and subsequent referral to the hospital, where atrial fibrillation was confirmed. The patient required hospitalization and during this stay, he was promptly diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), a serious condition that can be related to the detected arrhythmia. The telemonitoring allowed for rapid and targeted intervention, highlighting the importance of this technology in post-surgical care.

Vera Lucia - 64 years old, with prior comorbidities and a history of immediate postoperative arrhythmia

The patient was hospitalized at InCor for cardiovascular surgery and, during the procedure, suffered a cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation. Near the end of the surgery, she experienced an atrioventricular block, resulting in slow and irregular heartbeats, requiring a temporary pacemaker to stabilize the rhythm. In the ICU, she also presented atrial flutter, an arrhythmia that accelerates the heartbeat, successfully corrected by cardioversion. After discharge, she was monitored at home for 15 days, during which an alert indicated an episode of atrial fibrillation, leading to her referral to the InCor Emergency Room, where the diagnosis was confirmed and treated. Due to the event, the telemonitoring was extended for another 15 days, at the end of which the patient reported symptom improvement and no new complications.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a pocket-to cloud portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo's continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit?https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our?StoryHub.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Lenovo on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Lenovo

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/lenovo

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Lenovo

View the original press release on accesswire.com
SWORDS, IRELAND / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been honored with the 2025 Military Friendly Employer Gold Award in the 'Over 5 billion in Revenue' category. Military Friendly sets the standard for measuring an organization's commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the U.S. military community.

"We are deeply honored to receive the Employer Gold Award from Military Friendly," said Chris Kuehn, Trane Technologies Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Veterans Employee Resource Group. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our veteran employees for their service and sacrifices. The diverse skills, experiences and strengths our veterans bring to work every day not only enrich our inclusive and uplifting culture but also made this award possible, helping us shape the narrative of Trane Technologies."

Trane Technologies supports America's dedicated military service members through its Trade Warriors program. The hands-on, 8-week training initiative. launched by the Trane Residential HVAC business, equips service men and women with the necessary skills and certifications to begin successful careers in HVAC upon transitioning to civilian life. Since its inception in 2021, the program has successfully trained 21 cohorts, leading to over 200 job placements so far.

In 2023, the company launched Combat to Controls, a new controls technician training program for veterans. The internship program addresses the industry-wide shortage of controls technicians while helping military service members train for their next careers as Trane building automation controls technicians. Through a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense's SkillBridge program, service members can complete both programs while still receiving pay and benefits from the military.

At Trane Technologies, our veteran employees have found the resources, support and camaraderie that help them to reach their career goals and aspirations. The company offers competitive benefits and employee programs, many designed with our veterans in mind. Visit our career page for veterans to learn more. Veterans can search for jobs using their Military Occupation Code (MOC) to find open positions that align with the skills they acquired in the military.

###

About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.



About Military Friendly Employers

Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,800 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly designation. Military Friendly ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Trane Technologies

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Trane Technologies

View the original press release on accesswire.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A 25-year-long study, led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, followed numerous people born in 1921 and 1936 in Scotland to trace the cognitive development and brain health.'What's particularly fascinating is that even after seven decades, we found correlations of about 0.7 between childhood and older-age cognitive scores,' explained Professor Ian Deary. 'This means that just under half of the variance in intelligence in older age was already present at age 11.'The researchers used the Scottish Mental Surveys of 1932 and 1947 to track the cognitive changes among the participants across the time. During the follow-up, the individuals underwent cognitive assessments, physical examinations, and brain scans.They found that various factors like genetics, social engagement and physical activity influence our brain health. In short, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in mind stimulating activities could result in a smarter brain.The Lothian Birth Cohorts study also found that decline in cognitive health varied from person to person. Some experienced cognitive decline in a young age, whereas some had sharp brains even in their 80s.'We've learned that what we often assume are 'causes' of cognitive decline in older age are sometimes actually 'outcomes' of earlier cognitive differences,' said Dr. Simon Cox. 'This fundamentally changes how we think about brain health interventions.'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.
West Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Surge Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: NILI) (OTCQX: NILIF) (FSE: DJ5) (the "Company" or "Surge") is pleased to announce that it has filed on SEDAR a technical report titled "Technical Report on Mineral Resource Estimate for the Nevada North Lithium Project, Elko Country, Nevada USA" (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report is dated effective October 9, 2024. The Technical Report was required to be filed under NI 43-101 because of the mineral resource estimate (the "MRE") disclosed by the Company in its news release dated September 24, 2024.

The information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Bruce M. Davis, PhD, FAusIMM and Jeffrey D. Phinisey, SME RM#4030404, the authors of the Technical Report. Both authors are Qualified Persons as that term is defined in NI 43-101 and NI 43-101CP.

About Surge Battery Metals Inc.

Surge Battery Metals, a Canadian-based mineral exploration company, is at the forefront of securing the supply of domestic lithium through its active engagement in the Nevada North Lithium Project. The project focuses on exploring for clean, high-grade lithium metal in Nevada, USA, a crucial element for powering the electric vehicles of tomorrow. With a primary listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada and the OTCQX Market in the US, Surge Battery Metals Inc. is strategically positioned as a key player in advancing lithium exploration, contributing significantly to the sustainable future of the electric vehicle industry. At Surge Battery Metals, we are not just exploring minerals; we are pioneering the path to a cleaner and more sustainable future, driving innovation in the lithium sector, and contributing to the evolution of the electric vehicle industry.

About the Nevada North Lithium Project

The Company owns the Nevada North Lithium Project located in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada about 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Elko County, Nevada. The first three phases of drilling, completed in 2022, 2023, and 2024, identified a strongly mineralized zone of lithium bearing clays occupying a strike length of more than 4,300 meters and a known width of greater than 1500 meters. Highly anomalous soil values and geophysical surveys suggest there is potential for the clay horizons to be much greater in extent, while wide drill spacing allows for significant upside to occur during infill drilling. The Nevada North Lithium Project has a pit-constrained Inferred Resource containing an estimated 8.65 Mt of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) grading 2,956 ppm Li at a 1,250 ppm cutoff.

Keep up-to-date with Surge Battery Metals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This document may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan" or "planned", "possible", "potential", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities including lithium and nickel, the accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental, local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure or water, changes in laws, rules and regulations including in the United States, Nevada or California or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for lithium related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in the United States or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations, and intentions with respect to development of its business and of its Nevada properties may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions (including US government subsidies or incentives) on its ability to secure further financing or funding of its Nevada properties. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon several assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental (including endangered species, habitat preservation and water related risks) and social risks, contingencies, and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause 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. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229523

SOURCE: Surge Battery Metals Inc.
The following abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE:ACP, AGD, AOD, ASGI, AWP, HQH, HQL, IFN, JEQ, THQ, THW)(NYSE American:FAX, FCO, IAF, VFL), announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on November 29, 2024 to all shareholders of record as of November 21, 2024 (ex-dividend date November 21, 2024). These dates apply to the Funds listed below with the exception of the abrdn Healthcare Investors (HQH), the abrdn Life Sciences Investors (HQL), the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) which will pay on January 10, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of November 21, 2024 (ex-dividend date November 21, 2024).

Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $ 0.1000 AGD NYSE abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.1200 AOD NYSE abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.1000 ASGI NYSE abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund $ 0.2100 AWP NYSE abrdn Global Premier Properties Fund $ 0.0400 FAX NYSE American abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.1650 FCO NYSE American abrdn Global Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.0700 HQH NYSE abrdn Healthcare Investors $ 0.6200 HQL NYSE abrdn Life Sciences Investors $ 0.5000 IAF NYSE American abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. $ 0.1300 IFN NYSE The India Fund, Inc. $ 0.9300* JEQ NYSE abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. $ 0.1200 THQ NYSE abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund $ 0.1800 THW NYSE abrdn World Healthcare Fund $ 0.1167 VFL NYSE American abrdn National Municipal Income Fund $ 0.0500

* This distribution consists of the regular quarterly distribution of $0.50 and a special capital gains distribution of $0.43 required to meet US tax regulations. The entire distribution is eligible to be paid in newly issued shares of common stock of the Fund to all shareholders who do not otherwise elect to receive cash. See below for more details.

At the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the amount and composition of each fund's distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the prior calendar year.

Each Fund's distribution policy is subject to modification by the respective Board of Directors/Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. You should not draw any conclusions about any of these Funds' investment performance from the amount of the distributions.

MANAGED DISTRIBUTION POLICY FUNDS

ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund ("ASGI")

abrdn Healthcare Investors ("HQH")

abrdn Life Sciences Investors ("HQL")

abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. ("IAF")

The India Fund, Inc. ("IFN")

abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. ("JEQ")

abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund ("THQ")

The above-noted abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds will pay the distributions noted in the chart above on November 29, 2024 to all shareholders of record as of November 21, 2024 (ex-dividend date November 21, 2024). These dates apply to the Funds listed below with the exception of the abrdn Healthcare Investors (HQH), the abrdn Life Sciences Investors (HQL), the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) which will pay on January 10, 2025 to all shareholders of record as of November 21, 2024 (ex-dividend date November 21, 2024).

For abrdn Healthcare Investors (HQH), the abrdn Life Sciences Investors (HQL), the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ), this stock distribution will automatically be paid in newly issued shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Shares of common stock will be issued at the lower of the net asset value ("NAV") per share or the market price per share with a floor for the NAV of not less than 95% of the market price. The valuation date for this stock distribution is December 17, 2024. Fractional shares will generally be settled in cash, except for registered shareholders with book entry accounts at Computershare Investor Services who will have whole and fractional shares added to their account.

Shareholders may request to be paid their quarterly distributions in cash instead of shares of common stock by providing advance notice to the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds their shares if the shares are in "street name," or by filling out in advance an election card received from Computershare Investor Services if the shares are in registered form. To receive the quarterly distribution payable in January 2025 in cash instead of shares of common stock, the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds the shares must advise the Depository Trust Company as to the full and fractional shares for which they want the distribution paid in cash by December 16, 2024, and written notification for the election of cash by registered shareholders must be received by Computershare Investor Services prior to December 16, 2024.

Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital in reliance on an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under applicable U.S. tax rules, the amount and character of distributable income for each Fund's fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related rules, the Funds may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders.

The following tables set forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distributions for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder. The tables have been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables include estimated amounts and percentages for the current distributions to be paid as well as for the cumulative distributions paid relating to fiscal year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated compositions of the distributions may vary because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies.

The Funds' estimated sources of the current distributions to be paid and for its current fiscal year to date are as follows:

Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share Fund Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.2100 $0.0126 6% - - $0.0168 8% $0.1806 86% HQH $0.6200 - - $0.1116 18% $0.1240 20% $0.3844 62% HQL $0.5000 - - $0.1770 35% $0.1040 21% $0.2190 44% IAF $0.1300 $0.0078 6% - - - - $0.1222 94% IFN $0.9300 - - $0.0093 1% $0.9207 99% - - JEQ $0.1200 - - - - - - $0.1200 100% THQ $0.1800 - - $0.0270 15% - - $0.1530 85%

Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share Fund Fiscal Year** to Date Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $0.4200 $0.0252 6% - - $0.0336 8% $0.3612 86% HQH $0.6200 - - $0.1116 18% $0.1240 20% $0.3844 62% HQL $0.5000 - - $0.1770 35% $0.1040 21% $0.2190 44% IAF $0.1300 $0.0078 6% - - - - $0.1222 94% IFN $2.3000 - - $0.0230 1% $2.2770 99% - - JEQ $0.1200 - - - - - - $0.1200 100% THQ $0.3600 - - $0.0540 15% - - $0.3060 85%

* includes currency gains

** ASGI, HQH, HQL and THQ have a 9/30 fiscal year end. IAF and JEQ have a 10/31 fiscal year end. IFN has a 12/31 fiscal year end.

Where the estimated amounts above show a portion of the distribution to be a "Return of Capital," it means that Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all the money that you invested in a Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions for the current year will only be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. After the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders for the prior calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The following table provides the Funds' total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Funds' annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information Fund Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ending 10/31/2024 Current Fiscal Period's Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV Cumulative Total Return on NAV Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV ASGI3 8.46%3 12.50% -3.67% 1.04% HQH 7.97% N/A* -2.31% N/A* HQL 7.91% N/A* -1.16% N/A* IAF 8.58% 9.36% 32.38% 9.36% IFN 9.71% 9.60% 16.79% 7.07% JEQ 2.99% 6.47% 24.10% 6.47% THQ 9.55% 10.00% -4.58% 0.83%

1 Return data is net of all fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan.

2 Based on the Fund's NAV as of October 31, 2024.

3 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through October 31, 2024.

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy").

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market.

Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Funds during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Funds, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received.

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. Each Fund's Board has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time.

The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state, and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

In the United States, abrdn is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, and abrdn Asia Limited.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter

###

For More Information Contact:

abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds

Investor Relations

1-800-522-5465

Investor.Relations@abrdn.com

SOURCE: abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Torrance, California--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Manelli, specializing in professional kitchen apparel, is thrilled to introduce its collection of high-quality chef uniforms, designed for those who demand style, durability, and comfort in their workwear. For over 20 years, the company has crafted chef coats, aprons, and non-slip footwear, each meticulously designed to meet the needs of professional chefs, restaurant owners, and culinary enthusiasts.





Manelli Introduces Line of Stylish and Durable Kitchen Workwear



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10926/229372_0a361ec024e0f834_003full.jpg

In addition to its core products, Manelli's offerings can be explored through its website, where customers can find the full range of collections across various renowned brands like Manelli, Lafont (a pioneer in workwear), Robur, Molinel, Birkenstock, and U-Power. Each brand reflects Manelli's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, catering to diverse needs in the professional kitchen and beyond.

Manelli has long been recognized for its ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. It offers uniforms that not only look great but also perform well in the demanding environment of professional kitchens. Manelli's latest collection builds on this legacy, showcasing materials and cuts that deliver function and style. With breathable eco-friendly fabrics, reinforced stitching, and ergonomic designs, each piece is crafted to withstand the rigors of the kitchen while maintaining a sleek and polished appearance.

Custom Services for Culinary Professionals

Manelli understands the importance of personalization and offers embroidery services to customize chef attire, allowing chefs and restaurants to brand their uniforms with logos, names, or unique designs. Furthermore, Manelli provides engraving services, enabling chefs to add a personal touch to their knives, making them distinct and uniquely their own. This added layer of customization highlights the company's dedication to providing professional-grade products that truly resonate with its clients.

"We believe that quality attire is about more than just appearance; it's about providing chefs with the safety, comfort, and confidence they need to thrive in their fast-paced work environment," says Linda Meddeb. "Crafted for comfort, designed for performance: our uniforms make the difference."

Their chef coats and aprons come in a range of colors and cuts, making them suitable for both the kitchen and dining room. Complementing these are the non-slip shoes, engineered for safety and comfort, providing essential traction and support in the fast-paced kitchen environment.

Shipping Across North America and a Store in Los Angeles

With a dedicated presence in North America, Manelli ships across the United States and Canada, ensuring fast and reliable service to meet the growing needs of its clientele on the continent. For those in the Los Angeles area, Manelli also has a physical store located in Torrance, offering customers the chance to explore the collection in person and receive expert guidance on choosing the best professional attire.

By focusing on premium European brands and maintaining high standards for craftsmanship, Manelli continues to be a trusted name for those seeking workwear that balances tradition with the needs of a modern, professional kitchen. The latest collection is a testament to this dedication, offering attire that chefs can rely on to maintain both their comfort and style during the most demanding shifts.

For more information about Manelli and to explore their latest product offerings, please visit https://manelli.com/.

About Manelli

Founded in Nice over 20 years ago, Manelli is a family-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality professional workwear and cutlery for the culinary industry. Renowned for blending European craftsmanship with modern design, Manelli offers products that withstand the challenges of a demanding kitchen environment. The brand has expanded its presence beyond Europe, establishing an office in California to better serve its North American customers and a retail store in Torrance, Los Angeles.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229372

SOURCE: Brand Featured
French food industry sees vast potential in Chinese market through import expo

Xinhua) 10:57, November 11, 2024

SHANGHAI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- For Daniel Sauvaitre, annual participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has not only provided him with a more realistic and comprehensive understanding of China but also increased his confidence in collaborating with Chinese companies.

Despite numerous reports in French newspapers about a "slowdown" in the Chinese economy, Sauvaitre, president of the interprofessional organization of fresh fruits and vegetables (Interfel) of France, experiences "constant transformation and growth" every time he visits China.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and France has been designated "guest of honor" at this edition of CIIE.

In the French food pavilion, a popular spot at the event, four companies present seven selected varieties of fresh seasonal apples tailored to Chinese tastes, along with French baby kiwi, introduced as a new product at the import expo.

Sauvaitre, who brought the fruit companies to the event, views China as a market highly receptive to innovation and rapid evolution, as well as a global leader in digital technology and e-commerce. He believes that "there is still plenty of room for cooperation between French fruit exporters and their Chinese partners."

He also stressed the need for trade between Europe and China, adding that trade can foster cultural exchanges and promote mutual understanding between peoples around the world.

Jerome Vanachter, president of Lesaffre Greater China, shares an optimistic outlook on the prospects of the Chinese market. The yeast producer has been present in the Chinese market for over 40 years, with factories in Anhui, Guangxi and Inner Mongolia, along with baking centers in several cities to customize products for Chinese consumers' needs.

During this CIIE, Lesaffre has signed 12 strategic cooperation contracts with Chinese baking companies. Vanachter said he was deeply impressed by consumers' attraction to taste innovation.

"You have to understand consumers' needs and market trends, and be ready at all times," he said.

Anne Richard, director of Inaporc, France's national pork industry association, saw CIIE as an "excellent opportunity" to meet potential customers from all over the world. As both are major pork consumers, France and China have great potential for future cooperation, she said.

This is the fifth time that French food company Andros has participated in CIIE. Maxence Zeng, general manager of Andros China, told Xinhua that China offers significant market and investment opportunities, adding that his company aims to further promote Sino-French cooperation and joint development in the agri-food sector through concrete actions.

Andros China has set up a complete agri-food processing chain in China and its products are now directly sold in 179 Chinese cities. The Andros China factory has achieved 100 percent recyclability of its packaging materials, underscoring its commitment to sustainability, according to Zeng.

He pointed out that China boasts a series of favorable factors in terms of social, market and investment environment, such as social stability, vast market potential, proactive investment policies, a well-developed industrial chain, skilled professionals and a series of incentives for foreign enterprises.

These factors are the primary reasons why Andros has chosen to forge a close partnership with China, he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West-African gold exploration company, ") is pleased to announce it has entered into a Market-Making Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with Velocity Trade Capital Ltd. ("Velocity Trade") on September 3, 2024, to provide market-making services in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") policies and applicable laws. Velocity Trade will trade common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") of the Company on the TSXV with the objective of maintaining a reasonable market and improving the liquidity of the Company's Common Shares.

Under the Agreement, Velocity Trade will receive compensation of CDN$6,500 per month, payable monthly in advance. The Agreement is for an initial term of two (2) months and automatically renews for one (1) month periods ("Additional Term") unless either party provides written notice of termination to the other party thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Additional Term. There are no performance obligations contained in the Agreement, and Velocity Trade will not receive Common Shares, stock options, or any other form of equity in the Company as compensation. Velocity Trade and the Company are arms-length parties, and Velocity Trade and its principals do not currently own or have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company, however, Velocity Trade and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future.

About Velocity Trade Capital Ltd. (Velocity Trade)

Velocity Trade is a private and independent investment dealer headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, and registered for trading in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. Velocity Trade is a member of the TMX, and of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization ("CIRO"). Additionally, the firm, through its affiliate companies, is also regulated internationally by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Authority for Financial Markets (AFM) in the Netherlands, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

About Zodiac Gold

Zodiac Gold stands at the forefront of gold exploration in West Africa, boasting a district-scale discovery in the Todi Project. Guided by a commitment to responsible exploration and led by an experienced leadership team, Zodiac Gold is poised to play a pivotal role in the flourishing gold sector of West Africa. The company's flagship Todi project, covering an expansive 2,316 sq km land package, is strategically located in a previously underexplored region with close proximity to the renowned New Liberty Gold Mine. With a robust exploration strategy, excellent access to infrastructure, and a focus on sustainable practices, Zodiac Gold is well-positioned for success in unlocking the full potential of its extensive gold exploration assets.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts that address receipt of regulatory approvals, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are no guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward- looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward- looking statements include the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward- looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229522

SOURCE: Zodiac Gold Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Therma Bright Inc. (TSXV: THRM) (OTCQB: TBRIF) ("Therma Bright" or the "Company"), a developer and investment partner in a wide range of leading-edge, proprietary diagnostic and medical device technologies, announces that the Company has negotiated debt settlements with arm's length creditors. Pursuant to the debt settlements it has arranged, and subject to acceptance by the TSXV, the Company proposes to settle aggregate debt of $297,326.50 in consideration for which it will issue an aggregate of 8,495,042 common shares at a deemed price of $0.035 per share.

All securities issued under the debt settlements will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from their date of issuance.

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 of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Therma Bright Inc.

Therma Bright is a developer and partner in a wide range of leading edge, proprietary diagnostic and medical device technologies focused on providing consumers and medical professionals with quality, innovative solutions that address some of today's most important medical and healthcare challenges. Therma Bright Inc. trades on the (TSXV: THRM) (OTCQB: TBRIF) (FSE: JNX). Visit: www.thermabright.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking" statements. These statements relate to future events and related information as described in the news release. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to several factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229552

SOURCE: Therma Bright Inc.
Airwallex joins the Pledge 1% movement to commit company equity and more toward corporate philanthropy through a sustained ongoing model

"Airwallex Impact" will also include expansion of company volunteerism, Airwallex for Startups programs and discounted product for select nonprofit organisations

Furthering its ongoing commitment to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship, Airwallex today announced the launch of Airwallex Impact, a robust global social impact program, underpinned by a 1% equity commitment for philanthropic giving. It will be bolstered by a commitment to donate 1% of employee time, profits and products to support the innovation community.

In taking the 1% Pledge, Airwallex joins a community of companies committed to the multiplier effect of corporate philanthropy, including global tech leaders Atlassian, Canva, Airbnb, Okta, Reddit and Salesforce.

"As Airwallex enters our 10th year as a business, the time is right to build on our community initiatives to date and commit to an enduring impact program," said Airwallex CEO and Co-founder Jack Zhang. "Purpose is at the core of Airwallex's mission we exist to help businesses thrive, and this work is a natural extension of our dedication to innovation and economic development in the countries where we operate. I'm excited for our company to join the Pledge 1% community."

Atlassian and Pledge 1% Co-Founder Scott Farquhar said, "We founded Pledge 1% in 2015 to encourage companies to bake philanthropy into their DNA. I appreciate the model Jack and team are setting up to apply the social impact lens to the breadth of their business, to serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship and to empower Airwallex employees to be part of the movement."

Sustained corporate philanthropy commitment

By partnering with Pledge 1% to set aside 1 percent of Airwallex stock, currently valued at US$56M, the company has built a sustainable, durable model for ongoing corporate philanthropy. The value of the pledge will grow alongside the company, allowing this commitment today to be a seed for a growing endowment toward social impact. This builds upon previous philanthropic gifts, including an AU$3M donation to the University of Melbourne, which has thus far funded scholarships for 43 students 40 percent of whom identify as female and 56 percent of whom are international students.

Additionally, Airwallex funded an AU$150,000 donation for financial assistance for an additional 65 students to support non-tuition related costs of attending school. These students have become part of the Airwallex community in many ways, having interned at and received formal mentorship from the Airwallex team, which has committed more than 400 hours to mentorship since the program kicked off two years ago.

The Airwallex Impact Program will grow this effort through philanthropic partnerships in its major hubs that support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs through scholarships, financial operations training and startup incubators.

"We are thrilled to welcome Airwallex into the Pledge 1% community of businesses working together to be force multipliers for corporate philanthropy," said Pledge 1% CEO Amy Lesnick. "Airwallex's equity commitment is critical as it will tie company success to long-term philanthropic engagement and impact. As Airwallex grows, so will its funding and its ability to affect change."

In tandem with the philanthropic effort, the Airwallex Impact Program will provide a suite of resources to the innovation community through Airwallex employee mentor programs, the Airwallex for Startups program and product discounts for select nonprofit organisations across the spectrum of public benefit programs. This program is funded by the business itself.

Scaling Airwallex for Startups

The Airwallex for Startups program for founders and entrepreneurs launched in September 2023, and is now live in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, with a planned launch in New Zealand later this month. To date, more than 2,000 startups have joined the program and benefit from our efforts to infuse the startup community ecosystem with partner perks, networking events and other resources tailored to entrepreneurs' needs. Airwallex has hosted more than 50 events aimed at cultivating startup success.

Empowering team Airwallex to give back

Beginning in 2025, all 1,600+ Airwallex employees will commit three days per year to volunteering amounting to roughly 1 percent of employee time devoted to community service. Two of these days will be focused on service in partnership with Airwallex Impact initiatives, and one can be dedicated to any not-for-profit organisation the employees choose.

This global effort builds upon Airwallex's track record of mentoring and nurturing startup communities in Australia. In recent years, Airwallex has helped break down barriers for entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing and access to capital, including providing pro-bono mentoring through Australia's Techstars incubator program as well as grants to early-stage startups across AI and FinTech to accelerate their growth.

Additionally, as a foundational partner to the Sydney-based AI Build Club, we supported Australia's largest AI hackathon and sponsored the travel of a majority female-founder team to travel to San Francisco to begin their capital-raising journey. Helping to unlock barriers for underrepresented founders is part of what Airwallex hopes to do to ignite innovation.

Reflecting on his personal goals for volunteerism at Airwallex, Zhang said, "Airwallex's people are among the brightest and boldest across a range of disciplines. Their expertise has been core to our growth, and the learnings they've amassed as part of a fast-growth startup are immense. Beyond building our own company, there's great rewards and joy to be found in paying that forward to help the entire ecosystem to flourish."

Discounted Airwallex Products for Nonprofit Entities

In mid-2025, as part of Airwallex's commitment to innovation and community, the company will roll out a program for select non-profits to use Airwallex products at a discounted rate.

NOTES TO MEDIA

If you have any questions or would like to request further information, please contact press@airwallex.com.

About Airwallex

Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With our proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more. For more information, visit https://www.airwallex.com.

About Pledge 1%

Pledge 1% is leading a global movement to embed social impact into all businesses. Providing a simple, flexible framework for setting aside staff time, product, profit, and/or equity, Pledge 1% encourages and empowers companies of all sizes to leverage their assets for good.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241111604808/en/

Contacts:

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The Sabarmati Report delves into the tragic incident that occurred on the Sabarmati Express on the morning of February 27, 2002, near Godhra station in Gujarat read more

The trailer of The Sabarmati Report has been released, and it has really created a stir in the truest sense. Offering hard-hitting glimpse of one of the most devastating incidents in Indias history, the trailer indeed left the nation stand still raising plethora of questions about the incident that literally shook the nation. While audiences are keen to learn more about this lesser-known incident, actor Vikrant Massey intensified the anticipation by making a surprise visit to Godhra railway station, the site of the event that inspired the film and it was indeed an experience of its own for the actor to have a look at the site where the shocking incident happened in real.

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Lead actor Vikrant Massey made a surprise visit to Godhra railway station, a place of great significance where the incident happened. The Sabarmati Report delves into the tragic incident that occurred on the Sabarmati Express on the morning of February 27, 2002, near Godhra station in Gujarat. So, Vikrants visit to the Godhra railway station is indeed a major milestone in films journey.

Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd presents, A Vikir Films Production, The Sabarmati Report starring Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna, and Ridhi Dogra, directed by Dheeraj Sarna and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Amul V Mohan and Anshul Mohan, a worldwide wide release by Zee Studios. The film will be releasing in theatres on 15th November 2024.
The Ministry of External Affairs, taking note of reports of the arrest of Arshdeep Singh Gill aka Arsh Dalla, said it expects Canada to extradite him. The 28-year-old was an aide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and has been accused in India of extortion, terror financing, weapons smuggling and targeted killings read more

India is now seeking the extradition of Khalistani extremist Arshdeep Singh Gill aka Arsh Dalla.

Dalla, an aide of slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has been detained by the Canadian Police.

The development occurred after a shooting on 28 October.

The Ministry of External Affairs, taking note of reports of Dallas arrest, said it expects Canada to extradite him and that it will follow up on extradition requests, as per NDTV.

But who is Dalla? How was he arrested? And what do we know about Indias extradition treaty with Canada?

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Lets take a closer look:

Who is Arsh Dalla?

Dalla is a gangster, who was designated a terrorist by India in 2023.

The 28-year-old is associated with the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and ran terror modules on behalf of Nijjar, who was killed in Canada in June 2023.

Dalla was born in Ludhiana, Punjab, but he has recently lived in Surrey, British Columbia, with his wife and daughter.

The terrorist started becoming active in 2020 and is wanted for multiple murders in Punjab. He is also accused of extortion, terror financing and raising terror modules, targeted killings and cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons. He has links to the notorious Canadian gangster Goldy Brar and the terrorist group, International Sikh Youth Federation.

According to Indias Ministry of Home Affairs, Dalla is an accused in various cases registered and investigated by the National Investigation Agency including disturbing communal harmony and creating terror among the people in the state of Punjab. The Centre believes that Dalla is involved in terrorism and hence designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 by exercising the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the Act, the MHA notification had said.

Last year, Delhi Police said Dalla has links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Dalla took responsibility for the murder of Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli, who was shot dead at his residence in Punjabs Moga in September last year, reports The Times of India. He and Nijjar formed a three-member KTF module which was behind the murder of Tejinder Singh alias Pinka, a store owner in Moga.

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He planned the killing of a Hindu president in Jalandhar in 2021 and was involved in the murders of a Dera Sacha Sauda disciple in November 2020 and criminal Sukhpreet Singh, reports Mint.

In January 2022, Dalla joined hands with Nijjar and planned to target Harmanbir Singh Gill, the then SSP of Moga and two inspectors of the crime investigation agency (CIA) wing in Moga.

A supporter waves a pro-Khalistan flag during a protest outside Indias consulate, a week after Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the prospect of New Delhis involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Vancouver, British Columbia on 25 September. Dalla is a Khalistan terrorist wanted in India. Reuters

How was he arrested?

According to NDTV, Dalla was taken in by the police after being injured in a gunfight with unknown assailants.

The incident occurred on October 28.

Dalla was initially taken to a hospital with bullet wounds to his right bicep.

Dalla was taken to Guelph Hospital.

However, he and his aide Gurjant Singh were arrested after the police found illegal weapons in his car.

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Police found bullet marks on the driver side of their Dodge Durango SUV as well as the front window.

They also found two shell casings on the passengers seat  which indicated that Gill and Singh had returned fire.

However, The Times of India reported that Dalla was fired upon by his own aide and had fabricated the entire story to blame rival Lawrence Bishnoi.

Local police were initially unaware of who Dalla was.

However, they had asked for Dalla to be remanded to their custody for three days.

The police also carried out a search and seizure operation at Dallas home and alerted Canadas federal police.

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The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) on November 5 said that it had arrested two men on charges of discharging firearm with intent following an investigation after the duo had come to a hospital and one of them was treated for a gunshot and later discharged. It did not disclose their identity and said both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) was contacted by Gulep Police in the early morning hours of October 28 after two men were attended at a hospital in Gulep. One was treated and released for a non-threatening gunshot wound suffered in the Halton region while the other was not injured, according to a statement by Halton police.

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The HRPS Major Crime Bureau is now investigating and both males have been arrested. A 25-year-old male of Halton Hills and a 28-year-old male of Surrey BC have both been charged with Discharging Firearm with Intent, the police statement said, adding they were actively investigating the incident.

Will Dalla be extradited? What about the extradition treaty between India and Canada?

While Dalla was held in late October, there is no information if he is still in jail.

NDTV noted that the Canadian authorities never confirmed Dallas identity.

According to the outlet, India has repeatedly shared information about Dalla with Canada but the authorities remain extremely reluctant to do so.

However, they are hopeful that this time will be different and that Dalla will be extradited soon.

But it may be a rather difficult task.

While Dalla is a wanted man in India, his detention in Canada is of little help to New Delhi.

Extradition is a tough job and in todays scenario (it is) next to impossible. (Also) they have not arrested him so far, only detained, a source told CNN-News18.

As per The Print, the extradition treaty was signed between India and Canada in 1987.

The development came in the aftermath of the Air India Kanishka bombing which claimed 329 lives.

Just six fugitives sought by India have been returned from Canada between 2002 and 2020, according to the outlet.

In June 2023, a standing committee of Canadas Parliament called for Ottawa to withdraw from extradition treaties with nearly a dozen nations including India that they said did not conform to international human rights standards.

Authorities in Canada have been extremely reluctant to bring extradition proceedings for fear of backlash from an organised and well-funded Khalistan lobby, an Indian police officer The Print

As per the outlet, Canada does not publish data on extraditions.

However, The Print quoted media reports sas showign that it extradited 681 of the 755 individuals sought by foreign governments between 2007 and 2018.

Ottawa, during that decade, received 1,210 extradition requests.

Which means nearly half the extradition requests did not meet the legal threshold..

Meanwhile, Indian government officials have been unable to gather any information because of the ongoing standoff between India and Canada.

The diplomatic channels between the two countries closed after Trudeau claimed that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Nijjar.

Last month, India and Canada expelled each others diplomats.

Canada, under pressure, has arrested India's most-wanted Terrorist, Arsh Dalla, in connection with a shooting incident in Canada following a brief shootout. Dalla is affiliated with the terrorist group Khalistan Tiger Force and was close to Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh pic.twitter.com/YeNhXoVBVD  Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) November 10, 2024

Does Dalla continue to influence criminal activities in Punjab?

While the Khalistani terrorist is in Canada, his associates continue to operate in Punjab.

Earlier on Sunday, Punjab Police announced the arrest of two shooters of Arsh Dallas gang, who were allegedly involved in the murder of a Sikh activist last month, from Kharar in Mohali.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the arrest came in a joint operation of the state special operation cell, the Anti-gangster Task Force and Faridkot Police. The two were identified as Anmolpreet Singh alias Vishal, a resident of Bhadorh in Barnala and Navjot Singh alias Neetu, a resident of Nijjar Road in Kharar.

With inputs from agencies
Murdered in 2009, a lifesize hologram of a young sex worker is now being used by Dutch police in Amsterdam to try and solve the cold case. Despite years of reviewing the CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses, her killer was never found read more

She was murdered 15 years ago. Now, a lifesize hologram of her dressed in faded denim hotpants and a leopard-print bra with a snake tattoo winding up her stomach is displayed in a bid to solve the cold case.

Cold-case detectives are hoping that this creative approach will jog witnesses memories and create new leads in the unsolved crime.

The hologram, placed behind a window, appears to look out at passers-by, knocking on the glass, with the word help fogging up on the window as she seemingly breathes on it.

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ALSO READ | The shocking murder of Miss Switzerland finalist: Killed by husband, pureed in a blender

Despite previous police efforts, investigators have struggled to collect leads due to lack of witness cooperation, leaving the killer still at large.

Who was the murdered woman?

Bernadett Betty Szabo was a 19-year-old Hungarian sex worker who was killed in 2009.

Bernadett Betty Szabo had moved to Amsterdam to escape poverty in Hungarys Nyiregyhaza. Image courtesy: politie.nl

She had moved from poverty in Hungarys Nyiregyhaza to Amsterdam at the age of 18, where she worked as a prostitute, often long hours, in the Red Light District, Dutch police said in a statement.

Szabo soon became pregnant but continued working during her pregnancy, eventually giving birth to her son in November 2008.

Just three months later, her life came to an end when she was found in her workroom, lying in a pool of blood, having been stabbed dozens of times, according to Dutch police.

Cold case detective Anne Dreijer-Heemskerk has called her story haunting and hopes that new witnesses will come forward due to the hologram.

A young girl, just turned 19, who was robbed of her life in a horrible way. And who didnt have an easy life before she died, she said.

She worked long hours as a sex worker and kept working until just before she gave birth to her sonWe hope witnesses who may have been afraid before or kept silent for other reasons now have the courage to come forward.

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Benjamin van Gogh, coordinator of the Amsterdam Wanted and Missing Persons Team stated that the cops have renewed hope that the innovative hologram - a first for the city- might push anyone with information about Bettys murder to come forward after 15 years of silence.

Notably, her child was placed in foster care, never knowing his mother, which remains a strong motivation for the detectives.

Despite the police launching an immediate murder investigation, her killer was never identified. Police reviewed CCTV footage and interviewed witnesses, but the case became cold.

The Red Light District was deeply shaken by the murder - people left flowers, and many joined a silent march in her memory. While a 46-year-old man was initially detained, he was soon released due to lack of evidence.

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ALSO READ | The shocking case of British doctor who tried killing mothers partner with fake COVID jab

Final attempt

Dutch police, calling this a final attempt to solve Szabos murder, created the hologram after they got approval from her family.

The hologram of Bernadett Betty Szabo in Amsterdams Red Light District. Image courtesy: X/@Nerdy_Addict

Alongside the hologram, which appears in the Red Light District, they have increased visibility of the case with posters, large stickers, and television screens broadcasting details.

Wie bracht de 19-jarige Betty Szabo om het leven?

De Amsterdamse politie doet vanaf vandaag een ultieme laatste poging om te achterhalen wie in 2009 de toen 19-jarige sekswerker Betty Szabo vermoordde(n). Met een uitgebreide campagne in het Wallen-gebied wordt een week lang op pic.twitter.com/fjvQ8QJYlV  Politie Eenheid Amsterdam (@POL_Amsterdam) November 9, 2024

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The reward for tips leading to the killer has been raised to $32,000.

Despite a thorough investigation, which included CCTV analysis and witness interviews, the case had become cold. However, recent interest from the police has revived efforts to find the perpetrator, whom they suspect may have been a foreigner.

Meanwhile, as the city debates over relocating its brothels to a designated erotic zone, Szabos hologram reminds people of the risks sex workers face, even in supposedly secure areas. The area now displays moving images of Szabo and crime scene footage, and a documentary about her case will also be shown to raise awareness. Flyers are also being distributed to inform the public and encourage any witnesses or informants to step forward.

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ALSO READ | A slice of crime: How German police cracked down on cocaine pizza

There must be people that know more

Speaking to CNN, Eline Roovers, a spokesperson for Amsterdam Police said that it is never too late to talk.

She added, Research shows that people who commit a crime like this usually tell multiple people - 2.2 persons to be exact - what they have done. This means that there must be people that know more about Bettys death.

Now, the Dutch authorities are appealing to tourists from around the globe, specifically those who visited Amsterdam in February 2009, to come forward if they recall any unusual details or conversations related to Betty Szabos murder.

Detective Anne Dreijer-Heemskerk said, It is really almost impossible that there are no people who saw or heard something unusual at the time. Or heard someone talk about the case, which doesnt even have to have been in Amsterdam, because, after all, the red light district gets visitors from all over the world, The Guardian reported.

Bettys hologram, which went on display on November 9, will remain visible until November 16 to help bring closure to the 15-year-old case.
Pollution has reached apocalyptic levels in Pakistans Punjab province. Last week, AQI in Multan exceeded 2,000, the worst on the planet. Earlier, Lahore recorded an AQI of 1,900  over 120 times higher than the limit defined by the World Health Organization. This extreme pollution has pushed various cities into a green lockdown. What is going on? read more

Lahore, capital Punjab province in Pakistan has been blanketed in a thick layer of smoke and fog for days. AFP

Itchy throats, relentless coughing, and burning eyesthese are now daily complaints on the streets of major cities in Pakistans Punjab province, where suffocating smog has reached apocalyptic levels.

As per Swiss air quality monitor IQAir, conditions in Multan reached shocking levels as the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 2,000 last week, the worst level on the planet.

Lahore, the provincial capital, was no less better as the AQI surged to 1,900 over 120 times higher than the limit defined by the World Health Organization.

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Its become a physical ordeal just to go outdoors, said Jawaria, a 28-year-old student in Lahore, speaking to The Guardian.

So, whats behind this alarming pollution spike in Pakistan, and how are officials responding? Heres a closer look.

Pakistan cities under lockdown'

The smog situation which is worsening day by day, has led authorities to place many cities in Pakistans Punjab under forced lockdowns, reported _ANI.

_

Lahore, the state capital of 14 million people, has been blanketed in a thick layer of smoke and fog for days.

As a result, the city witnessed widespread road closures due to low visibility, after reports of multiple accidents were reported. Earlier, a major incident on GT Road near Kalashah Kako saw nine people injured when a van rammed into a stationary truck, its driver unable to see the parked vehicle through the dense haze.

Motorbike rickshaws, heavy vehicles and motorbike parking were banned from hotspot areas - part of a so-called green lockdown- that has urged people to stay indoors and prompted school closures across the state.



The children are constantly coughing, they have constant allergies. In schools we saw that most of the children were falling sick, Rafia Iqbal, a 38-year-old primary school teacher told AFP.

The PM 2.5 concentration in Multan, the second largest city in Southern Punjab, reached 947 micrograms per cubic metre, close to 190 times the WHO-recommended level. Anything over 5 micrograms per cubic metre is hazardous.

Lahore witnessed widespread road closures due to low visibility after reports of multiple accidents were reported. AFP



Rafias husband Muhammad Safdar, a 41-year-old advertising professional, said the level of pollution is making daily living impossible.

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We cannot move around, we cannot go outside, we can do nothing at all, he told the news agency.

By the end of the week, the Lahore High Court has also ordered that all markets in the Punjab province close by 8 pm each night, with a complete shutdown on Sundays. Parks and zoos will remain closed until November 17.

Also read: Diseases and deaths: How air pollution turns Delhi deadly every year

Hospital admissions see a spike

As pollution levels reach alarming highs, the impact on health has become undeniable.

Last week, the BBC reported that around 900 people were hospitalised in Lahore due to severe breathing issues.

More and more people are coming with complaints of asthma, itchy throats, and coughing, Dr Irfan Malik, a pulmonologist at one of Lahores largest hospitals, told the publication.

For most families, air purifiers are a luxury for the wealthy in the city. The cost of the machine, combined with frequent filter replacements in such extreme pollution, puts a strain on household budgets.

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Ammar Ali Jan, a historian in Lahore, told _The Guardian_s, Only the elite who can afford air purifiers can breathe safely  its a form of apartheid."

The World Health Organization warns that air pollution can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory conditions, with children, babies, and the elderly particularly vulnerable.

The World Health Organization warns that air pollution can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory conditions, with children, babies, and the elderly particularly vulnerable. File Photo/ PTI

ashif, a Lahore resident, shared her concerns with the BBC, saying, Like every mother, I want to see my children run and play without fearing pollution. I see my children struggle with coughs and breathing problems these days, and it is a painful reminder that our air has become extremely toxic.

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Dr Alia Haider, a physician and climate activist, has called for awareness campaigns, noting that many patients are unaware of the dangers of smog.

We are stuck in our own poison, she told AFP. Its like a cloud of gas over the city.

Also read: Delhi, Lahore, & Dhaka: Is South Asia becoming the worlds smog capital?

Why are the pollution levels so bad?

One major cause of smog is the common practice among farmers of burning crop stubble to clear their fields quickly and cheaply.

Though this method is illegal in Pakistan, weak enforcement has allowed it to continue. Each year, a similar situation plays out in India, where farmers in Punjab burn crop residue, creating dense smog over Delhi and other parts of northern India. This year, Delhis Air Quality Index (AQI) breached the severe mark multiple times.

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The Punjab government in Pakistan claims it has offered farmers alternatives to stubble burning. However, Khalid Khokhar, president of the farmers association, refuted this. More than 10 million farmers live and work in Punjab. Burning the crop is the cheapest option, so thats why it has continued. We need help for a cheap alternative for all farmers, he told The Guardian.

In addition to vehicle emissions, this technique known as Stubble burning plays a role in the declining AQI in Pakistan. File image. PTI

According to Nasa, stubble burning is projected to increase this year, with estimates suggesting between 15,500 and 18,500 fires, as per Hiren Jethva, a senior research scientist at Nasas Goddard Space Flight Center and Morgan State University.

In addition, much of Lahores air pollution stems from emissions from the citys five million motorbikes and millions of other vehicles. On Friday, Lahores high court identified heavy traffic emissions as a primary contributor to the smog, the BBC reported, citing the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Adding to the problem are industries on Lahores outskirts, particularly coal-fired brick kilns, which pump further pollutants into the air. As the year ends, cold air descending from Tibet traps this pollution over the city, intensifying the smog.

Industries on Lahores outskirts, particularly coal-fired brick kilns, which pump further pollutants into the air. AFP

The situation has become so dire that this week, Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Punjab in Pakistan, proposed setting aside political tensions to initiate a smog diplomacy initiative with India to address the shared air pollution crisis.

Abid Omar, founder of Pakistans Air Quality Initiative, told the BBC that swift action is needed from both governments. The roadmap to clean air is clear, but the present policies from both India and Pakistan arent enough to significantly reduce pollution. I tell people, blue skies are an indicator of good governance, he said.

With input from agencies
The incident occurred on Sunday when security forces and police were conducting a joint operation against terrorists in the Zabarwan forest area near Srinagar. The two trekkers, who were hiking in the forest, took shelter behind rocks. They were rescued after dialing 100 and alerting the police about their predicament read more

In this photo, Indian Army personnel are seen deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. PTI

Two trekkers found themselves caught in an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Thankfully, they lived to tell the tale.

The incident occurred on Sunday when security forces and police were conducting a joint operation against terrorists.

But what happened? How did they survive?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

As per News18, security forces had launched the operation based on intelligence inputs they had receive about the presence of terrorists in the area.

A joint police and security forces operation was launched in Zabarwan forest area of Srinagar based on specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists. An exchange of fire ensued during the operation, Jammu and Kashmir Police wrote on X.

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Eyewitnesses told PTI that the forest area resonated with gunshots shortly after a contingent of Army, police and CRPF personnel appeared there and launched a search operation around 9 am.

The trekkers, who were hiking in the forest, took shelter behind rocks amid sounds of gunfire.

Then, one of them had the idea to dial 100.

The Police Control Room then forwarded the distress call to the officers on duty.

After the trekkers informed the officers of their location, the operation was briefly paused.

The trekkers were then rescued.

A senior police officer told Indian Express, The operation had started and as soon as they (the trekkers) heard the initial firing, they called the police on 100. Post this, the control room informed the local police and information was conveyed to the Army, who then stopped firing for a while to rescue them.

Fortunately, one among them had an idea and he dialled 100. The PCRs swift coordination in relaying information to the officers on duty was instrumental in preventing a possible tragedy," a senior police officer was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The police have now asked those going on trek to alert them to their travel plans.

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As per NDTV, the hiking season is on in the Valley  which could become an issue in certain areas where security operations are on.

Trekkers and adventure enthusiasts should inform the nearest police station about their travel plans and expected routes, especially in areas where there could be security operations. This protocol ensures we can act swiftly to ensure their safety if unexpected incidents occur, Kashmir Police Chief Vidhi Kumar Birdi was quoted as saying.

We encourage everyone - locals, tourists, and especially trekkers - to use the helpline services, including dialling 100 or directly reaching out to police stations, should they face any situation that requires immediate intervention. This way, the Police can ensure swift assistance while coordinating with ongoing operations, Birdi added.

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Never witnessed such an incident

The forested area has a cluster of over a dozen houses and many residents fled the locality due to panic. This forest area serves the locals in grazing their cattle and also womenfolk bring firewood from the woods to save themselves from the bone-chilling winter of Kashmir.

I heard a few gunshots in the morning but I did not know it was happening in the neighbourhood. I have been living here for the past two decades and never witnessed such an incident, Abdul Khaliq, a local resident, said.

I, along with my wife, immediately left our house and ran for safety. There are at least two dozen houses in this forest area, he added.

Abdul Rashid, another resident of Ishber, has been a frequent visitor to the forest area for quite a long time. This morning, he left his cattle in the forest area and was returning when the encounter started.

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Today, I also took my cow and a few sheep into the woods. While I was coming down, I heard some gunshots. My cattle are still there and I am here waiting at the road for them. This is an unusual sight for us because this is a quiet place otherwise, a visibly disturbed Rashid told PTI.

Soon after the exchange of fire began, additional reinforcements from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of police and the CRPF rushed to the area and placed it under a tight cordon.

I, along with other women, went early in the morning in the forest to collect firewood but we did not see anything. Later on, when we reached home, we heard gunshots. I am still wondering what exactly happened. Our relatives are calling us as it is everywhere on social media, a woman, who insisted not to be named, said.

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With inputs from agencies
Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to take oath as the new Chief Justice of India, succeeding CJI DY Chandrachud. Meanwhile, in Kolkata, Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, will face trial nearly three months after a postgraduate doctor was found dead read more

Justice Sanjiv Khanna will take over as the 51st CJI of India. Image courtesy: sci.gov.in

November 11 is set to be a busy day with several significant events across India and globally.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna will take his oath as the new Chief Justice of India, succeeding outgoing CJI DY Chandrachud.

In the Kolkata rape-murder case, the main accused, Sanjay Roy, will face trial nearly three months after the death of a postgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Air India and Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will formally merge today, creating a unified full-service carrier.

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On the global stage, today marks Armistice Day, commemorating the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918, and the 20th anniversary of Yasser Arafats death, the first president of Palestine and chairman of the PLO.

Lets take a closer look at these occasions.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna to take oath as next CJI

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to be sworn in as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) today, succeeding outgoing CJI DY Chandrachud.

Outgoing CJI Chandrachud proposed Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor. Image courtesy: X/Screengrab

Appointed by President Droupadi Murmu, Justice Khanna, the current senior-most judge of the Supreme Court will assume office as the 51st CJI, with a term lasting until May 13, 2025.

Since his appointment to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019, Justice Khanna has presided over several cases of national significance, including rulings on electoral bonds and the repeal of Article 370.

Kolkata rape-murder case: Accused Sanjay Roys trial to begin

Nearly three months after the death of a postgraduate doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the trial of the accused, Sanjay Roy, is set to begin today.

Sanjay Roy will face trial today in the case of the death of a postgraduate doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. (File Photo)

Last week, a Sealdah court framed murder charges against Roy, who faces allegations under Section 103(1) (murder), Section 64 (rape), and Section 66 (causing death or persistent vegetative state) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The incident, which took place on August 9, led to widespread protests by junior doctors in West Bengal, who staged a cease-work protest demanding justice for the deceased.

Vistara-Air India merger

Today, full-service carriers Air India and Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, are set to merge.

Starting November 12, 2024, all reservations for Vistara flights will be available only through the Air India website.

Announced in November 2022, this merger will see Singapore Airlines holding a 25.1% stake in Air India upon the deals completion.

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Armistice Day: The end of World War I

Observed on November 11, Armistice Day commemorates the end of World War I, marking the end of hostilities at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Military personnel walk past the Cenotaph, on Whitehall, as part of remembrance commemorations in London, Britain, November 11, 2021. Reuters/File Photo

The armistice agreement, signed between Germany and the Entente, came into effect at 11 AM after its signing in the early hours of the same day.

This day is remembered worldwide: in the United States as Veterans Day, honouring armed forces veterans, and in the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Commonwealth nations, where two minutes of silence is observed at 11:00 am.

20th death anniversary of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat

Today also marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat, the first president of Palestine and the chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

People pass by a mural depicting late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at Mar Elias refugee camp, in Beirut, Lebanon, August 28, 2024. Reuters

Known for his historic role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Arafat famously addressed the UN in 1974 when he said that he was holding an olive branch for peace in one hand and a freedom fighters pistol in the other.

He died on this day in 2004 in France after a period of illness.

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With inputs from agencies
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers recent Diwali bash has left a bad taste in the mouths of British-Hindus, with some questioning the appalling lack of understanding of the spiritual aspect of the Hindu festival. The reason: the party at 10 Downing had lamb kebabs and alcohol on the menu read more

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and members of the Arunima Kumar Dance Company hold candles to light a lamp during a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate Diwali in London, Britain. Reuters

A party is normally meant for celebrations and fun. However, United Kingdoms Prime Minister Keir Starmers get-together invited the ire of some British Hindus.

Why?

Because the prime ministers Diwali party at 10 Downing Street included non-vegetarian snacks and alcohol on the menu.

Here is what happened.

Diwali celebrations at 10 Downing

On October 31, Keir Starmer, the UK PM and Labour leader, held Diwali celebrations at 10 Downing, which was attended by community leaders and top politicians of the country. The party saw spiritual messages being read out along with the lighting of diyas. There was also music and dance to highlight Diwalis message of good overcoming evil. Famous Kuchipudi dance artist Arunima Kumar and her young students, Arushi Nagaraju and Aishwarya Gupta performed the traditional dance of Jyotir at the event.

In his message to the British-Indian community, Starmer at the get-together was also quoted as saying, We value and respect your heritage and traditions, and recognise the strength of our shared values and the celebration of Diwali  a time of coming together, of abundance, and welcome.

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Keir Starmer lights candles on the doorsteps of 10 Downing Street to mark the festival of Diwali. File image/@@Keir_Starmer/X

There seems to be a lot of darkness across the world, and having that celebration of the light over darkness is very, very important. It gives us hope, it steadies us, he said.

Later on X, the UK PM wishing people for Diwali said, Happy Diwali to all those celebrating across the UK, I wish you and your family a joyful celebration. This is a time of coming together, abundance and welcome, and a moment to fix our eyes on the light which always triumphs over the darkness.

He also shared images of the celebrations on the social networking platform.

Non-veg and alcohol on the menu

However, it seems that Starmers Diwali party has left a bitter taste in the mouths of some. It is reported that staff served alcohol and meat at the Diwali gala. According to a report by The Spectator, a few attending guests were rather displeased to find that beer, wine and lamb kebabs were all on offer at the event.

This move has attracted criticism by a few British-Hindus, calling out Starmer for the lack of cultural sensitivity.

Insight UK, which is a social movement of British Hindus and Indians, expressed disappointment, highlighting what they described as an appalling lack of understanding of the religious significance of Diwali.

In a long message on Instagram, expressing their disdain, Insight UK said, Diwali is not just a time for festivity, but also holds a deeply religious meaning. The sacred festival of Diwali emphasises purity and devotion and hence traditionally involves vegetarian meals and strict avoidance of alcohol.

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The choice of menu at the Diwali celebration hosted by the prime minister himself, displays an appalling lack of understanding or respect for the religious traditions associated with the festival of Diwali.

It further questioned if the Hindu community or religious leaders were taken into consideration while planning the event to ensure sensitivity and inclusivity.

But it wasnt just Insight UK that was upset. Pandit Satish K Sharma, a prominent British Hindu priest, also expressed anger over the presence of meat and alcohol at Starmers party, calling it a great concern and disappointing even if unintentional.

'The complete lack of sensitivity and simple consultation, at any level, is of great concern. If accidental, it's still disappointing. @SeemaMalhotra1 ?

If deliberate @UKLabour and @10DowningStreet team have again sent a message to the British Hindu community'. @Keir_Starmer may https://t.co/GxCcXrfYr7 pic.twitter.com/czzDQfv5jq  Pt Satish K Sharma MBCS FRSA FRAS (@thebritishhindu) November 10, 2024

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I was disappointed and frankly quite shocked that this years celebrations at 10 Downing Street, rather than being a reflective, positive and uplifting spiritual coming together, it seems to have been more of an inebriated meat-induced stupor dominated the event, he was quoted as saying.

Its a tragedy that the prime ministers advisers would have been so careless, negligent and inattentive. The thing thats most disappointing is this is one of those events where lack of care and attention actually does more harm than if the event had not been held at all, Sharma added, saying Starmer has sent a message to the British Hindu community.

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Neither Starmer nor 10 Downing have responded to the row.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrates Diwali at 10 Downing Street in 2023. File image/PTI

Diwalis at 10 Downing

Diwali celebrations at 10 Downing Street are not a new phenomenon. It was in 2009 that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown began celebrating the festival at 10 Downing. At the time, Brown said, This is a great day for Downing Street, a great day for us and a great day for Britain to celebrate Diwali for the first time in Downing Street. This is a historic event.

Last year, the celebration of the festival had added significance as Rishi Sunak, the first British-Asian PM and a devout Hindu himself, marked the celebrations in 10 Downing. He and his wife Akshata Murty and their two daughters lit diyas outside 10 Downing Street. They then joined Diwali celebrations in Southampton.

To veg or to non-veg

The presence of alcohol at a Diwali party, as was served at the Starmer event, is a strict no-no for Hindus amid this time of celebrations. However, the serving of non-vegetarian food has also raised the question of whether meat is consumed during this period.

While some communities in India consume meat on Diwali, for others the festival is observed with vegetarian meals. For instance, some communities in Tamil Nadu celebrate Diwali with a non-vegetarian breakfast that includes idly and mutton curry.

With inputs from agencies
We may forget information for a host of reasons and blame our memory in a go. However, scientists have found that forgetting actually helps people to prioritise important information, and create opportunities to form new ones read more

When we remember something, our brains need to learn it (encode), keep it safe (store) and recover it when needed (retrieve). Forgetting can occur at any point in this process. Image used for representational purposes/Pixabay

Forgetting is part of our daily lives. You may walk into a room only to forget why you went in there  or perhaps someone says hi on the street and you cant remember their name.

But why do we forget things? Is it simply a sign of memory impairment, or are there benefits?

One of the earliest findings in this area highlighted that forgetting can occur simply because the average persons memories fade away. This comes from 19th century German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, whose forgetting curve showed how most people forget the details of new information quite rapidly, but this tapers off over time. More recently, this has been replicated by neuroscientists.

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The forgetting curve

Forgetting can also serve functional purposes, however. Our brains are bombarded with information constantly. If we were to remember every detail, it would become increasingly difficult to retain the important information.

One of the ways that we avoid this is by not paying sufficient attention in the first place. Nobel prize winner Eric Kandel, and a host of subsequent research, suggest that memories are formed when the connections (synapses) between the cells in the brain (the neurons) are strengthened.

Paying attention to something can strengthen those connections and sustain that memory. This same mechanism enables us to forget all the irrelevant details that we encounter each day. So although people show increased signs of being distracted as they age, and memory-related disorders such as Alzheimers disease are associated with attention impairments, we all need to be able to forget all the unimportant details in order to create memories.

Remembering new information

Recalling a memory can sometimes also lead to it changing for the purposes of coping with new information. Suppose your daily commute involves driving the same route every day. You probably have a strong memory for this route, with the underlying brain connections strengthened by each journey.

But suppose one Monday, one of your usual roads is closed, and theres a new route for the next three weeks. Your memory for the journey needs to be flexible enough to incorporate this new information. One way in which the brain does this is by weakening some of the memory connections, while strengthening new additional connections to remember the new route.

Recalling a memory can sometimes also lead to it changing for the purposes of coping with new information. Image for Representation. Pixabay

Clearly, an inability to update our memories would have significant negative consequences. Consider PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), where an inability to update or forget a traumatic memory means an individual is perpetually triggered by reminders in their environment.

From an evolutionary standpoint, forgetting old memories in response to new information is undoubtedly beneficial. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors might have repeatedly visited a safe water hole, only to one day discover a rival settlement, or a bear with newborn cubs there. Their brains had to be able to update the memory to label this location as no longer safe. Failure to do so would have been a threat to their survival.

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Rekindle memories

Sometimes, forgetting may not be due to memory loss, but to changes in our ability to access memories. Rodent research has demonstrated how forgotten memories can be remembered (or reactivated) by supporting the synaptic connections mentioned above.

Rodents were taught to associate something neutral (like a bell ringing) with something unpleasant (like a mild shock to the foot). After several repetitions, the rodents formed a fear memory where hearing the bell made them react as though they expected a shock. The researchers were able to isolate the neuronal connections which were activated by pairing the bell and the shock, in the part of the brain known as the amygdala.

Scientists are trying to give AI human brains, quite literally. A team of researchers in Australia has won a grant to research how to get AI models to operate on human brain cells and other non-silicon based processors

They then wondered if artificially activating these neurons would make the rodents act as if they expected their foot to be shocked even if there was no bell and no shock. They did this using a technique called optogenetic stimulation, which involves using light and genetic engineering, and showed that it was indeed possible to activate (and subsequently inactivate) such memories.

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One way that this might be relevant to humans is through a type of transient forgetting which might not be due to memory loss. Return to the earlier example where you see someone in the street and cant remember their name. Perhaps you believe you know the first letter, and youll get the name in a moment. This is known as the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon.

When this was originally studied by American psychologists Roger Brown and David McNeill in the 1960s, they reported that peoples ability to identify aspects of the missing word was better than chance. This suggested that the information was not fully forgotten.

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One theory is that the phenomenon occurs as a result of weakened connections in memory between the words and their meanings, reflecting difficulty in remembering the desired information.

we may forget information for a host of reasons. Because we werent paying attention or because information decays over time. We may forget in order to update memories. And sometimes forgotten information is not permanently lost, but rather inaccessible. Image for Representation

However, another possibility is that the phenomenon might serve as a signal to the individual that the information is not forgotten, only currently inaccessible.

This might explain why it occurs more frequently as people age and become more knowledgeable, meaning their brains have to sort through more information to remember something. The tip of the tongue phenomenon might be their brains means of letting them know that the desired information is not forgotten, and that perseverance may lead to successful remembering.

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In sum, we may forget information for a host of reasons. Because we werent paying attention or because information decays over time. We may forget in order to update memories. And sometimes forgotten information is not permanently lost, but rather inaccessible. All these forms of forgetting help our brain to function efficiently, and have supported our survival over many generations.

This is certainly not to minimise the negative outcomes caused by people becoming very forgetful (for example, through Alzheimers disease). Nonetheless, forgetting has its evolutionary advantages. We only hope that youve found this article sufficiently interesting that you wont forget its contents in a hurry.

Sven Vanneste, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin and Elva Arulchelvan, Lecturer in Psychology and PhD Researcher in Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Genetic screening is crucial in identifying potential genetic disorders, enabling couples to make informed decisions about their future. It includes testing for diseases like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and cystic fibrosis. read more

Premarital carrier screening is a powerful tool that can empower couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Representational Image

In many Arab countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, premarital genetic screening is mandatory due to the high prevalence of hereditary diseases like sickle cell disease and thalassemia. This condition is largely driven by the cultural practice of consanguineous marriages which increases the risk of passing down genetic disorders.

Similarly, in West Africa, countries like Ghana and Nigeria have introduced premarital sickle cell testing as a preventive measure. Uganda, with one of the highest rates of sickle cell disease in East Africa, is also considering legislation to make sickle cell testing and counseling mandatory before marriage.

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We spoke with experts about the importance of premarital carrier screening for prospective couples,

Dr Richa Soni, Associate Consultant in Medical Genetics at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurugram), said that premarital carrier screening is vital for the early detection of recessive genes responsible for various genetic disorders, even in asymptomatic individuals.

This screening allows couples to make informed family planning decisions, such as pursuing prenatal testing or genetic counseling, she said, adding that understanding their genetic risks can help couples prepare emotionally for potential challenges and seek guidance from healthcare professionals and support groups.

Early detection and intervention for genetic disorders can substantially improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their families. Advancements in genetic testing technology have expanded the scope of carrier screening, she said.

Comprehensive panels can now identify carriers for a broader range of genetic disorders, including less common but severe conditions. This enables couples to take proactive steps toward ensuring a healthier future for themselves and their families, said Dr Soni.

Dr Richa Choudhary, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology at Aakash Healthcare, highlighted the importance of genetic counseling in understanding how genes, birth defects, and medical conditions can affect family and baby health. She highlighted that prenatal genetic counseling is especially beneficial for couples with a family history of inherited conditions, chromosomal disorders, or birth defects, as well as those facing certain risk factors.

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The risk factors include a history of stillbirth or multiple miscarriages, difficulties in conceiving, having a child with an inherited disorder or birth defect, developmental delay or intellectual disability, or a positive genetic carrier screening in either parent. This also applies to couples who are close relatives or come from an ethnic background, which puts a child at higher risk of genetic conditions. Hence, genetic counseling is highly advisable, she added.

Dr. Prashant Sinha, Senior Consultant and Head of Emergency Medicine at PSRI Hospital, said that premarital health check-ups to prevent issues like infertility or other health concerns should become the norm.

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Some Gulf countries are already proactive in screening for conditions such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis, as many individuals diagnose these issues only after marriage. Today, simple testslike blood tests or cheek swabscan reveal genetic factors or health conditions such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or other transmissible diseases, he said, adding that these screenings help couples establish a transparent foundation by understanding each others health status from the outset.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India-Russia trade today is at $66 billion and this makes the goal of reaching $100 billion by 2030 more than realistic' read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov at the India-Russia Business Forum, Mumbai, on November 11, 2024. Source: X | @DrSJaishankar

India-Russia trade currently is at $66 billion and this will increase to $100 billion by 2030, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said on Monday, addressing the India-Russia Business Forum in Mumbai.

Our (India-Russia) bilateral trade is today at USD 66 billion. This makes the goal of reaching USD 100 billion by 2030 more than realistic, Jaishankar said, highlighting significant developments in relations between the two nations.

The target of $100 billion by 2030 was set by both the countries during the annual leaders summit in July this year.

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The balance of trade, however, needs urgent redressal since it is so one-sided. It is imperative that non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments are speedily addressed for this to happen, the EAM further said.

Jaishankar also said that both India and Russia will have to find solutions that work to the comfort level of those actually involved in trade.

A partnership between an India that has an 8 per cent growth rate for multiple decades ahead, and a Russia that is a key natural resources provider and a major technology leader, will serve both of them and the world well, he said.

Trade settlement in local currencies is of great importance

Jaishankar also spoke about the importance and the need of settling bilateral trade with Russia in local currency.

Mutual settlement of trade in national currencies is of great importance, especially in the current circumstances. Special Rupee Vostro Accounts are right now an effective mechanism, he said.

However, even in the short run, a better trade balance with national currency settlements is the answer, the minister further said.

We are all aware of the complementary nature of our respective economies. If we recognise that fully, then it also follows that our approach is not transactional but aimed at building long-term partnerships, he said.

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According to Jaishankar, signing of a bilateral agreement between the customs authorities of India and Russia in May 2024 on Authorised Economic Operators, has had a big impact on smoothening the ease of doing trade.

Strong resolve to boost connectivity

The India-Russia Business Forum in Mumbai was also attended by Russias first Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who is on a two-day India visit.

Organised by the Business Council for Cooperation with India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event is a crucial platform for fostering deeper economic links between the two nations.

In his address, Jaishankar further emphasised on the continued development of the three major connectivity corridors  the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Maritime Route  which are crucial for enhancing logistical networks between the two nations.

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The three connectivity initiatives between us, as mentioned by the First DPM (Manturov) as well  INSTC, Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor and the Northern Maritime Route  all need continued attention, if we are to realise full potential, the EAM said.

Russias growing appreciation of Make In India

The minister also said that there has been a growing appreciation from Russia of Make In India as a program to deepen business will certainly help to take forward our cooperation in many many domains.

The importance of non-economic domains, such as education and film as contributions to a larger societal but also an economic connect between us, he said.

Jaishankar further said that in energy domains such as oil, gas, coal or uranium, India will always be a major player in the international markets.

This applies as well to the demand for fertilisers of various kinds. Constructing a mutually beneficial arrangement will help us both address the volatility and the uncertainty of our times, he said.

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The emergence of a global workplace is also today an increasing reality. Demographic unevenness has created demand and supply imbalances across the world. India and Russia can be partners in this regard as well. It would require a focused initiative that customises human resources for the Russian market. That is best done with the active participation of businesses, the EAM said.

In a post on X, after his address, Jaishankar said that he is confident that todays discussions will lead to a successful India - Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting tomorrow.

Pleased to deliver the keynote address at the India-Russia Business Forum held today.



Spoke about our economic complementarities and emerging opportunities in a multipolar world for greater   business cooperation.



Also highlighted our strong resolve to boost connectivity, pic.twitter.com/4pbXXvBvNc  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 11, 2024

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India and Russia will co-chair the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation (IGC-TEC) meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, November 12.

As per the Russian embassy, the gathering will focus on expanding bilateral trade, economic ventures, and scientific cooperation between the two nations.

Established in 1992, the IGC-TEC oversees bilateral economic cooperation and monitors progress in trade and economic cooperation.

The meeting is reportedly expected to address key issues, including improving payment mechanisms between the two countries, trade settlement in national currencies, and a joint venture project for building Vande Bharat trains by Russias Transmashholding (TMH) and connectivity initiatives.

With inputs from agencies.
Had a warm conversation with my friend Dr Navin Ramgoolam, congratulating him on his historic electoral victory. I wished him great success in leading Mauritius and extended an invitation to visit India. Look forward to working closely together to strengthen our special and unique partnership, said PM Modi in a post on X read more

Hours after Mauritius incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth conceded defeat in the Sundays parliamentary election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Mauritian leader Navin Ramgoolam, who is all set to take over the PMs post for the third time, and invited him to India.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, Had a warm conversation with my friend Dr Navin Ramgoolam, congratulating him on his historic electoral victory. I wished him great success in leading Mauritius and extended an invitation to visit India. Look forward to working closely together to strengthen our special and unique partnership.

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Had a warm conversation with my friend @Ramgoolam_Dr, congratulating him on his historic electoral victory. I wished him great success in leading Mauritius and extended an invitation to visit India. Look forward to working closely together to strengthen our special and unique  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2024

Conceding defeat earlier in the day, Jugnauth said that his political alliance was headed for a huge defeat following Sundays parliamentary election.

LAlliance Lepep is heading towards a huge defeat. I have tried to do what I can for the country and the population. The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country, Reuters quoted Jugnauth as saying.

Voters went to the polls to elect lawmakers for the 62 seats in parliament for the next five years, from a list of 68 parties and five political alliances.

Whichever party or coalition gets more than half the seats in parliament also wins the prime ministers post.

With inputs from agencies
Russias First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov, arrived in India on a two-day official visit on Monday (November 11) for a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation (IGC-TEC) read more

Russias First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov is currently on a two-day official visit to India. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and Russia with a focus on the expansion of business and economic cooperation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to X to welcome Manturov. He wrote Pleased to welcome Manturov to India today. Look forward to our engagement at the India - Russia Business Forum tomorrow.

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Pleased to deliver the keynote address at the India-Russia Business Forum held today.



Spoke about our economic complementarities and emerging opportunities in a multipolar world for greater   business cooperation.



Also highlighted our strong resolve to boost connectivity, pic.twitter.com/4pbXXvBvNc  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 11, 2024

On November 11, 2024, Manturov will take part in the Indian-Russian Business Forum in Mumbai which will be aimed at improving economic and business cooperation between both India and Russia. Organised by the Business Council for Cooperation with India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Cooperation and Industries (FICCI), the event includes several thematic sessions on different aspects: industrial collaboration, transportation and logistics, finance, digital technology and interregional ties.

Pleased to deliver the keynote address at the India-Russia Business Forum held today.



Spoke about our economic complementarities and emerging opportunities in a multipolar world for greater   business cooperation.



Also highlighted our strong resolve to boost connectivity, pic.twitter.com/4pbXXvBvNc  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 11, 2024

On November 12, Manturov along with Jaishankar will join the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation in Delhi. The IRIGC-TEC is headed by Jaishankar and Manturov. The session will look at the ongoing bilateral initiatives and explore new areas for collaboration.

Key highlights about the India-Russia relationship:

India-Russia relations: The relations between India and Russia strengthened after the signing of the Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership. There has been a significant increase in cooperation in all sectors namely: politics, security, defence, trade and economy, science and technology, culture and people-to-people ties. In 2010, the relationship was upgraded to Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership when the Russian President came to India. Leadership: The India-Russia intergovernmental division of Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation is headed by the External Affairs Minister from India (S Jaishankar currently) and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Manturov. Leadership-level engagements: The highest leadership-level engagement is the Annual Summit between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation. The leadership-level engagements take place alternatively between India and Russia. To date, 22 Annual Summits have taken place including the last summit held between July 8-9, 2024 in Moscow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given the highest honour of Russia, The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, for his contributions to bilateral relations. IRIGC-TEC Engagements: Ministers from both countries engage in the dialogue at regular intervals. Manturov is already on an ongoing two-day official visit to India. He will join the Jaishankar tomorrow to diversify the strategic partnerships. They will aim at improving trade and economic cooperation between both countries. Multilateral engagements: India and Russia both cooperate closely in several multilateral engagements including UN, G20, BRICS and SCO. When India hosted the SCO and G20 event, ministers from Russia participated in the event and exchanged dialogues about the bilateral ties. Trade and economic relations: Trade and economy have been significant areas of dialogue between the two nations. Manturov has come to India to focus on these areas. Both India and Russia have set a target of $ 50 billion of bilateral investment by 2025 and $ 100 billion of bilateral trade by 2030. The bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24, according to data from the Department of Commerce. Bilateral investments: Bilateral investments crossed the target set by the nations in 2018 and now it is set at $50 billion. Investments by Russia in India include oil and gas, petrochemicals, banking, railways and the steel sector. On the other hand, investments by India in Russia include the oil and gas and pharmaceutical sectors. Defence Mechanism: The defence mechanism between both countries is guided by the IRIGC-M&MTC mechanism and it is headed by the defence ministry of both countries. The 20th IRIGC-M&MTC meeting was held in December 2021. With time and dialogue, the cooperation has grown stronger and now both countries work closely in research, development and production of defence systems. Science and Technology cooperation: From working on basic science and technology to help in Indias manned spaceflight program Gaganyaan, science and technology have been major sectors of cooperation between India and Russia. The Kundakulam Nuclear Plant was established in India with the help of Russia. Education: The bilateral ties between the citizens of Russia and India continue to grow stronger through education. Both the countries work closely to enhance the education mechanism. Initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission of India and the SIRIUS Centre collaborate to strengthen educational ties.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st CJI on Monday succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud. President Droupadi Murmu, administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna at a swearing-in ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan which was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh read more

Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, November 11, 2024. The President of India, Droupodi Murmu administered the oath in a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Source: Screengrab | X.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday, November 11, took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India, or CJI, succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

#WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu administers the oath of Office of the Chief Justice of India to Sanjiv Khanna at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/tJmJ1U3DXv  ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, and former CJI Chandrachud were also present during the oath-taking ceremony.

CJI for 183 days

Justice Khanna will have a tenure of 183 days as CJI. He would retire on May 13, 2025.

A report by ToI quoted Justice Khanna as saying that because of his short tenure, he wont be shifting to the CJIs official bungalow at 5, Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi.

Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the new CJI?

The name of Justice Khanna, the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court of India, for the role of the CJI was proposed by ex-CJI DY Chandrachud, who retired on November 10.

Born on May 14, 1960, Justice Khanna began his legal career in 1983 as an advocate with the Delhi Bar Council. Soon, he broadened experience in constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, and environmental law.

#WATCH | Delhi: Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. pic.twitter.com/PbFsB3WVVg  ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

He also served as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department.

Justice Khanna was appointed Standing Counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi in 2004.

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In 2005, he was appointed an additional judge of the Delhi High Court and became a permanent judge in 2006, marking the beginning of his significant judicial career.

However, on January 18, 2019, Justice Khanna was elevated from the Delhi High Court and made a Judge of the Supreme Court without having previously served as Chief Justice of a High Court.

Justice Khanna described his elevation to the apex court as a big surprise for him.

Justice Khanna is the nephew of former Supreme Court judge Hans Raj Khanna, who is known for his dissent in the landmark ADM Jabalpur case.

Justice Sanjiv Khannas key judgements

As a judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna himself delivered many key judgments.

He was part of the Constitution Bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution on India.

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Justice Khanna was also the part of the Constitution Bench that struck down the Electoral Bonds scheme which permitted anonymous donations to political parties. He penned a separate but concurring opinion detailing how the anonymous scheme violated Constitutional rights.

This year in April, a Bench of Justice Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta rejected the petition seeking directions to tally all Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during elections. Refusing plea for 100 per cent VVPAT verification, the judgment directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce further safeguards.

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a Bench led by Justice Khanna refused to stay the appointment of former bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as new Election Commissioners.

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Also Read: Indias next CJI, a judge with family legacy, aims to reduce pendency in top court

The Bench headed by Justice Khanna on granted interim bail to then Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case connected to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Granting interim bail to Kejriwal, the bench referred the matter to a larger bench to examine the need to include further grounds for arrest under the PMLA to prevent abuse of the law.

Earlier, Justice Khanna-led Bench had granted bail to Member Parliament (MP) Sanjay Singh in the same case.

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In 2023, Justice Khanna bench refused bail to Manish Sisodia but directed that the trial should be completed expeditiously.

In August, Justice Khanna questioned a Mumbai colleges ban on students wearing burqa, hijab or niqab on campus. The Bench led by him partly stayed the notice issued by the institution in this regard.

In 2021, Justice Khanna dissented from the 2-judge majority to hold that requisite processes were not followed for the Central Vista project.

Justice Khanna, in 2019, wrote the lead judgment on behalf of the Constitution Bench which held that the RTI Act is applicable to the office of the CJI. His judgment in Amish Devgan v. Union of India is notable for emphasising the need to regulate hate speeches.

He was also a part of the bench which took suo motu cognisance of the media reports making sexual harassment allegations against the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi in April 2019.

With inputs from agencies.
Highlighting Indias growing global influence and Prime Minister Narendra Modis popularity, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav claimed that US Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were reliant on India read more

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday claimed that during the recent US presidential elections President-Elect Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were dependent on India.

Talking to reporters in Gwalior, Yadav said that all superpowers in the world wanted to associate with India.

Our Prime Minister is a shubhankar (mascot). India has also shown the strength of its democracy to the world. Today, any big superpower sees a benefit in associating with India. We have seen in the US presidential elections that whether Trump or Harris won, both were dependent on India. We are happy that President-Elect Trump has been a personal friend of Modi ji. The Russian president is also looking the same (towards India), Yadav said.

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He said no one can measure the depth of Modis popularity in India, which resulted in him forming a government for the third time in a row after a gap of 60 years.

The chief minister expressed confidence that the BJP will win elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand and the bypoll to Budhni and Vijaypur assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh.

People of the Budhni and Vijaypur assembly seats are with development, he said.

BJP candidate from Vijaypur, Ramniwas Rawat, was a six-time MLA from the Congress and a minister, he said.

Rawat left Congress as he failed to develop the region despite being a minister and joined the BJP for development, Yadav said.

State forest minister Rawat will face the bypoll necessitated after his resignation as MLA.

Earlier on Sunday evening, Yadav had addressed the public meetings in support of Rawat in the Vijaypur assembly seat.

(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The Indian aviation industry may seem to be soaring, but it has a history of airline shutdowns due to money troubles, intense competition and management issues. For instance, Go First (formerly GoAir) filed for insolvency in 2023, struggling with cash flow and delayed engine supplies. Jet Airways, once Indias largest private airline, shut down in 2019 under a massive debt of Rs 18,000 crore. Although it tried to make a comeback, its now set for liquidation. Similarly, Kingfisher Airlines, owned by Vijay Mallya, folded in 2012 after debt issues worsened by Mallyas legal troubles.

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Air Deccan, Indias first low-cost airline made flying affordable when it launched in 2003. However, after being acquired by Kingfisher, it faced financial problems and eventually shut down in 2020 due to Covid-19s economic impact.

Regional carriers like Paramount Airways, Air Costa and Air Pegasus also couldnt survive long, primarily because of financial struggles. Even early airlines like ModiLuft and Damania Airways, started in the 1990s, shut down quickly due to financial issues and conflicts with partners.

The full-service airline market has also shrunk. While Air India merged with Indian Airlines in 2007 to become the largest full-service airline, other major players like Kingfisher, Jet Airways and Air Sahara (renamed JetLite) all eventually collapsed. Recently, Vistara, jointly owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, merged with Air India on November 12, 2024. This leaves Air India as the only full-service airline in India, marking the end of an era where multiple full-service options once thrived in the country.

With Vistara becoming part of Air India, the number of full-service carriers in the fast-growing Indian aviation space will shrink from five to just one in a span of over 17 years.

Reality vs predictions

While the past and present of Indias aviation industry may seem challenging, the future looks bright. A study from October 2023 by the Confederation of Indian Industry predicts that by 2041, India will be among the worlds top three aviation markets, with the fleet size nearly four times larger than it was in 2019. Boeings 2023 outlook estimates that over the next 20 years, South Asia will add more than 2,700 new planes, with India alone receiving 90 per cent of these. This growth will require around 37,000 pilots and 38,000 mechanics, mainly in India, the Boeing study said.

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As more people enter the middle class with higher disposable incomes, demand for both domestic and international flights is rising, prompting airlines to expand their fleets. This expansion benefits aircraft manufacturers, repair and maintenance services and related industries. E-commerce growth is driving demand for cargo planes, while Indias electronics manufacturing boom is increasing cargo needs. Government efforts to improve regional connectivity are also making air travel accessible to more people. Moreover, Indias push to become a global manufacturing hub is attracting investments in aerospace.

Domestic airlines carried 1,184.93 lakh passengers from January to September 2024, a 5 per cent rise from the previous year, per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. According to Ciriums 2024 Fleet Forecast, Indias passenger fleet is expected to grow from 720 planes in 2023 to more than 3,800 by 2043. Indian airlines are projected to represent 18 per cent of the Asia-Pacific regions fleet by then, up from 8 per cent today, with an order book expected to reach 2,000 planes by March 2025.

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Asia will continue leading global aviation growth, receiving 45 per cent of new aircraft, with China contributing 20 per cent, nearly matching North America. Over the next two decades, Indias fleet is expected to grow at 8.7 per cent annually, boosting its global share from 3 per cent to 8 per cent. However, despite rising passenger numbers, airlines have often struggled to translate them into profit making survival itself a key concern constantly.

No slowdown on airport development

Even as many airlines have shut down, Indias commitment to expanding aviation infrastructure has remained strong. On November 8, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans for a new airport near Maharashtras Vadhavan Porta Rs 76,220 crore projectduring a BJP election campaign in Dhule. Originally proposed by former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Modi pledged that construction would start after elections, with the Centre collaborating with Maharashtra on project details. Approved in June 2024, Vadhavan Port will be Indias largest with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority holding a 74 per cent stake.

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According to a report in the Construction World, Indias aviation industry is undergoing a transformation, supported by a $11 billion government investment in new airports and upgrades, nearly doubling operational airports to 149 over the past decade. The UDAN scheme has boosted regional connectivity, opening air travel to smaller cities. By 2029, the industry is projected to reach a market value of $121 billion, with strong public and private investment. To meet future demand, over 2,800 new aircraft will be needed, the number of operational airports should rise to 200, and the total fleet to 2,000 planes. Addressing challenges like land scarcity and airport saturation will require an additional $40 billion investment by 2047. This sectors growth is expected to generate around 350,000 direct aviation jobs in the future.

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A hard look

While the announcement of new airports is a positive development for Indias aviation industry, there is also a concerning reality that cannot be overlooked. Despite the rapid growth of the sector, airlines face significant challenges. The cycle of debt, regulatory hurdles and fierce competition continue to create a tough operational environment for many carriers. Given these turbulences, maintaining profitability and sustainability is a major challenge for airlines, making it difficult to achieve the soaring revenue projections often suggested for Indias aviation future.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) and other foreign organisations have been paying more attention to Pakistans human rights situation. Child marriages, forced religious conversions, and the abuse of blasphemy laws are some of the major issues brought up. These issues have all seriously weakened the rights and liberties of vulnerable groups, especially women and religious minorities. In addition to breaking Pakistans international commitments, the persistent abuses of fundamental human rights are a sign of a broader socio-political crisis in which the weakest members of society are being used as bargaining chips.

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One of the most serious and contentious human rights abuses in Pakistan is the abuse of the countrys blasphemy laws. Originally designed to safeguard religious sentiment, these lawswhich are found in sections 295-298 of the Pakistan Penal Codehave subsequently been exploited for persecution, especially against religious minorities. The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) reported in 2022 that since 1987, at least 1,855 persons in Pakistan have been charged with blasphemy. Muslims made up 46 per cent of these, although religious minorities like Christians (16 per cent) Ahmadis (11 per cent), and Hindus (2 per cent), were disproportionately represented in these cases.

As of 2024, there were at least 80 people incarcerated in Pakistan on blasphemy charges, which carry sentences ranging from life in jail to the death penalty. Despite no official executions for blasphemy, the threat of extrajudicial violence is ever-present because many suspected people are lynched by mobs. The 2017 murder of Mashal Khan and the 2017 death of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer for defying these rules highlight how pervasive and harmful the abuse of blasphemy accusations has grown.

The UNHRC has repeatedly emphasised that these laws are incompatible with international human rights principles and has recommended their modification or repeal. Pakistan is required to protect freedom of expression and belief as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Pakistani governments inaction on this abuse, however, betrays a lack of political will to combat the religious extremism that terrorises and violently oppresses the nation.

Another prevalent issue that is not much discussed is child marriages. Despite the existence of the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, Pakistan continues to grapple with the pervasive issue of child marriages. UNICEF reports that around 21 per cent of girls in Pakistan are married before the age of 18, while 3 per cent are married before the age of 15. These figures place Pakistan among the countries with the highest rates of child marriages, particularly in rural and conservative regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.

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To fulfil its obligations under international agreements such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan must act swiftly to end child marriage. Conservative religious groups, however, have been a major obstacle to legislative initiatives. A number of attempts to increase the legal marriage age for girls to 18 have been defeated in Parliament, most notably in 2019, when the Council of Islamic Ideology declared the measure to be un-Islamic.

Forced conversions, which disproportionately impact young girls from religious minorities, particularly Christians and Hindus, provide a stark reminder of the conflict between international human rights standards and the influence of conservative interpretations of Islamic law in Pakistans legislative processes.

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One of the most egregious manifestations of this tension is the ongoing crisis of forced conversions, where young girls from minority communities are abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married off to older Muslim men. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and various civil society groups report that hundreds of these cases occur annually, with most incidents concentrated in Sindh province.

The majority of victims are Hindu and Christian girls, who often belong to marginalised, impoverished families with little access to justice or legal recourse. Despite the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2013, which prohibits marriage before the age of 18, these laws are frequently bypassed, and the judiciary is often complicit in allowing these marriages to proceed under the pretext of voluntary conversion. These forced conversions often occur in a climate of impunity, with perpetrators facing little to no legal consequences. Courts frequently fail to provide justice for victims, as legal proceedings are tainted by religious bias.

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Pakistans failure to act on these violations has drawn strong criticism from the UNHRC and other foreign organisations. The failure of Pakistan to address these issues is indicative of larger structural issues in the nations legal and social frameworks, where womens rights are frequently violated and religious minorities are viewed as second-class citizens.

Pakistan has frequently reaffirmed its commitment to respecting human rights, but its actual actions speak for themselves. The administration has come under heavy fire from international human rights organisations for its unwillingness to defend minority rights and combat religious extremism.

Pakistans reputation in the international community as well as the fundamental rights of millions of people are at risk due to the countrys continued inaction. The international community, especially through bodies like the UNHRC, has a crucial role to play in pressuring Pakistan to adhere to its human rights obligations. However, meaningful change will require more than external pressureit will necessitate a fundamental shift within Pakistans political and religious landscape. Without this, the rights of millions, particularly women and minorities, will remain under threat, and Pakistan will continue to falter in its journey toward becoming a just and equitable society.

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Tehmeena Rizvi is a Junior Research Consultant at Indian Council of Social Science research. Her areas of work include gender intersectionality, conflict and development. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Xi Jinping decided to step back only when he realised that this was a never-ending stalemate. Given the Dragons nature, India should now be prepared for Chinas proverbial two steps forward plan read more

The Chinese army on October 24, 2024, reduced the number of their vehicles in the area, and the Indian side also withdrew some troops. Source: AP | Representational Image.

Theres a saying: A good thief doesnt just work out a heist plan. He, more often than not, has a post-heist plan too. What he will do after committing the crime is what distinguishes a good thief from a bad one. This principle applies equally to the field of diplomacy, especially when one of the nations involved is China.

As India and China complete disengagement at the two friction points of Depsang and Demchok, after participating in 21 rounds of Corp Commander-level talks, New Delhi needs a concrete post-disengagement plan. For, disengagement doesnt mean that all issues with China have been settled or that Delhi and Beijing are friends now.

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Given Chinas track record, India must be cautiously optimistic about the entire disengagement exercise. Its good to see the two Asian rivals reaching an agreement to avoid a flashpoint, but more important is the path ahead. How India and China take this forward is critical, especially given the communist philosophy of two steps forward and one step back.

The Chinese invariably come back to check if the opponent has fallen prey to the communist subterfuge or is still awake guarding its borders and national interest. Its, therefore, important to see how the Narendra Modi government reacts to the development at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

History suggests that communist China is a tough bargainer. Any attempt by the other side to show generosity and eagerness for a deal is perceived as a sign of weakness. The Chinese dispensation uses this moment to push for further concessions. The Modi government can learn from the Nehruvian blunders of the 1950s and 60s, resulting in the debacle of 1962.

There can be at least half-a-dozen instances when Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first Prime Minister, went backward to appease the Chinese, hoping the friendship will endure and grow, as he had expected on September 7, 1946, but it all resulted in emboldening Mao to seek more from India. The hurried Indian recognition of the communist regime in China is a classic case of how not to deal with the Dragon.

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Soon after Independence, Nehru appointed KM Panikkar as Indias Ambassador to China. Panikkar recalls in his memoirs, In Two China, how soon after the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament in New Delhi, Nehru asked him very casually to go for a motor drive with him. During the drive, he told Panikkar to take up an ambassadors post. It was characteristic of Nehru that he did not even say where I was to be posted. The next day, Girija Shankar Bajpai, who was then Secretary-General of the Ministry of External Affairs, told me that the Prime Ministers intention was to post me to China, Panikkar writes.

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In September 1948, Panikkar informed the Indian government of the imminent collapse of the Chiang Kai-shek government. In the event of the communist win, Nehru told him to establish early contacts with Mao and his men. He even decided not to withdraw Indias ambassador in the wake of the collapse of the Nationalist government and was eager to recognise the new communist dispensation. Nehru thought, with a sense of idealistic naivete, that this move would help India secure Maos goodwill, needed for the smooth resolution of the border dispute with China.

According to Panikkar, while there was no difference of opinion in the political class about recognising communist China, there were differences in its timing. The more conservative members of the Congress leadership, including C Rajagopalachari, who was then the Governor-General, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, wanted us to go slow on the matter. They were supported in this attitude by a powerful section of the Civil Service, including, I suspect, some of the senior officials of the Foreign Office. My own view to which I gave free expression was that we should recognise the new regime when the Kuomintang authority on the mainland of China ceased to function, he writes in his memoirs.

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Nehru, former foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale writes in The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India, saw this as a historic opportunity to stand, as it were, on the right side of history with regards to the Chinese Revolution. Also, Nehrus haste was, in part, influenced by  as Patel would tell the American Ambassador  his desire to pre-empt the US and the UK, which he thought were waiting for the right time to recognise Maos China. Nehru seemed to have taken to heart the predominant Maoist charge against him, accusing the Indian Prime Minister of being a lackey of Western capitalism and imperialism! He didnt want to be seen to be following the Americans and the British.

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A foreign policy decision of this scale, writes Gokhale, on Nehrus undue haste in recognising Maos China, ought to have been the outcome of a more deliberative process within the government. More so because substantive issues, including the northern boundary, were involved. Sadly, the discussion on the issue was confined to the close coterie of the Prime Minister, a clique that was always in favour of bending backward to appease China.

Indias recognition was a major boost for communist China, which was no better than a pariah state then. Nehrus decision to legitimise Maos regime provided a new global opening for China. For, that was the era when Nehru enjoyed unprecedented global stature, and the United States was under the spell of Asias greatest statesman, as Life magazine (August 22, 1949) hailed Indias first Prime Minister. In September of that year, The Economist reported the increased American commentary about India as a bulwark against Asiatic Communism.

Ironically, while India used its global standing to bail China out, Mao, far from acknowledging Nehrus efforts, laid down new red lines for New Delhi on the issue of diplomatic relations. The fresh guidelines from communist China wanted India, if it was sincere about mending diplomatic ties with Beijing, to completely break all ties with Chiang Kai-shek, the man who had in the past supported Indias freedom struggle movement and, along with President Franklin D Roosevelt of the United States, pressurised Winston Churchill to leave India.

Nehru immediately directed the foreign secretary to send for Dr Lo (the Ambassador of Nationalist China in New Delhi). Tell him of our decision. Tell him also that it is with deep regret that we have to sever our official relations with him.

So, India recognised communist China in Beijing and derecognised the Nationalist government in Taiwan without seeking anything in return. Indias border dispute remained unresolved. The Tibet issue was kept under abeyance. Till Mao thought he was militarily ready to flex his muscles on the two issues.

Several important voices tried to caution Nehru about Mao. Sardar Patel wrote a long letter to the Prime Minister on November 7, 1950, almost a month before his death, cautioning him about communist China trying to delude us by professions of peaceful intention. He reminded Nehru that even if we regard ourselves as friends of China, the Chinese do not regard us as their friends. With the Communist mentality of whoever is not with them being against them, this is a significant pointer, of which we have to take due note.

Patel also talked about the new situation that now faces us as a result of the disappearance of Tibet, as we knew it, and the expansion of China almost up to our gates. Chinas presence in Tibet opened for the first time, after centuries the second front against India, Patel wrote.

Then there was Girija Shankar Bajpai, who highlighted how Chinese communists, like any other communists, reacted well to firmness but would exploit any sign of weakness. In his letter to Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Nehrus sister, he also talked about his efforts in curbing the Prime Ministers enthusiasm over China.

Nehru refused to listen to them. He failed to see the truth staring into his eyes. It was because the first prime minister was not a good judge of character and is therefore easily deceived, as observed by Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, an admirer of Nehru who was also his cabinet colleague. She also accused him of having a conceit in him which makes him at once intolerant to criticism.

This, along with a bloated sense of ideological superiority that he often exhibited, made him commit blunders one after another without any serious attempt at correcting them. Nehru, for instance, retained Krishna Menon in his cabinet, despite knowing his shortcomings, just because he felt his Defence Minister (who led India during the disastrous 1962 war) was the only genuine foil Nehru had in the government with whom he could discuss Marx and Mill, Dickens, and Dostoevsky!

Mao, in sharp contrast, had no such illusions. While Nehru was as much obsessed with means as he was with ends, for Mao it was all about ends. Former foreign secretary Shyam Saran explained this Chinese mindset during a public lecture in 2012. Referring to a conversation between former Secretary-General, Ministry of External Affairs, RK Nehru, and Chinese Premier Chou En-lai in 1962, just before the big war, Saran said, RK Nehru drew attention to reports that China was leaning towards the Pakistani position that Jammu & Kashmir was a disputed territory. He recalled to Chou an earlier conversation, where when asked whether China accepted Indian sovereignty over J&K, he had said rhetorically  has China ever said that it does not accept Indian sovereignty over J&K, or words to that effect. At this latest encounter, Chou turned the same formulation on its head to ask: Has China ever said that India has sovereignty over J&K?

Today, as India is gearing up for a new beginning at the LAC, it should never forget the true nature of the Dragon. China respects power  and power alone. India showcased the best of its national strength and commitment after the PLAs Galwan misadventure. Xi Jinping decided to step back only when he realised that this was a never-ending stalemate. India should now be prepared for Chinas proverbial two steps forward plan.

(This is Part 1 of the China: Myth Vs Reality series. The next article will talk about how BRI was born out of myth, and will end up being a myth too: Is this the beginning of the end of Chinese century?)

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Despite provocations, the majority of Indias 80 per cent Hindu population has not succumbed to majoritarianism. The millions who mourned Ratan Tata instinctively understood that read more

People pay their respects to the former chairman of Tata Group, Ratan Tata, in Mumbai, India, October 10, 2024. Reuters

Is India a Hindu-first majoritarian country? There are fringe extremists among Hindus who are communal. But the vast majority of ordinary Hindus bear no animosity towards Muslims  or indeed towards any minority community.

Every persecuted community sought and found refuge in India. Indias historical tolerance of different faiths has long been recognised around the world.

Parsis fled Islamic persecution in Iran 13 centuries ago. They came to India  they did not seek refuge in any other country to the west or north of Iran. They knew that the safest haven for them lay in India. Their fire temples and faith have remained undisturbed in India for 13 centuries.

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Parsis have repaid Indias generosity by being exemplary citizens, contributing to Indias development far in excess of their numbers. Ratan Tata is only one of several generations of Parsis who have served India  from Dadabhai Naoroji to Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw.

When Christians arrived in India soon after the birth of Jesus Christ, they were welcomed on the Malabar Coast. As time went by, they set up churches and educational institutions in Kerala and elsewhere, creating prosperity and inclusiveness in their new homeland. Like Parsis, Christians adapted to Indian ways.

Jews fleeing persecution in Europe and the Middle East too found refuge in Indias southern states, living in peace with Muslims and Christians amid a Hindu majority.

It was only after the beginning of the colonial era that trouble visited India. The Portuguese were especially violent. The Inquisition in Goa from the 16th century onwards created a chasm between Hindus and Christians who had till then lived together in harmony. The communalisation of Goas social fabric was caused not by Indias innate secular ethos but by Portugals communal violence that fractured relations between Hindus and Christians for centuries.

Many Muslims had fled their holy lands after the internecine battles between Sunnis and breakaway Shias in the 7th and 8th centuries. Muslims, like early Parsis, Jews and Christians, sought and received refuge in India. But the advent of foreign Islamic armies in northwest India caused violent clashes with local Hindu rulers. Once again communalism was injected into Indian society from overseas. And once again, the peaceful social fabric of India was torn apart.

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Communal politics

What has changed in recent decades is the deliberate communalisation of Indian politics. Since Independence, Muslims were told: you are special; you have special rights. The intent was not just to win Muslim votes (though that was regarded as a collateral benefit) but to maintain communal peace.

After the trauma of Partition, the Jawaharlal Nehru government sought to appease Muslims instead of empowering them. But appeasement is cosmetic. It delivers no significant economic benefit to the appeased. It is a palliative to mitigate unrest, not provide modern education to Muslims.

The rise of Hindutva began in the early 1900s. The RSS was founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925. But decades before that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak had raised the flag of Hindu renaissance after centuries of subjugation by foreign invaders, Muslim and Christian.

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Has the rise of the RSS led to majoritarianism in India?

Societies are resilient. Top-down communalisation is difficult to achieve. Despite the growing social power of the Sangh parivar and its affiliates, India remains a resolutely secular nation. In a poor country of 1.45 billion, communal riots are rare. Violence against Hindu minorities in Muslim-majority areas like Kashmir and parts of West Bengal does occur but these incidents too are increasingly isolated.

The majority of Hindus vote against the BJP. In three Lok Sabha elections between 2014 and 2024, the BJP recorded vote shares of 31 per cent, 37.36 per cent and 36.56 per cent respectively. The average: less than 35 per cent.

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The governor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi, said recently that secularism is a European concept, separating state and church. In India, there is no such separation. Consider Ravis exact remark: In Europe, secularism came because there was a fight between the church and the king. In India, there is no need for secularism."

Ravi errs when he dismisses the concept of Indian secularism.

Indian secularism needs to be rescued from the fraudulent definition it has been given by political parties that preach secularism but practise communalism dressed up as secularism.

Empower, dont appease

In the book Love Jihad and Other Fictions by Sreenivasan Jain, Mariyan Alavi and Supriya Sharma, the authors mix up appeasement with empowerment. The authors argue that if Muslims had been appeased, as Hindutva critics say they have, they would not be Indias poorest, most backward community according to the Sachar Committee and Misra Commission reports.

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Thus, the authors argue, Muslims have not been appeased". This displays a staggering ignorance of what appeasement is: it is disempowerment by promising faith-based benefits rather than economic upliftment and empowerment. Muslims, contrary to the authors bizarre understanding of the English language, have indeed been appeased. That is why they are Indias most backward community.

What India needs is not the abandonment of secularism but a better understanding of secularism.

When Indians gave refuge to persecuted Parsis, Jews, Muslims and Christians, India demonstrated the true meaning of secularism. Appeasement is the antithesis of secularism. Empowerment is the bedrock of real secularism.

Muslims in India suffer on two counts. First, they are misled by their religious leaders who teach them a medieval interpretation of Islam. Second, they are appeased by political parties pretending to be guardians of Islamic rights but are only interested in their votes.

Despite these provocations, the majority of Indias 80 per cent Hindu population has not succumbed to majoritarianism. The millions who mourned Ratan Tata  ordinary Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Parsis  instinctively understood that.

The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
A lot will hinge on the team that Donald Trump builds around him. He will seek this time to build a team of loyalists, unlike during his first term, when he now says he had people in his team who were not loyalists and worked against him from within read more

In this second term Trump will be his own man, with the experience of his first term to guide him. Image Credit: Reuters

Donald Trumps triumphant electoral success will have a major internal and external impact. Domestically, his political position has been greatly strengthened by his sweeping the electoral college, winning the popular vote and the Republicans gaining control of the Senate and the House.

Trump has won in a highly polarised political atmosphere in the US. The Democrats had tried to disqualify him from running for the presidency by dragging him through legal processes with the Department of Justice and the FBI, among others, as instruments. Now that he has won, there will be inevitable score settling.

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Already, Trump has laid out his agenda. He has declared war against the Deep State, disregarding those who had cautioned him in his first term against challenging the intelligence agencies. He is seeking resignations of all those in the bureaucracy who manoeuvred against him, the Big Tech companies that used censorship tools to undermine him, the media outlets involved in disinformation campaigns against him, and so on.

In a stinging rebuke to wokeism, he has threatened criminal proceedings against doctors or withdrawal of federal financial support to hospitals involved in sex change operations on minors. He has boldly stated that only male and female genders exist in humankind, which inflicts a big blow to liberal efforts to mainstream transgenders, if one were to recall the scene of transgenders hosted by the White House dancing on its lawns during Bidens presidency. In brief, he intends to roll back the excesses of the liberal agenda on gender issues. He imputed the emergence of these woke ideas to the far Left elements in academia.

On immigration issues, Trump will double down on controlling it, as this was a major plank in his election campaign. Mass deportations that he threatens may not be achievable because of legal, economic and humanitarian constraints but the massing of immigrants on Americas southern border encouraged by the more open immigration policies of the Democrats may now be over.

All this portends a continuing confrontation in American society between the conservatism of the forces that elected Trump and the liberal values that the Democrats espouse. This will be a bruising battle because the US society is divided. The Democrats may have lost the electoral battle but the democratic space they have in the US system based on checks and balances will be available to them to challenge Trump. The governor and the attorney general of California are already threatening to oppose Trumps agenda. The mainstream media and the academia will continue their guerrilla warfare against Trump.

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Externally, Trumps re-election has caused jitters in Europe. Even during Trumps first term, his questioning the continued relevance of NATO, the pressure on the Europeans to spend more on their defence and reduce the burden on the US to protect Europes security, his supposed links with Russia, his anti-EU posture and support for Brexit, had created trans-Atlantic rifts, to the point of Chancellor Angela Merkel saying at that time that Europe and Trumps America no longer shared the same values.

The general expectation in Europe was that the Democrats would win. President Emmanuel Macron is quoted to have said that his information was that Trump would not. The most pressing concern for Europe is Trumps boasts during his campaign that if he had been president, the Ukraine war would not have started, and that if he won he would quickly resolve the conflict. He has been critical of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a salesman who returned with billions of dollars each time he came to the US. Trump also cold-shouldered Zelenskyy when the latter called on him just prior to the election.

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Europe has aligned itself fully with the US policy of imposing draconian sanctions on Russia, supporting a proxy war on the latter through Ukraine, seeking a strategic military defeat of Russia, and escalating the conflict continually by supplying increasingly lethal weapons to Ukraine. Strengthening Ukraines military position on the ground so that when any peace negotiations began Ukraine would have cards to play has become European policy too. The UK and some European countries have questioned US caution in not giving a green light to Ukraine to use its NATO supplied long-range missiles to hit targets deep into Russia. Europe, with some exceptions like Hungary and Slovakia, has followed the Biden administration in closing all doors to dialogue and diplomacy with Russia.

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Europe is in no position to bear the burden of the conflict without US support. The rhetoric, especially that of Macron, in the wake of Trumps election, that Europe must have strategic autonomy and build its own defence capability to protect its own security is an expression of frustration. European leaders have gone too far in claiming that if Russia won in Ukraine Europe itself will be threatened by Moscows revived imperial ambitions.

Trump may have his ideas of ending the conflict but those ideas have to be acceptable to Russia, and even to Ukraine, as Zelenskyys own future would be threatened if he made major territorial compromises. Russia will not be bulldozed into a solution by Trump, as it would want its declared bottom lines to be satisfactorily addressed. Putin has most recently at the Valdai Forum meeting in Sochi stated that Trumps thinking on finding a solution merits attention. The stakes for all concerned are very high: Trump wants to put an end to US involvement in military operations abroad, the future of NATO will become uncertain if the US ceases to fund and arm Ukraine and, this in turn, will cause serious internal strains in Europe, especially when the German economy is in trouble.

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Trump has threatened China with 60 per cent tariffs on all its exports to the US. The fall out of this on the Chinese economy and the ripple effect of that globally, including on the WTO, would be unpredictable. Trump has appointed Robert Lighthizer, a trade hawk, to define US trade policy. If Trump does not want the US to start new wars, the confrontation with China might be primarily economically oriented, not military over Taiwan or Chinese bullying tactics in the South and East China Seas.

This does not preclude that the Indo-Pacific strategy, the Quad and the US alliance system in the western Pacific would not be used as deterrent instruments against China. However, the current Japanese Prime Ministers call for extending NATO responsibilities to the western Pacific would not fit with Trumps thinking on NATO, even in Europe. How China, with its current economic problems and its strategy of preserving its lead position and dominance in key technological areas like electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, solar chips, semiconductors, etc, which the US seeks to counter, will deal with the Trump challenge would be important to monitor. In this regard, the role of Elon Musk who is building a large new factory in China would be worth watching.

A lot will hinge also on the team that Trump builds around him. He will seek this time to build a team of loyalists, unlike during his first term, when he now says he had people in his team who were not loyalists and worked against him from within. In this second term Trump will be his own man, with the experience of his first term to guide him. As he is impulsive, mercurial and narcissistic, the rest of the world could be faced with unpredictable challenges.

Kanwal Sibal is a former Indian Foreign Secretary. He was Indias Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The fact is Pakistan has become a country where the most extreme versions of the Islamic faith, some of them wedded to violence, have gained great ground read more

The vile comments against one of Indias greatest heroesShaheed Bhagat Singhfiled in the Lahore High Court recently can never erode the place he has in the hearts of all Indians; they can enrage many, but all would dismiss them as the product of extreme anti-India prejudice that is inbuilt in the general Pakistani psyche.

This is especially so in the Pakistan military but is also present in the Pakistan political class, obviously including those, like Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, and her father, Mian Nawaz Sharif, who is the supremo of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and has thrice served as Pakistans Prime Minister and whose brother, Shahbaz Sharif, is the countrys current Prime Minister. If this were not so, the Lahore Metropolitan Corporation could not have filed such atrocious comments on Bhagat Singh based on a note of an ignorant and mischievous retired naval officer, Commodore Tariq Majeed.

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Before mentioning the remarks made by Majeed, a background of the case, it has to be mentioned that there are a fewbut only a fewwell-meaning persons in Pakistan who take an objective view of the history of the Indian subcontinent during British colonial rule. They have formed a Bhagat Singh Foundation, which has been pleading with the government to name the Shadman Roundabout in Lahore as Bhagat Singh Chowk and also erect a statue of Bhagat Singh. The Foundation has held, for over two decades, that Bhagat Singhs heroism is the common inheritance of the subcontinent. Therefore, Pakistan should honour him as he is honoured in India.

In this context, the Foundation asked the government to rename the Shadman Roundabout as the Bhagat Singh Roundabout to honour his memory. The Roundabout is built at the exact spot where Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were hanged by the British in March 1931 in the Lahore Central Jail. This jail building, according to a media report, was demolished in 1961, and the land of the jail was given for constructing a residential colony.

The Foundation filed a case in 2012 in the Lahore High Court to order the government to rename the Shadman Roundabout in Bhagat Singhs name. The court directed the concerned authorities to consider the Foundations request in accordance with the rules. Clearly, they did nothing, though from time-to-time reports did appear that the Foundations plea was being considered sympathetically. When no action was taken on the courts directions, the Foundation filed a contempt petition. The response of the Lahore Metropolitan Corporation in which the obnoxious remarks have been made against Bhagat Singh is in its submissions to the contempt petition.

Assistant Advocate General Asghar Leghari told the Lahore High Court that the plan to rename Shadman Square has been scrapped in the light of observations made by Commodore Tariq Majeed (Retd). Majeed informed the Lahore Metropolitan Corporation that Bhagat Singh was not a revolutionary but a criminal, in todays terms a terrorist. He killed a British police officer, and for this crime he was hanged along with two of his accomplices. He also stated that Bhagat Singh was anti-Muslim and an atheist and also that Islam does not permit statues of human beings. Majeed also advised the authorities that the Bhagat Singh Foundation should be banned because it is against Islamic ideology and Pakistani culture. The Foundation has said that it will move the courts against remarks made against it. Separately, on the main case of renaming the Roundabout the Lahore High Court has posted the case for hearing on January 17, 2025.

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Right from the time the Foundation made the proposal for renaming the Roundabout some Islamic groups strongly opposed it. Their reasoning has been, more or less, the same as Majeeds. Neither the remarks of Majeed nor the opposition of Islamic groups against Bhagat Singh on the proposal are surprising. The fact is that Pakistan has become more and more a country where the most extreme versions of the Islamic faith, some of them wedded to violence, have gained great ground. Vivid examples of these are witnessed in the cases under the blasphemy laws, but what is most relevant to Majeeds remarks is the manner in which the memory of Mumtaz Qadri, the assassin of the then Governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, is being honoured.

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Qadri was a police commando and was serving in the personal protection guard detail of Taseer. Taseer had met a Pakistani Christian woman, Asia Bibi, who had been convicted of blasphemy, in which the law makes the award of the death penalty mandatory. Many believed that the case was false. Later, the Pakistan Supreme Court quashed the High Court judgement, and Asia Bibi was allowed to leave the country. But Taseer met Asia Bibi while she had been convicted, and the proceedings to acquit came afterwards. Qadri, enraged that Taseer had met and was apparently supporting a blasphemer, killed him in January 2011. He was naturally arrested, but when he was taken to court after that, many lawyers showered rose petals on him.

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Qadris case went on for almost five years. All through this period, a very large number of the Pakistani people believed that what he did was correct because he had acted to uphold the honour of Islam and Prophet Mohamed. Finally, the Islamabad High Court upheld the death sentence given to him, and he was executed in February 2016. The Islamist parties protested against his execution. His funeral was attended by an estimated ninety thousand people, even though the electronic media was banned from covering the funeral. His body was buried in Bhara Kharu, on the outskirts of the capital. Soon it was converted into a shrine, and thousands of people visit it on a regular basis. Qadris son is perhaps the Sajjada-nashin of the shrine.

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Majeed and the Pakistani authorities treatment of Qadri through allowing his grave to become a place of pilgrimage and in calling Bhagat Singh a criminal reeks of hypocrisy. It especially exposes Pakistan because it shows their actual feelings for a great Sikh youthBhagat Singhwho embraced martyrdom at the young age of 23 and who was an intellectual as well as a man of action. He, along with others, killed a British officer for the brutal beating of Lala Lajpat Rai, one of the icons of the freedom struggle. Lala Lajpat Rai is believed to have died as a result of that beating.

Bhagat Singhs Sikh background is important because the Pakistani establishment has been seeking to woo the patriotic Sikh community towards itself for over half a century. It also supports Khalistan. It will never succeed, but it will continue to try. Hence, its actual sentiments towards Bhagat Singh now revealed are one more manifestation of the truth of its inimical feelings towards India and its people, including the Sikhs.

It will be too much to expect that the Punjab government withdraws the remarks on Bhagat Singh from the courts proceedings. But that is the right course for it to take. It should realise that these remarks will remain in Indian memory forever. It is doubtful if it will because neither the Muslim League, nor the Pakistani establishment, nor its political class has ever been animated, as Bhagat Singh and other Indian freedom fighters were, by the immortal words of Ramprasad Bismil:

Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil me hai

Dekhna zor kitna bazua-katil me hai.

The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The focus of these AI PC Experience Development Centres is to empower the next generation of innovators to use AI to tackle population-scale problems. With AI emerging as a transformative force worldwide, Intel aims to advance this revolution through personal computing read more

At the heart of this transformation are Intels advanced Core Ultra Processors. These powerful processors are equipped with a combination of CPU, GPU, and Neural Processing Unit (NPU), designed to efficiently execute AI workloads on PCs. Image Credit: Reuters

Intel has launched a groundbreaking initiative to deepen artificial intelligence (AI) engagement in India through the establishment of Intel AI PC Experience Development Centers at two of the countrys premier institutions, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH).

This move is set to give students and researchers cutting-edge resources and mentorship to develop AI applications that could have far-reaching impacts across various sectors in India.

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The focus of these centres is clear: empower the next generation of innovators to use AI to tackle population-scale problems. With AI emerging as a transformative force worldwide, Intel aims to advance this revolution through personal computing.

Gokul Subramaniam, President of Intel India and Vice President of the Client Computing Group, told Firstpost the significance of this effort. By 2025, were expecting to have 100 million Intel-based PCs with AI accelerators in the market, he explained.

This ambitious vision is not just about adding more AI PCs into the ecosystem but about redefining how these devices are used to improve productivity, creativity, security, gaming, and more.

According to Subramaniam, the introduction of AI into PCs marks a new era of computing, making AI capabilities more accessible and immediate, with tasks being handled directly on the device rather than relying solely on the cloud.

At the heart of this transformation are Intels advanced Core Ultra Processors. These powerful processors are equipped with a combination of CPU, GPU, and Neural Processing Unit (NPU), designed to efficiently execute AI workloads on PCs.

Subramaniam elaborated on the benefits of this setup, stating, What this means is we have processors that provide performance and energy efficiency, and you can carry out AI tasks right on your PC. While hybrid solutions are possible, the technology makes on-device AI a reality.

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The integration of these components allows for seamless AI functionality on personal devices, unlocking a world of possibilities for students and researchers to develop novel applications and experiences.

The AI PC Experience Development Centers are well-equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, featuring hardware and software specifically designed to facilitate AI research and development. However, the initiative extends beyond just providing equipment. Intel is deeply committed to supporting students and faculty through active collaboration and mentorship. The companys technologists are working closely with students, offering guidance on building proof-of-concept applications and prototypes using AI. This mentorship covers a wide array of fields, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in developing real-world AI solutions. Our technologists are working with students, faculty, and departments to mentor them on developing AI PC concepts and using AI for a wide range of applications, Subramaniam said.

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The potential use cases are as diverse as they are impactful, ranging from healthcare and traffic management to agricultural innovations and smart city infrastructure.

One of the unique strengths of these universities, and a major factor in Intels choice to partner with them, is their interdisciplinary nature. Both IISc and IITH house a range of departments beyond computer science, such as material science, pharmacology, civil engineering, and chemical engineering.

This interdisciplinary setup creates a fertile ground for collaboration, enabling students from various fields to come together and use AI to solve pressing issues. The power of these institutes is their multidisciplinarity, Subramaniam emphasised. We want to encourage creativity and innovation across departments, not just within computer science. AI becomes a tool for students from all fields to solve real-world problems.

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The initiative is also about making AI more approachable and versatile, rather than limiting its use to specialised fields or academic study. By embedding AI capabilities into personal computers, Intel is democratising access to AI technology. This approach allows students and researchers to leverage AI as a practical tool to develop solutions for a broad spectrum of challenges.

AI is a medium for innovation, allowing students to solve user-centric problems rather than just treating it as an academic subject, Subramaniam noted. This shift in how AI is perceived and utilised is crucial for spurring innovation across diverse disciplines.

Intels commitment to an open ecosystem is another critical component of this initiative. The company has already collaborated with more than 100 independent software vendors (ISVs) and developed over 300 AI features that are currently operational. In addition, Intel has launched an AI playground, a space where these AI models can be freely accessed and used by developers, researchers, and students.

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Subramaniam highlighted the importance of open standards in fostering innovation: We provide hardware and software that are ecosystem-friendly and built on open standards, using technologies like OpenDino, ONNX, Runtime, and WebNN, he said. By using open technologies, Intel is ensuring that these resources can be adapted and built upon by a broader community, making AI more accessible and easier to implement in various applications.

The initiative isnt just about developing AI applications; its about empowering students to think differently. By offering a platform thats not restricted to one field or commercial goal, these centers open up a world of creative possibilities. Unlike traditional settings where research might be confined to the interests of a specific company or department, these centres encourage students to pursue interdisciplinary projects.

When I get to a campus, Im looking at students who have energy, faculties that are exploring various problem statements, and departments tackling different challenges, Subramaniam said. This approach broadens the scope of innovation, enabling projects in areas like material science, DNA research for new drug discoveries, or sustainable energy solutions, alongside traditional AI applications.

Intels focus on AI education extends to helping students understand the layers of the AI technology stack. Subramaniam described how different roles are emerging within the AI field: from application developers who build user-facing experiences to framework developers and algorithm specialists who work on the foundational models.

There is a variety of AI sciences and software involved, he explained. This comprehensive approach ensures that students can find their place in the AI ecosystem, whether they are interested in creating new applications or diving into the more technical aspects of AI research.

As for future plans, Intel is taking a strategic approach. While IISc Bengaluru and IITH are the initial focus, there is potential for expansion to other institutions in the coming years. Were beginning with these two institutions and have set some clear goals, Subramaniam shared. As we learn from these centres and see the outcomes, well consider expanding. Its as much about learning and scaling as it is about supporting innovation. This phased approach allows Intel to refine its model and ensure that it delivers maximum impact as it scales up.
Top lawmakers in the US are demanding that chipmakers, to reveal various details about their sales to Chinese companies. At the heart of this tension is a fear in Washington that Chinas rapidly advancing chipmaking capabilities could fuel military modernisation read more

TSMC stated it remains committed to following all relevant export rules and regulations. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have upped the pressure, demanding more transparency from the worlds top semiconductor equipment suppliers, including KLA, Lam Research, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and ASML. Image Credit: Reuters

TSMC has been instructed to hit a pause on shipments of advanced AI chips to Chinese firms following a discovery that one of its chips was embedded in a Huawei processor. According to Reuters, the US Department of Commerce issued the directive as part of an ongoing investigation into whether companies are covertly funnelling high-tech chips to Huawei, a company that has long been grappling with strict trade restrictions from the US

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In response to the directive, TSMC has reportedly informed affected clients that the halt on chip shipments will begin on Monday. These chips, primarily used for AI purposes, have already been under scrutiny, with US officials tightening controls on exports from companies like Nvidia to curb Chinas access to cutting-edge tech.

TSMC stated it remains committed to following all relevant export rules and regulations. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have upped the pressure, demanding more transparency from the worlds top semiconductor equipment suppliers, including KLA, Lam Research, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and ASML.

Both Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi sent letters urging these firms to disclose details about their sales to China, amidst growing concerns over chip technology potentially boosting Chinas military advancement.

The lawmakers pointed out that while some companies worry stricter US export controls could hurt competitiveness, they believe a strong and thriving semiconductor toolmaking industry can coexist with rigorous export regulations. Their message comes against a backdrop of debate over the Biden administrations anticipated new export restrictions. The proposed regulations aim to further cut off Beijings access to advanced chipmaking technology, but they have faced resistance, even from some Democrats.

US firms and government officials are wrestling with the economic consequences of these potential regulations. Equipment makers and industry advocates argue that without similar restrictions from allied countries, US firms could face devastating losses.

California Democrats voiced these concerns back in August, cautioning that unilateral export restrictions might put American companies at a disadvantage, particularly if allies like Japan and the Netherlands dont follow suit. They warned that such measures could send US semiconductor firms into a death spiral, jeopardising the industrys stability.

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At the heart of this tension is a fear in Washington that Chinas rapidly advancing chipmaking capabilities could fuel military modernisation. Despite these concerns, persuading allies to adopt tougher restrictions has proven challenging, leaving US companies worried about being unfairly impacted. As of now, neither KLA, Lam Research, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, nor ASML have commented on the lawmakers demands for sales details.

The situation underscores the ongoing global tug-of-war over tech supremacy, with chip technology sitting squarely at the centre. As TSMC halts shipments and US officials push for more stringent controls, the semiconductor industry waits to see how this latest chapter in the US-China tech standoff unfolds.

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Days after US officials said that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in forward areas, US officials have said that a force of 50,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers has been assembled to retake the Ukraine-captured territories in Kursk read more

Russia has launched a heavy attack on Eastern Ukraine, around the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk. Image used for representative purpose/Reuters

Russia has assembled around 50,000 soldiers, including around 10,000 from North Korea, to attack Ukrainian forces in Kursk province, according to US officials.

In August, Ukraine mounted a stunning incursion into Russias border province of Kursk and captured around 1,000 square kilometres of territory and also took the fighting to the neighbouring province of Belgorod. However, these gains have not materialised into strategic gains as Russia has continued to make gains in eastern Ukraine and has chipped away at Ukrainian gains in Kursk and Belgorod.

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Days after US officials confirmed that around 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in forward areas, The New York Times on Sunday reported that a force of 50,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers has been assembled to retake the Ukraine-captured territories in Kursk.

The US assessment says that the force has been assembled without pulling soldiers deployed in eastern Ukraine, which means that Russia can now wage war on two fronts, according to The Times.

Separately, Ukrainian officials told the newspaper that they expected this force to start the attack in the coming days.

North Korean soldiers already fighting Ukrainians, says commander

A Ukrainian field commander has told CNN that North Korean soldiers have already started taking part in direct fights with Ukrainian forces.

Moreover, North Korean personnel are also part of defensive operations in neighbouring Belgorod province and Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories.

Russia controls around a fifth of Ukraine in the countrys east.

The commander said that North Korean soldiers are specialised artillerymen and snipers.

Mostly, the tasks are defined as the second echelon of defense. In the Kursk region, these are direct combat operations. These groups will be directly involved in combat operations in the short term on the territory of Ukraine. They are highly likely to emerge in the occupied territories of Ukraine as well, said the commander.

Separately, Ukrainian officials told The Times that Russia had supplied North Korean soldiers with machine guns, sniper rifles, anti-tank missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades. US officials further said that Russia has been training North Korean personnel in artillery fire, basic infantry tactics, and trench clearing.

The newspaper noted that such training suggests that Russia plans to use these soldiers in frontal assaults on Ukraines dug-in defences along frontlines.

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These developments come as Russia has made a string a victories throughout this year, winning critical cities of Vuhledar and Ukrainsk. Russia has also moved dangerously close to encircling and capturing Pokrovsk, which is said to be the most important city up for grabs for Russia at the moment.

Ukraines gamble with the incursion of Kursk appears to have failed as while Ukraine diverted some of its best soldiers and equipment away front frontlines to Kursk, Russia did not divert resources and instead continued to press ahead. As Ukraines defences were thinned out because of diversion to Kursk, Russian attacks did better than expected.

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As Donald Trump is set to take office in January, prospects of a Ukrainian victory, or the end of war favourable to Ukraine are getting dim by the day. Trump has fawned over Russian leader Vladimir Putin for years and has been critical for the US support of Ukraine. He has said that he would end the war on Ukraine within 24 hours and his closest advisors, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, have said Ukraine should cede territory to make peace with Russia.
In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Afghan womens rights activist Mahbouba Seraj gave her take on China, Russia and other foreign actors growing ties with the Taliban. China isnt interested in the people of Afghanistan but what is below the ground, she says read more

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi center hosts a meeting with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at right and Taliban-appointed Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at left held in Tunxi district in eastern Chinas Anhui province on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday issued strong backing for Afghanistan at a regional conference, while making no mention of human rights abuses by the countrys Taliban leaders. File Image / AP

The rights of Afghan women in their own country have hit rock bottom ever since the Taliban took over the country in 2021. On October 26, 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.

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Days after the ban, the draconian regimes spokesperson Saiful Islam Khyber denied the allegations that women are barred from speaking to each other calling such reports brainless and illogical. However, he did not deny the fact that 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.

What made the whole ordeal shocking was the fact that the latest ban came while the Taliban regime sought to gain international recognition. With the Taliban ruling Afghanistan for three years, the political winds for the group started to shift in the international arena. In the span of just a few months, dozens of countries have welcomed Talibani diplomats. But amid all this, the question of womens rights in Afghanistan remained unanswered not only on the global stage but also within the country.

Hence, the whole ordeal begs the question of whether diplomatic conversations with the regime have somehow eased the pressure on it to roll back restrictions imposed on women in the country.

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. In the first part of the interview. Seraj walked us through the day-to-day struggles of women in Afghanistan. The second part will deal with the ramifications of international actors forging ties with the Taliban.

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An Afghan woman exits a convenience shop in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Dec. 5, 2021. Source: File Image / AFP

Taliban and the world

In January, China became the first country to formally welcome a Talibani diplomat and referred to him as Afghanistans ambassador. In August, the UAE followed suit. In the same month, Uzbekistan sent its prime minister to Kabul. This was the first highest-level foreign visit by any leader in the country since the Taliban took over in 2021.

Many believed that these initiatives were paving the way for the regime to earn international recognition. While all this was happening, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced this spring that the Kremlin was considering removing the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organisations, which would make it the first country to do so. Meanwhile, activists started to wonder whether the Taliban would be called out for the violation of several human rights, especially making things harder for the women in the country.

In June this year, the Afghan group attended a rare United Nations-led conference of global envoys to Afghanistan. That was the first such meeting between the Taliban and other international actors held in Doha. While the gathering actively spoke about womens rights in Afghanistan, not a single woman was allowed to attend the meeting. When asked about the lack of women representation in this regard, Seraj explained where the international community is going wrong.

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Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, left, shakes hands with Taliban official Sirajuddin Haqqani at Qasr Al Shati palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on June 4, 2024. Source: AP

The world does not have a united voice on womens rights

Seraj insisted that at the heart of the problem is the lack of unity within the international community concerning raising voices for women in Afghanistan or any other issue in the world. Why these things are happening is because the world does not have a unique, united voice in any one of these issues, she remarked.

Every country looks at things according to their benefits, she said.

However, Seraj emphasised that if something bad is happening in one part of the world, it will affect the other side as well. We are responsible. Human beings living on the earth have equal rights on this planet and they should be treated properly by other neighbours, and by the people that they are sharing this planet with. Nobody really cares, she said.

In this photo released by the Taliban Spokesman Office, Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Taliban government who leads the Taliban delegation, center right, speaks with Russian Presidential Envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov, during a meeting in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, June 30, 2024. Taliban Spokesman Office via AP

When asked if the diplomatic conversation with the Taliban has eased the pressure on the regime to roll back restrictions, Seraj gave an affirmative response. Yeah, I mean, of course, because as I said, you know, the world, especially the Western world, theyre not talking from the same tongue, she said.

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Theyre not talking about having the same kind of help in mind or the same kind of criticism in mind. Hence, it is very much easier for the Taliban to believe that they can do anything they want the way they want, she furthered.

China is not interested in the people of Afghanistan

While commenting on how China became the first country to formally welcome a Taliban diplomat and refer to him as Afghanistans ambassador, Seraj said that Beijing has its own vested interest in the country. China has its own plans for Afghanistan. China is not interested in the people of Afghanistan. China is not interested in human rights. China is not interested in the rights of women, Seraj asserted.

What China is interested in, is really what is underneath the ground in Afghanistan. They want it and they will get it, she said.

Taliban Government Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi greets then Foreign Minister Wang Yi upon his arrival in Kabul in March 2022. Source: FMPRC

In February, reports started to emerge that China and the Taliban are involved in top-level meetings between officials, new mineral deals, and the upgrading of transport routes between the two countries. The prize in all these diplomatic efforts is access to Afghanistans wealth of untapped mineral resources  as well as a market for Chinese goods. The Central-South Asian country is home to several high-value natural reserves of copper, lithium and other rare minerals. These reserves remained untapped for decades due to the persistence of turbulence in the country.

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They really need to have some kind of a rapport with the Taliban because they are the ones signing these deals. A country like Afghanistan has no cover, we call ourselves a pot with no cover. So anything can fall in it and anything can be taken away from it without anybody knowing, Seraj lamented.

Catch-22 situation with International tribunals

It is a known fact that the bans introduced by the Taliban against Afghan women are gross violations of human rights. When asked if anyone had taken the issue to international tribunals like the International Criminal Court, Seraj laid out, what she called a catch-22 situation. While speaking on the condition of women in the country, Seraj went on to compare the Taliban regime to that of South Africas Apartheid regime. The only difference between the two is the fact that while South Africa witnessed racial apartheid, Afghanistan is witnessing a gender-based apartheid.

Theres no doubt that what is happening in Afghanistan is a crime against humanity and many have called it apartheid. This is a gender-based apartheid. The whole world has to sit down, believe in this, all of them, in a unified way and then decide what they want to do, she said.

A view of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. File Image / AP

The 76-year-old activist went on to ask what kind of punishment can one give to the regime. The ones that are responsible for this right now, theyre governing Afghanistan and they are governing who? The people. And the people of Afghanistan are going to be the ones that will pay for it, Seraj said, referring to any decision to impose economic sanctions. Another aspect of the story Seraj pointed out is the fact that to pursue a case against the Taliban in an international tribunal one has to recognise its regime.

The international court cannot be implemented on any country if the country is not recognised officially. And if the government is not recognised officially, this doesnt mean anything. Who are they doing this to? she asked. If the international court gets involved Taliban will get recognition. So its a catch-22 situation, she concluded.

While the Taliban rubs shoulders with foreign dignitaries, women in Afghanistan are still looking for people around the world who raise voices for the voiceless.

This is the final part of the two-part interview with the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Afghan activist Mahbouba Seraj. Click on the following link to read the first part.
As US President-elect Donald Trump has indicated on cutting aid to Ukraine, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are scrambling to shore up support for Ukraine before he takes over in January read more

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer look on upon their arrival on the Place de l'Etoile to attend commemorations marking the 106th anniversary of the November 11, 1918, Armistice, ending World War I, in Paris, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Photo via AP)

Before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are leading efforts to shore up support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.

Trump, who has a fawned over Russian leader Vladimir Putin for many years, has been very critical for the US aid to Ukraine. His stand on the Russian war on Ukraine has given an impression that he could cut the aid and force Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to surrender territory for the end of war.

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Any surrender of Ukraine to Russia would be unacceptable to Europe and the nations are therefore scrambling to make preparations to minimise the fallout of change of US policy on Ukraine under Trump.

Starmer and Macron are meeting on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen Ukraines position as much as possible in coordination with the administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden before Trump takes office, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The two leaders are set to explore whether they can convince Biden to ramp up aid to Ukraine before Trump takes over.

Starmer & Macron to push for long-range missiles, more aid

Starmer and Macron will discuss on Monday whether Biden can be persuaded to give Ukraine the permission to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles deep inside Russia, according to the Telegraph.

The idea is that if Biden gives his approval now, then it would be much harder for the incoming Trump administration to reverse course.

So far, the Biden administration has only allowed Ukraine to carry out missile attacks only in border regions of Russia. However, the newspaper reported that sources have said that Biden appears to now be open to giving permission for deeper strikes.

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A senior source in the British government told the newspaper, We are very keen to make sure we can make the most of the time between now and Jan 20 [when Mr Trump becomes US president] and not just put everything on hold until the next administration.

Another source said that Biden was expected to turn on the taps by giving Ukraine more of the financial aid owed to Kyiv in his final weeks.

Trump has said that he would end the war within 24 hours. While he has not outlined his plan, his senior aides have echoed plans outlined by Putin. Trumps running mate JD Vance outlined a plan in which Russia would be allowed to control the territories it holds at the moment, around one-fifth of Ukraine, and Ukraine would cease the right to join Nato.

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Fears that Trump may reverse the US policy on Ukraine have also increased as he has said pro-Ukraine figures like Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo would not be part of his administration. His son Donald Trump Jr in a social media post said that Zelenskyys American allowance was soon going to get over.

The Starmer-Macron meeting comes after a call between Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The DW reported that the two leaders discussed the possible effects of Trumps second term.

We will work in this new context for a more united, stronger, more sovereign Europe. In cooperation with the US and defending our interests and values, said Macron in a post on X after the call.

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In their meeting on Monday, Starmer and Macron are also expected to discuss the effect of Trumps second term on Middle East conflict and trade conflict with China.
Nearly a month after US issued an ultimatum to Israel threatening sanctions if humanitarian supplies to Gaza were not increased, the aid reaching the war-torn enclave has fallen to its lowest level in 11 months since December, according to a report, citing official Israeli figures read more

Nearly a month after US issued an ultimatum to Israel threatening sanctions if humanitarian supplies to Gaza were not increased, the aid reaching the war-torn enclave has fallen to its lowest level in 11 months since December, according to a report, citing official Israeli figures.

The US had issued a 30-day ultimatum on October 13, which is set to expire on Tuesday-Wednesday.

According to The Guardian report, it remains unclear what actions Israels failure to meet US demands will prompt, but they could include a temporary halt to the supply of certain munitions or other military assistance.

Meanwhile, in a last-minute concession on Monday, Israeli authorities announced an extension of the designated humanitarian zone, expanding it to include inland areas. This move could help alleviate severe overcrowding and offer some displaced people a chance to move away from the coast as winter approaches.

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However, Israel appears to have disregarded most of the demands outlined in a letter sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on October 13, reported The Guardian.

Aid officials in Gaza describe the situation as apocalyptic, with more than 80% of the 2.3 million residents displaced and over two-thirds of buildings destroyed or damaged in the 13 months of ongoing conflict.

Almost nothing is getting in any more. The small street markets that sprung up have all gone. Theres a bit of flour, some washing-up liquid  a kilo of tomatoes costs nearly $20 (16). Even if you have money there is nothing to buy. Everyone is going hungry again, The Guardian quoted one UN official as saying.

Israel initially imposed a total blockade on Gaza in the early weeks of the war but gradually eased restrictions under international pressure. Aid deliveries peaked in May, with 117,000 tonnes of food entering Gaza via more than 6,000 trucks, alongside tents, medicine, and other essential supplies.

According to The Guardian report, citing data from Cogat, the Israeli military body responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid, only 25,155 tonnes of food reached Gaza in October  the lowest monthly total since December 2023. As of this month, just 8,805 tonnes of aid have crossed through Israeli checkpoints.

In October, an average of 57 trucks per day entered Gaza, far below the 350 trucks per day requested by the US and the 600 per day aid agencies say are needed, added the report.

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By November 9, only 624 trucks had entered, according to Cogat. Its unclear if Sundays shipment of over 170 trucks and fuel tankers is included in these figures.

Israeli officials deny that aid is intentionally restricted, instead blaming humanitarian agencies for poor distribution efforts.

However, UN logistics specialists in Gaza say that Israeli military operations and lawlessness often prevent them from collecting supplies, leaving trucks stranded at the border.

Additionally, a severe shortage of drivers, communication equipment, and protective gear has hindered aid efforts. Since May, only 10% of over 300 permit requests for individual drivers have been approved by Cogat, reported The Guardian.

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Coordination with Israeli authorities remains slow and many convoy requests are rejected.

In October, Israeli authorities blocked or delayed 58% of aid movements. Lawlessness in Gaza has led to widespread looting of aid, with UN officials reporting that around a third of all supplies were stolen  some by Hamas, but most by criminal gangs for resale.

Private convoys have also been halted, added the report.

With inputs from agencies
The number of Indians seeking asylum in the US has increased significantly in the past three years, surging 855 per cent to 41,330 in FY 2023 from 4,330 in FY 2021 read more

Migrants from India and other countries prepare to be transported to a staging area near the border wall in Jacumba Hot Springs, California. Source: Reuters | Representative Image.

The allure of the American dream is driving a significant surge in asylum applications from India, with a dramatic 855 per cent increase over the past three years, new data from the US Department of Homeland Security shows.

In fiscal year (FY) 2021, there were 4,330 asylum seekers from India. By FY 2023, that number had ballooned to 41,330, reflecting a growing desire among Indians to seek new opportunities and security in the United States.

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Indian officials attribute much of the rise to applicants from Gujarat, with reports suggesting that close to half of all Indian asylum seekers in the US come from the western Indian state.

In 2023, Indians ranked as the fifth largest nationality seeking defensive asylum, a type of application made after an individual is already in the US and faces deportation. They also ranked seventh for affirmative asylum applications, where individuals seek asylum before facing removal proceedings. The data reveals that 5,340 Indians were granted asylum in FY 2023, with the majority receiving defensive asylum (2,630) compared to affirmative grants (2,710).

The jump in asylum seekers is striking. In FY 2021, Indian applicants filed 4,330 cases, which included both affirmative (2,090) and defensive (2,240) applications. By FY 2022, the number of applications nearly tripled to 14,570. In FY 2023, the total surged again, reaching 41,330, nearly three times the number of applicants in the previous year.

The increase in asylum grants has been equally dramatic. In FY 2021, 1,330 Indians were granted asylum, with the majority (700) receiving affirmative asylum and 630 defensive. By FY 2022, that number more than tripled to 4,260, and in FY 2023, it grew further to 5,340. Asylum grants through affirmative applications increased from 700 in 2021 to 2,710 in 2023, while defensive asylum grants rose from 630 to 2,630 during the same period.

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India now ranks as the fifth-largest nationality for defensive asylum grants in the US, a position that highlights the increasing number of individuals seeking to remain in the country due to concerns over safety, economic opportunity, or political persecution.

The growing number of Indian asylum seekers is part of a broader trend in global migration, with many looking to the United States as a place where they can pursue opportunities for work, safety, and a better future. Despite the challenges of the asylum process, including long wait times and legal hurdles, the promise of the American dream remains a powerful draw for many.

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Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called for new parliamentary elections, citing last months vote as manipulated and illegimate amid opposition protests and accusations of Russian interference read more

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili on Monday called for fresh parliamentary elections to resolve a crisis sparked by last months vote denounced by the opposition as rigged in favour of the ruling party.

The European Union and the United States have called for a probe into electoral irregularities in the October 26 vote won by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The pro-Western opposition has refused to recognise the election result or enter the newly elected parliament, which it deems illegitimate."

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Zurabishvili  who is at loggerheads with the governing party  has also described the vote as illegitimate and accused Russia of interference.

Moscow has denied meddling.

At a press conference on Monday, Zurabishvili said the election was controlled and manipulated by one party."

This is why we are now facing a crisis, she said, adding that the country needs new elections so that Georgia could have a legitimate parliament, a legitimate government."

Our friends are here to join us in seeking out ways to help Georgia emerge from this crisis, Zurabishvili said, referring to a group of MPs from eight European countries  including France and Germany  who visited Georgia on Monday.

Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili refused to meet the delegation.

On Friday, EU chief Charles Michel said there are serious suspicions of fraud, which require a serious investigation."

Ahead of the election, Brussels had warned the vote would determine Georgias chances of joining the bloc.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Tbilisi to protest alleged electoral fraud.

A group of Georgias leading election monitors said earlier that they had uncovered evidence of a complex scheme of large-scale electoral fraud that swayed results in favour of Georgian Dream.

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The ruling party insists the vote was free and fair and that EU membership remains the top priority of its government.

But critics have blamed the increasingly conservative party for derailing Georgia from its European path and bringing Tbilisi back into Moscows orbit.

(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh interim government has revoked both permanent and temporary press accreditation for 118 journalists, including editors, reporters, and executives from TV stations, bringing the total number of journalists stripped of accreditation to 167, according to a report read more

Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh interim government has revoked both permanent and temporary press accreditation for 118 journalists, including editors, reporters, and executives from TV stations, bringing the total number of journalists stripped of accreditation to 167.

According to a Dhaka Tribune report, the latest order, issued on November 7, was signed by Md Nizamul Kabir, Chief Information Officer of the Press Information Department (PID) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The notice states that the revocations were made in accordance with various provisions of the Press Accreditation Policy-2022.

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Previously, on October 29, the government had already cancelled the cards of 20 journalists.

Then, on November 3, another 29 journalists were informed that their press cards were being revoked.

This move is part of a broader government initiative to enforce its media policies and ensure that press credentials are granted only to those meeting specific standards.

Press accreditation cards are necessary for access to the Secretariat.

With inputs from agencies
The Lake Chad region has been plagued this year by frequent attacks from insurgents, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa. It has revived fears of violence after a period of peace following a successful operation launched in 2020 by the Chadian army to destroy the extremist groups bases. read more

The assault took place on Saturday in the Lake Chad region, according to army spokesperson Gen. Issakh Acheikh, who spoke on national television Sunday night without giving further details.

The Lake Chad area has faced repeated insurgent attacks this year, including from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa, renewing concerns of violence after a period of relative calm following a successful 2020 Chadian military operation to dismantle extremist bases.

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In a recent escalation, 40 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base last month, which led President Mahamat Deby Itno to initiate an operation to remove Boko Haram militants from the Lake Chad area. In March, a separate attack attributed to Boko Haram left seven soldiers dead.

Boko Haram, which launched an insurgency more than a decade ago against Western education, seeks to establish Islamic law in Nigerias northeast. The insurgency has spread to West African neighbors including Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Chad, a country of nearly 18 million people, has been reeling from political turmoil before and after a controversial presidential election that resulted in Deby Itnos victory. He had led the country as interim president during the period of military rule that followed the death of his father in 2021.

With inputs from agencies.
President of the German Electoral Commission Ruth Brand said it was a great challenge in todays world to actually procure the paper and carry out the printing orders and cautioned against scheduling elections too soon after Christmas, a suggestion that has drawn criticism from the opposition, according to a report read more

After Chancellor Olaf Scholz, under mounting pressure, agreed to consider a snap election instead of delaying the vote for five months after the collapse of his coalition government this week, the head of Germanys electoral commission warned that the country may face difficulties in holding early polls due to lack of paper for ballots.

According to The Telegraph, citing German television, president of the German Electoral Commission Ruth Brand said that it was a great challenge in todays world to actually procure the paper and carry out the printing orders.

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She cautioned against scheduling elections too soon after Christmas, a suggestion that has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and Bild, Germanys top-selling newspaper, added the report.

Brand, who also addressed her concerns in a letter to Chancellor Scholz, said as parties need to decide on candidate lists and other organisational issues, holding the vote after a long run of public holidays would come with incalculable risks.

We must be careful not to make ourselves look ridiculous internationally with a debate at this level, The Telegraph quoted Thorsten Frei, of the opposition party Christian Democratic Union (CDU), as saying.

According to the report, CDU wants a vote held before the inauguration of Donald Trump in January.

The government collapsed on the same day Trump, whose threatened tariffs would harm the stuttering German economy, won the election.

The statements made by the Federal Election Commissioner are scandalous and shameful, The Telegraph quoted Carsten Linnemann, the general secretary of CDU, as saying to Bild.

A country like Germany must be able to hold elections within 60 days, added Linnemann.

Frei pointed out that France held elections this summer just three weeks after its governments collapse.

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Federal and state election officials are likely to meet today to discuss plans for early elections, potentially in January or March.

Chancellor Scholz, on Friday, emphasised his desire for quick new elections, after initially prioritising the passage of unratified legislation before going to the polls. He appeared to make his agreement to early elections conditional on opposition support for the pending legislation, reported The Telegraph.

Under German law, early elections can only take place if the chancellor loses a vote of confidence, leading to the dissolution of parliament.

However, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has refused to support Scholzs legislative agenda as a condition for agreeing to quick elections.

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Describing Scholz as a share without any value, he has said that Germany cannot afford to have a government without a majority for months on end.

After months of infighting within his three-party coalition with the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats, Chancellor Scholz fired his finance minister on Wednesday, triggering a mass resignation of Free Democratic Party members from the government.

Scholz had initially proposed holding an election in late March, stating his intention to pass non-negotiable bills before then.

Current polling shows the CDU leading with 33%, while Scholzs Social Democratic Party and the far-right Alternative for Germany are both hovering around 16%.

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Meanwhile, German legislators on Monday scrapped a crucial budget planning meeting as parties continued to wrangle over the timing of an election to end a period of political uncertainty after Scholzs coalition broke up last week.

The cancellation of what was to have been the final meeting of the parliamentary budgetary committee this week risks delaying Germanys 2025 budget at a time when calls are mounting for government intervention to avert the economic crisis in Europes largest economy.

Scholzs government has been without a parliamentary majority since Wednesday when the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) quit the coalition over its more left-wing partners desire to spend more, using government borrowing if necessary.

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The scrapping of the committee meeting makes it less likely that a majority can be cobbled together in the Bundestag to approve a budget, even if Scholzs Social Democrats and the Greens, who remain in government, manage to propose one.

With inputs from agencies
Climate change will affect every country, regardless of whether it contributed to the crisis, necessitating global solutions that can address the variety of requirements across borders read more

The venue of the United Nations climate change conference, known as COP29, ahead of the summit beginning in Baku, Azerbaijan. File image/ Reuters

Tens of thousands of people from all around the world will assemble in Baku, Azerbaijans capital, on Monday for COP29, the annual United Nations climate summit.

However, because each years summit has produced its own set of promises, goals, and papers to chase, the logic behind these conversations can be difficult to understand.

Here are 6 things about UNs annual climate summit Conference of the Parties, or COP, you need to know.

Why do we have a yearly COP?

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Climate change will affect every country, regardless of whether it contributed to the crisis, necessitating global solutions that can address the variety of requirements across borders.

In signing the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which initiated global negotiations, the parties took pains to distinguish between wealthy nations who produced the majority of warming and poorer countries that suffer disproportionately from it.

In other words, the discussions are centred on the premise that the countries that gained the most from industrialisation should bear the greatest responsibility for dealing with the resulting warming.

Addressing that mismatch has been more difficult as poor countries economies have expanded and affluent nations face competing costs, including war.

What can a yearly summit achieve?

The conference gives an opportunity for governments to debate solutions such as energy policy, finance schemes, and financial requirements.

Almost every summit is attended by international leaders, sending a strong message that their countries are committed to the UNFCCC goals. The presence of leaders also allows countries to keep each other accountable for previous promises.

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The annual COP, however, is only the culmination of a continual process. Country representatives gather year-round to generate support for new climate action plans ahead of the COP, where they can be agreed upon by all countries.

Is the process working?

While each summit aims to progress global climate action from the previous year, it also allows governments to show their public that the problem is being handled.

Importantly, the exercise has seen governments count and report their emissions, as well as facilitate the transfer of hundreds of billions of dollars in climate aid to underdeveloped countries.

However, progress has been too sluggish to keep global temperatures from rising further. Since the COP meetings began in 1995, both emissions and temperatures have risen, indicating that the world is on course for extreme climate change.

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Proponents of the UNFCCC process argue that there is no option to negotiating significant socioeconomic reforms in order to limit global warming.

What will we get out of COP29?

This years conference is expected to produce a few headline agreements, including a new annual climate financing target, an agreement to get global carbon credit markets operational, and more relief money offered for nations already affected by costly climate disasters.

Aside from that, negotiators will continue to work on technical agreements that build on prior summits.

Outside of the traditional COP framework, groupings of countries may initiate their own initiatives or promise funds for specific projects. Companies are likely to announce commercial deals tied to climate action, while financiers seek to generate funds for climate investment.

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What is Azerbaijans role in COP29?

This year, Azerbaijan holds the chairmanship of COP29, after Central and Eastern Europe took over the rotating presidency.

Next year, Brazil will host the COP30 conference for Latin America.

As summit host, a country spends the entire year guiding pre-summit negotiations and lobbying other governments for bold action. This provides the presidency a significant role in establishing the summits priorities.

What else happens at a COP?

Beyond the country negotiations, the COP summit provides an opportunity for anybody to try to gain attention - or financing - for their cause.

Hundreds of side events bring activists and scientists together with industry lobbyists and banking heavyweights.

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Panel talks on issues ranging from ocean acidification to carbon offset project design take place on conference stages with a public audience.

The Green Zone, an exhibition hall, hosts debates organised by national delegations, non-profit groups, and enterprises.

While past summits have seen large-scale organised protests, like as the thousands-strong rally outside COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, the previous two conferences in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have only allowed protests in specific, roped-off locations.

Azerbaijan, which has likewise prohibited public protests, will most likely see minimal civic movement outside of the high-security conference location.
The COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijans capital Baku will be among the highest-profile multilateral events attended by Taliban administration officials since they took control in Kabul after 20 years of fighting NATO-backed forces read more

The U.N. has not allowed the Taliban to take up Afghanistan's seat at the General Assembly, and Afghanistan's government is not formally recognised by U.N. member states, largely due to the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and freedom of movement. Reuters

Afghan Taliban officials will attend a major United Nations climate conference that starts next week, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, the first time they have attended since the former insurgents took power in 2021.

The COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijans capital Baku will be among the highest-profile multilateral events attended by Taliban administration officials since they took control in Kabul after 20 years of fighting NATO-backed forces.

The U.N. has not allowed the Taliban to take up Afghanistans seat at the General Assembly, and Afghanistans government is not formally recognised by U.N. member states, largely due to the Talibans restrictions on womens education and freedom of movement.

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Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said officials from the National Environmental Protection Agency had arrived in Azerbaijan to attend the COP conference. The Taliban took over the agency when they returned to power as U.S.-led forces withdrew.

Taliban officials have taken part in U.N.-organised meetings on Afghanistan in Doha, and Taliban ministers have attended forums in China and Central Asia in the past two years.

But the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Changes Bureau of the COP has deferred consideration of Afghanistans participation since 2021, in effect freezing the country out of the talks.

Afghan NGOs have also struggled to attend the climate negotiations in recent years.

Host Azerbaijan invited the Afghan environment agency officials to COP29 as observers, enabling them to potentially participate in periphery discussions and potentially hold bilateral meetings, a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Because the Taliban are not formally recognised within the U.N. system as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, the source said, the officials cannot receive credentials to take part in the proceedings of full member states.

Azerbaijans COP29 presidency declined to comment.

The Taliban has closed schools and universities to female students over the age of around 12. It also announced a set of wide-ranging morality laws this year that require women to cover their faces in public and restrict their travel outside the home without a male guardian.

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The Taliban says it respects womens rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law.

Afghanistan is considered one of the countries worst affected by climate change. Flash floods have killed hundreds this year, and the heavily agriculture-dependent country has suffered through one of the worst droughts in decades. Many subsistence farmers, who make up much of the population, face deepening food insecurity.

Some advocates have criticised international isolation of the Taliban, saying it only hurts the Afghan people.

Afghanistan is one of the countries that is really left behind on the needs that it has, said Habib Mayar, deputy general secretary of the g7+, an intergovernmental organisation of countries affected by conflict.

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It is a double price that they are paying, Mayar said. There is lack of attention, lack of connection with the international community, and then there are increasing humanitarian needs.
Health advisories were issued for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality due to smoke from the fires read more

Fire crews on both coasts of the United States continued battling wildfires on Sunday, including a blaze in New York and New Jersey that killed a parks employee and another in Southern California that destroyed more than 130 structures and damaged dozens more.

Firefighters continued making progress against a wildfire northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County that broke out Wednesday and quickly exploded in size due to dry, warm and gusty Santa Ana winds.

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The Mountain Fire prompted thousands of residents to flee their homes and was 26% contained as of Sunday, up from 21% the previous day. The fires size remains around 32 square miles (about 83 square kilometers). The cause is under investigation.

The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

Meanwhile, New York State Police said they were investigating the death of Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state parks employee who died when a tree fell on him Saturday afternoon as he battled a major brush fire in Sterling Forest, located in New York states Greenwood Lake near the New Jersey line.

Rip brother your shift is over job well done, a New York State forestry services post said.

Jeremy Oldroyd, a forest ranger with New York state, said that Vasquez died assisting with fire line construction.

Wildland firefighting is a very dangerous profession, and we try to take as many precautions as we can mitigate some of the hazards that are out there in the wildland fire environment. But occasionally accidents do happen, he said.

New Jerseys state forest fire service said Sunday that the blaze  dubbed the Jennings Creek Wildfire  was threatening 25 structures, including two New Jersey homes. It had grown to 4.7 square miles (12 square kilometers) and was 10% contained as of Sunday night.

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Health advisories were issued for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality due to smoke from the fires. People were urged to limit strenuous outdoor physical activity if possible; those especially sensitive included the very young and very old and people with ailments such as asthma and heart disease.

But there was progress on other fires.

New Jersey officials reported 75% containment of a 175-acre (70-hectare) fire in the Pompton Lakes area of Passaic County that was threatening 55 homes, although no evacuations had been ordered, as well as progress made on other fires burning in the state amid bone-dry conditions.

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In New Jersey, Ocean County prosecutors on Saturday announced arson and firearms charges in connection with a 350-acre (142-hectare) Jackson Township fire that started Wednesday.

They said that fire was sparked by magnesium shards from a shotgun round on the berm of a shooting range. Officials said firing that kind of incendiary or tracer ammunition was barred in the state. The majority of the blaze has been contained, officials reported Friday.

In Massachusetts, one wildfire among several fueled by powerful wind gusts and dry leaves has burned hundreds of acres in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a municipal park extending across about 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) in the city some 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Boston.

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The Lynn Fire Department cited a dry spell we have not seen during this time of year in many years.

We have had over 400 acres of the woods that have burned so far. We believe we have the fire contained using the main fire roads. We will maintain a presence to ensure the fire doesnt spread further, Lynn Fire Chief Dan Sullivan said in a statement late Sunday.

He said windy and dry conditions certainly made it challenging even as he asked people to stay away from the burned-out areas. There are far too many weakened trees, and we dont want the public to get injured, he added.

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France had already imposed sanctions against 28 violent settlers and been instrumental in deciding sanctions at the European Union level, Jean-Noel Barrot told the Paris Peace Forum, an annual gathering dedicated to international dialogue. read more

A fresh round of penalties against violent Israeli settlers may be imminent, according to Frances foreign minister on Monday.

Jean-Noel Barrot told the Paris Peace Forum, We played a key role in establishing the (EU) sanctions regime that has already been activated twice and may be activated a third time soon.

We are deeply attached to the security of Israel, Barrot said, but in the interest of Israel, of Israeli security, international law needs to be respected and justice needs to be reached.

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During a visit to the West Bank on Thursday, Barrot had already threatened a new round of sanctions, and renewed Frances commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Settlement activities threaten the political perspective that can ensure durable peace for Israel and Palestine, he said after talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah.

The United States, Britain, Canada and Australia have also imposed sanctions against extremist settlers.

The EUs foreign affairs commissioner, Josep Borrell, said in August that Israeli settlers were endangering any chance of peace and called on the Israeli government to stop these unacceptable actions immediately.

Sanctions would also be aimed at the enablers of violent settler actions, including some Israeli government members, Borrell said.

Over 700 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the last year, according to the Ramallah-based health ministry.

With inputs from agencies.
Russias deliveries of air defence systems, warships, and submarines are running several years behind schedule read more

Russia's supply of S-400 air defence system to India has been delayed by at least three years. (Photo: Reuters)

The Ukraine War has delayed a number of Indias key defence acquisitions from Russia.

The acquisitions delayed include air defence systems, warships, and submarines.

For one, India is expected to get the first of the two multi-role frigates within the next one month after a delay of nearly two years, according to The Times of India.

A number of other deliverables are not expected to come before 2026-27.

The delay is part of a broader trend where Russias defence exports have fallen as the entire defence industry has been reoriented to address the needs of the war in Ukraine. Despite a famed defence industrial base, Russia has had to import weapons, such as missiles, artillery ammunition, and drones from fellow authoritarian regimes of North Korea and Iran. China has also been helping Russias defence manufacturing.

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Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, its arms sales fell by around 60 per cent, according to Financial Times.

Frigates delayed by 2 years

India is set to receive the first of two Russia-made guided-missile multi-role frigates by the end of this month, according to ToI.

India and Russia signed the acquisition agreement in 2018 and the two warships were to be delivered by 2022-23, as per a Hindustan Times report at the time.

However, not even one ship has been delivered so far as Russia has prioritised own defence requirements over contractual obligations to India, affecting Indias plans for military modernisation.

The development comes as India is revamping military posturing from the Himalayas to the Indo-Pacific to counter the threat from China, which is Russias principal ally. Russias delay end up helping in China in furthering the capacity gap with India in its favour in various theatres.

Air-defence systems delayed till at least 2026

India has purchased five batteries of S-400 air-defence system from Russia, which is running years behind scheduled.

While the delivery of all five batteries was to take place by 2023, now ToI has reported that deliveries can only be completed by 2026.

So far, Russia has only delivered three batteries.

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India has asked Russia for faster delivery. But it looks difficult because Russias entire defence-industrial production is geared towards Ukraine war, a source told the newspaper.

Submarine delayed by at least 3 years

In 2019, India and Russia had signed a deal for the lease of a nuclear submarine, which was supposed to be delivered by 2025.

A source told ToI that the submarine is not expected to arrive before 2028.
Katz, however, said that if the possibility arises and a good proposal is put forward that would allow us to claim victory we will certainly consider it very seriously, said Katz while addressing the first meeting with the IDF General Staff Forum 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

Israels newly appointed Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Monday that there will be no ceasefire and there will be no break in the strikes against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

According to a Times of Israel report, addressing the first meeting with the IDF General Staff Forum, Katz said that if the possibility arises and a good proposal is put forward that would allow us to claim victory we will certainly consider it very seriously.

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Talking about Iran, the defence minister said that their nuclear sites are more vulnerable than ever, following Israels airstrikes on its air defence sites.

Iran today is more exposed than ever to damage to its nuclear facilities. There is a possibility to achieve the most important goal, to thwart and remove the threat of annihilation from hanging over the State of Israel, The Times of Israel quoted Katz as saying during the meeting.

On the Gaza Strip, Katz said the most important goal is returning the hostages.

We will do everything to bring them home and ensure the defeat of Hamas, he was quoted as saying.

Earlier in the day, Israel had said there was progress in talks about a Lebanon ceasefire and indicated Russia could play a part by stopping Hezbollah rearming via Syria, although the Iran-backed group said it had not received any new truce proposals.

Pummeled by Israels offensive, Hezbollah said political contacts were under way involving its backers in Tehran, Washington and Moscow, whilst also saying it had enough weapons for a long war and keeping up rocket fire into Israel.

In Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the war against Hezbollah was not yet over. The main challenge facing any ceasefire deal would be enforcement, he said, though there was a certain progress in talks.

After previous rounds of fruitless, US-led diplomacy to secure a Lebanon truce, the comments indicate renewed focus on the issue as President Joe Biden prepares to leave office in January, with President-elect Donald Trump set to replace him.

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Hopes of a Gaza truce have meanwhile suffered a setback, with Qatar suspending its mediation role.

Ignited by the Gaza war, the conflict at the Lebanese-Israeli border had been rumbling on for a year before Israel went on the offensive in late September, pounding wide areas of Lebanon with airstrikes and sending troops into the south.

Saar, addressing a Jerusalem news conference, said Israel was working with United States on a ceasefire. Israel wants Hezbollah north of the Litani river - some 20 miles (30 km) from the border - and unable to rearm, he said.

Saar said a basic principle for any agreement had to be that Hezbollah would not be able to bring weapons into Lebanon from Syria. It is vital to the success of any arrangement in Lebanon, Reuters quoted him as saying.

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And the Russians are, as you know, present in Syria. And if they are in agreement with this principle, I think they can contribute effectively to this objective.

Russia deployed forces into Syria nearly a decade ago to support President Bashar al-Assad in the civil war there. Hezbollah also sent fighters to help Assad, and carved out big sway on the ground alongside other Iran-backed groups.

Syria is widely seen as a major conduit for Iran to supply weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Israel has struck targets in Syria regularly during the conflict.

With inputs from agencies
Israel has been waging a major offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon since late September, pounding its strongholds in Beiruts southern suburbs, southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley and sending troops into areas near the border read more

Smoke rises above Lebanon following an Israeli strike, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, on Israel's border with Lebanon. Source: REUTERS | FILE.

Even though the Iran-backed group ruled out receiving any communication for truce proposals, Israel said Monday that negotiations for a ceasefire in Lebanon were going well and suggested that Russia may help prevent Hezbollah from retaliating through Syria.

Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, said that Israel is exploring all diplomatic channels with the United States and that the primary obstacle would be implementing any ceasefire agreement.

Speaking to reporters in Jerusalem, Saar said, We will be ready to be there if we know, first of all that Hezbollah is not on our border, is north of the Litani river and that Hezbollah will not be able to arm again with new weapons systems."

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Israel escalated air strikes in late September targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and sent in ground troops a week later, on September 30.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the aim of the operation is to push Hezbollah north of the Litani river, which flows across southern Lebanon.

Another goal is to stop any attempt by Hezbollah to rearm.

The group is armed and financed by Iran.

Saar on Monday reiterated Israels objectives. He said Israel would be ready for a ceasefire if Hezbollah is not on the countrys border and unable to rearm itself with weapon systems arriving from Syria, from the sea, from the airport.

He added: The main challenge, eventually, will be to enforce what will be agreed.

We want to get our citizens back home safely, and if we will meet the right conditions, we will be there. In the meantime, the operation of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) near our border continues, Saar added.

Tens of thousands of Israelis were displaced when Hezbollah began cross-border fire more than a year ago in what it described as support for Palestinian militants Hamas, who attacked Israel triggering the ongoing war in Gaza.

With inputs from agencies.
More than 3,000 people were killed in Lebanon during the 13 months of the Israel-Hezbollah war. read more

At least 14 people were killed and 15 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the northern Lebanese town of Ain Yaaqoub on Monday, according to the towns mayor.

The strike, which marks the northernmost point in Lebanon hit by Israeli forces since hostilities began in October 2023, hit a building where 30 people were residing including Syrian refugees, Mayor Majed Drbes told Reuters. He said some people were still trapped under the rubble.

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Earlier on Monday, an Israeli raid in Al-Saksakieh in Sidon District killed at least seven and injured seven more according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran.

For nearly a year, the conflict was mostly contained to the areas along the border between Israel and Lebanon. The conflict dramatically escalated on Sept. 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beiruts southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people.

Israel began a ground invasion of south Lebanon on Oct. 1, causing wide destruction in border villages but making little advances on the ground inside Lebanon. Israel says it is destroying Hezbollah weapons and command centers near the border, including an extensive tunnel system built by Hezbollah.

With inputs from agencies.
With Trump set to return to power, Trudeaus government seems to be adjusting its stance on Khalistani separatism to stay on good terms with a US that supports India read more

Is Canada finally dialing down its hostility towards India, or is it simply reacting to the prospect of a White House shift? Just days after former President Donald Trump won the US election on November 5, 2024, Canadas tone toward India has notably softened, signaling a shift towards a more diplomatic approach with New Delhi, a close US ally.

Until recently, Canada had been outspokenly adversarial towards India, both in its parliament and on the global stage, dismissing Indias repeated requests to take action against Khalistani separatists operating openly on Canadian soil. The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had appeared to endorse an approach that allowed Khalistani elements to challenge Indias sovereignty.

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However, with Trumps impending return to the Oval Office, Canadas stance toward India seems to be undergoing a swift recalibration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has a close rapport with President-elect Trump, contrasts sharply with Trudeau, whom Trump previously described as a far-left lunatic in 2022 and very dishonest and weak in 2018. This shift suggests that Canadas diplomacy may be influenced by the changing dynamics of US foreign policy.

The quick arrests

The Canadian government has recently shown a quicker response against Khalistani supporters. Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla and labelled a terrorist by India, was arrested in Ontario, Canada, after a shooting incident on October 28, 2024, in Milton. Dalla is linked to the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and reportedly ran terror groups for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another designated terrorist who was killed in June 2023.

The shooting happened when Guelph Police informed Halton police early on October 28 that two men had come to a hospital, one with a gunshot wound. Both men, aged 25 and 28, were arrested and charged with shooting with intent, and an investigation is ongoing. In another development, Punjab Police reported the arrest of two shooters associated with Dallas gang, allegedly involved in the recent killing of a Sikh activist in Kharar, Mohali.

Separately, Canadian police arrested a 35-year-old Brampton man on November 3 following a violent protest at the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Demonstrators waved Khalistani flags and clashed physically outside the temple. Peel Regional Police are investigating the incidents, many of which were caught on video, and the man faces assault charges.

Canadas approach to the Khalistani issue has been heavily criticised. Canadian journalist Terry Milewski called it hypocritical and a national disgrace, highlighting Canadas long-standing failure to address Khalistani separatism. He also condemned recent violence, blaming politicians for not confronting this influence sooner.

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The Khalistan movement, pushing for a separate Sikh state in India, has been a major issue in India-Canada relations. Tensions escalated after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani leader, in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved, a claim India denies. India, in turn, criticised Canada for allowing Khalistani extremists a safe haven.

In response, India recently expelled six Canadian diplomats and pulled back its High Commissioner, heightening the diplomatic rift. This crisis could impact economic ties, including Canadas $75 billion pension fund investments in India, stalled trade talks, and remittances from Canada.

Return of Trump: Cheer for India, fear for Canada

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India welcomed Donald Trumps return to the White House, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the first to congratulate him on his election win. Modi shared photos from their rally in Houston five years ago and soon followed up with a phone call. Trumps administration is expected to keep seeing India as a key partner, especially in balancing Chinas growing influence, which has led to major investments from US companies like Apple. Experts believe Trump will continue to see China as the main geopolitical challenge, solidifying Indias role in US strategy. While military ties are likely to strengthen, it remains to be seen if this will bring broader economic and trade benefits for India.

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For Canada, Trumps return poses economic challenges, as 75 per cent of Canadian exports go to the US. Key concerns include possible trade disputes that could harm Canadas economy and an increase in people crossing the border from the US. Trudeaus approval ratings are currently low, and polls suggest he may lose to his Conservative opponent. Canada is also facing economic issues like rising costs of living and diplomatic tensions with both China and India. As a major oil producer, Canada is vulnerable to Trumps proposed 10 per cent tariff on imports and his plans to boost U energy production.

Despite these concerns, Trudeau expressed a willingness to work with Trump, pointing out the strong ties between the two countries. Still, Canadas economy could feel the impact: Desjardins Economics projects a 1.7 per cent drop in Canadas GDP by 2028 under Trumps policies, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce warns of potential income and productivity losses due to tariffs and trade tensions. According to Reuters, in Trumps first term, he renegotiated NAFTA, replacing it with the USMCA, and has suggested he may push for further changes in 2026.

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The Washington Post reported Sunday that Trump talked by phone on Thursday with Putin, telling him not to inflame the conflict read more

The Kremlin on Monday denied a US media report that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US president-elect Donald Trump had spoken on the phone last week about the Ukraine conflict.

The Washington Post reported Sunday that Trump talked by phone on Thursday with Putin, telling him not to inflame the conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that the Washington Post report was simply false information, denying any phone call took place.

The Post report said that Trump in the call reminded Putin of Washingtons sizeable military foothold in Europe.

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Several people speaking to the US paper said Trump had expressed the desire for more conversations on the resolution of Ukraines war soon.

The Republican said on the campaign trail that he could end the fighting within hours and has indicated he would talk directly with Putin.

Trump has not said how he intends to strike a peace deal or what terms he is proposing.

The Russian president has demanded Ukraine withdraw from swathes of its eastern and southern territory as a precondition to peace talks.

The Post reported that people familiar with Thursdays call said Trump had briefly raised the question of land with Putin.

Following Trumps election, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned there should be no concessions to Putin.

Ceding land or giving in to any of Moscows other hardline demands would only embolden the Kremlin and lead to more aggression, he said.
Current Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who has led his party in the chamber since 2007, is not seeking election to the post read more

Businessman Elon Musk, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, endorsed Republican Senator Rick Scott for U.S. Senate majority leader on Sunday as Trump pushed candidates for the influential post to help him make changes quickly after his party won control of the chamber.

Republicans are expected to hold at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate after capturing three previously held by Democrats in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana in last Tuesdays election.

Current Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who has led his party in the chamber since 2007, is not seeking election to the post.

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Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader! Musk, a tech billionaire who has emerged as a major backer of Trump in recent months, wrote in a social media post on Sunday.

Trump has not yet endorsed anyone in race for majority leader.

Musk is the worlds wealthiest person. Scott, who represents Florida in the Senate, is a former healthcare executive and the wealthiest sitting senator.

In an interview on Fox News on Sunday, Scott said the Senate needs to implement real change.

We cant keep doing what were doing, Scott said. Thats what Donald Trump got elected to do, to be the change.

In a tweet on Sunday, Trump said anyone seeking to be Senate majority leader must agree not to stand in the way of temporary presidential appointments being made when the Senate is not in session.

During Senate sessions, senators exercising their constitutional power to provide its advice and consent hold hearings and confirmation votes for presidential appointmees such as Cabinet heads of massive government agencies including the Defense Department and Department of Health and Human Services.

Scott responded on X that he agreed with Trumps demand, which would enable the incoming president to quickly fill posts, even if only temporarily. Two other Republican senators vying to lead the body - John Thune and John Cornyn - later posted their support for Trumps push to quickly fill appointments.

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Trump campaigned on promises, among other things, to deport immigrants who are in the United States illegally, cut taxes, impose tariffs on international trading partners and loosen fiscal policy.

Scott has the backing of several hard-right Republican senators, but it remains whether he can bring Republican moderates to his side.

Senate Republican leadership elections are scheduled for Wednesday, shortly after the chamber returns to work following a recess for the Nov. 5 elections.

The outcome of two Senate races - in Pennsylvania and Arizona - has not yet been called by Edison Research.

House control still unclear

Control of the U.S. House of Representatives has not yet been decided. Republicans already have won 214 seats, according to Edison, just shy of the 218 needed to retain their current majority.

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If Republicans lead both chambers, it would mean that most of Trumps agenda would have a much greater likelihood of winning congressional approval than if Democrats controlled one of them.

Partial results show Republicans have a narrow lead in nine of the remaining uncalled House races and Democrats in seven, according to a New York Times analysis, although many thousands of votes remain to be counted.

Most of the remaining House seats are in Western states, where vote tallying typically takes longer than elsewhere in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that he greenlighted the pager attacks in Lebanon and also gave direct orders to the Israeli forces to eliminate Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah despite the opposition of senior officials in the defence establishment and those responsible for them in the political echelon read more

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirms he 'greenlighted' Hezbollah pager blasts that killed 40 in Lebanon in September. Source: Reuters.

Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time acknowledged Israels role in the pager attack on Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah in September, which killed nearly 40 people and wounded nearly 3,000.

A report by AFP quoted Israeli PM spokesperson Omer Dostri as saying, Netanyahu confirmed Sunday (October 10) that he greenlighted the pager operation in Lebanon.

Why is Netanyahus confirmation important?

The explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies carried by Hezbollah members in September were widely blamed on Israel, but till now it did not confirm or deny involvement.

However, the day after pagers began exploding across Lebanon, then-defence minister of Israel Yoav Gallant, whom Netanyahu fired on Tuesday, seemed to acknowledge his countrys role. But there was no formal admission or claim made by Israel before Sunday.

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In mid-September, hand-held devices, including pagers and walkie-talkies, used by Hezbollah operatives detonated back-to-back for two days in supermarkets, on streets and at funerals.

Hezbollah had previously blamed its arch-foe for the blasts that dealt a major blow on them, and vowed revenge.

Pager attacks, Nasrallah killing launched despite opposition

During the Cabinet meeting on November 10, Netanyahu also confirmed that he gave direct orders to the Israeli forces to eliminate Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in a precision strike in Beirut.

The pager operation and the elimination of Nasrallah were carried out despite the opposition of senior officials in the defence establishment and those responsible for them in the political echelon, a report by The Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Netanyahu shares about his conversation with Trump

Netanyahu spoke about three times in recent days with US President-elect Donald Trump.

These were very good and very important conversations, aimed at strengthening the solid alliance between Israel and the United States," the Israeli PM said ahead of the Cabinet meeting on Sunday.

We see eye-to-eye on the Iranian threat in all its aspects and the danger it poses. We also see the great opportunities before Israel  in peace and expansion, and in other areas," Netanyahu said.

Lebanon files complaint with UN

Netanyahus admission about the pager attacks comes just days after Lebanon filed lodged a complaint against Israel at the United Nations over deadly pager attacks, blaming Tel Aviv for raging an egregious war against humanity, against technology, against work.

As per a report by AP, Lebanese labour minister Moustafa Bayram and other officials travelled to Geneva and formally filed the complaint on Tuesday against Israel at the International Labor Organisation, a UN agency that brings together governments, businesses, and workers.

This method of warfare and conflicts may open the way for many who are evading international humanitarian law to adopt this method of warfare, Bayram said.

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Its a very dangerous precedent, if not condemned. We are in a situation where ordinary objects  objects used in daily life  become dangerous and lethal," he said.

After Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the Gaza war as well as escalated tensions in West Asia, its ally Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israel.

The strikes have intensified since war broke out in Lebanon in late September, when Israel escalated its air campaign against Hezbollah and later sent ground troops into south Lebanon.

With inputs from agencies.
Starmer and Macron met with an agenda to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position as the season approaches, especially with uncertainty surrounding long-term US support following Donald Trumps election read more

Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron met to discuss strengthening Ukraines position ahead of winter, amid growing uncertainty over long-term US support following the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

The Prime Minister and Macron held talks on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Friday morning, before participating in Armistice Day commemorations at the Arc de Triomphe.

Their discussions came amid speculation regarding how Trumps potential presidency could impact US support for Ukraine. The meeting is their first since Barnier became prime minister in September. The last British leader to attend the French Armistice Day commemorations was Winston Churchill, who was hosted by Charles de Gaulle in 1944, Starmers office said.

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Ukraines allies must not prejudge how Donald Trump will handle the war there, Frances foreign minister said on Monday, as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed their support for Kyiv during talks in Paris.

Trump has repeatedly criticised the scale of Western aid to Kyiv and has promised to end the conflict swiftly, without explaining how. His victory in last weeks presidential election has spurred concerns in Kyiv and other European capitals about the degree of future U.S. commitment to helping Ukraine.

Europe has been the biggest provider of aid to Ukraine, allocating 118 billion euros ($126 billion) since the start of the conflict, while the United States has provided 85 billion euros in total, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Britain and the European Union are expected to begin talks next year on a post-Brexit security pact, covering areas such as defence and energy cooperation, as they look to take more responsibility for their own security.

Some European politicians have said Europe cannot replace the financial and military aid from the United States, including military resources such as F-16 fighter jets and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

With inputs from agencies.
Trumps election is seen as carrying the potential to upend the almost three-year Ukraine conflict, as he insists on a quick end to the fighting and casts doubt on Washingtons multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv read more

US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him not to escalate the war in Ukraine, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

Trump held the call from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, the report said.

The president-elects representatives did not immediately respond when asked by AFP for comment.

The Post, citing several people familiar with the call who spoke on the basis of anonymity, reported that Trump had reminded Putin of Americas sizable military presence in Europe.

They said he also expressed an interest in further conversations to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon.

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Trumps election is seen as carrying the potential to upend the almost three-year Ukraine conflict, as he insists on a quick end to the fighting and casts doubt on Washingtons multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Trump on Wednesday, with the Republicans billionaire backer Elon Musk also notably joining them on the call.

Zelenskyy described the call as excellent, saying that he and Trump had agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation.

The outgoing Democratic administration of President Joe Biden has confirmed that it will send as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trumps inauguration on January 20.

On Sunday, Bidens National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House aims to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.

This would include using the remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine available, Sullivan said.

Losing your allowance

The Russian government has given a cautious but mostly positive response to Trumps return, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Sunday: The signals are positive At least hes talking about peace, and not about confrontation.

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During his campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to quickly end the Ukraine war  even before he is sworn into office  but without detailing his thinking.

Trump and his allies have railed against US funding for Ukraine, while insinuating that it helps fund a corrupt pro-war nexus of defense companies and foreign policy hawks.

Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., shared a clip Saturday on Instagram which showed Zelenskyy standing next to the president-elect with a caption reading: POV (point of view): Youre 38 days from losing your allowance.

Any quick deal in Ukraine is expected to require Kyiv to cede some of the territory it has lost to Russian invaders in Ukraines south and east.

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A former adviser to Trump, Bryanb Lanza, told the BBC on Saturday that Ukraine had to give up any ambition on regaining Crimea, for instance, which was occupied by Russia in 2014.

He said the US priority was for peace and to stop the killing, although the Trump transition team clarified that he was not speaking on behalf of the president-elect.

Kyiv, though facing a manpower shortage and uncertainty over US support, has steadfastly opposed giving up territory and its European allies and weapons suppliers such as Britain and France are known to be nervous about unilateral moves by Trump.

Zelenskyy has said that giving up land or meeting other demands from the Kremlin would only embolden the Kremlin and provoke more aggression, a view shared by many European allies.

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Trump briefly raised the issue of land in his call with Putin, the Post reported, without further details.

In recent months, both sides in the war have made moves seen as possible efforts to gain leverage ahead of eventual negotiations, with Ukraine seizing a chunk of Russian territory and Moscows troops making advances in Ukraine.

This weekend brought the biggest drone attacks yet from both sides.

Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Zelenskyy said, while Russia said it had downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday.
Just a week after Trumps resounding election victory, a Manhattan judge is poised to decide whether to uphold the hush money verdict or dismiss it because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision in July that gave presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution read more

A gut punch for most defendants, Donald Trump turned his criminal conviction into a rallying cry. His supporters put Im Voting for the Felon on T-shirts, hats and lawn signs.

The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5 by the people, Trump proclaimed after his conviction in New York last spring on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Now, just a week after Trumps resounding election victory, a Manhattan judge is poised to decide whether to uphold the hush money verdict or dismiss it because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision in July that gave presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution.

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Judge Juan M. Merchan has said he will issue a written opinion Tuesday on Trumps request to toss his conviction and either order a new trial or dismiss the indictment entirely.

Merchan had been expected to rule in September, but put it off to avoid any appearance he was trying to sway the election. His decision could be on ice again if Trump takes other steps to delay or end the case.

If the judge upholds the verdict, the case would be on track for sentencing Nov. 26  though that could shift or vanish depending on appeals or other legal maneuvers.

Trumps lawyers have been fighting for months to reverse his conviction, which involved efforts to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, whose affair allegations threatened to disrupt his 2016 campaign.

Trump denies her claim, maintains he did nothing wrong and has decried the verdict as a rigged, disgraceful result of a politically motivated witch hunt meant to harm his campaign.

The Supreme Courts ruling gives former presidents immunity from prosecution for official acts  things they do as part of their job as president  and bars prosecutors from using evidence of official acts in trying to prove that purely personal conduct violated the law.

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Trump was a private citizen  campaigning for president, but neither elected nor sworn in  when his then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels in October 2016.

But Trump was president when Cohen was reimbursed, and Cohen testified that they discussed the repayment arrangement in the Oval Office. Those reimbursements, jurors found, were falsely logged in Trumps records as legal expenses.

Trumps lawyers contend the Manhattan district attorneys office tainted the case with evidence  including testimony about Trumps first term as president  that shouldnt have been allowed.

Prosecutors maintain that the high courts ruling provides no basis for disturbing the jurys verdict. Trumps conviction, they said, involved unofficial acts  personal conduct for which he is not immune.

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The Supreme Court didnt define an official act, leaving that to lower courts. Nor did it make clear how its ruling  which arose from one of Trumps two federal criminal cases  pertains to state-level cases like Trumps hush money prosecution.

There are several murky aspects of the courts ruling, but one that is particularly relevant to this case is the issue of what counts as an official act, said George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin. And I think its extremely difficult to argue that this payoff to this woman does qualify as an official act, for a number of fairly obvious reasons.

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Trumps efforts to erase the verdict have taken on new urgency since his election, with a sentencing date looming at the end of the month and possible punishments ranging from a fine or probation to up to four years in prison.

Presidents-elect dont typically enjoy the same legal protections as presidents, but Trump and his lawyers could try to leverage his unique status as a former and future commander-in-chief into something of a Get Out of Jail Free card.

One likely argument: Trump wouldnt just be saving himself from a potential prison sentence, hed be sparing the nation from the calamity of its leader behind bars  however remote that possibility is.

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Hell ask every court in the world to intervene if he can, including the Supreme Court, so that could drag things out a bit, said Syracuse University law professor David Driesen, author of the book, The Specter of Dictatorship: Judicial Enabling of Presidential Power.

At the same time, Trump has been attempting to again move the case from state court to federal court, where he could also assert immunity. His lawyers have asked the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a judges September ruling denying the transfer.

If Merchan orders a new trial, it seems unlikely that could happen while Trump is in office.

Trumps lawyers argued in court papers that, given the Supreme Court ruling, jurors shouldnt have been allowed to hear about matters including his conversations with then-White House communications director Hope Hicks, nor another aides testimony about his work practices.

Also verboten, they said, was prosecutors use of Trumps 2018 financial disclosure report, which he was required as president to file. A footnote mentioned that Trump reimbursed Cohen in 2017 for unspecified expenses the year before.

Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove argued that prosecutors were trying to assign a criminal motive to some of Trumps actions in office to unfairly prejudice him. For example, they wrote, prosecutors pushed the dubious theory that some of Trumps 2018 tweets were part of a pressure campaign to keep Cohen from turning on him.

The immunity decision forecloses inquiry into those motives, Blanche and Bove wrote.

Prosecutors countered that the ruling doesnt apply to the evidence in question, and that regardless, its only a sliver of the mountains of testimony and documentary proof the jury considered.
A veteran Republican strategist has said that Ukraine would be on its own if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would continue to insist on retaking territories captured by Russia read more

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. AP

After a Republican strategist slammed President Volodymyr Zelenskyys approach to Russias ongoing war on Ukraine, the transition team of US President-elect Donald Trump has distanced from the remarks.

Veteran Republican strategist Bryan Lanza, who identifies himself as a Senior Advisor to the Trump campaign, had slammed Zelenskyy for a maximalist outlook in the ongoing war. He said that Zelenskyy should have a realistic vision for peace and should forget about retaking territories captured by Russia if he wants any support from the incoming Trump administration.

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In a statement carried by Reuters, while the Trump team acknowledged as a former staffer, it said he did not speak for the incoming administration.

Bryan Lanza was a contractor for the campaign. He does not work for President Trump and does not speak for him, said a spokesperson for Trump.

Even though the Trump team has distanced from Lazas comments, Trump has not refused to rule out Ukraine ceding territories for the end of war. Trump and his far-right base have been dismissal for the US support of Ukraine. As Trump has fawned over Russian leader Vladimir Putin for years and is deemed friendly with him, it is feared that he would plug on support to Ukraine and force Zelenskyy to surrender the territories.

Russia currently controls around a fifth of Ukraine in the countrys east. In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraines Crimea region and annexed it. Eight years later, Putin launched the all-round invasion of Ukraine.

In an interview with BBC, Laza said that if Zelenskyy joins negotiations and says we can only have peace if we have Crimea, he shows to us that hes not serious.

Lanza said that Crimea is gone.

When Zelensky says we will only stop this fighting, there will only be peace once Crimea is returned, weve got news for President Zelensky: Crimea is gone. And if that is your priority of getting Crimea back and having American soldiers fight to get Crimea back, youre on your own, said Lanza.

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The Trump administrations priority will be peace and to stop the killing, said Lanza.

What were going to say to Ukraine is, you know what you see? What do you see as a realistic vision for peace. Its not a vision for winning, but its a vision for peace. And lets start having the honest conversation, said Lanza.

Trump has said that he would stop the war with Ukraine within 24 hours without outlining a plan.

Trumps running mate JD Vance has outlined a plan that mirrors Putins approach to the war.

In an interview in 2019, Vance said that a standstill agreement will be reached between the two sides, which would include Russia retaining the land it controls, the creation of a demilitarised zone along current battle lines, and fortifying the Ukrainian side to prevent further Russian march.

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Vance also echoed Putins belief that Ukraine should not join Nato. Under the plan, Russia would get a guarantee of neutrality from Ukraine, said Vance.

It doesnt join NATO, it doesnt join some of these sort of allied institutions. I think thats ultimately what this looks like, said Vance.
US Vice President Kamala Harris former Communications Director Jama Simmons has said that outgoing President Joe Biden should resign to make her the president read more

A former aide of US Vice President Kamala Harris has said that outgoing President Joe Biden should resign so that she could be the 47th US President.

It may sound like a joke but the aide, Harris former Communications Director Jama Simmons, said this seriously.

In a discussion on CNN, Simmons said that Biden could ensure that Harris would become the president  even if for just a few weeks. That would make her the first woman president.

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Simmons said that the decision would also save Harris the embarrassment of certifying her own defeat.

The Vice President of the United States also serves as the President of Senate and presides over the certification of election result on January 6. Harris would preside over the certification this time just like Mike Pence presided over the last time after the 2020 election  when President-elect Donald Trump egged on a mob to attack the US Capitol to hijack the certification to illegally overturn the election result in his favour.

When asked on CNNs show State of the Union about the most important agenda for the remainder of Bidens term, most guests said that it should be return of hostages held by Hamas and the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but Simmons said that Biden could resign the presidency in the next 30 days, make Kamala Harris the President of the United States.

Joe Biden has been a phenomenal president. Hes lived up to so many of the promises hes made. Theres one promise left that he can fulfill: being a transitional figure, said Simmons, as per USA Today.

Simmons further said that such a move would keep Harris from having to oversee her own defeat during the election results certification in the Senate and it would dominate the news at a point where Democrats have to learn to grab the publics attention.

Simmons went on to say that this was a moment to change the entire perspective of how Democrats operate.

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This is something thats in Joe Bidens control. It would fulfill his promise (to be a transitional president). It would give Kamala Harris the chance to be the 47th president of the United States of America, said Simmons, adding that it would also disrupt Trumps plans as he would have to label himself as the 48th president and order new merchandise.
Donald Trumps re-election has sparked a crypto frenzy, sending Bitcoin soaring past $80,000 as investors anticipate a friendlier regulatory landscape. With Trump pledging to make the US the crypto capital of the world and even proposing a national Bitcoin reserve, digital assets are gaining unprecedented momentum read more

Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 event in Nashville, Tennessee, US, July 27, 2024. File Image/Reuters

United States President-elect Donald Trumps re-election has ignited a fresh wave of enthusiasm in the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin achieving an all-time high of over $80,000.

Investors across the globe are reacting to Trumps plans for crypto regulation, spurring gains for major digital currencies and related assets. After historically criticising cryptocurrencies as based on thin air, Donald Trump has drastically changed his stance on digital assets, openly embracing them in recent months.

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During his campaign and following his election win, Trump expressed a vision of transforming America into the crypto capital of the world, a promise that has fuelled optimism in the market.

His victory has been accompanied by bullish market activity, with Bitcoin surpassing $80,000 on Sunday, marking a 4.5 per cent increase to $79,800.19, according to Coin Metrics.

The excitement surrounding his return and pro-crypto stance has even caused smaller coins to soar, with XRP up 11 per cent, Cardano jumping 40 per cent, and meme tokens Dogecoin and Shiba Inu experiencing gains of 17 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively.

What Trump has in mind for crypto

Trump has shown a unique perspective on cryptocurrencies, floating ideas such as creating a national Bitcoin reserve similar to Americas Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This reserve, according to Trump, would help secure the nations financial future by mining, minting, and making Bitcoin in the USA.

He also stated the need to keep mined Bitcoins within the US as a security measure. In August, Trump stated, Cryptocurrencies could define the future.

Adding a personal financial interest to his pro-crypto position, Trump and his children launched a crypto venture called World Liberty Financial in September. The venture, described by Trump as very young and very growing, is one of the first examples of a former president actively engaging in the cryptocurrency space.

The companys initial sales launch struggled to meet targets, but its potential impact on the market remains significant.

How the crypto market has changed

Since election day, Bitcoin has surged by 18 per cent, with Ethereum  another major player in the crypto market  rising 32 per cent to $3,203.10, after breaking the $3,000 level. In parallel, major crypto exchange Coinbase saw a 48 per cent increase last week, marking its best week since January 2023.

Charles Morris, an analyst at ByteTree, told AFP that the odds that Bitcoin and crypto will become a significantly larger asset class have risen markedly, and that this trend could continue well into Trumps term.

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Tokens representing cryptocurrencies bitcoin and ether plunge into water in this illustration taken May 17, 2022. File Image/Reuters

French crypto analyst Stephane Ifrah anticipates Bitcoin hitting new milestones, telling AFP that it may reach $100,000 within the next year, driven by an unprecedented regulatory shift.

This shift could be a game-changer for the industry, potentially turning what was previously an oppressive headwind under the Biden administration into a tailwind, as described by Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy Digital.

Thorn explained in a research note, Crypto is poised to enter a golden era. Trumps high-level team is filled with strong crypto advocates the pro-crypto nature of his team, family, and donors increases the likelihood that Trump follows through on his campaign promises to the industry.

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How has India received the news

The global surge in cryptocurrency trading volumes reached a three-month high last week, according to data from CoinGecko, as exchanges worldwide felt the ripple effect of Trumps election.

However, for Indian investors, the response has been mixed. Despite the global upswing, unfavourable tax policies in India dampen enthusiasm. Gains on crypto assets in India are taxed at a high 30 per cent rate, with an additional 1 per cent tax deducted at source (TDS) on each transfer.

These regulations, coupled with a security breach at the major Indian crypto exchange WazirX, have left many Indian investors cautious.

Instead of directly investing, some Indian investors may consider US-listed Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as an alternative. These ETFs, which track Bitcoin prices without requiring actual ownership of the coin, offer tax advantages compared to domestic exchanges.

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However, investors should remain aware of additional fees, including a 20 per cent tax collection at source under Indias Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

How Bidens approach on crypto differed from Trumps

Under the Biden administration, the crypto industry faced increased scrutiny and regulations. SEC Chairman Gary Gensler consistently has voiced skepticism about the sector, highlighting it as ripe with fraud, scams, and abuses. Genslers tenure saw high-profile cases against crypto companies and a cautious approach to approving Bitcoin ETFs.

Although the SEC eventually approved a Bitcoin ETF, it was not without controversy; earlier this year, a hacked tweet from Genslers account mistakenly announced the ETFs availability, temporarily driving up crypto prices, reported CNN.

In stark contrast, Trumps return has sparked confidence among investors, who anticipate a more favourable regulatory environment.

Elon Musk, an outspoken Trump supporter and crypto enthusiast, remains a significant influence within this pro-crypto community, especially regarding Dogecoin, which surged over 20 per cent on Sunday. Musk is expected to play a key role in shaping the administrations crypto policies, with rumours that Trump may even appoint him to lead a broad governmental review of financial waste.

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The excitement in the cryptocurrency market is palpable, as Trumps presidency is seen as a green light for digital assets to thrive.

With inputs from agencies
Ever since Donald Trump became US President-elect, some are spreading a conspiracy theory on social media that billionaire Elon Musk hacked the election through his Starlink satellite internet service. But what do we know about the theory? And what do experts say? read more

Was the 2024 election stolen?

Ever since Donald Trump became US President-elect, some are spreading a conspiracy theory on social media that billionaire Elon Musk hacked the election.

And how did he do it?

By using his Starlink internet service they allege.

But what do we know about this theory?

Lets take a closer look:

A brief look at Starlink

First, lets take a brief look at Starlink.

The firm is a satellite-based internet service provider.

It is an arm Musks SpaceX.

The Musk-led rocket maker operates the largest constellation of communication satellites and provides internet connectivity to residential and business customers, largely in locations with limited or no access to the internet.

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Starlink is ideally suited for areas where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable, its website states. People across the globe are using Starlink to gain access to education, health services and even communications support during natural disasters.

Over the past few years, Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has sought to expand Starlinks coverage to reach more users worldwide.

Starlink owns around 60 per cent of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth and is a dominant player in satellite internet.

The thousands of Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit use inter-satellite laser links to pass data between one another in space at the speed of light, allowing the network to offer internet coverage around the world.

It has been used by the Ukrainian forces and proved invaluable to their defence.

What do we know about this conspiracy theory?

Those spreading the theory are pointing to the popular vote count achieved by Harris and Trump.

Trump has thus far won 74 million votes, while Harris has 71 million votes.

This even as the popular vote count continues to come in from multiple states.

Biden, on the other hand, received 81 million votes in 2020, while Trump received 74 million votes.

The theory espoused by some online goes that millions of votes for Harris somehow went missing  particularly in all seven swing states that Trump won.

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Who is behind these missing votes?

Starlink  which is owned by Trump supporter Musk  which they claimed was being used at polling stations to tabulate votes.

Starlink owns around 60 per cent of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth and is a dominant player in satellite internet.

Adding fuel to the fire were comments Trump made before the election about how he had all the votes he needed and that he had a little secret with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Some are also are pointing to podcaster Joe Rogans comment that Musk knew the results of the election four hours before Trump beat Harris.

Rogan also claimed that Musk had an app that allowed him to know the winner of the election hours before the results.

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The problem with this theory is that experts say voting machines are usually not connected to the internet.

As Chip Trowbridge, the chief technology officer of Clear Ballot, a voting system manufacturer tested and approved by the federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC), told ABC News, Those systems absolutely cannot have any network.

In fact, if you look at the machines from Clear Ballot, the only wire that comes out of them is a power cord.

Ishan Mehta, director of media and democracy at Common Cause, told Al Jazeera that the election was safe and secure.

There is no evidence that any votes disappeared, Mehta said.

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There is no one hack to change the outcome of an election or to change vote totals, Mehta said. Each state has its own independent, non-connected systems.

What about the missing votes?

Well, theres a simple explanation for that.

Paul Gronke, a Reed College political science professor, told Al Jazeera turnout comes down to many factors including voter enthusiasm and a campaigns efectiveness.

Election officials, election monitors, election lawyers, partisan observers, non-partisan observers, and election science experts like myself pay very close attention to elections at every level, Gronke said. There have been reports of a few glitches in scattered locations. There is no evidence at all of anything fraudulent, certainly not on the kind of scale being suggested here.

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The irony is that Trump and his allies including Musk, both recently and 2020, were happy to jump aboard the conspiracy theory train when it suited them in the run-up to the polls.

Trump after all spent the past few months complaining about voter fraud and claiming that the election was rigged.

Musk, who campaigned for Trump, called voting machines too easy to hack and called for the use of paper ballots.

This, despite the fact that America overwhelmingly uses paper ballots.

Of course, Trump and Musk are no longer making such claims now that their candidate won the election.

Harris and Biden, on the other hand, have not disputed the election results.

With inputs from agencies
Timothy Mellon, heir to the Mellon familys $14 billion fortune, has quietly emerged as one of Donald Trumps largest donors in the 2024 race, contributing a staggering $125 million to pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again, Inc. Mellon has also funded other conservative causes, including a $53 million donation for a Texas border wall in 2021 read more

Timothy Mellon (picture taken in 1981) is known to avoid the spotlight and is known as a recluse with only a handful of images available of the billionaire in the public domain. File Image/AP

Billionaire Timothy Mellon, an heir to the famed Mellon family fortune, has emerged as a pivotal, albeit low-profile, financial backer in now United States President-elect Donald Trumps 2024 campaign, surpassing even Tesla CEO Elon Musk in contributions.

At 82, Mellon is far from a newcomer to political donations, but his current contributions have reached historic highs.

According to recent filings with the US Federal Election Commission, Mellon has donated $125 million to the pro-Trump Super PAC Make America Great Again, Inc, while his total contributions during this cycle  spanning support for Republican congressional candidates and Robert F Kennedy Jr  add up to a remarkable $165 million, as recorded by campaign finance watchdog OpenSecrets.

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Musk, meanwhile, has contributed a significant, though comparatively lesser, sum of $119 million to a Trump-supporting PAC, totalling $132 million when factoring in other Republican candidates.

Musks public campaign for Trump starkly contrasts with Mellons quieter approach, yet Mellons larger financial involvement cements him as the top donor supporting Trumps successful bid for re-election in 2024.

All about Timothy Mellon and his wealth

Mellons financial roots & family fortune

Timothy Mellon is no stranger to wealth; his family fortune dates back to the Gilded Age, a period when his grandfather, Andrew Mellon, was a prominent financier, serving as the US Secretary of the Treasury from 1921 to 1932.

With a family net worth of approximately $14 billion, Mellon stands as a significant figure in American aristocracy. Despite inheriting this wealth, Mellon forged his own path in business, establishing a computer programming company in the 1960s before purchasing and expanding Guilford Transportation Industries in the 1980s.

Also Read | Trump made worlds wealthiest top 10 richer by $64 bn with his election win

The venture evolved into Pan Am Systems, a major rail transport company, which Mellon eventually sold for $600 million in 2020.

Mellons personal wealth has been the subject of speculation, with estimates ranging widely  from $700 million in a 2014 deposition to an estimated $1 billion by the London Times and even $4.2 billion according to a family source quoted by Vanity Fair.

Mellons own reclusive nature has made it difficult to gauge the exact extent of his fortune.

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Political views and influences that drive Mellon

Though Mellon once supported liberal causes and Democratic candidates  voting for Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and founding a nonprofit to address racial inequalities  he has since shifted rightward.

His transition is evident in both his political donations and his self-published 2015 autobiography, where he expounded on conservative values. In his book, Mellon criticised welfare programs as slavery redux and disparaged government assistance, asserting, For delivering their votes in the Federal Elections, they are awarded with yet more and more freebies: food stamps, cell phones, WIC payments, Obamacare, and on, and on.

He also stood by controversial statements, saying in a 2020 Bloomberg interview, I said everything I wanted to say. I dont have any regrets.

In recent years, Mellons contributions have centered on conservative causes, including a $53 million donation to Texas Governor Greg Abbotts border wall fund in 2021, which represented 98 per cent of the total funds raised.

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Mellon also donated $1.5 million to support Arizonas immigration law in 2010. His conservative outlook has, however, drawn criticism even within his family, with one family member telling Vanity Fair, I think what it comes down to is he wants to be left alone, and he wants no one to tax him Its just setting aside the interests of a lot of people for yourself.

Mellon: A reclusive billionaire

Despite his substantial donations, Mellon remains an elusive figure in the political arena. While he has given hundreds of millions to political candidates, few have actually met him. In fact, Republican staffers reportedly had to search for him on Google when he made his first substantial donation offer in 2020.

Bloomberg, which conducted a rare interview with Mellon in 2020, described him as socially awkward and largely uninterested in building public relationships, an impression echoed by his relatives, who consider him not a very social person.

Also Read | Which billionaires are bankrolled Donald Trumps 2024 campaign?

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During the interview, Mellon expressed his admiration for Trump, stating, Hes done the things he promised to do, or tried to, especially in the areas of trade and rebalancing relations with China.

He has also made substantial donations to support the campaign of Robert F Kennedy Jr, who described Mellon as a maverick entrepreneur quoting Mellons 2015 memoir panam.captain.

Mellons rise in conservative politics

Timothy Mellons conservative evolution has paralleled his financial commitments to right-wing causes and candidates. Since his first significant political donation of $10 million in 2018, Mellons support for the GOP has only grown.

In the 2020 election cycle, he donated $60 million to Republican candidates, including $20 million to support Trumps re-election bid. This pattern continued in the 2022 midterms, with $41.7 million directed towards GOP candidates.

As Trumps largest donor in 2024, Mellon has bolstered Trumps campaign, helping it surpass US President Joe Bidens early cash advantage at the time. Trumps campaign raised $141 million in May this year, compared to Bidens $85 million, and Mellons donations accounted for nearly half of the funds MAGA Inc reported raising that month.

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A controversial Mellon

Mellons outspoken views have stirred controversy. His autobiography is replete with comments using racial stereotypes, including claims that Black Americans became even more belligerent due to welfare expansion.

Such views have earned Mellon criticism from progressive circles, yet Mellon remains steadfast, even suing Ric Gillespie, a researcher he once funded, after disagreeing with his findings.

Also Read | Chinas billionaire exodus: Why is the wealth of the super-rich declining?

Though Mellons financial backing made him one of the most influential players in Trumps 2024 campaign, his guarded persona and often contentious political views keep him largely out of the public eye.

In the words of his family, he is socially awkward, deeply libertarian, and averse to publicity traits that perhaps drive his passion for low-profile, high-impact political donations.

With inputs from agencies
US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan will be in charge of all US borders and deportation of all illegal immigrants read more

Trump will give more primacy to promoting the geoeconomic interests of the US, and this may certainly aggravate the trade war with China. Reuters

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Tom Homan, the former chief of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as the Border Czar of his incoming administration.

In the run-up to the election, Trump said that he would run the largest deportation programme in the history of the United States and would deport all illegal immigrants. Estimates suggest there may be around 14-15 illegal immigrants in the United States.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that Homan will be in charge of all US land, maritime, and aerial borders, and will oversee the deportation of all illegal aliens back to their country of origin.

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Ive known Tom for a long time and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic and long-awaited for job, said Trump.

Illegal immigration became a major rallying call for the Trumps victorious campaign against Democratic rival Kamala Harris. While Trump and his supporters often resorted to outright disinformation and racist tropes to build their anti-immigration election platform, the campaign was underpinned by widespread and often bipartisan concerns in the United States about the continued influx of illegal immigrants through the border with Mexico and crimes associated with them.

It is not clear how the Trump administration would go about deporting illegal immigrants in the United States.

As Harris was often touted as the Border Czar during the Biden administrations early years, the Trump campaign held her directly responsible for the crisis.

A Congressional report said that as many as 10 million people could have entered the United States illegally in the past four years.
Amid concerns that US President-elect Donald Trump may pull the plug on support to Ukraine, the British government has expressed hopes for continued support to both Ukraine and Nato read more

British defence minister John Healey said on Monday he expected the incoming Donald Trump administration to remain committed to NATO and to Ukraine in its conflict against Russia for as long as it takes.

Asked if support for Ukraine had fallen since Trumps victory in the US presidential election last week, Healey told Sky News: As far as President Trump goes, he recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like NATO do.

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And I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over (Russian President Vladimir) Putins invasion."

Healey also said the US commitment to NATO and European security would remain strong under a Trump presidency, but he said he had argued for some time that European nations needed to do more heavy lifting in terms of boosting defence spending.

I dont expect the US to turn away from NATO. They recognise the importance of the alliance. They recognise the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe, he said.

(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Mar-a-Lago, where US President-elect Donald Trump is hunkered down, is currently the political centre of the United States. The Florida resort and its surrounding areas are playing host to high-profile supporters such as Elon Musk and Robert F Kennedy. This, as the transition to the second Trump administration has devolved into a free for all between warring factions of the GOP read more

Donald Trump is heading back to the White House.

And Mar-a-Lago, where the US president-elect is hunkered down, is currently the political centre of the United States.

Trump spent much of his time during his first term at his Florida estate  meeting world leaders, Republican Party bigwigs and movers and shakers  which he dubbed the Winter White House.

But what is happening inside Trumps private club Mar-a-Lago?

Lets take a closer look:

What is happening?

As per CNN, Trump and his team are holding meetings about the forthcoming administration during the days at the resort.

However, it is the evenings that are the most interesting.

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This is when Trump emerges for dinner, with his wife Melania in tow, to walk to his dinner table.

The president-elect usually glad-hands with members and guests on his way.

People will pitch ideas as he walks by, a source told CNN.

Though his table is roped off, people still try to meet him during dinner.

Billionaire Elon Musk is essentially living out of Mar-a-Lago, while Robert F Kennedy was seen taking pictures with members last week.

People from all around the world are flocking to Florida.

Sources told the outlet that Mar-a-Lago members have even been offered money to take people to the club to meet Trump.

I dont even know what member I went in with, a source who visited Mar-a-Lago last week said.

Someone came up to me last night [at Mar-a-Lago] and said they were up to be press secretary, another source close to Trump said. I have never seen this person in my life.

A general view of President-elect Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago property, in Palm Beach, Florida. It is believed to be worth $325 million. File image/Reuters

According t_o BBC,_ hotels and restaurants surrounding West Palm Beach are packed to the brim.

A GOP insider told the outlet the transition has devolved into a free for all between warring factions of the party.

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Trump loves to see people scramble and suck up.

Some minimally acceptable people are starting to say they dont want a role, the insider added.

Mar-a-Lago looks like it will be the centre of political gravity for some time.

Argentinas President Javier Milei is expected to visit the estate next week, as per BBC.

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), next week is hosting its annual investors summit at Mar-a-Lago.

Tickets are going for as much as $25,000.

Florida lobbyist Slater Bayliss told the outlet Trump is likely to spend a lot of time here.

That will go some way, Bayliss added in making the 62,500 square feet of Mar-a -Lago the most sacred real-estate in the political universe.

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A history of controversy

The club itself has been embroiled in controversy since Trumps first term.

Mar-a-Lago was the scene of at least five intrusions during Trumps first term as president, including the two by Chinese nationals.

During Trumps term as president, there were numerous illegal incursions at Mar-a-Lago, including two by Chinese nationals, but none were attempts to harm him.

In March 2019, Chinese national Yujing Zhang gained access to Mar-a-Lago while carrying a laptop, phones and other electronic gear. That led to initial speculation that the Shanghai businesswoman might be a spy, but she was never charged with espionage. Text messages she exchanged with a trip organizer indicated she was a fan of the president and wanted to meet him or his family to discuss possible deals. She was found guilty of trespassing and deported.

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Special Counsel Jack Smith charged Trump last year with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

But Smiths team has been evaluating how to wind down the two federal cases before the president-elect takes office in light of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

With inputs from agencies
New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a vocal Trump ally and powerful GOP fundraiser, has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to the United Nations. Known for her America First stance and loyalty to Trump, Stefanik will be stepping into a position once held by Nikki Haley read more

US Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) speaks to reporters during a weekly press conference at Capitol Hill in Washington, US, April 16, 2024. File Image/Reuters

United States President-elect Donald Trump has selected New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to serve as the US Ambassador to the United Nations, a role previously held by former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley during Trumps first term.

Trump first confirmed this decision in a statement accessed by the New York Post, expressing high confidence in Stefaniks capabilities. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, he said, marking a shift from Haley, who ran a spirited campaign against him during the recent Republican primary.

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Stefanik has been a staunch supporter of Trump for years, transitioning from a moderate conservative to a leading pro-Trump advocate and prominent figure within the Republican Party.

Who is Elise Stefanik?

Born on July 2, 1984, Elise Marie Stefanik represents New Yorks 21st congressional district, covering the North Country, Adirondack Mountains, and parts of New Yorks Capital District.

At age 30, she became the youngest woman elected to Congress in 2014, initially distinguishing herself as a moderate conservative. She voted against Trumps 2017 tax plan, reflecting her early alignment with figures like former House Speaker Paul Ryan, who once lauded her as a builder in an era marked by partisan division.

Her political trajectory dramatically shifted as she grew closer to Trumps policies and personality, a move driven partly by Trumps popularity in her district. She opposed Trumps first impeachment in 2019 and vocally defended him in his 2020 election loss, even objecting to the certification of Joe Bidens victory.

This alignment with Trump solidified her position within the GOP, culminating in her election as House Republican Conference Chair in 2021, following Liz Cheneys removal for opposing Trumps election claims.

Is Stefanik controversial?

Stefaniks career has not been without controversy. Her objection to certifying Bidens win and her support for Trumps election fraud claims placed her at the center of a national debate on democracy and election integrity.

Additionally, she faced backlash during the January 6 Capitol attack investigation, when she pointedly blamed Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the violence, further polarising opinion on her role.

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Also Read | Susie Wiles is Donald Trumps chief of staff: Why this appointment is a historic breakthrough

Stefaniks strong stance on other issues has also drawn attention. In December 2023, her fierce questioning of university presidents during a congressional hearing on antisemitism led to the resignation of Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania.

Her aggressive tactics earned both praise and criticism, positioning her as one of the GOPs more vocal culture warriors on Capitol Hill.

Why did Trump choose Stefanik over Haley?

Trumps decision to appoint Stefanik reflects a deeper shift within the Republican Party. Nikki Haley, a former ambassador and one-time primary rival, openly criticised Trump during her campaign, notably on issues like US support for Ukraine, which Trump opposed.

She accused him of alienating women and minorities with his controversial rhetoric. After Haley withdrew from the race, she offered a guarded endorsement of Trump, saying, I dont agree with Mr. Trump 100% of the time. But I do agree with him most of the time, and I disagree with Ms. Harris nearly all the time.

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Nevertheless, Trump publicly stated he would not be inviting Haley back, a move that many interpret as a sign of lingering tensions from their primary rivalry. Trump also excluded former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, another past ally, from his future administration.

In his announcement, Trump wrote, I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation. I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

Haley responded diplomatically, posting on X, I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations. I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years.

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I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations. I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years. pic.twitter.com/6PhWN6xn1B  Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) November 10, 2024

What can Stefanik bring to her role as US ambassador to the UN?

As she prepares to step into the role of US Ambassador to the UN, Stefanik will bring a markedly different approach from her predecessor.

Known for her unyielding America First stance, her record of aligning with Trumps policies, and her support for Trumps foreign policy agenda, Stefaniks appointment signals a continuation of Trumps commitment to reshaping US diplomatic strategies.

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Observers believe her close alliance with Trump, extensive fundraising capabilities, and her history of defending his policies in Congress make her an ideal candidate to advance his foreign policy goals on the global stage.

Also Watch:

Stefaniks ability to command GOP support is also seen as an asset. Her expertise as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence gives her the relevant experience to handle the complex diplomatic issues she will face at the United Nations.

Her status as the most senior Republican in New York further cements her influence within the party. With her track record of confronting opponents and navigating party shifts, she will likely bring a new, assertive energy to Americas representation on the world stage.

With inputs from agencies
On the afternoon of November 8, 2024, President Xi Jinping held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides issued an action plan to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership and agreed to uphold the time-honored Silk Road spirit and take bilateral relations into a new stage of development. The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. 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, and build a beautiful world of harmonious coexistence together.

Noting that mutual respect and trust, and win-win cooperation should always be the defining feature of China-Italy relations, Xi Jinping stressed that 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's core interests and major concerns, and be strategic partners of mutual support. Noting that China-Italy cultural cooperation has yielded fruitful results and is full of vitality, Xi urged the two sides to continue to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, implement the new round of cultural cooperation action plans, deepen cooperation in culture and art, protection of cultural relics, translation of classical works, tourism, education and other fields, and make cooperation on cultural heritage sites a new highlight of China-Italy people-to-people exchanges. The two sides need to support language teaching and youth exchanges, and work together to cultivate more envoys like Marco Polo in the new era. The two sides need to remain cooperative partners helping each other succeed. China is ready to import more quality Italian products, support mutual investment by enterprises of the two countries, and continue to advance cooperation in science, technology, environmental protection, clean energy, aerospace and other areas.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the world today is undergoing profound changes. China and Europe, as major forces for peace and constructive action, 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. China regards Europe as an important partner on the path toward realizing Chinese modernization. The two sides need 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 ready to strengthen cooperation with the European side to cope with global challenges, and hopes that Italy can play a positive role in this regard.

Sergio Mattarella said that he still vividly remembers his visit to China in 2017 and the reception of President Xi Jinping's visit to Italy in 2019. 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. The world today is undergoing profound changes. Human society needs to strengthen unity and mutual assistance to achieve harmonious coexistence. Italy and China should further enhance people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture, education, language teaching and twinning between heritage sites, and make new contributions to promoting the exchanges and mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilizations, as well as the progress of human civilization. Italy firmly abides by the one-China principle and has always regarded China as an important cooperative partner. Italy looks forward to working with China to take the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, science and technology, and take 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.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as culture, science and technology, education, and twinning of world heritage sites.

Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Sergio Mattarella at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

A 21-gun salute was fired at Tian'anmen Square, and honor guards lined up in salutation. As the two heads of state stepped onto the stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Italy. Accompanied by Xi Jinping, Sergio Mattarella reviewed the guard of honor of the People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past.

On the evening of the same day, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet for President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wang Yi was present at the above events.
Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu will attend the 19th round of the annual China-Russia strategic security consultation and the ninth meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism in China from November 11 to 15. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Chen Wenqing will hold talks with Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu respectively.

Kyodo News: Its reported that in the second round of vote for a new Japanese prime minister at the House of Representatives, Shigeru Ishiba, President of the Liberal Democratic Party, was reelected as Prime Minister of Japan. Can I have your comment on that?



Lin Jian: Its Japans internal affair. China doesnt have a comment on that. The sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Japan relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. We hope that Japan will work with China in the same direction, act on the principles and consensus in the four political documents between China and Japan, comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era.

China News Service: We noted that on November 8, President Xi Jinping and his wife viewed the cultural relics returned from overseas with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella. Could you share more details? Whats your comment on China-Italy cooperation on the repatriation of cultural relics?



Lin Jian: We welcome the return of the 56 pieces of Chinese artifacts that were lost overseas for years and highly appreciate Italys sense of responsibility in protecting cultural heritage and promoting the return of lost relics to countries of origin. President Xi Jinping and his wife viewed returned relics with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella a few days ago. This is the second event of this kind since the Chinese and Italian leaders witnessed repatriation cooperation outcomes in 2019. It demonstrates Italys respect for Chinas cultural heritage and is a vivid example of China-Italy friendship.

In recent years, China and Italy have carried out sound cooperation on the recovery and return of lost relics and achieved fruitful results. In October 2022, competent authorities of the two countries started the repatriation cooperation on this collection of cultural relics under the framework of the bilateral agreement aimed at preventing the illegal import and export of relics. Based on the identification opinions and legal basis provided by China, Italy decided to return the relics to China. The competent authorities are discussing the protection, restoration, research and display of the returned relics. We stand ready to work with Italy to continue the dialogue and practical cooperation in relics repatriation and other fields, promote exchange and mutual learning between the two civilizations, and advance the deepening of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership.

CCTV: You just announced that Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu will come to China to attend the 19th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation. Could you share with us the program and Chinas expectations for this consultation?



Lin Jian: China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era and maintain close communication on issues of mutual interest that have strategic and overarching significance. On November 12, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will hold the annual strategic security consultation with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu, who is on a visit to China upon invitation. The aim is to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state at their meetings this year, have in-depth communication and coordinate positions on bilateral relations and major issues concerning strategic security interests of the two countries, and enhance mutual trust. We will release timely information on the consultation and you may check back for updates.

Kyodo News: The Chinese government issued a statement yesterday which declares the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao. Can you further brief us on that?



Lin Jian: On November 10, the Chinese government released a statement on the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao. Foreign Ministry Spokespersons remarks on Chinas release of the baselines and base points of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao were also released on the Ministrys website on the same day. You may refer to them for the specifics.

AFP: Regarding Russias Sergei Shoigus visit to China, can the Foreign Ministry provide details on his visit, including whether China will raise the question of North Korean troops deployed in Russias war in Ukraine, as well as what the US election of Donald Trump means for both countries and their relationship?



Lin Jian: On Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu traveling to China for the annual China-Russia strategic security consultation, well release timely information. Please check back for updates.

Antara: In the Joint Statement Between China and Indonesia on Advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership released by the Chinese government on Saturday, it is stated that the two sides will jointly create more bright spots in maritime cooperation including the areas of overlapping claims and agreed to establish an Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee to explore and advance relevant cooperation. In this regard, what are the areas of overlapping claims that need more discussion?



Lin Jian: China advocates pursuing joint development while setting aside disputes and is committed to working with neighboring countries across the sea through joint development to better put disputes under control, advance cooperation, uphold stability and achieve win-win results. China stands ready to work with Indonesia to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries and ensure that the outcomes of our cooperation can benefit the two countries and two peoples at an early date. Meanwhile, China is ready to actively explore and carry out maritime cooperation, including joint development, with other neighboring countries across the sea.

The cooperation document signed by China and Indonesia on maritime joint development mainly sets out the political consensus and cooperation direction of the two countries on joint development in areas of overlapping claims. The two sides will further explore specifics, such as the content and ways of cooperation.

Reuters: Over the weekend, a joint statement between China and Indonesia said both sides reached important common understanding on joint development in areas of overlapping claims. Indonesias foreign ministry said today that the country does not recognize Chinas nine-dash line claims over the South China Sea despite striking a joint development deal with China. Does China view this important common understanding as an acknowledgement by Indonesia of Chinas claims to parts of Indonesias Exclusive Economic Zone?



Lin Jian: Chinas sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea are solidly grounded in history and the law. They were established in the long course of history and are consistent with international law and practices. As early as 1948, the Chinese government officially released the dotted line and reaffirmed its sovereignty and relevant rights in the South China Sea. China attaches great importance to signing the cooperation document on maritime joint development with Indonesia and stands ready to work with Indonesia to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries so that the cooperation results can benefit the two countries and two peoples as soon as possible.

Reuters: Following the recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, has the concern for the security of Chinese citizens increased in Pakistan? If so, what are the concerns? Is Beijing satisfied with the security protocols for its nationals and projects in Pakistan?



Lin Jian: China reiterates that terrorism is a common enemy of humanity. Its the shared responsibility of the international community to fight terrorism and prevent tragedies from happening again. China will continue to support Pakistan in fighting terrorism. We are firm in our commitment to protecting the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions overseas. China and Pakistan have the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations and ensure that terrorists will pay the price.

China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our iron-clad friendship has taken deep roots among our peoples. Attempts to undermine the mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries will not succeed. China will continue to support Pakistan in developing its economy and society and improving peoples life. We will firmly carry out cooperation with Pakistan in various fields for the benefit of the two peoples.

Bloomberg: US media reports say that House Republicans are working on legislation that could remove Chinas permanent normal trade relations status with the US or PNTR. We were wondering if the Foreign Ministry has any comments on this.



Lin Jian: Following the agreement between China and the US on Chinas accession to the WTO, the US announced in 2001 to grant permanent normal trade relations status to China. Some US politicians are attempting to turn back the wheel of history and pull the China-US trade and economic relations back to the Cold War era. This violates WTO rules, and will only harm the common interests of both countries, and disrupt the global economy. We urge certain US Congress members to earnestly abide by WTO rules and stop saying or doing anything that do no one good.

China Review News: According to reports, the Department of State said in a statement on November 8 that the US supports the Philippines enactment of the Maritime Zones Act, which aligns Philippine domestic laws with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling. It also added that the US values Philippine leadership in upholding international law, particularly in the South China Sea, and calls on all states to comport their maritime claims to the international law of the sea as reflected in the Convention. Do you have any comment?



Lin Jian: Over the years, for the sake of its geopolitical agenda, the US has been instigating the Philippines to engage in acts of infringement and provocations in the South China Sea, as if the area needed any more instability. This vicious intention is so clear for all to see. While urging other countries to abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the US refuses to join it, which fully reveals its hypocrisy and double standards. The South China Sea arbitration in itself violates UNCLOS and is a political farce through and through, and the so-called arbitral award is illegal, null and void.

AFP: Chinas Ministry of Commerce just announced that it found the European brandy industry to be dumping and will impose tariffs. Does the Foreign Ministry have anything further to add?



Lin Jian: I would like to refer you to competent authorities for this question.

AFP: According to a Wall Street Journal report, China is considering plans to give American allies in Europe and Asia tariff cuts, visa exemptions, investments and other incentives, citing sources. Thats reportedly a response to the reelection of Donald Trump, who has pledged tariffs of up to 60 percent on all Chinese imports. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this?



Lin Jian: In a world fraught with challenges in development and increasing uncertainties and instability, China champions an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and stands ready to work with all parties to uphold true multilateralism, build an open world economy, support sustainable development, and bring countries together to address challenges, achieve common prosperity and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

As for higher tariffs you mentioned, let me point out that there is no winner in a tariff war or a trade war. Nor will the world benefit from it.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian announces:

Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu will attend the 19th round of the annual China-Russia strategic security consultation and the ninth meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism in China from November 11 to 15. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Chen Wenqing will hold talks with Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu respectively.
Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro smartphones in China last month, and is gearing up for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the top-end model in the series. Now the camera specifications of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has surfaced, thanks to leaker Digital Chat Station.

Camera upgrades

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is said to use a 50MP 1/2.51 Sony IMX858, 70mm 3X telephoto camera and doesnt crop the images. In addition, the dual telephoto lenses of Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to support telephoto macro function, and there is also a new photography handle kit.

Earlier rumours also revealed a 50MP 23mm f/1.6x main camera, with a physical focal length greater, and a new customized hardware module anda physical focal length greater than the previous generations 8.7xmm.

In addition, the phone is said to get a new 200MP 4.3X periscope telephoto camera with f/2.6 aperture, a 1/1.4 Samsung HP9 sensor that we had seen in vivo X200 Pro. It should retain a 50MP ultra-wide camera and use Leica Summilux lens.

Battery and screen

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra should be powered be Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, get an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and is said to pack a huge 6000mAh battery, compared to 5300mAh battery in the predecessor, but slightly smaller than the 6100mAh battery in the Xiaomi 15 Pro. It is expected to retain the 2K quad-curved screen from the Xiaomi 15 Pro.

Launch date?

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to be introduced in January 2025 in China launch first with global launch expected at the MWC in March 2025.

Source
Google is reportedly testing a new standalone Google Gemini app, which may soon be available for iOS users. The app has been spotted on the Apple App Store, offering direct access to Gemini Livea feature that is currently unavailable on iOS. This comes after the broader rollout of Google Gemini Live on Android devices beginning this past August.

Google Gemini on iOS

A Reddit user, u/lostshenanigans, shared screenshots of the app in action, showcasing features that are not yet available in the existing Google app integration.

One of the key features is Gemini Live, which enables users to interact with the AI assistant through voice commands. Currently, Gemini Live is only available on Android devices, making this potential iOS release a significant development.

Limited Availability and Beta Test in Select Regions

At present, only one user in the Philippines has been able to access the app, and it is not available in most regions, including the US. This suggests that Google is running a beta test in specific locations, allowing the company to gather user feedback and address any issues before a wider rollout.

The standalone app would offer iPhone users a more direct and streamlined AI assistant experience. However, it remains unclear whether this new app will replace the current integration within the Google app or if both options will coexist. Additionally, its uncertain which iPhone models and iOS versions will fully support the Live Activities feature.

App Version and Future Updates

The app was first launched a week ago, with version 1.2024.4330807, and was updated to v1.2024.4330809. Google has not officially announced the standalone app, so its full release date is still unknown.

However, the leak indicates that Google is actively exploring ways to offer a richer Gemini experience for iOS users. If the beta proves successful, iPhone users could soon have access to a powerful new AI assistant tool.

You can check out the app in the Philippines App Store here: [App Store link | Via]
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dubai Billionaire and founder of PFOAA Anosh Ahmed and its foundation announces today that it is donating ten millions of pounds of essential food to Lebanon.

Dr. Anosh Ahmed





In times of hardship and recovery, no one should face hunger alone. As Lebanon heals from the recent conflict, we are standing with the most vulnerablechildren and womenwho have been impacted the most. This donation is a step toward bringing nourishment, hope, and dignity to those in need. Together, we can help restore not just meals, but a sense of comfort and compassion in the lives of those who need it most. May this support bring warmth and strength to those rebuilding their lives. - Anosh Ahmed



About Anosh Ahmed

Anosh Ahmeds remarkable rise from a modest $4,000 investment to a billionaire agripreneur demonstrates how ambition, innovation, technology, and sustainability can transform the agricultural sector. His journey is a testament to perseverance, bold risk-taking, and a vision that sees agriculture not just as a means of survival, but as a pathway to immense wealth and profound social impact. Today, Anosh is recognized as one of the largest leaseholders of agricultural land across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Growing up in a farming family, Anosh was no stranger to the challenges faced by small-scale farmerslow yields, volatile markets, and unpredictable weather. Driven by a desire to change this reality, he leased 100 acres of land from the government on a 39-year agreement at just 18 years old. With a starting capital of $4,000, Anosh navigated the complexities of agriculture, integrating sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and efficient production methods. Over 22 years, his agribusiness has grown to a valuation of $1.8 billion, managing over 50 billion square feet of land and generating diversified revenue streams from farming, processed goods, agri-tech ventures, and long-term real estate leases.



Anosh remains committed to his roots. He established a foundation that provides small-scale farmers with training, technology, and financial support, alongside creating a network of farmer cooperatives to ensure fair pricing and global market access. His legacy has inspired a new generation of farmers to embrace sustainable, modern agriculture. Through workshops, documentaries, and his forthcoming autobiography, From Soil to Success, Anosh continues to share his knowledge and passion, making him a beacon of hope and transformation in the agricultural sector.



Contact-

Private Family Office

Anosh Ahmed Dubai

Grace DSouza

Public Relations-

info@pfoaa.com


DENVER, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UVKXE recently announced a further upgrade to its compliance operations system, reinforcing adherence to the strictest global regulatory standards. Kevin Anderson, CEO of UVKXE, emphasized that as regulatory scrutiny over the cryptocurrency market continues to intensify worldwide, ensuring platform compliance has become paramount for all cryptocurrency exchanges. We have always believed that compliance is the cornerstone of the long-term success of UVKXE, and we are committed to setting a benchmark for regulatory operations within the industry.





UVKXE recognizes that a fully compliant operational strategy is essential for the sustained stability and growth of the platform. To this end, UVKXE has continuously refined its compliance policies, implementing upgrades across all aspects of the platform, including user identity verification, transaction auditing, data protection, and market monitoring.

The recent enhancements to the compliance framework of UVKXE aim to not only secure the transactions of each user but also lay a robust foundation for entering new markets. Kevin Anderson remarked, Compliance is more than meeting regulatory requirements; it is a promise of trust to our users.

Kevin Anderson noted: Regulatory policies vary across countries and regions, but our goal remains the same: to ensure that every user can trade in a safe, compliant environment. Our success in expanding across global markets is rooted in our unwavering commitment to compliance.

As the global cryptocurrency market expands, the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. UVKXE is dedicated to staying at the forefront of compliant operations, not only meeting current compliance demands but also proactively preparing for a more complex and dynamic regulatory environment in the future.

Kevin Anderson, CEO of UVKXE affirmed, The future of cryptocurrency is not just a race for transaction speed or technological innovation; it is about meeting stringent requirements for compliance and transparency. UVKXE will continue to invest heavily to ensure that every platform feature and detail can withstand scrutiny from regulatory authorities worldwide. This commitment to compliance not only underscores the dedication of UVKXE to regulatory standards but also sets a solid foundation for attracting more investors and partners in the future.

Media Contact:

Company Name: UVKXE CRYPTO TECH CO.,LTD.

Company website: https://www.uvkxe.co

Contact person's full name: Mayang

Email id: mayang@uvkxe.co

Disclaimer: This content is provided by sponsor. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64fe14f7-8243-4706-a423-64287b7151f6
OSLO, Norway (11 November 2024)  TGS, a leading provider of energy data and intelligence, is pleased to announce award of the companys first 3D streamer contract for the 2025 Northwest Europe summer season. Acquisition is scheduled to commence in May with a total duration of approximately 35 days.

Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, commented, "We are very pleased to secure our first streamer contract job for the 2025 summer season. Award of this program underscores our strong position in Northwest Europe. We are experiencing higher bidding activity for this region compared to recent years, and while most of our streamer acquisition programs in Northwest Europe were multi-client in 2024, this trend will likely be reversed in 2025 with an overweight of contract work. The planned activity increase in the Northwest Europe region mirrors the global demand increase we experience for our services scheduled for first half 2025. We look forward to supporting our clients exploration efforts with our proven GeoStreamer technology and Ramform acquisition platform."

For more information, visit TGS.com or contact:

Bard Stenberg

IR & Communication

Mobile: +47 992 45 235

investor@tgs.com

About TGS

TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

Forward Looking Statement

All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include volatile market conditions, investment opportunities in new and existing markets, demand for licensing of data within the energy industry, operational challenges, and reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.
BOSTON, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Design, Automation, Manufacturing, and Processes ( DAMP ) Lab and eLabNext announced a formal partnership today to coincide with the kick-off of the International Workshop for BioManufacturing Automation 2024 at Boston University (BU). The cooperative plan will focus on building an ordering platform for the DAMP labs suite of molecular biology services, which will be called DAMP Lab Canvas, and integrating it with the eLabNext Digital Lab Platform (DLP).

This initiative could provide an open-ecosystem software to biotech companies and the entire science community that could streamline their manufacturing and discovery processes, explains Professor Douglas Densmore, PhD, Director of the DAMP Lab. We chose to collaborate with eLabNext because the platform is so easy to use and the positive, supportive relationship weve developed over years of working alongside one another.

For the past few years, the DAMP Lab and eLabNext have worked together, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, to process 2.4 million COVID-19 tests between 2020 and 2022 to limit the spread of the virus across the BU campus. The eLabNext DLP was integral in this effort, acting as a robust ELN & LIMS for protocol storage, inventory management, and sample tracking.

This collaboration is rooted in an alignment on several foundational values, all to encourage innovation in the scientific community, says Zareh Zurabyan, Head of eLabNext, Americas. Creating the tools for any organization to build an ecosystem that connects all of their digital needs to optimize their physical lab operations is a win for everyone. On a more granular level, this collaboration simplifies the ordering process, connects customers directly with vendors, and facilitates the transfer of protocols and other information between eLabNext and other laboratory systems. Together, we hope to garner more engagement in automated LIMS management and ease the burden of order placement with the DAMP Lab.

About eLabNext

eLabNext is a Digital Lab Platform (DLP), that offers an intuitive and flexible solution to collect, manage, and analyze laboratory information. The software includes modules for an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) , Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) , sample tracking , inventory management , protocol management , and a wide range of marketplace add-ons to extend functionality. eLabNext enhances productivity by streamlining the processes of documenting, organizing, searching, and archiving data, samples, and protocols. The data is accessible through cloud-hosted ISO-certified data centers. The software is most suitable for industry R&D labs, ranging from start-ups to mid-size pharma and biotech companies and academic research groups and institutes.

For more information about eLabNext, please visit www.elabnext.com .

About DAMP Lab at BU

The mission of the DAMP lab at Boston University is to develop novel biological systems using formal representations of protocols and experiments for the specify-design-build-test cycle. This will allow for faster, more scalable, and reproducible research results that can be transitioned from academia to society. They use their expertise to deliver consistent, reproducible, and high-throughput results that can be shared among researchers. These characteristics are vital to address synthetic biology-related research efforts where time, cost, scalability, and result quality are paramount. The DAMP Lab offers over 45 molecular biology protocols, including DNA assembly, PCR, DNA/RNA purification, cloning (transformation, plating, colony picking, DNA quantification), preparation of libraries for next-generation sequencing, gene reporter assays, flow cytometry sample preparation, among others.
Las Vegas, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada consumers seeking to do business with reliable and ethical solar companies committed to the highest standards now have a valuable resource.

The Nevada Solar Association (NSA) is a coalition of solar-related businesses dedicated to ensuring Nevadas sustainable energy future. Through education, legislation, and the provision of clean energy options, the NSA upholds the highest ethical standards. All NSA members adhere to a code of ethics and pledge to maintain these standards in their operations and consumer dispute resolutions. By building upon the consumer-protective measures included in Nevadas innovative bills, SB 293 and AB 39, the NSA aims to establish industry norms that will eliminate unscrupulous practices by solar operators and instill confidence in the industrys integrity.

"Until now, Nevada's solar industry has been very segmented with companies concentrating on their own business needs and concerns," said Steve Hamile, Chair of the Nevada Solar Association and Chief Operating Officer of Sol-Up. "With no consistent industry voice and no association committing members to uphold industry standards, Nevada's solar industry has been hurt by unscrupulous operators. The NSA will work to create a new way forward for solar operators who want to support Nevada's sustainable future through integrity, accountability and advocacy.

Over the last decade, the states well-crafted net metering policy and abundant sunshine has drawn hundreds of solar companies to Nevada and encouraged local companies like us to expand into solar. That high demand for clean solar power has created an environment where some operators have not been ethical in their sales practices. It has also made it tempting for some companies to fail to uphold the high workmanship standards you would expect from licensed contractors operating in Nevada, said Krystal Hosmer, Vice President of the Nevada Solar Association and Robco Electric Senior Solar Consultant. In forming the NSA with our respected business peers across the state, were committing to demystifying the solar shopping process for residential and commercial solar projects through consumer education initiatives. We will also work with state agencies such as the Nevada State Contractors Board and the Nevada Legislature to add even more consumer protections and ensure ethical business practices are at the forefront of how this industry operates. All of our members are committed to creating energy savings and resilience for our customers while also creating good paying jobs for Nevadans. We cannot do that without public trust and accountability as an industry.

All members of the NSA have agreed to abide by SB 293 and AB 39, bills passed by the Nevada legislature that grants consumers additional rights when dealing with unscrupulous solar companies. These bills have eliminated third-party, unlicensed door-to-door solar salespeople who were often compensated to secure contracts for inadequate rooftop systems and required substantial upfront consumer payments. With SB 293/AB 39 in effect, every individual selling a rooftop solar system must be a W-2 employee of the Contractor licensed by the NSCB. Additionally, deposits on solar rooftop systems are capped at $1,000 to prevent unscrupulous contractors from accumulating large deposits and failing to complete projects.

The NSA is dedicated to empowering consumers and educating them about vital issues impacting the solar power industry in our state, particularly Nevadas robust Net Metering Program. The NSA firmly supports net metering, a policy that enables consumers to contribute excess energy generated by their solar systems back onto the grid for use by other electricity customers. This practice effectively reduces utility bills for solar customers by providing credits for the energy they export. The NSA will actively advocate for issues and policies that safeguard the interests of solar energy users.

Additionally, the NSA will introduce and monitor legislative policies that ensure the continued accessibility of local, clean energy for all consumers and businesses while eliminating barriers that hinder the adoption of clean, sustainable energy sources. The NSA will collaborate with relevant agencies, such as the State of Nevadas Public Utilities Commission and the Nevada State Contractors Board, to promote regulations that prioritize safety, transparency, durability, and a fair marketplace.

While national solar industry groups exist, the NSA holds the distinction as the first association established in Nevada. It exclusively focuses on the needs of Nevadas solar industry, its customers, and its future. NSA contractor and associate members, as well as board members, must represent companies with a brick-and-mortar presence in Nevada.

NSA membership currently includes Sol-Up, Robco Electric, Simple Power, Inc.,

1 Sun Solar Electric, Celtic Energy, Great Basin Solar, IronRidge, Nevada Clean Energy Fund, REC Group and Soligent.

For more information, go to nevadasolarassociation.com

For additional information, please contact:

Mitch Truswell

Red 7 Communications

mitch@red7communications.com

702-531-4461

Attachment
NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DevsData LLC, a boutique recruitment and custom software development firm known for its elite software solutions and top-tier talent acquisition, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Clutch Award as the Top Hiring Company. This accolade underscores the company's commitment to excellence in the IT recruitment and software development sectors. Further expanding its global presence, DevsData is thrilled to announce the expansion of its operations to Tel Aviv, Israel.





DevsData LLC Logo

"Receiving this award from Clutch is not just a recognition of our past achievements but a beacon guiding our future endeavors," said a company spokesperson. "Our expansion into Tel Aviv is a testament to our commitment to bringing world-class engineering talent and innovative software solutions to more markets."

DevsData LLC excels in connecting exceptional talent with leading companies, ensuring that only the most skilled and experienced professionals are introduced to the industrys leading firms. The Clutch Award highlights the effectiveness and impact of DevsData's meticulous recruitment strategies and their enduring commitment to quality in the tech community.

Building on this success, the decision to establish a presence in Tel Aviv is driven by DevsData's strategic vision to tap into Israel's renowned technological innovation and startup ecosystem. The new office in Tel Aviv will serve as a critical node in DevsDatas expanding global network, enabling the company to offer its cutting-edge software solutions and top-tier IT recruitment services directly to the Middle Eastern market. This expansion is not just about physical growth but also about embracing and integrating into one of the worlds most dynamic tech landscapes. By being in the heart of Tel Aviv, DevsData aims to harness local talent and innovative startups, fostering relationships that will propel their offerings to new heights. The move also reflects the companys dedication to adapting and thriving in diverse environments, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements and market trends.

"Expanding to Tel Aviv represents a significant step in our ongoing mission to partner with the brightest minds in technology," said Tom Potanski, CEO of DevsData LLC. "Our presence in Israel will not only enhance our ability to service current and future clients in the region but also strengthens our network of exceptional tech specialists."

The new office in Tel Aviv will serve as a hub for both recruitment and software development initiatives, leveraging Israel's dynamic tech scene and its reputation as a launchpad for successful startups and technological innovation. DevsData plans to bring its rigorous recruitment process and extensive network of software developers to the Israeli market, where the demand for high-caliber technological expertise continues to grow.

DevsData's approach is distinctly client-oriented, focusing on aligning technical strategies with business objectives, which has proven essential for startups and established companies alike. By integrating into Tel Avivs tech community, DevsData aims to deliver enhanced services and foster local engagement through collaborations and community participation.

"Our teams background is as diverse as it is impressive, bringing insights from top European universities and leading tech companies," added Potanski. "Were excited about the opportunities that Tel Aviv presents and are committed to becoming an integral part of its tech community."

DevsData's success is also built on a foundation of transparency and a straightforward communication style that ensures clients are fully informed throughout the development process. This approach is complemented by a proven work methodology that emphasizes continuous feedback and adaptive planning to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the tech industry.

As DevsData LLC looks to the future, its expansion into Tel Aviv is not just a growth strategy but a commitment to contributing to and thriving within one of the world's most innovative tech landscapes.

For more information about DevsData LLC and its services, or to inquire about career opportunities, please visit h ttps://devsdata.com/ .

About DevsData LLC - the company is a specialized IT recruitment and custom software development firm, delivering veteran software engineers and a vast network of senior contractors worldwide. Known for a business-oriented approach and a passion for technology, DevsData offers transparent, efficient, and highly adaptable services tailored to meet diverse client needs.

Media Contact:



Robert Emilowski

DevsData LLC

general@devsdata.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c5fa453-e614-4827-b014-4ee62d4d2538
Detroit, Michigan, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a wholly owned subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the Company) ( OTCPK:AITX ), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions for enterprise clients, is proud to announce its prominent feature in the November issue of CAM Magazine, the official monthly publication of the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM). With more than 1,700 member companies, including general contractors, architects, engineers, and essential service providers, CAM is at the forefront of Michigans construction industry.

The feature article highlights RADs transformative role in advancing construction site security through AI-powered solutions. The piece delves into the most pressing security challenges faced by construction sites today, including theft, trespassing, and liability risks. The article showcases RADs autonomous security technologies, like the RIO portable security tower, that offer proactive monitoring, real-time deterrence, and enhanced site management, all essential tools for tackling the unique demands of construction security.

Kevin N. Koehler, President of CAM, notes, We are excited to introduce new innovations to the attention of our members. RADs solutions provide a fresh approach to managing construction site security with tools that go beyond traditional surveillance and monitoring.

RAD hosted CAMs 'Business After Hours' event this past July, fostering discussions around security innovation and industry challenges among CAM members. RADs technology, already gaining traction across various sectors, offers the construction industry a proactive approach to safeguarding valuable assets and protecting project timelines.

The Construction Association of Michigan has been instrumental in educating and equipping its members to address todays security challenges, said Troy McCanna, Chief Security Officer and Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations at RAD. By embracing the possibilities of AI and RAD's autonomous intelligent response solutions, CAM empowers construction companies to safeguard their sites and adapt to an era where proactive, responsive security is essential. Its inspiring to see CAM leading this shift and supporting its members with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.

This feature in CAM Magazine underscores RADs commitment to supporting the construction industry with effective, efficient security options. To explore the November issue and learn more about RADs solutions, CAM members and the broader industry can visit https://www.buildwithcam.com/cam-magazine/.

AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices , Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry1 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industrys existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house.

RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time.

AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITXs RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.radcam.ai, www.stevereinharz.com, www.radgroup.ai, www.raddog.ai, and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz .

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the Company). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Companys future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

###

Steve Reinharz

949-636-7060

@SteveReinharz

1 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/security-services-industry/
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As policymakers increasingly move to impose government price setting on innovative medicines, it is essential to anchor these decisions to a better understanding of innovative medicines true societal value. A new paper published on Friday in the journal Forum for Health Economics and Policy by 12 leading health economists explains why the conventional math used to value medicines falls short  and lays out a consensus approach for how to fix it. The paper is available here .

"The stakes are incredibly high for improving how the value of medicines is assessed, said co-author Lou Garrison. Patients could end up paying more for medicines or going without them entirely if conventional assessment methods, which take a narrow perspective, conclude they wont be cost-effective. In many cases, when you factor in how patients and society value medicines in the real world and how the market works in practice, those same medicines are actually great bargains for governments, employers, health plans, and, most importantly, for the patients they represent.

Health economists and value assessors have long documented the failings of conventional CEA methods, which overlook important aspects of the patient and caregiver experience, as well as market dynamics, to focus instead on how treatments benefit health payers. The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) itself acknowledges that its methodology falls short and omits key measures of value, but it and others have continued promoting the European-style model, arguing that no viable alternatives exist.

Authored by researchers including Dana Goldman from USC Schaeffer Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy, Louis Garrison from the Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics Institute at the University of Washington, and Joshua Cohen from the Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health at Tufts University, the new paper builds on a decade of progress to address the key limitations of conventional CEA methods, providing a practical guide for calculating the value of medicines using an approach known as generalized cost-effectiveness analysis (GCEA).

The authors identify 15 elements of value captured in GCEA that are excluded from or incompletely captured in conventional CEA methods, outlining the current health economics consensus approach to quantifying crucial questions like:

How will price drops due to genericization impact the value of medicines to society over the product life cycle?

impact the value of medicines to society over the product life cycle? How do we better measure the benefits of the treatment to patients by considering elements such as productivity or patient risk preference ?

or ? How will this treatment impact a patients family and caregivers ?

and ? How should we better consider the value provided to patients and society when knowledge generated from current innovations spurs advancements in future treatments?

Implications for value assessment practices and healthcare decision-making

The issue of value assessment has taken on new urgency in the United States over the past year as Medicare has begun negotiations with drug companies to set the prices the federal government will pay for certain medicines. Outside groups, including ICER, have pushed for state and federal officials to adopt the conventional CEA that mirrors methods used in many European countries to limit patient access and impose price controls on drugs.

Preserving affordable innovation is crucial not only for ensuring patients have access to life-saving treatments today but also for paving the way for future breakthroughs, said co-author Dana Goldman. CEAs that recognize that novel medicines represent a bargain for America as a society at their market prices will hopefully help the public, media, academics, and policymakers recognize that the market isnt failing them but doing exactly what its supposed to, and that the key to making all this worthwhile innovation affordable to patients lies in insurance design and what plans are allowed to charge patients out-of-pocket. Its not like we have firefighters charge a family a copay before providing help, so why do we think its ok to charge a copay for insulin or chemo? Patients paid for their care through premiums. The mere 8% of total healthcare costs that branded drugs represent are readily affordable to all of us through premiums and are what drive the continuous cycle of future medical advancements.

But what does it say about the need for such conventional CEA methods for setting prices if, it turns out that America has long been getting a bargain by relying on the market of competing insurance plans and drug companies to negotiate prices? asks Peter Kolchinsky, founder of No Patient Left Behind, which sponsored the research. There is a role for government price setting in ensuring that all drugs go generic without undue delay, as intended by the patent system, but for over a century economists have known and taught that overriding market prices with price controls on novel products snuffs out investor interest in funding their invention. So if indeed markets are securing a bargain for Americans on novel medicines, they need to know that before they ask the government to override those markets and halt all the progress driven by private sector investment.

Kolchinsky continued: Unlike conventional CEA, generalized CEA is a tool for appreciating the societal value of medicines relative to which we compare their market-based prices. Its time we started doing GCEA on novel medicines to see how well the markets been negotiating their prices. I think America will be surprised by what it learns and maybe take pride in its innovation engine and look to insurance reform to make these medicines affordable instead of calling for price controls.

The quest to improve value assessment has been an active research subject in health economics and outcomes research for decades. At the ISPOR 2024 North America Conference in Atlanta this May, eight separate presentations and panel discussions focused on ways to implement or refine GCEA to better inform healthcare decision-making to achieve affordable innovation. But while that research is ongoing, it is clear that any limitations in GCEA are no reason for sticking with conventional CEA, which has far more limitations.

A user guide and checklist for academics, economists, patients, governments, investors, & innovators

Undervaluing medicines has real consequences for patients today and in the future. It affects every one of us, said Peter Rubin, Executive Director of No Patient Left Behind. The research is clear: it's possible to quantify the real-world impacts that medicines have on patients, their support networks, and society overall.

Rubin continued, We encourage health economists, health technology assessment entities, patients, investors, and innovators to treat this GCEA paper as a user guide on how to do better cost-effectiveness analysis. Theres no longer any excuse to let flawed, outdated cost-effectiveness math of the past be used by governments or private payers to deny patients coverage or justify high out-of-pocket costs for prescribed treatments.

Beyond the impact on current patients, the paper also highlights the costs of ignoring how the use of a medication for one condition can spur research paths that lead to new, life-saving therapies.

Conventional CEA fails to account for these scientific spillover effects and, as a result, consistently undervalues innovation, undercutting incentives for investment in the next generation of cures. This makes the adoption of GCEA even more pressing, the authors write, because if innovation is discouraged because CEAs undervalue it, there wont be anything to re-evaluate.

About the Papers Authors

The paper achieves consensus on how to improve conventional cost-effectiveness through the incorporation of GCEA math from leading health economists, including:

Joshua Cohen, Tufts University

Jalpa Doshi, University of Pennsylvania

Lou Garrison, University of Washington

Dana Goldman, University of Southern California

Josh Krieger, Harvard University

Darius Lakdawalla, University of Southern California

Peter Neumann, Tufts University

Chuck Phelps, University of Rochester

Melanie Whittington, Tufts University

Dick Willke, ISPOR  The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research

Quotes from the Papers Authors

Additional quotes about the importance of updating conventional CEAs to GCEAs can be found here .

About No Patient Left Behind

No Patient Left Behind (NPLB) is a coalition of biotechnology innovators, investors, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates working to ensure that patients have access to the medicines they need today and in the future. Through rigorous, independent research and data analysis, NPLB promotes biotech affordability and innovation, advancing common-sense solutions that enable every patient to afford the drugs prescribed by their doctor at low or no out-of-pocket cost  while also preserving the incentives for investment that spur the development of new, life-saving treatments. In tandem with its research efforts, NPLB educates leaders and stakeholders across the biotech ecosystem about thoughtful and balanced policy solutions. Learn more about NPLBs latest initiatives at www.nopatientleftbehind.org .

Contact: NPLBpress@nopatientleftbehind.org




Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QC Kinetix , a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, proudly announces that its National Medical Director, Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop, will advise physicians involved in Regenerative Medicine from all over the world on Translating the Potential of OrthoBiologics Treatment into Clinical Practice as a keynote speaker at the International Conference on Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine sponsored by Cognition Conferences, a platform for researchers to exchange ideas, share outcomes, present roadmaps, and collaborate towards building a better world.



The presentation will include key findings from a recent article in the Journal of Regenerative Medicine , Sheinkop M, Langhenry M, Sand T (2024) Two-Year Outcome in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with a Combination of Intraarticular and Intraosseous Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate. J Regen Med 13:2.

The International Conference on Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine will be held in the enchanting city of Rome, Italy, from November 18-20, 2024. This conference will revolve around the theme of Discovering Cutting-Edge Progress in Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, focusing on advancements directly impacting patient care. With over 30 scientific sessions planned, the aim is to bring together prominent figures from the stem cell research community and related fields. The conference program will feature keynote presentations, oral presentations, plenary talks, young researcher forums, poster presentations, student forums, technical workshops, symposia, start-up opportunities, and sessions to engage with professors.

With a remarkable career spanning decades as an orthopedic surgeon, educator, and pioneer in regenerative medicine, Dr. Sheinkop is the head of the medical management team at QC Kinetix. Dr. Sheinkop is responsible for focusing on the evaluation and enhancement of protocols and spearheading research and development initiatives to keep the franchise at the cutting edge of medical innovation. Dr. Sheinkop also focuses on refining practitioners' training and certification processes, underlining the critical role of evidence-based medicine within regenerative care practices.



Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Sheinkop's educational background includes undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and medical training at Chicago Medical School, culminating in a residency at Northwestern University. His career has seen him traverse international boundaries as a surgeon and visiting lecturer, delivering educational sessions in diverse locales such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Russia, Romania, and Austria. His scholarly contributions include authoring over 70 works in various esteemed publications and peer-reviewed journals, cementing his reputation as a foremost authority in orthopedics and regenerative medicine.



About QC Kinetix

QC Kinetix is a franchise company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, leading the way in promoting an active lifestyle through comprehensive regenerative medicine treatments designed to address musculoskeletal conditions and joint pain.

QC Kinetix leverages the body's inherent healing properties through state-of-the-art natural biologic treatments, offering alternatives to invasive surgery and addictive pain medications. QC Kinetix also offers hair restoration treatment for men and women, low testosterone therapy for men, and a line of supplements for joint health, men's health, and hair health.

With rapid expansion underway throughout the United States, the healthcare franchise currently operates in over 100 cities. QC Kinetix clinics are committed to maximizing the body's ability to alleviate pain and restore health from within, significantly enhancing overall function and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.qckinetix.com .



Media Contact:

Spencer Perkins

QC Kinetix

(800) 269-1421

Spencer.perkins@qckinetix.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/021d6200-18ad-4b7b-9644-de9e42487136
Scottsdale, AZ, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Rock Coffee Bar, a national boutique coffee bar brand known for its commitment to coffee, connection and community, announced the grand opening of its newest location in Tucson, Arizona. This marks the 48th store in the state and the seventh in Tucson, further solidifying the brands presence and popularity in the region. Located at 6295 E 22nd St. at the intersection of S. Wilmot Rd., the new Black Rock store will open on November 15, 2024. To celebrate its grand opening, Black Rock Coffee Bar will offer free 16-ounce drinks to customers on opening day at this new location.

With 146 Black Rock Coffee Bar stores across the U.S, Arizona accounts for 33% of Black Rock Coffee Bars total locations, highlighting the brands rapid growth and deepening presence in the state.

We are proud to open another location in Tucson, a city that appreciates the art of great coffee, said Mark Davis, CEO, Black Rock Coffee Bar. Tucsons vibrant coffee culture and love for community align perfectly with our mission to create a welcoming space where people can connect and recharge. We cant wait to serve the locals here and be a part of what makes this city so unique.

The new 2000-square-foot Black Rock Coffee Bar store showcases the boutique coffee chains signature industrial modern design. This design philosophy is aimed at ensuring that visitors can not only enjoy their favorite beverages but also relax, work, or socialize in a laidback and inviting environment.

To enhance the guest experience, Black Rock Coffee Bar recently announced the relaunch of Black Rock Rewards, making it easier for rewards members to order and get rewarded quicker whether in-store, online, or through the new mobile app. Special offers and promotions will continue post-opening through this program.

Founded in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion in the West and into the Sunbelt with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. This year, the boutique coffee chain was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington by the Portland Business Journal. In 2023, Black Rock Coffee Bar ranked 1179th among Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazines 5000 Annual List.

The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills. Black Rock Coffee Bars mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves.

About Black Rock Coffee Bar

Black Rock Coffee Bar is a national boutique coffee shop that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks. Founded as a family owned and operated business in Oregon in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to 146 retail locations in seven states. The Black Rock culture prides itself on not only being a positive force for the communities it serves, but also the team members that fuel their locations day in and day out. An important aspect of their team mission is to recognize those that go above and beyond by displaying the 4Gs of Black Rock - grit, growth, gratitude, and grace.

For more information, visit https://br.coffee/

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Luke Johnson Scholarship for Entrepreneurs has been launched to support the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders across the United States. Established by Luke Johnson, a prominent entrepreneur and strategic consultant based in Scottsdale, Arizona, this $1,000 scholarship is open to undergraduate students enrolled in accredited U.S. colleges or universities who aspire to make a meaningful impact through entrepreneurship. Designed to foster innovative solutions and community-driven ventures, the scholarship aims to provide promising young entrepreneurs with both financial support and encouragement to advance their ideas.

Luke Johnson of Scottsdales career has spanned over two decades, during which he has served as a wealth advisor, strategic business consultant, and asset protection expert. His journey began on his family farm in Kansas, where he learned the values of hard work and perseverance that continue to guide his professional philosophy. After earning a bachelors degree in business from the University of Kansas, Luke entered the financial services industry, developing a specialization in tax-efficient wealth strategies and asset protection. Now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Johnsons commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is a reflection of his dedication to supporting ambitious, purpose-driven individuals.

Scholarship Details and Eligibility Criteria

The Luke Johnson Scholarship for Entrepreneurs invites eligible applicants to submit an original essay addressing a specific problem they have identified in their community or industry. Applicants are asked to describe how they would design and launch a venture to solve this issue, as well as the potential impact of their proposed solution. Essays will be evaluated based on originality, feasibility, clarity, and demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship. Luke Johnsons dedication to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs is evident in his vision to encourage students on paths of innovation, particularly those who wish to contribute meaningful solutions to modern challenges.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Enrollment : Candidates must be enrolled as undergraduate students in an accredited U.S. college or university.

: Candidates must be enrolled as undergraduate students in an accredited U.S. college or university. Field of Interest : Students should be pursuing a career path in entrepreneurship, with studies in business, innovation, or a related field.

: Students should be pursuing a career path in entrepreneurship, with studies in business, innovation, or a related field. Essay Submission: Each applicant is required to submit a 500-750 word essay responding to the provided prompt.



Application Process and Submission Requirements

Applications must be submitted with the following documents:

A completed application form. Proof of enrollment in an accredited U.S. college or university. An original essay addressing the scholarships essay prompt.



Students are encouraged to send their applications and supporting materials via email to apply@lukejohnsonscholarship.com, using the subject line Luke Johnson Scholarship Application. Applications must be received by September 15, 2025, and late submissions will not be considered. The scholarship winner will be publicly announced on October 15, 2025.

The scholarships essay prompt invites students to articulate a problem they have identified within their community or industry, one they believe can be addressed through entrepreneurial innovation. Applicants are encouraged to propose practical solutions and demonstrate their passion for making a difference through entrepreneurship. By focusing on clarity, originality, and the feasibility of solutions, the Luke Johnson Scholarship for Entrepreneurs seeks to identify students whose ideas demonstrate creativity and a commitment to positive change.

About Luke Johnson

As the founder of this scholarship, Luke Johnson of Scottsdale brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by aspiring entrepreneurs. Originally from Kansas, Johnsons career journey began with his involvement in his familys business and later evolved into wealth planning and strategic consulting. Today, he serves as the Head of Advanced Planning at his firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he works closely with affluent entrepreneurs and families, along with ambitious young professionals. Luke Johnsons approach is rooted in Christian principles, emphasizing integrity, stewardship, and a commitment to service.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Luke Johnson is dedicated to various charitable causes, including organizations such as Folds of Honor, Disabled American Veterans, and Child Help. His active involvement in these initiatives reflects his commitment to community service, a commitment that extends to his support of future entrepreneurs through this scholarship.

The Luke Johnson Scholarship for Entrepreneurs is grounded in his belief in nurturing the talents of students who exhibit a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to create meaningful change. With Scottsdale as his home base, Johnson envisions this scholarship as a catalyst to support young leaders who are eager to make a difference in their communities and industries.

About the Scholarship

The Luke Johnson Scholarship for Entrepreneurs represents an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to gain financial support while refining their skills and expanding their professional aspirations. Luke Johnsons commitment to empowering the next generation of business innovators is evident in his focus on providing this scholarship, which aims to motivate students to pursue their academic and entrepreneurial goals.

With a one-time award of $1,000, this scholarship is intended to encourage and support students who are prepared to tackle real-world problems through innovative solutions. As an entrepreneur dedicated to nurturing financial stability and entrepreneurial growth, Johnson views this scholarship as a means of contributing to the long-term success of future leaders.

For more information on eligibility criteria, application instructions, and deadlines, visit lukejohnsonscholarship.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Luke Johnson

Organization: Luke Johnson

Website: https://lukejohnsonscholarship.com

Email: apply@lukejohnsonscholarship.com
Forum in Tokyo seeks to boost China-Japan green cooperation

Xinhua) 11:12, November 11, 2024

Zhao Chenxin (C), deputy head of China's National Development and Reform Commission, delivers a speech at the 17th China-Japan Comprehensive Forum on Energy Saving and Environmental Protection in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Over 800 representatives from government bodies, businesses and institutions from China and Japan gathered at a forum in Tokyo on Saturday to explore cooperation opportunities in green transformation.

Attendees at the 17th China-Japan Comprehensive Forum on Energy Saving and Environmental Protection noted that green development is a shared challenge and an area with substantial cooperation potential for both China and Japan, urging efforts to leverage comparative advantages to explore new areas for collaborative growth in energy conservation and environmental protection.

Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of China's National Development and Reform Commission, emphasized that China values international cooperation in green, low-carbon development, highlighting energy conservation and environmental protection as focal points in China-Japan economic relations.

China's Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei said that China-Japan trade cooperation is mutually beneficial, calling for deepened green cooperation to contribute to sustainable development globally.

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Yoji Muto spoke on the ambitious goal of achieving global net-zero emissions. He noted that collaboration between Japan and China, both committed to carbon neutrality, will significantly benefit global decarbonization efforts.

During the forum, 27 new cooperative projects were formalized between China and Japan, covering areas such as industrial park decarbonization, waste-to-energy, and green building practices.

Since its inception in 2006, the forum has facilitated 457 projects, becoming a vital platform for cooperation in energy conservation and green development between China and Japan.

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Yoji Muto (C) delivers a speech at the 17th China-Japan Comprehensive Forum on Energy Saving and Environmental Protection in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

China's Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei (C) delivers a speech at the 17th China-Japan Comprehensive Forum on Energy Saving and Environmental Protection in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
PRESS RELEASE

11 November 2024, Copenhagen, Denmark





FLSmidth announces that Chris Reinbold, President, Mining Products Business Line, is stepping down from his role and will be leaving FLSmidth at the end of November 2024. As FLSmidth continues to transform and position itself for growth, the company has initiated the process of identifying Chris replacement and expects the process to be concluded in the near future.

"Since the launch of our CORE26 mining strategy, Chris has played an instrumental role in de-risking and implementing structural improvements within our Mining Products business. I would like to thank Chris for his contributions to FLSmidth over the past four years and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours, comments Mikko Keto, CEO at FLSmidth.





Interim management

Until a replacement is announced, Mike Lefler will support with the day-to-day leadership of the Products Business Line. Mike Lefler currently serves as Vice President and Head of Separation Product Group and has been with FLSmidth for more than 12 years.





Contacts:

Media

Jannick Denholt, +45 21 69 66 57, jli@flsmidth.com

Investors Relations

Andreas Holkjr, +45 24 85 03 84, andh@flsmidth.com

Jannick Denholt, +45 21 69 66 57, jli@flsmidth.com





About FLSmidth

FLSmidth is a full flowsheet technology and service supplier to the global mining and cement industries. We enable our customers to improve performance, lower operating costs and reduce environmental impact. MissionZero is our sustainability ambition towards zero emissions in mining and cement by 2030. We work within fully validated Science-Based Targets, have a clear commitment to improving the sustainability performance of the global mining and cement industries and aim to become carbon neutral in our own operations by 2030. www.flsmidth.com.

Attachment
Shenzhen, China, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yayoi Kusamas iconic artwork "Life of the Pumpkin Recites, All About the Biggest Love for the People," part of the China Project of Love & Life, is Kusamas largest pumpkin sculpture to date. It will be displayed for the first time in China from November 12-17, 2024, at Shanghai North Bund, sponsored by HEYTEA. This 10-meter sculpture, adorned with Kusama's signature polka dots, embodies her lifelong themes of love, unity, and peace. Bringing this work to China not only fosters dialogue between contemporary art and global audiences but also amplifies Kusamas enduring message of love and life. In a time when the world craves unity and understanding, this Project serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to bridge cultures. Through this installation, Kusama reaffirms the importance of harmony and connection, resonating with China and beyond.

About The China Project of Love & Life

It is with great excitement that Yayoi Kusama's monumental work, "Life of the Pumpkin Recites, All About the Biggest Love for the People," will be coming to China for the first time as part of the traveling project titled "CHINA PROJECT OF LOVE & LIFE." This extraordinary installation, which debuted in Paris, embodies Kusama's deeply personal connection to the pumpkin, a recurring motif in her art since the late 1940s. Bringing this work to China not only extends the dialogue between contemporary art and global audiences but also amplifies Kusamas timeless message of love and life. At a time when the world yearns for unity and understanding, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to bridge cultures, spread peace, and inspire collective hope.

Kusamas work embodies her message of love and peace, intended to resonate with China and the world. Through this installation in China, she conveys the enduring importance of unity and harmony in todays world.

HEYTEA is proud to sponsor the CHINA PROJECT OF LOVE & LIFE, which will launch in China from November 12-17, 2024, at North Bund Shanghai, China.

Life of the Pumpkin Recites, All About the Biggest Love for the People, 2019 Installation view, FIAC Hors les Murs, Place Vendome, Paris Courtesy Ota Fine Arts, David Zwirner, Victoria Miro and YAYOI KUSAMA FOUNDATION.  YAYOI KUSAMAPhotography  Marc Domage



About the China Project limited-edition packaging and merchandises

HEYTEA is honored to be the sponsor of the China Project of Love & Life. During the Project, HEYTEA will release a series of limited-edition packaging and merchandises at its stores worldwide. These exclusive items include limited-edition drink cups, artfully designed paper bags, and whimsical cup sleeves. Additionally, specially crafted keychains and mugs will further enrich the Projects artistic charm. All these items will only be available as gifts at all HEYTEA stores during the Project, strengthening the emotional connection between HEYTEA and its customers.

These creative and thoughtfully designed products reflect HEYTEAs unique take on the synergy between art and life, while reinterpreting tea culture in new and innovative ways. By merging art with everyday moments, the spirit of Adding a Touch of BOBO to the World becomes a tangible and heartfelt experience for every guest.

HEYTEA: BOBO to the World

In 2012, HEYTEA opened its first store in a small alley along the river in Jiangmen, Guangdong, introducing the worlds first cheese-topped brewed tea and officially kicking off a new era of tea culture in China. From that moment, the meeting of traditional tea culture with modern innovation sparked endless new possibilities.

In 2018, HEYTEA took a bold step by launching the beloved BOBO Tea series, blending playful packaging and brand identity. This infusion of youthfulness, vitality, and charm breathed new life into the ancient tea tradition. The iconic design quickly captured the hearts of young urbanites, becoming a comforting companion in their daily lives. The round, cheerful BOBO bubbles embody joy and healing energy, making each sip a moment of joy and a reason to smile.

In 2024, HEYTEA introduced the creative short film Adding a Touch of BOBO to the World, sharing a series of delightful and unexpected stories showcasing how BOBO elements bring fun and joy to everyday life. With warmth and humor, the film conveys the brands core message: even in uncertain times, we can find the joy in life through smiles and love.

About The Artist Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama grew up in a family that cultivated plant seeds in Matsumoto, where she became intimately familiar with the kabocha squash that surrounded her childhood home. In her autobiography, "Infinity Net," Kusama reflects on her lifelong fascination with the pumpkins "charming and winsome form" and its "generous unpretentiousness," qualities that resonated with her both aesthetically and spiritually. This deep connection to the pumpkin has made it a recurring motif in her art since the late 1940s.

In Kusama's artistic philosophy, she conceptualizes the sun, the moon, and the earth as spheres, and each human being as a unique polka dot among many. She emphasizes that no dot can exist in isolation; instead, each one relies on the others, symbolizing an ideal society where individuals support one another. This theme of infinite repetition and interconnectedness is a hallmark of Kusama's work, now recognized and celebrated far beyond the art world.

In the context of her work "Life of the Pumpkin Recites, All About the Biggest Love for the People," these ideas take on even greater significance. The installation not only reflects Kusamas deeply personal connection to the pumpkin but also serves as a powerful metaphor for unity and collective harmony. By bringing this work to China, Kusama extends her message of love and peace to a global audience, reinforcing the enduring importance of connection and support in todays world.

In the context of her work "Life of the Pumpkin Recites, All About the Biggest Love for the People," these ideas take on even greater significance. The installation not only reflects Kusamas deeply personal connection to the pumpkin but also serves as a powerful metaphor for unity and collective harmony. By bringing this work to China, Kusama extends her message of love and peace to a global audience, reinforcing the enduring importance of connection and support in todays world.





Kusama with Pumpkin at Aichi Triennale, 2010

YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Yayoi Kusama Foundation

Prayers for Peace, 2015, YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Yayoi Kusama Foundation





Pumpkins Screaming About Love Beyond Infinity, 2017, YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Yayoi Kusama Foundation

Infinity Mirrored RoomThe Eternally Infinite Light of the Universe Illuminating the Quest for Truth, 2020, YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Yayoi Kusama Foundation





A Bouquet of Love I Saw in the Universe Installation view at Gropius Bau, Berlin, 2021.YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Yayoi Kusama Foundation

I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers Installation view at David Zwirner, New York, 2023, YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Yayoi Kusama Foundation
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As policymakers increasingly move to impose government price setting on innovative medicines, it is essential to anchor these decisions to a better understanding of innovative medicines true societal value. A new paper published on Friday in the journal Forum for Health Economics and Policy by 12 leading health economists explains why the conventional math used to value medicines falls short  and lays out a consensus approach for how to fix it. The paper is available here .

"The stakes are incredibly high for improving how the value of medicines is assessed, said co-author Lou Garrison. Patients could end up paying more for medicines or going without them entirely if conventional assessment methods, which take a narrow perspective, conclude they wont be cost-effective. In many cases, when you factor in how patients and society value medicines in the real world and how the market works in practice, those same medicines are actually great bargains for governments, employers, health plans, and, most importantly, for the patients they represent.

Health economists and value assessors have long documented the failings of conventional CEA methods, which overlook important aspects of the patient and caregiver experience, as well as market dynamics, to focus instead on how treatments benefit health payers. The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) itself acknowledges that its methodology falls short and omits key measures of value, but it and others have continued promoting the European-style model, arguing that no viable alternatives exist.

Authored by researchers including Dana Goldman from USC Schaeffer Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy, Louis Garrison from the Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics Institute at the University of Washington, and Joshua Cohen from the Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health at Tufts University, the new paper builds on a decade of progress to address the key limitations of conventional CEA methods, providing a practical guide for calculating the value of medicines using an approach known as generalized cost-effectiveness analysis (GCEA).

The authors identify 15 elements of value captured in GCEA that are excluded from or incompletely captured in conventional CEA methods, outlining the current health economics consensus approach to quantifying crucial questions like:

How will price drops due to genericization impact the value of medicines to society over the product life cycle?

impact the value of medicines to society over the product life cycle? How do we better measure the benefits of the treatment to patients by considering elements such as productivity or patient risk preference ?

or ? How will this treatment impact a patients family and caregivers ?

and ? How should we better consider the value provided to patients and society when knowledge generated from current innovations spurs advancements in future treatments?

Implications for value assessment practices and healthcare decision-making

The issue of value assessment has taken on new urgency in the United States over the past year as Medicare has begun negotiations with drug companies to set the prices the federal government will pay for certain medicines. Outside groups, including ICER, have pushed for state and federal officials to adopt the conventional CEA that mirrors methods used in many European countries to limit patient access and impose price controls on drugs.

Preserving affordable innovation is crucial not only for ensuring patients have access to life-saving treatments today but also for paving the way for future breakthroughs, said co-author Dana Goldman. CEAs that recognize that novel medicines represent a bargain for America as a society at their market prices will hopefully help the public, media, academics, and policymakers recognize that the market isnt failing them but doing exactly what its supposed to, and that the key to making all this worthwhile innovation affordable to patients lies in insurance design and what plans are allowed to charge patients out-of-pocket. Its not like we have firefighters charge a family a copay before providing help, so why do we think its ok to charge a copay for insulin or chemo? Patients paid for their care through premiums. The mere 8% of total healthcare costs that branded drugs represent are readily affordable to all of us through premiums and are what drive the continuous cycle of future medical advancements.

But what does it say about the need for such conventional CEA methods for setting prices if, it turns out that America has long been getting a bargain by relying on the market of competing insurance plans and drug companies to negotiate prices? asks Peter Kolchinsky, founder of No Patient Left Behind, which sponsored the research. There is a role for government price setting in ensuring that all drugs go generic without undue delay, as intended by the patent system, but for over a century economists have known and taught that overriding market prices with price controls on novel products snuffs out investor interest in funding their invention. So if indeed markets are securing a bargain for Americans on novel medicines, they need to know that before they ask the government to override those markets and halt all the progress driven by private sector investment.

Kolchinsky continued: Unlike conventional CEA, generalized CEA is a tool for appreciating the societal value of medicines relative to which we compare their market-based prices. Its time we started doing GCEA on novel medicines to see how well the markets been negotiating their prices. I think America will be surprised by what it learns and maybe take pride in its innovation engine and look to insurance reform to make these medicines affordable instead of calling for price controls.

The quest to improve value assessment has been an active research subject in health economics and outcomes research for decades. At the ISPOR 2024 North America Conference in Atlanta this May, eight separate presentations and panel discussions focused on ways to implement or refine GCEA to better inform healthcare decision-making to achieve affordable innovation. But while that research is ongoing, it is clear that any limitations in GCEA are no reason for sticking with conventional CEA, which has far more limitations.

A user guide and checklist for academics, economists, patients, governments, investors, & innovators

Undervaluing medicines has real consequences for patients today and in the future. It affects every one of us, said Peter Rubin, Executive Director of No Patient Left Behind. The research is clear: it's possible to quantify the real-world impacts that medicines have on patients, their support networks, and society overall.

Rubin continued, We encourage health economists, health technology assessment entities, patients, investors, and innovators to treat this GCEA paper as a user guide on how to do better cost-effectiveness analysis. Theres no longer any excuse to let flawed, outdated cost-effectiveness math of the past be used by governments or private payers to deny patients coverage or justify high out-of-pocket costs for prescribed treatments.

Beyond the impact on current patients, the paper also highlights the costs of ignoring how the use of a medication for one condition can spur research paths that lead to new, life-saving therapies.

Conventional CEA fails to account for these scientific spillover effects and, as a result, consistently undervalues innovation, undercutting incentives for investment in the next generation of cures. This makes the adoption of GCEA even more pressing, the authors write, because if innovation is discouraged because CEAs undervalue it, there wont be anything to re-evaluate.

About the Papers Authors

The paper achieves consensus on how to improve conventional cost-effectiveness through the incorporation of GCEA math from leading health economists, including:

Joshua Cohen, Tufts University

Jalpa Doshi, University of Pennsylvania

Lou Garrison, University of Washington

Dana Goldman, University of Southern California

Jaehong Kim, Director, Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy at FTI Consulting

Josh Krieger, Harvard University

Darius Lakdawalla, University of Southern California

Peter Neumann, Tufts University

Chuck Phelps, University of Rochester



Jason Shafrin, Adjunct Professor, University of Southern California

Melanie Whittington, Tufts University

Dick Willke, ISPOR  The International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research

Quotes from the Papers Authors

Additional quotes about the importance of updating conventional CEAs to GCEAs can be found here .

About No Patient Left Behind

No Patient Left Behind (NPLB) is a coalition of biotechnology innovators, investors, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates working to ensure that patients have access to the medicines they need today and in the future. Through rigorous, independent research and data analysis, NPLB promotes biotech affordability and innovation, advancing common-sense solutions that enable every patient to afford the drugs prescribed by their doctor at low or no out-of-pocket cost  while also preserving the incentives for investment that spur the development of new, life-saving treatments. In tandem with its research efforts, NPLB educates leaders and stakeholders across the biotech ecosystem about thoughtful and balanced policy solutions. Learn more about NPLBs latest initiatives at www.nopatientleftbehind.org .

Contact: NPLBpress@nopatientleftbehind.org
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norton West Louisville Hospital opened its doors to patients today, giving residents of West Louisville access to outpatient, hospital and emergency services as well as primary and specialty care closer to home  a critical need that has long been missing from this area of Louisville.

Norton West Louisville Hospital was constructed to provide access to quality medical treatment by eliminating obstacles so all residents can live a healthy and prosperous life, said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. While we have adult and pediatric medical offices in West Louisville, this state-of-the-art hospital will help us care for more patients and continue to put health equity in the forefront.

West Louisville is composed of nine neighborhoods and has endured years of disinvestment. The most recent Health Equity Report published by the Louisville Metro Center for Health Equity still shows that life expectancy for residents of West Louisville is 15 years lower than other areas of the city. The report also shows higher rates of death connected to stroke, heart disease and cancer in this area of Louisville.

As a dad, I know that when your child is hurt or sick, its scary. Every minute feels like an eternity, said Gov. Andy Beshear. Now, thanks to our partners at Norton Healthcare, no one in West Louisville will have to wait, because theyll have a world-class hospital close to home. Thank you for this investment, which will help Kentucky families for generations to come.

The first hospital built in West Louisville in more than 150 years is long overdue, and I am thrilled Norton Healthcare is making this investment in our community and the people who live here, said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. I am thankful for Norton Healthcares belief in this project and am confident this will improve health, wellness and economic well-being for residents whove been underserved for too long.

Norton West Louisville Hospital has a 24/7 emergency department; inpatient treatment; operating rooms; laboratory services; imaging services, including X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI; and a retail pharmacy. The medical offices inside the hospital house adult primary care providers and specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, orthopedics, pulmonology, surgery, womens care, oncology/hematology, neurology and neurosurgery. For children, the offices have pediatric primary care and specialists in pediatric endocrinology and pediatric oncology/hematology. Both children and adults have access to care from providers with Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, a part of Norton Healthcare and Norton Childrens. Having medical office space inside the hospital, rather than in a separate medical office building, is a unique feature of Norton West Louisville Hospital.

The hospital also has a centralized check-in area, community rooms, a bistro, outdoor green space and a Dare to Care food pantry.

Members of our community were instrumental in providing feedback on the services and amenities they wanted to have in their community hospital, said Corenza Townsend, chief administrative office, Norton West Louisville Hospital. We gathered information and ideas from more than 4,500 people, the majority who live or work in West Louisville. We will continue to seek feedback, and Norton West Louisville Hospital will evolve to meet the communitys needs.

Special touches found in the $90 million hospital include three construction beams signed by more than 2,000 employees and residents that are displayed outside of the Gouverneur H. Nixon Jr. Community Education Center. With donations made through the Norton Healthcare Foundation, artwork curated by a West Louisville resident  and many pieces by two West Louisville artists  adorn walls throughout the hospital and medical office space.

A special monument honors the medical pioneers of West Louisville who dedicated their lives to providing medical care to people of color in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The monument was funded by the family of Richard S. Wolf, M.D., through the Norton Childrens Hospital Foundation, in memory of Dr. Wolfs life and work as a pediatrician, former medical director at Norton Childrens Hospital and Mayor of Safety City. Dr. Wolf was a passionate advocate for access, prevention and wellness for children in our region.

Norton West Louisville Hospital is located at 850 S. 28th St. on the Norton Healthcare Goodwill Opportunity Campus. It employs more than 350 people in a variety of clinical and nonclinical positions.

###

About Norton Healthcare

Norton Healthcare is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients from throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. The not-for-profit hospital and health care system has six Louisville-based hospitals and three hospitals in Southern Indiana.

With more than 23,000 employees, over 1,750 employed medical providers and more than 3,000 total providers on its medical staff, Norton Healthcare is Louisvilles second largest employer. It provides care at more than 400 locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The six Louisville hospitals have a total of 1,927 licensed beds, and the Southern Indiana hospitals have a total of 347 licensed beds. The hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient general care as well as specialty care, including heart, neuroscience, cancer, orthopedic, womens and pediatric services. The system also includes 10 outpatient centers, 19 Norton Immediate Care Centers, 14 Norton Prompt Care clinics and an expanded telehealth program. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas.

Norton Healthcares five Louisville hospitals and Norton Cancer Institute are LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders. Our facilities first received this designation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in 2018 and have received it in all subsequent years that the designation has been awarded. (HRC did not announce health equality designations in 2021 or 2023.) Norton Healthcare also was recognized in 2022, 2023 and 2024 on the Disability Equality Indexs list of Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.

More information is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

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Nokia Corporation

Stock Exchange Release

11 November 2024 at 22:30 EET

Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 11.11.2024

Espoo, Finland  On 11 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 1,556,326 4.28 CEUX 297,990 4.29 BATE - - AQEU - - TQEX - - Total 1,854,316 4.28

* 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 11 November 2024 was EUR 7,942,221. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 191,442,322 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
Ottawa, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Close to thirty-five thousand people gathered at Canadas National War Memorial for the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa this year. They joined many thousands of others at ceremonies nationwide to show their gratitude for our countrys fallen Veterans.

When we say we will remember them, we mean it, says Legion Dominion President Berkley Lawrence. We will remember their bravery, their sacrifice, and how their selflessness led to our lives of freedom today.

The Royal Canadian Legion event began with the Veterans Parade, followed by marching contingents, a 21-gun salute, and traditional and significant elements such as the playing of The Last Post. A striking fly-past of four CF-18 Hornet aircraft was also a nod to the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Air Force. In addition, the ceremony highlighted the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The Act of Remembrance was read in English, French and the Indigenous language of Michif this year.

This years National Silver Cross Mother Mrs. Maureen Anderson laid a wreath on behalf of all military mothers who have lost children in service to their country, and in remembrance of her two sons, Sergeant Ron Anderson and Sergeant Ryan Anderson who both lived with the challenges of PTSD, which was directly related to their deaths.

Other special guests who laid wreaths at the base of the National War Memorial, included Canadas Governor-General Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon; Canadas Prime Minister the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, the Minister of Veterans Affairs the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan. Legion Dominion President Mr. Berkley Lawrence laid a wreath along with representatives of the youth of Canada - winners of the Legion National Foundations senior poster and literary contests. Representatives of Veteran groups, additional organizations and individuals paid tribute in this same way.

After the ceremony, hundreds placed their Poppies on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in what is a touching and striking sight each November 11. This Remembrance Day evening, thousands of animated Poppies representing Canadas Fallen will also cascade down the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill and on the Senate building at the National Arts Centre, until midnight.

About The Royal Canadian Legion

Founded in 1925, the Legion is Canadas largest Veteran support and community service organization. We are a non-profit organization with a national reach across Canada as well as branches in the U.S., and Europe. With over 260,000 members, many of whom volunteer an extraordinary amount of time to their branches, our strength is in our numbers.

Public Relations / Media Inquiries: PublicRelations@Legion.ca/ 343-540-7604

Legion.ca

Facebook.com/CanadianLegion

Twitter.com/RoyalCdnLegion

Instagram.com/royalcanadianlegion

youtube.com/user/RCLDominionCommand

Linkedin.com/company/royalcanadianlegion

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HUNTSVILLE, AL, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serina Therapeutics, Inc. (Serina) (NYSE American: SER), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing its lead IND candidate SER-252 for advanced Parkinson's disease, enabled by its proprietary POZ Platform drug optimization technology, announced that it has made grants of options to purchase an aggregate of 60,500 shares of Serinas common stock to three new non-executive employees on November 6, 2024 (each, an Option Grant). Each Option Grant has an exercise price equal to the closing price of Serinas common stock on November 6, 2024. The Option Grants were offered as material inducement to the employees employment. The Option Grants were approved by the Compensation Committee of Serinas Board of Directors on November 6, 2024 pursuant to Serinas 2024 Inducement Equity Plan to align their interests with Serinas stockholders and to promote the success of Serinas business. The Option Grants were made in reliance on the employment inducement exemption under the NYSE Americans Company Guide Section 711(a) which requires public disclosure of inducement awards. Serina is issuing this press release pursuant to Section 711(a) of NYSE Americans Company Guide. The Option Grants shall vest and become exercisable with respect to one-third of the aggregate number of shares subject to each Option Grant on the first anniversary of the grant date, and the remaining two-thirds of the aggregate number of shares subject to each Option Grant shall vest in a series of 24 substantially equal monthly installments thereafter, such that the Option Grant will be vested as of the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued employment with Serina.

About Serina Therapeutics



Serina is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of wholly owned drug product candidates to treat neurological diseases and other indications. Serinas POZ PlatformTM provides the potential to improve the integrated efficacy and safety profile of multiple modalities including small molecules, RNA-based therapeutics and antibody-based drug conjugates (ADCs). Serina is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama on the campus of the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology.

For more information, please visit https://serinatherapeutics.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. These statements are based on managements current expectations, plans, beliefs or forecasts for the future, and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Any express or implied statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about the potential of Serinas POZ polymer technology, are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when any applications may be filed for any drug or vaccine candidates in any jurisdictions; whether and when regulatory authorities may approve any potential applications that may be filed for any drug or vaccine candidates in any jurisdictions, which will depend on a myriad of factors, including making a determination as to whether the products benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the products efficacy and, if approved, whether any such drug or vaccine candidates will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of any drug or vaccine candidates; and competitive developments. These risks as well as other risks are more fully discussed in Serinas Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Serinas Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024, and Serinas other periodic reports and documents filed from time to time with the SEC.

The information contained in this release is as of the date hereof, and Serina assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

For inquiries, please contact:

Investor.relations@serinatherapeutics.com

(256) 327-9630
Vancouver, November 11, 2024 - Thor Explorations Ltd. (TSXV: THX) (AIM: THX) ("Thor Explorations", "Thor" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an operational and financial review for its Segilola Gold mine, located in Nigeria ("Segilola"), and for the Company's mineral exploration properties located in Nigeria, Senegal and Cote D'Ivoire for the three months to September 30, 2024 (the "Quarter", the "Period" or "Q3").

The Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements together with the notes related thereto, as well as the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended September 30, 2024 are available on Thor Explorations' website at: https://thorexpl.com/investors/financials/.

All figures are in US dollars ("US$") unless otherwise stated.

Q3 2024 Financial Highlights

18,167 ounces ("oz") of gold sold with an average gold price of US$2,328 per oz.

Cash operating cost of US$585 per oz sold and all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") of US$766 per oz sold.

Revenue of US$40.2 million (Q3 2023: US$36.6 million).

EBITDA of US$27.4 million (Q3 2023: US$10.5 million).

Net profit of US$17.5 million (Q3 2023: US$0.9 million).

Senior debt facility reduced to US$3.9 million as at September 30, 2024. This debt is scheduled to be fully repaid by the end of Q4 2024

Transitioned from a net debt position of US$2.7 million as at June 30, 2024 to a net cash position of US$2.7 million as at September 30, 2024.

Operational Highlights

Segilola Production

Gold ("Au") Poured for the Period totalled 20,110oz Mill feed grade was 3.22 grammes per tonne ("g/t") gold with recovery at 88.5%. The lower recovery was due to a delayed change in mill liner during the period. 201,958 tonnes ("t") of ore were processed, an increase in productivity levels by 16% compared to Q2, equivalent to a throughput rate of 2,195t per day, with no significant downtime periods. The process plant achieved a further reduction of the gold in circuit by 1,614oz of Au.

The stockpile balance increased by 13% to 1,329,007t of ore at an average grade of 0.94g/t as this was mined during shortfalls resulting from events that occurred during the Quarter. The significant stockpile available (more than one year of process plant supply) offers flexibility and low risk for future process plant production.

Mining rates were lower than Q2 2024 due to the previously reported fly-rock incident. Improved controlled blasting practices are now in place to avoid a recurrence.

Severe September weather period brought over 415 millimetres of rain in 12 days, surpassing in-pit pumping capacity and contingency plans which delayed high-grade ore access to Q4 2024. The Company has since increased pit pumping capacity.

Segilola Exploration

The priority of the Company's exploration strategy is extending the Segilola mine life through delineation of potential additional underground resources at Segilola.

An initial 12 hole drilling program continued during the period with initial positive drill results received from the first two holes of 3.0 m grading 11.24g/t Au from 294m and 1.5m grading 3.22g/t Au from 269m.

In addition to the Segilola Underground Drilling Program, additional geochemical sampling continued at near mine open pit targets.

Douta

RC drilling activities were completed during the period. The program was focussed on increasing the percentage of oxide resources at the Makosa East Prospect, which runs parallel to the main Makosa mineralised trend and is additional to the current mineral resource. Additional infill drilling was completed at the Makosa North, Mansa and Maka prospects.

Remaining Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") and Mineral Resource Estimate update workstreams are being completed, with a target completion in Q4 2024.

Cote D'Ivoire

During the Quarter Thor expanded its operations into Cote d'Ivoire following the signing of a binding agreement with Endeavour Mining Corporation to acquire a 100% interest in the Guitry Gold Project for US$100,000 in cash and a 2% Net Smelter Royalty.

Earlier in 2024 the Company entered into an option agreement with Goldridge Resources SARL to acquire an 80% interest in the Boundiali Exploration permit, an early stage gold exploration project located in north west Cote d'Ivoire.

Lithium

Exploration activities during the quarter comprised of geological mapping that focused on generating targets within Newstar-owned exploration permits.

Environment, Social and Governance

Q3 projects under the Community Development Agreements included awarding 26 school scholarships, quarterly elderly palliative deliveries, and initiating tenders for road and school improvements.

ESG data, aligned with Global Reporting Initiative standards, is being compiled for 2023-2024 and uploaded to the Onyen ESG system. This will improve annual comparisons for energy, water, and waste intensity per oz Au.

One Lost Time Injury (LTI) occurred due to a workshop incident, leading to targeted training on hand injuries.

In Senegal, information is being compiled for the baseline of an EIA for the Douta project and included consultations with local village elders and government bodies to align with regional economic development plans.

Outlook

Production guidance of 85,000oz for 2024 with an AISC guidance of US$$800 - US$900 per oz.

Advance exploration programmes across the portfolio, including near mine, underground and regional projects at Segilola, extension and infill programmes at Douta, assessment of regional potential targets in Nigeria and joint venture options on potential targets.

Continue to advance the Douta project towards an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and PFS.

Segun Lawson, President & CEO, stated:

"Firstly, it is important to provide an update on the ongoing Osun State tax dispute. The Minister of Mines in Nigeria commissioned a fact-finding committee (the "Committee") to investigate the claims made by the Osun State Government, with the findings to be reported within 7 days. The Committee provided Osun State with an extension to submit evidence of its claims by 8th November and the Company expects the Minister to disclose its findings in the near future. We look forward to the findings of the Committee and remain confident regarding our position on all the allegations made by Osun State.

"We are pleased to have profitably navigated through a challenging quarter, during which a fly-rock incident and severe weather disruptions at Segilola impeded operations. We produced just over 20,000 ounces and sold 18,167 ounces of gold achieving an average gold price of US$2,328 per ounce at a cash operating cost of US$585 per ounce sold, and an AISC of US$766 per ounce sold. We have reduced our senior debt facility to US$3.9 million, which is on track for full repayment in Q4 and notably, we have transitioned from a net debt position to a net cash position.

"On the exploration front, we have had a positive start to our Segilola Underground Exploration programme, which is ongoing with a planned 12-hole drilling programme. We look forward to receiving the remaining results.

"At Douta, we have now completed our fieldwork and received all the required drilling results for an updated resource and PFS. We are at the final stages of completing the remaining workstreams for the PFS with completion targeted for Q4 2024.

"The Quarter also marked our strategic entry into Cote d'Ivoire, with the acquisition of the Guitry and Boundiali projects, which will further diversify and strengthen our portfolio in West Africa as we look to unlock value at these projects.

"We look forward to completing the year with another profitable quarter whilst delivering further value through exploration upside in Nigeria and through advancing the Douta Project to its next milestone."

About Thor Explorations

Thor Explorations Ltd. is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties located in Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. Thor Explorations holds a 100% interest in the Segilola Gold Project located in Osun State, Nigeria and has a 70% economic interest in the Douta Gold Project located in south-eastern Senegal. Thor Explorations trades on AIM and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "THX".

THOR EXPLORATIONS LTD.

Segun Lawson

President & CEO

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/229440
Hole 72 delivers 19.60 metres with 3.82% CuEq

19.60 m of 1.27 g/t Au, 20.30 g/t Ag, 2.53 % Cu, 1.01 g/t Pd, 2.42 g/t Pt and 0.15% Ni

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2024 - Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV) is pleased to announce the third set of assay results obtained for two more holes of the summer 2024 drilling campaign at its polymetallic Lion Zone discovery.

"The summer of 2024 will be remembered as an epic one regarding ongoing discovery of the Lion Zone. The westward expansion has continued to produce some fantastic results. Following up 32 metres of almost 7% CuEq with almost 40 metres of 4.19% CuEq, Hole 72 provides a continuation of our track record of success. As we push west, we are learning more about the mineralized zone and how it behaves, and our ability to track and anticipate the zone is improving. We are now routinely using downhole EM in all our new holes, giving our exploration team insight into a radius of about 200 metres. While the summer drilling program was done on a smaller 50 metre fan drilling approach, the fall and winter programs are successfully drilling 150 plus metres step outs with this technique. Look for more roars from our Lion Zone soon," commented Terry Lynch, CEO of Power Nickel.

Highlights:

PN-24-072 returned:

19.60 m of 1.27 g/t Au, 20.30 g/t Ag, 2.53 % Cu, 1.01 g/t Pd, 2.42 g/t Pt and 0.15% Ni

Including:

12.50 m of 0.31 g/t Au, 16.22 g/t Ag, 3.01 % Cu, 1.49 g/t Pd, 3.14 g/t Pt and 0.17% Ni

which includes:

4.50 m of 0.53 g/t Au, 32.71 g/t Ag, 6.40 % Cu, 3.74 g/t Pd, 5.73 g/t Pt and 0.35% Ni

PN-24-074 returned:

23.55 m of 0.15 g/t Au, 3.06 g/t Ag, 0.60 % Cu, 0.02 g/t Pd, 0.13 g/t Pt and 0.11% Ni

Including:

7.00 m of 0.06 g/t Au, 3.37 g/t Ag, 0.18 % Cu, 0.01 g/t Pd, 0.15 g/t Pt and 0.01% Ni

And including:

2.50 m of 1.27 g/t Au, 18.57 g/t Ag, 5.10 % Cu, 0.13 g/t Pd, 0.78 g/t Pt and 0.52% Ni

PN-24-075 returned:

19.20 m of 0.14 g/t Au, 5.45 g/t Ag, 1.04 % Cu, 0.53 g/t Pd, 1.22 g/t Pt and 0.05% Ni

Including:

3.40 m of 0.60 g/t Au, 13.02 g/t Ag, 0.24 % Cu, 3.60 g/t Pd, 3.38 g/t Pt and 0.01% Ni

And including:

3.05 m of 0.23 g/t Au, 15.29 g/t Ag, 5.31 % Cu, 0.27 g/t Pd, 4.36 g/t Pt and 0.23% Ni

Figure 1 below is a vertical longitudinal section, presenting the location of the recent holes drilled at the Lion Zone discovery.

Table 1 below presents the significant results of previously released holes, and the current assays. The complete set of results obtained demonstrates a tremendous success rate, which contributes to a continuously increasing level of confidence about the continuity of the zone.

As presented by Figure 1 above, two drills are on site and actively targeting expansions to the Lion Zone, continuing to expand the zone to the west (current hole PN-24-082) as well as exploring promising ground some 250m east of the Lion Discovery itself (PN-24-088). Samples will be expedited to the lab and results will be released as they are received. Results obtained to-date continue to demonstrate the lateral continuity of the zone to the west, resulting in a significant increase in size compared to the beginning of this current drill program.

"We are impressed with what we have discovered so far, given the impressive grades and polymetallic nature of the deposit. We are ramping up our exploration efforts using different proven geophysical and geochemical techniques and we are actively processing the data. This will accelerate the expansion and discovery process, thus enabling us to step out away from the current zone with a much higher level of confidence," commented Ken Williamson, Vice-President Exploration.

Note: Length is presented as downhole distance, as gathered from preliminary "quick logs"; true width corresponds to 60-80% of such downhole distance in function of the orientation of the hole. *CuEq Rec represents CuEq calculated based on the following metal prices (USD): 2,360.15 $/oz Au, 27.98 $/oz Ag, 1,215.00 $/oz Pd, 1000.00 $/oz Pt, 4.00 $/lb Cu, 10.00 $/lb Ni and 22.50 $/lb Co., and a recovery grade of 80% for all commodities, consistent with comparable peers.

Figure 2 below is a cross-section through the Lion Zone, along the holes reported in this current release, presenting the new assay results in their geological context. Core photos provide visual support, allowing appreciation of the good correlation between sulphides presence and reported polymetallic grades.

QAQC and Sampling

GeoVector Management Inc ("GeoVector") is the consulting company retained to perform the actual drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core.

All samples were submitted to and analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd ("Actlabs"), an independent commercial laboratory for both the sample preparation and assaying. Actlabs is a commercial laboratory independent of Power Nickel with no interest in the Project. Actlabs is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratories. Samples submitted through Actlabs are run through standard preparation methods and analysed using RX-1 (Dry, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m) preparation methods, and using 1F2 (ICP-OES) and 1C-OES - 4-Acid near total digestion + Gold-Platinum-Palladium analysis and 8-Peroxide ICP-OES, for regular and over detection limit analysis. Pegmatite samples are analyzed using UT7 - Li up to 5%, Rb up to 2% method. Actlabs also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

GeoVector's QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results.

The results presented in the current Press Release are complete within the mineralized intervals, but results are still pending for the top portion of both holes reported. QAQC and data validation was performed on these portions of the holes where assays are fully integrated, and no material errors were observed.

The Company also announces that it previously granted 600,000 options to an officer of the Company on September 9, 2024 at $0.66 per share exercisable for 5 years from the date of grant. The Company inadvertently omitted the news release about this grant at the relevant time.

Qualified Person

Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

On Remembrance Day, we honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.

Power Nickel would like to offer our thanks to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces that have served this country so honorably over our history. On this day we remember their sacrifice and salute their courage.

About Power Nickel Inc.

Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nickel Copper PGM, Gold and Silver Nisk project into Canada's next poly metallic mine.

On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometres of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the high-grade nickel-copper PGM, Gold and Silver mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone, the Lion discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential poly metallic deposits.

In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement as announced by the Company on October 18, 2024.

To obtain Power Nickel's Corporate Presentation, please use the link below:

http://powernickel.com/corporate_presentation.pdf

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:

Power Nickel Inc.

The Canadian Venture Building

82 Richmond St East, Suite 202

Toronto, ON

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to conduct various drill programs; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lion-zone-discovery-roars-again----19-6-metres--3-82-cueq-302300981.html

SOURCE Power Nickel Inc.
Vancouver, November 11, 2024 - Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV: GLAD) (OTCQB: GDTRF) (FSE: ZX7) ("Gladiator" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of C$10,000,000 through the issuance of 11,612,903 Charity Flow-Through common shares (the "Charity FT Shares") at a price of $0.775 per Charity FT Share and 2,000,000 Non-Flow-Through common shares (the "NFT Shares") at a price of $0.50 per NFT Share (the "Offering").

Gladiator intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to fund its exploration program at its Whitehorse Copper Project in the Yukon including diamond drilling at:

"Advanced prospects Cowley Park and Chief's Trend with the intention of establishing a maiden initial inferred resource" and;

"New high-grade copper targets along the Whitehorse Copper Belt defined from historical drilling and aeromagnetic surveying."

CEO Jason Bontempo commented: "This strong display of financial commitment from experienced institutional resource investors ensures that, upon completion, Gladiator will be fully funded for its planned ambitious drilling and exploration program at the advanced, high-grade Whitehorse Copper Project in 2025."

The Offering is expected to close on or about November 29, 2024, and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company may pay finders' fees under the offering in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering.

The FT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")). An amount equal to the gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Shares will be used to incur eligible resource exploration expenses which will qualify as (i) "Canadian exploration expenses" (as defined in the Tax Act), and (ii) as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" (as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act) (collectively, the "Qualifying Expenditures"). Qualifying Expenditures in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares will be incurred (or deemed to be incurred) by the Company on or before December 31, 2025, and will be renounced by the Company to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2024.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Gladiator Metals Corp.

Jason Bontempo, CEO

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions:

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering and other project opportunities. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances, necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, risks of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES


Toronto, November 11, 2024 - Advanced Gold Exploration Inc. (CSE: AUEX) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the discovery of visible gold during surface prospecting at our Doyle Property in the Batchawana Greenstone Belt (BGB).

Highlights

Our recent prospecting program has identified Visible Gold on surface at the Doyle Property.

Assays from samples in the area returned, 13.2 g/t, and 9.82 g/t gold.

The appears to be the surface expression of a drill hole completed in 1994 which also had visible gold and returned assays of 49.8 g/t at a depth of 80 meters.

Visible gold has not been previously reported on the surface at the Doyle Property.

The discovery is the result of diligent examination of the area by our contractor Superior Exploration.

The Company is pleased to report that exploration work by Superior Exploration of Sault Ste Marie on the Doyle Gold Project in October has resulted in the discovery of visible gold on surface. The area which was examined was chosen due to its proximity to an earlier drill hole with an intersection of 49.8 g/t. The gold appears to be related to intense quartz veining and silicification. A Petrographic study has been undertaken to attempt to determine the distribution of gold and better define the alteration in the area.

Examination of a LiDAR survey undertaken by the Company in 2022 appears to indicate that the gold is associated with a northeasterly trending linear feature. It is thought by the Company's geological staff that this feature may represent an extensional structure off of the main NNW trending shear - a favorable local to host gold mineralization.

Mr. Jim Atkinson, CEO of the Company commented: "This new discovery of visible gold on surface at Doyle has excited our staff. The interpretated relationship of this visible gold to features indicated by the LiDAR has indicated that this might be a NE trending extensional structure. If further work in the area proves this to be the case this opens a whole new area to exploration because all past work has focused on structures trending NNW and may not have adequately explored shears and faults in other directions."

He comments further "We are very pleased with the prospecting, geological mapping and sampling work carried out by Superior Exploration and reiterate the importance of "Boots on the Ground" in mineral exploration. We are preparing plans for more detailed prospecting and sampling in the spring not only in this newly identified area. This discovery has prompted us to reexamine LiDAR and airborne geophysical coverage across the Property to identify other potential extensional structures."

It should be noted on Figure 2 below that there are trenches which have been completed in the area but they don't seem to have intersected the area with visible gold. Figure 2 shows the location of the actual high grade gold samples and the visible Gold.





Figure 1: Location of Recent Sampling in Relation to Past Drilling and Trenching, Note, drillholes 94-20 and 94-25 intersected quartz veins which were not sampled.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8072/229485_60c6b08bd44a1b1b_001full.jpg



Figure 2: Location of Rock Samples from Recent Prospecting with Gold Assays Showing Interpreted shear Zones.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8072/229485_60c6b08bd44a1b1b_002full.jpg

About Doyle

The Doyle Property is located approximately 92 kilometers southeast of Wawa, Ontario and approximately 65 km northeast of Sault Ste Marie within the Batchewana Volcanic Belt of the Abitibi Province. The property consists of a total of 79 unpatented mining claim cells and covers an area of approximately 1,730 hectares.

The structural and geological architecture of the Batchawana Greenstone belt is conducive to a variety of gold depositional environments similar in nature and significance to other gold bearing deposits in Archean-aged greenstone belts hosted within the Superior Province. Noteworthy, these typically fall into the category of "orogenic gold deposit" types in brittle-ductile structurally related regimes like the Timmins Gold Camp, the Hemlo Gold Deposits, and the gold deposits of the Doyon-Bousquet Camp in Quebec. Orogenic gold deposit types would be the focus of future exploration activities on the Doyle Property.





Figure 3: location of Doyle Property in the Batchewana Greenstone Belt.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8072/229485_60c6b08bd44a1b1b_003full.jpg

The Doyle Property lies within the Batchawana Greenstone Belt of the Wawa-Abitibi Terrane. The eastern extension of the Wawa Subprovince has had a long gold mining history dating back to 1897. Gold mining in the area has prospered and receded in the 20th century however this part of the Wawa Subprovince has total historic production of over 3,000,0000 ounces. Current and near future producers of the Wawa Subprovince include:

1) Wesdome Gold Mines Eagle River Complex;

2) Alamos Gold Island Mine; and

3) Argonaut Gold Magino Deposit.

All of the above historical gold mines and current to near future producers are considered orogenic gold deposits of Archean-aged greenstone belts and environments.

Three styles of orogenic gold mineralization occur on the Doyle Property. These are, but not limited to:

1) Gold-enriched semi-massive to massive sulphide horizons in a felsic tuff volcanic pile

2) Lode gold auriferous quartz veins, and

3) Disseminated gold in silicified and pyritized shear zones.



Figure 4: Plan Showing Doyle Property Claim Information. Note: Overlain on geology by Grunsky (1996). Gold and base metal occurences shown as numbers.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8072/229485_60c6b08bd44a1b1b_004full.jpg

The most significant and recent exploration on the Doyle Property was carried out by Tri-Origin Exploration which included drilling programs from 1990 - 1995. These programs are deemed significant, and their geological observations support deposit model types being sought. The Focus of the Tri-Origin work was on a model of similarity of the Doyle property geology and mineralization to the 20,000,0000-ounce Hemlo deposit. Tri-Origin completed geological, geophysical, and geochemical programs and drilled a total of 37 drill holes for 8,053 m. Anomalous gold values were intersected in numerous drill holes and visible gold was observed in two holes. Drill hole T94-22 intersected 49.58 g/t gold over one meter and drill hole T95-34 intersected 17.49 g/t gold over one meter.

Recent exploration by the Company has included airborne magnetic and VLF EM surveys, a LiDAR survey and trench sampling.

The airborne geophysics was very helpful, in association with geological mapping by TriOrigin, in defining the main trends and structures on the property. Throughgoing g structures have been identified as being present trending in a northwest to northerly direction. Parallel VLH Em trends underlie some of the gold occurrences especially where gold is associated with sulphides.

Further details of the Doyle Property will be available in the Technical Report on Sedar and the Company's website www.advancedgoldexploration.com.

QUALIFIED PERSON

James Atkinson M.Sc., P. Geo., a Qualified Person ("QP") as such term is defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release. The Qualified Person supervised the work completed by the Company but has not completed sufficient work to verify all historic information on the Property, particularly with regards to historical sampling, drill results, and technical work provided by others. The Qualified Person assumes that past sampling and analytical results were completed to industry standard practices. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Property but may not be representative of expected results.

ABOUT ADVANCED GOLD EXPLORATION INC.

Advanced Gold Exploration (Formerly Advance United Holdings Inc.) is a Canadian mineral exploration company. We've acquired a portfolio of undervalued gold and copper properties and are increasing their value through the application of modern technology, new ideas and systematic exploration. We have a growing pipeline of similar properties that we are looking to acquire. We are involved exclusively in the acquisition and advancement of past projects - with no intent to bring them back into production or to mine them ourselves. Our expertise is in identifying and acquiring undervalued properties with significant historical work, which were uneconomic at the time. We believe we can enhance their economic value at today's prices. We fund the re-working historic data and applying modern technology to underwrite new qualified reports, document quantifiable resources and reserves to current standards, thereby recognizing the current value. Our purpose is to bring immediate and long-term value to our partners and shareholders while seeking to reduce exploration risk, so that we can all advance in the shortest possible time frame.

For additional information about us, our projects, or to find out how we can assist in the advancement of your project contact our CEO.

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229485
LONGUEUIL, Nov. 11, 2024 - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (the "Company" or "Greenheart Gold") is pleased to provide an update on its exploration activities in Guyana and Suriname.

Majorodam Project, Suriname

The Majorodam project in Suriname has received results from an extensive first phase soil geochemical sampling program with over 2,000 samples collected. Results shown in Figure 1 indicate two distinct anomalous zones:

(1) a 2 km by 3 km gold in soil anomaly with values reported up to 1.13 g/t Au, located within the same volcanic units that are interpreted to host the Saramacca deposit located 12 km to the north, and

(2) a NE striking gold in soil anomaly, approx. 1 km by 5 km in extent and with assays up to 1.51 g/t Au, aligned with interpreted structural orientations as derived from a 2019 airborne magnetic survey flown over the permit.

Additional infill soil sampling is now underway. Following the results of this infill geochemical program, the Company intends to further validate these results with trenching and, in areas of significant duricrust, shallow scout RC drill programs.

Abuya Project, Guyana

At the Abuya Project in northeastern Guyana, results from the Company's first phase of widely spaced reconnaissance soil geochemical sampling were returned, indicating several anomalous zones for subsequent follow up activities. Samples were 100 m apart on 1 km spaced lines to enable a rapid reduction in search space within the 100 sq km project area. Infill sampling will be carried out at a 500 m by 50 m spacing, to be supported by geological mapping and potential geophysical surveys in early 2025. Results are shown in Figure 2 and highlight anomalous gold values of up to 0.55 g/t Au that appear to coincide with granitic / volcanic contacts and the regional fold axis orientations.

Other projects

The Company is also pleased to announce the commencement of reconnaissance activities at the Igab Project (see September 25, 2024 news release), where work is underway to set up a field camp in advance of initiating a stream sediment sampling program to evaluate the project, expected to begin mid-November. In addition, project generation activities for Greenheart Gold continue at several potential project areas in both Guyana and Suriname and additional updates on these activities are expected to be announced in due course.

Sample Preparation and Analysis

Soil samples of approximately 1 kg are collected immediately below the surface lag and leaf litter, usually at a depth of 5 cm to 30 cm depth below surface. Samples are dispatched to Actlabs in Suriname, including regularly inserted certified reference materials, for preparation that includes drying at 60 C and sieving to minus 177 microns. The minus fraction is then pulverized to minus 105 microns. Samples are then transferred internally by Actlabs to their analytical laboratory in Guyana, where they are analysed by 50 g fire assay using method 1A2-50. Samples greater than 5 ppm Au are analysed using a 50 g gravimetric assay.

About Greenheart Gold Corporation

Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geologic terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the multi million-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana, which was sold to and being advanced to production by G Mining Ventures. Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and success from exploring in the Guiana shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage exploration projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits.



Greenheart Gold trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol 'GHRT'. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.greenheartgold.com).

For further information, please contact:

GREENHEART GOLD INC.

Justin van der Toorn, President and CEO, or

Doug Flegg CFA, Corporate Development Advisor

E: d.flegg@greenheartgold.com

E: info@greenheartgold.com

Telephone: +1 450-800-2882

Technical Information

All scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Justin van der Toorn, CGeol FGS, EurGeol, President and CEO of Greenheart Gold, and a Qualified Person under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws and are based on expectations and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, those related to the Company's plans and objectives, timing of and execution of planned exploration activities, geological interpretation, potential favorable setting and mineralization, potential acquisition of other projects, other statements relating to the and business prospects of Greenheart and more generally, the section entitled "About Greenheart Gold Inc".

Forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Such assumptions include, without limitation, those underlying the statements in the section entitled "About Greenheart Gold Inc.".

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature, including among others, those risks and uncertainties set forth in the Listing Application (Form 2B) dated August 30, 2024, management's discussion & analysis for the initial period from April 19, 2024 to June 30, 2024 and other documents and reports filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulators available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and the risk that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future outcomes. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that the list of factors set forth in the Company's filings that may affect future results is not exhaustive, and new, unforeseeable risks may arise from time to time. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Figure 1 - Soil geochemical survey results form Greenheart Gold's Majorodam project in Suriname. Overlain on geological interpretation (Pink: granite; Green & blue: meta-volcanics; Purple: gneiss).

Link to Figure 1: https://www.greenheartgold.com/241111-pr?pgid=m3d2ed6u-c842b47c-492e-4fd8-a401-0d73800ce693

Figure 2 - Soil geochemical survey results form Greenheart Gold's Abuya project, located in NE Guyana. The wide spaced (1 km line spacing) results highlight numerous areas for subsequent infill. Overlain on geological interpretation (Pink: granite; Green: meta-volcanics; Purple: gneiss).

Link to Figure 2: https://www.greenheartgold.com/241111-pr?pgid=m3d2ed6u-87c91dba-4890-4c29-99be-e146ad95574c


Suing and Wooing Trump

More Flies with Honey

Mutually Assured Lawsuits

Maybe it was inevitable. In recent years, states have pursued policies entirely separate from Washington, with state officials increasingly belligerent toward the president on a partisan basis.In that context, recent spats between President Trump and a number of Democratic governors  arguing over the coronavirus response and sometimes dissolving into name-calling  are part of a growing trend in American federalism. The most important venue for the party out of power in the White House has traditionally been Congress, but now the center of resistance is shifting out to the states.In some ways, the opposition to the president becomes states from the other party, said Barry Rabe, a University of Michigan public policy professor. Certainly during the Obama and Trump presidencies, states have been looking for ways to chart their own course as much as possible. In many cases, that involves directly challenging presidents.Most states are now dominated by one party or the other. During the Obama presidency, Republicans controlled a majority of states, free to pursue their priorities on issues such as taxes, abortion restrictions and labor laws.During the Trump presidency, Democrats have staged a comeback. They now control both the governorship and the legislature in 15 states  triple their low ebb, following the 2016 elections. That has allowed them to expand voting rights, address climate change, raise minimum wages and abolish the death penalty.So long as you have divided government in Washington, then the states are an increasingly important political and policy base for the other party, said Timothy Conlan, a federalism expert at George Mason University.Governors are well-placed to be active. Their response to the coronavirus has driven up their individual approval ratings, in many cases into the 70s and 80s. Their complaints that Trump was slow off the ball in dealing with the pandemic perhaps naturally led them not only to ramp up their own efforts but to form alliances as well. There are regional groups of governors  primarily but not entirely Democratic  who have banded together on coronavirus and economic strategies in the Midwest, Northeast and the West, with Colorado and Nevada joining the latter group on Monday.For all that, governors  including most Democrats  have been careful to temper their criticism of Trump with thanks for his help. Unlike Democratic state attorneys general, who have made lawsuits against Trump a primary line of business, governors recognize that there are inevitably things their states will want from the federal government. Governors, along with other state and local officials, are hoping for a massive fiscal bailout from Washington.Insults may be fun and satisfy partisans, but theyre not a good negotiating tool.Even when they formed these regional cooperatives, obviously its very implicit that this is a criticism of the federal government, but they were generally pretty mild in their criticism of the Trump administration, said Paul Nolette, a political scientist at Marquette University. The governors realize that we can criticize the Trump administration, but if we criticize too much, there are no ventilators or equipment to California.It used to be rare for states to band together and sue the federal government. The trend accelerated during the Obama presidency, when Republican attorneys general sued Washington repeatedly over policies including immigration, environmental regulations and health care. The annual peak of multistate lawsuits  with two or more states joining together to sue the federal government  was 12, during each of the last two years Obama was in office.That seemed like a lot at the time. The number was quickly dwarfed once Trump took office. Groups of states sued the administration no fewer than 36 times during Trumps first year alone. Theyve filed more than 50 lawsuits together over the past two years, according to Nolette. Thats on top of lawsuits filed by individual states, with AGs in states such as New York, Massachusetts and Washington suing dozens of times each. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has sued Trump so often that a bot on Twitter keeps track of the action.Theyve lost political and constitutional power under this president, Rabe said. Why wouldnt they come after him?But attorneys are adversarial by their nature. Governors have to play a different game.Its explicitly a win-lose situation for the AGs suing in court, Nolette said. For the governors, they know if they go too far, its going to have an impact on their residents, because the federal government might penalize them.Trump, who is nothing if not transactional, understands this. Earlier this month, he asserted that he could, in effect, order governors to reopen their states, when he claimed the president of the United States calls the shots. The next day, Trump backed away from that claim, but noted that governors would still listen to what he has to say, since every president has the ability to grant favors or take them away.The governors will be very, very respectful of the presidency, Trump said.At times, relations between Trump and various governors has become not just heated but also personal. Trump called Washington Gov. Jay Inslee a snake during a March visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has referred to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as failing, that woman in Michigan and a halfwit. (On Twitter, he gave her a middle name of Half.) Whitmers set him off by describing the federal coronavirus response as slow and mind-boggling.Trump warned governors in March that theyd better be nice to him if they wanted federal help. Its a two-way street, Trump told Fox News. They have to treat us well, also.Governors who have sometimes lashed out at Trump have mainly been careful to leaven their recent complaints with praise. Gavin Newsom of California, for example, in recent weeks has called Trump thoughtful, responsive and collaborative."Gavin Newsom was very nice today," Trump said last Thursday during his daily news conference.Other governors have essentially given up. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois alternated earlier in the crisis between lambasting Trump and trying to make nice. By April 15, he declared on CNN that his patience had run out. "I've given up on any promises that have been made," Pritzker said. "I hope something will get delivered from the federal government, but I don't expect it anymore."Trump may have taken note. States in general are asking for a federal bailout, but the president singled out Illinois and other Democratic-led states in a tweet on Monday.Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities, in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help? Trump wrote Contentious relations between Trump and governors are not new. While California has sued Trump repeatedly, his administration hasnt held back. The federal government has sued California over climate-change and clean air policies, its sanctuary law protecting undocumented immigrants and its requirement that presidential candidates unveil their tax returns.Courts arent the only venue in which Trump has challenged states. High-tax blue states such as California, New Jersey and New York all viewed his 2017 tax overhaul, which limited state and local tax deductions on federal returns, as a torpedo aimed directly at them.With his Clean Power Plan, Obama picked a set of states that he rewarded, said Rabe, co-author of a forthcoming book on federalism under Trump and Obama. Trumps evisceration of the Clean Power Plan in some ways empowered states that were his base.Last year, the Trump administration sued California over its cap and trade deal with Quebec, saying the state had overstepped its authority by entering into an international agreement. The California-Quebec deal is the remnant of the Western Climate Initiative, which began in 2007 and at various points encompassed seven states and four Canadian provinces. It was not entirely a coincidence that the memberships of the regional coronavirus initiatives mirrored climate pacts in the West, Midwest and Northeast.Theres a recognition that these places are tied together, says Patrick Egan, a New York University political scientist. Even if this (coronavirus response) were being more coordinated at the federal level, there would still be a lot of good government reasons for these arrangements to be forming.There have been interstate compacts throughout American history. Traditionally, one of the main ways policies spread from state to state was by taking the shortest path, with neighboring states copying directly from each other. Now, with most states controlled entirely by one party or the other, policies generally flow from red state to red state, or blue to blue. Partisan organizations  the Republican and Democratic associations of governors and attorneys general  have increasingly become the focal point of where interstate cooperation has been taking place, said Conlan, the GMU professor.Disputes between the states and Washington certainly predated Trump and will continue after he leaves office. But the particular dynamics of this moment have put governors and the president on a collision course.During the campaign, Trump will undoubtedly train fire on Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, the top Democratic congressional leaders, but he might try to use governors as a pinata as well. This is going to be part of the Republican playbook in the fall, to blame the Democrats for the high incidence of this epidemic in their states, Egan said.The regional alliances between governors on coronavirus response may not prove enduring, but it speaks to their growing recognition that they can band together, whether on a regional or partisan basis, to address problems and points of mutual concern.What I think is likely is that we see governors coming out of the coronavirus feeling their oats and testing their powers, Rabe said. Many of them have seen skyrocketing approval and popularity.
German pundit thinks Schumacher's F1 career over

Mick Schumacher's Formula 1 career is "over".

Mick Schumacher, British GP 2022

 Haas

That's the view of well-known German pundit and former grand prix driver Christian Danner, after Audi-Sauber opted to fill the last real vacancy on the 2025 grid with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto (20).

Even Mick's own uncle Ralf Schumacher now admits a return to the grid several years after the 25-year-old's Haas ousting is unrealistic .

Danner thinks Schumacher might not even be retained as a reserve driver by Mercedes, amid strong rumours that Audi-Sauber refugee Valtteri Bottas will take on that role next year.

He (Mick) should think carefully about whether he even wants that, said Danner. That would mean he's the replacement driver for an 18-year-old!

Indeed, although Schumacher has been the third Mercedes driver since last year, boss Toto Wolff admitted he only had to think for five seconds before opting to replace Lewis Hamilton with teenager Kimi Antonelli for 2025.

It seems that no one is really interested in him, said Danner, referring to Schumacher. Otherwise Mercedes would have invested money in test days with him.

The 66-year-old continued: "His Formula 1 career is over. He hasn't been a regular driver for three years in a row, which is far too long.

Mick has to accept that and step out of his idea where there is only this one main racing series, Danner told Bild newspaper. "He has to think outside the box and see what alternatives he has.

There are many great opportunities out there, like Indycar, for example.

1996 world champion Damon Hill, famous for going head-to-head with Mick's father Michael Schumacher in the mid-90s, agrees.

He has always shown flashes of potential, but not consistently enough, he said. "Mick is a solid driver, but unfortunately not one who wins victories or titles.

If he wants to have another chance in Formula 1, he has to go away and come back as a different driver. It has to click and he has to understand that he cannot make any compromises for his success.

(GMM)
Possible Doohan's Alpine deal will be scrapped

Bernie Ecclestone admits it's "possible" Jack Doohan's confirmed arrival on the Formula 1 grid for 2025 could be called off.

Franco Colapinto, Brazilian GP 2024

 Williams

Since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams mid-season, rookie Franco Colapinto has stunned the paddock with his driving, personality, and commercial appeal to Argentinean backers.

However, while firmly under long-term contract to Williams' driver program, he is without a race seat for 2025 pending the arrival of Carlos Sainz.

Red Bull has expressed interest in the 21-year-old, but Williams boss James Vowles is reportedly demanding a $20 million release fee - something the energy drink-owned concern has turned down.

But Colapinto's management, including Maria Catarineu, says there are other options.

Everyone knows that there are many teams that want to see Franco in Formula 1 next year, she told the Argentinean source Campeones.

When asked how likely a race seat in 2025 is, Catarineu claimed: "On a scale of one to ten? Twenty.

So many people want this, so it is only fair that it happens. It is clear that many scenarios are being worked on.

One of those scenarios is involving Flavio Briatore, the new executive advisor at Alpine, and his long-time friend and business partner, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone, 94, admitted to Blick newspaper that Briatore called him a few days ago to reveal that he wants to put Colapinto in an Alpine race seat for 2025.

According to correspondent Roger Benoit, the $20m release fee would be no problem for Briatore.

That is despite the fact that Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan are already signed up. Auto Bild, however, claims that Australian Doohan's 2025 deal is actually only guaranteed for the first five races of next season.

And Ecclestone thinks even that deal could be broken.

In Formula 1, anything is possible. Until the money is in the bank, he smiled.

Meanwhile, Ecclestone reveals that he is part of the reason why Sebastian Vettel shelved his earlier plans to try to launch a return to Formula 1.

I had to talk him out of his comeback dreams, he said. Why should a four-time world champion put himself through that?

(GMM)
Stroll, Perez, in F1 for money not talent say pundits

Two Formula 1 drivers are surviving in the sport for reasons of money rather than talent, prominent pundits suspect.

Sergio Perez,Brazilian GP 2024

 Red Bull

Lance Stroll has contested well over 160 grands prix for teams either funded or owned by his billionaire father Lawrence, including Williams, Racing Point and now Aston Martin.

The now 26-year-old has had scores of critics over those years, but they were arguably the loudest after the recent Brazilian GP - when Stroll spun and then beached his green car in the gravel trap on the formation lap.

For me, there are a few things that don't seem right, former F1 driver Timo Glock is quoted by Speed Week. "Losing control of the car on the way to the starting grid? Ok, but then sinking it in the gravel like that - really?

He also wrecked the car in qualifying.

Glock has further gripes about the Canadian.

I'm bothered by this apathy when he steps in front of the reporters' cameras and microphones. There are one or two videos from press conferences and all you can do is shake your head, said the German.

Behaviour like that leaves me speechless. This driver is really a laughing stock, Glock added. For me, there are so many talented people out there who deserve a Formula 1 cockpit more than him.

Former Haas boss Gunther Steiner describes Stroll's formation lap spin at Interlagos as a brain fart , questioning whether he even wants to be an F1 driver.

Another driver clinging to credibility at present is Sergio Perez, with many puzzled as to why Red Bull continues to cling to a driver struggling even to consistently score points.

Dutch racing driver Renger van der Zande, part of the Dutch punditry team for Ziggo Sport, thinks he knows the answer.

I heard through the grapevine that Perez's sponsor has set up a TV program or series, where it is quite important that Sergio is in Formula 1 with Red Bull next year, he said.

That's one of the reasons why they are still persisting with him, he added.

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is among those who think Red Bull should already have ousted the struggling Mexican. He told Blick newspaper that Yuki Tsunoda should have been put in Perez's seat two races ago.

Then we would know now whether Yuki is really ready for the job next to Max (Verstappen), he said.

(GMM)
Movies without stars dont get patronage at the cinemas- Filmmaker

Jessica Love Otoo Showbiz News Nov - 11 - 2024 , 13:09 3 minutes read

BOXES of her plot, storyline, cast and traditional and social media promotions all ticked green nicely but filmmaker Jay Ampofos new film, Time, still attracted a very low turnout when it premiered at Snap Cinemas, Accra, in September this year.

Jay, who is also a musician, puts all the blame on the fact that her movie was not star-studded. Her cast were all new faces and this, she describes, as the biggest hurdle confronting filmmakers.

This is because her first movie, Shredded Stitches was well patronised

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, November 4, 2024, Jay Ampofo explained the crucial role popular actors play in drawing audiences to movie premieres and subsequent showings.

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My first film, Shredded Stitches, shown at Alisa Hotels in 2003, featured John Dumelo, Paulina Oduro, Jeffery Nortey, and other well-known actors so I didnt have problems with patronage.

Cinema needs faces, and those faces come at a cost. Patronage is low when the film does not feature popular actors. And even when people do attend, they do so for photo opportunities with their stars rather than for the enjoyment of the movie.

And that is really what is draining young film producers like myself. You invest a lot into a film production and people hardly show up because there is no Jackie Appiah, Yvonne Nelson, Nadia Buari, Majid Michel and other star powers. And if we dont give new faces the chance, how will they also be stars?

This has been one of the greatest woes of the cinema culture we are trying to re-build and until we encourage people to go to the cinema and enjoy a film, we will not see any progress.

This is because it doesn't matter how good the story is; if they don't see their favourite actors in the movie, they won't come. However, if they see popular faces, even if the movie isn't good, they will be there, she said.

Asked if the low patronage was due to lack of promotion, she answered, I promoted my movie everywhereI visited radio and TV stations and even did live sessions to spread the word but few people turned up and I made a huge loss. And this is not just me, I have colleagues who have experienced similar situations. Its always hard when your cast is devoid of celebrities, she said.

Undeterred, Jay Ampofo is giving Time a second chance, she is re-screening at Ozone Cinema, Oyarifa Mall, on Sunday, November 17.

I made a movie that didn't attract many viewers because it didn't have any well-known actors. However, the few people who saw it enjoyed it. I'm showing it again so those who missed it or didn't want to watch it because it lacked big names, can give it a go. Just because there are no famous actors doesnt mean it is a bad movie, she noted.
Ghost E-mails: Ghanas silent government inboxes

Afia Agyapomaa Ofosu Opinion Nov - 11 - 2024 , 07:05 4 minutes read

Imagine sending an urgent message to your government, seeking answers on issues that directly affect your life, only to be met with silence.

No acknowledgement, no answers  just a blank inbox. Thats exactly where I found myself. As a media practitioner, I am no stranger to reaching out to public institutions in Ghana.

Normally, a call to the public relations units of ministries such as the Ministry of Health (MoH) or the Ghana Health Service (GHS) would yield a response.

This time, I decided to try something new: using the official E-mail addresses provided by these institutions. In an era where digital communication is supposed to make our lives easier, why not?

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So, I crafted my questions and sent my E-mails. I waited. One day turned to two, two days to a week, and still nothing. No response, no acknowledgement, just silence.

Was anyone even there? Are these E-mail addresses facades, or worse, ghost E-mails?

Costly card

This digital dead end was only the beginning. Last month, I found myself at Kotoka International Airport needing a replacement for my vaccination card. I was directed to the Health Port, where I was informed that the fee for the card was GH100. Simple enough, right?

But the nurse at the Health Port told me Id need to pay GH150 more  for ink for writing.

Yes, you read that correctly. Suddenly, the total shot up to GH250, nearly double what I paid for my entire vaccination at a local clinic. And the most disturbing part? No receipt was issued for any of it.

I left the airport fuming. How many travellers have faced this unrecorded, unofficial charge? Determined to find answers, I turned once again to the Ministry of Health.

I drafted a detailed E-mail explaining my experience and sent it, hopeful for a response. Days passed. Silence. Not even an automated reply.

Lost opportunity

Not long after, I received an invitation that would have been the opportunity of a lifetime. The African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) extended an offer for me to attend COP29, a global conference focused on climate action and gender inclusivity  issues close to my heart. But there was a catch: I needed official accreditation from my home country, Ghana.

After consulting colleagues, I learned that the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) was responsible for issuing the necessary accreditation.

I immediately sent an E-mail to MESTI, carefully outlining my request and the importance of this opportunity.

And then I waited. Days went by, and my excitement slowly gave way to frustration and disbelief. Here was my chance to represent Ghana on a global stage and to stand up for causes that matter deeply to me.

But without accreditation, that door would slam shut. And as my message sat unanswered, it felt like that door was already closing. Was anyone on the other side of these official E-mail addresses at all?

Void of accountability

In Ghana, we hear a lot about digitalisation, about bringing our government into the 21st century with technology that promises a more transparent, connected nation.

But what good is digital access if theres no one to respond? These E-mail addresses, supposedly set up to bridge the gap between citizens and government, seem to lead to a dead end.

Elsewhere, you might send an email to a government agency and receive an immediate acknowledgementan automated response at the very least, assuring you that someone will follow up.

Here, the silence only grows louder, a resounding reminder of the gap between promise and reality. These ghostly inboxes raise a critical question: Are Ghanas public institutions genuinely listening, or are they hiding behind the screen of digitalization?

Who will answer?

Ghana cannot afford this failure of communication as a nation. Every unanswered email chips away at the trust we place in our public institutions.

Citizens deserve answers, transparency, and the assurance that someone, somewhere, is paying attention. Silence is more than an inconvenienceits an obstacle to progress and an affront to accountability.

So, I ask: Who will finally break this silence? How many more E-mails must go unanswered, how many more citizens are left in the dark, before our institutions realise that the people they serve are waiting?

In the end, this isnt just about a few lost E-mails  its about the principle of public service, the integrity of our government, and the voices that deserve to be heard. Its time for Ghanas public institutions to wake up and listen. Because if they wont, then who will?

The writer is a journalist.

E-mail: prissyof@yahoo.com
Hubris of Speaker Alban Bagbin

Kwame Nsiah Opinion Nov - 11 - 2024 , 07:15 7 minutes read

When the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable A.S.K. Bagbin, addressed the media last Wednesday, he appeared to suggest that Parliament is supreme and that none of the other arms of government, the Executive and Judiciary can impeach the Legislature for as long as it acts within its jurisdiction.

He was right. Indeed, for as long as Parliament follows the due process and respects the rule of law in the performance of its functions, it would be left alone.

The Speaker was quick to make reference to Article 115 of the 1992 Constitution, which provides that "there shall be freedom of speech, debate and proceedings in Parliament and that freedom shall not be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of Parliament".

Once again, the Right Honourable Speaker was right.

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However, and with all due respect, nothing in either of the propositions above suggests that anything that comes out of Parliament cannot be questioned.

The constitutional protection offered the right to free expression in Parliament is completely different from the question whether a particular decision of Parliament is lawful or not.

In other words, it is only about defamation that the law grants the House absolute privilege.

It has nothing to do with decisions of Parliament.

Decisions are not just matters of free speech but of sound judgement and based on the rule of law and due process.

On his political complaints about his suspected conspiracy between the Executive and Judiciary to scuttle the power and authority of Parliament, what does he say about the fact that under our Constitution, some MPs serve under the Executive and as a loyal Christian, he must well be aware of the admonition of Jesus Christ that no one can serve two masters at the same objective levels.

More so, he cited a litany of cases including the declaration by the former Speaker Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, that in deciding to go independent after coming to Parliament on the ticket of the NPP, the Fomena MP had vacated his seat.

He failed to make reference to the fact that, for instance, Hon Joe Osei-Owusu was in Parliament as an independent MP for Bekwai but filed to contest on the ticket of the NPP for Bekwai and was elected.

Hon Hawa Yakubu was an independent MP when she stood on the ticket of the NPP.

They were not expelled. But more germane to the issue is Article 99 (1) (a) which provides that "the High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question whether a person has been validly elected as a member of Parliament or the seat of a member has become vacant" and that 99(2) "A person aggrieved by the determination of the High Court under this article may appeal to the Court of Appeal".

If the Constitution intended to uphold the decision of Parliament as final and unimpeachable under Article 97, there would not have been this provision, a mandatory one reserving the final decision to the High Court and probably the Court of Appeal if the parties so desired to go on appeal.

It is equally imperative to state that the Constitution does not only provide expressly that "this Constitution shall be the supreme law of Ghana" and goes on to provide under Article 2(1) that "A person who alleges that (a) An enactment or anything contained in or done under the authority of that or any other enactment or b) any act or commission of any person is inconsistent with, or is in contravention of a provision of this Constitution, may bring an action in the Supreme Court for a declaration to that effect" .

Is the Speaker saying that he is above or not part of the any person prescribed in the law? But there is more, as Article 2(2) states that, "the Supreme Court shall, for the purposes of a declaration under clause (2) of this article, make such orders and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for giving effect or enabling effect to be given, to the declaration so made". It does not end there. Article 2(3) provides that "any person or group of persons to whom an order or direction is addressed under clause (2) of this article by the Supreme Court , shall duly obey and carry out the terms of the order or direction".

Indeed, Article 2 (4) directs that "failure to obey or carry out the terms of an order or direction made or given under clause (2) of this article constitutes a high crime under this Constitution and shall, in the case of the President or Vice-President, constitute a ground for removal from office under this Constitution.

Since the Speaker is ranked third in the hierarchy of political offices, his disrespect of a decision of the apex court, cannot be treated any leniently. Hon Bagbin also made comments to the effect that Parliament represents the people, and acts in their name.

The Constitution recognises this fact but states emphatically under Article 125 (1) that "justice emanates from the people and shall be administered in the name of the Republic by the Judiciary which shall be independent and subject only to this Constitution".

Additionally, 125 (3) emphasises that "the judicial power of Ghana shall be vested in the Judiciary, accordingly, neither the President nor Parliament nor any organ or agency of the President or Parliament shall have or be given final judicial power".

Is the Speaker not an agent of Parliament? These are the matters before us, even as Hon Bagbin gives himself accolades and, as Twi speakers say, "bo neho nsamranee" that not all coup makers are in military uniforms and casts a fundamentalist, fanatical and sycophantic politically partisan posture of himself, saying that when he rules in favour of the majority, that is applauded but when he rules in favour of the minority, he is denounced as a nation-wrecker.

If we were to take account of failures of Parliament to meet the aspirations of the people, many things would be cited as having gone wrong. How many years did it take Parliament to pass the Right to Information, Affirmative Action and the Broadcasting bills? So, if there are institutional weaknesses, such as long delays in the administration of justice, the Speaker must be the last person to attribute politically partisan motive.

What has the LGBTQI or the Proper Family Law got to do with the partisan causes of a political party? In a situation where lawyers for parties make it impossible for the smooth adjudication of cases, by the institution of applications, which sometimes lack merit, how do we blame the Judiciary and suggest that they are deliberately acting to undermine the powers of Parliament?

By all means Ghanaians need to support a strong and powerful Parliament, but that must be a Parliament which submits its processes to the rule of law and due process, but not a Parliament which considers itself as the law and is ready to act with impunity and disregard of legal decisions.

Does the Speaker respect the ruling of the Supreme Court or thinks political decisions override legal positions? And why does Speaker Bagbin bemoan the incidence of MPs invoking their right to seek justice in the courts as traitors and moles, when the Speaker acts as if he is a monarch.

When the Speakers evades lawfully processes of service of summons and the Minority in Parliament clutches to a straw as a relief to evade drowning, the only sensible and intelligent, peaceful and orderly alternative is to go to court to expand the frontiers of the law and democracy.

It also needs to be emphasised that democracy is not just about numbers, but more important about rules and regulations. It is only when the rules and regulations fail to resolve a matter in an orderly, peaceful and logical manner, that numbers become an alternative.

What is before us is simply whether the Speaker of Parliament who has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution is ready to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court that has final authority in judicial decision-making under the Constitution. Lawyers love to say you cannot aprobate and reprobate.

The Speaker cannot undermine the Constitution and seek to claim authority under the Constitution.
The parliament and supreme court of Ghana are locked in a dispute over which of them has authority to determine the issue of parliamentary vacancies.

What sparked the stand-off was an order by the speaker of Ghanas parliament on 17 October 2024 that four members of parliament had to vacate their parliamentary seats. This was after it became known that theyd chosen to leave the party they represented and to run under a different banner in elections due on 7 December. The decision affected the balance of power in the parliament, giving the minority party a majority. The leader of the majority in parliament appealed to the supreme court, which ordered a stay of execution of the order.

Legal scholar Clement Kojo Akapame, the former lead researcher for the countrys constitutional review committee, argues that both parliament and the supreme court have overstepped their bounds.

What is the row about?

The speaker of parliament ruled that four members of parliament had to vacate their seats because their registration details lodged with the electoral commission showed that they were changing party affiliation in the upcoming poll. One has joined a political party different from the one that sent him to parliament. Three others will be contesting the 2024 parliamentary elections as independent candidates.

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The speakers decision affected the balance of power in the parliament as all four, two candidates previously ran under the banner of the ruling party, the New Patriotic Party, one under the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and one independent. The loss of four seats meant that the minority bench now had the majority.

The speaker argued that this was contrary to the constitution. In response, the majority leader approached the court to stay the order pending an interpretation of article 97(1) (g) and (h) of the 1992 constitution. This states that:

There shall be a Parliament of Ghana which shall consist of not less than one hundred and forty elected members.

In my view, this provision means that parliament can only be composed by election  either a general election or a by-election. And that the only time there can be a change in the majority and minority benches is after a general election or a by-election.

The article adds: A member of Parliament shall vacate his seat in Parliament (g) if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member; or (h) if he was elected a member of Parliament as an independent candidate and joins a political party.

The article therefore, in effect, doesnt allow a member to switch parties. A vacancy does not in itself alter the balance in parliament unless an election has been held to fill that vacancy.

The purpose of the rule is to maintain the balance in parliament.

What role do the courts play?

The constitutions article 99(1)(a) gives the high court  not the supreme court  the power to decide whether a person has been validly elected as a member of parliament or the seat of a member has become vacant.

Only this court has the authority to say if a seat in parliament should be declared vacant.

There are two types of courts in Ghana. The superior courts include the supreme court, the court of appeal, the high court and the regional tribunals. The lower courts include the circuit courts, district courts or any other lower courts that parliament sets up.

In addition, article 112 (5) and (6) of the constitution states that when a vacancy occurs in parliament, the clerk of parliament must notify the electoral commission and a by-election will be held (as long as theres more than three months to go before a general election).

So parliament plays an administrative role in informing the electoral commissioner of a vacancy.

Was the speaker right in declaring the four seats vacant?

I argue that the speakers decision is not supported by any constitutional provision. The speaker has no role in the declaration of vacancies in parliament. Parliament has a limited administrative role.

The composition of parliament can only be altered by an election or a by-election. Changing the composition of parliament by a mere declaration is not only at odds with the law, it also has the potential to lead to absurd outcomes.

This is whats happened on this occasion. In this case, the vacancy occurred less than three months before a general election. The constitution is clear in article 112 (6) that a by-election will not be held this close to a general election.

Instead, the composition of parliament is to be maintained without any change.

Was the supreme court the right forum to reverse the decision?

The supreme court has original jurisdiction in the interpretation of the constitution. The question of vacancy being a factual question and not a question of interpretation is a matter solely reserved for the high court with a final appeal to the court of appeal.

I hold that the supreme court, in the light of article 99 (1) of the constitution, will have to ask the high court for a decision. I also argue that issuing a stay of execution of the orders of the speaker is not supported by law. Stay of execution orders are ordinarily issued to freeze orders of courts.

Parliament is not a court and the ruling of the speaker is not an order subject to a stay of execution.

Whats at stake?

This impasse, if not resolved, has the potential of creating a constitutional crisis where the work of parliament will be brought to a standstill. Further, it has the potential of pitting the judiciary against parliament. This development may erode the independence of both institutions.

Clement Kojo Akapame, Senior Lecturer, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The myth of the sword of damocles and Speaker Alban Bagbin's pandora box

Magnus Naabe RexDanquah Opinion Nov - 11 - 2024 , 08:12 7 minutes read

You Open The Box At Your Own Peril

DAMOCLES is a character, who appears in an anecdote commonly referred to as the SWORD OF DAMOCLES in Greek mythology, an allusion to the imminent and ever-present peril faced by those in positions of power. Damocles was an obsequious courtier in the court of Dionysius II of Syracuse, Sicily.

Dionysius decreed that a sword be suspended over the throne by a single horse hair, so that Damocles would always know the peril of being a king. Since then, the Sword of Damocles has come to represent a threat of doom that could strike without warning. (Wikipedia)

Thus, the famed Sword of Damocles dates back to the ancient moral parable popularized by the Roman philosopher Cicero in his 45 B.C. book Tusculan Disputations.

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The real point of the story and parable is not just, oh, something terrible is going to happen, but its about realizing that what looks like an enviable life, a life of wealth for the politician, a life of power for his or her family and friends, a life of luxury is, in fact, fraught with anxiety, terror and possibly death.

It is most amazing when you come to the full realization that our politicians and their power-seeking friends and collaborators, never learn from history as they keep repeating and committing the same old mistakes as their forebearers, even dating as far back as centuries before the birth of Christ Jesus; otherwise, why on earth would anybody engineer the disclosure of the Right Honourable Speaker Alban Bagbins recent health expenditure: not mindful that it is such a grievous mistake?

When I read the story of the cost of his last health bill to Emirates in my all-time favourite private daily, I asked myself, who could be so naive to commit such a heinous crime of attempting to open such a Pandora Box. What was even sad about the publication was the amnesia exhibited by conveniently forgetting that within the same period other officers of State had travelled and benefitted from the same concession and its full conditionalities?

Dont forget, POLITICIANS are so crafted or engineered as man was created in the beginning, with a certain spirit of forgetfulness, not to remember the past always, especially between the periods of when in opposition to the other side of the coin, when they are in government: repeating the very ills that they accused and condemned others of, when they were not in public office? Worse, they do not have the decency of shame to even admit that they should have known better.

Otherwise, why would the servants of the masses - politicians always have and or enjoy the juiciest of all benefits by virtue of the fact that we vote for them into these public offices with all sorts of trappings of office to think and act in our supreme interests?

For mere mortals like me, a PANDORA BOX is an artifact in Greek mythology connected with the myth of Pandora in Hesiods Works and Days. He reported that curiosity led her to open a container left in care of her husband, thus releasing physical and emotional curses upon mankind, especially innocent ones minding their own businesses elsewhere.

The moral of the Pandoras Box is that unchecked curiosity and disobedience can be dangerous to the extent that it symbolizes the evils of the world and the temptations that we cannot resist out of curiosity. I was thus happy but perplexed by the speed of the Majority Caucus in Parliament to issue an apology as well as distance themselves from that act of leaking the details of the Speakers recent medical review trip, stating it has no interest in such an irresponsible deed.

Indeed, to protect the Speakers integrity, the Chair and the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, we find the said publication unfortunate and unwarranted, and we condemn them accordinglyhowever, if the persons behind the publications intend to set the Speaker and the Majority Caucus in the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana on a collision course, we would not hesitate to offer the appropriate response, it noted.

What would it profit a member of the Minority Caucus to commit such a parody  a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing; a poor or feeble imitation or semblance or travesty for the purposes of ridicule?

Unfortunately for the farce  a light, humorous play in which the plot depends upon a skillfully exploited situation rather than the development of character or foolish show or mockery or ridiculous sham, what would a Minority member stand to gain by such an act, especially coming in the wake of how the Speaker was perceived to have misconducted himself with his perceived role in the popular rejection of the 2022 Budget Statement?

However, the SWORD OF DAMOCLES reminds me of the OSIBISA song FIRE 

When you were a baby,

Your Mama told you not to play with fire,

Fire will burn you, and you want to know,

What would really be desire?

Fire will burn you, and you realize,

You dont have to play with fire,

Fire will burn you

Im a big boy, mama,

I know Ill never ever play with fire,

Fire will burn you,

Cause I now know better,

And I realize, I dont have to play with fire.

For the unlearned without the eyes to see into the unknown, others realized that the exposure was a call for war for others to also make public the health bills of all manner of big men and women in the country, possibly including Ministers of State and their spouses, political actors and actresses of all shades and sorts, others in the judiciary and public service for daring to open Speaker Alban Bagbins Pandora Box? Dont forget when both sides needed to appear in the Chamber to vote and reverse the decision on the 2022 Budget Statement, many had to appear from their sick beds to be counted.

Hence, the urgent and almost immediate need for the withdrawal or denying a role in the publication of the story of the Right Honourable Speakers health bill to pre-empt the consequences of opening of the Pandora Box.

Locally, one would adopt the simple and short of all this as: THOSE IN GLASS HOUSES DONT THROW STONES AT THOSE OUTSIDE MINDDING THEIR OWN BUSINESSES.

Guess, this is a lesson well learnt.

Oh, how I love the current HUNG PARLIAMENT, by the end of their tenure so many traditions and practices would have changed in this land of our birth for the betterment of her people. Both sides of the aisle should not ever forget that, irrespective of the side they occupy, the Majority or Minority, the Government or Opposition, the real reason is to serve the people of Ghana. FULL STOP, nothing more, nothing less, and worse there should be NO TAKASHIE. This is how they will all be judged and measured by and nothing else.

The Old Man above realizing that Ghana, our Motherland needed such a situation, considering how polarized we had become as a nation and a people, gave us the HUNG PARLIAMENT to force the House to learn to work together in the supreme interest of all Ghanaians, irrespective of any political colorations, affinities of all sorts, be it tribal or regional but definitely not to score political points.

This is the CHARGE for our Parliamentarians and we are determined to hold them to the fire to do just that.

The writer, Magnus Naabe RexDanquah, the Ghanaian - is a Land Economist & Appraiser, Events Architect & Planner, SportBusiness Consultant and an Author
In sub-Saharan Africa, high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution from vehicle tailpipe emissions cause poor health, developmental stunting, and even death. Vehicle emissions also contribute to global warming.

Electric vehicles could help solve these problems but theyve been slow to take off in the region. Its biggest economy, South Africa, had only about 1,000 electric vehicles by 2022.

MJ (Thinus) Booysen, Stellenbosch University and Joubert Van Eeden, Stellenbosch University

We are specialist transport engineers whose research has focused on electric vehicles and road freight transport in sub-Saharan Africa. In our work we look at how electric vehicles could contribute to reducing emissions in the region, and what is standing in the way of electrifying transport.

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One of the reasons for low uptake is the high cost of electric vehicles. They also have limited range and their batteries are slow to charge: a problem for long distance or frequent driving.

The inability of countries to generate and distribute enough clean electricity is also a barrier to electrifying vehicles. Just over half of all electricity in the region comes from burning fossil fuels. Powering electric vehicles with electricity generated by burning fossil fuels wouldnt necessarily reduce carbon emissions.

However, the rollout of electric motorcycles and small public transport vehicles has already begun. If all vehicles could be made locally, using clean energy, there would be tremendous economic benefits for the region.

Electric mobility is some way off

Transitioning to electric mobility requires clean energy provision, which means investing in electricity infrastructure. Electric vehicle charging stations can be installed fast: South Africa already has a very high electric vehicle ratio of one charger for every five cars, compared to the UK at 1:20. But these charging stations must be able to deliver electricity when vehicles need it. They need reliable, renewable energy stored in large battery systems to do so  and these large battery systems are still being developed.

In sub-Saharan Africa informal public transport moves about 72% of the regions passengers. Freight moves goods in the absence of adequate rail. Electrifying these sectors needs careful planning.

Informal paratransit or popular transportation is made up of minibuses (matatu, ndiaga ndiaye, danfo, trotro), three-wheelers (tuk-tuk) and motorbikes (boda boda, moto).

Planning for the eventual electrification of informal taxis is complicated by the sectors unscheduled, decentralised, often chaotic and demand-driven nature.

Freight transport is a leading indicator for economic growth, and for economies to grow, freight transport must grow. This means that national and local governments must plan and invest in high powered, fast charging stations along transport routes. These must be able to charge different sizes and kinds of trucks. The freight industry cannot absorb these costs alone.

Need for rapid change

The transport sector must make the transition to electric mobility faster than the breakneck speed at which smartphones were adopted if it is to meet Net Zero  an end to carbon emissions  by 2050. Costly electrical and civil infrastructure (roads, minibus termini, truck stops, electricity distribution networks) will be needed  and soon.

However, our results show that fleets will have to contain a mix of electric and combustion-based engines if countries want to continue to transport the same amount of goods and people they are currently transporting. This is because electric vehicles charge slowly. While a diesel minibus taxi takes only one minute to fill up with enough diesel to travel 750 kilometres, the fastest currently available electric minibus recharges at a mere 2km per minute with DC and 0.3km per minute with AC. The electric taxis range is also only 21% of the diesel equivalent.

Filling stations in the region generally store the equivalent of up to 225,000km worth of fuel for a diesel minibus. The same size of stationary electric battery storage will store a mere 16,000km for an electric equivalent minibus. Range-extending and potentially swappable battery storage can be used (where a trailer acts as a mobile battery bank to the vehicle, and is charged from a solar charging station to reduce emissions). But this will increase the cost so much that it may not be financially viable for the freight industry at all.

Building a local electric vehicle industry

Except for South Africa, the region has been a dumping ground for second hand vehicles from developed countries. The comparatively simple designs of electric vehicles provide an opportunity for sub-Saharan Africa to move away from accepting second hand vehicles and towards a new local electric vehicle industry.

Workers in hundreds of thousands of jobs making combustion engines could be reskilled to make electric vehicles. Africa already has the skills to design and produce the powertrain components, such as batteries and electric motors. Setting up local industries would also spare sub-Saharan Africa from being flooded by cheap electric vehicle imports that dont contribute to local employment.

Ethiopia has recently banned the import of combustion vehicles. Africas first all-electric mass rapid transit was set up in Dakar, Senegal in 2023. The Golden Arrow bus company in South Africa purchased 120 electric buses this year. Heavy haul electric trucks are also entering the South African market space.

Africa has already produced tens of thousands of electric two- and three-wheelers used for public transport and last-mile delivery. These include Ampersand in Rwanda, Roam Electric in Kenya, and Spiro in Benin. Batteries are usually provided through swapping and payment by mobile phone. In South Africa, Mellowvans produce a last-mile three-wheeler.

A Roam Air electric motorbike recently completed the 6000km journey from Nairobi to Stellenbosch using only the regions abundant solar power. In Kenya, BasiGO assembled buses locally and now provides finance for electric buses. Roam Electric makes locally designed electric buses (and motorbikes). Meanwhile, a project owned by the South African National Energy Development Institute at Stellenbosch University in South Africa has converted a petrol minibus taxi and a 65-seater diesel bus to electric.

Electrification is inevitable

The shift to electric vehicles is inevitable. These steps are needed first:

To make the most of the electric mobility revolution, sub-Saharan African countries need policies and incentives to localise production and invest in green energy, lest they miss the bus.

MJ (Thinus) Booysen, Professor in Engineering, Stellenbosch University and Joubert Van Eeden, Professor of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
AI solution to make financial reconciliation efficient launched

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Nov - 11 - 2024 , 09:57 3 minutes read

Financial institutions across the country have been encouraged to leverage modern technology in their operations to ensure optimal financial management because it enhances efficiency, accuracy and transparency in financial processes.

The Head of Project Management and Corporate Development of CWG Ghana, Oluwaseun Layade, stressed that advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation streamlined tasks such as account reconciliation, fraud detection and transaction monitoring, reducing human errors and operational costs.

He was speaking in Accra recently at the launch of an AI enabled software which makes financial reconciliation easy and efficient for financial institutions.

Dubbed; CLIREC it was developed by technology solutions provider, CWG, in partnership with a Nigerian firm, Precise Financial Systems (PFS).

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The event brought together representatives from various banks and financial institutions who were taken through the rudiments of the technology.

Financial reconciliation is the accounting process by which two different data sets are compared to verify whether the information within them is accurate. Reconciliation is an important business accounting practice because it ensures the reliability of a business' financial records.

Benefits

Mr Layade noted that financial reconciliation had always been a major hurdle for many financial institutions due to its time-consuming procedure..

This is a major problem that a lot of organisations have when it comes to reconciling accounts at the end of the day. It's usually manual or semi-automated. But with the CLIREC, account reconciliation solution, this is a fully automated system that even today is built on AI, he said.

As we know, everything right now is AI. So the goal is to ensure that our customers are able to have ease as far as their account reconciliation is concerned, he added.

He, therefore, encouraged businesses to adopt the new systems to make their process more transparent and robust to achieve greater results.

So when you now have a world-class automated solution like this, for a solution that has been sold in over 40 countries, that gives you an impression of the power of the solution, to be able to meet the needs, and be able to address that issue of public-private sector, Mr Layade said.

Efficiency

The Deputy Managing Director of PFS, Philip Ayeni, emphasised that using the programme would free up and allow employees to focus on higher-level strategic activities leading to improved efficiency and productivity, as fewer staff members would be needed to perform routine checks.

This system allows you to carry out your investigation in a very efficient manner, very reliable manner. That's all we have. Streamline your processes, streamline your system, you train your staff, you segregate it, he said.

You don't have a single person responsible for reconciliation from the beginning to the end. The data input can be segregated from the matching to exercising of judgment, depending on the nature of the account, even to access of numerous reports, Mr Ayeni added.

The Deputy Managing Director of PFS also said the partnership with CWG was a testament to what African companies could achieve through collaborative efforts.
Malaysian firms urged to invest in Ghanas oil palm industry

Maclean Kwofi Nov - 11 - 2024 , 09:57 4 minutes read

Players in the palm oil industry have called on Malaysian investors to tap into the country's favourable business environment and partner local firms to establish multinational enterprises that can cater for the rest of Africa.

At a business forum last Friday in Accra, government officials, manufacturers and traders asked the Malaysians to partner their counterparts to speed up Ghanas transition period of becoming self-sufficient with the production of oil palm.

They explained that the two countries must start the partnership through institutional research, knowledge sharing, equipment manufacturing, strategic investment and technology transfer to accelerate the development of the industry.

The players include the President of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG), Samuel Avaala, and the Chief Executive of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), William Agyapong Quaittoo.

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The Chief Commercial Officer at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), Kofi Addo, said the partnership was to enable Ghana to learn from Malaysia's expertise in sustainable palm oil production to take advantage of the huge demand in Africa.

It was at the Malaysia Palm Oil Trade and Networking Programme organised by Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC) with the aim to create an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between Malaysia and its partners in Africa. particularly in the palm oil industry.

The forum was attended by three of the big Malaysian firms which are into the production of oil palm, namely KLK Alami Commodities, Mac World Industries and Able Perfect.

Build partnership

Mr Avaala stated that Malaysian firms must rather focus on building partnerships that would enable them to reach the rest of Africa instead of expanding retail and distribution bases in the country.

As a country, we are a net importer of palm oil. In fact, in Africa, it is only Cote dIvoire that are net exporters, the rest of the continent are importers of the commodity.

In Ghana, our production is around 300,000 tonnes per annum and demand is 450,000 tonnes. And so, we have a deficit of 150,000 tonnes which require imports, he said.

Transition

Mr Avaala explained that the country was in transition to become self-sufficient through the introduction of the Tree Crops Development Authority and other policies.

He said through the process the development of the industry was to ensure that agronomic practices, planting materials and processing were efficiently modernised to increase production.

And so, what we are saying is that oil palm plantation takes three years before producing fruits and the first year of harvest is not even the biggest. The biggest harvest is between eight to 15 years.

The project embarked upon by the TCDA would take up to 10 years to make Ghana self-sufficient. We will not be depending on importation of the commodity from Malaysia all the time and so, these businesses should find a way of partnering with us to help speed up the process of becoming self-sufficient, he said.

He added that establishing in Ghana would not reduce the market share of the businesses in Malaysia because the whole of Africa was a net importer and consumption was believed to be 13 per cent of the entire global production.

Ghana ready

Mr Quaittoo said Ghana had enough capacity and the structures to partner the Malaysian firms to penetrate the rest of the consumers in Africa.

We have to play our part very well to attract these investors. We have the infrastructure, including roads and ports, with a huge market demand.

Ghanas socioeconomic environment also offers competitive advantage over its neighbours within the continent, he said.

For his part, Mr Addo said Ghana should forge robust partnerships with nations possessing expertise in the oil palm industry to propel its growth and development.

Crucial economic pillar

The High Commissioner of Malaysia in Ghana, Syed Nauzer Idid, stated that palm oil was a crucial economic pillar for Malaysia, contributing significantly to its growth and to the livelihood of millions involved in its production and distribution.
New mining firm pours first gold

Timothy Ngnenbe Nov - 11 - 2024 , 07:34 5 minutes read

The gold mining project of Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML), a Chinese large-scale gold mining firm operating in the country, was last Saturday inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The President subsequently poured the first gold by the greenfield mining firm operating in the Talensi District in the Upper East Region at the historic event.

The opencast (surface) gold mine has an initial lifespan of 15 years, with the target to excavate 150 million tonnes of ore, out of which five million ounces of gold are expected within the 15-year period.

Having already invested over $600 million in the construction and resettlement phase of the project, the inauguration of the CNML project ushered in the production phase of the mine.

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Present at the inauguration were the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor; the Upper East Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih; the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shandong Gold Group, the parent company of CNML, Han Yaodong; the CEO of CNML, Zhenjiang Tang, and the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang.

Milestone

President Akufo-Addo said the inauguration of the gold mine marked yet another milestone towards the realisation of the vision to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, where all mining and mining-related activities, from exploration to downstream production, and from research to innovation, would be centred.

He stressed the need for the company to strictly adhere to the countrys mining regulations, with particular commitment towards protecting the integrity of the environment.

As you commence production, the government expects that you will employ the best of mining practices and adhere to all environmental and other regulatory standards for a safe and sustainable mining operation.

I am aware that your parent company, the Shandong Gold Group, has been a global leader in key technologies for gold mining and processing, and I have no doubt that you will replicate these same standards here in Ghana, he said.

The President commended the company for its promise to build an airport in Bolgatanga, observing that such a move would not only boost the company's mining operations, but also open up the region for development.

He assured the company that the government would provide the needed support and facilitate the process for the construction of the airport.

Community participation

To ensure that residents of Talensi and the Upper East Region benefit from mining, the President urged CNML to be forthcoming with its corporate social responsibility initiatives by ensuring that they were targeted to meet the pressing needs of the people.

He emphasised the importance of the company to work closely with the chiefs and people of the area, and also deliver on its corporate social responsibility commitments.

"It cannot be right for you to post millions of dollars of profit while the owners of the lands that give you these resources suffer.

That is why the government has initiated discussions with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and other stakeholders to promulgate a legislative instrument to regulate community development agreements to ensure that these agreements truly reflect the needs of the people.

"We are hopeful that very soon, we will conclude discussions on this matter to aid in the sustainable development of mining communities, the President said.

President Akufo-Addo said the government was fully committed to the efficient and sustainable exploitation and judicious use of natural resources for the socio-economic development of the nation.

"This is why we call on all stakeholders to work with us to harness the full potential of our mining industry for a prosperous and inclusive Ghana," he added.

Investment

Mr Jinapor described the inauguration of the companys gold mining project as a milestone that would make northern Ghana the next frontier of the countrys mining industry.

He said as part of a proactive measure to tighten the regulatory regime for the emerging mining industry in the northern part of the country, a five-storey regional office complex was being constructed for the Minerals Commission in Tamale.

Similarly, he said, the Bolgatanga, Wa and Bole offices of the commission had been upgraded to a regional status to effectively serve the emerging large-scale mines in northern Ghana and also regulate small-scale mining.Mr Jinapor added that while efforts were being made to increase gold production in the country, strategic

were also underway to put in place the needed infrastructure to promote value addition in the mining sector.

We have constructed and commissioned a 400-kilogramme capacity gold refinery to refine the gold we produce, and in the next couple of weeks, President Akufo-Addo will cut the sod for the commencement of work on a $450-million manganese refinery at Nsuta in the Western Region to be funded by the parent company of Ghana Manganese Company, he said.

Commitment

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana gave an assurance that the company would play to the rules of the countrys mining industry to ensure that its operation did not pose challenges to the host communities.

He said the inauguration of the mine had taken the relationship between the two countries a notch higher.

Mr Defa said going forward, China was committed to strengthening its bilateral ties with Ghana through strategic areas of investment, including mining, agriculture, education and commerce.
Next article: What do you know about the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)?

Terrorism fight requires critical strategy  Kan-Dapaah

Daily Graphic Nov - 11 - 2024 , 12:57 3 minutes read

The Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has emphasised the need for security experts to lead the fight against terrorism, underscoring that the complexities of terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel, demand nuanced approaches beyond political interests.

He stressed that unlike in some jurisdictions where terrorism usually sought a symbolic or ideological impact, terrorism in Africa posed an immediate territorial threat, aiming to establish influence across swathes of land and affecting countless communities.

Delegation to Mali

Mr Kan-Dapaah made the statements in the Malian capital, Bamako, when he led senior officials of Ghanas security and intelligence agencies into strategic discussions with their Malian counterparts in a major step towards enhancing regional security cooperation.

The Ghanaian delegation included the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, and other senior military officers.

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Malis team was led by that countrys Minister of National Security and Civil Protection, General Aly Mohammedine, with other senior security officials of the Malian government in attendance at last Fridays high-level meeting.

The meeting followed similar engagements with Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire and Togo as Ghana sought to champion collaborative efforts against terrorism and insecurity in the West African sub-region.

Mr Kan-Dapaah pointed out that Malis extensive experience in counterterrorism operations made the country a crucial partner for any effective regional response.

"Without Malis cooperation, combating terrorism within West Africa would be nearly impossible," he said.

Acknowledging the high stakes, he warned that without prompt and coordinated action, the terrorist threat could become unmanageable within two years, threatening the stability and safety of the entire sub-region.

Regional challenges

The meeting also reflected on broader regional challenges to security cooperation, particularly in the light of recent developments within West Africa.

The establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States and the exit of its member states from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) signalled growing tensions in the sub-region and posed significant challenges to security partnerships.

In response, Mr Kan-Dapaah called for renewed bilateral agreements rooted in trust and cooperation, and proposed a re-evaluation of relationships within the sub-region to ensure effective collaboration.

Malis Gen. Mohammedine praised Mr Kan-Dapaah for his extensive experience and objective approach to addressing regional security.

He insisted that security remained a foundational development pillar, and reiterated Malis commitment to tackling terrorism as a borderless threat, underscoring the importance of solidarity among African nations.

Gen. Mohammedine expressed optimism that public support for security initiatives could strengthen the influence of Malis army and enhance collaborative security efforts with regional allies, including Ghana.

Regional front

The Ghana-Mali security collaboration discussions are part of Ghanas ongoing efforts to consolidate a regional front against terrorism, a mission Ghana has led since 2017 with the establishment of the Accra Initiative.

By spearheading this initiative, Ghana has persistently promoted cooperative security solutions, bringing together West African nations to address transnational threats.

Amid recent political tensions and realignments within ECOWAS, Ghana continues to demonstrate its commitment to regional stability and solidarity, positioning itself as a critical partner in tackling terrorism and fortifying West African security.

This latest engagement with Mali reaffirms Ghanas enduring leadership role and the nations readiness to support its neighbours, a move that advances collaborative efforts to safeguard the stability and resilience of the West African sub-region.
MPs vacant seat saga - Supreme Court to give judgement Tuesday

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Nov - 11 - 2024 , 11:04 2 minutes read

The Supreme Court will on Tuesday give a judgment on the correct position of the law regarding Article 97(1) (g) and (h), the constitutional provision that the Speaker of Parliament used to declare four seats in Parliament vacant.

A seven-member panel of the court, presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, fixed the date for judgement on Monday after hearing arguments from the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, and Joe Ghartey, lawyer for Alexander Afenyo-Markin , the plaintiff.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, who is the first defendant in the action has, however, chosen not to defend the action.

Mr Afenyo-Markin is seeking an interpretation from the court that Article 97(1) (g) and (h) only applies to a current term of Parliament, and therefore the the move by the Speaker to declare the seats of the four MPs vacant is unconstitutional.

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The Speaker of Parliament has decided not to defend the suit seeking an interpretation of the constitutional provision that led him to declare four seats in Parliament vacant.

At Monday mornings hearing of the suit seeking an interpretation of Article 97(1) (g) and (h), there was no legal representation for the Speaker, neither had he filed any legal process.

The seven-member panel, presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, proceeded to hear the case because the plaintiff, Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the Attorney-General, who is the second defendant, have all filed their processes.

After the court heard the submissions of the lawyers for the plaintiff, the Attorney-General Godfred Dame took his turn.

The Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame described as unconstitutional a ruling in 2020 by a former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, declaring vacant the seat of the then Member of Parliament (MP) for Fomena, Andrews Amoako Asiamah.

The Attorney-General made that point, which is the basis for the current Speaker, Alban Bagbin, declaring four seats in Parliament vacant.

Mr Dame argued that what the then Speaker, Prof Oquaye did was unconstitutional and should not be used as a justification for what Speaker Bagbin did.

No matter the number of times an unconstitutional act is repeated, it does not make it right, he argued.
Essumejahene pledges support for Bawumias Presidential bid

GraphicOnline Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 20:39 2 minutes read

The Omanhene of Essumeja, Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama, has expressed support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in his quest to become Ghanas next President.

During Dr. Bawumias tour of the Ashanti Region on Monday, he visited the Bekwai Constituency to engage with traditional leaders, religious figures, and community stakeholders, outlining his policies and seeking their endorsement.

The Omanhene of Essumeja who also serves as the Benkumhene of Asanteman, Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama

Addressing Dr. Bawumia, Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama, who also serves as the Benkumhene of Asanteman affirmed his communitys backing.

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We know why you are here, he said. You are here to seek our support and solicit our votes. We will help, we will be with you, and we will make it possible. Dr., we are with you, and we are behind you.

While pledging support, the Omanhene also called for reciprocity, encouraging Dr. Bawumia to prioritise the needs of his community if elected.

If you take good care of us, we will also take good care of you, he stated, outlining key development priorities, including improvements to inner roads, a specialised hospital, and a university for the Amansie area.

The Omanhene also highlighted the ongoing challenge of illegal mining, or galamsey, and urged Dr. Bawumia to involve traditional leaders in efforts to curb the practice.

In response, Dr. Bawumia expressed his appreciation to the chiefs and community stakeholders for their encouragement.

He assured the gathering that he remains committed to community development and pledged to address the concerns raised.

He emphasised his accountability to the people, noting that he would return to report on his stewardship if re-elected, which he described as a unique responsibility compared to his main opponent.

Dr. Bawumias campaign has been marked by a strong focus on local engagement, as he seeks to galvanise support for the December 2024 election.
Election 2024 not a do-or-die affair  NCCE

Daily Graphic Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 06:11 2 minutes read

The Upper East Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), James Abdulai Ayaala, has stated that the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections are a contest of ideas and not a do-or-die affair.

It does not mean it is a do-or-die affair in this election. It is a contest of ideas. You need to sell the manifesto of your political party, he said.

Youth engagement

Mr Ayaala said this when the Kassena-Nankana West District Directorate of the NCCE engaged some youth of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Paga as part of efforts to intensify activities to ensure continuity and sustainability of peace in the 2024 general election.

It was on the theme: Together we can build Ghana, so get involved.

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Mr Ayaala noted that the youth played vital roles in the election process, pointing out that In any situation, especially when there is confusion or violence, it is mostly the youth that we see at the forefront.

So the NCCE thought it wise to engage you to ensure that the message of peace is spread across the length and breadth of the country for you to understand that you can live in harmony even though you may have your preferences, he said.

Policies

The Kassena-Nankana West District Director of the NCCE, Robert Dampare, advised the NPP members to concentrate on their policies and sell their message to the electorate peacefully.

He said some politicians would try to use money to influence them to perpetuate violence, and admonished them to stay away from politicians who tried to buy their conscience with money.

The Paramount Chief of the Katiu Traditional Area, Pe Ayikode Zangwio Atoge IV, said the elections should be about policies and what the various candidates had for the people, devoid of violence and religious intolerance.

It is about your policies and plans, if I see that your policies and plans will help me, then I will vote for you. So there is no need for the youth to fight among themselves.

We just want a peaceful and smooth election. We are all brothers, Pe Atoge IV, who is the Chairman of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) in the District, said.

The Chiana-Paga Constituency Youth Organiser of the NPP, Mandela Mubashir Kassim, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview after the engagement that they would continue to propagate the message of the NPP in a peaceful manner.

We will preach the gospel of the NPP about what we have done and what we are yet to do. We are not ready for any violence. I can assure you that in Chiana-Paga Constituency, on our part as the youth of the NPP, there will not be any violence, he said.  GNA
NPP govt will unlock Damongo tourism potential  Dr Prempeh

Timothy Ngnenbe Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 05:59 2 minutes read

The vice presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 elections, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has assured residents in the Damongo Constituency of strategic investment in the tourism sector if the party wins the December 7 polls and forms the next government.

He said although Damongo hosted some of the country's most important tourist sites, including the Mole National Park and the Larabanga Mosque, there had not been much investment to unleash the full economic potential of those resources.

"I want to assure the people of this area that when the NPP wins the next elections, we will ensure that more attention is given to the management of the tourism resources in this area to increase tourism attraction and create more jobs for the local economy," he said.

Dr Prempeh, who was on a campaign tour of the Savannah Region, stated this at a mini rally held at Larabanga in the Damongo Constituency last Thursday.

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Prior to addressing the crowd of party supporters at the rally, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, had introduced Dr Prempeh to the constituents, extolling him as "a hardworking, humble and dedicated Ghanaian who cares about the country and its people."

Achievements

Making a case to the constituents of Damongo on why they needed to retain the NPP government and the MP of the area, Dr Prempeh said the free senior high school policy implemented by the government had been a game changer in terms of access to secondary education.

Again, he said the creation of the Savannah Region, with Damongo as its capital, was not only a historic achievement by the NPP government but also a major step that had brought development to the people.

He also said the investment in road networks, school infrastructure projects and other social amenities was making a greater impact on the people.

"When you vote for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to become the next president and maintain your MP in Parliament, you will get more development," he said.

Comprehensive victory

When he took his turn to address the rally, Mr Jinapor said he was optimistic that the residents of Damongo would reward the good work of the NPP in the area with "a comprehensive and resounding" victory in both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

"It is few days to elections, and we will defeat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and build here in Damongo, a party that will be dominant and win elections over and over again," he said.

Mr Jinapor, who is the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said the Damongo Constituency had become a world bank and secure seat for the NPP.

Mr Jinapor added that through the numerous infrastructure projects in the constituency, the NPP had banished the NDC from the area and made it a stronghold.
Next article: Afigya Kwabre East: With God all things are possible - Bawumia to Catholic congregation

Stand-off in Parliament: Experts call for dialogue, reforms

Samuel Duodu Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 05:57 4 minutes read

Three academics and respected governance experts have proposed dialogue and consultations as the solution to the current stand-off in Parliament.

They are former United Nations Governance Advisor, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah; Governance Fellow at the Institute for Economic Affairs, Dr Samuel Kofi Darkwa, and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science of the University of Education, Winneba, Dr Maliha Abubakari.

The impasse follows the declaration of four seats vacant by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Supreme Court subsequently ordering a stay of execution of same upon an application by the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

This led to two emergency recalls of Parliament, each of them adjourned promptly over seemingly extraneous matters, including the absence of the government side in the House.

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Speaking in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic, Prof. Agyeman-Duah and Dr Darkwa urged prominent personalities to convene a meeting to bring the parties together, emphasising quiet diplomacy over press conferences.

"What we need is quiet diplomacy and talking things out," Prof. Agyeman-Duah said.

Diplomacy

First of all, I think it's unfortunate that we have this problem on our hands. The way forward is simple, Prof. Agyeman-Duah said.

In cases like this, only dialogue, consultations can solve it. I think it is time that the key players in government, that is the Executive, the Judiciary, and Parliament, sit down quietly, privately, and sort things out. As we approach the elections, we don't want a stalled Parliament.

At the moment, it's clear that government business is going to be stalled as we prepare for the elections.

And I understand there's an outstanding Constitutional Instrument for the Electoral Commission to submit, besides the fact that certain loans, payments and certain agreements might be ratified by Parliament.

So I think this is not the time to stick to our arms, Prof. Agyeman-Duah said. This is not the time to decide who is right and who is wrong.

The best interest of the nation is to see smooth governance processes in the country.

So I think it's important for the Speaker, the Chief Justice, and the Executive  that is the President  to find some quiet moments and sort these things out before it gets out of control, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kufuor Foundation said.

The Speaker mentioned in his statement that there's no crisis, there's no constitutional crisis. That, for me, was good. But then looking at the facts on the ground, the fact that Parliament is no longer in session when it should be, for me, simply signifies an impending constitutional crisis, he said.

Prof. Agyeman-Duah suggested that the Speaker and parliamentary leadership also held a crucial role in the resolution process of the impasse.

"If the Speaker can reach some kind of understanding with his counterparts, and they can all hold meetings with the leadership of Parliament, then they can come back to Parliament and there'll be no chaos," he observed.

Dr Darkwa said that the proceedings surrounding the issue had not been managed with the requisite professionalism and diplomacy.

Given that Ghanas Parliament operated as a hung Parliament, it is crucial for disputes to be resolved through constructive dialogue and consensus-building rather than through legal avenues.

The consequences of this stand-off could have significant implications for governance and the economy in Ghana. Such a situation risks undermining political stability and eroding public trust in democratic institutions, he said.

Dr Darkwa cited historical precedents from Venezuela in 2018, Hong Kong in 2019, and Chile also in 2019, saying they served as cautionary tales in which failure to manage political disagreements effectively led to severe crises.

Those nations, he said, eventually turned to dialogue, mediation, institutional reforms and civic education as pathways to resolution.

Ghana could benefit from adopting a similar approach by fostering dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties to facilitate consensus-building.

Additionally, mediation from neutral bodies such as the National Peace Council, the Council of State and the National House of Chiefs could play a vital role in resolving this dispute and steering the country towards a more stable political climate, Dr Darkwa said.

Reforms

Dr Abubakari, for her part, recommended that the Judiciary should consider an out-of-court settlement between the Speaker and the government side of Parliament.

That, she said, would remove tensions and prevent further escalation.

Dr Abubakari insisted that Ghana's Parliament was a true manifestation of a legal fiction, attributing it to a Constitution that weakened the Legislature.

The 2020 hung Parliament and recent Majority-Minority switch have exposed Parliaments vulnerabilities, she said.

She, therefore, suggested that Ghana could learn from the US where research had shown that divided governments tended to work more efficiently than united ones.

To prevent similar impasses in the future, Dr Abubakari suggested that Parliament should review its Standing Orders and conflict resolution processes.

That, she said, would help to strengthen Ghana's parliamentary democracy and ensure that the Legislature could effectively serve the nation.
Previous article: PLAYBACK: What Tsatsu Tsikata said on GHOne TV interview about Afenyo-Markin's petition on vacant seats

Mahama fellowships with the Clergy in Kumasi and proposes peaceful solution to Parliamentary impasse

Beatrice Laryea Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 11:30 1 minute read

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama is at a church service with members of the clergy in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Monday.

This is a follow up to a similar event in Accra some weeks ago.

Kester Aburam Korankye reports from Kumasi that Mr Mahama expressed his concerns about the growing tensions between Parliament and the Supreme Court and proposed a peaceful solution.

Speaking to members of the clergy at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Mr Mahama said these issues, although could raise emotions, could be resolved through peaceful and political means.

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He said if he was president of the country at this moment, he would have brought together leaders from both the majority and minority sides of the house to find solutions outside of the Supreme Court.

The former President emphasised the need for collective action, stating that Ghana cannot afford to fail this time around.

Attached below is a LIVE video from the event
Next article: Mahama needs your votes to fulfil his promises  Lordina Mahama

Mahama almost collapsed Health Insurance but NPP revived it - Bawumia

GraphicOnline Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 10:00 1 minute read

The Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, says the government has successfully revived and expanded Ghanas National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which he claims was nearly collapsed under former President John Mahama.

Speaking to stakeholders in the Suame Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia said the NPP inherited a troubled scheme in 2017, facing financial difficulties and limited coverage.

However, he said the government has since injected funding to improve and broaden the scheme, adding new benefits to ease the healthcare burden on Ghanaians.

The NHIS was virtually collapsed under Mahama, but we have revived and strengthened it, Dr. Bawumia said. He added that the NHIS now covers critical treatments, including free care for childhood cancers and a costly medication called hydroxyurea for sickle cell patients. This drug, hydroxyurea, is very expensive but is now provided free to those suffering from sickle cell under the NHIS, he noted.

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Dr. Bawumia further announced a major addition to the scheme: free kidney dialysis for eligible patients. After a successful six-month pilot programme, dialysis treatments for individuals over 60 and under 18 will be fully covered under the NHIS starting December 1, 2024.

Since its inception under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the NHIS has been regarded as one of the NPP's flagship achievements. Following an NDC promise to implement a one-time premium, Dr. Bawumia claims the scheme experienced setbacks, creating significant challenges in healthcare access for many Ghanaians.

"Today, illnesses that were previously not covered under the NHIS are now included. This is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare for all," Dr. Bawumia stated, affirming the governments dedication to maintaining and expanding healthcare access across the country.
Next article: PLAYBACK: What Tsatsu Tsikata said on GHOne TV interview about Afenyo-Markin's petition on vacant seats

Mahama pledges dedicated funding for free SHS

Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 13:23 1 minute read

Former President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to provide a dedicated source of funding for the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, to ensure its sustainability and consistency.

Speaking at a meeting with Christian leaders in Kumasi on Monday afternoon [Nov 11], Mr Mahama emphasised the importance of quality education for Ghana's future.

He said the talk of him canceling the policy when elected president was just a political gimmick that must not be taken serious.

"Free SHS has come to stay, it increased access to education, but we must secure its funding to guarantee its continuation," he stated.

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The solemn event, dubbed Mahama Fellowships with the Clergy, Kumasi Edition, brought together leaders of the Christian faith from all denominations in the Ashanti Region.

Mr Mahama's commitment aligns with Article 25 (1b) of the 1992 Constitution and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 4, emphasising equitable and quality primary and secondary education.

The dedicated funding, he said aims to address concerns about the program's long-term viability, ensuring that more Ghanaian children can access quality education.

Read also: Mahama fellowships with the Clergy in Kumasi and proposes peaceful solution to Parliamentary impasse
NDCs Joana Cudjoe cleared to contest Amenfi Central parliamentary election

Graphic.com.gh Politics Nov - 11 - 2024 , 14:32 2 minutes read

The Sekondi High Court has set aside the injunction that prevented Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Amenfi Central, from contesting the upcoming parliamentary election.



The ruling, delivered on Monday November 11, followed an earlier adjournment in the case, where the NDC sought for the court to lift the injunction on its candidate and dismiss the substantive disqualification.

The case was presided over by Justice George K. Gyan-Kontoh.

On the previous occasion, the court had adjourned the application after a request by Edudzie Tamakloe, one of the lead counsels representing Ms Cudjoe.

Tamakloe urged the court to consider the substantive disqualification case, noting that any further delay could disenfranchise his client and prevent her from participating in the December 7 parliamentary election.

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Review

Mr Justice Gyan-Kontoh agreed to review the substantive case, emphasising the importance of resolving the matter promptly.

He also encouraged the parties involved to explore the possibility of an out-of-court settlement before the scheduled hearing.

However, the parties could not agree on an out-of-court resolution.

Resolution

The lifting of the injunction by the court, thus, allows Ms Cudjoe to contest the December 7 parliamentary elections on the ticket of the NDC for Amenfi Central.



We thank God for everything that has happened today, especially also my new lawyers who came in to rescue meI thank God and all the NDC members, executives, Western Region NDC. I must say I am very happy, Ms Cudjoe told journalists after the ruling.

Recall

The Accra High Court last Thursday dismissed an application by the NDC that sought to restrain the Electoral Commission (EC) from printing the notice of polls and ballot papers for Amenfi Central.

The NDC wanted the court to stop the EC from printing the ballot papers pending the final determination of its suit challenging the commissions decision not to recognise Joana Gyan Cudjoe as the duly elected NDC candidate for Amenfi Central.

However, the court dismissed the application on the basis that the NDC could not establish any exceptional circumstances to stop the EC from conducting its constitutional duty

It was the considered view of the court that the ECs decision was grounded in laws as it was following an order from the Sekondi High Court that placed an injunction on Ms Cudjoe not to hold herself as a Parliamentary Candidate.

Following the decision of the Accra High Court, the NDC filed a fresh writ at the Sekondi High Court urging the court to vacate its order of injunction.
Increasing concern over the stalled recovery of Guams tourism industry has prompted the Guam International Airport Authority board to approve financial relief for its main concessionaire, Lotte Duty Free.

The GIAA board, in a meeting Friday, voted to waive Lottes obligation to pay GIAAs defense fees and costs in the longstanding litigation brought by Lotte rival Duty Free Shoppers.

The waiver of legal fees is contingent on the protest litigation being dismissed with prejudice.

In support of the relief, GIAA Executive Manager John Quinata said GIAA had forecast travel recovery by fiscal 2025 and 2026 to pre-pandemic levels but noted that Guams recovery has been much slower than forecasted and closed this past fiscal year 2024 at 45% below pre-pandemic enplanement levels.

GIAA and DFS are in the midst of settlement talks to bring an end to their legal dispute, which began in 2013 when DFS protested the bid award to Lotte.

DFS was the longtime master concessionaire at the airport prior to Lotte and filed the lawsuit alleging misconduct by the airport when GIAA awarded the $154 million contract to Lotte.

The airport will also push back a contract requirement that Lotte invest a minimum of $2.5 million on an expanded retail boutique within the terminals secured departure area.

The Guam Legislature authorized GIAA to negotiate a three-year contract extension with Lotte that runs from July 2023 to July 2026 to allow more time for the retailer to try and recoup its investment following a business downturn from the pandemic and Typhoon Mawar.

I think we all see how our tourism and recovery has slowed down...Ive seen the reports from the different agencies that it has been suffering and I hear it honestly from small businesses, airport board member Doyon Morato said.

Under the extended contract signed on July 21, 2023:

Lotte will pay a fixed annual concession rent fee of $2.64 million in advance for the contract year.

In addition, the company will pay a set fee for each passenger based on cumulative passenger counts for the term of the contract. For the first million passengers, the fee is $4 per person. Between 1 million and 1.5 million passengers, the fee is $4.50 per person. For more than 1.5 million passengers, the fee is $5 per passenger.

Indemnity defense fees and costs for the protest litigation are capped at $1.2 million per lease year.

There is also a minimum performance guarantee of $8 million per year, and Lotte agreed to a minimum capital investment of $2.5 million with approximately $2 million dedicated to the Gucci boutique.

Lotte will continue to maintain the space and provide travelers with an atmosphere embodying the uniqueness of Guam and the Marianas.

Also Friday, the GIAA board approved a motion to award a contract to Ernst & Young for financial audit services.
Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio on Monday said he finds it offensive that potential presidential appointee for public health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would use Guam as a relocation place for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials not fully aligned with the incoming Trump administration.

Kennedy, or RFK Jr., recently announced plans for an aggressive restructuring of U.S. public health agencies.

He told national media that Trumps team aims to fire or relocate government health officials they deem unfit for their roles, and one of his most provocative remarks mentioned Guam in reference to officials that Trumps team may struggle to remove.

If we cant fire them, we can ship them to a new HHS headquarters in Guam, Kennedy was quoted by national media as saying.

Tenorio, in an interview right after Mondays Veterans Day ceremony, called RFK Jr.s comment offensive to the island community.

Obviously, anytime Guam is the brunt of jokes, its offensive to all of us, Tenorio said. I think what hes trying to say is that he wants to send the people he opposes in HHS as far away as possibleout of sight and out of mind. Thats how I interpret it. But, you know, science is very important.

Despite RFKs remark, Tenorio emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with political partners and continuing Guams efforts to improve health care.

The relationship that we build with the Department of Health and Human Services, I think, will depend on the priorities of the administration, Tenorio said. The governor is a nurse. We have great health care professionals here, and well continue our efforts to improve the quality of life and health care for all the people of Guam and hopefully find common ground with the incoming administration.

Kennedy, a vocal critic of public health policies, also outlined a broader agenda to overhaul agencies he and others in Trumps circle believe are overdue for reform. He talked about plans to restore integrity to public health agencies by ensuring personnel decisions align with their vision of accountability.

He cited the public distrust that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of what happens when health agencies become unaccountable.

RFK Jr. argued that reforms are necessary to bring about a new era of transparency within agencies like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, and HHS.
Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio on Monday said he has tasked the Guam Visitors Bureau to try and track down as much information about the 34 Japanese tourists who fell ill with symptoms of suspected food poisoning after coming back from a trip to Guam.

Tenorio also confirmed that the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services would eventually be the agency investigating the case.

But as of Monday, both GVB and Public Health remained mum on what, if any, they have done so far to help pinpoint the source on Guam of the suspected food poisoning involving 34 Japanese students and their teachers.

The incident happened on Thursday.

Japan-based media organizations reported that about 34 passengers on two flights carrying a group of high school students and their teachers from Guam to Japan fell ill with symptoms of suspected food poisoning on Thursday.

Both flights with Japan Airlines and United Airlines arrived in Japan on Thursday night.

Japanese officials suspect that the groups contracted the illness while on Guam, which would account for the fact that those who fell ill were on two separate flights back to Japan, Japanese media reports stated.

These reports have raised concerns about another potential setback to Guams already slow tourism recovery.

In response, Tenorio on Monday reassured the public that the situation would be thoroughly investigated to avoid further harm to Guams tourism sector.

When we read the story, we asked the Guam Visitors Bureau to try and track down as much information as we can to determine the source of what happened, Tenorio said. Ive not received any update or personal information about where that source is, but its certainly something serious and would be looked into.

Tenorio said Public Health would be the agency investigating the case eventually.

He also noted that the Consul-General of Japan had yet to reach out regarding the issue but that they would meet with the new consul general later this week.

The Consul General has not made contact with us yet that Im aware of, but obviously we have regular communication, Tenorio said. We have a very good reputation in Japan, and weve seen different things happen over the course of time, but I would just say that I think the Japanese people, if the sources are on Guam, would expect us to address it, and well be fine with it.

Impact on tourism

Guams tourism recovery from the pandemic is one of the slowest in the world, and Guams share of the Asian tourism market has declined.

GVB officials also have not yet finalized an urgent tourism recovery plan that Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero requested more than two weeks ago while tourism officials continue their bickering over a host of issues.

In terms of what happened, I regret that it was very impassioned, and for me, when I see people impassioned, that means everybody wants to work to get something done, Tenorio said. Our job will be to make sure we can do that collaboratively.

Despite these challenges, Tenorio remains optimistic that the tourism industry can recover.

Were looking for unity, and unity would mean a combination of the government, the private sector, those in tourism, and the people of Guam, Tenorio said. Im confident that well be able to generate and take from all the passion that exists to come up with a unified game plan. In many ways, thats what the governor is leading right now.
A tropical storm watch is now in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan, the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office Guam said Monday night.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 mph or greater, are possible as early as Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Man-Yi, as of Monday afternoon, was 505 miles east of Guam.

Maximum sustained winds remain at 40 mph.

Man-yi is forecast to slowly intensify over the next couple of days, including as it passes through the Marianas.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward from the center up to 40 miles, NWS said.

Man-yi remains a small storm and tropical storm force winds will be felt close to the center.

The exact track of Man-yi remains uncertain and parts of the Marianas could see tropical storm force winds, while others see much lower winds.

Heavy rainfall will remain possible for much of the Marianas, especially if a southern storm track verifies, NWS said.

Those in the Marianas should continue to monitor the forecast for updates and additional changes.

Guam currently has an active small craft advisory in effect and a rip current statement in effect.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense remind residents to continue to monitor official channels for updates.
Tropical Storm Rafael has degenerated to a post-tropical remnant, but life-threatening beach conditions still are likely along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Plus, some of the systems moisture could be drawn northward later in the week.

Rafael lost much of its circulation over the central Gulf of Mexico on Sunday night, leaving behind a shredded zone of downpours and thunderstorms, according to forecasters at AccuWeather.

Coastal flood advisories are still in effect until noon CT along the Texas Gulf Coast. In Louisiana, flood advisories have ended. But even as those advisories end, the risk for locally rough surf and strong rip currents remains through Monday night along the northern and western coastal regions, forecasters said.

Rip currents can sweep even the most experienced swimmers away from shore into deeper water, the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi wrote. These rip currents can become life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

A small craft advisory also remained in effect for parts of the Gulf Coast until Monday night.

What is left of Rafaels center is forecast to wander or loop around over the western and central Gulf over the next couple of days as it degenerates further, according to AccuWeather.

We believe that some or the bulk of Rafaels remaining moisture will be drawn northward into the central Gulf Coast region around the middle of the week as yet another non-tropical feature  a cold front  moves from west to east over the lower Mississippi Valley, AccuWeather meteorologist Grady Gilman said.

That moisture will be drawn northward into the central Gulf Coast region this week and should bring rain to Louisiana, Alabama and parts of Georgia. Although locally heavy rain and some minor flooding is possible, persistent downpours arent expected and widespread flooding is not anticipated, Gilman said.

This will be a marked difference from moisture over the weekend that brought up to 8 inches of rain and localized flooding to parts of eastern Texas and Louisiana.

Tracking another disturbance in the Caribbean

The seven-day graphical tropical weather outlook from the National Hurricane Center, valid 6:34 a.m. ET on Nov. 11, 2024. A broad area of low pressure is expected to form over the western Caribbean Sea during the next couple of days.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

In a sure sign the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season isnt over yet  it officially ends Nov. 30  forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami are monitoring another disturbance in the Caribbean for development.

A broad area of low pressure is expected to form over the western Caribbean Sea during the next couple of days, the hurricane center wrote in an update Monday morning. Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form late this week or this weekend while moving slowly westward.

As of Monday, forecasters at the hurricane center gave the system a medium 40% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over the next seven days.

Should a feature organize, interests from Central America to southeastern Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico should monitor the Caribbean for budding tropical activity and related torrential downpours and gusty thunderstorms beginning later next week, forecasters at AccuWeather added.

The next name on the list of tropical storms for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is Sara.




Haiti - FLASH : Illegal revocation, Prime Minister Conille reacts (open letter)





Following the decision of the Presidential Transitional Council to revoke it, Prime Minister Garry Conille in an open letter to the Nation explains :



Open letter to the Nation from Garry Conille :



"Ladies and Gentlemen, dear compatriots,



It is with a deep sense of responsibility and absolute respect for legal principles that I address you today, following the decision taken on November 7, 2024 by the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) concerning my functions as Prime Minister. This resolution, taken outside of any legal and constitutional framework, raises serious concerns about its legitimacy and its repercussions on the future of our country.



I would first like to emphasize that this decision directly contravenes both the Constitution and the texts governing the transition period. Article 158 of our Constitution stipulates that the Prime Minister is responsible to Parliament, and that only a resignation or a motion of censure by Parliament can result in the termination of his functions. Under no circumstances can the Presidential Council, even in its transitional functions, replace Parliament or exercise a power that has not been assigned to it.



Furthermore, although the Presidential Council has the prerogative to appoint the Prime Minister, no legal text gives it the power to dismiss him. The Agreement of April 3rd and the Decree of May 27, 2024, which organize the transition, clearly define the governance procedures, but they do not in any way allow the Council to unilaterally terminate the functions of the Prime Minister.



Article 37 of the decree, which governs the organization and operation of the Presidential Transitional Council, is explicit : 'in the event of a governance deficit documented and presented by the Government Action Control Body (OCAG), the Presidential Transitional Council terminates the functions of the Prime Minister by submitting his resignation'. Consequently, the decision of the CPT, taken outside this framework, constitutes an abuse of power and a forfeiture that undermines the fundamental principles of our democracy.



I would like to remind you that it is up to the members of the CPT to approve and set up the OCAG.



We are currently going through a deep and extremely urgent crisis. Haiti faces colossal challenges : gangs that control a large part of our capital, widespread insecurity that affects the population, a food crisis that is hitting the most vulnerable hard, and thousands of displaced families.



I firmly believe that the only way out of the current crisis is to respect the Agreement of April 3rd, 2024, which allowed the establishment of this Transitional Government, and which is based on the principles of dialogue, consultation and shared responsibility. Any attempt at institutional destabilization at this precise moment is nothing more than a maneuver that further weakens our country and seriously compromises our chances of overcoming this crisis.



As Prime Minister, but above all as a Haitian citizen, I choose, out of patriotism, not to respond to this situation with division, but rather with responsibility. I remain attentive to the political and social sectors that, according to the Agreement of April 3rd, hold the legitimacy to guide the transition. With them, I am ready to continue this fight for the stability of our country, to defend legality and to challenge any illegal action motivated by narrow political interests that only add to the suffering of our people.



I remain determined to continue to work constructively for the Peace and stability of our country and to support all efforts aimed at restoring Peace and ensuring democratic, transparent and inclusive governance.



May God bless our country and guide us towards a future of justice, Peace and prosperity.



The Prime Minister



Dr. Garry CONILLE"



In addition to this statement, Conille also wrote on November 10, 2024, to Ronald Saint-Jean, Director General of the National Press, asking him not to publish the CPT resolution. Letter that remained without effect.



"[...]

Considering Article 150 of the Constitution conferring on the President of the Republic only those granted to him by the Constitution and the laws;



Considering Article 2 of the Decree of April 10, 2024, creating the Transitional Presidential Council and Articles 151 and 37 of the Decree of May 23, 2024 on the Organization of the Transitional Presidential Council;



Considering the principle of the legality of administrative acts, an essential principle of the functioning of the rule of law;



Considering that the resolution of the Transitional Presidential Council, taken in defiance of the texts referred to, is clearly tainted with illegality;



Considering that the publication of official acts in the official journal, the Moniteur, are carried out under the responsibility of the Government;



Why, I, Garry Conille, Prime Minister, urge you not to publish the resolution taken by the Presidential Transitional Council to terminate the functions of the Prime Minister [...]



Dr. Garry Conille"



Legal reactions :

Me Andre Michel, of the Agreement of December 21, reacting to this revocation recalls "The founding texts of the transition (the Jamaica Consensus of March 11, 2024, the agreement of April 3rd, 2024, the decree of April 12, 2024, the decree of May 23, 2024) do not give the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) the power to dismiss the Prime Minister. [...] exceptionally, Article 37 of the decree of 23 May 2024 stipulates that in the event of serious presumptions of corruption and governance deficit, duly noted by the Government Action Control Body (OCAG) [which still does not exist], the CPT terminates the mission of the Prime Minister by the latter's submission of the Government's resignation. This provision also exists in the agreement of 3rd April 2024 [...] today, there is no possibility for the CPT to dismiss the Prime Minister."



Mr Andre Michel is not the only lawyer to consider this dismissal illegal. Let us cite among others Me Bernard Gousse who, in addition to qualifying this dismissal as illegal, based on Article 2 of the decree creating the CPT, asserts that the signature of the three Councillors involved in the BNC scandal is invalid.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43607-haiti-flash-cpt-appoints-a-new-prime-minister.html



HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





FLASH : CAVB temporarily closed

The Visa Application Center for Brazil is exceptionally closed this Monday, November 11 due to the security situation in Tabarre. IOM thanks you for your understanding.



Insecurity : Embassy of Mexico in Haiti closed

Due to possible violence announced this Monday, November 11, the Embassy of Mexico in Haiti will remain closed. People with an appointment scheduled can come on November 20, 21 and 22 to be seen. Thank you for your understanding.



Veterans Day : American Embassy closed

This Monday, November 11, 2024, the American Embassy will close its doors on the occasion of Veterans Day. It will resume its services on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.



Weather : Significant losses at the binational market in the South

Heavy rains and waves in the South of Haiti have affected trade in the Anse a Pitre / Pedernales binational market and caused significant economic losses. In addition, many goods were blocked in the port of Anse-a-Pitre due to a strong swell preventing safe cabotage along the Haitian coast, from Anse-a-Pitre to Marigot. Products such as vegetables, tomatoes, cabbages, potatoes and others were lost on the quay due to the weather conditions...



Fetkann Literary Prize : 4 Haitian writers in the first selection

Four Haitian writers are included in the first selection of the "Fetkann Maryse Conde Literary Prize" in the Literature category. In this list, we find Andre Fouad for his book "Valse des ombres" (Milot, 2024), Djenika Mars for "A nu" (Milot, 2024), Emmanuel Vilsaint for his collection "La chair du silence" (Milot, 2024) and Adlyne Bonhomme for "Un chant d'oiseau dans la paume", published by (Recto Verso 2024).



Training on Gender-Based Violence

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the Youth Observatory organized training sessions on gender-based violence in the various displaced persons camps in the metropolitan region.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Can you publish and use a Facebook plugin that removes all subscribers to a feed at once without being legally prosecuted by the meta company? This question remains unanswered for the time being after US District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley provisionally dismissed a declaratory action to this effect on Thursday. This was reported by the New York Times, citing court documents. Professor Ethan Zuckerman filed the lawsuit to ensure that the Meta Group, owner of the social media platform Facebook, could not sue him if it brought such a tool onto the market so that users could edit their own feeds.

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The case has a history: several years ago, Louis Barclay from the UK came up with the idea of developing such a plug-in under the name Unfollow Everything. But in 2021, the Meta Group threatened him with legal action if he published it, whereupon Barclay stopped his project for fear of consequences. However, since the end of August, Professor Ethan Zuckerman, a communications researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has brought the topic back into focus and into a wider context: who actually has the power of disposition over social media content, who determines what we see there?

The CDA in the sense of the users?

In clarifying this question, Zuckerman is receiving support from the Knight First Amendment Institute, an organization that advocates for freedom of speech. Zuckerman and the lawyers from the Knight First Amendment Institute are relying on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and arguing that the browser plug-in makes you the provider of an interactive computer service. This would allow not only platform operators to intervene in the newsfeed, but also users, in order to prevent the dissemination of content deemed offensive or malicious. On this basis, Zuckerman and lawyers wanted to establish that they could not prosecute Meta if they developed and published such a tool. We have described the context in detail in the article Zuckerman v Zuckerberg: Right to Facebook plugins sued for.

Meta took action against the declaratory action and applied for it to be dismissed in its entirety. Judge Corley of the US District Court for the Northern District of California has now granted the motion. However, according to the New York Times, she added that Zuckerman could re-file the lawsuit if such a tool was available.

"We are disappointed that the court believes Professor Zuckerman needs to code the tool before the court takes the case," said Ramya Krishnan, one of Zuckerman's attorneys. "We continue to believe that Section 230 generally protects enablement tools and look forward to the court's assurance that it will consider this argument at a later date."

A Meta spokesperson referred to an earlier statement from the company in which it described the lawsuit as "without merit".

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(dz)
GPS malfunctions and falsified navigation signals disrupted air and sea traffic in South Korea over the past weekend. This was announced by the South Korean military, which accused North Korea of being the cause of the disruptions. According to the US news agency Reuters, areas in the west of the South Korean peninsula near the border region with North Korea were affected.

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South Korea's largest airport, Incheon International Airport, is located around 100 kilometers south of the border. According to the South Korean government, around 500 aircraft and hundreds of ships were affected in similar incidents at the end of May/beginning of June. It is not known how many were directly affected.

GPS spoofing is becoming more and more of a problem

GPS spoofing has become an increasing problem for civil aviation in recent months. According to a report by a working group under the umbrella of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a total of 41,000 flights affected by spoofing were recorded between 15 July and 15 August 2024 alone. While an average of around 300 flights per day were affected by false GPS signals in January, this figure rose to around 1,500 flights per day in August.

The effects on the operation of modern aircraft are serious, as a large number of aircraft systems work with satellite-based navigation, the ICAO emphasizes. These include flight management systems, weather radar and position transmitters. According to the report, the signal falsifications are primarily related to military conflicts such as those in the Middle East and Ukraine. Among other things, they were used to divert attacking drones from their course. According to the surveys, most flights were affected in the airspace of Cyprus (5655), followed by Israel (Tel Aviv, 3228) and Egypt (Cairo, 3275). Incidents were also reported in the Baltic Sea region.

This could solve the problem

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In order to counter the increasing GPS problems, the use of CRPA (Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna), an antenna technology that uses several antenna elements to recognize the direction of incoming signals and can therefore detect and block out interfering transmitters, is being discussed in civil aviation. The use of encrypted navigation signals could also be a way out. There are plans to use the European Galileo navigation system to provide encrypted signals for the civilian sector for the first time in the future, thus protecting them against falsification.

(mki)
Stellantis and its Chinese partner Leapmotor do not want to manufacture their second electric car in Poland as planned, according to various media reports citing Reuters. The Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland, is already producing the Leapmotor T03 (test) with components from China.

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Instead, the extent to which the Opel plant in Eisenach or the Trnava plant in Slovakia could be suitable production sites for the B10 electric crossover is now being examined, according to company sources. Production in Eisenach would be more expensive than in Poland or Slovakia.

Five EU members had rejected tariffs

The new plans were made after the Chinese Ministry of Commerce advised manufacturers on October 10 against producing in European countries that have voted in favor of introducing additional tariffs on electric cars produced in China. Poland is among them. Five EU member states, including Germany and Slovakia, had rejected the tariffs, while twelve other EU states abstained. Chinese companies have to obtain Beijing's approval for their direct investments abroad anyway.

Stellantis had teamed up with the Chinese start-up Leapmotor to offer customers outside China "affordable high-tech electric cars" with the T03 compact model. To this end, the Group has acquired a 51 percent stake in the joint venture. Leapmotor owns the remaining 49 percent of the partnership. The B10, a significantly larger SUV model (test), was presented at the Paris Motor Show on October 14. The partners have not yet announced where it will be built in Europe.

The news agency has no comments from either the German or Slovakian government at this time, and Opel could not be reached at first. Stellantis and Leapmotor did not wish to comment officially.

(fpi)
After the eventful Wednesday with Trump's re-election and the break-up of the traffic light government, it is not easy to focus on IT security. Yet, there are also major upheavals in this area. Largely unnoticed by the public, Sophos has broken a taboo among antivirus manufacturers and is even selling it as a heroic deed: they have developed their own spyware and placed it specifically on customers' systems to spy on them. This was actually an unwritten law of the industry: We do not develop malware and, in particular, we do not use it to spy on our customers.

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An opinion by Jurgen Schmidt Jurgen Schmidt  aka ju  is head of heise Security and Senior Fellow Security at Heise-Verlag. A physicist by training, he has worked at Heise for over 25 years and is also interested in networks, Linux and open source. His current project is heise Security Pro for security managers in companies and organizations. heise Security Pro

Sophos has now publicly broken this , of course, only to catch the bad guys and stop their misdeeds. Before I discuss the significance of this, a few sober facts. Sophos has  as they document themselves in their Operation Pacific Rim  significantly expanded the collection of automatically collected telemetry data as early as mid-2020. They did this not for optimization or to find bugs in the software, but in response to attacks on their network appliances, which were then misused for further attacks  as so-called operational relay boxes, for example.

Specifically, Sophos wanted to track down those who detect security vulnerabilities in their firewall and VPN appliances and then develop techniques that are actually exploited. In this context, they analyzed commands executed on the command line and registered suspicious activities, such as the use of scanning tools like masscan. Sophos rolled out the advanced telemetry collection features via hotfixes:

"By combining telemetry data received from the hotfixes with test license registration data and web analytics, X-Ops analysts were able to create a timeline for attack preparation. [...] Most notably, a single device was identified with suspicious activity dating back to February 2020. [...] Telemetry data from these devices showed that command line access and usage was consistent with vulnerability research and exploit development."

The "kernel implant"

After this "advanced telemetry" provided initial evidence, Sophos developed a special "kernel implant" that allowed even more advanced monitoring and collection of arbitrary files without the system owner having a chance to detect it:

"April 23 - May 10, 2020: Forward Deployment Tooling

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[...] X-Ops developed a specialized kernel implant that could be deployed on devices that Sophos knew with high probability were controlled by groups conducting malicious exploit research. The tool enabled remote collection of files and logs without visible userland artifacts."

They then installed this monitoring module on systems that they were sufficiently sure were being used for malicious purposes  Sophos speaks of "high confidence", but does not qualify this further. This happened for the first time, without the knowledge or consent of the owner, on July 9, 2020, on a system that Sophos had identified as a test object of the perpetrators via the telemetry data, among other things. Sophos does not explain how it specifically installed this kernel extension on individual systems. But in the following years, Sophos installed this kernel rootkit on other systems that they had classified as suspicious. I have not yet received an answer to my questions to Sophos about the implementation and scope of these activities.

Successful protection measures

In any case, Sophos has had a number of successes with this approach, which the manufacturer documents in detail in its timeline. According to this, they were able to identify a Chinese research group that apparently specifically tracked down security vulnerabilities in Sophos appliances and developed exploits for them. These were then later used by Chinese attacker groups such as Volt Typhoon, APT31 and APT41/Winnti to break into the networks of companies and organizations. Sophos also discovered several rootkits, including a prototype UEFI bootkit that could embed itself firmly in the firmware of a compromised device, but has not yet been seen in the wild.

Sophos used the findings to detect attacks at an early stage, patch systems or take preventive measures to protect against the attack techniques found. The Sophos specialists combine the information from the investigation of real incidents (incident response) and that from the extended monitoring of the hackers. However, it is not clear from the description exactly where the knowledge gained from the extended telemetry and the kernel implant made this possible in the first place. Sophos has not yet responded to my inquiries about the unclear points.

Forward defense

The perpetrators identified by Sophos appear to be Chinese security researchers in Chengdu. They were probably specifically investigating Sophos security appliances and had a number of test systems in operation, for which they used either test licenses or regular licenses purchased from third parties. In several cases, they apparently provided the manufacturer with bug reports, which Sophos even rewarded with a bug bounty in at least one case. Sophos gives no indication that the researchers themselves carried out attacks on third parties. Instead, the manufacturer suspects that they shared their findings with government agencies, as required by Chinese law. How the information and tools then ended up in the hands of the actual attackers remains unclear.

Sophos thus presents itself as a pioneer in the fight against state attackers and cybercrime. US media quote the security provider with statements in which it sees itself as a pioneer and role model for the entire industry. And considering the results achieved, there are certainly advocates who are celebrating this action and calling for more of it. In the fight against cybercrime and APT attacks, they see this as an acceptable forward defense. I'm not so convinced  on the contrary.

Customers spied on

I see it more like this: a manufacturer has collected data from its customers' IT systems that was not used to improve them, but explicitly to detect suspicious activity. The collection of necessary telemetry data to improve the systems only served as a front for mass surveillance without cause. In specific cases of suspicion, the manufacturer then even installed special surveillance software without the knowledge of the customers and against their presumed will, which is also capable of exfiltrating any files. This is normally called malware, the hotfixes were Trojans, the kernel implanted a rootkit and the procedure corresponds to that of cybercrime gangs and state attackers.

But here it's supposed to be okay because it was against the bad guys. I ask myself: Who exactly is allowed to do this? Every manufacturer  including Facebook/Meta and Huawei? Or just some? For what purposes exactly? Is this also appropriate to take action against pirates, for example? Only those in China? Or perhaps also in Europe  at least in the east? Who decides in individual cases whether this is legitimate? Sophos does not even begin to discuss any of this. They obviously don't see any problems and intend to continue in this way.

Real protection is different

I'm not a lawyer and I don't want to make a judgment on whether this procedure violates any laws. At least at first glance, no personal data was involved and Sophos lawyers have apparently approved the procedure. Perhaps also because the Chinese researchers are unlikely to take legal action. However, I would no longer use a manufacturer's software if they were to claim the right to decide what they can do with my IT systems without any supervisory authority  and even celebrate it.

I would much rather welcome it if the appliance manufacturers  and especially those in the security sector  would finally do their homework when it comes to security. Whether Sophos, Ivanti, Fortinet, Cisco or Palo Alto: With every new zero-day exploit, it becomes more obvious that your appliances do not even meet basic security requirements. Let alone that they meet the high standards that firewalls and VPN gateways should actually have to meet. You should step up to the plate and present a plan on how you intend to finally clean things up thoroughly instead of just patching up the Zero-Day that has just appeared.

Note: This text was originally written as part of my exclusive newsletter for heise security PRO, which provides security managers with a weekly overview of important security topics.

(ju)




We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here
How do cadaver dogs search for victims of Helene?

Cat Warren poses with Solo, a highly trained cadaver dog.

Hurricane Helene claimed at least 101 lives in Western North Carolina, burying many victims beneath rubble and floodwater.

Highly trained dogs have played a crucial role in finding victims remains; one canine-assisted search team from Guilford County recovered 20 bodies in the immediate aftermath of the storm. These specialist canines and their handlers are likely to find more casualties in the weeks to come, according to cadaver dog expert Cat Warren.

A former journalist and English professor at N.C. State University, Warren became a cadaver dog handler after training her German shepherd, Solo, to detect the scent of human remains. She wrote about their experiences searching for the deceased in What the Dog Knows, a New York Times bestseller published in 2013 that explores the science and history of working dogs.

Warren recently spoke with NC Health News about the grim but essential service provided by cadaver dogs and the challenges theyve faced after Helene. Her comments have been edited for length and clarity.

NC HEALTH NEWS: What are some of the unique challenges involved in training a dog to detect human remains  especially in disaster scenarios like hurricanes?

CAT WARREN: Disaster work adds bunches of challenges on top of just finding the scent of human remains.

It takes absolute experience for the dogs and handlers to work in these situations. Very often, they are working through mud or theyre on a boat going down very swollen rivers or lakes. They have to be physically fit and enormously resilient.

In a tragedy like this, you also have so much competing odor. Theres decaying food, decaying livestock and garbage. It can be a challenge for a dog to work through those competing scents to locate the scent of human remains.

When a dog is in scent mode, its doing the equivalent of hyperventilating. Their sniff rates are going up, and it just takes more out of them, especially when theyre also having to negotiate all this impossible territory. The work is super tiring.

Many times, the dogs will work for hours and hours without finding anything. After they find something, they will rest briefly before being washed down to get rid of any environmental contamination they may have been exposed to. Then its back to work.

NCHN: How do factors like flooding, mudslides or dense forests affect the ability of dogs to detect remains after events like hurricanes?

WARREN: There are huge barriers in simply being able to get the dog to the places where the scent is available.

These are scent detection dogs, not body detection dogs. If somebody is buried under rubble or mud or is underwater, the dog is simply telling the handler that they smell the odor of human remains. In a disaster like this, the handlers have to know their dogs incredibly well.

You have this moment called a change of behavior, where the dog might lift his head or get a particular crank in his tail. Now, its conceivable that some of these dogs are trained to bark or sometimes sit down in ideal situations. I know it sounds weird that there are ideal situations, but if youre searching for somebody whos missing in the woods, its a whole lot easier for the dog to get to where that scent is and to get as close as possible to where the victim is.

But in these cases, the dog may not be able to get close enough or the scent is so fractured that the dog is somewhat uncertain. Thats when the handler is going to tell people who are flanking them, Look, the dog showed real interest here. The dog may not give his final indication because that body or that scent is underneath a pile of debris, so its then up to the searchers to go in and search that pile of debris.

NCHN: How would you describe a typical search operation involving cadaver dogs in disaster-hit areas? Is there a timeline for the work?

WARREN: Its grim, but the timeline for this is going to be months because theres such a huge area to search.

Officials are still gathering accounts of where people went missing, and we have a homeless population in Asheville that is probably very much still unaccounted for. Also, from the point of view of the dogs, scent becomes, lets face it, more and more available to them the longer somebody goes missing.

If we think about these mudslides and the mud hardening, it sadly increases the likelihood that all of the victims wont be recovered because these essentially become burials. But scent can very often find a way to the surface, which is why were using dogs right now on burial sites that go back hundreds of years.

Part of the challenge here, frankly, is that weve had people go in with dogs that are not properly trained. They want to be heroes and they want to get attention, so well have these areas that have been searched but not with effectively trained teams. People are going to have to go back in and re-search those areas.

NCHN: Is there a system for distinguishing untrained dogs and handlers from those that have been properly trained?

WARREN: Yes and no. For people on the ground searching, it can be hard to distinguish handlers with dogs that have been deeply trained from well-meaning people or attention seekers who are a little bit delusional about what the conditions are and what their dogs are capable of doing.

Handlers for FEMA and Urban Search and Rescue teams have high standards and requirements for training dogs, so those dogs tend to have more of what it takes. That said, there are also excellent dogs and teams not employed by those agencies who are familiar with mountain searching and mountain areas.

There are dogs and handlers who are very much up to doing this and doing it properly, but there arent thousands of them out there. Its an enormously complicated, professional thing that these folks do. And when you think about what it takes  the money, the time and the skill  it amazes me that there are as many as there are.

NCHN: How do handlers familiarize their dogs with the scent of human remains?

WARREN: There are people who use something called pseudo scent, which is a compilation of the complex chemicals that make up the scent of human remains, but training with actual human remains is ideal.

Access to that kind of training material can differ from state to state, depending on the states regulations. Hospitals sometimes have agreements with FEMA teams allowing access to human material. When I was training with Solo, I had access to training materials that came from the medical examiner.

There are also facilities popularly known as body farms, although thats a bit of a crude term. Western Carolina University hosts seminars for dogs that are training to detect human remains. During these seminars, dogs and handlers have access to old bodies or large sets of remains, which is enormously important for training.

Can a dog locate an entire body after only training with small amounts of bone or teeth? Absolutely. But you can imagine how overwhelming or even frightening it can be for a dog that hasnt been absolutely exposed to the scent of remains to be hit in the face with a whole bunch of scent.

Its not overwhelming because the dog is thinking, Oh my God. This is a deceased human. I cant handle this. The dog is more likely thinking, Thats a load of scent that Ive never been exposed to, and Im not sure what to do with it.

NCHN: What improvements or advancements have you seen in cadaver dog training that could enhance future search and recovery efforts?

WARREN: Generally, training over the past 20 years or so has improved at the highest levels because people have a greater understanding of how positive reinforcement and motivation can be used to train dogs in a really disciplined way.

Some dogs are motivated by a toy reward, while some of them are motivated by the joy of the hunt and are self-rewarded, in a sense, by the hunt itself. If you think about border collies, they dont get a toy at the end of herding sheep. They just love to herd sheep.

One of the things that handlers are doing all the time is figuring out how to keep these dogs motivated over long search periods. It takes a lot of talent and a lot of training to ensure that a dog who wont be rewarded for a long time is still willing to work.

These dogs arent doing this because they want to give closure to loved ones. Theyre doing it because theyre dogs and they really love doing this work. But the handlers motivation is somewhat different. They are professionals, and theyre setting aside any emotion while theyre doing this work because they have to.

It truly is analogous to a surgeon walking into an operating room. The surgeon isnt thinking about that persons family and how theyre going to feel. The surgeon is thinking about doing the best work possible with their training in that particular situation.

For handlers, some of the feelings may come afterwards. These guys are doing really, really hard work. It is exhausting, and it takes a real physical and emotional toll. Im hugely admiring of people who can do this.
Therapy Newfies provide post-Helene comfort and support to hundreds

A therapy Newfie nuzzles a first responder.

TimberKnolls Spirit Cove Newfoundland Animal Therapy recently completed its "Tour of Healing and Hope," bringing the therapeutic presence of their Newfoundlands, affectionately known as "Newfie Therapists," to communities across Western North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene.

These gentle giants provided comfort, support and a sense of healing to more than 250 first responders, 1,100 essential workers, 330 students, 75 teachers, and more than 1,322 other WNC residents as they visited various locations, including Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Asheville and Hendersonville.

"Our Newfie teams were honored to walk alongside these communities during such challenging times," Lisa Schiller, executive director of TimberKnolls Spirit Cove, said in a news release. "We saw firsthand how a simple hug from one of our dogs could help people begin to process and release the stress they've been carrying since the storm."

Stops on the tour included key locations where emergency workers, teachers, students and residents needed extra support in the aftermath of the storm. Notable visits included the American Red Cross Shelter at the Western North Carolina Ag Center in Fletcher, Asheville Emergency Dispatch Center, Charles D. Owen High School in Swannanoa and multiple Henderson County and Hendersonville government facilities, including City Hall, Hendersonville Fire Station and Emergency Services headquarters.

Having the Newfies on our first day back brought such joy and comfort to our students and staff. Students, staff, parents, and community members expressed such gratitude for having these gentle giants welcome us back to school," Owen High School principal Dawn Rookey said.

TimberKnolls' history with Owen High runs deep; over 15 years ago, their Hudson Ambassador Program, led by TimberKnolls co-founder Patti Sutherland, helped at-risk students remain in school. Now, graduates of that original program have come full circle, returning as therapy dog handlers to support todays students.

Earlier this month, six Newfie therapy teams visited Hendersonville City Hall, City Operations Center, wastewater management facilities and the Henderson County Emergency Services Management offices, celebrating the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly to restore critical infrastructure following the storm. Employees laughed, and some even shed tears upon meeting the dogs. Several noted that the Newies bear-like appearance felt fitting in Hendersonville, a town known for its artistic bear statues.

"For some of these employees, seeing the Newfoundlands was a moment of joy they hadnt experienced in weeks," Schiller said.

Headquartered in Dandridge, Tennessee, TimberKnolls Spirit Cove will soon break ground on a new animal-assisted therapy ranch on 16 acres on Evans Road near Kanuga Conference Center. TimberKnolls provides animal-assisted activities and therapy free to veterans, military families, firefighters, EMS workers, public school teachers, students and individuals battling illness or trauma.

"Since our founding in 2018, TimberKnolls has brought hope and joy to over 160,000 lives nationwide," Schiller said. "We are dedicated to supporting those who serve and protect our communities and offering safe spaces for healing and resilience-building."
CCTV will be installed at a riverside beauty spot in Henley.

The town council is to install the cameras at Red Lion Lawn, by Henley Bridge, in a bid to deter vandals.

It has received a grant of 1,362 for the devices from a community fund operated by Matthew Barber, the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner.
Cambodia-China Travel Fair to be held in cultural province of Siem Reap next month

Xinhua) 11:15, November 11, 2024

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodia-China Travel Fair will be held in the cultural province of Siem Reap in northwest Cambodia on Dec. 6-8, said an announcement from the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism on Saturday.

Siem Reap is home to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, which is comprised of 91 ancient temples built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

About 200 Cambodian and Chinese tour and travel operators are expected to take part in the forthcoming event, the announcement said, adding that the key activities at the fair will include a Cambodia tourism promotion seminar, a business matching event, and visits to tourist destinations.

The upcoming fair is one of the activities to promote the "Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024" and the "Visit Siem Reap 2024" campaign, it said.

"The Ministry of Tourism urges tourism associations, tour operators, public-private sector, relevant institutions, national and international media outlets, and the public to actively participate in the aforementioned Cambodia-China Travel Fair, and to promote it widely to all relevant partners," the announcement said.

China is one of the largest sources of international tourists to the Southeast Asian country.

Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak said the kingdom received 4.3 million international tourists during the January-August period of 2024, an increase of 22.5 percent. Of the number, 538,834 were Chinese tourists, up 47.7 percent.

"Cambodia is projected to receive 7 million international tourists including more than 2 million Chinese tourists in 2025," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
China to offer over 100 exchange spots to Italian universities

Xinhua) 11:20, November 11, 2024

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will offer over 100 exchange opportunities to Italian universities, with the aim of further deepening higher education exchanges between the two countries, Huai Jinpeng, the Chinese minister of education, said on Saturday.

Huai made the announcement at the opening ceremony of the China-Italy University Rectors Dialogue held in Beijing, stating that China will offer at least five fully funded student exchange opportunities to each of the 22 Italian universities participating in the event.

At the opening ceremony, the Italy leg of a high-level initiative to double the scale of European youth exchanges in China was launched, and several Chinese and Italian universities also signed agreements to jointly build research centers and campuses.

"Currently, China and Italy boast all-round, wide-ranging and multi-layered education exchanges and cooperation," Huai noted, adding that China is now the largest source country of international students in Italy, while Italy ranks among the top five European countries in terms of the number of its own students studying in China.

To date, universities from both countries have jointly established 45 collaborative higher education institutions and programs, as well as nine international research laboratories with a focus on cutting-edge and foundational disciplines as well as high-tech engineering fields.

"We sincerely hope that universities in both countries can make full use of various opportunities such as short-term study visits, student exchanges, summer schools and joint training programs to promote in-depth exchanges among Chinese and Italian youth," Huai added.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership. Over the past two decades, educational exchanges and cooperation between the two sides have played a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples.

"More than 700 years ago, Marco Polo's travels connected the Chinese and Western civilizations. Looking into the future, we will continue the spirit of mutual respect and exchange in dialogue and cooperation, and create more opportunities for the young people of both countries," said Tiziana Lippiello, board member of the Conference of Italian University Rectors, at the ceremony.

The dialogue was jointly organized by China's Ministry of Education and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, with representatives from nearly 50 universities in both countries attending.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The 100-key new-build hotel is set to open in 2028, bringing world-class hospitality to the city.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Peachery LLP to launch Holiday Inn Ujjain. Scheduled to open in 2028, the new property aligns with IHG's strategic focus on expanding its footprint in high-growth secondary markets across India.

A major Hindu pilgrimage center, Ujjain is renowned for hosting the Kumbh Mela, with the next event set for 2028. The city is also home to the famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas shrines respected as sacred abodes of Shiva, making it a significant attraction for pilgrims.

With over 70 years of trusted hospitality, Holiday Inn is set to launch in Ujjain and offer unique stay experiences tailored to both spiritual travellers and those celebrating weddings in the culturally rich city.

Holiday Inn Ujjain will feature 100 well-appointed rooms, including 10 suites, and will offer a range of dining options: an All-Day Dining, a lounge bar, and a specialty restaurant. For events and meetings, the hotel will provide a banquet hall and five versatile meeting venues, making it an ideal destination for social events. Leisure amenities such as the hotel's pool and fitness centre will provide guests with a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Hotel website
Grand Mercure Hangzhou Qingshan Lake is ideally situated next to the tranquil and picturesque Qingshan Lake, a popular destination of ecological richness for tourists as well as locals of Hangzhou. The area is a fascinating mix of historical significance and progressive growth, deeply rooted in Wuyue culture, celebrating the rich heritage of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions. Aligning with Hangzhou's focus on technological innovation and industry, the Qingshan Lake community is also gaining prominence as a high-tech center of business, while retaining its connection to the natural beauty of Hangzhou. The hotel not only provides premium accommodations but also embraces sustainable practices, ensuring that guests can enjoy the stunning environment responsibly.

Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and open wilderness, the hotel features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows in each of its 177 spacious and elegant guest rooms, allowing guests to admire the shimmering blue waves of the lake and the lush, and rolling mountains. Its prime location offers convenient transportation, with only a three-minute drive to the Qingshan Lake Scenic Area and a one hour drive from the popular West Lake area.

Each Grand Mercure destination offers an immersive experience that celebrates national culture and stimulates the senses. Guests are invited to connect with the destination's regional heritage through locally inspired culinary and beverage ceremonies, wellbeing traditions, and thoughtful design. The Grand Mercure Hangzhou Qingshan Lake features a variety of restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as Executive Lounges and advanced fitness facilities. Event planners and conference organizers will find ample meeting and event space at the property, with a total of 4,000 square meter of meeting space atGrand Mercure Hangzhou Qingshan Lake.Equipped with advanced technology and smart systems, the new Grand Mercure destination is ideal for creating inspiring, delightful and immersive meetings, weddings, and celebrations.

Hotel website
Michael currently serves as Senior Vice President, Business Intelligence and Data Solutions for Amadeus Hospitality Division. He has more than 15 years of experience working for technology enterprise companies across strategy, transformation, portfolio management and commercial roles. Prior to his current role, Michael held global roles within Amadeus building the strategy and driving the execution of diversification and new growth initiatives, initially based in France. Since 2017, a focus within the Hospitality division through the acquisition of Travelclick moved him to New York to integrate the expanded Hospitality business unit. He then transitioned to Madrid in 2020 to contribute to strategy, transformation, portfolio management, and go-to-market initiatives.
Hospitality industry leader with 30+ years of expertise, Tom Engel is credited with co-creating three (3) global lodging brandsEmbassy Suites Hotels, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham. Mr. Engel is founder of the T.R. ENGEL Group, LLC (TRE), a Boston-based hospitality advisory, operational asset management, and project management firm operating on a global basis. TREs core business discipline revolves around advising institutional investorspension funds, real estate investment managers, and international high net worth family officesinvesting in hotel lodging in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. TRE typically then oversees the entirety of the investment in the role of hotel asset manager working on behalf of the investor. Previously, Mr. Engel was Executive Vice President, Equitable/AXA Real Estate Investment Management Inc., where he created, then ran its worldwide lodging and leisure investment management group. Mr. Engels group was a full-service hospitality resource, providing both hotel debt and equity investments, conducting project management and through its asset management team was responsible for the oversight of a $2 billion portfolio of 62 hotels and resorts. Previously, Mr. Engel was a Group Brand Manager at Unilever, Inc. and Director of Marketing, at Revlon, Inc. Mr. Engel has extensive experience with creation of hotel brands, operations planning, and creation of brand standards and procedures with luxury, upscale and extended stay hotels. Mr. Engel is a director of publicly-held The Procaccianti Hotel REIT. He is an adjunct professor at Boston University and Chairman, Boston University School of Hospitality Managements Advisory Board. Graduate; Northwestern University, University of St. Thomas. Veteran, United States Marine Corps, VMA-131 Air Wing.
In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, the use of business intelligence is becoming increasingly important. Hoteliers are recognizing the immense value that data brings to their business, from understanding drivers of demand to developing effective revenue management strategies. But the big question is  how willing are they to invest in new technology?

Investment trends and priorities

Im pleased to see that in our latest report, "Travel Technology Investment Trends 2024," nearly all hoteliers are planning to increase their technology spend this year, with a significant focus on business intelligence tools. The report, based on a survey of global hospitality leaders, reveals that 94% of IT decision-makers are planning to invest in technology, with 70% planning moderate investments and 24% planning heavy investments.

When asked to rate their top business objectives that are driving technology investment, 41% of hoteliers cited their desire to increase occupancy. Survey respondents also said data fragmentation (33%), data efficiency (32%), and data integrity (30%) are among the biggest challenges faced in business intelligence today. These are issues that can be significantly improved upon with the right technology.

How does data drive success?

The most effective business intelligence (BI) solutions provide the freshest, most comprehensive, accurate datadata extracted directly from the source to ensure accuracy. This includes both historical and forward-looking, on-the-books data, allowing hoteliers to understand anticipated travel volumes and plan revenue, sales, marketing, and operational strategies accordingly. By leveraging these extensive data sets, hoteliers gain deeper insights into market trends, competitive performance and customer preferences, leading to better decision-making. Our survey confirms this, with 35% of hoteliers rating forward trends data as the most important insights from their BI solutions.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is another hot topic in business intelligence, with virtually all hoteliers (98%) recognizing that AI has the potential to bring significant benefits to their businesses. This is why the most innovative BI solutions in the market are launching GenAI capabilities like chatbots to help hoteliers  even those unfamiliar with complex data and reporting  access information at scale and speed. By entering a basic query into the chatbot (like a search for bookings, average daily rate, or revenue pipeline), anyone  from a marketing manager to operations manager  can instantly receive an answer in supported languages, removing the need for a manual search. This is a gamechanger for hoteliers with limited time and staff, allowing team members to access critical information to make informed decisions faster.

The power of data to boost efficiency and increase revenue

The benefits of business intelligence are tangible. For example, the Inn at the Market in Seattle used a suite of solutions including Amadeus' business intelligence to significantly increase its revenue by making strategic decisions based on the accurate and fresh data. Between January 2023 and August 2023, the boutique hotel saw a return on investment (ROI) of over 500%, an average increase of $48 to the average daily rate (ADR), and revenue surpassing the full year 2022.

In another instance, the El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico used insights from Amadeus business intelligence solutions in combination with digital media and web to establish a strategy to attract the right guests, drive more direct business, and bring in ancillary revenue. Equipped with better data, the independent property grew its direct booking rate to 46% over the past few years and brought its ADR back to 2019 levels.

As the hospitality industry progresses, the value of business intelligence tools continues to rise. By embracing these tools, hoteliers can achieve a remarkable competitive advantage, enhance their business strategies, and drive revenue growth.

For more information on the latest trends and insights, download the full "Travel Technology Investment Trends 2024" report.

About Amadeus

Amadeus powers more personalized and authentic travel experiences. Our solutions are designed to enrich every stage of the traveller journey and help hospitality providers acquire, service, and retain guests by profitably driving demand and converting them into loyal fans.

Backed by over 30 years of experience, we design open, cutting-edge software to provide the most efficient, trusted, and reliable systems for our customers. With experts in 175+ countries, we have a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a desire to enable our hotel partners to create memorable guest experiences.

To find out more about Amadeus, visit www.amadeus-hospitality.com.

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The word competitiveness is emerging as a theme for the new European Commission, a guiding principle for economic development, and an alarm bell to spur political leaders across Europes capitals to action. It is right, and the report by Mario Draghi couldnt be more timely: Europe must take bold steps to sharpen its competitive edge in an increasingly fierce global environment.

Working for Booking.com, one of Europes tech champions, has given me a front-row seat to both the limitless potential and the many challenges European businesses face. Draghis report underscores many truths, but one quote stands out for me:

The problem is not that Europe lacks ideas or ambition. We have many talented researchers and entrepreneurs filing patents. But innovation is blocked at the next stage: we are failing to translate innovation into commercialization, and innovative companies that want to scale up in Europe are hindered at every stage by inconsistent and restrictive regulations.

Innovation Gap: Booking.coms Story

A European tech leader in its DNA, Booking.com grew up from a tiny startup in the Netherlands into a major tech platform with a global reach. We scaled at the dawn of the internet age, and our success owes much to the entrepreneurial culture of the Netherlands. But even then, we faced challenges, especially accessing risk capital and navigating the fragmented regulatory landscape, as we grew.

The innovation gap Draghi highlights vis-a-vis the US or China is real. Many European startups struggle to make the leap from idea to implementation. Bigger problem still is reaching global scale and entering a 100B+ valuation club. Ambitious midsize or even large European companies are slowed down by the lack of harmonized market access.

Small but Mighty: European SMEs Lead in Jobs and Value Added Source: Statista

Productivity and Global Competition: Empowering SMEs through Digitalization

One of the key themes in Draghis report is the need for Europe to boost productivity, especially among SMEs, which are crucial to the economy but often lack the resources and managerial bandwidth to compete globally. At Booking.com, weve seen firsthand how empowering small accommodations with digital tools and a global audience has transformed the travel industry.

Draghis call aligns closely with our experience. By using open platforms like ours, SMEs can focus on delivering high-value services, such as personalized guest experiences, while benefiting from advanced technology and global reach. Partnership with digital platforms helps small businesses solve one of their biggest headaches  customer acquisition  in a risk-free format without the need for upfront investment. This synergy between small businesses and large tech platforms is exactly what Draghi advocates for, and what independent research from McKinsey also highlights.

Top 6 Challenges Small Businesses Face in the EU Source: Statista

The ECB identified technology as a key driver of productivity, noting that slow tech diffusion in services  where SMEs dominate  explains much of the EUs productivity gap with the US. However, the accommodation industry has been an exception, where within-firm productivity has increased, coinciding with the rise of online platforms.

This isnt about big vs. small or old vs. new  its about creating value through collaboration and fostering the diffusion of tech across all sectors

The Need for Skills and Digital Competencies

Draghis emphasis on skills development is another point we cant ignore. At Booking.com, we have made significant investments in digital skills training, both within our company and for the thousands of SMEs that use our platform. Digital competencies are the currency of the modern economy, and it is vital that we equip the European workforce with necessary skills.

Our experience has shown that when hospitality SMEs are given the right tools and training, their productivity goes up, and can even match that of global hotel chains. Weve seen this transformation take place across Europe, from boutique hotels in Spain to family-run B&Bs in the Netherlands. With the right support, be it from partnership with platforms like ours or a nurturing regulatory environment these businesses can not only compete but excel on a global stage.

Accommodation Industry: A Symbiotic Relationship Between Small & Large Firms Source: Booking.com

A Call to Action: The Future of European Competitiveness

At present, the valuation of the top 5 biggest European tech companies  ASML, SAP, Booking.com, Adyen, and Spotify  add up to around $600700 billion, whereas the combined valuation of the U.S. top 5 tech giants  Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), Amazon, and Nvidia  exceed $9 trillion. With greater alignment between governments and businesses, we can foster an ecosystem where innovation thrives and companies can scale more easily across borders.

The European competitiveness Draghi envisions is what we embody at Booking.com. Our success is a testament to what is possible when global ambition, innovation, and collaboration come together. But Europe must do more to foster the conditions that will allow its businesses  large and small  to compete on a global stage.

Mario Draghis recommendations are only as good as the meaningful actions we take together across European institutions, national governments, and the business community. By embracing innovation, supporting SMEs to better adopt technology, and at the same time recognizing the contributions of larger businesses, the EU can secure its place among the global leaders in the digital economy. Preserving Europes diverse landscape of local enterprises hinges on the ability of SMEs to adopt and integrate new technologies. This isnt about big vs. small or old vs. new  its about creating value through collaboration and fostering the diffusion of tech across all sectors.

A shorter version of this article first appeared in Euractiv on 23 Oct 2024.

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Nature Positive Tourism Partnership Heads to Cop16 in Colombia - Image Credit WTTC

The Nature Positive Tourism Partnership (NPTP), made up of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance), is addressing world leaders at the UN Biodiversity Summit (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, as it continues its drive to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.



Officially launched at COP15 in 2022, the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership brings together key tourism stakeholders, including policymakers and leading private sector players in travel, tourism, and hospitality.



The NPTP called on governments to engage strategically with the global Travel and tourism sector to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets.



Showcasing tourisms biodiversity successes



During COP26, the NPTP hosted a side panel supported by Colombia's Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism.



This side event highlighted Travel and tourisms role in biodiversity conservation and the achievements of the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership. It showcased successful initiatives where the sector contributes to biodiversity, explored policies that integrate biodiversity into Travel and tourism and supported the implementation of the GBF.



During the event, the NPTP also outlined its work and plans for the future, aiming to inspire net positive commitments and demonstrate how Travel and tourism can actively conserve and sustainably use biodiversity, positioning the sector as a key player in protecting nature for future generations.



The NPTP will also participate in the final plenary, calling for increased recognition of the sectors potential in delivering GBF goals. It will also call for increased support for public-private partnerships that will drive policies and initiatives towards a more nature-friendly industry.



Gloria Fluxa, Vice Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar and chair of WTTC's Sustainability Committee, will also address world leaders during the event.



Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: The eyes of the world are upon us, and we must act. There is simply no time to waste. Travel & Tourisms reliance on nature, combined with our expertise in creating inspiring and memorable experiences, means we are perfectly placed to be guardians of nature.



UN Tourism SG Zurab Pololikashvili emphasised, The sectors catalytic abilities are now widely known, like no other economic activity, tourism can be, if well managed, an agent of positive change. Developing a Nature Positive Travel and Tourism sector is our commitment.



Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: The Nature Positive Tourism Partnership represents a crucial evolution in the tourism and hospitality industry, as we increasingly recognise our responsibility to protect and regenerate biodiversity. This initiative is not just about setting new standards; its about sharing best practices from around the globe to inspire our sector.
Leapfrogging Into the Future: The Travel Industry's Tech-Driven Transformation - Image Credit Unsplash+

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the digitalization of customer and supply-chain interactions in the travel and hotel industry.

The use of advanced technology platforms and artificial intelligence is shaping the future of the industry, with new and existing players adopting these tools to enhance their services and offerings.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and hotel industry has experienced a significant shift towards a more digital-focused approach. This change was spearheaded by innovative entrepreneurs like Ryan Killeen, who launched The Annex, a boutique hotel in Toronto, Canada, in 2018.

With his background in tech companies like Sonder and Airbnb, Killeen aimed to create a unique space under the "tech-enabled hospitality" banner. His vision included a cashless property, digital services, and touchless check-in features, all supported by an on-site concierge ambassador. However, the pandemic further accelerated this shift towards a digitally driven model, not just for The Annex but for the industry at large.

A 2020 McKinsey Global Survey of Executives revealed that the pandemic had fast-tracked the "digitization of customer and supply-chain interactions, and internal operations" by three to four years. This acceleration has prompted a wave of change within the industry, with new entrants looking to capitalize on the advancements in technology platforms and artificial intelligence.

The term "leapfrogging" describes a phenomenon in which industries bypass traditional stages of development and adopt the latest technologies. This mechanism has been observed in areas like mobile payments in Africa, where the region bypassed landline telephony and jumped straight to mobile, causing rapid changes beyond telecommunications.

The travel industry seems to be experiencing its "leapfrog" moment, with several tech-driven accommodation operators like Bob W, Landing, Numa Group, and Kasa scaling rapidly. Even smaller players are entering the arena, armed with advanced technology tools.

On a larger scale, destinations like Saudi Arabia's Alula are leveraging new technology to enhance their global presence. The Royal Commission for Alula has adopted a suite of digital experience platforms to deliver a personalized end-to-end customer experience and improve marketing ROI.

However, this shift towards a tech-centric model is not without its challenges. The industry is rife with "technology debt" as it strives to modernize itself. This refers to the problems that arise due to incremental changes and the inability to resolve them, which leads to the accumulation of unresolved issues. Despite this, savvy travel organizations use software to differentiate themselves and overlay new technology onto older infrastructures.

The travel and hotel industry is indeed experiencing a "leapfrog" moment. Driven by the pandemic's push towards digitization and the advent of advanced technology, the industry is poised for a seismic shift towards a more tech-centric model. However, the journey is fraught with challenges, and how the industry will navigate this new era remains to be seen.

Visit PhocusWire for more details.
Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka - A Dusit Retreat - Image Credit Dusit International

Dusit Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Indian luxury hotel and resort developer Shravanthi Hotels and Resorts Private Limited to establish its first wellness retreat in India. Named Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka - A Dusit Retreat, the property is expected to open in March 2028.

The new retreat marks the first Devarana - Dusit Retreat project outside of China, demonstrating Dusit's objective of extending its luxury wellness resort brand to selected global destinations.

Devarana Sakleshpur will host 75 luxury villas and suites, ranging from 47 to 90 square meters, with 25 units featuring private plunge pools. The retreat will offer wellness facilities, including a dedicated Devarana Wellness Centre with a gym, movement studio, and herbal steam room. Personalized programs and wellness consultation services will also be available to cater to guests' diverse wellness paths.

Additional amenities include an infinity pool, a South Indian specialty restaurant, and an all-day dining venue offering nutritious meals.

Situated in the scenic Western Ghats, a four-hour drive from Karnataka's capital, Bangalore, Sakleshpur is recognized for its lush coffee, tea, and spice plantations, historic temples, and trekking trails through the Bisle Reserve Forest. Near the retreat are popular attractions such as the star-shaped Manjarabad Fort and Jenukallu Gudda Peak, with views of the Arabian Sea. The Mangalore International Airport is 130 km away.

Gilles Cretallaz, COO of Dusit International, expressed excitement about the new venture, stating that the serene beauty of Sakleshpur aligns well with the holistic essence of Devarana - Dusit Retreats.

Santosh Balakrishna, Executive Director of Shravanthi Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, shared that the partnership with Dusit Hotels and Resorts aligns with their vision for a unique project that combines luxury and well-being.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts will also re-enter India this December with the soft opening of dusitD2 Fagu, near Shimla, in the forested Himalayan foothills. Four more Dusit-branded hotels are planned for Karnataka, set to open in mid-2026. Dusit's portfolio currently includes 301 properties across 18 countries, including 57 under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens.
New Premier Inn Hotel Planned for Edinburgh Airport - Image Credit Whitbread

Whitbread PLC, the parent company of Premier Inn, has joined forces with Riverstone Hotels Ltd to establish a new hotel at Edinburgh Airport. The proposed 200-bedroom Premier Inn, located within a ten-minute walk to the airport terminal, would expand the hospitality company's footprint in the area serving Scotland's busiest airport.

Whitbread and its development partner are reviewing the plans for the five-storey hotel. In the new year, a formal application for the development will be submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council.

Due to its proximity to the airport terminal, the new hotel aims to provide convenience to both business and leisure travelers. In 2023, the airport recorded a passenger count of approximately 14.5 million, marking an almost 30% increase from the previous year.

According to Jill Anderson, Whitbread's Acquisitions Manager, the firm sees a bright future in strategic locations where the airport continues to grow. The new hotel represents another example of Whitbread's investment strategy in such promising areas.

The proposed hotel will also house Premier Inn's latest integrated restaurant and social space, "The Social," on its ground floor. Premier Inn will occupy the hotel on a leasehold basis and offer an assortment of the brand's latest style bedrooms, including its Premier Plus rooms.

The hotel, planned to be constructed on Eastfield Road, will offer 100 on-site parking spaces for its guests. In line with Whitbread's sustainability commitments, the hotel will be entirely powered by renewable electricity and is designed to achieve a BREEAM 'very good' rating.

John Rumsey, Development Director at Riverstone Developments, praised Whitbread's strong reputation and financial performance as key factors in their decision to partner with them.

Public consultation events on the new Premier Inn at Edinburgh Airport plans have been scheduled for November 19 and December 17. This follows Whitbread's announcement of the north of England's largest Premier Inn at Manchester Airport, further expanding the brand's presence at key travel hubs.
New Holiday Inn Location in Ujjain, India Announced for 2028 - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to launch a new hotel, Holiday Inn Ujjain, in collaboration with Peachery LLP. The hotel, scheduled to open in 2028, is part of IHG's expansion strategy into rapidly growing secondary markets in India.

Ujjain is a significant Hindu pilgrimage center known for hosting the Kumbh Mela festival. It is also home to the renowned Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlinga shrines. These factors make Ujjain a significant attraction for spiritual tourists and a popular wedding venue.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement over the partnership with Peachery LLP. He noted that Ujjain's appeal as a major pilgrimage site and its popularity for destination weddings make it a fitting location for the Holiday Inn brand. Jain is confident that the new hotel will provide enriching experiences for visitors seeking spiritual solace or memorable celebrations.

Santosh Agrawal, Partner and Co-founder of Peachery LLP, also expressed delight at the partnership. He noted that combining IHG's global standards with Peachery's local expertise will create a distinguished destination for guests. With its excellent location and world-class amenities, Agrawal is confident that the new hotel will set new hospitality standards in Ujjain.

The Holiday Inn Ujjain will feature 100 rooms, including 10 suites and various dining options. It will also offer an all-day dining facility, a lounge bar, and a specialty restaurant. The hotel will provide a banquet hall and five versatile meeting venues for meetings and events. Additional amenities include a pool and fitness center, ensuring guests a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Currently, IHG operates 46 hotels across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a strong pipeline of 58 hotels set to open in the country in the next three to five years.
The Claridges, New Delhi - Image Credit IHCL

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced a new partnership to expand the Claridges brand. Beginning in April 2025, IHCL will manage the 'The Claridges, New Delhi' hotel.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL's managing director and CEO, stated that this partnership aligns with their growth strategy of increasing IHCL's presence in major cities. He added that 'The Claridges, New Delhi' offers a unique opportunity to grow its portfolio in one of the country's premier locations and expand the Claridges brand.

Established in 1955, 'The Claridges, New Delhi' is an iconic hotel known for its blend of classic elegance and modern luxury. It has 119 rooms and suites and offers many dining options. These include all-day dining at Pickwick, Cantonese cuisine at Jade, Punjabi food at Dhaba, Thai-inspired dishes at Erawaan, and Mediterranean classics at Sevilla. For cocktails, guests can visit the Elephant Bar and Aura.

Mr. Suresh Nanda, of Claridges Hotels Pvt. Ltd., expressed his excitement about expanding their partnership with IHCL, confident that under IHCL's management, 'The Claridges' will continue to build on its esteemed legacy.

About IHCL: IHCL, along with its subsidiaries, offers a broad range of hospitality brands, including Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Gateway, and Ginger. Founded by Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata, IHCL opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 350 hotels, including 118 under development, across four continents, 13 countries, and over 130 locations. IHCL is India's largest hospitality company by market capitalization and is listed on the BSE and NSE.
Tourism's Role in Climate Action Highlighted at COP29 - Image Credit UNWTO

For the first time in history, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) will focus on the tourism sector's role in global climate action. The event, scheduled for November 20 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will see Tourism Ministers join the dialogue, highlighting the sector's significance in climate action.

This opportunity was facilitated by the combined efforts of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). It also reflects the shift towards a science-based approach in guiding the tourism sector on climate action, building on the Glasgow Declaration Initiative and the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme.

On November 20, the First Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action in Tourism will take place, followed by three high-level roundtables on measurement and decarbonization, regeneration (adaptation), and finance and innovative solutions. These discussions aim to create a robust tourism climate agenda.

The Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism will also be launched at COP29. This declaration is a call to action for developing more comprehensive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. Government representatives will be encouraged to endorse the declaration and align their tourism policies with national climate goals and the UN Climate Change Agenda.

Two flagship sustainability initiatives of UN Tourism will be featured during Thematic Day. The Glasgow Declaration Initiative on Climate Action in Tourism, a voluntary commitment launched at COP26, will seek additional signatories. The Initiative focuses on supporting the implementation of national climate policies through five strategic pathways.

Also, the UN-adopted Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) will be formally recognized as the tool for measuring the sector's climate action impacts. Beyond GDP, the MST Framework includes environmental data like greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, providing reliable data on tourism's impact on climate change.

Plans to enhance climate action in tourism will continue post-COP29, with discussions around a coordination mechanism and partnership led by UN Tourism. This partnership aims for a science-based agenda for positive impact involving the UN System, multilateral partners, industry, academia, and other stakeholders.
Innovative business model: 3 key aspects from the gastronomic industry - Image Credit Unsplash+

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.

Margarita Cruz

Assistant Professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at EHL. Connect with Margarita on LinkedIn.

This article originally appeared on EHL Insights.
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Ioka Valley Farm Win Maple Syrup Competition

HANCOCK, Mass.  Pure maple products made by Massachusetts maple syrup producers were once again proclaimed to be the best in the world, as three of the state's sugarmakers took home prizes from the North American Maple Syrup Council's annual competition, held this year in Portland, Maine.

Four prizes were collected by Massachusetts producers. Massachusetts' winners were:

Maple Cream: 1st place, Rob and Melissa Leab, Ioka Valley Farm, Hancock

Maple Cream: 2nd place, Paul and Serena Zononi, Paul's Sugar House, Williamsburg

Golden/Delicate syrup: 2nd place, Howard and Jeanne Boyden, Boyden Brothers Maple, Conway

Amber/Rich syrup: 3rd place, Rob and Melissa Leab, Ioka Valley Farm, Hancock

The winners represent the breadth of the maple industry in Massachusetts.

Ioka Valley Farm is a fourth generation diversified, family owned and operated working farm dedicated to providing high quality locally grown products as well as enjoyment for all ages offering seasonal activities. Maple sugaring has been a part of Ioka Valley Farm since 1992 and currently they have 18,000 taps. Boyden's are a multi generational maple business well known for their high quality syrup, cream, granulated sugar, and candy.

They tap between 3500  4000 taps each year and market their products directly, mail order, and wholesale. Paul Zononi is a first generation sugar maker that has been producing maple syrup for over 60 years, where making quality maple syrup and maple products has been his passion. He and his wife Serena have been sugaring together since 2007 and have won numerous International Maple Awards.

They currently have 3,400taps.

There are more than 250 maple sugaring operations in Massachusetts, many of which sell their products directly to consumers at farm stands and farmers markets.
Market 32 Honors Veterans With Discount

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Market 32/Price Chopper is honoring Veterans with a special 11 percent discount on any one shopping trip on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

All veterans and retired, active-duty, reserve and National Guard military personnel and immediate family members are welcome to the discount with proof of service and AdvantEdge Card.

Proof of military service includes Uniformed Services ID Card, Common Access Card, VA Healthcare Card, VFW Membership Card, Veterans Advantage Membership Card, Veterans Administration ID Card, American Legion Membership Card, DD214 Form, or drivers license with veteran status indicated.

"We greatly respect those who have served our country and want to express our gratitude for their courage, and commitment to protecting our freedoms," said Blaine Bringhurst, Market 32/Price Chopper president. "This is Market 32/Price Choppers way of thanking members of our military, veterans, and their families for their sacrifices."
Public Safety Facility Panel Narrowing Potential Sites

DALTON, Mass.  The Public Safety Facility Advisory Committee is working to narrow down the four property selections it will include in its feasibility study.

Committee members recently reviewed potential sites and voted to remove some from the list.

Properties discussed included 134 East Housatonic St., 450 West Housatonic St., the Dalton American Legion, First Congregational Church, and the lot next to the Senior Center.

During the feasibility study, the architect will assess what is needed for a public safety facility to be accredited and efficient.

They will provide cost estimates and consider different scenarios, such as building a new facility on a green site, remodeling an existing building, and demolishing and rebuilding potential sites.

The committee voted to remove the properties located on West Housatonic Street and East Housatonic from consideration due to their proximity to railroad tracks.

Police Chief Deanna Strout said during the meeting that the noise and potential hazards from railroads are a concern.

"The noise of the trains and especially their whistles could hinder our dispatchers to be able to hear callers, officers, and fire and EMS personnel. The constant vibration of passing trains could damage the radio towers that would be attached to the building," she said in an email to the committee.

"Lastly, the possibility of an emergency with a passing train, such as a derailment or a hazardous spill, could damage a building in close proximity or put employees at risk. I know the possibility of an emergency is minimal, but it is still a risk."

In addition, East Housatonic Street has a private road that would have to be maintained, and the owners did not want to sell or rebuild the property; they wanted to lease it and use the existing building, committee co-Chair Craig Wilbur said.

Committee member Anthony Pagliarulo noted that while investigating procurement, he discovered that a municipality in Massachusetts can only lease for 30 years.

This requirement could complicate a lease-to-own arrangement and adds uncertainty to the feasibility of a long-term lease option.

Committee co-Chair Don Davis recommended that the town attorney provide an opinion on the legality and limitations around this matter.

Pagliarulo said he spoke to the Dalton American Legion board about the possibility of "slicing off a piece of property" to build a facility but noted they were not "keen" on the idea because this particular property is used for car shows and the carnival.

Pagliarulo said he created an "arbitrary" carve out that they were not keen on but said the board would come back to the committee if they come up with an alternative.

Committee member Dave Martindale added the First Congregational Church to the list of potential sites during the Oct. 16 meeting

The church has offices in the basement with a walkout and some offices on the second floor on the south end that are available for rent.

There is also the possibility of constructing a building farther to the east, using some of the green space and parking lot.

He previously said the church would take the parking lot on the west side to make up for what it would lose.

The existing two-story building has approximately 2,600 square feet on each level and was built with the provisions to add a third floor.

Since the last meeting, Martindale met with the church's trustees to request they ask their congregation to decide whether or not they are interested in making a deal, he said.

"There is another level of control above the trustees, and it would still have to go in front of the congregation. They're in the process now of setting that church meeting up to decide what they want to do," Martindale he told the committee.

"We told them where we are in that all this has to go through a process and we tried to explain the process. We conveyed to them that we have the feasibility study pending, which is going to tell us a lot. So, it was just the meeting to continue talking more than anything."

Pagliarulo said the church was communicative, considerate, and had positive comments from two members.

"I think the key there is, it's a real solid building block, concrete floors, it can accommodate a third floor, two access points, one in the front [and] one in the rear, in terms of [Americans with Disabilities Act,] and it's a good sized piece of property backing up to the Housatonic," he said.

Martindale said he also spoke with an "experienced contractor," who also indicated that it was a good site and could not see any red flags.

Pagliarulo said the trustee has to meet with the council of elders, in possibly two to three weeks, do discuss the prospect further. Then, if approved by them, it would have to go to the congregation for a vote.

The church can let the committee know if the location is a possibility by the end of the calendar year, Pagliarulo said.

During its previous meeting, committee members agreed to look into whether the old Dalton High School property, the lot next to the Senior Center is an option.

Since then Pagliarulo looked into the amount of available space on the property to see if there is room for a facility.

To do that he divided the property into two, a parcel in the front, facing High Street, which has about 1.1 acres, and a parcel in the back, adjacent to Glennon Avenue, with approximately 3 acres, he said.

The property has some hurdles like some of the other properties, such as flooding, which is being addressed with the Walker Brook project.

It was noted that utilizing the location for a police station would need to be approved at a town meeting because when the town demolished the old school for a million dollars, there was a commitment that housing was going to be the priority in order to build up more tax revenue to repay the funds it cost to demolish the building.

If the town were to change this to use the parcel for municipal use then they would have to go back to town meeting for approval.

Other properties they are still considering is 197 Main St., 11 Cleveland Road, and 339 North, which is a small parcel that the committee wants more information on.
Rachel Donohue of Natural Wallflower, left, truffle-maker Tarah Warner and her employee Jen McCarthy at the opening of Truffles by Tarah. Warner cuts the ribbon on her chocolate shop at 48 North St. on Friday. Mayor Peter Marchetti among the first customers for the candy. Natural Wildflower bath and body products will be back in December as one of the rotating pop-ups at 48 North. PreviousNext

Truffles By Tarah Pop-Up Opens in Pittsfield



Boxed up truffles for holiday gifting.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Tarah Warner hand rolls and dips as many as 1,000 truffles per week.

Throughout November and December, her treats will be available at a pop-up store in the downtown.



On Friday, the ribbon was cut for Truffles by Tarah at 48 North St. Offerings range from classic favorites such as dark chocolate to lavender lemonade.



"I'm just really excited to highlight locally sourced ingredients and to do the fun, interesting flavors that I've always been told nobody wants to try," Warner said.



"Things like the lavender lemonade, where people are like, 'No one's going to eat that, that's weird,' and then magic, people really like it, and now it's the holiday season so all those really fun winter flavors, the peppermint, the eggnog. It's really nice to be able to play with seasonal flavors and seasonal ingredients."



Born in raised in Berkshire County, Warner is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., with a degree in baking and pastry. She has worked at a chocolatier for 14 years, for some time at Mielke Confections in South County before it closed.



Her business is about two years old and before the pop-up, sold her treats at farmers and makers markets.



While chocolate can't be sourced from this region, Warner uses local ingredients when possible to flavor the truffles. Her first curated collection was a "Berkshire Box" that includes five truffles with locally sourced ingredients.


The Innovative Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are teaming up to showcase Filipino innovation and entrepreneurial excellence at the 6th Philippine Startup Week 2024 (PHSW24), happening from November 11-15, 2024, in collaboration with the Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystems of Startups-National Capital Region (SCALE NCR).

With the theme, ISA Para sa Bayan: Igniting Filipino Innovation, the five-day conference serves as a powerful convergence of stakeholders from the government, private sector, and NGOs, all united under a common goal - to elevate and accelerate Filipino innovation for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

The week-long event will feature a series of activities happening at multiple venues nationwide, connecting the startup community and shaping the future of the regions startup landscape. Key discussions will focus on funding strategies for Filipino startups, championing women-led innovations and businesses, leveraging AI and other emerging technologies, and integrating sustainability in innovations and business practices.

PHSW24 will feature sessions from the ISA Steering Committee Founding Agencies highlighting their accomplishments for the year and their plans for the Startup ecosystem and community in the coming years.

Some of the highlight events of this years conference include the return of Geeks on a Beach, an international conference for everyone passionate about startups, technology, design, the Pivotal: Rise of SEA Tech Conference which aims to drive discussion about the future of technology and innovation in Southeast Asia; the "Startup Pinay x Foundher" conference, which provides a platform for empowering female innovators and entrepreneurs; and "Greenovation Nation," a session dedicated to exploring sustainability in business and innovation, all co-designed and co-organized by different key enablers and SCALE NCR. The event will also spotlight the years most promising Filipino startups during the Pivotal 25, QBOs Game Changing Startups for 2024, as well as the second edition of the KMC Startup Awards.

Throughout the week, community events will also take place nationwide to drive regional startup growth and foster collaboration within the broader startup ecosystem. Events will be spearheaded by Community Event partners including Villgro Philippines, ICEBOX TBI, Cerebro, 1Export, TOMASInno Center  University of Santo Tomas (UST), ASES Manila, Eskwelabs, Geeks PH, New Energy Nexus Philippines, Startup Village, TechInAsia, Wadwhani Foundation, Startup QC, Ateneo Blue Nest, Batangas State University. The 5-day conference is expected to draw over 2,000 in-person attendees across the country, 150+ speakers, and 120+ startups.

These events exemplify the collaborative spirit and diversity of the Filipino startup ecosystem, enabling attendees to learn, interact, network, and collaborate across five tracks: Discover, Develop, Collaborate, Invest, and Showcase.

"The sixth edition of Philippine Startup Week aims to broaden our horizon by not only fostering innovation within the Philippines but also strengthening connections across Southeast Asia. With funding investments for Filipino startups on the rise after the 'funding winter,' we are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs to make a significant impact in the region. As one of the leading startup ecosystems in SEA, we will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders from across the region, laying the groundwork for a more collaborative, resilient, and globally competitive startup ecosystem, Usec Leah Buendia of DOST and the ISA Chairwoman said.

Since its inception in 2019, PHSW has grown into the largest startup conference in the country, spearheaded by DOST, DTI, and DICT, and other private sector partners including SCALE NCR. Over the past five years, the event has attracted over 155,000 participants and showcased more than 350 startups, drawing together startup founders, investors, corporations, academia, media, and government agencies to promote collaboration and innovation.

This event is a key initiative by the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) Steering Committee of the Philippines, which oversees the implementation of Republic Act No. 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act. The act aligns national startup programs, monitors their impact, and enhances access to benefits to further drive the Philippine Startup Development Program (PSDP).

Philippine Startup Week 2024 is supported by Google, Uniquecorn Strategies, Multisys, BossJob, PWC, and Swarm; Crayon, SIDEC, HoloBox PH; Cirrolytix, The New Channel (TNC), Carching, DOOH, RS Concepts, Outcomm, and In Circle.
The Synology Solution Day 2024 has concluded with great success, attracting over 500 IT professionals who gathered to delve into Synology's latest solutions in data storage and management, data and workload protection, business productivity and video surveillance, all dedicated to enhance enterprise data management efficiency. At the annual flagship event, Synology introduced highly scalable data storage and management solutions, a dedicated backup appliance with advanced security features, flexible AI camera deployment options, and intuitive AI-powered productivity tools all designed to empower business resilience.

Claire Huang, Country Manager of the Philippines at Synology, highlighted the extraordinary growth of Synology's business solutions and expressed gratitude to the attendees, acknowledging their role in the event's success. "Over the past three years in the Philippines, Synology has witnessed a remarkable growth in the market. Through our wide range of products, businesses of all sizes from the small/medium businesses to enterprises across industries have been served. Notable successes in manufacturing, government/public sectors, and retail industries underscores our achievements in meeting the evolving needs of the modern business landscape.

During the event, Synology delved into emerging industry trends against ransomware protection, providing in-depth analysis of how IT professionals can tackle today's challenges, such as large-scale and complex deployments and the shift towards AI-driven transformations. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear real-world deployment scenarios from well-known companies like Toyota Vietnam and SLC Group Thailand showcasing how they leverage Synology's solutions to stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic storage and data protection landscape.

Spotlight on Synologys Latest Innovations and Upcoming Product Line

Synology showcased its latest innovations in data protection, storage, and surveillance, emphasizing solutions designed to address the growing demands of modern enterprises. The ActiveProtect series simplifies deployment and sizing challenges with a streamlined interface, enabling protection for up to 2,500 multi-server environments across multiple sites, while offering data immutability and retention policies to ensure business continuity in the event of ransomware attacks . For high-capacity, non-disruptive data management, the new GS series delivers scale-out storage, supporting both file and object storage and performance growth when adding additional storage servers. Synology also introduced its C2 Surveillance Station, a cloud-based video surveillance solution with edge AI and multi-layer encryption, providing secure and efficient monitoring for environments without local recording servers.

Synology Solution Day 2024 also highlights updates to Synology's productivity tool, Office Suite, including the integration of GenAI features designed to enhance collaboration and streamline workflows. These new capabilities aim to boost team efficiency and simplify document management, offering a smarter, more intuitive way to work across departments.

"It is our pleasure to host our business partners and enterprises at our annual grand event in the Philippines. We're grateful to all the enterprise clients who attended and provided us with valuable frontline feedback," said Joanne Weng, Director of International Business Department at Synology. Philippines is one of our most important emerging markets, offering tremendous potential. As IT teams provide an essential foundation for businesses, our goal at Synology is to empower IT and strengthen the industry by offering efficient, transparent, and easy-to-deploy solutions.
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A quarter of a century ago, it seemed like nobody wanted Dogma. Kevin Smiths subversive comedy about a pair of disgraced angels (played by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) was met with fierce protests soon after it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. Writer-director Smith, riding high off his 1997 romcom Chasing Amy, received 300,000 pieces of hate mail, including several bona fide death threats. Religious campaign group the Catholic League picketed outside cinemas. Critics also sharpened their knives, with The Independents Gilbert Adair among those who crucified the film. Nothing, absolutely nothing, not a single idea, not a shot, not a camera movement, not a performance, not a gesture, not a gag, nothing at all, I repeat, works in this movie, he sneered.

Some of us, though, couldnt get enough of the film, which celebrates its 25th anniversary on 12 November. I was a Sunday School-attending teenager when I first stumbled across Dogma on late-night television, and I was hooked from the moment Linda Fiorentinos beleaguered abortion counsellor Bethany set upon Alan Rickmans Metatron, the flaming voice of God, with a fire extinguisher. He had appeared in her bedroom to recruit her on a quest to stop Bartleby and Loki, Affleck and Damons fallen angels, from making it to a church in New Jersey. There they intend to use a doctrinal loophole known as a plenary indulgence to wash away all their sins and sneak back into heaven. What they dont realise is that in doing so theyll disprove the fundamental concept of Gods omnipotence and immediately wipe out all of existence.

It was a real-life plenary indulgence that first planted the idea for Dogma in Smiths still pubescent mind. When he was just 11, his local parish church celebrated its centennial and really did receive, as is depicted in the film, a special dispensation from the Pope decreeing that anyone who walked through the front door of the church would have all their sins erased. You might not think this would mean much to an 11-year-old kid, because how much sin could he possibly be steeped in? Smith wrote in an essay in 2000. But being educated in a Catholic school can make a kid feel that the venial sins (the tiny transgressions like white lies and hurtful sentiments expressed behind your parents backs) are one-way tickets to hell.

Armed with the plot point of a sin-removing doctrinal loophole, Smith began developing the script for a film he at first simply called God while still working on his breakout debut Clerks (1994). It was that shoestring indie that first brought Smith to the attention of the now-disgraced Miramax founder Harvey Weinstein, who bought Clerks at Sundance and helped launch Smiths career. Smith himself, though, still didnt feel ready to tackle the religious and filmmaking challenges Dogma presented, so first made follow-up Mallrats (1995) and then Chasing Amy (1997), both of which starred Affleck.

It was the box-office success of Chasing Amy that helped Smith get his ambitious and knowingly controversial dream project off the ground, and aided him in recruiting the killer cast that aids Bethany on her mission from God. Along with Smith regulars Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith himself), theres Chris Rock as 13th apostle Rufus (left out of the Bible due to the colour of his skin) and Salma Hayek as Serendipity, the creative Muse responsible for 19 of the top 20 grossing films of all time. (The one about the kid by himself in the house, burglars trying to come in and he fights them off I had nothing to do with that one, she memorably quips at Home Alones expense. Somebody sold their soul to Satan to get the grosses up on that piece of s***.)

The cast is filled out with George Carlin, playing against his well-known atheism as a Catholic cardinal, and Alanis Morissette, four years after releasing the mega-selling, era-defining Jagged Little Pill. She makes a brief but unforgettable appearance as God. As Smith would later explain: I always felt that  with her infinite patience  God had to be both a woman and Canadian.

open image in gallery Sacred ground: Kevin Smith directs Alan Rickman and Alanis Morissette  playing God  on the set of Dogma ( Everett/Shutterstock )

The real star, though, was Smiths script, which plays out like a pop-culture-infused catechism. It uses a technicolour version of the Catholic belief system to bring to life a vigorous moral debate, as when Bartleby and Loki hand out righteous vengeance to the board of a clearly Disney-inspired cartoon company they accuse of raising up a false idol, Mooby the Golden Calf. Last year, Affleck recalled reading the screenplay in an interview with Vanity Fair, saying: Kevins very focused on the written word. Hes got a cadence that he likes, but I thought it was a really creative, interesting script. It was a sort of imagining of Catholicism in a very literal sense, and also in a comic sense. I was thinking my kids would actually like that; they have that sense of humour Kevins always had the sense of humour of an adolescent!

While thats undeniably true, Smiths writing also has heart. If there is a message in Dogma, its probably best summed up in an exchange between Rufus and Bethany. Rocks character explains that while God still digs humanity, it bothers Him to see the s*** that gets carried out in His name  wars, bigotry, televangelism. But especially the factioning of all the religions. He said humanity took a good idea and, like always, built a belief structure on it. Bethany asks if hes saying having beliefs isnt good. I think its better to have ideas, replies Rufus sagely. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier

When Smith appeared with Rock on Charlie Roses US talk show to promote the film, he lamented the fact that so few movies bother to really engage with religious belief, or the gaping hole thats been left in society as its become more secular. Its a funny, funny flick, and it makes you think, said Smith. You walk out of the movie and maybe you think about your own faith or your own spirituality, or maybe not, [but] at least youve been entertained.

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open image in gallery Ban this filth: Catholic protesters outside the New York premiere of Dogma in 1999 ( Charles Sykes/Shutterstock )

The controversy that surrounded the films release didnt actually do anything to harm its box-office performance, and may well have helped it to rake in $31m (24m) worldwide, easily recouping its $10m (7m) budget. Yet 25 years on, Dogma is not available on any streaming service and last received a physical release when it came out on Blu-ray in 2008. DVDs and VHS copies now change hands for inflated sums online. The reason the film is so hard to find is a direct result of all those Catholic League protests years ago. They kicked up such a fuss that Disney, which at the time owned Miramax, decided they wanted no part of its release. To solve the problem, Weinstein and his brother Bob personally bought the rights to Dogma and set up a distribution deal with Lionsgate. The Weinsteins continued to hold the rights for years but refused to do anything with them, which led Smith to joke of Weinstein in 2022: Hes holding it hostage. My movie about angels is owned by the devil himself.

But there is reason to be optimistic. A few weeks ago, Smith revealed during an appearance on podcast That Hashtag Show that the movie rights have been bought by a new distribution company, and plans are afoot to re-release the film in 2025. He went on to say that Dogma could finally get a streaming release, too, as well as new physical versions to accompany a cinema run in the new year. Most excitingly for fans, though, was his suggestion that he could  now that his film is out of Weinsteins clutches  return to the world of Dogma to tell new tales on a Biblical scale.

Maybe, at this point, sequels, TV versions in terms of extending the story [thats] something we could never do before, he said. And all those people who worked on it are still viable. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, both still working. Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, still slapping  pun intended. So its possible!

Dogma has spent decades in limbo, but its second coming may well be nigh. Thats something worth believing in  or, at least, an idea worth hanging on to.
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Tom Cruise has shared a first look at the newly-retitled Mission: Impossible  The Final Reckoning.

The film is set to be the next installment in the long-running Mission: Impossible franchise. The movie series, which is based on a 1966 TV spy show, began in 1996.

This latest film was originally billed as Part Two to 2023s Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning.

Unveiling the films new title, along with a teaser trailer on social media, Cruise wrote: Every choice has led to this.

Despite the finality implied by the title, Cruise has previously said he hopes to continue making Mission: Impossible films for decades.

Last year the action star compared the franchise to Indiana Jones and told The Sydney Morning Herald: Harrison Ford is a legend. I hope to still be going. Ive got 20 years to catch up with him.

He continued: I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until Im his age.

Cruise was 34 when he first played super spy Ethan Hunt in 1996s Mission: Impossible. The character was two years younger than the actor. He is now 62.

In comparison, Ford was 38 when he played Indiana Jones for the first time in 1981s Raiders of the Lost Ark. He was 80 in the fifth and most recent addition to the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which was released last year.

In Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Cruises character Ethan Hunt finds himself as the only man on Earth capable of defeating a seemingly sentient, AI-powered virus that possesses the ability to infiltrate any top-secret infrastructure it sets its sights on, like, say, the CIA or the World Bank.

In a four-star review of the film, The Independents Clarisse Loughrey wrote: Mission: Impossible is exactly the sort of franchise in which people simply roll their eyes when the bomb theyre trying to detonate turns out (of course!) to be a nuclear one. That lack of ponderousness is embedded bone-deep into Dead Reckoning, and how returning director Christopher McQuarrie chooses to operate.

The action sequences are consistently dynamic, and always adapted to their environment: a shoot-out in a sandstorm focuses on stealth and precision, while a Vespa chase down Romes many staircases is all cartoon chaos. It all culminates in an absolutely insane stunt in which Cruise drives a motorcycle off a cliff and then parachutes down onto a moving train. You will leave Dead Reckoning the same way you always do: wondering how Cruise could possibly outdo himself in the next one  until, inevitably, he does.

Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning is set to be released on May 23, 2025.
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Gladiator IIis being called epic and Paul Mescal mesmerising in the first reviews of the new Ridley Scott historical blockbuster.

The sequel to the Oscar winning 2000 film starring Russell Crowe, sees the nephew of Maximus, Lucius (Mescal) enter the collesseum after the Roman emperors, Geta and Caracalla conquer his home and force him into slavery.

The film, which did originally star Barry Keoghan and has seen Denzel Washington touted to be a major awards contender, has now been greeted to mostly positive reviews, with many critics praising the film for being fun.

For The Independent, Clarisse Loughrey called the film pure camp while also highlighting the impressive naval battle scene in the Colosseum, which historically happened, albeit without sharks.

In a four-star review for The Telegraph, Robbie Collin said that Washingtons juicy role translates into pure pleasure for the audience, adding that Unfortunately hes so good he rather eclipses the rest of the cast.

In another four-star review, The Guardians Peter Bradshaw called the movie gobsmacking and weirdly almost a next-gen remake of the original.

Gladiator is a hard act to follow but Sir Ridley Scott proves still to be a master working up a Roman orgy of excitement that proves a worthy successor in every way, wrote Pete Hammond for Deadline.

Erik Anderson for Awards Watch said that Paul Mescal is a worthy successor to the throne while Tim Grieson in Screen International wrote: Washington radiates a showmans delight, relishing his characters deviousness.

open image in gallery Paul Mescal, left, and Pedro Pascal in a scene from Gladiator II ( AP )

There were some detractors, though, who werent so wowed by Scotts latest effort.

In a two-star review for The Irish Times, Donald Clarke wrote: The screenplay is mere scaffolding on which to mount endless samey  albeit delightfully disgusting  exercises in competitive viscera-letting.

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Kevin Maher of The Times called it Scotts most disappointing legacy sequel since Prometheus and posed the apt question: Are you not entertained? No, not really.

Meanwhile, Hannah Strong for Little White Lies accused the film of being a case of throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks, adding that this sequel lacks both the impact of its inspiration and the fresh ideas necessary to stand on its own two feet".

open image in gallery Denzel Washington in a scene from Gladiator II ( AP )

Prior to the release of the movie, Dr Shadi Bartsch, a classics professor at the University of Chicago with degrees from Princeton, Harvard and UC Berkeley told criticised the aforementioned naval battle scene, telling the The Hollywood Reporter it is total Hollywood bulls***.

I dont think Romans knew what a shark was, added Dr Bartsch, although she did acknowledge that the Romans really did fill the Colosseum with water in order to hold naval battles in the arena.

A more blatant anachronism is the scene in which a Roman noble is depicted reading a morning newspaper while sipping tea in a cafe. The printing press would not be invented for another 1,200 years.

They did have daily news  Acta Diuma  but it was carved and placed at certain locations, explained Dr Bartsch. You had to go to it, you couldnt hold it at a cafe. Also, they didnt have cafes!
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Rita Ora grew emotional while paying tribute to Liam Payne at the MTV European Music Awards on Sunday (November 10).

The former One Direction star died on October 16, at the age of 31, after falling from the third-story balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Ora, who duetted with Payne on the song For You from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack in 2018, told the audience in London: I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us.

We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a lot of yours at home and everybody in here tonight.

She continued: Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew. And, you know, there were so many ways that we were talking about honouring him, and I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough.

He had the biggest heart, and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could.

He brought so much joy to every room he walked into, and he left such a mark on this world. So lets just take a moment to remember our friend.

A short montage of images of Payne then played over the One Direction song Night Changes.

Elsewhere on the night, Taylor Swift made history as the first person to win Best Artist three times in the 30-year history of the EMAs.

In a video acceptance speech, she said: I am coming to you from the Eras tour, and Im so sad that I cant be with you tonight. But thank you so much for these amazing awards.

The fact that you have honored the tour [and] everything thats happened with the album this year, the video, its just unbelievable.

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She thanked Post Malone, who featured on Fortnight, and her fans for voting for her.

I had the best time touring in Europe this summer, so it just is wonderful for you to do this, she added.

Ora previously paid tribute to Payne during an October show in Osaka, Japan. She sang For You in front of a black-and-white image of the pair before asking the audience to sing for her as she sat on a riser with her head in her hands.

Early toxicology reports found that the former One Direction star and solo artist had multiple substances in his system when he died. The local prosecutors office is currently investigating his death.
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Music giant Quincy Jones was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Los Angeles, a week after his death at age 91. A larger, more public memorial is also being planned.

The family of the 28-time Grammy winning producer, arranger and composer said in a statement to The Associated Press that the intimate ceremony included Jones seven children, his brother, two sisters, and immediate family members.

The family did not reveal the cemetery where the ceremony took place. They added that they remain enormously grateful for the outpouring of condolences and tributes from his friends and fans from around the world. Details for a memorial celebration of Jones life will be announced at a later date.

Jones died surrounded by his family at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles on 3 November.

His seven decades of musical mastery included producing Michael Jacksons Thriller album, writing prize-winning film scores and collaborating on classic recordings with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and hundreds of others.

He was nominated for Album of the Year five times, winning twice: for Thriller in 1984 and for his own record, Back on the Block, in 1989.

From left: Huey Lewis, Quincy Jones, and Michael Jackson, right, in a scene from The Greatest Night in Pop ( Netflix via AP )

Jones and Sinatras 1964 version of Fly Me to the Moon became the first song played on the moon, when astronaut Buzz Aldrin played it on a portable cassette player as he stepped onto the lunar surface, in 1969.

Jones was the first African-American to be named as musical director and conductor of the Oscars in 1971, as well as the first Black artist to receive the AMPAS Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995.

He also discovered and helped support the careers of Will Smith and LL Cool J by executive-producing series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and In the House, respectively.

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Tributes to him after his death came from some of the biggest figures in media and politics. Saturday Night Live which he once hosted, paid tribute to him a night before his service with a memorial photo in a quiet moment of the show.

Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones paid tribute to her father in a moving post on social media.

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 Jones.

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.

In lieu of flowers, Jones' family asked for donations to the Jazz Foundation of America.
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The drama that unfolds in the EastEnders Christmas special is arguably one of the most anticipated events in the festive TV schedules.

However, in a plott wist to rival a dramatic soap ending, the bombshell plot for this years episode has reportedly been revealed after a script was accidentally left on a train.

According toThe Sun, a script containing details of two festive episodes has been returned to the shows producers after a passenger found it on a Thameslink train at Elstree & Borehamwood station, which is near the filming facility Elstree Studios, on the morning of 31 October.

The publication reports that the scripts revealed a key character will be killed off this Christmas.

After the passenger found the papers, his wife reportedly told the publication: Theres a real twist that will shock everyone and a main character is killed off. Its an incredible storyline.

She added: The script was clearly owned by an actress in EastEnders because her lines were highlighted and there were Post-it notes with scribbled writing stuck to the pages.

There was also a page with the actresss filming schedule written in pencil. We desperately wanted to get the script back to her.

While they have not revealed the name of the actor, the passengers wife explained they messaged them on Instagram to inform them they had found the script, but received no response.

An EastEnders spokeswoman told the newspaper in a statement: A big thank you to The Sun for the safe return of our festive scripts.

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open image in gallery Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, in last years Christmas special ( BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron )

We know just how much the audience loves watching the drama unfold for themselves, rather than having it spoilt  so our surprises will remain a treat this Christmas and beyond. The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment.

Filming for the two episodes in the script ran from 14 October to 1 November, while the second filming period started on 4 November and will run to Friday (15 November).

Next year, the soap will celebrate its 40th anniversary by broadcasting a live episode with an interactive twist.

The special will be the first time EastEnders has filmed a live instalment since the shows 30th anniversary in 2015, in which Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) discovered his son Bobby (Elliot Carrington) had killed his sister Lucy (Hetti Bywater).

For the episode, airing early next year, the shows writers will give the power to viewers and allow audiences to determine the outcome of a love story.

The experimental episode will air in February with cast and crew ready to portray whichever concluding scene is chosen by the public on the night.

open image in gallery Michael French, who plated David Wicks, will be returning to EastEnders for its 40th anniversary ( BBC )

In a statement, EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that its a week full of drama and surprises.

He continued: In fact, as our regular audience will know, we have already seen the return of familiar faces and have many more nods to our history to come which will all build up to our momentous anniversary week.

It was also announced that beloved character David Wicks  the son of Pat Butcher and her first husband Pete, played by Michael French  would return to Albert Square for the soaps 40th anniversary after a 10-year hiatus.
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BBC Breakfast viewers have requested that rapper LL Cool J needs to be on TV every morning after he blew away audiences with a heartwarming interview.

The 56-year-old American rapper and actor was appearing on the programme to promote his forthcoming album, following an 11-year hiatus from music, when he shared positive words with hosts Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson about what continues to inspire him.

When asked about what The Force  the name of his new album  means, he replied it was the thing inside of you. Its that whisper that says go get it. Its that frequency of real creative energy.

The hosts seemed warmed by his inspirational words, as Nugent joked, I think you could stay, as Thompson added, Im awake! This is what we needed.

What we doin! said LL Cool J, as he jokingly put his feet up on the coffee table in front of him.

Those are great trainers, said Nugent, as Thompson broke into laughter.

Loewe, waddup, said the rapper, referencing the brand of trainers he was wearing, as the BBC credits rolled.

Fans have been left praising the musician for lifting their moods and bringing the power of positivity.

open image in gallery LL Cool J on BBC Breakfast ( BBC )

LL Cool J with his feet up on the table on @BBCBreakfast is the best start to a Monday, one viewer said in a X/Twitter post.

Can we have @llcoolj on @BBCBreakfast every Monday morning? Talk about mood lifted, said another.

Omg I used to listen to @llcoolj growing up and what a power of positivity he is, can we have him on @BBCBreakfast everyday please, echoed another.

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Thank you @BBCBreakfast I dont recall you EVER hosting such an iconic rap artist in your history, so well done.

Another remarked that the interview was awesome and that they had never seen Ben and Sally so animated. Great trainers too.

Speaking to The Independent in a recent interview, the rapper spoke about why he started to show his sensitive side with the release of his 1987 song I Need Love from his second album Bigger and Deffer.

open image in gallery Rapper has been praised for bringing power of positivity to show ( BBC )

Only weak people are scared of appearing vulnerable, he said. I was hanging out with some of the most dangerous characters in New York, the guys they made [hard-edged 2002 drug-running thriller] Paid in Full about  hustlers, gangsters. I could make a vulnerable song like I Need Love because I was supremely confident in who I was and what I was doing.

Speaking about the longevity of his career, the rapper said he is intent on showing how creative someone can be in the 40th year of his career.

I wanna show you can be creative in your 40th year of hip-hop, just like a film director can be creative 40 years in, he sod. Theres no reason why an artist in hip-hop cant continue to be innovative, so long as they stay curious and keep caring and coming up with new ideas.
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The first preview of The White Lotus season 3 and the new Game of Thrones show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have been unveiled by HBO, ahead of their premieres in 2025.

On Sunday, the cable channel shared a video also featuring previously unseen footage from the new seasons of The Last of Us, Peacemaker, Hacks, And Just Like That and The Rehearsal.

It also contained the first peaks at new shows such as The Pitt, starring Noah Wyle, crime thriller Task, starring Mark Ruffalo and IT prequel, Welcome to Derry.

The first clips from The White Lotus show new guests Walton Goggins, Parker Posey and Leslie Bibb arrive at the luxury hotel, this time set in Thailand. Nathasa Rothwell also appears, reprising her role as spa manager Belinda from season one. Lisa, from the K-pop group BLACKPINK also stars.

Season three began production in and around Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok, Thailand, back in February. Exact plot details are being kept under wraps aside from the fact it will follow a new group of guests at a White Lotus resort property.

The first season centred on a group of hotel guests staying at the titular, luxury chains Hawaii franchise, while season two followed a new group who stayed at its Sicilian location. For the next season, HBO has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

open image in gallery Walton Goggins in The White Lotus season 3 ( HBO )

As for the new Game of Thrones, we are only given a brief glance at A Knight of Seven Kingdoms, with Peter Claffey introducing himself as Ser Duncan Dunk the Tall.

The series will tell the Dunk and Egg stories, with the first season adapted from George RR Martins first novella of the tales, The Hedge Knight.

They follow the journey of Ser Duncan and his young squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), as they travel to compete in a tournament.

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Written by Martin and House of the Dragons Ira Parker, the series will be set 100 years before Game of Thrones and 100 years after House of the Dragon, forming a neat sandwich of the blood and gore viewers have come to know and love.

open image in gallery Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan Dunk the Tall in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' ( Max )

In September, Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin called his experience of working on the show pleasant while updating fans about his slow progress on the final novels in the A Song of Fire and Ice series.
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*Warning  Major spoilers ahead for Yellowstone season five, part two, ahead*

Questions over Kevin Costners involvement in the second part of Yellowstones fifth and final season were answered almost immediately in the series return on Sunday.

At the start of the ninth episode, titled Desire Is All You Need, Costners family patriarch John Dutton is found dead in the bathroom of the Montana governors mansion. It appears he suffered a gunshot wound to the head but its unclear how he sustained the fatal injury. The body of a man is seen  in part  lying dead on the ground; though, Costners face is not shown.

Johns son Jamie (Wes Bentley)  who is the Montana attorney general  then calls a press conference where he announces that his father was found dead by suicide.

It comes after Yellowstone director Christina Voros teased that Costner would play an integral role in the dramas conclusion despite his exit being announced in June.

On Twitter/X, many fans reacted in dismay to the way Costners lead character was dispatched so quickly.

If THAT'S how they decide to end a great character like John Dutton... THAT'S BULLS***, one furious viewer wrote.

Kevin Costner plays Montana ranch owner John Dutton in Yellowstone ( Paramount Network via AP )

John Dutton was a fantastic character, and despite the Kevin Costner drama, he deserved a better goodbye than Yellowstone gave him, wrote another.

A third added: So @Yellowstone already lame for killing off John Dutton. I know it was issues with getting Costner onboard. But this was so lame.

Damn. They killed John Dutton off in the first minute. That's so freaking savage, wrote a fourth.

Costner, who led Yellowstone as the Montana landowner for four and a half seasons, announced he was departing the hit series due to scheduling issues.

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I did it for five years, and I wanted to work more than once a year, he said on a June episode of the Today Show. We lost an entire year at one point, and I thought, that cant happen again.

He added that he would love to go back to Yellowstone, albeit under the right circumstances.

Reports had initially suggested that his departure was due to a falling out with the shows creator, Taylor Sheridan, over conflicts caused by the actors desire to shoot his Western passion project, Horizon  An American Saga.

In an April interview with The Independent, Luke Grimes  who plays Kayce Dutton  said of Costners exit: Whatever happened there is unfortunate if its changed anything about how the show was going to unfold. I know, [Costner] got busy with his movies that were like passion projects. At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love.

Costner remains the first cast member named in the opening credits and appears in the end credits in his capacity as an executive producer.

Yellowstone airs weekly on Paramount Plus at 8pm ET.
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The Supreme Court of India criticised Delhis state government and police for failing to enforce the fireworks ban, noting that continued sale and bursting of crackers in the national capital even after the Diwali festival contributed to severe air pollution.

The court said no religion promoted activities causing pollution and that such actions infringed on the right to health of citizens. No religion encourages any activity which creates pollution, a bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said.

They demanded immediate action and directed the Delhi police chief to strictly enforce the ban and inform manufacturers and vendors of firecrackers in the capital region of it.

It questioned the state government for delaying the announcement of the ban which allowed people to stockpile firecrackers, worsening air quality in the city after the Hindu festival of Diwali.

The Delhi government last month announced a total ban on the manufacture, sale, storage and use of firecrackers until the new year in a bid to address the capitals deteriorating air quality.

Delhi typically sees a spike in air pollution during the festive season starting in October.

After Dussehra celebrations in the second week of October, Delhis Air Quality Index reached the poor category, with higher levels of fine particulate matter raising the risk of respiratory issues, eye irritation, asthma, and serious lung conditions.

The ban followed an initial announcement on 9 September that firecrackers wouldnt be allowed during the upcoming festivals, including Diwali.

Delhi started banning fireworks during the festival season in 2017 after a Supreme Court inquiry into their impact on air quality.

In 2018, the court allowed only green firecrackers, prohibiting conventional ones. However, due to difficulties in distinguishing them, the city moved to impose a blanket ban in later years.

The ban is routinely defied, with many people citing tradition and religious and cultural significance as the reasons for continuing the practice of burning firecrackers during the festival season.

The challenge of enforcing the ban is compounded by the easy availability of firecrackers in the city.

The capital has long faced hazardous air quality in winter, often forcing the government to close schools early to protect children. Year-round pollution from vehicle emissions and dust intensifies in winter when crop stubble burning in nearby states adds to the problem. Low wind speeds further trap pollutants, including firecracker emissions, close to the ground, making the air particularly difficult to breathe.

After the Diwali celebration on 31 October, Delhi again became the most polluted city in the world as people continued bursting firecrackers despite the government ban.

The Swiss firm IQAir reported an Air Quality Index of 348 for the city the next day, categorising air quality as hazardous for its 33 million residents.

A study published in June found that air pollution killed 135 million people over the last four decades around the world, with India and China accounting for the bulk of the fatalities.
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When GN Saibaba, a university professor who had spent years in prison for his impassioned activism in India, died last month, his final act of service was an unexpected one: his body became a teaching tool, donated by his family to the Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad for academic and research purposes.

Saibabas wife Vasantha and their daughter Manjira had only a short window in the hours after his death to consider whether to go ahead with the donation, and decided it would be a fitting send-off, embodying the late teachers lifelong belief in education as a tool for liberation.

His was one of the most high-profile body donations in recent memory in a country where such sacrifices are rare. The previous month, the family of the veteran Communist Party leader Sitaram Yechury also made national headlines for donating his body for teaching and research purposes.

The donations, while primarily intended to honour the legacies of the two public figures, have also cast a spotlight on a wider and growing problem in the worlds most populous nation: an acute shortage of cadavers for medical education and research.

For a country with one of the largest healthcare systems and a rising number of medical students, the supply of cadavers is alarmingly low, and the situation risks harming the quality of medical training, professionals and activists tell The Independent.

open image in gallery GN Saibaba was jailed for nearly a decade over alleged links to a banned Maoist rebel group, before he was acquitted in March this year ( Supplied )

The federal health ministry doesnt keep a public database of body donations, but the seriousness of the problem can be gauged from an appeal it made to the health secretaries of states and union territories earlier this year.

The Hindu reported in July that the director general of health services, Atul Goel, had told the regional bureaucrats: We have a shortage of human cadavers required for teaching in the country. He urged them to encourage families to donate the bodies of their departed loved ones instead of just the organs. This will go a long way in offsetting the shortage of human cadavers in medical institutions, he said.

Dr Vaishaly Bharambe, anatomist and cadaver donation advocate, says that India needs people to come forward with bodies more than ever to meet the growing demands of medical education, but the donation system has not kept pace.

The shortage means many students are forced to rely on anatomical models or digital simulations, which cannot fully replicate the experience of real dissections, she says.

Instead of one cadaver for 10 medical students  the required rate, Bharambe says  India likely only has one for every 50 students in some colleges. This is leaving a generation of aspiring doctors without critical practical training, profoundly affecting the quality of care they can provide.

At the heart of the cadaver shortage is a lack of systemic support for body donation, compounded by cultural, religious and logistical hurdles and a lack of awareness, activists and doctors tell The Independent.

Around 2017, we were receiving numerous calls asking how and where to donate, says Sunayna Singh, chief executive of Organ India, an NGO supporting organ and cadaver donation, noting the absence of accessible information for potential donors and their families.

In response, her team undertook a year-long project to create an online directory. We contacted medical colleges across India, so now, if, say, you are in Karnataka, you can visit our site, select your state and city, and see a list of colleges with their contact details. We wanted to simplify the process so people wouldnt have to search endlessly for information.

The NGO has a team of people to help donors and coordinate with medical colleges to ensure that the donation process goes smoothly. But sometimes, their best efforts arent enough.

Singh describes an incident that took place during the Hindu festival of Dussehra in October. We got a call from Hyderabad, and they said a family member had died and they wanted to make the donation, she recalls. They were very specific about the college they wanted to donate to. I wanted to get it to the college, but it was the Dussehra weekend. Everyone had gone home.

Basically, we tried  we really tried hard. We also tried to speak to other nearby colleges. But it did not happen, because it was, you know, a holiday weekend, she adds, disappointment ringing in her voice, as she calls for better-organised support from hospitals and from state and federal governments.

If the colleges could have somebody standing by 24/7, even during holidays, to make sure its coordinated and done efficiently; if the ambulance is sent to the persons house. It is a big deal for people to donate their bodies. And death doesnt come on weekdays and from 9 to 5, she says.

open image in gallery An Indian medic wraps a body in clean cloth at a morgue in New Delhi ( AFP via Getty )

For families like Akhil Waghs, body donation is a profound final act of giving. His father, Jayaprakash Wagh, wanted to donate his body when he died, and Akhils mother, Mamata Wagh, decided to do the same. After all, what use is a body if its simply burned? This way, it lives on, helping students learn, maybe even saving lives one day, Wagh, who lives in Chicago, recalls her saying.

The family initially registered for body donation at an ayurvedic hospital in Pune, the western Indian city where his parents lived. The hospital, however, made it the familys responsibility to transport the bodies. So they approached a private hospital instead, which agreed to take care of transportation and documentation.

When Waghs father died last year, the familys commitment was put to the test. He was expected to be discharged from a Pune hospital when he suffered a sudden heart attack. Wagh was away in the US, and it was left to his mother to ensure that her husbands last wish was honoured.

My mother handled it all, Wagh says. She had to manage the doctors certificate, the death certificate, and coordinate with the hospital. And she did it alone, with incredible strength.

This is not easy for a family member to do in that moment. We do not give credit that the moment they lose their family member, they have to make that call. Instead of grieving, they have to make that call to a medical college, Bharambe says.

They are looking at a six-hour window in which they have to complete all the paperwork and the body donation, she adds. For a country as warm as ours, one should make the donation within six hours of the person passing away. The idea is that the donor and his family should have minimum pain when the donor dies and his body begins to degenerate at the end of six hours.

But the process is arduous.

First, a family member needs to provide an Aadhaar card to identify the body and confirm the donors identity, Bharambe says, referring to Indias national digital ID card system. There is always a risk that someone might attempt to pass off a body as their relatives to cover up a crime, so this verification step is crucial.

Medical documentation is also required, including a certificate specifying the cause of death. In some states, its also mandatory to register the death with the municipal corporation before moving forward with the donation, she says.

Completing all this paperwork can take time, especially if the death occurs late at night.

Imagine someone dies at midnight, Bharambe says. Finding a doctor to issue a death certificate in the next couple of hours is challenging, and that delay can make the entire process more difficult for the family.

There are also legal restrictions that further narrow the pool of potential donors. Bodies that undergo post-mortem exams, belong to accident victims, or come from patients with diseases such as Aids or tuberculosis, cannot be used in educational dissections, says Bharambe.

She explains the procedure for handling and preserving a donated body on its arrival at a medical college. Once the body reaches the college, it undergoes a wash and is then injected with embalming fluids. These fluids act as preservatives, preventing decomposition and allowing the body to be used for medical education. The body is placed in an embalming loop to ensure that it stays intact and suitable for use over time, she says.

Throughout the next year, students will dissect and study the body in stages, learning and understanding the intricacies of human anatomy. The medical student actually studies with the feel of a cadaver when it reaches the surgery department. He is much more aware of what a muscle feels like. He is not dependent on his imagination, because it comes to him naturally.

open image in gallery Jayaprakash Wagh with his wife Mamata Wagh ( Supplied )

Advances in technology mean that medical students can now use virtual human cadavers for their studies, but Bharambe says it isnt the same.

You wear your goggles, and what you see in front of you is a cadaver. You can remove muscles, put them back. Its a study in three dimensions, she says. Will [virtual bodies] replace cadavers? It cannot ever replace the feel of a real human being.

There is no technology, she says, that will allow you to imagine what different organs inside a person feel like. You have to have a cadaver.

Religious and cultural beliefs around death and the afterlife further complicate the picture. Many families like to perform religious rites soon after death, and they may hesitate to disrupt these rituals by donating the body to science, or fear being denied a moment of closure.

People fear they wont be able to complete these important ceremonies, Bharambe says. Sometimes families ask if they can receive any part of the body for closure, but the law in India strictly prohibits this, she adds. While there is ongoing research on ways to help families feel a sense of closure, current law provides no options for returning remains to loved ones.

Once a donated cadaver has served its teaching purpose, government regulations require it to be incinerated. Hospitals either have their own burial grounds or partner with biological incinerators, so religious rituals are not involved at this stage, says Bharambe.

Saibabas wife is still grieving the loss of her childhood friend, lover, and partner, but she finds solace in the knowledge that his final act aligned with his belief system. This is the least we could do to honour him, she says. He always wanted to teach, to impart knowledge.

Reflecting on the emotional challenges of giving your loved ones body away, Vasantha says: The college said we could visit him any time. But hes in my heart, in my eyes and in my thoughts. Seeing him again would change nothing. Hes already here with me. His body now serves students who can learn from it, just as he always wanted. I have given them the responsibility.

A few weeks after his fathers death, Wagh returned to India and went to the private hospital the body had been donated to. He says he felt a sense of peace. I didnt need to see him one last time. I just needed to know that he was where he wanted to be, fulfilling his purpose. Its comforting to know that his body will serve others, that his life continues in a way.
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Sir Keir Starmer will snub the Taliban as a group of officials from the brutal Afghan regime flock to the UN climate summit in in Azerbaijans capital Baku.

The prime minister will not meet with the group at the Cop29 conference, which started on Monday, in what will be its first appearance at the forum since its forceful takeover of Afghanistan.

Asked what Sir Keir thought of the militant group attending the talks, and whether he had any plans to come face to face with delegates, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: No plans to meet with them.

I think attendance is a matter for the organisers, but more broadly the summit I think is bringing together 96 different delegations from across the world and the objective is obviously to strengthen global climate action and engagement on that issue.

It is obviously vital that we approach the talks and the event with that common purpose (at the) forefront of our mind.

The Taliban-controlled foreign ministrys spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said officials from the countrys National Environmental Protection Agency have arrived in Azerbaijan to attend the Cop29 conference. The Talibans leaders have controlled the environmental agency for more than three years now, after they took power in Kabul in August 2021.

The groups government is not formally recognised by the UN and the international community owing to its restrictions on the basic rights of citizens, particularly women, who are banned from education and the workplace. The UN has stopped the Taliban from taking control of Afghanistans seat at the General Assembly and continues to back the appointed representatives from the previous Ashraf Ghani administration to represent the country on the global stage.

Azerbaijan has invited the Afghan environment agency officials to Cop29 as observers, allowing the former insurgent group to potentially participate in periphery discussion and potentially hold bilateral meetings, according to a diplomatic source.

But the Taliban will not be allowed to take part in the proceedings of full member states as the Taliban is not recognised within the UN system as Afghanistans legitimate leaders, instead as de facto authorities, the source said.

So far the UN has only invited the Taliban to talks specifically on Afghanistans future in Doha. China and Russia have expressed willingness to foster ties with the de facto administration and have invited its ministers to attend forums in China and central Asia in the past two years.

Afghanistan has been badly affected by a succession of climate emergencies, including flash floods, torrential rains and droughts, in the past year.

Flash floods have killed hundreds this year, sweeping away villages and people in remote parts of Afghanistan. The war-ravaged country is heavily dependent on agriculture, but successive floods and droughts have wiped away fields and produce.

International isolation has compounded the countrys economic struggles, making its population one of the poorest on the planet.

Afghanistan is one of the countries that is really left behind on the needs that it has. It is a double price that they are paying, said Habib Mayar, deputy general secretary of the g7+, an intergovernmental organisation of countries affected by conflict.

There is lack of attention, lack of connection with the international community, and then there are increasing humanitarian needs.
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A woman in Thailand has had to endure severe pain for nearly two decades after medical staff left a needle in her vagina during childbirth.

The woman, now 36, from the southern Narathiwat province said a nurse accidentally dropped a needle into her vagina 18 years ago while stitching her up after childbirth.

A doctor apparently tried "using his fingers" to retrieve the misplaced needle but could not get it, the woman told the nonprofit Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, which she asked for assistance on 4 November.

Fearing more blood loss due to a delay in suturing, the woman recalled, the doctor continued the procedure without taking the needle out.

She was soon feeling constant pain in her lower abdomen, which often turned severe, the foundation said.

An X-ray last year showed that the needle was still lodged in her vagina, prompting doctors at the local hospital to send her for surgery in the Songkhla province.

The procedure, however, has had to be postponed two-three times as the needle keeps moving inside her.

The woman has to visit the hospital at least four times a month for follow-ups to monitor her condition, causing her significant financial strain.

"Her family is poor, so she asked Paveena to help," the foundation said on its website last week.

Pawina Hongsakul, the head of the foundation, said she contacted a public hospital and set up an appointment for her treatment.

She also coordinated with the department of social development and human security in the province to arrange transport for the woman for her hospital visits.

It was not immediately known when she might have surgery to remove the needle or whether she would take legal action against the hospital for medical malpractice.

In June, another Thai woman nearly lost her life after a medical team left gauze inside her uterus during treatment for cancer that caused her to suffer a severe infection.
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Dozens of lawmakers across the world sought the intervention of the UN human rights commissioner for refugees to secure the safety of about 48 Uyghur asylum seekers detained in Thailand for a decade.

A New York Times report this weekend revealed that the conditions of the detained Uyghur men, all aged between 25 and 50 years, have been inhumane and incompatible with fundamental human rights.

About 50 lawmakers from 26 parliaments, who are members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, have jointly written to Filippo Grandi to prevent the deportation of the Uyghur men to China where it was "highly likely that they would face persecution, imprisonment, or worse".

"We understand that there may be foreign governments willing to resettle this group of Uyghur men," the lawmakers from the UK, Canada, European Parliament, Ukraine, Germany, Taiwan and Switzerland among others, said in the letter to Mr Grandi.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China is an international, cross-party alliance of parliamentarians from democratic countries that unites lawmakers worldwide, promoting democracy and addressing threats to the rules-based and human rights systems posed by the rise of China.

The detained Uyghurs in Thailand are forbidden contact with relatives, lawyers or other advocates and are allegedly subjected to a different standard of care than other detainees, the NYT reported, citing a letter sent to Thailand's prime minister last year by the state-run National Human Rights Commission of Thailand.

In the letter, the commission's chief revealed the existence of countries that are ready to take these detainees to settle down and urged the relevant agencies to find a way to facilitate their settlement.

The 48 detainees were part of a much larger group of around 350 Uyghur refugees who fled to Thailand following persecution in the northwest Chinese region of Xinjiang.

At least 172 women and children have since been sent to Turkey and 109 were forcibly returned to China, whose wearabout were unknown to the rights groups.

Two children were among the five detainees who have died in Thailand's custody. Last year Human Rights Watch reported that two of the refugees in their 40s died while in immigration detention and called on the Thai government to end the "indefinite detention" of the asylum seekers.

The Chinese government under president Xi Jinping has been accused of notoriously prosecuting Uyghurs and Hui Muslims over the past decade through alleged widespread abuses and arbitrary detentions. Beijing has routinely denied allegations of crimes against humanity, calling them the lie of the century.

In October, China accused Australia of hypocrisy and systemic racism after Beijing was confronted at the UN over alleged abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet. Australia, the US and the UK were among 15 countries that issued a joint statement at the UN on 22 October against the alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet.

The UN says China has detained more than a million minority Muslims, mostly ethnic Uyghurs, since a dramatic escalation of counter-terrorism policies in the spring of 2017. China initially denied the existence of any Uyghur detention centres before defending them as re-education centres.

In February this year, UN experts, including five special rapporteurs and two working groups, raised concerns in relation to the Uyghur detainees poor detention conditions, lack of access to their families, lawyers and to adequate healthcare, the lawmakers said. "Despite this, the men are still interned in inhumane conditions."

Thailand is not a party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which leaves asylum seekers vulnerable to arrest and detention as illegal migrants.
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Amid one of the worst droughts the region has seen, New York and New Jersey were battling wildfires last weekend - and researchers say climate change will only make the situation worse.

The fires sparked amid windy weather, warm temperatures and extremely dry conditions. Smoke from New Jerseys 3,000-acre Jennings Creek Fire was observable from space and the massive plume could be seen as far away as upstate New York. A brush fire started in Brooklyns Prospect Park Friday night, burning two acres of dry vegetation at the popular spot. New York City firefighters battled the blaze for hours before it was extinguished.

Upstate, a parks employee, 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, was killed Saturday while batting a fire in Sterling Forest.

While many associate wildfire season with the western states, fire weather is becoming more common in the Northeast, according to nonprofit Climate Central. The group said Monday that parts of northern New Jersey and coastal New York are experiencing at least 10 more days of fire weather each year compared to the 1970s.

open image in gallery A brush fire sparked in Brooklyns Prospect Park over the weekend, fueled by windy and dry weather. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames in just a few hours. But, more of the Northeast has been subject to fire conditions in recent years, according to nonprofit Climate Central ( FDNY via X )

These threats come on the heels of the second-warmest October in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations 130 years. In October, a record 87 percent of the nation was either in drought or unusually dry conditions.

Notably, the greatest increase in fire weather days now occurs during spring. Across the nation, the threat of wildfires is rising, Climate Central noted.

Wildfire seasons are lengthening and intensifying, particularly in the West. Many parts of the East have seen smaller but impactful increases in fire weather days, the group noted in a recently released report.

Hot temperatures can make wildfires more likely to ignite, the group stated. The group added the number of low humidity night is decreasing as well. Those nights help firefighters gain control over a brush fire. The low humidity levels also leave vegetation dry and prone to burning. Wind is also helping spread fires as it supplies additional oxygen that helps them burn more rapidly.

open image in gallery New Jersey firefighters work against the Cannonball 3 Wildfire. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said that they achieved 100 percent containment of the more than 180-acre fire. They were still working to fight others ( New Jersey Forest Fire Service/ Facebook )

Fortunately for the Northeast, some precipitation Sunday night has put the kibosh to that drought, and the National Weather Service says cooler temperatures are on the way. The agencys New York City office saw its highest rainfall totals since late September.

The New York City Fire Department said it has responded to hundreds of brush fires in the five boroughs during the last few weeks. Mayor Eric Adams has banned grilling in public parks as a result.

The wildfires also brought unhealthy air quality for the areas millions of residents, who were advised to close their windows and mask up while outdoors. The skies in the Big Apple, while still mostly blue on Saturday, were tinted by the smoke.

"Anyone who has a lung ailment, these fires ... can really be devastating. It can really make someone get very sick very quickly. Now, that's not to say that normal healthy people may not get sick, but they're much less at risk," said Dr. Anthony Saleh, a pulmonologist at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital told CBS News.
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Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt have announced the arrival of their third child, with a name that pays tribute to JFK.

In a joint Instagram post on Monday, the Guardians of the Galaxy star, 45, and the childrens book author, 34, shared that they welcomed their third baby - their first son - together on November 8.

Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratts middle name is in honor of Schwarzeneggers great-uncle, the late President John F. Kennedy.

We are overjoyed to announce the birth of our son, Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt, the mother of three wrote in her caption. Mama and baby are doing well and Fords siblings are thrilled by his arrival. We feel so blessed and grateful. Love, Katherine and Chris.

The pair began dating in 2018 after being set up by Schwarzenegger Pratts mom, Maria Shriver. Pratt announced on Instagram that he and Schwarzenegger were engaged the following year.

open image in gallery President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in 1963 ( Reuters )

Sweet Katherine, so happy you said yes! he wrote alongside an adorable photo of the pair. Im thrilled to be marrying you. Proud to live boldly in faith with you. Here we go!

They tied the knot in June 2019 in Montecito, California, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends, including Pratts son Jack, Schwarzeneggers siblingsbrothers Patrick and Christopher and sister Christinaand close friend Rob Lowe with his sons Johnny and Matthew.

The couple went on to welcome two daughters together: Lyla Maria, now 4, born in August 2020, and Eloise Christina, 2, born in May 2022. Pratt also has a 12-year-old son, Jack, from his previous marriage to Anna Faris.

In October, Schwarzenegger Pratt shared an adorable Instagram photo of Eloise, dressed in a pink dress, matching sneakers, and a white cap with Big Sis embroidered in pink. Big sis loading the proud mom captioned, as the family eagerly awaited the arrival of their newest addition.

At DSWs Best Foot Forward panel luncheon for Womens History Month in March 2023, Schwarzenegger candidly shared her experiences with motherhood. The then-mom of two discussed how she balances the various aspects of her life.

Im a big believer  I feel like on Instagram we see all these moms that are like, Im doing it all, Im doing it all, Im doing it all on my own, blah-blah and Im like, I dont want to do it all on my own, Schwarzenegger shared.

She added, I want to lean on my sister, I want to lean on my mom, I want to lean on my girlfriends, my mom friends. I want to be honest and transparent and also say, I cant make this today. My kids sick. She was up all night teething. I need to be a mom right now.

Reflecting on the importance of asking for support, she concluded, I think being able to be open about the fact that you dont have to do it all, you can lean on people, you can enlist help from others and being okay with that. That, I feel, is such a big struggle for women in general, but I think especially if youre balancing multiple roles, is saying, I need help today, and thats okay.
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On Monday, February 17, the U.S. honors Presidents Day.

Every year, on the third Monday in February, American citizens recognize each U.S. president in tandem with George Washingtons birthday. Originally, George Washingtons birthday was celebrated nationwide on the actual day, February 22. However, after Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, the day moved to the third Monday in the month.

In 1951, the idea for Presidents Day was proposed  a day to commemorate not just the contributions of Washington but that of every individual who had served in office. And while many now refer to the holiday as Presidents Day, the name was never universally changed. In fact, New York, Illinois, Virginia, Iowa, and Florida still refer to the Monday as Washingtons birthday or George Washingtons Day.

Though the law recognizes Presidents Day as a federal holiday, this does not mean that individuals working for private businesses are required to have two days of work off.

In fact, a federal holiday doesnt guarantee workers will get even one day off as they apply only to federal government employees and institutions. It is up to individual employers to decide whether they offer time off or additional pay for work on federal holidays.

Find the list in full below:

New Years Day: Wednesday, January 1

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Monday, January 20

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addresses marchers during his I Have a Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963 ( AP1963 )

Inauguration Day: Monday, January 20

Presidents Day: Monday, February 17

Memorial Day: Monday, May 26

Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19

Independence Day: Friday, July 4

Labor Day: Monday, September 1

Indigenous Peoples Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, October 13

Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11

Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27

Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25

Other important days to note:

Valentines Day: Friday, February 14

St. Patricks Day: Monday, March 17

Good Friday: Friday, April 18
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Yale University is launching a new class focused entirely on Beyonces influence.

For their upcoming spring semester, Yale added the Beyonce Makes History: Black Radical Tradition History, Culture, Theory & Politics Through Music course in which the icons work will be analyzed and interpreted as it relates to Black history.

Taught by Daphne Brooks, a professor of African American studies and music, the course will follow her work over 11 years, from 2013 to 2024. The goal of the course, as explained in the Yale Daily News, is to view her art, fashion, visual media, and performance through an intellectual lens, seeing how they all carry political and cultural significance.

Students will be taught to further understand the experience of Black females in politics and media through reading assignments and discussions. Texts from Cedric Robinson, Karl Hagstrom Miller, and Hortense Spillers will be viewed in tandem with humanitarian projects and Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Librays archives.

Brooks intends to separate Beyonce from her typical pop repertoire, as the star did for herself during certain eras of her career, meaning the course will focus more on the latter years.

Speaking to the Yale Daily News, Brooks detailed her intention to introduce this new class following the 2024 US election that saw Donald Trump become the 47th president. [This class] seemed good to teach because [Beyonce] is just so ripe for teaching at this moment in time, she explained.

Yale University invites students to take a new class focused entirely on Beyonces cultural impact ( iStock/Getty )

The number of breakthroughs and innovations shes executed and the way shes interwoven history and politics and really granular engagements with Black cultural life into her performance aesthetics and her utilization of her voice as a portal to think about history and politics, Brooks continued. Theres just no one like her.

Having previously taught a Black Women in Popular Music Culture course at Princeton University, Brooks thought it best to create a more focused rendition at Yale where she focused primarily on Beyonce rather than trying to fit the impact of multiple artists into one semester.

Of the old course, she said: There was so much energy around the focus on Beyonce, even though it was a class that starts in the late 19th century and moves through the present day. I always thought I should come back to focusing on her and centering her work pedagogically at some point.

Brooks wants her students to better understand how culture can serve as a sort of refuge for marginalized people and minority groups in the country. Furthermore, she wants to continue Vice President Kamala Harris efforts to strengthen and broaden community building for the next generation.

By looking at culture through Beyonce, it can invite us to think about the extent to which art can articulate the world we live in and nourish our spirits and give us the space to imagine better worlds and the ethics of freedom, Brooks added.
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It was the first time that Canadian U.N. peacekeeper Michelle Angela Hamelin said she came up against the raw emotion of a people so exasperated with their countrys predicament.

Seared in her memory from her eight-month tour of duty on the ethnically divided Cyprus in 1986 was the fury of Greek Cypriot protesters demonstrating against the first-ever visit by a Turkish head of government to the islands breakaway Turkish Cypriot north.

I think that that was something that really stuck to my mind because of that anger and the people, Hamelin told The Associated Press.

She was one of among 100 other Canadian veterans who travelled to Cyprus as part of commemorations that culminated Monday to mark the 60th anniversary of the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNFICYP, the longest such Canadian mission.

This was the first time I was confronted with people that were really, really upset with their situation that they were in, she said.

At the time, it had been a dozen years after a Turkish invasion  triggered by a coup aiming at union with Greece  sliced the island along ethnic lines and tensions were still high.

UNFICYP had been in place since 1964, a decade prior to the invasion, deployed to tamp down hostilities between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to prevent an all-out civil war.

Canadians were among the first to join the force and more than 28,000 would eventually serve with UNFICYP. Canada withdrew almost all its peacekeepers from UNFICYP in 1993, but a Canadian presence still remains.

Some 28 Canadians lost their lives in the line of duty on Cyprus.

Through most of 1986, it was Hamelins job was to patrol the U.N.-controlled buffer zone that separated troops on either side of the divide in the medieval center of the capital, Nicosia, staying in the once luxurious Ledra Palace hotel that had been converted into a U.N. barracks.

The hotels bullet-pockmarked sandstone walls were a constant reminder that a flare-up in hostilities could never be ruled out.

"The Turkish side where I stayed was right there underneath my window at Ledra Palace ... you got bullet holes above your bed. Theres a possibility this could happen again, she recalled.

It didnt. Hamelin said her Canadian colleagues would often muster all their diplomatic skills with jittery soldiers to keep tensions from escalating.

Ronald Reginald Griffis could attest to that trademark, calm Canadian demeanor that earned the countrys peacekeepers a reputation for even-handedness and ability to quickly defuse tensions.

Griffis was one of the first Canadians to serve in UNFICYP back in 1964, and he recalled how he would employ that cool Canadian way to settle disputes along the so-called Green Line that separated Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot neighborhoods inside old Nicosia.

One of the qualities was the quietness of the Canadians. They listened, or at least I listened. And then, you know, you talk it over. You try to explain things, said Griffis, a native of Nova Scotia who now lives in Cottam, Ontario.

I thought that they appreciated Canadians being there, and I think they trusted the Canadians doing what they can do, he said.

More than 100 active-duty Canadian Armed forces personnel, dispatched to Cyprus to assist in possible evacuations of Canadians from nearby Lebanon, joined Hamelin, Griffis and other veterans for a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Canadian U.N. Peacekeeper Memorial inside the buffer zone near the Ledra Palace hotel.

Canadas High Commissioner to Cyprus Anna-Karine Asselin said the size of the delegation at the commemoration event illustrated the deep significance of the mission for Canadian veterans.

We pay tribute to their invaluable contribution to peace. We recognize the challenges they faced along the way, Asselin said.

A few days earlier, Hamelin and Griffis had joined a tour of the buffer zone that brought many recollections.

Both spoke of the changes between Cyprus then and now  from donkey carts in Nicosia's streets in 1964 to a thoroughly modern European Union member state 60 years later.

But for Hamelin, no matter how much things have changed in Cyprus, they remain much the same.

I see how built up this is now in Nicosia. But its still the same. We still have that division and its very, very ... in your face, she said.
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Elon Musk's super PAC spent around $200 million to help elect Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the group's spending, funding an effort that set a new standard for how billionaires can influence elections.

The billionaire Tesla and SpaceX CEO provided the vast majority of the money to America PAC, which focused on low-propensity and first-time voters, according to the person, who was not authorized to disclose the figure publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

America PACs work was aided by a March ruling from the Federal Election Commission that paved the way for super PACs to coordinate their canvassing efforts with campaigns, allowing the Trump campaign to rely on the near-unlimited money of the nations most high-profile billionaire to boost turnout in deep-red parts of the country. That allowed the campaign to spend the money they saved on everything from national ad campaigns to targeted outreach toward demographics Democrats once dominated.

The plan worked for both sides. Trump saw key turnout surges in battleground states, and at the end of the campaign the president-elect credited Musks role in the race. We have a new star, Trump said at his election night party in Florida. A star is born  Elon!

The FEC ruling cleared the way for us to gain more benefit from soft money enterprises that were going out and doing this work anyway, said James Blair, the Trump campaigns political director.

Blair worked as the main bridge between the Trump operation and groups like America PAC  a far cry from the early days of super PACs having to decide their strategy without communicating officially with the campaigns they were backing.

By conserving hard dollars, we were able to go wider and deeper on paid voter contact and advertising programs, Blair said. That, he added, included broad ad campaigns aimed at a national audience, as well as  critically  more targeted campaigns looking to boost turnout among Black and Latino men, two areas where Trump saw sweeping gains in 2024.

It wasnt just Musks money that helped Trump. The billionaire businessman became one of Trumps highest-profile surrogates in the final months of the campaign, often joining the former president onstage. His support gave Trump a clear opening into the universe of younger men who look up to Musk.

Trump also benefited from Musks ownership of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and the companys work to end many of the rules that hampered Trump before he was kicked off in 2021. Like many conservatives, Musk is a fierce critic of social media efforts to counter disinformation, arguing that those efforts amount to pro-government censorship.

Musk is now expected to play a key role in a second Trump administration. The president-elect has said he will place Musk, whose rocket company works with the Defense Department and intelligence agencies, in charge of a new government efficiency commission.

A challenge to conventional wisdom

The work between the Trump campaign and America PAC has potentially longer-lasting implications.

It could yield a wholesale shift in the way presidential races are run, overturning longstanding conventional wisdom about campaigns lacking total control of their field program, the impact billionaires can have in politics and the effectiveness of paid canvassing operations.

One reason for skepticism is that this model had failed spectacularly for past campaigns, most notably during Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis run in the 2024 Republican presidential primary against Trump.

DeSantis, more than any other candidate in the primary, relied on an outside group to buttress his campaign. The group, Never Back Down, was beset by internal issues, and despite spending $130 million to tout the Florida governor, it was swamped by Trump and his campaign operation in Iowa.

One of the most persistent issues, however, was the blurring of lines around what is legally permissible between the campaign and the outside group, an issue that worried some within the governors official campaign.

That, however, was before the FEC ruling, meaning Trump and Musks group were operating in an entirely different universe than a few months earlier during the primary.

The ruling allowed a much more direct line of communication regarding canvassing, Blair said. That is a real difference and a critical difference.

Musk's outside group was founded in May, but it wasnt until Musk endorsed Trump in July, after the former president survived an assassination attempt, that the group more clearly began its turnout work. A week later, in an interview with a conservative podcaster, Musk acknowledged the new committee and a host of top Republican operatives with ties to DeSantis joined the effort.

The group ran ads that warned if people sat out the election, Kamala and the crazies will win. The highest-profile part of America PACs work was a $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes that landed the group in court before a judge said it was allowed to continue. The sweepstakes and subsequent court case drew considerable attention, but much of America PACs work happened under the radar.

Door knocking was arguably America PACs most impactful work, with Trump experiencing boosts in turnout in key rural areas in battleground states. The work, however, was not without controversy.

A report from The Guardian found America PACs efforts were rife with paid canvassers faking their work and saying they had knocked on doors that they had not visited. Multiple reports from Wired alleged that some of those paid canvassers worked in poor conditions, including riding in the back of a rented U-Haul van and facing threats to meet unfeasible quotas. Canvassers were fired after the Wired report, leading to a lawsuit against America PAC.

A spokesperson for America PAC declined to comment on the record for this story.

Musk, meanwhile, indicated in an election night conversation on X that his PAC will stay involved in politics, preparing for the midterms and any intermediate elections, as well as looking at elections at the District Attorney and sort of judicial levels.
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Russian glide bombs, drones and a ballistic missile smashed into cities in southern and eastern Ukraine on Monday, officials said, killing at least six civilians and injuring about 30 others.

Russia recently intensified strikes that have long tormented civilian areas, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, in an apparent effort to unnerve Ukrainians and wear down their willingness to keep up a war that is approaching its 1,000-day milestone.

Every day, every night, Russia commits the same terror, Zelenskyy said in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Except that an increasing number of civilian objects are becoming targets.

Both Russia and Ukraine are waiting to see how Washington will change its policy on the war after Donald Trump takes office in January. The U.S. is the biggest provider of military help to Ukraine but Trump has chided the Biden administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars of aid.

The major cities struck Monday by Russia are close to the war's around 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line.

Russian drones hammered the southern city of Mykolaiv, killing five people and injuring a 45-year-old woman, local authorities said. Around two dozen people sought psychological help following the attack that damaged houses and stores, officials said.

Mykolaiv, located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of the front line in the Kherson region, frequently comes under Russian attack.

An overnight attack on Zaporizhzhia, also in the south, with three powerful glide bombs killed one person and injured 21, including a 4-year-old boy, Ukraines National Police said.

The strikes partially destroyed a two-story apartment building and damaged a dormitory.

A five-story apartment building in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyys hometown in central Ukraine, was hit by a Russian ballistic missile, injuring at least eight people. Emergency services were searching through the rubble, Oleksandr Vikul, head of Kryviy Rih Military Administration said.

The missile destroyed all five stories in one part of the building, he said.

Meanwhile, Ukraines intelligence agency claimed in a statement it destroyed a Russian Mi-24 assault helicopter parked at the Klin-5 airfield in the Moscow region. The claim could not be independently verified.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Monday that 17 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Russian regions of Kursk, Belgorod and Voronezh overnight and in the morning.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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The head of the Church of England, spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, is under pressure to resign after an investigation found that he failed to inform police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

Some members of the General Synod, the churchs national assembly, have started a petition calling on Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to step down, saying he had lost the confidence of his clergy. The petition had garnered more than 1,800 signatures on Change.org by late morning London time on Monday.

Calls for Welbys resignation have grown since Thursday, when the church released the results of an independent review into John Smyth, who sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa over five decades.

The 251-page report concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury.

Welby last week took responsibility for not ensuring that the allegations were pursued as energetically as they should have been after he learned of the abuse, but said he had decided not to resign.

On Monday, his office issued a statement reiterating Welbys horror at the scale of John Smyths egregious abuse.

As he has said, he had no awareness or suspicion of the allegations before he was told in 2013  and therefore, having reflected, he does not intend to resign, the statement said. He hopes the Makin Review supports the ongoing work of building a safer church here and around the world.

Church officials were first made aware of the abuse in 1982, when they received the results of an internal investigation into Smyth. The recipients of that report participated in an active cover-up to prevent its findings from coming to light, the Makin Review found.

Smyth moved to Zimbabwe in 1984, then relocated to South Africa in 2021. He continued to abuse boys and young men in Zimbabwe and there is evidence that the abuse continued in South Africa until he died in August 2018.

Smyths abuse wasnt made public until a 2017 investigation by Britains Channel 4 television, which led Hampshire Police to start an investigation. Police were planning to question Smyth at the time of his death and had been preparing to extradite him.

The Makin Review found that if Smyth had been reported to police in 2013, it could have helped to uncover the truth, prevented further abuse and led to a possible criminal conviction.

In effect, three and a half years was lost, a time within which John Smyth could have been brought to justice and any abuse he was committing in South Africa discovered and stopped, the review found.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the Church of England and is seen as the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members in 165 countries. He is considered first among equals with respect to the communions other primates.
Commentary: Philippines' so-called laws complicate situation in South China Sea

Xinhua) 13:04, November 11, 2024

BEIJING, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines stirred up trouble again by enacting two domestic laws which gravely infringed upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, sparking strong condemnation and serious protests from Beijing.

The so-called "Philippine Maritime Zones Act" illegally includes China's Huangyan Dao, most of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, and their relevant waters into the Philippines' maritime zones. Various parts of the "Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act" are incompatible with international law and resolutions of the International Maritime Organization.

The Philippines is becoming increasingly more of a rentier and exploiter of international law under the guise of aligning with it and a major troublemaker and disrupter of regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Citing the illegal award of the South China Sea arbitration as a basis for the law, Manila's latest move is simply compounding its mistake to legitimatize its own illicit maritime claims at the risk of dramatically escalating tension in the region. The so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void. The Arbitral Tribunal handled the case ultra vires and rendered the award in distortion of law; hence, the award violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The whole process of the arbitration is utterly a political farce. China has neither accepted nor participated in the arbitration, nor does China accept or recognize the so-called award. The Philippines' so-called laws attempt to enshrine the illegal award of the South China Sea arbitration in the form of domestic legislation. China will never accept any claim or action based on the award.

In essence, the laws are nothing legislative but political maneuvers by the Philippine side to achieve its expansionist goals and serve the geopolitical interests of some external countries. Manila's reckless move deliberately breaches the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea.

The negative impact of the laws is evident and may be long-term. It is destructive to bilateral relations and regional peace. If Manila takes any action based on the two laws, it would mean a heightened occurrence of confrontational incidents. Adopting the laws means escalating the South China Sea disputes, squeezing the room for resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation between the two countries.

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 UNCLOS, and shall by no means be affected by Manila's enactment of the laws.

China is committed to properly handling maritime issues with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation. Yet the Philippine tactic of crying up wine and selling vinegar to distort maritime laws and infringe on the sovereignty of others must be rejected. In previous talks, the Philippines ostensibly agreed to keep the maritime situation and the overall bilateral relationship stable in joint efforts with China. Still, the enactment of the laws indicated it did things in the opposite direction.

Deliberate infringements and unwarranted provocation against China will result in the initiator shooting itself in the foot. China will take justified actions and legitimate countermeasures to safeguard its rights.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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Former soldier Daniel Abed Khalife has been jailed after he escaped HMP Wandsworth and spent nearly four days on the run.

Khalife, 23, snuck out of the Category B prison by clinging onto the bottom of a food catering truck with a sling made from kitchen trousers. The highly-publicised nationwide manhunt ended in his arrest on a canal path by the Thames river in September 2023.

The 23-year-old admitted to the prison escape partway through his trial at Woolwich Crown Court. He was later convicted of charges contrary to the Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act in November last year, but cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax. He was sentenced to 14 years and three months imprisonment at the same court on Monday.

open image in gallery Khalife was caught around 75 hours after his escape ( Metropolitan Police/PA )

Khalife first planned a fake escape for 21 August in a bid to be moved to a high-security unit (HSU). He told jurors that he wanted to be kept in the HSU at HMP Belmarsh in the belief that he would be safer there.

But after the fake escape was not reported to senior prison staff, Khalife decided a real escape was his only option, the court heard.

After prison staff alerted the force to the missing 21-year-old at 7.50am on Wednesday 6 September, a national search ensued over the next three-to-four days, which The Independent has shown on a map.

More than 150 Met officers and staff, as well as colleagues from forces across the country, worked at pace around the clock in pursuit of the terror suspect, receiving over 100 calls from members of the public.

A Bidfood van was stopped and searched by police just after 8.30am on the Upper Richmond Road in Putney. Officers discovered the strapping used by Khalife in his escape on the bottom of the vehicle.

When the tail lift raised it covered me entirely, Khalife told jurors in court. If the makeshift sling wasnt noticed, theyre hardly going to notice me.

open image in gallery Khalife is believed to have escaped from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday morning by strapping himself to the bottom of a delivery lorry after leaving the prison kitchen in a cooks uniform ( Met Police )

Richmond Park was scoured by police on the night of Thursday 7 September and into Friday, with helicopters seen circling overhead and sirens blaring in the area for hours.

Later on Friday, the Met confirmed a member of the public reported seeing Khalife walking away from a Bidfood van near Wandsworth Roundabout shortly after his escape from prison.

Police helicopters spent Friday night circling around the Thames in west London, with flight radar maps revealing one flying over Chiswick House and Grove Park.

open image in gallery Police bodycam footage of the moment Daniel Khalife was arrested at Grand Union Canal towpath in Northolt, London ( Metropolitan Police/PA )

The force then said earlier on Saturday 9 September that it would be focusing its search in Chiswick on Saturday after confirmed sightings in the area overnight.

Some 75 hours after escaping with the food truck, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the former soldier was arrested by officers in Chiswick just before 11am on Saturday, a mere 45-minute drive away from the prison he fled on Wednesday morning.

Prior to his initial arrest in January 2023, the 21-year-old had formerly been a serving soldier in the British Army since 2018 and had worked as a computer network engineer with the Royal Corps of Signals.
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Former soldier Daniel Khalife has pleaded guilty part way through his trial to escaping from HMP Wandsworth and spending four days on the run.

The 23-year-old had clung to the bottom of a food catering truck using a sling made from kitchen trousers, causing a major manhunt which saw him arrested on a canal towpath next to the Thames.

He continues to deny other charges, which include spying for Iran while working for the British army.

Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb told jurors she had asked Khalife if he wanted the prison escape charge to be put to him again.

When the charge was put to the former soldier, he replied: Im guilty.

open image in gallery Daniel Khalife after his arrest on a canal towpath on 9 September 2023 ( PA )

The court heard he planned a fake escape attempt for August 21 in the hope he would be moved to the HSU, but decided that a genuine escape was his only option after the incident was not reported to senior prison staff.

He told jurors that he had escaped in the hope he would be kept in a high-security unit (HSU) at a different prison, away from sex offenders and terrorists after his recapture.

Khalife wanted to be kept in the HSU at HMP Belmarsh  a prison within a prison holding some of the countrys most dangerous criminals  because he believed he would be safer there, the court heard.

Five days before his successful escape, he attached a sling to the underside of the lorry made from kitchen trousers and carabiners.

The sling wasnt spotted at Wandsworth gate or any other prison, Khalife said.

open image in gallery Sketch of Khalife in court last month ( Elizabeth Cook/PA )

When the tail lift raised it covered me entirely, he continued.

If the makeshift sling wasnt noticed, theyre hardly going to notice me.

While on the run, Khalife bought clothes from Marks & Spencer and a coffee from McDonalds, and walked beside the River Thames before being caught by police three days later.

I accept that I left the prison and I didnt have any permission, he told jurors. I was never a real spy.

I would do anything to go back to my career (in the Army).

Khalife denies charges contrary to the Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act, and is accused of perpetrating a bomb hoax.

More follows on this breaking news story
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A prisoner has spent more than half of his life in jail for starting a fire in the attic of an empty building aged 17 under an abolished indefinite jail term.

Liam Bennett, now 36, told The Independent I deserve my chance at freedom, adding that he still dreams of a normal life as he languishes without a release date.

He was handed a controversial Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence in 2006 following the blaze, which caused 3,000 of damage but left no one hurt.

He was told he must serve a minimum of two years and 82 days for arson but is still trapped almost two decades later until a parole board deems him safe for release.

Speaking out as politicians prepare to debate whether more than 2,600 prisoners should be resentenced, Mr Bennett insisted: I have changed so much in 18 years, I have learned so much, Im confident I will take my chance with release and run with it.

Inside HMP Ranby, Nottinghamshire, his weight has plummeted to 9 stone despite being 6ft 3 and has sometimes turned to drugs to cope with the possibility of never being released  especially following a recent parole knock-back.

open image in gallery IPP prisoner Liam Bennett has not been released in 18 years after he was handed a two year and 82 day tariff ( Supplied )

He said he is faced with daily instances of violence, widespread drug use and fights on his wing at the Category C mens prison.

I have been in prison now for nearly 18 years off a two-year tariff, I deserve my chance of release, he said. How can it be fair to not have a release date?

He called for drastic change to help IPP inmates like him left rotting away in prisons. He said his crimes, which also included criminal damage and burglary, were committed when he had no structure and his life had descended into law-breaking  but now he wants to build an independent life on the outside.

After being in prison for 18 years I will be looking forward to living a normal life, he said. I will be happy to live out the rest of my life with my partner, its just having the chance to do it.

The government has so far refused calls to resentence 2,694 IPP prisoners still incarcerated under the abolished jail term, which saw offenders given a minimum tariff but no maximum, sometimes for even minor crimes.

They have been branded psychological torture by a human rights expert after it was revealed that at least 90 IPP prisoners have taken their own lives.

Its ruined his life. Murderers are coming out before him Liam Bennetts mother Gillian

A private members bill for resentencing, tabled by Labour peer Lord Woodley, will have its second reading in the House of Lords on Friday, but the government insists it still does not support the measure.

Mr Bennett said the impact of IPP sentences on prisoners and their families was inexcusable as he called for the government to put right their mistake so inmates can have a release date to work towards.

His mother Gillian, 58, from Dudley, told The Independent: Its ruined his life. Murderers are coming out before him.

It has been very hard, hes lost members of the family, I have gone through cancer. Its heartbreaking to be honest.

She said he had missed out on too many special birthdays and the arrival of his nieces and nephews, adding that having him home would be all my Christmases come true.

open image in gallery UN special rapporteur on torture Dr Alice Jill Edwards has described IPP jail terms as psychological torture ( UN Human Rights Council screengrab )

His father David Aston, 63, said he has been denied quality time with his son for 18 years while the parole board refuses to give him a chance on the outside, where he hopes to work as a barber.

He needs a chance to have kids and family of his own, he added. They have ruined his life at the end of the day.

In a ruling in 2019, three senior judges concluded his jail sentence had been lawfully imposed at the time but expressed concern that he was still in secure conditions so long after his tariff had expired.

The panel of appeal judges, including Sir Brian Leveson, warned the risk of institutionalisation appeared to have become counterproductive to Mr Bennetts rehabilitation.

It may be that he needs to be given the chance to prove that he can behave in conditions of reduced security and so be encouraged to progress to ultimate release, they said. However, he remains unreleased five years later.

open image in gallery Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood has said the government is not looking at resentencing IPP prisoners ( PA Wire )

Campaigner Bernadette Emerson, who co-founded IPP Committee in Action, added: Resentencing needs to go ahead because people like Liam are caught in a trap of continuous incarceration. Hes too many years over tariff, its not fair.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: It is right that IPP sentences were abolished and we recently terminated the lifetime licences of 1,800 rehabilitated offenders.

We are now exploring ways to improve access to mental health support and rehabilitation for those still in custody, and all IPP prisoners are considered for release by the Parole Board at least once every two years.
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The firearms officer who fatally shot Chris Kaba is set to be promoted after he was cleared of murder, according to reports.

Metropolitan Police sergeant Martyn Blake, 40, is expected to become an inspector after passing exams before the shooting on 5 September 2022.

Mr Blake will be transferred from the firearms unit to another department within the force, it is understood.

The marksman stood trial after shooting Kaba, an unarmed Black man, through the front windscreen of an Audi Q8 as the 24-year-old tried to smash and ram his way through police cars in Streatham, southeast London, two years ago.

He was cleared of murder by a jury in just over three hours at the Old Bailey in October.

The officer may still face a gross misconduct investigation following an Independent Office of Police Conduct investigation into the shooting.

After the verdict last month, it emerged Kaba was believed to be a core member of one of Londons most dangerous criminal gangs, the 67 gang, and was allegedly directly linked to two shootings in the six days before he was shot dead by police.

Police officers at the scene did not know who was driving the Audi Q8 when it was followed and stopped, only that it had been used as a getaway car in a shooting the night before.

Last week, Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley hit out at dangerous narratives, adding that 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.

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.

Meanwhile, a report published last year found that Black people are at least seven times more likely to die following contact with officers.

Following the verdict, the home secretary announced new policing reforms, which include anonymity for prosecuted firearms officers unless they are convicted.

The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment.
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A senior bishop has called for Justin Welby to resign as the Archbishop of Canterbury following a damning report into a barrister who is thought to have been the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church.

Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley described Dr Welbys position as untenable and claimed that the Church was in danger of losing complete credibility.

I think, rightly, people are asking the question Can we really trust the Church of England to keep us safe? And I think the answer at the moment is No, she told the BBC.

The Rt Rev Hartley, one of the 21 bishops who sit in the House of Lords as lords spiritual, added that Dr Welbys resignation would amount to a very clear indication that a line has been drawn, and that we must move towards independence of safeguarding.

The bishop subsequently condemned the coercive language of a letter she released on social media on Monday, which she said had been sent to her by Dr Welby and the Archbishop of York just days before the report was published.

The letter  which appears to relate to her suspension of the former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, from active ministry in the diocese of Newcastle over a previous Church safeguarding review  reads: We would very much like to see a resolution to this situation which enables Sentamu to return to ministry.

In her post on X, formerly Twitter, the Rt Rev Hartley criticised the letter, saying that it signifies a wider and systemic dysfunction of how the hierarchy of the Church of England has dealt with matters of safeguarding and most particularly the impact of church-related abuse on victims and survivors.

Following the publication of the Makin review last week, a petition by some members of the General Synod  the Church of Englands parliament  has gathered more than 5,000 signatures, urging Dr Welby to resign over the failure of the Church to alert authorities to the abhorrent abuse of children and young men by John Smyth QC, a Christian barrister.

Dr Welby has so far refused to step down, telling Channel 4 that he had thought about the issue for a long time and taken advice from senior colleagues before ultimately concluding that it was more appropriate for him to remain in position.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer declined to reveal whether he thinks the archbishop should resign, saying on Monday afternoon that it is a matter for the Church.

open image in gallery Vicars in the Church of England have accused the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, of losing the confidence of his clergy ( AP )

The Makin report into the abuse concluded that Dr Welby had possessed at least some knowledge of the concerns about Smyth in the early 1980s, and had shown a lack of curiosity about the allegations when they surfaced in 2013.

The archbishop said he had had no idea or suspicion of this abuse before 2013, but acknowledged that the review had found that after its wider exposure that year he had personally failed to ensure that it was energetically investigated.

Smyth died aged 75 in Cape Town in 2018, while under investigation by Hampshire Police, and so was never brought to justice for the abuse, the review said. He is said to have subjected as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual attacks across five decades, in three different countries, permanently marking their lives.

Dr Welby knew Smyth because of his attendance at Iwerne Christian camps in the 1970s, but the review said there was no evidence that he had maintained any significant contact with the barrister in later years.

open image in gallery John Smyth is thought to have abused as many as 130 boys and young men in the UK and Africa ( Channel 4 )

It said that while he knew Smyth and did have reason to have some concern about him, this was not the same as suspecting he had committed severe abuse. It concluded that it was not possible to establish whether Dr Welby had known of the severity of the abuse in the UK before 2013.

The report said Smyth could and should have been formally reported to the police in the UK, and to authorities in South Africa (Church authorities and potentially the police) by Church officers, including a diocesan bishop and Justin Welby in 2013.

It said that had that been done, on the balance of probabilities Smyth could have been brought to justice at a much earlier point.

The petition states: Given [Dr Welbys] role in allowing abuse to continue, we believe that his continuing as the Archbishop of Canterbury is no longer tenable. We must see change, for the sake of survivors, for the protection of the vulnerable, and for the good of the Church  and we share this determination across our traditions.

With sadness we do not think there is any alternative to his immediate resignation if the process of change and healing is to start now.

Giles Fraser, vicar of St Annes in Kew, west London, described it as a terrible situation. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Theres a petition going round now, which many people are signing, and this is from all parts of the Church. Im afraid hes really lost the confidence of his clergy, hes lost the confidence of many of his bishops, and his position is completely untenable.

Dr Joanne Grenfell, the Church of Englands lead safeguarding bishop, has refused to call for Dr Welbys resignation. Speaking over the weekend, she welcomed his apology and praised his commitment to the Church.

As I said, I really appreciate that the archbishop has wholeheartedly apologised for what he couldve and shouldve done differently in 2013, she said. I also recognise his commitment, over the time of his tenure as archbishop, to really having tried to change safeguarding.

I think theres still an awful lot to do, but I do think that builds on some of the changes that we have seen over the last 10 years.
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Watch as King Charles III welcomes the Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani begins a two-day state visit to the UK on Tuesday, 3 December.

Charles welcomed the leader and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during an extravagant ceremony staged in Whitehall.

Queen Camilla was absent; On Monday, she pulled out of the official open-air greeting on Horse Guards Parade and a carriage ride back to the palace due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection.

The Prince and Princess of Wales took part in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, one of the few official appearances by Kate during a year in which she has been successfully treated for cancer.

Camilla will later join the royal party for a private lunch with the Emir and his wife.

She will also take part in all but one of the elements of the evening state banquet at Buckingham Palace, staged in honour of the Emir.
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You would be forgiven for thinking Oasis had announced a secret gig at a Hampshire warehouse after pictures emerged of thousands queuing, marshalled by police.

But it wasnt Britpop that led crowds to descend on Andover this weekend, but bakeware: with shoppers desperate to bag a bargain at a first come, first served sale held by Le Creuset.

Queues snaked for miles and customers reportedly waited for up to four hours to get deals on the French cookware brandss casserole dishes, jugs and christmas crockery.

Le Creuset had promoted their largest in-person event in Andover, adding: Attendees can shop a selection of premium cookware, including limited-edition colours, rare shapes and other unique styles at special prices.

But Hampshire Police officers were called to the scene in an attempt to bring order after reports of traffic congestion in the area.

open image in gallery Footage was shared on social media of long queues at the sale ( (TikTok/@homeatnumber11_) )

One casserole connoisseur posted an image of the packed warehouse, adding on X: The Le Creuset warehouse sale, where I had to tell some short-arsed bald beardy t*** to get to the back of the queue.

Him and his wife thought they could push in. After some observational language towards him, they reluctantly left. Why do people think they have the right?

One influencer who documented her trip on TikTok warned others: We went for 7.30am so had to wait until 9am but the queuing was so chaotic, so hopefully its better.

When we left there was still a queue though.

open image in gallery The iconic orange Le Creuset casserole dish ( Le Creuset )

Hampshire Police told the Telegraph: We attended London Road and the A3093 in Andover Saturday morning following reports of heavy congestion in the area.

We began receiving reports at 9.45am and we attended to assist with traffic control. Traffic had eased by around 11.15am and we left the area shortly afterwards.

TikTokers have sparked a resurgence in popularity for the iconic French brand with #LeCreuSlay regularly trending on the social network after Gen Z influencers began promoting home cooking and traditional home lives.

The brand has always embraced trends, developing grills (in the 1950s, when grilling was first linked to healthy eating), fondue sets, woks and tagines.

Recent years have seen the advent of paella and pizza pans, tapas and balti dishes. There have been collaborations with British chefs and a burst in interest for home cooking after lockdown.

Le Creuset, literally, the crucible was first established in Fresnoy-le-Grand in 1925.

It has become so synonymous with France that it has been said one of its flame-orange casserole dishes might as well adorn the national coat of arms.
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Lidl has revealed its tongue-in-cheek Christmas truck that will tour the UK this winter.

The supermarket giant is to mark the festive season by driving its own version of a Christmas cola truck to cities across the UK, as Coca-Cola announced the return of its own tour.

The 20-metre, 15-tonne red truck which will have Lidls own-brand Freeway cola label wrapped around its body.

The budget retailer said it will visit nine cities between November 14 and December 1 for its first tour.

The trucks will create pop-ups at each stop where staff will give away more than 2,000 present boxes containing items from the retailers middle aisle, known for selling an array of household items.

They will be given away on a first come, first served basis.

Lidl said it will also use the truck to give away 100 of food shops to some winning shoppers, and handing out festive food to customers.

Pop-ups will take place in Dundee, Harrogate, Hull, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Luton, Bournemouth and Southampton.

open image in gallery The Coca-Cola truck ( Coca-Cola )

Earlier this month Lidl has said it will be opening 10 more shops in the UK before Christmas as the discount retailer targets new shoppers ahead of the festive season.

The German supermarket chain also announced it has agreed to sell 12 new stores as part of a leaseback deal worth 70 million.

Lidl currently has about 960 stores but has previously said it is targeting more than 1,100 across England, Wales and Scotland.

open image in gallery Lidl has said it plans to open hundreds more supermarkets across Britain (Andrew Matthews/PA) ( PA Archive )

The new openings this year will create around 400 jobs and reach thousands more households, according to the retailer.

The expansion includes shops in Berwick Green in Bristol, Bovey Tracey in Devon, and Stirchley in Birmingham, as well as three in Londons Hoxton, Forest Gate and Caterham.

It also includes the reopening of relocated or refurbished shops in Chessington and Dagenham in London, and Connahs Quay in Wales.

Lidl is now the sixth biggest UK supermarket with an 8.1% share of the grocery market, according to the latest figures from Kantar.

That puts it just behind Morrisons, which has an 8.6% share, and German rival Aldi, which has grown its share to just under a 10th.

Meanwhile, Lidl said it has agreed to a deal to sell 12 new shops, which are in the process of being built, for 70 million.

The schedule for Coca-Colas long-running Christmas truck tour will be released later this month.

The firm said it will donate 20p to food charity FareShare for every person who attends the truck tour between November 21 and December 22.
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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.
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The UK will not enjoy supremacy in the air in future warfare but will have to fight against an ever-improving enemy for control, the head of the Royal Air Force has warned, as he claimed that the UK faces the most difficult strategic environment in decades.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the Air Staff, suggested the era of unchallenged Western dominance in the air had come to an end, adding that it was imperative the RAF modernise its efforts to stay ahead of the likes of China and Russia.

Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a defence think tank, for the annual Lord Trenchard Memorial Lecture, Sir Richard praised the strength of the RAF but said that it had spent the past 25 years preparing for a now outdated form of warfare.

open image in gallery An RAF Typhoon FGR4 aircraft back at base, following strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in February ( Ministry of Defence )

Throughout my career, we have enjoyed air supremacy, never mind air superiority, at least above 10,000 feet, he said. That is not going to be the case in the future. It seems clear to me that we are going to have to fight for control of the air.

We have spent the last 25 years or more optimising ourselves for the types of conflict we saw in the Balkans, the Middle East or Afghanistan. We as a service responded well and adapted our systems and capabilities for those wars.

open image in gallery Richard Knighton said the RAF must ensure it is not preparing for an outdated form of warfare ( RUSI )

But this is not the threat we face today. We need to become match fit for the new, bigger and more important game.

Over the last three decades, the UK and its allies have enjoyed considerable dominance in the air over their adversaries. That advantage, said Sir Richard, has meant the need to adapt fighting capabilities has been less urgent.

But the rapid growth of the Chinese military, as well as the mobilisation of Russias war economy to perpetrate its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, have brought into sharp relief the need for the UK to modernise.

The involvement of the private sector in shaping warfare, with the introduction of artificial intelligence and drones proving critical in the likes of Ukraine and Gaza, has also sped up the cycle of adaptation in war.

Sir Richard said that cycles of adaptation in Ukraine, for example, which encapsulates the creation of a weapon, of a countermeasure, and of a response to that countermeasure, were just three weeks long.

They have become so short, he added, that Kyiv was creating a response to the countermeasure at the same time as creating the original weapon.

open image in gallery The era of unchallenged Western dominance in the air has come to an end, according to the chief of the Air Staff ( Ministry of Defence )

The RAF will bring into service two new fleets of aircraft next year, including E-7 command and control planes and remotely piloted endurance aircraft known as Protector, as part of its bid to remain among the most modern and capable air forces.

But Sir Richard pointed out that after the introduction of these two aircraft, the RAF does not expect to bring in major new aircraft until at least 2035, meaning that the force we have [by next year] is pretty much the force we will have to fight with until  later in the next decade.

While the UKs current Typhoon and F-35 aircraft, designed in the 1980s and 1990s respectively, are due for upgrades in the coming years, which Sir Richard says will bridge the transition into 2035, he added that the UK cannot afford to stand still over the next 15 years in the face of an evolving threat.

He name-checked the recently introduced Chinese J-20 and slightly older Russian Su-57 fighter jets, both of which claim to have advanced stealth capabilities, as reasons for the need to continue improving the RAFs own aircraft.

The proliferation of China and Russias capabilities, he said, means that we also need to plan for the next generation of capabilities now.

While highlighting the significance of the threat posed by the China-led quadrumvirate of Russia, Iran, North Korea and Beijing, Sir Richard did not suggest the UK faced an immediate threat of direct attack.

But he suggested the swelling anti-Western axis should nevertheless spur the UK and its Western allies on to create a credible deterrence to prevent future wars.

Three decades of relative peace and the absence of any serious, direct threats to the UK has left us with limits to our capability to respond to some of the threats we could face in the future, he said.

Deterrence and hard power matter more now than they have for many years. If it fails, we are doomed to repeat the brutal suffering of our past wars.
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Throughout November, bright red poppies have appeared on peoples clothing, in shops, in train stations, on cars, and more, as the UK observes Remembrance Day.

This month, Britain honours the lives that were lost in service of the country and thanks the Armed Forces of Britain and the Commonwealth.

Tributes are also paid to the families of the Armed Forces community and the emergency services, and the lives of innocent civilians that were lost in conflict and acts of terrorism are also acknowledged.

When is Remembrance Day 2024?

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, will fall on 11 November, as it does every year.

The occasion is also marked on the second Sunday of November, known as Remembrance Sunday, with a minutes silence at 11am.

This year, Remembrance Sunday falls on 10 November. The National Service of Remembrance is held each year on this day at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, commemorating the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

How can I watch The National Service of Remembrance?

The National Service of Remembrance, which sees a parade of veterans march through London and the royal family paying tribute alongside members of the Cabinet, opposition party leaders, former prime ministers, the Mayor of London and other ministers, is usually open to the public and televised.

What does the red poppy symbolise?

The red poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community and is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future, says the RBL.

The symbol was first used by a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, who was grieving for a friend killed in Ypres in 1915.

He saw poppies growing in the mud churned, devastated Belgian fields and saw them as a sign of hope, inspiring him to write his famous poem In Flanders Field.

The poppy image was then adopted by the Royal British Legion in 1921 and sold as a sign of remembrance. They were made in either silk, cotton or cardboard.

Today, the red poppies are worn across the country in tribute to the Armed Forces and the RBLs Poppy Appeal raises funds to help veterans with housing and jobs. Around 40,000 volunteers now distribute 40 million poppies each year.

Where can I get a poppy?

The RBL is the official seller of poppies for Remembrance Day and you can buy a paper poppy for 2, an enamel poppy for 3, or a clip-on poppy for 3.99.

Other poppy-themed items are also available, including a wreath at 17.99 and a fabric face mask decorated with poppies, which is now on sale for 4.99.

All items can be purchased online at the RBLs Poppy Shop, or you can visit your closest RBL shop to buy them in person. Poppy Appeal sellers can also be found in most places closer to Remembrance Day.

All money spent on poppies goes to The Royal British Legion.

This article was amended on the day of publication as it originally referred inaccurately to British instead of Belgian fields.
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As Remembrance Day approaches, many people choose to wear a red poppy to commemorate the soldiers who have died in war. It is worn as a symbol of memory and hope, for those who gave their lives in battle.

A poppy is worn is because, despite years of fighting and destruction of the countryside landscape in western Europe during World War One, poppies continued to grow.

But today, some people choose to wear white, purple and black poppies instead.

Why do some people feel uncomfortable wearing a red poppy?

Some people believe that the red poppy has become politicised over the years. When it was first adopted, it represented mourning and served as a pledge that war must never happen again.

However, in recent years it has increasingly become utilised by political organisations, including Britain First, to promote their cause.

Others choose to eschew wearing poppies because of poppy policing or poppy fascism  in which people are lambasted for not wearing the flower.

In Northern Ireland, for example, it became regarded as a Protestant Loyalist symbol because of its connection with British patriotism, Peace Pledge Union (PPU), a pacifist organisation, says on its website.

A growing number of people have been concerned about the poppys association with military power and the justification of war.

The Royal British Legion has a neutral attitude towards the alternative symbol. The organisations website says: We have no objection to white poppies, or any group expressing their views.

We see no conflict in wearing the red poppy alongside the white poppy. We do ask that the items are not offered alongside each other however as this would confuse the public.

What are white poppies and why do people wear them?

open image in gallery The White Poppy symbolises the belief that there are better ways to resolve conflicts and embodies values that reject killing fellow human beings for whatever reason ( Nankai/Wikimedia Commons )

While the red poppy is worn specifically in honour of the armed forces and is distributed by the Royal British Legion, the white poppy, given out by the PPU.

According to the PPU, it is intended to remember all victims of all wars, rather than just those in which British service people were involved.

It also demonstrates a commitment to peace and to challenging any attempt to glamourise or celebrate war.

The white poppies were first conceived by the Co-operative Women's Guild - a national organisation set up to provide women working in co-operatives a voice - in 1933, and they became used by non-violence and faith organisations. They were also frequently worn by the widows and children of dead soldiers.

While it is common to see red poppies worn in the UK during the Remembrance period, with millions sold each year, only around 100,000 white poppies are sold annually and they are more difficult to get hold of.

You can buy white poppies from the PPU website here and red poppies from the Poppy Shop here.

What do purple poppies mean?

open image in gallery A field of purple poppies ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

The purple poppy is worn in remembrance of animals that served and lost their lives during war.

Horses and dogs were used during wartime to haul weapons and supply carts, while carrier pigeons transported messages between home regiments and those on the front line.

Animal Aid, a charity that campaigns to end animal abuse, has created a purple paw badge. The organisation aims to rewrite the narrative of animals as valiant servant of people, and that the badge is a symbol of how they were exploited by humans during wartime.

You can buy a purple paw badge here.

What do black poppies mean?

open image in gallery A Black poppy remembers African/Black/Caribbean/Pacific Islands communities that served in wars ( BlackPoppyRose.org )

The black poppy, launched in 2010 by Selena Carty, acknowledges the contributions that African, Black, Caribbean and Pacific Islands communities have made to various wars since the 16th century.

The Black Poppy Rose organisation said the poppy signifies pride, honour and glory.

Black Poppy pins and wreaths can be bought from the organisations website, with proceeds going towards the collection, documenting and preserving of untold narratives of the different communities.

You can shop the collection here.
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A rare 13th-century Bible could return to its ancestral home in Salisbury Cathedral more than 700 years after it was written.

It is one of only six manuscripts attributed to the Sarum Master, one of the greatest artists of the medieval period who illuminated pages of vellum from a workshop in Salisbury.

The English manuscript artist was known for his work in religious manuscripts, particularly the Sarum Missal  used for the liturgical practices of the cathedral, influencing English Christianity before the Reformation.

At the time, no other cities apart from London and Oxford supported this scale of book production, with Salisbury becoming renowned as an academic and cultural centre.

Now, the Friends of the Nations Libraries (FNL), which protects the UKs written and printed history, is campaigning to raise 90,000 within 90 days to return the Bible to its ancestral home. It is currently in the hands of a private collector.

Geordie Greig, chair of FNL, said: I am determined that this campaign by Friends of the Nations Libraries to return a literary treasure to an ancient cathedral library 700 years after it was written by one of the few known medieval artists will be successful.

open image in gallery The Bible is one of only six manuscripts to be attributed to the medieval artist the Sarum Master, who had a workshop in Salisbury ( Salisbury Cathedral )

To achieve this we are asking the public and donors to help us to save the Master of Sarum Salisbury Bible, a treasure of infinite historical and bibliographical merit.

Christopher de Hamel, an expert on medieval manuscripts, said: The Sarum Master was one of the earliest manuscript artists in England of whom we have a recognisable oeuvre.

He added that Salisburys flourishing book trade during the medieval period meant that its published manuscripts were available for purchase, which led to the local Use of Sarum becoming standard for all of southern England until the Reformation period.

The artist is known for his intricate and highly stylised illustrations that were characteristic of Gothic art. His work includes detailed images of saints, biblical scenes, and illuminated initials, with vibrant colours, flowing lines, and elaborate gold leaf.

Salisbury Cathedral is visited by around 250,000 people each year and boasts the tallest spire in the country which stands at 123 metres.

open image in gallery Friends of the Nations Libraries hopes to raise 90,000 to buy the Bible and return it to the cathedral ( Salisbury Cathedral )

It also houses a library, which was founded in 1445, holds a large collection of manuscripts dating from the 9th century and is one of the earliest purpose-built library rooms in England.

Among its prized possessions is one of only four remaining copies of the 1215 Magna Carta and the worlds oldest mechanical clock.

The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said: We are immensely grateful to the Friends of the Nations Libraries for their invaluable support with the campaign to bring the Sarum Bible back to Salisbury after nearly 800 years.

The artistry of the Sarum Master speaks to a centuries-long tradition of creativity at Salisbury. We are delighted at the prospect of being able to share this treasure with visitors to the cathedral library in the future.

You can donate here: https://www.fnl.org.uk/pages/12-donate
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Watch as Sir Keir Starmer joined Emmanuel Macron in Paris to attend an Armistice commemoration on Monday, 11 November.

The Prime Minister was invited to the capital city by the French president to the annual event.

Sir Keir held a bilateral meeting with Mr Macron in which they were expected to discuss foreign policy issues including the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In the morning, the prime minister hosted veterans, defence charities and British military personnel at the ambassadors residence.

Sir Keir became the first prime minister to visit France for Armistice Day since Winston Churchill joined Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

Asked why Sir Keir was making the trip, defence secretary Healey told Sky News: This is a special year.

We mark 80 years since D-Day invasions and some of the critical battles that liberated Europe and ended the Second World War.

This is also a mark of the close relationship between the two leaders, between [MR] Macron and [Sir Keir], but also the historic bonds between our two countries and our two militaries.
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Opposition to a bill attempting to legalise assisted dying appears to be growing despite promises that it will include the toughest safeguards anywhere in the world by its proposer Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.

Health secretary Wes Streeting has already indicated he will oppose the legislation, which is a free conscience vote in parliament, and now he could be joined by an improbable alliance of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Labour leftwing veteran Diane Abbott.

This comes as an open letter from thousands of doctors and nurses opposing the Bill has been published today warning that safeguards cannot be strong enough.

Writing in The House magazine, Ms Leadbeater said her proposal offers hope to those terminally ill people with a clear, informed and settled wish to have a better death, while at the same time protecting all those approaching the end of their life from coercion or pressure to make a decision that isnt right for them; indeed my Bill will contain the strictest protections and safeguards of any legislation anywhere in the world.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater joins terminally ill advocates, bereaved families, and campaigners for a photocall outside the House of Parliament, London. ( PA Wire )

She added: I have been consulting very widely over the past few weeks, mainly because Im not the sort of person who would embark on a task like this without delving deeply into the issue first.

But also because I am clear that if we are to have a new law it must be a good law.

Speaking to The Independent ahead of details being published, Ms Badenoch, who is yet to make a final decision, made it clear that as a former patron of Conservatives for Choice she does not oppose the principle of the Bill. But she claimed that issues she had come across affecting children in the trans debate meant she did not trust the NHS with safeguards.

She said: I do support the principle in very limited circumstances where somebody wants to choose how they go, they can do so because of what I saw happen to a family member, and she died in the most awful way.

But  and this is where a lot of people think that I'm overly nuanced  I think that this system, a lot of the systems in this country, are broken. The NHS needs reform. We can't deliver social care. Can we actually handle assisted suicide on top of all that?

She added: And this is where my biases and political prejudices come in. If it was a Conservative government, I would feel more confident that we are better at this. It's a Labour government. It's a private member's bill. They're rushing it through.

When Ms Leadbeater revealed she would be publishing details of the Bill, Ms Abbott also expressed her concerns.

She posted on X: I do not share the reported enthusiasm for the Assisted Dying Bill. And it is painfully late to be bringing forward a draft bill, with so little time to consider its contents.

Meanwhile an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer, who backs the legislation, signed by 3,400 doctors and nurses and organised by the campaign group Our Duty of Care (Odoc), warned about the potential consequences of the Bill.

The letter said: We write with great concern regarding the introduction of a Bill to legalise doctor-assisted suicide. The NHS is broken, with health and social care in disarray. Palliative care is woefully underfunded and many lack access to specialist provision, it says.

The thought of assisted suicide being introduced and managed safely at such a time is remarkably out of touch with the gravity of the current mental health crisis and pressures on staff.

Any change would threaten societys ability to safeguard vulnerable patients from abuse; it would undermine the trust the public places in physicians; and it would send a clear message to our frail, elderly and disabled patients about the value that society places on them as people.
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Gas boilers will reportedly be banned in most new homes by 2027, as part of legislation to slash carbon emissions across households.

The Future Homes Standard, being brought forward by the government, will mean developers must ensure that new-builds are only fitted out with electric heat pumps or non-gas alternatives.

It aims to ensure the carbon emissions of new homes are 75 per cent lower than under current standards.

The new Labour government hopes to lay out the final guidance on phasing out gas boilers in May next year, sources told the Financial Times.

But the ban is unlikely to be enforced until 2026, when the legislation takes effect, the paper reported. There would then be a year-long delay to give housebuilders sufficient time to prepare for the transition.

The average household energy bill increases by 149 a year from Tuesday (Andrew Matthews/PA) ( PA Wire )

While the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the government wants all new properties to be built without gas boilers by the end of the decade, one official told the FT that the gas boiler ban could include some exceptions.

The department said they are currently considering responses to the Future Homes Standard consultation, which was launched by the previous Tory government last year and came to an end in March.

James Dyson, a senior researcher at climate policy think-tank E3G, said the delay in introducing the new standards was a scandal.

He said: We estimate the delay has led to about 700,000 homes being built with heating systems that need replacing  passing a cost of over 12,000 per home on to families and social housing associations.

Mr Dyson called for the plans to be implemented as soon as possible, arguing a phased rollout would let down families across the country and cause energy bills to remain high.

However, concerns have been raised over the plan, with industry figures warning that the current supply of heat pumps would not be able to keep up with demand.

Steve Turner, executive director of the Home Builders Federation lobby group, said: We need to make sure the heat pump supply chain will be in place.

At the minute, were only installing about 35,000 a year  to go from there to up to 300,000 a year, plus additional ones fitted to existing homes, the supply chain will need a significant scale-up.

Mr Turner also expressed concern over the impact on the National Grid, which would be forced to increase capacity to provide enough electricity to replace gas supplies.

If youre not using gas for heating, that will load more on to the grid. We need to make sure theres enough resilience within that, he said.

A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: We remain committed to delivering highly efficient new homes that will become net zero as the grid decarbonises.

We are considering the responses to the Future Homes Standard consultation and will respond in due course.
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Sir Keir Starmer is set to be the first UK leader to attend a French Armistice Day ceremony since the Second World War following a personal invitation from Emmanuel Macron, in what is a major step in his plans for a Brexit reset.

The prime minister, who has put a revival of relations with Brussels at the heart of his mission, will attend 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 in Paris on Monday, becoming the first UK leader to attend the ceremony since Winston Churchill in 1944. Paris had been liberated that summer.

Amid the collapse of Olaf Scholzs administration in Germany, Sir Keir will be keen to woo the French president and build bridges with one of the EUs strongest powers.

During the visit the prime minister will hold bilateral meetings with Mr Macron and new French prime minister Michel Barnier  the first time the two have met since Mr Barnier took office.

Sir Keir will head to France on Monday ( EPA )

Sir Keirs visit comes after a personal invitation from Mr Macron, Downing Street confirmed, saying the PM will join French and British veterans, and the public, to pay tribute to the fallen of the first world war and veterans of subsequent conflicts.

A No 10 spokesperson said the prime ministers attendance at Mondays event symbolises the close and enduring friendship between the UK and France.

The visit comes as the PM announces more than 10m to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year.

The national commemorative events will pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War on all fronts, Downing Street said.

Alongside Mr Macron, the prime minister is expected to lay a wreath at war memorials close to the Champ-Elysees and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, a national symbol in France for those who died in the First World War.

I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today, Sir Keir said.

These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.

That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.

The visit comes as Sir Keir attempts to pursue a reset with the EU, pledging to make Brexit work by renegotiating the deal agreed upon by Boris Johnson and the Tories.

But his hopes of restoring the relationship with the bloc took a knock after the collapse of Mr Scholz government.

Sir Keir had developed a close working relation with the German chancellor since his election victory and just last month, the prime minister secured the first major success of his plans for a Brexit reset with a landmark defence deal between the two countries.

A general election is now expected in Germany early next year, with Mr Scholz widely expected to lose.
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Britain should move past the special relationship with the US, the frontrunner to become the UKs next ambassador in Washington has said.

Peter Mandelson is a favourite to replace Dame Karen Pierce, who is overseeing the transition to Donald Trumps second administration.

The Labour grandee, a key architect of Tony Blairs New Labour, said it is time for a new relationship with the US.

open image in gallery Lord Mandelson said his focus was on the election to become the chancellor of the University of Oxford (PA) ( PA Archive )

Speaking on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Lord Mandelson said he was more in favour of a new relationship rather than a special one with the US.

And, addressing speculation about the potential role in the US, he added: Can I just make the point if you dont mind: nobody has spoken to me about this job.

I read about it in the papers but nobody has actually spoken to me about it, so lets put it to one side.

Asked whether he would be interested in the role, Lord Mandelson said: I would be very interested indeed in giving advice about trade to whoever is appointed. But a report last weekend suggested Lord Mandelson could be blocked from the role by a Trump administration because of his close ties to the EU.

Lord Mandelson said the UK should pursue a digital and technological economic agreement between the two countries.

He said it would be a different sort of trade deal, not the old-fashioned sort of free trade agreement of goods and mortar.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on all imports to the US ( AP )

More sort of clicks and portals of the future, I would say, is the sort of trade deal that we need.

He added: I think that given that the United States and the UK are both such advanced digital countries and economies, theres enormous scope here for us to align and to deepen the industrial economic trade partnerships between ourselves across the Atlantic.

His comments come amid fears about Mr Trumps approach to trade when he returns to the White House. He has threatened to levy a 10 per cent tariff on all imports to the US, rising to up to 60 per cent for goods from China.

And a top EU official on Sunday told The Independent Britain must chase closer ties with the EU following his re-election.

Sandro Gozi, the new chair of the European delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, told The Independent the bloc is looking to put academic cooperation, a youth free-movement deal and conversations about artificial intelligence on the table.

Former Hartlepool MP Lord Mandelson is also among the final five candidates to become the next chancellor of Oxford, alongside former Conservative leader Lord William Hague; former attorney general Dominic Grieve; Lady Eilish Angiolini, who is a pro-vice chancellor at the university; and Baroness Jan Royall, previously leader of the opposition in the House of Lords.

Im actually concentrating on and focused on something else, Lord Mandelson, who was one of the key architects of Labours 1997 election success, said when asked about the ambassadorship.

I know that people say that William Hague is a heavy hitter hes the favourite to be elected chancellor at Oxford.

All I would say is that if the university does want a big hitter then it does have an alternative to look to.

Earlier this week, a Cabinet minister said Dame Karen is doing an excellent job but could not say exactly when her term will end.

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden told Sky News: 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

He added: 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.
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Watch as Kemi Badenoch appeared before the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry on Monday, 11 November.

The former business secretary and her successor, Labour's Jonathan Reynolds, were questioned on problems related to compensation for scandal victims.

More than 900 subpostmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faulty Horizon accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their shops.

Questions also focused on the new Tory leader's row with ex-Post Office chair Henry Staunton.

William Paul Patterson, director of Fujitsu Services Limited, also testified.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer responded to campaigner Sir Alan Batess requests for help with settling redress claims for those affected by the scandal.

Sir Alan told MPs that the prime minister had not yet responded to his letter urging him to ask the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to set a deadline of March next year for payments, but Downing Street confirmed hours later that a response had been sent.

Sir Alan was representing claimants from the 555 subpostmasters who took the Post Office to the High Court between 2017 and 2019  also known as the GLO scheme.

He told MPs that 70 of the GLO scheme claimants have died while compensation is being sorted out, with others now well into their 80s that are still suffering.

Number 10 declined to commit to the campaigners suggested payment deadline.
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Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump are on a collision course over the climate crisis after the prime minister on Tuesday positioned himself as the international leader on attempting to achieve net zero.

The PM used his voice as one of the only world leaders from the G20 nations to attend the Cop29 climate conference in Baku to announce that carbon emissions in the UK will be slashed by 81 per cent by 2035.

But it came as president-elect Trump indicated that he would be taking the US in the opposite direction with the controversial appointment of Lee Zeldin to lead the US Environment Protection Agency.

There are serious concerns that Mr Trump will now walk away from the Paris climate accord as he did in his first term.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer speaking in Baku on Tuesday ( PA )

The former congressman Mr Zeldin, a longstanding critic of net zero policies, will be tasked with stripping away environmental rules and regulations introduced by Joe Bidens administration.

Speaking at the conference, Sir Keir refused to directly attack any government leader for avoiding the conference and he no directly criticise Mr Trump. But he said: We are here to show leadership.

He made it clear that he wants London to become the green finance capital of the world and for the UK to be at the forefront of new green technology.

The new goal on reducing carbon emissions is in line with the recommendation of the Climate Change Committee, the UKs climate watchdog.

This target is based on reducing emissions compared with 1990 levels and forms the UK's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)  a commitment that countries make to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change.

Setting the UKs greenhouse gas emission target, Sir Keir said: The race is on for the clean energy jobs of the future, the economy of tomorrow.

I dont want to be in the middle of the pack, I want to get ahead of the game.

open image in gallery Lee Zeldin is the new head of the US Environment Protection Agency ( Getty )

He told reporters at the audience in Baku: At this Cop I was pleased to announce that we are building on our reputation as a climate leader with the UKs 2035 NDC target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81 per cent on 1990 levels.

But a global problem also requires global partnership, responsible international cooperation, which is why we took the opportunity at this Cop to again urge all parties to come forward with ambitious targets of their own.

Sir Keirs pledge has been hailed as a strong signal to the international community despite many of the UKs international allies failing to attend the summit.

Nick Mabey, co-CEO of climate think tank E3G, said: By committing to this target... the UK is stepping up as a climate frontrunner at a time when such leadership is critically needed.

Dr Caterina Brandmayr, director of policy and translation at the Grantham Institute  Climate Change and the Environment, part of Imperial College London, said this is exactly what the world needs right now.

The UKs NDC sends a strong signal to the international community as the Cop29 negotiations get underway and motivates other countries to come forward with ambitious NDCs, she added.

Mr Zeldin, 44, took to X (formerly Twitter) to try to allay fears about his appointment.

We will restore US energy dominance, revitalise our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.

Mr Zeldin is a Trump ally and ran a close race for New York governor in 2022, before being narrowly defeated by Democrat Kathy Hochul.

There are concerns about a comment he made in 2014 when he said that he was not sold yet on the whole argument that we have as serious a problem as other people are regarding climate change.

UK energy secretary Ed Miliband, who cancelled oil and gas contracts in the North Sea in his first week in office, was more optimistic about relations with the Trump administration on this issue.

He told reporters: We will seek to find common ground with Donald Trump, he will make his own decisions about what he wants to do. I obviously want him to stay in the Paris climate agreement, but that's his decision.

But former Tory cabinet minister Alok Sharma, who was president of Cop26, warned: If the new Trump administration decides to walk away from the Paris Agreement for a second time and retreats from climate leadership, I hope other nations will step forward to try to fill some of the breach, including the new UK government.
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Britains next ambassador to the US is set to be decided within days in what will be one of the most important diplomatic decisions of Sir Keir Starmers first year in No 10.

The appointment will be key to shaping the UK-US relationship once Donald Trump returns to the White House, with the future of Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and trade tariffs among the key areas where the prime minister and the president-elect differ in opinion.

Sir Keirs attempts to woo Trump have not started well, with many of his top team facing tough questions about disparaging comments made during his first term. Trumps election campaign team also hit out at the Labour Party, accusing it of attempting to interfere in the election, in a row over UK activists helping Democrats.

Our next man, or woman, in Washington will need all the political and diplomatic nous they can muster. Here we look at the runners and riders.

Peter Mandelson

The former Labour spinner has already staged a series of political comebacks  including as EU trade commissioner and then returning to help Gordon Browns beleaguered government as business secretary  and now he is seen as one of the frontrunners to head to Washington.

At the weekend he insisted that nobodys asked me about the job. But he also popped up on Laura Kuenssbergs Sunday morning BBC programme where he said of the next US president  on defence spending  Mr Trump is not always wrong.

As for his thoughts on what the next four years will bring? He said: Of course... I immediately thought what does this mean for Britain and I thought were going to be in for a relatively transactional rollercoaster ride, but that we have to decide about how were going to influence this presidency, what were going to put into it and what were going to get back from it.

David Miliband

Another Labour politician, rather than a career diplomat, his appointment would show Downing Street is wary of Mr Trumps disdain for bureaucrats.

After standing down as an MP, the former foreign secretary has been president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the International Rescue Committee, based in the US, since 2013. He took that job three years after losing the Labour leadership contest  to his brother Ed, now a minister in Keir Starmers cabinet.

open image in gallery David Miliband, pcitured with his brother Ed during the 2010 Labour leadership contest ( Getty Images )

However, Mr Miliband is seen as the candidate preferred by Sr Keirs former chief of staff Sue Gray, who resigned last month.

Cathy Ashton

Made a peer by Tony Blair, she replaced Peter Mandelson as EU trade commissioner. She was then chosen, despite her low profile, for the new post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, dubbed the EU first "foreign minister".

The job, created under the Lisbon Treaty, had the aim of making the EU speak "with one voice" internationally. She reportedly made "quiet diplomacy" her hallmark, but was praised for what she achieved in the role. She is credited with representing the EU in a longstanding beef dispute with the US and with helping broker an agreement with South Korea that removed most tariffs between the two economies.

But she faces the challenge that she is seen as perhaps better suited to the role had Kamala Harris won.

Valerie Amos

A former government minister, UN under-secretary general and one-time British High Commissioner to Australia, Baroness Amos is also tipped to become the UKs next woman in Washington.

open image in gallery The Queen appointed Amos a Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter in 2022 ( PA Archive )

She is reportedly a long-term friend of the millionaire Lord Alli, who has come under scrutiny for his connections to Keir Starmers government. He hit the headlines earlier this year when it emerged he had given thousands of pounds in clothing donations to the prime minister, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and the chancellor Rachel Reeves  as well as getting a pass to No10.

But again, in what could be fatal for her chances of securing the job, she is seen as better suited to a Harris presidency.

Karen Pierce

Could Britains next ambassador to Washington be the current one? It is thought Karen Pierce had hoped to have her term extended, perhaps by a year.

She is widely credited with building good links with the Trump campaign, and at the weekend she told CBS Sunday morning politics show that I have always found him and his team very willing to listen to our point of view.

However, it is thought her term will end soon after Trump enters the White House.
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The defence secretary has struck a defiant tone on US support for Ukraine amid fears Donald Trump will force Volodymyr Zelensky to do a deal with Russia.

John Healey said he expects the Americans to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over (Vladimir) Putins invasion".

He said that the former president, who will return to the White House in January after a sweeping election win, recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do. And Mr Healey stressed that Americas determination to support Ukraine in its campaign against Russia is just as strong as before voters in the US went to the polls.

open image in gallery Defence secretary John Healey said the world will have to wait and see what Donald Trump plans for Ukraine ( PA Wire )

Asked whether Ukraines safety had diminished since Mr Trumps election win, Mr Healey told Sky News: "No, I dont. The US alongside the UK have been two of the leading countries that have been standing by Ukraine, supporting Ukraine, our determination to do so is just as strong."

He added: "As far as President Trump goes, he recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do, and I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putins invasion."

His comments come after a report in The Washington Post claimed Mr Trump phoned Putin the day after the election and warned him not to escalate the war in Ukraine.

He allegedly asked the Russian president not to escalate his war and reminded him of the U.S.s military presence in Europe.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron want Joe Biden to ramp up support for Ukraine before Donald Trumps inaguration ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed that, had he won the 2020 general election instead of Joe Biden, Russia would never have invaded Ukraine.

And he has promised to end the war immediately when he returns to the White House, leading to fears he will negotiate a deal that would see Ukraine give up land to Russia in what Putin could present as a win.

Last year, Mr Trump told Fox News that he would tell Mr Zelensky No more, you gotta make a deal in order to broker peace between the two countries.

And, after a Trump ally appeared to suggest that the war could end if Kyiv was open to ceding land to Russia, Mr Healey said it is Ukraine that gets to call when the talking starts.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are holding talks on the war in Ukraine and the Middle East ( IAN LANGSDON/AFP via Getty Images )

He told BBC Breakfast: Because of the strength of bipartisan support in the US and a recognition that its in no ones interest to let an aggressor like Putin redraw international boundaries by force, I expect the US to remain steadfast alongside countries like the UK.

But, acknowledging the unpredictability of the former president ahead of his return, Mr Healey said the world will have to wait and see what he proposes for Ukraine.

He added: Well have to wait and see what President Trump really proposes... but if the reports of his call with (Vladimir) Putin last week are right then President Trump is exactly right to warn Putin against escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

"And our task as a nation supporting Ukraine, one of its leading supporters, alongside allies like France, is to step up our support to reinforce the position that Ukraine has at this period where its under great pressure from Russia."

Sir Keir Starmer is in Paris with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussing the security of Ukraine and plans to encourage Mr Biden to drop his opposition to British Storm Shadow missiles being fired at targets deep inside Russia.

In a bid to ramp up support for Ukraine before Mr Trumps inauguration, the pair want Mr Biden to allow their use and send a significant package of extra support before the end of his term.
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Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have vowed to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into winter, in a boost in support before Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office.

In a show of European solidarity days after Trumps election win, the two leaders held talks in Paris to mark Armistice Day and consider how best to continue supporting the war-torn country.

It comes amid suggestions that the UK and France could seek to persuade Joe Biden to permit Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike into Russia before he leaves the White House.

There have been concerns over Mr Trumps approach to the war, with the president-elect criticising Washingtons provision of tens of billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia, as well as expressing scepticism towards Nato and accusing European countries of free-riding on Americas promise of protection.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: The prime minister thanked the president for the personal invitation, noting he was the first UK leader to attend in 80 years.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron arrive at Place de lEtoile to mark the 106th anniversary of the Armistice, ending the First World War, in Paris ( Reuters )

The leaders started by discussing the situation in Ukraine, including how best to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter.

Turning to the Middle East, both underscored their deep concern at the situation in Gaza and Lebanon. They also reiterated the need for stability in the West Bank.

The spokesperson added: Reflecting on the situation in the Channel, the prime minister set out his mission to disrupt and deter smuggling gangs across Europe, and the leaders strongly agreed on the importance of bearing down on illegal migration at every stage of a migrants journey.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

In August, the prime minister was forced to reiterate that the UKs backing for Ukraine was unwavering after Volodymyr Zelensky said UK support had slowed down shortly after Labours election victory.

No 10 said the prime minister was resolute in his support for Kyiv, adding that Britain had committed 3bn a year to help its ally.

Concerns about US support for Ukraine have grown since Mr Trump swept to victory in the US.

He has promised to end the war immediately when he returns to the White House, leading to fears he will negotiate a deal that would see Ukraine give up land to Russia in what Putin could present as a win.

The president-elect spoke to the Russian leader on the phone the day after the presidential election, telling him not to escalate the conflict, sources told The Washington Post.

open image in gallery There are fears Trump will negotiate a deal that would see Ukraine give up land to Russia in what Putin could present as a win ( AFP/Getty )

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Mr Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, mocked Mr Zelensky in a social media tirade, suggesting that Ukraines military aid budget was about to be abolished.

But defence secretary John Healey struck a defiant tone on US support for Ukraine, saying he expects the Americans to stand with Kyiv for as long as it takes to prevail over [Vladimir] Putins invasion.

He told Sky News on Monday that the president-elect recognises that countries get security through strength, just as alliances like Nato do, as well as stressing that Americas determination to support Ukraine in its campaign against Russia is just as strong as before voters in the US went to the polls.

Sir Keirs trip to Paris makes him the first UK leader to attend a French Armistice Day ceremony since the Second World War following a personal invitation from Mr Macron.

Given the collapse of Olaf Scholzs administration in Germany, Sir Keir will be keen to woo the French president and build bridges with one of the EUs strongest powers.

A No 10 spokesperson said the prime ministers attendance at Mondays event symbolises the close and enduring friendship between the UK and France.
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Watch as London's Elizabeth Tower, known as Big Ben, chimed to mark Armistice Day on Monday, 11 November.

The bells also rang out on Sunday to mark the start of the two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday, which ended with the sound of a cannon from Horse Guards Parade and a bugler playing the Last Post.

The UK fell silent at 11am in recognition of the fallen from conflicts dating back to the First World War.

It came as Sir Keir Starmer joined Emmanuel Macron in Paris to attend France's Armistice commemorations.

He became the first UK prime minister to visit France for Armistice Day since Winston Churchill joined Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

Sir Keir held a bilateral meeting with Mr Macron in which they were expected to discuss foreign policy issues including the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In the morning, Sir Keir hosted veterans, defence charities and British military personnel at the ambassadors residence.

Asked why Sir Keir was making the trip, defence secretary Healey told Sky News: This is a special year.

We mark 80 years since D-Day invasions and some of the critical battles that liberated Europe and ended the Second World War.

This is also a mark of the close relationship between the two leaders, between [MR] Macron and [Sir Keir], but also the historic bonds between our two countries and our two militaries.
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As H5N1 bird flu continues to spread around the US, health officials recently found that 7 percent of dairy workers tested on farms in two states had evidence of recent infection  and some had signs of infection even when they didnt feel sick.

On Monday, the US Department of Agriculture reported 491 cattle herds had been infected in 15 states, including a quarter of Californias dairy herds. In the last 30 days, the department said that more than 20 flocks of chickens and turkeys were confirmed to have bird flu.

A study published last week in the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) weekly Morbidity and Mortality report, in partnership with state health departments in Colorado and Michigan, called for the need for active monitoring of those exposed and additional testing.

This is a significant move towards the assessment that these H5N1 viruses are a greater risk than the CDC estimated before, Dr. Gregory Gray, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch, told The Associated Press.

Shortly before its publication, the US had reported 46 human infections across six states. That tally has not been updated since last Friday.

open image in gallery H5N1 bird flu virus particles are seen under a microscope. There are nearly 50 confirmed human infections, and a recent study found that some dairy workers had signs of infection even when they didnt feel sick. ( (CDC/NIAID via AP) )

And, on Saturday, Canada reported its first presumed human case of H5 avian influenza. The government of British Columbia said that the infected individual is a teenager who is receiving care at the British Columbia Childrens Hospital. The source of the infection is unknown.

This is a rare event, and while it is the first detected case of H5 in a person in B.C. or in Canada, there have been a small number of human cases in the U.S. and elsewhere, which is why we are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of exposure here in BC, said Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbias provincial health officer.

open image in gallery Cows are shown at the state fair in West Allis, Wisconsin, last August. Hundreds of dairy herds have been infected with H5 bird flu in California and around the US. ( REUTERS/Jim Vondruska/File Photo )

Speculation has run rampant on social media as levels of H5 in Los Angeles County wastewater have also steadily increased since the beginning of the month.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) is investigating possible sources of the virus. It said on November 1 that it had been detected at low levels for the first time at one of the countys wastewater sampling sites.

The risk to its residents, the department said, remains low and officials are working with dairy and meat processors to identify possible sources of the virus in wastewater. It could have been introduced by wild bird droppings, animal infection, and discarded and contaminated animal products.

open image in gallery A chart shows wastewater levels of H5 bird flu in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it is investigating possible sources. ( Los Angeles County Department of Public Health )

There is no evidence of sustained human to human transmission with this strain of H5N1, it said, pointing out that the virus has been detected in wastewater in both northern and southern California before.

The LADPH did not return The Independents request for comment on Monday. When asked for any pertinent information regarding the current H5N1 situation, the CDC pointed to related pages on its website.

Separate research has revealed high transmissibility and lethality of the virus that has been isolated from an infected host and bred in a lab culture test: a method for growing microorganisms in a lab setting. A study in the journal Nature found that an H5N1 flu virus from an infected farm worker could be transmitted through airborne droplets and was lethal in mice and ferrets.

Trying to get a handle on what this all could mean for the US right now is challenging at this point. The CDC is watching the situation carefully and has expanded its guidance for farm workers and livestock owners in response to recent findings.
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In one of the many confessions Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen allegedly made from prison, he claimed that he was spooked by a white van which caused him to abandon his plan to rape two teenage girls on a hiking trail in the small Indiana town and quickly kill them instead.

But now the credibility of Allens confessions is once again in question after a witness testified about a detail that only the killer would know.

Brad Weber, who is a key witness for the prosecution in the case, claims he drove his white van home from work on February 13, 2017, the day Abigail Abby Williams, 13, and Liberty Libby German, 14, were murdered. At around 2:30 p.m. on that fateful day, he drove by the stretch of Deer Creek where the girls bodies were discovered a day later.

The timeline appears to line up with the case laid out by the prosecution which 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.

Allen, 52, is on trial for the murders of Abby and Libby, whose slain bodies were found a day after they went missing on February 13, 2017 while walking on a trail at the Monon High Bridge near Delphi. Allen was arrested five years later in October 2022.

Weber was recalled to the stand by the defense this week as attorney Andrew Baldwin tried to discredit his testimony by pointing out that he had given conflicting statements about his timeline to investigators in the days following the murders.

open image in gallery Richard Allen, 52, is on trial for the murders of Abby and Libby, whose slain bodies were found a day after they went missing on February 13, 2017 ( Allen County Jail )

Weber acknowledged that he gave two different stories during two separate interviews in February 2017. In one, he said he drove his white van straight home from work on February 13, 2017, the day of the murders. In the other interview, he said he left work and went to service some ATM machines.

This difference is significant because if Weber did not go straight home from work, the states timeline for Allen seeing the van just before the murders does not match up with the way it was told to the jury, Fox 59 reported.

And it further raises questions on the credibility of Allens prison confessions, which his attorneys say were made in the throes of a mental health crisis brought on by months of solitary confinement.

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 Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together before they were killed in 2017 ( Facebook )

Allen, who said he had been following the girls on the bridge, had messed with his gun, which he speculated mightve led to the round being found at the scene, he told Wala.

Weber, who owns the white van, took the stand after Wala. He also owns property next to the Monon High Bridge trails that was searched in the initial hours after the girls went missing.

During cross-examination, Baldwin pressed Weber about his timeline, claiming that according to one of the previous interviews, he had not gone straight home, but had gone to drop off a trailer. Weber denied this multiple times in an exchange that grew heated.

When Weber was recalled by the defense, he explained to the court that he got upset on the stand last week because he thought the defense was trying to tell him what he did after he got off work the day of the murders.

Baldwin also confronted Weber about an inconsistent statement he made to police on February 19, 2017, in which Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Adam Pohl wrote that Weber indicated he might have gone to service ATMs that day.

Weber told the court that he did not remember saying that and claimed he went directly home that day after work and took a nap.

open image in gallery A grainy image of a man who came known to be Bridge Guy was taken from the video found on Libbys phone and released by Indiana State Police in an effort to track down the suspect ( Indiana State Police )

He said he did not know about the missing girls until officers woke him up when they showed up at his house that afternoon and asked if he had seen the girls on the trails or near the bridge that day. He said he had not seen them and then gave officers permission to search the area.

When former Delphi police chief Steve Mullin took the stand on Monday, the defense questioned him about whether Allen was told about the white van prior to his confession.

Baldwin argued that Allen could have learned this key detail from Dr. Wala, who was obsessively following the Delphi case, reading and posting online about it, listening to podcasts and even traveling to the Monon High Bridge, according to Fox 59, some of which she reportedly shared with Allen during their sessions.

You dont know what Dr. Wala told Richard Allen about a van? Baldwin asked Mullin, to which he replied no.

But Mullin added that Allens admission about being spooked by a van was the first time the prosecution had even heard about the van.

Many details of Allens confession match the crime scene, but its unclear if Allen was already privy to these details due to receiving the discovery paperwork from his lawyers around the time he made these confessions, Fox 59 reported.

open image in gallery In this courtroom sketch, Richard Allen, left, is seated next to one of his defense attorneys, Andrew Baldwin, inside a courtroom at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi on October 28 ( AP )

Allens long-awaited trial comes more than seven years after the girls were killed and two years after his arrest.

Prosecutors say Allen is the man known as Bridge guy seen in footage captured on Libbys cellphone. A grainy image of the man was one of the few pieces released to the public after the killings as police hunted for a suspect. The case became a favorite among the true crime community and it took years to arrest Allen.

A jury of five men and seven women will decide Allens fate. They have been sequestered since testimony began last month. As closing arguments are expected today, the case will soon be in the hands of the jury.
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Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen has been found guilty of murdering two teenage best friends whod gone for a walk on a local trail in 2017, in a case that rocked the small Indiana community.

A jury of five men and seven women deliberated for about 18 hours over four days before reaching the decision on Monday.

According to reporters inside the Carroll County courtroom, Allen, 52, showed no reaction as the verdict was delivered, but at one point looked back at his wife who was sobbing. He was found guilty on all four counts.

The verdict comes more than seven years after the brutal slayings in Delphi, Indiana, and following 17 days of testimony, as crowds lined the sidewalk outside the courthouse of the smalll community.

Allen, a Delphi local, had pleaded not guilty to the four counts of murder and kidnapping in the deaths 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 near Delphi.

Their bodies were discovered near the trail the following day. Their throats had been slashed and they were covered with sticks and arranged into pagan symbols, resembling a ritualistic sacrifice. It would take five years for Allen to be arrested in October 2022.

open image in gallery ( Allen County Jail )

Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland insisted throughout the trial that Allen was the Bridge Guy seen in a grainy video that Libby recorded on her cell phone shortly before she died.

In the video, a man in jeans and a hat is seen walking along the old wood railroad, surrounded by trees. Along with muffled noises, a mans voice saying the words down the hill can be heard.

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.

But Allens defense attorneys said during closing arguments that no one identified Allen as Bridge Guy, adding that there was no DNA or digital evidence linking Allen to the crime scene and that there was no link between him and the girls.

The Delphi murders case has been shrouded in mystery and plagued by delays, shifting narratives, controversies, chaotic developments and evidence leaks ever since that fateful day in February 2017.

Prosecutors focused on Allens confessions during the trial, with McLeland telling the jurors that Allen had repeatedly admitted carrying out the murders in recorded phone calls from jail. The confessions were played for the jury, including one in which Allen could be heard telling his wife: I did it. I killed Abby and Libby.

McLeland also argued that some of Allens incriminating statements contained information that only the killer could have known.

open image in gallery Libby German and Abby Williams were killed in February 2017 ( Delphi Police )

But one of Allens defense attorneys, Bradley Rozzi, argued that his clients confessions were 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, saying that months in solitary confinement could cause a person to become delirious and psychotic.

During closing argments on Thursday, the defense slammed the prosecutions timeline and told jurors that Allen was not the killer, and highlighted four points which included the states broken murder timeline, the bungled ballistics, false confessions and digital forensics.

open image in gallery A grainy image of a man who came known to be Bridge Guy was taken from video found on Libbys phone and released by Indiana State Police in an effort to track down the suspect ( Indiana State Police )

Before the trial began, the defense 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.

When Allens trial finally began on October 18 at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, two years after his arrest, Superior Court Judge Fran Gull had ruled that no photography, video or audio recording devices will be allowed in the Carroll Circuit Courtroom during the trial.

Allens sentencing is expected to be held on December 20. He faces up to 130 years in prison.
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A man wanted for murder in Tennessee after making a fake 911 call claiming to be a hiker who had fallen off a cliff while fleeing a bear attack was captured in South Carolina on Sunday.

The Monroe County Sheriffs Office of Tennessee announced that Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, was taken into custody after he was recognized at a local hospital. His identity was confirmed through his fingerprints.

Hamlett sparked a nationwide manhunt after he allegedly made a 911 call on October 18 claiming to be a hiker by the name of Brian Andrade who had fallen off a cliff while running from a bear, and that he was injured.

When first responders got to the area of Tennessees Charles Hall Bridge on the Cherahola Skyway in Tellico Plains, they discovered the body of a deceased man along with identification belonging to Brandon Andrade.

But an investigation revealed that he was not Andrade and that the ID had been stolen and used on multiple occasions, according to the sheriffs office.

open image in gallery Steven Douglas Lloyd was identified as the hiker who was allegedly killed by Hamlett ( Monroe County Sheriff's Office )

The dead man has now been identified as 34-year-old Steven Douglas Lloyd of Knoxville, who investigators say Hamlett met and lured into the woods in order to kill him and steal his identity.

After the October incident, Hamlett, who is reportedly known for using several different aliases, was spotted in the Columbia area in South Carolina.

However, investigators were not able to pinpoint his location until he was recognized at the hospital over the weekend.

Hamlett is facing first-degree murder charges out of Tennessee and a parole violation out of Alabama, according to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office.
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A labradoodle dog who refused to abandon his owners burned body after she was brutally murdered proved to be the missing piece to the puzzle after it led police to her remains and her killer.

The loyal pet was found barking frantically at the site of a womans remains in a field in Robinson, Texas, on April 5, 2023, the McLennan County District Attorneys Office said Friday .

Derek Daigneault, 29, was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for the murder of his cousin, Mandy Rose Reynolds, 26, of San Marcos, Texas, according to the DAs Office.

In April 2023, Robinson officers responded to calls of a brush fire on Heston Circle when they discovered a body burned beyond recognition, but it was identified as Reynolds through dental records, according to the McLennan County District Attorneys Office.

Derek Daigneault, 29, (pictured bottom left) was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for the murder of his cousin, Mandy Rose Reynolds, the owner of Titan the labradoodle (pictured right with police investigators) that helped police nab the killer ( McLennan County District Attorney's Office )

Titan, a small fluffy labradoodle, defiantly stood on guard over her remains, frantically barking at police, refusing to leave the area or be corralled.

The morning after Reynolds body had been recovered, Titan remained at the same spot where the burning body had been, prompting a local to call Robinson Animal Control.

Authorities then detected Titans microchip, which led them to identify Reynolds as Titans owner.

At Reynolds home, police found her belongings had been ransacked and her black Honda Accord was missing, MCDAO shared.

It was only when authorities checked the Hondas license plate, that they were able to track the missing car to Wichita, Texas. Three days after Reynolds burning body had been found, the Wichita Police Department spotted her car and tried to pull it over. But, the driver made a dash, and a 100 mph chase ensued for almost 30 minutes, police said.

The frantic pursuit only stopped as the driver crashed into another vehicle, and ran inside a nearby grocery store, where he hid on a shelf behind canned goods before police apprehended him.

The driver was identified as Reynolds cousin, Derek Daigneault.

As the investigation was underway, Wichita Police found a .380 handgun under the floorboard of the drivers seat of Reynolds car.

San Marcos Police also obtained Walmart surveillance footage that showed the moment Daigneault purchased a plastic container, along with a shovel and a gas canister.

At the scene, police determined that the womans body had been burned inside a large plastic storage container  identical to the container purchased in Walmart  and a shell casing that matched with the .380 firearm was also burned inside the same container, the press release stated.

All of the womans belongings were eventually found in an abandoned truck on April 7, 2023, only a few miles from her home.

After Daigneault was sentenced to life behind bars, chaos erupted in the courtroom after the defendant called out to accuse the victims brother of a crime while Reynolds family gave their victim impact statements, KWTX reported.

A brawl then broke out between the victims family on one side of the room, while Daigneaults brother-in-law, mother, and sister, retaliated from the other  police eventually got a handle on the situation and Daigneault was led out to prison, KWTX shared.

Assistant District Attorneys Ryan Calvert and Alyssa Killin said: The keys to this case were a heroic and loyal dog named Titan and extraordinary cooperation between law enforcement agencies in multiple jurisdictions and states.

That combination has delivered justice for Mandy and safety from a violent and dangerous criminal.
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Two men have been arrested after allegedly being paid $50,000 to murder a Minnesota missionary  with the plot alleged to have been masterminded by his wife.

Beau Shroyer, 44, from Detroit Lakes, was killed in an act of violence while serving Jesus in the southern African nation of Angola, according to a statement from the Lakes Area Vineyard Church.

His wife, Jackie Shroyer, 44, was arrested in connection with the dad-of-fives death four days after police uncovered his body in the city of Lubango on October 25.

The two other suspects, including the couples 24-year-old security guard and a 23-year-old accomplice who goes by the nickname Vin Diesel, were arrested for allegedly carrying out a hit on the missionary, according to Angolas Criminal Investigation Services via a report in the Angola Press Agency.

One other suspect remains on the run, authorities said.

The suspects allegedly called Shroyer after they pretended their rented vehicle had broken down in a remote area. The victim was then stabbed to death at the scene, according to Angolan authorities.

Shroyers wife, Jackie, is believed to be the mastermind behind the alleged hit, according to the report which was translated from Portuguese.

Beau Shroyer, 44, who was killed while serving in Lubango, Angola ( Screenshot/YouTube/Country Faith Church )

Three days before the crime, the woman was said to have gone on a recce with one of the men to uncover a remote area to lure the victim.

The murder weapon  allegedly a US-made knife, the getaway vehicle and 4.5 million kwanzas ($4,900) were found at the scene.

Jackie Shroyer allegedly offered the men a combined sum of $50,000 to carry out the murder, according to Superintendent Manuel Halaiwa of the CIS.

Police said they had strong suspicions of a romantic relationship between the wife and the security guard she allegedly hired to murder her husband.

Authorities believe Shroyers mission in Angola was set to end, after the family moved to the nation in 2021 through the North Carolina-based organization, SIM.

The former pastor and police officer aimed to teach residents about Christianity and Gods love in a remote bush village, according to a statement from the Lakes Area Vineyard Church.

The churchs lead pastor Troy Easton also released a statement that Jackie Shroyer had been taken into custody in connection with his death.

Im so sorry and simply do not have words to express my disbelief and sorrow about this news, Easton said on X. What I can tell you is that the Shroyer children are well cared for.

SIM said in a statement that it was grateful to Angolan law enforcement for their diligence in investigating this matter and encourages patience and respect for all involved as the legal process unfolds.

The American embassy continues to monitor the situation, the SIC said.

The Independent has contacted the SIC and the US embassy in Angola for more details.
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A man who opened fire at an assisted living facility in Ohio last week has been identified as a 70-year-old resident who was allegedly mad that his repair requests werent being met.

Roger Murray, 70, shot two employees, injuring them, before taking his own life, the New London Police Department said in a press release posted on their Facebook page.

Murray, a resident of the complex, had filed multiple repair requests for his apartment and felt his requests were not being adequately met, police said about the preliminary motive for the shooting. He was further distraught over the matter due to a pending site inspection.

The shooting unfolded just after 10:50 a.m. at the Windy Acres senior living retirement facility on Friday, November 8. Police arrived to find the two injured employees locked in the main office.

open image in gallery The shooting happened at the Windy Acres senior living retirement facility in New London, Ohio, on Friday, November 8 ( Fox 8 Cleveland )

Windy Acres office manager, Lora Gahagan, 52, of New London, had been shot in her torso, while Windy Acres maintenance employee, Kenneth Hawk, 56, of Lorain County, sustained a head injury, police said in the press release.

The employees were treated at the hospital for the non-life threatening injuries and have since been released.

We are happy to say that both victims have since been released from the hospital and are resting at home, police said. We wish to praise them for their actions during that stressful situation.

New London Chief of Police Joe Hicks said the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the community.

What I do want the community to know is everybody in our community is safe, he said This incident has no bearing on our safety in New London.

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.
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A Florida man has survived his second shark attack in 11 years and cant wait to get back out on the water  despite the terrifying ordeal.

Cole Taschman, 28, was out surfing with friends to commemorate a friend who had recently died when he felt the ferocious bite of a shark just off of Bathtub Beach, in Stuart, Florida, as reported by USA Today.

The afternoon incident was all too familiar with an earlier attack that Taschman experienced in 2013  he had been 16 at the time  when a blacktip reef shark took a chunk out of his right hand  the same reef he headed out on last month.

Taschman had been out on the water saying prayers for their fallen friend with the two men just in front of his parents home when what he suspected was a bull or tiger shark locked its teeth on his feet.

The 28-year-old caught a glimpse of the seven to eight-foot creature as his limb was caught in the sharks snare prompting him to cry out to his now-fiancee who was standing on the shore recording the heartfelt moment.

I got bit! I need to get out of the water! he screamed.

Ana Peci, Taschmans fiance told CNN: I was just freaking out. But I grabbed a towel and ran downstairs right away because I had no idea what to expect or where he was bit  and then I saw what condition he was in.

In a frantic attempt to save the keen surfers limb, Peci and his friends, Hunter Roland, and Zach Bucolo used the leashes of Taschmans surfboard to tourniquet his thighs to halt the profuse bleeding.

The group then decided to take matters into their own hands, holding off a 911 call, and instead opting for a chaotic drive to the nearest hospital.

Taschman had been dropping in and out of consciousness, as per a report from CNN.

Thankfully, the group got their stoic friend to Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital in Stuart for urgent treatment  he was later transferred to St. Marys Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

After spending four days in hospital where he underwent two surgeries  a possible third is needed  93 stitches and 10-15 staples, Taschman is finally back at home recovering from the ordeal, as per USA Today.

Taschman and his friends grew up in the Palm Beach County spot  a reef notorious for shark bites yearly and ranks as top third in Florida, as per USA Today.
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A Spirit Airlines flight attendant was injured after an aircraft was struck by several rounds of gunfire while trying to land in Haiti.

Flight 951 departed for Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince from Fort Lauderdale, Florida around 9 a.m. on Monday, according to FlightAware. As the plane went to touch down on the tarmac, it came under gang gunfire, a source at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince told The Independent.

The plane then diverted to Cibao International Airport in Santiago, Dominican Republic, where it safely landed at 12.33pm.

Medical personnel evaluated the flight attendant for minor injuries after the ordeal, and no other injuries were reported. The airlines passengers in the Dominican Republic will be transported back to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport later on Monday using a different aircraft. The plane used for the Haiti flight sustained gunfire damage and has been taken out of service.

The gunfire prompted authorities at Toussaint Louverture International Airport to halt all commercial flights on Monday. Flight tracking showed JetBlue Airways and Amerijet cargo planes diverting away from Haiti following the incident.

Spokespeople for both JetBlue and American Airlines told The Independent that the companies have canceled flights to and from Haiti until Thursday. Spirit Airlines said it would be suspending operations at Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien pending further evaluation.

In a statement, the airline said: Flight 951 from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Port-au-Prince (PAP) diverted and landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI). Following the flights arrival at STI, an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire.

It added: The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haitien (CAP) pending further evaluation.

The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince sent out an alert to US citizens on the flight after the incident, writing: The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince is aware of gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports and airports.

The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The US government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. The US government is warning its citizens not to travel to the country.

Citizens already in Haiti should avoid crowds, keep a low profile and carry proper identification. The attack came a few hours before Haitis government was set to swear in a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, after Prime Minister Garry Conille was forced out of office via executive order.

Spirit Airlines resumed flights to Haiti in May following a two-month pause in commercial operations following widespread gang violence across the country.

In October, gang gunfire hit a United Nations helicopter, forcing it to return to the airport. No one was injured.
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More than half of the43 monkeys that recently escaped from a biomedical research lab in South Carolina have been safely captured, officials said.

As of Sunday night, 25 of the primates are back home at the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center lab, CEO Greg Westergaard confirmed.

All are in good health, Westergaard said in a statement to WCSC. Others remain close by in trees.

Yemassee Police Department announced on Saturday night that a young female rhesus macaque monkey had been safely captured and brought back to the lab.

She is well and having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Westergaard said in a statement obtained by ABC News.

Twenty-four more monkeys were captured shortly after and now 18 remain.

The monkeys escaped from the lab on Thursday after a caretaker failed to secure a door. Alpha Genesis is a company that provides pathogen-free primates for biomedical research worldwide.

open image in gallery A view of the cages in the research facility where forty-three rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from in Yemassee, South Carolina, United States on November 8 ( Anadolu via Getty Images )

The company said the monkeys that have escaped do not pose a threat to the public because they have never been tested on and are too young to carry disease. However, Alpha Genesis asked that the public be aware of other potential escaped monkeys that have escaped and not interact with them.

They have specifically asked people not to fly drones in the vicinity where they escaped to prevent the primates from being spooked.

Currently, a group of primates are residing along the facilitys fence line and have continued to engage with other primates inside the facility.

Alpha Genesis said they are actively deploying traps baited with food in the hopes of capturing the other monkeys.

Rhesus macaque primates have been used for nonhuman testing for centuries because they share 93 percent of DNA with humans. They have been crucial in developing lifesaving vaccines like those for Covid-19.

open image in gallery Rhesus monkeys are commonly used in nonhuman primate biomedical testing ( AFP via Getty Images )

For those who support using nonhuman primates for medical research, maintaining a supply of monkeys is essential for biomedical development.

Alpha Genesis provides the primates by using their facilities as a breeding ground to raise the animals for research purposes.

This is not the first time the primates have escaped from the facility. In 2016, more than two dozen primates escaped but were later captured, according to the Post and Courier.
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Several Democrats are already looking ahead to the 2028 Democratic primary as the party tries to rebuild after a devastating loss to President-elect Donald Trump.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are all names that are considered to be in the mix. Others include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Some of the potential candidates are already making moves to be at the front of the line when primary season kicks off - likely in two years.

Party leaders in the Keystone State are pushing Shapiro to run, Newsom held a call on Friday with 50,000 in his network of small donors and he also called a special legislative session to counter expected measures from the incoming Trump administration. Buttigieg, meanwhile, is set to attend a number of events focused on his accomplishments during his time in President Joe Bidens cabinet.

While Vice President Kamala Harris can run again next cycle, other possible contenders are taking calls from possible backers, reviewing their fundraising prowess, and advertising themselves as Democratic bulwarks against Trump across the country.

Much like in 2020, the 2028 primary field could end up being massive, with governors, cabinet secretaries and members of Congress entering the fray.

When Democrats start talking about 2028, six months ago, Walzs name wouldnt have been on the list, now it might be on the top, a former Harris staffer told Politico about her running mate.

Tim Walz, Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and Josh Shapiro are all possible 2028 Democratic primary contenders. Some contenders for 2028 are already looking ahead and starting to position themselves with the base ( Getty )

Considering the overlap of their political networks, Newsom might be one of the possible candidates benefitting the most from Harriss loss. His final term as governor will end in two years, and there arent many Democrats more prepared to kickstart a campaign.

During his Friday video call with supporters, Newsom said: I revere this country, I revere the presidency, and I want our president to succeed and our job, my job, is not to wake up every single day and get a crowbar and try to put it in the spokes of the wheel of the Trump administration.

He added, In that spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist, thats how we want to proceed. That said  Im not naive either, and were pragmatic and we will stand firm, according to Politico.

Shapiro is up for re-election in 2026, and he has so far raised $9 million for his gubernatorial campaign. Meanwhile, Buttigieg hasnt let on what his plans are for 2028, and after his move to Michigan, he hasnt ruled out a 2026 run for governor in the state.

Almost all of the Democratic candidates went to New Hampshire this year to campaign for Joe Biden in the primary and Harris during the general, even after it was clear the state would remain in the Democratic column.

Those who went included some 2020 candidates such as Buttigieg, Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Michael Bennet of Colorado. Newsom visited to support Biden and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer went to back Harris in the early days of her short campaign.

Pritzker, Beshear, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and Shapiro also visited the state.

New Hampshire appears to still hold sway over presidential primaries in the Democratic Party even after Biden placed South Carolina ahead in the primary calendar.

Several of the candidates, in addition to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and California Representative Ro Khanna, also visited the New Hampshire breakfast at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
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As Democrats search for answers after Tuesdays crushing defeat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asked her supporters to share why they voted for Donald Trump.

The congresswoman, who was comfortably reelected as New Yorks 14th Congressional representative last week, asked her 8 million Instagram followers why they backed Trump for the presidential election but voted Democrat in down-ballot races.

If you voted for Donald Trump and me, or if you voted for Donald Trump and voted Democratic down-ballot, I would really love to hear from you, she posted in an Instagram story on Sunday.

This is not a place of judgment, Im not gonna put your stuff on blast or anything like that or dunk on it. That is genuinely not the intent here, she said. I actually want to learn from you, I want to hear what youre thinking.

The Bronx and Queens Democrat shared some of the responses and may have been surprised when some of her followers compared her to the president-elect.

I feel like Trump and you are both real, one person said.

You also signified change. Trump signified change. Ive said lately, Trump sounds more like you, another wrote.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez search for answers saw her being compared with Trump ( AP )

Its real simpleTrump and you care for the working class, someone else said.

I feel that you both are outsiders compared to the rest of DC and less establishment, one her followers added, while another said: You are focused on the real issues people care about. Similar to Trump populism in some ways.

Others said they voted for Ocasio-Cortez and Trump because of the war in Gaza and disappointment with the Biden administration.

Responding to a follower who said some of the answers made them want to barf, Ocasio-Cortez said: Sometimes you gotta dig in and see it to understand and adapt! Even if it makes you want to barf.

A senior Democratic aide on Capitol Hill told the New York Post that the informal survey showed that the Democrats have to figure out how to harvest authenticity.

Thats who wins, they told the newspaper. Trump is authentic. Harris was grown in a lab. People can tell.

Some Democrats think swapping Joe Biden for Kamala Harris was their deadly mistake. Others have blamed Biden himself, saying he took far too long to drop out.

Progressives point to the Biden administrations stance on Israel and the Harris campaigns attempts to appeal to moderates and anti-Trump Republicans.
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Several elected Democrats sounded off on their partys failure to present a coherent economic message to voters on Sunday as the post-mortem begins for the left in the wake of Kamala Harriss stunning defeat.

Though their warning is already meeting some resistance, Democrats including Chris Murphy, Ro Khanna and Bernie Sanders offered stern critiques of their partys accelerated losses with working-class voters of all races, especially men, as well as other constituencies once considered core parts of the Obama coalition, like Latino voters.

Khanna and Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats in the Senate and twice ran for president with the backing of a political movement that included some of those very same constituencies, were on the Sunday news show circuit this weekend.

Bottom line, if youre an average working person out there, do you really think that the Democratic party is going to the mat and fighting for you? I think the overwhelming answer is no. And that is what its got to change, Sanders said on Sunday, adding: Its not messaging Its a fundamental understanding of saying, look, the Biden administration has done a lot of good things, period. We should all be proud of that, but it has to be put in the broad context of the reality of the American economy today.

Khanna, a California congressman representing the tech hub of Silicon Valley, tweeted on Saturday that his party failed to present a compelling economic vision for the working class.

In an interview with CBSs Face the Nation, the congressman expanded on his thoughts about the election. He blamed his party as a whole for becoming too insular: too willing to cancel people for opposing points of view, and more specifically this cycle unwilling to listen to a base of voters, mostly younger people, who were disgusted with the Biden-Harris administrations position on Gaza.

open image in gallery Bernie Sanders laid out his reasoning for accusing the Democrats of abandoning working-class voters in a pair of twin interviews on Sunday ( Meet The Press )

I think she would have certainly won Michigan if there was more of a reckoning of the failures of the Biden administrations policies in the region, Khanna told Margaret Brennan. Beyond Michigan, this really was a concern for a lot of young people and a lot of progressives [around the country].

Their concerns were shared by Murphy, another Senate Democrat. He laid out his diagnosis for the partys defeat in a Twitter thread on Sunday with one distinct remedy: abandon neoliberalism.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) says Kamala Harris "certainly would have won Michigan if there was more of a reckoning with the failures of policy on Gaza," and that he was hearing this from people on the ground.



"Beyond Michigan, this really was a concern for a lot of young people and a pic.twitter.com/yCYupEht4e  Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) November 10, 2024

The left has never fully grappled with the wreckage of fifty years of neoliberalism, which has left legions of Americans adrift as local places are hollowed out, rapacious profit seeking cannibalizes the common good, and unchecked new technology separates and isolates us, wrote Murphy, who represents the northeastern blue bastion of Connecticut.

The problems, he continued, were obvious: stagnant economic mobility for many Americans and an erosion of social life.

But he went on to argue that the only way to shake up that dynamic was with real solutions that challenged the rich donors who support Democrats  wealthy interests who he said Democrats lacked the stomach to really challenge.

[W]hen progressives like Bernie aggressively go after the elites that hold people down, they are shunned as dangerous populists, wrote Murphy. We cannot be afraid of fights - especially with the economic elites who have profited off neoliberalism...Those are hard things for the left. A firm break with neoliberalism. Listen to poor and rural people, men in crisis. Don't decide for them. Pick fights. Embrace populism. Build a big tent. Be less judgmental. But we are beyond small fixes.

open image in gallery Senator Chris Murphy emerged as a lead negotiator for his party in the Senate earlier this year, and is now delivering criticism of party leaders after a stunning defeat to Donald Trump ( AFP via Getty Images )

It was as clear of a rebuke of the Democratic Partys leadership as any remotely mainstream figures have made since the 2016 primary, a traumatizing battle which left scars in the party that never healed and made many wary of a intra-party fight for the nomination this year. But its one that comes as Kamala Harris, having run a campaign that delighted #NeverTrump conservative pundits, failed to turn out voters who previously voted for Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Barack Obama. She is now $20m in debt and sitting in the losers column while Republicans appear poised to control both chambers of Congress and the presidency.

And while Harris and Bidens assorted spheres of influence in the Democratic Party have turned their fire against each other, its become clear that something went terribly wrong for the party. A stunning revelation was dropped by former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau, host of Pod Save America, on his show Friday: Favreau told listeners that internal Biden campaign polling in the summer of 2024 showed the incumbent president losing re-election to his opponent by a truly stagggering margin. Donald Trump, in the Biden campaigns own internal poll, was supposedly set to win 400 of the 538 Electoral College votes.

For comparison: Donald Trump swept all seven of a group of swing states thought to be in play this cycle: Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolian, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Even with Harris failing to win a single one, Trump was 88 electoral votes behind where the Biden campaigns internal polling supposedly said that hypothetical matchup would have turned out.

DNC chair Jaime Harrison has already announced that he will not seek another term as his partys leader early next year. With Harris and Biden gone, the partys leadership is hollowed out; Chuck Schumer, the incoming Senate minority leader, is now set to be the most prominent Democrat in leadership nationwide, followed by House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Neither has a significant national following of any kind.
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Panic has set in at the Department of Justice as lawyers are considering fleeing the agency before Trump loyalists take over and execute his vision, according to reports.

Donald Trumps scorn for the DOJ has only grown over the last four years as he became the subject of two criminal prosecutions, and he has previously talked of transforming the agency.

Everyone Ive talked to, mostly lawyers, are losing their minds, one DOJ attorney told Politico, who could only speak anonymously to avoid retribution from the president-elect and his loyalists.

The fear is that career leadership and career employees everywhere are either going to leave or theyre going to be driven out.

During the election campaign, Trump made it clear the prosecutions against him set a terrible precedent and hinted that he would use the law on Democrats if he was re-elected.

Its a terrible, terrible path that theyre leading us to, and its very possible that its gonna have to happen to them, Trump said in June after a New York jury found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

open image in gallery In the election campaign, Trump made threats against Special Counsel Jack Smith ( AFP via Getty Images )

In addition, Trump has a long list of enemies who he claims have wronged him and he has expressed a desire for retribution multiple times, including his threats to fire Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Many federal employees are terrified that well be replaced with partisan loyalists  not just because our jobs are on the line, but because we know that our democracy and country depend on a government supported by a merit-based, apolitical civil service, Stacey Young, a trial attorney in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, told Politico.

Another former DOJ official said they believed Trumps second term would be worse than the first. Its just a question of how much worse its going to be, they told the outlet.

Staffers nervously await Trumps appointment as attorney general and other senior positions.

According to Politico, Jeffrey Clark could be given a senior role, despite facing disciplinary action from the DC Bar, which found he engaged in reckless dishonesty over his role in Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

In January 2021, Trump tried to make Clark acting attorney general but was only stopped when several Trump-appointed DOJ officials threatened to resign over the appointment.

Other names tipped for the top job include Republican lawyer Mike Davis, who has come under fire for controversial jokes for threatening to cage children and for vowing to throw his rivals in the gulag.

open image in gallery Lawyers at the DOJ are terrified about the incoming administration ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Last week Davis also threatened New York Attorney General Letitia James. I dare you to continue your lawfare against President Trump in his second term. Because listen here sweetheart, were not messing around this time, he said. And we will put your fat ass in prison for conspiracy against rights.

A former senior DOJ official reflected: If you have one of these type of extreme candidates, you will see a significant amount of career staff say, I dont want to be a part of this. This is antithetical to who this department is. I think that will absolutely inform whether or not a good chunk of career staff  whether people stay or go.

However, other lawyers at the agency and critics maintain its essential staff keep doing their jobs.

You need career people there to make sure that the maniacs in charge just cant, like, run roughshod over federal laws and DOJ practice, a current DOJ lawyer told Politico. I was able to tone down briefs in a way that people who would have replaced me, would not have.

Norm Eisen, one of Trumps leading legal critics, also told the outlet that staffers should absolutely stay to preserve the republic.

Thats easy for me to say because I dont have to deal with a boss whos appointed by Donald Trump every day, but I know from my own experience in government that you cant just show up and snap your fingers, Eisen said. And the continuity of that career civil service staff will be very, very important to the preservation of the republic.

Donald Trump has learned about how to manage the federal bureaucracy, so, sure, its going to be worse, he added. But that doesnt mean it will be easy for him, so I think it will be important for people to stay put.

A study in 2018 in the wake of the Mueller investigation into Trumps campaign ties to Russia assessed how much control the president has over the attorney general and the DOJ.

It concluded that while prosecutorial independence has become a cornerstone of American democracy, the DOJ is not so secure that it couldnt be dismantled by a president who was firmly committed to doing so, The Guardian reported.

The Independent has contacted the DOJ for comment.
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There is one unelected, nonpartisan woman standing in the way of Donald Trumps plans to crack down on immigration and the border.

Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, essentially a referee of the Senate, is responsible for ensuring that lawmakers follow the rules that govern how legislation moves forward. And it's her role that could prove to be the last roadblock before Trump can implement sweeping immigration reforms.

Trump has made it clear he intends to stop the flow of migrants across the border and, with immigration hardliner Tom Homan in the post of Border Czar, they plan to strip back protections for migrant minors.

Republicans are considering pushing the aggressive measures through under budget reconciliation  a complex procedure that allows the Senate to end debate and call a vote with the support of a simple majority, which they will have in the Senate, The Hill reports. Many bills need to reach 60 votes in order to be fillibuster proof.

MacDonough has been Senate parliamentarian since 2012 and is the first woman to hold the position. She has struck prohibited measures from budget reconciliation bills several times, confounding both Republicans and Democrats.

Republicans are concerned MacDonough could be problematic because of a track record of ruling against adding immigration proposals to budget reconciliation bills. If the Republicans talk about trying to change immigration through the budget reconciliation process, she could push to nix those efforts.

open image in gallery Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough - its her advisory role in the Senate that might stand in the way of Donald Trump and sweeping immigration reforms ( US Senate Photographic Studio )

Republicans are already talking about doing three reconciliation measures in the next two years, and one of them will be focused on that, border security, a GOP strategist told The Hill. The parliamentarian could be problematic. If youre starting to push policy legislation into the reconciliation process, thats a no no.

The parliamentarian serves as an advisor to the Senate, but is rarely overruled. In fact, the last time was when Vice President Nelson Rockefeller overruled the parliamentarian in 1975, sparking outrage from both sides of the party.

MacDonough kept a relatively low profile until in 2021, when her name hit the headlines after she dashed Democrats hopes of passing a $15-an-hour minimum wage increase within their $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill.

The parliamentarian ruled that the Covid-19-aid bill couldnt comply with reconciliation rules if it included the minimum-wage provision.

Democrats were left with a range of options, from redoing the legislation to dropping the wage increase to trying to override MacDonoughs ruling. Some even called for MacDonough to be fired  which the GOP strategist implied could be one option in the upcoming Congress.

The bottom line is if Republicans really want to be tough, they can ignore the parliamentarian. They can do whatever they want, the strategist added.

open image in gallery Trump has revealed Tom Homan, an immigration hardliner, will be his border czar as the administration looks at sweeping immigration changes ( REUTERS )

MacDonough is the arbiter of whether the reconciliation bill passes the Byrd Rule  which limits the types of provisions that can be included in bills that deal with the budget.

The rule says provisions in a reconciliation bill cannot result in changes to spending or revenues, raise the deficit past the point of the budget window (usually 10 years) or make changes to social security, the Bipartisan Policy Center explains.

When we take the majority and we have a new majority leader, does Elizabeth MacDonough remain the parliamentarian? Why not hire a parliamentarian who perhaps might be more favorable to allowing some of these provisions to move past Byrd Rule obstacles, the GOP aide added.

In 2021, MacDonough ruled against Democrats when they wanted to introduce a number of provisions that would help immigrants into work as part of a $2 trillion social spending bill under budget reconciliation.

Outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell preferred not to overrule the parliamentarian, but his replacement will have the authority to remove MacDonough.
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President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made their first joint public appearance since the vice presidents defeat to Donald Trump in the presidential election.

The two marked Veterans Day on Monday at Arlington National Cemetary, where the two laid a wreath as part of the annual ceremony. Biden then delivered remarks at the ceremony and hardly spoke of the election.

The event at Arlington is nonpartisan, and the two appeared together, walking in solemn procession. The vice president appeared stoic with no hint of a smile during the ceremony, while Biden appeared slightly stiff and was fighting a cough. His eyes appeared closed during parts of the event.

Harris and Biden were seeing with their hands on their heart at one point. When Biden addressed the crowd, Harris sat with First Lady Jill Biden and other members of the Biden White House.

We have many obligations, but only one sacred obligation, Biden said, speaking about caring for Americas service members and veterans. We commit and recommit to the sacred vow.

open image in gallery Joe Biden and Kamala Harris appear together at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary. It was their first appearance together since her Election Day loss ( REUTERS )

This is the last time I will stand at Arlington as Commander-in-Chief, said Biden. It has been the greatest honor of my life.

He also spoke about his administrations efforts to help veterans, including those exposed to chemicals released by burn pits  which Biden blamed in his remarks for the cancer that killed his son Beau.

Harris, his one-time running mate who took over the ticket after Biden dropped out, tread a difficult path in the weeks leading up to the election about her relationship with the president, and Mondays ceremony is the first look for many at how that relationship fares post-election.

The vice president never broke in significant terms with her ex-running mate on policy matters, but their respective allies clashed privately and have now taken their disagreements public in the aftermath of the Democratic Partys historic defeat.

open image in gallery The vice president appeared stoic with no hint of a smile during the ceremony, while Biden appeared slightly stiff and was fighting a cough ( REUTERS )

Both sides have traded blame for their partys defeat, threatening to fray a relationship some thought might have been already endangered by the month-long pressure campaign aimed at convincing the incumbent president to pass on the Democratic nomination to Harris.

Harris lost seven swing states, all thought to have been winnable for her campaign, while suffering some of the Democratic Partys lowest margins in other states, including Democratic bastions, in years. Even more embarrassingly, Harris underperformed many of her partys own candidates.

Their party now heads into January having lost the White House, control of the Senate, and likely having failed to flip control of the House of Representatives as well. Party leaders are under fire for suppressing calls for a true presidential primary in January, as well as the marginalizing of the voting coalition (young men, Latinos, Arab Americans and working-class voters) who supported Bernie Sanders in his two Democratic primary bids but either voted for Trump or simply stayed home last week.
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House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan tamped down on worries that Donald Trump would weaponize the federal government against his political enemies on Sunday, even as Trump himself has publicly promised to do so.

Jordan was on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday and was presented a list of Democrats whom Trump has said he would press the Justice Department to prosecute at various points during his campaign. Notably, the president has never had the power to launch such politically-motivated criminal investigations or unwarranted prosecutions of their enemies.

Since leaving office in 2021 on the back of a failed attempt to change the election results, Trump has made repeated threats to use the Justice Department to prosecute Joe Biden and his son Hunter for various nefarious activities and influence-trading which Republicans have long alleged (without evidence) that the incumbent presidents family partook in.

But the Ohio congressman brushed away concerns, stating that Trump didnt do that in his first term and pointed out that despite pledging of his 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton, to lock her up, did not actually direct the DoJ to do so at any point in his first presidency.

I know, but Im talking about Donald Trumps second term. Going forward, Bash pressed.

"I don't think any of that's going to happen, because were the party thats against political prosecutions, Jordan replied.

"I don't think any of that's going to happen."



Judiciary Chair @Jim_Jordan, who also leads the Weaponization of the Federal Government subcommittee, tells @DanaBashCNN he doesn't think Trump will follow through on his repeated threats to prosecute his political opponents. pic.twitter.com/rcZEqayKPG  State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) November 10, 2024

Others are not so sure. Maggie Haberman, the Trumpworld-whisperer with The New York Times, noted that the former president had turned to recriminations against his neoconservative former allies, Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo, in his first announcement regarding who would join his administration in 2025.

He's been talking about retribution or revenge pretty consistently over the last two years, Haberman told CNNs Manu Raju on Sunday. So yes, I expect that will be a thing.

Haberman would go on to note that the president-elect largely only cared about a few specific Cabinet positions, including attorney general. Trumps pick to run the Justice Department will be the clearest sign as to whether he will be pursuing political prosecutions of various Democratic opponents throughout his second presidency.

Trumps victory in the Electoral College and popular vote this past week came after months of warnings from Democrats about the threat Trump posed to American democracy and specifically about plans outlined by his allies working for the Project 2025 effort to craft what critics call a blueprint for undermining the traditional independence of the Justice Department from the presidents personal oversight.

One of the most important roadblocks Trump faced in his bid to overturn the 2020 election on false pretense of fraud was Bill Barr, then attorney general, who refuted his bosss claims that federal authorities had seen evidence of widespread election fraud.
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Last Week Tonight host John Oliver ridiculed President-elect Donald Trumps potential cabinet picks as a deep bench of idiots, freaks and wannabe tough guys.

Speaking about a CNN chart outlining possible Trump picks, the HBO host said, It looks like a choose your fighter screen where the only thing theyre fighting is the arc of the moral universe. It looks like an advent calendar where every circle opens up to a tiny piece of literal s***. It looks like a game board for Guess Who? Oops! All a**holes.

Trump has already named campaign manager Susie Wiles to be his chief of staff and New York Representative Elise Stefanik to be his ambassador to the United Nations.

Oliver focused on the question marks under the names of Elon Musk and Robert F Kennedy Jr.

Even the chart itself is surprised that theyre there, and honestly, chart  Same, he said.

The host mocked Kennedy Jr, an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, as an enemy to all animals, friend to all measles.

Trump plans to let him go wild on medicines, you know, really get in there and mix things up, like a worm in a frontal cortex, Oliver said.

Musk has pitched himself as the possible leader of a government efficiency commission charged with cutting government spending. The billionaire has suggested that he could cut $2tn from the budget, but that it would mean temporary hardship for the public.

Seeing a man worth $300 billion telling the country to endure hardship and live within their means fills me with a feeling that apparently I cannot say out loud for legal reasons, Oliver told his audience.

John Oliver mocked Donald Trumps potential cabinet picks, including Robert F Kennedy Jr, as a deep bench of idiots, freaks and wannabe tough guys ( Getty )

Ultimately I dont see Musk going through the federal budget line by line because hes just going to get bored and go back to something more his speed like, I dont know, finding a place to do another big-boy jump, he added.

CNN listed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as a possible US attorney general in a Trump cabinet. Hes under federal investigation for bribery and he has settled a state securities fraud case by paying $300,000 in restitution. He also agreed to hundreds of hours of community service and 15 hours of legal ethics training, The Daily Beast noted.

Paxton also refused to sign a letter expressing disapproval of violence ahead of the election. Oliver said being horny for another insurrection shouldnt be one of the qualifications to be attorney general.

Meanwhile, Oliver blasted Kash Patel, cited by CNN as a possible CIA director, for being so devoted to Trump that he even has a series of childrens books called The Plot Against The King in which the king, Donald, goes up against Hillary Queenton.

Trump considered appointing Patel as deputy FBI director in his first term before the idea was crushed by then-Attorney General Bill Barr, according to reports.

Oliver noted that Barr wouldnt be there to stop it this time and outlined how Patel has said on Steve Bannons podcast that he would target the media.

Were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. Were going to come after you. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. But yeah, were putting you all on notice, Patel said.

I dont love the sound of that, Oliver said, adding that the rundown of potential cabinet picks was just scratching the surface of a deep bench of idiots, freaks, and wannabe tough guys eager to get into the White House and start breaking things. In January, things can get very bad very fast.
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Faced with two choices she didn't like, Suehaila Amen chose neither.

Instead, the longtime Democrat from the Arab American stronghold of Dearborn, Michigan, backed a third-party candidate for president, adding her voice to a remarkable turnaround that helped Donald Trump reclaim Michigan and the presidency.

In Dearborn, where nearly half of the 110,000 residents are of Arab descent, Vice President Kamala Harris received over 2,500 fewer votes than Trump, who became the first Republican presidential candidate since former President George W. Bush in 2000 to win the city. Harris also lost neighboring Dearborn Heights to Trump, who in his previous term as president banned travel from several mostly-Muslim countries.

Harris lost the presidential vote in two Detroit-area cities with large Arab American populations after months of warnings from local Democrats about the Biden-Harris administration's unwavering support for Israel in the war in Gaza. Some said they backed Trump after he visited a few days before the election, mingling with customers and staff at a Lebanese-owned restaurant and reassuring people that he would find a way to end the violence in the Middle East.

Others, including Amen, were unable to persuade themselves to back the former president. She said many Arab Americans felt Harris got what she deserved but aren't "jubilant about Trump."

"Whether it's Trump himself or the people who are around him, it does pose a great deal of concern for me," Amen said. "But at the end of the day when you have two evils running, what are you left with?"

As it became clear late Tuesday into early Wednesday that Trump would not only win the presidency but likely prevail in Dearborn, the mood in metro Detroit's Arab American communities was described by Dearborn City Council member Mustapha Hammoud as "somber." And yet, he said, the result was "not surprising at all."

The shift in Dearborn  where Trump received nearly 18,000 votes compared with Harris' 15,000  marks a startling change from just four years ago when Joe Biden won in the city by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.

No one should be surprised.

open image in gallery Arif Armanjisan watches an advertisement for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at his campaign office the night before the general election Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Hamtramck, Mich. ( AP )

The results didn't come out of nowhere. For months, in phone calls and meetings with top Democratic officials, local leaders warned, in blunt terms, that Arab American voters would turn against them if the administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas war didn't change.

The Biden-Harris administration has remained a staunch ally of Israel since the brutal Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took over 200 hostages. The war between Israel and Hamas has killed more than 43,000 people in Gaza, Palestinian health officials say. They do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

While Harris softened her rhetoric on the war, she didn't propose concrete policies toward Israel or the war in Gaza that varied from the administration's position. And even if she had, that might not have made much of a difference in places like Dearborn.

"All she had to do was stop the war in Lebanon and Gaza and she would receive everyone's votes here," said Hammoud.

More voters thought Trump would be better able to handle the situation in the Middle East than Harris, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. About half of voters named Trump as better suited, compared with about a third who said Harris.

Among those who opposed more aid for Israel, 58% backed Harris in the presidential election; 39% supported Trump.

Even some Harris voters had their doubts. About three-quarters of Harris voters in Michigan said she was the better candidate to handle the situation. Few preferred Trump, but about 2 in 10 Harris voters said they were equivalent or neither would be better.

In the absence of support for Harris in the Arab American community, Trump and his allies stepped in.

A key part of Michigan's electorate  a state Trump won by nearly 11,000 votes in 2016 before he lost it by nearly 154,000 to Biden in 2020  Arab Americans spent months meeting with Trump allies, who encouraged community leaders to endorse him.

Things began to move in September, when Amer Ghalib, the Democratic Muslim mayor of the city of Hamtramck, endorsed Trump. Shortly after, Trump visited a campaign office there.

That was a turning point, said Massad Boulos, the father of Trump's son-in-law who led his outreach with Arab Americans.

"They very, very much appreciated the president's visit and the respect that they felt," said Boulos. "That was the first big achievement, so to speak. After that, I started getting endorsements from imams and Muslim leaders."

An apparent shift toward Trump in final week

While support for Harris had been declining for months  especially after her campaign did not allow a pro-Palestinian speaker to take the stage at August's Democratic National Convention  some voters say the last week of the campaign was pivotal.

At an Oct. 30 rally in Michigan, former President Bill Clinton said Hamas uses civilians as shields and will "force you to kill civilians if you want to defend yourself."

"Hamas did not care about a homeland for the Palestinians, they wanted to kill Israelis and make Israel uninhabitable," he said. "Well, I got news for them, they were there first, before their faith existed, they were there."

The Harris campaign wanted Clinton to visit Dearborn to speak in the days following the rally, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the discussions who were not authorized to speak on them. The potential visit never materialized after backlash over Clinton's comments.

"That comment was the talk of the town. It hurt many like me, who loved him," said Amin Hashmi, who was born in Pakistan and lives in suburban Detroit. A self-proclaimed "die-hard Dem," Hashmi said casting a ballot for Trump "was a seismic move" that came after he stood in the voting booth for 25 minutes.

On the Friday before the election, Trump visited The Great Commoner in Dearborn, the Lebanese-owned restaurant. That stood in sharp contrast with Harris, who met with Dearborn's Democratic mayor, Abdullah Hammoud  who didn't endorse in the race  but never came to Dearborn herself.

open image in gallery Adam Hameed, paints the exterior of a skin care center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich., the nation's largest Arab-majority city. ( AP )

"He came up to Dearborn. He spoke with residents. Whether some people say it wasn't genuine, he still made the effort. He did reach out and try to work with them, at least listen to them," said Samia Hamid, a Dearborn resident.

Amen said that at polling places in Dearborn on Tuesday, "people were coming out and saying they were either voting third party or they were voting for Trump." When she asked what led them to support Trump, "they said, at least he came out here and he talked to us, he acknowledged our community."

Although Arab American support didn't propel him to the White House, Trump has made several promises that stuck in voters' minds. Mainly, they'll be watching to see if he'll follow through on his vow to end the war.

They also hope his next term will differ from his first, when he enacted the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries. His rhetoric on that score has been mixed  he even pledged to expand the ban to refugees from Gaza.

Osama Siblani, publisher of Arab American News based in Dearborn, said people will "hold him accountable." Regardless, Siblani added, the community "survived the first four years" of Trump.

"We will survive the next four," he said.
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After campaigning on a theme of retribution and pledging to be a warrior and justice to those who were betrayed by the government, Donald Trump could soon prepare to seek revenge against those he believes have wronged him.

President-elect Trump  who baselessly accuses President Joe Bidens administration of weaponizing law enforcement and the court against him  will enter office on January 20, 2025, with an array of executive powers at his fingertips.

Olivia Troye, a former Trump administration official who joined Republicans who spoke out against the former president at this years Democratic National Convention, told NBC News that a passenger on a plane told her your days are numbered.

Im worried that Ill be targeted by him and a lot of people in his circle, she said. They very much know who I am. And Im concerned for my family.

Trumps Republican allies in Congress already have mounted investigations into President Joe Biden and his family, as well as the judges and prosecutors overseeing the criminal cases against the former president, whose attacks have inspired a deluge of threats to their offices, courtrooms and families.

open image in gallery Donald Trump could soon take unprecedented measures to exact his promised retribution against his political enemies ( via REUTERS )

Congressional Republicans are already preparing a legislative firestorm, including a measure that would give the Internal Revenue Status broad latitude to target ideologically opposed nonprofit organizations.

Jack Smith, the special counsel leading investigations into Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, will be fired within two seconds of Trump taking office, he said. Trump has also suggested that Smith should be thrown out of the country.

Billionaire Elon Musk, has funneled tens of millions of dollars into Trumps campaign and closely worked alongside the president-elect as he prepares to enter office, wrote that Smiths abuse of the justice system cannot go unpunished.

Trumps legal ally Mike Davis told Newsmax that Smith should go to prison for engaging in a criminal conspiracy against President Trump.

Following his indictment in the classified documents case, Trump said he would appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the United States of America: Joe Biden and the entire Biden crime family.

Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, told CNN on Sunday that he does not believe any of thats going to happen because were the party whos against political prosecution.

Were the party whos against going after your opponents using lawfare, he said.

open image in gallery Trump has suggested that he would direct the Department of Justice to investigate President Joe Biden and his family. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Vice President-elect JD Vance told Joe Rogan last month that the Trump administration would pull security clearances for 51 people who signed a letter before the 2020 election questioning the authenticity of the content discovered on a laptop allegedly belonging to Joe Bidens son Hunter.

They still all have security clearances, I believe, which is going to change when we win, he said.

Attorney Mark Zaid told NBC News that he has advised several clients who worked under the first Trump administration or have criticized the president-elect to leave the country before he is sworn in until they have a better idea whether his administration will retaliate against them.

Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen had urged the Supreme Court earlier this year to review Trumps retaliatory abuse of power in his first term in office, when Cohen was kept in solitary confinement  alleged at Trumps direction  for revealing plans for a tell-all memoir after Cohen was prosecuted for lying to Congress and tax violations involving Trumps 2016 campaign,

His testimony in Trumps hush money trial, where he testified in front of his former longtime client for several days in a Manhattan courtroom, was crucial to prosecutors case that resulted in a jurys 34-count guilty verdict.

When Donald Trump tells you what he wants to do, what he intends to do, understand he has already done it before and you should listen to what hes saying because he intends to do it again, he told MSNBC earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Trump has promised mass pardons for the hundreds of criminal defendants he calls hostages and patriots after they were charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Trump also has embraced a Supreme Court decision that grants the office of the presidency broad immunity from criminal prosecution, which he has seen as vindication in his attempts to dodge multiple criminal trials and have his Manhattan conviction thrown out entirely.
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Veteran Republican pollster Frank Luntz has accused Kamala Harris campaign advisers of committing political malpractice for fixating on Donald Trumps flaws rather than telling the electorate about her.

Luntz sat down with ABC News Jonathan Karl on This Week and argued that the vice presidents campaign aides set her up for failure due to a lack of focus on creating her own political identity and policies.

It was too much defining what Trump was, Luntz said.

Not defining herself?, Karl interjected.

The longtime GOP pollster continued: We all know what Trump is. We experienced him for four years. Whoever told her to focus on him committed political malpractice, because in the end, you cannot change someones point of view on him, it was all about her.

open image in gallery Veteran GOP pollster Frank Luntz appeared on ABCs This Week on Sunday to take aim at Kamala Harris campaign advisers ( ABC/This Week )

Trump once again outperformed pollsters prediction and won a historic second term in the White House last week.

The Republican candidate surpassed the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes after winning several key battleground states by the early hours of Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after ballots opened on Election Day.

On the show on Sunday, Karl asked Luntz for the bottom line as to why Harris failed to win over swing voters.

They did not like either candidate, that was clear, he replied. They thought that Trump was offensive and abusive in his language, and polarizing, but in the end, she didnt answer the question that they wanted to know.

What are you going to do in the first hour, in the first day, in the first week, the first month and so on? They felt they had the right to hear this, and if she wont tell them that, then they couldnt give her their vote.

open image in gallery Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Alliant Energy Center on October 30, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin ( Getty Images )

Sources close to the Harris campaign revealed to The Washington Post that they believe there was too much of a focus on using clunky rhetoric in an attempt to discredit Trump, described as the Triple Us: Unhinged, unstable and unchecked.

Another described Harris campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillion as a micromanager who failed to win over voters on key issues which Trump took a staunch position on including immigration and the economy.

In the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election in November, Luntz correctly predicted that Trump would take the lead on election night, but in the hours and days that followed, Biden would catch up, move ahead, and would eventually be elected president.

By July 20, 2024, Luntz this time hedged a bet for the GOP candidate.

I can tell you now, that unless something dramatic happens to Trump, I believe hes the next president, he told The Times.

But when Harris then launched her presidential campaign on July 21, Luntz predicted the playing field leveled out.

After the debate on September 10, Luntz forecast that Harris performance on stage clinched her the presidency.

By mid-October, the pollster admitted the race was too close to call.
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In the wake of Donald Trumps sweeping victory, Republicans are turning their attention to those in the judicial system who went up against the president-elect in the courts.

Speaking on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures, Florida Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Cory Mills floated the idea that criminal charges could be brought against Judge Juan Merchan  and his daughter Loren Merchan.

Merchan oversaw Trumps high-profile hush money case where he was ultimately convicted of 34 felonies in New York earlier this year. His daughter subsequently became the target of attacks by the president-elect due to her Democrat-leaning political activities.

Lets look at Judge Merchan and his daughter, who was actually a fundraiser and was actually trying to support Kamala Harris and Joe Biden when it came to raising funds on the back of President Trump being in the New York court system, Mills said.

I think that what were seeing right now is that the Department of Injustice and the lawfare that was going on is now coming to a screeching halt with President-elect Donald Trump coming back into office.

During the hush money trial, Trump ignored an order from Merchan that he should rein in his fiery posts on social media, in which he accused the judge of having a Trump-hating family with ties to Kamala Harris.

open image in gallery Florida Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (left) and Cory Mills (right) floated the idea that criminal charges could be brought against Judge Juan Merchan, and his daughter ( Fox News )

I have a Trump-hating judge with a Trump-hating wife and family, whose daughter worked for Kamala Harris, and now receives money from the Biden-Harris campaign  and a lot of it, he said.

According to Mike Nellis, founder of political consulting firm Authentic Campaigns Inc, which employs Loren Merchan, she did some work for Harriss presidential campaign in 2019 but never developed an individual personal relationship with the candidate, and had only minimal input or contact with any political clients during the 2024 election cycle.

Nellis said Merchan had received death threats following Trumps comments and had been advised to stay away from the family home.

In August, the House judiciary chairman Jim Jordan, a key ally of Trump, subpoenaed the firm to testify as part of his investigation into what he called the weaponization of the federal goverment. However, Nellis said any suggestion that the company played any part in Trumps criminal trial or conviction was completely false and purely politically motivated.

On Sunday, Mills and Luna also discussed possible criminal cases being pursued against Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought charges against Trump for trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election and mishandling classified documents.

open image in gallery Judge Juan Merchan oversaw Trumps high profile hush money case where he was ultimately convicted of 34 felonies in New York earlier this year ( AP )

It was reported this week that Smith and the Justice Department are trying to wind down the federal criminal cases against Trump before he returns to the White House in January, in order to comply with its long-standing policy not to prosecute sitting presidents.

What I will tell you is that Jack Smith violated the Constitution, Luna said.

And Im really happy that Jim Jordan and the House Judiciary is telling him to preserve evidence because even after President Trump is elected, we need to ensure that this never happens to any other candidate for president ever again.

She added: And so we have to follow through, see who exactly ordered that," she continued. "And if it means that we need to bring criminal prosecution, I think that we need to.

open image in gallery It was recently reported that Jack Smith (pictured) and the Justice Department are trying to wind down the federal criminal cases against Trump before he returns to the White House ( AFP via Getty Images )

Their comments stopped short of shocking remarks previously aired on Fox, in which hosts Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld joked that Smith and others who had prosecuted Trump should receive the death penalty.

Dana 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, Gutfeld asked Perino.

Yes, they definitely need therapy, the former White House press secretary responded. Maybe also the death penalty?
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Nikki Haley is playing it nice after being publicly snubbed by Donald Trump in a post which stated that she and former secretary of state Mike Pompeo will both be excluded from his second administration.

Haley was Trumps last remaining rival in the Republican primary election earlier this year.

In the span of a few months, she had a rapid change of heart, moving from saying that the former president was unfit for office and accusing him of demeaning service members to endorsing him on stage at the Republican National Convention.

But it wasnt enough of a public bending of the knee for the former president, who wrote on Truth Social on Saturday that Haley would not be invited to join his team in any role over the next four years. Haley and Pompeo both were seen as scions of the partys neoconservative wing and represented some of the first Trump presidencys more hawkish foreign policy positions.

I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation. I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, wrote the former president on his social media platform.

Haley responded to the snub in a post on X: I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations. I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years."

Its somewhat of an unsurprising development for Haley, who like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trumps other rival in the primary race, took a serious amount of abuse from Trump during her short-lived bid.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks as US Ambassador to the United Nation Nikki Haley looks on at the US Department of State in Washington DC on June 19, 2018. Both have been told they wont feature in Trumps futrue cabinet ( AFP via Getty Images )

Pompeos inclusion is a bit stranger, as he has rarely challenged the former president publicly, but the ex-secretary has very much sought to maintain a national profile over the four years of Joe Bidens presidency while positioning himself as a key voice in his partys foreign policy sphere.

Both DeSantis and Haley were initially thought to have been snubbed for speaking slots at the RNC in June, but ultimately did end up addressing the Trumpworld-aligned crowd at the last minute. Haley, in her speech, reached out to her supporters and implored them to vote for the former president.

I know there are people out there who dont agree with Donald Trump 100 percent. I happen to know some of them, said Haley.

I want to talk to them tonight. My message is simple: You dont have to agree with Donald Trump 100 percent of the time to vote for him.

Within weeks of that speech, Biden would be replaced by Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic Partys ticket. The vice president would go on to make a largely unsuccessful bid for Haleys Trump-weary Republican voters, a move which involved championing the endorsements of neoconservative Republicans such as Liz Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Local Democratic leaders and analysts now believe that tactic may have been deployed at the expense of motivating the partys core voters and constituencies that supported Democrats in past cycles.
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President-elect Donald Trump reportedly advised Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine in a phone call the day after the presidential election, a new report says.

As one of his first orders of unofficial business as the president-elect, Trump spoke with Putin on Thursday in a telephone conversation that he took from his home in Florida, sources familiar with the matter told The Washington Post.

He allegedly asked the Russian president not to escalate his war and reminded him of the U.S.s military presence in Europe.

It was one of several calls Trump took with other leaders from around the world in the hours after he won the 2024 presidential election. He also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trumps team declined to comment on the specifics of the call.

President Trump won a historic election decisively and leaders from around the world know America will return to prominence on the world stage. That is why leaders have begun the process of developing stronger relationships with the 45th and 47th President because he represents global peace and stability, Steven Cheung, Trump communications director, said in a statement to The Independent,

open image in gallery Trump and Putin, pictured in 2018, have always had a more friendly relationship than other U.S. presidents have had with Russia ( AP )

The Kremlin on Monday denied reports of the call and said Putin had no concrete plans yet to speak to Trump.

"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "There was no conversation."

"This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications," Peskov said.

Asked if Putin had plans for any contacts with Trump, Peskov said: "There are no concrete plans yet."

On the campaign trail, Trump touted his relationship with and admiration for Putin, widely seen in the West as a dictator. He also claimed that had he been president rather than Joe Biden, Russia would have never invaded Ukraine.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine at the beginning of 2022 under Putins direction. The U.S. and its allies have been sending aid to Ukraine since then to assist it in defeating Russia  something that has earned the ire of some Republicans who do not think the U.S. should be involved.

Trump has promised voters he would end the RussiaUkraine war if re-elected. Now he has to make good on that promise.

As part of the effort, the president-elect reportedly discussed the resolution of Ukraines war with Putin and expressed interest in follow-up conversations.

It is unclear how Trump plans to end the war in Ukraine. Some Republicans, and former Trump administration officials, have expressed concern that Trump will negotiate a deal with Putin that could cede Ukrainian land to Russia rather than stand up to the Russian president.

open image in gallery Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a missile attack in Kharkiv on October 31. The country has faced devastation from Russias attacks ( AFP via Getty Images )

Last year, Trump told Fox News that he would approach Zelensky to tell him No more, you gotta make a deal in order to broker peace between the two countries.

But foreign affairs experts have warned that giving Putin a deal will bolster his power and undermine the U.S. and its European allies.

Admiral Rob Bauer, the chairman of NATOs Military Committee, said at the European defense summit that allowing Russia to win will inspire other autocratic states to push the envelope.

If you allow a nation like Russia to win, to come out of this as the victor, then what does it mean for other autocratic states in the world where the U.S. has also interests? Bauer said.

Trump has not unveiled any official plan, or deal, to end the RussiaUkraine war.
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Three GOP senators are set to battle in a secret vote this week in a bid to be named the next Republican Senate leader, replacing the outgoing Mitch McConnell - and all three could have a signficant hand in shaping Americas policy.

Senators Rick Scott of Florida, John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota are all vying for the top position, as President-elect Donald Trump is pressuring them to allow him to make recess appointments so he can fast-track positions without Senate approval. Whoever wins the vote will be expected to help Trump enact his agenda that includes hard-line immigration enforcement, tax cuts and a host of other campaign promises.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Trump wrote in a social media post on X.

Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!

While a president has the constitutional authority to make recess appointments, they are rarely used and are intended for emergencies. The appointments can last for up to two years without any Senate involvement.

open image in gallery Donald Trump in the Oval Office with outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pictured in July 2020. McConnell is stepping down as the Republican Senate leader, and now several are aiming to replace him ( Getty Images )

Elon Musk, who has endorsed Scott for the role, also weighed in despite the fact he is not a member of the U.S. government and cannot vote for a Senate majority. This is essential. There is no other way, Musk replied to the president-elects order.

Musk also asked his 204.2 million followers in a poll who they think should be the next Senate leader, which resulted in 65.5 percent for Scott.

Its going to be bloody and rough, and money is going to matter, one GOP aide told The Hill.

But who are the candidates in the running?

Rick Scott

Although he is largely seen as the outsider in this contest, Trump allies have been quick to endorse Scott for Senate leader. Scott, from Trumps home state of Florida, has already received the backing of Robert F Kennedy Jr, Tucker Carlson and fellow Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

The wealthiest member of the U.S. Senate has already said to Trump he will do whatever it takes to get his nominations through as quickly as possible.

The 71-year-old former Governor of Florida, who was reelected to the U.S. Senate last week, told Fox Newss Maria Bartiromo at the weekend that, we have got to change the way the Senate is run to get Trumps agenda done.

Before entering politics, Scott was the chief executive of Columbia/HCA Health Corporation, but resigned after federal agents found the company defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs. He took responsibility for what happened in 2010, but denied any wrongdoing and was not charged with a crime.

open image in gallery Senator Rick Scott of Florida has picked up the backing of several Trump loyalists as he runs for Senate majority leader ( AP )

The company settled for $1.7 billion and Scott still walked away with $10 million severance pay and $300 million in stock and options, the Miami Herald reports.

Scotts gubernatorial race in 2010 was won with Trumps incoming White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, at the helm. Wiles is still a close friend of the Florida senator.

John Cornyn

As a close McConnell ally, Texas senator Cornyn has been waiting in the wings for his chance at the top Senate job.

He was McConnells No. 2 from 2013 to 2019 and is a fundraising powerhouse for Senate Republicans, raising over $406 million since he was first elected in 2002.

The 72-year-old, who was Senate Republican whip during the first two years of Trumps first administration, has already signaled he will also appease Trumps wishes to change protocol in the Senate. It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President @realDonaldTrumps cabinet appointments, he posted on X on Sunday. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent.

open image in gallery Senator John Cornyn of Texas, has long been the No. 2 to McConnell, but some have blasted him for not always being a strong Trump backer ( AP )

But Cornyn has not always been Trumps most vocal supporter. President Trumps time has passed him by and I think whats the most important thing to me is we have a candidate who can actually win, he said in May 2023.

Cornyn, who was Texas attorney general from 1999 to 2002, did eventually endorse Trump, but some on the far right of the party have called him anti-gun, anti-Trump, the Texas Tribune reports.

Vice President-elect JD Vance also clerked for Cornyn on the Senate Judiciary Committee when he was a student at Yale Law School in 2011.

John Thune

Musk has slammed Thune as being the top choice of Democrats.

The Senate GOP whip, 63, of South Dakota, said he believes its in Trumps best interest to stay out of the Senate leadership race.

Im staying in regular contact with him and with his team and, 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 [the race,] Thune told CNBC.

These Senate secret-ballot elections are probably best left to the senators and hes got to work with all of us when its all said and done, he added.

open image in gallery Senator John Thune of South Dakota has been slammed as the top choice of Democrats for the job ( AP )

Thune, an evangelical Christian who grew up in the small town of Murdo in South Dakota, has bounced back since losing the Senate race by 524 votes in 2002.

He traveled to Mar-a-Lago in the spring when he launched his bid to Trump to replace McConnell, but his failure to go along with the president-elect in 2020 over the baseless election fraud claims might damage his chances.

Thune has since tried to soften his position, asserting that Trump can be trusted with the presidency a second time around while acknowledging that 2020 was hard, painful and tumultuous in many ways.

I think with respect to democratic norms, my expectation is that [Trumps] going to ... follow them. Hes going to do things clearly his own way, Thune added.
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Donald Trump called on Republican Senators vying for the majority leader position to permit him to appoint temporary cabinet members without Senate approval through recess appointments and demanded they reject any judicial nominations until he takes office.

Complaining that Senate approval takes too long, Trump said anyone seeking the leadership position must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!) on Truth Social on Sunday, a tactic that would effectively allow him to place any person in his cabinet without formal Senate approval.

Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Trump wrote.

Hours after Trumps statement, three Senators running for the leadership position endorsed Trumps idea.

Texas Senator John Cornyn agreed Trump has the power to do so and urged Senators to get Trumps cabinet chosen quickly. South Dakota Senator John Thune said recess appointments were an option on the table. Florida Senator Rick Scott backed Trump 100%.

President-elect Donald Trump has asked Republican senators vying for the leadership to approve of his use of recess appointments to get his cabinet up and running quickly ( REUTERS )

The framers of the Constitution explicitly created checks and balances to prevent one branch of government from obtaining too much power. One way they did so was by directing the Senate to approve the presidents nominations.

Recess appointments are a provision that allows the president to appoint a cabinet position for a maximum of two years without the Senates approval when the chamber is out of session. Its original intent was to be used when the Senate was in recess for a long period of time.

These are fairly uncommon and the last time a president used recess appointments, in 2012 under former president Barack Obama, the Supreme Court ruled they could not be made while Congress was in pro forma sessions. This made recess appointments effectively unusable.

Both Trump and President Joe Biden were unable to use recess appointments because the Senate uses pro-forma sessions routinely  these are short sessions typically held during recess periods that ensure Congress is technically in session.

In 2020, Trump threatened to use recess appointments by forcing Congress to adjourn. However, that never occurred.

Throughout his first term, Trump memorably had a difficult time holding onto a full and consistent cabinet. It took him longer to fill his cabinet when he entered office, in part because his transition team was seemingly unprepared, but also because Democratic senators hampered several nominees from being confirmed.

This time around, Trump is more prepared. And some of the names floating around for cabinet positions are already stirring controversy.

In his Truth Social post, Trump also asked that the Senate block any judicial nominations until he takes office because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges.

Trump appointed approximately 220 judges while president, a tactic that helped reshape the federal judiciary and assist Republicans in pursuing litigation. Biden has invoked a similar tactic, appointing 213.

Its unlikely Trumps request will materialize as Democrats have control of the Senate until the end of the year.
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Donald Trump has rehired the highly controversial immigration official Tom Homan, considered one of the key architects of the zero tolerance family separation policy during his first administration.

The immigration hardliner served as the acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) between 2017 and 2018.

The president-elect wrote on his Truth Social platform overnight that Homan would be in charge of the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.

Homan will be involved in Trumps stated goal of carrying out the largest deportation operation in American history through federal, state, and local law enforcement by invoking the same 1798 law used to carry out mass Japanese internment during the Second World War.

Under the separation initiative, immigration officials broke with the longstanding practice of keeping migrant families together and out of detention, instead sending parents to immigration court for removal proceedings and children to the care of a separate agency.

Immigration offenses are considered civil violations, not criminal ones, and many of the families first presented as asylum-seekers, but they were soon on the fast track out of the country.

open image in gallery Trump will bring former ICE chief Tom Homan back into his administration ( REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst )

The practice separated at least 5,000 families, many permanently, as parents were sent abroad and the Trump administration initially declined to keep track of where they ended up. As of this May, an estimated 1,400 families remained apart.

Trump has been eager to bring Homan, a Project 2025 contributor, back into the fold, telling a radio host during the campaign, Hes coming on board.

As Homan boasted during a conference in July, They aint seen s*** yet...Wait until 2025.

When asked in a recent 60 Minutes interview about whether that operation would entail returning to family separation, Homan suggested it needs to be considered absolutely.

"Their parent absolutely entered the country illegally, had a child knowing he was in the country illegally, Homan explained. So he created that crisis."

According to reporting from The Atlantic, Homan may have been the first government official to seriously propose intentional family separation back in 2014, though officials dismissed this at the time as heartless and impractical, given both the moral and logistical costs of separating children from their families.

The proposal later found a receptive ear in Trump, who launched his 2016 campaign demonizing Mexican migrants as drug dealers and rapists and made cracking down on immigration a signature issue.

Homan told The Atlantic he was inspired to propose the family separation idea after witnessing the aftermath of grisly trafficking and violence on the border.

The goal wasnt to traumatize, he told the magazine. The goal was to stop the madness, stop the death, stop the rape, stop the children dying, stop the cartels doing what theyre doing.

open image in gallery Tom Homan was one of the key backers of the zero tolerance family separation policy, and will assist with the Trump administrations plans for mass deportations ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Since then, hes taken on a more belligerent tone.

Im sick and tired of hearing about the family separation, Homan said at a conference last year. Im still being sued over that.

I dont give a s***, right? Bottom line is, we enforced the law.

Since retiring from the Trump administration, Homan has been a fixture on Fox News, where he describes immigration as an invasion. Border states like Texas have pushed to declare immigration an invasion to free up additional military-style powers to police the border, which experts have told The Independent is a view unfounded in the law.

Homan has also served in a group of border experts called Border911, which has traveled the country promoting the idea, which many argue is racist, that Democrats are intentionally encouraging illegal immigration to secure political power.

Border911 has backed initiatives like Prop 314 in Arizona, which passed this year, allowing state and local officials to act as immigration officials, normally the duty of the federal government.

The group, according to reporting from the Texas Observer, was previously part of the America Project, a group founded by pro-Trump election deniers Patrick Byrne, former CEO of Overstock.com, and Michael Flynn, Trumps disgraced, QAnon-following former national security adviser.

People affiliated with the border group have private businesses that receive government contracts and provide consulting on immigration issues and could stand to gain from a new administration promoting hardline immigration policies.

The Biden administration indeed presided over record levels of migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border in late 2023, but levels have since returned to less than half of their peak during the Trump administration.
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Former Fox News host and Trump ally Tucker Carlson claimed Senate Republicans are staging a coup against Donald Trump as three Senators vie to replace Mitch McConnell.

Republicans reclaimed control of the Senate on Tuesday night, leaving the door open for someone to replace McConnell, the chambers longest-serving party leader, who plans to step down at years end.

At least three Republicans are vying for the top spot  John Cornyn of Texas, Rick Scott of Florida, and John Thune of South Dakota who serves as the Senate minority whip  NBC News reported, and Carlson took issue with two of them.

What the hell is going on in the US Senate? Carlson posted on X on Saturday afternoon. After Trump won, Mitch McConnell engineers a coup against his agenda by calling early leadership elections in the Senate. Two of the three candidates hate Trump and what he ran on.

The former Fox host took particular issue with Cornyn, whom he summarized as an angry liberal whose politics are indistinguishable from Liz Cheneys. Cheney is a former Republican Congresswoman from Wyoming turned Trump critic; she campaigned for Kamala Harris. A Punchbowl News reporter described this comparison as completely off base.

open image in gallery Tucker Carlson speaks ahead of a live interview with Donald Trump in Glendale, Arizona, on October 31, 2024. The former Fox host backed Florida Senator Rick Scotts bid for Senate Majority Leader ( AFP via Getty Images )

The election will take place on Wednesday, November 13. It will determine whether or not the new administration succeeds, Carlson wrote. Rick Scott of Florida is the only candidate who agrees with Donald Trump. Call your senator and demand a public endorsement of Rick Scott. Dont let McConnell get away with it again.

Earlier on Saturday, Scott outlined that he was running for the leadership position to upend the status quo & make sure President Trumps agenda gets done.

Senators Ron Johnson, Rand Paul and Bill Hagerty also announced Saturday that they would back the Florida Senator in the race.

open image in gallery Senator Rick Scott got Carlsons backing for Senate Majority Leader ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Back in February, after McConnell announced he would be stepping down at the end of the year, Donald Trump Jr also labeled Thune and Cornyn as RINOs, or Republicans in name only.

The president-elects son wrote: Both of them also voted to send billions more to Ukraine. MAGA must do everything in our power to stop either of these two RINOs from ever becoming Senate Leader!

Trump also previously slammed Cornyn after he successfully negotiated bipartisan gun safety legislation, claiming the Texas Senator facilitated the first step in the movement to TAKE YOUR GUNS AWAY.

open image in gallery Senator John Cornyn is also vying to become the next Senate Majority Leader ( AP )

On Friday, the National Association for Gun Rights also issued a statement against Cornyn: The arch traitor John Cornyn is being floated as the next Senate Majority Leader. This absolutely cannot be allowed to happen.

All of the momentum we have gained for gun rights could hit a wall if the man who spearheaded the largest gun control bill in decades is in charge, the group said.

Although he faced a barrage of criticism from his own party for backing this bill, he stood by his work, telling the Texas Tribune in 2022: This was fundamentally important to the country at a time when things are so polarized and people are so intolerant of others that have different points of view.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley backed Cornyn, telling Fox News in a statement: I know he will work closely and effectively with President Trump to deliver on the promise of our new majority. Im delighted to give him my support.

open image in gallery Senator John Thune said it was his preference that Trump stay out of the internal leadership race ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Heritage Action, the sister organization of the Heritage Foundation which is responsible for Project 2025, provided scorecards for Senators ranked by how conservative theyve voted. Senator Scott scored 92 per cent, compared to Senator Thune with 37 per cent and Senator Thune with 35 per cent.

Meanwhile, the South Dakota Senator told CNBC on Thursday that while he understood that Trump could exert a considerable amount of influence on the Senate leadership race, my preference would be, and I think its probably in his best interest, to stay out of that. He continued: 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 received the support of Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, according to Punchbowl News.

Trump has yet to publicly endorse any of the three contenders.

While sources told Axios that Trump privately brushed off Scotts bid as not serious, a Trump spokesperson refuted that claim, telling the outlet that the former president hasnt weighed in on the leadership race and anyone who says differently is wrong.
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Donald Trump Jr took a swipe at Volodymyr Zelensky after sharing a social media post suggesting that the Ukrainian president was just weeks away from losing his allowance  a reference to US military funding for fighting Vladimir Putins.

President-elect Donald Trump has staunchly criticized the Biden Administration spending more than $64 billion in providing security assistance to Ukraine since Russias invasion of the nation in February 2022, according to figures from the US Department of State.

On Sunday, Trumps eldest son mocked Zelensky in a social media tirade, teasing that Ukraines military aid budget was about to be abolished.

The outspoken political scion shared an Instagram post by former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, as per screenshots taken by the Daily Beast, with the caption: POV: Youre 38 Days from losing your allowance.

The clip shows the Ukrainian president looking stoney-faced as he stands next to Trump, before the screen turns black and black and white and dollar bills cascade from the ceiling.

The 38 days comment is thought to make reference to December 17, the day electors in each state meet to cast their votes for President and Vice President based on the results counted on Election Day.

Sharing a separate post on X on Sunday, Trump Jr also backed calls to keep neocons and war hawks out of the White House, hours after Trump ruled out former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo  who are both pro-Ukraine  from having a position in his cabinet.

Trump has attempted to foster relations with both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents since he defeated vice president Kamala Harris at the ballot box last week.

The president-elect had a 25-minute phone call with Zelensky on Wednesday, with a source telling Axios that the exchange went well and didnt leave Zelensky with a feeling of despair.

open image in gallery Trump Jr speaks ahead of Trump arriving at a campaign rally at J.S. Dorton Arena, Monday, November 4 in Raleigh, North Carolina ( AP )

On Thursday, the soon-to-be 47th president also spoke with Putin. Trump is said to have advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine further, several sources close with the matter told The Washington Post.

One source said Trump expressed interest in having a follow-up call with Putin to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon.

The Kremlin denied reports on Monday. "This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "There was no conversation."

"This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications," Peskov said.

At a Detroit campaign rally In June, Trump described Zelensky as maybe the greatest salesman of any politician thats ever lived.

Every time he comes to our country, he walks away with $60 billion, Trump continued before later adding: I will have that settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect.

open image in gallery Zelensky and Trump meet at Trump Towers in New York City September 27 ( AP )

Trump repeated the claim in a separate stump speech at a Pennsylvania campaign stop in September, just days before meeting Zelensky at Trump Tower in New York City.

After their meeting, Ukrainian leader said he believed they shared a common view that the war has to be stopped and Putin cant win.

With just 70 days until Trump is due to take office, the Biden Administration is said to be planning the remaining $6 billion in congressionally-allotted aid to Kyiv.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Ukraine-Russia war would not have happened if he remained in office in 2020. He has continued to claim that he would end Putins invasion of Ukraine in just a single day.

Questions remain how Trump is set to resolve the conflict, and he is yet to explain how he would do so.
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Donald Trump has secured a second term in the White House, making history as the first convicted criminal to be elected president of the United States.

Amidst intense political polarization, this result is poised to shape the direction of American governance for years to come.

While Trump has pledged to help our country heal and promised a golden age for America, question marks linger over whether his divisive rhetoric will continue or evolve.

In the wake of his surprising victory, questions also abound about what his second term will entail, the strategies he will use in a divided political landscape, and the wider implications of his continued influence.

Here are six questions from Independent readers  and my answers from the Ask Me Anything event.

Q: Are pollsters a redundant entity after getting it so wrong, again?

stopher83

A: Polling is going to have to go through some huge soul-searching. This is the third presidential election cycle where they underestimated Trumps support and they had taken great lengths to find ways to mitigate that this year. But even then, they missed the magnitude, particularly when it came to Latinos, which I explain further here.

Q: Do you think Hollywoods elite helped or hindered the resulting outcome for Harris?

chrisfarrell1200

A: I dont think it helped or hurt. Trump himself is a former SAG member. Democrats always have celebrities get behind them, even when they win. Heck, Trump had Hulk Hogan and Dana White behind him. It was more of a wash.

Q: What does this result say about American society?

2DB

A: It says a lot. It shows how many hoops women have to jump through. Think of it this way: Kamala Harris is only the second Black female senator. This coming Senate will be the first time the Senate has two Black women serving at the same time. No state has elected a Black female governor. Harris also had the misfortune of running as a Democrat when most people blamed her boss for the economy.

Q: What is the truth behind Project 2025 and it being put in place?

cole_stvs

A: So the relationship between Trump and Project 2025 is interesting. It was put together by the Heritage Foundation and in truth it is the most recent edition of the groups Mandate for Leadership that started in the Reagan Era. Plenty of Trumps former administration officials helped craft the policy ideas. Trump tried distancing himself from it but plenty of right-wingers are bragging about it now on social media. You can read more about Project 2025 here.

Q: Will Trump be sentenced for any of his felonies?

momo_oh_oh

A: So as of right now it looks like Jack Smith will be winding down his investigations and legal cases.

Others like the New York case and the Fulton County one are more precarious.

Q: Is there any possibility of further indictments against Donald Trump now?

DaveN12

A: The Department of Justice has long said that it cannot indict a sitting president. The House could impeach Trump if Democrats win the majority (Possible). But the Senate would acquit him.

These questions and answers were part of an Ask Me Anything hosted by Eric Garcia. Some of the questions and answers have been edited for this article. You can read the full discussion in the comments section of the original article.
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Australia is known across the globe as the home of exotic, sometimes dangerous, animals.

Tourists heading to the country often talk of spiders, snakes and sharks. Hoping to catch a glimpse of preditors they see on nature documentaries.

Missing from that list is an emperor penguin. Until now.

Earlier this month locals and scientists were left baffled when one of the giants was found waddling up a beach on the Australian south coast.

The adult male was found on November 1 on a popular tourist beach in the town of Denmark in temperate southwest Australia  about 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) north of the icy waters off the Antarctic coast, according to a statement from the Western Australia states Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Gus was found thousands of kilometers from its normal habitat on Antarctica. (Miles Brotherson/DBCA via AP) ( Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions )

The penguin, now nicknamed Gus, was discovered by Aaron Fowler. We saw something coming out of the water, Mr. Fowler told The New York Times. We thought it was a seabird, but then we thought, Oh, thats way too big, and it had a big, long neck and a tail sticking out like a duck.

It stood up in the water and waddled straight up to us and just started cleaning itself.

He did a little belly slide on the sand; I think he thought it was snow, Mr. Fowler added.

He didnt get far. He had a bit of a tumble.

Gus did not seem to be afraid of the humans on the beach.

He was malnourished and is now being cared for by a wildlife expert, a government department said on Monday.

A healthy male can weigh more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds).

The largest penguin species has never been reported in Australia before, University of Western Australia research fellow Belinda Cannell said, though some had reached New Zealand, Australia's neighbor almost entirely south of Denmark.

Denmark in WA:

Cannell said she had no idea why the penguin traveled to Denmark.

She is advising seabird rehabilitator Carol Biddulph who is caring for the penguin, spraying him with a chilled water mist to help him cope with his alien climate. The penguin is 1 meter (39 inches ) tall and initially weighed 23 kilograms (51 pounds).

Asked if the penguin could potentially be returned to Antarctica, the department replied that options are still being worked through.
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A stretch of highway in Australia is a roadkill hotspot for koalas with nearly 150 of the endangered marsupials killed in just one year, scientists have warned in a new study.

Koalas are struck and killed by vehicles along a 50km stretch of the Peak Downs Highway that connects Mackay with the Bowen Basin coal mining region.

About 145 healthy koalas were struck and killed along this stretch in 2023 compared to an average of 350 elsewhere in Australia due to road accidents every year, researchers from the Central Queensland University found.

Koalas are critically endangered marsupials native to Australia and only about 100,000 to 250,000 are left now, according to the countrys National Koala Monitoring Programme.

They face threats such as dog attacks, diseases like Chlamydia, wildfires, habitat loss, and fragmentation.

open image in gallery Koala ( Griffith University )

Roadkills are also a major cause of the endangered populations decline.

The latest analysis found that over 80 per cent of the koalas hit by speeding vehicles on the Peak Downs Highway die as a result.

We found that the spatial distribution of these accidents fit a random pattern along this stretch of road, the study, published in the journal Animals, noted.

Paramedics Help Koala Cross Road

The relative homogeneity of vegetation across this particular landscape could be causing koalas to not concentrate at specific crossing points, researchers said. There are horrendous numbers of koalas getting hit and killed by vehicles every year on this relatively short stretch of road, with no reduction in sight, Rolf Schlagloth, a co-author of the study, said.

They call for the avoidance of high-quality koala habitat for highway infrastructure.

Unfortunately, these koalas are not receiving enough protection from the Government, Griffith University researcher Douglas Kerlin said.

In Queensland, koalas are listed as endangered under the Nature Conservation Act, but policies enacted by the State Government are currently focused on populations in South East Queensland, while koalas in places like Central Queensland are largely ignored, Dr Kerlin said.

open image in gallery Black circles represent recorded locations of koala collisions on the Peak Downs Highway ( Rolf Schlagloth et al, Animals )

In the short term, scientists said retrofitting protective infrastructure such as bridges to separate traffic and wildlife could help reduce roadkill.

We have monitored three bridges that had been retrofitted with short sections of wildlife exclusion/diversion fencing to encourage koalas (and other wildlife) to pass underneath the road rather than taking the risk of crossing the road properly, Dr Schlagloth said.

Wildlife exclusion fencing could also assist in keeping koalas away from particular stretches of road, researchers said, but such infrastructure was not found to facilitate koala crossings under the Peak Downs highway.

Improving driver attention and awareness of the potential for koalas to be on specific roads may also reduce deaths.

Driver visibility is also a contributing factor. We know that the better or greater the visibility a driver has, the less likely it is for a koala vehicle collision to occur, Dr Schlagloth said.
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A worker was crushed by a fan blade at Australias largest wind farm in west of Melbourne, police said.

The accident happened on Monday morning in Victorias west at about 8am local time during the second stage of construction at the Golden Plains Wind Farm.

First responders attempted to revive the man but he was declared deceased at the scene, Victoria police said in a statement.

The Australian Workers Union (AWU)  is one of the countrys largest and oldest trade unions  raised concerns about allegedly unsafe working conditions due to pressure to complete the project, with specific worries about non-union contractors and inadequate supervision.

This is not just another statistic, this is a worker who went to work and never came home, AWU Victoria secretary, Ronnie Hayden, said.

There have reportedly been concerns over Vestas, the company overseeing the project at Golden Plains windfarm on Bells Road in Rokewood, engaging in non-unionised contractors for some of the most dangerous work on-site, according to Mr Hayden.

This devastating loss could have been prevented, Mr Hayden said.

Just two weeks ago, union delegates from three different unions met with Vestas management to raise serious safety concerns, telling them it was only dumb luck that nobody had been killed on site yet, he said.

The Golden Plains Wind Farm aims to produce nine per cent of Victorias energy and is expected to be completed by 2027.

Helicopter footage from Monday showed three turbines on the ground, with two seemingly supported by metal structures. The company reported that the subcontractor was killed while a blade was being prepared for installation.

WorkSafe Victoria, a statutory authority of the state government of Victoria, said fatalities investigators, technical experts, and renewable energy construction inspectors are currently at the scene.

Danny Nielsen, the country head of Vestas in Australia and New Zealand, expressed devastation over the workers death, offering support to his family and colleagues. He emphasised that workplace safety is the companys top priority and announced the sites closure.

With workplace safety as our number one priority, the site has been closed and we are working closely with the authorities, including the police and Worksafe Victoria, to investigate what happened and work with the project partners to take steps to prevent it (from) recurring in the future, he said in a statement.

Victorias premier, Jacinta Allan, said any accident in any workplace is indeed a deep concern and a tragedy.
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Ukraines Kurakhove is surrounded on three sides, with Russian forces just under two miles from the devastated city centre.

Yet between 700 and 1,000 local residents remain, most of them living in the basements of apartment buildings, without running water, heating or electricity. The only place to charge phones is in the basement of the building now housing the city administration.

The exact number of people is impossible to determine because, since mid-October, no humanitarian volunteers have come to Kurakhove.

Under attack from artillery, multiple rocket launchers, aerial bombs and drones, Kurakhove has become the new Bakhmut, as Russia continues its drive westward to capture all of the Donbas region. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the situation in Kurakhove, as well as the key city of Pokrovsk, the most challenging.

The hospital, schools, kindergartens, water treatment plant, refugee center, post office, technical school and cultural center have all been destroyed. Smoke hangs in the air as bombed-out apartment buildings burn against a backdrop of artillery fire and drones.

Artillerymen of the 33rd Brigade say they are firing around 50 shells per day on the Kurakhove front, indicating critical activity in the Russian armys offensive operations and the brigade's desperate attempts to stop Russian forces from encircling the city.

Local authorities remain in the city, as well as representatives of the police and local Territorial Defense Forces.

For Artem Shchus, head of police in Kurakhove, there is little hope of defending the city if it becomes surrounded.

I dont think it is possible, considering the reality of modern war and modern technologies. In that case, the logistics could be performed only by drones, he says.

Shchus calls the road to Kurakhove, which is lined with burned-out civilian vehicles, the road of death, due to persistent Russian drone attacks. Five civilians have been killed while trying to leave.

open image in gallery This image shows the interior of a room in a damaged house following a drone attack in Odesa, southern Ukraine ( AFP via Getty Images )

No supplies would enter the city without the White Angels evacuation group, made up of local police officers and volunteers. They provide first aid to the wounded and remove the bodies of those killed in shelling, all while operating the city's only functioning food store.

The White Angels bring in vital supplies in an armored vehicle kitted out with electronic warfare equipment  the only way to enter the city, and still a journey fraught with risk.

Without REB (jammers) it is just a lottery. With it, you might still have a chance to survive, Shchus says.

The only way to escape the city is to travel with the White Angels. Each day, they risk their lives to evacuate between six and 12 people from different parts of the city and surrounding villages.

Although children are meant to have been evacuated, parents often hide them, both from the bombs and from law enforcement officers. Among the White Angels' key missions is to find children and persuade their parents to evacuate.

When this mission is successful and children are removed from the basements, many are shocked by the state of the destroyed city, suggesting that they have been hiding underground for quite some time.

open image in gallery Russian law enforcement officers inspect the wreckage of a drone following a drone attack in the village of Sofyino, Moscow region ( AFP via Getty Images )

After dressing the children in bulletproof vests and helmets, the White Angels take them to the nearby city of Kostyantynopil, from where other volunteers transport them to refugee registration points in the regional centers of Dnipro or Zaporizhzhia.

We evacuate people every day without stopping. We just dropped people off in Kostyantynopil, and we still have addresses to go through today, Shchus explains.

Asked about adapting to work in such challenging and dangerous conditions, the police chief worries about the impact on his team.

I think everyone has already adapted. I wouldnt even call it adaptation. It's more like an unhealthy state of mind. I dont know how this will influence them socially in the future, he says. These people are living in inhumane conditions, and they're surviving on adrenaline. The war is their life. These are hard conditions to work in, but everyone is working.
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Ukraine is battling 50,000 troops in Russias border Kursk region, according to the countrys president Volodymyr Zelensky, while also scrambling to reinforce two besieged fronts in the east and bracing to meet an infantry assault in the south.

The escalating fighting along a more than 600-mile-long front line is stretching Ukraines already outnumbered troops at a critical moment after Donald Trump won the US election, raising fears that the president-elect could cut the funding provided by Kyivs biggest military supporter.

Russia is reportedly sending thousands of soldiers to reclaim the border region of Kursk, where it has been fighting off an assault by the Ukrainian military since the summer. That attack has carved out a chunk of lens that President Zelensky said could be used as a bargaining chip.

Following the order of their military leadership, they are trying to dislodge our troops and advance deep into the territory we control, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the chief of the Ukrainian military, said a day after The New York Times reported, citing US intelligence, that tens of thousands of North Korean troops were headed to Kursk.

General Syrskyi said the Kursk operation had drawn in crack Russian fighters and relieved pressure that would have been brought to bear on several important outposts in the eastern region of Donetsk, where Russia has been making gains at its fastest clip since 2022.

These tens of thousands of enemies from the best Russian shock units would have stormed our positions in the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove or Toretsk directions, which would have significantly worsened the situation at the front, he said.

In a post on Telegram, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine was facing almost 50,000 troops in Kursk, adding that Kyiv would also considerably strengthen its positions on the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove fronts, where the most active fighting is taking place.

Russia has been closing in on Pokrovsk, a strategic road and rail hub which also has a coal mine. The small industrial town of Kurakhove is home to a major coal-powered thermal power plant.

General Syrskyi, though, made no mention of the possible presence of North Korean soldiers.

The US, South Korea and Ukraine have claimed that North Korea has sent around 10,000 soldiers to join Russias fight amid rising concerns over Pyongyongs involvement in the war.

A former first lieutenant in North Koreas army told the Associated Press last week that Pyongyangs troops were cannon fodder because they will be sent to the most dangerous sites and will surely be killed.

Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean troops on its territory. Mr Putin on Saturday signed into law a treaty deepening Moscows strategic partnership with Pyongyang, providing mutual defence in the event of an attack on either of them.

Ukraine last week said its forces had already engaged with North Korean troops on the battlefield. The first North Korean troops have already been shelled, in the Kursk region, Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counterdisinformation branch of Ukraines Security Council, wrote on Telegram.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson told Reuters that Russia was also moving trained assault groups to forward positions in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and that they were preparing to attack.

The southern front has seen far less fighting since 2023 when Ukraine launched a major counteroffensive that failed to break through heavily defended and mined lands held by Russia.

[The assaults] could begin in the near future, were not even talking about weeks, were expecting it to happen any day, said Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the southern military sector.

Although it was not clear if they would involve a single offensive push or separate assaults, intelligence assessed that Moscows troops planned to use armoured vehicles and a considerable number of drones, he said.

They are preparing both armoured groups and light vehicles  buggies, motorcycles  to conduct these assault operations, he added.

Russia has already carried out preliminary reconnaissance and stepped up airstrikes in the south by around 30 per cent to 40 per cent in the last two to three weeks, using bombers and unguided air missiles, he added.

Reuters contributed to this report
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A surprising trinity of Donald Trump, Hungarys right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban and Pope Francis could spell the end to hopes for continued support for Ukraine in fighting the war against Vladimir Putins Russia.

The Independent has spoken to Hungarys ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, who has been critical in attempting to create an international coalition to find a peace deal to end the war.

He has spoken about how Pope Francis has played an important role in supporting a deal that will probably see Mr Trump push for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to cede territory to Russia.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer held talks in Paris with French president Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Ukraine and the need for a European security pact as part of a post-Brexit reset was at the top of the agenda as the leaders vowed to ensure support for Kyiv continued.

open image in gallery Pope Francis stands with President Donald Trump on Ukraine ( AFP/Getty )

Earlier, defence secretary John Healey defiantly rejected claims the US president-elect will reverse the current Ukraine policy. He toldSky News: I dont expect the US to turn away from Nato. They recognise the importance of the alliance. They recognise the importance of avoiding further conflict in Europe.

The Pope, along with Hungary, has called for a ceasefire and talks to break the cycle of war and achieve peace. Mr Orban is seen as being the closest EU leader to Mr Putin, even visiting Moscow over the summer, while he has also been against providing Kyiv with weapons and funds.

Last week at the European Political Community summit, Mr Orban boasted of how the world is changing with Mr Trump re-elected, while renewing his demands for a Ukrainian ceasefire.

The clash with Mr Zelensky, who was at the summit, saw the Ukrainian leader note that the Hungarian prime minister is the one Nato member state leader to oppose Ukraines membership of the defence alliance.

Since his election less than a week ago, Mr Trump is already reported to have had a telephone conversation with Mr Putin warning him not to escalate the war before his inauguration.

open image in gallery Eduard Habsuburg-Lothringen is Hungarys ambassador to the Vatican ( Hungary Embassy )

Having made several trips to visit Mr Trump at his home in Mar-a-Lago, Mr Orban has gone from being mostly internationally isolated on the war to now being the closest ally to the president-elect in Europe.

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Habsburg-Lothringen said: During Donald Trumps first presidency, Hungarian-American political relations were at their peak, with dialogue and negotiations taking centre stage in resolving conflicts that threaten world security.

Following the decision of the American electorate a few days ago, we really have good hope that Hungarian-American political cooperation will return to its peak: we share similar views on peace, illegal immigration and the protection of families. I believe there is a better chance than ever that peace will finally return to Ukraine after almost a thousand days of war.

The Pope recently made a visit to Hungary and has told Mr Habsburg-Lothringen that his affinity to the eastern European country came from a group of Hungarian nuns who lived in Argentina after fleeing following the Russian invasion in 1956.

open image in gallery Victor Orban and Trump are allies ( Getty )

Now, with their shared view of bringing an early end to the war, he believes the Pope will support a peace deal opposed by all the other Western allies in Nato.

For the last years, Hungary has been fighting a lonely fight for immediate ceasefire and peace in Ukraine. Being a direct neighbour and having a Hungarian minority inside Ukraine gives us a very clear vision. The only ally was the Holy Father Pope Francis, who spoke in the same direction and engaged in peace diplomacy.

With the new President Trump, we have an ally who has clearly stated, even in his speech during election night, that he wanted to end the wars, which also means the one in Ukraine. This fills me with hope.

open image in gallery Zelensky has warned against a deal on Putins terms ( PA Wire )

He added: You can say a lot of things about Donald Trump, you may even dislike him, but there is one thing that nobody questions: that he will not start a war. I see him as a man who hates war, and as a real businessman who thinks that everything will be better if there is no war.

In a previous interview with The Independent, the ambassador outlined what Hungary and the Vaticans position has been on talks.

As long as nobody talks with Russia, a real dialogue doesnt happen. The Vatican strongly encourages a climate of talking everybody to everybody, and I believe that this would be the step forward. Thats as I said, before Pope Francis and Viktor Orban both asked for immediate ceasefire and immediate peace negotiations.
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Israel has confirmed that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the green signal for the deadly pager attacks in Lebanon and Syria in September.

Pagers exploded across the two countries, killing nearly 40 people, including two children, and wounding over 3,000 people just days before Israel intensified its war against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

The explosions were blamed on Israel, but the Netanyahu government had refrained from confirming or denying its involvement. Hezbollah described the explosions as the largest security breach in nearly a year of renewed conflict with Israel.

Mr Netanyahu confirmed Sunday that he greenlighted the pager operation in Lebanon, his spokesperson Omer Dostri told AFP.

Mr Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting on Sunday that the "pager operation and the elimination of Nasrallah were carried out despite the opposition of senior officials in the defence establishment and those responsible for them in the political echelon", the Times of Israel reported.

Hassan Narallah, the leader of Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a building complex in the Lebanese capital Beirut in late September.

A police officer inspects a car in which a hand-held pager exploded, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, 17 Sept 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All right reserved )

Mr Netanyahus statement was apparently a jibe at Yoav Gallant, whom the prime minister fired as defence minister on Tuesday citing "significant gaps" and a crisis of trust that affected Israel's war on Gaza and Lebanon.

The confirmation from Israel came just days after Lebanons labour minister said his country was filing a complaint against Israel at the UN labour organisation over the pager blasts.

Moustafa Bayram said he travelled to Geneva to formally file the complaint against Israel at the International Labor Organization.

Mr Bayram said the casualties were higher than first reported. More than 4,000 civilians fell  between martyrs and injured and maimed  in a few minutes by this attack, he said.

This method of warfare and conflicts may open the way for many who are evading international humanitarian law to adopt this method of warfare.

He did not know what the outcome of the complaint would be, the minister said, but at least we raised our voices to say and warn against this dangerous approach that strikes at human relations and leads to more conflicts.

Meanwhile, Taiwan on Monday said no Taiwanese citizens or companies were involved in the production of pagers that exploded in Lebanon.

Security sources have previously said the pagers carried the name of Taiwan-based Gold Apollo, a company which has asserted that it did not make them. Taiwans government had previously said the pagers were not made on the island.

There is no evidence indicating that any domestic manufacturers or individuals were accomplices in the relevant explosions, violating the Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, or engaging in other illegal activities, the prosecutors said in a statement as they closed the case.

An Israeli attack in Lebanon on Sunday killed at least 23 people, including seven children, in the village of Aalmat north of Beirut, far from the areas in the east and south where Hezbollah has a major presence.

There was reportedly no Israeli evacuation warning. Israels military claimed that it hit a Hezbollah site used to store weapons and the strike was under review.

Israels year-long war on Gaza has killed nearly 43,000 Palestinians and wounded over 100,000, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

The attack on Gaza began after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October last year, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage.

Israel has since launched an assault on Lebanon as well and bombed Syria and Iran.
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Bitcoin surged above $81,000 for the first time as Tesla billionaire Elon Musk called on new US president-elect Donald Trump to use the cryptocurrency to address Americas unsustainable debt growth.

The Tesla titan, who endorsed Mr Trump during his campaign trail, has been warning of a looming financial emergency in the US.

Excess government spending is driving America into bankruptcy....This debt growth is unsustainable, the multibillionaire posted on X.

Mr Trump too brought up the idea of using Bitcoin to pay off the $35 trillion national debt in August this year.

Hand them a little crypto check, right? Well hand them a little bitcoin and wipe out our $35 trillion, he said.

This debt growth is unsustainable https://t.co/3hjc8t3MEQ  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024

Following his election victory and as the 45th US President inches closer to overall control of the US Congress, Bitcoin rallied past $81,000 on Sunday as other cryptocurrencies also continued to surge in price.

Mr Trump promised favourable regulation and the formation of a US bitcoin reserve if he wins, vowing to make the US the crypto capital of the planet.

He vowed that one of his first moves as president would be to sack the current Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Gary Gensler who led the governments crackdown on the crypto industry  hinting at a friendlier regime for digital currencies.

JPMorgan Predicts Strong Performance For Bitcoin And Gold Under Trump Presidency

Bitcoin is currently valued at more than $81,200, rising by nearly 5 per cent in the last 24 hours, up by over 65 per cent from this years low of $38,505 it hit on 23 January.

Overall, the worlds biggest cryptocurrency has surged in value by more than 80 per cent this year.

Other cryptocurrencies, including dogecoin  promoted frequently by Mr Musk  are gaining value.

Prices of top cryptocurrencies as on 3:43 am UST 11 November ( Coindesk )

Many investors anticipate that a Trump victory will clear the path for mainstream adoption and regulation that is both favourable and necessary for bitcoins continued growth, Nigel Green, chief executive of financial advisory firm deVere Group, said.

This pro-crypto narrative could pave the way for regulatory clarity, bolstering institutional investments that could send bitcoin to unprecedented heights, Mr Green, who forecasted a Bitcoin price rally beyond $80,000, said.
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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.
A Le Creuset sale prompted four-hour queues to get into the Andover warehouse and a police response on Saturday, 9 November.

The walk-in event was advertised as the brand's "largest in-person event" where shoppers could purchase "a selection of premium cookware, including limited-edition colours, rare shapes and other unique styles at special prices."

Hampshire Police told the Telegraph: We attended London Road and the A3093 in Andover Saturday morning following reports of heavy congestion in the area.

We began receiving reports at 9.45am and we attended to assist with traffic control. Traffic had eased by around 11.15am and we left the area shortly afterwards.
Defence secretary John Healey dismissed a suggestion that Nigel Farage could assist the government in its relationship with Donald Trump.

The Reform UK leader has offered to be useful as an interlocutor between the Labour and the president-elect as they have a great relationship and knows people he believes will be in Mr Trumps administration for quite a long time.

When asked if Mr Farage would be the "bridge that unifies the two countries," Mr Healey replied: "The important relationship which has already been started and established is between [Sir] Keir Starmer and President-elect Trump."
Donald Trump has a complicated relationship with Vladimir Putin, to say the least.

Not so long ago, during his first term as president, he seemed to like and admire the Russian strongman  no doubt seeing him as a kindred spirit: clever, audacious, authoritarian, predatory.

At the Helsinki summit, in 2018, Trump went as far as to publicly state that he was more prepared to trust the word of this dictator than that of his own intelligence agencies. There was, to put it lightly, consternation. Observers wondered what appalling kompromat Putin had on the US president that would make him behave in this way, like something out of The Manchurian Candidate.

During his time out of office, after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Trump again praised Putin for his audacity. Shortly after the ill-fated special military operation was launched in 2022, Trump declared at a fundraising event at Mar-a-Lago: They say, Trump said Putins smart. I mean, hes taking over a country for two dollars worth of sanctions... Id say thats pretty smart. Hes taking over a country  really a vast, vast location, a great piece of land with a lot of people, and just walking right in.

Subsequent to that, Trump said he could end the war in a day, something widely taken to mean hed force Volodymyr Zelensky to capitulate and let Putin keep his illegal territorial gains.

Now, though, the warmth seems to have gone from the Trump-Putin bromance. Could it be that, as with any pair of gangsters in a town not big enough for the two of them, they are turning from friends to rivals?

Perhaps their interests are not so well aligned, because the newly re-elected US president doesnt want to see Putin too powerful. Trump doesnt want to preside over a Russian victory in Ukraine in what would inevitably be perceived around the world as another defeat for America (and Trump). It would also be seen as a repeat of the debacle in Kabul, where the chaotic withdrawal of Allied forces, during the first few months of Joe Bidens presidency, was pre-ordained by the surrender treaty Trump was conned into signing with the Taliban.

At any rate, there is certainly an absence of the old rapport. When Putin mischievously said he was supporting Kamala Harris in the election, he may have been being playful  but since election day, Moscow has been muted in its remarks about Trump, beyond noting his past bravery during assassination attempts.

Putin took his time to congratulate his counterpart. The Kremlins clowning television proxies, so often sycophantic to Trump, have been more sceptical than they were when Trump got in in 2016.

Certainly, when the two men did belatedly get to speak on a call, Trump seems to have been less of a pushover, and even a little menacing, again like a mobster warning a rival off his territory. According to the American account, The Donald reminded Vlad about Washingtons sizeable military presence in Europe and warned his rival not to escalate the war in Ukraine. No mafiosi wants to lose face before his initiation ceremony, which for Trump arrives on 20 January.

What came out of Trumps call with Zelensky, with Elon Musk jumping in at points, is less clear. However, we do know that Musk vitally supported Ukraine with access to his Starlink satellite networks, though not in occupied Crimea. The Musk-Putin relationship is hard to fathom.

In the end, sad to say, the facts on the ground matter more than anything. Even those of us whod prefer a Nato intervention to force Russia out of Crimea and the east of Ukraine know that wont happen.

The West gave the Ukrainians just enough support to give them hope, to hang on, and not to lose  but it never gave them enough to win. Theres little chance that Trump would, either. Like it or not, there will be a compromise over peace, but Trump is too proud, and America too strong, for that to be on easy terms for President Putin.

After all, Ukraine is a great piece of land with a lot of people in it, and it might be of some use to the US  even to Trump himself. President-elect Trump famously prides himself on being the master of the art of the deal, and there would be nothing in it for him if he were to allow Putin to take over the country. His adviser, Bryan Lanza, has been disowned for suggesting that defending Ukraine isnt in the interest of the US, though Donald Trump Jr has been spared such a fate after posting a childish jibe at Zelensky.

It seems obvious, actually, that Trump will not want his first big foreign initiative to be an abject humiliation in Ukraine, and hell need Zelensky and the European allies to at least acquiesce in the deal, whatever it turns out to be.

Putin will be put under pressure. After all, Trump craves respect even more than adulation  and there are two upstart global gangsters over on the east side, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, who will be watching for any signs of weakness.
During Donald Trumps last period as US president, Dublins office market 'climbed to new heights'. Photo: Getty

Donald Trumps upcoming presidency is not expected to be a handbrake on the growth of Dublins office market, according to a researcher at estate agent Savills.

The election of Mr Trump to the US presidency has sparked concerns about its impact on the Irish economy. Mr Trump has threatened to introduce protectionist policies such as tariffs on imported goods and also plans to lower the US corporate tax rate to 15pc, wiping out the tax advantage of American multinationals being based in Ireland.

Despite the concerns of many economic commentators, John Ring, director of research at Savills Ireland, posted on LinkedIn that despite Mr Trumps victory bringing greater uncertainty for Ireland than a Kamala Harris presidency, he felt the downside economic risks of Mr Trump were likely being overstated.

In the post, Mr Ring said that during Mr Trumps last period as US president between 2017 and 2020, Dublins office market climbed to new heights.

The 11,000,000 sqft of office space take-up during that period was primarily driven by US corporate expansions in Dublin representing the strongest four-year period of any US president.

To be clear, this was due to structural economic forces and not attributable to Trumps presidency per se, but the point is that Trumps presidency did not lead to a retrenchment in Dublins office market, Mr Ring wrote.

Looking ahead, we would not expect take-up to reach the same heights as it did between 2017 to 2020 due to the various prevailing structural headwinds, but equally, we do not expect Trumps presidency to be a handbrake on its growth.

Mr Ring noted in the post that he had been struck by the number of articles declaring that Mr Trumps victory spells disaster for both the Irish and international economies. He said this was similar to when Mr Trump was last elected when some economists predicted global economic pain was on the way.

Obviously, this did not come to pass and the global economy maintained growth rates of around 3pc, in line with those witnessed in the preceding years, wrote Mr Ring.

He noted the potential for lower corporate tax rates in the US, but wrote these could increase US profits and potentially generate cash to invest in expanding abroad.

Thus, lowering US corporation rates can boost US multinational investment in locations such as Ireland.

Mr Ring also felt trade tariffs were a low probability as they would damage the US economy.
Here are some strategies to help you get your staff back in the office

Side View Of Young Business Woman Holding Cardboard Box With Belongings In Her New Office. Starting A New Job Concept

People have grown used to working from home. Illustration: Getty

After a fundamental shift in working practices necessitated by the pandemic, many businesses are now contending with the challenge of how to get employees back in the workplace.

Covid transformed our perceptions of work and the traditional office environment. What once seemed impossible  maintaining productivity while working from home  quickly morphed into a necessity for countless organisations.

Remote work became the new norm overnight, changing views on productivity, collaboration and work-life balance.

So how do employers create a welcoming atmosphere, and motivate those hesitant about returning to the office; while honouring the lessons gleaned from remote work?

Resistance to return

Before jumping headfirst into coaxing employees back to the office, its essential to get a handle on the potential reasons for their hesitance, and address them.

Many employees have grown comfortable with the flexibility and work-life balance that remote work presents. Without lengthy commutes, there is more time to spend with families and pursue personal interests.

Many believe theyre more productive working from home, free from office distractions.

There are mental-health considerations too. The uncertainty of the pandemic, possibly combined with an escape from uncomfortable workplace dynamics, may have left some apprehensive about an office return.

How to plan a return to the office

Communicate openly and transparently

Where encouraging a return to the workplace is deemed necessary for the business, effective communication is key.

Employers must avoid abrupt decisions or rigid deadlines. Management should articulate the reasoning for a return, sharing the benefits for both the organisation and employees. Transparency regarding health and safety can alleviate concerns too.

Having a support system for employees to voice any apprehension is equally crucial, ensuring concerns are addressed thoughtfully and confidentially.

The perks of in-person collaboration

Though remote work has advantages, it can lack the creativity and spontaneity of face-to-face interaction.

Showcase the benefits of personal collaboration, like brainstorming, team-building activities, and informal chats over coffee, to remind staff of the unique value of being together. Reference occasions where in-person collaboration sparked innovation and solutions.

A flexible return plan

Recognise that employees have diverse comfort levels and family obligations. A phased return, allowing part-time office attendance, hybrid models, or staggered schedules, eases transition.

If your organisation hasnt previously felt the need, now might be the time to implement flexi-time or a time-off-in-lieu policy, to cater for the varying needs of your team.

Enhance the office environment

Reimagine the physical workspace to help entice staff back!

Thoughtfully designed offices prioritising comfort, collaboration and employee well-being can make the workplace a haven.

Consider investing in ergonomic furniture, new colours, inviting collaborative spaces and recreational areas. Employers can introduce welcome perks, like top-notch coffee machines and great catering facilities.

Employee Incentives

Well-placed incentives can motivate an office return. Simple treats at work, like complimentary lunch or snacks, to appealing offerings like bonuses or extra days off, ensure staff feel valued.

A culture of inclusion and engagement

As employees return to the office, its paramount to focus on building an engaging and inclusive culture.

Invite employees into discussions about workplace changes, and actively seek feedback to create a collaborative atmosphere.

When people feel valued and part of the process, theyre more likely to embrace changes.

Health and wellness programmes

The importance of employee well-being cannot be underestimated, and organisations should continue prioritising health initiatives during a return to the office.

Health and wellness programmes, access to mental-health resources, and opportunities for physical activities can foster a healthier workplace. Show the team that their health is a top priority.

Technology

New technology can significantly enhance the employee experience and ease a return to the office.

Tools such as collaborative platforms, project management software and communication apps facilitate seamless collaboration, whether employees work in the office or remotely.

Highlight how technology maintains connections and supports flexibility, to reassure staff their transition will be smooth.

Why employees can be better in the office

Discussing the benefits of a workplace return reinforces the key advantages for organisations and their workforce:

Improved collaboration and innovation

The synergy from being physically present fosters stronger teamwork and camaraderie. In-person interaction can spark creative thinking and collaborative solutions, and spontaneous conversations can lead to innovative ideas.

Enhanced company culture

Physical office settings are cultural hubs. Face-to-face interactions forge stronger relationships, a sense of belonging, and increased loyalty to the business and colleagues.

Good company culture notably influences talent recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction.

Productivity and focus

While remote work is productive for many, an office environment is often better structured for focused work, minimising distraction, and dedicated spaces for specific tasks.

Returning to the office also helps maintain that necessary clear division between personal lives and work.

Strengthened communication

Physical presence enhances communication by reducing misunderstandings.

Non-verbal cues, like body language and tone, are critical in effective communication. This can easily be lost in virtual settings or in written-only communication, like email.

Seamless onboarding for new employees

For newcomers who havent met the team in person, returning to the office can enhance the onboarding experience. It allows for mentorship, direct access to resources, and a better understanding of company culture.

Employees returning to the workplace is about more than just filling seats; its about enhancing collaboration, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

The aim should be to foster a vibrant environment where employees feel motivated to engage with colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to the organisations success.

By addressing employee concerns, implementing thoughtful strategies, and focusing on the benefits of in-person work, organisations can cultivate an inviting atmosphere, easing the transition back to the office.

Dave Kearney is the managing director of The HR Brief and an honorary fellow of Irelands Employment and Recruitment Federation (ERF)
Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon emotionally reunited after years apart, with Simon finally revealing why he had been keeping his distance.

The Grammy-winning folk-rock duo were among the most prolific musical acts of the Sixties, writing and releasing hit songs including America, The Sound of Silence and Mrs Robinson.

They first met at school in Queens, New York City, where they bonded over a mutual love of artists such as the Everley Brothers.

However, their working relationship was frequently marred by squabbles that ultimately led to their breakup in 1970, with their final studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, going on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.

In a new interview with The Sunday Times with his son, Art Garfunkel Jr, the musician, 83, revealed that he had lunch with his former bandmate a couple of weeks back, which marked the first time theyd been together in many years.

I looked at Paul and said, What happened? Why havent we seen each other? Garfunkel recalled. Paul mentioned an old interview where I said some stuff.

I cried when he told me how much I had hurt him. Looking back, I guess I wanted to shake up the nice guy image of Simon & Garfunkel. Yknow what? I was a fool!

Simon was possibly referring to a 2015 interview with The Telegraph, in which Garfunkel branded his former collaborator an idiot, a jerk and a monster.

Garfunkel said they had made plans to meet again: Will Paul bring his guitar? Who knows. For me, it was about wanting to make amends before its too late.

He continued: It felt like we were back in a wonderful place. As I think about it now, tears are rolling down my cheeks. I can still feel his hug.

The last time Simon & Garfunkel performed together was in 2010, when they took part in the American Film Institutes (AFI) tribute to The Graduate director Mike Nichols, whose film helped propel them to international fame by featuring a number of their songs.

In the same interview, Garfunkel Jr also brought up the reunion and said his father was so happy to have reconciled with Simon.

He called me and said, Pauls my brother; hes family, he said. I do think there is a possibility of them getting together musically. Im speaking hypothetically here, but maybe a big TV/charity event.

Garfunkel Jr said the prospect of new Simon & Garfunkel material could be likely with a bit of encouragement from their peers in the music industry [that would lead to] a new generation discovering the beautiful music they made together.

Father and Son, the new album from Garfunkel and Garfunkel, is out now.
The pace in the second series of this BBC period drama, nine years after the first, is glacial, with a lot of whispering, hat removing and writing so bad it makes you long for Will & Grace

Wolf Hall. Im not convinced. Its too posh. Its too pleased with itself in all its incandescent beauty. Theres velvet and fur everywhere, all the time. And now here we are again, for a second epic new series as the BBC continuity announcer called it beforehand, nine years after the first.

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light started last night. Its a terrible title. But we all know what it means: stand by for more candlelight and birdsong. These people do nothing creative with history. A Man For All Seasons was an anarchist production by comparison.

Theres a lot of whispering. The pace is glacial. There are a lot of letters, and the paper crunches as these letters are put into Thomas Cromwells jacket and then laboriously taken out again. Theres a lot of bowing, many hats removed and then replaced on the heads of their owners. Henry VIII, played by Damian Lewis, the second most famous ginger in the world, is a big baby who threatens and sulks and shares intimate details of his wedding night. In fact, Henry VIII is very reminiscent of Donald Trump. The one thing I cannot endure is ingratitude, he says. The writing is so bad that it makes you long for Will & Grace.

Trumpian: Damian Lewis as Henry VIII in the new series of Wolf Hall. Photo: Nick Briggs

Henry has a large family and it is full of problems. You might just begin to believe that Hampton Court (or wherever the hell it is; I dont care) is probably the White House.

And then there is Mark Rylance , playing Cromwell, looking either a) sensitive or b) sad. Hes always whispering. Hes always walking down corridors flooded with sunlight. Hes always taking his hat off and putting it back on again. Thats what you had to do in them days, apparently. At least Cromwell doesnt have to put the beheaded body of his mistress into its coffin, as Anne Boleyns ladies-in-waiting had to do in the opening scenes. You earned your living back then.

In fact, the opening scenes, featuring the execution of Anne, were the best thing here. They had provided the first series with its climax and Claire Foy had been a wonderful Anne. Now were into the aftermath of her death. The title of this episode was Wreckage. Wolf Hall is not afraid of the obvious.

Theres music all the time. Recorder music, trumpets, strings. It does get very wearing.

And really Wolf Hall is a load of hokum, with good actors in very short scenes. Even Harriet Walter was wasted, as Lady Margaret Pole. The imperial ambassador, Chapuys, looks like Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and sounds like Peter Sellers did when he was ruling England during the days of The Pink Panther. At one point the imperial ambassador and Cromwell have a meeting during a thunderstorm. Its pretty shameless.

And then theres the ghost of Cardinal Wolsey, Cromwells old boss, played by Jonathan Pryce. He turns up to advise Cromwell while he is looking sensitive in his panelled study  the interiors are lush. The atmosphere is one of smug self satisfaction. The audience has been sold the very comfortable idea that this is television for clever people. Bring back Glenroe, is what I say. Now that was Sunday night television.

Harriet Walter as Lady Margaret Pole. Photo: Nick Briggs

The Tudors are part of Englands creation myth about itself. Presumably it makes English people feel good to look back on that period of their history, which was so turbulent and shockingly violent. Things werent great in the colonies either (ahem). But when they watch Wolf Hall, the English audience can congratulate itself on how far theyve come. Is this the secret of its success?

Not really, because a lot of Irish people  and American people and God knows who else  will be locking themselves away over the next five Sundays to wallow in the meaningful silences which make up such a large part of the content of Wolf Hall. Meaningful silences and the furrows of Mark Rylances brow.

And its all been done so much better before. Keith Michell in The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970) and Glenda Jackson as Elizabeth R (1971) were two BBC series with wobbly sets and hardly an exterior scene between them; their budgets probably didn't allow them to shoot outside. But they had great energy. They were pretty good.

Wolf Hall is luxury television. The production values are so high theyd give you nosebleeds. Its like being at the most lavish wedding imaginable, and then feeling the luxury begin to cloy. It is possible that Wolf Hall might be excellent television to fall asleep to, like New Tricks.

The worst part is that we are constantly reminded  several times in this episode  that Cromwell is a blacksmiths son and therefore a plucky outsider at court; the aristocrats are simply dreadful. The big families like the Poles and the Courtenays have no time for Cromwell and not much time for Henry and the Tudors either. So Cromwell is portrayed almost as a modern man, who has succeeded on his own merits. But it seems more likely that Cromwell was Henrys enforcer, his Steve Bannon if you will. Not that sensitive, as a matter of fact. And not destined for a happy ending either.
Satire needs an element of viciousness; what we get here is timid puffball gags that bounce harmlessly off their targets

The US cast of 'Have I Got News For You', host Roy Wood Jr (centre) with team captains Michael Ian Black and Amber Ruffin. Wood does his best with the poor script hes been given, but hes flanked by mediocrity. Photo: courtesy of CNN

Last Fridays Have I Got News For You invited a fresh face to take the hosts chair: American comedian Roy Wood Jr, who presents the US version of HIGNFY.

Thats right, British televisions longest-running satirical panel show (35 years and counting) now has an American spin-off. It started on CNN in September and BBC2 is showing it late on Tuesdays, three days after its American broadcast.

Wood, a former correspondent with The Daily Show, was excellent in his UK debut, milking plenty of laughs from his struggle to pronounce British place names and his attempt to read headlines aloud in a British accent. I thought Dick Van Dyke was in the room, quipped Paul Merton.

Its to be hoped Wood learned a few things to take back to America, because HIGNFY US is a desperately weak brew compared to the original. The format is faithfully replicated, but whats missing is any semblance of bite. Satire needs to have an element of viciousness; what we get here is toothlessness  tame, timid puffball gags that bounce harmlessly off their targets.

Its not satire, its showbusiness as usual. Put it this way, you wont catch Merton or Ian Hislop doing that annoying dancing-while-sitting-down thing to the strains of Big Georges theme music, which is given a new arrangement.

Wood does his best with the poor script hes been given, but hes flanked by mediocrity. The team captains, comedians Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black, lack Hislops wit and Mertons agile comic mind.

They and the guests are so busy trying to show off how funny they are to the studio audience and one another  every time one of them makes an even mildly amusing remark, the others guffaw so hard you fear theyre about to vomit  they seem to forget what kind of a show this is meant to be. If anything, its more Whose Line Is It Anyway? than Have I Got News For You.

HIGNFY US took a break for the election (the next one is on BBC2 on November 19). If its this feeble now, how will it fare after Trump returns to the White House in January?

This is the question also facing Saturday Night Live, which turned 50 this year. SNL has been dreadful for years. It was particularly awful in the run-up to the election, continuing to portray Trump as a comic buffoon, long after the world knew what he was capable of

The final show before last Tuesdays vote featured Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris talking to the real Harris in the mirror. This was SNL, which Sky Comedy shows on Sundays, at its most nauseatingly smug. The first show after the vote was even poorer.

For the cold open, a few cast members came on and did some fake grovelling about how much they all loved Trump and how they had all voted for him.

Then on came James Austin Johnson as a beefed-up Trump dressed like Rambo, followed by Dana Carvey jumping up and down as Elon Musk. After that, SNLs army of writers seemed to forget an election had even happened.

Trumps return reveals an uncomfortable truth: 75 million Americans like what hes selling. The racism, the misogyny, the vulgarity, the narcissism, the crude, childish insults, the assault on womens freedoms.

They dont care about the lies, the conspiracy theories, the grifting, the two impeachments, the guilty verdict in a civil rape case, the numerous allegations of other sexual assaults, the threat to the free press, the sucking-up to dictators or the disparaging of Americas closest allies.

They also dont care about the disaster he plans to visit on the environment, the fact that he has been granted absolute immunity to do whatever he wants, including targeting anyone he considers the enemy within, deporting millions of hardworking immigrants and pardoning all those found guilty in the January 6, 2021 insurrection.

One thing Trump hates is to be mocked. If the feeble Have I Got News For You US and pathetic Saturday Night Live are the best American TV satire can offer in the face of all this, then American TV satire is dead.
The move to blockade ports would mirror widespread protests across Europe earlier this year, where farmers used their tractors to barricade the Belgian port of Zeebrugge as well as the routes to several ports in Germany. This aerial view taken on March 14, 2024 shows trucks and tractors blocking the entry to the Port of Antwerp-Brugesduring during a farmers' protest, in Zeebrugge. (Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)

Rebel farmers are threatening to blockade ports and starve supermarkets of food in protest against Labour tax rises.

A number are also plotting to withhold produce and livestock in a bid to trigger food shortages, The Telegraph has learned.

It is a significant escalation in what has been a fierce backlash to plans announced by Rachel Reeves.

The Chancellor placed a 20 per cent inheritance tax on farmers assets worth more than 1 million in her first Budget. Previously, tax breaks designed to allow family farms to pass down the generations were exempt from the divisive 40 per cent duty.

The tax rise has fuelled fears that ordinary family farms will be forced out of business, with warnings that it will hit Labour in rural areas at next Mays local elections.

Some farmers are now openly discussing plans to take a more radical course of action. One farmer told The Telegraph that they were aware of discussions about possible blockades of port and food distribution centres.

They will block every port in the UK if they have to, they said. [This] could be a possibility to slow down the supply in the supermarket. The Government and supermarkets need to realise the control we have as farmers. The good thing with that is you have farmers everywhere so you can cover all the ports.

The move to blockade ports would mirror widespread protests across Europe earlier this year, where farmers used their tractors to barricade the Belgian port of Zeebrugge as well as the routes to several ports in Germany.

The protests  which were against low food prices, burdensome red tape and trade with non-EU member states such as Ukraine  also took place in France, Spain, the Netherlands and Poland where farmers used their trucks and tractors to block roads and border crossings.

Following the wave of protests, farmers won a number of concessions including the scaling back of rules to protect nature, limiting on the import of tariff-free Ukrainian grains and scrapping proposed environmental legislation.

Clive Bailey, the founder of the Farming Forum, the UKs biggest agricultural online forum, said: Some farmers were looking at other actions  from not taking sewage sludge, to not letting food leave the farm or sending livestock to market. I can see produce being withheld.

He said that although he was very worried about going to prison he felt his position as founder of the Farming Forum puts him in a strong position to help, adding: We know we need to do something but we are not sure what it will look like yet. But Ive got thousands of messages from farmers asking me how, when, where.

The Telegraph revealed last week that some farmers were threatening to stop spreading sludge on their land in protest at plans to impose inheritance tax on their estates.

They are discussing plans for a co-ordinated sewage strike in a move that risks causing chaos for water treatment companies and creating a mountain of waste.

Biosolids  commonly known as sewage sludge  are what remains of human waste after liquids have been removed, and are a highly effective fertiliser. Every year, farmers in the UK take about 3.6 million tonnes of sewage sludge from water treatment plants and spread it on agricultural land.

The arrangement between farmers and water companies is mutually beneficial, saving sewage processors the cost and environmental impact of disposing of it.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU), told The Telegraph that his members felt betrayed by Sir Keir Starmer, whose charm offensive with countryside voters led to Labour winning dozens of seats in rural constituencies.

Mr Bradshaw said that farmers who expected to live longer than five years were now pinning their hopes on Labours defeat at the next election, particularly now that the Conservatives have promised to reverse the policy.

The NFU has organised a lobbying event later this month in parliament where members will hold meetings with their MPs  but the union declined to back a mass demonstration in the capital on the same day, telling its members that unless they have registered for the parliamentary event they should stay away.

This has led to farmers planning a breakaway protest in a sign that they are feeling frustrated with their unions ability to make their voice heard.

Before the general election, Labour promised to build a new relationship with the countryside.

But Mr Bradshaw said that now: It feels anything but. By his count, up to a quarter of Labours 402 MPs represent rural or semi-rural constituencies, having convinced voters that the party could work in genuine partnership with countryside folk.

I had a meeting with farmers this week and they are absolutely irate, he said.

If they hadnt said they werent going to do it, there would still be dismay but not the sense of betrayal.

Anyone living longer than five years is thinking, will a future government do something different? The leader of the opposition has said they will overturn it.

He also said he is concerned by talk of militant action by some farmers, saying: The bit that really worries me is that there is a part of the industry that is talking about more militant action.

That is not the farming industry  we are a peaceful, respectful industry. But I understand the strength of feeling.

A Government spokesman said: With public services crumbling, a 22 billion fiscal hole inherited from the previous government and 40 per cent of Agricultural Property Relief going to the 7 per cent of the wealthiest claimants, we made a difficult decision to ensure the relief is fiscally sustainable.

Around 500 claims each year will be impacted and farm-owning couples can pass on up to 3 million without paying any inheritance tax  this is a fair and balanced approach.

Telegraph.co.uk
Man (24) linked to European crime wave jailed for seven years

Five-man connected to almost 20 burglaries within a month targeting elderly homeowners

Stock image

Robin Schiller Mon 11 Nov 2024 at 03:30







A prolific burglar has been linked to crimes across Europe including a burglary that was treated as an attempted murder, after his gang were targeted by specialist gardai.
Ahead of the general election, we guide you through the voting system  with important advice on how to register your vote.

The Electoral Commission is calling on people to check the register to ensure theyre registered to vote in the upcoming election, and that their details are correct.

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 today, Tuesday, November 12th. To register to vote online, all you need is your PPS number and Eircode.

The deadline to apply for postal and special votes has passed.

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).

So whats PR and STV again?

The electoral system is the set of rules used to convert votes cast at the election into seats. Elections in Ireland are conducted using an electoral system called Proportional Representation by the Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV). The system has been used at elections since 1922 and is enshrined in the 1937 constitution.

It is an unusual system and the only other country in Europe which uses it for general elections is Malta.

The use of the word proportional in the name of the system is the critical part. In practice, the system does not work out as perfectly proportional, no system does. But it is generally agreed that the system is fair.

When you vote in an election in Ireland, you are asked to give your vote in order of preference. After the first count, your number preferences are distributed (in decreasing value) until all candidates either pass the quota or fill the seats available.

How secret is a secret ballot?

Your vote is secret. When you have finished marking your ballot, you should fold it over and place it in the ballot box.

No selfies!

There are no specific laws about taking selfies but it is an offence to reveal the content of your ballot in the polling station so no posing with it, no matter how much you want to. For the same reason, voters should not write any messages or slogans on their ballot.

Again, it may reveal the identity of the voter and could result in the vote being deemed invalid and thus excluded during the counting process.

Voters have sparked a big trend on social media by bringing their dogs with them to vote. The electoral law in Ireland does not cover dogs at polling stations but health and safety could strike so best to check whether your dog is welcome before you arrive together.

How do I vote?

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. A polling card is not required to vote but voters may be asked for identification so it is important to have some with you.

Voting under the PR-STV system is a straightforward process. Each voter will be given a ballot paper for their constituency. There is a lot of information on the ballot to help voters.

A photograph of each candidate is included along with information on any political party affiliation, their address and occupation.

Each voter ranks the candidates in order of their preference by placing 1, 2, 3. in the box alongside the candidate. The number of candidates on the ballot will vary from one constituency to the next.

The great advantage of PR-STV is that it is an intuitive system allowing the voter to express an opinion on all of the candidates if they want to. It is often said, that whilst a person has one vote, they can offer many choices.

How do I avoid spoiling my vote?

Many voters choose to express only a few preferences, often voting from 1 to 5. The important thing is to express a clear preference. If you would like to vote for just one candidate, put the number 1 next to their name.

Returning officers usually accept a single X next to a candidates name as a clear preference. But you should not put multiple Xs on the ballot as this will result in your vote being spoiled.

The same would be true if you put the number 1 next to a few candidates. The vote cannot be counted as the returning officer cannot be sure about the order of the preferences and it will be deemed invalid.
ASTI President Donal Cremin has hit out what he has labelled offensive and upsetting comments made by Ryanair boss Michael OLeary concerning the suitability of teachers in political office and he says the airline mogul should not only apologise but made amends by investing in schools.

The Rathmore man is a teacher at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra and he has also called for An Taoiseach Simon Harris to apologise further and ensure that no group in society is treated like this.

He said it was not only the comments that has upset teachers but also the cheering that accompanied the remarks which came from Fine Gael members as the function was organised by the party.

"It was not just Michael OLeary it was the members of Fine Gael who cheered and laughed... It was uncalled for, our teachers could be teaching some of their children, Mr Cremin said.

The comments from the Ryanair boss came as Mr OLeary was launching the election campaign of Enterprise Minister Peter Burke. Addressing the event, Mr OLeary said the Dail who was full of teachers and he wouldnt employ a lot of teachers if he wanted to get things done.

Mr Burke has been forced to distance himself from Mr OLearys comments, which were followed by cheers and laughter from those who attended the event in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Taoiseach Simon Harris insisted teachers were the backbone of Irish society and said Mr OLeary should stick to running Ryanair.

Mr Cremin said the comments were uncalled for as anyone can run for the Dail and those running come from all walks of life, including teachers.

"It is up to the people of Ireland to elect who they want in the Dail. People from all walks of life put their name forward not just teachers and they are elected.

"Teachers have the right to run, it is a democratic right. If they work hard while in the Dail it doesn't matter what walk of life they come from. Why pick teachers over someone else? There was no need for that jibe.

Mr Cremin said Mr OLeary attended school himself, adding: he wouldn't be where he is today if it wasn't for the education system.

Speaking to Newstalks Breakfast on Monday morning, Mr OLeary said he stands over his remarks but attempted to quantify them by stating that teachers do a terrific job in the school but not such a good job when they're frontline ministers.

Mr Cremin said that both Simon Harris and Michael OLeary must apologise to teachers.

"Mr OLeary made an error of judgements and he should stand up and admit his mistake. He should apologise and, in fact, he should offer his support to schools...He should invest his wealth in schools.

He also called on An Taoiseach to take swift action.

"He should address all parties and say this conduct shouldnt happen to any group. No-one deserves to be called out in that fashion.

Meanwhile, ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie has said that the comments by Mr OLeary should not distract from other important issue in the education system.

The ignorant and risible comments by Mr Michael OLeary of Ryanair at a Fine Gael campaign event, compounded by a cheap and sycophantic reaction by Fine Gael activists, cannot be allowed to distract from the real issues in this election from an ASTI perspective. These include the need for postponement of the Senior Cycle redevelopment programme to allow for badly needed adjustments to take place, measures to address the chronic recruitment and retention crisis and the lifting of Ireland off the bottom rung of the OECD ladder in terms of investment.

Rather than insulting the teaching profession - which has a sterling track record of educating the youth of the country - with baseless jibes, efforts to iron out the enormous challenges within the system would be a more productive endeavour.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and TD Peter Burke on back foot after campaign launchWhen asked whether he regretted his comments, Michael OLeary said: I think what I said was perfectly great, I love teachers.Michael O'Leary said everybody is free to disagree with him.

Michael O'Leary said 'I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done' to laughter. Photo: Getty

Ryanair boss Michael OLeary said he stands over controversial remarks he made about teachers at an election event over the weekend, as Fine Gael scrambles to limit the damage.

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has responded to Mr OLearys comments, saying: That's what Michael OLeary does, that's his business model.

Mr OLeary was launching the election campaign of Enterprise Minister Peter Burke in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, when he said he wouldnt employ a lot of teachers if he wanted to get things done.

Mr OLeary said: The Dail is full of teachers. Nothing wrong with teachers, I love teachers but I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done.

He also used the opportunity to make a number of digs at the Green Party.

Mr Burke has been forced to distance himself from Mr OLearys comments, which were followed by cheers and laughter from those who attended the event.

Taoiseach Simon Harris insisted teachers were the backbone of Irish society and said Mr OLeary should stick to running Ryanair.

However, Mr Harriss comments came amid a flurry of criticisms from his political rivals who said the footage of OLeary disparaging teachers showed how Fine Gael viewed the average worker.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) described the comments as outrageous and an insult to the dedication and hard work of our teachers.

Speaking to Newstalks Breakfast this morning, Ryanair boss Michael OLeary said he stands over his remarks and said teachers do a terrific job in the school but not such a good job when they're frontline ministers.

What I actually said is that the Dail is full of teachers. There's nothing wrong with teachers. I love teachers but I do think there's a serious point here, he said.

I think this country is facing enormous challenges over the next decade, where the population is going to rise from five to six million people. Now, we need lots of teachers delivering excellent education in the classroom, but a surplus of teachers in the Dail is not necessarily one that's going to get things done.

I want to see more people enter the Dail from private enterprise, from the private sector, and that's the energy we need if we're going to fix the infrastructure challenges we face and if we're going to provide housing and infrastructure for a population of six million people.

I think teachers do a great job in the classroom but I'm not sure that teachers in the Dail are necessarily the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

I think we need different professions and certainly a better mix of professions in the Dail if we're going to deliver for a population that's rising rapidly over the next decade, he said.

Mr OLeary added he doesnt think that teachers are less qualified but the example of their performance in a number of government departments has been pretty poor.

Catherine Martin has been Tourism Minister for five years and what has she delivered? A cap in Dublin Airport. We now can't grow tourism.

I think Catherine Martin would be far better off back in the classroom, doing the valuable work the teachers do, and as far away from the reins of Government or making decisions where I think she's clearly failed, he added.

When reminded that Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is a former teacher, he said: Theres an exception to every rule. He also criticised the Green Party, adding we need to keep them out of Irish politics.

I think nobody should vote for the Greens because they've been like weeds on our economy over the last five years, and they need to be weeded out, he said.

Mr OLeary added that Eamon Ryan refused to take any action on the cap at Dublin Airport, resulting in dramatically higher air fares.

"The Greens have failed and I think the best thing that Eamon Ryan could do would be to spend even more time out at a talking shop in Baku, he added.

Responding to Mr OLeary's claims, Mr Ryan told Newstalk Breakfast: He talks up shock jock particularly against something that maybe threatens his interests. And he's done that for years.

So, when you're working in a job that I have, yeah, you have to take that. But what does really get me is the political positioning there to really explicitly try and influence this election campaign and try and talk our country out of going green.

Mr Ryan said that Mr OLeary spent the last five years attacking him personally in the most derogatory and offensive manner.

Right throughout that time, I said: You don't rise to that, because where's that going to get you?

Having said that, when he's campaigning for Fine Gael in this way and against the Green Party effectively, which was the main content of his speech (on Saturday), as well as the derogatory comments about teachers  I do have to respond.

It reminds me of that phrase  someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing with what he says about teachers, because we all know the quality and the strength that good teaching brings, and to apply that in the rest of society is a real benefit. So, talking down teachers, I fundamentally disagree with, he added.

Mr Ryan thinks Michael OLeary dislikes the Green Party because they deliver but not what the Ryanair boss "wants.

"He's campaigning here for his vested interests and his business interests and sees the Greens as a threat to them.

He also defended his party colleague, Catherine Martin, whom he described as a superb minister who has "delivered".

Taoiseach Simon Harris called the comments crass but failed to call on Mr OLeary to withdraw them.

He acknowledged that some Fine Gael members at the event had cheered and laughed at the remarks, but declined to assess the damage done, saying it was a long campaign and people would be voting on a variety of issues.

Mr Harris said Mr OLeary was not a Fine Gael member, rejected the suggestion he was the partys Elon Musk and said Mr OLeary would be at no more election events and didnt know whether he was a party donor.

Praising teachers, Mr Harris said: There's not that many people who can stand up in front of a classroom for five seconds let alone for the full day, for the full week.

Whether they were cheered by anybody, they were inappropriate. The comments were crass, they were ill-informed, and they don't reflect, in any manner, the views of my party, he added.

But if you want to see an applause at a Fine Gael meeting, bring back into the room two former teachers, Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan, two of the people who brought this country back from the economic brink and sent away the troika.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Green Party leader Roderic OGorman said Michael OLearys fantasy cabinet would be made up solely of rich men and his disgraceful comments on teachers disrespected an entire profession.

Weve seen over the past few weeks billionaires punching down in America and its really sad to see now billionaires punching down is becoming a part of Irish politics as well, he said.

I was particularly shocked to see the big cheer it got from the Fine Gael faithful at their election launch event.

Asked about Mr OLearys criticism of his Green Party colleague Catherine Martin, who is a former teacher, Mr OGorman said she has done a fantastic job as Arts Minister.

The Green Party has delivered. Michael OLeary likes to talk about delivery, weve delivered the lowest carbon emissions in our country in 30 years, our economy is growing and companies like Ryanair continue to be profitable.

Mr OGorman said the Ryanair CEO has been consistent in his attacks, his undermining of public services in this country and thats why I think its so important for the Green Party to remain as part of this Government.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has said he does not accept Fine Gael politicians distancing themselves from Mr O'Leary's comments.

"Michael O'Leary is a private citizen, he can say what he wants, as frustrating as it is, but when he's standing at a Fine Gael event it becomes something more. He was invited to that event, those words very much embody what I see as Fine Gael's approach to public service and public servants in this country," he said.

"He just said the quiet part out loud. So, I don't accept Fine Gael ministers now separating themselves from the podium they gave Michael O'Leary. Teachers are undermined every day in their classrooms, they are underfunded and to actually see a room full of Fine Gael supporters laughing at that, I just thought it was disgraceful.

"The fact that he doubled down today means nothing to me, the fact that he was invited onto that podium, knowing there was something controversial going to be said, that's the thing that sticks in my craw."

The Ryanair boss said he doesnt think the Dail should be full of business people either but teachers are the most over-represented group in the Government.

When asked whether he regretted his comments, he said: I think what I said was perfectly great, I love teachers.

I think TDs should be paid twice what they're paid today but there should be only half the number of TDs. And then I think it would encourage more talent, more people, more business people, more engineers, more computer scientists.

Teachers are doing a terrific job in the schools but not such a good job when they're frontline ministers.

There was a number of teachers at the function on Saturday that came up to me afterwards and they agreed with me. But it's only my opinion.

"I presented what is a serious issue and that there is a need for more diversity in the Dail, in a jocular way. But I would stand over the remarks.

I think the more teachers we have in the classrooms of Ireland, the better, and the fewer teachers we have with the Dail or in politics in ministerial office, the better."

When asked whether he understood why people might find his comments offensive, Mr O'Leary said everybody was free to disagree with him.

The recently dissolved Dail included almost 20 members who were former teachers. Previous Dails had as many as 30 former teachers on the government and opposition benches. Teachers used to be able to hold on to their school post while serving as a TD.

Fine Gael said there were currently seven teachers within the party  ministers Patrick ODonovan and Hildegarde Naughton, senators Jerry Buttimer and John Cummins, and councillors Noreen Stokes, Una McCarthy and candidate Imelda Daly. The Taoiseach appointed two teachers  Mr ODonovan and Ms Naughton  among Fine Gaels five senior ministerial posts in cabinet.

Fine Gael minister Peter Burke. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald seized on the video footage circulating on social media, saying: Teachers get the job done every day in the classroom for our children, and I think it is completely inappropriate that they were jeered and demeaned in the way that they were at a Fine Gael event.

To be jeered and demeaned in this way is unacceptable and angers teachers greatly at a time when so many are leaving Ireland and going to pursue their careers elsewhere.

Fellow Sinn Fein TD Louise OReilly wrote on social media: Jesus wept. This is what Peter Burke and Fine Gael think of teachers. Listen to them all laughing.

Taoiseach Simon Harris. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Responding to the comments on RTE radio yesterday, Mr Burke said: Those comments, absolutely, I dont agree with, while also praising the success and vision of Mr OLeary as a businessman.

The INTO, which represents primary teachers, said in a statement: Teachers are the backbone of our country, shaping futures, inspiring minds, and driving the success of our society. The recent remarks are both outrageous and deeply insulting to the dedication and hard work of Irelands teachers.

Among the current or former teachers in the Cabinet are Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and Education Minister Norma Foley.

Fianna Fail candidate for Dublin Bay South Jim OCallaghan said: As the son of a primary school teacher, I can tell him hes absolutely incorrect  teachers are very effective at getting things done.

We need people from different backgrounds in Dail Eireann, teachers, all walks of life  it cant be the case that everyone just decides at 19 years of age that Im going to be a politician and stay in politics for the rest of their lives.

Asked whether this was a reference to the Taoiseach, Mr OCallaghan said: I didnt say that.

Siding with big business, while eroding public services and showing disdain for public servants, is a core part of their ethos

However, the remarks angered some in Fine Gael, with one senior figure describing the Fianna Fail TD as Jim I spend my life in the Law Library OCallaghan.

Mary Lou McDonald criticised the comments. Photo: Frank McGrath

Fianna Fail junior minister James Browne said Mr OLearys comments were offensive, while Social Democrats education spokesperson Gary Gannon said the derisory remarks were a stark revelation about where Fine Gaels loyalties lie.

The Social Democrats TD said: Siding with big business, while eroding public services and showing disdain for public servants, is a core part of their ethos. Michael OLeary just said the quiet part out loud.

At the event on Saturday, Mr OLeary endorsed Mr Burke as a candidate. 

The airline boss took aim at Sinn Fein and continued a long-running feud with the Green Party.

Mr OLeary urged the crowd to support Fianna Fail candidates, but urged them not to vote for the Greens or Sinn Fein.

The Greens poison enterprise. Theyve destroyed transport.

He added: Please dont vote for Sinn Fein. If you cant run your own party, you havent much chance of running a government or a country either.

The Irish Independent has also contacted Mr OLeary over the criticism of the comments.
Party leaders will go head-to-head in two live debates in the lead up to polling day, with parties first battling it out on housing policy tonight.

A debate on housing will take place on an extended programme of Upfront with Katie Hannon tonight, which will include Fianna Fail Housing Minister Darragh OBrien, Fine Gael Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe and representatives from Labour, Social Democrats and People Before Profit.

It will air from 9.35pm on RTE One.

The first leaders debate will take place next Monday, November 19, on the same programme hosted by Katie Hannon, with all 10 political party leaders invited to debate.

There will be another debate between the leaders of the three largest parties  Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein  on RTEs PrimeTime on Tuesday, November 26.

Virgin Media said it will not host any leaders debate during the campaign due to challenging market conditions and the governments failure to financially recognise and support our public service content.

The broadcaster last week reduced its flagship current affairs programme The Tonight Show from four nights a week to two.

Virgin Media will instead host individual one-hour interviews for the leaders of the three largest parties each Wednesday for the duration of the campaign.

The interview with Taoiseach Simon Harris will air this Wednesday, with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonalds interviewing airing on November 20 and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martins interview airing on November 27.

RTE broadcaster David McCullagh will also conduct live one-on-one interviews with each of the ten party leaders on the Six One News, while The Week in Politics will also increase its output from one episode each Sunday afternoon to two each week.

An extra episode featuring new and established candidates will air each Wednesday night in the lead up to polling day.

The Irish Independent has rolling live online coverage each day of the campaign trail, including in-depth reporting on the parties, policies and the mood of the public as polling day approaches.

Readers can also stay up to date with the candidates running in their constituency, with coverage including the top issues and who could make gains.

The IndoDaily will also increase its weekly offering to offer further analysis and insights along the campaign trail with special Election Extra episodes.

Meanwhile, TG4 has commissioned four individual constituency polls by leading market research company Ipsos B&A ahead of the general election.

The results of the polls will be covered on Nuacht TG4 beginning with Galway West on Thursday, November 14, with a Donegal constituency poll broadcast on November 19, Mayo on November 21 and Kerry on November 26.
There was a feeling among pro-Palestine marchers that the 33rd Dail had failed them. Photo: PA

The usual early excitement of the election campaign seems to lack lustre. Use your vote exhortations sounded hollow.

Among marchers for Palestine in Dublin on Saturday, and at countrywide vigils, there was a feeling that the 33rd Dail had failed them.

Since 2020, that Dail had the facility to enact the peaceful Occupied Territories Bill (OTB). Had it been deployed early, it could have saved many Palestinian and Israeli lives.

Without proper justification or explanation, the Government failed to do so.

On July 19, all possible objections had been unequivocally countered. Surprisingly, it took until mid-October for a consensus among all parties to enact the OTB.

However, within days, a general election was called. Now there could be months before any enactment, months of daily bombing, starvation and disease. On the first days of our election hustings, over 70 civilian deaths were reported from bombs alone.

Of course, deaths of innocents are paramount. However, disillusionment among Irish voters, young or old, is also serious. At some stage after the election the democratic deficit in relation to the OTB deserves open analysis.

David Clinch, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin

What party can be trusted to think creatively about Apple tax money spend?

I am now asking myself the following question: what political party can be trusted in this election with the 14bn Apple money thats due to the Irish Exchequer? One would be afraid that the government of the day would see this money as freebies for everyone.

We now know that by throwing prodigious amounts of money at housing, health, education and policing will only provide short-term gain. I believe what we need is for our politicians to be more lateral thinkers when it comes to resolving many of these pressing issues.

Lateral thinking is a process which refers to an individual thinking creatively in order to solve complex challenges. The Latin writer Publilius Syrus who was best known for his sententiae (way of thinking), once uttered the following words which I find apposite to the above: Money should be mastered, not served.

John O Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

What values will Hutch be standing for when he goes to locals asking for votes?

I see that Gerry The Monk Hutch is to run as a candidate in Dublin Central (Hutch: Ill be peoples choice in Dublin Central, Sunday Independent, November 10).

While respecting the Democratic process, I am intrigued to know on what values and policies he believes he is best placed to represent all the people of that constituency.

I understand one of the issues of concern to him is social deprivation in the north inner city, which I am sure should be of concern to all political representatives.

I ask him how has his own lifestyle or work choices, good or bad, down through the years helped to improve the lives of people, especially young people in his community, or wider afield. Perhaps the best form of activism is to lead by example.

Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Trump won because he listened to the people  Irish parties, take heed

Having read the analysis in the Sunday Independent, it seems that Donald Trump won mainly because the Democrats did not listen to the people; the top two concerns were the cost of living and immigration.

Now here in Ireland we have the same concerns along with housing, but in the present Governments arrogance, the parties already have themselves back in power with the opposition lined up for them to choose from to form a coalition.

I just hope the people of this country teach them a lesson on voting day. After 14 years of this we cannot give them another five years of the same.

D Byrne, Dublin 8

Our politics is not immune to nastiness witnessed in the divisive US election

Michael Gannon writes to express dismay at Donald Trumps victory, saying the Trumpian message of dishonesty, misogyny and arrogance doesnt make the man a role model for young people (Result could bring demise of decency, Irish Independent, Letters, November 10). True.

Then again, we in Ireland have seen politeness, consideration, and yes, decency, slide down the social scale, especially during the Celtic Tiger years and latterly the Covid lockdown years. And as for dishonesty, misogyny and arrogance, watch out for all three during our own election campaign, for all three will, sadly, be painfully evident.

Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan

I will be shopping for the best deal at the polls on Irelands own Black Friday

In the week that Donald Trump won the US presidential election, Simon Harris called our own general election for Friday, November 29.

In his haste to congratulate the US president-elect, the Taoiseach may have forgotten that November 29 is Black Friday, a dark omen for superstitious candidates.

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28 is a federal holiday in the US, giving thanks for the harvest.

Its true meaning has been lost in a frantic shopping frenzy, which begins with a dawn dash on Black Friday. Cyber Monday, December 2. was added to the Thanksgiving weekend to encourage online shopping. 

Despite our self-professed disdain for US consumerism and the insular MAGA movement of Donald Trump, we Irish have paradoxically embraced the US Thanksgiving spending spree with rare abandon.

So, lets be careful not to also adopt the toxic US election blueprint which was laced with bitterness, intemperate language, violence, death threats and attempted assassinations.

Irish elections are traditionally policy-based, with an emphasis on core values of democracy, mutual respect, informed discourse, dignity and good humour.

We must continue to allow candidates to canvass openly and safely, without fear of violence or intimidation during the campaign.

Candidates are welcome to ring my bell and are assured of a courteous reception.

However, they should remember that the longer they detain me on the doorstep, the less likely they are to get my vote on Black Friday. Good luck to those with the civic-mindedness to place their names on the ballot paper.

Billy Ryle, Tralee, Co Kerry
A newly launched general election tool aims to highlight women who are running in the general election.

Aldagh McDonogh, chair of Women for Election, said that the website, which highlights candidates according to gender, can be used as a tool to make politics work better for everyone.

The user can view a national gender breakdown of candidates and by party. They can also take a more in-depth view and click a constituency on the map to see the breakdown for that area.

For instance, across the 43 constituencies the proportional rate of women candidates varies from 69pc in Meath-East to only 15pc in Wicklow.

Currently, 26pc of councillors in local government are female. In June, the National Womens Council released a statement saying the organisation was disappointed about the missed opportunity to break the critical barrier of 40pc for womens representation in Local Government.

The organisation had previously called on the government to introduce a 40pc gender quota for local election candidates in their party manifestos.

Ms McDonogh said: This election will see more than 40pc more women standing than in GE2020  227 women to date have indicated that they are standing, with more likely to be announced in the coming week.

She added: With Ireland 104th in the world for the number of women in parliament, it is good news for the health of our democracy that so many talented women are stepping forward to stand for election.

There are talented, capable and competent women running in every constituency. Were asking all voters, women and men, to research these women candidates at www.votemorewomen.ie and consider voting for them.

The tool has been developed in collaboration with Maynooth Universitys All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO). Director of AIRO, Justin Gleeson, said: This is a fantastic resource for the upcoming general election and will be of great use to citizens and media organisations across the country.

Mr Gleeson added, The Hub is a great step forward for evidence-based planning and another example of how Ireland is leading the way in developing national data tools to understand key social, economic and environmental issues.
Election candidates in Cork South West have been forced to replace their campaign posters on a busy route after they were targeted by vandals.

Posters belonging to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, Fine Gael senator Tim Lombard, Fine Gael councillor Noel ODonovan and Independent councillor Alan Coleman were targeted in the attack with their faces cut out of their election canvases.

At least 15 election posters were vandalised last week along the 22km route on the N71 from Bandon to Clonakilty, Co Cork, and in other areas in the three-seater constituency.

Tim Lombard described it as a bizarre situation and said it is not the first time it has happened.

Its very, very disappointing to think that we're having a situation that we're having posters that are being vandalised straight after theyre being put up, he told the Irish Independent.

"We had this phenomenon in the local elections last May and June, where literally every poster was defaced, and then potentially a few days later, the faces would be turning up in different posters.

"It's a bizarre situation we have down here at the moment. So, it's very disappointing that's happening again.

Mr Lombard highlighted that volunteers put a large amount of work into putting the election posters up.

It's quite demoralising to think that literally almost after putting them up, they would be defaced, he added.

Tim Lombard's election poster

Fine Gael councillor in Skibbereen, Noel ODonovan, said the election posters are an important part of democracy.

"It's unfortunate they were damaged. Obviously, someone just really didn't like my face because my face was cut out rather than anything else, he said.

"But look, I think election posters are an important part of our democracy and our volunteers that went out and gave their time to put them up, so for those people as well its disappointing.

"If people have issues with politics or policies or parties or persons, then theyre quite entitled because that's democracy. But maybe have the conversation at the doorstep rather than defacing posters, he added.

Noel O'Donovan's election poster

Independent councillor for Bandon and Kinsale Alan Coleman said there was a large number of election posters with the faces cut out in the area.

"It took a bit of work to do it. Its really just somebody with a lot of negative energy and I really wouldn't let them get me down.

Mr Coleman said the feedback from the general public is good towards politicians in Cork South West.

A number of people that ring me up and say: This has happened, that this is awful, its encouraging, he added.

Alan Coleman's election poster

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns was contacted for comment.
Sinn Fein is promising to abolish USC on all incomes up to 45,000 over the lifetime of the next government if they are elected to power after the general election.

The tax package will cost 1.8bn and Sinn Fein are also committing to introducing a mini budget soon after taking office.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the tax cut will benefit workers by around 1,100.

Speaking as she launched her General Election candidates, Ms McDonald said: this tax was introduced by Fianna Fail at a time when they had crashed the economy.

For a long time, there has been a debate, not just within Sinn Fein, but across politics, as to as to how relief is brought, how there is a dividend for people who get up early in the morning and who work very, very hard, she said.

Our tax package, at the heart of it, is this measure designed to give relief to every single worker on the first 45,000 of their income, but particularly for middle and lower income workers. This is a real win for them, she added.

Ms McDonald said the median household income is around 53,000 and said most workers are not on runaway salaries.

You will recall Fine Gael at the last election promising to abolish the USC in its entirety, if I recall that never happened. The distinction is that we're making this promise. We're making this commitment, and further to that it will come into play within the first 100 days of government, she added.

Fine Gael promised to abolished the USC during the 2016 General Election campaign.

Ms McDonald said Sinn Fein will pay for the USC cut by introducing a new tax on people earning 140,000.

Separately, the Sinn Fein leader said if she is elected Taoiseach she will visit US President Donald Trump in the White House for the annual St Patricks Day visit taken by the Irish Government.

She said the relationship with the US is important in the context of the Peace Process. Ms McDonald said there is great clarity in the US on the Irish position on the war in Middle East and said she and Northern Ireland First Minister raised the plight of the people of Gaza during the St Patricks Day visit last year.

She said the US needs to stop arming Israel and sanctions should be imposed on Benjamin Netanyahus regime.

Ms McDonald refused to say if she is continuing her defamation case against RTE saying only that is in the hands of my lawyers.

The Sinn Fein leader also continued her silence on the Gerry The Monk Hutch candidacy in her constituency.

It was pointed out to her she is happy to criticise Fine Gael and Fianna Fail but refuses to make any comment on the leader of the Hutch Organised Crime Gang.

"Of course I have questions and commentary to make of the parties that have been in government together now for almost five years, the two parties who have been in government consistently for a century. Of course, that is where the debate as that is. That's how election campaigns are.

But for my part, I am not making a commentary on any other individual in Dublin Central except to say that I have worked very hard for these communities, that I wish to represent them again, and that I want Janice Boylan walking through the gates of Leinster House alongside me, she added.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he fully backs the Waterford Airport refurbishment and runway extension project which has seen repeated false dawns and delays.

The comments come in the wake of remarks by his government colleague, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, last week, in which the Green Party TD voiced doubts about the business case for the airport re-opening to commercial flights.

The Taoiseach joined Fine Gael general election candidate Senator John Cummins on his first full day of campaigning ahead of polling day on November 29. The pair visited Ardkeen Stores, Cafe Lucia, the library and went canvassing in Grange Cove housing estate in Waterford city on Saturday.

Speaking to the media during their canvass Taoiseach Simon Harris said: Im hearing the importance of Waterford Airport project and I want to be very clear for everybody living in county Waterford, in the city of Waterford and the south east, I want to see that project happen.

The Waterford Airport project needs to happen, it needs to happen along the lines of the 2019 agreement. I want to be absolutely crystal clear, I'm frustrated by some unhelpful comments that have been made in recent times by others. The Waterford Airport project needs to progress.

This is important for Waterford. It needs to progress in the capacity that was agreed in 2019 around the 50-50 contribution. This is a sensible construct because what it basically means is the state only has to put in money when the private element puts in money, too. It's been stalled for too long. I don't want to give anyone a history lesson.

When asked a follow up question regarding the business case, Taoiseach Harris replied: The business case hasn't come to me because that would be a matter for the Minister for Transport, and he didnt bring it to Cabinet.

What Im making very clear to people in Waterford, though, is that if my party leads the next government, the delivery of the Waterford Airport project along the agreed position of 2019  remember, this came to a Cabinet that I was in in 2019, we've agreed this, it will happen, and Im very, very clear in relation to that."

The Fine Gael election team of Taoiseach Simon Harris and Senator John Cummins took coffee with locals in Ardkeen

Senator Cummins welcomed the Taoiseachs comments saying: What is very clear is that Fine Gael is committed to the delivery of the Waterford Airport runway expansion project.

The 2019 agreement of 50:50 funding is the basis of the current proposal that has been submitted by Waterford Airport. I have been making the case that the 2019 decision by cabinet should still stand with the only decision required, an alteration of the quantum of matching funding to take account of the increased costs associated with the project.

Taoiseach Simon Harris. Photo: Collins

7-Day Weather Forecast: 11th November - 17th November 2024

Clearly there hasnt been a desire by the Minister of Transport to progress this project which is unfortunate.

It is only one of a handful of government departments without a Fine Gael Minister for the past couple of years and it is my hope that following the election, the new Minister of Transport will be a Fine Gael Minister to enable this critical piece of infrastructure to be delivered, added
Irish suspect had met Mackenzie Michalski in a nightclub before going to a property

The parents of an American nurse allegedly murdered by an Irish man in Hungary have expressed their gratitude for the efforts that were made to find their daughter.

Mackenzie Michalski (31), known as Kenzie, was reported missing on November 5 after she failed to return to her Airbnb in Budapest.

A 37-year-old Irishman was arrested in relation to the investigation, with authorities saying that he confessed to her killing, and that he tried to conceal her body in a suitcase in a wooded area.

Officials have also said that the Irishman met Ms Michalski in a nightclub before bringing her back to the rented property.

Friends of the American woman had launched several appeals on social media to help find her while she was missing.

In an update over the weekend her friend, Monika Vari, said that Kenzies parents were grateful for the effort to try to find their daughter.

I am deeply touched by the thank-you letters I received from Kenzies family and friends, Monika Vari wrote.

I received the message from Kenzies parents, and Niki also passed on the gratitude and hug they sent me virtually.

I helped from my heart, as did others whom I didnt know before but now consider friends. These people were there to support me from the very first moment in the search.

When I set up the chat, I gathered people from the comments who were genuinely interested in helping in any way they could. Over the past few days, a large group has come together, with people joining from all around the world. It has been truly heartwarming to see what people can achieve when united for a common cause, as one.

According to police information released to local media, the suspect was arrested in a rented apartment in Terezvaros.

Police told local media it appeared the man killed Mackenzie during an intimate relationship.

They said the accused had tried to hide the traces of the murder.

He allegedly cleaned his apartment and hid her body in a wardrobe while he went to get a suitcase.

The investigators also found out that after allegedly killing Mackenzie, the Irish man searched the internet terms including: Do pigs really eat corpses? The appearance of wild boar in the settlements along the Lake Balaton. What does the corpse smell like after decomposes? And, removal of rotting meat smell.

Local media also allege the suspect appeared to have researched the chances of being identified for the crime.

They said, in this regard, he also searched for web cameras in Budapest, as well as How does the police handle cases of missing persons? And how reliable is the police in Budapest?.

The Irish citizen was taken into custody by the police and his arrest was initiated.

Police said before her death, Mackenzie Michalski was seen with the man at a nightclub and officers found him after harvesting CCTV footage from the venue.
Fianna Fail has pledged to decriminalise the possession of drugs for personal use as part of its lengthy manifesto promises.

Fianna Fail pledges to decriminalise possession of drugs for personal use

Party leader Micheal Martin launched the partys General Election manifesto, which sets out six priority areas including cost of living, health, housing communities, economy and education.

Among its promises is the decriminalisation of drug possession for personal use.

The party said it will introduce legislation to require those found in possession of illegal drugs for personal use to attend educational or treatment programmes.

Mr Martin said the decriminalisation of possession of drugs is an important step.
First Minister Michelle ONeill lays a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday service at Belfast City Hall. Photo: PA

Stormonts First Minister Michelle ONeill has participated in the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Belfast City Hall  the first time a senior Sinn Fein figure has taken part in such an event in Northern Ireland.

Ms ONeill, who said her attendance was a demonstration of her determination to fulfil her pledge to be a First Minister for all, laid a laurel wreath at the Cenotaph in Belfast.

A message on the wreath read: As First Minister, I wish to take our society beyond old limits, to build bridges and to a shared future together.

First Minister Michelle ONeill, left, stood alongside deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly for the ceremony (Liam McBurney/PA)

Today I remember all lives lost in the horror of war and conflict  past and present.

Asked about republicans expressing discomfort with her attendance, Ms ONeill said she understood there were different perspectives but added: This is about looking forward to the future.

The Sinn Fein deputy leader attended the commemoration alongside DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who also laid a wreath and said the focus should be on remembrance rather than who had attended.

Ms Little-Pengelly said it was a privilege to lay a poppy wreath: Remembrance Day is about remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, who were injured in defence and for our freedom and the many, many tens of thousands who continue to mourn the loss of loved ones.

Pressed on whether she acknowledged Ms ONeills attendance was significant, she said: Today is not about politics  it is not something I am going to engage in.

Hundreds of people lined the streets outside City Hall as armed forces members participated in the ceremony.

In a statement, Ms ONeill said: I am committed to representing everyone equally. Through my words and actions, I will honour that commitment.

We each have our own identity, experiences, and perspectives. As an Irish republican who believes in a united Ireland, I have my own perspective also.

As we move towards a better future I am committed as First Minister to moving beyond old limits and building bridges.

It is through understanding and respect for our differences that we can build a stronger, respectful and united society.

I will never shy away from my responsibility to take decisions  no matter how personally challenging  that will help build a new Ireland, defined by inclusion and respect for all traditions.

Elsewhere, secretary of state for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn attended the annual Remembrance Sunday commemoration at Enniskillen, where hundreds had gathered.

On November 8, 1987, eleven people who had gathered to pay their respects to the war dead were killed and dozens injured in the no-warning blast minutes before the Remembrance Sunday ceremony was due to start.

A 12th victim of the bombing died 13 years later having never woken from a coma.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he decided not to attend the commemoration on advice from officials that it would not be attended by the senior representatives of the Stormont Executive.

Mr Harriss absence was a rare break with the tradition of the sitting Taoiseach attending the event.

The Government was represented by Mr Harriss Fine Gael party colleague and Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys.

Members of the Armed Forces during the Remembrance Sunday service at Belfast City Hall (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Benns engagement with the Remembrance Day bombing families was welcomed by victims group the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF).

SEFF director Kenny Donaldson said: Mr Benn listened intently to what the families shared with him and demonstrated empathy with what theyve been through.

The families requested a follow-up business meeting over the coming weeks with the secretary of state and his officials where they might fully explore issues pertaining to the Enniskillen case and their quest for justice and accountability.

The secretary of state was visibly moved when families shared images with him of their loved ones, they made a pointed appeal to him that any future efforts taken on his part should be centred around building real, genuine and durable peace.

He was cautioned against continuance or an approach which, yes, has achieved stand-off, but which has fallen short from delivering real peace, never mind the prospect of reconciliation.

A range of other events to pay tribute to the war dead took place across Northern Ireland yesterday.

Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins laid a wreath in remembrance of all those who have died in war as he attended the National Service of Remembrance at St Patricks Cathedral in Dublin.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also attended the Dublin service.
Man, aged in his fifties, was arrested this morning on the suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo DullardThis is the first arrest in the case, which was upgraded from a missing persons to a murder inquiry four years agoMs Dullard went missing on November 9, 1995

Gardai seal off access routes around an area around Grangecon in Co Wicklow this afternoon where a dig is due to commence after the arrest of a man on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Gardai at Grangecon, Wicklow, as they search open ground in connection with the murder of Jo Jo Dullard. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

Jo Jo Dullard (inset) and the scene of Gardai searching ground in Wicklow today.

A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Jo Jo Dullard, who has been missing for the last 29 years.

Gardai investigating the murder of 'Jo Jo' Dullard have also commenced a new search operation on open ground at a location in Co Wicklow near the Wicklow/Kildare border.

This area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over the coming days.

A temporary restricted air space has been put in place by the Irish Aviation Authority in respect of the search area in Co Wicklow, gardai said.

Gardai have confirmed that a man, aged in his fifties, was arrested this morning on the suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard.

He is currently detained under the provisions of section 4, Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Co. Kildare.

Gardai have also this morning searched two private residences.

This is the first arrest in the case, which was upgraded from a missing persons to a murder inquiry four years ago.

The arrest and search operation is being led by the investigation team from Kildare Division Serious Crime Unit and the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Gardai at Grangecon, Wicklow, as they search open ground in connection with the murder of Jo Jo Dullard. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

The search is being carried out by the Kildare Divisional Search Team supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and local Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

It also has the support of other state expertise, if it is required, including the attendance of a Forensic Archaeologist on site.

On Saturday, gardai renewed their appeal for information on the anniversary of her disappearance.

Ms Dullard went missing on November 9, 1995.

Gardai seal off access routes around an area around Grangecon in Co Wicklow this afternoon where a dig is due to commence after the arrest of a man on suspicion of the murder of Jo Jo Dullard. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Ms Dullard had travelled to Dublin where she spent the evening socialising in Bruxelles Bar on Harry Street.

Her last known movements are recorded as her missing her last bus home to Kilkenny that evening and instead at 10pm boarded a bus to Naas, Co Kildare. She had intended to hitchhike the rest of the way home to Callan, in Co Kilkenny.

Ms Dullard hitched a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at Kilcullen, Co Kildare. At approximately 11.15pm, she hitched another lift to Moone, Co Kildare.

Jo Jo Dullard

In Moone, Ms Dullard made a telephone call to her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm.

During that call, Ms Dullard told Ms Cullinan that a car had stopped for her, and she was going to take the lift.

This was the last known interaction with her.

Gardai confirmed that her disappearance was upgraded to a murder investigation in 2020.
The contest has categories for children aged between one and 12

Andrew McGinley with his three children Carla, Conor and Darragh

The Snowman for Carla colouring competition is set to launch for its fourth year in association with the Irish Independent.

The competition was established by Andrew McGinley in memory of his daughter Carla (3), who died in 2020 alongside her brothers Darragh (7) and Conor (9).

To date we are heading toward 5,000 entries over the past three years so hopefully we will get a good uptake again this year, Mr McGinley said.

The competition is open to children aged between one and 12, with two different age categories and 1,000 worth of vouchers to be won.

I thought I would combine Carlas two loves  snowmen and colouring  and thats how the competition came about, Mr McGinley added.

In November 2019, there was a light dusting of snow in Newcastle, Co Dublin, where the family lived, and Mr McGinley scraped together a pint-sized snowman for his daughter.

I remember her looking at me thinking Olaf in Frozen was bigger than that. I promised her that when it would snow more I would build her a bigger snowman but that day never came, he said.

One of my first thoughts after their death was I hadnt kept my promise to Conor to set up a YouTube channel. That was something that drove me on, I was determined to do it in his memory. Then I got thinking of what else I had promised Darragh and Carla.

The children were found dead in their family home by their father in January 2020.

In May 2021, their mother, Deirdre Morley, was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity.

Since 2020, Mr McGinley has coordinated three initiatives in remembrance of his children.

Alongside Snowman for Carla, Mr McGinley runs Conors Clips, a YouTube channel in remembrance of Conor, and As Darragh Did, a charity that funds community groups celebrating Darraghs involvement in sport, drama and more.

As Darragh Did raises funds for community clubs, groups, societies and projects that promote integration and inclusion. The charity has supported over 200 organisations since it was established.

The Snowman for Carla poster will be included in tomorrows Irish Independent.

You can enter the colouring competition and support As Darragh Did by signing up for a monthly donation at asdarraghdid.ie

This year, the charity is organising a Christmas raffle with a voucher on offer for Ashford Castle, County Mayo. The raffle launches today with tickets soon to be available for purchase.
Tributes have been paid to a 16-year-old boy who was killed following a hit-and-run incident in Co Kildare over the weekend.

The teenage pedestrian was fatally injured after he was hit by a vehicle on the R403 in Blackwood near Robertstown, at approximately 12.30am on Sunday morning.

Gardai said the vehicle involved in the collision failed to remain at the scene.

The boys body has been removed to the mortuary at Naas General Hospital.

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested in connection with the incident.

The arrested man is currently detained at a garda station in Kildare under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Labour Councillor for Naas Anne Breen extended her condolences to the 16-year olds family.

My condolences go out to the family. It's very, very sad what has happened, but the school have been very good and they're looking after all the students, she said.

Fianna Fail Clane-Maynooth Councillor Derek Fitzpatrick said the incident was a tragedy.

Theyre a local family. Its a tragedy really and the words dont come easy in these types of things," he said.

Fine Gael Clane-Maynooth Councillor William Durkin said that he was very sad to hear the news.

With the wider community, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news this morning. There are very few families that havent been impacted in one way or another by road fatality and it is a very sad event. I think of the family at this time, he said.
Service expects to see wait times reducing once new testers are recruited, trained and onboarded

It is illegal for a person on a learner permit to drive unaccompanied. Photo: Stock image

Learner drivers are waiting up to eight months for a driving test in some counties.

An analysis of estimated driving-test waiting times across all 26 counties by road safety campaigners Parc revealed that learner drivers in Kildare face an estimated waiting time of up to 30 weeks  with Mayo having the shortest waiting time of just 11 weeks at one centre and 15 at another.

The worst waiting times in Dublin are in Dun Laoghaire where learners face an estimated 27-29-week waiting period. In contrast, Killester has just a 13-week estimated waiting time.

In Cork, learner drivers face a waiting time from 16 weeks in Skibbereen to 19 weeks in Mallow.

Limerick test waiting times vary from 14 weeks in Castlemungret to 19 weeks in Longcourt.

In Galway, waiting times range from 24 weeks in Carnmore to just 12 weeks in Tuam.

Kildare faces the longest estimated waiting times nationwide. The Naas testing centre varies from an estimated wait time of 29 to 30 weeks.

A person who booked a driving test in Kildare between October 30 and November 4 last will probably have their test scheduled for between May 26 and June 2, 2025  a wait of eight months.

In contrast, a driver in Mayo who booked their driving test over the period of last week can expect to have their scheduled test between February 3 and 17 next in Castlebar.

Offaly, Galway, Tipperary, Cavan and Westmeath all have some centres where tests are offered within an estimated period of 13 weeks or less.

Despite efforts to tackle waiting lists, the number of no-shows have increased on an average monthly basis over the past 12 months.

According to Road Safety Authority (RSA) data, between January 1 and December 31, last year there were a total of 6,440 drivers who failed to attend scheduled tests, a monthly average of 537 drivers.

Between January 1 and October 3 this year, there were a total of 6,016 no-shows, a monthly average of 668. Retained fees by the RSA from such non-attended tests this year amounted to 511,360.

However, the amount retained by the authority since January 1 last year amounted to 1.05m.

Parc road safety group founder Susan Gray warned that such lengthy waiting times were simply unacceptable.

We have absolutely no faith in the RSA tackling this issue successfully as they have failed miserably so many times in the past, she said.

The Irish people deserve much more and it is up to our Government to ensure a proper service is provided and to tackle the issue of no-shows without further delay.

Target dates have been missed year after year with endless proposals, reviews, working groups and much talk but no change.

The RSA admitted that some learner drivers were waiting excessive periods for a test.

(We) acknowledge that the waiting time for a driving test is too long and the RSA are working hard to reduce the backlog which has built up due to unprecedented demand in recent years, a spokesperson said.

The steps taken to address backlogs have included overtime and the hiring of additional temporary testers which has provided more capacity within the driver testing system and led to some 45,000 more driving tests having been done this year.

However, it has become clear that higher demand will be expected of the service over the coming years, and so the RSA sought sanction to increase its permanent cohort of driver testers from 130 to 200 earlier this year. The Department of Transport has granted this request, and a recruitment campaign is currently under way to hire the additional testers needed.

While a recruitment campaign of this size will take a number of months to complete, the service is expected to see wait times reducing once new testers are recruited, trained and onboarded.

Up to the end October 2024, some 220,000 driving tests have been booked. This is 45,000 more than those booked at the same period in 2023. Of the tests that went ahead, 51.6pc passed, the RSA added. A driver tester can only assess the candidate taking the test on the day and it is the test candidates responsibility to be best prepared for this milestone event. It remains the case that it is against the law for a person on a learner permit to drive unaccompanied.

The 70 new hires will bring the number of permanent testers to 200 which, the RSA insisted, would critically help to address the current backlog.

The recruitment represents an increase of over 50pc from the previous sanctioned level of 130 permanent posts.

Testers will be recruited through an open competition and it is expected that the first tranche will be trained and ready to work from next March.

The RSA held an open day for potential driver testers on September 28 in Dublin, with demand for the posts understood to be brisk.

However, the Government last week outlined sweeping plans to reform the RSA. Under a new proposal, the Government plans to split the authority into two independent agencies.

One agency will be responsible for the delivery of services and operations. It is expected this independent agency will be responsible for the future operation of the driving test regime.

The second agency will be responsible for wider road safety issues.
Cork Fire Brigade personnel were hailed as heroes for helping to save a toddler who was choking on a piece of toast.

First-time parents Shane Keane and his partner, Courtney Coffey, said they owed the life of their 11-month-old daughter, Alaya, to Ballyvolane Fire Station personnel whose quick thinking helped the toddler.

Shane admitted that a normal Saturday turned into every parent's worst nightmare when Alaya suddenly started to choke.

The family were at their Ballinderry Park home in Mayfield when Alaya started struggling to breathe after she had been nibbling on a slice of toasted bread.

Without warning, the child fell to the ground and began to shake.

I had cut the toast tiny. She has a load of teeth. Nearly all her teeth. Courtney had her sitting on the play mat and she was sitting behind Alaya and she started shaking. She picked her up and she was choking," Shane told RedFM's Neil Prendeville Show.

"I heard the screaming and ran downstairs. In the space of 10 seconds when I got to her she was completely blue. I put her over my knee and started hitting her in the back because I did first aid training. I did that maybe 15 times.

"I lifted her head and she was unconscious. I put her on the floor and started giving her chest compressions and mouth to mouth.

"In my last job we did CPR training every year but last year we did CPR for children childrens first aid. Thank God we did that because we would have been lost.

The shocked couple immediately called for an ambulance.

However, Shane knew it would be five or 10 minutes before the emergency services would arrive so he put his daughter and partner in the car and drove towards the hospital.

We were passing the fire station and we saw the lads getting into the truck and my partner said to pull in

As they were driving, Courtney suggested they stop at Ballyvolane fire station.

Shane headed there and firemen surrounded Alaya and started working on her.

She was completely limp in the car and my partner was continuing to smack her in the back. Her eyes rolled back a small bit.

"We were passing the fire station and we saw the lads getting into the truck and my partner said to pull in. We pulled in and she (Alaya) gave out a small cry.

"To be fair to the lads they couldnt have been any more helpful. I told them my small one wasnt breathing and they took her off me straight away. She started crying a small bit and went unconscious again.

"They brought out a load of oxygen machines. They brought her into the back. She fell unconscious two or three times. There were maybe 10 of them in the room with us getting machines ready and oxygen ready. The ambulance was there in five minutes.

Shane said Alaya was then rushed to Cork University Hospital.

Both parents stayed awake until 6am on Sunday morning watching over their child in fear something else would happen.

In fairness to the parents they did an amazing job starting resuscitation

Shane said he wanted to publicly thank the crew at Ballyvolane Fire Station for their help in saving Alaya.

Without them it could have been a different story this morning. She started coming around in the ambulance. They did a load of tests on her in the hospital. It all came back that she was fine thank God. She is back to wrecking the house again."

Cork City Fire Brigade second officer Victor Shine said the child was saved because of the quick thinking of her family.

He urged parents of young kids to do a first aid and CPR course.

In fairness to the parents they did an amazing job starting resuscitation. It was an amazing outcome as time is critical. I would encourage everyone to do courses on lifesaving. It is a life skill everyone should have.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has held his first telephone call with US president-elect Donald Trump.

Mr Trump swept to victory last week over Democrat Kamala Harris following a divisive US presidential election campaign.

The call comes as Mr Harris is continuing to campaign in the Irish General Election as he bids to return to the Taoiseachs Office

During the call, the Taoiseach congratulated President Trump on his comprehensive victory in the US election.

The two leaders also reflected on the strong and enduring ties between Ireland and the United States and said they hoped to meet soon.

US president-elect Donald Trump. Photo: Getty

Taoiseach Simon Harris speaks after his first phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump

They both discussed the many serious challenges the world faces, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

President-elect Trump extended his best wishes to the people of Ireland and he and the Taoiseach agreed to stay in touch.

After Mr Trump's victory, Mr Harris said the Irish government will work to strengthen "deep and historical bonds" with the US.

"I congratulate president-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.

"Ireland and the United States have deep and historical bonds of people, and we will work to make these even stronger in the years ahead.

"The world faces many challenges and needs leadership to meet them.

"With the US and Irelands shared commitment to democracy and international law, we can, and will, tackle these challenges," Mr Harris said.

Speaking in Letterkenny, Co Donegal this evening, the Taoiseach said he and Mr Trump spoke about the ties between Ireland and the US, the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

Asked if the Taoiseach had addressed his concern over an economic trade shock for Ireland, the Taoiseach said the economy was discussed.

"This was an initial conversation and President elect Trump has not yet taken up office," Mr Harris said

"We did obviously discuss the fact that Ireland is a good economic location, that Ireland's economy is doing well. He spoke fondly of his experience of doing business in Ireland himself and referenced Doonbeg and we did also agree to keep in close contact," he added.

The Taoiseach said he did not broach the topic of an EU US trade summit but said it was something he has addressed at an EU level.

"The US and the EU, I believe, need each other. It's important for trade, investment stability and certainty in the world.

"This relationship between the EU and the US and the US and Ireland is now a two way relationship.

"While there are many many jobs in this country created by the US companies, there are also many jobs in the US created by Irish companies as well and I know President Trump has an understanding of this.

The Taoiseach said that he and Mr Trump agreed to keep in close contact and that Mr Trump said he wanted to meet the Taoiseach in person in the future.
SINN Fein insisted Ireland can achieve its first-ever left wing Coalition Government as it courted the Labour Party, Greens, Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Socialist Party and left-learning independents.

Cork TDs Donnchadh O Laoghaire and Thomas Gould insisted the party had learned from its General Election 2020 mistakes and was now running sufficient candidates nationwide to ensure it would be in a position to commence Coalition talks.

Both said Sinn Fein hopes to increase its seat total in the 34th Dail - and be in a position to negotiate over the formation of a Government with other smaller parties.

The two Cork TDs acknowledged that the onus would now be on all left-leaning parties to consider working together and to support similar policy platforms.

"The party has learned from what happened four years ago. We are running a great team of candidates and we believe we will be in a position to negotiate Ireland's first left-wing Government," Mr Gould said.

Mr O'Laoghaire said it was clear that left-leaning parties could have the opportunity to offer an alternative to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael after the November ballot.

"We have the policies and we have the people to offer a better alternative for Ireland," he said.

Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Mr O'Laoghaire said it was now incumbent on all left-leaning parties to work together and support mutual policy goals.

Both men stressed that Sinn Fein was urging other left-leaning parties such as Labour, Greens, Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Socialists to consider participating in Ireland's first left wing Government.

Mr Gould stressed that such a Government could achieve an enormous amount in terms of healthcare, education and public services reform.

No vote transfer pacts have been negotiated between any major Irish parties - with both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insisting they would fight the November 29 election on an independent party basis.

However, it is expected that both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will heavily transfer to each other across individual constituencies in a mirror of what happened in last June's Local Government election.

Both major parties have already effectively ruled out working with Sinn Fein in Government on the basis of their differing economic policies.

Mr Gould said that all parties which espouse left leaning policies need to work together for the betterment of the Irish people.

"Sinn Fein will be looking to all like-minded parties to tackle the issues in healthcare, education and public services."

The party won 37 seats at the 2020 General Election - and Mr O'Laoghaire insisted Sinn Fein were in a better position now than in the build-up to the vote four years ago.

While Sinn Fein won 37 seats, its total number of TDs has since fallen to 33. It remained the second biggest party in the Dail behind Fianna Fail but one seat ahead of Fine Gael.

Left-leaning independents and parties other than Sinn Fein won a total of 31 seats in the last Dail - amid indications that total could increase in the next Dail.
One of the smallest pubs in the country also has one of the cheapest pints in Ireland
The Taoiseach has distanced his party from a jibe against teachers by Ryanair boss Michael OLeary as he spoke at a campaign event in support of a Fine Gael minister.

Mr OLeary spoke at a campaign launch event in Mullingar for Enterprise Minister Peter Burke when he made the dig at teachers in the Dail.

Mr OLeary based part of his endorsement on Mr Burkes background in the private sector, as he criticised TDs who were teachers in the past.

The Dail is full of teachers  nothing wrong with teachers, I love teachers  but I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done, Mr OLeary said, drawing laughter from the assembled audience.

Video of the remarks began circulating online sparking anger in many quarters.

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The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), which represents primary teachers, said in a statement: Teachers are the backbone of our country, shaping futures, inspiring minds, and driving the success of our society. The recent remarks by the CEO of Ryanair at Minister Burkes General Election campaign launch are both outrageous and deeply insulting to the dedication and hard work of Irelands teachers.

Speaking on the election campaign trail in Galway city on Sunday afternoon, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he disagreed with Mr O'Leary's remarks and said he should "stick to running Ryanair".

"Teachers are really the backbone of Irish society, of our communities, and I'm not sure there's many people who'd last five minutes standing at the front of a class," Mr Harris said.

Mr OLeary is a very successful businessman, the Taoiseach said, and it's important someone of his standing thinks Mr Burke is doing a good job in his role as Minister for Enterprise.

"But I also think this - the Dail needs diversity, the Dail needs a mix of people. It's worth pointing out that actually Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan, two of the people who helped this country out of the economic mess my party inherited, were teachers by profession, he said.

Flanked by Junior Minister and Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton, herself a former teacher, Mr Harris noted his party is running a number of teachers in this general election.

"Michael O'Leary does a very good job running Ryanair, he's a very successful businessman, he obviously supports Peter Burke in Mullingar, but teachers play a really, really important role in this country, he said.

"When it comes to teachers, I think Michael should stick to running Ryanair and let the teachers keep doing the brilliant job they do in this country," he added.

Both Opposition and Government parties were also heavily critical of both Mr OLeary and Fine Gael.

Teachers get the job done every day in the classroom for our children, and I think it is completely inappropriate that they were jeered and demeaned in the way that they were at a Fine Gael event, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said at a Save Moore Street event in Dublin on Sunday afternoon.

Its hard enough to get teachers into our classrooms at this time, so I really think that Simon Harris, as the leader of Fine Gael, needs to come out and clarify this matter.

To be jeered and demeaned in this way is unacceptable and angers teachers greatly at a time when so many area leaving Ireland and going to pursue their careers elsewhere.

SF TD Louise OReilly wrote on social media in response to the video circulating: Jesus wept. This is what Peter Burke and Fine Gael think of teachers. Listen to them all laughing.

Responding to the comments on RTE radio on Sunday, Mr Burke said: Those comments, absolutely, I dont agree with, while also praising the success and vision of Mr OLeary as a businessman.

Among the current or former teachers in the Cabinet are Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and Education Minister Norma Foley.

Green Party leader Roderic OGorman also criticised the remark.

"Ill never forget the help, support and encouragement of amazing teachers in my primary and secondary school. Billionaires punching down do not speak for the vast majority of Irish people, he said on social media.

Fianna Fail candidate for Dublin Bay South Jim O'Callaghan said: "As the son of a primary school teacher, I can tell him he's absolutely incorrect - teachers are very effective at getting things done."

In an apparent reference to Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris, Mr O'Callaghan added: "We need people from different backgrounds in Dail Eireann, teachers, all walks of life - it can't be the case that everyone just decides at 19 years of age that 'I'm going to be a politician' and stay in politics for the rest of their lives."

Fianna Fail Minister of State James Browne said Mr OLearys comments were offensive, while Soc Dems education spokesperson Gary Gannon said the derisory remarks were a stark revelation about where Fine Gaels loyalties lie.

The Social Democrats TD said: Siding with big business, while eroding public services and showing disdain for public servants, is a core part of their ethos. Michael OLeary just said the quiet part out loud.

At the event on Saturday, Mr OLeary endorsed Mr Burke as a candidate, adding that it was important to elect a government that gets s**t done.

Mr OLeary endorsed Mr Burke in the Longford-Westmeath constituency, adding that he would give his second preference to Fianna Fail candidate Robert Troy.

Speaking at Mr Burkes campaign launch in Mullingar, the airline boss took aim at Sinn Fein and continued a long-running feud with the Green Party.

Michael OLeary has endorsed Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr OLeary, who grew up and lives in Mullingar, said the November 29 vote will be one of the most seismic elections within the next three decades because of the expected population boom.

He added: So it is vital this time that we elect a government that delivers.

We need a government that delivers for enterprise, that creates jobs. We need a government that delivers infrastructure that fixes the problems we face today, and above all, its vital that we elect a government that gets s**t done.

Because frankly Im fed up with the left-wing politicians telling us that if they tax us more and spend more, all will be well.

Mr OLeary urged the crowd to also support Fianna Fail candidates but urged them not to vote for the Green Party or Sinn Fein.

I would also urge everybody to give your number two to somebody in Fianna Fail as well.

Its important, I think, in this election that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail supporters transfer to each other.

Ryanair has repeatedly criticised the Green ministers for transport and tourism, Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin, over what the airline sees as a lack of action on the Dublin Airport passenger cap.

What is most important in this election is we weed out the Greens. Weve learned after five minutes, that the Greens are just weeds, Mr OLeary said.

They poison enterprise. Theyve destroyed transport.

He added: Please dont vote for Sinn Fein. I would ignore Sinn Fein. If you cant run your own party you havent much chance of running a government or a country either.

Mr OLeary said recent controversies over the cost of the 336,000 bike shed at Leinster House and the 1.4 million security hut at Government Buildings shows that tax and spend is not the way forward.

He added: I can think of nobody here, certainly in the current government, who demonstrates more action, more energy, who works harder, and I think, is true to his principles, than Peter Burke.

Thats why Im pleased and proud to be here this evening to help Peter launch his re-election campaign.

Mr OLeary based part of his endorsement on Mr Burkes background in the private sector, as he criticised TDs who were teachers in the past.

The Dail is full of teachers  nothing wrong with teachers, I love teachers  but I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has held his first telephone call with US president-elect Donald Trump.

Taoiseach Simon Harris speaks after his first phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump

Mr Trump swept to victory last week over Democrat Kamala Harris following a divisive US presidential election campaign.

The call comes as Mr Harris is continuing to campaign in the Irish General Election as he bids to return to the Taoiseachs Office

During the call, the Taoiseach congratulated President Trump on his comprehensive victory in the US election.

The two leaders also reflected on the strong and enduring ties between Ireland and the United States and said they hoped to meet soon.
Diplomacy and dialogue the only meaningful ways to maintain SCS stability -- experts

Xinhua) 13:10, November 11, 2024

BEIJING, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Diplomacy and dialogue are the only meaningful ways to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, while provocative legislation and military build-up will only lead to a lose-lose situation for everyone, said experts in their recent interviews with Xinhua.

The remarks came when the Philippines passed two domestic laws defining its so-called maritime zones and archipelagic lanes, attempting to legalize its illegal claim in the South China Sea.

Earlier this week, the Southeast Asian country also organized a forum, expecting to muddy the waters by playing the victim and inviting more foreign military assets into the region.

Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Manila-based Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, voiced her concerns about the recent developments.

"The recent enactment of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act has introduced new complexities to the already challenging diplomatic and political relations between the Philippines and China," Malindog-Uy said, adding that such a move might be a ploy to redirect public attention from the archipelago's domestic challenges, such as economic concerns or other governance issues.

The Filipino scholar's views were echoed by Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Cambodia.

According to Matthews, the Philippines is attempting to sway the situation in its favor by imposing domestic laws beyond its jurisdiction.

"It is absolutely illegal and unacceptable to other countries involved in the South China Sea dispute to accept and follow the Philippine domestic laws," he added.

The experts also warned of the growing military presence in the region.

Malindog-Uy said the military's build-up in the South China Sea risks escalating regional tensions and may perpetuate an arms race.

Bunn Nagara, director and senior fellow of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for the Asia-Pacific, a Malaysian think tank, said that placing more weapons in the region is "provocative" and "these concerns are shared by all countries."

Hu Bo, director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies of Peking University, said military deterrence in the region fuels power competition, which is counterproductive and doomed to backfire.

To avoid a worsening situation, the experts called on relevant parties to have a sincere dialogue rather than a war of words, stressing the need for diplomacy without external interference.

There are no real alternatives other than diplomacy and dialogue to resolve disagreements, Nagara said, underscoring that the willingness of countries to meet and discuss differences shows a commitment to resolving the problem.

"Unwillingness instead shows only a no-win approach and leads to a lose-lose situation for everyone," he said.

Nagara believed the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) is urgently needed to avoid accidents and miscalculations that may get out of control.

Fearing further complications, Matthews warned of the involvement of a third party in the South China Sea.

"Do not involve or engage a third party in the conflict that will complicate and enlarge the conflict beyond the control," said Matthews.

"Inviting foreign troops and installing a missile system will never resolve the issue, but raise the tensions and create more complications," he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
"We stop everyone working from home to keep this unsustainable juggle going and instead provide VERY cheap childcare that is accessible to anyone who wants it." Photo: Getty

The days of working from home (WFH) are surely numbered. This is despite the Government passing a law saying we have a right to ask for it  as opposed to a right to get it  as clearly we could all do this already.
After the next general election, well be cramming 14 more TDs into the already-cosy Dail chamber, bringing the grand total to 174. So tight is the space that Leinster House has had to reconfigure the seating arrangements to fit the new arrivals. But how many TDs do we really need?

Its a question Noel Grealish, Independent TD for Galway West, raised in the Dail recently, suggesting that perhaps its time for a referendum. If you look at the chamber here, we will not be able to accommodate that number of deputies, he said. We will have to build a new chamber to cater for the increased number of TDs and additional offices, as well as funding for all the associated parliamentary staff and support staff for each elected member. The cost of that would be in the hundreds of millions.
Sir  How refreshing it was to read John Boynes My Life in Books (People & Culture, November 3). At last, an honest contribution to this feature. The book by his bedside is a Roddy Doyle, his favourite literary character is by Dickens.

Week-in, week-out, we have to read people waffling about books weve never heard of  obviously in an effort to seem highbrow.

It brings to mind a Ross OCarroll-Kelly book in which Fionnuala, in an effort to impress, names a very dubious book as her favourite without knowing a thing about it.

Incidentally, theres a Ross OCarroll-Kelly by my bedside, along with a Marian Keyes and a Richard Osman.

Real books for real people.

Susan Foley, Templeogue, Dublin 6

Donald Trump has handle on key issues facing US

Sir  In last weeks Sunday Independent, Declan Lynch went into the cellar to find language to describe Donald Trump  to no avail.

As a naturalised US citizen, I voted for Mr Trump, and my reasons are very simple.

Kamala Harris has very little political experience. Being president of the US is a pressure-cooker job at any time, but especially now.

In the same edition of your paper, Colin Murphy called it correctly when he said the cost of living and immigration were the two greatest concerns to Americans.

We have an election at the end of the month, and most people here have the same concern.

Mike Kelleher, Tramore, Co Waterford

Dictators often rise above constitutions

Sir  Eilis OHanlon (Hysteria a bigger threat than Trump, November 3) wrote that the checks and balances in the US constitution would act as a brake on Donald Trumps dictatorial tendencies.

Perhaps. When Hitler was appointed chancellor in 1933 by Paul von Hindenburg, the old president and his colleagues were confident the Nazi leader could be controlled in the constitutional cage.

Of course, we hope history doesnt repeat itself, and maybe we should heed Eilis when she tells us to take the advice in a recent self-help book and just Calm the F**k Down.

That said, I cant help recalling another piece of advice, scrawled on a wall many years ago during the Troubles in OHanlons native Belfast: Just because youre paranoid doesnt mean theyre not out to get you.

Jim OConnell, Ashtown, Dublin 7

Result could bring demise of decency

Sir  As a child of the 1950s, I was brought up to always tell the truth, to respect others (notably girls) and to be polite, never forgetting to say please and thank you.

My consequent life and development as a human being flourished because of this grounding imparted to me and my siblings by our parents.

The re-election of Donald Trump as president sends a message to my grandchildren that dishonesty, misogyny and arrogance are central requirements in dealing with people and succeeding in life.

This more than anything else (and there is much more) upsets and dismays me.

Michael Gannon, St Thomas Square, Kilkenny

Ireland must learn from toxic blueprint

Sir  On the day Donald Trump won the US presidential election, Simon Harris called a general election for Friday, November 29. In his haste to congratulate the president-elect, the Taoiseach may have forgotten his general election day is Black Friday, a dark omen for superstitious candidates.

Thanksgiving Day  Thursday, November 28  is a federal holiday in the US, giving thanks for the harvest. Its true meaning has been lost in a frantic shopping frenzy, which begins with a dawn dash on Black Friday.

Despite our self-professed disdain for American consumerism and the insular MAGA movement of Trump, we Irish have paradoxically embraced the US spending spree with rare abandon. So, lets be careful not to also adopt the toxic US election blueprint, which was laced with bitterness, intemperate language, violence, death threats and an attempted assassination.

Irish elections are traditionally policy-based with an emphasis on the core values of democracy, mutual respect, informed discourse, dignity and good humour. We must continue to allow candidates to canvass openly without fear of violence or intimidation during the campaign.

Candidates are welcome to ring my bell and are assured of a courteous reception. However, they should remember that the longer they detain me on the doorstep, the less likely they are to get my vote.

Good luck to those with the civic-mindedness to place their names on the ballot paper.

Billy Ryle, Spa, Tralee, Co Kerry

Further viewpoints on Donald Trumps election

Sir  Despite the disappointing result  the return of Trump  it was heartening to see over 140 million Americans exercise their democratic mandate again. Who says democracy is under threat in the US?

It wasnt a surprise to see the Democrats lose big time. Life for millions of Americans is not a bunch of roses and the dogs on the street knew it.

I wish the 47th president and his administration well in lifting the plight of the disenfranchised in particular.

God speed to the United States, and hopefully we will see an end to the ceaseless wars and the suffering in Palestine and Ukraine. If so, President Trump wont bother anyone too much.

Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Sir  Seeing as how virtually all who make up Official Ireland have a visceral hatred of Donald Trump, the State would do well to send an ambassador to the US who doesnt come from the elite establishment. That is to say, somebody who understands the Trump appeal and doesnt think that those who voted for him are racist idiots. I await the call.

Brendan Corrigan, Granada, Colombia

Sir  Now that Trump has been elected despite the best efforts of the Irish media, should he not begin to repay us by kicking out all illegal Irish?

Domhnall Mac Fhlannchadha, Baile Atha Cliath 9

Sir  You can now tell fairy stories about eating cats and dogs, be a pathological liar, be convicted of fraud, have sex with a porn star, sack your colleagues if they disagree with you, owe millions, be a despicable human being and get elected president of United States.

John Prendergast, Kilkenny

Sir  The people have spoken, the bastards. Not my words, but those of a certain Richard Gregory Tuck  political consultant, campaign strategist and Democratic candidate for the California senate election in 1966.

How prescient is that utterance today? I will leave it up to your readership.

Anthony McDonagh, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan

Sir  I am dying to know if President Michael D Higgins has written to congratulate Donald Trump with the same praise he has made a point of bestowing on other leaders, including those of Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.

Gearoid Duffy, Lee Road, Cork

Sir  There is no doubt the man is unhinged. However, 75 million American adults voted for him, even though it is apparent to most of them that a lot of what he says is of an obnoxious nature.

This is America and hyperbole is normal.

Anthony Hanrahan, Renvyle, Co Galway

Sir  The American people have not only spoken, but spoken very clearly, despite the constant vilification of Trump, including two assassination attempts. I hope and pray he can lead his people to a safe and prosperous future with respect for all life, from conception until natural death.

Mary Stewart, Ardeskin, Donegal town

Sir  It would appear Trump would give Lazarus a good run for his money. Nothing quite like a miracle to irritate the non-believers and Pharisees.

Aileen Hooper, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7

Sir  To all those celebrity darlings wishing to leave the US now that Trump has won, please do not come to Ireland.

I dont want them. Weve got enough pretend people of our own without adding more of the easily offended wokery to the TV news to bleat about democracy.

Robert Sullivan, Bantry, Co Cork

Sir  The vast majority of the Irish media and politicians have been extremely vocal and visceral in their opposition to Donald Trump.

A majority of the same organisations and individuals quite rightly champion freedom of opinion, but it appears these principles only apply if the views voiced are regarded as the correct ones. Whatever our opinion on Trumps candidacy, we should all respect the democratic will of the American people.

Eamonn OHara, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal

Sir  Four more years of the despotic man-child Trump and his tantrums. Four more years of him blowing his own trumpet. The only good news is that he cant run again.

Susan Bevan, Dublin 8

Advocate needed to negotiate insurance

Sir  Colum Kenny asks: Why is the cost of health insurance permitted to rise relentlessly? (November 3). The answer is because weve allowed it to happen. Who is advocating or negotiating for the consumers? We pay more and get less.

Private health insurance has become increasingly unaffordable, especially for elderly or retired people who would have paid health insurance all their working lives.

What we need is a representative organisation composed of members of private health insurance to negotiate on their behalf. If every policy-holder paid a fee, it would cover the costs. There were 2.48 million people with private health insurance at end of last year.

Maire Ni Fearghail, Bother Bui, Contae an Mi

Dubs splashing the cash on property tax

Sir  Its that time of year when property tax bills come through our letterboxes. I always look forward to the demand because 20pc of whats collected is distributed to other councils. Dubliners have always been generous to our rural cousins. Perhaps these councils should get 30pc or more. The generosity of Dublin people knows no bounds.

Jim Walsh, Dublin 6

Media need funding to counter fake news

Sir  The Government is in constant uproar about the effect that social media, especially X, has on political discourse, arguing that it amplifies misinformation, disinformation and fake news. The Governments starting point in this debate is more legislation to restrict and control social media.

It is debatable whether it is desirable for governments to seek to control free speech and discern the veracity of information, especially as several ministers have demonstrated their uncomfortable relationship with the truth.

It is also questionable whether this enterprise is possible in the era of instant mass communication. That path, as James S Mill points out, leads to the tyranny of political rulers.

Another way to counter the effect of social media and protect truth and democracy is to have a vibrant media sector. Investigative journalism roots out corruption and provides in-depth research and analysis. This type of reporting is labour-intensive and expensive and can result in costly litigation.

It is recognised that the independent media is not financially supported in the provision of news and current affairs. In response to the lack of financial support, Virgin Media has declared that it will not host a leaders debate during the general election.

This follows a previous announcement that it will be reducing its flagship current affairs programme, The Tonight Show, from four nights a week to two. In both instances, the station has pointed to challenging market conditions. Ditto independent radio and the newspaper sector.

The issue is the shift of advertising revenue away from traditional media to the tech giants.

It goes without saying that democracy, holding the government to account and truth are not served by Virgin Medias decision.

The Government bears full responsibility for this situation. If it wishes to limit the impact of social media and promote authoritative news, it needs to fund it. How it goes about that is a completely different debate.

Andy Hales, Kenmare, Co Kerry

Well-off councillors are waste of money

Sir  Wayne OConnors article last Sunday on councillor gratuities was a fascinating piece of public service journalism and shows the scandalous waste of taxpayers money, of which I would think the vast majority of people would have been unaware.

The amounts paid to some individuals (95,000-plus) is mouthwatering. To add insult to injury, one has only to serve a minimum of two years and be at least 50 years of age to qualify for some level of payment.

What is even more interesting is the speed with which politicians  from all parties and none  recently rushed to rightly condemn the cost of the now infamous bike shelter in Leinster House, but they are happily able to ignore these gratuity payments because all parties and independents benefit from them.

David Gordon, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Nation still at odds with sordid past

Sir  The tragedy of sexual and physical abuse of children is that so many remained silent. That is an uncomfortable conversation the Ireland of today will have to have with itself.

In conversation with an old man recently who found out that I was sexually abused as a child, he mumbled there for the grace of God go I as he hurried away. Ireland is still running away from its sordid past.

Michael Clemenger, Trim, Co Meath

You will regret not publishing my letter

Sir  I was disappointed you didnt print the letter I sent in last week in response to an article on depression. Not everyone believes in the chemical imbalance dogma of depression being caused by lack of serotonin.

Anyway, I dont need you to publish my letter as I will be writing a book about my own journey of recovery from depression without drugs, and it is you who will be contacting me for an interview,

Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway

Shake of head for nodding donkeys

Sir  As we watch government ministers being interviewed on television, they are very often surrounded by supporters, many nodding in agreement with their views.

I look forward to the day when some brave guy or gal shakes a head vigorously in disagreement.

Mind you, the words hold and breath spring to mind.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9

Cost of aftershave was real stinker

Sir  The Christmas market is starting this weekend in Galway city. Its a wonderful place, but last year I was badly caught out.

A man was selling aftershave and perfume for 50 a go.

When I arrived back home with my expensive aftershave and realised it costs 2 online, I travelled back the following day and confronted the man, who had a crowd around him.

He certainly hadnt a crowd after I started talking. Hopefully, the word is out now.

Kevin Carolan, Bailieboro, Co Cavan
Lorcan Nyhan: Donald Trump played the Richard Nixon card and won

Tricky Dick made a huge comeback by appealing to voters gut instincts. Now Donald Trump has done the same

Donald Trump followed Richard Nixon's playbook to win re-election

Lorcan Nyhan Sun 10 Nov 2024 at 03:30

Donald Trump has just completed one of the most impressive political comebacks in US political history. How did he do it? By following the same playbook that worked for Tricky Dick Nixon in 1968.
Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney says gardai must be visible in Dublin city centre in the run up to Christmas. Pic: Photocall Ireland.

A garda presence similar to that which followed last years November riots in Dublin, must be visible in the city centre in the run-up to Christmas, according to a business lobby group.

DublinTown, the representative body for city centre businesses, describes the period from now until the end of the year as a make or break season for many traders.

Its CEO, Richard Guiney, noted that footfall in the city centre has dropped 2pc on 2023, with DublinTown research consistently highlighting concern for personal safety as the primary reason people avoid visiting.

This news comes after the Minister for Justice revealed that more than 12,000 people have been arrested in Dublin city centre since January.

Speaking on Newstalk radio after meeting city centre retailers, she said there have been shifts in behaviour post-Covid, with increases in challenging behaviours and thefts.

Ms McEntee added there has been a shift within urban centres, with more people working from home creating a different dynamic in cities.

She went on to say that gardai have 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 89pc of people, Ms McEntee said.

So, if you target and identify those individuals, youre almost halving the crimes in our shops.

Mr Guiney, CEO of DublinTown, said city centre businesses are hoping to achieve around 35pc of their annual turnover between now and the end of the year.

This is truly make-or-break time for many businesses at the end of what has been a very challenging year, he said.

While overall footfall is down 2pc, some traders report sales lagging well behind that figure.

Mr Guiney said these figures require a response from the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner at this critical time.

In November 2023, a seriously enhanced and visible garda presence instilled a sense of public safety and confidence, ensuring a better-than-expected Christmas period, he said.

Given the precarious position of many businesses now, this needs to be repeated.

DublinTown, on behalf of the citys 2,000 consumer-facing businesses, is calling on the Government and the Garda Commissioner to commit to a similar presence in November and December this year.

Mr Guiney added that while the report from the Taoiseachs task force on the future of Dublin city points the way towards rejuvenation, businesses must remain viable until it is implemented.

The situation is precarious, but Dubliners are proud of their city and want to reclaim it, he said.

DublinTown is confident that when the public see a concerted effort to rejuvenate the city core, they will rally behind it.

But a successful Christmas period will be key to keeping many businesses in the city centre alive.
Pat OLeary (Kerry Tourism Industry Federation), Patrick Doyle (IDA) Colette OConnor (Tralee Chamber), Niamh OSullivan (Kerry County Council) Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council Breandan Fitzgerald, Sean Ryan (Aspen Grove), Owen Moore (Astellas) and Mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy pictured at the recent 'Kerry Place Brand' event at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Wednesday evening. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

Michael McCarthy and Breandan Fitzgerald pictured at the recent 'Kerry Place Brand' event at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Wednesday evening. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

Mike McDonnell and Robert Brosnan pictured at the recent 'Kerry Place Brand' event at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Wednesday evening. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

Sean Ryan (Aspen Grove), Padraig McGillycuddy (Ballygarry), Michael McCarthy and Patrick Doyle (IDA) pictured at the recent 'Kerry Place Brand' event at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Wednesday evening. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

Ray O'Connor Desmond, Maeve Thosand and Sarah Flaherty pictured at the recent 'Kerry Place Brand' event at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Wednesday evening. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

Maura Ross, John McKeon and Anthony O'Carroll pictured at the recent 'Kerry Place Brand' event at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Wednesday evening. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

Joanne McCarthy, Ashley Fitzgerald and Aoife O'Brien pictured at the recent 'Kerry Place Brand' event at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa on Wednesday evening. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan.

Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa was a hive of activity last Wednesday evening as over 130 leaders from Kerrys tourism, enterprise, and community sectors gathered to harness the potential of the Kerry Place Brand.

The event, which was hosted in partnership with the Tech Industry Alliance, Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Kerry County Council, Kerry Chamber Network, and Kerry ETB, brought together business, tourism, and community leaders to advance a shared vision for Kerrys economic growth and prosperity.

The Kerry Place Brand is built on four key pillars: Shaped by Landscape, Welcoming Community, Entrepreneurial Edge, and Creative in Character  qualities that define Kerrys unique strengths. Attendees at the event explored how these pillars will help Kerry, as a location, tell a cohesive story about it is and continue to be a vibrant place to visit, live, work, study, and invest.

Sean Ryan, Chairperson of Aspen Grove and a Board Member of the Tech Industry Alliance, spoke on the value of this unified strategy:

This brand enables us to channel Kerrys strengths across all industries. By working together, we can show that Kerry is more than just a beautiful county  its a place where business, innovation, and community thrive side by side, creating new opportunities for all.

Pat O'Leary, Chairperson of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, also spoke and highlighted the brands potential impact:

The Kerry Brand allows us to share our story in a way that reflects the richness and diversity of the entire county. With this shared identity, we can showcase Kerrys welcoming spirit, stunning landscapes, and dynamic enterprise scene, setting us apart in Ireland and beyond.

Niamh O'Sullivan of Kerry County Council addedThis brand belongs to everyone in Kerry. It captures who we are and what we can achieve together, inviting our communities, businesses, and visitors to be part of Kerrys story. By embracing this brand, we are setting a path for growth, collaboration, and a stronger sense of pride across the county.

Moderated by Dr. Breda O'Dwyer of MTU, founder of the Cantillon Conference and Academy, the event featured a panel of industry leaders from Kerry's enterprise and tourism sectors. Panellists included Pat O'Leary, Chairperson of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation; Owen Moore, Head of Pharma Manufacturing at Astellas' Tralee Plant; Colette OConnor, CEO of Tralee Chamber; Sean Ryan, Chairperson of Aspen Grove; and Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager of the IDA. Together, they shared insights on how Kerrys new place brand can drive economic and tourism growth.

The evening featured sessions on best practices for engaging with the Kerry Brand, including the launch of a new free Digital Marketing Course by Kerry ETB to support local enterprises. Attendees left with a shared commitment to activate the Kerry Brand in ways that align with the countys vision for the future, working together to create a legacy of growth, resilience, and opportunity.

For more information on the Kerry Place Brand and how to get involved, please visit https://www.discoverkerry.com/brand-toolkits/
Road signs indicating the twinning of Tralee with Beit Sahour in the West Bank are to be erected in December with fresh calls for the Palestinian Ambassador in Ireland to attend the event.

The announcement was made at Mondays meeting of Tralee MD following a question by Sinn Fein Councillor Deirdre Ferris.

Cllr Ferris called for ambassador Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid to be invited by Kerry County Council to the unveiling as a mark of solidarity.

To commemorate the event that we have been waiting since 2019 for, I would like to see the Palestinian Ambassador invited down, she said.

As we have agreed to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, we should invite the Palestinian Ambassador to Tralee for the event. We have quite a large Palestinian population in Tralee, she said.

The town twinning policy with the Palestinian people was instituted in 2019 following a motion by the then Sinn Fein Councillor Pa Daly. This was approved by the members of Tralee Municipal District Council.

It marked the first time that an Irish town had been twinned with a town in Palestine.

Cllr Ferris praised former councillor Jim Finucane for his work with Beit Sahour in trying to organise the educational transfer of students to Tralee.

Unfortunately, given whats happened in the last year, all that has come to a stop. The students were coming from the West Bank because Gaza, even then, was inaccessible, Cllr Ferris said.

Kerry County Council said gateway signs that include the sister cities relationships will be erected in December. Management also gave a commitment to discuss the matter of inviting the Palestinian Ambassador.
Former student of Colaiste Iosgain, Portarlington, Isobel Tinkler said: Even though I knew I wanted to do Theology, St Patricks Pontifical University offers much more than that"

Three students from Laois have been appointed as student ambassadors in St Patricks Pontifical University, Maynooth (SPPU), following a university-wide recruitment process.

Isobel Tinkler is a former student of Colaiste Iosgain, Portarlington, while Collette Sherlock and Caoimhe Sweeney are former students of Scoil Chriost Ri, Portlaoise.

Student ambassadors are a vital link for incoming students, assisting with orientation activities, providing campus tours and being on hand with advice and recommendations on how best to transition from second level into life at university.

The student ambassadors will also assist at university events throughout the year passing on their first-hand experiences of life at St Patricks Pontifical University.

On studying at SPPU, Isobel Tinkler said: Even though I knew I wanted to do Theology, St Patricks Pontifical University offers much more than that. While the main career people normally pursue is teaching, I have met many others who wish to be politicians, prison officers, lecturers and so much more.

If one has any interest in the pursuit of knowledge, St Patricks Pontifical University is the way to go. Throughout my time in St Patricks, I have always been met by such a lovely atmosphere and a community of people always willing to help one another.

Former student of Scoil Chriost Ri, Portlaoise, Collette Sherlock

Colette Sherlock said: The minute I heard of the BATh (Bachelor of Arts in Theology) course in St Patrick's, I instantly knew it was for me.

I have had my expectations significantly surpassed since I began studying here. Everyones welcomed with a kind and warm atmosphere that almost feels like a home away from home.

The small class sizes really encourage connections with both my classmates and the lecturers, allowing us to get to know one another. There are also many events for students and staff which enhances the great sense of community here. The stunning campus is another thing I love.

Also having the privilege of living on campus because of the BATh has made my experience even better. Being able to live with students in my year made it much easier to make friends and takes the pressure of commuting daily.

Former student of Scoil Chriost Ri, Portlaoise, Caoimhe Sweeney

Caoimhe Sweeney said: One of my favourite aspects of St Patricks is how helpful the staff are. I also like how the smaller lectures allow you to establish friends while also getting to know the professors, which you may not be able to do at larger universities.

In my opinion, St Patricks Pontifical University is one of Ireland's most beautiful places, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to study and be part of this community.

St Patricks Pontifical University is located in Maynooth. Maynooth is unique in being Irelands only University town, said a spokesperson. The town and campus are extensions of each other.

Students can enjoy the benefits of having all the amenities they need close at hand without the busyness of a large city, while still being very accessible to Dublin which is only 30 minutes away and served by excellent rail and road links.
For the second year running, the match was held at the Kinsellas of the streams land in Mount Howard.

Chairman of the Kilmuckridge Ploughing Association Frances Harney said it was a great day with people travelling from across Ireland to take part.

Kilmuckridge Ploughing Association must be going for around 60 years now, its an annual thing and its growing. Its not going backwards, its going forwards. A few years ago, we might have had 20 tractors at a ploughing match, now weve 50 tractors at a ploughing match so its getting very popular. Its not just farmers either, its a lot of engineering people who have tractors and truck drivers and factory workers.

"Years ago, we used to be able to hold the ploughing match any day of the week because the farmers could take Wednesday off or Tuesday off. Now, you have to hold it on the weekends because probably 80 per cent of the people that are ploughing are working so theyre not even farmers at all, they have a tractor for ploughing and thats it, said Frances.

People of all ages can compete in the ploughing match as long as they have a driving license. The competitors ages ranged from under 21 up to the oldest competitor, Billy Donnelly from Longford who is 83 years old and won first place in his class on the day. This year, there was also a horse plough competition and for the first time, two women took part as competitors.

Three ploughing matches take place in north Wexford in Kilmuckridge, Blackwater, Oylegate, as well as three areas in south Wexford. Competitors have to plough in five of the six matches to qualify for the All Ireland.

Frances thanked the committee for their help organising the event and the Kinsellas for the use of their land.
The number of customers in Wexford have tripled since the rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022.

Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 6,534 passengers in Wexford.

These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending October 13, 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.

Wexford is no exception to the increase in trends as the number of passengers across the Wexford services has also been consistent, driving from an average of 1,266 weekly passengers in 2021 to almost 7,000; The maximum of passengers reached in one week for Wexford in 2024 to date is 16,150.

Similarly, the weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000, which is a new high.

This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTAs Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.

In Wexford alone, passenger numbers have more than tripled due to the introduction or enhancement of eight routes. These include: Route 359 (Enniscorthy to New Ross via Rathnure), Route 387 (Wexford Town to Rosslare Harbour via Rosslare Strand) and Route 392 (Wellingtonbridge to New Ross).

2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.

The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating: We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but Id like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses criss-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.

I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth were seeing  up five fold in just four years in many places - highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland.

"We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one, thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, Minister Ryan said.

In welcoming the results, TFI Local Link Wexford General Manager Mary B O Leary said: "TFI Local Link Wexford are proud to be part of the 100,000 passenger journeys a week.

Since we began as TFI Local Link Wexford in 2015, our county has seen phenomenal growth in provision of rural public transport; carrying 56,000 passengers in 2015 and increasing to over 309,000 by September 2024, that's a huge increase.

She continued: We currently have nine regular rural services that operate 364 days of the year, and 60 door-to-door services in county Wexford with further plans to continue to grow these services and meet the needs of our rural communities."

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort: This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.

Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and Id like to thank everyone who is involved.

I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, Im completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And were not finished yet!

For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Irelands Local Link page or contact the Local Link Wexford Office at www.locallinkwexford.ie.
Friends and family who gathered on Thursday, November 7, at St. Aidans Church, Clongeen, for the funeral mass of Patrick (Paddy) Kelly of Ballybore, Foulksmills heard of how he will be remembered for his kindness, love for life and his tireless contributions to the community. Paddy, who sadly passed away surrounded by his family in St. Vincents Hospital, Dublin on Monday, November 4, was known far and wide as the sugar beet man, who was never selfish with his time, loved being surrounded by family, and was always on the go which could have covered a variety of activities such as work, helping out in the local area, playing cards or watching the racing. Paddy was described by a member of the community, as they offered condolences to the family, as a hard worker and a man who was always decent in looking after the growers around the Wellingtonbridge Beet Depot area. He advised on care of the growing crop and later in the year he would oversee its safe delivery to Wellingtonbridge and onwards to the sugar factory. A great sort, God bless you, Paddy. In a poem written by Paddys niece, Mary, he was described as being a man who enjoyed the company of others, who liked the banter and to see you in good spirits and there was much anticipation and excitement from his nieces and nephews to spend time together. Rory Stafford, a godson of Paddy and Mags, on offering his condolences to the Kelly family, said he couldnt have wished for better. Paddy was always involved in my life, never missed an occasion and never came empty handed. He was an absolute gentleman, and he will be missed dearly, he added. His sense of humour presented many opportunities over the years with his family noting during the funeral service that Paddy loved his dogs and had funny names for them, Hurry being one, who was the slowest of them all. The one-liners were also a favourite of Paddys, particularly when he would say goodbye, hed say Ill see you when I get me glasses. Soil from Ballybore, a jersey, a newspaper, a radio, a deck of cards, a photo of Paddy with his siblings were all brought to the altar of the church to represent Paddys life. The poem continued: Theres a lot of fond memories of Paddy Kelly from Ballybore. He will be missed by our family, and we are sure, by many more He filled our lives with joy, it breaks our hearts to say goodbye. Following his funeral mass, Paddy was laid to rest in Ballylannon Cemetery, Wellingtonbridge. Predeceased by his parents, John and Mary, his sister Peg, brothers Peter and baby Edward and his dear friend Peggy. Paddy is sadly missed by his heartbroken family, his sisters Bridgie, Stella and Maureen, brother-in-law Willie, Mag, nieces, nephews extended family, neighbours and his wide circle of friends.
Award-winning Whale Theatre in Greystones seeking new custodians as founder Ross McParland announces retirement  with emphasis on keeping venue's artistic spirit alive

After 10 years of ownership, Ross McParland, founder and owner of the Whale Theatre, has announced that he will retire in the summer of 2025, leaving the door of the Whale Theatre open for new, fresh and exciting ideas to continue the venues legacy as a thriving arts hub in Greystones.

Since opening in 2017, the Whale Theatre has become one of the countys most popular cultural venues, hosting over 1,200 events and welcoming more than 100,000 visitors.

The intimate setting has showcased a diverse range of performances, from music and comedy to theatre productions and film screenings, hosting some of the biggest names in Irelands arts scene, while also serving as a home for local community groups and a range of different projects.

Hoping to see the legacy continue, Mr McParland, in passing the torch, said he is not seeking to just sell the venue to the highest bidder but is inviting proposals from arts organisations, cultural groups, social enterprises, entrepreneurs, and government agencies who share his passion for the arts and community engagement.

It is time for me to pass the torch, and I truly hope that the venue, in whatever form, continues to be an important destination for artistic, cultural and community activities. Since we officially opened in 2017, Ive loved every minute of it, and this announcement presents a unique opportunity for the local community to play a role in keeping the spirit of the Whale Theatre alive, he said.

He is open to offering leasing arrangements for the right proposal. A formal application process will ensure the best possible outcome for the venue's sustainable future.

Were looking for the right fit for Greystones, and I would happily offer a very attractive leasing arrangement for the right proposal. All applications will be assessed by a small panel of trusted advisors, and a formal application process will be followed to make sure we find the best possible outcome which has the potential to be sustainable in the long-term, he explained.

Ross is clear on one specific condition that will apply with any future proposals, with no commercial activity to take place at the theatre after midnight.

I have included a specific condition for any new agreement  that no commercial activity will be allowed to take place after midnight, no late bar or nightclub. The wish is for the venue to remain as a hub to foster the arts and I am prepared to offer attractive terms to any party with this core vision, he said.

Gratefully acknowledging the enormous support that the venture has received during its lifespan, he added: I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported The Whale Theatre since we opened in 2017, including our amazing staff, volunteers, incredible performers and of course the thousands of audience members who have attended our events.

"I have had the honour of working with some truly incredible people, and without the amazing team that we have here, none of this would have been possible. I wish to thank our core team Brian, Lisa, Nikki, Pete, Keah and Paul for their years of hard work, and for making this dream a reality. I also want to thank Dave, Charlie, our long-standing volunteers and everyone who has worked in our hospitality team over the years.

Located in the centre of Greystones, the Whale Theatre offers:

400m2 of state-of-the-art space.

Advanced sound, lighting, and multi-media equipment.

Full bar setup and commercial kitchen.

The Whale Theatre is just one part of Ross McParlands award-winning Theatre Lane complex, which also houses the Little Stars on the Lane creche, and three duplex loft apartments, as well as other commercial units. He purchased the unfinished site in 2015, and oversaw its remarkable transformation over the last 10 years.

Prior to opening the Whale Theatre, Mr McParland had a successful career as an estate agent with his own company, which was subsequently acquired by Sherry FitzGerald.

He retired early as a property advisor and opened the theatre with no prior experience. Having managed the venue himself for the first two years, Mr McParland appointed Brian O Regan as artistic director in 2020, and the pair have worked closely together over the past five five years to successfully realise the full potential of the Whale Theatre.

Brian O' Regan will continue to work closely with Mr McParland until the transition is complete. The theatre will maintain its full artistic programme through May 2025.

Parties interested in the future of the Whale Theatre can find contact details and application forms at whaletheatre.ie.
A former clinical psychotherapist from Greystones, County Wicklow, who uses an unusual method for his artwork, is among two artists from the county who are set to take centre stage at Irelands largest art fair, Art Source.

The best and brightest in Irish art are set to appear alongside world-class international artists when Art Source opens its doors at the RDS, Dublin, from November 15-17.

Kris Kirwan, from Greystones, rose to prominence for an unusual technique known as pointillism, the art of creating a larger piece comprised of tiny dots, as a philosophical tool. A former clinical psychotherapist, Kris's paintings are minimalistic representations of geometrical abstracts, animals and even people.

These pieces all carry the same philosophical message, which is that each dot is visible and unique, and is an essential element of the whole painting. In this way, each dot can be a symbol of a single human thought, emotion, experience, action or even whole human being.

Meanwhile, a former art and book restorer and librarian, Emanuela Carvisiglia, of Ema Carvi Art, who is originally from Italy and is now based in Wicklow town, is looking forward to exhibiting her work at the fair, as her realistic oil on canvas pieces explore the interplay between water and light, touching on the relaxing inspiration of the Mediterranean.

Starting from a photograph chosen for visual impact and emotional inspiration, Emanuelas pieces are sometimes finished with a layer of transparent resin to give them a shiny look and to highlight the reflection of light on water.

Drifting Consciousness by Ema Carvi Art.

Art Source features a huge selection of affordable art as well as a wide range of pieces from some of the biggest names in the art world, including Andy Warhol, Banksy and Julien Opie, making it an unmissable event for art lovers.

Over the past number of years we have seen that the Irish public have shown an enormous appetite for art, and Art Source has become a major destination for buyers who are interested in art from some of the worlds most recognisable artists said show organiser, Patrick OSullivan.

As a reflection of that demand, this will be the biggest Art Source to date. The reason the fair is growing so much is that Irish people are interested in art and culture at heart, and many people make a point of returning to the fair annually.

The fair also offers visitors the opportunity to purchase one-off original artworks to make their home unique and also the opportunity to meet the artists and find out about their work. The event is where the industry meets to see what is going on in the Irish art world, and this year is our biggest yet, with the widest range of art styles anywhere in Ireland, Patrick concluded.

Melancholy by Kris Kirwan.

This year will once again feature Art Sources 100 for 100 event, where artists have been asked to create one original piece of artwork which will sell at the fair for just 100.

Art Source opens on Friday, November 15 at 11am, and runs until Sunday, November 17.

For tickets visit: artsource.ie.
Barry Keoghan attends a conversation of the film "Bird" at 92NY on November 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)

Ridley Scott has weighed in on Barry Keoghans exit from the forthcoming sword-and-sandals sequel Gladiator II.

Banshees of Inisherin star Keoghan had signed on to play the role of Emperor Caracalla, but dropped out and was replaced by The White Lotuss Fred Hechinger.

Scott claimed that Keoghan was unable to feature in the project because of his work on the Emerald Fennell-directed satire Saltburn.

Barry got locked into Saltburn, the director told The New York Times. I think thats maybe the best film Ive seen this year. Anyway, Barry is one of the good ones, the same level as Joaquin Phoenix and Paul [Mescal].

Mescal plays the lead role of Lucius in Gladiator II, the son of Russell Crowes Maximus in the original Gladiator.

Phoenix, meanwhile, has collaborated with Scott multiple times, appearing in the original Gladiator as well as the recent biopic Napoleon.

Scott doubled down on the comparisons between Keoghan and Phoenix, stating: Barry is so complex and actually has it under control. I know hes a bit of a challenge, but its worth it. Like deciding on Joaquin, its worth it.

It had previously been reported that Keoghan dropped out of Gladiator II in order to star in Bird, the latest film from acclaimed British director Andrea Arnold.

Speaking to IndieWire earlier this year, Keoghan also stated that his non-involvement in Scotts film was due to scheduling conflicts.

Conflicts, schedule conflicts, he said. I am a massive fan of Gladiator and a massive fan of that cast. Its a shame you cant do both. But that happens in this game. You cant do both.

In a four-star review of Bird for The Independent, critic Clarisse Loughrey wrote: Bird is for every lost child who wishes someone would have stood up and defended them. Its a fragile but beautiful vision, and marks the strongest blend yet of Andrea Arnolds primary directives as a filmmaker.

There have been her stories of young, working-class women in search of their own liberation, such as Mia in her 2009 breakout Fish Tank or Star in her US-set 2016 film American Honey. And there have been stories about the dignity and inner life bestowed on all creatures, as exemplified by her 2022 documentary Cow, shot over the course of four years on an industrial dairy farm. Bird fuses both.

Bird is out in cinemas now. Gladiator II is released on 15 November in the UK.
Police detained dozens of people for taking part in a demonstration in central Amsterdam that had been outlawed following violence targeting fans of an Israeli football club, local media reported yesterday.

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema banned all demonstrations over the weekend in the aftermath of the grim scenes of youths on scooters and on foot attacking Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters on Thursday and Friday in what was widely condemned as a violent outburst of antisemitism in the Dutch capital.
Afghanistan has been badly affected by a succession of climate emergencies, including flash floods, torrential rains and droughts, in the past year

The Taliban is sending officials to attend the UN climate summit in Azerbaijans capital Baku starting today, in what will be the groups first appearance at the forum since its forceful takeover of Afghanistan.

The Taliban-controlled foreign ministrys spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said officials from the countrys National Environmental Protection Agency have arrived in Azerbaijan to attend the Cop29 conference. The Talibans leaders have controlled the environmental agency for more than three years now, after they took power in Kabul in August 2021.
A feral horse is a free-roaming horse of domesticated ancestry, which is what makes it different from a wild horse that does not have domesticated ancestry. Image by Dhruba Jyoti Baruah via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY 4.0).

The Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam is the only place in India with a population of feral horses. These horses are believed to be descendants of war horses from World War II, while other theories suggest they could be descendants of Chinas Przewalskis horses. The horses face threats from smuggling and dwindling grazing grounds and habitat. Mongabay-India correspondent Nabarun Guha reports

In February 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic induced a country-wide lockdown, the Tinsukia Wildlife Division made a major breakthrough. Based on a tip-off, the forest officials apprehended a truck near Makum bypass in the Tinsukia district of Assam which, say the forest officials, was transporting six smuggled feral horses.

We caught four people, including two army personnel, with the consignment. Their papers (documents approving the transport of horses) were forged. We came to know that the kingpin of this smuggling ring was a high-ranking Indian military officer who gave riding lessons in Guwahati. The horses were procured from Dibru Saikhowa National Park and were kept in an under-construction hospital in Laupoti, Phulbari village in Tinsukia, before being sent off to Guwahati in the truck, said a forest official on conditions of anonymity.

The six horses were later released in Dibru Saikhowa National Park.

Dibru Saikhowa was declared a reserve forest in 1890, and more than a century later, in 1999, it acquired the status of a National Park. Around 12 kilometres from the town of Tinsukia, Dibru Saikhowa National Park is bound by the mighty Brahmaputra and Siang rivers on the north, Lohit, Dibang and Noa Dihing rivers in the east and Dibru river in the south.

With an area of 340 square kilometres, the national park is known for its impressive faunal diversity with rare and endangered mammals such as elephants, wild buffaloes, hoolock gibbons and Gangetic river dolphins. Feral horses, however, are one of the most prized inhabitants of the park, as this is the only place in India where they are found.

Dibru Saikhowa National Park. Image by Dhruba Jyoti Baruah via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Point Calimere in Tamil Nadu also has a population of wild horses, but feral horses are only found in Dibru Saikhowa.

The main difference between wild horses and feral horses lies in their ancestry. Unlike feral horses, wild horses havent descended from domesticated horses.

However, without any effective conservation strategies in place, feral horses face threats from smuggling and are also gradually losing grazing grounds and habitat to floods and livestock.

The origin story

Feral horses are free-roaming horses that descended from a domesticated stock. But they have lived in the wild for almost 80 years in Dibru Saikhowa.

According to a 2021 study published in the Open Journal of Bioresources, Feral horses mostly prefer grassy river flats, forests and woodlands. They use open areas where predators can be seen from a distance. They are found within a 56-kilometre range of water sources. Some of the areas in Dibru Saikhowa where feral horses are found are Churke Tapu, Arna Tapu, Kathalkuthi near Mieli Camp, Kobu Chapori.

There are multiple theories about the origin of the feral horses in the region. The most popular one is that these horses are descendants of the ones used by the Allied forces against the Japanese in World War II.

It is said that the British and American troops left these horses behind after the war ended. The feral horses found here [now] are the third or fourth generation of those horses. However, there is no written record to support this theory, K.N. Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Tinsukia Wildlife Division, tells Mongabay India.

The theory is supported by the fact that Tinsukia served as an important battleground on the eastern front during World War II. Ledo, which is around 67 kilometres from Dibru Saikhowa, had an airstrip built by the American soldiers, while another nearby town called Margherita had a military hospital to treat the wounded soldiers.

Shamikhu Changmai, one of the authors of the 2021 study, also supports this theory. Following the great earthquake in Assam in 1950, the rivers changed course, and many of these feral horses got trapped in Dibru Saikhowa. Now, they are mostly seen in chaporis (sandbars), he adds.

According to noted environmentalist Anwaruddin Choudhury, these horses are descendants of cart horses found in the area in the 1940s.

Horses were used for carrying goods in World War II. These horses mainly belonged to the people from the Bihari community settled in Tinsukia at that time. Some of them went back to their native place after the war, leaving behind the horses which migrated to the nearby forests of Dibru Saikhowa, which was a reserve forest then, he shares.

Feral horses on sandbars in Dibru Saikhowa. Image by Shamikhu Changmai.

Tourist operator and environmentalist Niranta Gohain, however, refutes the World War theory and claims that these horses are descendants of Przewalskis horses, considered the only remaining wild horse species in the world.

These Przewalskis horses travelled from Xinjiang province in China to Tinsukia and settled here. Till now, there has been no study to find the correct lineage of these horses. I demand genetic study of the horses so that their proper origin can be known, says Gohain.

Surrounded by threats

After the incident in 2020, there have been no reports of organised smuggling of feral horses from Dibru Saikhowa. However, local sources claim that stray smuggling of horses occurs occasionally.

DFO Das, however, denies these allegations. During my tenure, I havent heard of any smuggling incident of feral horses, he says.

Rajendra Bharti, the former DFO, had led the operation that had caught the gang smuggling the feral horses in 2020. He denied comment about the incident, citing it as an ongoing judicial matter.

On conditions of anonymity, a forest official told Mongabay India that since feral horses are not granted any protection under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, they are still not considered wild animals. So, even if we arrest somebody in this regard, it is very difficult to get a conviction, he says.

Additionally, there has been no regular census of the horses which makes it challenging to ascertain their conservation status. As per the last census done seven years ago, Dibru Saikhowa had 400 horses, says DFO Das.

Changmai said that as per his field study research, there are 150-200 feral horses in Dibru Saikhowa presently.

Annual flood and erosion pose a severe threat to the horses. Every year, quite a few horses are swept away in the floods. Apart from that, various human activities and cattle farms from nearby forest villages degrade their habitat. In fact, domestic cattle are their major grazing competitors. These horses live in herds of 3-5 individuals and sometimes upto 12-15 individuals. On many occasions, these horses are found near cattle farms known as khuties for grazing and also to lick salt, he shares.

Anwaruddin Choudhury claims that the decrease in the tiger population in Dibru Saikhowa has boosted the population of feral horses to some extent. In the 90s, there were a sizable number of tigers in Dibru Saikhowa. These feral horses were easy prey for the big cats. Now, there are hardly any tigers in Dibru Saikhowa. So, the number of these horses has increased.

The allure of feral horses

It cant be denied that feral horses attract tourists to Dibru Saikhowa, being the only of its kind in India. However, over the years their attraction has dwindled.

It is actually a costly affair for tourists to see feral horses. These horses live in secluded sandbars. It takes around a day to reach those places from the main entry point of the park in Guijan. Boats are the only mode of transport and renting a boat costs around Rs. 15,000. Moreover, feral horses are shy animals, and there is no guarantee that tourists will get a good look even if they go near those sandbars, shares Hiren Senapati, a local tourist guide in the area.

Das clarifies that the feral horses are not the main attractions of Dibru Saikhowa. We get a lot of birders from across the world. Also, many people just come here to get a feel of the forest, he says.

Feral horses running in the sandbars (chaporis) in Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam. Image by Hiren Senapati.

Changmai, however, feels that tourism at Dibru Saikhowa can benefit from the horses.

However, we need to provide due attention to these animals. Currently, I am doing a study on feral horses funded by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It is a geospatial study of the ecology of these horses. We need proper scientific research on the soil condition and availability of food and water in the habitat of these horses. At the same time, we need to create mass awareness about them so that they are not neglected anymore, he says.

Senapati opines that though there may not be much interest in these horses at the moment, they will always remain an important part of the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. He says, When a herd of these horses gallops across the green meadows with the river Brahmaputra forming the background, few images can rival its beauty.

The article was originally published in Mongabay India.

Mongabay India/TWF
Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as the new CJI | Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video

New Delhi/IBNS: Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday took oath as the new Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud.

Justice Khanna, who was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu, became the country's 51st CJI.

He was recommended by Justice Chandrachud, who retired as the CJI on November 10 at the age of 65.

Justice Khanna will remain in office till May 13, 2025.

President Droupadi Murmu administers the oath of Office of the 51st Chief Justice of India to Sanjiv Khanna at Rashtrapati Bhavan.@rashtrapatibhvn #CJI #JusticeSanjivKhanna pic.twitter.com/RkZMgzKFwP  editorji (@editorji) November 11, 2024

The new CJI, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, has been a part of benches that heard several politically-sensitive cases.

Justice Khanna was a part of the bench that granted bail to then Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo, Arvind Kejriwal, in the liquor policy case earlier this year.

He was also a part of the Constitutional benches that heard the cases like Article 370 abrogation and electoral bonds.
Jadavpur University professor Mainak Pal was found dead at a hotel in Uttarakhand | Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab

Kolkata/IBNS: A professor from Kolkata's Jadavpur University was discovered dead at a hotel in Uttarakhand, where he went for a short trip with his friends, media reports said.

The professor was found with his hand and throat slit.

Mainak Pal, 44, had decided to return to Kolkata while his friends, who were two in number, carried on with the trip.

Pal had reportedly said he wanted to head back to Kolkata as he was missing his daughter. He is survived by his wife, daughter and parents.

Police suspect he may have died by suicide.

He checked into a hotel in Lalkuan while his friends went ahead with the trip.

After his family failed to establish contact with Pal, they rang the hotel authorities who broke open the door of the professor's room and found his body in the bathroom.

Blood was smeared on the floor of the bathroom.
Search operation by the security forces is underway | Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video

Srinagar/IBNS: The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have ramped up the search operation after a para commando was killed and three soldiers were injured in an encounter with militants in Kishtwar, media reports said.

The para commando was killed in the encounter in the dense forest of Keshwan in the Kishtwar district.

The search operation was launched after two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district last Thursday.

#WATCH | J&K: Visuals from Kishtwar where a search operation is underway by security forces. An encounter took place at Keshwan, Kishtwar between terrorists and security forces on November 10.



(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/UWujuBrq2v  ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, claimed responsibility for the killing of the two VDGs.

The terror group also shared pictures of the two victims - Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar - blindfolded.

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 had 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."
PM Modi is one of the world leaders to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump early after Republican Party's win | Photo courtesy: Narendra Modi X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal rapport with US President-elect Donald Trump, asserting India is not among the countries that are "nervous" about the political change in Washington, media reports said.

Speaking at an event, Jaishankar said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first three calls, I think, that President (elect) Trump took."

"For him [Narendra Modi] there's something natural in terms of how he forges those relationships. So that's helped hugely. And I think the changes in India have helped as well."

"I know today a lot of countries are nervous about the US, let's be honest about it. We are not one of them," he added.

Many countries are nervous about US , but India is not



: MEA S Jaishankar



This is the power of Naya Bharat pic.twitter.com/37FtIHFyZe  Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) November 10, 2024

Prime Minister Modi Thursday called his 'friend' and US President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate the latter on his "spectacular victory".

"Had a great conversation with my friend, President @realDonaldTrump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors," Modi posted on social media.

Had a great conversation with my friend, President @realDonaldTrump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2024

As Trump is projected to tighten the borders and immigration policies, experts believe that the same could affect the H-1B visa rules, impacting costs and growth for Indian IT firms.

Even his policies might impact India-US trade as over 80 percent of India's IT export earnings come from the US, making it vulnerable to changes in visa policies.

However, with Trump sharing a strong bond with PM Modi, his election can be good news for India geopolitically.

Banking on his promise to "fix America" and "make it great again", Donald Trump has also become the first Republican to win the popular vote in two decades.

Thank you very much. Winning the popular vote was very nice, very nice, I will tell you," Trump said in his victory speech.

"We are going to help our country heal, fix our borders, we made history for a reason tonight. We have achieved the most incredible political win. I want to thank the American people. I will fight for you and your family with every breath in my body," he said, thanking the nation.
10 suspected Kuki insurgents killed in encounter with security forces in Manipur's Jiribam. Photo courtesy: Manipur Police X

Imphal/IBNS: At least 10 suspected Kuki insurgents were killed in an encounter with security forces in Manipur's Jiribam district on Monday, the Manipur Police said.

During the attack, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan also received injuries and is undergoing treatment at Silchar Medical College in Assam.

The suspected Kuki militants initially launched an attack on a police station in Jiribam from two sides, prompting the encounter to begin.

Today, 11th November, 2024 at about 3 pm, the CRPF Post located at Jakuradhor and Borobekra Police Station (located nearby), Jiribam District were attacked by armed militants. The security forces retaliated strongly. Due to the attack, one CRPF constable namely Sanjeev Kumar pic.twitter.com/8ORw3EB4Pg  Manipur Police (@manipur_police) November 11, 2024

After attacking the police station, the suspected Kuki insurgents then spread out towards a small settlement in Jakurador Karong, which is 1 km from the police station.

According to reports, they began setting ablaze the houses in that settlement while simultaneously engaging in a gunfight with the security forces.

Kuki civil society groups have announced a shutdown in areas dominated by them over the deaths of who they called "village volunteers".

Several weapons were recovered following the gunfight including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and AK series assault rifles.

Operations in and around Jakuradhor, under Borobekra Police Station, Jiribam District continued to flush out armed militants till the last received report,

Reinforcement teams consisting of Assam Rifles, CRPF, and civil police have been rushed there.
Russian Deputy PM Denis Manturov calls on PM Modi in Delhi. Photo courtesy Russian embassy

New Delhi/IBNS: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday as a part of his visit to India.

Both leaders exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in various areas, including trade and economic ties, energy, connectivity among others.

PM Modi welcomed the sustained and joint efforts being made by the teams on both sides for the implementation of the decisions taken during his recent visits and meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen the strategic partnership.

PM Modi extended his warm greetings to President Putin and said that he looked forward to continued exchanges with him, the PMO office.

Glad to meet Russias First Deputy PM Denis Manturov today. Happy to see that teams on both sides are working together to implement decisions taken during my recent visits and meetings with President Putin to further strengthen India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic pic.twitter.com/CvMlc22iAx  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2024

They also discussed steps to implement the agreements reached during the talks between PM Modi and Putin, which took place on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 22-24.

"Particular attention was paid to issues of further strengthening of trade, economic, investment, energy and industrial cooperation," an official statement from the Russian embassy said..
After basking in the success of 12th Fail, Vikrant Massey is all set to enthrall fans with his next release, The Sabarmati Report, a film inspired by the real-life events of 2002's Godhra train burning incident. As he is busy promoting the film, he seemingly made a controversial remark that has sparked outrage from fans. The Bollywood actor said that while he believed Muslims are under attack, he now feels it's not true. He said this while answering how he became BJP-friendly from being a critic of the political party once.

Vikrant Massey trolled for saying 'Muslims are not under attack in India'

"I was convinced that Muslims are under attack in India but it's not true, I realised this fact recently"



This guy used to be a typical leftist!!! pic.twitter.com/LQLJ5DWGOg  Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) November 10, 2024

Once a BJP critic, is Vikrant Massey now BJP-friendly? When he was asked this on a podcast show with Shubhankar Mishra, Vikrant, who plays the role of a journalist in The Sabarmati Report, said, "Jo cheezein mujhe buri lagti thi, vo actually buri nahi hain. Log kehte hain musalman khatre mein hain, koi khatre mein nahi hai. Isiliye aaj mai keh raha hun ki I have changed over the last ten years. (The things I used to find bad are actually not bad. People say Muslims are in danger, but no one is in danger. That's why I am saying today that I have changed over the last ten years.)"

As his statement went viral, people have started trolling Vikrant for changing his stance ahead of the release of his film. "This guy used to be a typical leftist," one of the users said. "Bro, his movie is about to come," said another one. "Either he is acting because his movie is coming Or his eyes opened," said another user.

For the unversed, Vikrant Massey, who co-starred in the 2020 film Chhapaak with Deepika Padukone, had visited to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to show his support for students who were attacked by a mob.

He's an opportunist, just like most people who claim on the social media and the mainstream media to follow any kind of political ideology  Adhya (@psych_enigma) November 10, 2024

"Don't give too much credit to Bollywood folks. They will dance to the tunes of the current ecosystem. He is just smart enough to gauge that the current govt is here to stay," said another user. "He has not changed yet, it is just showing off," said another user. "Movie aa rahi hai to unhe pata hai kya bolna hai (His movie is coming, so they know what to say)," said another user.

In an interview with Unfiltered by Samdish, he had revealed that his family represents different faiths. While his father is a Sikh, his mother is Christian. He said that he appreciates Hindu traditions as well. Furthermore, he said that his elder brother Moeen changed his religion to Islam when he was 17 and the family welcomed his decision. "My family let him change his religion. They said, 'Son, if you find satisfaction in this, then go ahead," he said.

Liber@ls lost 1 more comrade@shubhankrmishra :You were big BJP Critic. How did you change from secular to staunch Hindu?



Vikrant Massey: I was big BJP Critic, but as I travelled across country, I realized things aren't as bad as are shown & Mu$ims are NOT at all in danger. pic.twitter.com/2azkmX5Z6I  BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) November 10, 2024

Vikrant Massey had earlier shared that his brother converted to Islam

In an interview with Unfiltered by Samdish, he had revealed that his family represents different faiths. While his father is a Sikh, his mother is Christian. He said that he appreciates Hindu traditions as well. Furthermore, he said that his elder brother Moeen changed his religion to Islam when he was 17 and the family welcomed his decision. "My family let him change his religion. They said, 'Son, if you find satisfaction in this, then go ahead," he said.

Also Read: After Salman Khan, Vikrant Massey gets death threats over film 'The Sabarmati Report' based on Godhra train incident

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Vikrant Massey who is busy promoting his forthcoming movie The Sabarmati Report, based on real-life incidents of 2002's Godhra train burning incident, recently appeared on Sushant Sinha podcast and made a controversial comment about Hindus that hasn't gone down well with many. The video, a clip from the interview, is going viral and Massey is getting trolled. Here's what he said!

Vikrant Massey's controversial comment about Hindus sparks outrage

       ,             pic.twitter.com/IWbGPHNcDP  Gurpreet Garry Walia (@garrywalia_) November 10, 2024

"We need to understand that we are a very young nation. It is only 76-77 years old. After so many years of oppression, the Mughals came, the Dutch came, then the British came. After hundreds of years, we received so-called independence. But was that really independence? We got stuck in the colonial hangover that they left behind. So, my belief is that today, Hindus finally have reached a position where they can demand their identity in their own country. That identity... the concept of identity... we never really pay attention to it. The concept of sentiment... many of the world's greatest wars have been driven purely by sentiment. Most of the major decisions we make are driven by how we feel."

"Even if a war occurs today between two countries, it depends on how the King or Prime Minister of that particular nation or kingdom feels about it. We dont give value to feelings, to oppression, or to sentiments".

Host Sushant Sinha then asks him, "If you feel that Hindus didnt gain true freedom back then, and only received freedom in concept as you say, but now they feel they have finally achieved it, what is the reason behind this change?" Massey responded, "Because, finally, they are feeling pride in embracing their identity. They are getting an opportunity to express their views and opinions. Thats what I think; this is how I feel, though I might be wrong. Were talking about the colonial hangover... the British left, leaving us with the English language. Now, our regional languages, our culture, our festivals, our identity  we want to embrace it fully, especially the Hindus. And I dont see anything wrong with that."

Vikrant Massey trolled for his statement

Publicity Stunt for his upcoming movie. Nothing to be surprised lol.  Nithish KN (@Nithish_017) November 11, 2024

Reacting to his statement, one of the users took to X to write, "So we haven't been celebrating Hindu festivals post independence? Or even pre independence? Just curious. So what have I been doing as a Hindu going to temples, conducting poojas at home and in my temples? I have never felt any danger practicing my faith openly ever."

Sab Naatak hai. Secularism ka gyan de raha thaa.  Payal Bhayana  (@payalbhayana) November 10, 2024

Another one asked if he is doing it for his forthcoming film The Sabarmati Report. "Hindus have boycotted his films and are roasting him before every release because of his old Hinduphobic posts. Phat kar haath mein aa gayi, so hes activated Damage Control Mode.

He has a new movie coming up and he is desperate. It's a temporary affection that will vapourise.   Kaustubh Katdare (@thebigk) November 11, 2024

Vikrant Massey's The Sabarmati Report is all set to be released on November 15.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.




Today, on November 11, we celebrate a true Hollywood legend's milestoneLeonardo DiCaprio turns 50! DiCaprio has grown up right before our eyes, evolving from a heartthrob to a movie star with depth, an actor who seems just as comfortable snagging elusive Oscar nominations as he is making headlines for his (in)famous dating life with women under 25. But there's no denying his genius on screen, nor the way he's slowly but surely wormed his way into the Oscars' good graces over the years. So, let's dive into his seven Oscar-nominated roles, where he earned (and sometimes lost) the Academy's recognition, taking him from a fresh-faced teen to one of the industry's finest.

1. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) - Best supporting actor

DiCaprio's first nomination came at just 19 years old, where he played Arnie Grape, the young brother of Gilbert (Johnny Depp) who has an intellectual disability. His portrayal was so authentic that many viewers thought DiCaprio himself had a similar conditionhigh praise, especially for a newcomer! While he didn't win, his breakthrough role earned him instant respect and set the stage for the incredible career that would follow.

2. The Aviator (2004) - Best actor

Flash-forward a decade, and DiCaprio was no longer a newbie but a major Hollywood contender. In The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese, he took on the role of Howard Hughes, the eccentric aviation pioneer with OCD. DiCaprio's performance was intense, raw, and meticulously crafted, but the win evaded him once more. This nomination, however, solidified his status as a serious actor and frequent Oscar nominee.

3. Blood Diamond (2006) - Best actor

Enter Blood Diamond, where DiCaprio played Danny Archer, a diamond smuggler caught up in the Sierra Leone Civil War. DiCaprio nailed a convincing South African accent and brought intense energy to the gritty role, showing his range and dedication to portraying difficult characters in complex stories. Yet again, no Oscar, but it only added to the narrative that DiCaprio was chasing something elusive.

4. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - Best actor

Ah, The Wolf of Wall Streetthe movie that became an instant classic. Leo teamed up with his frequent collaborator Scorsese, taking on the role of Jordan Belfort, a party-loving, ethically questionable stockbroker. His wild, larger-than-life performance was pure DiCaprio gold. Who could forget that quaalude scene? While it didn't bring him Oscar gold, it left an indelible mark on pop culture and once again proved his versatility.

5. The Revenant (2015) - Best actor (Winner)

After years of near misses, Leo's Oscar drought finally ended with The Revenant, directed by Alejandro G. Inarritu. In this brutal survival story, DiCaprio portrayed Hugh Glass, a frontiersman who endures the harsh wilderness and a bear attack in his quest for revenge. Leo's commitment was legendaryhe ate raw bison liver, slept in animal carcasses, and battled freezing temperatures. His dedication was finally rewarded with his first Oscar win, ending the internet's running joke about his never-ending wait.

6. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) - Best actor

Teaming up with Quentin Tarantino, DiCaprio's role as Rick Dalton, a struggling actor in 1960s Hollywood, was equal parts funny, sad, and relatable. Dalton, a fading TV star worried about his career, gave Leo the chance to flex both his comedic and dramatic chops. Although he didn't win, this performance reminded audiences why he's considered one of the best of his generation.

7. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - Best picture (Producer)

Beyond acting, DiCaprio co-produced The Wolf of Wall Street, earning a nomination for Best Picture. Although it didn't win, this nomination highlighted Leo's skills as a producer and his dedication to pushing cinematic boundaries both in front of and behind the camera.

A journey through film and heart

So, what does Leo's journey say about him as he celebrates this big 50 milestone? DiCaprio is more than a series of Oscar nods or headlines about his love life. He's an actor who has pushed boundaries, taken on demanding roles, and devoted his life to his craft. From his raw portrayal of a vulnerable young boy in What's Eating Gilbert Grape to a vengeful frontiersman in The Revenant, DiCaprio has cemented his place in cinematic history, one iconic role at a time.
Lawrence Bishnois threat streak is expanding across Bollywood and after Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, his aide has made actor Mithun Chakraborty their new target. In a video released by Pakistani don Shahzad Bhatti, the Dubai-based gangster is seen threatening Chakraborty over his recent political comment against the Muslim community and advising him to apologize within 10-15 days.

Why has Mithun Chakraborty received a threat from Bishnoi's aide?

Shahzad Bhatti who had a long association with Lawrence Bishnoi was seemingly miffed by Mithuns recent remarks that he made during a BJP membership drive launch in Kolkata on October 27. While two FIRs were filed against the actor immediately after the incident, Bhatti demands an apology as soon as possible.

Said in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, Mithuns Hindi remark against Muslims can be loosely translated to, If you think you can throw us in the Bhagirathi river, one day will come when we will also throw not in the Bhagirathi because it is our mother but we will bury you on the other side.

We need such workers who can fight head-on. We need such workers who can challenge, Come, fire at me, show how many bullets you have in your gun. If you bring down one fruit from our tree, we will take down four, the new Dadasaheb Phalke awardee said. Reacting to the same, Bhatti said that he understands that people of his age often say things without thinking but he should now apologize or his gang may have to repent.

This comes days after Shah Rukh Khan received a threat from another Bishnoi aide over an old dialogue of him referring to deer hunting in the movie Anjaam (1994). Salman Khan, on the other hand, has been a target of constant threats from the Bishnoi gang over a 1998 Blackbuck case in which he was once named. Though he continues to shoot for Bigg Boss 18 and Sikandar, the actor's security remains heightened.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Diddy's friends are distancing themselves amid his growing legal woes. New accusers have come forward since his September arrest, prompting fresh concerns among his friends. Those once close to Diddy are now "worried about their reputations" and "shifting" to cut ties with the music mogul. A new report has revealed all those once close to Diddy will be worried about their careers and are spreading and shifting in an attempt to cut ties with the 55-year-old music mogul.

Diddy's inner circle 'shifting' to distance themselves from the rapper

Precious Muir, a former Playboy Bunny, who attended Diddys infamous white parties in the early 2000s has suggested that celebs, once close pals of the now-disgraced rapper, wont want to be associated with him after his arrest.

In an exclusive interview with The Mirror US, Precious revealed that individuals who attended Diddy's parties are now worried about potential backlash. They don't want to be linked to Diddy," she said, adding that even his inner circle is "shifting and spreading" to distance themselves.

Notably, the lawsuits and federal charges against Diddy do not implicate any other celebrities in wrongdoing. Additionally, Precious in her statements did not allege any misconduct by other public figures. However, resurfaced videos and pics of many celebs attending Diddy parties have now landed them in trouble.

Federal court cancels rapper's gag order request

Last week, a federal judge rejected Diddy's bid for a gag order in his sex trafficking case, which aimed to restrict potential witnesses and their lawyers from speaking publicly about the allegations. Following this, his legal team proposed a fresh $50 million bail package, backed by his Florida mansion, in hopes of getting out of MDC-Brooklyn ahead of his trial next year.

About Diddy's arrest

"Sean 'Diddy' Combs, renowned music artist and producer, was taken into custody by federal authorities on September 16, following a thorough investigation spanning several months. He faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution Diddy's trial will begin on May 5 next year. The rapper has vehemently pleaded not guilty to charges filed against him.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
According to a report in The Telegraph, students from rich families at the University of Edinburgh have been instructed to quit acting like snobs and avoid ridiculing their state-educated colleagues' accents. Students admitted to the university under its widening participation scheme, which lowers entry standards for school graduates from impoverished communities, have been subjected to derision.

What did the University of Edinburgh tell its wealthy students?

Credit: Pexels

Wealthier students have received guidance with a list of measures they must take to promote an inclusive environment by decreasing "socioeconomic microaggressions."

Staff members will also be trained on accent bias. Meanwhile, the university admits to having class-based bias issues on campus. The list includes some of the following points: Don't be a snob, Don't assume that everyone's life or family is like yours, and Try to undo some of the unhelpful mythology about the relationship of wealth to intelligence or hard work, when you meet new people, be curious about their interests and aspirations rather than their backgrounds.

Notably, more than 70% of Edinburgh University's students are from England, with the remainder from the UK or abroad. Private school students account for 40% of the total student population.

Recently, Oxford University came under fire for cancel culture

My friends children are being strongly advised not to apply to Oxford, where ostracisms are becoming routine. The tragic death of Alexander Rogers is still an extreme example of what can happen, but cancel culture is a vile game and wholly inconsistent with any academic life. pic.twitter.com/ONMs8JN8qo  Joe Rich #NoFarmersNoFood (@joerichlaw) November 8, 2024

Last week, Oxford University came under fire after it was revealed that a student committed suicide as a result of the cancel culture that exists on campus. Alexander Rogers (20), a third-year materials science student at Corpus Christi College, was shunned by his colleagues after an unreported allegation was made against him.

Also read: Man Rejected By Stanford University Confident He's 'Still Going To Change The World'

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

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Actor Lisa is finally here! The BLACKPINK star is making her debut with The White Lotus season 3, and a first sneak peek into Mike White's Emmy-winning show was revealed on Monday (November 11). The teaser of the show, this time set in Thailand, also offered a glimpse into Lisa's first look from the upcoming instalment, and it has her fans, BLINKS and Lillies, going berserk.

Lisa's first look from The White Lotus Season 3

The exciting teaser for the upcoming series begins with a serene focus on a life-sized bronze Buddha statue in Thailand, setting the tone for an unprecedented journey. As the camera pans across the stunning landscapes, viewers are introduced to the star-studded cast of the film, each looking immersed in the incredible beauty of their surroundings. Soon after, BLACKPINK member Lisa pops up.

Dressed in a white uniform as a resort manager with her hair neatly tied in a bun, she greets the guests with a friendly smile on her face. Her name in the show is Mook, which loosely translates to white pearl in Thai. Welcome to the White Lotus in Thailand-ka," she says, unaware of the mysterious events that are set to unravel.

Check out The White Lotus Season 3 teaser below:

Fans react to Lisa's acting debut

LISA looks absolutely breathtaking for the preview of WHITE LOTUS.pic.twitter.com/mq4JyppcFv  Pop Core (@TheePopCore) November 11, 2024

"Lisa from Blackpink is making her acting debut in the third season of HBO's "The White Lotus" and we can't wait! Born in Thailand, where this season is set," one user wrote.

Lisa from Blackpink is making her acting debut in the third season of HBO's "The White Lotus" and we can't wait! Born in Thailand, where this season is set.  amelia (@itz__amelia) November 11, 2024

Another fan wrote, "Loving this first look! Mook looks ready to bring some sunshine to The White Lotus! Excited for Season 3!"

Loving this first look! Mook looks ready to bring some sunshine to The White Lotus! Excited for Season 3!  Vass (@Va77ss) November 11, 2024

"Give her an Emmy," a third fan wrote, while a fourth one simply mentioned that Lisa's in her actress era.

GIVE HER AN EMMY  alexxxtremo (@4ip4d3) November 11, 2024

"The White Lotus just got hotter! First look at Lisa in Season 3 and we're already intrigued. What secrets will her character uncover?" a user wondered.

"The White Lotus just got hotter! First look at Lisa in Season 3 and we're already intrigued. What secrets will her character uncover?  Moody Boy (@MoodyBoy761) November 11, 2024

A BLINK added, "Omg she looks amazing and nailed her part!"

Omg she looks amazing and nailed her part!  Anne (@AnneTheReUp) November 11, 2024





About The White Lotus Season 3

The White Lotus is an HBO anthology series created by Mike White. The latest part features Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, and Tayme Thapthimthong in pivotal roles. It has been shot across "Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok, and will follow a new group of guests at another White Lotus property," as per a statement released by HBO. The show is expected to premiere in 2025.

Lisa third BLACKPINK member to make her acting debut

Lisa is the third of the four BLACKPINK members to make her acting debut. While Jisoo showcased her acting prowess in Snowdrop alongside Jung Hae-in, Jennie made her acting debut with HBO's The Idol. Rose is the only BLACKPINK member who has yet to begin her acting chapter.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, is preparing to lobby Trump against abandoning U.S. support for Kyiv
Greece took a large leap in artificial intelligence (AI), becoming a pioneer in the manner of how the state communicates with its citizens, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday, during a discussion at the "Future Unfold: What unfolds when AI meets purpose" conference in Athens.

Mitsotakis was in conversation with Grant Thornton's President,

Nikolaos Karamouzis, and its CEO , Vassilis Kazas at the event at the Athens Concert Hall.

Responding to a question on AI, Mitsotakis said, "What Greece did was take a large leap forward. From stragglers we became pioneers in the sector of the way in which the state communicates with citizens. Can we do the same in AI? What we are doing, let's say, as a pilot, for the legal check of the cadaster's contracts, is very impressive. It is very good proof that AI truly does not come to replace jobs, but to help in the productivity of civil servants themselves. It is one thing to take 10 minutes to review a contract with the help of AI, and quite another to take 2 hours."

Speaking on a question of how to attract more investments, the premier said Greece had covered significant ground since the crisis. "The crisis was to a large degree an exaggerated emphasis on consumption, which was funded through loans. But now we are being called upon to take an investment leap, which is to a certain degree already under way, but it is clear we must do more," he noted.

As the PM added, "The decision of any business to invest in developing its activities is based, first of all and above all, on the faith it has that it can enter new markets and that this investment in the environment it operates - in this case, Greece - can bear fruit, at the end. This presupposes a stable framework, a political stability that I talk about a lot but which we take for granted. But take a look at other countries, and you will see how important what we have achieved is: a stable tax system, a rational taxation for businesses, and to a great degree these have been achieved, I believe."

He noted that "businesses used to tell us - and rightly so - that 'we are not interested in reducing the income and dividends traxation so much, because we are already at an economic level, but look at the taxation of the non-wage cost.' We listened to the businesses, and that is why the reduction of the non-wage cost has now reached the European average and we also have some space to move in this direction."

Greece-US relations

The relations between Greece and the United States are of a strategic nature, and "relations guaranteed within a framework of agreements we have signed with the United States," Mitsotakis said, referring specifically to the defense collaboration agreement.

"These are not relations that are simply based on a value-related framework of collaboration between two historic democracies that were always on the right side of history, they are also relations that are based on mutual interests, in which the US see the usefulness of supporting Greek-American relations," the Greek premier noted.

In addition, Greece is not simply a factor of stability in the region, but also a country that is able to utilize its influence to affect developments in the region, Mitsotakis said. "Therefore, I believe that Greek-American relations continue on the excellent path they have entered in recent years. I should also like to remind that relations do not just go through the executive power, but through legislative power as well, and the relations we have with both sides in Congress are very close," he added.

EU-US relations however are more complicated, he said, reiterating that the European Union must wake up from its lethargy and "realize that the increase of defense spending and the best European collaboration protects Europe in terms of its strategic autonomy while boosting NATO at the same time, and surely building closer bridges of collaboration with the new American administration."

   iefimerida.gr


Newly appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has vowed to help the All Progressives Congress (APC) recapture Kano State.

Ata, who spoke to journalists in Kano, acknowledged the Partys loss to the New Nigerias People Party (NNPP) in the 2023 polls.

He confirmed his ministerial appointment was largely driven by political considerations.

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READ ALSO: Presidency Knocks Atiku, Says Former VP Envious Of Tinubu After 2023 Defeat

My appointment was mainly for political reasons, APC has lost Kano State and now it will take Kano state, he said at the weekend.

Citing his roots in Kano Central, Ata emphasized his commitment to reclaiming the State for APC by 2027.

Even as a minister, I will continue to sit in this Ward, we are going to work very hard, he stated.

I will do my work, but I will be coming to Kano State every week to work towards gaining control of the State, he added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Transition Committee in Edo State has called for an investigation into the States alleged N410 billion local and foreign debts.

This recommendation was presented in a report to Monday Okpebholo, the incoming Governor, on Monday, ahead of his inauguration on Tuesday.

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Pius Odubu, the Committee Chairman and former Deputy Governor, revealed that the Committee was informed of N410 billion in debts, a significant increase from the N55 billion inherited by the outgoing government of Godwin Obaseki in 2016.

According to Odubu, the indebtedness is actually much more, exceeding N500 billion.

The report recommended a review of memoranda of understanding on the management of Central and Stella Obasanjo hospitals, as well as an investigation into the true ownership of the Ossiomo power plant and Radisson Blu Hotel.

READ ALSO: Leave Obaseki Out Of Your Petty Politics  Edo Govt Slams Okpebholo

Additionally, the Committee advised reviewing all major contracts issued by the State government under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, as they appear not to have followed due process, including payment advances awarded to contractors.

The procurement agency had also indicted the government in its report to the transition committee.

The committee further recommended streamlining the ICT ecosystem in the State, which seems to be duplicating duties.

Moreover, the report noted that the outgoing government failed to provide audited financial statements, published or unpublished, prompting the committee to advise the incoming government to institute an inquiry into this matter.

The Committee also demanded a comprehensive review of the World Bank-funded EdoBest program and a probe into its rather opaque operations.

Lastly, the committee called for a proper headcount of teachers in the State, as the government couldnt account for the number of teachers.
A member of the National Assembly, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has expressed confidence that the controversial tax reform bills presented by President Bola Tinubu will be passed into law.

The lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, said that the bills wont undermine northern part of the country.

Jibrin made this known on Sunday when he featured on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television.

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Recall that Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the Red Chamber, stated that the bills were dead on arrival.

READ MORE: Nigerians Are In Hard Times, Tax Reform Bills Dead On Arrival At NASS  Ndume

Also, reacting on October 28, Northern States Governors Forum, said that the proposed legislations would harm the regions interests.

Despite the controversies, Jibrin clarified, he said: It is not a consensus in the North that this bill should be shut down.

Hundreds of clauses in these bills are things we have been pursuing for ages.

The work well do will allow Nigerians to review all the details, and I am confident the bill will go through the proper processes in the National Assembly and will be passed.

Talking for myself and also how I know the National Assembly operates in terms of following procedures of the passage of the bill, I can be able to tell you authoritatively that the bill is not dead on arrival.

There is a crisis of perception here. People hear tax reform and immediately assume it will negatively impact them without ever taking the time actually to review the details of the bill, he said.

Many of the critics havent even looked at the bill closely. President Tinubu is seen as a tax and revenue-focused person and because of that, when you hear discussions about the bill, people jump to conclusions.

I urge everyone, including lawmakers, the media, and the public, to engage with the actual content of the bill before making judgements.

It is easy to assume but if you look at the bill, you will see that it is not about imposing new taxes on the common man. Instead, it addresses systemic issues and proposes reforms that benefit the broader society.
Several terrorists were killed by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during airstrikes in Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, announced this in a statement released Sunday in Abuja.

He stated that fighters under Aleiros leadership were killed during the attacks.

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The first wave of strikes was launched following confirmed intelligence regarding increased terrorist activities in the areas, he said.

On November 8, 2024, using advanced surveillance and precision targeting, NAF assets executed a surprise aerial assault on multiple camps, including the strategic Sangeko location in Zamfara, near the Kebbi border, and Ado Aleiros heavily fortified enclave around Asola Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area.

READ MORE: Lakurawa Terrorist Kills 15 In Kebbi Attack

The strikes not only obliterated a major arms depot belonging to the infamous bandit leader, Ado Aleiro, but also neutralised many of his fighters.

The precision bombardment sent shockwaves through the criminal networks, severely weakening their operational capabilities.

Intelligence reports and Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the overwhelming impact of the strikes, which continued throughout the night.

Akinboyewa stated that numerous kidnapped individuals were able to escape during the operations.

Several kidnapped victims, previously held captive by the bandits, managed to escape amidst the chaos, making their way to safety in Kebbi State. Some of the victims who escaped provided testimonies detailing their daring flight to freedom, he added.

These operations highlight the NAFs increasing agility and resilience, reaffirming the Armed Forces of Nigerias relentless dedication to restoring peace and security across the nation.

Further updates on Operation Farautar Mujiya will be provided in the coming days.
A shocking incident of domestic violence has led to the arrest of Olubunmi Johnson, 55, for allegedly setting his wife, Kikelomo, on fire in their apartment on Fagbuyi Street, Ilogbo, Ota, Ogun State.

According to eyewitness report, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, following a domestic dispute.

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The exact circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear.

Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, however confirmed Johnsons arrest.

The husband doused his wifes body with petrol and set her on fire with a match. Witnesses to the incident immediately rushed her to the hospital, she said.

Odutola added that police officers from the Ilogbo Division swiftly responded to the report, leading to Johnsons detention.

READ ALSO: Lagos: Groom Kills His New Bride, Sets House Ablaze

Upon receiving the report, our detectives quickly took action and arrested the husband, who has since been detained, Odutola added.

This incident bears disturbing similarities to a recent case in Lagos State, where Motunrayo Olaniyi, 30, allegedly stabbed his newlywed wife, Olajumoke, 25, to death following a heated argument.

Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that Olaniyi stabbed his wife multiple times, locked her in the room, and set the room on fire.

The State Police Command has launched an investigation into the attempted murder, and Johnson remains in custody.
Ahead of the November 16th governorship election in Ondo State, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has banned local security agencies from participating in the poll.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun and vigilante group, among others will not be joining security operatives on Saturday, as residents of the State set to decide their next governor.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi.

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Egbetokun noted that only federal security agencies and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security would be allowed to participate in the poll.

He also warned against political interference and violence in the upcoming election.

The statement partly reads: Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like vigilante corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.

The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

READ MORE: Ondo Guber: Politicians Must Stop Vote Buying, Violence, Intimidation  Abdulsalami

The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State gubernatorial election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity.

The IGP has confirmed that comprehensive plans have been set in motion to guarantee a smooth election, including the strategic deployment of adequate personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment.

The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in concert with other security agencies.

These agencies will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.

The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear  those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerian judges, particularly justices of the Supreme Court to prioritize the fear of God in their judgements.

Speaking at a public discourse in Lagos State, over the weekend with the theme, Ethics, Morality And The Law, Sanusi tasked the legal practitioners to remember that they are accountable to God.

The Monarch urged the judges to be upright and should not allow hatred for people to make them do what is not right.

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READ MORE: Kano Affected Most By Protest Consequences  Sanusi

He also urged them to focus more on substantive justice, and not rely on technicalities.

Sanusi said: Do not be an advocate for wrongdoers and do not be an advocate for those who deceive themselves, because Allah does not love sinful wrongdoers.

When your friends come to you, when government comes to you, and you listen to them and you tilt judgement in their favour. Ask yourself, who will be your advocate before God, on the Day of Judgment?

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the event was held in honour of Justice Habeed Abiru who was recently elevated as a justice of the Supreme Court.
Two people were on Sunday, killed in a road accident at Ntigha junction on the Abia State section of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway.

Ngozi Ezeoma, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Abia State Command confirmed the incident to DAILY POST on Monday.

She said the accident, involving a Toyota Hiace bus, happened at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and was reported around five minutes later.

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She claimed that when the accident occurred, 16 passengers were on board, returning from a program.

According to Ezeoma, FRSC officers arrived at the scene of the accident a few minutes after it was reported.

A male passenger died on the spot, while another passenger in serious condition was transferred to Central Medical Centre in Mbawsi.

According to the sector commander, despite efforts to save the second passenger, he later died, bringing the total number of deaths to two.

READ MORE: NAF Airstrikes Neutralize Terrorists, Destroy Illegal Arms Depot In Kebbi, Zamfara

She revealed that a preliminary inquiry determined that the accident was caused by a ruptured tyre while the vehicle was in motion.

She stated that some other passengers injured in the incident were transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, where they are receiving medical care.

The sector commander expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, but emphasised the importance of drivers using standard tyres and adhering to all road safety requirements.

This is why we are sensitizing drivers on the need to avoid substandard tyres and the need to respect road safety rules.

This Ember month, passengers should speak up against dangerous driving.

Crashes kill more passengers than drivers, she said.

According to additional accounts, the victims were members of The Church of Christ, Umuahia Branch, participating in a church program.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that his administration will continue the demolition of shanties in Abuja and no amount of protest can stop him.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that on Friday, task force acting on the orders of the Minister demolished the Ruga settlement along Airport Road, Lugbe, leading to protest by angry residents in the area.

It was gathered that some protesters, led by an activist, Deji Adeyanju, stormed the streets, accusing FCT task force, known as Operation Sweep, of heavy-handed tactics.

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Adeyanju condemned the demolition, stating that homes were burned and property worth millions was destroyed.

He said: There is no justification for this demolition. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider the plight of the displaced residents, who are barely surviving.

Reacting to protesters claims, Wike, during a visit to Ruga community along the Wuye axis of the nations capital, said that his administration will dialogue with the occupants of shanties in the city.

He added that there will be long last recommendations which will keep them off from establishing their communities illegally.

Wike also described the protest which was staged on Friday tagging the FCTA land grabbers, as misplaced priorities.

READ MORE: Abuja Youths Deserve More Than Taxi Driving  Atikus Aide Slams Wike

The former Rivers State governor noted that he was more concerned with the security implications of having settlements with no identifiable occupants in the FCT and would not succumb to threats and blackmail from any quarter.

He said: As you can see, we have had issues of insecurity in the FCT and the security agencies have been working 24 hours to make sure that Abuja is safe.

We have identified areas that pose security threats, like this place that has rail line passing through.

If we allow this kind of people to be here, it is a security threat to the operation of our trains and no right thinking government will allow that.

No government worth its salt will fold its hands and allow this place to be occupied by hoodlums or people no one can account for.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Vanguard has called on Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, to appear before the court to face the 19-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N80 billion.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been unable to arraign Bello at the Federal High Court in Abuja, prompting the commission to seek a trial in absentia.

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Rasheed Sanusi, coordinator of the APC Youth Vanguard, in a Sunday statement expressed concern that Bellos failure to appear in court is embarrassing the APC.

Bellos consistent disobedience of court summons and forum shopping are now being misinterpreted as a result of protection by the Presidency, Sanusi said.

READ ALSO: Hiding Under Gov Ododos Immunity  Presidency Explains Why Yahaya Bello Remains At Large

Sanusi highlighted the arrests and subsequent releases on bail of ex-Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and ex-Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, questioning why Bello is shunning court summons.

Who are those in the Presidency allegedly protecting Bello? he asked.

The APC Youth Vanguard urged Bello to voluntarily appear for arraignment or face forced cooperation from inter-agency efforts.

This seemingly state of helplessness is embarrassing to our Party, the Presidency, and the country as a whole. It is a global shame. Enough is enough! Sanusi emphasized.

The EFCC has been persistent in its pursuit of Bellos trial, with the Court of Appeal ordering him to show up for arraignment.

The Commission still maintains that Bello must have his day in court to answer to the alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges.
The studio is bustling with dancers.

One of the first signs that BalletX, which received a transformational gift from one of its fans last spring, is on solid new ground.

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Artistic and executive director Christine Cox has had several months to digest that Joan DeJean had left the troupe $7.4 million in her will. But Cox, 55, is moving forward in small steps.

For one thing, when the company opens its 19th season on Wednesday night, it will be in a new theater. BalletX has moved out of its longtime home, the Wilma Theater, for 60 extra seats and a more traditional layout at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre across Broad Street.

It will perform a world premiere by Irish choreographer Marguerite Donlon. It will also bring back BalletX cofounder Matthew Neenans Mapping Out a Sky and Takehiro Ueyamas Heroes, which had its company premiere in April at the Mann.

The gift was an extraordinary surprise, Cox said. Im wearing [DeJeans] earrings because I knew I would be thinking about her.

But the beautiful thing is, the company was poised and primed to really honor her hopes and dreams for supporting this organization in the fact that we are in our second year of a strategic plan.

Still, when the board encouraged her to grow the company, Cox hired three additional dancers.

 READ MORE: BalletXs Maslows Peak promises a spectacular Lord of the Flies ballet next year

Now were 16 dancers strong, she said of the troupe that had 10 performers for a long time, a number that went up to 14 in 2023 and then back down when a dancer left. Thats a little bit larger than we were intending to go. But it means BalletX can perform works of various sizes, give its performers breaks, and allows for flexibility if a dancer is injured or leaves.

Last year we started our season, and Alvin Ailey grabbed one of our dancers, Cox said. This spoke to the quality of BalletX dancers but also put her in a bind.

So Cox is working on hiring and retaining top talent in a company that has grown from being a shoestring operation. When they started, she and Neenan paid themselves $500 and hired their colleagues from Philadelphia Ballet to perform in the summer.

Now, in the often unstable field of dance, where even major ballet companies lay off their dancers in the offseason, BalletX has a $5.2 million budget and Cox was able to move to a 52-week contract with a salary dancers can live on, four weeks of paid vacation, and benefits.

Dancer Ben Schwarz, 23, who has been with BalletX for three and a half years, says its important that he can focus on his craft and not worry about working a second job or standing in the unemployment line.

Its funny, he said, because BalletX was created on the layoff [from Philadelphia Ballet]. They really understand that dancers are professional athletes and they also are workers. Sometimes people forget that.

As far as lofty goals with the gift go, Cox is starting with things audience members might not immediately see. BalletXs main mission is to create new work, commissioning seven to nine new ballets each year. The windfall means she can consider hiring choreographers who were out of reach before.

 READ MORE: Stick a feather in your cap, BalletXs summer series is a wild, wonderful ride

Cox wants to revitalize BalletX Beyond, the film platform that grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a bid to widen the reach of the company, she and associate artistic director Tara Keating are compiling lists of dream tours.

In the next few months, BalletX is performing at the Harris Theater in Chicago, Washingtons Kennedy Center  where BalletX will be working with the Kennedy Center Symphony  and the Laguna Dance Festival in California.

Christine and Tara are very good at checking those bucket list items off for us, Schwarz said. Those are places that they danced or wanted to dance. Its been really nice to get to live out those dreams with them, because I think we all have very similar goals. He has danced with BalletX at Colorados Vail Dance Festival and in Victoria, British Columbia.

Cox has her sights on more international tours, but the companys home is most important, she said. She is always thinking, whats the impact that we have on Philadelphia?

How are we working with our community? How can we pop and intentionally go into our neighborhoods and inspire dance?

Schwarz agrees.

We want to reflect the city that we call home, because the art is for Philadelphians.

BalletX fall series, Nov. 13-17, Suzanne Roberts Theatre. $25-$70. 215-225-5389 x250 or boxoffice@balletx.org
Students from Coatesville Area Senior High School were fired at on Oct. 10 by a group of four men, according to police. The shooting allegedly stemmed from an ongoing feud among students at the school. Read more

Two men have been charged with attempted murder and related crimes in the shooting of a school bus in Coatesville last month.

Gabriel Johnson, 17, was one of two gunmen who fired eight shots at a bus carrying Coatesville Area Senior High School students on Oct. 10, according to the Chester County District Attorneys Office. Jose Medina, 20, who was seen with Johnson at the time but is not alleged to have fired at the bus, was also charged.

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Johnson remained in custody in lieu of $1 million bail. Medina is also in custody, awaiting his arraignment, scheduled for Tuesday morning. It was unclear if either had hired an attorney.

The bus was struck by gunfire as it was dropping off students at the intersection of Hope Avenue and Charles Street. Authorities have said the shooting was targeted and stemmed from a feud among students.

A Coatesville Area Senior High School student, Jaki White-Marshall, 18, was arrested days after the shooting, and prosecutors said they are still looking for a fourth person, who shot at the bus alongside Johnson.

White-Marshall is awaiting a preliminary hearing in the case. His attorney, Vincent Caputo, has said White-Marshall was a bystander who was not involved in the shooting.

A spokesperson for the Coatesville Area School District said Monday that Johnson is also a student at the high school. Medina is a graduate of the school.

On the day of the incident, gunfire rang out at about 2:30 p.m., shattering the bus windshield and causing its driver and 27 students onboard to dive for cover, according to an affidavit of probable cause for White-Marshalls arrest.

As the bus was stopped to drop off some students, Medina, White-Marshall, Johnson and a fourth person were seen walking toward the intersection of Hope Avenue and Madison Street, prosecutors said. Johnson and the unidentified gunman opened fire at the bus. The group then ran down nearby Lemon Street, got into a parked Kia Optima and fled.

Investigators said they were able to trace the vehicle to White-Marshalls grandmother. The car had been involved in a police pursuit in August, during which White-Marshall was driving and Medina was riding in the passenger seat, according to court records.

In an interview, White-Marshalls grandmother said he had borrowed her car hours before the shooting and was supposed to drop it off at his mothers house, the affidavit said.

White-Marshalls mother later told police that her son drove the group to the location of the shooting, but said her son did not fire at the bus, according to the affidavit. He was only there, she said, to take part in a fistfight with other students. She declined to identify the other people who were there with her son.

That planned fight, investigators said, was the culmination of a simmering feud among students at the school.

The mother of two boys who attend Coatesville Area Senior High School told police her sons had been attacked by four men in ski masks at that same bus stop on Oct. 8, two days before the shooting, according to the affidavit. And on Oct. 10, she said one of her sons got into another fight at the school and was sent home early. Her other son rode the bus home, and was fired at by the group of four men as he stepped off the bus, the affidavit said.

When investigators searched White-Marshalls home, they found a ski mask and black clothing matching the description of the clothing worn by those in the group that attacked the bus, according to the affidavit.

Since the shooting in October, the Coatesville Area School District has been using security scanners at the entrance to the high school, the district spokesperson said.

In a letter sent to parents Monday, Assistant Superintendent Anthony P. Rybarczyk said district officials are cooperating with the investigation into the shooting, which is ongoing.

Its important to remember that that while incidents like the bus incident are extremely serious and traumatic, they are not representative of the vast majority of our students or our school community, he said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Chester County District Attorneys Office at 610-344-6866 or the Coatesville City Police Department at 610-384-2300.
Police on the 5400 block of Chancellor Street in Philadelphia on Sunday, November 10, 2024. An interaction with a man there may have resulted in a carjacking and police involved shooting. Read more

Police fatally shot and killed a 47-year-old man a little after responding to a disturbance call at a home in West Philadelphia Sunday evening and then pursuing the man after he, while armed, carjacked a pickup truck, Deputy Commissioner Frank J. Vanore Jr. said.

A woman, believed to be the mans girlfriend, called 911 for help around 6 p.m. and reported that the man had fired a shot inside a house in the 5400 block of Chancellor Street. He then ran outside, ordered another man to get out of his pickup truck and drove off, Vanore said. An 18th District officer confronted the suspect as he was taking the truck and fired his weapon at him at least once, the deputy commissioner said. Vanore did not say what prompted the officer to fire at the man.

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After a pursuit involving a sergeant and another officer, the suspect jumped out of the pickup in a lot at 52nd and Woodland Streets, carrying a firearm, police said. The officers confronted him and tried to arrest him, and shots were fired, Vanore said.

He was hit by gunfire. Were not sure if he was hit on Chancellor and here, or was hit at one of the two locations, Vanore said during a news conference from 52nd and Woodland, where the pickup had stopped.

The man, who was not identified, was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m., Vanore said.

Theres a lot of work to do  its going to take some time to put this all together, he said at the 8 p.m. news conference. Detectives were interviewing witnesses and looking for surveillance camera footage, and the investigation was in its very early stages, Vanore said.
Pig & Khao, a pork-centric restaurant with Thai and Filipino influences from New Yorks Lower East Side, will open a branch at the former site of Martha in Kensington, which closed over the weekend after 10 years.

The food  such as sizzling sisig, isaan steak, and khao soi noodles  drinks, and high-energy atmosphere are expected to carry over to Martha Street, where Pig & Khao expects to open by next summer.

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A Philadelphia Pig & Khao location has been in the works for eight or nine years, said Ben Byruch, a native of Cheltenham, who runs Pig & Khao with his wife, Top Chef alumna Leah Cohen, who grew up in the New York suburbs.

Cohen said she fell in love with Philadelphia when she and Byruch started dating in 2012, shortly after she opened the restaurant and he signed on as sous chef for what he thought would be six months. They have since opened a bar-restaurant called Piggyback and have a second Pig & Khao location teed up to open in December on New Yorks Upper West Side.

If I were to ever open another restaurant in a different state, I would want it to be in Philly, not just because Ben has a connection, but because its such a great food city, Cohen said.

At the time, Byruch said, Philadelphia felt smaller. Now, with development spreading beyond Center City, the city is so much bigger than it ever was. We never found the right fit before. This new scale is attractive to people from other places, which explains the out-of-town groups flocking to Philadelphia.

Cohen and Byruch had been scouring Fishtown before finding the space on Martha Street, across from the new Picnic. I dont know that we were necessarily looking for Kensington, but we fell in love with the Martha space, Byruch said. (Martha and its property are owned by a partnership, which is leasing the space. Jacob Cooper of MSC handled the transaction.)

Byruch, 42, a culinary graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia, worked at such Philadelphia restaurants as Pod, Union Trust steakhouse, and Trust. In 2008, he opened a South Street restaurant called Sonam that served global small plates such as roast pork egg rolls and a cheesesteak terrine; it got a decent review from Craig LaBan . (Byruch, then 25, also was included in the Philadelphia Daily News Sexy Singles feature.)

Cohen, 43, is the daughter of dentists Bill Cohen, raised in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and Nancy Oro-Cohen, who grew up in the Philippines. After attending the Culinary Institute of America, she worked at Park Avenue Cafe and Eleven Madison Park, as well as Ristorante La Madia in Sicily. In 2008, she competed on Season 5 of Top Chef (mild scandal  she was caught canoodling with eventual winner Hosea Rosenberg).

Childhood visits to the Philippines did not initially inform Cohens cooking. I never really thought, when I was going to culinary school or started my culinary profession, that I could cook food like I do today, she said. I thought anyone who is successful has to do French or Italian  what people are used to. After I went on Top Chef, I just wanted to be out of the spotlight. It was something that I was not used to  people recognizing me on the street and having people write articles about me.

The upside: I think Top Chef taught me I really had no food voice and I really wanted to find it, she said.

Cohen headed to Southeast Asia for a year to get away and cook. She came back wanting to open a Thai restaurant because she loves the cuisine, but then I quickly realized that all the ingredients in Southeast Asia are crossover and there was a great opportunity to bring everything I learned on my trip to a restaurant.

In 2012, she opened Pig & Khao (khao soi being a Thai curry). I didnt necessarily want it to be any specific Asian cuisine because I really wanted to not pigeonhole myself to just doing Thai or just Filipino, she said. The restaurant got two stars from the New York Times.

During the pandemic, Cohen and Byruch took on outside investors  a hospitality group called Apres Cru , which also supports chefs Marc Forgione, Jeff Bell, and Ludo Lefebvre. They provide a lot of operational structure and great tools that have helped us grow, Byruch said.

The Philadelphia location will be a continued evolution of Pig & Khao, said Byruch, who oversees the front of the house, restaurant design, and operations. He said the design will be reminiscent of the original restaurant.

In terms of look and feel, you never pull the same trick twice, he said.
The sign for Old Original Bookbinder's hanging outside the Olde Bar at Second and Walnut Streets, as seen in 2023. Read more

The Olde Bar  the oyster house that onetime Iron Chef Jose Garces founded nearly 10 years ago on the former site of Philadelphias historic Old Original Bookbinders in Old City  has closed as an a la carte bar and restaurant.

A spokesperson told The Inquirer that the vast space at Second and Walnut Streets would continue to serve as an event venue and commissary  major parts of its business since the pandemic. Saturday was the last night of regular restaurant service. Employees at the Olde Bar have been offered other jobs within other restaurants, including Garces Events, Village Whiskey, and two Amada locations, the spokesperson said, adding that the decision was part of a larger strategic plan for the restaurant group.

Over the summer, the Garces-founded Village Whiskey and the three Amada locations  operated by Ideation Hospitality  were acquired by SPB Hospitality, a national company whose brands include J. Alexander, which has a location in in King of Prussia. Garces continues to serve as the face of the restaurants he created.

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Ideation is a subsidiary of Ballard Brands, which, with investor David Maser, bought the Garces Group for $8 million in 2018 after the companys bankruptcy filing. Garces had blamed his companys financial problems on the impact of the 2014 closing of the Revel casino in Atlantic City, which housed four successful Garces restaurants, including an Amada. Revel is now Ocean Casino Resort, and Amada has reopened.

Amadas Old City location, which opened in 2005 at 217-219 Chestnut St., was Garces ownership debut.

Garces, born in Chicago to Ecuadorian immigrant parents, came to Philadelphia by way of New York City, where he was working with chef Douglas Rodriguez when Stephen Starr set them up to run Alma de Cuba near Rittenhouse Square. Garces was chef at both Alma de Cuba and El Vez, Starrs Mexican restaurant in Washington Square West, until he left to open Amada.

 READ MORE: From the archives: The Bookbinder family feud

Old Original Bookbinders, which opened in 1898 as an oyster house and for decades was arguably Philadelphias best-known restaurant, closed in bankruptcy in early 2009. Garces revived Bookies six years later as The Olde Bar, keeping some of the touches and old-time vibe, including the Presidents Room and distinctive Bookbinders sign on the corner of the facade. Few names are as synonymous with Philadelphia restaurant history as Old Original Bookbinders, The Inquirers Craig LaBan wrote in his generous opening review. Few names are as synonymous with Philadelphias restaurant present as Jose Garces.

Bookbinders was actually two touristy seafood restaurants with a longstanding rivalry that stemmed from a family falling-out. Samuel Bookbinder opened Old Original Bookbinders in 1898. The second Bookbinders  Bookbinders Sea Food House  opened in 1935 on the 15th Street near Locust. It closed in 2004 and is now Vinyl.
KYIV, Ukraine  A massive drone strike rattled Moscow and its suburbs overnight into Sunday, injuring several people and temporarily halting traffic at some of Russias busiest airports, officials reported. Meanwhile, a huge nighttime wave of Russian drones targeted Ukraine.

This came after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a pact with North Korea Saturday night, obliging the two countries to provide immediate military aid using all means if either is attacked. The agreement marks the strongest link between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War.

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Earlier this week, Ukraine reported that its troops engaged for the first time with North Korean units. U.S. officials earlier confirmed the deployment of at least 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia, while Kyiv has repeatedly said the number is far higher. This has fueled concerns of a marked escalation in Moscows war on Ukraine, and tensions spilling over into the Asia-Pacific.

U.K. estimates Russian troop losses at 700,000

Both Moscow and Kyiv have kept a tight lid on casualty figures since the start of the full-scale war despite regular reports of Russian forces taking huge losses following human wave attacks that aim to exhaust Ukrainian defenses.

However, the chief of the U.K. defense staff, Tony Radakin, told the BBC that Russian forces had suffered their worst month of casualties in October since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He said Moscows troops suffered an average of 1,500 dead and wounded per day, bringing their total losses in the war to 700,000.

According to Radakin, ordinary Russians were paying an extraordinary price for the war, even as a grueling, monthslong Russian offensive in Ukraines industrial east continues to eke out gains. He did not say how U.K. officials had calculated the Russian casualty figures.

There is no doubt that Russia is making tactical, territorial gains and that is putting pressure on Ukraine, he said. But he added that they were tiny increments of land, and Moscows mounting defense and security spending was putting an increasing strain on the country.

Radakin insisted that Ukraines Western partners should stand by it for as long as it takes to beat back Russian aggression, even as allies of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have signaled that Kyiv may have to cede territory to seek peace.

Russia is cautiously optimistic about Donald Trumps forthcoming presidency

On Sunday, the Kremlins official spokesman voiced cautious optimism about Trumps upcoming presidency, saying: At least he talks about peace.  He does not talk about confrontation.

The signals are positive. Trump, during his election campaign, said that he perceives everything through deals, that he can make deals that will lead everyone toward peace, Dmitry Peskov told reporters at a briefing.

He does not talk about a desire to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, and this favorably distinguishes him from the current (U.S.) administration, Peskov said.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday insisted that strong decisions from Kyivs Western partners are needed to stop the terror of Russian drone and missile strikes, and secure reliable peace for Ukraine.

The killing of children, the loss of family members cannot simply be forgotten, Zelensky said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

Without strong decisions, there is no security from terror, and this is equally clear in every country. There is no reliable peace without justice, he said.

Continuing fighting causes damage and casualties on both sides

Fierce fighting has continued near the eastern Ukrainian cities of Toretsk and Kurakhove, Ukraines General Staff reported Sunday. Between 700 and 1,000 residents remain in Kurakhove, a frontline city surrounded on three sides and battered into ruin. Most of them live underground with no running water, heating or electricity.

Meanwhile, Russias Defense Ministry said a total of 84 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight in Russian territory, following what it called a mass strike on civilian infrastructure. A man died under rubble after drones struck his apartment block in Russias Belgorod region, just kilometers from the Ukrainian border, local Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov reported.

Five other people were injured in the Moscow suburb of Ramenskoe and a nearby village, according to local officials. Russian channels on the messaging app Telegram carried eyewitness reports of drone debris setting fire to suburban homes.

Russias aviation authority said flights were briefly grounded at major international airports including Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo. At least 14 flights bound for Moscow were rerouted to Nizhnyi Novgorod, a city over 490 kilometers (300 miles) east, airport representatives there reported.

Ukraines General Staff claimed on Sunday that Ukrainian drones caused a fire at an arms depot in Russias southern Bryansk region, near Ukraine and Belarus. The online update featured a photo showing thick plumes of reddish smoke rising into the night sky. The AP could not verify the circumstances in which it was taken, and there was no immediate comment from Russia.

Separately, Russias emergencies ministry on Sunday said that a major fire broke out at a warehouse outside of Moscow. There were no immediate reports of casualties, and it was not clear whether the blaze was linked to the Ukrainian drone strikes.

Russia overnight launched a record 145 drones at Ukrainian territory, according to Ukraines air force, 62 of which were shot down. A further 67 were lost, the air force said, a likely reference to electronic jamming that caused the drones to veer off course.

At least one person was injured as Russian drones struck residential areas in Ukraines southern port of Odesa, local Gov. Oleh Kiper reported. And at least five civilians, including a 17-year-old girl and 10-year-old boy, were injured by falling drone debris and shelling in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region Sunday, its Gov. Oleh Syniehubov and local prosecutors said.

Russia later on Sunday said that it had struck a large deployment of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kharkiv province with thermobaric rockets, but didnt immediately provide evidence.
A scene from the 350-acre Shotgun Fire that began Nov. 6 in Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area in the area of Stump Tavern Road in Jackson Township, Ocean County, near a gun range. Richard Shashaty, 37, of Brick Township, was charged with arson and firearms violations after allegedly firing prohibited Dragon's Breath shotgun ammunition that officials say ignited the fire. Read more

Thousands of New Jersey firefighters have had a rough few weeks, fighting multiple simultaneous wildfires across the state that left one dead.

Sunday nights rain, however, helped dampen flames and smoke from the three fires that had been burning in South Jersey. Though the New Jersey Forest Fire Service was the primary firefighting agency, it has brought in fire companies from throughout the region to help with wildfires that started burning in October, which marked the driest month in the states history.

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As of Monday, the three major fires in South Jersey were controlled, and an arrest was made in one that authorities say began at gun range where a man was firing Dragons Breath shotgun shells, which are designed to spread flames.

In North Jersey, emergency crews are mourning the loss 18-year-old Dariel Vasques, a New York State Forest ranger helping battle the 3,000-acre Jennings Creek Wildfire burning in both Passaic County, New Jersey, and Orange County, New York. Sundays rain helped give rest to crews that had been working nonstop to contain the fire.

Heres the status of the South Jersey fires that began burning last week, all of which began amid an extreme drought in the state.

Shotgun Wildfire

Crews have made substantial progress fighting what the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has dubbed the Shotgun Wildfire, with 90% contained as of Friday. Officials have not updated the status of the fire as of Monday morning.

But it tore through 350 acres in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area in the area of Stump Tavern Road in Jackson Township, Ocean County, not far from Six Flags Great Adventure. The fire began Nov. 6., burned 350 acres, and caused evacuations.

On Sunday, authorities arrested Richard Shashaty, 37, of Brick Township, and charged him with arson and firearms violations after allegedly firing prohibited Dragons Breath shotgun ammunition. He was using the ammo while at the Central Jersey Rifle Range, where authorities say the fire ignited.

 READ MORE: Man charged with arson in the Shotgun wildfire near Six Flags Great Adventure

Shashaty turned himself in at the Jackson Township Police Department headquarters over the weekend, accompanied by his attorney, officials said. He was transferred to the Ocean County Jail, where he awaits a detention hearing.

What is Dragons Breath?

According to authorities, Shashaty was firing rounds of Dragons Breath 12-gauge from a shotgun, emitting magnesium shards that ignited combustibles on the berm of the shooting range.

The firing of incendiary or tracer ammunition is prohibited in New Jersey. Officials said Shashaty was responsible for firing the ammunition. The ammo is designed to produce a pyrotechnic effect.

For example, Phoenix Rising advertises its Super Dragon Dragons Breath 12-gauge rounds, saying they have an incredible range of 200 plus yards and a burn rate of over 5,000 degrees. It is the highest quality and most effective round of its type made. While it is extremely fun to shoot, it is also an effective deterrent.

The company notes that the Dragons Breath rounds became much more popular after the release of John Wick: Chapter 4, part of the popular hyper-violent eponymous series. The Dragons Breath scene has been analyzed by various aficionados. New York magazines culture website, Vulture, for example, wrote a lengthy breakdown of the Dragons Breath scene, and many have posted clips of it across social media.

The rounds became so popular, they had to be back-ordered.

Pheasant Run Wildfire

The wildfire that broke out in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Gloucester County, and first spotted from the Blue Anchor Fire Tower on Nov. 7, burned through 133 acres, and was 75% contained as of Friday, the last update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Firefighters remained on the scene for days, and the blaze produced significant amounts of smoke that could be seen and smelled for days.

No more updates are expected, as officials considered the fire no longer a threat.

Bethany Run Wildfire

As of Friday, crews had contained 90% of the a 360-acre wildfire that broke out on the border of Burlington and Camden Counties on Nov. 7, where it was originally spotted from the Medford Fire Tower. The fire burned near the popular Black Run Preserve in Evesham and smoke could be seen in Philadelphia. It caused the evacuation of 12 homes. However, residents were later allowed to return home.

Did Sunday nights rain help drought conditions?

Though it rained overnight Sunday into Monday, a persistent drought still affects the Philadelphia region. Officially, 0.31 inches was measured at Philadelphia International Airport, and was not close to putting a dent into the deficit, though it did improve fire conditions.

The drought has been acute in South Jersey, where some counties were suffering from 10-inch rain deficits the past 90 days  prior to the rain. The state issued a ban on open fires in October and has asked residents to voluntary conserve water. There is no rain in the forecast for the next week.
Korean War veteran and POW Joseph J. Daly (right) at a family christening in 1957 for his godson. His niece, Marianne Bustin, is on a quest for Daly's sacrifice to be remembered. Read more

Marianne Bustin only has snippets of hazy but golden memories about her uncle, a man the family called Uncle Sarge.

They are the memories told from the perspective of a young girl: She remembers he always wore his Army uniform when he came to their home for a visit. He was kind and nice. He would sing her Army songs.

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Although my uncle remained in the Army and away from Philly, he came home frequently, and he and I spent lots of time together, Bustin said. Those occasions had such an influence that Bustin joined the Navy, and, as it was for her uncle, it became a career.

But as with so many veterans of the Korean War, a conflict that has been called Americas forgotten war, Master Sgt. Joseph J. Dalys sacrifice is fading from memory.

And that is what Bustin, now a veteran herself, is working hard to prevent.

Prisoner of war

In July 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, and the United States found itself in another war. Daly, the oldest son of six children, grew up around Connie Mack Stadium near 22nd Street and Lehigh Avenue. He joined the Army in 1947, right out of high school, and was captured by the enemy in December 1950.

He spent almost the entire war in captivity at Pyok-Dong, a POW camp on the Yalu River, according to the National Archives. Daly rarely talked about his time in captivity. Some family members recalled his stories of being severely tortured, with his fingernails pulled out.

I have an aunt who said he spoke about it infrequently but eloquently. You know, without anger, said Bustin. POW accounts revealed the conditions at the camps were horrid, the treatment brutal, and the cold unbearable. Soldiers suffered from starvation, frostbite, dysentery, jaundice, and mental collapse. Almost 40% of captives died.

Returning home

The family suffered for three years not knowing whether he was alive or dead. Only a Christmas card, arriving six months past the holiday, gave them a glimmer of hope that he was still alive.

My mom said they cried and cried, and they said at least he was alive then, said Bustin, who was unsure of the year.

More than 5 million soldiers and civilians would die during the conflict, including more than 600 from the Philadelphia five-county region, a fourth of Pennsylvanias war deaths. Pfc. Stanley A. Gogoj, a Port Richmond man, was the first Philadelphian to die in Korea.

In August 1953, one month after the Korean War ended, Dalys whole family sat around the radio listening as the announcer read off the list of names of the POWs making their way home. Dalys name was among the last, but the long-awaited news was delightful. He was alive and coming home.

Upon his release and return home, the new Kensington neighbors had a block party, and The Philadelphia Inquirer did a story. Some of my uncles Army buddies came to welcome him home, and this is where my mom met my dad, Bustin said. Her father was one of Dalys Army pals, and her mom was Dalys sister. Bustin was born 11 years later, in 1964.

Forgotten war, forgotten veterans

She knows Daly continued working in the Army and spent the rest of his life in Germany, where he met and married a woman named Freida. Research showed that two years after repatriation, Korean POWs had a 40% greater death rate than expected from U.S. rates. And the death rate remained significantly higher for 14 years after their release as they still faced ill health that worsened as they aged.

Daly died at age 44 in 1973  20 years after being released. My brother recalled that every time he saw our uncle, he would be more gaunt, more physically unwell. He always thought thats how being a POW took its toll. I dont recall that. I was just so glad to see him, said Bustin.

Bustin, who was in grade school when Daly died, has been on a long quest to get to know her uncle.

I am looking for information on my Uncle  Joseph J Daly, who was a SGT in the 9th Infantry and held as a POW from 01 Dec 1950-30 Aug 1953. He never spoke to us about that time and has since passed away. I would love to connect some dots with regard to his time served. Thank you, Bustin wrote to the Korean War Project 20 years ago, one of thousands of people looking for any shred of information about their relatives Korean War service.

A woman called me and told me her husband had served with my uncle, and she wanted to reach out, said Bustin. But the husband was also dead.

She wishes America would remember how Daly went from being an ordinary guy from Swampoodle to a Bronze Star Medal recipient, the Armys award for meritorious service or heroic achievement in a combat zone.

She recently applied for and received the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal on behalf of her uncle, a show of appreciation from the Korean government.

I wanted so badly to have his sacrifices recognized in some way, and then one day in the mail came just a small congratulatory letter and the medal, Bustin said. As I stood there alone with it, a tear rolled down my face. No pomp, no circumstance. It felt less than he deserved.

By 2030, government estimates are that of the 1.6 million who served in the conflict, only 138,308 Korean War veterans will be alive. And as they die, so do many of the stories of their sacrifices.

He is a Bronze Star recipient who gave so much to our country, Bustin said. He suffered tremendously, both physically and mentally, and he is entitled to so much more.
Former President Donald Trump campaigns at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College in October. Read more

In the final days leading up to the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris campaign went hard at the argument that former President Donald Trump would rule like a dictator.

Harris pointed to remarks Trumps former chief of staff made about him fitting the definition of fascism, and it became a focal point for the party that had made protecting democracy a cornerstone of its platform since President Joe Bidens 2020 campaign.

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For Rocco Vernacchio, a registered Democrat from South Philly, the rhetoric was troubling, but the economic picture was worse.

I feel somebody should put a sock in Trumps mouth, Vernacchio said after voting for him last week.

Like many voters, Vernacchio was able to dismiss Trumps often violent and antidemocratic comments because he liked what Trump was promising, and he felt heard on his No. 1 issue.

Political analysts and voters in their own words explained why Democrats fascist warnings failed: The electorate was more concerned with the economy than with democracy. They heard Trump say incendiary things for eight years, and found his at-times folksy demeanor at odds with the idea he could rule like a dictator.

Voters also appeared to have short memories, and even the vivid imagery of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol at the end of Trumps last term was diluted for a lot of people who were more focused on their weekly bills.

People likely reasoned that Trump was president and he didnt rule in that way, so the threat wasnt as immediate as higher prices, Democratic strategist J.J. Balaban said.

Fear of fascism may be a luxury for people who are financially comfortable.

We cant afford eggs

Working-class voters were at the core of Harris loss and Trumps victory, and the failed fascism argument also reflects how Democrats struggled to answer for peoples economic woes, several strategists said.

When voters said, We cant afford eggs, the response was But the economys good and democracy, said Alison Dagnes, a political science professor at Shippensburg University in Cumberland County.

Its that tone-deafness that makes people feel very unheard and unvalued.

In retrospect, the Democratic messaging likely came off condescending to some voters, said Mike Mikus, a Democratic strategist from Western Pennsylvania. Even if there were signs the economic outlook was strong, people werent feeling that yet, so telling them otherwise was a failed message. That might have rung particularly true in Pennsylvania, where post-pandemic economic recovery lagged behind other parts of the country.

As a party, we tend to shame people for not immediately agreeing with us, Mikus said. Sometimes even when they do agree with us, the way we become so preachy, we drive people who may agree away.

 READ MORE: Pa. Democrats on what went wrong against Donald Trump and whats next

And in politically divided times, its easy to point the finger back. James Pizzo, a South Philly Trump supporter, was never concerned about the increasingly violent and authoritarian rhetoric. He was more worried about what Democrats were saying about Republicans.

What about the Democratic Party? Pizzo said after voting at the East Passyunk Community Center in South Philadelphia. What about what they call us? Im not garbage. Im not fascist. Im not Hitler!

It was a sentiment shared by many of the Trump voters at the polling station at 10th and Mifflin Streets on Tuesday.

Anthony Cram, 66, said he voted for Trump because the world is on fire.

His wife, Shannon, added: And drowning, too.

Trump won Pennsylvania by the widest margin since Ronald Reagan and kept Harris to the lowest Democratic margin in Philadelphia in two decades. He gained all over the state, including in working-class communities from Allentown to Johnstown.

 READ MORE: Donald Trump won Pa. with more votes than any statewide Republican candidate in history. Heres how he did it.

It smells like something familiar

Some voters have become desensitized to the outlandishness of Trump. The former real estate mogul-turned-MAGA leader has been on the political scene since 2015, and as the nation has gotten accustomed to him, provoking outrage or even fear from his commentary has become harder.

Thats not to say he hasnt said or done some substantially troubling things. He tried to overturn the 2020 election and a base of his supporters stormed the Capitol in the Jan. 6 riot. He has said hell retaliate against his political enemies and implied those who do not support him are part of the enemy within the country. In the final days of his campaign, he joked about being fine with journalists getting shot at one of his Pennsylvania rallies.

And plenty of Harris voters at the polls on Tuesday were voting precisely because they took Trump literally.

Fabiana Galper, 61, lives in Mount Airy but was born and raised in Argentina.

I know what it is to live without democracy. I was there for the Dirty War, the coups, the lack of rights, dictatorships, said Galper, who moved to the United States in 1991. I see the signs. I recognize it. It smells like something familiar.

Carolyn Horton, a 73-year-old Democrat who voted for Harris in Montgomery County, also said she thought the future of democracy was at stake.

Trump is heading toward wanting to be a dictator, said the retired manager at Bell Atlantic, now Verizon.

But that fear, strong as it was for Harris supporters, wasnt widespread enough to carry her to victory. Voters overwhelmingly supported Trump, indicating they didnt see him as a real threat the way Harris campaign aimed to portray him.

 READ MORE: Kamala Harris needed to outperform Joe Bidens successes in Phillys suburbs to win Pa. She did worse.

Chris Gregas, a hospice chaplain who lives in Pleasantville, N.J.  a typically solid-blue state that Trump lost by only four points  said last week that he didnt think Trump would rule in an authoritarian way.

I think Trumps personality lends itself to people thinking hes going to be a dictator, Gregas said. I do think hes a strong leader, and I do think those who have been detrimental to this country, hes going to come after some of them  and rightfully so. I dont think hes going after the moderate person, the average person.

Theres also been an overuse of the word fascism, said Dagnes, the Shippensburg political science professor. She remembers friends using it to describe the retrospectively moderate former President George W. Bush.

And its a word that doesnt carry that much meaning with a large portion of the electorate.

The American public has heard for so long that Donald Trump is a threat to democracy that its like when you put a Post-it on your desk and youre like, I have to remember this, but your eye glazes over it, Dagnes said. Weve been overwhelmed by Trump content, so when he is literally fellating a microphone, people are like, shrug.

At rallies over the last year in Pennsylvania, a lot of Trump supporters said they take him seriously  but not literally. The campaign helped soften his image by putting him in roles where he looked nonthreatening, like working the fryer at a Bucks County McDonalds. Even his own gaffes, like dancing on stage for 30 minutes or struggling to open the door to a garbage truck, bolstered the view for a lot of voters that he was harmless. Voters can also look back on his first term and argue democracy didnt end then.

Its not hard to understand why voters reject the premise, Pennsylvania GOP consultant Brock McCleary said. The fair-minded voter looks at Trumps first term and concludes that hes either really bad at instituting fascism, or its just another empty moniker from Trumps powerful enemies.

In Scranton on Wednesday, Matt Wolfson, a 45-year-old former construction worker, looked around at poverty in the Rust Belt city and thought the nation needed a change in leadership.

Wolfson said he didnt love the dictatorial aspect of Trumps personality, but thought it could help keep the country out of wars and maybe bring peace to some other conflicts, including in Ukraine.

Hes good and bad. People say hes a dictator. I believe that. I consider him like Hitler, Wolfson said. But I voted for the man.

Staff writers Jenn Ladd, Sean Collins Walsh, Amy S. Rosenberg, and Mike Newall contributed to this article.
Republican Dave McCormick is greeted by his supporters during an October stop in North Philadelphia. The Associated Press called the Senate race for McCormick last week. Read more

From Tuesday to Thursday this week, incoming senators will be shown the ins and outs of their new jobs.

But despite Republican businessman Dave McCormick celebrating a shake-up victory for Senate in Pennsylvania, he hasnt been invited to the event.

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The Associated Press called the race for McCormick last week, but Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.) has not conceded the race and a recount remains possible given the close margin. As of Friday, more than 100,000 ballots had not yet been counted, but many of those could be rejected.

The ballots were primarily provisional ballots, which counties are in the process of determining whether they count, and those cast by overseas and military voters, which have until Tuesday to arrive at county election offices and be counted.

With over 100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race has not been decided, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in an email on Monday. As is custom, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted.

The counting of provisional votes occurs in every election whether it is close or not. But the process has earned extra attention in Pennsylvania this year because the race is close and Caseys campaign has continued to argue the remaining ballots could swing the race.

That outcome appears unlikely as the candidates were separated by more than 40,000 votes Monday morning.

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat leading the Senate race in Arizona, has also not been invited to orientation yet  though AP has not yet called that race, making the dynamic different from McCormicks presumed victory.

The Inquirer and other outlets rely on AP to call races, which has a long track record of accurately declaring winners in even the closest of elections. If our race callers cannot definitively say a candidate has won, we do not engage in speculation, AP says in its guide to its process.

On Thursday, McCormick spokesperson Elizabeth Gregory said that while votes continue to be counted, McCormick will win any way you slice it.

Schumers party lost control of the Senate as Republicans made gains in Congress and the White House last week. Republicans have spoken against his decision to exclude McCormick on social media.

Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican vying to be the next majority leader, pointed to APs call and said they did the same thing to me after I beat a Democrat in 2018. Scott, who faced a recount, participated in his partys leadership elections but did not attend attending the broader bipartisan orientation, according to his office.

McCormicks team pointed to a social media post from the businessman saying he looks forward to the orientation. Its possible that McCormick will attend Republican caucus events and not bipartisan activities.

Caseys campaign did not immediately comment Monday.

Staff writer Katie Bernard contributed to this article.
However, we're getting feedback from brokers that one of the things that still sets us apart is our willingness to deploy capital across multiple product lines for a particular client and that's been landing really well with the broker community, he said.
Testifying in his own defence, Rebelo stated he was present at his mothers Bicton home on the morning of her death, spending approximately 50 minutes, there but claimed to know nothing about the circumstances leading to her passing. Colleen Rebelos cause of death has not been determined.
While Pena Verde and Patria Re have an established position in the Mexican and broader Latin American markets, Patria US's business profile is described as "limited" due to its defined role within the group. It benefits from the groups ERM framework and expertise from shared management, with AM Best considering the ERM structure "appropriate" for the companys risk profile, further supported by Pena Verdes administrative resources.
As a result of this transaction, our estimated combined RBC ratio as of the end of the third quarter increased to between 400% and 420%, which is within our target range of 400% to 450% in normal market conditions, Steigerwalt said.
In the first nine months of the year, Hannover Re continued to chart its successful course. Thanks to the adequate pricing level in property and casualty reinsurance, we are able to achieve a satisfactory level of earnings that puts us in a position to offer reliable reinsurance protection going forward, as we have in the past, CEO Jean-Jacques Henchoz (pictured above) said.
As conditions in the PI market shift, we are fortunate to have a wealth of diverse experience on board to action our growth strategy and continue to provide the best possible service and advice to our clients, Jackson said.
These justifiable refusals are largely limited to cases involving individuals convicted of insurance fraud, theft, and certain driving violations, as well as vehicles with salvage titles or high-theft risk vehicles lacking sufficient anti-theft protections. According to the complaint, none of these exceptions apply to members of the proposed class, which could include hundreds of drivers.
Since we acquired First Connect in 2020, it has become the premier platform for connecting independent agents with third-party carriers. As Hippo focuses more and more on its core business, we felt this was the ideal time for First Connect to chart its own path. We are excited to remain a customer, partner, and minority shareholder as First Connect continues leveling the playing field for independent agents, McCathron said.
In his role, Zimmerman will oversee New Jerseys insurance market as well as the states health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey. He is also responsible for the states banking and real estate sectors, according to a statement from the insurance department.
The incident affected 36 customer accounts, including four in Massachusetts, triggering the notification requirement there. Symetra confirmed in a report from AM Best that those customers have been notified, their accounts secured, and that "Symetra's internal systems were not breached as a part of this incident."
A 21-acre high-quality parcel of land is new to the market in a much-coveted part of the Cork coastline just south of the village of Timoleague.

The property in question is in the townland of Currahevern, adjacent to the village of Barryroe and to its co-operative. This zone is renowned for its high-quality lands, depth of soil and proximity to important market towns and Cork city itself; an area dominated by a very strong dairying sector.
As Cop29 gets under way in Azerbaijan, here are answers to some of the key questions about the climate conference.

 What is Cop29?

Cop29 is the 29th Conference of Parties. It is the latest set of UN climate negotiations, which take place every year.

Governments, business leaders, scientists and campaigners will gather this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, for two weeks of talks from November 11-22.

The meeting kicks off against a backdrop of deadly weather events, extreme conditions and record temperatures in recent months.

These include the floods in Valencia and Hurricane Helene that hit parts of the US in October  both of which scientific analysis showed were made more frequent and more intense by rising temperatures.

And this year is on course to break temperature records once again.

 What will be discussed?

Banners are displayed outside the Baku Olympic Stadium, the venue for the COP29 U.N. Climate Summit, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Dubbed the finance Cop, one of the central issues at the conference will be agreeing new commitments on finance for poor countries to cope with climate change impacts and green their economies.

Wealthier countries have previously pledged 100 billion US dollars a year in private and public finance to help poorer nations, but experts have warned that figure needs to rise to one trillion dollars a year by 2030.

Reaching a consensus on money will be difficult, with nations so far disagreeing on almost all elements of the goal, like the amount of money needed, which countries should contribute, the types of finance and what it should fund.

But without a successful agreement on funding, the world will not be able to meet the scale of the challenge posed by climate change.

The talks will also focus again on boosting efforts to cut emissions amid increasingly dire warnings over the planets future.

During the summit, many countries are expected to publish their new national action plans to cut emissions  known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs)  including the UK.

These outline how each nation plans to help meet the goals of the 2015 global Paris Agreement, which aims to prevent the worst impacts of warming.

The latest NDCs, which will cover 2025 to 2035, are due ahead of Cop20 in Brazil next December.

So the spotlight will be on the level of ambition seen in these NDCs, including how they incorporate last years landmark deal to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems  agreed at Cop28 in Dubai.In recent months, some oil rich-nations have sought to pushback and frustrate progress to deliver on this agreement.

So the world will also be watching how Azerbaijan, as the host country and an oil-rich nation itself, will handle discussions around fossil fuel phaseout discussions.

 How is the world doing on climate action and finance?

Vehicles drive near a sign for COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Since the Paris Agreement, where countries pledged to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, the world has seen some landmark agreements, the green transition has truly crossed the starting line and almost 200 countries have put forward plans to cut emissions.

Greenhouse gases continue to rise and reached record levels of concentration in the worlds atmosphere in 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said.

The UN has warned that existing policies are falling so far short and the world is on track for a catastrophic 3.1C of global warming.

In its annual report on the gap between the emissions cuts needed to limit global warming to 1.5C and what countries are doing and have pledged to do, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said the goal would soon be dead without a global mobilisation on a scale and pace never seen before.

UNEP also highlighted an enormous gap in financing for adapting to climate change with authors saying adequate financing for prevention is much cheaper than compensating for losses and damage.

 How Donald Trumps election win could affect global climate action?

World leaders will be grappling with the fallout of the US presidential election, which is returning Donald Trump to the White House in what analysts say is a trend of climate scepticism in elections this year.

The president-elect said he plans to roll back green incentives domestically and take America  the worlds second largest emitter after China  out of the Paris Agreement again.

While President Joe Bidens outgoing administration will be involved in the talks, Mr Trumps victory could nonetheless overshadow the negotiations and dampen ambition from other nations.
Housing was by far the most dominant issue of concern for students who spoke to the Irish Examiner ahead of the 2024 General Election.

As well as the challenges in securing accommodation now, these third level students also spoke of their aspirations to own their homes in the future.

Those planning to emigrate hoped to return to Ireland to settle down while others expressed concern about cost of living and the health service.
World leaders at Cop29 have been told that there is still hope for global cooperation to prevent a climate catastrophe.

The two-week event, organised by the United Nations (UN) was officially opened in Baku on Monday morning by the group's Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.

The main focus of Cop29 is to "finance the energy transition and adapt to climate change", with leaders set to agree a new climate finance target, or 'new collective quantified goal' (NCQG).

Under the Paris Agreement, this NCQG had to be agreed by 2025.

In his opening address to the event, attended by more than 100 heads of state and government, Mr Stiell said that if two thirds of the world's nations can't afford to cut emissions quickly, every nation will pay "a brutal price".

He said: "If nations cant build resilience into supply chains, the entire global economy will be brought to its knees. No country is immune."

Cop29 should "dispense with the idea that climate finance is charity", he said adding that the NCQG would be in the self-interest of every single nation - including the largest and wealthiest.

However, it was not enough to just agree on a goal, he said.

"We must work harder to reform the global financial system. Giving countries the fiscal space they so desperately need."

There have been debates for months on who should be contributing to the NCQG and how much they should be providing.

Fossil fuel lobbyists

Last week, there was criticism of the attendance at Cop29 of fossil fuel lobbyists  with the last three Cop events seeing substantial numbers in attendance when compared to some nations.

Mr Stiell made just one reference to fossil fuels in his opening remarks  pointing out that clean energy and infrastructure investment will hit 1.8 trillion in 2024, almost twice that of fossil fuels.

But he urged the gathered delegations not to leave Baku without "a substantial outcome".

"Appreciating the importance of this moment, Parties must act accordingly," he said. "Show determination and ingenuity here at Cop29  We need all parties to push for agreement right from the start  to stand and deliver.

"Now it is the time to show that global cooperation is not down for the count. So I urge you all, let us rise together."

On Monday morning, delegates were told by the Copernicus Climate Change (C3S) service that it is "virtually certain" 2024 will become the hottest year on record, surpassing the milestone set just last year.

Carlo Buontempo, C3S Director, noted that the "relentless increase in the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases" had played a key role in the warming.

He told reporters: "As world leaders gather at Cop29, we hope they can base their decisions on this strong observational evidence. Learning rapidly how to best use the insights coming from the huge amount of scientific data, information and knowledge we already have about climate change, is one of the key challenges of our times."

There has been heavy criticism of the choice of Azerbaijan as host of Cop29  the third consecutive year that the event has been held is what is seen as an 'oil state' after Cop28 in the UAE and Cop27 in Egypt.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) struck a slew of deals potentially worth more than 7bn in the time since Baku was confirmed as host of Cop29.
The arrest and searches relating to the murder of Jo Jo Dullard came just two days after the 29th anniversary of her disappearance, which was marked on Saturday with a remembrance ceremony in Kilkenny Castle.

Just last week, her hopeful sister Kathleen Bergin told the Irish Examiner that she would give a hug to anyone who came forward with information about her beloved Jo Jo, saying it would have been the greatest gift the family could receive.

On Monday, the family was being kept informed of developments in the case, including the arrest of a man in his 50s on Monday morning, searches of two private houses and a planned search operation on open ground at a location in Co Wicklow near the Wicklow/Kildare border.

The 21-year-old was last heard from when she made a phone call to her friend Mary Cullinan from a phone box in Moone, Co Kildare at 11.37pm on November 9, 1995. A plaque has been placed at the site by the family in memory of their sister, who was a native of Callan, Co Kilkenny.

The phone box where Jo Jo Dullard made a call before she went missing in the village of Moon in Co Kildare in 1995. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

At the time of the phone call, Jo Jo was on her way home from Dublin, where she had enjoyed socialising in Bruxelles Bar, Harry Street, Dublin 2. She had left home in Callan at 8.30am that morning and had hoped to get a bus back home to Kilkenny that night but missed it.

She instead took a bus to Naas, Co Kildare. Her intention was to then hitch a lift back home to Callan and managed to get a spin from Naas as far as the N9 at Kilcullen, Co Kildare, according to gardai.

She managed to get another lift to Moone, Co Kildare, at around 11.15pm, from where she made the last phone call to Mary Cullinan.

She cut the phone call short and told Mary that a car had stopped and she was going to take the lift. No further sighting was made of Jo Jo after that and she failed to make contact with home. Concerned about her, Kathleen made a report to gardai that she was missing and a missing persons case was launched.

A grave stone marking the last place where Jo Jo Dullard was before she went missing in the village of Moon in Co Kildare in 1995. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

However, the investigation into her disappearance was upgraded to murder in 2020, after the case was examined by An Garda Siochanas Serious Crime Review Team. The upgrading coincided with the 25th anniversary of her disappearance.

Her disappearance is one of a number of cases of missing women in the east of the country which remain unsolved and which were the basis for the establishment of the special garda Operation Trace.

The operation was set up to specifically examine the disappearances of six women in Leinster between 1993 and 1998. They included Deirdre Jacob who disappeared in Newbridge, Co Kildare in 1998, and Annie McCarrick in Wicklow in 1993. The investigations into both of those womens disappearances have also been upgraded to murder probes.

On Saturday, gardai said that the Dullard investigation had progressed and nearly 800 recommendations have been identified.

They highlighted that the young woman would have been carrying her Sanyo Stereo cassette Player (model MGP21) with her on the day she disappeared and appealed to anyone who had seen it after November 9, 1995 to come forward.

Gardai asked if anyone had received such a cassette player from a friend or person that could not tell you from where they received it.

Last week, Kathleen Bergin begged anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward and told the Irish Examiner: This is not about revenge  at this stage, 29 years later, all we want is to bring her back and lay her to rest alongside her mam and dad.

Jo Jo Dullard was last seen at approximately 11.37pm on 9 November 1995 when she left the village of Moone, Co Kildare.

"She deserves that now after all this time. It would be the best gift that somebody could give us.

"I know people are probably afraid to come forward but we are hoping and praying that they realise that we would just give them a hug if they came forward and helped us. Honestly, it would be the best present ever.

During covid, people couldnt hug their loved ones and were only able to do it when restrictions lifted. We cant hug Jo Jo ever again but at least if we had her resting place, if we knew where she was, we could go and lay flowers and take care of her resting place. At least we could do that for her.

A garda at the scene of a search operation at Grangecon near the Wicklow/Kildare border during the investigation of the disappearance and murder of Josephine "Jo Jo Dullard. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

On Saturday, Kathleen and other family members, supporters and friends gathered at the monument for the missing in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle, where prayers were said for Jo Jo by Fr Willie Purcell.

Jo Jo would have turned 50 in January of this year. At the time of her disappearance, both her parents were dead  her mother died in 1983 while her father had passed away before she was born.

She was the youngest of five siblings and her sister Mary Phelan became a familiar face in media appeals for information about her.

Today, just two of her siblings remain alive  her sisters Kathleen and Nora, and they await the outcome of the first significant developments in the 29-year search for answers.
A woman who was abused as a teenager by one of the worlds most prolific catfish abusers has described her anger that he used her photograph to lure other victims.

Alexander McCartney, from Newry in Northern Ireland, who drove one of his victims in the US to take her own life, was jailed for at least 20 years at a Belfast court last month.

McCartney, 26, who admitted 185 charges involving 70 children, posed as a teenage girl to befriend young females from across the globe on Snapchat and other platforms before blackmailing them.

Cimarron Thomas took her own life while being blackmailed by McCartney (PSNI/PA)

Cimarron Thomas, 12, from West Virginia in the US, took her own life in May 2018 rather than comply with McCartneys demands for her to involve her younger sister in sex acts.

McCartney is believed to be one of the worlds most prolific online offenders.

While he was jailed for the charges relating to 70 victims, it is believed that the number of children he abused is about 3,500.

A new BBC programme has heard from three of McCartneys victims.

Being catfished  its such like a light term for this situation. To me, being catfished  you are on a Tinder profile and your pictures look different to what you look like in real life  that is not this. It is a sex crime and it is horrible

Speaking anonymously, they have described the devastating impact of McCartneys actions.

One of his victims, Emily, from Oregon in the US, was 14 when she was abused by McCartney in 2018.

He then created online profiles using images of her to sexually abuse other young girls around the world.

She said it made her angry to know he had used her photo to target other girls.

She also said she hoped speaking out would help her to feel closure, wrapping up this chapter of my life.

I know his name. Ive learned a lot more about him and how he operated. I know he is behind bars, she said.

I was just confused and scared. I just felt like it wasnt going to end. Its like seven years later. I spoke out and talking about it definitely helps. I like who I am nowadays

There were some tears and hugs from both my parents, it felt good to have that support from them.

Violet, from Virginia Beach also in the US, was 12 when she was abused by McCartney in 2018.

Her concerns were reported to a police officer based in her school, prompting the involvement of the US Department of Homeland Security.

Being catfished  its such like a light term for this situation, she said.

To me, being catfished  you are on a Tinder profile and your pictures look different to what you look like in real life  that is not this. It is a sex crime and it is horrible. People have lost their lives over this. I reported him and he got caught.

She urged other victims to speak out, adding: Because you truly never know the magnitude of the situation you are dealing with.

Why (Cimarron had taken her own life) was the biggest question, why? The investigating people went to the school and talked to everybody and nobody had anything concrete to say. It just wasnt her to do it. That was the hardest part ...

Meanwhile, Ivy, from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, was 12 when she was abused by McCartney in late December 2017.

She told the programme: I was just confused and scared. I just felt like it wasnt going to end.

Its like seven years later. I spoke out and talking about it definitely helps. I like who I am nowadays.

Cimarron Thomass grandparents Peggy and Dale Thomas also spoke in the programme.

They said not understanding why she had taken her life had been the hardest part.

Why was the biggest question, why? The investigating people went to the school and talked to everybody and nobody had anything concrete to say. It just wasnt her to do it. That was the hardest part  not understanding why she would, Ms Thomas said.

She said hearing from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) about McCartneys involvement gave them the answers they had been wanting as to why she took her life.

The young girls father Ben took his own life 18 months after his daughters death, and did not learn what had happened.

(McCartney) was 20. How did he ever think that was normal? Its almost as if he is infatuated with ('Emily). This ('Emily') is the girl whose images he would then go on to use to send to all the other victims

Ms Thomas added: Ben just missed her, he just kind of withdrew, because he couldnt deal with all of it.

I cant say how he would have handled it. I think it would have given him a reason to know why. In his mind I think that would have helped him accept it maybe a little better  well never know that.

Detective Sergeant Neil McInnes, who led the investigation for the PSNI and uncovered the evidence from McCartneys devices, described the conversations between McCartney and his victims as horrible acts of manipulation.

He was 20. How did he ever think that was normal? Its almost as if he is infatuated with her, he said.

This (Emily) is the girl whose images he would then go on to use to send to all the other victims.

The series also looks at multi-agency international investigations and the events which led to McCartney being convicted.
How much indulgence must be given to the DPP? the solicitor for a member of the Defence Forces asked at Cork District Court on Monday in a case related to the alleged seizure of more than 25,000 of cocaine at Collins Barracks on Old Youghal Road in Cork.

Shane Scanlon of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, County Cork, was represented by solicitor Frank Buttimer who asked this question of the Director of Public Prosecutions when it emerged that directions were not available.

Sergeant John Kelleher confirmed that directions were not yet available. Judge Mary Dorgan noted that forensic analysis of the drugs had not yet been undertaken.

Mr Buttimer was critical of the delay particularly in light of bail conditions which had to be observed by the accused, including the surrender of his passport and travel documents and signing three times a week at Cobh garda station.

The solicitor asked for the case to be adjourned on a peremptory basis against the State whereby it would be struck out if there are no directions on the next occasion. Judge Dorgan adjourned the case on that basis until January 13, 2025.

Sergeant Kelleher said he was not objecting to the application to have the adjournment made peremptory against the State for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Drugs cases often require a lengthy adjournment to allow time for forensic analysis of the items seized and the delays in having this done.

34-year-old Shane Scanlon is charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, at Old Youghal Road in Cork for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another on March 27. He is also charged with having cocaine unlawfully in his possession for his own use at Old Youghal Road on March 27. Both charges are brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has doubled down on his criticism of teachers, saying that Arts Minister Catherine Martin would be "better off back in the classroom".

Mr O'Leary's original comments came at the election campaign launch of Enterprise Minister Peter Burke and led to Fine Gael looking to distance themselves from the businessman.

Speaking at the event, Mr O'Leary described the Dail as being "full of teachers".

"There is nothing wrong with teachers. I love teachers  I have four children  but I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done," he said at the event.

Mr O'Leary said it was "important that we have more accountants" in politics.

"We may lack personality  but we make up in action and energy what we lack in personality.

Speaking to Newstalk on Monday, Mr O'Leary did not back down saying he was making a serious point about the need for more diversity in the Dail.

This country is facing enormous challenges over the next decade, where the population is going to rise from five to six million people, Mr OLeary said.

Now we need lots of teachers delivering excellent education in the classroom, but a Dail where there is a striking surplus of teachers in the Dail is not necessarily one thats going to get things done.

I want to see more people enter the Dail from private enterprise, from the private sector, and thats the energy we need if were going to fix the infrastructure challenges we face, and if were going to provide housing and infrastructure for a population of six million people.

I think teachers do a great job in the classroom, but Im not sure that teachers in the Dail are necessarily the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

Mr O'Leary also hit out at the Green Party, saying: I think nobody should vote for the Greens because theyve been like weeds in our economy over the last five years, and they need to be weeded out.

He cited Green Party ministers Ms Martin and Roderic OGorman as two former teachers who have clearly failed in their roles.

Ill give you the example of Catherine Martin, for example, whos the Minister for Tourism. Shes been Minister for Tourism for five years, and what has she delivered? A (passenger) cap at Dublin Airport."

He said Ms Martin would "be far better off back in the classroom doing the valuable work that teachers do".

Mr O'Leary said the country needs "a better mix of professions" in the Dail "if we're going to deliver for our population that's rising rapidly over the next decade".

Asked about Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who was a former teacher, Mr O'Leary said there is an exception to every rule.

Mr O'Leary continued by saying that people should vote for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in the upcoming election.

Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman said it is "really sad to see billionaires punching down" is becoming a part of Irish politics.

Mr O'Gorman said Mr O'Leary's "fantasy cabinet" would be filled with "solely rich men".

He said the disrespect to teachers and the entire profession shown by Mr O'Leary was disgraceful and it was particularly shocking to see the comments being met by cheers from those attending the Fine Gael launch.

Mr O'Gorman said that Mr O'Leary has consistently attacked and undermined public services in Ireland over the years.

Both Taoiseach Simon Harris and Mr Martin said they disagree with Mr O'Leary's comments, as has Mr Burke.

Transport Minister and former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, speaking later on Newstalk, said that Mr OLeary dislikes the Green Party because we deliver, but not what he wants.

The real question here, and this is an election issue, is: why is Fine Gael aligning themselves with Michael OLeary in this way? the former Green Party leader said.

Mr Ryan said it was a sign that the party wants to be less ambitious on climate which he said was a mistake.

 additional reporting by PA
Shell go off now and write another book while following Hillary on the speeches-for-money circuit.

Good luck to Kamala Harris with book sales and earnings from speeches, but lets be honest here. Joe Biden couldnt be more wrong when he, post-factum, described her as having run a great campaign. It was a rotten campaign in which its difficult to find a high-spot, other than Kamalas heart-lifting smile. Not difficult to find an abundance of low spots, though. She cant be trusted in any interview, even with a supportive pal like Oprah. She hasnt the judgement to reject a bad speech and cant pick a good running mate.

That last one may be a function of her team, rather than her on her own, but who picked the team? Plus, she was a prosecutor, which means she knows how to cross-examine and draw conclusions from the evidence provided. Of which one factor was outstanding in the selection process: Tim Walz honestly told the Democrats that he wasnt good in debates. Now, thats the point where the selection process should have ground to a screeching halt, because that confession reveals so much. Debating isnt an inherited trait like red hair. Its a skill to be learned. Especially if youre in politics.

For a 60-year-old to confess to poor debate skills is endearing but that doesnt outweigh its threat level. Why is he not a good debater? Could it be that he folds in the face of hostility? Or folds in the face of better argumentation?

Either way, if a debate with a younger man of proven intellectual competence is going to be a part of the pathway to power or obscurity, this news was not good. Especially not good because the Democrats had already failed on the communication front with Kamala

At no stage did she articulate a vision for America that would make sense to any other than the already committed. Nor did her celeb/Democrat supporters. Barack Obama lectured black male Americans on their duty to vote, Michelle Obama was warmly vaguer, and Kamalas showbiz supporters made unhelpfully imprecise supportive noises. Harris didnt have a vision that could be picked up and promoted even by the stars willing to be helpful to her. Yet nobody within the Democrats seemed to register this fundamental problem.

Of course, the late withdrawal of Biden hampered her positioning, and his willingness to help her out was as helpful as a mis-directed cannonball. However, Bidens age was inescapably obvious from the moment she was announced as Vice President, and his decline palpable over the last two years, yet Harris does not seem to have had a contingency plan for his removal, nor to have worked out what she was going to say when presented with self-evidently failing policies on the part of the Biden administration. Bluntly, the dearth of each of these is a disqualifier.

Fast forward to Trumps victory, which was as badly managed by the candidate and the campaign as almost everything en route. She didnt turn up at her own party. She took forever to concede. She took forever to talk  badly  to her supporters.

Democrats (and Democrat-leaning commentators in this country) promptly went into Apocalypse Now mode. Woe is us. Armageddon is nigh. We who are about to die, etc. Now, Democrats and Democrat-leaning commentators had spent many of the previous weeks defining democracy and its importance.

Yet, when a majority of Americans told the Democrats to stick it, did those commentators repeat their reverence for democracy? No, they were too busy rubbishing those who exercised their democratic right to vote for Trump and too busy being outraged

Which offers a lesson to Mary Lou McDonald in our current election: Outrage is like hypochondria. It may be based on evidence, but over time it gets wearisome.

Lecturing the electorate

Outrage against Trump was plentiful during the campaign, as was the evidence to support it. We were reminded, again and again, that this was a convict, a repeated bankrupt, a sexual predator, a coarse unprincipled fascist. Those reminders were often clothed within a condemnation chimera. Meaning that if you were a Trump voter, it was hinted that you were at best thick as a plank, at worst a sharer in all he is.

This was counter-productive. Humans are notoriously averse to being lectured about their own faults, especially if the people doing the lecturing are folks they cant stand at the best of times. From Hillary Clintons deplorables right through to Joe Bidens garbage" supporters, the Democrats have overtly and covertly characterised and disrespected more than half of American voters.

Thats the nub of the Democrats problems. The double nub. They love lecturing and they dont listen.

They love lecturing because of a visceral conviction that they themselves are simply better, more virtuous, more admirable politicians than any other. Theyre not alone in this. The Labour Party here tends to have the same deeply rooted self-regard; they may acknowledge that other parties sometimes do good things, but underpinning that rare acknowledgement is the belief that the other parties do it by accident or because they were made to. Never mind the occasional good deed: those other parties are still a lesser species with a lower moral endowment.

Because they love lecturing, the Democrats repeatedly make rookie errors. This time around, it was talking constantly about the threat posed by Trump, rather than going future tense and specific about their own offering.

Nobody had a rashers about the America Kamala planned to build  and, in an uncomfortable echo of that Trump line about not understanding one sentence Biden had uttered in his disastrous debate outing, and being pretty sure Biden didnt understand it either  its doubtful Harris had a rashers about the differences she would drive

Currently, she and her party face an unwelcome but crucial opportunity to reset. What may inhibit a good reset is that Democrats, much as we may prefer them to the Republicans, are lousy at examining their own conscience.

When youve been as badly beaten as they were in this election it is time to do radical conscience-examination, instead they emitted the greatest load of self-comforting guff. Kamalas tardy contribution was generalised bull, while Biden suggested that it was how you picked yourself up after a fall that defined you. Meanwhile Walz tweeted thus: Chin up, team. Take some time. Take care of yourself. Take care of your loved ones. Take care of your community ... Get back in the fight when youre ready. And know that, whenever you are ready, Ill be ready to get back in with you. Hell of a reassurance, that, from a man who lost his own county in the election.

Its time for the Democrats to hear smart supporters like Professor Drew Weston, who, a decade back, warned of the need to stop lecturing, lose the conviction of their inherent righteousness and start listening to floating voters. Looks like theyll have plenty of time for that.
What should the next government do to make life better for students in Ireland?

This is the question that student activist Jane Cowan addresses in the first in a new Irish Examiner 'solutions journalism' podcast series which looks at the issues that matter to voters in Election 2024.
I remember my first tentative steps through my college campus.

Scrambling to read a map, trying to find the right lecture theatre for my induction. I walked up and down the same staircase three times, trying to get to the right room.

But eventually, I settled in. I got to grips with bibliographies, societies, deadlines, even the rambling library. I am now in my third year of study.

I feel so lucky to be a student in Ireland. The current Government has got a lot right for students: Increasing the income threshold for students to qualify for Susi grants; increasing funding for some PhDs; once-off reductions of 1,000 in student fees.

But there is more to be done by the next government in order to support people in higher education, because, as we all know, the benefits of high quality, accessible higher education reach far beyond the bounds of any college campus.

1. Student accommodation

Firstly, student accommodation urgently needs attention. Put simply, accommodation for students is inaccessible.

If you are lucky enough to qualify for university-operated accommodation, you are not guaranteed affordability.

While university-operated accommodation should aim to provide affordable accommodation for students, accommodation on the UCD campus, for instance, can cost up to 12,000 for the nine-month long academic year.

But university-operated accommodation is also extremely limited.

Universities themselves routinely advise students to seek accommodation privately, as they dont have the capacity to meet demand.

This means that many students must rent rooms owned by vulture funds and private investors.

In Dublin, this style of accommodation starts at about 300 per week.

The reality is these kinds of costs are inhibitory.

Students are turning down university offers because they cannot afford their education. Even if you qualify for a Susi grant, it is not enough to cover the exorbitant costs of accommodation.

This must be addressed by the next government. We need more student accommodation to be built.

It must be affordable for the regular student. We just want options that allow us to access university.

That someones postcode is not within commuting distance to a university, should not be the reason people are unable to meet their potential.

2. State support for PhDs

Secondly, government support for PhD students in our universities should be increased.

PhD students conduct important research that has real world impacts in healthcare, infrastructure, education, and beyond.

The Innovate for Ireland programme, launched by Simon Harris in 2022, providing 28,000 in funding for PhDs under this programme, was a welcome advance.

However, the vast majority of PhD students, according to the Postgraduate Workers Organisation, earn below a living wage, even when undertaking full time research.

If our next government wants to encourage people to undertake PhD research, government funding in this area must be expanded. It is through this kind of research that advances are made in society.

I urge the next government not to underestimate the value of this work.

That undergraduate study depends on PhD students to assist in teaching cannot be overlooked.

3. Cost of living

Also, inflated grocery prices mean many students struggle to feed themselves day to day. They show up to lectures hungry, write exams without having eaten breakfast.

Subsidised meals are standard practice in universities in some countries.

Finland has been providing subsidised meals to third level students for over 40 years.

I can only see advantages to the introduction of similar practices in Ireland.

Not only would this make college a little easier on students, it would also provide an opportunity for socialising and community.

Students and universities would reap the benefits of the implementation of a subsidised meal scheme, in academic engagement and performance.

4. Student mental health

Lastly, student mental health services are struggling. We all know mental health difficulties are rampant among students. Our counselling services do not have the resources to cope with demand. Students spend months on waiting lists.

The transition to university is a massive shift. University is often a students first experience of adulthood.

Coping with those changes, often requires support.

Once they get from the waiting list to see a therapist, the number of sessions they are given is capped.

This limit varies between universities. In NUI Galway, students receive just four sessions with the student counselling service.

In UCC, students generally receive up to six sessions. For students who are really struggling, this does not go far enough.

The waiting lists mean that issues often get worse while students wait for an appointment with a counsellor.

Increased expenditure in this area would massively improve the quality of student lives and their ability to excel in university.

Our next government has the power to shape the university experience for those in higher education.

But the impact of implementing these changes will reverberate beyond campus walls and student populations.

It will be felt in Ireland generally, when innovative research improves healthcare, or when transport infrastructure is advanced.

I have got less than two years left at undergraduate level. I hope I leave higher education with the knowledge that the university experience is changing, that financial barriers will be properly addressed, that students will have somewhere to sleep, that students wont have to sacrifice their health or wellbeing for a degree.

The most difficult part of college should be navigating the library and sitting exams, not being able to access it in the first place.
During rapidly escalating climate and humanitarian crises, another authoritarian petrostate with no respect for human rights is hosting Cop29  the UNs latest annual climate summit that starts today and is being held after the re-election of a climate-denier US president.

Cop meetings have proven to be greenwashing conferences that legitimise countries failures to ensure a livable world and future and have also allowed authoritarian regimes like Azerbaijan and the two previous hosts  the United Arab Emirates and Egypt  to continue violating human rights.

Genocides, ecocides, famines, wars, colonialism, rising inequalities and an escalating climate collapse are all interconnected crises that reinforce each other and lead to unimaginable suffering.

While humanitarian crises are unfolding in Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Sudan, Congo, Kurdistan, Lebanon, Balochistan, Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh, and many, many other places, humanity is also breaching the 1.5C greenhouse gas emissions limit, with no signs of real reductions in sight.

Many attenders of this years Cop are scared to criticise the Azerbaijan government. Photo: AP/Peter Dejong

Instead, the opposite is taking place  last year, global emissions reached an all-time high. Heat records have been shattered, and this year is virtually certain to be the hottest year ever recorded with unprecedented extreme weather events pushing the planet further into uncharted territory.

The destabilisation of the biosphere and the natural ecosystems we depend on to survive is leading to untold human suffering and further accelerating the mass extinction of flora and fauna.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijans entire economy is built on fossil fuels, with the state-owned oil company Socars oil and gas exports accounting for close to 90% of the countrys exports.

Despite what it might claim, Azerbaijan has no ambition to take climate action. It is planning to expand fossil fuel production, which is completely incompatible with the 1.5C limit and the goals of the Paris agreement on climate change.

Many attenders of this years Cop are scared to criticise the Azerbaijan government. Human Rights Watch recently published a statement explaining how it couldnt be certain that attenders rights to peacefully protest would be guaranteed.

In addition, Azerbaijan land and sea borders will remain closed during Cop29, making it only possible to travel in and out of the country by air, which causes pollution and which many Azerbaijan citizens cant afford. The reason given for closing borders at all Cops since the start of the covid pandemic is to maintain national security, but Ive heard many Azerbaijanis describe the situation as being kept in a prison.

Climate campaigners in Dublin called on world leaders on Sunday to commit to a fast, fair and funded phase-out of all fossil fuels when they gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Monday for the Cop29 global climate conference. Pictured covered in oil is Lady Justice (Gemma Roche) a world-renowned symbol of justice, fairness and equality  holding a weighing-scales symbolising the global injustice around the impacts of climate change and the resources to tackle it. Photo: Mark Stedman

The Azerbaijan regime is guilty of ethnic cleansing, humanitarian blockades and war crimes, as well as repressing its own population and cracking down on the countrys civil society.

The independent watchdog Freedom House ranks the country as the least democratic state in Europe, with the regime actively targeting journalists, independent media outlets, political and civic activists, and human rights defenders.

Azerbaijan also accounts for about 40% of Israels annual oil imports, thus fuelling the Israeli war machine and being complicit in the genocide in Palestine and Israels war crimes in Lebanon.

The Azerbaijan-Israel ties are mutually beneficial as the majority of weapons used by Azerbaijan during the second Nagorno-Karabakh war and likely those used in the September 2023 military operation into the Karabakh region were imported from Israel.

The Cop of peace is one theme chosen for this years climate conference by the host, which wants to encourage states to observe a Cop truce.

Photo: AP/Sergei Grits

It is gut-wrenching, to say the least, to talk of global peace after the terrible human rights violations committed by Azerbaijans Aliyev regime against ethnic Armenians living in the Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh region.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan is planning to greenwash its crimes against Armenians by building a Green Energy Zone on territories where the population has been ethnically cleansed.

Why Azerbaijan?

How did this country get to host the climate summit? It was eastern Europes turn. But Russia vetoed EU member states, so the options were either Armenia or Azerbaijan.

Armenia lifted its veto against Azerbaijan and supported its bid in exchange for a release of prisoners, although a large number of Armenian political prisoners are still being held.

Last year, the regime critic Gubad Ibadoghlu was imprisoned after criticising Azerbaijans fossil fuel industry. Other political prisoners include peace activist Bahruz Samadov, ethnic minority researcher Iqbal Abilov, political activists Akif Gurbanov and Ruslan Izzatli and journalists.

Meanwhile, the EU continues to buy fossil fuels from Azerbaijan and plans to double its import of fossil gas from the country by 2027.

Human rights and the climate

The climate crisis is just as much about protecting human rights as it is about protecting the climate and biodiversity. You cannot claim to care about climate justice if you ignore the sufferings of oppressed and colonised people today.

We cannot pick and choose whose human rights to care for, and who to leave behind. Climate justice means justice, safety and freedom for everyone.

Gemma Roche poses as 'Lady Justice' in Dublin on Sunday. The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition said with climate breakdown hitting the poorest hardest, global leaders must step up action to break the grip of the fossil fuel industry on our futures. Photo: Mark Stedman

During Cop29, the picture of Azerbaijan reported by the media will be a whitewashed and greenwashed version that the regime is desperate to portray. But make no mistake  it is a repressive state accused of ethnic cleansing.

We need immediate sanctions targeted against the regime and a halt to the import of Azerbaijani fossil fuels. Diplomatic pressure must also be put on the regime to release its Armenian hostages and all political prisoners  and ensure the right to a safe return for Armenians.

Read More Cop29: Key questions about the UN climate conference
There is a bland assumption by the Irish public that if there is a serious threat to our national security and defence, Nato will step in and defend Ireland.

Moreover, this assumption is the unspoken reason why our political leaders have neglected funding up our Defence Forces over the past four decades.

But what if Nato itself fails to defend its own member countries against attack, and ultimately disintegrates?

There has long been a doubt that if Russia launches an attack on the Baltic states, a US led by president Trump would use nuclear weapons to save those states from being overrun and occupied.

As far back as March, celebrity security and defence analyst, Professor Michael Clarke, predicted the fragmentation of Nato in the event of Donald Trump being re-elected US president.

In a Times Radio interview, he added that the process will start the day after the election and Nato will not find a consensus on its future relations with Russia.

He spoke of Nato dismantling itself into a northern Nato, that will be prepared to be tough with Russia, and a southern Nato which would be soft with Russia.

This process of fragmentation is even more likely if Russia wins the war in Ukraine.

Nato member countries committed to helping Ukraine

Even though Ukraine is not a member of Nato, most of Natos member countries are individually committed to helping Ukraine.

Nevertheless, western countries public interest in Ukraine is no longer the same as it was a year ago.

In a post-war situation where Russia wins, the collective resolve of the Nato alliance will be shaken to its core.

Clarkes view that Trumps election will be the catalyst for further undermining the cohesion of Nato, should be taken seriously.

We, in Ireland, because of our geographic location, should be very concerned what happens to Nato, now that Trump will be returning to the White House.

Viewed from space we may be surprised to see that Ireland is located, not on the periphery of Nato, but closer to its centre.

This particular perspective is increasingly relevant to Irelands future security and defence.

Space is now the fourth of five domains of war which are, land, maritime, air, space, and cyberspace.

As a nation with a defence policy based on military neutrality, we are spending 0.2% of GDP on defence, as against 1.3% average in the EU.

Irelands national territory is also the Defence Forces national area of operations, which the Defence Forces is required to defend.

With a maritime area seven times greater than its landmass, Irelands territorial area is one of the largest in Western Europe, totalling 560,000sq km, larger than Germanys (386,000sq km).

Our area of operational interest (authors definition) is that area beyond our national area of operations, from which a potential threat to our national security and defence, could emerge, having regard to threats assessments covering the five domains of war.

The area of Irelands operational interest will vary, depending, inter alia, on the geopolitical situation at any given time.

We are, and rightly so, politically committed to supporting Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression.

But we are also militarily involved in the war by deciding to supply Ukraines Armed Forces with extensive, non-lethal, logistical and training support, vitally required for success on the battlefield.

But even before the war, Russias air and naval operations off our west coast had shown that Ireland is, geographically at least, in Russias area of operational interest.

Undersea cables in Irish waters carry most of the Internet traffic between North America and Europe. One snip and no more Internet.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently on a special military operation in Ukraine, to recreate a new Russian Empire, or we could say, to make Russia great again. Picture: AP

When Finland and Sweden defected to Nato it effectively ended the informal grouping of the neutral/ non-aligned EU member states which cooperated within the EU.

Ireland has long been an island, but now its a lonely neutral island surrounded by Nato.

During the four years of his presidency, Trump showed contempt for the alliance. He continued his election campaign rhetoric against Nato into his presidency.

He tasked his staff to study options for the possible US withdrawal from Nato.

He was accused of cosying up to Russian president Putin. European Nato countries became deeply concerned, especially the Baltic states.

The Maga movement, which he promotes, is both isolationist and grandiose.

It presents the idea that the US was once great, and under his leadership, could be great again.

Recreating the Russian Empire

Putin thinks the same way about Russia. In his essay On the Historical Unity of Russia and Ukraine (July 2021), Putin appealed to the Russian people to remember Russias past.

He is currently on a special military operation in Ukraine, to recreate a new Russian Empire, or we could say, to make Russia great again.

It seems that Trump may share, to a certain extent, Putins view of the World, including the restoration of the long rejected concept of spheres of influence.

Trump claims he will end the war in Ukraine, perhaps by accepting that all, or part, of Ukraine, is Russian historically and should return to the Russian sphere of influence.

Nato has provided military reinforcements to Natos Eastern area. Most notably to Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

These Nato contingents, led by the US, UK, Canada, and Germany, are not, in themselves, substantial enough to secure the defence of these countries.

They do, however, ensure the internationalisation of any conflict that may arise with Russia.

This internationalisation boosts the deterrent factor in each of these countries national defence strategies.

Russia cannot pick off any one of these countries without risking combat with troops from several Nato countries.

It is not just Trumps threat to reduce corporation tax we have to worry about.

His administration will have no sympathy for a nation that takes corporation tax from US multinationals, while neglecting to fund up its own national security and defence, to protect the very same multinationals working in-country.

In Irelands case the domain of war of most concern to the multinationals is cyberspace, with energy security also a priority.

The unpredictable Trump wont face the electorate again. He is free to set his own agenda. Will his past stated views come back to reshape our World?

As Nigel Farage famously said, of The Donald: You dont have to take him literally, but you do have to take him seriously.

Dorcha Lee is a retired Army Colonel and defence analyst
Much has been made of comments by Michael O'Leary.

This sentence really could have been written at any point in the last decade and a half, couldn't it?

Mr O'Leary, the mercurial chief executive, the self-publicist supreme, the millionaire for the common man, is prone to shooting from the hip. He is often entertaining doing so and is, in person, incredibly engaging.

But this time, his comments weren't made in a broadcast interview or in front of a bank of cameras. They were made at the campaign launch of Enterprise Minister Peter Burke in Mullingar. The event itself saw Mr O'Leary take to the stage to urge attendees to vote for Mr Burke.

"We need to elect politicians who will get shit done. And I can think of nobody here, certainly in the current government, who demonstrates more action, more energy, who works harder and I think is true to his principles than Peter Burke."

He would follow that up by musing on the current makeup of the Dail, saying that the Dail was "full of teachers".

"There is nothing wrong with teachers. I love teachers  I have four children  but I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done," he said at the event.

For the benefit of completeness, there were 19 former teachers in the 33rd Dail. There were 48 landlords.

Fairly mild

The comments themselves are fairly mild, generally speaking, for Mr O'Leary.

I don't think there's a soul in Ireland who would have thought that his preferred Dail would feature exclusively educators or that he would not prefer to see people from private enterprise run the country.

But in context, with a crowd at a Fine Gael event laughing along, the comments pose a problem for Fine Gael, whose leader Simon Harris said he was "annoyed" at the comments at a party event on Monday morning.

The comments were crass, he said, inappropriate. Mr O'Leary was not part of the party's campaign and would not have any involvement going forward, Mr Harris said.

"I'm annoyed about this. Annoyed about this. The issues that teachers care about around the country are the issues that I care about," he said, pointing to classroom sizes and other concerns.

But should Mr O'Leary have been in the room at all?

He is the chief executive of a company which regularly lobbies the government, both officially and through the media, a huge company and massive employer.

Mr Burke is the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, not just the local TD.

That Mr O'Leary has called for the resignation or sacking of ministers is by the by, he is a private citizen and fully entitled to air his grievances.

He is entitled to become involved in the political process and he is fully entitled to state his preference for a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael government.

But should he be invited - his words - to launch the campaign of a man who, at least in theory, has a role overseeing all businesses in the country?

Simon Harris told this writer on Monday that he doesn't accept the contention that Mr Burke has a role in regulating Ryanair.

Mr Burke's department oversees a number of agencies which could, however, have cause for interaction with the airline.

While there is no suggestion that he would be led by his relationship with Mr O'Leary, the public has a right to expect that ministers are at an arms-length from those who would seek to change government policy in their narrow favour.

Put another way: if Darragh O'Brien launched his campaign arm-in-arm with a property developer, we would have questions, surely?

Officially lobbied

Since Mr Burke became a senior minister in April, Ryanair has officially lobbied the government four times, according to the lobbying register, never to his department.

These have ranged from general aviation updates to the airline's ongoing row at Dublin Airport in relation to flight slots, to stamp duty on the trading of shares.

But Mr O'Leary's personal campaigning has been a different beast altogether.

Able to command headlines whenever he speaks, Mr O'Leary has had a long-running issue with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, earlier this year calling him "an idiot", calling for his resignation consistently and painting Mr Ryan as a nuisance to the aviation industry.

But his political interventions did not begin with the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

He has previously recorded a video on behalf of Mr Burke's 2020 campaign, saying that the now-minister was a "good guy".

Ive seen at close hand over the last year or two the great work on the ground Peter has done on behalf of Longford-Westmeath constituency, he said.

Mr O'Leary had previously stated his preference for Leo Varadkar in the party's 2017 leadership race, but his most consistent forays into politics were his repeated attacks on Enterprise Minister Mary O'Rourke, a fellow Westmeath resident and Fianna Fail TD.

During bitter personal clashes with Mr OLeary, Ms ORourke was depicted sitting in a bath in an infamous Ryanair advertisement.

Ms O'Rourke would later say the businessman's antics gave her "angst in bucketfuls and, indeed, often drove me to tears".

Asked on Monday if he saw a conflict of interests in Mr O'Leary being at the launch, the Taoiseach was adamant it was not.

Mr O'Leary, he said, was free to do as he wished in a democracy.

The attendance of a chief executive at an Enterprise Minister's launch was little different from the Agriculture Minister meeting farmers, he said.

When it was posited that a ministerial meeting was different to a personal launch, Mr Harris said that "farmers go to launches, teachers go to launches", saying that "Michael O'Leary was at a local event in the constituency in which he resides".

But Mr O'Leary is not just a local and he's not just a businessman and he didn't wander in off the street.

He is the chief executive of a major Irish company who was invited  again, his words  to launch the campaign of a sitting member of Cabinet.

For Fine Gael to claim distance from his comments does not hold water.

Ultimately, this campaign controversy will blow over, but it should be remembered for context the next time Mr O'Leary lobbies on the airwaves.
China has built a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship, in the clearest sign yet that Beijing is advancing towards producing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

That is according to new analysis of satellite imagery and Chinese government documents provided to The Associated Press.

Chinas navy is already the worlds largest numerically, and it has been rapidly modernising. Adding nuclear-powered carriers to its fleet would be a major step in realising its ambitions for a true blue-water force capable of operating in seas far from China in a growing global challenge to the United States.

Nuclear-powered carriers would place China in the exclusive ranks of first-class naval powers, a group currently limited to the United States and France, said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC.

For Chinas leadership, such a development would symbolise national prestige, fueling domestic nationalism and elevating the countrys global image as a leading power.

Chinas third conventionally powered aircraft carrier,(Ding Ziyu/Xinhua via AP)

Researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California said they made the finding while investigating a mountain site outside the city of Leshan in the southwest Chinese province of Sichuan, where they suspected China was building a reactor to produce plutonium or tritium for weapons.

Instead, they concluded that China was building a prototype reactor for a large warship.

The project at Leshan is dubbed the Longwei, or Dragon Might, Project and is also referred to as the Nuclear Power Development Project in documents.

Neither Chinas Defence Ministry nor Foreign Affairs Ministry responded to requests for comment.

There have long been rumours that China is planning to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, but the research by the Middlebury team is the first to confirm that China is working on a nuclear-powered propulsion system for a carrier-sized surface warship.

The reactor prototype at Leshan is the first solid evidence that China is, in fact, developing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, said Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at Middlebury and one of the researchers on the project.

Operating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is an exclusive club, one that China looks set to join.

Drawing on satellite images and public documents including project tenders, personnel files, environmental impact studies  and even a citizens complaint about noisy construction and excessive dust  they concluded a prototype reactor for naval propulsion was being built in the mountains of Mucheng township, some 70 miles southwest of Sichuans provincial capital Chengdu.

The reactor, which procurement documents indicate will soon be operational, is housed in a new facility built at the site known as Base 909, which houses six other reactors that are operational, decommissioned or under construction, according to the analysis.

The site is under the control of the Nuclear Power Institute of China, a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation, which is tasked with reactor engineering research and testing.

Documents indicate that Chinas 701 Institute, formally known as China Ship Research and Design Center, which is responsible for aircraft carrier development, procured reactor equipment intended for installation on a large surface warship under the Nuclear Power Development Project as well as the projects national defence designation helped lead to the conclusion the sizable reactor is a prototype for a next-generation aircraft carrier.

Satellite images from 2020 to 2023 have shown the demolition of homes and the construction of water intake infrastructure connected to the reactor site.

Contracts for steam generators and turbine pumps indicate the project involves a pressurised water reactor with a secondary circuit  a profile that is consistent with naval propulsion reactors, the researchers say.

An environmental impact report calls the Longwei Project a national defence-related construction project that is classified as secret.

Unless China is developing nuclear-powered cruisers, which were pursued only by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, then the Nuclear Power Development Project most certainly refers to a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier development effort, researchers wrote in a detailed 19-page report on their findings.

Sarah Laderman, a senior analyst with Open Nuclear Network, a program of the US-based NGO PAX sapiens Foundation, said the findings were carefully conducted and thoroughly researched.

Given the evidence presented here, I see a compelling case made that China seems to be working towards building a nuclear propulsion system for its naval surface ships (likely aircraft carriers) at this location, said Ms Laderman, who is based in Vienna and was not involved in Middleburys research.

The US is obligated by domestic law to supply Taiwan with sufficient weapons to deter invasion, and it could provide assistance to the island from its bases in the Pacific in the event of an invasion or blockade.

Tensions also have risen in the South China Sea between China and neighbouring nations over territorial disputes and maritime claims.

Conventionally powered Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carry out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea (Chen Mengxi/Xinhua via AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has tasked defence officials with building a first-class navy and becoming a maritime power as part of his blueprint for the countrys rejuvenation.

The countrys most recent white paper on national defence, dated 2019, said the Chinese navy was adjusting to strategic requirements by speeding up the transition of its tasks from defence on the near seas to protection missions on the far seas.

The Peoples Liberation Army Navy is already the worlds largest navy with more than 370 ships and submarines. The country also boasts powerful shipbuilding capabilities: Chinas shipyards are building many hundreds of vessels each year, whereas the US is building five or fewer, according to a US congressional report late last year.

However, the Chinese navy lags behind the US Navy in many respects. Among other advantages, the US currently has 11 carriers, all nuclear-powered, allowing it to keep multiple strike groups deployed around the world at all times, including in the Indo-Pacific.

But the Pentagon is growing increasingly concerned about Chinas rapid modernisation of its fleet, including the design and construction of new carriers.

That aligns with Chinas growing emphasis on the maritime domain and increasing demands for its navy to operate at greater distances from mainland China, the Defence Department said in its most recent report to US Congress on Chinas military.

Chinas growing force of aircraft carriers extend air defence coverage of deployed task groups beyond the range of land-based defences, enabling operations farther from Chinas shore, the report said.
Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli strike hit a tent sheltering a displaced family in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least three people, including the parents of twins.

The strike in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp late on Sunday seriously injured the two children, aged 10, who were being treated at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah.

The details of the casualties were listed in hospital records and an Associated Press reporter saw two of the bodies.

The humanitarian situation in #Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, and famine is imminent in areas within the northern Gaza Strip.



Is required within days to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation.



Immediate, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access and a #CeasefireNow are pic.twitter.com/quYdc0LkzG  UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 10, 2024

The Israeli military has said it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians.

Palestinians reported heavy bombing late on Sunday in the western areas of Nuseirat camp, which dates back to the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation.

At least 24 people were wounded and taken to the Awda hospital in Nuseirat, said Mohamed Muhareb, head of the hospitals ambulance service.

Meanwhile, a senior diplomat for the United Arab Emirates called on the world to focus on the plight of civilians and de-escalate the ongoing Mideast wars.

Anwar Gargashs remarks, made at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, followed the pattern of comments made by the UAE amid the Mideast wars. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms home to Dubai, diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020.

The complexities of the region require a steady hand and a clear and consistent vision, Mr Gargash said.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, with many more displaced (AP)

The recent cycle of escalation between Israel and Iran cannot become a permanent feature of the strategic landscape of our region. This must be addressed through a political framework.

He called for pragmatism and a serious political horizon to resolve the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reach a two-state solution. He described the war in the Gaza Strip as being driven by extremists on both sides, from the Israeli and Arab side.

However, he also called the systemic violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza criminal and unacceptable.

He added: At the present time, it is vital to identify that not all crises stem from the Palestinian issue, yet it undeniably remains central to the conflict in our region.

There is no sign of any ceasefire in the region (AP)

The UAE has provided aid for both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon in the wars, while maintaining its diplomatic ties with Israel. The UAE has, however, strenuously criticised Israels conduct.

Mr Gargash also offered criticism of governance in both the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

In both Palestine and Lebanon, a drastic reform is essential for the world to step in and provide considerable support, Mr Gargash said.

The Israel-Hamas war began after militants stormed into Israel on October 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 October 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 injured in Lebanon, the health ministry reported.
At least six civilians have died and around 30 others were injured after Russian glide bombs, drones and a ballistic missile struck cities in southern and eastern Ukraine, officials said.

Moscow has intensified strikes that have long tormented civilian areas, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, in an apparent effort to unnerve Ukrainians and wear down their willingness to keep up a war that is approaching its 1,000-day milestone.

Mr Zelenskyy said in a post on the Telegram messaging app: Every day, every night, Russia commits the same terror. Except that an increasing number of civilian objects are becoming targets.

Both Russia and Ukraine are waiting to see how Washington will change its policy on the war after Donald Trump takes office as US President in January.

The US is the biggest provider of military help to Ukraine but Mr Trump has chided Joe Bidens administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars of aid.

The major cities struck by Russia are close to the wars 600-mile front line.

The war is approaching the 1,000-day mark (Ukrainian Emergency Services/AP)

Russian drones hammered the southern city of Mykolaiv, killing five people and injuring a 45-year-old woman, local authorities said. Around two dozen people sought psychological help following the attack that damaged houses and stores, officials said.

Mykolaiv, located about 37 miles north-west of the front line in the Kherson region, frequently comes under Russian attack.

An overnight attack on Zaporizhzhia, also in the south, with three powerful glide bombs killed one person and injured 21, including a 4-year-old boy, Ukraines National Police said.

The Russian barrage hit civilian areas (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

The strikes partially destroyed a two-story apartment building and damaged a dormitory.

A five-storey apartment building in Kryvyi Rih  Mr Zelenskyys hometown in central Ukraine  was hit by a Russian ballistic missile, injuring at least eight people.

Emergency services are searching through the rubble, Oleksandr Vikul, head of Kryviy Rih Military Administration said.

The missile destroyed all five storeys in one part of the building, he added.

Meanwhile, Ukraines intelligence agency claimed in a statement it destroyed a Russian Mi-24 assault helicopter parked at the Klin-5 airfield in the Moscow region. The claim could not be independently verified.

The Russian Defence Ministry said 17 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Russian regions of Kursk, Belgorod and Voronezh overnight and in the morning.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to take tougher measures against the misuse of political funds after he was re-elected by parliament following a major loss in the polls last month by his governing coalition.

Mr Ishibas Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner Komeito together lost a majority in the 465-seat Lower House, the more powerful of Japans two-house parliament, in the October 27 election.

The defeat was blamed on voter outrage over financial misconduct by his party.

We must remind ourselves of the basics that politics is for the people, as we tackle political and party reforms, Mr Ishiba said.

We must be able to have empathy for the pain, sorrow and anger of the people

He said that in response to the poor election results we must be able to have empathy for the pain, sorrow and anger of the people.

A special parliamentary session convened on Monday to pick a new leader in a vote required within 30 days of a general election. Mr Ishiba beat top opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda by 221 to 160 in the first run-off in 30 years.

In his second cabinet in just over a month, Mr Ishiba reappointed most of its previous members, including foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya, defence minister Gen Nakatani and chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. He replaced three ministers who lost seats or were affected by the election results.

Mr Ishiba stressed the importance of pursuing the significant build-up of Japans defence power to deal with growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea, while co-operating with its ally the United States and other like-minded partners.

Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (Kyodo News via AP)

He said he plans to attend Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation and G20 summits later this month to further strengthen a partnership with the global south nations and the Asia-Pacific region. He said he will hold talks with US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other leaders.

His government is also reportedly arranging a possible meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on his way home.

Mr Ishiba has refused to step down and showed a willingness to co-operate with additional coalition partners to boost stability and help him pursue his partys policies.

Mr Ishiba will struggle in the coming months to gain consent from the opposition on policies including the budget and other legislation, experts say. Mr Ishiba said he will listen to opposition parties more carefully than before.

Head of the Democratic Party of the People Yuichiro Tamaki (Kyodo News via AP)

He wants to co-operate more closely with a rising smaller, conservative Democratic Party for the People, whose seats quadrupled to 28 under its popular leader Yuichiro Tamaki. His proposal for raising the basic tax-free income allowance and increasing take-home wages garnered support from low-income and younger voters.

Mr Tamaki only wants to co-operate with Mr Ishibas party on policy  not as part of a coalition  since he wants to use his leverage to increase his partys standing ahead of the next election.

Mr Tamaki was recently stung by a magazine article exposing an extramarital affair, which he admitted to on Monday.
Chinese firm empowers Malawi students with hands-on skills in railway project

Xinhua) 13:15, November 11, 2024

NSANJE, Malawi, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- China Railway 20th Bureau Group Corporation Limited (CR20G), the Chinese contractor rehabilitating the Marka-Bangula railway in southern Malawi, has welcomed trainees from local technical institutions to gain hands-on experience at the project site.

The company hosted its first group of bricklaying trainees from Tengani Community Technical College in Nsanje District for a three-day educational tour that concluded on Friday.

CR20G Lab Manager Geng Penghui told Xinhua that during the tour, Chinese technical experts guided the trainethees through various exercises, including concrete testing and laboratory techniques.

Geng emphasized that the program benefits both the trainees and the railway project, as it helps to transfer essential technical skills to the local workforce, potentially opening employment opportunities for the students.

"A local technician is very important for the society and, as a project, we need professional technicians -- good personnel to do the job -- and we hope that in the future we can employ the students and build the railway," Geng said.

"We hope this kind of cooperation will last longer and, in the future, we will train them not only in tests on fresh and concrete, bricks and blocks, coarse and fine aggregates, but also in surveys and other civil knowledge," he added.

Each trainee received a Certificate of Honor from CR20G at the end of the three-day educational tour.

The visit was well-received by the trainees and their college authorities. Rudith Msombelo, an instructor from the college who accompanied the students, praised CR20G's openness to the visit, highlighting the exposure it provided to practical skills and professional equipment.

Steven Ngundumu, a Level 2 bricklaying student, described the visit as a valuable experience, saying that the Chinese firm was an excellent choice to learn from thanks to the advanced equipment and techniques it uses.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
California Wildfire Claims Over 130 Homes as Winds Die Down

At least 130 homes have been lost due to a wildfire sweeping through the outskirts of Los Angeles, as a change in the weather provided firefighters with a window to combat the blaze.

Hurricane-force winds earlier this week fueled a rapid expansion of the Mountain Fire near Camarillo, which grew swiftly to over 20,000 acres.

Thousands of residents in the fires path had to evacuate, some with mere minutes to collect belongings and pets as erratic flames spread from house to house.

Robin Wallace recounted to AFP that her childhood home was destroyed just moments after everyone escaped.

Authorities reported that initial assessments indicated at least 132 homes had been lost.

It was completely gone by the afternoon. It went very quickly, she stated.

Linda Fefferman shared that she realized she needed to leave when she detected the scent of smoke.

I was trying to load the car with animals and important documents, my oxygen concentrator, and when the smoke became overwhelming, I knew I had to evacuate, she told a local news outlet.

A neighbor with a chainsaw assisted in clearing a fallen tree that was obstructing her exit.

I went down to the Goodwill parking lot, watching the smoke, likely from our own house burning, she added.

Nothing remains. Its gone, she said. Its all vanished.

Ms. Fefferman estimated that 14 or 15 houses on her street had been engulfed by the flames.

Authorities announced on Thursday that preliminary inspections had confirmed at least 132 homes were destroyed, with an additional 88 sustaining damage.

Threat to critical infrastructure

The fire broke out on Wednesday morning and spread quickly, fueled by intense seasonal Santa Ana winds from Californias desert region.

Winds peaking at 130km an hour pushed smoke and flames in horizontal directions, with alarming footage showing fire consuming brush, orchards, and properties.

Wind speeds dropped yesterday, and meteorologists indicated they did not expect a return of those conditions for several days.

California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the site and declared a state of emergency.

This was welcome news for firefighters, some of whom had been on the frontlines for 36 consecutive hours, according to Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner.

Despite the break in winds, the fire remained only seven percent contained, and the vicinity  home to 30,000 residents  remained at risk.

The fire is spreading through steep, rugged terrain, with dry and combustible fuels complicating containment efforts, a report from Cal Fire stated.

The fire poses a threat to critical infrastructure. Islands of unburned vegetation will continue to ignite within the fire perimeter, it continued.

California Governor Gavin Newsom visited the area and declared a state of emergency, enabling the release of additional resources.

Over 2,500 personnel were involved in combating the fire.

Ground crews are working to defend homes using hose lines and collaborating with bulldozers to eliminate fuel. Air support has dropped water and flame retardant.

Utility companies have cut off power to thousands of customers in the area  a standard procedure in California during high wind conditions, as downed power lines can frequently spark wildfires.

Following two relatively wet years, Californias landscape has become laden with vegetation that has turned dry and highly combustible after a prolonged, hot summer.

While fires, drought, and strong winds are typical of the local climate, scientists argue that human-induced climate change is influencing weather patterns and heightening the frequency of catastrophic incidents.
When we fund wars and fossil fuel subsidies instead of green jobs and disaster recovery, we punish those who can least afford it.

( Otherwords.org )  This years hurricane season has been devastating.

Hurricane Helene left a trail of wreckage across the Southeast and Appalachia, where over 230 people have died so far. Barely two weeks later, Milton slammed into Florida, killing dozens more, destroying homes, and leaving over a million people without power. Insurers are predicting that losses from Milton could reach $60 billion.

Everyone suffers in a disaster, but the most vulnerable suffer the most. And our governments warped priorities can often make that worse.

When people are told to evacuate but not provided any assistance, people without vehicles  disproportionately low-income, unemployed, young, and Black  are stranded. Homeowners recoup some losses through insurance, but renters are left without housing if their home is destroyed.

Low-wage workers, who often have no paid leave, lose their paychecks when their workplaces close, even though theyre the very people who can least afford it. Theyre sometimes even forced to keep working in dangerous conditions  which reportedly happened at a plastics factory in Tennessee, where some workers died as a result.

Appalachia, which bore the brunt of Helenes impact, is among the poorest regions in the country, with a median household income almost 18 percent below the national figure and poverty rates above 30 percent in some counties. Many people whove lost their homes and livelihoods lack the resources to fall back on in an emergency.

Government recovery efforts often reinforce these inequalities instead of counteracting them.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recovery assistance prioritizes assisting homeowners instead of renters. Consequently, people who receive meaningful assistance are disproportionately wealthier and whiter than people who dont, exacerbating existing inequities.

Systemic discrimination is sometimes made worse by intentional discrimination. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, poor Black people were abandoned to die. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017 and thousands died, officials tried to downplay the death toll even as they took unacceptably long to restore basic services such as electricity.

FEMA is also consistently underfunded compared to the need. The U.S. experienced $603 billion in costs for major climate disasters between 2019 and 2023, an average of $120 billion a year. Meanwhile, the annual budget for FEMA has hovered around barely a quarter of that.

Instead, a large share of the recovery cost is borne by state, tribal, and local governments, and by insurance payouts (for those who can afford insurance). And tribal and local governments in poorer regions lack resources because of their meager tax revenues.

Right now, FEMA faces a funding shortfall. With the added costs of recovery from Milton, its certain to run out of funds before the end of hurricane season.

The proximate cause of the shortfall is a budget deal to appease a few far right, anti-tax extremists in Congress who threatened to shut down the government. But the deeper reason is that the government simply doesnt prioritize helping vulnerable communities to recover from disasters.

On the same day that Helene made landfall, Israel received a U.S. military aid package of almost $9 billion, on top of billions more since the start of Israels assault on Gaza, which the International Court of Justice has called a plausible genocide.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government continues to provide subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, which totaled $14 billion in 2022. Far from ending these subsidies as the climate crisis worsens, the government has enacted new subsidies for greenwashing scams.

These choices devalue lives from Palestine to Florida to Appalachia. For disaster-hit communities to get the resources they need and deserve in order to recover, we need nothing short of a complete reversal of our governments priorities.
( The San Diego Union-Tribune)  To mark this years Veterans Day, the fifth anniversary of the foundation of Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft in Washington, D.C., and the 50th anniversary of the end of Vietnam War, the Center for War and Society at San Diego State University will be hosting a completely booked event aboard San Diegos USS Midway museum with Oliver Stone, Americas foremost director of films on the Vietnam War, on the evening of Nov. 14.

A former aircraft carrier is the perfect location, as in not too distant waters, the San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln deployed to the Gulf of Oman, off the coast of Iran, in July 2024. In 2019, it was the same carrier strike group then-President Donald Trump deployed to deter Iran.

The conversation with Stone on the Midway will examine how Americas relationship with war, both before and after Vietnam, have informed and influenced his work over the past 40 years, most notably beginning with Platoon in 1986. He will discuss how those wars have influenced U.S. foreign policy and American society, how they provoked Americans to think about concepts and consequences of empire and military power overseas, and how they ultimately helped establish the framework for the forever wars in which the United States now participates.

One of the forever wars continues more than a year after violence that began on Oct. 7, 2023, between Israel and Hamas, making the Mediterranean Sea a combat theater. American forces are still deployed off the coast of Lebanon to deter Hamas ally Hezbollah, even though it is mostly on the defensive after Israel began its offensive, and to withdraw American citizens from there, despite that the U.S. left some behind.

Normally, the Lincoln is the flagship of a carrier strike group deployed in the Pacific, but its mission to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman was extended even further in September to deter Iran.

Furthermore, over the last year the U.S. and Israel have expanded their war to the Red Sea to attack the Yemeni Houthi militia for targeting international shipping in solidarity with Hamas, bringing war to the three seas in the region.

Over the last year the U.S. has mobilized local personnel and military assets, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Naval Base Coronado and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (otherwise known as Top Gun). The Lincolns aircraft includes an F-35C strike aircraft squadron from Miramar, (the planes often seen flying over Interstates 15 and 805), and two helicopter squadrons from Coronados Naval Air Station North Island.

The Lincoln is escorted by the San Diego-based destroyer USS OKane, which carries long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, costing $2 million each, Washingtons preferred weapon to strike the Houthis.



Carrier, Digital, Midjourney / Clip2Comic, 2024

Just the deployment of those two vessels represents 6,500 personnel. Carrier group deployments are routine, and the Lincoln will return to San Diego in mid-November, only to be replaced with more B-52s and destroyers. The possibility of American forces being targeted or lost has increased exponentially, just as a Houthi missile almost hit the USS Eisenhower last June, demonstrating that American strikes have not degraded their ability to attack vessels in the Red Sea.

If American forces were lost in combat, Washington would escalate its presence in the region, rather than withdrawing from the conflict, succumbing to mission creep. In these three naval conflict theaters there is no articulated end goal as to when mission accomplished can be declared.

The presidential election will not change the number of forces deployed to these theaters, which are likely to be maintained or even increase.

During Trumps first presidency, he routinely deployed B-52 bombers and the Lincoln off the coast of Iran to deter the Islamic Republic in 2019, almost going to war in January 2020 after the U.S. assassinated one of Irans generals.

The U.S. left Iraq in 2011 and Afghanistan 2021. It seemed the forever wars had ended. Yet they continued to shape San Diego County, with veterans making it home after serving multiple tours in both places. The wars also sent a whole generation of Afghan and Iraqi refugees fleeing those conflicts to San Diego.

Finally, the 2023 war has led to another sort of mobilization: protests in San Diego, on its campuses, even in front of the Midway itself, on the anniversary of Oct. 7. The war that began in October 2023 has the potential to serve as the third forever war of the 21st century, ironically giving Stone further material for his next film.

Al-Marashi is an associate professor of history at Cal State San Marcos and a visiting scholar at University of San Diego and San Diego State University, and lives in Encinitas.

Reprinted from The San Diego Union-Tribune> with the authors permission.
MONTREAL / Nov 11, 2024 / Business Wire / Dynacor Group Inc. (TSX: DNG) (Dynacor or the Corporation) announces with deep gratitude the retirement of Mr. Roger Demers, member of the board of directors and chairman of the audit committee, after more than 15 years of dedicated service. Mr. Demers joined the Dynacor board in 2009 and played an essential role in the evolution and growth of our company.

During his tenure, Mr. Demers brought valuable expertise and strategic vision that helped strengthen our position in the market. His leadership on the audit committee has been particularly notable, ensuring the transparency and integrity of our financial operations.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Roger for his unwavering commitment and exemplary professionalism, declared Pierre Lepine, Chairman of the Board of Directors. His impact on our society is undeniable, and he will be missed both professionally and personally.

Mr. Demers has also been a mentor to many members of the team, generously sharing his knowledge and experience. His passion for excellence and dedication to the company's mission left a lasting imprint.

The members of the Board of Directors, members of management as well as employees of Dynacor Group Inc also congratulate Mr. Demers for his great contribution and his greatly appreciated personality.

We wish Roger a fulfilling retirement, full of new adventures and precious moments with his loved ones.

NOMINATION OF PIERRE BELIVEAU CPA AS NEW DIRECTOR

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Pierre Beliveau CPA as the Companys new Director. In addition to his role on the Board of Directors, Mr. Beliveau will also chair the Audit and Risk Management Committee, where he will use his expertise to ensure the transparency and integrity of our companys financial processes. He began his career at PWC (formerly PW) where he worked with various clients in the mining industry, among others.

Mr. Beliveau has extensive experience in the field of public companies, having held several management positions in the mining sector. His impressive career also includes overseas assignments, including more than ten years in West Africa, where he contributed to various major projects, strengthening his skills in financial management and corporate strategy.

We are delighted to welcome Pierre to our team. His experience and strategic vision will be valuable assets to our company, particularly in the management of our Audit Committee, said Jean Martineau President and CEO. We are confident that he will play a key role in our future growth and in the well-being of our employees.

Mr. Beliveau expressed his enthusiasm for joining Dynacor Group Inc.: I am honored to be part of this dynamic company and contribute to its mission. I look forward to working with the team to ensure the financial security of our company and to continue to grow our business.

ABOUT DYNACOR

Dynacor is a dividend-paying industrial gold ore processor headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The corporation is engaged in gold production through the processing of ore purchased from the ASM (artisanal and small-scale mining) industry. At present, Dynacor operates in Peru, where its management and processing teams have decades of experience working with ASM miners. It also owns a gold exploration property (Tumipampa) in the Apurimac department.

The corporation intends to expand its processing operations in other jurisdictions as well.

Dynacor produces environmentally and socially responsible gold through its PX IMPACT gold program. A growing number of supportive firms from the fine luxury jewelry, watchmakers and investment sectors pay a small premium to our customer and strategic partner for this PX IMPACT gold. The premium provides direct investment to develop health and education projects for our artisanal and small-scale miners communities.

Dynacor is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (DNG) and is part of the TSX30 program. TSX30 is the flagship program recognizing the 30 top-performing companies on Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

Shares Outstanding: 36,307,106

Website: http://www.dynacor.com
Hole 72 delivers 19.60 metres with 3.82% CuEq, 19.60 m of 1.27 g/t Au, 20.30 g/t Ag, 2.53 % Cu, 1.01 g/t Pd, 2.42 g/t Pt and 0.15% Ni

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV) is pleased to announce the third set of assay results obtained for two more holes of the summer 2024 drilling campaign at its polymetallic Lion Zone discovery.

"The summer of 2024 will be remembered as an epic one regarding ongoing discovery of the Lion Zone. The westward expansion has continued to produce some fantastic results. Following up 32 metres of almost 7% CuEq with almost 40 metres of 4.19% CuEq, Hole 72 provides a continuation of our track record of success. As we push west, we are learning more about the mineralized zone and how it behaves, and our ability to track and anticipate the zone is improving. We are now routinely using downhole EM in all our new holes, giving our exploration team insight into a radius of about 200 metres. While the summer drilling program was done on a smaller 50 metre fan drilling approach, the fall and winter programs are successfully drilling 150 plus metres step outs with this technique. Look for more roars from our Lion Zone soon," commented Terry Lynch, CEO of Power Nickel.

Highlights:

PN-24-072 returned:

19.60 m of 1.27 g/t Au, 20.30 g/t Ag, 2.53 % Cu, 1.01 g/t Pd, 2.42 g/t Pt and 0.15% Ni

Including:

12.50 m of 0.31 g/t Au, 16.22 g/t Ag, 3.01 % Cu, 1.49 g/t Pd, 3.14 g/t Pt and 0.17% Ni

which includes:

4.50 m of 0.53 g/t Au, 32.71 g/t Ag, 6.40 % Cu, 3.74 g/t Pd, 5.73 g/t Pt and 0.35% Ni

PN-24-074 returned:

23.55 m of 0.15 g/t Au, 3.06 g/t Ag, 0.60 % Cu, 0.02 g/t Pd, 0.13 g/t Pt and 0.11% Ni

Including:

7.00 m of 0.06 g/t Au, 3.37 g/t Ag, 0.18 % Cu, 0.01 g/t Pd, 0.15 g/t Pt and 0.01% Ni

And including:

2.50 m of 1.27 g/t Au, 18.57 g/t Ag, 5.10 % Cu, 0.13 g/t Pd, 0.78 g/t Pt and 0.52% Ni

PN-24-075 returned:

19.20 m of 0.14 g/t Au, 5.45 g/t Ag, 1.04 % Cu, 0.53 g/t Pd, 1.22 g/t Pt and 0.05% Ni

Including:

3.40 m of 0.60 g/t Au, 13.02 g/t Ag, 0.24 % Cu, 3.60 g/t Pd, 3.38 g/t Pt and 0.01% Ni

And including:

3.05 m of 0.23 g/t Au, 15.29 g/t Ag, 5.31 % Cu, 0.27 g/t Pd, 4.36 g/t Pt and 0.23% Ni

Figure 1 below is a vertical longitudinal section, presenting the location of the recent holes drilled at the Lion Zone discovery.

Table 1 below presents the significant results of previously released holes, and the current assays. The complete set of results obtained demonstrates a tremendous success rate, which contributes to a continuously increasing level of confidence about the continuity of the zone.

As presented by Figure 1 above, two drills are on site and actively targeting expansions to the Lion Zone, continuing to expand the zone to the west (current hole PN-24-082) as well as exploring promising ground some 250m east of the Lion Discovery itself (PN-24-088). Samples will be expedited to the lab and results will be released as they are received. Results obtained to-date continue to demonstrate the lateral continuity of the zone to the west, resulting in a significant increase in size compared to the beginning of this current drill program.

"We are impressed with what we have discovered so far, given the impressive grades and polymetallic nature of the deposit. We are ramping up our exploration efforts using different proven geophysical and geochemical techniques and we are actively processing the data. This will accelerate the expansion and discovery process, thus enabling us to step out away from the current zone with a much higher level of confidence," commented Ken Williamson, Vice-President Exploration.

Note: Length is presented as downhole distance, as gathered from preliminary "quick logs"; true width corresponds to 60-80% of such downhole distance in function of the orientation of the hole. *CuEq Rec represents CuEq calculated based on the following metal prices (USD): 2,360.15 $/oz Au, 27.98 $/oz Ag, 1,215.00 $/oz Pd, 1000.00 $/oz Pt, 4.00 $/lb Cu, 10.00 $/lb Ni and 22.50 $/lb Co., and a recovery grade of 80% for all commodities, consistent with comparable peers.

Figure 2 below is a cross-section through the Lion Zone, along the holes reported in this current release, presenting the new assay results in their geological context. Core photos provide visual support, allowing appreciation of the good correlation between sulphides presence and reported polymetallic grades.

QAQC and Sampling

GeoVector Management Inc ("GeoVector") is the consulting company retained to perform the actual drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core.

All samples were submitted to and analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd ("Actlabs"), an independent commercial laboratory for both the sample preparation and assaying. Actlabs is a commercial laboratory independent of Power Nickel with no interest in the Project. Actlabs is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratories. Samples submitted through Actlabs are run through standard preparation methods and analysed using RX-1 (Dry, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m) preparation methods, and using 1F2 (ICP-OES) and 1C-OES - 4-Acid near total digestion + Gold-Platinum-Palladium analysis and 8-Peroxide ICP-OES, for regular and over detection limit analysis. Pegmatite samples are analyzed using UT7 - Li up to 5%, Rb up to 2% method. Actlabs also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

GeoVector's QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results.

The results presented in the current Press Release are complete within the mineralized intervals, but results are still pending for the top portion of both holes reported. QAQC and data validation was performed on these portions of the holes where assays are fully integrated, and no material errors were observed.

The Company also announces that it previously granted 600,000 options to an officer of the Company on September 9, 2024 at $0.66 per share exercisable for 5 years from the date of grant. The Company inadvertently omitted the news release about this grant at the relevant time.

Qualified Person

Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

On Remembrance Day, we honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.

Power Nickel would like to offer our thanks to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces that have served this country so honorably over our history. On this day we remember their sacrifice and salute their courage.

About Power Nickel Inc.

Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nickel Copper PGM, Gold and Silver Nisk project into Canada's next poly metallic mine.

On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometres of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the high-grade nickel-copper PGM, Gold and Silver mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone, the Lion discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential poly metallic deposits.

In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement as announced by the Company on October 18, 2024.

To obtain Power Nickel's Corporate Presentation, please use the following link: http://powernickel.com/corporate_presentation.pdf

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:

Power Nickel Inc.

The Canadian Venture Building

82 Richmond St East, Suite 202

Toronto, ON

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to conduct various drill programs; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Thor Explorations Ltd. (TSXV: THX) (AIM: THX) ("Thor Explorations", "Thor" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an operational and financial review for its Segilola Gold mine, located in Nigeria ("Segilola"), and for the Company's mineral exploration properties located in Nigeria, Senegal and Cote D'Ivoire for the three months to September 30, 2024 (the "Quarter", the "Period" or "Q3").

The Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements together with the notes related thereto, as well as the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended September 30, 2024 are available on Thor Explorations' website at: https://thorexpl.com/investors/financials/.

All figures are in US dollars ("US$") unless otherwise stated.

Q3 2024 Financial Highlights

18,167 ounces ("oz") of gold sold with an average gold price of US$2,328 per oz.

Cash operating cost of US$585 per oz sold and all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") of US$766 per oz sold.

Revenue of US$40.2 million (Q3 2023: US$36.6 million).

EBITDA of US$27.4 million (Q3 2023: US$10.5 million).

Net profit of US$17.5 million (Q3 2023: US$0.9 million).

Senior debt facility reduced to US$3.9 million as at September 30, 2024. This debt is scheduled to be fully repaid by the end of Q4 2024

Transitioned from a net debt position of US$2.7 million as at June 30, 2024 to a net cash position of US$2.7 million as at September 30, 2024.

Operational Highlights

Segilola Production

Gold ("Au") Poured for the Period totalled 20,110oz Mill feed grade was 3.22 grammes per tonne ("g/t") gold with recovery at 88.5%. The lower recovery was due to a delayed change in mill liner during the period. 201,958 tonnes ("t") of ore were processed, an increase in productivity levels by 16% compared to Q2, equivalent to a throughput rate of 2,195t per day, with no significant downtime periods. The process plant achieved a further reduction of the gold in circuit by 1,614oz of Au.

The stockpile balance increased by 13% to 1,329,007t of ore at an average grade of 0.94g/t as this was mined during shortfalls resulting from events that occurred during the Quarter. The significant stockpile available (more than one year of process plant supply) offers flexibility and low risk for future process plant production.

Mining rates were lower than Q2 2024 due to the previously reported fly-rock incident. Improved controlled blasting practices are now in place to avoid a recurrence.

Severe September weather period brought over 415 millimetres of rain in 12 days, surpassing in-pit pumping capacity and contingency plans which delayed high-grade ore access to Q4 2024. The Company has since increased pit pumping capacity.

Segilola Exploration

The priority of the Company's exploration strategy is extending the Segilola mine life through delineation of potential additional underground resources at Segilola.

An initial 12 hole drilling program continued during the period with initial positive drill results received from the first two holes of 3.0 m grading 11.24g/t Au from 294m and 1.5m grading 3.22g/t Au from 269m.

In addition to the Segilola Underground Drilling Program, additional geochemical sampling continued at near mine open pit targets.

Douta

RC drilling activities were completed during the period. The program was focussed on increasing the percentage of oxide resources at the Makosa East Prospect, which runs parallel to the main Makosa mineralised trend and is additional to the current mineral resource. Additional infill drilling was completed at the Makosa North, Mansa and Maka prospects.

Remaining Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") and Mineral Resource Estimate update workstreams are being completed, with a target completion in Q4 2024.

Cote D'Ivoire

During the Quarter Thor expanded its operations into Cote d'Ivoire following the signing of a binding agreement with Endeavour Mining Corporation to acquire a 100% interest in the Guitry Gold Project for US$100,000 in cash and a 2% Net Smelter Royalty.

Earlier in 2024 the Company entered into an option agreement with Goldridge Resources SARL to acquire an 80% interest in the Boundiali Exploration permit, an early stage gold exploration project located in north west Cote d'Ivoire.

Lithium

Exploration activities during the quarter comprised of geological mapping that focused on generating targets within Newstar-owned exploration permits.

Environment, Social and Governance

Q3 projects under the Community Development Agreements included awarding 26 school scholarships, quarterly elderly palliative deliveries, and initiating tenders for road and school improvements.

ESG data, aligned with Global Reporting Initiative standards, is being compiled for 2023-2024 and uploaded to the Onyen ESG system. This will improve annual comparisons for energy, water, and waste intensity per oz Au.

One Lost Time Injury (LTI) occurred due to a workshop incident, leading to targeted training on hand injuries.

In Senegal, information is being compiled for the baseline of an EIA for the Douta project and included consultations with local village elders and government bodies to align with regional economic development plans.

Outlook

Production guidance of 85,000oz for 2024 with an AISC guidance of US$$800 - US$900 per oz.

Advance exploration programmes across the portfolio, including near mine, underground and regional projects at Segilola, extension and infill programmes at Douta, assessment of regional potential targets in Nigeria and joint venture options on potential targets.

Continue to advance the Douta project towards an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and PFS.

Segun Lawson, President & CEO, stated:

"Firstly, it is important to provide an update on the ongoing Osun State tax dispute. The Minister of Mines in Nigeria commissioned a fact-finding committee (the "Committee") to investigate the claims made by the Osun State Government, with the findings to be reported within 7 days. The Committee provided Osun State with an extension to submit evidence of its claims by 8th November and the Company expects the Minister to disclose its findings in the near future. We look forward to the findings of the Committee and remain confident regarding our position on all the allegations made by Osun State.

"We are pleased to have profitably navigated through a challenging quarter, during which a fly-rock incident and severe weather disruptions at Segilola impeded operations. We produced just over 20,000 ounces and sold 18,167 ounces of gold achieving an average gold price of US$2,328 per ounce at a cash operating cost of US$585 per ounce sold, and an AISC of US$766 per ounce sold. We have reduced our senior debt facility to US$3.9 million, which is on track for full repayment in Q4 and notably, we have transitioned from a net debt position to a net cash position.

"On the exploration front, we have had a positive start to our Segilola Underground Exploration programme, which is ongoing with a planned 12-hole drilling programme. We look forward to receiving the remaining results.

"At Douta, we have now completed our fieldwork and received all the required drilling results for an updated resource and PFS. We are at the final stages of completing the remaining workstreams for the PFS with completion targeted for Q4 2024.

"The Quarter also marked our strategic entry into Cote d'Ivoire, with the acquisition of the Guitry and Boundiali projects, which will further diversify and strengthen our portfolio in West Africa as we look to unlock value at these projects.

"We look forward to completing the year with another profitable quarter whilst delivering further value through exploration upside in Nigeria and through advancing the Douta Project to its next milestone."

About Thor Explorations

Thor Explorations Ltd. is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties located in Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. Thor Explorations holds a 100% interest in the Segilola Gold Project located in Osun State, Nigeria and has a 70% economic interest in the Douta Gold Project located in south-eastern Senegal. Thor Explorations trades on AIM and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "THX".

THOR EXPLORATIONS LTD.

Segun Lawson

President & CEO

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Hayasa Metals Inc. (TSXV: HAY) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR2) ("Hayasa" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an operational update and announce the appointment of Robert Furse and Derek White to Hayasa's Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Operational Update

Hayasa's drill program at Urasar is the focus of our current update. To date, the company has completed two holes at Copper Creek (UDD-001 and UDD-002 per Figure 1); both holes were planned for approximately 200m. Drill hole UDD-001 was lost at just under 150m which was disappointing as the hole displayed good silica-hosted mineralization in the last several boxes of core. The second hole, UDD-002, warranted deeper drilling based on encouraging visual evidence at depth and was completed to 395m. Hayasa has two rigs on site and are currently operating at Golden Vein (UDD-003) and Oxide Basin (UDD-004). Assay results are expected to be received in early 2025.

Figure 1: Magnetic IP map of Urasar

President and QP Dennis Moore comments: "We are encouraged by what we are seeing in the drill core to date: intense alteration, abundant hydrothermal brecciation and ubiquitous sulfide mineralization, with up to 10% by volume pyrite with lesser chalcopyrite. All four holes to date display significant sulfide mineralization over long intervals and contain numerous faults and zones of obvious fluidization, signifying key pathways for mineralizing fluids.

As explained in earlier NRs, the entire Urasar District is hosted within a major structural corridor containing numerous thrust faults as well as normal faults and is one of the main reasons the District is well mineralized. However, the faulting and intense alteration does make the drilling a bit more complicated and slower than our program last year at Vardenis.

The first two holes have been logged and cut and will be sent to the laboratory early next week, and we are quite excited to see what the lab results will reveal."

Figure 2: Drill Core from Urasar

Board of Directors

The company is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Furse and Derek White to Hayasa's Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Based out of Toronto, Robert Furse is a serial entrepreneur and investor having founded and built companies in several industries including information technology and wealth management. Mr. Furse has been involved in wealth management and capital markets since joining Integral Wealth Securities in 2006 as an investment banker and one of the founding members of the capital markets group. He is co-founder, former Chairman and past President of Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (now Ventum Financial). Mr. Furse graduated from Queen's University in 1994 and lives in Toronto, with his wife and children.

Based out of Vancouver, Derek White has over 35 years of experience in the mining and metals industry. He holds an undergraduate degree in Geological Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is also a Chartered Accountant. Mr. White is the President and CEO of Ascot Resources Ltd. Prior to joining Ascot Resources Ltd. he was the Principal of Traxys Capital Partners LLP, a private equity firm specializing in the mining and minerals sectors. Mr. White was President and CEO of KGHM International Ltd. from 2012 to 2015, and also held the positions of Executive Vice President, Business Development and Chief Financial Officer of Quadra FNX Mining Ltd. from 2004 to 2012. Mr. White has held executive positions with International Vision Direct Ltd., BHP-Billiton Plc, Billiton International Metals BV and Impala Platinum Ltd., in Vancouver, Toronto, London, The Hague, and Johannesburg. Mr. White was appointed as a Director of Boliden AB in April 2024.

Jason Libenson and Michael Williams have resigned from the Board and the Company is grateful for their advice, insight and many years of service.

Company CEO Joel Sutherland comments, "Thank you to Jason and Michael for their Board leadership during a transition period of the company. We are delighted to welcome Rob and Derek as a new Board members to the Hayasa team. Rob's pedigree in the capital markets is a big win for a company our size and he brings a perspective that compliments the technical mining expertise offered by other members; Derek's mining career has spanned senior positions at a number of global resource organizations. His experience at building and operating mines, including Sierra Gorda (estimated to hold over 1 billion tonnes of copper-molybdenum-gold sulphide mineral reserves) in Antofagasta, Chile and the Premier Gold Mine in northern BC, will be invaluable as we prove up the resource of the potential copper porphyry mineralization at Vardenis."

Company President and CEO Dennis Moore comments, "I am delighted to welcome Rob and Derek as new board members to the Hayasa team. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Company's shareholders, I also wish to thank Jason and Mike for their contributions to the Company over the years. Their guidance helped put the Company in the strong position it is in now, and we want to thank them for their invaluable service."

Grant of Stock Options

Hayasa's Board of Directors has approved the granting of stock options pursuant to the Company's 2024 omnibus equity incentive plan. The stock options will entitle the holders to purchase a total of 600,000 common shares in the capital stock of the Company at a price of $0.15 per common share. The grant includes 550,000 stock options granted to the Company's three independent directors (including the two new directors) and 50,000 stock options granted to an independent geological adviser. The stock options have a term of five years and will vest over a 24-month period.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Joel Sutherland

CEO

Hayasa Metals Inc.

For further information, contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking statements

Certain statements and information contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are based on several material factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the completion of the Private Placement or the actual use of proceeds to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Hayasa undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norden Crown Metals Corporation (Norden Crown or the Company) (TSXV:NOCR, OTC:NOCRF, Frankfurt: 03E) is pleased to announce that Mr. Hendrik (Henk) van Alphen has been appointed to the Board of Directors. Mr. van Alphen will replace Thomas Soderqvist, who did not stand for re-election at the Companys Annual General and Special Meeting. The Company would like to thank Mr. Soderqvist for his valuable insights and guidance over the past six years.

Patricio Varas, Chairman and CEO of Norden, commented: We are delighted to welcome Henk to the team and look forward to working with him utilizing his extensive junior mining industry experience and business acumen to further grow shareholder value. Henk has a long and successful career building exceptional value for shareholders.

Early in his career, Mr. van Alphen started and operated a number of service-related companies, beginning with a line cutting operation in northern BC, and in 1985, launching Hy-Tech Drilling, which is still in operation today.

In 1991, he founded Pacific Rim Mining Corp., which acquired the Taca Taca, Diablillos, and Aqua Rica projects, that developed into significant deposits and/or high value M&A transactions. From 1994 to 1999, he served as Vice-President of Corriente Resources Inc., after which he launched the very successful Cardero Resource Corp. He then co-founded International Tower Hill (ITH) Mines in 2006, where he served as Chairman for 5 years. In 2021 he founded World Copper Ltd. which now owns the Zonia Copper Project in Arizona and Escalones project in Chile. Mr. van Alphen is a director and Chairman of World Copper Ltd.

In 2005, Mr. van Alphen founded Wealth Minerals, where he continues to serve as CEO and director. Wealth Minerals is a major exploration and development company in the Atacama Salar in Chile.

About Norden Crown Metals Corporation

Norden Crown is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of large-scale copper and gold deposits in exceptional, historical mining regions. The Company aims to discover new economic mineral deposits in historical mining districts that have seen exploration where economically favorable grades have been indicated by historic drilling and outcrop sampling. The Company is led by an experienced management team and an accomplished technical team, with successful track records in mineral discovery, mining development and financing.

On behalf of Norden Crown Metals Corporation

Patricio Varas, Chairman and CEO

(604) 831-9306

For more information on Norden Crown, please visit the Company website at www.nordencrownmetals.com or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the use of proceeds from any Private Placement and the planned exploration activities on properties. Although Norden Crown believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: competition within the industry; actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future price of commodities; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining approvals or financing; risks related to indebtedness and the service of such indebtedness; as well as those factors, risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Companys public filings under Norden Crowns SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Norden Crown has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Norden Crown disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - American Eagle Gold Corp. (TSXV: AE) (OTCQB: AMEGF) ("American Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a subscription agreement (the "Agreement") with a wholly owned subsidiary of South32 Ltd. (ASX: S32) ("South32"), pursuant to which South32 has agreed to invest approximately $29.16 million in the Company on a non-brokered private placement basis. Under the terms of the Agreement, American Eagle will issue 33,321,577 common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares") at a price of C$0.875 per Common Share, representing a 15% premium to the 5-day volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V") ending on November 8, 2024, for gross proceeds of $29,156,379.88 (the "Offering").

"We are very pleased to welcome South32 as a strategic investor in American Eagle. This investment marks our second major mining enterprise that has endorsed our project and our work at the NAK copper-gold porphyry project. This investment underscores NAK's potential, significantly strengthens our balance sheet, and enhances NAK's profile," said Anthony Moreau, CEO of American Eagle Gold.

"Upon closing of the Offering ("Closing"), American Eagle will hold approximately $37 million in cash, enabling us to thoroughly test our thesis for NAK through a comprehensive drill program to explore the full extent of the system, including the perimeter of the porphyry stock. We believe NAK has the potential for a large-scale resource with near-surface potential, favorable topography, and excellent infrastructure access."

Under the terms of the Agreement, American Eagle will use the proceeds from the Offering to build on the successes of its 2024 drill program, which expanded NAK's scale and identified additional high-grade zones.

No warrants are included in the Offering, and no finders fees or commissions were paid. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about November 26, 2024 (the "Closing Date"), subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and acceptance of the TSX-V. The Common Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day following the Closing Date.

Upon Closing, the Company will be funded for substantial drill program expansions in 2025 and 2026. Further details on the 2025 drill program will be shared once assays from the 2024 program are received.

Immediately following Closing, South32 will hold 33,321,577 Common Shares, representing approximately 19.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. South32 currently holds no other securities of American Eagle.

At Closing, the Company and South32 will enter into an investor rights agreement (the "IRA"). Under the terms of the IRA, South32 has been granted participation and top-up rights to allow South32 to maintain its pro-rata ownership in the Company as well as information rights relating to the NAK project so long as South32's ownership in American Eagle remains greater than 5.0% of the Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. The IRA does not contain any right of first refusal in favour of South32 regarding the sale of shares of the Company. Additionally, the exercise of the participation and top-up rights by South32 under the IRA shall, in no event, result in South32 holding 20% or more of the outstanding Common Shares, unless and until American Eagle shall have first received the requisite shareholder and TSX-V approval.

Pursuant to the IRA, South32 shall also be given the right to nominate one director (the "Investor Nominee") for election to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") so long as South32 maintains a 10% or more ownership in American Eagle on a non-diluted basis. If South32 exercises its nomination right, American Eagle shall, within 10 days, appoint the Investor Nominee to the Board to serve as a member of the Board until the next annual general meeting of the Company. Election of the Investor Nominee to the Board will thereafter be subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders at each annual general meeting of the shareholders. As at the date of this release, South32 does not currently intend to appoint an Investor Nominee.

South32's purchase of Common Shares was made for investment purposes. South32 has agreed to be restricted from selling any Common Shares for a period of one year from the closing date of the Transaction. After the one year period, South32 may determine to increase or decrease its investment in American Eagle depending on market conditions and any other relevant factors. The foregoing disclosure is being disseminated pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting. Copies of the early warning report with respect to the foregoing will appear on the Company's profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedarplus.ca.

Potential Offering Upsize

Pursuant to a previously disclosed letter agreement between Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") and the Company dated May 25, 2023, Teck has the right to participate, on equal terms, in equity issuances of the Company so as to maintain their pro-rata Common Share ownership in the Company (the "Teck Right"). Pursuant to the Teck Right, the Company shall promptly advise Teck of the Offering. Teck shall then notify American Eagle by the close of business on the 5th business day following the date hereof of their intent to participate in the Offering and maintain up to their pro-rata holdings of the Common Shares. Teck has no obligation to participate in the Offering.

In the event that Teck chooses to exercise the Teck Right to subscribe for Common Shares on terms equal (or substantially equal) to those offered to South32 in the Offering, it is anticipated that South32, in accordance with the Agreement, shall subscribe for such number of additional Common Shares so that, upon Closing, South32 shall hold approximately 19.9% of the outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 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 the securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements.

About American Eagle's NAK Project

The NAK project is located within the traditional territory of the Lake Babine Nation and lies within the Babine copper-gold porphyry district of central British Columbia. It has excellent infrastructure through all-season roads and is close to the towns of Smithers, Houston, and Burns Lake, B.C., which lie along a major rail line and Provincial Highway 16. Historical drilling and geophysical, geological, and geochemical work at NAK, which began in the 1960's, tested only to shallow depths. Still, the work revealed a very large near-surface copper-gold system that measures over 1.5 km x 1.5 km. Drilling completed in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by American Eagle has returned significant intervals of high-grade copper-gold mineralization that reach beyond and much deeper than the historical drilling, indicating that zones of near-surface and deeper mineralization, locally with considerably higher grades, exist within the broader NAK property mineralizing system.

For the latest videos from American Eagle, Ore Group, and all things mining, subscribe to our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theoregroup

About American Eagle Gold Corp.

American Eagle is focused on exploring its NAK copper-gold porphyry project in west-central British Columbia, Canada.

American Eagle Gold Corp

Suite 1805, 55 University Avenue

Toronto, Ontario

M5J 2H7, Canada

About South32 Ltd.

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. South32's purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. South32 is trusted by its owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. South32 produces commodities including bauxite, alumina, aluminium, copper, silver, lead, zinc, nickel and manganese from its operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. South32 also has a portfolio of high-quality development projects and options, and exploration prospects, consistent with its strategy to reshape its portfolio toward commodities that are critical for a low-carbon future.

Q.P. Statement

Mark Bradley, B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Geo., a Certified Professional Geologist and 'qualified person' for the purposes of Canada's National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties, has verified and approved the information contained in this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding whether the Company will be able to complete the Offering as anticipated, the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, the receipt of regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSX-V, to complete the Offering, the estimated closing date, the intended use of proceeds and intended drill program or its anticipated results at the Company's NAK project, the exercise of the Teck Right and therefor the final size of the Offering, the anticipated Closing Date, the ability of the Company to make the qualifying expenditures as anticipated by management, and other matters ancillary or incidental to the foregoing. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results might differ materially from those suggested in forward-looking statements. American Eagle Gold Corp. 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 American Eagle Gold Corp. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by American Eagle Gold Corp. with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under American Eagle Gold Corp. profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV: GLAD) (OTCQB: GDTRF) (FSE: ZX7) ("Gladiator" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of C$10,000,000 through the issuance of 11,612,903 Charity Flow-Through common shares (the "Charity FT Shares") at a price of $0.775 per Charity FT Share and 2,000,000 Non-Flow-Through common shares (the "NFT Shares") at a price of $0.50 per NFT Share (the "Offering").

Gladiator intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to fund its exploration program at its Whitehorse Copper Project in the Yukon including diamond drilling at:

"Advanced prospects Cowley Park and Chief's Trend with the intention of establishing a maiden initial inferred resource" and;

"New high-grade copper targets along the Whitehorse Copper Belt defined from historical drilling and aeromagnetic surveying."

CEO Jason Bontempo commented: "This strong display of financial commitment from experienced institutional resource investors ensures that, upon completion, Gladiator will be fully funded for its planned ambitious drilling and exploration program at the advanced, high-grade Whitehorse Copper Project in 2025."

The Offering is expected to close on or about November 29, 2024, and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company may pay finders' fees under the offering in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering.

The FT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")). An amount equal to the gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Shares will be used to incur eligible resource exploration expenses which will qualify as (i) "Canadian exploration expenses" (as defined in the Tax Act), and (ii) as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" (as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act) (collectively, the "Qualifying Expenditures"). Qualifying Expenditures in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares will be incurred (or deemed to be incurred) by the Company on or before December 31, 2025, and will be renounced by the Company to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2024.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Gladiator Metals Corp.

Jason Bontempo, CEO

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions:

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering and other project opportunities. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances, necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, risks of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE: CCI) ("Canadian Copper" or the "Company") announces that Brent Omland, CEO of Ocean Partners Holdings Limited ("Ocean Partners") has joined the Company's Board of Directors. Ocean Partners delivers financing and trading services to miners, smelters, and refiners by applying technical, commercial, financial, and political insight, bringing expertise in every aspect of the base and precious metals development and mining business.

Simon Quick, CEO of Canadian Copper, "On behalf of our current and future shareholders, we welcome Mr. Omland to the Company's Board of Directors. Brent, along with Ocean Partners, were integral in Canadian Copper's success in acquiring the Murray Brook Project. Based on our recent proposed acquisition of the Caribou Processing Complex, it is desirable to expand our Board skillset in areas of project development, construction financing, and commodity trading experience. Brent and Ocean Partners have extensive market reach and add significant value to us as the Company accelerates the development of the combined Murray Brook and Caribou Process Complex strategy."

Brent Omland, CEO of Ocean Partners, "Canadian Copper presents a unique development opportunity in the junior base metals space with the proposed combination of the Murray Brook deposit and the Caribou Milling Complex. From our perspective, there is unrealized value here that can be unlocked."

Before joining Ocean Partners, Mr. Omland was the Chief Financial Officer for Ivernia Inc. and Enirgi Metals Group, companies focused on lead mining and secondary lead smelting in Australia. Mr. Omland also worked in finance roles for Teck Cominco. Mr. Omland is a graduate of the University of British Columbia (Commerce) and a Canadian Chartered Accountant with 20 years of experience in the mining, metals, and trading business. He also serves on the Boards of Galantas Gold Corporation, Dore Copper Mining Corporation, and Nicola Mining Inc.

For more about Ocean Partners, please click here.

About Canadian Copper Inc.

Canadian Copper is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company with defined copper and base metals resources. The Company is focused on the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of New Brunswick, Canada. There are currently 90,044,762 shares issued and outstanding in the Company.

For more information, please contact:

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Kingsmen Resources Ltd. (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) ("Kingsmen" or the "Company") is pleased to report on its continuing exploration program on its 100% owned Las Coloradas project, which is in the Parral mining district of the Central Mexican Silver Belt, Chihuahua Mexico.

The Company has now selected three principal target areas, the Mine, Aguilar and Leona, on the Soledad structure for its planned diamond drill program. The Mine target includes the old Las Coloradas mine on the SE end of the Soledad structure/vein system, and adjacent mineralized structures. The Leona target covers an area of old high grade workings approximately 530 meters long on the NW end of the Soledad II structure. The Aguilar target covers an area of old high grade workings approximately 250 meters long on the NW end of the Soledad structure/vein system. Other areas of interest have also been identified for drilling with follow up work currently underway.

The Company's recently announced private placement (see news release dated Oct 24,2024) will close once final approvals have been received from the TSX Venture Exchange. The placement is fully subscribed.

In addition, pursuant to its stock option plan, Kingsmen has granted 1,300,000 incentive stock options to directors and officers exercisable at a price of .36 cents per share for a period of two years.

About Las Coloradas



The Las Coloradas Project ( 8.5 km2 -3.3 sq miles) represents a consolidation of a historic mining district which covers numerous silver-gold-lead-zinc-copper mines previously exploited by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company), the U.S. based subsidiary of Grupo Mexico.

Las Coloradas is in the Parral mining district of the Central Mexican Silver Belt, and is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Hildago de Parral and 40 kilometers east of the San Francisco de Oro and Santa Barbera mining districts where several old major mines are located, such as La Prieta, Veta Colorada, Palmilla, Esmeralda, San Francisco del Oro and Santa Barbara. As well, new major mining projects are currently being explored in the district; Cordero (Discovery Silver Corp.), 35 kms north of Parral, and La Cigarra (Kootenay Silver Inc.), 35 kms northwest of Parral. Click here to see locator map, https://www.kingsmenresources.com/area-history.

Qualified Person



Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure set out in this news release.

About Kingsmen Resources



In line with Kingsmen's organic-growth strategy, the Company's focus is on exploration and development, and is currently focused on district-scale exploration for high-margin metallic mineral deposits in the prolific mining districts of Parral Mexico. In addition, the company has a 1% NSR on the La Trini claims located within the Los Ricos North project in Mexico operated by GoGold Resources Inc. The Company's leaders have extensive experience in the mining and financial sectors. Kingsmen is a publicly-traded company (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.

On behalf of the Board, Signed:

"Scott Emerson"

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project and receipt of regulatory approval, are forward-looking statements. Although Kingsmen believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since Kingsmen can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements involve 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 statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in Kingsmen's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators, and assumptions made with regard to: Kingsmen's ability to make the required payments under the definitive agreements; and Kingsmen's ability to secure the necessary regulatory approvals. Forward-Looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Kingsmen's expectations include risks associated with the business of Kingsmen; risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to the closing of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project; non-completion of the acquisition of the Las Coloradas Project; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Las Coloradas Project; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in Kingsmen's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-Looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Kingsmen does not undertake any obligation to update forward looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Surface sampling returns 25.1 g/t Gold from the Ra vein field

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the final results from the 2024 summer field program at the Company's King Tut Property ("King Tut" or the "Property"), in Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt (Figure 1).

Highlights of the 2024 Summer Field Program

The 2024 field program included soil and rock sampling, detailed geological and vein mapping, and reprocessing and inverting of airborne magnetic data collected during the 2023 field season (the "Program"). Work was completed on both the Golden Mask intrusion and the Ra intrusion (previously referred to as WEAS) at the King Tut Property.

The Company is very encouraged with the results of this work which has expanded the gold-in-soil geochemical footprint at the Golden Mask anomaly to 2,300 by 1,500 meters. This work has also identified an extensive field of sheeted quartz veins at the Ra vein field with a high-grade surface rock sample of 25.1 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au").

Additionally, the reprocessing of 2023 airborne magnetic data and 3D inversion modeling have provided detailed subsurface outlines of the Golden Mask and Ra targets, refining the Company's understanding of these intrusive bodies and supporting the development of precise drill targets for future exploration.

"The results from this year's program continue to reinforce our confidence in the untapped potential of the King Tut Property," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "At Golden Mask, we've increased the gold-in-soil anomaly by more than 1,400 meters. At Ra, our first-ever field program discovered a new outcropping vein field grading up to 25.1 g/t Au, confirming the impressive gold potential of the property. Through airborne magnetic surveys, we have further sharpened our understanding of the potential structures at Golden Mask and Ra. This work will enable us to prioritize new, high-impact targets and work is underway to incorporate these results into a refined drill program for the Yukon in 2025."

Details of 2024 Summer Field Program

The 2024 Yukon exploration program focused on follow-up contour and grid soil sampling and rock sampling at the Golden Mask anomaly, and detailed geological and vein mapping and rock sampling at the new Ra target, both of which are associated with two separate intrusion-related gold systems. The work was carried out by a four-person field crew from Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited, based in Whitehorse, Yukon, over a 20-day period in July 2024.

Golden Mask Target

The Golden Mask target occurs within and around a granitic stock that is interpreted to be the upper carapace of a reduced intrusion. Here, the gold-in-soil anomaly spans approximately 1,400 by 1,400 meters in size showcasing a strong RIRGS geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As) alongside consistently elevated gold values, with soil samples returning >20 ppb Au and a peak value of 1,423 ppb Au. The anomaly is open for expansion to the west and south. In 2023, the Company completed seven (7) drill holes at Golden Mask totaling 1,483.5 meters, intersecting broad zones of gold mineralization within the granitic intrusion and hornfels aureole including 0.30 g/t Au over 32.5 meters in hole KT23-005 (including 0.56 g/t Au over 8.0 meters). Gold is associated with fracture-controlled and locally pervasive, strong iron oxidation associated with fine-grained disseminated and quartz vein-hosted pyrite and arsenopyrite (+/- bismuthinite, stibnite, sulfosalts).

During the 2024 program, the Company expanded the existing soil grid with 400 new soil samples and also collected five-rock chip channels and 61 rock grabs (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The results have expanded the size of the gold-in-soil anomaly to 2,300 by 1,500 meters. Geological mapping revealed dominant SSW-NNE-oriented fractures and veins that dip steeply to the NW. A prominent fracture set spaced roughly 10 to 50 cm apart was observed across a 10-meter-wide outcrop with local 1cm wide vuggy quartz-arsenopyrite veins. Notably, two northeast-trending gullies correlate with increased fracture density and they may represent key structures related to gold mineralization.

Ra Target

The Ra target is located eight kilometers east of Golden Mask, near the center of the Property, and within the hornfelsed aureole on the southwest margin of a large quartz monzonite/granite stock. The Ra target hosts multigenerational gold-bearing sheeted quartz veins within an exposed, 3 x 2 km granitic intrusion. Prior drilling by a previous operator intersected 1.0 g/t Au over 21 meters (true width unknown) associated with the sheeted quartz veins, along with surface grab samples of up to 20.1 g/t Au.

During the 2024 program, the Company focused its work on the Ra sheeted vein fields, collecting 135 rock channel samples (Plate 1) and 13 rock grab samples, and conducting detailed mapping of vein density (Plate 2) and the intrusive margins (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The area features abundant N-S-oriented oxidized sheeted quartz veins and locally sheeted quartz-arsenopyrite veins. Sampling returned values up to 25.1 g/t Au from sub-cropping vein material, corroborating historical findings. This program marks the first exploration program conducted by Onyx Gold since acquiring the property in May 2024 and the first time the target has been explored since 1996.

Vein density mapping has defined a promising vein field approximately 1,700m x 1,000m in size (Figure 5). Gold grades appear to be related to vein density and increase towards the western margin of the intrusion.

Main Tut Target

The Main Tut target is located on the north and eastern margins of the Ra intrusion and is defined by a broad zone of moderately to strongly anomalous gold-in-soil values up to 13,390 ppb gold, coincident with a strong RIRGS pathfinder geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As). The anomaly has an arcuate shape that is over six kilometers in length and 200 to 1,500 meters in width. No work was completed at the Main Tut target in 2024.

Airborne Geophysical Survey Results

In 2023, 1,692-line kilometer property-wide drone-based magnetic geophysical survey was flown over the King Tut Property. New processing of this data by the Company's independent geophysical consultant has generated 3D inversion models for both magnetic susceptibility and magnetic vector inversion (MVI) (Figure 6 and Figure 7).

The inversion effectively delineates the magnetic structures of King Tut and Golden Mask, providing valuable insights into subsurface geology. The inversion results also indicate good alignment between the modeled data and the actual magnetic response, suggesting the models are reliable. Ongoing structural and geological interpretation of the inversion data is expected to guide the next phase of exploration.

Plate 1 - Personnel collecting rock samples at the Ra Target, Main Tut anomaly

Plate 2 - Granite outcrop displaying N-S oriented sheeted quartz veins at the Ra target

Figure 1 - Regional Property Map

Figure 2 - Property Map - Golden Mask, Ra, and Main Tut Targets

Note - Highlighted historical samples noted herein have not been verified by the Company, but they provide evidence for the general gold endowment of the claims. Grab samples are selective in nature and don't necessarily represent bulk tonnage grades.

Figure 3 - Property Map - Golden Mask Target

Figure 4 - Property Map - Ra Target

Figure 5 - Medium scale inversion magnetic susceptibility model for the Golden Mask (left) and Ra (right) intrusions.

Market Maker

Onyx Gold Corp has also engaged the services of ICP Securities Inc. ("ICP") to provide automated market making services, including use of its proprietary algorithm, ICP Premium, in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation. ICP will be paid a monthly fee of C$7,500, plus applicable taxes. The agreement between the Company and ICP was signed with a start date of November 11, 2024, and is for four (4) months (the "Initial Term") unless either party provides at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to the end of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, as applicable. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and no stock options or other compensation in connection with the engagement. ICP and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future.

ICP is an arm's length party to the Company. ICP's market making activity will be primarily to correct temporary imbalances in the supply and demand of the Company's shares. ICP will be responsible for the costs it incurs in buying and selling the Company's shares, and no third party will be providing funds or securities for the market making activities.

About the Yukon Gold Properties

Onyx Gold controls a portfolio of greenfield gold properties in eastern Yukon, totaling 227 square kilometers. The King Tut Property is Onyx Gold's most advanced and compelling property in the Yukon, located in the heart of an emerging reduced intrusive-related gold district in the Selwyn Basin. Previous fieldwork identified large-scale undrilled gold-in-soil anomalies in a comparable geological setting 50 km from the Rogue/Valley Discovery, one of Canada's most significant new gold discoveries.

About Onyx Gold

Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

Qualified Person and Quality Assurance

Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp.

"Brock Colterjohn"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact:

Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO

or

Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the intention of the Company to proceed with the exercise of the Option under the Agreement on the terms and conditions set out therein, the Company's expectation to issue the Shares pursuant to the Agreement, the approval of the TSXV for the Agreement, the Company's future exploration plans, the possibility of the Bonus Payment becoming payable and the expected entering into of the Lock-Up Agreement.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive the necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Agreement, that the Company will be able to comply with the terms of the Agreement, including the issuance of the Shares, in order to exercise the Option, that the Company will have the necessary resources to carry out its exploration plans as anticipated, or at all, and that the Company will receive an executed Lock-Up Agreement from HighGold.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 11, 2024) - Advanced Gold Exploration Inc (CSE: AUEX) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the discovery of visible gold during surface prospecting at our Doyle Property in the Batchawana Greenstone Belt (BGB).

Highlights

Our recent prospecting program has identified Visible Gold on surface at the Doyle Property.

Assays from samples in the area returned, 13.2 g/t, and 9.82 g/t gold.

The appears to be the surface expression of a drill hole completed in 1994 which also had visible gold and returned assays of 49.8 g/t at a depth of 80 meters.

Visible gold has not been previously reported on the surface at the Doyle Property.

The discovery is the result of diligent examination of the area by our contractor Superior Exploration.

The Company is pleased to report that exploration work by Superior Exploration of Sault Ste Marie on the Doyle Gold Project in October has resulted in the discovery of visible gold on surface. The area which was examined was chosen due to its proximity to an earlier drill hole with an intersection of 49.8 g/t. The gold appears to be related to intense quartz veining and silicification. A Petrographic study has been undertaken to attempt to determine the distribution of gold and better define the alteration in the area.

Examination of a LiDAR survey undertaken by the Company in 2022 appears to indicate that the gold is associated with a northeasterly trending linear feature. It is thought by the Company's geological staff that this feature may represent an extensional structure off of the main NNW trending shear  a favorable local to host gold mineralization.

Mr. Jim Atkinson, CEO of the Company commented: "This new discovery of visible gold on surface at Doyle has excited our staff. The interpretated relationship of this visible gold to features indicated by the LiDAR has indicated that this might be a NE trending extensional structure. If further work in the area proves this to be the case this opens a whole new area to exploration because all past work has focused on structures trending NNW and may not have adequately explored shears and faults in other directions."

He comments further "We are very pleased with the prospecting, geological mapping and sampling work carried out by Superior Exploration and reiterate the importance of "Boots on the Ground" in mineral exploration. We are preparing plans for more detailed prospecting and sampling in the spring not only in this newly identified area. This discovery has prompted us to reexamine LiDAR and airborne geophysical coverage across the Property to identify other potential extensional structures."

It should be noted on Figure 2 below that there are trenches which have been completed in the area but they don't seem to have intersected the area with visible gold. Figure 2 shows the location of the actual high grade gold samples and the visible Gold.

Figure 1: Location of Recent Sampling in Relation to Past Drilling and Trenching, Note, drillholes 94-20 and 94-25 intersected quartz veins which were not sampled.

Figure 2: Location of Rock Samples from Recent Prospecting with Gold Assays Showing Interpreted shear Zones.

About Doyle

The Doyle Property is located approximately 92 kilometers southeast of Wawa, Ontario and approximately 65 km northeast of Sault Ste Marie within the Batchewana Volcanic Belt of the Abitibi Province. The property consists of a total of 79 unpatented mining claim cells and covers an area of approximately 1,730 hectares.

The structural and geological architecture of the Batchawana Greenstone belt is conducive to a variety of gold depositional environments similar in nature and significance to other gold bearing deposits in Archean-aged greenstone belts hosted within the Superior Province. Noteworthy, these typically fall into the category of "orogenic gold deposit" types in brittle-ductile structurally related regimes like the Timmins Gold Camp, the Hemlo Gold Deposits, and the gold deposits of the Doyon-Bousquet Camp in Quebec. Orogenic gold deposit types would be the focus of future exploration activities on the Doyle Property.

Figure 3: location of Doyle Property in the Batchewana Greenstone Belt.

The Doyle Property lies within the Batchawana Greenstone Belt of the Wawa-Abitibi Terrane. The eastern extension of the Wawa Subprovince has had a long gold mining history dating back to 1897. Gold mining in the area has prospered and receded in the 20th century however this part of the Wawa Subprovince has total historic production of over 3,000,0000 ounces. Current and near future producers of the Wawa Subprovince include:

1) Wesdome Gold Mines Eagle River Complex;

2) Alamos Gold Island Mine; and

3) Argonaut Gold Magino Deposit.

All of the above historical gold mines and current to near future producers are considered orogenic gold deposits of Archean-aged greenstone belts and environments.

Three styles of orogenic gold mineralization occur on the Doyle Property. These are, but not limited to:

1) Gold-enriched semi-massive to massive sulphide horizons in a felsic tuff volcanic pile

2) Lode gold auriferous quartz veins, and

3) Disseminated gold in silicified and pyritized shear zones.

Figure 4: Plan Showing Doyle Property Claim Information. Note: Overlain on geology by Grunsky (1996). Gold and base metal occurences shown as numbers.

The most significant and recent exploration on the Doyle Property was carried out by Tri-Origin Exploration which included drilling programs from 1990 - 1995. These programs are deemed significant, and their geological observations support deposit model types being sought. The Focus of the Tri-Origin work was on a model of similarity of the Doyle property geology and mineralization to the 20,000,0000-ounce Hemlo deposit. Tri-Origin completed geological, geophysical, and geochemical programs and drilled a total of 37 drill holes for 8,053 m. Anomalous gold values were intersected in numerous drill holes and visible gold was observed in two holes. Drill hole T94-22 intersected 49.58 g/t gold over one meter and drill hole T95-34 intersected 17.49 g/t gold over one meter.

Recent exploration by the Company has included airborne magnetic and VLF EM surveys, a LiDAR survey and trench sampling.

The airborne geophysics was very helpful, in association with geological mapping by TriOrigin, in defining the main trends and structures on the property. Throughgoing g structures have been identified as being present trending in a northwest to northerly direction. Parallel VLH Em trends underlie some of the gold occurrences especially where gold is associated with sulphides.

Further details of the Doyle Property will be available in the Technical Report on Sedar and the Company's website www.advancedgoldexploration.com.

QUALIFIED PERSON

James Atkinson M.Sc., P. Geo., a Qualified Person ("QP") as such term is defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release. The Qualified Person supervised the work completed by the Company but has not completed sufficient work to verify all historic information on the Property, particularly with regards to historical sampling, drill results, and technical work provided by others. The Qualified Person assumes that past sampling and analytical results were completed to industry standard practices. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Property but may not be representative of expected results.

ABOUT ADVANCED GOLD EXPLORATION INC.

Advanced Gold Exploration (Formerly Advance United Holdings Inc.) is a Canadian mineral exploration company. We've acquired a portfolio of undervalued gold and copper properties and are increasing their value through the application of modern technology, new ideas and systematic exploration. We have a growing pipeline of similar properties that we are looking to acquire. We are involved exclusively in the acquisition and advancement of past projects - with no intent to bring them back into production or to mine them ourselves. Our expertise is in identifying and acquiring undervalued properties with significant historical work, which were uneconomic at the time. We believe we can enhance their economic value at today's prices. We fund the re-working historic data and applying modern technology to underwrite new qualified reports, document quantifiable resources and reserves to current standards, thereby recognizing the current value. Our purpose is to bring immediate and long-term value to our partners and shareholders while seeking to reduce exploration risk, so that we can all advance in the shortest possible time frame.

For additional information about us, our projects, or to find out how we can assist in the advancement of your project contact our CEO.

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Highlights

Probe has commenced a 50,000-meter infill drill program at Novador aimed at resource conversion for the upcoming pre-feasibility study.

aimed at resource conversion for the upcoming pre-feasibility study. 10,115 metres of infill drilling have been completed at Monique and at Courvan, with four drill rigs currently operational and plans to deploy up to 8 rigs for the winter drilling season.

with four drill rigs currently operational and plans to deploy up to 8 rigs for the winter drilling season. The pre-feasibility study is expected to be completed in by the end of 2025, positioning Probe for significant advancements in project development.

positioning Probe for significant advancements in project development. Concurrent with the infill drilling, Probe is conducting comprehensive engineering, environmental, and social studies to support the pre-feasibility work program.

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PROBE GOLD INC. (TSX: PRB) (OTCQB: PROBF) (Probe or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has commenced a 50,000-metre infill drill program on its Novador development program, focused on resource conversion in preparation for the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). To date, 10,115 metres of the current infill drilling program have been completed at Monique and at Courvan, with results pending. Currently, four drills are operational at the site, with plans to increase to eight drills for the winter drilling season.

The infill drilling program aims to upgrade 100% of the inferred category resource included in the Preliminary Economic assessment (PEA) mine plan to indicated category. 72% of the resource in the PEA is already in the indicated category. The infill drilling will include an estimated 150 drillholes for a total estimated 50,000 metres at the Novador project. In preparation for the PFS, Probe is also conducting comprehensive engineering, environmental, and social studies. The Company is aiming to complete the PFS by the end of 2025.

David Palmer, President and CEO of Probe, states: The primary objective of the infill drill program is to convert the inferred resources in our PEA into the indicated category required for the PFS, scheduled for completion in late 2025. The PFS represents a critical milestone in advancing the Novador project toward development. With a strong treasury heading into 2025, Probes main focus is to continue advancing Novador, positioning it as a premier project capable of thriving in any gold price environment. Based on the progress made to date in permitting, resource growth to over 10 million ounces and mine-plan improvement, including a smaller number of larger open pits, our confidence in the projects potential continues to grow and we have a clear path forward to development.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Mr. Marc Ducharme, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

About Probes Novador Project

Since 2016, Probe Gold has been consolidating its land position in the highly prospective Val-dOr East area in the province of Quebec with a district-scale land package of 685 square kilometres that represents one of the largest land holdings in the Val-dOr mining camp. The Novador project represents one property block of 175 square kilometres that hosts four past producing mines (Beliveau Mine, Bussiere Mine, Monique Mine and Beaufor Mine) and contains 80% of the Companys gold resources in Val-dOr East. Novador is situated in a politically stable and low-cost mining environment that hosts numerous active producers and mills.

About Probe Gold

Probe Gold Inc. is a leading Canadian company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company is well-funded and dedicated to exploring and developing high-quality gold projects. Notably, it owns 100% of its flagship asset, the multimillion-ounce Novador Gold Project in Quebec, as well as an early-stage Detour Gold Quebec project. Probe controls a large land package of approximately 1685-square-kilometres of exploration ground within some of the most prolific gold belts in Quebec. The Companys recent Novador updated Preliminary Economic Assessment outlines a robust mining plan with an average annual gold production of 255,000 ounces over a 12.6-year mine life.

Val-dOr properties include gold resources totaling 6,728,600 ounces in the Measured and Indicated category and 3,277,100 ounces in the Inferred category along all trends and deposits.

On behalf of Probe Gold Inc.,

Dr. David Palmer,

President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information:

Please visit our website at www.probegold.com or contact:

Seema Sindwani

Vice-President of Investor Relations

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+1.416.777.9467

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain forward-looking statements which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
The UN condemned on Friday the staggering number of civilians killed in Israel's war in Gaza, with women and children comprising nearly 70 percent of the thousands of fatalities it had managed to verify.

In a fresh report, the United Nations human rights office detailed the "horrific reality" that has unfolded for civilians in both Gaza and Israel since Hamas's attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

It detailed a vast array of violations of international law, warning that many could amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and possibly even "genocide".

"The report shows how civilians in Gaza have borne the brunt of the attacks, including through the initial 'complete siege' of Gaza by Israeli forces," the UN said.

It also pointed to "the Israeli government's 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," it continued.

"Palestinian armed groups have also conducted hostilities in ways that have likely contributed to harm to civilians."

The report took on the contentious issue of the proportion of civilians figuring among the now nearly 43,500 people killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Palestinian territory.

Due to a lack of access, UN agencies have since the beginning of the Gaza war relied on death tolls provided by the authorities in Hamas-run Gaza.

This has sparked accusations from Israel of "parroting... Hamas's propaganda messages" but the UN has repeatedly said the figures are reliable.

- International law -

The rights office said it had now managed to verify 8,119 of the more than 34,500 people reportedly killed during the first six months of the war in Gaza, finding "close to 70 percent to be children and women".

This, it said, indicated "a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction and proportionality".

Of the verified fatalities, 3,588 of them were children and 2,036 were women, the report said.

"We do believe this is representative of the breakdown of total fatalities -- similar proportion to what Gaza authorities have," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told AFP.

"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," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.

"Tragically, these documented patterns of violations continue unabated, over one year after the start of the war."

His office found that about 80 percent of all the verified deaths in Gaza had occurred in Israeli attacks on residential buildings or similar housing, and that close to 90 percent had died in incidents that killed five or more people.

The main victims of Israeli strikes on residential buildings, it said, were children between the ages of five and nine, with the youngest victim a one-day-old boy and the oldest a 97-year-old woman.

The report said that the large proportion of verified deaths in residential buildings could be partially explained by the rights office's "verification methodology, which requires at least three independent sources".

It also pointed to continuing "challenges in collecting and verifying information of killings in other circumstances".

Gaza authorities have long said that women and children made up a significant majority of those killed in the war, but with lacking access for full UN verification, the issue has remained highly contentious.

Israel has insisted that its operations in Gaza are targeting militants.

But Friday's report stressed that the verified deaths largely mirrored the demographic makeup of the population at large in Gaza, rather than the known demographic of combatants.

This, it said, clearly "raises concerns regarding compliance with the principle of distinction and reflect an apparent failure to take all feasible precautions to avoid, and in any event to minimise, incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians and damage to civilian objects".
The UN on Friday condemned the staggering number of civilians killed in Israel's war in Gaza, with women and children comprising nearly 70 percent of the thousands of fatalities it had managed to verify.

In a fresh report, slammed by Israel, the United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) detailed a raft of violations of international law since Hamas's deadly October 7 attack in Israel sparked the war in the Gaza Strip.

Many could amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and possibly even "genocide", it warned, demanding international efforts to prevent "atrocity crimes" and ensure accountability.

"Civilians in Gaza have borne the brunt of the attacks, including through the initial 'complete siege' of Gaza by Israeli forces," the UN said.

"Conduct by Israeli forces has caused unprecedented levels of killings, death, injury, starvation, illness and disease."

It pointed to "the Israeli government's continuing unlawful failures to allow, facilitate and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and repeated mass displacement".

Israel's mission to the UN in Geneva "categorically" rejected the report, decrying "the inherent obsession of OHCHR with the demonisation of Israel".

- 'Dystopia of destruction' -

"Gaza is now a rubble-strewn landscape," Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN rights office's activities in the Palestinian territories, said via video-link from Amman.

"Within this dystopia of destruction and devastation, those alive are left injured, displaced and starving."

Friday's report also found that Hamas and other armed groups had committed widespread violations that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including seizing hostages, killings, torture and sexual violence.

Those violations, it said, were especially committed in connection with the October 7, 2023 attack, which resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly of civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

- 'Systematic violation' -

The report also tackled the contentious issue of the proportion of civilians among the nearly 43,500 people killed in Gaza so far, according to the health ministry in the Palestinian territory.

UN agencies have been relying on death tolls provided by the authorities in Hamas-run Gaza due to lack of access. This has sparked harsh criticism from Israel but the UN has repeatedly said the figures are reliable.

The rights office said it had now managed to verify around 10,000 of the more than 34,500 people reportedly killed during the first six months of the war.

"We have so far found close to 70 percent to be children and women," Sunghay said, highlighting the stringent verification methodology that requires at least three separate sources.

He said the findings indicated "a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law".

He said 4,700 of the verified fatalities were children and 2,461 were women.

- 'Unprecedented' -

The Israeli military said it works towards minimising harm to civilians.

"The IDF works to minimize harm to non combatants prior to attacks, especially women and children," it said in a statement to AFP.

"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 rights office found that about 80 percent of all the verified deaths in Gaza had occurred in Israeli attacks on residential buildings or similar housing.

Children between the ages of five and nine made up the largest group of victims, with the youngest victim a one-day-old boy and the oldest a 97-year-old woman, it said.

Israel says its operations in Gaza target militants and are in line with international law.

But Friday's report stressed that the verified deaths largely mirror Gaza's demographic makeup rather than that of combatants.

This, it said, clearly "raises concerns regarding compliance with the principle of distinction and reflects an apparent failure to take all feasible precautions to avoid, and in any event to minimise, incidental loss of civilian life".

UN rights chief Volker Turk called on all countries to work to halt the violations and to ensure accountability, including through universal jurisdiction.

"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," 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."
Bangladesh said Sunday it would request an Interpol "red notice" alert for fugitive leaders of the ousted regime of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was toppled in a revolution in August.

"Those responsible for the indiscriminate killings during the mass uprising in July and August will be brought back from wherever they have taken refuge", Asif Nazrul, the interim government's law advisor, told reporters on Sunday.

"We will ensure they are arrested and brought to justice".

Dozens of Hasina's allies have been taken into custody since her regime collapsed, accused of involvement in a police crackdown that killed more than 700 people during the unrest that led to her ouster.

France-based Interpol publishes red notices at the request of a member nation, based on an arrest warrant issued in their home country.

Nazrul did not mention any individual by name, but Bangladesh has already issued an arrest warrant for 77-year-old Hasina -- last seen arriving in India after fleeing by helicopter as crowds stormed her palace.

Hasina's 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.

Red notices issued by the global police body alert law enforcement agencies worldwide about fugitives.

Nazrul said they would request a red notice "as soon as possible".

India is a member of Interpol, but the red notice does not mean New Delhi must hand Hasina over.

Member countries can "apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person", according to the group, which organises police cooperation between 196 member countries.

Hasina has been summoned to appear in court in Dhaka on November 18 to face charges of "massacres, killings, and crimes against humanity".

Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), told AFP on Sunday that the court had "sought arrest warrants for more than 60 individuals", and that "so far, around 25 have been arrested,".
Photo credit: Pexels



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In an increasingly visual digital environment, high-quality images and videos are essential for user engagement on GBP listings. Backspace Marketing advises businesses to incorporate visuals that authentically represent their services and ambiance. For instance, a restaurant could showcase its interior or signature dishes, while a local boutique might feature popular product images. This visual appeal not only creates a positive first impression but also increases profile interaction, a metric positively influencing local SEO rankings. As visual search trends grow, businesses must prioritize curated images to maintain a competitive edge.

Preparing for Emerging Local SEO Trends

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By focusing on accurate information, localized keyword integration, and user engagement through GBP, Backspace Marketing empowers businesses to enhance their community search visibility. As the digital landscape shifts, these services offer a practical approach to capturing an edge in local engagement, positioning businesses for growth in their local markets.








Monday, November 11, 2024 - A notorious cross-border car theft dealer who has long been a thorn in the side of law enforcement has finally been apprehended.

Thanks to the sharp-eyed officers from Loitoktok Police Station, a stolen vehicle a white Toyota Dyna mini-truck with the registration number KCG 508Q has been successfully recovered.

While on a routine patrol, the vigilant officers spotted the suspect behind the wheel of the vehicle.

Sensing the heat was on, Muchiri made a break for it, abandoning the truck and sprinting away.

However, the officers were hot on his heels, leading to a swift chase that ultimately ended in his arrest.



The suspect was escorted to Loitoktok Police Station, where further interrogation unveiled a deeply unsettling truth, Muchiri is a key player in an organized car theft syndicate that has been systematically robbing unsuspecting members of the public.

The stolen vehicles are then smuggled across the border into a neighbouring country and sold at rock-bottom prices.



It was further established that the recovered vehicle had been stolen from a 32-year-old man Evans Havi, who was found unconscious at Kalii guest house.

It is believed that Muchiri dragged Havi before making his escape with the vehicle.



The suspect is in police custody, undergoing processing as detectives prepare for his arraignment while the recovered motor vehicle is being detained as exhibit.



The Directorate of Criminal Investigations urges members of the public to stay on high alert, as criminals not only use violence but are increasingly employing new tactics, including stupefying, to carry out their nefarious deeds.













The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Dina Sherif, a renowned Egyptian entrepreneur and investor based in the US, has exposed an alleged case of extortion at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The incident happened when she landed at JKIA for a business trip with some branded items.

She was initially asked to pay $1,200 (approx. KSh155,000) for the luggage but the figure kept going down.



"Then it went down to 950. Then to 800 (approx. KSh103, 000), she narrated, adding that none of the staff explained to her how they determined the figure.

She explained that the luggage contained 15 books, 20 T-shirts, and some caps.

"Also, it is worth noting that these items did not even have price tags on them, so they were assigning whatever value they wanted to these items," she says.



Further, Ms. Sherif, who is also the Executive Director at Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship in Massachusetts, US, says the JKIA staff clearing them mishandled them and confiscated a passport belonging to her colleague.



"They treated myself and my colleague with disrespect. They confiscated my colleague's passport until we agreed to pay. After agreeing to pay it, it took them an hour to generate a receipt.

"Then when I came to pay by credit card, their system was down," she narrates, adding that they spent at least five hours at the airport after arriving in the country following the incident.

See her post.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, November 11, 2024 - A crisis is looming in the food sector after maize farmers from Trans Nzoia County, a key food-producing region, rejected President William Rutos offer to buy maize at Ksh3,500 per bag.

In the announcement, which was made through the Kenya Cereals Produce Board (NCPB), Rutos government noted that it would be buying the farmers' maize at Ksh3,500 per bag, dashing the hopes of many farmers who had been waiting for better prices from the government.

However, farmers insisted that they were willing to sell maize to the government at Ksh5,500 per 90-kilogram bag.

''The only way for a farmer to get a profit from his labour is if the government can buy from us at a price of Ksh5,500, Jonathan Melly, a farmer stated.

This comes even as the farmers from the maize growing regions decried poor prices that they have been forced to sell their produce at, over what they term as cartels who have now invaded their business.

The farmers blamed the lack of price control on the governments failure to open NCPB silos nationwide before the harvesting season.

''The decision of the government to delay the opening of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has contributed to the reduction in maize prices as the business is now being controlled by cartels, Melly added.

The development came even as the government announced plans to buy at least 1 million bags from farmers across the country.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has exposed powerful cartels linked to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for reportedly looting money at the City Mortuary.

Reports indicate that all postmortems at the City Mortuary are paid in cash to avoid accountability.

A source revealed that those who visit the City Mortuary for postmortem services are told to go to an Mpesa lady at the parking lot and withdraw cash.

The money is paid in cash and reportedly collected at 4PM daily.

They ask you to go Mpesa lady at the parking and withdraw cash and go back and pay. I enquired. I was told that someone collects the cash at 4pm every day, a source revealed.

This new development comes amid reports that some MCAs led by Robert Alai are set to table an impeachment motion against Governor Sakaja.

As the impeachment motion looms, Sakaja has been seeking protection from President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised the Martha Koome-led Judiciary for vindicating him following the recent ruling on slum evictions.

Speaking at a church service in Kahawa West where he was accompanied by loyal allies, Gachagua revealed that the recent ruling ordering President William Rutos government to compensate victims of forceful evictions in various slums of Nairobi among them Mathare, Gwa Kairu, Mukuru Kwa Ruben, and Kiamaiko slums due to the threat of flooding has vindicated him.

I saw the courts ruled those people whose houses were demolished to be paid which means I was vindicated and won, he stated.

Gachagua explained one of the charges leveled against him during his impeachment motion was that he opposed the governments demolition of peoples houses without fair compensation which he pleaded guilty to during his trial.

I was happy with the courts because they ruled the government to compensate victims of evictions and demolitions, he averred.

When assigned to lead the demolitions, Gachagua refused, stating that it conflicted with the promises he and Ruto made to the people during the 2022 campaigns.

President William Ruto and I told people that there will be no day their houses will be demolished without finding a place for them, he said emphasising that there was no way he would renege on his words.

How would I go and lead the demolitions when I was the one who said we will not demolish their houses? he wondered emphasizing it would amount to betrayal to the citizens of the country.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Kenyas hope of becoming an oil-exporting country might no longer be a pipe dream.

This is after Tullow Oil Plc, the company that discovered oil in Turkana, renewed hope for Kenyas oil exportation after proposing a new partnership that could put the country on course to regularly process and export oil.

While speaking to Bloomberg on Friday, Tullow Oil CEO Rahul Dhir proposed connecting Kenyas export pipeline to South Sudans oil output.

He argued that the delayed project to export oil from discoveries in Kenya by pipeline to the coast could be a solution for South Sudan to transport its own crude and offer Kenya a much-needed partner.

If you took 120,000 barrels a day from Lokichar and 250,000 barrels a day from South Sudan, youve got more than enough to build a very nice pipeline, Dhir noted.

According to Dhir, a partnership between Kenya and South Sudan would present a win-win situation.

On one hand, South Sudan is in need of a new outlet for exporting its oil, while on the other, Kenya is looking for capital to build a new oil pipeline connecting the northern part of the country, where oil is located, to the Port of Mombasa.

South Sudans oil pipeline ceased operating in February and accounts for more than 90 per cent of government revenue in South Sudan and has taken a toll on the wider economy.

The London-based explorer discovered crude in Kenya in 2012, but it failed to find a strategic partner to help realize the project and the countrys government has been slow to approve a development plan.

Tullow Oil had planned to make Kenyas first commercial export of oil in 2028 through a Field Development Plan (FDP) which the firm submitted to the government for review and approval.

However, this hit a snag after its two strategic partners opted out of the deal.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille has been fired barely a month after visiting Kenya for talks with President William Ruto.

This development has jeopardized Kenya's mission in Haiti, as Garry was among the few Haitians who supported the Kenyan police presence despite their slow progress on the ground.

Garry Conille was fired on Sunday following a political power struggle that has plagued the war-stricken nation since gangs took over.

Conille, who was greenlit to lead the nation as prime minister in an interim capacity in May, was fired by the countrys election council.

According to the official notice published in Le Moniteur, the country's Gazette, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, an entrepreneur who owns a chain of dry cleaners and a former Senate candidate was selected by the transition council to replace Conille. The reasons for his firing, however, remain a mystery.

Didier Fils-Aime is also the former president of Haitis Chamber of Commerce.

On October 10, Conille landed in Kenya for talks with President William Ruto following the deaths of over 70 people at the hands of the gangs in Central Haiti.

This situation eerily mirrors Ariel Henrys exit from office after he visited Kenya early this year in February.

Even before he left the country, there were already talks of him being blocked from re-entering Haiti after his visit, forcing him to dock in the neighbouring Puerto Rico for a while.

On March 12, Henry handed in his resignation following a crisis meeting between the 15-member Caribbean Community regional bloc known as CARICOM.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Over the weekend, Sunday Nation ran a story on how a senior county official from Western Kenya was nabbed with stacks of undeclared cash at the airport by an anti-corruption team, prompting him to seek help from higher powers.

It is now emerging that the money, which is believed to be proceeds of corruption, belonged to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto.

Ruto had to make a call and issue orders before the county official was allowed to proceed with his journey with every coin intact.

The officials at the airport had initially demanded a 40 percent tip.

Check out Migunas post.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, November 11, 2024 - President William Rutos economic advisor, Moses Kuria, has hinted at the formation of a mega alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at Ligisa Boys Secondary School during a thanksgiving ceremony for Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Sunday, Kuria likened the potential coalition to the influential Rainbow Movement of 2002, suggesting that joining early would benefit those aiming to play a role in Kenya's future political landscape.

I have been calculating some political mathematics, and I can see that going forward, in 2027, a new national movement, similar to the Rainbow Movement of 2002, will emerge.

"If youre clever, you should start joining now to avoid regrets later, Kuria stated.

In his speech, Kuria praised Raila Odinga, the chief guest, highlighting his dedication to pan-Africanism and commending his leadership style.

Kuria expressed confidence in Raila's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, describing him as a selfless leader committed to Kenya's and Africas interests.

Africa is lucky to have Baba Raila Odinga as the incoming AUC chair.

"We have not always treated you well as a society, Baba, but whenever the big hour comes, you bend backwards for Kenya, he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Muranga County Senator, Joe Nyutu, has accused President William Ruto of betraying people who made him the President in 2022.

Ruto, who triumphed over former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the 2022 election, received overwhelming support from the Mt Kenya electorate.

Of the 7.2 million votes that secured President William Rutos win, nearly 4 million came from the Mt. Kenya region, largely mobilized under the leadership of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Commenting on Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment, Nyutu criticized President William Ruto as a thankless leader, saying he abandoned those who helped him ascend to power.

Senator Nyutu remarked that President William Ruto dismissed Moses Kuria from his Cabinet Secretary role, reducing him to a mere "housegirl" in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government.

Moses Kuria was fired from the Cabinet and has been given a job that I can equate to a housegirl in a house that was her own as a wife, Nyutu said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized many Members of Parliament and senators from the Mt. Kenya region, accusing them of extreme greed and suggesting they can even sell their mothers if the price is right.

Speaking at Priesthood Fellowship Church in Kahawa West, Nairobi on Sunday, Gachagua said most MPs and senators from Mt Kenya region who supported his impeachment were induced with bribes like Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus Christ in the Bible.

The former Deputy went on to say that many leaders in the Mt Kenya region have nothing to stand for and they would do anything for the right price.

Our people can even sell their Mothers if the Price is right," Gachagua said.

He also vowed to show Mt Kenya region direction once he consults with religious leaders and members of the business community.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Trans Nzoia County Governor, George Natembeya, has dismissed claims that he is working with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to send President William Ruto home in 2027.

Speaking in his office on Saturday, Natembeya said the narrative that he is working with Gachagua was being woven by his political detractors.

Natembeya clarified that he and Gachagua have never contacted each other to deliberate on a possible political deal.

He, however, stated that he is not enemies with the deposed deputy president.

Natembeya said his detractors' spotlight on his likely partnership with Gachagua was malicious given that he has many friends.

"He doesn't have my phone number. I have never called him, and he has never called me.

"Wherever I go, I am told that I am working with Gachagua. In any case, he is not my enemy.

"There is no reason for me to pick a fight with him. Those against me thinking that they will find a reason to attack me by linking me with Gachagua are wasting their time," said Natembeya.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has sensationally denied reports of partnering with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to bring President William Rutos government down ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in his office over the weekend, Natembeya accused his political detractors of coming up with the lie.

According to Natembeya, he has never been in contact with Gachagua to deliberate on a possible political deal.

He clarified, however, that he is not an enemy of the deposed deputy president.

Natembeya said his detractors' spotlight on his likely partnership with Gachagua was malicious given that he has many friends.

"He doesn't have my phone number. I have never called him, and he has never called me.

"Wherever I go, I am told that I am working with Gachagua.

"In any case, he is not my enemy. There is no reason for me to pick a fight with him.

"Those against me thinking that they will find a reason to attack me by linking me with Gachagua are wasting their time," said Natembeya.

The Trans Nzoia governor noted that he was not pushing for any political alliance with the deposed deputy president.

At the same time, Natembeya faulted Gachagua for occasioning his own political tribulations.

According to the county boss, Gachaguas goose was cooked after he showed tendencies of insubordination toward his boss, President William Ruto.

He referenced an instance in which Gachagua issued a press conference from Mombasa, alternating with the one by Ruto in Nairobi.

Natembeya stated that if he had been Ruto, he would equally not have allowed the former deputy president to continue with his wayward political moves.

The county boss has been advocating for Luhya unity, vowing to replace veteran leaders like Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula, whom he claims have not advanced the regions prosperity.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024  President William Ruto had to seek help from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to impeach former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

This was revealed by Suna East MP and National Assembly's Minority Leader Junet Mohammed who said Ruto realized he could not do it alone.

Speaking during the Thanksgiving Ceremony of Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga, Mohammed stated that once their colleagues across the Parliamentary aisle approached them for support in the impeachment, they considered the issue and decided that the accusations made against the former deputy president were legitimate and thus decided to answer to the plea and join their colleagues in the vote.

"Recently, people have been asking why ODM collaborated to unseat Gachagua.

"Gachagua is someone who had a foul mouth and he used to insult Baba.

"We told him that a day of consequence would come. If those people had not collaborated with ODM members in Parliament, they would not have ousted Gachagua, Mohammed told the congregation.

That means that ODM has a lot of power because UDA would not have removed Gachagua by themselves.

"They had to speak to us ODM members and we weighed in on the issue and decided he was someone who was useless and he needed to go.

Junets revelation hasnt come as a surprise, as the ODM party has gradually carved out a presence in the Kenya Kwanza Government following Railas handshake with Ruto, which many believe was aimed at gaining support for his African Union chairmanship bid.

When he reshuffled his cabinet in July following deadly anti-government protests, Ruto notably included four heavyweights from the party to serve in his cabinet, including Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, Wycliffe Oparanya, and John Mbadi.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - There was a fracas in Ruiru on the outskirts of Nairobi after some rogue Nigerian men believed to be in the country illegally were filmed assaulting Kenyans, prompting the locals to intervene.

While it is not clear what led to the altercation, the foreign men were seen in the video charging towards some Kenyan men and roughing them up.

Locals who witnessed the violent altercation called out the Nigerian men and told them to go back to their country.

Go back to your country, the locals shouted as the fracas ensued.

The video comes at a time when there is an influx of illegal immigrants in the country, posing a security threat.

Most of the Nigerian men who are in the country illegally are involved in criminal activities such as fraud and the sale of narcotics.

They bribe rogue police officers for protection and operate with impunity, with some of them even obtaining Kenyan IDs illegally.

Some Rogue Nigerian Men Filmed Assaulting Kenyans In Ruiru- Should The Government Crack Down On Illegal Immigrants? pic.twitter.com/BnZ7iLpijd  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) November 11, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) leader Francis Atwoli has urged President William Ruto to leverage his majority in both Houses of Parliament to amend the current Constitution.

Speaking in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Atwoli said the current dispensation is a stumbling block to Ruto and his administration.

The outspoken leader explained that Ruto cannot successfully undertake his agenda as president due to the avenues in the Constitution which give the citizenry the powers to challenge policies and government undertaking they deem as oppressive and against the law.

"We want the president to help us change the Constitution of Kenya 2010. As is, the current constitution gives people the leeway to run to courts to challenge the president whenever he wants to bring us development.

A national project cannot continue because it has been challenged in court. If someone killed you today, they will be given bonds in court and then run around to prove themselves as innocent.

We want to review our current constitution. Some provisions tend to hold the president back, and his first term might lapse without him achieving anything due to the cases challenging his development agenda," said Atwoli.

Atwoli wants the Constitution changed to enable the government to run without legal obstacles.

In Kenya, a constitutional change can only happen after the citizenry has okayed it through a popular vote in a referendum.

Atwoli's sentiments came in the wake of the Executive facing off with petitioners challenging government policies and agendas in court.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Monday, November 11, 2024 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to corrupt public officials, stating that their days are numbered.

Speaking at Jesus Palace of Praise Church in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, where he had attended a Sunday Worship and Thanksgiving Service, Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza administration will stop at nothing to make sure that the law takes its course, should anyone be found culpable.

Kindiki emphasized that misusing public funds intended for infrastructure projects to benefit Kenyans brings about curses, urging officials to act with integrity.

It is a curse to use public funds for personal benefits. It is a curse because of the cry of poor people who cannot access medicine and die because of things, which would have been prevented. That cry reaches out to God.

As we wait for Gods judgment, we have the constitution and the law. We will make sure we use all means to protect public resources. To those used to stealing public resources, your days are numbered, Kindiki said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Simon Harris has distanced his party from comments made by Ryanair boss Michael OLeary, who suggested teachers should not lead the country, while endorsing a Fine Gael candidate.

It comes after the comments were described as extremely offensive and hugely insulting by political opponents and teachers unions.

The airline chief announced his support for a Fine Gael candidate in the general election, adding it was important to elect a government that gets shit done.

Mr OLeary endorsed Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke in the LongfordWestmeath constituency, adding that he would give his second preference to Fianna Fail candidate Robert Troy.

The multimillionaire based part of his endorsement on Mr Burkes background in the private sector, as he criticised TDs who were teachers in the past. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin is among those who have a background in teaching.

The Dail is full of teachers  nothing wrong with teachers, I love teachers, but I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done, he said.

The Teachers Union of Ireland said the comments were extremely offensive, while the Irish National Teachers Organisation added that the remark was outrageous and deeply insulting.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Ryanair bosss comments were unacceptable (Fergal Phillips/Fine Gael/PA)

Elsewhere, Fianna Fail Minister of State James Browne said the remark was offensive, adding that he was the chair of a board of management for a primary school.

One of the most effective things you can do with your life is being a teacher, he said.

Fianna Fail candidate for Dublin Bay South Jim OCallaghan added: As the son of a primary school teacher, I can tell him hes absolutely incorrect  teachers are very effective at getting things done.

In an apparent reference to Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris, Mr OCallaghan added: We need people from different backgrounds in Dail Eireann, teachers, all walks of life  it cant be the case that everyone just decides at 19 years of age that Im going to be a politician and stay in politics for the rest of their lives.

Elsewhere, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said it was very disappointing to hear someone in public life taking snipes or sneers at teachers, as she called on Fine Gael to distance themselves from the comments.

She said: Were all conscious of the enormous contribution that teachers have made.

She added: Its particularly disappointing at a time when we know theres a crisis in education, the recruitment and retention of teachers.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also weighed in, saying: For teachers to be jeered and demeaned in this way is unacceptable.

Mr Burke later distanced himself from Mr OLearys remarks, telling RTE radio that he absolutely disagreed with the businessman about teachers.

Mr Harris, Fine Gael leader, said the Ryanair bosss comments were unacceptable but welcomed the endorsement.

Michael OLeary has endorsed Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said: Teachers are the backbone of Irish society and Im not sure theres people who would last five minutes standing at the front of a class and I have nothing but respect for teachers.

Michael OLeary is a very successful businessman, I think the fact one of the most successful businessmen in Ireland thinks the minister for business is doing a good job is important, is good.

But I also think this: The Dail needs diversity, the Dail needs a mix of people in it.

Speaking at Mr Burkes campaign launch in Mullingar, Mr OLeary also took aim at Sinn Fein and continued a long-running feud with the Green Party.

Mr OLeary, who grew up and lives in Mullingar, said the November 29th vote would be one of the most seismic elections within the next three decades because of the expected population boom.

He added: So it is vital this time that we elect a government that delivers.

We need a government that delivers for enterprise, that creates jobs. We need a government that delivers infrastructure that fixes the problems we face today, and above all, its vital that we elect a government that gets shit done.

Because, frankly, Im fed up with the left-wing politicians telling us that if they tax us more and spend more, all will be well.

Mr OLeary urged the crowd to also support Fianna Fail candidates but urged them not to vote for the Green Party or Sinn Fein.

I would also urge everybody to give your number two to somebody in Fianna Fail as well, he said.

Its important, I think, in this election that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail supporters transfer to each other.

Ryanair has repeatedly criticised the Green ministers for transport and tourism, Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin, over what the airline sees as a lack of action on the Dublin Airport passenger cap.

What is most important in this election is we weed out the Greens. Weve learned after five minutes that the Greens are just weeds, Mr OLeary said.

They poison enterprise. Theyve destroyed transport.

He added: Please dont vote for Sinn Fein. I would ignore Sinn Fein. If you cant run your own party, you havent much chance of running a government or a country either.
Tom Tuite

HOMESAVERS discount store chain has been given a chance to avoid a recorded conviction for using UK instead of euro pricing in Ireland.

Centz stores, trading as Homesavers, was prosecuted by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at Dublin District Court.

The firm, with offices at Old Dublin Road, Stillorgan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to failing to indicate the selling price of Heinz Baked Beans on May 24th, 2023, at its trading premises at Block 2, Units D & E, Ballymaley Business Park, Gort Road, Ballymaley, Ennis, Co Clare.

Judge Anthony Halpin said he would apply the Probation of Offenders Act if it contributed 1,501 toward the CCPC's costs and donated 200 to the Little Flower Penny Dinners charity.

Stephanie Lawless BL, defending, pleaded for leniency, telling Judge Halpin that costs had been agreed between the parties after that was previously a "sticking point".

She said the company employed 50, traded for several years, and held up its hands at an early opportunity.

The barrister said the firm accepted liability for the offence but had taken steps to regularise matters. Signs had been placed in all its stores alerting that there was stock from the UK pre-priced in British pounds.

The stock is repriced, and the firm has given an undertaking to train all staff in doing that and regular checks that the prices have been replaced.

Pictures of new signage, with prices in euros, were shown to the judge.

Judge Halpin thought it would not have been difficult because shops had price guns with stickers, but counsel was instructed that there had been some staff confusion.

Judge Halpin noted the firm had no prior convictions.

The offence, which can carry a maximum 5,000 fine in the District Court, is under the European Communities Requirements to Indicate Product Prices Regulations. Judge Halpin adjourned the case until a date in December.
Sarah Slater

A Hungarian court has ordered that an Irish man being questioned by police in connection with the murder of American woman Mackenzie Michalski to remain for a further 30 days.

Ms Michalski (31), who was on holiday in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, was last seen at a nightclub in the city on Tuesday last and listed as missing by Budapest Police Headquarters later that day.

It is understood that Ms Michalski, who is originally from western New York, had travelled from Portland, Oregon in the US, and was last seen near Szimpla Kert, known as the party district in the city, at around 10pm.

The nurse practitioner had been travelling throughout Europe with a female friend and Hungary was their last stop. The two separated for the last night of their trip.

Ms Michalski's friend said she received texts from her and that she was at a bar in the Jewish run district having a drink and dinner.

She detailed how she responded to a message from Ms Michalski at around 12:45 am on Tuesday. That was the last time they communicated.

The dead womans friend received messages from Airbnb that her friend had not checked out and that is when she reported her missing to the US Embassy.

The 6th District Police Department along with the Fugitive Search Division obtained footage from all available CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood, and noticed a man with whom the missing girl was seen together in several nightclubs.

The arrested man, who had been in Budapest for a week on holiday prior to meeting the American woman, has allegedly told police that he and the dead woman went back to his rented apartment, were intimate, and that her death was an alleged accident.

He allegedly informed police after his arrest that he attempted to conceal her body in a suitcase, which he transported in the boot of his rental car to a marshy area in Szigliget.

Detectives have also said they found numerous alleged incriminating online searches on a computer.

Ms Michalskis belongings were discovered at her Airbnb after the designated check-out time, and she missed her flight scheduled on Tuesday for Amsterdam. She worked as a neurosurgery nurse practitioner at Providence St Vincent Medical Center in Oregon.

The Irish mans lawyer, Jozsef Pasztor, according to local media, informed the Hungarian court that the womans death was an accident and has denied any guilt.

According to Mr Pasztor, his client has no prior criminal record in Ireland or the UK, and maintains that the incident was a tragic mishap.

A post-mortem and forensic examination are still pending, and authorities have yet to confirm the cause of Ms Michalskis death.

The court has ordered the Irish man's 30-day arrest, citing the risk of escaping and hiding, but the order is subject to appeal.

At a memorial service outside the US Embassy in Budapest, Ms Michalskis parents expressed deep gratitude to the Hungarian community and police for their unwavering efforts in the search for their daughter, who was tragically murdered.

Friends, family, and former colleagues gathered to honour the 31-year-old, lighting candles in her memory. Mackenzie was remembered for her compassion and dedication to her work.
A 55-YEAR-OLD man with a Kildare address was arrested on Monday morning (11 November) in connection with the murder of Kilkenny woman Josephine JoJo Dullard 29 years ago.

Under the command of Superintendent Paul Burke gardai from Naas are leading the search of two houses and grounds around Grangecon on the Kildare-Wicklow border, only three kilometres from the village of Moone where she was last seen.

A cordon has been put in place, and a forensic pathologist is on standby.

It is understood the arrested man has been interviewed in relation to this offence on a number of occasions in the last 29 years.

His detention has already been extended to 12 hours, and he can be held for 24 hours in Garda custody, before a court appeal can be made to extend that custody further.

This is the first arrest made in this case in 29 years, a case which was upgraded from a missing person to murder four years ago.

Saturday (9 November) was the anniversary of JoJos disappearance.

JoJo Dullard

On the 9 November 1995 Jo Jo travelled to Dublin where she spent the evening socialising in Bruxelles Bar, Harry Street, Dublin 2, but missed her last bus home to Kilkenny that evening and instead at 10pm boarded a bus to Naas.

She intended to hitch hike the rest of the way home to Callan, in Co. Kilkenny, and got a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at Kilcullen.

At approximately 11.15pm Jo Jo hitched another lift to Moone where she made a telephone call to her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm.

During that call, Jo Jo told Mary that a car had stopped for her and she was going to take the lift.

This was the last known interaction with Jo Jo Dullard, and the following morning, Friday 10 November 1995, Jo Jos sister, Kathleen, reported her missing and an investigation commenced.

Jo Jo was 21 years old when she disappeared.

Her father, John, died before she was born and her mother Nora died from cancer in 1983.

Jo Jo was the youngest of five siblings, her sisters Mary, Nora and Kathleen and brother Thomas.
Maynooth University Department of Music has announced the appointment of award-winning Irish percussionist, composer, and filmmaker Ruairi Glasheen as Artist-in-Residence for 202425.

Inaugurated in 2022, the Department of Music Artist in Residence is a position hosted by Maynooth University in partnership with Kildare County Council Arts Service, Music Generation Kildare, Music Generation Offaly, and Music Generation Westmeath.

The role is designed to provide students and the broader communities of Kildare, Offaly and Westmeath the opportunity to work with Ruairi, as well as giving him the time and support to develop his own projects and create new work.

Ruairi Glasheens passion for rhythm began at the age of four when he made his musical debut on the Irish bodhran.

In 2013, he graduated with First-Class Honours from the Royal College of Music, receiving the prestigious Presidents Award from HRH Prince Charles.

Ruairi has performed globally across a wide range of genres and prestigious stages, including performing with John Williams at Shakespeares Globe Theatre, Come From Away in London's West End, for 5,000 schoolchildren at the Royal Albert Hall, and appearances at renowned venues such as The Barbican, Kings Place, The Southbank Centre, Ronnie Scotts, and Union Chapel.

In 2019, Ruairis first documentary, Hidden Drummers of Iran was released following a successful Kickstarter campaign.

The film was officially selected for SoundTrack Cologne and the San Francisco Iranian Film Festival, and it won the Jury Prize at Italy's Sonic Scene Festival.

In 2022, the film was acquired for broadcast by SVT and has been featured on BBC News, Sky News, and CNNs Inside the Middle East. Ruairis subsequent documentaries include Hidden Drummers of India (exploring Southern Indian percussion), Rhythms of Italy (examining ancient Italian tambourines), and The Real Story of the Irish Bodhran, which has been highlighted in The Irish Examiner and on Ireland AM. In 2024 Ruairi travelled to Japan to collaborate with Taiko drummers for an upcoming documentary series funded by the Daiwa Foundation.

Elaine Donnelly, acting Arts Officer for Kildare County Council commented: The Arts Service is delighted to partner once again with Maynooth University and Music Generation on this artist residency.
Simon Harris has called Michael OLearys comments about teachers who become politicians crass and ill informed and said he would have no further involvement in the Fine Gael campaign.

The Ryanair boss has come under criticism for saying he would not hire teachers to get things done, at a Fine Gael event at the weekend.

Mr OLeary was endorsing Minister for Enterprise and Fine Gael candidate Peter Burke in the LongfordWestmeath constituency, adding that he would give his second preference to Fianna Fail candidate Robert Troy.

He has doubled down on the remarks on Monday, telling Newstalk that there are too many teachers in the Dail parliament and they are not the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

The businessman also said that Media and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin was far better off back in the classroom, while endorsing Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

Addressing the comments, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said he was annoyed at Mr OLearys remarks.

I think the comments made were crass, they were ill informed. Im pretty annoyed about it, he said.

He said the Dail parliament was not like running a company and was meant to be reflective of society.

He also pointed out that former taoiseach Enda Kenny and former finance minister Michael Noonan were both teachers before entering politics.

Teachers are the people that we can trust with our most precious possessions: our children, I know that in my own house. And theres not that many people who can stand up in front of a classroom for five seconds and last, let alone for the full day, for the full week, full month, it is a tough job.

Its an impactful job, and I have nothing but respect for teachers.

Asked about laughter at the comments made by Mr OLeary at a Fine Gael event at the weekend, he said that cheering at the comments was inappropriate.

Mr Harris also said he did not know whether Mr OLeary had donated to the Fine Gael campaign.

Michael OLeary was at a local event in the constituency in which he resides. He will have no further involvement, nor does he have any involvement in the campaign, Mr Harris said.

His views dont reflect my position, or the position of my party at all.

He added: Michael OLeary is Michael OLeary. Im not sure hes ever made an intervention that hasnt generated a significant level of discussion and debate. We live in a democracy. He can say he wants.

Quite frankly, he wouldnt be somebody Id be inviting to a launch, because his way of engaging and speaking isnt it to my taste. He can engage in speaking as he wishes, but I prefer to do my politics in a more mannerly fashion.

I didnt like some of the interventions that he had made in relation to some of my Cabinet colleagues  even if, by the way, I saw validity in the point and the passenger cap needs to go, by the way, I think its extraordinarily problematic. But I never believed in the politics of personalisation.

Mr OLearys remarks have prompted sharp criticism from teachers unions and parties across the political spectrum, while senior Fine Gael figures have distanced themselves from the comments.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said anyone who aspires to political office should launch their own campaign.

Youre out there asking people to vote for you, to support you. Why are you going forward in the first place? Thats my view of life, he said on Monday.

No one ever launched my campaign. Thats my view and I would say to all of my colleagues, launch your campaign, motivate your own supporters and members, and motivate them enough that theyll go out and knock on doors on your behalf because they believe in you as a political representative.

But its open to any individual, to be fair now, were in a democracy. If somebody wants to bring somebody in to launch their campaign or to be with them in the launch of their campaign, thats democracy.

Thats a matter for the person concerned to defend the position they took in doing that. My view is politicians and political representatives, if they aspire to public office, should lead their own campaigns and launch their own campaigns and outline why they want to be elected and what they want to do in office.

Speaking on Newstalk earlier on Monday, Mr OLeary said he was making a serious point about the need for more diversity in the Dail parliament  and said there was a need for more business owners to become TDs.

This country is facing enormous challenges over the next decade, where the population is going to rise from five to six million people, Mr OLeary said.

Now we need lots of teachers delivering excellent education in the classroom, but a Dail where there is a striking surplus of teachers in the Dail is not necessarily one thats going to get things done.

I want to see more people enter the Dail from private enterprise, from the private sector, and thats the energy we need if were going to fix the infrastructure challenges we face, and if were going to provide housing and infrastructure for a population of six million people.

I think teachers do a great job in the classroom, but Im not sure that teachers in the Dail are necessarily the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

He cited Green Party ministers Catherine Martin and Roderic OGorman as two former teachers who have clearly failed in their roles.

Ill give you the example of Catherine Martin, for example, whos the Minister for Tourism. Shes been Minister for Tourism for five years, and what has she delivered? A (passenger) cap at Dublin Airport.

I think Catherine Martin will be far better off back in the classroom doing the valuable work that teachers do and as far away from the reins of government or making decisions, where I think shes clearly failed.

He said that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had done a great job in government, while their coalition party colleagues the Green Party needed to be weeded out and the main opposition party Sinn Fein should be ignored.

I think people should vote for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, I think Fine Gael and Fianna Fail should transfer to each other. I think nobody should vote for the Greens.

Greens leader Roderic OGorman said he was appalled by Mr OLearys comments.

He said the Ryanair boss was designing his fantasy Cabinet, which would be made up of solely rich men.

I think Michael OLearys comments yesterday in terms of teachers and disrespecting an entire profession were absolutely disgraceful, he added.

Weve seen, over the past few weeks, billionaires punching down in America, and its really sad to see now that billionaires punching down is becoming part of Irish politics as well. I was particularly shocked to see the big cheer it got from the Fine Gael faithful at their election launch event.

He added that Mr OLeary wants the Green Party out of government.

Michael OLeary is a climate denier. Michael OLeary is a profiteer, he added.

He wants to get profits for Ryanair and thats his sole goal in life, and thats fair enough. But a government cant be designed around the needs of one big company. A government has to provide for everybody.

I think what hes pushing is what I worry is maybe a view of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael  lets push the Greens out. Lets just do a two-party government. I think, fundamentally, a two-party government of just Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, it would be the kind of government that Michael OLeary likes.

It would be the kind of government that would be good for billionaires, but I dont think it would be the kind of government that would be good for people all over the country.

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has called for Mr Harris to clarify the response inside the room to Mr OLearys comments.

The issue here isnt the comments themselves, the issue is the response by a room full of Fine Gael members and activists, and elected representatives I presume, she said.

I dont think the Taoiseach has clarified that and I think he should.
Green Party leader Roderic OGorman has accused Fianna Fail and Fine Gael of marginalising his party, in a bid to keep it out of the next government.

Mr OGorman said his sense is that both parties do not want a coalition partner that is as robust and determined to push for its manifesto goals as the Greens.

He made the comments in response to a report of a preference in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to enter coalition with the Labour Party following the General Election.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Mr OGorman said: My sense is that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael maybe dont want a coalition partner that is as robust, that is as determined and that is as focused on getting in through its key manifesto goals.

I think thats why there does seem to be a push to maybe marginalise us out of the next government.

But if we want to focus on climate, we want to focus on supporting families, we want to focus on investment in public transport, we need the Green Party re-elected, and part of the next government.

Mr OGorman said he acknowledges change in Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels approach to climate over the last four-and-a-half years.

But he said his party is always pushing for change in bringing in climate change measures.

Weve worked well with them on certain issues, but we are always the ones pushing. We are the ones driving the momentum, he added.

Weve seen that theres a limit to what Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will do on these issues, particularly when they wouldnt support the very important, the very worthwhile investment in the climate and nature funds, that they vetoed at a recent Cabinet meeting.

Cop (Conference of the Parties) is starting today. We were disappointed seeing Fianna Fail and and Fine Gael both deciding not to attend. I know its the middle of an election campaign, but this is the biggest challenge that our humanity faces.

I think it is so important that we have a clear focus on climate. Its great to see a greater focus in this election campaign, on the issue going forward.

But, ultimately, if we want to be bringing in those policies to support people, to support families, to make the changes they need to make in terms of climate, in terms of reducing emissions, you need the Green Party in the next government.
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has pledged to start tackling USC rates in her partys first 100 days in government if it wins the election.

The party is running 71 candidates across all constituencies in Ireland in the poll later this month in a bid to oust both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail from government for the first time in decades.

At a candidate launch at the Communication Workers Union in Dublin on Monday morning, Ms McDonald pledged to abolish the universal social charge (USC) for the first 45,000 euro of peoples incomes.

Our message to the people is clear  if you want to change the government, your only option is to vote for Sinn Fein, she said.

She pledged to focus on delivering a better future from day one in government, to make housing affordable, transform the health service, deliver affordable childcare at 10 euro per child per day, abolish the means test for carers allowance and to advance preparations for the reunification of Ireland.

We will scrap the USC on the first 45,000 euro of every workers income, every worker will benefit and we know workers cant wait, she said.

We will begin implementing this relief within the first 100 days of government, ensuring the removal of the first 45,000 euro from the USC by January 1 2026.

This means a Sinn Fein-led government will ensure that the average worker will never again pay USC. This will benefit all workers and will mean up to 1,100 euros more a year in take-home pay from where they are today.

Ms McDonald said the policy will remove a huge burden from low and middle-income families, and highlights the clear blue water between Sinn Fein and the Fine Gael/Fianna Fail partnership.

Their approach has always been to ensure that those at the top benefit first and benefit most, she said.

Our USC proposal puts fairness for ordinary workers first.

Pearse Doherty said the party will bring a mini budget within the first 100 days with the cut to USC.

We know the pressure that workers are under during the cost-of-living crisis, thats why within the first 100 days of a Sinn Fein-led government that we are going to act, he said.

We will introduce a mini budget which at the centre of it will be these cuts to the USC. We will see ordinary workers across the state pay less USC within 100 days of a Sinn Fein government and the abolition of USC for the first 45,000 euro that every earner earns by January 1 2026. That is our commitment.

Ms McDonald also pledged to maintain Irelands relationship with the US under President-elect Donald Trump.

Whoever is taoiseach, the relationship with the United States is a very important one for us, she said.

Obviously for Sinn Fein in particular, we have invested hugely in the development of the Irish peace process. Youll have seen yesterday Michelle ONeill act again in good faith as a First Minister for all.

The peace process is ongoing, it needs to be tended to consistently, not just domestically but internationally, and the United States of America, irrespective of who is in the White House, is a very, very important part of all of that.

So engagement and that relationship is extremely important, so yes, whoever is taoiseach, I believe, should and will go to the White House on St Patricks Day, because the first order of business on that occasion is Ireland, peace in Ireland, the reunification of Ireland for us, and on those occasions, areas where there is disagreement, also there is an opportunity to raise those issues

When we were there last St Patricks Day, in all of the engagements that Michelle and I had, the issue of Palestine in particular was raised.

There is great clarity across the Atlantic as to the Irish position, the Sinn Fein position and our call to stop arming Israel, the need for sanctions and the need for international law to be respected. None of that is news on the far side of the Atlantic.

The relationship is important for Ireland and it is important that there is ongoing and deep engagement.
It was another marquee evening for Community Radio Kilkenny City as they collected four major awards for their work over the past 12 months.

Manager Jackie ONeill led a party of seven presenters and operatives to the Carrickdale Hotel in Louth for the Craol Annual Achievement Awards, the party travelling in hope that they would be in the winners enclosure. Joining ONeill were chairman Maurice OConnor, Mick Cummins, Don Devlin, Frank Tynan, Claire Henriques and Nicola Brennan.

ONeill, who has been with the radio for the last few months, was expecting some good news. In a pre-event interview, she knew even with her short association with Community Radio Kilkenny City, that the entries were of a very high quality, and award-worthy.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE

We have a good team doing great work here, she said. If the reaction both verbally and through the various social media outlets, is a barometer by which we measure our popularity and support, then I can only say with more than a reasonable confidence, that we will bring home some gold.

Chairman OConnor was similarly optimistic.

I would be quietly confident of our chances of doing well, he said.

Like Jackie, I too would be very much aware from conversations that our community appreciate what we are trying to do with the station.

The auditorium in the Carrickdale was buzzing with excitement as the nominees waited for the announcements to begin.

The Kilkenny contingent got off to a great start when they scooped the award for the best commissioned programme.

The presenters of the marquee Kilkenny programme Birds on the Wire, Claire Henriques and Nicola Brennan, made their way to the podium with manager Jackie ONeill to accept the Gold Award.

The weekly programme has a big number of volunteers on board including Tracey Millea, Caroline Lee, Cecilia Shefflin, Colette Shannon, Regina Blundon, Sinead OCallaghan, Marion Gaffney, Maeve OFlynn, Kevina Hayes, Karol Knox and Patsy Cummins, all of whom will celebrate the achievement with suitable aplomb.

That award was only the appetiser for further Community Radio glory. The next category, was about inclusivity, diversity, and access to the community served by the local radios and the contribution rendered by outside broadcast units. CRKC had a grand entry that ticked all of the boxes and it was no surprise when Kilkenny were nominated for yet another Gold Award.

The Kilkenny contingent were not finished yet. The Irish Language Award, Clar na gCairteacha ar Radio Pobail, which is presented by Tomas Morris on Thursday evenings, collected a Silver Award.

The most prestigious award of the evening, the Craol Achievement Award was given to Birds on the Wire. The main award of the night, the Kilkenny contingent were gobsmacked with it.

The ceremony was a great night for CRKC, the community radio which is presented by its own Kilkenny people, for its own Kilkenny people.
The new KIT-led DeepTechHub initiative aims to intensify support for start-up founders. (Photo: Manuel Balzer, KIT)

The Baden-Wurttemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and Arts (MWK) is funding six INSPIRE BW hubs to further strengthen the start-up culture at Baden Wurttembergs universities. Among them is the DeepTechHub under the aegis of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). With the initiative, local universities aim to raise southwest Germanys profile by bringing relevant actors together and jointly supporting start-up activities. The ministry is funding DeepTechHub with up to EUR 1.95 million.

This funding is a major success for KIT. It supports our aim of strengthening our assistance for start-up founders and a giving a long-term boost to a culture of entrepreneurial thinking, said Professor Thomas Hirth, KITs Vice President for Transfer and International Affairs. Working with the associated universities, we can transfer research findings to new businesses, develop interdisciplinary start-ups, and pool resources.

Supporting Start-ups with Joint Initiatives

We urgently need continuous, systematic improvement in start-up funding at universities, said Thomas Neumann, who heads KITs New Ventures, Shareholdings and Incubators department and the KIT-Grunderschmiede (Founders Forge). DeepTechHub participants aim to intensify dialogue about start-up assistance, planning joint initiatives to investigate what approaches, formats and digital tools would be most helpful in supporting start-ups.

Courses and Boot Camps for Founders

Our goal is to share the effort involved in supporting start-ups, meaning that each institution takes on a certain task to help company founders. That will enable us to pool our resources most effectively, Neumann said. The tasks include boot camps, courses for founders, and assistance with the paperwork involved in requesting funds for the implementation of research findings. In addition to the KIT-Grunderschmiede, were setting up a second point of contact for transforming ideas into successful start-ups, he added.

The INSPIRE BW Hub funding will be used to professionalize the services, which will be implemented with all of the partner institutions. Other partners are Heidelberg University, the University of Mannheim, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, Pforzheim University, and Heilbronn University. The MWK will fund the DeepTechHub through December 31, 2028.

More information

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
1 News reports:

But Labour leader Chris Hipkins said there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that this is going to reduce smoking. Its a $200 million-plus tax cut to the countrys biggest tobacco company, he said.

This is a falsehood, no ifs and no buts.

I deal with this here. The Government has agreed to halve tax on heated tobacco products to see if that will lead to more smokers using them, instead of cigarettes. They are less harmful.

The actual tax on these products is $5.97 million, so the reduction in tax is $3 million, not $200 million.

So what is this $200 million figure? It is an estimate of the reduced tax revenue from smoking, on the assumption 7,200 smokers stop smoking, and substitute to heated tobacco products.

This is not a tax reduction on tobacco companies. It is less taxation, as fewer people smoke and fewer cigarettes are purchased. Labour are complaining that there will be less tax revenue from smoking, because fewer people will smoke.

The media should not just repeat claims that are so fundamentally false.

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Wildfires in Northeast United States worsen air quality in New York suburb

Xinhua) 13:29, November 11, 2024

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 9, 2024 shows wildfire around Jennings Creek, stretching across Passaic County of New Jersey and Orange County of New York, the United States. Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend. (Xinhua)

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported Saturday morning that it had contained 40 percent of a 39-acre wildfire along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in New Jersey. The affected area lies on the western banks of the Hudson River, close to Manhattan and only about 13 kilometers north of Central Park.

The forest fire service said in a post that its crews remain on the scene with fire engines and ground support. Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality alert until 11 p.m. Saturday for New York City, Rockland and Westchester, citing increased particulate matter from wildfires in northern New Jersey. A brown haze was visible over New York City's skyline, with smoke lingering in the air.

Additionally, firefighters are contending with a large wildfire near Jennings Creek, which spans Passaic County, New Jersey, and Orange County, New York. The forest fire service also reported that this fire, covering 2,000 acres, threatened 10 structures and remained uncontained.

Fire crews are working to manage approximately 15 active wildfires across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut as of Saturday, according to the Fire, Weather and Avalanche Center, which provides public updates. Multiple road closures have been enforced, including a section of Interstate 287 near Pompton Lake in Passaic County.

The U.S. National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of Connecticut, southern New York State and northeastern New Jersey, highlighting critical fire weather.

The wildfires have killed a firefighter, injured six others and forced the evacuation of six homes in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Connecticut and New Jersey have seen a rise in wildfire activity due to unusually dry conditions.

Wildfire around Jennings Creek lights up the darkness in Hewitt, New Jersey, the United States, on Nov. 9, 2024. Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

Wildfire brings smog over George Washington Bridge in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on Nov. 9, 2024. Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 9, 2024 shows wildfire around Jennings Creek, stretching across Passaic County of New Jersey and Orange County of New York, the United States. Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend. (Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 9, 2024 shows wildfire around Jennings Creek, stretching across Passaic County of New Jersey and Orange County of New York, the United States. Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend. (Xinhua)

Wildfire around Jennings Creek lights up the darkness in Hewitt, New Jersey, the United States, on Nov. 9, 2024. Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Korea Times awards two special prizes

By Park Jin-hai

German conductor Simon Edelman clinched the top prize at Korea's only international conducting competition.

The Korean National Symphony Orchestra (KNSO), under the leadership of artistic director David Reiland, announced, Sunday, that Edelman, currently conducting the Vogtland Philharmonic, won first place in the second KNSO International Conducting Competition.

Edelmann's performances of the first movement of Brahms' "Symphony No. 4," the third movement of Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances" and the first movement of "Debussy's La Mer" in the final round impressed the jury and secured him the top prize.

Jury chair David Reiland praised Edelmann as a "skilled and experienced conductor" who demonstrated "excellent leadership and understanding of the orchestra."

At a press conference held after being named the winner at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District on Sunday, Edelman said his goal "has been to realize the music and let it speak for itself. Because I believe the concert should be about the music, not about the conductor. Im not sure if that impressed the jury, but that was one of the things I aimed to achieve in the final."

He added, "I don't want to be remembered for conducting great concerts, but I want people to remember the great music they heard in those concerts."

He also thanked the KNSO for giving young conductors the opportunity to make a name for themselves.

"We want to conduct, we want to stand in front of an orchestra, we want to perform great music. So the greatest gift is actually to be here, to be able to get time in front of the orchestra to play, make music with them. In the end, that for me is the most important thing," he added.

The second KNSO International Conducting Competition attracted 224 applicants from 44 countries. Eleven finalists from six countries competed from Wednesday to Sunday, presenting a diverse repertoire of contemporary, concerto and symphonic works.

The award, inaugurated in 2021, is held every three years to honor emerging conductors on the global stage. While Yoon Han-kyeol, the first Korean to win the Karajan Young Conductors Award, was the runner-up in the first competition in 2021, no Korean conductor made it to the finals this time.

A panel of nine international experts, including Reiland, Colin Metters, Curtis Stewart and Michael Becker, served as judges for this year's contest.

Euan Shields from the United States won second place and Austin Alexander Chanu, also from the U.S., took third. Winners of the KNSO International Conducting Competition are awarded with cash prizes of 50 million won for first, 30 million for second and 10 million for third, as well as opportunities to perform with KNSO, the Seoul Arts Center and the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Korea Times sponsored two special prizes  Chanu received 4 million won for the Orchestra Prize, while Edelmann was awarded the same amount for the Audience Prize.

Shields described the five-day experience in Korea as "surreal."

"Music enables us to really bring our authentic selves to the podium and to the orchestra and a big part of that was how warm and receptive and responsive the KNSO was to our ideas, our conducting gestures. It felt like a really sort of deep communication that happened throughout the week. It's surreal," he said.

Borrowing the words of French conductor and composer Nadia Boulanger, which essentially mean, "You're only as good a musician as you are as a person," Shields added, "To be a better musician, you need to be a better person. So if the question is, what's the most important thing for a conductor, it's everything  who you are. I just want to keep getting better and keep learning about everything in life and music."

Chanu strongly agreed with that sentiment.

"I think just being true to yourself and being yourself fully on the podium with whatever works for you. You can't get up there and be fake and try to do something different," he said. "You have to represent yourself fully and you have to live authentically. You have to live your life authentically both on and off the podium. So to me, I try to emulate that every day. I try to be just as true of a person as I can."
By Yoon Ja-young

Hana Financial Group started its environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) festival this year, in which all employees participate in various volunteer activities for two months to fulfill their social responsibility and share the group's social value achievements over the past year.

Marking its 14th anniversary this year, the event kicked off on Monday with Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo announcing the start of the festival.

"I hope Hana Financial Group's sincerity toward neighbors in need will shine in every corner of society, he said.

The group introduced its project of building 100 child care centers around the country, a project it has been working on for the past six years to address the nation's low birthrate issue. It also shared key social value achievements for the year, such as prevention of illegal gambling among teenagers, support for small businesses and creation of youth employment opportunities.

The chairman and other executives and employees also made kimchi, which was donated to a child care facility in central Seoul.
By Jun Ji-hye

Financial Services Commission Vice Chairman Kim So-young vowed, Monday, to make every effort to communicate with foreign investors and provide accurate explanations before resuming stock short selling.

He noted the government has received numerous requests from foreign investors for regulatory clarity, as it is working on fundamental improvements to systems related to short selling during its ban period, which is scheduled to last until next March 30.

We are striving to enhance foreign investors understanding of Koreas short selling regulations by providing comprehensive and detailed guidelines on the criteria for determining naked short selling, Kim said during a press briefing for foreign correspondents in Seoul.

The countrys ban on short selling was put in place last November, and was originally set to expire at the end of June. But it was pushed back to next March 31.

As part of efforts to improve the system, the government in June announced plans to establish a computerized monitoring system to monitor for illegal short selling practices, to unify short selling transaction conditions for individuals and institutions and to strengthen sanctions and penalties for illegal short selling.

In September, a revision to the Capital Markets Act passed the National Assembly, and follow-up measures are now underway for the improvement.

In order to provide clear information to investors, particularly foreign investors, and to support regulatory compliance, Kim stated that the government has been providing both Korean and English guidelines as well as tailored consulting services regarding the changes.

To advance the capital market, it is most important to create an environment where both domestic and foreign investors can invest with confidence, which means restoring trust, Kim said. For trust to take root, it is essential to establish a sound market order.

He stressed that the government would uphold a zero-tolerance policy on unfair trading, strengthening both preemptive monitoring and post-sanctions.

In addition to fines, additional effective sanction measures are set to be introduced next April, including restrictions on financial investment product transactions, limitations on the appointment of executives in listed companies and the ability to freeze suspicious accounts, he said.

Kim acknowledged that the domestic stock market has shown a relatively weaker performance compared to major global markets recently, and added that it is important to view market changes from a longer-term perspective.

The advancement of the capital market and the Corporate Value-up Program are not one-time events but national tasks that will be pursued steadily and persistently, he said.
Korea's exports slid 17.8 percent on-year in the first 10 days of November due mainly to fewer working days and falling demand from major economies, data showed Monday.

Outbound shipments reached $14.91 billion in the Nov. 1-10 period, compared with $18.13 billion tallied a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.

The number of working days during the cited period of this year came to 7 days, compared with 8.5 days a year earlier.

Per-day exports only slipped 0.1 percent on-year to $2.13 billion, according to the customs office.

Imports shed 21 percent on-year to $15.77 billion during the period, resulting in a trade deficit of $900 million.

In October, exports rose 4.6 percent on-year to $57.5 billion, the 13th straight monthly gain, government data showed.

Exports of semiconductors surged 17.4 percent to $3.28 billion during the first 10 days of this month.

Semiconductor exports accounted for 22 percent of the country's total exports during the cited period, up 6.6 percentage points from a year earlier amid an industry cycle upturn.

Ship sales spiked nearly fivefold from a year earlier to $598 million.

But auto exports sank 33.6 percent to $1.33 billion, and those of automotive parts decreased 27.7 percent to $455 million.

Exports of petroleum products tumbled 33.2 percent to $1.15 billion, while outbound shipments of steel products fell 15.7 percent to $1.01 billion.

By nation, shipments to China fell 14.6 percent on-year to $3.32 billion, and exports to the United States dipped 37.5 percent to $2.32 billion.

Exports to Vietnam lost 6 percent to $1.68 billion, and those to the European Union declined 26.3 percent to $1.3 billion.

Shipments to Japan went down 19.4 percent to $744 million, while exports to Taiwan advanced 29.2 percent to $722 million.

Exports have led Korea's overall economic recovery since late last year, but concerns have grown over the slowdown in export growth amid dwindling demand from major economies.

The government expects exports to advance 9 percent on-year to reach a record high of over $700 billion in 2024. (Yonhap)
Bitcoin hits all-time high; Bitcoin ETF trading surpasses largest gold ETF

By Lee Yeon-woo

After Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election, the crypto market has been setting new record highs daily.

Bitcoin surpassed $80,000 for the first time around 7 a.m. on Sunday, continuing its strong upward momentum and reaching an all-time high of $81,534. After a brief pause on Monday, it shows no signs of slowing down.

Ethereum, another leading cryptocurrency, crossed the $3,000 mark on Sunday. It is trading above $3,200 after climbing over 6 percent on Monday. Dogecoin  a meme coin that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has actively promoted  also spiked by more than 40 percent.

Trading volumes of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have skyrocketed as well. The total assets of Bitcoin spot ETFs have even reached $34.3 billion, surpassing the $33 billion held by BlackRocks Gold Trust Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), the largest gold ETF.

As investor sentiment strengthened, cryptocurrency-related stocks also rallied across the board in the Korean stock market on Monday.

Hanwha Investment & Securities, which holds shares in Dunamu (the operator of Korea's largest crypto exchange, Upbit), traded at 4,145 won ($2.97), up 16.76 percent from the previous session. For the same reason, Woori Technology Investment rose 7.28 percent. TSCIENTIFIC, a stakeholder in Bithumbs operating company, surged 9.77 percent, while blockchain firm Galaxia Moneytree climbed 6.52 percent.

The boom reflects market enthusiasm following Trumps election victory.

During his campaign, Trump declared that he wanted the U.S. to become the "crypto capital of the planet" and the "Bitcoin superpower of the world." He has pledged to appoint a regulator with deep expertise in digital assets within his first 100 days in office and to dismiss Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler, who has enforced strict regulations on virtual assets.

Market insiders anticipate continued growth under the Trump administration, with relaxed regulations and industry autonomy.

A "Red Sweep," where the U.S. Republican Party gains control of both the Senate and the House in addition to the White House, is also becoming a reality. This shift would likely give a significant boost to bills proposed by the Republican Party, according to Hashed Open Research.

For instance, Senator Cynthia Lummis reaffirmed her commitment to advancing crypto legislation following Trumps victory. Lummis, who attended the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville with Trump, proposed a law on July 31 to incorporate Bitcoin as a U.S. national strategic asset.

The U.S. Federal Reserve's consecutive policy rate cuts have further benefited the cryptocurrency market.

Some market predictions indicate that the price of Bitcoin could soar above $100,000 by the end of the year.

Nick Philpott, co-founder of Zodia Markets, said he expects ETF and broader crypto inflows to push the price to $100,000 by early next year, if not sooner. Geoff Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, also forecasts the price of Bitcoin to reach $125,000 by Trump's inauguration at the latest.

However, with the sharp rise in Bitcoin and most other coins, some caution that a short-term correction may be on the horizon. Altcoins, in particular  being more volatile than Bitcoin  tend to see steeper declines during market corrections.
North Korea's recent launch of the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is believed to have taken place without a new engine test, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday, amid suspicions that Russia may have provided technical assistance to the North for the missile firing.

North Korea confirmed it had successfully test-fired the new Hwasong-19 ICBM on Oct. 31 and called it an "ultimate" version of its long-range missile series. The missile reached the highest altitude and flew for the longest time.

State media photos showed the missile being fired from an 11-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL)  assessed to be about 30 meters long  apparently bigger than any of the North's existing missile launch vehicles.

"Considering the increase in the length and diameter of the missile's fuselage and enhanced maximum altitude, the Hwasong-19 is assessed as a new type of ICBM that is different from the Hwasong-18," the Defense Intelligence Agency said in a report to Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the ruling People Power Party.

North Korea disclosed its test of new engines for missiles in the past, but the military said it has not detected signs of additional tests for solid-fuel engines since March 20, when the North's state media carried a report on a claimed ground jet test of a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

"It is assessed that the possibility of North Korea receiving support from Russia on technologies that can be applied to the development of ballistic missiles, under the name of 'space technology cooperation,' cannot be ruled out," the military said in the report.

North Korea appears to be accelerating its missile development with a focus on solid-fuel ICBMs that are considered to be harder to detect ahead of a launch compared with liquid-fuel ones as they require fewer preparation procedures, such as the injection of fuel.

North Korea launched the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM three times last year  in April, July and December. (Yonhap)
Experts divided over Moscow's potential involvement in Pyongyang's latest missile launch

By Lee Hyo-jin

Speculation is growing that Russia may have provided North Korea with military technology to advance its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, given that the latest launch in October was conducted without a new engine test, according to analysts, Monday.

However, they also caution that it may be too early to conclude that Moscow has provided such support. A quid-pro-quo arrangement in exchange for North Korea's troop deployment to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine could involve economic assistance, military support  or a combination of both  they say. But such exchanges would likely remain highly secretive.

According to Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the conservative ruling People Power Party (PPP), Monday, the solid-fuel Hwasong-19 ICBM, which North Korea test-launched on Oct. 31, is presumed to be a new model rather than an upgraded version of an existing missile. Pyongyang has hailed the Hwasong-19 as the "ultimate version" of its ICBMs.

"As indicated by its increased missile body size, diameter and maximum altitude, the Hwasong-19 appears to be a new model rather than a modified version of the solid-fuel Hwasong-18," the Defense Intelligence Agency said in its analysis submitted to Rep. Yoo.

Also, the lawmaker said North Korea is believed to have proceeded with the test-firing of the Hwasong-19 without conducting a new engine test, a process typically required before an advanced ICBM launch.

The military said it has not detected any further signs of solid-fuel engine tests since March 20, when North Korea claimed to have performed a ground test for a solid-fuel engine intended for a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

These factors add weight to the possibility of Russian technological support.

It is assessed that North Korea may be receiving technological support from Russia under the pretext of cooperation in the field of space technology, which could be used for ballistic missile development, the military stated, according to Rep. Yoo.

However, some analysts who spoke to The Korea Times argued that it is too early to draw such conclusions.

Without evidence, everything is a question mark. All I can say is that Russia and North Korea are exchanging something in return for Pyongyang's troop deployment in the Ukraine war, but would that be? Money, advanced military technology or less developed technology? The two sides may not have settled on it yet, said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies.

Yang noted that the absence of a new engine test before the missile launch does not necessarily indicate Russian involvement, given that North Korea had already made significant progress with solid-fuel missiles prior to the Oct. 31 launch.

"The increased performance of the new missile is fully explainable by the increased size of the Hwasong-19, which is itself fully obtainable from the Hwasong-18 technology base that was probably catalyzed some seven to 10 years ago," said Vann Van Diepen, former principal deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. State Department, in an analysis on 38 North, a website devoted to analysis about North Korea, on Nov. 5.

In that sense, Van Diepen viewed that there was no sign of recent Russian assistance in the latest ICBM launch. However, he added that any future assistance North Korea may receive from Moscow for its ICBM program remains a wild card.

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said it is analyzing Russia's potential involvement in the Hwasong-19 launch.

"We are currently analyzing the movements of North Korea's missile launches with relevant agencies to make the necessary assessments," ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu said during a briefing, Monday, in response to a question about the validity of Rep. Yoo's analysis. "We are closely monitoring the overall situation, but there is no specific comment at this point."

U.S. authorities are also closely following the potential exchange between Moscow and Pyongyang.

"I think Vladimir Putin doesn't know for sure. I think he probably hasn't decided exactly what he's going to do for North Korea on a going-forward basis. But I will tell you this, Kim Jong-un expects that he's going to get something significant, probably in the form of military and technology support from Russia," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview with CBS News, Sunday (local time).

Sullivan added that Russia's support could help North Korea improve its nuclear program.

The latest developments come as North Korea and Russia are set to formalize their military agreement signed by the two leaders in June. This includes a mutual defense provision in the event of an attack on one party.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation to ratify the bilateral treaty, according to Russian media reports, Saturday. The deal will take effect once both countries have ratified the treaty and exchanged official documents of ratification.
A group of North Korean defectors delivered propaganda leaflets to Ukraine on Monday, encouraging North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia to defect, as thousands of North Korean troops have been sent to support Russia's war against Ukraine.

The "Defectors' Propaganda Corps," comprising North Korean soldiers-turned-defectors and defectors whose sons served in the North Korean military, delivered the propaganda leaflets to the Embassy of Ukraine in Seoul for the distribution to North Korean soldiers in Russia, the group said.

The leaflets carry messages encouraging North Korean troops to defect, along with instructions on how to defect. Audio files with similar messages were also delivered to the embassy.

The group's leader, Jang Se-yul, was scheduled to deliver similar leaflets to Ukrainian military officials in Brussels, Belgium, later in the day (local time), along with a letter advising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to utilize psychological warfare against North Korean soldiers.

In the letter, Jang would stress that "the Ukrainian military could secure mass surrender and defection among North Korean soldiers if proactive psychological warfare is mobilized."

The United States has confirmed that as many as 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia's western border region of Kursk with the possibility of engaging in combat against Ukrainian forces. (Yonhap)
Korea's health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday launched the annual World Bio Summit, bringing together health care officials from governments and global organizations to Korea for talks on international cooperation in the health care sector.

Under the theme "Future investments for a healthy and secure decade," the event will run through Tuesday in Incheon, just west of Seoul, attended by more than 80 representatives from governments and global bodies, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

"This year's event will provide an opportunity for the world to discuss ways to address future health care crises more flexibly and promptly, based on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said.

"The Korean government will strengthen global cooperation with the WHO to enhance health care security while driving innovation and investment for a healthy and secure future," Cho added.

In a video message, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also emphasized the importance of global solidarity in addressing "multiple overlapping health threats," including climate change, conflict and disease outbreaks.

"Collaboration, sharing knowledge and targeted investment in research and development are essential for developing innovative health products needed to meet these challenges," Ghebreyesus said.

"WHO thanks the Republic of Korea for its partnership, which WHO looks forward to deepening in the years ahead to strengthen global health security, and looks forward to working with you closely," the director-general added, referring to Korea by its official name.

During the event, participants aim to share insights on post-pandemic health care agendas, including establishing a stable global supply chain, training biotech experts and exploring other ways to bolster international cooperation.

Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Saia Piukala, the WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, as well as Lao Health Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith.

On Tuesday, Park will meet Philippe Duneton, the executive director of Unitaid, a global health initiative that provides health care support to developing nations.

On the sidelines of the event, the Asian Development Bank, Unitaid, the International Vaccine Institute and the Research Investment for Global Health Technology Foundation will also host seminars and gatherings to promote global cooperation, the health ministry said. (Yonhap)
Talks begin as govt, ruling party seek way out of stalled walkout by trainee doctors

By Jung Min-ho

A consultative body consisting of the government, the ruling People Power Party (PPP), and the medical community has pledged to achieve what it described as "meaningful results" by the end of the year to resolve a protracted strike by trainee doctors.

Representatives of the PPP, the government and two major groups representing doctors gathered at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday, for an inaugural meeting of the three-way body, while the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which initially agreed to participate, refused to join.

The meeting came nearly nine months after thousands of trainee doctors nationwide left their workplaces to protest the government's decision to significantly hike the annual medical school quota from the current 3,058 starting in the 2025 school year.

After the meeting, Rep. Kim Sung-won, the PPP representative, told reporters that the participants will hold two meetings every week until late December to reach some form of consensus amid disruptions to emergency care and other services at major hospitals.

The consultative body is scheduled to operate until the end of December, but we will try to produce meaningful outcomes by Dec. 22 or 23 to deliver a Christmas gift to the people, he said.

PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon also pledged to do his part in turning the agreements made by the group into actual policies, urging other medical groups and the DPK to join the talks.

It is a late but meaningful start, he said. The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences (KAMS) and the Korea Association of Medical Colleges will present a list of demands on behalf of doctors  More participation from doctors could lead to a better, faster agreement.

This comes just a day after the impeachment of Lim Hyun-taek, the head of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), the countrys largest organization representing physicians. The hardliner was removed for failing to coordinate opinions among various medical groups and making inappropriate comments about the disruptions to treatment services.

With the KMA scrambling to find a new, possibly more moderate leader, there is growing hope that it may reconsider its firm stance that the quota decision is unacceptable and should be fully retracted.

However, no signs of concessions have been observed so far.

Speaking at the meeting, Lee Jin-woo, president of KAMS, said many doctors are deeply skeptical that the talks will yield any meaningful results. However, he added that he decided to participate in the consultative body out of concern that a lack of communication could lead to a more serious crisis.

The strife will never be resolved unless the government and the ruling party show a sincere attitude, he said. This time, we hope they recognize the seriousness of the crisis and show their will to resolve it.

Park Dan, interim leader of the Korean Intern Resident Association, which is at the center of the conflict, also downplayed the prospect of the talks leading to any significant resolution.

PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon said he would speak with trainee doctors and medical students, who are the key parties at the heart of the matter. He should first clarify his position on the idea of reversing the quota decision for the 2025 academic year, he said in a social media post.

He also reiterated his earlier stance, calling for the acceptance of the association's seven demands, which include the total annulment of the quota hike plan, improvements to the training and working conditions of junior doctors, and an apology for what he called the government's "unreasonable" order to force trainee doctors back to work.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the government representative at the talks, stated that the health care reforms go beyond just increasing the medical school quota, pledging to address the demands of trainee doctors for better working conditions and fair compensation.

In the meantime, the DPK, which decided not to join the body, said the talks will not be effective unless trainee doctors are included in the talks and the government changes its firm stance on the quota increase for the 2025 school year.
By Kim Hyun-bin

JEJU ISLAND  The ASEAN-Korea Centre and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province designated the new "Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle" at a launching ceremony on Friday. The event was attended by dozens of dignitaries, including Jeju government officials, ambassadors from 10 ASEAN countries and actor Ryu Seung-ryong. ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"It is a great pleasure to gather here on this beautiful Jeju Island. It is particularly meaningful that I can greet you at this Olle Trail, one of Jeju's most iconic attractions," Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre Kim Jae-shin said.

"In 2007, President Seo Myung-sook of the Olle Foundation, who is with us today, took her first steps toward creating a pathway that connects nature with people. Over the past 15 years, the trail has expanded into 27 courses spanning 437 kilometers (km), connecting countless individuals while enhancing their health and well-being."

The Jeju Olle Trail is a network of walking paths on Jeju Island, designed to highlight the island's natural beauty, including coastal views, volcanic landscapes, forests and rural villages. Inspired by the Pilgrim's Trail in Spain, the Jeju Olle Trail spans over 400 km with 26 main routes and several subroutes. Each route offers varying lengths, difficulty levels and scenic vistas, catering to both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.

Kim highlighted the similarities in the Olle Trail and relations with ASEAN nations.

"The pathway of the Olle Trail somewhat mirrors the 35-yearslong journey of friendship between Korea and ASEAN. Since we established dialogue in 1987, these two regions have witnessed remarkable growth in trade, investment and people-to-people connectivity," he said.

"As a testament to this progress, during the 25th ASEAN-Korea Summit held on Oct. 25, we announced the upgrade of our relationship to the highest level of partnership  the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

Kim emphasized that the ASEAN-Korea Centre is engaged in various initiatives to build bridges along the path of friendship between Korea and ASEAN, focusing on trade and investment, culture and tourism, public relations and people-to-people exchanges.

"It is especially meaningful that we are introducing the 'Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle' today. This trail will serve as an enduring landmark, showcasing one of Korea's key tourism assets  the Olle Trail, to ASEAN countries while also allowing our citizens to explore the rich cultures of Southeast Asian countries," he said.

"The ASEAN-Korea Centre is committed to enhancing this initiative. Starting with the unveiling of the commemorative bench and signage today, the center plans to install an additional 10 benches and signages representing each of the 10 ASEAN countries next year."

He also mentioned plans to expand the trail into Southeast Asia, aiming to develop new paths in popular Southeast Asian tourist destinations favored by many Koreans, symbolizing ASEAN-Korea friendship.

Philippine Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul, expressed hope that these initiatives would foster cross-cultural understanding and stronger connections across generations.

"It is our hope that together, the physical presence of ASEAN in the Jeju Peace Hall, and as you stroll along the beautiful Olle 8 route, as well as the books that can transport readers to the Southeast Asian region, will (all) serve to support our shared goals of promoting cross-cultural understanding and stronger connections across current and future generations as stated in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," she said.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization established in 2009 by the governments of Korea and 10 ASEAN member countries mandated to expand economic and sociocultural exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and Korea.
Korea and Britain kicked off the third round of negotiations Monday to upgrade their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in response to changing global trade and business circumstances, the trade ministry said.

The negotiations began in Seoul for a four-day session, with the two countries aiming to accelerate discussions in sectors such as services, supply chains, digital trade and biotechnology, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

"Britain is our key partner and an economic ally in emerging sectors such as cutting-edge industries and energy," Kwon Hye-jin, Korea's chief negotiator, said in a statement.

The two countries signed the FTA in August 2019 and the pact took effect in January 2021, following Britain's departure from the European Union.

The first round of talks for the FTA revision took place in Seoul in January, followed by the second meeting in London in March. (Yonhap)
By Jon Dunbar

"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"

This question will be answered in a couple of weeks, as Seoul Shakespeare Company (SSC) is looking for its next Romeo, as well as selecting a full cast for its upcoming production of Shakespeare's signature play, "Romeo and Juliet."

"We are currently looking for actors of all types but especially those with experience in Shakespeare, of course, and also those who have a background in movement and stage combat," Jason Lane Cutler, managing director of SSC and also director of the upcoming production, told The Korea Times.

He added that this production of the play, originally set in 16th-century Italy, will be set in the present day.

"Two rival families in Verona with a long feud come to blows as two desperate young lovers, representatives of the families, take drastic steps to make the changes that their parents cannot," Cutler said. "It's ultimately a heavy play, true, but it's also an incredibly funny comedy for most of its running length."

SSC will hold the first round of auditions on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Studio Daily in southern Seoul near Sinnonhyeon Station on Line 9 and the Shinbundang Line.

Prospective actors are not required to memorize and recite monologues but should familiarize themselves with the audition sides provided on the SSC website. Auditions will be held in groups, and actors will be evaluated based on "how well they work together with other actors along with how well they can create magic in the moment."

After the first round, SSC will hold callbacks on Dec. 8.

The play will be staged at Yeonhee Art Theatre near Yonsei University over three weekends from mid-May to early June next year.

SSC is a not-for-profit theater company dedicated to bringing Shakespeares plays to the stage. Past productions include "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Measure for Measure" (2023) and "King Lear" (2019).

Visit seoulshakespearecompany.org for more information and to pick an audition time slot.
Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Monday said sending a team of observers to Ukraine is essential for national interest, emphasizing that such a team would be different from deploying troops to Kyiv.

Kim made the remark in a parliamentary defense committee session as the government mulls sending a monitoring team to Ukraine that could possibly take part in analyzing North Korean combat tactics and interrogations of captured troops.

"A monitoring team is different from the deployment of troops," Kim said. "The team is not a military unit that operates under a command system and is deployed unarmed. It will consist of a small number of professionals who make a short-term visit."

Kim stressed that the deployment of such a monitoring team would be based on Seoul's needs rather than upon the request of the United Nations or the country in war, in a reference to Ukraine.

In a meeting with reporters in Washington, D.C., last month, Kim ruled out the possibility of sending troops to Kyiv and said that dispatching a team of observers would be essential as they would be bringing back useful information to help guard the nation.

Last week, a South Korean government delegation, consisting of senior intelligence and military officials, returned home after visiting Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Brussels to discuss the North's troop deployment to Russia. (Yonhap)
A Chinese man was released from police custody after being questioned on suspicion of filming the headquarters of the state spy agency using a drone, police said Monday.

The Chinese national in his 40s was released late Sunday, a day after he was caught by the police for appearing to film the National Intelligence Service (NIS) headquarters in southern Seoul in violation of the Aviation Safety Act.

Police said the man appeared to have filmed the NIS building while taking drone footage of the nearby Heolleung and Illeung Royal Tombs, the historical burial grounds of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

"The suspect was released last night after a preliminary determination was made that he could not be linked to communist charges," a police official said during a regular press briefing, referring to acts that threaten national security.

Police plan to continue looking into the case, with the suspect currently banned from leaving the country.

The man reportedly told police he was trying to film the royal tombs out of a deep interest in world heritage sites, with plans to film temples and other places in the country as well.

The man was also found to have headed straight to the tombs in a rented car after entering the country through Incheon International Airport on Saturday. (Yonhap)
28-year-old cleared of charges on appeal after initial conviction

By KTimes

A police officer who was previously convicted in a lower court for engaging in prostitution during his college years has been acquitted in an appeal trial. Despite evidence of a monetary deposit and record in the venues ledger, the court ruled there was insufficient proof of any sexual activity.

The Seoul Eastern District Courts appeal division 1-2, with presiding judge Kim Chang-hyun, overturned the initial ruling and acquitted the 28-year-old who had initially been fined 1.5 million won ($11,000) for violating the Prostitution Punishment Act, according to legal sources, Sunday.

The 28-year-old was accused of paying 180,000 won ($135) for services at a venue in Yongins Suji District in January 2021 as a university student. He claimed that he visited the establishment assuming it was a simple massage parlor but left due to an unpleasant smell in the room, denying all allegations.

In the first trial, the court concluded that the 28-year-old had engaged in prostitution, considering evidence such as text exchanges with the venue's manager, the payment amount and the record in the venues ledger, which included a specific note labeling him as a "good guy." The establishment kept track of troublesome customers with labels like bad guy.

However, the appellate court found that "it cannot be sufficiently proven that sexual acts took place between the defendant and the woman."

According to the Prostitution Punishment Act, acts of prostitution include both sexual intercourse and similar sexual acts. The appeals court ruled that, since the manager who recorded the ledger was not present during the alleged encounter, the good guy note and monetary transaction alone could not confirm any sexual activity.

The court acknowledged that leaving without requesting a refund after paying 180,000 won was unusual. However, they allowed for the possibility that the 28-year-old, whose identity was known at the venue, might have refrained from seeking a refund to avoid further exposure, despite not engaging in any sexual acts.

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.
By Jung Da-hyun

Demonstration flights for urban air mobility (UAM) services are set to begin next year, focusing on the Yeouido and Han River areas, with plans to commercialize these services by 2030, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday.

"We are opening the skies of Seoul to create a safe and eco-friendly transportation alternative," Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said.

"This new mode of mobility will offer citizens unprecedented freedom of movement."

During the UAM, Drone and AI Technology Cooperation Conference held at Seoul City Hall, Oh unveiled plans for Seoul's urban air mobility (S-UAM) initiative, outlining a vision to transform the city into a three-dimensional transportation hub.

The plan aims to create an integrated air transport system. The city government highlighted several key strengths of the S-UAM initiative, including the citys rich tourism resources, medical infrastructure, experience with helicopter operations and strong public transportation network.

In line with its goal, the city government plans to gradually establish vertiports, key facilities for UAM operations.

Vertiports are facilities where passengers can board and transfer between various modes of transportation, including UAM vehicles, buses, self-driving shuttles, subways and personal transport options.

The first phase of the UAM project will be launched in the first half of next year, featuring two initial demonstration routes  one connecting Goyang, Gimpo International Airport and Yeouido Park, and another linking Jamsil to Suseo Station.

Throughout this phase, safety assessments will focus on airframe reliability and flight control systems.

Following these tests, key facilities will be constructed at four locations  Yeouido, Suseo, Jamsil and Gimpo International Airport  to support pilot operations and early-stage services.

The vertiport at Gimpo International Airport is expected to serve not only business and commuter traffic but also tourism and medical routes, broadening the mobility options for Seoul residents and visitors.

The city government expects that the S-UAM system, once fully operational, will significantly enhance city-to-city connectivity and reduce spatial limitations.

A 25-kilometer route from Pangyo in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to Gwanghwamun Station in central Seoul, currently a one-hour trip by car or public transit, will take only 15 minutes with UAM.

This reduction in travel time across the Seoul metropolitan area, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, is projected to generate an annual economic impact of around 2.2 trillion won.

"The city and the military will collaborate to create a safe and efficient transportation system, combining the expertise and technology of both organizations to help Seoul become a world-known transportation hub," Oh said.
A consultative body involving the ruling People Power Party (PPP), the government and doctors' groups was launched on Monday to seek to resolve a prolonged walkout by trainee doctors, with the aim of producing "meaningful" results by late December, a PPP lawmaker said.

Thousands of trainee doctors have left their workplaces in a mass resignation since February to protest the government's decision to sharply raise the medical school quota, causing major disruptions to the national health care service.

During the first meeting, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and representatives from an association of medical school deans and Korean Academy of Medical Sciences discussed measures to help trainee doctors to return to hospitals.

"The consultative body is set to operate until the end of December, but we aim to produce meaningful outcomes by December 22 or 23 to deliver a Christmas gift to the public," Rep. Kim Sung-won of the PPP told reporters.

The participants also called on junior doctors and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) to join the body to mull solutions to the prolonged doctors' walkout.

"The decisions made within the consultative body will guide government policy," Han said, calling for the DPK to join the talks.

The prime minister said health care reform encompasses more than increasing the medical school quota, pledging to address trainee doctors' requests for better working conditions and fair compensation. (Yonhap)
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said Monday it will submit a revised special counsel bill focused on allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee, which narrows the scope of the probe and allows a third party to recommend a special prosecutor.

DPK spokesperson Han Min-soo said the party will submit the revised proposal focused on Kim's alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and allegations of interference in election nominations during a plenary session of the National Assembly on Thursday.

"We will include a provision for the recommendation of the special prosecutor by a third party and submit the revision," Han told reporters.

The bill currently pending in the Legislative and Judiciary Committee allows only the DPK and nonpartisan opposition groups to each recommend one special prosecutor candidate.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon had previously proposed the special prosecutor be recommended by a third party, such as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

This will be the third version of the bill targeting the first lady following a similar proposal vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol last month, which was ultimately scrapped in a revote.

During a press conference last week, Yoon said the DPK-proposed special counsel bill is "unconstitutional" and "political propaganda," signaling that he will exercise his veto power once again.

On Monday, PPP floor leader Cho Kyung-ho said his party will recommend Yoon to exercise his veto power if the DPK rams through the special counsel bill at the upcoming session.

The leadership of the PPP, which holds a little more than one-third of the 300 seats in the Assembly, has been trying to rally internal support to vote down the bill in a revote, which requires at least two-thirds approval. (Yonhap)
Prosecutors on Monday requested an arrest warrant for Myung Tae-kyun, a self-proclaimed power broker, over allegations of interfering in candidate nominations in the 2022 parliamentary by-elections through his ties with then presidential candidate Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife.

They also filed warrants for Kim Young-sun, a former lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), and two ex-candidates in the June 2022 local elections, citing risk of destruction of evidence, according to the Changwon District Court.

Myung, who runs a public polling agency, is suspected of receiving approximately 90 million won (US$65,200) from Kim 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.

He is also under suspicion of having secured Kim's nomination in exchange for conducting customized polls in favor of then PPP presidential candidate Yoon for free. First lady Kim Keon Hee has also been suspected of involvement in the nomination process.

Myung has reportedly refuted the allegations, saying he never promised Kim he would help to get her nominated and that he was not in a position to do so.

The two candidates are accused of handing over 240 million won on several occasions to Myung's polling agency ahead of the 2022 local elections. (Yonhap)
Trump must not undermine value of ROK-US alliance

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a treaty into law that deepens the strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea. This treaty mandates military cooperation between the two countries, with a mutual defense provision if one party is invaded. As a result, North Korea could send more troops to support Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine, while Moscow will transfer cutting-edge military technologies to Pyongyang. This deal is expected to accelerate the development of North Koreas nuclear and missile capabilities, which will heighten military tensions not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in East Asia.

Once the treaty takes effect, following the exchange of documents between Pyongyang and Moscow, North Korea will likely feel emboldened to escalate its nuclear provocations. Recently, North Korea launched the Hwasong-19, a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, intensifying concerns about the possibility of more such tests in the near future.

Putins efforts to strengthen military relations with North Korea are driven by a dual agenda: bolstering Russias position in its war with Ukraine and seeking to weaken the global coalition of democratic nations, including the U.S., South Korea, and the European Union. This collusion between Russia and North Korea further destabilizes the East Asian region, with potentially grave implications for global security.

The timing of this treaty is significant, as it comes just ahead of the inauguration of a new Donald Trump administration. During his presidency, Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and there are growing concerns that the U.S. leader could pursue a similar approach during his second term at the White House, potentially even involving a visit to Pyongyang for another meeting with Kim. This raises the possibility that Trump might recognize North Korea's nuclear arsenal in exchange for a freeze on the Norths development of ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, along with lifting certain sanctions.

While dialogue with North Korea may be a valid approach to addressing tensions, there is a significant risk that such a move could undermine the security and strategic interests of South Korea and the broader region. As former National Security Advisor John Bolton warned, a second Trump term could bring even more dangerous consequences than the first, as the U.S. leader may be more inclined to prioritize direct diplomacy with North Korea over working closely with America's allies in the region.

In this context, it is critical that Trump, if he returns to power, does not undermine the value of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Any potential engagement with North Korea should be conducted with full consultation and coordination with South Korea, which is on the front lines of the North Korean threat. South Korea has made it clear that the integrity of the ROK-U.S. alliance is non-negotiable and that any steps toward denuclearization should be carefully planned and executed with Seouls input.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has expressed concerns about the shifting global economic and security landscape with the possible return of Trump. Yoon has emphasized the need for South Korea to maintain a strong deterrence against North Korean provocations, backed by a solid U.S.-South Korea alliance. In a recent meeting, Yoon directed his government to take all necessary steps to safeguard national security and to enhance military readiness in partnership with the U.S. He emphasized the importance of close coordination with Washington on all issues concerning North Korea's nuclear program.

Given the growing risks posed by North Korea and the changing dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, it is crucial for the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. to meet and discuss the potential challenges ahead. Such a meeting would help ensure that the two allies are on the same page in terms of security strategy, particularly regarding North Koreas nuclear ambitions. Yoon should also use all available diplomatic channels to engage with Trump at the earliest opportunity to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the strategic partnership between South Korea and the United States.

South Korea's role as a key ally in both security and economic matters is essential in addressing the North Korean threat. In the face of growing instability in East Asia, the U.S. and South Korea must maintain a unified front, working together to deter further provocations from Pyongyang while pushing for the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

The ROK- U.S. alliance is more vital than ever, especially in the face of increasing cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Any shift in U.S. policy, particularly under a potential second Trump administration, must prioritize consultation with South Korea and respect the critical security interests of the region. Only through a unified, coordinated approach can the growing threats from North Korea and other regional actors be effectively addressed.
By Casey Lartigue Jr.

North Korean refugees went through seven stages during Donald Trump's first presidential administration. Stage 1, Trump shocked North Korean refugees with his "fire-and-fury" rhetoric, publicly threatening and mocking North Korea's dictator. Some North Korean refugees feared war, but others were heartened to see someone speaking with language Kim Jong-un could understand. As one refugee gleefully told me: "I bet Kim Jong-un can't sleep peacefully with Trump threatening him so directly."

Stage 2, Trump highlighted a North Korean refugee during his 2018 State of the Union address and met with several North Korean refugees in person. This visibility offered hope that Trump might truly care about the plight of North Koreans.

Then, Stage 3 raised expectations, as Trumps maximum pressure approach led some refugees to speculate that Kim Jong-uns regime might soon collapse.

But in Stage 4, disappointment set in with underwhelming summits, praise from Trump to the North Korean dictator, and news of letter exchanges between the two leaders. In Stage 5, reconciliation, some North Korean refugees publicly criticized Trumps approach, but some whispered he may have a strategic alternative. Stage 6, acceptance, recognizing that little had changed despite Trumps bold gestures, tough talk and direct engagement with Kim Jong-un. Then, Stage 7, nothing, and Trump was unelected in 2020.

There were some significant temporary achievements, as Kim Jong-un fired off fewer missiles and froze nuclear tests, but despite the meetings with Kim and North Korean refugees, were there any long-term concrete gains in terms of diplomacy, policy and human rights in North Korea during the Trump administration?

Trump is back after his defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump 2.0 has the opportunity to move beyond symbolic gestures and create lasting change. While international focus often highlights Chinas role in the forced repatriation of North Korean escapees, Western countries and leaders, including Trump 1.0, should also be criticized. Before COVID-19, they limited North Koreans ability to resettle freely. During Trump 1.0, the U.S. admitted fewer than 20 North Korean refugees. From 2017 to 2019, only 12 North Korean refugees were admitted, and in 2020, that number dropped to just one.

Trump 1.0 met with North Korean refugees, which is significant, as I dont recall any public meetings by previous presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Bill Clinton with North Korean refugees. But can Trump 2.0 go further  so more than 20 North Korean refugees can immigrate to the United States during Trump 2.0?

The current asylum process gives applicants only one shot to choose a safe country, with limited information about their options. Refugees escape from North Koreas darkness into the unknown. With a six-month grace period before applying for special visas to the U.S., they can have time to learn about the world and their options. An executive order in Trumps first month could turn these symbolic gestures into real action, welcoming their legal immigration to the United States.

Second, in the other direction, Trump 2.0 could lift the ban prohibiting Americans from traveling to North Korea. The ban was established after the tragic case of Otto Warmbier and is renewed annually. Having personally met Otto Warmbiers family, I understand the devastating impact his story has had and the pain his loved ones continue to endure. However, that tragedy should not restrict the freedom of others who wish to make their own travel decisions. By lifting the travel ban, Trump could restore Americans freedom to make their own choices, respecting individual liberty even when those choices carry risks.

Banning Americans from visiting North Korea echoes the restrictive nature of North Koreas policies and also creates an ironic situation: if a North Korean citizen escapes to the U.S. and becomes an American citizen, they would be prohibited by America from returning to North Korea.

Third, Trump 2.0 could pursue a direct and personal approach by meeting with North Korean refugees again. In particular, Trump 2.0 could host North Korean refugee authors who have documented their stories in print. This visibility could highlight human rights abuses while adding credibility to U.S. policy.

As an update, Ji Seong-ho, the North Korean refugee featured during Trumps 2018 State of the Union address, is now studying English in my organization and preparing to become a public speaker in English.

Trump 1.0 was defined by high-level diplomacy that ended without lasting agreements, symbolic gestures toward North Korean refugees while accepting fewer as immigrants, and restricting the freedom of Americans to travel. Trump 2.0 can open the door for North Korean refugees to resettle in the U.S., restore the freedom of Americans to travel to North Korea and amplify the stories of refugees to highlight human rights abuses in North Korea.

Casey Lartigue Jr. (CJL@alumni.harvard.edu) is the co-founder of Freedom Speakers International with Lee Eun-koo; and co-author with Han Song-mi of her memoir "Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughters Search for Her Mother and Herself.
South Korea's ruling party proposed a special chips act on Monday to give chipmakers subsidies and an exemption from a national cap on working hours, to tackle potential risks from measures threatened by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.

The semiconductor industry is critical for the trade-dependent economy, Asia's fourth biggest, with chips making up 16 percent of total exports last year.

Last week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned of the risks stemming from Trump's threat of steep tariffs on Chinese imports that could prompt Chinese rivals to slash export prices and undercut Korean chip firms overseas.

The bill, which needs approval from the main opposition party to be passed, comes as chipmakers like Samsung Electronics also brace for growing competition from rivals in countries such as China, Taiwan and others.

It will help Korean companies fend off challenges as China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States give subsidies to manufacturers amid a semiconductor trade war between China and the United States, one of the bill's sponsors, lawmaker Lee Chul-gyu, said in a statement.

Some employees involved in research and development will be allowed to work longer hours under the bill, which aims to waive the labour law limiting weekly hours worked to a maximum of 52.

This month, Samsung's labour union opposed such a move, saying the company was trying to blame the law for its "management failure."

Last month, Samsung apologised for its disappointing profit, since it has lagged rivals TSMC and SK Hynix in tapping booming demand for artificial intelligence chips, as competition from Chinese companies grows.

In October, Trump threatened to scrap federal chip subsidies for Taiwan's TSMC, South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix and others, in favour of import tariffs. (Reuters)
Education helps digitally vulnerable age group

By Ko Dong-hwan

A McDonald's Korea executive has been recognized by the government for promoting an educational program aimed at helping older adults in Korea navigate kiosks at quick-service restaurants (QSR), the company's Korean subsidiary announced on Monday.

The Ministry of Education on Friday awarded McDonald's Korea Director Lee Jin-hee for encouraging the digitally vulnerable age group to learn how to use the food ordering system, which has become a common feature in the domestic fast-food industry. The award highlights the ongoing education program's positive impact on assisting consumers in an industry that is increasingly attracting customers, due to soaring dine-in prices across the country.

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho bestowed the honor to Lee via Deputy Minister Kim Young-gon during the 21st Lifelong Education Award ceremony at Sejong Convention Center. The award, hosted annually by the ministry and organized by the National Institute for Lifelong Education (NILE), recognizes the best examples of continuing education for older adults across all social sectors.

The education program run by McDonalds Korea delivers to the age group with the help of NILE. The company signed a partnership with NILE in April 2023 and agreed that NILE develop content and produce materials while McDonald's provide its restaurants nationwide to students to test their skills.

The 10-chapter textbook, titled Digital Illiteracy Education with McDonalds Kiosks, details key features and terms related to food-ordering kiosks in general and methods on how to use the machines  from navigating menus to selecting choices, making payments in multiple options and getting a number slip and a receipt.

The program also employed a specially designed smartphone app that simulated the interface of McDonald's kiosks to train the students before inviting them to a McDonalds restaurant to get their hands on the machines.

As of October, over 15,900 textbooks are available at 536 education institutes for continuing studies across the country.

Not just to reduce the inconvenience often experienced by our senior patrons at McDonalds restaurants, this is part of what proves our motto, restaurants for everyone, Lee said.

We plan to keep introducing new ways for our senior consumers to enjoy at our restaurants.
HD Hyundai, Hanwha eliminated in Australian frigate bid

By Park Jae-hyuk

A recent failure by Korean shipbuilders to win the Australian Navy's frigate project has raised concerns that they could face similar challenges in their bids to export naval vessels to Canada and Poland.

Industry experts pointed out that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hanwha Ocean may once again lose to their Japanese and German rivals if they refuse to collaborate.

On Friday, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) reported that Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Germanys ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems were shortlisted for the 11 billion Australian dollar ($7.25 billion) project to build a new fleet of general-purpose frigates for the Australian Navy, while Spains Navantia and the two Korean shipbuilders were eliminated from the race.

The news report came about a week after President Yoon Suk Yeol sent his foreign policy adviser, Chang Ho-jin, to Australia to campaign for Korean companies participation in the project.

The Australian Navy reportedly decided to choose between Mitsubishis Mogami and ThyssenKrupps MEKO, both of which cost higher than HD HHIs Chungnam-class frigate and Hanwha Oceans Daegu-class frigate.

Moon Keun-sik, a professor of Hanyang University Graduate School of Public Policy who was formerly a Republic of Korea Navy submarine commander, said that the Korean shipbuilders missed a great opportunity, despite their ability to supply high-performance warships at lower prices.

Both Japan and Germany were able to make all-out efforts for the project, responding to Australias request to develop its western industrial facilities, he said. However, Korean shipbuilders exposed their weaknesses, as they fought each other.

The two Korean firms are in a fierce legal battle over HD HHI not being excluded from a project to construct the ROK Navys next-generation destroyers, even though its employees were found guilty of stealing destroyer design data from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, now renamed Hanwha Ocean.

ABC also described their legal dispute over stolen warship technology as messy in its news report earlier this month.

Moon noted that the intensifying competition between the Korean shipbuilders could make it difficult for either of them to win the 60 billion Canadian dollar ($43 billion) order for the construction of 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.

However, HD HHI and Hanwha Ocean competed once again in introducing each of their submarine technologies to Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, who visited Korea recently to look around the shipyards of the two companies.

We believe that the government should focus on supporting the company that is more likely to win the order, a Hanwha Ocean official said.

In contrast, HD HHI has been expressing its intention to form a consortium with its rival.

We feel the need for Team Korea for overseas projects, Choi Tae-bok, director of HD HHIs naval and special ship business unit, said during a conference call on the companys third-quarter earnings.

We believe that there is room for collaboration for the Canadian submarine project, which will invite tenders two years later.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him not to escalate the war in Ukraine, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

Trump held the call from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, the report said.

The president-elect's representatives did not immediately respond when asked by AFP for comment.

The Post, citing several people familiar with the call who spoke on the basis of anonymity, reported that Trump had reminded Putin of America's sizable military presence in Europe.

They said he also expressed an interest in further conversations to discuss "the resolution of Ukraine's war soon."

Trump's election is seen as carrying the potential to upend the almost three-year Ukraine conflict, as he insists on a quick end to the fighting and casts doubt on Washington's multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Trump on Wednesday, with the Republican's billionaire backer Elon Musk also notably joining them on the call.

Zelenskyy described the call as "excellent," saying that he and Trump had agreed to "maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation."

The outgoing Democratic administration of President Joe Biden has confirmed that it will send as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.

On Sunday, Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House aims "to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table."

This would include using the remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine available, Sullivan said.

'Losing your allowance'

The Russian government has given a cautious but mostly positive response to Trump's return, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Sunday: "The signals are positive... At least he's talking about peace, and not about confrontation."

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to quickly end the Ukraine war  even before he is sworn into office  but without detailing his thinking.

Trump and his allies have railed against U.S. funding for Ukraine, while insinuating that it helps fund a corrupt pro-war nexus of defense companies and foreign policy hawks.

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., shared a clip Saturday on Instagram which showed Zelenskyy standing next to the president-elect with a caption reading: "POV (point of view): You're 38 days from losing your allowance."

Any quick deal in Ukraine is expected to require Kyiv to cede some of the territory it has lost to Russian invaders in Ukraine's south and east.

A former adviser to Trump, Bryanb Lanza, told the BBC on Saturday that Ukraine had to give up any ambition on regaining Crimea, for instance, which was occupied by Russia in 2014.

He said the U.S. priority was for "peace and to stop the killing", although the Trump transition team clarified that he was not speaking on behalf of the president-elect.

Kyiv, though facing a manpower shortage and uncertainty over U.S. support, has steadfastly opposed giving up territory and its European allies and weapons suppliers such as Britain and France are known to be nervous about unilateral moves by Trump.

Zelenskyy has said that giving up land or meeting other demands from the Kremlin would only embolden the Kremlin and provoke more aggression, a view shared by many European allies.

Trump "briefly raised the issue of land" in his call with Putin, the Post reported, without further details.

In recent months, both sides in the war have made moves seen as possible efforts to gain leverage ahead of eventual negotiations, with Ukraine seizing a chunk of Russian territory and Moscow's troops making advances in Ukraine.

This weekend brought the biggest drone attacks yet from both sides.

Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Zelenskyy said, while Russia said it had downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday. (AFP)
Yuichiro Tamaki, the head of the Japanese opposition party that has emerged as kingmaker as lawmakers select the next prime minister on Monday, said a tabloid report about his extra-marital affair with a model was "basically true."

Tamaki said he would ask his party members if he should resign as leader of the Democratic Party for the People (DPP).

"I apologize for the trouble caused," he told reporters at a hastily called news conference after tabloid SmartFlash reported the affair on Monday.

"The facts reported this morning are basically true," he said.

SmartFlash reported that Tamaki, 55, and a 39-year-old model and entertainer rendezvoused in July and October. It published a photo of Tamaki in a gray hoodie as he emerged from a bar, followed 20 minutes later by the woman.

"My wife had told me, 'you can't protect the country if you can't protect the person closest to you.' I will etch those words in my mind once again, reflect on my action and do my best to work in a way that is in the best interests of the country and to realize policies," Tamaki said.

Japanese lawmakers are set to decide at a special parliamentary session on Monday whether Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba should stay as the country's premier after his scandal-tarnished coalition lost its parliamentary majority in an election last month.

Tamaki has previously said his party members would not vote for Ishiba but could offer support to the prime minister's Liberal Democratic Party on a policy-by-policy basis. (Reuters)
China has built a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship, in the clearest sign yet Beijing is advancing toward producing its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, according to a new analysis of satellite imagery and Chinese government documents provided to The Associated Press.

Chinas navy is already the worlds largest numerically, and it has been rapidly modernizing. Adding nuclear-powered carriers to its fleet would be a major step in realizing its ambitions for a true "blue-water force capable of operating in seas far from China in a growing global challenge to the United States.

Nuclear-powered carriers would place China in the exclusive ranks of first-class naval powers, a group currently limited to the United States and France, said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. For Chinas leadership, such a development would symbolize national prestige, fueling domestic nationalism and elevating the countrys global image as a leading power.

Researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California said they made the finding while investigating a mountain site outside the city of Leshan in the southwest Chinese province of Sichuan, where they suspected China was building a reactor to produce plutonium or tritium for weapons.

Instead they concluded that China was building a prototype reactor for a large warship. The project at Leshan is dubbed the Longwei, or Dragon Might, Project and is also referred to as the Nuclear Power Development Project in documents.

Neither Chinas Defense Ministry nor Foreign Affairs Ministry responded to requests for comment.

There have long been rumors that China is planning to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, but the research by the Middlebury team is the first to confirm that China is working on a nuclear-powered propulsion system for a carrier-sized surface warship.

The reactor prototype at Leshan is the first solid evidence that China is, in fact, developing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier," said Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at Middlebury and one of the researchers on the project. "Operating a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is an exclusive club, one that China looks set to join.

Drawing on satellite images and public documents including project tenders, personnel files, environmental impact studies  and even a citizens complaint about noisy construction and excessive dust  they concluded a prototype reactor for naval propulsion was being built in the mountains of Mucheng township, some 70 miles (112 kilometers) southwest of Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu.

The reactor, which procurement documents indicate will soon be operational, is housed in a new facility built at the site known as Base 909, which houses six other reactors that are operational, decommissioned or under construction, according to the analysis. The site is under the control of the Nuclear Power Institute of China, a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation, which is tasked with reactor engineering research and testing.

Documents indicating that Chinas 701 Institute, formally known as China Ship Research and Design Center, which is responsible for aircraft carrier development, procured reactor equipment intended for installation on a large surface warship under the Nuclear Power Development Project as well as the projects national defense designation helped lead to the conclusion the sizable reactor is a prototype for a next-generation aircraft carrier.

Satellite images from 2020 to 2023 have shown the demolition of homes and the construction of water intake infrastructure connected to the reactor site. Contracts for steam generators and turbine pumps indicate the project involves a pressurized water reactor with a secondary circuit  a profile that is consistent with naval propulsion reactors, the researchers say.

An environmental impact report calls the Longwei Project a national defense-related construction project that is classified secret.

Unless China is developing nuclear-powered cruisers, which were pursued only by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, then the Nuclear Power Development Project most certainly refers to a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier development effort, researchers wrote in a detailed 19-page report on their findings shared exclusively with the AP.

Jamie Withorne, an analyst at the Oslo Nuclear Project who was not involved in the research and reviewed the findings, said Middlebury's team made a convincing argument.

From the identifying reports, co-location with other naval reactor facilities, and correlating construction activity, I think it can be said that it is likely the Longwei Project is housed at Base 909, and it could potentially be located at the identified building, she said.

The research does not, however, provide clues as to when a Chinese nuclear-powered carrier could be built and become operational, she said.

Sarah Laderman, a senior analyst with Open Nuclear Network, a program of the U.S.-based NGO PAX sapiens foundation, said the findings were carefully conducted and thoroughly researched.

Given the evidence presented here, I see a compelling case made that China seems to be working towards building a nuclear propulsion system for its naval surface ships (likely aircraft carriers) at this location, said Laderman, who is based in Vienna and was not involved in Middleburys research.

Chinas first carrier, commissioned in 2012, was a repurposed Soviet ship, and its second was built in China but based upon the Soviet design. Both ships  named the Liaoning and the Shandong  employ a so-called ski-jump type launch method, with a ramp at the end of a short runway to help planes take off.

The Type 003 Fujian, launched in 2022, was the country's third carrier and its first to be indigenously designed and built. It employs an electromagnetic-type launch system like those developed and used by the U.S. Navy. All three carriers are conventionally powered.

Sea trials hadnt even started for the Fujian in March when Yuan Huazhi, political commissar for Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Navy, confirmed the construction of a fourth carrier. Asked if it would be nuclear-powered, he said at the time that would soon be announced, but so far it has not been.

There has been speculation that China may begin producing two new carriers at once  one Type 003 like the Fujian and one nuclear-powered Type 004  something that it has not attempted before but that its shipyards have the capacity to do.

Matthew Funaiole, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies China Power Project, said he doubts China's next carrier will be nuclear-powered. Instead, he said, he would expect the People's Liberation Army Navy's fourth carrier to focus on optimizing the existing design of the Fujian carrier with incremental improvements.

Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the Chinese have taken an incremental approach to their carrier development with a number of ambitions that will evolve over time.

For now, their deployments have been relatively cautious, remaining largely within range of shore support, but projecting influence and to some extent coercion within their near waters.

Eventually, however, larger carriers more akin to their U.S. counterparts will give them more options to project power, Childs said.

It takes several years to build a carrier and bring it into operation, but developing nuclear propulsion for its next generation of warships would eventually give China more power to run advanced systems, such as electromagnetic launchers, radars and new technology weapons, Childs said.

As well as obviating the need for the ship to refuel regularly and therefore giving it much greater range, nuclear power means that without the need to carry fuel oil for the ship there will be room aboard for fuel and weapons for its aircraft, extending their capabilities, Childs said.

Much will depend on what overall size the next carrier is, but the addition of nuclear power will represent a significant step further in Chinas carrier development with a vessel more comparable to the U.S. Navys carriers.

Zhao, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said nuclear-powered carriers would provide the Chinese military with greater flexibility and endurance to operate around strategic hotspots, especially along the First Island Chain, where most territories disputed by China are located, said Zhao.

The First Island Chain includes the self-governed island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own and vows to annex it by force if necessary.

The U.S. is obligated by a domestic law to supply Taiwan with sufficient weapons to deter invasion, and it could provide assistance to the island from its bases in the Pacific in the event of an invasion or blockade. Tensions also have risen in the South China Sea between China and neighboring nations over territorial disputes and maritime claims.

These carriers could also extend Chinese operations deeper into the Western Pacific, further challenging the U.S. militarys ability to intervene in regional matters that China views as best resolved by countries from the region only, Zhao said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has tasked defense officials with building a first-class navy and becoming a maritime power as part of his blueprint for the countrys rejuvenation.

The countrys most recent white paper on national defense, dated 2019, said the Chinese navy was adjusting to strategic requirements by speeding up the transition of its tasks from defense on the near seas to protection missions on the far seas.

The People's Liberation Army Navy is already the worlds largest navy with more than 370 ships and submarines. The country also boasts powerful shipbuilding capabilities: Chinas shipyards are building many hundreds of vessels each year, whereas the U.S. is building five or fewer, according to a U.S. congressional report late last year.

However, the Chinese navy lags behind the U.S. Navy in many respects. Among other advantages, the U.S. currently has 11 carriers, all nuclear powered, allowing it to keep multiple strike groups deployed around the world at all times, including in the Indo-Pacific.

But the Pentagon is growingly increasingly concerned about Chinas rapid modernization of its fleet, including the design and construction of new carriers.

That aligns with China's growing emphasis on the maritime domain and increasing demands" for its navy "to operate at greater distances from mainland China, the Defense Department said in its most recent report to Congress on China's military.

And China's growing force of aircraft carriers extend air defense coverage of deployed task groups beyond the range of land-based defenses, enabling operations farther from Chinas shore, the report said. (AP)
President-elect Donald Trump says that Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, will serve as border czar in his incoming administration.

I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders," he wrote late Sunday on his Truth Social site.

Homan was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border and Trumps pledge to launch the largest deportation operation in the country's history.

In addition to overseeing the southern and northern borders and maritime, and aviation security, Trump said Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin, a central part of his agenda.

He says he had no doubt Homan will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.

Such a role does not require Senate confirmation.

In an interview on Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures, Homan said the military would not be rounding up and arresting immigrants in the country illegally and that ICE would move to implement Trump's plans in a humane manner.

Its going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. Theyre good at it, he said. When we go out there, were going to know who were looking for. We most likely know where theyre going to be, and its going to be done in a humane manner."

Earlier this year at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, Homan expressed frustration at the news coverage of a mass deportation operation.

Wait until 2025, he said, adding that, while he thinks the government needed to prioritize national security threats, no ones off the table. If youre here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.

He also said: youve got my word. Trump comes back in January, Ill be in his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation operation this countrys ever seen. (AP)
Japanese lawmakers voted for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to stay on as leader on Monday, after his scandal-tarnished coalition lost its parliamentary majority in a lower house election last month.

Ishiba, who called the snap poll after taking office on Oct. 1, must now run a fragile minority government as protectionist Donald Trump regains control in main ally the United States, tension rises with rivals China and North Korea, and domestic pressure mounts to rein in the cost of living.

His Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito won the biggest bloc of seats in the election but lost the majority held since 2012, leaving him beholden to small opposition parties to pass his policy agenda.

Underlining that fragility, Monday's vote in parliament, broadcast on television, went to a runoff for the first time in 30 years, with no candidate able to muster majority support in the first round.

But Ishiba eventually prevailed as expected, garnering 221 votes in the 465-seat lower house, well clear of his nearest challenger, ex-PM Yoshihiko Noda, the head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.

Japan will hold elections next year for the less powerful upper house, where the ruling coalition's slim majority could also be at risk if Ishiba cannot revive public trust in his administration, which has been roiled by a scandal over unrecorded donations to lawmakers.

His imminent challenge is compiling a supplementary budget for the fiscal year through March, under pressure from voters and opposition parties to raise spending on welfare and take steps to offset rising prices.

Ishiba also has a slate of international engagements, such as a summit of the Group of 20 big economies in Brazil on Nov. 18 and 19. He is trying to arrange a stopover in the United States around the G20 summit to meet Trump.

Some Japanese officials fear Trump might again hit Tokyo with protectionist trade measures and revive demands for it to pay more for the cost of stationing U.S. forces there.

These issues were largely smoothed over in Trump's first term, from 2017 to 2021, by the close ties between the president and Japan's then-premier, Shinzo Abe  a bond Ishiba seems keen to re-establish. (Reuters)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him not to escalate the Ukraine war, a source familiar with the conversation said, but the Kremlin denied the two had spoken.

The source told Reuters on Sunday that Trump, who has criticised the scale of U.S. military and financial support for Kyiv and said he will end the war quickly, had spoken to Putin in recent days.

The Washington Post first reported the call had taken place, citing unidentified sources, and said Trump had told Putin that he should not escalate the Ukraine war.

But, in an unusual move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday no such call had taken place.

"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," he told reporters. "There was no conversation."

"This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications," he said.

Asked whether Putin had plans for any contacts with Trump, Peskov said: "There are no concrete plans yet."

Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last Wednesday.

Asked about the purported Trump-Putin call, Steven Cheung, Trump's communications director, said: "We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders."

Republican Trump will take office on Jan. 20 after winning the Nov. 5 presidential election. Biden has invited Trump to the Oval Office on Wednesday, the White House said.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday Biden's top message would be his commitment to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, and he will also talk to Trump about what's happening in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

"President Biden will have the opportunity over the next 70 days to make the case to the Congress and to the incoming administration that the United States should not walk away from Ukraine, that walking away from Ukraine means more instability in Europe," Sullivan told CBS News' "Face the Nation" show.

Sullivan was asked whether Biden would ask Congress to pass legislation to authorize more funding for Ukraine.

"I'm not here to put forward a specific legislative proposal. President Biden will make the case that we do need ongoing resources for Ukraine beyond the end of his term," he said.

UKRAINE FUNDING

Washington has provided tens of billions of dollars worth of U.S. military and economic aid to Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia in February 2022, funding that Trump has repeatedly criticized and rallied against with other Republican lawmakers.

Trump said last year that if he had been in the White House at the time, Putin would not have invaded Ukraine. He told Reuters Ukraine may have to cede territory to reach a peace agreement, something Kiev rejects and Biden has never suggested.

Zelenskiy said on Thursday he was not aware of any details of Trump's plan to end the war quickly and that he was convinced a rapid end would entail major concessions by Kyiv.

According to the Government Accountability Office, Congress appropriated over $174 billion to Ukraine under Biden. The pace of the aid is almost sure to drop under Trump with Republicans set to take control of the U.S. Senate with a 52-seat majority.

Control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the next Congress is not yet clear, with some votes still being counted. Republicans have won 213 seats, according to Edison Research, just shy of the 218 needed for a majority. If Republicans win both chambers, it will mean the majority of Trump's agenda will have a significantly easier time passing through Congress.

Republican U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, a Trump ally who is considered a top contender for secretary of state, criticized U.S. funding for Ukraine in a CBS interview.

"The American people want sovereignty protected here in America before we spend our funds and resources protecting the sovereignty of another nation," Hagerty said. (Reuters)
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A HOTELIER who was caught doing 176kph on a motorway near Portlaoise has avoided a driving ban, after paying 10,000 to the court poor box.

Judge Andrew Cody said last Thursday that the money would go to the victims of serious assaults who suffered life-changing injuries, whose cases had been heard at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court the previous week.

The hotelier came to court with 5,000 as a token of apology but Judge Cody told him that he would have to double that amount.

At Portlaoise District Court, the 57-year-old driver admitted exceeding the 120kph motorway speed limit by 56kph on the M7 motorway, on 13 October 2024.

Frazer Bell, 21 Sea View, Skegness, East Midlands, England pleaded guilty to careless driving and driving without insurance.

A charge of dangerous driving was reduced to careless driving on the application of his solicitor.

Garda OHanlon gave evidence that he recorded Mr Bell doing 176kph at Ballydavis shortly after 10am, while carrying out a radar speed check on the motorway.

It was a dry morning and visibility was good.

When he pursued the car, the driver pulled in straight away and was very cooperative.

Mr Bell was arrested for dangerous driving and was brought to Portlaoise garda station. He was released later on 250 cash bail.

Garda OHanlon said the hotelier was driving back to Dublin Airport at the time in a rental vehicle, which was rented by his daughter. She became unwell so he took over the driving.

Mr Bells defence solicitor said his client swapped places behind the wheel with his ill daughter shortly before he was stopped by gardai.

He had been driving for 15 or 20 minutes at the time of the speed check. He had insurance on another vehicle but was not insured to drive the rental car, because it was registered in his daughters name.

Garda OHanlon did not oppose the solicitors application to reduce the charge from dangerous to careless driving, saying that it was in the courts hands.

The solicitor added that the defendant owns a number of businesses and hotels in the north of England and employs about 150 people, dropping to 50 in the off-season. He had brought 5,000 to court as a token of apology.

Judge Cody remarked, I suggest that he will have to do better than that. He will have to double that.

The solicitor pointed out that Mr Bell had travelled to court from outside the jurisdiction, so he would have difficulty producing the cash that day.

The judge replied, I am not negotiating. I will give him time but I am not negotiating. I can adjourn it for one month for him to pay 10,000 to the court poor box.

The solicitor returned to court shortly afterwards and handed in 10,000.

Judge Cody said the money would go to three victims of serious assaults who suffered life-changing injuries, in cases which were heard in the circuit court the previous week.

The solicitor asked Judge Cody not to disqualify his client from driving, as it would be very detrimental to his business and he cares for his elderly mother.

The solicitor also pointed out that Mr Bell had no previous convictions.

The judge imposed a 500 fine for driving without insurance and 250 for careless driving but did not impose a disqualification.

The solicitor handed in 750 to cover the fines together with 10,000, before thanking the judge and leaving the courtroom.
LAOIS poet and Beckett scholar Dr. Arthur Broomfield has just completed his latest book When the Dust Settles, which is due to be released early next year.

Though the well-known author has published six poetry collections and his current work At Home in Ireland has sold 3,000 copies, his next work will be a collection of short stories.

This is a new departure for the Ballyfin author who said: Ive been writing short stories for a number of years. This collection is a re-working of previous work and a number of new stories.

Ive taken courses with two excellent tutors, Pauline Clooney and Claire Keegan, both of whom have radically changed my approach to writing. On Claires advice I went back to reading Hemingway. His influence is a big inspiration to me.

Dr. Broomfield said: The new collection is original, passionate and politically incorrect. It tackles themes that strip to a heart of Ireland that beats beneath the surface, whether that be brutality, deception by those in position of trust, prison and rural themes that has not been written of before.

Since his first book Mr Broomfields work has attracted the label of being controversial, but thats not always the case. His work is also known for its sensitivity and its sparkling humour. While its not easy for a courageous artist to escape controversy its up to the reader to decide. What will be recognised in his work is Broomfields authenticity.
PNN

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 11: Digikore Studios Limited. (NSE - DIGIKORE), specialised in delivering Visual Effects for a diverse range of projects, announced the appointment of Tara DeSimone as Vice President - of Americas. With more than 25 years of experience in the VFX, film, and emerging technology sectors, DeSimone joins Digikore at a pivotal time in the studio's expansion across the North American market. Her proven expertise in project management, client engagement, and delivering high-profile VFX content will play a key role in fortifying Digikore's presence in the region.

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DeSimone brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned management executive and executive producer who is adept at developing unique service propositions (USPs), launching new business initiatives, and driving strategic growth. Her track record reflects a career devoted to enhancing project success through innovation, cost-effective solutions, and on-time, on-budget delivery of top-quality VFX content. Known for her collaborative leadership style, DeSimone has been instrumental in building highly engaged teams that consistently deliver the industry's most sought-after VFX projects.

Her portfolio is both extensive and impressive, with credits on acclaimed titles such as The Creator, The Gray Man, Lost in Space, The Witcher, Day Shift, The School for Good and Evil, Doolittle, and Chicken Run 2. Each project has benefitted from DeSimone's meticulous attention to detail, commitment to client satisfaction, and deep understanding of the complexities of VFX production.

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On her appointment, Abhishek More, Managing Director of Digikore Studios Limited, expressed, "We are incredibly pleased to welcome Tara to our leadership team. Tara's track record speaks volumes about her ability to manage and deliver high-stakes projects for major studios, consistently meeting the highest industry standards. Her experience in executing complex VFX projects with precision and creativity is precisely what we need as we expand our presence in North America.

Her ability to forge strong client relationships, coupled with her hands-on knowledge of VFX processes, makes her an invaluable addition to Digikore. With Tara on board, I am confident we can further our mission of becoming the go-to VFX partner for the world's leading content creators. Her strategic insights and passion for excellence will be instrumental as we take on more ambitious projects and deepen our footprint in the Americas. I look forward to seeing the new heights Digikore will reach with her expertise and dedication to quality at the helm."

Tara DeSimone expressed her enthusiasm, stating: "I am truly honoured and excited to step into the new role at Digikore Studios. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working on incredible projects and collaborating with talented teams. However, joining Digikore at this transformative juncture offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of VFX in the region. Digikore's dedication to pushing creative and technical boundaries aligns perfectly with my own commitment to delivering top-tier quality, and I look forward to contributing to the studio's next phase of growth.

In today's fast-paced content industry, it's essential to not only deliver stunning visuals but to do so in a way that is efficient, innovative, and deeply collaborative. Digikore's culture of creativity and excellence is a perfect match for the level of artistry and client-centred service I believe in. I am excited to work closely with our North American clients to understand their visions, address their challenges, and bring their ideas to life through our world-class VFX capabilities. Together, we'll build on Digikore's reputation for quality, creativity, and reliability, setting new standards in visual storytelling."

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
VMPL

New Delhi [India], November 11: Karma Bro's Production is excited to announce the much-anticipated release of their upcoming film, Raju James Bond. Set to hit theaters across India in both Hindi and Kannada on December 27, 2024, the film promises to be a major entertainer.

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Starring the talented actor Gurunandan, known for his hit film First Rank Raju, in the lead role, Raju James Bond also features debutant actress Mrudula. The film boasts a stellar supporting cast including renowned South Indian actors Achyuth Kumar, Ravi Shankar, Chikkanna, Sadhu Kokila, and Jai Jagadish, who will be seen in key roles.

Directed by Deepak Maduvanahalli, the film blends humor with a thrilling heist drama, set against the stunning backdrop of London. The release of the film's motion poster has already generated significant buzz, positioning Raju James Bond as one of the most highly anticipated films of the year.

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With a focus on providing a laughter-packed experience, Maduvanahalli promises a unique comedy entertainer that will resonate with audiences of all ages, including families and children.

Producers Manjunath Vishwakarma (London) and Kiran Bharthur (Canada) expressed their excitement, saying, "Despite watching the film countless times during production, it never lost its charm. We laughed heartily and were kept on the edge of our seats throughout. We're confident the audience will have the same experience and connect with the film in a big way."

The film's runtime is 2 hours and 16 minutes, with approximately 40 minutes of pure comedy. Two of the four songs in the film were shot in and around London, offering a visually stunning experience for the audience.

The film has already passed the censor process with a U/A certification in Kannada, and the team is awaiting similar clearance for the Hindi version. The makers are also preparing to release a teaser and trailer soon to build further excitement ahead of the December 27 release.

Stay tuned for more updates as Raju James Bond gears up for its highly anticipated premiere!

(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)

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VMPL

New Delhi [India], November 11: The fulcrum of modern super-speciality healthcare services is reaching out to where the services are most needed. Rich or poor, from city or town or village, educated or uneducated, skilled or semi-skilled... health emergencies spare none. India is among the few countries with the most advanced super-speciality healthcare services. However, these facilities are urban-centric while 67 per cent of the country's population still lives in small towns and villages. As most super-specialist doctors and their support systems are available only in metros and major cities, there is a visible gap between the need and feed of super-speciality healthcare services in India. The comprehensive solution to bridge this gap is Hyderabad-based Rxpert Super Specialty e-Clinics, run by a team of enthusiastic healthcare professionals with decades of domain experience.

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General practitioners in small Indian towns and villages in both public and private healthcare facilities provide the best medical services to their ability, but certain chronic cases call for the timely intervention of super-speciality doctors. Conventionally, those rural patients who require super-speciality services are advised by their family physician to visit the city to consult the super-specialist doctors, which may force the patients to travel many miles. However, 8 out of 10 such patients do not undertake the city travel due to many reasons like not having time, not being able to arrange the funds immediately or not having anyone to accompany them to the city. As a result, they keep changing the doctors locally and aggravate their problems beyond any possibility of treatment. Even if a patient from a small town or a village is willing to visit a super-specialist doctor in the city, he will not know who the best doctor is or have no idea how much the treatment would cost. Further, a major chunk of their money goes into non-medical expenses like travel, food, and stay in the city.

This establishes the need for Rxpert Super Specialty e-Clinics through which the family physician of the patient can put his patient to a super-specialist doctor directly from his chamber, without the patient having to travel to the city. Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics is a comprehensive consultation platform where each patient has his/her permanent electronic medical record (EMR) that can be simultaneously accessed by both general physician and specialist doctor. Along with the real- time vitals, doctors can store the entire medical history of the patients, including the diagnostic reports and digital prescriptions in this EMR. With the convenience of referring to EMR while on video conversation, the specialist doctor will not miss any significant part of the patient's medical history. As the patient is presented to the super specialist doctor by the patient's family physician, it is easy for the super specialist doctor to have any real-time physical examination done on the patient through the family physician. This makes the patient feel like being physically taken to the city-based super-specialist doctor. Usually, rural patients who travel to the city to consult a super-specialist doctor do not necessarily have to be hospitalised and undergo a medical procedure on the very first visit. They are often advised with initial medication therapy, before any major medical procedure or surgery. With Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics, this first visit by the patient to the super specialist doctor can be done without having to travel to the city. Thus, Rxpert will help these patients cut down on one visit to the city. Patients may travel to the city only when it is necessary for a major diagnostic procedure or surgery.

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Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics services are currently available in select towns and villages in Telangana and Karnataka. More than 30,000 patients have already availed of the super-speciality services through this well-designed technology platform. Promoters are planning for the expansion of services to other states, by joining hands with enthusiastic like-minded professionals from the quarters of corporate hospitals, healthcare investors, NGOs and healthcare conglomerates.

For further details, please contact:

Lakshmoji Tejomurtula

Founder Director

Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics

lakshmoji@rxpert.net

(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)

(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 11 (PTI) The BJP slammed the AAP government on Monday, saying it has deprived the Delhi residents of the benefits of better health infrastructure by not implementing the PM-ABHIM scheme.

No immediate reaction was available from AAP over the charge made by the BJP.

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Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta, in a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, demanded implementation of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) in Delhi.

Under the scheme, 1,139 public health centres, testing labs and critical care units were to be established in Delhi's 11 districts but the AAP government did not use the Rs 2,406 crore provided by the Centre for these facilities, he alleged.

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"Delhi is the only state in the country that has not benefited from this scheme," he claimed.

Delhi was allocated Rs 2,406 crore, which was supposed to establish 1,139 public health centres, 11 public health labs, 10 critical care blocks, four government hospitals with 100-bed critical care units and five ICUs with 50 beds each in government medical colleges across Delhi's 11 districts, he said.

"However, due to the government's delays, this scheme has been pending since 2021. It is typical of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to block central government schemes in Delhi and deny their benefits to the public," he charged.

Gupta further alleged that the AAP government out-sourced lab services in Delhi's public hospitals, awarding contracts to a "favoured private company" to facilitate "corruption and pocket millions of rupees".

"The Delhi government kept circulating the PM-ABHIM file without taking action so that the two crore people of Delhi could not benefit from it. He asserted that the only motive of the AAP government is corruption, which is why it does not implement any central schemes in Delhi," he charged.

(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 11 (PTI) Facing a CCI probe for anti-competitive practices, online food delivery platform Zomato has asserted it complies with the country's laws while rival Swiggy said it is committed to complying with local regulations.

Both companies termed news reports on the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) investigation "misleading", maintaining that the CCI is yet to pass its final order on the matter of unfair business practices, including alleged preferential treatment to some restaurant partners by Zomato and Swiggy.

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In a regulatory filing, Zomato said the CCI had issued a "prima facie" order on April 4, 2022, which directed the Office of the Director General of the Commission to investigate potential violations under the Competition Act, 2002.

Since the intimation of April 5, 2022, the commission, on merits, has not passed any order, the company said.

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"Accordingly, the aforementioned news article is misleading. We will continue to work closely with the Commission to explain why all our practices are in compliance with the Competition Act and that they do not have any adverse effect on competition in India," Zomato stated in the filing.

In a statement, Swiggy said media reports of the CCI's investigation into Swiggy confuse the investigative process with the final outcome and are misleading.

"Based on the order of the CCI dated April 5, 2022, the Director General investigated certain aspects of the conduct of our business and its inquiry and report of March 2024 is a preliminary step in an ongoing investigation by the CCI, and not a final decision as some reports suggest," Swiggy said.

The company further stated it is yet to receive the confidential details of the findings from the CCI for filing a response to the DG's finding.

"Once Swiggy submits its response and CCI conducts a hearing on the matter, CCI will pass its decision on whether any competition law violations have occurred. Currently it's at a preliminary stage and no final decision or order has been issued regarding Swiggy's practices since 2022," the company said.

Swiggy maintained that it is "fully cooperating with the investigation and is committed to complying with the extant laws of the country".

However, a CCI probe has found that the two food delivery platforms indulged in unfair business practices, including alleged preferential treatment to some restaurant partners, according to sources.

The detailed investigation was ordered by the CCI in April 2022 and the probe report was submitted to the regulator earlier this year. Under the norms, CCI Director General's report has been shared with the parties concerned and later, they will be called for hearings by the watchdog.

After gathering all the views and explanations, the regulator will pass the final order. The decision to probe the two entities had come on a complaint filed by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI).

Last month, Swiggy mentioned about the CCI case in the Red Herring Prospectus for its Initial Public Offering. The IPO closed on Friday. While ordering the investigation in April 2022, CCI had said that "prima facie there exists a conflict of interest situation, warranting a detailed scrutiny into its impact on the overall competition between the RPs vis-a-vis the private brands/entities which the platforms may be incentivised to favour".

As per the April 2022 order, preferential treatment accorded to the Restaurant Partners (RPs) in which these platforms have an equity or revenue interest can create barriers for the existing RPs to compete on fair terms.

Among others, the watchdog had said that price parity clauses mentioned in the agreements of Zomato and Swiggy appear to indicate wide restrictions where the RPs are not allowed to maintain lower prices or higher discounts on any of their own supply channel or on any other aggregator, so that the minimum price or maximum discounts can be maintained by the platform.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], November 11 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the demise of Wing Commander (Retired) MB Ojha who passed away on Sunday.

MB Ojha, who passed away on Sunday at 89, his body will be cremated at Mahadev Shamshan Ghat today at 11:30 am.

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In a post on X, CM Sai posted and said, "Humble tribute to the brave son of Mother India.The news of the demise of Wing Commander MB Ojha ji, the pride of our Chhattisgarh, who participated in the wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971, is sad."

"When 90,000 soldiers of the Pakistani Army surrendered in the 1971 war, MB Ojha was also a direct witness to the surrender. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and to provide strength to the bereaved family and their well-wishers," he added.

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Wing Commander Ojha (retired) was a witness to the surrender of 90,000 soldiers of the Pakistani Army in the 1971 war.

On December 16, 1971, was the day when Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, following a 13-day India-Pakistan War. With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force.

The creation of Bangladesh was a devastating event for West Pakistan, the aftershocks of which continue to this day. Along with the physical fall of Dhakha, Pakistan was also defeated psychologically. The two-nation theory, that Muslims of the subcontinent formed a nation, was demolished.

For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. Because of this, December 16 is commemorated nationwide as "Vijay Diwas" to honour India's triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 were injured during the war of 1971. (ANI)

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Bagdogra (West Bengal) [India], November 11 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday afternoon arrived at the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri for her two-day visit to Darjeeling, during which she will attend some programmes.

"...I have some programmes there. We are going to Darjeeling for two days... By-elections are being held on 6 seats here... We work for the people. We will continue to work like this in the future as well ...," CM Banerjee told reporters.

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Bypolls for West Bengal's six assembly seats--Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai and Madarihat will take place on November 13 with results to be declared on November 23.

All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) in a post on social media platform X said on Monday, "With the recent 6 bypolls approaching, Smt. @MamataOfficial emphasised the unwavering support of Ma,Mati,Manush for our candidates."

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She urged the public to stand with the Joraphool candidates--leaders who have consistently worked for their communities and will continue to prioritise their welfare, it added.

"This is not just a vote for a candidate, but a vote for progress, development, and the well-being of the people," read the post.

https://x.com/AITCofficial/status/1855909260275687546

The AITMC also shared a video, with CM Mamata Banerjee requesting the people from these regions to vote for the party.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress on Monday alleged that ahead of bypolls in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party's leaders are making polarising speeches aimed at "dividing the country" and urged the Election Commission to put a stop to such activities during the time period when the Model Code of Conduct is imposed.

Speaking to ANI, TMC leader and West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja said that they met with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer today and raised the issue.

"We met the Chief Electoral Officer today over a very serious issue. It is serious because BJP and BJP leaders give speeches for dividing the country, dividing the people, dividing society and inciting communal riots. There are by-elections at six places in Bengal. On November 9 in Bankura district, in his speech, LoP Suvendu Adhikari dragged religion and caste. An attempt was made to create divides between the tribals and the backward, between Hindus and Muslims. He also dragged Bangladesh into the elections," Panja said.

The by-polls were necessitated after the MLAs from these constituencies won in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (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 11 (PTI) A Congress delegation on Monday took up with the Election Commission eight complaints regarding Jharkhand and Maharashtra assembly polls, including a "communal" image posted by the BJP depicting reservations being taken from SCs, STs and OBCs and given to members of a minority community.

The opposition party claimed that all the eight complaints raised by it were found "valid" by the poll body.

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"We raised some serious concerns with the Election Commission. These matters were discussed today. All the eight complaints raised by the Congress were found valid by the Election Commission," Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil, who led the delegation, told reporters outside the EC office here.

In his memorandum to the EC on Monday, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh cited the said image posted on the BJP's X handle with the caption -- "Congress-led MVA's game of appeasement is ON... Vote wisely, Maharashtra".

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"The image in the post falsely depicted an individual forcing out members of the SC, ST and OBC communities out of a rickshaw and accommodating a person belonging to a certain religious minority community," Ramesh said in his memorandum.

The image is clearly a brazen and blatant attempt by the BJP to propagate a false and baseless narrative about the Congress, he said.

"In light of the above, we request that this Hon'ble Commission directs the immediate takedown of the post from all social media handles of the BJP. Further, we request that this Hon'ble Commission takes urgent action against the BJP and its Official X Handle i.e. BJP4India," Ramesh said.

The cartoon posted by the BJP shows a person resembling Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushing members of SC, ST and OBC communities out of a rickshaw and accommodating a person belonging to a certain religious minority community.

Earlier, sources said an FIR has been lodged at Ranchi for violation of the Model Code of Conduct and legal provisions against the BJP's Jharkhand unit for posting false and misleading videos on the 'BJP 4 Jharkhand' social media handle against INDIA bloc leaders.

The cybercrime police station Ranchi has also written to the microblogging platform to remove the objectionable posts under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, the sources said.

The EC had also received a complaint on Sunday from Congress leader Ramesh regarding false and misleading videos posted by 'BJP 4 Jharkhand' on its official social media handles.

In a memorandum submitted to the EC on Sunday, Ramesh had urged the poll body to issue directives for the immediate takedown of all videos of the advertisement and consequently take urgent action against the BJP and its official Facebook handle for Jharkhand.

The advertisement, which appeared to take a dig at Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav by featuring three characters resembling them, showed them as "anti-tribal" and how they now want tribals' votes.

The Congress has also raised a complaint alleging police inaction in connection with an "attack" on a delegation of its leaders by BJP members in Samaguri assembly constituency.

"There have also been instances of misuse of police powers for conducting raids and arresting supporters of the INC," the party said regarding the complaint pertaining to the Assam bypolls.

In his memorandum on the matter dated November 8, Ramesh urged the poll watchdog to issue orders to transfer Nagaon Superintendent of Police Swapneel Deka, as well as officers in-charge of Rupahi and Khatowal police stations Sanjib Kumar and Biku Barma respectively with immediate effect.

"Further, to ensure that the elections conducted in Samaguri assembly constituency are free from any encumbrances, we request this Hon'ble Commission to deploy additional security forces to the said Assembly Constituency and install functional CCTVs in the following booths," he said.

The Congress also raised with the EC a complaint from the Mahila Congress.

"We are writing to you with respect to an issue of grave concern that requires immediate intervention from this Commission. This representation pertains to certain statements made by Mr. Dhananjay Mahadik, Member of Parliament from the State of Maharashtra and Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)," Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba said in her letter to the EC on November 10.

"On November 9, during an election event in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Mahadik made several statements which constituted a clear threat to voters who were going to cast their vote for the Indian National Congress' (INC) Candidate," she said.

While elections to the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will be held on November 13 and November 20, polls for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly will be held on November 20. The 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)
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 11 (ANI): Political tensions in Himachal Pradesh escalated as the controversy over an incident involving samosas during the CID programme which was meant to serve Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu continued to fuel heated exchanges.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been relentless in its criticism of the Congress government, while Sanjay Awasthi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) in the Sukhu government, has retaliated, accusing the BJP of distorting the facts to defame the state.

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Awasthi also alleged that the previous government has done corruption and mis utilization of funds during the "Jan Manch Programme". Awasthi also criticized the previous government's expenditures, highlighting that lavish spending of Rs 16,261 crore on the Jan Manch initiative was poorly managed.

He cited a range of alleged misappropriations, including Rs 6 crore on bread alone, delayed financial commission payments of R 1,420 crore, is yet to be released to the state from the Union government. "The rent for buses and DA payments were announced but were never given to employees ,and funds were never used appropriately," he said.

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Addressing the media on Monday at the secretariat in Shimla, Awasthi defended the Congress government's performance, asserting that under CM Sukhu's leadership, efforts to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and efficient have been central.

Awasthi said, "In the two-year tenure of the Congress government, the Chief Minister is trying to make Himachal self-reliant by changing the system." He accused the opposition of eroding the state's democratic culture, stating, "The role of the opposition in the past two years has hurt the democratic tradition of Himachal."

Awasthi highlighted that during these two years, the Congress government has not faced a single corruption allegation, claiming this as a hallmark achievement of their administration. He contrasted this with the BJP's record, remarking, "This is the first government in which not a single leader has been accused of corruption in two years." He added that during the BJP's tenure, the party's current president was forced to resign amid corruption charges.

With the samosa incident making headlines, Awasthi accused the BJP of attempting to destabilize the current government. "Today, the BJP has no issue and is trying to mislead the people of the state. They are polluting the clean environment of Himachal Pradesh, disgracing the state across the country," he said, defending CM Sukhu from any connection to the incident, explaining, "The Chief Minister has nothing to do with this incident. If anything happens within a department, the department itself takes action. But seeing the Chief Minister's popularity, the BJP is working to destabilize this permanent government."

Awasthi also took aim at the BJP's previous administration, questioning their financial decisions, notably the high spending associated with events such as the Investor Meet. "BJP spent 19 crores in the name of the Investor Meet. Not only that, 6 crores worth of phulkas were lost in Jan Manch, and it was not even investigated," he claimed, implying that these expenditures had placed a financial burden on the state without yielding positive outcomes.

The Congress leader also targeted Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan, a former Congress member now aligned with the BJP. He said that Mahajan had "just worn saffron robes" while building his political identity with Congress. "Today, he has gone to the Bharatiya Janata Party and is doing the same there too," Awasthi remarked, adding, "Those who live in glass houses do not throw stones at others' houses."

The exchange has highlighted the intense political rivalry in Himachal Pradesh, with both parties leveraging every opportunity to influence public opinion. The controversy surrounding the samosa incident has now become a symbol of broader political tensions, as each side seeks to position itself as the true defender of Himachal's integrity. (ANI)

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju on Monday asked banks to carry out fresh KYC (know your customer) process for Jan Dhan accounts which are due for updation.

The PMJDY was launched in 2014 and approximately 10.5 crore PMJDY accounts were opened in mission mode during the period from August, 2014 to December 2014. These PMJDY accounts are becoming due for periodic updation or re-KYC now after 10 years.

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Nagaraju chaired a meeting with all stakeholders for carrying out fresh Know Your Customer (re-KYC) process for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) account holders, the finance ministry said in a statement.

During the meeting, Nagaraju suggested using all means for doing re-KYC -- such as fingerprints, face recognition, taking declarations where no change in KYC documents occurred -- through all channels like ATM, mobile banking, internet banking, and other available digital channels.

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Banks should also look forward to implement best practices adopted by other peer banks, he said.

Nagaraju also urged the banks to work with the same zeal as shown by them during launch of PMJDY scheme and complete the task of re-KYC in a mission mode to avoid any inconvenience to customers.

He further directed banks to deploy additional staff wherever necessary to complete the re-KYC in a time-bound manner, the statement added.

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Mandi (HP), Nov 11 (PTI) The dream of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, who died in an encounter with terrorists at Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, to rebuild his house damaged in monsoon fury remained unfulfilled.

A resident of Barnog village of Chhamyar panchayat in Nachan Assembly constituency of district Mandi, Kumar of 2 Para (Special Forces) was killed while three other commandos were injured in the gunfight that broke out on Sunday in Kishtwar's Bhart Ridge area.

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The body of the martyr was brought to Mandi in a helicopter on Monday evening but the last rites could not be performed as it got late. The body has been kept in the mortuary of Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College Nerchowk and the cremation will take place on Tuesday, officials said.

"Our ten-room house was damaged during the monsoon last year and his family was living in a rented house," said Kumar's brother Karam Singh.

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"My brother Rakesh who had come on leave one-and-a-half months back had promised to start construction of the new house in January next year," he added.

Rakesh is survived by his wife Bhanupriya (33), daughter Yashshwani (13), son Parnav (7) and mother Bhati Devi (90). The family is in a state of shock and inconsolable ever since the news arrived.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri have expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar.

In a statement issued here, the chief minister said "the nation will forever honour the ultimate sacrifice of this brave soldier" while the deputy chief minister said "the nation and the state will always be indebted for the selfless and supreme sacrifice of this brave son".

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Sabarkantha (Gujarat) [India], November 11 (ANI): The procurement of groundnut on support price under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) began in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Himmatnagar area of the Sabarkantha district on Monday.

Gujarat Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel and Minister Bachubhai Khabad were seen accompanying the Gujarat CM on the occasion.

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The Gujarat CM also provided farmers with cheques after procurement of their crops.

Along with this, the purchase of groundnut, Soyabean, Urad Dal and Mung bean at support prices will start at more than 160 purchase centres across the state.

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Based on the registration and cultivated area of various crops in the Sabarkantha district, seven procurement centres have been identified for groundnut, six for Soyabean, eight for rice and two for Mung Dal.

Speaking to ANI, Gujarat Agricultural Minister Raghavji Patel said, "From today, purchase of groundnut, Urad and Soyabean on support price is starting in Gujarat. This purchase is being done through more than 160 centres in the state. Due to this, farmers will get the price of support price and they will also get the economic benefits."

The Price Support Scheme (PSS) is being implemented by the Government of India in the state. Main crops of the state like Bajra, Jowar, Maize, Paddy, Cotton, Tur, Moong, Urad, Groundnut, Sesamum Wheat, Gram, Mustard, and Sugarcane etc. are covered under the scheme.

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation implements the PSS for procurement of oil seeds, pulses and cotton, through NAFED which is the Central nodal agency, at the MSP declared by the government. NAFED undertakes procurement as and when prices fall below the MSP. Procurement under PSS is continued till prices stabilize at or above the MSP.

Moreover, the price policy aims to change a balanced and integrated price structure concerning the overall needs of the economy. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kishtwar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], November 11 (ANI): A search operation by security forces is currently underway in the Saranwan area of Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir to nab terrorists, a day after an Army jawan was killed during an encounter here.

Reinforcements are being sent to the encounter site as the situation in the area remains tense.

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On Sunday, an Army jawan, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar was killed in action during an encounter with terrorists in the Kishtwar district.

In a post on X on Sunday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps and all ranks honoured the sacrifice of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF).

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The post read, "Sub Rakesh was part of a joint CT (counter-insurgency) operation launched in the general area of Bhart Ridge area of Kishtwar district on November 9, 2024. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief."

According to Jammu and Kashmir police, the gunfight erupted in the Keshwan area on November 10, with three to four terrorists believed to be trapped in the area.

Meanwhile, Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh yesterday paid tribute to the army jawan, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, who lost his life during a gunfight between the security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

In a post shared on X, Captain Amarinder Singh honoured the army jawan and prayed for the speedy recovery of the three injured soldiers.

"Saluting the bravery of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in Jammu and Kashmir fighting terrorists. Heartfelt condolences to his family & loved ones. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Praying to Waheguru ji for the speedy recovery of the 3 injured soldiers," Captain Amarinder Singh posted on X. (ANI)

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Madhubani (Bihar), Nov 10 (PTI) Two US nationals, including a woman, were arrested in Bihar's Madhubani district when they were allegedly trying to cross over to Nepal without valid travel documents, police said on Sunday.

The arrested US nationals are residents of California, a senior officer said.

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The police also arrested two locals who provided them with logistical support during their stay in Jainagar area near the India-Nepal border.

According to the police, security personnel of the 48th battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) intercepted the two Americans near the Betaunha border outpost under the jurisdiction of the Jainagar Police Station while they were leaving India for Nepal on Saturday afternoon.

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"They were held by the SSB personnel as they were trying to cross over to Nepal without valid travel documents. The arrested US nationals are a couple. The woman, born in Nepal, married to the man and took the US citizenship. Both were jointly interrogated by the police, SSB and officials of other agencies concerned," Jainagar Deputy SP Ankur Kumar told PTI.

"The police registered a case and arrested both US nationals. Two locals were also apprehended for providing them with logistical support," he said.

The matter is being further investigated, the deputy SP added.

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) In a relief to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and two other BJP leaders of Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the execution of bailable warrants against them in a defamation case filed by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha.

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti sought Tankha's response in four weeks on the plea of Chouhan and BJP state president V D Sharma and former minister Bhupendra Singh who have challenged the October 25 order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court refusing to quash the defamation case.

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The bench said, "In the meantime, subject to the petitioner's effective participation with counsel as may be needed, before the court concerned, they need not be subjected to bailable warrants."

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for Chouhan and others, said the purported statements mentioned in the complaint by Tankha were made on the floor of the house and were covered by Article 194(2) of the Constitution.

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Article 194 (2) states, "No member of the Legislature of a State shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in the Legislature or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of a House of such a Legislature of any report, paper, votes or proceedings."

Jethmalani submitted it was unheard of that in a summons case, a bailable warrant was issued by the court, when the parties could appear through their counsel. He therefore sought a stay on the execution of a bailable warrant.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Sumeer Sodhi, appearing for Tankha said they should have appeared before the trial court in the case, asking what would the trial court do, if they did not appear before it.

Jethmalani said the two statements alleged to be defamatory by the complainant (Tankha) were of December 22 and 25, respectively, in 2021 in a matter related to an apex court order staying the Panchayat elections in the state.

"This court (on December 17, 2021) stayed the Panchayat election on the ground that there was no rotation and no delimitation done," he said, adding there was nothing uttered about OBC reservation as alleged by Tankha.

On October 25, the high court had refused to quash the defamation case lodged by Tankha against former Madhya Pradesh CM Chouhan, BJP state president V D Sharma (now member of Parliament) and former minister Bhupendra Singh (MLA in MP assembly).

Tankha, in his complaint in the trial court, said defamatory statements were made in the run-up to Panchayat elections in the state in 2021.

He alleged that following the December 17, 2021 order of the apex court it was alleged by the BJP leaders that he had opposed the reservation for OBC community in the local body polls which caused damage to his reputation.

Tankha's plea sought Rs 10 crore compensation and initiation of criminal defamation proceedings against the BJP leaders.

The complaint further said the three BJP functionaries carried out a "coordinated, malicious, false and defamatory" campaign against him for political mileage, accusing him of opposing OBC reservation in the Panchayat election in the Supreme Court.

The BJP leaders refuted the charges in the high court and contended that newspaper clippings annexed by Tankha, cannot become the basis of a defamation complaint and the trial court could not have taken its coginsance.

They said the entire material placed on record by Tankha did not suggest any insinuation, let alone defamation, as alleged.

"Pertinently, since respondent (Tankha) was not only appearing on behalf of petitioner/applicant in the said SLP (2021 case) but was/is also a member of parliament, Raja Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, his part was bound to be discussed and analysed by the public of state of Madhya Pradesh and also by the representatives of public such as petitioners herein," Chouhan's plea said.

It further said, "In this context, consequentially alleged statements were made by the petitioners to apprise the general public as to what had transpired at the hearing before this court on December 17, 2021. Alleged statements were made in good faith without imputing any personal harm to the reputation of the respondent and are thus covered by the exceptions to section 499 of the IPC."

The BJP leaders contended all of them were holding a public office at the time of incident and the trial court erred in taking cognisance of the complaint without a prior sanction of the competent authority.

On January 20, 2024, a special court in Jabalpur agreed to examine the defamation case against the three BJP leaders under Section 500 of IPC and summoned them.

(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 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his condolences on the demise of Mahendra Singh Mewar, a former Member of Parliament (MP) from Chittorgarh and a member of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, who passed away earlier in the day.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his sympathies and reflected on how Mahendra Singh Mewar worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the heritage of Rajasthan. PM Modi also mentioned that the former MP dedicated his life to public service, and his efforts toward social welfare will continue to serve as an inspiration.

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"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mahendra Singh Mewar, a former Member of Parliament from Chittorgarh and a member of the Mewar royal family, who made invaluable contributions to social and political life. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the heritage of Rajasthan. He dedicated himself completely to the service of the people. His efforts towards social welfare will always remain an inspiration. In this time of grief, I express my condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!" PM Modi wrote in his post.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1855633480321048760

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83-year-old Mahendra Singh Mewar, the former member of the Mewar royal family, passed away at Ananta Medical College in Rajasthan's Udaipur, where he had been undergoing treatment due to a continuous deterioration in his health. He breathed his last on Sunday.

Mahendra Singh Mewar was the father-in-law of Rajsamand MP Mahima Kumari and the father of Nathdwara MLA Vishwajit Singh. The news of his demise has sent a wave of mourning across the region. (ANI)

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Guna (MP), Nov 11 (PTI) Police have arrested a 40-year-man, accused of raping a 10-year-old girl, after a brief encounter in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, officials said on Monday.

The accused, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, suffered a gunshot wound on his leg in the encounter on Sunday evening, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Sinha told reporters.

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The man, identified as Mukesh Jatav, allegedly raped the minor on November 6, according to police officials.

The accused had approached the victim and her mother when they were going home after selling their maize crop and purchasing wheat flour, they said.

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The man told the victim's mother that the shopkeeper paid her Rs 100 less and he will ensure to get that amount back. He then asked the woman to send her daughter with him to the shop to fetch the balance amount, the officials said.

Later, the girl was found unconscious in Myana area of the district, they said.

On Sunday evening, when efforts were made to nab the accused, he fired two shots at the police team, Sinha said.

The police team fired in self-defence during which the accused suffered a leg injury, he said.

The man was arrested at around 7.30 pm after a brief encounter near a temple and was admitted to hospital, the official said.

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and the two leaders exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in various areas, such as trade and economic ties, energy and connectivity.

PM Modi welcomed the sustained and joint efforts being made by the teams on both sides for the implementation of decisions taken during his recent visits and meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin to further strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

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They exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in various areas, including trade and economic ties, energy and connectivity, it said.

PM Modi extended his warm greetings to President Putin and said that he looked forward to continued exchanges with him, according to the statement.

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In a post on X after the meeting with Manturov, Modi said, "Glad to meet Russia's First Deputy PM Denis Manturov today. Happy to see that teams on both sides are working together to implement decisions taken during my recent visits and meetings with President Putin to further strengthen India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."

Manturov and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will jointly hold a key session of the intergovernmental Russian-Indian commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation here on November 12 during his "working visit" to India.

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New Delhi [India], November 11 (ANI): In the wake of rise in the incidents of firing and snatching in the national capital, senior officials of Delhi Police on Monday went to the ground to review the security measures.

Senior police officials, including DCPs reviewed the police pickets and instructed them to remain alert in all kinds of situations.

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Police pickets are additional police officers deployed to specific locations to maintain law and order or for security.

Notably, for the past few days, several cases of firing and snatching for extortion have been reported in Delhi.

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In the latest development, the officials of Delhi police said that a jeweller in the Rohini area alleged that he received extortion calls from an individual who claimed to be a member of the criminal Kala Jathedi gang while earlier, a Delhi-based music producer received an extortion call of Rs 5 crore from a caller who identified himself as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldi Brar Gang, said the police.

On November 9, Delhi Police apprehended three juveniles involved in the murder of 22-year-old Nadeem alias Bobby and a subsequent firing incident in the area of Jyoti Nagar and Welcome in North East Delhi. The trio was apprehended within hours of the incidents, which occurred on Saturday.

On November 6, an incident of firing took place outside the Raj Mandir Hyper Market in the Meera Bagh area under the limits of Police station Paschim Vihar West. On the same day, three bike-borne miscreants opened several rounds of fire at a motor workshop in the Dinpur area of Najafgarh, Delhi Police said.

Two days before the Paschim Vihar West firing incident, three people with muffled faces and riding on a two-wheeler fired several rounds at a plywood shop and fled the spot in Delhi's Nangloi area, police said. (ANI)

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Bhawanathpur (Jharkhand) [India], November 11 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleged that mafias are rapidly growing in Jharkhand and claimed that only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can ensure both security and governance in the state.

Monday marks the final day of campaigning for the first phase of polling, scheduled for November 13.

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CM Yogi Adityanath also cited the example of the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and highlighted how the authorities were strictly dealing with the miscreants.

"Mafias are flourishing in Jharkhand. Uttar Pradesh is right next to you. Go and see, no one will play with the law and order because if someone does so or tries to disrupt a festival, then the ticket to Yamraj is booked. (The accused are dealt with very strictly). Whether it is security or good governance, only BJP can provide it," CM Yogi said while addressing a gathering here.

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Earlier today, Assam Chief Minister and BJP's Jharkhand co-incharge, Himanta Biswa Sarma exuded confidence that his party will secure a "huge" majority in the upcoming election.

Speaking to ANI, Assam CM Biswa highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did a "historic roadshow" on Sunday while underscoring his party's election campaign has been "very" good.

"I think that we are moving forward towards a huge majority. The atmosphere is very good; our election campaign was very good. PM Modi did a historic roadshow yesterday. We are set to win here with a huge majority," he told ANI.

The first phase is scheduled to take place on Wednesday and the second phase is scheduled for November 20. The votes will be counted on November 23.

In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats. (ANI)

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Chandigarh, Nov 11 (PTI) A financial technology centre of excellence has been launched by Chitkara University to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the growing sector, a release said on Monday.

The centre aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the financial technology sector, offering students a blend of academic learning and industry-driven expertise, the university, which opened the centre at its Rajpura campus in Punjab, said in the statement.

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The Dr. Raj P. Narayanam FinTech Centre of Excellence aims to offer a specialized curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing students for the real-world challenges of the FinTech ecosystem, it added.

By nurturing the next generation of FinTech leaders, the Centre will contribute to India's vision of building a skilled workforce capable of driving the global FinTech revolution, Dr. Raj P Narayanam, founder and Executive Chairman of fintech firm Zaggle said. PTI

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Gurugram, Nov 11 (PTI) Police on Monday arrested Manisha, wife of jailed gangster Kaushal Chaudhary, for allegedly trying to extort Rs 2 crores from a hotel owner, officials said.

Acting allegedly on behalf of the Kaushal Chaudhary and Amit Dagar gang, Manisha demanded the hotel owner over the phone to pay up the amount or they would open fire at the hotel. Death threats were also issued, they said.

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Two mobile phones were recovered from her possession and Gurugram Police have taken Manisha on six days of police remand after being produced in a city court on Monday, they added.

According to the police complaint, on September 10, a woman called on the hotel's number and introduced herself as a gang member of the Kaushal Chaudhary and Amit Dagar gang and demanded Rs 2 crore.

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An FIR was registered at Bilaspur police station based on the complaint filed on September 15, police said.

A team of the Manesar crime unit, led by Sub-Inspector Lalit Kumar, arrested Manisha from Devilal colony today on Monday, police said.

Varun Dahiya, ACP (crime) said during interrogation, Manisha (35) also revealed her involvement in an extortion-related shooting incident on Hotel Highway King in Neemrana, Rajasthan.

Apart from this, she also disclosed that she had provided illegal weapons to four people caught earlier in a police encounter in Manesar Valley.

"After perusing the criminal records of Manisha, it was found that there are three cases registered against her in Gurugram for illegal extortion, murder and fraud. The accused has earlier stayed in Bhondsi jail, Gurugram and Hoshiarpur (Punjab) jail," said ACP Dahiya.

Earlier in June 2019, Manisha was arrested by Delhi police in connection to the extortion of businessmen and traders by Kaushal Chaudhary.

Currently, gangster Kaushal Chaudhary and his right hand Amit Dagar are lodged in jail.

Amit Dagar's wife Twinkle has also been arrested earlier in an extortion case, a senior police officer said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tehran, Iran, November 11: A militant attack near the Pakistani border with Iran left five Iranian forces dead, the state-run IRNA news agency reported Sunday. The report said the dead were ethnic Baluch members of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's volunteer Basij force and were killed in Saravan city in Sistan and Baluchistan province. Saravan is some 1,400 kilometres southeast of the capital Tehran. Militant Attack in Pakistan: 77 Verifiable Attacks Reported in Country in April, Says PICSS Report.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Earlier in the day, state TV reported that Revolutionary Guard forces killed three terrorists and arrested nine others in a military operation. The report did not specify which group the suspects belonged to. Last month, unknown gunmen killed four people, including the chief of the Revolutionary Guard in the province. 4 Soldiers Killed in Militant Attack in Northwestern Pakistan.

In September, gunmen killed four border guards in Sistan and Baluchistan province in two separate attacks. The militant group Jaish al-Adl, which seeks greater rights for the ethnic Baluch minority, claimed responsibility for one attack in which one officer and two soldiers were killed. The province, which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been the site of occasional deadly clashes involving militant groups, armed drug smugglers and Iranian security forces. It is one of the least developed parts of Iran. Relations between the predominantly Sunni Muslim residents of the region and Iran's Shiite theocracy have long been strained.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh [India], November 11 (ANI): Indian students have expressed concerns following Canada's recent decision to end its fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program.

The program, which allowed eligible students to obtain study permits more quickly, has been a popular choice for those seeking to study in Canada.

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This abrupt move has left many aspiring students worried about their academic future.

A Chandigarh resident, who plans to study in Canada, voiced her concerns, saying, "I was trying to go to Canada but the situation is that Canada has stopped the visa. That was not right because many Indian population want to go abroad for studies and the politics that is being used in this is also wrong."

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"It's not right to stop visas midway. There are so many opportunities and dream jobs we will miss out on," she added.

She also blamed political interference for the decision, adding, "Politics should not interfere."

Visa counselor Rahul Arora also expressed concerns, saying that this will negatively impact students' ambitions and dreams.

"This decision will definitely have a negative impact. I think that the children's ambitions and dreams of going forward and studying, the dreams that they have been trying for years, will be hit by that. And I think that this is an adverse decision for both the countries," he said.

The SDS, a popular program launched in 2018, offered faster processing for students from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, and others. It was abruptly ended on November 8.

The Nigeria Student Express (NSE) for Nigerian students has also been discontinued, though applications submitted before the deadline will still be processed under the SDS and NSE.

"The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. The SDS was eventually opened to legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam," said a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The government has said that it is "committed to giving all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits."

"Canada's goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience," the statement by IRCC added.

Following this development, future applicants will be required to go through Canada's regular study permit processes, which will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in the country.

This move comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, following allegations of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, which India has denied. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 10 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday welcomed Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov.

Sharing a picture on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to welcome First DPM of Russia Dennis Manturov to India today. Look forward to our engagement at the India - Russia Business Forum tomorrow."

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https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1855658548862320648

Notably, Manturov will participate in the plenary session of the Russian-Indian Business Forum in Mumbai on November 11, where the focus will be on expanding economic and business cooperation between the two nations, the Russian Embassy in India stated.

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The forum will feature several thematic sessions, addressing areas such as industrial collaboration, transport and logistics, finance, digital technologies, and enhancing interregional cooperation.

Organised by the Business Council for Cooperation with India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event is a crucial platform for fostering deeper economic links between the two countries.

On November 12, Manturov will join Jaishankar in the national capital for the 25th Session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation, the embassy added.

The session will address the progress of ongoing bilateral initiatives and explore new areas for collaboration. During his visit, Manturov is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with key Indian leaders to further discuss strategic cooperation.

Last month, PM Modi attended the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, hosted under Moscow's presidency. He addressed two sessions during the summit. The Prime Minister described the BRICS Summit as "very productive" and thanked President Putin, the people of Russia and their government for their hospitality.

Prior to this, Prime Minister Modi also went on a visit to Russia. During his first bilateral visit in the third term as PM, he attended the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit with President Putin.

He was also awarded the prestigious "Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle" in recognition of his efforts to foster deeper ties between New Delhi and Moscow. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Huehuetoca (Mexico), Nov 10 (AP) Gunmen open fired in a bar in central Mexico killing 10 people and injuring seven, a local official said.

The attack took place on Saturday in the historic city centre of Queretaro in a region that had long been spared the violence seen in neighbouring states like Guerrero. In recent years, however, the state of Queretaro has been marked by a handful of violent incidents, raising concern by authorities.

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Juan Luis Ferrusca Ortiz, the city's head of public security, confirmed the attack and the number of victims. He said at least one person was arrested following the attack.

He said officials identified those responsible by tracking the license plates on the car the armed men fled in, which was later abandoned and set on fire.

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Two videos from the bar's security cameras, disseminated on social networks, show a group of four walking into the bar and shooting indiscriminately at people eating at several tables. The video shows the screaming people throwing themselves on the floor and trying to seek refuge, stained with the blood of the people shot.

Hours after the attack, Queretaro's Gov. Mauricio Kuri vowed to bring the assailants to justice, and said he was working to provide aid for the families of those killed.

There will be punishment for those responsible for this brutal act, Kuri wrote on the social media platform X early Sunday. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
China, Italy aim to nurture modern Marco Polos for civilizational exchange

15:00, November 11, 2024 By Wang Aihua, Shi Yifei and Wei Mengjia ( Xinhua

BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Italy, two major education powers, are deepening collaboration in the realm of higher education, a move that is aimed at nurturing modern Marco Polos to carry forward civilizational exchange and mutual learning.

At a dialogue for Chinese and Italian university rectors held in Beijing over the weekend, China announced plans to boost youth exchanges between the two countries. Universities from both sides also signed agreements to jointly build campuses and interdisciplinary research centers.

Huai Jinpeng, China's education minister, said the country will offer over 100 fully funded exchange opportunities to the 22 participating Italian universities -- an effort to advance a high-level initiative China proposed earlier this year to double the scale of European youth exchanges in the country.

"In contemporary times, the missions for higher education are not limited to creating and communicating knowledge; they transcend to the historic level of inheriting and innovating human civilizations," Huai said.

Located on the opposite ends of the ancient Silk Road, China and Italy boast rich and long-standing civilizations. More than seven centuries ago, Italian explorer Marco Polo's travels served as an important bridge to connect the Chinese and Western civilizations. He remains a symbol of cross-cultural exchanges even today.

Education links the two countries, too. Italy is widely believed to be the birthplace of modern universities. China, on the other hand, has a sophisticated educational system developed through centuries that has nurtured numerous literati, scholars and administrators at both the central and local levels.

"Marco Polo's legacy teaches us that only through respect for each other's cultures and openness can we promote innovation and progress toward a better world," Tiziana Lippiello, board member of the Conference of Italian University Rectors, said.

Over the past two decades, educational exchanges and cooperation between China and Italy have played a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples, officials said.

China is now the largest source country of international students in Italy, while Italy ranks among the top five European countries in terms of the number of students studying in China.

Over the years, Chinese and Italian universities have set up 45 collaborative higher-education institutions and programs, on top of nine research labs with a focus on cutting-edge and foundational disciplines, as well as high-tech engineering fields.

In 2016, Italy incorporated the Chinese language into its national education system. A number of primary and middle schools in Italy have opened Chinese language and culture courses.

Dozens of institutions dedicated to teaching Chinese culture have also been established.

"We hope that the Italian language and culture will also become more widely spread in China, promoting understanding of our rich cultural heritage and facilitating mutual exchange," said Lippiello, also rector of the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, who studied in China in the 1980s.

University representatives at the event, which was jointly organized by China's Ministry of Education and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, also highlighted the importance of higher-education cooperation in response to common challenges for humanity like climate change and sustainable development.

Giovanni Molari, rector of the University of Bologna, said his university has been cooperating closely with its Chinese counterparts in areas like AI, robotic automation and pharmaceuticals.

"I'm sure such dialogues can help us achieve common development and meet global challenges," Molari said.

Matteo Lorito, rector of the University of Naples Federico II, said he expects more collaboration between the universities of Italy and China on ecology, digital transformation and food science.

"Cooperation with China is indispensable," Lorito said. "I hope that the students we cultivate can become the Marco Polo of modern times, possessing a critical and innovative spirit, as well as a sense of responsibility toward the international community."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Fremantle [Australia], November 11 (ANI): The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini arrived for its first port of call in Freemantle, Australia on November 9 after a 38-day voyage at the sea.

INSV Tarini is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition under the name, Navika Sagar Parikrama II.

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The details of the historic expedition were shared on X by the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy.

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1855632907638911330

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INSV Tarini was flagged off from Goa on October 2 and the duo of Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A, covered 4900 nautical miles (9074 km) in 38 days, encountering challenging weather conditions & rough seas", the Navy spokesperson noted.

The officers were warmly received by dignitaries, including the Consul General of India at Perth, the Defence Advisor from Canberra, the Secretary of the Indian Navy Sailing Association (INSA), representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, along with members of the media and Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia.

Indian Navy emphasized that the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, "underscores #India's commitment to fostering stronger relationships with international maritime communities & sustainable & inclusive global engagement".

The Navika Sagar Parikrama II is an ambitious circumnavigation voyage which will include stops at four major ports worldwide. The two-women crew expedition continues the Indian Navy's legacy of INSV Tarini's first circumnavigation. It is a shining example of promoting gender equality, sustainability, and global maritime cooperation.

The expedition serves as an ambassador of India's rich maritime heritage.

As INSV Tarini prepares for its next leg, this milestone underscores the strength, skill, and resilience of the Indian Navy's women sailors and reaffirms India's dedication to sustainable and inclusive global engagement.

The call by INSV Tarini is among the many calls that the Indian Navy is making to promote maritime security. The recently concluded call to Nacala Port in Mozambique by INS Gharial and INS Suvarna to Port Louis in Mauritius.

The call comes at the heels of the recently concluded state visit by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Australia.

India and Australia share warm and friendly ties across various sectors. As INSV Tarini makes a call to Freemantle, Australia, India is currently hosting the 3rd Edition of AUSTRAHIND Exercise between the two countries in Pune, Maharashtra. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], November 10 (ANI): Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has voiced high hope that the incoming US administration will renew its commitment to fostering peace in West Asia, advocating for a strategic, UN-aligned approach to end the crisis as per local media.

Speaking at the Council of Foreign Ministers' Preparatory Meeting for the Second Arab-Islamic Summit on Sunday, Dar emphasised that "mere condemnation of Israeli actions would not be enough." He urged Muslim leaders to fulfill their "moral and legal duty" in supporting Palestinians' rights and achieving justice, Dawn reported.

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"The whole Muslim Ummah is looking at us today. We need to demonstrate unwavering political will and complete unity and take concrete steps to effectively address the situation at hand," he said.

Dar called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, and urged the United Nations to ensure continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has faced mounting challenges.

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He proposed several measures, including support for Palestine's full UN membership and legal action to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes. Dar also advocated for imposing an arms embargo on Israel, reassessing its UN membership, and appointing a Joint Arab-Islamic Special Envoy on the Middle East as a focal point for coordinated peace efforts, reported Dawn.

Reflecting on the resolutions from last year's inaugural Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Dar acknowledged that although significant decisions were made to halt the Gaza conflict, the situation in the Middle East has since worsened. He condemned Israel's "war crimes and crimes against humanity against the innocent Palestinians," accusing it of pushing a "greater Israel" agenda with potentially severe repercussions for regional stability.

"The reckless pursuit of a so-called greater Israel by encroaching upon the sovereignty of states beyond Palestine is fraught with serious implications for regional peace and stability," he warned. Dar also criticised Israel's military actions as blatant violations of international law, lamenting that the UN Security Council has remained largely ineffective despite calls from the General Assembly, OIC, and International Court of Justice for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and protection for civilians.

He commended Saudi Arabia's recent efforts to promote a Two-State Solution through the Global Alliance and confirmed Pakistan's commitment to the alliance's objectives. Dar highlighted Pakistan's consistent support for Palestine, noting the humanitarian aid sent over the past year, as well as scholarships for Palestinian students and educational opportunities for Palestinian medical students, Dawn reported.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also left for Riyadh on Sunday to attend the summit, where he is expected to address key issues and reaffirm Pakistan's stance on the Palestine situation. Accompanied by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Sharif will meet with Arab League and OIC leaders to build diplomatic partnerships addressing regional security and humanitarian challenges.

This summit reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to addressing Middle East crises and fostering multilateral engagement, with Riyadh as a diplomatic centre for discussions that may shape the region's future. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], November 11 (ANI): The Shehbaz Sharif-led government is evaluating a set of civil service reforms that were initially developed and approved under the Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, but largely went unimplemented.

The reform agenda, which the Imran Khan administration's Task Force on Civil Service Reform crafted after extensive consultations with over 3,000 participants across 68 sessions, aimed to modernise Pakistan's bureaucracy through structural, procedural, and incentive-based changes, The News International reported.

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Led by Ishrat Husain, the Task Force on Civil Service Reform laid out a comprehensive plan targeting various aspects of the bureaucracy, including the recruitment process.

One major proposed change to the existing Central Superior Services (CSS) examination structure included introducing a preliminary screening test, cluster-based exams specific to various domains, psychometric evaluations, structured interviews, and increased automation within the system. Despite these recommendations, the PTI government did not implement this overhaul of the CSS framework.

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The Task Force also advocated for an improved training regimen, which involved dividing mid-career and senior management courses into general management and specialised training. While this aspect of the training scheme was implemented, the broader proposal to reorganise specialised training institutions and make training mandatory for ex-cadre and non-cadre civil servants was left unaddressed.

Regarding performance management, the Task Force sought to shift from the subjective Annual Confidential Report (ACR) system to an objective Performance Evaluation Report (PER) with clearly defined goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).

While the PTI administration introduced performance agreements between the Prime Minister and ministers, the new evaluation system for civil servants was not widely implemented, even though relevant proformas were developed, reported The News International.

Another significant reform that was introduced under the PTI government but later reversed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was the mandatory retirement of underperforming officials after 20 years of service. This change was upheld by the High Court, but the subsequent PDM government chose to reinstate the previous system.

In terms of compensation, the Task Force recommended the monetisation of various perks such as housing, transport, and allowances for officers from grade 17 to 22. Additionally, it suggested that annual salary increments should be based on individual performance ratings rather than a standard increment for all. However, these recommendations were not implemented during the PTI tenure.

To enhance expertise within federal ministries, the Task Force proposed the recruitment of technical experts and advisers through an open and competitive process. While the government partially implemented this proposal, only a limited number of appointments, including the recent hiring of an IT secretary from the private sector, have been made.

Under the PTI government, and following the Task Force's advice, the selection process for CEOs and Managing Directors (MDs) of 62 public sector organisations was completed through an open, merit-based approach, resulting in the appointment of 16 expatriate Pakistanis as heads of various organisations, reportedly yielding positive outcomes.

For pension reform, the Task Force recommended transitioning from a defined benefits plan to a defined contribution plan for new entrants, a proposal that has now been implemented by the current government.

Additionally, the Task Force proposed creating equal opportunities for advancement by requiring public servants in Grade 19 to pass a public service examination before moving to higher grades within the Federal Secretariat. Selected candidates would then be assigned to one of four ministry clusters--Economic, Social Sector, Technical, or General Management.

However, this proposal was not approved under the PTI administration, The News International reported.

As the current government revisits these proposals, there remains an opportunity to bring transformative changes to the civil service that were initially envisioned but left unfulfilled. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gilgit [PoGB], November 11 (ANI): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan Police has reportedly arrested two suspected drug dealers, for their involvement in the distribution of illegal substances around Karakoram International University (KIU).

According to a report by Pamir Times, authorities have recovered 400 grams of hashish and 31 grams of crystal meth, commonly known as ice, which have now been seized for legal processing.

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These recent arrests underscore the ongoing challenge of drug abuse within educational institutions. Pakistani media have repeatedly highlighted the growing concern, attributing the rise in drug use to several interconnected factors: the breakdown of law and order, easy access to illegal substances, widespread poverty, and limited employment opportunities.

In May, a report titled "Drug Abuse and Campuses" by the Pakistani media outlet Dawn raised an urgent alarm about the rising use of drugs in educational institutions. The report emphasised the severity of the issue, stating: "The use of drugs in educational institutions is alarming. The pace at which it is spreading is even more concerning--almost frightening. The number of teenagers using drugs on campuses is both frustrating and worrisome. Society can no longer afford to live in denial. We must wake up to this grim reality and take action before it is too late. The first step is to acknowledge the problem and understand what is happening and why."

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The report further noted that Pakistan's youth are under extreme stress, particularly in relation to academics and career pressures. They live with the constant fear of falling behind in an increasingly competitive world. In an attempt to cope with these pressures, many turn to smoking, followed by recreational drugs. Over time, what begins as a way to escape stress often leads to addiction, with many young people becoming habitual users.

Another critical factor identified in the report was the widespread availability of drugs, particularly near educational campuses. This situation highlights a failure on the part of local administrations, provincial and federal governments, and law enforcement agencies--especially the police. The easy access to illegal substances around schools and universities is a glaring issue that exacerbates the problem, reported Dawn.

The report called for immediate action, urging the government and relevant authorities to take strict measures to combat the drug menace. Furthermore, it stressed the need for parents to remain vigilant about their children's activities and to educate them on the dangers of drug addiction and its long-term effects on their well-being. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Colombo [Sri Lanka], November 11 (ANI): The Russian embassy in Sri Lanka rejected the fake news being circulated claiming that Sri Lanka's bid to join the BRICS grouping has been rejected.

Sharing the clarification on the social media platform, X, the Russian Embassy in Colombo released a press statement regarding the issue, and said the Russian BRICS Chairship welcomed Sri Lanka's interest.

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"The Embassy noticed the misleading article regarding the Sri Lanka's bid for BRICS membership which was published in the "Sunday Island" on November 09, 2024".

"The Embassy would like to highlight that Sri Lanka has applied to join BRICS. The Russian BRICS Chairship welcomed Sri Lanka's interest", the press statement noted.

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The Russian Embassy further informed that Sri Lanka's application would be considered by BRICS in due course of time, along with full consultation and consensus. The application would be considered along with the bids of numerous other countries who have also applied.

Notably, various countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS grouping in recent times. These include nations like Malaysia and Thailand amongst others.

"The local media reports that Sri Lanka's application has been rejected are wrong," the Russian Embassy added.

https://x.com/RusEmbSriLanka/status/1855441868592705997

The 16th BRICS Summit took place in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to October 24.

BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006.

The grouping was formalized during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in 2006. The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia's Yekaterinburg in 2009.

It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers' meeting in New York in 2010. South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011.

A further expansion of BRICS took place in 2024 with five new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, it was expressed that the expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good.

India has routinely expressed great faith in multilateral institutions such as BRICS.

"India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others," PM Modi had earlier noted. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], November 11 (ANI/WAM): UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a Federal Decree No. 27 of 2024 to establish the UAE Aid Agency, affiliated with the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. The agency shall have an independent juridical personality and full legal capacity to act.

The agency is tasked with implementing foreign aid programmes in line with the general policy for international humanitarian affairs. Its responsibilities include planning, overseeing, executing, and monitoring official government support, with a particular focus on disaster relief, early recovery programmes, post-conflict stabilisation, development programmes, and capacity building programmes.

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Speaking on the occasion of the establishment of the UAE Aid Agency, Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said, "The establishment of the UAE Aid Agency represents a continuation of the steadfast humanitarian legacy laid by our Founding Father, the late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

"This approach reflects the UAE's dedication to addressing humanitarian challenges and fostering sustainable development globally. The country pursues this mission under the wise leadership and enduring support of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirming the commitment of the leadership, government, and nation to advancing this noble humanitarian endeavour."

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Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, "The establishment of the UAE Aid Agency reaffirms the UAE's humanitarian role in providing essential assistance, improving living conditions, and supporting communities and people across all continents."

He emphasised the UAE's commitment to collaborate with international partners to create a tangible and lasting positive impact, especially in regions affected by crises and instability, with a focus on vital areas such as educational services, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure sectors to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.

Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said, "With the formation of the UAE Aid Agency, we are reaffirming our commitment to addressing global humanitarian challenges and promoting sustainable development in a strategic and coordinated manner."

He added that the agency aims to enhance the impact of UAE's global priority foreign aid. It seeks to maximise positive outcomes in executing humanitarian relief programmes, initiatives, and developmental projects worldwide, aligning with the UAE's role and stature in regional and international humanitarian and developmental efforts.

The UAE is considered one of the world's most generous donor countries. Latest figures show the UAE, since its founding by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has contributed over USD 98 billion (AED 360 billion) in foreign assistance, which has benefited over one billion people worldwide. (ANI/WAM)

(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, November 10: Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who has been part of several landmark Supreme Court judgements such as scrapping the electoral bonds scheme and upholding abrogation of Article 370, will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a ceremony scheduled at 10 am.

Justice Khanna will succeed Justice DY Chandrachud, who retired on Sunday, and his term will last until May 13, 2025. The Centre officially notified Justice Khanna's appointment on October 24 following Chief Justice Chandrachud's recommendation on October 16. Friday was the last working day of Justice Chandrachud as the CJI and he was given a rousing farewell by judges, lawyers and staff of the apex court and the high courts. 'Chief, You Truly Did It Your Way': CJI-Designate J Sanjiv Khanna Lauds Justice DY Chandrachud During CJI's Farewell Function, Quotes Frank Sinatra's 'I Did It My Way' Song.

Justice Khanna, who served as a Supreme Court judge since January 2019, has been part of several landmark judgements such as upholding the sanctity of EVMs, scrapping the electoral bonds scheme, upholding the abrogation of Article 370 and the grant of interim bail to former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Hailing from an illustrious Delhi-based family, Justice Khanna is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of prominent former apex court judge H R Khanna.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019, was a third-generation lawyer before being appointed as judge of the high court. He is driven by the zeal to reduce pendency and speed up justice delivery. Justice H R Khanna, the uncle of Justice Khanna, hit the headlines by resigning in 1976 after he wrote a dissenting verdict in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency. Justice Sanjiv Khanna Confirmed To Be New CJI: Centre Clears Appointment of Supreme Court's Second Senior-Most Judge as Next Chief Justice of India, Know His Details.

The majority verdict of a Constitution bench, upholding the abrogation of fundamental rights during the Emergency, was considered a "black spot" on the judiciary. Justice H R Khanna declared the move unconstitutional and against the rule of law and paid a price as the then central government superseded him and made Justice M H Beg the next CJI.

Justice H R Khanna was part of the landmark verdict propounding the basic structure doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973. Among the notable judgments of Justice Sanjiv Khanna in the Supreme Court is upholding the use of electronic voting machines in elections, saying the devices were secure and eliminated booth capturing and bogus voting. A bench headed by Justice Khanna, on April 26, termed the suspicion of manipulation of the EVMs "unfounded" and rejected the demand for reverting to the old paper ballot system.

He was also part of the five-judge bench that declared the electoral bond scheme, meant for funding political parties, as unconstitutional. Justice Khanna was a part of the five-judge bench, which upheld the Centre's 2019 decision abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution which granted a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

It was the Justice Khanna-led bench, which for the first time, granted interim bail to Kejriwal, the then chief minister, till June 1 to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections in the excise policy scam cases. Born on May 14, 1960, he studied law at the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University. Justice Khanna was the executive chairman of the National Legal Service Authority (NALSA).

He enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 and initially practised in the District Courts at the TisHazari complex here and later, in the Delhi High Court. He had a long tenure as the senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department. In 2004, he was appointed as the standing counsel (Civil) for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Justice Khanna had also argued in a number of criminal cases at the Delhi High Court as an additional public prosecutor and as an amicus curiae.
Srinagar, November 10: Four para commandos of the army were injured in a gunfight with terrorists in J&Ks Kishtwar district on Sunday while a search operation continued to trace terrorists in the Ishbar forest area of Srinagar district, officials said.

Officials said that para commandos were injured in the gunfight between the security forces and the terrorists in the Chaas area of Kishtwar. "The injured have been shifted to hospital while the cordon has been further tightened to trace the terrorists. The operation against the terrorists is still continuing in the Chaas area," an official said. Srinagar Encounter: Gunfight Breaks Out Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Zabarwan Forest Area in Jammu and Kashmir (Watch Video).

Search operations also continued in the Ishbar forest area of Srinagar district where an early morning exchange of fire took place between the terrorists, believed to be two to three in number, and the security forces. Officials said that two local trekkers were rescued by the security forces from the Ishbar forest area where the initial firing exchanges took place after two to three persons carrying weapons were seen in the area. "After the initial contact (firing exchanges) with the terrorists in Ishbar, the search operation is still continuing there," an official said.

On Saturday, a terrorist was killed in an encounter in the Rampora locality of Sopore in Baramulla district. A day before that, two foreign terrorists were killed in another gunfight with the security forces in the Sagipora locality of Sopore town. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Sopore, 1 Terrorist Killed.

Once known as the hometown and political bastion of hardline separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Sopore has traditionally been the hotbed of separatist sentiment in the Valley. Due to the overall improvement in the law & order situation and pro-active anti-terror thrust by the security forces, Sopore had not only returned to normal in the last few years, but a perceptible change of political loyalty also came to light when the people participated in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in large numbers.

Two back-to-back encounters in Sopore have brought to light the basic reality that unless terrorism and its ecosystem are completely wiped out in J&K, the situation will continue to be dicey and peace will remain fragile. It is for this reason that the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, who controls the police and remains responsible for law & order even after an elected government took office in J&K, has recently directed the security forces to spare no effort in eradicating terrorism, its sympathisers, harbourers, and the terror ecosystem that sustains violence.

Intelligence agencies say that the handlers of terrorists across the border have directed the terrorists in J&K to carry out attacks in order to remain in news headlines irrespective of whether the victim is a civilian or from any security force - police, army, or paramilitary.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 10, 2024 05:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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New York, November 11: A major wildfire dubbed Jennings Creek continued to rage in Passaic County of New Jersey and Orange County of New York with limited success in containment efforts. The blaze burned through 3,000 acres and threatened 25 structures, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a social media post on Sunday. The wildfire only impacted an area of 2,000 acres with 10 structures threatened around 23 hours ago. Jennings Creek Wildfire: 18-Year-Old Park Ranger Dariel Vasquez Killed While Battling Wildfire Near New York-New Jersey Border in US.

It's reported that an 18-year-old New York State Forest Ranger volunteer and state employee Dariel Vasquez died on Saturday in responding to the wildfire, Xinhua news agency reported. Still, the joint firefighting efforts by New Jersey and New York authorities have made some progress, containing 10 per cent of the wildfires by now. The public is strongly urged to refrain from using any open flame and take every precaution possible to prevent wildfires given prolonged and extremely dry conditions in New Jersey. New York City Skyline Shrouded by Canada Wildfire Smoke, Surreal Apocalyptic Pic Surfaces.

New York City has banned grilling in city parks as the city remains under drought conditions and multiple wildfires burned in or near the city. Notably, a bushfire broke out at the iconic Prospect Park in Brooklyn on Friday and engulfed around two acres of land. Around 27 million residents in the Northeastern United States were under a Red Flag Warning on critical fire weather on Saturday with the Red Flag Warning extending into Sunday in Connecticut.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 11, 2024 10:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
On 9 November Mexicos national defence ministry (Defensa, previously Sedena) announced the arrest of a local leader of the Sinaloa drug trafficking organisation (DTO) in Nuevo Leon state.

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On 8 November a man was executed in broad daylight in Brazils Guarulhos airport in Sao Paulo, purportedly in relation to his involvement with the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Brazils main drug trafficking organisation (DTO).

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In Spanish

DFZM is a new name making waves in Colombia's reggaeton scene. At just 18, this young talent from Buenaventura has earned himself a spot alongside some of the genre's biggest stars in the highly anticipated collaboration '+57.' But who is this emerging artist sharing credits with Karol G, Feid, Maluma, and J Balvin?

Dylan Zambrano, known as DFZM, is Colombia's latest reggaeton sensation. His journey began in the streets of Buenaventura, where his rap skills went viral on social media in 2022. His talent quickly caught the attention of streaming influencers like Westcol and channels like Dimelo King, eventually leading to a deal with La Creme, run by renowned songwriter Keityn.

Since then, DFZM has been building his career step by step, with tracks like 'Cartagena,' 'La Joya,' and 'Ayy Gono' getting him a growing fanbase on digital platforms. His collaboration on 'Todos Mienten' with Cali-based artists Soley and Esteban Rojas showcased his teamwork and musical versatility.

Now, DFZM takes a quantum leap in his career by joining "+57," a track that brings together Colombia's top reggaeton stars. Named after Colombia's country code, the song is a tribute to the nation's urban music and is poised to become an anthem for genre fans. The lineup of "+57" is a dream team. Joining DFZM is Karol G, the "Bichota" of reggaeton, who leads the project with her unmistakable style. Feid brings his signature flow, while J Balvin and Maluma add their international star power. The team is completed by Ryan Castro, Blessd, and producer Ovy On The Drums, creating a powerhouse of Colombian reggaeton talent.The track was released on November 7, 2024, and it's already a massive hit. The music video, showing the artists in a Los Angeles recording studio, captures the energy and chemistry among them during the creative process. For DFZM, this collaboration is a milestone. On social media, the young artist has shared his excitement and gratitude. In a recent Instagram post to his 300,000 followers, DFZM thanked Karol G for making this dream a reality and expressed his pride in being part of a project that celebrates Colombian talent.

Fans have responded enthusiastically, with messages of support and anticipation filling his social media. Many see him as the next big name in Colombian reggaeton, celebrating his inclusion alongside established stars.
Three adults are homeless after a blaze torched a single-family home in Eastons West Ward, a fire official said.

City Fire Department Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Chad Gruver told lehighvalleylive.com flames ignited in the 300 block of South 15th St. at about 7:15 p.m. Sunday. Crews worked both the exterior and interior of the house, toward the rear.

Officials said the three occupants escaped safely on their own. Although crews were able to knock down the flames within 15 to 20 minutes, stubborn hot spots led to prolonged overhaul, Gruver said.

In the end, there was heavy fire damage to the homes rear and roof, as well as smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure, he said.

The house has since been deemed uninhabitable. Cristina Maisel, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, said the organization is assisting the three residents with shelter and other needs.

Also responding to Sundays fire was the Wilson Borough Fire Department. The cause and origin of the blaze remains under investigation by Easton fire officials.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
The building that once occupied a Greek cuisine mainstay for over three decades in Bethlehem Township now has a new tenant who plans to offer up a similar concept.

Johnnys Gyros, at 2722 Easton Ave., and on the citys border, went up for sale September. Gyro Concept on Friday signed a lease to become the next tenant, but didnt buy the business name or the actual building in the agreement, said Lynne Kounoupis and Niko Kounoupis, the leasing agents who handled the sale.

The township location is slated to become a third location for Gyro Concept, in which owner Yiannis Solomonidis opened a second eatery in March along Cattell Street in Eastons College Hill. Solomonidis of Bethlehem opened his original location about a year prior in Essex County, New Jersey, Niko Kounoupis told lehighvalleylive.com.

Gyro Concept is known for its authentic Greek street food. Solomonidis, a Greek native who moved to the United States about five years ago, additionally operated other gyro restaurants overseas, according to WFMZ-69 News.

On the menu at Gyro Concept are a variety of gyros, which include seasoned meat and fresh vegetables; pork, beef and lamb souvlaki; salads; pita sandwiches; and platters, as well as smart bowls. Entrees can be paired with fries or dolmades, which are stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs. Dips include Tzatziki, spicy feta or the eaterys own special sauce.

For those with a sweet tooth, desserts include cherry cheesecake, Tirimisu or profiterol in glass jars; homemade Baklava, and orange cake. Prices are affordable, ranging from $5.50 for a la carte items to $15.99 assorted platters.

Niko Kounoupis said Solomonidis currently is renovating the former 1,073-square-foot Johnnys Gyros building, complete with drive-thru. An opening date is yet to be announced, he said.

Johnnys Gyros owner Stan Kiniropoulos decided to close shop after three decades of running the operation first with his father and then, his wife.

Stan felt it was the right time to focus more on family, Niko Kounoupis said. Hes looking forward to some well-deserved time off.

Kiniropoulos is possibly interested in continuing the eatery as a food truck at area events and festivals, Niko Kounoupis said.

Facebook groups, such as Foodies of Bethlehem and Friends of Bethlehem PA, began posting near the end of August about the quick-service joint being closed.

The building, which dates back to 1960, includes indoor seating for 20 people with tables, chairs and bar seating, as well as some outdoor seating and front and rear parking lots. It sits in prime real estate in a bustling fast-casual corridor with an estimated flow of 17,000 vehicles daily, according to the listing.

Nearby is a Wendys, Burger King, McDonalds, Dunkin, Taco Bell and KFC, as well as smaller retailers, cafes and strip malls.

Johnnys Gyros for decades was a longtime fan favorite of students in the Bethlehem Area School District. It was known for its shabby charm, with worn signs and a Greek-influenced menu.

Gyros at Johnnys came packed with shaved meat and were topped with tzatziki sauce and tomatoes. Everything was packaged in easy to-go wrapping to eat without a mess. Regulars often paired the treats with fries. Other menu items through the years have included hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and fish sandwiches. There also were onion rings, mozzarella sticks and spinach pie, as well as ice cream treats and Baklava.

Gyro Concept could also be expanding with another location. There are plans for a fourth site in Union City, New Jersey, the business website states.

Hours for Gyro Concept Easton are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Saturday. Hours for Gyro Concept Bethlehem Township are pending.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A Phillipsburg woman was killed Saturday when the car she was riding in struck a utility pole in Monroe County, state police said.

The Monroe County Coroners Office identified the deceased as 47-year-old Rebecca Martin, who was a passenger in the vehicle. An autopsy is scheduled Tuesday, Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac said.

The wreck happened just after 10:45 p.m. in the 1600 block of Route 209 in Chestnuthill Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Anthony Petroski III, public information officer for Troop N.

State police said the driver, whose name was not released, is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The driver was headed north at a high rate of speed and lost control of the vehicle, Petroski said.

Martin was not wearing a seat belt, Petroski said. She was pronounced dead at the scene, Yanac told lehighvalleylive.com.

Pennsylvania State Police in Fern Ridge and the Monroe County Coroners Office continue to investigate the wreck.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Laois Fianna Fail General Election candidate Austin Stack has welcomed the launch of a policy document to enhance and support urban living across Ireland which includes the promise of thousands of extra gardai.

With two-thirds of the population residing in towns and cities, the Portlaoise native also believes Fianna Fails plan will make urban areas cleaner, safer, and more resilient.

He says Fianna Fail will introduce a new Urban Communities Initiative backed by 175m over the term of government if returned to power. This initiative will focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in areas of high disadvantage.

The Gardai play an essential role in safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. Garda visibility on our streets and in our communities is vital to ensuring families feel safe. Without a strong Garda presence, we risk chaos in our towns and cities.

"Since 2020 the Garda training allowance has been increased, we have raised both the age limit for entry and the retirement age to aid Garda recruitment and retention. However, we need to do much more to ensure that there are far more Gardai visible across our communities. More below pictures.

"Fianna Fail will expand the Garda force by 5,000, the largest expansion ever in the history of the An Garda Siochana. This expansion will prioritise community and town-centre policing, helping to create a safer environment across our towns and cities. We will also fund improved training facilities and equipment to support Gardai as they adapt to the demands of growing urban populations," he said in a statement issued by his party's HQ.

Mr Stack was added to the Fianna Fail ticket in Laois on the day the General Election was called. He is a former prison officer who is contesting his first General Election.

There are 10 candidates declared in Laois running to win three seats in the new Laois constituency. Sean Fleming, of Fianna Fail, Brian Stanley, now independent ar the outgoing TDs on the Laois side of the old Laois Offaly constituency.
An Irish citizen remains in police custody in the Hungarian capital Budapest for the murder of an American tourist.

Police in Hungary said the 37-year-old Irish man has confessed to killing American nurse Makenzie Michalski, after he tried to conceal her body in a suitcase in a wooded area 90 miles outside of the city.

Makenzie, a 31-year-old nurse practitioner, was reported missing on Tuesday, November 5, when she failed to check out from the AirBnB she was staying in.

CCTV footage reviewed by the Budapest Metropolitan Police showed Makenzie meeting the Irishman in a nightclub before they continued on to another, before they returned to his apartment, where the police said they had been "intimate" before she was killed.

Police said that the Irishman, identified by the initials LTM, attempted to cover up the crime by cleaning his apartment and concealing Makenzie's body before he purchased a suitcase and placed her body inside.

He then drove her body in a rented car to a wooded area near Lake Balaton, almost 90 miles south-west of Budapest, where he is said to have disposed of it outside the town of Szigliget.

The man was arrested upon his return to the city, and confessed to killing Makenzie, claiming it was "an accident".

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The Head of the Life Protection Department at the Budapest police headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Sandor Gal, said that the Irish citizen was a suspect for murder.

"He confessed to killing the woman, but claimed it was an accident. After his interrogation, the suspect also showed the detectives where he had hidden the body, and after the body was found, a search was carried out," he said at a press conference in Budapest yesterday.

"During the search, we also intended to use a cadaver dog, but as the suspect showed us the body, the dog was not used. The suspect was taken into custody, and his arrest was initiated after the interrogation."

Police also said they found internet searches made by the man that included wild boar sightings near Lake Balaton, "do pigs really eat dead bodies?" and "what does a corpse smell like after it decomposes", as well as how reliable Hungarian police were with missing persons cases.

The investigation is continuing.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of the case and that it is providing consular assistance.
Laois Gardai are holding a fundraiser in aid of Special Olympics Leinster on Sunday November 17.

'Cops and Donuts' will see Gardai from Portlaoise and Abbeyleix Garda stations selling donuts from 10am to 4pm at Laois Shopping Centre, where Gardai hope to sell over 2000 doughnuts, with all the proceeds of the sales going directly to Special Olympics Leinster.

"For the past two years, we sell around 2,000 donuts in the shopping centre to raise funds for the Special Olympics," said Abbeyleix sergeant Paul Howard, the driving force behind the event.

"We raised almost 4,000 in Portlaoise alone last year, it was great," said the sergeant.

Pictured: Inspector Joe Culliton, Sgt Paul Howard, Sgt Orla Nolan, Garda Joanne O Mahony and Garda Dan Sheehy from Abbeyleix and Portlaoise Garda Stations. Liam Brereton of Sliding Wardrobes Direct and Tony Byrne of Grape and Bean along with athletes and volunteers of Laochra Laoise Special Olympics Club.

The doughnuts will be delivered fresh that morning from Kellys Family Bakery of Wexford Town and sold at a cost of 2 for two or 5 for a box of six.

The event is being run as part of An Garda Siochanas commitment to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The event was launched on Saturday November 9 in Laois shopping centre. Speaking at the launch, Inspector Joe Culliton praised the fundraising event.

"I am delighted to be involved in the Cops and Donuts event again this year," Inspector Culliton said.

"We had a hugely successful event last year and we would like to thank everyone who came out and supported us. This not only gives us the opportunity to raise money for a good cause, but to also get out there and engage with the people in the community," he said.

Pictured: The launch of Cops and Donuts on November 9, ahead of the event on November 17.

"I would encourage everyone to come and show your support on Sunday 17th November as we raise money for an excellent cause," the inspector finished.

"I am delighted to be able to organise the 'Cops and Donuts' event again this year in aid of Special Olympics," Sgt Howard said.

"This will be our 3rd year holding this fundraiser in Portlaoise. We had great support at the event the last two years. I would like to thank Kevin and all the staff at Loais Shopping Centre for allowing us to hold our fundraiser again," he said.

"This is a very worthwhile cause and we are looking forward to meeting everyone who comes out and supports us as we aim to raise as much money as we can for our Special Olympics athletes," the sergeant finished.

Fundraising Manager with Special Olympics Ireland, Ms Karen Treacy, praised the event as a "fun and tasty way to raise much-needed funds for the Special Olympics".

"We are extremely grateful to An Garda Siochana, whose support for Special Olympics is invaluable," Ms Treacy said.

Pictured: Laois shopping centre held the official launch of Cops and Donuts.

"We are grateful to Tony from Grape and Bean and Liam from Sliding Wardrobes Direct who have kindly agreed to sponsor the event, and also to Kevin and his team at Laois Shopping Centre for allowing us to set up shop in the centre for the day," Ms Treacy finished.

Along with Cops and Donuts, this is one of many fundraisers for the Special Olympics undertaken by Sgt Howard.

He will represent An Garda Siochana in the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics winter games. Sgt Howard is one of 106 enforcement officers around the globe to represent their country for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

While stationed in Limerick, Sgt Howard took part in multiple torch runs and medal presentations associated with the Special Olympics.

Make sure to stop by Laois Shopping Centre on Sunday November 17 between 10am to 4pm to support this fantastic cause- and to enjoy some fantastic donuts!
Following a university-wide recruitment process, three students from Laois have been appointed Student Ambassadors in St Patricks Pontifical University, Maynooth (SPPU).

Isobel Tinkler is a former student of Colaiste Iosgain, Portarlington, while Collette Sherlock and Caoimhe Sweeney are former students of Scoil Chriost Ri, Portlaoise.

Ambassadors are a vital link for incoming students, assisting with orientation activities, providing campus tours and being on hand with advice and recommendations on how best to transition from second level into life at university.

The Student Ambassadors will also assist at university events throughout the year passing on their firsthand experiences of life at St Patricks Pontifical University.

Even though I knew I wanted to do Theology, St Patrick's Pontifical University offers much more than that," Laois student Isobel Tinkler said On studying at SPPU.

Pictured: Laois university student and student ambassador Isobel Tinkler

"While the main career people normally pursue is teaching, I have met many others who wish to be politicians, prison officers, lecturers and so much more," she said.

"If one has any interest in the pursuit of knowledge, St Patrick's Pontifical University is the way to go. Throughout my time in St Patrick's, I have always been met by such a lovely atmosphere and a community of people always willing to help one another," Ms Tinkler finished.

Student Colette Sherlock praised the university for their welcoming atmosphere.

The minute I heard of the BATh (Bachelor of Arts in Theology) course in St Patrick's, I instantly knew it was for me," she said.

Pictured: Colette Sherlock, recently appointed to an ambassador role at St Patricks Pontifical University, Maynooth (SPPU).

"I have had my expectations significantly surpassed since I began studying here. Everyone's welcomed with a kind and warm atmosphere that almost feels like a home away from home. The small class sizes really encourage connections with both my classmates and the lecturers, allowing us to get to know one another," said Ms Sherlock.

"There are also many events for students and staff which enhances the great sense of community here. The stunning campus is another thing I love. Also having the privilege of living on campus because of the BATh has made my experience even better. Being able to live with students in my year made it much easier to make friends and takes the pressure of commuting daily," she said.

Fellow Scoil Chriost Ri alumni Caoimhe Sweeney thanked university staff for their helpfulness.

One of my favourite aspects of St Patricks is how helpful the staff are," Ms Sweeney said.

Pictured: Student ambassador Caoimhe Sweeney on campus at St Patricks Pontifical University

"I also like how the smaller lectures allow you to establish friends while also getting to know the professors, which you may not be able to do at larger universities. In my opinion, St Patricks Pontifical University is one of Ireland's most beautiful places, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to study and be part of this community," she finished.

St Patricks Maynooth opened its doors as an educational institution in 1795. In the intervening two centuries, it has established for itself an impressive reputation for scholarship and learning.

Today, as a Pontifical University, St Patricks specialises in the study of theology and philosophy at both postgraduate and undergraduate level and related areas, in one of the most beautiful campuses in Ireland.

The Pontifical University completed a brand refresh from St Patricks College Maynooth to St Patricks Pontifical University in 2021, which is visible across the campus.
Laois Sinn Fein candidate for the upcoming general election, Maria McCormack, has pledged support for Laois parents in the face of school place shortages.

Since my announcement as a candidate, I have been inundated with appeals for help from parents who cannot get a place for their children in their local school," Ms McCormack said.

One secondary school in Portlaoise has had 351 applications for 1st years, with only 192 places available," she highlighted.

Parents are being told to appeal to the board of management, but there are just not enough classes and not enough teachers.

"A Sinn Fein led government will funnel the desperately needed funding into our schools in Laois, increasing capacity, trebling the workforce and acquiring the basic necessary resources that our schools have grown accustomed to begging for," Ms McCormack said.

Pictured: Sinn Fein candidate Maria McCormack at the Sinn Fein General Election Convention in Portlaoise.

The funding has always been there, but the political will to use that funding in the right places has been missing in action. I aim to change this, and I have the political will to do it," the candidate finished.

Maria McCormack announced her standing in the upcoming General Election following the resignation of former Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley. Deputy Stanley recently announced his running in the election as an Independent Republican for Laois.

At the Sinn Fein General Election Convention in Portlaoise on Monday November 4, Ms McCormack said that she knew she faced a challenge to win the seat.

"I do not underestimate the challenge I am facing giving the recent difficulties in Laois but I am in this election to win. Sinn Fein won this seat on three different occasions since 2011," Ms McCormack said.

"The Sinn Fein seat in Laois belongs to Sinn Fein, it does not belong to anyone in particular, nor does it belong to any family in particular. In this constituency, people voted for Sinn Fein in 2011, 2016 and 2020 because they believed in the better future we can have with a Sinn Fein Government. I believe that they will vote in 2024 and elect the first woman TD for Sinn Fein in Laois," she said.

Ms McCormack told the convention that it was from her Republicanism stems from the Lewis family of The Heath mentioning that her great grandfather was the first Sinn Fein county councillor in Laois.
Irelands Top Age Friendly Initiatives Recognised at 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

An age and climate friendly village in Kildare and a Halloween safety initiative by An Garda Siochana in Kerry were among the winners of the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

Announced at the 8th annual awards on November 7, the winning campaigns were chosen for their exceptional contribution to making Ireland an outstanding place to grow older.

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The award ceremony was MCed by RTE star Marty Whelan and hosted this year by Fingal County Council at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northwood, Santry, Dublin.

The National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards winners from Kildare were Ballymore Eustace, Age Friendly Climate Friendly Village with Kildare County Council, received the Age Friendly Environment Award.

Ballymore Eustace was chosen as a village to become Age Friendly and Climate Friendly by the fact that in the last census of 2016, Ballymore-Eustace had the largest number of older residents per head of population in the county.

READ MORE: Kildare student presented with DCU scholarship in memory of journalist Veronica Guerin

From a Climate Action perspective, Ballymore-Eustace was chosen as an example of a rural commuter village and how it can integrate solutions at a community level to adapt to climate change.

Commenting on the awards, Ita Healy, Chair of the National Network of Older Peoples Councils said: This annual celebration of projects really personifies what it means to be age friendly. The calibre of projects across the country is a true testament to how Ireland is embracing the Age Friendly Ireland vision.

"A huge congratulations to the winners and all the shortlisted projects who were truly the gold standard of innovative ideas to improve the quality of life for older adults in Ireland. I look forward to seeing how other groups replicate the projects in their own communities.

Peter Hynes, Chair of the Age Friendly Awards Selection Panel, who addressed over 300 attendees at the awards ceremony, said: Choosing just a selection of winners from an exceptional list was no easy task. We visited each shortlisted project to establish if their work, which looked so fantastic on paper, lived up to expectations.

"Each one exceeded our expectations at every point. Congratulations to the overall winners, your projects are fantastic exemplars of Age Friendly initiatives.

Recognised by Age Friendly Ireland, the overall winners were chosen as the top exemplars of best practices which are both impactful and can inspire similar efforts across the country.
The festive season has officially arrived at Milano, with Irelands most iconic pizzeria brand bringing more holiday magic to the table than ever before. From Tuesday November 12, Milano is launching its brand-new Christmas menu, with its famous Snowball Dough Ball Day also returning on Tuesday November 19.

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Milanos partnership with Enable Ireland, and during this time Milano has raised over 290,000, with funds supporting the charitys services, including their National Assistive Technology Training Services, which provides free technology services to children and adults with disabilities.

Enable Ireland service user Erin Maguire from Kildare, Milano team member Maeve Kelehan and Enable Ireland Ambassador and Paralympian Mary Fitzgerald were all on hand to make this launch possible and raise funds for an important cause.

READ MORE: Winners of the 2024 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards revealed

For one day only, customers can indulge in the delicious Snowball Dough Balls for just 1, with all proceeds going to the brands charity partner, Enable Ireland, a national disability services provider supporting children and adults and their families.

Paula MacKenzie, Milano CEO, said, This season is one the most magical times of the year, and our delicious new menu is certainly the star of the show, with many new and returning festive favourites.

"However, it's also a time for spreading joy and making a difference to those in need, so were delighted to bring our famous Snowball Dough Ball Day back in support of the incredible work Enable Ireland do to support families.

Donal Kitt, National Fundraising Manager at Enable Ireland, said, Its fantastic that Snowball Dough Ball Day is making a return this year and we want to thank Milano, its team members and customers for their support over the past 20 years. The funds raised have enabled us to purchase vital technology and equipment and made a real difference in the lives of children and adults using our services.
Gardai investigating the disappearance and murder of Josephine "Jo Jo Dullard more than 29 years ago have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.

The man, aged in his 50s, is currently detained under the provisions of section 4, Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in County Kildare.

Saturday marked the 29th anniversary of Jo Jo's disappearance and gardai had issued a new appeal for information.

On November 9, 1995, Jo Jo travelled from her home in County Kilkenny to Dublin where she spent the evening socialising in Bruxelles Bar, Harry Street, Dublin 2.

The 21-year-old, who was the youngest of five children, missed her last bus home and instead boarded a bus to Naas, County Kildare at around 10pm.

READ ALSO: 'Too many teachers in the Dail': Michael O'Leary stands over comments despite 'pile on'

In their renewed appeal, gardai say they believe she then intended to hitch hike the rest of the way home to Callan, in County Kilkenny.

"Jo Jo hitched a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at Kilcullen, County Kildare. At approximately 11.15pm Jo Jo hitched another lift to Moone, County Kildare. In Moone, Jo Jo made a telephone call to her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm," said a spokesperson.

During that call, Jo Jo told Mary that a car had stopped for her and she was going to take the lift. This was the last known interaction with Jo Jo Dullard who was formally reported as missing the following day.

Gardai say the disappearance of Jo Jo Dullard has been the subject of a sustained investigation over the past three decades and that the investigation is subject to ongoing review by the Serious Crime Review Team, National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The case was formally upgraded to a murder investigation in November 2020.
TB Alliance Joins Indonesia's High-Level Meeting on TB





Announces Strategy to Accelerate Efforts Toward Ending the TB Pandemic

BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 10, 2024 /CNW/ -- TB Alliance is honored to join today's High-Level Meeting hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. Leaders and experts in tuberculosis (TB) have convened to discuss strategies, innovations, and achievements in the global fight to end TB. The full-day session will bring together a distinguished group of global stakeholders dedicated to addressing and eliminating the TB pandemic.

The meeting will feature a series of expert panels that will delve into comprehensive analyses of the current state of TB, alongside forward-looking strategies that prioritize groundbreaking solutions in treatment, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Representing TB Alliance, Dr. Mel Spigelman, President and CEO, Dr. Eugene Sun, Senior Vice President of R&D, and Sandeep Juneja, Senior Vice President of Market Access, will speak on panels addressing the transformation of TB research and development (R&D) and the accelerated rollout of TB drugs globally.

During the High-Level Meeting, Dr. Spigelman announced that TB Alliance is pioneering a transformative "one by one" approach to TB treatment: The goal is to treat latent TB infections in one day and to treat active TB in one month. "This ambitious vision aims to simplify TB care dramatically, making treatment faster and more manageable for all people with TB," said Dr. Spigelman. Built on the latest scientific breakthroughs, TB Alliance's vision offers a path forward to not only contribute to the elimination of TB but to ease the treatment journey for millions. "This isn't a far-off dream," he continued. "It's a feasible goal grounded in today's scientific advancements. We are working with new tools, promising compounds, and novel approaches that are setting the stage for faster, more effective treatments for both active and latent TB. This approach has the potential to transform TB care globally, and we're moving purposefully toward making it a reality for people with TB everywhere."

With shorter treatment durations, a universal regimen, and innovations that help simplify treatment ? including once-daily oral drugs, fixed-dose combinations, and long-acting injectables ? TB Alliance is following the science to find the next TB therapies.

"Our mission to end TB demands innovation at every step. TB Alliance's R&D strategy is focusing on identifying and developing new cures that simplify treatment by making it shorter, easier to administer, and more effective. Our objective is to save lives by advancing science," said Dr. Eugene Sun. "With bold, people-centered solutions, we can redefine what's possible in TB care and accelerate the end of this devastating disease."

In recent years, TB Alliance's research and access strategies have pioneered a paradigm shift in the global TB landscape, which has made treatment breakthroughs possible and more accessible to all who need them.

At today's event, Sandeep Juneja underscored the critical role of early and deep collaboration with high-burden countries, including Indonesia. "TB Alliance's access strategy has reduced by 2/3rds, the time taken to provide widespread access to life-saving treatments to communities in need. Working closely with Indonesia and other high-burden countries is essential to further speeding time to access and accelerating the end of the TB pandemic," he said. "Together, we are building a pathway to more equitable access to innovative, ultra-short therapies of the future and making them available faster than ever before."

This high-level meeting will serve as a crucial forum for sharing insights, establishing cooperative frameworks, and catalyzing actions that could accelerate the path to eliminating TB worldwide. For TB Alliance, participation in this event reflects its commitment to global collaboration in advancing not only innovative treatments but also effective implementation and access strategies that will ultimately help save millions of lives and advance the fight against TB.

About TB

TB is a difficult infection to cure, requiring patients to take a combination of medicines for at least four to six months. Even after symptoms disappear, medicines still need to be taken so that the disease can be fully eradicated. The scope and intensity of TB globally is in large part fueled by antiquated and inadequate TB drugs. Novel drug regimens are urgently needed to bring the TB pandemic under control.

About TB Alliance

TB Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding faster-acting and affordable drug regimens to fight TB. Through innovative science and with partners around the globe, we aim to ensure equitable access to faster, better TB cures that will advance global health and prosperity. TB Alliance operates with support from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (United Kingdom), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research through KfW, Global Disease Eradication Fund (South Korea), Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, Irish Aid, Korea International Cooperation Agency, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Unitaid, and the United States Agency for International Development. For more information, please visit: www.tballiance.org.

Media Contact: Jessica Wiggs, [email protected]

SOURCE TB Alliance

10 november 2024 at 21:30

News published onand distributed by:
Touchstone Exploration Announces Cascadura Well Test Results





CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Touchstone Exploration Inc. ("Touchstone", "we", "our" or the "Company") (TSX:TXP)(LSE:TXP) announces the completion of Cascadura-2ST1 and Cascadura-3ST1 well testing.

Highlights

Cascadura-2ST1 Well: during an extended 48-hour test, Cascadura-2ST1 produced an average rate of approximately 4,950 boe/d, consisting of 26.4 MMcf/d of natural gas and 547 bbls/d of NGLs.

Fluid Analysis for Cascadura-2ST1: initial field analysis shows the presence of liquids-rich natural gas with no produced water, similar to the characteristics of the Cascadura-1ST1 well.

Cascadura-3ST1 Well: over a 68-hour testing period, Cascadura-3ST1 achieved an average production rate of approximately 1,100 boe/d, including 786 bbls/d of crude oil and 1.9 MMcf/d of natural gas.

Fluid Analysis for Cascadura-3ST1: field assessments indicate medium API gravity crude oil with a 2 percent water cut, along with liquids-rich natural gas.

Production Status: the Cascadura-2ST1 well is currently on continuous production to the Cascadura natural gas processing facility, and the Cascadura-3ST1 well is scheduled to commence permanent production within the next two days.

Paul R. Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"These encouraging well test results not only validate our geological models but also underscore the potential of the Cascadura field. With critical infrastructure in place between the wells, we are well-positioned to drill additional wells to further develop the field.

The Cascadura-2ST1 well test results are similar to those of Cascadura-1ST1, and the well is located at the boundary of our reserves booking. The Cascadura-3ST1 well test results are exceptionally promising, as they unlock a new oil and natural gas play on the eastern side of Fault C, extending into the recently acquired Rio Claro block. On a per barrel equivalent basis, oil currently generates nearly five times the revenue of natural gas, and with a 12.5 percent royalty on the block and anticipated operating expenses below our corporate average, the play offers strong cash flow generating capabilities.

Together, these wells represent a material increase to our base production, reinforce our development strategy and open the door to a new oil play."

Cascadura-2ST1 Testing

Cascadura-2ST1 production testing commenced on November 2, 2024, with flow tests spanning a total of 82 hours, comprised of an initial clean-up flow period, followed by an initial shut-in period and a four-step rate test, including a 48-hour extended flow test. All production accumulated during well testing was processed for sales at the Cascadura natural gas processing facility.

During the 48-hour extended portion of the flow test, the well produced at an average rate of approximately 4,950 boe/d (89 percent natural gas), including 26.4 MMcf/d of natural gas and an estimated 547 bbls/d of NGLs. The bottom hole flowing pressure of the well during this stage of testing averaged 3,497 psi through a 64 percent choke, representing a 15 percent reservoir pressure drawdown.

During testing, Cascadura-2ST1 yielded 44-degree API gravity NGLs at an average ratio of approximately 21 barrels of NGLs per MMcf of natural gas produced. Field analysis of the produced gas indicated liquids rich natural gas. Additional testing of fluid samples will be conducted to accurately assess the natural gas and associated liquids composition as well as the phase behaviour of the fluids within the reservoir.

The well was shut-in for a pressure build-up survey between November 6, 2024 and November 9, 2024 with further analysis to be conducted in identifying reservoir continuity.

On November 9, 2024 the Cascadura-2ST1 well was placed on continuous production at a choke restricted initial natural gas rate of approximately 20 MMcf/d and associated NGLs. This initial choke setting was selected based on well test analysis and is designed to maximize the ultimate recovery of both natural gas and NGLs from this section of the reservoir, ensuring optimal long-term performance.

Cascadura-3ST1 Testing

Cascadura-3ST1 flow testing commenced on November 6, 2024, with all production accumulated during testing processed for sales at the Cascadura natural gas processing facility.

During the 68-hour flow test, the well produced at an average rate of approximately 1,100 boe/d (71 percent oil), including an estimated 786 bbls/d of oil and 1.9 MMcf/d of natural gas. The wellhead flowing pressure during the flow test averaged 1,122 psi through choke settings of 25 percent to 35 percent, representing a 65 percent wellhead pressure drawdown.

During testing, Cascadura-3ST1 yielded 29-degree API gravity oil with a 2 percent water cut, as well as liquids rich natural gas. Additional testing of fluid samples will be conducted to accurately assess the liquids and natural gas compositions.

The well is currently shut-in for a pressure build-up survey with further analysis to be conducted in identifying reservoir parameters and bottom hole reservoir performance. Touchstone intends to place the Cascadura-3ST1 on continuous production over the next two days at a choke restricted initial rate of approximately 600 to 700 bbls/d of oil in order to optimize the well's long-term production potential.

Cascadura-3ST1 openhole wireline logs also indicate an additional unperforated sand with over 24 feet of net hydrocarbon pay. This sand is located at depths between 5,816 to 5,840 feet in the well, uphole of the current production zone. Given the strong flow test results from the well, this interval offers a potential future development opportunity for the Company to pursue.

Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Touchstone Exploration Inc. is a Calgary, Alberta based company engaged in the business of acquiring interests in petroleum and natural gas rights and the exploration, development, production and sale of petroleum and natural gas. Touchstone is currently active in onshore properties located in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Company's common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "TXP". For further information about Touchstone, please visit our website at www.touchstoneexploration.com or contact:

Mr. Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Brian Hollingshead, Executive Vice President Engineering and Business Development

Tel: +1 (403) 750-4405

Advisories

Working Interest

Touchstone has an 80 percent operating working interest in the Cascadura field, which is located on the Ortoire block onshore in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Heritage Petroleum Company Limited holds the remaining 20 percent working interest. All production figures disclosed herein are gross volumes.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information provided in this news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expect", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "potential", "growth", "long-term", "anticipate", "forecast" and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that "will", "would", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof and are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Specifically, this news release includes, but is not limited to, forward-looking statements relating to the Company's business plans, strategies, priorities and development plans; expectations of future production rates from the Cascadura-2ST1 and Cascadura-3ST1 wells and the timing thereof; the quality and quantity of prospective hydrocarbon accumulations based on openhole wireline logs, including the potential uphole zone in Cascadura-3ST1; the Company's expectation of drilling additional wells in the Casacdura field, including the locations and timing thereof; anticipated liquids operating expenses from Cascadura-3ST1; and the Company's expectation of a new oil play, including its ability to generate future cash flows. The Company's actual decisions, activities, results, performance, or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements and accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do, what benefits that Touchstone will derive from them.

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. Certain of these risks are set out in more detail in the Company's 2023 Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2024 which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.touchstoneexploration.com). The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation or intent to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Oil and Natural Gas Measures

Where applicable, natural gas has been converted to barrels of oil equivalent (boe) based on six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) to one barrel (bbl) of oil. The barrel of oil equivalent rate is based on an energy equivalent conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different than the energy equivalency of the 6:1 conversion ratio, utilizing the 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value. This conversion factor is an industry accepted norm and is not based on either energy content or prices.

Abbreviations

bbls(s) barrel(s) NGL(s) natural gas liquid(s) bbls/d barrels per day psi pounds per square inch boe barrels of oil equivalent API American Petroleum Institute boe/d barrels of oil equivalent per day MMcf million cubic feet MMcf/d million cubic feet per day

SOURCE: Touchstone Exploration, Inc.

11 november 2024 at 02:00

View the original press release on accesswire.comNews published onand distributed by:
David Ruggiero Join Sinch as Senior Vice President of Sales





Appointment Aims to Drive Growth and Strengthen Customer Relationships in North America

ATLANTA and STOCKHOLM, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sinch [Sinch AB (publ) ? (XSTO: SINCH)], which is pioneering the way the world communicates through its Customer Communications Cloud, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Ruggiero as Senior Vice President of Sales for the North America region. A highly experienced executive with over 25 years of expertise in sales leadership across Enterprise, Mid Markets and SMB, David will lead Sinch's sales strategy in the North American team, driving expansion across the region and reinforcing Sinch's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

David joins Sinch with a strong background in strategic planning, operational excellence, and sales process development. Known for leading high performing sales organizations, David has extensive experience leading go-to-market (GTM) transformations across diverse industries and a proven ability to build world-class sales teams. Prior to joining Sinch, David held executive leadership roles at notable companies, including Zoom, Microsoft, Outreach, Cisco, Avaya, and Qwest, where he successfully grew revenue, optimized operations, and led transformative sales initiatives.

"We're delighted to welcome David to the Sinch team," said Julia Fraser, EVP of the Americas at Sinch. "David brings a wealth of experience and a strategic approach to sales that will be invaluable as we continue to scale our operations and strengthen our position as a market leader in the Americas. We are confident that he'll drive our growth strategy forward and achieve outstanding results for the region."

Based out of Dallas, TX, David will oversee Sinch's sales operations in the North American region, focusing on accelerating growth, expanding market reach, and building strong, long-term relationships with Sinch's strong customer base. In this new role, David will focus on refining and executing Sinch's sales strategy for the North America team, leveraging the company's innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses across the region.

"I am excited to join Sinch at such a dynamic time for the company," said David Ruggiero, incoming Senior Vice President of Sales for North America at Sinch. "The potential for growth in the North American market is tremendous, and I look forward to working with the talented team at Sinch to help our customers succeed through our world-class communication solutions."

As Sinch continues to scale its solutions across messaging, voice, video, and customer engagement, David Ruggiero's appointment underscores Sinch's commitment to serving enterprises, brands, and mobile operators in the North American market with innovative, reliable, and secure communication solutions.

For more information please contact:

Janet Lennon, Director of Global PR & Communications

[email protected] |1.206.914.6175

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sinch-ab/r/david-ruggiero-join-sinch-as-senior-vice-president-of-sales,c4063887

SOURCE Sinch AB

11 november 2024 at 03:14

News published onand distributed by:
Novotech Recognized for Excellence in Business Expansion, Innovation, and Marketing at the 2024 Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards





Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO), has received multiple awards in the 2024 Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards, recognizing the achievements of our people in Business Expansion, Innovation, and Marketing. These awards highlight our commitment to advancing the clinical trial landscape and delivering specialized solutions across the biotech sector.

"We're grateful for this recognition, which is a direct result of our team's effort and commitment to our mission," states Dr. John Moller, CEO, Novotech. "It's a reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together, and we look forward to continuing this momentum."

The Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards celebrate the pharmaceutical industry's top achievements, identifying organizations that drive progress and innovation. Novotech's accolades reflect our proactive strategies, technological advancements, and strong international presence.

Highlights of Novotech's Award-Winning Strategies:

Business Expansion ? Novotech has significantly extended our reach through strategic acquisitions, including NCGS, EastHORN, and CBR International. These acquisitions have strengthened our operational capabilities and broadened service offerings, ensuring localized expertise in key biotech hubs. The launch of the Early Phase Strategic Delivery Unit (EP SDU) enhances trial support for biotech companies by leveraging Australia and New Zealand's clinical excellence and regulatory efficiencies.

Innovation in Data-Driven Trials ? Novotech's innovation award reflects its adoption of advanced technologies, including AI and big data analytics, which streamline trial design and execution. Partnerships with Medidata and ObvioHealth have strengthened our capacity for virtual trials and predictive analytics, leading to better site selection, faster patient recruitment, and improved trial outcomes.

Strategic Marketing Leadership ? Under the direction of Toyna Chin, Global Director of Marketing, Novotech's rebranding has elevated the company's brand position as a global CRO leader. Strategic, multi-channel campaigns have increased brand recognition and positioned Novotech as a trusted partner, particularly within the US and European markets.

"I am deeply honored to accept this recognition, but it truly reflects the remarkable dedication and talent of our entire marketing organization. Their relentless effort and collaboration are what make our success possible. This award is a tribute to the passion and unity that drives us forward, proving that true marketing excellence is always the result of a collective vision and shared purpose." - Toyna Chin, Global Director of Marketing, Novotech

About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com

Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase.

Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Frost & Sullivan 2024 Global Biotech CRO of the year award, Clinical Trials Arena Excellence Awards 2024, 2024 Employer of Choice, 2024 Great Place to Work in the US, 2024 Brandon Hall Gold Award, CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006.

The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com

11 november 2024 at 04:10

News published onand distributed by:
Delta Dental and Dental Lifeline Network celebrate five years of partnership in supporting the oral health of America's Veterans





Since 2020, the partnership has supported the mobilization of $15.6 million in donated oral health care delivered to veterans who are elderly, disabled, or medically fragile with life-changing dental care

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Veterans Day, Delta Dental is proud to recognize our ongoing commitment to helping ensure our nation's veterans have access to the oral health care they need through our partnership with Dental Lifeline Network.

Over the last five years, Delta Dental companies across the country have contributed nearly $850,000 to DLN's Lifeline Heroes Challenge to improve comprehensive dental care for veterans in need. These contributions have supported the mobilization of $15.6 million in donated oral health care delivered to veterans, according to DLN.

Many US veterans suffer from serious oral health conditions that pose additional risks to their overall health. Due to benefit limitations, only 3% of veterans receive dental care through the VA. DLN matches veterans who are elderly, disabled, or medically fragile with volunteer dentists and labs that provide treatment at no cost.

"This Veterans Day, we acknowledge and thank our veterans for their service to our country. We are proud to support our veterans in their overall health journey by facilitating the delivery of oral health care in partnership with the Dental Lifeline Network," said James W. Hutchison, President & CEO, Delta Dental Plans Association. "Delta Dental thanks the over 2,600 oral health providers who have generously given their time and expertise to help these heroes."

"Delta Dental has been an invaluable partner and supporter of Dental Lifeline Network's efforts to advance oral health care for our veterans. It is a privilege to provide critical care to those who have served our country. We are grateful to Delta Dental for making this care possible," remarked Lynda Ricketson, President & CEO, Dental Lifeline Network.

Dentists can visit WhyIDental.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities with DLN to honor and support veterans in the community.

About the Delta Dental Institute

The Delta Dental Institute is dedicated to advancing oral health for all Americans in partnership with the Delta Dental companies and dedicated partners across the country. With expertise rooted in Delta Dental's rich history of oral health leadership, we engage in and support oral health research, community outreach, and advocacy, striving to ensure that everyone understands the importance of oral health to overall health and has access to the care they need. Visit deltadentalinstitute.com for more information.

About Delta Dental Plans Association

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest dental benefits provider, and offers the country's largest dental network with approximately 152,000 participating dentists. Over the last decade, Delta Dental companies and their foundations invested nearly $2 billion to improve the oral and overall health of our communities.

About Dental Lifeline Network

Dental Lifeline Network is a national nonprofit organization. DLN's mission is to change the lives of America's most vulnerable adults through our coordinated system of care. Through a volunteer network of 12,300 dentists and 3,330 laboratories, DLN develops and coordinates direct-service programs resulting in life-changing treatment to adults with disabilities, elderly, that need life-saving care and veterans. Visit dentallifeline.org to learn more.

SOURCE Delta Dental Institute

11 november 2024 at 06:00

News published onand distributed by:
Gatos Silver Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results Including a 200% Increase in Earnings Per Share





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gatos Silver, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: GATO) ("Gatos Silver" or the "Company") today announced its third quarter of 2024 financial and operating results including earnings per share of $0.14, up 200% from $0.05 in the third quarter of 2023. The Company will host an investor and analyst call on November 12, 2024, details of which are provided below.

The Company has a 70% interest in the Los Gatos Joint Venture ("LGJV"), which in turn owns the Cerro Los Gatos ("CLG") mine in Mexico. The Company's reporting currency is US dollars.

On September 5, 2024, Gatos Silver and First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced that they entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which First Majestic will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Gatos Silver (the "Merger"). The proposed Merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025 and would consolidate three world-class, producing silver mining districts in Mexico to create a leading intermediate primary silver producer.

On September 25, 2024, Gatos Silver reported an updated life of mine plan ("LOM plan") that adds two years of additional reserves and a 36% increase in silver equivalent production compared with the prior LOM plan at CLG.

Production for the third quarter of 2024 and improved guidance for the full year were disclosed on October 9, 2024.

"CLG's strong third quarter 2024 production and cost performance together with higher metal prices resulted in record quarterly free cash flow at the LGJV and a record quarter-end cash balance for Gatos Silver," said Dale Andres, CEO of Gatos Silver. "We believe we are well positioned to deliver significant value into the combination with First Majestic given the Company's strong cash position and free cash flow generation together with CLG's track record of performance, the extended mine plan disclosed in September and ongoing exploration efforts across the broader Los Gatos district."

Summary

LGJV Q3 2024 results compared to Q3 2023 (100% basis):

Revenue of $93.8 million, up 40% from $67.0 million

Cost of sales of $31.2 million, down 1% from $31.4 million

Record net income of $25.7 million, up 71% from $15.1 million

Record EBITDA 1 of $57.2 million, up 87% from $30.6 million

of $57.2 million, up 87% from $30.6 million Record cash flow from operations of $58.2 million, up 98% from $29.4 million

Record free cash flow 1 of $42.6 million, up 199% from $14.3 million

of $42.6 million, up 199% from $14.3 million Silver production of 2.42 million ounces, up 9% from 2.22 million ounces

Silver equivalent production 2 of 3.84 million ounces, up 11% from 3.46 million ounces

of 3.84 million ounces, up 11% from 3.46 million ounces Co-product AISC 1 of $16.13 per ounce of payable silver equivalent, down 9% from $17.64

of $16.13 per ounce of payable silver equivalent, down 9% from $17.64 By-product AISC1 of $9.61 per ounce of payable silver, down 35% from $14.71

Gatos Silver Q3 2024 results compared to Q3 2023:

Net income of $9.9 million, up from $3.3 million, and adjusted net income 1 of $15.2 million

of $15.2 million Basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.14, up from $0.05 per share, and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share 1 of $0.22 and $0.21, respectively

of $0.22 and $0.21, respectively EBITDA 1 of $9.1 million, compared to $3.2 million, and adjusted EBITDA 1 of $14.4 million

of $9.1 million, compared to $3.2 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $14.4 million Cash flow provided by operating activities and free cash flow1 of $34.2 million, compared to $33.3 million

__________________

1 See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

2 See definition of silver equivalent production below.

At the LGJV, the 40% increase in revenue in Q3 2024, compared to the same quarter in 2023, was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes and higher realized metal prices. Cost of sales decreased by 1% despite the higher sales volumes. Site operating unit costs of $96.93/t milled were 8% lower than in Q3 2023 primarily due to higher mill throughput in the quarter. By-product AISC1 per ounce of payable silver decreased to $9.61 primarily due to significantly higher silver and by-product production and sales volumes.

For Gatos Silver, higher unadjusted and adjusted net income, earnings per share and EBITDA1 for Q3 2024 were primarily attributable to the higher equity income from the LGJV and higher interest income. General and administrative expenses were higher in Q3 2024, mainly due to $5.3 million of costs related to the proposed Merger with First Majestic (which are excluded from adjusted net income1, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA1 as described below), partially offset by a decrease of $1.1 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, a $0.9 million decrease in legal and consulting fees not associated with the proposed Merger, and a $0.4 million decrease in insurance expense.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company and the LGJV reported cash and cash equivalents of $116.7 million and $33.9 million, respectively. The Company's quarter-end cash balance was a new record, up 40% from $82.5 million at the end of June 30, 2024. The increase in cash was due to $37.9 million of cash distributions received during the third quarter. As of October 31, 2024, the Company and the LGJV had cash and cash equivalents of $114.8 million and $47.3 million, respectively. On November 7, 2024, the LGJV made a capital distribution to its partners of $40.0 million, of which the Company received $28.0 million. The Company continues to be debt free with $50.0 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Financial and Operating Results

Below is select operational and financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. For a detailed discussion of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 financial and operating results refer to the Form 10-Q expected to be filed on November 12, 2024 on both the EDGAR and SEDAR+ systems and posted on the Company's website at https://gatossilver.com .

Los Gatos Joint Venture

LGJV 100% Basis

Selected Financial Information (Unaudited) Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in millions, except where otherwise stated) 2024 2023 2024

2023 Revenue $ 93.8 $ 67.0 $ 260.3 $ 195.2 Cost of sales 31.2 31.4 93.9 83.3 Royalties and duties 0.6 0.3 1.7 1.0 Exploration 1.6 1.0 4.6 2.1 General and administrative 3.9 4.4 12.3 12.7 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 17.8 16.7 58.9 59.6 Other (income) expense (1.0 ) (0.9 ) 1.3 (1.8 ) Income tax expense (recovery) 13.9 (0.9 ) 31.2 9.8 Net income and comprehensive income2 $ 25.7 $ 15.1 $ 56.4 $ 28.5 Sustaining capital1 $ 12.9 $ 9.1 $ 33.2 $ 29.9 Resource development drilling expenditures1 $ 2.1 $ 3.5 $ 7.2 $ 10.5 EBITDA1 $ 57.2 $ 30.6 $ 146.4 $ 97.2 Cash provided by operating activities $ 58.2 $ 29.4 $ 150.0 $ 103.8 Free cash flow1 $ 42.6 $ 14.3 $ 108.8 $ 62.6 Operating Results (CLG 100% Basis) Tonnes milled (dmt) 298,586 268,312 885,570 794,082 Tonnes milled per day (dmt) 3,246 2,916 3,232 2,909 Average Grades Silver grade (g/t) 285 285 281 293 Zinc grade (%) 4.04 3.82 4.19 3.92 Lead grade (%) 1.97 1.84 1.93 1.85 Gold grade (g/t) 0.30 0.30 0.29 0.29 Production - Contained Metal Silver ounces (millions) 2.42 2.22 7.10 6.65 Zinc pounds ? in zinc conc. (millions) 16.5 13.8 51.5 42.7 Lead pounds ? in lead conc. (millions) 11.4 9.5 33.5 28.7 Gold ounces ? in lead conc. (thousands) 1.45 1.28 4.20 3.86 Silver equivalent ounces (millions)3 3.84 3.46 11.42 10.45 Co-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent1 $ 12.13 $ 14.42 $ 11.86 $ 12.43 By-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver1 $ 3.69 $ 10.04 $ 3.67 $ 6.42 Co-product AISC per ounce of payable silver equivalent1 $ 16.13 $ 17.64 $ 15.21 $ 15.81 By-product AISC per ounce of payable silver1 $ 9.61 $ 14.71 $ 8.82 $ 11.40 Sales volume by payable metal Silver ounces (millions) 2.18 1.96 6.45 5.99 Zinc pounds ? in zinc conc. (millions) 14.7 12.4 44.3 36.2 Lead pounds ? in lead conc. (millions) 10.6 8.7 31.6 26.6 Gold ounces ? in lead conc. (thousands) 1.13 0.96 3.28 3.02 Copper pounds ? in lead conc. (millions) 0.03 ? 0.13 ? Average realized price by payable metal Average realized price per silver ounce4 $ 29.62 $ 24.24 $ 27.09 $ 25.08 Average realized price per zinc pound4 $ 1.26 $ 0.89 $ 1.30 $ 1.10 Average realized price per lead pound4 $ 0.93 $ 0.97 $ 0.92 $ 0.98 Average realized price per gold ounce4 $ 2,362 $ 1,885 $ 2,162 $ 1,828 Average realized price per copper pound4 $ 3.28 $ ? $ 3.72 $ ?

1 See Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

2 Totals may not add up due to rounding.

3 Silver equivalent production for 2024 is calculated using prices of $23/oz silver, $1.20/lb zinc, $0.90/lb lead and $1,800/oz gold to "convert" zinc, lead and gold production contained in concentrate to "equivalent" silver ounces (contained metal, multiplied by price, divided by silver price). For 2023, silver equivalent production was calculated using prices of $22/oz silver, $1.20/lb zinc, $0.90/lb lead and $1,700/oz gold. For comparative purposes, the calculated silver equivalent production for the three and nine months ended September, 2023 would be 3.41 million ounces and 10.30 million ounces, respectively, using price assumptions for 2024.

4 Realized prices include the impact of final settlement adjustments from prior period sales.

Gatos Silver, Inc.

Selected Financial Information (Unaudited) Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in millions, except where otherwise stated) 2024

2023

2024

2023

Exploration $ 0.1 $ ? $ 0.2 $ ? General and Administrative 10.4 7.5 25.3 19.2 Total expenses2 10.6 7.5 25.5 19.3 Equity income in affiliates 18.2 9.4 40.0 15.9 Other income, net 2.8 1.3 7.8 3.9 Total net other income2 21.0 10.8 47.8 19.8 Income tax expense 0.5 ? 0.7 ? Net income and comprehensive income2 $ 9.9 $ 3.3 $ 21.6 $ 0.5 Net income per share basic $ 0.14 $ 0.05 $ 0.31 $ 0.01 Net income per share diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.05 $ 0.30 $ 0.01 Adjusted net income1 $ 15.2 $ 3.3 $ 28.3 $ 0.5 Adjusted net income per share (basic)1 $ 0.22 $ 0.05 $ 0.41 $ 0.01 Adjusted net income per share (diluted)1 $ 0.21 $ 0.05 $ 0.40 $ 0.01 EBITDA1 $ 9.1 $ 3.2 $ 19.1 $ 0.6 Adjusted EBITDA1 $ 14.4 $ 3.2 $ 25.8 $ 0.6 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 34.2 $ 33.3 $ 61.2 $ 25.5 Free cash flow1 $ 34.2 $ 33.3 $ 61.2 $ 25.5

1 See Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.

2 Totals may not add up due to rounding.

Financial Results Webcast and Conference Call

Investors and analysts are invited to attend the financial results webcast and conference call as follows:

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m. ET

Listen-Only Webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/627122313

Direct Event Registration Link (for Analysts only): https://registrations.events/direct/Q4I98433625

An archive of the webcast will be available on the Company's website at: https://gatossilver.com within 24 hours.

About Gatos Silver

Gatos Silver is a silver dominant exploration, development and production company that discovered a new silver and zinc-rich mineral district in southern Chihuahua State, Mexico. As a 70% owner of the Los Gatos Joint Venture ("LGJV"), the Company is primarily focused on operating the Cerro Los Gatos mine and on growth and development of the Los Gatos district. The LGJV includes approximately 103,000 hectares of mineral rights, representing a highly prospective and under-explored district with numerous silver-zinc-lead epithermal mineralized zones identified as priority targets.

On September 5, 2024, Gatos Silver and First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic") announced that they entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which First Majestic will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Gatos Silver (the "Merger"). The proposed Merger would consolidate three world-class, producing silver mining districts in Mexico to create a leading intermediate primary silver producer. Information relating to the proposed Merger can be found at the Company's website at www.gatossilver.com .

Qualified Person

Scientific and technical disclosure in this press release was approved by Anthony (Tony) Scott, P.Geo., Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Technical Services of Gatos Silver who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in S-K 1300 and NI 43-101.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use certain measures that are not defined by GAAP to evaluate various aspects of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The measures are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP.

Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs

Cash costs and all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") are non-GAAP measures. AISC was calculated based on guidance provided by the World Gold Council ("WGC"). WGC is not a regulatory industry organization and does not have the authority to develop accounting standards for disclosure requirements. Other mining companies may calculate AISC differently as a result of differences in underlying accounting principles and policies applied, as well as definitional differences of sustaining versus expansionary (i.e. non-sustaining) capital expenditures based upon each company's internal policies. Current GAAP measures used in the mining industry, such as cost of sales, do not capture all of the expenditures incurred to discover, develop and sustain production. Therefore, we believe that cash costs and AISC are non-GAAP measures that provide additional information to management, investors and analysts that aid in the understanding of the economics of the Company's operations and performance compared to other producers and provides investors visibility by better defining the total costs associated with production.

Cash costs include all direct and indirect operating cash costs related directly to the physical activities of producing metals, including mining, processing and other plant costs, treatment and refining costs, general and administrative costs, royalties and mining production taxes. AISC includes total production cash costs incurred at the LGJV's mining operations plus sustaining capital expenditures. The Company believes this measure represents the total sustainable costs of producing silver from current operations and provides additional information of the LGJV's operational performance and ability to generate cash flows. As the measure seeks to reflect the full cost of silver production from current operations, new project and expansionary capital at current operations are not included. Certain cash expenditures such as exploration, new project spending, tax payments, dividends, and financing costs are not included.

Adjusted Net Income

Management uses adjusted net income, which exclude costs associated with the strategic review resulting in the proposed Merger with First Majestic, to evaluate the Company's operating performance. The Company believes the use of adjusted net income reflects the underlying performance of our business and allows investors and analysts to compare the results of the Company to our historical results and to similar results of other mining companies. Management's determination of the components of adjusted net income are evaluated periodically and is based, in part, on a review of non-GAAP financial measures used by mining industry analysts.

EBITDA

Management uses EBITDA to evaluate the Company's operating performance, to plan and forecast its operations, and assess leverage levels and liquidity measures. EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for interest expense, interest income, income tax expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. The Company believes the use of EBITDA reflects the underlying operating performance of our core business and allows investors and analysts to compare results of the Company to similar results of other mining companies. EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to, net income or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP. Other companies may calculate EBITDA differently and those calculations may not be comparable to our presentation.

Adjusted EBITDA

Management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's ongoing operating performance, without the impact of costs associated with the strategic review resulting in the proposed Merger with First Majestic. The Company believes the use of adjusted EBITDA reflects the underlying operating performance of our core business and allows investors and analysts to compare the results of the Company to our historical results and to similar results of other mining companies. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent, and should not be considered an alternative to, net income or cash flow from operations as determined under GAAP. Other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently and those calculations may not be comparable to our presentation.

Free Cash Flow

Management uses free cash flow as a non-GAAP measure to analyze cash flows generated from operations. Free cash flow is cash provided by (used in) operating activities less cash flow from investing activities as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company believes free cash flow is also useful as one of the bases for comparing the Company's performance with its competitors. Although free cash flow and similar measures are frequently used as measures of cash flows generated from operations by other companies, the Company's calculation of free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to such other similarly titled captions of other companies.

Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures

The table below presents a reconciliation between the most comparable GAAP measure of the LGJV's expenses to the non-GAAP measures of (i) cash costs, (ii) cash costs, net of by-product credits, (iii) co-product AISC and (iv) by-product AISC for our operations.

CLG 100% Basis

Financial Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in thousands, except where otherwise stated) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Expenses $ 55,215 $ 53,809 $ 171,408 $ 158,648 Depreciation, depletion and amortization (17,824 ) (16,712 ) (58,901 ) (59,558 ) Exploration1 (1,605 ) (998 ) (4,577 ) (2,118 ) Treatment and refining costs2 3,420 4,793 9,716 12,865 Cash costs $ 39,206 $ 40,892 $ 117,646 $ 109,837 Sustaining capital3 12,919 9,128 33,220 29,870 Co-product all-in sustaining costs $ 52,125 $ 50,020 $ 150,866 $ 139,707 By-product credits4 (31,168 ) (21,246 ) (93,986 ) (71,407 ) All-in sustaining costs, net of by-product credits $ 20,957 $ 28,774 $ 56,880 $ 68,300 Cash costs, net of by-product credits $ 8,038 $ 19,646 $ 23,660 $ 38,430 Payable ounces of silver equivalent5 3,232 2,835 9,917 8,837 Co-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver equivalent $ 12.13 $ 14.42 $ 11.86 $ 12.43 Co-product AISC per ounce of payable silver equivalent $ 16.13 $ 17.64 $ 15.21 $ 15.81 Payable ounces of silver 2,180 1,956 6,448 5,989 By-product cash cost per ounce of payable silver $ 3.69 $ 10.04 $ 3.67 $ 6.42 By-product AISC per ounce of payable silver $ 9.61 $ 14.71 $ 8.82 $ 11.40

1 Exploration costs are not related to current operations.

2 Represent reductions on customer invoices and included in sales of the LGJV combined statement of operations and income.

3 Sustaining capital excludes resource development drilling costs related to resource development drilling of the CLG deposit.

4 By-product credits reflect realized metal prices of zinc, lead and gold for the applicable period, which includes any final settlement adjustments from prior periods.

5 Silver equivalents utilize the average realized prices during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, of $27.09/oz silver, $1.30/lb zinc, $0.92/lb lead, $2,162/oz gold and $3.72/lb copper and the average realized prices during the three months ended September 30, 2024, of $29.62/oz silver, $1.26/lb zinc, $0.93/lb lead and $2,362/oz gold and $3.28/lb copper. Silver equivalents utilize the average realized prices during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, of $25.08/oz silver, $1.10/lb zinc, $0.98/lb lead and $1,828/oz gold and the average realized prices during the three months ended September 30, 2023, of $24.24/oz silver, $0.89/lb zinc, $0.97/lb lead and $1,885/oz gold. The average realized prices are determined based on revenue inclusive of final settlements.

The following table provides a breakdown of cash flows used by investing activities of the LGJV and a reconciliation of sustaining capital and resource development drilling to that measure:

Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in thousands) 2024

2023

2024

2023

Cash flow used by investing activities $ 15,591 $ 15,168 $ 41,148 $ 41,160 Sustaining capital 12,919 9,128 33,220 29,870 Resource development drilling 2,092 3,452 7,199 10,499 Materials & supplies ? 1,826 ? 503 Change in capital-related accounts payable 580 762 729 288 Total $ 15,591 $ 15,168 $ 41,148 $ 41,160

The table below reconciles adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share (basic and diluted), which are non-GAAP measures to net income and net income per share (basic and diluted), respectively, for the Company:

Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in thousands) 2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income $ 9,884 $ 3,288 $ 21,572 $ 530 Costs related to the proposed Merger with First Majestic 5,314 ? 6,747 ? Adjusted net income $ 15,198 $ 3,288 $ 28,319 $ 530 Weighted average shares: Basic 69,343,979 69,162,223 69,247,280 69,162,223 Diluted 71,613,178 69,524,838 71,110,386 69,381,222 Net income per share (basic) $ 0.14 $ 0.05 $ 0.31 $ 0.01 Costs related to the proposed Merger with First Majestic per share (basic) $ 0.08 $ ? $ 0.10 $ ? Adjusted net income per share (basic) $ 0.22 $ 0.05 $ 0.41 $ 0.01 Costs related to the proposed Merger with First Majestic per share (diluted) $ 0.07 $ ? $ 0.09 $ ? Adjusted net income per share (diluted) $ 0.21 $ 0.05 $ 0.40 $ 0.01

The table below reconciles EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures, to net income for the Company:

Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net income $ 9,884 $ 3,288 $ 21,572 $ 530 Interest expense ? 332 ? 679 Interest income (1,322 ) (389 ) (3,206 ) (676 ) Income tax expense 529 ? 701 ? Depreciation, depletion and amortization 4 3 11 74 EBITDA $ 9,095 $ 3,234 $ 19,078 $ 607 Costs related to the strategic review resulting in the Merger Agreement with First Majestic $ 5,314 ? $ 6,747 ? Adjusted EBITDA $ 14,409 $ 3,234 $ 25,825 $ 607

The table below reconciles EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, to the LGJV's net income:

Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net income $ 25,720 $ 15,053 $ 56,379 $ 28,500 Interest expense 102 343 851 484 Interest income (349 ) (592 ) (892 ) (1,147 ) Income tax expense (recovery) 13,867 (884 ) 31,186 9,814 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 17,824 16,712 58,901 59,558 EBITDA $ 57,164 $ 30,632 $ 146,425 $ 97,209

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to cash provided by operating activities for the Company, which the Company believes to be the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to free cash flow.

Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in thousands) 2024

2023

2024

2023

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 34,236 $ 33,330 $ 61,171 $ 25,465 Net cash used by investing activities ? ? ? ? Free cash flow $ 34,236 $ 33,330 $ 61,171 $ 25,465

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, to cash provided by operating activities for the LGJV.

Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, (in thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 58,175 $ 29,424 $ 149,983 $ 103,789 Net cash used by investing activities (15,591 ) (15,168 ) (41,148 ) (41,160 ) Free cash flow $ 42,584 $ 14,256 $ 108,835 $ 62,629

Please see Appendix A for the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Company and the LGJV as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the related unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company, the unaudited combined statements of operations and comprehensive income of the LGJV for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and the unaudited statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. and Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our updated LOM plan, 2024 revised guidance and the expected timing, benefits, impacts, and completion of the proposed Merger with First Majestic, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and such other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian securities commissions. Gatos Silver expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

Investors and Media Contact

Andre van Niekerk

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

(604) 424 0984





APPENDIX A

GATOS SILVER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

September 30, December 31, (US$ in thousands) 2024 2023 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 116,732 $ 55,484 Related party receivables 292 560 Other current assets 1,215 22,642 Total current assets 118,239 78,686 Non-Current Assets Investment in affiliates 285,454 321,914 Deferred tax assets 222 266 Other non-current assets 348 38 Total Assets $ 404,263 $ 400,904 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $ 12,226 $ 33,357 Non-Current Liabilities Lease liability 187 ? Stockholders' Equity Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 700,000,000 shares authorized; 69,352,645 and 69,181,047 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 117 117 Paid-in capital 556,050 553,319 Accumulated deficit (164,317 ) (185,889 ) Total stockholders' equity 391,850 367,547 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 404,263 $ 400,904

GATOS SILVER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (US$ in thousands, except for share data) 2024

2023 2024

2023 Expenses Exploration $ 144 $ ? $ 219 $ 26 General and administrative 10,435 7,494 25,270 19,157 Amortization 4 3 11 74 Total expenses 10,583 7,497 25,500 19,257 Other income Equity income in affiliates 18,171 9,437 39,985 15,922 Interest expense ? (332 ) ? (679 ) Interest income 1,322 389 3,206 676 Other income 1,503 1,291 4,582 3,868 Other income 20,996 10,785 47,773 19,787 Income before taxes 10,413 3,288 22,273 530 Income tax expense 529 ? 701 ? Net income and comprehensive income $ 9,884 $ 3,288 $ 21,572 $ 530 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.14 $ 0.05 $ 0.31 $ 0.01 Diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.05 $ 0.30 $ 0.01 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 69,343,979 69,162,223 69,247,280 69,162,223 Diluted 71,613,178 69,524,838 71,110,386 69,381,222

GATOS SILVER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

Nine months ended September 30, (US$ in thousands) 2024 2023 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 21,572 $ 530 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Amortization 11 74 Stock-based compensation expense 4,319 3,327 Equity income in affiliates (39,985 ) (15,922 ) Distributions and dividends received from affiliate 76,445 35,000 Other 94 837 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables from related?parties 268 678 Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (23,007 ) 5 Other current assets 21,454 936 Net cash provided by operating activities 61,171 25,465 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net cash used by investing activities ? ? FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of Credit facility ? (9,000 ) Lease payments (89 ) ? Proceeds from exercise of stock options 166 ? Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 77 (9,000 ) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 61,248 16,465 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 55,484 17,004 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 116,732 $ 33,469 Interest paid $ 16 $ 417 Interest earned $ 3,206 $ 690

LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

September 30, December 31, (US$ in thousands) 2024

2023 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 33,884 $ 34,303 Receivables 13,646 12,634 Inventories 16,180 16,397 VAT receivable 13,417 12,610 Income tax receivable 9,296 20,185 Other current assets 3,435 1,253 Total current assets 89,858 97,382 Non-Current Assets Mine development, net 231,060 234,980 Property, plant and equipment, net 159,220 171,965 Deferred tax assets 699 9,568 Total non-current assets 390,979 416,513 Total Assets $ 480,837 $ 513,895 LIABILITIES AND OWNERS' CAPITAL Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 33,999 $ 29,100 VAT payable 11,873 8,684 Income taxes payable 11,204 920 Related party payable 270 560 Total current liabilities 57,346 39,264 Non-Current Liabilities Lease liability 155 208 Asset retirement obligation 12,245 11,593 Deferred tax liabilities 4,974 3,885 Total non-current liabilities 17,374 15,686 Owners' Capital Capital contributions 360,638 455,638 Paid-in capital 18,186 18,186 Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 27,293 (14,879 ) Total owners' capital 406,117 458,945 Total Liabilities and Owners' Capital $ 480,837 $ 513,895

LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (US$ in thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue $ 93,839 $ 67,038 $ 260,255 $ 195,162 Expenses Cost of sales 31,204 31,446 93,931 83,255 Royalties and duties 639 298 1,682 1,024 Exploration 1,605 998 4,577 2,118 General and administrative 3,943 4,355 12,317 12,693 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 17,824 16,712 58,901 59,558 Total expenses 55,215 53,809 171,408 158,648 Other (income) expense Accretion expense 217 273 652 866 Interest expense 102 343 851 484 Interest income (349 ) (592 ) (892 ) (1,147 ) Other (income) expense (13 ) (18 ) 635 13 Foreign exchange (gain) loss (920 ) (946 ) 36 (2,016 ) (963 ) (940 ) 1,282 (1,800 ) Income before taxes 39,587 14,169 87,565 38,314 Income tax expense (recovery) 13,867 (884 ) 31,186 9,814 Net income and comprehensive income $ 25,720 $ 15,053 $ 56,379 $ 28,500

LOS GATOS JOINT VENTURE

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

Nine months ended September 30, (US$ in thousands) 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 56,379 $ 28,500 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 58,901 59,558 Accretion 652 866 Deferred taxes 10,210 4,743 Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency rate change 105 (5,007 ) Other ? (6 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: VAT receivable (1,326 ) 11,215 Receivables (1,012 ) 16,725 Inventories (1,379 ) (1,429 ) Other current assets (2,190 ) 403 Income tax receivable 8,495 (633 ) Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 21,438 (8,596 ) Payables to related parties (290 ) (730 ) Asset Retirement Obligation ? (1,820 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 149,983 103,789 Cash flows from investing activities: Mine development (32,263 ) (27,151 ) Purchase of property, plant and equipment (8,885 ) (13,506 ) Materials and supplies inventory ? (503 ) Net cash used by investing activities (41,148 ) (41,160 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Equipment loan and lease payments (47 ) (532 ) Capital distributions (95,000 ) (50,000 ) Dividends paid to partners (14,207 ) ? Net cash used by financing activities (109,254 ) (50,532 ) Net (decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents (419 ) 12,097 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 34,303 34,936 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 33,884 $ 47,033 Interest paid $ 851 $ 484 Interest earned $ 892 $ 1,147

11 november 2024 at 16:15

News published onand distributed by:
DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. Announces Overnight Marketed Offering





NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR THE DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, RELEASE OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSXV: DMGI) ("DMG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has launched a "best efforts" underwritten overnight marketed offering (the "Offering") of units of the Company (the "Units").

The Offering is expected to be completed pursuant to an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and Canaccord Genuity Corp. as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner ("Canaccord Genuity" or the "Lead Underwriter"), and a syndicate of underwriters (collectively with the Lead Underwriter, the "Underwriters"). The Company has agreed to grant to the Underwriters an over-allotment option (the "Over-Allotment Option") exercisable, in whole or in part, in the sole discretion of the Lead Underwriter, to purchase up to an additional 15% of the number of Units sold in the Offering for up to 30 days from the closing date of the Offering.

The size of the Offering, the offering price of the Units and the terms of the Units will be determined in the context of the market at the time of entering into the Underwriting Agreement and there can be no assurance as to completion of the Offering. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about November 19, 2024 and will be subject to market and other customary conditions.

The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for DMG's recently announced purchase of six one-megawatt hydro mining containers, scheduled for delivery and installation in the current quarter as well as working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The Offering will be conducted by way of a prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's base shelf prospectus dated October 1, 2024 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") to be filed in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and the Units may be also offered in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements under Rule 144A and/or Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and in those other jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States, provided that no prospectus filing or comparable obligation arises in such other jurisdiction.

The Base Shelf Prospectus is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and, upon determination of the size and pricing of the Offering and the signing of the Underwriting Agreement, the Prospectus Supplement will be filed and available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Alternatively, the Prospectus Supplement and accompanying Base Shelf Prospectus may be obtained by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities 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 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, and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

DMG is a sustainable, vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that develops, manages, and operates comprehensive platform solutions to monetize the blockchain ecosystem. The company's operations are driven by two strategic pillars: Core and Core+, both unified by DMG's commitment to vertical integration and environmentally responsible practices. DMG is the parent company of Systemic Trust Corporation, which is focused on the custody of digital assets.

For more information on DMG Blockchain Solutions visit: www.dmgblockchain.com

Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and subscribe to DMG's YouTube channel.

For further information, please contact:

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director

Tel: 516-222-2560

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

For Investor Relations:

[email protected]

For Media Inquiries:

Chantelle Borrelli

Head of Communications

[email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated terms of the Offering, the anticipated entry into the Underwriting Agreement and the anticipated terms thereof, the anticipated timing of the closing of the Offering, the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the Offering, the anticipated filing of the Prospectus Supplement and the anticipated offering of Units in the United States pursuant to the Offering. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects DMG's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. and on assumptions DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to assumptions regarding: the Offering, including, but not limited to the terms of the Offering, the entry into the Underwriting Agreement and the terms thereof, the timing of the closing of the Offering, the use of the net proceeds of the Offering, the filing of the Prospectus Supplement and the offering of Units in the United States pursuant to the Offering; the ability of blockchain technology to disrupt multiple industries; growth and expectations of the Company's Terra Pool, Core+ business strategy and Bitcoin self-mining operations; the expansion of the Company's mining operations to additional sites; the purchase, delivery and installation of additional Bitcoin mining rigs at the Christina Lake Facility or any additional sites to be developed or acquired by the Company; changes to market conditions; changes to the regulatory climate; and such other factors and risks as disclosed in the Company's most recent annual information form, management's discussion and analysis and other documents filed from time to time under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to: prevailing capital markets conditions, the risks and uncertainties associated with the digital currency and blockchain industry, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, changes in legislation, including regulatory legislation, affecting digital assets, and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. 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. 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.

11 november 2024 at 16:30

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LIMERICK solicitor Michelle Hayes is to contest the General Election as an Independent candidate.

Ms Hayes, who practices at Glentworth Street in the centre, is running in the four-seater Limerick City constituency.

Its the second time in less than six months she has put her name before the public.

Back in June, she also ran as an Independent candidate in the Cappamore-Kilmallock district for Limerick City and County Council, missing out on a seat on that occasion.

READ MORE: Site search process underway for new garda station for Castletroy

Now, with the election on Friday, November 29, Ms Hayes is hoping to go one better.

As co-founder and president of Environmental Trust Ireland, she has represented people in complex legal and environmental cases, and assisted them in resisting developments in their communities.

She says she has continued to oppose the Irish Cement reforms in Mungret.

Other priorities if elected, she says, will be the opening of a new public hospital, as well as the re-opening of emergency departments at St Johns Hospital plus in Nenagh and Ennis to take the pressure off University Hospital Limerick.

She says the Government started the housing crisis, and described generatio nrent as a social experiment with no consideration for the long-term consequences of people not having a roof over their heads when they get older."

People may be able to afford rent now while they are working, but what happens when they retire and have to live on a pension? Unchecked and without solutions, the homelessness crisis is likely to become far worse, she warned.

The Independent Dail hopeful believes the outgoing Government has left people behind and failed to protect them during the cost-of-living crisis.

She wants to see greater support for victims of crime, and the gardai to be given improved training to support people who face harrassment, online abuse and cyberbullying.

She is also seeking the a bolition of the Universal Social Charge and a heightening of the inheritance tax threshold.

A VAT cut for businesses is in her manifesto.

As of Sunday, Ms Hayes was one of 17 candidates who had put their name before the people of Limerick in the city area.

Shes one of two Independent candidates on the ballot paper, the other being northside councillor Frankie Daly.
A new law has been proposed to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the details of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

 What is assisted dying?

This, and the language used, varies depending on who you ask.

Pro-change campaigners Dignity in Dying say that assisted dying allows a person with a terminal condition the choice to control their death if they decide their suffering is unbearable.

They argue that, along with good care, dying people who are terminally ill and mentally competent adults deserve the choice to control the timing and manner of their death.

But the campaign group Care Not Killing uses the terms assisted suicide and euthanasia, and argues that the focus should be on promoting more and better palliative care rather than any law change.

They say legalising assisted dying could place pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives for fear of being a financial, emotional or care burden upon others and argue the disabled, elderly, sick or depressed could be especially at risk.

 What is the current law?

Assisted suicide is banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

In Scotland, it is not a specific criminal offence but assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to being charged with murder or other offences.

 What is happening at Westminster?

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater formally introduced her Bill to give choice at the end of life for the terminally ill in October.

A debate and first vote are expected to take place on November 29.

If the Bill passes the first stage in the Commons, it will go to committee stage where MPs can table amendments, before facing further scrutiny and votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meaning any change in the law would not be agreed until next year at the earliest.

Ms Leadbeaters Bill would apply only to England and Wales.

 What is in the Bill?

There are several requirements for someone to be eligible under the proposed law.

The person must be an adult  aged 18 or older  and be resident in England and Wales and registered with a GP for at least 12 months.

They must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish  free from coercion or pressure  to end their life.

They must be terminally ill and be expected to die within six months.

They must make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, about their wish to die.

The process must involve two independent doctors being satisfied the person is eligible and the medics can consult a specialist in the persons condition and get an assessment from an expert in mental capacity if deemed necessary.

A High Court judge must hear from at least one of the doctors regarding the application and can also question the dying person as well as anyone else they consider appropriate.

There must be at least seven days between the two doctors making their assessments and a further 14 days after the judge has made a ruling, for the person to have a period of reflection on their decision.

For someone whose death is expected imminently, the 14-day period could be reduced to 48 hours.

 What safeguards are there?

It would be illegal for someone to pressure, coerce or use dishonesty to get someone to make a declaration that they wish to end their life or to induce someone to self-administer an approved substance.

If someone is found guilty of either of these actions, they could face a jail sentence of up to 14 years.

 When would any new law come into effect?

Ms Leadbeater has suggested a new law would not take effect for another two to three years, with even more consultation to make sure we get it right once legislation was passed.

 Would doctors have to take part in the service of assisted dying?



No. Doctors would not be under any obligation to take part.

Doctors who do would have to be satisfied the person making their declaration to die has made it voluntarily and not been coerced or pressured by anyone else.

They would also be required to ensure the person is making an informed choice, including being made aware of their other treatment options such as palliative and hospice care.

 Who would administer the medication?

The dying person must take the medication themselves.

No doctor or anyone else can give the medication to the terminally ill person.

 Will there be any scrutiny of how the new law operates?



The chief medical officers in England and Wales and the Health Secretary would be required to monitor and report on the operation of the law.

The Health Secretary would also be required to report on the availability, quality and distribution of appropriate health services to people with palliative care needs, including pain and symptom management, psychological support for those people and their families, and information about palliative care and how to access it.

 Has the issue been voted on at Westminster before?

Not for almost a decade. An Assisted Dying Bill, which would have allowed some terminally ill adults to ask for medical help to end their life, went before the Commons in 2015 and was rejected by MPs.

There was also a Bill proposed in the House of Lords during the 2021/2022 session which reached a second reading in the chamber, while a Westminster Hall debate on assisted dying took place in July 2022.

 Are MPs guaranteed a vote on the Bill next month?

No. Bills such as this are known as private members bills (PMBs) and are considered during Friday sittings. The time available to consider them is from 9.30am until 2.30pm.

If the debate is still ongoing at 2.30pm then it is adjourned and the Bill falls to the bottom of the list, which means it is highly unlikely to make any further progress.

A closure motion can be moved to curtail the debate and force a vote. It may be moved at any time during proceedings.

On Friday sittings, an MP seeking to move such a motion tends to do so at around 1pm. If approved, the House then votes on whether or not to give the Bill a second reading.

If rejected, the House resumes the debate and the Bill is unlikely to progress.
ALMOST 350 groups and individuals have had their say on how they would like the Arthurs Quay area of the city centre to look in the future.

An outdoor swimming pool, retaining Sarsfield House and converting the old tourist information centre into a street food market were some of the 347 submissions made to council as it sought suggestions from people on how to transform the area into a new riverside quarter.

Council put three options forward and asked people to have their say on them.

The first is what is known as a business as usual approach, where there is no intervention from the council.

READ MORE: Letters shed light on the views of key people in Limerick International Rugby museum row

The other two options proposed by council focus on a redesign of Arthurs Quay and either the remodelling or extension of the buildings there.

Both of these plans contain an option to both keep and remove Sarsfield House, as well as the former tourist office at the front of the park.

In total, the local authority received 217 submissions from people online, and 130 at a special consultation open day.

The reaction demonstrates the level of interest there is in the future of the riverside area of the city , with Limerick An Taisce, Limerick Twenty Thirty, Limerick Chamber and Limerick Pedestrian Network among the groups to feed into the debate.

There was widespread opposition to the idea to demolish Sarsfield House.

It has been suggested it could be repurposed and used for accommodation.

As for the currently vacant tourist office, one person wrote: It could have lots of small units rentable for different food propositions, a little like a street food market with a food court in the middle, extending outside on good days.

One person who wrote to council said the park itself should have a Ferris wheel all year around.

The park should be well lit up every night and should have markets all year around. Live performances and street performances should be a regular occurrence another said.

One person called for a pedestrian boardwalk linking Arthurs Quay to King Johns Castle and the Island.

Council is to prepare a report on all the submissions made, which will make recommendations on the next steps.

It will then feed into a final framework plan.
Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has questioned the possibility of creating $100 billion revenue-generating tech companies in India. According to Vembu, India requires many companies that generate over $100 billion in revenue to raise people's living standards.

Can we build $100 billion (revenue, not valuation!) tech companies from India?

India needs a lot of them if we have to lift our people up. China has such world champions in plenty now, and they grew up in the last 20 years, Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu wrote on X.

Also Read | Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu slams Freshworks for laying off 660 employees

He emphasised the need to focus on revenue growth rather than valuation and said the companies should be able to balance both short-term and long-term goals.

I will tell you what won't get us there. What won't get us there is endless focus on valuation. What will take us there are visionary dreamers and builders who are in it for the long haul and are able to balance their long term vision while learning to pay the bills and keep the lights on short term, Vembu said.

According to Vembu, a stock bubble often shifts a company's focus to short-term valuation concerns. A stock bubble is a period when the price of a stock is determined by speculation rather than its own value.

Stock bubbles actually distract us from the goal because the focus shifts to optimising the valuation short term - and company managements start to obsess about getting the stock price up, the Zoho CEO said.

An extremely loose funding environment also distracts us because we never learn the discipline of paying the bills, he added.

Goodhart's law Vembu referred to Goodharts law and said that tech companies should focus on long-term valuation. According to Goodharts law, when a metric becomes a target, it becomes less effective as a measure.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI)- Balrampur Chini Mills on Monday reported a 60 per cent drop in its consolidated net profit to 67.17 crore in the September quarter of FY25, as lower income weighed on the company's performance.

The Uttar Pradesh-based company's consolidated net profit stood at 166.25 crore a year ago.

Net income declined 17.35 per cent to 1,362.83 crore while its total expenses fell 8.43 per cent to 1,312.08 crore during the quarter, according to a regulatory filing.
(Bloomberg) -- American Electric Power Co. is taking direction from state regulators on their energy and economic development goals under new CEO Bill Fehrman. That may lead to a change in the utilitys 2045 net-zero carbon target, he said.

When 10 of our 11 states are red states, to go into those states and tell them we want to discontinue burning coal and natural gas because AEP has a carbon target, that isnt well-received, said Fehrman, who became chief executive in August.

Its the states responsibility to decide what their policys going to be, he said during an interview at the EEI Financial Conference in Florida. And well meet that policy.

Utilities have begun rethinking climate goals that have faced challenges as power demand rises for the first time in decades thanks to data centers, new factories and the electrification of everything from vehicles to home heating. Duke Energy Corp. said in April that the demand spike complicates plans to cut carbon emissions, while FirstEnergy Corp. announced in February it was abandoning a 2030 target for slashing greenhouse gas pollution.

AEP has long had a difficult time with regulators, including rejections of both a $1.5 billion sale of Kentucky operations and plans to spend $2.2 billion on green-energy assets in Texas. Utility veteran Fehrman is focused on mending those relationships by listening closely to regulators, improving reliability and lowering customer bills.

In the past, AEP operated under a top-down model where it would make decisions and then go to its states to tell them what it was planning, Fehrman said.

Im just the opposite, he added. Ill start with the states and figure out what the states want to do and how do they want to do it, and then well execute it.

Fehrman emphasized that the climate target is just one piece of numerous priorities important to regulators, lawmakers and customers. Hes already visited seven of the states where AEP operates and heard from regulators in West Virginia and Kentucky who told him their top priorities are economic development and jobs.

AEP is one of the biggest power companies in the US and sells electricity to nearly 5.5 million customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Ferhman also said hes simplified the companys hierarchy so directors of money-making divisions report directly to him and the leaders of operating companies have more authority to make their own decisions.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Mattel, which produces the Barbie doll, has issued an apology after customers complained of the toy company's 'Wicked' edition doll package directing people to a pornographic website, The Guardian reported.

Mattel said immediate action is being taken after alarmed customers shared images on social media of the doll's box mistakenly having a porn website link wicked.com printed on the packaging instead of the official wickedmovie.com.

The dolls are Mattel and Universal Pictures collaboration merchandise for the film production company's Ariana Grande starrer Wicked, based on a Tony-winning musical. The erroneous link was printed on the merch's Glinda and Elphaba doll packs  both lead characters played by Grande and Cynthia Erivo, respectively.

Mattel's Official Statement In a statement on November 10, the toy maker apologised for the error and advised customers with children to discard the packaging or obscure the link.

Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the US, which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page, the statement read.

We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel customer service for further information, it added.

Official retail partners in US Affected The misprinted doll packs were found in large retail stores in the US, including Amazon, Kohls, and Target  all Universal's official retail partners. No other stores were affected by the error.

Amazon currently shows the item as unavailable in the US, according to the report. The Hollywood Reporters said the packs have been taken off shelves at Target, too.

Netizens Raised Alarm Social media users pointed out the error in posts and pictures by tagging Mattel.

One user wrote: The official Mattel Wicked dolls link to a porn site on the box

Others were very concerned about the error, with one stating: "whoever did this needs to be fired immediately cuz why would they do that knowing that its mostly kids buying these dolls"
(Bloomberg) -- DV Trading hired several fuel and natural gas traders in recent months as it expands its proprietary energy-trading business, even as other firms slow hiring in the space amid ebbing volatility.

Bryndon Kline, previously with Trafigura, joined as a fuel trader, and Nate Costello, most recently at Aramco Trading Co., was hired as a refined-products strategist, Chicago-based DV Trading said. The firm also added Ryan Sharma as a natural gas trader last month, while RJ Hayes, who was a senior gas trader at TC Energy Corp., joined earlier this year. Blake Hill, a natural gas trader, was hired from Engelhart Commodities Trading Partners.

DV Trading  one of the biggest market makers across the oil industry  is bulking up its DV Energy unit, which specializes in trading crude, refined products, natural gas, and related energy markets across the US, Europe, and Asia. The company is among a handful of firms that are still hiring in commodities, while others have pulled back as a period of heightened volatility fades and profits start to normalize.

The company is currently expanding in European gas trading in particular, said Sean Lambert, partner at DV Trading and global head of energy trading at DV Energy.

Were really trying to expand it into something a lot more robust, Lambert said in an interview, adding that the desk already has about three or four people and an analyst.

Natural gas and power markets have been a major area of focus for hedge funds and merchants over the past couple of years as volatility skyrocketed following Russias invasion of Ukraine. The market has been a significant driver of profits at top multistrategy hedge funds including Citadel and Millennium. Some, like Balyasny Asset Management, are also building businesses to trade physical gas and power there.

DV Energy doesnt have plans to expand into physical commodities for now, Lambert said.

Weve done some small-ticket things, but at the end of the day, were a prop firm, its our capital and I dont think were in the business of going out there and leveraging ourselves to the nines, he said.

The firm has roughly 30 pods, or teams, with the biggest one having as many as 15 people. Overall, DV Energy has about 120 people, of which around 30 are support staff. Thats up from about 100 employees last year.

DV Trading, founded about 15 years ago, has been growing in commodities beyond energy as well. The company hired Dylan Marie-Joseph as a senior coffee trader recently, part of a broader push into soft-commodities markets, where recent volatility has created huge profit opportunities.

DV Trading still has open roles for full-time junior traders in London and New York as well as for an experienced energy trader.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
On November 10, 2024, Brainbees Solutions Limited, the parent company of the popular e-commerce platform FirstCry, confirmed the conclusion of a GST department inspection that began on November 6.

In a disclosure to the stock exchanges, the company stated that it fully cooperated with officials and addressed all queries raised. Brainbees reported that it paid 1.74 crore, including interest, due to discrepancies in GST returns from past financial years.

Brainbees Solutions share price was trading in red, down 0.97 per cent, at 559, on November 11, 2024, on NSE, at 9:40 am. The company enjoys a market capitalisation of 29,022.40 crore, as per NSE.

Brainbees Solutions Limited is listed on the National Stock Exchange and BSE as FirstCry.

Inspection targets expenses associated with FirstCrys IPO The four-day GST inspection, which began on November 6 and concluded on November 10, 2024, was led by the Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Mumbai, Investigation-C. It focused on reported mismatches between GST return filings in forms GSTR-3B and GSTR-2A across the financial years 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2022-23.

The inspection also scrutinised GST implications related to expenses associated with FirstCrys IPO, specifically questioning the treatment of costs incurred during the issuance of new shares. The company stated that it provided adequate explanations to address these concerns and maintained that all issues were resolved satisfactorily.

The Pune-based company assured stakeholders that the inspection had no adverse impact on its business operations.

The Company has fully cooperated with the officials and has responded to all the clarifications and details sought by them, said Brainbees in its filing. This has not impacted the operations of the Company, which are continuing as usual, it added.

Also Read | RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case: Trial at a special court to start today

In accordance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the companys official filing included all details under Regulation 30, as per SEBIs mandate. The compliance statement indicated that should any further material updates emerge regarding the GST inquiry, Brainbees would inform the exchanges promptly.
Mumbai High Court granted Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal medical bail on Monday, November 11, reported the news agency PTI. Goyal was accused of being involved in a money laundering case.

Earlier this year, a single Justice N J Jamadar bench granted Goyal an interim bail on medical grounds. On November 11, Justice Jamadar made the interim order permanent, reported the news agency.

Naresh Goyal, at the age of 75, is suffering from cancer and had previously applied for bail to undergo treatment. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India had opposed his application, stating that he could be admitted to any hospital of his choice and could undergo treatment while staying in custody, as per the report.

In May 2024, the Mumbai High Court granted interim bail to Naresh Goyal for two months, which was extended by four weeks and then again for two months.

Also Read | Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal gets interim medical bail for two months

ED arrested Goyal in September 2023 over allegations that the founder laundered money and siphoned off loans in the amount of 538.62 crore given to the Indian airline by Canara Bank, as per the report.

Naresh Goyal's wife, Anita Goyal, was also arrested in November 2023 when the ED submitted a chargesheet in the case. A special court granted her bail the same day, citing her age and medical conditions. Anita Goyal died on May 16, 2024, as per the report.

Jet Airways Liquidation Mint reported earlier that the Supreme Court of India ordered the liquidation of Jet Airways after finding that the Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC), the successful bidder for the airline, had failed to comply with the conditions of the resolution plan. This marked the final chapter in the Indian airlines' long struggle for revival.

Justice J.B. Pardiwala, while pronouncing the ruling, remarked that this case would serve as an eye-opener for the functioning of insolvency tribunals and Indias Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
Products sold by companies, including Nestle, PepsiCo, and Unilever, in India and other low-income countries were assessed as part of a global index and found to be less healthy than those in high-income countries, as per a Reuters report.

The companies, among the biggest food and beverage MNCs, were assessed to, on average, sell less healthy products in poorer countries, according to the global index published by the non-profit group Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI).

The index was first released in 2021, but this year is the first time it split the assessment into low and high-income countries.

Also Read | Top UBS banker in Australia sees role helping ultra-rich invest abroad

Average Score Lower in Poorer Countries The ATNI index found that products sold by 30 companies in low-income countries scored lower on a star rating system developed in Australia and New Zealand than those sold in high-income countries.

The system, called 'Health Star Rating,' ranks products out of 5 on their level of healthiness, with 5 being the best and 3.5 being considered to be a healthier choice. But, while food products by these MNCs in high-income countries showed an average score of 2.3, in low-income countries, this score was 1.8.

Mark Wijne, research director at ATNI, in an interview with Reuters, said this is a very clear picture that what these companies are selling in the poorest countries in the world  where they are more and more active  are not their healthier products. He also called it a wake-up call for governments in these countries.

Obesity Crisis in Focus According to ATNI, this index gains importance as the global obesity crisis shines a spotlight on the role of packaged foods. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that as many as a billion people live with obesity worldwide, and the World Bank (WB) estimates that as much as 70 per cent of the world's obese or overweight people live in middle and low-income countries, the Reuters report added.

Responding to Reuters' queries, Nestle said it is "committed" to sales of more nutritious foods, stating, We have committed to grow our sales of more nutritious foods, as well as guiding people towards more balanced diets. Nestle also fortifies products to help close nutrient gaps in developing countries.

Also Read | Active versus passive investing: What Buffett thinks and why it matters for you

While PepsiCo declined to answer questions on the matter, the company had set targets in 2023 to lower sodium in its potato chip products and add ingredients such as whole grains to its foods.

We acknowledge that there is always more to do, both at a business and industry level, said Isabelle Esser, chief research, quality and food safety officer at Danone, which was the best performer in the index.
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to impose a 25 crore penalty on Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), over alleged share manipulation involving Reliance Petroleum Ltd (RPL) in November 2007.

Reliance Petroleum was merged into RIL in 2009.

"There is no question of law raised in the case. Dismissed," the court said.

A two-judge bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan agreed to hear Sebi's broader case against RIL on 2 December but declined to hold Ambani personally accountable for the alleged actions.

Sebi had challenged a Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) order from December 2023, which had overturned penalties totalling 70 crore on RIL, Ambani, Navi Mumbai SEZ, and Mumbai SEZ.

The Supreme Court upheld SAT's decision, agreeing that the penalties should be set aside. The court supported Sebi's pre-2019 interpretation of Section 27 of the Sebi Act, which did not impose vicarious liability on individuals such as directors unless they were directly involved in or aware of corporate violations. This interpretation changed with a March 2019 amendment, introducing vicarious liability for directors and key personnel.

Before the amendment, vicarious liabilitywhich holds individuals responsible for company actionswas not recognized by Sebi unless direct involvement or knowledge was proven. After the amendment, directors, key managerial personnel, and other officers could be held vicariously liable for company violations.

However, SAT clarified that this amendment could not be applied retroactively, shielding Ambani from liability for the 2007 case.

This case stems from Sebis investigation into RPL trading activities in November 2007. Sebi alleged that RIL manipulated the market by appointing agents to take short positions in RPL futures while simultaneously trading RPL shares in the cash market. According to Sebi, RILs trades in the final minutes of trading on 29 November 2007 caused a sharp decline in RPLs price, impacting the futures settlement. Sebi held Ambani, as RILs principal officer, responsible for these actions.

Sebi also accused Navi Mumbai SEZ and Mumbai SEZ of financing the alleged scheme by providing funds to the agents, implicating them as accomplices.

SAT overturned these penalties, criticizing Sebi for the 10-year delay in issuing show-cause notices. SAT ruled that Sebi should have initiated adjudication proceedings concurrently with Section 11B proceedings rather than waiting for the latter to conclude.
Dubai-based siblings Jainam Jain and Jivika Jain recently purchased the JioHotstar domain from a Delhi-based developer and are now willing to give it to Reliance for free.

In a statement on their website, 13-year-old Jainam and 10-year-old Jivika clarified that the decision was made independently, without any pressure from anybody.

With all the discussions happening, we now think it might be best for Team Reliance to have this domain, if they want it. We are happy to give jiohotstar.com to them for free, with all the proper paperwork. To be clear, this is entirely our choice. No one from Reliance or any legal group has contacted us or pressured us in any way. We made this decision on our own, without any pressure from friends, family, or anyone else, Jainam and Jivika said.

They provided contact details, inviting Reliance to reach out to them if they were interested.

If Reliance is interested, they can contact us at jainam@1xl.com or jivika@1xl.com, and we will handle the transfer smoothly. If they are not interested, thats okay too. We will continue to share updates about our journey and work, they added.

Previously, the siblings bought the domain from a Delhi-based app developer reportedly to help him with his education

Questions on buying domain name They addressed the speculation surrounding the domain name and clarified that they did not want to create controversy or grab attention.

Today, we want to share an important update about jiohotstar.com, a domain we bought some time ago. For those who dont know, we bought this domain from a young developer in Delhi to help him with his education. This was part of our efforts to support and uplift others, they said.

Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of talk and even some videos about why we own the domain and if it connects to a possible business deal between Jio and Hotstar. We want to clear up any confusion: we never expected this attention and never meant to cause any controversy. Our only goal was to support the developer and share our seva (service) journey, they added.

However, they initially considered selling the domain name after receiving multiple offers.
Anil Agarwal-owned mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd intends to invest $500 million in its group company AvanStrate Inc to bolster its focus on research and development (R&D), manufacturing capabilities and product offerings.

The Tokyo-based display glass manufacturer and global supplier will invest in creating next-generation glass products for advanced packaging and potential applications in the semiconductor, biotechnology, automotive displays, and other high-growth sectors, Vedanta said in a statement.

With operations and R&D capabilities across Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, AvanStrate is also exploring collaborations for developing advanced products.

AvanStrate produces glass substrates for Gen 4 to Gen 8 TFT LCD (thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display) panels, which are primarily used in electronic devices such as televisions, laptops, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other displays including automotive and medical equipment.

"These investments are geared towards tapping opportunities that we see in key Asian markets like Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, where we already have a strong manufacturing and R&D footprint as well as an established customer base. We are also optimistic about our India plans and are hopeful that our application will be approved with the new Budget allocation. Besides land that had earlier been allocated to us, we have in place a strong, experienced team that is poised to hit the ground running." AvanStrate Global Managing Director, Akarsh Hebbar told Mint in response to queries.

Charlie Lee, CEO, AvanStrate Inc, added, The expertise and support from Vedanta places us in a strong position to expand our R&D, scale up production, and meet evolving market demands. As ASI advances into new market segments, meeting the demand for high-performance materials, we are set to enhance our leadership in the display glass sector and beyond, with a clear focus on sustainability and long-term growth."

Vedanta said that the move was in line with its commitment to expanding its high-tech offerings, incorporating AvanStrate Inc. alongside Vedantas portfolio of businesses across the critical and future minerals, energy, and technology space.

The Vedanta Group will continuously explore innovation opportunities across automation, ESG (environmental, social, and governance), and sustainable energy to enhance the groups technological capabilities and support the demands of a dynamic global market.

Future manufacturing plans Vedanta plans to set up its own display fabrication unit in Gujarat where capabilities from ASI will come in handy. The company had yet to respond to queries from Mint on the status of its display manufacturing facility and investments related to the planned unit.

The global market for specialty glass applications is estimated to be $42 billion and is projected to reach nearly $60 billion by 2030. AvanStrate, with its advanced manufacturing capabilities and strategic partnerships, is well-positioned to meet these demands and contribute significantly to the global supply chain.

Last year, Vedanta increased its holding to 98.2% in ASI through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cairn India Holdings Ltd. In 2017, Cairn India Holdings had acquired a 51.63% stake in the Japanese company.

In 2022, Vedanta announced plans to establish Indias first integrated fab for display glass and panels.

In July 2023, Hebbar had said that Vedanta had tied up with technology and equity partners for its semiconductor fabrication project, and with Taiwan-based Innolux for its display fab unit.

Around the same time, Agarwal had told Mint that the Vedanta group would invest $5 billion in the first phase of setting up a semiconductor fabrication unit, a semiconductor packaging and testing unit, and a display fabrication unit in the Dholera Special Investment Region in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat.

Vedanta announced its $20 billion ( 1.54 trillion) investment plan for these projects, with the display fab unit entailing an investment of 94,500 crore and the integrated semiconductor fab unit and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test facility requiring 60,000 crore.

In February 2022, Vedanta had announced a joint venture (JV), Vedanta Foxconn Semiconductor Ltd, with Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group to set up Indias first semiconductor manufacturing unit under the $10 billion government-backed financial incentive scheme.
(Bloomberg) -- Volkswagen AGs representative has left the board of Northvolt AB, adding to the uncertainty around the cash-strapped battery maker as it tries to raise funds.

Sven Fuhrmann, who has represented Volkswagen on the Swedish electric-vehicle suppliers supervisory board since last year, has resigned, the companies said separately on Monday. VW  Northvolts biggest shareholder and a major customer  didnt say whether it will replace him.

This decision has no impact on the shareholding of Volkswagen AG in Northvolt AB, Volkswagen said in a statement. We will not comment on further details of our contractual relationship with Northvolt or speculation against this background.

Fuhrmanns departure comes as Northvolt works to stitch together a short-term rescue package that would tide the company over toward a longer-term plan. Replacing him would assuage concerns about the strength of the relationship, as VWs Swedish truck brand Scania is one of the biggest buyers of Northvolt battery cells.

VW declined to elaborate on its plans for the position. Replacement is a decision of the board of directors of Northvolt AB, the carmaker said.

Swedish radio had earlier quoted a VW spokesman as saying its too early to say whether it will select a replacement for Fuhrmann.

Volkswagen is a longstanding partner of Northvolt, and we are in close cooperation with Volkswagen and their brands that Northvolt serves, Northvolt said without elaborating.

The Swedish companys troubles stem from failures to ramp up cell production at its main plant near the Arctic Circle in Sweden, and costs from its expansion have been piling up. In response, Northvolt has scaled back major projects and narrowed its focus to increasing output. Its cutting 20% of staff globally.

Northvolt has in recent weeks communicated a wider pullback across Europe and North America, where the battery maker had hoped to build the manufacturing breadth needed to compete with lower-cost Chinese producers. Those expansion plans are now in tatters amid a string of operational setbacks and cooling demand for electric vehicles in key markets.

Chief Executive Officer Peter Carlsson last week flagged a long-term funding need of more than 10 billion Swedish kronor ($920 million) on top of a previously reported short-term package of about $300 million in funding that includes debt and equity. Northvolt spends about $100 million a month on operational costs, according to local media.

The news of Furhmanns departure was first reported by Dagens Industri.

--With assistance from Niclas Rolander, Christopher Jungstedt and Jonas Ekblom.

(Updates with Volkswagen comment from second paragraph)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
It's Vistara's last day today! The airline will fly its final flights with its own brand on Monday, November 11 before its starts operating under Air India from tomorrow.

In a post, the airline says, As the plane ascends, so do our dreams; lets glide toward the future, where the sky isnt the limit, but just the beginning.

As Vistara folds up, the number of full service carriers in the fast-growing Indian aviation space will come down to just one from five in a span of over 17 years.

Also, the merger -- that will see Vistara's 49 per cent owner Singapore Airlines holding 25.1 per cent stake in Air India post the merger-- will mark the sunset of another Indian airline jointly owned by an overseas carrier after the liberalisation of foreign direct investment norms.

AI brings major changes Air India stated, in the first-month post-merger, approximately 115,000 customers with pre-merger Vistara bookings are expected to travel with the unified Air India.

Following the merger, Vistara aircraft will operate under Air India, identified by a unique four-digit Air India code beginning with "2". For example, Vistara flight UK 955 will be re-designated as AI 2955, enabling customers to identify it when booking via the Air India website after November 12.

The routes and schedules currently operated by Vistara will remain unchanged, as will the in-flight experience, products, and services, delivered by the same crew.

To facilitate this transition, Air India has bolstered its resources at multiple touchpoints in India, coordinating with partner airports to introduce measures such as help desks at curbside entry points at hubs and metro city airports.

The company has also take other masures to ensure smooth transition, these includes:
Zomato has dismissed recent reports of an antitrust investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) into its business practices, calling the claims misleading. In a statement issued on November 10, Zomato clarified that while the CCI had initiated a preliminary investigation in April 2022, no conclusive findings or orders have been issued against it. Zomato emphasised its compliance with Indian competition laws and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the investigation and addressing any queries.

Zomato share price closed in the red, down 2.37 per cent at 249.10, on November 8, 2024, on the BSE. The company enjoys a market capitalisation of 2,20,113.28 crore, per BSE data.

Media reports In response to recent media reports claiming that Zomato and Swiggy have breached antitrust laws, Zomato Limited has come forward with a strong rebuttal. The company clarified that an investigation prompted by an initial CCI order on April 4, 2022, has not led to any formal conclusions or adverse findings against the company. Zomato disclosed this information in a notice to the BSE, underscoring that the CCI has issued no further orders since the investigation began.

Zomatos Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, Sandhya Sethia, addressed the matter, stating that the original April 2022 Prima Facie Order led to an inquiry directed by the CCIs Director General. The CCI had previously outlined its concerns, particularly regarding Zomato's platform practices, such as listing preferences for restaurant partners and pricing consistency across platforms. However, Zomato reassured stakeholders that its practices fully comply with the Competition Act, 2002, and do not harm market competition.

The aforementioned news article is misleading, Sethia stated, emphasizing that Zomato has been transparent in its dealings and has continued to engage with the Commission constructively. The company underscored that there have been no further reportable events that would require an additional regulatory disclosure under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations of 2015.

Meanwhile, Swiggy's spokesperson told Mint, Media reports of the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) investigation into Swiggy confuse the investigative process with the final outcome and are misleading. Based on the order of the CCI dated April 5, 2022, the Director General investigated certain aspects of the conduct of our business and its inquiry and report of March 2024 is a preliminary step in an ongoing investigation by the CCI, and not a final decision as some reports suggest. We have disclosed all the details of the matter in the companys Public filing of the DRHP filed on September 26, 2024.

Swiggy is yet to receive the confidential details of the findings from the CCI for filing a response to the DG's finding. Once Swiggy submits its response and CCI conducts a hearing on the matter, CCI will pass its decision on whether any competition law violations have occurred, the spokesperson further added.

Currently its at a preliminary stage and no final decision or order has been issued regarding Swiggy's practices since 2022. Swiggy is fully cooperating with the investigation and is committed to complying with the extant laws of the country.

Zomato assured stakeholders of its dedication to cooperating with the CCI and addressing any recommendations that may emerge from the investigation.

This clarification followed the recent buzz in the industry, fueled by claims that Zomato and Swiggy might have engaged in unfair market practices. Although the initial investigation raised questions about practices such as preferential listings and pricing parity, Zomato maintains that these measures aim to deliver customer satisfaction without compromising competition standards.
Jharkhand Elections: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that ED and CBI probes against Congress leaders were taking place at PMs behest.

However, Kharge said that they were not afraid and said, We made sacrifices for Independence.

The Congress Chief made the remark while speaking in poll-bound Jharkhand's Palamu.

He also attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the batenge toh katenge (if divided, we will be wiped out) remark and stated that a true Yogi cannot use language like this.

Also Read | Last day of campaigning for phase 1 polling in Jharkhand today

Here's what Kharge said  ED, CBI probes against Congress leaders at PMs behest, we are not afraid; we made sacrifices for Independence

 Sonia Gandhi forgave one of Rajiv Gandhis killers; Priyanka Gandhi embraced the killerthis is compassion.

 Modi, Shah, Adani, Ambani running country; Rahul Gandhi, I trying to save the Constitution, democracy. BJP wants to destroy the Constitution of the country, but the INDIA bloc will not let this happen.

 PM Modi claims not to be biological; he is a habitual liar who never fulfils his promises, reported PTI quoting Kharge.

 PM Modi afraid to visit Manipur, I dare him to go there.

 We are tolerating Modi for 25 yrs as CM, PM; he supports those who exploit backward people, women.

 Modi believes in oppressing the opposition, toppling governments and purchasing MLAs like goats.

 Speaking to ANI, Kharge said that every party, every leader keeps faith in their party workers and hopes to win the elections.

 I am hopeful that the alliance will 100 per cent win and form the government in Jharkhand. In Maharashtra too, we are in a good position. Everyone is working together, and our alliance will form its government.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticised Kharge for his indirect remarks about Yogi Adityanath's appearance, calling them "very unfortunate." Kharge had suggested that if Adityanath wanted to remain Chief Minister, he should abandon his saffron robes and don white clothes.
Curtains will come down on campaigning for the 43 Assembly seats of Jharkhand going to the polls in the first phase on November 13. The second phase of voting for the remaining 38 seats will be held on November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.

Both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the the INDIA bloc are pulling out all the stops to secure victory in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wooED the tribal population, which makes up 26 per cent of the 2.6 crore voters across the states 24 districts. On the last day of campaigning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is addressing three rallies in the poll-bound state.

Shah's first rally is in the Saraikela constituency, seen to be the stronghold of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, who joined the BJP from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) recently and will be the BJPs candidate from the seat. Later, Shah will proceed to Simdega Assembly constituency where he will address a public gathering before finishing the days campaign in the Tamar Assembly seat with a meeting in support of JD(U) candidate Gopal Krishna Patar.

In the 2019 Assembly Elections,Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) emerged as the largest party with 30 seats, while the BJP bagged 25 seats, and the Congress won 16 seats. Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) got three seats, while All Jharkhand Students Union won 2 seats.

JMM formed government with the support of Congress and RJD. The alliance  part of INDIA bloc  is contesting the 2024 assembly election again with Hemant Soren-led JMM set to contest 43 seats. The Congress has fielded candidates from 30 constituencies. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is contesting six seats while the Left parties have fielded candidates on three seats.

Ek rahenge toh safe rahenge On November 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the Congress and its allies want to divide the OBC community by pitting sub-castes against each other for political gains. Addressing an election rally in Jharkhand's Bokaro, Modi used the slogan: "Ek rahenge toh safe rahenge". The slogan, which means "we will be safe if we are united", appealed to the backward castes to stay united.

Later in the day, Modi hosted a 3-km-long roadshow in Ranchi, covering four constituencies and expected to draw two lakh attendees.

As many 2.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in the two-phase polling. This include 1.31 crore male voters, 1.29 crore female voters, 11.84 lakh first-time voters, and 66.84 lakh young voters.
Mumbai: Falling active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) prices are expected to stabilise by Q4FY25, a senior executive of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd said on Monday.

The contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) which works on active pharmaceutical ingredient production as well as generic and branded drug formulations, reported a weak second quarter with revenue falling 12% on the back of softening API prices and weak volume growth.

Volume was very strong in Q1 with double digit growth but in Q2 given the API prices were a bit unstable, the industry volumes were relatively flat, Sahil Maheshwari, general manager, Strategy at Akums, told Mint on Monday.

API players have also been struggling with high supply and limited demand, he said. The company marked an 11% decline in volume compared to last quarter. We expect API prices to normalise in Q4FY25, Maheshwari said. By how much and to what extent we'll really have to monitor the first half of the next fiscal, he added. API prices have been under pressure over the past few quarters due to weak demand and competition from China in export markets as well as in imports.

Also Read | A prescription for speed: How e-pharmacies aim to transform medicine delivery Domestic API prices have fallen 15-40% and over 25% in the API exports business this fiscal, according to a September report by credit ratings firm India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra).

Stabilisation likely in second half of FY25 The report said that price stabilisation is expected in the second half of FY25, although volume growth is expected to stay flat for FY25 as compared to FY24. Akums posted its consolidated financial results for the quarter ending 30 September on Saturday.

It reported a 12% drop in its consolidated revenue year-on-year from 1,188 crore in Q2FY24 to 1,047 crore in Q2FY25. Prices of key APIs like amoxicillin, cephalosporin, and paracetamol fell, affecting the companys overall income, Akums managing director Sandeep Jain said in an earnings call on Monday.

Also Read: Pharmacy Council of India turns the screws on pharmacists This has also affected order frequency because customers wait for prices to fall before building up inventory, Jain said. The firm also reported a 28% drop in its adjusted Ebitda from 187 crore in Q2FY24 to 135 crore in Q2FY25. Ebitda is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.

The company reported an adjusted profit after tax (PAT) of 67 crore, up 8.9% y-o-y. Meanwhile, Akums is focusing on expanding its research and development in its branded and generics formulations business.

The company spent 64 crore in H1FY25 on product R&D and is investing a similar amount in the next two quarters, Jain told Mint. The firm expects income from product development to drive up revenue in the second half of the year. It will be a little lesser than what we saw in Q2FY24, Jain said.

Barring the API price going down, all other parameters have been favourable, Jain told Mint. Jain said that the company started commercial production at its injectables facility in Q2. The facility, launched earlier this year, is partially operational and will be fully operational by the end of this fiscal year.
The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) has kicked off an epic overhaul of the way auditors verify the truthfulness of corporate financial information, in a change of regime from the current system where auditing standards issued by Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) are deemed to be final.

According to two persons familiar with the development, NFRA has begun the revision of all audit and quality standards issued by ICAI, as the Centre seeks to align them with global practices. The authority, which has three ICAI representatives on its board, will submit the revised standards to the corporate affairs ministry for notification.

Out of ICAI's 38 audit standards, NFRA has already start work on revising SA600, which pertains to consolidated financial statements of business groups. According to one of the two people cited above, the authority has also started work on revising the remaining 37 audit standards, plus two other standards on quality management issued by ICAI.

The Central government has asked (NFRA) for expediting the process of notifying audit standards, and NFRA is duty-bound to do that," the person cited above said on the condition of anonymity.

Also read | ICAI puts its foot down, informs NFRA of its powers

Queries emailed to the ministry of corporate affairs, ICAI and NFRA on Friday seeking comments remained unanswered at the time of publishing.

A second person, who is also privy to the development, said that NFRA has sent all the changes it wants to be incorporated in all these audit standards and the quality management norms, to ICAI for its views.

ICAI had earlier called for a pause in the revision of SA600, saying that NFRAs move came when ICAIs own regular process was underway but could not be completed before the NFRA sought public comments on its proposals for changes.

However, NFRA is going ahead with revision of all the 38 audit standards and the two quality management norms as it is long overdue, said the first person quoted above.

NFRAs 12-member board is expected to meet on Monday and Tuesday. The second person quoted above said that some of the changes NFRA wanted to be included in some of the standards came very recently and that ICAI has to follow its procedures in offering comments.

Also read | Top auditors, consultants back NFRA's tighter group audit norms

At NFRA board meeting, the two regulatory bodies will discuss a way forward. A third person, who also spoke on condition of not being named, said that ICAI does not want any controversy on revising the standards.

The legal requirement for notifying audit standards by the ministry, in consultation with NFRA was built into the Companies Act of 2013, in a policy response to the 2009 Satyam Computers fraud. However, NFRA was set up only in 2018 and the audit watchdog is keen to get the legal requirement accomplished without further delay as its investigations into some of the corporate collapses like IL&FS and some frauds have brought to light what the regulator calls gross negligence and audit failure in audits."

It cannot go on like this for another decade," the third person said.

The standards issued by the ICAI are temporary and the government has to notify them with the required changes as the standards should have appropriate legal cover and therefore are enforceable and companies can be held accountable for deviations. The standards should also conform to international practices. NFRA is not in any confrontation with ICAI, it is only following the requirement of the Companies Act, section 143 (10)," said the person.

And read | NFRA set to widen auditor inspections

This shift is extremely important for instilling investor confidence in the financial statements of companies, which has to reflect their true state of affairs and is not a mere formality, the person said. It is also a social cause and is important for the economy," said the person.

"When Companies Act 2013 was framed, the government respected ICAI's authority and gave it interim powers, holding that till the time audit standards recommended by ICAI are notified by the government in consultation with and after NFRA's examination, ICAI's standards will be deemed to be the auditing standards," explained Vijay Kapur, a former director at ICAI.

It is clear that ICAI is not the final authority in prescribing audit standards," said Kapur. It can be said that aligning Indian audit standards with international standards will benefit the economy and where legal requirements mandate a deviation, carve outside can be made, added Kapur.
For months, workers battled to keep the decades-old power station in the front-line city of Kurakhove functioning as advancing Russian forces hammered it with artillery.

In the spring, the mission changed. Their new Herculean task: to dismantle the entire facilitywith increasing urgency. Its generators, transformers and other vital parts were desperately needed to repair other Ukrainian power stations ravaged by Russian attacks.

It was of course very difficult," said the power stations boss, Anatoliy Borichevskiy, who delivered the news in the spring to the sites 1,000 workers, many of whom grew up in the industrial town dominated by the plant. We had no choice."

Alongside battlefield setbacks, Ukraine faces another major test as the war enters its third winter: keeping the lights on. In the spring, Russia launched a fresh onslaught against Ukraines energy infrastructure, targeting several power plants in a tactical shift aimed at eroding the countrys ability to sustain the war effort.

Wave after wave of missiles and drones knocked out about half of Ukraines power-generation capacity, triggering blackouts and disrupting businesses that rely on steady electricity. Winter will put even greater strain on the energy system as colder temperatures drive up demand for electricity. In the worst case, lengthy power outages could make Ukraines cities unlivable in the months to come, spurring a new exodus from the country.

The looming energy crunch has thrust companies such as DTEK to the center of a mission crucial to the countrys war effort. As the countrys largest private energy company, DTEK operates the Kurakhove plant and before the full-scale invasion typically supplied about one-quarter of the countrys electricity.

The quest has involved scavenging decommissioned power stations across Europe for replacement parts, and shuttle diplomacy stretching from Brussels and Berlin to Washington.

But even willing partners with spare Soviet-era parts have needed months to cut through bureaucraciestheir own national energy ministries and in some cases private investorsbefore they can get enough of those parts into Ukraines hands.

As freezing temperatures have drawn closer, Ukraine found the quickest fix within its bordersthe cannibalization of its own power assets in a massive reshuffling aimed at patching together what it can, as quickly as possible.

This is the main source of equipment," said DTEK Chief Executive Maxim Timchenko. We had no choice."

Two years of war had taught Timchenko to prepare for the worst, but the scale of the destruction was overwhelming. Previous attacks on substations and transformers had kept crews busy with repairs, but Russias targeting of hydroelectric and thermal plants meant larger-scale destruction to complex facilities that take years to build.

In a span of weeks in the spring, about 80% of DTEKs generation capacity was wiped out.

I could never have imagined it would happen," said Timchenko. In a video he filmed amid the wreckage of one plant, mangled remains smolder in a turbine hall ripped open by a missile.

Efforts to restore power began as soon as the flames were extinguished. DTEK pulled in coal miners, electricians and other employees from different parts of the company to help clear the rubble.

But some equipment was irreparably damaged, and much of it couldnt be bought off the shelf. Waiting months for scarce new equipment wasnt an option.

A solution emerged unexpectedly when Russia destroyed a bridge used to feed the Kurakhove power station with coal. Without it, the plant couldnt function, but rebuilding infrastructure so close to the front line was out of the question.

After discussions with senior management, Borichevskiy gathered workers in the control room to break the news: The plant to which many had devoted their entire lives would be stripped down for spare parts.

People were saying: How could you do this?" Borichevskiy recalled.

There was no time to waste. Russian troops were less than 4 miles away and edging closer. All workers set to the task of dismantling the power station. The question was how. Wed never done this before," he said.

Equipment weighing hundreds of tons would have to be transported by road because the only rail link to the plant was destroyed. The transformers were so heavy that they broke the hydraulic pushers used to move them. One crane was too weak to lift some pieces of equipment, so workers used two at once, with thick ropes often snapping like thread," Borichevskiy said.

Tires burst as some of the equipment was loaded onto trucks, as did vehicle suspensions. Workers reinforced bridges to keep them from buckling.

While Borichevskiy grappled with the task, executives at DTEK were scouring countries, including former Soviet republics, for spare parts.

Timchenko met with energy ministers from countries including Bulgaria, Romania and Greece for their help to get private and state-owned companies on board. But many of those conversations hit dead ends and others have dragged on, as did planning for security and logistics.

Gradually, DTEK was bringing power units back online, but each time, Russia struck again. Unless Ukraines energy infrastructure was properly shielded from enemy bombardment, repairs would be in vain.

We were doing so much to restore these plants," Timchenko said. Its not easy to keep ourselves motivated."

In late-summer meetings, Timchenko said, U.S. officials asked what they could do to help Ukraine prepare for the winter. Separating the most desperate, immediate needs from the longer term, he told them: We dont need financial assistance. We dont even need equipment. What we need is air defense."

In regular crisis-response meetings, Timchenko received updates about repairs and a grim head count of employees killed or wounded on the front lines. More than 320 DTEK employees have died in the war, mostly while fighting. Another 1,000-plus have been injured.

Hes emotionally involved," says Henrik Andersen, chief executive of Danish wind-turbine maker Vestas, who speaks frequently with Timchenko. He can see that in his employees, and in his leaders, they are working tirelessly to make the country run."

Despite the war, the two companies have pushed ahead with plans to build the biggest wind farm in Eastern Europe on Ukrainian territory, part of a broader effort to make the countrys energy system more resilient by dispersing power generation. But those efforts wouldnt help with the approaching winter.

Meanwhile, the DTEK boss grappled with constraints around servicing the companys debt due to restrictions on cross-border currency transfers. DTEK has said its trading arm would import liquefied natural gas from the U.S. in the coming months to help Ukraine and neighboring countries with winter gas supplies.

By late summer, the operation to strip Kurakhove was largely complete. Parts repurposed from Kurakhove have been significant in helping DTEK restore damaged capacity. The company has restored about 60% of capacity from before this years attacks, from a low of around 10%.

DTEKs engineers have gotten creative finding ways to combine equipment that wasnt built to work together. Despite those efforts and power imports from Europe, the International Energy Agency has warned that Ukraine could end up 6 gigawatts short of the electricity it needs for the coldest days of winter, or about a third of projected peak demand.

If winter is mild, Ukraine could avoid major nationwide blackouts, said Oleksandr Kharchenko, director at the Energy Industry Research Center, a Kyiv-based think tank. Of course, if it will be minus 10, minus 15 Celsius, especially for two to three weeks, we will need some restrictions," he said. That is assuming Russia does no further major damage to its power infrastructure.

At the Kurakhove plant, everything is gone but the boilers and other parts are too unwieldy to transport. Among the items Borichevskiy salvaged was a photo albumwarped and stained with agecontaining sepia images of the plant under construction in the 1930s, with steam-powered excavators and horse-drawn carts.

DTEK executives say they havent given up on the plant and plan to restore it when circumstances allowbut with Russian forces advancing, it is unlikely to be soon.

Many workers transferred to other power stations. Others stayed behind for months to care for elderly relatives or were simply unwilling to leave their hometown. In recent weeks, the government has told citizens to leave.

Now we are all scattered in different parts of Ukraine," said Borichevskiy.

Write to Isabel Coles at isabel.coles@wsj.com and Jenny Strasburg at jenny.strasburg@wsj.com
New Delhi: Getting refund of shares, unclaimed dividends, matured deposits and debentures is likely to get easier for investors and their heirs with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) that manages these assets set to complete its digital transformation over the next few months.

IEPFAs search facility for such financial entitlements of investors and their processing will get more technology support to make the process seamless and the technological transformation is likely to be completed by March 2025, two persons aware of the development said.

IEPFAs new search facility is currently running on a beta or testing and feedback mode. IEPFA is trying for artificial intelligence-based checking of documents received along with the claim. Also, certain processes manually done will be fully automated," said one of the persons quoted above.

The infusion of technology will help IEPF meet its target of clearing refund claims within 60 days of receiving a verification report on the investors claim and the relevant documents from the company concerned, said the person.

Incomplete applications can delay disposal of claims, said the person.

The technology revamp is also meant to help claimants avoid private entities that charge a fee to search and claim shares and dividends on their behalf.

In the FY24 union budget speech, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said an integrated IT portal will be set up for investors to apply for unclaimed dividends and shares.

After the approval of refund by IEPFA, it now takes about 15 days to transfer shares to the rightful applicant and another 15 days for dividend transfers, a time period allowed to check fraudulent claims and to ensure the propriety and integrity of the system, said the person quoted above.

How does it work now

Current procedure requires investors to upload a form on a website designated by the ministry, send its self-attested physical copy and acknowledgement with an indemnity bond to an officer of the company concerned. The company then has to verify the claim and send it to IEPFA within 15 days, which releases the refund, explained Subodh Dandawate, associate director - regulatory services at Nexdigm, a business and professional services company.

C.S. Chetan Gandhi of NPV & Associates LLP, a chartered accountancy firm, said that investors should keep track of their shareholdings and companies are required to place on their website a statement of the names, their last known addresses and the unpaid dividend to be paid to each person. Accordingly, investors can check the respective company's websites and reconfirm whether their records or names are there in the unpaid dividend list.

While claiming any refund, it is advisable that the investor should provide all details of the unclaimed dividend including details of shares along with the bank details where the unclaimed amount should be credited," said Gandhi.

To avoid all these hassles, it is always advisable to hold securities in dematerialized form, which will enable the shareholder to keep a proper track on investments and easily change bank details with the Depository Participant at one place where the demat account is opened, rather than approaching different companies to claim any unpaid dividends in future, said Gandhi.

Dandawate of Nexdigm said that the claim and verification process is a bit complex and many a times professional assistance is required, which comes at a cost. To overcome practical issues, a single window online claim system would be more beneficial," said Dandawate.

Companies transfer dividends, deposits or other financial entitlements not claimed for more than seven years, to IEPF, the fund managed by the IEPFA, which oversees its transfer to the rightful owners.

At the end of FY24, IEPF had over 8,100 crore in unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, matured debentures etc, excluding unclaimed shares transferred by companies, minister of state for corporate affairs Harsh Malhotra had informed Parliament in August this year. The value of shares, according to analysts, could be many times more than this.
Mumbai: Rural India is no longer the traditional market it once was. Households in the hinterland have grown the size of their staples-to-shampoos basket by about 60% in two years, driven by income growth, better infrastructure and digital adoption, according to a report by Kantar and GroupM.

The average number of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products in the basket of rural households has risen from 5.88 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024, said the fifth edition of the Rural Barometer by Kantar and GroupM. That signals growing aspirations and spending power among rural consumers, who are now more connected and exposed to modern consumption patterns than ever before.

Income diversity adds financial stability

While the report does find stress among rural households, it draws a sharp contrast between those dependent solely on agricultural income and families with multiple income sources. While 82% of single-income households report financial stress, this drops for families with diversified earnings to 70%.

Income diversification and direct benefit transfers are helping rural households ease financial stress, allowing them to spend on aspirational products," said Puneet Awasthi, director-specialist businesses, Insights Division, Kantar.

Also read | Investors shy from FMCG stocks but embrace quick commerce platforms: Why?

Ajay Mehta, managing director, GroupM OOH Solutions, had a broader takeaway. The conventional way of looking at rural audiences will do a disservice to your product, he said. Rural consumers are evolving quickly, and brands need to adapt their sales and communication strategies to keep up. You cant apply old urban-rural thinking anymoreyou need to evolve."

Rural turns to digital

Digital adoption is reshaping the way rural India consumes media and spends money. Nearly half of rural consumers now use a mix of traditional and digital media. Digital payments are also on the rise, with 42% of rural internet users now using these services.

Interestingly, states like Bihar and Odishaoften seen as lagging in digital infrastructureare leading the charge in digital payments adoption. These regions, which send a large share of Indias migrant labour, have transitioned from money orders to digital remittances. Its a major behavioural shift," Awasthi said.

However, Mehta clarified that this doesnt mean traditional media is losing relevance. Its not about choosing digital over traditional. Both have a role to play. The media mix is evolving, and marketers need to find the right balance," he said.

Convenience products lead the charge

Rural consumption is also being shaped by growing demand for convenience products like ready-to-eat snacks, beverages, and cleaning supplies. Improved infrastructurebetter electrification, modern kitchens, and connectivityhas played a big role in this shift.

These lifestyle upgrades create a natural demand for modern products, and once people start using them, its hard to go back," said Awasthi. Mehta agreed, adding, Consumerism, once established, tends to sustain unless theres a major disruption."

Rural demand revives

The findings are supported by commentary from leading FMCG companies during their July-September earnings calls. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) reported 3% underlying volume growth, citing improving rural demand. Dabur India reported rural sales growing at twice the pace of urban markets, a welcome rebound after several slow quarters.

Also read | Marico and Britannia cheer rural growth as FMCG cos pin hopes on monsoon

Marico, too, said rural volume growth outpaced urban demand for the third straight quarter, while Nestle India acknowledged the growing importance of rural markets in its strategy. These signals underline the growing opportunities for companies tapping into rural India.

Balancing short- and long-term goals

As brands rush to tap into rural markets, Awasthi cautioned against a short-term view. Balancing immediate returns with long-term brand building is crucial. Without a solid foundation, youre just buying market share instead of winning it," he said.

Mehta had a clear message for brands: Rural consumers are no longer just following trendstheyre shaping them. If you dont adapt, you risk falling behind."
Bitcoin soared over $82,000 for the first time due to US President-elect Donald Trumps support of digital assets and the possibility of lawmakers favouring it in Congress, Bloomberg reported.

Bitcoin jumped nearly 6.1 per cent on Sunday. On Monday, at 10:21 am in London, it crossed the highest $82,300. Smaller tokens, such as Dogecoin, promoted by Elon Musk, also rose.

Earlier, Trump was announced as the winner of Arizona, giving him victory over all the seven battleground states.

Trump's win has resulted in this significant jump in digital assets, an industry which spent more than $100 million on supporting crypto supporting candidates, the Bloomberg report said.

With the dust from Trumps victory still settling down, it was only a matter of time before a run-up of some sort occurred given the perception of Trump being pro-crypto, and thats what were seeing now, the report said, quoting Le Shi, Hong Kong managing director at market-making firm Auros.

Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market over weekend

Trumps campaign Donald Trump had promised to make the US the focus of the digital asset industry. He plans to create a strategic Bitcoin stockpile and appoint regulators favourable to digital assets, the report said.

So far in 2024, Bitcoin has increased nearly 94 per cent, boosted by demand for US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and key rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. After the Tuesday election results, the returns on Bitcoin are more than the returns from investment tools such as stocks and gold.

The report said US ETFs, majorly backed by the $35 billion iShares Bitcoin Trust of BlackRock Inc., reported a record daily net inflow of almost $1.4 billion on Thursday.

We believe a significant portion of the institutional market de-risked in the lead-up to the election and is now re-entering post-Trumps win, creating material buying pressure  this is likely to be ongoing for some time yet, the report said, quoting Richard Galvin, founder of crypto-focused investment firm DACM.

Donald Trump's agenda is completely in contrast to President Joe Biden's administration. Securities & Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler has often alleged that the industry is engaged in fraud and misconduct. Due to Trump's stance on the industry, these digital asset companies have spent a lot of money on Trump's campaign.
At every dinner party, celebration, and family get-together this year, there was at least one person boasting how much they earned on an IPO listing day. Indeed, IPOs are hot right now. With companies like Bajaj Housing Finance, Gopal Snacks, and Hyundai Motors going public, the IPO scene in 2024 has been thrilling.

Data available on Chittorgarh.com show 69 mainboard IPOs so far in 2024 raising a staggering 1.4 trillion. Investors eagerly lined up for these launches, captivated by the promise of listing gains and the chance to back established brands and high-growth stories.

But the IPO rush brought its share of ups and downs. Of these 69 debuts, 15 stocks listed at prices lower than their IPO price, reminding everyone that not all listings are a guaranteed win.

As the year comes to an end, its time to take a look at the performance of these newly listed companies. In this article, well explore the best and worst IPOs of 2024 and take a brief look at three much-anticipated IPOs coming up next year.

Before we delve deeper into the analysis, lets take a quick look at the 5 best-performing IPOs of 2024.

View Full Image (BSE, Chittorgarh.com)

Now, lets take a detailed look at this years top two best and worst IPOs in detail.

Jyoti CNC Automation

Jyoti CNC Automation is a leading manufacturer of simultaneous 5-axis CNC machines in India, with a 10% market share in the country. CNC, or computer numerical control, machines are manufacturing devices controlled my computer programmes.

Jyoti CNC has years of expertise in designing and manufacturing tools for companies in aerospace, defence, auto components, general engineering, and other industries.

The company was listed on 16 January at 372 per share, registering a listing gain of 12.4%. In 2024 so far, it has rallied 241.3% from its issue price. It was this years first IPO.

View Full Image In  crore. (Screener.com)

Jyoti CNC has shown a steady increase in sales, rising from 687 crore in FY20 to 1,338 crore in FY24, reflecting a moderate 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. While sales growth has been consistent, the real breakthrough came in profitability.

After four years of losses, the company turned profitable in FY24, achieving a net profit of 151 crore. This impressive turn indicates a substantial shift toward financial stability.

However, fluctuating other income and a 5-year return on equity (RoE) of -7% reveal challenges in generating steady returns for shareholders. The FY24 profit is promising, but to truly inspire confidence, the company will need to maintain this momentum and improve its RoE.

Also read | Lab-grown diamonds: Goldiam leads the charge, Trent joins the race

Debt reduction is one of the companys top priorities. In FY24, Jyoti CNC successfully reduced its debt by more than half to 304 crore. This shows the companys commitment towards debt reduction. In the next 2-3 years it plans to become a debt-free company.

Despite the high debt and unstable profitability investors are confident in Jyoti CNC because of its strong order book and optimistic sectoral outlook.

Jyoti CNCs share price surged post listing due to the companys strong financial performance, a large order book, and growing demand for CNC machines, driven by Indias manufacturing growth and automation needs. A well-priced IPO could perhaps be another reason for this performance.

However, since the company has already rallied 166.1% in 2024 so far, it may help to keep an eye on the stocks valuations. Its currently trading at a price-equity (PE) ratio of 119x, which would appear to be pricey by general standards.

KRN Heat Exchanger and Refrigeration

KRN Heat Exchanger and Refrigeration manufactures fin and tube-type heat exchangers for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry.

It was listed on 3 October, 113.6% above its issue price at 470 per share. In 2024 so far, the stock has rallied 167.4% from its issue price.

View Full Image In  crore (Screener.com)

In the last four years, KRNs sales have shown a strong upward trend, increasing from 76 crore in FY21 to 308 crore in FY24, indicating solid, sustained growth.

Net profit also has shown impressive growth, climbing from 2 crore in FY21 to 40 crore in FY24. The company has managed to increase profitability at a rate faster than its revenue growth, suggesting effective cost management and an improved operational structure.

KRNs 5-year RoE of 14% is also healthy. Besides, other income remains relatively small, showing minor growth from 1 crore in FY21 to 5 crore in FY24, suggesting limited reliance on non-operational revenue.

However, long-term debt surged significantly in FY24, from 16 crore in FY23 to 85 crore. This could indicate a recent capital expansion, possibly for new projects or scaling operations, which might impact future profitability if not managed effectively.

Also read | Post-monsoon triggers: Three cement stocks to add to your watchlist

KRN HVAC Products, a subsidiary of KRN Heat Exchanger, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Rajasthan outlining a proposed investment of 1,000 crore, underscoring the companys commitment to growth.

KRN Heat Exchangers IPO has done well. This could be due to various reasons, including an attractively priced IPO. Also, the companys expertise in high-quality heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components and strong client relationships, along with steady growth in revenue and profit, could have attracted substantial investor interest. The robust fundamentals and market demand have further fuelled its post-listing rally.

Worst performing IPOs of 2024

View Full Image This year's worst-performing IPOs (BSE, Chittorgarh.com)

Popular Vehicles & Services

Popular Vehicles & Services is a multi-brand car dealership company that offers a range of services for the entire life of a vehicle. The companys offerings include sales of new and preowned vehicles, servicing, spare parts distribution, driving schools, and sales of third-party financial and insurance products.

The stock made a tepid debut on the stock exchanges on 19 March. It was listed at 292 per share, 1% below its issue price. In 2024 so far, the share price has tumbled 42.3% from its issue price.

View Full Image In  crore (Screener.com)

The table reflects consistent revenue growth, especially over the last two fiscal years, with sales increasing from 3,172 crore in FY20 to 5,616 crore in FY24, registering a 5-year CAGR of 8%.

Profitability has also improved steadily, with net profit growing from 12 crore in FY20 to 76 crore in FY24, at a strong 5-year CAGR of 28%. However, the companys long-term debt has increased from 645 crore to 925 crore, suggesting that some of this growth may have been debt-financed.

With a 5-year RoE of 12%, the companys returns are stable but could be further optimized by managing debt levels as it scales. Overall, the upward trend in sales and profit positions the company well, though balancing debt could further enhance its financial health.

Also read | Two hugely underperforming stocks set for a big turnaround?

Popular Vehicles and Services continues to explore inorganic growth opportunities, aiming for a balanced approach between organic and inorganic expansion. The electric vehicle market, which is a key focus for the company, is projected to grow exponentially.

As consumers and businesses pivot towards sustainable transportation solutions, Popular Vehicles partnerships with Ather and Piaggio position it at the forefront of this transition. The EV segments potential for growth is immense and the company is gearing up to make the most of it.

Factors like the companys growing debt, its reliance on original equipment manufacturers, intense competition, and unresolved customer complaints are likely to be responsible for the downtrend trend in Popular Vehicles and Services share price.

Capital Small Finance Bank

Capital Small Finance Bank provides a range of banking and financial products and services for individuals and businesses in India. The company operates in four segments: treasury, wholesale banking, retail banking, and other banking operations.

As the name suggests, it is a niche small finance bank (SFB). It was the first non-NBFC microfinance outfit to get an SFB license. Capital Small Finance Bank has a very strong presence in semi-urban and rural areas with a predominantly branch-based operating model.

It was listed on 14 February at 435 per share, registering a listing loss of 7.2%. In 2024 so far, the share price has slipped 36.7% from its issue price.

View Full Image In  crore (Screener.com)

Capital Small Finance Banks sales have grown steadily, registering an 18% 5-year CAGR, which aligns with consistent expansion efforts. Net profit has shown even stronger growth, with a remarkable 42% CAGR, indicating improved operational efficiency and profitability.

The banks 5-year RoE of 12% highlights a decent return to shareholders, though theres room for improvement when compared with industry leaders. The steady increase in long-term borrowings aligns with its status as a bank, as borrowing is essential for financing lending operations.

Overall, the banks performance reflects robust growth potential with a focus on maintaining profitability.

According to Nuvama, the banks management plans to add 25-30 branches in FY25 and is targeting more than 200 branches. The average breakeven for new branches is 15-21 months. The benefits from matured branches (those that have completed five years) are expected to offset the costs of opening new branches.

Also read | Five lesser-known Indian investors and their top stock bets

Capital Small Finance Banks share price has remained under pressure owing to sectoral headwinds. Weak quarterly results and stringent Reserve Bank of India regulations on small finance banks contributed to an overall downward trend in companys share price.

To sum up, 2024 has been a year of mixed fortunes for IPO investors. But its important to note that initial market reactions often deviate from the long-term performance of companies.

As we move into 2025, the IPO market is expected to remain active, with several high-profile companies planning to go public.

Top upcoming IPOs of 2025

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility

Tata group IPOs are always highly anticipated, and the upcoming listing of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEML) in 2025 is no exception.

Launched in 2021 to drive Tatas EV ambitions, TPEML has rapidly grown, capturing around 80% of Indias EV market with popular models like Nexon EV. Its IPO is expected to raise $1-2 billion. The proceeds will help fund the companys ambitious plans, including new EV models and luxury offerings with Jaguar Land Rover.

Further, Tata Sons itself may go public by September as RBI has denied its request for an exemption from listing, adding even more excitement for investors.

Jio Platforms

Last week, Mint reported that Reliance Industries Ltd was gearing up to list its telecom arm, Jio Platforms, in 2025, aiming to launch one of Indias largest IPOs.

According to sources, initial preparations are underway, although investment banks for the offering haven't been appointed yet. Analysts value Jio at over $100 billion, with some estimates, like that of Jefferies, suggesting an IPO valuation of $112 billion.

Unlike the recent demerger of Jio Financial Services, Jio Platforms will be directly listed as a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. This IPO would also offer an exit opportunity for existing investors, who currently hold 33% of the company. Among the major stakeholders are Meta Platforms, Google, KKR, and Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund.

Recently, Jio partnered with Nvidia to develop AI data centers, further boosting its growth prospects.

Imagine Marketing (boAt)

boAt, a major player in Indias wearables market, is preparing for a potential IPO next year, co-founder Aman Gupta shared at an event recently.

Gupta highlighted that the company was making operational improvements, and if all goes as planned, the public offering will proceed. Additionally, boAt is expanding globally, with a debut in the UAE scheduled for next month.

boAt is reportedly targeting a valuation of $1.5-2 billion through the IPO. The capital raised will support strategic goals such as entering new lifestyle segments, increasing brand investments, expanding marketing efforts, and enhancing design and tech capabilities.

The Buffet approach

IPOs catch investor attention quickly because they hold the possibility of fast returns and the thrill of investing in companies at a critical juncture. For many investors, an IPO is almost like being a part of potentially promising ventures from their ground level. Market hullabaloos and excessive optimism widely accrue from that.

However, not everybody feels this excitement. One of them is Warren Buffett. He often warns against the froth of IPOs: The one thing I can tell you is that its almost always a mistake to buy an IPO".

For Buffett, IPOs are more of a sellers market where companies try to attract high prices that may be beyond the actual value.

Among the reasons he dreads IPOs are:

Extreme valuations: According to Buffett, IPOs are generally sold at rich prices because of ready buyers along with profit-maximizing banks, so there is hardly any scope for value appreciation in the long run.

Inadequate information: Because most IPOs originate from infant companies with very short histories, there is often a scarcity of information and, hence, evaluating the real worth of the firms or their prospects turns out to be quite difficult.

Uncertain future: IPOs typically involve companies in early stages, whose success and growth path are yet unproven. To Buffett, this presents a risk factor that he wishes to avoid.

Even though he generally avoids public share listings, Buffett is not anti-IPO. In fact, he has, on rare occasions, invested in an IPO, but only if extensive research reveals value and the company fits his long-term plans.

If you are IPO-curious, here are some timeless Buffetts principles:

Business fundamentals matter more than buzz: Look away from the hype around the offer and look into the businesss fundamentals, like financials and market position.

Value commands: Buffett believes that investors should invest in IPO only when intrinsic value is obvious and shares are offered at a reasonable price.

Dont follow trends: Find out the business fundamentals of the company yourself. Decide based on your study.

Be in for the long haul: Focus on the long-term potential of the business rather than being more concerned with a short-term gain.

IPOs are very tempting but IPOs require sober thought and sane thinking. Investors can look forward to judiciously deciding on IPOs that align decisions in concurrence with their financial goals and risk tolerance by following the tenets laid out by Buffett on value and due diligence.

Note: We have relied on data from www.Screener.in and BSE throughout this article. Only in cases where the data was not available, have we used an alternate, but widely used and accepted source of information.

The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educative purposes only.

Ekta Sonecha Desai has a deep interest in the equity markets and likes to dig deep into the world of companies, studying their performance and uncovering insights that bring value to her readers.

Disclosure: The writer and her dependents do not hold the stocks discussed in this article.
Higher government spending, and wedding and festival season uptick in sales could enable Nifty to notch the Street estimated earnings of 1,059 per share in the current fiscal. The real worry is the FY26 Nifty 50 EPS estimate of ~ 1,200-1,250, an 18% growth over that in FY24, which looks tough, given an estimated 5% earnings growth in the current fiscal, believes Nilesh Shah, managing director (MD) of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. (AMC). He still feels, though, unlike in China, in India the earnings growth has compounded at a much higher clip in the past decade and that foreign investors will have room for both the economic giants in their portfolios. On Trump as president, he feels India should convince the US about replicating benefits of sourcing quality generic medicines from India at affordable cost across other industries, by partnering with us.

The US elections are over. What impact do you see on EMs such as ours based on Trump's potential noise surrounding immigration and tariffs?

I recently met the CEO of a US firm. I want to share his prognosis on President Trump's victory. President Trump will carry the learnings of the first term in the second term. Focus on the composition of the team to sense the direction of the government. Wait for the actual implementation of policies post-January 2025 rather than go by election rhetoric.

Tariffs will be as much about economics as geopolitics. India should lobby to create a win-win situation, such as how the US benefits from sourcing quality generic medicines from India at an affordable cost. We need to convince President Trump that partnering with India can be replicated across many other industries, and will benefit the US with lower costs and a reliable supply.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are selling like there is no tomorrow. There is supply of paper at the same time (qualified institutional placement, initial public offering, private equity selling) which is not being absorbed because of the FII selling. Do you see a change sooner or later or have poor earnings and potential slowdown affected their sentiment?

The September quarter data did have some weak numbers on cement volume, auto sales, diesel consumption, etc. Did rains, the Shraddh period, and lower government spending in H1FY25 drive this, or were there more significant issues? The jury is still out there. The festival season has reversed some of the trends. Auto sales are up, albeit with a heavy discount. Apparel sales are up on a lower base. The wedding season is about to start. Government capex has to move from 69,000 crore a month in H1FY25 to 110,000 crore a month in H2FY25 to achieve budgeted capex. We estimate December and March quarter results to reverse the trend of below-expectation results in September 2024 quarter due to festival, wedding and increased government spending.

If China, fearing US future actions, announced more stimulus do you think the diversion from India could continue?

If China's stimulus results in investor interest in emerging markets passive funds, then for every 27 cents going to China, 20 cents will come to India. If China's stimulus results in investor interest in active funds, the flows will go to China. I am confident that investors recognise that after a 30% rally from the bottom, the Chinese CSI 300 is still trading at the 2007 level, and the earnings growth of the CSI 300 is 10% in renminbi terms in the last 10 years. Nifty 50, on the other hand, after an 8% fall from the top, is trading at the 2024 level and has compounded earnings by 166% in rupee terms in the last decade. CSI 300 is now trading at a premium to its previous decade's average valuation, while the Nifty 50 is trading below its last decade's average valuation. Investors will indeed have space for China and India in their portfolios.

H1FY25 may have been impacted by the elections which crimped government expenditure. What sense are you getting on H2 in terms of demand and corporate earnings?

The Q1FY25 Nifty 50 EPS (earnings per share) came at ~ 287. Q2 FY25 Nifty 50 EPS is expected at ~ 269. H1FY25 Nifty 50 EPS will be ~ 556. The H2 Nifty 50 EPS estimate is ~ 503. With increased government spending, wedding season and just concluded festival season, that number doesn't look out of reach. The real worry is the FY26 Nifty 50 EPS estimate of ~ 1,200-1,250, which looks tough. The good news is that the uptick in earnings will be delayed in India by a quarter or more but will not be deferred forever.

We believe private capex will remain measured in H2FY25. More reforms are needed on land, labour, farm and judiciary to improve the investment climate.

Is private capex likely to pick up or will the government lead still rule?

The central government's budgeted capex at 11.11 trillion for FY25 is much smaller than private capex. We see greenshoots in the renewable energy, IT, real estate, power sectors, etc. Technology disruption and next-generation interest in traditional business also weigh on private investment as much as ease of doing business. We believe private capex will remain measured in H2FY25. More reforms are needed on land, labour, farm and judiciary to improve the investment climate. There is also a need to improve inspector raj" to sustain ease of doing business to facilitate more investment.

Is there any structural change in the way demand is playing out in rural or urban areas?

Multiple changes are happening in the consumption sector due to consumer preference (ties to Modi jackets), technology (feature phone to smartphone), innovation (beauty and healthcare supplements), aspiration (luxury brands), logistics (quick and e-commerce), value-for-money quest (cheaper products with quality), and distribution (modern retail) across both rural and urban India. It is a competitive world, and the brand alone doesn't give the right to win.

If economic growth slows, and market pullback persists, is there risk to systematic investment plans (SIP) flows?

The Reserve bank of India (RBI) report on household financial sector investment estimated the total flow in mutual funds (MFs) between FY21 and FY23 at 4 trillion. Currency in circulation went up by 9 trillion. As long as investors believe that SIP will give a better return than cash, there is a chance that SIP flows will be sustained. More than 100,000 mutual fund distributors and their employees are raising financial awareness among Indians. At Kotak MF, we have entered Asia's book of records for imparting financial awareness to more than 75,000 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) teachers. Our regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), has guided us in launching an investor awareness campaign on a scale unprecedented globally. All these efforts give us confidence that SIP flows will be sustained.

On a bottom-up basis, the market outperformers will be found among private banks, IT, pharma, telecom, consumer staples, and cement sectors.

Which sectors are you sanguine on and which will you avoid?

We had warned about valuation concerns in low-floating stock counters across public sector undertakings (PSUs), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), microcaps, and sectors like capital goods, consumer durables, and infrastructure. Finally, the correction has been set in those stocks.

Read more: Trent takes a breather from 50Percent plus growth in September quarter

We are watching quality over momentum, reasonable valuation over expensive valuation, and high-floating stock over low-floating stock companies. On a bottom-up basis, the market outperformers will be found among private banks, IT, pharma, telecom, consumer staples, and cement sectors.

Retail sentiment as seen in IPOs of Hyundai, and Swiggy was not too upbeat. Is MF buying in these papers a risky bet?

The MFs are not in for subscribing to the IPO only to sell on listing day as a majority of retail and high networth individual (HNI) investors are prone to doing. Our investment in an IPO is on a longer term basis if we can get a decent size.
On our last trip from Mexico, we brought back chillies instead of clothes," laughs Ricardo Vargas. A steady supply of dry chillies is a must, among other Mexican spices and seasonings, for the Dehradun-based Vargas who is co-founder of Mexico Lindo  a Mexican restaurant that opened in the Uttarakhand capital three months earlier.

Dehradun may retain the charms of a quiet town out of Ruskin Bonds short stories, but its transformation into a state capital has come with several buzzy additions to the citys retail and culinary scene. Neighbourhoods such as Rajpur Road are dotted with cafes and restaurants, offering everything from artisanal coffee to craft cocktails. It is however still somewhat surprising to find a place like Mexico Lindo in the city, serving authentic delicacies cooked by a team of Mexican expats.

Also read: Malted beer ice cream and Lombardy cheese at a new restaurant in Bengaluru

Located in Mussoorie Road, next to Pestle Weed College, Mexico Lindo means Beautiful Mexico" and gets its name from a popular song. The cosy glass-fronted restaurant seats 23-25 people, and is filled with decor elements from the North American country: Papel picado (decorative paper cutouts), Marias dolls, traditional embroidered cushions and curtains. Vargas manages guest relations while Satsuki Midori, his wife, helms the kitchen with Damaris Medina.

Neither Vargas, who is a Spanish teacher by profession, nor Satsuki had a restaurant in mind when they moved to Dehradun in 2021 with their baby daughter. Both were familiar with India, having visited a few times over the last decade; Vargas recalls proposing to Satsuki in West Bengal in 2014. A friend in Dehradun said there are opportunities to teach Spanish in india. A lot of my work is online [virtual] and I told my wife it would be an adventure to move for a year," he recalls. It started feeling like a second home and we made friends here. When a year passed, we decided to stay for another."

Satsuki had a background in hotel and restaurant management. Her experience came handy when friends, who Vargas and Satsuki would invite for home-cooked Mexican meals, suggested that the couple open a restaurant. Since last year, they began planning the venture in earnest. Medina, a trained chef, travelled to India for a limited period to help set up the kitchen and train the local staff. To decide the menu, the team hosted meal tastings and gathered feedback. Some classic recipes, like the mole  a sauce made using chillies, tomatillos, and chocolate  did not find favour, but many other traditional fare made the cut. Vargas adds, We do dishes that are available across Mexico. Preparations may differ, but you find tacos, quesadillas, and sopes in every city."

The menu spans these dishes, along with other familiar names: aros de cebolla (onion rings), totopos (tortilla chips), churros, and huaraches. The Taco Birria, stuffed with mutton and cheese is a must-have; for vegetarians, Vargas recommends the Taco Serenata, filled with paneer, potato, and creamy beans. Also, try a horchata  cinnamon-infused rice drink  or the hibiscus-based Jamaica, available as a cold beverage or hot tea. Famous Mexican figures christen many of the dishes. Take for instance the Taco Neri Vela, named after Rodolfo Neri Vela, the first Mexican astronaut to go to space, who convinced NASA to stock tortillas onboard the Space Shuttle. The Sope Camarena gets its name from Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena, an engineer who invented a colour-wheel television. New dishes are added every few months, with soups forthcoming this winter.

Offering an unusual cuisine amid a profusion of North Indian and Himalayan restaurants, Mexico Lindo is a hidden gem. Dehradun is a small city, but the good thing is that people are used to dining out here," Vargas says. Most of our customers come through word of mouth, and after three months, we are beginning to get regulars." The location of the restaurant can also draw tourists travelling from Delhi and other places towards Mussoorie and further. With bootstrapped operations and a team of seven across the kitchen and serving staff, the restaurant uses Instagram for promotion, its page filled with food-meets-culture content. In one post, Satsuki, posing as a customer, asks for salsa with her meal. In response, Vargas breaks into a dance. A cheeky caption reads, We bring the heaton the dance floor AND your tacos!"

Also read: How food critics strike a balance when eating out
When travelling abroad, travellers can choose between cash and card for payments. For card options, debit, credit, and forex cards are available. While most travellers would have a debit card, using it for international transactions is typically more expensive.

A more economical option is a prepaid forex card, which allows you to carry foreign currency in the form of plastic in place of cash. A forex card is cheaper because the markup charged on currency conversion is lower compared to what banks apply to debit cards when they are swiped outside India. However, they come with their own fees and charges.

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Know the various costs

A forex card allows users to buy and load single or multiple currencies. When you load the currency on the card, the bank converts it according to its prevailing exchange rate. The key difference compared to debit cards is that the markup charged on international payments done with debit cards is, in most cases bigger than the spread that a bank or financial institution charges over the mid-market exchange rate while selling forex.

For example, the US dollar exchange rate offered by HDFC Bank on 8 November was 85.99. If a user of an HDFC multi-currency forex card loaded the card with $500, they would pay about 43,070 (including the 75 loading fee charged by the bank). Now, for foreign currency transactions on debit cards, HDFC Bank charges a 3.5% markup. The exchange rate applicable on debit card transactions is the Visa/MasterCard wholesale exchange rate on that date.

Assuming the cardholder used a debit card on the Visa network, swiping the card for payments worth $500 would debit 43,683 from his bank account, as per the Visa exchange rate calculator, approximately 1.5% more than using a forex card. To be sure, these calculations do not consider the 18% GST and service tax applicable to both forex card and debit card payments.

It is worth noting how the various fees attached to forex cards can eat into the savings vis-a-vis a debit card.

In the same example above, the difference in the net amount paid is rather small at 1.5% for two reasons: HDFC Bank adds a 2% spread over the mid-market rate, and the bank charges 75 as loading fee for each purchase order. It should also be noted that HDFC Bank charges the highest issuing fee of 500 (GST extra) on its multi-currency forex card compared to other entities. Such costs can add up to impact the real savings one can expect in using a forex card over swiping debit cards.

A forex card can offer meaningful savings when the exchange rate is close to mid-market rate and there are nil to minimal charges on loading, unloading, issuance and inactivity.

As per Mints research, forex cards offered by forex marketplaces such as BookMyForex (BMF) and Thomas Cook offer the best value on all these metrics compared to cards offered by major banks (see grfx). Among all banks and other financial entities, Thomas Cook and BookMyForex offer the lowest exchange rates.

Sudarshan Motwani, founder and CEO, BookMyForex, said the company does not charge fees for loading, unloading, issuance or forex markups on their forex cards. Our revenue primarily comes from the Merchant discount rate (MDR). This MDR allows us to earn a commission on each transaction made, without passing additional fees on to cardholders," he said.

Along with the buying rate, one should also check whether the issuer is giving reasonable sell rate so that you dont lose much while transferring the leftover balance to your bank account.

Key Features

Multi-currency cards: Forex cards allow users to load single or multiple currencies. Multi-currency cards are better for frequent international travellers as they can save on cross-currency conversion charges. For instance, if one travels across Europe with only euro loaded on it and goes to any country using a different currency, say Switzerland that uses Swiss Franc, they would pay a 2-4% cross-currency conversion markup in each swipe.

Moreover, with a multi-currency card, the cardholder doesnt have to unload the old currency and reload a new one whenever they plan a trip. Even if there are no unloading charges, the cardholder loses money every time they sell a currency as the selling rate is always 1-5% lower than the buying rate.

While multi-currency cards support 10-20 major currencies, those of smaller countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Turkey, among others, and less popular destinations, which include all African countries except South Africa, are typically not supported. So, using a forex card in such countries will be a costly proposition as you will pay a cross-currency charge with each swipe. A debit card or cash may be a better option for such trips.

How to load money: Forex cards can be bought without opening a bank account with the issuing bank or financial entities. However, buying a card with your bank makes the process of loading the card easier with net banking. While travelling overseas, a customer can seamlessly load (or reload) Kotak World Travel forex card online with foreign currency either through net banking or mobile banking by transferring funds from the linked bank account," said Ambuj Chandna, head  products, consumer bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Non-customers can load the card by visiting a bank branch. They have to fill form A2 and provide other necessary documents.

LRS rules:The total amount you can load and store in forex cards is governed by Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) rules. The maximum amount allowed to be loaded is the overall $250,000 limit allowed per financial year under LRS. However, this doesnt mean cardholders can store this much forex in their card at all times. Upon returning to India, a customer is required to surrender the available balance within 180 days of return, with upto $2,000 allowed to be retained," said Chandna.

Note that the $2,000 limit includes all currencies and cash and balance in forex cards.

Acceptability and security:Forex cards are largely secure against cyber fraud. Forex cards offer better security over debit cards because they arent directly linked to your bank account. In case of fraud, only the loaded amount is at risk, unlike a debit card where the entire bank account balance is at risk," said Sumanta Mandal, co-founder, Technofino.

As for acceptability, it is as good as any other plastic. A forex cards acceptability depends on the card network, so any Visa or Mastercard forex card will be widely accepted around the world," said Motwani.

Some countries where a forex card is not accepted are Bhutan and Nepal, as per FEMA rules and any other countries under conflict, such as Afghanistan, Israel, and Iran.

Adhil Shetty, CEO, BankBazaar.com, said the only reason forex card transactions could be declined is due to security reasons. If the value of the current transaction is different from the other transactions undertaken till date, the forex card may be declined due to suspicion of fraud. This is common especially when you try to transact in countries that are known centres of fraud origination. In some cases, it could be a payment gateway issue. This happens rarely, but in some cases, there are compatibility issues though the cards are expected to work seamlessly."

ATM withdrawal: Forex cards can be swiped to withdraw cash from ATMs in the country you are travelling in. All forex cards charge a fee and these vary across different currencies (see grfx).Note that cross-currency charges apply in this case, too, if the currency being withdrawn differs from the one loaded into the card.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi: The auspicious occasion of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini or Devotthan Ekadashi, is observed in the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. According to the Hindu calendar, this year, the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi will be celebrated on November 12.

Time As per popular belief, the Lord of the world, Lord Vishnu, woke up from Yoga Nidra after four months on this day and took charge again. According to Drik Panchang, the shubh muhurat timings are given below.

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Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 06:46 PM on Nov 11, 2024

Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 04:04 PM on Nov 12, 2024

Delhi-NCR to see around 50,000 weddings on Nov 12 On the day of Dev Uthani Ekadashi, around 48,000 weddings are expected to take place across Delhi-NCR, reported Hindustan Times. This day will mark the beginning of the shubh saaya for weddings this winter. Owner of Rohini's Hari Om Band, Piyush Sharma, said, Delhi-NCR can expect to witness 50,000 weddings in Delhi on November 12". Informing about the high number of bookings for Tuesday, Piyush Sharma said, The vendors who we deal with have been telling us about the high number of bookings they have received for this date.

Significance According to astrologer Ajai Bhambi, Dev Uthani Ekadashi is abhuj, which means that the muhurat is so auspicious that no consultation from any pandit is required. One can get married at any time on this day and no additional puja or rectification is required," HT quoted the astrologer as saying.

Furthermore, according to Hindu panchang, this day is considered special as couples can marry irrespective of their kundalis and planetary placements. Pandit Ram Hari Sharma said, "Even mangliks can get married on this day.

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A photographer from Iceland posted a video clip on Instagram reels that captures an eccentric moment of lava flowing over snow. The photographer, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, said that this clip sparked a lot of debate as theres no visible steam during the time the lava crosses over the snow.

According to the post's description, the footage was captured at Iceland's active volcanic fissure Sundhnukagigar during the February eruption this year. The photographer explained that the Leidenfrost effect prevents steam from forming, allowing lava to move rapidly over the snow. The caption to the post reads, What happens is likely the result of the Leidenfrost effect. The lava is so incredibly hot that it melts the top part of the snow, which then creates a vapour layer that shields the bottom part from the heat temporarily.

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Elaborating on the phenomenon, he said that it is similar to what happens when water droplets scoot around on a hot metal plate. He added, The lava moves so fast that it actually manages to cover the snow before it can melt. As a result, it is all trapped underneath the fresh lava. He called this extraordinary event, Extremely fascinating.

The viral video has garnered over 42.5 thousand likes and around 9.4 crore views. A user questioned, Is this on regular speed? Does lava actually move this fast? Another user commented, Its fake. Obviously, this is just a chocolate cookie dough being squashed over a layer of fine sugar.

Some users said that it was terrifying but cool. I didn't know that; cool! Also terrifying, but cool! one commented. Another remarked, This is what anxiety feels like.

Some users termed it red velvet. Looks like red Velvet Cake! Another user noted, A tale of ice and fire. Yet another user posted: How it feels to watch the electoral college votes get counted.

The Leidenfrost effect is a physical phenomenon in which a liquid, close to a solid surface of another body that is significantly hotter than the liquid's boiling point, produces an insulating vapour layer that keeps the liquid from boiling rapidly. Because of this repulsive force, a droplet hovers over the surface rather than making physical contact with it. The effect is named after the German doctor Johann Gottlob Leidenfrost, who described it in A Tract About Some Qualities of Common Water.
(Bloomberg) -- President Daniel Noboa removed his second-in-command as a political obstacle in Ecuador, while electoral authorities disqualified a conservative candidate ahead of Februarys election.

The presidency announced that Planning Secretary Sariha Moya would replace Vice President Veronica Abad in an acting capacity on Monday. Abad was suspended by the labor ministry for 150 days last week after she was late in relocating to Turkey from Israel, where she is serving as a peace envoy.

The feud between Noboa, who must take leave from the presidency in January to run for re-election, began during last years snap campaign. Abad, a libertarian, blames the estrangement on Noboas willingness to cut a congressional deal with a left-wing party, and accuses him of pushing her aside to avoid having to hand her the reins of power.

They intend to disqualify me for five months for an offense not committed and without any proof, with the sole purpose of preventing me from assuming the presidency, Abad said in a video message distributed late Sunday.

Separately, the Electoral Disputes Court confirmed the disqualification of conservative candidate Jan Topic. It cited a potential conflict of interest between his eventual presidency and his business interests with local governments, ruling that he hadnt credibly divested them.

With no option to appeal, his SUMA party will be taking online applications to select a new candidate in the 10 days it has to pick a replacement. Its disgusting, Topic said Monday during a news conference in Quito, blaming Noboa for the ruling.

Ecuador is facing crippling blackouts and a looming recession as Noboa fights several crises at once ahead of his re-election bid. While polls havent been released since before the lights started going out in September, they previously indicated the 36-year-old heir to a banana fortune was Ecuadors most popular politician, followed by Luisa Gonzalez, his left-wing opponent in last years runoff vote, and Topic in third place amid a field of 16.

While Abad can only be permanently removed if Congress impeaches her, Noboa has the right to replace her in the case that shes temporarily absent from her post. And as an existing cabinet appointee, Moya qualifies to serve as vice president in her place.

The president is nevertheless being criticized, given the executive-branch swap and Topic court ruling occurred in rapid succession.

The Topic issue is grave, its anti-democratic, Sofia Cordero, a political scientist at FLACSO Ecuador in Quito, said by phone. The vice presidents case is much more serious, she added, calling it a gross violation of the constitution amid a series of grotesque illegal acts that fails to respect the will of the voters.

Noboas predecessor, former President Guillermo Lasso, also criticized the moves, saying in a post on X they represent a risk to the stability of our democracy.

Elected to serve out the last 18 months of Lassos term, Noboas crackdown on crime took his approval ratings to 80% after armed thugs shocked the nation in January by briefly seizing a television set during a live broadcast.

Homicides are down 17%, while police have shot and killed 100 suspects dubbed terrorists since Noboa declared an internal war on narco gangs. He also used his popularity to push through a tax increase that helped secure a deal with the International Monetary Fund, easing fiscal pressures.

But problems with the power grid are taking a toll on Noboa. The electrical industry is unable to meet demand due to a prolonged drought that first led to blackouts in late 2023, leaving homes and businesses without power for several hours a day as hydroelectric plants lack water.

Abad says she fell out with Noboa after opposing a legislative deal with two parties  Gonzalezs Citizen Revolution, or RC, and its junior partner, the Social Christian Party, on whose ticket Topic ran in 2023  to secure a temporary congressional majority. That pact collapsed when the president ordered police to storm the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest fugitive former Vice President Jorge Glas, a leading RC politician.

While the vice president complied with Noboas decision to post her to Ecuadors embassy in Tel Aviv so as to not be accused of dereliction of duty, she complained about being sent into a war zone as a result of their dispute. The foreign ministry ordered Abad to decamp to Turkey as of Sept. 1 amid the widening Israeli conflict, with the labor ministry then suspending her without pay for being unjustifiably absent from her new office for several days.

Those disciplinary measures were a gross violation of the Constitution and Ecuadorian laws as an administrative measure not applicable to elected officials after she had refused to cave in to pressure to resign, Abad said in her video message. She called on authorities including the National Assembly and the attorney generals office to review her case.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi on Monday. CJI Sanjiv Khanna is was part of key landmark judgements, including electoral bonds scheme, abrogation of Article 370, etc.

Unlike his predecessor DY Chandrachud, who served a two-year term, Sanjiv Khanna is set to hold the CJI post for six months. During his tenure, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will hear key landmark judgements that may immensely impact our lives.

CJI Sanjiv Khanna takes over as the new CJI today: High-profile cases listed in coming months After taking over the charge of the new CJI, Sanjiv Khanna is scheduled to hear several high-profile cases, including Google's Android dominance lawsuit, the criminalisation of marital rape, and the e-gaming retrospective taxation issue, NDTV Profit reported. Here are the details about these cases.

Criminalisation of marital rape case The Supreme Court, on October 23, adjourned the hearing of a batch of petitions seeking the criminalisation of marital rape. The case was adjourned for four weeks and is likely to be heard by the SC bench, including CJI, in November or December. So far, no information is available about the hearing date of the marital rape case.

CJI DY Chandrachud deferred the hearing of the case, citing that the hearing of the case wouldn't be completed before November 10, his retirement day.

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Google's antitrust case The Supreme Court is likely to hear Google's appeal against the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal's (NCLAT) order in January 2024. The apex court will decide on Google's plea challenging the NCLAT's decision to uphold the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) fine of 1,338 crore for anti-trust violations.

The hearing was initially scheduled for October 11 but was postponed due to constitution bench hearings, Outlook reported.

According to The Indian Express, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google 1,337.76 crore in October 2022 after finding the search giant guilty of abusing its dominant position in the Android mobile device ecosystem.

The CCI had also ordered Google to give users a choice in selecting a default search engine while setting up their devices. Later, the tech giant moved to NCLAT against CCI fine, where the former upheld the decision. Now, the antitrust dispute between Google and NCLAT is pending in Supreme Court.
Five people were nabbed from Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. The arrests included shooter and key accused Shiva Kumar as well as four associates. The group had been trying to cross the border into Nepal when they were caught in a joint police operation.

Former Maharashtra MLA Baba Siddique was shot dead by three assailants outside his son and current MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office building in Mumbai. He was rushed to a local hospital with two bullet injuries to the chest on October 12 and passed away later that night.

Two of the shooters  identified as Gurnail Singh and Dhramraj Kashyap  had been caught soon after the incident while Shiv Kumar remained on the run.

According to reports the now-arrested shooter had fled to Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh after the murder. The Mumbai Police had remained hot on his trail but failed to catch him.

Officials had then begun tracing the movements of approximately 45 people deemed close to Kumar. They eventually zeroed in on four people that appeared to be constantly in contact with the fugitive.

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According to reports, the investigation was triggered by their suspicious activities  from purchasing clothes in various sizes to planning a meeting with Kumar in a remote forest about 10 kilometres from Nanpara on bikes. The police later discovered that they were intending to assist Gautam in fleeing the country via Nepal and laid a trap.

A team comprising 6 officers and 15 personnel conducted the joint operation with Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF). UP Police ADG Amitabh Yash told reporters in Lucknow that the accused had been trying to flee into Nepal at the time. The four others, namely Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava and Akhilendra Pratap Singh, have been arrested for sheltering Shivkumar and helping him escape.
In a case of alleged rape, the Bombay High Court at Goa has ruled that even if a girl has booked a hotel room along with a man and goes inside the room, it does not mean that she has given her consent for sexual intercourse.

A single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court led by Justice Bharat Deshpande quashed a March 2021 order passed by a Margao Trial Court, which discharged a man from rape charges, Live Law reported.

The Bombay High Court had passed the order on September 3 but made it available recently.

According to the trial court order, since the girl was involved in booking the hotel room, she consented to the sexual activity that took place in the room. Therefore, the accused man named, Gulsher Ahmed, cannot be charged with rape.

Justice Deshpande observed that the trial court judge clearly committed an error by making the observation that since the victim went inside the room, she consented to sexual intercourse, Live Law reported.

Drawing such an inference is clearly against the settled proposition and specifically when the complaint was lodged immediately after the incident. Even if it is accepted that the victim went inside the room along with the accused, the same cannot by any stretch of imagination be considered as her consent for sexual intercourse, Justice Deshpande said in the order.

The action on the part of the victim immediately after coming out of the room and that too crying, calling the Police and lodging a complaint on that day itself shows that the overt act allegedly carried out in the room by the accused was not consensual, the judge said.

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New Delhi: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows in the non-conventional energy sector surged in the first three of months of this financial year, making it the tenth-largest FDI destination of all time, underscoring rising global interest in Indias green energy initiatives.

Total FDI equity inflows in India's non-conventional energy sector during Q1, FY25 stood at $1.04 billion, up about 35% annually.

In FY24, non-conventional energy, construction and infrastructure were the only sectors to report an annual rise in FDI equity inflows.

According to data from the commerce and industry ministry, total FDI equity inflows into the country's non-conventional energy sector stood at $18.93 billion between April 2000 and June 2024, amounting to about 3% of the total inflows during the period.

To be sure, FDI equity inflows in India's non-conventional energy sector surged by about 51% annually in FY24 to $3.76 billion.

Fall in traditional sectors

The rise in FDI equity inflows into the renewable energy sector comes when such investments have declined in traditionally strong sectors like telecommunications, automobiles and drugs and pharmaceuticals.

The total FDI equity flows stood at $44.42 billion in FY24, down from $46.03 billion reported during the previous year.

During the April 2000 and June 202 period, the services sector, which includes financial, banking, insurance, outsourcing, and research & development, reported the highest FDI equity inflows at $113.49 billion, followed by computer hardware and software sectors at $105.63 billion, and the trading sector at $43.86 billion.

"In 2023-24, Indias renewable energy sector received $3.7 billion in foreign investment, with around 80% likely used to import solar modules from China or assemble panels from imported cells. With limited manufacturing expertise, India's solar equipment import costs could rise from $7 billion to $30 billion by 2030 to meet its renewable goals," said Ajay Srivastava, former trade service official and founder of economic think tank the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

"To reduce import expenses, India needs FDI focused on developing full-scale solar cell manufacturing from raw materials. Additionally, as the US restricts solar imports from China, Indian firms may avoid exporting Chinese equipment to the US," he added.

India allows up to 100% FDI under the automatic route for renewable energy generation and distribution projects.

Target for 2030

India aims to achieve 500GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, about 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy while aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

According to a report by SBI CAPS released last week, the green imperative is propelling the Indian power sector towards a variable renewable energy (VRE) dominant future, with its contribution to generation set to triple by FY2032.

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"India is poised to significantly augment its energy storage capacity, with a projected 12-fold increase to about 60 GW by FY32, outpacing the already impressive growth pencilled in for RE (renewable energy) sources. The evolving landscape of RE tenders reflects this trend, with a substantial uptick in the proportion of projects incorporating storage solutions, from 5% in FY20 to 23% in FY24," the report added.

During Q1FY25, Mauritius, Singapore and the US topped the list ofsource countries for FDI equity inflows to India, followed by the Netherlands, Japan, the UK, the UAE and the Cayman Islands.

Among the states, Maharashtra attracted the highest FDI equity inflows, followed by Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
A 44-year-old professor from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, named Mainak Pal, was discovered dead in a hotel room in Uttarakhand, with his throat and hand slashed. According to multiple reports, police are considering the possibility that it was a suicide.

Pal, who leaves behind his wife, daughter, and parents, had embarked on a short trip to Uttarakhand with two friends. However, he chose to cut the trip short and return to Kolkata while his friends continued. Some reports says he told his friends that he was missing his daughter. However, when the family could not reach home, they called the hotel. Following which, the staff broke open the door to find that he is dead.

He had deep cuts on his hands and neck and blood was splattered on the floor.

The untimely death, left his collegues shocked. "We are in deep shock since we heard about his death," Partha Pratim Roy, the general secretary of the Jadavpur University Teachers' Association, said in a statement.
One person died, and two others were severely injured after a massive blast rocked the Indian Oil Corporation refinery in Gujarat's Vadodara Monday night, reported Reuters.

Visuals shared online showed smoke billowing out of the factory while workers rushed to evacuate. Officials said there had been no reports about serious injuries or fatalities so far.

No casualties are reported and the final head count is being conducted. A benzene storage tank caught fire after a blast at the refinery. They have isolated the affected storage unit. Fire tenders are deployed to control the situation, Vadodara Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar told PTI.

According to an IOC statement quoted by Reuters, the fire had broken out around 3:30 pm on Monday. Operations remained mostly unaffected and efforts were underway to ascertain the cause of the blaze.

Komar said fluid circulation in the IOCL complex was stopped as per the standard operating procedure. Other storage tanks were also being cooled to ensure that the blaze didn't spread. Employees working in the shift were moved out of the refinery and those coming in for subsequent shifts were turned back for safety reasons.

"Rescue operations are on. Things will be clear gradually," said DCP (Traffic) Jyoti Patel.

Gujarat: Indian Oil Corporation refinery blast in Vadodara | Videos

Local MLA Dharmendra Sinh Vaghela said no death has been reported but a few people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Outraged by an incident of rape and murder of a girl belonging to the Meena community, two men climbed a mobile tower in Jaipur on Monday demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Efforts are underway to bring down the two men safely.

Also Read | UP: Minor NEET aspirant raped for 6 months after being held captive by teachers

Watch video

Lalit Kumar Sharma, Additional DCP (south), Jaipur, said: "Two men have climbed up the tower. We have also come to know that they have some demands into the Dimple Meena murder case. Communication with them is underway and efforts are underway to bring them down."

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In May, 10-year-old deaf and mute girl Dimple Meena was found in a half-burnt condition in Karauli.

After first aid, she was referred to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur. The family members suspected that she was burnt after rape. However, rape was not confirmed in the investigation. She died on May 20 during treatment. The postmortem report confirmed that she was poisoned.

The minor girl was doused in petrol and burned alive.

The girl's father had submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate addressed to the Chief Minister, demanding immediate arrest and stringent action against the culprits.

The police had arrested the girl's parents and maternal uncle in this case.

In September, leaders of ruling BJP and Congress in Rajasthan had met state minister Kirodi Lal Meena demanding CBI probe into the case.

Dissatisfied with the police probe in the matter, members of the Meena community had urged the minister to take up the matter with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
SC refuses bail to former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna, facing multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault after recorded tapes of the incident were leaked in the public domain.

The decision has come after the Karnataka High Court on October 21, rejected the bail plea of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who faces charges of rape and sexual assault. Justice M Nagaprasanna also rejected two anticipatory bail pleas of the former Hassan MP.

The plea was rejected by SC bench consisting of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma. The bench had also observed that Revanna is a very influential person and may also attempt to hamper the evidences against him.

Appearing for Revanna, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that a charge sheet has been filed in the case, and section 376 of the IPC was not there in the initial complaint.

The apex court's bench also mentioned that it won't interfere with the Karnataka High Court's October 21 decision denying him bail.

The former MLA is accused of raping a woman who worked as a domestic help for his family, according to the 2,144-page charge sheet filed by Karnataka's Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Prajwal Revanna is the son of Holenarasipura JD(S) MLA H D Revanna and grandson of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.

Prajwal Revanna and the sex tape controversy Karnataka leader Prajwal Revanna went into deep trouble ahead of Lok Sabha elections earlier this year when his videos from a pen drive started doing rounds on the internet.

The pen drive contained explicit videos allegedly involving Pajwal Revanna, reported PTI. These videos started being circulated in Hassan ahead of polls in April this year. Following the controversy, the party JDS suspended him from service and he faced multiple cases related to rape and sexual assault.
Manipur News: At least 11 suspected militants were killed in an encounter with the CRPF personnel in Manipur's Jiribam district on Monday.

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel also sustained injuries. He was rushed to Silchar Medical College for treatment.

The firing took place after armed militants torched several shops located in Borobekra sub-division of Jiribam district earlier in the day.

The militants fired several rounds towards Borobekra police station around 2.30pm and proceeded towards Jakurador Karong and engaged in arson.

The militants also attacked some houses and a nearby CRPF camp.

Meanwhile, a report said that five civilians were still missing. The official added that it was not clear whether they were kidnapped by the retreating militants or were in hiding after the attack began.

Curfew in Jiribam district The Manipur government has imposed an indefinite curfew across the entire Jiribam district, effective immediately. This measure has been implemented to prevent potential disturbances and ensure the maintenance of law and order.

Manipur police on encounter In a post on X, the Manipur Police said, "Today, 11th November, 2024 at about 3 pm, the CRPF Post located at Jakuradhor and Borobekra Police Station (located nearby), Jiribam District were attacked by armed militants. The security forces retaliated strongly. Due to the attack, one CRPF constable namely Sanjeev Kumar sustained bullet injury and has been evacuated to Silchar Medical College, Assam and is under treatment."

The attack was fiercely retaliated by CRPF and police, and after 40-45 minutes of heavy exchange of fire, the situation was brought under control, it said.

"After the firing ceased, the area was searched and 10 (ten) dead bodies of armed militants were recovered along with arms and ammunition (3 nos. of AKs, 4nos. of SLRs, 2 nos. of INSAS, 01 no. of RPG, 01 no. of Pump Action Gun, BP Helmets and Magazines). Accordingly, a criminal case has been registered and is being investigated," it added.

Farmer injured In a separate incident, a farmer was injured after militants opened fire from nearby hilltop positions on Monday morning while he was working in the fields in Imphal East district.

The attacks are affecting the harvesting of paddy crops as many farmers in the periphery areas of the valley are feeling afraid to go to the fields, said Officials.

Arms seized Meanwhile, in the last three days during search operations in hill and valley districts, security forces seized several arms, ammunition and IEDs.

"The seized items have been handed over to Manipur Police. The successful recovery of these warlike stores highlights the seamless cooperation between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and other law enforcement agencies" a statement issued by Assam Rifles said on Monday.

Multiple gun attacks Multiple gun attacks and arson have been reported in Borobekra sub-division since violence broke out in June and is one of the worst affected areas in the district.

Woman killed Last week, a 31-year-old woman was killed during an attack at Zairon Hmar village by armed miscreants, following which, tension has prevailed in the district.
Today, November 11major developments are set to unfold in India. In Kolkata, the high-profile RG Kar junior doctor's rape and murder case enters its trial phase while the much-anticipated Swiggy IPO gears up for its Dalal Street launch, with share allotment expected. Several market giants, including ONGC and Hindalco, will release their Q2 earnings, impacting investor sentiments. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki introduces its revamped Dzire model, setting a new standard in compact sedan safety, and reports suggest the ICC may cancel its Champions Trophy event in Lahore due to scheduling issues.

Also Read | Top UBS banker in Australia sees role helping ultra-rich invest abroad

Murder charges in RG Kar case: trial to commence In a significant turn in the RG Kar Medical College case, Sealdah Court has framed murder charges against Sanjay Roy, accused in the death of a postgraduate doctor nearly three months ago. Roy will face trial starting November 11 under multiple charges of murder, rape, and causing death or persistent vegetative state, as per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Swiggy Limited IPO to finalize share allotment Swiggy Limiteds much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) is slated to hit Dalal Street on Wednesday, November 13, as the company positions itself in the quick commerce and food delivery markets. Share allotments are expected to be finalised on November 11, adding further excitement to the market debut.

ONGC, Hindalco, Britannia, and others to reveal quarterly performance Several major companies, including ONGC, Hindalco, Britannia, Shree Cements, NMDC, and Bank of India, are set to announce their Q2 results on November 11. Market analysts are closely watching these reports for insights into sectors such as energy, cement, and quick-service food, with results from prominent brands like Jubilant Foodworks, Godfrey Phillips, and Blue Dart Express also expected.

Maruti Suzuki unveils new Dzire today Maruti Suzuki is set to reveal pricing for its all-new Dzire model today, boasting a GNCAP five-star safety rating, positioning it as the safest compact sedan in its class. The new Dzire is available in LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi Plus variants, featuring modern amenities such as a large infotainment screen, wireless connectivity, and a 360-degree camera. Bookings are now open with a token amount of Rs. 11,000.

ICC reportedly cancels 2025 Champions Trophy The ICC is reportedly cancelling the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan due to logistical hurdles, especially surrounding Indias participation. The ICC planned to launch a 100-day countdown on November 11 but has faced complications amid reports that the BCCI is hesitant to commit due to security concerns.
Eleven suspected militants were killed during an encounter in Manipur while a CRPF personnel was critically injured. Campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly elections took a fresh turn, with the BJP moving the Election commission over an anti-RSS jibe by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Nifty 50 and Sensex failed to hold gains on Monday to close flat after a volatile trading session. Equity fund inflows surged 21% to 41,887 crore in October while SIPs reached a record high. The National Mineral Development Corporation released its second quarter results. The Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire 2024 launched in India with a starting price of Rs. 6.79 lakh. Meanwhile on the international front, Russia denied reports about a conversation between US President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Stock Market Today

The Indian market ended on a lacklustre note on Monday with gains in IT and bank stocks offset by losses in index heavyweights. Investors seem to be using any uptick as an opportunity to sell, with sentiment remaining subdued due to concerns over softening Q2 earnings and other domestic factors.

Manipur Encounter

Eleven suspected militants were killed during an encounter in the Jiribam area of Manipur on Monday. Two Central Reserve Police Force personnel also sustained injuries and the condition of one injured personnel is said to be critical. The development comes after armed militants torched several shops located in Borobekra sub-division of Jiribam district earlier in the day.

Also Read | 11 suspected militants killed in encounter with security forces in Manipur

Equity Funds Surge

Equity mutual fund inflows saw a notable jump of 21.69% month-on-month to reach 41,887 crore in October. Data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India indicates that all three segments  small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap saw strong demand during the month. The total AUM increased to 67.25 lakh crore, while ETF inflows reached 13,441.8 crore. SIPs reach a record high AUM of 13,30,429.83 crore.

Q2 Results

State-owned NMDC reported a 16.66% rise in consolidated net profit to 1,195.63 crore for the September 2024 quarter. The results released on Monday also saw the company posted a 22.54% hike in the revenue from core operations to 4,918.91 crore in the second quarter, compared to 4,013.98 crore in the same period the previous year.

Maharashtra Elections

The BJP wrote to the Election Commission of India on Monday seeking an FIR against Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The party accused the senior Congress leaders of undertaking a continued unsubstantiated, malicious and slanderous campaign" in poll-bound Maharashtra.

Donald Trump-Vladimir Putin Discussions

Russian officials denied reports about a call between Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday. A Kremlin spokesperson also indicated that Moscow had no concrete plans yet to communicate with the Republican politician.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire 2024 Launch

Maruti Suzuki has launched Swift Dzire 2024 variant in India with a starting price of 6.79 lakh (ex-showroom). The new car comes with a claimed mileage of 33.73 km/kg and recently received a 5 star Global NCAP rating. It has four variants  LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi Plus  with bookings starting from 11,000.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Karimnagar MP, is in the spotlight for rescuing a woman trapped under a truck. The incident was reported from the outskirts of the Singapura region near the Huzurabad area in Telangana.

Huzurabad Assistant Commissioner of PoliceSrinivasji informed the news agency PTI that a truck from Karimnagar was heading towards Huzurabad. On the same route, a motorcycle was moving close to the truck when the pillion rider fell down and got stuck under the vehicle near Singapoor Village, about 25 km from Karimnagar.

The hair of the woman stuck to a rod under the running truck. The vehicle was stopped immediately. There was no external injuries to the woman, PTI quoted the police official as saying. Meanwhile, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who was en-route to Huzurabad Mandal, came across the disturbing site. He was travelling to Mulugu and reached the accident scene from the opposite direction. However, he immediately decided to discontinue his journey and save the life of the woman.

Also Read | Stunt goes wrong: Mumbai teen killed in freak accident as cycle hits wall

The woman was bleeding, and her hair was caught under the truck's wheel. The truck driver stopped the vehicle after hearing the cries for help. Bandi Sanjay not only stopped trucks from crossing the spot but also directed the locals to cut her hair to free her. As can be seen in the video, the Union Minister made sure that the woman was rescued and sent to the hospital for treatment.

The victim, identified as Divyasree, is a resident of Kalleda village in Manakondur Mandal. The Union Minister took the responsibility of taking care of the vitim's medical expenses. According to an ANI report, the injured woman was shifted to Karimnagar's private hospital Life Line Private Hospital.
Separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened to attack Hindu temples in a video message released on Monday. The India-designated Khalistani terrorist vowed to shake the foundations of Ayodhya and also warned Indians residing in Canada to stay away from attacks against Hindu temples.

We will shake the foundations of Ayodhya, birthplace of the violent Hindutva ideology, an India Today report quoted Pannun as saying.

The video was released by the banned Sikhs for Justice outfit and also included clips of Prime Minister Narendra Modi praying at the Ram temple during its inauguration ceremony in January. Pannun has claimed that the attacks will be carrieed out this week on November 16 and 17. According to reports, the video was filmed in the Brampton area of Canada.

Also Read | US urges India to ensure accountability in Pannun murder-for-hire investigation

Pannun had earlier threatened passengers travelling with Air India between November 1 and 19. He claimed that this period coincided with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide. The Canada-US dual citizen had also issued a similar threat during this period in 2023.

The pro-Khalistan lawyer  who works as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice  was declared an individual terrorist in 2020. New Delhi has also banned the SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for its anti-India activities. Pannun has been accused of promoting secessionism and allegedly encouraging Punjabi Sikh youth to take up arms.

Over the years he has played a key role in organising nonbinding referendums in countries with large Indian diasporas to seek a separate Sikh state.

India wants to kill me for running the referendum campaign. Indias transnational terrorism has become a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the United States, he had claimed last year.

Earlier in October the US Justice Department unsealed indictments against two Indian nationals in connection with an alleged plot to kill Pannun. The accused include an ex-government official who had (as per the indictment) worked as an intelligence officer at the time and orchestrated the assassination plan.
Zomato on Sunday introduced a new feature to reduce food wastage, facilitating unbeatable prices for customers keen to purchase discarded items. A Bengaluru man's comment on this attracted the attention of Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who was so impressed with the recommendations that he asked the man to apply for a job.

Here's what happened A user on X named Bhanu, who is a resident of Bengaluru, offered some suggestions to Zomato. He spoke about the potential misuse of Zomato's order and cancellation system. He also recommended limiting Zomato users to cancelling no more than two daily orders to curb any misuse.

Also Read | Blinkit customer in Delhi orders 1 gram gold coin, claims he got THIS

Commenting on Deepinder Goyal's post, the user wrote, validations: 1.should not be applicable to COD, 2.Cancellation should not be allowed if the delivery reaches 500 m to the delivery point, 3.Chances of 2 idiots sharing meals ordering and cancelling at the same time getting a discount place. 4. two cancellations are allowed/ month.

On this comment, the CEO replied saying, All this and more already in place. Good thinking, btw. Who are you and what do you do? Would love to know you more, and see if we can work together? DM me please if you wanna chat more.

The user further informed the CEO that he works as a Product Manager in a startup firm. He wrote, Thanks a lot. I am from Bangalore, Regularly use blinkit. I regularly keep giving suggestions to improve services via twitter by tagging your company. Always thinking to reduce -ve impact and improve service delivery. Working as a PM in a startup company.

What is Zomato's Food Rescue feature all about? As per the Food Rescue feature, Canceled orders will now pop up for nearby customers, who can grab them at an unbeatable price, in their original untampered packaging, and receive them in just minutes.

The canceled order will pop up on the app for customers within a 3 km radius of the delivery partner carrying the order.

The original customer and those in their immediate vicinity will not receive the option to claim the order.

Orders containing items sensitive to distances or temperature such as ice creams, shakes, smoothies, and certain perishable items, will not be eligible for Food Rescue.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a powerful statement during their first joint appearance in months. They appeared in a video message for a UN conference in Colombia.

Addressing one of their key causes, online child protection, Harry mentioned that they felt at a crossroads with their work, highlighting the urgency of protecting children in the digital age.

The couples statement was part of the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children, where they underscored the importance of immediate action.

During the conference, Harry emphasised that while awareness has increased, concrete action is now essential. As per Meghan Markle, while technology brings many benefits, it also creates risks for children as digital violence against them continues to grow.

"My husband and I recognise that today's reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which, of course, has many positives. However, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age," Meghan said.

This joint appearance follows a period of solo engagements by both, despite Meghan previously describing their partnership as inseparable, like salt and pepper. Sources close to the couple hinted that their recent independent work may reflect a new direction in how they collaborate, as per OK!.

Harry-Meghans marriage The joint appearance comes after multiple reports suggested that Prince Harry sought a way out of his marriage to Meghan Markle. The Sussexes have reportedly been leading increasingly-separate lives. Sources also claim that Middleton might support Harrys return to royal life in the UK.
Pushpa 2 trailer: As cinema enthusiasts eagerly await the second instalment of the blockbuster Pushpa franchise, the filmmakers are set to ignite the excitement with the upcoming launch of the trailer. One of Tollywood's greatest hits, released in December 2021, Pushpa cemented Allu Arjun's character, Pushpa Raj, as an iconic on-screen presence. His massive following now awaits the 3-minute and 45-second trailer, set to release in the coming days.

The wait is almost over for Sukumar's directorial project, as ardent fans from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and across Indian cinema prepare for the Pushpa 2 trailer, scheduled for release on November 17. Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, will hit theatres on December 5. The filmmakers have planned a grand trailer unveiling event in Patna, where lead actor Allu Arjun will make an appearance.

Fans were in a frenzy over Sukumar's directorial movie as one user commented, All will be lost....Don't get burned. Cant wait to see the mentallll massssss high of fans once the trailer releases. #Pushpa2TheRuleTrailer. Another user remarked, Oreyyy aa poster endi ra nayana vamoooooo #Pushpa2TheRule.

A third user said, Announcement of INDIAs Biggest movies TRAILER might come today at any moment. A fourth user wrote, The First Pan India Film to be Release in Bengali Language. A fifth user stated, Trailer Cut gonna be Kutha Ramppp is a Small Word India isnt Ready for this Blast. A sixth user wrote, Elon Musk changed the like button for the announcement of Pushpa2 The Rule Trailer.
(Bloomberg) -- The UK plans to begin issuing digital gilts within the next two years, as the government latches onto technology its been slow to embrace.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a digital issuance trial in her Mansion House speech to the City of London on Thursday, according to people familiar with the matter. Chancellors traditionally use the forum to announce policies to support the financial industry.

The new Labour government is striving to modernize its financial markets, in this case by using blockchain technology that underpins Bitcoin to tokenize its government debt. The hope is that it will make gilt trading faster and cheaper.

The digital shift comes as the government embarks on a 297 billion ($382 billion) borrowing spree, the second-largest borrowing slate on record, with sales expected to remain elevated for years. Legislation may need to be introduced to Parliament for the blockchain-based sales to go ahead, the people said.

The Treasury declined to comment.

Halting Progress

Digital bonds were floated when the Conservatives were still in power. Back in 2022 Treasury minister John Glen said the department was exploring whether its possible to digitize debt issuance.

Now the Treasury is mapping out a timeframe for the first digital gilt sales. For its part, the Debt Management Office said its been advising the government on the workability of issuing bonds through distributed ledger technology in its latest annual report.

While such transactions remain niche, proponents of digital bond sales say it will make debt-raising easier by automating many processes and reducing transaction costs.

Earlier this year, Slovenia issued the first euro-area sovereign digital debt, while supranational institutions including the European Investment Bank and the World Bank have been dabbling in blockchain-based issuance for years.

The UKs strategy chimes with that proposed by the Association for Financial Markets in Europe, which represents bond-dealing banks. Earlier this year, it proposed governments integrate blockchain into their debt-raising strategy pursue a phased approach, with initial experimental issuances to be carried out over a period of one to two years before larger sales are adopted.

--With assistance from Emily Nicolle.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Russian officials denied reports about a call between Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday. A Kremlin spokesperson also indicated that Moscow had no concrete plans yet to communicate with the Republican politician.

This is completely untrue, it is pure fiction. There was no conversation, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

He also indicated that there was no concrete plans yet for contact between the two leaders.

The clarification came in the wake of US media reports that claimed Trump had told Putin that he should not escalate the Ukraine war. The news was first broken by The Washington Post and then Reuters  with both citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

"The two men discussed the goal of peace on the European continent and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraines war soon, The Washington Post quoted one of its sources as saying.

The publication also cited a former US official familiar with the alleged call to add that Trump did not wish to enter office amid a fresh crisis in Ukraine prompted by Russian escalation. He had reportedly advised Putin to avoid escalating the war and reminded him the country's sizable military presence in Europe.

Also Read | Trump Factor: Decoding the potential impact on crude prices and Indian economy

Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. The Republican leader has insisted on several occasions that he could oversee an end to the Ukraine conflict within weeks  well before his inauguration.

Theyre dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And Ill have that done  Ill have that done in 24 hours, he had insisted in May 2023.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have drastically different approaches to the ongoing international conflicts  with the Republican leader often making broad policy pledges that put America First. He has also been vocal in his admiration for authoritarians leaders such as Viktor Orban in Hungary and Vladimir Putin in Russia.
President-elect Donald Trump says that Tom Homan, his former acting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, will serve as border czar in his incoming administration.

I am pleased to announce that the former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation's Borders, he wrote late Sunday on his Truth Social site.

"I've known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job," he added.

As reported by AP, Homan was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border and Trump's pledge to launch the largest deportation operation in the country's history.

In addition to overseeing the southern and northern borders and maritime, and aviation security, Trump said Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin, a central part of his agenda.

The role does not require Senate confirmation.

In an interview on Fox News Channel's Sunday Morning Futures, Homan said the military would not be rounding up and arresting immigrants in the country illegally and that ICE would move to implement Trump's plans in a humane manner.

It's going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They're good at it, he said. When we go out there, we're going to know who we're looking for. We most likely know where they're going to be, and it's going to be done in a humane manner."

Who is Tom Homan? Tom Homan is a former Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term as president.

Homan, a seasoned law enforcement professional with decades of experience, served as ICE Director for the first 16 months of Trumps presidency, overseeing key immigration enforcement actions.

Known for his strong support of Trump's tough stance on immigration, Homan became a vocal advocate for stricter border security and deportation policies.

Before becoming ICE Director, Homan had a long career with the U.S. Border Patrol and ICE, rising through the ranks to become the agencys deputy director. Although the Senate never confirmed him, Homan temporarily led ICE from the beginning of Trump's presidency due to his existing position as deputy director. Under his leadership, ICE ramped up deportation efforts and implemented more aggressive immigration enforcement measures.

Homan retired from ICE in 2018 after nearly 34 years of service. Since then, he has remained active in immigration policy discussions, often appearing in the media as a staunch advocate for tougher border enforcement. In 2020, Trump appointed Homan as the border czar, entrusting him with overseeing immigration and border security efforts.
Chinas international policing activities are increasing in size and scope, particularly in the Global South. This risks giving the worlds second-largest economy more influence in nations where its already forging ahead through diplomacy and economic relationships. Its a worrying trend, especially as Washington  with President-elect Donald Trump running things from next year  and Beijing jostle for leadership in the developing world.

These security operations are helping the Communist Party protect its interests abroad, a new report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies shows, while promoting Beijings image as a responsible security player. China is doing this, the report adds, through the export of technology, and the integration of technicians into the security agencies of foreign countries, providing Beijing with vital intelligence opportunities.

This is not an entirely new development, but merits further scrutiny. In September, China announced that its training thousands more foreign law enforcement officers as part of President Xi Jinpings Global Security Initiative, which was launched in 2022. His vision is to create an alternative security structure to run parallel to the American-led word order.

Its already causing some controversy. Think tanks point to Beijings use of its global police force as a nontraditional means of projecting strategic power in the Indo-Pacific and Central Asia. Others say training programs for African police officers have introduced Communist Party-style authoritarian tactics. At times, operations are even less transparent. In July, Canada reported details of what it says are covert Chinese police units within its borders. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has said its investigating the allegations, although a spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Ottawa denied the reports.

When China is asked about these overseas police outposts, it either denies that stations exist, or says that theyre service centers providing administrative services for overseas citizens  which isnt entirely untrue. Still, the IISS study found the Chinese government, while ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad, is providing training or even joint patrols to host countries.

Often, the reasons are benign  and the other nation is asking for the help. Chinese police officers have signed cooperation agreements with numerous countries across Asia, Latin America, the Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa. Beijing offers to embed its officers in the national police forces of partner countries, and training programs, as well as joint patrols. Its also exporting its digital and traditional security equipment, becoming a global supplier of choice, particularly in developing economies.

Pakistan, where Beijing has expanded its Belt and Road Initiative, is one such example. The South Asian nation already gets its surveillance tech and police equipment from Beijing, and has signed a law-enforcement agreement. Last month, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to work together on securing Chinese projects and citizens who have been the target of militant attacks recently.

But these arrangements have drawn censure, while some have been cancelled or changed. The Italian government, for instance, pulled out of a policing tie-up a year before it withdrew from the Belt and Road Initiative, suggesting that Beijings help was no longer needed once the economic relationship had served its purpose.

Chinas police presence in the Pacific started with a memorandum of understanding with Fiji in 2011. The pact came under review over concerns of Beijings excessive involvement and worries that it could undermine democratic systems in the Pacific, but was upheld earlier this year.

In other cases, human-rights groups found that Chinese studying abroad were also being surveilled from these stations, adding to concerns that Beijings harsh domestic security apparatus is finding fresh life overseas. The increased presence globally gives China a larger role on the international scene, an ability to monitor its citizens, gather intelligence, and get an insight into the security structures of nations its trying to build closer ties with.

Washington and its allies should work together to assess the geopolitical risk the growing number of these forces pose, especially in regions of diplomatic or security rivalry. An obvious solution would be for host countries with close ties to the US, or other proxies for Washington  like Australia and Japan  to simply stop asking for Chinese help. But alternative options, such as Australias Pacific Policing Initiative, need to be part of the plan. Providing funds for developing countries in the Global South to invest in their own domestic policing capacity  often underfunded or in need of modernization  would help wean them off Beijings assistance.

China isnt trying to be a geopolitical security guarantor in the way the US has done around the world. But at this level, it doesnt have to. Its a transactional relationship  a way to enhance its diplomatic position, without getting into the messy business of having to protect nations from aggressors. Forging relationships with the internal security personnel of host countries is one way to gain insight and influence in a vital arm of any nations domestic power structure. Beijing externalizing its vision of national security to make the world more conducive for its ambitions, opens another front of rivalry with the US. It's one Washington can't afford to ignore.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Karishma Vaswani is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China. Previously, she was the BBC's lead Asia presenter and worked for the BBC across Asia and South Asia for two decades.

/opinion
US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time after winning the US polls last week. In a telephonic conversation, Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and also reminded him of Washington's strong military presence in Europe, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

This development comes after Russian President Putin expressed his readiness to engage in talks and underlined the need to restore Russia-US ties and work towards ending the war in Ukraine. So far, neither the US nor Russia has officially confirmed the conversation between the two leaders.

What did Trump and Putin discuss? The Russia-Ukraine war and instability in Europe remained at the centre of discussion between the two leaders. In his conversation, Donald Trump expressed his interest in follow-up conversations to discuss a solution for its war in Ukraine.

"The two men discussed the goal of peace on the European continent, and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraines war soon, The Washington Post reported, quoting a person familiar with the development.

Trump does not want to enter office with a fresh crisis Trump made the call from his resort in Florida, where he even advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine. Trump had made the suggestion mainly because he doesn't want to take over as US President with a fresh crisis in the Ukraine.

One former U.S official who was familiar with the Putin call said that Trump likely does not want to enter office with a fresh crisis in Ukraine prompted by Russian escalation, giving him the incentive to want to keep the war from worsening, the daily said.

Donald Trump is scheduled to take oath as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. Ukraine has been informed about the Trump-Putin call.

During the call, which Trump took from his resort in Florida, he advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of Washingtons sizable military presence in Europe, said a person familiar with the call, who, like others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, The Washington Post reported.
China, Laos to hold "Peace Train-2024" humanitarian medical rescue drill

Xinhua) 15:24, November 11, 2024

BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Laos will hold the "Peace Train-2024" humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Laos later this month, China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday.

The fifth joint drill of its kind between the two countries' militaries aims to strengthen their joint medical and logistical command and rescue capabilities, while deepening practical cooperation and exchanges, according to the ministry's statement.

Aligned with the annual schedule and the consensus between China and Laos, the exercise will also see the Chinese team deliver medical services to Lao military personnel and civilians.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The International Monetary Fund began its latest assessment of its loan program with Ukraine, even as Kyiv delays passing tax legislation as the lender expects.

The Washington-based lender sent its staff to the Ukrainian capital for talks that may open a path for another $1.1 billion tranche under the four-year initiative, according to a statement from Ukraines Finance Ministry published Monday.

The in-person mission to Kyiv ends on November 18, with discussions expected to continue virtually thereafter, Priscilla Toffano, IMF resident representative in Ukraine, said in a separate emailed statement.

The IMF has provided nearly $9.8 billion in loans to Kyiv since the Kremlins full-scale invasion. Including funds foreseen by the program but not yet disbursed, the sum will total more than $15 billion. If IMF officials confirm that Kyiv fulfilled all its commitments, the country will receive the funds in December.

The Finance Ministry said Ukraine should meet four structural benchmarks, including an assessment of financial risks to stability and a privatization strategy for state-owned companies. Ukraines central bank Governor Andriy Pyshnyi said in a Facebook post that the IMF team visiting Kyiv includes Emmanuel Mathias, a specialist on anticorruption and rule of law.

However, the IMFs previous assessment in September exposed divisions with Ukraines central bank over the pace of hryvnia devaluation and interest-rate policy, people familiar with the talks told Bloomberg News.

The lender also considered a Ukrainian plan to raise taxes insufficient, proposing an increase in value-added tax, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News. Last month, Ukraines parliament passed legislation lifting several taxes, including the so-called military levy on households and small businesses.

The law remains unsigned by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, with no reason given for the delay. The government additionally plans to allocate a one-time payment of 1,000 hryvnia to every Ukrainian as economic relief.

The IMF also expressed concerns regarding the dismissal of the chief executive officer of Ukraines power grid operator.

With assistance from Kateryna Chursina.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that they had multiple conversations with the 2024 US Presidential election winner, Donald Trump, within a few days of polls in America.

The conversation focused on tightening the strong alliance between Israel and the US, and the two nations see eye-to-eye on Iranian threat in all its components, said Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, reported The Times of Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and Donald Trump have spoken three times since the septuagenarian politician won the US presidential election held on November 5.

We see eye-to-eye on the Iranian threat in all its components, and the danger posed by it. We also see the great opportunities before Israel, in the expansion of peace, and in other realms, The Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu on Sunday.

Israeli PM had also said that he talked about great opportunities before Israel in the field of peace and its expansion. The United States is Israel's ardent supporter. The US has also provided assistance to Israel during its war in Gaza, and strikes in Lebanon, and Iran.

"These were good and very important conversations," Netanyahu said in a statement. We see eye to eye on the Iranian threat in all its components, and the danger posed by it. We also see the great opportunities before Israel, in the field of peace and its expansion, and in other fields, Reuters quoted Netanyahu.

Also Read | Israeli strikes kill dozens in Lebanon and isolated northern Gaza while Netanyahu and Trump speak

According to analysts, Netanyahu enjoys a longstanding friendship with Donald Trump, and he was hoping for his return to the White House and now expects America's greater assistance in Israel's war against Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday said that Northern Israel was under attack after Lebanon-based militia group Hezbollah launched fresh strikes.

According to the Times of Israel, over 165 rockets were fired at northern Israel, in which at least seven people, including a toddler, were injured. We will continue to defend our civilians against Hezbollahs aggression, IDF said in a post on X while sharing a video.

Also Read | Saudi Arabias Crown Prince urges Israel to refrain from attacking Iran

The missile attacks on the northern city of Haifa also damaged buildings and vehicles in the area. However, the Israel Defense Forces said that some 50 rockets were fired at the Galilee in the attack, while several rockets struck the Karmiel area and nearby towns.

Air defences intercepted some of the rockets. The attack comes as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that there had been certain progress toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. We will agree to it if we know, first of all, that Hezbollah is not on our border, is north of the Litani River, and that Hezbollah will not be able to arm itself again with new weapons systems, Times of Israel quoted the Foreign Minister as saying.

Over 165 rockets were fired at northern Israel by Hezbollah on November 11.

Claiming responsibility for the bombardment, the militia outfit Hezbollah said that it targeted a training base for the Paratroopers Brigade in the Karmiel settlement. The IDF mentioned that sometime later, a drone was launched from Lebanon, which was intercepted by air defences over the northern kibbutz of Malkia.
Keir Starmer said hes not planning to call in on Donald Trump at his home in Florida next week, when the British prime minister will be traveling to Brazil for the Group of 20 leaders summit.

With Trumps warnings about trade tariffs and questions over his stance on Russias war in Ukraine hanging over US-UK ties, speculation had mounted that Starmer might seek a head-start on what is likely to be a complicated second presidency to navigate, especially given the potential to stop off in Florida en route to or from Rio de Janeiro.

But asked if he was considering dropping in to Mar-a-Lago, as some other leaders are planning, Starmer told reporters as far as I know his plan is to travel directly to Rio de Janeiro. He referred to his call with Trump hours after his election win last week, as well as a meeting in September in New York where we discussed a wider range of issues and well continue to do so.

Starmer was speaking to reporters on the plane from Paris, where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, to Baku in Azerbaijan, where the British premier is attending United Nations climate talks. Trumps election win forms the backdrop to both, as governments try to figure out how to respond to an incoming US president who they know from his previous tenure can be unpredictable.

For Starmer, there are potential flashpoints looming including over Ukraine. The prime minister was asked if he and Macron discussed whether to use the last weeks of Joe Bidens administration to pressure the current president to allow Ukraine to fire British Storm Shadow cruise missiles  which rely on US navigation systems  into Russian territory.

Ive always said that we support Ukraine for as long as it takes, Starmer said, without mentioning missiles. Ive also said on a number of occasions, we need to put Ukraine in the best possible position.

Trump has pledged to broker a swift end to Russias war in Ukraine, raising fears in Kyiv and among its allies about what kind of settlement he has in mind.

Following Trumps first win in 2016, it was former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who wrote what became the playbook for dealing with a leader who loves flattery, when he dropped a speaking arrangement in Peru to stop off in New York and became the first world leader to meet the president-elect.

With the EC meeting being held in Peru this week, and the G-20 in Brazil next, some world leaders are expected to repeat Abes strategy to get a diplomatic head-start on the next four years of Trumps second presidency. Argentine President Javier Milei is confirmed to speak at a gathering of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Mar-a-Lago, with Japans Shigeru Ishiba and Indonesias Prabowo Subianto reportedly seeking to meet Trump.

But Starmer appeared disinclined to follow on his way to Rio. To be perfectly honest next week is a long way off just at the moment, but as far as I know were going straight there, he said.
With Donald Trumps election victory, the U.S. is headed again for the exits of the Paris accord, the international climate agreement signed nearly a decade ago, and toward an energy policy inspired by Trumps campaign mantra drill, baby, drill."

China, on the other hand, appears more committed to the agreement than ever. It has vaulted to global leadership in renewable-energy deployment and is spending billions on green-energy projects across the developing world. Poorer nations increasingly look to Beijing for help shifting away from fossil fuels.

The sharp divergence between the two leading superpowers is expected to loom over the annual United Nations climate conference, known as COP29, kicking off in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday. Chinese leaders have thrown the countrys titanic economic power behind the shift to clean energy for economic, environmental and geostrategic reasons.

China stands ready to work with other parties to uphold the goal, principles and system of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday.

Trumps victory has underscored what many countries already believed: that Americas internal political divisions mean it cant reliably lead global climate diplomacy. If Trump follows through on withdrawal, it would be the third time this century that a Republican president has pulled the U.S. out of a major international climate agreement.

Everyone looks to China now," said Jonathan Pershing, a senior U.S. climate negotiator under the Obama and Biden administrations. I think with the U.S. out, China will step up, but in a very different way."

Trumps victory has left U.S. negotiators in Baku with a short-lived mandate. They are led by John Podesta, the climate envoy of the lame duck Biden administration, who will have no influence on policy once Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Chinese President Xi Jinping is sending Ding Xuexiang, a vice premier and one of his close confidants, to a leaders summit that begins on Tuesday.

At past U.N. climate summits, talks between Washington and Beijing have led to negotiating breakthroughs. In 2015, they helped forge the Paris accord itself, which calls for governments to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius over preindustrial temperatures and requires rich nations to send more than $100 billion a year to the developing world for climate-change projects.

The willingness of the worlds two largest greenhouse-gas emitters to agree to limit their emissions served as a powerful incentive for the rest of the world to come along. U.S. negotiating teams also spent countless hours pushing the Chinese leadership to move away from coal-fired electricity more quickly. That pressure appeared to have some effect on Chinas climate stance, said Li Shuo, an expert in Chinese climate policy at the Asia Society Policy Institute, a think tank.

The ripple effect of the Trump presidency leaving will be a negative factor not only for Chinas climate action, but climate action globally," Li said, adding that Trumps decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris agreement in 2017 dampened climate ambition around the world after a few years.

But much has changed since then. China deployed renewable energy far faster than almost anyone expected seven years ago. The pace of Chinas wind- and solar-capacity additions is now roughly large enough to cover its growth in energy demand, meaning that its emissions may have already peaked. More important, green technology sectors have become core to Chinas economy; Chinese officials refer to solar panels, electric vehicles and batteries as the new trio" of the countrys industrial base.

All that means Chinas stake in pushing the clean-energy transition is far greater than in 2017. Beijing is using climate diplomacy to project its economic influence abroad in the developing world, finding new markets for its world-leading renewable-energy manufacturers. That is key for Beijing at a time when Chinese producers of solar panels, electric vehicles, batteries and other equipment are reeling from massive overcapacity and facing steep new tariffs from the U.S., Europe and other big economies. Though the size of Chinas overseas investments has fallen sharply since 2016, the number of green-energy investments has defied that trend.

This is an export market in which the U.S. should be competing," Pershing said, and one of the potential consequences of withdrawal is we lose that competition."

At the meeting in Baku, negotiators main job is to strike a deal on a new goal for wealthy countries to provide climate finance for the developing world after 2025a task set by the Paris climate agreement. A key demand from wealthy countries is for China, which has always been considered as developing under U.N. climate agreements, to accept some responsibility for providing climate funds under the Paris agreement.

Developed countries should earnestly fulfill their responsibilities and provide strong financial support to developing countries for their climate response," Ning said. China will continue to offer assistance to fellow developing countries to the best of its capacity."

Even had Trump not won, the U.S. negotiating team would have little credibility on this issue. The U.S. has failed to live up to past promises to deliver climate finance because of opposition from Republicans in Congress. A pledging conference for a new fund to compensate developing countries for severe climate-change effectscalled loss and damageonly yielded $17.5 million from the U.S. compared with some $430 million from European nations.

China has yet to make a contribution to the fund but it agreed to a provision that would allow developing nations to contribute. Analysts are watching whether Beijing agrees to start providing climate finance through the U.N.

At the moment their line has been not very vocal, not very pushy," said one international climate-finance official participating in the Baku talks. The reality is that China is now doing more on climate than anyone else by a very long way."

Write to Matthew Dalton at Matthew.Dalton@wsj.com
Do you remember D. K. Panda, the 1971 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre who, one fine day while in service, declared himself to be Radha, the divine consort of Lord Krishna? He would arrive in office dressed as a woman; he began signing official paperwork as Doosri Radha" (Radha, the second). When his kin, close associates, and subordinates began making fun of him, he sought voluntary retirement from the police service. Panda now lives in Prayagraj.

He was all but forgotten until a few weeks ago but was back in the news after he lodged a complaint alleging criminal intimidation and cheating with the Dhoomanganj police. Panda claimed some people had been trying to extort 8 lakh from him by threatening to frame him in a terror funding case.

Also read | Rage spills over on roads; reels only fan the fire

He told the police that he had built a 381-crore fortune through online trading. When he tried to redeem that sum into his bank account, a personwho Panda identified as Arav Sharma from Cypruscalled him and asked him to deposit 8 lakh towards tax, conversion, liquidity, transaction fee, and other charges incurred on account of the trading.

Panda got suspicious and tried to investigate Sharmas veracity. Meanwhile, Sharma called up Panda, verbally abused him, and threatened to frame the former police officer in a terror funding case if he didnt deposit the money to an account he specified. The police are investigating the matter, but no arrest has been made in the matter.

Lets look at another such case.

Digital arrest

Vashishth, a retired bank manager who lives in Noida, received a call in the afternoon on 21 October. The caller informed Vashishth that a courier the retired banker had booked with FedEx contained 16 fake passports, 58 ATM cards, and 140 grams of drugs. The caller then connected him to a CBI officer" who identified himself as Anil Yadav. Yadav also introduced another person, Sunil, to Vashishth as a head constable. These fraudsters kept the unsuspecting retiree in digital arrest".

During his arrest", Vashishth was ordered to deposit 8 lakh to an account Yadav specified. Ironically, Vashishth had been the manager at the same branch from which he made the deposit. He, however, kept mum about the transaction out of fear. Later, the fraudsters also provided Vashishth with an online receipt. It bore the signature of the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) governor Shaktikanta Das. Needless to say, the signature was forged.

Also read | Vietnam: A lesson in resilience for India to emulate

The documents that were given to him would seem genuine to those who are technically challenged. The person who introduced himself as CBI officer Anil Yadav even sent Vashishth an identity card, which also turned out to be fake. The con job was so elaborate, professional, and well-thought-out that even the bank veteran was duped.

When Vashishth realized he had been conned, he contacted the police, who immediately froze the account the fraudsters had asked for the money to be deposited. But by then, only 49,000 was left in it. Police also found that the opening balance in that account was only 20 that morning, but in just eight hours, it spiked to 4,48,43,000. This indicated that several other people were also being conned during the same time.

More victims

Big sums of money were constantly being transferred through UPI and RTGS into various accounts. The bank account Vashishth deposited his money into belonged to Ishwar Finance in Mumbai. It was clear that many teams of fraudsters were at work simultaneously, and that many unsuspecting people were becoming their victims.

Such frauds are growing by leaps and bounds. A press release issued by the chief executive officer of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre bears testimony to this fact.

Also read | A time to choose between growth and expansionism

According to the press release, within the first three months of 2024, fraudsters had extorted sums totalling 120.3 crore from unsuspecting people through digital arrests" such as the one in Vashishths case. Apart from this, people were duped of 1,420.48 crore in online trading, 222.58 crore through investing, and 13.23 crore in dating scams.

The government will do its bit but the harsh truth is that we need to take personal responsibility in developing awareness and remain alert against the threat of digital arrests" and phishing.

Its necessary because fraudsters mostly assume the identity of security or government agencies while hunting their prey.

Well have to be alert to this pack of wolves.

Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal.
In the lead-up to elections, Indian politics frequently centres around promises of state-sponsored freebiesor giveaways aimed at winning voter support. These range from free electricity and water to subsidized rice and laptops.

Such handouts have become a staple of political manifestos, offering immediate relief to certain groups. However, they also spark concerns over fiscal strain, regional imbalances and long-term viability.

Instead of an outright ban, a more constructive approach would be to set up frameworks that promote transparency, fiscal discipline and focused delivery of genuine welfare initiatives.

The practice of announcing freebies has gained momentum in recent decades, with political parties using them as a tool to secure votes. Delhi, for instance, provides free electricity up to 200 units, free water, free bus rides for women and subsidized religious trips for senior citizens.

These initiatives have been highly popular and politically effective. However, Delhis relatively high per capita income of 414,711 (2020-21) allows the government to fund such schemes without much fiscal strain.

Similarly, Tamil Nadu, with a per capita income of 212,174 and Maharashtra with 183,704 are better placed to implement subsidy-based schemes. In contrast, states like Bihar, which has a per capita income of just 50,735, struggle to provide even basic services, let alone freebies.

This regional disparity highlights the uneven nature of freebie politics, where wealthier states can afford such measures but poorer states are left behind.

Globally, over-reliance on populist freebies has led to significant economic challenges. Greece, for example, faced a severe financial crisis in the 2000s partly due to excessive welfare spending that was not backed by adequate revenue.

The Greek government had long promised generous pensions and social benefits, which led to unsustainable fiscal deficits. Eventually, Greece was forced to adopt strict austerity measures, cutting back on public benefits and plunging the country into social and economic turmoil.

Sri Lanka too recently faced a similar crisis after years of unsustainable subsidies for fuel, food and electricity. The result was a financial meltdown that forced the government to impose harsh austerity measures, leaving citizens worse off than before.

Some countries, however, have struck a balance between welfare and fiscal discipline. Singapore, for example, offers targeted subsidies that focus on essential sectors like healthcare, housing and education, while maintaining a strong emphasis on self-reliance.

The Central Provident Fund (CPF), a compulsory savings scheme, encourages citizens to save, with the government providing matching contributions.

This system ensures that welfare is available when needed, but also encourages financial responsibility and reduces the long-term burden on the state.

Singapores model demonstrates how institutional frameworks can ensure that welfare benefits are delivered effectively without compromising the fiscal health of the country.

In India, the Election Commission and other regulatory bodies could play a critical role in enforcing transparency and accountability in the announcement of freebies.

Instead of banning them outright, governments could be required to disclose the funding sources for each proposed scheme and provide a clear economic impact assessment. This would help voters make informed decisions based on the long-term sustainability of these promises rather than short-term allure.

For instance, if a party promises free electricity, it should also explain how it plans to finance itthrough higher taxes, borrowing or cuts in other services. Such a mechanism would prevent political parties from making extravagant promises that cannot be fulfilled without harming the states financial health.

A key problem with freebies is their universal nature. Instead of targeting the most vulnerable, many of these schemes benefit even those who do not need them. For example, in Delhi, the free electricity scheme applies to all households, regardless of income levels.

This leads to a situation where even the wealthy benefit from state subsidies. Institutional reforms can ensure that welfare programmes are targeted at those who genuinely need them. Means-testing and targeted subsidies would ensure that limited state resources are used efficiently, helping the most vulnerable.

The focus should be on creating policies that empower citizens in the long run rather than fostering dependency. States like Kerala have demonstrated the benefits of long-term investments in education and healthcare.

Keralas near-universal literacy rate and strong public healthcare system have contributed to better social and economic outcomes, even though the state does not rely heavily on freebies.

By investing in human capital, Kerala has created a more self-reliant population that can contribute to the states economic growth rather than depend on state handouts.

Similarly, Punjabs free electricity for farmers has led to unintended consequences like overuse of groundwater and environmental degradation.

While the policy was initially introduced to support agricultural productivity, it has created a cycle of dependence and resource depletion. Punjabs experience highlights the need for environmentally sustainable policies that focus on long-term productivity rather than short-term gains.

Instead of focusing on handouts, political parties should prioritize policies that create employment opportunities, improve infrastructure and build human capital.

Investments in education, healthcare and job creation offer long-term solutions to poverty and inequality, helping people rise above their circumstances without relying on government subsidies.

By providing citizens with the tools to improve their lives, governments can promote self-reliance and reduce the need for constant state intervention.

So, while freebies may provide short-term relief, they are not a sustainable solution to Indias long-term development challenges. But, instead of banning freebies altogether, the focus should be on creating institutional frameworks that ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility and targeted welfare.

By regulating the use of freebies and promoting more sustainable development policies, India can achieve a balance between social welfare and economic stability. This approach will not only empower citizens, but also ensure the countrys long-term prosperity and democratic integrity.
The Supreme Court (SC) last week finally brought down the guillotine on Jet Airways, thereby putting a hard stop to a painfully prolonged insolvency resolution process that had kept the ailing airline on artificial respiratory support.

Jet Airways was a child of economic liberalization in the early-90s that had opened Indias aviation skies to private operators. The industry, as expected in any sector during its initial brush with competition, underwent a churn, and many airlinesEast-West, Modiluft, Damania, among othersbit the dust.

Jet Airways, however, survived with overseas equity infusion, astute fleet expansion, premium service standards and a dash of political patronage that earned it lucrative overseas landing slots.

However, this failed to insulate the airline from competition mounted by new low-cost airlines, which, combined with escalating fuel costs in 2018, forced Jet to renege on its debt repayment commitments and grounded the airline in 2019.

An attempt by an overseas consortium to revive the air carrier proved abortive, with gaping differences between Jets creditors led by State Bank of India and its would-be acquirer. The apex courts order shines a light on Indias flawed bankruptcy process and, unwittingly, on its own constricted view of the fraught issue.

The SC judgement, apart from ordering the summary liquidation of Jet Airways, also came down hard on the flawed insolvency process and reprised its exasperation with continuing delays in resolution as well as an evident lack of capacity and domain knowledge displayed by the National Company Law Tribunal and the appellate tribunal.

The SC bench hearing this case, which included Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, found that the appellate tribunal was perhaps too lenient in granting numerous extensions to the acquirer consortium, which kept dragging its feet in making payments as per an agreed schedule, instead of invoking the penal provisions of the insolvency code.

The apex court ruling is explicit in stating that the code in its current form affords too much latitude for interpretation, and by implication suggests that, when combined with a capacity deficit, leads invariably to suboptimal outcomes.

As the bench views it, the code needs amendments to codify processes while allowing enough flexibility to customize resolution plans for the state of stressed assets.

On the flip side, it is hoped that the apex court will also use the opportunity for some introspection. The bench, in ordering liquidation, invoked Article 142 of the Constitution, which grants the SC inherent and broad powers to achieve complete justice."

An aerial view of the case raises the question of whether this has actually been achieved. The liquidation of the airline will, as an unintentional consequence, strengthen the aviation oligopoly that currently holds air travellers hostage to seemingly random and unexplained fare hikes.

The bench, in its defence, may have been constrained by the appellants plea on Jet Airways. It is relevant to note here that the top court canand does on occasiontake a broader interpretation of the issues at hand.

Take the example of the nine-judge constitutional bench which re-interpreted Article 39(b) of the Constitution (with dissents), reversing a historical and expansive view of its provisions.

The apex court must recognize that the phrase complete justice" empowers it with moral responsibilities unbounded by exact details of the case history.
Five years ago, on a November morning in Bangkok, just on the verge of signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, India abruptly walked out of it. For the prior seven years, India had actively participated in negotiations over its text and terms.

The RCEP was hence signed by the remaining 15 nations. Even without India, it is the worlds largest trading bloc, representing 30% of the worlds population, trade and gross domestic product (GDP). Its share of GDP will rise, since this part of the world is growing faster than the rest.

If fast-growing India also joins RCEP, the lead will accelerate. India backed out of RCEP because it would amount to a de facto free trade agreement with China. This fear was based on an implication of the rules of origin (ROO) that would come into force in the bloc.

These rules apply collectively and cease to be country-specific. This fear was sought to be addressed via China-specific clauses and backloaded or delayed tariff reductions for China-origin goods. Surely, 15 years is enough time for Indian industry to prepare itself.

Hence, the real reason for Indias exit five years ago might have been pressure mounted by sector-specific lobbies. This includes the dairy sector, which warned of a deluge of imports from New Zealand and a threat to Indias dairy farmers.

Indias per capita consumption of milk is still below the world average and we need a nationwide campaign to feed a glass of fresh milk to every child every day to meet nutrition needs, which could greatly enhance the demand for milk and tackle the threat of Kiwi supply.

Other industry bodies that had lauded Indias exit from RCEP spoke for sectors such as steel, non-ferrous metals, chemicals, automobiles and plastics.

Was their response based on a belief in protectionism? Was it fear of Indias manufacturing sector being hollowed out by a Chinese onslaught? Or was this reckless spook mongering?

We need to reassess our decision to stay out of RCEP. A thorough study is needed to estimate the impact of RCEP on India and others. Recently, Niti Aayog CEO B.V.R Subrahmanyam said that India should join RCEP.

His view is based on a perceived loss to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in India as they remain out of the value chains that are emerging.

Indias RCEP participation should be based on a broad set of metricsnot merely the trade deficit (which may deteriorate), but also investment inflows, employment creation and participation in new regional value chains (RVC).

A 2022 assessment by Arvind Panagariya and Pravin Krishna indicated no significant deterioration in Indias trade deficit with Asean countries despite 10 years of a free trade agreement. Even if it widens, one should remember that a trade deficit is simply the flip side of capital inflow.

If India is importing more than what it earns in export dollars, it means that the gap is filled by inflows of fresh investment dollars. This is a pattern over four decades and a sign of investor confidence in Indias growth story.

India is the only large Asian country that has had a persistent current account deficit, funded by investment inflows. Indias overall current account is mostly in balance since the services trade surplus with America offsets goods trade with Asia.

The new US regime under Donald Trump is likely to increase tariffs. His appointment of a protectionist trade chief Robert Lighthizer means that we have to brace for trade wars and punitive tariffs.

Its imperative to expand trade in the RCEP region, tap the huge untapped export potential of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and services, and embrace value chains that favour MSME-employment.

RCEP is a less ambitious trade deal. It does not impose restrictions of labour and environmental standards, unlike the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It helps build supply chain resilience and fosters trade among partners, while RVC networks encourage geopolitical cooperation and stability.

A research paper published in the Journal of Asian Economics analyses data on RVCs in the post-RCEP world. The authors find significant expansion of trade in intermediate goods (which form new value chains), and the participation of member countries in RVCs has increased.

The trend is noticeable in the textiles, apparel, motor vehicles and food sectors. RCEP has reconfigured production networks with China, Japan and Korea, with a part of their global production and demand value chains turning more regional.

Trade intensity among RCEP parties has increased. The China-plus-one strategy of global investors has benefited Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, but not India to the same extent.

If India had been a part of RCEP, investors would have been more enthused, as they wouldnt have to jump across tariff borders. In 2023, the RCEP region attracted $460 billion of foreign direct investment, which was more than a third of global flows.

Indias pursuit of several bilateral trade deals is less efficient than joining a mega trade bloc such as RCEP. We should also think of joining the CPTPP, on whose doors others are knocking.

Mega blocs are presently a reflection of weak multilateralism and the demise of the World Trade Organization. Indias accension will boost domestic competitiveness, employment in value chains and investment inflows.

It must be supplemented with internal reforms aimed at enhancing the stock of human capital through skilling and education, which ultimately determine competitiveness.
The US has been the largest market for Indias IT services industry for decades, with companies like HCL, Infosys and TCS providing outsourced services to American firms across sectors. About 55% of Indias IT sector revenues come from that region.

However, a second term in power for Donald Trump in the US raises new concerns for this industry. Among these are changes in Americas H1B visa programme, potential tariffs and other regulatory shifts.

During his first presidency, the Trump administration made substantial changes to the H1B visa scheme, which is the lifeblood of the Indian IT industrys operations in the US.

H1B visas allow skilled foreign workers, particularly in the tech sector, to work in the US temporarily. Indian IT firms heavily rely on these visas to send skilled talent from India, filling in-demand roles at client sites across the US.

But Trumps policies included tightening the eligibility criteria, raising the wage-floor for H1B workers, and even suspending the issuance of new H1B visas during the covid pandemic. These changes made it more difficult and costly for Indian firms to deploy their employees on US soil.

Also read: Trump policy stance may look to make India favourable for Big Tech

These policies also meant higher operational costs and a slowdown in visa approval, thus disrupting project timelines. Many companies were forced to raise their hiring of US nationals, driving up labour costs significantly.

The second Trump term could see the reinstatement or further tightening of these policies, putting pressure on Indian firms to cut reliance on H1B visas.

Under Trump 1.0, Indian nationals applying for employment-based green cards in the US faced an overwhelming backlog. According to a Congressional Research Service report, due to per-country caps, the wait time for Indian applicants was as long as 195 years in 2019.

This backlog is a pressing issue for skilled Indian workers who aspire to build long-term careers in the US and for the companies that employ them.

The second Trump administration could discourage skilled Indian professionals from working for Indian IT companies in the US, favouring roles at US-based competitors where the path to permanent residency may seem slightly more manageable.

During his first term, Trumps America First" policy was synonymous with imposing tariffs on foreign goods to boost domestic manufacturing.

Extending this principle to IT services isnt a stretch, given that Trump has previously criticized outsourcing. Should he impose tariffs or additional fees on IT services imported from Indian firms, it could dramatically alter the cost dynamics between Indian and US heritage firms. Further, tariffs could lower the demand for outsourcing.

An America First" policy would give US-based IT providers an edge. These companies often employ more Americans to minimize immigration-related problems.

Accenture, for instance, maintains a significant US workforce, reducing its dependence on H1B visas and mitigating the impact of restrictive immigration policies or tariff regimes.

In addition, if Trump seeks to discourage reliance on foreign labour and emphasize local hiring, US-based firms might even get government incentives for prioritizing American workers.

This would make US-based firms more appealing partners for American businesses that want to avoid potential legal and political complications related to outsourcing to India-based firms.

Some Indian IT companies have already begun adapting by expanding their onshore presence in the US. Infosys, for instance, has been hiring American workers and investing in innovation hubs within America, moving closer to its clients. TCS has pursued a similar strategy.

This onshore or nearshore model could be accelerated if the second Trump presidency introduces more restrictive policies. While hiring locally reduces dependence on H1B visas, it does come at a cost.

Labour is more expensive in the US and Indian firms accustomed to competitive cost structures might see lower profit margins. Investing in local skill development and integration with the Indian IT ethos would be essential but costly, potentially affecting the bottom line.

While Trump acknowledges India as a strategic partner, particularly in countering Chinas influence, his America First" policies havent always favoured Indian business interests. Trade disputes, tariffs and visa restrictions, if they arrive, would mean that economic considerations could outweigh strategic alliances.

That said, any policies explicitly targeting Indian IT could have broad ramifications. Indias IT industry contributes significantly to the US economy by providing cost-effective technology services to American businesses and generating local employment through indirect job creation. Still, Trumps first-term record indicates that he is not averse to challenging trade allies if he sees it as beneficial to American workers.

His second presidency would likely press the Indian IT sector to re-evaluate its US-centric model. Possible shifts include accelerated automation to reduce labour costs and compensate for the reduced pool of H1B workers.

Also, to reduce their dependency on the US, Indian IT firms could expand in Europe, West Asia and Africa, where they would face fewer regulatory barriers.

Large Indian IT companies should also intensify their lobbying efforts in Washington, collaborating with US clients and interest groups to advocate policies that recognize the benefits of their services to both the US and Indian economies.
Among the many challenges facing the incoming Trump administration is an Iran on the edge of nuclear arms. The mullahs have used the Biden years well, filling their coffers and advancing their atomic project. Much has changed in the Middle East since Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel has been more daring in taking on its enemies. But a middling power can do only so much, particularly when constantly badgered by a procession of Democratic Party luminaries.

Among the regional changes is how the mullahs conceive of their war against Israel. The Iranian theocracy now knows that its proxy strategy is flawed, that its conventional ballistic missiles lack accuracy and punch, and that the Jewish state can bomb anything inside Iran, with the possible exception of the clerical regimes deeply buried uranium-enrichment plants.

At least one aspect, however, has remained constant. In its raid on Iran last month, Israel didnt attack the greatest threat: Irans nuclear-weapons sites. Nor did it strike what would cause the most immediate, regime-shaking pain, the Kharg Island oil facility, through which about 90% of the Islamic Republics oil exports are shipped. Israel again showed its discomfort with escalating against Iran. That is likely owing in part to the Biden administrations prodding for restraint, but also to Israeli fear that their fighter-bombers could fail against the Fordow uranium-enrichment site, which is buried beneath a mountain.

The Israeli government hopes the air forces strikes inside Iran will induce more nuclear hesitationthat the regime wont enrich uranium to bomb grade and assemble an atomic trigger. Israelis may be praying that Mr. Trump will relieve Jerusalem of the task of bombing Irans nuclear facilities or at least support Israel if it tried to do so. Given the nature of the threat, and how close the regime is to the bomb, time may no longer be on Israels side.

For the first time, important Iranian constituencies are publicly calling for the state to build nuclear weapons. On Oct. 2, Javan, a newspaper that is mouthpiece of the Revolutionary Guards, stressed that given the Israeli use of devastating military technology to establish a new order . . . one immediate option is a shift in Irans nuclear doctrine." It added that while Irans nuclear doctrine over the past 50 years (including the Pahlavi era) has been focused on the peaceful use of nuclear technology, today, Tehran has the capacity, context and opportunity for an immediate transformation of this program." A week later, 39 parliamentarians appealed to the Supreme National Security Council to change Irans defense doctrine. A chorus of Iranian VIPs have since come out in favor of developing the A-bomb to check Israel and the U.S.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei not so subtly nodded to his proteges. As his webpage describes, he remarked that certain individuals, through a misguided analysis and perception, imagine that refraining from producing tools that could provoke the Arrogant Powers, such as missiles, can bring security for Iran." The cleric wasnt speaking only about missiles. No Western powerincluding the U.S., in the 2015 nuclear dealhas ever tried to oblige the Islamic Republic to forgo its missilery.

Jerusalems assessment of Irans nuclear threat, and of whatever military actions need to be taken against it, is increasingly intelligence-based. Israeli leaders posit that the air force doesnt need to act until the Iranians are enriching uranium to 90% and are assembling a nuclear initiator. This is similar to what the Obama administration argued when it advanced its nuclear deal: The U.S. didnt need to worry about secret sites, undeclared weaponization research, centrifuge parts and dual-use stockpiles because the Central Intelligence Agency and United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors would catch the Iranians cheating. Senior Biden administration officials suggest the same today.

In practice, however, Washington has never known when its enemies were dashing to the bomb, let alone initiated a military plan to stop them. Perhaps the Israelis will do better. Perhaps they have multiple intelligence sources inside the nuclear program who can alert them. In private, senior Israeli and American officials havent given the impression that Israels intelligence network inside Iran is that good.

So far Israeli intelligence has been good enough to wound and embarrass the Iranian theocracy. If Jerusalem is serious about holding the clerical regime responsible for its proxies, the air force will bomb Iran routinely unless Tehran orders Hezbollah to cease its attacks on northern Israel. How many times could Jerusalem strike nonnuclear targets in Iran before the clerical regime dashed" to the bomb in order to stop the Zionists from attacking?

A purge of the Islamic Republics security services may be in the works. That, along with intensified surveillance of those who have access to the nuclear program, would allow the clerical regime to feel more secure if it decides that building a bomb is an urgent priority. Fear of leaks has likely been one of the reasons Mr. Khamenei has been cautious about completing the project that hes advanced for 30 years against enormous outside pressure.

As always, America remains the wild card in Mr. Khameneis calculations. The American political class doesnt seem keen on patrolling or disciplining an unruly Mideastbut the U.S. remains a superpower capable of damaging if not derailing the bomb project if it chose to. Mr. Trumps most consequential accomplishment was killing Irans dark lord, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, which spooked the regime. The new presidents unpredictability could slow down the regimes nuclear aspirations. But the fear of the impending Trump administration could cause the mullahs to dash to the bomb, hoping that American and Israeli intelligence will fail to detect their move.

Mr. Gerecht, a former CIA Iran-targets officer, is a resident scholar at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Mr. Takeyh is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'ek hain toh safe hain' statement, which was initially coined to criticise Congress for allegedly engaging in divisive politics, has now become a popular slogan all over the country. So much so, that it has featured prominently in newspapers across poll-boud Maharashtra on Monday.

The newspaper advertisement released by the BJP also features the logos of its Mahayuti alliance partners, Shiv Sena and the NCP.

At a recent poll rally in Maharashtra, PM Modi slammed Congress saying that they 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).

Congress says competition of slogans The statement was strongly criticised by opposition.

Kharge said at a press conference, Mahayuti government has not been formed on the basis of any ideology but by breaking the MLAs of undivided Shiv Sena and NCP.

While Kharge campaigned in Maharashtra, party leader Rahul Gandhi sought votes for Congress and JMM-led alliance in Jharkhand.

Kharge targeted BJP over slogan 'batenge to katenge', saying it was divisive.

The Congress president said while UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was raising the slogan of 'batenge toh katenge', Prime Minister Narendra Modi was saying, 'ek hain toh safe hain'.

He said it seems "there was a competition" between PM Modi and Yogi Adityanath for coining such slogans that they should decide "whose slogan should be propagated".
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis slammed AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his remarks, noting that they are descendants of "Razakars", who tortured the people of Marathwada.

"They are descendants of 'Razakars'. The 'Razakars' tortured the people of Marathwada, looted their lands, tried to rape women, and destroyed families. How can they talk to us?" Fadnavis said. The term "Razakar," meaning "volunteers" in Arabic, is derogatory in Bangladesh as it refers to those who sided with the Pakistan Army during the 1971 Liberation War.

This comes after Owaisi replied to Fadnavis' earlier remarks like "Vote-Jihad" and Dharma yuddha, saying, my ancestors did Jihad against Britishers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Fadnavis cannot defeat him in a debate.

On Saturday Fadnavis while campaigning for Mahayuti candidates for Assembly polls, said that that "Vote-Jihad" should be countered by "Dharma-Yuddha" of the vote.

Further, the Maharashtra Deputy CM exuded confidence in winning the Nagpur South-West Assembly seat, from where he is the candidate.

"This constituency is my family. They have elected me five times. Whatever I am today is because of them. Our (Mahayuti) credibility is high, their (Maha Vikas Aghadi) credibility is zero. Ladli Behan Yojana is a game changer scheme and I am confident that Ladli Behna will remain with us," Devendra Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis also held a roadshow in Nagpur today ahead of the Assembly polls.

Assembly elections in the state are scheduled for November 20, with votes for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23.
Aspirants in Prayagraj protest against Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) over the decision to hold RO-ARO and PCS preliminary exams on the same date.

Aspirants of various competitive examinations conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) have warned of a protest in front of its Prayagraj office on Monday in this connection.

Prayagraj DCP, Abhishek Bharti said, Some students have gathered here who want to keep their demands. The students have been requested to move to the designated protest site. We have asked them to protest in a democratic way. They have been assured that their demands will be heard.

The UPPSC announced on November 5 that the Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer (RO-ARO) preliminary examination would be held in three shifts on December 22 and 23. The Provincial Civil Service (PCS) preliminary examination will be held in two shifts on December 7 and 8.

Earlier on Sunday, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav lent support to aspirants demanding that the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission conduct the RO-ARO and the PCS preliminary examinations on the same date, saying his party stood shoulder to shoulder with their legitimate demand.

UPPSC aspirant Ramakant Yadav explained the logic behind their calls for a protest, saying that conducting the examinations on multiple days was against the rules.

The students demand that the examinations be conducted in a single day, like before.

The Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer, or RO-ARO, Pre exam, will be held on December 22 and 23 in three shifts, the statement said.

The first and second shifts will be conducted on December 22, with the first shift from 9 am to noon and the second shift from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

The third shift will take place on December 23 from 9 am to noon.

A total of 10.76 lakh candidates have registered for the exam, it added.

According to the statement, in line with the Commission's guidelines, if the number of candidates in a single shift exceeds 5 lakh, the exam must be conducted in multiple shifts. Consequently, the exams have been scheduled in shifts.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams may be feeling the ill effects of a prolonged stay in space  with recent photos showing a significant weight loss. Officials have sought to alleviate concerns about her health in recent days and insist that all International Space Station residents are closely monitored by a medical team.

All NASA astronauts aboard ISS undergo routine medical evaluations and are monitored by dedicated flight surgeons. All are in good health, NASA spokesperson Jimi Russell told the Daily Mail last week.

Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore have been in space since June after an eight day mission went awry. The duo served as test pilots for a Boeing Starliner on June 5 but became stranded after their aircraft malfunctioned. The Starliner eventually returned to earth without its crew after NASA deemed it 'too risky' to carry Williams and Wilmore.

The two astronauts have continued their work formally as part of the expedition and will return in February next year.

Also Read | Sunita Williams shocking weight loss onboard ISS mission sparks concern in NASA

New photos of the astronaut have gone viral on social media with many flagging her drastic weight loss over the past year. Reports indicate that Williams had started the trip while weighing about 140 lbs but struggled to meet the high-calorie intake required to maintain her weight as her stay in space continued.

She has lost a lot of weight. The pounds have melted off her and shes now skin and bones. So its a priority to help her stabilize the weight loss and hopefully reverse it, the New York Post quoted a NASA employee directly involved in the mission as saying.

Meanwhile three NASA astronauts saw their prolonged space mission end with a trip to the hospital last month after returning from the ISS on October 25. They were also compelled to spend nearly eight months in orbit (longer than expected) duo to the Starliner crisis and rough weather conditions on earth.

The trio splashed down on a SpaceX capsule  along with Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin  before being taken to a nearby hospital. One of the three Americans ended up spending the night there for an undisclosed medical issue.
Oppo has confirmed it will launch its flagship Find X8 series in India on November 21. The two flagship devices, the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, will be the first Oppo phones in India to feature the companys new ColorOS 15 user interface.

Oppo Find X8: Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro were recently launched in China, giving us a peek at what to expect from the Indian variants of these flagship devices.

Oppo Find X8 features a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with 4500 nits of peak brightness, 2160H instant touch sampling, and support for Dolby Vision and Oppo Crystal Shield. As mentioned earlier, it is powered by the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor and is paired with an Immortalis-G925 GPU for handling graphics-heavy tasks. It supports up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

On the optics front, the Find X8 comes with a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary shooter with OIS and 10bit HDR, 50MP Samsung S5KJN5 ultra-wide angle lens and 50MP Sony LYT-600 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. On the front, there is support for a 32MP Sony IMX615 sensor for selfies and video calls.

Oppo Find X8 Pro specifications: Oppo Find X8 Pro comes with a larger 6.8inch micro curved LTPO AMOLED display while being powered by the same processor. It features a 50MP Sony Lytia LYT808 primary shooter along with the same 50MP Samsung S5KJN5 ultra-wide angle lens and 50MP Sony LYT-600 telephoto lens. However, the Pro version also gets another 50MP Sony IMX858 6x telephoto lens with 6x optical zoom and up to 120X digital zoom. The selfie camera remains the same as Find X8 with the 32MP Sony IMX615 shooter.

Both phones run on the latest ColorOS 15 based on Android 15 and are IP68/69 rated to assure a peace of mind to users from dust and water. They come with a stereo speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support and an infrared in-display fingerprint sensor.
If like many people, youre tired of Googles search engine, which has dominated the market for over two decades, theres now an alternative from OpenAI. The Sam Altman-led company recently introduced a web search functionality in ChatGPT, positioning it as a new competitor among search engines, similar to Bing, which is run by OpenAIs largest backer, Microsoft.

Though its been about two weeks since OpenAI launched its AI-powered search engine, not many people are aware that they can now replace Google and other search engines entirely with ChatGPT Search

How to set ChatGPT as your default search engine? ChatGPT can be set as your default search engine on all Chromium-based browsers, meaning they support downloading extensions from the Chrome Web Store. This means you can set ChatGPT as your default search engine not only in Google Chrome but also in other popular browsers like Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Opera.

To set ChatGPT as your default search engine, open Google Chrome, search for the ChatGPT Search extension, or simply click on this link to add it. Verify that the extension has been successfully added to your browser by checking the extensions tab.

Do note that some browsers may automatically disable the ChatGPT Search extension, so its advisable to add it to the favourites tray to ensure ChatGPT remains your default search engine.

Why can't I use ChatGPT's search feature? ChatGPT Search functionality is currently only available to the company's Plus and Team subscribers with access to Enterprise and Education customers to follow in the coming weeks. While OpenAI hasn't committed to a release date, the company says access to free users will be coming soon.
Longford / Westmeath Sinn Fein General Election candidate Barry Campion is insisting that 'Fine Gael dont get sh*t done'. He was responding to the much publicised remarks made by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary at the launch of Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke's election campaign.

Campion said it is high time that O'Leary and Burke and co looked out from their ivory towers and realise that Fine Gael dont get sh*t done. "15,000 homeless, 4,500 of theses children, record waiting lists in hospitals, childcare thats unaffordable and is a second mortgage for many families. USC temporary taxes that never end and a health system that is becoming increasingly difficult to access for all."

The north Longford based candidate continued, "People need a break from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and their cronies. People now know a continuation of this government means a continual increase in homelessness, unobtainable home ownership, crumbling infrastructure, huge class sizes and never ending queues in the health service."

Also read: Longford / Westmeath Sinn Fein TD: 'Video of jeering Fine Gaelers reveals partys contempt for teachers and workers'

Campion concluded, "In this election you have a clear choice. A Sinn Fein led government that is on the side of the ordinary people or a Fine Gael led government that sides with the rich and privileged, and continues to waste your taxpayer money everyday."

Meanwhile, Labours Fidelma Bennett, General Election candidate in Longford-Westmeath, called on all Government parties to distance themselves from comments made about teachers at a Fine Gael event.

She suggested the remarks by Michael OLeary were not only outrageous but also an insult to the dedication and hard work of Irelands teachers.

Also read: Longford / Westmeath produces first major election campaign controversy as teachers 'mocked and demeaned from a Fine Gael stage'

Bennett said, To hear a public figure like Michael OLeary make such disparaging remarks about teachers is disgraceful. These comments reflect a deep lack of respect for a profession that shapes every one of us. Teachers play an essential role, from our formative years into adulthood, and their influence has a direct impact on Irelands skilled and educated workforce. Every success we achieve as a nation owes something to the dedication of our educators.

At a time when were facing a crisis in the teaching sectorwith over 950 vacancies in primary and special schools alonewe should be doing everything we can to support and encourage people in the teaching profession, not sneering at them. Were in the middle of a shortage that affects students, parents, and communities nationwide, yet comments like these only undermine the importance of the profession and could deter young people from entering it.

Also read: Seventeen candidates in Longford / Westmeath set to battle it out for five Dail seats

Does Fine Gael agree with Mr. OLeary? Or will they take a stand to ensure that our teachers feel valued and respected? We cant afford to dismiss the impact of these comments. A profession that already faces serious recruitment challenges should be given the highest respect, not made the subject of sneering remarks at campaign events. Teachers work tirelessly to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills that keep our economy and society vibrant and resilient."
The three men arrested and detained as part an investigation into burglaries in the region have been released without charge. Files will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The three were arrested as part of an investigation into 29 burglaries in Mayo, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath and Sligo last Tuesday (November 5, 2024).

Those arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminal activity and burglaries in Mayo, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath and Sligo. Last week Gardai arrested the three males in the Dublin Metropolitan Region .

The operation involved the search of four properties in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) where North Western Region personnel were assisted by members from the Armed Support Unit, DMR West and DMR South along with DMR Regional support and members from Athlone.

During the course of the searches, property was seized which is believed to be the proceeds of organised criminal activity, which included:

 A Rolex watch

 Designer handbags and shoes

 Substantial amounts of cash

Other property recovered included mobile phones, multiple car keys and log books of vehicles.

Three males (aged 26, 21 and a juvenile) were arrested and taken to Garda stations in the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division.
Longford's Backstage Theatre is the venue for No Magic Pill a powerful drama that will challenge audiences to examine how we celebrate love, friendship and the enduring pursuit of freedom.

Featuring a six-strong cast of Sorcha Curley, Eric Fitzgerald, Mark Fitzgerald, Peter Kearns, Ferdia MacAonghusa and Julie Sharkey the show is a multi award winning production.

Five of the six actors are reprising their roles from the premiere production in 2022, while Eric Fitzgerald joins the cast to take on the lead role of Martin.

Also read: Longford's Kevin Mollaghan to feature on The Money List

Inspired by real-life activist and wheelchair-user, Martin Naughton, leader of the disability rights movement in Ireland, this production breaks new ground in Irish theatre in its casting of disabled actors and also in its considerations for disabled audience members.

Writer Christian OReilly said: Im looking forward to working with this brilliant group of actors and reuniting with director Raymond Keane, whose created the visionary production of No Magic Pill in 2022.

It gave Irish theatre audiences a disability-themed show unlike anything theyd seen before  fast-paced, funny, irreverent, surprising, romantic and visually sparkling. Id like to welcome Eric Fitzgerald, who will play our lead character Martin and blew us away when he auditioned. He will bring a whole new energy to No Magic Pill and break audience hearts in the best way possible.

Director Raymond Keane said: Working on No Magic Pill has elevated me as an artist and as a person. It is one of the most challenging, rewarding projects I have worked on. I cant wait to get back with my new and old tribe.

Actor Eric Fitzgerald who plays the lead role of Martin said: I am beyond ecstatic to be involved in this production. I could not have hoped for a better cast and crew to gear me up for the biggest role I have ever undertaken. I am really looking forward to performing alongside the talent of No Magic Pill, and to showcase my own acting abilities.

No Magic Pill in Backstage Theatre on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13, at 8pm / 12pm

PICTURES | Local business and readers with their all new Longford Life magazine
The election campaign was in full swing on Monday as Simon Harris and Mary Lou McDonald were challenged to a jive while canvassing in Monaghan town.

Both party leaders danced with TikToker Helen Drumm of Sound Quality Gifts shop on Monday afternoon while out appealing for votes.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Mr Harris arrived at the eclectic shop accompanied by retiring Cavan-Monaghan TD Heather Humphreys, who introduced Ms Drumm as the TikTok queen.

Ms Drumm told Mr Harris after a few twirls around the shop floor youre not bad at all and that he has a little bit of rhythm.

Next on the dancefloor was Ms McDonald, who spun Ms Drumm while sharing Sinn Feins policy proposals on childcare and housing.

The Sinn Fein leader said: The things I will do for a vote.

An upbeat Ms Drumm asked the Dublin TD: Are you going to give them everything they want?

Ms McDonald replied, that depends what they want, Helen.

Sinn Fein Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy was next to partner Ms Drumm, asking: Is there an election coming up, Helen? while Ms McDonald told Sinn Fein TD Pauline Tully, youre getting off light.

The lively scenes came after controversies for both leaders  with Mr Harris answering a series of questions earlier on Monday about Ryanair boss Michael OLearys heavily criticised comments about teachers while he endorsed Fine Gael.

Ms McDonald, having been grilled on a series of scandals that have dogged her party in recent weeks, was accused of being a traitor by a punter while having a coffee in Monaghan town.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island Published: November 11 2024

On November 9, 2024, a 28-year-old woman was assaulted by a man while backing her Jeep out of a parking space on Long Beach Road, Oceanside. The man, identified as John Ardolino, 41, blocked her ...

Fourth Squad Detectives report the arrest of a South Hempstead man for an Assault that occurred on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:02 pm in Oceanside.

According to detectives, the female victim, 28, was backing her 2011 Jeep out of a parking space when an unknown male operating a 2019 Nissan began honking at 3458 Long Beach Road. The male parked his vehicle behind the victim, blocking her from leaving. He exited his Nissan, banged on the drivers side window while yelling at her. He proceeded to open the door, grab the victims arm and attempted to strike her with a closed fist. The subject let go of the victim and returned to his vehicle. At this point, the victim exited her vehicle to take a picture of subjects license plate. The subject placed his vehicle in drive and struck the victim, which forced her onto the hood. The subject continued driving and the victim was eventually thrown from the hood of the car. John Ardolino, 41, of 333 Fern Street, was arrested without incident.

The female suffered neck and back pain. She was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: November 11 2024

Stony Brook is one of only five NCCUs in New York State to receive a Beacon Award of Excellence.

Stony Brook University Hospitals Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU) has received the Silver Beacon Award of Excellence (2024-2027) from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This three-year award recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN's six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Stony Brook is one of only five NCCUs in New York State to receive a Beacon Award of Excellence.

This achievement recognizes the exemplary efforts of our NCCU nursing staff to provide excellent, safe, patient-centered care to patients and their families, said Carolyn Santora, MS, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. Those that receive care here at Stony Brook can expect to experience the highest level of nursing care from a group of exceptional healthcare professionals.

Established in 2003, AACN's Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes top hospital units that meet standards of excellence in recruitment and retention; education, training and mentoring; research and evidence-based practice; patient outcomes; leadership and organizational ethics; and creation of a healthy work environment. Units that achieve this three-year award meet national criteria consistent with the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

In 2024, the nursing team was also recognized for its excellence in emergency patient care. SBUHs Emergency Department was selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Associations (ENA) 2024 Lantern Award for demonstrating excellence in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.

About Stony Brook University Hospital:

Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) is Long Islands premier academic health center. With 624 beds, SBUH serves as the regions only tertiary care center and Regional Trauma Center, and is home to the Stony Brook University Heart Institute, Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook Childrens Hospital and Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute. SBUH also encompasses Suffolk Countys only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center, state-designated AIDS Center, state-designated Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, state-designated Burn Center, the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence, and Kidney Transplant Center. It is home of the nations first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu /sbuh .

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses:

For more than 50 years, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has been dedicated to acute and critical care nursing excellence. The organization's vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. AACN is the world's largest specialty nursing organization, with about 130,000 members and over 200 chapters in the United States.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: November 11 2024

Town code enforcement officers reported dangerous conditions at the home such as partially collapsed ceilings, hazardous electrical work, vermin, and squatters, said Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

Continuing in their efforts to eliminate eyesores from our communities, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto announced the successful demolition of a long-dilapidated zombie home in Hicksville. The Town obtained a court order to demolish the home after several building code violations went unanswered, and the property remained in a state of dangerous disrepair. The homeowner bulldozed the house after the Supreme Court issued an order to grant the Towns demolition notice, marking the 37th zombie home razed in the Town of Oyster Bay since the creation of the Towns Quality of Life Task Force in 2017.

Town code enforcement officers reported dangerous and deplorable conditions at the home such as partially collapsed ceilings, hazardous electrical work, vermin infestations, and evidence of squatters, said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. My administration and I remain as dedicated as ever to protecting your quality of life and restoring public health and safety to this community.

Councilman Lou Imbroto, Chairman of the Towns Quality of Life Task Force, added, The great success of our Task Force really speaks for itself, as weve now successfully demolished 37 zombie homes since its inception. We will continue to rid our neighborhoods of these blights to pave the way for new homes and new families.

The Code Enforcement Bureau of the Department of Planning and Development is charged with the enforcement of all codes, rules and regulations pertaining to zoning, housing and public safety. It is expressly designed to handle requests of citizens regarding possible violations. To file a complaint, or to register a zombie property in your neighborhood, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/codeenforcement.

Credit: Town of Oyster Bay
On Veterans Day, Governor Hochul Announces New Initiatives and Partnerships for Veterans and Their Families

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: November 11 2024

Issues Proclamation Recognizing Veterans Day in New York State Launches New York State Women Veterans History Trail.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new resources and initiatives available throughout the month of November to honor and recognize the service of New York States veterans and their families. These efforts highlight important partnerships and exemplify the States unwavering commitment to those who have served our State and Nation. The Governor also issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 11 as Veterans Day across New York State. Governor Hochul further directed 15 state landmarks to be illuminated green this evening as part of Operation Green Light, which began in New York State and has spread throughout the country to recognize veterans and service members from all eras of military service.

Im honored to recognize our heroes' service by officially declaring Nov. 11 as Veterans Day across New York State, Governor Hochul said. Our veterans have selflessly served us and their communities, and the initiatives we are announcing with our partners are our way of giving back to the New Yorkers and their families who rarely take and have always chosen to give. We will always be committed and dedicated to providing essential services to our veterans, service members and their families, and to ensuring that their great sacrifices are recognized.

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, On Veterans Day, we come together as a grateful state and nation to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans who have defended freedom and preserved our way of life. From the launch of the groundbreaking New York State Women Veterans History Trail, to providing free haircuts, healthcare screenings, and special events for veterans and their families, to the statewide Operation Green Light, our Department of Veterans Services is proud to spotlight and celebrate Americas heroes, today and every day. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued leadership, tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of New Yorks veterans and our active-duty military personnel, and for always prioritizing the support, honor, and recognition of our heroes.

These programs are one among dozens of state veterans benefits and services administered by DVS and partner agencies that amount to investments of well over $200 million dollars supporting New Yorks veterans and their families in the current fiscal year.

Women Veterans History Trail Launch

Women Veterans are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans in New York State and throughout the country. The legacy of women with close ties to New York State distinguishing themselves in military service extends back centuries to our nations founding and encompasses every era thereafter.

To commemorate and celebrate this tremendous but often overlooked legacy of service, Governor Hochul today announced the launch of New York States Women Veterans History Trail, celebrating a distinguished group of women in military service with close ties to New York State. Governor Hochul first announced this initiative as part of her 2024 State of the State Agenda.

The first group of veterans recognized through this initiative include a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, a Space Shuttle mission commander, a technology pioneer, a courageous espionage agent, a nationally renowned psychologist, a specialist in cryptologic warfare, the founder of the American Red Cross, the first female four-star officer, the first woman to receive the United States Air Medal and more:

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (Oswego), a pioneering battlefield surgeon and the first woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Col. Eileen Collins (Elmira), the first woman to be a Space Shuttle pilot, the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission, and the first woman to be a T-38 instructor pilot in the United States Air Force.

Admiral Grace Hopper (Poughkeepsie), a technological pioneer who served for more than 40 years in the United States Navy and whose leadership on developing the first computer language compiler is widely celebrated.

Margaret Corbin (West Point), who stepped forward when her husband was killed at the Battle of Fort Washington and took over his cannon until she, too, was wounded.

Dr. Oliva J. Hooker (White Plains), the first Black woman to serve on active duty in the United States Coast Guard, co-founder of the Tulsa Race Riot Commission, and a leading psychologist who led vital research to help children with developmental disabilities.

Harriet Tubman (Auburn), whose Underground Railroad heroism rescued dozens of people from enslavement and who also demonstrated remarkable courage as a spy, scout, nurse, and cook for the Union Army, including leading the Combahee River Raid that freed 756 enslaved people.

Clara Barton (Dansville), the Angel of the Battlefield who founded the American Red Cross, stationed the first chapter of this extraordinary organization in New York.

Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody (Cortland), the first woman promoted to a four-star officers rank, the first woman to command a battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division, and the first woman to lead the Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Lee.

Capt. Elsie S. Ott (Smithtown), the first woman to receive the United States Air Medal and the first recognized flight nurse in the Armed Forces, a role in which she developed vital improvements in procedures for evacuating the wounded from the front lines.

Sr. Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent (Pine Plains), the first woman to operate with Naval Special Warfare in combat and a specialist in cryptologic warfare with fluency in seven languages, who served five Middle East combat deployments and who gave her life for her country in combat in 2019.

The United States Military Academy Class of 1980 (West Point), the first gender-integrated Academy class whose sixty-two female Cadets overcame physical and verbal abuse in addition to the many challenges customary to a Cadets training, and who went on to successful Army careers in occupational specialties ranging from military police to air defense artillery.

The veterans honored as members of the Women Veterans History Trail will be spotlighted, along with specific locations that were central to their life within New York State, on the New York State Department of Veterans Services webpage and all of the Departments social media platforms. More members of the Women Veterans History Trail will be announced on future dates. Individuals who would like to nominate someone for inclusion in the Women Veterans History Trail are encouraged to contact the Department of Veterans Services at 1-888-838-7697.

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Women Veterans Coordinator Melissa Balan said, As we honor Service Members past and present, it is part of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services mission to celebrate Women Veterans and honor the immeasurable dedication, resilience, and sacrifice we have made as we continue to blaze the way forward for Women Veterans. The Women Veterans History Trail highlights the exceptional contributions of our own New York State women in military service throughout history. They have served our State and Nation with unwavering dedication, courage, and honor, and in this way we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their service is fully recognized and valued."

Free Haircuts for Veterans at Locations Across the State

Governor Hochul announced that New York States Department of Veterans Services has partnered with barber shops, salons, and beauty and cosmetology education programs at locations around the state to provide free haircuts to veterans on certain dates during the month of November. Participating businesses and schools offering these free services to veterans include:

To receive these services, Veterans are respectfully requested to provide the participating business or school a government-issued form of identification verifying their Veteran status, such as their Department of Defense Form 214, their United States Department of Veterans Affairs ID card, or their New York State drivers license or non-drivers ID card bearing the distinguishing Veterans mark.

Free Health Screenings for Veterans at Locations Across the State

Governor Hochul further announced that throughout the month of November, DVS will also partner with healthcare providers throughout the state to offer free healthcare screenings and free Veterans Benefits check-ups for all who have served in the military. Participating healthcare providers include:

Levittown Health Center, 70 Division Ave., Levittown : Free soft-tissue massage, blood pressure screening, posture screening, and more throughout the entire month of November, Mon. to Thurs., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., walk-ins welcome, calling ahead encouraged, (516) 796-4800.

Depew Health Center, 4974 Transit Rd., Depew: Free soft-tissue massage, blood pressure screening, posture screening, and more throughout the entire month of November, Mon. to Thurs., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., walk-ins welcome, calling ahead encouraged, (716) 685-9631.

Seneca Falls Health Center, 2360 NY-89, Seneca Falls: Free soft-tissue massage, blood pressure screening, posture screening, and more throughout the entire month of November, Mon. to Thurs., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., walk-ins welcome, calling ahead encouraged, (315) 568-3166.

Empire State Plaza Concourse, Madison Ave., Albany (entrance across the street from the New York State Museum): Free blood pressure screening, oximetry, diabetes and pre-diabetes information, sleep disorders assistance, and more, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary.

Albany Veterans Day Event

Governor Hochul also today announced that DVS will host a special, first-of-its-kind Veterans Day program in Albany on November 11 in collaboration with Albany Countys Veterans Service Agency, Albany Law School, and Tully Rinckey PLLC to provide an exciting slate of activities to honor the service of Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. Beginning at 2:30 p.m., Veterans, Service Members, and members of their immediate families will be able to enjoy:

A narrated trolley tour, beginning at 80 New Scotland Ave . in Albany, highlighting sites of military significance throughout the City of Albany;

A concert presented by the Yankee Doodle Band, the oldest continuously operating American Legion band in the nation; and

Ceremonies honoring Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, presenting Governor Hochuls Veterans Day Proclamation to each attendee.

All of these events will take place at Albany Law School (80 New Scotland Ave.) and are free of charge to all Veterans, Service Members, and members of their immediate families. Refreshments will be provided to attendees.

An RSVP is required to take part. To confirm attendance at any or all of these Veterans Day events, email benjamin.pomerance@veterans.ny.gov.

State Landmarks Illuminated in Green for Operation Green Light

Governor Hochul also announced that New York State landmarks will be lit green on November 11, 2024 to mark Veterans Day. This landmark lighting is part of Operation Green Light, a statewide initiative that began in New York State and has spread throughout the country. This campaign is meant to be a visible representation of support for all eras of military service in the form of green light. New York's ongoing support is symbolized by illuminating landmarks across the State in green, a poignant gesture honoring the courage and sacrifices of all generations of veterans.

New York State Association of Counties President Benjamin Boykin said, As we celebrate Veterans Day, counties are proud to once again be joined by Governor Hochul and the State of New York in creating a visible tribute to our nations veterans through Operation Green Light. This initiative illuminates our commitment to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of New Yorks veterans, reminding them that they are never forgotten.

New York State County Executives Association President Steve Neuhaus said, As a veteran and Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, its especially meaningful to witness the visible show of gratitude across our state and nation that Operation Green Light creates. By lighting our buildings and landmarks in green, we honor our veterans sacrifices and remind them that we stand with them not only on Veterans Day, but every day. On behalf of New Yorks county executives, I commend Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to supporting and honoring New Yorks veterans.

New York State County Veterans Service Officers Association President Michael Middaugh said, On this Veterans Day and every day, the members of the New York State County Veterans Service Officers Association say thank you to those currently serving and those who have served. We stand ready in our communities across New York to serve you and your families in any and every way possible. For the fourth straight year, we have been proud of the now-nationwide program that we call Operation Green Light, a visual image and a way to let our Veterans, Military Members, and their families know we have not forgotten their sacrifices and honor them for their service! All across the state we have been seeing buildings, businesses, residences turning green to show that support. We ask that you consider leaving up this visual image not just through today but year-around for those who have given so much for their country. Thank you for your service and have a blessed Veterans Day!

These 15 landmarks and bridges will be illuminated in green as part of Operation Green Light, recognizing the unwavering service of veterans and service members:

Albany International Airport Gateway

Alfred E. Smith State Office Building

Empire State Plaza

Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal

Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Kosciuszko Bridge

Moynihan Train Hall

MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station

Niagara Falls

One World Trade Center

State Education Building

State Fairgrounds  Main Gate & Expo Center

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge

The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building

Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

About the Department of Veterans' Services

The New York State Department of Veterans' Services, which has served as the state's advocacy agency for veterans, service members, and military families since 1945, maintains an agencywide commitment of serving all veterans, service members, and military families in a wide range of practice areas, including claims and appeals for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, discharge upgrade appeals to the United States Department of Defense, and claims for New York State benefits. Veterans, service members, and military families are encouraged to contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or its website to meet  in person or virtually  with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to address their needs and gain the full measure of benefits that they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
IDF soldiers operating in northern Gaza. (IDF)

On November 10, Israeli troops inspecting a convoy of trucks moving between southern and northern Gaza uncovered a bag containing small-arms ammunition. The discovery highlights some of the IDFs challenges as it seeks to increase humanitarian aid to civilians and expand a humanitarian area.

The convoy in which ammunition was found was part of a group of vehicles traveling from southern Gaza to northern Gaza, crossing the Netzarim Corridor controlled by the IDF. IDF troops apprehended those involved, including members of the convoy, who were then transferred to security forces for further investigation. Inquiries were also made with the relevant organization, the IDF said. This statement indicates that an unnamed international organization was involved with the convoy. During the passage of a convoy coordinated with the international community and monitored by the IDF, unusual movement was detected, the Israeli military said.

Israeli leaders are weighing several tasks in Gaza in November. The IDF is beginning to wrap up more than a month of operations in Jabaliya in northern Gaza, but terrorists remain in the area. Over the past day, the troops eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled many terror infrastructure sites, as well as a weapons storage facility in the area, the IDF said. In neighboring Beit Lahia, Israeli troops also eliminated dozens of terrorists, according to a statement by the military. They also located weaponry and a tunnel shaft in the area.

The battles continue to take their toll on the IDF. Two soldiers in the 401st Armored Brigade were severely injured in combat on November 10. A squad commander in Israels elite Lotar counter-terrorism unit, Major Itamar Levin Fridman, was also killed, the IDF announced on November 11.

In Rafah in southern Gaza, the IDF also continues to find terrorists and weapons. The sweeps for enemy fighters along and near the Philadelphia Corridor, which parallels the Egyptian border, are now being done by the IDFs Gaza Division, with the Nahal Brigade having been placed under it temporarily for these tasks. The unit has conducted raids in and around Rafah to keep Hamas from returning. During these raids, the soldiers eliminated many terrorists, the IDF said. In one neighborhood, soldiers found weapons and ammunition stockpiles that were left behind by terrorist groups. In one of the searches near a mosque and a hospital, a weapons storage facility containing observation equipment, drones, enemy manufacturing supplies, explosive devices, and dozens of mortar shells was located, the IDF said on November 9.

The Israeli military also announced that it was enabling an expansion of the Mawasi humanitarian area northwest of Rafah. This effort may be due to the influx of around 60,000 civilians who evacuated Jabaliya last month. Some evacuees ended up in southern Gaza.

Expanding the humanitarian area is also part of the IDFs push for more aid to enter areas of Gaza. The Israeli militarys Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has a Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) for Gaza and recently said that 11 trucks with food, water, and medical equipment entered Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. Many areas in Gazas north, such as around Beit Lahiya and the outlying regions of Jabaliya, appeared deserted when I visited them on November 5. However, the movement of the trucks indicates some civilians remain.

From October to mid-November, the IDF said that 713 aid trucks entered northern Gaza, including Gaza City and its environs. These trucks enter through the Erez West crossing. On November 5, I witnessed trucks preparing to enter this crossing and traveling back and forth with IDF supervision from the border to areas near Shati along the coast, where they evidently entered areas still controlled by Hamas.

On November 8, the IDF said it had been asked by Israels political leadership to increase the volume of aid and the number of aid routes entering Gaza. COGAT will now open another crossing at Kissufim near Khan Younis to prepare to move more aid. This route will enable humanitarian supplies to directly reach Khan Younis, the central camps area, and Mawasi.

Kissufim is an old Israeli crossing that was used as an access route for Israeli communities in Gaza before the 2005 disengagement from Gaza. These prior communities, such as Kfar Darom and the Katif settlements near the beach, are near where the central camps and Mawasi and Khan Younis are today. In essence, the old road that once accessed these areas will now be used for moving aid. The Kissufim region is also where the IDF staged units during the battle for Khan Younis between December 2023 and April 2024.

The IDF said the Kissufim crossing has been prepared for use by the Gaza Divisions engineering unit. As part of the work, the forces built inspection facilities and protective infrastructure, and paved roads both in Israeli territory and within the Gaza Strip to allow the transfer of aid to the southern part of the Strip. The intense use of IDF engineering units and their D-9 bulldozers has been one of the key aspects of the war. Recent reports in the Israeli media indicate that a shipment of more than 100 D-9s is being held up in the US.

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).
The 73rd edition of Miss Universe is here, and 130 beautiful women from the same number of countries are participating in the most famous beauty pageant in the world.

RELATED

In an event in which each of the contestants will have to overcome several stages ranging from personalized interviews, regional costumes, evening gowns and the always well-received swimsuit parade, the winner will succeed the 2023 winner, Miss Nicaragua.

In 2023, Sheynnis Palacios was the surprise winner of the event, which was held in the capital of El Salvador, San Salvador.

Where will Miss Universe 2024 be held?

The representatives of the countries from all continents arrived at the venue more than a week ago, Mexico City, and throughout all these days the organizing committee has taken them to visit different tourist sites in the country such as the beautiful city of Merida, Yucatan, or the so-called Perla de Occidente, Guadalajara, Jalisco.

In addition, the contestants have had a series of events that serve as preparation for the competition, such as photo shoots and interviews, as well as catwalk training, which prepares them for each of the stages of the contest.

When will Miss Universe 2024 be held?

On Monday, November 11, the Miss Universe 2024 pageant officially began with some activities for each of the participants, while on Thursday, November 14, the preliminary competition and the National Costume Show took place, where reference is made to the countries of origin of each of them.

The final will take place this Saturday, November 16 at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico, north of the country's capital.

Where to watch Miss Universe 2024 in the United States?

The event will be broadcast at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. in the United States on Roku, while in Spanish the event will be broadcast on Telemundo.
In 2011, Michael Haft, who grew up summers on Nantucket, was in Afghanistan, a weapons platoon commander with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, nicknamed The Walking Dead.

Haft emailed his mother, Mary, with a list of requests to send to his platoon of Marines.

From toiletries and basic supplies to toys for the Afghan children who surrounded their base, Nantucket stepped up to the plate, Mary Haft, author of Nantucket: Portrait of an American Town and co-founder of the Nantucket Book Festival, said this week.

Knowing this community steps up for their own, I created an advertisement that ran in the Inky Mirror, asking for donations. The fire station set up collection bins and people would drop off their donations. I would then collect them and trot over to the post office to mail them all to Afghanistan."

One time, the bins were so full, two firefighters helped me carry them across. The wonderful woman who always helped me, who sadly died several years ago, was magnificent.

The effort provided a big morale boost for Hafts platoon in Afghanistan, and engendered a bigger imprint on the young Afghan children and their families, his mother said.

For the Marines, the letters and the supplies  chewing tobacco, candy, beef jerky, personal hygiene items  was a lifeline to America. The outreach to the children was measurable. Nantucketers gave crayons and art supplies and small sports-related items, all things to reach across the language divide, said Mary Haft, who is working on a new book, Staying the Course: The Making of a Marine Mom.

It is efforts like this that proves there is patriotism and a shared passion for American ideals that are about being American, not Democrat or Republican.

Haft commanded 60 men in Afghanistan and brought 60 men home. He left the Marine Corps as a captain.

His business today, Compass Coffee, has been served at Handlebar Cafe since it opened. Haft helped set up the whole operation. Compass is based in Washington, D.C., and recently opened its 21st cafe.

Michael is a Nantucket boy, his entire life since he was nine months old, every summer, and off-season many years, many Thanksgivings and other times, Mary Haft said.

Our family is lamenting the loss of the soda fountain at the pharmacy as their entire childhood was spent with countless lunches and frappes. Michael worked there as a teenager.

Michael Haft and his wife Sofia, a Naval Reserve officer, were married at Brant Point Light Memorial Day weekend 2023. They had a baby girl, Sloan, in January, and live in Washington with their poodle puppy Astro.

The Inquirer and Mirror on Nantucket is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Inquirer and Mirror, click here.
Military strategists often describe a retreat as the most difficult of all tactics to successfully execute, and the same can also be so in the business world. This fall, however, a number of well-known restaurant brands are currently finding themselves in retreat, either voluntarily or out of necessity.

Last month Spartansburg, South Carolina-based Dennys announced that they are planning to close 150 stores, about 10% of the chains U.S. presence, as part of a growth strategy theyre calling Diner 2.0.

Supposedly the weak performance of those locations slated to close is, as a company spokesperson put it, sapping the vitality of the whole system.

In addition to forthcoming store facelifts, Diner 2.0 may eliminate the systems requirement that Dennys Restaurants be open 24/7.

The Wendys Company has also announced a new wave of store closures - some 140 locations by the end of the year - that comes on top of a May 2024 announcement of 100 store shutdowns. These outdated and underperforming restaurants, company officials say, will be replaced - but not at the same location - by an equal number of new Wendys outlets that are more favorably sited.

Wendys has been experiencing a difficult year, with same-restaurant sales in the U.S. only growing by a scant 0.5%.

Some of the restaurant industry downsizing has been involuntary - TGI Fridays, one of the original casual dining concepts, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week.

The brand shut down 50 locations prior to the filing, which left about 160 TGI Fridays operating for now.

So whats going on with all these restaurant industry retreats? The factors involved are many. Restaurant concepts, like any other product, have a life cycle during which they grow and prosper, eventually mature, and then fade away.

The restaurant industry itself is currently facing economic challenges in the form of higher costs and flat customer counts.

And finally, the food-away-from-home market may be, in many areas at least, saturated, with too many dining options chasing after too few customer dollars.

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Side Dishes:

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its 15th annual Food Fest West.

Held at the Crestview Country Club in Agawam, Food Fest West will give those attending the chance to sample some of the areas tastiest restaurant specialties. The event will also feature a raffle and a memorabilia auction.

Food Fest West will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets, which are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, can be purchased at the Chambers website. Their telephone number is 413-426-3880.

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The Pottery Cellar in Westfield is hosting an Authentic Polish Dinner Night on Saturday, Nov. 23. The dinner - which will include golabki, pierogi, kapusta, kielbasa, fasolka szparagowa, rye bread and dessert - is priced at $28.95 plus gratuity and tax. Beverages, including beer and wine, will also be available.

The Polish Dinner Night will have two seatings, one at 5 p.m. and a second at 7 p.m. Advance reservations are required, and they can be made by calling 413-642-5524.

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Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Sturbridge will be working with Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company of Worcester to present a Beer Pairing Dinner.

The event is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 19, and will start at 6:30 p.m. A five-course menu will be prepared, incorporating with the likes of cranberry-brie puff pastry bites, kebabs of crispy brussels sprouts and butternut squash, a green bean casserole flatbread, turkey meatball sliders, and pumpkin cannoli.

The evening will also include live music, games, and a raffle.

For more details, contact Uno Pizzeria & Grill at 508-347-6420.

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The Starting Gate at Greathorse in Hampden has announced the date of its upcoming Breakfast with Santa.

To be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 11:30 a.m., the event will include a breakfast buffet with options including pancakes, waffles, breakfast meats and scrambled eggs as well as fresh fruit and assorted pastries. A separate hot cocoa station will include a variety of mix-ins and toppings.

In addition to visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, there will be holiday cookie decorating, dancing with DJ-provided music and a letter to Santa writing session.

The price of the event is $55 plus a convenience fee; kids three and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.

The Starting Gate at Greathorse answers at 413-566-5158.

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Though the chains new CEO, Brian Niccol, has committed Starbucks to the simplification of its in-store operations, that doesnt mean the brand is forgoing its traditional holiday beverage rollout this month.

Though the Seattle-based coffee shop giant has yet to make a formal announcement, knowledgeable sources report that drink favorites such as the Chestnut Praline Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha and Caramel Brulee Latte are slated to return, along with a new Cran-Merry Orange Refresher.

Three new holiday foams -- Sugar Cookie Cream, Chestnut Praline Cream and Gingerbread Cream -- will be available to garnish Starbucks coffee drinks.

Four seasonal food items are to be part of the holiday lineup -- a Snowman Cake Pop and a Penguin Cookie are making their debut, along with a Dark Toffee Bundt cake and a savory Turkey Sage Danish.

Holiday season offerings are scheduled to be in Starbucks location around Veterans Day.

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A Fall Food Truck Festival is being hosted by Vanished Valley Brewing Company in Ludlow on Saturday, Nov. 16, from noon to 5 p.m.

More than 15 food trucks will be on site; live music will also be part of the offerings. Vanished Valley will be lighting up their firepits, weather permitting, and smores will be available for purchase.

For additional information, contact Vanished Valley at 413-610-1572.

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The Irish House Restaurant at the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield has announced its schedule of Christmas Music with the Tavern Carolers. Seven dates in December are available with two of the dates, Dec. 22 and 23, including a visit from Santa.

Each performance includes a three-course meal; tickets are $65 and include the meal gratuity. More details and a link for ticket purchases are available at the Irish Cultural Center website.

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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced its menu of holiday season offerings.

These include two returning savory favorites, Country Fried Turkey and Broccoli Cheese Casserole as well as a Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast. Cracker Barrel is also offering a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar and several Sugar Plum beverages.

All these items should be available through the Christmas holiday season.

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This months specialty sundae offering at Friendlys Restaurants is Tom the Turkey.

Tom is made with a scoop of Hunka Chunka PB Fudge ice cream. The ice cream is decorated with candy eyes, a candy corn beak, and a peanut butter cup tail.

The ice cream treat will be available at participating Friendlys locations through the end of November.

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Soulaod Kitchen on Page Boulevard in East Springfield is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Friday, Nov. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m.

To mark the occasion the restaurant will be offering free food samples, giveaways, and face painting for the kids.

Call Soulaod Kitchen at 413-316-3202 for more information.

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Is McDonalds bringing back its McRib sandwich?

The McRib, a cult-favorite build of spiced boneless pork patty thats sauced with a tart barbecue glaze, garnished with slivered onions and dill pickles, and served on a toasted bun, was last available in the U.S. during November 2022, when it made a farewell tour.

However, the sandwich has been reintroduced into McDonalds locations in the United Kingdom this fall, where it is being promoted as a limited-time-only feature.

McDonalds U.S.A. executives had previously hinted that the McRib might make a return to domestic locations later this year, and several food publications have revealed that the company is supposedly bringing back the McRib in the greater Ozarks area at the end of this month.

No word, however, is forthcoming on any plans for a coast-to-coast reprise of the McRib sandwich.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community Colleges hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.
Police identified the Boston man who was fatally shot in Hyde Park Friday afternoon as Jose Alberto Feliz.

Feliz, 28, was found around 1:14 p.m. at 204 Garfield Ave. after he was shot several times, the Boston Police Department said in a statement. Police pronounced him dead at the scene.

Isaiah Trevon Smith, 28, of Hyde Park was charged with murder and various firearms charges, police said. Hell be arraigned in West Roxbury District Court on Tuesday morning.

On Saturday, police said they did not think the shooting was a random incident.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Police encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 617-343-4470.
Three Massachusetts educators unions on strike since last week plan to rally in solidarity with one another on Monday.

The Union of Gloucester Educators (UGE) and Beverly Teachers Association (BTA) voted to go on strike Thursday afternoon, shuttering schools in both communities on Friday. On Friday, the Marblehead Education Associations (MEA) members voted to join them in striking.

All three unions will rally together in Stage Fort Park at 2 p.m. on Monday in Gloucester, according to a joint statement from the three unions. They each seek contracts that improve wages, especially for grossly underpaid paraprofessionals, and provide paid family leave, as public school educators are exempt from the state law ensuring private sector workers receive paid family leave, the statement read.
If you are thinking about sitting next to a campfire or a burn pit sometime soon, think again.

Open burning is banned statewide until Jan. 15, 2025, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The ban will go back into effect on May 1, 2025.

The influx of ongoing dry, breezy weather since May 1 has left the Bay State vulnerable to wildfires, according to Jake Wark, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

Any outdoor fire is likely to spread quickly and become difficult to extinguish under these conditions, Wark said.

At least 13 communities in Massachusetts are experiencing ongoing wildfires. Some of the biggest fires are at Mt. Gilead in Lynn and Middleton Pond, where 415 and 243 acres of land have been burned respectively.

Over the past week, 155 wildfires have burned 305 acres across Massachusetts, the Boston Globe reported.

These fires come as Massachusetts is experiencing a critical drought, Wark said. The drought makes the ground very dry, which in turn makes it easier for fires to spread quickly.

Were asking residents to use caution and common sense with any outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers or other ignition sources, Wark said.
In March, a 31-year-old police officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop in New York. His funeral drew thousands of visitors, including former President Donald Trump, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams.

Now, Jonathan Dillers photo is being used in a Facebook scam.

So we again ask for your assistance in stopping these posts from spreading by reporting them, a Facebook post by the Pittsfield Police Department reads. "A simple Internet search would have immediately shown you it was spam."

The Facebook posts claim Diller is missing in various parts of the country, including Pittsfield and Oxford. The posts show a photo of him with his 1-year-old son.

It claims he is in extreme danger and says it only takes 2 seconds to share the post to help raise awareness.

"Not only is it a scam, it is disheartening and disgusting," the Oxford Police Department wrote.

The posts often get thousands of shares.

The posts are a bait and switch scam, which means after the posts gets enough shares, the scammer changes the original post to a deceptive rental ad or sometimes to a link pointing to a survey that guarantees a cash prize, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Now, your friends think you have recommended that content, the BBB said. These bait-and-switch ads aim to either get a deposit for a rental property before the user gets a chance to see the home- or get your personal information, which could lead to identity theft.

Theyre most commonly done with an injured, lost pet or a missing child to grab your attention, the BBB warned.

Similar posts in Massachusetts have included a 9-year-old girl who had been abducted and found and a 2-year-old boy in Georgia who was injured from a dog attack. Although, the Facebook posts claimed police found the little boy and didnt know who he was or how he was injured.

Both posts were fake.
A three-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy is fighting for his life after he was attacked by a larger dog, an animal adoption agency said.

Ribbet was adopted by a family on Oct. 26, according to Second Chance Animal Services. The family then decided to send him to another home on Oct. 29, without first contacting Second Chance  a violation of the agencys adoption contract.

At the new home, Ribbet was attacked by a much larger dog on Nov. 9 which left him seriously hurt with a fractured skull and injuries to his eyes, Second Chance said.

Ribbet was taken to Second Chances Community Veterinary Hospital in Worcester. Both of Ribbets eyes had to be removed but the medical team is cautiously optimistic that the puppy will recover from his injuries.

Sheryl Blancato, the CEO of Second Chance, said that the agency is exploring legal options regarding the family that breached their adoption contract.

There will definitely be repercussions, she said.

Second Chances adoption policy requires adopters to contact the organization if they cant keep the pet, the agency said.

Were sharing Ribbets story not only to ask for help with his care but to raise awareness of why shelters and rescues have these safeguards in place, Blancato said. While no approach is foolproof, these policies help protect our animals and give them the best chance at a stable and loving home. Rehoming a pet responsibly can make all the difference.

Second Chance set up a donation campaign on its website to raise money for Ribbets care. If the donations exceed the cost of his treatment, the leftover money will go to other animals in need, Second Chance said.
Continuing dry weather and accelerated drought conditions will leave Massachusetts under a Red Flag Warning going into Tuesday.

All of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut will be under a Red Flag Warning until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters expect winds to kick up between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

"Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey burn bans," the National Weather Service said in a post on X.
SPRINGFIELD  A Holyoke company has filed suit against the developer and the major contractor involved in the Eastfield Mall redevelopment project, alleging nearly $250,000 in nonpayment for asbestos removal and about $358,000 for demolition work.

American Environmental Inc. on Nov. 1 filed a claim in Hampden Superior Court against Manafort Brothers Inc., a large general contractor, and Onyx, a Boston firm leading the redevelopment of the old Boston Road shopping mall  where several large retailers are expected to land.
Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh has described as 'outrageous' the timeline to deliver the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant which will not be completed until 2030 at the earliest.

Raw sewage from the existing treatment plant in Newport continues to flow into Clew Bay and according to a recent EPA report, it is not expected to be upgraded by Uisce Eireann until 2030.

Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh claimed that the governments failure to end the outflow of raw sewage at Clew Bay is damaging tourism, trade and putting peoples health at risk.

I have been in contact with Uisce Eireann numerous times regarding the construction of the Newport Wastewater Treatment plant. Earlier this month Uisce Eireann confirmed to me that the long awaited works will not be delivered until 2030.

This is outrageous. There have been years of delays and false dawns regarding this urgent scheme. It is not good enough at all that effluent continues to drain into the bay, she said.

Newport was one of 16 towns and villages across Ireland highlighted in the EPA report where raw sewage discharges daily because their public sewers were not connected to treatment plants.

The Erris-based TD and Sinn Fein spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform said that earlier this year Sinn Fein raised the situation in the European Parliament and following this it came to light that Uisce Eireann had failed to submit its third River Basin Management Plan to the European Commission.

Shamefully this has led to Ireland being referred to the European Court of Justice in February of this year, she said.

The reality is that Newport is now the only town in Mayo where raw sewerage is permitted to leak into the waterways.

Across the state the Government has failed to stop sewage dumping at 16 locations. This is a serious infrastructure deficit that successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments have presided over for decades. It is absolutely foul, unhealthy and bad for business.

Its not a new problem, the Government has been aware of it for decades yet they have failed to get it resolved. They know what the problem is and the solution. However, Uisce Eireann have confirmed to me that the Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant is only at the Preliminary Business Case stage.

This needs to be prioritised by the incoming government. I believe that it will take a change of government for this project to get the momentum required to deliver it in the fastest time frame possible, Deputy Conway-Walsh concluded.
BELMULLET woman Meghan ODonnell and Dionne Lavelle from Ballina were among just 51 students honoured by Dublin City University at a recent ceremony to celebrate memorial and endowed scholarships.

Ms ODonnell, a past pupil of Colaiste Bhreandain Naofa who is completing a degree in nursing, was awarded The Aidan McDonnell Memorial Scholarship, which provides an annual scholarship on the DCU Access Scholarship Programme for a student from Co Mayo.

The scholarship was established by telecommunications company Vilicom Ltd in honour of Aidan McDonnell from Ballina in County Mayo, who passed away in June 2006.

Ms Lavelle, also a former student of Colaiste Bhreandain Naofa, who is currently studying for a Bachelor of Education, was presented with the Frank Durkan Memorial Scholarship.

DCU established the Frank Durkan Memorial Scholarship in November 2008 through the support of family and friends of Frank Durkan to provide scholarship support for Access students from Mr Durkans native Mayo.

The 51 DUC scholarship recipients were selected based on different criteria, depending on the wishes of those who created the scholarship. These include undergraduate students supported by DCUs Access Programme, postgraduate students in the fields of cancer research, education, law and journalism, and students with outstanding sporting and academic achievements.
THREE Mayo farmers and a Mayo-based agri-tech business have been honoured at the recent FBD Better Farming Awards.

Kevin Moran, David Dolan and Sinead Moran were among the 20 award-winners honoured at the ceremony, which was attended by over 200 people at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois.

Mr Moran from Claremorris won the Agri Insider Young Researcher of the Year award for his report highlighting the difficulty young farmers in Ireland face in accessing affordable finance, especially those without land or guarantors.

Garrymore native David Dolan won the Germinal Climate Smart Pasture Farmer of the Year for embracing emissions-reducing technology and sustainable practices on his farm.

Sinead Moran of Gleann Bui Farm, Mayo won the Dairygold Biodiversity Farmer of the Year for her work in farming within the natural limits of her farm.

Dolan Industries from Ballyglass won the AgTech Ireland Best Agritech Hardware Product winner for their Intelligent Soil Management System, which was described as a more efficient solution than traditional methods of spreading fertiliser and other farm related nutrients.

The FBD Better Farming Awards were founded in 2023 to recognize initiatives, research and practices that are helping Irish agriculture meet its economic, social and environmental challenge.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, November 11, 2024

They say history is written by the victors.

But in todays world of hyper-fragmented, always-on, increasingly synthetic and easily manipulatable real-time media, the phrase should be updated to:

Reality is decided by the victors.

Historical truth has become increasingly ephemeral the more we rely on information coming from newsfeeds and media housed in bits, and less from the kind preserved in libraries, academia, courts and archives preserving some of our most foundational principles.

I mean, how else can you explain history repeating itself with the rise of fascism in America and the shift to autocracy not just here, but around the world.

Am I the only one who finds it ironic that I'm writing this on Veterans Day less than a century after some of our greatest defeated dictators attempting to conquer the world, ushering in the greatest expansion of democracy and freedom the world has ever seen?

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I've published my analysis correlating the rise of the internet and the decline of democracy worldwide many times, so I won't repeat it here, but it's worth keeping in mind less than a week after democracy lost a crucial battle in the info war being fought on U.S. soil.

So let me say something to the victors who have won the right to redefine reality once again:

Pozdravlyayu!

Or maybe that should be, baie beluk aan jou?

Or in American English, bless your heart.

You won and you get to rewrite, not just history, but reality as we know it.

Of course, you can expect some resistance along the way, but the truth always has been a tug-of-war, and according to a briefing of experts assembled by Ipsos late last week, facts have been losing to fiction due largely to the nature of the media we use.

The briefing, entitled "The Perils of Perception: Facts vs. Fiction," teased findings from a fresh Ipsos study fielded across 30 countries, which found the gap between the two is "massive," has been trending more in the fictional direction, and that fragmented nature of digital media has been the primary reason for it.

The experts presented data from the report demonstrating this for a politically controversial topic: immigration.

You can see the full data below, but for domestic readers, Americans indexed among the most fictional perceptions on the topic.

While immigrants comprise 15% of the current U.S. population, the average American estimated it is about twice that: 30%.

I encourage you to read the full report, because it's chock full of other interested data showing the polarity of perceptions by country across other important issues -- overall trust in institutions, conspiracies about "elites," and the security of elections -- but my main interest always is the role media consumption plays in reinforcing or distorting reality.

Not surprisingly, media -- especially the digital kind -- are seen as major culprits misinforming people and contributing to distortion.

The Ipsos report points to a marked shift over a 20-year period from Americans getting their news primarily from the Big 3 network nightly news shows to getting it primarily from the "internet" via computer or a smartphone.



During the presentation, Ipsos U.S. Editorial Director - Public Affairs Sarah Feldman presented data showing it's not just Fox News Channel and social media contributing to the distortion of reality, but it depends on the question.

Asked if there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Fox News Channel viewers and social media users were most misinformed.

Asked if it was true that the U.S. lost a significant number of pre-pandemic manufacturing jobs under Donald Trump, respondents primarily using other cable news networks or newspapers were most misinformed.

"One of the critical ways we've been working to understand the American public at this very important juncture is to unpack where people get their news and information, how that shapes their sense of reality, their behaviors and their opinions," she said, adding: "We're talking about the fractured media ecosystem we live in, how we got here and how that contributes to differing senses of reality -- for issues big and small -- how a loss of trust in institutions and a skepticism of them, in fact, fuels people to seek out their own expertise and the risks associated with that.

"We've seen an expansion of the internet, the advent of social media, the advent of the smartphone, and what did that do," she continued. "That precipitates media echo chambers that exist within this fractured media ecosystem. Most people are on their own individual screens, seeing their own individual pieces of information that's contributing to this differing sense of reality."

The Ipsos team -- and their new report -- identifies the problem very clearly, and offered some tips for helping brand marketers and others to diagnose and address them.

But in terms of the greater trend line of an increasingly polarized perception of reality, the solution was a little less clear.

If you haven't already figured out my point, it's that elections have consequences, and to some degree, this one will redefine our country's standards for what constitutes reality.

Fasten your seatbelts.




by Ray Schultz , November 10, 2024

Local newspapers and TV stations are the most trusted news channels in the country, judging by a study from Americas Newspapers, conducted by Coda Ventures.

The most trusted media are:

Local newspapers51%

Local TV stations51%

Local radio stations49%

Network TV news43%

National newspapers36%

Cable news networks36%

Social media20%

What drives trust? The respondents cite these attributes:

Is transparent and unbiased in reporting61%

Has ethical and professional standards59%

Is committed and invested in the issues affecting the community31%

Has similar priorities and values as me25%

The news is produced locally25%

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Based on the above attributes, here are the most trusted media:

Local newspapers25%

Local TV stations19%

Network TV News17%

Social media13%

Cable news networks9%

National newspapers9%

Local radio stations8%

What accounts for the shift?

Meanwhile, 76% of Americans are concerned about the spreading of false or inaccurate news information.

Misinformation continues to shake Americans faith in national media, with three-quarters expressing significant concerns about false news from larger outlets, the study says. "As trust in national sources wanes, the spotlight falls on local newspapers as a reliable counterpoint, connecting readers with fact-checked, accountable news that serves their community.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 11, 2024

Google on Friday asked a federal appellate court to reject Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s attempt to revive claims that YouTube violated his First Amendment rights by removing clips that violated its policies against medical misinformation.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals already sided against Kennedy on this issue once, ruling in August that he wasn't entitled to a preliminary injunction that would have forced YouTube to restore the videos -- including clips of his interviews by podcast hosts Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan. That ruling, issued by a three-judge panel, upheld a trial judge's finding that Kennedy was unlikely to prevail with his First Amendment claim because Google is a private company.

Google is now arguing that Kennedy's new appeal should be dismissed because it is materially indistinguishable from his prior effort to force YouTube to restore the clips.

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The First Amendment generally prohibits the government from censoring speech, but doesn't prevent private companies from suppressing content -- unless those companies are engaged in state action, meaning they acted as government agents.

Kennedy previously argued to the 9th Circuit that Google was a state actor when it took down the clips, contending that the company's medical misinformation policy relied on government sources, such as the World Health Organization and local health authorities.

In August, when the appellate court rejected that argument, the panel wrote that Kennedy failed to identify any threatening or coercive communication, veiled or otherwise, about him from a federal official to Google.

After the appellate ruling came out, U.S. District Court Judge Trina Thompson in the Northern District of California dismissed Kennedy's lawsuit.

Kennedy then appealed the dismissal to the 9th Circuit, but he hasn't yet filed substantive arguments with that court.

On Friday, Google asked the 9th Circuit to summarily reject Kennedy's appeal.

The court has already considered all of the facts and arguments that Kennedy relied upon in opposing Googles motion to dismiss and concluded that they are insufficient to show that Google engaged in state action, the company argued.

Kennedys allegations -- taken as true and viewed in the light most favorable to him -- do not come close to plausibly showing that the government coerced or compelled Google to engage in the challenged conduct, the company argued.

Google obviously does not exercise any government-conferred authority when it decides what content is allowed on its own platforms, the company added. And Googles content moderation policies are its own, not something imposed by statute or regulation.
by Teresa Buyikian , November 11, 2024

People tend to celebrate their 21st birthday overindulging in their newly legal drinking age status with copious amounts of alcohol accompanied by a hangover from hell and sure to be broken promises of never drinking again the following morning. But when youre a sandwich chain turning 21, your celebrations are geared towards benefiting your customers, sans the hangover.

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is commemorating the anniversary with a series of promotions and givebacks through the end of the year. The "Bag of the Day" Promotion, beginning tNov. 11, offers deals every weekday at participating locations starting at $7. Each day features a new sandwich option: Monday discounts the chains Italian-themed menu items, including: the Italian Grinder, Muffuletta, Meatball, Pizzawich and Italian Beef sandwiches. Tuesday the Classics are discounted, including the Gyrowich, Egg Salad, PB&Jwich, Elviswich and Chzbgrwich. Wednesday is Wicked, as inspired by the upcoming flick, with a discount on the chains signature Wicked sandwich..

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On weekends the chain has launched a kids eat free offer, available with the purchase of a regular-sized Wich, also through the end of the year.

Now through Nov. 30, the chain is also offering a Thank You Turkey Thanksgiving Promotion, which supports Which Wichs Project PB&J initiative. Every "Thank You Turkey Wich" sold during the month will provide a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to someone in need.

A scratch offer promotion also commemorates the 500 store chains December birthday. Beginning Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, customers who purchase a sandwich will receive a scratch-off ticket while supplies last. The scratch offs reveal such prizes as free food and gift cards, as well as other surprises, per the brand.

Which Wich was founded in 2003 in Dallas and currently operates over 500 locations across the U.S. in 39 states and 11 countries.
by Colin Kirkland , November 11, 2024

Meta has introduced its first experiential retail space dedicated to its Ray-Ban virtual reality glasses. The temporary Meta Lab pop-up store is open to the public in Los Angeles through the holidays to boost sales around the branded product by showcasing the products functionality.

The store was developed out of Metas initial retail showcase at its Connect conference earlier this year. According to the company, 90% of Connect attendees went through the pop-up store, were given a pair of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses to capture photos and videos that were then downloaded and given to them to take home as a memento of their experience.

Meta says one in four of those attendees made a purchase.

The focus is on experiential retail -- a reinvention of the traditional shopping experience, the company said in a statement, adding that the entire endeavor is driven by a learning agenda to find out what works, and what doesn't, to help inform our future efforts, while also benefiting EssilorLuxottica and our third-party retail partners.

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Meta's Los Angeles-based holiday store will feature regular programming, such as stand-up comedy from Desi Banks, a live podcast with social media personality Madeline Argy, a paint and sip night with the musical artist Tinashe, a Ray-Ban-focused workshop with Director Drex Lee, and a cooking class with Cassie Yeung.

In addition, the store will include an immersion experience room where visitors can capture themselves in an AI-generated version of the beach at Malibu with 17-foot bespoke-built fiberglass palm trees, according to the project's creative director Matt Jacobson.

The LA-based holiday store will be followed by another immersive retail experience in January in Phoenix. Each in-store experience is designed to explore which form of brick-and-mortar retail will most successfully showcase its next-level Reality Labs products, including its VR headsets.

In reference to EssilorLuxottica's 17,000 stores, as well as Meta's third-party partners, Jacobson is using these retail launches as a way to test whether Meta can build a store inside somebody elses business.

Meta's Los Angeles pop-up is open from now until December 31.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, November 11, 2024





Shailesh Prakash, vice president and general manager for Google News, has resigned. He is known to be important to the company's relationships with publishers.

Prakash joined Google two years ago from the Washington Post, where he spent more than a decade overseeing data and technology. He also worked previously at Sears Holdings and Microsoft.

Citing people familiar with the decision, The Wall Street Journal reported on his resignation.

Google has faced scrutiny in recent months over its business practices with publishers and the alleged harm they have caused to news publishers, which rely on the search giant for the site traffic that underpins ad sales. Prakash was recruited to initially smooth any hardships Google had experienced with publishers, especially after the two recent antitrust trials.

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Google has been one of the greatest sources of traffic to publisher websites. In July, Google drove around 92% of all organic search traffic to brands. At the time, there was little evidence of any significant impact of AI or new entrants on market share or Google search queries, according to BrightEdge.

That has changed somewhat with the entrance of new AI-based search engines.

A contention between publishers and Google is the use of their content to produce generative AI results in AI Overviews, which respond to search queries with a complete answer. Not all searches produce AI Overviews, but when they do, the content links to the publisher's sites as the source of information.

Google has held discussions with publishers during the past year about compensation for the use of their content in training large language models (LLM).

Google, OpenAI, Meta and other companies heavily involved with AI are placing greater emphasis on content from reputable news sources when training LLMs, according to a new study by Ziff Davis.
(Photo: Third Wave Automation)

Third Wave Automation has closed a $27m (21m) investment round to support future technology development that advances the use of autonomous forklifts.

The funding will enable the US firm to scale its pioneering Shared Autonomy Platform and expand manufacturing of its multimode TWA Reach forklifts.

In an industry grappling with a severely constrained labour market and intensifying market competition, Third Wave's approach of blending AI-powered autonomy with human expertise is transforming warehouses.

Prashant Bothra, principal at Woven Capital, who is joining the Third Wave board, said: "Third Wave's solution provides reliable automation for vertical movement and placement of goods while optimising labour efficiency, enhancing safety and enabling data-driven improvements.

"With access to Toyota's unparalleled bench of industrial automation and mobility experts, we believe Third Wave is well positioned to chart the future of intelligent material handling, unlocking unprecedented value across global logistics networks."

"The partnership between Third Wave and Woven Capital creates a strong foundation to advance our company's strategic vision, reshaping how warehouse operators perceive autonomous forklifts and the value they deliver," added Arshan Poursohi, CEO of Third Wave.

"Collaborating with Toyota will play a vital role in expanding access to our AI-powered solutions and industry-leading autonomous forklifts.

"Together, we will empower more U.S. warehouse operators to boost productivity, enhance operational flexibility, address labour challenges and improve safetyall while delivering a fast, impressive ROI."

Third Wave pioneered materials handling automation with its Shared Autonomy Platform, enabling the TWA Reach line of forklifts to operate autonomously or seek help from remote operators who can take control from the safety of their office.

The platform uses machine learning to ensure forklifts continue to adapt and improve over time.

The TWA Reach forklifts operate in four modes: fully autonomous, remote assist, remote operation and traditional manual operation.

They are designed for high-reach applications, capable of horizontal and vertical movement of payloads, and used for end-to-end applications, from inbound, replenish and outbound tasks to all tasks in between.

The system includes the industry's most efficient mapping solution. Using automotive-grade 3D lidar, Third Wave can see from the floor to the roof and across aisles, reducing the time it takes to map fixed environments from months to days.

The advanced camera warehouse perception systemincluding Collision Shield, the industry-leading autonomous obstacle detection system running on forkliftsprovides remote operators with insights into potential obstacles and how to navigate around them, as well as better views of target pick-and-place locations than manual operators.

The platform, along with its industry-leading Armada Fleet Management System (FMS), enables a single operator to manage multiple forklifts.

Integrating with other warehouse management systems, the Armada FMS allows operators to execute and monitor workflows and dynamically configure warehouse zones, dramatically improving worker efficiency and safety.

"The value of Third Wave Automation is genuinely transformative," said Brien Downie, president of 3PL firm Holman Logistics.

"Their autonomous forklifts will help us streamline our processes, enable our organization to fulfill customer orders more efficiently and maintain our competitive position in the logistics marketplace.

"Additionally, the autonomous Third Wave forklifts will play an important role in supporting our core value of ensuring that we always provide a safe environment for our team members."
The historian William Dalrymple was undoubtedly speaking for many when he described the founding of British rule in India as the supreme act of corporate violence in world history  for the story of how the British East India Company, an unregulated private enterprise, succeeded in opportunistically wresting control of some of the richest lands on Earth has long been mired in controversy.

Militarily, the key moment came on 23 June 1757 at the Battle of Plassey  where an upstart Company clerk by the name of Robert Clive (who had arrived in India as a penniless 19-year-old just over a decade earlier) led a small army to victory over the forces of Siraj-ud-Daulah, the last Nawab of Bengal, and his French allies. By seizing control of Bengal, the subcontinents most fertile and densely populated region, the ambitious Clive managed ruthlessly to pave the way for almost two centuries of British rule over most of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, carving out a substantial fortune for himself along the way.



For much of the next 200 years, Britains role in India would be presented as a proud part of its own national story, and the jewel in the crown of an emerging imperial narrative. Despite his often unscrupulous behaviour, and what many would call the fundamentally rapacious nature of his project, Clive himself would also be celebrated at the heart of the British establishment, including in the form of a statue outside the Foreign Office.

More recently, however  and especially since 1947, when India finally gained its independence  more searching questions have been asked: about the true nature of colonialism and empire, and how such figures as Clive (who faced censure in Parliament and was nicknamed Lord Vulture even in his own lifetime) should really be commemorated.

In our special feature for this issue, Stephen Roberts first traces the life of this highly effective but undeniably divisive commander, then looks in more detail at the Battle of Plassey, the key victory that helped launch Britains empire in the subcontinent.

This is an extract from a special feature on Clive in India from the December 2024/January 2025 issue of Military History Matters magazine.

Read the full article online on The Past, or in the print magazine: find out more about subscriptions to Military History Matters here.
The Army is set to launch a pilot program in January at two recruiting stations in the Miami area designed to cut through the red tape bogging down military recruitment.

Recruiters there will concentrate exclusively on pitching the benefits of military service, leaving the paperwork and administrative tasks to other support staff. The dramatic change in processing new applicants aims to lighten the overwhelming load recruiters face, making the path to enlistment faster and more efficient.

The service is also eyeing expansion of the pilot program to other locations in the spring as it grapples with an unprecedented recruiting crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Next: From the Internet Boom to the Press Room: Military.com's 25 Years of Work for the Troops

Recruiters, under intense pressure to meet monthly recruiting targets, are caught between the dual challenges of marketing military service to young Americans and navigating a maze of bureaucratic red tape that can bog down the enlistment process.

"When you're ready to buy a car, you have a different guy who you have fill out the paperwork on the finances and the person who is a salesperson and engaging with the public," Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told Military.com in an interview.

The service is starting the pilot in an area with a strong track record.

For the past decade, the South has proven to be the top recruiting engine -- contributing nearly 28% of the Army's new recruits every year since 2013. Miami, in particular, has been especially fruitful, internal data shows.

The Midwest, by contrast, presents a tougher recruiting landscape, bringing in a comparatively modest 15% of annual enlistments over the same period -- a persistent challenge for the Army's recruitment efforts.

It's unclear whether those doing the administrative tasks will also be recruiters and, if so, how the credit for enlistment quotas will be divided. Those administrative tasks include collecting essential documents from applicants, such as high school diplomas and other personal records, as well as running criminal background checks.

However, the real bottleneck comes from processing medical waivers, a step notorious for creating gridlock in the recruitment pipeline.

The waivers can delay the enlistment process for months, often leading frustrated applicants to abandon their plans to join the force entirely. The Army and other services have surged medical personnel into Military Entrance Processing Stations, or MEPS, to speed up processing applicants.

The Army recruited 55,300 new active-duty troops in fiscal 2024, ending a streak of missed recruitment targets since 2022 and narrowly surpassing its goal of 55,000 by the close of September.

The success was largely credited to the Future Soldier Preparatory Courses -- a program designed to boost applicants who would have otherwise been disqualified from service due to academic or fitness shortfalls, getting them ready for basic training and military life. Those courses brought in nearly a quarter of new recruits in 2024 who would have otherwise been turned away and not allowed to join the Army.

The Army has an even more ambitious goal in 2025 to bring in 61,000 new active-duty soldiers and service leaders are moving into the New Year confident theyll hit those numbers, mostly due to the success of the prep courses.

"Based on what we're seeing, we will continue to improve in terms of the volume of applicants," Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, who oversees Army recruiting efforts, told reporters in September.

Related: After Barely Meeting Recruiting Goal, Army Aims to Enlist Thousands More Soldiers in Coming Year
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday made their first joint appearance since her election loss when they observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The pair then went to the cemetery's memorial amphitheater, where Biden honored the service and sacrifice of America's military veterans  including those who paid the ultimate price, and their families  during what was his final time speaking there as commander in chief of the U.S. military.

It's been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation, Biden said. You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world.

Biden announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding the types of cancers covered under the PACT Act, legislation he signed to expand health care services for veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from burn pits" that incinerated garbage and other waste.

The president opened his brief remarks by stating that America's truly sacred obligation is to prepare those it sends into harm's way and care for them when they come home, or don't.

To all the military families, to all those with a loved one still missing or unaccounted for, to all Americans grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, Jill and I want you to know we see you, we thank you and we'll never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your family, he said.

The president's son, Beau Biden, served in the Delaware Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2008 for about a year. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

Biden and Harris appeared solemn as they approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. They placed their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played before the wreath-laying, and again afterward as Taps sounded.

The president and first lady hosted veterans and members of the military community at the White House before they and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, departed for the hallowed burial ground across the Potomac River from Washington.

It was the first time that Biden and Harris had been seen together in public since the vice president lost last week's election to former President Donald Trump, though Biden had spoken to both Trump and Harris by phone. The president plans to host the president-elect at the White House on Wednesday.

Before leaving the cemetery, Harris and Emhoff visited a gravesite. The White House did not say who is buried there.

After the Veterans Day observance, Biden flew home to Delaware to attend the unveiling of a plaque in Claymont honoring his late son. Biden also visited Beau's gravesite in Wilmington.

___

Associated Press writer Ayanna Alexander in Delaware, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON -- President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary is still up in the air, but it is a sure bet he will look to reshape the Pentagon and pick a loyalist following his tumultuous first term. Five men held the job as Pentagon chief only to resign, be fired or serve briefly as a stopgap.

While he has yet to announce a decision, the names of potential Pentagon chiefs stretch from the well-known -- such as Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida -- to an array of former administration loyalists, including retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who held national security posts during Trump's first term.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been floated, but Trump said on social media Saturday that Pompeo would not be joining the new administration.

Some decisions may linger for days as candidates jostle for attention and officials wait for the final results from House races, weighing whether Republican lawmakers can be tapped or if others are a safer pick to avoid a new election for an empty congressional seat.

"The choice is going to tell us a lot about how he will deal with the Pentagon," said Mark Cancian, senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a retired Marine colonel.

He said someone like Waltz -- a former Army officer and Green Beret -- with a deep military background may not be as dramatic of a change as others who may be viewed as stronger Trump loyalists.

With a number of top jobs at the State Department, National Security Council and Defense Department up for grabs, Trump is expected to lean toward those who back his desire to end U.S. involvement in any wars, use the military to control the U.S.-Mexico border and take a hard line on Iran.

The key test, however, will be loyalty and a willingness to do whatever Trump wants, as he seeks to avoid the pushback he got from the Pentagon the first time around.

Trump's relationship with his civilian and military leaders during those years was fraught with tension, confusion and frustration, as they struggled to temper or even simply interpret presidential tweets and pronouncements that blindsided them with abrupt policy decisions they weren't prepared to explain or defend.

Time after time, senior Pentagon officials -- both in and out of uniform -- worked to dissuade, delay or derail Trump, on issues ranging from his early demand to prohibit transgender troops from serving in the military and his announcements that he was pulling troops out of Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan to his push to use troops to police the border and stem civil unrest on the streets of Washington.

In his first administration, Trump hewed toward what he considered strong military men and defense industry executives. Initially enamored with generals, Trump over time found them to be not loyal enough.

"He soured on them," Cancian said. "They were not as pliable as he had thought. ... I've heard people speculate that maybe the chairman would be fired. So that's something to watch."

Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, took over as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October 2023 for a four-year term, but military leaders serve at the pleasure of the president. Brown, a combat pilot and just the second Black officer to serve as chairman, spoke out after the police killing of George Floyd, describing the bias he faced in his life and career.

Trump also is expected to choose someone as defense secretary with disdain for equity and diversity programs and less likely to counter his plans based on limits laid out in the Constitution and rule of law. But he also may well push for increased defense spending, at least initially, including on U.S. missile defense.

A key overriding concern is that Trump will select someone who won't push back against potentially unlawful or dangerous orders or protect the military's longstanding apolitical status.

On Thursday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin raised that red flag. In a message to the force, he said the U.S. military stands ready to "obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command," adding that troops swear an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States."

He echoed retired Army Gen. Mark Milley's pronouncement during a speech as he closed out four years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

"We don't take an oath to a king or a queen or to a tyrant or a dictator. And we don't take an oath to a wannabe dictator," Milley said. "We don't take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea that is America, and we're willing to die to protect it."

Trump's first defense chief, retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis, learned quickly to stay off his boss' radar by largely eliminating press conferences that Trump could see.

Mattis and Milley, along with Trump's chief of staff John Kelly, a retired Marine general, and retired Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, who also served as Joint Chiefs chairman, all worked quietly behind the scenes to temper some of Trump's decisions.

They stalled his demands that troops be quickly and completely withdrawn from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan and managed to prevent the use of active-duty troops to quell civil unrest in Washington.

Two years in, Mattis abruptly resigned in December 2018 in frustration over Trump's national security policies, including a perceived disdain for allies and his demands to pull all troops out of Syria. Patrick Shanahan, the deputy defense secretary, took over as acting Pentagon chief but withdrew as the nominee six months later due to personal family problems that were made public.

Then-Army Secretary Mark Esper took over in an acting role, but he had to step aside briefly when nominated, so Navy Secretary Richard Spencer served as the acting chief until Esper was confirmed.

Esper was fired days after Trump lost the 2020 election, largely because the president did not believe him to be loyal enough. Trump was especially angry over Esper's public opposition to invoking the two-centuries-old Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty troops in the District of Columbia during unrest following the police killing of George Floyd.

Trump named Christopher Miller, a retired Army officer who has been director of the National Counterterrorism Center, to serve as acting secretary and surrounded him with staunch loyalists.

That is the Pentagon that officials quietly say they expect to see in Trump's new administration.
Throughout the month of November, veterans and those still serving in their nations militaries around the world are honored for their courage and sacrifices.

Here in the United States, military veterans are recognized specifically on Veterans Day on Nov. 11, a federal holiday originating from Armistice Day that commemorated the official cessation of hostilities of World War I.

A military-themed show like The Fighter Pilot Podcast would not be possible without veterans who first served in uniform and then shared their experiences with our audience.

So this Veterans Day, were taking a walk down memory lane, revisiting some of our most memorable episodes from among the nearly 300 in our catalog as we wrap up our seventh year in podcasting.

Follow and Subscribe to The Fighter Pilot Podcast:

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World War II

When we debuted in 2018, we were a bit late to feature any military aviators from World War I. But it has been our honor to feature four World War II veterans. Sadly, each of these four guests have since passed away, but we are glad to capture their incredible stories.

Lt. Col. Crawford Hicks, U.S. Air Force (ret.), a former B-17 Flying Fortress pilot (Ep. 64)

Capt. Marshall Hannah, U.S. Air Force (former), a former P-38 Lightning pilot (Ep. 108)

Col. Clarence Bud Anderson, U.S. Air Force (ret.), a former P-51 Mustang pilot (Ep. 116)

Capt. Art Palmer, U.S. Air Force (ret.), a former B-24 Liberator pilot (Hobo to Hero)

Korean War

Less than a decade after the conclusion of World War II came the Korean War.

Lt. (j.g.) Dale Berven, U.S. Navy (former), a former F-9 Panther pilot (Ep. 137)

Lt. Col. Jim Skinny McLennen, U.S. Air National Guard (retired), a former F-86 Sabre pilot (Ep. 86)

Cold War

Besides the Korean War, the 1950s saw the world plunge ever deeper into the Cold War, which lasted for almost the next five decades.

Lt. Col. Ray Janes, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former F-102 Delta Dagger pilot (Ep. 102)

Col. Michael Lips Phillips, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former U-2 Dragon Lady pilot (Ep. 93)

Maj. Brian Punchy Shul, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former SR-71 Blackbird pilot (Ep. 51)

Capt. Bob Jellison, U.S. Navy (ret.), former A-5 Vigilante pilot (Ep. 63)

Vietnam War

The Cold War went hot, by proxy, in the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, and we have been honored to feature many veterans of the Vietnam War.

Operation Desert Storm

Two decades after the jungles of Vietnam, American forces found themselves fighting in the sands of Iraq, and here on the show we have featured several Desert Storm veterans.

Capt. Nick Mongo Mongolio, U.S. Navy, F/A-18 Hornet pilot (Ep. 17)

CW04 Tim Settle, U.S. Army, AH-64 Apache pilot (Ep. 90)

Maj. Robert Donaldson, Michigan Air National Guard (ret.), F-117 Nighthawk pilot (Ep. 72)

Global War on Terrorism

Finally, the Global War on Terrorism has yielded many veterans who have joined us here on the show.

Maj. Travis Jyahoon Denny, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, AH-1 Cobra pilot (Ep 119)

Col. Craig Walker, U.S. Air Force, AC-130 gunship pilot (Ep. 80)

Lt. Col. Dan Killjoy Martin, U.S. Air Force (ret.), former MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper operator (Ep. 193.5)

Cmdr. Dan Rainman Warren, U.S. Coast Guard (Ep. 69)

Here at The Fighter Pilot Podcast, we honor all U.S. military veterans and salute the Canadian, Australian, French, and British service members who are also recognized this month in their home countries.

To all of them, on behalf of our audience, thank you for your service. And to you, the audience, thank you for listening to The Fighter Pilot Podcast.

Happy Veterans Day.

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The nation's largest Veterans Day event, the New York City Veterans Day Parade hosted by the United War Veterans Council, will return on Monday, November 11, 2024, for its 105th year.

The Marine Corps is this year's featured service for the event, which will march up Fifth Avenue between 25th and 45th streets in Manhattan from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.. It will be broadcast live on WABC in New York, as well as live-streamed here on Military.com.

The parade is expected to feature nearly 300 marching and vehicle units and welcome 20,000 participants from across America, representing every service branch of the military and every era.

This years grand marshal will be retired Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer, the first Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient for Operation Enduring Freedom. He was honored for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal in Afghanistan in 2009.

At the time, Meyer was a 21-year-old corporal, helping train and mentor Afghan Army troops, the United War Veterans Council said in a statement announcing Meyer as grand marshal. When he received word that heavily-armed Taliban fighters had pinned down a force of Afghan and U.S. troops, Meyer defied orders and drove into the killing zone to help.

The parade may be viewed live online here on November 11.

In person, spectators can get a view anywhere along Fifth Avenue from the step-off point, 25th Street, to its end on 45th Street.

Every year, New York City's Veterans Day commemoration honors all eras of service and all service branches.

Ahead of this years parade, there will also be an Honor Ruck for veterans and active military from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, November 10, 2024. This fitness march begins at Eternal Light Flagstaff at Madison Square Park, includes visits to memorials in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and ends at the World Trade Center Reflecting Pools.

On Monday, November 11, immediately before the parade at 10:55 a.m., there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Madison Square Park.

For more information, visit nycvetsday.org.
Title: The Ultimate Guide to Sonys E3 2018 Update Arrives! Heres What You Need to Know







(When Is E3 2018 for Sony? Key Dates and Announcements)

Dear readers,

Are you ready to witness the latest innovations in technology from Sonys top namesake brand? Today, we bring you an exciting update on their upcoming software release, E3 2018.

Firstly, let us take a look at the key dates and announcements that will be part of this release. The announcement takes place on November 7th, 2018, during Sonys Developer Conference. On that day, they will announce several new releases, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, PlayStation Now, PlayStation TV Plus, and PlayStation Online 2. This week also marks the launch of Sonys first truly virtual reality game, PlayStation VR.

Next up is the release of the updated operating system. PlayStation 4 has been the de facto standard for gaming for years now, but Sony has recently announced their intention to transition to Windows. They have released a beta version of the Windows version of PlayStation 4 today, and it includes new features such as facial recognition, artificial intelligence voice commands, and augmented reality functionality. This release promises to make playing games even more convenient and enjoyable.

In terms of hardware updates, the PlayStation 4X has been announced, which is a third-generation version of the console that features higher specifications and improved performance. It is designed to offer faster loading times, better graphics, and more advanced technology.

Now, lets talk about how to get started with E3 2018. The most important thing is to stay tuned to Sonys official website and social media channels for the latest news and updates. They will also provide detailed information about each of the releases listed above, so that you can make informed decisions about which one to buy.

Finally, if you havent already done so, consider purchasing a PS4 orPS4 X to experience the latest generation of gaming on your system. These devices have the best performance and are compatible with all of the latest games.

In conclusion, Sonys E3 2018 update promises to be an exciting and informative experience for gamers. From new releases to hardware updates, theres something for everyone. So, grab your electronics and head over to Sonys official website and social media channels to discover what the release holds. Happy gaming!







(When Is E3 2018 for Sony? Key Dates and Announcements)

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Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly translated the origin word for Michigan.

The Mitten. The Great Lake State. The Wolverine State. Michigan is known by many names, but the origin of the word Michigan comes from the states shorelines.

The word Michigan derives from the Algonquin word Mishigamaw, meaning big lake or great water, deriving its name from the lake of the same name, according to The Bureau of Indian Affairs under the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Indigenous word is also said to be from Michi meaning great and Gama meaning water, according to the BIA.

Michigans distinct shape influenced its early naming.

Now, its a Michigander tradition to hold up your hand as a map and let people know what thread of the big mitten you belong to.

The Anishinaabeg people called North America Turtle Island with Michigan being the head of the turtle, according to a 2014 climate report from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and University of Arizona.

Odawa representatives hiked Sleeping Bear Dunes with the National Parks Services and relayed this story among others in the chapter titled Odawa Voices. The Odawa representatives were not named in the report.

When the settlers came they asked what the Indigenous people called different parts of the land, and they responded, mi-she-can which means turtle, according to the interview with Odawa representatives in the report.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore shared this excerpt from the 2014 interview in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month in November.

Mackinac Island gets its name from the Ojibwe word, Mitchimakinak meaning big turtle or also translated as turtle island or Island of the Great Turtle.

Later the French used their own version of the original pronunciation and named it Michilimackinac. The English shortened it to the present name: Mackinac, according to Pure Michigan.

Fitting that in 1995, the painted turtle became Michigans state reptile. The painted turtle was chosen as the representative after a group of Niles fifth graders discovered that Michigan did not have a state reptile, according to the state.
EAST LANSING, MI  A Michigan distilling company dedicated to agritourism and storytelling in its whiskey went to the depths of Lake Huron in the hopes of resurrecting an old rye variety.

Mammoth Distilling and Michigan State University are teaming up to bring back whats now known as Bentley rye, according to an article from MSU Today.

Rescued from the 1878 shipwreck of the wooden schooner James R. Bentley - one of a few privately-owned shipwrecks in Michigan waters after the owner won a court case with the state - the rye rested in near-freezing water for 146 years, the report said. On Sept. 17, two divers went 160 feet to the bottom of Lake Huron and extracted seeds using a special tube. The seeds were put on ice and rushed to MSU where Eric Olson, an expert in wheat breeding and genetics, tried to get them to germinate.

A tube full of rye seeds extracted from the James R. Bentley shipwreck sits on ice. The wooden schooner wrecked in 1878, and has rested under 160 feet of water for 146 years. Seeds were salvaged from the privately owned Lake Huron shipwreck on Sept. 17, 2024.Nick Schrader | Michigan State University

They didnt germinate. But thats not the end of the story.

The seeds arent dead at all, Olson told MSU Today.

Olson is now working to extract DNA from the seeds, which will allow him to compare them to modern rye varieties, determine its origin, sequence the chromosomes and transfer them into a modern rye variety, essentially reviving this historic rye, the report said.

Eric Olson, an associate professor and expert in wheat breeding and genetics at Michigan State University, holds tube full of rye seeds extracted from the James R. Bentley shipwreck. The wooden schooner wrecked in 1878, and has rested under 160 feet of water for 146 years.Jonah Brown | Michigan State University

The goal is to use the Bentley seeds to create a new variety of rye for distillers, something that could inspire a Michigan rye trail in the vein of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Chad Munger, owner of Mammoth Distilling, told MSU Today.

The Michigan Rye Trail will be more than just visiting distilleries all over the state that are making Michigan rye whiskey, Munger told MSU Today. We want people to know where their grain came from  and thats proudly grown in Michigan.
Billie Eilishs Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour is coming to Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday for two straight nights at the United Center.

Shop on Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Ticketmaster.

Billie Eilish arrives at the 35th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Palm Springs, Calif.Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Nine-time Grammy-winning pop artist Billie Eilish is touring in support of her May 2024 album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, which features her latest big hits BIRDS OF A FEATHER, WILDFLOWER, CHIHIRO, and LUNCH. Tonight, the tour takes on Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota before heading to the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday and Thursday, November 13 and 14. Eilish is then scheduled to appear at venues in Omaha, Denver, Seattle, and more before wrapping up the North American in December leg with five nights at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.

Last-minute tickets are still available from $241 each on SeatGeek. And, through November 12, purchase tickets via SeatGeek and save $10 on any $250+ order with code VETERANS10.

Chicago tickets:

Wed, Nov 13  Vivid Seats from $244 | SeatGeek from $241 | StubHub from $226 | Ticketmaster from $441.05

Thurs, Nov 14  Vivid Seats from $247 | SeatGeek from $243 | StubHub from $257 | Ticketmaster from $227.13

Tour schedule:

Mon, Nov 11  Xcel Energy Center; Saint Paul, MN Get Tickets

Wed, Nov 13  United Center; Chicago, IL Get Tickets

Thu, Nov 14  United Center; Chicago, IL Get Tickets

Sat, Nov 16  T-Mobile Center; Kansas City, MO Get Tickets

Sun, Nov 17  CHI Health Center Omaha; Omaha, NE Get Tickets

Tue, Nov 19  Ball Arena; Denver, CO Get Tickets

Wed, Nov 20  Ball Arena; Denver, CO Get Tickets

Tue, Dec 3  Rogers Arena; Vancouver, BC, CA Get Tickets

Thu, Dec 5  Climate Pledge Arena; Seattle, WA Get Tickets

Fri, Dec 6  Climate Pledge Arena; Seattle, WA Get Tickets

Sun, Dec 8  Moda Center; Portland, OR Get Tickets

Tue, Dec 10  SAP Center; San Jose, CA Get Tickets

Wed, Dec 11  SAP Center; San Jose, CA Get Tickets

Fri, Dec 13  Desert Diamond Arena; Glendale, AZ Get Tickets

Sun, Dec 15  Kia Forum; Inglewood, CA Get Tickets

Mon, Dec 16  Kia Forum; Inglewood, CA Get Tickets

Tue, Dec 17  Kia Forum; Inglewood, CA Get Tickets

Fri, Dec 20  Kia Forum; Inglewood, CA Get Tickets

Sat, Dec 21  Kia Forum; Inglewood, CA Get Tickets
DETROIT  Two people are dead, and five others are injured after three people allegedly fired shots into a crowd at a party, authorities said.

A 15-year-old boy from Detroit and Gage Schmaltz, 19, of Southgate, were both fatally shot around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, at a block party in Detroit, according to a news release from the Wayne County Prosecutors Office.

Sustaining injuries from the gunfire were a 16-year-old male from Pontiac; two 17-year-old males from Pontiac; an 18-year-old Detroit woman; and an 18-year-old Pontiac man, the release said.

Three defendants are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder and several other crimes, prosecutors said. A fourth defendant is charged with tampering with evidence.

Around 1:34 p.m. on Nov. 3, Detroit Police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 6300 block of Devereaux Street for a large gathering, the release said. Upon arrival, they witnessed gunshots being fired from a vehicle into a crowd. It is alleged that the shooting followed a verbal altercation.

The 15-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene, the release said. Schmaltz was transported by ambulance to a local hospital; he died later that day. Three of the injured victims were transported by ambulance to a local hospital while the other two were taken in private vehicles.

The fatal victims, Schmaltz and the 15-year-old, were both struck in the head, the release said. The 16-year-old victim and a 17-year-old victim were both shot in the face; the other 17-year-old victim in the chest and arm; the 18-year-old female victim in the right leg; and the 18-year-old male victim in the face, chest and back.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and officers pursued it to the intersection of Gilbert and Devereaux streets, the release said. Thats where the defendants allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Johnny Lee Marsh III, 25, and Eladeo Javier-Antonio Garcia, 22, both of Detroit, were apprehended after a brief foot chase, the release said. Alfonso Anaya, 18, of Detroit, and Amber Renee-Sue McIntee, 21, of Lincoln Park, were arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

Marsh, Garcia and Anaya are each charged with two counts of first-degree murder, four counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of discharge from a motor vehicle causing death, five counts of discharge from a motor vehicle causing injury, carrying a concealed weapon, 14 counts of felony firearm, and one count of resting and obstructing a police officer.

Anaya is also charged with third-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer.

McIntee is charged with tampering with evidence and lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigation.

All four defendants were arraigned Saturday in 36th District Court before Magistrate Malaika Ramsey-Heath. Marsh, Garcia and Anaya were remanded to jail. McIntees personal bond was set at $75,000.

They are due back in court at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, before Judge Aliyah Sabree.
(c) 2024 , The Washington Post  Leo Sands, Vivian Ho

Shortly after Donald Trumps election, searches for move abroad began surging in the United States. While many Americans looked for information about how to move to Canada, others also searched further afield, Googling destinations including the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.

Jen Barnett, who runs Expatsi, a company that helps Americans seeking to move abroad, said her site saw a months worth of traffic in just a few hours after the presidential race was called and made within days what would ordinarily be a couple months worth of sales.
(c) 2024 , The Washington Post  Mary Ilyushina, Catherine Belton

The Kremlin denied Monday that President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin last week, saying there are no specific plans for the two leaders to communicate yet.

The Washington Post reported Sunday that the men spoke on Thursday, with Trump joining the call from his resort in Florida. According to five people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, Trump advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of Washingtons sizable military presence in Europe.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the story completely untrue.

This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is now published, sometimes even in fairly respected publications. This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, this is simply false information, he told the Russian news agency Interfax.

Asked whether Putin had plans for any contacts with Trump, Peskov said, There are no concrete plans yet.

The Kremlin denial of the call came amid nervousness in Moscow over whether Trump would stick to his pre-election campaign rhetoric and seek to restore relations with Russia and bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter of Putins and political analyst, suggested the Kremlin did not like the phrase about U.S. troops in Europe.

It looks like Trump is threatening Putin. If Russia now agrees to Trumps proposal at least partially, it will turn out that he did so under pressure, said Gallyamov, who lives in Israel after being branded a foreign agent by Russia. Putin is very concerned with appearances and wants to look like the master of the situation, and not the one who is being threatened.

Peskov told Russian state TV journalist Pavel Zarubin earlier that Moscow was encouraged by Trumps campaign talk about seeking peace instead of confrontation with Russia, but he added that Trump was unpredictable and that it was not clear whether he would stick to his statements.

Many in Moscow worry that Trump could be constrained by a strongly anti-Putin U.S. security establishment - a concern Putin also hinted at during a speech at the Valdai forum on Thursday when he said Trump appeared to be hounded during his first term and afraid of making any step to the left or right or saying any word.

During his presidential campaign, Trump said he could settle the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, though he did not offer specifics about how he intended to achieve that. He privately signaled his support for a deal that would allow Russia to retain some captured territory.

In the call The Post reported on, the leaders discussed the goal of peace on the European continent, and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon, one of the people said, and he briefly touched upon the issue of land.

One Moscow businessman said the Kremlin may not want to confirm any such call - even if it was only an informal overture - as it reportedly contained an implicit threat from Trump against Russia escalating further in Ukraine.

They are either sure that no one will confirm this call, or if there was a demand from Trump saying that escalation was unacceptable and that no one needs this - of course Putin and his apparatus cant not react to this: They will have to show that we are not afraid and we will continue our agenda to fully take the occupied territories, he said, referring to the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions that Putin unilaterally declared Russia was annexing.

But many are uncertain over whether Putin would agree to stop at those borders. If Putin wants to take more territory, then talks with Trump are senseless, the businessman added, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issues.

During the Valdai forum, Putin also said Ukraine would have to accept neutrality for any peace talks to succeed. If Ukraines neutrality does not exist, it is hard to imagine any good neighborly relations with Russia, he said, adding that any cease-fire could not be a temporary arrangement that would merely allow Ukraine to stock up on munitions.

Before last weeks presidential election, the Kremlin said on several occasions that Putin does not plan to call a new U.S. president.

But on Thursday, Putin congratulated Trump on his victory in his first public comment on the U.S. vote, and he praised the president-elects courage during the July assassination attempt.

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 the forum following his speech.

He manifested himself in the very correct way, bravely as a man, Putin added.

Speaking about future contacts with Trump, Putin said: I dont think its embarrassing to call him on my part. Im not doing this because the leaders of Western countries have been calling me almost every week at some point, and then suddenly they stopped.

If any of them want to resume contacts, I have always said, and I want to say it again: we have nothing against it, he added.
ANN ARBOR, MI  What do a Pulitzer Prize-winning news editor, a C-SPAN co-founder, an Emmy-winning historian and a trailblazing female NASA software engineer have in common?

Theyre all being considered for honorary doctorates from the University of Michigan during winter commencement on Dec. 15 at Crisler Center.

The universitys Board of Regents is expected to vote on the approval of the degrees for Rebecca Blumenstein, John D. Evans, Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Margaret H. Hamilton on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Blumenstein became president of editorial at NBC News in 2023. She has been recommended for an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

At NBC News, she oversees programs like Meet the Press and Dateline NBC."

Blumensteins journalism career launched after she served as editor in chief at The Michigan Daily. She earned a bachelors degree from the UM Residential College.

While leading The Wall Street Journals China bureau abroad, her team won a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 2007 for its Naked Capitalism series.

She had previously worked for the Journals Detroit bureau and New York Technology Group, after early-career jobs with the Tampa Tribune, Gannett Newspapers and Newsday. She later served as a deputy editor and chief for The Journal and then moved to The New York Times to serve as a deputy managing editor.

Evans had leadership roles for C-SPAN, which he helped co-found, for 44 years. In 2016, Evans was inducted into the national Cable Hall of Fame. He has been recommended for a Doctor of Laws degree.

He earned a bachelors degree from the University of Michigan in 1966 and served as the station manager of WCBN, a campus radio station. He was also a Washtenaw County deputy sheriff who went on to serve in the U.S. Navy.

Evans is credited with building the first cable system in the Washington, D.C. metro area. He has also championed AIDS research and the LGBTQ+ community through research and philanthropy.

He currently chairs the American Medical Association Foundations LGBTQ+ Health Commission and has also supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives and scholarships through the UM. He also created the John D. Evans Fund for Media and Technology.

Gates is an Emmy-winning documentarian and literary scholar who has built a career at top universities. Gates currently directs Harvard Universitys Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. He has been recommended for a Doctor of Humane Letters.

Among his many books and documentaries, The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross, a six-part PBS documentary, won an Emmy, a Peabody Award and an NAACP Image Award in 2013. He also hosts PBS show Finding Your Roots, a series that dives into celebrities' ancestries.

Before joining the faculties at the universities of Yale, Cornell, Duke and Harvard, he graduated from Yale summa cum laude in 1973 and was the first Black student to receive an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Award. He received his doctorate in English literature from the University of Cambridge.

Among other accomplishments, he was the first Black scholar to receive a National Humanities Medal, and the NAACP awarded him for his work to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture, this summer.

Hamilton is credited with coining the title of software engineer. She is a woman pioneer in the field who worked on NASAs Apollo missions and the Skylab space station. She has been recommended for a Doctor of Engineering degree.

A Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee, she is also credited with being the first woman programmer hired by NASA. She also co-founded Higher Order Software in 1976 and Hamilton Technologies in 1986.

While with NASA, she advocated for coding to override human error, after her daughter crashed a simulator in the lab.

In her early days, she spent a semester studying math at the University of Michigan before transferring to Earlham College. She went on to work at MIT, including for the schools Lincoln Lab, writing software to detect enemy aircraft during the Cold War.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
FLINT, MI  Two new Mott Community College trustees will join the board in the new year.

The top three vote-getters in the Nov. 5 election included Candice Miller (14.85 percent of the vote), incumbent Jeffrey Swanson (11.92 percent) and Kenyetta Dotson (10.7 percent).
Returners and newcomers show commitment to China at CIIE

By Fan Liuyi and Li Zhuoman (People's Daily App) 16:32, November 11, 2024

Held annually since 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has come to represent China's push for a more open economy and its ongoing efforts to engage with the world, attracting more and more new friends to join every year. Running from November 5 to 10, the 7th CIIE has attracted about 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions this year. While first-time participants join the "friend circle," returning participants never miss this annual event. How do they feel about this year's CIIE? What has brought them together here in Shanghai? What growth opportunities do they see in China? Follow People's Daily to find out.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
While some votes in the 2024 presidential election remain uncounted, the early math adds up when Matthew Grossman calculates whether or not Michigan will retain its status as a swing-state the next time.

Certainly, we still are, said Grossman, a professor of politics and public policy at Michigan State University.

But factors could change the political map in the coming years; if not by the 2028 election, then potentially by the 2032 cycle.

Grossman knows elections can be exhausting for the public, and discourse about the next cycle  let alone the cycle after that  could seem premature less than a week after ballots were cast.

But Im always happy to be early, Grossman said, with a laugh.

The forecasting could matter for the two major American political parties, which wrestled control from each other in each of the last three presidential elections.

Its been more than a decade since the last time a president served two consecutive terms. With President-elect Donald Trump ineligible for office beyond January 2029, that means the next presidential election cycle could include candidates  a list that may include Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer or Traverse City resident Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation  angling for political strength that would keep them in the White House into the second half of the 2030s.

Many political experts are still unpacking the unofficial 2024 election data results that led Trump to a victory over Democrat Kamala Harris among American voters, including in Michigan. The early findings, Grossman and other experts said, reinforced Michigans reputation as a swing state, capable of pushing either a Democrat or a Republican over the electoral college threshold needed to win the vote.

If the whole national electorate had moved 1 point or 2 points more in favor of Harris, it would have come down to just Pennsylvania, and they would have put Trump over the top, Grossman said. We were less than a point behind (Pennsylvania). So, thats very, very close. Thats not something you can ignore in the next election.

Many political experts this election cycle considered Michigan one of seven swing states in the U.S., along with Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The Associated Press declared Trump the victor in all of those states.

The Republicans dominance in those key states meant The Associated Press declared Trump the winner nationally hours before Michigan added to Trumps electoral college lead.

Still, the timing of the state-by-state victory declaration should not diminish Michigans importance to future candidates, Grossman said.

We were not pivotal this time  because all of the swing states went in the same direction  but that is the typical pattern, Grossman said. What was the most likely thing to happen before the election was that the polling errors would be sort of systematically in the same direction, as they usually are. Thats what happened.

Trumps victory among Michigan residents this time means the state has favored a candidate from a different political party in each of the last four presidential election cycles, with Trump winning two of those contests. Democrats Barack Obama in 2012 and Joe Biden in 2020 provided the Democratic Party intervals.

In all those cases, Michigan picked the candidate who won the national vote too.

Grossman said the outcome of the 2024 presidential election in Michigan and other battleground states was not surprising. Polling data in the months leading up to the election showed residents in those states favored either Trump or Harris by relatively small margins, leading political experts to consider the race a toss-up before ballots were cast.

For Grossman, the 2024 presidential election results, though, did further illuminate the states 2022 election, a cycle that did not involve picking a president. That was the year Michigan voters overwhelmingly favored Democrats in state offices, including the governor, state Senate and state House of Representatives.

The sweeping victories for Democrats had some pundits wondering if Michigan was moving out of its purple-state status and transforming into a shade of blue.

One lesson from (2024) is that 2022 was more of an aberration than any of the recent presidential elections, Grossman said. We went back to our presidential pattern (in 2024), basically, whereas in 2022, there was hope for a lot of Democrats that Michigan was moving to the left. But now, in retrospect, we can see that had a lot to do with the abortion initiative that was on the ballot that year rather than a full shift.

With voters favoring the initiative by 13.4 percentage points, Proposal 3 in 2022 etched abortion rights into the Michigan constitution, a response to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade nationally. Support for Proposal 3 helped drive turnout among Michigan Democratic voters in 2022, which impacted political races elsewhere on that ballot, political experts say.

Julio Borquez, an associate professor of political science at University of Michigan-Dearborn, agreed with Grossman that the 2024 presidential election confirmed Michigans status as a swing state moving forward.

Looking forward, we will continue to be seen as a battleground, Borquez said. All you have to do is look at the numbers.

As of this report, Trumps lead over Harris in Michigan  with 99% of votes counted  stood at about 80,000 votes. If the final number remains in that ballpark, that would represent a larger margin in Michigan than Trumps 10,704-vote victory over Clinton in 2016 but smaller than Bidens 154,188-vote win over Trump here in 2020.

When the margin is so close, yeah, youre a battleground state, Borquez said. And, if you look at some of the exit polling data, the percentage of self-identifying Democrats and self-identifying Republicans is very similar. The partisan balance in this state is still very, very close.

And that status likely will remain the case by the time the next presidential cycle arrives in 2028. Borquez said, while further analysis of the incoming national election data could change his mind, his early observations point to the likelihood the same seven states will be considered swing states in 2028.

Borquez said Trumps victory  combined with gained Republican power in the other federal branches of government  could provide an environment where GOP legislators overreach in policy decisions, causing the political pendulum to swing back in favor of Democrats the next time around. Its a pendulum that works both ways, including when Democrats gain strong holds in government, leading to growing favor for Republicans the next election.

Such a political overreach also could impact how many states join Michigan in the league of swing states next time.

Thats all completely speculative, but yeah, if youre going to start teasing out scenarios, thats one to consider, Borquez said. That could have some marginal impact on some swing states becoming more solidly Republican or Democratic, or on states that we dont normally think of as swing states coming into play.

What about beyond the 2028 election?

Grossman said Democrats nationally could face a new problem following the 2030 U.S. Census. If the trends in population growth in Republican-leaning Southern states continues, that could result in electoral college votes shifting from purple states such as Michigan to red states such as Florida and Texas, hypothetically.

The effect was why Michigan shifted from possessing 16 electoral college votes in the 2020 election to wielding 15 electoral college votes this time around.

Such a shift south in electoral college votes could mean Democrats would face a larger, more challenging political map to overcome, compared to the blue wall map-clinching strategy that led them to win the respective 2-term presidencies of Bill Clinton and Obama.

Were jumping way ahead, I realize, but it could be a problem, Grossman said. If that (electoral college shift) happens, Democrats will need to win one of these Southern states in order to win the presidency. So, even the plan of trying to build back the blue wall is not going to work forever.
One of President-elect Donald Trumps most public Michigan-raised supporters, Kid Rock, uploaded a social media video over the weekend that mixed both his celebrity persona with a down-to-earth, post-election message for voters.

The 140-second video was Kid Rocks first upload to X, formerly Twitter, since a post two days before the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, when he rallied his followers to Vote Trump.

In the most recent post, the Romeo native  born Bob Ritchie  emerges from behind a doorway wearing some Kid Rock-signature rock n roll attire, complete with a white fedora hat that reads MAGA, the acronym for the the Trump campaign slogan, Make America Great Again.

Text overlaying the video announces the post as a Kid Rock Election Reaction.

The video begins with the sunglasses-clad Kid Rock smoking a cigar and grabbing a microphone. Without saying a word, he then drops the mic  perhaps a mic-dropping nod to Trumps decisive victory  before grabbing his crotch and raising a middle finger to the camera.

Its a brief gesture that aligns with Kid Rocks brash, bad-boy rocker celebrity persona.

Then the video quickly pivots in tone.

After the footage cuts away from the hard-rocker, a second scene begins, this time with words that announces the next segment will serve as a Bob Ritchie Election Reaction.

Kid Rock emerges again from behind the door, this time wearing typical Michigan civilian clothes: A T-shirt, shorts, Detroit Tigers ballcap, glasses and what appears to be a wrist arthritis wrap.

He sits down in a chair, crosses one leg over the other, and delivers a message directed at supporters of Trump, seemingly aimed at promoting unity with the Republicans detractors.

First off, let me convey to my family, friends and supporters, that now is not the time to gloat, Ritchie said in the video. We must remember that most of our left-leaning friends are good people who want the same things in life as we do, but simply think differently on how to get there.

As he speaks, the words are superimposed over images of American flags, suburban neighborhoods, and a Kid Rock concert.

It is now time to be the bigger man, to extend an olive branch and unite all reasonable people of this great nation, Ritchie said. God has blessed America, and together with President Trump, we will make America great again.

The video ends playing the Kid Rock ballad, American Rock n Roll, off his 2017 album, Sweet Southern Sugar.

A final image shows the poster for Kid Rocks upcoming Rock the Country tour, which includes two June dates in Hastings.

Kid Rock remains one of Trumps most outspoken celebrity endorsers, dating back to the Republicans first term as president. The musician appeared multiple times with Trump at the White House and on the election campaign trail, including in Michigan.

While Kid Rocks support of Trump has at times entangled the musician in divisive political debate, the celebrity is no stranger to extending an olive branch to opponents of the president-elect.

Last month, for example, Kid Rock exchanged friendly words with fellow Michigan-raised musician, Eminem, who supported Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

I love Eminem. Weve been friends for many years, Kid Rock said last month. I dont agree with his politics, but I do give credit to him and people like Taylor Swift for standing up and not being afraid to be vocal for that in which they believe. Thinking differently and having the freedom to do so is what makes this country great.
Peacock is thanking veterans and active duty service members with a year-long subscription discount.

Current and new users with verified military status get a discount on Peacock Premium at $2.99/month for 12 months. This deal is only available for a limited time. The retail value for a normal Peacock Premium subscription is $7.99/month.

How to sign up:

Visit this link to sign up for Peacock Premiums military discount. Youll be asked to verify your military status via SheerID. Once its verified, Peacock will send you a unique promo code that can only be used once. Create a Peacock account and enter the promo code to redeem. The code is good for up to 30 days after verification. Then, enjoy more than 80,000 hours of content.

What is Peacock?

With plans starting at $7.99/month ($13.99/month for ad-free Premium Plus), register for Peacock and unlock more than 80,000 hours of reality shows, live sports, movies and next-day streaming on new NBC and Bravo releases. Plus get access to all previous seasons of the hit series Yellowstone.

Who can access this deal?

According to the offer terms, this deal applies to active duty U.S. military service members, reservists, National Guard members and U.S. military veterans or retirees.

Can current Peacock users access this deal?

Do you already use Peacock and fall into the group above? This deal is for you, too. Go through the same verification process with SheerID, then redeem your promo code under the account plans and payments page. The offer terms do warn that you may need to cancel your current subscription to access this promotion.

Sign up now:

Visit this link to sign up for Peacock Premiums military discount. Once the 12-month access period is over, you can renew any existing discounts by reverifying your eligibility through SheerID. If there are no current promotions, you will be charged $7.99/month or the then-current monthly price plus applicable taxes and fees. That will auto-renew on a monthly basis unless you cancel.
Maharashtra polls: No fight within Mahayuti for CM's position, says Eknath Shinde

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Avneet Kaur meets Hollywood star Tom Cruise on the sets of Mission Impossible 8, shares her 'awe-inspiring' moment

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Kalki 2898 AD set to release in Japan in 2025 for a special reason, read to know why

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Cipla is on a continued growth path, says MD and Global CEO Umang Vohra

Swaraj Singh Dhanjal

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Cipla is well-positioned to take advantage of US policy shifts, CEO Umang Vohra

Swaraj Singh Dhanjal

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In this editing of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Indian banks gearing for change in new year, how the trading cycle will fare in 2024...

'Buy anything phase' is over, bottom-up opportunities in innovation attractive as market gets off high-velocity phase: Tata MF CIO

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Trump win continues to power Tesla Inc shares for a third day after $1 trillion value

Rohit Singh

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Careful, NRIs: This is how to ensure your power of attorney is a tool, not a trap

Hiral Thanawala is a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, he covers financial planning, banking and fintech segments from personal finance team for Moneycontrol.

Hiral Thanawala

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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

Tushar Goenka

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Thanks to Trump, iPhone production in India likely to double to $30 bn: Report

Swarali Bodas

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Amul to enter Europe by end of this month, says MD Mehta

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'Australia Today' slams Canada for selective blocking, says it allows another outlet peddling 'anti-India' propaganda

Armaan Bhatnagar

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Do fresh KYC of PM Jan Dhan accounts due for updation: DFS secretary to banks

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Armaan Bhatnagar

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Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India: Key cases before him in SC

Priyanjali Ghose

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November 11, 2024 / 14:34 IST

The static surveillance team (SST) of the Election Commission seized 1.95 kg of gold worth Rs 1.43 crore in the western suburb of Dahisar here, police said on Monday.

During a routine inspection on Sunday night, the SST team found two persons carrying a bag and walking in the area suspiciously, an official said.

The duo were intercepted, and gold bangles were found in the bag. The men claimed they worked in a jewellery polishing unit but failed to produce necessary documents for the valuables, he said.
Parimal Peeyush

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Priyanjali Ghose

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Siddharth Chakravorty

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'Some people trying to divide India on caste, religious lines': PM Modi attacks Congress

101Reporters

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Supreme Court verdict on private property: How it strikes a balance between public welfare and individual rights

Priyanjali Ghose

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Why a fierce bypoll clash in UP is keeping Akhilesh Yadav on edge

Armaan Bhatnagar

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In this editing of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Indian banks gearing for change in new year, how the trading cycle will fare in 2024...

Will investor confidence in Gold ETFs hold under the new US regime?

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Delivery Diaries: Size does matter, in both life and food deliveries

Rohit Kapoor currently serves as the CEO of Food Marketplace, Swiggy. A former McKinsey consultant, he is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and a CFA holder. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Aurobindo Das

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How to get selection of the SEBI chief right

Aurobindo Das

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No Lok Sabha narratives at work as BJP gears up for big Maharashtra battle

Amitabh Sinha is Executive Editor, News18 India. He has over 25 years of experience in print and TV journalism.

Armaan Bhatnagar

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Santosh Paul is Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India. He is the author of Choosing Hammurabi: Debates on Judicial Appointments (LexisNexis), Appointing our Judges: Forging Independence and Accountability (LexisNexis) and The Maoist Movement in India: Perspectives and Counter Perspectives (Routledge). Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Aurobindo Das

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Can India build $100 billion tech titans like China? Zoho's Sridhar Vembu on what won't get us there

Stella Dey

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Stella Dey

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Doctor recounts close call with 'fake' Ola cab driver at Bengaluru airport: 'almost got trafficked, raped, looted'

Stella Dey

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Donald Trump returns to White House: What the 47th US President will do on Day 1?

Deblina Halder

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Arindam Roy

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Trump, Putin speak as Biden plans to lobby Trump to stick with Ukraine

Deblina Halder

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Ukraine's Zelenskiy says strength must come with diplomacy to achieve peace

101Reporters

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Deblina Halder

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Archisha Yadav

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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

Debangana Ghosh

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Google Maps to add customisable car icons for personalised navigation: All the details

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Shaurya Shubham

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Reshab Shaw

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Priyanka Roshan

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President Joe Biden View Photo

President Joe Biden delivered an address regarding last weeks election results.

Biden was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

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.

Yesterday, I spoke with 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.

Yesterday, I also spoke with Vice President Harris. Shes been a partner and a public servant. She ran an inspiring campaign, and everyone got to see something that I learned early on to respect so much: her character. 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.

You know, the struggle for the soul of America since our very founding has always been an ongoing debate and still vital today. I know, for some people, its a time for victory, to state the obvious. For others, its a time of loss.

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 also hope we can lay to rest the question 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.

I also hope we can restore the respect for all our election workers, who busted their necks and took risks at the outset. We should thank them  thank them for staffing voting sites, counting the votes, protecting the very integrity of the election. Many of them are volunteers who do it simply out of love for their country.

And as they did  as they did their duty as citizens, I will do my duty as president. I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution. On January 20th, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America.

To all our incredible staff, supporters, Cabinet members, all the people who have been hanging out with me for the last four years  God love you, as my mother would say  thank you so much.

You put so much into the past four years. I know its a difficult time. Youre hurting. I hear you, and I see you. But dont forget  dont forget all that we accomplished.

Its been a historic presidency  not because Im president  because what weve done, what youve done  a presidency for all Americans.

Much of the work weve done is already being felt by the American people. The vast majority of it will not be felt  be felt over the next 10 years. We have a  we have legislation we passed thats just  only now just really kicking in.

Were going to see over a trillion dollars worth of infrastructure work done, changing peoples lives in rural communities and communities that are in real difficulty, because it takes time to get it done, and so much more thats going to take time. But its there.

The road ahead is clear, assuming we sustain it. Theres so much  so much we can get done and will get done based the way the legislation was passed. And its truly historic.

You know, were leaving behind the strongest economy in the world. I know people are still hurting. But things are changing rapidly. Together, weve changed America for the better.

Now we have 74 days to finish the term  our term. Lets make every day count. Thats the responsibility we have to the American people.

Look, folks, you all know it in your lives: Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable. Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable. We all get knocked down, but the measure of our character, as my dad would say, is how quickly we get back up. 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. Thats the story of America for over 240 years and counting. Its a story for all of us, not just some of us.

The American experiment endures, and were going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged. We need to keep going. And above all, we need to keep the faith.

Im so proud to have worked with all of you. I really mean it. I sincerely mean it.

God bless you all. God bless America. And may God protect our troops. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
A brutal act of mob justice has claimed the life of Benny Chidiwa of Murereka, Lions Den, near Chinhoyi, leaving three men facing murder charges. The incident occurred on November 8th, 2024, at Fairplay farm near Risheng Mine in Chikuti.

Chidiwas death followed accusations that he had stolen a cellphone belonging to one of his assailants. According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Goodwill Love (25) has been arrested in connection with the murder.

Commissioner Nyathi detailed the horrific events leading to Chidiwas death: The suspect and his two accomplices, only identified as Bigboy and Brave, allegedly took turns to assault the victim with a shovel and logs before burning his feet with firewood after accusing him of stealing a cellphone belonging to Bigboy.

The suspects actions demonstrate a shocking disregard for human life and the rule of law. Instead of reporting the alleged theft to the authorities, they took matters into their own hands, resorting to extreme violence and torture in a desperate attempt to extract a confession.

The brutality of the attack, involving repeated beatings with heavy implements and the deliberate burning of Chidiwas feet, paints a grim picture of the events that unfolded on that fateful day. The alleged actions of Bigboy, Brave, and Love represent a grave violation of human rights and stand as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked mob justice.

The police are actively pursuing the remaining two suspects, Bigboy and Brave, urging anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation. The swift arrest of Goodwill Love demonstrates the ZRPs commitment to bringing those responsible for this heinous crime to justice.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the authorities piece together the events leading to Chidiwas death.

This tragic incident is not an isolated case. In a separate incident on the same day, November 8th, 2024, police in Harare are investigating the death of an unidentified man found at a church shrine in the Chirasavana area of Dema. The body, covered with a blanket, bore a head wound, and a blood-stained stone was recovered at the scene.

The ZRP is appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses any information that could assist in the investigation.

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A Chihota woman, Margaret Shamiso Mandishona (30), has spoken out about her tumultuous relationship with her former husband, Kelvin Wazeza (40), refuting his claims that she married another man while their marriage was still legally valid, H-Metro has reported.

Mandishona, currently residing in Zimbabwe, paints a picture of a nine-year marriage repeatedly fractured by Wazezas infidelity, culminating in a final, irreversible separation.

Wazezas accusations surfaced after Mandishona moved on, marrying a new partner residing in the United Kingdom. However, Mandishona counters these accusations with a shocking revelation: their marriage was not a single, continuous union, but rather a series of four separate marriages and divorces.

If I am to write the names of his girlfriends, I could count up to over 100, she stated, adding, he would sleep with every customer anoda kuitwa manails, mamwe anga ari mafriends angu. Her testimony is accompanied by videos and screenshots allegedly depicting Wazezas numerous extramarital affairs.

Mandishona described Wazezas behaviour as relentless and pervasive: Aiita kunge ane shavi, taiti takagara so aitobuda mumba and haasitore ega panyaya yechihure, aiita rekupfeka demon racho. This translates to, He was like someone possessed, even when we were together he would leave the house and wouldnt stop his adultery, he behaved like a demon.

She further alleges that Wazezas infidelity extended to his previous marriage, suggesting a pattern of behaviour. Even if you ask his previous wife can explain better, she added.

The breakdown of their relationship, according to Mandishona, was not a sudden event but a gradual erosion of trust and affection, fuelled by Wazezas unrelenting womanising. He would date women, achirara mumikoto, she said, describing his behaviour as reckless and emotionally damaging. This translates to, He would date women, sleeping around carelessly, leading to her suffering from confusion, depression, and feelings of worthlessness.

Mandishona detailed instances of physical abuse and the emotional toll of Wazezas infidelity. He cheated on me, telling women that he doesnt have a wife and he wanted me to trust him, how? she questioned.

She also recounted an incident where she was arrested for assaulting another one of Wazezas girlfriends, highlighting the desperate measures she took in an attempt to curb his behaviour.

Every day I would cry, telling him to stop his habits and he would always say sorry, chihure chake chakapusa, ndaigara ndichingomubata, she explained, which translates to, His cheating was foolish, I would always catch him.

Mandishonas current marriage, she says, is a stark contrast to her previous experience. She speaks of finding love and affection with her new husband, Shumba, whom she describes as caring and supportive. Margret said she is now in love with Shumba.

Shumba vane love, Shumba vekwaMai TT chaiwo, if I had come here and become poor, he was not even going to say all these things but because I emerged a winner in my new marriage.

This newfound happiness, she suggests, is the root of Wazezas anger and his public accusations.

Mandishona firmly refutes Wazezas claims that she abandoned him and immediately remarried.

Hazvife zvakaitika kuti munhu anongobuda mumba mune murume, obva anoroorwa mangwana, she stated.She highlights the years of conflict and multiple separations, emphasising that their final separation was a conscious decision made after a year of living alone in Cape Town, a period during which Wazeza made no attempt to reconcile.

A friend, Maria, corroborated Mandishonas account, confirming that she had been aware of Wazezas infidelity for years. Maria recalled instances where Mandishona discovered evidence of his affairs and the emotional distress it caused.

Maggie started telling me about her husbands character, two years ago. Murume uyu aihura, he left Maggie at some point achienda negirlfriend. One time, she got hold of 13 girlfriends on his phone. She would tell me all these stories. She loved her husband and when she got back to South Africa, she saw some pants and condoms in their bedroom. I warned her many times and she told me that haachade murume, thats how they separated.

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Zimbabwe is mourning the loss of former MDC senator Lilian Timveos, who passed away on Monday morning at Avenues Clinic in Harare following a short, undisclosed illness. Her death comes just over two years after she made the significant move to join the ruling Zanu PF party, a decision that marked a turning point in her long and prominent career in Zimbabwean opposition politics.

Born in Kwekwe in 1973, Timveos attended Vainona High School in Harare before embarking on a path that would see her become a recognisable figure in the nations political landscape. She is survived by her husband, Michael Timveos, and their four children.

Timveoss defection to Zanu PF in February 2021, alongside former Kwekwe Central MP Blessing Chebundo, was a high-profile event, marking her departure from the opposition ranks. She was among the first group of MDC leaders to switch allegiances to the ruling party. This bold move was followed by appointments to prominent positions within the Zanu PF structure and state-owned enterprises.

In June 2021, she was appointed to the Petrotrade board, a state-owned fuel company, after a five-year period without a governing board. However, her tenure was later marked by controversy as she faced suspension on allegations of corruption. Despite this setback, her political career continued to progress within the Zanu PF framework.

In May 2023, Timveos took on the role of national secretary responsible for training and implementation within the Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES), representing the Midlands province on the National Executive Council. CAES is a Zanu PF-aligned organisation actively campaigning against international sanctions imposed on members of the ruling partys leadership. Her involvement in CAES demonstrated her continued commitment to Zanu PFs political objectives.

In April 2021, she completed her studies at the ruling partys Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, further solidifying her integration into the Zanu PF structure. Following her graduation, she was elected as a member of Zanu PFs Zvishavane District.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, currently attending the COP29 climate change conference in Azerbaijan, issued a heartfelt condolence message expressing his shock and sadness at Timveoss passing. He described her as a dynamic, grassroots politician, a community leader and an enterprising businesswoman, praising her daring, independent-minded politics and tenacious search for larger unity and consensual politics in our Nation.

In his message, President Mnangagwa further stated: I received with utter shock and sadness news of the passing on today of Mrs Lilian Timveos after a sudden, unexpected illness. A dynamic, grassroots politician, a community leader and an enterprising businesswoman, Mrs Timveos demise has robbed our Nation of a promising leader and staunch gender activist who earned and commanded respect across the national political divide. Her rejoining the ruling ZANU PF Party, alongside several hundreds of erstwhile opposition leaders and activists, mirrored her daring, independent-minded politics and tenacious search for larger unity and consensual politics in our Nation.

We respect her immensely, and will forever cherish and remember her boldness in seeking to break the binary mould within which our politics have been cast, to the detriment of unity, consensus and cohesion in our Nation. She thus leaves behind a salutary lesson of broad-minded politics to those in opposition, while exhorting those of us in the ruling Party to always strive for, and work towards building a broad political church in which all are welcome and accommodated.

On behalf of the ruling Zanu PF Party, Government, my Family, and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Timveos Family on this, their saddest and so unexpected loss. May they find respite and comfort in the great esteem with which we all held her. I have directed Government to weigh in by according the dear departed Comrade a State-assisted funeral. May her dear soul rest in eternal peace.

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This site was heavily involved in the fight to stop abusive and unwarranted foreclosures in the wake of the financial crisis. As well explain soon, one of the leaders in this fight, Maine attorney Tom Cox, has told us that banks have engaged in a successful campaign to roll back hard-won borrower protections. Thats evidenced by a new Maine Supreme Court decision that overturned precedents to allow banks to relitigate claims theyd lost against mortgage borrowers.which is barred for any other type of legal action.

Foreclosures peaked in 2009 and 2010 in significant measure due to securitization producing value-destroying behavior. In the stone age when banks held the mortgage they made, if a borrow got behind on payments, the bank would modify the mortgage if the homeowner was still viable, as in could catch up (ideally) or pay a pretty high proportion of the payments due over time. The bank was generally better served by getting half a loaf rather than none. Plus regulators took a dim view of REO (real estate owned, as in foreclosed homes) on a banks books, and a foreclosure would lower the value of homes nearby, hurting the community. And since the bank made new mortgages, it had the skills to modify mortgages.

By contrast, under the brave new world of mortgage servicing, servicers were set up to drive delinquent mortgages into foreclosure. They were paid to foreclose and not to modify mortgages; even if they wanted, to, they lacked the skills and the local knowledge. So borrowers in the old days who could have been salvaged instead lost their homes. And investors lost too, since the recoveries from these foreclosures wound up being much lower than the models assumed, which was at least in part due to the volume of foreclosures being unnecessarily high.

A small cadre of lawyers worked to contest foreclosure abuses (and servicer incompetence also made matters worse, such as trying to foreclose on a home that had never had a mortgage, or where the home had burned down but the bank was refusing to accept the insurers payment). One of the leaders was Tom Cox in Maine. Our description from a 2017 post:

Those of you who remember the hard-fought battles of the era of predatory foreclosures will recall the name of Maine attorney Tom Cox. Over 9 million families lost their homes, many of whom could have been salvaged through loan modifications which would have been better for investors too. Cox broke open the fact that servicers, on a mass basis, werent taking the steps required for them to foreclose. And as soon became evident, what were depicted as mere paperwork deficiencies actually reflects a vastly more serious legal problem: that mortgage notes (the borrower promise to pay) often if not routinely hadnt been transferred properly to the securitization trust. A related problem was that the lien against the property hadnt been recorded in the local courthouse but in a mortgage registry called MERS, and the procedures for changing the MERS record when the note and the mortgage lien changed hands were legally bogus for a set of reasons that it would take too much space to recount here.. In 2012, Cox was one of five winners of the Public Purpose prize, which as the Portland Press-Herald described it,recognizes people older than 60 who work toward the public good and rewards them with $100,000. Cox has continued to win many precedent-setting foreclosure defense cases in Maine. Ive embedded his most recent victory, which makes an argument I hadnt seen before: that the foreclosing servicer had violated evidentiary requirements by including records from former servicers where the personnel from the current servicer who appeared in court could not attest as to their validity.

Unfortunately, things have changed since 2017. A fresh e-mail from Cox:

Since vacancies started opening on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 2020 after my string of wins of decisions protective of homeowners facting forclosure, one by one new justices have been appointed who are rolling back those protections. Attached is the most recent evidence of that. Over the past 15 years I have dedicated the remainder of my legal career to trying to protect low income homeowners facing foreclosures. I figure the value of the pro bono services I have provided in that time well exceeds $2 million. As a result of the Finch decision discussed in this report, I have stopped taking on any new foreclosure cases because I no longer feel that I can assure my clients that the Maine judicial system will treat them fairly. It is sad and painful to see how the banks will always win. My work from 2008 through 2020 focused on protecting low income homeowners in court, but also in the Maine Legislature, by blocking bank attempts there to roll back the favorable decisions I was winning in the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. They could not beat us in the courts and they could not beat us in the legislature. But they finally beat us by persuading the Maine governor ( a DINODemocrat in Name Only) beginning in 2020 to appoint new justices to the court who would do the bidding of the banks. The attached report and news article describe how a former bank lawyer, appointed to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 2020, tipped a major decision to favor the banks by casting the deciding vote in a 4-3 decision to vacate two unanimous 2017 decisions which held that, when banks lose foreclosure cases, like all other losing litigants in all other categories of cases, they cannot later bring new actions to prosecute their defeated claims.

Cox highlighted the key, and pointed, paragraphs from a dissenting justice in Finch, which the other two justices joined:

[53] Not even seven years ago, in two separate but analytically related cases each decided unanimously, the Court held that a judgment entered against a mortgagee in a foreclosure action barred successive lawsuits seeking the same relief. See Pushard v. Bank of Am., N.A., 2017 ME 230,  4, 35-36, 175 A.3d 103 (where the judgment in the first proceeding was based, in part, on a deficient notice of default); Fed. Natl Mortg. Assn v. Deschaine, 2017 ME 190,  7, 37, 170 A.3d 230 (where the prior judgment was issued as a sanction for the plaintiffs failure to comply with a pretrial procedural order). This conclusion is unremarkable because it treats mortgagees like any other claimant that had already sought relief but was unsuccessfulwhen a party loses its case through a final judgment arising from a failure of proof or some other reason that is dispositive, that party is barred from trying again. See U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Tannenbaum, 2015 ME 141,  6, 10, 126 A.3d 734. Today, the Court retreats from that principle. It does not do so because the law emanating from those cases has become antiquated. It does not do so because the law has changed. Rather, the Court does so simply because it now disagrees with the outcome of the cases we decided a short time ago. *15 [54] In my view, Pushard and Deschaine remain good and settled law. And the effects of the Courts holding today go well beyond overruling most or all of those two 2017 cases; it calls into question other consequential areas of established foreclosure law. Even beyond that, the Courts willingness to make an abrupt change in the direction of the law in these circumstances reasonably raises questions about the extent to which this Court is willing to adhere to established precedent generally.

An egregious element of the adverse Finch is that the newly-appointed bank-friendly justice, Catherine Conors, has such an extensive history of representing banks, including on foreclosure matters, that she should have recused herself. This case is so blatant that the Committee on Judicial Conduct has recommended a disciplinary action against her (see the first embedded document below). The second document contains articles about the possible sanction, which would be a first for a Maine Supreme Court Justice.

Cox also pointed out that the Finch decision was effectively punitive, since banks had other ways to recoup these losses:

I should add here that there is a fundamental truth which the four majority justices on the Maine Supreme Court refused to consider in their 4-3 vote in the Finch case. Whenever a loan owner, which has a legitimate claim of foreclosure, loses a court foreclosure case, that loss is necessarily due to the negligence of that loan owners mortgage servicer and/or the foreclosure mill attorney hired by the servicer. This is so because in every legitimate foreclosure case the loan owners attorney has the duty to, and indeed has the capacity to, ensure that the loan owners evidence will meet all of the proof requirements for the elements of a foreclosure claim. The problem in Finch was a defective default notice letter. Any competent lawyer for a mortgage loan owner should determine, and indeed is capable of determining, before suit and before trial whether the default letter meets statutory requirements. When the loan owner loses at trial due to a defective default letter (they are written by the foreclosure mill lawyers about 50% of the time) the loan owner can sue the foreclosure mill lawyer for negligence. Loan owners lose judicial foreclosure cases only because their lawyers are negligent and lazy in the handling of those foreclosure cases. Loan owners have a complete remedy when they lose foreclosure casesthey can sue their lawyers. There is no need for courts to instead allow loan owners to inflict second lawuits against homeowners who struggle enough to find lawyers even in the first suits. The Maine court and many in other states just cannot stand the idea that maybe there will be an occasional free house for a mortgagor as the price of keeping the loan owners, their servicers, and their foreclosure mill lawyers honest and careful in the judicial foreclosure process.

But to return to the discussion at the top of the post, borrowers fighting foreclosures were not seeking a free house. They wanted a mortgage modification. But the servicers were no set up to either give or get paid for giving them, so theyd fight the borrower instead.
Conor here: Quite the parable.

By Keith Schneider, a former New York Times national correspondent, is senior editor for Circle of Blue. He has reported on the contest for energy, food, and water in the era of climate change from six continents. Originally published at The New Lede and Circle of Blue.

EDON, OH  For 60 years, this one stoplight Ohio town has been known as a place where time appears to stand still. With more than 400 Amish residents settled in and around the rural community that straddles the Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan state lines, it has been common to see large families traveling by horse-drawn black buggies to and from farms where they milk dairy cows and grow corn.

Adhering to a strict religious doctrine that resists new technology, Amish farmers here spent decades largely eschewing industrial farming practices that have become common around the United States.

But that bucolic tableau of plain people earnestly cultivating the rich soil is eroding here, splintered by an industrial farm alliance between one of the areas leading Amish farming families and JBS Foods, the worlds largest beef producer. Over the last two years, the partnership has established a mammoth vertically integrated concentrated cattle feeding operation that is confining more than 100,000 male calves and steers in large concrete, steel, and vinyl-covered feeding barns, and generating thousands of tons of solid manure each day.

The operations have prompted complaints of odor and contamination, and state investigators have found uncontained manure running off waste piles and out of barns, draining into streams and wetlands. Water samples collected by state inspectors contained high concentrations of nitrogen ammonia, a contaminant of manure. Following the inspections, regulators cited multiple farms for manure mismanagement, and issued modest penalties to some farms for failing to secure proper operating permits.

Nine Amish farms were cited for violations of manure management regulations in August alone. The state also ordered the largest mounds of manure, some towering two and three stories tall, to be removed. The cited farms are close to each other in Williams County, Ohio and are all owned by one extended Amish family.

Area residents say the manure contaminants, which are often spread on farm fields as fertilizer, are leaching into waterways, polluting streams, lakes, and the St. Joseph River. Water samples collected by two area environmental groups showed persistently high concentrations of nitrates, phosphorus, and dangerous E-coli bacteria in streams and lakes in the region. The animal waste is considered a source of the pollutants that cause an annual toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie.

Five years ago, Ohio launched a $172 million multi-year project aimed at bringing algal blooms under control by encouraging farmers to to limit contaminants coming from their farms. But with the new large feeding operations on multiple farms, the effort seems doomed, critics say.

The situation outrages Sandy Bihn, executive director of Lake Erie Waterkeeper, who has worked for decades on regional, national, and binational groups to cure the lakes annual toxic bloom.

How is it possible to let 100,000 animals, and all the nitrates and phosphorus that they produce, come into the watershed that were investing millions and millions of dollars, if not billions of dollars to protect? Bihn said. This just shows how meat and JBS are able to control the system.

Neither the family farm owner, Noah Schmucker Jr., nor JBS executives, agreed to an interview for this report. Executives of Wagler & Associates, an Indiana construction company heavily involved in building the feeding barns, declined to be interviewed.

When asked about the concerns, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge said the agency would continue to engage with all property owners to ensure they are following Ohio laws and rules.

Nationwide Concerns

The development in Edon of what is commonly called a concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, comes amid growing efforts by communities around the nation seeking to block or limit CAFOs because of known public health and environmental hazards the operations create. CAFOs are responsible for producing most of the nations milk, meat, and eggs, but the massive discharges of manure and other wastes from CAFOS are a primary source of serious water pollution problems, according to state and federal assessments.

Phosphorus from hog, dairy, and poultry CAFOs have been linked to annual toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie, Chesapeake Bay, Lake Champlain, and other iconic American waters. The tide of nitrates from CAFO wastes in Mississippi River Basin states are a major cause of the expansive dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The US Environmental Protection Agency last summer sued three big dairies to control manure wastes contaminating groundwater in Washington state, and has directed state authorities to halt pollution from CAFO wastes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Oregon.

California critics of CAFOs put the issue to a vote in Tuesdays general election, seeking to make Sonoma County the first in the nation to ban CAFOs, also called factory farms. The measure failed in the face of stiff opposition from farm and business interests.

Our Bread and Butter

For those living in and around Edon, the concerns run deep. The regions more than 100 lakes are a legacy now being spoiled, according to Susan Catterall, a mother of five from the area who has become a leader of an environmental coalition opposing the large cattle feeding operations.

It our bread and butter, our tourism dollars. Its our heritage, she said. Its being spoiled. Weve got farms polluting our county with an unbelievable amount of manure.

According to public documents outlining the business plan for the cattle feeding operations, the area Amish farms are raising male calves sired by Angus bulls and born to Holstein cows from dairies in neighboring states. Some 3,000 calves arrive weekly to be fed for several months, as 3,000 market-ready cattle weighing 600 pounds to 700 pounds leave weekly to be fattened at finishing feed yards.

Their eventual destination is JBSs processing plant in Plainwell, Michigan where an average of 1,400 cattle are slaughtered daily. Animals with 51% or more black hides can be marketed by JBS as higher-priced, certified choice and prime Angus beef.

Competitive Concerns

Buggies, beards, and plain dress still help to identify Amish farmers in the region, but the farmers now co-exist with dozens of big concrete, steel, and vinyl cattle feeding barns and more under construction.

Trucks hauling calves and cattle now crowd the highways and the narrow dirt farm-to-market roads. And manure piles rest like sleeping beasts beside confinement barns.

The odor and pollution tied to the cattle feeding operations is but one area of concern. Some observers say that as JBS and other corporate beef suppliers increasingly establish these contracted, dedicated supply chains with certain farmers, other farmers lose their ability to compete in an open competitive market, and eventually their livelihoods.

The cattle industry is really the last frontier, said Bill Bullard, a former rancher in South Dakota and chief executive of R-CALF USA, an independent cattlemens trade association.

We still have approximately 20% of cattle still marketed in an open competitive cash market or spot market. Whats at risk here is that these vertically integrated systems are going to extinguish the cash market in the cattle industry. Just in the last five years, weve lost nearly 107,000 independent beef cattle operations Theyre dropping like flies.

(This report, co-published with Circle of Blue, is part of an ongoing series looking at how agricultural policies are affecting human and environmental health.)
Mass deportations look set to become the new Defund the police, a catchy sounding, absolute and un-implementable solution to messy and long-standing problems. That is not to say that the Trump Administration will find some groups procedurally easy to deport, like the 1.3 million with final orders of deportation from immigration court. But as we will see soon, legal and operational issues loom large and will generate high costs even if they can be solved.1

Since there is no plan yet, merely speculation and spitballing by interested parties, well limit this post to high-level issues. But a key one, and weirdly absent from most discussions, is why the fixation with forcing out illegal immigrants the hard way, as in locating and rounding them up and shipping them somewhere else, supposedly where they came from? It should be obvious that this is operationally very difficult, even before getting to the large legal impediments.

The much simpler way is to make it very very difficult for these migrants to get paid work, and in a more draconian version, make it hard for them to get drivers licenses that were valid nationally. That is less hard than it might seem. And it would have the merit of targeting a root cause, that of employers being willing to hire, as in exploit, undocumented laborers.

This approach would be far from comprehensive (well sketch out possible approaches below), but it would likely have a much faster impact than a controversial, cumbersome, and costly deportation scheme. And it would have the second-order effect of making the US much less appealing to economic migrants, who by all accounts constitute the great majority of undocumented arrivals.

Of course, one could take the cynical view that the mass deportation scheme is meant to fail. Trump has to recall well the simpler and easier to execute idea of a border wall did not get done. A successful mass deportation scheme (and our lighter-touch analogue) would deprive a lot of businesses of cheap workers, particularly in nasty jobs like the meatpacking industry and ones like construction, where new migrants provide a flexible labor pool. My conservative-watching contacts say the alternative of targeting employers and workplaces is well known as a way to seriously dent employment of undocumented workers. But aside from occasional raids, theres not been much willingness to go there due to the expected, loud outcries from the rule-breaking business operators.

A related issue is how to reduce entry at the Mexico border. Reducing entry is very much in the ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure category, since as we will see soon, anyone on US soil has Constitutional due process rights.

What Are Some of the Deportation Ideas Under Consideration?

Since these plans are being formulated, well use a weekend Wall Street Journal story, Trump Advisers Ramp Up Work on Mass Deportation Push, for a current reading. Note the proposal are overlapping. They include:

Declaring a national emergency to allow for the use of military assets. That would also allow for the immediate use of Pentagon funds, which could Fund building that wall Allow for using bases and military equipment, along with service members, to help with detention and removal Reversing the Biden policy of leaving illegal immigrants who had not committed crimes alone Improving Immigration Court procedures to expedite cases Hiring more Federal agents

The American Immigration Council has estimated the outlay for a full-bore deportation program at $968 billion due among other things to increased need for manpower, detention locations, and transportation, particularly planes to cart migrants to home countries. There dont yet seem to be competing tallies from conservatives.

Trump is unapologetic about a possible nose-bleed price tag. He could point out that the annual run rate is lower than for supporting the Ukraine war under Biden. Some details from the Journal about procedural details and issues:

Officials from Trumps first administration have also written draft executive orders to resume construction of the border wall and revise President Bidens existing restrictions on asylum at the southern border to remove the humanitarian exemptions. They are planning to enter aggressive negotiations with Mexico to revive the Remain in Mexico policy, a person working on Trumps transition said, and are identifying potential safe third countries where asylum seekers could be sent. They also want to revoke deportation protections from millions of immigrants who have either been granted a form of humanitarian protection known as temporary protected statuswhich covers hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Venezuelansor entered the country on a quasi-legal status called humanitarian parole. That population includes millions who have entered via government appointments at the southern border, as well as tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated after the fall of Kabul and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians allowed into the U.S. following the Russian invasion. Rather than forcibly deporting all migrants, Trumps advisers hope they can induce some to leave voluntarily, according to people familiar with the matter. They have discussed offering immigrants in the country illegallyor those who entered on parole through Biden administration programsa chance to leave the country without penalties, so they can return on a visa if they are eligible. Under normal circumstances, when someone is deported, they are barred from returning on a visa for 10 years.

It is striking that this article ignores the elephant in the room, the Constitutional due process rights of all immigrants. It depicts a remark by a Congressional Ultra as wanting to get rid of the above-mentioned deportation protections like temporary protected status, when his remark clearly covers the much bigger barrier of the right to court hearings as a precondition to deportation. Again from the Journal:

Rep. Chip Roy (R., Texas), an anti-illegal-immigration hard-liner, said he thinks the Trump administration should disregard those deportation protections because, in his view, they were issued illegally. I believe we need to push the boundaries and claim theyve got no status, he said.

Well turn to that issue in the next section.

The Journal does address the sanctuary cities problem, but oddly not by name:

Trump struggled during his first term to deport large numbers of migrants, particularly those living in blue states that cut off cooperation with the federal government. In addition to a huge infusion of cash, mass deportations would require unprecedented coordination among federal, state and local officials.

Last time, Trump not only lacked Republican control of both houses, but also considerable opposition from within the party. If Trump were to use the national emergency route, it seems likely that the Federal authority would supersede that of states and cities, as in the military or Federal policing bodies could remove immigrants in sanctuary cities over their objections. Of course, the lack of state and local police help would indeed make the effort much harder.

It might also be possible for the Feds to punish uncooperative states and municipalities. Theres plenty of precedent for the national government withholding funds to jurisdictions that failed to comply with Federal mandates, see for instance, CMS withholds another $1-plus million over vaccine mandate compliance. The case here was Florida for not requiring Federal healthcare workers to get Covid shots. Having said that, Im not sure these holdbacks have ever been big enough to cause sufficient pain so as to change behavior.

The other aspect that hasnt get gotten the consideration it warrants is the very bad authoritarian look of an aggressive implementation of these measures. It allow Dems to stoke fears that the intellectual elites would be the next to be herded into of Cultural Revolution camps. What if, say, Team Trump tries to encourage Stasi-level spying by paying bounties for valid and usable reports of where illegal immigrants live and work? Will freedom-cheering conservatives sign up happily for a bulked-up police state apparatus?

The Due Process Impediments to Deportation

For starters, due process means cases have to be handled individually, and the defendant has the right to a court. And everyone who is in the US has that right. This is why the Republicans are so keen to enlist Mexico to help prevent entry, and to focus on the low-hanging fruit of the 1.3 million who have outstanding deportation orders.

The basics, from Clearwater Law Group:

The Constitution protects all people living in the United States, regardless of immigration status. Most constitutional provisions apply based on personhood, not citizenship. In other words, if an individual is physically present in the US, they are entitled to the protections granted by the Constitution. This includes the right to due process and equal protection under the law. The Fifth Amendment, for example, states that No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. And the Fourteenth Amendment uses the Due Process Clause that describes the legal obligation of all state governments to provide equal protection of the laws to all persons, regardless of immigration status. So while undocumented immigrants are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, they are still protected by its principles.

Savvy readers might point to the gaps between theory and practice, like the way CBP too often harasses Americans returning from abroad who have engaged in wrong-think by questioning them and even seizing their electronic devices.2

A key decision is the Supreme Courts Reno v. Flores, with the underlying case first filed in 1985 and settled in 1997, addressing the poor treatment of immigrant children.3 There has been continued legal wrangling over the settlement, including the expansion of the ambit of Flores, which was initially limited to unaccompanied minors, to extend the maximum 20 days in detention to families with children.

Even the Biden Administration sought to escape from Flores. From a May 2024 CNN story:

The Biden administration moved Friday to terminate a decades-old agreement that governs conditions for migrant children in government custody, according to a court filing, which argues that the settlement was meant to be temporary. The 1997 Flores settlement, as the agreement is known, requires the government to release children from government custody without unnecessary delay to sponsors, like parents or adult relatives, and dictates conditions by which children are held. The Health and Human Services Department is charged with the care of unaccompanied migrant children. The Biden administration has previously signaled that it planned to end the Flores agreement, instead preparing a federal regulation that, the administration argues, faithfully implements the requirements spelled out in the settlement, provides additional protections and responds to unforeseen changed circumstances since 1997. The regulation was published in late April. But immigration attorneys have expressed concern over the lack of outside oversight if the Flores settlement is terminated. If the government were to prevail in its motion, HHS would no longer be bound by the Flores settlement. As Flores counsel, we would no longer be able to interview children in HHS custody, or file motions to enforce when the rights guaranteed by Flores are denied to children in HHS custody, said Neha Desai, senior director of immigration at the National Center for Youth Law.

Operational Impediments to Deportation

Many readers may not know that ICE is not so much in the business of rounding up suspected illegal immigrants as collecting them from police. From BBC:

Most immigrants already in the country enter into the deportation system not through encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agents but through local law enforcement.

However, many of the countrys largest cities and counties have passed laws restricting local police co-operation with Ice. Deportations of people arrested in the US interior  as opposed to those at the border  have hovered at below 100,000 for a decade, after peaking at over 230,000 during the early years of the Obama administration. To raise that, in a single year, up to a million would require a massive infusion of resources that likely dont exist, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, told the BBC. For one, experts are doubtful that Ices 20,000 agents and support personnel would be enough to find and track down even a fraction of the figures being touted by the Trump campaign. Mr Reichlin-Melnick added that the deportation process is long and complicated and only begins with the identification and arrest of an undocumented migrant. After that, detainees would need to be housed or placed on an alternative to detention programme before they are brought before an immigration judge, in a system with a years-long backlog. Only then are detainees removed from the US, a process that requires diplomatic co-operation from the receiving country. In each of those areas, Ice simply does not have the capacity to process millions of people, Mr Reichlin-Melnick said.

I am a bit leery of depending so much on a single ultimate source, the American Immigration Council, but so far no other organization seems to have taken a granular look at what a mass deportation operation would entail. Note just one factoid from the short overview below, that even if the Trump Administration gets to the point of deporting migrants, some countries wont take them back:

I dont think people understand how insane Trumps mass deportation plan is. pic.twitter.com/bMOgK2XCja  Mac (@GoodPoliticGuy) November 8, 2024

Why Not the Easy Way: Targeting Employment?

Yours truly is at a loss to understand why the Trump teams seems to be taking the mass deportation idea to heart, when as some have pointed out, Trump should be taken seriously but not literally. Admittedly, a conservative contact contends that, particularly in light of business community opposition to losing too many cheap workers, all that is likely to happen is a marked tightening up of entry at the southern border, plus a serious campaign to deport criminals.

The much easier way to get many undocumented migrants to leave is to make it very hard for them to get work. There are many ways to do that, like occasionally raiding employers in areas that use a lot of illegal immigrants and increasing the sanctions on those establishments (bigger fines and even criminalization). But one route would be much tighter enforcement of the rules requiring employers to have a Social Security Number for anyone paid over $590 a year.

As I read the Social Security Administration rules of issuance, categories like temporary protected status and humanitarian parole are not eligible. Knowledgeable readers please pipe up. From the Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens:

What do I need to submit to the Social Security office? You need to prove your identity and work- authorized immigration status. To prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status, show us your current U.S. immigration documents and your unexpired foreign passport. Acceptable immigration documents include your:  Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine- Readable Immigrant Visa).

 Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).

 Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document/EAD).

 Admission stamp showing a class of admission permitting work.

Other sections at the Social Security Administration site seem to confirm this cursory reading,4 but even if not, it would be easier for a Trump Administration to tighten up Social Security Number issuance rules than implement many of measures needed for a muscular deportation scheme.

Some crackdowns could start immediately, such as on employers who submit SSNs that have been used multiple times.5 Lambert has also joked that Vance should be tasked to enforcing OSHA rules at meatpacking plants so that they are safe enough that Americans would be willing to work there.

Of course, someone who was imaginative and determined could also go after drivers licenses, that ones that were valid outside the issuing state could be issued only to citizens or those in particular visa categories. Even though that might only have limited practical impact, it would reinforce the message that undocumented immigrants were facing an increasingly hostile bureaucratic regime.

Needless to say, the obvious route of targeting employers either directly via raids or indirectly by Social Security number would put the focus of who benefits from the current lax immigration regime. And we are already seeing But the economy! howling. One predictable venue is CNBC:

During the campaign, Trump pledged to end the Temporary Protected Status that allows workers from select countries to come to the U.S. to work. If some of the larger deportation efforts, like rolling back TPS, come to fruition, experts say that there will be ripple effects felt in most sectors of the economy, in particular construction, housing and agriculture. Economists and labor specialists are most worried about the economic impact of policies that would deport workers already in the U.S., both documented and undocumented. While the worst of the labor crisis spurred by the post-Covid economic boom has passed, and labor supply and demand has come back into balance in recent months, the number of workers available to fill jobs across the U.S. economy remains a closely watched data point. Mass deportation would exacerbate this economic issue, say employers and economists. There are millions, many millions who are undocumented who are in the trades; we dont have the Americans to do the work, said Chad Prinkey, the CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting, which works with construction companies. We need these workers; what we all want is for them to be documented; we want to know who they are, where they are, and make sure they are paying taxes; we dont want them gone.

And tamer version in NBCs Some Republicans try to tone down Trumps mass deportation threats:

The prospect of mass deportations is generating fear and apprehension among families with noncitizen members and businesses that employ undocumented workers. But some Republicans readings of Trumps policy  which he has promised would bring about deportations at a scale never before seen in the U.S.  are more limited in scope. Republicans in immigrant-heavy states have been suggesting hell prioritize or only focus on the worst criminals. I am sure that the Trump administration is not going to be targeting those people who have been here for more than five years that have American kids, that dont have criminal records, that have been working in the economy and paying taxes,[6] Florida Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar said in a PBS interview. Her Miami-Dade district is home to about 200,000 undocumented people. Asked in the interview whether she got those assurances from Trump or someone in his potential administration, Salazar didnt directly answer, but said she is going to be one of those voices making sure within the GOP to make that distinction.

Well have a much better idea of how much Team Trump intends to retreat from a strong-form version of mass deportations by inauguration. Stay tuned.

______

1 One has to wonder about the competition for military personnel, since Team Trump is contemplating invoking emergency powers to get armed forces deployed to this task. Given how YouTubers like Douglas Macgregor point out how small the Army is, at below 500,000, and has difficulty meeting recruitment targets on top of that, this initiative would cut into Trumps ability to credibly threaten Russia and Iran ex nukes.

2 Note citizens cannot be denied re-entry but the CBP seems to take the point of view that they can be detained for up to eight hours. I have a friend here who was repeatedly harassed when the returned to the US for no fathomable reason. It did not stop until she prevailed upon relatives to call Congresscritters to get the dogs called off. And even though the person of interest can remain silent, anyone with an operating brain cell understands that almost certainly means their devices will be confiscated. She has described long form the practical difficulty of standing up for your rights in these circumstances.

3 From Wikipedia:

Reno v. Flores, 507 U.S. 292 (1993), was a Supreme Court of the United States case that addressed the detention and release of unaccompanied minors. The Supreme Court ruled that the Immigration and Naturalization Services regulations regarding the release of alien unaccompanied minors did not violate the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution.[1] The Court held that alien juveniles detained on suspicion of being deportable may be released only to a parent, legal guardian, or other related adult. The legacy for which Reno v. Flores became known was the subsequent 1997 court-supervised stipulated settlement agreement which is binding on the defendants (the federal government agencies)[2]the Flores v. Reno Settlement Agreement or Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA) to which both parties in Reno v. Flores agreed in the District Court for Central California (C.D. Cal.).[3][Notes 1] The Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA), supervised by C.D. Cal., has set strict national regulations and standards regarding the detention and treatment of minors by federal agencies for over twenty years. It remains in effect until the federal government introduces final regulations to implement the FSA agreement. The FSA governs the policy for the treatment of unaccompanied alien children in federal custody of the legacy INS and its successorUnited States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the various agencies that operate under the jurisdiction of the DHS-in particular the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The FSA is supervised by a U.S. district judge in the District Court for Central California.[4] The litigation originated in the class action lawsuit Flores v. Meese filed on July 11, 1985 by the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CHRCL) and two other organizations on behalf of immigrant minors, including Jenny Lisette Flores, who had been placed in a detention center for male and female adults after being apprehended by the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) as she attempted to illegally cross the MexicoUnited States border. Under the Flores Settlement and current circumstances, DHS asserts that it generally cannot detain alien children and their parents together for more than brief periods.[4] In his June 20, 2018 executive order, President Trump had directed then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to ask the District Court for the Central District of California, to modify the Flores agreement to allow the government to detain alien families together for longer periods, which would include the time it took for the familys immigration proceedings and potential criminal proceedings for unlawful entry into the United States.[4]: 2 On July 9, Judge Gee of the Federal District of California, ruled that there was no basis to amend the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA) that requires children to be released to licensed care programs within 20 days.

4. See:

Therefore, a parolee with only a Form I-94 or a parole stamp in the foreign passport who is not work authorized incident to their status can only apply for a non-work Social Security Number (SSN), if eligible. For information on eligibility for a non-work SSN, see RM 10211.600.

5 To keep the post to manageable length, we are skipping over other enforcement ideas, like outlawing the staffing agencies that now help place immigrants under Temporary Protected Status.

Of course, employers could revert to paying these workers even more off the books, as in via using cash or crypto. But there are limits to that for enterprises that get their revenues in the legitimate economy, in that they would not be able to deduct these labor expenses.

6 This paying taxes as a condition of regularization is a clever dodge. Obama also had a amnesty scheme which included workers who had been paying payroll and income taxes for a long time, IIRC more than five years. The reason that is an issue is the Social Security number issue discussed at length above. Unless things have changed radically, most of the undocumented migrants who have these taxes withheld are through SSNs used multiple times, as in they cant prove how much of Treasury tax deposits were on their behalf and thus whether they really covered all their work hours. I had one friend who for shaggy dog details had gotten a SSN but was in some sort of Heisenberg uncertainty visa status otherwise due to his estranged wife refusing to cooperate with the remaining steps to make him legal. He maintained he was the only person who could actually benefit from the Obama scheme. But it was a non-starter because it required participants to leave the US and then apply for re-entry.
Mike Flynn and Steve Bannon outline potential strategy for Trumps return to office

Political strategist Steve Bannon and retired General Mike Flynn recently got together on the WarRoom program, where they shared their strategy for Trump's second term in office. It emphasizes quick personnel changes, along with a very aggressive deportation program and a stronger focus on domestic energy. It also tackles what some perceive to be his biggest potential challenges when he returns.

Removing bureaucratic roadblocks

Their first order of business is quickly replacing any federal bureaucrats who could stand in Trump's way as he carries out his plans. Flynn believes that the highly qualified experts and other senior officials who are currently working in a number of federal agencies will strive to block Trump at every turn and therefore need to be let go. He thinks this is something that should happen during the first days of his term so that he can get right down to business.

Beefing up security

Another priority from Flynns point of view is ensuring Trump has solid and dependable security that is capable of protecting him from the many threats he is likely to encounter. The Secret Service failed spectacularly during the attempted assassination against Trump at a Pennsylvania rally earlier this year, and the incident has caused many people to lose faith in the agency's capabilities and desire to protect Trump. A recent independent review found numerous mistakes and specific failures that led them to warn a similar incident can and will happen again if the agency is not reformed.

Flynn believes that Trump should call on specialized military units to ensure maximum protection as he will need plenty of confidence that those around him are prepared to protect him at all costs.

Preparing for political opposition

Trump may have managed to attract votes from more than half of the country, but that does not mean that he won't encounter political adversaries, even if Republicans do ultimately take control over the House. Bitter about Harriss loss, Trump's opponents will likely do everything they can to prevent Trump from governing the country effectively and carrying out his campaign promises. One person who Flynn believes will provide significant resistance is former CIA director John Brennan.

Flynn noted: "Brennan is one of the most evil people on the planet.

Moreover, Flynn believes that Trump's team needs to be incredibly strong to deal with the intense scrutiny they will face from external and internal forces alike. He emphasized that Trump should surround himself with a team who can carry out his plans without wavering.

Advancing policies

The policy road map highlighted by Bannon and Flynn that they believe could energize Trump's base focuses on three main areas.

Deportation: One of Trump's top priorities is shoring up the nation's borders, and this will undoubtedly require a major deportation effort. Although this is something he will likely seek to address right away, it will take some time to carry out and will require a firm ongoing commitment.

Government accountability: Flynn believes that a task force should be set up to hold officials and federal agencies more accountable, investigating those who are participating in obstruction and corruption and removing them from their positions.

Energy independence: According to Flynn, returning America to complete energy independence could help to jump-start the economy and restore America's global standing.

Trump will be facing an uphill battle when he takes office in January, and Flynn and Bannon believe that an assertive approach will be needed to carry out his mission and address the many challenges he will face. He will also use the lessons he learned from his first stint in office to inform his strategy this time around.

Flynn noted: "This time, were prepared. Accountability must happen.

Sources for this article include:

WarRoom.org

NBCNews.com
Iranian student strips to her underwear in protest after being harassed by security personnel for improperly wearing her hijab

Security forces in Tehran have arrested a young woman for stripping to her underwear and marching through the Islamic Azad University (IAU) campus.

The incident occurred Nov. 2 on the campus of IAU's Science and Research Branch in Tehran and immediately went viral all over social media, with the woman being referred to as "the Science and Research girl" before she was identified as 30-year-old Ahoo Daryaei, a French literature doctoral student.

IAU Director General of Public Relations Amir Mahjoub later confirmed Daryaei's arrest

"Following an indecent act by a student at the Science and Research Branch of the university, campus security intervened and handed the individual over to law enforcement authorities," Mahjoub wrote on X. "The motives and underlying reasons for the student's actions are currently under investigation."

Daryaei was reportedly harassed by university security personnel for improperly wearing her hijab. These security personnel reportedly tore her clothes and harmed her to the point of bloodily injuring her.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said in a follow-up statement that the Iranian government is treating the incident involving Daryaei not as a security issue but a personal, mental health issue.

"Instead of 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," said Mohajerani. She confirmed that Daryaei was initially detained at a police station, but has since been transferred to a health facility, but did not say what treatment the woman would receive.

"It is yet too soon to speak of this student's 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," said Mohajerani.

Currently, Daryaei is not facing criminal charges.

Women in Iran constantly being harassed by morality police

More and more women in Iran are being harassed by the nation's morality police, especially since September 2022 following widespread protests due to the death of Iranian Kurdish woman Jina Mahsa Amini, who was killed while in the custody of morality police for allegedly violating hijab regulations.

The international community has voiced its support for Daryaei, with Amnesty International immediately calling for her release and criticizing Iran's "abusive enforcement of compulsory veiling."

In a longer statement, Amnesty's Iran division called for Daryaei's unconditional release and, pending her release, Tehran "must protect her from torture and other ill-treatment and ensure access to family" and legal representatives. "Allegations of beatings and sexual violence against her during arrest need independent and impartial investigations. Those responsible must be held to account."

Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist, author and women's rights activist, commented on X: "In Iran, a student harassed by her universitys morality police over her 'improper' hijab didnt back down. She turned her body into a protest, stripping to her underwear and marching through campus  defying a regime that constantly controls womens bodies."

"Her act is a powerful reminder of Iranian womens fight for freedom," she continued. "Yes we use our bodies like weapons to fight back against a regime that kills women for showing their hair. This happened at Tehran's Science and Research University."

United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran Mai Sato, who shared the viral video of the incident on social media, warned Tehran that the UN will be "monitoring this incident closely, including the authorities' response." (Related: Leaked documents reveal secret U.S.-led coalition plotting regime change in Iran.)

Watch this video showing how many women in Iran are refusing to wear their hijabs out in public.

This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel's fake attack on Iran changes game in Middle East: "Israel will never dominate Mideast geopolitical and military chessboard again."

Israel arrests seven immigrants accused of spying for Iran.

Israel demands U.S. wage war against Iran to install new government: "It's time for the U.S. and its allies to bring down the Iranian regime."

Sources include:

JPost.com

IR.VOANews.com

Reuters.com

IranIntl.com

Brighteon.com
Preparing for WAR: Israeli settlers in West Bank buy high-caliber rifles

Arabic media outlet Masar News, in a recent report, confirmed that Israeli settlers are buying hundreds of high-caliber rifles as they prepare for an imminent war between their nation and the Palestinians in the West Bank.

The report, which was in Arabic, confirmed that what they were doing was indicative of a major shift in the settlers' strategy, as they considered military scenarios instead of previous perceptions that may be wrong.

This shows the West Bank settlers' readiness for war as the conflict widens in the region.

The report further indicated Israel's Samaria Regional Council in West Bank leader Yossi Dagan has already purchased more than 500 rifles to arm emergency security teams as well as dozens of advanced sniper rifles after raising almost one million shekels ($270,000) from supporters of the Council around the world. The group is looking into upgrading their equipment in preparation for a future war with Palestinians.

Moreover, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir last month announced that hundreds of thousands of firearms have been distributed among Jewish settlers in the West Bank.

"Over 120,000 weapons were distributed to eligible citizens, while tens of thousands more received conditional approvals," he said on his X account. "We intend to continue arming Israel. That's what we did, and that's what we'll continue to do!"

He also promised to "continue to work with all our might for complete victory, in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and wherever our enemy steps foot until all the abductees are returned home."

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Israel to effectively annex the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

During the Middle East Summit, a conference in Jerusalem for U.S. Evangelicals, Smotrich said that Israel must make an "unequivocal  statement to the Arabs and the entire world that a Palestinian state will not be established" as he pushed for the establishment of new settlements deep inside Palestinian vicinities. He also called for the expulsion of Palestinians who do not want to be ruled by Jewish leaders.

He added that bringing civilians to live on Palestinian land is crucial for maintaining permanent Jewish control.

"Where there is no civilian presence, there is no long-term military presence  there is no security, and there is an existential threat to the State of Israel and its citizens, and we must not allow this," he said.

Armed Israeli settlers burn Palestinian homes, cars in West Bank

Earlier this month, Israeli settlers in West Bank, who appeared to be armed, torched several homes, vehicles and olive trees across the Palestinian territory.

According to local news agency Wafa, the settlers opened fire at civil defense search-and-rescue workers attempting to extinguish the flames.

Settlers later set fire to a parking lot and scrawled offensive graffiti on walls in the nearby town of Deir Dibwan, east of Ramallah, before fleeing.

?BREAKING: A horrific night in Ramallah, in the West Bank. Hundreds of Israeli terrorist settlers launched a brutal attack on the city of Ramallah, setting fire to numerous Palestinian homes and vehicles. After setting Palestinian homes and cars on fire, they moved to the pic.twitter.com/KZ6u37JZLh  Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) November 4, 2024

A resident named Mohammed Amr told the news outlet Middle East Eye (MEE) that he woke up at the wee hours of the morning to noises of commotion near the building where he lives. He looked out of the window and saw a group of people pouring flammable material and burning vehicles.

"The settlers infiltrated from the Beit El settlement and came through the military checkpoint that separates it from the city of al-Bireh. Then they walked through the agricultural lands to reach the buildings adjacent to it, where I saw at least eight to ten settlers," he said.

He continued saying that the settlers attempted to storm homes, but Palestinian residents gathered to prevent them, so they moved on to the neighboring city.

"Our situation is like all Palestinian cities that are exposed to settler terrorism," he lamented. (Related: Armed Israeli settlers attack West Bank village, burning down properties and killing a young Palestinian man.)

Meanwhile, Al-Bireh Mayor Robin al-Khatib described the event as dangerous. He told MEE that the arrival of settlers to residential buildings and burning their surroundings is a "dangerous indicator of the possibility of them reaching the heart of al-Bireh or Ramallah and carrying out larger attacks."

In response, the Iran-backed militant group Hamas called for escalation against settlers, saying Palestinians should confront them with "all means of resistance" following the attack.

Settler attacks continued into Monday morning and were reported across the West Bank.

IsraelCollapse.news contains stories related to the burgeoning conflict in the Middle East.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.co

MasarNews.co

MiddleEastEye.net
Israelis are happy Trump won the election, but will he support them the way Biden did?

While many people around the world are optimistic about Trumps election victory, the news is being particularly welcomed in Israel. But does this mean that Trump supporting their genocide in Gaza is a foregone conclusion?

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deals with unrest over his recent firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, it appears that he expects Trumps victory to help him push the international community to take a stronger stance against Iran.

He wrote in a statement to Trump: "Your historic return to the White House represents a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America."

His praise was echoed by incoming Defense Minister Israel Katz, who said he hoped America and Israel would remain firm in defeating the axis of evil led by Iran.

Meanwhile, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi wrote that he considered Trump to be a true friend of Israel and said he expects him to help bring back Israeli hostages and secure an absolute victory against Hamas.

They are far from the only Israelis who think this way. In fact, a survey carried out by the Israel Democracy Institute found that two thirds of Israelis think Trump is going to be better for Israel than Kamala Harris would, with just 13 percent preferring Harris.

Israels optimism is supported by Trumps track record during his last term in office, when he pushed several Israel-friendly policies, such as the Abraham Accords. In addition, he was the first American president to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital, which most countries have refused to do, and even moved the American embassy to Jerusalem.

Ultra-nationalist Israeli ministers express enthusiasm over Trump's victory

However, the enthusiasm over Trumps victory among ultra-nationalist Israeli ministers is a huge cause for concern. For example, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who is in favor of settlements, wrote Yesssss on X.

In July, Ben Gvir told Bloomberg that he considered a Trump victory something that would benefit the Jewish state, noting: With Trump it will be clearer that enemies must be defeated.

He added: "The US has always stood behind Israel in terms of armaments and weapons, yet this time the sense was that we were being reckoned with -- that we were trying to be prevented from winning...That happened on Biden's watch and fed Hamas with lots of energy."

One of the most vocal ultra-nationalist ministers, Bezalel Smotrich, who is considered the leader of the annexation of Palestinian territory, wrote about Trump's victory: God bless Israel. God bless America.

Israels settler movement wants to expand the communities theyve built in the occupied West Bank, and some suspect they intend to eventually move into Gaza as well. Some of them have been sanctioned by the Biden administration, whereas Trump drafted plans during his first term as president to make West Bank settlements an official part of Israel.

It isnt yet clear if Trumps new administration will take the same stance toward Israel as his administration did the first time around, especially with Israel currently embroiled in a war that could end up drawing the U.S. in directly and creating untold problems.

Trump reportedly told Netanyahu that he would like to see the conflict end before his inauguration in January, although he was quoted as telling him to do what you have to do to defend Israel during a phone call two weeks ago. It's not clear right now how he'll handle the situation or where it will stand when he takes office.

In Gaza, there are mixed feelings, with some people expecting Trump to continue to support Israel the way Biden did and others hopeful hell be able to pressure Netanyahu into stopping the war.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Reuters.com
Judge rules against AstraZeneca for breaching COVID vaccine contract with trial participant injured by experimental jab

Another victory was won this week after Utah mom Brianne Dressen received favor from Judge Robert Shelby concerning injuries she sustained from AstraZeneca's Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccine."

Brianne Dressen sued the jab maker for breach of contract after it failed to compensate her for injuries caused by its COVID injection.

A mother of two, Dressen enrolled in AstraZeneca's clinical trial in November 2020 during which she took one dose of the shot. According to Dressen, when she received the shot, her "life changed forever."

"I didn't want to do this," Dressen told Fox News, claiming that AstraZeneca "left me no choice" based on the documents she signed. Since that time, it has been "three and a half years of silence" from the company, she argues.

"We gave them ample opportunities to pitch in and to help in any way, shape or form as they agreed to in the contract. And it just hasn't happened. So, my hands are tied. I mean, I'm not going to roll over and die because of what they did. So it's time for them to be held accountable."

(Related: Remember earlier this year when AstraZeneca pulled its COVID injection from the worldwide market due to fears about mysterious clots?)

Getting around the PREP Act

Since the PREP Act, passed by Congress and signed by Donald Trump, shields Big Pharma from all liability for damage caused by its shots, AstraZeneca believed it would not be held accountable for situations like this. Dressen and her lawyers took the breach of contract approach, though, which was effective.

AstraZeneca tried to petition the judge in the case to toss the case because of the special industry immunity provided by the PREP Act. The problem is that Dressen signed a contract with the vaccine maker guaranteeing medical treatment  that never came  for injuries suffered.

"The declaration provides immunity from liability (except for willful misconduct) for claims of loss, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from administration or use of countermeasures to diseases, threats and conditions," the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) states.

Dressen's approach, taking the breach of contract angle, gets around the liability shield imposed via the PREP Act. It is a model that other people who have been vaccine injured can also use to hold the vaccine industry accountable.

"The best way to calm fears about COVID vaccines is to be open and forthcoming about possible side effects," commented Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) at the time when this nightmare began for Dressen.

The other good news with Dressen's case is that it sets a precedent for how to go about pursuing justice against Big Pharma for future claims.

"This may be one of the only ways that legal teams fighting for the victims will actually be able to get 'discovery' documents to prove what has been hidden," someone wrote on X / Twitter about Dressen's approach.

"Instead of 'calming fears,' perhaps simply be transparent about the risks and stop pretending it's a good solution to preventing the illness," wrote another about how these toxic shots never should have been unleashed in the first place.

Others wrote that they would like to see this same kind of case get filed against all vaccine manufacturers for all vaccine injuries dating back decades.

"Let the avalanche of lawsuits begin," one said about what comes next.

"It seems to me that when you have data that says your product is harmful and you bury or obfuscate that data, you concede immunity from liability," said another about the deceptive nature of the entire vaccine industry.

The latest news about COVID can be found at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

FoxNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Thomas Massie and Joel Salatin to reportedly help run USDA, will advise on regenerative agriculture  decentralizing farms across the U.S.

In an unexpected and bold move, the Trump transition team has decided to offer Joel Salatin -- owner of PolyFace Farm and advocate for regenerative agriculture -- a prominent advisory role within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Salatin, a staunch critic of industrial agriculture and a champion for sustainable, organic farming practices, has accepted a position as one of the six Advisors to the Secretary within the USDA, where he will work alongside Thomas Massie, the libertarian-leaning congressman from Kentucky who has agreed to serve as Secretary of Agriculture.

USDA on the brink of revolutionary reforms

The announcement comes on the heels of several high-profile political shifts. Congressman Thomas Massie, known for his consistent advocacy for smaller government and individual liberty, will bring his pro-liberty and pro-market approach to the agriculture sector. Massie has been a vocal supporter of the PRIME Act, which, if passed, would dismantle the monopolistic control of the industrial meat processing system, allowing small farmers and local processors greater freedom to sell their products directly to consumers.

If we push through the PRIME Act, Big Ag wont know what hit them, Massie said. This is about creating a freer, more competitive marketplace, not one that is dominated by a handful of powerful corporations.

Salatin, a vocal proponent of localized, regenerative farming systems, is expected to provide critical guidance to the USDA, potentially influencing the direction of national food policy in ways that challenge the status quo. Let liberty ring, Salatin said in a statement, alluding to the potential shift in agricultural policy. If the PRIME Act goes through, it would be the most significant blow to Big Ag weve seen in a century.

For Salatin, the move represents a watershed moment, as he has long advocated for a return to decentralized, ecologically sustainable farming practices, which he believes are key to restoring balance to both the environment and rural economies. His philosophy promotes a revolutionary rethinking of how food is produced and consumed, mitigating the use of pesticides and herbicides, and focusing on the nutritional quality of the soil. His approach will also help put an end to the weaponization of the USDA against small organic farmers.

The Salatin-Massie partnership: A threat to Big Ag and Big Pharma

Salatins new role is part of a broader ideological shift within the Trump transition team, which, in addition to agricultural reform, is contemplating sweeping changes across multiple government departments. In his announcement, Salatin discussed his vision for a government that drastically reduces its influence on key sectors like education, food, energy, and military involvement abroad.

Lets ask ourselves: what if we eliminated federal involvement in education, from kindergarten to college? What if we put every teacher on the line for performance? Salatin proposed. What if we eliminated all federal intervention in the food system and farming?

Salatins remarks reflect an underlying belief that much of the federal governments intervention in domestic policy is unnecessary and counterproductive. Drawing on historical precedents, he argued that the U.S. could operate just as effectively without an income tax, as it did for nearly 150 years before the introduction of the Federal Reserve and the modern income tax system.

During the time of tariffs, we didnt need an income tax, Salatin said. The federal government was financed entirely by tariffs and excise taxes, and the nation thrived. What happened? We need to return to that model and reduce the power of the federal government to dictate our lives.

Salatin also expressed optimism about the possibility of shaking up entrenched industries. He pointed to figures like RFK Jr., who, if appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, would be in a position to challenge the prevailing medical establishment, which Salatin believes has too often been driven by the interests of Big Pharma.

It would be the coolest turnabout in history, Salatin said, referring to a potential RFK Jr. appointment. It would invert the entire health system, giving us a chance to focus on actual health instead of pharmaceutical profit.

Under Salatin's leadership, farmers across the U.S. will be given a template on how to restore their soil, use fewer toxic chemicals, and improve the nutritional quality of foods. The reshaping of American agriculture is necessary to combat the chronic disease epidemic.

Sources include:

TheLunaticFarmer.com

NaturalNews.com
Social media censorship in the EU about to go into overdrive with upcoming new rules against disinformation

The European Union is about to implement new rules against so-called disinformation under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which will mean more censorship of content on social media platforms.

The European Parliament passed the DSA into law in November 2022, and it came into full force in February 2024 with the proclaimed goal of creating "a safer and more accountable online environment" in which the "fundamental rights of users" will be protected. (Related: Ursula von der Leyen hopes the EU Digital Services Act will tackle WEFs top concern: The truth getting out.)

"The DSA applies to all digital services that connect consumers to goods, services or content," reads a statement on the website of the European Commission, the EU's top executive body. "It creates comprehensive new obligations for online platforms to reduce harm and counter risks online, introduces strong protections for users' rights online, and places digital platforms under a unique new transparency and accountability framework."

Critics note that what started out as the EU's "voluntary code of practice" concerning "disinformation" is now set to turn into a mandatory code of conduct not just for Big Tech and their social media platforms but also for people on those platforms.

As of today, the "voluntary" code has been signed by 44 tech companies and it should become mandatory in January 2025. This will apply to tech companies that the EU defines as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), or those that have at least 45 million monthly active users in the bloc.

Responsibility of dealing with disinformation being passed on to tech companies

Tech experts have said that in its present form, the responsibility of limiting the spread of so-called "illegal content and illegal products online" and "the protection of minors" has been passed by the EU on to social media platforms and the tech companies that run them. They are now being mandated to "give users more choice and better information."

Since the DSA entered into law in the EU, online platforms and search engines have been required to improve accountability and oversight by introducing new flagging mechanisms for what the authors of the law deem "illegal content."

At present, the DSA's provisions require online platforms to carry out disinformation-related risk assessments and reveal what measures they are taking to mitigate any risks revealed by these assessments.

However, when the code is transferred from "voluntary" to "mandatory," these obligations will also include other requirements such as demonetizing the dissemination of so-called disinformation, empowering so-called "fact-checkers" and the mandatory cooperation with civil society groups and fact-checking organizations, especially during elections.

Tech critics note that this also means that not only will "fact-checking" be spread across the EU from member countries but it will also make the VLOPs finance these groups. This will be applied even though many of the most prominent "fact-checkers" have been consistently accused of censorship instead of checking content for accuracy in an unbiased manner.

"It is for the signatories to decide which commitments they sign up to and it is their responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of their commitments' implementation," the EU said.

Watch this segment from "Redacted News" that discusses the Digital Services Act.

This video is from the NZ Will Remember channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Losing their grip: Why anti-misinformation crusaders are mourning the end of control.

Facebook hires top Israeli advisor to censor pro-Palestien social media content.

The Democracy Fund: Trudeau's Online Harms Act could weaponize courts and stifle free speech.

CBS is controlled by a left-wing social justice group that approves news stories before they are aired.

SILENCING SPEECH: EU formally launches investigation against X (formerly Twitter) over alleged violations of Digital Services Act.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.com

FreedomHouse.org

Brighteon.com
An 18-year-old New York State employee tragically lost his life while combating a wildfire in Sterling Forest, Orange County, on Saturday.

Dariel Vasquez, an aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, was part of the team working to control the fire. The blaze is part of several wildfires raging across the region amid a prolonged drought and high winds, which have fueled the spread of flames.

Vasquez, a recent graduate of Ramapo High School, was killed while responding to the Jennings Creek Fire near Greenwood Lake, New Jersey. The fire, which also spread to parts of Orange County, New York, has already consumed thousands of acres.

In a statement, Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her sorrow, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of our New York State Parks employees while responding to a wildfire... My prayers go out to his family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time."

As of Sunday, wildfires continued to threaten multiple areas in New York and New Jersey. In Passaic County, New Jersey, the Jennings Creek Fire had burned 2,500 acres and was only 10% contained.

READ MORE : Extreme Global Warming Could Push Mammals Toward Extinction, Warns New Research

Firefighters Continue Battle Against Wildfires in New York

According to NBC News, firefighters were still battling the blaze, with 25 structures under threat. Local authorities have requested additional state and federal support to combat the fire.

"The situation has gotten a lot more difficult," said Steve Neuhaus, County Executive of Orange County, in a video update.

The fires have triggered a health alert in New York, as smoke from the flames has caused poor air quality in the region, including New York City. An air quality health advisory was issued due to pollution levels potentially exceeding safe limits, advising residents, particularly those sensitive to pollutants, to limit outdoor activity.

The National Weather Service has forecast light rain that could help mitigate the fires, but it is unlikely to fully contain them in the immediate future.

This recent wave of wildfires in the Northeast follows a period of dry weather, contributing to ongoing drought conditions. New York State has witnessed over 60 wildfires since the beginning of October, consuming over 2,100 acres. These fires have caused widespread concern, as high temperatures and dry conditions continue to exacerbate the risk of further fires.

As of late, emergency crews remain on high alert, continuing to fight multiple fires, including the Jennings Creek Fire. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has expressed hope that with favorable weather, they may be able to gain control over the fire by the end of the week.
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New Delhi, Nov 10 : Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar launched the 'EV as a Service' programme of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), aimed at boosting e-mobility in government offices with the deployment of 5,000 e-cars in government departments over the next two years.

New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar launched the 'EV as a Service' programme of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), aimed at boosting e-mobility in government offices with the deployment of 5,000 e-cars in government departments over the next two years. The Union Minister flagged off an EV rally comprising vehicles in multiple segments with the call to action on adopting clean mobility alternatives to reduce emissions.

The programme held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here, marks a significant step forward in advancing the adoption of electric cars in Central and State Government ministries/departments, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and institutions.

CESL, a subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), as part of its E-Services drive, is leveraging a flexible procurement model, the programme allows for the deployment of a variety of e-car models, enabling government offices to choose e-cars that best align with their operational requirements.

It not only supports the government's environmental sustainability vision but also aligns with India's ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, according to an official statement.

Enabling EV adoption within government fleets, CESL is contributing significantly to cutting carbon emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and bolstering India's energy security.

The CESL has already deployed nearly 2000 nos. of E-Cars across India and is also facilitating the deployment of approximately 17,000 e-buses.

The minister said, "The 'EV as a Service' programme exemplifies CESL's dedication to sustainable innovation and showcases its ability to address the urgent need for clean mobility solutions."

"I commend CESL for not only driving change but for setting an inspiring example in our nation's journey toward greener transportation. With initiatives like these, India moves closer to a future where clean energy is the norm, creating a lasting impact for generations to come," the minister added.

"The launch of 'EV as a Service' follows the recent introduction of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, a national initiative aimed at fast-tracking India's shift to electric mobility," said Vishal Kapoor, MD & CEO, CESL.

"At CESL, the future of transportation is electric, and by facilitating EV adoption in government fleets, we are enabling large-scale emissions reduction and enhancing energy security for India. This programme aligns stakeholders - from manufacturers and fleet operators to policymakers and users - creating a collaborative ecosystem poised for growth," he explained.

The launch event saw an impressive turnout and featured an EV Exhibition and an EV rally comprising more than 100 electric vehicles from a wide array of segments, including e-bicycles, electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, e-tractors, e-mobile charging vans, e-cargo pickups, e-buses, and e-trucks.

Senior officers from Central Government Ministries and Departments such as the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Department of Revenue, and Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs attended the event.

Further, various E-Mobility Original Equipment Makers (OEMs), think-tanks and EV enthusiasts attended the event.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 10 : With the first seaplane landing in the Kochi backwaters on Sunday, seaplane tourism is set to take off in Kerala.

The seaplane, which took off from Vijayawada, touched down at the Bolgatty backwaters in Kochi at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas will officially flag off the trial seaplane service from Bolgatty to the Mattupetty reservoir near Munnar at 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

This marks a major milestone in Kerala's ambitious plan to link its scenic waterways through aerial routes. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has played a crucial role by providing technical expertise and infrastructure for the seaplane project.

With its extensive network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons, Kerala is well-suited for seaplane tourism, offering travellers a unique experience of the waterways combined with the thrill of flight.

The new seaplane services are expected to open up fresh tourism avenues, enabling visitors to enjoy stunning aerial views. Kerala, famed for its backwaters and extensive coastline, stands to gain significantly from this tourism innovation.

This initiative is anticipated to boost tourism and contribute to Kerala's economic growth by creating jobs and improving connectivity to some of the state's most remote and scenic areas.

Tourism department officials highlighted that seaplanes offer the advantage of large windows, providing passengers with breathtaking views over Kerala's landscapes, particularly the Western Ghats and Munnar.

The amphibious aircraft, capable of taking off and landing on both land and water, can carry up to nine passengers. While the tourism sector is enthusiastic about the seaplane project, Kerala faces challenges in making the initiative sustainable in the long term.

The seaplane project has been introduced under the Civil Aviation Ministry's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN.

Kerala Tourism had proposed launching seaplane services from various locations, including Kovalam, Ashtamudi Lake, Kumarakom, Idukki Dam, Mattupetty Dam, Punnamada, Malampuzha Dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Chandragiri River in Kasaragod.

The government identified these water bodies for seaplane operations after the Civil Aviation Ministry simplified regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

These changes allow non-scheduled operators to enter the market by eliminating the need for waterdrome licences and easing compliance requirements.

Notably, in 2013, the Kerala government invested Rs 14 crore to set up waterdromes on Ashtamudi and Punnamada lakes. However, the project was halted due to protests from the fishing community, primarily led by pro-Left unions.

According to sources within the Kerala government, the state had considered a proposal from a private operator to link four airports and several major water bodies, including those in Kochi.

The operator quoted Rs 54 crore for a two-year contract to provide a four-hour daily service connecting these locations, but the state has not yet made a decision on this proposal.
New Delhi, Nov 10 : Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition christened Navika Sagar Parikrama II, arrived at its first port of call in Fremantle, Australia.

INSV Tarini arrived in Fremantle on Saturday after a challenging 39-day voyage at sea.

The historic expedition was flagged off from Goa by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) on October 2.

The vessel has covered a distance of 4900 nm (nautical mile) from Goa, crossing the Equator on October 16 and the Tropic of Capricorn on October 27. During this 38-day non-stop voyage, the Indian Navy duo of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A encountered a range of weather conditions from calm to severe, facing winds up to 40 knots and a sea state of 6. Throughout the journey, the crew remained in good health and in high spirits, demonstrating resilience in the face of extreme conditions.

The progress of the expedition has been closely followed by the Navy Chief, receiving daily updates. On the eve of Diwali, while the vessel was at sea, the CNS interacted with the crew and found them fully motivated and dedicated to their mission.

The arrival of INSV Tarini in Fremantle was honoured with a warm welcome by dignitaries, including the Consul General of India at Perth, the Defence Advisor from Canberra, the Secretary of the Indian Navy Sailing Association (INSA), representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, along with members of the media and Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia. The celebration was further enriched by the sound of classical music, which the Tamil Association of Western Australia performed using the Parai Drum and Kombu Tharai drum, offering a rich cultural touch to the reception.

Navika Sagar Parikrama II is an ambitious circumnavigation voyage that includes stops at four major ports worldwide. The two-women crew expedition continues the Navy's legacy of INSV Tarini's first circumnavigation, promoting gender equality, sustainability, and global maritime cooperation. The expedition also underscores India's commitment to fostering stronger relationships with international maritime communities and serves as an ambassador of India's rich maritime heritage.

As INSV Tarini prepares for its next leg, this milestone underscores the strength, skill, and resilience of the Indian Navy's women sailors and reaffirms India's dedication to sustainable and inclusive global engagement.
Guwahati, Nov 10 : In a first of its kind, two elephant Mahouts of Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) attended the EURGentle Training Workshop' for elephant handlers, owners and carers at National Elephant Institute Lampang, Thailand, officials said on Sunday.

KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that two elephant Mahouts -- Kasim Ali (Kaziranga Range) and Sanjeev Pegu (Agoratoli Range) attended the three-day training workshop from November 6 to 8. She mentioned that the event was organized by the Human-Elephant Learning Programs Foundation (H-ELP) and provided an introduction to principles and practices aimed at advancing captive elephant welfare through an understanding of the most relevant scientific knowledge available. The workshop focused on positive reinforcement techniques. The key trainers and facilitators included Dr. Andrew McLean, Dr. Portland Jones of the H-ELP foundation, and Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury of Wildlife Trust of India. Ghosh explained that positive reinforcement involves adding a stimulus to the environment to increase the frequency of desired behavior. "As the aim is to increase specific responses or behavior, positive reinforcement applies gentler and softer methods of training using reward systems. Traditional elephant training tends to focus on correcting unwanted or undesired behaviors. Positive reinforcement has a more constructive and rehabilitative psychological impact on the elephants and their relationship with their caregivers by significantly reducing stress, pain, and fear," she pointed out. Noting that learning begins for elephants the moment they start to interact with people and their surroundings after birth, Ghosh stated that positive reinforcement has been used for generations in training animals. She emphasized that if introduced appropriately, the learning experience for an elephant improves drastically. During the training, a practical demonstration of a sequence of verbal and signal training was exhibited. Desensitization techniques were demonstrated in elephants, along with methods for managing painful or fearful experiences, which are useful for working with dangerous animals and conditions later in life. The training event in Thailand was also attended by Mahouts from Nepal, Laos PDR, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The KNPTR, measuring about 1,300 sq km, is home to more than 2,613 one-horned Indian rhinos. The world-famous park is not just a habitat for rhinos but also for Asian elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, wild buffaloes, and many other animal species, while it is also home to thousands of birds of over 125 species. India's seventh (fourth in natural) UNESCO World Heritage site, the KNPTR is spread across several districts of Assam, including Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Biswanath. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)
Gqeberha, Nov 10 : Tristan Stubbs overshadowed Varun Chakaravarthy's sensational five-fer through a gutsy knock of an unbeaten 47 and guide South Africa to a three-wicket win over India in the second T20I at St George's Park on Sunday.

After India were kept to 124/6, with Hardik Pandya top-scoring via a scratchy unbeaten 39, Chakaravarthy got the visitors' ahead by picking 5-17, his career-best figures in T20Is. But Stubbs timed his acceleration to perfection and hit seven boundaries in his vital knock to give South Africa a thrilling win with an over to spare, as the hosts' have now squared the four-match series 1-1. It also helped Stubbs that he found an able partner in Gerard Coetzee (19 not out off nine balls) to stitch a stand of 42 runs for the eighth wicket. What also helped South Africa was the Indian pacers not being up to the mark, especially in the last three overs and captain Suryakumar Yadav giving Axar Patel just one over with the ball. Chasing 125, Ryan Rickleton and Reeza Hendricks hit two boundaries each, before the former heaved to deep backward square leg off a slower short ball from Arshdeep Singh and fall for 13. Chakaravarthy struck in his first over by castling Aiden Markram with a googly, before taking his second wicket by pulling his length back and outsmarting Hendricks with another googly. The googly again yielded success for Chakaravarthy as he castled Marco Jansen right through him in the 11th over. The big match-up between Heinrich Klaasen and Chakaravarthy fell in the leg-spinner's favour as the batter picked out long-off to perfection. It was followed by Chakaravarthy getting the ball to drift in and straighten past David Miller's outside edge to rattle the off-stump and complete his five-fer. Ravi Bishnoi entered the wicket-taker's column when his googly castled Andile Simelane Despite Stubbs hanging around, he never found the support from other end till Gerard Coetzee arrived. Coetzee danced down the pitch to club Arshdeep for six, before the duo took a four each off Avesh Khan. Stubbs heaved and edged off Arshdeep for back-to-back fours, before flat-batting and pulling for consecutive boundaries to get a pleasing win for South Africa in front of a carnival-like atmosphere at Gqeberha. Previously, South Africa's seamers got early help and capitalised on it to get wickets by resorting more to bowling good and short lengths. The lack of batting depth meant India could never put South Africa under pressure. Backed by some scintillating fielding, the Proteas bowled exceptionally well to keep the visitors' quiet. Barring skipper Aiden Markram, all bowlers got into the wickets' column. Pushed into batting first, India didn't have a flying start as Sanju Samson, who scored consecutive tons, missed an inswing delivery from Marco Jansen and saw the top of leg-stump being rattled. Abhishek Sharma, who has been in lean form, survived a caught behind review off Gerald Coetzee, before giving a big top-edge on the pull to short fine leg. India plunged into deep trouble in fourth over when Suryakumar Yadav was trapped plumb lbw by a slow yorker from Andile Simelane. Tilak Varma and Axar joined forces for getting India's innings back on track with three rollicking boundaries to end power-play at 34/3. But the blossoming 30-run stand was ended when Tilak's uppish inside-out drive was caught by Miller sticking out his right hand to complete a stunning one-handed catch. Axar tried stabilising India's innings with three boundaries, before being run-out for 27. Hardik middled a drive off leg-spinner Nqabayomzi Peter, but the ball took a deflection off his hands and hit the stumps at non-striker's end. By then, Axar was way outside the crease and was unfortunately run-out. South Africa successfully managed to stem the run-flow with some tight bowling, along with Hardik and Rinku Singh not being able to find desired timing. The pressure to break free got to Rinku as he went for a slog-sweep off Peter, but gave top-edge to short fine leg. Hardik finally got the proper connection in his shots by whipping Coetzee to mid-wicket for four, before thumping Jansen through cover for four and six. Though Hardik ended the innings with a ramp over the keeper's head off Jansen to take India past 120, it was too little to give a great finishing flourish, as India played 19 dot balls in last five overs. Brief Scores: India 124/6 (Hardik Pandya 39 not out, Axar Patel 27; Nqabayomzi Peter 1-20, Andile Simelane 1-20) lost to South Africa 138/7 (Tristan Stubbs 47 not out; Varun Chakaravarthy 5-17) by three wickets
New Delhi, Nov 11 : The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) on Monday said the return of Donald Trump as the next US President will bolster India's textile and apparel trade with its largest international market.

In 2023, the US accounted for approximately 27 per cent of India's total textile and apparel exports, underscoring its crucial role in the industry's global reach.

In the current financial year, India's textile and apparel exports to the US during April-August increased by about 6 per cent compared to the same period last year.

"This outpaced the growth rates of key competitors, with China at 2 per cent, Vietnam at 0.4 per cent, and Bangladesh recording a decline of -2.2 per cent. India's enhanced performance signals its growing preference among US buyers and highlights its increasing share in this critical market," said CITI Chairman Rakesh Mehra.

Mehra emphasised that President Trump's previous administration focused on reducing dependency on China by diversifying trade sources, a stance that aligns with India's aspirations to strengthen its position in the US market.

"With the new administration, the Indian textile and apparel industry is optimistic about expanding its role as an alternative supplier to China," said Mehta.

However, a significant barrier remains in the form of high tariff rates, which for certain apparel categories can reach up to 32 per cent.

This restricts India's ability to further increase its market share, said Mehta.

He further stated that new government will work closely with India to facilitate revisions in tariffs, thus positioning India as a key supplier of quality textile and apparel products to the US.

This could catalyse a new phase in India-US textile trade relations, providing a valuable alternative to China for American retailers and consumers alike, said the confederation.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : Actor Kamal Haasan, on Monday, penned a lengthy note where he requested his fans to simply address him by his name.

In a post on X, Haasan expressed his gratitude for the affectionate titles he has received, including "Ulaganayagan." However, he humbly declined to accept any such titles or prefixes, stating that he sees himself as a lifelong student of the art of cinema.

The actor wrote, "Vanakkam, I have always felt a deep sense of gratitude over being bestowed with endearing titles such as Ulaganayagan, among others. Such accolades, given by the people and recognized by esteemed colleagues and admirers, has always been humbling, and I've been genuinely moved by your love in conferring it upon me. The art of cinema transcends beyond any one individual and I am but a student of the craft, forever hoping to evolve, learn and grow. Cinema, like any other form of creative expression, belongs to all. It is the collaboration of countless artists, technicians, and audience who make it what it is -- a true reflection of humanity's diverse, rich, and ever-evolving stories."

The 'Chachi 420' actor added, "It is my humble belief that the artist must not be elevated above the art. I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve. Hence, after considerable reflection, I feel compelled to respectfully decline all such titles or prefixes."

"I humbly request that all my fans, the media, members of film fraternity, party cadre, and fellow Indians, to here on after, refer to me simply as Kamal Haasan or Kamal or KH. Thank you again for your gestures of kindness over the years. Please know that this decision comes from a place of humility and a desire to remain true to my roots and purpose, to always be one among all of us, the lovers of this beautiful artform," Kamal concluded his note.

On the professional front, Kamal Haasan will next be seen in the upcoming movie "Thug Life" which is slated to hit theatres on June 5, 2025. Helmed by Mani Ratnam, the upcoming gangster drama is co-produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies. The film also features Silambarasan TR, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Abhirami, and Nasser.
Hyderabad, Nov 11 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday ordered officials to invoke ESMA if necessary, against the traders creating problems for farmers in the procurement of paddy.

The CM spoke to the top officials concerned soon after receiving information about the incidents of rice millers creating trouble for the farmers across the state.

The Chief Minister directed the authorities to take stringent action against those creating problems and if necessary, invoke Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against such traders.

He instructed the officials to take strict action against incidents like cheating, misleading and harassing the farmers during the paddy procurement.

The Chief Minister suggested the district Collectors take appropriate measures to ensure smooth procurement of paddy throughout the state. If any problem arises, the district authorities should contact the higher officials and solve the issues immediately.

Revanth Reddy's direction came amid reports of farmers staging protests at a few places demanding the purchase of paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The farmers alleged that traders had formed a syndicate and were forcing them to sell their produce at cheap prices.

Farmers on Sunday staged a protest by parking their paddy-loaded tractors on the Narketpally-Adhanki State Highway at Vemulapalli in Nalgonda district demanding the purchase of paddy at the MSP.

They alleged that millers were offering only Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,200 per quintal for fine rice varieties instead of the MSP of Rs 2,320 per quintal.

The farmers alleged that paddy procurement at the local procurement Centre continued to be tardy and the stocks moved to the yards were being rejected repeatedly on the pretext that the moisture content was above the permissible levels.

The farmers accused rice millers of forming a syndicate to deceive them by buying paddy at lower prices. They demanded that the government ensure that the rice millers adhere to the MSP and provide immediate relief to the agricultural community.

Senior leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former minister T. Harish Rao has alleged that the state government has failed in its responsibility of timely procurement of paddy from farmers as only a nominal quantity of the grain has been purchased even a month after the commencement of the exercise.

He stated that except for a few virtual meetings on the procurement exercise by Minister for Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy there was no focus on paddy purchases though untimely rains had damaged the harvested crop both at the harvesting platforms and at market yards/procurement centres. As a result, the farmers were forced to sell their produce to traders at Rs 1,700 per quintal against the MSP of Rs 2,800 per quintal (including Rs 500 bonus). He claimed that about 30 per cent of paddy produced was already purchased by traders.

Paddy procurement this year began on March 25. The government has opened 7,171 paddy procurement centres across the state.
Sharjah, Nov 11 : Bangladesh will be without their captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan owing to a groin injury. The three-match series is tied at 1-1 after Bangladesh bounced back with a 68-run win in the second game in Sharjah.

Moreover, Shanto is likely to miss the first Test against West Indies as he will take at least two weeks to recover from the injury. He sustained the injury while fielding in the second game that forced him to leave the field at one point with Mehidy Hasan taking up the responsibility of leading the side.

"Due to a groin injury Najmul is not playing the last game against Afghanistan," BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain told Cricbuzz on Monday.

Shanto was the top run-getter in the second ODI with a knock of 76 runs as Bangladesh posted a total of 252/7 in 50 overs which they defended successfully to level the series.

As per the report, a BCB official said that the medical team will decide whether Najmul will travel with the team to the West Indies or return home for further assessment.

"He (Najmul) is unlikely to be available for the opening Test against West Indies and now we have to see whether he should come back for rehabilitation or go with the team to West Indies. The decision will be taken by our medical team," said the official.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will take the leadership role in the final match of the series on Monday. Previously, Mushfiqur Rahim was ruled out of the last two ODIs after injuring his finger in the series opener. He was also ruled of the West Indies Tests.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : Highlighting that Russia-India business relations continue to strengthen amid the "external economic pressure", Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on Monday outlined development of the transport industry and increasing the potential of the nuclear sector among the priority technological areas of future cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi.

Manturov and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with representatives of Russian and Indian businesses at the India-Russia Business Forum in Mumbai ahead of the 25th Session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation that will be held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The forum, aiming at fostering stronger business ties between entrepreneurs from both nations, featured sessions on key areas of cooperation, including industrial collaboration, transport and logistics, finance, digital technologies, and interregional connections.

Spotlighting India's "long history of strong convergence and deep friendship" with Russia, EAM Jaishankar stated that as Moscow "consciously focused" more deeply on Asia since 2022, many more avenues of cooperation have been created at a time when the world is moving towards greater multi-polarity.

"Our bilateral trade is today at USD 66 billion. This makes the goal of reaching USD 100 billion by 2030 more than realistic. The balance of trade however needs urgent redressal since it is so one-sided. It is imperative that non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments are speedily addressed for this to happen. The India-Eurasian Economic Union trade in goods negotiations commenced in March this year. We need to vigorously take it forward," said Jaishankar while highlighting significant developments in the bilateral business partnership.

The EAM opined that a partnership between an India that has an 8 per cent growth rate "for multiple decades ahead", and a Russia that is a key natural resources provider and a major technology leader, will serve both countries and the world well.

In his address, Manturov listed development of the transport industry, including the introduction of unmanned technologies and the transfer of vehicles to alternative fuels, and increasing the potential of the nuclear sector - including the production of high-power turbines, equipment for solar and wind generation and improving LNG technologies - as the key areas of bilateral economic cooperation.

He also spoke on providing the healthcare system with advanced medicines and medical devices, as well as strengthening Russia's leading positions in the areas of nuclear medicine, production of vaccines and development of the cell engineering segment.

Manturov mentioned that conditions for high-impact economic partnership between the two countries are formed by two national programmes that are "similar in spirit" - India's 'Make in India' programme and the course towards technological sovereignty taken by the Russian government.

Both of these initiatives, he said, are aimed at accelerating the pace of production, developing innovations and removing infrastructure restrictions.

"An objective indicator of this is the record volume of trade turnover that we reached last year. And there are all the prerequisites to surpass this achievement this year. At the same time, in addition to the quantitative growth of mutual trade, it is important to diversify its structure. Not just to balance commodity flows, but also to increase the share of high-tech products," emphasised Manturov.

He also listed other sectors, including increasing agricultural productivity through genetic and biotechnology, precision farming systems, irrigation and reclamation technologies besides building up competencies in high-tech means of production and technologies for the transition to a closed-cycle economy, as well as in space services, where the two countries can collaborate more intensely in the near future.

Manturov and EAM Jaishankar will on Tuesday co-chair the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) that serves as the highest-level forum for bilateral economic collaboration between the two countries, encompassing a broad range of areas from trade to cultural exchange.

The Russian First Deputy Prime Minister's visit also includes various bilateral meetings, further underscoring Russia's commitment to strengthening its partnership with India across multiple sectors.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) should broaden its investment in priority sectors of climate adaptation and resilience, infrastructure development, energy security, urban development and extend support for India's next-generation reforms.

She also stressed upon the importance of continually incorporating finance plus and budget plus elements in AIIB's project design and implementation.

FM Sitharaman held a meeting with the AIIB delegation, comprising 11 officials of the Board of Directors of AIIB from nine different constituencies, senior representatives of the AIIB Management who are on a visit to India. The Finance Minister is also Governor on the AIIB Board.

The key purpose of the AIIB Board visit to India is to provide the Board of Directors a holistic insight into the AIIB's ongoing and planned investments in its member countries and provide an opportunity to engage with the government, private sector and other stakeholders.

Appreciating the AIIB for its remarkable growth over the past nine years, the Finance Minister underlined India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals and its demonstrated leadership in creating and harnessing the power of digital public infrastructure.

Sitharaman mentioned that India's experience of digital transformation can serve as a model for other countries seeking to harness digital solutions for inclusive growth and also India's rich experience in disaster management, which can be of value to several vulnerable economies.

The Finance Minister stressed on the fact that India has a lot to offer in terms of sectoral best practices and AIIB should develop an institutional mechanism to facilitate transfer of knowledge and technology from India to other similarly placed countries.

She further suggested that AIIB should strive for greater provision of innovative financial tools and models and scale up its efforts for private capital mobilisation and assured the AIIB of India's full support and cooperation in this regard and added that India could act as a sandbox for AIIB's piloting of innovative financing models and technologies.

The Finance Minister encouraged AIIB to continue participating in the ongoing work on strengthening and reforming multilateral development banks (MDBs) in line with the recommendations of the Independent Expert Group established under India's G20 Presidency, including the call for MDBs to work together as a system for greater impact and scale.

She pointed out that India remains committed to governance reforms in MDBs to ensure that MDBs are 'fit for purpose' to address contemporary challenges, while remaining inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members particularly of Low-Income Countries (LICs).

Prior to the meeting, the delegation visited the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project being financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AIIB and the New Development Bank (NDB). The delegation will also visit other project sites in Bengaluru and interact with leading technology sector representatives.

Besides, the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion with other multilateral and bilateral agencies and project implementing agencies of India to facilitate a robust exchange of information and experiences focussing on India's development priorities, investment landscape and operational challenges while exploring further opportunities for collaboration and investment.
United Nations, Nov 11 : President-elect Donald Trump on Monday announced fierce critic of the world organisation, Elise Stefanik, as the US permanent representative, a cabinet-level position.

The appointment of Stefanik, whom he called "an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," sets the stage for a resurrection of the confrontation with the UN, which marked his first term. She is the second nominee to his cabinet after Susie Wiles, whom he named his chief of staff. On Sunday night, he announced that he was appointing Tom Holman as his "Border Czar" to oversee the mass deportation of illegal migrants and the tightening of border security. Stefanik's position has to be approved by the Senate, while the chief of staff does not need it, and it is not clear if Holman will have to be confirmed by the Senate as the post of "Border Czar" is not currently an official position. Stefanik, who represents a constituency in New York State, is the chair of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives. She is one of the staunchest supporters of Trump in Congress and voted in 2021 against certifying the election of Joe Biden as president, endorsing Trump's claim that it was he who had won the election. During Trump's impeachment hearings, Stefanik was among the most vocal opponents of the Democratic move. She shares Trump's criticism of the UN and other international organizations. Trump pulled the US out of UNESCO and the Paris Climate Accord reached under the auspices of the UN. The US is the largest contributor to the UN, accounting for 22 percent of the budget, and Stefanik has said that Washington should reconsider funding the organization. She has accused the UN of anti-Semitism because of its criticism of Israel, particularly during the Gaza War. Accusing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRA), which provides a range of humanitarian services to Palestinians, of harboring Hamas operatives, she supported cutting off funding for it. The UN is already forced into inaction on Gaza and Ukraine wars because of the standoff between Western countries in the UN Security Council and Russia, backed by China. Stefanik will add to the polarization, although on Ukraine it is not clear what Trump's policy would be. He has said that he would end the war and has been lukewarm on financing Ukraine, while many in the Republican right have called for cutting back. On Saturday, Trump said that he would not be inviting Nikki Haley, a permanent representative to the UN during his first term, to join his administration. Haley came to the UN with a stern America First agenda and attacked the critics of the US, threatening retaliation.
Despite assumptions about education's positive influence on brain structure, new findings suggest that even an additional year of schooling doesn't leave a lasting neural footprint.

Study: No effect of additional education on long-term brain structure  a preregistered natural experiment in thousands of individuals. Image Credit: Shutterstock AI / Shutterstock.com

In a recent study published in eLife, researchers report that an additional year of compulsory education does not lead to any lasting structural changes in the brain across various neuroimaging measures. These observations challenge existing theories that have linked education duration to enhanced brain resilience.

How does education affect brain structure?

Education is recognized as a fundamental right that provides broad societal, economic, and cognitive benefits. Furthermore, completing higher education has been associated with improved health, cognition, and brain structure.

Lifespan theories suggest that education may cause long-term brain structural changes. Studies show that educated individuals have thicker cortices in later life that may provide a "brain reserve" against aging effects. However, causality is unclear, as factors like genetics, income, and environment could confound prior research.

About the study

Bayes factors for surface area per region using a local randomization analysis with a 5-month window around the onset of ROSLA (September 1st, 1957). Illustrating widespread evidence against the effect of a year of education on total surface area. The regionally specific analysis of these bayes factors [reported prior: normal(0, 1)] was not preregistered and serves to illustrate our global neural findings.

In the United Kingdom, the Raising of the School Leaving Age (ROSLA) reform required children born after September 1, 1957, to remain in school until 16 instead of 15, thus creating a distinct age cut-off for analysis. Leveraging the extensive neuroimaging data from the U.K. Biobank involving over 30,000 participants, researchers assessed whether this mandated additional year of education led to lasting changes in brain structure.

The researchers applied regression discontinuity (RD) to determine whether an additional year of education causally affects brain structure. Brain measurements were compared between individuals born before and after the ROSLA cut-off date. Whole-brain metrics such as cortical thickness, surface area, total brain volume, white matter properties, and regional data from 66 cortical and 18 subcortical areas were also obtained.

For localized neural effects, 33 cortical regions were assessed for surface area and cortical thickness in approximately 5,000 participants. Further analyses included fractional anisotropy in 27 white matter tracts and volume of 18 subcortical regions.

Study findings

Despite extensive data analysis, no statistically significant differences in brain structure were observed between those affected by ROSLA and those who were not. Placebo tests confirmed the specificity of the cut-offs, in addition to adjustments made for factors like head size, sex, and scanning date.

No discontinuity in brain metrics was observed at the cut-off, suggesting no lasting neural impact from the additional year of education. Global brain measurements remained continuous around the cut-off, including total surface area, cortical thickness, total brain volume, white matter anisotropy, white matter hyperintensities, and cerebral spinal fluid volume.

These results were robust across bandwidth ranges and remained consistent even after imputing missing data, thereby indicating no significant structural brain changes occurred due to the additional education year. Validation tests confirmed no evidence of manipulation around the ROSLA cut-off, which supports causal assumptions in the RD design.

Placebo outcomes similarly showed no association with ROSLA, thus confirming test validity. Region-specific analyses revealed no significant changes in any cortical region, nor were changes observed in fractional anisotropy across white matter tracts or subcortical volumes.

Bayesian analysis showed strong evidence supporting the null hypothesis across all global neuroimaging measures, such as total surface area, cortical thickness, and brain volume. These findings did not change across varying prior distributions, which supports the findings from the initial local-linear RD analysis.

Expanding the participant window to five months increased the sample size and confirmed the null hypothesis of no effect of the additional education year on neural measures. Placebo outcome tests further validated the robustness of this natural experiment, finding no associations.

The observational analysis found weak evidence of a positive association between education and total surface area in the one-month sample. However, expanding to the five-month window significantly strengthened the evidence for this association and for an association between education and cerebral spinal fluid volume. Other measures, such as cortical thickness, provided similar levels of support for the null hypothesis across both causal and associative analyses.

Conclusions

Overall, the study found no neural effects, globally or regionally, from an additional year of education. Causal and correlational analyses yielded different insights, with the observed associations indicating sensitivity to brain-behavior relationships without implying causation.

Although short-term neural effects of education were not assessed, the current study suggests that an additional year of education may not lead to long-term structural brain changes, thereby challenging assumptions about the impact of education neural development. These findings indicate that policies aiming to improve cognitive outcomes should go beyond simply increasing educational duration and address the broader factors that influence brain and cognitive health.
ThunderPlus Launches Initiative to Turn Homes Into Income-Generating EV Charging Stations

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 08:52 IST

Through Charger Lagao Paise Kamao, ThunderPlus invites everyone to be part of Indias sustainable future while building financial security.

This program is especially crafted to help women and differently-abled individuals create a stable income with minimal effort.

ThunderPlus, one of Indias fastest-growing EV charging companies, has introduced an exciting new initiative called Charger Lagao Paise Kamao to help people turn their homes into income-generating EV charging stations.

This program is specifically focused on supporting women and the differently abled, offering them a steady source of income without needing much manual work.

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The concept takes inspiration from the simplicity of the classic coin-box phone. ThunderPlus aims to let households become EV charging stations with its 3.3 KW OCPP AC Charger, which supports two, three, and four-wheelers.

The chargers durable design, certified IP67 for protection against dust, sun, and rain, ensures it works well in all environments  whether at homes, on walls, or in commercial spaces.

A single ThunderPlus charger can earn users up to Rs 15,000 per month, and for high-traffic areas, installing three chargers could generate up to Rs 50,000 monthly.

Priced affordably at Rs 9999, ThunderPlus makes it financially possible for anyone to step into the EV charging business, far cheaper than similar chargers on the market that can cost Rs 25,000 or more.

ThunderPlus also plans to collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, and CSR organizations to bring positive change, particularly benefiting women and the differently abled.

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Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus, said, By working with local communities, this initiative will provide financial independence and growth opportunities for women and those differently abled, making it a powerful tool for economic empowerment."

With Charger Lagao Paise Kamao, ThunderPlus is encouraging everyone to join this initiative and build a stable financial future while helping to grow Indias EV ecosystem. This program is designed to foster an inclusive community where all can contribute to Indias journey toward sustainable energy.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 12:57 IST
Bitcoin Crosses $80,000: Why Are Cryptos Rising? Is It Legal in India, How to Invest?

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 12:32 IST

Bitcoin has surged 80 per cent this year and 30 per cent since Trump's victory, surpassing equities and bullion gains.

The trading volumes in Bitcoin have risen by 350 per cent within a week since the US election results.

Surging after Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential elections,

Bitcoin has touched an all-time high of $80,000. With this, the benchmark cryptocurrency has surged 80 per cent this year and 30 per cent since Trumps victory, surpassing equities and bullion gains. Is it legal in India? Everything you need to know.

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Why Are Cryptos Rising on Trumps Win?

Bitcoin is the worlds largest cryptocurrency that skyrocketed in the run-up to US presidential election, rose sharply immediately on election night after it became clear Donald Trump would win and has continued rising in the days since his victory.

The crypto industry believes Trumps victory is a bullish sign for bitcoin and other digital currencies. In August 2024, he said cryptocurrencies could define the future". The president-elect also proposed a strategic national bitcoin stockpile, akin to Americas strategic petroleum reserve, directly purchasing and investing in cryptocurrencies as a national security measure.

Elon Musk, one of Trumps most visible and ardent supporters, is also a crypto bull. Musks favourite coin, Dogecoin, surged more than 20 per cent on Sunday and had been soaring all last week.

However, the Biden administration sought to rein in crypto.

Although Trump was once a bitcoin skeptic, he has changed his tone know to support it. In September, Trump and his children started a new crypto business called World Liberty Financial.

Its very young and very growing," Trump said of the cryptocurrency industry on September 16 while unveiling World Liberty Financial. I do believe in it."

Large Investors Shift to Bitcoin. Will Bitcoin Rise Further?

The election of Donald Trump as US President has lifted the regulatory weight from the industry. Since the November 5 election results, Bitcoin has gained over 30%, signalling a fresh wave of confidence among investors. We now have large institutional investors accumulating Bitcoin and offering it as an asset to customers in the form of exchange traded funds (ETFs), a positive regulatory environment and several innovative projects ready for take off. Its the perfect set up for a bull cycle," said Balaji Srihari, business head at CoinSwitch.

The trading volumes in Bitcoin have risen by 350 per cent within a week since the US election results, he said, adding that current trends suggest that Bitcoin could not only hold its ground above $80,000 but also set the stage for even greater gains soon".

As the market gains momentum, its important for investors to stay vigilant and informed about factors that could influence price stability, he added.

Is Bitcoin Legal in India?

Yes, cryptocurrencies are legal in India in terms of holding and trading. While the Indian government has not banned cryptocurrencies outright, the regulatory framework is still evolving.

In the Union Budget 2022, India introduced a 30 per cent tax on income from the transfer of cryptocurrencies and other virtual digital assets (VDAs). Additionally, a 1 per cent TDS is applied on on the sale of crypto assets more than Rs 50,000 (Rs 10,000 in certain cases) within a single financial year.

India has yet to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, although draft bills have been discussed in Parliament in the past.

Interestingly, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2022 launched a regulated Digital Rupee as a form of digital currency. The Digital Rupee is expected to provide a government-backed alternative to private cryptocurrencies.

How Can You Buy Cryptocurrency?

Investors can buy cryptocurrencies on popular crypto exchanges in India include WazirX, CoinSwitch, CoinDCX, and ZebPay. International platforms like Binance and Kraken also allow Indian users to trade, though they may have different onboarding processes.

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All exchanges require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification to comply with regulations.

(With Inputs from Agencies)

First Published: November 11, 2024, 06:35 IST
Waaree Energies Falls Nearly 20% In Three Sessions After Trump's 'Day 1' Promise

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 15:35 IST

Waaree Energies share price dropped nearly 20% in the last three sessions; What's causing selling pressure?

Waaree Share Price

Waaree Energies share price dropped nearly 20 per cent in the last three sessions on fears of a decline in renewable energy exports to the United States. The impact could be severe on companies heavily reliant on the US for exports.

Following the stocks decline in the last 3 sessions, the companys market capitalisation has also come down to Rs 84,606 crore on the BSE, which had touched the Rs 1 lakh crore mark last week.

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Trumps Day 1 Promise  What Did He Say In His Victory Speech?

Donald Trumps promise to halt renewable energy projects on the first day" of his potential presidency has shaken the industry, leading to a sharp decline in renewable energy stocks. We are going to make sure that that ends on day one," Trump said about offshore wind farms.

This is not the first time Trump has taken a stance against the renewable energy sector. In his previous campaign, Trump claimed that solar panels require massive spaces, like entire deserts, to generate energy. However, the sector disagrees with Trmups view on the matter. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the actual land requirement for solar panels is relatively small, with most utility-scale solar operating today taking up less than 600,000 acres.

If Trump continues with his stance, clean energy projects are expected to suffer a major blow as he might reduce the tax benefits given to the projects. If that happens it could cripple the industrys growth.

A Trump presidency could result in the rollback of environmental regulations introduced by the Biden administration, easing operations for fossil fuel companies. This shift in energy policy may prioritise fossil fuels over renewable energy sources.

Waaree Energies stock declined 6.66 percent on November 11 to its intraday low of Rs 2,924.80 per share on the NSE. It opened gap down with a loss of 2 per cent today. The scrip has been on a declining trend for the last three trading sessions, down by 19.18 per cent.

This shift could impact Indian exporters of solar and renewable energy equipment," he says while predicting that the major effects will be felt over the medium term, within three to four years, though the short-term impact is expected to be minimal," Rupesh Sankhe, Senior Analyst at Elara Capital told Moneycontrol in its earlier report.

Analyst believes that some Indian companies, like Waaree, have a US export component in their revenue and may need to adjust their expansion plans if the US prioritises domestic manufacturing.

Shares of the company were listed two weeks back on October 28 at Rs 2,500, commanding a premium of 66.3 per cent over the issue price of Rs 1,503 per share on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

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Waaree Energies currently operates five manufacturing plants across India, with locations in Surat, Tumb, Nandigram, and Chikhli in Gujarat, as well as IndoSolar in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

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 11, 2024, 12:02 IST
Vistara Ends 9-Year Journey Today: Air India Takes Over With Special Code; All You Need to Know

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 13:56 IST

After becoming a favourite to many air travellers, full-service carrier Vistara will finally bid adieu to the skies and operate its last flight on November 11.

Vistara was launched nine years ago in January 2015 as a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. (PTI photo)

After becoming a favourite to many air travellers, full-service carrier Vistara will finally bid adieu to the skies and operate its last flight on Monday. The Tata group-owned airline was launched nine years ago in January 2015 as a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. From November 12, all Vistara flights will operate as Air India flights after the merger.

Why Have Vistara and Air India Been Merged?

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The Air India-Vistara mergers comes as part of Tata groups strategic move to merge its airline entities under the Air India brand, aiming to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. The government in August 2024 approved the foreign direct investment by Singapore Airlines as part of the merger.

Also Read: Vistaras 9-Year Journey In A Snapshot: All About Its Launch, Achievements, Final Flight

After the merger, Singapore Airlines (SA) will have a 25.1 per cent stake in Tata Group-owned Air India. In 2015, Vistara was set up as a JV with SAs 49 per cent stake.

What Will Happen to Vistara Bookings Beyond November 11?

Vistara had closed all its booking on September 3. The tickets were allowed to be booked for travel till November 11. However, those who had earlier booked Vistara tickets for travel on November 12 or afterwards, their tickets will be transferred to Air India flights.

Also, Club Vistara has joined hands with Air India Flying Returns to become Maharaja Club. Customers can access to their account on http://airindia.com after November 12.

Vistara Aircrafts to Have Special Codes AI 2 After Air India Merger

The Vistara aircraft will be run by Air India under a special four-digit code beginning with AI 2.

For example, UK 955 will become AI 2955. This special coding will also help customers identify them while booking on www.airindia.com after November 12.

The routes and schedule operated by Vistara aircraft will continue to be the same, alongside the Vistara in-flight experience that includes the product and service such as menu and cutlery on the Vistara aircraft. It will also be serviced by the same crew," Air India has said in a statement.

Air India and Vistara together have more than 23,500 employees.

Vistara-Air India Merger: A Complete Timeline of Tata Groups Aviation Business

1932: Tata Airlines Founded

Founder: J.R.D. Tata establishes Tata Airlines, Indias first airline.

J.R.D. Tata establishes Tata Airlines, Indias first airline. Operation: Began with a single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth, flying mail and passengers between Karachi and Bombay.

1946: Tata Airlines Becomes Air India

Transition: Tata Airlines was renamed Air India.

Tata Airlines was renamed Air India. Nationalisation: In 1953, the Government of India acquired a 49% stake in Air India, later leading to complete nationalisation.

2001: Tata Group Expresses Interest in Air India

Proposal: Tata Group, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, bids to acquire a stake in Air India, but the bid is unsuccessful.

2013: Tata Group Re-enters Aviation

Joint Ventures: Tata Group partners with AirAsia Berhad and Singapore Airlines to enter the Indian aviation market.

Tata Group partners with AirAsia Berhad and Singapore Airlines to enter the Indian aviation market. AirAsia India: Launched as a low-cost carrier.

Launched as a low-cost carrier. Vistara: Launched as a full-service airline in partnership with Singapore Airlines.

2020: Tata Group Bids for Air India

Background: The Indian government decides to privatize Air India.

The Indian government decides to privatize Air India. Bidding: Tata Group submits a bid to acquire Air India, including its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express.

October 2021: Tata Group Acquires Air India

Acquisition: Tata Group wins the bid for Air India, marking its return to the airline after nearly 70 years.

Tata Group wins the bid for Air India, marking its return to the airline after nearly 70 years. Details: The acquisition includes Air India, Air India Express, and a 50% stake in Air India SATS (AISATS).

January 2022: Tata Group Acquires Air India

Acquisition: Tata Group acquires loss-ridden Air India from the government at a cost of Rs 18,000 crore.

Tata Group acquires loss-ridden Air India from the government at a cost of Rs 18,000 crore. Air India Express: Tata also gains the authority to operate Air India Express, a fully-owned low-cost subsidiary of Air India.

Tata also gains the authority to operate Air India Express, a fully-owned low-cost subsidiary of Air India. Consolidation: Tata Group begins the process of consolidating its airline companies under the Air India brand.

November 2022: AirAsia India Fully Acquired by Tata Group

Acquisition: Tata Sons acquires the remaining 16.33% stake in AirAsia India from AirAsia Berhad, making it a fully-owned subsidiary.

Tata Sons acquires the remaining 16.33% stake in AirAsia India from AirAsia Berhad, making it a fully-owned subsidiary. Merger Plans: Plans to merge AirAsia India with Air India Express to streamline operations.

November 2023: Vistara Merger with Air India Announced

May 2024: With the Air India-Vistara merger in progress, the assessment of over 7,000 employees is completed.

August 2024: Govt Approves Singapore Airlines Investment

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The Centre clears the last roadblock to national carrier Air India Ltds merger with smaller rival Vistara, approving a S$360 million ($276 million) investment by Singapore Airlines Ltd. into the new combined carrier.

The FDI nod paves the way for Singapore Airlines investment worth S$360 million ($276 million) into the new combined carrier.

Vistara announces its last flight for November 11, and stops booking after September 3.

All customers who have already booked with Vistara for travel November 12, 2024, onwards will have their tickets transferred to Air India, Vistara said in the statement.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 07:05 IST
National Education Day: Know The Qualification Of Education Ministers Of India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 11:44 IST

On the occasion of National Education Day 2024, let's take a look at the last five education ministers of the country and their educational qualifications

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad established several institutions such as the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi. (File Photo)

National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Union Education Minister of independent India. An eminent educationist and journalist, Azad was home-schooled. He was also trained in several subjects such as mathematics, philosophy, world history, and science as well as could speak in Arabic, Bengali, Persian, and English.

In 1912, Azad began publishing a weekly Urdu newspaper in Calcutta called the Al-Hilal (The Crescent). He also played a great role in the establishment of the University Grant Commission (UGC). He is also responsible for building the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Later, he established several institutions such as the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi.

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On the occasion of National Education Day 2024, lets take a look at the last five education ministers of the country and their educational qualifications:

Mallipudi Mangapati Pallam Raju: The 27th Union Minister for Human Resources Development (HRD) in the Central Government, he worked during the tenure of former prime minister Manmohan Singhs government in 2012. He completed his schooling at the Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet (HPS), in 1979 and BTech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam in 1983. He also studied MBA from the Fox School of Business and Management at Temple University, Philadelphia, USA, in 1985.

Smriti Irani: The 28th education minister of the country, Irani studied at the Holy Child Auxilium School, New Delhi. She later enrolled at the School of Open Learning at the University of Delhi. After controversies over her education floated in 2019, she revealed that she had written her first-year B.Com exams from that institution but had not completed the three-year degree course.

Prakash Javadekar: The 29th education minister of India, he completed his BCom (Hons) from the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). Javadekar was appointed as the Human Resource and Development Minister of India on July 5, 2016, and held the post until May 30, 2019.

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Ramesh Pokhriyal: The 30th education minister of the country, he joined the ministry as HRD Minister and resigned as an Education Minister. The name of the ministry was changed during his tenure. Born in Uttarakhands Pinani village, he received an MA degree from the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. It was during his tenure as Education Minister that the National Education Policy (NEP) was launched. The policy was being drafted much before his appointment. NEP 2020 was launched jointly by Pokhriyal, Javadekar, and Irani.

Dharmendra Pradhan: The current Minister of Education as well as Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. He held the post since July 7, 2021. He was also the longest-serving Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in India. A native of Talcher in Odisha, he holds a postgraduate degree in Anthropology from Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. He is also an alumnus of Talcher College, where he started his political journey as the president of the students union.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 11:10 IST
National Education Day Wishes 2024: History, Significance, And Quotes By Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 07:45 IST

The Ministry of Education declared November 11 as National Education Day in 2008 to honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azads contribution to education.

National Education Day is observed every year on November 11. (Image: Shutterstock)

National Education Day is observed every year on November 11 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. This day is a reminder of his efforts in promoting primary and secondary education in India along with scientific knowledge. It also serves as an opportunity to highlight that education is key to shaping the future of the country, encouraging innovation and ensuring that quality education is accessible to all citizens.

On this note, lets explore the history and significance of National Education Day along with some inspiring quotes from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

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National Education Day Wishes

May education empower us all to achieve our dreams and goals. National Education Day! Happy National Education Day! Lets celebrate the power of knowledge. Heres to a future where every child has access to quality education. Wishing educators everywhere the recognition and support they deserve. Happy National Education Day! Lets strive for a brighter tomorrow through education. Heres to nurturing minds and creating a better world through education. Happy National Education Day! Wishing you joy in learning and the pursuit of knowledge. Happy National Education Day! Together, lets build a knowledge-driven society. Wishing all students success in their educational journeys. Happy National Education Day! Lets invest in our future through quality education.

National Education Day History

The Ministry of Education declared November 11 as National Education Day starting in 2008 to honour Maulana Abul Kalam Azads contribution to education.

During his tenure as the first education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a key role in establishing institutions and promoting primary and secondary education, as well as enhancing opportunities for higher studies.

He was a torchbearer for education for the poor and motivated girls to pursue academics. He believed in the importance of free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14.

For his remarkable contribution to education, he earned Indias highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, which was given posthumously in 1992.

National Education Day Significance

The primary goal of National Education Day is to raise awareness about the role education plays in the nations development and personal well-being.

It also encourages a chance to look for improvement in the Indian education system, with an overall goal of providing scientific and practical knowledge.

The day focuses on taking steps so that all children and adults receive quality education and acquire new skills, irrespective of their backgrounds.

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Inspiring Quotes by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Education imparted by heart can bring revolution in the society."

Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model."

Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career."

You have to dream before your dreams can come true."

Be more dedicated to making solid achievements than in running after swift but synthetic happiness."

Slavery is worst even if it bears beautiful names."

As a child of God, I am greater than anything that can happen to me."

Teaching by tongue can be perspired but by good deed can stay stronger."

Many people plant trees but few of them get fruit of it."

First Published: November 11, 2024, 06:00 IST
Row Over Students Having Beard Resolved Amicably in Govt College in Karnataka, Says Top Official

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 07:56 IST

The issue came to light when the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the "significant challenges faced by the students at the college at Holenarasipura in Hassan district.

The issue was amicably solved after the students agreed to comply with the directions of the college management, the director said (Representative image)

A row over students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in a government nursing college in Karnataka having long beard has been sorted out amicably, an official of the institute said on Sunday.

The issue came to light when the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the significant challenges" faced by the students at the college at Holenarasipura in Hassan district.

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The issue was amicably solved after the students agreed to comply with the directions of the college management, said Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences director Dr Rajanna.

There are about 40 Kashmiri students in the college who alleged that they were facing significant challenges". They communicated their concerns to the Srinagar-based Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.

It has come to our notice that over two dozen Kashmiri students at the college are facing significant challenges due to restrictive policies concerning their personal appearance," the association said.

The college administration has reportedly been compelling the Kashmiri students to either trim their beards to a 01 trimmer length or be clean-shaven before they could be allowed to participate in college activities or enter the premises, particularly for clinical duties, the association wrote to the CM.

Students who have beards are being marked absent during clinical duties, impacting their academic records and attendance, it alleged.

The right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is fundamental aspect of an individuals freedom and identity," the association said.

No student should be subjected to such discrimination or forced to compromise their beliefs and practices to access education. Such actions not only infringe upon the rights of these students but also create an atmosphere of fear and exclusion, which is detrimental to the spirit of education and democracy," it added.

However, Dr Rajanna rejected the associations charges.

These students have mistaken the instruction given about the untidy dress and keeping a long beard. During the clinical process they were instructed to keep their dress neat and trim their beards," he told PTI.

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Rajanna said that when he came to know about the issue, he had discussed with the students, who later agreed to come with a neat dress, to be punctual and to keep the beard trimmed.

The issue is now resolved. Right now there are 40 students. The students are happy in their hostels. The faculties and principal have visited their rooms and counseled the students," he explained.

Location : Karnataka, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 07:56 IST
'Will Miss Out On Opportunities', Say Students After Canada Eliminates Popular Visa Scheme

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 08:32 IST

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students

The Canadian government has also removed the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) (Representative/File Photo)

Recently, Canada eliminated the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, which allowed foreign students to obtain study permits more quickly in Canada. The move has left several Indian students disappointed. Its not right to stop visas midway. There are so many opportunities and dream jobs we will miss out on," one student told ANI.

I was trying to go to Canada but the situation is that Canada has stopped the visa. That was not right because many Indian population want to go abroad for studies and the politics that is being used in this is also wrong." the student from Chandigarh told the news agency adding that politics should not disrupt students education dreams.

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Visa counselor Rahul Arora said that it is an adverse decision for both countries. It can negatively impact childrens ambitions and dreams of going forward and studying, the dreams that they have been trying for years, will be hit by that. And I think that this is an adverse decision for both the countries," he told the news agency.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster visa processing for eligible post-secondary students from across 14 countries including India, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

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The Canadian government has also removed the Nigeria Student Express (NSE). Eligible students have now been invited to apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support.

This change will not adversely affect eligibility for those who wish to apply for a study permit from a country where the SDS or NSE initiatives have been offered. All students, regardless of whether they were eligible for the SDS or NSE, are required to meet Canadas study permit application requirements," the Canadian government had said.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 08:29 IST
Amit Shah Says BJP Govt In Jharkhand Will Bring Law To Prevent Intruders From Owning Land

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 16:10 IST

Amit Shah said that the BJP government would also form a committee to identify and drive out infiltrators from the state besides reclaiming land grabbed by them.

Home Minister Amit Shah Addressed a rally in Jharkhand's Seraikela (X)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that if BJP is voted to power in Jharkhand, a legislation will be brought to prevent transfer of land to infiltrators" on marrying tribal women.

While addressing a rally in Seraikela in poll-bound state, Shah said that the BJP government would also form a committee to identify and drive out infiltrators from the state besides reclaiming land grabbed by them.

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Tribal population is declining in Jharkhand. Infiltrators are grabbing land by marrying our daughters. We will bring legislation to prevent transfer of land to infiltrators if they marry tribal women. We will also form a committee to identify infiltrators to drive them out and reclaim land grabbed by them," news agency PTI quoted Shah as saying.

His remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed similar comments. While addressing a rally in Garhwa last week, the Prime Minister had slammed Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and the ruling JMM- Congress alliance of supporting the infiltrators from Bangladesh.

The JMM-RJD-Congress government has taken appeasement to its peak. These parties are destroying the states social harmony. They are supporters of infiltrators. To get votes of Bangladesh infiltrators, they are getting them settled across Jharkhand," he had said.

The Home Minister further hit out at Hemant Soren over the way former JMM leader and CM Champai Soren was humiliated and thrown out". He claimed that the latter was insulted when he raised the infiltration issue and was forced to resign from CMs post by Hemant Soren.

The former JMM leader was made the Chief Minister for a brief period after Hemant Soren was arrested and jailed on corruption charges. He was later unceremoniously removed after the Hemant was granted bail by the court. Champai Soren later switched camps and joined the saffron camp.

Accusing the JMM-Congress and RJD leaders of only working for personal growth and indulging in corruption, he said Corrupt leaders of JMM-led coalition to be sent behind bars if BJP forms government in Jharkhand." Shah alleged that the JMM-led dispensation was behind Rs 1,000 crore MNREGA scam, Rs 300 crore land scam, Rs 1,000 crore mining scam and multi-crore liquor scam and devoured Rs 3.90 lakh crore sent by the Centre.

He promised that once the BJP government is voted to power in the state it will ensure that if the Centre sends rupee one, 25 more paise is added to it by the state so that Rs 1.25 reaches to people.

Curtains will come down on campaigning for the 43 Assembly seats of Jharkhand going to the polls in the first phase on November 13. The second phase of voting for the remaining 38 seats will be held on November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.

In the 2019 Assembly Elections, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) emerged as the largest party with 30 seats, while the BJP bagged 25 seats, and the Congress won 16 seats. Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) got three seats, while All Jharkhand Students Union won 2 seats. JMM formed government with the support of Congress and RJD. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Seraikela (Saraikela), India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 15:54 IST
Bengal BJP President Gets ECI Notice Over Remarks Against National Emblem

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 18:53 IST

The notice was issued based on a complaint by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) submitted on November 9

The TMC alleged that Sukanta Majumdar insulted the emblem and the state police. (PTI File)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued a show-cause notice to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar for his remarks allegedly insulting the national emblem of India and the state police.

The notice was issued based on a complaint by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) submitted on November 9.

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The West Bengals ruling party had alleged that during a public meeting held on November 7, in Taldangra assembly, Majumdar made remarks allegedly insulting the national emblem of India and the state police.

In view of the allegations made in the complaint, you are directed to submit your reply to the Commission by 20.00 hrs on November 11," the poll body said in the order to Majumdar.

In the event of no response from his side within the stipulated time, the poll body added, it will be presumed that he has nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference.

The TMC alleged that Sukanta Majumdar insulted" the emblem and the state police by stating that police personnel should replace the emblem on their uniforms with icons resembling footwear".

In the letter, the party claimed that Majumdar had asked the police to not act as an agent of Trinamool". Remove the Ashoka Stambh on your uniform and replace it with the symbol of a sandal. Dont hide behind the uniform," he had said.

LETTER TO TMC

Along with letter to the BJP, the ECI also wrote to the TMC rejecting their allegations regarding inaction and delayed response", calling them completely baseless, devoid of facts and misleading".

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In the two-page letter, the poll body said it is surprising that even after the prompt action by the Commission by 11 am on Sunday  within 20 hours of receipt of the TMCs representation  there has been unwarranted comments of delay.

As such, this commission rejects your allegations regarding inaction and delayed response as completely baseless, devoid of facts and misleading," the ECI said.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 18:50 IST
Fadnavis As CM Or BJP Chief: Maharashtra Poll Mood In Deputy CMs Fortress Nagpur

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 06:00 IST

Maharashtra elections: Go around Nagpur and Devendra Fadnavis is the omnipresent figure on the BJPs hoardings and posters

Devendra Fadnavis during a rally in Nagpur southwest constituency. (News18)

When asked at the manifesto launch in Mumbai on Sunday if Devendra Fadnavis will be the next Maharashtra chief minister if the Mahayuti wins, union home minister Amit Shah smiled and said he would answer the question after the elections are over.

In the Fadnavis fortress of Nagpur Southwest constituency, there seems to be no debate on the issue. We made Deva Bhau Fadnavis the MLA since 1999, and the chief minister in 2014. He made a big sacrifice by becoming the deputy chief minister in 2022 as alliance compulsions led to Eknath Shinde becoming the deputy chief minister. But now, he must become the CM," a group of women Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters at Fadnaviss rally in Nagpur told CNN-News18.

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Go around Nagpur and Fadnavis is the omnipresent figure on the BJPs hoardings and posters with Shinde only featuring in one small corner.

MODERN-DAY ABHIMANYU

Nagpur is from where Fadnavis became the youngest mayor in 1997 and then has won continuously from here in assembly elections for five terms since 1999. I am a modern-day AbhimanyuI know how to break the chakravyuh and also win  these are the lines of a song that blares at the Nagpur rally of Fadnavis with his much-quoted campaign line.

Shah said the election is being fought under the leadership of the alliance chief minister Eknath Shinde and the three partners will sit after the elections and decide who will be the next CM".

Political observers point out how this leaves room for the BJP to have Fadnavis back as the CM if it wins, especially as the BJP is fighting the highest number of seats among the allies. State Congress chief Nana Patole earlier told CNN-News18 that the BJP wont make Shinde the next CM.

At the famous Dolly ki Tapri in Nagpur, a Fadnavis supporter said he would neither be the CM nor the deputy CM. I think he would now be given a top responsibility in the party or in the centreFadnavis will go to Delhi. He should be made the BJPs national president next year," a supporter said. Others, however, add that Maharashtra needs the leadership of Fadnavis as he is a development hero" and is behind Nagpurs rapid progress in terms of the metro, a network of flyovers and good roads, and infrastructure across the state as well.

WOMENS SCHEME A WINNER

What is brightening the chances of Fadnavis in the Nagpur Southwest constituency in terms of a bigger win margin now is the popular womens scheme of the government, in which Rs 1,500 as a monthly instalment has gone to women five times already.

Poor women selling flowers for a living here spoke of how they see Fadnavis as the architect of the scheme" and said they would vote for him for this reason. We bought clothes for ourselves and our children," they said.

Fadnavis has invariably polled over 50 per cent of the votes in the Nagpur Southwest seat. In 2014, he had secured a nearly 60% vote share in this seat, winning by a margin of 60,000 votes. His opponent then, Prafulla Gudadhe Patil of the Congress, is fighting him again this time.

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Devendra Fadnavis will win again surely from herebut he should not be the deputy chief minister again. He should be the chief ministerthat is what we had made him in 2014"  people in Nagpurs Southwest constituency are rooting for their long-time MLA and deputy chief minister to get his rightful position".

Will the BJP agree?

First Published: November 11, 2024, 06:00 IST
Freebie Frenzy In Maharashtra as Mahayuti, MVA Try To Woo Women, Farmers & Youth

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 12:04 IST

Both sides appear locked in a high-stakes contest to outdo each other on welfare schemes, underscoring a trend in contemporary Indian politics where populist measures are being increasingly used as key electoral tools

Posters listing freebies near the Bandra-Worli sea link in Mumbai. (News18)

In Maharashtra, it is auction time, with political parties in the electoral fray looking to please their specific constituencies, which primarily include women voters.

As BJP promised Rs 2,100 per month to women as financial assistance, Congress announced Rs 3,000 as monthly payout. As the assembly elections in the state draw closer, a fierce battle of freebies is unfolding, with both BJP and Congress-led alliances aiming to sway key voter groups  especially women, farmers, and the youth.

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The BJP, which is keen on reinforcing its grip on their crucial segments, has pledged to boost its womens scheme to Rs 2,100 per month from the current Rs 1,500. Congress, however, seeks to one-up this promise with a Rs 3,000 monthly allowance for women, setting the stage for a freebie war over who can deliver more.

The competition now extends to Maharashtras farmer community that both parties are targeting through various loan waivers. This measure reflects a trend across all Indian states where farm distress has become a focal point of election season promises. Both the ruling BJP coalition and the opposition Congress alliance are offering a full waiver, attempting to alleviate a financial burden of loans that has led to widespread unrest and electoral setbacks in recent years.

For the states youth  seen as another pivotal and sometimes disillusioned voting bloc  the two parties have rolled out ambitious and aspirational incentives.

The BJP has promised an allowance of Rs 10,000 per month for 10 lakh students which is paired with a commitment to create 25 lakh job opportunities. Congress has stepped even further in offering freebies. While BJPs promises to youth voters are primarily about generating more employment, Congress countered BJP by pledging Rs 4,000 monthly as allowance for unemployed youth. These electoral pledges underscore the high stakes and fierce competition for the young vote, which both parties hope to capture by appealing to them through sops.

This burgeoning freebie battle, however, not only reflects the intense political rivalry between BJP and Congress but also raises questions about the economic sustainability and feasibility of such promises. Both sides appear locked in a high-stakes contest to outdo each other on welfare schemes, underscoring a trend in contemporary Indian politics where populist measures are being increasingly used as key electoral tools. With promises stacking up, Maharashtras voters will have to decide which vision aligns best with their needs.

A look at the freebie frenzy

In the run-up to elections, both Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have unveiled a slew of populist schemes aimed at securing voter support, particularly among women voters, farmers, youths, and among the economically weaker sections.

The BJP, in its election manifesto, has committed to a significant boost in financial assistance under its Ladki Bahin initiative, raising the monetary aid from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, while also planning to recruit 25,000 women in the police force.

The party has promised a 30 per cent cut in power bills, hikes in old-age pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, and an increase in the Kisan Samman Yojanas annual payout from Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000, while positioning itself as the friend of farmers and senior citizens alike. In addition, BJPs promise of a Rs 15,000 monthly honorarium and insurance for Anganwadi and ASHA workers signals its ways of giving recognition to the frontline workers contributions. Further, to appeal to the youth, BJP has pledged Rs 10,000 monthly stipends for 10 lakh students, alongside a promise to create 25 lakh jobs, demonstrating a focus on both education and employment.

Meanwhile, the MVA is tapping into a similar array of welfare-focused promises but with distinct emphasis. The MVAs Mahalaxmi Scheme offers Rs 3,000 per month for women and free bus rides, which target female empowerment and mobility at a broader scale.

Their farm debt waiver of up to Rs 3 lakh could appeal strongly to Maharashtras farmer communities, where debt remains a pressing concern. For unemployed but educated youths, MVA has promised Rs 4,000 per month, doubling BJPs youth-oriented approach and likely appealing to a vast pool of job-seeking voters.

Moreover, the provision of six LPG cylinders at Rs 500 each is a notable measure for the economically weaker sections, aiming to ease household expenses amid rising costs.

The Warnings

Even as political parties continue to announce freebies, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its recent report published in June, cautioned the state governments against such freebies.

Quoting the CAG reports, the RBI said: As per the latest available data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the state governments expenditure on subsidies has grown at 12.9 percent and 11.2 per cent during 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively, after contracting in 2019-20. Commensurately, the share of subsidies in total revenue expenditure by states has also risen from 7.8 per cent in 2019-20 to 8.2 per cent in 2021-22. At a disaggregated level, there are stark variations among states. For instance, Jharkhand, Kerala, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh are the top five states with the largest rise in subsidies over the last three years. States like Gujarat, Punjab and Chhattisgarh spend more than 10 percent of their revenue expenditure on subsidies. Subsidies, however, are known to crowd out resources from other useful purposes."

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The report added: In the recent period, state governments have started delivering a portion of their subsidies in the form of freebies. While there is no precise definition of freebies, it is necessary to distinguish them from public/merit goods, expenditure on which brings economic benefits, such as the public distribution system, employment guarantee schemes, states support for education and health."

The RBI elaborated: On the other hand, provision of free electricity, free water, free public transportation, waiver of pending utility bills and farm loan waivers are often regarded as freebies, which potentially undermine credit culture, distort prices through cross-subsidisation eroding incentives for private investment, and disincentive work at the current wage rate leading to a drop in labour force participation. Some freebies may benefit the poor if properly targeted with minimal leakages, but their advantages must be evaluated against the large fiscal costs and inefficiencies they cause by distorting prices and misallocating resources. Additionally, the provisions of free electricity and water are known to accelerate environmental degradation and depletion of water tables."

First Published: November 11, 2024, 12:04 IST
Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 22:48 IST

Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 Updates: With just over a week remaining till the Maharashtra assembly elections on November 20, political parties in the state are intensifying campaigns for their candidates.

The campaign for the polls has also gained momentum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda all holding rallies across the state.

On Monday, Union Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal said that the presence of these leaders would boost the Mahayutis chances of victory, as their message of unity and growth resonates with voters throughout Maharashtra.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and other smaller parties, is at loggerheads with INDIA bloc-led alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The MVA is made up of the Congress, Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, and the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar.

The elections for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra will take place in a single phase on November 20, with the vote count scheduled for November 23.
Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 23:26 IST

Maharashtra Election 2024 LIVE Updates: As the Assembly Elections are around the corner, campaigning is at its peak with the leaders reaching out to the people. Both Mahayuti and MVA are claiming to win over 170 seats.

Ajit Pawar claimed that the Mahayuti will win over 175 seats while Sanjay Raut claimed that the MVA will secure 160-170 seats.

Elections to the 288-member legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and the votes will be counted on November 23.
No Race For CMs Chair, Says Eknath Shinde, Banks On '10 Times More' Support From 'Marathi Manoos'

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 10:31 IST

Taking potshots at the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the Maharashtra chief minister said there was a power tussle in the alliance for the CM's post but the voters would not support them in the upcoming polls

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde (Getty)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said there was no race in the Mahayuti for the top position in the state as he mocked the power tussle in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to occupy the CMs chair.

In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Shinde, while on the campaign trail, also pinned hopes on the voters of the state  particularly women  to ensure his victory in the upcoming Maharashtra elections.

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My voters have come here to support me, I am thankful to them and I am lucky that I have this kind of support. During the Lok Sabha elections, people showed whom the Shiv Sena belongs to and who rightfully carries the bow and arrow symbol. The same mandate will continue in this election too," he said.

#BreakingNews | CM confident of winning Maharashtra polls!"My voters are with me, we'll continue #LokSabha momentum," says CM Eknath Shinde in an #exclusive conversation with #CNNNews18's @kotakyesha@KuheenaSharma with latest from his campaign trail pic.twitter.com/75tOOI00jc  News18 (@CNNnews18) November 11, 2024

Weighing in on the CM tussle amid murmurs of support among some sections for deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shinde said there was no race in the Mahayuti. In MVA, there are some people who want to show their faces and are competing to become the chief minister. When the MVA itself doesnt like their face, how will Maharashtra voters like them?" he asked.

ALSO READ | Fadnavis As CM Or BJP Chief: Maharashtra Poll Mood In Deputy CMs Fortress Nagpur

Earlier, while unveiling the BJPs manifesto in the state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said: We have Eknath Shinde as our CM now and the alliance partners will decide on the CM face after the elections. We wont give Sharad Pawar a chance [to win]."

Asked about the battle for the real" Shiv Sena with his friend-turned- bete noire Uddhav Thackeray, the chief minister said voters had made their choice in the Lok Sabha polls. We are taking Balasahebs ideology further. We got more votes than the Uddhav Thackeray faction, which means Marathi Manoos is with us. The support will multiply by 10 this time."

He also expressed confidence in the women of the state, saying the Ladki Bahin have decided that they will support their Ladka Bhau [sons and brothers] and ensure Mahayuti wins. This is why those who had planned that this scheme should be scrapped will lose because they are against development," he added.

Talking about MNS, Shinde said the party had not fielded any candidates in the Lok Sabha polls but even though they were in the fray this time, that doesnt affect BJP, Shiv Sena or NCPs vote share because we have massive support amongst people".

Shinde also attacked the MVA over the manifesto for the polls, calling it copied" from the Mahayuti. MVA is trying to copy us. First, they opposed the Ladki Bahin scheme and now they want to give women Rs 3,000. They kept asking us where money will come from. This manifesto has been copied."

#Exclusive | 'MVA is trying to copy us, first they opposed the scheme and now they want to give women Rs 3000' says Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister, Maharashtra @kotakyesha speaks to @mieknathshinde @AmanKayamHai_ shares details@SakshiLitoriya_ | #MaharastraPolitics pic.twitter.com/2hxET3FdNy News18 (@CNNnews18) November 11, 2024

The BJPs 25-point manifesto for the polls includes crucial promises such as farm loan waiver, raising the Ladki Bahin Yojana cap to Rs 2,100, and generating 25 lakh jobs. Meanwhile, the MVA manifesto released on Sunday offers five guarantees based on the five pillars of progress of Maharashtra  farming and rural development, industry and employment, urban development, environment, and public welfare. It includes a monthly financial aid of Rs 3,000 for women in the state under the Mahalaxmi scheme, along with free bus rides.

Mahayuti is together and has shown its report card that proves we want to work on the plank of development. We challenge MVA to put their report card forth as well."

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Shinde also sought to clear the air on Prime Minister Narendra Modis Batenge toh Katenge remark, saying: We are fighting this election on development and PM Modi wants people to come together and vote as is the practice in a democracy."

The 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assemblys current term ends on November 26 and the state will see two coalitions  the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Congress, and the Mahayuti Alliance, which brings together BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar)  lock horns for power.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 09:48 IST
Traders Will Teach Raut A Lesson: Maharashtra BJP Hits Back Amid Shah Remark Row

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 17:45 IST

Maharashtra polls: Sena UBT's Sanjay Raut has become a master of spreading lies, says BJP's Pravin Darekar

Sanjay Raut (left) targeted Amit Shah over article 370. (File)

Amid the poll campaigning, Shiv Sena UBT MP and leader Sanjay Rauts recent comment about the trader community to taunt home minister Amit Shah has drawn criticism from the Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

During a press conference in Mumbai, Raut claimed that traders often mislead their customers for personal gain. He used this example to taunt Shah regarding his statement on Article 370. Raut expressed that Shah frequently spreads lies, adding that Maharashtra politics has become dirty" due to Shah and his trader friends."

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Responding to Rauts remarks, BJP leader Pravin Darekar told News18, Raut has become a master of spreading lies, which he does every day. If you look at todays Shiv Sena and Balasahebs Shiv Sena, anyone can see a huge difference. Todays Shiv Sena is more of a commercial wing. Balasahebs Shiv Sena stood for the Marathi manoos and Hindutva. Todays Shiv Sena, with Raut as part of it, has joined hands with the Congress and surrendered its ideals."

Darekar further added, Raut has insulted the entire trader community with such loose comments. They are humans too, and such remarks must have hurt them. I urge all traders to stand firmly with the Mahayuti alliance to teach a lesson to people like Sanjay Raut."

In a letter to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders, which includes Sena UBT, Viren Shah, president of the Federation of Traders Welfare Association, demanded an apology, emphasising the traders contributions to Maharashtras economy, especially their role during the pandemic. The letter urged MVA leaders to clarify their stance on Rauts remarks.

This controversy adds to the already charged political atmosphere in Maharashtra. Raut also said that Shahs involvement in Maharashtra politics was unwelcome, accusing him of attempting to manipulate voters by creating divisions.

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He further suggested that Shah, a leader from Gujarat, should focus on his home state rather than Maharashtra. Amit Shah is not a leader of Maharashtra. His role here does not align with the interests of the state," Raut stated.

Raut also highlighted other statements by Shah, particularly those on controversial issues such as article 370, which grants special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. According to Raut, Shahs efforts to enforce contentious policies have often failed to gain widespread support in Maharashtra, a state known for its diverse political landscape.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 17:38 IST
Can Airships Replace Aircraft As Future Mode Of Travel? Why Are Climate Experts Reviving This Idea?

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: News Desk



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 17:12 IST

Experts believe that solar-powered airships could significantly reduce both transport costs and the CO2 emissions of air travel

Experts believe that solar-powered airships could significantly reduce both transport costs and the CO2 emissions of air travel. (Getty Images)

In the desperate times to minimise the impact of climate change, bothering tens of millions of people around the world, governments, scientists, engineers and activists are constantly seeking alternatives to fossil fuels.

The aviation industry is one such domain that is facing rising scrutiny for its contribution to the climate crisis. Report say that the industry accounts for 2% of the global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2022, about 80% of the pre-pandemic levels.

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Companies are looking for a sustainable way to develop jet fuels or fully electrified alternatives, as the metal-bodied aircraft require too much energy.

Thus, airships are being reconsidered as a future of travel. In the early 20th century too, airships were believed to be controlled powered flights that could be used for transportation and travel. But due to the rapid development of aeroplanes, airships never took off.

What Are Airships?

Airships are the lighter-than-aircraft machines that achieve flight by using buoyant gasses that are less dense than surrounding air. Technically, airships dont fly  they float," Oliver Jaeger, an airship pilot at aerostat startup Flying Whales, told Built In.

There are three main types of airships: non-rigid (or blimps), semi-rigid and rigid. Typically, these bullet-shaped craft are filled with helium or hydrogen, and composed of a balloon-like hull, a gondola and a propulsion system.

During their popularity in the early 20th Century, airships were primarily used for luxury travel, cargo delivery and military logistics. Now, they are a lot more used in advertising, photography, tourism and aerial broadcasting.

How Do Airships Work?

While airships used hydrogen gas earlier as they were cost-effective, easy to produce and lightest existing gas, but due to its highly inflammatory nature, it has been replaced with helium gas.

Though helium is non-combustible, it is also scarce on Earth, with 1 cubic metre amount of gas required to lift 1 kg of weight, which costs around $35.

Another challenge to operate airships is buoyancy. Cargo vehicles need to experience change in weight when the cargo is picked or dropped.

The Built In in its report quoted Edwin Almanzar, a former airship pilot for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, who explained why a bigger airship is better. An airships lift is directly related to the volume of gas it contains, while the drag depends on the surface area of the aircraft. Due to their torpedo-like built, an airships lift increases exponentially in relation to its drag, reducing air resistance for optimal performance", he explained.

Unlike other aircraft, airships do not rely on moving through the air to produce lift, he added.

New-age startups, like Hybrid Air Vehicles, Flying Whales and LTA Research, are leading an airship revival.

How Airships Could Be Climate Friendly

Experts believe that solar-powered airships could significantly reduce both transport costs and the CO2 emissions of air travel. As per a report by University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany, airships are absolutely climate-friendly because they are equipped with extremely light and highly efficient thin-film solar cells that recharge over again during the flight. As a result, no combustion-related emissions are generated while the airship is flying."

Researchers believe that cost aspects also speak in favour of solar airships, because the energy consumption costs of solar-powered airships are, according to their current calculations, significantly lower than those of conventional aircraft.

What Are The Other Limitations Of Airship?

 Airships are difficult to maneuver during storms or strong wind conditions.

 Airships can be expensive to build and operate due to their size and use of helium or hydrogen gas.

 Airships can require helium gas, which is a limited resource.

 Airships travel slower than airplanes, making them ineffective for time-sensitive travel.

In 1937, the LZ127 airship crashed where an 800-foot, luxury passenger ships spontaneous combustion resulted in the deaths of 36 people. This disaster shattered peoples faith in airships.

What Next For Airships?

Experts say the problem of airship buoyancy could be solved by adding weights to maintain stability. A French company, Flying Whales, has designed a 200-metre-long flying crane" helium airship called LCA60T, which is capable of moving rocket sections and powerline towers; carry 60 tonnes of cargo, and produce less than a tenth of the carbon emissions than that of a helicopter.

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Aeros, a Los Angeles-based company that makes advertising and surveillance airships, has developed a system that could allow it to operate floating warehouses as bases for drones used in e-commerce deliveries. However, some believe that such a compression system would be too heavy to be practical.

The UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles are developing a double-barrel airship called the Airlander. Its flagship model  which is designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%  can hold up to 100 passengers, 10 tonnes and stay in flight for five days. The company plans to enter commercial service in 2026, and already has an all-electric, heavy-lift cargo ship in the works.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 17:09 IST
How UP's New Rules To Appoint DGP Assert The Role Of State Govt? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 13:58 IST

UP government's new rules state that a selection committee headed by a retired high court judge would appoint the DGP. This means the state government need not send a list of names to the UPSC for selection

The new rules state that the Uttar Pradeshs DGP would be appointed by a selection committee based on their remaining tenure, service record and experience. (Photo: X@PrashantK_IPS90)

The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath has brought in a legislation that independently allows it to appoint the state Director General of Police (DGP) without the Centres permission. The State does not have a regular DGP since 2022.

According to the petitions in the Supreme Court, UP has seen four temporary DGPs in the last two-plus years. The incumbent, 1991 batch IPS officer Prashant Kumar, was appointed acting DGP in January this year.

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Now, the Punjab government is also preparing to submit in the Supreme Court that it too has cleared a Bill to select its own DGP  a departure from its earlier recruitment process where it would send a list of names to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Let us understand the UP government case, the new guidelines to decide the state police chief, what were the Supreme Courts judgments and what about the other states, which have received the notice on violations?

What Are UP Govts New Guidelines On Appointing Police Chiefs?

The new rules state that the Uttar Pradeshs DGP would be appointed by a selection committee based on their remaining tenure, service record and experience.

The new DGP will be selected by a committee headed by a retired high court judge, which means that the state government need not send a list of names to the UPSC for selection.

The new rules state that the selection committee headed by a retired high court judge will consist of the chief secretary, a person nominated by the UPSC, the UP Public Service Commission chairman or their nominee, an additional chief secretary or principal secretary (Home) and a retired DGP.

The objective of the Appointment Rules, 2024, is to establish an independent and a transparent mechanism for selection of a suitable person for appointment to the post of DGP to ensure that the said selection is free from political or executive interference and is also in accordance with the specific conditions and policing requirements of Uttar Pradesh," state the new guidelines.

The cabinet brief note says the objective of the new Appointment Rules, 2024, is to establish an independent and transparent mechanism for the appointment of DGP to ensure that the process is free of political or executive interference.

Only those officers who are currently serving in the DG role at level 16 in the pay matrix will be considered, the guidelines say.

What Is Prakash Singhs Case?

DGPs are currently appointed based on the directions of the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singhs 2006 case, also known as the police reforms case.

According to the SC rules, the state government is supposed to prepare and send the UPSC a list of senior most eligible officers in the state, three months before retirement of the incumbent DGP.

The top courts directions also said the DGPs appointment should have a tenure of at least two years, and should have at least six months of service left at the time of selection.

In 2018, the SC issued directions that states would not appoint temporary or acting DGPs, following an application by Prakash Singh. The court had also said states should not appoint an IPS officer as DGP unless they had two clear years of service. This was modified and restricted to at least six months" of service by Gogois 2019 judgment, as per The Indian Express.

The judgment also said, If any State Government/Union Territory has a grievance with regard to these directions, liberty is granted to them to approach this Court for modification of the instant order".

What Is The Contempt Notice?

The UP Cabinet cleared the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh Selection and Appointment Rules, 2024, ahead of a hearing in the Supreme Court on the issue.

In October, the Supreme Court issued contempt notices to at least eight states  Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana, Jharkhand and Bihar  for appointing ad hoc DGPs.

The UP government had said the new rules were in compliance with the top courts verdict in the police reforms case of 2006. The said verdict came on a petition filed by former UP DGP Prakash Singh in 1996.

The rules conform to the SC directions on two-year tenure of the DGP and a minimum service of six months before the new appointment. But they were done through the British era Indian Police Act of 1861.

There is a proviso in the 2006 judgment that the directions (to appoint DGP through the UPSC) will hold good till such time the State or the Centre enacts distinct laws. UP seems to have followed Punjab. They [the U.P. government] have been careful in incorporating the SC judgment of 2006 as well as 2019, which said the officer should have a minimum tenure of six months. It can only be challenged on the ground that they have completely bypassed the UPSC," said former DGP Prakash Singh, quoted by The Hindu.

What About Punjab?

A similar law, the Punjab Police (Amendment Bill), 2023, is pending with the President for almost a year after it was sent to the Union Home Ministry (MHA) to examine if it is repugnant with any Central law.

In Punjab, 1992-batch IPS officer Gaurav Yadav was appointed as officiating DGP on July 5, 2022, four months after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government took over the reins of the state. As per the norms, the state can post an officiating DGP for a maximum period of six months. Yadav, however, has already completed two years and four months as acting DGP, and is likely to continue on the post for some more time.

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The Centre had asked Punjab government in March 2023 as to why it was not sending the names of eligible officers for appointment as regular DGP. The state never responded to that letter, as per a report by The Indian Express.

Yadav was first appointed acting DGP after the then DGP VK Bhawra was asked to proceed on leave. However, even after Bhawras return from leave, Yadav was allowed to continue as acting DGP.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 13:26 IST
Suspected Militants Gunned Down After Attack On Police Station In Manipur's Jiribam

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Yimkumla Longkumer



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 21:58 IST

Top sources said the heavily armed Kuki group had a plan to attack the CRPF headquarters, which controls local administration and check posts

Manipur has been embroiled in violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities since May 2023. (Image: PTI/File)

A major attack was averted in Manipur on Monday as at least 10 Kuki insurgents were killed in a gunfight with CRPF personnel in the Jiribam district.

According to top sources, the Kukis had a plan to attack the CRPF headquarters, which controls local administration and checkpoints. The insurgents came in heavily armed with at least 100 weapons, including light machine guns (LMG) and INSAS rifles, which were recovered.

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The encounter took place when the armed group attacked the Borobekra police station, following which security personnel and police returned retaliatory fire.

Sources further said the suspected militants, believed to be from the Kuki-Hmar community, attacked the police station around 2.30 pm. They set fire to several shops in Jakurador Karong, attacked nearby houses, and targeted a CRPF camp following which the gunfight broke out, they said.

Meanwhile, five civilians remain missing, with officials uncertain whether they were abducted by the retreating militants or are in hiding after the attack.

This comes after a series of violent incidents in the region. On Sunday, Kuki groups launched gun-and-bomb attacks on villages in East Imphal, targeting Meitei communities in Thamnapokpi and Sabungkhok, just metres from a Border Security Force (BSF) outpost.

Borobekra sub-division, which has seen multiple gun attacks and acts of arson since violence erupted in June, remains one of the worst-hit areas in the district.

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Tensions escalated following the killing of a 31-year-old woman during an attack on Zairon Hmar village last week. Armed miscreants set fire to six houses in the village, and the womans charred remains were discovered by local residents on November 8.

Since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei community, based in the Imphal Valley, and the Kukis, who reside in the adjoining hills, more than 200 people have been killed and thousands have been displaced. The unrest, which began in May last year, continues to fuel tensions in the region.

Location : Manipur, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 17:49 IST
2 Trekkers Got Stuck During Anti-Terror Operations In J&K: Here's What Happened Next

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 12:57 IST

Both the trekkers were trapped in a dangerous situation when the terrorists and forces started exchanging fire in the Zabarwan area of Srinagar.

Security forces launched an anti-terror operation following an intel about presence of militants in Zabarwan | Image/PTI

Two trekkers on Sunday found themselves caught in an encounter between terrorists and security forces at Zabarwan near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

Both of them were trapped in a dangerous situation when the terrorists and forces started exchanging fire. Hiding behind rocks, one of them showed alertness that led to their rescue, said police.

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The officers on duty received a distress call via the Police Control Room (PCR), in which one of the trekkers informed them of their location and the ongoing encounter in the area. The security operation was briefly paused, and the trekkers were rescued, according to the police.

Fortunately, one among them had an idea and he dialled 100. The PCRs swift coordination in relaying information to the officers on duty was instrumental in preventing a possible tragedy," a senior police officer was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Police and security forces launched an anti-terror operation in the Zabarwan forest area yesterday based on intelligence about the presence of militants. The operation is still underway, according to officials.

Trekkers Must Inform Police About Routes

Following the swift rescue of the stranded trekkers, the Kashmir Police urged the trekkers to inform police in advance about their routes to avoid any unexpected incidents in view of the several ongoing security operations in the valley.

Trekkers and adventure enthusiasts should inform the nearest police station about their travel plans and expected routes, especially in areas where there could be security operations. This protocol ensures we can act swiftly to ensure their safety if unexpected incidents occur," Kashmir police chief Vidhi Kumar Birdi said.

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We encourage everyone  locals, tourists, and especially trekkers  to use the helpline services, including dialling 100 or directly reaching out to police stations, should they face any situation that requires immediate intervention. This way, the Police can ensure swift assistance while coordinating with ongoing operations," the Kashmir Police chief added.

November marks the final month of autumn in the Valley, drawing trekkers from around the world to the destination. However, due to frequent security operations in the upper reaches, tourists face trouble at times.

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 12:54 IST
60 Bombs, Firing: Kukis Attack Meitei Villages Near Manipur BSF Post | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 13, 2024, 14:23 IST

Kuki militants exploit the harvest season as they know farmers will be outside in open fields, say local sources

Additional forces have been rushed to prevent the situation from escalating, police added.(Representational image)

Kuki groups from the hills on Sunday launched a series of gun-and-bomb attacks in the East Imphal villages of Meitei groups  Thamnapokpi and Sabungkhok  metres away from a Border Security Force (BSF) outpost. The violence came after the attack on Mongbung Meitei village in Jiribam district, where Kuki and Hmar militants launched an organised offensive on Saturday evening.

The first attack was reported at Thamnapokpi at 9.30 am, which continued till 11 am, and stopped only after BSF intervention. In the meantime, they also attacked Sabungkhok and Sanasabi.

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Later in Jiribam district, a coordinated assault on Mongbung Meitei village began around 8.30 pm with 60 bombs.

During this attack, villagers were forced to leave the village towards shelters in the area.

According to local sources, the attacks were on expected lines. Kuki militants exploit this harvest season because they know farmers will be outside in open fields. The recent attack took place 200 metres away from a BSF outpost," they said.

To prevent the situation from escalating further, additional forces have been deployed, police said.

Tension prevailed in the outlying villages as farmers could not tend to their paddy fields as militants from hilltop positions fired towards low-lying fields of Sanasabi, they said.

News18 had earlier reported top-level security sources suspicion that 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.

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According to them, both China and the United States seek dominance in Asia, and this particular region holds strategic importance for their ambitions.

With PTI Inputs

First Published: November 11, 2024, 12:37 IST
Baba Siddique Murder: Father Of Shooter Says Desire For Lavish Life Led Son To Crime

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 13:07 IST

According to an STF press release, the other arrested suspects were identified as Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava, and Akhilendra Pratap Singh, all Bahraich residents.

Shiv Kumar Gautam, the main shooter in Baba Siddique murder case, was arrested in UP on Sunday. (Image: News18)

The Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday arrested Shiv Kumar Gautam, the main shooter who allegedly killed senior NCP leader Baba Siddique in Bandra (East) on October 12. In a major breakthrough, nearly a month after the assassination, a joint team of UPs Special Task Force (STF) and the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Gautam and four of his accomplices from Bahraich district, close to the Indo-Nepal border. Gautams father, who hails from Gandara village in Bahraich said his sons pursuit of a lavish lifestyle and desire for quick wealth led him down a path of crime, adding, a criminal should be treated like a criminal."

Siddique, former Maharashtra minister and a leader of Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddiques office in Mumbais Neelamnagar area on October 12 by three assailants, including two Bahraich residents. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang had claimed responsibility for the murder.

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Major Breakthrough

UP STF Chief and Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Amitabh Yash, confirmed the arrest of five individuals, including the primary suspect, Shiv Kumar Gautam (23), from the Nanpara area in Bahraich, located about 19 kilometre from the Indo-Nepal border. Gautams arrest brings the total arrests in the Baba Siddique murder case to 23. According to an STF press release, the other arrested suspects were identified as Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava, and Akhilendra Pratap Singh, all Bahraich residents.

The UP STF stated that the group was attempting to escape to Nepal via the porous border near Bahraich. Other than Gautam, who managed to evade capture until now, two individuals  Bahraich resident Dharam Raj Kashyap and Punjab resident Gurmail Singh  were detained on the spot soon after the killing of the leader.

Startling revelations during interrogation

During interrogation, Shiv Kumar Gautam admitted to his involvement in the assassination of Baba Siddiqui on October 12, detailing connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Gautam stated he had been working as a scrap dealer in Pune, where he met Shubham Lonkar, also a scrap dealer, who allegedly connected him with Lawrence Bishnois brother, Anmol Bishnoi.

According to Gautam, Anmol promised him Rs 10 lakh for carrying out the murder, with a monthly allowance to follow. Lonkar and Mohammad Yasin Akhtar reportedly supplied Gautam with weapons, cartridges, SIM cards, and mobile phones to execute the plan.

Gautam disclosed that he, along with two accomplices, conducted extensive surveillance of Siddiqui in Mumbai. On October 12, amid a crowded festival atmosphere, they took advantage of an opportunity to kill Siddiqui. Dharamraj Kashyap and Gurmail Singh were apprehended at the scene, while Gautam managed to escape, discarding his phone along the way. He fled to Bahraich via Pune, Jhansi, and Lucknow, avoiding detection by borrowing phones to communicate with his associates.

Gautam stated that his colleagues Anurag Kashyap, Akhilendra Pratap Singh, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, and Akash Srivastava arranged for his hideout in Nepal, where he intended to escape before his arrest near the Indo-Nepal border.

Who is Shiv Kumar Gautam?

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Shiv Kumar Gautam, 23, an alleged shooter in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, hails from Gandara village in Bahraich, UP. Despite being engaged in a profitable scrap trading business, Gautams family recalls a growing emotional distance over the years. His mother shared that while he initially kept in touch, he gradually stopped contacting them altogether. She remembers a strained conversation when his sister fell gravely ill, at which point Gautam sent them Rs 3,000 only after much insistence. When I asked why he doesnt keep in touch, he told me not to call him any more and that hed reach out when he felt like it," she said.

Gautams father Balkrishna Kumar said his son was misled by his aspirations for a luxurious life. Its the desire for quick wealth that led him into crime," he said, adding that if his son is proven guilty, he should be treated like a murderer."

First Published: November 11, 2024, 13:07 IST
TISS Study: Influx Of Bangladeshi, Rohingya Migrants Worsening Mumbai's Resource Crisis

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 23:44 IST

The TISS report states that as Muslim immigrant populations grow, demographic shifts heighten cultural insecurities fuelling tensions and social divides

The TISS report shows that the immigration crisis has put unsustainable pressure on Mumbai's already overstretched infrastructure. (Image for representation: AP/File)

Illegal immigration from Bangladesh and Myanmar is changing and reshaping Mumbais political and socio-economic landscape, shows an investigation-driven study by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

According to the 118-page interim report titled Illegal immigrants to Mumbai: Analysing socio-economic and political consequences, which was accessed by News18, migrants fill up low-skill jobs. This subsequently drives down wages, sparking resentment among local residents, which then becomes a vulnerability among political entities to be exploited for vote bank dynamics.

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The report states that as Muslim immigrant populations grow, demographic shifts heighten cultural insecurities fuelling tensions and social divides. The ongoing influx demands urgent policy intervention to address security, employment, and community stability in the city, it said in a summary for the investigation.

Relying on available data and the field work, it shows that this escalating immigration crisis has put unsustainable pressure on the citys already overstretched infrastructure. It shows there is a high impact on public services like healthcare, education and sanitation, thus reducing access for local residents and threatening public welfare.

The report further said the demographic shift in Mumbai over recent decades has been dramatic, with the Hindu population decreasing from 88 percent in 1961 to 66 percent in 2011, while the Muslim population rose from 8 percent to 21 percent in the same period.

Several projections for 2051 estimate that Hindus could fall below 54 percent, with the Muslim population rising to approximately 30 percent, it said. This has fuelled a massive Marathi identity crisis, with fear that it will have an impact on local traditions and Mumbais social fabric, it added.

In chapter 9 of the report, titled Summary, conclusions and implications, the report states: The complicated dynamics of illegal migration created a multitude of problems that affect the local population and the overall governance of the city. It is vital to address these specific issues and implement effective policy interventions to mitigate the challenges associated with illegal Muslim immigration to Mumbai."

Feeling Of Insecurity Among Locals

The investigators summed up their findings, stating: Our study reveals that one of the most significant challenges faced by presented illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants is socio-economic competition. The migrants input in Mumbai for seeking better job opportunities, often filling low-professional positions in sectors consisting of construction, homework and informal buying and selling."

While their labour is important to the metropoliss financial system, the inflow of migrants has brought about increased competition for jobs which are already scarce, particularly for low-professional local employees. This situation created a dual effect: on one side, it drives down wages for vulnerable local workers and promotes resentment closer to the migrant communities. Political entities often take advantage of these emotions, by religious affiliation they use them as vote banks. Such rhetoric results in social unrest and, in excessive cases, violence towards natives," it added.

The report further stated, This competitive hard work dynamic no longer most effectively affects financial stability however additionally exacerbates social challenges inside communities. Apart from that, the cyclic nature of this immigration created significant changes in religious demographics, especially in areas with large concentrations of Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh. These changes create feelings of insecurity among local communities, especially Hindus, whose cultural identity is perceived to be under threat."

What Do The Data and Details Say?

According to the findings, Mumbais escalating immigration crisis has been fuelled by the influx of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. This has put unsustainable pressure on the citys already overstretched infrastructure. The strain on resources risks a systemic collapse, with critical public services like healthcare, education, and sanitation overwhelmed, the report said.

A primary survey, as per the report, showed a complex network sustaining this influx with 40 percent of respondents favouring continued migration, citing family ties and over 50 percent of migrant women engaged in prostitution. Additionally, around 40 percent of migrants regularly send significant remittances, ranging from around Rs 10,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per month, back to their home countries, adding economic complexity and raising questions about the economic impact on Mumbai.

The investigators also stressed that there is an impact on national security due to illegal influx. There are concerns that a fraction of migrants are linked to extremist groups, leading to intensified surveillance by agencies.

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Additionally, accusations of vote bank politics" emerge as migrants are allegedly issued forged documents, enabling them to illegally take part in elections and raising fears over the integrity of democratic processes.

A five-member research team led by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Shankar Das, as principal investigator, completed the investigation with the report published earlier this week.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 23:44 IST
CJI Sanjiv Khanna Takes Oath: Electoral Bonds To Article 370, Key Cases He Ruled On As SC Judge

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 13, 2024, 09:02 IST

As Supreme Court judge, Justice Khanna has been part of several landmark judgments including the ones of electoral bonds, abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and more.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna is India's 51st Chief Justice (Photo: PTI)

Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday, succeeding CJI DY Chandrachud. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

Justice Khanna, 64, will serve a six-month tenure as the Chief Justice of India and will retire on May 13, 2025.

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As Supreme Court judge, Justice Khanna has been part of several landmark judgments including the ones of electoral bonds, abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Early Life And Career

Born on May 14, 1960 to late Justice Dev Raj Khanna, former Judge of Delhi High Court, 64-year-old Justice Khanna completed his schooling at Delhis Modern School, Barakhamba Road. He later studied law at the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University and enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983. He initially practiced in the district courts at the Tis Hazari complex in the national capital and, later, in the Delhi High Court.

Justice Khanna has served on tribunals in diverse fields like constitutional law, direct taxation, arbitration, commercial law, company law, land law, environmental law and medical negligence. He has held a long tenure as the senior standing counsel for the income tax department.

Justice Khanna was appointed as the standing counsel (civil) for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi in 2004.

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 was elevated to the Supreme Court on January 18, 2019.

Cases as Supreme Court judge

As Supreme Court judge, Justice Khanna has been part of landmark cases.

Article 370: In 2023, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was part of the five-judge bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Justice Khanna in his ruling said that Article 370 was an element of asymmetric federalism, not sovereignty, and its removal does not compromise Indias federal structure.

Electoral Bonds: In 2024, Justice Khanna was on the five-judge bench that declared electoral bonds unconstitutional. Justice Khanna in his ruling said donor privacy does not extend to donations made through banking channels, highlighting that donor identities are asymmetrically known" to the bank officers handling the bonds.

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Verification of VVPAT: In 2024, Justice Khanna led a Division Bench that dismissed the plea that sought 100 per cent VVPAT verification of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes. In his ruling, he noted the current system provided michief-free" counting of votes.

Interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: Earlier this year, Justice Khanna was on the bench that granted interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, following which he could campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 10:16 IST
First Seaplane Of Kerala Takes Off From Kochi, Lands In Idukki

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 22:15 IST

The seaplane service is provided under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)'s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN

Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas flagged off the amphibious aircraft from the Bolgatty Palace Waterdrom in the port city. (Image via X/@pinarayivijayan)

The first seaplane of the Kerala state, took off from the backwaters here and landed in Mattupetty dam in the hill district of Idukki on Monday.

Tourism and Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas flagged off the amphibious aircraft from the Bolgatty Palace Waterdrom in the port city. The Minister also took a short trip on the 17-seater aircraft, along with Industries Minister P Rajeev, General Education Minister V Sivankutty and senior government officials.

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Riyas said that with the addition of seaplane services, it will be possible to reach remote areas of the state in less time and at a lower cost.

Kerala plans excellent transport facilities, connecting four international airports, state-of-the-art national highways, hill highways, and upcoming high-speed rail corridors, he said.

Seamless connectivity for tourists arriving at our four international airports to reach hinterland destinations is something everyone wants," Riyas said. The minister further said that the objective of the government is to popularise the seaplane services. We are trying to make this affordable and accessible to everyone. A detailed plan on this is getting ready," Riyas added.

Presiding over the function, Rajeev said Kerala was moving forward with rapid industrial development and the tourism sector significantly contributes to it. Kerala is the state with the largest number of five-star hotels in India, and four world-class hotel chain projects will start soon in Kochi," the Industries Minister said.

Mayor M Anilkumar, Aviation Secretary Biju Prabhakar, Tourism Secretary K Biju, Additional Tourism Director P Vishnuraj and Kerala Travel Mart Society officials were also present in the function.

A Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet operate the De Havilland Canada, which arrived here after trial services in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. SpiceJet operates the services, while Canadian aircraft manufacturer De Havilland offers engineering expertise and assists with technical and logistical challenges, according to an official statement.

The seaplane service is provided under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN. Kerala targets increasing connectivity among its airports, hill stations, and backwaters by offering subsidised fares, it said.

These are small planes with 9, 15, 17, 20 and 30 seats. Passengers board the aircraft from waterdromes that float on water. Canadian pilots Daniel Montgomery and Rodger Brindger operated the flight that reached Kochi International Airport at 11 a.m.

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Top officials from Cochin Port Trust, the Indian Navy, and De Havilland Canada visited the locations and inspected logistical challenges, the statement said adding that feasibility and hydrographic surveys were also completed before the launch, to offer seamless services.

In addition to Bolgatty and Mattupetti, Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malampuzha, and Bekal are being considered for seaplane connectivity, the statement said.

Location : Kerala, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 22:15 IST
Two Kerala IAS Officers Including 'Collector Bro' Suspended For Indiscipline

Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 11:06 IST

While Gopalakrishnan was suspended for creating a religion-based WhatsApp group of government officials, action was taken against Prasanth for criticising a senior IAS officer on social media.

N Prasanth, also known as 'Collector Bro', was the Special Secretary to Kerala's Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare. (Prasanth Nair/LinkedIn)

The Left government in Kerala on Monday suspended two IAS officers, K Gopalakrishnan and N Prasanth, for violation of discipline, official sources said.

While Gopalakrishnan was suspended for creating a religion-based WhatsApp group of government officials, action was taken against Prasanth for criticising a senior IAS officer on social media, they added.

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They also said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered the suspension of the officials based on the report he received from the Chief Secretary.

While Gopalakrishnan was the Director of Industries and Commerce, Prasanth held the responsibility of Special Secretary in the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare.

Prasanth recently took to Facebook to accuse A Jayathilak, the Additional Chief Secretary, of "orchestrating baseless" news reports against him.

In his post, Prasanth alleged that Jayathilak had become a "special reporter and was working to undermine him by spreading unfounded allegations through the media.

Attacking Jayathilak, the post read, "I feel compelled to share some important facts about Jayathilak, a senior IAS officer, that the public deserves to know.

"Although I generally avoid discussing government matters in public, there seems to be no alternative at this point. My intention is to reveal only those issues that the public has the right to know, in accordance with the Right to Information." The issue cropped up following a media report that alleged lapses on Prasanths part, claiming that several crucial files from Unnathian initiative dedicated to the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)had mysteriously gone missing during his tenure as its CEO.

The report also claimed that Jayathilak had submitted a report on this matter to Chief Minister Vijayan.

Prasanth, who previously served as Kozhikode District Collector and in other top posts, is popularly known as Collector Bro and had earlier posted on Facebook to refute the allegations against him.

Regarding the allegations against Gopalakrishnan, the Kerala police conducted an investigation following his complaint that his WhatsApp account was used to create religion-based WhatsApp groups.

The Thiruvananthapuram city police carried out an investigation and submitted a report to the state police chief.

Amid reports quoting the police suggesting that the IAS officers phone was not hacked, Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Sparjan Kumar stated that it remains unclear whether the device was compromised, as it had been reset. In the controversial WhatsApp group, officers from various communities were added, and the group was labelled as a Hindu community group.

In his complaint to the police, Gopalakrishnan stated that he had not added any officers to the group in question.

Earlier in the day, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan had said that government officials should follow certain disciplines while being in service, and anyone who breaches them would be dealt with stringent actions.

He said the government cannot not allow officials to work in violation of service rules and disciplines.

The minister was responding to questions by reporters in connection with some recent Facebook posts by Prasanth against his senior colleague Jayathilak, which sparked controversy in the state.

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Without naming any officials, Rajan had said the government was viewing the matter with "utmost seriousness" and the Chief Secretary would soon submit a report in this regard.

"After getting this, the chief minister will take a stringent decision on this," he had said.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 23:52 IST
Kerala Lottery Result, November 12 & November 11, 2024 (Today & Yesterday): Win Win W-795 Winners Announced; Full List Here!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: November 16, 2024, 09:14 IST

Kerala Lottery Results: Here's full list of winning numbers for Win Win W-795 lucky draw for Monday, November 11.

Kerala Lottery Win Win W-795 Result: The first prize winner of Win Win W-795 will get Rs 75 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

LOTTERY WIN WIN W-795 RESULT ON MONDAY, 11.11.2024, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Win-Win W-795 lucky draw for Monday, November 11. Ticket number WS 590871 has won the first prize of Rs 75 lakh. The jackpot winning ticket was sold at Kasaragod by an agent Kunjikannan B (Agency No.: S 1083). The second prize of Rs 5 lakh is won by participant with ticket number WS 167444. it was sold at Thrissur by Baby KG (Agency No.: R 8730). Check the Full List of Winning Numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results Today 16.11.2024: Karunya KR-680 Winners Soon; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh!

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FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR WIN-WIN W-795 LOTTERY

Winning numbers for Consolation prize of Rs 8,000 are

WN 590871

WO 590871

WP 590871

WR 590871

WT 590871

WU 590871

WV 590871

WW 590871

WX 590871

WY 590871

WZ 590871

Winning number for 1st prize of Rs 75 lakh is WS 590871 (KASARAGOD)

Agent Name: KUNJIKANNAN B

Agency No.: S 1083

Winning number for 2nd prize of Rs 5 lakh is WS 167444 (THRISSUR)

Agent Name: BABU K G

Agency No.: R 8730

Winning numbers for 3rd prize of Rs 1 lakh are

WN 875209

WO 593942

WP 982613

WR 347324

WS 501580

WT 214488

WU 205762

WV 818867

WW 507475

WX 392612

WY 879629

WZ 840748

Winning numbers for 4th prize of Rs 5,000 are

0049 0649 1366 3122 3210 6012 6094 6199 6879 7532 7967 8465 8960 9196 9201 9398 9612 9920

Winning numbers for 5th prize of RS 2,000 are

0846 0856 1976 2999 3456 3528 4213 6622 7189 8389

Winning numbers for 6th prize of Rs 1,000 are

1167 1418 2326 2612 2920 3374 4116 4802 4893 6333 7231 8308 8474 9631

Winning numbers for 7th prize of Rs 500 are

0036 0149 0239 0559 0903 1096 1205 1299 1328 1468 1582 1648 2003 2117 2216 2241 2294 2372 2426 2478 2514 2553 2572 2809 2878 2901 2913 2967 3042 3144 3412 3421 3548 3994 4010 4254 4365 4369 4409 4544 4636 4817 4977 5017 5078 5318 5516 5631 5706 5754 6197 6248 6361 6588 6602 6620 6862 7136 7277 7521 7611 7687 7707 7713 7735 8032 8089 8214 8392 8408 8504 8544 8738 8758 8850 8927 8994 9094 9312 9410 9485 9652

Winning numbers for 8th prize of Rs 100 are

0074 0253 0329 0387 0483 0517 0630 0665 0915 0924 1019 1056 1091 1199 1226 1378 1424 1590 1743 1821 1930 1936 2096 2120 2260 2462 2515 2613 2662 2756 2972 3036 3051 3076 3110 3140 3237 3289 3311 3314 3407 3438 3516 3571 3639 3689 3950 4016 4060 4063 4134 4163 4206 4527 4549 4621 4664 4857 5255 5259 5338 5376 5427 5439 5485 5500 5685 5711 5718 5882 5908 5931 5950 5957 6020 6034 6152 6174 6250 6290 6403 6563 6566 6633 6838 6891 6947 6951 7008 7022 7090 7102 7192 7302 7383 7405 7538 7558 7661 7866 8001 8038 8127 8135 8273 8335 8434 8665 8908 8996 9001 9142 9171 9189 9220 9237 9309 9391 9406 9489 9503 9608 9701 9776 9798 9943

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY: WIN-WIN W-795 PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 75 lakh

2nd Prize: Rs 5 lakh

3rd Prize: Rs 1 lakh

4th Prize: Rs 5000

5th Prize: Rs 2000

6th Prize: Rs 1000

7th Prize: Rs 500

8th Prize: Rs 100

Consolation Prize: Rs 8,000

HOW TO CHECK KERALA WIN-WIN W-795 LOTTERY RESULTS?

The Win-Win W-795 lottery results will be made available on the Kerala Lottery Departments official website, www.keralalottery.info. Participants can also verify the results by visiting the Kerala Government Gazette office in person.

HOW TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

Check your ticket number against the draw results published in the Kerala Government Gazette to check if you qualify for the award.

You have a chance of winning if both numbers match.

Winners have 30 days from the result announcement to claim their winnings at the Kerala Lottery headquarters in Gorky Bhavan.

They must produce both the winning ticket and identification proof for verification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

A photocopy of the winning ticket with self-attestation on both sides.

Passport-sized photos signed by a Gazette official.

PAN card copy with the participants signature on it.

Online prize money receipt form and submit it with a revenue stamp attached.

Identity proof documents such as PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, voter ID and ration cards.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

Go to www.keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net, the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department.

Select the link for Win-Win W-795 Result.

Each winning number should now be visible in the result.

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Locate the download link on the web page.

Click on the link to get the lottery results in PDF format.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 09:00 IST
Kolkata's Jadavpur University Professor Found Dead In Uttarakhand Lodge With Throat Slit

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 11:25 IST

Mainak Pal, who lived with his wife, daughter and parents, had travelled to Uttarakhand with his two friends on a short trip.

The JU professor was an alumnus of Presidency College, Kolkata | Image/X

A 44-year-old professor at Kolkatas Jadavpur University was found dead in a lodge room in Uttarakhand with cuts on his hands and throat slit, said police, adding that they suspect suicide.

Mainak Pal, who lived with his wife, daughter and parents, had travelled to Uttarakhand with his two friends on a short trip. While his friends continued on their trip, Pal decided to come back to Kolkata.

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He checked into a hotel in Lalkuan to board a train to Kolkata the next morning. He reportedly missed his daughter and wished to return back home, according to NDTV.

On Friday evening, Pal was unreachable over phone calls after his family members tried several times to reach out to him. Under panic, Pals family called the hotel, prompting the staff members to break the door of his room.

They found the professors body lying in the bathroom with deep cuts on his hands and neck and blood splattered on the floor. Subsequently, the police were informed about the matter.

JU Family Shell-Shocked

The Jadavpur University Teachers Association has said Pal left a deep imprint as a teacher. We are in deep shock since we heard about his death," Partha Pratim Roy, the general secretary of the teachers body, said in a statement.

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Pal was a lovable person and popular among students and the fraternity. The entire JU family is shell-shocked," Roy said, adding that his sudden death has shocked everyone in the university.

The professor was an alumnus of Presidency College, Kolkata and worked in two West Bengal government colleges before returning to Presidency University as a teacher. He joined Jadavpur University in 2022 as an associate professor.

Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 11:23 IST
Meerut Gang Reselling Expired Medicines Busted, Rs 35-Lakh Stock Seized

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 19:16 IST

An FIR has been registered against four, but arrests are yet to be made

Some of the seized medicines. (News18)

The Uttar Pradeshs Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) recently busted a fake medicine gang involved in re-selling expired medicines, including pregnancy kits and blood pressure medications.

The FSDA and Meerut Police seized a massive stockpile of expired medicines, estimated to be worth around Rs 35 lakh, along with several specialised electronic printers allegedly used to tamper with expiry dates, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.

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THE TIP-OFF

On November 5, the FSDA received a tip-off about a storage facility for expired medicines. Officials arrived at a secluded house in the Islamabad locality of Sardhana, two kilometres from the local police station.

On entering the 1,500-sqft premises, we discovered a large stash of expired medications, valued at approximately Rs 35 lakh. We have recovered over 90 varieties of medicines, including pregnancy kits, blood pressure medications, and other essential drugs," said Arvind Kumar Gupta, assistant drug commissioner for the Meerut division.

The team, along with the police, was taken aback upon discovering a separate room housing sophisticated printers, labels, and some already reprinted labels. This setup clearly hints at the reprinting and redistribution of expired medicines," Gupta told News18.

THE MODUS OPERANDI

Gupta said, It took us nearly 24 hours to fully understand how the gang operated. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group worked in coordinated teams. One faction was responsible for restocking expired medicines, while another handled re-printing expiry dates and re-releasing the altered products into the market."

FIR AGAINST FOUR, NO ARREST SO FAR

SP Rural Rakesh Kumar, Meerut, said the matter is still under investigation. On the basis of the papers recovered from the site, we are trying to connect the dots in order to find out how this gang used to procure expired medicine in bulk and the entire chain through which the gang used to re-introduce the stock of medicines, with tampered expiry dates, into the market," said Kumar.

He said an FIR has been registered against the four; however, the hunt is on to nab those involved in running the fake medicine racket.

CHEMIST AND DRUGGIST ASSOCIATION DEMAND EARLY ARREST

The discovery of expired medicines has led to outrage among Meerut residents and chemists. We demand that action be taken not only against those found on the spot, but also against the suppliers from whom they sourced these goods. Their licences should be revoked to prevent future incidents," said Naresh Chand Gupta, President of the Chemist and Druggist Association, Meerut.

The association organised a protest, calling for the swift arrest of the remaining gang members who are still at large.

HOW EXPIRED MEDICINES AFFECT HUMAN BODY

As per experts, the consumption of expired medications can pose significant health risks, especially due to changes in chemical composition and a decrease in potency. Some expired drugs may lose effectiveness, while others can become harmful, as bacterial growth is more likely in certain products. For instance, using sub-potent antibiotics may not effectively treat infections, potentially leading to more severe health issues and contributing to antibiotic resistance.

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) highlights that many people are unaware of proper disposal methods, resulting in old medications  especially opioids  falling into the wrong hands, which can harm children and pets if consumed accidentally.

According to the CDC, in 2020 alone, an estimated 36,564 children under age 5 were treated in emergency rooms due to accidental medication exposure.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 19:16 IST
New Highway Will Cut Travel Time To Faridabad, Palwal, Sohna By 2 Hours From Today

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 08:02 IST

Traveling from Delhi, Noida, or Ghaziabad to Faridabad and Palwal usually means going through Mathura Road, where traffic jams turn a 30-minute trip into a two and a half hour ride

A new bridge and six-lane highway have been constructed over the Agra Canal near Mithapur Chowk. (Representative/PTI File)

Commuters travelling from Delhi to Faridabad, Palwal, and Sohna via the Badarpur border are expected to experience a significant reduction in travel time from Tuesday.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the construction of bridges and a six-lane highway over the Agra Canal. This new infrastructure is set to open on Tuesday and promises to streamline traffic flow, offering much-needed relief for commuters.

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If one is travelling from Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to Faridabad and Palwal, they have to pass through the often-congested Mathura Road and Badarpur border. While the distance from the border typically equates to a 30-minute journey, frequent traffic jams usually extend this to two and a half hours.

To alleviate this congestion, a new bridge and six-lane highway have been constructed over the Agra Canal near Mithapur Chowk. This infrastructure project aims to reduce travel time between Kalindi Kunj and Sohna via Faridabad to a mere 30 minutes.

Drivers heading towards Mithapur can now bypass Mathura Road by taking a new route via Jasola after Apollo Hospital. This route connects directly to the Sohna Delhi Mumbai Expressway via a six-lane highway. This alternative route provides drivers travelling to Faridabad with another option. A successful trial of the route took place on Friday.

A 24 km highway, constructed at a cost of Rs 5,500 crores, is being built to connect the Delhi Mumbai Expressway under the Bharat Mala Project. Passing through Faridabad Sector 65, the highway runs from DND to the Delhi Mumbai Expressway in Sohna.

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While the full stretch is yet to open, a 26 km section from Sector-65 Sahupura in Faridabad to Sohna is already operational. The newly constructed highway will eventually extend beyond Mithapur.

The opening of the Delhi-Agra highway promises reduced traffic congestion and improved connectivity. Travellers heading to Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Haridwar, Hapur, Bijnor, and cities in Rajasthan such as Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Jaipur are expected to experience easier journeys.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 19:29 IST
Supreme Court Rejects Former JDS MP Prajwal Revanna's Bail Plea In Rape Case

Curated By :

PTI

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 14:39 IST

The Supreme Court said it could not interfere with the Karnataka High Court's October 21 decision denying Prajwal Revanna bail.

Prajwal Revanna (PTI FIle)

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a bail plea of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who faces charges of rape and sexual assault.

A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma rejected the plea and observed that Revanna is a very influential person.

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Arguments in the court

Appearing for Revanna, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that a charge sheet has been filed in the case and section 376 of the IPC was not there in the initial complaint.

The bench said it could not interfere with the Karnataka High Courts October 21 decision denying him bail.

Rohatgi sought the liberty to approach the court after six months. The bench, however, said it could not say anything about that and dismissed his plea.

Prajwal Revanna case

In August, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Karnataka which is probing four cases of sexual assault and harassment against Revanna submitted a 2,144-page charge sheet.

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The charge sheet relates to a case in which the former MLA is accused of raping a woman, who worked as a domestic help for his family. There are two rape cases against the JD(S) leader and a sexual assault case.

Prajwal Revanna is the son of Holenarasipura JD(S) MLA H D Revanna and grandson of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 14:39 IST
Woman And Her Children Charred To Death In Sleep As Fire Guts House In J&K's Kishtwar

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 09:16 IST

The incident took place early Monday morning when the family was asleep in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, the police said.

Representative Image (ANI Image)

Three people, including a woman and her two children, were charred to death in slumber after their house was gutted in fire early morning in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district, the police said on Monday.

The deceased persons were identified as Nazia Begum, her daughter Amina, and her son Rizwan, they added.

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How did the incident take place?

The house, belonging to one Khursheed Ahmad in the Badhat-Jashar village of Drabshalla, caught fire at around 4.30 am today in which his wife and two children were trapped. They were asleep during the mishap and therefore could not escape in time.

The authorities are yet to ascertain the cause of the fire, however, have launched an investigation into the incident, the police said.

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Meanwhile, a fire also damaged a Gujjar Bakerwal boys hostel in Chatroo in Kishtwar district late Sunday night in which no casualties were reported, they added.

(With PTI inputs)

Location : Jammu, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 08:28 IST
Woman Entering Hotel Room With Man Doesn't Imply Her 'Consent For Sex,' Rules Bombay HC

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 15:08 IST

The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court stated that a woman booking a hotel room with a man does not imply her consent to sexual intercourse.

The Bombay High Court quashed the order of discharge passed by trial court in March 2021 | Image/File

The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court stated that a woman booking a hotel room and entering it with a man does not imply her consent to sexual intercourse with him.

A single-judge bench led by Justice Bharat P Deshpande dismissed a discharge order passed by the Margao Trial Court in March 2021, by which a rape case against the accused, Gulsher Ahmed, had been closed.

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In its discharge order, the trial court had remarked that since the woman was involved in the booking of the hotel room and entered the same with the accused, it implies that she gave her consent for the sexual activity. Therefore, the accused can not be charged with rape, the trial court said in its March 2021 order.

Drawing such an inference is clearly against the settled proposition and specifically when the complaint was lodged immediately after the incident," the High Court held in its September 3 judgment which was made public recently.

Even if it is accepted that the victim went inside the room along with the accused, the same cannot by any stretch of imagination be considered as her consent for sexual intercourse," the high court added.

All About The Case

The case came to the fore in March 2020 when the accused offered the victim an overseas employment opportunity. The accused had allegedly deceived the woman to come to a hotel room in the guise of meeting with an agency for employment purposes.

Both the accused and the survivor had booked the room together, revealed the complaint copy. The victim alleged that after entering the room, the accused threatened to kill her and then raped her.

She added that when the accused went to the bathroom, she fled the site and exited the hotel. Subsequently, the victim filed a police complaint.

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Acting on the complaint, the police arrested the accused and charged him under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The trial court discharged the accused holding that since the woman had voluntarily gone inside the room, she had consented to sexual intercourse. However, after three years, the Bombay High Court dismissed the discharge order, citing an error" in the trial courts judgement.

Location : Goa, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 15:06 IST
" " Powerful jaws, sharp claws and other evolutionary advantages made every apex predator on this list absolutely lethal. kamomeen / Shutterstock

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago, and while many were peaceful herbivores, others were some of the most dangerous animals to ever walk the planet.

So, what makes for the most dangerous dinosaur? Traits like a massive size, powerful jaws, sharp claws and, in some cases, packs of hunting companions. Combine these with specialized adaptations, and you've got some of the scariest and deadliest dinosaurs the world has ever seen.

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Whether they were carnivorous predators or armored herbivores capable of defending themselves with deadly force, these dinosaurs were not to be messed with. Let's dive into the 15 most dangerous dinosaurs, ranked from the absolute king of terror to those that were more defensive but still deadly in their own right.
Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal And Suniel Shettys Airport Reunion For Hera Pheri 3 Goes Viral; Watch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 20:13 IST

After years of speculation, Hera Pheri 3 is finally moving forward, with the iconic trio Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty spotted at Mumbais Kalina airport en route to the shoot location.

Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty reunite for Hera Pheri 3, spotted at Mumbai airport as they head to the shoot location.

After much speculation and anticipation surrounding Hera Pheri 3, the long-awaited third installment of the comedy franchise is finally set to go into production. On Monday afternoon, the iconic trioAkshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shettywere spotted at Kalina airport in Mumbai, sparking excitement as they headed to the shoot location. Dressed sharply, the actors hinted at the return of their beloved characters from the franchise.

The actors made a stylish appearance as they departed for their flight, as seen in the video shared by Sneh Zala. Akshay Kumar looked sharp in checkered pants paired with a black shirt, while Paresh Rawal sported a casual shirt and jeans, and Suniel Shetty looked suave in white pants and a T-shirt. All three actors posed for photographers, adding to the excitement surrounding the revival of this beloved franchise.

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The official announcement for Hera Pheri 3 came nearly two years ago, back in February 2023. At the time, Akshay, Paresh, and Suniel had donned their character costumes to film an announcement video. However, the video was never released, and updates on the film remained scarce. This latest sighting of the trio together has reignited hope among fans, signaling that the movie is now officially in motion.

The Hera Pheri franchise, consisting of Hera Pheri (directed by Priyadarshan) and Phir Hera Pheri (directed by Neeraj Vora), has achieved cult status over the years. Both films have not only entertained audiences but have also become iconic in popular culture, with their memorable scenes and dialogues dominating social media memes. The first installment was released in 2000, and its sequel followed in 2006, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a third chapter.

Film producer Firoz Nadiadwala, known for his work on Hera Pheri, has recently regained the rights to his film portfolio after resolving a legal dispute with Eros. Firoz Nadiadwala has settled his financial obligations with Eros, successfully regaining the rights to his portfolio of films, including the much-awaited Hera Pheri," shared a source.

Another insider added, Firoz has cleared his dues and obtained a No Due Certificate from the court, allowing him to reclaim the rights to Hera Pheri and other films. He is now free to proceed with these projects at his discretion and is eager to return to entertain the audience."

Hera Pheri 3 is reportedly a passion project not only for Firoz Nadiadwala but also for the original trioAkshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty. Theyre all thrilled that the focus can now shift to the creative aspects and logistics required to bring the film to life," the source continued. Firoz is also expected to meet with the Hera Pheri team in the coming weeks to discuss plans for the third installment.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 20:13 IST
Kriti, Tamannaah, Rakul Stun In Black For Do Patti Bash; Sophie Dubs Them 'Chhabra's Angels'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 01:39 IST

Do Patti, directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and penned by Kanika Dhillon, has been trending on Netflix since its release last month.

Rakul Preet Singh, Kriti Sanon, Tamannaah Bhatia and Sophie Choudry at Do Patti success bash.

Bollywood stars were out in style as Kriti Sanon celebrated the success of her maiden production Do Patti at a grand bash in Mumbai. Joining her were Rakul Preet Singh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sophie Choudry and casting director Mukesh Chhabra, all captured in a now-viral group photo shared by Sophie. She humorously captioned it, calling them Chhabras Angels," a playful nod to Charlies Angels.

The ladies turned heads in their coordinated black outfits, each showcasing a unique twist on glam fashion. Kriti Sanon, the star of the night, wore a daring mini black dress with a halter-neck and a cut-out detailing that added an edgy flair. Her choice of sheer black stockings and studded heels elevated her look, while minimal accessories allowed her dress to take centre stage. Kritis wavy hair and understated makeup perfectly complemented her confident, chic vibe for the night.

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Standing beside Kriti, Rakul Preet Singh rocked a modern look in a black gown featuring asymmetrical cut-outs. The sleek silhouette highlighted her figure, and her pulled-back hairdo gave her an elegant, poised look. Accessorised with a golden clutch and minimal jewellery, Rakuls look was a mix of bold and elegance, fitting the glam nights theme effortlessly.

Tamannaah Bhatia opted for a structured black corset-style denim dress. The strapless design and cinched waist accentuated her curves, and her soft waves and natural makeup added a touch of effortless elegance.

Sophie Choudry also brought her A-game, wearing a sleek black jumpsuit that exuded class and confidence. Her jumpsuit featured a plunging neckline. Sophie kept her look sophisticated with minimal accessories and voluminous waves.

Do Patti, directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi and penned by Kanika Dhillon, has been trending on Netflix, keeping fans intrigued with its plot about twin sisters Saumya and Shailee, both played by Kriti. The film explores complex themes of domestic violence and sibling rivalry, with Saumya trapped in an abusive marriage to businessman Dhruv Sood. The plot unfolds as Inspector Vidya Jyoti, played by Kajol, delves into their lives, uncovering secrets and tensions within this gripping family drama.

First Published: November 12, 2024, 01:39 IST
MrBeast Interacts And Clicks A Selfie With Paparazzi In Mumbai, Netizens Call Him 'Humble' | Watch

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Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 08:19 IST

MrBeast gave a warm response to the paparazzi who were waiting to catch a glimpse of him. He interacted and also clicked a selfie with them in Mumbai.

MrBeast interacted with the paparazzi in Mumbai.

Popular YouTuber MrBeast is currently in India. The social media personality had landed in the country to launch his chocolate brand. He was spotted alongside American professional wrestler Logan Paul. The YouTuber was papped by the paparazzi throughout his stay. However, he won hearts last night when he offered to click a picture with the paparazzi who were waiting for him.

In a video shared by a paparazzo, MrBeast was seen entering a building after exiting his car. The YouTuber came out of his car and rather than entering the building, made his way to the paparazzi who was waiting to catch a glimpse of him. He walked up to them and asked one of the cameramen to give his phone to click a selfie. As he clicked a selfie, he asked them how were they doing and also thanked him. In response, the paparazzi welcomed him and wished him a good stay in India.

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Take a look at the video here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

The video has fetched hundreds of likes and it is going viral on social media. Netizens are lauding MrBeast for being warm to the paparazzi. Reacting to the video, one user said, Hes genuinely interacting with everyone he meets." A second user wrote, Kaash Itne hi down to earth dusre log b hote." A third user commented, Whatever anybody says..!! He is so humble."

James Stephen Donaldson, also known as MrBeast, is a popular internet personality. With over 61.2 million followers on Instagram and 329 million subscribers on YouTube, he is known for his unique videos on social media. The YouTuber is 26 years old.

His brand launch event in Mumbai was attended by some of the biggest names in Bollywood on Sunday. Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, Riteish Deshmukh, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, and Malaika Arora attended his event with their kids.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 08:19 IST
Samantha Ruth Prabhu Says She Wants To Embrace Motherhood: 'Still Have Dreams Of Being A Mother...'

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Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 15:55 IST

Samantha Ruth Prabhu talked about how she wants to embrace motherhood. She revealed that she dreams of settling down with a child some day.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu was recently seen in Citadel: Honey Bunny.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu is currently basking in the success of her latest web series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. The actor plays the role of a secret agent and a mother in this Raj & DK directorial. In a recent interview, she opened up and shared her honest feelings on embracing motherhood.

In a conversation with Times Now, Samantha Ruth Prabhu talked about her role as a mother in Citadel: Honey Bunny. She mentioned how she looks forward to becoming a mother in her real life as well and talked about how she has always wanted to settle down in life. She also talked about how age is not a barrier to embracing motherhood. The actor said, I dont think its too late. I still have dreams of being a mother and yeah of course I would love to be a mother. I have always wanted to be a mother, its quite a beautiful experience. I am looking forward to it. People often worry about age, but I think there is no time in life when you cannot be a mother."

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl)

Prabhu also talked about working with a child actor in Citadel: Honey Bunny. She revealed that it felt like she was interacting with her own daughter when she talked to the child actor. She also opened up about her life after her divorce and after being diagnosed with myositis. She continued, Im in a very happy space right now. I know how to take care of myself and focus on what matters. I think Im in a very good phase in life. Im genuinely very happy and I feel Im blessed to have the opportunity to live every day to the fullest and I think that I might not have been so grateful for an ordinary day before. But now I am!"

The actor announced her divorce from Naga Chaitanya in 2021. On the work front, she will be next seen in Rakt Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom and Maa Inti Bangaram.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 15:55 IST
Vikrant Massey BREAKS Silence On Trolls Questioning His Secularism: 'My Brother Converted...'

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Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 21:01 IST

Vikrant Massey also shed light on his personal experiences, drawing parallels between his values and his familys diversity.

Vikrant Massey will next be seen in Ekta Kapoor's 'The Sabarmati Report'.

Actor Vikrant Massey, fresh off the success of 12th Fail, is now taking on a new challenge with The Sabarmati Report, where he plays a journalist determined to uncover the truth behind the 2002 Godhra incident. Directed by Ranjan Chandel, the film also stars Raashi Khanna and Ridhi Dogra, and is backed by Shobha Kapoor, Amul V Mohan, Ektaa R Kapoor and Anshul Mohan. While anticipation builds for its November 15 release, the movie has stirred up polarising reactions, with Vikrant himself facing criticism over his perceived secularism due to his association with the project.

In a candid interview with Shubhankar Mishra on Unplugged, Vikrant addressed these criticisms head-on, questioning why people doubt his secular stance. A truly secular person stands by others regardless of religion, caste, or background," he shared. Reflecting on the polarised nature of social media, Vikrant explained that his values havent changed. He considers himself a liberal, embracing diversity rather than extremes.

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When asked about his view of secularism, Vikrant described it as living together and respecting each others culture while taking pride in your own." He believes in understanding and not labelling everything in binaries. His approach to secularism, he said, involves accepting others without putting them down or elevating oneself to mock another.

Vikrant also shed light on his personal experiences, drawing parallels between his values and his familys diversity. My parents had an inter-caste marriage, so did I. My brother even converted to another religion. What could be more secular than that?" he remarked.

In the same conversation, he said, Pehle mujhe lagta tha Hindu khtre mei hain, ab mujhe nahi lagta Hindu khatrein mein hai; pehle mujhe lagta tha Muslim khatre mei hai, ab mujhe nahi lagta Muslim khatrei mei hai."

First Published: November 11, 2024, 21:01 IST
Vikrant Massey Sparks Controversy After He Says 'Muslims Are Not In Danger': 'Sab Sahi Chal Raha Hai'

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Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 11:46 IST

Vikrant Massey noted that India is becoming better, infracture wise, and called the country the best place to live.

Vikrant Massey says there's an ideology of Right and Anti-Right in India now.

Vikrant Massey has grabbed eyeballs after he weighed in on the social media debates and discussions about Muslims and Hindus are in danger. The Sabarmati Report actor, in a recent interview, said that he doesnt believe Muslims or Hindus are under threat. Vikrant, who was previously a critic of BJP and changed his stance in recent time, said that things arent as bad as they are being portrayed. He added that India is the best country to live in.

Things that I used to think was bad, they actually arent bad, from my point of view. The things that I used to like about others, they arent that good in reality. I am also a constantly evolving person. Today I feel it is not as bad. People say Hindus are in danger, I dont think they are in danger. People says Muslims are in danger, no one is in danger. Everything is going well. This is the best country to live in the world. Go to Europe, France, America, you will see and know what is happening. This is the only livable country right now and this is the only country which is the future of the world," Vikrant said, while speaking with Shubhankar Mishra on his podcast, Unplugged.

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The Chappak actor added that he senses that there is no Left or Right ideology. Instead, the ideologies are divided into Right and Anti-Right. There is a definite right ideology. But theres an anti-right ideology. I dont see a left anymore," Vikrant said. He shared his personal experience, explaining that his father-in-law lives in Himachal, in a small town. Earlier, when a truck had to pass, it would take four hours for the truck to reach the National Highway. However, now, he could see that infrastructure has improved, lifestyle is changing.

The country is developing. I have also been respected and honoured by the Government of India. I was called to the oath taking ceremony. My film is shown to kids in Government schools, I didnt ask them to show but they were shown 12th Fail so that they can be inspired to make a mark and contribute towards the development of the country. So these are good things, I am happy" he said.

Vikrant insisted that he is a changed man now and hinted that he is accepting of the work that the ruling government is putting in to improve the country.

His take has sparked controversy, with a accusing of him of changing sides only to follow the mainstream trends and promote his film.

Hes an opportunist, just like most people who claim on the social media and the mainstream media to follow any kind of political ideology Adhya (@psych_enigma) November 10, 2024

Very very sure there is some movie or show of him coming out soon Responsible Citizen (@ZimmedarNagarik) November 10, 2024

On the work front, Vikrant will be seen in The Sabarmati Report. The film is based on the events that transpired during the Godhra train burning incident of 27 February 2002, involving Sabarmati Express train.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 11:46 IST
Opinion | Donald Trumps Victory: Analysing Domestic And International Repercussions

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Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 15:33 IST

As he is impulsive, mercurial and narcissistic, the rest of the world could be faced with unpredictable challenges

Trump has won in a highly polarised political atmosphere in the US. (File Photo: Reuters)

Donald Trumps triumphant electoral success will have a major internal and external impact. Domestically, his political position has been greatly strengthened by his sweeping the electoral college, winning the popular vote and the Republicans gaining control of the Senate and the House.

Trump has won in a highly polarised political atmosphere in the US. The Democrats had tried to disqualify him from running for the presidency by dragging him through legal processes with the Department of Justice and the FBI, among others, as instruments. Now that he has won, there will be inevitable score-settling.

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Already, Trump has laid out his agenda. He has declared war against the Deep State, disregarding those who had cautioned him in his first term against challenging the intelligence agencies. He is seeking the resignations of all those in the bureaucracy who manoeuvred against him, the Big Tech companies that used censorship tools to undermine him, the media outlets involved in disinformation campaigns against him, and so on.

In a stinging rebuke to wokeism, he has threatened criminal proceedings against doctors or withdrawal of federal financial support to hospitals involved in sex change operations on minors. He has boldly stated that only male and female genders exist in humankind, which inflicts a big blow to liberal efforts to mainstream transgenders, if one were to recall the scene of transgenders hosted by the White House dancing on its lawns during Bidens presidency. In brief, he intends to roll back the excesses of the liberal agenda on gender issues. He imputed the emergence of these woke ideas to the far-left elements in academia.

On immigration issues, Trump will double down on controlling it, as this was a major plank in his election campaign. Mass deportations that he threatens may not be achievable because of legal, economic and humanitarian constraints but the massing of immigrants on Americas southern border encouraged by the more open immigration policies of the Democrats may now be over.

All this portends a continuing confrontation in American society between the conservatism of the forces that elected Trump and the liberal values that the Democrats espouse. This will be a bruising battle because the US society is divided. The Democrats may have lost the electoral battle but the democratic space they have in the US system based on checks and balances will be available to them to challenge Trump. The governor and the attorney general of California are already threatening to oppose Trumps agenda. The mainstream media and the academia will continue their guerrilla warfare against Trump.

Externally, Trumps re-election has caused jitters in Europe. Even during Trumps first term, his questioning the continued relevance of NATO, the pressure on the Europeans to spend more on their defence and reduce the burden on the US to protect Europes security, his supposed links with Russia, his anti-EU posture and support for Brexit, had created trans-Atlantic rifts, to the point of Chancellor Angela Merkel saying at that time that Europe and Trumps America no longer shared the same values.

The general expectation in Europe was that the Democrats would win. President Emmanuel Macron is quoted to have said that his information was that Trump would not. The most pressing concern for Europe is Trumps boasts during his campaign that if he had been president, the Ukraine war would not have started, and that if he won he would quickly resolve the conflict. He has been critical of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a salesman who returned with billions of dollars each time he came to the US. Trump also cold-shouldered Zelenskyy when the latter called on him just prior to the election.

Europe has aligned itself fully with the US policy of imposing draconian sanctions on Russia, supporting a proxy war on the latter through Ukraine, seeking a strategic military defeat of Russia, and escalating the conflict continually by supplying increasingly lethal weapons to Ukraine. Strengthening Ukraines military position on the ground so that when any peace negotiations began Ukraine would have cards to play has become European policy too. The UK and some European countries have questioned US caution in not giving a green light to Ukraine to use its NATO-supplied long-range missiles to hit targets deep into Russia. Europe, with some exceptions like Hungary and Slovakia, has followed the Biden administration in closing all doors to dialogue and diplomacy with Russia.

Europe is in no position to bear the burden of the conflict without US support. The rhetoric, especially that of Macron, in the wake of Trumps election, that Europe must have strategic autonomy and build its own defence capability to protect its own security is an expression of frustration. European leaders have gone too far in claiming that if Russia won in Ukraine, Europe itself would be threatened by Moscows revived imperial ambitions.

Trump may have his ideas of ending the conflict but those ideas have to be acceptable to Russia, and even to Ukraine, as Zelenskyys own future would be threatened if he made major territorial compromises. Russia will not be bulldozed into a solution by Trump, as it would want its declared bottom lines to be satisfactorily addressed. Putin has most recently at the Valdai Forum meeting in Sochi stated that Trumps thinking on finding a solution merits attention. The stakes for all concerned are very high: Trump wants to put an end to US involvement in military operations abroad, the future of NATO will become uncertain if the US ceases to fund and arm Ukraine and, this in turn, will cause serious internal strains in Europe, especially when the German economy is in trouble.

Trump has threatened China with 60 per cent tariffs on all its exports to the US. The fallout of this on the Chinese economy and the ripple effect of that globally, including on the WTO, would be unpredictable. Trump has appointed Robert Lighthizer, a trade hawk, to define US trade policy. If Trump does not want the US to start new wars, the confrontation with China might be primarily economically oriented, not military over Taiwan or Chinese bullying tactics in the South and East China Seas.

This does not preclude that the Indo-Pacific strategy, the Quad and the US alliance system in the western Pacific would not be used as deterrent instruments against China. However, the current Japanese Prime Ministers call for extending NATO responsibilities to the western Pacific would not fit with Trumps thinking on NATO, even in Europe. How China, with its current economic problems and its strategy of preserving its lead position and dominance in key technological areas like electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, solar chips, semi-conductors, etc, which the US seeks to counter, will deal with the Trump challenge would be important to monitor. In this regard, the role of Elon Musk who is building a large new factory in China would be worth watching.

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A lot will hinge also on the team that Trump builds around him. He will seek this time to build a team of loyalists, unlike during his first term, when he now says he had people in his team who were not loyalists and worked against him from within. In this second term, Trump will be his own man, with the experience of his first term to guide him. As he is impulsive, mercurial and narcissistic, the rest of the world could be faced with unpredictable challenges.

Kanwal Sibal is a former Indian Foreign Secretary. He was Indias Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 15:33 IST
Opinion | Modinomics: A New Deal For Naya Bharat

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News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 14:55 IST

Modinomics is not about creating messiahs but about empowering farmers, youth, and women, fostering innovation, supporting businesses, putting more money into the hands of Indias aspirational middle class, and celebrating wealth creation

Under the aegis of PM Narendra Modi, Indias startup ecosystemthe third largest in the worldcelebrates a culture of meritocracy, not monopoly (Image: Reuters/File)

The Startup India initiative was launched by the Modi government in 2016 to foster innovation, economic growth, and employment. Over the last eight years, a new startup has been launched every hour. As of June 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had recognised a total of 140,803 startups. Moreover, 67,499 of these startups have at least one woman director. These recognised startups have generated over 1.55 million direct jobs. Additionally, India is home to over 100 GenAI startups, which have raised more than $600 million since 2019. Interestingly, 79 per cent of startups with a woman founder were launched only after 201213.

Its worth noting that prior to 2014, there were only 350 Indian startups and just four home-grown unicorns. The Congress party ruled India for 54 of the first 67 years post-independence, yet in these lost decades, India was largely dominated by big businesses, with little space for our entrepreneurial class. All that changed in the last 10 years, with the number of startups rising dramatically from a mere 350 in 2014 to over 1.4 lakh in 2024, thanks to Modinomics. The number of Indian unicorns also rose sharply, from just four in 2014 to over 118 in 2024. This endorses the fact that under the aegis of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indias startup ecosystemthe third largest in the worldcelebrates a culture of meritocracy, not monopoly; innovation, not unnecessary intervention.

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Over 60 per cent of unicorn founders in India have built a startup valued at over $1 billion on their first attempt within the last 10 years, while only 29 per cent required two attempts to build their first unicorn. India is projected to have over 150 unicorns in the fintech sector alone, valued at more than $500 billion, by 2030. Currently, India is home to numerous unicorns, including Zepto, Krutrim, InCred, Moneyview, Rapido, Slice, Licious, BharatPe, MyGlamm, Zeta, Groww, PharmEasy, Acko, BlackBuck, MamaEarth, Cars24, CRED, PhysicsWallah, Meesho, 5ire, GlobalBees, Mensa Brands, Unacademy, upGrad, Oxyzo, CoinDCX, CoinSwitch Kuber, Pine Labs, HighRadius, Udaan, Yubi, Hasura, Darwinbox, ShareChat, Spinny, and Ola Electric, among others. Do you know what these unicorns have in common? All of them not only started their businesses within the last 10 years but also achieved unicorn status within this period, which is no mean achievement.

How did this miracle happen? It was made possible due to a startup-friendly ecosystem fostered by the Modi government, featuring supportive tax policies, zero red-tapism, and fast-tracking of patent and trademark applications. Building a New India" under this New Deal" has been possible due to bold reforms by PM Modi, be it GST, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), banking sector consolidation, UPI, or the abolition of 1,562 outdated laws and 40,000 unnecessary compliances. Measures such as decriminalising many company law provisions, implementing faceless tax assessments, relaxing FDI norms, liberalising drone regulations, and promoting geospatial, space, and defence sectors have brought unprecedented energy to the Indian economy. In fact, from less than Rs 600 crore ten years ago, Indias defence exports now exceed Rs 21,000 crore.

The above facts clearly reinforce how Prime Minister Modi has dismantled the old oligarchies of the erstwhile Congress regimes and infused Indias economic landscape with new opportunities and a new mindset. Thus, when a political oligarch like Rahul Gandhi recently undermined Indias economic heft in an op-ed, it was a classic case of more than just sour grapes"it reeked of both ignorance and blatant hypocrisy.

What is Indias most incompetent monopoly"? Clearly, it is the Congress party, that has lost three Lok Sabha elections in a row since 2014, failing to touch even the 100-seat mark in any of these general elections. Who runs Indias most lethargic monopoly? The de facto head of Congress, Rahul Gandhi, who, as some say, speaks first and thinks later.

Not all monopolies are necessarily bad. Some are essential, because the private sector may not be keen, for instance, to set up a bank in a remotely hilly, inaccessible region, but the state committed to the greater good will do so. Ultimately, how a monopoly is managed and its overarching objectives determine whether it is beneficial or harmful. But largely speaking, a monopoly disregards merit and the greater good, focusing only on profits. Similarly, Congress is that bad" monopoly, which has over decades, only encouraged sycophancy and a dynasty-based culture that rewards incompetence.

Rahul Gandhis diatribe against Indias business houses is not only appalling but also factually incorrect. The Modi governments economic model is far from monopolistic; instead, it rewards fair play and is inclusive. In the last 10 years alone, over Rs 35 lakh crore has been transferred to the poor through direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes. More than 250 million people, or 25 crore, have been lifted out of poverty. Over 46 per cent of all global digital financial transactions now occur in India. Over 35 crore Ayushman cards have provided free healthcare to those in need, right at their doorsteps. Through the PM MUDRA Yojana, over 43 crore loans, amounting to more than Rs 24 lakh crore, have enabled the meritorious poorwho had long had the talent but not the meansto pursue entrepreneurship.

Contrary to Rahul Gandhis misleading claims, India under PM Modi has witnessed the rapid growth of medium and small enterprises, with over 63 million MSMEs contributing 45 per cent of Indias industrial output and 40 per cent of its exports. Indias ranking in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business (EODB) index improved from 142nd in 2015 to 63rd in 2020. In terms of innovation, India has climbed to 39th place in the Global Innovation Index out of 133 countries, up from 81st in 201415. In 2023 alone, 90,309 patents were filed, averaging 247 per day. If anything, Prime Minister Modis decade in office has been the most inclusive, and it is only getting better, with India recently surpassing the UK as the worlds fifth-largest economy.

In contrast, during the 20042014 period, under a largely ineffectual Congress party, Indias economy was among the so-called fragile five." Today, however, India has the worlds eighth-largest gold reserves and fourth-largest foreign exchange reserves.

To cut to the chase, while Rahul Gandhi talks of a progressive new deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already been there and done that. Modi has repeatedly walked the talk on inclusivity, equity, transparency, accountability and fair play. In stark contrast, Rahuls grandmother, Indira Gandhi, undermined Indias banks by imposing complete state control in 1969, followed by her dismantling of free enterprise in the coal sector in 197172. Her most damaging legacy was the draconian MRTP Act of 1969, which became a breeding ground for corruption and a tool for harassing businesses. Fortunately, the Competition Act of 2002, driven by the principles of liberalisation and globalisation, replaced the MRTP Actthanks to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Rahuls great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, was no better when it came to the economy. The nationalisation of Air India in 1953 turned a profitable carrier into a white elephant. Air India was finally sold back to Tatas in 2021 by the Modi government in a clear example of minimum government, maximum governance".

Dont ever forget that the Congress government not only nationalised Air India but also ran it on taxpayer money for decades, ultimately bleeding it dry. Does India really want to return to Nehrus economic model of 1953 or Indira Gandhis equally flawed model of 1969? Certainly not. Yet, that is exactly what Rahul Gandhi seeks to do. He wants to turn the clock and take India back to the Marxist-Mahalanobis model of the 1950s and 1960s.

No discussion on the economy is complete without addressing Indian banking. Bank credit towards agriculture rose to over Rs 20 lakh crore in May 2024, up 21 per cent year-on-year. Interestingly, while agrarian loans have increased under PM Modis tenure, agriculture-related non-performing assets (NPAs) have sharply declinedfrom over 12 per cent in 2013 to under 5 per cent today. Additionally, the gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) fell to a 12-year low of just 2.8 per cent in March 2024 and is expected to decline further to 2.5 per cent by March 2025, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Under previous Congress regimes, ponzi loans and zombie loans to unscrupulous corporates were common, with 12 of Indias largest corporate defaults and NPAs occurring between 2004 and 2014. Modinomics changed that, introducing checks and balances. Under Congress, oligarchs engaged in match-fixing had the freedom to flout the law. Under PM Modi, the law of the land is applied equally to all; only those who break it have reason to fear the ED and the CBI, while law-abiding citizens have none.

Moreover, Rahul Gandhis allegations that Indian banks favour the wealthy and large businesses are completely unfounded. A case in point is State Bank of India (SBI), the countrys largest lender by assets. SBIs retail loans grew by 42.7 per cent, reaching a substantial Rs 12.43 lakh crore by 30 September 2023, up from Rs 8.71 lakh crore as of 31 March 2021. It needs to be mentioned here that retail loans are made up of housing loans, consumption loans for the purchase of durables, auto loans, credit cards, and educational loans. Following two Black Swan eventsthe Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflictEurope witnessed one of its largest banking collapses, with Credit Suisse going bust. In the USA, three major banksSignature Bank, First Republic Bank, and Silicon Valley Bankfailed, while in China, the real estate giant Evergrande went bankrupt. India, however, weathered this global geopolitical turmoil due to a resilient banking system strengthened by Modinomics, emerging unscathed, resilient, and stronger than ever before.

For example, three Indian lenders made it to the list of top 50 banks by assets in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023, with SBI at the 20th position, HDFC Bank at 33rd, and ICICI Bank at 48th, together holding assets exceeding $1.51 trillion. Additionally, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was recognised as the worlds strongest insurance brand, according to the Brand Finance Insurance 100 2024" report. LICs brand value remains steady at $9.8 billion, with a brand strength index score of 88.3 and an AAA brand strength rating.

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The key point is this: Modinomics is not about creating messiahs but about building globally vibrant brands, empowering farmers, youth, and women, fostering innovation, supporting businesses both big and small, putting more money into the hands of Indias aspirational middle class, and celebrating wealth creation. Modinomics is indeed the progressive new deal that India has been waiting for.

Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson for BJP and Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit". Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 14:55 IST
Opinion | Muslim Renaissance Yet To Come For Indians

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 10, 2024, 18:06 IST

Indian Muslims have yet to develop their Fuat Sezgin and are unlikely to in the near future unless the yoke of the ulema, selfish Muslim politicians and ambitious Muslim intellectuals is thrown away

Establishing the Aligarh Muslim University is considered one such Muslim Renaissance on the Indian subcontinent by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, writes the author.

Muslim intellectuals love to appropriate Western paradigm shifts in scientific revolutions, technological advancements, social and cultural movements, economic transitions and philosophical periods. These past decades since 9/11 there has been a lot of talk, and print and media content about a Muslim Renaissance. Some see it coming, some think it is already here, and some see it as a continuation from the last few centuries when the Ottoman caliphate and the Middle East finally adopted the printing press and started glorifying the Islamic Age of Reason during the Abbasid era.

Establishing the Aligarh Muslim University is considered one such Muslim Renaissance on the Indian subcontinent by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, who was known as a reformer, philosopher, and educationist for his efforts to modernise the Indian Muslim community in the Western-style education system. Founding the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which became Aligarh Muslim University, the 17th of October is celebrated as Sir Syed Day annually. It is a different story that he became irrelevant to the happenings of the college he founded and was reduced to an old Rip Van Winkle during his lifetime. Also not known much and not retold much is how he was accused of apostasy by the Muslim community for steering them towards a scientific education and rational thinking.

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Today he is most known for laying the groundwork for the two-nation theory, which later became the basis for the creation of Pakistan and is the darling of agenda activists and left-leaning portals funded by anti-India forces. The need, therefore, is to deconstruct this so-called Muslim Renaissance that he purported to have brought about by establishing AMU, which later became the boost to build Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). This year, Laurence Gautiers book Between Nation and Community: Muslim Universities and Indian Politics after Partition (Cambridge University Press, 2024), effectively traces how the two campuses have become strong centres of retrogressive forces of north Indian Muslims.

In his review of Gautiers book, Mohammad Sajjad, Professor of History, at AMU and author of Muslim Politics in Bihar and various other works, in a panel discussion at the India International Centre (IIC) explains how by using the academic essays of Anuj Nadaur (2006), Simon Wolfgang Fuchs (2022), Yoginder Sikand (2003), etc, Gautier has proved both Universities were now becoming even stronger bastions of Islamism and retrogression rather than enhancing the qualitative and quantitative output in terms of academic research and or prioritizing the educational uplift of the Qaum. Worse still, the more they stoked majoritarian forces through their own retrogression, the more they made themselves all the more vulnerable, as this partly contributed to pushing India towards Hindu supremacism".

To take back the meaning and usage of the term Renaissance, one has to go back to Western history. The Renaissance was a transformative period in European history, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century. It marked a profound cultural, artistic, political, and economic rebirth" following the Middle Ages. It was followed by The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, an influential intellectual and cultural movement that took place, again in Europe, during the late 17th and 18th centuries. It emphasised reason, individualism, and scepticism of traditional authority, profoundly shaping modern Western thought.

There was an Islamic Age of Reason, better known and glorified as the Golden Age of Islam or correctly as the Age of Translation. This was a period of remarkable cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the history of Islam. This era is traditionally dated from the 8th century to the 13th century, although some scholars extend it to the 15th or 16th centuries. The establishment of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad during the reign of the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid (786-809) marked the beginning of this era. Scholars from various parts of the world gathered here to translate classical knowledge from Sanskrit, Chinese, Greek and Persian texts into Arabic, the language of the world under Muslim domination at that time.

The period saw significant contributions in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and chemistry. Notable figures include Al-Khwarizmi, who developed algebra, and Ibn al-Haytham, who made groundbreaking contributions to optics. Scholars like Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Averroes (Ibn Rushd) made substantial contributions to philosophy and medicine. Their works were later translated into Latin and influenced European thought. The Islamic Golden Age also witnessed the flourishing of arts, including calligraphy, ceramics, and architecture. The intricate designs and architectural marvels from this period continue to be admired today.

The Islamic world became a hub of trade and cultural exchange, connecting the East and the West. This facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas across continents. The Islamic Age of Reason, much before the Western Renaissance or the Age of Enlightenment played a crucial role in preserving and expanding upon the knowledge of ancient civilisations. The translations and original works produced during this period laid the foundation for the Renaissance in Europe and significantly influenced the development of modern science and philosophy.

However, the Islamic world committed intellectual suicide or what came to be known as the closing of the Muslim mind when a pivotal intellectual struggle occurred within the Islamic world nearly a millennium ago. This struggle was between rationalist philosophers, who advocated for the use of reason and empirical evidence, and traditionalist theologians, who emphasized divine revelation and the omnipotence of God. This defeat of the rationalist philosophers, particularly the Mutazilites, by the traditionalist Asharites led to a theological framework that discouraged scientific inquiry and rational thought. This intellectual shift contributed to the stagnation of scientific and technological progress in the Islamic world. Authors like the Turkish Mustafa Akyol and the Tunisian-American Anouar Majid have linked this historical development to contemporary issues in the Muslim world, including political instability and the rise of extremist ideologies.

So this Sir Syed Day, there can be no blinkers as to what constitutes an Islamic Enlightenment or a Muslim Renaissance. Unless the research and scholarship at AMU, JMI and other Muslim bastions of knowledge have scholars delving into rationalist philosophy, scientific enquiry and reconciling the message of Islam with modernity, he cannot be celebrated as the leader that the Indian Muslims should be emulating as a role model, which a specific journalist of The Wire" posted on X. Instead Indian Muslims need a Fuat Sezgin (1924-2018), a prominent Turkish scholar and historian of science, known for his extensive research on the history of Arabic-Islamic science.

After earning his PhD from Istanbul University in 1950, he challenged existing views on Islamic texts by demonstrating that Al-Bukharis collection of Hadiths was based on 7th-century written sources. Sezgin founded the Institute of the History of the Arab-Islamic Sciences in 1982 at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, which houses a vast collection of texts and replicas of scientific instruments.

His 17-volume work, Geschichte des Arabischen Schrifttums (History of Arabic Literature), remains a key reference in the field. Sezgin also established museums in Frankfurt and Istanbul to display replicas of historical scientific tools, emphasizing the contributions of Islamic scholars. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including the King Faisal International Prize. His work highlighted the profound influence of Islamic science on global knowledge.

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Considering the trajectories the Saudis and the Emiratis are taking, it could be that many Fuat Sezgins will be employed to steer the global Muslim community towards enlightenment or renaissance or another age of reason. Indian Muslims have yet to develop their Fuat Sezgin and are unlikely to in the near future unless the yoke of the ulema, selfish Muslim politicians and ambitious Muslim intellectuals is thrown away.

The author is a writer and an educationist from Srinagar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: November 10, 2024, 18:06 IST
Opinion | Why Kamala Harris Loss Will Be Womens Gain

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 10:37 IST

It will ensure that when a woman does win the US Presidential race, it will be for the right reasons

Being No. 2 in the power hierarchy is not as grand as it sounds but the few times that Harris did have a chance to shine as VP, she did not. (AP File Photo)

American voters are being pilloried (especially by the media) for being racist and misogynist. All because more of them voted for a rich, white, orange-faced man rather than a not-so-rich, not-white, not-orange-faced woman. But did the 74.5 million and 70.8 million people who voted for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris respectively, do so only because of these qualities? Then both camps of voters should be branded racistand if not misogynist then at least sexist.

It is not that America is not ready for or willing to elect a womanwhite, black or mixed raceto the highest office. Unfortunately, both women who made it to the top of the Presidential ticket were not the strongest choices to put before the electorate of an established democracy. One was distrusted and the other untested; so much so that even Trump, for all his shortcomings, appeared better placed to deliver on the issues that really concerned American voters.

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Expecting and exhorting some segments to vote on racial lines was egregious too. Why should it be presumed that all non-whites (Black, Asian, whatever) wouldor shouldvote for non-whites but not be derided as racist when whites who vote for whites invariably are? Racism cuts both ways. The results reveal that a whopping 85 per cent of Black voters opted for Harris but only just about 57 per cent of whites voted for Trump. Which cohort voted more on racial lines then?

Remember, there are far more white people (still) in the US than there are Blackssome 72.5 per cent of the total population of 337 million. So, more whites did not vote for the candidate of their own race. But Blacks, who historically turn out to vote in far fewer numbers percentage-wise, did just that but are not deemed racist. Some 54 per cent of Asian Americans chose Black-Asian Harris, but that was 5 per cent less than the percentage Joe Biden got in 2020. So what are they?

Much of the tenor of the Democratic candidates campaign was that Blacks were obliged to vote for Harris out of racial solidarity, a line that, if used in the context of Whites, would be instantly branded as unforgivably racist. Even former President Barack Obamas pitch was racially slanted, exhorting Black men to vote for someone of their own community" (race) rather than someone who is not. Not because she was the better candidate, but because shes Black.

That last pointwho was the better candidategot lost in the Democratic Party emphasis on Harris racial and gender attributes. Being Black and female was sought to be pushed as the ultimate clincher rather than showcasing her talent and asserting her competence. Denouncing Trumps remarks on the campaign trail as racist/sexist and urging voters to reject him in favour of Harris primarily on that ground may have seemed clever but did not pay off eventually.

Elections even in a two-party polity are not just contests between men and women (or people of the same gender) but between two ideologies and two world views. The focus in 2024 logically should have also been on those differentiators, rather than on gender and race. Being white, male and rich has inbuilt disadvantages these days in some circles in the US, but Trump banked on US voters across the divide rising above that prejudice. Enough of them did just that.

On the other hand, campaign strategists for Harris hoped that all (or most) Black Americans would vote for her because she is (half-) Black, ditto Asian-Americans because she is (half-)Asian and all women (of whatever race) because shes female, casting aside other pressing national issues. Had the vote gone that way, it would have indicated a regressive US electorate. However, American voters turned out to be more evolved than the Harris camp counted on.

Indeed, the presumption that Harris would get votes for being Black (or Asian, or both) is a cruel twist to Martin Luther King Jrs iconic wish at his 28 August 1963 March on Washington: I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character." That had been the touchstone for liberal politicstill Critical Race Theory weaponised ethnicity from 1989 onwards.

Luckily for America, that divisive Left-touted argumentthat all legacy institutions and concomitant laws and practices are inherently discriminatory against Blacks (if not all non-whites)has not permeated the body politic entirely. There are pockets across the board in the US that still retain their common sense on that count and refuse to be guilt-tripped, browbeaten or fooled into voting for the wrong reasons, irrespective of who they finally do opt for.

Equally odious was the Democrats contention that Americans should vote for Harris because she is a woman as not doing so would be an inherently sexist / misogynist act. That same argument was trotted out when Hillary Clinton was the candidate. They thought gender would override all doubts, including Clintons identification in voters minds with all that was wrong with the system: slick career politicians and shady machinators cutting cosy deals in Washington DC.

In Harris case, being a trail-blazing female in her legal career was not inspiring enough to overlook her less-than-inspiring term as Vice President, even when she had specific tasks to handle. The sad fact is that in any job in the world, female contenders have to demonstrate they are twice as good to be regarded as half as competent. Being No2 in the power hierarchy is not as grand as it sounds but the few times that Harris did have a chance to shine as VP, she did not.

It was a bit much then to expect Americans to give Harris extra marks (and their votes) for just being female, when she waffled about how she would tackle the cost of living, the migrant crisis, and even Ukraine. Worse still, to castigate those who did not consider her gender to be the clincher as being sexist/misogynist smacks of disconnect, condescension and entitlementwhich are becoming increasingly aired grouses against the current avatar of the Democratic Party.

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The partisan US mainstream media will regard those who voted for an orange-faced man despite there being a female Black alternative, as traitors, never mind that the same electorate had previously voted a Black man into the White House twice. But the outcome of this unprecedented Presidential race will hopefully ensure that future women candidates will be strong enough to be elected for their policies and personalities, not just their gender and race.

The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 10:37 IST
" " You may want to be on the lookout for venomous snakes, territorial African elephants and lethal mosquito bites on this continent. Md_Tahmid_Hasan / Shutterstock

Africa is home to some of the most dangerous animals on the planet, and many of them pose a real threat to humans. With that said, the most dangerous animal in Africa may surprise you.

While some are predators that hunt humans or fiercely defend their territory, others are smaller creatures whose impact on human populations comes in the form of diseases or venom. So, what makes an animal dangerous? It's all about the number of fatalities and injuries they cause  whether through aggressive behavior, deadly bites, or even carrying deadly diseases.

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Let's dive into the top 15 most dangerous animals in Africa, ranked by the number of recorded human fatalities and injuries. These wild animals have developed adaptations that can make them lethal to humans, whether through direct attacks or the transmission of deadly pathogens.
4% Reservation Will Be Scrapped If You Support Modi, Revanth Reddy Tells Minorities

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 16:39 IST

Revanth Reddy said there were not many parties in the country. There were only two  one was the Modi pariwar and the other was Gandhi pariwar.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy participated in the Celebrations of National Education Day & Minorities Welfare Day at Ravindra Bharathi. (X)

In an attempt to win the confidence of minority voters in the state, Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy on Monday appealed to the minority communities to support the Congress party to protect the reservations granted to them.

While speaking at the Minorities Welfare Day celebration in Hyderabad, Reddy took a jibe at BJP saying that they take away the votes of the minority communities and then bring laws to scrap the the reservations.

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During Ramzan, they wear sherwanis and have biryani along with you and out of sentiment, you support them. But think wisely, they take your votes here and whom do they support in Delhi?" Reddy asked the gathering.

#WATCH | Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy says, During Ramzan, they wear sherwanis and have biryani along with you and out of sentiment, you support them. But think wisely, they take your votes here and whom do they support in Delhi? There are two pariwaar in pic.twitter.com/RzaJPIMYSn ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

The Chief Minister further said there were not many parties in the country. There were only two  one was the Modi pariwar and the other was Gandhi pariwar.

If you decide to support Modi pariwar, they will scrap the four percent reservation provided exclusively to minorities by the Congress. Decide for yourself on whom to support," he said.

He further said that he was bit upset with the minority communities as they had not elected even one minority candidate from the Congress in any of 119 constituencies in the State, reported Telangana Today. He said that this was the reason why there was no Minority Minister in the State cabinet.

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Meanwhile, Advisor to the State government, Mohd Ali Shabbir openly challenged the saffron party saying it could never scrap the OBC reservation provided to minorities by the Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been saying that they will scrap Muslim reservations. Kisike baap se bhi ye nahi ho sakta (none can do this)," Shabbir said as quoted by the news outlet.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 16:39 IST
'Batoge To Katoge' Makes It To Wedding Invite In Gujarat With Photos Of PM Modi, CM Yogi

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 10:51 IST

Such political support through wedding cards is not the first. In 2019 too, it was a Gujarati couple that tied the knot but in their invitation sought to explain what they called "Rafale truths.

This Gujarat wedding also includes Modis message of cleanliness on the invitation. (Image: News18)

Wedding invitations have the most unconventional way of backing a political ideology, decision or in this case, a slogan. The backing is articulated on the invitation cards, which then are distributed to thousands  spreading the message. However, from the days of the Rafale deal when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi screamed scam over it in 2019, to the present day when a Bhavnagar youth about to get married later this month and wanted to advertise Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths Batenge to Katenge slogan  most have come from Modis Gujarat.

YOGI-MODI ON GUJARATI WEDDING CARD

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PM Modi and CM Yogi are right now at the centre of discussion in Gujarats Bhavnagar. This is because a BJP cadres brother, who is slated to get married on November 23, has pasted Batoge to Katoge on every envelope of his wedding card. On both sides of the quote are photos of Yogi Adityanath and PM Modi. In between is the photo of the Grand Shri Ram Temple.

This is a message given first by CM Yogi in the background of religious fanaticism faced by the Hindu community after Sheikh Hasinas government was toppled overnight in Bangladesh. Adityanath wanted to send out a message of the importance of staying united that was well received in the Haryana election, and has gotten the backing of the Sangh ever since. Now in the Maharashtra election, PM Modi has commented on the same essence by coining a new phrase, Ek hai to safe hai (well be safe if we are one)".

My brother was getting marriedI noticed that Hindu society was broken, there was no unity. Then I heard Modi ji speak. It was my small effort to let people know the views of Modi and Yogi," said the BJP cadre.

But in Modis home state, Gujarat, people almost feel a compulsive duty to spread his message to the masses. In fact, this wedding also includes Modis message of cleanliness on the invitation.

POLITICAL WEDDING CARDS? NOT THE FIRST

While it may surprise many, such political support through wedding cards is not the first. In 2019 too, it was a Gujarati couple that tied the knot but in their invitation sought to explain what they called Rafale truths"  the biggest issue of the time as the nation was heading for Lok Sabha election and Rahul Gandhi had upped the ante against the BJP government.

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Yuvraj Pokharna and Sakshi Agrawal from Surat got married on January 22, 2019, at Silvassa and in their invitation, they sought to confront invitees with nine truths that debunked Gandhis scam bogey. Keep calm and trust NAMO," read the wedding invitation that requested invitees not to bring gifts, but instead vote for the BJP.

Whats more? Even before their wedding, the Prime Minister himself battling to settle the narrative right sent them a note of appreciation and wished them well for their life ahead. The ingenuity of its content reflects your abiding concern and love for the nation. This also inspires me to keep working harder for our country," wrote the Prime Minister to Yuvraj and Sakshi  two fellow Gujaratis, who made their lives biggest event about PM Modis messaging.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 10:51 IST
'India Faces Threat From RSS, Modi, Amit Shah': Kharge On 'Ek Hai To Safe Hai'

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 23:17 IST

According to Kharge, political decorum is not maintained under Modis leadership, unlike the days of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge (Image/PTI File)

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday criticised the Ek Hai to Safe Hai" and Batenge to Katenge" slogans, claiming threat to India from the RSS, BJP, PM Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing a Save Constitution conference in Mumbai, Kharge targeted the prime minister, alleging discussions and debate are not allowed in Parliament.

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The prime minister says Ek Hai to Safe Hai while other leaders (of BJP) talk about Batenge to Katenge (divided we fall). Who is threatened? Is there any problem? In fact, the country faces threat from RSS, BJP, Modi, and (Union home minister Amit) Shah," Kharge said.

Launching BJPs campaign for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls, Modi had mentioned Ek Hai to Safe Hai while accusing the Congress of trying to divide OBCs, SCs and STs.

Yogi Adityanaths Batenge to Katenge slogan, viewed as a call for Hindus to stay united, is also gaining traction.

Continuing his tirade against Modi, Kharge wondered whether he could be termed as a democratic prime minister.

"Issues can be resolved through discussions which will strengthen democracy. But they (BJP) want to dismantle democracy," the Congress veteran alleged.

According to Kharge, political decorum is not maintained under Modis leadership, unlike the days of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"Vajpayee, Nehru, and Indira Gandhi mutually respected each other despite their political differences. But Modi constantly attacks us and we had to respond," he said.

Kharge was in Mumbai to unveil the manifesto of Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP), for the assembly elections.

The MVA and ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance are locked in a fierce contest for political supremacy in the western state.

Kharge accused the BJP of distorting issues and dividing people.

"BJP and RSS have already divided people. We work to unite people," he said.

He alleged that whenever BJP realises that it cannot win elections and form a government, it uses ED, CBI and other Central agencies against its political adversaries.

"How long the Central agencies will continue to intimidate politicians and put them in jail? We are fighting against the government with a strong resolve," Kharge said.

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NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule said the Sharad Pawar-led faction and Shiv Sena (UBT) will continue their legal battle in the Supreme Court to freeze the symbols allotted to the rival factions.

"We feel our new symbols are better than the previous ones," she said, adding that their fight against BJP is of ideology and principles and not personal.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 23:17 IST
'Anti-Hindu, Anti-Sanatan': BJP Slams Congress For Kharge's 'Terrorist' Remark Against Yogi

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 19:12 IST

The BJP said while Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge is saying Yogi Adityanaths 'gerua' attire should not be brought into politics, he would not say the same about Muslim religious leaders

Attacking UP CM Yogi Adityanath (R), Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said remarks like 'batenge toh katenge' cannot be made by a true yogi. (Image: ANI/X)

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharges remarks about Yogi Adityanath has triggered a fresh controversy, with the BJP slamming the party for calling the Uttar Pradesh chief minister a terrorist".

In a no-holds-barred attack on Adityanath on Monday, Kharge said a true yogi" would never make remarks like batenge toh katenge" (if divided, we will be wiped out) and this language is used by terrorists".

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Calling the Congress anti-Hindu" and anti-Sanatan", the BJP said the party is the only one to talk about saffron terrorism" and Hindu terror". It said while Kharge is saying how Adityanaths gerua attire should not be brought into politics, he would not say the same about Muslim religious leaders.

This is the true philosophy and DNA of the Congress, which is anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan. Therefore, the Congress is now saying those who wear gerua and saffron, the clothes of a sadhu should not come into politics but will they ever say this about maulana and maulvi?" said BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on the Congress presidents statement.

#WATCH | On Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's statement, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, " This is the true philosophy and DNA of Congress which is anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan. Therefore, Congress is now saying that those who wear 'gerua' and saffron, the clothes of a https://t.co/O0VfA41gWZ pic.twitter.com/6gAMcem9d5 ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

This is the same Congress that spoke about saffron terrorism, Hindu terrorthey will never say such things about other faiths; it shows that the Congress hurt Hindu faith for votes of their vote bankthey consider batoge toh katoge as communal and vote jihad as secular" he added.

Congress Has Lost Mental Balance

Another BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said the Congress has lost mental balance" and the party will have to pay a heavy price for Kharges remarks. He alleged that a party, which is sympathetic" towards terrorists, is doing religious appeasement" by calling a Hindu saint (Yogi Adityanath) a terrorist."

The Congress, which is chanting caste-based slogans, is scared of the slogan batenge toh katenge. A panicked Congress has lost mental balance. Mallikarjun Kharges statement will be very heavy on the Congress," he said.

Spiritual leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said Kharge should first declare whether he is a Hindu or not as it seems that he is irritated by Sanatana".

From his name, Mallikarjun Kharge seems to be Hindu but his actions dont make it seem that he is Hindu. He should first say who he is, whether he is Hindu or not. No Hindu can disrespect saints and mahatmas. The manner in which he is making statements, it seems that he is irritated by Sanatana" he said.

#WATCH | #WATCH | Sambhal, UP: On Congres president Mallikarjun Kharge's statement, Acharya Pramod Krishnam says, "From his name. Mallikarjun Kharge seems to be HinduBut his actions don't make it seem that he is Hindu. He should first say who he is, whether he is Hindu or not. https://t.co/O0VfA41gWZ pic.twitter.com/YwFk0IuuaK ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

He said those against Sanatana are against India, and vice versa. I dont think anyone who spites Sanatana has the right to do politics in India. Anyone who is against Sanatana, is against India. Those who are against India, are against Sanatana. He is such a senior leader Hindus will not disrespect Hindu saints Making such shallow comments on Yogi Adityanath doesnt suit Mallikarjun Kharge" he added.

Why Is There Such An Uproar?

Kharge, who has severely criticised Adityanath in the last few days for his batenge toh katenge remark, alleged that Adityanath believes in mukh me Ram, bagal me chhuri" (a wolf in lambs clothing).

A true Yogi cannot use language like batenge toh katenge (if divided, we will be wiped out). This language is used by terrorists. Yogi is head of a mutt, wears saffron robes, but believes in mukh me Ram bagal me chhuri," he said at a public rally in poll-bound Jharkhands Ranchi in his latest bout of criticism.

Giving the example of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, he said she forgave one of Rajiv Gandhis killers while party leader Priyanka Gandhi even embraced the killer. This is compassion," he added.

On Sunday (November 10), the Congress chief criticised Yogis batenge toh katenge" and Prime Minister Narendra Modis ek hain toh safe hain" slogans, claiming threat to India from the RSS, BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing a Save Constitution conference in Mumbai, he targeted Modi alleging that discussions and debate are not allowed in Parliament.

#WATCH | Mumbai: At the 'Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan', Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear 'gerua' clothes and have no hair on their pic.twitter.com/wLnFkNNNz7 ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2024

The prime minister says ek hain toh safe hain while other leaders (of the BJP) talk about batenge toh katenge (divided we fall). Who is threatened? Is there any problem? In fact, the country faces a threat from RSS, BJP, Modi, and (Union home minister Amit) Shah," he said.

On November 9 (Saturday), during a press conference in Nagpur, Kharge said several leaders from his party have laid down their lives to unite the country, countering Adityanaths batenge toh katenge slogan. Those who want the country to remain united will never pass such divisive remarks, he said.

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Launching the BJPs campaign for the November 20 assembly election in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister had mentioned ek hain toh safe hain while accusing the Congress of trying to divide OBCs, SCs and STs. Adityanaths batenge toh katenge slogan, viewed as a call for Hindus to stay united, is also gaining traction.

(With PTI inputs)

First Published: November 11, 2024, 18:41 IST
Maharashtra Elections: I Am The Only Former CM Without A House In Mumbai, Says Fadnavis

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 11:56 IST

Devendra Fadnavis expressed pride in his Nagpur roots, stating that the citys landscape has transformed since his government came to power in the state and at the Center

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that people currently address him affectionately as 'Devbhau'. (PTI/File)

The campaign for the assembly elections in Maharashtra is in full swing. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has been winning from the Nagpur South West assembly constituency for five terms, claimed at a public meeting in Nagpur that he is the only former Chief Minister who does not have a house in Mumbai.

There have been 20 Chief Ministers in the state till date. But among them I am the only former Chief Minister who does not have a house in Mumbai," he said.

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Fadnavis further affirmed his pride in being a Nagpurian, stating that the face of Nagpur has changed since his government came to power in the state and the country.

The former Chief Minister stated that people currently address him affectionately as Devbhau. He added that he has never contemplated his own career path to date. Instead of establishing his own enterprise, he has consistently dedicated himself to serving society.

Attacking the opposition, Fadnavis asserted that the Congress government had suppressed the report of the Lad Page Committee. In contrast, his government, upon implementing the report, delivered justice to the Valmiki, Sudarshan, and Makhiar communities. He further highlighted his governments establishment of a separate ministry for OBCs and the introduction of various plans for their benefit. Additionally, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that 52 hostels were constructed, as the Mahayuti prioritised all communities.

While speaking at a rally at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in support of Mahayuti coalition candidates Atul Save (Aurangabad East), Sanjay Shirsat (Aurangabad West) and Pradip Jaiswal (Aurangabad Central) on Saturday, Fadnavis said, Vote Jihad" should be countered by Dharma-yuddha" of vote.

No one can change the name of this city now. At an AIMIM rally here, someone asked who was Sambhaji Maharaj. Sambhaji Maharaj remained undefeated for nine years. So we have given his name to the city," he said.

The city, earlier known as Aurangabad, was renamed for Sambhaji, the second ruler of the Maratha state after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

A vote Jihad has begun in the state now. We saw that in the Lok Sabha elections. In Dhule, we were ahead by 1.90 lakh votes but the Malegaon (assembly segment) had 1.94 lakh votes and we were defeated by only 4,000 votes. This vote Jihad was the reason for our defeat there because we were not together," said the BJP leader.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given the message batenge to katenge (divided we perish) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said ek rahenge to safe rahenge (united we remain safe), Fadnavis said.

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The election is an opportunity to show that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was a saffron fortress, he added.

Devendra Fadnavis has spent 64,136 rupees on his election campaign to date. Meanwhile, Girish Pandav, the Congress candidate from South Nagpur, is leading in election expenses, having spent 6,56,675 rupees. Candidates have submitted the information about the expenses of the first phase to the election administration.

Location : Nagpur, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 11:56 IST
PM Modi Believes In Purchasing MLAs Like Goats, Toppling Govts, Says Kharge

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 23:49 IST

Kharge also charged Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of running the central government with "Adani and Ambani"

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge (Image/PTI File)

In a no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused him of oppressing the opposition, toppling elected governments and purchasing legislators like goats to feed and feast on them later".

Addressing two poll rallies in the state, he also charged Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of running the central government with Adani and Ambani".

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Kharge attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleging that he believes in Mukh me Ram, bagal me chhuri (A wolf in lambs clothing).

Modi-ji believes in toppling governments. He purchases MLA. Unka kaam MLAs ko bakri ke jaise apne pas rakh lena, palna aur fir baad me kaat kar khana hai(Modi keeps MLAs like goats, feeds them and later feasts on them). This is Modi," Kharge alleged.

Modi and Shah have unleashed ED, CBI and other central agencies against opposition leaders but we are not afraid. We fought for Independence, sacrificed our lives," Kharge claimed.

Let Modi put us behind bars, we will continue to serve the poor," he said.

Four people  Modi, Shah, Adani and Ambani  are running the country, while Rahul Gandhi and I trying to save the Constitution and democracy," he claimed.

Kharge took a jibe at the PM saying Modi believes he is not biological" and alleged: He is a habitual liar who never fulfils his promises Did any Golden era come to Gujarat?" We have been tolerating Modi for 25 years as CM and PM. He supports those who exploit backward people and women PM Modi is afraid to visit Manipur, I dare him to go there," the Congress president claimed.

Kharge alleged: PM Modi is looting coal, iron ore from Jharkhand; his party is of snatchers. They are yet to clear Rs 1.36 lakh crore of Jharkhand in lieu of coal mining." Accusing the PM of being Jhoothon Ka Sardar" (Head of liars), he charged Modi with devouring all that the people earn, without fulfilling promises.

Akash me cheel udti hai to bolte hai bhains ud raha hai (If a kite flies in the sky, he says it is a buffalo)," he alleged.

Attacking the UP CM, Kharge said, A true Yogi cannot use language like batenge toh katenge (if divided, we will be wiped out). This language is used by terrorists. Yogi is head of a mutt, wears saffron robes, but believes in mukh me Ram bagal me chhuri." In a frontal attack on the BJP leader, Kharge said he should discard his saffron robe and instead wear white like other politicians, as he believes in Jo tera hai wo mera hai (what is yours is mine) and stop befooling" masses.

Sonia Gandhi forgave one of the killers of her husband Rajiv Gandhi while Priyanka Gandhi embraced the killer, he said adding that this is compassion.

Kharge alleged: The BJP is dividing the country for which Indira Gandhi faced 36 bullets and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed his life Those dividing the country are teaching deshbhakti (patrotism) to us.

Wondering whether anyone in BJP-RSS sacrificed life for the country, the Congress leader alleged: You took lives instead." Kharge hit out at PM Modi and BJP saying they calls us urban Naxals for showing red constitution. But Modi himself presented the same constitution to ex-President Ram Nath Kovind. They say the constitution flashed by our leader was blank, which is disrespect of the Constitution." BJP has been accusing the Congress of distributing blank copies of the Constitution" at an event led by Rahul Gandhi in Maharashtra recently.

Kharge said the opposition needs to win in states to prevent PM Modi from amending the Constitution.

He said, The BJP destroys whatever it touches. Ram Mandirs roof is leaking, while a bullet train bridge collapsed." Kharge claimed that 81 NDA ministers came from outside to Jharkhand for campaigning in 81 seats of the state.

The Modi government is limping on support from JDUs Nitish Kumar and TDPs Chandrababu Naidu, he claimed.

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The situation is such in the country that people are watching Modi darshan on television from day to night on TV while God Darshan is rare, Kharge said taking a jibe at the Centre.

Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand assembly will be held on November 13 and 20, while the counting of votes polled will take place on November 23.

Location : Ranchi, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 23:49 IST
Beware! Typing These 6 Words On Google Could Leave You Vulnerable To Hackers

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 12:00 IST

Hackers are using new and innovative ways to exploit and steal your data, which now includes a Google search result.

Just typing these words can get you in trouble

There is a major warning for people using the internet regularly and searching for information via platforms like Google. UK-based cybersecurity firm SOPHOS has warned about a new hacking tactic targeting users who enter certain words into their computers search engine.

According to a report by The New York Times, SOPHOS advises against searching for six specific terms, as doing so could heighten the risk of cyberattacks. One example cited is users who search Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?"allegedly had their personal information exposed online after clicking on a top search result link.Victims are often enticed into clicking on malicious adware or links disguised as legitimate marketing, or in this case a legitimate Google search," the firm explained in a post.

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In addition, the alert stated that hackers appear to target users who include the word Australia" in their searches, indicating that citizens of the country are more vulnerable to these cyberattacks.

SOPHOS noted that customers bank account information and personal information are taken by a program called Gootloader when they click on the search result that comes at the top and appears to be authentic. Moreover, this application has the capacity to lock the user out of their computer.

The cybersecurity firm asserted that although the word Bengal cats" may seem rather specialised, users dont need to enter any malicious information to be vulnerable to these attacks and have their private data taken and shared online.

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These days, cybercriminals use programs to snoop on clean and innocent Google searches employing a technique known as SEO poisoning." The Daily Mail has described this practice as an insidious technique in which criminals manipulate search engine results to push websites they control to the top of the page." SOPHOS advised anyone who may have been a victim of SEO poisoning to change their password as soon as possible and enhance their security systems.

Reportedly, Hackers steal peoples data and even take over their devices by using malware, which is software created expressly to damage computers, networks and gadgets. Malware comes in a variety of types, such as trojan horses, bots, viruses, worms, ransomware (which prevents users from accessing their computers unless they pay) and more.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: November 11, 2024, 12:00 IST
Barbie Maker Mattel Accidentally Prints Porn Website On 'Wicked' Doll Boxes, Later Apologises

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 10:39 IST

The Barbie-making company Mattel made massive goof-up after it accidentally printed the link of an adult website on the packaging.

Wicked dolls (Photo: X/just2good)

Toy manufacturing company Mattel has issued an apology for printing the address to a pornographic website on the packaging for dolls. The doll packaging was released to promote the upcoming musical fantasy film Wicked.

The social media users flagged the issue online last week as found the website link on the back of the doll boxes which led them to the adult website. Such posts went viral in a flash.

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The dolls were launched ahead of the release of the film Wicked. The misprints were found on the boxes of Glinda and Elphaba dolls who are the two protagonists in the film.

Social media users react

As social media users realised that backside of the box had wicked.com instead of wickedmovie.com, they put out pictures and videos of the same online highlighting the goof-up by the toy company.

Theyre now putting porn site links on the back of childrens toys.This is from Mattels Wicked movie dolls pic.twitter.com/snwMX5S1Hx  Vision4theBlind (@Vision4theBlind) November 11, 2024

LMAO Universal pictures put the wrong website for @wickedmovie on the back of their dolls for kids. It leads to a porn website  #Wicked pic.twitter.com/agD48yHltV Stuntman Mike (@Stuntman_Mik3) November 10, 2024

The official Mattel Wicked dolls link to a porn site on the box  pic.twitter.com/iW4mNVAlPE just2good (Sarah Genao) (@just2goodYT) November 9, 2024

Mattel apologises

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Mattel, the brand known for manufacturing Barbie and Hot Wheels, issued a statement on Sunday apologising for the unfortunate error".

Its products, targeting primarily children, reach over 150 countries and the misprint on the Wicked dolls was a massive embarrassing moment for the company.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 10:21 IST
Giant Meteorite To Hit Earth On November 13? What We Know

Curated By :

Local News Desk

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 17:32 IST

Astronomers issued a warning about a massive asteroid that is set to come close to the Earth.

Space is filled with mysteries.

A giant meteorite has increased NASAs problems. They fear that if this meteorite is as big as a rock and it touches the earth, it could cause devastation. A meteorite is a small planet, which breaks into small pieces at the time of formation of a planet and stars revolving around the Sun. One of these pieces comes near the Earth. Many asteroids burn up beforehand, and many times they have also collided with the Earth. Space is filled with mysteries. Sometimes we face the threat of an asteroid moving towards the Earth; and over time, scientists spot a new star. Currently, astronomers have issued a warning about a massive asteroid that is set to come very close to Earth. While talking about the size of this meteorite, scientists argued that its average size is as big as the Empire State Building. Its size is 450*170 metres and if it touches the earth, the explosion caused by it will be as big as a hundred atom bombs falling on the Earth. NASA is worried about it because it has been a threat to the Earth since 2004.

This asteroid is being called the God of Chaos and it will pass very close to Earth on November 13. This meteorite has been named Space Rock 99942 Apophis. Due to the gravitational force of our planet, it will pass at a distance of 19,000 miles from Earth.

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According to the Planetary Society, its impact will be like the explosion of hundreds of nuclear bombs. This meteorite has been a cause of concern for NASA for the last 20 years because there is a possibility of it colliding with Earth. Since its discovery in 2004, it has been considered a threat to Earth. It is a matter of relief that according to NASAs Near-Earth Object Studies Center, this meteorite will not collide with Earth at least in the coming 100 years.

A team of researchers led by asteroid scientist Ronald-Louis Ballouz said that if Apophis passes through the Earths gravitational field, the possibility of astroquakes will increase. This will cause severe vibrations on the surface.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: November 11, 2024, 17:32 IST
SriLankan Airlines Ad Shows Real Locations Of Ramayana, Leaves Indians With Goosebumps

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 12:45 IST

A SriLankan Airlines advertisement shows a grandmother and her grandson exploring the Ramayana Trail together.

A SriLankan Airlines advertisement highlights the real-life locations referenced in the Hindu epic Ramayana. (Pic credit: X/@flysrilankan)

Sri Lankan Airlines has been receiving praise online for an advertisement that intertwines the epic of the Ramayana with real-life locations across the south Asian country. The ad aims to position Sri Lanka as a leading tourist destination, particularly for Indians and devotees of Lord Rama.

Relive the epic of The Ramayana Trail," reads the caption to the advertisement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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It adds, Embark on a journey through Sri Lankas legendary landscapes with SriLankan Holidays, offering a fully customized experience tailored just for you. Every step of your adventure is designed to bring out the grandeur and glory in the ancient tales when you explore the real-life locations of the mythical sites."

Read| 5 Must-Do Experiences in Sri Lanka Before the Year Ends

Ready to dive into these enchanting stories? Begin your unforgettable journey today," the caption further reads.

The advertisement opens to show a grandmother and her grandson exploring the Ramayana Trail together. When the boy asks if the locations in the Hindu epic are real, she confirms it. It then leads to an animated depiction of Ravana flying with Sita to Sri Lanka in his Pushpaka Vimana, followed by visuals of actual sites in Sri Lanka, including Ravanas Cave, where Sita was held.

The grandmother explains how Hanuman found Sita in Lanka, praying for rescue, and describes his capture, burning tail, and revenge on Ravanas palace.

Also Read| Man Urges Indians To Boycott Goa, Calls It A Tourist Trap With High Prices And Dirty Beaches

When asked if Rama flew to Lanka to save Sita, she narrates the story of the Ram Setu bridge built by Lord Ramas army. She then recounts Hanumans journey to lift the entire Sanjeevani mountain to save Laxmana. The ad also showcases the place where Rama used the Brahmastra to defeat Ravana and depicts Vibhishanas crowning as Lankas king before Ramas return to Ayodhya.

Watch the five-minute long advertisement below:

Relive the epic of The Ramayana TrailEmbark on a journey through Sri Lankas legendary landscapes with SriLankan Holidays, offering a fully customized experience tailored just for you. Every step of your adventure is designed to bring out the grandeur and glory in the ancient pic.twitter.com/jctUhc4JKn  SriLankan Airlines (@flysrilankan) November 8, 2024

The video, since being shared on November 8, has since sparked numerous reactions from Indians. Many even took to the comments section of the video to share their thoughts.

I was planning a trip to Tokyo with friends next year. But this advertisement made me to change my plans to Sri Lanka now. Didnt know, that Sri Lankans have conserved those historical places till date. Very well made advertisement," wrote one X user as he expressed his gratitude towards the airline. He ended his comment with a religious chant Jai Shri Ram".

Another expressed, Beautiful, Visited Ella and Sigiriya! Thanks Sri Lanka for keeping the spirit of Ramayana alive. One can still feel the presence of Mighty Ravana in Lions Rock!"

Take a bow SriLankan Airlines. Amazing ad," wrote a third.

A fourth commented, This advertisement is something which was missing for a long long time. My curiosity to visit Sri Lanka again has taken place after watching this advertisement. Oh god I have missed a lot more than I thought. I have no words to describe my happiness. Truly brilliant. Jai shree Ram."

Simply loved it.Good initiative by Srilankan AIrlines. It will surely make the bond between two nations stronger," posted a fifth.

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A sixth joined, Amazing. Best ad ever. I hope Sri Lanka gets loads of tourists from India and other countries."

Your ad gave me goosebumps and left me in tears! Thank you SriLankan Airlines for making such an epic advertisement for real!" read yet another comment by an X user.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 12:40 IST
US Was Watching Porn On Election Day, Pornhub Data Reveals Top Search Trends

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 10:41 IST

Americans were divided over their election choices, from Kamala to Trump, they were united in turning to adult content to relieve election-related stress.

Pornhub compiled the data from November 3 to November 6 and ranked top terms of each state based on comparative numbers. (Representative Image)

While Americans headed to the polls on Election Day, Pornhub recorded a 7 per cent spike in traffic, as residents from both blue and red states turned to adult content to ease election-related anxiety. The adult content site noted its highest viewership increase between 8 and 9 am.

According to the New York Post, California users searched for thick and curvy", Colorado opted for no nut November", while Florida focused on MAGA" as Trump-voting residents appeared to combine right-wing sentiments with adult content consumption. MAGA was popularised by Donald Trump during the US election and it stands for Make America Great Again".

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Read| Barbie Maker Mattel Accidentally Prints Porn Website On Wicked Doll Boxes, Later Apologises

The data was compiled from November 3 to November 6 and ranked top terms per state based on comparative numbers.

What did swing states search for on election day?

Since swing states do not traditionally favour the blue" Democrats or red" Republicans, showed diverse searches. In this years election, swing states or the purple" states were  Pennsylvania, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Pennsylvania chose to look at tushy", Nevada preferred morning sex", Georgia went with panties", Arizona explored ass licking", Michigan was looking at suck my balls, and Wisconsin focussed on swap".

What did other US states search for on Pornhub?

Washington searched for transgender", Oregon for deeper", and Wyoming sought car sex". New Mexico looked for butt plug", North Dakota for Native American", and South Dakota for amateur cuckold". Minnesota searched for sloppy seconds", Iowa for rimjob", and Missouri for blowbang". Louisiana preferred goth", Illinois searched for chubby", and Ohio for nympho".

Also Read| North Korean Troops In Russia Addicted To Porn After Unlimited Internet Access: Report

Other states, such as Tennessee with waxing genitals", New York with Puerto Rican", and Rhode Island with femdom", also showed distinct tastes. Massachusetts looked for huge boobs", Vermont for best friend", and New Hampshire for age gap". Maine sought ass to mouth", Connecticut searched for lactating", and DC looked for coworker". New Jersey chose girl on girl", Delaware went with missionary", Maryland searched for cute", Alaska for cougar", and Hawaii for hot Asian MILF".

States where Pornhub access is restricted

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Fourteen states were excluded from the compilation as Pornhub is banned in these states. These are Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

However, the adult content website noted a 16 per cent dip from 6 pm to midnight on the evening of the election, as many residents closed the porn website to focus on watching the election results unfold in real-time.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 09:16 IST
'Northern Israel Under Attack': 90 Hezbollah Rockets Target Haifa, IDF Strikes Back

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 21:21 IST

The Hezbollah rocket barrage, consisting of 90 rockets, was mostly intercepted by Israeli air defences even though cars and homes sustained damages.

Cars on fire as Hezbollah rockets target civilian areas in Israels Haifa. (IMAGE: IDF/X)

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said on Monday that more than 90 rockets were launched from Lebanon towards the Haifa Bay area, with some striking populated areas. According to the Times of Israel, at least four people, including a septuagenarian, were injured in the attacks.

#Northern_Israel_Is_Under_AttackWe will continue to defend our civilians against Hezbollahs aggression. pic.twitter.com/0fd0Wq6pxa  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 11, 2024

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The newspaper said that the initial barrage of 80 rockets was mostly intercepted by air defences but several managed to strike populated areas. A second wave of 10 rockets was also intercepted but some landed in open areas.

Homes and cars in Kiryat Ata sustained damage and a teenager was slightly injured by glass shards.

The report said the rocket barrage marks one of the largest rocket attacks on Haifa amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah.

The IDF shortly after the attack said that the Hezbollah rocket launcher, used in the recent attack on northern Israel, was destroyed in a drone strike.

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Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran, began firing on Israel after the October 7 attack.

The regular cross-border exchanges escalated in late September when Israel intensified its air strikes before sending ground troops into southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.

Location : Haifa, Israel

First Published: November 11, 2024, 20:27 IST
'Eye To Eye On Iran': Netanyahu Says He Spoke Thrice With Trump Over Past Few Days

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 09:16 IST

Israeli PM Netanyahu spoke with US President-elect Trump about concerns over Iran and strengthening US-Israel ties. The talks also touched on expanding regional peace efforts.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken three times with US President-elect Donald Trump over the past few days about the Iranian threat" to Israeli security, his office said on Sunday.

In the last few days, I have spoken three times with President-elect Donald Trump Talks designed to further tighten the strong alliance between Israel and the US," Netanyahu said, quoted in a statement issued by his office.

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We see eye to eye on the Iranian threat in every aspect," he added during a weekly cabinet meeting, according to the statement.

Netanyahu also said he had talked to Trump about great opportunities before Israel in the field of peace and its expansion".

The United States is Israels top ally and military backer, and the election came at a critical time for the Middle East amid wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Analysts believe Netanyahu had hoped for a Trump return to the White House, given the longstanding personal friendship between the two as well as the former Presidents hawkishness on Israels arch-foe Iran, news agency AFP reported.

During his first term, Trump moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights and helped normalise ties between Israel and several Arab states under the so-called Abraham Accords.

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In October this year, Trump, who was then the Republican presidential candidate, said he spoke with Netanyahu after the latter visited his Florida residence.

This was their first meeting since the end of Trumps presidency.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 09:16 IST
Boeing Plane Run By Chinese Airline Catches Fire Mid-Air, Returns To Rome | Watch

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 21:42 IST

The Shenzhen-bound Hainan Airlines flight was carrying 249 passengers and 16 crew members, all of whom landed safely at the Fiumicino airport in Rome

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Hainan Airlines was on its way to Shenzhen from Rome on November 10. (Image: @JOOP99999/X)

The right engine of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, operated by a Chinese airline, caught fire mid-air and had to return to Romes Fiumicino airport shortly after takeoff. The Shenzhen-bound flight was carrying 249 passengers and 16 crew members, all of whom landed safely.

According to airport officials and the Coast Guard, the Hainan Airlines flight turned back towards Rome after dumping fuel over the sea. The airline said the engine caught fire due to a bird strike.

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Hainan Airlines right now FCO pic.twitter.com/MBmOKgaEuO November 10, 2024

On November 10th, 2024, Hainan Airlines flight HU438 (Rome-Shenzhen) encountered a bird strike on the right engine during takeoff. In order to ensure safety, the crew promptly returned to the airport according to procedures," Hainan Airlines said in a post on X.

In another statement, the Italian Coast Guard confirmed that the aircraft was apparently struck by a bird. An airport official said there were no delays to air traffic at Fiumicino. Bird strikes are common and can be a significant threat to aircraft safety.

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In its official statement, the airline further said the flight made a safe landing and apologised for passenger inconvenience due to the situation.

The flight landed safely at Fiumicino Airport in Rome at 11:06 am local time (18:06 Beijing time), and all passengers have disembarked in an orderly manner. Hainan Airlines will ensure proper follow-up assistance for passengers," it said. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused by this and we really appreciate all passengers for their understanding and support."

Location : Rome, Italy

First Published: November 11, 2024, 21:09 IST
Canadians Now Feel Unsafe: Khalistani Separatists Force Brampton Mandir To Cancel Event

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 08:40 IST

Brampton Mandir officials said that the event was cancelled after receiving official intelligence from Peel Regional Police.

Authorities of Brampton Triveni Mandir said they were saddened because Canadians feel unsafe while visiting Hindu temples in the country. (IMAGE: BRAMPTON TRIVENI MANDIR)

The administration of the Brampton Triveni Mandir on Monday cancelled an event due to threats of violent protests by Khalistani separatists in Canada.

The event, scheduled to be held on November 17, has been cancelled and would have seen life certificates being handed over to Sikh and Hindu residents. The event was being held in cooperation with the Indian consulate.

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The temple administration said that the event was cancelled due to official intelligence from Peel Regional Police who told them that there is an Extremely High and Imminent Threat Level of violent protests".

Chief of Police with the Peel Regional Police in Canada, Nishan Duraiappah writes to Brampton Triveni Mandir & Community Centre, requesting them to consider rescheduling the upcoming Consular Camp at the Brampton Triveni Mandir & Community Centre on November 17, 2024.We  ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2024

Threat posters released on social media handles of Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice also called for violent protests outside Hindu temples.

On the advice of Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, we must make the appropriate decision to cancel to ensure the safety of Brampton Triveni Mandir devotees, community visitors, and the general public," Brampton Triveni Mandir authorities said in a statement.

The temple authorities also said that they are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada.

We apologise to all community members who were depending on the event. We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada," the statement said.

We call on Peel Police to address the threats being circulated against Brampton Triveni Mandir and provide security guarantees to the Canadian Hindu Community and the general public," it further added.

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Khalistani separatists attacked devotees outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton in October and beat them up with sticks. Video footage of Khalistani separatists holding the groups flags and thrashing devotees went viral, raising questions about security of places of worship in Canada.

The external affairs ministry also reacted to the incident and said: We condemn the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario. We also expect that those indulging in violence will be prosecuted. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada".

Location : Ottawa, Canada

First Published: November 12, 2024, 00:50 IST
'Completely Untrue': Russia Denies Trump's Conversation With Putin

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 15:17 IST

The Washington Post reported that Trump told Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and discussed the goal of peace in Europe.

The Washington Post on Sunday claimed Trump spoke to Putin over a call for the first time since his election victory.

The Kremlin on Monday denied a US media report about a conversation between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, calling it completely untrue" and false information".

The remarks made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was contrary to the report by The Washington Post on Sunday, which claimed Trump spoke to Putin for the first time since his victory in the recent presidential election, citing several people familiar with the matter. Trump told Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine, the US daily claimed.

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Peskov said there was no conversation between the two leaders and all reports about it are false. This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is now being published, sometimes even in fairly reputable outlets. This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction. This is just false information," Peskov told reporters as quoted by Russia-based Sputnik.

There are no concrete plans for any talks between Putin and Trump as of yet, the Kremlin spokesman clarified. The report came amid general uncertainty as to how Trump would proceed with his promise of bringing an immediate end to the war in Ukraine.

The Washington Post reported that Trump spoke to the Russian leader from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and reminded him of the sizable US military presence in Europe. The two leaders also discussed the goal of peace on the European continent and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon", it said.

Trumps Plans For Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire

Trump has promised to bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine before he takes office in January. He privately signalled that he would support a deal that lets Russia keep some captured territory and briefly raised the issue of land, according to people familiar with the matter.

Trump said he has spoken to about 70 world leaders since the election victory, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  in a call which Tesla CEO Elon Musk also joined. Ukrainian officials were informed of Trumps call with Putin and did not object to the conversation taking place, said two people involve in the matter.

According to a recent report by The Telegraph, Trumps staffers said his plan may include calling on European and British troops to enforce an 800-mile buffer zone between the Russian and Ukrainian armies in an attempt to freeze the war. This would mean Russia would keep its territorial gains in Ukraine and Kyiv can say goodbye to its plans to join NATO for 20 years.

Furthermore, the US would not contribute troops to patrol and enforce the buffer 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 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." Russia Sees Positive Signals On Trumps Ukraine Stance On Sunday, the Kremlin said it saw positive signals" from Trumps position on Ukraine, while warning it was hard to predict how he would behave in office. Trump during his election talked about how he perceives everything through deals, that he can make a deal that can lead to peace," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with state media published Sunday. While having publicly claimed to be backing Harris in the US election, the Kremlin is widely believed to have actually wanted to see Trump return to the White House, welcoming his scepticism over American aid to Ukraine and his chaotic leadership style. On June 14, Putin 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. However, Zelenskyy rejected the terms and still stands adamantly against relinquishing territory to Vladimir Putin. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: November 11, 2024, 14:48 IST
Dhaka Turns Into Fortress For Awami League Anti-Government Stir | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 14:44 IST

Local sources say the Bangladesh Army arrested workers of Sheikh Hasinas party ahead of the Sunday protest

Sheikh Hasina's supporters are planning a protest against the Mohammad Yunus government. (PTI File)

With 191 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployed across the city, Dhaka turned into a fortress for the Awami Leagues Sunday protest against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, according to local sources. The Yunus government has also acquired maximum media ownership in the past three months, sources say.

While all permissions were denied to the Awami League, the Bangladesh Army arrested workers of Sheikh Hasinas party ahead of the protest.

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MEDIA UNDER ATTACK

While hundreds of journalists have lost their jobs, several murder cases have been filed against at least 200 journalists. A total of 187 journalists have lost their accreditation cards, even as government supporters vandalised at least five media houses.

COMPLETE POWER

News18 had on Sunday reported how the Yunus-led interim government has received provisional approval for its Interim Government Ordinance, 2024, which will give it more powers.

The new ordinance will ensure the interim governments actions between the formation of the new parliament and the appointment of the prime minister will be legally valid. With no fixed term, the caretaker administration will be in power until a new prime minister is appointed by the 13th Parliament.

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The Supreme Court of Bangladesh or any other court cannot question the validity of any action taken by the government. No lawsuits can be filed regarding actions taken by the interim government. The ordinance provides a legal foundation for the exercise of executive powers and declaration of a state of emergency.

Intelligence sources in India had said the move was equivalent to establishing a dictatorial regime in Dhaka. The idea is clear that every human or inhuman action is valid in Bangladesh. They want to curb human rights and courts will not see their actions," said sources, adding, We have seen dictatorial regimes in the world, including in our immediate neighbour Pakistan, but no one does it by passing an ordinance."

First Published: November 11, 2024, 14:33 IST
Gangster Arshdeep Dalla's Arrest In Canada An Eyewash: Sources

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 17:16 IST

According to sources, the Justin Trudeau government in Canada is under pressure not to open a full fledged probe against Dalla.

Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Dalla was involved in a shootout and Canadian police have CCTV evidence, sources said. He has been detained. (IMAGE: X)

The detention of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Dalla in Canada is an eye wash, said top Intelligence sources in India. Dalla, an aide of deceased Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was detained by the Canadian police on Sunday in connection with a shootout.

According to sources, the Justin Trudeau government in Canada is under pressure not to open a full fledged probe against Dalla. Sources say despite an open shootout case against him and CCTV footage available, the Halton Regional Police has reservations against the detention.

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They also said Dalla was detained because his footage appeared in the shootout but he was let off after that. He will, however, be appearing in courts.

Under pressure, the local media there is also not talking about it, sources told CNN-News18. It is surprising that even after two days, Regional Police has reservations about revealing the case details. Canada is safeguarding the interest of Khalistani Tiger Force terrorists like ISI," sources said.

Bringing him to justice is out of question right now due to the current strain in relationship between India and Canada," sources added.

Arsh Dalla has several cases pending against him in India. He was designated as a terrorist by the Indian government last year.

The cases against Dalla include Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Naus murder on October 9 in Faridkot and the murder of Jaswant Singh Gill murder in Gwalior.

Arsh Dallas gang was also allegedly involved in a firing and extortion incident at Zirakpur on October 18, where a businessman was threatened and a poster with Arsh Dallas name was found.

The police have also found that he was involved in at least four targeted killings which were aimed at prominent individuals in major cities in India.

Meanwhile, Punjab Police on Sunday apprehended two key operatives of Arsh Dallas gang. They were allegedly involved in the murder of another individual in Madhya Pradesh. They were arrested during a joint operation of the state special operation cell, the anti-gangster task force and Faridkot Police, the Punjab director-general of police Gaurav Yadav said.

Delhi Police last year said Dalla has links with international terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

He is a key member of the extremist groups Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). He lives in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada with his wife and a minor daughter.

Dalla became active in 2020, primarily focused on funding, organising terror cells, facilitating weapons smuggling across the border and orchestrating targeted killings in Punjab.

He, along with Nijjar, is said to have formed a three-member KTF module responsible for the 2021 killing of Tejinder, aka Pinka, the owner of Sunshine Clothes Store in Moga. In 2022, they teamed up again to create a four-person KTF module to execute grenade attacks. Nijjar was murdered outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June 18 last year.

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Dalla also intended to carry out killings of RSS and religious leaders in Punjab at the behest of the ISI and the LeT, a Delhi Police chargesheet filed last year says.

He left India in July 2020 and holds a passport issued by the Jalandhar Regional Passport Office, valid until August 31, 2027.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 13:43 IST
Halt Immediately: MBS At Arab Summit Demands Gaza, Lebanon Ceasefires

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 19:07 IST

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said Israeli actions in amount to genocide.

Mohammed bin Salman said the Israeli military campaign against our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon must stop immediately. (IMAGE: AFP)

Saudi Arabias de facto ruler called for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon at a joint Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit that will renew calls for a Palestinian state on Monday.

Arab and Muslim leaders gathered in Riyadh, more than a year into the Israel-Hamas war and regional escalation, in what is seen as a chance to send a message to US president-elect Donald Trump.

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Opening the summit, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the international community must immediately halt the Israeli actions against our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon", condemning Israels campaign in Gaza as genocide".

(Saudi Arabia) affirms its support for the brothers in Palestine and Lebanon to overcome the disastrous humanitarian consequences of the ongoing Israeli aggression," he said.

A draft resolution for the summit stresses firm support" for national rights" for the Palestinian people, foremost among which is their right to freedom and to an independent, sovereign state".

Just hours earlier, newly appointed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said it was not realistic" to establish a Palestinian state, dismissing it as a Hamas state".

I dont think this position is realistic today and we must be realistic," Saar said in response to a question during an appearance in Jerusalem.

The Saudi foreign ministry announced plans for the summit in late October during a meeting, also in Riyadh, of a new international alliance" to press for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

It comes one year after a similar gathering in Riyadh of the Cairo-based Arab League and the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during which leaders condemned Israeli forces actions in Gaza as barbaric".

Calling out Israel

This time around, Trumps election last week for a second term in the White House is likely to be on leaders minds, said Anna Jacobs, senior Gulf analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank.

This summit is very much an opportunity for regional leaders to signal to the incoming Trump administration what they want in terms of US engagement," she said.

The message will likely be one of dialogue, de-escalation and calling out Israeli military campaigns in the region."

The war in Gaza began with Hamass unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israels retaliatory campaign has killed more than 43,600 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run territorys health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.

Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which like Hamas is backed by Iran, began firing on Israel after the October 7 attack. The regular cross-border exchanges escalated in late September when Israel intensified its air strikes and sent ground troops into southern Lebanon.

Despite criticism of the impact Israels military campaign has had on Gaza civilians, outgoing US President Joe Biden ensured that Washington remained Israels most important military backer during more than a year of fighting.

Rely on the Saudis

In his first term, Trumps actions showed him as an even firmer supporter of Israel. He defied international consensus by recognising Jerusalem as Israels capital and moving Washingtons embassy there.

He also endorsed Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law.

Under the Abraham Accords, Trump oversaw the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as Morocco.

Though Saudi Arabia did not join those agreements, Trump cultivated warm ties with the Gulf kingdom while in office and has deepened his business connections to the region during the Biden years.

Saudi Arabia has pressed pause on a US-brokered deal where it would recognise Israel in return for security and economic benefits, insisting there will be no diplomatic ties without a Palestinian state.

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The 57-member OIC and 22-member Arab League include countries which recognise Israel and those firmly opposed to its regional integration.

Last years summit in Riyadh saw disagreement on measures like severing economic and diplomatic ties with Israel and disrupting its oil supplies.

Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

First Published: November 11, 2024, 19:07 IST
Hezbollah Commander Behind Assassination Of Ex-Lebanese PM Killed In Israeli Airstrike: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 08:41 IST

Salim Jamil Ayyash was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a UN-backed tribunal over ex-Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri's killing in 2005.

The US had offered a reward of $10 million for information on Salim Jamil Ayyash, wanted in terrorism-related charges. (US Rewards For Justice)

An Israeli strike is said to have eliminated a Hezbollah commander who was allegedly responsible for the assassination of a former Lebanese PM, the Al-Arabiya outlet reported on Sunday.

Salim Jamil Ayyash was killed, with unconfirmed reports claiming he was struck near the Syrian city of al-Qausayr, a known Hezbollah stronghold. Ayyash, a senior member of Hezbollahs Unit 151 assassination squad, had a $10 million price on his head from the United States, according to The Times of Israel.

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In 2020, Ayyash was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a UN-backed tribunal over the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri in a suicide bombing in Beirut in 2005. However, then-Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in September, refused to hand him over to authorities.

Ayyash faced a separate case at the tribunal over three other deadly attacks on Lebanese politicians in 2004 and 2005.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu Admits Israels Role In Pager Blasts Targeting Hezbollah Operatives

Airstrikes Kill 23 In Lebanons Almat, 6 Wounded In Israel

The report of Ayyashs killing comes as an Israeli airstrike killed at least 23 people, including seven children, in Almat in Lebanons Mount Lebanon province, the countrys health ministry said on Sunday.

Three people were also killed and two others wounded in an Israeli strike on Mashghara in the western part of Lebanons Bekaa Valley late on Saturday, while one person was killed and four others injured in a strike on Sahmar, also in western Bekaa.

Furthermore, at least six people were wounded on Sunday in a series of attacks from Lebanon on northern Israel. Of them, three people were reported wounded in an apparent anti-tank missile strike in the northern border town of Metula in Israel.

The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,100 people and wounded 13,979 in Lebanon over the last year. The toll includes 619 women and 194 children.

Israel Has Defeated Hezbollah: Defence Minister

Israels newly-appointed Defence Minister Israel Katz on Sunday said his country has defeated Hezbollah and that eliminating its leader Hassan Nasrallah was the crowning achievement. Now it is our job to continue to put pressure in order to bring about the fruits of that victory," Katz said during a ceremony at Israels foreign ministry.

Katz said Israel is not interested in meddling in internal Lebanese politics as Israel has learned our lessons", but that he hoped an international coalition would capitalise on this opportunity politically and that Lebanon would join other countries in normalizing relations with Israel.

Israel has been locked in fighting with Lebanese armed group Hezbollah since October 2023, but fighting has escalated dramatically since late September of this year. Israel has intensified and expanded its bombing campaign, and Hezbollah has ramped up daily rocket and drone attacks against Israel.

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Israel has eliminated most of Hezbollahs top leadership, including Nasrallah, and has also escalated its strikes on Iranian-backed terror targets in Syria and has also struck Syrian army air defences and some Syrian forces. The attacks on northern Israel from Lebanon since October 2023 have resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians.

(with agency inputs)

Location : Beirut, Lebanon

First Published: November 11, 2024, 08:37 IST
As federal and local governments work to boost charging options, plenty of EV drivers are having to get creative.

Both EV drivers were ridiculed over the weekend while trying to charge their cars in different ways. Source: 2GB/Facebook

The questionable ingenuity  or perhaps in one case the lack thereof  of two different EV drivers over the weekend has highlighted the ongoing difficulty owners of electric cars can face in Australian cities.

On Sunday, a walker spotted an EV charger cord lying across a footpath while plugged into a car in a street in Manly, Sydney and called out the act, accusing the driver of creating a trip hazard. Many online also branded it "selfish".

Interestingly, a motorist some 160 kilometres north in Newcastle, had a more unique effort. An image of a BYD charging on the side of the road also received attention as the owner had seemingly gone to considerable lengths to prevent a trip hazard  threading the charging cable through a storm pipe that runs under the footpath.

Despite the apparent consideration, the effort was also ridiculed by 2GB radio host Ray Hadley on Monday morning, who described the scene to listeners and mocked; "I don't know whether he knows that water and electricity don't really mix."

Lack of EV charging infrastructure continues to cause problems

Drivers continue to make the transition to electric cars with more than 85,000 battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) sold in the first three quarters of this year, according to recent data released from The Australian Automobile Association.

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With current predictions, EV sales are expected to surpass 100,000 in 2024  the first time this has occurred in a calendar year in Australia.

Although federal and local governments are working to install enough charging infrastructure to keep up with demand, pledging to grow the network drastically by 2030, the rapid increase of EVs paired with the limited number of public charging stations is causing issues between driver and certain councils across the country.

Councils crackdown on dangerous EV charging act

There has been a consistent trend of EV drivers charging their cars across footpaths or on the street and it's pushed some councils to threaten fines in a bid to stop the behaviour.

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Resident John Slaytor, who lives in Sydney's harbourside suburb of Waverton, recently received a letter from his council threatening a $330 fine if he doesn't immediately stop charging his Tesla on the street.

The North Sydney Council said in June it had a "responsibility to ensure public safety" and EV chargers lying over footpaths was an "unlawful" act, instead encouraging the driver to use one of the public charging stations. However, with only five available in the council area, the driver said it is "not something you want to be doing every day".

EV owners have been consistently slammed for leaving their chargers across public footpaths. Source: Facebook

Other councils in the city, such as Mosman Council, have taken a similar stance to the North Sydney Council and urged drivers to stop lying EV chargers across footpaths and instead use available public chargers.

Residents in Sawtell on NSWs Mid North Coast also recently complained about a neighbour running an extension cable across a suburban footpath to charge their car.

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Meanwhile in August, one very enterprising Tesla owner in Melbourne used to a fishing rod to create a hanging archway for their extension cord as they tried to avoid a trip hazard while charging in the street, however councillors from the City of Boroondara still deemed the rig a "safety hazard".

Northern Beaches council weighs in

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Northern Beaches spokesperson said council does not condone the charging of electric vehicles with a power cord running across a footpath, road or nature strip.

The spokesperson reiterated that cords can create unsafe conditions such a trip hazards especially for the visually impaired and those with mobility issues. Council instead encourages residents who see this type of EV charging to report any incidents to their customer service team.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Israeli Minister Hopes Trump Win Will Pave Way For Israeli Sovereignty In West Bank

Published By :

Reuters

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 22:32 IST

Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich instructed Israeli authorities overseeing West Bank settlements "to prepare the necessary infrastructure" for extending sovereignty.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends an inauguration event for Israel's new light rail line for the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, in Petah Tikva, Israel. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Israels far-right finance minister said on Monday he hoped Israel would extend sovereignty into the occupied West Bank in 2025 and that he would push the government to engage the incoming Trump administration to gain Washingtons support.

Israels foreign minister said separately that while no decision was made, the issue could come up in talks with the future US administration in Washington.

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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also wields a defence ministry supervisory role for settlers as part of his coalition deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he hopes the incoming Trump administration in Washington will recognise an Israeli sovereignty push.

Smotrich has for years called for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, land Palestinians want for a future state.

At a meeting of his far-right faction in parliament on Monday, Smotrich said he had instructed Israeli authorities overseeing West Bank settlements to begin professional and comprehensive staff work to prepare the necessary infrastructure" for extending sovereignty, according to a statement from his office.

He also said he would push the government to engage the incoming Trump administration to recognize such a move.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that while leaders of the settler movement may be confident that incoming President Donald Trump could be inclined to support such moves, the government had made no decision.

A decision has not yet been made on the issue," Saar told a news conference in Jerusalem.

The last time we discussed this issue was in the first term of President Trump," he said. And so lets say that if it will be relevant, it will be discussed again also with our friends in Washington."

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The United States has for decades backed a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians and has urged Israel not to expand settlements.

The West Bank is among territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and where Palestinians, with international support, seek statehood. Most world powers deem the settlements illegal. Israel disputes that, citing historical claims to the West Bank and describing it as a security bulwark.

Location : Jerusalem, Undefined

First Published: November 11, 2024, 22:32 IST
Kamala For Supreme Court? Some Democrats Urge Liberal Justice Sotomayor To Resign

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 22:26 IST

Justice Sonia Sotomayor is one of the most liberal voices in the US Supreme Court.

Liberal pundits are rallying for Kamala Harris to join the Supreme Court and are urging Sotomayor to retire quickly. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

A US liberal commentator on Sunday suggested nominating Kamala Harris, the former presidential candidate, to replace Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor while the Democrats are still in power.

Bakari Sellers, a CNN commentator and former South Carolina lawmaker, urged progressives on social media to intensify pressure on US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to consider stepping down. Sellers argued that Sotomayor, who is 70 and lives with type 1 diabetes, should retire while Democrats still hold power, even though Sotomayor does not appear keen to do so.

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Other bold ideas, Sotomayor needs to resign. The court is currently 6-3. This would limit Trumps ability to make it 7-2. Its silly to believe there is no difference. You can confirm in 10 weeks (see ACB). You have very good previously vetted candidates. Sri Srinivasan, https://t.co/gsOHe7XAjo  Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) November 10, 2024

Sotomayor needs to resign. The court is currently 6-3. [Her resignation] would limit Trumps ability to make it 7-2. Its silly to believe there is no difference," Sellers wrote on X.

[The Senate] can confirm in 10 weeks (see ACB [Amy Coney Barrett]). You have very good previously vetted candidates. Sri Srinivasan, Robert Wilkins, Michelle Childs and yes Kamala Harris (though she likely doesnt get Manchins vote)," the party pundit said.

Democrats hold control of the White House and Senate until early January, giving them a limited window to make significant appointments. Whether Kamala Harris, 60, would consider serving as a Supreme Court justice remains uncertain. Harris lost to Donald Trump in the recently concluded US elections and Democrats could lose control of both the US Senate and US House of Representatives.

US presidents typically nominate candidates for the Supreme Court with prior judicial experience, though exceptions exist. Some progressives have even speculated about former President Barack Obama joining the Supreme Court, despite his non-judicial background.

Sotomayor herself has not commented on facing any such pressure but her backers are not ready to lose a liberal voice on the US Supreme Court bench

The current composition of the US Supreme Court includes nine justices, with six appointed by Republican presidents and three by Democratic presidents.

The buzz regarding Kamala Harris becoming a judge of the US Supreme Court comes as her backers recently called on US President Joe Biden to resign and allow US vice president Kamala Harris to take on his role and pave the way for the US to have its first female president.

A former staffer of Vice President Kamala Harris urged President Joe Biden to resign and install his deputy as the first woman president of the country, although for a short duration.

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Joe Biden has been amazing but he should fulfil one last promise  to be transitional," Jamal Simmons, former communications director for the vice president said on a social media post after making a similar suggestion during a Sunday talk show.

Senator Bernie Sanders, 83, expressed opposition to calls for Justice Sonia Sotomayor to step down from the US Supreme Court. When asked on NBCs Meet the Press if he supported the idea, Sanders replied, No, I dont." He added, I dont think thats the sensible approach," though he acknowledged awareness of the push to encourage her retirement.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: November 11, 2024, 22:26 IST
Massive Rise In Indian Asylum Seekers To US, But Trumps Deportation Plan Spells Uncertainty

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 22:37 IST

India ranked as the fifth-largest nationality seeking defensive asylum and the seventh-largest for affirmative asylum applications in 2023

Migrants at Mexican immigration checkpoint as they make their way across the border for their appointments to legally apply for asylum in the US. (Representational image via AP)

The number of Indians applying for asylum in the United States has sharply increased over the past three years, according to data from the US Department of Homeland Security.

In the 2021 financial year, around 4,330 Indians sought asylum in the US. By FY 2023, this figure had surged by 855% to 41,330. Indian officials suggest that nearly half of these applicants are from Gujarat, Firstpost reported.

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The report was released in October, just ahead of the November 5 US presidential election, which saw a historic comeback for Donald Trump, who defeated his Democratic rival Kamala Harris to return to the White House.

During his campaign, Trump took a tough stance on immigration, making it one of the central issues in his bid for re-election.

Asylees Annual Report

According to the US Department of Homeland Securitys 2023 Asylees Annual Flow Report, India ranked as the fifth-largest nationality seeking defensive asylum and the seventh-largest for affirmative asylum applications in 2023. That year, 5,340 Indians were granted asylum.

Detailing the rise in asylum applications, the annual report shows that in FY 2021, the total number of applicants was 4,330, with 2,090 affirmative and 2,240 defensive applications.

The following year, the number nearly tripled to 14,570, with 5,370 affirmative and 9,200 defensive applications. By FY 2023, the total had surged to 41,330, nearly three times the figure from the previous year.

The trend is also reflected in the number of Indian asylum grants. In FY 2021, 1,330 Indians were granted asylum, including 700 through affirmative applications and 630 through defensive cases.

The figure grew significantly in FY 2022, when 4,260 Indians were granted asylum  2,180 through affirmative applications and 2,080 through defensive proceedings.

In FY 2023, the number of grants increased again to 5,340, with 2,710 granted through affirmative cases and 2,630 through defensive ones, the report showed.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump Appoints Tom Homan As US Border Czar, Makes Him In Charge Of Deportation

Trump 2.0 Immigration Plans

Trumps renewed immigration proposal includes plans to increase funding for the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border  one of Trumps 2016 proposals. He also wants to dismantle the US Department of Homeland Security and merge it with other agencies involved in immigration enforcement, creating a stronger border security operation.

Other aspects of his proposal include eliminating certain visa categories for victims of crime and human trafficking, raising fees for immigrants, and allowing expedited visa processing for those willing to pay a premium. Trump has also vowed to implement the largest deportation programme in American history."

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His key policies on immigration would also see undocumented immigrants denied access to public benefits, the reinstatement of a travel ban for some countries, the end of birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants, and a nationwide ban on catch-and-release" practices. He also plans to introduce tougher extreme vetting" procedures and suspend refugee admissions.

ALSO READ: Canada Braces For Influx Of Migrants Fearing Massive Deportations By Trump

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: November 11, 2024, 21:05 IST
US Man Shares Anti-Trump Posts On Social Media, Kills Four Family Members, Dies By Suicide

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 11:49 IST

A Minnesota man, Anthony Nephew, who shared anti-Trump posts and struggled with mental health issues, killed his ex-partner, wife, two sons, and then himself.

Minnesota man kills family, later dies by suicide (Photo: AP)

A man in USs Minnesota, who wrote several posts against President-elect Donald Trump, shot dead four members of his family and died by suicide later. According to a report with the New York Post, the incident came to light on November 7 after authorities in the state recovered the bodies of the mans ex-partner Erin Abramson (47) and their son Jacob Nephew (15) from an apartment.

Later, the bodies of the mans wife Kathryn Nephew (45) and their son Oliver Nephew (7) were recovered from another apartment close by.

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The man was identified as 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, who was also found dead inside the home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the report stated.

The Associated Press quoted Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa and stated that Nephew had a pattern of mental health issues".

In a series of posts on social media, Nephew had expressed left-wing and anti-Trump thoughts.

My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist, and a lot of the reason is religion," one of Anthony Nephews social media post in July read.

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 favourite colour of boogie man they are afraid are this week," his another post read.

In yet another post, he accused Republicans of making it harder for women to leave" abusive relationships.

Anthony Nephew shared other political posts, including an image of former president Barack Obama, Trump, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The word hate" was mentioned under Trumps face, while the words hope", heal" and grow" correspond with the Democratic politicians.

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Nephew had previously been issuing a chilling warning about his mental health battles, writing in an op-ed in the local Duluth News Tribune in 2021, For millions of Americans, a breakdown leads to suicide  or homicide before suicide", the report added.

Meanwhile, the police were yet to determine the motive behind the killings.

First Published: November 11, 2024, 11:49 IST
Pannun Announces New Dates Of Temple Attacks In Canada, India Terms Threats Terror Acts: Intel Sources

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 14:13 IST

The SFJ founder said they would target Indian diplomats at Hindu temples on November 16-17, blaming them for the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. (PTI)

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has announced new dates of temple attacks in Canada and issued an open threat to Hindu MP Chandan Arya, triggering a response from India which termed the actions terror acts".

In his threat, Pannun said SFJ would target Indian diplomats at Hindu temples on November 16-17. We will shake the foundations of Ayodhya the Canadian PM, RCMP have acknowledged that Indian diplomats spy on Canadian Sikhs and are responsible for the assassination of Shaheed Nijjar NEXT Challenge to Indian Terrorist diplomats will be: 16 November At Kalibari Mandir, Mississauga and 17 November, Triveni Mandir, Brampton [sic]".

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Hitting out at the Justin Trudeau-led government, the intel sources said: The Canadian government cant just relax and ignore these threats. All activities in the name of freedom of speech are nothing but terror acts. The Canada government is whitewashing the probe in earlier attacks. There has been a deliberate diplomatic breakdown to promote these activities."

Meanwhile, the sources have also flagged the Canadian polices open support" to the Khalistani movement after CNN-News18 accessed a video of Surrey Police officers sword-fighting under the Khalistani flag.

Commenting on the video, top government sources said: This video is available to us and it is very alarming as this raises a question mark on the impartiality of Surrey Police. This proves the statement of MP Chandan Arya who said Khalistani elements have entered Canadian Police. The Trudeau government is allowing these elements to please Jagmeet Singh whom they are dependent on for the next bills in February 2025."

They added: Two days ago, violent Khalistani mobs with swords and weapons were looking for Hindus in cars to attack them. No action has been taken by the Canadian Police. Instead, there is open support to radical goons and terrorists against the Indian diaspora, Hindus and moderate Sikhs. The optics from Sikh officials is really alarming."

The attacks on Hindu temples began on a large scale in the last one year, including the firing at the house of Satish Sharma, president of Surreys Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.

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On Sunday, November 3, protesters carrying Khalistani flags clashed with devotees at a Hindu temple in Brampton. The Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey was attacked the same day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the deliberate attack" in Brampton and termed the violence a cowardly attempt" to intimidate Indian diplomats in the country. I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken Indias resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," said PM Modi in an X post.

Location : Ottawa, Canada

First Published: November 11, 2024, 14:13 IST
Russia, Ukraine Launch Biggest Drone Strikes Despite Trump's Call To Putin

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 09:54 IST

Donald Trump called Putin on Sunday for the first time since his election victory and asked him to de-escalate the war in Ukraine.

Rescuers clean debris following a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Moscow region on Saturday. (AFP)

Russia and Ukraine both launched record drone attacks on each other overnight, despite a phone call reported by the Washington Post from US President-elect Donald Trump urging Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the conflict.

Trumps election to the White House has the potential to upend the almost three-year conflict and has thrown into question Washingtons multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv, crucial to its defence.

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The Republican said on the campaign trail that he could end the fighting within hours and has indicated he will talk directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin  a major break from the approach adopted by President Joe Biden.

On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that Trump had had a phone call on Thursday with the Russian strongman in which he told Putin not to inflame the attritional war.

Just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, Trump reminded Putin of Washingtons sizeable military foothold in Europe from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, according to the Post.

The Kremlin had earlier said it saw positive signals" from Trumps willingness to strike a deal, and several people speaking to the US paper said Trump had expressed the desire for more conversations on the resolution of Ukraines war soon".

Trump will not be inaugurated until January and for the moment on the battlefield and in the skies, the conflict shows no signs of subsiding.

Kremlin Sees Positive Signals With Trumps Stance

Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said  more than in any single night-time attack of the conflict so far.

Last night, Russia launched a record 145 Shaheds and other strike drones against Ukraine," Zelensky said on social media, urging Kyivs Western allies to do more to help Ukraines defence.

Russia also said it had downed 34 Ukrainian attack drones targeting Moscow on Sunday, the largest attempted attack on the capital since the start of the offensive in 2022.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday that the White House was to spend its remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine before Trump takes office, warning of the risks of ending US support for Kyiv.

While having publicly claimed to be backing Harris in the US election, the Kremlin is widely believed to have actually wanted to see Trump return to the White House, welcoming his scepticism over American aid to Ukraine and his chaotic leadership style.

The signals are positive," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with state media published Sunday.

Trump during his election campaign talked about how he perceives everything through deals, that he can make a deal that can lead to peace.

At least hes talking about peace, and not about confrontation. He isnt talking about his wish to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia  that distinguishes him from the current administration," Peskov added.

What will happen next, its hard to say," Peskov said, adding that Trump was less predictable" than Harris and Biden.

Its also less predictable to what extent he will stick to the statements that he made on the campaign trail," Peskov added.

Trump has not said how he intends to strike a peace deal or what terms he is proposing.

Russias President Putin has demanded Ukraine withdraw from swathes of its eastern and southern territory as a precondition to peace talks.

People familiar with Thursdays call said Trump had briefly raised the question of land with Putin.

Following Trumps election, Zelenskyy warned there should be no concessions" to Putin. Ceding land or giving in to any of his other hardline demands would only embolden the Kremlin and lead to more aggression, he said.

Zelenskyy has also previously warned that without US aid Kyiv would lose the conflict.

Ukraine Boasts Of Largest Attack On Russia

Talk of a US-brokered deal comes as Russia advances on the battlefield.

Moscows troops made their largest territorial gains in October since March 2022, according to AFP analysis of data from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Moscows defence ministry claimed Sunday to have captured another village in Ukraines east.

In his evening address, Zelenskyy alluded to Ukraines attempted barrage of Moscow, the largest attack targeting the Russian capital since the start of the conflict.

Thanking his forces responsible for drone combat he said: Russian military objects are becoming more and more accessible to our soldiers."

Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov called it a massive" attempted strike.

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It forced the temporary closure of three airports, wounded a 52-year-old woman and set two homes on fire in the village of Stanovoye in the Moscow region, officials said.

While the Ukrainian capital Kyiv is frequently targeted by massive Russian drone and missile strikes, attacks on Moscow are far less frequent.

Location : Kyiv, Ukraine

First Published: November 11, 2024, 09:54 IST
'Selective Blocking': Australia Today Calls Out Canada Ban After Jaishankar Interview

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Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 16:48 IST

Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, the managing editor of the Australia Today, alleged that his new outlets content was selectively blocked in Canada.

The Facebook and Instagram pages of The Australia Today were blocked in Canada, the outlets management claimed. (IMAGE: X)

Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, the managing editor of Australian diaspora news outlet The Australia Today, on Monday said that he found that his news outlets Facebook and Instagram pages were blocked in Canada after they posted an interview with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, terming it a case of selective blocking.

Bharadwaj said Meta (the company behind Facebook and Instagram) may have restricted access to their content due to a Canadian law that limits news content from being shown on these platforms.

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Statement from The Australia Today:We acknowledge the recent statement from the Canadian Foreign Ministry and would like to clarify that we first learned that users in Canada were unable to access our Facebook and Instagram pages shortly after publishing our interview with pic.twitter.com/jXWyd4vVFa  The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) November 11, 2024

He pointed out that another news outlet, known for anti-India and pro-Khalistan content, is still accessible in Canada and deemed it selective blocking of content produced by The Australia Today.

He said The Australia Today is yet to receive official notice from Meta about why their pages were restricted. He said his outlet remains committed to bringing diverse Australian multicultural stories and global Indian Diaspora perspectives to its readers.

We look forward to continued engagement with our Canadian audience, albeit through other accessible channels beyond Metas platforms. We hope that all stakeholders can work towards ensuring that important news content is accessible to everyone without barriers," Bharadwaj said.

The Australia Today last week said that Canada blocked the outlets social media pages soon after it held a press conference with Australian foreign minister Penny Wong and S Jaishankar and held a separate interview with the latter.

Bharadwaj on November 8 had also posted on X a screenshot that showed The Australia Today Facebook page where a warning message flashed: People in Canada cant see this content".

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The external affairs ministry also in a statement said it found the events strange and surprising.

We understand that the social media handles and pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked and are no longer available for viewers in Canada. This happened just a few hours after this outlet carried a press conference of the External Affairs Minister along with Penny Wong. The outlet also published several articles on the visit of the External Affairs Minister, as well as an interview with him. So, we were surprised. It seems strange to us," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Location : Sydney, Australia

First Published: November 11, 2024, 16:21 IST
In First Call After Election Win, Trump Asks Putin Not To Escalate Ukraine War: Report

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Last Updated: November 11, 2024, 15:07 IST

The Kremlin said it has seen "positive signals" from Trump after the US President-elect vowed an immediate end to the Ukraine war.

Trump's call with Putin comes amid uncertainty on how his administration will handle the Ukraine conflict. (Reuters/File)

Russia has responded to Trumps claims of a conversation with Putin. For story, click here

US President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since his resounding victory in the recent presidential election, several people familiar with the matter told the Washington Post. During the call, Trump reportedly told Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine.

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Trump spoke to the Russian leader from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and reminded him of the sizable US military presence in Europe, said a person familiar with the call. The two leaders also discussed the goal of peace on the European continent and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon."

However, Russia denied the report as completely false information" and said no conversation has taken place between Trump and Putin so far.

Trump said he has spoken to about 70 world leaders since the election victory, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  in a call which Tesla CEO Elon Musk also joined. Ukrainian officials were informed of Trumps call with Putin and did not object to the conversation taking place, said two people involve in the matter.

Russia, Ukraine Launch Record Drone Attacks

Despite the call, Russia and Ukraine both launched record drone attacks on each other overnight, Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight and downed 34 Ukrainian attack drones targeting Moscow on Sunday.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Sunday that the White House was to spend its remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine before Trump takes office, warning of the risks of ending US support for Kyiv.

In his evening address, Zelensky alluded to Ukraines attempted barrage of Moscow, the largest attack targeting the Russian capital since the start of the conflict. Thanking his forces responsible for drone combat he said: Russian military objects are becoming more and more accessible to our soldiers."

Meanwhile, Moscows defence ministry on Sunday claimed to have captured another village in Ukraines east. Russian troops made their largest territorial gains in October since March 2022, according to AFP analysis of data from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Russia Sees Positive Signals On Trumps Ukraine Stance

On Sunday, the Kremlin said it saw positive signals" from Trumps position on Ukraine, while warning it was hard to predict how he would behave in office. Trump during his election talked about how he perceives everything through deals, that he can make a deal that can lead to peace," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with state media published Sunday.

While having publicly claimed to be backing Harris in the US election, the Kremlin is widely believed to have actually wanted to see Trump return to the White House, welcoming his scepticism over American aid to Ukraine and his chaotic leadership style.

According to a recent report by The Telegraph, Trumps staffers said his plan may include calling on European and British troops to enforce an 800-mile buffer zone between the Russian and Ukrainian armies in an attempt to freeze the war. This would mean Russia would keep its territorial gains in Ukraine and Kyiv can say goodbye to its plans to join NATO for 20 years.

Furthermore, the US would not contribute troops to patrol and enforce the buffer 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 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."

In exchange, the US would pump Ukraine full of weapons to deter Russia from restarting the war. However, this is one of several plans being considered by Trump, who said he would start peace talks between Russia and Ukraine before taking office in January.

Priority in Ukraine Is Peace, Not Territory

Since Trumps win, Ukrainian officials have been anxious that he would enforce a deal that would deprive them of much-needed US aid and coerce Kyiv into agreeing to unfavourable terms. It is expected to undermine Washingtons relations with European allies and challenge the legitimacy of NATO.

A senior aide to Trump said that the new administrations priority in Ukraine would be establishing peace and not restoring lost territory, including Crimea. Bryan Lanza, a long-time Republican party strategist, told BBC that Trumps administration would be asking Zelenskyy for a realistic vision for peace."

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And if President Zelenskiy comes to the table and says, well we can only have peace if we have Crimea, he shows to us that hes not serious. Crimea is gone," he said. And if that is your priority of getting Crimea back and having American soldiers fight to get Crimea back, youre on your own."

(with inputs from agencies)

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: November 11, 2024, 07:14 IST
Willing To Fly To Congratulate Personally, Sir: Indonesias Prabowo Dials Donald Trump

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Last Updated: November 12, 2024, 00:08 IST

Prabowo uploaded a video on his official Instagram account on Monday where he is seen talking to Donald Trump.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said he was relieved upon hearing Donald Trump was safe after the failed assassination attempt. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has stated his intention to personally congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump during his upcoming state visit to the United States.

Subianto, who replaced Joko Widodo, also uploaded a video on social media where he is heard telling Trump: If possible, I would like to call you personally. Wherever you are, I am willing to fly to congratulate you personally, sir".

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Glad to be connected directly with President Elect @realDonaldTrump to extend my heartfelt congratulations on his election as the 47th President of the United States. I am looking forward to enhance the collaboration between our two great nations and to more productive pic.twitter.com/KfSVUsZSGc  Prabowo Subianto (@prabowo) November 11, 2024

Glad to be connected directly with President Elect @realDonaldTrump

to extend my heartfelt congratulations on his election as the 47th President of the United States. I am looking forward to enhancing the collaboration between our two great nations and to more productive discussions in the future," he said in the caption accompanying the video on X.

In the phone call, Trump is heard thanking Prabowo for the congratulatory phone call and at one point commends the Indonesian leader for his English.

All my training is in America, sir," Prabowo says, taking the compliment.

Prabowo also said he was shocked to hear about the assassination attempt and said he was happy because he was safe. To this Trump said: I got very lucky".

You are a very respected person, I must give you credit for that. You can call anytime you want, you have my number. Give the people of Indonesia my regards," he further added.

Why are you talking to him like hes your boss? I counted you said sir at least 40 times.  S (@shaitannirajeem) November 11, 2024

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Some netizens pointed out that Prabowo addressed Donald Trump as sir several times and said it is not befitting of a president to do so.

Why are you talking to him like hes your boss? I counted you said sir at least 40 times," an X user said.

Location : Jakarta, Indonesia

First Published: November 12, 2024, 00:08 IST
Trish and Iain create adult content for their OnlyFans account to supplement their spending while they explore the country on the road.

Married couple Trish and Iain create content for OnlyFans and other online platforms to supplement their travel costs. Source: Facebook

A married couple in their 50s have been able to "take breaks" from work and travel around Australia without touching a penny of their retirement savings, thanks to some help from income earned online  including X-rated content for OnlyFans.

Trish, 57, and Iain, 58, are travelling from the most easterly point of mainland Australia in Byron Bay to Steep Point in Western Australia, and told Yahoo News they decided to create the content to help fund their adventures.

"Most of the stuff we post is artistic nudes. Occasionally, we do pop something in a little more erotic," Trish said, explaining she is usually the model while her photographer husband is behind the camera.

Photographer Iain takes photos of his wife Trish while they travel from place to place. Source: YouTube

The pair immigrated to Australia in 1997 from South Africa and have been involved in the nude art scene since the early 2000s. Getting involved in OnlyFans felt like a natural next step for them while they travel around the country in their Unimog truck.

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"Iain is an engineer so we travel in between his contract jobs. During our last trip, our YouTube really took off... so we're trying to get that going again and also do the OnlyFans," she said. "It does contribute towards the travel and stops our retirement going backwards when we're not at home... we can travel without touching our savings."

Couple fit OnlyFans content into Aussie adventures

The couple are currently travelling through the Simpson Desert in the red centre of the country and explained they simply document their adventures and take pitstops to create content.

This week, the couple came across an "artesian bath" fashioned out of a feeding trough by a station owner to offer refuge to travellers passing by and they took the opportunity to create content. They can then upload the content online where their OnlyFans subscribers, or 21.5k YouTube followers, can access it.

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"The round feeding trough was hooked up to an artisan well. You just turn on the tap and the water pours out... it was hot," Trish said.

The couple stop along the way to create OnlyFans content. Source: YouTube/Facebook

Although their family and four adult children know about their OnlyFans account, they like to keep things relatively low-key and try to prevent it from impeding their trip overall.

"We tend to have an idea of where we're going and then we see what we can find along the way," Trish said. "We've done a lot of travel."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
A Sydney couple have been left badly shaken after a sick tree in their neighbour's yard crushed their home, almost two years after council was first notified of the danger.

A sick tree has totally devastated a couple's home in Sydney - years after complaints were made to have it removed. Source: 7News

A couple have been left badly shaken and with a hefty repair bill after a huge tree crashed through their home during strong winds over the weekend, completely destroying their kitchen, yard and back deck.

Sydneysiders Keli Ou and Xiaomei Sun, from Eastwood in the city's northwest, were taking a nap on Sunday afternoon when a huge tree in their neighbour's backyard toppled and came crashing down onto their property. The pair said their neighbour, Yin Huang, had complained to the City of Ryde council since early 2023 about the tree, imploring them to allow her to remove it.

According to Huang, a crack in the trunk she spotted early last year only grew bigger with time, and both she and her neighbours worried about their safety around it  so much so they opted to stay indoors during extreme weather over fears it would crumble.

The massive tree slammed into the couple's backyard, kitchen and deck. Source: 7News

Those worries were eventually realised on Sunday afternoon, with shocking footage showing the scale of the damage to the couple's home. Huge branches cracked through the kitchen ceiling, back door, and roof, decimating everything in sight.

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Ou and Sun said that normally at that time on a Sunday they would have been in their kitchen having afternoon tea, but decided that day they'd take a nap  a decision that may have just saved their lives.

"I was scared, like my god, what's going on here. [It was] like a war zone," Sun told 7News. "It was lucky we were in the front of the house, so [we] didn't get hurt."

"The damage is so huge," Ou said.

Council requested 'new application to inspect tree' days before accident

Huang told 7News she first notified Ryde Council in January of 2023 about the tree, asking for its removal. She explained that initial bid was rejected, so she made a second attempt in October of the same year, which was also knocked back. It wasn't until Huang sent photos of the cracked trunk in May and November of 2024 that she claimed council took her concerns seriously.

The home owners have been left to sort out who is responsible. Source: 7News

"They called me back on Friday and asked me to resend the application," Huang said. But by Sunday, it was too late.

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In a statement to Yahoo News on Tuesday, the council confirmed earlier requests to allow removal of the tree were denied.

"The tree, which is on private land, was previously assessed as being acceptable for retention in accordance with industry accepted methodologies," a spokesperson for Ryde Council said.

"When the tree owner raised concerns about a change in its health and condition last week, they were advised that a new application for an inspection was needed and unfortunately the tree failed prior to any subsequent inspection being carried out."

Now, the parties involved have been left with a massive clean-up and to grapple with who cops the repair bill.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
If you thought you had seen the last of Anthony Weiner, Anthony Weiner would like you to think again. The disgraced former congressman and one-time New York City mayoral candidate is back in the news, though mercifully not because of anything to do with his phone: He says he's thinking of making a run for City Council, reports City & State New York . Weiner, currently employed as a 77WABC radio host, used his show Saturday to dangle the possibility of running for the seat of a term-limited Democrat. "I'm thinking about it. I'm wrestling with it," Weiner said. "I love doing this job on the radio, but I want to be of service."

As the New York Post notes, the 60-year-old "convicted sex pest" hasn't held office since 2011, when a sexting scandal forced him from his seat in the House of Representatives. His comeback run for mayor two years later ended afteryou guessed ita sexting scandal, this one involving a minor and 21 months in the clink. "The things in my past, the things about my addiction, the things about my acting out, the things about my backgroundit's a lot, it's a lot," he said. "But we're at a moment that we Democrats, we seem like we come into knife fights carrying library books all the time." City & State New York notes that there are already three candidates in the race, all of whom have raised at least $50,000. (Weiner's former intern made waves recently.)
Dutch police are getting creative, and high tech, in their search for the killer of a 19-year-old sex worker stabbed to death 15 years ago. The Guardian reports that authorities are now displaying a life-size hologram of Bernadett "Betty" Szabo in the windows of a corner house in Amsterdam's Red Light District, where the young Hungarian woman was murdered in 2009, along with large stickers and TV monitors showing the crime scene and a documentary about Szabo.



Background: CNN reports that Szabo grew up poor in the Hungarian city of Nyiregyhaza, fleeing to Amsterdam at the age of 18 to become a prostitute in the infamous section of the city known for its sex industry. She soon became pregnant, giving birth to a son (he was placed in foster care) in November 2008three months before she was killed.
Color Elon Musk unamused. The Tesla CEO and Donald Trump ally had quite a bit to say about the post-election episode of Saturday Night Live, USA Today and Page Six report. The episode featured the SNL cast doing a jokey about-face on Trump, claiming they'd actually been on his side all along. As part of that skit, Dana Carvey impersonated Musk, enthusiastically stating, "I run the country now. America's going to be like one of my rockets: They're super-cool and super-fun, but there's a slight chance it could blow up and everybody dies." Musk's take on Carvey's performance? He apparently didn't think it was very skilled: "Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey," Musk wrote on X.
UPDATE

Nov 11, 2024 7:30 PM CST

The Kremlin has firmly denied reports that President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin last week and urged the Russian leader not to escalate the war in Ukraine. "This is completely untrue, it is pure fiction," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, per the BBC. "This is simply false information. There was no conversation." Sources told outlets including Reuters on Sunday that Trump and Putin had spoken days earlier. Peskov said Monday that there "are no concrete plans" for Putin to speak to Trump. Steven Cheung, Trump's communications director said, "We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders."

Nov 11, 2024 2:23 AM CST

President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone Thursday, their first conversation since Trump won the US presidential election, sources tell the Washington Post and Axios. Trump reportedly issued a warning to Putin, advising him to remember how large the US military presence in Europe is, and to not escalate Russia's war in Ukraine, the sources say. Trump and Putin also reportedly discussed a desire for peace in Europe, and, per one source, "the resolution of Ukraine's war soon." Trump, who previously spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, informed Zelensky about his call with Putin, and Ukraine did not object to their conversation, the sources say.
Someone might want to give Pope Francis a social media primer, at least when it comes to hashtags. The pontiff has been tweeting about actual saints (people canonized by the church), but he's been including the #Saints hashtag along with many of his postswhich on X automatically calls up the fleur-de-lis logo of the New Orleans Saints, per the Guardian . The NFL team, meanwhile, is simply playing along. "The #Saints are precious pearls and are always living and relevant," Francis first posted on Tuesday.

That elicited a response from the Saints, who are currently 3-7 and sitting toward the bottom of the NFC South, that showed a picture of the pope being offered a team jersey, along with the caption: "Thank you for your prayers, Pontiff. We need them." The pope's next post that tagged the team, on Thursday, read: "We cannot become #Saints with a frown. We must have joyful hearts that remain open to hope." That spurred a simple "Amen" from the team, with their team logo tacked on. The Washington Post notes the pope put up a similar #Saints post earlier this month as well.

But despite the joshing, perhaps Francis' divine intervention paid off, because the Saints won 20-17 over the Atlanta Falcons on Sundaythe first time they've won a game since September, notes the Guardian. The team posted a screenshot of his Thursday tweet into a collage that showed the pope holding up his post as if it were the Bible or a Holy Communion wafer. "We weren't losing after this," the team joked in a late afternoon tweet after their win.

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Fans are also enjoying the repeated mix-up, per the AP. "Any chance the @HoustonTexans can catch a blessing too?" one posted. One person who isn't chuckling is the Rev. Matthew Schneider, deemed "a prominent voice on Catholic Twitter" by the news outlet. Schneider apparently has been trying for five years to get the pope's social media team to stop using the hashtag. On Nov. 1, he begged X to do something about it. "It was cute the first time but it's becoming tiresome," he wrote. (More Pope Francis stories.)
California voters have rejected Proposition 6, a measure amending the state Constitution to ban forced labor in any form, the AP reports. The constitution currently bans it except as punishment for crime. That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates who are concerned about prison labor conditions. People who are incarcerated are often paid less than $1 an hour to fight fires, clean cells, make license plates, and do landscaping work at cemeteries. The Washington Post notes that prisons are permitted to punish prisoners for not completing assigned tasks by taking away privileges, such as family visits. Proposition 6 would have made such work voluntary and taken away punishment.

We really did do the best that we could," says a rep for the Proposition 6 campaign, citing widespread misunderstanding about what the measure entailed. "But a part of the challenge that we always knew we would have would be voter education." The initiative was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of racism and discrimination against Black Californians. Several other states, including Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont, have in recent years approved constitutional amendments removing slavery and involuntary servitude exceptions.

(More California stories.)
Donald Trump has said he wouldn't be a dictator"except for Day 1." According to his own statements, he's got a lot to do on that first day in the White House, the AP reports. Here's a look at what Trump has said he will do in his second term and whether he can do it the moment he steps into the White House:

Pardon supporters who attacked the Capitol. As president, Trump can pardon anyone convicted in federal court, District of Columbia Superior Court, or in a military court-martial. He can stop the continued prosecution of rioters by telling his attorney general to stand down.
Taylor Swift emerged as the standout winner at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) held in Manchester, triumphing in multiple categories. The US pop icon secured awards for best artist, best US act, best live act, and best video for her hit collaboration "Fortnight" with Post Malone. Despite her absence due to the ongoing Eras tour, Swift expressed her gratitude to fans via a heartfelt video message, acknowledging the honors.

The event kicked off with a performance by Benson Boone, who captivated the audience while performing suspended above the stage on a golden grand piano. Boone's act featured his popular single "Beautiful Things" alongside his newest release "Slow it Down." This memorable appearance was topped off by him winning his inaugural EMA for best new act.

Meanwhile, South African artist Tyla also made a strong impression, securing three awards in recognition of her contributions to afrobeats, R&B, and as the best African act. Her success provided a noteworthy challenge to Swift's dominance at the event. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
In a sprawling plant in the heart of California's farmland, millions of shells rush down a metallic chute and onto a conveyor belt where they're inspected, roasted, packaged, and shipped off to groceries around the world. Pistachios are growing fast in California, where farmers have been devoting more land to a crop seen as hardier and more drought-tolerant. The crop generated nearly $3 billion last year in California, and in the past decade, the United States has surpassed Iran to become the world's top exporter of the nut, per the AP . "There has been an explosion over the last 10 or 15 years of plantings, and those trees are coming online," said Zachary Fraser, president and CEO of American Pistachio Growers, which represents more than 800 farmers in the southwestern US. "You are starting to see the fruit of people's vision from 40 years ago."

California grows more than a third of the country's vegetables and three-quarters of its fruit and nuts, per state agricultural statistics. Pistachios have surged over the past decade to become the state's sixth-biggest agricultural commodity in value, ahead of longtime crops such as strawberries and tomatoes, the data shows. Much of the crop heads to China, where it's a popular treat during Lunar New Year. But industry experts said Americans also are eating more pistachios, which were rarely in grocery stores a generation ago and today are a snack food found almost everywhere. They're sold with shells or without, and flavors range from salt and pepper to honey roasted.

Pistachios are poised to weather California's dry spells better than its even bigger nut crop, almonds, which generated nearly $4 billion in the state last year. Pistachio orchards can be sustained with minimal water during drought, unlike almonds and other more sensitive crops. The trees also rely on wind instead of bees for pollination and can produce nuts for decades longer, said Rob Yraceburu, president of Wonderful Orchards, part of the $6 billion agricultural firm Wonderful Company. Over the next few years, pistachio acreage is expected to continue to grow. "You see all the value the pistachio industry is providing to California agriculture is approaching that of almonds, with a lot less acreage," said David Magana, a senior analyst at Rabobank. "I haven't seen pistachio orchards being pulled out." More here.

(More pistachios stories.)
The body of US Army Pvt. Jeremiah P. Mahoney has been identified almost 80 years after he was killed during fierce fighting in northeast France. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed last month that the body of the 19-year-old from Chicago was among dozens of sets of remains recovered from a forest in 1947, the New York Times reports. "For the first time in my life, I had a familiarity with this long-lost uncle," says Jerry Mannell, a nephew born years after the war ended. "There was a sense of closure and relief. But there was a larger sense of remorse for his immediate family not having this information before they passed."

Mahoney "was assigned to Anti-Tank Company, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division in the European Theater during World War II," the DPAA said. He was killed on Jan. 17, 1945, in a battle with counterattacking German forces during a resupply mission, but "due to the intensity of the fighting his unit could not recover his body as it was forced to withdraw from the area," the DPAA said. A "Finding of Death" was issued in 1946. Before his body was identified with modern forensic techniques, he was interred as Unknown X-6379 in the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium. The remains were exhumed for testing in 2022. "Kudos to the Army for sticking with this for 75 years," Mannell says. "So they truly leave no soldier behind."

Mahoney arrived in Europe in February 1944. He served in Italy and France and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, the Times reports. "He and I shared the same foxhole many times, same blankets, food, clothes, etc.," a soldier in his company wrote to Mahoney's mother after his death. "Of all the men in there that I've seen in action, none was of stouter heart than your son. Everybody liked Mahoney. He was the sort of fellow who could be depended on every time. By that I mean he never hesitated to perform his duties come what might. Mahoney never, in spite of how rough things got, lost his nerve nor sense of humor." Mahoney's remains will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, CBS News reports. (More World War II stories.)
One of the films that opened over the weekend to strong reviews is Juror #2 , a courtroom drama directed by none other than Clint Eastwood. If the film's existence comes as a surprise, it's no wonder: Warner Bros. put it in only a relative handful of theatersabout 30in big cities, reports Variety . And beyond the standard internet trailer, the studio is not supporting it with a marketing push. Which seems odd, given that this is the 94-year-old Eastwood's 40th film as a director and, quite possibly, his last, notes a story in the Wall Street Journal .

"The hushed release of a Hollywood legend's potential swan-song creation is the latest sign of how the world of cinema has been upended by shifting corporate strategies and the question of what kind of film can draw moviegoers to the cineplex," per the Journal. "A casualty of that is the relationship between studios and talent, with filmmakers having less say in how their art is released." Eastwood himself is not quoted in the stories. The studio says it's not a diss of Eastwood, that Juror #2 was always meant to go straight to streaming on its Max service. (There is some skepticism about this.) Releasing it to theaters first, albeit a small number of them, at least ensures it qualifies for awards.

Still, the quiet opening for such a big name is "peculiar," per a previous story in Variety, one suggesting the studio was "burying it." And some industry observers agree. "This is Clint Eastwood, one of the very few people who can be called iconic," Stephen Galloway of Chapman University's film school tells the Journal. "When you do this to him, it sends a real message of disloyalty and lack of faith in talent." It might also speak to the financial struggles of modern studios, he adds. Meanwhile, the movie has 92% positive reviews at Rotten Tomatoes. (More Clint Eastwood stories.)
President-elect Trump's newly named "border czar" is providing a sense of how his crackdown on undocumented immigrants will play out next year, describing a deportation program that he says would be unprecedented in scale. "People say, well, it sounds awful cruel, you want to remove millions," Tom Homan tells the Sunday Times of London. But "of course there has to be historic deportation, because we had historic immigration." Details:

The czar: Homan, whose position does not require Senate confirmation, is a former border agent who served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than a year in Trump's first term. He has since worked as a Fox News analyst on immigration and the border, per the Washington Post.

Homan, whose position does not require Senate confirmation, is a former border agent who served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than a year in Trump's first term. He has since worked as a Fox News analyst on immigration and the border, per the Washington Post. The 'worst:' Homan says "we're going to concentrate on the worst of the worst," at the start of the deportation push, suggesting an emphasis on criminals. He reiterated that Monday on Fox News: "I've been clear, and President Trump's been clear: Public safety threats and national security threats will be the priority because they have to be," he said. "They pose the most danger to this country."
Disney's newest cruise ship won't have its maiden voyage with passengers until next month, but the Disney Treasure picked up four people during an unscheduled stop on Sunday. The cruise ship rescued the four from a sinking catamaran around 265 miles off the coast of Bermuda, ABC News reports. After the crew put out a distress call, the Coast Guard issued an alert. The Treasure, around 80 miles away, was the closest vessel to the Serenity catamaran. It altered its course and launched a lifeboat. All four people on the Serenity were rescued safely.

Coast Guard officials say the 50-foot catamaran started taking on water after its escape hatch blew a gasket, the AP reports. The Treasure, the sixth cruise ship in Disney's fleet, was built in Europe and was on its way from the Netherlands to Florida when it received the emergency alert, reports the BBC. It will embark on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, on Dec. 21, per WKMG. "We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril," Treasure Captain Marco Nogara said in a statement. "Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety." (More cruise ships stories.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: mail@newsobahrain.com

Under the patronage of His Excellency Ali Bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, the Youth Pioneer Society held the closing ceremony of the seventh edition of the Young Parliamentarian Program and the eighth Youth Parliamentary Forum on November 9.

The event was attended by Redha Munfaredi, a member of the Shura Council and Deputy Patron of the ceremony, along with several esteemed members of the Shura and Representatives Councils, and Karima Mohammed Al Abassi, Secretary General of the Shura Council, the Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom, program partners, and alumni.

After the final video presentation of the program, Munfaredi, Chairman of the Youth Affairs Committee in the Shura Council, honored the graduates and all recognized individuals, conveying the greetings of Al Saleh to the Youth Pioneer Society and those involved in the program.

The eighth Youth Parliamentary Forum discussed several social, economic, and service-related issues concerning Bahraini society.

Solutions

This was within the context of proposals and recommendations presented and discussed by the youth participating in the Young Parliamentarian Program 2024, who aimed to propose suitable solutions to these issues and discuss them objectively.

The first session of the forum addressed the topic of the comprehensive national health record for emergency use, featuring Dr. Hani Ali Alsaati, a member of the Shura Council, and MP Jalila Al-Sayed from the Council of Representatives, with Fawaz Al-Qasimi moderating.

The second session focused on the Investment Encouragement Law in the non-oil sector, with contributions from Ali Husain Alshehabi, a Shura Council member, and MP Ahmed Al-Saloom, along with moderator Yusuf Ahmed.

Law

The third session discussed the law on redefining and classifying plastic materials and their uses, featuring Dr. Mohammed Ali, a Shura Council member, and Dr. Muneer Seroor, a member of the Council of Representatives, moderated by Munira Aqeel.

During the ceremony, graduates of the program and members of both the Shura and Representatives Councils who participated in the program activities and provided support were honored.

The seventh Young Parliamentarian Program, held in partnership with the European Union, the British Embassy, and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, along with media partners Al-Ayam Newspaper and Bahrain Tribune, running from May to November 2024.
- Long-Term, Multi- Rig Contracts Drive Profitability -

TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Geodrill Limited ("Geodrill" or the "Company") (TSX: GEO), a leading West African based drilling company, reported its financial results for the three month and nine month period ended September 30, 2024. All figures are reported in U.S. dollars ($), unless otherwise indicated. Geodrill's financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

Financial Highlights Q3-2024:

Generated revenue of $34.1M , being a 13% increase compared to $30.3M for Q3-2023;

, being a 13% increase compared to for Q3-2023; Delivered EBITDA of $7.6M or 22% of revenue compared to $0.6M or 2% of revenue in Q3-2023;

or 22% of revenue compared to or 2% of revenue in Q3-2023; Achieved net income of $2.6M or $0.06 per Ordinary Share, compared to a net loss of $(3.0)M or $(0.06) per Ordinary Share in Q3-2023; and

or per Ordinary Share, compared to a net loss of or per Ordinary Share in Q3-2023; and Ended the quarter with net cash (excluding right of use liabilities) of $3.5M .

Operational Highlights Q3-2024:

Maintained a strong presence in West Africa in two primary countries, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire ;

in two primary countries, and ; In 2024, the Company secured contracts totaling more than $150M that will continue to strongly contribute to revenue and profitability over the next 3-5 years;

that will continue to strongly contribute to revenue and profitability over the next 3-5 years; Subsequent to the quarter end, the Company secured contracts in Chile totaling $49M including two very significant multi-rig, multi-year contracts, and one multi-rig contract;

totaling including two very significant multi-rig, multi-year contracts, and one multi-rig contract; Commenced drilling subsequent to the quarter end in Chile and Peru on longer term contracts;

and on longer term contracts; Grew the Company's presence in Egypt , supported by its long term underground contract with a tier one client;

, supported by its long term underground contract with a tier one client; Re-invested and upgraded the Company's fleet to support two very significant multi-rig contracts; ending the quarter with 95 rigs; and

Achieved a new milestone of 21M LTI free hours.

Outlook:

Favorable Market Conditions : The strong gold price continues to provide tailwinds for exploration drilling;

: The strong gold price continues to provide tailwinds for exploration drilling; Geographical Expansion: The Company is actively expanding its geographical reach and diversifying its commodity portfolio.

Financial Summary

US$ 000s (except earnings per

share and percentages) For the three

months ended

Sept 30, 2024 For the three

months ended

Sept 30, 2023 For the nine

months ended

Sept 30, 2024 For the nine

months ended

Sept 30, 2023 Revenue $34,091 $30,292 $109,935 $100,483 Gross profit $8,351 $5,804 $28,517 $25,738 Gross profit margin 24 % 19 % 26 % 26 % EBITDA(1)(2) $7,630 $646 $24,956 $17,307 EBITDA margin 22 % 2 % 23 % 17 % Net Income/Loss $2,611 $(2,950) $9,563 $5,141 Earnings/Loss per share - basic $0.06 $(0.06) $0.21 $0.11

Notes:



(1) EBITDA = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

(2) Please see "Non-IFRS Measures" below for additional discussion

"This quarter, Geodrill delivered another solid financial performance, which is a testament to our operational success and strategic planning. Our strategic decision to transition our rig fleet to more advantageous jurisdictions has proven to be the right move as demonstrated in our financial results. Additionally, our success in securing multiple rig contracts in new jurisdictions has significantly boosted our revenue visibility and profitability and demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence and financial stability," said Greg Borsk, Chief Financial Officer.

"Securing multi-rig contracts across both our core and expanded markets enables us to provide shareholders with stable and predictable revenue, while establishing a unique market position to outperform the industry. Following the recent quarter, we have been awarded significant contracts in Chile, including two major multi-rig, multi-year contracts, and one additional multi-rig contract. These contracts are set to boost our revenue starting next quarter and extending through 2027," stated Dave Harper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Geodrill. "With a strong portfolio of long-term contracts with a tier 1 client base, favorable pricing conditions, and a robust pipeline of opportunities, we are confident in delivering exceptional value to our shareholders and establishing a strong foundation for growth."

Geodrill's condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A"), for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2024, are available via Geodrill's website at www.geodrill.ltd and will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Management of the Company will host a conference call at 10:00 am ET to discuss the financial results.

Q3 2024 Conference Call Information

Date & Time: Monday, November 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET Telephone: Toll Free (North America) 1-888-664-6392

International 1-416-764-8659 Conference ID: 45983



Webcast: https://app.webinar.net/pebrO38XNKy

Conference Call Replay

Telephone: Toll Free Replay (North America) 1-888-390-0541

International Replay 1-416-764-8677 Entry Code: 45983 #



The conference call replay will be available until November 18, 2024 11:59 p.m. ET.

About Geodrill Limited

Geodrill has been successful in establishing a leading market position in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. The Company also operates in other African jurisdictions including Egypt and Senegal and is expanding its geographic presence in the South America countries of Chile and Peru. With the large fleet of multi-purpose rigs, Geodrill provides a broad selection of diverse drilling services, including exploration, delineation, underground and grade control drilling, to meet the specific needs of its clients. The Company's client mix is made up of senior mining, intermediate and junior exploration companies. www.geodrill.ltd

Non-IFRS Measures

EBITDA is defined as Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization and is used as a measure of financial performance. The Company believes EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in the industry. However, EBITDA is not a measure recognized by IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. EBITDA should not be viewed in isolation and does not purport to be an alternative to net income or gross profit as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, and EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS.

Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as capital expenditures, contractual commitments, interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. Please see the Company's MD&A for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2024 for the EBITDA reconciliation.

Forward Looking Information

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to the future financial or operating performance of the Company, its subsidiaries, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases that state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and/or its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release including, without limitation those described in the Management's Discussion & Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 30, 2024 under the heading "Risk Factors". Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that may cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or review such information or statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Geodrill Limited

For further information: Joanna Longo, Investor Relations, (416) 575 6965, [email protected]
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 10, 2024 /CNW/ -

Note: All times local.

Toronto, Ontario

Private meetings.

10:25 a.m. The Deputy Prime Minister will attend a ceremony for Remembrance Day.





Notes for media:

Open coverage.

Media wishing to cover the event are asked to arrive no later than 10:00 a.m.

Media must register by contacting [email protected] . The Deputy Prime Minister will meet with industry leaders to discuss artificial intelligence.



Closed to media.

This document is also available at https://deputypm.canada.ca/en

SOURCE Deputy Prime Minister's Office

For more information (media only), please contact: Katherine Cuplinskas, Deputy Director of Communications, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, [email protected]; Media Relations, Privy Council Office, 613-957-5420, [email protected]
News COP29: All you need to know about the upcoming climate change conference By Beatrice Boutayre First published 11 November 2024 Thousands of representatives from all over the globe are meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the next round of climate talks. Nations will meet at COP29 as part of the United Nations annual climate conference to discuss the future of our changing Earth.

What is COP29? COP29 is a global climate conference organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. COP stands for the Conference of the Parties, and brings together the 197 nations who are part of this agreement. The first COP was held in 1995 in Germany, and used to be held every two years. However, it has now become an annual event as the impacts of climate change become more severe. When is COP29? COP29 will begin on the 11th November 2024 and will last just under two weeks, with a scheduled conclusion on 22nd November. However, previous COPs have run over as nations take extra time to finalise the new agreements. Delegates to this climate meeting will be hoping to avoid the outcome of the recent biodiversity COP, which ran out of time to make many important decisions. A variety of events will take place on each day of the conference, starting at 09.00 and ending at 16.30 AZT. Negotiations will continue in the background throughout the event with many heads of state expected to take part in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on the 12th and 13th November. Where is COP29? COP29 is being held in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. The choice of host has been controversial, as the country is one of the worlds major oil producers. Before the conference, Azerbaijan announced a series of initiatives it would launch at COP29. These include the establishment of a new Climate Finance Action Fund to fund investments in green projects in developing nations, as well as pledges to boost energy storage, reduce methane emissions and improve climate resilience.

Discussing finance at COP29 Finance is taking centre stage at COP29 as countries come to terms with the vast sums of money needed to protect our societies from the worst impacts of climate change and make them more sustainable. Top of the agenda is the concept of a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) for climate finance, which countries have pledged to agree by 2025. What exactly this means, however, is difficult to define. Certain developed countries, like the USA, UK and Australia, are currently tasked with providing $100 billion a year to help less developed nations to tackle climate change. The figure for the new goal is up for debate, with assessments suggesting trillions of dollars will be needed to adequately prepare the world for higher temperatures. Aside from the figure itself, a timeline for this funding will also need to be decided. The $100 billion target was only agreed upon two years after the proposed deadline, with negotiators hoping that this wont happen again. More countries could also be asked to pay towards the target. The list of nations that contribute was first drawn up in the 1990s, and these developed countries are keen to see other large economies, such as China, added to the list. Aside from the NCQG, nations will also be discussing the difficult issue of a carbon market. This is the idea that countries which have projects that are absorbing carbon could sell credits to other nations to offset emissions. Previous discussions to lay out how this will work have ended without agreement, but COP29 is set to prioritise negotiations on this topic. Key issues delegates need to decide on include what projects can be used to create carbon credits, and how the system will be managed.
Agriculture expert Yamashita Kazuhito argues that the summer 2024 rice shortages in Japan were the result of government efforts to keep rice prices high by reducing the acreage of crops cultivated.

Empty Shelves

In August 2024, rice disappeared from Japanese supermarket shelves, and prices rose, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries would not admit that there was a shortage.

The searing summer in 2023 had some adverse effect on last years rice harvest. Continued high temperatures when rice ears emerge can lead to internal cracking or chalky grains with poor starch formation. This rice is removed at the distribution stage, resulting in a lower supply when it is polished. There were also suggestions that demand rose due to greater consumption by international visitors, the relatively low price of rice compared to bread, or stockpiling due to fears of a Nankai Trough earthquake.

However, these factors only represent a small proportion of overall rice supply and demand, adding up to less than 5%. The fundamental issue is that even small changes in production and consumption have a great influence on the price of rice, and its supply and demand, due to the specific conditions of the food market.

Peoples food consumption is limited by their stomachs, so even if production increases, there is a need to slash prices to sell it all in the market. This is the recognized phenomenon where bumper harvests can lead to lower incomes for farmers. Conversely, poor harvests lead to soaring prices. At the same time, even if demand rises, it is not possible to rapidly increase agricultural production. For example, if demand rises in June, it will take until the following September to lift production to bring it in line. This is why small changes in production and consumption can lead to dramatic price swings.

The Real Reason for Shortages

It is favorable for both the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA) and MAFF if the rice supply drops and prices rise. As they are both wary of a glut leading to lower prices, they try to keep the supply low. This year, a slight increase in demand and decrease in supply induced soaring prices for the grain.

However, one fact has not received attention. Last years rice-crop index was 101, which was higher than in an average year (set as 100). However, this index is based on the yield for a fixed area, so if the overall cultivated acreage decreases, even if the index is at 100, the amount of rice produced will be less than the previous year.

In 2018, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo boasted he would abolish the gentan policy of reducing rice cultivation acreage, but this was fake news. JA and MAFF have continued to promote acreage reductions, based on the premise that demand for rice is decreasing by 100,000 tons every year. Last years total rice production was down 90,000 tons from the previous years 6.7 million tons. Before talking about the effects of the hot summer of 2024, we should note that the year also saw this decreased supply due to reduced acreage.

The major rice shortages in 1993 were said to have been caused by low summer temperatures, but reduced acreage was the essential reason then too. There was the potential to produce 14 million tons, but this was reduced to 10 millionand then the poor harvest meant 7.8 million tons were actually produced. However, if Japan could produce 14 million tons and export 4 million tons in a typical year, it could likely have produced and consumed 10 million tons even with a cool summer.

Currently, 40% of paddy fields are not in use, meaning that production is limited to around 6.5 million tons. If Japan stopped this policy of reduced production, and instead exported 4 million tons, it could handle the kind of situation seen this year through a small decrease in the amount exported and no domestic shortages. The European Union has dealt with its excess agricultural production through exports rather than reducing cultivation, so it would never have the kind of problem Japan has had with rice.

Rising Prices

Rice is harvested around September and stored in warehouses, to be sold and consumed until the following years harvest. The recent issue of empty market shelves came about because it was shortly before the latest harvest. However, MAFF, which has 1 million tons of stockpiled rice, had a whole year in which it knew about heat damage to the 2023 crop. Why did it not act earlier?

JA and MAFF have instructed farmers to reduce production for a number of years now. The price per 60 kilograms of rice traded between the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Zen-Noh) and wholesalers was 12,804 for crops harvested in fiscal 2021, 13,844 for the 2022 harvest, and 15,306 for the 2023 harvest (rising to 16,133 in August 2024). This is a 20% rise over two years, to reach the highest price in a decade. Furthermore, the provisional price for this years harvest paid by JA to farmers was up between 20% and 40% on last year. The rise in rice prices is clearly the result of JA and MAFFs efforts. Any release of stockpiled rice to ease the supply crunch would bring the grain back to stores and bring prices down.

MAFF has said that this years new rice will solve shortages. However, this rice is basically meant to be consumed from October this year until September next year. Starting on it early will lead to the same issue next August. As 2024 saw high temperatures in summer again, rice prices are not coming down.

Suggested Solutions

The government bears a significant financial burden in order to provide affordable medical services to citizens. In the area of this staple food, by comparison, reducing the cultivated acreage of rice is an extraordinary policy that means giving out total subsidies of 350 billion, at taxpayers expense, to farmers in order to reduce supply and raise prices, thereby increasing the burden on consumers. Lifting the price of a staple food like rice is even more regressive than a consumption tax.

Global rice production is 3.5 times higher than it was in 1961, but Japan has reduced its own production by 40%, while at the same time providing subsidies to farmers. Naturally, this means a decrease in food self-sufficiency. In prewar Japan, the Army Ministry blocked a proposal to reduce cultivated acreage by what was then the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It is a policy that runs counter to national security.

If Japan abandoned the acreage reduction program, it could produce 17 million tons of rice each year, with 7 million tons for domestic consumption and 10 million tons for export. This would leave plenty of leeway for handling changes in domestic supply and demand.

There is now almost no difference in price between California rice and Japanese rice. The latter is sometimes cheaper. Stopping the acreage reduction policy would bring prices down further and boost exports. Producing more than is consumed domestically would mean a self-sufficiency ratio of more than 100% for this crop. With 17 million tons, rice self-sufficiency would actually reach 243%, and overall food self-sufficiency would rise above 60%. Thus, the most effective food security policy would be to increase production and exports of rice, as this would mean there would be plenty available in an emergency. Japan currently spends 50 billion each year on stockpiling rice. Producing excess rice for export during ordinary, peaceful times would perform the same function with no financial outlay.

It is impossible to abandon the acreage reduction policy, however, as it is the basis for JAs prosperity. The high price of rice has sustained small-scale farmers with dual incomes. They deposit earnings from their main jobs, amounting to more than four times as much as their farming income, in the JA Bank. After losing interest in farming, they also deposit huge sums accrued from the sale of farmland for the sake of its conversion for residential or other nonagricultural usage. This has helped JA to grow into a megabank with over 100 trillion in deposits. JAs maintenance of high rice prices to support dual-income farmers, and the fact it is Japans only body that can engage in both banking and other businesses, have combined perfectly to spur its prosperity.

Among the victims of the policy are taxpayers who bear the burden of financing subsidies, consumers who pay high prices for their food, smaller rice wholesalers who go out of business due to the reduced amount of rice handled, full-time farmers who cannot expand their farm size while small-scale part-timers are maintained by the high price of rice, and citizens who would have no food supply if imports were cut off. And notably, there are the rice dealers with no political power, many of whomunable to object to agricultural policyhave had to shut down their businesses. MAFF is acting in violation of the second section of Article 15 of the Constitution: All public officials are servants of the whole community and not of any group thereof.

Some suggest that it would not be possible to maintain rice production if prices fall. However, it is contradictory to reduce production in order to maintain production. The United States and the EU switched a long time ago to protecting farmers incomes through direct payments from the government rather than price support. Even if the price of rice drops, payments to full-time farmers would help both them and small-scale dual-income farmers who receive income by leasing farmland to them. This would only cost around 150 billion annually.

Farmers used to plant rice in June, after the wheat and barley harvests. With the increase in part-time farmers, planting was pushed earlier, to the Golden Week holiday from the end of April through the first week of May, and the practice of double cropping faded out. Returning planting to June, and harvesting in October, would avoid heat damage to crops, and increased wheat production would also boost food self-sufficiency.

For the benefit of Japans citizens, the government should abandon the acreage reduction program of rice, make direct payments to farmers, and revive double cropping.

(Originally published in Japanese on September 27, 2024. Banner photo: A supermarket with empty rice shelves in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture.  Okayama Shimbun/Kyodo.)
Two people magnet fishing Saturday afternoon in Camden County pulled what police described as an old military style projectile out of the Cooper River in Cherry Hill.

The fishermen were using a magnet in the water near the Cuthbert Boulevard bridge when they found the object at about 12:30 p.m., Cherry Hill police said.

Police called in the Camden County Sheriffs Department bomb squad, which removed the ordnance from the area and was working to find a way to safely dispose of it.

The ordnance showed signs of having been in the river for a long time, officials said.

Police closed the area until about 4 p.m. Cherry Hill police couldnt immediately be reached for an update on Monday morning.

The discovery of the Cherry Hill ordnance came days after an explosive ordnance believed to be from the World War I era was located and removed from a beach in Sandy Hook in Monmouth County.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Dongfeng Motor's premium new energy vehicle brand VOYAH recently inaugurated its first smart supercharging stations, now operational in Wuhan, Shanghai, and Hefei cities. These stations are equipped with advanced 2.8cm lightweight liquid-cooled cables, emitting noise levels no higher than 55dB at full capacity.

Photo credit: VOYAH

VOYAH's station specifications are as follows:

The Wuhan station offers five VP360 chargers, each with a peak power output of 360kW.

The Shanghai Pudong station has two VP480 chargers (480kW peak power) and six VP120 chargers (120kW peak power).

The Hefei station is installed with two VP480 chargers (480kW peak power) and six VP120 chargers (120kW peak power).

In April this year, VOYAH officially announced its entry into the 800V 5C supercharging era. VOYAH's proprietary 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform combines multiple technologies, including advanced anode, graphite fast-ion ring, superconductive electrolyte formula, ultra-thin SEI film, and high-porosity separator membranes. This platform enables vehicles to gain 450km of range with just a 10-minute charge.

In addition, VOYAH is developing a megawatt-level charging pile supporting up to 8C charging, with a peak power of 1,000kW for rapid energy replenishment. VOYAH aims to create a dense 6km charging network in major urban centers. The initial phase includes 16 pilot supercharging stations, with plans to extend coverage across 95% of Chinese cities, supporting a more accessible charging ecosystem.
Teaoshia Stills family is looking for answers as they try to process the unimaginable.

The 36-year-old Millville mother of three was found shot to death in a city park over the weekend and police are hunting for her killer.

Millville Police responded to Waltman Park shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday when a jogger reported finding an unconscious woman with head injuries, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office.

Still had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

Her family said Still was an upbeat and friendly woman.

She was sweet, outgoing, very energetic, a relative who asked not to be named said Monday. Always showed love to people who showed love to her.

The relative said it is unclear who killed Still.

I just dont understand. Its crazy for somebody to just do that to her and leave her in the park, the relative said.

Still leaves behind three kids, with the oldest in college, according to the family member.

Stills parents live out of state, the relative said. Her family has come to New Jersey to handle funeral arrangements, which have not yet been announced.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact Millville Police Department at 856-825-7010, ext. 5, or leave an anonymous tip on the Cumberland Country Prosecutors Office website.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Not all heroes wear capes. Some heroes don orange safety vests, hairnets, or practical coveralls, like the dozen school district staff honored late last month at the New Jersey School Boards Associations Unsung Superheroes in Education Awards.

The awards celebrate staff members whose work is primarily done out of the spotlight, but is nevertheless critical to school maintenance and student education, according to Timothy Purnell, the New Jersey School Boards Associations executive director and CEO.

These individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition or thanks, to ensure that our schools run smoothly and provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students, Purnell said at an Oct. 22 ceremony in Atlantic City.

Trophies were present to award winners in categories including school custodian, librarian/media specialist, bus driver, school nurse, cafeteria/food service and crossing guard.

Each winner was selected from a pool of nominees submitted by school district staff and community members throughout the state.

The award winners, along with a description from the association, were:

School custodian: Banush Muca, Little Ferry Schools

Muca has served as a school custodian in Little Ferry for 25 years, having immigrated to New Jersey from Albania, where he served as a doctor and hospital administrator, to provide a better life for his family.

His award was presented by keynote speaker John Quinones, the Peabody-winning journalist and longtime host of What Would You Do? His father was a custodian.

Administration/secretary: Angelena Angie Williams, Jackson School District

Williams is the child study team secretary at Elms Elementary School. She regularly volunteers her time to support school clubs and the after-care program, according to her nomination application.

She also co-chairs the schools Pep Squad, which is responsible for boosting staff morale and organizing community activities.

Bus driver: Nicole Kellam, Denville Township School District

Kellam drives for a number of schools in the Denville Township School District, and regularly goes above and beyond in her duties.

She cares deeply for the students she transports, often working past her scheduled shift to ensure students safety and comfort.

If a parent isnt at a scheduled stop when she arrives, Kellam will get directly involved, keeping the student calm while the situation is resolved, rather than automatically bringing them back to school.

Cafeteria/food service: Rosemarie Chambers-Jimenez, Dover Public Schools

Chambers-Jimenez always has a smile for each and every one of the students and staff members she serves.

A welcoming presence and positive problem-solver, she is known in the community as someone always ready to lend a helping hand.

Coach/club adviser: Timothy McKinnon, North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School

McKinnon has worked at North Hunterdon High School since 2017. While his day job is within the Technology Education program, he spends much of his after-school time serving as a coach and club adviser.

He coaches both the freshman boys soccer team and freshman field hockey, and also advises the Technology Student Association, technology service club, and video club.

Crossing guard: Howard Howie Dombroski, Spring Lake Heights School District

Dombroski is a recognizable face for the students he helps cross the street to get to school every day.

Always smiling and interacting with the students, it was clear to those who nominated him that he cares deeply about each child in his charge.

Human resources professional: Sheena Yera, Camden City School District

Yera serves as chief communications officer for the Camden City School District.

A Camden native, she is a devoted advocate for her community and a proud champion of both the districts past achievements and future potential.

Librarian/media specialist: Valerie Munro, Pequannock Township School District

Munro is a media specialist at Hillview Elementary School, where she has spent the past three decades fostering a love of reading in the students in her care, enriching their lives immeasurably.

A Hillview alumnus herself, Munro is known for her creative initiatives like Bookwormy Nights, a themed reading event.

Paraprofessional/aide: Aimee Miller, Cape May City School District

Miller is a paraprofessional and a real life angel, according to one colleague, at Cape May City Elementary School.

She provides dedicated, individualized support to both student and staff members that makes them feel seen and inspires them to reach their fullest potential.

School nurse: Larissa Mattei, Manville School District

Mattei serves as a nurse at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School. She is dedicated to her work and extremely well-versed in school policies, according to her application package.

Her excellent communication skills and cultural fluency allows her to ensure that every student, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, receives the attention and care they need.

School security: James Carifi, Mount Olive Township School District

Carifi, a former Parsippany police captain and board of education member in the Parsippany Troy Hills School District, brings a wealth of knowledge to his current role as director of security for the Mount Olive School District.

He has served in that capacity for five years, and has demonstrated an unwavering focus on student and staff safety in that time.

Technology professional: Mark Flumerfelt, Washington Township School District (Warren County)

Flumerfelt is a technology technician at Port Colden and Brass Castle Schools. An alum of the district himself, he previously served as a custodian there before moving on to his current role.

Described as steadfast and humble, Flumerfelt also volunteers both his time and personal equipment to support school activities like the Senior Buddy program and the districts 6th grade promotion.

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Sunday shoppers had a celebrity encounter of The Rock variety at a New Jersey Target.

Actor Dwayne The Rock Johnson was at the Clifton store to promote his Papatui line of mens personal care products.

He was there for some giveaways of skincare and other products at the store, including TVs and toys.

Videos posted on social media show a crowd of customers with their cellphones out, and Johnson, who swooped in with an entourage and cameras, stopping to play a game of rock, paper, scissors with a young fan (his first move: rock, naturally).

The big-screen star, 52, is also promoting the release of his holiday action film Red One, in theaters Friday (and Jersey theaters starting Thursday).

Johnson was in the store to promote his personal care line.Provided photo

Johnson plays Callum Drift, who manages security at the North Pole for Santa Claus, played by Oscar winner J.K. Simmons.

Of course, hes on the case when someone abducts Santa. The cast also includes Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt and Nick Kroll.

Johnson also returns as Maui in the Disney animated film Moana 2  the sequel to the 2016 film Moana  which hits theaters Nov. 27. He stars alongside Aulii Cravalho, who reprises the role of Moana.

Next year, the WWE superstar leads A24s The Smashing Machine as real-life professional wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr. In the film, directed by Benny Safdie, he appears opposite Oscar nominee Emily Blunt, who plays Kerrs wife. She previously co-starred with Johnson in Jungle Cruise.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
Parents and kids snatching up Wicked-themed toys were surprised with a different wicked altogether.

Mattel Wicked dolls sold ahead of the Universal Pictures movies Nov. 22 release have an error on their packaging  they direct people to a porn site.

The mistake can be found on singing dolls of main characters Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, and Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, as well as dolls of other characters.

The toy packaging was supposed to link customers to the Wicked movie website  wickedmovie.com  but instead links people to wicked.com (warning: explicit material), an 18-and-older website home to Wicked Pictures, a purveyor of parody porn films.

Mattel issued a statement regarding the error, as reported by Variety:

Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.

hey can someone tell mattel that the website put on their boxes is a porn site  pic.twitter.com/w20c6ZZLvR  bratz dolls the movie the series the musical (@twiinzroxxi) November 9, 2024

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
Is Giants John Mara ready to admit that he whiffed on two more hires  and fire Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen?

New York Giants co-owner John Mara has not made many good decisions in recent years. AP







MUNICH  After the Giants won a 2022 wild-card playoff game in Minnesota, co-owner John Mara made a bold statement. Were back, he said immediately following that game.
Hey there New Jersey. Heres your audio update highlighting the huge wildfire ravaging northern New Jersey and New York that has killed one firefighter, the latest in the fatal shooting of a Sayreville councilwoman and early Black Friday deals from Walmart.

Plus, well tell you about a $1 million Powerball winning ticket sold in New Jersey.

Listen by clicking the player above and read more about those stories at the accompanying links.

This audio presentation is an editorially-curated selection of stories, selected by an editor, and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result.

We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us know what you think.

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By Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Michele Russo

As we embrace the fall season, students across the country have settled into their school routines - new notebooks and new classes, teacher conferences, and buzzing hallways. Every school year brings new opportunities, and new challenges.

In an ever-evolving world that demands innovation, adaptability, and critical thinking, we must ask ourselves: How are we preparing our children for the future? In a time when schools are often hyper-focused on STEM subjects and standardized testing, we risk overlooking a critical element in a well-rounded education  arts education.

Arts education is not a luxury, it is essential to the holistic development of young minds. For over 50 years, Young Audiences Arts for Learning  the nations largest arts-in-education learning network -- has been on a mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. The vision is simple: a future where all children in our region engage in high-quality arts learning that fosters creativity, expands cultural awareness, and strengthens critical thinking.

Arts education goes far beyond drawing, painting, or playing an instrument. Its about instilling a mindset that encourages creativity, empathy, and problem-solving. It is through the arts that students learn to see the world through different lenses, cultivate a sense of curiosity, and connect more deeply to their own cultures and those of others.

Research consistently shows that children engaged in the arts perform better academically, are more socially and emotionally aware, and develop stronger critical thinking skills. When students learn to create through dance, music, theater, or visual arts, they also learn persistence, collaboration, and the value of constructive feedback  skills that are invaluable in any career or life path.

In New Jersey, the goal needs to be to make arts education accessible to every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, geographic location, or ability. Young Audiences has a model that brings professional teaching artists directly into schools and eliminates barriers to participation. This is vital.

Arts programs must span all art forms, cultures, and formats, including workshops, residencies, performances, and professional development for teachers. By meeting schools where they are and tailoring programs to their unique needs, we can integrate arts learning into the school day in a way that complements and enhances traditional curricula.

Arts education has the power to transform not just individual students but entire school communities. Over the years, we have seen firsthand how embracing the arts can change school culture and improve student engagement, academic achievement, and broad social dynamics. But this transformation doesnt happen overnight, and it doesnt happen in isolation.

Our schools face immense challenges, from limited budgets to the pressures of standardized testing, but we have also seen how schools can thrive when the arts are given the space to flourish. It takes time, but the proof is in the pudding and an arts education has proven to be far from a distraction but a driver of student learning.

The world is in desperate need of creative thinkers and compassionate leaders. By nurturing creativity, expanding cultural awareness, and fostering critical thinking, arts education helps children grow into adults who will lead with innovation and empathy.

We invite educators, policymakers, parents, and community leaders to join us in our mission. Together, we can ensure that all children have the arts experiences that will inspire them, expand their minds, and prepare them for a bright future.

Back to school is more than just the start of a new academic year  its a time of new beginnings and endless possibilities. Each student steps into the classroom with the potential to grow, discover, and create. Arts education is a crucial part of that journey because creativity is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of education, its essential for the development of our next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers.

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson is Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on the Public Schools. Michele Russo is President & CEO of the Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.

To comment on this op-ed, send a letter to eletters@starledger.com.

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Roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States, which is about 3% of our population, and nearly 80% of them have lived in this country for a decade or more.

President-elect Donald Trump wants them all gone -- mostly for unprovable allegations that range from unspecified crime to job pilfering to pet consumption  and he could use a wartime authority known as the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport all foreign nationals without a hearing.

But what would it take to round up, detain, and deport 11 million people, until we have expelled what amounts to the population of New Jersey, with Philadelphia thrown in? That part isnt clear, but mass deportation is the key tenet of Trumps immigration policy, just as the border wall was in 2016.

To sort it out, we spoke with Dara Lind, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, which recently published a report that affirmed the impracticality of Trumps plan, and how its impact  including its ultimate trillion-dollar cost to the American GDP -- would ramify the economy.

Previously, Lind was the immigration reporter at ProPublica and Vox. This conversation was edited for brevity.

Q. How much legal authority does a president have with deportation, and what are his obstacles?

A. The executive branch has the ability to deport somebody whos in the U.S. without authorization. If someone can be demonstrated to be in violation of federal immigration law, deportation is the penalty. In practice, they are entitled to a court hearing in which the government has to prove that they are here without authorization and theyre not eligible for like some other form of relief -- asylum, for example.

The alternative is something called expedited removal, which allows people to be deported without a court hearing if they are apprehended within 100 miles of the border. The current regulation is theyve come into the U.S. in the last 14 days, but that can be changed.

NEW FROM @immcouncil:



A mass deportation operation would cost the US government an estimated $315 billion.



"Starting" with 1 million people a year? That's $88B annually.



And GDP would take a hit of 4.2-6.8%. That's the Great Recession on the LOW end. https://t.co/cdarBMnCq0  Dara Lind (@DLind) October 2, 2024

Q. What are the other obstacles to this deportation agenda?

A. Well, consider that the enforcement regime was at its most aggressive at the end of the Bush administration and the beginning of Obama, when we were deporting about 100,000 or so a year. If youre going to scale that up to 10 times that amount -- and you dont have 10 times the resources -- it raises questions. Such as: Where are you finding these efficiencies? And what is the scope that you can reasonably expect, even if youre telling every ICE agent to knock on doors and arrest people?

The ability of ICE to just arrest people is easier when its someone whos already in county jail somewhere. But its much harder to track people down in the community.

There is also a bottleneck in terms of detention space: If youre going to keep people so that they dont abscond, you have to put them somewhere. We do not have the detention space for millions of people. It takes time to build that space.

And the last resource bottleneck is removal: You need a seat on an airplane, and the country where youre going to send them has to agree to take them, which is a diplomatic problem. Governments such as Venezuela and Cuba are unlikely to cooperate.

Q. Trump pledged to create a deportation force back in 2016, and it turned out that Biden deported more undocumented immigrants. Why should we expect it to be more than the usual bluster this time?

A. You need to know how the institutions work in order to get an agenda through aggressively. The Trump administration came into office in 2017 and had no idea how the federal government worked. But you could see a learning curve developing over the four years; they started to understand the institutions they were working with, who needed to be sidelined and who would need to be empowered to get an agenda through.

So now theyre coming in with that knowledge -- plus the knowledge that developed over the last four years in organs like Project 2025  and now they have a much better understanding of the levers they can pull.

NEW FROM ME:



PROJECT 2025 ON IMMIGRATIONhttps://t.co/5QFCA3xXNb  Dara Lind (@DLind) August 23, 2024

Q. Assuming they actually have the know-how and resources to deport 1 million people a year, can you describe the logistics for such a program? Because Im envisioning indiscriminate, military-style roundups.

A. Its still speculative. Theyve been very close hold about what the operational plans are; we know that (Project 2025 lead author) Russ Vought and his team are drafting memos, but we have no idea what they look like.

So any assessment can range from fear mongering to downplaying. The maximalist view would be what they had talked about doing -- using red state National Guard units to assist federal deportation agents. If you wanted to play fast and loose with the U.S. law, you could have them make arrests. If not, you can have them building and staffing the detention facilities.

But what is far more likely is that theyre not actually anticipated mass roundups -- that they identify people who are easy to target and take into custody. They talked a lot about people with existing criminal records as a priority. Some of those people already have removal orders entered against them by an immigration judge, so you dont have to give them another court hearing. Of course, the reason that they havent been removed yet is either because the government has given them favorable discretion in the past, or because they come from a country that isnt willing to accept them back.

Is there some number of people currently in state and local jails that the Biden Administration didnt pick up, but Trump would want to pick up? Thats not an inordinate number.

Q. You alluded to Tom Homan, Trumps border czar and the former ICE director, who will administer this program, targeting undocumented immigrants that committed crimes, followed by national security and public safety threats. But he also indicated that anything goes. Whats the cost to taxpayers to deport 1 million people annually?

A. Theres a difference between who theyre targeting and who they will put it in deportation proceedings. This was like a big flashpoint in the transition from Obama to Trump: The first week, (Trump) put out an executive order that said there is no such thing as a priority for arrest and removal; that ICE agents could put anyone into deportation. So there will be more collateral arrests under Trump, even if theyre starting narrowly.

But if they expect 1 million a year, that means youre doing this operation at scale for several years, given this universe of 11 million or 12 million people. And we did the calculation  starting with the cost of building detention facilities and hiring full-time agents -- and where you end up is $88 billion a year for about 11 years.

On 60 Minutes, Tom Homan said families can be deported together. That would require removing US citizens too.



You read that right.https://t.co/aFJWkt9s9k  Isabela Dias (@isabelaalhadeff) October 28, 2024

Q. Gulp. That is (pulls out calculator) nearly a trillion dollars over a decade.

A. And thats assuming a self-deportation rate of 20% over that period, with people seeing the writing on the wall and leaving -- still $88 billion a year. Thats four times NASAs annual budget. Its three times as much as the federal government spends on child nutrition. It is 18 times the amount than the entire world spends on cancer research.

The question is how close to that number can you get, even with unified Republican government? How much money is Congress willing to appropriate for this? How aggressive is the executive branch willing to be with reprogramming, redirecting, using emergency authority, etc.?

Q. ICE currently has only 6,000 law enforcement agents. The former Homeland Security Chief of Staff, Jason Hauser, said it would take 100,000 officers to deport 1,000,000 people.

A. And something thats really hard to quantify is, what does this mean for the communities where people are being taken? What does it mean for local law enforcement, which needs to have good relationships with those communities in order to identify criminals? What does it mean for their schools and businesses?

Beyond for the people who are themselves getting targeted in any kind of first wave -- as we know from the first Trump administration -- the chilling effects are really prevalent.

John Oliver with a brutal deconstruction of Trump's campaign promise of mass deportation, which he calls "despicable."



It would be logistically impossible to deport, let alone detain, 13M+ people  the total prison population is 1.9M  at an estimated cost of $88 billion a year. pic.twitter.com/xnWQgynNkF  Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) October 28, 2024

Q. Your report says there are 5.1 million children who are American citizens living with an undocumented family member. What are the chances they get swept up in all this? And what about family separations?

A. In the past, there have been cases of U.S. citizens being detained, and in rare cases, deported. Usually theres some kind of extenuating circumstance  maybe a learning disability or something that made it hard to communicate, or a paperwork issue that took time to resolve. But in general, once the federal government realizes youre a U.S. citizen, then you are released from custody.

But with mixed status families, the far more realistic prospect is that theyre going to face a choice between family separation and children moving to a country that they do not know. That is very common.

Its not unprecedented for parents of U.S. citizens to be deported: Tens of thousands  if not hundreds of thousands  were deported under Obama. That means you have to find alternative custody for your kid if you want to keep them in their U.S. community, or you have to fully uproot them. It may not look like federal law enforcement physically tearing children from their mothers arms, but the outcome is the same.

"If by mass deportation President-elect Trump means deporting all undocumented immigrants, that would mean deporting the parents of 4 to 5 million children That would be very troubling to us at @WorldRelief & the vast majority of Evangelical Christians" https://t.co/HtlrPqoSxe  Matthew Soerens (@MatthewSoerens) November 7, 2024

Q. What hopes do you have for our 500,000 Dreamers?

A. Right now, the DACA program is still in effect, and it protects these Dreamers - the immigrants brought to the U.S. as children -- from deportation. Trump tried to rescind DACA in his first term, but once it got held up in court, he stopped fighting as hard.

There could be Congressional action if the Trump administration rescinds it, or if the Supreme Court rules that it was illegal, which is a case coming up. Just one thing forced Congress to seriously grapple with immigration in the last 10 years, and that was the prospect of Trump rescinding DACA  it actually got Congresss attention. But the minute the rescission got held up in court, the urgency went out of it and nobody was willing to make any meaningful compromises.

Trumps press secretary released a statement that mass deportation is the first thing on his agenda. I am a US citizen but I fit the illegal profile. I am terrified of incoming harassment and the livelihood of friends. I wish I could pretend like its just another day.  Lu (@elle_woods2) November 6, 2024

Q. Your report estimates that mass deportation  particularly of construction, hospitality and agriculture workers -- would reduce the GDP by $1.1 to $1.7 trillion. It makes you wonder why the business community would stand for 11 million people being dropped from the workforce.

A. Stuff like this seems speculative until it happens. But first, we must consider that mass deportation is a real possibility, not something they say on the campaign trail. Second, if mass deportation happens, it will have massive economic consequences.

Some may believe, Americans can fill these vacant jobs, but thats not how it works: If you take people who are employees and consumers and taxpayers out of the economy, it would cause a massive disruption.

The economic consequence is a loss of 4.2% to 6.8% of the annual GDP. The low end of that is the Great Recession. Again, its a question of how much Congress and the executive branch are willing to prioritize mass deportation over other things and just how far youre willing to go to throw money at this to keep a promise.

Trump says there's "no price tag" for his mass deportation plan. He's wrong. Here's the cost. pic.twitter.com/dR9XgWEafY  Robert Reich (@RBReich) November 7, 2024

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Judge strikes down Biden administration program shielding immigrant spouses from deportation (from @AP) https://t.co/sAt0TxooyO  Anita Snow  (@asnowreports) November 9, 2024

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A massive wildfire on the border of Northern New Jersey and Orange County in New York that left one young firefighter dead continued to grow Sunday night.

The blaze, known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, had grown from 2,500 acres early Sunday to 3,000 acres as of 6:30 p.m., according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Although crews were able to contain 10% of it, authorities on Sunday afternoon said their efforts were hampered as the fire was inaccessible.

Two homes and eight buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District in West Milford were threatened by the fire, fire officials said. An additional 14 buildings in New York were in danger. There were currently no evacuations in place.

An 18-year-old firefighter died battling the blaze in Sterling Forest. Dariel Vasquez, a parks employee in New York, was killed Saturday in the New York section of the park, New York State Police said. His death remained under investigation.

East Shore Road is closed from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike and Beech Road was closed in the area of the wildfire. All trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park and Tranquility Ridge were also closed.

The Forest Fire Service said it will remain on scene with fire engines and ground crews and a helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water is on scene to assist containment efforts.

The service said on Friday that it expects smoky conditions from nearly a dozen active wildfires across the state to remain for several days.

One of the more recent fires, located in the area of Cannonball Road in Pompton Lakes, was 100% contained Sunday night after it burned through 181 acres, investigators said.

Early on in the fire fight 55 structures were threatened by the fire, however no structures were evacuated, fire officials said. All roads in the area were reopened.

The lack of rain, coupled with warm temperatures and gusty winds, has caused three counties  Atlantic County and most of Burlington and Ocean  to experience a rare extreme drought. Most other counties in a severe drought.

While is rain was expected overnight in New Jersey, it wont be much with most areas expected to see between one quarter and one half inch, according to the National Weather Service Mount Holly.

Unfortunately, the precipitation was not expected to make a significant dent in the drought conditions throughout the state, forecasters said.

A blaze, known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, grew to 3,000 acres on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. The fire was burning in Passaic County in New Jersey and Orange County in New York.New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Donald Trump has already promised to pardon some of the people prosecuted and jailed for their roles in the Capitol riots on Jan. 6 once he becomes president again.

But could more names be added to the list  including Democrats?

In the lead-up to the election, Trump said he wouldnt take it off the books that hed pardon Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden.

See, unlike Joe Biden, despite what theyve done to me, where theyve gone after me so viciously, despite what, and Hunters a bad boy, Trump said during a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt. Theres no question about it. Hes been a bad boy. All you had to do is see the laptop from hell. But I happen to think its very bad for our country.

In June, Hunter Biden was convicted of all three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 when, prosecutors argued, the presidents son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.

Joe Biden said in a statement issued shortly after the verdict that he would accept the outcome and continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Of course, he could reverse course and pardon his son on the way out of the White House.

In New York, Eric Adams was indicted last month after officials accused him of letting Turkish officials and businesspeople buy his influence with illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips. The Democratic mayor faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment outlining a decade-long trail of corruption that began when he served as an elected official in Brooklyn and continued through his mayoral administration.

We were persecuted, Eric. I was persecuted, and so are you, Eric, Trump said to Adams during a charity event last month in New York City.

Adams, for his part, refused to condemn Trump along with his fellow Democrats as Election Day neared. He was also quick to congratulate Trump on his victory as some Democrats vowed to resist the next administration.

And maybe even Bob Menendez, the disgraced former Democratic U.S. senator from New Jersey who was found guilty in July for accepting bribes of gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as an agent for the Egyptian government.

Trump commuted the sentence of Menendezs friend Dr. Salomon Melgen just before he left the White House in 2021. The Democratic donor stood trial with Menendez in 2017 for corruption charges. It ended in a mistrial, but Melgen was convicted in a separate trial that included health care fraud and landed a 17-year sentence.

Menendezs sentence in his latest trial has been delayed until Jan. 29. He could face decades in prison.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

Changan Automobile, CATL step up strategic partnership

On November 8, Changan Automobile signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding with CATL to deepen their strategic cooperation. Under the new agreement, the two companies will collaborate extensively over the next five years, covering areas such as joint branding, technological innovation, market promotion, after-sales service, and global market expansion.

Photo credit: CATL

IM Motors to produce next-generation flagship model in Zhengzhou by 2025

On November 9, at an automotive industry partnership event in Henan, IM Motors' Co-CEO Liu Tao announced that the companys next-generation strategic model  its first super flagship plug-in hybrid electric vehicle  will be manufactured in Zhengzhou starting in 2025.

ZEEKR delivers over 20,000 ZEEKR Xs in just 50 days

On November 11, ZEEKR announced that its first family SUV, the ZEEKR 7X, has achieved over 20,000-unit deliveries within just 50 days upon its market launch, marking a strong start for the new model.

Autonomous delivery vehicle developer Zelos raises $100 million in B1 funding round

Autonomous logistics delivery vehicle developer Zelos recently announced the completion of its Series B1 funding round, which raised for the company $100 million.

Geely begins pre-sales, volume production of Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i model

On November 8, Geely officially opened pre-sales for its new Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i SUV model, offering five variants priced between 109,800 yuan and 142,800 yuan for early users who place orders. Simultaneously, mass production commenced at Geely's Taizhou Linhai manufacturing base.

China's auto production, sales rise both MoM, YoY in Oct. 2024

In the tenth month of 2024, China's auto production and sales came in at 2.996 million and 3.053 million vehicles, respectively, which grew 7.2% and 8.7% from the previous month while climbing 3.6% and 7% from the previous year, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

China's power battery installed capacity surges 51% YoY in Oct. 2024

In October, China's power battery installation capacity reached 59.2GWh, marking an 8.6% month-on-month increase and a substantial 51% year-on-year surge, according to the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance ("CAPBIIA").

Autonomous mining solution developer CiDi Inc. files for IPO in Hong Kong

CiDi Inc. recently submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with China International Capital Corporation, China Securities International, and Ping An of China Asset Management (Hong Kong) as joint sponsors. If approved, CiDi would become the first publicly listed autonomous mining truck company in China.

VOYAH opens first smart supercharging stations in Wuhan, Shanghai, Hefei

Dongfeng Motor's premium new energy vehicle brand VOYAH recently inaugurated its first smart supercharging stations, now operational in Wuhan, Shanghai, and Hefei cities. These stations are equipped with advanced 2.8cm lightweight liquid-cooled cables, emitting noise levels no higher than 55dB at full capacity.

Nissan Motor sells 61,170 vehicles in China in Oct. 2024

Nissan Motor announced its October 2024 sales performance for China, reporting a total of 61,170 vehicles sold across both its passenger and light commercial vehicle segments.

GAC AION's HYPTEC to unveil HYPTEC HL flagship SUV at Auto Guangzhou 2024

GAC AION's premium sub-brand, HYPTEC, has released teaser images of its upcoming SUV, the HYPTEC HL. The model, codenamed "AH8," is built on a new platform and is officially positioned as a "luxury intelligent flagship SUV." It is set to make its debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2024 on November 15.

BYD releases YUAN PRO all-electric SUV onto Mexican market

On November 5, BYD officially launched its all-electric SUV, the YUAN PRO (called "Yuan UP" in China), at a grand event in Mexico City, marking a significant move in its global business expansion.

SAIC Motor posts YoY growth in Oct. 2024 vehicle deliveries despite drop in wholesales

SAIC Motor recently announced that its monthly wholesale volume reached 401,893 vehicles in October 2024, sliding 18.22% over the previous year. Nevertheless, the group's monthly deliveries climbed 6.4% year on year and 12.7% month on month to around 457,000 vehicles in the same month.
President-elect Donald Trump ripped Democrats on Sunday for campaigning alongside former Republican lawmaker Liz Cheney (Wyo.).

Vice President Kamala Harris and her campaign touted the vice presidents support among Republicans and former Trump officials throughout the election season. Cheney endorsed Harris and frequently joined her on the campaign trail, largely to argue that Trump was a threat to democracy.

Trump has railed against Cheney since her days in the House, especially after she spearheaded the select committee tasked with investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol. He also received backlash for recent comments about having a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her.

The Democrats made a BIG mistake in getting Crazy Liz Chaney, and her father, Dick, involved in their campaign for President. It made the Republicans angry, and the Democrats just plain scratching their heads in amazement. It is always a bad idea to bring losers into a political campaign! Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social.

Cheneys father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, also said he was voting for Harris in the 2024 election.

Cheney lost her Wyoming seat to a Trump-endorsed candidate two years ago amid her frequent criticism of Trump. After the race was called for Trump, she urged her followers on social media to accept the results of the election.

Our nations democratic system functioned last night and we have a new President-elect. All Americans are bound, whether we like the outcome or not, to accept the results of our elections. We now have a special responsibility, as citizens of the greatest nation on earth, to do everything we can to support and defend our Constitution, preserve the rule of law, and ensure that our institutions hold over these coming four years, she wrote on social media platform X.

Citizens across this country, our courts, members of the press and those serving in our federal, state and local governments must now be the guardrails of democracy, she added.
MAGA is throwing its support behind Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) as the next Senate Majority Leader. But will President-elect Donald Trump make an endorsement?

The race for Senate leadership comes after Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) revealed he would not run for his leadership position again. After Republicans flipped the Senate in this years elections, some lawmakers and other Trump allies have endorsed Scott for Majority Leader.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a top supporter of Trump, posted his endorsement of Scott over the weekend.

Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader! https://t.co/lpT34yHTKk  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024

Scott, along with Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas, is running in the secret ballot election Wednesday to lead the GOP conference.

Other close Trump allies, including Tucker Carlson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Vivek Ramaswamy and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, also endorsed Scott for the position over the weekend. Politico Playbook reported that theres been a social media campaign targeting senators who are thought to be supporting either Thune or Cornyn and pushing them to support Scott instead.

While all three senators have courted Trumps support in the race, the president-elect has not endorsed anyone yet.

However, Trump has made clear that he expects the Seante Majority Leader to fill his Cabinet quickly and skirt around typical Senate procedure. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said that must agree to allow him to make appointments when the chamber is on recess, which would bypass a confirmation vote.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more, Trump wrote.

This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, he added.

All three candidates said they agreed with Trumps request. Its not clear yet if Trump will weigh in further on the race.

Thune and Cornyn are both well-liked, longtime senators who have served as deputies to McConnell and have been seen as the front-runners, despite past statements criticizing Trump. Scott  a longtime friend of Trumps and fierce ally  has been seen as more of a longshot, but he has mounted an aggressive campaign in recent days on social media and elsewhere with the aim of getting Trumps endorsement.

Senators who are close to Trump, such as Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida, have endorsed Scott, as have tech mogul Elon Musk and other people who have Trumps ear.

We have to be the change, Scott said on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Thats what Donald Trump got elected to do, to be the change.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
While nearly a quarter-inch of rain fell overnight in the area of a massive wildfire on the New Jersey-New York border, the blaze that had grown to 3,000 acres on Sunday evening continued to burn Monday, officials said.

The entire state of New Jersey remains extremely dry and the rain that fell yesterday wont have a meaningful impact in adding moisture back into the soil and forest fuels, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection said.

Rain tapered off in the West Milford area around 6:30 a.m. Monday and the rest of the day is expected to be dry, forecasters say. The state Forest Fire Service is expected to provide the next update on the Jennings Creek Wildfire at about 10:30 a.m.

Forecasters say winds are expected to pick up Monday and areas that were moistened due to the rain will dry out this afternoon into Monday night.

Winds will be stronger on Tuesday with low relative humidity, according to the National Weather Services New York office, which covers New Jerseys five northeastern counties.

Those conditions will make for potentially another concerning day regarding fire weather and the increased possibility of brush fire spread, the weather services New York office said in its Monday morning forecast discussion.

Highs on Monday in northern New Jersey will be in the 60s as clouds gradually decrease and the sun again appears.

No additional rain is in the forecast this week. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 50s each afternoon before dropping into the 30s overnight starting Tuesday. The good news is winds will be light from Wednesday through the rest of the week or longer, the weather service said.

Meanwhile, fire officials in West Milford assured residents Monday morning that trees on fire are part of a controlled burn area on East Shore Road.

13 1 / 13 Jennings Creek Wildfire

This is aftermath of the back burning process which occurred yesterday and is normal and at this time is not a hazard, the fire department said. Fire patrols have been monitoring the area throughout the night addressing any hazards found. Please only call dispatch if there is an IMMEDIATE hazard to residential property or is a life safety concern.

Smaller wildfires were still burning in other parts of the state Sunday night.

Two homes and eight buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District in West Milford were threatened by the fire, officials said Sunday evening. An additional 14 buildings in New York were in danger. There were currently no evacuations in place.

The cause of the New Jersey-New York wildfire remained under investigation.

An 18-year-old firefighter died battling the blaze in Sterling Forest. Dariel Vasquez, a parks employee in New York, was killed Saturday in the New York section of the park, New York State Police said. His death remained under investigation.
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Xem them

...

Tin bai cuoi cung

Khong con du lieu e load




Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during an election night event at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov 6, 2024. [Photo/VCG]



Donald Trump's election victory on Wednesday has raised concerns. During the election campaign he proposed to an extra 10 percent tariffs on all US imports and a 60 percent tariffs on Chinese goods.

Given the highly interconnected global supply chains, a tariff war against one economy today means a tariff war against many countries, not to mention that a tariff or trade war launched by the US ends up harming the US economy and consumers. Studies show that tariff wars have been and will continue to be disastrous for US workers, consumers and businesses.

Win-win cooperation, especially between the world's two largest economies, has always benefited not just the people of the two countries but also the world as a whole.

One major concern is what kind of people the president-elect will choose for his new cabinet. On Tuesday, Ron Paul, a former Republican congressman from Texas, warned of the danger of "neocons yet again infesting" the new US administration  people like John Bolton and Mike Pompeo. His message on X was applauded by Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who responded by saying "I agree that we should not empower neocon warmongers".

The world has become a more dangerous place today because of the Biden administration's obsession with playing zero-sum games, especially in its dealings with China, and focusing its energy on measures to contain China and divide the world into confrontational political blocs.

The US' sordid role in the Asia-Pacific includes stoking tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. It has also prolonged the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, by adding fuel to the fire to fulfill its own narrow geopolitical goals.

Many experts, including Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs, have warned that the existing US foreign policy is pushing the world toward a new Cold War, a potential third world war, and even a nuclear war that could annihilate the entire human race.

While many people are skeptical about the promises the US president-elect made during his presidential campaign as well as on Wednesday, particularly his pledge to "stop wars", such promises are needed more than many other things in today's world.

Despite being politically incorrect in Washington, Trump has repeatedly said that it is a great thing to get along with China, Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

As a journalist who covered the first summit between Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore in 2018, I was impressed by his efforts to make a rapprochement with the DPRK, because that's another important thing the world needs today.

It's way too early to tell what Trump administration 2.0 will look like. But I hope he makes good on his promise to end the conflicts in Eurasia and the Middle East, restore lasting peace in the Middle East, and improve relations with China, Russia and the DPRK, thus stopping the downward spiral toward a new Cold War, even third world war.

The world should never see a new Cold War, let alone another world war.

The author is chief of China Daily EU Bureau based in Brussels.
Napoleon, OH (43545)

Today

Showers likely along with a possible rumble of thunder in the morning, then cloudy skies late. Morning high of 60F with temps falling to near 40. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low 27F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
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Robert Dilenschneider

To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys service and with gratitude for the victory.

 President Woodrow Wilson (using the original term for what is now Veterans Day)

President Wilson proclaimed our nation's first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, one year to the day after World War I ended, to honor all who had died in that terrible conflict.

In 1938 Congress passed an act that made Armistice Day a legal holiday dedicated to all veterans of that war, the living as well as the dead. Ironically in light of the start of World War II less than a year later, Congress also declared it a day dedicated to world peace.

In 1954 at the urging of veterans' organizations, Congress amended the 1938 Act to rename it Veterans Day to honor the servicemen and women of all U.S. wars. There was a 10-year change in the observation date beginning in 1968 when Congress moved it to the fourth Monday in October. But because of the historical significance of November 11, President Gerald Ford signed an act in 1975 restoring the observance to the original date, with the change effective in 1978.

And as we honor Veterans Day 2024, let us remember that we Americans have marked this day  which now honors all those who have served honorably in the U.S. military, the living and those no longer with us  for 105 years. (Memorial Day, if you're wondering, is dedicated solely to honoring those who died in military service.)

Let us remember, too, all those who continue to answer the call to defend our nation. The U.S. military has 1.3 million active duty members serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard, as well as 738,000 Reserve and National Guard members.

Finally, let us never forget that our veterans  an estimated 18.6 million now living in the U.S. and its territories  go on contributing to American society long after their time in uniform. They use the training they received and the experiences they acquired in the military to improve our communities as police officers, firefighters, school teachers, technicians, community volunteers and in countless other roles.

They richly deserve, now and forever, our gratitude and our admiration.

***

Robert L. Dilenschneider is the Founder and CEO of The Dilenschneider Group, an international communications firm.
Mark Simpson

Mark Simpson, who most recently served as head of international policy for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is joining APCO as a director on its public affairs team.

In his post with Starmer, Simpson led and coordinated the Labour Partys foreign policy approach, specializing in international trade, defense and global relations. He also led the Labour Partys approach to UK-EU relations during the Brexit negotiations period.

Before that, Simpson was chief political officer for the Labour Party in the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, coordinating all policy positions of Labour MEPs in the European Parliament.

In his position on APCOs UK Public Affairs team, he will focus on helping clients understand the UK policy landscape and Westminster developments within a wider geopolitical context.

With his deep bench of experience and knowledge of Labour Party policy, Mark brings our clients critical insights into the current governments policy priorities on both domestic and international issues, said Daniella Lebor, co-managing director of APCOs London office.
OFFALY student Lucy Bannister was presented with a scholarship award by Dublin City University at a ceremony to celebrate memorial and endowed scholarships on Wednesday, November 6. In total, 51 students received awards named in honour of individuals and organisations who have played a leading role in the life of Dublin City University and in wider Irish society.

Lucy Bannister from Edenderry, a former student of Oaklands Community College who is currently completing a Bachelor of Education at Dublin City University, was presented with the Endowed Alumni Scholarship, established to widen access to third level education.

Speaking at the event, Declan Raftery of DCU Educational Trust commented: Memorial and endowed scholarships make an enduring contribution to the Universitys mission to transform lives and societies. By creating opportunities for doctoral research that tackles some of the worlds most pressing challenges, and opening a door for talented students to excel, these scholarships are supporting more DCU students to make their mark on the world. We are proud to honour those who created these scholarships, and our friends and loved ones who are remembered through them.

The 51 scholarship recipients were selected based on different criteria, depending on the wishes of those who created the scholarship. These include undergraduate students supported by DCUs Access Programme, postgraduate students in the fields of cancer research, education, law and journalism, and students with outstanding sporting and academic achievements.
EDENDERRY-based company Bretland Construction has opened a new headquarters in the north Offaly town.

Founded by Carbury native Fechin Daly and his wife Mary in 1999, the opening also coincided with the company's 25th birthday celebration.

During those 25 years Bretland Construction has grown to become one of Ireland's leading construction companies and in his remarks as he conducted the official opening, Offaly County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Tony McCormack paid tribute to the Dalys and their team.

What an amazing journey it has been for Bretland Construction. What we see here today is the result of hard work, resilience and dedication. Bretland Construction has built a reputation for delivering high quality projects across Ireland and also contributing to the development of vibrant, sustainable communities, said Cllr McCormack.

I am thrilled to join the team today in celebrating this significant milestone, which also reflects positively on the development and economic growth of the Edenderry area.

Speaking to the Tullamore Tribune, Mr Daly, 64, recalled how he started off as a small builder with ground work and civil works and the company then went from strength to strength.

We went into more commercial work and streetscape and did work for Offaly County Council and South Dublin County Council and Pfizer, he said.

He added: It didn't happen overnight. It's been a good trip. Hard going, 24/7. The company now has more than 60 employees.

Recently Bretland completed 38 social housing units for Offaly County Council in Clara and the company has also done a 52-unit residential development in Laois, along with major commercial and office projects.

Speaking at the opening, Coleman Yates, deputy managing director, Bretland Construction, remembered the era when Fechin started the company.

Those were different times with the millennium bug and the whole Y2K hysteria. We all remember well our fear that our computers would break down and the aircraft would fall out of the sky, said Mr Yates.

Through all those years and changes we have remained dedicated to the vision of this company. Now Bretland Construction has become a name synonymous with excellence in the Irish construction industry.

He said Bretland embraces the newest technology and materials with a results-driven team and pointed out that it also sponsors the Offaly Ladies GAA team and the Bretland Park ground.
I was shocked to learn from the RCMP investigator (CST. OConnel Case No.: 202153211) who told me that your municipality of Standard sent me a notice that my vending machine is not allowed to put it on the sidewalk, and before your municipality removed it.

I was shocked again since your municipality of Standard just kept lying in order to cost me more trouble. Mr. OConnel told me that he was told from your municipality verbally since you are representing the provincial government. Now, show me the evidence of the notice letter your municipality sent to me: When, where, and how do you serve this letter?

By the way, whenever your municipality pulled away my vending machine, my bar just got robbed two days ago, and thats the reason why my daughter and I used a vending machine to block the bar entrance since I was even unable to lock the bar door right after the robbery (CST. Jensen Case No.: 2020971849).

Its shocked me again the way your municipality acted right after my bar got robbed: instead send some your staff to see if I need some help, without I knowing, you send some company stolen my vending machine, left my bar entrance wide open, even yelled to me will send expenses for the remove costs whenever I went to your municipality office.

I am wondering, as you are the MCA law enforcer, what is the duty of your municipality here to represent to the provincial government? To make all the people and businesseshardy to survive in this village, or to create a better living environment, united all the civilians happily join together to build up a better community in this village?

For years your municipality of Standard kept sending the fake statement to the Alberta Ombudsman, Alberta Human Rights Commission, because you are representing the provincial government, which easily convinced those inspect institutions to dismiss my complaint for whatever your municipality abused me and my business.

No, its time to stop right now, right here from this moment! For nine years long, I moved in and purchased business in this village, your municipality has non-stop abusing me and my business in all kinds of ways.

Enough is enough, it is the time for your municipality to straighten out since I am a civilian, which I am also an investor who bought in more than half million dollars plus more of my savings, my monthly retirement to try my best to save this hotel of the historical site by the fact.

It doesn't matter what kind skin I own, what kind language I speak, I am a Canadian citizen who deserves equal treatment with respect just like these other civilians here. So, stop abuse, stop making fake statements, stop legal harassment. Please take note that your municipality has the duty to bring back my vending machine to let me proof to my insurance company to complete my robbery claim, otherwise it will be added into my counterclaim in your municipality as well.

Please check the following that I mentioned on the letter I sent yesterday and I appreciated that your municipality of Standard will respond proper way:

Id like to turn over the page to start fresh since your village office has totally failed with the legal harassment that your village office built up since the year 2016 summer time till

2021 I won my case at the Queens Bench Drumheller on December the 9th 2021.

Because of the legal harassment that your village office of Standard created, its totally ruined my personal, my family and my business even though I was trying to link my hotel on the real estate market for sale. Now I try to turn over the page, and make some plans to rebuild my business before selling it again. And I would appreciate it if your village office of Standard would cooperate this time to work together to bring the benefit for the village, and surrounding local communities. My plans are:

1. Use my hotel and residential empty land to create a mini Andersen Fairytale Museum Park, open arts class for drawing, carving, and sculpture, and etc.

2. Use my hotel and residential empty land to create mini technology agriculture and Aquaculture.

3. Use my hotel and residential empty land to bring two mobile houses for the purpose mentioned above.

4. Create a nonprofit meditation nature healing program to benefit seniors and locals whenever they need.

5. Establish life insurance and investment portfolio services to the local communities to create better financial sense and better retirement plan.

6. Proposal to take over the existing residential develop zoning and surrounding area to create a Danish Style Artist Village, then establish annual International Artist Festival (June to September)

To the end, it is the time for your village office of Standard to respond the questions that I multiply addressed to the Chief Secretary Ms. Yvette April for the illegally dumped streets snow on my both properties 728, and 721 The Broadway, the miscalculating of my property taxes, the sidewalk issues for the 721, Ms. April used excuses that she will answered above when the judgment granted; now the judgment granted already over a month (from Dec. the 9, 2021), by then I should receive the response long times already.

Sincerely,

_________________________________

Director: Mr. Peter Z Pan

PO Box 267, 718, the Broadway St.

Standard, Alberta, Canada T0J 3G0

Tel: 403 644-3888 Cell: 587 437-1668 E-mail: sunnyinvestment1668@gmail.com

PS: This letter served by electronic mail and handed delivered to the municipality office of Standard
President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a report by the Washington Post on Sunday, which cited sources familiar with the conversation. During the call, Trump urged Putin not to escalate the conflict in Ukraine and reminded him of 'Washington's substantial military presence in Europe', the Post reported.

During the election campaign, Trump said he would find a solution to end the war "within a day," but did not explain how he would do so. Trump had also spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, according to media reports.

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On Friday, the Kremlin said Putin was ready to discuss Ukraine with Trump but that did not mean that he was willing to alter Moscow's demands. On June 14, Putin 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.

(With Reuters inputs)


Photo by Ruan Richard Rodrigues on Unsplash

(Image by Ruan Richard Rodrigues) Details DMCA



On Election Day 2016, I was living alone in a room in East Los Angeles, separated from my family as I prepared for my run against Monica Garcia in the 2017 LAUSD School Board race. As the results trickled in, I fielded many calls from my wife, who became more panicked as the night wore on. I did my best to calm her down by explaining what data was not in yet and what to look for.

Eventually, it became clear that Clinton did not have a path forward. I called up my wife to let her know: "You can panic now."

The results on that night were shocking and left me numb. A month earlier the Access Hollywood tape had been released, exposing Trump as a misogynist who was bragging about sexually assaulting women. Somehow it had not hurt him and he was about to ascend to the country's highest office. The glass ceiling had been approached but Hillary Clinton was unable to break it. Male dominance of the presidency was safe for at least another four years.

While Trump excused his words as "locker room talk", we now know that it was more than empty boasting. A jury found that Trump slammed E. Jean Carroll "into the wall [and] pulled down her tights". While Carroll also alleged that Trump "penetrated her with his penis", the jury could only agree that she was violated with a body part. While this does not meet New York's legal definition of "rape," Judge Kaplan found that "Trump 'raped' [Carroll] as many people commonly understand the word 'rape.'"

Confirming his status as the Misogynist in Chief, Trump's blustery defense included the claim that even though, in a photo, he had confused his victim with his ex-wife, Carroll was not his "type". What type of woman does Trump prefer when he is looking to commit crimes against women? It does not seem like he is very discerning as since the 1970s he "has been accused of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, including non-consensual kissing or groping".

Knowing this information, the majority of the electorate still elected Trump to a second stint in the White House. With the experience of 2016 still fresh in my mind the result was not surprising, perhaps even expected. Without the protection of shock, I was instead overwhelmed with sadness. I also felt anxiety for marginalized populations, especially for women who must live with the fact that while we teach our children that anyone can grow up to become president, that is only true if they are born with a penis.

As I drove down the freeway the day after the election I was passed by a car adorned with multiple Trump flags celebrating the great "victory". The license plate read "GRB EM". Voters like this did not vote for Trump despite his misogyny; they worship him because of it.

While Americans have proven again that they are not ready for a female president, Biden has the ability to show them that a woman can do the job. When he stepped aside to let Harris run, he showed that he was willing to put his love of country over his personal needs. He must once again summon the courage to do what is right and resign the presidency making Kamala Harris the 47th president.

Admittedly, a move to make Harris the President for the lame-duck term would be mostly symbolic. However, that symbolism would be immensely important to girls who watched this election with the hope that they could see the glass ceiling broken. If he takes this action we can be honest when we tell our sons and daughters that anyone can be president. That is as long as they work hard enough and curry favor with the billionaires who fund our politicians.

The move would also play havoc with Trump's grift machine. All of the merchandise pre-ordered from China emblazoned with a "47" would suddenly become worthless.

_____

Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.




Massive DC Rally And March For Gaza 38

(Image by Stephen D. Melkisethian from flickr) Details DMCA









I talk to average people about the situation in Gaza as often as possible, in a variety of contexts. For people who are new to examining US foreign policy with a critical eye, I have to remember that in order to do, they must first be made aware of the fact that they live in the heart of an empire.



This is ignored far too often by subject matter experts used to talking to audiences that already know this. If we want to build the broadest support possible, we cannot forget that building a movement requires meeting people where they are at so that they can gradually understand more deeply. As they learn how much they are being lied to, they will seek out those who know the score so they can learn more on their own.



Fortunately, I live in a community with a newspaper that still provides access to community members who want to share information and opinions. When someone says "no one reads newspapers anymore," I ask them how long it would take them to have 15,000 people read the signs they hold at weekly demonstrations in the area, because that's the approximate circulation. I tell them that studies have shown that letters to the editor and guest opinion columns are among the most-read parts of the paper. Then I remind them that these readers are mostly older folks, who vote disproportionately and many of whom are influencers in the community.



I hope that more people who are fortunate enough to still have a paper that values their opinions will write, and support these valuable but fast-disappearing avenues avenues to public education by subscribing.



Here's my latest column in our local paper, explaining why the US supports genocide.



Increasingly, citizens are asking why the U.S. continues to support the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The answer is simple: To our foreign policy establishment, Israel is a critical outpost of the American empire. As President Biden has often said, "If Israel didn't exist, we'd have to invent it."When Biden told ABC interviewer George Stephanopoulos, "I'm running the world," he was acknowledging the fact that America is a global empire. While some will scoff at the idea, it is too late to deny it. The Empire has no clothes.It explains why we have over 800 military installations around the world and why the Pentagon budget is more than that of the world's next 10 largest militaries combined. No nation is such a threat that it justifies spending over $1 trillion dollars per year on "defense"-related costs.It's understandable that most Americans don't realize they live in the heart of an empire. Media figures and politicians carefully avoid the term. We don't learn this fact in school. Even most history teachers don't realize it. But we must recognize it. It is the reason our government is complicit in genocide.We cannot be afraid to say this. Endless war is incompatible with self-rule. A democratic government would not defy the will of the overwhelming majority of its citizens who oppose the genocide. When the U.S. supports violence around the world, it does so in our name. In claiming to be a democracy, we take responsibility. Ask any German citizen.Martin Luther King, Jr said in 1967, "America is the world's greatest purveyor of violence in the world." It's still true, but we no longer seriously question politicians and pundits who tell us we must support such violence. It's not for freedom, democracy or self-defense. The actions of the Empire only reflect the wishes of Wall Street investors. What we are told are "American interests" are never those of average citizens.Let's hope that U.S. complicity in genocide awakens Americans to the costsof Empire. After all, average Americans are not spared its depredations. As the financial crisis of 2008 proved, we're not the first priority of the Empire's managers. Nothing takes priority over the unfettered pursuit of profit. Not Palestinian children. Not American workers. Not even Israelis, who will eventually realize that they, too, are victims of an empire they depend on to continue subjugating the victims of their 100-year project of dispossession.Though we're at the highest risk of nuclear war since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, you'd never know it from the lack of public opposition to policies seemingly designed to lead to war with Iran, Russia, North Korea and China at the same time. Those policies only make sense when you realize that the US is trying to forestall the premature end of what neocons call their "Project for a New American Century."In 2000, a group of neocons (including Dick Cheney) published a plan for global dominance by imposing what the authors called "Pax Americana," which called for peace through war. Those plans led to disaster in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and beyond. Their ideological disciples have now set their sights on war with Iran. These are the empire managers.In the face of the growing climate crisis devastating the US and the world, America cannot afford to send National Guard troops into foreign wars when they are needed to help address disasters at home.Dismantling the global US Empire is the first step back from the nuclear and ecological brink. Americans must unite now to stop this mad rush to WWIII.Time is running out.This article was first published in the Albany (Oregon) Democrat-Herald . I hereby give my permission to reprint this, unedited, with attribution to me and to the Democrat-Herald.

(Article changed on Oct 27, 2024 at 8:57 PM EDT)
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Honestly, can you believe that Hamas's devastating October 7th attack on Israel and that country's initial military response to it occurred well over a year ago? Or that, for the last 14 months, the Gaza Strip -- and it's not called a "strip" for nothing, being only 25 miles long and, at most, seven miles wide -- has become an all too literal hell on Earth? Only the other day, the Israeli military, back campaigning in northern Gaza, reportedly managed to kill at least 50 children in an attack on a refugee camp, while UNICEF's executive director recently warned that all the people -- yes, everyone! -- now remaining in that area, particularly children, are "at imminent risk of dying." And that's not just from the fighting but from disease and famine, since the Israelis are letting very little food into that area or the Strip as a whole. (And were I to write this a week or two from now, count on one thing: I'd have a whole new set of nightmares to cite.)

Oh, and don't forget the recent attack on a polio vaccination center in northern Gaza that wounded at least six people, including four children, while the car of a UNICEF official involved in that polio program also came under attack, or the grim damage done to a local hospital. In short, each time you think it can't get worse, it does and, one year-plus later, it's estimated that 1.9 million Palestinians, or 90% of the population, has been displaced, at least 66% of the buildings -- mosques, churches, schools, housing of all sorts -- have sustained some damage, and all too many of them are now pure rubble.

And don't forget that much of that damage has been done with weaponry the Biden administration has shipped to Israel, including devastating 2,000-pound bombs that can take out whole city blocks. And worse yet, what happened to Gaza now seems to be repeating itself in Lebanon, where more than 1.2 million people have already been displaced from their homes. But let me not go on with this seemingly unending tale of horror. Instead, let TomDispatch regular Juan Cole (whose Informed Comment website is, to my mind, a daily must-read and whose latest book is, all too appropriately, Gaza Yet Stands) consider just how our country and specifically the Biden administration contributed to this ongoing horror in a big-time fashion. Tom

What Rough Beast?

President Biden's Gaza Policy Leaves the Middle East in Flames

By Juan Cole

President Joe Biden has now joined the ranks of Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush as a president whose Middle East policy crashed and burned spectacularly. Unlike Carter, who was stymied by the Iranian hostage crisis, or Bush, who faced a popular Iraqi resistance movement, Biden's woes weren't inflicted by an enemy. Quite the opposite, it was this country's putative partner, the Israeli government, that implicated the president in its still ongoing genocide in Gaza, as well as its disproportionate attacks on Lebanon and Iran, for which Biden steadfastly declined to impose the slightest penalties. Instead, he's continued to arm the Israelis to the teeth.

Israel's total war on Palestinian civilians, in turn, significantly reduced enthusiasm for Biden among youth and minorities at home, helping usher him out of office. It also created electoral obstacles for Kamala Harris's presidential bid. By his insistence on impunity for the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden has left the Middle East in flames and the U.S. and the world distinctly in peril.

During his first three years in office, his administration wielded the tools of diplomacy in the Middle East. Donald Trump's sanctions against the Houthis in Yemen had imperiled the civilian population there by denying them humanitarian aid and gasoline to drive to the market for food. Biden lifted those sanctions and sponsored continued negotiations between those in power in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and in the neighboring Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. Only relatively small contingents of American troops remained in Syria and Iraq to help with the mopping-up operations against the so-called Islamic State terrorist organization.

Pushing Iran into the Arms of China and Russia

Danger signals nonetheless soon began flashing bright red among friend and foe alike in the region, as Biden's team quickly squandered an opportunity to restore the 2015 "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," or JCPOA, between the U.N. Security Council and the Iranian regime in Tehran, which Trump had so tellingly trashed. Between 2015 and 2019, that deal had successfully kept Iran's civilian nuclear enrichment program purely civilian, closing off the four most plausible pathways to a nuclear weapon.

In those years, the Iranians had, in fact, mothballed 80% of their nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. While the U.N. Security Council lifted economic sanctions on that country, Republicans in Congress refused to halt unilateral American sanctions, which applied to third parties as well. European investors had to jump through hoops to invest in Iran while avoiding Treasury Department fines. As a result, a disappointed Iranian leadership went unrewarded for its careful compliance with the JCPOA.

Then, in May 2018, Trump stabbed the Iranians in the back, withdrawing the U.S. from the JCPOA and slapping the most severe economic sanctions ever applied by one country to another in peacetime on Iran. It essentially added up to an invisible blockade of the Iranian economy, even interfering with ordinary commerce like that country's oil sales. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted of having convinced the gullible Trump to take such a step, which led Iran's petroleum exports to plummet over the next three years. Trump even designated the Iranian National Bank a terrorist organization, again with potentially crippling consequences for the entire economy.

In revenge, Iran went back to enriching uranium to high levels and building more centrifuges, though without actually producing weapons-grade material. To this day, its civilian nuclear program remains a form of "the Japan option," an attempt at deterrence by making it clear that it does not want a bomb but that, if it feels sufficiently threatened, it can build a nuclear weapon relatively quickly.

As soon as Joe Biden defeated Trump in 2020, the centrist Iranian President Hassan Rouhani declared that the JCPOA could be restored by the two leaders virtually by fiat. And Biden's foreign policy team initially appeared to consider negotiations to reinstate the treaty, only to ultimately retain Trump's outrageous sanctions as "leverage," demanding that Iran return to compliance with the JCPOA before the two sides could talk.

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I read three articles about education from  Bucks County Herald October 31,2024. Barbara gave me the newspaper.

1) Central Bucks asking students if they feel accepted at school. Written by Freda R. Savana

The Central Bucks School District is asking in grade 5 through 12 how they perceive their acceptance, respect and support in their schools.

The survey is both voluntary and anonymous the district said in a recent letter to parents.

The PSSM belonging survey asks students to rate their feelings on 18 issues, such as,  I feel like a part of my school,  l feel very different from most other students.

Alyssa Wright , director of pupil services at CBSD, said in the letter,  The results will help us develop and/or expand programs and initiatives that foster a positive and inclusive school culture.

***I think that middle school should not only teach students textbook knowledge, but also pay attention to their physical, mental, and emotional growth. I studied high school at Shanghai West Middle School from 1952 to 1955. The school required our classmates who lived nearby to form an activity group and often studied, discussed, played, and exercised together. This cultivated friendships among classmates and played a good role in our overall growth.

2) Educator proves its not how you start, its how you finish written by Lisa DeAngelis

 Its truly that I have a career in the field of education. said Ron Rolon.

Rolon tells me,  I grow up in a first-generation Puerto Rican household. Supporting education, even reading to children was never a priority in my house.

 I graduated high school as a very average student. College for me is not an option. After high school, I took a job working in a hospital as an orderly and I was pretty content to make $8 an hour.

Rolons work destiny changed considerably when he received some advice from a mentor

 His name was Bill Simons. Bill said if I ever wanted to succeed professionally, it would require more education.

And that was exactly what Rolon did.  It took me four years to get an associates degree, while I was still working full time. I took the seven-year plan to get a bachelors degree in respiratory care.

For the next 25 years,Rolon worked as a respiratory therapist in a Bucks County hospital.

I went back to college and earned my masters degree in education. Rolon first job in education was as a healthy teacher.  I wanted to help young people make positive health choice.

The underdeveloped adolescent brain is curious, spontaneous and often without forethought of consequences. My approach was to channel their brain into pro-social activities.

Later, Rolon accepted his present position with the IU in Office of Safe and Drug-free Schools.

 As educators, we never truly know what impact we have had on an adolescent. The best I can hope for is that when theyre in a situation and make a decision, the message I shared will help them make a good one.

***I think: After graduating from high school, Rolon worked as a physical laborer. Later, he went to college and became a medical worker. After obtaining a master's degree, he became an educator. Indeed, physical workers have a low level of education, while mental workers have a high level of education. In fact, the professional knowledge learned in college may not necessarily be useful in future work, but studying in college has developed the brain and laid the foundation for further self-learning. I graduated from university in 1960, and at that time, my job was assigned by the nation. Some of my classmates and I were assigned jobs that had nothing to do with what we were studying. But we can further learn and be competent in our work

3) BCCC to Host Community+ Lifelong Learning at Bucks Expo

Bucks County Community College will host the second annual Lifelong Learning at Bucks Expo 8a.m. -2p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Newtown Campus.

The expo will bring lifelong learners in Bucks County together for a day of discovery, inspiration and meaningful connections.

The day will culminate in a special information panel discussion,  Designing a life of Purpose and Healthy at Bucks, focused on the seven dimensions of wellness ( physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental, vocational).

The panel will feature Karen Gross, special guest emcee and signer, founder and host of the media and mentorship platform She rocked It, and Bucks County native.

***I think: As people age, how to live a good old age life is a problem. Many elderly people in China practice calligraphy, painting, singing, and playing mahjong. I am in the United States, reading some books and newspapers to improve my English proficiency. I also care about China online and write comments to communicate with others.
Beromt launched it's new and unique variety of nailpolishes. You may have heard of the multichrome magnetic nail polish if you keep up with nail art trends. Multichrome Magnetic formula that not only gives the magnetic effect but also shifts between various colors. Highest shine and vibrant polish containing simplified 5-Free Formula that gives you superior results. The best thing is that you can create different shapes, nail art designs, and patterns 
Comparative negligence plays a crucial role in Nevada personal injury cases, especially under Nevada's specific 51% bar rule. This rule means that if you're found to be 51% or more at fault, you can't recover any damages. For many, this can make or break a case outcome. Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer Las Vegas like Ultra Law at https://goultralaw.com can ensure you're prepared to handle the complexities of 
DEAR PEOPLES PHARMACY: I used Zovirax ointment for two decades while I had employer-funded insurance. Once I went on Medicare, I learned the real price of this cold sore ointment -- outrageous!

I asked my dermatologist about this, and he prescribed oral valacyclovir. He winked and said: Compared to the ointment, these pills are like taking a gun to a knife fight. Do you remember the scene from Indiana Jones?

He was absolutely right. The pills are way more effective than the ointment at a fraction of the cost, plus no greasy mess on my lip.

A. The first antiviral drug developed for herpes simplex infections was Zovirax (acyclovir). It was first approved in 1982 as a topical cream to treat cold sores. Oral tablets also became available; the Food and Drug Administration approved them for shingles, chickenpox and genital herpes.

A similar antiviral medicine, valacyclovir (Valtrex), was approved in 1995 for treating shingles, cold sores, genital herpes infections and chickenpox. There is evidence that the oral formulation is quite effective, especially when taken preventively (JMIR Dermatology, June 14, 2022).

A 5-gram tube of Zovirax cream runs more than $200. A months supply of valacyclovir (500 milligrams) tablets costs between $23 and $30. We agree with your dermatologist that valacyclovir seems like a better choice.

Q. My adult daughter has a prescription for ivermectin to treat suspected scabies. The FDA has not approved this medication for the treatment of scabies, so her insurance company thus far has refused to cover the prescription. Is ivermectin safe for this use? Two health care providers (her PCP and dermatologist) have prescribed it.

A. Scabies is an incredibly itchy skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Dermatologists rely on permethrin cream to eliminate the infestation. If that doesnt work, they may resort to oral ivermectin. The FDA approved this anti-parasitic medication to treat river blindness (onchocerciasis) and intestinal worms (Strongyloides stercoralis). Veterinarians prescribe ivermectin to prevent heartworm in dogs.

Although oral ivermectin is not approved for scabies, there is good evidence that it is effective (JAMA, Sept. 9, 2024). A review in a Spanish dermatology journal noted that Oral ivermectin has been recommended as a systemic alternative to topical scabicides due to its ease of administration, convenience, safety and favourable side effect profile. The generic oral medication is reasonably affordable even without insurance.

Q. My doctor prescribed doxycycline for scalp inflammation. After taking this antibiotic for a few weeks, I realized how much less pain I was feeling in my hip. That has hurt for more than 30 years, and the pain spreads to my back.

After taking doxy for 18 months, my dermatologist said there was no further benefit for my scalp, and that I should stop taking it. Within a few days, all the pain in my hip returned.

My PCP will not write a script for doxycycline. My orthopedist gave me meloxicam, which did nothing for the hip but did give me tinnitus. How can I get someone to give me a drug I know works?

A. You might want to consult a rheumatologist. There is evidence that doxycycline might be helpful for osteoarthritis (Journal of Rheumatology, October 1991). A more recent review suggests that this antibiotic may be a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (Journal of Clinical Medicine, April 18, 2023).

To learn more about this and other nonstandard approaches to easing joint pain, you may wish to read our eGuide to Alternatives for Arthritis. This online resource is located under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

* * *

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.

(c) 2024 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Another major Oregon company wants its employees back at the office full time, with PacifiCorp telling its staff it has decided to work in person in our offices as we were before the COVID-19 pandemic.

PacifiCorps headquarters are in the Lloyd District of Northeast Portland. The electric utility had been granting many workers the option to work remotely full time, coming into the office only for meetings or specific events. CEO Cindy Crane told employees in an email earlier this month that policy ends Jan. 6.

When we show up in person, we learn from and support each other, Crane wrote. While we have accommodated various hybrid work arrangements over the past several years, there is no substitute for the learning, collaboration and connectedness we can achieve when we are together in person.

In the same email, Crane said PacifiCorp would be giving raises to an unspecified number of employees after comparing the companys pay levels to other businesses. She said those raises are coming by the end of the year and are separate from PacifiCorps annual reviews and salary increases.

Two PacifiCorp workers  who asked not to be identified talking about their employer  say they and many colleagues are frustrated by the return to the office. They said the change makes them feel unappreciated and said they are disappointed PacifiCorp hadnt communicated details of the change more clearly.

For other employees, they said, coming back to the office is more than a nuisance. They said some employees had arranged child care and other family responsibilities with an expectation they could continue working from home. At least a few had moved out of the area and were counting on the flexibility to continue doing their jobs remotely for the indefinite future.

Like many businesses across the region, PacifiCorp is navigating the post-pandemic work environment and making adjustments for the benefit of our customers and the communities that we serve, the company said in a statement Friday. We provide an essential service to our customers and working together provides our teams with opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other.

PacifiCorp is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, billionaire Warren Buffetts investment firm. The company didnt say how many people it employs in Portland, but it had about 1,000 at its headquarters before COVID-19.

Many Oregon employers retained remote or hybrid work schedules after the pandemic, which suited employees who appreciated the flexibility and enjoyed spending less time on their commute.

Some companies that tried to bring workers back more frequently met resistance from their staff and backed down. In the tight labor market that followed the pandemic, employees could often find new jobs that offered flexible work arrangements.

The number of Oregon job vacancies has dropped considerably, though, and is now back at pre-pandemic levels. That may give businesses and government agencies more leverage to insist employees come to the office.

Nike now requires its staff to be in the office four days a week and Amazon  which has an office in downtown Portland  said in September that it wants employees in the office a full five days each week.

PacifiCorp was among the first Portland companies to ask workers to come back to the office, telling them in November 2020 that those who didnt return would face a 10% pay cut. The utility reversed that mandate but enacted a similar policy in 2021. It rescinded the pay cut in 2022 and had been allowing many workers to work remotely or on hybrid schedules if they chose to.

-- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com.

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A deputy shot and killed a person in Waldport Sunday night.

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office received a report shortly after 7:30 p.m. of someone firing a rifle at 1015 Southeast Rolph Ct. in Waldport, the office said in a statement. Upon arriving at the scene, the deputy watched the home, saw a person walk outside with a gun and shot the suspect.
One of the most incredible features of an ambitious recreation corridor is set to open in the Columbia River Gorge.

The recreated Mitchell Point Tunnel, the latest addition to the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, will get an opening ceremony this Saturday, Nov. 16  though it wont officially be open to the public until later this year, or early 2025, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The dedication event offers the public an opportunity to preview the Mitchell Point Tunnel before it opens, according to a department news release.

The tunnel is the main attraction of a new 1.5-mile segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, a recreational corridor that retraces the historic 73-mile Historic Columbia Highway between Portland and The Dalles. While much of the trail follows remaining stretches of the scenic highway, which is open to cars, portions of it are on new, paved pathways open only to cyclists and pedestrians.

The new segment follows the interconnected openings of the Starvation Creek segment in 2016, the Wyeth segment in 2019 and the Viento segment in 2023. The Mitchell Point Tunnel will eventually be connected to those trail segments via a .7-mile pathway, expected to begin construction in 2026, according to ODOT. A temporary walking trail will be open until construction begins.

A view from the new Mitchell Point Tunnel on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.Oregon Department of Transportation

A historic photo shows the original Mitchell Point Tunnel, which was built in 1915 along the Historic Columbia River Highway, and demolished in 1966 to widen Interstate 84.Oregon Department of Transportation

When complete, the pieces will make up a 9.5-mile car-free trail between the Wyeth Campground and Mitchell Point: a recreation corridor that offers access to waterfalls, viewpoints and picnic areas, with several access points alongside Interstate 84.

However, visitors wont need to traverse the entire trail to get to the Mitchell Point Tunnel. Once the tunnel officially opens to the public, a small parking lot will reopen at exit 58 on the eastbound side of the interstate.

This newest segment of the state trail will join two other car-free sections: a seven-mile stretch between Elowah Falls and the Bridge of the Gods, and a 4.5-mile pathway that runs through the Mosier Twin Tunnels east of Hood River.

The trail will eventually continue on the east side of the new tunnel, extending from Ruthton Point to Hood River, and crossing underneath the freeway. That segment is currently in the design phase, ODOT said.

Of all the highlights of the new trail, the Mitchell Point Tunnel has been among the most anticipated. The tunnel mimics a historic tunnel by the same name that was blasted for the original Columbia River Highway in 1915, known for its distinctive arched windows that looked out onto the Columbia River. The tunnel was closed in 1953 due to safety issues, then destroyed in 1966 to widen the interstate.

Constructing a tunnel through Mitchell Point 100 years ago was an amazing feat of engineering, and re-constructing it today was not a simple task either, Rian Windsheimer, Region 1 manager for ODOT, said in a news release. Mitchell Point Tunnel is once again the remarkable monument builders of the original Historic Columbia River Highway envisioned, and it will soon be open for future generations to experience.

The public is invited to join a ribbon cutting at the tunnel on Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. The only catch is that theres currently no parking near the tunnel.

To get there, attendees can:

Hop on a free event shuttle, which will leave from Viento State Park and the CAT park and ride in Hood River on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m. Shuttles will circulate continuously and arrive about every 15 minutes.

Take a ride on the Columbia Gorge Express bus, which is dropping people off at Mitchell Point this Saturday only. Buses will leave from Portlands Gateway Transit Center as well as Troutdale and Cascade Locks. Riders from Portland will need to take the 8:50 a.m. bus to arrive in time for the event. Tickets are $20 for a round-trip ride.

Bike or walk to the end of the Historic Highway State Trail from Viento State Park and then walk the final .7 miles to Mitchell Point along a temporary unimproved trail that is open to pedestrians only. A round-trip excursion would be about 5.4 miles in total.

-- Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast. Reach him at 503-294-4077, jhale@oregonian.com or @HaleJamesB.

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The advisory was for Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon.

"The threat has ended," says the National Weather Service.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Grab a jacket if you'll be attending any of the area Veterans Day outdoor events. Monday's weather will be wet. Oregonian file photo. Austin De Dios/The Oregonian

A rain-packed front, pushing eastward over the Portland/Vancouver on Monday, will offer the first in a series of wet days likely to continue through the work week.

The National Weather Service says Mondays system will be fairly warm and will bring snow only to the higher central and southern Cascade pass roads. A stronger system is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Portland can expect rain throughout Veterans Day morning, then showers and possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. The high will reach near 56 degrees. Winds may be gusty at times with gust of 20-30 mph possible by the evening.

Tuesdays rain will start as scattered showers but gradually increase in frequency by the afternoon. The high temp should reach about 55 degrees.

A stronger front arrives overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday. This one promises more widespread rain and gusty south winds. It will also come with slightly warmer temperatures as a warm front and a cold front collide. Snow levels should stay well above the passes during this round of precipitation.

Portland should see steady rain early the day Wednesday, then showers later in the afternoon. Winds will be gusty, blowing as hard as 30-35 mph at times. Theres a chance of thunderstorms later in the day as well. The high temp should reach about 57 degrees.

Rain totals from Tuesday night to Wednesday night should add up to 1-1.5 inches.

Extended forecasts are showing continued rain showers Thursday and Friday with temps cooling to the low-to-mid 50s. Models are mostly in agreement that a cool and showery pattern will extend into the weekend.
Nearly 70% of the people who were killed in the war in Gaza are children and women, the United Nations Human Rights Office reported.

In a new analysis, the UN human rights office said that 8,119 people have been killed in the war in Gaza. Of those, 70% were of children and women. Specifically, 3,588 children and 2,036 women were killed.

Of those, the youngest victim was a one-day-old boy. The oldest was 97-years-old, the UN report noted.

How Did the UN Get the Figures?

The UN report examined fatalities that occurred between November 2023 and April 2024. The analysis only included fatalities confirmed by at least three independent sources. It is also a far cry from the 43,000 death toll provided by Palestinian health authorities.

That said, both reports noted that children and women represent a large proportion of those killed. In fact, the UN report noted that children aged 5 to 9 represented the single biggest age category of those killed.

Where Did the Fatalities Occur?

A large majority (80%) of the deaths happened in residential buildings. At least five or more people were also killed in the same attack in 88% of the cases, which points to the Israeli military's use of weapons that impact a wide area.

However, the UN noted that some of the fatalities may have been caused by errant projectiles launched by Palestinian armed groups, per its press release.

The war began in October 2023 after the Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired thousands of rockets from Gaza. In addition, armed militants broke down the barriers surrounding the entrance to Israel.

The militants infiltrated the Jewish communities near the Gaza border where they seized and killed civilians and soldiers. This pushed Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to declare war against Palestinians.

Following the declaration, Israel called up its army reservists and warned civilians in Gaza to "get out." He also vowed that they would reduce Hamas hideouts to "rubble."

On the first day of the war, it was believed that 700 Israelis were killed and 2,000 were injured, per The Guardian.
A New York City man was arrested and charged with attempting to kidnap a six-year-old boy who was walking with his father on Saturday afternoon.

Stephen Stowe, 28, has been charged with attempted kidnapping and harassment for the failed abduction.

Officers for the New York Post Department (NYPD) said the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. Saturday on Kingston Avenue in Crown Heights. Authorities said there were no serious injuries to the six-year-old.

Man Caught in Attempted Kidnapping of 6-Year-Old

A horrifying surveillance video shared by the NYPD showed the father of the child walking down the street while holding hands with his two sons, including the six-year-old. Stowe, who was wearing a mask and a blue-and-white letterman jacket at the time, suddenly scoops the young boy into his arms.

The father was then seen pulling his son back before pushing Stowe away from him and his children. Stowe fled on foot but was arrested the next morning.

Police said there were no words exchanged between Stowe and the boy's father before or during the botched kidnapping, per the New York Post. It is unclear why Stowe targeted the child.

Crown Heights is home to a large community of ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jewish people of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Yaacov Behrman, public relations representative of the group, said he spoke to the father of the six-year-old, who said he wanted to express gratitude for the swift actions taken by the NYPD.

"He also mentioned that his kids are doing okay, everyone is fine, and he is grateful for the outpouring of love from around the world," Behrman noted.

Attacks Against NYC's Ultra-Orthodox Community

In August, Yechiel Dabrowskin, a 33-year-old Jewish man, was stabbed in the stomach by Brooklyn resident Vincent Sumpter, 22, near a synagogue in the Crown Heights neighborhood. Prior to the stabbing, police said Sumpter had been yelling antisemitic slurs, asked Dabrowskin, "Do you want to die?" and shouted "Free Palestine" before he attacked the 33-year-old with his blade, as reported by AP News.

Sumpter, who had no prior criminal record in NYC, was arrested and charged with second and third-degree assault. Four of the counts would be prosecuted as hate crimes.
We closed our sacrament meeting today with a song that will eventually appear in the new revised hymnal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its generally known under the title of It is Well with My Soul, but it also goes by the beginning of its first line: When Peace, Like a River:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know

It is well, it is well, with my soul. Refrain

It is well, (it is well),

With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well, with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But Lord, tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

A song in the night, oh my soul!

Since the hymns history was memorably depicted in a Tabernacle Choir Christmas program a few years ago , I expect that most everybody out there already knows it. Still, I think its worth revisiting, because it emerges from one of the most tragic backstories imaginable, which makes the lyrics (to me, at least) all the more powerful:

Horatio Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer (and an elder in the Presbyterian Church) who had invested very significantly in area real estate. Unfortunately, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was financially disastrous for him. And then, as if that werent enough, the economic downturn of 1873 proved catastrophic to most of his remaining business interests. So he determined to travel with his family to England in order to assist with a revivalist crusade that would be led by the famous American Protestant evangelist Dwight L. Moody, who was based in Chicago and who was a friend of the Spaffords.

Spafford booked passage on the SS Ville du Havre. That French iron steamship had been launched at the end of 1865, originally under the name of Napoleon III. In 1871, the Emperor having been deposed and the ship having been converted from a paddlewheel steamer to propulsion by a single prop, it was rechristened the Ville du Havre.

At the last minute, though, stubbornly persisting economic matters forced him to change his plans. So he sent his Norwegian-born wife, Anna, on ahead of him, along with his four daughters, Annie (12), Maggie (7), Bessie (4), and Tanetta (eighteen months).

Tragically, however, early on 22 November 1873 out on the cold North Atlantic, the Ville du Havre collided with a three-masted British clipper, the Loch Earn. The severely damaged Ville du Havre sank in just twelve minutes. Sixty-one passengers were saved, along with twenty-six crew members. They were rescued by the Loch Earn and by a passing American vessel, the Tremountain. But 226 passengers and crew died, including Horatio Spaffords four daughters, Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta. His wife, Anna, survived. Horatio received a telegram from her: Saved alone . . .. Shortly thereafter, he himself sailed to England to join and comfort his grief-stricken wife. As his own ship passed the approximate point where his four daughters had died in the frigid water, he felt inspired to write the words to It is Well With My Soul. Originally, they read somewhat differently:



When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know

It is well, it is well, with my soul.Refrain

It is well, (it is well),

With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well, with my soul.Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. When peace like a river, attendeth my way,When sorrows like sea billows roll;Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to knowIt is well, it is well, with my soul.It is well, (it is well),With my soul, (with my soul)It is well, it is well, with my soul.Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,Let this blest assurance control,That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,And hath shed His own blood for my soul.My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!My sin, not in part but the whole,Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:If Jordan above me shall roll,No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But Lord, tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

A song in the night, oh my soul!

After the loss of their four girls, Anna would give birth to three more children  a son and two daughters. The son died of scarlet fever in February 1880, at just four years of age. (Are you beginning to think of the biblical book of Job? I certainly am.) In August of the following year, 1881, the Spaffords left America for a radically different life: They settled permanently in Jerusalem, which was still under the rule of the Ottoman Empire at the time. (It was long before the establishment of the modern state of Israel.) They founded a religious community there that was known as the American Colony, which remains an important element of East Jerusalem still today. (During my first six-month residency in the city decades ago, I walked by it just about daily, without knowing very much of its history.) There, they and those who joined them in their community engaged in philanthropic efforts among local Jews, Muslims, and Christians, establishing warm and trusting relationships with all three communities. (It was a simpler time, before the huge Jewish influx inspired by the rise of Zionism.) Horatio Spafford died of malaria on 25 September 1888, at the age of 59. He is buried in Mount Zion Cemetery in Jerusalem. Anna, his widow, lived on in Jerusalem until 1923 A curious footnote: The Spaffords adopted a teenager there in Jerusalem who had been born to a family of Turkish Jews. His name was Jacob Elias. One day, when he was still a schoolboy, Jacob Elias discovered the important Siloam inscription (aka the Silwan inscription or Shiloh inscription). So, as you can see, there are several very interesting stories that are connected in some way or other with It is Well With My Soul. Heres another one: Horatio Spaffords lyrics for It is Well With My Soul were set to music by an American composer and hymn writer named Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876), who was another friend of Dwight Moody in Chicago. The 1985 edition of the Latter-day Saint hymnal contains three hymns by Bliss: Brightly Beams Our Fathers Mercy (#335) (also known as Let the Lower Lights Be Burning); More Holiness Give Me (#131); and Should You Feel Inclined to Censure (#235), which features lyrics by an anonymous writer set to the same tune as Brightly Beams Our Fathers Mercy). On 29 December 1876, three years after the sinking of the Ville du Havre, Bliss and his wife, Lucy, were traveling on a Pacific Express train that was approaching Ashtabula, Ohio. When the train was nearly across the bridge into Ashtabula, the bridge collapsed and the carriages fell into the ravine below. Neither Philip Paul Bliss nor his wife was ever seen again. He was thirty-eight years old. Philip and Lucy Bliss left two sons behind them, George (four) and Philip Paul (0ne). Ninety-two of the 159 passengers died in what is known as the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster. Remembering these stories will, I think, make the message of It is Well With My Soul all the more impactful.

Sunday is as good a day as any, I suppose, on which to contemplate the horrors inflicted upon the world by theists and theism. So here are four items that Ive selected from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File in hopes of stirring up your righteous indignation:

President Freeman Visits Humanitarian Sites in Europe: Four Northern European Cities Prepare for New Temples

JustServe aids relief after storms hit Houston, Texas: JustServe fills a role to gather volunteers after derecho storm and Hurricane Beryl; youth continue to serve

Updates to Perpetual Education Fund will expand opportunities, make education more affordable: PEF now offers loan discounts and expands the coverage of education-related expenses

How over 20,000 Latter-day Saints brought relief to southeastern U.S. after hurricanes Helene and Milton: My hope in humanity is lifted, says Elder Quinn S. Millington, an Area Seventy and head of the Churchs Area Disaster Response Committee
49:05 thats just plain scriptural, right? I mean, thats language thats used all the time in the scriptures and so Trent has to assume that the Protestants cant [or] dont have any way of reading that language in the Holy Scriptures, and since we think that we do, his response isnt going to be sufficient.

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Maybe not, or maybe so. But for whatever its worth, here is my response:

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I think equally pious, reasonable Christians can hold that he could be referring (in using recompense) either to differential rewards in heaven or the reward of heaven itself. I shall contend that it is the latter, and provide reasons for so believing. If it refers to differential rewards, its no problem for Catholicism, since we agree that these occur. But if it refers to heaven, its a problem for the Protestant sola fide position. The fact that he refers to the possibility of desertion and also includes the corresponding idea of endure may mean that  at least at that point  Ignatius had apostasy in mind.

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Thus, recompense would seem to be the converse of falling away: staying the course unto salvation itself. A paraphrase, if this is correct, would be: Dont fall away. Let your baptism, faith, love, patience, and works in general preclude this eventuality, and lead to the reward of heaven. In 1 Corinthians 3:14 Paul, I think, refers to differential rewards in heaven. In Colossians 3:24 it seems to be heaven (from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward). So Paul uses the notion in two ways.

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In the next chapter (7) , Ignatius talks very Catholic and states, I also am the more encouraged, resting without anxiety in God, if indeed by means of suffering I may attain to God, so that, through your prayers, I may be found a disciple [of Christ]. He attains to God and will be found to be a disciple if he suffers (not a word about faith there). This is meritorious works (anathema to Lutheranism and larger Protestantism). Ignatius didnt stick works into a separate category of non-salvific sanctification as Lutherans do.

Then he writes, Now, this work is both Gods and yours, when you shall have completed it to His glory. For I trust that, through grace, you are prepared for every good work pertaining to God. Here he expresses the paradoxical biblical notion that our good works, enabled by Gods grace and done in faith, are at the same time Gods works, too. This means they are meritorious: examples of what St. Augustine calls God crowning His own gifts. This reflects four statements from St. Paul:

1 Corinthians 3:10 (RSV) According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me. 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have behaved in the world, and still more toward you, with holiness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God. 2 Corinthians 6:1 Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. (in 6:7 Paul said that he did various things by the power of God)

In his Epistle to the Smyrnaeans, Ignatius couples faith and love three times (Greeting, chapters 6, 13), and he writes:

Let no man deceive himself. Both the things which are in heaven, and the glorious angels, and rulers, both visible and invisible, if they believe not in the blood of Christ, shall, in consequence, incur condemnation. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. Matthew 19:12 Let not [high] place puff any one up: for that which is worth all is faith and love, to which nothing is to be preferred. But consider those who are of a different opinion with respect to the grace of Christ which has come unto us, how opposed they are to the will of God. They have no regard for love; no care for the widow, or the orphan, or the oppressed; of the bond, or of the free; of the hungry, or of the thirsty. (6)

He places faith and works together; directly reflecting the words of Jesus at the Last Judgment in Matthew 25:31-46, and when he is commenting on grace he immediately brings up various good works. He refers to grace, faith, love, and good works, all in the same context, which is what St. Paul habitually does. Again, in his Epistle to the Trallians, he makes similar connections: Wherefore, clothing yourselves with meekness, be renewed in faith, that is the flesh of the Lord, and in love, that is the blood of Jesus Christ (ch. 8). In his Epistle to the Magnesians, he couples faith and love three times (chapters 1, 6, 13). In his Epistle to the Ephesians, he again uses the phrase faith and love twice (chapters 1, 14). And he associates faith and works:

. . . your name, much-beloved in God, which you have acquired by the habit of righteousness, according to the faith and love in Jesus Christ our Saviour. (1) For it was needful for me to have been stirred up by you in faith, exhortation, patience, and long-suffering. (3) . . . faith cannot do the works of unbelief, nor unbelief the works of faith. (8) . . . making use of the Holy Spirit as a rope, while your faith was the means by which you ascended, and your love the way which led up to God. You, therefore, as well as all your fellow-travellers, are God-bearers, temple-bearers, Christ-bearers, bearers of holiness, adorned in all respects with the commandments of Jesus Christ, . . . (9) None of these things is hid from you, if you perfectly possess that faith and love towards Christ Jesus which are the beginning and the end of life. For the beginning is faith, and the end is love . . . The tree is made manifest by its fruit; so those that profess themselves to be Christians shall be recognised by their conduct. For there is not now a demand for mere profession, but that a man be found continuing in the power of faith to the end. (14)

This simply isnt faith alone, folks; no way, no how. Then they move on to the Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus:

49:33 ultimately why its so impressive is it seems to teach . . . [that] he himself took on him the burden of our iniquities; he gave his son as a ransom for us: the Holy One for transgressors; the blameless One for the wicked; the righteous one for the unrighteous; the Incorruptible one for the corruptible, so on so forth, for what other thing was capable of covering our sins than his righteousness. By what other one was it possible that we the wicked and ungodly should be justified than by the only son of God? Oh sweet exchange oh and searchable operations oh benefits surpassing all expectations that the wickedness of many shall be head hid in a single righteous one and that the righteousness of one should justify many transgressors . . .  Pretty clearly consistent with what Protestants believe and a lot harder, I think, to square with Roman Catholicism because this righteousness is found in another. . . . the language of imputation here . . . these are like the exact same categories Martin Luther would pick up 1,400 or so years later . . .

*

When the fathers talk about good works being rewarded and that we will gain recompenses . . . only if you presuppose the Roman understanding that the recompense and the reward is an increase of our justice before God, only then will these quotations provide any form of support for the Roman Catholic understanding. We Lutherans confess in all of our confessions that God will reward good works done done here on earth that there will be heavenly gifts and rewards for us for the good works we do, but these things have nothing to do with our standing before God, which hinges on Christs righteousness, not our works.

Now here is my different take on this letter, with regard to soteriology. Here is the entire chapter that they cited, in the Epistle to Diognetus with regard to justification:

As long then as the former time endured, He permitted us to be borne along by unruly impulses, being drawn away by the desire of pleasure and various lusts. This was not that He at all delighted in our sins, but that He simply endured them; nor that He approved the time of working iniquity which then was, but that He sought to form a mind conscious of righteousness, so that being convinced in that time of our unworthiness of attaining life through our own works, it should now, through the kindness of God, be vouchsafed to us; and having made it manifest that in ourselves we were unable to enter into the kingdom of God, we might through the power of God be made able. But when our wickedness had reached its height, and it had been clearly shown that its reward, punishment and death, was impending over us; and when the time had come which God had before appointed for manifesting His own kindness and power, how the one love of God, through exceeding regard for men, did not regard us with hatred, nor thrust us away, nor remember our iniquity against us, but showed great long-suffering, and bore with us, He Himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for those who are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! That the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors! Having therefore convinced us in the former time that our nature was unable to attain to life, and having now revealed the Saviour who is able to save even those things which it was [formerly] impossible to save, by both these facts He desired to lead us to trust in His kindness, to esteem Him our Nourisher, Father, Teacher, Counsellor, Healer, our Wisdom, Light, Honour, Glory, Power, and Life, so that we should not be anxious concerning clothing and food. (ch. 9; complete) This is discussing initial justification. There is no disagreement here. This is referring to an imputation of righteousness to the believer that Catholics can agree with, per the explanations of former Presbyterian minister and professor Kenneth Howell: I am puzzled why anyone would say that extrinsic righteousness might be excluded by Trent. The only righteousness that justifies is Christs. But Catholic theology teaches that what is Christs becomes ours by grace. In fact Canon 10 anathematizes anyone who denies that we can be justified without Christs righteousness or anyone who says that we are formally justified by that righteousness alone. . . . Canon 10 says that Christs righteousness is both necessary and not limited to imputation i.e. formally. So, imputation is not excluded but only said to be not sufficient. With regard to imputation, if Trent indeed excludes it, I am ready to reject it. But the wording of the decrees does not seem to me to require this. . . . The Protestant doctrine, it seems to me, has at least two sides. Imputation is the declaration of forgiveness on Gods part because of Christs work but it is also a legal fiction that has nothing immediately to do with real (subjective) state of the penitent. Now I think the declaration side of imputation is acceptable to Trent but not the legal fiction side. The difference between the Tridentine and the Reformation views, in addition to many other aspects, is that in the latter view God only sees us as righteous while in the former, Christ confers righteousness upon (and in) us. . . . What is wrong with the Reformation view then? It is the sola part. Faith is essential but not sola fide. Remission of sins is essential but not sola remissione. Imputation via absolution is essential but not sola imputatione. I remember well how this hit me one day in my journey. So much of Protestantism represents a reductionism of the Catholic faith. The Protestants added their qualifiers (sola) and thereby threw out the fullness of faith. [Trent Doesnt Utterly Exclude Imputation, July 1996] See also my related articles: Initial Justification & Faith Alone: Harmonious? [5-3-04] Monergism in Initial Justification is Catholic Doctrine [1-7-10] But as soon as initial justification occurs, God works together with the believer to make it a real, day-by-day righteousness (not merely a declared or proclaimed righteousness that in fact is not actual righteousness). Thats where the two sides differ, but not on the above. Faith alone without love wont cut it. Nothing whatsoever in this work contradicts Catholic soteriology. This epistle states, For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? Precisely! The Council of Trent in agreement stated in its Decree on Justification (5): the beginning of the said Justification is to be derived from the prevenient grace of God, through Jesus Christ, that is to say, from His vocation, whereby, without any merits existing on their parts, they are called . . . This eloquent work approaches justification much as Paul does (and as Catholics do, rightly understood). He writes about initial monergistic justification  which we Catholics fully accept! But  again like Paul and Catholics  he doesnt formally separate works from faith as Protestants do, and writes: . . . to whom He sent His only-begotten Son, to whom He has promised a kingdom in heaven, and will give it to those who have loved Him (chapter 10). He continues: Or, how will you love Him who has first so loved you? And if you love Him, you will be an imitator of His kindness. And do not wonder that a man may become an imitator of God. He can, if he is willing. For it is not by ruling over his neighbours, or by seeking to hold the supremacy over those that are weaker, or by being rich, and showing violence towards those that are inferior, that happiness is found; nor can any one by these things become an imitator of God. But these things do not at all constitute His majesty. On the contrary he who takes upon himself the burden of his neighbour; he who, in whatsoever respect he may be superior, is ready to benefit another who is deficient; he who, whatsoever things he has received from God, by distributing these to the needy, becomes a god to those who receive [his benefits]: he is an imitator of God. [chapter 10] And he writes along these lines in chapter 12: When you have read and carefully listened to these things, you shall know what God bestows on such as rightly love Him, being made [as you are] a paradise of delight, presenting in yourselves a tree bearing all kinds of produce and flourishing well, being adorned with various fruits. Once again, I see nothing whatsoever in this work that contradicts Catholic soteriology. But it seems to have some elements (seen above) that contradict Lutheran soteriology. It is what it is. Im simply describing the nature of the work. * Related Reading

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Featuring Liturgy and the Sacrifice of the Mass in the Church Fathers

I am replying to the first portion of the video, Why you should be Lutheran INSTEAD of Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox (w/ Pr. Will Weedon) [8-9-24], on the YouTube channel of Javier Perdomo: who recently converted to Lutheranism from another form of Protestantism.

William Weedon has served as a parish pastor for 26 years and served as Director of Worship and Chaplain for the Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod from 2012-2019 (a traditional Lutheran communion for which I have a great respect). He is the author of the books Celebrating the Saints, Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey and See My Saviors Hands. Pastor Weedon holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Theology degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

His words will be in blue.

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6:37 you can see why Lutherans would be more inclined toward Orthodoxy maybe than toward Rome. You dont have indulgences

. . . which has an explicit biblical basis and a history that has often been distorted by Protestants for polemical purposes, or out of sheer lack of knowledge.

you dont have Purgatory

. . . which has at least 110 Bible passages pointing to, and in complete harmony with essential aspects of it . . .

you dont have any of the the weird stuff that uh that Lutheran struggled with across across the centuries with with Rome

Weird is often in the eye of the beholder and works both ways.

7:28 Orthodoxy has a perfect solution to this . . . the church cant be wrong and therefore if weve been teaching this for any number of years its got to be the truth of God and you just need to learn to submit to that; you know thats the way to go

The indefectibility of the Church is biblical teaching. See also:

1 Timothy 3:15 = Church Infallibility (vs. Steve Hays) [5-14-20]

So is apostolic succession:

Biblical Arguments for Apostolic Succession [9-9-09]

The Bible on Submission to Church & Apostolic Tradition + Biblical Condemnation of the Rebellious & Schismatic Aspects of the Protestant Revolt [8-27-11]

Apostolic Succession: More Biblical Arguments [1-6-17]

Apostolic Succession as Seen in the Jerusalem Council [National Catholic Register, 1-15-17]

Answers to Questions About Apostolic Succession [National Catholic Register, 7-25-20]

A New Biblical Argument for Apostolic Succession [National Catholic Register, 4-23-21]

New Apostle Matthias: Proof of Church Infallibility [12-31-21]

Lutherans are bound to the teachings of their own confessions: compiled in the Book of Concord. Its not that different. But Orthodoxy and Catholicism can trace themselves back to the early Church and Jesus Christ, whereas Lutheranism only goes back to Martin Luther in the 16th century. Our views are both more coherent and consistent. Lutheranism tries to establish itself as uniquely consistent with patristic teachings, but fails every time, excepting cases where it already agrees with Catholicism or Orthodoxy (e.g., regarding baptismal regeneration or the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist). Ive documented this many times in my own research.

7:44 but what do you do with Mary?

You do what Martin Luther did (assuming he was a good, orthodox Lutheran). He believed that she was a perpetual virgin (even during birth: i.e., a miraculous in partu birth), and held to a form of her Immaculate Conception, and believed in her Assumption, and that she was the Mother of God the Son (Theotokos), and in venerating her, within certain definite limits.

8:02 He cites a typical flowery Marian prayer from the Orthodox. I have dealt with this many times, in terms of similar Catholic language of veneration and intercession:

St. Alphonsus de Liguori: Mary-Worshiper & Idolater? [8-9-02]

Catholics Think Mary is Co-Creator? (vs. T.F. Kauffman) (Refuting a Distortion of What St. Alphonsus de Liguori Actually Teaches in The Glories of Mary) [7-17-23]

Mary, Not Jesus, is the Catholic Savior? (Response to More Misrepresentation of St. Alphonsus de Liguoris Book, The Glories of Mary) [7-21-23]

Was St. Louis de Montfort a Blasphemous Mariolater? (cf. abridged, National Catholic Register version) [2009]

Maximilian Kolbes Flowery Marian Veneration & the Bible [2010]

8:51 theyll always say, hey we ask fellow Christians here on earth to pray for us. I dont ask a fellow Christian here on earth to grant me tears of repentance

We obviously ask other believers to pray to God that we would be granted tears of repentance by Gods grace. Its the same with Mary, just on a larger scale, because she was so honored by God to be the mother of Jesus.

8:56 I dont ask them to to grant me mercy . . . I just cant square [that] with the Bible

Then why did the rich man in Hades, say, Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame (Lk 16:24, RSV)? That was recounted in a story (not a parable) by Jesus Himself. The rich man petitioned Abraham in three different ways. Abraham never told him that he mustnt do so; only that the answer to his requests was no: just as God sometimes doesnt answer our prayers. Then we are told that this is merely a parable. Even if it were, Jesus couldnt teach theological falsehood in it. Or were told that this doesnt count because its after death. Thats irrelevant, too, because if it is intrinsically impermissible to make petitions of anyone besides God, that would hold in Hades as well as on earth, and Jesus couldnt and wouldnt affirm the practice.

13:29 you cannot start reading the early church fathers before you encounter what a big deal the mass or The Divine Liturgy [is]: what we Lutherans often call the common service or the Divine service. It confronts you all over the place, right away. Its there already [in] 150 AD. Read St Justin Martyrs first apology and you you can clearly recognize, thats the same service we use.

Lutherans thankfully retain the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist (though not transubstantiation), but they ditched the belief in the eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass, which the Church fathers believed in. So they arent following the fathers with regard to the essence of the Mass: that Jesus one-time sacrifice on the cross is made supernaturally present to us. See:

Transubstantiation & Church History: Dialogue w Lutheran [2-12-05; abridged on 10-23-18]

Eucharistic Sacrifice: The Witness of the Church Fathers [9-12-05]

Sacrifice of the Mass: Reflections on Theology & Patristics [9-22-05]

Development of Sacrifice of the Mass: Dialogue w Lutheran [9-22-05]

Sacrifice of the Mass / Cyprians Ecclesiology (vs. Calvin #11) [5-19-09]

Church Fathers and the Sacrifice of the Mass (Thoroughly Catholic!) [12-11-09]

Justin Martyr, Real Presence, & Eucharistic Sacrifice (vs. Lucas Banzoli) [9-13-22]

Lucas Banzoli Misrepresents Chrysostoms Eucharistic Theology (+ An Overview of St. John Chrysostoms Catholic View of the Eucharistic Sacrifice) [9-14-22]

Tertullians Eucharistic Theology: Lucas Banzoli vs. J.N.D. Kelly [9-15-22]

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Pr. Weedon brought up St. Justin Martyr. Was he a good proto-Lutheran? Hardly. J. N. D. Kelly is a very well-known Anglican church historian. Heres what he believes about Justins views:

Justin speaks [Dialogue with Trypho, 117, 1] of all the sacrifices in this name which Jesus appointed to be performed, viz. in the eucharist of the bread and the cup, . . .. Not only here but elsewhere [Ib., 41, 3] too, he identifies  the bread of the eucharist, and the cup likewise of the eucharist, with the sacrifice foretold by Malachi. (Early Christian Doctrines, HarperSanFrancisco, revised edition of 1978, p. 196)

Here are the two passages from St. Justin Martyr referred to:

Accordingly, God, anticipating all the sacrifices which we offer through this name, and which Jesus the Christ enjoined us to offer, i.e., in the Eucharist of the bread and the cup, and which are presented by Christians in all places throughout the world, bears witness that they are well-pleasing to Him. But He utterly rejects those presented by you and by those priests of yours, saying, And I will not accept your sacrifices at your hands; for from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is glorified among the Gentiles (He says); but you profane it. Malachi 1:10-12 (Dialogue with Trypho, 117, 1) Hence God speaks by the mouth of Malachi, one of the twelve [prophets], as I said before, about the sacrifices at that time presented by you: I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord; and I will not accept your sacrifices at your hands: for, from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, My name has been glorified among the Gentiles, and in every place incense is offered to My name, and a pure offering: for My name is great among the Gentiles, says the Lord: but you profane it. Malachi 1:10-12 [So] He then speaks of those Gentiles, namely us, who in every place offer sacrifices to Him, i.e., the bread of the Eucharist, and also the cup of the Eucharist, affirming both that we glorify His name, and that you profane [it]. (Dialogue with Trypho, 41, 3)

Kelly continues his lengthy commentary on Justins views:

It was natural for early Christians to think of the eucharist as a sacrifice. The fulfilment of prophecy demanded a solemn Christian offering, and the rite itself was wrapped in the sacrificial atmosphere with which our Lord invested the Last Supper. The words of institution, Do this, must have been charged with sacrificial overtones for second-century ears; Justin at any rate understood [1 apol. 66, 3; cf. dial. 41, 1] them to mean, Offer this. . . . Justin . . . makes it plain [Dial. 41, 3] that the bread and wine themselves were the pure offering foretold by Malachi. Even if he holds [Ib., 117, 2] that prayers and thanksgivings are the only God-pleasing sacrifices, we must remember that he uses [1 apol. 65, 3-5] the term thanksgiving as technically equivalent to the eucharistized bread and wine. The bread and wine, moreover, are offered for a memorial of the passion, a phrase which in view of his identification of them with the Lords body and blood implies much more than an act of purely spiritual recollection. Altogether it would seem that, while his language is not fully explicit, Justin is feeling his way to the conception of the eucharist as the offering of the Saviours passion. (Kelly, ibid., pp. 196-197)

F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone, editors, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford Univ. Press, 2nd edition, 1983, 475-476, 1221, wrote:

It was also widely held from the first that the Eucharist is in some sense a sacrifice, though here again definition was gradual. The suggestion of sacrifice is contained in much of the NT language . . . the words of institution, covenant, memorial, poured out, all have sacrificial associations. In early post-NT times the constant repudiation of carnal sacrifice and emphasis on life and prayer at Christian worship did not hinder the Eucharist from being described as a sacrifice from the first . . . From early times the Eucharistic offering was called a sacrifice in virtue of its immediate relation to the sacrifice of Christ.

Jaroslav Pelikan [Lutheran at the time of this writing, and later Orthodox], The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600), Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1971, 146-147, 166-168, 170, 236-237:

By the date of the Didache [anywhere from about 60 to 160, depending on the scholar]. . . the application of the term sacrifice to the Eucharist seems to have been quite natural, together with the identification of the Christian Eucharist as the pure offering commanded in Malachi 1:11 . . . The Christian liturgies were already using similar language about the offering of the prayers, the gifts, and the lives of the worshipers, and probably also about the offering of the sacrifice of the Mass, so that the sacrificial interpretation of the death of Christ never lacked a liturgical frame of reference . . . . . . it does seem express and clear that no orthodox father of the second or third century of whom we have record declared the presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist to be no more than symbolic (although Clement and Origen came close to doing so) or specified a process of substantial change by which the presence was effected (although Ignatius and Justin came close to doing so). Within the limits of those excluded extremes was the doctrine of the real presence . . . Liturgical evidence suggests an understanding of the Eucharist as a sacrifice, whose relation to the sacrifices of the Old Testament was one of archetype to type, and whose relation to the sacrifice of Calvary was one of re-presentation, just as the bread of the Eucharist re-presented the body of Christ . . .

As John Adams once said, Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.

15:23 our Lutheran liturgy really is overwhelmingly the same heritage

Its not, because it denies the very essence of the Mass: the eucharistic sacrifice.

15:28 Luther and the reformers were anything but revolutionaries on this question

Really? In 1525, Luther wrote his treatise, The Abomination of the Secret Mass (found in Luthers Works, vol. 36, pp. 311-328). In it he calls the Catholic Mass disgraceful, abominable, idolatries (all on p. 311), shameful, plague, deliberate blasphemies (p. 312), insults God, they deny God and insult the sacrifice that Christ has made and disgrace his blood (p. 313), the blasphemy is so great that it must simply wait for eternal hell-fire (p. 320), etc. ad nauseam.

All through the diatribe he shows himself perfectly ignorant of the fact that we hold that it is a supernatural re-presentation of the one true Sacrifice on Calvary, not a repeated sacrifice (e.g., they . . . offer him up more than a hundred thousand times throughout the world. They thereby deny . . . that Christ . . . has died and risen again: p. 320). This is elementary, and was explained long since in the Church fathers. But once Luther got on his soap box, mere things like accuracy and fairness to opponents always quickly went by the wayside.

But he was undeniably a liturgical revolutionary because he gutted the Mass of its most essential element. In no way can he be viewed as consistently following the liturgical understanding of the Church fathers.

15:34 they kept whatever they could from the ancient tradition that was not contrary to the Bible

Ah, so now its at least qualified.

16:28 our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the mass

The problem is that if one omits what is essential and non-negotiable / non-optional in an ancient view, one cant be said to be continuing the same ancient view, or call it their heritage. Its a basic question of both fact and logical consistency. Catholicism and Orthodoxy continue what the fathers believed about liturgy. Lutheranism does not, nor does any form of Protestantism, save for possibly a few Anglo-Catholics.

17:29 in a Lutheran Church . . . the historic liturgy is being used

It certainly is not, with all due respect. Its historic only back to Luthers time. The Church fathers wouldnt recognize it. They would say it is gutted, as we do.

35:55 Lutherans do teach that there is a sacrifice in the Eucharist. The sacrifice is a noun, not a verb. The sacrifice is the body and the blood which Christ once offered on the tree, [which] he now reaches to you to seal that salvation to you, so that you might know that your sins are forgiven, and that that sacrifice was offered on your behalf. He continually gives it to you

*

Thats exactly what we believe: so far . . .

*

36:26 we do not offer it up to him that is a big difference in perspective

The Council of Trent, in its Doctrine on the Sacrifice of the Mass (September 17, 1562), explains why we do:

He offered up to God the Father His own Body and Blood under the species of bread and wine . . . and by those words, Do this in commemoration of me (1 Cor. 11:24), He commanded them and their successors in the priesthood to offer them . . . And this is indeed that clean oblation, which cannot be defiled by any unworthiness or malice of those that offer it; which the Lord foretold by Malachi was to be offered in every place, clean to his name (Mal. 1:11) . . . This, in fine, is that oblation which was prefigured by various types of sacrifices (Gen. 4:4; 8:20, etc.), during the period of nature and of the law; inasmuch as it comprises all the good things signified by those sacrifices, as being the consummation and perfection of them all.

Were following the example of Our Lord at the Last Supper, as set down in inspired revelation. For more on this, see;

The Sacrifice of the Mass: A Lamb . . . Slain [3-8-92; rev. May 1996]

The Sacrifice of the Mass: Classic Catholic Reflections [1994]

Sacrifice of the Mass & Hebrews 8 (vs. James White) [3-31-04]

Passover in Judaism & a Mass that Transcends Time (Past Events Become Present Today/ Survey of Remember in Scripture) [7-7-09]

The Timeless Crucifixion & the Sacrifice of the Mass [9-25-09]

Is Jesus Re-Sacrificed at Every Mass? [National Catholic Register, 8-19-17]

39:05 this sacrifice once offered on the cross takes place continually in an unseen fashion in heaven

Catholics believe that in the Mass we are supernaturally included in this offering.

39:11 by way of commemoration when Christ offers to his father on our behalf his suffering

Its not merely commemoration if we are supernaturally transported back to Calvary and Jesus suffering and death on the cross. In Revelation 5:6, St. John saw Jesus in a way that is very much like the Sacrifice of the Mass: I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. Yet in 5:9 and 5:12 the text notes that Jesus wast slain and was slain. And we all know that Jesus rose from the dead and was resurrected. So the Bible teaches that there is a quality of the Mass and Jesus one-time sacrifice that transcends time. Lamb referring to Jesus occurs 28 times in the book of Revelation in RSV.

39:23 this is the unbloody sacrifice which is carried out in heaven

But its not unbloody because it is the one sacrifice that occurred in time in Jerusalem, and this is more or less proven by Revelation 5:6. At the very least, that passage is perfectly consistent with what we say about the Mass: especially since it occurs in the context of a massive worship service in heaven.

39:37 If we view the matter from the material standpoint the sacrifice in the Eucharist is numerically the same as the sacrifice that took place on the cross

Exactly! Now if Lutherans could only figure out that we agree on this point!

44:13 when we read the fathers, number one, we dont burden them with infallibility. Theres going to be stuff in the fathers that they get wrong and we know that . . . the fathers are not the inspired and inherent scriptures

So do we. We dont believe that the Church fathers collectively or individually are infallible. We think the Church and the pope are granted that gift, in carefully specified circumstances. What we look to is patristic consensus on issues, which we believe indicates or exhibits the scope and nature of the apostolic tradition that was passed down. We dont even hold that St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas were infallible.
Penn State Harrisburg plans to build a new facility at its campus in Lower Swatara Township.

The $47 million, 47,000-square-foot Academic Learning Center will include four 60-seat classrooms, four 80-seat classrooms, and four 120-seat classrooms, along with group study areas, breakout spaces, and a common area. The building will be located adjacent to the Student Enrichment Center and Madlyn L. Hanes Library.

This project is one of several ongoing enhancements to our campus, underscoring our commitment to advancing educational quality at Penn State Harrisburg, David M. Callejo Perez, chancellor and dean of Penn State Harrisburg. With this new facility, were creating a vibrant academic space that meets the needs of our students while fostering a culture of innovation, equipping students and faculty with the resources to tackle real-world challenges and driving meaningful progress in our community and beyond.

In alignment with the campus Utility Master Plan, a new chilled water plant will also be part of the project. This plant will serve multiple buildings across the campus, with space for potential future expansions.

The project is primarily funded by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, with construction slated to begin in the first half of 2025 and completion anticipated in late 2026.

The Penn State board of trustees approved the proposal for the new building at its meeting on Friday.

Other building projects approved by the Penn State board of trustees include:
Orientation for first-time US senators begins this week, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has declined to send an invitation to Republican Dave McCormick.

While votes are still being counted, McCormick is in the lead in the race against incumbent Democrat Bob Cassey.

McCormick was projected to win the race by the Associated Press. However, Casey has not conceded the race, and several major media outlets have not yet declared a winner, stating the race was still too close to determine an accurate result.

According to The Hill, Senator Krysten Sinema of Arizona said that McCormick should be invited to the orientation, along with Representative Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, who is also currently leading a race for the Senate in Arizona.

Sinema, formerly a Democrat, became an Independent in 2022.

In 2018 my race wasnt called for 6 days, Sinema said in a post on X. I jumped on a redeye to DC to make Senate orientation  I learned so much & made lasting relationships that week. Dave McCormick & Ruben Gallego will be senators for PA & AZ. They should be invited to orientation & start learning the job."

Politico reported that Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is also among those calling for McCormick to be included in orientation this week.

Schumer is not allowing @DaveMcCormickPA to participate in Senate orientation this week because Casey refuses to concede the race, Rubio posted on X. What happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the outcome of the elections?

McCormicks supporters argue that McCormicks current lead of roughly 40,000 votes will be insurmountable for Casey.

However, a spokesperson for Schumer said that With over 100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race has not been decided. As is custom, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted.

McCormick, meanwhile, has chimed in on X, saying that he was looking forward to joining the Senate freshman class of 2025 for orientation this week! Im honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania, and will fight hard to make sure their voices are heard in Washington, he said in his post. Lets get to work!
It is not often these days that Alien Ant Farm or CKY make headlines, but both bands had a good run in the late 90s and early 2000s.

They are still going, too, and were even touring together, but that wont be the case anymore. And thats why they are in the news this week.

Alien Ant Farm frontman Dryden Mitchell shared a message to Instagram recently announcing that CKY has been booted from their tour after a physical altercation between he and that bands frontman, Chad I Ginsburg.

What went down?

Sadly, Chad from CKY hasnt figured out how to cohabitate with others after all these years, Mitchell wrote. They will no longer be on the Alien Ant Farm Tour through the rest of the UK shows after Chad punched me in the face earlier today. Ive watched him treat multiple crew members and opening band members like trash through the Europe shows and cause general dram around our cam.

Before the last Europe shows I went to Chad and asked if he had any issues with anyone specifically and if he wanted to have a meeting with the whole crew and bands to discuss whats going on, Mitchell continued. He up ended the table in the dressing room and threw his phone, and then cancelled their show. Today we still had business things to square away and I told his manager what a problem Chad was being, verbally, as well as (expletive) up the bus with all of his messes every day for other people to clean up.

Mitchell said that is when Ginsburg punched him in his face and pretty much ran away like I imagine hell do for all of his future problems.

Im grateful for my sobriety and grateful that I didnt retaliate physically in any way whatsoever, Mitchell added. I would love these shows to continue and apologize to all SKY fans for Chads behavior. We have zero hard feelings for Jess and Elvis in CKY and are gutted to see them go, but I will never knowingly put myself in volatile situations, so this had to end.

Mitchell said Alien Ant Farm will continue the tour without CKY and said he hopes fans will still want to see them play.

Stay safe everybody, he closed by writing. And Chad, Go To The Gym After that, find a therapist, and maybe in 25 years  we can shake hands. Until then though  GET HELP, Love Dryden.

CKY has yet to issue a statement.
Chicago rapper Lil Durk is facing new charges in a federal murder conspiracy case involving an August 2022 killing in Los Angeles.

Durk, 32, whose real name is Durk Banks, was charged in a superseding federal indictment, returned late Thursday, that adds new felony counts against him, according to reports from Variety and ABC7.

The charges now include 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 the U.S. Department of Justice.

Banks is accused of ordering the murder of Georgia rapper Quando Rondo, aka Tyquian Bowman. Rondo and his cousin were shot in L.A. two years ago. Rondo survived but his cousin died.

Police said they believe that the shooting was in retaliation for the death of Chicago rapper King Von in Atlanta in 2020. Rondo was suspected of being involved in that death, officials have said.

Banks was arrested in Florida on Oct. 25 At the same time, five members of his hip-hop crew, Only the Family, were detained in California.

Banks is currently being held without bail in Miami. He will be transferred to Los Angeles for arraignment, ABC7 said.

Lil Durk is known for such songs as 3 Headed Goat (featuring Polo G and Lil Baby), Backdoor, and The Voice, He won a Grammy Award in 2024 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for the song All My Life.
The number of regional wineries, including those in Pennsylvania, now producing sparkling wine or pet-nat continues to increase.

National trends certainly have helped with that proliferation among mid-Atlantic producers. Per a report at the beginning of this year by IWSR, a global leader in data, analytics and insights for the beverage alcohol industry, roughly one-quarter of all adults are now sparkling wine consumers  an increase of almost 17%, since 2019.

Part of that is tied to the popularity of Prosecco, and some to the shift from being confined to the holiday to becoming a year-round beverage, and also to more wineries choosing to use other quicker methods than Methode Champenoise.

Among some of central Pennsylvanias best-known producers, Waltz is now making a brut Chardonnay, Nissley just added a dry sparkling in a bottle called Firefly to its canned sparkling wine collection, Grandview makes a semi-sweet sparkling called Diamond Dust 750, and The Vineyard at Hershey has three sparklings in its portfolio, including a Moscato and Moscato Blush. At Galen Glen, which perhaps has the highest national profile of any Pa. winery, Erin Troxell has unveiled her Erin Elizabeth line with a sparkling Gruner and Riesling, each a dry bubbly.

Seeing the long list of sparkling wines is a reminder that back when there were no more than a handful of wineries operating across the state, one producer was ahead of the curve in deciding to make them.

Jerry Forest, at Buckingham Valley Vineyards & Winery, said that while the winery opened in 1973, they started making sparkling in the early 1980s, largely because he enjoyed drinking it.

We had a very difficult time starting because there was no one I could ask for advice, he told PennLive recently. Thats a very important thing in this business, to build to other peoples experience.

He credited two individuals for helping to guide him through the process. One was Ted Moulton, who worked for Great Western in New York State for a while and later would end up in Ohio as the executive vice president of Meiers Wine Cellars. The other was David Thiebeau, who made wine in several places, including in New York. They had experience in it, and they shared what they could, he said.

But even with the knowledge, Forest said, it was almost impossible to find the equipment without going overseas. It wasnt available, Forest said. There was nothing. Prospero was in business back then, but he didnt have much to offer. Nobody had anything to offer. We had to go to Europe.

Forest said for a few years they made small batches for personal consumption. Small production equipment was not very available in the United States, he said. We built storage/riddling cages that held 500 bottles. Bought a 12-bottle neck freezer and manual disgorger/doser and hand corker from Europe. Our first commercial batch of 4000+ bottles was a complete disaster. The issue was inconsistency of carbonation caused by not stirring it sufficiently/constantly while bottling. The entire batch, bottles and all, went into a very large dumpster. 

But those early mistakes provided lessons that they have successfully adapted since then, and the use of automation in the production process has made it more consistent, reliable and easier. What hasnt changed is his perception of the process. Making sparkling wine on a small level is difficult, time-consuming, expensive, and generally not profitable, he said.

According to Forest, it takes them two to five years to make the half-dozen sparklings they sell. Bottom line, they amount to 10,000 bottles a year, he said.

Forest was asked if sparkling was difficult to sell when they first started out and whether he has seen a growth in interest.

Sparkling is tough to sell in quantity, he said. You could always sell a bottle or two to people who stop in at the winery. But if you want to sell 10,000 bottles, its not easy. We sell some through ShopRite with a different label on it, we sell some to other wineries. But we have a consistent level of sales, and thats where we sort of stay.

The good thing about Champagne, as you know, is that you dont have to sell it today or tomorrow. You can sell it a year from now, or two years from now. It only gets better.

Forest recalled the first batch was a collaboration with Susan Gross of the now-closed Peace Valley Winery. We went to her place and on the coffee table we set up an ice bucket with dry ice in it, and thats how we disgorged our first batch. It was really small, and from there, it just grew each time.

Forest remains a fixture at the winery that was a dream of his and his friend Vladimir Guerrero back in the early and mid-1960s. They planted 5 acres in 1966, and a few years later Jerry and his wife Kathy bought control of the vineyard and opened the winery in June 1973, according to Pennsylvania Wineries. Today, it sources from more than 40 acres of vines.

Located at 1521 Durham Road in Buckingham, Bucks County, the winery is generally open seven days a week although it does close for a few holidays, including Veterans Day. Tastings are five wines for $10. Wines are available by the bottle and glass. Some snacks are offered for sale in addition to the occasional food truck.

Jerry and Kathys sons Jon, Kevin and Chris are all now involved with the winery, according to the website. Forest, who recently turned 86, said he remains a winery fixture. Im still the guy that makes the decisions, and I only work half a day now, just 12 hours. Im still having fun. When I stop having fun, I will stop this.
Danielle Bregoli  whos best known by her stage name Bhad Bhabie  has revealed she has cancer.

The 21-year-old revealed her diagnosis via a social media post over the weekend after receiving various comments concerning her weight.

The Washington Post reports how the Internet personality  who shot to fame for using the phrase cash me outside, how bout that? on a 2016 episode of Dr. Phil  took to Instagram to address her recent weight loss.

Im Sorry [sic] my cancer medicine made me loose weight, Bregoli wrote. Im [sic] slowly gaining it back. So stop running w[ith] the worst narratives.

These worst narratives Bregoli is referring to, according to The Los Angeles Times, is the fact that many people on social media joked about her eating habits and theorized that she may be on weight-loss drugs after observing she got skinny following the birth of her first child in March.

Dang her whole face changed, reads one.

People continues to report how Bregoli did not share the details of her illness. She could not be reached for comment by several publications, People included.
The U.S. Army War College and recruiting command held a Veterans Day ceremony today to honor those who have served, are currently serving, and plan to serve in the future.

The ceremony began at 11 a.m. at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle. It featured music from the Carlisle Brass Band and an address from Maj. Gen. David Hill, Commandant of the U.S. Army War College.

Hill spoke about the value veterans add to their respective communities.

Veterans contribute their skills and leadership in their communities, Hill said. Theyre teachers educating our next generation of citizens and inspiring the next generation to help serve our nations democracy.

Following Hills address was the Oath of Enlistment, in which recruits are officially acknowledged as new soldiers. Veterans greeted the coming soldiers, and family members took photos and celebrated their loved ones achievements.

Karl Warner, Army veteran and Branch Chief for education and information at the center, offered some general advice as these new soldiers were being welcomed.

Warner served in the 1st Calvary Division as an artilleryman from 2000 to 2006.

I served in the Iraqi Freedom 2 in Baghdad, Warner said. I was shot at enough times and decided not to re-enlist. I used my GI Bill benefits to get a degree, and Ive worked here since 2010.

Warner advised the recruits to put all their effort into their service to get the most out of their time.

You get out of the Army what you put in, Warner said. Army service is important. The Army is amazing. If you put your heart and soul into it, youll have an amazing career.

AHEC Volunteer and Vietnam War veteran Joe Boslet is a 1968 Penn State alumnus who got his official draft notice after graduating. Boslet served in military intelligence after completing basic training in Georgia and learning some Vietnamese over 47 weeks.

In October 1970, he was sent to Vietnam to work as an intelligence coordinator, adviser and linguist. He earned two bronze stars and a Gallantry medal during his 3 years of service and advised young people to consider all aspects of military service.

You learn so much by working together, helping others succeed, and not being so selfish, Boslet said. The training is second to none, and women can do things very well and sometimes even better than most men.

Newly enlisted army soldier and recent Fairfield High School graduate, Molly Nightingale, 18, was excited about fulfilling her dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. At 6 years old, she saw a military helicopter flyover and became fascinated with the idea.

Military helicopters are much cooler than fixed-wing aircraft because you are using every body part to help fly it, Nightingale said. The complexity is cool.

She plans to complete basic training followed by flight and warrant officer school over the next few years.

I started this process over a year ago, and Im excited to follow my dreams, Nightingale said.

Nikolas Lego, 23, attended Messiah University before deciding to stop putting off his desire to serve.

To have it [oath of enlistment] on Veterans Day in front of veterans and commandants feels great, he said. All the milestones for each point in this process feel more real now.

Lego will go to Fort Jackson for basic training and then to Fort Moore in Georgia for officer candidate school.
By Hanna Webster, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

(TNS)

Its no longer a new trend: Large retail pharmacies have been shuttering hundreds of stores across the nation. But an interactive map by University of Pittsburgh pharmacy researchers may help the public visualize the volume of those closures over the past 10 years  and glean the impact the closures may be having on the health of communities.

Since the map, which culls data from January 2014 through March 2024, was released, even more closures have been announced.

Between 2009 and 2015, one in eight pharmacies closed, by one 2020 estimate. The swath of closures amped up last October, when Philadelphia-based Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, in part due to lawsuits over opioids.

CVS closed 851 stores across the country by the end of June and said in an earnings call with investors it plans to close 900 more by the end of 2024.

We continue playing a key role in delivering important community health services as demonstrated by the approximately 2 million immunizations we administered in the quarter, said Karen Lynch, president and CEO of CVS Health, in the Aug. 7 call.

And Walgreens announced last month a plan to close 1,200 stores over three years, citing billions of dollars in losses.

In most communities, pharmacies are the most accessible health care resource, said Rob DiDomenico, associate professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Illinois Retzky College of Pharmacy, specializing in health equity. To close these hubs in areas that are already suffering is removing another preventive treatment option for those patients.

FILE - A Walgreens store in Bradenton, Fla., is shown on Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)AP

Seeing the increasing closures as a public health threat, Lucas Berenbrok, associate professor of pharmacy and therapeutics at Pitts School of Pharmacy, and colleagues in 2023 created the map. To visualize the trend, the team used data from the 10-year-plus period from the National Council of Prescription Drug Programs, with the white dots of closures against a dark background, a swath of lights obscuring parts of the country as the years pass.

We wanted to show the sheer number of closures to try to bring awareness that this is something thats happening over the last decade, he said. Hopefully the map will bring public awareness to how important the pharmacist is to local communities.

As pharmacies are a hub for vaccine and medication access, researchers are starting to understand the consequences of store closures on the accessibility of these services.

A 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open found that people in areas where pharmacies closed filled their prescriptions for heart medications, beta blockers and blood thinners less frequently than those living in areas without closures.

And a recent study of Colorado pharmacy closures between 2018 and 2022 found a link to decreases in antiseizure medication fills, translating to a month of missed medication over a six-month period. A majority of the closures occurred in urban areas, and mail-order prescriptions did not alleviate the discrepancy.

These closures have led to a decrease in adherence, said DiDomenico. Several of these mortality-reducing drugs, they dont take them as well after pharmacy closures. It really influences these communities.

Theres good evidence that closures will disproportionately impact already stressed or impoverished regions. People may have to drive longer distances to open pharmacies following a closure; if they lack transportation altogether, they may fail to fill prescriptions or miss out on routine vaccinations.

Philadelphia-based Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last October in part due to lawsuits over opioids.AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File

And missing out on flu, COVID-19 or RSV shots could lead to an increase in the utilization of expensive health care services, like emergency room visits or medical treatments.

The most damning part of this is that many of these areas where pharmacies are closing are already suffering from a lack of resources, said DiDomenico. It really amplifies the access issue.

The American Pharmacists Association said in an October statement that closures disproportionately worsen health disparities for the marginalized, increasing their vulnerability to complications from both acute and chronic conditions which are managed by pharmacists.

Researchers wont know the long-term outcomes of these closures on health for years to come, Berenbrok said.

Is there a solution to preventing people from losing key services that pharmacies provide?

Mobile clinics have become a more popular resource, as vans can meet patients directly in their communities and offer immediate services. And community resource events, like pop-up clinics or fairs, can act as spot checks for disappearing coverage.

But they dont solve the bigger problem of access to chronic medications, said DiDomenico.

We need to be incentivizing chains to stay in communities somehow, he said. Its a complicated problem.

Berenbrok wants to see more awareness around struggling pharmacy business models, and how theyve led to widespread closures. And that is part of the interactive maps role.

We want more awareness about the value of pharmacies, he said.

To address the growing issue, the American Pharmacists Association introduced legislation into Congress last March that, if passed, would permanently expand Medicare coverage for essential pharmacy services such as routine vaccinations.

Berenbrok said the legislation is the furthest weve ever gotten and is a foot in the door for bolstering pharmacy care. The bill, HR 1770, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means on March 31, 2023, where it remains.

(c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Talk about profound luck.

A group of people on a sinking ship found themselves in a dire situation in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Their boat was sinking, and the group seemingly faced the very real possibility of drowning. But then, which could be something straight out of a Disney movie itself, the family was dramatically rescued by a Disney Cruise Line ship, according to multiple outlets, including NBC2.

New video released by the U.S. Coast Guard captured the brand-new Disney Treasure cruise ship  the newest cruise liner in the companys fleet  that rescued the group.

The bizarre scene took place on Sunday around 8:30 a.m., when the U.S. Coast Guard said they received a call for help from a 50-foot catamaran called the Serenity, located 265 miles off the coast of Bermuda.

Things took a turn for the worse for the married couple, their daughter and a cousin after a malfunction in the crafts escape hatch caused the boat to start taking on water and begin sinking.

The boat requested assistance, and the Coast Guard issued a broadcast.

The Disney Treasure was on its first transatlantic, en route to Port Canaveral, Florida, from Eemshaven, Netherlands, at the time, when they heard the call and responded.

The cruise line happened to be the closest to the distress call, which was 80 miles away from the distressed catamaran.

The ship launched one of its small boats, and all group members were rescued safely within an hour, between 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.

The video shows a lifeboat launched by the large ship motoring toward the catamaran as the rescue took place.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

According to a Coast Guard official, the oldest person on the catamaran was 74, while the youngest was 24. They also said that the family might have still been floating out there if the cruise liner hadnt been so close by, per TMZ.

The lines newest ship will be the second of three Triton Class ships, following the Disney Wish and preceding the Disney Destiny.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik for a cabinet position in his upcoming administration, setting the stage for a special election to fill her congressional seat in Upstate New York.

The New York Post reports Stefanik, one of the highest ranking Republicans in the House and a close Trump ally, will serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Trumps White House.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said in a statement.

Stefanik, who won reelection in New Yorks 21st Congressional District on Tuesday, said she will accept the role.

I am truly honored to earn President Trumps nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Stefanik told the Post. During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.

Stefanik, 40, was first elected to Congress in 2014 and rose in the GOP ranks with her support of Trump, including being rumored as his potential vice presidential candidate earlier this year. The Harvard University alumna also made headlines in December when she grilled college presidents over antisemitism on campuses and was named one of Time magazines 100 most influential people in April.

Nikki Haley was the first of three people who served as Trumps UN Ambassador in his first administration, which pulled the United States out of the UN Human Rights Council; she resigned in 2018 and later ran against Trump for president. He also cut ties with the UNs World Health Organization in 2020, criticizing the WHO during the Covid pandemic. The U.S. reengaged with both in President Joe Bidens administration.

Stefanik, one of the first people to be named for Trumps Cabinet, said she plans to advance his restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations.

America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek, Stefanik told the Post. The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries.

According to the Post, Stefaniks departure would mean Gov. Kathy Hochul has to call a special election within 10 days of her seats vacancy.

Stefanik won her re-election bid with more than 60% of the vote over Democratic challenger Paula Collins, according to the New York State Board of Elections. The Republican nominee to replace Stefanik will be chosen by county GOP chairs rather than a primary, according to the Post.

Stefaniks new position will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, which the Republican Party reclaimed a majority in during Tuesdays election. Trump has encouraged Sens. John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida, who are running to replace Mitch McConnell as the new GOP Senate leader, to empower him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that cabinet positions should be filled IMMEDIATELY!
The Pittsburgh Steelers will get outside linebacker Nick Herbig back against the Baltimore Ravens, sources tell PennLive. Herbig was ruled out for the teams game against the Washington Commanders after missing practice on Friday, but it was only precautionary.

Herbig made the trip to Washington with the team, and now, with Alex Highsmith sidelined due to a scary ankle injury, Herbigs return is only more important. Along with Preston Smith and T.J. Watt, that will likely be the teams outside linebacker room against the Ravens.

Herbig suffered a strained hamstring against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 and has missed the last four games since the injury. With so many great offenses, the Steelers decided to trade for Smith, who would help beef up the room and give Herbig help in the rotation behind Highsmith and T.J. Watt.

Herbig has 2.5 sacks and 14 pressures in his five games played this season. The second-year man out of Wisconsin should be a huge boost to the front if Highsmith has to miss time.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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Despite Not Cashing Gold Pass Winner Luis Rivera Reflects on Amazing NAPT Experience

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

The 2024 PokerStars North American Poker Tour Las Vegas $5,300 Main Event attracted 895 runners, of which 115 had won PokerStars $10,000 Gold Passes via different routes such as Path to the NAPT Satellites, supporting live events, and partner promotions

Of those, 20 managed to make the money cashing for a combined $241,600! Unfortunately, Houstons Luis Rivera, who has won his Gold Pass via a PokerNews Podcast giveaway, was not one of them.

Despite not cashing the event, Rivera and his wife had a great week-long experience at Resorts World Las Vegas and the NAPT, which was just his second-ever live poker tournament.

PokerNews caught up with Rivera, who primarily plays online, to talk a bit about what it was like being a Gold Pass winner at the 2024 NAPT.

Making His Way to Vegas

Luis Rivera and his wife at the NAPT Player Party.

The 35-year-old Rivera, originally from Florida and now works for a software company, had to adjust some plans after being randomly selected in the PokerNews Podcast Gold Pass giveaway.

We had travel plans to see her family like the week of the entire NAPT, and so we had to cut that short, Rivera told PokerNews at the NAPT Player Party. We still went to see them but had to cut it short so we could hop back to Houston and then to Vegas. But oh my god, its been so exciting every single day knowing I was coming here. I can't believe this happened, and I can't believe we're here.

"I bluffed Toby Lewis a couple of times. I didn't know who the guy was until I looked him up."

He continued: It's been incredible. All the people I've met, I got to hug Jennifer Tilly. She's great. I love her. She's so sweet. She is one of my favorite people. I really want to do the go-karting and the karaoke nights.

What might Rivera sing at a karaoke night?

Sometimes Queens Dont Stop Me Now, he shared. That is one of my go-to songs.

Unfortunately for Rivera, his actual NAPT playing experience, which remember was just his second-ever live tournament, didnt go as well as hed hoped.

I was card dead almost the entire time. I got pocket kings once, but everyone folded after I just minimum-raised, you know, like you can't do anything about that. I got pocket eights a couple of times, but the flop would be like 10xJxAx, so it was a combination of being card dead and just not hitting. I can't do much about that. I bluffed Toby Lewis a couple of times. I didn't know who the guy was until I looked him up and I'm like, Oh, he's made like almost $10 million.

Luis Rivera competing in the 2024 NAPT.

His Final Hand

Rivera played in the Day 1b flight and unfortunately bowed out in Level 6 (300/600/600). That is when reporter Brett Slezak picked up action on the turn in a hand between Rivera, who was in the cutoff, and Alexander Greenblatt in the big blind.

With the board reading K85J, Greenblatt led for 3,000 and Rivera called.

On the 7 river, Greenblatt led for 6,200 effective to put Rivera at risk. Rivera contemplated for about 30 seconds before he announced that he would call.

Luis Rivera: J10

Alexander Greenblatt: K4

Greenblatt had top pair and Rivera called down with second pair putting an unceremonious end to his NAPT tournament.

Luis Rivera on Day 1b of the 2024 NAPT.

Despite not cashing the 2024 NAPT, Rivera was grateful for the experience the Gold Pass afforded him, a week full of memories he and his wife will never forget. Oh, hes also keen to continue his poker journey in the live realm.

Yeah, I'm going to see what's left, what other events, he said when asked if we might see him in future tournaments. If it's like a $500 buy-in you might see me in those.

Rivera also chatted with PokerNews Ambassador Keith Becker after busting the tournament and you can watch that segment in the latest episode of the PokerNews Podcast (which also includes another giveaway):

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After the confetti had rained down, the trophy had been raised, and the lights had gone off at the second edition of the PokerStars North American Poker Tour Las Vegas $5,300 Main Event, Nick Marchington had one reaction to what his run was like: it felt like a dream.

The 26-year-old UK pro started the final table as a massive chip leader and never lost it, putting on one of the most dominant final table performances in recent memory on his way to being crowned NAPT champion and taking home the $765,200 top prize.

It really was a dream. Its one of the most fun experiences Ive had playing poker, Marchington said after clinching the title. Obviously, everyone loves to come in being the chip leader, and I was very lucky to be able to maintain the chip lead and not even come close to losing it for pretty much the whole final table.

2024 NAPT Las Vegas Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Prize (USD) 1 Nick Marchington United Kingdom $765,200 2 Joel Micka United States $478,450 3 Jeff Madsen United States $341,750 4 Marco Johnson United States $262,900 5 Curt Kohlberg United States $202,250 6 Masato Yokosawa Japan $155,550 7 Brock Wilson United States $119,650 8 Matt Affleck United States $92,000

Marchington navigated through a field of 895 of some of the toughest players in the United States and across the world to earn the biggest title of his young career. But it wasnt his first taste of the poker spotlight. Five years ago, a then-21-year-old Marchington made the final table of the biggest tournament in the world, the WSOP Main Event, ultimately finishing in seventh place. He was a newcomer to tournament poker then, with just one previous live cash on his resume. Now five years older and wiser, he was better prepared to meet the moment this time.

I think when I made that run in the Main Event in 2019, I was a spring chicken, especially in tournaments. I was very inexperienced in poker, and now in life and in poker, I feel a lot more experienced. Ive been doing this for a living now for six years, and I felt a lot more ready for the whole experience of a final table, he said.

Marchington defeated Joel Micka heads-up and, fittingly for such a commanding performance, took just one hand to do it. Marchington ended up with a seven-high straight to beat Mickas six-high straight. For the Washington native, it was his second close call in a PokerStars event after finishing runner-up in the PCA in 2013. The win moves Marchington past $3 million in career live earnings and etches his name in poker lore as a wire-to-wire champion.

Final Table action

The final six players returned to the main stage inside Resorts World Las Vegas today at 12:30 local time to play down to a champion. Marchington began as chip leader with 9,990,000, more than 4,000,000 ahead of his closest challenger Jeff Madsen.

Table short-stack Masato Yokosawa had the eyes of his native Japan on him and gave his legion of followers something to cheer for when he doubled up for 790,000 with ace-queen against Madsens ace-eight. Marchington, meanwhile, continued where he left off yesterday, using his massive stack to constantly apply pressure and consistently increase his lead.

Marchington crossed 11,000,000 in a pot against Madsen when both players hit top pair of jacks, but Marchington turned two pair to win the pot. Marchington ramped up the aggression from there as he approached 13,000,000 simply by taking down pots uncontested.

Marco Johnson finally stopped Marchingtons surge when he picked up kings to double up. But Marchington didnt wait long to recover, raising to 240,000 in the cutoff. Yokosawa then moved all in for 2,020,000 and Marchington called with two jacks. Yokosawa could only show two tens as the vlogging superstar was sent to the rail in sixth place.

Masato Yokosawa

On the next hand, Micka raised to 250,000 under the gun and Curt Kohlberg shoved for 2,280,000 in the cutoff. Micka called as the two players went off to the races, Micka with two nines and Kohlberg with ace-king. The board provided no help to Kohlberg and the Massachusetts businessman was eliminated in fifth place.

Micka soon scored another knockout, waking up with two tens after Johnson shoved for 2,230,000 with ace-four. Johnson found two pair on the flop, but Micka spiked a set and Johnson was sent to the rail in fourth place, the third elimination at the table in a span of five hands.

Despite Micka picking up the last two bustouts, Marchington reminded the table that he was still the captain. He five-bet shoved on Micka to cross 17,000,000, flopped two pair against Madsen, then bluffed Micka with just four-high as he approached 20,000,000.

Madsen then limped in from the small blind and Micka raised to 600,000 in the big blind. Madsen called as the flop gave him two pair. Micka continued for 900,000, Madsen shoved for 2,125,000, and Micka called with ace-queen for a straight draw. The king on the turn gave Micka his straight and left Madsen a card away from elimination, but he spiked a full house on the river for a miracle double up.

Jeff Madsen

Micka dropped down to just 1,280,000, less than ten big blinds, but soon doubled up off Marchington with a straight. He won some more off Marchington when he rivered the nut flush as Marchington got away from two queens. Micka managed to double up once more before Madsen called off his last 3,375,000 in the big blind after Marchington shoved in the small blind. Marchington had ace-high, while Madsen had woken up with two queens. The board was safe for Madsen through the turn as he was poised for a double up, but Marchington would not be denied on this day and spiked an ace on the river to bust Madsen in third place.

Joel Micka

Marchington led Micka 21,475,000 to 5,550,000 at the start of heads-up. On the first hand, Marchington bet 250,000 on the flop and Micka called. Marchington bet 750,000 on the turn and Micka again called to the river, where Marchington moved all in. Micka called for 4,200,000 with a six-high straight, but Marchington had seven-four for a seven-high straight to cap off his dominating run at the final table.

Marchington tried his best to remain composed during the final table, not letting his big chip lead cloud his thoughts with premature notions of grandeur. He didnt take the victory for granted until the very end.

It was in my mind a little bit, but I really tried to just take every hand as it came, because I know that Im fully capable of punting it off or like, you know, going on a downward trajectory. So I just wanted to stay focused in the moment, he said.

Nick Marchington

Five years ago he achieved a poker players dream of making the WSOP Main Event final table. Today he got to experience the thrill of lifting the trophy in one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, a feeling he wont soon forget.

The PokerStars main events are pretty much the most prestigious to win, so it feels great to win one. And its a really cool trophy. It will definitely be a memory for life, he said.

That concludes PokerNews' coverage of the 2024 NAPT Main Event. PokerStars Live heads next to EPT Prague from December 4-15, and PokerNews will be there providing updates throughout the festival.
Out of a total of 1,050 entrants of the 2024 WSOP-C Sanremo Main Event, only 16 were supposed to remain at the end of Day 2. However, after a very long day, it was decided to end with 24 players, and this goal was reached late in the night.

Tomorrow, these 24 players will compete for the first-place prize of 133,090 and a WSOP-C ring. Among them, Francesco Di Domenico has already taken a big step in this direction, thanks to a massive pot won against Oleksandr Shevchenko. He scooped another large pot in the final moments of the day to finish as the chip leader with 9,180,000, more than two times more than Raffaele Caldarelli's stack of 3,890,000.

WSOP-C Sanremo Main Event Day 2 Top 10

Rank Player Country Chip count Big blinds 1 Francesco Di Domenico Italy 9,150,000 229 2 Raffaele Caldarelli Italy 3,890,000 97 3 Jean-Marc Chiba France 3,650,000 91 4 Danilo Colomba Italy 3,260,000 82 5 Pablo De Heredia Spain 3,160,000 79 6 Xavier Zuczkowski Italy 2,850,000 71 7 Christian Alilovic France 2,415,000 60 8 Mario Perati Italy 2,240,000 56 9 Isabel Baltazar France 2,080,000 52 10 Ivan Kuziv Ukraine 2,050,000 51

A total of 262 players returned to Casino Sanremo at 1 p.m. for Day 2 of the Main Event, all aiming to secure one of the 159 spots in the money. After half of the field was eliminated, the hand-for-hand procedure began. A few players managed to double up, including Maxwell Young, who held aces against kings. However, while others were doubling up, Juliane Papazian found herself down to just 2,000 chips. She was forced all-in from the big blind, but luck wasnt on her side, and she was eliminated on the bubble.

Juliane Papazian

With the minimum cash prize of 2,010 secured, players like Jeremy Palvini (115th), Olivier Brun (149th), Erich Tedeschi (118th - 2,110), Alexandre Le Vaillant (105th - 2,110), and Claudio Di Giacomo (91st - 2,220) were soon eliminated, bringing the field down to under 100 players before the dinner break. On the other hand, Jean-Marc Chiba's stack didn't stop growing, cracking aces early during the day then going to dinner with more than two millions chips.

After dinner, Jose Carlos Yoshi Abreu suffered a terrible bad beat as his queens were cracked by Christian Alilovics quads. Eliminated on this hand in 72nd place for 2,340, he was soon followed to the payout desk by Nicolas Antouard (67th - 2,500) and Moundir Zoughari (58th - 2,765), while Chiba held a strong chip lead thanks to another big pot.

Oleksandr Shevchenko

However, the dynamic shifted when Oleksandr Shevchenko took the lead after hitting a straight to eliminate Luigi Andrea Shehadeh (33rd - 4,155). Shortly after this hand, the table broke, and Shevchenko found himself seated across from another big stack, Francesco Di Domenico. The two clashed in a major hand, with Di Domenico catching Shevchenko bluffing in a 6,400,000-chip pot. In the end, it took only 30 minutes for Shevchenko to go from chip leader to being eliminated in 29th place for 4,925.

As the day started to feel very long for the remaining players, Marco Conti and Young were eliminated almost simultaneously, allowing their opponents to qualify for Day 3. Herve Gouzil could have been eliminated on the last hand as well, but he successfully folded jacks preflop to avoid Didier Mambours aces. Hell be back tomorrow with 1,430,000, while Mambour has 1,800,000. At the same table, two times WSOP-C Main Event finalist Isabel Baltazar (2,080,000), Pierre Basile (1,285,000), and Andrea Dal Bo (1,280,000) also made their way to Day 3.

Isabel Baltazar

The final day of the WSOP-C Sanremo Main Event resumes tomorrow, Monday, November 11, at 1 p.m. local time, with 22 minutes left in Level 23, featuring blinds of 20,000/40,000 and a big blind ante of 40,000. All remaining players have secured a prize of 4,925 so far. The final table will be to follow on stream on Texapoker's Twitch and YouTube channels.

Remaining Payouts

Place Prize Place Prize 1 133,090 9 11,445 2 90,050 10-11 9,050 3 64,040 12-15 7,270 4 46,070 16-23 5,935 5 34,140 24 4,925 6 25,400 7 19,180 8 14,705

PokerNews will be back tomorrow covering all the action until a new WSOP-C champion is crowned!
Greenville, SC (29601)

Today

Thunderstorms in the morning, then partly cloudy late. High 73F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Summerville, SC (29483)

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Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 72F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

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Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms before midnight. Low 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
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Thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. High 71F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Partly cloudy skies overnight. Low near 50F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
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Evolving the show into dedicated areas of packaging, automation, design & manufacturing, plastics, processing and battery manufacturing emphasizes Canada's contributions to global manufacturing holistically.MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Advanced Design and Manufacturing Montreal and Advanced Design and Manufacturing Toronto, organized by Informa Markets Engineering, announces its refreshed event look and feel, shifting from the previous co-located floorplan, now coming together under the single name of ADM. The co-located Canadian events known as PACKEX, ATX, D&M, Expoplast, PBS and FabBatt will now be hosted as pavilions encompassing Packaging, Automation, Design & Manufacturing, Plastics, Processing and Battery Manufacturing starting at the Montreal show."The intentional shift was inspired by the need to celebrate Canadian Advanced Manufacturing from a global perspective, without segmenting the industry into distinct divisions," shares Kayle Kvinge, Event Director. "Now more than ever manufacturing involves cross-functional resources and integrated principles permeate the future opportunities these businesses offer. This change allows ADM to reach a broader audience in a more meaningful way, resulting in better discovery and exploration across various sectors, and a more elevated platform for Canadians in manufacturing." The event will continue to have a strong focus in Canada, with 82% of attendees coming from Quebec, and 95% from Canada overall. Manufacturing plays a key part the country's economy, accounting for approximately $174 billion of the country's GDP, manufacturing represents more than 10% of Canada's total GDP. Manufacturers export more than $354 billion each year, representing 68% of all of Canada's merchandise exports. Packaging continues to be a significant part of ADM and the sector, with an estimated CAGR of 3.8% from 2022 to 2030.ADM continues to attract leading manufacturing suppliers from every sector, sourcing a rich variety of products and services needed to fulfill the entire manufacturing pipeline."Leaning into advanced design & manufacturing as the overarching focus and highlighting sectors by their respective functions will allow attendees to comprehensively understand the full range the platform serves, better conveying the event's purpose - to bring Canada's entire manufacturing industry together," says James Downham, President & CEO of PAC Global, Canada's largest packaging association and founders of the PACKEX brand. "Overall, the refresh gives a clear idea of what technologies the ADM events showcase, what industries are being served, and better represents the breadth of Quebec and Ontario manufacturing as a whole." Along with the unified name launching this year, the show will feature the return of its Centre Stage, the epicenter of the expo floor, hosting panel discussions, live demos, thought leadership presentations from Port of Montreal, Swisslog, NGen and Canadian Plastics Pact. The Tech Theatre will also present live demos from exhibitors such as ABB, Jenike & Johnson Ltd., Laporte Consultants, Liftow Limited and Swisslog.Underscoring Canada's contributions to sustainable manufacturing, the first day agenda will host the Reuse Innovation Showcase, presented by PAC Global and Canadian Plastics Pact, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada. The following day will include the new Battery Manufacturing and Materials conference, with both days providing curated products and solutions to explore for eco conscious resources.Attendees will be able to discover more about the show's refresh at Advanced Design and Manufacturing Montreal (Nov 13-14) taking place at Palais des congres de Montreal, bringing together Canada's top suppliers, manufacturers and more. Register for the premier event here.About Advanced Design and Manufacturing CanadaAdvanced Design and Manufacturing Canada (ADM), organized by Informa Markets Engineering, includes Advanced Design and Manufacturing Montreal and Advanced Design and Manufacturing Toronto. Bringing together the nation's top engineers, business leaders, companies, and innovative thinkers across Packaging, Automation, Design & Manufacturing, Plastics, Processing, Battery Manufacturing and more to elevate Advanced Manufacturing in Canada. The biennial alternating events explore the latest products, technologies, trends and design solutions while connecting with industry experts and peers to drive business success and stay ahead in a competitive market. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit informa.com . Stay up to date with the latest news on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.About Informa Markets EngineeringInforma Markets' Engineering portfolio is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3-trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3-million-name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa, the world's leading exhibition organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit informamarkets.com Media ContactInforma Markets Engineering EngineeringPR@ informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - ENGINEERING
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MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Alphinat Inc. (TSXV: NPA.H)(NEX:NPA) is pleased to announce being awarded the contract to build the new e-Country Profile platform for the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). This project also includes a sale of Alphinat cutting-edge SmartGuide platform license to HCCH, which will serve as the technological backbone for this international legal information resource for seven HCCH Conventions. Supported by distinguished sponsors and HCCH's core international stakeholders, this initiative represents a milestone in advancing accessible global legal standards.The e-Country Profile, is co-financed by the European Union, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and EUBF and aims to establish a user-friendly, comprehensive digital platform that provides essential country-specific legal information. This resource will enable seamless international legal proceedings by offering stakeholders - from lawyers and policymakers to citizens - quick access to authoritative information on cross-border legal systems.Built on Alpha's SmartGuide platform, the e-Country Profile project will leverage SmartGuide's robust capabilities to deliver a user-centric, interactive digital experience. Known for its flexibility, multilingual support, and real-time content updates, SmartGuide will enable HCCH member countries to create and maintain up to date, accurate and easily navigable profiles for each participating country. Alpha's state-of-the-art technology will facilitate quick information retrieval and intuitive navigation, ensuring a seamless experience for users across the globe.The SmartGuide platform by Alphinat will serve as the technological foundation for this ambitious project. Known for its adaptability and advanced functionalities, SmartGuide will empower HccH and all relevant countries to present dynamic, interactive profiles that are regularly updated to reflect each country's unique legal structures, regulations, and protocols. This tool will significantly enhance transparency and accessibility for individuals and entities involved in international legal matters.In partnering with HccH, Alphinat demonstrates its commitment to facilitating reporting where essential legal and administrative information is readily accessible. This collaboration highlights Alphinat technological capabilities and dedication to promoting global understanding and cooperation. The new e-Country Profile platform will enhance transparency and accessibility by providing streamlined, comprehensive digital profiles that summarize each participating country's legal reporting requirements, international agreements, and procedures. Aimed at public sector, policymakers and professionals engaged in cross-border legal matters, the platform will simplify and standardize access to essential information, making it a critical tool in today's interconnected world."We are honored to again collaborate with HccH and its sponsors to create a transformative digital resource that will benefit governments and citizens worldwide," said Denis Michaud Alphinat Chief Solutions and Security Officer "The combination of HCCH's commitment to global legal framework accessibility and Alpha's SmartGuide technology is a perfect match for advancing cross-border legal transparency. This project allows us to empower countries, citizens and professionals alike with the information they need for international cooperation and understanding." he added.The contract has garnered support from distinguished international legal experts and is viewed as a milestone for digital reporting for legal, compliance, information requirements and accessibility. Alphinat wishes to thank the sponsors of the project co-financed by the European Union, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and EUBF.About AlphinatAt Alphinat, we are driven by the passion to make application development easy for everyone and system interoperability issues a thing of the past. We enable people with the vision of how a finished application should look and behave to be a major part of the development process. After all, what better way to ensure a favorable outcome than to provide those closest to an application's end-users with a vested interest in its success throughout its development.That's why we bring you new ways to empower the right people at the right time in the application development process. At the same time, we're constantly working to reduce the need to code in order to make application development and maintenance simpler and less error prone.So, whether you choose to develop your applications with the help of our low-code platform SmartGuide, kickstart your project using one of our pre-built apps or engage us or one of our partners to do the work for you, we're here to help you deploy better applications in record time. Visit us at https://www.alphinat.comfor more information. We look forward to hearing from you.Forward-looking statementsCertain statements in this document, including those which express management's expectations or estimations with regards to the Company's future performance constitute forward-looking statements" as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward- looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause significant differences between actual results and those described in forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's capacity to increase acceptance of its products on the market, and to penetrate new markets; the potential existence of defects or undetected problems in the Company's products; the Company's ability to manage its growth; the Company's ability to compete with others; potential commitments; maintaining the Company's intellectual property rights and defending against litigation putting those rights in question; the Company's reliance on the knowledge of its key personnel; and the Company's access to sufficient capital to finance its future needs. This is a partial and non-exhaustive list of factors that could bear on any of our forward-looking sta
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Condor Resources Inc. ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSXV:CN) is pleased to report that it has acquired additional exploration concessions at its Huinac Punta high-grade silver prospect adjacent to its current project significantly expanding the property size from 2,000 to 7,200 hectares (Ha). The additional concessions acquired by uncontested application add 5,200 Ha of prospective ground to the project land package. Management believes Huinac Punta has the potential to host a large, carbonate replacement style (CRD) silver-dominant polymetallic mineralized body.Based on sampling of existing surface exposures, mineralization includes high-grade Ag and elevated Cu, Zn, Pb and Co values. Of 163 two-metre rock chip samples collected by Condor, 28 samples reported silver grades greater than 100 g/t and included bonanza grades in two-metre chip samples of 4,115 and 3,225 g/t Ag. Evidence of historical workings from Spanish colonial times is present with several accessible historical adits showing evidence of the elevated silver values associated with disseminated grey and black breccia-hosted sulfide material consisting of sphalerite, galena, chalcocite, bornite, covellite and undetermined lead and silver sulphosalts.Chris Buncic, President & CEO of Condor, commented, "the acquisition of these additional concessions provides Condor with a significant land package at Huinac Punta, where we hope to make a new district-scale silver and base metals discovery. Adding to our land package was a significant step to ensure the company's exposure to this resource and development potential as we set about our preparing for the maiden drill program at the project. Our latest understanding is that the Initiation of Activities document, in effect the final drill permit, should be forthcoming in a matter of days." Figure 1: Pre-Existing and New Exploration Concessions at the Huinac Punta ProjectTechnical Disclosure/Qualified PersonThe scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Quinton Hennigh, (P.Geo., PhD), a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and a Director of Condor Resources.About Condor Resources Inc.Condor Resources is a precious and base metals exploration company focused on advancing its projects in Peru. The Pucamayo project, an 8,500 Ha property in Ica, Peru, contains a high sulfidation epithermal system with disseminated precious metals mineralization with a large lithocap alteration visible at surface. The Huinac Punta project, a 7,200 Ha property in Huanuco, Peru, has the potential to host a large carbonate replacement style (CRD) silver-dominant polymetallic mineralized body with the potential for discovery of a bulk tonnage silver and base metals deposit. The Company has optioned several large projects to partners who continue to advance these projects. The Company's award-winning exploration team in Peru has a long history of success in discovering and advancing high quality exploration projects and managing the social aspects of its exploration activities.For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.condorresources.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDChris BuncicPresident & Chief Executive OfficerFor further information please contact the Company at 1-866-642-5707, or by email at info@ condorresources.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur.Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such 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.SOURCE: Condor Resources, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-11 15:00:40

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For the 6th consecutive year, CRG is a recognized job creator and awarded for their leadership in recruiting, employing, and retaining military veterans.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Contracting Resources Group, Inc. (CRG) as one of the 839 recipients of the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. CRG earned the Platinum Award for the sixth time after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.CRG Logo"Supporting veterans isn't just part of our mission-it's ingrained in our identity. Veterans bring unique skills, leadership, and dedication that enrich our team and drive our success. We are committed to helping them not only join us but thrive in their careers." -- Dina DiPalo, CRG CEOCRG joins 838 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans and ensuring they have long-term career growth opportunities that leverage the diverse skills acquired through military service."It is with deep gratitude that we recognize the invaluable contributions of the veterans among us whose commitment to excellence and perseverance have been fundamental to our continued success," said Moira Rivera, President.Recipients of the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages, veteran specific resources, leadership programs, human resource initiatives, pay compensation, and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,600 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2019.About Contracting Resources Group, Inc. (CRG) For over 22 years, CRG has specialized in providing professional support services to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and civilian Federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The CRG team delivers expertise in management, process improvement, program evaluation and analysis, and strategic communications to support a variety of mission-driven government initiatives.Contact InformationSandra Hill Media Specialistshill@ contractingrg.com 334.494.8829SOURCE: Contracting Resources Group, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-11 22:05:16

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Galway Metals Inc. (TSXV:GWM) ("Galway" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has closed a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") consisting of an aggregate of 7,331,376 flow-through shares of the Corporation ("FT Shares") at a price of $0.58 per FT Share and 2,341,000 units of the Corporation ("Units") at a price of $0.52 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds to the Corporation of $5,469,518.08.Each Unit consists of one common share of the Corporation, and one half of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one non-flow-through common share of the Corporation for an exercise price of $0.70 per share for a period of 2 years from the closing date of the Private Placement.Each FT Share qualifies as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"). The gross proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for "Canadian exploration expenses" (within the meaning of the Tax Act), which will qualify, once renounced, as "flow-through mining expenditures", as defined in the Tax Act, which will be renounced with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2024 (provided the subscriber deals at arm's length with the Corporation at all relevant times) to the subscribers of FT Shares in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares.In connection with the closing of the Private Placement, arm's-length finders, Laurentian Bank Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Devon Capital Corp., and GloRes Securities Inc., received an aggregate of $218,880.72 as cash finders' commissions. Pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, all securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day, expiring on March 9, 2025. The Private Placement remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").About Galway Metals Inc.Galway Metals is focused on creating significant per share value through the exploration and sustainable development of its two 100%-owned projects in Canada. Galway's flagship project, Clarence Stream, is one of the most important gold districts in Atlantic Canada as it hosts a large, high-grade gold resource in SW New Brunswick. Also important is Estrades, the former-producing, high-grade, gold- and zinc-rich polymetallic VMS mine in the northern Abitibi of western Quebec as it hosts significant resources in the middle of a major gold camp. After its successful spinout to existing shareholders from Galway Resources following the completion of the US$340 million sale of that company. The company is looking to replicate the same success in Canada with our two highly perspective projects.Should you have any questions and for further information, please contact (toll free):Galway Metals Inc. Robert Hinchcliffe President & Chief Executive Officer1-800-771-0680Website: www.galwaymetalsinc.com Email: info@ galwaymetalsinc.com Look us up on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedInNEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.Caution Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Corporation's current expectations regarding future events, including with respect to the Corporation's business, operations and condition, management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of the Corporation, the TSXV not providing its final approval for the Private Placement, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Corporation's publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Corporation's ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Corporation's public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Galway Metals Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-11 17:00:47

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If You Suffered Losses with Rajesh Markan at Merrill Lynch or Hilltop Securities, Contact KlaymanToskesDALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / National investment loss and securities law firmKlaymanToskescontinues investigating barred financial advisorRajesh Markanon behalf of its clients, following the law firm's filing of numerous customer complaints with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") alleging Markan defrauded his customers through falsified investments in a Bain Capital private equity investment. The law firm urges all customers of Rajesh Markan to contact the firm immediately at 888-997-9956 if they believe they invested in Bain Capital private equity funds, but have since learned they were not invested in any Bain Capital investments.KlaymanToskes reports that the law firm is currently representing numerous investors who suffered losses with financial advisor Rajesh Markan at Merrill Lynch and Hilltop Securities. The law firm has recently filed another FINRA Arbitration claim (No. 24-02289) against Merrill Lynch, a division of Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), and Hilltop Securities (NYSE:HTH), on the behalf of two investors who have suffered damages of approximately $1,200,000 in connection with being defrauded by their financial advisor Rajesh Markan.According to the lawsuits filed by KlaymanToskes (Claim no. 24-02147, Claim no. 24-02148, Claim no. 24-02289), the customers were misled into believing that Markan invested their funds into Bain Capital private equity investments. Instead, the funds were misappropriated by Markan, who falsely represented the investments' growth through fraudulent performance reports, leading the investors to believe that their funds had substantially appreciated in value.KlaymanToskes' investigation found that if the customers' money had been invested properly, it would have since appreciated significantly. However, due to the misappropriation and misconduct of Markan, the investors suffered severe financial losses. It is further alleged that lack of adequate supervision by Merrill Lynch and Hilltop Securities facilitated Markan's fraudulent activities, allowing the scheme to continue unchecked.Rajesh Markan was registered with Merrill Lynch in Flower Mound, TX from May 2009 until October 2022, when he resigned after allegedly failing to disclose a client loan. Markan then worked at Hilltop Securities in Dallas, TX until August 2024. Markan is facing multiple customer complaints related to allegations of misappropriation and fraudulent activities involving private equity investments and hedge funds. Markan was permanently barred from acting as a broker by FINRA in October 2024 for not cooperating with the regulator's investigation into his misconduct.Customers of Rajesh Markan who suffered investment losses at Merrill Lynch and/or Hilltop Securities are encouraged to contact attorneySteven D. Toskesat (888) 997-9956 or by email atinvestigations@ klaymantoskes.comin furtherance of our investigation.About KlaymanToskes KlaymanToskes is a leading national securities law firm which practices exclusively in the field of securities arbitration and litigation on behalf of retail and institutional investors throughout the world in large and complex securities matters. The firm has recovered over $250 million in FINRA arbitrations and over $350 million in other securities litigation matters. KlaymanToskes has office locations in California, Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico. ContactKlaymanToskes, P.A.Steven D. Toskes, Esq.888-997-9956investigations@klaymantoskes.comwww.klaymantoskes.com SOURCE: KlaymanToskes, P.A.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-11 18:16:34

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 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 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: 2024-11-11 08:01:01

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Pantheon Resources plcSpudding of Megrez-1 wellLONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 /Pantheon Resources plc (AIM:PANR)(OTCQX:PTHRF) ("Pantheon" or the "Company"), an oil and gas company developing the Kodiak and Ahpun oil fields in close proximity to pipeline and transportation infrastructure on Alaska's North Slope, today announces the spudding of the Megrez-1 well to explore the eastern topsets in the Ahpun field, immediately adjacent to pipeline and road infrastructure.The reservoir sections to be targeted are both younger and shallower than in any of Pantheon's previous Alaskan wells, with superior reservoir characteristics predicted. The Megrez-1 well will target three topset horizons, which the Company estimates to contain an aggregate 2U Prospective Resource of 609 million barrels of ANS Crude (oil, condensate & NGLs) and 3.3 trillion cubic feet ("Tcf") of natural gas. Initial results from the well will be announced when drilling operations are complete.Pantheon contracted the Nabors 105AC rig, which the Company is familiar with having used it in previous drilling campaigns, to drill the Megrez-1 well. Construction of the gravel pad next to the Dalton Highway was completed in October, and the pad can be used year-round to support future drilling and development activities.President-elect Trump address to AlaskaPantheon was greatly encouraged by the supportive words made by the President-elect and the Governor of Alaska last week with respect to their intentions for progressing the proposed Alaska natural gas pipeline (Phase 1 of the Alaska LNG project). A copy of Mr Trump's speech can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/GovDunleavy/videos/president-trump-addresses-alaska/514641971572044/ David Hobbs, Executive Chairman of Pantheon Resources, said: "A success at Megrez-1 will expand the understanding of Ahpun oil and gas accumulations and dramatically impact the economics of the Ahpun full field development. There are few, if any, onshore wells targeting what we estimate to be more than 1 billion boe (barrels of oil equivalent) of 2U Prospective Resource anywhere in the world during this year. We believe the target reservoir sections should exhibit at least an order of magnitude better permeability than Ahpun's western topsets which were logged and cored in the Pipeline State-1 well on Pantheon's acreage.In a success case, the 609 million barrels of ANS crude immediately adjacent to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline would yield a very high NPV/barrel and the 3.3 Tcf would significantly enhance Pantheon's gas resource base into its proposed gas project with Alaska Gasline Development Corporation."While the outcome of the Megrez-1 well will not impact our already certified 1.6 billion barrels of contingent resources, success here would be material to our Ahpun development plans for both ANS crude and gas. I look forward to reporting on progress once drilling is complete." For further information, please contact:UK Corporate and Investor Relations Contact Pantheon Resources plcJustin Hondris+44 20 7484 5361 contact@ pantheonresources.com Nominated Adviser and Broker Canaccord Genuity LimitedHenry Fitzgerald-O'Connor, James Asensio, Charlie Hammond+44 20 7523 8000Public Relations Contact BlytheRayTim Blythe, Megan Ray, Matthew Bowld+44 20 7138 3204U.S. Investor Relations Contact MZ GroupLucas Zimmerman, Ian Scargill+1 949 259 4987 PTHRF@ mzgroup.us About Pantheon ResourcesPantheon Resources plc is an AIM listed Oil & Gas company focused on developing its 100% owned Ahpun and Kodiak fields located on State of Alaska land on the North Slope, onshore USA. Independently certified best estimate contingent recoverable resources attributable to these projects currently total c. 1.6 billion barrels of ANS crude and 6.6 Tcf (trillion cubic feet) of associated natural gas. The Company owns 100% working interest in c. 259,000 acres.Pantheon's stated objective is to demonstrate sustainable market recognition of a value of $5-$10/bbl of recoverable resources by end 2028. This is based on bringing the Ahpun field forward to FID and producing into the TAPS main oil line (ANS crude) by the end of 2028. The Gas Sales Precedent Agreement signed with AGDC (Alaska Gasline Development Corporation) provides the potential for Pantheon's natural gas to be produced into the proposed 807 mile pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska during 2029. Once the Company achieves financial self-sufficiency, it will apply the resultant cashflows to support the FID on the Kodiak field planned, subject to regulatory approvals, targeted by the end of 2028 or early 2029.A major differentiator to other ANS projects is the close proximity to existing roads and pipelines which offers a significant competitive advantage to Pantheon, allowing for shorter development timeframes, materially lower infrastructure costs and the ability to support the development with a significantly lower pre-cashflow funding requirement than is typical in Alaska. Furthermore, the low CO2 content of the associated gas allows export into the planned natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska without significant pre-treatment.The Company's project portfolio has been endorsed by world renowned experts. Netherland, Sewell & Associates estimate a 2C contingent recoverable resource in the Kodiak project that total 1,208 mmbbl (million barrels) of ANS crude and 5,396 bcf (billion cubic feet) of natural gas. Cawley Gillespie & Associates estimate 2C contingent recoverable resources for Ahpun's western topset horizons at 282 mmbbl of ANS crude and 803 bcf of natural gas. Lee Keeling & Associates estimated possible reserves and 2C contingent recoverable resources totalling 79 mmbbl of ANS crude and 424 bcf natural gas.For more information visit www.pantheonresources.com GlossaryBoe Barrel of oil equivalent is a term used to summarize the amount of energy that is equivalent to the amount of energy found in a barrel of crude oil. One barrel of oil is generally deemed to have the same amount of energy content as 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas. So this quantity of natural gas is "equivalent" to one barrel of oil.This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Pantheon Resources PLC
PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-11 22:01:08

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Welcome to a new era in the puppy store experience.MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2024 / Welcome to a new era in puppy store experience! Puppy Mansion Miami, the only 100% Canine Care Certified puppy pet store in Florida, is revolutionizing the experience of welcoming a new puppy into your family. Puppy Mansion goes beyond the traditional pet store model to offer a compassionate, comprehensive approach that ensures both puppies and their families thrive.Puppy Mansion Nursery Set-Up Store area where our puppies hangout, watch movies and nap."As passionate dog lovers and owners ourselves, this is what inspired us to enter the industry and innovate. Unlike other pet stores, we take a nursery approach with our puppies-we care for, cuddle, and love them as if they were our own," says Eduardo Moya, Co-Founder of Puppy Mansion."Our overall message to our community is to bring a furry companion home as it's one of the greatest bond you can feel," says Robert Reinhardt, Co-Founder of Puppy Mansion.Setting New Standards in Puppy StoresPuppy Mansion's nursery style approach + 100% sourcing from Canine Care Certified breeders is what truly sets it apart, adhering to the highest standards of animal welfare and health. This certification guarantees that each puppy is raised with exceptional care and rigorous oversight, providing families with peace of mind that their new furry family member is healthy, safe, and nurtured. Puppies at the store are treated like your puppy would at home. They are in a nursery style set-up in big playpens with ample room. The staff dims the lights and has movie time while cuddling and playing with them throughout the day. They treat them like a daycare would your child. Puppy Mansion Miami recently earned the 2024 Best of Florida" Awards, for the Best Pet Store Category. It was a celebration of the dedication that has been shown to develop a new and innovative approach to a puppy store.Comprehensive Services with a Lifetime of SupportIn addition to offering 100% Canine Care Certified puppies, Puppy Mansion provides a suite of services designed to foster a smooth transition and ensure a lifelong bond between pets and families. All-Inclusive Pricing: Puppy Mansion thrives on a no-hassle approach that is transparent and provides fair and affordable pricing. Pet Grooming: Certified groomersand dental cleanings, ensuring pets look and feel their bestPet Training: Customized training packages, designed to meet the specific needs of each family. Pet Insurance: Coverage for veterinary expenses if your pet is hurt or sick Puppy Mansion Financing: Buy now, pay later with $0 down financing and pay over time. *Subject to lender approval. Quarterly Events: Puppy Mansion organizes events and activations that bring the local community together for some family fun with both pets and kids.Committed to Responsible Pet Ownership, the relationship doesn't end once a puppy is placed in a home-it's just the beginning. Join Us in Redefining Puppy Care. Puppy Mansion invites the community to discover a higher standard of puppy care. For more information, visit www.puppymansionmiami.com or contact us at support@ puppymansionmiami.com Contact InformationVanessa MarmolejoPublic Relations Managervmarmolejo@ heydaymarketing.com 305-224-2210Related FilesPuppt Mansion StaffPuppy Mansion Store FrontSOURCE: Puppy Mansion MiamiView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-11-11 21:33:34

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 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
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A man accused of stealing a cellphone tragically died in Chinhoyi after he was subjected to a brutal assault by three men, who allegedly beat him with a shovel and logs before burning his feet in an attempt to force a confession.The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Benny Chidiwa, from Murereka, Lion's Den, in Mashonaland West province. The incident occurred on November 8, 2024, at Fairplay Farm near Risheng Mine, Chikuti, Chinhoyi.According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the assault was sparked by accusations that Chidiwa had stolen a cellphone belonging to one of the attackers, known only as "Bigboy." Nyathi confirmed that one suspect, 25-year-old Goodwill Love, has been arrested in connection with the murder."Police in Murereka have arrested Goodwill Love (25) in connection with a case of murder which occurred at Fairplay farm near Risheng Mine, Chikuti on November 8, 2024. The suspect and his two accomplices, only identified as Bigboy and Brave, allegedly took turns to assault the victim with a shovel and logs before burning his feet with firewood after accusing him of stealing a cellphone belonging to Bigboy," Nyathi stated.The victim, Chidiwa, was severely beaten before being set on fire in a desperate effort by the attackers to extract a confession. Authorities say the assault ended with Chidiwa's death at the scene. The two accomplices, Bigboy and Brave, are still on the run, and the police are actively pursuing leads.In a separate case, police in Harare are investigating another murder that occurred on the same day. A man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was found dead at a church shrine in Chirasavana, Dema. The body, which was covered with a blanket, had a fatal head wound. A blood-stained stone was found at the scene, and authorities are seeking any information from the public.ZRP has urged anyone with information regarding either case to report it to the nearest police station.The brutal death of Benny Chidiwa has sparked outrage and concern about the growing violence linked to vigilante justice and mob attacks in the country.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A prominent Harare lawyer, Musindo Hungwe, has sensationally withdrawn from representing one of the suspects in the high-profile trial of armed robber Godknows Machingura, citing threats from police officers. Hungwe, who was defending Paul Zhou (55), a suspect in the gang led by the late Machingura, informed the court that he had been subjected to intimidation by members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide.The dramatic turn of events occurred during the ongoing trial of Zhou, alongside South African nationals Ndiafhi Makhado (39), Andrew Masubelele (38), and Emmanuel Makamo (22), who are all accused of being part of Machingura's notorious gang. Machingura, a well-known figure in Zimbabwe's Zimdancehall music scene, was shot dead earlier this year after a high-speed chase with the police following a raid on the gang's hideout. He later succumbed to his injuries at Parirenyatwa Hospital.Hungwe's withdrawal from the case comes after he revealed to Harare magistrate Taurai Manuwere that he had been receiving threats after indicating his intention to present video evidence at the trial. The footage, which reportedly shows events during the gang's arrest, was intended to be a key part of Zhou's defense. According to Hungwe, following his announcement to use the videos, he and his colleague, lawyer Joseph Nemaisa, began receiving both overt and covert threats from CID Homicide detectives, pressuring them not to use the footage."I have been receiving threats of unspecified actions upon us if we continue with our approach," Hungwe told the court, visibly shaken. He explained that despite being bound by his professional duty to resist these pressures, the continued intimidation had led him to feel that he could no longer effectively represent his client.Hungwe also revealed disturbing details about his colleague Nemaisa, who had previously worked on the case but disappeared from the proceedings after reportedly being threatened by CID officers. He further claimed that the CID had fabricated murder charges against Nemaisa, allegedly stemming from an incident over a decade ago, as part of a campaign to discredit and intimidate him.Representing the state, district public prosecutor Tafara Chirambira expressed concern over the allegations, confirming that they would be thoroughly investigated. "What my colleague has said is disturbing, and as the National Prosecuting Authority, we will engage the Zimbabwe Republic Police at the highest level. An intensive investigation has to be done," Chirambira stated, assuring the court that a report would be submitted.The trial has now been adjourned to November 25, with the presiding magistrate refusing a request by the alleged accomplices of Zhou to have their trials separated. Magistrate Manuwere ruled that the four suspects should face trial together, as they are believed to have acted in concert during the commission of the alleged crimes.The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of high-profile suspects and the serious nature of the allegations. It has also raised concerns about the integrity of the legal process in the face of claims of police interference and intimidation. The investigation into these allegations of misconduct is expected to be a key development in the trial moving forward.
ROSEMONT, Ill., Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (AANA)  The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) joins the nation on Veterans Day honoring and thanking the nation's military veterans for their bravery and service to our country.

Military Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, are the primary providers of anesthesia care in the U.S. military and often the sole providers of anesthesia in austere environments such as at forward operating bases. However, the safe, high-quality anesthesia care our military members receive from CRNAs is not as accessible when they return home as veterans.

Despite the evidence and workforce shortages in the healthcare system, the Veterans Administration (VA) does not allow CRNAs to practice autonomously. CRNAs are the only advanced practice registered nurses in the VA without this authority, limiting veterans' access to care.

"As we honor those members of the nation's military who served with such devotion, it is time to respect their service by making sure veterans have timely access to the high-quality care they need," said AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC. "As a retired Colonel of the United States Air Force Reserve with 26 years of honorable service, I know first-hand the quality services provided by CRNAs working autonomously and who have practiced independently in the most difficult circumstances possible while serving in the military."

As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs work autonomously within the surgical team in the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Indian Health Service, and in countless facilities across the country, delivering high-quality anesthesia care to all populations, including those with the complex needs of our nation's veterans. With years of education that includes specialized, extensive anesthesia training, CRNAs consistently demonstrate their competence and expertise in providing anesthesia services.

"As a CRNA who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, I have seen firsthand what many veterans are experiencing in terms of healthcare challenges and know the importance of focusing on the patient and their needs," said Setnor. "CRNAs are involved in every aspect of anesthesia services, including pre-anesthesia patient assessment, developing a plan for anesthesia administration, monitoring and interpreting the patient's vital signs, and managing the patient throughout the surgery and recovery. We always put our patients first."

AANA maintains that both physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs must be available to provide direct patient services, and that VA facilities should be afforded the ability to choose the best anesthesia delivery model that meets their needs. With full practice authority for CRNAs, physician anesthesia providers and CRNAs alike are available to care for veterans.

"AANA continues to urge the VA healthcare system to provide the same anesthesia care and services to our veterans as is in place in healthcare systems across the nation," said Setnor. "Autonomous practice has been tried and proven effective in our military system, and there is no reason it should not be adopted by the Veterans Health Administration."

Visit this link for more information and to contact your congressional representative to oppose legislation harming veterans' access to care.

SOURCE American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Press Club announced today that Al Jazeera's Gaza Bureau Chief, Wael Al-Dahdouh, is the 2024 International John Aubuchon Press Freedom Honoree. The Aubuchon Award is the National Press Club's highest honor for press freedom.

The award will be given at the Club's annual Fourth Estate Gala on Nov. 21. The Gala is a fundraiser for the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Press Club's 501c3 affiliate.

Al Jazeera Gaza Bureau Chief Wael Dahdouh

Dahdouh experienced unspeakable personal tragedies while reporting in Gaza. On Oct. 28, 2023, while reporting live about an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp, he learned that among the victims were members of his own family. He lost his wife, his 15-year old son and his 7-year old daughter in that tragic incident. He raced from his live shot position to be with them. Also killed in the same incident were eight other relatives. He returned to reporting the next day, despite the unimaginable pain and sadness. His remaining son Hamza, was killed by an IDF drone strike on January 7, 2024. Hamza was also a reporter for Al Jazeera.

Dahdouh himself was fired upon Dec. 15 by a drone controlled by the IDF while walking to cover the bombing of a school in Khan Yunis. Dahdouh took shrapnel from the drone strike and was able to walk out to a hospital. His cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa was badly injured and could not walk. Dahdouh suffered extensive nerve damage from his injuries. Abu Daqqa bled out before ambulances could reach him.

As Al Jazeera bureau chief, Dahdouh fought to keep his bureau open and his video feed available to the general audience and other journalists. Eventually the Al Jazeera feed was blocked in Israel. The Al Jazeera bureau in Israel was closed and, more recently, the Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah was stormed by IDF forces and shut down.

"Despite his physical and emotional wounds, Dahdouh remains resilient as he works to recover. His endurance, strength and perseverance are an inspiration for reporters around the world," said Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club who flew to Berlin to present him with his award in person as a sign of the Press Club's commitment to Dahdouh's case.

"The National Press Club has, and will continue to advocate for all journalists, including Israeli journalists, Lebanese journalists and Palestinian journalists. We will always defend the right to report and those who do this important work," Wilkins said.

The sadness of Dahdouh's story is compounded by the fact that, according to the latest research by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a staggering 137 journalists and media workers have been killed since the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israel October 7. In those attacks, two Israeli journalists were killed by Hamas. Their loss, the first of the current conflict, was deeply felt. Several Lebanese journalists have also been killed. This is a growing problem as the conflict has moved into Lebanon. The vast majority of journalists killed  more than 130 -- were Palestinian. Conditions in Gaza make it difficult for CPJ to investigate these matters fully, so their data remains dynamic. Yet, according to CPJ, at least five of the deaths of Palestinian journalists were targeted killings by the IDF. Journalists are non-combatants.

Dozens more journalists, like Dahdouh, have been badly injured or detained. The scale of the story in Gaza is huge and the tragedy is wide.

"The Club continues to fight for Aubuchon honorees long after the gala ends. We will work until they are freed from prison or find justice in a court  no matter if it takes months, years or decades. We stand by our honorees and we will stand by Wael Al-Dahdouh," Wilkins said.

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With more than 3,000 members representing nearly every leading news organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

CONTACT: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or [email protected]

SOURCE National Press Club
BOSTON, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bain & Company, the global business consulting firm, has been recognized as a Leader in The Gartner Magic Quadrant for the Finance Transformation Strategy Consulting (FTSC) market.

Gartner defines the finance transformation strategy consulting market as engagement services that enable CFOs and their finance organizations to define strategies and execution roadmaps across multiple business-aligned, forward-looking initiatives.

Gartner identifies a Leader as having the ability to "demonstrate a market-defining vision for transforming the finance function," and "they deploy innovative technologies  such as AI and GenAI  with increased frequency during their consulting engagement to accelerate engagement delivery while enhancing the quality of finance transformation strategies." According to Gartner, "Leaders provide access to a range of self-service tools and resources, enabling clients to develop and refine their finance transformation strategies."

"We're honored to be recognized by Gartner as a Leader in the Finance Transformation Strategy Consulting market Magic Quadrant," said Michael Heric, a New York-based Bain Partner and global leader of the firm's global Finance solution in its Performance Improvement practice. "We have a proven track record of advising CFOs on navigating the increasing complexity in finance transformation, from data and technology to process improvements and people strategies," he said.

Bain & Company has worked across more than 3,100 support function projects, where its clients experienced strong financial results, with Bain-delivered programs yielding a 25-times return on the investment made, and a typical savings of 20 to 30 percent achieved. The firm brings a full range of capabilities, including process redesign, shared services, capability sourcing, and change management to achieve goals.

Additionally, Bain brings its integrated digital solutions platform, Vector, which provides the advanced analytics, AI and automation expertise to help Finance teams get more value from technology. The firm uses proprietary tools, such as Aura, an independent SaaS workforce analytics platform, that provides key workforce insights, including metrics like headcount growth and attrition rates, organizational capability assessments, talent sourcing, and competitive benchmarking.

According to Gartner, "In this Magic Quadrant, the service, market responsiveness/record and operations criteria are particularly important," as they "speak to the service provider's ability to provide a high-quality product in the form of a finalized finance transformation strategy and roadmap that outlines clients' most critical improvement opportunities  and associated action plans."

Further information on Bain's approach to Corporate Support can be found here.

A complimentary copy of The Gartner Magic Quadrant for the Finance Transformation Strategy Consulting (FTSC) market can be accessed here.

Editor's Note: To arrange an interview, contact Dan Pinkney at [email protected] or +1 646 562 8102.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Finance Transformation Strategy Consulting, Geraldine Garaud, Peter Brannigan, Marco D'Ascoli, 5 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.

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.

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

SOURCE Bain & Company
Shanghai Electric signed new memoranda of cooperation and strategic agreements with Carrier Group and Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB (SKF) China Sales Co., Ltd. at CIIE 2024

SHANGHAI, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) has ushered in a new chapter for its global cooperation at this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE 2024) by signing new agreements with its partners, advancing its strategic partnerships worldwide as the company sharpens its R&D capabilities to pioneer next-generation energy and industrial solutions.

Shanghai Electric signed new memoranda of cooperation and strategic agreements with Carrier Group and Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB (SKF) China Sales Co., Ltd. at CIIE 2024.

The new business alliances with Carrier Group and SKF (China) Sales Co., Ltd ("SKF"), which further synergize their innovation in advanced and efficient energy technologies, will allow Shanghai Electric to leverage the partnership to develop and upgrade its offerings designed to empower global decarbonization efforts.

"Shanghai Electric remains dedicated to forging meaningful, forward-looking partnerships globally, sharing in the limitless possibilities of technological progress," said Wu Lei, Chairman of Shanghai Electric. "We are committed to exploring new opportunities and deepening ties with partners to collectively address emerging industry challenges and explore the frontiers of sustainable technology."

The strategic agreement with Carrier Group marks the 37th year of collaboration between the two industry leaders. Under the new framework, Shanghai Electric and Carrier will unite their expertise to advance solutions that align with China's carbon neutral and carbon peak goals, focusing on indoor environmental control, industrial heat pump applications, and sustainable development.

Recognizing the strategic moment to accelerate environmental progress, both companies aim to harness their respective strengths to propel their partnership into new areas of energy-efficient infrastructure and low-carbon initiatives.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Electric's collaboration with SKF will broaden the scope and depth of both companies' contributions to industrial innovation. Harnessing SKF's cutting-edge capabilities in bearings, seals, and lubrication systems, the partnership aims to optimize Shanghai Electric's product structure and improve competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic market.

The collaboration will also include initiatives in comprehensive energy and medical equipment, where both companies will work to provide tailored solutions that support China's national goals in new energy and high-end manufacturing.

By reinforcing partnerships with organizations across its supply chain, Shanghai Electric continues to prioritize technological innovation and remains dedicated to innovations that enhance and optimize industrial solutions. Through ongoing commitment and strategic collaboration, the company aims to be at the forefront of fostering a resilient, sustainable, and advanced industrial landscape for future generations.

SOURCE Shanghai Electric
"It is exciting to see the Gogoro ecosystem expanding in Latin America, first with Terpel in Bogota and now with Copec Voltex in Santiago. Gogoro battery swapping offers a new approach to electric two-wheel refueling that doesn't require dedicated parking or waiting for a vehicle to charge," said Henry Chiang, Interim CEO of Gogoro. "We are proud of our partnership with Copec and applaud its mission to offer sustainable transportation alternatives in Latin America."

With Gogoro, Copec is developing the first Latin American network of battery swapping stations that is launching at Copec service stations in Santiago, Chile; and, with Terpel's (a Copec company) service stations in Bogota, Colombia.

"At Copec, our commitment to Chile drives us to develop sustainable, scalable solutions that anticipate people's needs. Implementing this ecosystem aligns with our goal to lead the energy transition toward carbon neutrality, which includes transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles over the next decade. Achieving this requires urban charging infrastructure across all segments we're working to convert to electric vehicles," said Andrea Castro, CEO of Copec Voltex. "Our partnership with Gogoro lets us offer an innovative charging solution that redefines city travel, lowering barriers to entry and bringing electric mobility to a new group of Chileans seeking more efficient and sustainable transportation for daily life."

Through Copec Voltex, the Gogoro Network of battery-swap stations has been deployed in strategic locations across Santiago, ensuring fast and convenient access for riders. Currently, stations are available at Copec service stations in the boroughs of La Reina, Nunoa, Santiago, La Florida, Huechuraba, Vitacura, Lo Barnechea, and Estacion Central.

The ecosystem features a subscription-based energy model tailored to each rider's needs, making it a dynamic option for daily commuters as well as logistics clients seeking cleaner, more cost-effective transportation alternatives.

Gogoro Battery Swapping

At the heart of Gogoro's ecosystem is an open and interoperable battery swapping platform that has been recognized as the leading two-wheel battery swapping platform in the world. Gogoro battery swapping is a new generation of swappable battery refueling that is smart, safe, and continually optimizing itself to be dynamic and versatile for riders, businesses, and communities. In Taiwan, the Gogoro Network supports nearly 650,000 riders and has more than 1.3 million smart batteries in circulation through its network of 12,500 battery swapping stations at over 2,500 locations. With more than 400,000 daily battery swaps and more than 650 million total battery swaps to date, Gogoro battery swapping has saved more than one billion kilograms of CO2 since it launched in 2015.

About Copec

Copec is an established energy and retail company based in Chile, with a presence throughout Latin America through its subsidiary, Terpel. It currently operates more than 3,000 service stations and retail stores across Latam, which include the largest electric charging network for EVs in South America, with 1,800 kilometers of extension along Chile. To address the energy transition and adopt the new trends in mobility and retail, in 2019 Copec created Copec Wind, the company's innovation and new ventures platform. Copec Voltex is the electromobility division of Copec in Chile.

About Gogoro

Founded in 2011 to rethink urban energy and inspire the world to move through cities in smarter and more sustainable ways, Gogoro leverages the power of innovation to change the way urban energy is distributed and consumed. Recognized by Fortune as a "Change the World 2024" company; Fast Company as "Asia-Pacific's Most Innovative Company of 2024"; Frost & Sullivan as the "2024 Global Company of the Year for battery swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles"; and, MIT Technology Review as one of "15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch" in 2024, Gogoro's battery swapping and vehicle platforms offer a smart, proven, and sustainable long-term ecosystem for delivering a new approach to urban mobility. Gogoro has quickly become an innovation leader in vehicle design and electric propulsion, smart battery design, battery swapping, and advanced cloud services that utilize artificial intelligence to manage battery charging and availability. The challenge is massive, but the opportunity to disrupt the status quo, establish new standards, and achieve new levels of sustainable transportation growth in densely populated cities is even greater. For more information, visit www.gogoro.com/news and follow Gogoro on Twitter: @wearegogoro .

SOURCE Gogoro Inc.
Industrial technology leader will showcase innovations accelerating energy management, emissions reduction and decarbonization

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerson (NYSE: EMR), an industrial technology leader delivering advanced automation solutions, will attend COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, participating in Climate Action's Sustainable Innovation Forum and Hydrogen Transition Summit. Chief Sustainability Officer Mike Train will share his insights on how automation technologies are helping accelerate the energy transition and the collaboration and investment required to scale breakthrough innovations across emerging clean energy sectors.

Emerson partners with both established industrial companies and new-to-the-world start-ups to advance their commercialization and sustainability roadmaps. The company's technologies and services support four key areas: energy source decarbonization, energy and emissions management, electrification and grid system, and circularity and waste reduction.

"Achieving a sustainable transformation of the global economy by 2050 demands an unprecedented level of collective determination and cooperation among companies, governments and non-profits," said Train. "We must maintain the resolve to work through challenges and make progress, navigating the policy and economics of the transition, and attracting the next generation of talent to the field."

Train will speak during COP29 at the below panels:

Sustainable Innovation Forum  Powering the Future: Rapid scaling of clean energy for stability and resilience, Wednesday, Nov. 13 , 11:25 a.m. (local time)

, (local time) Hydrogen Transition Summit  Informed Policy Frameworks: The role of the private sector in supporting informed and ambitious policy, Friday, Nov. 15 , 10 a.m. (local time)

COP29 attendees can explore Emerson's latest innovations at Stand 102 in the Climate Action Innovation Zone, Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard. The exhibit will showcase examples of how Emerson's Boundless AutomationSM enables its customers to deploy their decarbonization strategies faster and more efficiently.

Environmental sustainability is a business imperative for Emerson and its value chain partners  from suppliers and customers to employees and communities. In 2023, with a continued focus on energy efficiency and Scope 1 emission abatement strategies, Emerson achieved a Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction of 52% since 2021. For its locations worldwide, the company has also procured 49% of electricity from renewable sources, progressing toward its goal to source 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

For more information on Emerson's sustainability programs and initiatives, visit ESG Strategy & Progress | Emerson US .

Connect with Emerson via X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global technology and software company providing innovative solutions for the world's essential industries. Through its leading automation portfolio, including its majority stake in AspenTech, Emerson helps hybrid, process and discrete manufacturers optimize operations, protect personnel, reduce emissions, and achieve their sustainability goals. For more information, visit Emerson.com.

SOURCE Emerson
ATLANTA, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax  (NYSE: EFX) will participate in several upcoming investor conferences in November.

Mark. W. Begor, Chief Executive Officer, will attend the J.P. Morgan 2024 Ultimate Services Conference on Thursday, November 14, 2024 including participation in a Fireside Chat at 1:10 p.m. Eastern Time. John Gamble, Chief Financial Officer, and Trevor Burns, Senior Vice President of Corporate Investor Relations, will attend the RBC 2024 Global Technology, Internet, Media & Communications Conference on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, including participation in a Fireside Chat at 4:40 p.m. Eastern Time.

The company invites investors to join a livestream of these Fireside Chat events at: https://investor.equifax.com/news-events/ir-calendar. Replays will be available within 24 hours after the event on the company's Investor Relations website.

Trevor Burns will also attend the FT Partners FinTech Conference on November 20, 2024.

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.

At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Molly Clegg for Equifax

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.
BEIJING, Nov. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, this week, a milestone will be reached - the Chancay Port, controlled and invested by Chinese enterprises, is set to hold its operation ceremony. It is a new flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) across the Pacific Ocean, which will not only help deepen the relationship between China and Peru, but also open up a new "maritime expressway" for the integration of the Asia-Pacific economy. It is worth mentioning that while the APEC members' economies account for more than 60 percent of world GDP, the Chancay Port, as a public good that brings the two sides of the Pacific closer together, will mark a new height of South-South cooperation's contribution to the region's economy.

Located about 80 kilometers north of Lima, the Chancay Port, with its unique geographical location, will soon become a new hub in Latin America and gateway facing the Pacific Ocean. The impetus for the construction of the Chancay Port comes mainly from the desire of Peru and South American countries for their own development. Currently, most of Peru's cargo to Asia and Oceania needs to transit through Central America or North America, and the throughput cannot meet the needs of foreign trade upgrades.

Chancay is a natural deep-water port that can dock the world's largest cargo ships. After the completion of the Chancay Port, the transportation time of goods exported from South America to the Asian market will be shortened from 35 days to 25 days, and the logistics cost will be greatly reduced. It has been predicted that the Chancay Port will become the "Port of Singapore in Latin America," injecting new vitality into the economic and trade development on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

The official launching of the Chancay Port is in line with the growing trade needs of China and Latin America and will create new opportunities for the development of Peru and Latin America as a whole. The port is expected to generate $4.5 billion in annual economic benefit for Peru, equivalent to 1.8 percent of the country's GDP, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, bringing tangible benefits to the local people.

As the first stop of the "maritime expressway" into Latin America, cranberries and avocados from Peru will be shipped across the Pacific faster and at a lower cost. Peru has launched a railway and road network construction plan to connect the main cities in the country with the Chancay Port, and it is expected to connect with the network of other countries in the region.

In the future, products like Brazil's soybeans, iron ore, frozen meat, Colombia's coffee, avocado may also be continuously shipped to Asia through this new channel. This convenient export channel will open the door for the whole Latin America, integrating the region into the new pulse of Asia-Pacific economic integration.

Apart from that, Chancay Port represents openness and win-win cooperation, with a radius that extends far beyond China and Latin America. Through Shanghai, Japan and South Korea on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean can enjoy this "maritime expressway," which spans the East and West hemispheres as well as the North and South hemispheres. The US, on the east coast of the Pacific, could also take advantage of this new shipping lane to get to Asia.

Amid current turbulence in some regions, crisis in global supply chain and increasing logistics risk, the completion of the Chancay Port provides a new option for Pacific Ocean transportation. Therefore, the port will not only witness "win-win" cooperation between China and Latin America, but also achieve a "win-win" situation for the countries along the Pacific Ocean, promoting the optimization of the global trade system.

As a matter of fact, China's development with the countries of Global South is sincere, and the Chancay Port is a benchmark. In the port project, China exported the most advanced port construction and management technology, carried out cooperation based on the concept of green and low-carbon construction and the principle of openness, inclusiveness and non-exclusion of third countries. This is a bridge for practical cooperation between China and Latin America and is by no means a tool for geopolitical competition. Latin American countries, as independent and sovereign states, are fully capable and wise in choosing partners in their own interests. A more stable and prosperous Latin America is undoubtedly a blessing for China, the US, the Asia-Pacific and the world.

The Chancay Port is the largest infrastructure and logistics project invested by China in Latin America in recent years. "From Chancay to Shanghai" has become a catchphrase in Peru. It signals a booming shipping time between China and Latin America, which means that China can share the fruits of Chinese modernization and high-quality development with people on the other side of the globe, and bring greetings and practices of building a community with a shared future for mankind. The phrase "From Chancay to Shanghai" writes a new chapter for the "Maritime Silk Road," pushing the contribution of China-Latin America cooperation to Asia-Pacific economic integration to a new height. It also sets up a new model of open competition, inclusive development and win-win cooperation among developing countries at a time when the undercurrents of anti-globalization are overwhelming.

What a flagship project like the Chancay Port has taught us is that the desire for development cannot be artificially blocked and cooperation will always speed up the pace of development. China's ability to promote cooperation in many parts of the globe has been under the limelight, and there is no secret in this - only the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit. We believe that the future of the Asia-Pacific region will also become more open, inclusive and prosperous with more such solidarity and cooperation.

SOURCE Global Times
Two firms specializing in Ambulatory Surgery Care join forces

RIDGELAND, Miss., Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HORNE Capital, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, served as the financial advisor to Physicians Surgery Center of Jackson, Tenn., a Tennessee-licensed outpatient surgical and procedural facility, in its majority share sale to a nationally recognized ASC management firm.

"We could not be happier with the outcome of this transaction," said Sean Neel, M.D., CEO of Physicians Surgery Center. "Having been a long-time client of HORNE Capital, their team has been dedicated to us through our growth and helped guide us on the best moves for our company and team members. This partnership will only help us continue our mission of delivering high-quality medical care in an outpatient setting."

Founded in 1995, Physicians Surgery Center specializes in same-day surgical procedures, allowing patients to recover at home.

"We are thrilled Physicians Surgery Center and their new partner are joining forces," said HORNE Capital senior manager Jarrod Barraza. "This alliance expands same-day surgical care and preventive procedures to the Jackson, Tenn., area with the new manager's wide-spread reach. Congratulations to Physicians Surgery Center, its new partner, and their teams."

About Physicians Surgery Center. Physicians Surgery Center was independently created by physicians from The Eye Clinic, West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic, and Jackson Urological Associates. PhysiciansSurgeryCenter.com.

About HORNE Capital. HORNE Capital was formed to provide M&A services going beyond securing funding and executing a transaction. HORNE Capital is a licensed investment banking practice serving as lead advisor for sellers and buyers before, during and after a sale process to help them successfully achieve their goals. HORNECapital.com.

About HORNE. HORNE is a professional services firm founded on a cornerstone of public accounting. Our 1,700 team members serve clients in 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. With more than 30 office and project locations from California to Washington D.C. and Louisiana to Maine, HORNE provides anticipatory advice and solutions to find opportunity in change. HORNE.com.

SOURCE HORNE
CANTON, Conn., Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelyniam Global (OTC: KLYG), a maker of custom cranial implants, today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

"Kelyniam has consistently delivered strong performance year on year," said Ross Bjella, CEO of Kelyniam. "Our unwavering focus on overnight service and quality has been reflected in our third-quarter results."

Financial Highlights (Nine months ended September 30, 2024, vs. September 30, 2023)

Total Revenue : $2,492,607 , up 43% from $1,741,587

: , up 43% from Gross Margin : $1,956,714 , up 44% from $1,349,684

: , up 44% from Operating Profit : $273,248 , compared to a loss of ($329,993) , marking an improvement of $603,241

: , compared to a loss of , marking an improvement of EBITDA: $349,099 , compared to a loss of ($254,726) marking an improvement of $603,825

"We are proud of our profitable growth in 2024," said Bjella. "Our team has been invigorated by rising sales, the addition of new surgeons and hospital customers, and a stringent focus on expense management. These results support Kelyniam's capability to generate cash and capitalize on our operating model's leverage. While pricing pressures persist, strategic growth and diligent expense management have driven the significant turnaround in our operating profit."

Other events occurring in the third quarter included:

Greater market acceptance for the CustomizedBoneO (hydroxyapatite) regenerative implant

Greater trial and usage of the NEOS Cranial Loop fixation

Attendance at the College of Neurological Surgeons annual meeting

Kelyniam Inc., specializes in the rapid production of custom prosthetics utilizing computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing of advanced medical grade polymers. The Company develops, manufactures, and distributes custom cranial and maxillo-facial implants for patients. Kelyniam works directly with surgeons, health systems and payors to improve clinical and cost-of-care outcomes. Kelyniam's web site address is www.Kelyniam.com.

As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; the Company's ability to execute its service and product sales plans; changes in the status of ability to market products; and the risks described from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. Contact: Terrance Kurtenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Kelyniam Inc. (800) 280-8192

SOURCE Kelyniam Global Inc
TAMPA, FL, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) ("Primo Brands" or the "Company") today announced that Chief Executive Officer, Robbert Rietbroek, Chief Financial Officer, David Hass, and Chairman of the Board, Dean Metropoulos, will participate in an online webinar at the JP Morgan Opportunities Forum with J.P. Morgan analyst, Andrea Texiera, on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

The presentation, which will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, will be webcast through the investor relations section of Primo Brands' website at ir.primobrands.com and will be archived for replay following the event.

For purposes of public disclosure, including this and future similar events, Primo Brands uses the investor relations section of its website as the primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information.

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.

SOURCE Primo Water Corporation
New Restaurant Agreements Expand Pipeline to 450 Commitments

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- QDOBA , America's #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, celebrates today a banner year of growth, achieving 14 consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales and 22 new franchise signings nationwide. For its fiscal year ending September 2024, QDOBA posted a 7.7% comp sales increase on top of last year's 6.3% comp sales increase.

As part of its growth strategy, QDOBA has also made significant corporate investments in remodels and upgrades to existing company locations, ensuring that guests benefit from an elevated experience. The company has invested nearly $30 million in 2024 in restaurant-level capacity and technology upgrades, as well as transformative remodeling efforts across 80 company restaurants, with plans to continue these enhancements in key markets.

"The demand for Mexican fast-casual dining continues to surge, and QDOBA is well-positioned to meet that demand while offering an exciting investment opportunity for franchisees," said Jeremy Vitaro, Chief Development Officer at QDOBA. "Our year-to-date successes are a testament to the strength of our brand, driven by innovative offerings and an unwavering commitment to quality. With strategic incentives and unmatched franchisee support, QDOBA is the ideal partner for operators looking to expand in this dynamic market."

Recent development news includes a number of significant new agreements, such as Thrive Restaurant Groupa large multi-unit Applebee's franchiseecommitting to develop 30 restaurants in North and South Carolina; Q Eats LLC, an experienced multi-unit IHOP franchisee, signing on for 15 restaurants across Greater Houston as one of the brand's newest franchisees; and Golden Maize Restaurants, LLC, a former Wingstop franchisee, planning five new locations in Westchester County, New York. Additionally, leveraging their success with Dunkin' franchises, renowned franchise operators Cafua Management Company and Mountain View Management are expanding into QDOBA with five new restaurants in Pennsylvania, with further growth anticipated across Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and other markets aligned with Cafua Family operations.

These franchisees join strong multi-unit franchise partners, announced earlier this year, expanding in major markets like Portland, Chicago, Greensboro, Reno, and the Greater Washington D.C. area. Internationally, QDOBA continued its partnership with the Army & Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) to open its first-ever locations in Asia, marking a milestone with restaurants at military bases in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea.

To further fuel growth, QDOBA introduced a limited-time $100,000 cash incentive for certain new unit openings, while consumer engagement surged with menu hits like Brisket Birria, Loaded Tortilla Soup, Citrus Lime Shrimp, Mexican Street Corn, and Habanero Lime Steak. USA Today awarded QDOBA the "Best Fast Casual Restaurant" for the sixth consecutive year, boosting the QDOBA brand value and customer excitement.

QDOBA is actively seeking qualified multi-unit franchise operators to help propel development efforts in target markets nationwide, including in and around non-traditional venues like airports, universities, military bases and casinos.

For additional information about the QDOBA franchise opportunity and available territories, prospective franchisees can visit www.qdobafranchise.com .

*Franchise sales are subject to applicable laws and regulations. This release is not an offering nor a claim about financial performance of past or potential future financial performance.

About QDOBA Mexican Eats

QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with approximately 800 locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Committed to bringing flavor to people's lives, QDOBA uses ingredients freshly prepared in-house by hand throughout the day to create a variety of flavorful menu options. Guests can experience QDOBA's delicious offerings by customizing their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings. Premium toppings can always be added to entrees at no extra charge, including signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole. For six years running, QDOBA has been voted the "Best Fast Casual Restaurant" as part of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Backed by over 25 years of proven success in the United States, and recently Canada and Puerto Rico, QDOBA is prioritizing franchise growth in key markets such as Arizona, California, Georgia (Atlanta), Ohio, Nevada, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), Tennessee, Texas (San Antonio), Utah (Salt Lake City). For additional information about the QDOBA franchise opportunity, visit www.qdobafranchise.com .

Guests can order ahead for pick-up, delivery or catering at QDOBA.com or on the QDOBA app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play . Fans can also connect with QDOBA on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and TikTok .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Hayden Koone, [email protected]

Fish Consulting

(954) 893-9150

SOURCE QDOBA
NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP announces that it is investigating Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) on behalf of the company's shareholders. The investigation seeks to determine whether Parsons's directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with recent corporate actions.

If you are a shareholder of Parsons Corporation and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding your rights and options, free of charge, please visit us at: https://pjlfirm.com/parsons-corporation/

You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.

Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit https://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP
Smithfield is immensely grateful to the military veterans and their families who have selflessly served our country. Post this

"Smithfield is immensely grateful to the military veterans and their families who have selflessly served our country," said Jay Bennett, chief human resources officer for Smithfield Foods. "It's an honor to be recognized for our veteran programs and initiatives, and we are committed to providing resources and support to veterans throughout their transition from active duty to civilian life."

Forbes selected Smithfield as one of America's Best Employers for Veterans 2024 for its commitment to support veterans in the workplace. Selections are determined by a survey sent to more than 24,000 veterans on criteria such as salary, career advancement, civilian transition support services and benefits.

In addition, Military Times recognized Smithfield as a Best for Vets 2024 Employer for its efforts to recruit, retain and support the veteran community through transition services. The survey is a comprehensive annual ranking of the country's best employers and organizations with military-connected programs and benefits. Military Times previously recognized Smithfield as a Best for Vets Employer in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.

Smithfield also earned a spot on the Military Friendly Employers list for 2025. The recognition is awarded based on an organization's commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.

Helping Our Heroes, Smithfield's veteran engagement program, honors the service and sacrifice of American veterans and their families. The program prioritizes veteran employment and career development and strengthens veterans' community and family support systems. Additionally, Smithfield Salutes, an employee business resource group, provides resources for employees with prior military service and helps active-duty personnel transition to civilian life.

Smithfield supports Military Missions in Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans with disabilities, homeless veterans and members of armed forces and their families. Smithfield employees also volunteer to support the organization during its Homes for Healing program, which provides new or gently-used furniture and household goods to veterans and active-duty service members and their families in need of establishing housing stability.

For more information about Smithfield's programs to support veterans, please visit smithfieldfoods.com/veterans.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.

SOURCE Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Built by Blockchain for Energy, B4Ecarbon has revolutionized emissions management in the energy sector, providing decentralized solutions for increased transparency and accountability.

ZUG, Switzerland, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Hashgraph Association (THA) , a Swiss-based organization and leader in digital innovation, announced its collaboration with Blockchain for Energy (B4E), a leader in decentralized digital solutions for the energy sector. This partnership aims to enhance efficient, traceable, and transparent transactions built on a decentralized energy ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, THA will expand its Hashgraph Enterprise Grant Program (HEP) to include Blockchain for Energy's emissions management solution, B4ECarbon , which leverages Hedera's DLT to drive transformations in the energy sector.

The Hashgraph Enterprise Grant Program (HEP) is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of enterprise use cases on the Hedera network.

B4ECarbon is the energy industry's first comprehensive emissions management solution, leveraging blockchain, artificial intelligence, and IoT systems. This decentralized AIoT design model addresses the urgent need for accurate, transparent, and verifiable emissions-related data.

The solution provides an intelligent and highly-secure digital framework for data-driven verification processes of ecological claims, aligning with regulatory bodies and capital markets. The B4E Carbon solution offers industry-wide support, including Oil and Gas, CCUS, and Geothermal Energy.

B4ECarbon leverages the power of Hedera, Hashgraph's advanced distributed ledger technology, and the Guardian open-source platform. This creates a secure, traceable, auditable, and efficient decentralized infrastructure for data management and transparency. Hedera's DLT, artificial intelligence, and IoT systems make B4ECarbon the new standard for digitally measuring, reporting, and verifying emissions claims. By combining AIoT with DLT technology, the platform enables operational efficiency, improves data quality and transparency, and strengthens overall management and analytics, reducing the risk of greenwashing and fraud.

Notable B4E representatives include global and international firms in the energy sector, such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Repsol, Chesapeake Energy, Devon Energy, Schlumberger, and Enovate AI.

The tokenization inherent in B4ECarbon champions data integrity and interoperability by adhering to the frameworks and standards set forth by the Interworking Alliance (IWA). B4ECarbon representatives are actively engaged with the IWA to foster the further development of IWA frameworks.

Speaking on the importance of The Hashgraph Enterprise Program (HEP), Kamal Youssefi , President of The Hashgraph Association, stated, "At The Hashgraph Association, we are proud to continue supporting companies that deliver environmentally sustainable solutions in an innovative and compliant way. The B4ECarbon platform fits perfectly into our Hashgraph Enterprise Grant Program and overall mission, providing an intelligent and secure digital framework for validating environmental claims. This comprehensive emissions management solution serves industries such as oil and gas, geothermal, and hydrogen."

Speaking on the benefits of the collaboration, Rebecca Hofmann, Founder and President of Blockchain for Energy, said, "We are very excited to be working with The Hashgraph Association, combining our in-depth industry expertise with THA's substantial technical resources. Together, leveraging Hedera DLT, we are providing energy companies and leaders with a robust solution for producing high-quality, transparent, and immutable emissions-related data. This not only eliminates the potential for greenwashing and fraud but also prevents double counting in emissions claims."

SOURCE The Hashgraph Association
DALLAS, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Christine M. Schwiebert, a powerhouse in the medical field, is a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for her significant contributions to the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Schwiebert, a dedicated Physician Assistant (PA), specializes in first assisting in cardiothoracic surgery for both pediatric and adult patients, and is known for her compassionate care.

Christine M, Schwiebert

Touting a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University with honors; a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in International Health from Sonoma State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude; and certification by the NCCPA, Schwiebert serves the community with a wealth of knowledge and ability. Prior to her post in Dallas, she worked at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, FL for five years where she underwent specialized training in pediatric and adult congenital cardiothoracic surgery. When asked of her time at Joe DiMaggio, Christine states that "I was so honored to be selected and trained in what is arguably one of the hardest surgical subspecialties. Those first few years were absolutely grueling, and pushed me to my limits, but I am so thankful that my Chief Dr. Frank Scholl and his partner Dr. Steven Bibevski put me through that crucible because the technical skills I learned in that OR has allowed me to help save so many. They also drilled into me an advanced understanding of cardiac pathophysiology and anatomy that has proven to be invaluable." After moving to Dallas, TX Schwiebert continues to help save babies with complex congenital cardiac defects at Medical City Dallas Children's Hospital and has expanded her skillset to adult CT surgery as well as vascular surgery and transplant surgeries for hearts, lungs, kidneys, and pancreases. Her excellence in the field has been recognized by her peers and professional community with accolades such as Best in Texas for Medicine 2024; National Honor Society for Physician Assistants-Pi Alpha Chapter; and Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, all of which reflect her dedication to superior service and distinction.

Christine grew up in a large family in San Diego, CA and was raised in a household where serving others was a cornerstone of her upbringing. As a child Christine and her family would drive to Tijuana, Mexico to help support local orphanages and then later became a foster and adoptive family. In her teenager years Christine and her family would volunteer in downtown San Diego to feed the homeless every month. "After we were done serving everyone, we would make ourselves a plate from the leftover food, and sit down at the tables to eat shoulder to shoulder with the people we just served. It instilled in me a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings I had, and how important it is to not be selfish or wasteful with those blessings; they are meant to be shared. And in my family, that means rolling up your sleeves and serving others." Schwiebert continued to serve others during college at local clinics and went on her first international medical mission trip to Ghana Africa. "It was such an incredible experience, and there was such a need at every village. We all worked so hard to help as many people as we possibly could before the supplies ran out." After starting her training at Joe DiMaggio, she joined as a volunteer on a medical mission to Kingston, Jamaica where she assisted in pediatric open-heart surgeries at Bustamante Children's Hospital. "It was such a blessing to be able to continue my passion of service and volunteering, but now in the OR as well! Some of the families traveled for days to bring their children to us, hoping that we could fix their hearts. I couldn't believe that I got to be a part of saving those babies. I will remember that for the rest of my days."



Focusing her practice on a holistic approach, Schwiebert emphasizes the importance of overall well-being and she contributes her success to her philosophy of reciting a specific prayer in her daily life while scrubbing in for surgery every morning: "Lord, please focus my mind, settle my heart, and steady my hands so I may best serve my patients."

An active advocate for PAs, she is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of PAs (AAPA). Schwiebert is also a published professional with a journal article in SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine (2019) titled "Incidental Finding of a Tricuspid Valve Cyst in a Patient with a Ventricular Septal Defect."



Aside from her professional pursuits, Schwiebert enjoys engaging in various outdoor activities such as bicycle riding, motorcycles, yoga, snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking. "I grew up camping and riding dirt bikes with my family, so my love for adventure runs deep." Looking towards the future, Christine plans to continue honing her surgical skills so that she may continue to provide exceptional care to her patients. "I take great pride in being a Physician Assistant and I hope to continue to be an advocate for how critical PAs are to the medical field. It takes a team to treat these highly complex and critical patients, and PAs are an integral part of that team."

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
North America's largest network of fertility providers honors US service members with special offer to those who require reproductive medicine to help build their families.

HOUSTON, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Prelude Network  (Prelude), the largest network of fertility clinics in North America, celebrates National Veteran and Military Families Month by expanding accessibility to premium reproductive services to veterans and active-duty personnel through its Military Families Month campaign.

Throughout November, US Prelude clinics will offer 15% off fertility services to members of the US Armed Forces for a range of services, including consultations, ultrasounds, bloodwork, and treatment options like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Prelude's Military Families Month campaign comes on the heels of the Department of Defense (DOD) expanding fertility services for active-duty service members, regardless of marital status, and permitting the use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, although paid surrogacy remains excluded.

In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also updated its policy to mirror these changes, providing IVF access to eligible veterans regardless of marital status and allowing for donor gametes. Limitations remain, as both the DOD and VA require a service-connected cause of infertility to access fertility benefits.

Prelude's Military Families Month campaign extends to service members regardless of their marital status, sexual orientation, or reasons for needing assisted reproductive medicine.

Research shows a prevalence of infertility among military personnel, with one study showing that that it is two times as common among veterans compared to civilians. Additional data finds that nearly 16% of female veterans and almost 14% of male veterans from the US War on Terror experienced infertility.

"US military personnel dedicate years of their lives, and risk their own futures, for the safety of our country, and too often they return home to find that they are unable to access critical family-building services," says TJ Farnsworth, Founder and CEO of Inception Fertility , the parent company to Prelude. "Access to care for these brave men and women shouldn't be something else they have to fight for, and Prelude is proud to make fertility care more accessible and affordable to them."

The Prelude Military Families campaign includes a poignant video featuring Dr. Rhiana Saunders, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI) at Aspire Houston Fertility Institute (Aspire HFI) in Houston, Texas, who discussed her time as a service member and her work in helping military members build their families.

"I saw patients struggling with infertility who were spouses of members of the 101st airborne division. I wanted to help them and that became my passion," shared Dr. Saunders. "We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices of our service members, and we trust in them to keep us safe and protect our freedoms. We hope that they trust in us to help them build their families."

For active and retired service members interested in learning more about Prelude's Military Families Month offer, please visit Prelude's Military Families Campaign page.

About the Prelude Military Families Month Campaign

Throughout November, in observance of National Veteran and Military Families Month, US Prelude clinics will offer 15% off fertility services to members of the US Armed Forces for a range of services, including consultations, ultrasounds, bloodwork, and treatment options like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

To learn more, please visit https://military.preludefertility.com/.

About The Prelude Network

The Prelude Network (Prelude), the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America, is the clinic network of Inception Fertility  a family of fertility brands that touches every part of the fertility journey, including diagnostics and treatment to financial accessibility.

Each clinic, as part of Prelude, is committed to delivering the highest level of personalized fertility care by the nation's leading reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and practitioners by focusing on an excellence in science, medicine and the patient experience. The growing Prelude Network has more than 90 total locations nationwide, offering a wide range of fertility services including egg freezing, IVF, genetic testing, LGBTQ+ fertility options, and egg/embryo storage, among others.

Those clinics within Prelude include Aspire Fertility Austin (Texas); Aspire Fertility Dallas (Texas); Aspire Fertility McAllen (Texas); Aspire Fertility San Antonio (Texas); Aspire Houston Fertility Institute (Texas); Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (Illinois); Center for Reproductive Medicine (Florida); Indiana Fertility Institute (Indiana); IVFMD (Florida); Main Line Fertility (Pennsylvania); NYU Langone Fertility Center (New York); NYU Langone RSNY (New York); Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (Canada); Pacific Fertility Center (California); Regional Fertility Program (Canada); Reproductive Biology Associates (Georgia); Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (New Jersey); Tennessee Fertility Institute (Tennessee), and The Reproductive Medicine Group (Florida).

About Inception Fertility

Inception Fertility (Inception) is a family of fertility brands committed to helping patients build their own families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in experience, science and medicine in an effort to enhance each patient's experience and achieve better outcomes.

Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors are some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART)  including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility preservation services  and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies by through development, research and thought leadership.

Through its growing family of national organizations  which includes The Prelude Network, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; MyEggBank, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; BUNDL Fertility, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception  Inception is working to deliver on its promise to push the envelope of what is possible for exceeding patient expectations.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mia Humphreys

239-297-6592

[email protected]

SOURCE The Prelude Network
Papara's over 21 million users can send and receive money to and from five continents, further enhancing its cross-border transfer capabilities.

ISTANBUL and SINGAPORE, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today welcomed Papara, Turkiye's leading fintech company, as a new Member of its Direct Global Network, and allies to facilitate cross-border payments to and from Turkiye. This collaboration empowers Papara users in Turkiye, enabling them to send money into 3 billion mobile wallet accounts, 4 billion bank accounts, and 15 billion cards in over 80 currencies to more than 130 countries. The cooperation also enables fast, simple and affordable international money transfers directly to Papara accounts, marking the first time such a service is available in Turkiye.

Thunes and Papara establish a bilateral partnership

With over 21 million users, Papara offers comprehensive digital services facilitating various domestic and international financial transactions. The alliance allows Thunes' extensive Direct Global Network Members to send money directly to Papara accounts in real-time, providing a faster, more convenient way to transfer money to Turkiye. With Thunes' in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally.

Simon Nelson, Chief Revenue Officer at Thunes said: "It is an honor to welcome Papara to our proprietary Direct Global Network. Papara users in the Republic of Turkiye can send money to Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, supporting Papara in its quest to offer compelling international money transfer services to its users."

Aik Boon Tan, Chief Network Officer at Thunes added: "We are thrilled to partner with Papara to expand our Network's reach into Turkiye. By enabling direct transfers to Papara accounts, we are removing traditional barriers and offering a more efficient service for cross-border payments into Turkiye to Members of our Direct Global Network."

Emre Kenci, CEO at Papara, commented: "Our partnership with Thunes significantly enhances Papara's cross-border payment capabilities, providing our users with a trusted and secure platform for international transfers. Now, millions of Papara users can receive money from around the world directly into their accountsa major step forward as they continue to send money using our expanding global money transfer service. This alliance enriches our offerings and reaffirms our commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions for our users."

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes' proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes' Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes' Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes' Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 15 locations, including Abidjan, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco, Sao Paulo and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

About Papara:

Papara is a leading financial technology company based in Turkey. Founded in 2015, Papara is committed to providing fast, simple, affordable, and enjoyable financial services for all. Papara brings an unrivaled range of products and services offering instant and free transfers to users as well as providing a one-stop shop for paying bills, enabling international money transfers, buying insurance, investing in precious metals, and tracking spending habits. In addition, Papara offers Papara Cards that are valid worldwide and online. Papara users who use Papara Cards earn instant cash rewards with the Cashback program for purchases in specific brands and categories. Papara has 21M retail users and 7,000 corporate users, such as Uber and TikTok. Papara has more than 1,000 employees. Papara is listed in the latest KPMG Global Fintech100 and LinkedIn Top Startup Turkey 2022. Papara was awarded "Best Fintech Startup" by VISA and selected the "Best Startups" in the 2022 Finovate Awards organized by Finovate. Papara is listed in CNBC & Statista's World's Top FinTechs of 2024 for the second year in a row. Papara is expanding its products, services, and geographic reach to become the leading challenger fintech in the region. For more information, visit: https://www.papara.com/en

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2552948/Thunes_Papara.jpg

SOURCE Thunes
CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Veltex Corporation (OTCQB: VLXC) ("Veltex") announces the 38th Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Wednesday, December 04, 2024, at the Mount Hope Campus of Veltex Recovery Group. The property is located at 101 Martin Drive, Mount Hope, West Virginia, USA, 25880. Telephone 1-312-235-4014.

Veltex Corporation Announces the 36th Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The 2024 Annual Meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Local Time. Only shareholders of record may attend the Annual Meeting.

Shareholders who attend the meeting will be asked to present valid picture identification, such as passport, a state driver's license or other government issued photo identification. Further, you must present proof of ownership of your Veltex Corporation common shares as of the record date to be admitted to the Annual Meeting. Proof of ownership can be any of the following: a Veltex Corporation account statement, a brokerage account statement, or a letter from the bank or broker who holds your shares. If you are a beneficial owner and plan to vote at the meeting, you must bring the legal proxy that was provided to you by the institution that holds your shares. If you are an authorized proxy, you must present the proper documentation. In all cases, valid photo identification will be required.

Cameras, cell phones, recording devices, and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the meeting. This will be to insure the privacy of any patients and/or residents, inter alia. Rules of the meeting will be printed on the back of the agenda, which will be provided to you at the meeting. Shareholders may receive proxy materials via the internet if your broker provides such services. Your broker can inform shareholders how to access and review the information contained in the proxy materials and how to vote via the Internet, by mail or in person. By utilizing this method of delivery, Veltex Corporation avoids the cost and environmental effect of printing proxy materials.

The Notice will contain:

A Notice of the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;

A Proxy Statement with a description of the items to be voted on at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the recommendation of Veltex Corporation's Board of Directors with regard to each item, if applicable.

The Notice of Meeting and Proxy Materials will be made available to shareholders on or about November 20, 2024, and mailed on or about that date to those shareholders who previously requested written materials.

Any shareholders who own Veltex Corporation common stock at the close of business on Monday November 11, 2024, may vote. This will be the record date for the meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your shares in person at the 2024 Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name (i.e., your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other holder of record), as stated above, you must present a valid picture identification and a legal proxy provided by the institution, which holds your shares in order to vote in person at the 2024 Annual Meeting. If your shares are held under one of the company's Employee Savings Plans, only the Trustee for the Plans can vote your plan shares, even if you attend the meeting in person. To allow sufficient time for the Trustee to vote your shares, your voting instructions must be received by 6:00 a.m. Central Time, November 27, 2024.

If you have additional questions regarding the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, please contact Shareholder Services at [email protected] or by phone at 1-312-235-4014.

Veltex Corporation, incorporated in Utah September 17, 1987, is a public holding corporation, which maintains its corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. The company's common shares trade OTC Markets OTCQB under the symbol VLXC. Veltex Medical, Inc., a Delaware corporation and Veltex Properties, Inc., a Delaware corporation, are both wholly owned subsidiaries of Veltex Corporation.

Safe Harbor Statement

Forward Looking Statement

Safe Harbor Statement: Certain of the above statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. This press release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Veltex or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "seeks," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe Veltex's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions, or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements; as such term is defined in the Private Security Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company, Veltex, as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement. This press release shall not be deemed a general solicitation.

SOURCE Veltex Corporation
BEIJING, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Themed around communication and mutual learning, people-to people exchanges and win-win cooperation, the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation kicked off on Friday in Jinhua City, east China's Zhejiang Province.

The event gathered over 400 guests from 40 countries and regions to jointly promote China-Africa friendship and cooperation, contributing to the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation kicks off in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 8, 2024.

Zhejiang plays an important role in China's cooperation with Africa, with the city of Jinhua carrying out extensive cooperation with Africa across various fields, said Qin Boyong, vice chairperson of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in a video speech delivered to the forum.

Lu Shan, deputy governor of Zhejiang, said that the province will focus on its own capabilities to respond to what Africa needs, continuously expanding the width and depth of its cooperation with Africa.

Government officials and diplomats from African countries including Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of the Congo congratulated the successful holding of the forum in their speeches, and placed further expectations for deepening the cooperation between China and Africa across various fields.

Special representative of the Chinese government on African affairs, as well as other Chinese officials representing the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the city of Jinhua, also spoke at the event.

The forum presented multiple pragmatic cooperation achievements, such as the 2024 China-Africa exchange month featuring Cultural Silk Road, Zhejiang Normal University's research results on Africa, and a special report on how cooperation among Chinese and African enterprises enhances the upgrading of Africa's agricultural industrial chain. The China-Africa (Jinhua) Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Park was also unveiled at the forum.

28 projects were signed at the event, covering trade, overseas investment and contracting, overseas warehouses, etc., with a total contract amount of 47.91 billion yuan (about 6.67 billion U.S. dollars). The forum also held a signing ceremony for the first batch of enterprises settled in a China-Africa themed building in Zhejiang's Yiwu.

The forum is hosted by the Zhejiang provincial government and jointly organized by the Jinhua municipal government and Zhejiang Normal University.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343031.html

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2553579/1.jpg
Entre los principales temas que se abordaron durante la reunion, destaco el blindaje de fronteras y carreteras que comunican a estas entidades, ademas de que se analizaron los resultados de las estrategias que se acordaron durante la primera reunion que se llevo a cabo en territorio de Zacatecas
Cairo, Nov 11 : Egypt and Malaysia called for achieving peace and security in the Middle East.

The appeal was made in a joint communique following a meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to the Egyptian presidency, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two countries reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, including the right to establish an independent state.

They also urged the United Nations Security Council to consider Palestine's application for full membership in the United Nations in line with a relevant resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on May 10, 2024.

Malaysia expressed gratitude for Egypt's efforts to facilitate the delivery of Malaysian humanitarian aid to the Palestinians who are in dire need of it in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, both sides condemned Israel's continued violations of international law, humanitarian law, and human rights law in its military operations, which also violate Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They also condemned Israel's ongoing incursions into and airstrikes on Lebanon, which have killed innocent civilians and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.

The two countries stressed the need to reach an immediate ceasefire to end this humanitarian catastrophe, highlighting the importance of preserving Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They expressed full support for the Lebanese state and the full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to ensure peace and security in the region.

The Malaysian Prime Minister is on an official visit to Egypt, coinciding with celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Folk has been described as music by the people, for the people but does that include all people? In todays episode, we chat with Folk Recovery Executive Producer, Kejo Buchanan, who walks us through their thoughts of how the future of folk is being defined by Artists and Community. We chat about the different ways in which gatekeepers still prevail in this genre, and celebrate the ways in which we can be more inclusive and forward thinking. Tune in to find out how you can learn from your own journey, as we embark on a renewed quest to find your Folk. As a bonus, youll bear witness to host Rosalyn Dennett coming up with the phrase Folk around and find out. Tshirt anyone? About Kejo Buchanan: http://folkrecovery.org/ Kejo Buchanan is a knowledge sharer and creative, invested as a Librarian at the Toronto Reference Library Arts Department, they host the show Jali Journey that curates folk acoustic sound through community radio at CJRU.ca , and is the Executive Producer for FolkRecovery.org
Athens, Nov 11 : A 55-year-old Greek fireman died while battling a wildfire in northern Greece on the outskirts of Thessaloniki port city, Greece's Fire Brigade said.

The fire, which was not threatening residential zones, had burned an uncertain area of low vegetation, Xinhua news agency reported.

This was the sixth wildfire-related death in Greece this year. Although the wildfire season typically spans May 1 through October 31, firefighters have been combatting dozens of blazes in November due to unseasonably high temperatures.

Greece experiences numerous wildfires each summer due to heatwaves attributed to climate change, and sometimes arson.

This year, the country faced more than 4,500 wildfires in what officials called one of the most challenging firefighting seasons in 40 years.

More than 14,300 acres of forestland have been burned, according to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Tehran, Nov 11 : Five members of Iran's Basij voluntary force were killed on Sunday in what authorities called a "terrorist incident" in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported through its official news outlet, Sepah News.

According to the report, the incident occurred in Saravan County, prompting immediate deployment of IRGC units to the area, Xinhua news agency reported.

A search operation is underway for those responsible, whom the IRGC referred to as "thugs."

The attack came nine days after four militants were killed and eight others arrested in a joint operation by the IRGC and the Islamic Republic's intelligence ministry.

Sistan-Baluchestan, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, is a region known for ongoing clashes involving armed groups and drug trafficking.

Just last month, militants attacked law enforcement forces in the province, resulting in the deaths of 10 Iranian soldiers and police officers.
Tehran, Nov 11 : General Chief of Staff Fayyad al-Ruwaili of the Saudi armed forces held talks with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran, marking a significant step in defence ties between the two regional powers following their diplomatic rapprochement last year.

Al-Ruwaili met with Mohammad Baqeri, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, to explore ways to strengthen military cooperation, Xinhua news agecy reported quoting Iran's Fars news agency.

During the meeting, Baqeri extended an invitation for Saudi naval forces to participate in an Iranian maritime exercise planned for next year, either as an active participant or observer.

"The exchange of such visits between our armed forces carries special importance for the region and Muslim world in the current circumstances," Baqeri was quoted as saying by Fars.

Al-Ruwaili, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday leading a high-level military delegation, agreed to enhance bilateral military cooperation across various domains. Both officials emphasised their countries' influential role in fostering regional unity among Muslim states.

The Palestine issue was also discussed during the talks, according to Fars.

This high-level military engagement follows the Beijing-sponsored restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in April 2023, ending a seven-year freeze. Riyadh had severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom's execution of a Shiite cleric.
New York, Nov 11 : US President-elect Donald Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid any escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in a recent phone call.

The call, made from Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, comes just days after his decisive electoral victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

During the conversation, Trump expressed an interest in fostering further discussions with Moscow to de-escalate tensions and resolve the two-and-a-half-year-long war.

According to sources cited by The Washington Post, Trump highlighted the significance of the substantial US military presence in Europe, suggesting that he intends to bring American influence to bear on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

Trump, who made ending the war a key campaign promise, emphasised the urgent need for peace but has yet to reveal specific strategies or proposals.

In an earlier call on Wednesday, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with tech billionaire Elon Musk also reportedly participating in the conversation. Zelensky described the discussion as "excellent," noting that he felt encouraged by Trump's interest in maintaining a constructive dialogue.

The Ukrainian President has expressed optimism about collaborating with the incoming administration to secure peace and stability in the region.

The conflict, which erupted in 2022 and has since shaped global geopolitics, shows few signs of resolution. Recent developments suggest both Russia and Ukraine are positioning themselves to gain leverage in potential future negotiations, with Ukrainian forces making strategic gains and Russian troops advancing in some areas. These shifts underscore the pressing need for diplomatic intervention.

This weekend Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, Zelensky said, while Russia said it had downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday.
Kolkata, Nov 11 : The trial in the rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of the R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in West Bengal in August will start at a special court on Monday.

The process of framing of charge in the matter against the "sole prime accused", civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, was completed on November 4 following which Monday was scheduled for the date of the beginning of the trial process.

The trial will be conducted on a fast-track and daily basis.

It will start 94 days after the body of the junior doctor was discovered at a seminar hall within the R.G. Kar premises on the morning of August 9.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed its first charge sheet in the matter 35 days before the beginning of the trial process. In the first charge sheet, Roy was identified as the "sole prime accused" in the rape and murder crime.

Recently, there was a verbal appeal in the Supreme Court, as it heard its suo motu case relating to the case, for shifting the trial process to any court outside West Bengal. However, the plea was turned down by the outgoing Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud.

On Saturday, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari too raised the demand for shifting the trial outside West Bengal, claiming that justice will never be achieved in the case with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remaining in power in the state.

Recently, Roy has claimed that he neither committed the rape nor the murder and he was being falsely implicated by the government. Pointing his finger at the Kolkata Police, where he was attached to as a civic volunteer, Roy also claimed he had been threatened by his own departmental colleagues to remain silent in the matter.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : The Supreme Court is set to hear on Monday a plea seeking the postponement of bye-elections to the four Assembly seats in Bihar in view of the week-long Chhath Puja.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan will hear the plea on Monday that was filed by Jan Suraaj Party on November 10.

Two days earlier a Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud agreed to consider the listing of the plea after the matter was mentioned for an urgent hearing.

The plea filed before the apex court challenged the Election Commissionas "failure" to not defer the bye-elections in Bihar while rescheduling the polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala due to social and religious events.

It said that bypolls 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 bypolls 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 bye-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 40 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," said the petition.

IANS

pds/rad
New York, Nov 11 : US President-elect Donald Trump has shut the door on Nikki Haley declaring that he won't be inviting her to join his administration, but another Indian American, Vivek Ramaswamy, may get a senior role.

Out of the blue, in his post on Truth Social, Trump also said that Mike Pompeo, the former secretary of state and Central Intelligence head, won't get a job with him either.

"I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation", he said on Truth Social, a social media site for short posts that was started when X (formerly Twitter) banned him.

However, he added, "I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country".

During a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump praised Ramaswamy as "very smart" and said that "he's going to be a part of something that's going to be really big".

"I don't want to tell him yet exactly (his position). We're gonna pick the right (one)", he said.

Trump added, "We can put him in charge of one of these big monsters (in government) and he'll do a better job than anybody you can think of."

Haley became the first Indian-American to hold a cabinet post when Trump appointed her as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a high-level position in the US.

She quit the job after only two years and quietly began building her base beyond South Carolina state, where she had been governor.

Haley made an unsuccessful run for the Republican party's presidential nomination and was the last to drop out of the race and endorse him, angering Trump.

Her appeal was to the moderate Republicans, some of whom defected to Vice President Kamala Harris because of what they saw as character problems of Trump.

Although Haley said that she was on standby to campaign for Trump, she was not invited to speak at his rallies or any event.

After criticising his campaign as "overly masculine", she made a last-minute pitch for Trump in an op-ed article in The Wall Street Journal, but it was laced with criticism of him and not a total acclamation.

"I don't agree with Mr Trump 100 per cent of the time. But I do agree with him most of the time, and I disagree with Ms Harris nearly all the time. That makes this an easy call" to vote for him, she wrote.

However, she added the criticism that while the moderates "like much of what he did as President and agree with most of his policies" they "dislike his tone and can't condone his excesses, such as his conduct on January 6, 2021" when his supporters rioted and invaded the Capitol when Congress was in the process of certifying President Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election.

The multi-millionaire pharmaceutical entrepreneur Ramaswamy also ran against him but folded his campaign early and became his unquestioning supporter, and at one rally compared Trump to George Washington, the Father of the Nation.

Recalling the fight for the party nomination, Trump said, "I had to compete with this guy, and I thought it was going to be easy, but it wasn't. He was nasty. He was quick. He's smart as hell."

"He did amazingly well, because he started really as a rookie, right? And he got up and he wiped a lot of very smart politicians off the stage", Trump said.

During a debate of the candidates for the Republican nomination that Trump boycotted, Ramaswamy made the strongest attacks on Haley over her support for aid to Ukraine.

There is also media speculation that Ramaswamy may not take an administration job and instead seek the governorship of Ohio in the 2026 election.

Pompeo had figured in media speculation for a cabinet position, possibly Defence, in Trump's administration. But apparently the former Army captain failed the loyalty test, even though he endorsed Trump, because he had criticised him for holding on to classified documents after leaving the White House for which Trump was being prosecuted.

He and Haley are staunch supporters of Ukraine, while Trump has been ambivalent claiming he would end the invasion by Russia.
Jerusalem, Nov 11 : Israel's military and Shin Bet internal security agency said that they had killed Muhammad Abu Sakhil, head of operations for the Islamic Jihad militant group, in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

The commander was targeted in "a precise strike" by the Israeli Air Force on Saturday, according to a joint statement. "Abu Sakhil operated in a command and control center embedded within a compound that previously served as the Fahd Al-Sabah School in northern Gaza," the statement added.

Israeli security forces described Abu Sakhil as "a significant figure" in Islamic Jihad, responsible for planning and coordinating attacks, including joint operations with Hamas against Israeli civilians and troops in Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, often referred to simply as Islamic Jihad, is a militant group primarily operating in the Gaza Strip. Founded in 1981, it is the second-largest armed group in Gaza after Hamas.
Beirut, Nov 11 : Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli forces attempting to infiltrate several border points in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese security sources and Hezbollah.

The security sources, who spoke anonymously, said Israeli infantry forces, accompanied by several Merkava tanks, managed to infiltrate along the line extending from the occupied Shebaa Farms in the east to the village of Ainata in the west, Xinhua news agency reported.

They added that Israeli forces advanced to the vicinity of Shebaa town's hospital, about 2 kilometres from the border, under the cover of heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes.

In addition, an Israeli army engineering unit, backed by armored vehicles, infiltrated the southeastern village of al-Wazzani and blew up 10 houses, the sources noted.

In the eastern sector, an Israeli engineering unit infiltrated about 500 metres into the east entrance of Kafr Kila town and bulldozed several houses, while in the central sector, an Israeli armored force attempted to push deeper toward the city of Bint Jbeil.

According to the sources, the infiltrating Israeli forces were then ambushed and shelled, forcing them to retreat behind the Blue Line, which separates Lebanon and Israel.

Violent clashes involving various weapons erupted between the two parties, they said.

For its part, Hezbollah confirmed in a series of statements that its members fought to thwart the Israeli infiltration attempts at all points with rocket barrages and drones, claiming to have inflicted casualties.

The group said it struck Israeli forces and targets in Aitaroun, the occupied Khirbet Al-Manara, Qab'a Heights, Kafr Kila, and more.

Since September 23, the Israeli army has been launching an intensive air campaign on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.

In early October, Israel initiated a ground operation against Hezbollah forces across its northern border into Lebanon.
Port Sudan, Nov 11 : At least 11 people were killed and 18 others injured in an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Al Hodur village in Gezira State, central Sudan, the Sudanese Doctors Network, a non-governmental organisation, reported.

According to the network, the RSF also looted the village's health center and homes. Among the casualties were children, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a separate development, the Nidaa Al-Wasat Platform, a volunteer group monitoring human rights violations, reported that the death toll in Al Hilaliya city, also in Gezira State and under siege for more than 17 days, had surpassed 300.

"More than 300 civilians, including children, the elderly, and the sick, were killed by terrorist gangs who forced them to die without mercy," the group said.

The RSF has yet to comment on the violence in Al Hilaliya.

Local activists and volunteer groups have accused the RSF of launching attacks across eastern Gezira following the surrender of its regional commander, Abu Aqla Keikel, to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on October 20.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Tuesday that around 135,400 people had been displaced across Gezira State since October 20 due to escalating violence in over 30 villages and towns.

Sudan has been embroiled in the conflict between the SAF and the RSF since mid-April 2023. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project reported on October 14 that the ongoing violence had claimed more than 24,850 lives.
7 killed, over 20 injured in Israeli airstrike near Syria's Damascus. Image Source: Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua/IANS

Damascus, Nov 11 : Seven civilians, including women and children, were killed and 20 others injured in an Israeli airstrike near Syria's capital, Damascus, the country's Defence Ministry reported.

The ministry said in a statement that around 5 p.m. local time, the Israeli "enemy" launched an airstrike from the occupied Golan Heights, targeting a residential building in the Sayyidah Zaynab area in the countryside of Damascus, Xinhua news agency reported.

The attack also caused significant damage to private properties, it added.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, previously reported that the strike hit a flat in a residential building inhabited by Lebanese nationals and Hezbollah members in the area.

Sayyidah Zaynab, located south of the Syrian capital, is home to a prominent Shiite shrine and has been the target of Israeli attacks in the past.

Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria in recent years, targeting what it says are Iranian military assets and arms intended for transfer to Hezbollah.
Tokyo, Nov 11 : Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned with his cabinet on Monday ahead of a parliament vote later the day to select the country's next prime minister following the general election last month.

Cabinet ministers of the Ishiba administration submitted letters of resignation en masse at a cabinet meeting Monday morning, Xinhua news agency reported.

As the ruling bloc of LDP and Komeito holds less than a majority in the House of Representatives, Monday's vote is likely to head to a runoff between Ishiba and major opposition Constitutional Democratic Party leader Yoshihiko Noda.

Ishiba is then seen launching his new cabinet Monday night. Fresh faces for the cabinet are likely to include Keisuke Suzuki as justice minister, Taku Eto as agriculture minister and Komeito's Hiromasa Nakano as land minister. Other posts are expected to be filled by those from Ishiba's first cabinet.

It will mark the first runoff in nearly 30 years.
Seoul, Nov 11 : South Korea's antitrust regulator said on Monday it has imposed fines totalling over 1.16 trillion won ($831.5 million) over the past two and a half years for violations of market regulations, highlighting the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's efforts to promote fair trade practices.

The review was presented in a report issued by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) to mark the midpoint of Yoon's single five-year term, which fell on Sunday.

According to the FTC, it has uncovered and addressed 5,837 cases of market misconduct in key industries that drive the country's economic growth, reports Yonhap news agency.

Out of these, fines totalling approximately 1.16 trillion won were imposed in 289 cases between May 2022 and November 2024.

The FTC also said it has worked to strengthen fair trade practices and enhance consumer rights, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Key efforts included addressing unfair business practices against franchise operations and reinforcing punitive damages for violations, such as unauthorised use of proprietary technology.

Additionally, the FTC noted that it has streamlined several regulations to reduce inconvenience and burdens on businesses.

Key regulatory changes included revising rules that limit competition, such as those impacting large retail stores, and vehicle-sharing and rental services.

"We have worked to stabilise livelihoods and create a foundation for greater market efficiency and dynamism," FTC Vice Chairperson Cho Hong-sun said in a press briefing, adding that the agency will continue to focus on supporting issues related to people's livelihoods, such as e-commerce platforms.

During the latter part of the Yoon administration, the agency will first focus on legislation to ensure that online intermediary platforms meet payment deadlines for their partner merchants.

The FTC also aims to strengthen the accountability of platform operators, and to monitor and address violations related to subscription-based services.
Chennai, Nov 11 : The Tamil Nadu Police has cautioned public to remain vigilant as cybercrimes continue to rise, leading many to fall victim to scams and losing significant amounts of money.

According to officials, residents of Chennai and Coimbatore have been notably affected, with individuals in smaller cities also increasingly being targeted.

The Greater Chennai City Police reported that between January and August 2024, a total of 1,679 cybercrime cases were registered, with 1,589 related to financial fraud, amounting to a loss of approximately Rs 189 crore in various scams.

Coimbatore City Police Commissioner V. Balakrishnan noted a sharp increase in cybercrime cases this year, with fraudsters siphoning off about Rs 93 crore.

He highlighted that the number of cases reported has been steadily growing year by year. Data shows that in 2021, Rs 3 crore was lost to cybercrime in Coimbatore, which rose to Rs 13 crore in 2022 and Rs 48 crore in 2023.

By November 2024, complaints totalling Rs 98 crore had been received, with approximately 50 per cent of the amount (Rs 49.25 crore) successfully frozen by authorities. The state cyber crime unit received 6,798 complaints this year, leading to 255 FIRs, which are currently under investigation.

In these cases, victims reported a combined loss of Rs 93.04 crore. So far, 41 suspects have been arrested, seven of whom have been detained under the Goondas Act.

The police has warned the public to beware of various methods used by scammers, including online share trading fraud, "Digital Arrest" scams involving FedEx or TRAI impersonators, part-time job scams, matrimonial frauds, and gift or electricity bill scams. In response to the increasing incidents of financial cybercrimes, the police advised victims to register their cases on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) within 24 hours, either by calling the cybercrime helpline (1930) or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Reporting on the NCRP initiates the process of freezing the suspicious bank account involved, making it crucial for victims to act swiftly.

Following a directive from the Madras High Court in July 2024, judicial officers were instructed that the recovery process for cybercrime losses can begin based on the NCRP complaint and a report from the cybercrime police, without requiring an FIR.

The police further urged the public to exercise caution when encountering high-profit investment advertisements or unknown investment apps and websites, advising people not to transfer money into unknown bank accounts.

A senior doctor in Chennai recently lost Rs 2 crore to an online share trading scam. After promptly filing a complaint on the NCRP portal, he was able to recover half the amount, with the remainder expected to be retrieved after further investigation, as the scammers had converted part of the money to cryptocurrency and transferred it abroad.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : Popular television stars and real life couple Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya have shared a sneak-peek from their holiday in Doha, where the two even celebrated the actors birthday.

The two in a collaborative post on Instagram posted some moments shared in Qatar. The first had the couple feeding a camel. The second picture was of the couple posing for a romantic picture. Another image showed Divyanka and Vivek holding an eagle. The next was a video of Vivek posing next to his birthday cake.

Some pictures and clips showcased the scrumptious meals the two had. While the other images were of the couple in the picturesque landscapes.

For the caption, they wrote: Soaked up the warm Qatari hospitality and rich culture in Doha. Feeling grateful for an unforgettable experience! #DohaQatar #QatarTourism #VisitDoha #MiddleEastAdventures #VisitQatar #DivekTravelDiaries."

On the work front, Divyanka will be seen in slice-of-life series titled 'The Magic of Shiri' directed by Birsa Dasgupta. She said it is a story of every woman finding her way in a world that doesn't always make space for her.

Divyanka said: "Shiri is a story of every woman, finding her way in a world that doesn't always make space for her. Playing her has been a rewarding experience because it reminded me of the everyday battles we all face to keep moving forward, no matter the odds."

The actress said that Shiri's journey is "relatable".

"It's about holding onto a dream and pushing through, even when it feels impossible. She is every woman who has ever dared to dream beyond society's boundaries, refusing to be held back by the challenges life throws at her," the actress added.

The slice-of-life drama that beautifully portrays the journey of a woman pursuing her dreams in the enchanting world of magic. Divyanka is joined by Jaaved Jaaferi, Namit Das, and Parmeet Sethi, the ten-episodic series captures life's small joys, challenges, and the magic found in everyday resilience.

The makers unveiled the trailer last week, where Shiri is adamant to realise her dream of emerging as the world's best magician and create a legacy in an industry dominated by stereotypes and gender biases.

She struggles to find her rightful place in the world of magic but refuses to let that inner spark of desire and determination flicker or flinch, irrespective of the challenges thrown at her.

Presented by Jio Studios, Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Tanveer Bookwala (Ding Infinity), "The Magic of Shiri" will stream on JioCinema Premium from November 14.
Seoul, Nov 11 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday called for efforts to address widening inequality in income and education in the latter half of his term, his office said.

Yoon emphasised the need to reduce social polarisation during a meeting with senior aides as he entered the second half of his five-year presidency, Yonhap news agency reported quoting presidential spokesperson Jeong Hye-jeon.

"(The government) should make proactive efforts to tackle polarisation, including inequality in income and education, in the remaining half of my term," Yoon was quoted as saying.

Earlier on Sunday Yoon called for the launch of finance, trade and industry consultative bodies to brace for the potential impacts of former US President Donald Trump's return to the presidency.

He emphasised the new US administration's shift in policies could bring significant changes to the global economy and security landscape.

"Consequently, this will directly affect our economy and security, so thorough preparations are essential," he added.
Jammu, Nov 11 : A massive search operation continued on Monday in the forests of Jammu & Kashmir's Kishtwar district to trace the terrorists responsible for the killing of a para commando during a gunfight in the Keshwan area on Sunday.

Security forces continued the search operation in the densely forested Keshwan area of Kishtwar a day after a JCO of the elite Para Commando force of the army was killed in a gunfight with terrorists hiding in the area.

The CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) has been going on for over four days now. The security forces are trying to trace the killers of two civilians, who were abducted from Ohli village and then murdered brutally in the forest area.

Sunday's encounter broke out when joint search parties of the army and police intercepted the terrorists around 11 a.m. in the Keshwan forest area.

"Fierce firing exchanges had continued for over four hours. During this gunfight, a JCO, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of the Army's 2 Para was killed and three other soldiers were injured," officials said adding that after this contact, no fresh contact with the terrorists was established.

"Three to four terrorists responsible for the killings of two village defence guards (VDGs) are still holed up in the area and a massive search operation is underway to neutralise them," officials added.

"Thick foliage and the topography of the area pose a challenge for the security forces, who are relentlessly chasing the terrorists to hunt them down," officials added.

Hundreds of people had attended the funeral of the two slain VDGs, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, and a complete protest shutdown was observed in Kishtwar town.

Foreign mercenaries have been active in the hilly areas of Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua and Udhampur dustricts of Jammu division for the last few months, posing serious challenges to the security forces.

The tactics of these terrorists have been to carry out sly attacks against army, security forces, police and civilians and then disappear into densely forested areas of these districts.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Acharya J.B. Kripalani, the former President of the Indian National Congress and a prominent freedom fighter, on his birth anniversary on Monday.

Acknowledging Acharya Kripalani's significant contributions to India's Independence movement, PM Modi shared his thoughts on social media platform X, highlighting the values of democracy, integrity, and social justice that the freedom fighter embodied.

"Remembering Acharya Kripalani on his birth anniversary. He was a towering figure in Indiaas freedom struggle and an embodiment of intellect, integrity and courage. He was deeply committed to democratic values and principles of social justice," said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister further expressed his governmentas continued dedication to fulfilling the freedom fighter's vision of a prosperous and strong India, where both the poor and marginalised are empowered.

"Acharya Kripalani was unafraid to fight injustice. We reiterate our commitment to fulfilling his noble vision of an India that is prosperous, strong and where the poor as well as marginalised are empowered," he said.

Acharya Kripalani, born on November 11, 1888, in Hyderabad, Sindh, played a key role in India's struggle for Independence. He was the President of the Indian National Congress at the time of India's Independence and served in various critical roles, including in the Interim Government of India (1946-1947) and the Constituent Assembly of India.

Acharya Kripalanias political journey saw him rise to prominence within the Congress. His first major post was as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee in 1928a"29, and he held the position of General Secretary again from 1934 to 1945. In 1946, he was elected as Congress President, although his tenure was marked by controversy due to his differences with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who objected to Acharya Kripalani's involvement of the party in governance post-Independence.

Acharya Kripalanias critical views on the partition of India and his condemnation of the Congress leadership, particularly in his autobiography 'My Times', further highlighted his ideological stance, leading to his resignation as Congress President later in 1947.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Delhi Chief Minister Atishi extended warm greetings to Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday, following his swearing-in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Taking to social media platform X, CM Atishi expressed her heartfelt wishes, acknowledging the significance of Justice Khanna's appointment to the highest judicial body in the country.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Justice Sanjiv Khanna on his swearing-in as the Chief Justice of India," she wrote in her post.

"Wishing him an impactful tenure and may his work further strengthen the foundations of our democracy, uphold equality, and protect the rights of every citizen of our nation," she added.

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in a swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

As a Supreme Court judge, Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been part of several landmark judgments on issues like Article 370, decriminalisation of adultery, the electoral bonds scheme, the EVM-VVPAT tally etc.

Before elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Khanna served as a judge in the Delhi High Court till January 2019.

As a judge of the Delhi HC, he held the position of Chairman/Judge-in-charge, Delhi Judicial Academy, the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, and the District Court Mediation Centres.

Born in May 1960, he obtained his law degree from the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University.

He enrolled as an advocate in the Bar Council of Delhi in 1983 and primarily practiced taxation, arbitration, commercial law, environmental law, medical negligence law, and company law in the Delhi High Court.

He had a long tenure as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department.

In 2004, he was appointed as the Standing Counsel (Civil) for the Delhi government. He had also appeared and argued in a number of criminal cases at the Delhi High Court as an Additional Public Prosecutor and as an amicus curie (friend of the court).
Lucknow, Nov 11 : OP Rajbhar, the cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh government slammed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday over latter's derogatory comments targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and also demanded an apology from him.

Lucknow, Nov 11 (IANS) Lucknow, Nov 11 (IANS) OP Rajbhar, the cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh government slammed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday over latteras derogatory comments targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and also demanded an apology from him.

At the 'Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan' on Sunday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took a veiled swipe at CM Yogi and stated, "I ask BJP people to either wear white clothes or the saints should leave politics."

"Many BJP leaders live as saints but have now become politicians and even Chief Ministers. They have no hair on their heads, yet wear saffron clothes," he said.

"If you wear 'gerua' (saffron) as a sanyasi, then politics is not for you. These leaders wear saffron and yet promote division by saying, 'Batenge to katenge.' BJP is dividing society and spreading hatred. Saints should unify the nation, not divide it with their words," Kharge said.

Slamming Kharge's comments, Rajbhar said, "Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress have no right to comment on saints and sages. For seventy years, Congress followed a divide-and-rule policy, weakening the country. The great tradition of saints and their sacrifices have been vital in keeping India united."

"Saffron symbolises renunciation, and Yogi Adityanath has been committed to serve the state with the same spirit. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Yogi, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as an exemplary state, where every section of society benefits from welfare schemes without discrimination," he told IANS.

Lauding the Uttar Pradesh CM for giving the message of unity, Rajbhar said, "Yogi Adityanath is a true saint who remains dedicated to the state, never misusing power for personal gain. His message, 'batenge to katenge,' means division harms alla"a truth he strives to share."

He further stated, "During Congress, SP, and BSP rule, riots led to loss of life and property. The Congress party has historically divided people on caste, religion, and language lines, gaining power by exploiting these divisions."

Rajbhar described CM Yogi as "a true public servant," saying, "Kharge's remarks are unwarranted. Such a statement against the Chief Minister of a state with a population of 25 crores is indecent and condemnable. Kharge should apologise and also reflect on Yogi's record -- under his leadership, there hasn't been a single riot nor has anyone been harmed."

"Kharge's words reveal hatred. He should apologise. CM Yogi's statement about unity aligns with the Lord Brahma's message, 'Sanghe Shakti Kalyug' -- there is strength in unity. When he says division leads to harm, he speaks the truth."
Amaravati, Nov 11 : Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav on Monday presented a Budget of Rs 2,94,427 crore for the financial year 2024-25.

The outlay is about 5.40 per cent higher than the previous year. The budget size for 2023-24 was Rs 2,79,279 crore.

The revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs 2,35,916 crore, and capital expenditure Rs 32,712 crore. The estimated revenue deficit is around Rs 34,743 crore and the fiscal deficit is estimated at around Rs 68,742 crore.

"The fiscal deficit will be around 4.19 per cent of the GSDP, whereas the revenue deficit will be around 2.12 per cent of the GSDP," he said.

This is the first full-fledged Budget presented by the TDP-led NDA government after it came to power in June this year.

In February, the then YSR Congress government had presented an interim Budget of Rs 2.86 lakh crore.

Presenting his maiden Budget in the state Assembly, Keshav announced substantial allocation for key sectors.

For school education, he has allocated Rs 29,909 core while the allocation for agriculture and allies sectors stands at Rs 11,855 crore.

For the welfare of Scheduled Castes, the government has allocated Rs.18,497 crore. It earmarked Rs 7,557 crore for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

The coalition government proposes to spend Rs 39,007 crore for Backward Classes welfare, Rs 4,376 crore for minorities welfare and Rs 4,285 crore for women and child welfare.

The Finance Minister has proposed an allocation of Rs 1,215 crore for human resources development, Rs 2,326 crore for higher education, Rs 18,421 crore for health, Rs 16,739 crore for panchayat raj and rural development and Rs 11,490 crore for urban development.

The government has proposed an expenditure of Rs 4,012 crore for housing, Rs 16,705 crore for water resources, Rs 3,127 crore for industry and commerce, Rs 8,207 crore for energy, Rs 9,554 crore for roads and buildings, Rs 322 crore for tourism and culture, Rs 8,495 crore for police department and Rs 687 crore for environment, forests, sciences and technology.

For agriculture, a separate Budget was presented by Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu.
Srinagar, Nov 11 : Jammu & Kashmir Police said on Monday that it has rescued two trekkers from Zabarwan Hills here, thereby avoiding a potentially dangerous situation.

The police said in a statement, "A potentially disastrous situation was avoided on Sunday thanks to the prompt action of the police, who rescued two trekkers from Srinagar in the Zabarwan hills."

"The trekkers, Tariq Ahmad Mir and Mufti Ziyan, employees at a renowned missionary school in Srinagar, found themselves in the midst of a security operation after security forces received intelligence input about suspicious individuals carrying bags and sticks in the area.

"The police had cordoned off the area and fired warning shots, but there was no response. Fortunately, one of the trekkers dialed 100, alerting the police control room, which swiftly informed senior officers.

"SSP Srinagar rushed to the scene, halting the security operation, and the trekkers were safely escorted out from behind the rocks and taken to the police station for investigation.

"After verifying their credentials, the trekkers were released and handed over to their families. To prevent similar incidents, the police have urged trekkers to inform the concerned police station before venturing into areas where security operations are underway," the statement said.

It must be mentioned that these trekkers were rescued from the general area of cordon and search started by the security forces after an initial exchange of fire between the security forces and the terrorists in the Ishbar area of Srinagar district on Sunday.

The search operation continued for the whole day on Sunday and was called off in the evening.

In the second gunfight on Sunday between the security forces and the terrorists in Kishtwar district of Jammu division, one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Para commando force was killed and three other soldiers injured in the Keshwan forest area.

A massive search operation started after the abduction and killing two village defence guards (VDGs) by the terrorists has entered the fifth day on Monday.
Sydney, Nov 11 : One adult is dead and one child has suffered serious injuries after a truck crashed into a kindergarten in Australia's state of Victoria on Monday, local police said.

A truck crashed into a kindergarten on Main Road in Riddells Creek, a small town some 45 km northwest of Melbourne, at around 2:20 p.m. local time, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Victoria police.

"One adult, who is yet to be formally identified, has died at the scene," said the police.

"One child was injured and has been taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries."

The driver of the truck has also been taken to hospital for observation. Emergency services are currently in Riddells Creek following the collision.

Police said that investigations into the circumstances of the crash are underway and called for anyone with information to come forward.
Chikkmagaluru, : Nov 11 (IANS) An FIR has been filed against a youth in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru district for allegedly attempting to "rape" a stray dog, police said on Monday.

The incident was reported from Jayapura police station limits in Chikkamagaluru town and a case has been lodged based on the CCTV footage obtained regarding the incident during the investigation. The police have identified the accused as Shivaraja, a resident of Kattimane area in Chikkamagaluru.

The video of the disturbing incident has also gone viral on social media in the district.

According to police, the incident had occurred at the Jayanagar bus stop on October 18 but only came to light on November 9, after the video containing the vulgar act, captured by the CCTV camera installed at a shop in the bus stop, came into circulation.

It shows the accused holding the dog in his hands to indulge in vulgar acts and torturing the canine.

Police have taken up suo motu cognisance of the incident on a complaint lodged by the beat constable.

The incident has created outrage among the public and animal lovers.

The police have stated that the accused will be secured and questioned regarding the incident.

More details of the incident are yet to emerge.

In February 2022, a 23-year-old youth, the grandson of a former MP from Andhra Pradesh, had deliberately run his Audi over a street dog named Lara in the limits of Siddapura police station in Bengaluru, killing it. The CCTV footage of the incident had gone viral on social media and created public outrage. Later, animal activists who lodged complaints in connection with the incident were threatened that they would meet the same fate as the killed stray dog.

The police had arrested the accused and released him on a Rs 10 lakh bond. They hadgiven him a stern warning that if he indulged in animal cruelty, he would be put behind bars.
Bhopal, Nov 11 : On the last day of campaigning for bypolls in Madhya Pradesh's Budhni and Vijaypur Assembly seats, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Monday that the state government is committed to the welfare of the poor, women, youth, and farmers.

Addressing mediapersons in Gwalior, CM Yadav said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined four pillars for the government  poor, women, youth, and farmers. These four groups' interests are our top priority."

"Following this spirit, our government aims to provide employment to the youth through industry conclaves, and create new industries to provide jobs for the poor, women, and all. This is our government's priority," he said, highlighting that revival of industries that were shut down for various reasons during previous governments would also get attention.

The CM said the government also planned to resolve workers' cases pending in court.

Polling for bypolls in the state is scheduled for November 13 and the ruling BJP and the rival INDIA bloc are lining up their star campaigners for victory.

Seniors leaders from both sides are scheduled to address multiple rallies and meetings with party workers. However, CM Yadav will be in Jharkhand to campaign for the first phase Assembly elections slated on November 13. He will addressing two public rallies for BJP's candidates in Gadhwa and Simariya Assembly seats.

More than 2.76 lakh voters in Budhni and 2.54 lakh voters in Vijayapur will vote to elect new members for the state Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Bypolls in Budhni, the bastion of BJP stalwart Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was necessitated by his resignation from the state Assembly after being elected to the Lok Sabha. The four-time former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Chouhan is now the Union Agriculture Minister.

In Chouhan's absence, the BJP has fielded Ramakant Bhargava against Congress' two-time former MLA Rajkumar Patel.

The Vijayapur by-poll was necessitated by Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat's resignation from the party and also the Assembly. The six-time former MLA joined the ruling BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

Located in the Sheopur district of the Gwalior-Chambal region, the Vijaypur constituency has been one of the safest seats for the Congress for three decades.

In the past eight Assembly elections held between 1990 and 2023, the Congress won the Vijaypur seat six times and the BJP twice (1998 and 2018). However, in the last election held in November 2023, a close contest was witnessed between Congress' Ramniwas Rawat and BJP candidate Babulal Mevra.

Rawat won the election with a margin of little over 17, 000 votes. It was Rawat's sixth victory from the Vijaypur Assembly.

Rawat, who is the state forest minister, will be contesting Wednesday's bye-election on BJP's symbol. The Congress has fielded Mukesh Malhotra, relatively a less popular leader, against Rawat.

After the voting on November 13, results for both the seats will be declared on November 23.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a bail petition filed by Karnataka's sensational sex video case prime accused and former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is the grandson of former PM H.D. Deve Gowda.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi, appearing for Revanna, contended that opponents orchestrated a conspiracy to gain political mileage. "I was earlier an MP, I was contesting for MP and I lost because of all this," he said, adding that a charge sheet has been filed against Revanna and he has been behind bars for four months.

Refusing to entertain the matter, a bench, headed by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, dismissed Revannaas special leave petition seeking bail. Further, the Bench, also comprising Justice S.C. Sharma, said that it would not pass any order granting liberty to apply afresh for bail after a period of six months.

In an order passed on October 21, the Karnataka High Court had rejected Revannaas plea for bail in connection with two rape cases and a case of recording of video of a victim of sexual harassment.

Prajwal Revanna is facing four cases in connection with the sex video scandal.

One of the victims from Hassan had filed a rape case against Prajwal Revanna in Bengaluru Cyber police station. The trial court had earlier rejected the bail in the matter. Another case is related to the sexual assault of a maid at the farmhouse in Holenarasipura. The disturbing video of the incident has gone viral on social media during the Lok Sabha election, with the footage of the aged maid, pleading with him to spare her as she is an elderly lady, who served food to his father and other elders of the family as she was sexually assaulted, had stirred outrage.

The victim was kidnapped after the video surfaced on social media and the police had arrested Revanna's father and JD-S MLA H.D. Revanna. Presently, he is out on conditional bail.

The police had also issued an arrest warrant against Prajwal's mother Bhavani Revanna in the case. However, she managed to obtain anticipatory bail. The bail order was challenged by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Supreme Court and the apex court upheld the bail order passed by the Karnataka High Court.

Another case relates to forcing a woman from Hassan to strip and recording her video when she approached Revanna for her son's admission to a reputed school. Both cases were registered at the Cyber police station in Bengaluru.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : In an emotional video, "Anupamaa" actress Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter, Esha Verma, publicly spoke out against the actress and her father, Ashwin K Verma.

Esha accused them of being "true bullies." She criticized her father for his lack of support and for failing to protect her during her childhood. In a video, Esha also opened up about feeling unsafe around Rupali. She shared that whenever she tried to confide in the actor, her father Ashwin would always take Rupali's side rather than supporting his own daughter.

In the video posted on her Instagram handle, Verma could be heard saying, "Hello everybody. My name is Esha Verma. And, if you know me, you will know me from the stories I have been circling on the internet from last week. I just want to say a big thank you for the kindness and the support I have received from others."

She went on to add, "I may be 26 now, but the pain and memories still stick, affecting both my future and present. Through all of this, I have had to stand up against my bullies. It wasn't just me who was hurt; my mother was, too. They didn't acknowledge me. They chose to abandon me, criticise me, and pick on my insecurities. They never apologised to me, either publicly or personally. What hurt the most was my own father's response- he chose to mock mental health. He didn't shield me from the harsh comments I faced, nor did he protect me throughout my life. And that hurts, truly."

"The wounds that you have healed open up again, especially when you have to see them in the media. I have avoided it, but sometimes it catches your attention. And then it hurts again and again and again, especially when you build your character and career off of lies and hurting someone else. And not once feel guilty about it," Esha further mentioned.

Talking about how her father always took Rupali's side, she stated, "I don't know if he is watching this but a letter or a message to my papa. I'm sorry this had to go this far. But you have never apologised to me. Nor did you listen. You always shut me down. I felt unsafe around her, especially. I tried to open up to you and you would never take my side. I thought I was your little girl. Growing up, I told everyone about you, my friends and family that I wanted to be just like him when I grow up, a filmmaker. You never encouraged that either."

Esha Verma, daughter of Ashwin, has been grabbing headlines ever since she accused Rupali of having an extra marital affair with her father.

Verma, an alumna of Rutgers University-New Brunswick, is currently living in New Jersey with her mother, Sapna, and her sister. Esha's mother, Sapna, won the title of Miss Karnataka in 1986.

For the unversed, Rupali and Ashwin tied the knot in 2013 and are parents to a son, Rudransh.
Pathanamthitta, Nov 11 : A day after youth wing members of CPI-M in Pathanamthitta took over the control of the main road near here on Saturday night to celebrate birthday, Kerala Police is on the lookout for 20 of them.

The police have already arrested Shiyas, the birthday boy who led the celebrations by taking over the St Peteras Junction here.

For an hour, the youths, all allegedly belonging to the Democratic Youth Federation of India who came in around 20 cars, celebrated the birthday of Shiyas by cutting a cake placed on the bonnet of a car in the middle of the road.

The celebrations began at 9.15 p.m. and lasted an hour and eyebrows were raised on the way the police acted when the celebrations were going on.

The youth are members of the local club named Kammatipaddom and came in their cars to St Peteras Junction.

Of late, there has been an increase of the youth members, especially those attached to CPI-M to take the law into their hands.

While Shiyas has already been arrested, the police have begun a manhunt to take into custody around 20 more youths and reports indicate that many of them are now in hiding.

Incidentally, this is the second time the youth wing of CPI-M in the district is engaged in such a celebration causing widespread criticism from across the society.

However, the district leadership of the DYFI has feigned ignorance of such an event taking place.

The Pathanamthitta district is a stronghold of the CPI-M-led Left and all five Assembly constituencies are with the ruling CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front.

Journalist turned State Health Minister Vienna George hails from the district.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : NCP National President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is contesting from his home turf Baramati against nephew and NCP(SP) nominee Yogendra Pawar, on Monday asserted that he will win with a margin of over one lakh votes.

Ajit Pawar, who recently admitted that it was his mistake to field wife Sunetra Pawar against cousin and NCP(SP) candidate Supriya Sule from Baramati in the Lok Sabha elections, said that the Baramatikars will vote for him considering his record as a doer and performer, especially due to the implementation of a slew of development projects over the year, for scaling up Baramati's development.

Ajit Pawar's statement comes when his estranged uncle and NCP(SP) President Sharad Pawar is solidly standing with grandnephew and party nominee Yogendra Pawar seeking votes based on his association with Baramati for over five-and-half decades.

"Considering Sharad Pawar's age, you elected Supriya Sule to the Lok Sabha. He (Sharad Pawar) will not like Supriya Sule's defeat at this age. So you did correct. We accepted it," says Ajit Pawar during his poll rallies.

He however, tells the voters that they would have to vote for him now to increase the pace of Baramati's development as it would be possible with the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra and the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

"Baramatikars are in two minds. I request them that as they have cast their votes for Supriya Sule in the Lok Sabha, now it's time to vote for me in the Assembly elections. I have carried out a maximum number of projects in Baramati during my political career. During that time many people had started working with me. Keep aside disputes and differences among villages for a moment and vote for me," said Ajit Pawar during his interaction with Baramatikars on Monday.

He also made similar appeals during his recent village-level meetings in Baramati constituency.

"You voted for Supriya Sule in the Lok Sabha elections to make Sharad Pawar happy. Now support me by casting your votes to make me happy," said Ajit Pawar.

He claimed that the Mahayuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP will win more than 175 seats in the 288-member state Assembly.

"The Mahayuti leaders and cadres belonging to the respective allies are working hard for victory. Moreover, Mahayuti leaders are holding rallies across Maharashtra," he said.

Ajit Pawar, who during his budget launched a slew of welfare and development schemes worth Rs 1 lakh crore, slammed the Opposition for allegedly setting a fake narrative in the Lok Sabha polls that hit the Mahayuti but claimed that it won't work during the Assembly elections as the Mahayuti government's schemes have received an overwhelming response from the people of the state.

He took a dig at the Opposition saying, "The Opposition criticised our schemes and now all over schemes appear in their manifesto. They were asking us where we will get the money for these schemes, now they should answer from where will the Maha Vikas Aghadi get the money."

"The Maha Vikas Aghadi is misleading the people. They will not come to power, so they are trying to get people's votes by making whatever announcements they want," he said.

Commenting on the present state of onion and sugarcane farmers, Ajit Pawar said, "Earlier onion farmers did not get good prices due to the export ban. This impacted us in the Lok Sabha elections. I requested the Centre and today onion farmers are getting good prices. Sugarcane farmers are also getting good prices for sugarcane."

Meanwhile, NCP(SP) nominee Yogendra Pawar on Monday asserted, "There is no pressure to fight against uncle (Ajit Pawar) though I feel bad. Such things should not happen in any family."

He further said, "I will not talk about Ajit Pawar as he is elder to me. I am not in Baramati to oppose anyone but to support Sharad Pawar."

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Hyderabad, Nov 11 : A student of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge and Technologies (RGUKT), also known as the IIIT Basar, in Basar town of Telangana's Nirmal district, committed suicide on Monday.

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (IANS) A student of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge and Technologies (RGUKT), also known as the IIIT Basar, in Basar town of Telanganaas Nirmal district, committed suicide on Monday.

Sai Priya, 17, hanged herself in her hostel room on the campus of RGUKT.

Hailing from Armoor in the Nizamabad district, she was a student of the Pre-University Course (PUC) second year. According to police, she was staying in the room with two others.

On Monday morning, she was alone in the room when her roommates had gone for breakfast. On their return they found her hanging from the ceiling fan. They alerted the university authorities, who informed the police.

The reason for the girl's extreme step was not known. Police found a suicide note in the room. The body was sent for autopsy and an investigation was launched.

This is the first suicide on the campus since the recent appointment of the in-charge Vice-Chancellor.

IIIT Basar has reported several student suicides in recent years.

In April, B. Arvind, 17, allegedly hanged himself in the hostel on the campus Hailing from Siddipet district, he was also a student of PUC second year. He took the extreme step just two days before the commencement of exams. In February, a 17-year-old female student ended her life in the hostel as she was unable to digest the death of a relative.

At least six students at IIIT Basar committed suicide in 2023.

In November, a 19-year-old engineering student killed himself on the campus. He was depressed after the death of his mother. On August 8, 2023, a 17-year-old student of PUC first year was found hanging in the hostel room on the varsityas campus. The student is suspected to have ended his life after he reportedly grew homesick. Hailing from Sangareddy district, he had joined the institute a week ago and he was reportedly feeling lonely.

On June 15, a girl student died under suspicious circumstances. The PUC first year student fell down from the fourth floor of the hostel building on the campus. On June 13, a girl student of PUC first year was found hanging in the bathroom on the varsity campus. She resorted to the extreme step after writing the physics exam. The student, hailing from the Sangareddy district, was reportedly under mental stress. The university had reported two suicides in 2022.
Ranchi, Nov 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed Jharkhand BJP booth workers in an interactive session under the 'Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot' initiative. He said that while the state is rich in resources and potential, it has suffered due to corruption, mafia influence, and poor governance under the current regime.

Commending the BJP workers, PM Modi said that their dedicated efforts were visible throughout the state, giving the Opposition sleepless nights.

"We must liberate Jharkhand from corruption, mafia influence, and ineffective governance," he stated, adding that the role of booth workers is crucial in achieving this goal.

In his online interaction, PM Modi highlighted that while Jharkhand is resource-rich, its people remain impoverished due to rampant corruption and lack of development. Unemployment is at an all-time high, and infrastructure issues have stifled tourism, despite the state's natural beauty, he said.

He said that Jharkhand needs a "double-engine government" to ensure rapid development, aligning with the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

The Prime Minister encouraged BJP workers to focus on grassroots engagement and praising their dedication said that this would yield results. He announced that he would visit the state again on November 13, the day of polling for the first phase of elections in the state.

During the interaction, a booth president Rajiv from Ranchi's Chutia Mandal, spoke about the BJP's election manifesto, particularly the 'Gogo Didi' scheme, which promises Rs 2,000 per month to women, and the Yuva Sathi Allowance.

Praising the scheme PM Modi called it a testament to the manifestoas strength. He also expressed pride in its appreciation by the national media.

Pankaj Mandal from Rajmahal also voiced optimism, sharing that BJP is expected to win in his region as youth discontent has grown due to paper leaks and unmet promises from the present coalition government.

PM Modi criticised the Congress, JMM, and RJD for making hollow promises over the past five years, contrasting this with the BJP's track record of fulfilling commitments in states like Odisha. He assured that the BJP, if elected in Jharkhand, would swiftly honour its promises.

Encouraging workers as elections approach, PM Modi advised them to engage with the public in small groups with enthusiasm. "Make voting a celebration," he urged, suggesting workers "vote first, then enjoy refreshments."

He expressed confidence in the impact of the Gogo Didi scheme, noting that when funds go directly into women's accounts, they are used effectively, which bolsters faith in the BJPas governance.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Ahead of Delhi Assembly elections, AAP Convener and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday highlighted the strides made by government schools here, claiming that students from poor families are now clearing exams like NEET and IIT-JEE.

Paying tribute to the country's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary, observed as National Education Day, Kejriwal said, "We have proven in Delhi that a government can make high-class schools."

Highlighting the education model of the AAP government, Kejriwal said in a post on social media handle X, "Students are leaving private schools to join Delhi government schools."

He said that the AAP government has helped parents realise their dream of making their children officers by getting good education in high-quality institutions.

"I interacted with some parents on Sunday. I met the parents of children studying in Delhi government schools, I was touched by their trust and confidence in us. They were very happy... What bigger certificate than this do we need?" said Kejriwal.

He said that if parents visit the big schools of the city and check out the facilities there, they would be surprised to note that we are offering comparable provisions in our government schools.

Kejriwal, however, cautioned that it was not the time to sit over laurels related to the education reform in the city.

"What we have achieved in the education sector so far is like a sapling. We need to nurture into a big tree, if it is trampled at this stage then it will spell doom for the future of children in the country," he said.

Looking to seek voters' support for the upcoming Assembly election, Kejriwal said, "We are not power-hungry but our aim is that there should be continuity in the good work initiated in the fields of education, health, water and power."

"We want these achievements to become permanent or irreversible so that the future generations continue to benefit from it, whether we remain in power or not," he said.

Elections to pick a new 70-member Delhi Assembly are likely to be held in February. The AAP is looking to score a hat-trick while the Opposition BJP and Congress are desperate to return to power after a decade.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : The Donald Trump presidency in the US could have a significant impact on the oil market, with potential growth largely dictated by price, according to a report on Monday.

Additional US oil production means a well drilling cost requirement of $64 per barrel. Going forward, in a couple of years, these costs could scale up to the $67 and $70 range as per the forward prices, according to the report by Ventura Securities.

The new US administration's push for increased US oil production through aggressive drilling policies may lead to shifts in global supply dynamics.

Trade tensions, particularly tariffs, could introduce new uncertainties, affecting crude prices and US export competitiveness.

"The geopolitical landscape, including Middle East tensions and sanctions on countries like Iran, could further influence oil prices. These factors together will play a crucial role in shaping the global oil market's trajectory under Trump's leadership," the report mentioned.

There is a potential to see more US production on account of the approach and insistence on "more drilling" and trade policies.

"Trade uncertainty and frictions remain a headwind to crude prices, specifically when it comes to US energy prices. There are likely retaliatory effects against US exports due to US import trade tariffs," the report noted.

In 2018, there was a significant fall in Iranian oil exports due to the re-imposing of sanctions against Iran.

"If there is a resurgence of such sanctions, we could witness a potential loss of supply from the oil market, an upside price risk erasing surplus expectations," the report said.

At present, sanctions have not been strictly enforced, and Iran has been able to increase exports significantly. The outcome of this would be pressure on OPEC+ to increase output. The current market prices stand at CMP WTI Crude at $70, Brent at $74, and MCX November Futures at Rs 6,024. The Trump regime may also bring comfort to the oil industry by investing in pipeline infrastructure, thereby increasing crude oil output.
Garhwa : , Nov 11 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while campaigning for BJP candidates in Jharkhand on Monday, urged voters to remain united with the slogan, "batenge to katenge (if we remain divided, we will perish)" and "ek rahenge to safe rahenge (if we stay united, we will be safe)." Garhwa (Jharkhand), Nov 11 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while campaigning for BJP candidates in Jharkhand on Monday, urged voters to remain united with the slogan, abatenge to katenge (if we remain divided, we will perish)" and aek rahenge to safe rahenge (if we stay united, we will be safe)."

Addressing a gathering in the Bhawanathpur Assembly constituency, Yogi criticised the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing them of trying to divide society and favouring Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators.

Expressing confidence in a BJP victory in the upcoming elections, Yogi Adityanath claimed that the enthusiastic crowds at BJP rallies in Jharkhand indicate strong support.

"The formation of a BJP government after November 23 is certain," he declared.

He also criticised the current Jharkhand government for allowing land, mining, and forest mafias to operate freely, alongside Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, and stone pelters who, according to him, are creating chaos in the state.

"Once our government is in power, we will crack down on all stone pelters, goons, and mafia elements," he promised.

Drawing a parallel to Uttar Pradesh, Yogi warned that those who disrupt peace and security in festivals there face swift action and severe consequences, implying strict action against troublemakers.

Yogi Adityanath labelled the ruling coalition in Jharkhand as steeped in nepotism and dynastic politics, claiming it revolves around just three families based in Ranchi, Patna, and Delhi. "These parties view power as a tool for personal gain, with no vision for development beyond their own families," he alleged.

He said that only the BJP can effectively govern the state with a balance of tradition and development. "The BJP stands for development, cleanliness, good governance, prosperity, and respect for heritage," he added.

Highlighting the achievements of the Modi government at the Centre, Yogi listed several welfare schemes that have benefitted millions over the years. He pointed out that 80 crore people are being provided free rations, four crore houses have been built under the PM Awas Yojana, and toilets have been constructed for ten crore poor households. Additionally, the Ujjwala Yojana has reached ten crore women, and Kisan Nidhi has supported 12 crore farmers, he said.

On health care, Yogi stated that the government has ensured free treatment for 50 crore underprivileged citizens, with a new plan to extend health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for every person over the age of 70 years, regardless of caste, community, or religion.

Talking about the BJP's 'Panch Pran (five vows)' agenda for Jharkhand, Yogi outlined key promises, including the implementation of the 'Gogo Didi Yojana' to provide women with Rs 2,100 every month. He also pledged affordable LPG cylinders at Rs 500 each, with two free cylinders per year, an unemployment allowance of Rs 2,000 for graduate and post-graduate youth, and free housing for 21 lakh poor families.
Bengaluru, Nov 11 : Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has stated that Dalits are not allowed inside temples at many places across the state. "The society should understand that God is the same for all and ensure equality," he appealed.

Bengaluru, Nov 11 (IANS) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has stated that Dalits are not allowed inside temples at many places across the state. "The society should understand that God is the same for all and ensure equality," he appealed.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Monday, Parameshwara made the statement while reacting to an incident reported from Hanakere village in Mandya district, where the god's idol was taken away from the temple by upper caste persons for allowing Dalits inside the temple.

Parameshwara stated, "The district administration and the Muzrai department will take action on the Hanakere incident where the idol of the god was taken away. Many such incidents are taking place across the state."

"In many temples, Dalits are not allowed inside the temples in the state. Society needs to understand this. The times have changed but even today Dalits are denied entry to temples. We are not living in the old era. We have changed and God is the same for all. The times have gone when gods were segregated. Society should understand and everyone should be given opportunity," Parameshwara stated.

Tension prevailed in the Hanakere village in Mandya district on Sunday after the district authorities made way for the Dalits to enter the temple and worship the deity 'Kalabhairaveshwara' for the first time. After this, on Sunday night, the god's idol was taken away by the upper caste people opposing the entry of Dalits to the temple.

Reacting to a statement by a religious seer in the state that Children should be given swords instead of pens, he stated, "We will see which law this statement attracts and we will take action. Religion can be propagated but provocations should not be there. Religion is all about righteousness. If they indulge in provocation, then it is unfortunate."

The religious leaders, irrespective of their religion, do not need politics, he stated.

Reacting to charges of Muslim appeasement, Parameshwara stated, "After Independence, the Congress party is treating all Indians equally. The Constitutional objectives are followed by the party. There is no question of appeasement of Muslims. Dalits, backwards and Muslims remain at the lower strata of the society. We will devise programmes to bring them to the mainstream."

The Congress party has implemented guarantees in Karnataka for all without seeing their religious or caste backgrounds, he underlined.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking the postponement of by-elections to the four Assembly seats in Bihar in view of the week-long Chhath Puja.

"It seems that it's too late to interfere in the by-elections scheduled to be held on November 13. No case for interference is made out. The petition is dismissed," a bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant, ordered.

Further, the bench, also comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, turned down the prayer that the Election Commission should decide the representations filed by the petitioner Jan Suraaj Party seeking deferment of Bihar bypolls.

Last week, a bench headed by (then) 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 before the apex court 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," said the petition.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Devkinandan Thakur, a well-known spiritual guru on Monday demanded the formation of a 'Sanatan Board' after Islamic cleric Tauqeer Raza made "inflammatory" and "provocative" remarks.

Raza, a prominent religious leader, ignited a major controversy on Sunday with his remarks, where he urged the Muslim youths to come together and lodge a protest in the national capital for 'arm-twisting' the government in meeting their demands.

Addressing a gathering in Jaipur, Raza reportedly said, "Kisi ke baap ki aukaat nahin ki who hamari sampati zabt kar sake (no one has the guts to take over our property)," apparently referring to the issue of Waqf properties. "The day we come on the streets, your soul will tremble. Our youth are not cowards. We have kept our youth under control, but the day they go out of control, you won't be able to stop them," he said.

Talking to IANS, Devkinandan Thakur said, "We are demanding three things from the 'Sanatan Dharma Sansad.' Our first demand is to establish the 'Sanatan Board', our second demand is to form 'Krishna Bhoomi Mandir,' and our third demand is to take strict action in the Tirupati Balaji temple matter."

He further slammed Raza for using unconstitutional words and demanded strict action against him.

"He has used inflammatory remarks and I am requesting the government to take strict action on this matter. Raza is trying to scare 100 Crore 'Sanatanis.' There are some people in our country who are trying to create situations like Bangladesh," he concluded.

The comments come amid growing tensions between Muslim organisations and the government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to overhaul the management of Waqf properties, many of which have long been managed by boards under state governments.

Meanwhile, Muslim scholars in Jaipur have also announced plans for a massive march to Delhi on November 24, just ahead of the upcoming Parliament session. The march is organised as a protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill, with leaders asserting that the bill could lead to the expropriation of Muslim community properties.
By making a decadent, not-safe-for-work tableau at a high-energy strip club look like just another day at the office, Anora sets itself apart in its opening minutes.

The actress at the heart of the film, whose total believability in the title role of an exotic dancer invites the audience along on a most unusual adventure, used her moment in the spotlight at the 37th Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville to share the credit with a trusted team.

Mikey Madison may be receiving plenty of Academy Award buzz these days for her work in director Sean Bakers Anora, which won the prestigious Palme dOr prize at this years Cannes Film Festival, but when audience members at the sold-out Paramount Theater gala screening Oct. 30 stayed on their feet for an extended ovation, she reacted with humility and a sincere joy in validation.

I knew how much this film meant to me, said Madison, who was presented with the film festivals Achievement in Acting Award. No matter what, it would be one persons favorite film.

Anora began opening in select theaters Oct. 18 and has since opened nationwide, giving larger audiences the chance to discover why the film festival audience found itself laughing, gasping and falling in love with a complex character who savors the dance of life.

By mining unexpected subject matter to uncover a deeply human story, Anora fits into a decadeslong tradition of Virginia Film Festival screenings that captivate audiences with the power of story and craft. During a post-screening conversation with Marcus Jones, awards editor for IndieWire, Madison described the intense preparation the role of Anora required.

Anora works in a tough environment filled with even tougher hearts, but her carefully concealed human vulnerability starts to emerge as she gets caught up in playing a wealthy, young clients girlfriend for a week. The whirl of partying and overindulgence ends with an impulsive Las Vegas wedding, and the dancer allows herself to dream that her new marriage could be her ticket to an easier life.

It turns out that the grooms father, the actual source of his bottomless budget, is a Russian oligarch. The grooms mother wants the young couple physically detained and the marriage annulled at once, which launches an extended road-picture quest filled with fumbling henchmen, escalating tensions and an unexpected ballet of physical comedy. The mastery in Madisons portrayal is that her character somehow never comes off as exploited until her heart finally breaks.

Madison spent months learning to speak Russian for a role that called on her to switch languages within rapid-fire sentences. She said she worked hard to master specialized dance techniques so that her character would look like not just an average dancer, but an experienced professional.

I myself am not a dancer at all, but I am a very stubborn person, Madison told Jones. I really buckled down. I wanted to know how to do a lap dance. I wanted to know how to twerk. (Spoiler alert: check and check.)

It made me more in tune with my body, Madison said. All of these things are part of what makes a character.

Madison said that the work of many colleagues helps Anora tell the tale, starting with the costume designers. Some of the scanty strip-club costumes may be difficult to spot without magnification, but the films wardrobe helps tell a larger story of haves, have-nots and have-more-than-you-ever-thought-possibles. Suit quality instantly separates the oligarchs smartly tailored wife from the lawyers hired to sort out the international incident.

So much of her outfit choices are symbolic, Madison said of Anora, to whom the valuable sable coat her new husband buys her on a whim signifies wealth and arrival. To her, thats her dream life.

Madison gave director Baker and her acting castmates credit for establishing an atmosphere of trust and teamwork to pull off a frenetic annulment-chase caper packed with intimidation, injuries and running gags that bring an element of the screwball comedy from Hollywoods golden age.

I was very committed to doing my own stunts, the diminutive Madison said. Theres not really any training that can prepare you for something like that. All of a sudden, youre fighting this grown man. Ani [Anoras preferred nickname] is fighting for her life. I always wanted her to keep fighting and keep going.

I think she is an incredibly intuitive person, she added. She has fallen in love with the idea of this life. It has broken her heart from the beginning, but shes going to go for it.

She praised Baker and the cast for committing to a collaborative process that valued both script and improvisational contributions, adding that she knew some of the scenes would be absurd. I think we were all committed to the moment.

Ani is such a firecracker. Shes not thinking about what she says before she says it. Shes a free spirit.

Before the lights dimmed for the opening-night screening, Tom Quinn, founder and CEO of Neon, accepted the Virginia Film Festivals Impresario Award on behalf of the film company behind the feature. Neon is known for Parasite, Spencer, Portrait of a Lady on Fire and other films that have collected top awards and nominations.

Quinn called the Neon team the luckiest bastards in the business; we get to do what we love and gave the team credit for achieving Palme dOr recognition after staying true to the companys earliest dreams.

We were going to do movies that matter, movies with purpose, Quinn told the Paramount audience, adding that we survived a pandemic, we survived [an actors] strike, and, hell we thrived.

Before the screening began, Quinn said, What youre going to see tonight is a classic American film. Im here to remind us all that cinema is us.

Anora herself likely would second that emotion.
N'djamena : , Nov 11 (IANS) At least 96 Boko Haram militants were killed and 11 others injured in a clearance operation conducted by Chadian troops in the Lake Chad region, the army said, adding 15 Chadian soldiers were killed and 32 others injured.

In a statement on Sunday, the army spokesman, General Issakh Acheikh, said that the troops also seized arms and equipment during the operation on Saturday, which was continuing.

"The situation is totally under control," Acheikh said.

Chad began the operation dubbed "Haskanite" after Boko Haram attacked a military base on Barkaram island near the border with Nigeria in late October, resulting in the deaths of over 40 Chadian soldiers, reports Xinhua news agency.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said the operation was intended to dislodge Boko Haram militants from Lake Chad.
Kabul, Nov 11 : Police have arrested a gang of criminals in northern Afghanistan's Balkh province, said a statement of the provincial police office on Monday.

The arrested criminals were allegedly involved in theft and robbery in the provincial capital, Mazar-i-Sharif city, reports Xinhua news agency, citing the statement.

To ensure law and order, police units have intensified patrol, mostly with motorcycles elsewhere in the province, the statement further said.

Police have also discovered a machinegun and taken into custody two individuals on a charge of attempts to smuggle the weapon out of the eastern Laghman province on Sunday.

Spokesman for the Ministry of Interior Affairs Abdul Mateen Qani said the police would spare no efforts to ensure law and order in the country.
Chennai, Nov 11 : Tamil Nadu Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Manickam Tagore, has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, expressing concern over recent policy changes by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) that could negatively impact millions of agents and policyholders.

The senior Congress leader has called for the Union Finance Minister's immediate intervention to protect the welfare of LIC agents and policyholders.

Tagore's letter describes recent amendments to LIC policies as deeply troubling, with potential adverse effects on the livelihoods of approximately 1.4 million LIC agents and millions of policyholders who rely on LIC for affordable life insurance.

In his letter, Tagore notes that LIC has recently raised the minimum sum assured to Rs. 2 lakh and increased premium rates, which could disproportionately impact rural, lower-income, and middle-income groups. These groups, he suggests, may now struggle to afford life insurance at higher premiums.

Tagore also criticises LIC for not increasing agents' commission rates, noting that as of October 1, 2024, the commission rates have even been reduced.

Furthermore, he highlights that the annual bonuses declared by LIC have been decreasing over time, diminishing the value of policies for policyholders.

The Congress MP expressed particular concern over the "clawback commission" policy, which holds agents responsible for policy surrenders, requiring them to repay the commission earned.

He argued that this is unfair, as agents should not be penalised for policyholder decisions that may be influenced by factors beyond their control.

Tagore's letter concludes by urging the Union Finance Minister to review these changes and take corrective action to ensure LIC continues to provide accessible and affordable life insurance to all sections of society.

He contends that decisions affecting LIC agents and policyholders should consider their welfare, rather than being skewed in favour of corporate interests.
Bengaluru, Nov 11 : Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday exuded confidence over Congress' stellar show in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections and said that the party will register victory in no less than 80 constituencies.

Talking to media, Parameshwara, also the AICC Observer for Maharashtra said, "Congress party's alliance with Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackery is working out well and party workers are upbeat. We are contesting in 103 seats and we will win more than 80 seats. Congress is going to win in Vidarbha, north Maharashtra, Konkan region and Mumbai regions."

Countering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charge that Rs 700 crore has been collected from Karnataka for Maharashtra elections, he remarked, "if any other BJP leader had made this statement, it would be different. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is passing a comment which is not true. I don't know what evidence he has to make such a statement."

"Prime Minister said that money has been mobilized by Excise department. He shouldn't have made such comments," he maintained.

Lashing out at Mahayuti dispensation, he said, "The governments headed by Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde are most corrupt and the people of Maharashtra have come to know about this. Corruption has become a major issue in Maharashtra election."

Speaking on bypolls in Karnataka, he said that Congress party would win in all three assembly seats headed for by-elections in the state.

"Today open campaigning will come to an end and voters will soon cast their votes. I have confidence that the Congress party will win in all three seats," he stated.

Answering a question, Parameshwara stated, "We are not carrying out witch-hunting in connection with the Covid scam. While facing 2023 assembly election, we claimed that in 2019 the BJP government had indulged in corruption. After forming the government, we constituted the committee and the retired justice gave the report."
Agartala, Nov 11 : Raising a politically significant issue, ruling BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP) demanded to increase the tribal reserved seats from 20 to 25 in the 60-member Tripura assembly even as the tribals constitute one-third of the state's around four million populations.

The BJP, opposition CPI-M and the Congress are yet to officially announce their stand on the TMP's "sensitive" demand, the leaders of the three national parties unofficially termed the demand as "illogical".

TMP supremo and Tripura's former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma said that 25 seats out of 60 Tripura assembly seats must be reserved for the tribals and one seat for the Manipuri community.

A top state BJP leader said that they would discuss the TMP's demand within their party forum.

Out of the total of 60 seats, 10 more seats are reserved for the Scheduled Caste community.

Debbarma also announced that the TMP would organise a statewide mass deputation programme on November 14 in support of their demands, which also included implementation of the tripartite accord signed earlier this year with the Centre and the Tripura governments.

Addressing the memoranda to Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, the deputations would be submitted to all eight District Magistrates, all Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Block Development Officers, the TMP's founder chief told the media.

The TMP leaders on Sunday held a meeting with all the 13 MLAs, all the members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and leaders of different blocks, sub-divisions and districts.

As the crucial elections to the 587 Village Committees under TTAADC, are likely to be held within the next two to three months, the tribal-based party TMP is intensifying its pressure on the state government to address the tribal-related issues.

The elections in the Village Committees, equivalent to Gram Panchayats in the non-TTAADC areas, are long overdue.

The TMP leader also demanded inclusion of the eligible voters from among the Reang tribal refugees in the voters lists which would be used in the upcoming Village Committee elections.

After a quadripartite agreement was signed in January 2020 between the Centre, Tripura, and Mizoram governments and the Reang tribal leaders, 37,136 tribal displaced persons from Mizoram resettled in Tripura's 12 locations under eight districts.

Debbarma also emphasised the urgent need for the implementation of the 125th Amendment of the Constitution, which seeks to empower tribal communities.

"Both the BJP and the opposition parties in Tripura have expressed their support for this critical amendment, yet it remains delayed for reasons unknown," he stated.

The TMP, which has been governing the politically important TTAADC since April 2021 has also been demanding 'Greater Tipraland' (a separate state for the tribals) under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution.

The ruling BJP, opposition CPI-M, and the Congress have been opposing the demand.

After signing a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government on March 2, the opposition TMP joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7 and two of its MLAs - Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma - became ministers.

The BJP along with IPFT and the TMP together fought the recent Lok Sabha elections in Tripura.
Kochi, Nov 11 : Malayalam actor Siddique, whose interim anticipatory bail granted by the Supreme Court on alleged charges of raping a young actress is ending soon, has accused the Kerala Police of "cooking up baseless stories" about him in the case.

In his affidavit filed in the apex court, Siddique argues that he was made an accused without conducting a proper probe, and contended that the police probe team is raising issues which even the actress who filed the complaint against him has not raised.

The actor also accused the police of creating a scenario for a "media trial" against him on the baseless allegations against him.

Siddique also sought to bring to the attention of the court that he is not at all a "powerful personality" and is one who has done a huge majority of his roles as a supporting actor only.

The Supreme Court had last month extended, for two weeks, the interim anticipatory bail to Siddique.

A bench of Justices Bela M. Trivedi and S.C. Sharma decided to extend the interim relief after Siddiqueas counsel sought time to file rejoinder arguments to the status report filed by the Kerala Police.

The apex court, without entering into the contentions raised, adjourned the hearing for two weeks and in the meantime, ordered an extension of interim relief.

In an earlier order passed on September 30, the Supreme Court issued notice on Siddiqueas plea for anticipatory bail and granted him interim pre-arrest bail.

A police case against Siddique was registered based on a complaint by an actress who accused him of raping her in a state-owned hotel in Thiruvananthapuram in 2016. The actress, who initially hesitated to file a police complaint, later emailed the state police chief alleging that Siddique raped her after she refused to give in to his demands for sexual favours in exchange for a role in a Tamil movie.

When this revelation came, Siddique, who was recently elected as the General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), quit the post. After that, the entire Executive Committee, chaired by President Mohanlal, also resigned.

Siddique had contended that this particular actress had been harassing him since 2019 by making repeated claims on social media that he tried to molest her at a theatre in 2016, and after the Justice Hema Committee report was published, she made a more serious allegation of rape at a different place in the same year.

Trouble began for Siddique when on September 24, the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail. In a few hours, Siddique went missing and police were unable to trace and arrest him. He re-surfaced after September 30 when the apex court granted him bail and asked him to present himself before the probe team.

In the wake of the explosive Justice Hema Committee report on the condition of women in the Malayalam film industry, released in August, a storm of allegations was unleashed against its leading figures. As a few former actresses publicly revealed their bad experiences, police were quick to act, registering numerous FIRs against various film personalities.
Kyiv, Nov 11 : At least six people were killed and 23 others injured in overnight strikes in the cities of Mykolayiv and Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine on Monday, local authorities said.

Russian forces attacked Mykolayiv with Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones at around 1:50 a.m. local time, killing five and injuring one, regional governor Vitaliy Kim said in a post on Telegram.

Fires were sparked in the city while an apartment building and a private home were destroyed, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting Kim.

In Zaporizhzhia, a 71-year-old man was killed, and 22 people were wounded in three airstrikes shortly after midnight, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov.

A residential building, a dormitory and a car dealership were damaged in the strikes, said Fedorov.

The Ukrainian capital also came under drone attacks overnight but sustained no casualties or damage, said the Kyiv City Military Administration.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail, on medical grounds, to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate.

The 75-year-old former Jet Airways chairman is suffering from cancer and has sought bail in the case to undergo treatment.

Goyal had earlier been granted "interim bail" on medical grounds which has now been made permanent.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Goyal in September 2023 as he was accused in a case of siphoning out Rs 538.62 crore, which was given to Jet Airways as a loan by Canara Bank, and laundering the money for personal use.

The ED counsel had opposed the bail plea, arguing that Goyal could be admitted to a hospital of his choice to undergo treatment while still remaining in custody.

In May 2024, the Bombay High Court granted interim bail to Goyal for two months, which later extended another two months. Naresh Goyal's wife, Anita Goyal, was also arrested in November 2023 when the ED submitted a charge sheet in the case. A special court granted her bail the same day, citing her age and health condition. She died on May 16, 2024.

The Supreme Court, last week, ordered the liquidation of cash-strapped Jet Airways, saying that the resolution plan, approved five years ago, is no longer capable of implementation.

A Bench, headed by then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, allowed the lenders' plea against the transfer of ownership of the grounded airline to Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC).

The Bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj, invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution "for doing complete justice" between the parties and ordered the appointment of a liquidator forthwith. Further, it ordered the forfeiture of Rs 200 crore infused by the JKC and directed lenders to invoke the Rs 150 crore Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG).

In the plea filed before the apex court, the Committee of Creditors (CoC), led by the State Bank of India, has said that the proposed revival plan was not in the best interest of lenders and questioned the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) order upholding the resolution plan.

In January this year, the Supreme Court ordered JKC, the successful resolution professional bidder for the cash-strapped airline, to deposit Rs 150 crore in an escrow account jointly held by the State Bank of India and JKC. It had cautioned that legal consequences would follow if the JKC failed to furnish the bank guarantee.
Kolkata, Nov 11 : Acting on the reports of the Central intelligence agencies on threat perception, the Union government has decided to expand the ambit of security provided to Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly.

Sources aware of the development said that till now, Adhikari was entitled to "Z" category security only within the state of West Bengal. However, considering the threat perspective as highlighted in the Central intelligence report, henceforth, the same security will be provided to the Leader of the Opposition wherever he will be travelling within India.

So far, Adhikari was entitled to "Y" category security in any state other than West Bengal.

While "Y" category is a security detail of eight personnel, including one or two commandos and police personnel; "Z" category is a security detail of 22 personnel, including four to six NSG commandos and police personnel.

It is learnt that the LoP will also be entitled to a bullet-proof vehicle.

Sources said in their reports the Central intelligence agencies have highlighted the nature of "threat perception" on Adhikari and also the reasons why he should be entitled for equal security arrangement in any part of the country that he will be going to.

Adhikari was entitled to security provided by the state government as the previous member of the state Cabinet before he joined BJP before the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.

However, as he resigned both from the state Cabinet as well as as a ruling party legislator before the 2021 polls, he refused to accept security provided by the state government. Thereafter the Union government arranged for his security.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Trinamool Congress complained to the Election Commission of India against Adhikari, accusing him of making inflammatory statements and communal remarks violating the Model Code of Conduct during the election campaign for bypolls for the six Assembly constituencies in West Bengal on Wednesday.

In the letter, a copy of which is available with IANS, the ruling party has accused the LoP of targeting the Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Samirul Islam and also India's neighbouring country of Bangladesh.
Bengaluru, Nov 11 : Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association said on Monday that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured that no Kashmiri student will have to shave their beard in nursing and medical colleges and their cultural and religious practices will be respected.

The Chief Minister's Office, along with the Principal Secretary for Medical Education, Mohammad Mohsin, IAS, assured that strict action would be taken against the officials involved, the association said.

"A show-cause notice has been issued to the Dean and Director of the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, and the principal has received a formal warning. Medical education authorities have also directed that any future issues of this nature be dealt with immediately," it said.

It added that this timely intervention reassures students across the country of their right to uphold personal beliefs and cultural identity free from discrimination.

"We commend the Karnataka government for its commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity, setting a positive precedent for educational institutions nationwide," the association said.

This assurance follows an incident where approximately more than 30 Kashmiri students at the Government College of Nursing in Holenarasipur were reportedly compelled to shave their beards.

The students association has reiterated that the office of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified on Sunday that the matter has been resolved.

Kashmiri students have provided written statements indicating that the matter has been resolved amicably. The government also sent a notice to the Director and Principal of the college, seeking a report on the incident, the association said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association expressed gratitude to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Principal Secretary for Medical Education for their prompt intervention.

"Medical colleges have been instructed to be cautious when issuing such instructions to prevent misunderstandings and instructions and orders. The right to personal appearance, including the choice to grow a beard, is a fundamental aspect of an individual's freedom and identity. The college administration has apologized for this infringement," it added.

A group of students from Jammu & Kashmir who are pursuing their nursing courses at the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences in Holenarsipura taluk in Hassan district had to write to the Chief Minister and seek his intervention after the college management forced them to trim or clean shave their beards to perform their clinical duties at the college.

The students alleged that the college authorities barred them from participating in any college activities and were marking them absent for their clinical duties if they did not trim or clean shave their beards. The nursing college is affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.

The students contested that it was their cultural and religious practice to grow beards and that they refused to trim or clean shave. However, the college management citing hygiene standards while performing their clinic duties argued that the students need to have well-trimmed or clean-shaven beards. They were asked to trim their beards to a measure of '01' a point little over 0.

The issue led to a face-off between the faculty and the students who were scared that the college management would cut down marks for their internal assessments and that would in turn affect their academic results.

The group of nursing students from the college then contacted the Jammu Kashmir Students Association who in turn wrote to the chief minister's office and sort his intervention to resolve the issue.
Bhopal, Nov 11 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Monday that the state government will approach the high court on the issue of dues of workers of now-defunct Jiyajirao Cotton Mills (J.C.Mills) in Gwalior.

"State government is one of the parties in the matter and we are ready to find a solution to it. MP government will approach the High Court to seek the dues of workers. Over 8000 workers are waiting for their dues. We want a permanent solution to the issue," said the Chief Minister.

He made the statement during a visit to J. C. Mills located in Birla Nagar in the Gwalior district, which remained shut since 1991 following multiple issues, including non-payment of electricity charges.

The Chief Minister asserted that more than 8000 families (of mill workers) have been waiting for their dues for years which needs to be settled on priority.

"No matter when this mill was established and what reasons led to it's closer. We need to find a solution to provide dues of workers," he added.

J. C. Mills was established by Birla Group in 1921. Spread over 700 bighas of land being allotted on the lease agreement. The mill had become a lifeline for workers in the Gwalior-Chambal region. Reportedly, more than 16,000 labourers were working in J. C. Mills.

In 1992, the state government led by then Chief Minister Sunderlal Patwa issued a notice to proprietors regarding dues of electricity bills of around Rs 60 crore.

Due to non-payment of electricity charges, the state government banned power supply in the following years. Since then, one of the largest mills in the state remained shut following which, labour union of J. C. Mills filed a petition before the Gwalior divisional bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Banks such as - PNB, Andhra Bank, BOI, the Oriental Bank of Commerce and some others also filed a joint petition for seeking their outstanding dues from J. C. Mills.

The case is still pending before the court.
Palamu, Nov 11 : In a fiery election speech in Jharkhand's Chhatarpur Assembly constituency, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Addressing the rally, Kharge accused the BJP leadership of hypocrisy, playing divisive politics, and betraying the trust of the people.

Kharge began by questioning the sincerity of PM Modi's claim of being a champion for backward communities. "PM Modi calls himself a son of backward classes, but his actions show that he supports the powerful who oppress the marginalised. He is aligned with those who crush the rights of the backward," Kharge asserted.

Turning his attention to Yogi Adityanath, Kharge hit out at the UP Chief Minister for allegedly inciting violence. "He dresses like a sadhu (saint), but his words -- 'batenge to katenge' (if we remain divided, we will perish) -- are not those of a saint but of a terrorist. A true sadhu is compassionate, not the one who divides," Kharge said.

He continued, "Did Yogi don saffron robes just to lie like PM Modi? Saffron symbolises peace and compassion, yet he demolishes people's homes with bulldozers."

Kharge invoked the memory of Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated by a human bomb, to emphasise the theme of compassion. "When Rajiv Gandhi's body was blown to pieces, Sonia Gandhi still forgave those responsible. That is true compassion, something these so-called leaders will not know about," he stated.

The Congress President went on to accuse the BJP of stoking religious divisions. "They try to divide us along Hindu-Muslim lines, while ironically claiming that it is the other parties that are dividing the nation. BJP's tactics revolve around scaring the public rather than delivering development," he alleged.

Kharge also took aim at the BJP's alleged misuse of central agencies. "PM Modi and his allies are using the ED and Income Tax raids to intimidate our people during elections. Even the Assam Chief Minister threatened our workers in Jharkhand. But let me be clear -- we are not afraid at all. If our ancestors were not afraid of the British, why should we fear them? Our motto is simple: 'If we fear, we perish; hence, we will not fear.'"

Accusing PM Modi and Amit Shah of fear-mongering, Kharge said, "PM Modi has given Amit Shah the power to intimidate, even handing him the Ministry of Cooperation. Is there no one else capable in their party?"

Kharge mocked PM Modi's self-proclaimed divine power. "Modi ji says God sent him to serve people, claiming he did not come from his mother's womb but from above. He may have moved from Gujarat to become an MP in Varanasi, but people have started rejecting his principles. His vote share is dropping because people are now seeing through his lies."

Reminding people of PM Modi's past unfulfilled promises, Kharge said, "He promised to bring back black money and deposit Rs 15 lakh in every person's account. That was a blatant lie. He promised two crore jobs every year -- another lie. Even his pledge to double farmers' incomes turned out to be false. He talked about protecting daughters, but incidents of rape are rampant in Manipur. Rahul Gandhi visited Manipur, but PM Modi lacked the courage to go there because he knows his lies have been exposed. His reputation is sinking like a stone in water."

Accusing the BJP of being anti-reservation, Kharge pointed out, "The Jharkhand Assembly passed a proposal to increase reservations for backward classes, SCs, and STs, but it is stuck with the governor appointed by PM Modi. They don't want the welfare of Dalits, tribals, and backward communities."

Kharge concluded his address with a poetic jab at PM Modi: "I have heard that the sea has grown arrogant; take the boat to where the storm has risen."
Baku, Nov 11 : As the two-week UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) kicked off on Monday in the Azerbaijan capital with a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis, concerns remain over US President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to roll back on the country's carbon-cutting commitments, pulling out of 2015 Paris climate accord.

As White House officials scramble to protect President Joe Bidenas climate plans from the incoming "orange wave", US climate envoy John Podesta said that it could still land its 2035 climate target.

In a second term, Trump may again exit the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement -- an accord aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Former UN Environment Programme executive director Erik Solheim believes the climate coalition will win -- despite Trump's vow to reverse US commitments.

"Trump will withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, maybe even from the UN Climate Convention. Itas, of course, ridiculous that the nation which more than any other has caused global warming, now will leave it to others to solve the mess," Solheim, who is attending the UN climate talks in Baku, wrote on X.

"US emissions up to today are eight times Chinese, 25 times Indian and the difference is even bigger if we compare with small island development states or with Africa," he wrote.

"But still there is hope. I am confident we will win the struggle."

Solheim, who believes the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss have led to a rapidly growing focus on forest conservation and restoration, says itas China, India, and Europe, which are leading on climate, not the US, even under Biden.

"China last year contributed two-thirds of all global renewable energy and produced 60 per cent of the electric cars. India is aiming at 500 gigawatts of solar, wind and hydro by 2030. The European Green New Deal brings European leadership. The world can do well without the US," he contended.

According to Solheim, who was Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme between May 2016 and November 2018, businesses are leading the charge, not governments.

"No major US business saluted when Trump last time abandoned the Paris Agreement. US businesses see opportunities for profits and jobs in climate action. The efforts of the US tech industry to source green power are for instance more important than most government programmes.aPowerful American states support climate action. California, New York and many other states will not relinquish green efforts, but probably fight Trump tooth and nail. The economy of California alone is among the 10 biggest in the world."

"The election of Trump may paradoxically create a more peaceful world. He strongly argued during his campaign that the US should focus on its own borders, not on everyone else borders. The time of the neocons of both US parties who couldnat see a war they didnat like, may be over? Wars in Ukraine, Middle East and elsewhere are colossal diversions from the long-time climate threat. Climate may again be more centrestage in global politics."

Noting the main issue on the table in Baku is climate finance and thereas lots of talk from rich nations about the wonders of private sector investment, but the focus here needs to be on securing public finance commitments, Christian Aidas Global Advocacy Lead, Mariana Paoli, said: "Donald Trump may have won the US election but the rest of the world isnat going to let his folly on climate change and funding from the fossil fuel industry wreck the only planet we call home."

"The US may be about to squander the positive progress it has made on clean energy and climate action over the last four years but other countries can now step up and show they wonat be making the same mistake. This is a moment to reveal who the real climate leaders are on the global stage."

In the run-up to the COP29 talks, New Jersey became the latest US state in the Under2 Coalition, joining the largest global network of states and regions as part of a global network committed to bold climate action and net zero by 2050. The Governor has signed the Global Climate Leadership Memorandum of Understanding, making New Jersey the 17th US State to join the grouping. "We are not only committed to meeting our very ambitious goals, but we are also committed to creating a new generation of economic opportunities," the Governor said.
Bengaluru, Nov 11 : The Karnataka Congress has submitted a petition to the Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot against Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday demanding action for defaming Justice John Michael D'Cunha, investigating the Covid-19 scam.

Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao and Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda met Governor Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru and submitted the memorandum.

Speaking to reporters after submitting the petition, Minister Rao stated: "Union Minister Joshi on Sunday while talking about the report submitted to the government on the Covid scam, directly referring to the inquiry commission's chairperson Justice Michael D'Cunha, spoke in a bad taste about him."

Rao further stated, "Joshi had scolded him and called him a political agent and not a judge. Joshi has made a serious allegation that the preliminary report that he had submitted to the government is done with malice and keeping the by-elections in mind."

"This is unfortunate. Pralhad Joshi is not a common man. He is the Union Minister. It is against the principles of democracy to make lowly comments on the Constitutional benches of inquiries and also to pass personal remarks," he said.

He added that the issue of statements is also against the law, adding that under the Commissions of Inquiries Act, those who lead the inquiries and those who are members of the commission, the comments can't be passed against them and comments which create doubts on the commission of inquiry.

"You can discuss the judgment but one can't say that the judge is acting with malice. On the same lines, Justice Michael D'Cunha has a history of discharging his duties efficiently and last year the Congress government had appointed him to probe the Covid scam," he stated.

Roa said that Justice D'Cunha took charge of the commission last August and submitted the first report in August 2024, adding that the by-elections are being held in November this year and the report was submitted in the last week of August. "There was no connection with the election," Rao clarified.

He said that abusing and defaming statements are deemed as bringing pressure on the commission of inquiry.

"The Union Minister is directly and indirectly pressuring the commission and creating fear. During the process of inquiry, no one should talk on these lines. Hence we approached the Governor and urged for action and told him that the matter has to be brought to the notice of the President," he stated.

He added that a public message will have to be given otherwise all will make public comments on judges and commission of inquiries.

"If such a trend continues, no one will take up the responsibility of holding investigations," Rao maintained.

He said that Pralhad Joshi has passed statements out of "sheer arrogance" and also "out of confidence" that since 'he is a union minister no one can touch him including judges'.

"He should stop issuing statements and tender public apologies," Rao demanded.

He added the statement by Union Minister Joshi amounts to contempt. "There is scope for a legal course of action against Joshi for his remarks," Minister Rao stated.

"Justice Michael D'Cunha, you are a judge, not an agent," Joshi had stated while addressing a rally in Shiggaon.

The John Michael D'Cunha Commission report has recommended the prosecution of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa and ex-health minister B Sriramulu over the purchase of 3 lakh PPE kits from Chinese firms in 2020.

Addressing a public meeting in Karnataka's Shiggaon, Pralhad Joshi alleged that Justice Michael D'Cunha had always been "against them". Justice D'Cunha retired from the Karnataka High Court in 2021.
Moscow, Nov 11 : Russian internal security and counterintelligence service Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed on Monday of having foiled an operation by the Ukrainian military intelligence to hijack a Russian Aerospace Forces Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter.

"Ukrainian military intelligence officers tried to recruit a Russian military pilot with the aim of hijacking an aircraft to territory controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces ," a statement issued by the agency mentioned.

In a video released by the FSB, a Russian pilot is claiming to have been approached via Telegram by a representative of the Ukrainian special services, offering $750,000 and foreign citizenship in a bid to recruit him.

"On the given day, I had to cross the line of combat contact with the enemy and ferry the helicopter, poisoning my comrades in advance," the pilot was quoted as saying by the Russian media in the video released by the FSB.

Earlier this year, the Russian security agency had revealed that it had thwarted an attempt by its Ukrainian counterparts to hijack a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber.

The commander of the aircraft said that he too was contacted by Ukrainian intelligence services via the Telegram messenger.

"The Russian military pilot was promised $3 million and Italian citizenship for the flight to Ukraine," Russia's state-owned TASS news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday that an army aviation crew on a Mi-28NM helicopter, as part of a mixed tactical group, launched an airstrike with air missiles against personnel and a stronghold of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the border area of aathe Kursk region.

During the combat mission to support ground forces, army aviation pilots launched missiles at the coordinates of the air controller and destroyed a stronghold and personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"After the strike, the crews performed anti-missile maneuvers at extremely low altitudes, firing off heat traps to prevent enemy MANPADS missiles from hitting them. The forward air controller confirmed the destruction of the target," the ministry stated.
Gurugram, Nov 11 : Notorious gangster Kaushal Chaudhary's wife was arrested after she demanded a ransom of Rs 2 crore from a hotel owner in Rajasthan posing as a gang member of Kaushal Chaudhary and Amit Dagar gang, police said.

The woman was identified as 35-year-old Manisha Chaudhary a resident of Naharpur Rupa village of Gurugram. She was arrested from Devilal Colony in Gurugram on Monday.

The Haryana Police have also announced a bounty of Rs 20,000 on her arrest.

Gangster Kaushal Chaudhary and Amit Dagar are already lodged in the jail, police said.

According to the police, on September 15, 2024, a person filed a complaint at the Bilaspur police station here in Gurugram that he works at a Hotel Highway King in Rajasthan's Neemrana area.

"On September 10 an unknown caller called him on his hotel number and introduced himself as a member of Kaushal Chaudhary and Amit Dagar gang and demanded a ransom of Rs 02 crore and threatened to fire at the hotel if the ransom was not paid and also threatened to kill if a complaint was made to the police," the complainant told the police.

Based on his complaint, a case was registered under the relevant sections at the Bilaspur Police Station in Gurugram.

During interrogation, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Lalit Kumar, Incharge Crime Branch Manesar, Gurugram and while taking action, the police team apprehended Manisha.

During questioning, the woman revealed that she carried out the incident of firing for ransom at Hotel Highway King Neemrana, Rajasthan. The accused also revealed providing illegal weapons to four accused caught in the police encounter in the Manesar area and one caught from the area of aaSector-29, Gurugram.

"From the observation of the criminal record of the woman, it was found that three cases are registered against her in Gurugram in relation to extortion, murder and fraud. The accused has also been in Bhondsi Jail, Gurugram and Hoshiarpur (Punjab) Jail before this incident," Varun Dahiya, ACP (crime) said.

The police team has recovered two mobile phones from the possession of the accused.

"The police teams are collecting evidence and information related to the crime. The accused was produced in the local court on Monday and took her on six days of police remand. During this period, the accused will be thoroughly interrogated regarding the crimes committed in various states," he added.
Bhopal, Nov 11 : Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Monday, staged a protest at Barkatullah University in Bhopal after a group of female students living in the campus hostels alleged that they were "forced" to write an "apology" for returning late.

Students have alleged that the chief warden has harassed them unnecessarily for being late. "The hostel warden has not allowed us to visit an event at a religious place," the female students alleged.

Later, the students registered a complaint with the Vice-Chancelor and demanded that the chief warden should be removed.

As the matter became public, around 200 ABVP members on Monday protested against the warden and demanded "justice" for students. A large number of female students residing in hostels also joined the protest.

However, the chief warden has said that the female students were not prohibited from visiting religious places. "But the security of female students can't compromised, therefore they were asked to return to campus by 8:30 pm," said the chief warden.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancelor R. J. Rao has ordered an inquiry into the matter and asked students to maintain peace at the campus.

Barkatullah University is one of the oldest and biggest educational institutions in the state which was established in 1970.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : In a U-turn, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday put the ball back in Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena's court over formulation of a policy for long-term engagement of 10,000 Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs) as bus marshals.

Intensifying the political tussle between the elected government and the Raj Niwas that reports to the Central government, CM Atishi urged the L-G to draft the policy which she claimed was beyond her domain.

She also urged Saxena to immediately reinstate 10,000 bus marshals on "as-is-where-is basis" so that women safety in buses is not compromised over the next four-five months that might be needed to draft a policy for their permanent engagement.

As chances of long-term engagement of bus marshals continue to diminish with each passing day of the AAP government's tenure, the latest move by the AAP government appears an attempt to shield itself from any blame for delay over the matter in an election year.

CM Atishi's decision to ask the L-G to draft the proposal comes within a week of an advice given by Raj Niwas to her on similar lines for directing officials to formulate a policy for long-term engagement of CDVs and bus marshals.

For now, the L-G is considering a proposal from the AAP government to engage the 10,000 out-of-job CDVs as green warriors for four months.

Pointing to rise in harassment of women in buses in the absence of bus marshals, CM Atishi said at a press conference that after a long discussion with officials she had come to the conclusion that the issue of re-engagement of bus marshals was related to service department and public order, both of which were reserved subjects that come under the domain of L-G Saxena.

"We have requested the L-G to formulate a policy on the matter so that bus marshals can be deployed in two shifts in public transport buses," said CM Atishi at a joint press conference with Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj.

Reiterating the AAP government's commitment to women's safety, CM Atishi said travelling in public transport buses was a harrasing experience for women and to check this bus marshals were deployed in 2015 by then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"But, the BJP through its officials raised objections to the scheme. In April 2023, the salary of bus marshals was stopped and from October 2023 Civil Defence Volunteers working as bus marshals were removed," she said.

For the past one year, bus marshals, supported by AAP ministers and leaders, were agitating on roads for re-engagement and finally the Central government had to bow before their demands, she said.

"As you know, the AAP government has decided to re-engage the CDVs for anti-pollution duties. But, the bigger question that needs to be addressed is that of women safety in public transport buses over the next four months," she said.

Bhardwaj said the L-G and Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta of BJP were playing tricks and delaying the re-appointment of bus marshals.

"My request to the L-G is not to delay the matter and use his powers to immediately reinstate the bus marshals," he said.
Baghdad, Nov 11 : The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shiite militia group, on Monday claimed responsibility for six drone attacks on Israeli targets.

According to its statements, the group's fighters launched four drone attacks on sites in northern Israel, and two more on other locations in southern Israel.

The statements did not provide further details about the targeted sites or report any casualties, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Iraqi militia group noted that the drone attacks were carried out "in solidarity with our people in Palestine and Lebanon," adding it would continue targeting "the enemy's strongholds at an escalating pace."

Since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has repeatedly attacked Israeli and US positions in the region to show support for Palestinians in Gaza.

The militia has stepped up its attacks on Israel after the latter intensified strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon on September 23.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Accusing the AAP government of choosing petty politics over public welfare, BJP's Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta on Monday questioned its alleged indecision over joining the centrally-funded PM-ABHIM that proposed to set up over 1,000 health centres and 11 testing labs in the city.

In a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, Gupta asked the government to take an early decision on joining the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), failing which the BJP will launch an agitation in the election-bound city.

Slamming the AAP government for depriving Delhi citizens of the central government-supported health scheme, Gupta said in a video message on social media X, "For four years the AAP government has failed to take a decision on joining the PM-ABHIM scheme, making Delhi the only state in the country to be denied its benefits."

"Time has come to end the Delhi government's conspiracy of blocking all central government schemes, denying benefits to the common man," said Gupta, urging voters to defeat the AAP in the next elections.

Announced in May 2020, PM-ABHIM is a centrally-sponsored scheme with some Central Sector components, for implementation of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package for the health sector.

Gupta said, "Under PM-ABHIM, the Government of India allocated Rs 2,406 crore to Delhi. This amount could have been used to establish three types of health services: 1,139 public health welfare centres, 11 testing labs, and CCUs for critical care. However, the Delhi government did not allow these benefits to reach the public and did not implement the scheme."

PM-ABHIM is a national-level scheme with an outlay of Rs 64,000 crore from 2021-22 to 2025-26, he said, adding that the proposed labs would have started conducting tests by now had a decision been taken by the previous Arvind Kejriwal and the current Atishi governments.

Gupta alleged that the AAP government had corrupt intentions behind its decision to obstruct PM-ABHIM as it wanted to outsource the lab tests to private agencies which indulged in wrongdoings related to bogus billing in the name of ghost patients.

"Crores of rupees were looted from the exchequer under this racket," alleged Gupta.

"My question to the AAP government is, if there is a scheme for the entire country, why is it preventing Delhiites from benefiting from it?" he asked.

Urging voters in Delhi to support the BJP in the next Assembly elections, Gupta said, "Delhi needs a government that supplements the vision and mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
Ankara, Nov 11 : Turkey on Monday denied reports claiming that it is allowing crude oil shipments to Israel via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.

The BTC pipeline, which originates in Azerbaijan and passes through Georgia before reaching Turkey's Ceyhan port, exports oil from Azerbaijan's oil fields in the Caspian Sea.

In a statement, Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said that companies using the BTC pipeline respect Ankara's stance against trade with Israel and have refrained from any deliveries designated for Israeli ports.

The ministry added that the Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS), responsible for the management of the pipeline within Turkey, "has no involvement or discretion over the sale of the oil transported through the pipeline."

Recent media reports claimed that Azerbaijani oil exports to Israel continued to transit through the Turkish port despite Turkey's trade embargo against Israel, Xinhua news agency reported.

Turkey claimed that it suspended trade with Israel in May due to Israeli military actions in Gaza. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkey reported 5.4 billion US dollars in exports to Israel in 2023 and 1.6 billion dollars in imports.

Since 2010, ties between Turkey and Israel have been strained over the Palestinian issue.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : At least 20 per cent of India's economy will be digital by 2026-27 from the current 10 per cent, Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, said on Monday, underscoring the country's commitment to expanding broadband access, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting an inclusive digital ecosystem.

Inaugurating the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators' Council (SATRC-25) in the national capital, Scindia said that with an extraordinary 1.2 billion telephones and 970 million internet subscribers, India emerges as a digital titan, characterized by a rapidly evolving digital economy now comprising 10 per cent of our overall economic landscape  an impressive leap from just 3.5 per cent a decade ago.

"As our digital economy flourishes at a pace 2.8 times swifter than the national economy, we anticipate it will reach an astounding 20 per cent by 2026-27," said the minister, urging SATRC member nations to collaborate on key issues such as digital inclusivity, sustainable network infrastructure, and consumer protection.

"South Asia must unite in its efforts to build a connected, resilient, and sustainable future," he said, envisioning a region that thrives on shared values and mutual support.

India emerges as the Voice of the Global South and "the SATRC-25 will serve as an excellent platform for knowledge-sharing and a confluence of innovative perspectives on emerging policy and regulatory challenges," said Scindia.

He further stressed that "secure, safe and standard driven future" should guide the creation of policies by regulatory bodies.

SATRC member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The Minister pointed out that South Asia plays a crucial role in global ICT development and stressed the need for regulations that inspire innovation while ensuring inclusivity.

The advent of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) presents a transformative opportunity to extend telecom coverage to the most remote corners of the member nations.

"I am optimistic that the evolution of NTNs will unlock new vistas in communication technologies, igniting innovative applications across diverse sectors, and ultimately advancing our collective journey towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)," the minister emphasised.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday exhorted graduates of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) to stay informed about new trade agreements, and use these as avenues to create fresh business opportunities and access new markets.

In his virtual address during the 57th IIFT Convocation here, the minister noted that this knowledge would contribute to the ambitious target of a aViksit Bharat,a including the goal of reaching $2 trillion in trade. Highlighting sectors such as telecom, semiconductors, deep-sea exploration, and space technology, he urged them to contribute to these fields with a forward-thinking mindset.

Goyal urged the graduates to embrace their roles as socially responsible professionals. He emphasised the critical importance of ethical business practices, underscoring how todayas organisations are expected to uphold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles.

The minister advised the young graduates to chart their paths to success through innovation, especially by engaging with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

He complimented the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, faculty and the students in making IIFT a centre for academic excellence. He also mentioned about the IIFTas first overseas Campus in Dubai, thus thereby spreading its wings in the international business community.

During the convocation, degrees were conferred to more than 650 students from various programmes, including the flagship MBA (International Business), MA (Economics) with specialisation in International Trade and Finance, Ph.D. in Management and Economics, and Executive Programmes, underscoring IIFTas commitment to train students in the fields of International Business, Economics and Trade.

Sunil Barthwal, Chancellor, IIFT and Secretary, Department of Commerce, Central Government, commended the graduating students for their determination and hard work in reaching this pivotal stage in their lives and encouraged them to apply their learnings from IIFT in their professional careers.

Barthwal highlighted IIFTas recent achievements in research and consulting, noting that the institution has developed substantial expertise in analysing international business environments and creating strategic solutions for corporates.

He lauded IIFTas stellar performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Ministry of Education, where it ranks among the top 15 B-schools in India.

Reflecting on the need for skilled professionals in international trade, Barthwal shared details about the newly established Centre for International Negotiations at IIFT, which will provide a platform for students, government officials, and corporate negotiators to learn from each otheras expertise.

He also discussed the future initiatives and the establishment of IIFT Case Centre. He hoped that the Case Centre would enhance the learning experience at IIFT by developing high-quality, India-focused business cases, and enriching studentsa exposure to real-world problem-solving within the context of global business challenges.

The Chief Guest, Managing Director of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, (Amul), Dr. Jayen Mehta, highlighted the remarkable achievements of Indian companies in reaching new global markets and underscored how international business expertise could position students to be at the forefront of Indiaas expanding global footprint.

He shared insights into how Amul and other leading Indian brands are strengthening India's presence on the world stage, creating opportunities for talented professionals in trade and commerce.
Hyderabad, Nov 11 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Monday that the "Modi Parivar divides people while Gandhi Parivar unites them".

"The country has two Parivars. Modi Parivar and Gandhi Parivar. Modi Parivar is working to instigate animosity among people, while the Gandhi Parivar is striving for the unity of the country," he said, in his address at the National Education Day and Minorities Welfare Day celebrations organised to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and India's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

Revanth Reddy said minorities played an important role in bringing Congress to power in Telangana and called for similar support in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

"Call your friends and relatives, if possible go and campaign against the BJP," he said.

Terming Hindus and Muslims as two eyes of the Telangana government, Revanth Reddy claimed that the Congress alone can render justice to all communities in the country.

"Work hard to bring Maha Vikas Agadi alliance to power in Maharashtra. We should not rest til the defeat of the Modi government and till Rahul Gandhi becomes Prime Minister of the country."

The Chief Minister appealed to people not to believe regional parties saying they have a secret understanding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We will take the state forward in the path of development by strengthening education, and medical care, and provide job opportunities with the support of all communities," he said.

Paying rich tributes to Maulana Azad, he said that he introduced an Education Policy to provide better education to the people of the country. He mentioned that the minority community had no representation in the state Cabinet since not a single MLA was elected from the community in the Assembly elections.

"However, we made senior Congress leader Shabbir Ali a government advisor and gave an MLC post to Aamir Ali Khan. Congress government also provided opportunities to minorities in the Corporations," he said.

He also pointed out that no official from the minority community was appointed in the CMO after the YS Rajashekhara Reddy's government.

"My government appointed a minority officer in the CMO. The Congress also provided opportunities as Chief Ministers and Ministers in the country. "We consider Muslims as brothers and family members and not a mere vote bank," he added.

On this occasion, CM Revanth Reddy launched the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGMREIS) website, and online Integrated command centre and also presented the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad awards.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : In a relief to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and two others, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders need not be subjected to bailable warrants in a defamation case filed by Congress Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate Vivek Tankha.

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.V.N. Bhatti was hearing a special leave petition filed by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Chouhan, former Minister Bhupendra Singh Yadav, and State BJP President V.D. Sharma seeking quashing of the defamation case.

Issuing notice returnable in four weeks, the apex court said that "subject to the petitioners' effective participation with counsel as may be needed, before the concerned court, they need not be subjected to bailable warrants".

It took note of the submission that cognisance of the defamation proceedings was "erroneously taken by the concerned court and the same should not have been done in the teeth of Article 194(2) of the Constitution".

In an order passed on October 25, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had rejected a petition filed by the trio of BJP leaders seeking quashing of the trial court order taking cognisance of Tankhaas complaint as well as the defamation case.

A criminal complaint under Section 200 of the now-repealed CrPC was filed in January 2022 by Tankha, who accused the three senior BJP leaders of making a 'baseless' allegation against him in connection with a case related to 27 per cent reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Madhya Pradesh. During the panchayat elections in the state in 2022, the BJP and Congress had indulged in a race for political gain by pushing for a 27 per cent reservation to the OBCs.

The matter was heard in the Supreme Court in 2021 and the apex court after several hearings, halted 27 per cent reservation for the OBCs. The BJP had then alleged that advocate Tankha opposed the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in the Supreme Court. The issue was also highlighted during the panchayat elections, which were fought like a semifinal to the Assembly elections, which the BJP won with an absolute majority. Tankha, who is considered close to former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, had objected to the allegation made against him as abaselessa and demanded an apology for it. He had also warned that if the BJP leaders didn't tender their apology, he would be compelled to file a defamation case against them. Tankha approached the MP-MLA Court, urging to charge the BJP leaders in the defamation case.
Shimla, Nov 11 : Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Monday inaugurated a four-day International Lavi Fair, one of the oldest fairs, famous for promoting trade and other commercial activities with Tibet for centuries, at Rampur town in Shimla district.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the Lavi fair endures a cultural as well as commercial significance. "This historic event, deeply rooted in our heritage, was not only a celebration of trade but also a vibrant festival uniting tradition, community and cultural exchange," said the Governor.

He highlighted the fair's centuries-old role as a hub for trade and cultural fusion. He said even today "this fair continues to bring economic opportunity and reinforce social ties, besides showcasing the diverse traditions of the state and country".

The fair dates back to the 17th century when Raja Kehari Singh of Rampur Bushahr state signed a treaty to promote trade with Tibet.

Rampur, located 120 km from Shimla, was once a major trade centre as it is located on the old silk route connecting Afghanistan, Tibet and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.

The main attraction during the fair every year is the sale and purchase of Chamurthi horses -- an endangered species known as the "Ship of the cold desert".

The Governor praised the cultural troupes from across the country who exemplify unity in diversity by sharing their distinct cultural performances on a common platform.

He described the fair as a "melting pot" where different cultures and ideas converge and echo the rich legacy of Rampur as a centre for commerce and friendship.

The Governor also expressed gratitude to the organizers for preserving the traditions of the fair. He said the unique crafts, woollen textiles and dry fruits displayed in the fair provide artisans and farmers with valuable opportunities to sell their products.

He said like the Kumbh Mela, the Lavi fair also encourages cultural recognition and endures a spirit of unity.

The Governor offers prayers to Mata Bhimakali for the happiness and prosperity of the state and its people.

Earlier, Shukla inaugurated exhibitions organised by departments and organisations, showing keen interest in their efforts.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the International Lavi Fair Organising Committee Anupam Kashyap honoured and welcomed the Governor and Lady Governor on the occasion.
Jaipur, Nov 11 : The self-proclaimed godman Asaram, serving life imprisonment in the rape case of a minor, has been granted parole for 30 days for treatment at a private Ayurvedic hospital located at Bhagat Ki Kothi in Jodhpur.

He was brought by ambulance on Sunday night and admitted to the hospital.

Asaram was granted bail by Jodhpur High Court on November 7. He was shifted to the hospital in an ambulance and admitted here on Sunday night, said officials.

A huge crowd was seen outside the hospital to catch a glimpse of Asaram.

The division bench of senior High Court judge Dinesh Mehta and judge Vineet Kumar Mathur gave orders on the application submitted in the court by senior advocates RS Saluja and Yashpal Rajpurohit who sought permission for the treatment of Asaram.

He got parole for treatment for the second time in 11 years. Earlier, he got seven days parole in August.

RS Saluja and Yashpal Rajpurohit pleaded on behalf of Asaram and submitted an application for permission for treatment for an indefinite period until the doctor discharged him from the hospital.

Government lawyer Additional Advocate General Deepak Chaudhary argued for permission for 30 days. After hearing the arguments of both sides, the High Court granted parole for 30 days to Asaram to undertake his treatment.

Earlier on August 13, the High Court had granted him parole for 7 days. He came out on parole again for treatment for the first time in 11 years for treatment at Madhavbaug Ayurvedic Hospital in Maharashtra.

In 2018, Asaram was found guilty by a special court in Jodhpur for crimes like sexual assault, including rape and was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Nov 11 : Villagers protesting against the proposed land acquisition for Pharma Village in Telangana's Vikarabad district attacked the district collector and other officials on Monday.

Hyderabad, Nov 11 (IANS) Villagers protesting against the proposed land acquisition for Pharma Village in Telanganaas Vikarabad district attacked the district collector and other officials on Monday.

The incident occurred in Lakacherla village when district collector Prateek Jain, Kodangal Urban Development Authority special officer Venkat Reddy and others went there to convince villagers to attend the public hearing.

The farmers and other people of Lagacherla stayed away from public hearings held near Dudyal mandal headquarters.

A person on behalf of the farmers approached the collector during the hearing and requested him to hold the public hearing in the village. When the Collector and other officials agreed and went to the village, farmers started pelting stones at their vehicles.

Kodangal Urban Development Authority special officer Venkat Reddy was injured in stone pelting. He had to run through the fields to save himself.

The villagers also attacked the vehicles with sticks. Three vehicles were damaged.

The incident triggered high tension. Police send additional forces to control the situation.

The incident took place in Kodangal, the Assembly constituency of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

This is the second time that the public hearing was disrupted by villagers opposing land acquisition.

The officials had to postpone the public hearing last month due to violent protests in Rotibanda Thanda in Dudyal Mandal. The protestors had pelted stones on the car of Mandal Congress president Aveti Shekhar, resulting in injuries to him.

Some villagers had also doused kerosene on themselves to immolate themselves to protest against the project. Police personnel had intervened to stop them.

Following the protest, the officials postponed the public hearing on Pharma Village, a cluster for pharma companies.

People in Dudyal Mandal have been opposing the Pharma Village project.

Chief Ministeras proposal to establish a Pharma Village in his constituency is facing stiff resistance from farmers. They argue that the land acquisition plan threatened their livelihoods and they have vowed to continue their protest until the government withdraws its proposal.

Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is supporting the protest by the villagers against the project.

The State government plans to acquire 1274.25 acres of government and patta lands from the villages of Hakimpet, Polepalli, and Lakacharla in Dudyal Mandal for the proposed pharma village.
Chandigarh, Nov 11 : Punjab BJP Spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal on Monday urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the state Election Commission to take action against state Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who is the husband of contesting candidate Amrita Warring from the Giddarbaha seat, for a significant violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Warring has exploited religious institutions for political purposes, an act that is in direct violation of the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988, the BJP said in a statement.

The Congress MP from Ludhiana, posted on his Facebook page, "Addressed the congregation at a Gidderbaha mosque and took a pledge from them to press the hand symbol button on the upcoming 20th."

The BJP says such actions not only breach the legal code but also "compromise the secular fabric of the state and mislead communities for political gain".

"Warring's involvement in activities aimed at polarising the Muslim community for electoral benefits is a matter of grave concern. Such tactics undermine the democratic process and could set a dangerous precedent if left unchecked. Therefore, the BJP Punjab demands that Raja Warring be barred from further campaigning to preserve the integrity and fairness of the election," said the statement.

It urged the Election Commission to instruct District Election Officers (DEOs) and Returning Officers (ROs) to enforce provisions of law. "Additionally, it is requested that this directive be widely circulated among political parties for adherence."

The BJP Punjab "stands committed to ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections and expects the Election Commission to uphold these values by taking immediate action".

The Assembly bypolls for four seats in Punjab will be held on November 20.

Besides Punjab, nine seats are going to polls in Uttar Pradesh and one in Kerala.

The four Assembly segments in Punjab are Gidderbaha, Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak and Chabbewal. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23.

Punjab's four Assembly seats -- three represented by the Congress and one by AAP -- fell vacant after MLAs from these constituencies were elected to the Lok Sabha this year.
Barnala : , Nov 11 (IANS) Senior BJP leader and chief whip in Lok Sabha Anurag Thakur on Monday said the AAP-led Punjab government has failed to safeguard interests of farmers in the state.

Addressing the media along with BJP candidate from the Barnala Assembly seat Kewal Singh Dhillon, Thakur raised concerns over condition of the state under the AAP helm.

"Situation has deteriorated to such an extent that farmer Jaswinder Singh from Nadampur village of Bhawanigarh in Sangrur, the constituency of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, committed suicide. The poor farmer was not able to sell his paddy on MSP (minimum support price) and hence ended up taking his own precious life," said the former Union minister.

He said delay in issuing notification for procurement and not addressing issues of the rice millers at right time has left the entire paddy procurement in doldrums. "Already the Central government had timely issued Rs 44,000 crore to ensure smooth paddy procurement in state, but the Punjab government failed to implement proper plan for the procurement."

Thakur said while the Central government has launched free food grains for the poor and treatment through Ayushman Bharat scheme, the AAP-led Punjab government "was hell bent on snatching the schemes from its people. While the free ration scheme has been discontinued in Punjab, the state has refused to implement Ayushman Bharat scheme that could give relief to people".

He said while the Chief Minister himself goes for treatment to private hospitals, he did not cared for its own people and denied benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme to people of Punjab.

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of development, Thakur said when elected to power, the BJP would ensure that a multi-specialty hospital is constructed in Barnala so that people do not have travel to get good treatment.

The Election Commission has rescheduled Assembly bypolls for four seats in Punjab from November 13 to November 20 in view of festivals.

Besides Punjab, nine seats are going to polls in Uttar Pradesh and one in Kerala.

The four Assembly segments in Punjab are Gidderbaha, Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak and Chabbewal. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 23.

Punjab's four Assembly seats -- three represented by the Congress and one by AAP -- fell vacant after MLAs from these constituencies were elected to the Lok Sabha this year.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : Kareena Kapoor felt both "humbled and honoured" after Amul India paid a heartfelt tribute to her film "The Buckingham Murders." Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Kareena Kapoor felt both "humbled and honoured" after Amul India paid a heartfelt tribute to her film "The Buckingham Murders."

The renowned dairy brand, famous for its creative and timely advertisements, created a special tribute featuring its iconic Amul girl in a delightful visual that captured the essence of the movie.

Sharing the image on her Instagram, Kareena wrote in the caption, "So humbled and honored our film is getting the love my first film as a producer a film I am so, so proud of acting in. Thank you @amul_india You made my year 25."

This gesture from Amul not only celebrated Kareena's performance in "The Buckingham Murders" but also marked a significant milestone in her career as a producer. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the crime thriller has received praise for its storytelling and the nuanced portrayal of its characters, with Kareena taking center stage. In the film, she plays a grieving British-Indian detective who is assigned the case of a murdered child in Buckinghamshire.

The mystery drama features a strong ensemble cast, including Ash Tandon, Ranveer Brar, and Keith Allen. The film is produced by Kareena, Shobha Kapoor, and Ekta Kapoor.

In an interview, the 'Jab We Met' actress revealed that her character was inspired by Kate Winslet's portrayal in Mare of Easttown. She shared that she had always been eager to explore such a role and was thrilled when Hansal approached her for it.

The film had its world premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 14, 2023. It was later theatrically released on September 13, 2024, and received generally positive reviews from critics. The Buckingham Murders was released on Netflix on November 8.

Kareena is also enjoying the success of her latest release, "Singham Again", directed by Rohit Shetty. The cop drama, which stars Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, and Jackie Shroff, was released on November 1.
Tunis, Nov 11 : Tunisian security units have arrested six illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa for manufacturing steel boats used in illegal immigration at a house in the northern province of Ariana, private radio station Mosaique FM reported on Monday.

According to the report, authorities received information about a boat hidden in a house in the Raoued region, intended for illegal crossings to Italy.

Upon conducting a search, officers from the Ariana North judicial police brigade discovered that the house had been converted into a workshop for building steel boats.

A modified car engine, designed to be installed on one of the boats, along with a quantity of fuel, was also seized during the operation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the illegal operation. Tunisia, situated in the central Mediterranean, is a common launch point for migrants attempting to reach Italy, with the Italian island of Lampedusa only about 80 km from Tunisia's coast.
Chennai, Nov 11 : Tamil actor Kasturi Shankar has applied for anticipatory bail in the Madras High Court following a defamation case against her for remarks about the Telugu-speaking community in Tamil Nadu.

Justice Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court is scheduled to hear her plea on Tuesday, November 12.

Kasturi's petition asserts that the defamation case was filed against her with malicious intent.

The actor made the remarks while participating in a protest organised by the Hindu Makkal Katchi in Chennai, which was held in support of Brahmins on November 3 (Sunday).

During her speech, she criticised the Telugu-speaking community in Tamil Nadu, prompting several complaints against her throughout the state. Tamil Nadu Police have registered multiple cases in various police stations.

When police went to serve her notice at her residence in Chennai, they found the house locked, and her phone was switched off.

Although Kasturi later apologised for her comments, complaints continued to be filed across the state.

Kasturi, who campaigned extensively for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, was distanced by the Tamil Nadu BJP, which condemned her statements.

In response to the backlash, Kasturi issued a clarification, asserting that her comments were misinterpreted and that negative propaganda was being spread against her.

She claimed that her remarks were intended to expose the hypocrisy and double standards of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

According to Kasturi, her remarks referenced a specific subset of workers who accompanied Telugu rulers to Tamil Nadu centuries ago and later assumed Tamil identities.

She claimed her comments were twisted to imply she had broadly attacked the Telugu community, which she denied, emphasizing: "This has nothing to do with Telugu pride or Telugu people from Andhra or Telangana. This is about a small, historically documented group that assumed Tamil identities but now, paradoxically, seeks to define what it means to be Tamilian.

Kasturi noted that prominent Telugu-rooted dynasties like the Nayaks and Thanjavur kings did not engage in divisive identity politics, unlike the groups she referenced.

She further clarified, stating that she referenced "staff of consorts," not "descendants of consorts," and noted that DMK leader M. Karunanidhi had himself acknowledged that they were artisans and musicians.

She claimed that her critics were largely DMK cadres and that her comments targeted the DMK's ideological stance, which she argued unfairly portrays Brahmins as "foreign" to Tamil Nadu.

She asserted: "My statement was that the DMK has been indulging in Brahmin persecution, Sanatana opposition, and Hindu god humiliation. I can't call it atheism, as they don't comment on any other religion but are particularly hostile toward Hindu gods and Hindu worship. They are anti-Hindu, anti-Brahmin, and anti-Sanatana."

Kasturi claimed that her remarks were directed at the DMK's "outsider politics," which, in her view, stigmatises Brahmins while ignoring the historical migrations of other groups into Tamil Nadu.
Mumbai, Nov 11 : Tom Cruise returns for his final mission in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.

Mumbai, Nov 11(IANS) Tom Cruise returns for his final mission in Mission: Impossible a" The Final Reckoning.

This gripping chapter delves into the unyielding quest for justice, posing a haunting question: what lengths would you go to, and what personal costs would you bear, for the sake of the greater good?"

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt is back in action, sporting his signature look from the jaw-dropping, record-breaking stunt at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, in the heart-pumping teaser trailer. Millions watched in awe on August 11, and on May 23, 2025, that same courage and dedication will be on full display in theaters worldwide.

Paramount Pictures and Skydance present this cinematic powerhouse produced by Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise and directed by Christopher McQuarri. The film is led by a stellar cast featuring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Janet McTeer, Nick Offerman, Hannah Waddingham, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt.

With Mission: Impossible a" The Final Reckoning, action and suspense will be redefined.

Mission: Impossible is an American series of spy films. It is based on the 1966 spy Tv series created by Bruce Geller. aMission: Impossiblea was released in 1996 followed by the second and third parts in 2000 and 2006. Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol was released in 2011 followed by Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation in 2015 and Mission: Impossible-Fallout in 2018. Mission:Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One was released in 2023. The final part will be released in May, 2025.

In July 2023, Tom Cruise expressed interest in continuing to make further films in the series as Ethan Hunt. The Final Reckoning will release in May 23, 2025 in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu in 4Dx & IMAX and get ready to step into a world where lives, choices, and missions collide
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) should broaden its investment in priority sectors of climate adaptation and resilience, infrastructure development, energy security, urban development and extend support for India's next-generation reforms.

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) should broaden its investment in priority sectors of climate adaptation and resilience, infrastructure development, energy security, urban development and extend support for Indiaas next-generation reforms.

She also stressed upon the importance of continually incorporating finance plus and budget plus elements in AIIBas project design and implementation.

FM Sitharaman held a meeting with the AIIB delegation, comprising 11 officials of the Board of Directors of AIIB from nine different constituencies, senior representatives of the AIIB Management who are on a visit to India. The Finance Minister is also Governor on the AIIB Board.

The key purpose of the AIIB Board visit to India is to provide the Board of Directors a holistic insight into the AIIBas ongoing and planned investments in its member countries and provide an opportunity to engage with the government, private sector and other stakeholders.

Appreciating the AIIB for its remarkable growth over the past nine years, the Finance Minister underlined Indiaas strong macroeconomic fundamentals and its demonstrated leadership in creating and harnessing the power of digital public infrastructure.

Sitharaman mentioned that Indiaas experience of digital transformation can serve as a model for other countries seeking to harness digital solutions for inclusive growth and also Indiaas rich experience in disaster management, which can be of value to several vulnerable economies.

The Finance Minister stressed on the fact that India has a lot to offer in terms of sectoral best practices and AIIB should develop an institutional mechanism to facilitate transfer of knowledge and technology from India to other similarly placed countries.

She further suggested that AIIB should strive for greater provision of innovative financial tools and models and scale up its efforts for private capital mobilisation and assured the AIIB of Indiaas full support and cooperation in this regard and added that India could act as a sandbox for AIIBas piloting of innovative financing models and technologies.

The Finance Minister encouraged AIIB to continue participating in the ongoing work on strengthening and reforming multilateral development banks (MDBs) in line with the recommendations of the Independent Expert Group established under Indiaas G20 Presidency, including the call for MDBs to work together as a system for greater impact and scale.

She pointed out that India remains committed to governance reforms in MDBs to ensure that MDBs are afit for purposea to address contemporary challenges, while remaining inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members particularly of Low-Income Countries (LICs).

Prior to the meeting, the delegation visited the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project being financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AIIB and the New Development Bank (NDB). The delegation will also visit other project sites in Bengaluru and interact with leading technology sector representatives.

Besides, the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion with other multilateral and bilateral agencies and project implementing agencies of India to facilitate a robust exchange of information and experiences focussing on Indiaas development priorities, investment landscape and operational challenges while exploring further opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Bhopal, Nov 11 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Monday that BJP candidate Ramakant Bhargava's victory in Budhni by-election will be a return gift for him.

On the last day of the campaign, Chouhan made an emotional appeal to the voters of his home town, saying that Budhni has been his 'karma-bhumi'. He said he has worked for the development of his home town not as an MLA or Chief Minister, but as the son of Budhni.

"I would urge every voter in Budhni to elect Ramakant Bhargava MLA from Budhni with a big margin. I worked for this constituency considering myself as a family member and this relationship will remain until my last breath. His (Bhargava) victory will be a return gift for me," he said while addressing a public rally in Budhni on Monday.

On the last day of the campaign for bypolls, Chouhan along with Bhargava spent the entire day in his home town and addressed nearly half-a-dozen public rallies.

He was seen interacting with people from different age groups, and women and urged them to support Bhargava in the bypolls slated for November 13.

Meanwhile, he also hit a Congress, saying the grand old party is suffering from an internal rift. He alleged that Congress making all efforts to mislead people with false allegations, but they have nothing to do with the people of Budhni.

"During the long regime of Congress, Budhni was deprived of even basic needs of life. Development began after the BJP government returned to power in the state in 2003. Voting for Congress would waste your valuable votes," he added.

Bypolls in Budhni, the bastion of BJP stalwart Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was necessitated after he resigned from the state Assembly after being elected as Lok Sabha MP.

Chouhan was elected MLA for the first time from Budhni in 1990, however, he resigned from the state Assembly after winning a Lok Sabha by-election from Vidisha in 1991.

His second inning from his home turf began after he replaced Babulal Gaur as Chief Minister in 2005. Chouhan contested bypolls from Budhni in 2006 and since then he won as many as four consecutive Assembly elections until 2023.

In the 2023 Assembly elections, Chouhan won from Budhni by a margin of more than 1.05 lakh votes against Congress' Vikram 'Mastal' Sharma, a TV actor.

In Chouhan's absence, the BJP has fielded Ramakant Bhargava against Congress' two-time former MLA Rajkumar Patel, who was also minister in former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh's government.
Ghaziabad, Nov 11 : A high-level delegation of Board members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Monday undertook a ride in the first RRTS corridor connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut as part of their 5-day visit to India.

During their journey, the delegation was also accompanied by officials of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) of the Finance Ministry and senior officials of NCRTC.

NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goyal welcomed the high-level delegation at the corporate office at Gatishakti Bhawan. The delegation was given a detailed presentation covering the detailed description of the project and various innovative initiatives taken by NCRTC, challenges faced in the implementation of the project etc.

The delegation travelled in the NaMo Bharat train from Sahibabad to Duhai RRTS station, where they experienced the passenger-centric features of NaMo Bharat trains.

Notably, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is currently operational between Sahibabad RRTS Station and Meerut South RRTS Station.

The foreign delegation praised the NCRTC for paying detailed attention to the diverse needs and convenience of passengers. In particular, they appreciated the women-led growth of NCRTC, given the presence of women in various roles like train operators, station control officers etc.

During the visit, several ground-breaking technologies being adopted for this project were also showcased. The delegation members appreciated the NCRTC team for adopting these innovative technologies including the successful implementation of the latest technologies like ETCS-2 signaling on the LTE backbone for this transformative mobility solution.

The delegates expressed interest in various stakeholder programs organized by NCRTC.

AIIB is one of the primary financing partners for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, having extended a USD 500 million line of credit through the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Notably, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is a new semi-high-speed rail service, facilitating short-distance travel between major cities in the country. Designed to connect cities within a 100-250 km radius, the initiative is part of the government's aMake in Indiaa campaign, aiming to boost local manufacturing and infrastructure development.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Calling social media unmanageable, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday said disruptors of harmony get fast-tracked and sometimes get recognition while people ignore the notoriety.

In a video message posted on his social media handle X, VP Dhankhar said that patriotism, nationalism and nation-first are the soul of our culture and the Constitution and harmony are fundamental.

"Belief in our nation, nationalism, nation-first, these are fundamentals on which we exist. Harmony is to be achieved as 100 per cent harmony. But due to their special abilities, disruptors of harmony get fast-tracked and sometimes get recognition and people ignore the notoriety of it. Remember, harmony is fundamental," he said.

He also addressed the 4th batch of participants of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (Phase-I) at Parliament.

He said, in a post on X: "Uniform Civil Code is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy. The framers of the Constitution said we must have it. The Supreme Court has intervened many times. Equitable consumption of natural resources is also important. We must use resources optimally as per our needs. This culture must advance."

Stressing on involving every citizen in contributing to the economy, he said: "Swadeshi is in our genes, a major message of the freedom movement. Gandhiji unified people with 'Swadeshi,' and they started wearing Khadi. Times have changed with technology, but think about how a country with such talent and potential imports basic items like shirts, coats, shoes, candles, furniture, and curtains without realising its impact. Instil awareness about this."

"I would like this group to focus on the kind of items this country is importing," he said, adding the ill-effect of this practice is on the foreign exchange and limiting scope for local manufacturers.

"We are the best minds. There was a time when a person educated in an Indian institute was not there in international agencies and organisations, but today there is no agency or business house where an Indian genius is not present," he said, calling for introspection on the issue.
Hyderabad, Nov 11 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday gave strong counter to his predecessor K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who claimed on Sunday that people have realised after the defeat of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) what they have lost.

"One big leader made a political comment that people have come to know what they have lost in 10 months. Telangana people have lost nothing," said Revanth Reddy in his reaction to BRS president's statement.

He remarked that only four persons in the leader's house have lost jobs.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a programme to hand over appointment letters to newly recruited assistant vehicle inspectors.

"No one is feeling sad for your absence. Telangana Society has already forgot you. People do not require your services," said Revanth Reddy.

The Chief Minister hoped that KCR will change and support the government for doing good to the state. He appealed to the BRS chief to give suggestions if there is any mistakes in the governance.

"We have absentees in schools but here we are witnessing a strange situation where the main opposition leader is not attending the Assembly session," said Revanth Reddy.

KCR has not attended any Assembly session since Congress came to power about a year ago.

Revanth Reddy said during the last 10 months, unemployed youth got jobs and loans of farmers were waived.

He said 1 crore 5 lakh women benefited from free bus travel scheme. He claimed that the debt ridden RTC is also earning profits.

He said 49.90 lakh families are the beneficiaries of 200 units of free power supply scheme. "We are distributing cooking gas cylinder at only Rs 500. We have also enhanced Arogyasri scheme limit to Rs 10 lakh for medical treatment."

He also claimed that KCR constructed State Secretariat and Pragati Bhavan for 'Vaastu' reasons. "No residential school was built during KCR rule. The Congress Government started the construction of Young India Residential Schools in 100 constituencies. We are providing quality education which will only build a strong Telangana society," he added.

Revanth Reddy said the government successfully conducted examination to fill 563 group-I posts despite opposition creating many hurdles. Government will give appointment letters to the selected candidates soon and make them partners in the reconstruction of the Telangana State, he added
Patna, Nov 11 : Bihar Labour Resource Minister Santosh Singh has sent a defamation notice to Buxar MP Sudhakar Singh, following corruption allegations he (Sudhakar Singh) made against him.

Santosh Singh has demanded that Sudhakar either substantiate his accusations with evidence or issue a public apology.

"I have given Sudhakar Singh a 24-hour deadline to respond to the notice, and would take legal action if he fails to provide proof or apologise," Santosh Singh said while interacting with the media persons in Kaimur.

Santosh Singh asserted that the allegations were made deliberately to damage his reputation.

"If Sudhakar Singh has any proof or any registered case, he should present it publicly. Otherwise, he must face legal consequences," Santosh Singh said.

The minister reiterated that he would proceed with the Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit if no evidence is presented, emphasising that a public apology is the only alternative to legal recourse.

"RJD state president Jagdanand Singh, Sudhakar's father, is using his influence to secure favourable positions for his sons, drawing a parallel to Lalu Prasad Yadav's efforts to appoint his sons in ministerial roles," he said.

Santosh Singh claimed that Sudhakar Singh and his brother, Ajit Singh, both have a history of legal issues, alleging their involvement in a "rice scam" and pointing out that they are currently out on bail.

He stated he possesses the Supreme Court order related to their bail. Additionally, he mentioned another relative, Dr Puneet Singh, accusing him of medical malpractice, alleging that he facilitated a woman's childbirth four times, for which he is also out on bail.

Further, Santosh Singh suggested that Sudhakar Singh's accusations were a desperate attempt stemming from frustrations, particularly due to his brother Ajit Singh's ongoing electoral struggles.

Santosh Singh added, "We will collect donations and get Sudhakar Singh treated in a mental hospital."
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Denis Manturov, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday ahead of the 25th Session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation that will be held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The two leaders exchanged views on enhancing India-Russia cooperation in various areas, including trade and economic ties, energy, connectivity among others.

"PM Modi welcomed the sustained and joint efforts being made by the teams on both sides for the implementation of the decisions taken during his recent visits and meetings with President Putin to further strengthen India- Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) mentioned in a statement.

PM Modi also extended his warm greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and said that he looked forward to continued exchanges with him.

Manturov and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will on Tuesday co-chair the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) that serves as the highest-level forum for bilateral economic collaboration between the two countries, encompassing a broad range of areas from trade to cultural exchange.

Earlier in the day, the Russian First Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that Russia-India business relations continue to strengthen amid the "external economic pressure".

"An objective indicator of this is the record volume of trade turnover that we reached last year. And there are all the prerequisites to surpass this achievement this year. At the same time, in addition to the quantitative growth of mutual trade, it is important to diversify its structure. Not just to balance commodity flows, but also to increase the share of high-tech products," said Manturov at the India-Russia Business Forum in Mumbai that was also addressed by EAM Jaishankar.

Manturov listed development of the transport industry, including the introduction of unmanned technologies and the transfer of vehicles to alternative fuels, and increasing the potential of the nuclear sector - including the production of high-power turbines, equipment for solar and wind generation and improving LNG technologies - as the key areas of bilateral economic cooperation.

He also spoke on providing the healthcare system with advanced medicines and medical devices, as well as strengthening Russia's leading positions in the areas of nuclear medicine, production of vaccines and development of the cell engineering segment.

The Russian Deputy PM said that conditions for high-impact economic partnership between the two countries are formed by two national programmes that are "similar in spirit" - India's 'Make in India' programme and the course towards technological sovereignty taken by the Russian government.

Both of these initiatives, he said, are aimed at accelerating the pace of production, developing innovations and removing infrastructure restrictions.

He also listed other sectors, including increasing agricultural productivity through genetic and biotechnology, precision farming systems, irrigation and reclamation technologies besides building up competencies in high-tech means of production and technologies for the transition to a closed-cycle economy, as well as in space services, where the two countries can collaborate more intensely in the near future.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : India has initiated its first-ever space exercise called 'Antariksha Abhyas - 2024' which is being hosted by the Defence Space Agency.

New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) India has initiated its first-ever space exercise called 'Antariksha Abhyas  2024' which is being hosted by the Defence Space Agency.

Ministry of Defence said that the 'Antariksha Abhyas' is a three-day exercise. "It is being conducted by the Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff from 11 to 13 November," the ministry said.

It added that 'Exercise Antariksha Abhyas' is a first-of-its-kind and is expected to help secure national strategic objectives in space and integrate India's space capability in military operations.

At the 'Antariksha Abhyas 2024', Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said: "Space, once considered the final frontier is now the critical enabler of India's defence and security apparatus. With its rich legacy of space exploration and growing military capabilities, India is well positioned to navigate the challenges posed to space-based capabilities".

Highlighting that space was becoming increasingly congested, contested, competitive and commercial, the CDS impressed upon the military leadership to secure our national interests in space by fostering innovation and developing cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art systems in collaboration with DRDO, ISRO and Academia.

Ministry of Defence said that this space exercise aims to provide an enhanced understanding of space-based assets and services and to gain an understanding of operational dependency on space segments between stakeholders.

In addition, it intends to identify vulnerabilities in the conduct of operations in the event of denial or disruptions of space-based services. It will have participants from the Defence Space Agency and its allied units along with personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Specialist branches under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff namely Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency and Strategic Forces Command would also be active participants in the conduct of the exercise.

Representatives from the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research and Development Organisation will also take part in it.
Guwahati, Nov 11 : Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya along with the first lady of Assam Kumud Devi on Monday visited Kamakhya Temple and offered prayer to Goddess Kamakhya and sought her blessings for the welfare of all sections of the people of the state, officials said.

Notably, in line with the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple Corridor in Varanasi, the state government intends to build a corridor at the Kamakhya Temple.

According to a senior government officer, the total amount of open space surrounding the temple will grow from the current 3000 square feet to roughly 100,000 square feet, distributed over three levels.

The official stated that the access corridor's average width would rise from its present width of 8 to 10 feet to roughly 27 to 30 feet.

The six major temples in Nilachal, which are currently hidden from the general public's gaze, will be brought back to their former splendour.

A holding capacity of between 8,000 and 10,000 pilgrims will also be created as part of the project to lessen the pressure during the Ambubachi Mela and other significant festivals.

Meanwhile, the government has planned to build a ropeway at the Kamakhya temple atop Nilachal Hills in Guwahati.

An extensive study has already been conducted by the state government to run the ropeway service from Kamakhya railway station to the temple.

The Chief Minister earlier said that the ropeway will reduce travel time for pilgrims and guests arriving by train by 55a"60 per cent. In the meantime, it would increase tourist potential and offer a beautiful view of Guwahati.

With a capacity of carrying 1000 people per hour, the ropeway will operate in each direction. It will traverse the distance to Nilachal hills within 7 minutes.

The state government has set a deadline of June 2026 to complete the ropeway.
United Nations, Nov 11 : President-elect Donald Trump on Monday announced fierce critic of the world organisation, Elise Stefanik, as the US permanent representative, a cabinet-level position.

The appointment of Stefanik, whom he called "an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter", sets the stage for a resurrection of the confrontation with the UN, which marked his first term.

She is the second nominee to his cabinet after Susie Wiles, whom he named his chief of staff.

On Sunday night, he announced that he was appointing Tom Holman as his "Border Czar" to oversee the mass deportation of illegal migrants and the tightening of border security.

Stefanik's position has to be approved by the Senate, while the chief of staff does not need it and it is not clear if Holman will have to be confirmed by the Senate as the post of "Border Czar" is not currently an official position.

Stefanik, who represents a constituency in New York State, is the chair of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives.

She is one of the staunchest supporters of Trump in Congress and voted in 2021 against certifying the election of Joe Biden as president, endorsing Trump's claim that it was he who had won the election.

During Trump's impeachment hearings, Stefanik was among the most vocal opponents of the Democratic move.

She shares Trump's criticism of the UN and other international organisations.

Trump pulled the US out of the UNESCO and the Paris Climate Accord reached under the auspices of the UN.

The US is the largest contributor to the UN, accounting for 22 per cent of the budget, and Stefanik has said that Washington should reconsider funding the organisation.

Stefanik has accused the UN of anti-Semitism because of its criticism of Israel, particularly during the Gaza War.

Accusing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRA), which provides a range of humanitarian services to Palestinians, of harbouring Hamas operatives, she supported cutting off funding for it.

The UN is already forced into inaction on Gaza and Ukraine wars because of the standoff between the Western countries in the UN Security Council and Russia, backed by China.

Stefanik will add to the polarisation, although on Ukraine it is not clear what Trump's policy would be.

He has said that he would end the war and he has been lukewarm on financing Ukraine, while many in the Republican right have called for cutting back.

On Saturday, Trump said that he would not be inviting Nikki Haley, a permanent representative to the UN during his first term, to join his administration.

Haley came to the UN with a stern America First agenda and attacked the critics of the US, threatening retaliation.
Chelakkara, Nov 11 : Three by-elections are taking place in Kerala -- two Assembly and the Wayanad Lok Sabha. But for the ruling Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI-M government, the stakes are very high at Chelakkara Assembly constituency.

While Chelakkara and Wayanad will go to the polls on Wednesday, election will be held at the Palakkad Assembly constituency on November 20.

One reason why for Vijayan the stakes are high is, Chelakkara is the only seat among the three, that the CPI-M-led Left holds.

Moreover, for the past 28 years, the Chelakkara (reserved for SC) is held by the CPI-M.

K. Radhakrishnan, the soft spoken local CPI-M veteran held the seat from 1998 to 2016 and his party colleague U.R. Pradeep took over from him in 2016 to 2021.

In the 2021 Assembly polls, Radhakrishnan returned, only to vacate after he won from the Alathur (reserved SC) Lok Sabha seat in the April 26 Lok Sabha polls and hence the present by-election is taking place.

Incidentally, Radhakrishnan won by a margin of 39,400 votes in the 2021 Assembly polls.

From the Chelakkara Assembly seat, the Congress has fielded Ramya Haridas, who failed to retain her Alathur Lok Sabha seat in the Lok Sabha polls held this year.

Though Haridas lost to Radhakrishnan in the Lok Sabha polls, she managed to bring down his lead from 39,400 votes in the Chelakkara Assembly segment which comes under the Alathur Lok Sabha seat to around 5,000 votes and that is the reason the Congress campaign managers expect things will turn good for Haridas.

The CPI-M has brought in former CPI-M legislator Pradeep while the BJP has fielded K. Balakrishnan.

Apart from these three, there are three other candidates too.

However P.V. Anvar, the two-time Left supported Independent legislator after moving out from the Left has formed a new party, Democratic Movement of Kerala, and has fielded N.K. Sudheer, a former Congress leader.

This has caused hiccups for both the CPI-M led Left and the Congress party.

But on the last day of public campaign on Monday, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan presently leading the campaign there is in high spirits and has said the Congress party will regain the Chelakkara seat, but veteran CPI-M legislator A.C. Moideen who is spearheading the campaign for Pradeep said Satheesan has every right to dream.

"Nothing is going to change and Pradeep will win hands down," said Moideen.

For Vijayan, Chelakkara is going to be an acid test as if things don't go the way the Left expects, the CM will be held responsible.
Bhopal, Nov 11 : Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said his party believes in the mantra of 'pahle rastra fir caste' (first nation and then caste).

Bhopal, Nov 11 (IANS) Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said his party believes in the mantra of apahle rastra fir castea (first nation and then caste).

Chouhan made this remark responding to Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's relentless push for the caste-based census in the country.

"Rahul Gandhi is trying to divide the people of India for vote bank, but the people of this country are well aware of his strategy. If he (Rahul Gandhi) can speak against the country during his foreign visits, what else we can expect from him," Chouhan said.

During his visit to Bhopal after campaigning for BJP's candidate Ramakant Bhargava for Budhni bypolls on Monday, Chouhan said India's identity is "unity and brotherhood" among the people from all sections and not discrimination.

"No matter how long Rahul Gandhi attempts to divide the people of this country, he won't succeed. Congress has always followed appeasement politics in thrust of power and Rahul Gandhi is following the footsteps of his forefathers," he added.

Chouhan further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government has adopted the mantra of "progress" and "rashtravad", and therefore, people from all castes and religions are extending their support.

Meanwhile, talking about the Assembly elections in Jharkhand, Chouhan said the Opposition bloc has invited "intruders", due to which, people are very upset with them.

"I have witnessed wind of change in Jharkhand. I have full confidence that BJP will form government in Jharkhand," he added.

Chouhan, who is BJP in-charge of Jharkhand Assembly elections, has earlier stated that the BJP would prepare a National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand if voted to power.

Chouhan has also asserted that once the NRC is implemented, Bangladeshi infiltrators will be identified and removed. He accused the Hemant Soren government of sheltering infiltrators and protecting them by giving them Aadhaar cards.

Voting in 43 Assembly seats for the first phase will take place on November 13 and 38 in the second phase on November 20. Counting will be held for all the 81 seats on November 23.
Guwahati, Nov 11 : Two youth were arrested by police in Guwahati on Monday for a controversial artwork to mark a protest against the felling of trees in the city to construct a railway bridge mocking Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, officials said.

The arrested youths were identified as Angkuman Bordoloi, the publicity secretary of Jatiya Yuba Bahini, the youth wing of Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi's Raijor Dal, and Marshal Baruah, an artist and environmental activist.

They were arrested on several charges, including criminal intimidation and unlawful assembly. A non-bailable charge under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act was also imposed on them.

Baruah and Bordoloi were denied bail by the Court and they were subsequently sent to judicial custody. Another person, Kamal Kumar, who was detained alongside them, was released without facing any charges.

The controversy was created over a painting made as part of a protest against the planned uprooting of around 80 trees to make way for the overbridge in the Bharalumukh area of the city.

The initial painting contained a word involving Sarma that was deemed "objectionable", though it was reportedly removed and replaced with another slogan.

Meanwhile, protests also happened over tree cutting in the city for building flyovers in the city, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday visited the Dighalipkuri area in the city, which has become a bone of contention for the past several days.

Sarma visited the site with PWD officials and took stock of the situation. He assured that the government is committed to preserving the heritage of the city.

The state government has planned to build a flyover from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati locality in the city and due to this the authorities marked some 200-year-old trees for felling in Dighalipukhuri.

However, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that his government is committed to preserving the heritage and ecological balance of the city.

He said, "I want to assure you that the government is deeply committed to preserving our city's heritage and environment while advancing infrastructure. In constructing the flyovers from Dighalupukhuri to Noonmati, we are sincerely working to protect the old trees in the area."

"I urge all stakeholders to allow the Public Works Department a few days to explore an alternative proposal and assess its feasibility," he added.

Sarma also visited the Dighalipukhuri area in the city, which has become a bone of contention for the past several days as the government has planned to build a flyover here that may see the uprooting of some 200-year-old trees in that locality.

Sarma visited the site with PWD officials and took stock of the situation. He mentioned that no tree will be uprooted and he has directed to alter the design of the proposed flyover.
Haveri, Nov 11 : BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai alleged on Monday that Congress is distributing money in Shiggaon ahead of the bypolls in the state.

"Congress MLAs and ministers in the Shiggaon constituency are undermining democratic values by seeking votes based on caste and distributing money. But the voters of the constituency would teach them a lesson," said Bommai while speaking in Shiggaon.

Bommai maintained that he has witnessed many elections, but has never seen the entire government behave in this manner.

"It makes one question if this government has any belief in democracy. Ministers are disregarding democratic principles, openly seeking votes based on caste, and distributing money. In some places, people have rejected their money," Bommai claimed.

Bommai said the incumbent Congress government has committed Rs 187 crore scam in the Valmiki Tribal Welfare Corporation. "That amount could have been used for the Valmiki community's housing and Ganga Kalyana scheme. The reserved funds for the Valmiki community are being diverted to Hyderabad. The Chief Minister has admitted the scam, and one of their ministers has even gone to jail," said Bommai.

He slammed the state government for withdrawing Rs 24,000 crore meant for SC/ST programmes and Rs 2,500 crore reserved for backward class corporations. "What moral right do you have to seek votes from the SC/ST and backward communities," he said.

Mentioning the Wakf property scam, Bommai said that, in case of any issue, the Chief Minister calls a meeting. "The entire Kaginele village has been marked as Wakf property. Farmers' fields, schools, and tanks are being marked as Waqf assets. In Hulagur, they had built around 200 houses under the slum board notification, and now they claim it's Wakf property. This has led to calls to boycott voting and he is trying to convince the people against such decisions," he said.

He added that the Wakf issue is like a plague, and farmers and the public will fight against this government.

"Government officials are under pressure in this administration. An official from the Valmiki Corporation committed suicide, an officer in Yadgir did the same, and an SDA took his life in Belagavi. In Shiggaon, officials are frustrated. The defeated candidate here is demanding money, and teachers have been fixed with monthly payments," he claimed.

He said that the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Haveri changed his statement under pressure from the state government regarding the criminal record of the Congress candidate Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan for the Shiggaon constituency.

"The Haveri SP is claiming that there are no cases against the Congress candidate Pathan, due to government pressure. Bommai demanded an investigation into the SP's statements and stated that they would be filing a complaint with the Election Commission tomorrow," he said.

Bommai further claimed that last year, the Congress candidate faced multiple cases, with the SP himself clarifying the legal provisions from the police manual. Now, the government is denying any such cases, Bommai said.

In response to questions about Bitcoin allegations against the BJP candidate, his son Bharat Bommai, he noted that the state government has been investigating this issue for the past year and a half and asserted that there is no connection between Bitcoin and Bharat Bommai. "The allegations are baseless," he said.
Kolkata, Nov 11 : National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted multiple raids in different locations of West Bengal in connection with the suspected sleeper cells of terror models on Monday.

Sources said that among the places that had been raided by the NIA officials include a particular house at Cantopher Lane in central Kolkata.

Besides the house at Kolkata, raids have been conducted at Haldibari in Jalpaiguri district in the northern sector of West Bengal.

They said that the raid and search operations that are being conducted on Monday are in connection with an alert from the central intelligence agencies on Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) targeting some unrecognised educational institutions in the state with the dual motive of selecting new recruits as well as opening new terror modules.

The central intelligence agencies have issued similar alerts to their counterparts in different northeastern states in the country, especially those having borders with neighbouring Bangladesh.

Sources said that as per the alert from the central agencies JMB activists will first target the teachers of unrecognised educational institutions and convince them to encourage their students to join the terror modules in the respective states.

In the second phase, the process of young students for the terror modules will start. In the third phase, the selected candidates will be taken to different terrorist training camps for training on the use of arms and explosives.

In the fourth and final phase, as per the alert of the central agencies, after the training process is completed, the new recruits will be sent back to their respective states to be part of the different terror modules in the different districts there.

JMB claimed responsibility for the 2014 blast at Khagragarh in the East Burdwan district of West Bengal and the 2018 Bodh Gaya bombing attacks. Several members of the group were convicted in these two cases.
Jaipur, Nov 11 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday said that the state government has made continuous efforts to empower the tribal society and for their social upliftment via various schemes and policies.

"The double engine government of Bharatiya Janata Party is committed to ensuring the development of tribal areas because BJP believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," he said while addressing an election meeting held in Chavand in support of BJP candidate Shanta Meena for Salumber Assembly by-election.

He said that the welfare of tribal society has always been the BJP's priority, adding that the BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared November 15 as Adivasi Gaurav Diwas to remember the sacrifice of Lord Birsa Munda and built a grand museum in his name.

He said that it was the BJP which made Droupadi Murmu the first tribal woman President of India.

He said that the state government has also increased the TSP Fund from Rs. 1000 crore to Rs 1500 crore to empower the tribal society.

"Honoring the valour and self-respect of the great warrior Maharana Pratap, the State Government has decided to develop Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit at a cost of Rs 100 crore. Under this project, historical places like Chavand, Haldighati, Gogunda, Kumbhalgarh, Diver and Udaipur associated with the life of Maharana Pratap will be included in the tourist circuit," he said.

He said that the state government will soon construct memorials of great tribal heroes like Dungar Baranda in Dungarpur, Bansia Charpota in Banswara and Veer Balika Kalibai Museum in Udaipur.

Sharma said that the state government has done historic work like ERCP, and the Yamuna Water Agreement in just 11 months. He said that to solve the water problem in Salumber, the state government is going to bring water from the Jakham River to Jaisamand Dam. For this, a provision of more than Rs 7000 crore has been made in the budget.

The Chief Minister said that we have also taken up the work of the Dewas project in Udaipur, this will reduce Udaipur district's dependence on Jaisamand for water and Salumber will get its benefit and there will be no shortage of water in the Mewar region.

Sharma said that the government has taken several steps to make the state an energy surplus state by the year 2026. The work of bringing them on the ground has also been started by signing MoUs for the investment of Rs 2.24 thousand crore.

Sharma said that our public welfare government is working for the upliftment of every section of society. The amount given to needy women under domestic gas cylinders for Rs 450, social security pension, Kisan Samman Nidhi and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandan Yojana has been increased. Along with this, farmers have been given a subsidy of Rs 19,337 crore in electricity bills and 1 lakh farmers have been given interest-free crop loans.
Bhopal, Nov 11 : Women guest teachers across government schools in Madhya Pradesh have demanded paid maternity leaves akin to permanent teachers.

The issue was raised through the Guest Teachers Association (GTA) at a time when Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is supposed to chair a meeting to discuss the demand of regularising those who have been serving as guest teachers for more than 10 years.

The GTA raised the issue, saying that women guest teachers are being forced to serve even in critical conditions They are serving in fear of termination or being forced to resign.

GTA secretary Ravikant Gupta in a statement issued to the press on Monday said the situation of women guest teachers is always in fear of loss of their jobs.

"Even if guest teachers are unwell, they are not allowed to go on leave. The situation of women teachers is more critical as they can't avail maternity leave. It's a genuine demand, for which, the association has been raising its voice for the last several years," said.

He further claimed, that in 2014, the Madhya Pradesh government had announced to provide 13 days of leave and six months of maternity leave for women, but no official order has been issued.

"Since then, we have raised this issue time and again and approached ministers and state officials but the situation remained the same," he added.

Permanent teachers at state government-run schools are entitled to 180 days of paid maternity leave. Guest teachers, however, are not provided such benefits and face the risk of salary deduction in case they go on maternity leave.

In 2018, the Madhya Pradesh government issued an order, allowing unpaid maternity leaves to women guest teachers in government colleges. But the guest teachers in schools, however, claimed they are still not allowed to opt for maternity leaves.

Last month, guest teachers organised a massive protest in Bhopal and even gheraoed Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's bungalow for regularising the services of those who have been serving for over 10-15 years.

In government schools in the state, over 70,000 guest teachers are employed, with many having served for up to 15 years. Several guest teachers have filed a petition in the High Court demanding the regularization of their services. They argue that they have passed the teacher eligibility test and are trained in D.Ed and B.Ed.
New Delhi, Nov 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday wished the countrymen, especially the people of Uttarakhand, on the occasion of Igas Diwali, a unique folk festival being celebrated in the Himalayan state.

In a post on micro-blogging site X, PM Modi wrote, "Many congratulations to all the countrymen including my family members of Uttarakhand on the occasion of Igas festival! Today in Delhi, I also got the privilege of participating in this festival at the residence of Anil Baluni ji, Lok Sabha MP from Uttarakhand. I wish that this festival brings happiness, prosperity and well-being in everyone's life."

"We are committed to moving forward with development and heritage together. I am satisfied that the Igas festival, which is almost extinct and is related to folk culture, is once again becoming the centre of faith for my family members in Uttarakhand," he added.

"The way my brothers and sisters of Uttarakhand have kept the tradition of Igas alive is very encouraging. The large scale on which this holy festival is being celebrated across the country is a direct proof of this. I am confident that this legacy of Devbhoomi will flourish further," PM Modi said.

Igas or Budhi Diwali is observed in Uttarakhand 11 days after Diwali is celebrated in the rest of the country. This year, Igas Diwali will be celebrated on November 12 (Tuesday).

It is believed that when Lord Ram returned Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, Diwali was celebrated in the entire nation but the news about his return reached the Himalyan state 11 days late due to the remote terrain and lack of connectivity. That's why the people of Uttarakhand celebrate this Diwali festival after a gap of 11 days.
Guwahati, Nov 11 : A Congress leader in Assam's Samaguri was arrested on Monday for attacking a journalist while he was covering news, police said.

However, the opposition leaders claimed that the police are favouring the BJP supporters.

The person is identified as Sirajul Islam. He was taken into custody by police from the Singimari area in Samaguri.

Islam was brought to Ruparihat police station in Nagaon district. He will be produced in the Court on Tuesday.

According to police, the Congress leader recently launched an attack on a local scribe who went to Singimari locality to collect news for the byelections.

A case against Islam was registered at Ruparihat police station by the journalist.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Rakibul Hussain aimed at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, saying: "The Chief Minister has been disobeying the Election Commission's directive and he is directing the police personnel to arrest Congress workers. This is unacceptable and we shall launch a protest against such action of CM Sarma."

Hussain also alleged that the police have been behaving like a BJP supporter and there has been total disruption of the law and order situation in the state.

There have been sporadic violence incidents occurring in the Samaguri constituency between Congress and the BJP supporters.

The contest in Samaguri between the BJP and Congress has become interesting. A total of five Assembly seats have byelections on November 13, except in Samaguri, where Congress heavyweight Rakibul Hussain has been winning since 2001, the rest of the four seats are with the BJP-led alliance.

The senior Congress leader ousted the three-time AIUDF MP and party chief Badruddin Ajmal in the Dhubri Lok Sabha seat with a margin of more than 10 lakh votes in this year's Lok Sabha polls.

The Congress leadership kept trust in Rakibul Hussain and gave a ticket to his son Samaguri Tanzil Hussain.

The BJP fielded Diplu Ranjan Sarma in Samaguri to take on Tanzil Hussain.
Channapatna : , Nov 11 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Board Member B.S. Yediyurappa urged the people to teach CM Siddaramaiah a befitting lesson by securing victory for the NDA candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy in the high profile Channapatna Assembly constituency.

Speaking at a massive campaign for Nikhil in Channapatna, Yediyurappa criticised, "There's no use in electing Congress puppet C.P. Yogeshwara in the Channapatna seat. This government doesn't even have the capability to fill a single pothole."

"Corruption is rampant in Karnataka. They've stopped the Bhagya Lakshmi scheme and halted many pro-people projects. They lack the integrity to allocate funds; this government is bankrupt. The future is bright, though. Go door to door and campaign for Nikhil's victory. With sincere efforts, Nikhil will win by a margin of over 25,000 votes," Yediyurappa said.

"The times have changed; people introspect about everything. Just as former PM H.D. Deve Gowda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are known at the Centre, they are known here as well. Winning this constituency will send a message to CM Siddaramaiah," he underlined.

"Tomorrow, go door to door seeking votes for Nikhil, and create an opportunity to serve you," he appealed.

"Nikhil Kumaraswamy has faced setbacks twice. To run against a Congress government that is looting openly takes courage. That is why former PM Deve Gowda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has fielded Nikhil Kumaraswamy," said MLC Ravi Kumar.

Criticizing Yogeshwar as a 'jumping star,' he stated, "In this election against underhanded deals, Nikhil Kumaraswamy must win. I bow deeply to the people of Channapatna," he appealed.

He continued, "If Nikhil wins, it's like giving respect to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Deve Gowda has been campaigning for Nikhil Kumaraswamy for over a week."

He emphasised, "Deve Gowda has uplifted all communities. If the Vokkaliga community decides, they can unite everyone to elect the NDA candidate."
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The 11th Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC) will take place on November 9-10, the first weekend of this years Sharjah International Book Fair. The SILC brings together 250 librarians annually from the MENA region and beyond to learn and share the latest trends and issues within global librarianship. The Conference is a collaboration between the American Library Association (ALA), the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Combined Book Exhibit (CBE).

This years conference will continue to have a focus on the impact of artifical intelligence (AI) on the library community. Leo Lo, president of the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of ALA, will keynote the conference; Lo is a globally recognized expert on AI and Libraries.

There will be follow-up sessions that look deeper at integrating AI into various types of libraries, including public, school and academic libraries. Yrjo Lappalainen and Nikesh Narayanan from Zayed University, U.A.E., will explore the innovative use of conversational AI in libraries through the development of Aisha, the librarys AI-powered chatbot. Ritesh Dhanak, chief innovation and digital officer, GEMS Modern Academy, U.A.E., will discuss how AI can be leveraged in school libraries. In addition, Sarah Abd ElSattar, senior marketing specialist at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, will showcase how AI can revolutionize marketing strategies of libraries to connect with a wider audience.

In addition to AI, other programs will delve into the need for experimentation, creativity, and even play in libraries today. Cathryn Copper from the University of Toronto will explore The Experimental Library: How to Take Risks, Fail Forward, and Create Change. Megan Lotts, art librarian at Rutgers University in New Jersey, will describe how play acts as a lynchpin for functioning successfully as a team as well as impacting communities in positive ways.

With digital collections and services continuing to expand (in size and cost), Anna Neatrour of the University of Utah looks at The High-Impact Digital Library: Innovative Approaches for Outreach and Instructions, a presentation that will provide both inspiration and pragmatic guidance.

Libraries must continue to evolve to meet the needs of research and education communities, and Yousef Torman, managing director of the Arab State Research Education Network (ASREN), will provide insight during his program Transformation in Open Sciences Era that will highlight regional plans, tools, platforms, and resources for libraries, including Pan Arab Regional Open Science Clouds.

In Everyday Evidence-Based Practice in Libraries: Case Studies and Reflections, Meggan Houlihan, director at OSUN Library Resources Program, Open Society University, will emphasize the importance of everyday EBLIP for functional areas, highlighting well-designed projects to inspire the work of others.

School librarians attending the conference will be able to take advantage of a full track of programs, including Building News Literacy: Lessons for Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in School Libraries presented by Tom Bober, School District of Clayton, Missouri, and Step into the future of education and discover how cinematic virtual reality revolutionizes storytelling, transforming it into a powerful vehicle for cultivating empathy and promoting global consciousness in students from Dr. Andrea Trudeau, Deerfield, Illinois. Award winning school librarians from across the U.A.E. will also share their successful initiatives.

With the continued emphasis toward inclusion, Fatema Abdul Rahman Al Tamimi, acting library management director for the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, will highlight Diverse and Comprehensive Initiatives from Abu Dhabi Libraries for People of Determination.

Twenty-five other attendees will highlight best practices during the ever-popular poster sessions, while the Knowledge Cafe will provide more networking and engagement opportunities. Attendees will also be able to interact with exhibitors throughout the conference. Registration is only open to librarians; further details can be found on the conference website.
U Mobile defended its qualifications to run the countrys second 5G network on Sunday after enduring a week of criticism from rivals, industry analysts and politicians who expressed bafflement at the governments decision to give U Mobile the nod.

On November 1, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) picked U Mobile to implement Malaysias second 5G network to compete with original 5G operator Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).

The result came as a surprise to rival telcos Maxis and CelcomDigi  both of whom were in the running  and industry observers and financial analysts who had tipped either Maxis or CelcomDigi as the likely winners.

Most of the criticism has focused on the fact that U Mobile is the youngest and smallest of the contenders, having only started services in 2007. According to news site Soya Cincau, U Mobile has said it currently runs more than 10,000 mobile sites and had over 9 million subscribers as of the end of 2023. CelcomDigi has 25,000 sites and 20.2 million subscribers, while Maxis has over 11,000 sites and 12.7 million subscribers.

Last week, the MCMC issued a statement defending the decision, saying that the decision was based on a combination of factors, from its business and technical plans, consumer complaints and satisfaction records to its performance in carrying out other infrastructure initiatives, including Universal Service Provision (USP) projects such as JENDELA Phase 1 and other 4G upgrade projects.

However, the statement didnt go into specifics and raised more questions than answers. On Friday, Dr Ong Kian Ming, former Deputy Minister for International Trade and Industry (MITI), issued a statement calling on the MCMC, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to release more details on the tender process and the scoring method to determine the winner.

Meanwhile, U Mobile Chairman Vincent Tan defended the telcos ability to roll out the second 5G network in a column published on Sunday in Malaysian business news publication Business Today.

Among other things, Tan cited U Mobiles 95% network population coverage, its success in the JENDELA and USP programmes, and its ability to undersell the competition, particularly with 5G.

As the first telco in the country to offer 5G service at no additional costs for all Malaysians and consistently offering similar services at 20-25% cheaper than competitors, U Mobiles aggressive investments and innovations have and will continue to challenge our competitors resulting in cheaper and better services for all Malaysians, Tan said.

Funding questions

Tan also reiterated earlier comments from MCMC that the second network will be funded entirely by U Mobile, as opposed to being subsidised with taxpayer money, as was the case with DNB.

That said, critics have also questioned U Mobiles ability to fund a new 5G network rollout. According to The Edge Malaysia, CIMB Securities said in a research note last week that U Mobile would need to invest up to MYR3 billion (US$681 million) over 1824 months to cover 80% of the population, and MYR1 billion a year after that, which is higher than U Mobiles average capitalised capex of MYR500 million per annum between FY2014 to FY2023.

CIMB Securities added that U Mobile will need a strong financial partner to share the cost, given U Mobiles higher net debt-to-earnings before interest tax, depreciation and amortisation ratio at 4.3 times, compared to Maxis (2.2 times) and CelcomDigis (2.1 times).

In his column, Tan said that U Mobile recorded a higher revenue of MYR3.5 billion and higher net profit of MYR102 million in 2023, with increased operating cash flows of MYR1.2 billion. U Mobiles total assets stood at MYR6.2 billion with a total share capital of MYR2.6 billion.

U Mobile issued a statement on Sunday adding that it has robust financial backing from its shareholders, financial institutions such as UOB, CIMB and AmBank, as well as strategic vendor partners who enable the telco to continuously innovate to stay competitive and to meet network deployment targets.

U Mobile also confirmed that its biggest shareholder  Singapore-based Straits Mobile Investments (a subsidiary of ST Telemedia), which owns a 48.3% stake  has agreed to bring its share down to 20%.
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Orange Centrafrique says it has become the first mobile operator in the Central African Republic (CAR) to sign a 4G license with the Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications, paving the way for 4G to finally be launched in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, Orange described the move as a decisive step to deploy 4G, which would greatly improve quality of service and access to digital technology for the entire population.

Orange also said the project is part of the CAR's digital transformation strategy, aimed at reducing the digital divide, improving access to telecoms services for all and boosting the country's economic, educational and social sectors. The telco also said rolling out 4G will attract foreign investment and facilitate the emergence of the local digital ecosystem.

"Access to 4G represents a significant step forward for the people of Central African Republic and responds to a growing demand for connectivity, said Orange Centrafrique GM Max Francisco. We are committed to providing a quality, reliable and accessible network for all users, in all regions of the country.

According to the latest available data from Statista, the CAR had 1.86 million mobile subscribers at the end of 2021, all of them 3G users, which works out to a penetration rate of 32%. Datareportal cites figures from Kepios saying internet penetration stood at 10.6% with 616,000 internet users.
Tata Steel is in the process of filing a curative petition in the Supreme Court in connection with the apex court ruling which said that states have the power to levy cess on mining and mineral-use activities.

Photograph: Andrew Yates/Reuters

The petition by the steel manufacturing firm is aimed at seeking remedy to the order, passed by a 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on July 25.

However, Tata Steels managing director and chief executive officer T V Narendran told Business Standard that there was no demand note on the firm.

Tata Steel has captive mines in Jharkhand and Odisha.

The state of Odisha had enacted the Orissa Rural Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Development Act, 2004 (ORISED Act) with effect from February 1, 2005, levying tax on mineral-bearing land.

Following this, Tata Steel had received demands amounting to Rs 129 crore in respect to its mines in Odisha.

Tata Steel had contested this in the Odisha high court and it was quashed. However, Odisha appealed in the apex Court.

Subsequently, the matter relating to legislative authority of the states to tax minerals was referred to the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court.

On July 25, 2024, a 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled that states have the power to levy cess on mining and mineral-use activities.

It allowed states to collect dues retrospectively from April 1, 2005 in a judgment in August.

A review petition filed by the Centre and others was dismissed.

Tata Steel said while announcing its results for the second quarter of the financial year 2025 (Q2FY25) that pending hearing of the appeal filed by the state of Odisha before the appropriate regular bench of the Supreme Court, it was unclear/uncertain regards the form and manner in which the Orissa Rural Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Development (ORISED) Act, 2004 may get enacted.

The firm was in the process of filing a curative petition with the Supreme Court and was also in active discussions with the state authorities on the way forward, it disclosed.

On the feedback from the state authorities, Narendran noted that the state governments would not want to do something which derailed the industry.When the ORISED Act came into effect in 2005, he pointed out, there was no auctioning of mines or the DMF (district mineral foundation).

Now, particularly if you look at Odisha, they are getting a lot of revenue from the mining royalties. So unlike the earlier situation, states are conscious of it, Narendran said.

The DMF under the MMDR Amendment Act 2015 is a trust set up as a non-profit body in districts affected by mining works.

It is funded through contributions by miners.

Narendran said states were internally discussing what would be fair to them and the industry.

The Centre is also watching because they dont want the industry to be unfairly taxed. End of the day, this will have an impact across the country on multiple industries.

"If you start taxing coal very high, it will have an impact on the power cost, he said.

In Q1FY25, the company had made a disclosure on a contingent liability of Rs 17,347 crore till June 30, 2024 relating to its mines in Odisha.

However, in its notes to Q2 results, the company said that there was no present/legal obligation in respect of the levy related to the ORISED Act and its financial impact along with possibility of outflow at this stage was unlikely.

Accordingly, it had not recognised any provision in its standalone and consolidated financial results.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought a meeting with quick-commerce (qcom) platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto on Tuesday to discuss issues regarding violations of food safety standards, according to sources familiar with the matter.

IMAGE: Kaivalya Vohra, co-founder and Aadit Palicha, CEO, Zepto. Photograph: Kind courtesy Zepto/Linkedin

This comes at a time when there have been issues raised about food safety standard violations by qcom platforms for packaged food products, including violations related to expiry and best before dates.

The problem is that the minimum shelf life of a product is not being maintained by some players, said an industry source.

The FSSAI had, last week, held a meeting of its Central Advisory Committee (CAC) to discuss food safety issues on e-commerce platforms.

It directed states to increase surveillance on warehouses and facilities of e-commerce platforms.

Business Standard has also seen a copy of the letter that has been sent to qcom companies on the issue.

LocalCircles, an independent community platform, wrote a letter to FSSAI in October to examine violation of Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations 2020 by certain online platforms.

It alleged that they had listed and delivered products with less than 30 per cent shelf life available.

Over the last 12 months, an increasing number of consumers have been regularly reporting on LocalCircles about certain online platforms delivering products with low shelf life.

"For example: A packet of bread with a typical shelf life of 5-7 days being delivered with just one day left, it wrote in its letter.

It said that, in a related survey it conducted with over 12,000 respondents across India, 57 per cent consumers said most online platforms are not displaying the best before date for packaged products online.

We have informed the same to the secretary, consumer affairs, and are told that the Department of Legal Metrology is examining such violations, it said.

It requested FSSAI to examine violations of Food Safety and Standards Amendment Regulations 2020 by online platforms.

It wanted products that meet the criteria of at least 30 per cent shelf life available or 45 days remaining be listed for sale and delivered.

Other issues have also been raised by distributors federation, All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), with ministries over issues it is facing with qcom companies.

Last month, AICPDF wrote two letters  one to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the second to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

It sought an inquiry into the use of private vehicles by qcom and e-commerce firms for commercial operations.

It also requested compliance by them with the food regulator norms while delivering products.
The government needs to answer the critical question of whether it has accepted any restrictions on its infrastructure creation activities, asserts Ajai Shukla.

Photograph: @adgpi/X

In May and June 2020, thousands of China's border guards and soldiers of the People's Liberation Army emerged from the winter freeze in Tibet and Xinjiang and crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) into Eastern Ladakh, capturing Indian territory along five separate axes.

From north to south, these axes were the Depsang plain, Galwan River valley, Gogra -- Hot Springs, Pangong Tso and Demchok.

Indian Army units and formations in Ladakh were taken by surprise, each having suspended its own patrolling due to the risk of spreading the coronavirus contagion, COVID-19, which had emerged in China the previous year. But that tactical misjudgement left open for the Chinese the doors of Ladakh.

By the time India's Northern Command could mobilise its reserves and pump troops into Ladakh to block further PLA intrusions, large numbers of Chinese soldiers had taken up positions within Indian territory, their forward defences supported from the rear by artillery and tanks.

Indian patrols found the Chinese blocking them with unusual violence. On June 15, 2020, the most egregious of these clashes resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an indeterminate number of Chinese -- marking the first combat fatalities on the Sino-Indian border since 1975.

The inevitable Indian counter build-up took its time, given the mammoth logistics involved in airlifting 42-tonne T-90 tanks and artillery guns to support the Indian Army's forward positions, where they were, in many cases, eyeball-to-eyeball with the PLA.

These events must be seen in the context of Ladakh's geography. Some of the untutored press headlines of the day, such as 'Sino-India confrontation in the Himalaya', are unaware that the forward Indian posts involved are part of the Karakoram range, not the Himalayas.

Similarly, the Chinese troops' intrusion into Ladakh took place on India's little part of the Tibetan plateau.

Photograph: ANI Photo

In the four-odd years since the confrontation was sparked off, Beijing and New Delhi have engaged in diplomatic dialogue and, in addition, have held 21 rounds of talks between senior military commanders from both sides.

The military-to-military discussions are credited with having negotiated the disengagement, first of troops in the Galwan valley, followed by troops in the Hot Springs -- Gogra area, and then, in the north bank of the Pangong Lake.

However, with Chinese troops continuing to face off against the Indians on the Depsang plain and the Demchok border, the two most important border flashpoints remained unaddressed.

Over the last 10 days of October, India's ministry of external affairs has been signalling that Beijing, under consistent Indian pressure, has agreed to implement what it has refused to even discuss so far -- that is, the mutual disengagement of troops in Depsang and Demchok.

If China is accommodating on Depsang and Demchok, a resolution of the broader Sino-India territorial dispute in Eastern Ladakh would be conceivable.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that intensive diplomatic and military negotiations over the past few weeks had resulted in an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC. This had led to disengagement and a resolution of the issues at stake.

However, the Indian announcement that a Sino-Indian settlement had been reached, encompassing Depsang and Demchok, has not been corroborated by officials from China's foreign ministry or ministry of national defence.

On Thursday, October 24, a statement from China's defence ministry indicated that further negotiations still remained.

Acknowledging that China and India had been able to 'reduce differences' and build 'some consensus' on disengaging troops to end the standoff, the Chinese said they agreed to maintain dialogue to reach a resolution acceptable to both sides at an 'early date'.

On Sunday, October 27, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar told an audience in Mumbai that talks were still at a preliminary stage.

'At places where the tension was more, we decided not to patrol it. So, the current agreement will allow us to look at the next step and discuss how to manage the borders. Not everything is resolved but we have reached the first phase,' Mr Jaishankar declared. 'We will soon resume patrolling along the LAC in Ladakh.'

Photograph: ANI Photo

Questions that need answers

Comparing the statements and announcements from New Delhi with those from the army in Ladakh, there appears to be a differential in their levels of optimism.

It would be prudent to ask certain questions so as to ensure answers are at hand to explain these differences.

First, has the status quo ante of April 2020 actually been fully restored, especially in the flashpoints of Depsang and Demchok? According to the army, disengagement commenced on Tuesday and was completed on Wednesday.

Indian Army sources said patrolling in these areas would commence by the end of October 2024, which means that the first Indian patrols should be moving at this moment towards the border in Depsang, unimpeded by the Chinese.

Is that the case? Or does the answer lie in Mr Jaishankar's admission that talks are still at a preliminary stage. At this crucial moment, where does the truth lie?

Second, army sources have been quoted as saying that there were no changes in the areas where disengagement had previously taken place and buffer zones had been established.

This clearly means that the buffer zones established at Galwan, Pangong Tso, PP 15 and PP 17A, Gogra and Hot Springs remain in place.

How does that square with the simultaneous assertion that the status quo ante of April 2020 had been restored?

After all, a significant part of the buffer zones established at Galwan, Hot Springs, Gogra and Pangong Lake were patrolled up to April 2020 by Indian patrols. That status quo ante has clearly been abandoned.

Third, the Chinese government has unapologetically stated that one of the key reasons for the PLA's intrusions into Eastern Ladakh was India's infrastructure creation along the LAC, especially strategic roads such as the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DS DBO), which linked the Pangong Lake area in central Ladakh with the DBO area at the strategically vital northern tip of India -- the Karakoram Pass.

The government needs to answer the critical question of whether it has accepted any restrictions on its infrastructure creation activities, or linked them in any way to China's infrastructure development.

Finally, the government needs to come clean on patrolling restrictions, if any, that it has accepted in order to avoid face-offs between Indian and Chinese patrols.

Disclaimer: These are Ajai Shukla's personal views.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
'The border deal offers a hedge for India against Trump's unpredictability when it comes to his approach to competition with China.'

IMAGE: Kite artist Jagmohan Kanojia displays kites made on the theme of Prime Minister Narendra D Modi and US President-elect Donald J Trump in Amritsar, November 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

What shape will India-US relations take after President-elect Donald J Trump enters the White House on January 20, 2025?

Trump values the importance of personalities in international affairs and his personal equation with Prime Minister Narendra D Modi will be crucial in steering the course of IndIA-US ties in the next four years.

"His relatively restrained views on Russia, and his lack of interest in bringing attention to human rights concerns in India, mean that two of the relationship's biggest points of tension at the moment could recede," predicts Dr Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center and a leading expert on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and their relations with the United States.

"To be sure, Trump won't be all good for India," he, however, cautions. "Trade tensions may resurge; his campaign rhetoric suggested he won't shy away from a tough tariff policy. His administration's immigration and visa policies could deleteriously impact Indians," Kugelman says in an e-mail interview with Rediff.com's Archana Masih.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi and then US President Trump at the Howdy Mody event in Houston, September 22, 2019. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

In a broad perspective, what will be the Trump world view in his second term as President? How different will it be from his first presidency?

It's risky to make predictions about Trump, because he's so unpredictable. But with that caveat, let's give it a go.

Based on what we've heard from him on the campaign trail and over the last few years, on many levels his approach to international affairs probably won't be dissimilar to what he focused on during his first term:

Drive a hard bargain on international trade, be tougher with allies and partners to ensure they do more on burden-sharing, and try to make America as strong as possible in the world, but with a footprint that's not as deep.

There are, of course, a number of questions. Will he actually stick with those approaches, or will he do about-faces?

Will he actually follow through on what appear to be pledges to help end the wars in the Middle East and Russia?

And perhaps most interesting -- and most significant, from New Delhi's perspective -- will he maintain Washington's bitter competition with Beijing, or will he look to reach an understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a leader that's often garnered praise from Trump?

IMAGE: US President Joe Biden bids farewell to Prime Minister Modi as he departs after the Quad leaders summit in Claymont, Delaware, September 21, 2024. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

India-US relations saw an upswing in the Biden years which included a very successful trip by Mr Modi to Washington, DC. How do you see the relations progress? Will Trump be good/ not so good for India?

Trump will be very good for India. The relationship experienced a major surge during Trump's last presidency -- part of a pattern over recent decades of the relationship growing exponentially.

In the earlier Trump era, the two sides finalised foundational defence agreements -- the type the US signs with its top allies -- and the Indo-Pacific Quad regained momentum.

It was also in the Trump era when US-China competition picked up and India was recognised as a critical strategic partner to work with the US to address shared concerns about Chinese power.

I expect Trump to pick up where he left off, and push for even deeper partnership. His chemistry with Prime Minister Modi is strong, and their politics and worldviews align. That's important for a leader who values the importance of personalities in international affairs.

His relatively restrained views on Russia, and his lack of interest in bringing attention to human rights concerns in India, mean that two of the relationship's biggest points of tension at the moment could recede.

To be sure, Trump won't be all good for India. Trade tensions may resurge; his campaign rhetoric suggested he won't shy away from a tough tariff policy. His administration's immigration and visa policies could deleteriously impact Indians.

His hardline views on export controls could undermine tech cooperation, a fast-growing part of the relationship today. And his unpredictability could be challenging, and even for an Indian government that knows Trump well, from his first time in office.

With so much global churn and with the relationship experiencing some sensitive moments in recent months -- especially with Washington's transnational repression allegation against India -- that unpredictability factor could loom large for a government in New Delhi that would prefer a smooth sail.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi and then US President Trump during Trump's visit to India, February 25, 2019. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

What fallout will Trump's tough policy on immigration and tariffs have on India? Despite the challenges over disagreements over tariffs, both countries have maintained strong economic relations and the US is India's top export partner.

How do you think both countries will navigate these tough issues?

The relationship, with all the trust and goodwill it's accumulated over the years, has the insulation to withstand shocks. Much of that trust and goodwill has come from an expanding partnership that involves collaborations across so many different spaces -- security and strategic affairs but also higher education, energy, technology, health, and indeed trade.

The relationship was able to survive the tensions that nearly led to a mini trade war during Trump's first term. Trade in goods soared during the first year or so of the first Trump administration.

So while we shouldn't discount the significance of obstacles on the trade and immigration sides -- these could have deleterious people-to-people as well as commercial impacts -- it's clear that these challenges can be managed.

And I expect that to continue in the second Trump presidency -- and especially if the Trump administration maintains the strategic trade dialogue and other ongoing discussions on commercial relations that both sides have prioritised in recent years.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi and then US president Trump at a joint news conference following bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, February 25, 2020. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

What impact will Trump have on India-China relations since China is crucial to US dealings with India?

The China-India-US triangle will be one of the more fascinating geopolitical storylines of the second Trump administration.

The conventional wisdom is that Trump will continue the policy of the Biden administration (and his own policy, from his first term) of working to counter China, and this will ensure a continued strong US-India strategic alignment. This is indeed a safe and likely bet.

That said, Trump has often professed his admiration for President Xi. We can't rule out Trump deciding to bury the hatchet with China and looking to reach some type of detente -- and especially if he's looking for ways for the US to be able to expend fewer resources on its interests abroad.

If this unlikely but not unfathomable scenario plays out, this could conceivably cause a problem for US-India relations, given that the strategic partnership is largely driven by the China factor.

But then again, we've seen New Delhi working cautiously and carefully to ease its own tensions with Beijing, through the recent border deal.

The border deal offers a hedge for India against Trump's unpredictability when it comes to his approach to competition with China.

All this said, the biggest impact Trump could have on India-China relations lies in the economic domain.

If New Delhi and Beijing both fear that they could be targeted by Trump tariffs, this may give them incentive to try to create more commercial space for themselves. And that would serve the interests of India and China well, given that both are keen to ramp up trade and investment cooperation.

In fact, the border deal was likely meant in part to create more diplomatic space to enable them to do just that.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Eleven suspected militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces on Monday after insurgents in camouflage uniforms, armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately at a police station and an adjacent Central Reserve Police Force camp in Manipur's Jiribam district, officials said.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Two CRPF personnel also sustained injuries during the heavy exchange of fire at Borobekra, and the condition of one of them was stated to be critical, they said.

Following this incident, fresh violence was reported from multiple places in Imphal Valley where armed groups from the two warring sides engaged in exchanges of fire, the police said.

The Kuki-Zo Council called for a total shutdown in the hill areas of the state from 5 am to 6 pm on Tuesday "to express our collective grief and solidarity who were brutally shot dead".

In a series of attacks, the militants torched several shops and houses in and around the Jakurador Karong market, besides the Borobekra police station and the CRPF camp located adjacent to it.

As the security forces retaliated, a heavy exchange of fire began and 11 suspected militants were killed, officials said.

In a post on X, the Manipur Police said, "Today, 11th November, 2024 at about 3 pm, the CRPF Post located at Jakuradhor and Borobekra Police Station (located nearby), Jiribam District were attacked by armed militants. The security

forces retaliated strongly. Due to the attack, one CRPF constable namely Sanjeev Kumar sustained bullet injury and has been evacuated to Silchar Medical College, Assam and is under treatment."

The exchange of fire lasted 40-45 minutes, following which the situation was brought under control, it said.

"After the firing ceased, the area was searched and 10 (ten) dead bodies of armed militants were recovered along with arms and ammunition (3 nos. of AKs, 4nos. of SLRs, 2 nos. of INSAS, 01 no. of RPG, 01 no. of Pump Action Gun, BP Helmets and Magazines). Accordingly, a criminal case has been registered and is being investigated," it added.

Operations were continuing to flush out militants, and reinforcement teams consisting of Assam Rifles, CRPF and police were rushed to the spot, the post said.

In the evening, violent clashes were reported from various villages in Imphal West and Imphal East districts, officials said.

The militants allegedly fired at the low-lying areas of Koutruk in Imphal West from the hilltops of Kangpokpi district. It was retaliated by armed "village volunteers", they said.

A few abandoned houses and some other structures were set on fire in Kangchup area of the district by militants, they said.

Two people, identified as Phuritsabam Devananda and Ningombam Romesh, were injured after getting hit by shrapnel of a bomb.

Panic also gripped Lamshang after an improvised mortar shell fell in a residential area in Phumlou Kameng, around 3.7 km from Kangchup, the police said.

Incidents of firing were also reported from Chanung and Thamnapokpi areas of Imphal East district, they said.

Intermittent violence was going on in Imphal Valley over the last two-three days, and the incident in Jiribam escalated it, they added.

In the morning, a farmer working in the fields in Yaingangpokpi Shantikhongban area of Imphal East sustained injuries when militants opened fire from the hilltops of Kangpokpi, the police said.

Officials said the attacks are affecting the harvesting of paddy crops as many farmers in the periphery areas of the valley are feeling afraid to go to the fields.

In a statement, the Churachandpur-base Kuki-Zo Council said, "In light of the tragic events that unfolded today in Jiribam, where we lost 11 Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers in the hands of CRPF personnel, the Kuki-Zo Council has announced a Total Shutdown tomorrow, starting from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM in honor of the victims and to express our collective grief and solidarity who were brutally shot dead."

"The loss of our precious Kuki-Zo lives is not only a devastating blow to the families, but to the entire Kuki-Zo Community who stand united in our pursuit of peace, justice, and security. We condemn in the strongest terms the violence that took place today and call for immediate and thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice," it said.

Officials said a relief camp was located within the premises of the Borobekra police station, and five people living there went missing.

It was not clear whether these civilians were kidnapped by the retreating militants or went into hiding after the attack began, they said, adding that a search was underway for them.

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS were imposed in the area, according to a notification.

"There is apprehension of widespread disturbance to peace and public tranquility or a riot or any affray in the area and grave danger to human lives and properties because of unlawful activities of some anti-social elements," said the notification.

Borobekra sub-division has witnessed multiple incidents of violence since June. Last week, a 31-year-old woman was killed during an attack on the Zairon Hmar village by armed militants, according to the police.

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.

Ethnically diverse Jiribam, which was largely untouched by the clashes in Imphal Valley and the adjoining hills, witnessed violence after the mutilated body of a farmer was found in a field in June this year.
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday claimed his bag was inspected by election authorities when he arrived in Maharashtra's Yavatmal to campaign for the November 20 assembly elections.

IMAGE: Officials checking the bag of Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, November 11, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy Shiv Sena-UBT on X

The former chief minister asked if the election authorities would also inspect the bags of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders.

Thackeray shared this experience while addressing a public meeting at Wani in Yavatmal for Shiv Sena-UBT candidate Sanjay Derkar.

The Sena-UBT chief said when he arrived in Wani by helicopter, several election officials inspected his bag.

He asked his party workers and voters to also check the pockets and identity cards of the officials who check them.

Thackeray said he was not miffed with the election authorities but added, "You are following your responsibility, and I will perform my responsibility."

"The way you inspected my bag, did you inspect the bags of Modi and Shah?" he asked.

Shouldn't the bags of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis be checked? he sought to know.

"All these useless things are going on. I don't consider it democratic. This can't be a democracy. In a democracy, no one is big or small," Thackeray said.

He said if the election authorities do not inspect their bags (of senior leaders of the ruling alliance), then workers of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the opposition MVA will check them.

The police and the Election Commission should not intervene as voters also have the right to check their bags (senior leaders of the ruling parties) when they come for campaigning, he added.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena-UBT posted a video of Thackeray's bag being inspected on its X handle.

In the video, Thackeray can be seen asking officials if they had inspected any other political leader's bag.

He goes on to ask them if they checked the bags of CM Shinde, Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, PM Modi and Shah.

When one of the officials tells the Sena (UBT) chief that these leaders are yet to visit the region, he tells them to inspect PM Modi and Shah's bag and send him a video recording.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi has targeted Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis over his "vote jihad" remarks, claiming the Bharatiya Janata Party leader's (ideological) ancestors wrote "love letters" to Britishers instead of fighting against them.

IMAGE: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi addresses an eelction rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Photograph: @aimim_national/X

During a public meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Sunday, Owaisi also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Ek Hai to Safe Hai" slogan goes against the diversity ethos.

Fadnavis on Saturday claimed "vote jihad" had begun in poll-bound Maharashtra, which should be countered by "Dharma yuddha" of vote. He had mentioned the BJP's narrow loss in Dhule Lok Sabha constituency.

Countering him, Owaisi said, "Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers and Fadnavis is now teaching us about jihad. (PM) Narendra Modi, (Union minister) Amit Shah, and Devendra Fadnavis together cannot defeat me in a debate."

Owaisi claimed the "dharmayuddha-jihad" remarks amounted to poll code violation.

"From where did 'vote jihad and dharmayuddha' come in democracy? You purchased MLAs; should we call you a thief?" the Hyderabad MP questioned.

While Fadnavis talks about (vote) jihad, his hero was writing "love letters" to Britishers, whereas "our freedom fighters did not negotiate with the foreign rulers," he said.

"We gave the method of fighting against the British. He (Fadnavis) said 'vote jihad' after they (BJP) didn't get votes in Malegaon (during Lok Sabha election). When they fail to get votes, they call it jihad. They lost in Ayodhya. How did that happen"? Owaisi questioned.

"Our ancestors did jihad against Britishers, not yours. Fadnavis, whose ancestors were writing love letters to the British, will teach us jihad?" he added in a veiled attack on Hindutva ideologues revered by the BJP.

Modi says 'Ek Hai to Safe Hai' because they (BJP) want to end the diversity of this country, the AIMIM leader said, adding the Maratha community was betrayed by rulers who failed to give them reservation.

Owaisi claimed many industrial projects went to Gujarat but Fadnavis showed no courage to stop them. "Was he afraid of Narendra Modi?" he asked.

Referring to a controversy over Hindutva seer Ramgiri Maharaj's statements, Owaisi said remarks against the Prophet won't be tolerated.

He appealed to people to come out to vote on November 20. "Our victory in Aurangabad will be saluted by the people of India," he added.

Owaisi addressed a public meeting in Jinsi area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in support of AIMIM candidates Imtiaz Jaleel (Aurangabad East) and Naser Siddiqui (Aurangabad Central) for the November 20 assembly elections.
'Those who are contesting against Amit, I can expose them all. But I don't want to get into that dirt.'

As the Maharashtra assembly elections heat up, all eyes are on the Mahim constituency from where Amit Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena founder Raj Thackeray's son, is in the fray.

Amit faces his uncle Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT candidate Mahesh Sawant as well as sitting MLA Sada Sarwankar of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde).

The electoral fight in Mahim -- a middle class largely Maharashtrian constituency straddling south central and north central Mumbai -- is representative of the fight for Maharashtra, not only because of the personalities and the family dynamics playing out there but also because the constituency includes the Shivaji Park-Dadar area, where in 1966 Balasaheb Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena to fight for the rights of Maharashtrians who were feeling increasingly squeezed out in the wave of immigrants from other states pouring into Mumbai.

The fight for Mahim, then, is a fight to decide who speaks for the Marathi Manoos.

Not too far away from here is the Worli constituency from where Amit's second cousin Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav's elder son and former state minister, is seeking re-election.

For the firebrand Raj Thackeray, whose MNS has been reduced to a shadow of its former self, his son's election marks a crucial turn in the party's bid to make itself relevant again.

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, he stepped out to address a gathering near the Saamana offices in Prabhadevi; Saamana is the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s daily newspaper.

The meeting went largely unreported, and even the social media handles of the MNS and Raj himself don't have many details, and no visuals at all.

Among the points that Raj Thackeray made while appealing for votes for son Amit were:

'From the same Dadar-Mahim area where Marmik* started, where the Shiv Sena started, Saamana was started, in the same area for the first time a Thackeray is contesting elections.'

'I tell you, his name may be Amit Raj Thackeray, but you don't need an appointment to meet him. I have told all my candidates to be available 24x7 for the people.'

'When Uddhav Thackeray was unwell I met him in the hospital. When Aaditya Thackeray contested from Worli for the first time I didn't put up a candidate against him. Even after that I told them that whether you put up a candidate against Amit Thackeray or not, I will surely get him elected.'

'Those who are contesting against Amit, I can expose them all. But I don't want to get into that dirt. I want to develop Maharashtra.'

On his fallout with the original Shiv Sena and his exit from the party, Raj Thackeray had this to say.

'In 2006 when I left the Shiv Sena I told Balasaheb that my fight was not with him. It was with the coterie that surrounded him.'

'I informed Balasaheb Thackeray and left the Shiv Sena. I did not betray anyone or break the party.'

*Marmik was a Marathi weekly published by Balasaheb Thackeray and Raj Thackeray's father Shrikant Thackeray.


A member of the Indian Army's Special Forces was killed. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Special Operation Group personnel and other security forces in action near the site where terrorists were hiding during an encounter in the Ishbar Nishat area of Srinagar on Sunday, November 10, 2024, here and below.A member of the Indian Army's Special Forces was killed.

In the first such incident in the past two decades, terrorists exchanged fire with security forces in the dense forests of the Zabarwan range in Kashmir on Sunday, November 10, 2024, forcing residents to flee in panic as additional forces were mobilised to strengthen the cordon.

The encounter in the vicinity of Nishat on the banks of the Dal Lake comes close on the heels of a day-long encounter in the Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar early this month which left a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist dead.

The encounter in Zabarwan lasted several hours before the guns fell silent, but the terrorists managed to flee taking advantage of the thick foliage. The search for the fleeing terrorists was continuing when the last reports were received, the officials said.

Soon after the exchange of fire began, additional reinforcements from the Jammu and Kashmir Special Operations Group and the Central Reserve Police Force rushed to the area and placed it under a tight cordon.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

IMAGE: Army personnel conduct a cordon and search operation against terrorists in the forest area of Zabarwan on the outskirts of Srinagar on Sunday, here and below. Photograph: ANI Photo

Photograph: ANI Photo

Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Security personnel conduct a cordon and search operation in the forest area of Zabarwan on the outskirts of Srinagar, here and below. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Security is tightened in the Zabarwan forest area after the encounter between security forces and terrorists on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Security personnel check vehicles after the encounter between security forces and terrorists. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Security personnel conduct a search operation in Baramulla on Sunday, November 10, 2024, here and below.

One terrorist was killed in the joint anti-terror operation on Saturday evening in the Sopore area of Baramulla. Photograph: ANI Photo

Photograph: ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com and Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff.com
Union minister Pralhad Joshi has slammed a retired judge who had been probing the erstwhile Bharatiya Janata Party government's PPE procurement deal in Karnataka during the 2020 Covid pandemic, calling him an agent.

IMAGE: Union minister Pralhad Joshi. Photograph: @JoshiPralhad/X

"said "Justice Michael D'Cunha has always been against them. Why did he have to release an interim report during election time? What has this government been doing for one and a half years? This drama has been enacted to divert public attention during elections. There is no substance in this," Joshi said at a public meeting on Sunday organized by BJP candidate Bharat Bommai in Shiggaon.

"Justice Michael D'Cunha, you are a judge, not an agent," he added.

The Justice Michael D' Cunha Commission of Inquiry that investigated alleged irregularities in the purchase of equipment and medicines during the Covid-19 pandemic has recommended prosecution of then Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and former minister B Sriramulu.

Joshi said that the D'Cunha Commission released an interim report without issuing a notice to Yediyurappa or Ramulu.

The Union Ministeralso attacked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over MUDA scam and Valmiki scandal.

"Mr Siddaramaiah, you claimed to have embezzled Rs 90 crore rupees, not Rs 190 crore, in the Valmiki scandal. However much a crow eats, it remains a crow. Such tactics won't cover up the accusations against you," he said.

"Don't you feel any shame? In Shiggaon, you question Basavaraj Bommai saying he hasn't given a single house. He has built new houses in Shiggaon-Savanur. Have you given even one house?" he asked.

Joshi said the incumbent government has increased the price of milk and alcohol. The CM said that the Waqf notice has been withdrawn. According to the Supreme Court ruling, any property for Waqf must be a donation or come from the government. However, the Congress government has been issuing Waqf notices even on farmers' land. The CM Siddaramaiah must respond to the court order.

Joshi claimed that a Muslim flag had been hoisted at Shiggaon Santhe Maidan, which was never seen before.

"Is there no one here to question this? They too, will raise a saffron flag at the ground. To stop this, Bharat Bommai must be elected. Under the guise of Waqf, they are trying to seize the people's land. They are devouring the land of poor Muslims," he added.

"We will investigate all lands that have been given under Waqf in the form of sale deeds or donation letters. We assure you that not an inch of your land will be lost to Waqf " he asserted.

In response to Joshi's comments, Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Mr Joshi Pralhad has defamed Justice Michael D'Cunha by calling him an agent. A judge who is well known for his integrity and honesty."

He further accused Union Minister Joshi of "clearly" violating the law and is liable to be prosecuted for his slanderous and cheap comments.

"A Central Minister is intimidating a Public Servant who is at present discharging his duties as the head of the enquiry commission into Covid irregularities," the Karnataka Minister added.

"I hope the Commission files a complaint against this arrogant statement by Mr Joshi," he added.
Dubai-based digital assets infrastructure company Hodler Investments and Chinese clean energy company Golden Concord Group (GCL) have agreed to jointly invest in an off-grid energy infrastructure project in Ethiopia to power data centres that support high-demand applications, including artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.

The project will leverage GCL's natural gas concessions in Ethiopia, allowing it to monetise gas that cant be used due to the lack of infrastructure to convert it to LNG for export.

In April 2024 GCL signed two Petroleum Production Sharing Agreements (PPSA) with the Ethiopian government to develop gas resources in the Ogaden Basin, an area of Huwan bordering Somalia that is believed to hold significant reserves of crude oil and natural gas.

The distributed energy infrastructure project will utilise Hodler's digital energy platform, PermianChain, which seeks to optimise wasted energy resources by connecting computing end users, data centre operators, energy suppliers and investors.

By deploying mobile power plants during the early stage, the otherwise difficult-to-exploit gas will generate power for data centres. These modular data centres  200 kW for AI applications and 1.2-1.5 MW for bitcoin mining  will be housed in standard 40-foot containers and sit alongside the power plants. Its described as an off-grid, low-capex solution that can be deployed quickly and more affordably.

Ethiopia has about 5,200 MW of installed generation capacity, with around 90% of it coming from hydropower and the remaining 10% from wind and thermal sources.

Ethiopia's affordable renewable energy and supportive regulations have made it a hub for data-intensive technologies such as bitcoin mining, data mining, and data centres. In fact the Ethiopian data centre market size was valued at US$95 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$226 million by 2028.

This is far from the first use of gas for powering data centres. Indeed, just over two years ago we reported Omani plans to invest in a process called digital flare mitigation from US company Crusoe Energy. Data centres sited next to oil wells would then be powered by natural gas, though not a standalone resource in this case; the gas used was to be a by-product of the oil production process.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time admitted that Israel was behind the pager and walkie-talkie attacks on Hezbollah in September that left at least 39 people dead and more than 3,000 injured, local media reports have said.

IMAGE: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for. Photograph: @netanyahu/X

"The pager operation and the elimination of (Hezbollah leader Hassan) Nasrallah were carried out despite the opposition of senior officials in the defence establishment and those responsible for them in the political echelon," The Times of Israel newspaper quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Netanyahu's remarks came during Sunday's weekly Cabinet meeting, according to Hebrew media reports.

Israel had so far not taken responsibility publicly for the attacks, but it was widely speculated that it was behind the complex successfully orchestrated attacks that took the world by surprise.

Thousands of pagers containing explosives exploded on their Hezbollah owners across Lebanon and parts of Syria on September 16

While the world was still absorbing the news of pager explosions, walkie-talkies met the same fate a day later on September 17, shocking the world at the level of Israeli intelligence's preparation in its war against the Lebanese Shia militia.

Netanyahu's statement is being interpreted in the context of his firing of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and efforts to shore up personal popularity by taking credit for war successes.

Gallant was fired from the defence minister's position on November 5.

Netanyahu and Gallant have clashed repeatedly over the course of their time in government together.

Netanyahu also tried to get rid of him in March 2023 as well, a day after Gallant called for pausing the legislation process of the government's contentious judicial overhaul plan arguing that it caused divisions that posed a threat to national security, but had to reinstate him due to massive public protests.

He was the defence minister when Hamas committed its deadly terror assault in southern Israel on October 7 last year and had so far carried out his duties in the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip, the fighting on the northern border, and the ground operation in southern Lebanon.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Gallant said that he was fired because of differences on the issue of the need to draft ultra-orthodox men in the Israel Defence Forces, the imperative to bring back the hostages from Gaza, and the need for establishing a state commission of inquiry to look into the October 7 Hamas terror attack and the ensuing war.

Netanyahu has resisted taking responsibility for the country's security oversights, blaming Israel's security forces for the failure to foresee Hamas' October 7 massacre.

He has also ducked calls for a public commission of inquiry to be constituted into events leading up to it.
The Delhi high court on Monday made it clear that the murder trial in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler would continue.

IMAGE: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler arrives to appear before the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, in New Delhi, November 5, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri was hearing a plea filed by Tytler seeking a stay on the trial proceedings taking place against him in a Delhi court.

The court would continue with the hearing on November 29.

"It is made clear the trial will continue. Same will be subject to the outcome of the present proceedings," the judge ordered.

Tytler's counsel submitted the case was listed for the recording of evidence of a prosecution witness before the trial court on November 12 and the trial court be asked to not proceed till the high court decided his plea against the framing of charges order.

Tytler's plea challenging the framing of murder and other charges against him is listed on November 29 but he moved court with the plea to stay the trial.

His plea said the evidence of the prosecution witness was recorded by the trial court and her cross-examination by the defence counsel was scheduled for November 12.

The criminal revision petition (of Tytler) raised substantial questions upon the motivation of the prosecution and the investigation conducted by the CBI. Therefore, an order/direction from this court for the trial court to not proceed with the captioned matter till the pendency of the revision petition is expedient in the interest of justice, his plea read.

Senior advocate HS Phoolka, representing the victims, opposed the plea arguing the witness was old and suffered from various ailments and being subjected to multiple court appearances.

She would be appearing in court for the fourth time, he said.

Tytler has claimed to be a victim of a "witch-hunt" and contended the trial court's order framing charges against him was "perverse, illegal and lacked application of mind".

"The trial court has erroneously framed charges against the petitioner overlooking the settled principles of law on the point of charge," his petition stated.

While Tytler's counsel raised the plea of alibi, claiming his absence at the time of the incident, the counsel for the CBI and victims argued the plea of alibi had already been decided and rejected by the high court.

Tytler said there was no credible evidence to corroborate the allegations against him and the trial court's order was "misconceived" passed "mechanically" and liable to be set aside.

He alleged it was a case of harassment wherein he was made to face the trial for alleged crimes committed more than four decades ago, and referred to being 80-years old and suffering from several ailments, including heart disease and diabetes.

The trial court on September 13 framed charges against him after he pleaded not guilty.

Besides murder, the trial court ordered the framing of charges pertaining to unlawful assembly, provocation, rioting, murder, promoting enmity between different groups, house trespass, and theft, among others.

The CBI on May 20, 2023, filed a chargesheet against Tytler in the case saying he "incited, instigated and provoked the mob assembled at Pul Bangash Gurdwara Azad Market" on November 1, 1984.

The mob, the agency claimed, provoked by Tytler, set a gurdwara ablaze and killed three men -- Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh.

Anti-sikh riots erupted in several parts of the country in the aftermath of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

A sessions court had in August 2023, granted anticipatory bail to Tytler in the case.
IMAGE: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi meets Honorary Captain Bana Singh, Param Vir Chakra, at the Army Hospital Research & Referral, in New Delhi on Sunday, November 10, 2024, here and below. Photographs: ANI Photo

General Upendra Dwivedi, the chief of the army staff, drove to the Army Hospital Research & Referral from his home in the capital to meet an elderly Sikh gentleman who is recovering at the hospital.

Why, you ask, would the army chief go all the way to find out how the patient was doing. Because the elderly gentleman is the oldest Param Vir Chakra awardee alive. Honorary Captain Bana Singh, who a grateful nation awarded India's highest military honour for his valour on the Siachen Glacier in 1986.

We wish one of India's greatest military heroes a complete and swift recovery. As always, the nation thanks him for his service.

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff.com
In a relief to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and two other Bharatiya Janata Party leaders of Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the execution of bailable warrants against them in a defamation case filed by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha.

IMAGE: Union Minister and BJP Jharkhand Election in-charge Shivraj Singh Chouhan meets the supporters during a public meeting in support of party candidate from Torpa assembly constituency Koche Munda for the Jharkhand assembly Elections, in Khunti, November 3, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SV N Bhatti sought Tankha's response in four weeks on the plea of Chouhan and BJP state president VD Sharma and former minister Bhupendra Singh who have challenged the October 25 order of the Madhya Pradesh high court refusing to quash the defamation case.

The bench said, "In the meantime, subject to the petitioner's effective participation with counsel as may be needed, before the court concerned, they need not be subjected to bailable warrants."

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for Chouhan and others, said the purported statements mentioned in the complaint by Tankha were made on the floor of the house and were covered by Article 194(2) of the Constitution.

Article 194 (2) states, "No member of the Legislature of a State shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in the Legislature or any committee thereof, and no person shall be so liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of a House of such a Legislature of any report, paper, votes or proceedings."

Jethmalani submitted it was unheard of that in a summons case, a bailable warrant was issued by the court, when the parties could appear through their counsel. He therefore sought a stay on the execution of a bailable warrant.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Sumeer Sodhi, appearing for Tankha said they should have appeared before the trial court in the case, asking what would the trial court do, if they did not appear before it.

Jethmalani said the two statements alleged to be defamatory by the complainant (Tankha) were of December 22 and 25, respectively, in 2021 in a matter related to an apex court order staying the Panchayat elections in the state.

"This court (on December 17, 2021) stayed the Panchayat election on the ground that there was no rotation and no delimitation done," he said, adding there was nothing uttered about OBC reservation as alleged by Tankha.

On October 25, the high court had refused to quash the defamation case lodged by Tankha against former Madhya Pradesh CM Chouhan, BJP state president VD Sharma (now member of Parliament) and former minister Bhupendra Singh (MLA in MP assembly).

Tankha, in his complaint in the trial court, said defamatory statements were made in the run-up to Panchayat elections in the state in 2021.

He alleged that following the December 17, 2021 order of the apex court it was alleged by the BJP leaders that he had opposed the reservation for OBC community in the local body polls which caused damage to his reputation.

Tankha's plea sought Rs 10 crore compensation and initiation of criminal defamation proceedings against the BJP leaders.

The complaint further said the three BJP functionaries carried out a "coordinated, malicious, false and defamatory" campaign against him for political mileage, accusing him of opposing OBC reservation in the Panchayat election in the Supreme Court.

The BJP leaders refuted the charges in the high court and contended that newspaper clippings annexed by Tankha, cannot become the basis of a defamation complaint and the trial court could not have taken its coginsance.

They said the entire material placed on record by Tankha did not suggest any insinuation, let alone defamation, as alleged.

"Pertinently, since respondent (Tankha) was not only appearing on behalf of petitioner/applicant in the said SLP (2021 case) but was/is also a member of parliament, Raja Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, his part was bound to be discussed and analysed by the public of state of Madhya Pradesh and also by the representatives of public such as petitioners herein," Chouhan's plea said.

It further said, "In this context, consequentially alleged statements were made by the petitioners to apprise the general public as to what had transpired at the hearing before this court on December 17, 2021. Alleged statements were made in good faith without imputing any personal harm to the reputation of the respondent and are thus covered by the exceptions to section 499 of the IPC."

The BJP leaders contended all of them were holding a public office at the time of incident and the trial court erred in taking cognisance of the complaint without a prior sanction of the competent authority.

On January 20, 2024, a special court in Jabalpur agreed to examine the defamation case against the three BJP leaders under Section 500 of IPC and summoned them.
Four close friends, whose late-night conversations on social media apps raised suspicions, have played a pivotal role in helping Mumbai Police track down Shivkumar Gautam, the main shooter of NCP leader Baba Siddique, in Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Monday.

IMAGE: Slain NCP leader Baba Siddique. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Mumbai Crime Branch and the Uttar Pradesh police Special Task Force arrested Gautam along with Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava and Akhilendra Pratap Singh on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh's Nanpara area, near the Nepal border.

The investigation was triggered by suspicious activities of Gautam's four friends, who were spotted purchasing clothes in various sizes and planning to meet him in a remote forest about 10 kilometres from Nanpara on bikes.

The police later discovered that they were intending to assist Gautam in fleeing the country via the Nepal route, according to officials.

The four men had been in constant touch with Gautam through internet calls on mobile phones, purchased in Lucknow. Their communication, especially during late hours, had caught the attention of authorities, leading to increased surveillance.

Gautam, who allegedly shot Siddique at close range on October 12 night in Mumbai's Bandra area, initially travelled from the crime scene to Kurla. He boarded a local train to Thane.

He dumped his bag and mobile phone during the journey, the officials added.

He travelled onward to Pune. After reaching Pune at around 3:30 AM on October 13, he boarded a train to Lucknow. During his journey, he made several calls to his handlers using the mobile phones of passengers, officials said.

Gautam checked the news where he learned of Siddique's death. Gautam later travelled to his native Bahraich and onward to Nanpara, where he took refuge in a remote village near the Nepal border.

Gautam was hiding in the hamlet of 10 to 15 hutments, around 10 km from Nanpara, officials said.

The Crime Branch, working with human intelligence and local sources, focused on a group of 10 to 12 individuals closely associated with Gautam.

Among them, four friends stood out as likely collaborators. Surveillance revealed that these men were techno-savvy and had been buying clothes for Gautam in preparation for his escape.

Police started monitoring their activities.

"These four persons used to communicate with each other on the internet late at night," a crime branch official added.

A few days ago, all of them purchased pairs of shirts and trousers of different sizes from a cloth shop in Nanpara, he said.

On Sunday, as the four friends travelled to meet Gautam on two motorcycles, police teams, with assistance from Uttar Pradesh Police, intercepted them on a bridge on the outskirts of Nanpara.

The group was apprehended, and their capture led police to Gautam's hideout. He was subsequently arrested in the remote village, the official said.

Former Maharashtra minister Siddique, 66, was shot dead on October 12 by three assailants outside his son MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office building in Bandra East, Mumbai.

He sustained two bullet injuries on his chest and was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, where he passed away.

A Mumbai court on Monday remanded in police custody till November 19 Shivkumar Gautam and four others to help investigators probe financial transactions and procurement of firearms.

Main shooter has no criminal history, say UP cops

Suspected main shooter Shivkumar Gautam arrested in the NCP leader Baba Siddique's murder case has no criminal history while three of his accomplices have been booked here earlier for molesting a minor girl, a senior official said on Monday.

The Uttar Pradesh STF and Mumbai Police on Sunday arrested Shivkumar along with his four protectors -- Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava and Akhilendra Pratap Singh -- from Nanpara in Bahraich district.

"During investigation, we have found that main accused Shivkumar Gautam alias Shiva and his accomplice Anurag Kashyap have no criminal history in Bahraich," Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla said.

However, Shukla said that a case was registered against three others -- Akhilendra, Akash and Gyan Prakash -- who were arrested on Sunday, for allegedly molesting a minor during a Moharram procession and under sections of the POCSO Act.

It has also come to the fore that they had some land dispute with the other party, she said, adding that a probe is on in the matter.

According to police, Anurag, Gyan Prakash, Akash, and Akhilendra have been arrested for sheltering Shivkumar and helping him flee to Nepal.



Meanwhile, during interrogation, Shivkumar said he was told that in exchange for killing Siddique he would get Rs 10 lakh after the murder and that every month he would get something, the UP STF said in a statement.

Shivkumar also told the STF that they had been following Siddique in Mumbai for several days and on the night of October 12 when they got the right time, they killed him, the statement said.

According to the STF, Shivkumar told the force that "he and Dharmaraj Kashyap (already arrested in the case) are from the same village. He used to work as a scrap dealer in Pune. His and Shubham Lonkar's scrap shops were next to each other".

The main shooter said Lonkar worked for gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and made him talk to Lawrence's brother Anmol Bishnoi several times through SnapChat, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Shivkumar's mother Suman said her son could not commit murder.

"I was unwell, the media people woke me up in the morning and then I came to know that Shiva has been arrested," the mother told reporters with tears in her eyes.

"We had no news of him since four days after Holi in March. We do not know what he did but he has never even killed an ant here. We do not believe that he would do such a thing," she said.

Meanwhile, family members of the Shivkumar's accomplices said they are "innocent".

Vishal Srivastava, the elder brother of Akash, told reporters, "We only know that Anurag, a resident of the village, took them all with him. My brother is innocent. He is being framed in the case."

Pradeep Tripathi, father of Gyan Prakash, also said that his son is innocent.

"Two boys from the village lived next door, they did something wrong there (in Maharashtra). My son was their friend. My son used to work at a mobile shop. The day before yesterday he said that he was going to Gonda...at night we came to know that police had taken him away," he said.

Radhey Kashyap, father of Anurag said, "He (Anurag) was here four or five days ago. We only knew that he had gone with some businessmen to sell clothes and would come back. In the morning, we came to know that Anurag was arrested."

Main shooter Shivkumar sent to police custody till Nov 19

A local court on Monday remanded in police custody till November 19 alleged main shooter Shivkumar Gautam and four others arrested in NCP politician Baba Siddique's murder case to help investigators probe financial transactions and procurement of firearms.

The police told the court that Gautam was in contact with wanted accused Shubham Lonkar.

A month after the fatal attack on the NCP leader on October 12, the Mumbai crime branch in a joint operation with Uttar Pradesh's special task force nabbed Gautam and four others from UP.

The police have so far arrested 23 accused in connection with the murder.

The police on Monday sought custody of the five accused arrested from UP to ascertain financial transactions among the accused and how the firearms used in the crime were acquired and to track down the main conspirators.

The four other accused, Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava and Akhilendra Pratap Singh, were arrested for sheltering Gautam.

As per the police, Gautam was planning to flee to Nepal.

Additional chief judicial magistrate Vinod Patil remanded the five accused to police custody after accepting that custodial interrogation was required.

Seeking their remand, police told the court it wanted to probe the financial aspects of the case as well as how the shooter procured arms used in the crime.

Accused Anurag Kashyap provided Gautam Rs 2 lakh and the investigation is needed to trace the source of this money, police told the court.

Gautam was in touch with wanted accused Shubham Lonkar, police said.

Advocate Amit Mishra, appearing for the accused, said Gautam was ready to cooperate in the investigation and that he could be remanded in police custody.

Mishra requested the court to remand four other accused for a minimum period as no specific role had been assigned to them in the crime.

They are just accused of providing Shivkumar shelter, Mishra argued in court.

Former Maharashtra minister Siddique, 66, was shot dead on October 12 by three assailants outside his son MLA Zeeshan Siddique's office building in Bandra East, Mumbai.

He sustained two bullet injuries on his chest and was rushed to the Lilavati hospital in Mumbai, where he passed away.

Shubham Lonkar and his brother Pravin, who was arrested last month from Pune, had allegedly enlisted two alleged shooters including Shivkumar Gautam for executing Siddique's murder, police had said.
A 32-year-old worker died in a fire triggered by a blast at the Indian Oil Corporation refinery in Vadodara city of Gujarat on Monday, an official said.

IMAGE: Workers rushing out after blast triggers fire in the IOCL refinery, in Vadodara, Gujarat, November 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X

IOCL said the blaze was reported at around 3:30 PM in a benzene storage tank and firefighting operations are currently underway.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, it said in a statement on Monday night, adding that the operations at the refinery are normal.

"Contractual worker Dhimant Makwana died in the fire at the refinery," said Jawaharnagar police station inspector AB Mori.

Vadodara olice Commissioner Narasimha Komar said things are under control at the IOCL campus.

The blast at the refinery in the Koyali area on the outskirts of Vadodara triggered the blaze, Komar said.

Visuals showed thick plumes emerging from the refinery which can be seen from kilometres away. Several workers were evacuated and can be seen exiting the IOCL campus.

"A fire was reported at around 3:30 PM in a benzene storage tank (1000 KL capacity) at Gujarat Refinery. The refinery's emergency response team is actively tackling the situation, with firefighting operations currently underway," the IOCL said in a statement.

The adjacent water sprinkler system has been activated to contain the blaze, and dousing efforts are ongoing, the IOCL stated.

Komar said fluid circulation in the IOCL complex was stopped as per the standard operating procedure. Other storage tanks were being cooled to ensure that the blaze didn't spread.

All the employees who were working in the shift have been moved out of the refinery, he added.

"People reaching the refinery for subsequent shifts are being turned back for safety reasons. It will take time before the benzene in the storage tank is burnt out," the police commissioner said, adding that the evacuation is complete.

Local MLA of Waghodia assembly constituency Dharmendrasinh Vaghela said a few people sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital.

He said the officials of police, district administration and senior executives of IOCL are at the site.

Local MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela said a few people sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital.
United States President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone and discussed ending the war in Ukraine amongst many other important topics, according to a media report.

IMAGE: Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan on June 28, 2019. Photograph: Reuters

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the media report of the phone call between Putin and Trump.

After winning the recent presidential elections, Trump has spoken to over 70 world leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among the firsts.

"The two men discussed the goal of peace on the European continent and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss 'the resolution of Ukraine's war soon, one of the people said, The Washington Post said in an exclusive report published on Sunday.

One former US official who was familiar with the Putin call said that Trump likely does not want to enter office with a fresh crisis in Ukraine prompted by Russian escalation, giving him the incentive to want to keep the war from worsening, the daily said.

Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. Ukraine has been informed about the Trump-Putin call.

During the call, which Trump took from his resort in Florida, he advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of Washington's sizable military presence in Europe, said a person familiar with the call, who, like others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter, The Washington Post reported.

However, Kremlin spokesman Peskov in Moscow said the Western media reports of the phone call between Putin and Trump are "untrue", state-run TASS news agency reported.

"There was no conversation...This is completely untrue; it's pure fiction," Peskov said.

Meanwhile, Steven Cheung, Trump's communications director, told PTI he would not comment on the private calls between President-elect Trump and other world leaders.

"President Trump won a historic election decisively and leaders from around the world know America will return to prominence on the world stage. That is why leaders have begun the process of developing stronger relationships with the 45th and 47th President because he represents global peace and stability," Cheung said.
Two firearms made in Australia and China as well as mobile phones with foreign International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers have been seized from Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill's alias Arsh Dalla two aides who allegedly shot dead a man in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior last week, a police official said on Monday.

IMAGE: The Australia and China-made firearms recovered from two aides of Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill. Photograph: Courtesy DGP Punjab police on X

The two accused, identified as Navjot Singh alias Neetu and Anmolpreet Singh alias Vishal, were arrested in Punjab on Sunday in connection with the murder of a Youtuber there, as per the police.

They had allegedly shot dead Jaswant Singh Gill on November 7 outside his house in Dabra area in Gwalior, the official said.

Gill was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife's cousin Sukhvinder in 2016 and was out on parole since October 28.

The official said Sukhvinder's brother Satpal possibly transferred Rs 2.50 lakh from Canada to his cousin Jitu Singh alias Jita in Gwalior to facilitate the November 7 killing.

"The two firearms, an Australian Glock and Chinese-made pistol, are worth Rs 15 lakh each. One of these pistols and the high-end mobile phones with foreign IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) were used in the November 7 murder in Gwalior. Our probe has found Navjot and Anmolpreet, after the killing, fled late on Thursday night to Chandigarh in a taxi booked by Satpal," the official said.

After the MP police got information about the duo through an identity card used at the hotel they had stayed in Gwalior, the Punjab police were contacted, he said.

"We sent our Punjab counterparts their photos. The duo was arrested on Sunday and Punjab police are questioning them at present. Later, we will bring them here on transit remand. They had come to the hotel on November 7 itself. Jita gave them local inputs," he said.

The official said Satpal transferred Rs 1 lakh to Jita when victim Gill came out on parole, and the remaining Rs 1.50 lakh was sent online after the November 7 murder.

"After Navjot and Anmolpreet reached Chandigarh, Satpal made some online payments on their behalf. We were monitoring Satpal's online transactions and shared all information with our Punjab counterparts. Satpal and his family migrated to Canada after Gill killed Sukhvinder. But Satpal continued to visit here once in a while," the official said.

The official said the two alleged shooters are from Dalla's gang as per Punjab police, adding he would not comment on whether the Canada-based Khalistani terrorist has any role to play in the November 7 murder.

Arsh Dalla, who has been accused of involvement in targeted killings, terror financing and extortion in Punjab, was in January last year designated a terrorist by the Indian government.
'I love to meet people.'

'I love that personal connect when they express their genuine, heartfelt, feelings.'

Photographs and Video: Syed Firdaus Ashraf and Prasanna D Zore/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Amit Thackeray drove his Land Cruiser along with wife Mitali Borude Thackeray.

When a lady, in her late 60s, tells Amit Raj Thackeray that it pains her to see the splintering of Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena into three groups, Amit Raj Thackeray, the debutant 32-year-old son of MNS founder and president Raj Shrikant Thackeray, empathises with her.

"Balasahebanchya ekach Shiv Seneche teen tukde jhale. He baghun atishay dukh hotay aamha saglyanna (It pains all of us to see the Shiv Sena founded by Balasaheb Thackeray splinter into three parties)," the lady, a resident of Old Prabhadevi, an MNS stronghold by all accounts as per MNS leaders, tells Amit as he campaigns door-to-door.

She has only voted for the Shiv Sena all her life and has seen the party's rise-and-meteoric rise from the year the party was founded in 1966, and then the three-way split over time, perhaps, reflects the sentiments of all Shiv Sainiks above 30 years who have seen the upheavals in the party in the last two decades.

IMAGE: Mitali Borude Thackeray with the lady who expresses her anguish over the three-way split in Shiv Sena.

The pain that she feels unbearable now started in 2006 when Raj Thackeray founded the Maharashtra Navirman Sena, over differences with his cousin and Bal Thackeray's youngest son Uddhav's style of functioning and nurturing the undivided Shiv Sena.

She is also referring to the vertical split that the Shiv Sena witnessed in June 2022 when Eknath Shinde and 40 MLAs veered away from the party and formed a government with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

It is against this backdrop and feelings of Shiv Sainiks that Amit has dared to add a new dimension to his campaign preferring to have a personal connect with his voters from the Mahim assembly constituency. This sentiment explains the trilemma faced by those who will vote for the MNS, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.

"Mala avadta lokanna bhetayla. Tyanchya manatlya, manapasun bhavna vyakt hotana, tyanna aiktana mala ek personal connect milto. Majhya pracharachi padhdhatach tashi aahe. Ya padhatine mala tyanchya bhavna, thyanche problems aani tyanchya ichcha kaltat (I love to meet people. I love that personal connect when they express their genuine, heartfelt feelings. My style of campaigning is totally different. This way I get to know their feelings, their issues and their aspirations)," says Amit amid a visit to a Ganesh temple inside the premises of the building in Old Prabhadevi, namastes, handshakes, a gentle pat on a child's back and brief conversations.

IMAGE: MNS workers canvass for votes for Amit Thackeray.

About 100-odd MNS workers, along with a replica of the MNS's election symbol the Railway Engine, await Amit's arrival at Old Prabhadevi when Amit Thackeray arrives in his white Land Cruiser. He is driving the SUV himself, his wife Mitali is seated next to him.

It's an evening meet-and-greet and without wasting much time, Amit, dressed in a white kurta-churidar, he immediately adorns a saffron MNS stole offered by a party worker. He drapes the stole around his shoulders and begins his campaign. A few MNS women workers ask him to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh at a small temple inside the building premises, from where he is starting his campaign.

He greets bystanders and shopkeepers as he makes his way through a small lane towards the temple. After paying his respects to Ganpati, the god of wisdom and harbinger of good times, Amit and Mitali enter the lift of the A wing of the society. The couple take the lift to the top floor and from there climb down the staircase, ringing every door bell, spending a few seconds with each of the society residents.

"I know I am meeting them for the first time, but the connect is immediate. I try to understand their issues, their feelings. I write a note of the issues my constituency's voters are facing. I will ensure their issues are solved as soon as possible," says Amit when an MNS worker grabs him by his hand and requests him to visit the same Ganesh temple again.

Amit heeds his request without a fuss.

"I love his humility. We all love his humility. It is a big thing to see Amit come and visit us, listen to our pleas, and without much ado heeds our requests," says the MNS worker on whose request Amit visits the temple again.

"We are happy to see him here among us and we will ensure that he wins from this MNS stronghold. He doesn't have the air that he is Raj Thackeray's son. That's what I like most about him," says Usha Gadekar, a resident of the society, who couldn't meet Amit because she has just returned from the market after purchasing vegetables, standing amid MNS supporters.

Interestingly, it is just not Amit who loves to intermingle with people for that personal connect. His wife Mitali accompanies him on his door-to-door campaigns and meet-and-greet people.

"It is only when you meet people do you realise the issues and problems they face in their lives," says Mitali. "Honestly, I feel sad to see how they have to struggle for smallest and most basic needs in their lives. I feel why are these things not being done. This is 2024," says Mitali, the daughter of a well-known bariatric surgeon.

Narrating a conversation that she had with a fisherwoman when Amit campaigned at Mahim's Fisherman's Colony on November 8, she says: "A middle-aged lady said there were not enough lighting outside their homes and also streetlights were not working. Somebody often steals the bulbs outside their homes in their chawls. That leads to more petty thefts. I immediately asked my sahkaris (fellow-workers) to send two electricians and have their lights fixed up."

"We have already sent an application for repair of streetlights because that needs lot of permissions. I left Mahim Koliwada at 2 pm that day and by now the lights must have been fixed."

The Mahim constituency that is home to the famous Shivaji Park, Mahim Koliwada, Shiv Sena (UBT) headquarter -- the Shiv Sena Bhavan, MNS headquarter Rajgad and Raj Thackeray's Shivaji Park home Shiv Tirth, has some 300,000 voters.

"50 per cent per cent of these 300,000 voters only matter on the voting day because this constituency has typically seen 50 per cent voter turnout every election," says MNS's Mahim Vibhag Pramukh (ward president) Yashwant Kiledar.

IMAGE: MNS's Mahim Vibhag Pramukh Yashwant Kiledar.

According to Kiledar the issues of redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings, drug menace along the Shivai Park stretch, prostitution in and around Mahim, Matunga and Dadar railway station are the main issues that could encourage voters to come out and increase the 50 per cent voter turnout.

"People will vote on these issues at the local level," Kiledar says.

Echoing Raj Thackeray's claim that MNS has 39,000 loyal voters in this constituency he believes that Amit's victory -- despite a tripartite contest against the Shiv Sena's Sadanand (Sada) Sarwankar and the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Mahesh Sawant -- is a given. "But we are not banking just on numbers and past history. MNS has genuinely nurtured this constituency and worked hard to solve people's "real issues."

The MNS cadres believe that two-time MLA Sada Sarvankar has lost his grip on the constituency. "After June 2022 he has started believing that he is the undisputed leader of Mahim," says a MNS worker accompanying Amit's entourage referring to two-time MLA Sarvankar.

"Just because people voted you twice from this constituency doesn't mean that you will get elected the third time as well," he says.

IMAGE: Amit Thackeray hands over a MNS pamphlet to a voter.

Family-friend and father-figure for Amit, former Mahim MLA (2009-2014) Niitin Sardesai, who was among the first 13 MNS MLAs to get elected in the 2009 assembly election, is also accompanying Amit this evening.

"Our candidate is 100 per cent better than the other two candidates. We are pretty sure that Amit will win his debut election," says Sardesai as he keeps watches over his ward's door-to-door campaign from a distance.

"It is the time for the youth to enter politics and give a new direction to Maharashtra," he says why the MNS has fielded maximum young candidates this election.

Ask him if people of Mahim will get to see the father-son duo do door-to-door campaigning, he says, "No. Raj saheb is touring across Maharashtra to ensure that the MNS wins as many seats as possible in 2024."

"There will be a street gathering outside Saamana's office in Prabhadevi on November 10 that Raj saheb will be addressing," Sardesai says, referring to the Shiv Sena (UBT) newspaper.

Ask Sardesai about the door-to-door campaign strategy adopted by Amit and he says, "It is what he wanted to do. He believes in engaging directly with his voters. That's his humble style. You don't ask me. You ask any stranger who Amit has met and he will tell you about his humility and calm demeanour."
Nokia has announced that South African internet service provider Fibertime will deploy Nokias fibre solution to rapidly expand broadband access to underserved regions of South Africa.

Fibertime will quickly connect its next 1.5 million customers, leveraging Nokias Lightspan FX optical line terminals (OLTs) and Wi-Fi 6-enabled optical network terminals (ONTs). Nokias technologies are key to enabling Fibertimes flagship product: ZAR5 (US$0.28) a day for uncapped, unthrottled internet.

As Nokia points out, currently less than 85% of South Africans have access to high-speed broadband, leaving many reliant on costly mobile plans that are up to 70 times more expensive per gigabit than fibre.

Nokia says that, through its fibre solution, Fibertime will unlock a new wave of affordable, reliable, pay-as-you-go broadband, empowering local communities with increased access to education, employment and business opportunities. The deployment will help create a semi-mobile network within underserved areas, allowing end users to access high-speed broadband services from anywhere in the community, not just their homes or businesses.

The fibre deployment will initially cover Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gqeberha, Mangaung and Stellenbosch, with plans to rapidly expand into additional countries and communities.

As part of the agreement, Fibertime will deploy 500,000 Nokia Wi-Fi 6 enabled ONTs over the next 36 months, prioritising homes in underserved areas. Fibertime will also leverage Nokias ONT Easystart to automate and simplify the ONT activation process, helping to streamline deployments.

Fibertime is also working on an advanced network upgrade powered by Nokias Altiplano platform to further drive automation and scale. In addition Nokia and Fibertime are also working on new R&D projects to develop technologies that enhance connectivity and enable operations in Africas most remote areas.

Alan Knott-Craig, Founder of Fibertime, says: With Nokias support, were confident in our ability to reach 1.5 million homes within the next five years. Were unlocking a massive, untapped market of 13 million homes in South Africa that are ready for affordable, quality internet. He adds: That market will need approximately ZAR60 billion (US$3.34 billion) of investment over the coming decade and will generate reliable returns for investors.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Foggy in the morning. Then periods of showers later in the day. Thunder possible. High 63F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain. Low near 50F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.
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WEST BRATTLEBORO  Firefighters battled a brushfire spanning 10.5 acres for more than 24 hours.

About 7.5 acres where the fire was fought was on very steep land, Fire Chief Len Howard said in an interview Sunday morning. The fire is believed to have been caused by heavy winds and a downed power line behind 493 Melchen Road in West Brattleboro.

"I think a tree came down and took the powerline down because the powerline literally runs through the woods," Howard said. "I believe it feeds the last two houses on Melchen there."

A drone from the Greenfield, Mass., Fire Department outlined the 10.5 acres where crews worked to extinguish flames.

Howard said no people or structures were harmed in the fire, which more than a dozen agencies responded to throughout the weekend.

"I can't thank my staff enough, and the Department of Public sent a big crew to help us cut trees, and all the mutual aid departments that came," he said. "I couldn't have done it all without them."

Howard said the site is the same one where a fire happened at least a decade ago for the same reason.

Multiple departments battling brush fire in West Brattleboro BRATTLEBORO  Firefighters from multiple departments are at the scene of a three-alarm brush

The Brattleboro Fire Department responded to the brushfire Friday afternoon. Howard said the fire was deemed under control at 4 or 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

"We had a crew of five, who stayed all night Friday night into Saturday, then crews worked all day yesterday," he said.

On Sunday morning, he asked a small crew to walk around the site to make sure it still looks all right.

Howard said "incredibly dry" conditions contributed to the brushfire. Although the state is expected to decide if a burn ban should continue Monday, he said Brattleboro will not provide burn permits until more rain comes.

"My guess is they won't," he said.

He estimated the state's burn ban has been in place for about two weeks.
Digital ecosystem GoTo Group, along with leading cloud company Tencent Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Chinas Alibaba Group, have signed agreements that, they say, will boost cloud infrastructure and digital talent development in Indonesia. All three companies will work closely with the Indonesian government.

In a drive to further strengthen cloud infrastructure in Indonesia, Tencent Cloud is establishing its third internet data centre (IDC) in the country, part of a new commitment worth around US$500 million in infrastructure, resources and investment in Indonesia by 2030. Through this investment, the company says it aims to empower local enterprises with advanced cloud and AI solutions that drive the digital economy and AI adoption.

Alibaba Cloud already has three data centres in Indonesia and has partnered with local institutions to train nearly 400,000 individuals in cloud computing and AI. Alibaba Cloud is planning to double this number to 800,000 by 2033 and says it will establish a Skills Centre at Universitas Indonesia to offer specialised training as part of its Alibaba Cloud Academic Empowerment Programme (AAEP).

The commitments from Tencent Cloud and Alibaba Cloud are built around the two companies expansive cloud services contracts with GoTo, the largest digital ecosystem in the country, announced in September 2024, which will ensure that GoTos data remains onshore in Indonesia, directly supporting data sovereignty and enhancing data security for Indonesian users and businesses.

Through their expertise in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud say they will enhance GoTos digital infrastructure, creating a secure and scalable foundation that meets the needs of its extensive user base. The collaboration will also play a role in GoTos drive to foster a digitally inclusive Indonesia, strengthening its core infrastructure to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

As what is described as a national tech champion, GoTo has been taking an active role in fostering the continuous growth of Indonesia's tech talent through comprehensive on-the-job training initiatives for national university graduates.
Kyndryl has promoted its Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) head of marketing, Kimberley Marlay, to A/NZ head of strategic partnerships and alliances.

In the role, Marlay will be responsible for leading and growing the global IT services firms local channel ecosystem, including developing its relationships with hyperscaler partners Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud.

She will also look for opportunities to work with local partners to boost Kyndryls capabilities across its six technology practices.

Marlay steps into the role vacated by Yolanda Stead, who has since moved to Procore Technologies as head of partnerships for Asia Pacific.

Kyndryl said Marlay has worked with the firm for the last three years and was responsible for building its brand locally since it spun off as an independent company in 2021 from IBM.

Kimberley not only has a deep understanding of where our customers are on their technology transformation roadmaps, but also has built strong relationships with many of our ecosystem partners over the past three years, said Ashish Kumar, Kyndryl A/NZ president.
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.
As the annual UN climate conference (COP29) takes place in Baku, RFE/RL presents exclusive coverage of environmental issues that are often underreported from regions that are often overlooked. YAR HUSSAIN, Pakistan -- As world leaders gather in Azerbaijan's capital for the annual United Nations climate conference to plan transitioning away from fossil fuel, policymakers will also address the unforeseen obstacles the green transition might bring. One such scenario is playing out in Pakistan, where soaring electricity prices have made Pakistan's state-owned power supply among the most expensive in South Asia and pushed cash-strapped households and businesses to find relief from rising costs and rolling blackouts by using low-cost Chinese solar panels. But the flood of ultracheap solar power -- which has seen Pakistan acquire $1.4 billion worth of Chinese-made solar panels and become the world's third-largest buyer in the first half of 2024 -- also risks exacerbating Pakistan's battered power sector, with a debt exceeding $9 billion and falling grid consumption that could move it toward a new fiscal crisis. For Nasar Khan, a small business owner from the northern town of Yar Hussain, the switch to solar has eased the sky-high electricity costs that have strained his finances in recent years. The green energy source has lowered his monthly bill by nearly a third, close to what he paid five years ago before a spike in prices triggered by soaring global commodity prices. Those savings, he says, have caught the eye of his neighbors and even his cousin, on whose house he is helping to install Chinese-made solar panels. "The state power rates have become unaffordable for consumers," Khan told RFE/RL. "Everyone who can [afford to] is now trying to switch to solar."

Khan and his neighbors in Yar Hussian are hardly the only ones. Across the country of 240 million people, shimmering blue panels dot the rooftops of cities and cover factory buildings as the mass adoption of solar panels sweeps Pakistanis looking to blunt the impact of soaring state energy tariffs. While this may be good news for the environment and global efforts to adopt cleaner forms of energy production, the shift could bring new headaches for the government as demand for energy from the state power grid shrinks and Islamabad juggles its tenuous financial outlook with the corresponding drop in revenue.

Kaiser Bengali, an economist who worked as an adviser to the chief minister of Pakistan's southeastern Sindh Province, says the influx of Chinese panels has sparked an episode of "circular debt" where those left reliant on the expensive state power grid need to choose between saving money to switch to solar or refuse to pay their bills -- which could, in turn, spark a cascade of unpaid debt from one government company to another. "[This] means there is a water-supply company that is providing water to us and, of course, they use power, because water has to be pumped," Bengali told RFE/RL. "But if people don't pay their water bills then the water company can't pay the electricity company. And because the electricity company is using gas, they can't pay the gas company, and so on." Consumption of electricity from the national grid fell by 10 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year amid rising electricity prices and this decrease could deepen as Islamabad faces pressure to increase electricity prices in budget-balancing moves to repay a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).



Pakistanis Looking Off Grid



Against this backdrop, Pakistanis are adapting however they can.



It's not clear exactly how many people are switching to solar panels as an alternative source of electricity. Some households have opted for simple set-ups for their own needs, while others have invested large sums in hopes of selling the energy to the national grid.



Abrar Khan, from the Swabi district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, says he has been fitting solar-panel systems on houses and businesses for 20 years, but the energy crisis and falling trust in the government's ability to resolve it has triggered a major uptick in installations.



"Domestic and industrial users were fed up with high rates and frequent power outages," he told RFE/RL. "This is why this year and the past year the demand for solar systems has increased enormously."

The roots of Pakistan's power-sector crisis go back decades but picked up steam in 1994 when Islamabad offered lucrative deals to foreign investors to build power plants as the government and its rapidly growing population pursued economic growth.



Called independent power producers (IPPs), these operators secured liberal provisions from the government in the form of sovereign-backed, dollar-indexed returns and commitments to pay for even unused electricity.



Financing mostly flowed to the coal-fired or gas-fueled plants, which left electricity prices largely tied to fluctuations in the global market for fossil fuels, with power tariffs in Pakistan more than doubling in the past three years alone.



The government also scaled-back subsidies and passed the capacity payments made to power producers to consumers, a bane for large sections of society in a developing country like Pakistan where roughly 40 percent of the population lives below the UN-defined poverty line.

Industrial groups complain that energy costs are double those of businesses in India and Bangladesh, and some factories have been forced to shut down.



"Whoever's business is surviving -- [and] I am among them -- it's because of using these solar-energy systems," Ijaz Bacha, a factory owner and spokesman for the marble industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, told RFE/RL.



Marble processing is a major industry in the province, and Bacha says between 30 percent and 40 percent of manufacturers there have gone out of business in the past two years.



Bacha says the electricity bill for his facility has dropped significantly since he switched to solar, with his monthly bill going from 2 million rupees ($7,300) to 1.2 million rupees ($4,300). He adds that those savings have kept his business afloat but were only possible thanks to a 25 million rupee ($90,000) investment, a sum many Pakistani business owners would have difficulty raising.



"I believe that in the next year, the majority of the industries [in Pakistan] will switch to solar because survival is impossible without it," Bacha said. Grappling With Uncertainty In navigating the intertwined debt and energy problems, consumers say they're dealing with policy whiplash.



In 2017, Pakistan started a system for "net metering" where people can sell excess electricity produced by their solar panels back to the national grid. But in March, the government indicated it wanted to end the net-metering policy to meet IMF criteria for state spending as it tries to stabilize its economy.
Just days before Americans voted in the pivotal November 5 presidential election, Republican candidate Donald Trump donned an orange-and-yellow sanitation worker's safety vest and climbed into a garbage truck at a Wisconsin airport before a throng of reporters.

He was trying to capitalize on a gaffe made a day earlier by President Joe Biden, who called Trump supporters "garbage" while condemning a racist joke made at the Republican candidate's New York City rally.

The message of Trump's political stunt was one that he had been making on the campaign trail since first running for the Republican nomination nearly a decade ago, namely, that the country's political elite looks down upon its citizens.

"You can't be president if you hate the American people," Trump said shortly afterward at a rally, referring to Biden and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Trump's resounding victory in the presidential election this week despite a series of criminal charges and a record two impeachments during his first term from 2017 to 2021 is a testament to how effective his political messaging has been.

He is part of a wave of populist, ring-wing candidates who have pushed aside mainstream parties and ideologies, tapping into the frustration of working-class voters over issues like trade and immigration that mainstream parties have failed to resolve to their satisfaction.

In Hungary, Slovakia, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and other European states, right-wing populist parties have either come to power or made a strong showing in recent elections.

Hopes that the COVID-19 pandemic would bring an end to the wave of populist victories have been dashed, as the core issues facing Western liberal democracies resurfaced while the virus receded from the front pages.

'Stagnating For Several Decades'



The rise of populism was decades in the making as globalization and the fall of communism hollowed out manufacturing towns, especially in the United States and Eastern Europe, leaving many blue-collar workers behind, Gabor Scheiring, an assistant professor at Georgetown University Qatar who studies populism, told RFE/RL.

"In the United States, there is real suffering among working-class people. Real wages are stagnating, death rates are increasing. In Germany, real wages of workers without a college degree have been stagnating for several decades," he said.

Mass immigration from developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East has only added fuel to the political fire, Scheiring says. Populists like Trump have blamed low wages and job loss on competition from immigrants.

Trump made criticism of the Biden administration's open-border policy the focal point of his presidential campaign, promising to deport those who crossed into the United States illegally.

"Donald Trump is indicative of a pattern we have seen in other nations, that is, a turn to the right wing, to a more conservative right-wing government," Robert Spitzer, a political-science professor at the State University of New York in Cortland, told RFE/RL.

"Much of that is driven, I think, by immigration," he said.

Guards at the U.S. southern border have recorded about 8 million encounters during Biden's term through August of this year, a record. Meanwhile, about 400,000 migrants illegally crossed into Europe last year, up almost threefold from the 2020 pandemic lows.

Switching Allegiance

For much of the postwar period, blue-collar workers in the West felt at home in liberal, center-left parties, which championed unions and protected industries.

However, those parties largely joined the euphoric rush to support globalization starting in the 1990s on the bet it would bring greater prosperity to all.

As workers fell behind, especially following the global financial crisis of 2008-09, mainstream parties failed to address their problems.

That gave populists like Trump and Viktor Orban in Hungary an opportunity to present themselves as the real representatives of the people.

"It has been the failure of mainstream parties to represent constituencies, to articulate their needs, and to propose distinct policy solutions that permitted populists to rise," Stanford researchers wrote in a 2020 report analyzing the populist trend.

While populists may differ on the issues they focus on, they offer a similar message to voters: The ruling elite is corrupt and disdainful of the common citizen.



They share a distrust of institutions, including the courts, regulators, and media. Trump has repeatedly called the mainstream media the "enemy of the people" while Orban has largely taken Hungarian media under party control.



Their skepticism of elites and institutions undermined their ability to effectively tackle the COVID-19 crisis, Scheiring says. Trump and Brazil's populist president, Jair Bolsonaro, lost reelection in part due to their handling of the pandemic response, raising hopes of an end to the populist wave.



Blunt Language



Populists also break norms of political behavior and etiquette, using blunt language or trying their hand at manual labor to build trust with workers.



"People feel heard and seen by populists because of these kinds of performative signals," Scheiring said.



Mainstream politicians, on the other hand, talk very differently from the average person, he says, adding that mainstream politics has become the sphere of highly educated people.



"When you distrust the elite, this kind of sociocultural clash resonates and that is why all these populist posturings work so well," he said.

Michael Scollon contributed to this report
BMW components will now be manufactured in Punjab, CM Bhagwant Mann expresses pride

Punjab is becoming a center for international construction under the effective leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Construction activities are gaining momentum in Punjab, with many international and national companies either opening or planning to open manufacturing centers in the state. Recently, the Chief Minister granted permission to Modern Automotives to expand their plant. A delegation from the company met with the Chief Minister, informing him that Modern Automotives has become the first company in India to receive approval to manufacture BMW car parts. The company has secured an order for 25 lakh units of differential pinion shafts, valued at Rs 150 crore. The Chief Minister will inaugurate the company's plant in Mandi Gobindgarh next month, expressing pride that BMW components will now be manufactured in Punjab.

After meeting with the delegation, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the construction of this plant will open up new employment opportunities for the youth of the state. He emphasized that thousands of young people will benefit from this initiative, reiterating the Punjab government's commitment to making the state prosperous.

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In addition to this development, leading tractor manufacturer Sonalika Tractors recently announced an investment of Rs 1,300 crore to establish two new facilities in Hoshiarpur, including a tractor assembly plant and a high-pressure foundry plant. Furthermore, Tata Steel has announced a Rs 2,600 crore investment in Ludhiana. All necessary approvals for this steel plant have been issued, and construction is currently underway, with completion scheduled for 2025.

Notably, a few months ago, Tynor Orthotics, a medical company specializing in equipment for bone patients, opened a new manufacturing facility in Mohali with an investment of Rs 800 crore. This facility is Tynor's largest to date and is equipped with technology to produce a variety of healthcare solutions. The company aims to create 3,000 jobs through this facility, particularly for economically disadvantaged women.


Supreme Court Criticizes Delhi's Firecracker Ban as "Eye Wash," Calls for Year-Round Prohibition

The court also urged the Delhi government to consider implementing a permanent ban on firecrackers by November 25.

Supreme Court on Air Pollution in Delhi: In a stern rebuke to Delhi Police, the Supreme Court today labeled the existing firecracker ban in Delhi as an "eye wash," asserting that a comprehensive, year-round prohibition is necessary, not just during Diwali.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih emphasized that no religion promotes pollution-inducing activities, highlighting that unrestricted firecracker usage infringes upon citizens' fundamental right to health. The court directed Delhi Police to ensure strict enforcement of the ban, mandating that the Police Commissioner inform all stakeholders about the Supreme Courts decision, and prevent licensed sellers from manufacturing or distributing firecrackers.

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The court also urged the Delhi government to consider implementing a permanent ban on firecrackers by November 25, citing the severe health risks posed by the toxic smog that blankets the capital each year. This directive follows the court's recent admonishment of both the Delhi government and police for failing to adequately enforce the firecracker ban, which is reissued annually before Diwali with minimal impact.

A Call for Immediate Action on Firecracker Ban

During Monday's hearing, the Supreme Court expressed frustration over the recurring ineffectiveness of the ban, demanding an "immediate" response from both the Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, and the Delhi Police, which falls under the Union Home Ministry. The court pointed out widespread reports of non-compliance with the ban this year, calling on authorities to clarify the steps they had taken to enforce it and to outline future measures for a "complete ban" on firecrackers.

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This ban is intended as a crucial measure to reduce pollution," the bench emphasized, reiterating the urgent need for action amid Delhi's annual air quality crisis.

(For more news apart from Supreme Court on Air Pollution in Delhi, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab Weather Update: Fog alert today! Stubble Burning Make Chandigarhs Air Toxic

This figure surpasses Delhi's AQI, which was recorded at 334 on Sunday.

Punjab Weather Update News Today, Fog Alert, Stubble Burning and Chandigarh Air Quality: Punjab experienced its first dense fog of the winter season today, with visibility significantly reduced on roads across various regions. Pedestrians and motorists faced challenges due to the low visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly on fog-laden roads.

While a weather transition from October to November is typical, this years seasonal shift has been delayed, with a sudden onset of fog now creating further complications.

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Alongside the fog, stubble burning in Punjab has caused severe air quality deterioration in Chandigarh, which has now reached toxic levels. At 5 a.m. on Monday, Chandigarh recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 341, a hazardous level that is making breathing difficult for residents.

This figure surpasses Delhi's AQI, which was recorded at 334 on Sunday. Mandi Gobindgarh also reported high pollution levels, with an AQI of 270, making it one of Punjabs worst-affected areas.

Additionally, the region is witnessing a gradual drop in temperatures. Bathinda recorded the highest temperature at 31C, while the states average maximum temperature decreased by 0.4C, marking 1.7C below normal.

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The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for dense fog in many parts of Punjab today, warning that visibility will continue to be affected.

(For more news apart from Punjab Weather Update News Today, Fog Alert, Stubble Burning and Chandigarh Air Quality, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Pakistans Punjab Government Labels Bhagat Singh "Terrorist", Opposes Honors in Lahore

The report went on to request an official ban on the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, alongside an investigation of its officials.

Bhagat Singh Controversy in Pakistan Latest News: In a controversial statement, Pakistans Punjab government referred to Bhagat Singh, one of Indias most celebrated revolutionary heroes, as a criminal, opposing calls to honor him in Lahore. The government submitted this stance to the Lahore High Court, resisting the renaming of Shadman Chowk and the proposed installation of a statue to commemorate Singh, who is widely revered for his fight against British colonial rule.

Assistant Advocate General Asgar Leghari, representing the government, argued that Singhs actionsspecifically his killing of a British officerconstituted a criminal act rather than a revolutionary one. Leghari further argued that calling Bhagat Singh a martyr conflicts with Islamic principles. Citing retired Commodore Tariq Majeed, the governments report also alleged that the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation was working against Pakistani cultural values, claiming the foundation promotes views counter to Islamic and national ideologies.

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The report went on to request an official ban on the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, alongside an investigation of its officials. This development follows a 2018 court order to rename Shadman Chowk in Singh's honor, a decision that has yet to be implemented. Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi, the foundations president, had filed a contempt petition over the delay, with the next hearing set for January 17, 2025.

(For more news apart from Bhagat Singh Controversy in Pakistan Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Australias technology sector is on the cusp of a major breakthrough, with AI-powered applications poised to generate a staggering A$10.6 billion in annual revenue by 2035.

This significant growth projection highlights the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in driving economic growth and innovation within the country. Australias thriving startup ecosystem, supported by a strong venture capital industry, has cultivated numerous tech unicorns that have become global leaders and could do the same in new AI applications. The report also recommends capitalising on Australias strengths in specific industries and emphasises the importance of developing a skilled AI workforce.

This report reaffirms that Australia has a real opportunity to drive growth and build globally relevant AI businesses  particularly through applications, data and infrastructure, said Wendell Keuneman, General Partner at Tidal Ventures. At Tidal, were already backing the next generation of local founders building AI-first applications. These businesses present a significant economic opportunity and reflect the billions of dollars pouring into skilled technology and knowledge-based jobs that are essential for advancing Australia on its exciting journey toward becoming a premier technology hub on a global scale.

The report, Australias opportunity in the new AI economy, is a collaboration between Microsoft and economics, policy and strategy consultancy Mandala Partners. It identifies applications, AI datacentres and data as the nations most promising opportunities for impact in the rapidly growing global AI economy, based on the tech layers that underpin generative AI.

Together, these areas represent 90 per cent of the projected A$18.8 billion in annual revenue that Australia could generate across the entire generative AI tech stack by 2035.

The report recommends targeted actions industry and government can take to capitalise on these opportunities and unlock AIs full benefits. These actions include providing targeted support for local startups and new technologies, securing renewable energy and developing Australias AI workforce.

In addition, the report highlights the role that industry and government can play in mitigating the risks and challenges associated with AI. These include bias, unpredictability, misuse, digital exclusion and security.

Australia has a solid foundation for AI, with its favourable business environment, strong sustainability credentials and high level of AI readiness all being among the countrys key strengths, said Steven Worrall, Managing Director at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.

Were excited to be partnering with startups, datacentre companies and other business and government organisations to unlock the significant opportunities outlined in this report.

Microsoft is also supporting government efforts to develop regulations that balance Australias AI opportunities with essential risk management. Together, Im confident we can build a strong and safe AI economy to drive economic growth that benefits everyone.

Securing Australias place in the global AI economy

Australias success in the global AI economy will hinge on strategic investments in areas where the nation has a comparative economic advantage. Getting this right will see Australia meet four key national priorities: improving digital resilience, strengthening strategic partnerships, creating new export markets and improving global interoperability.

Furthermore, the report notes that a strong AI economy in Australia would help the nation achieve widespread and fast-paced adoption of generative AI. This is expected to increase productivity and innovation across various sectors, from healthcare to financial services, to unlock an estimated A$115 billion in economic value annually by 2030.

The insights from this report reveal the critical role AI can play in enhancing Australias economic and digital landscape, said Damian Kassabgi, Chief Executive Officer at the Tech Council of Australia. We are poised to lead, provided we continue to innovate and scale up our AI capabilities strategically.

Supporting applications and end users

According to the report, Australia-based applications companies and global companies with Australian operations are projected to generate A$10.6 billion in annual revenue by 2035 in Australia.

Laying the foundations for AI datacentres

Australias unique strengths  including renewable energy, strategic land use and proximity to Asia  will underpin growth in datacentres. This component of the generative AI tech stack could generate A$4.7 billion in annual revenue in Australia by 2035, according to the report.

AI datacentres are the foundational infrastructure for the new AI economy and are pivotal to unlocking AIs benefits across the entire tech stack. Having this infrastructure in Australia, built by both local and global companies, is also an important competitive advantage.

Building more AI datacentres will require more land, so Australia must ensure planning and zoning are fit for purpose. Secure renewable energy, as well as firming technologies such as batteries and pumped hydro, are also needed to support sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, the development of new AI datacentres will require a supporting workforce to construct, maintain and operate infrastructure.

The opportunities and actions outlined in this report give Australia a clear roadmap to follow, said Amit Singh, Managing Partner at Mandala. From supporting the sustainable development of AI datacentres to growing AI talent locally, the right steps today can ensure that this new technology develops in a way that fosters a strong, new local sector that in turn supports all other organisations and millions of individuals across our diverse economy.

Growing Australias data capability

The data component of the AI tech stack includes providers of datasets used in training AI models and data advisory firms that help other businesses adopt AI. This component is set to generate A$1.7 billion in annual revenue in Australia by 2035 and the report notes that this opportunity is underpinned by AI systems need for streamlined access to secure data.

For instance, Australias healthcare system is experiencing a surge in AI innovation, fuelled by advancements in data analytics and the interoperability of data systems. The nations diverse population and strong capabilities in medical research also present a valuable opportunity for both local and global companies to innovate using cloud, AI and machine learning technologies to create new health solutions and businesses for Australia and the world..

The report also notes that regulations to balance risks and opportunities, support for research and development, and the ability to attract highly skilled workers and investment are all required to grow Australian data companies and foster generative AI adoption.

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Giuseppe Mazzini and the Romanians

The Romanian political elites of 1848 were influenced by the ideas of the Italian Giuseppe Mazzini.

Giuseppe Mazzini and the Romanians

Steliu Lambru, 11.11.2024, 14:11

Romania is the creation of ideas from Western Europe in the first half of the 19th century and of the lobby led by the generation of young Romanian political elite, educated in the West, the so-called Pasoptisti. The ideas of ethnic nation, union in one state and form of government had the greatest impact on the Romanian public. One of the most influential thinkers in the Romanian public space was the Italian lawyer and publicist Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-1872), a remarkable representative of the Risorgimento, the Italian renaissance movement of the 19th century.

A radical democrat, republican, revolutionary and fighter for the unification of Italy, Mazzini was born during the Napoleonic wars in Genoa and was raised and educated in keeping with the Jacobin ideas of the French Revolution. One of the driving ideas of the French revolutionary spirit was the legacy of ancient Rome to which Mazzini adhered with all conviction. In the late 1820s, he joined the Carbonarian movement that fought against multinational empires, especially Austria. In 1831, Mazzini founded the Young Italy Society. During the revolution of 1848, in the organization of which he was involved and which proclaimed the republic, Mazzini held the highest political position. The sharp writings of the Italian revolutionary mobilized an important part of the young Romanian intellectuals from Wallachia much more stronger than it mobilized those from Moldova. The idea of the Romanian ethnic nation, the Latinity and the union of the two Romanian principalities, constituted the central axis of the revolutionary program of the 1848 Romanian generation.

Historian Remus Tanasa is the author of the volume Apostle of the nation. Mazzini and the birth of modern Romania in which the influence that the Italian revolutionary had on the Romanian spirit is described. The Romanian elites appropriated Mazzinis ideas, applied them to the Romanian case they wrote about in the Western press, brought them and spread them in the two principalities.

Remus Tanasa: A part of the Romanian elites discovered Mazzini in the 1830s, before and around the Peoples Spring of 1848-1849. Mazzini was one of the three triumvirs of the Second Roman Republic for a brief period of a few months. The Pope was driven from Rome and the Eternal City was ruled by a triumvirate. Of the three, Mazzini was the most important, primus inter pares.

Mazzinis ideas gained followers especially in Wallachia, where the revolutionary ideas were stronger and where the European movement of 1848 had ended with the appointment of a revolutionary government. According to Remus Tanasa, the most important names of Romanian 1848 elites were bewitched by Mazzinis words, including Nicolae Balcescu: The first two names are Dumitru Bratianu, the older brother of Ion C. Bratianu, and C. A. Rosetti. Dumitru Bratianu even joined one of Mazzinis initiatives in London, the Central European Democratic Committee, which was operational between 1850 and 1853. Mazzinis ideas sprouted in the Romanian space later, after the end of the Crimean War in 1856. The second name, C. A. Rosetti, was much more closely related to Mazzini in temperament, though they never met. He is one of the Romanians who had Mazzinis portrait on his desk until the death of the latter.

Remus Tanasa showed how the Romanians used the Italians writings: Mazzini promoted several controversial ideas. The most important for the Romanian space and for the 1848 elites was the idea of nation. Mazzini was a tireless promoter of the idea that made the nation a political subject through the nation-state. This is why one of Mazzinis nicknames was that of apostle of the nation. In the period after 1848, it was necessary for the Romanians to make known their roots, their identity. Even Mazzini, until 1848, was confused about the identity of the Romanians. After 1848, the Romanian elites not only wrote about Romanians in languages of European circulation, but also, through the revolutionary moment in Bucharest, they managed to draw the attention of decision-makers and of various revolutionary camps in the West regarding the Latin identity of Romanians.

A staunch republican, Giuseppe Mazzini opposed the idea of monarchy. The Romanian elites understood that some of his ideas were far too advanced for a peripheral European political society, as the Romanians were. Remus Tanasa: Our 1848 elites, of course, were also republicans in the beginning. But they realized that in a Europe of monarchies, the republican idea could not win. So they gave priority to the idea of nation and national unity of the Romanians, leaving the idea of a republic in the background. Paradoxically, Mazzini did not want and did not intend to give up the idea of a republic. As regards the Romanians, he advised Dumitru Bratianu to accept and negotiate with statesmen from the West, leaving aside the idea of a republic.

As it always happens, political ideas live their heyday and are always subject to criticism and reformulation. Towards 1900, Mazzinis ideas lose their influence in Romania, and circulated only as legacy of the past.
Japan will on Monday release September figures for its current account, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In August, the current account surplus came in at 3.804 trillion yen.

Japan also will see October results for the watchers current index and bank lending. In September, the index score was 47.8, while overall bank lending was up 2.7 percent on year,

Indonesia will provide October results for its consumer confidence index; in September, the index score was 123.5.

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President-elect Donald Trump has named Republican New York Rep. Elise Stefanik as the new US ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. media reported.

"I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," The New York Post quoted Trump as saying in a statement Sunday night.

The newspaper said Stefanik accepted the role.

"I am truly honored to earn President Trump's nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate," says her statement published in New York Post.

CNN also reported the news, quoting sources.

As chair of the House Republican Conference since 2021, she is the fourth-ranking member of the party in the House.

Becoming the youngest woman elected to Congress at the age of 30 in 2014, Stefanik is known as a staunch ally of Trump and a major fundraiser for the Republican Party.

If confirmed, she will replace the outgoing US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The passenger vehicle segment was driven by strong YoY and MoM growth led by Maruti Suzuki with close to 2 lakh unit sales in Oct 2024

Car retail sales were boosted by strong demand for models in the SUV segments. The festive season significantly boosted sales while a host of discounts offered also steered buyers into dealer showrooms. New product launches also played an important role in boosting sales.

Car Retail Sales Oct 2024  YoY, MoM, YTD Growth

FADA reports car retail sales in Oct 2024 grew to 4,83,159 units, a 32.38% YoY growth from 3,64,991 units sold in Oct 2023. It was also a significant improvement by 75.26% on a MoM basis. This was over 2,75,681 units sold in Sept 2024. The car segment also showed off strong growth on a Year-to-date (YTD) basis with a 6.57% growth. There had been 23,61,768 units sold in the April-Oct 2024 period over 22,16,258 units sold in the same period of last year.

Maruti Suzuki was once again a leader of the segment. Sales were up to 1,99,675 units in Oct 2024 over 1,47,762 units sold in Oct 2023. Market share went up to 41.33% from 40.48% YoY. At No. 2 was Hyundai with 67,981 unit sales in the past month. This was over 52,170 units sold in Oct 2023 though market share fell to 14.07% from 14.29% YoY. Tata Motors has witnessed a significant rise in retail sales to 65,011 units last month from 49,798 units sold in Oct 2023.

Mahindra sales were boosted by its massive SUV lineup. Sales were up to 58,120 units in Oct 2024 from 37,277 units sold in Oct 2023. Kia India also posted improved sales at 28,612 units in Oct 2024 from 21,958 units sold in Oct 2023. It was followed by Toyota with 28,121 unit sales, a growth over 19,459 unit sales of Oct 2023 while the Skoda/VW Group also saw its retail sales go up to 8,571 units in the past month from 8,234 units sold in Oct 2023.

Honda suffered a YoY decline in retail sales to 7,087 units in Oct 2024. However, with the new Amaze being set for launch on 4th December, sales should be considerably improved in the months ahead. The new Amaze sub 4-meter sedan promises to come in with more improvements both in design and features over its earlier counterpart.

MG Motor sales were up to 5,446 units in Oct 2024 from 4,296 unit sales of Oct 2023. Earlier this month, MG Motor expanded its Hector SUV lineup. Renault sales also saw a marginal improvement in its retail sales last month. Sales went up to 4,431 units last month from 4,166 units sold in the same month of the previous year. It was followed by Nissan Motors with 2,649 unit sales, a YoY growth over 1,374 units sold in Oct 2023.

Mercedes Benz, BMW Post YoY Growth in Retail Sales

Increased sales were also reported by Mercedes Benz and BMW in Oct 2024. Mercedes sales were up to 1,792 units from 1,374 units. BMW sales also grew to 1,475 units from 1,165 units on a YoY basis. Sub-1,000 unit sales were reported for Citroen with 780 units sold last month from 737 units sold in Oct 2023. Force Motors also saw sales at 740 units from 670 units sold in Oct 2023 while Jaguar sales stood at 484 units last month, a growth over 442 units sold in Oct 2023.

Jeep sales dipped to 466 units in Oct 2024. There had been 481 units sold in the same month last year. BYD on the other hand saw a YoY growth in retail sales to 363 units over 144 units sold in Oct 2023. Lower down the list Volvo suffered a YoY setback to 160 unit retail sales over 186 units sold in Oct 2023. There were other OEMs on this list that added 1,195 units to total sales, a significant YoY decline from 3,803 units sold in Oct 2023.
Fire Engulfs Container Carrying EVs En Route from Mumbai to Hyderabad: 8 Vehicles Damaged

In a concerning incident that highlights the potential risks involved in vehicle transportation, a container loaded with new electric vehicles caught fire near the Zaheerabad bypass on the Mumbai-Hyderabad highway, resulting in damage to eight Tata Nexon EVs. The incident took place on Sunday in the Ranjol area and led to significant disruptions, including traffic congestion.

Tata Nexon EVs Destroyed in Container Fire

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke emerging from the container as the blaze intensified, fully engulfing the vehicles inside. The fire department promptly dispatched a firefighting team from the Zaheerabad station, who managed to contain and extinguish the flames before they could spread to other areas or pose additional hazards to passing vehicles.

Initial investigations indicate that the fire may have started in the cabin area of the lorry, triggered by the driver using a kerosene stove for cooking. The driver sustained minor injuries and was rushed to Sangareddy Government Hospital for treatment. According to fire department officials, swift action helped mitigate further damage and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby surroundings.

A detailed assessment of the damage to both the container vehicle and the EVs is underway. The quick response prevented the fire from spreading to nearby areas and minimized potential risks to passing vehicles on the bypass road, stated a fire department official.

This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures during the transportation of vehicles, especially electric ones. While the exact extent of the damage is still being evaluated, it raises questions about protocols that need to be in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.


"I think the Swiss public is ready for all the innovation that comes from China." Swiss importers actively engaged in collaborations with Chinese car companies during the Auto Zurich 2024, looking forward to introducing Chinese electric vehicles (EV) to the Swiss market. #auto
11.11 isnt just a date; its a symbol of balance and clarity, mirroring the principles of effective data governance.

As unethical practices and data breaches are becoming more and more common, it puts personal and organizational information at risk in a myriad of ways. Data Governance Day is here to serve as a helpful reminder of the strong practices and legal standards that are necessary to make todays data-centric world a safer place for everyone

Join us on Data Governance Day to explore best practices, discuss emerging trends, and connect with a community of data professionals.

Why 11.11?

The date 11.11 carries symbolic significance due to its clear, balanced symmetryfour ones lined up side-by-side. This simplicity mirrors the goals of data governance, which aims to create order, clarity, and transparency in how organizations handle data. Just as 11.11 is easy to recognize and remember, a robust data governance framework seeks to make data practices straightforward, transparent, and consistently reliable.

Data Governance Day on 11.11 is therefore a perfect occasion to spotlight best practices, address current challenges, and inspire professionals who are dedicated to responsible and efficient data management.

What to expect on Data Governance Day

Data Governance Day on 11.11 offers a range of resources tailored to different levels of expertise, from newcomers to seasoned experts. Participants can expect to engage with:

Expert Insights and Panels : Industry leaders and experts will share the latest trends, insights, and practical tips for mastering data governance in a world where technology and compliance requirements are constantly evolving.

: Industry leaders and experts will share the latest trends, insights, and practical tips for mastering data governance in a world where technology and compliance requirements are constantly evolving. Workshops and Training Sessions : Hands-on learning sessions will provide the tools and strategies needed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective data governance framework within your organization.

: Hands-on learning sessions will provide the tools and strategies needed to develop, implement, and maintain an effective data governance framework within your organization. Community Building and Networking : Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a global network of like-minded professionals, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing that strengthens the data governance community.

: Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a global network of like-minded professionals, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing that strengthens the data governance community. Resource Library: Access a curated library of white papers, guides, and research materials that explore key areas of data governance, from privacy compliance to data stewardship.

Simon Berglund, Senior Vice President & General Manager APAC, Diligent

Effective data governance is the cornerstone of sound decision-making and strategic growth at all levels of an organisation. Data Security Governance (DSG) plays a critical role in this framework, managing data risks by overseeing what data exists, where it is stored, who has access, and how it is maintained.

According to Gartner, by 2026, 40% of organisations will use DSG to support business outcomes and data security investments, up from less than 15% today. The increasing focus on DSG underscores its value in achieving organisational goals by facilitating accurate and agile stakeholder collaboration whilst reducing the risk of poor decisions. When implemented effectively, DSG ensures compliance with legal, economic, ethical, and reputational expectations.

Once a DSG framework is executed effectively, it frees up the stakeholders to focus less on the fear of ensuring corporate resiliency and more on using data to innovate and realise potential opportunities. DSG is one part of an overall governance, risk and compliance practice that effectively connects customer-facing colleagues all the way through to Board Directors. By prioritising DSG, organisations can unlock the full potential of their data, fostering an environment where strategic opportunities can thrive.

Alyssa Blackburn, Program Manager Information Management, AvePoint

The importance of a robust data and information governance strategy in ensuring data integrity cannot be undermined. Effective data governance goes beyond just compliance; its about empowering organisations to harness their datas full potential. A well-structured governance framework safeguards data integrity by establishing clear policies and practices that ensure information remains accurate, consistent, and secure.

As organisations increasingly rely on data for decision-making, maintaining data integrity becomes paramount. A robust governance strategy not only protects sensitive information but also enhances trust across the organisation, empowering teams to collaborate confidently. It enables organisations to identify and address potential issues proactively, reducing risks associated with data discrepancies.

In todays fast-paced digital landscape, the need for adaptable and resilient data governance strategies is more critical than ever. Embracing innovative solutions and fostering a culture of accountability can help organisations navigate complexities and uphold data integrity.

Jessica Booth, Chief Operations Officer, Biza.io

Robust data governance is foundational for the successful implementation of CDR frameworks, which aim to empower consumers by giving them control over their data. Effective data governance ensures that organisations manage consumer data transparently and securely, fostering trust and compliance with regulatory requirements. With the CDRs focus on data sharing, having clear policies and practices in place becomes even more vital. Organisations must implement strategies to protect sensitive information while enabling seamless data access and data sharing.

Moreover, data governance enhances data quality, ensuring that the information shared under the CDR is accurate and reliable. This is crucial for both businesses and consumers, as it drives informed decision-making and promotes better customer experiences. Strengthening data governance initiatives will help push the CDR forward, increase adoption and enhance consumer trust. By prioritising transparency, accountability, and data integrity, we can truly empower consumers and drive innovation in our digital economy.

James Greenwood, Regional Vice President, Technical Account Management, Tanium

With the proliferation of AI across everyday business activities, data governance has now taken on a new role: to support AI readiness. Feeding AI models data that is not governed correctly is a recipe for disaster. From security risks to outdated information, your AI success hinges on the state of your data. To implement effective data governance for to support AI tools, you first need visibility over all of your data, and today, that data is everywhere, across thousands of endpoints  from the server room to an employees laptop.

Despite this, Tanium research found that up to 20% of endpoints are unknown in 94% of organisations. To get data governance right, organisations need to first identify and then implement real-time visibility across all of their endpoints. Autonomous Endpoint Management enables an organisation to identify data across endpoints in their IT environment to ensure that data can be correctly managed and protected.

Why join us on 11.11?

Data Governance Day is about more than just professional development; its about fostering a shared commitment to managing data in ways that are ethical, secure, and transparent. By participating, youll help create a culture of trust and responsibility that supports innovation and strengthens stakeholder confidence in data practices. Join us on 11.11 to advance your data governance skills, connect with others who are passionate about responsible data management, and become part of a movement to shape a future where data is handled with the highest integrity.

How to celebrate Data Governance Day

Get Educated : Leaders and managers can dive deeper into data governance by attending workshops or seminars from experts, gaining insights to enhance their organizations approach to data management.

: Leaders and managers can dive deeper into data governance by attending workshops or seminars from experts, gaining insights to enhance their organizations approach to data management. Connect with Others : Build or join a networkonline or offlineof professionals interested in data governance. Share challenges, successes, and ideas to help create a more data-friendly world.

: Build or join a networkonline or offlineof professionals interested in data governance. Share challenges, successes, and ideas to help create a more data-friendly world. Share and Access Tools : Data Governance Day encourages sharing tools and strategies for effective data management. Topics like GDPR and CCPA compliance are common focuses, as experts exchange best practices to tackle data challenges.

: Data Governance Day encourages sharing tools and strategies for effective data management. Topics like GDPR and CCPA compliance are common focuses, as experts exchange best practices to tackle data challenges. Review Best Practices: Use this day to audit and update data practices, ensuring they align with current trends. Involve experts to help refine or establish policies that strengthen data governance.

History of Data Governance Day

Founded in 2024 with Mirko Peters, Data Governance Day aims to build awareness and promote responsible data management globally. This annual event invites businesses, professionals, and enthusiasts to join a movement for better, more innovative data governance.

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Tourists walk outside the Royal Palace in central Phnom Penh. Photo by Reuters

Cambodia welcomed 4.8 million foreign tourists in the first nine months of this year, marking a 22% year-on-year increase while the Philippines attracted only 4.08 million visitors.

Thailand topped the list of foreign tourist arrivals to Cambodia from January to September, with 1.52 million visitors, followed by Vietnam (973,000) and China (607,000), according to a report from Cambodias Ministry of Tourism.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippines received 8.2 million foreign visitors, significantly more than Cambodias 6.6 million.

However, the Philippine tourism industry is now struggling to meet its goal of 7.7 million tourist arrivals by the end of this year.

This target "remains a moving target," due to strict policies toward Chinese visitors and limited visa flexibility, according to the Philippines' Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, as reported by Philstar.

Major airlines in the Philippines have scaled back direct flights to China due to sluggish demand from Chinese tourists.

Before the pandemic, China was the second largest source of tourists to the Philippines, with over 1.7 million Chinese visitors in 2019. However, Chinese arrivals have remained at around 20% of pre-pandemic levels, with only 263,000 Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines in 2023.

The first half of this year saw just 199,000 arrivals from China.
Scientists from the Leibniz Zentrum fur Archaologie and Durham University have examined a collection of 406 engraved schist plaquettes found at the Magdalenian site of Gonnersdorf in Germany. The ancient engravings provide valuable insights into the fishing techniques and tools used by Paleolithic peoples, and how these practices were translated into visual culture through the depiction of nets characterized by interlaced diamond-shaped and square meshes.

Prehistoric fishing deployed a diverse range of technologies and techniques, including various strategies for obtaining fish that can be summarised as active fishing, which requires direct human involvement with or near the fishing equipment, passive fishing, involving trapping methods, or a combination of both, said Dr. Jerome Robitaille of the Leibniz Zentrum fur Archaologie and colleagues.

Some methods were developed for individual catches, such as angling, while others were refined to maximize yields through the use of collective nets and traps.

The selection of a particular method was influenced by the target fish species, as well as the distinct habitats and terrains where specific aquatic resources thrived.

Although evidence for fishing in the Upper Plaeolithic (20,000 to 14,500 years ago) is not abundant, there is sporadic direct and indirect evidence of several fishing techniques, such as barbed points or harpoons, bows and arrows, traps, and fishing nets.

In their research, the authors analyzed the engravings on 406 schist (metamorphic rock) plaquettes from the Magdalenian site of Gonnersdorf on the northern bank of the river Rhine in western central Germany.

These plaquettes are characterized by their unique artistic styles and iconographic themes depicting both terrestrial and aquatic animals and humans.

New imaging methods allowed the researchers to see intricate engravings of fish, accompanied by grid-like patterns that are interpreted as depictions of fishing nets or traps.

The findings suggest that fishing may have held symbolic significance within the Upper Paleolithic.

They expand the known repertoire of Ice Age art and offer remarkable insights into the symbolic and social practices of early hunter-gatherer societies.

Our comparative analysis including other archaeological sites from the same period, such as Altamira and Lascaux, highlights Gonnersdorfs contribution to our understanding of Paleolithic art and subsistence strategies, the scientists concluded.

Unlike the more celebrated sites known for their vivid fish depictions, Gonnersdorfs abstract and minimalist style offers a fresh perspective on the socio-cultural dynamics of Magdalenian communities.

Fishing with nets, deriving from a broad spectrum economy, reveals the diversity, adaptability and creativity of prehistoric communities, showcasing their proficiency in utilizing a variety of fishing techniques to sustainably exploit aquatic resources.

This research not only enhances our understanding of the diverse subsistence strategies of Paleolithic societies but also contributes to the broader discourse on the complexity and richness of their cultural practices.

By placing a spotlight on the often-overlooked aspect of the practice of fishing and the representation of that practice in art, our study adds to a more comprehensive and dynamic picture of subsistence during the Upper Paleolithic, opening new pathways for future research in this field.

Evidently fishing played a more significant role in shaping social and cultural practices than previously recognized, as evidenced by the aggregation patterns around bountiful fishing sites, and is therefore a subject matter worth of further investigation.

The study was published online in the journal PLoS ONE.

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J. Robitaille et al. 2024. Upper Palaeolithic fishing techniques: Insights from the engraved plaquettes of the Magdalenian site of Gonnersdorf, Germany. PLoS ONE 19 (11): e0311302; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311302
On November 11, Americans celebrate Veterans Day. The observance is not limited to the United Statesmost countries that were involved in the First World War commemorate this day. Thats because at 11 minutes after 11 oclock, on November 11, 1918, an armistice signed by the Allied powers and Germany went into effect, ending the bloody conflict that was, at the time, called the War to End All Wars.

This rosy sentiment notwithstanding, since the end of the First World War, not one single decade passed that was not shaped by a war. Be it conflicts in Korea and Indochina, in South Asia or the Balkans, battles in North Africa and the Middle East or the largest, bloodiest conflict of them all  the Second World War American soldiers have fought and died, side by side with our allies, to defend our common homelands, our people, our ideals.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord. It was the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe and the most significant military operation of the modern era: the allied landings on the beaches of Normandy, the largest amphibious assault in history.

From the sea and sky, nearly 160,000 Allied troops descended on Normandy, said President Joe Biden at the commemoration ceremony in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Many, to state the obvious, never came home. Many survived that longest day, kept on fighting for months until victory was finally won.



The men who fought here became heroes not because they were the strongest or toughest or were fiercest  although they were  but because they were given an audacious mission knowing  every one of them knew the probability of dying was real, but they did it anyway. They knew, beyond any doubt, there are things that are worth fighting and dying for.

Freedom is worth it. Democracy is worth it. America is worth it. The world is worth it  then, now, and always, said President Biden.

Democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it, and fight for it. Thats the test of the ages, said President Biden.

In memory of those who fought here, died here, literally saved the world here, let us be worthy of their sacrifice.

On this day, we thank all veterans, past and present. We honor them, and we remember always what theyve sacrificed for our people, for our country, for the whole world.
The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, runs from Nov. 5 to 10 in east Chinas Shanghai. The 7th CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. It also sets a new record with 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders attending the event. Here are voices from some of them.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's, GMW.cn makes no representations as to accuracy, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information.
Luxury fashion brand Burberry is reportedly on the brink of being bought by Italys Moncler .

According to correspondence seen by The Mail on Sunday, staff at one of Burberry's flagship London stores have already been told about the takeover.

Speculation about a potential takeover first emerged early this month when industry website Miss Tweed said Moncler was considering a buyout.

A source told The Mail that Burberry has paused discussions with business affiliates who sell its merchandise until more details of the Moncler bid have been confirmed.

They added that staff had been told not to discuss the offer with outsiders "until an official statement has come out".

Founded in 1952, Moncler is now famous for its padded jackets, which are popular with skiers and mountaineers.

In September, LVMH - which owns luxury brands including Bulgari and Stella McCartney - bought a 10% share in Moncler's owner Double R, fuelling speculation that the conglomerate and its billionaire French boss, Bernard Arnault, are behind the move on Burberry.

The Mail said it remains to be seen whether Burberry's new boss Joshua Schulman will address the rumours on Thursday, when he presents the firm's latest financial results.

He is expected to unveil a new strategy which will involve lowering prices and concentrating on its classic designs. The Mail said neither Burberry nor Moncler were prepared to comment.
Shares in Resolute Mining tumbled on Monday after it confirmed that chief executive Terence Holohan and two other employees have been detained by authorities in Mali.

Responding to press reports over the weekend, Resolute said the executives were in Bamako to hold talks with the mining and tax authorities regarding "general activities" related to its in-country business practices "and to progress open claims made against Resolute, which the company maintains are unsubstantiated".

The three individuals were "unexpectedly" detained on Friday following the conclusion of these meetings.

"Resolute has followed all official processes with respect to its affairs and has provided the authorities with detailed responses to all the claims made," the company said.

"Resolute's priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its employees. The company is in regular communication with the three detained employees who remain held at the Economic and Financial Centre of Bamako (Pole Economique et Financier de Bamako)."

Resolute said the employees are being treated well "and continue to receive support on the ground from the UK and International Embassies and Consulates".

"The company is continuing to work with the Government on a resolution and will provide further updates on the situation as appropriate."

At 1040 GMT, Resolute shares were down 29% at 24.37p.

Berenberg said in a note that it believes the claims being made against Resolute by Malian authorities broadly relate to tax.

"This is clearly an unexpected and negative release from the company," the bank said. "Limited details have been provided on the situation, which is not a major surprise, but the detaining of Resolute employees comes after certain Barrick executives were also detained by Malian authorities recently.

"The event will likely add to more cautious investor sentiment about Mali; the shares fell by circa 33% in Australia overnight.

"We remain buy-rated but look for a near-term release of the executives and a resolution to the issues in Mali."
Zhang Guoli (C), an actor and director, talks with visitors at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Zhang Guoli (4th R) and other cast members answer the curtain call after the performance at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

A woman visits an exhibition at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors prepare to watch the drama "I Love Peach Blossom" at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 9, 2024 shows a view of Changshou drama valley, transformed from old enclosed houses, in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Zhang Guoli (3rd R), an actor and director, talks with visitors at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors make matcha at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors take a rest at a cafe of Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Editor: JYZ
Dulha Ghar proudly stands as one of Indias best mens ethnic brands, celebrating the rich traditions of Lucknow. Girish Motiani's journey in the fashion industry began at his fathers fabric store, founded by the late Asudamal Motiani, where he gained invaluable experience in fabric selection and customer service.

Since its official launch in 1991, Dulha Ghar has grown from a small shop into a leading name in mens ethnic fashion. The focus on quality and customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind the brand's success, culminating in its registration as a private limited company in 2020, with Girish Motiani as the Director and Nitesh Ajwani as a fellow Director.

Looking ahead, the aim is to expand Dulha Ghar into a global brand while preserving its traditional roots. The plan includes introducing modern styles into ethnic fashion and strengthening the online presence. New store openings are also on the horizon to meet the rising demand for mens ethnic wear.

For those entering the fashion industry, Girish Motiani advises staying flexible and eager to learn. The dynamic nature of fashion requires a deep understanding of customer needs. At Dulha Ghar, the commitment remains to offer the best wedding attire and ethnic clothing, ensuring the brand continues to be a symbol of trust and elegance in the industry.
The maiden seaplane service of the state, testrunned by Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, flew from Bolgatty Palace Waterdrome to the Mattupetty Dam in Idukki today as part of improving connectivity in the region. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, Education Minister V. Sivankutty and other senior officials were present with the Minister when he took a short ride on the 17-seater aircraft.

With the seaplane service, faster and cheaper travel to previously inaccessible regions of Kerala is expected to be possible, and the state's hill stations, backwaters, and other inaccessible locations would open up. According to Minister Riyas, this project would seamlessly supplement the state's infrastructure, connecting the airports, highways, and proposed high-speed corridors.

It is seaplane service, where the Kerala government plans to stretch out. It will be affordable and accessible for many people, said the report. A comprehensive plan is being developed to promote the service for locals and tourists. One of the areas highlighted by Minister Rajeeve is the hospitality sector, which is booming in the state with many world-class hotels set to be launched at Kochi.

The seaplane service is operated by a Switzerland-based private company and SpiceJet, that use de Havilland aircraft. The planes have already flown trial runs over the skies of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is under the UDAN initiative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation to enhance regional connectivity through subsidized air travel.
Park Systems Corp signed a new partnership agreement with Labindia Instruments Pvt. Ltd to expand its business in India. Park Systems is a leading provider of nanometrology solutions with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Imaging Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (ISE). Park Systems began its business in India in 2008 and has been identified as a major player.

Park Systems Corp. announces a new partnership agreement with Labindia Instruments Pvt. Ltd. to expand business in India. Park Systems is the leading nanometrology solution provider, offering Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Imaging Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (ISE).

Park Systems initiated its business in India since 2008. It was identified as a major player in nanoscience metrology by the installation of over 100 AFM and ISE systems in science and technology institutes within the country. This agreement combines the experience of Labindia with scientific instrument distribution and Park Systems' innovative AFM for the advancement of its scope of business both in the science research area and India's rapidly growing semiconductor sector.

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). ISM will be a new hub in the globe for the semiconductor and the display industry. Along with the development of the industry, AFMs have emerged as an essential technology for the characterization of semiconductor and display samples. This collaboration happens precisely at the right time when advanced interest is being witnessed from professors, engineers, and students in semiconductor technologies. Recently, the Indian government has launched a new semiconductor manufacturing initiative, initiated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration, named. ISM will be a new hub in the globe for the semiconductor and the display industry. Along with the development of the industry, AFMs have emerged as an essential technology for the characterization of semiconductor and display samples. This collaboration happens precisely at the right time when advanced interest is being witnessed from professors, engineers, and students in semiconductor technologies.

Today, with the fast advancement of India's semiconductor industry, the need for high-precision metrology instruments stands at its peak. Proven record as well as a considerable network makes them an ideal partner for us as we strive to strengthen our presence in the Indian market, according to Dr. Sang-Joon Cho, Executive Vice President at Park Systems.

With several decades of experience and large manpower reserves, Labindia is a strong and well-established player in the Indian scientific community. As one of the most influential distributors in the region, their sale, customer service, and technical support experience in the Indian metrology sector will help Park Systems respond to growing demands for high-performance AFM and related technologies.

Park Systems is firmly establishing its reputation and influence in one of the emerging semiconductor industries in India, potentially one of the biggest in the world in the next few years. The company's presence at SEMICON India and AsiaNano2024 along with its ongoing engagement with the best researchers and engineers in India clearly further entrenches it as a leader in nanoscale analysis technologies.
Samsung India has completed the certification of 3,500 students under the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme for the year 2024.

Aligned with the Government of Indias #SkillIndia and #DigitalIndia initiatives, Samsung Innovation Campus focuses on improving employability of the youth by training them in high-demand tech fields such as AI, Internet of Things, Big Data and Coding & Programming.

In 2024, Samsungs flagship CSR initiative expanded its reach by enrolling 3,500 students, up from 3,000 in 2023. It involved 12 SIC certification events organized across educational institutes in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The courses under SIC have been operational across six universities and one national skilling institute.

With AI set to transform our lives by ushering in an era of new technologies, it is imperative to engage the youth of today and harness their potential to build a better future. With Samsung Innovation Campus, we want to bridge the skills gap among the Indian youth so that they can become innovators of tomorrow. The programme strengthens Samsungs commitment to being a strong partner and contributor to the India growth story, Skill India and Digital India, said JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.

As part of Samsungs continued encouragement for excellence, toppers from each domain across these educational institutes will now be awarded cash prizes of INR 1 Lakh and Samsung products. Selected national toppers will have the opportunity to visit Samsungs state-of-the-art facilities in Delhi NCR to engage with the companys leadership.

Overall, the course has boosted my readiness for AI projects and opened doors to exciting opportunities in the field. The curriculum began with essential AI concepts and advanced to machine learning and deep learning applications. This progression allowed me to build a strong theoretical foundation and then move on to more complex topics, said Kanchan Lata Srivastava, who recently completed the AI course.

This year, participants in the AI programme completed 270 hours of theoretical training followed by 80 hours of project work. IoT and Big Data students underwent 160 hours of theory and 80 hours of hands-on project work, while the Coding & Programming participants completed 80 hours of theory before taking part in a hackathon. With practical learning modules, capstone projects, and immersive training, students gained hands-on experience in emerging tech areas.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) trainer, Ive had the pleasure of guiding students through one of the most exciting areas of technology today. The course structure allows students to connect theory with practice, understanding the potential of IoT to drive connectivity and innovation. Its incredibly rewarding to see students grasp the significance of IoT in our world and apply their skills to real-life scenarios. Samsung Innovation Campus provides a truly enriching environment for students to explore and innovate, said Aman Khan, IoT trainer at the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), New Delhi, where the final leg of the 2024 programme concluded with the certification event of 200 students in IoT on October 28.

Samsungs ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, through initiatives such as Samsung Innovation Campus and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, highlights its mission to nurture and train Indias future-tech leaders. Through these programmes, Samsung continues to support Indias youth, equipping them with skills that not only advance their personal and professional growth but also empower India as a global technology hub.
The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) said the return of Donald Trump as the next US President will bolster India's textile and apparel trade with its largest international market.

In 2023, the US accounted for approximately 27 percent of Indias total textile and apparel exports, underscoring its crucial role in the industrys global reach.

In the current financial year, Indias textile and apparel exports to the US during April-August increased by about 6 percent compared to the same period last year.

This outpaced the growth rates of key competitors, with China at 2 percent, Vietnam at 0.4 percent, and Bangladesh recording a decline of -2.2 percent. Indias enhanced performance signals its growing preference among US buyers and highlights its increasing share in this critical market, said CITI Chairman Rakesh Mehra.

President Trumps previous administration focused on reducing dependency on China by diversifying trade sources, a stance that aligns with India's aspirations to strengthen its position in the US market. Mehra emphasized thatfocused on reducing dependency on China by diversifying trade sources, a stance that aligns with India's aspirations to strengthen its position in the US market.

"With the new administration, the Indian textile and apparel industry is optimistic about expanding its role as an alternative supplier to China, said Mehta.

However, a significant barrier remains in the form of high tariff rates, which for certain apparel categories can reach up to 32 percent.

This restricts Indias ability to further increase its market share, said Mehta.

He further stated that the new government will work closely with India to facilitate revisions in tariffs, thus positioning India as a key supplier of quality textile and apparel products to the US.

This could catalyze a new phase in India-US textile trade relations, providing a valuable alternative to China for American retailers and consumers alike, said the confederation.
Mattels newest Wicked dolls are being hastily pulled off shelves after it was discovered that the website listed on the back leads to a pornographic outlet  instead of the movies website.

The Wicked Fashion Dolls include four iterations of Cynthia Ervios character Elphaba and Ariana Grandes character Glinda. The company additionally produced dolls of Fiyero (Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey), Madame Morrible (Everything Everywhere All At Once star Michelle Yeoh) and Nessarose (theater star Marissa Bode).

The dolls can be viewed on Mattels website.

On the back of each dolls box, the website in fine print reads www.wicked.com, which leads to a website bearing the name of the film that belongs to a pornographic movie studio called Wicked Pictures. The page requires users to check a box confirming they are 18 or older, NPR reported.

The official movie website is www.wickedmovie.com.

Mattel is working to rectify the situation by taking the dolls off the shelves across the country, including stores like Walmart, Macys, Kohls, Best Buy, DSW, Amazon.com and other retailers, the Hollywood Reporter wrote.

Whether they return in time for the movies release or for Christmas with the appropriate website remains to be seen.

The Hollywood Reporter obtained the following statement from Mattel: Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.

Wicked will debut in movie theaters on Nov. 22, and is based on the book and Broadway show that came before it.
Tonawanda, N.Y.  Sumitomo Rubber announced Thursday it will close its western New York tire manufacturing plant and eliminate all 1,550 union and salaried jobs.

The Japan-based company said attempts to control costs, along with investments in the aging facility, had failed to offset mounting financial losses.

The plant closure is primarily due to overall facility performance within the increasingly competitive international tire market. This difficult decision follows a multi-year analysis of the companys financial situation and general market conditions, Sumitomo said in a statement.

Efforts to save the Tonawanda plant, near Buffalo, included trying to find a buyer for it, the company said, but there were no offers.

Sumitomo had recently invested $140 million in the facility, including $129 million in 2022, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

The plant opened in 1923. Sumitomo took full control of it in 2015 after parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries ended a joint venture with Ohio-based Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America.

The sudden closure of one of the regions largest manufacturing operations took elected officials and employees by 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.

The company said it was working with United Steelworkers Union Local 135 on severance packages.

Although tire production has ended, overall operations will wind down over the next one to two years, the company said. Production will be transitioned across the companys existing global footprint.
A wildfire burning in northern New Jersey and across the New York state border in Orange County remained at 3,000 acres and was still just 10% contained as of Monday morning, officials said.

The fire didnt grow overnight as about a quarter-inch of rain fell, the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service said.

Multiple crews fighting the fire non-stop since it broke out on Saturday were given a chance to rest Sunday, authorities said.

ALSO: Record-breaking rainless streak ends, but dry trend may start again

Smoke billows as the wildfire burning in West Milford and across the New York state border in Orange County continues to burn. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Crews resumed work Monday morning and are trying to improve containment lines and address trouble spots, according to fire officials.

Two homes in West Milford are threatened, with another eight buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District in the state park at risk, officials said. In Greenwood Lake, New York, an additional 14 structures are threatened.

No evacuations were in place as of early Monday afternoon, but some roads have been shut down to traffic.

East Shore Road remains closed from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike. Beech Road is also shut, along with all trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park and Tranquility Ridge.

Smoke rises on a ridge on the eastern side of Greenwood Lake. A wildfire burning in West Milford and Orange County was 3,000 acres and 10% contained on Monday.Richard Cowen/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Firefighters are using fire engines as well as a helicopter that can drop 350 gallons of water on the huge wildfire.

This is a massive operation, and we urge everyone to please avoid the area for your safety and the safety of the emergency personnel, West Milford Mayor Michele Dale said.

Residents in Lake Park and on East Shore Road are asked to limit trips to and from their homes.

Since the wildfire began, anxious residents have been coming to Thomas P. Monahan Waterfront Park on the north shore of Greenwood Lake to check on the blaze.

Residents described a thick, smoky haze that blanketed the north shore on Sunday afternoon as people stopped to take pictures and video.

Last night, the fire was raging, the smoke was very thick and the smell was unbearable, said Maryann Rodriguez, who lives on the west shore of Greenwood Lake. People were wearing masks. It was not safe at all.

Terry McEntyre says shes lived on Greenwood Lake for 55 years. She recalls a bad wildfire that scorched Greenwood Lake about 15 to 20 years ago.

That one burned for about three weeks, she said. McEntyre, who lives on the north end, thinks the fire started about five days ago, and began spreading rapidly on Saturday.

Light rain arrived Sunday night and conditions appear to have improved by midday Monday.

The rain must have done something great last night, McEntyre said, watching the smoke rise across the lake. In the sky above, two helicopters crossed the lake and headed toward the smoldering ridge on the east side.

Conditions in Monahan Park improved on Monday as the haze was gone.

Fire officials have called a 3 p.m. press conference at Skylands Manor in Ringwood State Park to provide further updates. There is no trace of smoke in the air nor any sign of the fire there, according to people on scene.

Firefighters wont receive any additional help from the weather as dry conditions and low humidity are in the forecast for the rest of the week.

Areas moistened by the rain are expected to dry out later Monday and winds will pick up on Tuesday. Wind gusts will range from 14 mph to 18 mph and might reach 29 mph, the National Weather Service said.

An 18-year-old firefighter died battling the blaze in Sterling Forest. Dariel Vasquez, a parks employee in New York, was killed Saturday in the New York section of the park, New York State Police said. His death remained under investigation.

The fire had spread to 2,500 acres and was 0% contained on Sunday morning after covering 1,800 acres Saturday afternoon.
Number of victims as result of night attack in Zaporizhia grows to 21  regional authorities

The number of victims increased to 21 as a result of a nighttime enemy attack in Zaporizhia, said head of the Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov.

"As of today, we already know about 21 victims. Doctors are providing all the necessary assistance," he wrote on Telegram.

It is noted that there are five children among the victims.

According to Fedorov, after midnight the Russians attacked Zaporizhia. Three airstrikes were carried out.

As reported, on Monday night, Russian troops carried out three airstrikes on Zaporizhia, a man was killed, there are children among the injured, the State Emergency Service reports.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A day after it was revealed that Former GOP Rep. Michael Grimm is paralyzed, a GoFundMe set up for his medical bills has reached over $120,000.

Grimm was involved in a horse-riding accident in September.

The GoFundMe, originally posted to former South Shore City Councilman Vincent Ignizios Facebook page, has garnered 760 donations totaling to $123,165 at time of printing.

The sum represents 5% of the GoFundMes goal of $2.5 million, the website states.

The true depth of Grimms paralysis is unknown at this time, but Ignizio said that the former representative cannot walk due to the injuries he reportedly sustained after being thrown from his horse while playing polo.

Greg Kelly  a former Fox 5 morning anchor and Newsmax colleague of Grimms  in September said Grimm sustained a neck injury that required surgery, and that Grimm was had been in an unidentified Westchester hospital.

Ignizio, who now serves as deputy executive director of the New York City Board of Elections, took to Facebook to encourage prayers and a donation for Grimm yesterday.

In a comment to the Advance/SILive.com, Ignizio called Grimm a great friend [and] a great patriot, saying: Staten Island always steps up when someone is in need, and Im hopeful that they do the same for a former congressman and friend, Michael Grimm.

Grimm has long been an avid horseman, frequently posting to social media about his time spent at stables and playing polo.

Grimm represented Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn in the House of Representatives from 2010 to January 2015, when he resigned following a 2014 federal indictment related to fraudulent practices at an Upper East Side health food restaurant Grimm partially owned.

Ultimately, the former congressman pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and served seven months in prison before being released in 2016.

Grimm attempted a congressional comeback in 2018, but lost a GOP primary to incumbent Republican Rep. Dan Donovan, who ultimately lost to Democrat Max Rose that year.

Grimm has mostly stayed out of Staten Island politics since then, but has been a vocal supporter of Republican candidate Marko Kepi, who ran a failed campaign for state Senate this year. The two served in the Marine Corps and share a political mentor in former Brooklyn GOP State Sen. Marty Golden.

Kepi posted the GoFundMe on his Facebook page yesterday, as well.
A CNN pundit pitched a surprise pick for the Supreme Court if Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor retires.

Bakari Sellers said that Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris should be on the list of possible replacements for the liberal Sotomayor, the New York Post reported.

Sellers, a CNN commentator and former South Carolina state lawmaker, on social media has said that Sotomayor, 70, should retire before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025.

That would give Dems a chance to replace Sotomayor with a like-minded jurist while the Dems still have a majority in the U.S. Senate. The GOP will hold the gavel in the next term.

Sotomayor needs to resign, Sellers wrote on X. The court is currently 6-3. [Her resignation] would limit Trumps ability to make it 7-2. Its silly to believe there is no difference.

[The Senate] can confirm in 10 weeks (see ACB [Amy Coney Barrett]). You have very good previously vetted candidates. Sri Srinivasan, Robert Wilkins, Michelle Childs and yes Kamala Harris (though she likely doesnt get Manchins vote), Sellers said.

Dems want to avoid a repeat of what happened with Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who declined to retire when Democrat Barack Obama was president. Trump filled Ginsburgs seat with Barrett after Ginsburg passed away.

I dont want Justice Sotomayor to be another Ruth Bader Ginsburg in terms of staying too long, Sellers told CNN last week.

The possibility of Justice Sotomayor having to resign or retire in the next four years is extremely high, Sellers said.

Sotomayor, who suffers from diabetes, has not publicly commented on the Dem attempts to have her retire.

But one source close to the judge told the Wall Street Journal, This is no time to lose her important voice on the court. She just turned 70 and takes better care of herself than anyone I know.
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Review Eating outBrisbane The 10 Queensland restaurants you need to eat at this year From Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Cairns and beyond, heres where you need to eat in the Sunshine State. Matt Shea and Callan Boys November 11, 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

Drilling down on the best Queensland restaurants is an almost impossible task, such is the quality of the dining across the state in 2024. From Brisbane and the Gold Coast all the way up to Cairns and beyond, there are cracking eateries just about everywhere you look. Agnes is Brisbanes must-do restaurant right now. Supplied But consider the restaurants on the following list, published in this years Sydney Good Food Guide  out tomorrow  as the essential go-tos when youre next exploring the Sunshine State. Agnes

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Theres no gas here, no electricity  just a blazing hearth over which chef Ben Williamson and his team tend to an endlessly innovative menu steeped in local produce. Atmosphere is always on the menu at Agnes. The striking digs, all low lights in a heritage-listed former dairy co-op, only add to its reputation as Brisbanes most essential restaurant right now. 22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley, anyday.com.au/agnes-venue-page Blume

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Occupying an old Boonah timber shopfront replete with pressed metal walls is this star of Scenic Rim dining. Exclusive Cucina Regina shows The Star is serious about its restaurants Owner-chef Jack Stuarts ever-changing set menu might feature clay-baked beetroot, Spanish mackerel with broccoli, curry leaves and a mussel broth, or lamb shoulder with local mushrooms. Theres just 20 seats, so book well ahead. 5 Church Street, Boonah, blumerestaurant.com.au Essa

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This moody 60-seater is a welcome contrast to its glitzy James Street neighbours. Essa, just off James Street in Brisbane. Supplied A popular flame-focused set menu might include a crab crumpet with lemon and mayo, and wood-fired market fish with nori butter, but you can also choose your own a la carte path. An organic and biodynamic wine list splits the difference between local and overseas producers. 181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley, essa.restaurant Essen

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At this friendly, independent BYO-only restaurant about three hours drive inland from Brisbane, owner-chef Clarissa Pabst writes her own rules. Cottage restaurant Essen serves up to 30 guests per night. Paul Harris A four-course set menu is built around the kind of comfort cooking you can imagine Stephanie Alexander serving for Sunday lunch, so you might encounter Tropea onion and parmesan tart, roast chook with white polenta, lemon-thyme panna cotta, and Golden Queen peach sorbet. Visit Stonefruit in nearby Tenterfield if youre keen to bring great wine. 2 McGregor Terrace, Stanthorpe, essenstanthorpe.com.au Exhibition

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Following Joy, the acclaimed (and still essential) tiny degustation restaurant he opened with Sarah Baldwin in 2019, Exhibition is Tim Scott letting his inspiration run wild. Exhibition in Brisbanes CBD. BEDA The menu is ever-changing, but expect a phalanx of snacks anchored in Japanese technique, followed by larger plates such as wagyu tartare with rayu oil and sweet potato, or slipper lobster with kohlrabi and macadamia. Unmissable. 109 Edward Street, Brisbane, exhibitionrestaurant.com Restaurant Labart

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It may have loosened its tie post-pandemic, but Labart hasnt changed the assured precision of the cooking. Restaurant Labart in Burleigh Heads. Supplied Expect black-mussel escabeche, market fish with bouillabaisse butter and celeriac rouille, or baked scallops with an anchovy and pink peppercorn butter  all served in a beautifully presented Euro-inflected bistro. 8 West Street, Burleigh Heads, restaurantlabart.com Nu Nu

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A celebration of everything Far North Queensland, from the stunning Palm Cove location looking across the Coral Sea, to the innovative ways with local produce. Nu Nu in Palm Cove. Supplied Go large on plates such as ginger caramel chicken wings and kimchi butter-poached reef fish, before finishing with something spice-spiked from the cocktail list. 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove, nunu.com.au Pneuma

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The latest restaurant from Dan Arnold (whose namesake fine diner is a local star), Pneuma is co-owned by former GOMA Restaurant chef Matt Blackwell. Pneuma in Brisbanes CBD. Tammy Law In a heritage dining room, Blackwell deals in dishes such as white anchovies with a nduja and piquillo pepper emulsion, and roasted monkfish tail with a smoked onion and mussel beurre blanc. The bold food is matched with a thoughtful and globetrotting wine list. 336 George Street, Brisbane, pneumarestaurant.com Rick Shores

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This modern classic refuses to lean on its fabulous beachside location, with chef James Brady punching out a menu as fresh as the Burleigh Heads breakers gliding past the restaurants front-row seats. Rick Shores in Burleigh Heads boasts one of the best outlooks in the country. Supplied Eat Madras lamb rump with rice dressing, or Patagonian toothfish with cardamom leaf, yellow curry and fried garlic. The bug roll, meanwhile, is a must. 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, rickshores.com.au Snack Man

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Its neighbouring Happy Boy that put Cameron and Jordan Votan on the map, but Snack Man is arguably more essential, a fabulous menu of regional Chinese snacks  think Guangdong-style crispy tofu skin rolls with prawns, or Beijing-inspired pan-fried pies with pork floss  matched to small-producer European wines and grower champagne. Jordan and Cameron Votan outside Snack Man, in Brisbanes Fortitude Valley. Morgan Roberts The brothers new, neighbouring French diner, Petite, is also worth a look. East Street, Fortitude Valley, snack-man.com.au

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It was a meal at the restaurant Charles Barrier in the French city of Tours that inspired Gay Bilson to adapt this dish, which became a menu fixture alongside creme brulee and tripes a la Lyonnaise. Janni [Kyritsis] perfected the tripes, I mistressed the creme brulee and the brioche. To counteract the fat of the bone marrow and red wine butter, I added the shallots, which was a good decision, says Bilson.

Whittling this list down was no easy feat, and there are plenty of years when we could have included many more signatures, but the 40 dishes here present a snapshot of 40 years of dining, filtered through the lens of the Good Food Guide, starting with Berowra Waters Inn, and finishing with our latest Restaurant of the Year, Saint Peter .

Sifting through 40 editions of the Guide led to plenty more discoveries and curiosities, but one highlight was picking out the occasions that defining Sydney dishes made their first appearance. In isolation, they give a picture of the way we were eating out at the time; together, they chart a path of Sydney dining over four decades, reflecting its influences, the people and restaurants driving it and the evolving palate of the city.

Inside, there are maps, forms for enthusiastic or disgruntled readers to write in, and among recommendations for late-night eating (try Bourbon and Beefsteak in Darlinghurst or Abduls in Surry Hills), were those for yum cha (Marigold), ice-cream parlours (Pasticceria Mancuso in Burwood), and childrens parties (try McDonalds).

The 1984 Good Food Guide to Eating Well in and Around Sydney, the first and original edition of what is now the Good Food Guide, is a holy document, a single time-worn copy marked with the barcode Z00013338 packed into the library of the Sydney Morning Herald along with other relics of the time. Tucked underneath a lock of Neil Perrys ponytail and a couple of Tony Bilson bowties, the faded royal blue cover peeps out. Cartoon lions toast goblets over a plate of lobster on the cover, while the blurb exclaims loud and proud The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide has all the answers.

Phillip Searles signature dessert still reverberates in the memories of those who ate it, while those who didnt long to have tried it. The chequerboard effect is striking, but its the then-daring combination of pineapple sorbet and star anise ice-cream, bordered by licorice gel and vanilla ice-cream, that gave it lasting impact.

High-density chocolate was suspended in mousse and baked  a stirring end to Damien and Josephine Pignolets menu of classic French flavours presented in a post-nouvelle cuisine style.

Because few Sydneysiders had heard of tagliolini at the time, Lucio Galletto called his silverbeet-tinted pasta noodles instead, and the Ligurian specialty never left the menu.

Amy Chanta opened her first Chat Thai in 1989 and immediately found an audience for cooking that preferenced Thai palates, then brought everyone else along. See an early dish of raw green prawns, fanned out and covered with mint, garlic and chilli and dressed with nam pla and lemon. Seminal and still just as vital.

Neil Perrys signature traits have long been a commitment to the best and freshest produce and a knack for enhancing a headline ingredients inherent flavour. Rockpools quick-fried King George whiting, served with a Thai-style dressing of ginger, coriander and lime juice, was imaginative, unusual, subtle and entirely successful, wrote Good Food Guide editor Leo Schofield for the George Street restaurants first Herald review.

All eyes were on Tony Bilson and Leon Fink when they opened the decades most luxurious restaurant, which would evolve into Quay. A starter of native NSW oysters at the site is just as perfect today.

Two decades ago, when the Guide was celebrating its 20th anniversary, this is the dish that graced the cover. Although the garnishes changed, the delicately draped fillet coated with kombu and chives was a fixture in write-ups from the year it first appeared until its final entry in the 2024 edition.

Pipis were traditionally accompanied with cheap sauce in Hong Kong, says Golden Century founder Eric Wong, but we had the idea to serve them with expensive XO. And just like that, a legend was made. (All the better when served on a bed of fried vermicelli to soak up that sauce.)

The Phan familys noodle soup institution opened in 1987, but it would take another seven years for it to be recognised by the Guide. We should have been across the formidable pho (with dark, gnarled brisket, thin-cut beef and gelatinous tendon) way before that.

Today, Buon Ricordo and the words truffled-egg fettuccine just go together. But it wasnt until 1994, seven years after Armando Percuoco opened Buon Ricordo, that this signature first graced the menu. Epic then, essential now.

Sydneys first hatted Indian restaurant wears its 2025 hat as well as it did in the 1996 Guide, when Abhis had just undergone a facelift and refreshed the menu. A standout? Misal, a Mumbai roadside snack of mung beans topped with peanuts, black lentil masala and coriander.

1997: Marinated globe artichokes, Bel Mondo, The Rocks

Inside two-hatted Bel Mondo, Anti Bar was a destination in its own right for snacks such as rare roast beef with salsa verde, and artichoke hearts stuffed with smoked river trout. Kudos to the Manfredi family for taking bar food in Sydney beyond Nobbys Nuts and the counter meal.

1998: A salad of snail, trotters, pigs ears and purslane, MG Garage, Surry Hills

With Janni Kyritsis on the tools, MG Garage was always going to be a hit. Three hats in its first year, though, was unprecedented. Its this dish  described as all subtlety and balance, rather than the rough, earthy heartiness its ingredients suggest  that had the engines revving from the second it landed on the menu.

Eggnet with pork, prawn and beansprouts, Longrain, Surry Hills. Aristea Rellou

1999: Eggnet with pork, prawn and beansprouts, Longrain, Surry Hills

After years of working with David Thompson, Martin Boetz took Thai food in his own modern direction. Clean-tasting, fresh and turbocharged with sweet vinegar, the eggnet cocoon was ferociously popular with the Moscow Mule set for years.

2000: Duck pithivier Aria, Sydney

Aria scraped into the 2000 Guide at the last minute, sitting under the heading of New and important places to open after our publishing deadline. Can Matt Moran grow into it, we asked. Twenty-five years later  with a menu of signatures marking the anniversary, including a spin on his brined and confit duck pithivier  we reckon he might have.

2001: Sweetcorn and basil soup, Banc, Sydney

Banc burned bright at the turn of the millennium, serving the kind of redefined French food that was also taking hold in London at the time. This complimentary demitasse of sweet, rich, nutty soup would kick off a meal heavy with concentrated flavour and low on shortcuts.

2002: Whole John dory pot-roasted with chilli, ginger and shallots, Pier, Rose Bay

Greg Doyle and Stephen Hodges were at the helm of Pier when the 2002 Guide was published. This edition highlighted signature dishes, which for Pier was John dory packed into a pot with fish stock and aromats, then topped with ginger, chilli and shallots. No wonder it won that years best seafood award.

Confit pork belly with roasted sea scallops, Quay, The Rocks. Aristea Rellou

2003: Confit pork belly with roasted sea scallops, Quay, The Rocks

Although technically created by Peter Gilmore in 2000 when he was cooking at De Beers in Whale Beach, the Chinese-inspired protein combination came with him to Quay and continues today. Pure harmony, said critic Matthews Evans at the time, and three hats were promptly awarded. Theyve never left.

2004: Prawn ravioli, Est., Sydney

Peter and Bev Doyles involvement with Est. was seismic. The pair joined in 2003 and brought legitimacy to Merivales burgeoning restaurant empire, along with three hats in the 2004 Guide. They also brought the prawn ravioli from Celsius, rolled by hand and topped with wasabi-scented tobiko. Snap, crackle, pop - sweetness and sophistication all at once.

2005: Corned wagyu with white sauce and baby carrots, Bistrode, Surry Hills

Surry Hills became Sydneys hottest dining destination thanks to an explosion of new restaurants, and Jane and Jeremy Strodes wagyu silverside garnered a legion of obsessed fans.

2006: Suckling pig, Pilu at Freshwater, Freshwater

Pilu debuted in the 2006 Guide with two hats, winning the best new restaurant award as Giovanni Pilu went all in on his Sardinian roots. The suckling pig, roasted maialetto-style, came with him from Cala Luna at The Spit, and 20 years on, its as rich and shatteringly crisp as ever.

2007: Chocolate ganache with orange oil spice and salt, Bentley, Surry Hills

Bentley was named best new restaurant in this year for its molecular-inspired menu. Smoked eel parfait became a signature, but ahead of the Guide launch, it was this dessert turning heads. Chocolate ganache with blood-orange oil, twisted by a salt hit, reminds you that life is an adventure and Bentley is an exciting ride, we wrote.

Gaytime goes nuts, Universal, Darlinghurst. Aristea Rellou

2008: Gaytime goes nuts, Universal, Darlinghurst

Christine Manfields first remix of Streets iconic ice-cream debuted at Paramount in Potts Point circa 1994, but it peaked at Universal in a righteous combination of salted caramel, chocolate-hazelnut mousse, nougat crunch and wafer-thin biscuit. All kinds of delicious while sending a message of equal rights.

2009: Tonkotsu ramen, Gumshara, Haymarket

There has seldom been clamour for a soup like that surrounding Mori Hogashidas signature tonkotsu, thick as paint and big enough to feed two front-rowers. It came at a time when ramen was going global, and diehards carried chopsticks in their back pockets. In Sydney, Gumshara led the charge.

2010: Chocolate forest floor, Sepia, Sydney

Inspired by childhood walks through English woodlands, Martin Benns signature dessert (created for Sepias first anniversary) featured soil intricately covered in a seasonal fruit sorbet, chocolate twigs, crystallised fennel fronds and brandy jellies, with flavoured custards underneath. Showstopping, ground-breaking stuff.

2011: Crispy fried Brussels sprouts with lentils, mint and vincotto dressing, Porteno, Surry Hills

Debuting in the 2011 Guide, Porteno didnt walk away with any awards or hats, but its impact has been undeniable. In part thats down to this dish, an outlier on a menu largely dedicated to meat. Sprouts are fried crisp, tossed with lentils, herbs and a sharp, mustardy dressing. The result? A city falling in love with a much-maligned vegetable, and falling hard.

Crispy saltbush cakes, Billy Kwong. Surry Hill. Aristea Rellou

2012: Crispy saltbush cakes, Billy Kwong, Surry Hills

Its not too often a new style of cuisine is invented, but its not too often a chef with Kylie Kwongs point of view and integrity comes along either. Joined by her warrigal-green dumplings, and wallaby with chilli and black bean, Kwongs spring onion cake-channelling parcels were a significant shift in the concept of Australian Chinese cooking.

Blood sausage sanga, Ester, Chippendale. Aristea Rellou

2013: Blood sausage sanga, Ester, Chippendale

So many signatures, so little time. Potato bread. Roasted cauliflower. Coconut sorbet with unpasteurised sake. But then this, this magical spin on a sausage sandwich, rich from pork belly and pigs blood, soft and sweet from caramelised onion and steamed white bread is Ester  best new restaurant in its Guide debut  in a handful.

2014: Honeycomb and cultured cream, Marque, Surry Hills

A dessert created in collaboration with pastry chef Lauren Eldridge was one of Marques final chart-toppers. The crunch of honeycomb taken right to the edge and the smooth texture of thick, lactic cultured cream was a one-two punch that still reverberates.

Red claw yabby pikelets. Bennelong, Circular Quay. Aristea Rellou

2015: Red claw yabby pikelets, Bennelong, Circular Quay

Fine dining returned to Bennelong in a big way thanks to chefs Peter Gilmore and Rob Cockerill. No one ever forgets popping their first poached yabby from the shell and folding it into a buckwheat pikelet spread with cultured cream and lemon jam.

Mead vinegar custard and frozen raspberries, Sixpenny, Stanmore. Aristea Rellou

2016: Mead vinegar custard and frozen raspberries, Sixpenny, Stanmore

Raspberries are blast-frozen and shattered into tiny drupelets and pop like sunshine in winter against spiked custard and strawberry consomme. At the time of writing, there still isnt a better balancing act of sweetness, temperature and texture in town.

Char kwai teow, Ho Jiak, Haymarket. Aristea Rellou

2017: Char kwai teow, Ho Jiak, Haymarket

Junda Khoos deeply caramelised, fiery char kwai teow debuts on Hay Street in 2017 and Sydney immediately has a new favourite Malaysian restaurant. Ho Jiak didnt make it into the Guide that year, but were happy to say that Khoo has three venues in the 2025 edition, and his food is on the front cover for the second year running.

Marron and coconut bakes, Momofuku Seiobo, Pyrmont. Aristea Rellou

2018: Marron and coconut bakes, Momofuku Seiobo, Pyrmont

As Paul Carmichaels confidence grew at Momofuku Seiobo, he put more of himself into the menu. Enter a dish of marron tossed in spicy Puerto Rican-style sofrito. It came with coconut-dusted coconut bakes for mopping. It also came with three hats.

2019: Potato and molasses bread, Cafe Paci, Newtown

Pasi Petanens sourdough has followed him from Cafe Pacis pop-up beginnings to today. Combining potato, rye, caraway and molasses with a long ferment, its a final molasses glaze that ensures a sticky, memorable opening act, alongside incredible whipped butter.

2020: Murun egg yolk, Pipit, Pottsville

With COVID, the Guide took the form of a 100 Good Things liftout, stacked with words on omakase and pop-up bakeries. Among them? A dish of emu yolk confited in grouper fat at Pipit, possible through collaboration with Currie Country, run by one of the largest traditional custodian families within the Aboriginal Yugambeh-Bundjalung nations. It was emblematic of a brighter future where more restaurants support Indigenous businesses, especially when they serve their foods.

2021: Tarama on toast, Babas Place, Marrickville

Sydneys migrant experience is proudly celebrated at Babas converted warehouse, and theres no dish more popular than its fresh-made taramasalata on shokupan toast with pickled cucumber and sesame praline. It also looks like an Iced VoVo.

2022: Murray cod with pil-pil, Firedoor, Surry Hills

Quite simply, no one cooks a Murray cod like Lennox Hastie. Grilled over paperbark, crisp-skinned and shimmering, the freshwater fish is further enhanced by a pil-pil emulsion made from its bones and fat.

2023: Cheeseburger, Clam Bar, Sydney

Breathing new life into the CBD, Clam Bar boasts the most sought-after tables in town for oysters, steak, martinis and grilled squid, plus a whopping burger with an ooze of American cheese and a pickle and bacon on top. We reckon the burger at Next Door in Double Bay is its only rival for Sydneys best.

Alfonsino and its parts, Saint Peter, Paddington. Aristea Rellou

2024: Fish and its parts, Saint Peter, Paddington

Fish and its parts. That might be Josh Nilands whole career in four words. The lodestar at his and Julie Nilands new three-hatted digs, this is a dish that, as it regularly changes (maybe coral trout, sometimes alfonsino) combines the chefs skill, nuance and eye for detail to glorious effect. Milt croquette? Liver chermoula? Wood-grilled flesh with bull kelp, native thyme and pea flowers? Epic. All of it.

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025, featuring more than 450 reviews, is on sale for $14.95 from newsagents, supermarkets and at thestore.com.au.

The new Good Food app is now available to download, featuring Good Food Guide reviews, recipes and food news. Its available as a standalone subscription and as part of Nines Premium Digital packages for subscribers of The Sydney Morning Herald.
This story appears in the SMH Good Food Guide Awards collection. See all stories .

If the surrounds were modest, Josh Nilands cooking was revolutionary: dry-aged fish; crisps made from fish eyes; caramel made from Murray cod fat; garum made from guts and trimmings, cuts rarely given a spotlight. The sourcing, from the countrys finest fisherpeople, was equally impressive.

In many ways, Saint Peters ambition was always too big to fit into the teeny dimensions of its original site. Rumours from the kitchen included Julie Nilands famed lemon tarts being baked in a rickety oven jammed into the corner of the storage room. Of the couple peeling back the drywall in the dining room and discovering brick and sandstone, then leaving it exposed, because thats all their budget allowed.

Its the restaurant weve all been waiting for, and whats even more exciting is that it feels like theyre just getting started.

Then theres the tasting menu featuring the likes of fish bones ground into noodles, smoked bar cod roe spun into a tart, and coral trout served with a selection of its parts. A vastly improved wine list by Houston Barakat ties it all together.

Theres the a la carte lunch, where barbecued garfish comes with pine nut salsa and crumbed King George whiting comes with (excellent) chips.

Theres the bar, where oysters and snacks reign, from longspine sea urchin on toast to Fish Butcherys epic tuna cheeseburger.

Step into the new dining room and the emotions are of anticipation, clamour, excitement. Walk out, and its with a sense that this restaurant fully delivers on its promise, with all the best bits of the Nilands career distilled into one site.

Now, after launching Fish Butchery, Charcoal Fish, Petermen and Fysh (in Singapore) and winning a few James Beard awards for his cookbooks, Saint Peter finally has a setting worthy of its reputation.

Raymond Hou and Alina Van are proof positive that the best things in life  and on Enmore Road  come about through hard work and determination.

One of the most exciting openings of the past 12 months that also has a fresh point of view and contributes positively to the broader community.

The best beyond metro limits  a celebration of its surrounds with a strong connection to the local community.

Meanwhile, if we awarded Dessert of the Year, the buttermilk panna cotta with white balsamic strawberries would be a top-five contender.

It hits all the right receptors at the new digs too, an elegant two-storey space where the husband-and-wife team also smoke Caciocavallo cheese, champion local producers such as Moonacres Farm, dress silver trevally crudo with mandarin oil and pour lesser known  but serious  wines.

Before opening their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in March, Van and Hou were serving Blackmore wagyu skewers and Port Macquarie lamb through their mobile food stall at breweries and regional shows across the state. If youve ever seen the Firepop sign at a festival, you will know the scent of cumin and fat-on-charcoal immediately.

Jersey milk mozzarella from cheesemaker Debra Allard, say, teamed with lightly smoked Coopers Shoot tomatoes and peaches marinated in pandanus vinegar by wild-food forager Peter Hardwick. You Beauty, you little ripper.

Like the rest of the menu, its also delicious, whether youre a Bangalow local dropping in for a beer and happy-hour bar snack (we love the rabbit rillettes, too) or a tourist keen for a long lunch with the greatest hits of Northern Rivers produce.

Specifically, croc tail blitzed with ginger, soy and coriander, spread across sliced baguette and fried. In other hands it might come across as a gimmick, but at You Beauty it speaks to Stones ambition of sustainability through creativity.

Dolled-up prawn toast is having a moment at hatted restaurants everywhere, but chef Matt Stone takes the Australian-Chinese concept further. Crocodile toast.

Aalia chef Paul Farag. Jiwon Kim

Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year

A chef at the forefront of dining, setting new standards, leading by example and contributing positively to their broader community.

Paul Farag

Aalia, Sydney

Ummak huriyya. Sea urchin waraq simsim. Quail skewer with molokhia and barberries. If your experience of Middle Eastern food is limited to kofta and hummus, a visit to Aalia can feel like swapping a mono speaker for seven-channel surround sound.

Paul Farag was an apprentice under Michael Moore at The Summit, before head roles at Four in Hand, Monopole and Fish Butchery. It was Surry Hills Nour, however, where the chef really tapped into his Egyptian heritage, diving headfirst into Arabic food culture and history, and transforming conceptions of what Middle Eastern cuisine in Sydney could be.

At Aalia, Farag took things to another level of precision, and his cooking has only become stronger and more innovative at the Martin Place restaurant since it opened in 2022, redefining family favourites and street food staples of Lebanon, Turkey, Iran and North Africa.

Importantly, he also nurtures the talents of younger chefs, boosting individual team members confidence to follow their own point of view and ambition in the kitchen.

Restaurateur Bill Granger. Petrina Tinslay

Vittoria Coffee Legend Award

For an outstanding long-term contribution to the hospitality industry.

Bill Granger

Its telling that when we were compiling a list of 40 dishes that have defined Sydney dining over 40 years of the Guide, Bill Grangers avocado toast was first on the list. In truth, it equally could have been his much-imitated scrambled eggs, his ricotta hotcakes, or simply the small pleasure of a flawlessly executed flat white.

What Granger, a former art student with an eye for design, started in a small corner cafe in Darlinghurst in 1993, soon went global, his pared-back but sharp cooking and effortless service style defining Australian cafe culture for locals, and the world.

With more than a dozen cookbooks, and 19 restaurants in cities including Tokyo, London, Seoul and Honolulu, Grangers cooking went much further than breakfast, though, his sunny approach extending across all-day menus and inspiring countless chefs and home cooks.

Bill may have left us, but his legacy, and legend, will last forever.

Babas Place co-owners Jean-Paul El Tom, Alex Kelly and James Bellos. Flavio Brancaleone

Bill Granger Trailblazer Award

A new award, in partnership with Bill Grangers family, and named in honour of Bills hospitality, warmth, integrity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Babas Place

Marrickville

The Trailblazer Award is given to a person, team or business approaching things from their own perspective and in doing so, pushing Australian food forward. The winner should have a unique point of view and embody hospitality in its truest sense, with a focus on community above all.

Its for these reasons (and many more), that the inaugural winner is Babas Place, a freewheeling celebration of the suburban Sydney experience grounded in the stories of immigrant families and their shared experiences of food and cooking.

Like bills embodied a particular sense of Australia, Babas Place does the same, proudly drawing on the Lebanese, Macedonian and Greek heritages of co-owners Alex Kelly, Jean-Paul El Tom and James Bellos for the decor and the dishes, and reclaiming the narrative around what Australian cooking is and can be. A path laid down for all of us to follow.

Women and Revolution president and co-founder Bridget Raffal. Dexter Kim

Cultural Change Champion

A new award shining a light on those making the hospitality industry a better place to work.

Women and Revolution

A grassroots movement founded by women for all women working in the male-dominated wine and hospitality sectors, Women and Revolution takes out our inaugural Cultural Change Champion award.

The accolade comes for its outsized role in fostering positive, safe and empowering work environments and culture in Australias hospitality industry.

We run many platforms, but the community aspect is huge, says WaR president and co-founder Bridget Raffal.

Some of those platforms include Outspoken, an educational program upskilling participants and driving gender equity; a buddy system that connects those new to the field with industry veterans; and a centralised safe space for women in wine and hospitality to tap into an active community of winemakers, retailers and sommeliers.

A recent partnership with the Australian Human Rights Commissions Speaking From Experience project broadened the movements impact.

Elderly Chinese-Australians on an excursion to Sydneys Chinatown. Rice Fund

Food for Good Award, presented by Lightspeed

A big thinker with bright ideas that betters the community.

Rice Fund

For the past three years, Soul of Chinatown has been on a mission to uplift and advocate for the storied Haymarket precinct through storytelling, events and community engagement.

Entirely dependent on donations and volunteers, Rice Fund is a separate charity initiative within the non-for-profit group, created to aid elderly Chinese-Australians and Asian-Australians experiencing isolation.

And is there a better way to get together with old friends and new ones than over yum cha? In addition to donating thousands of bags of culturally specific groceries to community centres across Sydney, Rice Fund also hosts group excursions for seniors to Chinatown. Many participants havent visited the area in years, let alone sat down in one of its restaurants for dim sum and tea.

With more funding, its the kind of program that could be scaled and replicated across the country, simultaneously supporting elderly Australians and small, family-run businesses.

Rockpool Bar and Grill sous chef Luke Bourke. Steven Siewert

Young Chef of the Year, presented by Smeg

Founded in memory of chef Josephine Pignolet, and judged by a panel of industry professionals, this award is for a committed and skilled young kitchen talent under 30.

Luke Bourke

Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney

Graduate of the National Indigenous Culinary Institute, advocate for First Nations ingredients, mentor to Indigenous chefs, Rockpool Bar & Grill sous-chef. Luke Bourke has packed a lot in, and thats without even mentioning stints at est., Noma Australia and The Ledbury in London, which followed a tour of Ireland with twin chef-brother Sam to spotlight native ingredients.

Needless to say, drive and ambition are part of his make-up, as is a passion for the foods of his heritage. Growing up on Dharug Country, Bourke dreams of returning to Western Sydney to open a restaurant with his brother and older sister Teagan (also a chef), employing First Nations cooks and building a menu grounded in place.

Not just farm to table, but our backyard and culture to your plate, he says. Using native ingredients grown on our land, drawing on 60,000 years of culture to create a food journey that showcases Indigenous heritage in all its glory.

White Horse general manager Maureen Er. Supplied

Oceania Cruises Service Excellence Award

Executes the highest standard of hospitality relevant to their establishment, from attitude and skill to knowledge and personality.

Maureen Er

White Horse, Surry Hills

Surry Hills White Horse pub was built in the 1930s, and has enjoyed stints as a live music joint, piano bar and brasserie, plus a slightly suspect hangout for bikers and cops. After a $6 million renovation and relaunch in April, the White Horse 17.0 may be the hotels most successful iteration yet. Its certainly the most delicious and professionally run.

General manager Maureen Er is key to its success, coming to the refurbed boozer after roles at Cho Cho San and Tetsuyas, and co-ordinating a well-rehearsed floor team across a hatted dining room and cracking upstairs bar.

Calm, poised, friendly and wholly informed, Er confidently recommends wines from the 100-strong list, talks guests through some of the more left-field dishes (brie ice-cream, come again?) and ensures your glass is never less than half-full. Service at a pub has rarely been so on song.

From left: Sebastian Cosmo Soto, Alicia Clarke, Michael Jury and Glynn Firth at Double Deuce Lounge. Janie Barrett

Bar of the Year

The best all-round bar that nails hospitality, drinks and vibe while contributing to its broader community.

Double Deuce Lounge

Sydney

Opened by Sebastian Cosmo Soto, Charlie Lehmann and Dardan Shervashidze in 2019, and now starring general manager Alicia Clarke on the tools too, Double Deuce just keeps getting better with age.

Drinker, beware though. With its 1970s-channelling fitout and ever-accommodating engaged bartenders, that one last cocktail can go from nightcap to party-starter before you can say, more furikake-seasoned French onion dip, please.

Theres also zero pretence at the CBD basement boozer, which is the way we like it. Just music, good times and excellent White Russians.

Stonefruit stocks a diverse selection of drops. Supplied

Drinks List of the Year

A wine and drinks list with its own unique identity, featuring options that pair with the restaurants food and style across a range of prices.

Stonefruit

Tenterfield

Its hard to say if Stonefruit has the only drinks list in the world with two pages of New England and Granite Belt wines next to grower champagne from Egly-Ouriet and Dhondt-Grellet, but were pretty darn certain it does.

Alistair Blackwell and Karlee McGee have huge admiration for local growers, and at the same time offer a diverse selection of Australian and European bottles, and exciting vermouths, cocktails, spirits and beers.

Ganevat? Robinot? Frederic Cossard? In Tenterfield? Its true.

Caitlin Baker. Supplied

Sommelier of the Year

A wine professional who has a deep knowledge of the subject while helping to influence and inspire.

Caitlin Baker

Such and Such, Canberra

The intent of Such and Suchs wine list is clear from the get-go. Wine should be accessible, not used to create exclusion or draw boundaries of superiority. Indeed.

Bakers support of independent producers who respect the land is unwavering, plus shes a gun on the floor, always finding the precise pour for each guest.

In 2021, Baker also founded Venus Vinifera, a not-for-profit for women, non-binary and those with trans experience based in Canberra. Through specialised education events, the organisation aims to inspire and create safer spaces.

Gursha Ethiopian restaurant in Blacktown. Jennifer Soo

Critics Pick of the Year

Recognises an exceptional restaurant among the Good Food Guide Critics Picks that brings something special and vital to NSW.

Gursha Ethiopian

Blacktown

Husband-and-wife Yibeltal Tsegaw and Rahel Woldearegay moved from Ethiopia to Australia two decades ago and opened Gursha in 2017. Tsegaw runs the modest dining room, guiding newcomers through the differences between mitmita and berbere spice blends, while Woldearegay leads the one-woman kitchen.

The tangy injera is some of the best around, and the restaurant is also something of a community club for Sydneys East African families, who regularly gather here for thick and fiery wots. There is laughter, there is music, and the air is heavy with incense and potent coffee.

You dont walk away from a weekend lunch at Gursha  or any Ethiopian table, for that matter  thinking, Well, that was a bit dull, lets just stay home next time.

Onas new flagship in Marrickville. Rhett Wyman

Cafe of the Year

Great coffee, tea and drinks? Thats a given. The winning cafe also takes pride in its food and service.

Ona

Marrickville

Some cafes are just happy to pull you a no-frills espresso, slice some sourdough and call it a job done. Others will take you on a tour of Ethiopia, Columbia and Brazil through single origin beans, blends, cold brews and pour-overs. Maybe there will be a breakfast roll with caramelised onion, fried egg and free-range bacon.

Then theres Ona, which does all of the above at its flagship Marrickville site, as well as offering a leather-bound coffee menu that reads like a wine list, noting provenance, terroir and tasting notes. A cup of nitrogen macerated filter coffee made from Iris Estate beans grown in Panama can be yours for $32.

No interest in anaerobic fermentation and tteokbokki rice cakes with your toast? No worries. Ona, importantly, is also a beaut little spot to catch up with mates, or chill in the lush courtyard with your dog.

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025, featuring more than 450 reviews, is on sale for $14.95 at newsagents, supermarkets and at thestore.com.au.

The new Good Food app is now available to download, featuring Good Food Guide reviews, recipes and food news. Its available as a standalone subscription and as part of Nines Premium Digital packages for subscribers of The Sydney Morning Herald. Premium Digital subscribers can download the Good Food app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store now.
MFA: Kyiv denies reports of being informing about conversation between Trump and Putin

Photo: MFA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine denies reports about informing about a telephone conversation between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi told Reuters.

"Reports that the Ukrainian side was informed in advance of the alleged call are false. Subsequently, Ukraine could not have endorsed or opposed the call," the agency quoted Tykhyi as saying.

The Washington Post, citing people familiar with the situation, reported that Trump and Putin spoke by phone on Thursday and discussed the war in Ukraine. It says that Kyiv was informed about the call and did not object to the conversation.

As reported, Donald Trump told Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation not to aggravate the situation in Ukraine, The Washington Post reports.
Students at a Sydney high school are struggling to come to terms with the alleged murder of a 15-year-old classmate as teachers and counsellors guide classes through a second major tragedy in just two years.

Police are investigating whether the boy was intoxicated by drugs before he was allegedly stabbed to death by a knife-wielding chef.

Jacob Greig has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing the 15-year-old boy. Credit:

The teenage boy was camping with a group of friends at Milton Weir, near Picton, on Friday night when two of them were picked up from the quiet bush road into their campsite.

The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, allegedly approached a red Hyundai and broke the rear door handle trying to get in.
The most disaster-prone council in NSW says it has run out of available cash and cannot afford for another calamity to strike as it pushes to increase rates for home owners by up to 12 per cent.

At an extraordinary council meeting last week, new deputy mayor Peter Wilkins said a report outlining Shoalhaven councils dire financial position had put a gun to the head of this current council when it came to a rate increase.

Council workers assess the damage to The Wool Road, near Jervis Bay, from a pothole that opened up in June.

Highest-order hospital pass  thats what weve been given by the previous council, Wilkins said.

If youd gone to the electorate seven weeks ago and said, Geez, within 30 days of being in council were going to put the rates up 8, 12  per cent, we would have been treated as though we had the plague. We would have been laughed out of town.
Doctors have warned that a plan to let patients bypass their GP to get a specialist referral could lead to a US-style health system and longer waits for specialities in high demand, reigniting a turf war with advocates who say it would save patients time and money and lead to better health outcomes.

At present, patients are ineligible for a Medicare rebate for many specialist appointments unless they have a referral from a GP.

Rovie Peralta supports changes to referral pathways, saying it makes sense to allow her son Leons physiotherapist to refer him to other specialists. Credit: Jessica Hromas

Under a proposed shake-up made public last week by the federal government, patients would be able to get a referral from other medical professionals, including physiotherapists and midwives, without needing to return to their doctor.

The recommendation is one of 18 in a year-long review of the rules governing healthcare workers. Health Minister Mark Butler said many of the recommendations were common sense, and the government would consider each on its merits.
The unions Victorian secretary, Ronnie Hayden, described it as devastating loss, which he claimed could have been prevented. Just two weeks ago, union delegates from three different unions met with Vestas management to raise serious safety concerns, telling them it was only dumb luck that nobody had been killed on site yet, Hayden said. He alleged the incident occurred against a backdrop of mounting safety concerns at the project, and said three unions including the workers union, Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union and Electrical Trades Union had warned Vestas of safety concerns in the lead up to the mans death. This is yet another worker killed on a Victorian worksite that demands answers, Hayden said.

He said the union had raised concerns about the mounting pressure on workers due to significant project delays. Of particular concern has been Vestas decision to engage non-unionised contractors for some of the most dangerous work on site, a practice that has contributed to both safety risks and project timeline issues, Hayden alleged. In September, it was also revealed small turbine blade parts had detached and fell from turbines at the site, triggering an investigation. RenewEconomy, an independent outlet that reports on clean energy news, reported the wind turbine blade parts that detached were serrated trailing edges, which use a sawtooth design to improve airflow over the wind turbine blades and reduce the noise they make when spinning. Danny Nielsen, the Australian head of Vestas, said the company was devastated for the workers family and the team building the wind farm.

He said Vestas would be doing everything possible to support them during this terrible time as they grieve the loss of a cherished loved one and team member. Nielsen said workplace safety was the companys top priority. The site has been closed, and we are working closely with the authorities, including the police and Worksafe Victoria, to investigate what happened, and work with the project partners to take steps to prevent it recurring in the future, Nielsen said. Aerial footage of the site on Monday showed three blades on the ground, adjacent to the turbine, which appeared to be under construction. The rotor blades used in the project are roughly more than 80 metres in length, according to the projects website.

At least two cranes could be seen at the site and a large area was cordoned off with police tape. Distressed workers could be seen gathering in a nearby paddock after the tragedy. Nielsen did not respond to the claims by the union at a press conference outside the wind farm. He said Vestas met unions every week, but would not confirm discussions of safety with them. Nielsen said Vestas had spoken with the deceased mans family and work would be halted at the site at least in coming days. The property is part of the multibillion-dollar Golden Plains Wind Farm Project, where an energy facility is being built, including wind turbines and electrical infrastructure.

The Golden Plains Wind Farm is owned by TagEnergy and Ingka Group and has been under construction since early 2023. Once the project is completed, it will be the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere, producing more than 4000 gigawatt hours of energy each year. The state government has previously declared it will be able to provide 9 per cent of the states energy or enough to power 765,000 homes. The Golden Plains Wind Farm site has been closed pending a WorkSafe investigation. Credit: Nine News Hayden alleged the union had observed a concerning pattern of inadequate supervision at the site.

He accused Vestas of transferring its safety obligations onto subcontractors who lacked training and resources to manage complex safety requirements. This practice of delegating critical safety responsibilities without proper oversight has created dangerous gaps in safety protocols, he said. CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith said his union had sent several written and verbal safety reports on Vestas to WorkSafe. The Herald Sun reported last month locals had reported finding pieces of wind turbines, including serrated trailing edges, near the green-energy project.

Owners of the federal and state government-backed Golden Plains Wind Farm had earlier contacted neighbouring landowners to warn them about blade serration detachment after wild winds. Hayden called for action from WorkSafe and the Victorian government. Loading We need more than just investigations and reports  we need immediate action on site safety and stronger enforcement of regulations, he said. Were sick of hollow investigations and paperwork while workers are killed.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Victorian Minister for WorkSafe Danny Pearson said it was a heartbreaking tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family of the worker as well as their workmates, he said.

The incident is being investigated by WorkSafe. Opposition energy spokesman David Davis called for an inquiry into the death. There are real questions to be answered by both the consortium responsible for the Golden Plains Windfarm and the construction group involved, Davis said.
Former prime minister Paul Keating has accused the Albanese government of being out of touch with the Australian public on foreign policy, leaping upon survey results showing most Australians say the nation should avoid picking sides in a conflict between the United States and China.

The latest Resolve Political Monitor poll, published in this masthead on Monday, found 57 per cent of voters thought Australia should sit out a conflict between the competing superpowers, with 16 per cent in favour.

Former prime minister Paul Keating said the Australian public did not want to pick sides between the competing superpowers.

These polling numbers, taken by a reputable pollster on a large sample, make completely clear that the public does not endorse any military engagement by Australia as party to a military dispute arising between the United States and China, Keating said in a statement on Monday.

In other words, the public in its common sense, is peering through the haze of exaggerated strategic risks and the notional China threat to dramatically affirm that Australia and Australians should have no part of a major military dust-up in East Asia between the major powers, said Keating, who has long argued for a more conciliatory approach towards China and distance from Washington.
The states 17,000 police officers have been offered the biggest pay rise in the NSW public sector and their union says the generational wage increase of up to 39 per cent over four years is the highest in three decades.

Police Association of NSW president Kevin Morton on Monday afternoon recommended members accept the offer of 22.3 per cent to 39.4 per cent over four years for non-commissioned officers, saying it far exceeds police wage offers across Australia and was superior to what had been accepted by other public sector agencies in NSW. Under the offer, due to go to a vote on November 18, commissioned officers would receive increases of between 20.5 per cent and 27.1 per cent.

Police have been offered a massive pay deal after 14 months of negotiations. Credit: Kate Geraghty

Shadow Liberal treasurer Damien Tudehope said: This pay rise could cost the taxpayer as much as $1.4 billion over the next four years above the current budget. What services will be cut, or new taxes introduced, to cover this cost?

A spokesman for Treasurer Daniel Mookhey did not specify the cost of the wages deal but said it would be entirely funded by reforms to the Police Blue Ribbon Insurance Scheme. Legislation introduced to parliament in late September dramatically curtailed taxpayers exposure to the police compensation scheme.
A Brisbane buyer has shelled out $2.325 million for a rare waterfront home on the citys only private lake after setting eyes on it for the first time hours before the auction.

The five-bedroom property, nestled on a 1446 square metre block at 52 Baikal Place, Westlake, features a tennis court and a pool, while being one of just 88 homes that boast exclusive access to the suburbs lake.

Four bidders, including an interstate and overseas punter, battled for keys  pushing the sale price more than $300,000 past the reserve.

Bidding opened at $1.8 million with all four bidders duelling it out in $50,000 leaps until it hit $2.2 million. The final stretch saw bids slow to $25,000 and $10,000 before two hopefuls fought in just $500 increments.
Zelenskyy: Therere still enough air defense systems in Europe that can provide Ukraine with truly reliable protection

Over the current week, the Russian Federation has inflicted brutal attacks on Ukrainian cities, every meeting with partners who have appropriate air defense systems is always a conversation about additional protection of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

This week, unfortunately, has brought Ukraine brutal Russian attacks on Kharkiv, Donetsk, Sumy, Odesa and Zaporizhia. Nearly every day we face drone strikes, as well as missile strikes. In every meeting, every negotiation with partners who have air defense systems, the conversation centers on securing additional protection for Ukraine against Russian terror, Zelenskyy said in his evening address on Saturday.

According to the President, in Europe, on this continent, there are enough air defense systems to provide Ukraine with truly reliable protection.

Its incomprehensible that some of these systems stand idle when each one could save hundreds, even thousands, of lives. We continue to urge our partners to take actions, Zelenskyy stressed.
Deadly strikes on Gaza, Lebanon as Israel faces aid deadline



Jerusalem, Nov 10 (AFP) Nov 10, 2024



Israeli air strikes killed dozens of people in Lebanon and Gaza Sunday, rescuers and authorities said, ahead of a US deadline for improved aid delivery to the Palestinian territory.

Another strike south of the Syrian capital Damascus killed nine people including a Hezbollah commander, a war monitor said.

Rescuers in the Gaza Strip said 13 children were among 30 people killed by Israeli strikes in the territory's north.

The first hit a house in Jabalia, killing at least 25 people including 13 children and injuring more than 30, Gaza's civil defence agency said.

At around 6:00 am, "there was a very huge explosion" at the Alloush family home, said relative Abdullah al-Najjar.

"When we arrived here, all the bodies were torn apart."

Vowing to stop Hamas militants from regrouping in already ravaged north Gaza, Israel on October 6 began a major air and ground assault.

The United Nations has described the area as "under siege", and Washington set a deadline of this coming week for Israel to get more aid in or face possible cuts to military assistance.

After the Jabalia strike, Israel's military said it hit "infrastructure" in which militants were operating and "posed a threat" to troops.

Another strike on Gaza City's Sabra neighbourhood killed five people, the civil defence agency said.



- Israel claims pager blasts -



In Lebanon, the health ministry said an Israeli strike on Almat village north of Beirut killed 23 people including seven children.

"Under the rubble, there are only children, elderly men and women," Hezbollah lawmaker Raed Berro said, denying Israeli allegations that Hezbollah and weapons were embedded among civilians.

The ministry reported at least another 15 dead in strikes in the east as well as three Hezbollah-affiliated rescuers killed in the south, both areas where the Iran-backed group has a strong presence.

War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an Israeli strike on an apartment belonging to Hezbollah south of Damascus killed nine people, including a Hezbollah commander.

Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strike, calling for "an arms embargo" on Israel and its "expulsion from the United Nations".

Since late September Israel has been engaged in a two-front war after turning its focus north towards Lebanon.

Israel admitted for the first time Sunday it was behind a wave of deadly attacks on Hezbollah communications devices in September.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "greenlighted the pager operation in Lebanon" in which hundreds of devices exploded, killing nearly 40 people and wounding around 3,000, his spokesman said.

The operation preceded Israel's ongoing air and ground campaign in Lebanon, after almost a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of fire with Hezbollah, which said it was acting in support of Hamas.

The war in Gaza erupted with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel which resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 43,603 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.

On Sunday, Israel's military said it intercepted two drones approaching from the east. Pro-Iran groups in Iraq have previously said they launched attack drones at Israel.



- Aid surge 'must happen' -



Israel's main military backer the United States on October 15 warned that it could withhold some of its billions of dollars in assistance unless Israel improves aid delivery to the Gaza Strip within 30 days -- a deadline that expires on Wednesday.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at the time top US officials made "clear" to Israel's government that changes need to be made "to see that the level of assistance making it into Gaza comes back up from the very, very low levels that it is at today".

The demand came before Tuesday's vote for President-elect Donald Trump, who has suggested he would give freer rein to Israel.

On Saturday, a UN-backed assessment warned that famine is imminent in northern Gaza.

Fewer aid shipments were allowed into Gaza than at any time since October 2023, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

The alert from the Famine Review Committee warned of "an imminent and substantial likelihood of famine occurring, due to the rapidly deteriorating situation".

Israel's military questioned the report's credibility, denouncing "partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests".

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that "humanitarian access must be granted at all times and must never become a means of warfare".

She said that "time and again" promises of aid were not kept, and that an Israeli pledge to flood Gaza with aid "must happen, without excuses".

The heads of UN agencies in early November described north Gaza as "under siege" and denied "basic aid and life-saving supplies".

Arab and Muslim leaders are gathering in Saudi Arabia for a summit Monday that will focus on the wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

On Saturday, Gaza mediator Qatar said it had suspended its role in trying to broker a deal.

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Mali detains CEO of gold mining firm Resolute



Bamako, Nov 10 (AFP) Nov 10, 2024



The CEO and two employees of Australian company Resolute Mining, which owns a gold mine in Mali, were detained while in Bamako to discuss disputes with the authorities, the firm said on Sunday.

It is the second time in just over a month that employees of a foreign mining firm have been detained in Mali, as the ruling military junta seeks greater control over the lucrative sector.

CEO Terence Holohan and two of his colleagues "were in Bamako to hold discussions with the mining and tax authorities regarding general activities related to the company's business practices in Mali", the firm said in a statement on Sunday.

The talks also involved "progressing open claims which have been made against Resolute and which the Company maintains are unsubstantiated," the statement added.

"Following the conclusion of these meetings on Friday, the three employees were unexpectedly detained."

The Resolute executives were arrested at a hotel in the Malian capital and taken to a specialised unit set up by the junta to tackle corruption, and economic or financial crimes, a judiciary source told AFP on Saturday.

They are being questioned over suspicions of false evidence and misappropriation of public goods, said a Resolute executive on condition of anonymity.

The company has provided the authorities with "detailed responses" to the accusations, according to the statement.

"While Resolute is working toward a settlement with the Government of Mali to help secure the long-term future of the Syama Gold Mine, the upmost priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its employees," it added.

The staff members are receiving support from the embassies and consulates of Britain and other countries operating in Mali, the firm said.



- Tighter control -



Resolute holds 80 percent of a subsidiary that owns the northwestern mine of Syama, with the Malian state controlling the remaining 20 percent, according to the firm's website.

The Australian company also owns a gold production site in Mako in neighbouring Senegal, and has other exploration operations in Mali, Senegal and Guinea.

Since seizing power, Mali's leaders have vowed to ensure a more equitable distribution of mining revenues.

Despite being one of the leading gold producers in Africa, the Sahel nation is also one of the poorest countries in the world.

Mali is embroiled in a political, security and economic crisis, and since 2012 has been battling Al-Qaeda and Islamic State armed groups, as well as a separatist insurgency in the north.

Gold contributes a quarter of the national budget and three-quarters of export earnings.

Foreign companies, which dominate the mining sector, have recently faced tighter control by the junta.

Four employees of Canadian mining company Barrick Gold in Mali were detained for several days in September before being released.

Barrick Gold said it has reached an agreement with the state and paid 50 billion CFA Francs ($81 million) in October.

But the government in late October said Barrick Gold had not honoured its commitments and threatened to pursue the firm.

After the 2021 coup, Bamako broke off relations with former colonial ruler France, which had been helping to fight jihadist insurgents in the north, and turned to Russia for political and military assistance.
Burkina army launches probe after mutilation video leak



Abidjan, Nov 10 (AFP) Nov 10, 2024



Burkina Faso's armed forces have begun a probe after a video showing people in army uniforms mutilating a human body spread online, the military-led country's general staff said on Sunday.

"The relevant departments have been asked to determine the authenticity and origin of this video, as well as the identities of the individuals concerned, so that they can be held accountable for their actions, if the facts are proven," the general staff said in a statement.

Nothing in the video serves to identify the location, the date or the individuals involved, some of whom are dressed in military uniforms.

In July, the Burkinabe army condemned acts of corpse mutilation by people suspected of being soldiers and civilian auxiliaries seen in videos widely shared on social media.

Fellow junta-led Mali's armed forces likewise distanced itself from a video showing similar acts by men in army uniforms and with military insignia.

"This unspeakable act is contrary to the military and moral values inculcated in armed forces personnel.... and transgresses the rules of engagement for units in the field," the general staff said on Sunday.

"All operations to reconquer the national territory are conducted with the greatest respect for human rights," it added.

Rights groups have frequently accused the Burkinabe army of carrying out extrajudicial executions, which it has always denied, sometimes blaming armed groups using military equipment.

In April, Human Rights Watch accused the army of executing at least 223 civilians, including 56 children, at the end of February in the north of the troubled country.

Frequently the target of jihadist attacks, Burkina Faso has been led by a military junta that led a coup d'etat pledging to clamp down on armed militant groups.

Since 2015, violence attributed to armed movements affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group has claimed more than 26,000 lives, including more than 13,500 since the September 2022 coup.

More than two million people have also been forced to flee their homes inside the country.
Russian strikes kill three in southern Ukraine



Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



Russian air strikes killed at least three people in southern Ukraine, authorities said Monday, a day after Moscow and Kyiv both launched record overnight drone attacks on each other.

Two people were killed in the southern city of Mykolaiv, according to the regional governor, while another died in Zaporizhzhia in an attack that Ukraine's state emergency services agency said injured at least nine others.

"Unfortunately, two people were killed," Mykolaiv Governor Vitaly Kim said early Monday on Telegram, adding that a 45-year-old woman was wounded and hospitalised.

About 300 kilometres (185 miles) to the east in Zaporizhzhia, state emergency services said Russia carried out three air strikes that killed a man and damaged multiple buildings.

"Among the injured are a 15-year-old girl and two boys, 4 and 17 years old," the agency said on Telegram.

Overnight Saturday into Sunday, Russia fired 145 drones at Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, more than during any previous single nighttime attack during the conflict.

Russia also said it had downed 34 Ukrainian attack drones targeting Moscow on Sunday, the largest attempted attack on the capital since the start of the war in 2022.
China to unveil stealth jets and attack drones at Zhuhai airshow



Shanghai, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



China will unveil a new stealth fighter jet and attack drones at a major airshow this week, with analysts and rival powers watching closely for rare clues on Beijing's military hardware development.

The country's close ties with Moscow will also be on display at Airshow China, which showcases Beijing's civil and military aerospace sector every two years in the southern city of Zhuhai.

Beijing has poured resources into modernising and expanding its aviation capabilities as it faces off against the United States and others around regional flashpoints like Taiwan.

Record numbers of Chinese warplanes have been sent around the self-ruled democratic island, which Beijing claims as its territory, over the past few years.

The J-35A, described as a "medium-sized stealth multi-purpose fighter", looks similar in design to a US F-35, analysts say, though details are few.

Its appearance at the show "can be interpreted as confirmation of its entry into service", Chinese military aviation expert Fu Qianshao told state-backed tabloid Global Times last week.

If confirmed, it would make China the only other known country in the world to have two stealth fighters in action after the United States, Fu said.

Another key piece of military hardware making its debut is the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles, according to state media.

While China has had to play catch-up with the United States when it comes to most traditional military technology, that might not be case with drones, where China dominates the commercial market.

For the first time, the airshow will feature a dedicated drone zone, reflecting their increased prominence in daily life but also in war settings like the Ukraine conflict.

The SS-UAV -- a massive mothership that can rapidly release swarms of smaller drones for intelligence gathering, as well as strikes -- will be on display in Zhuhai, according to the South China Morning Post.

Moscow and Beijing have deepened military and defence ties since Russia ordered troops into Ukraine nearly three years ago, with Chinese President Xi Jinping one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's most important allies on the world stage.

The secretary of Russia's Security Council Sergei Shoigu will be the airshow, and the country's most advanced jet, the Su-57 stealth fighter, will make a display flight.
China to unveil stealth jet and attack drones at Zhuhai airshow



Shanghai, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



China will unveil a new stealth fighter jet and attack drones at a major airshow this week, with analysts and rival powers watching closely for rare clues on Beijing's military hardware development.

The country's close ties with Moscow will also be on display at Airshow China, which showcases Beijing's civil and military aerospace sector every two years in the southern city of Zhuhai.

This year it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), and advancements in its fighting strength have taken centre stage.

Beijing has poured resources into modernising and expanding its aviation capabilities as it faces off against the United States and others around regional flashpoints like Taiwan.

Record numbers of Chinese warplanes have been sent around the self-ruled democratic island, which Beijing claims as its territory, over the past few years.

The new J-35A, described as a "medium-sized stealth multi-purpose fighter", looks similar in design to a US F-35, analysts say, though details are few.

"(Its) performance at this airshow is unlikely to give away too much about its capabilities, but the fact that the PLA is confident enough to unveil it now may be a sign its high command believe the project will arrive at its final test flights soon," said James Char, an expert on China's military at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

If it did become operational, China would become the only other known country in the world to have two stealth fighters in action after the United States, experts say.

For the first time, a PLA naval jet will be present at the airshow, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The J-15T's design suggests it may be intended for use on China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian.

Another key piece of hardware making its debut is the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles, according to state media.



- Drone warfare -



While China has had to play serious catch-up with the United States when it comes to most traditional military technology, that might not be the case with drones, where Beijing dominates the commercial market.

The SS-UAV -- a massive mothership that can rapidly release swarms of smaller drones for intelligence gathering, as well as strikes -- will be on display in Zhuhai, according to the South China Morning Post.

Other unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) on display might be suicide drones or ones with stealth or other special abilities, said Sheu Jyh-Shyang from Taipei's Institute for National Defense and Security Research.

"The United States still has the best drones regarding performance, but China is a drone great power as well," Sheu told AFP.

The fact that American UCAVs are subject to strict export controls means a bigger market for Chinese ones, he said -- including in the Middle East and North Africa, where they can learn from combat experience.

The airshow will feature a dedicated drone zone for the first time, reflecting this increased prominence in warzones, including Ukraine.

In October the United States unveiled sanctions targeting China-based companies linked to the production of drones that Russia has deployed in the conflict.

Moscow and Beijing have deepened military and defence ties since Russia's invasion of its neighbour three years ago.

The secretary of Russia's Security Council Sergei Shoigu will be at the airshow, and the country's most advanced jet, the Su-57 stealth fighter, will make a display flight.

"We cannot rule out the possibility that Beijing's leverage over Moscow has already translated into access to some of the most advanced Russian military technology," NTU's Char told AFP, though he cautioned they were "no allies" in the traditional sense.
'Only $1 mn': Iraqi PM adviser suspected of bribe-taking



Baghdad, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



Iraq's anti-corruption agency on Monday announced an investigation into a prime ministerial aide over an alleged audio recording in which he referred to a bribe as being too small.

Corruption is endemic in the state institutions of oil-rich Iraq, but the top echelons of power often evade accountability.

The aide, Abdel Karim al-Faisal, denied the accusation and has denounced on Facebook the "fabricated" audio clip.

In the recording obtained by Iraqi media, a man alleged to be Faisal criticised his interlocutor, during a phone call, for the bribe being "only $1 million".

The Commission of Integrity anti-graft body said in a statement it was acting under a directive from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in opening "an investigation into an audio recording attributed to the head of the Commission of Advisers to the Prime Minister's Office".

It added that it was acting "in coordination with a criminal court judge handling anti-corruption cases".

AFP was not able to authenticate the recording.

In the past few weeks several leaks of alleged recordings have shaken Iraq.

Last month, the chief of the tax bureau, Ali Alawi, was suspended for 60 days after an investigation opened following such a leak. An audio recording attributed to him led to accusations that he had granted tax reductions.

He was also placed in detention, a source with the Commission of Integrity told AFP, under cover of anonymity.

The former head of the integrity commission himself was fired, only to be given an advisory post at the justice ministry.

This came after judicial authorities in September had announced a probe into the integrity commission chief over alleged audio recordings attributed to him and related to suspected bribery.

It is not unknown in Iraq for public officials to try to settle scores by trading accusations.

One of the country's biggest-ever corruption cases involved the theft of $2.5 billion in public funds from 2021 to 2022.

At the end of August, the judiciary issued arrest warrants for a businessman alleged to be the main suspect in that case, and for a former government official.

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Harris appears with Biden for first time since election loss



Arlington, United States, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



President Joe Biden told US veterans Monday that serving as commander-in-chief had been the "greatest honor" of his life as he laid a wreath at a ceremony that marked his first appearance with Kamala Harris since her election defeat.

The event, at historic Arlington National Cemetery, was also the first time Vice President Harris has been seen in public since her November 6 speech in which she conceded the presidential election to Donald Trump.

Democrats, facing a painful reckoning over their drubbing, have begun soul-searching internal discussions -- and some not-so-private blaming -- over what caused Harris's loss, with some pointing to Biden's initial insistence on running again at age 81, despite having promised to be a bridge president to the next generation.

Criticism of Harris herself has been more muted, and Biden heaped praise on Harris last Thursday in a televised White House address.

Earlier Monday Biden hosted veterans at the White House to mark the holiday before heading to Arlington, the final resting place of two presidents, five-star generals, and some 400,000 veterans of major US conflicts dating back to the Revolutionary War.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Biden and Harris placed their hands on their hearts before participating in a wreath laying.

"This is the last time I will stand here at Arlington as commander-in-chief," the president said in an address. "It's been the greatest honor of my life to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you -- just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation."

Biden spoke of his visits to veterans cemeteries in Europe, adding he would never forget "standing in the cliffs of Normandy, 80 years after D-Day, to honor the servicemembers and veterans who literally saved the world."

Afterwards as "God Bless America" played, Biden dabbed both eyes with a handkerchief.

The ceremony came shortly before Biden hosts Trump at the White House on Wednesday.

The Republican has begun naming loyalists to his new administration. He announced he is bringing a hardline immigration official, Tom Homan, back into the fold to serve as his so-called "border czar," and rightwing congresswoman Elise Stefanik to be US ambassador to the United Nations.

Trump himself has long claimed he is a fierce supporter of America's military, but he has made a series of controversial comments about veterans.

His longest-serving White House chief of staff, retired general John Kelly, has said the Republican leader privately disparaged US servicemembers, including describing those who died or were imprisoned defending America as "suckers" and "losers."

Trump denies the accusation.

But the soon-to-be 47th president has been on record expressing contempt for late American war hero and senator John McCain, who spent years in a Hanoi prison during the Vietnam War.

Trump posted on social media Monday a picture of himself saluting in front of the American flag, with the wording: "Happy Veterans Day 2024."
On the night of November 11, 2024 (from 20:00 on November 10), the enemy attacked Ukraine with two X-59/69 guided aviation missiles from the temporarily occupied areas of Zaporizhia region, 74 Shahed-type attack UAVs and unidentified drones from the districts of Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Orel, Bryansk (RF).

"As of 09:30, the downing of two X-59/69 guided aviation missiles and 39 enemy UAVs in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Zaporizhia, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv regions was confirmed," the AFU Air Forces reported on the Telegram channel

Thirty enemy location drones were lost in different regions of Ukraine, three more Russian UAVs left the airspace of Ukraine in the direction of Belarus and the temporarily occupied territory, the Armed Forces also reported.

The air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile forces, aviation, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups of the Air Force and the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Israeli ministers send mixed signals over a Lebanon ceasefire



Jerusalem, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



Israeli leaders sent mixed signals on the possibility of a ceasefire with Lebanon on Monday, with Defence Minister Israel Katz seeming to contradict comments by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Saar, who replaced Katz at the foreign ministry this week, told journalists there had been progress towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, where war has raged for more than six weeks as Israel targets Hezbollah.

"There is certain progress," Saar said after being asked about a possible ceasefire. "We are working with the Americans on the issue."

But Katz, who became defence minister this week, told a forum of top military generals that "there will be no ceasefire, and there will be no break in the strikes against Hezbollah".

However, he did add that "if the possibility arises and a good proposal is put forward that would allow us to claim victory... we will certainly consider it very seriously".

Israel escalated air strikes in late September targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and sent in ground troops a week later, on September 30.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the operation's aim is to push Hezbollah north of the Litani River, which flows across southern Lebanon.

Another goal is to stop any attempt by Hezbollah to rearm. The Shiite group is armed and financed by Iran.

Saar on Monday reiterated Israel's objectives.

He said Israel would "be ready" for a ceasefire if Hezbollah does not have a presence on the border and is unable to rearm with weapons systems arriving "from Syria, from the sea, from the airport".

He added: "The main challenge, eventually, will be to enforce what will be agreed."

"We want to get our citizens back home safely, and if we will meet the right conditions, we will be there. In the meantime, the operation of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) near our border continues," Saar said.

Tens of thousands of Israelis were displaced when Hezbollah began cross-border fire more than a year ago in what it described as support for Palestinian militants Hamas, who attacked Israel on October 7 last year, triggering the ongoing war in Gaza.
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The US has gone through bouts of isolationism before. History has shown the consequences. Global instability, an economic race to the bottom and ultimately, armed conflict. Britain, alongside its European allies, must hope that this can be avoided, while at the same time prepare for the worst. Today's two minutes' silence and the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider only serve as a reminder of the consequences of failure.
Dame Sally told the inquiry on Monday that she worried someone would pick up discarded Novichok after the Skripals were poisoned in March 2018, and she discussed messaging around advising people not to pick up something they did not drop and thought she had said it publicly, but can find no evidence of that.
He added: It is clearly not saying that he is a supporter of Hamas. It does not say he is out on marches or has done anything other than express views in this interview, and that makes him, in the views of this tweeter, pro-Hamas.
Mr Healey made the remark despite Trump saying he can end the conflict on day one of a second term in the White House, which would almost certainly mean Ukraine having to give up vast swathes of the country to Russia.
A statement said: In the past few days, there have been calls among pro-Palestinian/terrorist-supporter groups to harm Israelis and Jews, under the pretense of demonstrations and protests, taking advantage of mass gatherings (sports and cultural events) to maximize the damage and the media coverage.
It was the first time a prime minister had joined a French leader there on Armistice Day since Sir Winston Churchill accompanied General Charles de Gaulle in 1944 while war was still raging.
He will then take a final short flight to the start of the expedition where he will set off from Fuchs-Messner on the edge of the Antarctic landmass and ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole.
Five floors destroyed in house in Kryvyi Rih: there may be people under rubble, four injured for now  authorities

In Kryvyi Rih, as a result of the attack of the Russian Federation, apartments from the first to the fifth floors were destroyed in the house, there may be people under the rubble, so far it is known about four victims.

"In Kryvyi Rihs high-rise building, apartments from the first to the fifth floors of one of the entrances were destroyed. There may be people under the rubble," head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak wrote on the Telegram channel on Monday.

"At the moment, it is known about four victims. One person has been hospitalized. The rest were helped on the spot," he informed.

Earlier on Monday, the Air Force reported a missile heading towards Kryvyi Rih. The authorities wrote about the damage to a five-storey building.
King Hamads visit to the UK occurs as families of death row inmates and political prisoners voice deep concerns over the fate of their loved ones, many of whom are at risk of abuse and torture.
BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A total of 56 lost Chinese cultural relics have been returned from Italy, China's National Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Saturday. The return signifies yet another successful cooperation between China and Italy within the framework of their bilateral agreement aimed at preventing the illegal import and export of cultural relics, the administration noted.
MFA: Kyiv denies reports of being informed about conversation between Trump and Putin  media

Photo: MFA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine denies reports about being told about a telephone conversation between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi told.

"Reports that the Ukrainian side was informed in advance of the alleged call are false. Subsequently, Ukraine could not have endorsed or opposed the call," Tykhyi said in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

The Washington Post, citing people familiar with the situation, reported that Trump and Putin spoke by phone on Thursday and discussed the war in Ukraine. It says that Kyiv was informed about the call and did not object to the conversation.

As reported, Donald Trump told Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation not to aggravate the situation in Ukraine, The Washington Post reports. The article noted that Kyiv had been informed about the call and did not object to the conversation.

At the same time, a statement by Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov was circulated in the Russian media, who claims that the information about the telephone conversation between Putin and Trump does not correspond to reality.

"There was no conversation," Peskov told reporters on Monday, answering a relevant question.
By the end of 2024, the Defense Forces will purchase long-range drones, anti-tank guided missile systems, missiles and artillery mounts produced in Ukraine as part of agreements on Denmark's support for the Ukrainian defense industry worth DKK 4.2 billion ($629 million), which were allocated earlier.

As reported on the website of the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine on Monday, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industries concluded a number of relevant implementation agreements with the Danish Ministry of Defense.

"The documents finalize the agreements recorded in the Letter of Intent, which was signed in late September in Kyiv. They provide for a number of purchases from Ukrainian defense companies for a total of approximately EUR 535 million. The sources of funding are the governments of Denmark, Sweden and interest from frozen Russian assets," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

In particular, DKK 1.3 billion is money from the Danish state budget, and DKK 2.9 billion is interest from frozen Russian assets, which Denmark manages on behalf of the EU.

"In the conditions of a full-scale war, the support of our international partners is critically important for strengthening Ukraine's defense capability. Denmark was the first to start purchasing weapons directly from our defense enterprises. The 'Danish model' of cooperation is not only solidarity, but also determination to support our struggle for freedom and sovereignty," Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Dmytro Klymenkov, is quoted by the press service.
The day of November 11 has a special meaning, as it honours the acts of bravery of the veterans from the Theatres of Operations, those who, through their courage and irreproachable behaviour in missions, made the Romanian Army respected and appreciated all over the world, the president of the Senate, Nicolae Ciuca, the leader of the National Liberal Party, stated on Monday, informs Agerpres.

"Today I honour the acts of bravery of my comrades, veterans of the Theatres of Operations, those who, through their courage and irreproachable behaviour in missions, made the Romanian Army respected and appreciated all over the world. I spent good years of my life in the theatres of operations: Iraq, Afghanistan, Angola. I know what it means to be away from home and loved ones and I know how hard it is. That's why November 11 has a special significance not only for me, but for the entire Romanian Army," Ciuca wrote on Facebook.

The Day of Veterans of the Theatres of Operations was established by law ten years ago.

"The date of November 11 was not chosen by chance: it is celebrated throughout Europe, because on that date, in 1918, the armistice between the Entente Powers and Germany entered into force, which ended the First World War. Also on November 11, 2003, second lieutenant Iosif-Silviu Fogorasi, the first Romanian soldier to die in the Theatre of Operations in Afghanistan, died posthumously. Let's honour the sacrifice of wounded soldiers and bow with respect to those who paid with their lives. Happy birthday to all Veterans from the Theatres of Operations! May God rest those who fell in the Theatres of Operations!" reads the message sent by Nicolae Ciuca.
Education Minister Ligia Deca announced on Monday the continuation of media education in schools, following the signing of a protocol with representatives of the Centre for Independent Journalism, informs Agerpres.

"Children and young people need media education and digital media education. The Centre for Independent Journalism (CJI) is one of the pioneers of media education in Romania, and since 2017, their programmes have reached 10,000 teachers and over 240,000 students. Through the collaboration protocol signed today with the Centre for Independent Journalism, we continue media education in schools and hope to reach as many students as possible," Deca wrote on Facebook.

Thus, the minister points out, in the coming years, every child and young person in Romania should learn how to protect themselves from fake news and disinformation, how to verify information, and how to combat hate speech online.

Ligia Deca said that in the coming years, the Ministry of Education will support the Centre for Independent Journalism in its efforts regarding:

- Training Romanian language and literature teachers, as well as teachers of related subjects, to integrate media education elements into their current teaching, through dedicated courses and mentorship;

- Designing and promoting two optional digital media education courses for middle and high school students;

- Developing and popularising open and high-quality resources for media education.

"This partnership is a continuation of the Ministry of Education's activity in the area of media education, also materialised through the Digital Education and Media Skills optional course," developed under the PROF project," the minister also wrote.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, participated, on Monday, in a working meeting with the heads of mission of the European Union member states accredited in Bucharest, in the context of Hungary holding the rotating presidency of the Council EU.



During the meeting, topical issues of the European agenda were addressed, such as the geopolitical context, the transition to the new institutional cycle, the developments in the Union's enlargement policy, the EU's competitiveness, the transatlantic partnership and the accession to the Schengen area, according to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to AGERPRES.





The Romanian minister highlighted the importance of unity in action and common solutions in addressing hybrid challenges and threats that target EU member states and partners, in order to strengthen the Union's resilience and defend European values. She pointed out the importance of advancing the expansion of the Union, as a strategic investment of the EU in the immediate vicinity. Minister Odobescu reiterated, at the same time, Romania's constant support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as the importance of strengthening the political dialogue with the partners in the Western Balkans, in order to advance the processes of European integration in the region.
The Port of Constanta must become an industrial hub, with a strong petrochemical component, and the investment value could exceed 1.5 billion euro, Prime Minister's Chancellery's state advisor Florin Spataru told a specialist event on Monday, informs Agerpres.

"Recently, I have spoken with many producers from the chemical industry, whether companies from the oil and gas sector, which also have a petrochemical division, or petrochemical companies. I want to draw attention to a very important project that we will need to develop: the capacity of the Port of Constanta to become an industrial hub, with a strong petrochemical component. Why? Because it could be the gateway into or out of such a segment. I know, it costs a lot, that's true. We estimate that such an investment will exceed 1.5 to 2 billion euro, but I don't think we should focus on the financial component. We are rather talking about the country's strategy to ensure its economic independence through this value chain generator," mentioned Florin Spataru during the "Natural Gas Forum - The Contribution of Natural Gas to Industrial Competitiveness in the Context of the Energy Transition," organised by Financial Intelligence.

At the same time, he emphasised that major players in the market view Romania as an industrial hub in the chemical industry.

"There are important players in the market, not necessarily from the European Union, who see Romania as an industrial hub in the chemical industry. In May of this year, we at the Prime Minister's Chancellery asked the European Association of Chemical Producers to come to Romania and sign a memorandum for the chemical industry. Why? Because if we look at the trade balance deficit, the chemical industry is in the top three, and it is the catalyst or the generator of the value chain. We've closed production capacities in the chemical industry, and we can't find an acceptable formula that, within the European context, would allow us to produce and remain competitive. Moreover, any lack of response on this matter will increasingly diminish our competitive capacity," added Spataru.

He pointed out that a project has been initiated at the Chancellery, called the Green Deal Industrial Plan, which is being developed in collaboration with the World Bank.

"This green plan is being created in collaboration with the World Bank. On Thursday, we will have the first deliverable that the World Bank will make available, and we will discuss it with the business environment. This is because we want to integrate an energy strategy that takes into account the resources we have - and gas is an extremely important resource, with a green industrial component - and from there, we will identify the opportunities and the measures that need to be taken. More than that, we will also establish the plans for supporting such a transition. Why? Because I don't want us to believe that such a transition happens on its own, solely through support from the business environment. No, it is impossible, and this is where the role of the state is crucial. But for that, we need a practical document that is developed with market players and in consultation with the World Bank - a document that will give the Government of Romania, regardless of its composition, a long-term roadmap. The decarbonisation goal by 2050 is not a goal to be achieved within electoral cycles. It is a long-term journey, and any deviation from such a major national project will either waste money or delay the European integration of Romania's industry, which might no longer be achieved," explained the state advisor with the Prime Minister's Chancellery.
A judge on Friday found a northeast Missouri hospital board guilty of gross violations of the Sunshine Law and voided all the actions taken during illegal closed meetings in August 2022.

Circuit Judge Rick Roberts also ruled that Scotland County Hospital must also pay a civil fine of $5,000 and attorneys fees to its former CEO, Dr. Randy Tobler.

Tobler sued the hospital in March 2023, alleging he had been slandered, the target of a conspiracy to remove him and that the board vote to fire him was done at a meeting that violated the Sunshine Law. The slander and conspiracy counts were dismissed from his lawsuit, and a trial was held in September on the Sunshine Law violations.

While Toblers attorney, Lowell Pearson, didnt explicitly ask for attorney fees during the trial, Roberts wrote that he would award them.

Refusing to award attorney fees for the time spent in obtaining the judgment would thwart the purpose of the Sunshine Law, Roberts wrote.

In an interview, Pearson said the ruling was everything Tobler asked for.

This is a total victory for Dr. Tobler and complete vindication for him that the actions of the hospital were unlawful, Pearson said.

Tobler, who called the ruling gratifying, said he is examining with Pearson whether to refile the defamation count in the case.

The areas residents, he said, deserve hospital leadership that can be trusted in providing the essential health care needs of the community.

In a statement sent Sunday, hospital CEO Megan Weber said the hospital is disappointed with the ruling.

The board continues to still feel strongly that the hospital did not knowingly or purposefully violate the Sunshine Law, and are examining our options with regards to any appeal, Weber said.

The case focused on two meetings held Aug. 15-16, 2022. The first was held at the home of Lori Fulk, board chair, with only four of the boards six members present. Fulk did not post a public notice of the meeting, the two absent members of the board were not notified and Tobler was not given any notice, Roberts found.

Holding the meeting at Fulk's house violated the hospital district bylaws, Roberts wrote. Failing to inform all board members or the public violated the Sunshine Law.

At the meeting, the board members present voted to fire Tobler and Chief Financial Officer Michael Brandon.

During the trial, Roberts wrote, Fulk testified that the hospital was facing an immediate financial collapse so immediate that she felt the hospital only had days if not hours before it closed.

Scotland County Hospital serves 12,300 people in five counties. It is located in Memphis, a town of about 1,700 people. The hospital was losing money but had $8.2 million in cash on hand at the beginning of 2022, an audit shows. The morning of Aug. 16, rumors started spreading in Memphis that Tobler had embezzled money from the hospital.

Tobler, an obstetrician and gynecologist, had been CEO of the hospital since 2014. The vote to fire him disrupted an orderly transition because he had already submitted his resignation effective Sept. 3, 2022.

If Fulk was truthful when she said the hospital had a severe financial crisis, the logical step would be to have the entire board meet with the CEO and the chief financial officer, Roberts wrote.

But Fulk was less than creditable in her testimony, Roberts wrote.

The selection of the members to attend clearly demonstrates that the purpose of this meeting was not the alleged financial crisis but was to focus on how to remove certain officers from the organization, he wrote.

All board members were present for the Aug. 16 closed meeting, which was held at the hospital on short notice to the members and no notice to the public.

Whatever her agenda was in August 2022 she knew she wanted to limit the persons informed of and who could participate in the meetings of August 15 and 16, 2022, and the only way to get what she wanted was by a gross violation of the Sunshine Law, which is exactly what she did, Roberts wrote.

The language Roberts used is some of the strongest he has seen about a witness, Pearson said.

Its unusual for a judge to make a credibility finding that is that stark, he said. Thats a pretty unusually explicit way for the court to say that he found a witness to not be credible.

The decision will not result in Toblers reinstatement as CEO, Weber said Sunday. The board voted to fire him at its Aug. 30, 2022 meeting that met the requirements of the Sunshine Law, she said.

Brandon has not sued over his firing, and his status after Roberts decision is unclear.

Another case stemming from the same time is also pending before Roberts. Terri Schmitt, who was the human resources officer of the hospital, was fired Aug. 17, 2022, by Weber, named CEO at the Aug. 16 meeting.

Schmitt, who was 59 at the time of her firing, is suing for age discrimination and violation of her employment contract, which required 90 days notice of termination. The case is expected to go to trial sometime next year.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X.
Zelenskyy on attack on Kryvyi Rih: every Russias attack refutes any of its statements about diplomacy

The Russian Federation seeks only to continue the war, therefore Ukraine needs weapons to protect itself from Russian terror and strengthen diplomatic positions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, commenting on a missile strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk region on Monday, which destroyed the entrance of a five-story apartment building.

Russia only wants to continue the war, and each of its strikes negates any claims of diplomacy from Russia. Ukraine needs weapons to defend itself against Russian terror and stronger global support to make diplomacy real and effective. Without principled decisions and strong support for Ukraine, Russia will have no motive to pursue peace and will only continue choosing new targets, Zelenskyy said on X.

He noted that every day, every night, Russia unleashes the same terror. More and more civilian objects are being targeted.

The Head of State reported on seven victims of the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, including two children. Emergency rescue operations are underway, with everything being done to save lives. People may still be trapped under the rubble, Zelenskyy said.

As reported, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine (PGO) has already reported eight victims, including a 10-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. A pretrial investigation has been launched into criminal proceedings on the fact of violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Joe Holleman Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman 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

Recent tea-leaf reading about President-elect Donald Trumps incoming Cabinet has focused on U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, Missouris junior senator, as a possible contender for U.S. attorney general in President-elect Donald Trumps administration.

But on Monday, Schmitt confirmed new reports that he was taking his name out of the running for the nations top legal position.

Im ready to roll up my sleeves and be a champion for President Trump in the Senate, Schmitt said on X.

Can confirm.



I ran for the U.S. Senate to represent the people of the Show Me State and Im just getting started.



The American people have given President @realDonaldTrump a mandate. A mandate to secure our border, make America energy dominant and fight for the forgotten men https://t.co/LxHiqZMfks  Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) November 11, 2024

With Schmitt off the board, Show-Me handicappers are now looking at another Missouri legislator who is getting serious mention as a man on the move.

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, reportedly is in the running as a possible pick by Trump to become the new U.S. transportation secretary, succeeding Biden appointee Pete Buttigieg, a Democrat.

Graves district covers the northern third of the state, from Illinois to Kansas. The district also reaches south to take in Lincoln County, which is part of the St. Louis metropolitan area.

According to several news sources, Graves  now the chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee  has confirmed he has talked with Trumps transition team about the potential role in a new administration.

Politico has mentioned the possibility of Graves landing the job, saying he and, oddly enough, another legislator named Graves (Garret Graves of Louisiana), are the favorites to land the post.

A trucking-industry publication also has touted Missouris Graves, saying he has worked to get federal funds to help move freight, reduce regulations on commercial vehicles and create grant programs for truck parking.

Graves is the longest-tenured Missouri member of Congress, having first been elected to Congress in 2000. Hes the brother of Todd Graves, an influential Missouri Republican and former U.S. attorney.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY  A man killed himself Monday morning after shooting and critically injuring a woman in O'Fallon, Missouri, police said.

The double shooting was reported just after 6 a.m. Monday on Pewter Court.

Sgt. Bryan Harr, a spokesman for the O'Fallon police, said a woman was shot inside her home by a male acquaintance, who then shot himself.

The man, 40, was dead when officers arrived, Harr said. The man's name was not released.

The woman, 29, was taken to a hospital, where she was in critical condition.
ST. LOUIS  City officials will continue to restrict the senior citizen property tax freeze despite a new state law that sponsors say prohibits limits.

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has confidence in our ability to withstand legal challenges to the citys version of the tax break after City Counselor Sheena Hamiltons office issued a legal opinion, said Conner Kerrigan, the mayors spokesman.

The citys freeze is only to the city governments portion of property tax bills  roughly 20% of the total  and only for homes appraised at $500,000 or less.

Kerrigan wouldnt release the legal opinion, which was requested by Alderman Michael Browning, who sponsored a bill updating the city program. The bill passed, 14-0, on Nov. 1.

Browning in September asked for the legal analysis in light of criticism by two state legislators who said the citys plan to continue limiting the value of affected homes would violate the new state law.

In contrast, St. Louis County and Jackson County, the main county in the Kansas City area, removed their $550,000 home value caps following the passage of the new state law.

The two state lawmakers  Rep. Ben Keathley, R-Chesterfield, and Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville  also disputed the legality of the citys decision to limit the portion of overall property tax bills affected by the freeze.

The new state law revised a 2023 state statute that allowed counties and St. Louis to set up tax-freeze programs.

The two lawmakers argue that the citys program violates a state ban on localities restricting the definition or scope of who qualifies for the tax break and the amount of the tax break.

Dennis Ganahl, with MO Tax Relief Now  a group that advocated for the tax freezes  takes the same position.

St. Louis officials disagree.

Brownings bill does bring the city program in line with other changes in the state law made this year by the Legislature.

In one example, eligibility was changed to homeowners 62 and older. Under the original state law, the freeze was limited to homeowner taxpayers eligible for Social Security benefits, possibly excluding some seniors who dont participate in Social Security such as public school teachers.
Spc. Carlito Lindsey, 26, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, drowned Nov. 7 in the Tivoli River in Richmond Hill, Ga. (U.S. Army via News Now Georgia-Southeast/Facebook)

(Tribune News Service)  A soldier in Georgia is dead after going after a loose crab trap while fishing on a river, authorities and Army officials told news outlets.

Spc. Carlito Lindsey, 26, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, drowned Nov. 7 in the Tivoli River in Richmond Hill, WJCL reported, citing the Army.

Authorities said Lindsey and four others were crab fishing on a dock around 1 a.m. when one of the traps got away from them, WTOC reported. He jumped in after it and never resurfaced. Officials said Lindsey did not know how to swim, according to the station. Divers recovered his body from the water.

An email was sent to Fort Stewart for more information Nov. 11.

Lindsey was remembered as a dedicated and professional soldier who left a lasting impact on his unit.

His untimely death is a devastating loss and we will honor his memory by continuing to live up to the high standards he set for us, Col. James Armstrong, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, told WSB-TV in a statement. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this time of grief and we are committed to supporting them in any way we can.

Before serving 13 months at Fort Stewart, Lindsey, a Mississippi native, served in the National Guard for eight years, Army officials told WTOC.

Lindseys military honors include an Army Achievement Medal and National Defense Service Medal, the Army said.

Authorities said the drowning remains under investigation.

(c)2024 the Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.)

Visit at www.mercedsunstar.com

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An image from a Japanese propaganda film shows the final moments of USS Edsall, under Japanese attack in March 1942 in the Indian Ocean. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

On March 1, 1942, three months after Japans attack on Pearl Harbor, the aged American destroyer USS Edsall was steaming alone in the Indian Ocean south of Java, loaded with 153 sailors and several dozen Army Air Force pilots and soldiers.

The Edsall was a small ship, only about 300 feet long. It had been damaged in an earlier depth charge accident and was unfit for combat. But it was probably hurrying to the aid of a ship in distress when it blundered into a huge Japanese naval force around 4 p.m.

For more than an hour, the Edsall dodged and swerved as enemy ships fired hundreds of shells. The Edsall fired back, threw up a smokescreen and launched torpedoes. The Japanese later called the Edsall the dancing mouse.

Finally, the Japanese sent in dive bombers, and the battered destroyer rolled over and sank as evening fell. A few survivors were picked up and later beheaded in an enemy prison camp, historians found.

On Monday in Australia, when the country observes Remembrance Day, U.S. and Australian officials announced that the wreck of the Edsall has been discovered.

We will now be able to preserve this important memorial and hope that the families of the heroes who died there will know their loved ones rest in peace, Caroline Kennedy, the U.S. ambassador to Australia, said in a video statement posted on social media.

The wreck was found late last year in 18,000 feet of water south of Australias remote Christmas Island, the U.S. Navy said. Australian and U.S. officials worked together to confirm it was the Edsall.

It is pretty incredible, said retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Samuel J. Cox, head of the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington. And because there were no surviving American witnesses, theres no Medals of Honor, no Navy Crosses, nothing for any of these guys.

Historian Donald M. Kehn Jr.  whose 2008 book, A Blue Sea of Blood, tells the Edsalls story  called the find absolutely staggering.

On Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Australia, when the country observes Remembrance Day, U.S. and Australian officials announced that the wreck of the USS Edsall has been discovered. (Naval History and Heritage Command)

The wreck was found by the Stoker, an Australian naval support ship, which is normally used for hydrographic surveys, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of the Royal Australian Navy, said in the video.

A spokeswoman for the Australian navy would not say what the Stoker was doing when the Edsall was found, citing operational security sensitivities.

The Australian ship found the wreck in the late summer of 2023 and examined it with underwater robots and sonar, Cox said. The Australian navy notified Cox, the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command director, in May that it had found what it believed to be the Edsall wreck.

Admiral Cox said his underwater archaeology team reviewed the Australian data. There was another ship, the [USS] Pillsbury, that went down nearby, he said. Its the same class of ship. It would have looked virtually identical.

But the Pillsbury is thought to have been more heavily damaged than the Edsall, and a few weeks ago, Admiral Cox said, his underwater archaeology experts agreed that the wreck was the Edsall.

The wreck of the USS Edsall was found by the Stoker, an Australian naval support ship. The Stoker found the wreck in the late summer of 2023 and examined it with underwater robots and sonar (Royal Australian Navy Seapower Centre)

An eerie underwater image provided by the Australian navy shows the ship largely intact sitting upright on the disturbed bottom where it landed.

The image actually is amazing, Admiral Cox said in an email Sunday. The bow is pointing to the right and stern to the left.

Going right to left, the first bright spot is the bridge area, he said. The next bright area is where the remnants of the four [smoke] stacks are. The dark spot near the stern is the fatal bomb hit.

You can also see two of her triple torpedo tube mounts, which had fallen off, at the top of the image, he said. When ships sink, there is a tendency for them to roll upside down, causing turrets and torpedo tube mounts to fall out. After the first couple hundred feet, a ship will usually right itself and impact the bottom right side up.

You can see by the disturbance on the bottom around the ship that she hit pretty hard, he added.

The Edsall was built in Philadelphia and launched in 1920. By 1942, it was considered out of date and under gunned. But it was among the ships that the navies of the United States, Britain, Australia and the Netherlands had to use to counter the Japanese onslaught after Pearl Harbor.

The Edsalls skipper was Lt. Joshua James Nix, a 33-year-old Naval Academy graduate from Memphis. He had a wife and two children and had been in command only about four months.

When we asked about him as children, all we would get was, He died in the war, Nixs grandson, Jim Nix, said in a telephone interview Sunday. Nobody really knew.  Its bad that I didnt get to know him. But thats life.

A 1939 Naval Academy photo of Lt. j.g. Morris Davies Gilmore Jr. of Annapolis, who was aboard the USS Edsall when it sank. (U.S. Naval Academy Virtual Memorial Hall)

Also on board the Edsall was Lt. j.g. Morris Davies Gilmore Jr., 25, of Annapolis, another Academy graduate whose father was a decorated World War I Navy officer and lived in Annapolis.

On board, too, were Fire Controlman Lee Franklin Root, of Southeast Washington; Fireman John Abner Tate, of Richmond; and Boatswains Mate John Clifford Jackson of Mathews, Va.

On March 1, 1942, the Edsall was among the allied ships trying to survive the assault of the powerful Japanese naval force of aircraft carriers, battleships and cruisers that was sweeping into the waters around the island of Java, in what today is Indonesia.

The Japanese force was headed by Vice Adm. Chuichi Nagumo, who had led the Dec. 7, 1941, raid on Pearl Harbor. It included four of the six aircraft carriers that had been part of that attack, Kehn wrote in his book. (All four were later sunk at the Battle of Midway.)

By March 1, the Japanese had already sunk or crippled more than a half-dozen allied vessels and forced other allied ships to retreat, according to a history of the engagement that Admiral Cox wrote.

One of the ships trying to get away was the USS Pecos, an oiler that had hundreds of survivors from other damaged vessels on board. At about 10 a.m., the Pecos was attacked by Japanese airplanes and, before sinking several hours later, sent out a distress call.

The Edsall probably heard the distress call and was probably headed to help when it ran into the Japanese task force, Admiral Cox wrote.

Nixs position was hopeless, he wrote. The Edsall was too slow to escape. Its small guns could not reach the wary enemy vessels or penetrate their armor.

But Nix zigged and zagged, sped up and slowed down. Enemy shells plunged into the water around the Edsall but failed to hit home. A Japanese observer likened the ship to a Japanese Dancing Mouse, a popular domesticated pet in Japan known for its eccentric movements, Admiral Cox wrote.

At 4:20 p.m., one frustrated Japanese officer ordered his ships to charge. Nix responded by charging back and firing torpedoes, which narrowly missed an enemy cruiser.

After the Japanese had fired more than 1,000 shells, a furious Nagumo ordered his carrier planes to attack. Nix evaded most of the bombs, but at least one was apparently on target.

The Edsall caught fire, slowed to a halt and began to sink. Nix ordered the ship to be abandoned, but as he did he pointed the front of the vessel toward the enemy. Its a maritime version of flipping the bird, Admiral Cox said.
Photo: https://x.com/JosepBorrellF

Some 85% of the destruction from the Russian attacks on Chernihiv fell on residential areas, said Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy.

Hospitals, schools and more civilian infrastructure were direct targets, Borrell wrote on the social network X on Monday following his visit to the city.

He illustrated his message with photographs in Chernihiv against the background of destroyed buildings.

In this regard, the head of European diplomacy stressed the need to continue supporting Ukraine, also to through recovery, reconstruction & development. The EU 50bn Ukraine Facility delivers, Borrell added.

On Monday morning, he announced that he was in Kyiv in a bomb shelter in connection with the air alert declared in the city.

Starting my day in Kyiv in the shelter, as Russia unleashes another missile attack. This is the daily reality for the Ukrainian people since Russias full-scale invasion, Borrell said on X.
Hezbollah said on Nov. 11, that the Israeli military has been incapable of occupying even a single village in Lebanon since launching cross-border ground operations six weeks ago. (Anwar Amro, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Israel said headway was being made in U.S.-mediated efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Lebanon, but that it still needed guarantees on resuming military operations if there are any infractions by Hezbollah.

There is a certain progress. We are working with the Americans on the issue, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday. Russia could help with the enforcement of such a deal, he added.

Former U.S. President Donald Trumps reelection last week has fueled speculation about the outlook for Israels more than year-old conflicts with Iranian proxies, including Hamas in Gaza  even as the threat of further direct confrontation with Tehran remains. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that hes spoken to Trump three times in the past few days.

Cross-border fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon has intensified in recent weeks. Hezbollah says it is reacting to Israels military operations in Gaza against Hamas, which attacked Israel more than a year ago. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are designated as terrorist groups by the U.S.

A senior Israeli official, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, made a rare visit to Russia last week to sound out Moscow on a possible role in preventing arms smuggling from Syria to Hezbollah, Israels Army Radio reported. Dermer was due to hold follow-up talks in the U.S. this week.

Saar declined to elaborate on Dermers travels, but made clear that Israel was open to a Russian role in curbing Hezbollah.

The Russians, as you know, are present in Syria, he said. I think they can contribute to achieving effectively this objective. Saar, whos days into his role after his predecessor was named defense minister to replace Yoav Gallant, whom Netanyahu fired, stressed that having more relevant players involved was good for any potential deal.

The Russian embassy in Israel declined to comment.

The proposed truce to end the conflict with Lebanon would require Hezbollah to pull back from the area near the border with Israel and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. The plan also envisions beefing up the United Nations peacekeeping presence already in Lebanon. The Israelis want guarantees that Hezbollah will be disarmed and that they will be empowered to launch renewed military strikes if the group is deemed a continued danger.

Lebanese authorities have yet to receive a draft proposal for the cease-fire, according to Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to Hezbollah. Lebanon has voiced opposition to any deal that would allow Israels military to operate freely in its airspace or territory.

We would like to wrap this episode up, Israels ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM on Monday. The most significant aspect is the guarantees regarding our ability to keep tackling threats.

If agreed to, the deal would start with an initial 60-day test period  long enough, potentially, to reach the handover to the Trump administration by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden.

Despite losing many of its leaders and much of its arsenal to Israeli strikes, Hezbollah has kept up scores of missile and drone launches across the border. It has said any truce in Lebanon must come with a cessation of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. More than 43,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which doesnt differentiate between civilians and fighters in its figures.

Still, Israel, which had to evacuate tens of thousands of residents from northern areas, has already claimed victory against Hezbollah.

We have defeated Hezbollah, Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a speech on Sunday. Now our job is to keep up the pressure and implement the fruits of this victory, by ensuring a change in the security situation in Lebanon.

With assistance from Omar Tamo.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), center, watches as Donald Trump holds a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Oct. 27. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

With Republicans on the cusp of unified control of Washington, Congress appears primed to extend the deadline for a government shutdown well past President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

Lawmakers are discussing a temporary measure that would fund the government into March, according to two people briefed on the discussions, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

That would give the Senate plenty of time to begin confirming Trumps Cabinet nominees, and the House time to plot out maneuvers on tax legislation, without the threat of an imminent government shutdown. Without new legislation, financing for federal agencies will expire Dec. 20.

The proposed timeline also jibes with the timing of a plan originally put forward by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in September. Johnson proposed a six-month continuing resolution, or CR, that would have lasted until March and included unrelated legislation the House had previously approved to require proof of citizenship to register to vote in national elections.

But Republicans across the ideological spectrum  from defense hawks to penny-pinchers  opposed that plan, as did many members from both parties in the Senate. So Congress instead backed a shorter temporary funding law and hoped to complete annual spending bills or pass another extension by the December deadline.

Now, with the prospect of GOP control on either side of the Capitol  and only 20 planned working days until the shutdown deadline  a CR may be the only viable option to keep the government open, congressional aides say.

Democrats, who loathe government shutdowns, are expected to largely accept the proposal, though leaders say they hope to fast-track annual appropriations bills rather than another short-term one.

The results of the election do not change my desire to pass full-year funding bills as soon as possible. I have been ready to negotiate and believe a deal is possible if my colleagues on the other side of the aisle come to the table, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Connecticut), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said in a statement.

Even if Republicans control both houses of Congress, Democrats could still play a large role in funding legislation at the start of Trumps presidency. The GOPs already narrow House majority  which has made it difficult to pass multiple conservative spending bills  could be even smaller when vote counts are finalized, and Republicans wont have enough Senate seats to dodge a filibuster.

As Ive said time and again, in both the majority and the minority, the only way to get things done in the Senate is through bipartisan legislation while maintaining our principles  and the next two years will be no different, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.

Lawmakers will have other exigent funding concerns when they return to Washington on Tuesday: Congress must replenish accounts for the Small Business Administration, which exhausted its disaster loan resources after hurricanes Milton and Helene.

Congress may also consider additional disaster aid, including money to rebuild Baltimores collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge and other major roadways, along with storm-stricken swaths of Florida and North Carolina.
WASHINGTON  Vietnam veteran Earnie Simpkins and his wife Mary arrived more than an hour early Sunday to find the best spot to watch the National Veterans Day Parade as it rolled down Constitution Avenue  filled with military bands, veterans groups and floats decked out in patriotic red, white and blue.

It marked just the second year that the National Veterans Day Parade was staged in the nations capital. For Simpkins, who served as a lance corporal with the Marine Corps, the parade offered a belated thank you for his service in Vietnam nearly a half-century ago.

Its a good day when we remember our veterans, said Simpkins, 79, traveled from Roanoke, Va. People in the military are the most important people to the U.S. and its future. Enough is not done to honor and thank them.

He said the parade was a highlight of a tour that the couple was taking of military sites in Washington that included the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The National Veterans Day Parade marched down Constitution Avenue in Washington on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

The three-hour parade, which started at noon under cloudy skies, featured military marching bands that included the National Guard Band, Navy Band, U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the 3rd Army Fife and Drug Corps. Several high school and college bands from across the nation also participated.

The event also was a fundraiser for the nonprofit National Veterans Parade Foundation, which collected donations for veteran causes, including the Veterans Food Bank and the Veterans Canine Companionship for Suicide Prevention.

Veterans, their families and advocates were out in force Sunday, as throngs of people gathered along the parade route. Many said the event was a chance to share stories of military experience and show appreciation for the contributions of service members.

Theres a lot of camaraderie [when] military people just hang out together, said Sammie Leonard of Maryland, a 23-year Army veteran who drove his motorcycle in the parade.

Leonard, who served in Iraq and Kuwait, represented the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was accompanied by about two dozen riders from the veterans advocacy group. They wore black leather jackets with an insignia representing their military service.

Some of the parade-goers said they only recently learned about the event and asked why it has taken so long for a national parade to organize for honoring veterans.

Better late than never, said Vietnam veteran Jerry Davis, 78, of Dublin, Va.

Davis and his wife Rachel pulled up folding chairs next to the Simpkinses in a grassy spot off Constitution Avenue, right at the parades starting point on 7th Avenue.

We dont want to miss a thing, Rachel Davis said, as she zipped up her windbreaker and handed her husband a water bottle.

Jerry Davis was drafted into the Army in 1969 at age 20. He served as a military police officer in Vietnam, a role he described as dangerous. But he said the sacrifices of service members were not part of the national conversation when he returned home from war.

Its hard to ever make up for that, Davis said. Each day came with the very real risk that we might die.

Todd Kemery, national director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Minnesota chapter, rolled in the parade along with about a half-dozen other veterans in wheelchairs.

Anything we can do to help honor our veterans is vital, said Kemery, a Marine corporal who served from 1978-1983.

He said his job in the military involved work as mechanic with a helicopter squadron. But he suffered serious injuries in an accident in his final days of service as he was preparing to transition to civilian life.

For the last 20 years, my job at the [Paralyzed Veterans of America] has been to advocate for former service members like me and be of service to them, said Kemery, a quadriplegic. Veterans with disabilities do not have to be stuck at home but can find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Hannah Wise  one of the parade participants who was not a veteran  rode in a vintage Ford Mustang convertible, waving to the crowd. As Mrs. America 2024, Wise said she was surprised that this was only the second year that the parade was held in Washington.

When I learned about the parade, my first thought was, Why havent we been doing this all along? We should be celebrating our veterans in a parade every year at the nations capital, said Wise, who is from Nashville.

Behind the wheel of the 1967 convertible was veteran Bill Barfield, a former Air Force sergeant. Barfield, 77, of Virginia said he served for four years in active duty from 1966-1970. He was assigned to installations in Germany, where he handled maintenance management of electronic systems.

But his father, Herman Barfield, spent a career in the military from 1941 to 1969, his Air Force service spanning World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after receiving the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.

Barfield displayed his fathers service medals on the Mustangs dashboard.

The military has been my whole life, said Barfield, who has worked as a civilian in the defense industry for 50 years. The military is a global family. As soon as you meet someone from the military, you become foxhole buddies. You both know about the sacrifices and risks of having served. It is a tightknit group.
URCS volunteers eliminating consequences of missile strike on Kryvyi Rih; at night their colleagues worked in Zaporizhia

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Kryvyi Rih link of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Rapid Response Unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is taking part in the aftermath of a missile strike on a five-storey residential building in Kryvyi Rih on Monday.

The Kryvyi Rih link of Dnipropetrovsk regional rapid response unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross is working at the site of the shelling together with other rescue services. They are providing all necessary assistance to the victims and rescuers, the URCS said on Telegram on Monday.

The rescue operation continues.

As reported, as a result of enemy rocket fire in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, eight people were injured on Monday morning, including two children, there may still be people under the rubble.

Last night, URCS volunteers also provided first aid and transported to medical institutions the wounded as a result of overnight Russian airstrikes on Zaporizhia.

Last night, Russian forces launched three air strikes on Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response team in the Zaporizhzhia region was immediately deployed to the scene, working alongside local rescue services. Volunteers provided first aid to the injured and assisted in transporting three victims to medical facilities, URCS said on Facebook Monday.

As reported, as a result of a nighttime enemy attack on Zaporizhia, one person was killed, 22 were injured, with five children among them.
The U.N. Command Honor Guard carries the remains of an unidentified Korean War service member at the U.N. cemetery in Busan, South Korea, Nov. 11, 2024. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)

BUSAN, South Korea  Military veterans and troops from more than 20 countries gathered here Monday to pay their respects as an unknown Korean War service member was laid to rest at the U.N. Cemetery in Korea.

Roughly 1,000 people attended the service on International Memorial Day for U.N. Korea War Veterans, observed each year on Nov. 11. It was hosted by the U.N. Command and South Koreas Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, or MPVA, at the only cemetery overseen by the command.

The burial ground, roughly 200 miles southeast of Seoul, holds the remains of 2,329 veterans from 14 member states who participated in the 1950-53 Korean War. They include 40 service members from the United States; 892 from the United Kingdom; 38 from South Korea; 462 from Turkey; and 281 from Australia.

Mondays service honoring war veterans included the cemeterys first interment of an unidentified U.N. Command service member. The remains were initially recovered from Yeoncheon county in 2010 by South Koreas Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery Identification.

Aurelio Aguilar Ruiz, 94, visits a U.S. service member's gravesite at the U.N. cemetery in Busan, South Korea, Nov. 11, 2024. Ruiz said he served as a 1st Infantry Division rifleman during the Korean War. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)

The burial illustrates the promise of [South Korea]  to take full responsibility for each and every U.N. veteran who died fighting, MPVA minister Kang Jung-ai told those gathered for the ceremony.

South Korea will never forget the seeds of freedom that young heroes have sown with their lives, she said.

DNA testing and dental records determined the 17- to-25-year-old service member was of Caucasian descent and likely to have been from Britain, according to the MPVA.

Unable to confirm the identity or nationality with certainty, the South Korean government allowed the service member to be buried in a new plot dedicated to unidentified remains.

Of those buried in the cemetery, 78 chose to be interred there, including retired Thai army Command Sgt. Maj. Rod Asanapan, 100, who became the first soldier from his country to be laid to rest at the cemetery on Monday.

The U.N. Command prepares to bury an unknown Korean War service member during a Veterans Day ceremony at the U.N. cemetery in Busan, South Korea, Nov. 11, 2024. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)

Asanapan, then a corporal, volunteered to deploy to Korea with a medical detachment in 1952. Thailand contributed around 6,000 troops during the onset of the war, before it officially established diplomatic relations with the South, according to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

Korean War veteran Aurelio Aguilar Ruiz, 94, of Visalia, Calif., attended Mondays ceremony on his first trip to the peninsula since his two-year tour ended in 1952, he told Stars and Stripes at the cemetery. Ruiz said he served as rifleman for the U.S. Armys 1st Infantry Division and recalled the weather being so ungodly cold he got frostbite on his fingers.

Ruiz said he resisted visiting South Korea for decades, but his wife convinced him to come this year.

Since I saw it destroyed completely from one end to the other, I didnt want to see Korea anymore, he said.

The U.N. Command prepares to bury an unknown Korean War service member during a Veterans Day ceremony at the U.N. cemetery in Busan, South Korea, Nov. 11, 2024. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)

The Korean War began June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded the South to unite the peninsula under communist rule. North Korean troops captured Seoul three days after the invasion, prompting the U.N. Security Council to establish the U.N. Command to thwart the advance.

The U.S.-led command was composed of 22 member states. Most, including the U.S. and United Kingdom, provided combat troops. Others sent medical aid and physicians.

As the war evolved into a stalemate, an armistice was signed by the U.N Command, North Korea and China to end hostiles on July 27, 1953. Eighteen nations are now part of the command, which continues to enforce the armistice.

Around 37,000 U.S. and 415,000 South Korean troops were killed in the war, according to the Defense Department news release July 24, 2023.
They claimed the charges against them were unconstitutional and launched judicial review proceedings against the DPP, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Health, Ireland and the Attorney General

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by two women over their alleged refusal to undergo hotel quarantine on a return trip from Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Niamh Mulreany (27), Scarlett Row, Essex Street West, and Kirstie McGrath (32), St Anthonys Road, Rialto, both Dublin, had brought an appeal over the High Courts dismissal of their challenge to their prosecution for that alleged refusal.

The women had gone to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where they claimed they intended to undergo cosmetic surgery but ultimately did not undergo the procedure.

They were arrested at Dublin Airport on Good Friday April 2, 2021, on their return.

At the time, they and most other passengers arriving from certain designated countries, which had included the UAE, were required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a hotel for up to 14 days. The measures were introduced to help prevent the spread of Covid.

They refused to go to the hotel claiming that they could not afford the cost of stay, estimated at over 1,800 each, and that they needed to get back to their children.

They claimed they had only had child minding arrangements in place for the time they were away.

As a result, they were charged with breaches of the Health (Amendment) Act 2021, and if convicted faced fines of up to 2,000 and a period of several months' imprisonment.

They claimed the charges against them were unconstitutional and launched judicial review proceedings against the DPP, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Health, Ireland and the Attorney General.

After the High Court dismissed their challenge, they were granted an appeal to the Supreme Court.

They argued the procedural mechanism through which states were designated for mandatory quarantine was an impermissible exercise of the law-making power of the Oireachtas under the Constitution (Art 15.2.1).

They also argued that as a result of this the power of review of the subsequent quarantine by a Designated Appeals Officer was an impermissible exercise of the judicial function, contrary to Article 34.1 of the Constitution.

The respondents opposed the appeal.

In a judgment on Monday given by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, on behalf of a unanimous five-judge Supreme Court, she found the designation of states from which travellers would be required to quarantine by the Minister for Health was not ultra vires, or outside the exercise of legislative power.

She said the arguments on behalf of the women were wafer-thin. It was demonstrably clear from Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution that this type of designation was wholly suited to be carried out at ministerial level and did not require any specific parliamentary oversight in circumstances where the criminal scheme had been established clearly by statute.

The designation of the scheme gave a choice of designation based on considerations set out in the Health (Amendment) Act 2021, she said.

She also found the review by the Designated Appeals Officer did not constitute the administration of justice as the function of such a review does not meet the criteria as outlined in a 1965 Supreme Court judgment (McDonald v Bord na gCon).
Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back an enemy group of almost 50,000 personnel in Russia's Kursk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said on Monday, reporting new solutions for strengthening the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk axes.

"Before that Staff HQ meeting, I heard a detailed report by [Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine] Oleksandr Syrsky. There is a decision of the Commander-in-Chief on a significant strengthening of the difficult axes  Kurakhove and Pokrovsk. In Kursk region, our guys continue to hold back an enemy group of almost 50,000 personnel outside Ukraine," the head of state said on the Telegram channel.
Five-man connected to almost 20 burglaries within a month targeting elderly homeowners

A prolific burglar has been linked to crimes across Europe including a burglary that was treated as an attempted murder, after his gang were targeted by specialist gardai.

Larry Laurence OReilly was sentenced to seven years imprisonment this month after admitting conspiring to commit burglary with four other men in April 2022.

The five-man gang had been linked to almost 20 burglaries within a month targeting elderly homeowners in Ireland when they were placed under surveillance by detectives.

After breaking into a house in Meath, they led gardai on a high-speed chase across two counties, which ended after their stolen Audi SQ5 crashed into a supermarket car park.

Larry O' Reilly

Rural burglary gang jailed

The Sunday World can reveal that Larry OReilly, of Ard Mor Walk in Tallaght, is considered a key member of a cross-border burglary gang and has been linked to crime waves in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and the Netherlands.

As part of a joint policing operation between the PSNI and gardai, OReilly was also connected to a series of break-ins in Co Tyrone in January 2018.

During one of the crimes in Aughnacloy, an 83-year-old woman was forced to jump from a first-floor window to get away from the gang. She suffered serious injuries including a fractured skull and spine.

The PSNI investigated the incident as a case of attempted murder and later carried out a number of searches in the Ard Mor area of Tallaght in which phones and clothes were seized.

OReilly and another close associate, who is aged in his late 20s and also a prolific burglar, were the targets of those searches, but its understood no prosecutions have been brought to date.

The bloodied gang after their arrest following the crash

A source said: Despite not having many criminal convictions, OReilly is suspected of involvement in organised burglaries predominately targeting pensioners since he was a teenager.

In the months before he was arrested by gardai over the Meath break-in, OReilly was also being sought by police in the UK. In November 2021, Essex police issued an alert for OReilly, who was wanted to face charges of conspiracy to commit burglary before Coventry Magistrates Court.

He and an associate were linked to burglaries across Surrey and Essex, but didnt turn up to court.

OReilly also has a conviction for theft in the Netherlands.

The gang became a prime target of the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, which put a special operation in place to target them.

At his sentencing hearing before Naas Circuit Court this month, evidence was given of how the gang used the Audi SQ5, which had been stolen weeks earlier in a residential burglary in London.

It had been brought into the country using cloned MN-reg plates and was connected with 17 burglaries in Ireland, including one in which 250,000 of jewellery was stolen from an antiques dealer.

After breaking into a house in Rathmolyon, Co Meath, on April 26, 2022, gardai pursued the gang for almost an hour before they crashed at the Lidl car park in Naas.

House-breaking tools were later found in the vehicle along with bleach, screwdrivers, burner phones, snoods and a rock.

William Connors and Michael Connors

The leader of the burglary gang, William Connors (49) of Acorn Downs, Newbridge, Co Kildare, was jailed for eight years.

His son Larry (21) was given six years while his nephew Michael Connors of Kiltalown Heights, Tallaght, was also handed a six-year jail term.
She has 210 previous convictions, 158 of which are for theft. White is currently serving a sentence on other matters.

A woman with over 200 previous convictions who sent threatening messages to a witness in an upcoming Circuit Court trial has been jailed for 21 months.

Sinead White (38) of Collins Place, Finglas, Dublin 11 pleaded guilty to witness intimidation on September 1, 2023.

She has 210 previous convictions, 158 of which are for theft. White is currently serving a sentence on other matters.

Imposing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said this would have been intimidating and frightening for the injured party, and that it occurred against a serious background.

He said the court accepted White is probably not an insidious person, but made insidious threats to the victim, which had a serious impact on her.

The judge noted White was intoxicated at the time, but he said she knew what she was doing was wrong.

He said the offence was serious and a person cant intimidate witnesses and not go to prison.

Having considered the mitigation, Judge Nolan imposed a 21-month prison sentence, with credit for any time served in custody on this matter only.

If she was an insidious person capable of carrying out those threats, the sentence would be higher, Judge Nolan said, adding that the court had concluded that White was not this type of person.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that White left the injured party two voice messages on Facebook on September 1, 2023 in which she used threatening language. These messages were played to the court. In one of the messages, a co-accused, who is also before the courts, spoke while White made a threatening comment.

The injured party is expected to be a witness in a trial before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which is scheduled to take place in 2025, the court was told today.

After arrest, White became unwell and was taken to hospital, before she was deemed fit for interview.

She was co-operative during interview and accepted she sent the voice messages but couldnt recall what she said. White agreed with gardai that the messages were threatening, intimidating and wrong.

White was apologetic and said she didnt mean it.

A victim impact statement was handed to the court. Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, told the court that the injured party had given birth a few weeks prior to this incident, which had caused hurt and sadness at a point which should have been a happy time in her life.

The investigating garda agreed with Aoife OLeary BL, defending, that her client was co-operative, but could not recall her behaviour as she was taking heroin and crack cocaine at the time.

It was accepted that White was apologetic, and there has been no contact since between her and the injured party.

The garda also agreed that White has no history of violence or previous convictions for assault.

The court heard this is Whites first time before the Circuit Court.

Ms OLeary told the court her client is remorseful for her actions and accepts it would have been a serious and frightening experience for the injured party.

Counsel asked the court to take into account that her client didnt tell the injured party not to give evidence or make threats to her place of residence.

She said these unpleasant threats were made while White was intoxicated and were not cold and calculating.

Her client is engaging with all relevant services and supports while in custody.
The jury in Mr Phelan's trial was hearing evidence of what he told gardai investigating the shooting of Mr Conlon on his farm in 2022.

Murder accused barrister Diarmuid Phelan told gardai he was "terrified" that intruders on his farm were "coming to fulfil threats" when he took a revolver from his pocket and fired in an "arc" over their heads.

Mr Phelan (56), who fatally shot trespasser Keith Conlon, said he was "really surprised when he fell down."

He did not know Mr Conlon, and on his way to the garda station after his arrest, asked officers if the father-of-four was a Traveller.

The jury has previously heard Mr Conlon was not a Traveller.

The jury in Mr Phelan's trial was hearing evidence of what he told gardai investigating the shooting of Mr Conlon on his farm in 2022. Mr Phelan maintains he accidentally hit him while firing in the air in self defence during a confrontation with trespassers.

The prosecution alleges he intended to kill or seriously injure Mr Conlon, who suffered a fatal wound to the back of his head.

Mr Phelan, a law professor, is pleading not guilty to murdering Mr Conlon (36) at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght.

He was shot on February 22, 2022 and died from his injuries in hospital two days later.

The Central Criminal Court has heard Mr Conlon and friends were fox and badger hunting on the farm when Mr Phelan killed a dog that was with them and they got into a "heated exchange."

Today, Detective Garda Michael McGrath told prosecutor John Byrne he first spoke to Mr Phelan at the scene while Mr Conlon was still being tended to. He saw Mr Phelan had blood on his hands.

When he took out his notebook and asked him what had happened, the accused stated to me, I shot him, Det Gda McGrath said.

He immediately cautioned Mr Phelan about his right to remain silent before proceeding to note what he said. Mr Phelan volunteered an account of what had happened.

The garda noted Mr Phelan said We heard dogs in the woods and there were sheep up lane.

He noted Mr Phelan said he went into the woods with a dog and a man to hold it.

Saw a loose dog which I shot at, he said. Three men emerged roaring and shouting, I just retreated, I got up the bank. Made it back here.

The detective noted Mr Phelan said he had called the gardai, as he urgently needed assistance.

They came across the field. I was fearful. He kept coming on at me, I told him to go back. Then he came back at me again. I shot him, the garda noted. I was really surprised he fell down.

Mr Phelan asked for three amendments and to add the line: I told him to go back.

At 1.45pm I arrested Mr Phelan under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act for a scheduled offence - possession of a firearm with intent to endanger others, the garda said.

He was taken to Tallaght Garda Station.

On the way, Mr Phelan asked him about Mr Conlons wellbeing. He did not refer to him by name as he did not know him, and asked the garda if he was a Traveller.

I didnt answer him either way, I told him the man was being treated and paramedics were with him at the moment, Det Gda McGrath said.

The jury heard after Mr Phelans arrest, he was interviewed four times by gardai and also made a statement.

In the first interview the station at 7.45pm on February 23, 2022, he said: Im still shook up about what happened. I can tell you what happened to the best of my knowledge."

A memo of this interview was read to the jury by prosecutor Caroline Cummings BL.

In it, the accused said he had been with farm workers that morning when they heard noise from a dog but decided to just leave it. When he heard the dog again around lunchtime I had to go and see as there had been previously been issues.

He and a worker took a sheep dog pup to the woods and he said he called to see was there anyone there twice but there was no reply.

He said he saw a dog behind a bush apparently loose and I shot at it. Three men, some with camouflage clothing exploded from behind where it happened and were roaring and shouting, he said.

I dont want to be shooting dogs, Mr Phelan told the gardai. The men were effectively threatening about who shot the dog and mentioned getting me, he said.

Somebody said its not your land and I said it was, he continued.

One of them started taking photographs of me, he said, they were saying you shot the dog and obviously we had to get out of there as fast as possible.

I was very scared, Mr Phelan told gardai, and his hands were shaking as he went up the bank.

It seemed like we had really landed in something, Mr Phelan said.

He told the gardai about previous incidents including one in December when people got in to his land from a Traveller camp; he talked them down and they left. He had been told by a crime prevention officer to be very careful, retreat and call the guards.

He said in the incident involving Mr Conlon, as he was clambering and stumbling he got the impression they sensed my fear.

He could not locate the phone in his pocket and asked a farm worker to dial the gardai immediately.

Mr Phelan said he told the emergency services it was urgent as these guys exploded from the undergrowth screaming and roaring at us.

I hate shooting dogs, he said again, and that he had only had to shoot once before when a pack of seven came from the Travellers camp.

I was alerted to the Travellers coming towards us, he continued. It was one of the workers alerted me.

He could see two men, there had been three in the woods and he did not know where the other was.

He told the men had called the gardai, to no effect, and they kept coming, he said.

I didnt know where the third man was or if there was anyone else, Mr Phelan said. I shouted at them to stay back, they kept coming.

They mounted the platform that Mr Phelan was standing on and he could not go back so he shouted stronger at them.

They came on again, I was terrified at this stage, Mr Phelan said. They looked at me and came on again.

He still had the rifle on his shoulder and they were closing the distance, saying stuff but he was concentrating more on what I was seeing.

One of the men was talking about his dog. They were coming to fulfill the threats they had made, he said.

He said the lead man had something but he could not see what it was. I was terrified. I reached for the revolver in my pocket, I shot in the air, he said.

He knew from what he had been told that it was three shots and said his memory was that they were in an arc from the left to the right over their heads.

I remember I shot from the left in the air towards the right over their heads, he said.

The trial continues before the jury and Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford.
At garda interview, Ms Martins said: If you want to call me a mule or a horse or whatever else, I will say whatever else you want to hear.

A judge has jailed a 60-year old Portuguese drugs mule for three years and four months.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford has imposed the 40-month prison sentence on Maria Lucilia Martins of Lisbon, Portugal after she found to have cannabis with an estimated street value of 479,245 at Shannon airport on April 7.

Judge Comerford said that with the amount of damage drugs do, there has to be a significant period of jail.

In evidence, Detective Sgt Dara OSullivan said that a member of the Customs department at Shannon Airport found Ms Martins to be in possession of suitcases both vacuum packed with cannabis herb and cannabis resin at the airport.

Det Sgt OSullivan said that there were 30 packs of cannabis resin and 22 packs of cannabis herb.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that Ms Martins had just arrived into Shannon off a flight from Faro, Portugal.

Ms Comerford said that in response to caution and charge, Ms Martins said: I already told you. I don't know about it. I know there is evidence and exhibits. They were in my suitcases. I only saw them when the suitcases were opened.

Counsel for the accused, Michael Collins SC (instructed by solicitor, John Casey) said that there was a rambling incoherence to Ms Martins replies at garda interview after arrest.

At garda interview, Ms Martins said: If you want to call me a mule or a horse or whatever else, I will say whatever else you want to hear.

At interview, Ms Martins also said: Yes, yes, I'm a mule, what do people want?

Det Sgt OSullivan said that Ms Martins told gardai that her ultimate destination after Shannon Airport was Cork.

He said that over three interviews, Ms Martins denied knowledge as to how the drugs got into her suitcases.

Det Sgt OSullivan said that Ms Martins has no previous convictions and lives in rented accommodation with her sister in Portugal.

He said that her husband lives in India but she has not seen him in person in five years but sees him everyday online.

Ms Martins was before Ennis Circuit Court on foot of a signed plea of guilty to possession with intent to sell or supply cannabis with a street value of 13,000 or more contrary to Section 15(a) of the Drugs Misuse Act or more at Shannon Airport on Sunday, April 7, of this year.

Ms Martins also pleaded guilty concerning the importation of cannabis at the same location on the same date.

The sign pleas removed the need for the State to prepare a Book of Evidence in the case.

In sentencing Ms Martins - who is 61 next month - Judge Comerford said that the large quantity of drugs was an aggravating factor in the case.

He said that no one is suggesting anything other than a profit motive in the case for Ms Martins transporting the drugs.

Judge Comerford said that the headline sentence in the case was 80 months and he reduced the prison term to 40 months after taking into account Ms Martinss early guilty plea, her previous good character and her age.

Judge Comerford backdated the 40 month prison term to April 8 when Ms Martins remanded to the women's wing of Limerick prison.
She said she screamed: "Mam, mam, mam, he has a gun," because she knew her mother was somewhere in the restaurant, but couldn't see her

Two sisters have described to the Special Criminal Court the "terrifying" moment when they took shelter under a hail of gun fire at the busy steakhouse where they were working last Christmas Eve as a masked attacker shot a man dead before being beaten to death.

Adisa Ajredini told the court that she dragged her mother, who also worked at the steakhouse, under a table to shelter after hearing what she thought was machine-gun fire. Her sister Amanda said she fled as she believed the gunman was going to shoot everyone in the restaurant.

The sisters were giving eyewitness testimony today in the trial of three men accused of murdering gunman Tristan Sherry (26) and three others accused of violent disorder arising from the same incident.

In her opening speech last week prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC said that Jason Hennessy Snr and a group of people had gathered in the busy Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown 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.

Amanda Ajredini told Ms Murphy that she was working at the bar in Browne's on Christmas Eve while her mother and sister were working on the floor. There was a large party of about 30 people booked into an area towards the back of the restaurant.

Shortly after the large party had begun to arrive, she remembered two people entering the restaurant. She focussed on one of the men, who she said was "really tall" and wearing gloves and a balaclava. The only skin she could see was around his eyes.

She said she was "confused" and "didn't know what to think" but as the man walked past her, she noticed he was holding a gun behind his back. It wasn't a pistol, she said, and he needed two hands to hold it.

She said she screamed: "Mam, mam, mam, he has a gun," because she knew her mother was somewhere in the restaurant, but couldn't see her. The witness said she closed her eyes and when she heard the gunshots she thought the gunman was going to shoot everyone so she ran to the kitchen area.

After two to three minutes she went back inside to find her mother.

The witness agreed with defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC that the large party included a number of "quite small kids" and they had not been there long when the gunmen arrived. She said it was "completely terrifying".

Adisa Ajredini told Ms Murphy that she was working in the section where the large party had gathered. She saw a "tall and chubby" man wearing all black, with a balaclava over his face and his hood up walking fast with his hands behind his back "almost like he was marching". She knew from the way he was dressed that he was "there to hurt someone" and when she heard her sister shouting for their mother she became afraid.

She saw the man walking towards her mother and then she heard shots fired from what sounded to her like a machine gun. She estimated that she heard 20 shots before seeing her mother "crawling and seeking shelter".

She pulled her mother under a table and they sheltered together for about five minutes, listening to people "screaming and smashing things".

When she noticed other people leaving, she went to get her phone to call emergency services.

She could see that the restaurant was "wrecked" and noticed the man in black who had walked past her earlier lying on the ground surrounded by blood.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, Judge Elma Sheahan and Judge James Faughnan.

Three men are currently on trial charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry on 24 December, 2023 at Brownes Steakhouse, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

They are Noah Musueni (18), Corduff Park, Blanchardstown; David Amah (18), Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, Dublin; and Michael Andrecut (22), Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown.

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.
Lisa Costello (37) has 23 previous convictions to her name

A chronic alcohol addict told a garda to get your f****** hands off me, you b****** pig after jumping straight out in front of a car on a busy road and onto its bonnet, a court has heard.

Lisa Costello (37) with addresses at Bellview, Mullingar, Westmeath and Sli Nua, Athlone, Co Westmeath pleaded guilty at a sitting of Athlone District Court to being a danger to traffic, public intoxication and using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour at Dublin Road, Mullingar, Westmeath on June 15, 2023.

Costello, who has 23 previous convictions to her name was arrested after gardai were called to reports of a pedestrian having collided with a car shortly after 7pm.

Sgt Sandra Keane said when gardai arrived, officers spoke with the female driver of the vehicle who revealed how a female pedestrian had walked straight out and on to a public road, causing the driver to come to a complete stop.

Lisa Costello launched a tirade of abuse at gardai and ambulance staff following a road traffic incident in Mullingar in June 2023.

She said Costello at that stage jumped on to the bonnet of her car before falling to the ground, causing damage to both it and the vehicles windscreen.

Sgt Keane said ambulance personnel had arrived a short time before gardai where they found Costello in conversation with paramedics in a bid to convey the mother of three to Mullingars Midland Regional Hospital as a precaution.

She said after Garda Marius Stones spoke with Costello it became quite clear she was under the influence of an intoxicant after the Westmeath woman was spotted drinking a can of cider at the scene.

Judge Bernadette Owens was told Costellos level of intoxication was illustrated seconds later when she began to stumble around the road which, at this stage, had become blocked to passing traffic.

Sgt Keane said when Costello refused to be transferred to hospital, she launched a tirade of abuse at both gardai and ambulance paramedics.

Sgt Keane said Costello shouted: Go f*** yourselves and f*** off ye pigs when gardai attempted to restore calm to the situation.

It was during that exchange, Costello told Garda Stones: Get your f****** hands off me, you b****** before yelling: You b****** pig, you have broken my back.

Sgt Keane said the episode caused ambulance staff to leave the scene with Costello being arrested and brought to Mullingar Garda Station.

Lisa Costello was handed an 18-month peace bond after she pleaded guilty to being a source of danger to traffic, public intoxication and using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour after she jumped out in front of a car and onto its bonnet.

A medical examination was subsequently carried out on the accused by a doctor which found she had not sustained any injuries as a result of the incident.

The court heard Costello continued to be very abusive and uncooperative while in custody before she was later charged and released.

In closing the States case, Sgt Keane said Costello had 23 previous convictions which dated back to 2013.

The majority of those stemmed from public order charges with other convictions coming by way of theft and burglary.

In defence, solicitor Mark Cooney said despite the fact his client harboured certain views on the incident, she was tendering a guilty plea to the court.

He said Costello had spent a period of time residing in Dublin, but was now back living in Athlone where she remained intent on re-establishing relationships with her three children who were in State care.

Mr Cooney conceded Costello was someone who continued to labour under a very serious underlying addiction issue which she was taking steps to address.

He also confided that while Costello could be quite vociferous at times, her previous conviction prior to the incident in question was recorded via a court poor box donation in 2019.

There have been considerable periods where she hasnt come to adverse attention, but she has a very serious underlying addiction issue and she knows she has to deal with this, he said.

Having heard both the States case and closing submissions on behalf of the defence, Judge Owens imposed an 18 month peace bond on Costello.
He and another man are being sued for damages

The Irish High Court has been told that UFC star Conor McGregor raped a woman in a Dublin hotel.

Nikita Hand is claiming civil damages against Mr McGregor and another man, James Lawrence alleging she was sexually assaulted in 2018.

Both have denied rape saying they had consensual sex with the woman.

Nicola speaks to Niall Donald about the evidence heard so far.

MORE EPISODES
'DANGEROUS DRIVING' | Mother who killed cyclist and fled the scene is jailed for four years
They have also searched two homes

Gardai are searching open ground at a location in Co Wicklow near the Wicklow/ Kildare border in connection with the investigation into the murder of JoJo Dullard.

It is expected to be excavated, with technical and forensic examinations due over the coming days.

A temporary restricted air space has been put in place by the Irish Aviation Authority in respect of the search area in Co Wicklow.

Gardai also searched two private homes this morning.

The investigation is being led by the team from Kildare Division Serious Crime Unit and the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The search is being carried out by the Kildare Divisional Search team supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and local Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

It also has the support of other state expertise, if it is required, including the attendance of a forensic archaeologist on site.

At a press conference this morning, Garda Superintendent Paul Burke said: An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884 300 or any garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Missing JoJo Dullard. Photo: Crimestoppers Trust/PA Wire.

It comes after gardai arrested a man in his 50s in connection with the young womans disappearance in 1995.

This is the first arrest in the case, which was upgraded from a missing persons to a murder inquiry four years ago.

On Saturday, gardai renewed their appeal for information on the anniversary of her disappearance.

Josephine JoJo Dullard went missing on November 9, 1995, after travelling to Dublin where she spent the evening in Bruxelles Bar on Harry Street.

She missed the last bus home to Kilkenny that evening and instead boarded a bus to Naas, Co Kildare.

She had intended to hitchhike the rest of the way home to Callan, in Co Kilkenny. She hitched a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at Kilcullen, Co Kildare. At approximately 11.15pm, she hitched another lift to Moone, Co Kildare. This is where she was last heard from.

At a phone box she contacted her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm, and told her that a car had stopped to offer her a lift.

Her disappearance was upgraded to a murder investigation in 2020.
I could just bump into him on the street  Hes still very disturbed and even called himself a monster

Shane Troope eyeballs our camera as he struts out of prison

A self-described monster who subjected his former partner to two years of sickening physical assaults refused to apologise to her as he was released from prison this week.

Wexford brute Shane Troope (30) walked free from Castlerea Prison on Friday morning after serving 18 months of a two-year sentence handed down for a series of shocking attacks on the mother of his children, Leanne Hogan.

As he walked out of the jail, Troope initially told our reporter: Theres nothing I want to say to you.

And when pressed on whether he wanted to apologise to Leanne, he responded: Theres two sides to the story and I never got to tell my side.

Shane Troope walks out of Castlerea prison

When it was put to him that this wasnt an apology, he repeated: Theres two sides to the story.

Leanne, who said she had been dreading the day Troope would be released from prison, told the Sunday World: I wasnt expecting an apology but Im sickened by that.

His getting out has been hanging over me for the last week.

It was horrible and now, to know if he comes back to Wexford that I could just bump into him on the street, is really worrying.

Hes still very disturbed, obviously, to come out of prison to say theres two sides to the story.

He could have told his side, if there was one, when this was all gone through in court.

Troope is approached by our reporter

But he didnt  he admitted what he did to me and even called himself a monster. What other side is there? This just shows he has no remorse for what he did, his apology in court was just empty words.

The only side to this story is that he is a woman abuser.

If he had any remorse, then he should have come out this morning and held his hands up and apologised for what hes done.

But no  yet again, hes shown his true colours. After everything he did to me, he wants to play the victim.

Leanne was left with severe brusing (below) after one of the attacks by Troope

Previously Leanne told the Sunday World how, in a series of sickening and brutal physical assaults, 30-year-old Troope:

Hit her repeatedly over the head with his mobile phone, so hard, he smashed the device and left blood streaming down her neck;

Dragged her by the hair onto a bed where he punched and kicked her to the point of unconsciousness, leaving her face and body covered in bruises;

And pressed a 10-inch kitchen knife to her stomach after invading her home, leaving her in desperate fear this was the moment I was going to die. She also told us how, after Troope was jailed, she felt lucky to be alive to tell her story.

There were times I felt like I wasnt going to make it, she said.

.

Times I feared he was going to kill me  and I had thoughts of suicide because I felt that was the only way out. But I want people who are in the same position as I was to know there is help out there and a life beyond this nightmare.

Leanne, who became involved with Troope in 2015 when she was just 18, said the threat of violence and abuse became ever present.

After we moved in together  thats when things started to change little by little, she said.

But the last two years of the relationship, thats when the violence got really bad. Hed gotten heavy into the drink and drugs, sniffing cocaine and drinking vodka.

And when he did he became, and he used these words himself, he became a monster.

Shane Troope eyeballs our camera as he struts out of prison

When he appeared for sentence before Wexford Circuit Court, Troope pleaded guilty to three of the worst assaults he perpetrated on Leanne in the final two years of their relationship.

The first occurred in December 2020. Leanne was sitting in their apartment at the rear of Toss Byrnes in Gorey when she asked Troope about a text he was sending to another woman.

He went absolutely mad. And then he started smashing the corner of the phone off my head, she recalled.

I was always afraid of Shane, walking on eggshells, but I was extra scared of him after that, of him being violent and how far he could take it.

The next assault Troope was charged with occurred when Leanne woke him at 3pm or 4pm to ask him for help with the children.

He jumped up out of the bed and basically punched the head off me, Leanne recalled

By late 2022, Troope had been asked to leave the couples apartment by their landlord.

Leanne suffered at the hands of her partner

But, after getting into the property, Troope went on a rampage, ripping out the contents of the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen.

Blaming Leanne for alerting gardai when he had tried to enter the property earlier, he picked up a 10-inch kitchen knife from the floor and held it to her stomach.

At that moment, I thought he was finally going to do it  he was going to kill me  and I said that to the gardai in my statement, Leanne recalls.

All I remember saying was: Please dont  please dont  please dont.

Leanne said: Ill be ringing the guards to let them know he has been released. I shouldnt have to live in fear that hes going to turn up outside my home.
Russian occupiers blew up the Kurakhove water reservoir dam in the village of Stari Terny, Donetsk region, a soldier of the 24th Separate Assault Battalion "Aidar" and the mayor of the town of Henichesk in Kherson region, Stanislav Buniatov, has said on Monday.

"Several villages in the direction of Bohatyr (15 kilometers west of the dam) have been flooded. The roads remain usable, but with certain nuances, the movement of armored vehicles on dirt roads around these settlements is of course limited," he said in a Telegram message.

Head of Kurakhove Town Military Administration Roman Padun, for his part, said that the water level really began to rise in the villages located near the Terny dam, but it is impossible to assess the nature of the damage to the dam now.

"We know that there is water coming through the villages located near the Terny dam. We cannot confirm the nature of the damage and how critical its condition is. We cannot inspect the dam now because of the constant shelling," he told Suspilne Donbas.

According to the official, there is data that the water is approaching the settlements of the Velyka Novosilka community.

"There is water coming there as if the floodgates are open. We state the fact that the dam is probably damaged," Padun said.

The town of Kurakhove is located on the bank of the Kurakhove reservoir on the Vovcha River. Below Stari Terny, in the floodplain of the Vovcha River, there are villages and settlements Dachne, Shevchenko, Ulakly, Andriyivka, Kostiantynopil, Oleksiyivka, Bohatyr, Zeleny Kut, Novoukrainka of the Velyka Novosilka community, Volnovakha district, Donetsk region.

Evacuation teams of the police, the State Emergency Service, as well as volunteers are working in the area to evacuate civilians. All willing civilians can leave the flooded areas.
A man in his 50s has been arrested in connection with her murder 29 years ago

The suspect arrested in connection with the murder of Josephine JoJo Dullard is not Larry Murphy, sources have confirmed to sundayworld.com .

A man in his 50s is currently being detained at a station in Co. Kildare.

Meanwhile, gardai are searching open ground at a location in Co.Wicklow near the Wicklow/ Kildare border.

It is expected to be excavated, with technical and forensic examinations due over the coming days.

Gardai also searched two private homes this morning.

Larry Murphy was considered as a person of interest in the case by Operation Trace, set up by gardai to investigate the disappearance of six women in what became known as Irelands Vanishing Triangle.

JoJo Dullard, Annie McCarrick and Deirdre Jacob vanished from an area on the East coast of Ireland between 1993 and 1998, along with Ciara Breen, Fiona Sinnott and Fiona Pender.

Clockwise from top left: Annie McCarrick, JoJo Dullard, Fiona Pender, Deirdre Jacob, Fiona Sinnott and Ciara Breen

Larry Murphy was a suspect in the murder of Deirdre Jacob, however, in 2022, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed no charges be brought against him.

Deirdre Jacob (18) was last seen metres from the front gate of her home in Newbridge, Co Kildare on Tuesday, July 28, 1998.

In 2018, her disappearance was upgraded to murder with gardai saying that they had received vital new "credible and corroborated" information that led to Larry Murphy becoming the chief suspect in the murder of the 18-year-old.

Larry Murphy

Two years later in February 2020, gardai prepared all their evidence in the case and sent a file linking Murphy to the murder of Deirdre Jacob to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Investigators believe Ciara Breen, Fiona Sinnott, and Fiona Pender were all murdered by someone known to them.

Last year Annie McCarricks disappearance was upgraded to a murder investigation.

Today marks the first time someone has been arrested in connection with JoJos death after her missing persons case was upgraded to a murder investigation in 2020.

At a press conference this morning, a garda spokesperson said: An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884 300 or any garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Missing JoJo Dullard. Photo: Crimestoppers Trust/PA Wire.

On Saturday, gardai renewed their appeal for information on the anniversary of her disappearance.

Josephine JoJo Dullard went missing on November 9, 1995, after travelling to Dublin where she spent the evening in Bruxelles Bar on Harry Street.

She missed the last bus home to Kilkenny that evening and instead boarded a bus to Naas, Co Kildare.

She had intended to hitchhike the rest of the way home to Callan, in Co Kilkenny. She hitched a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at Kilcullen, Co Kildare. At approximately 11.15pm, she hitched another lift to Moone, Co Kildare. This is where she was last heard from.

At a phone box she contacted her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm, and told her that a car had stopped to offer her a lift.
Irish suspect had met Mackenzie Michalski in a nightclub before going to a property

The parents of an American nurse allegedly murdered by an Irish man in Hungary have expressed their gratitude for the efforts that were made to find their daughter.

Mackenzie Michalski (31), known as Kenzie, was reported missing on November 5 after she failed to return to her Airbnb in Budapest.

A 37-year-old Irishman was arrested in relation to the investigation, with authorities saying that he confessed to her killing, and that he tried to conceal her body in a suitcase in a wooded area.

The Irish suspect in the Budapest murder

Officials have also said that the Irishman met Ms Michalski in a nightclub before bringing her back to the rented property.

Friends of the American woman had launched several appeals on social media to help find her while she was missing.

In an update over the weekend her friend, Monika Vari, said that Kenzies parents were grateful for the effort to try to find their daughter.

I am deeply touched by the thank-you letters I received from Kenzies family and friends, Monika Vari wrote.

I received the message from Kenzies parents, and Niki also passed on the gratitude and hug they sent me virtually.

I helped from my heart, as did others whom I didnt know before but now consider friends. These people were there to support me from the very first moment in the search.

Mackenzie Michalski, Budapest murder victim

When I set up the chat, I gathered people from the comments who were genuinely interested in helping in any way they could. Over the past few days, a large group has come together, with people joining from all around the world. It has been truly heartwarming to see what people can achieve when united for a common cause, as one.

According to police information released to local media, the suspect was arrested in a rented apartment in Terezvaros.

Police told local media it appeared the man killed Mackenzie during an intimate relationship.

They said the accused had tried to hide the traces of the murder.

He allegedly cleaned his apartment and hid her body in a wardrobe while he went to get a suitcase.

Mackenzie Michalski was reported missing on November 5 in Budapest

The investigators also found out that after allegedly killing Mackenzie, the Irish man searched the internet terms including: Do pigs really eat corpses? The appearance of wild boar in the settlements along the Lake Balaton. What does the corpse smell like after decomposes? And, removal of rotting meat smell.

Local media also allege the suspect appeared to have researched the chances of being identified for the crime.

Read more Irishman held over murder of US nurse claims he accidentally killed her during sex

They said, in this regard, he also searched for web cameras in Budapest, as well as How does the police handle cases of missing persons? And how reliable is the police in Budapest?.

The Irish citizen was taken into custody by the police and his arrest was initiated.

Police said before her death, Mackenzie Michalski was seen with the man at a nightclub and officers found him after harvesting CCTV footage from the venue.
The national forecaster has warned of both poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions for those counties affected

The national forecaster has warned of both poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions for those counties affected.

"Fairly widespread mist and fog expected, thickening and becoming dense in places, it said.

The counties under the warning are: Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and all of the counties in Connacht.

The warning takes effect from 7pm this evening, lasting until 10am tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, highest temperatures today peaked between nine and 13 degrees.

It will stay dry and clear tonight although some mist and fog might form, turning dense in some parts with a touch of frost.

Temperatures will drop to zero and four degrees and might turn a bit colder in some inland areas.

Mist and fog might be slow to clear tomorrow morning as they are likely to linger in some spots until Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday will be another dry day with spells of sunshine while the western coasts might see patches of drizzle. Highest temperatures will range between seven and 11 degrees.

It will be dry for most on Tuesday night, with some areas of mist and fog forming.

Meanwhile, it will turn cloudier in the west and north overnight, with isolated patches of light rain and drizzle developing.

Temperatures will drop to to lows of two to five degrees although it might be slightly milder under the cloud cover in the west and northwest.

Wednesday morning will bring a foggy start in some parts. It will be a mostly dry and cloudy day with scattered patches of light rain and drizzle feeding from the north.

Temperatures will be between nine and 13 degrees, before dropping to two degrees in the northeast and nine degrees in the west and southwest overnight.

It might be quite cloudy and mostly dry on Wednesday night, though isolated patches of light rain and drizzle are likely to linger. There will be some clear spells developing towards morning.

This week will see a good deal of dry weather as the cloud cover will increase with patches of rain and drizzle at times.

Temperatures are set to be close to normal with minimal rainfall amounts.
The details of the casualties were listed in hospital records and an Associated Press reporter saw two of the bodies

Relatives mourn near the bodies of those killed in the Israeli attack on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp

Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli strike hit a tent sheltering a displaced family in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least three people, including the parents of twins.

The strike in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp late on Sunday seriously injured the two children, aged 10, who were being treated at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah.

The details of the casualties were listed in hospital records and an Associated Press reporter saw two of the bodies.

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The Israeli military has said it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians.

Palestinians reported heavy bombing late on Sunday in the western areas of Nuseirat camp, which dates back to the 1948 war surrounding Israels creation.

At least 24 people were wounded and taken to the Awda hospital in Nuseirat, said Mohamed Muhareb, head of the hospitals ambulance service.

Meanwhile, a senior diplomat for the United Arab Emirates called on the world to focus on the plight of civilians and de-escalate the ongoing Mideast wars.

Anwar Gargashs remarks, made at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, followed the pattern of comments made by the UAE amid the Mideast wars. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms home to Dubai, diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020.

Bodies of those killed in the Israeli attack on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp are brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital

The complexities of the region require a steady hand and a clear and consistent vision, Mr Gargash said.

The recent cycle of escalation between Israel and Iran cannot become a permanent feature of the strategic landscape of our region. This must be addressed through a political framework.

He called for pragmatism and a serious political horizon to resolve the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reach a two-state solution. He described the war in the Gaza Strip as being driven by extremists on both sides, from the Israeli and Arab side.

However, he also called the systemic violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza criminal and unacceptable.

He added: At the present time, it is vital to identify that not all crises stem from the Palestinian issue, yet it undeniably remains central to the conflict in our region.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on a school run by UNRWA in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana, File)

The UAE has provided aid for both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon in the wars, while maintaining its diplomatic ties with Israel. The UAE has, however, strenuously criticised Israels conduct.

Mr Gargash also offered criticism of governance in both the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

In both Palestine and Lebanon, a drastic reform is essential for the world to step in and provide considerable support, Mr Gargash said.
Weather Eye

with John Maunder

Climate Change is Not a major problem

Bryan Leyland (in a recent review in the New Zealand Centre for Political Research) notes that underlying almost everything we hear from the mainstream media is based on an assumption that if New Zealand reduces its emissions of greenhouse gases, our climate will improve. This he says ... is nonsense because any reduction we make in greenhouse gases will swiftly be blown off into othe Pacific. It is also worth noting that, according to Bjorn Lomborg, if every country that signed the Paris Agreement abided by their promises until 2100, the world would be cooler by a trivial 0.17 C. As many countries are not abiding by their promises, we cannot expect any measurable reduction in temperature. New Zealands only sensible option is to adapt to our ever-changing climate, and stop squandering money on a futile attempt to control it. Leyland also notes that We hear a lot about 1.5C tipping points that, it is claimed, could melt Greenland ice, destroy Amazon rainforest, trigger rapidly rising sea levels, and so on. The evidence from ice cores is that previous warm periods were warmer than pre industrial temperatures by more than 1.5C. The Bronze Age, the Roman and the Medieval warm periods all brought prosperity to many countries. Without a prosperous economy they could not have afforded to build so many cathedrals!

Regarding recent weather disasters (in New Zealand), many commentators seem to be unaware that past weather events were at least as severe and that much of the flooding was due to inadequate drainage in urban areas. For instance, Esk Valley floods were as bad in 1938 and worse in 1897. He who ignores history is doomed to repeat it . Leyland also says that We hear lots of claims that inaction in emissions comes with a massive financial bill from the Paris Agreement. Nonsense: the Agreement does not have penalties. Given its futility, New Zealand should either opt out of the Agreement or, like the majority of countries that have signed the Agreement, ignore it. Given that Article 2(b) says that we should not do anything that threatens food production, why are so many people complaining about removing agricultural emissions from the Emissions Trading Scheme? The New Zealand Governments latest Climate Strategy says that climate change is already costing New Zealand and the costs are likely to grow. It is notably silent on whether or not anything that we do will change our climate; but the whole thrust of the strategy implies that this is the case. Deliberate deception? People dont expect governments to spend vast amounts of money for no return; but this is happening.

The first pillar of the Strategy is to build up our resistance to inevitable climate change: this can only be a good move. The second pillar of the NZ Governments Strategy says that they will rely on the market to reduce emissions at the lowest cost. Which is certainly an improvement on the current situation where nobody considers the bang for the buck of various options and chooses the best. The third pillar is to have clean energy abundant and affordable. It might be abundant but it is certainly not affordable because of the very high cost of providing backup for the times when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining. The fourth pillar is to have world leading innovation boosting the economy and the fifth pillar is to have nature based solutions addressing climate change. Leyland says Im not sure what theyre getting at. If this includes growing carbon forests and building solar farms on productive farmland then they are flying in the face of Article 2 of the Paris Agreement

Air New Zealand and Green Credentials

Search for Air New Zealands big bold climate action plan and you get a black screen with the words: This site is under review Dubbed Flight NZO (zero), the airline called it its most important journey yet; its commitment to finding a more sustainable way to connect with the world by buying greener planes and using greener fuel. That journey has been disrupted after the airline dropped its 2030 goal to reduce carbon intensity by nearly a third from its 2019 baseline. It has also pulled out of the Science-Based Targets initiative, a scheme involving corporates around the world. The airline says it is sticking with the goal of net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050 and it is working on a new near-term carbon emissions reduction target that could better reflect the challenges relating to aircraft and alternative jet fuel availability within the industry. The move comes as airlines around the world face court action over their sustainability claims, so called greenwashing.

Newsrooms David Williams says the sceptics of Air New Zealands climate ambitions, including Tourism Professor James Higham, had warned early on that they would face greater scrutiny. I guess hes saying that its very hard for an airline to claim environmental exceptionalism. Its not exceptional in terms of its ability to reduce its carbon footprint. So he would say there needs to be a bit more reality about what theyre saying about their sustainability. Despite the move, Williams says the airline is seen as a sustainability leader by the industry, particularly for its offsets programme where customers can opt to pay for tree planting to offset their emissions. And theres all sorts of things you can do at the airport as well to save energy and to not emit carbon; but actually the big one is the big source of your emissions and that is flying planes. Its really hard to say youre an environmental leader when youre burning fossil fuels all the time. The airlines announcement came on the same day that the Climate Change Commission warned that New Zealand risks missing key emissions targets under current government policies.

Newsrooms Marc Daalder says people often find the stories confusing and discouraging but there was some optimistic news in the same report. We either want to hear that were doing well or were not doing well but the message often takes a little bit more nuance than that. That report said on the one hand New Zealands emissions have fallen every year in a row since 2019. That same report says we may be on track to meet our near term emissions targets but were not on track to meet our medium and long-term emissions targets. He explains to The Detail why government policies have played only a small part in the reductions to date; and why were now not on target for net zero 2050 emissions. For example, he says, the goals are ambitious and require deep cuts to the climate pollution produced from transport, energy, industry, waste and households. Compared with most other developed countries New Zealands emissions are higher per capita, mainly due to our agriculture. New Zealands net zero 2050 targets are also less ambitious because they do not include agriculture. Weve got less stringent targets, were just getting started on our journey and at the same time we now have a government that is cancelling a lot of climate policies, reworking the emissions plan and producing new plans that dont have us on track to meet our targets . There are other countries that are facing backslides on climate or are at risk of doing so, like the United States, but New Zealand is part of a smaller core of countries that are actually taking backsteps on climate.
The 22-year-old had hitchhiked to the property to speak to her former partner, Te Ngare Te Ake Ake, and initially, he asked her to leave.

A woman who turned up to her exs shack on a rural property to smooth things over between them, ended up being beaten with a hammer and held there for two days .

However, as she started to walk away, he had a change of heart and told her to come back. Then he took her phone, Tauranga District Court heard this week at his sentencing.

What followed were days of assaults at his hands, beginning with him striking her with closed fists and kicking her as she lay on the ground, causing her to lose consciousness.

He also hit the left side of her face with a hammer.

Sometime later, he grabbed her by the throat to the point her vision went blurry and she passed out.

The woman reported feeling like her eyes were trying to pop out of her head and she had ringing in her ears.

After she woke up, Te Ake Ake, 25, told her she was a cheating b**** and that he hated her and couldnt let her go.

Ive got to kill you now, he said.

Te Ake Ake pleaded guilty to four charges on the morning of trial, after a resolution with the Crown was reached which saw three charges dismissed.

He repeated that threat during the two days she remained at the property. He also threatened to chop off her fingers and toes, asking her to hold them out so he could see them.

The woman feared he would follow through on the threats, and when she attempted to leave, she was told that if she did, or if her family came to get her, he would shoot them and bury them on the property.

She didnt have free access to her phone and said Te Ake Ake had made her tell her mother and friends that shed been in a car accident but was okay.

After receiving the concerning messages, the womans mother turned up at his house. According to the summary of facts, Te Ake Ake was hesitant to let his ex leave but eventually allowed her to go with her mother.

It was a spontaneous act

Te Ake Ake pleaded guilty to injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping (unlawful detention), strangulation, and threatening to kill after a resolution was reached on the morning of trial in August  as part of that, the Crown agreed three charges be dismissed by the court.

Te Ake Akes lawyer, Tony Rickard-Simms, said at sentencing that the Crowns submission that there had been premeditation needed to be viewed in context.

He said the address was remote and was accessed by a gravel road. It wasnt a situation where Te Ake Ake had sought the woman out, and the weapon used  a hammer  was already there.

It was in the shack [his dwelling] because that was how he kept it together ... there was no planning or premeditation.

However, Crown prosecutor Caitlin Bourke said while he hadnt sought out the woman, his actions couldnt be said to be spontaneous, because after the woman went to leave, Te Ake Ake had invited her back, and then was violent to her over multiple days.

Rickard-Simms responded further to this point, referring to statements from both the woman and Te Ake Ake.

He said when the woman went to leave, Te Ake Ake realised she had no way of going anywhere, as there were no buses, she didnt have transport, and the property was remote.

It was those circumstances that prompted him to invite her back inside, Rickard-Simms submitted.

It wasnt until he was looking at her phone and started questioning her about other people, that the assault occurred. In my submission, it was a spontaneous act.

Rickard-Simms said Te Ake Ake had got her blankets and fed her during the time she was there, and suggested it was as much to do with the isolation of the place, that she had remained there, as anything else.

Threats to bury woman and family

But the Crown said the seriousness of the offending included the multiple strikes to the victims head and face area, including with a hammer, when she lay vulnerable on the ground.

She had been strangled to the point she couldnt breathe and the accompanying threats to her life aggravated this.

The remoteness of the property, and that it was rural, added to the sense of threat in his assertions that he would kill her, and would bury her and her family at the property, Bourke said.

The woman suffered broken teeth, a fractured cheekbone, swollen and bruised eyes, bleeding on her right ear drum, forehead swelling, and bruising over both legs.

The summary of facts said she had asked for help after the assaults but Te Ake Ake did not get her medical attention.

In her victim impact statement referred to by the judge, the woman said she had ongoing anxiety and depression, and struggled with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

She endured flashbacks, struggled with physical affection from others, and suffered migraines.

She felt scared and isolated, and had moved away from Tauranga, and her family, after the offending.

Rickard-Simms said Te Ake Ake had become upset when he read the victim impact statement, which the judge noted he should be given the ongoing effects on her.

Rickard-Simms also read a letter of support from Deacon Ricky Kuka, Te Ake Akes uncle. The letter said he had known Te Ake Ake his whole life.

His family are so supportive in every way for Te Ngare because of his big heart and his ever-giving kindness, the letter said.

When it came to sentencing, Judge Melinda Mason took into account Te Ake Akes age, background, struggles with addiction, remorse, and guilty pleas, and applied relevant discounts for those factors.

A one-month uplift was applied for previous convictions.

He received an end sentence of four years and five months imprisonment.

Judge Mason concluded by encouraging Te Ake Ake that she had seen correspondence to say he was doing well in custody, had changed the ways he was viewing life, engaging in courses offered in prison, and had strong support from his family.

FAMILY VIOLENCE
The dual skillsets of the New Zealand Defence Forces highly trained Reservists have been on full display this weekend, during the fourth and final joint surgical field exercise between the Defence Force and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

Reserve Force medical specialists including surgeons, nurses and anaesthetists have swapped their usual scrubs for uniforms and gathered at Whanganui Hospital for the fourth year running of exercise Etu.

This final iteration of the exercise has seen the reservists operating in a full field environment, under tents situated within the hospital campus.

The NZDFs Officer Commanding General Health Support Squadron, Major James Josephs, said its an invaluable opportunity for personnel to not only brush up on their own skills in a military environment, but it also helps advance and develop the NZDFs broader capabilities.

In their day-to-day lives, these specialists are employed in hospitals and clinics across the motu, but for some time during the year they switch hospital corridors for deployment zones and field environments to support our Defence Force on missions.

These highly trained medical personnel hold a dual set of skills which sees them transition seamlessly between civilian life and military capability, and its great to be able to see that in action on exercises like this.

The surgical theatre.

The exercise has seen the team performing surgeries as if they are on deployment where there are no hospitals or medical facilities.

Pre-consented (and very excited) patients lined up for the experience of having their surgeries performed in military tents, in order to help make the experience as real as possible for the team.

Due to most of our Reserve Force personnel working across different hospitals, the opportunity to come together and train as a complete team is incredibly important in order for us to be able to perform in high pressure environments  its a crucial part of our training.

The added bonus here is that weve been able to provide genuine high-level care to patients who needed it, and so its been very valuable for us to be here.

Kath Fraser-Chapple, Group Director Operations Whanganui, says she is proud of the relationship that has been developed with the NZDF over recent years to allow these joint exercises to go ahead.

Being able to assist them in their readiness to be deployed has been incredibly rewarding for the hospital. Our patients have also benefitted from the skills and experience of the visiting health team.
A dawn karakia at Te Rerenga Wairua has launched a national hikoi opposing the Treaty Principles bill and government policy impacting Maori.

Hikoi mo te Tiriti participants gathered for a dawn blessing on Monday morning ahead of a nine-day journey to Wellington, with thousands expected to join the convoy as it makes its way across the country.

The hikoi convoy will travel through Northland and is expected to make its first stop in Kaitaia at 10am Monday.

Participants will continue on to Moerewa, then Kawakawa, before arriving in Whangarei which will mark the first leg of the journey.

Minister of Police Mark Mitchell told Morning Report they were not expecting any problems, and a major operations centre had been set up.

Tauranga Moana is not on the hikoi trail but lit fires on the week to "symbolises the heating of the whenua which will feed into the mauri of our hikoi. Its a traditional practice that brings people together to support the kaupapa. Read more here.

Follow RNZ's live updates here:
The Rotorua-based Mud Maidens womens ride group held its sixth annual Enduro event with record attendance.

More than 143 women entered the event earlier this month from around the country  including an Australian visitor who spotted the action and joined in.

The largest category was the micro-maidens (under 15-year-olds) and the second largest was the Mature Maidens (those aged 40 to 49).

There were record entries in the Mud Maidens Enduro event this year. Photo / Supplied by Sarah Lord

The Mud Maidens set up the womens only event to cater for intermediate to advanced riders. It was designed to be an introduction to Enduro racing with trails being released early and practice rides organised to build racer confidence.
Hundreds of schools are among critical infrastructure at risk from sea level rise now and in decades to come, data provided to the government shows.

Fire stations, marae, energy infrastructure and airports are also at direct risk from coastal flooding and landslides, while about 80,000 homes and 140,000 people risk being cut off from all critical services during a major weather event, with just a small sea level rise.

The data was compiled by Urban Intelligence, a climate resilience research organisation, as part of the Climate Change Commission's first progress report on the country's National Adaptation Plan.

That progress report found that New Zealand was not adapting to climate change at the pace or scale it needed to.

More detailed data provided to RNZ by Urban Intelligence shows that 77 schools around the country are already considered 'at risk' from coastal inundation in a one-in-100 year event, and that climbs with every 10 centimetres of additional sea level rise.

Just a 20cm increase - predicted within a few decades on some parts of the coast - would place more than 100 schools at risk, and two metres of sea level rise would put 257 schools in the line of fire - 10 percent of all schools around the country.

The most heavily affected districts include Napier, Thames-Coromandel and Buller, with 60 percent or more schools in each district expected to be directly at risk once sea levels rise by 2m.

With a 20cm increase, nearly 1300 bridges and 2000 roads would also be exposed to flooding, along with 15 fire stations, 14 of the country's 83 airports and 79 transmission structures such as pylons.

The data did not measure the level of damage that could be caused, which was also important, the assessment said.

"For example, an asset might be exposed, but may be sufficiently robust to withstand that level of exposure."

Idyllic - and under threat

Colville School, with a roll of 32, is among several small schools dotted along the western side of the Coromandel peninsula that are deemed 'at risk' from coastal inundation.

Principal Susie Sumner said big weather events in the last couple of years had already caused road closures, power outages and some flooding to the school and surrounding community.

"Around the fenceline we have the swamp area, as the children like to call it, and then we just walk 50m down the road and then we're directly onto the foreshore. So any changes in the water level is quite significant for us."

At the peak of the Covid pandemic, the school closed more often for weather-related power outages than it did for Covid lockdowns or illnesses, Sumner said.

The school had been able to access funding during that time for a generator, which now sat outside Sumner's office.

"So when we do get power outages, which is often, we are able to run the school and then people can access our community for food and water and everything else."

The school was now considering how it could fund solar power to build on its generator capacity, Sumner said.

More recently, the school had to make sure its water tanks have some water in them at all times, even if it was not needed, to stop them popping out of the ground and floating during a storm tide.

Fortunately, most of the school buildings were raised up well above the ground and protected from flooding for now, she said.

"[But] when we're making plans we're ensuring that whatever is put in place within our 10-year property plan, our five-year property plan, or even things like putting a swing set in, is that we are making a choice as to, 'OK, if this needs to be moved in the future, are we going to be able to do it or is this the best place to put it?'"

Urban Intelligence technical director Tom Logan said the 20cm sea level increase used as a benchmark in the Climate Change Commission report was no longer just theoretical.

"Regardless of whether we're optimistic or pessimistic we know that 20cm is pretty certain to happen.

"That's definitely not to say that we shouldn't be managing or planning for significantly more than 20cm, especially in the longer term."

Direct exposure to flooding was important, but so too was measuring the number of private properties at risk of isolation from all essential services, Logan said.

"From research overseas, we've seen that that can occur decades earlier than the direct risk and it's one of the things we haven't really talked about much," he said.

However, it was an important factor to consider when creating adaptation policies.

"When we talk about managed buy-out of properties what qualifies for that? Is it just the direct exposure, or should we also be thinking about this indirect risk, where a property might actually not be habitable because you don't have access to essential services?"

Susie Sumner said that, for Colville, "isolation is the key".

"We are a peninsula. However, in real terms, it feels very much like an island because we're often cut off - and that could be from the rest of the peninsula, or it could be from each other."

Her students could see the effects of climate change every time the road closed because of storms, she said.

"It is an everyday part of life and learning in our community."

Raising resilience

Climate Change Commission chief executive Jo Hendy said the third metric the report used, alongside direct exposure and isolation risk, was the 'social vulnerability' of communities.

That metric was included because it was vital to consider how resilient a community was alongside the physical risk, Hendy said.

"Looking at just, say, the direct flooding of buildings or infrastructure doesn't actually give you the full picture about what's going to happen to people.

"You need to be able to actually prioritise your effort and avoid cost and heartache."

Areas with low incomes might not have the resources to prepare emergency kits or adapt their housing, she said.

But social vulnerability did not just include the wealth levels of a community.

"For example, in areas where you've got a high proportion of elderly or young families then being cut off from access to healthcare or access to going to school, it's gonna hit a lot harder."

Climate Change Commission chief executive Jo Hendy says communities' ability to respond to climate change is an important consideration. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas.

Everyone had a role to play in adapting to climate change, Hendy said.

"Whether it's people thinking about where they live, where they do business, whether it's local communities or local council thinking about their planning and where development should take place, or whether it's about central government thinking about the broader frameworks that support adaptation."

One of the easiest things to do was to avoid increasing exposure in the first place, she said.

"Avoid making the problem worse by doubling down [on development] in high-risk areas."

Hendy did not believe New Zealanders had their heads fully around adaptation yet.

"I think we're still in that really reactive space and we need to pivot really fast to being proactive - so having a very clear framework at a national level, really clear processes, clarity around roles and responsibilities, and also being really clear around how the costs will be managed."

That included making sure communities were empowered to make good decisions, she said.

"Those decisions need to be made on the basis of good information about what the risks are, and also a really good understanding of what the consequences of their choices are. So they know that if they do build in a certain area, what compensation or that no compensation might be available."

Climate Change Simon Watts wants to get cross-party support for climate adaptation legislation. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly.

In October, Parliament's finance and expenditure select committee tabled the report from its inquiry into climate adaptation.

That report set out some principles for forthcoming legislation that Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has said he wants to get enduring cross-party support for.

However, the report's preamble said some of the committee's own members believed the recommendations were vague, open to interpretation, in places contradictory, and avoided some of the most challenging questions.

The government's response to the inquiry report is due in early 2025.

-RNZ.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/vadym.filashkin/

Head of Donetsk Regional Military Administration Vadym Filashkin has confirmed that the Russian occupiers damaged the Kurakhove reservoir dam in the village of Stari Terny and this poses threat to residents of the villages in the floodplain of the Vovcha River.

"The Russian forces damaged the Kurakhove reservoir dam. This strike poses a potential threat to the residents of the settlements on the Vovcha River in both Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions," he said on the Telegram channel on Monday.

As of 4 p.m., it was established that the water level within the Velyka Pysarivka community, Volnovakha community, Donetsk region, has risen tentatively by 1.2 meters.

"No flooding of houses has been recorded so far! We continue to monitor the level of water in the river and we are ready for the developments. The situation is under my personal control," Filashkin said.

Earlier, a soldier of the 24th Separate Assault Battalion "Aidar" and the mayor of the town of Henichesk in Kherson region, Stanislav Buniatov, informed about the blowing up of the dam by the occupiers.

"Several villages in the direction of Bohatyr (15 kilometers west of the dam) have been flooded. The roads remain usable, but with certain nuances, the movement of armored vehicles on dirt roads around these settlements is of course limited," he said in a Telegram message.

Head of Kurakhove Town Military Administration Roman Padun, for his part, said that the water level really began to rise in the villages located near the Terny dam, but it is impossible to assess the nature of the damage to the dam now. He also said that there is water approaching settlements in the Velyka Pysarivka community.

The town of Kurakhove is located on the bank of the Kurakhove reservoir on the Vovcha River. Below Stari Terny, in the floodplain of the Vovcha River, there are villages and settlements Dachne, Shevchenko, Ulakly, Andriyivka, Kostiantynopil, Oleksiyivka, Bohatyr, Zeleny Kut, Novoukrainka of the Velyka Novosilka community, Volnovakha district, Donetsk region.
Police have opened an investigation after two firearms incidents in the Waikato region overnight.

The first report was received just before 3am on Orchard West Road, Ngatea after a man reportedly assaulted another man and threatened him with a firearm.

The second incident was reported in Kerepehi, minutes later, just after 3am.

A male in a vehicle reportedly presented a firearm at a person along State Highway 2, a police spokesperson said in a statement released today.

"The vehicle, described as a silver ute with a canopy, left the scene and is yet to be located.

:We would like to speak to anyone who was in the Orchard West Road area, or along State Highway 2 in Kerepehi at around 3am.

"This includes any dashcam or CCTV footage.

"Police are treating these as separate incidents."

Police ask anyone with any information that could help, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 241111/3896.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
SUR in English Monday, 11 November 2024, 12:26 Compartir

Gibraltar's ceremony to mark Remembrance Sunday was held at the British War Memorial on Line Wall Road at noon, organised by HM Government of Gibraltar.

The service was led by the governor, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst, in his capacity as the king's representative in Gibraltar.

He was accompanied by several members of the government of Gibraltar, headed by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Zoom The ceremony in Gibraltar on Sunday. SUR

A two-minutes' silence was observed and wreaths were laid as part of an inter-denominational service and the ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

Former servicemen and women wore their medals as did relatives of deceased services personnel.

Gibraltar was also represented at the UK National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, on Sunday. Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez was invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Gibraltar to recognise the many lives lost by Gibraltarians in the service of the Crown, particularly in the two world wars.

Meanwhile, the Director of Gibraltar House Brussels, Daniel DAmato MBE, was invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Gibraltar at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Heverlee, Belgium. The cemetery is the final resting place for 984 WWI and WWII casualties from seven nations. Gibraltars participation at this Act of Remembrance was at the invitation of the Brussels Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Zoom Royal Gibraltar Police officers and civilian staff on Monday. SUR

On Monday, 11 November, Royal Gibraltar Police officers and civilian staff at New Mole House Police Station marked Armistice Day with the traditional two minutes' silence at 11am.
Enrique Bellver Malaga Monday, 11 November 2024, 10:31 Compartir

Miguel Angel Mayor has returned to Malaga, where he spent part of his childhood and adolescence, from the age of 6 to 16, before moving to Catalonia. He trained as a chef alongside Ferran Adria at El Bulli, becoming the head of research and development at the restaurant and has also worked alongside the Valencian Quique Dacosta and the Basque Andoni Luis Aduriz at Mugaritz.

In 2017 he opened Sucede in Valencia and in a short time it was awarded its first Michelin star, but, just as everything was pointing to him getting a second one, unfortunately it had to close because of the pandemic. From Valencia he went to England, Scotland and back to Barcelona, although only for a short time, as he did not want to give up the opportunity to come to Malaga to showcase his cuisine when he was offered the position of executive chef at Cavala.

Cavala Address: Alameda de Colon, 5. Malaga



Web: Cavala Malaga

Price: Menu Presagio. Four courses and dessert: 70; Menu Recuerdos: 95

Valuation: Kitchen: 9; Dining room: 8; wine list: 8.5; Rating: 9 / 10

Accepting the challenge must not have been easy. Although Malaga is experiencing a very sweet moment gastronomically, the reality is that avant-garde and creative cuisine has a narrow margin of acceptance and even more so if a restaurant only offers the possibility of a closed menu. Miguel Angel's restaurant is limited to two menus: Presagio, with a four courses and dessert; and the Menu Recuerdo, a seven courses and dessert. But this view changes radically vision, once you have tasted his menus. Miguel Angel not only has skill and experience behind him, he also has the creativity and imagination to transform those culinary memories of his time in Malaga into sensations that are hard to forget.

Preparations such as prickly pear vermouth, fried fish with cheese, pickled carrots and quail will reach the palate and make us sigh with every mouthful and in every part of the menu. Technique, imagination and balance have come together to reveal another dimension of Malaga's cuisine.

The arrival of Miguel Angel to the local restaurant business will mark a before and after in the cuisine of Malaga in the 21st century. But Cavala would not be at the height of these elaborations without a wine list in line with the two menus. David Orellana is the sommelier and he gets it right when it comes to choosing the wines that go best with the 'series' of the day.

Zoom

Gilda malaguena

Miguel Angel has been able to bring to Cavala the culinary creativity he already had in Gerona and Valencia, proof of which is precisely this perfectly deconstructed Ensalada Malaguena.

Zoom

Salmon

This salmon is one of the dishes from the 'memories' menu that we will undoubtedly remember most for its balance of flavours. A fried and smoked tail, the loin with a demiglace.

Zoom

Berenjena con miel de cana

All the flavour of Frigiliana aubergines with molasses is concentrated in this attractive recreation of delicate slices of aubergine.

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Foie curado

Imagination and lots and lots of creativity, well executed and with a balance of flavours to make a foie gras into a dessert to end a seven-series menu. Honey is the common thread and impregnates the dish with sweetness.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Monday, 11 November 2024, 17:50 Compartir

Spain's state weather agency has issued at 12.05pm hours this Monday, 11 November, a "special warning of adverse phenomena", with the risk of "heavy to torrential rainfall" on the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands. The situation is forecast to develop between Tuesday, 12 and last at least until Saturday, 16 November, with a degree of probability "very high (greater than 70%)".

The Aemet communique specifically cites the provinces of Malaga and Granada as being at the epicentre of the cyclogenesis that is already taking shape, due to an 'isolated cold low' (BFA), according to the local head of the Aemet weather centre, Jesus Riesco. In this case, the worst is expected to happen on Wednesday, when throughout the day amounts are expected in both areas "that could exceed 180mm, although they cannot be ruled out in the areas surrounding the aforementioned zones, as well as in the Balearic Islands". This value refers to the whole 24 hours of the 13th, and the rain could also continue on Thursday, 14 November.

In these and other areas, rainfall is expected, with a high probability of being "very heavy, without ruling out locally torrential and even persistent". For this reason, an amber warning has been activated, for accumulated rainfall of between 30 and 60mm one hour, and more than 100-120mm in twelve hours.

Precipitation will fall in the form of snow in the mountain ranges at first, although the altitude will gradually rise and snowfall will be restricted to higher areas. In addition, very strong gusts of wind are expected at high altitudes in the mountain areas, more likely on the Mediterranean coast, among others.

Aemet will update this information on Tuesday and recommends members of the public to monitor the situation through its forecasts and warnings of adverse weather phenomena on its website and via the media.
Hundreds of business professionals from 75 countries will descend on the city for the major international event this week 

Jose Luis Piedra Malaga Monday, 11 November 2024, 17:05 Compartir

Hundreds of business professionals from 75 countries will descend on Malaga when the city hosts this year's Andalucia Trade Global 2024 on 13 and 14 November.

The annual event will bring together the Andalusian foreign sector with representatives from 75 countries, at least a dozen more than in the last event, also held in Malaga city in 2022, at the Fycma trade fair and congress centre.

This is the largest meeting on international trade held in the region, giving Andalusian companies the opportunity, in just two days, to learn about the business opportunities that exist abroad. More than a thousand meetings are expected to be held between business professionals and representatives of the Andalucia Trade international network.

The event will also feature a keynote speech by Antonio Vazquez, president of the cooperation council of the Loyola University of Andalucia and former president of the multinational International Airlines Group (IAG/ Iberia).

The annual event is organised by the regional ministry of economy, finance and budgets, through Andalucia Trade, with the collaboration of the Andalusian confederation of employers (CEA), the Andalusian council of chambers of commerce and ICEX-Spain Export and Investment. The first day of the event will be entirely focused on meetings between companies and representatives of the 75 countries, while the second day will involve conferences.
Number of casualties in Kryvy Rih rises to 14, two dead in enemy attack on Nikopol  regional authorities

The number of casualties in a Russian attack on Kryvy Rih increased to 14, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak has said on Monday.

"Currently, there are 14 of them. The search and rescue operations continue. Emergency workers are dismantling the rubble. It is likely that a woman and three children may be there," he said on the Telegram channel.

In addition, the Russian occupiers shelled Nikopol from artillery. As a result of the attack, two people were killed and five were injured, two of them are in serious condition. A medical center, cafes, stores and cars were damaged in the town.

As reported, Russia launched a missile strike on Kryvy Rig, Dnipropetrovsk region, on Monday. As a result of the attack, a section entrance of a five-story apartment building was destroyed. Earlier it was known about eleven casualties, including two children.
Clay, N.Y.  A man hit by a car near the Amazon warehouse Saturday has died, deputies said today.

Basir Rashid, 40, of Brooklyn, died Sunday afternoon from his injuries, according to Thomas Newton, a spokesperson for the Onondaga Sheriffs Office. Rashid was staying in DeWitt, he said.

Rashid was hit by a car as he walked from a bus stop near the Amazon Warehouse on Morgan Road at 6:50 p.m., Newton said.

He had been walking from the bus stop after getting off a Centro Bus, Newton said. Rashid walked from the east side of Morgan Road and was crossing four lanes on the road when he was hit by a Ford compact car heading south, he said.

Newton said Rashid was on his way into work at the warehouse. He was not wearing reflective gear and had on dark clothing, he said.

Rashid was not using a crosswalk, Newton said.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Its that time of year again  New York state test scores for grades three through eight should be out any day now. The scores, which evaluate reading and math proficiency, are based on exams students take in the spring and are often used by districts to evaluate curriculums and student progress.

But parents and teachers have long questioned how effective the scores are and whether the problems they can cause for some districts are really worth it. Hundreds of parents across Onondaga County opted out of the tests last year and the opt out movement, which pushes parents to boycott the tests, has been growing in the area for years.

The push against state testing has reached the state and federal government as well. Last year, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) proposed the More Teaching Less Testing Act, which would remove a requirement that schools in the state administer the tests for third to eighth graders. New York states department of education also proposed a plan in November to ditch a requirement that high school students must pass state Regents exams in order to graduate.

Opt out advocates say that the tests are unfair and unnecessary. They often favor wealthier districts, labeling those with high poverty rates and low scores as bad schools. Those who support the tests, on the other hand, say theyre essential to understanding how students are performing across the state and determining what school districts need.

Heres what experts told syracuse.com about how to read the scores and what they can  and cant  tell you about your childs school district.

What happens in districts with consistently low scores?

Students in Syracuse and many surrounding districts have tested consistently low in comparison to the rest of the state. Last year, the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District was the only in upstate or central New York to test in the top 25 of schools across the state.

Often people blame schools or teachers for the scores, said George Theoharis, an education professor at Syracuse University. They are used to label districts as failing rather than identifying why groups of students may be struggling on tests. The test scores also typically correlate with income levels, he said. Syracuse City School District, for instance, sees much lower test scores than surrounding, wealthier suburbs.

When this happens, failing districts are expected to find ways to improve scores. They may scrap curriculums after just a year or continuously force teachers to change the way they are presenting a certain concept, Theoharis said. This prevents teachers from being able to adjust to specific teaching tactics and keeps stability from the students who need it the most, he said.

In districts that consistently score higher, on the other hand, students have been able to keep the same curriculum for years.

Even the most gung ho teacher who is all about this fill-in-the-blank elementary school in Syracuse has now had to learn three new curriculums, and is probably not good at teaching any of them, despite perhaps being very enthusiastic about teaching math, Theoharis said. That is the problem  we institutionalize for certain kids and [provide] stability for others.

Teachers also feel pressure to spend time teaching content for the tests rather than building important relationships with students, said Jaime Ciffone, the executive vice president of the New York State United Teachers. This emphasizes breadth over depth, Ciffone said, and prevents teachers from fully exploring each concept.

We really try to go deep into concepts and really make meaning for our students, but with the pressures of the state assessments looming in the springtime of the year, theres also this expectation to cover content, she said.

To Jeremy Dodds, the supervisor of data analysis services at the Central New York Regional Information Center, the value of the assessments outweighs the lost instruction time. The tests allow districts to understand how students are doing in a statewide context and helps them understand what students may need to be successful, he said.

At the same time, school districts can often fall into the trap of putting too much value into the scores since they are some of the only assessments that are shared with the public, Dodds said. While the scores provide one metric, a teachers evaluation of students, such as quizzes, tests or daily check-ins, are much more crucial and informative than state assessments, he said.

Its so high profile  its released to the public. Its used as this measure of, oh, how good is a school and it receives a ton of attention, Dodds said. The other data can be pushed aside, even though that other data is actually the far more important data.

What gets left out of test scores?

The tests are very narrow and dont adapt to every students needs, said Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, a neuroscientist focused on child development. A student who is learning English as a second language, for instance, may have a difficult time understanding the question. Students who need extra support, such as additional time on a test, cant receive those supports if they dont have an individualized learning plan.

The questions also arent based on where a student may be developmentally or what theyre familiar with at school, she said. For example, a student in a rural school district may not understand a question about an urban setting, Salas-Ramirez said.

Bias in questions is inevitable, Dodds said, but test makers also work to eliminate it as much as possible. Each test includes field questions that dont count toward a students score, but rather evaluate whether the question is fair and valuable to evaluate their proficiency. These questions are measured for biases and whether a question is difficult enough to determine a students learning level, he said.

Scores on the tests also dont reflect the culture of a school or whats going on in the classroom, Ciffone said. The tests are released to districts in late summer or early fall, after students have moved on to the next grade, she added, so teachers likely already know what a student needs and its too late to try and change their learning in a particular class.

Last year, the results werent released to the public until December, when most students had already finished their first several months of school.

Having these scores come in in late October, early November, [they] really are not very meaningful when you look to interpret the data that comes along with them, Ciffone said. Our timing of receiving these exam scores is really taken with a grain of salt, because youre not even with the same group of students anymore.

So, what can the scores tell us?

The state test scores help districts and schools evaluate how well students understand specific state standards, Dodds said. If students are achieving well on one standard, the school can determine whether they need more attention in another area, he said.

Standardized assessments also give parents and teachers a snapshot in time of how a student may be doing, Dodds said. While teachers conduct other assessments throughout the year that are far more important, students need to be compared to one another in order to find a metric that determines how much theyve learned overall, he said.

You can compare yourself to any population, and the bigger the population, the better the comparison, Dodds said. But without some standard, you really dont know where somebody stands.

Since the scores are often correlated with high poverty and absentee rates, they can also be used to determine what other supports a community may need, Theoharis said. Instead of viewing the scores as a way to judge districts, they should be used to understand what students are missing outside of school.

The question should be, if in this part of our community, our kids are struggling, then what did we fail to do? Theoharis said. The answer should include solutions beyond reading interventions or changing a curriculum. It should involve understanding what families need or what students need to help improve the ways they learn, he said.

Maggie Hicks covers education, including the Syracuse City School District and Syracuse University. She can be reached at mhicks@syracuse.com or follow her on X @maggie_hickss.
Collaborating for Impact: Ireland and Europe working together on agri food research

A unique event, Collaborating for Impact: Ireland and Europe working together on agri food research was jointly hosted by Teagasc and the European Commission Representation in Ireland, today, Monday, 11 November. The event took place at the European Commission Representation to Ireland offices in Dublin and focused on Irelands significant contributions to European agri-food research and innovation.

A unique event, Collaborating for Impact: Ireland and Europe working together on agri food research, was jointly hosted by Teagasc and the European Commission Representation in Ireland, today, Monday, 11 November. Pictured at the event from (L to R) were: Dr Tom ODwyer, Dr David Meredith, Liam Herlihy, Teagasc chairman; European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, Professor Frank OMara, Director of Teagasc, Dr Orlaith NI Choncubhair, Stella Meehan, Editor of Agriland; Dr Raymond Kelly.

Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union was the main speaker. Commissioner McGuinness said; Improving European competitiveness is a top priority for Member States and Commission. Research and invocation are key to unlocking European potential. The EUs Horizon Europe is the worlds largest publicly funded research and innovation programme. It tackles shared challenges, like climate change and building our digital future. Researchers from Ireland are driving essential parts of these European projects, including several agricultural initiatives led by Teagasc. The three initiatives being launched today  Climate Farm Demo, SafeHabitus and RefreSCAR, are excellent examples of what we can achieve with Horizon Europe funding. These initiatives will tackle emission reductions, improve farm sustainability and address the significant data gaps on farm accidents and fatalities, helping to make real progress on vital topics.

Speaking at the event, Professor Frank OMara, Director of Teagasc said: Teagasc actively pursue research collaborations with like-minded research institutions for the betterment of the Irish agri-food sector. Building research and innovation capacity and cooperation across Europe is critical to European competitiveness and the sustainability of the agri-food sector. This means ensuring all countries and regions of Europe can actively contribute.

Updates on three Horizon Europe-funded initiatives were presented:

Who Gets Counted? Improving EU Farm Safety Data  from the Safe Habitus project

project Annual Campaign of Farm Demonstration Visits  from the Climate Farm Demo project

project SCAR Engage: enhancing member state involvement in research & innovation cooperation  from the REFRESCAR project

Safe Habitus project

Dr David Meredith from the Safe Habitus project thanked Commissioner McGuinness for her long-standing support for improvements in farmer health and farm safety. Commissioner McGuinness call for improvements in the data and knowledge relating to farm injuries and fatalities and the provision of evidence to inform policy options was clearly influential in ensuring that this important topic received funding as part of Horizon Europe.

He said; This allowed Teagasc and 19 partner organisations from across the EU to develop the SafeHabitus project which seeks to improve understanding and awareness of how farmer health and safety challenges impact on their working conditions and quality of life.

As part of this work, we have completed a detailed analysis of the data available to EU policy stakeholders and found that the average number of farm fatalities is at least 70% higher than the data reported to Eurostat each year. So, whilst the Eurostat data indicates that there are an average of 315 occupational deaths on farms each year, the reality is that the true figure is, at least, 545 deaths. This finding helps improve our understanding of the scale of the challenge faced by farmers, farm workers, farm families and rural communities. It also highlights the need for continued support for investment in farm facilities and equipment that improve safety and the development or adoption of safer farming practices.

Climate Farm Demonstration Visits:

Climate Farm Demo is an EU network of Pilot Demo Farmers covering 28 countries which aims to accelerate the adoption of Climate Smart Farming practices by farmers. The project connects the 1,500 Pilot Demo Farmers and their Climate Farm Advisors at European and National levels, to increase knowledge exchange, and the implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation measures. The Climate Smart Farming practices will be demonstrated to the wider farming community across six annual demo-campaigns (4,500 demo-events) thanks to interactive and peer to peer learning.

Dr Tom ODwyer from the Climate Farm Demo project said: Demonstrating climate solutions on commercial farms across Europe will accelerate the adoption of these solutions by European farmers. Farm demonstrations are a recognised means of enabling farmers to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt new practices and to modify their farming practices in the face of both challenges and opportunities.

SCAR-Engage Programme

The SCAR-Engage Programme is an initiative designed to boost the engagement of European countries in research and innovation coordination activities. It supports involvement in a European committee called the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR). This committee brings together European countries and the European Commission with the aim of sharing information on research priorities across Europe and coordinating investments at the national and EU level. SCAR covers the area of agriculture, food systems, fisheries, forestry and the wider bioeconomy.

Dr Orlaith Ni Choncubhair from Teagasc said; The SCAR-Engage Programme has been developed within the RefreSCAR project, a Horizon Europe funded project led by Teagasc, which provides support to the SCAR working groups. The programme is overseen by a team led by Foodscale Hub in Serbia and has already brought new SCAR working group members from Bulgaria, Greece, Iceland, Poland and Romania on-board in its first year. The second call for Expressions of Interest is launching in November and inviting applications from other SCAR Member Countries to join the programme.
In brief: Australia has been aggressive in its attempts to regulate tech giants and protect young social media users. However, a blanket ban on under-16s without exemptions is a first in the West, and if it is enacted, the world will be watching to see how it impacts the digital landscape and more fundamentally, whether it can work at all.

The Australian government has announced plans to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from using social media platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the proposal on Thursday, describing it as a world-leading initiative aimed at mitigating the harm social media inflicts on children.

"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," Albanese said during a press conference in Canberra. "This one is for the mums and dads... 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."

The proposed legislation, set to be tabled in parliament next week, would require social media companies to take responsibility for enforcing the age restriction. Prime Minister Albanese said that the onus would be on platforms to demonstrate that they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access by underage users. "There'll be no penalties for users," he said.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland clarified that the ban would apply to major social media platforms such as Meta's Instagram and Facebook, ByteDance's TikTok, X, and possibly Alphabet's YouTube. The legislation is expected to come into effect 12 months after passing through parliament.

Most significantly, the ban will apply uniformly, with no exemptions for parental consent. The government has indicated that children already using social media will not be grandfathered in, meaning existing underage accounts must be closed.

The new rules will be enforced by Australia's eSafety Commissioner, the country's online regulator. While specific penalties for non-compliance have not yet been detailed, the government has suggested there will be "stronger penalties" for companies that fail to cooperate.

Reactions from social media companies have ranged from cautious to non-existent. Meta's head of safety, Antigone Davis, told Bloomberg that the company respects "any age limitations the government wants to introduce for social media use." However, she cautioned against hasty implementation, saying, "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."

Other major platforms, including TikTok, Google, and X, have not officially commented on the proposed legislation.

The Australian government's move comes amid growing global concern about social media's impact on young people's mental health and well-being. While several countries have introduced or proposed restrictions on children's social media use, Australia's approach is particularly stringent.

Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged that the ban might not be entirely effective, noting that alcohol restrictions have not wholly prevented underage drinking. However, he argued that the measure was necessary given the power imbalance between young users and tech companies. "These tech companies are incredibly powerful. These apps have algorithms that drive people towards certain behavior," he said.

The proposal has sparked debate among experts and advocacy groups. Some argue that outright bans may simply delay young people's exposure to social media rather than equipping them to navigate online spaces safely. The Australian Child Rights Taskforce, in an open letter signed by over 100 academics and 20 civil society organizations, called for "safety standards" rather than blanket bans.

Conversely, grassroots campaigns like the 36Months initiative, which has garnered over 125,000 signatures, support the ban. They argue that "excessive social media use is rewiring young brains within a critical window of psychological development, causing an epidemic of mental illness."

As this debate rages on, there are questions about the legislation's practical implementation, particularly regarding age verification methods and potential workarounds. The government has said it is trialing age-verification systems to block underage access.
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In context: Nvidia recently became the world's most valuable company, while TSMC has become one of the most geopolitically important firms in recent years. The leaders of the two tech giants have long known each other, and an upcoming autobiography from TSMC's founder will reveal more about the depth of their relationship.

As Taiwan's tech world anticipates the release of TSMC founder Morris Chang's new autobiography in late November, an early excerpt has revealed intriguing details about the company's relationship with chipmaker Nvidia.

During a transition period for TSMC in 2013, Nvidia co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang was a candidate to replace Chang, then 82, as CEO. However, the job was eventually split between Mark Liu and C.C. Wei, allowing Chang to serve as Chairman full-time.

In #TSMC founder Morris Chang's forthcoming autobiography, he reveals that in 2013 he asked #Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang if he would be interested in the position of TSMC CEO. pic.twitter.com/LOhC9zo26W  Wen-Yee Lee AAcAAaAA (@Wenyee_Lee) November 6, 2024

The revelations come from an overview of the new book shared by Wen-Yee Lee of Taiwan-based Business Weekly Magazine. Set for release on November 29, it is actually the second volume of Chang's autobiography.

Released in 1998, the first volume focused on Chang's early life in China through his career at Texas Instruments, stopping in 1964. The sequel, reportedly roughly double the first book's 243 pages, will cover TSMC's 1987 founding and Chang's career managing the chipmaking giant from the 90s through the 2010s.

Huang (center) and Chang (right) during Computex 2024 in July

Chang initially stepped down as CEO in 2005, handing the position to Rick Tsai and transitioning to a job as chairman before the 2008 financial crisis forced Chang back into his old job in 2009. Before instituting the dual CEO system in 2013, he offered leadership to the head of Nvidia, but Jensen Huang turned down the offer.

That year, the GPU manufacturer released the GeForce GTX 700 series of graphics cards, codenamed Kepler. Additionally, 2013 saw the debut of the Nvidia Shield handheld gaming device, which introduced the chip architecture that now powers the immensely popular Nintendo Switch.

Nvidia's investment in AI and machine learning has turned its GPUs into the main engine powering the ongoing generative AI trend, consuming the tech industry and growing the company's net worth by more than an order of magnitude. Meanwhile, many important tech companies, including Apple, Intel, AMD, and Nvidia, build their products using TSMC's highly sought-after semiconductors.

There are currently no plans for an English-language release of Chang's autobiography.
What just happened? A tiny satellite made primarily of wood has hitched a ride to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule. Dubbed LignoSat, it arrived at the orbiting lab on November 5 after launching from Cape Canaveral a few days earlier.

LignoSat is a four-inch (10cm) cube packed with advanced electronics and sensors. But instead of being constructed from typical satellite materials like aluminum, it uses wood sourced from Japanese magnolia trees as its primary material.

Why trade metal for wood? The researchers from Kyoto University and logging firm Sumitomo Forestry, which are building LignoSat, say it could lead to more sustainable satellites that don't pollute the atmosphere as they fall back to Earth at the end of their missions.

"While some of you might think that wood in space seems a little counterintuitive, researchers hope this investigation demonstrates that a wooden satellite can be more sustainable and less polluting for the environment than conventional satellites," Meghan Everett, the deputy chief scientist for NASA's International Space Station program, said in a press briefing on Monday.

Conventional aluminum satellites release aluminum oxide particles into the upper atmosphere as they burn up on re-entry. These particles can affect the planet's temperature balance and even damage the ozone layer protecting us from UV radiation. With mega-constellations of numerous satellites launching in recent years, such as SpaceX's Starlink network, which now numbers over 6,500 active craft. This could lead to significant accumulation of aluminum oxide over time.

LignoSat aims to test how well a wooden satellite performs in a space environment. In about a month, the craft will be ejected from the ISS into orbit. By monitoring the data relayed by the satellite's onboard electronics, researchers will look at how the wood fares against temperature swings of up to 200C every 45 minutes as the satellite cycles between sunlight and darkness. They'll also check its ability to shield components from cosmic radiation compared to aluminum.

Of course, the lack of moisture and oxygen in the vacuum of space automatically makes wood significantly more durable than on Earth. But testing is still needed before such satellites can be widely adopted..

If LignoSat passes with flying colors, the researchers suggest wooden spacecraft could have applications beyond just low-Earth orbit satellites. Interplanetary probes or habitats using wood as a construction material may not be so far-fetched if the material shows promise. The team aims to plant trees on the moon and Mars within the next 50 years.

"With timber, a material we can produce by ourselves, we will be able to build houses, live and work in space forever," Takao Doi, an astronaut who studies human space activities at Kyoto University, told Reuters.

Image credit: Kyoto University
Photo: https://t.me/verkhovnaradaukrainy/74667

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell during his visit to Kyiv and discussed with him issues of Ukraine's European integration.

"We discussed Ukraine's path to full EU membership and the practical work that is being carried out in this area," Stefanchuk said in Telegram on Monday.

He said this is Borrell's last visit to Kyiv as the head of European diplomacy and noted the value of the EU high representative's personal position on the issue of granting Ukraine permission to strike military targets on Russian territory.

"I believe that the EU will continue to support Ukraine. This concerns both financial, military, humanitarian aid, and political decisions that Ukraine will need," Stefanchuk said.
In brief: Corning is in line to be the next recipient of funding from the CHIPS and Science Act. The Gorilla Glass maker has signed a preliminary memorandum of terms with the US Department of Commerce that would provide up to $32 million in direct funding.

The Commerce Department said Corning plans to use the money to increase production of its High Purity Fused Silica (HPFS) and Extreme Ultra Low Expansion Glass (ULE). These materials are said to be key cogs in deep ultraviolet (DUV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines and photomasks, and helping to enable a reliable domestic supply could go a long way in boosting America's position in the lithography supply chain.

Corning's planned expansion at its existing manufacturing facility in Canton, New York, will create more than 175 construction jobs and at least 130 good-paying manufacturing jobs.

It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows for Corning as of late, however. Earlier this week, the European Commission launched an investigation to determine whether or not Corning broke local antitrust laws relating to its dominant market position as a supplier of smartphone cover glass.

Specifically, the commission wants to know if Corning's deals with handset makers and raw materials providers is harming the competition and ultimately, consumers. Shutting out rival glass producers could "deprive" consumers of cheaper and / or more durable alternatives, outgoing EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager hinted at.

Corning has been a major player in the smartphone industry since the mid-2000s. As the story goes, Corning developed a formula for hardened glass in the 1960s but never found a market for it and ultimately shelved it. Apple CEO Steve Jobs got in touch with the company while developing the first iPhone, and ended up using the hardened glass to protect the phone's screen.

The partnership kicked off a whole new market for Corning, and they've been heavily involved in the global smartphone industry ever since. Back in 2021, Apple invested an additional $45 million into the company, pushing its total investment in Corning to around $500 million.
In brief: The US has spent the last two years preparing to award chipmakers billions to help boost the country's domestic semiconductor industry, which has lagged behind nations like Taiwan and South Korea. The US government is negotiating the last of the subsidies as the incoming Trump administration threatens the policy's future.

Reuters and Bloomberg report that TSMC, GlobalFoundries, and another unnamed company have completed agreements to receive billions in Chips Act funds from the US government. The deliveries will likely be the last before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who is critical of the legislation.

Although the companies haven't yet received the grants and loans, the US Commerce Department recently informed Congress that three companies will imminently receive the money. The amounts reflect prior agreements with TSMC and GlobalFoundries.

The government awarded GlobalFoundries $1.5 billion to construct a new semiconductor fab in New York and help expand the company's Vermont operations. Meanwhile, TSMC secured a $6.6 billion grant and a $5 billion loan to build a fab for 2nm chips in Arizona.

Congress passed the Chips and Science Act in 2022, earmarking $280 billion for chipmakers who agreed to develop manufacturing facilities stateside. The program aims to reduce US dependence on South Korea and Taiwan for the most advanced semiconductors, partly because the latter is under potential threat from China.

Support from the program is contingent on limiting operations in countries considered adversaries like China and Russia. China criticized the Chips Act as a sign of outdated Cold War thinking, while TSMC and Nvidia have cast doubt on the government's aims to eliminate technological interdependence.

Companies such as Micron, Polar Semiconductor, Samsung, BAE Systems, Texas Instruments, and Microchip Technology have negotiated for funds and loans from the legislation. Intel, the largest beneficiary, is set to receive $8.5 billion.

The Chips Act has boosted American electronics investments to historic highs. The country currently produces none of the world's advanced semiconductors but could supply at least 20 percent by the decade's end. However, an analysis earlier this year found that around 40 percent of the funding has suffered delays, some of them indefinite. Intel announced its award in March, but none of the money has reached the company yet.

Furthermore, upon entering the White House, President-elect Donald Trump won't support new payments, having previously expressed his preference for tariffs over subsidies. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson initially voiced the party's intention to repeal the Chips Act but later recanted.
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust

In a nutshell: Spatial audio has gained popularity lately, with companies like Apple and Sony bringing it to consumer headphones. However, the military is also interested in the technology. The US Air Force has awarded a contract to equip F-16 fighter jets with cutting-edge 3D audio with active noise cancellation.

Danish aerospace company Terma has landed a $9 million deal to kit out the US Air Force's F-16 fighter jets with its cutting-edge 3D audio system. Over the next few years, the Air Combat Command will upgrade its entire F-16 fleet with Terma's innovative audio tech.

Terma says traditional sound systems carry a "crowded room" effect that can mess with a pilot's focus. If sounds are separated in a 3D space, it's much easier for them to quickly identify and prioritize vital signals like missile warnings while filtering out non-critical noise. Hearing sounds in three dimensions significantly boosts a pilot's situational awareness.

Terma's in-helmet 3D sound system spatially separates different radio and audio inputs, aligning sounds with their source direction. Pilots will hear each sound coming from the precise location within the cockpit.

The audio system also incorporates head-tracking, providing super realistic simulations that update in real time as the pilot moves. Active noise cancellation filters out non-critical sounds for crisp, high-fidelity audio. The technology prioritizes must-hear sounds  missile alerts, air traffic control instructions, and so on  while dampening secondary noises like engine noise and other audible interference.

Terma's data shows that pilots respond 1.5 seconds faster to audio cues with the 3D system than visual alerts alone. That can make a world of difference in combat, where split-seconds count. The company also claims the technology can reduce stress and fatigue, enhancing decision-making.

"With this award, the 3D-Audio program continues to be a significant cornerstone of our offerings to meet the demand for best-in-class audio systems from the global community," said Rob Strasser, Vice President of Terma Self-Protection Systems.

The deal comes at a time when the US and other allies have accelerated training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s due to Kyiv's pressing need for air defense against intensifying Russian bombardments. Keeping pilots operating at peak awareness is critical to ensuring mission success and getting them home safely.

Terma's audio tech isn't exactly new to military aircraft. The company's aeronautical 3D sound systems are compatible across all aircraft types. Terma outfitted the US Air Force's A-10C Thunderbolt II ground-attack jets with the same 3D audio and active noise reduction system in 2019.

Image credit: Mohamadreza Azhdari
In a nutshell: Google is reportedly testing a standalone Gemini app for iPhones. While the company already offers a Gemini app on Android, iPhone users can only access the AI feature within the main Google app. The standalone app is expected to include additional features not available in the integrated Google app.

According to 9to5Google, at least one Reddit user claims to have downloaded the Gemini app from the App Store. Once installed, the app places an icon on the home screen, allowing users to summon the AI assistant with a tap. It also offers a customizable shortcut for quick access. The App Store listing promotes the app as a way to "Unlock the power of Google AI on your iPhone."

Currently, the Gemini app for iOS is unavailable in most regions, including the US. Users in Canada, Australia, and India have also reported being unable to access the app, indicating that Google may be testing it in select areas before a wider release.

So far, only one user in the Philippines has reportedly managed to download the app, with screenshots suggesting it has been available in that country's App Store for about a week.

The new app introduces a feature called Gemini Live, which isn't available in the main Google app. According to the Reddit user, Gemini Live operates in the background with iOS's Live Activity while users multitask, providing a more seamless and convenient experience than the current setup.

At present, iOS users can only access Gemini by switching to the Gemini tab at the top of the Google search app, a process similar to that on the Gemini website. This method is less seamless and engaging compared to the experience Google offers on its Pixel devices.

Google has yet to officially confirm development of a standalone Gemini app for iOS, so a global release date is uncertain. However, with testing seemingly underway, broader availability may come in the next few months.

Gemini is Google's AI chatbot powered by its namesake language model, introduced in late 2023 after unifying Bard and Duet AI to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT. The Gemini app launched on Android earlier this year, enabling users to process documents, summarize emails, and more.
Facepalm: Microsoft occasionally releases rare, out-of-band security updates for its older operating systems when a vulnerability is particularly severe. In contrast, companies like D-Link seem content to leave former users exposed to potentially disastrous network security risks.

A recently disclosed security vulnerability impacting D-Link NAS devices will remain unpatched, as the Taiwanese manufacturer confirmed these models have reached their end-of-life / end-of-service status. This means they are likely to stay permanently vulnerable, a situation that has raised concerns among security analysts.

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-10914, affects the DNS-320, DNS-320LW, DNS-325, and DNS-340L NAS systems with firmware up to version 20241028. This critical flaw is located in the "cgi_user_add" command and can be triggered via a specially crafted HTTP GET request. The command fails to properly sanitize the "name" parameter, allowing an attacker to inject shell commands.

While the National Institute of Standards and Technology noted that the attack complexity is "high," exploitation is possible, as researchers have already disclosed a working exploit online. These NAS devices were once popular among small businesses, but D-Link has since discontinued this line of network storage products.

The company recently published a security bulletin regarding the matter, acknowledging the "Command Injection Vulnerability" discovered by NetSecFish in the DNS-320, DNS-325, DNS-340L, and other NAS models. D-Link advised owners of these affected devices to retire them and consider replacing them with newer alternatives.

In the bulletin, D-Link reiterated its policy that end-of-life and end-of-service products are no longer supported and that firmware development for these models has ceased. NetSecFish estimated that over 61,000 vulnerable devices remain connected to the internet, putting them at risk of exploitation through malicious HTTP GET requests, which could result in data breaches or botnet activity.

D-Link offered some general advice for users who continue to connect these critically vulnerable NAS devices to the internet. They recommended ensuring the latest firmware is installed, using a unique password, and enabling Wi-Fi encryption. While these steps provide some basic security, they do little to mitigate the CVE-2024-10914 vulnerability itself.

Earlier this year, the same researcher identified an additional command injection vulnerability and a hardcoded backdoor in the same NAS models (CVE-2024-3273). D-Link did not issue a fix or firmware update for that vulnerability, either.
Vietnam is insisting that the two Chinese online retail giants, Shein and Temu, get licenses under a nationwide block at the beginning of December if they fail to comply by the end of November.

The Vietnamese government, accompanied by local businesses, voiced fears that ultra-low pricing by these platforms apart from damaging local retailers, might lean towards fake goods.

Government Raises Red Flags Over Shein and Temu's Impact on Local Markets

Recently, during a government meeting, the Deputy Trade Minister, Nguyen Hoong Long, said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade had held direct talks with Shein and Temu regarding licensing and regulatory requirements. According to Reuters, two of these companies have gained popularity by selling cheaper clothing and other consumer goods than their local counterparts.

Furthermore, the government argues that its aggressive discount policy may also give an edge to such companies, making it unfair competition for local businesses as they cannot compete with prices alone.

First, there are issues concerning counterfeit goods on foreign e-commerce platforms. Another significant issue that the Trade Ministry of Vietnam warned of is the emergence of fake products being sold on shopping sites.

Increasingly, counterfeit goods are very alarming as they would be detrimental to the consumers and gain against authentic brands through lowering trust.

According to the trade ministry, the gigantic, rather largely unchecked catalogs kept by Shein and Temu significantly increase the chance for counterfeit products to enter Vietnamese markets and bypass traditional rules and quality checks.

"After the ministry's notification, if these platforms do not comply, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will coordinate with relevant agencies to implement technical measures such as blocking applications and domains," Long said in a government statement.

Read More: Shein Expands to South Africa With Physical Store

Emerging Shein and Temu in Vietnam E-Commerce Market

Shein had been selling to Vietnamese consumers for two years already, while Temu, operated by Chinese e-commerce conglomerate PDD Holdings, was just about a month old.

Presented by the increased usage, the government acted to harden its rules as it attempted to keep them in accordance with the laws of Vietnam.

Currently, Vietnam will exempt value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods if the order is worth less than 1 million dong, which is about $40 USD, by allowing importations through e-commerce platforms. The South China Morning Post reports that the government is still mulling a decision to revoke this to limit the impact of low-cost imports on domestic businesses.

Greater Scrutiny and Legal Challenges Overseas

Many of Vietnam's grievances are reminiscent of similar ones raised in other Southeast Asian countries. In a recent move that saw some concern, Indonesia requested the removal of Temu from the stores of tech giants Apple and Google, citing its threat to local merchants in light of the offerings it had of low-priced products. It, of course, also reflects a broader regional pushback against major Chinese e-commerce platforms disrupting local markets.

Vietnam's Rapidly Expanding E-commerce Sector

Despite the challenges, Vietnam's e-commerce market is soaring. According to a report issued by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, the market grew 18% this year with an estimated value of $22 billion. Vietnam's e-commerce sector now stands at the third spot in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia and Thailand.

The increasingly growing market attracts local and international platforms. Among them are Singapore-based Shopee, Alibaba-backed Lazada, and Vietnamese platforms Tiki and Sendo.

This is Vietnam's effort at leveling the playing field in the retail space.

As the digital marketplace of Vietnam grows, it would seem the government is taking steps to make the playing field more level for everyone.

Making Shein and Temu register and then eliminating exemptions on VAT on imports of any e-commerce item are among the measures taken by the country to safeguard the local markets and to give them equal opportunities in this competition.

In doing so, Vietnam manages the rampant growth of foreign players in e-commerce while giving its market a chance to survive the competition as well.

In June, EU regulators questioned Temu and Shein regarding online content compliance. The two companies were given until July 12 to explain the EU-imposed regulations.
BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Beijing on Saturday, expressing the readiness to work with the new Indonesian government to continue promoting self-improvement, solidarity and win-win cooperation among major developing countries. Prabowo is in China for a state visit at the invitation of Xi. Xi noted that Prabowo visited China in his first overseas trip right after he was elected in March and chose China as the first country to visit after taking office, which speaks volumes about the great importance he attaches to developing relations with China and demonstrates the high level and strategic nature of China-Indonesia relations. Xi went on to point out that the adherence to strategic autonomy, mutual trust, mutual assistance, win-win cooperation, fairness and justice represents not only a summary of the experience in developing bilateral ties over the past decades, but also an important principle that should be followed for ensuring the sustained and stable development of bilateral relations in the future. "China is willing to work with the new Indonesian government to build on past achievements, promote building a community with a shared future with regional and global influence, and continue to write a new chapter of seeking self-improvement via solidarity, and boosting coordination and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation among major developing countries," said Xi. Xi stressed that the two sides should consolidate higher-level strategic mutual trust, increase high-level exchanges and cooperation between governments and legislative bodies and at the sub-national level, strengthen exchanges of governance experience, firmly support each other in exploring modernization paths suited to their national conditions, and firmly support each other in upholding respective core interests and major concerns. Xi called on the two sides to further improve the layout of strategic cooperation and foster cooperation regarding the "five pillars" of politics, economy, people-to-people and cultural exchange, maritime affairs and security. Xi urged the two sides to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, continue to operate well the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, advance cooperation on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project, strengthen cooperation in such areas as digital economy, advanced manufacturing and the circular economy, carry out joint maritime development, and continuously deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation. China is also ready to work with Indonesia to build more projects for the benefit of the people, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in poverty reduction, medicine, grain cultivation and fisheries, provide support for the training of scientific personnel and the development of vocational education in Indonesia, and introduce more facilitation measures to expand personnel exchanges, Xi said. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the next year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, Xi noted, adding that as major developing countries, emerging markets and major members of the Global South, China and Indonesia should jointly champion the Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, enrich the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit with the imperatives of the new era, lead countries in the Global South to unite and strengthen themselves, and steer global governance in a fairer and more equitable direction. China is ready to carry out closer multilateral strategic coordination with Indonesia, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefit all, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Xi said. Prabowo said that under the complex and volatile international situation, Indonesia hopes to work with China to further strengthen all-round strategic coordination, become closer comprehensive strategic partners, and build a community with a shared future that has regional and global influence. Indonesia is willing to continue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with China, improve the "five pillars" cooperation framework, and strengthen all-round cooperation throughout the industrial chains in infrastructure, energy minerals, medicine, agriculture, housing, joint maritime development, food security and poverty reduction, he added. Prabowo said Indonesia unequivocally adheres to the one-China principle, and firmly supports China in its efforts to maintain development and stability in Xinjiang. He also expressed appreciation for China in upholding fairness and justice on the Palestinian question. Indonesia follows an independent and non-aligned foreign policy, and will not join any military alliance or "exclusive bloc" against a third party, Prabowo said, adding that the country is willing to enhance coordination with China in such multilateral frameworks as the G20, to make positive contributions to safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and promoting a multi-polar world. After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as joint development, blue economy, water conservancy and mineral resources. The two sides issued a joint statement on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and the China-Indonesia community with a shared future.
Ukrainian and U.S. soldiers do not fight in the same trenches, but they fight for the same values, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the United States on Veterans Day.

"On U.S. Veterans Day, Ukraine joins our closest ally, the United States, in honoring brave men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to protecting freedom and upholding their country's core values. Both Ukrainians and Americans believe that liberty and peace cannot be secured without sufficient strength," Zelenskyy said on the X social network on Monday.

According to the president, Ukrainians live every day with the understanding that freedom comes at a high price, "a high cost  a burden that Ukrainian defenders bear with unwavering courage." "Although our warriors do not fight in the same trenches  Ukraine has never requested American boots on the ground  they fight for the same values: liberty, independence, and democracy," Zelenskyy said.

He thanked the United States for standing with Ukraine, not only through military aid, economic support, or sanctions, but also through profound solidarity and commitment to our shared vision of a free, secure future and a just peace.
COP29 opens with Trump climate withdrawal looming



Baku, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



The COP29 climate talks open Monday in Azerbaijan, under the long shadow cast by the re-election of Donald Trump, who has pledged to row back on the United States' carbon-cutting commitments.

Countries come to Baku for the main United Nations forum for climate diplomacy after new warnings that 2024 is on track to break temperature records, adding urgency to a fractious debate over climate funding.

But Trump's return will loom over the discussions, with fears that an imminent US departure from the landmark Paris agreement to limit global warming could mean less ambition around the negotiating table.

"We cannot afford to let the momentum for global action on climate change be derailed," said Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's special envoy for climate change and environment.

"This is a shared problem that will not solve itself without international cooperation, and we will continue to make that case to the incoming president of one of the world's largest polluters."

Outgoing President Joe Biden is staying away, as are many leaders who have traditionally appeared early in COP talks to lend weight to the proceedings.

Just a handful of leaders from the Group of 20, whose countries account for nearly 80 percent of global emissions, are attending.

Afghanistan will however be sending a delegation for the first time since the Taliban took power. They are expected to have observer status.

Diplomats have insisted that the absences, and Trump's win, will not detract from the serious work at hand, particularly agreeing a new figure for climate funding to developing countries.

Negotiators must increase a $100 billion-a-year target to help developing nations prepare for worsening climate impacts and wean their economies off fossil fuels.

How much will be on offer, who will pay, and who can access the funds are some of the major points of contention.



- 'It's hard' -



"It's hard. It involves money. When it comes to money, everybody shows their true colours," Adonia Ayebare, the Ugandan chair of a bloc that groups over 100 mostly developing countries and China, told AFP on Sunday.

Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change a "hoax", has vowed to pull the United States out of the Paris agreement.

But Ayebare brushed aside the potential consequences of a US withdrawal, noting Trump already took Washington out of the Paris agreement during his first term.

"This has happened before, we will find a way of realigning."

Developing countries are pushing for trillions of dollars, and insist money should be mostly grants rather than loans.

They warn that without the money they will struggle to offer ambitious updates to their climate goals, which countries are required to submit by early next year.

"Bring some money to the table so that you show your leadership," said Evans Njewa, chair of the LDC Climate Group, whose members are home to 1.1 billion people.

But the small group of developed countries that currently contributes wants to see the donor pool expanded to include other rich nations and top emitters, including China and the Gulf states.

One Chinese official warned Sunday during a closed-door session that the talks should not aim to "renegotiate" existing agreements.

Liang Pei, an official at China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, urged negotiators to instead address "the climate crisis collectively, constructively."



- 'Worth it' -



The talks come with fresh warnings that the world is far off track to meet the goals of the Paris agreement.

The climate deal commits to keep warming below 2C compared to pre-industrial levels, preferably below 1.5C.

But the world is on track to top that level in 2024, according to the European Union climate monitor.

That would not be an immediate breach of the Paris deal, which measures temperatures over decades, but it suggests much greater climate action is needed.

Earlier this year, the UN warned the world is on track for a catastrophic 3.1C of warming this century based on current actions.

"Everyone knows that these negotiations will not be easy," said Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

"But they are worth it: each tenth of a degree of warming avoided means fewer crises, less suffering, less displacement."

More than 51,000 people are expected at the talks, which run November 11-22.

For the second year running the talks will be hosted by a country heavily reliant on fossil fuels, after the United Arab Emirates last year.

Azerbaijan has also been accused of stifling dissent by persecuting political opponents, detaining activists and suffocating independent media.
UN climate talks are 'moment of truth' for Paris pact, says COP29 chief



Baku, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



UN climate talks in Baku mark a "moment of truth" for the Paris agreement, COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev said Monday, as a US withdrawal from the pact looms after Donald Trump's re-election.

Countries come to Baku after new warnings that 2024 is on track to break temperature records, adding urgency to a fractious debate over climate funding.

"We are on a road to ruin," Babayev warned at the start of the two-week conference in Azerbaijan's capital, pointing to recent deadly floods in Spain and other climate catastrophes.

Trump has pledged to once again withdraw the United States from the landmark Paris agreement, which set the ambitious goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

"COP29 is a moment of truth for the Paris agreement," said Babayev.

"It will test our commitment to the multilateral climate system. We must now demonstrate that we are prepared to meet the goals we have set ourselves," he added.

The conference must find common ground on increasing a $100 billion-a-year target in funding for developing nations to manage climate impacts and wean their economies off fossil fuels.



- 'Trillions needed' -



How much will be on offer, who will pay, and who can access the funds are some of the major points of contention.

Developing countries are pushing for trillions of dollars, and insist money should be mostly grants rather than loans.

"We know the needs are in the trillions, but there are different views on how to achieve that," Babayev said.

"We have also heard that a realistic goal for what the public sector can directly provide and mobilise seems to be in the hundreds of billions," he said.

Azerbaijan's ecology minister and a veteran of its state oil company SOCAR, Babayev said negotiations were "complex and difficult".

"We understand the political and financial constraints," he added.

Developing nations warn that without the money they will struggle to offer ambitious updates to their climate goals, which countries are required to submit by early next year.

The small group of developed countries that currently contributes the money wants the donor pool expanded to include other rich nations and top emitters, including China and the Gulf states.

That is firmly rejected by Beijing.

"The COP29 presidency has made every effort to bring the parties closer together," Babayev said.

"But we still have much to do and just 12 days to land a deal. We now urgently need to finalise the elements, resolve our differences on contributors and quantum, and set the new goal."
Spain PM announces fresh flood aid of almost 3.8 bn euros



Madrid, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



Spain on Monday announced fresh measures worth almost 3.8 billion euros to help stricken citizens recover from the country's worst floods in a generation that have killed 222 people.

But Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez postponed the reckoning for Spain's political class after tens of thousands of protesters demanded accountability for the disaster, saying the debate must follow the recovery.

The exceptional Mediterranean storm that lashed Spain two weeks ago particularly devastated the wealthy eastern Valencia region, which has suffered most of the deaths and destruction.

The torrents of muddy water wrecked roads and railways, tossed cars, gutted shops and submerged fields, with the final bill expected to soar to tens of billions of euros.

Sanchez on Monday unveiled a second aid package worth 3.76 billion euros ($4 billion) to reinforce aid worth 10.6 billion euros announced last week.

Compensation will be streamlined and extended to cover more residents and property, while farmers will also receive fresh aid totalling 200 million euros, the left-wing premier told a news conference.

Sanchez has compared the measures to the state's intervention to prop up the economy during the Covid-19 crisis.

The government "will be there with all the necessary resources and for as long as it takes", he said.

Last week's aid included support for small and midsize businesses, self-employed workers and households that have suffered deaths, incapacity and damage to homes and belongings.

Tax relief, a three-month postponement to repaying mortgages and loans and central government spending on the immense clean-up work facing local councils were also announced.

Thousands of soldiers, police officers, civil guards and emergency services are repairing wrecked infrastructure, distributing relief and searching for dozens of missing people.



- Regional leader admits 'errors' -



Widespread anger at the authorities for their perceived mismanagement before and after the floods triggered mass protests on Saturday, the largest in Valencia city which drew 130,000 people.

Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of Sanchez and the Valencia region's leader Carlos Mazon as details emerge about the confusion enveloping the regional and central governments during the crisis.

But the government said it was focused on reconstruction.

"Later will come the political debate about what things we must improve in the face of this climate emergency", Sanchez said.

Mazon on Monday conceded that "errors may have been committed" and that "everyone" would be obliged to review them.

Although Mediterranean storms are common for the time of year, scientists say climate change driven by human activity is increasing the intensity, length and frequency of extreme weather events.

Spain's national weather service AEMET has forecast another storm bringing heavy rains over the Valencia region this week.
US climate action 'to continue' after Trump win: Podesta



Baku, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



The United States will continue to fight climate change despite the re-election of Donald Trump, the country's climate envoy John Podesta insisted Monday at the UN's COP29 talks.

Trump's return has thrown a shadow over the talks in Baku given the incoming president's pledge to withdraw Washington from the landmark Paris agreement and his regular questioning of climate change.

Podesta acknowledged that the next administration "will try and take a U-turn", but he said US cities, states and individual citizens would pick up the slack.

"While the United States federal government under Donald Trump may put climate change action on the back burner, the work to contain climate change is going to continue in the United States with commitment and passion and belief," he added.

"This is not the end of our fight for a cleaner, safer planet... The fight is bigger than one election, one political cycle in one country."
Thunberg stages pro-democracy rally in Georgia



Tbilisi, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg staged a pro-democracy rally in Georgia's capital of Tbilisi to denounce "authoritarianism" in the country and neighbouring Azerbaijan, where the UN COP29 climate conference opened Monday.

Delegates from nearly 200 countries gathered for the two-week forum in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, where negotiators are being urged to increase a $100 billion-a-year target in climate funding for developing nations.

On Monday evening, Thunberg led several dozen protesters who gathered in Tbilisi's Freedom square for what she called a rally "against the wave of authoritarianism and exploitation sweeping through the Caucasus".

Demonstrators brandished placards that read "Free 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan" and "Democracy for Georgia".

"Azerbaijan, using COP29 as a facade, is ramping up control under a false 'green' agenda, tightening its grip on power, and escalating regional tensions," Thunberg posted on X.

The European Parliament has also criticised the Azerbaijani government's crackdown on critics and said its "ongoing human rights abuses are incompatible" with hosting the summit.

Thunberg has been in Tbilisi to take part in anti-government demonstrations that saw tens of thousands take to the streets to protest alleged fraud in the Oct. 26 elections won by governing Georgian Dream party.

She accused "authoritarian" governments in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia and Iran of "deepening control, stifling dissent, (and) oppressing their own people".

She also denounced the West for "turning a blind eye to oppression in exchange for resources", saying "Western powers are complicit in the repression and suffering faced by the people of the Caucasus".

In 2018, Thunberg started skipping school on Fridays to sit outside the Swedish parliament, demanding more substantive action to combat climate change.

Despite ending her Friday protests in 2023 after graduating from high school, her protest has inspired students worldwide to skip class each week to demand more efforts from global leaders.

Georgia's pro-Western opposition has refused to recognise the election result or enter the newly elected parliament, which it deems "illegitimate".

The European Union and the United States have called for a probe into electoral "irregularities".

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Tbilisi to protest alleged electoral fraud.

The governing Georgian Dream party says the vote was free and fair, but critics have blamed it for derailing Georgia from its European path and bringing Tbilisi back into Moscow's orbit.
Taliban eye aid at their first UN climate talks since 2021 takeover



Baku, Nov 11 (AFP) Nov 11, 2024



The first Afghan official to attend UN climate talks since the Taliban came to power told AFP Monday that his country hopes to benefit from a global finance deal under negotiation at COP29 in Baku.

Heading a three-person team, former Taliban negotiator Matiul Haq Khalis stood out in the bustling halls of the conference in Azerbaijan's capital where delegates from nearly 200 countries began two weeks of talks.

The Taliban-led government, which is not internationally recognised, tried and failed to attend the previous COP (Conference of the Parties) meetings held in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Khalis, director general of Afghanistan's National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), said his team was invited to attend the talks by Azerbaijan's ecology minister and COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev.

The Afghan delegation is in Baku as "guests" of the hosts, not as a party directly involved in the negotiations.

"I really appreciate" Babayev's invitation and the Azerbaijani government's facilitation of visas, said Khalis, son of prominent jihadist figure Mawlawi Yunus Khalis.

His delegation, he told AFP through an interpreter, aims to "deliver the message ... to the world community that climate change is a global issue and it does not know transboundary issues."

With Afghanistan among the countries most vulnerable to global warming, the Taliban have argued that their political isolation should not bar them from international climate talks.

Khalis said COP29 participants should take into consideration vulnerable countries such as Afghanistan, which are most affected from the effects of climate change, "in their decisions".

The Taliban treatment of women, however, could be controversial at climate conferences where gender rights always play a part of the discussions.

"Afghan people, especially the most vulnerable, urgently need support from climate finance to recover and adapt," climate activist Harjeet Singh told AFP.

"However, as the Taliban government seeks to engage in the international process, it is essential that they respect and promote universal fundamental rights -- particularly women's rights within the country," he said.

Women and children in particular "are bearing the brunt" of climate change, Sanjay Vashist, director of the Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) told AFP.

While the Taliban are barred from the negotiations, "the world cannot abandon the people of Afghanistan who are suffering from the triple whammy of the climate crises, gross human rights violations and extreme poverty," Vashist said.

Asked about the gender issue, Khalis told AFP that the implementation of climate change projects "boost" women as well.

Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the invitation.

Azerbaijan reopened its embassy in Kabul in February this year, though it has not officially recognised the Taliban government.



- Eyes on Brazil -



Developed countries have committed to providing $100 billion per year in climate finance through 2025 to help developing nations prepare for worsening climate impacts and wean their economies off fossil fuels.

Developing nations are calling for trillions of dollars, but Babayev said Monday a more "realistic goal" was somewhere in the hundreds of billions.

"Our people in Afghanistan also should access" such funds "as a right (over) climate change", Khalis said, describing it has his country's "main expectation" at COP29.

Among the poorest countries in the world after decades of war, Afghanistan is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, which scientists say is spurring extreme weather.

Drought, floods, land degradation and declining agricultural productivity are key threats, the UN development agency's representative in Afghanistan, Stephen Rodriques, said in 2023.

Flash floods in May killed hundreds and swamped swaths of agricultural land in Afghanistan, where 80 percent of people depend on farming to survive.

Khalis said Afghanistan was seeking to attend next year's climate summit in Brazil as an official party to the talks.

"We are very interested to be as a party in the COP30 in Brazil," he said.

"This is the right of the people, the climate justice for the people that's actually most vulnerable communities to the impact of climate change."
As a result of Russian artillery shelling of Nikopol (Dnipropetrovsk region), a medic was killed and another was injured, Head of Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration Serhiy Lysak said.

"A woman was killed, whose identity is currently being established. The life of a 30-year-old man was also cut short. He was a doctor. The aggressor was firing directly at the outpatient clinic where he worked. His colleague was also injured. Now the doctors are fighting for her life," Lysak said in Telegram channel.

A total of five people were injured in Nikopol district. Four of them are in the hospital.

In addition to the health facility, an industrial enterprise, two educational institutions and the same number of stores, a bank, and a cafe were damaged. 3 multi-story buildings, two cars were damaged, and another was destroyed. Earlier, it was reported that two people were killed and five were injured in Nikopol, two of whom are in serious condition.
Dana Territo is an Alzheimers advocate and author of What My Grandchildren Taught Me About Alzheimers Disease. She hosts The Memory Whisperer. Email her at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com.
Its no secret the Eurovision Song Contest loves a wild card. Take monster-masked death-metal rockers and off-key turkey puppets winning over audiences. Or US rapper Flo Rida co-representing the tiny nation of San Marino. We have even seen a tie for victory between not two, not three, but four countries.

Its most perplexing wild card to date, however, was arguably the decision to bring Australia, from 14,000km away, into the mix. Now, it is touring here.

Australia has been competing in the contest for nearly a decade, first appearing as a special guest in 2014 and as a permanent competitor since 2015. Its part of the competition that some cant wrap their heads around, but for long-time fans, its a no-brainer.

Australia competing in a European song contest? Eurovision superfans Matt Merlino (right) and partner Owen Lambourn are certain it makes sense. Credit: Wayne Taylor

Its just like, why not? says Marcus Davey, a 46-year-old Melburnian who has seen Eurovision live several times since 2013. We have such an ensconced history with Eurovision. SBS has been covering it for over 40 years, so it has built such a strong following all the way across the world.
A former kickboxer has been charged with murdering his partner after her body was discovered with multiple stab wounds inside a Penrith hotel room.

Officers from Strike Force Marree on Tuesday charged Darren John Berry, aged 53, with one count of murder after the body of Shirley So was found at the Pullman Hotel on Sunday.

Darren John Berry has been charged with the murder of Shirley So.

Berry, who fought under the moniker Hacksaw, was found in the same room as So, 50, with cuts to his arms. He was taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition but has since recovered.

The hotel is located in the Panthers Leagues Club precinct.

NSW Police on Monday successfully applied in Penrith Local Court for an interim order to perform a forensic procedure on Berry, who was then charged.

Read the full story here.
Europe must manage to implement initiative to supply Ukraine with million shells for artillery by end of year

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell during his visit to Kyiv.

"There was a meeting with the head of European diplomacy Borrell today. Our relations with the European Union, our interaction. Breaking news: by the end of the year, European partners must manage to fully implement the initiative to supply Ukraine with a million shells for our artillery," Zelenskyy said in a video address on Monday evening.
A police officer who Tasered a 95-year-old woman as she held a knife in a regional NSW nursing home, causing her to fall and suffer fatal head injuries, allegedly told a colleague after the incident they arent meant to Tase elderly people, but he needed to in the circumstances.

Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Clare Nowland, who was Tasered inside Yallambee Lodge in Cooma on May 17, 2023, and died in hospital a week later.

Kristian James Samuel White arrives at the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney for his manslaughter trial. Credit: Steven Siewert

As Whites trial began in the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney on Monday, the jury heard he had served as a police officer for 12 years at the time, while Nowland was a mother of eight and lodge resident since 2018.

In his opening address, Crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield, SC, said Nowland, while not formally diagnosed, was suffering from symptoms consistent with dementia and moving around the facility in her four-wheeled walker frame.
Thanks for following our live coverage of the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards.

Read all about the ceremony in our news story here, peruse the full list of hats and find out more about all the major award winners.

And dont forget to download our brand-new Good Food app (its like having a Good Food Guide editor in your pocket).

Im off to fetch myself a Japanese Slipper and a mini pavlova.

And lets do it all again next Monday in Melbourne for The Age Good Food Guide Awards. See you there!
The early November heatwave has ended but more wild storms are expected to strike Brisbane in the coming days, with hail, heavy rain and strong winds forecast.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Pieter Claassen said Brisbane residents should brace for a repeat of Sunday nights storms, which delivered 200,000 lightning strikes and cut power to more than 19,000 households.

The most severe storms were expected on Wednesday and were tipped to bring hail, strong winds and up to 50 millimetres of rain in some suburbs.

Theres certainly a risk of seeing a repeat of [Sunday] nights weather over the next few days. We have a high chance of showers and storms around the next few days, during the afternoon and evening periods, Claassen said.
The Queensland government has rejected a Commonwealth plea to get on with building Olympic venues, insisting the LNPs mooted 100-day review must be allowed to play out.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King last week warned the review could further blow out costs, meaning Queensland taxpayers would be on the hook for even more money.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who on Sunday said the previous Labor government had hidden $500 million in unannounced costs associated with the Brisbane Arena, said he had written to King on Monday to outline the cost escalations the new state government had identified.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says the LNP will rein in Olympic costs. Credit: Joe Ruckli

They [the Albanese government] expect Queensland taxpayers to fund all the Labor blowouts, he said, adding that every project examined had a higher projected cost.
If Afghanistan, Albania and Sudan had a baby, it would be called Dandenong. A place so rough, even the plants are monitored by CCTV.

Comedian Teddy captures the common perceptions of Dandenong  perceptions that were heavily emphasised during a recent visit from the ABCs Q+A program. If you watched the program filmed in my suburb youd think our area is little more than crime gangs, cultural ghettos and white flight, where boganville meets the ungrateful migrant. Sitting in that Q+A audience, I realised that if Dandenong didnt exist, certain politicians would have to invent it, as so many have built their careers spinning harmful tropes about us.

Shoppers at the iconic Dandenong Market. Credit: Simon Schluter

But while we may serve as fodder for politicians and comedians, we know Dandenong is far more multifaceted. It has been shaped by successive waves of migration. There were the early colonisers displacing First Nations peoples and corralling them into the Coranderrk Mission. Then the European workers who arrived in the postwar years to build Holden cars (it is said GMH even had someone on the migrant ships signing new employees) and work at the Heinz factory. And more recently, the waves of professional and humanitarian arrivals from southern Europe, Asia and Africa. Together, they made Dandenong a place of second chances. I never imagined living here, but I wont ever leave.

Dandenong may not be somewhere people aspire to live, partly due to its lack of an inner-city hipster vibe and lingering reputational damage from past warring gangs. There were the Dandy Turks, who fought with the Kambo Klowns from Springvale. And there was the Noble Park 3174 gang of mostly Latino youth in the late 80s and early 90s, who wore blue bandannas and clashed with the red bandannas of the Hills Posse from Endeavour Hills and the MC-3 gang from Springvale.
The Perth man accused of murdering his mother days after setting up several life insurance policies in her name has told the jury she wanted $1.5 million of cover in the event of her death and asked him to shop around on her behalf less than a month before she died.

Andre Rebelo, 28, took to the stand in the WA Supreme Court on Monday after the states case against him wrapped up.

Andre Rebelo.

He admits going to extraordinary measures, including forgery and lying to many people to try and access up to $1 million in life insurance funds after his mothers sudden unexplained death in Bicton in May 2020, but denies killing her.

But during his evidence, he told the jury his mum came to him on May 1 and asked him for help to take out life insurance policies in her name.
United Australia Party senator Ralph Babet has posted a series of slurs online after sharing a video of misogynistic internet provocateur Andrew Tate crowing about Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential election, prompting condemnation from the Greens.

The fringe senator, elected at a cost to mining billionaire Clive Palmer of $116 million, made the sexist, homophobic and ableist remarks on Elon Musks platform X, where right-wing influencers have celebrated the US election as normalising offensive speech.

Senator Ralph Babet, a real estate agent before entering politics, posted racial and homophobic slurs to X. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Babet shared a clip on Monday of Tate giving a live-streamed emergency meeting speech about the political landscape changing as gatekeepers are losing their power over the economy, information and politics.

In my house we say phaggot [sic], retard and n----r, Babet wrote in the caption. We are sick of you woke ass clowns. Cry more. Write an article. Tweet about me. No one cares what you think.
An Armadale single-fronted home sold for $1.51 million after auction on Saturday, $40,000 below the lower end of its price guide, after passing in on a vendor bid.

The two-to-three-bedroom solid brick Victorian home at 13 Rose Street passed in on a vendor bid of $1.55 million but sold in the hours afterwards to one of the two registered bidders. The property had a price range of $1.55 million to $1,625,000.

While it wasnt the bidding frenzy wed hoped for, the outcome was achieved all the same, said auctioneer and lead listing agent James Paull from Kay & Burton in Stonnington.

Its a result that Paull is observing more regularly.
Tokyo: Japanese lawmakers voted for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to stay on as leader on Monday after his scandal-tarnished coalition lost its parliamentary majority in a lower house election last month.

Ishiba, who called the snap poll after taking office on October 1, must run a fragile minority government as protectionist Donald Trump regains control in main ally the US, tension rises with rivals China and North Korea, and domestic pressure mounts to rein in the cost of living.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, left, votes for a run-off for a new prime minister on Monday. Credit: AP

His Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito won the biggest bloc of seats in the election but lost the majority held since 2012, leaving him beholden to small opposition parties to pass his policy agenda.

Underlining that fragility, Mondays vote in parliament, broadcast on television, went to a run-off for the first time in 30 years after no candidate was able to muster majority support in the first round.
Polish President Andrzej Duda held a phone call with Donald Trump, who won the U.S. presidential election, they agreed to organize a meeting in the coming weeks.

"I had the pleasure of speaking with President Donald Trump over the phone tonight to congratulate him on his historic comeback and decisive victory in the presidential election. President Trump extended his best wishes to the Polish people on National Independence Day. We also agreed to arrange for our meeting in the U.S. in the coming weeks," Duda said on the X social media.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.

"Today I met with the Estonian Defense Minister. Recently, due to the Russian 'shaheds' strike on Kyiv, the house where the residence of the Estonian Ambassador to Ukraine is located was damaged. This is one of the many proofs that we need a significant increase not only in protection from Russian terrorism, but also in pressure on Russia in order to limit its military production," Zelenskyy said in an evening video address on Monday.

According to the president, in the next sanctions package of the European Union, it is important to hit, in particular, the schemes for circumventing sanctions by Russia, since each "shahed" and each missile used by Russia are components supplied in circumvention of sanctions.

"Anyone who continues such trade with Russia must clearly understand the consequences. Peace through strength is, in particular, through the strength of sanctions," Zelenskyy said.
THE WORLD VODKA AWARDS HAS ANNOUNCED THE COUNTRY WINNERS AND MEDALLISTS IN ITS 2024 COMPETITION.
Army JCO killed, 3 soldiers injuredin gunfight with terrorists in J&K





JAMMU :

A JUNIOR Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Armys special forces laid down his life on Sunday, while three more soldiers were injured in a gunfight with terrorists in a remote forest area in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district, officials said. The operation comes amid an intensified hunt underway since the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) recently. The Army identified the fallen hero as Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para and saluted his supreme sacrifice. The encounter broke out around 11 am when joint search parties of the Army and police intercepted the terrorists in the Keshwan forest, a few kilometres from the spot where the bullet-riddled bodies of VDGs Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar were found.

A massive search operation was launched in the forests of Kuntwara and Keshwan on Thursday evening after the terrorists abducted and killed the VDGs. The Armys JammubasedWhite Knight Corps said in a post on X, Based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a joint operation was launched by security forces in general area Bhart Ridge, Kishtwar. This is the same group which had abducted and killed 02 (two) innocent villagers. Contact was established and firefight ensued. The officials said four Army personnel, including the JCO, were injured in the initial gunfight and evacuated to a hospital,where the condition of three of them was stated to becritical.The JCO later succumbed to injuries.

GOC (General Officer Commanding) White knight Corps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrificeofbraveheart,NbSub RakeshKumarof2 Para (SF).Sub Rakesh waspartofajointCI(counter-insurgency) operation launched in general area of Bhart Ridge Kishtwar. We stand with bereaved family in this hour of grief, the Army said in its latest tweet. Earlier, a police spokesperson also confirmedthatanencounterwasunderway with the terrorists responsible for the killing of the two VDGs. Three or fourterroristsare believedtobetrapped in the area, the official said. The officials said a massive search operation was going on till the last reports were received.
BJP promises strict anti-conversionlaw, skill census in Mah





Union Ministers Amit Shah and Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule and BJP leader Ashish Shelar release partys manifesto for Maharashtra Assembly elections, in Mumbai on Sunday.

MUMBAI :

Ladki Bahin scheme amount will be increased from Rs 1,500 per month to Rs 2,100

THE BJP on Sunday promised to enact ananti conversion law with stringent provisions in Maharashtra, and also assured a skill census for training as per industry needs as well as free ration to low-income families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled in Mumbai the 25-point Sankalp Patra 2024, as per which the financial assistance component under the Mahayuti Governments Ladki Bahin scheme for women will be increased from Rs 1,500 per month to Rs 2,100.

The BJP, in its manifesto for the November 20 State Assembly polls, also promised to create 25 lakh job opportunities and assured 10 lakh students will get a stipend of Rs 10,000 every month. The ruling Mahayuti comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and NCP led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The BJPs manifesto promised that an anticonversion law will be enacted with provides for stringent action against forced and deceitful conversions. Though the skill census, the ruling party assured to ascertain the needs of the industry and upgrade skill training wherever necessary. Under the Akshay Anna Yojana, lowincome families will be provided free food items every month through the Public Distribution System (PDS), as per the manifesto.

The BJP has also planned to develop the State into an advanced robotic and Artificial Intelligence (AI) training hub. It also promised to create 10 lakh new businessleadersthroughtheChhatrapati ShivajiMaharajAkankshacentresineach district.The party promised to create 50 lakh lakpati didis by 2027 for which one industrial cluster of 500 self-help groupswillbe createdandaninitial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore will be provided. The manifesto promised that if voted to power, the Mahayuti will develop Nagpur, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhaji nagar,Nashik and Ahilyanagar as modern aeronautical and space manufacturing centres. It alsopromised that the SGST on the purchase of fertilisers will be returned to farmers as grant. The prices of essential commodities will be kep
Calf head found in Durg; Bajrang Dal activists protest





Staff Reporter :

DURG,

HE severed head of calf was found in Girdhari Nagar, Durg on Saturday late evening. Since the incident occurred repeatedly in the locality, Bajrang Dal activists staged a vehement demonstration at Durg Kotwali premises and lodged the police complaint in the matter. SHO Durg Kotwali police, Vijay Yadav told the newspaper that in the mater the police have already registered the offence and are further investigating. He also added that strict legal action will be initiated if anyone found conspiring to hurt religious sentiments of the people. Police team rushed to the spot and recovered the calf head from the roadside near the overhead water-tank in Girdhari Nagar. SHO Yadav also told the newspaper that the investigation into in earlier incident had revealed that the head of the dead calf was dumped negligently by residents.
DESIGNATED TERRORIST Arsh Dallaarrested by Canadian Police





NEW DELHI :

ARSHDEEP Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, who was designated a terrorist by India, is likely to have been arrested in Canadas Ontario province following a shooting incident, sources claimed here on Sunday. The incident occurred on October 28 in Milton. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) had on October 29 said that it had arrested two men on charges of discharging firearm with intent following an investigation after the duo had come to a hospital and one of them was treated for a non-lifethreatening gunshot and later discharged. It did not disclose their identity and said both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing. The sources claimed that one of those arrested is believed to be Arsh Dalla, who is associated with the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and ran terror modules on behalf of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist who was killed in June last year.

The HRPS was contacted by Guelph Police in the early morning hours of October 28, 2024, after two males attended a hospitalinGuelph.One of themaleswas treatedandreleasedforanon-life-threatening gunshot wound apparently suffered in Halton region. The other was not injured. The HRPS Major Crime Bureau is now investigating and both maleshave beenarrested.A 25-year-old male of Halton Hills and a 28-year-old male of Surrey BC have both been charged with Discharging Firearm with Intent,aHalton police statement said, adding they were actively investigating the incident. Arsh Dalla, who has been accused of involvement in targeted killings, terror financing and extortion in Punjab, was in January last year designated a terrorist by the Indian Government. The Government had said in a notification that he was involved in the cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons on a large scale. He is an accused in various cases registered and investigated by the National Investigation Agency, includingtargetedkilling,extortingmoney for terror funding, attempt to murder,disturbingcommunalharmonyand creating terror among the people in Punjab. TheCentralGovernmentbelievesthat Gill is involved in terrorism and hence designated as a terrorist under the UnlawfulActivities(Prevention)Act,1967 by exercising the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the Act, the notification had said.

Punjab Police arrest two shooters of Arsh Dalla gang for Sikh activists murder

CHANDIGARH,

Nov 10 (PTI)

TWO shooters of Canada-based gangsterturned terrorist Arsh Dallas gang, who were allegedly involved in a Sikh activists murder last month, have been arrested from Kharar in Mohali, a top Punjab Police officer said on Sunday. The accused were also allegedly involved in the recent murder of another person in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior. The duo were planning to target more individuals, another senior officer said, adding that at least four target killings of prominent persons in major cities have been averted with their arrest. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the arrests in the murder case of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau alias Bhodi were made in a joint operation of the state specialoperationcell,theAnti-gangster Task Force and Faridkot Police. Pragya Jain, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Faridkot, identified the arrested persons as Anmolpreet Singh alias Vishal, a resident of Bhadorh in Barnala, and Navjot Singh alias Neetu, a resident of Nijjar road in Kharar.

The police also arrested their accomplice BalvirSinghaliasKalu,brotherofNavjot, for aiding andabetting the criminals. All the arrested persons have criminal history,Jainsaid.Thepolicesaidtheyrecoveredtwosophisticatedpistolsalongwith seven live cartridges from the accused. Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau was shot dead in Faridkot on October 9 while returning home from the village gurdwara on his motorcycle. The police had then claimed that gangster-turned-terroristArshdeepSinghaliaArshDallawas themastermindbehindthemurder.

They had also alleged that the activist was killed at the behest of Amritpal Singh, whois lodgedinDibrugarh jailinAssam under the stringent National Security Act.SSPJainonSundaysaidpreliminary investigations revealed that Arsh Dalla tasked Navjot to target the Sikh activist, who runs a YouTube channel under the name of Hari Nau Talks. Arsh Dalla also asked him to rope in more associates to execute the task, she said, after which Navjot took the help of Anmolpreet.JainsaidArshDallaarranged a pistol alongwithammunition,who on October 9 went to Hari Nau village and shot dead the activist.
Higher edn students of madarasasface uncertain future after SC order





LUCKNOW :

AFTER the Supreme Court declared higher education degrees awarded by the Uttar Pradesh Madarasa Board un constitutional, there is a demand to accommodate the about 25,000 studentswho arecurrentlypursing these courses in any other recognised university. The State Government ha salso said it will find a way out after considering all the legal aspects of this matter. InanorderonNovember5,the Supreme Court declared the KamilandFazildegrees --equivalent to graduation and postgraduation degrees -- awarded by the Uttar Pradesh Madarasa Board Board unconstitutional, saying it was in conflict with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act. Zaman Khan, the General Secretary of the Teachers AssociationMadarisArabiaUttar Pradesh, said the courts decision has created a difficult situation for the thousands of current students as the board will notbe able toconduct exams for these courses now.

The order of the Supreme Court is supreme. But the Governmentmustfindsomeway todealwiththesituationthathas arisen so that the future of the students studying in the Kamil andFazilcoursesoftheMadrasa Board doesnotremaindark, he told PTI said on Sunday. MinorityWelfare MinisterOm Prakash Rajbhar said the Government will definitely find a way out by studying the SC order and discussing its various legal aspects.

On the question of whether the students studying in the MadarasaBoardsKamilandFazil courseswillbelinkedtoanyother university, the minister said, Allaspectswillbeconsideredand only after that the Government will take any decision. Madarasa Board Registrar R P Singhsaidabout25,000students are studying in the Kamil and Fazil courses run by the board currently,andwhateverdecision the Government takes will be followed.
MVA has no ambition for development, says Shah





Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressing a poll rally at Green Park City in Warud, on Sunday.

Buldhana Correspondent :

Union Home Minister at campaign meeting in Buldhanas Malkapur assures to hike aid to farmers to Rs 15,000, MSP difference if BJP is voted to power in Maharashtra

The Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) is only misleading the voters without any ambition for development of the State. In the ten years from 2004 to 2014, the Congress-led Government at Centre gave only Rs 1,51,000 crore to Maharashtra. As against this, from 2014 to 2024, the Narendra Modi Government gave Rs 10,15,890 crore to the State, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah was addressing a poll campaign meeting at Buldhanas Malkapur on Sunday. It was a joint meeting for Raver, Khamgaon and Jalgaon Jamod Assembly constituencies. Shah further promised that the aid of Rs 12,000 that farmers are getting annually at present will be hiked to Rs 15,000 if BJP is voted back to power in Maharashtra.

The Union Minister also said, the State Government will pay the differential amount if farmers get a price less than that of MSP for their crops on various agricultural produce. Contd from page 1 Oldage Pension honorarium will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, 25 lakh jobs will be given to youth. 10 lakh educated students will be given Rs 10,000 to start their business. Apart from this, the State Government announced to increase the Ladki Bahin Yojana incentive from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, Shah said. Shah reminded the audience that Union Government had fulfilled the promises made by removing Article 370 in Kashmir. But the Congress and National Conference now want to bring back Article 370, he remarked. Shah also brought up the construction of Lord Ram Temple, in Ayodhya during his speech. The Congress had laid the foundation for ending reservation of OBCs and tribals and giving reservation to Muslims. But as long as there are BJP MLAs and MPs in this country, reservation of dalits, OBCs and ati dalits cannot be disturbed, he said. When Modi Government came to power in 2014, 27 percent reservation was given to backward community, the home Minister said. Today is Shiv Pratap Day. On this day, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had killed Afzal Khan and shocked Bijapur.

We follow his path and would defeat the Mahavikas Aghadi eliminated Afzal Khan, he said. Shah stressed on the importance of Mahayuti Government in State once again for the Wainganga to Nalganga projects in Vidarbha as they would irrigate 3.71 hectares of farmland. Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav, Raksha Khadse and BJP candidates from the district namely Chainsukh Sancheti (Malkapur), Dr Sanjay Kute (Jalgaon Jamod), Akash Fundkar (Khamgaon) and Shweta Mahale (Chikhali) were also present on the stage.

Shah, Yogi to address rallies in Vid from 12th

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be addressing poll campaign rallies in Vidarbha region. The Vidarbha tour of Yogi Adityanath has already begun as he addressed the public meetings at Washim, Amravati and Akola (Rural) at Washim, Teosa and Murtizapur on November 6. Now, Yogi will start his second phase of Vidarbha tour on November 12. The same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also will be on his second phase of Vidarbha tour. Modi will grae campaign rally at Chimur where BJP has fielded Bunty Bhangadiya. On November 12, Yogi will address public rally at Achalpur at 12 noon in Amravati rural, at 2 pm in Akola West in Akola City, at 3.30 pm at Yavatmal. His meetings are scheduled for Nagpur city also wherein he will cover Nagpur Central at 6 pm and Nagpur South. Yogi will address one more meeting the next day, on Wednesday November 13 at 1.30 pm at Karanja (Lad) in Washim district. Similarly, Amit Shah will begin his campaign tour of Vidarbha on November 15. He will address a public meeting at 1 pm at Umarkhed in Yavatmal at 3 pm in Chandrapur. In Nagpur, his meetings are scheduled in rural area. On November 17, Shah will grace the public meetings at Katol and Saoner at 11 am and 12.30 noon respectively. Shah will address the poll campaign meeting at 2 pm at Wardha city. The same day he will grace the campaign meeting at Gadchiroli at 3.30 pm.

Modi fulfilled his promises

Warud Correspondent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled all his promises, be it the scrapping of Article 370, triple talaq, construction of Shri Ram Mandir or implementation of CAA and NRC, asserted Amit Shah, Union Home Minister. He was addressing poll campaign rally in favour of BJP candidate Umesh alias Chandu Yawalkar from Morshi constituency at Green Park City, Jarud road on Sunday. Dr Anil Bonde, Rajya Sabha Member, Ramdas Tadas, former MP, Pravin Tayde, BJP candidate from Achalpur Assembly Constituency, Dr Manohar Ande, Dr Bhushan Khole, Archana Murumkar, Wasudevanand Maharaj, Shridhar Solav, Roshan Lokhande and others were present on the dais. Shah further said that a decision on Waqf Board will also be taken soon. Yawalkar said that he knows problems of the constituency very well and assured to carry out development work in the region.
MVA promises caste census, six cooking gas cylinders at Rs 500 each





Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole, party leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Ramesh Chennithala, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule release Maha Vikas Aghadis manifesto for Maharashtra Assembly elections, in Mumbai on Sunday.

MUMBAI :

THE Opposition MVA on Sunday released its manifesto for the Maharashtra Assembly polls, promising free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16 and two optional leave days for women employees during menstruation. The manifesto, titled Maharashtranama, also assured a castebased census, establishment of a separate department for the empowerment of selfhelp groups, formation of a dedicated ministry for child welfare, and six cooking gas cylinders every year at Rs 500 each to women. It also promised to frame a Nirbhay Maharashtra policy and enforcement of the Shakti law for the safety of women and children.

The MVA also assured to provide Rs 1 lakh each to girls on attaining the age of 18 years. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge released the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadis (MVA) manifesto for the November 20 State polls at a press conference in Mumbai where NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut were also present. Replying to questions on populist schemes announced by the MVA after criticising the ruling Mahayuti for the same, Kharge said, Give us Government and we will give you the budget. He said that in Karnataka, Rs 52,000 crore has been budgeted for the implementation of guarantees and the budget and expenditure details are available. We did not lie.

If you are determined to help the poor, you will find a way out, he said. Sule and StateCongress president Nana Patole said enough funds will be available if the escalation of cost for infrastructure projects and corruption are stopped. Kharge denied that some populist schemes, similar to the Mahayuti Governments Ladki Bahin Yojana, are meant to influence voters. It is about ideology to provide social security,hesaid.ForfarmersintheState, apart from debt waiver up to Rs 3 lakh and Rs 50,000 incentive for regular loan repayment, a review will be conducted to improve the existing schemes and provide support to widows andchildren of families affected by cultivator suicides, theMVA promised.Themanifesto also assured establishment of a Youth Commission for welfare of the youth,Rs 4,000 per month allowance for unemployed educated graduates and diploma holders and recruitment for 2.5 lakh positions in the State Government. The Oppositionalliancealsopromisedanew industrial policy and a dedicated ministry for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.Awelfarecorporationforthe organised and unorganised sanitation workersisalsoamongthepromisesmade in the MVAs manifesto.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell during his visit to Kyiv.

"We discussed our further cooperation within the European Peace Facility and the Ukraine Assistance Fund. We are grateful for the transferred shells and expect to receive a total of 1 million rounds of ammunition by the end of this year. We especially appreciate the security agreement with the EU concluded in June and expect its successful implementation," Shmyhal said in his Telegram channel following the meeting.

He said the Ukrainian side appreciates the positive assessment of Ukraine's progress in the European Commission report and the intention to open cluster negotiations as soon as possible in 2025.

"European integration is an absolute priority for us, and I thanked Mr. Borrell for his personal leadership in this process," the Prime Minister said.

He also said Ukraine is interested not only in developing joint production, but also in supporting the Ukrainian defense industry, following the example of Denmark, when allies finance the production of weapons in Ukraine for the needs of the Ukrainian security and defense forces.
Oppn MPs say, Waqf panelstour meetings lacking quorum





NEW DELHI :

SEVERAL opposition MPs of the parliamentary committee examining theWaqf (Amendment) Bill have suggested that the assurance they received after meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has not been met and have accused the panel chairman of going ahead with a tour of states despite his meetings lacking even the quorum. Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Committee of Parliament formed to scrutinise the contentious bill tabled by the Government in the last Monsoon Session, rejected opposition members contention, asserting that study tours of parliamentary panels are an informal exercise and are not bound by formalities like meeting the quorum.

The Pal-led committee is currently on a tour of five states to speak to various stakeholders though Opposition members have boycotted it. The panel chairman told PTI on Sunday that he is confident of meeting the deadline of submitting the Committees report by the last day of the first week of the Winter Session, which begins on November 25, adding that he has already prepared its 200-250 pages. 5-MEMBER TEAM OF JPC ON WAQF BILL ARRIVES IN BHUBANESWAR: A 5 -member team of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on theWaqf Bill, 2024 including its chairman Jagadambika Pal arrived inBhubaneswar on Sunday.

A meeting of the JPC with various stakeholders is scheduled tobe held in Bhubaneswar onMonday. The proposed meetingis a part of JPCs study tour in 5cities Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna, and Lucknowbetween November 9 and 14 tocollect the opinions of variousstakeholders in these states onthe bill. Speaking to the mediapersons, Jagdambika Pal said thatif the Government wished, itcould get the Bill passed after itwas tabled in the Parliament. But the Government took the initiative to refer the bill to a JPC sothat the poor Muslims, commonpeople can get the benefits of Waqf in a transparent manner.
Public Relations Council of India presentsCEO of the Year award to WCL CMD Dwivedi





Business Reporter :

JP DWIVEDI, Chairman cum Managing Director of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has been awarded the prestigious title of CEO of theYear by the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) in recognition of his exemplaryleadership andcontributions to themechanisation ofcoalminingalongwithstrategic digital PR activities inWCL. The award was presented by Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, at a grand ceremony held in Mangalore on Friday.

Dwivedi, known for his forward-thinking approach and transformative strategies, has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that has set a benchmark in coal mining industry. Under his leadership WCL has continuously achieved remarkable milestones, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic and impactful leader. The CEO of the Year award by PRCI is one of the organisationshighesthonours, given to leaders who demonstrate exceptional integrity, strategic vision and an ability to inspire both their teams and the wider community. While presenting the award, ShripadNaikpraisedDwivedi's contributions to the industry, notinghisroleinpioneeringinitiatives that align with national priorities and his ability to build sustainable frameworks within the businesslandscape. I am truly honored to receive this award, said Dwivedi. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my entire team, he addeed.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with his Estonian counterpart Hanno Pevkur in Kyiv and discussed further cooperation between the countries.

"We discussed further steps to strengthen our cooperation: investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, additional military assistance packages, contributions to the IT coalition, and training for Ukrainian servicemen," Umerov said on Facebook.

According to him, one of the key topics of the meeting was Estonia's support in implementing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Victory Plan.

"We paid special attention to the preparation of our brigades. I invited Estonia to join in training and equipping them, following the example of other partner countries," the minister said.

They also discussed the possibility of attracting additional funding for the development of Ukrainian defense production.

The Estonian partners noted their readiness to invest more and work to accelerate the conclusion of relevant agreements.

Pevkur shared information on the status of European initiatives in support of Ukraine.

"I am grateful to EU countries for the progress made in providing our Defense Forces with one million shells by the end of the year and for the decision to allocate part of the new aid tranches from frozen russian assets to the development of Ukrainian defense production. We agreed on further contacts at the end of the year to review the results of 2024 and plan the next steps for the new year," Umerov said.
Zelenskyy speaks with Duda about Victory Plan importance to ensure just, lasting peace

During a phone conversation with Polish President Andrzej Duda, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the implementation of the Peace Formula and the Victory Plan to ensure a just and lasting peace.

As reported by the Presidential Office, Zelenskyy congratulated Duda on Poland's Independence Day and wished peace and prosperity to the Polish people.

Zelenskyy thanked Poland for its continued support for Ukraine since the first days of full-scale Russian aggression.

"The President of Ukraine noted the importance of implementing the Victory Plan as a way to ensure a just and lasting peace. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Peace Formula, as well as bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere," the office said.

Zelenskyy also invited Duda to visit Ukraine.
Elections under Martial Law: Between Public Demand and Intensive Russian Malicious Narratives

On Thursday, November 14, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency (8/5a Reitarska Street) will host a roundtable discussion on the subject: "Elections under Martial Law: Between Public Demand and Intensive Russian Malicious Narratives."

Organizer is NGO Foundation for Democracy Assistance within the framework of the Ukrainian Experts Talks project.

Participants: Head of the InfoLight.UA Research and Analysis Group Yuriy Honcharenko; political expert Volodymyr Soniuk; sociologist, co-founder of the Active Group Research Company Andriy Yeremenko; Editor-in-Chief and author of programs on the InterVizor socio-political media platform, member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, blogger, political and economic observer Svitlana Kushnir; political scientist Volodymyr Manko.

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, Trend reports.

Highlighting that Finland will assume the OSCE Chairpersonship next year, Alexander Stubb noted that the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act will be celebrated.

The President of Finland reaffirmed his countrys support for the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan and expressed interest in advancing this agenda.

The Azerbaijani President pointed out that the OSCE Minsk Group is now part of history and emphasized that Azerbaijan supports the peace agenda. President Ilham Aliyev also mentioned that Armenia had been invited to attend COP, but whether it participates or not remains Armenias decision.

Alexander Stubb invited President Ilham Aliyev to visit Finland. The Azerbaijani leader accepted the invitation with gratitude.

During the conversation, the Presidents exchanged views on bilateral issues.
"A whole supply chain within the manufacturer country itself! It is just a dream for people like us because it offers so much convenience, efficiency and accuracy," says Bill Zhuang. by Xinhua writers Xia Lin, Xu Jianmei, Xie E NEW YORK, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China has spotted a window period, maybe once in a century, which, if tapped properly, can boost the country's electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing to a new height and help define the global EV market, an industry insider told Xinhua in Detroit, U.S. Midwest state of Michigan, at the end of October. "China is now defining the (EV) market, which the United States has been failing to do and other manufacturers have no ability to do, let alone preserve such an ambition," said Bill Zhuang, president and CEO of Angstrom Electric, a division of Angstrom Automotive Group, a leading tier 1 full-service supplier for Automotive and Industrial OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Due to sectoral deficits, the automotive-manufacturing "Big Three" of the United States, namely General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, have all slowed down their transition to EV production. Staff members were laid off and factories closed, a sign of losing confidence in EV's prospects. However, latecomer Tesla has made money in the past five years, thanks to its strong presence in the Chinese market. "China prides itself on efficiency, which is now hard to find in the United States," said Zhuang, recalling his September visit to over 10 EV manufacturers in China. "American manufacturers can give few marvels in the transmission system, interior and exterior design, customer experience and electric application, which are exactly the fields that their Chinese peers stand out." "And the most important thing with which China calls the shot is that a sound and full-dimension supply chain has been established within the country for making EVs in the past decade," noted Zhuang, who moved from China to the United States in the 1990s and has spent the last four decades building his career across both countries, accumulating vast industry knowledge and experience. For the vehicle industry, supply chain is the key term, he said, adding that U.S. manufacturers have rushed to establish a complete supply chain within North America to avoid impacts such as tariffs on Chinese components and logistical delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they knew the rule too late. "A whole supply chain within the manufacturer country itself! It is just a dream for people like us because it offers so much convenience, efficiency and accuracy," said Zhuang, who is based in Michigan, one of the industry's world hubs and home to more than three-quarters of all automotive research and development in North America. "When the United States slows down and you take the lead, your only choice is to proceed even faster and, of course, stably, with a logical blueprint," he said, stressing that this is what the window period exactly means. "Strategy and blueprint are things that this industry direly needs," said the experienced auto manager. "With these two things in mind and in effect, China's whole and sound supply chain of EVs can sustain growth and develop further, and eventually integrate into the world supply chain."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Relations with Azerbaijan are developing upwards, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljka Cvijanovic, who arrived on a visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), said in her official social account, Trend reports.

"We highly appreciate the good cooperation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as well as his friendly attitude towards all the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina and both structures.

Our relationship with Azerbaijan is on the rise, becoming better and more meaningful. This is evidenced by my fourth visit to Baku in less than two years, as well as the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Bosnia and Herzegovina last year at my invitation. We thank you for the support you have provided so far and look forward to the realization of the future projects we have discussed," noted Cvijanovic.

On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Denis Becirovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Zeljka Cvijanovic.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) opened today in Baku and will continue until November 22. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date, and for the first time, it is being held in the region of Azerbaijan.

Within COP29, the highest level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

In addition to being a top priority that sets the stage for action, the creation of climate finance will also contribute to meeting the 1.5C commitment by bringing everyone together.

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 the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is based in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Stella Mae Katie Mulhollan of Bridge City left this earth on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimers disease.

Services for Katie were held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. There was a visitation for family and friends on Thursday, Nov.7 at 10am, with funeral services immediately following at 11. Pastor Josh Fults of First Baptist Church Orange officiated. Katie was laid to rest at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange.

Katie was born Aug. 15, 1935, in Hamlin, Texas, to Eunice and William Hamric. At an early age, she decided she didnt care for her given name and would thereafter be known as Katie. Her passion in high school was twirling; she was a proud member of the renown Bengal Guards Drum and Bugle Corps.

On April 11, 1953, she married Stewart Charles Mulhollan in Orange, Texas. They eventually made their home in the Bridge City area, where they raised their five children.

After Stewarts death in 1990, she began her second act as a full time Maw Maw and avid bridge player. She loved weekly gatherings with her dear friends, affectionately known as the Bridge Ladies, for more than 40 years.

Katie loved science fiction - specifically Star Trek, hosting family dinners, and was an inspired snacker - always ready for a teaspoon of ice cream or two or three french fries.

She never met a stranger - she loved to talk to people and share stories about her life and family. Until her disease intervened, she was a member of St. Paul Methodist Church in Bridge City, delighting in fellowship.

Katie wasnt just a typical mother and grandmother; she was arts and crafts director, chef, baker, confectioner, chauffeur, and teacher. She was a model homemaker and the worlds best giver of hugs. She lived to serve her family and friends, forged her own happiness through that of others.

Katie was predeceased by her parents, her husband Stewart, and her siblings Richard Hamric, Juancy Cannifax, Billy Hamric, and Addie (Wiggy) McDonald.

She is survived by her son Chuck Mulhollan and wife Kellie, her daughters Debbie Lyles and husband Glen (with whom she lived for many years), Cindy Mims and husband Ralf, Jan Akers and husband Scott, and Leslie Potts and husband David. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren Chad Porterfield, Charla LaRocca, Lee Mims and wife Katie, Tara Allen and husband Thomas, Laci Gibbens and husband Logan, Michael Schrieber, Brandon Lyles and wife Makayla, and Nicole Davidson and husband Jimmy, as well as 16 great grandchildren. She was also Maw Maw to many more, hosting sleepovers for friends of her grandchildren, including many in the neighborhood. Katie was loved and treasured by many and will be missed greatly.

Serving as pallbearers were Glen Lyles, Scott Akers, David Potts, Lee Mims, Michael Schrieber and Brandon Lyles. Honorary pallbearers are Chuck Mulhollan and Ralf Mims.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, Trend reports.

The Prime Minister congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting COP29, calling it a significant event for addressing climate change issues.

He emphasized Azerbaijan's crucial role in organizing COP and its position as an energy-rich country in the context of climate change.

Alexander De Croo noted that this visit to Azerbaijan provided an opportunity to discuss both bilateral and Azerbaijan-European Union relations. He highlighted the strong ties between the European Union and Azerbaijan and expressed support for further developing these relations.

The President of Azerbaijan praised the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Touching upon Azerbaijan's green energy opportunities, President Ilham Aliyev pointed out the significant wind energy opportunities along the coasts of the Caspian Sea and stated that concrete projects are underway to export Azerbaijans green energy to Europe.

The President of Azerbaijan also commended the productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union in other areas.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that, despite the limited time available for preparation, Azerbaijan had made significant efforts to ensure the high-level organization of COP29.

The President added that Azerbaijan is also affected by climate change.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on regional issues and the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The head of state said that serious progress had been made as a result of active negotiations over the past year and pointed to some advances in the field of border delimitation. President Ilham Aliyev noted that territorial claims against Azerbaijan, reflected in the Constitution of Armenia, remained an obstacle to the signing of a peace treaty, adding that this Constitution should be amended.

President Ilham Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan had invited Armenia to COP29. Whether Armenia participates in COP29 or not is up to this country.

During the conversation, the sides also discussed cooperation in the field of ports. It was noted that Belgian companies have significant opportunities in the field of renewable energy at sea.
Months after a faculty member from the Mechanical Engineering department of Jadavpur University died by suicide, another professor of the university was found dead in a hotel Uttarakhand. Professor Mainak Pal from the Philosophy Department was discovered dead in a hotel in Almora. Police found his bloodied body after breaking down the hotel room door, prompting an investigation to determine whether the death was a suicide or foul play. Several Jadavpur University professors have demanded a high-level inquiry into the mystery-shrouded death of their colleague.

Mainak Pal, a respected professor and alumnus of Jadavpur University, had reportedly gone on a trip with friends to Uttarakhand. He was expected to return soon, but on the day of departure, Almora police found his body in his hotel room. While preliminary reports suggest a possible suicide, further investigation is underway, with officials withholding any conclusions until the probe is complete. Parthapratim Roy, general secretary of the Jadavpur University Teachers Association (JUTA), stated: We heard that he had gone on a trip with friends and was due to return soon.

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Mainak was a calm and thoughtful individual, and a former student of this university. Its heartbreaking to think of what might have happened to him. Professor Pals family has expressed doubt over the possibility of suicide, stating that they do not believe he would have made such a decision. The police in Uttarakhand are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.

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A few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alerted the nations citizens about digital arrest scams. However, Biswajit Nayak, a resident of Ananda Pally in the Raniganj Police Station area of West Burdwan district, has fallen victim to a cybercrime, losing Rs. 9 lakhs. Biswajit Nayak has filed a complaint with the National Portal and a separate written complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) on 4 November.

In his complaint, Mr Nayak alleged that he received calls from unknown numbers, with the callers claiming to be police officers who had implicated him in a bank fraud case. Overwhelmed by the accusation, he was then transferred to an alleged national cybercrime cell, where he was threatened with arrest. Subsequently, he received calls from various numbers, with the callers claiming to be high-ranking police officials. He also received WhatsApp messages stating that his location had been identified and that a police team was on its way to arrest him.

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Fearing for his safety, he divulged his bank account details to the scammers, who siphoned off Rs. 9 lakhs from his three accounts through twenty-one transactions. They continued to threaten him for more money, but he eventually realized he had been scammed. Just a few days ago, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), Arvind Kumar Anand, urged citizens not to respond to calls from unknown numbers and to avoid sharing personal information. He also provided a toll-free number for assistance in case of cybercrime. The Cyber Crime Police Station of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate has been investigating numerous cybercrime cases as incidents of cyber fraud have increased, with scammers employing various tactics to deceive people and even the police.

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The ADPC Cyber Crime wing has been actively raising awareness about cybercrime through various programmes. The Cyber Crime Cell of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate has arrested several individuals and successfully investigated many cases in recent times. On 29 October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern and alerted the public about the ongoing digital arrest scam during his Mann Ki Baat radio programme.
The state education secretary Vinod Kumar today assured that the government grant of Rs 10,000 for tablets or smartphones, which went missing from the accounts of 85 beneficiary students, would be made available in their accounts by Monday.

Mr Kumar, while talking to reporters on the sideline of the education summit at the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) today said that the school education department was looking into the issue of alleged missing money meant for tablets very seriously.

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We have been looking into the issue very seriously and it was not desirable. The said money of Rs 10,000 each would be made available to the accounts of the 85 students, who were denied the benefit, by Monday. A departmental inquiry had already begun and those who would be found guilty wont be spared, Mr Kumar assured.

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The alleged diversion of the government grant of Rs 10,000 each to Rs 18 lakh students for tablets, to other accounts had stirred the state administration. She had ordered an inquiry by the school education department.
West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) said on Saturday that justice in the rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital will not be achieved till Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in power.

His comments came within 48 hours after a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India headed by the outgoing Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud turned down an oral prayer made by a lawyer seeking the shifting of the trial process in the matter outside West Bengal.

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It is clear now that the West Bengal government and the ruling Trinamool Congress are going all-out to suppress the truth behind the rape and murder tragedy, said Suvendu Adhikari while speaking to the media persons at the sidelines of an election campaign rally for the forthcoming bypolls for six Assembly constituencies on November 13.

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He added that there had been information that a senior police official had approached the victims parents with money so that the latter remain silent in the matter.

Thats why I am saying that unless the trial is shifted to any other state, justice in the matter will never be achieved. As long as Mamata Banerjee is in power, there will be no justice, he said.

Hence I am insisting on the trial process to be transferred outside West Bengal. The current West Bengal government under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee is protesting rapists and corrupt persons, he added.

Adhikari also accused the acting head of the neighbouring Bangladesh government and Nobel Award prize winner Mohammed Younis of patronising communal forces who are resorting to destroying Hindu temples and killing the Hindu population in the country.
West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF), the umbrella body of the junior doctors of the state spearheading the movement over the rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, on Saturday said that they will continue to struggle on streets till a logical conclusion of the case.

On Saturday, the junior doctors organised a protest rally in Kolkata which was attended by thousands of common people including people from the celebrity world, civil society and representatives from the transgender community.

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At the end of the rally, Debasish Halder, one of the leading faces in the movement of the junior doctors said that there is no question of moving away from the streets unless the victim gets justice.

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Our movement on the streets will continue. This movement is not just restricted within the boundaries of West Bengal now. It is a national and rather an international affair now, Halder said.

Pulastya Acharya said that the majority of the junior doctors are united in these protests on the streets and they will continue to remain united.

I am again saying that the withdrawal of the fast-unto-death agitation does not mean that our movement on the issue has stopped. The movement will continue as long as we get justice, he said.

Saturdays rally was conducted under the banner of Janatar Chargesheet (Public Chargesheet). It signifies that the people in general including the protesting junior doctors are not happy with the findings of CBI in its first chargesheet, which has identified civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the sole prime accused in the rape and murder crime.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. On November 11, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, Trend reports.

President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Irakli Kobakhidze on the victory of the "Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia" Party in the parliamentary elections held in Georgia, wishing him success in his future endeavors. He emphasized that the results of the elections reflect the will of the Georgian people.

Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his gratitude for the congratulations.

The meeting highlighted the strong bilateral friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, with positive outcomes noted in cooperation in political, economic, and transportation spheres.

President Ilham Aliyev invited Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for an official visit to Azerbaijan, while the latter reciprocated with an invitation for the Azerbaijani leader to visit Georgia.

Both leaders expressed gratitude and happily accepted each other's invitations.
The Union Government has earned over Rs 650 crore from the disposal of scrap during the cleanliness campaign carried out in October, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Personnel.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis directions, the special campaigns conducted by the government from 2021-24 have generated a revenue of Rs 2,364 crore through scrap disposal and resulted in freeing up more office space for officials to function more effectively, the statement said.

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Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said that the special campaign 4.0 was Indias largest campaign for institutionalising Swachhata and reducing pendency in the government offices and has witnessed many best practices and milestones.

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The saturation approach was adopted in special campaign 4.0 for Swachhata and reduced pendency.

The Special Campaign 4.0 has seen Swachhata campaigns being undertaken in more than 5.97 lakh sites and resulted in freeing up 190 lakh square feet of space for effective office use.

Jitendra Singh said that with every passing year, the size and scale of the Special Campaign was increasing with more than 5.97 lakh sites covered in 2024 as against 2.59 lakh sites in 2023.

The special campaign 4.0 was reviewed by the cabinet ministers, ministers of state and secretaries to the Union government providing leadership and guidance in implementation.

The progress of special campaign 4.0 was monitored on a dedicated portal (https:cdpm.nic.in/SpecialCampaign4) on a daily basis.

Singh appreciated the reduction in pendency in the central secretariat under the special campaign 4.0 with most of the ministries/ departments achieving 90-100 per cent of reported targets.

He called on all officials to continue the momentum of Special Campaign 4.0 throughout the year and make it a way of life.

The campaign concluded on October 31, with outstanding results, and after collating all the data, the evaluation phase will start from November 14, the statement said.

The Ministry also listed the best practices in institutionalising Swachhata that emerged during Special Campaign 4.0. These include scrap cleared from old cooling towers after auctioning through MSTC at Pune Airport, AAI, Ministry of Civil Aviation, scrap cleared from Recreation room, National Bal Bhawan, New Delhi, Ministry of Education, the launch of a special drive for Digital Life Certificate by SBI for Ease of Living for senior and super senior citizens, Department of Financial Services.

Conservation of manuscripts and historical documents by Asiatic Society, Ministry of Culture, crafting a 12.5 feet tall idol of Lord Ganesha with scrap material, Raipur, Ministry of Railways and disposal of about 105.72 lakh sticks of smuggled cigarettes worth Rs 8.7 crore by CBIC also form part of the achievements list.
Indias steel exports recorded a double-digit growth of 11 per cent in October compared to the previous month, indicating an improved outlook for the sector, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Steel.

While the countrys steel exports rose to 4.4 million lakh tonnes in October, from 4 lakh tonnes in September, there was a dip in imports which will help the domestic steel companies to fetch better prices for their products in the third quarter, a senior official said.

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Imports slowed during the month for the first time in the current financial year as the Government imposed restrictions on poor-quality steel that was coming from countries such as Vietnam. As a result, steel imports declined 4 per cent to 9.8 lakh tonnes after scaling a peak of 11 lakh tonnes in September, according to official figures.

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According to senior SAIL officials, there has been some improvement in the domestic steel sector with the price of long products going up by around 2 per cent to Rs 53,000 per tonne compared to September.

Similarly, JSW Steel CEO Jayant Acharya said in an investor call that prices are looking up, after the sharp decline in September when imports had surged to a record high.

Indias steel production in 2024-25 is expected to touch 152 million tonnes, with an annual growth of 8 per cent which is driven by Government expenditure on big-ticket infrastructure projects such as highways, ports and railways. The increasing urbanisation and surge in construction activity also drive up demand for steel products.
Zomato addressed the claims of the antitrust investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) into its business practices, and called them misleading. In a statement to the BSE, it clarified that while the CCI had initiated a preliminary inquiry back in April 2022, no final findings or orders had been issued against the company.

Reaffirming its commitment to compliance with Indian competition laws, Zomato emphasised its readiness to cooperate with the investigation and respond to any inquiries from the regulator. There were media reports surfacing suggesting that Zomato and Swiggy had violated antitrust regulations.

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Issuing a firm denial, Zomato said an investigation initiated by an initial CCI order on April 4, 2022, had yet to yield any formal conclusions or negative findings against it. This information, disclosed in Swia BSE notice, highlighted that the CCI had issued no further directives since the inquiry commenced.

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In its filing, Zomatos Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, Sandhya Sethia, provided additional context, explaining that the April 2022 Prima Facie Order resulted in an investigation under the CCIs Director General. Sethia stated that the CCI had initially raised concerns, particularly over Zomatos platform practices, including listing preferences for restaurant partners and pricing parity across platforms.

Swiggy also called the media report misleading. It stated that, based on the CCIs order dated April 5, 2022, the director general investigated specific aspects of its business conduct, and the inquiry and report of March 2024 represent only a preliminary step in an ongoing investigation, not a final decision, as some reports suggest. It clarified that it has disclosed all relevant details in the companys public DRHP filing on September 26, 2024.
Aam Aadmi Partys national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday claimed that his partys dispensation in Delhi has proved that not only can governments run schools, but can make them exceptional also.

On the occasion of National Education Day, which is observed on the birth anniversary of the countrys first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Kejriwal said that the Delhi government is making his dreams come true by providing every child with quality education.

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According to the former Delhi CM, government schools that were once overlooked in the national capital, presently children from underprivileged backgrounds studying in these schools are cracking IIT-JEE, NEET and similar competitive exams.

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He emphasised that AAPs core ideology says that no nation can progress without education.

As per AAP chiefs claims, now even affluent families in Delhi are opting to enroll their children in government schools instead of private ones.

The AAP chief also paid rich tributes to Indias first Education Minister Abul Kalam Azad, remembering his vision of providing the best possible education to every child in the country.

In a post on social media platform X, Kejriwal remarked that children from economically weaker backgrounds in Delhi are now passing competitive exams like IIT-JEE, and NEET and pursuing careers as doctors, engineers, and officers.

He further claimed that AAP has proven that the government can manage and elevate schools to a world-class level.

Kejriwal stressed that education is the top priority of the AAP government, and the party firmly believes that education is something integral to its core ideology.

He said, Earlier, governments claimed that government schools couldnt improve or be managed by the government, but we have shown that its possible.

Meanwhile, Delhi CM Atishi has said that along with Kejriwal she talked about education with parents of state government school children in the New Delhi assembly constituency.

She claimed that during the conversation, parents shared that there was a time when government schools did not even have basic facilities, but in the last 10 years, thanks to the revolution in Delhi government schools, their children are getting better facilities.

She assured that the education revolution will continue in Delhi, and children from poor families will progress, but only when the people once again choose those (political parties) who work on education.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi informed on Monday that her cabinet was sending a proposal to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena for a detailed plan for the permanent appointment of the bus marshals, and civil defence volunteers.

The proposal made a case for the reinstatement of the marshals till such a plan is prepared.

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Atishi, while addressing a press conference here, noted that in the absence of bus marshals, women in the city are feeling insecure while travelling in the buses. She said the issue of bus marshals and their deployment in the buses was discussed in detail at a cabinet meeting.

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She said since the appointment of bus marshals on a permanent basis falls under the ambit of the Centre until the Central government makes a policy on it, the Delhi government has decided that all 10,000 marshals should be deployed in buses with immediate effect.

The aim of the deployment of the marshals is to provide employment to the youth from poor families and ensure safe travel for the women in the city. The Delhi government will bear all the expenses incurred on the salary of the marshals, she added.

The chief minister said whether the LG or Central government prepares the policy to reinstate them or appoint them on a permanent basis, the Delhi government would disburse the salaries among the marshals.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who also addressed the press, said the officer appointed by the LG has written a note that the issue of bus marshals is a matter of services.

He said the Delhi government had sent another proposal and asked the officials to not misguide the marshals and put them back the same way they were doing their work.

Atishi said the Delhi government had done a lot of work for the safety of women, and to prevent indecent behaviour with them in buses, CCTV cameras had been installed along with panic buttons.
On the fourth day of Nyay Yatra, Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav today claimed that the national capital is heading for a change and people will reject both Aam Aadmi Party and Bharatiya Janata Party to bring back the grand old party to power in the city in the upcoming assembly elections, raising the slogan Dilli Ki LalkarChahiye Congress Sarkar (This time the city needs a Congress government).

The Yatra on Monday travelled through the areas of Haiderpur Village, Shalimar Bagh and concluded at Gujranwala Town in Model Town area of North Delhi and covered the assembly segments of Badli, Shalimar Bagh, Adarsh Nagar and Model Town.

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He also stopped at few places enroute the yatra to talk to cobblers and street vendors, to get first hand feedback about their difficulties, claiming that AAP and BJP only fed them with false, hollow promises without doing anything for the welfare of the poor and the common people.

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Yadav said that people now repose faith in the Congress party to provide jobs to the unemployed, control price rise and issue ration cards to the poor among other civic issues of pollution, cleanliness etc.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has approved the recruitment of 1,463 healthcare staff in a bid to address the shortage of healthcare personnel and improve the national capitals public healthcare infrastructure.

According to an official, this includes 701 nurses and 762 paramedical staff on outsourced basis through PSUs such as ICSIL, NICSI, BECIL, HLL etc by individual hospital against direct recruitment quota and relaxation in Recruitment Rules (RRs) in respect of specified mode of recruitment.

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The decision comes following the recommendations of the SK Sarin Committee, constituted after the High Court of Delhis observations on healthcare on 13th February, it said.The Court had pointed towards the inadequacy of the health infrastructure and availability of hospital beds and had directed the city government to file a status report as to how it plans to ensure that the medical infrastructure keeps pace with the citys population. Further, the Court had also raised the issue of shortage of manpower.

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Saxenas approval will expedite the hiring process and help to lessen the burden on existing healthcare workers, reduce patient wait times, and improve overall patient care, the LG office said, adding, adequate staffing levels will also improve the overall efficiency of hospitals, leading to smoother operations and better patient outcomes.
For over a quarter century versatile actor Kamal Hassan has been Ulaga Nayagan (global hero) to his ardent fans and admirers. This was in recognition of his acting skills, knowledge of cinema and the spirit of innovation. But, now, he has appealed to fans and admirers and the film fraternity as well to give up addressing him with that sobriquet.

It is my humble belief that the artist must not be elevated above the art. I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve. Hence, after considerable reflection, I feel compelled to respectfully decline all such titles or prefixes, the iconic film star said in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday.

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Eclipsing all other titles, he became Ulaga Nayagan ever since acclaimed director KS Ravikumar gave him the title in the movie, Thenali (2004). It was in this romantic comedy, in which Kamal plays a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee, the actor made Ravikumar as a producer. It was in gratitude that he accorded the title to Kamal.

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Previously, he was given the title Kalai Gnnani (learned/scholarly artist) by the late Dravidian patriarch and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. And in the 1970s and 80s, as the flamboyant and chivalrous hero he was known as the Prince of Love and then King of Love. He has been conferred with the Padma awards by the Union Government as well. In 2018, he launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, which is now part of the INDIA Bloc.

Now, a week after he turned 70, the actor who made his debut as a child artiste in the movie Kalathur Kannamma (1967), had decided to give all the honorifics and titles. The art of cinema transcends beyond any one individual and I am but a student of the craft, forever hoping to evolve, learn and grow. Cinema like any other form of creative expression belongs to all. It is the collaboration of countless artists, technicians, audience who make it what it is  a true reflection of humanitys diverse, rich, and ever evolving stories, reads the statement while acknowledging a deep sense of gratitude over being bestowed endearing titles such as Ulaga Nayagan, among others. Then in an appeal, he said, I humbly request all my fans, the media, members of the film fraternity, party cadre and fellow Indians to hereafter refer to me simply as Kamal Hassan or Kamal or KH.

Meanwhile, the Kamal-Maniratnam combo has joined hands for Thug Life after Nayagan  a gap of 37-long years. Eagerly awaited by fans, the film is set for release in June next year.
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana on Monday addressed concerns over the availability of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser in the state, assuring farmers that the supply remains adequate and uninterrupted.

Criticising Opposition parties for what he called misleading statements, Rana emphasised the governments commitment to support farmers through timely fertiliser supplies and seamless crop procurement.

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Refuting allegations by Congress leaders of a DAP shortage, Rana said that the state currently has 23,748 metric tonnes (MT) of DAP fertiliser in stock, with an additional 9,519 MT expected to arrive by November 15. In this regard, the agriculture minister also held a meeting with the officers and issued directions to ensure that all farmers of the state get DAP and not even a single acre in the state remained unsown in lack of DAP.

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There is no shortage of DAP for our farmers, he declared, adding that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, under Sh. Nayab Singh Sainis leadership is the only administration nationwide to procure 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

According to departmental records, Haryanas DAP stock is well-aligned with the demand, closely mirroring last years consumption levels. In the previous Rabi season, a total of 2,29,086 MT of DAP was utilised. This year, by November 11, the state had received 1,86,658 MT, including an initial stock of 53,970 MT as of October 1. The minister said that this year from November 1 to 10 the total consumption of DAP in the state has been recorded as 53,164 MT against 32441 MT during this period last year.

The Minister said apart from DAP, Haryanas farmers also use a variety of fertilisers, including NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) and Single Super Phosphate (SSP). Rana said that 65,200 MT of NPK had been received this year, with 23749 MT currently in stock across the state, ensuring that farmers have access to multiple nutrient options.

He highlighted the Congress partys track record, asserting that during their tenure, farmers struggled to sell their produce without adequate support from government agencies. The agriculture Minister also said that the BJP government was committed for the welfare of the farmers and Haryana is the only state in the country which has taken steps to ensure procurement of all 24 crops on Minimum Support Price.

Rana revealed that over 50 lakh MT of paddy has already been procured by state agencies, stressing that every single grain brought to the mandis will be procured. Dismissing Congress claims that paddy procurement was being neglected, he stated, Not a single farmer has been left out; all produce is being bought at MSP.

Providing further details, the Agriculture Minister pointed out that the procurement process of paddy and millet is progressing smoothly across Haryanas mandis. In terms of payments, he confirmed that the government has ensured that the payment to the farmers could be released within 72 hours of the procurement and over Rs.11,522 crore has been directly disbursed to farmers bank accounts. This includes Rs.10,510.79 for paddy and Rs.1,011.31 crore for millet, he added, reassuring farmers of the states dedication to maintaining prompt payments and streamlined transactions.

The Agriculture Minister reiterated the governments commitment to the agricultural sector, urging opposition leaders to refrain from spreading false information. The government is fully devoted to meeting the needs of Haryanas farmers, he said, underscoring the BJP governments focus on rural development and farmer welfare amidst political controversies.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said a partnership between an India that has an 8 per cent growth rate for multiple decades ahead, and a Russia that is a key natural resources provider and a major technology leader, will serve both of the countries and the world well.

A growing Russian appreciation of Make In India as a program to deepen business will certainly help to take forward our cooperation in many domains, he said at the India-Russia Business Forum in Mumbai.

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The session was also attended by Russias First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who is here for the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation to be held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

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Noting that the business meet is being held barely three months after the Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and their interaction on the margins of the BRICS Summit last month in Kazan, Mr Jaishankar said those occasions have provided a strategic direction, whose economic dimension the two nations seek to realise.

The Indian minister observed that the world is moving towards greater multi-polarity and devising appropriate methods of cooperation is essential for both India and Russia too.

Moreover, Russia has consciously focused more deeply on Asia since 2022. This has created many more avenues of cooperation. That we have a long history of strong convergence and deep friendship allows us to make the best of both factors. That the two economies are so complementary is also a key consideration, he added.

He also highlighted certain key developments in bilateral ties. Our bilateral trade is today at $66 billion. This makes the goal of reaching $100 billion by 2030 more than realistic. The balance of trade, however, needs urgent redressal since it is so one-sided. It is imperative that non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments are speedily addressed for this to happen, he added.

Mr Jaishankar noted that the India-Eurasian Economic Union trade in goods negotiations commenced in March this year and the two countries need to vigorously take it forward.

The first ever bilateral Investment Forum took place in Moscow in April 2024. We also need to expedite negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty, he added.

The programme for cooperation in regard to the Russian Far-East from 2024-29 was signed in July during the Annual Summit. It encourages other related activities including in the connectivity sphere, the minister said.

He said that mutual settlement of trade in national currencies is of great importance, especially in the current circumstances. Special Rupee Vostro Accounts are right now an effective mechanism. However, even in the short run, a better trade balance with national currency settlements is the answer.

He observed that the signing of a bilateral agreement between the customs authorities of the two countries in May 2024 on Authorised Economic Operators, has had a big impact on smoothening the ease of doing trade.

The three connectivity initiatives between the two sides, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor and the Northern Maritime Route, all need continued attention, he said.

He also drew Russias attention to the importance of non-economic domains, such as education and film as contributions to a larger societal but also an economic connection between the two countries.

He was confident that the business community in both countries would note and appreciate the strong direction given by the governments to take forward bilateral trade and investment ties.

It is natural that there would be concerns, such as banking and payment related issues, logistical challenges like shipping, insurance and reinsurance as well as market access. Obviously, we have to find solutions that work to the comfort level of those actually involved in trade, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. A panel session themed Implementing the Paris Agreement and ensuring fair and legal distribution of climate finance for the most vulnerable countries is being held within COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Partha Hefaz Shaikh, a representative from the Center for Joint Research and Development said that understanding how the funds allocated for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance are utilized to meet relevant indicators is crucial.

"On the other hand, its crucial to recognize that we have the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) alongside several related indicators. These cover various aspects, including mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage compensation, and maintaining balance. Special focus is placed on the NCQG and the GGA. Now, we have clear indicators that must be met, and its vital to understand how the funds allocated through the NCQG are being used to achieve these objectives. This is an issue that demands attention from the entire UNFCCC structure and throughout the negotiation process. We need clarity on the approaches and resources that will be employed to reach these targets. This is a matter that requires collective focus, and we hope that negotiators and all participants will provide a thorough analysis of this issue," he added.

Shaikh also highlighted the importance of monitoring how the indicators for the GGA are being met.

"These are the expectations that the people of Bangladesh place on negotiators, hoping that they will begin discussions and conduct a thorough analysis of these issues. We have only one world, and we must think about that. As we cross boundaries, we must remember the vulnerable people around the world," he added.

The representative of the Coastal Social Transformation Trust Abul Hasan noted that the new collective quantitative goal should include thematic sub-goals.

Climate finance will be meaningless if global warming cannot be kept within two degrees Celsius. We all realize that the climate is changing, so it is critical to keep temperatures at current levels. It is also important to consider our quantitative NCQG (New Collective Quantitative Goal). The funding strategy for the NCQG should focus on the 1.5 degree Celsius target and include thematic sub-targets such as adaptation funds and compensation for loss and damage, Abul Hasan emphasized.

According to him, the NCQG should focus first on grant-making and then on more significant financial resources.

The responsibility for mobilizing financial resources must be taken up by other countries. The new collective quantitative targets should be human rights and gender-sensitive, he added.

Abul Hasan also noted that Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.

To implement short-term and long-term plans, Bangladesh requires $18.24 billion per year. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that climate finance should be based on the principles of justice, humanism, and equity, he concluded.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) held their 7th Annual High-Level Meeting in Colombo, today. The discussions marked a significant step forward in the ongoing collaboration between the two maritime agencies.

The 4-member ICG delegation, led by Director General S. Paramesh, joined their SLCG counterparts led by Director General Rear Admiral Y.R. Serasinghe to address mutual maritime challenges and strengthen regional security efforts.

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The meeting underscored the commitment of both Coast Guards to tackle shared maritime issues, including combating drug trafficking, reducing marine pollution, ensuring the safety of mariners, and establishing best practices. Capacity-building programmes and other collaborative measures were also discussed to enhance mutual preparedness and response capabilities. The outcomes of this dialogue reaffirmed the dedication of both countries to bolster maritime security and safety frameworks in the region through enhanced cooperation.

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The annual meetings are part of an institutionalized mechanism under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both agencies in May 2018, which formalised a structure for regular engagement. The MoU highlights a commitment to address pressing maritime issues collectively and has guided joint efforts on capacity building, information sharing, and operational synergy over the years.

The 8th Annual High-Level Meeting is set to be hosted by the Indian Coast Guard in 2025, where both agencies are expected to continue advancing collaborative efforts for a more secure and safe maritime region.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar. A resident of Barnog village, Chhamyar Panchayat in Nachan Assembly Constituency of district Mandi, Kumar lost his life in an encounter with terrorists at Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir.

CM said the nation will forever honour the ultimate sacrifice of this brave soldier. He extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family members and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Deputy CM Agnihotri said that the nation and the state would always be indebted for the selfless and supreme sacrifice of this brave son. He prayed the almighty to bless peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

Leader of Opposition and former BJP CM Jai Ram Thakur also expressed grief. He said that the country will always be greatful to him for his supreme sacrifice for the country.

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Reflecting on his journey into filmmaking, Shekhar Kapur, the renowned filmmaker, recently disclosed that he had no formal training when he embarked on directing his debut movie Masoom in 1983. He said he now considers the lack of experience at the time a critical element in the films enduring impact.

Speaking to The Statesman on Monday, he said naivety and raw innocence are essential traits for any filmmaker as they fuel creativity and authenticity.

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If I could, Kapur said, I would re-release Masoom. It wasnt just my first directorial venture but also incredibly close to my heart. I was an accountant and knew nothing about making movies. Being naive, innocent, and completely raw was the greatest lesson I could have had as a filmmaker.

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Masoom, starring Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Tanuja, Supriya Pathak, and Saeed Jaffrey, is a family drama that explores complex themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal within a family. The plot takes an emotional turn when the wife discovers her husbands extramarital affair after the unexpected arrival of his son (played by Jugal Hansraj) from his past relationship.

Kapur is now preparing to bring a fresh vision to his classic with Masoom 2, which is set to be filmed from March next year onwards. This sequel will feature Azmi and Shah in the lead, alongside new a cast, including acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee and Kapurs daughter, Kaveri. The storyline is finalised. Although it differs from the original, it carries the same core values, Kapur shared.

Kapur recounted a near-miss involving the Masoom 2 script, which he almost lost on a recent flight from Dubai. It felt like destiny was looking out for me, he said. A flight attendant returned it with a note saying they loved the original Masoom and hoped the sequel would be just as good.

The scripts close call seems to have added to the directors determination to do justice to the much-loved classic.

Touching on modern trends, Kapur offered his insights into the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. He shared an amusing anecdote about his cook, Nilesh, who presented him with a script draft for Masoom 2  later revealing he had used ChatGPT to create it. Kapur admitted that the AI-generated draft was impressive, but he firmly believes that creativity demands human emotion and authenticity, something AI cannot replicate.

If I cant write a story myself, then who am I? he asked.

Kapur continued to be cautious against over-reliance on AI as it would come in the way of creativity. Dependence on AI makes a filmmaker lazy, he stated. Creativity is driven by the fear of the unknown, faith, love, fear, and hope  emotions that AI may define but cannot genuinely experience.

For Kapur, authentic storytelling stems from lived experiences and emotional depth, the aspects he believes technology cannot capture. What drives a human being are faith, love, fear, and hope. AI can define hope but cannot make you hope. AI cant fall in love. If you dont fall in love, how can you ever be creative? You have to be able to fall in love and fall out of it. One needs to feel the pain and not describe it. To make a great script you have to feel pain. To make a great film you have to feel pain. AI cant feel the pain, said the Bandit Queen director.

With Masoom 2, Kapur seeks to revisit the cult classic while challenging modern cinematic techniques, emphasising that true storytelling is as much about heart as it is about skill.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday received a rousing reception at the civil secretariat in Jammu upon his arrival to assume office in the winter capital. This marked his first official visit to the Jammu Secretariat since taking office as the CM of Jammu and Kashmir on 16 October in Srinagar.

He was warmly greeted by his council of ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and cabinet members Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma. Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Dheeraj Gupta and other senior officials, and staff of the secretariat were also present to receive him. In a gesture of camaraderie, CM visited the chambers of his ministers to formally welcome them, reflecting his commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment.

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During his visit, he also inspected the ongoing construction of the new Assembly Complex. Omar also toured the complex, where officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) Roads & Buildings (R&B) Division provided a detailed briefing on the projects various stages, timeline and next steps. It is after a gap of six years that a CM has entered the secretariat here with J&K downgraded as a Union Territory. Mehbooba Mufti was the last CM of the full-fledged J&K state and her coalition government fell after the BJP withdrew support to her.Interestingly though, Omar was CM of the full-fledged state till 2014 and was now occupying the office as CM of the Union Territory.

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Omar was forced to take the nearly 300 km road route from Srinagar to reach Jammu to be in the secretariat in time as low visibility there prevented flights from taking off. On Monday, he also shared pictures of his road trip that he started from Srinagar. He wrote on X; Poor visibility in Jammu meant a sudden, last minute, road trip. Nothing flew into or out from Jammu yesterday so I had to saddle up & take the road to the winter capital.

On the first day in the civil secretariat here, he chaired a meeting of his senior colleagues and also reviewed functioning of the tourism department. The CM functioning from Jammu during the winter months marks partial restoration of the biannual Durbar Move under which the offices used to function in Srinagar in summers and move to Jammu in winters. It may be noted the National Conference in its Assembly polls manifesto had made a commitment to restore the traditional Durbar Move.

According to an order of the General Administrative Department (GAD) issued on October 23, the Administrative Secretaries and Head of Departments were instructed to begin operating from the Jammu Secretariat from November 11, while their presence in Srinagar will continue as necessary.
Highlighting the importance of the unity and integrity of the nation for building a Developed India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday warned the people against certain forces which are conspiring to destroy the society. It is imperative to understand the seriousness of this attempt and defeat these forces unitedly, he said.

The PM was participating in the 200th anniversary celebration of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat. Welcoming all the disciples from across the globe, he remarked that service is foremost in the tradition of Swaminarayan Mandir and its disciples are immersed in the service today. He underlined that every individual related to the Swaminarayan is aware of his strong personal, spiritual and social relationship with this tradition. He added that he enjoyed the divine company of the saints in the past as well as now along with the opportunity for a meaningful reflection for the development of the nation.

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Mr Modi remarked that revered saint tradition has been the speciality of India and a sage, saint or Mahatma has always appeared to the people during difficult times. He added that Lord Swaminarayan had also come at a time when the country had become weak after hundreds of years of slavery and had lost faith in itself.

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He remarked that every person has a purpose in life which also determines ones life. He said that this purpose influences ones mind, action and words and when one finds the purpose of life, the whole life changes. Saints and sages, he said, have made people aware of the purpose of their life in every era and highlighted the huge contribution of saints and sages to the society.

Mr Modi underlined that the religious institutions have today given a huge purpose to the youth and the whole country is moving forward with a defined goal of a developed India. He urged the saints and sages of Vadtal and the entire Swaminarayan family to take this sacred purpose of developed India to the people. Giving the example of the freedom movement, he said the desire for freedom and the spark of freedom kept inspiring the countrymen from different parts of the country for a century and not a single day or single moment passed when people gave up their intention of achieving the goal. The same kind of desire is necessary for 140 crore countrymen every moment for making a developed India.

The PM urged all the saints and disciples to inspire people over the next 25 years to live the goal of a developed India and keep themselves connected to it every moment. Emphasising that everyone should contribute to a developed India, he added that the first condition for a developed India is to make it a self-reliant country and no outsider is needed to achieve this. He also urged the people to promote Vocal for Local.

Mr Modi also urged the saints and disciples to contribute to keeping the youth away from addiction and making them drug-free. He said that campaigns and efforts to save the youth from drug addiction are always necessary not just in India but across the globe. Remarking that any country can progress only when its proud of its heritage and preserving it, Mr Modi said Indias mantra is development as well as its heritage.
The by-elections being held to nine assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh is being seen as a litmus test for the future assembly elections to be held in 2027. With Congress out of the fray, it is now directly linked to the prestige of SP-BJP stalwarts in this by-election. It is a different matter that the result of the by-election will not affect the health of the government, but the prestige of several political leaders is at stake in the election. This is the reason everyone from CM Yogi Adityanath to SP President Akhilesh Yadav are campaigning hard to turn the political tide in their favour.

Among the by-election seats, Ghaziabad, Khair and Phulpur were held by BJP while Meerapur seat was won by RLD which was earlier with SP. Now RLD is also with BJP. Similarly, Majhwan seat was with Nishad Party, but this time BJP has fielded a former MLA from here. Of the nine seats where voting will take place on November 20, there is a direct contest between BJP and SP on most of them. BSP candidates are also in fray on some seats..

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If we look at the situation of seats, not only Akhilesh Yadavs but the reputation of the entire Saifai family is at stake on Karhal seat. Political experts say that if SPs vote bank decreases in Karhal and BJP gains, its big message will go to the entire country. This is the reason why along with many ministers, Yogi has also held several public meetings here. The reputation of Lalji Verma, the SP MP from Katehri seat, is at stake. The political stature of Shivpal Singh Yadav, who was made in-charge by SP and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Cabinet Minister Swatantradev Singh from BJP, Nishad Party President Dr. Sanjay Nishad, is also being tested here.

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The reputation of Union Minister Anupriya Patel and her husband Ashish Patel is also at stake in Majhwan. So is that of RLD President Chaudhary Jayant Singh from Meerapur seat. The real test in Kurmi-dominated Phulpur is for MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan and SP General Secretary Inderjit Saroj. This seat is also linked to the prestige of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad.

The command of Kundarki has been handed over to BJP state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, general secretary organization Dharampal Singh and Minister JPS Rathore, while Ram Avtar Saini from SP has got a chance to show his strength. The result of Sisamau is sure to impact veteran BJP minister Suresh Khanna. Ghaziabad and Khair seats are also situated in a similar manner.

Political analyst say that the by-election is directly between SP and BJP. This election has become a question of reputation of CM Yogi and SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav. The strategy to win the elections is also being decided at the state level. BJP is claiming it will win all the seats, but if it gets even one seat more than five, it will be considered its achievement. On the other hand, by stopping this, SP will give a message to the public that like the Lok Sabha polls, its influence among the people still remains intact. The future of local satraps will also be decided on the basis of this election result.
Donald Trumps return to the White House is expected to bring seismic shifts in US foreign policy, with implications for regions already grappling with escalating conflicts and complex geopolitical rivalries. His America First approach emphasises national interests over alliances, and his unpredictable style makes his policy trajectory uncertain. Yet, many clues from his campaign trail and previous administration offer insights into what might lie ahead.

In the RussiaUkraine conflict, Mr Trump has hinted at a willingness to push Kyiv toward a negotiated settlement, potentially conditional on NATOs future. By signaling he could end the war swiftly, Mr Trump suggests he sees diplomacy through a cost-benefit lens, where American resources and national interests take precedence. This strategy, aimed at reducing the countrys role in overseas conflicts, could have profound consequences for European security. His critiques of NATO as a burden on America add to the unease among European allies who rely on American military backing as a deterrent against Russian aggression. If Mr Trump were to curtail US commitments to NATO, it might weaken the alliances collective security guarantees, emboldening adversaries and creating a more precarious environment for Europe.

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In West Asia, Mr Trumps approach to bring peace likely involves reasserting a hardline stance on Iran, which he holds responsible for much of the regions instability. He may re-impose sanctions and apply intense pressure on Tehran to curb its influence, particularly its backing of groups like Hamas. His previous actions, including moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and brokering normalisation deals between Israel and several Arab nations, underscore his pro-Israel stance, yet these also isolated the Palestinians and complicated peace efforts.

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His unpredictability could either pressure regional leaders toward dialogue or intensify existing tensions, but Mr Trumps willingness to depart from traditional norms suggests he might pursue a path that disrupts fragile balances in the region. On the US-China front, Mr Trumps focus on economic rivalry suggests he may return to aggressive trade tactics. His past imposition of tariffs aimed to reduce the US trade deficit and bring manufacturing jobs back to America, but it also escalated tensions with Beijing. Mr Trump has implied he would counter any Chinese move to assert control over Taiwan with paralysing tariffs, signaling intent to use economic pressure over military action.

This could heighten volatility in the Indo-Pacific, impacting global supply chains and economic stability as other countries assess the risks of becoming collateral in the US-China rivalry. Mr Trumps potential foreign policy points toward a recalibration of US alliances and priorities, shifting from multilateralism to more transactional, interest-driven partnerships. In prioritising America First, Mr Trumps policies may refocus US commitments domestically, but at the cost of potentially weakening traditional alliances. For Europe, West Asia, and East Asia, this could mean a period of greater regional responsibility, with reduced expectations of US intervention. Whether this yields stability or greater instability depends on how effectively these regions adapt to a world where US influence is neither predictable nor reliable.
Indians are ambitious and self-confident today. Theres a palpable air of hope and optimism all over the country. Thousands of Adanis and Ambanis are in the making. Driven by a diverse population, a rapidly growing economy, and an expanding geopolitical presence, India has the will power and visionary leadership to strengthen its position as a responsible, stable, and dynamic global leader. As India continues to emerge as a resilient, prosperous, and responsible leader, setting an example for inclusive growth and sustainable development worldwide, the question is how India would deal with China. Would the materialization of Indias Vision 2030 reset the geopolitical balance? Lets see. In actualising its Vision 2030, prioritizing sectors such as manufacturing, digital services, renewable energy, and infrastructure development, India has fostered sustainable, inclusive, and resilent economic growth to becoeme the third largest global economy in the next few years.

Within a decade, by 2035, India would be a $10 trillion economy that would lift millions of people out of poverty and create a huge, prosperous, and dynamic middle class. The self-reliant India initiative (Atmanirbhar Bharat) focusing on making India a hub for manufacturing and innovation and promoting local industries is working in full force.

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Through financial incentives, policy reforms, and skill development programmes, India is working to build an economy that contributes significantly to global supply chains. For this purpose, leveraging digital transformation to drive economic growth has been a core priority. Massive programmes like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and Gati Shakti are expanding Indias roads, railways, ports, and urban facilities, to match global standards and support the growing economy. Indias scientific and technological advancements are essential for making her an innovative society, which necessitates investment in space exploration and artificial intelligence.

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ISROs (Indian Space Research Organisation) successful missions, including the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan programmes, showcase Indias pro w ess. India envisions increased international collaboration in space, both for scientific exploration and commercial ventures. India is fostering an AI ecosystem that focuses on healthcare, agriculture, education, and urban management. The National AI Strategy, for instance, aims to lev erage AI for economic development and job creation while upholding ethical and inclusive principles.

By increasing public and private investments in R&D, India is positioning itself as a leader in scientific innovation, developing home-grown solutions to address both national and global challenges. With its large population and vulnerability to climate change, India underscores the importance of environmental sustainability, which requires a plan for renewable energy transition. India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Solar power, wind energy, and green hydrogen are central to Indias energy strategy, helping it reduce dependency on fossil fuels and transition to a green economy. Indias role in international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aligns with its objectives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. Indias commitments emphasise developing climate-resilient infrastructure, protecting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, rapid urbanization requires sustainable planning to accommodate growing populations.

Waste management systems and water conservation initiatives are being promoted to build resilient urban infrastructure. Twelve new smart city projects under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) are aimed at boosting Indias manufacturing ecosystem. Strengthening Indias human capital is vital for not only achieving its development but also for supplying intellectual capital to the rest of the world. Programs like Ayushman Bharat, the worlds largest government healthcare scheme, provide affordable healthcare access to millions. India is working on expanding healthcare infrastructure, developing skilled healthcare professionals, and fostering pharmaceutical and biotech innovation.

The National Education Policy (NEP) emphasizes critical thinking, digital literacy, and skill development. It aims to make Indias educational system more inclusive and industry-aligned, producing a workforce capable of leading Indias economic and technological advancement. With one of the worlds largest youth populations, India must develop policies that empower young people through skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities. India aims to become one of the worlds top knowledge powers. India is a global player, and is strengthening its global diplomatic presence by pursuing partnerships with nations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, the United States, and Latin America to foster shared prosperity and stability. Indias participation in forums like G20, Brics, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and other global institutions allows it to shape global policies on economic, environmental, and security matters. Indias G20 presidency was pivotal in presenting its vision for an inclusive and resilient global economy. Indian policy promotes a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, building alliances with countries such as Japan, Australia, and the United States through initiatives like Quad. As a leader of the Global South, India has strengthened ties with Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, providing technical assistance, capacity building programmes, and development aid.

India is strengthening its national security and cybersecurity through modernizing its defense capabilities and establishing robust cybersecurity measures. India is investing in indigenizing defense technology, procuring advanced equipment, and enhancing military capabilities through partnerships with defense tech companies and other nations. Indias growing digital economy makes cybersecurity a national priority. By investing in cyberinfrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships, India aims to safeguard its critical digital assets and protect its citizens data. With one of the largest, richest, and most entrepreneurial diasporas, India has been leveraging its powerful NRI community as cultural ambassadors promoting Indian values, contributing to bilateral ties with host countries, and, most of all, helping funnel investment and technology transfer to India.

With aspirations to be a leading force in the world, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility and diplomatic engagement with development goals, through strategic policies across economic, technological, and social dimensions, India is on the cusp of a future where it not only contributes but also shapes the global narrative. But how would India deal with China? Fortunately, In  dias Vision 2030 places a strong emphasis on stability, strategic autonomy, and regional cooperation, and these principles are central to how India approaches its relationship with China, particularly in the context of the long-standing Himalayan border conflict and unbalanced trade relations. India prioritizes regional stability, focusing on diplomatic engagement, and emphasizing de escalation and confidence-building measures to manage border tensions.

Indias diplomatic approach includes regular military and diplomatic dialogues with China, focusing on mutual agreements like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) guidelines and mechanisms to manage troop movements and prevent flarups. Nonetheless, in response to Chinese infrastructure expansion, India continues improving its border infrastructure, such as roads, military outposts, and logistics support, to ensure security and rapid response capabilities. The trade relationship between India and China is complex. China is one of Indias largest trading partners, and India relies on Chinese imports for various sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. However, Vision 2030 emphasizes self-reliance and reducing dependency on single sources, particularly for strategic and critical supplies. Indias Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative is central to reducing dependency on China by developing domestic manufacturing capabilities.

For instance, India is expanding its electronics manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries to gradually replace Chinese imports. Given Chinas strong digital and cyber capabilities, India is placing a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, including developing resilient cyber defenses, especially in critical infrastructure sectors, to counter potential cyber-attacks. India is likely to adopt a selective decoupling strategy, targeting critical sectors like defense, technology, and telecommunications. Restrictions on Chinese investments in sensitive areas, such as telecommunications, show a cautious approach to balancing economic needs with security concerns.

Indias Indo-Pacific strategy and alliances like the Quad are designed to promote a balanced regional presence and ensure freedom of navigation. Although not explicitly aimed at China, these partnerships serve as a counterweight, offering India more leverage in regional diplomacy. India is deepening economic ties with countries like Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the EU to diversify trade partnerships and supply chains. Indias interest in agreements such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and its active role in Asean dialogues underline this diversification strategy. Indias strategic focus on the Indian Ocean region acts as a counterbalance to Chinese influence.

It is in the backdrop of Indias defense, economic, and diplomatic preparedness, and geopolitical standing that the recent India-China border patrol agreement should be seen cautiously, perhaps, as a significant diplomatic breakthrough. Looking at Chinas past erratic behavior, its long-term sustainability remains uncertain. The agreement signals a move towards de-escalation along the LAC, where both countries have stationed tens of thousands of troops. Reverting to pre-2020 pat rolling norms reduces the chances of accidental skirmishes and helps stabilize the situation at friction points like Depsang Plains and De mchok. The resumption of patrolling according to pre-2020 terms is a confidence-building measure, indicating a mutual willingness to return to a previously acceptable status quo. This could pave the way for further dialogue and potentially ease tensions that have persisted since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. While the agreement is a positive step, it does not resolve border conflicts between India and China.

The 2,100-mile de facto border, the Line of Actual Control, remains poorly defined and a source of ongoing disputes. Numerous steps are still needed in the long process of resolving issues including troop de-induction, demobilization, and addressing the infrastructure that has been established. The long-term sustainability of the border patrol agreement will depend on continued diplomatic efforts, successful implementation on the ground, and the broader geopolitical context of India-China relations. India has been working to develop a balanced approach to the China relationship, combining diplomacy, self-reliance, strategic alliances, and defense readiness.

While prioritizing peaceful engagement, India must continue strengthening its military and economic independence, pursuing regional partnerships that offer security and economic alternatives to China. Through this multi pronged approach, India must stand strong and strengthen regional stability, while remaining resilient in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Asia.

(The writer is the author of India In A New Key: Nehru To Modi)
In the lush but flood-prone lowlands of south Bengal, the sound of rushing water is an all-too-familiar harbinger of destruction. With annual monsoons delivering torrential rains to the region, communities brace for floods that submerge farmlands, destroy homes and cut off access to vital resources. It is a ritual of survival, recovery, and loss, a cycle that devastates tens of thousands every year. At the centre of this crisis stands a controversial infrastructure  the dams built to manage water flow and prevent floods.

Dams, long seen as crucial tools in flood management, have come under increasing scrutiny in regions like south Bengal, where the effectiveness of this infrastructure is being hotly debated. While dams were designed to store excess water and prevent downstream flooding, their operations are now being questioned by state officials, experts, and the people who suffer when their rivers break free of control.

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The role of dams in south Bengals flood management: Help or hindrance?

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The river systems in south Bengal are a maze of natural waterways, vital to both the ecological balance and the livelihoods of millions of residents. Areas like Ghatal, Panskura, Udaynarayanpur, Amta-II and Khanakul are particularly vulnerable, as they lie at the confluence of several rivers that swell during the monsoon season. For generations, these rivers have brought both fertility and disaster, enriching the soil one year, and sweeping away crops and homes the next.

At the heart of the flood management infrastructure in the region is the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), which operates a network of dams designed to control water flow and mitigate flooding. These dams  including the Durgapur Barrage and the Kangsabati Barrage  store water during heavy rains and release it in a controlled manner, ideally preventing dangerous floods downstream. However, this system has been called into question by state leaders and environmentalists who argue that poor management, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of coordination have turned these dams into a double-edged sword.

The blame game: DVC and the Bengal government at odds

For the people of South Bengal, the floods of 2023 were particularly devastating. Entire communities were submerged, agricultural lands were ruined, and homes were destroyed. In the aftermath, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee directed her ire at the DVC, accusing the corporation of negligence in managing water releases. Banerjee claimed that the flooding was man-made, the result of a failure to properly coordinate water discharges during periods of heavy rainfall.

The floods in South Bengal this year were not just a natural disaster, Banerjee stated. They were caused by the deliberate mismanagement of the DVC. They released water without consulting us, and now our people are suffering the consequences.

Her accusations ignited a fierce political battle, with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti defending the DVCs actions. The ministry argued that the corporation had adhered to all established protocols and had consulted with the Bengal government before releasing water. The ministry further highlighted that West Bengal had representation on the DVCs Reservoir Regulation Committee, implying that the state had been involved in the decision-making process it now criticised.

Nevertheless, the conflict between the state government and the DVC reflects deeper issues with Indias water management system, particularly in the complex river basins of regions like South Bengal.

The science behind flood management: Are dams the solution?

Pravat Kumar Shit, an environmentalist, explains that the basic principle behind using dams for flood management is river basin hydrology  maintaining the minimum flow needed to preserve ecological balance and socio-economic sustainability. Dams, by design, help reduce the frequency and severity of major floods. They hold back excess rainwater, gradually releasing it to downstream areas in a controlled manner.

However, Pravat Shit cautions that while dams can mitigate flood risks, they are not a sustainable long-term solution, particularly in large and complex river systems like Indias. Dams have inherent limitations, especially when they become outdated or when environmental degradation reduces the landscapes ability to naturally absorb excess water.

The construction of dams in the Damodar Valley has transformed the rivers structure. The river corridor, its hydrological flow pattern, and its capacity to carry water have all been significantly altered, says Pravat Shit. Urbanisation, industrialisation, and deforestation have further weakened the regions natural defences against floods.

The impact of ageing dams and sedimentation: A growing concern

South Bengals floods are not just the result of monsoons or mismanagement; they are also linked to the deteriorating condition of Indias dam infrastructure. The Durgapur and Kangsabati Barrages, like many dams in the country, are ageing. Sedimentation, or the gradual buildup of silt in reservoirs, is a key issue reducing the effectiveness of these dams. Over time, the storage capacity of these dams diminishes, limiting their ability to hold back floodwaters.

A recent United Nations study projected that by 2050, sediment buildup will have reduced the storage capacity of over 3,700 large dams in India by 26 per cent. This is already visible in the Maithon Dam on the Barakar River, which has lost nearly 30 per cent of its storage capacity due to sediment accumulation. Such losses are devastating in regions like south Bengal, where every cubic metre of water held back can mean the difference between flood control and disaster.

Sedimentation is one of the biggest challenges in flood management, says Aznarul Islam, a geography professor at Aliah University in Kolkata. The more sediment builds up, the less water the dam can hold. And when the reservoirs fill up too quickly, excess water must be released, often leading to floods.

The 2013 Uttarakhand and 2018 Kerala floods: Lessons in dam mismanagement

The issue of flawed dam management is not unique to south Bengal. India has witnessed several flood disasters directly linked to the mismanagement of dams. The 2013 Uttarakhand floods, the multiple floods in the Damodar basin, and the 2018 Kerala floods all highlighted the dangers posed by improper dam operations. In these instances, sudden and massive releases of water overwhelmed downstream areas, catching communities off guard and resulting in widespread devastation.

Unlike natural floods, which often rise gradually, giving people time to evacuate, dam-induced floods strike with little warning. When excess water is suddenly released, the downstream areas are flooded with unprecedented speed, often leading to more damage and loss of life than natural flooding events would cause.

Downstream communities: Caught in the crossfire

The real victims in this debate are the people who live downstream of these dams. For them, the annual floods are not just an inconvenience  they are a matter of survival. When the rivers break their banks, entire villages are submerged, and thousands of families are left without homes, food or clean water.

Agricultural losses are particularly devastating in these flood-prone areas. Farmers depend on the monsoon rains to irrigate their fields, but when those rains lead to uncontrolled flooding, crops are destroyed, and families are pushed deeper into poverty.

The situation is becoming unbearable, says Ashok Mondal, a farmer from Ghatal. Every year, the floods wipe out our crops, and we are left with nothing. The government talks about flood control, but we are still waiting for real solutions, he comments.

Climate change and the future of flood management

The challenges facing south Bengal are not isolated to this region. Climate change is altering weather patterns across the globe, leading to more erratic and intense rainfall. In India, this means that the countrys already flood-prone areas are becoming even more vulnerable.

The 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that global warming is making natural disasters more frequent and severe. In India, the National Flood Commission estimates that over 40 million hectares of land are at risk of flooding, making the country one of the most flood-vulnerable nations in the world.

Experts argue that India needs to rethink its flood management strategy. Instead of relying solely on dams and embankments, the country must explore alternative solutions, such as restoring natural water retention systems like wetlands, reviving local water bodies, and improving drainage systems. Moreover, there is a growing need for better coordination between state and central authorities to ensure that water management decisions are based on scientific data and not political agendas.

The way forward: Collaborative water management and sustainable solutions

As south Bengal continues to suffer from annual floods, it is clear that a new approach is needed. Experts emphasise that dams, while important, cannot be the only solution to flood management. Sedimentation, ageing infrastructure and flawed operations have diminished the effectiveness of Indias dams, and climate change is only making matters worse.

Biswajit Bera, a geography professor at Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University in Purulia, points to the growing problem of blocked distributaries and drainage congestion in areas like Howrah and West Midnapore. Unplanned construction along riverbanks and the silting of rivers and canals have exacerbated the flooding problem, leaving downstream communities more vulnerable than ever.

The solution must involve more than just building or maintaining dams, says Bera. We need to restore the natural capacity of the land to manage water, from improving soil absorption to protecting wetlands and better urban planning. Dams are only part of the puzzle.

Conclusion: Breaking the cycle of floods and political deadlock

For the people of south Bengal, the annual flood crisis has become an exhausting cycle of devastation and recovery. As political leaders engage in blame games and finger-pointing, vulnerable communities remain caught in the crossfire, with no long-term relief in sight.

The debate over the role of dams in flood management  particularly the DVCs operations  underscores a broader issue facing Indias water management system. While dams are essential for controlling water flow, their effectiveness is being diminished by sedimentation, poor coordination and ageing infrastructure. In the face of climate change and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, India must embrace more collaborative and sustainable water management strategies to protect its most vulnerable regions.

Until then, the people of south Bengal will continue to watch the skies with dread, knowing that each years monsoon rains may bring another wave of destruction to their homes and livelihoods.
Federal India began her journey with multi-dimensional challenges. This is natural for any nation. Whims or moral lessons do not run a nation. What matters is obviously the interest of different stakeholders. Naturally, the prosperity of a nation depends on balancing interests among the stakeholders. Balancing interests is always tougher in a democracy for obvious reasons. Democracy is not poetic but prosaic. Academic pundits and purists may sneer at this. The fact is, those who romanticise democracy ultimately ignore the ground reality. There is no reason to praise or defame the cocktail called democracy made of agenda, politics, interests, aspirations and hypocrisy. But these elements keep moving the wheel of a nation. This is the reality of every democratic nation. India is certainly no exception. However, the important point is not counting drawbacks but to perceive the ground reality with a holistic approach to address the issues to minimise discords and internal conflicts. In academic discussion, this debate is very positive for democracy. There is nothing wrong with this perception. But the reality is not always rosy. The question is not about perception and reality. It is not about patience, flexibility and idealism either. What makes India suffer is obviously prejudice and pseudo-idealism. Under this light, things should be discussed to heed reality. The issues related to north-east India are no exception.

As far as Indias north-eastern region is concerned, it has always been a troubled region. This does not mean that the rest of India is paradise. Problems exist everywhere. However, the issue of the north-east is of a different genre. The problem is New Delhi is ignorant about this and never ready to learn. Successive governments of India and the state governments of north-eastern states seem to take things for granted in the context of the northeast. The region is vulnerable for the geo-strategic location. But the internal dynamics of the northeast have always been a challenge of greater intensity since 1947. But one thing is obvious: along with other factors, the approach of New Delhi has aggravated the challenge in the region.

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In a vast country like India, inter-state border disputes are very common. But it will be wrong to judge border disputes between the north-east and other parts of India from the same parameter. The border discord has always been a very sensitive issue in the Northeast. It is one of the major causes of unrest in northeastern states. One example is enough to prove its intensity: the conflict between Assam police and Mizoram police in 2021, which virtually looked like a full-scale war between two sovereign nations. Naturally, any effort to resolve the vexed border issue bears special significance for the north-east and larger national interests.

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However, it is undeniable that both New Delhi and the state governments of the north-east seemed to be taking a proactive approach to sorting out this issue. The enhanced effort to resolve border disputes in the north-east during the last few years deserves appreciation. The Assam chief minister played a significant role in this regard to sort out border issues between Assam and other north-eastern states. So also, some developments took place to resolve border disputes among other north-eastern states. As a part of this, a significant development took place recently. As per media reports, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan assessed the progress on the border agreements signed between Assam and Meghalaya and Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The decision to complete survey work for the six areas of dispute on the Assam-Meghalaya border and 38 identified villages along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border within the next six months obviously shows a committed approach, which is certainly rare in the context of the north-east. However, the north-east hails such significant development.

Sorting interstate border disputes anywhere in the country is significant. But in the context of the northeast, it is overcoming a potential strategic challenge. The success of such an initiative depends on several factors. However, this will be historic indeed if things materialise. But reality is, this does not seem likely. Reason is simple. The point is: interstate border disputes among different states of the north-east are not political issues. Naturally, there is a big question mark: whether political consensus can resolve this. No doubt, the northeast evolved as a new ground for experimenting with saffron politics. The concept of double-engine government is a reality here. However, this is a different ballgame in the northeast. The unique identity affiliation of the people across north-eastern India has been the prime reason behind conflicts in the region. Both the identity and the strife for its preservation are the genesis of turmoil here. The agreement was signed between Assam and Meghalaya in March 2022 and the one between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in April 2023. But the political initiatives have not succeeded in sorting out the issues of disputed areas yet. This may look like a small issue. But in the context of the northeast, this is challenging. The ethnic identity issue is a prominent reason behind this. Apart from this, the status of different communities living across the northeast is not the same. If a community is enjoying scheduled tribe status in one state, the same community is not enjoying equal status in other states. Naturally, such sections would oppose. The autonomous councils provide privileges to certain communities. But if the community loses the opportunity in another state, they will naturally oppose it. Whatever be said, these are legitimate concerns of the rank and file living in the north-east. Similarly, there are other stakeholders like ethnic organisations, students forums, and others. Their opinions matter to resolve the issue.

This reveals one important fact: trust deficits are persistent among different ethnic communities residing in the bordering areas. This is true because people in the region want the ongoing initiative to succeed. But the question remains where it began. The need is to balance the needs and aspirations of different sections living in the border area. The only option is to win the confidence of the people. Consensus needs at the grass-root level through the assurance of preserving distinctive identities and privileges irrespective of affiliations. Will the government think about it? Lets hope for the best.

The writer is an independent contributor
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Understanding how the funds allocated for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance are utilized to meet relevant indicators is crucial, said Partha Hefaz Shaikh, a representative from the Center for Joint Research and Development, Trend reports.

Speaking at a panel session themed Implementing the Paris Agreement and ensuring fair and legal distribution of climate finance for the most vulnerable countries at COP29 in Baku, Shaikh highlighted the global security challenges at hand.

"On the other hand, its crucial to recognize that we have the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) alongside several related indicators. These cover various aspects, including mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage compensation, and maintaining balance. Special focus is placed on the NCQG and the GGA. Now, we have clear indicators that must be met, and its vital to understand how the funds allocated through the NCQG are being used to achieve these objectives. This is an issue that demands attention from the entire UNFCCC structure and throughout the negotiation process. We need clarity on the approaches and resources that will be employed to reach these targets. This is a matter that requires collective focus, and we hope that negotiators and all participants will provide a thorough analysis of this issue," he added.

Shaikh also highlighted the importance of monitoring how the indicators for the GGA are being met.

"These are the expectations that the people of Bangladesh place on negotiators, hoping that they will begin discussions and conduct a thorough analysis of these issues. We have only one world, and we must think about that. As we cross boundaries, we must remember the vulnerable people around the world," he added.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date and is the first time the region has hosted the event in Azerbaijan. Within COP29, the highest-level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance. The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies, and other topics.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5C pledge by bringing everyone together.

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.
In 1947, when Angami Zapu Phizo raised the banner of Naga nationhood, it was based on the simple premise that the Nagas were neither under the Assamese nor Manipuri rulers and that the Britishers were the first to rule them, and by that account, when they leave the subcontinent, they should be left alone. Phizo, however, was aware that each Naga village or tribe exists as a republic of their own and that each had a different dialect and that the only visible and practical way to bring them together on a common platform was their faith in Jesus Christ. And hence the banner of Nagaland for Christ was raised in the then Naga Hills District of Assam.The Naga movement under Phizo had changed hands from Christ to Marx under Muivahs NSCN (I-M), which since 1997 has entered into a ceasefire with the Government of India, but Christ still retains a prominent place in the Naga ethos.

Like the much-awaited second coming of Christ, which is yet to come, the second coming of the Land of Christ in the Northeast was recently announced. It was not on Indian soil but far away in America in September. And in 1947, when Phizo announced his crusade, he was not holding any post of authority within the system or otherwise, but this time it was an Indian chief minister duly elected and sworn in under the Constitution of India that made it in Indianapolis, USA. Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma was on a visit to the US when he met members of the Chin community there and made the announcement. He was talking about a unification of the various Mizo-Kuki-Chin tribes now lying scattered across IndiaBangladesh and Myanmarwho are all Christians. He urged them to unite on ethnic and religious lines.

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Said he, I would like to take this opportunity to address the elephant in the room and convey my apprehension that there is a real danger of our religiona source of disunity and division rather than one that shepherds the flock and transforms the Church into a united, strong,strong and impenetrable fortress, which it should be. He also lamented how the Church of Northeast India could not become a reality despite different denominations of Christianity uniting together to form the Church of South India and the Church of North India.

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Hinting at the creation of an independent Land of Christ for the Zo people, Laduhoma said, I want everyone here to know that the primary reason why I accepted the invitation to visit the United States is to seek a path towards unity for all of us. We are one peoplebrothers and we cannot afford to be divided and live apart from one another.

He also said that he wanted the Zo people to have the conviction and confidence that one day, through the strength of God who had made them a nation, they would rise together under one leadership to achieve the destiny of nationhood.

What made Lalduhomas declaration significant is the fact that prior to her ouster, Sheikh Hasina, prime minister of Bangladesh, had spoken about a US-backed plan of creating a Christian nation like East Timor by carving out a part of Bangladesh and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal. She had warned about this in June earlier this year.

While Lalduhoma talked about a unification of the Zo people across international borders, his predecessor and former rebel chief and chief minister of Mizoram, Ladenga, had talked about incorporating Churachandpur district into Mizoram, calling the Mizoram-Manipur boundary a colonial legacy. I recall answering his claim through the media, asserting that as an Indian Chief Minister insisting that the boundary between the State and Manipur is that of a colonial legacy, will he also support the Chinese claim that the boundary between that country and India is also a colonial legacy? He kept shut thereafter.

While the Mizoram chief minister was talking about a greater unification across international boundary lines, fissures have appeared amongst the Kuki-Z0-Chin community at present involved in a war with the Meiteis in Manipur. This was when the Thadou Community International, in their convention held at Guwahati, declared that the Thadous are not Kukis. This has sent a shock wave across the anti-Meitei Kuki bloc. In fact, the Thadous were among the first of Kuki imports into Manipur from Burma around the 1830s, when the then British Political Agent to Manipur, McCulloh, forwarded the theory of plugging in the exposed frontiers of Manipur to its ruler, Sir Chandrakriti, who gave a nod. A few got amalgamated into the Meitei society; for instance, General Balaram of the Sougaijam Clan of the Meiteis was originally a Thadou warrior.

Collectively known as the Khongjais to the Meiteis, the Kuki tribes also served as a part of the Kings militia, and over the years, by sheer number being over 2 lakh plus population in the 2011 census and by its own cultural traits sociologically speaking, they were considered to be the dominant tribe amongst the Khongjais or Kuki tribes of Manipur in as much as the Tangkhuls are to the group of Naga tribes of Manipur. But over time, as their dominance grew, the first time that assertion came in the public was some 20 years ago, when the now much debated Kuki rebellion of 1917-1919, then identified as Kuki Gal or Kuki War, was asked to be changed to Thadou Gal or Thadou War instead.

Then came the Nagas Kuki War between 1992 and 1995, during which some 900 Kukis lost their lives and thousands uprooted, scattered, and regrouped. At the height of that war, the Paites asserted their difference from the Kukis to the extent that former Minister and Paite leader Phunzathong Tonsing openly declared that the Paites are not Kukis. Then the Gangte tribe also announced that they are a part of the Mizo tribe of Mizoram. The forerunner to the claim of the Gangtes could be the fact that it was Dhemkhosai Gangte who led a group of 500 Kuki youths and went across to Mizoram to join Lal Dengas Mizo National Fronts fight against India. The Paites are what are called Chins in Myanmar in todays parlance.Then came the Kuki-Paite war beginning in 1996, which continued for about a year and saw about 300 plus Paites killed and an odd 200 Kujkis also lose their lives.

Then came the Kukis war on the Meiteis, beginning on the 3rd of May 2023. The Meitei response was to treat the Kukis, Paites, Gangtes and Hmars as all belonging to the same camp; this had brought disparate Kuki tribes under one umbrella termed the Kuki-Chin-Zo group. They speak different dialects, although each can understand each other. Only this time it was not the descendants of the original Kukis who came in the 1830s onwards but neo-Kukis or Kuki-Zo-Chin illegal immigrants who had arrived in lakhs from across Myanmar during the last decade and had established hundreds of new unrecognised villages and had laid the forests bare, transforming into poppy fields churning out thousands of crores of rupees annually through their opium harvest. and is suspected to have funded the elections of 10 including seven BJP legislators during the last elections in 2022.

Apart from the firefights between the Meiteis and the Kuki bloc with an exceptional attack on central forces by the Kukis, the states response has been on two planks. That of implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, by which account the recent arrivals would be combed out and maybe defranchised, and secondly, the war on drugs. The second aims at sapping their source of revenue as poppy plantations came to be cut down across the hill districts.

The Thadous assertion that they are not only Kukis but also endorse the Manipur Governments assertion to implement the NRC and support the War on Drugs seems to have thrown a spanner in the works amongst the Kuki-Chin-Zo bloc. Ironically, many of the armed outfits and civil society organisations of this bloc are headed by Thadou tribesmen. They have also debunked criticism of their new stance and have described them as turncoats. Then they announced the formation of the Thadou Impi Manipur, marking their departure from the Kuki Impi Manipur, which has so far been the apex body of the Kuki tribes of Manipur. The move by the Thadous has been lauded by major Meitei organisations, including radical groups, even as they foresee a totally new alignment in the ongoing war.

But all these moves and tussles apart, the Meiteis in the valley burst into life filled with gaiety. On the second day of the lunar Manipuri month of Hiyangei, which fell on the 1st of November, was the Ningol Chakouba, the day when Manipuri maidens are invited home by their parents and brothers and are feted upon and given feasts of fish curries. This tradition of brothers being called by their sisters was changed during the reign of Sir Chandrakriti in the mid-1880s, and sisters came and daughters came to be called for the occasion. It is a day when every married Meitei woman would dress up in the best of their fineries and bedecked with jewellery and head home with simple gifts of fruits. At home, they would be fed sumptuous meals during which the choice of fish would be served. After the meals, they used to be gifted with items ranging from Kashmiri shawls to two-wheelers to cars, depending on the affluence of their hosts. But this year, following the ongoing war, the emphasis has been on indigenously produced products, mainly textiles, which has been a boon for local producers so much so that supply could not meet the demand. The government, on its part, organises the Fish Fair. This year the first prize went to a fish farmer who produced more than 1.5 lakh kilograms of fish. Luckily, the Kukis also held their fire on this auspicious day, which was not observed last year on account of the ongoing conflict.

All said, the second coming of the land of Christ and the move by the dominant tribe of the Kukis, namely the Thadous, away from the Kuki camp would open up a whole new set of permutations and combinations, but peace is still a far cry in Manipur at the moment.

The writer is a senior journalist at The Statesman
The largest South Korean doctors advocacy group voted on Sunday to impeach its chief, holding him responsible for poor responses to a prolonged walkout by junior doctors and various other controversies.

During an emergency assembly of representatives, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) decided to impeach Lim Hyun-taek after holding a vote of confidence and approved the formation of an emergency committee, reports Yonhap news agency.

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Lim took office in March, a month after thousands of trainee doctors began leaving their workplaces in protest of the governments decision to raise the medical school quota by around 2,000 annually for the next five years or so to address a shortage of doctors.

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But the hard-liner chief has faced criticism for failing to play a role in resolving the walkout and making improper comments on the current health care service disruptions.

The impeachment is expected to help make progress in talks between the government and the medical community in hopes of a breakthrough, according to some officials. The KMA said it plans to hold a by-election to elect a new chief in 60 days.

Last month, the education ministry said it will temporarily allow medical students to take a leave of absence on condition that they return to school next year.

The decision follows Seoul National Universitys move late last month to approve leave of absence requests submitted en masse in protest of the governments medical reform plans, which include increasing medical school quotas.

While reaffirming its stance that taking leave to show solidarity is not a valid reason, the ministry said its temporary measure is aimed, in part, at normalising education.

It, however, warned that students who fail to return next year will face penalties, including possible expulsion.

The major lobby group of community doctors had renewed its demand for the government to revisit the 2025 medical school admissions quota, clouding prospects for a breakthrough to resolve months-long walkouts by junior doctors.
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sunday called for the launch of finance, trade and industry consultative bodies to brace for the potential impacts of former US President Donald Trumps return to the presidency.

Yoon made the call during an economic and security meeting with ministers and senior aides to discuss preparations before Trump assumes office in late January.

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International markets have already begun responding based on anticipated policy directions even before the new U.S. administration takes office, so the government should monitor the markets closely and ensure thorough preparations, Yoon said.

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He emphasised the new U.S. administrations shift in policies could bring significant changes to the global economy and security landscape, reports Yonhap news agency. Consequently, this will directly impact our economy and security, so thorough preparations are essential, he added.

Yoon anticipated positive momentum for the shipbuilding and petrochemical sectors under Trumps energy policies and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in advanced industries, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology and quantum technology.

During a phone conversation with Yoon, Trump expressed the U.S. interest in working with South Korea in the shipbuilding industry, particularly in naval shipbuilding, exports and maintenance.

In defence, based on our robust South Korea-U.S. alliance, we must maintain a strong deterrent against North Korea and be prepared to lead in promoting genuine peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, Yoon said, noting significant structural changes in security could arise.

A second Donald Trump administration is expected to bring shifts and unpredictability to the U.S.-South Korea alliance, potentially increasing pressure on Seoul to take on a larger share of the burden as a U.S. ally.

Another key focus will be how Trump might address North Koreas denuclearisation, especially amid growing skepticism about Washingtons commitment to this goal, as well as his approach to Russias war in Ukraine, where North Korean troops have been sent to support Moscow.
A total of 325 Afghan refugees have been deported to Afghanistan from Turkey over the past two days, according to a statement from Afghanistans Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation on Sunday.

Both documented and undocumented Afghan migrants arrived at Kabul airport on Friday and Saturday, the ministry reported, adding that it is actively working to create job opportunities for returnees.

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The statement noted that all Afghan refugees deported from Turkey have been referred to the United Nations migration agency, the International Organization for Migration, for support and assistance.

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According to official data released in August, approximately 1.8 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan from countries including Pakistan and Iran over the past year, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Afghan caretaker government has repeatedly urged Afghan refugees to return and help rebuild their war-torn homeland.
Denis Manturov, Russias First Deputy Prime Minister, will be on a visit to India from November 11. Here, he will participate in the Russian-Indian Business Forum and co-chair a high-level intergovernmental meeting.

Manturovs visit underscores efforts to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Russia and India.

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On November 11, Manturov will attend the plenary session of the Russian-Indian Business Forum in Mumbai, aimed at fostering stronger business ties between entrepreneurs from both nations.

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The forum, organised by the Business Council for Cooperation with India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), will feature sessions on key areas of cooperation, including industrial collaboration, transport and logistics, finance, digital technologies, and interregional connections.

Last years forum, titled The Potential for Trade, Economic, and Investment Cooperation between Russia and India: Development Scenarios, delved into global economic shifts and emerging geopolitical challenges.

Participants discussed trends affecting cross-border business and the investment environment and highlighted the need for Indian investment in sectors like pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, the forum emphasised the significance of mutual settlements via the ruble-rupee mechanism and addressed a knowledge gap for entrepreneurs concerning customs regulations and business transactions.

Following the business forum, Manturov will travel to New Delhi, where he will co-chair the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, on November 12.

The IRIGC-TEC serves as the highest-level forum for bilateral economic collaboration between the two countries, encompassing a broad range of areas from trade to cultural exchange.

Manturovs visit will also include various bilateral meetings, further underscoring Russias commitment to strengthening its partnership with India across multiple sectors.
US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to a leading English daily, Trump spoke to Putin from his Mar-a-Lago resort and discussed the Ukraine war among other issues.

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During the call, Trump reportedly reminded Putin of the US militarys presence in Europe, the English daily reported, citing a person aware of the call.

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The US President also emphasised on restoring peace in the European continent and talked about hold a follow-up discussion on early resolution to the Ukraine war.

The two men discussed the goal of peace in the European continent and Trump expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon, the English daily said.

Trump, who won the recently concluded US Presidential Election defeating her Democratic rival Kamala Harris, had vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to the newspaper, the US President-elect briefly discussed the issue of Ukrainian territories liberated by Russia.

However, there was no official word on this from the White House or the Kremlin.

The development comes days after Putin congratulated Trump on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024.

Earlier on Friday, Putins press secretary Dmitry Peskov had also hinted that the Russian President was open to dialogue with Donald Trump.
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy in the morning, then off and on rain showers during the afternoon hours. High 57F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain ending overnight. Low around 40F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with the Vice President of the Republic of Angola Esperanca da Costa on November 11, Trend reports.

According to a statement released by Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers, the ongoing 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku was highlighted as an important context for the discussions.

The meeting emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, including Angola.

"The meeting focused on the potential for developing Azerbaijani-Angolan cooperation in areas of mutual interest," the ministry statement said.

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Job Title: Fuel Records Officer (No Experience Diploma Jobs)

Organisation: Uganda Airlines

Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda

About the Company:

Uganda Airlines is the flag carrier of Uganda. The company is a revival of the older Uganda Airlines which operated from 1977 until 2001. It began flying in August 2019.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Control and administration of Aircraft fuels records and inventory

Working in conjunction with station managers and OCC to keep fuel inventory and delivery plans with operational requirements and demands.

Working with contractors to ensure fuel equipment and systems are maintained and fixed in a timely manner to provide minimal operational impact.

Ensure all aircraft have current fuel releases for all destinations and alternate Aerodromes.

Systematic filing of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual aircraft fuel logs and receipts; and proper arrangement of aircraft fuel documents to make the location of documents easy.

Processing of the information contained on the aircraft fuel logs as appropriate.

Monitor and update fuel logs in the tracking system.

Provision administrative assistance to the Flight Operations Engineer including compliance with the Company Fuel Policy.

Recording of the aircraft fuel utilization.

Receiving, capturing, and archiving all fuel-related Technical Information from the Engineering department and Aircraft manufacturer.

Ensuring Fuel record Keeping is in accordance with the procedures and applicable retention periods required by Authority.

Assist with fuel farm inspections including performing preloading and quality control inspections.

Carry out any other tasks as assigned by the Director of Flight Operations and Flight Operations Engineer.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Education:

University degree or Diploma in Records Management or any other related qualification.

Knowledge:

Aviation basic knowledge and experience in Flight Operations.

Skills:

Computer literate with knowledge and skills in Record Keeping programs and software.

Ability to interpret and understand Fuel records, data and information.

Ability to understand Civil Aviation Regulations and Uganda Airlines Procedures.

Must be familiar with Aircraft technical terms.

Capable of communicating in English orally and written.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join Uganda Airlines should apply online at the link below

Click Here

Deadline: 25th November 2024 by 17:00Hrs

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 2024-11-11T12:23 Valid Through 2024-11-25T17:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Uganda Airlines Job Location Entebbe, Entebbe, Entebbe, 0256, Uganda

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The Jiohotstar domain drama that took over social media later last month has a new episode, with YouTubers Jivika and Jainam Jain offering up the domain for no cost to the Ambani-owned conglomerate Reliance.



In October, a techie who allegedly domain-squatted on jiohotstar.com in the hopes of funding studies through its sale became all the rage on Reddit. Later that month, the domain changed hands and was taken over by Dubai-based siblings Jivika and Jainam Jain.

When THE WEEK reached out to the Jain siblings, they responded, We bought it from him (the unnamed app developer). The deal happened via namecheap.com, verifying the purchase through the ICANN-accredited domain registrar Namecheap Inc.

ALSO READ | Delhi techie offers to sell 'jiohotstar' domain to fund studies. Will Reliance take legal action?

However, on Sunday, the siblings released a video on YouTube stating that despite getting many offers, they never intended to sell the domain. They also added that they were ready to hand over the domain free of cost to Reliance, which recently was in the news for the Hotstar brand acquisition from Disney. If Reliance doesnt want it, thats fine too. Well continue sharing our updates.. said the siblings in the video posted yesterday.

So far, no one from Reliance has contacted them. If Reliance is interested, they can contact us and we will handle the transfer smoothly, read the siblings statement on the website hosted at the disputed jiohotstar.com domain.

ALSO READ | Jiohotstar domain row: UAE-based kids take over ownership from Delhi app developer

Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of talk and even some videos about why we own the domain and if it connects to a possible business deal between Jio and Hotstar. We want to clear up any confusion: we never expected this attention and never meant to cause any controversy. Our only goal was to support the developer and share our seva (service) journey, said the Jain siblings.

With all the discussions happening, we now think it might be best for Team Reliance to have this domain, if they want it. We are happy to give jiohotstar.com to them for free, with all the proper paperwork. To be clear, this is entirely our choice. No one from Reliance or any legal group has contacted us or pressured us in any way. We made this decision on our own, without any pressure from friends, family, or anyone else, reiterated the children.
The Chinese military is set to unveil some of its latest warplanes, including J-35A stealth fighter, HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile, and a large drone ship known as the Killer Whale, at its annual airshow in Zhuhai city which will begin on Tuesday. The event will go on till Sunday.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) displays its capabilities and weapons at the airshow, which is a biennial event. Drones, weapons systems, aircraft, and electronic warfare technologies will be on display at the event.

Russia has flown its most advanced fighter jet, the SU-57, to Zhuhai for its first airshow abroad.

ALSO READ: China's high-altitude CH-7 stealth drone: A threat to Western defences in Asia-Pacific?

Here's what is to look forward to at China's biggest civil and military airshow.

J-15T fighter jet

The PLA Navy will display its J-15T fighter jet designed to be operated from China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult unlike the other two carriers, Liaoning and Shandong. The design of the J-15T is based on the baseline type of the J-15 and was modified to allow it to be launched by an aircraft carrier's catapult system. J-15T can also be deployed on Liaoning and Shandong, both of which have a ski jump method for launching fixed-wing aircraft.

J-35A stealth fighter

The twin-engine multi-role fighter, which bears a striking resemblance to F-35 Lightning II of the US will also be on display at the air show. Described as a medium-sized stealth multi-role fighter" this fighter jet, modeled J-31 stealth fighter, has several advantages in terms of first detection, first strike capabilities. It is equipped with modern avionics and targeting systems, including an electro-optical targeting system.

J-20 stealth fighter

The fifth-generation twin-engine stealth fighter aircraft Chengdu J-20, also known as the Mighty Dragon, will be on display at the event. Designed primarily for air superiority and precision strike missions, this fighter jet can now rival F-22 Raptor of the US, which combines stealth, speed, agility, and situational awareness, and long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. J-20 is equipped with advanced avionics, including the Type 1475 AESA radar, which enables beyond-visual range (BVR) engagements.

Killer Whale

A large drone ship, known as the Killer Whale, will be on display at the air show. The Killer Whale has a dual diesel and electric propulsion system, which allows it to reach a maximum speed of more than 40 knots (74km/h) with a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles (7,400km). It is capable of operating on the open sea for a long time. It has been described as an all-round warrior that can carry a range of weapons including rockets, anti-ship missiles, and ship-to-air missiles; and is equipped with a take-off and landing pad for helicopters at the rear. It can be independently deployed and carry out patrols, anti-submarine operations and air defence, as well as rescue operations.

Su-57 stealth fighter

The fifth-generation twin-engine, stealth multirole fighter aircraft, developed by Russia's Sukhoi company, will also be on display at the show. This is Su-57's first air show abroad and its presence at the show can be perceived as a sign of the growing ties between China and Russia. It is equipped with advanced avionics and is capable of supercruising at speeds up to Mach 1.3 and can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.0.

Z-20 armed helicopter

The Harbin Z-20 is a medium-lift utility helicopter, designed to meet the operational needs of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). It has a fly-by-wire flight control system and features a five-bladed main rotor. The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of around 10 tonnes and can operate effectively at high altitudes, making it suitable for diverse terrains.

There will be displays of air assault operations by the Z-20J shipborne helicopter and Z-8C transport helicopter, carrying naval marine units and related equipment, according to news agency Xinhua.

The Z-9F shipborne anti-submarine helicopter and Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft will also be on display, besides several shipborne weapon systems and maritime rescue and survival equipment.
In what comes as a major boost for enhancing India's air defence capabilities, the state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russian aerospace and defense company Rosoboronexport for the supply of Pantsir mobile air defence system to India. The MoU was signed at the fifth India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Subgroup meeting in Goa.

Bharat Dynamics Limited and Rosoboronexport(ROE),Russia entered into MoU for cooperation on Pantsir variants,air defence missile-gun system.The MoU was signed by Cmde A.Madhavarao,(Retd),CMD,BDL and Mr Kovalenko German,DDG,Naval Dept,ROE on sidelines of 5th IRIGC Subgroup at Goa pic.twitter.com/IFteTQW9SB  Bharat Dynamics Limited (@bharat_dynamics) November 8, 2024

The Pantsir air defence system is a cluster of mobile, multi-channel, short to medium-range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery systems, integrating both missile and gun capabilities on a single platform. The system is capable of protecting military installations from aerial threats, including drone attacks, and precision-guided munitions.

The system combines missile and gun weapons, a short reaction time and the ability of a combat vehicle to conduct reconnaissance and engagement of air targets in motion.

Pantsir-S1 air defense missile and gun system (ADMGS) is designed for air defence of small-sized military, administrative and industrial facilities and areas against fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft, cruise and short-range missiles, and precision munitions as well as for strengthening air defense units against massive air attacks.

ALSO READ: From Su-57 stealth fighter of Russia to J-35A and 'Killer Whale' what to look out for at 15th Airshow of China

They can simultaneously engage as many as four targets at a maximum engagement speed of 1000 m/s.

This is expected to meet the Indian Army's need for self-propelled, air-defence gun missile system to support its mechanised formations in high-threat environments.

Under the MoU, the two sides will co-develop variants of the Pantsir system as part of India's attempts to increase self-reliance in defense manufacturing. According to media reports, Russia will offer India the latest version of the system.
Pakistan's air pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, threatening the lives of millions, particularly children. The toxic smog engulfing Lahore and surrounding districts has become a yearly phenomenon, with severe consequences.

The satellite imagery from NASA's worldview showed the smog visible from space. The satellite imagery showed a huge cloud of grey smog that blankets Pakistans Punjab province.

This comes days after some cities in Pakistan logged record-breaking pollution levels with the Air Quality Index crossing the 2000 figure.

In Punjab province alone, over 11 million children under the age of five are breathing toxic air, putting their health and well-being at risk. The situation is dire, with air pollution cutting life expectancy by 7 years in Lahore, ranking it among the worst cities globally for air quality.

The World Health Organization considers air pollution the single biggest environmental threat to human health, with 99% of the world's population living in areas exceeding safe thresholds. Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions, bear the brunt of this crisis.

Fair Finance Pakistan estimates that air pollution causes at least 128,000 deaths annually, with the actual number likely higher. The Air Quality Life Index reveals that Pakistan's air pollution shortens average life expectancy by 3.9 years.

To combat this crisis, Pakistani authorities must prioritise measures to protect citizens' rights to health and life. This includes monitoring air quality, enforcing rigorous standards, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and developing green spaces.

*Key Factors Contributing to Air Pollution:

- Burning fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and electricity generation

- Destruction of green spaces

- Crop burning and lack of viable public transport

*Potential Solutions:

- Transitioning to renewable energy sources

- Implementing stringent air quality regulations

- Increasing green spaces for urban communities

The Pakistani government must take urgent action to address this crisis. By prioritising environmental and health concerns, Pakistan can mitigate the devastating impact of air pollution on its citizens.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. COP29 offers a critical chance to fix our progress and maintain our 1.5 degree target, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy John Podesta, said during a briefing at COP29 in Baku today, Trend reports.

"We are at COP29 to continue our collaboration with our global partners and other stakeholders. COP29 is a crucial opportunity to solidify our progress and keep 1.5 degrees alive, accelerate progress in reducing all greenhouse gases, and perhaps most importantly, strengthen global cooperation in adaptation and climate finance. We are here to work, and we are committed to achieving a successful outcome at COP29.

We can and will make real progress through our climate-committed states and cities, our innovators, our companies, and our citizens, especially young people, who understand more than anyone else that climate change is an existential threat that we cannot afford to ignore," he added.

Podesta emphasized that failure or apathy is simply not an option.

"Today is a day when, in many parts of the world, we remember those who were willing to pay the highest price to build a more peaceful world. In the US, it is Veterans Day, a day to honor all those who answered the highest call of our country to serve," he added.

The opening ceremony of the much-anticipated COP29 conference has kicked off today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

Representatives, leaders, and climate experts from around the globe gathered to mark the beginning of what is set to be one of the largest climate events of the year.

The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 of last year.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the conventions implementation.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless otherwise agreed, COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn.

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At least 11 suspected Kuki insurgents were shot dead by security forces during an encounter in Manipurs Jiribam district on Monday. Two CRPF personnel also sustained injuries in the exchange of fire.

Bodies of those killed were brought to the Borobekra police station, officials said.

The encounter took place at Jakurador Karong in the Borobekra sub-division after heavily armed militants torched several shops and attacked some houses and a CRPF camp. The militants also fired several rounds towards Borobekra police station and engaged in arson.

Sources said arms and ammunition including three AKs, four SLRs and two INSASs were recovered from the encounter site. One of the two injured CRPF personnel is said to be critical and evacuated to Silchar Medical College in Assam.

"A criminal case has been registered and is being investigated into. Operations in and around Jakuradhor, under Borobekra Police Station, Jiribam District continues to flush out armed militants. Reinforcement teams consisting of Assam Rifles, CRPF and Civil Police have been rushed there," sources said.

According to reports, five civilians are missing in the region and its not clear whether they were kidnapped by the militants.

Borobekra sub-division has witnessed multiple gun attacks and arson since violence broke out in June and is one of the worst affected areas in the district.

On Thursday, a group of suspected Meitei militants killed a woman from the Hmar tribe and torched several houses. The womans husband alleged she was raped before being killed.

On Saturday, a 34-year-old woman farmer from the Meitei community was shot dead by suspected Kuki militants while working on a paddy field.

On Monday morning, a farmer working in the fields in Imphal East district sustained injuries when militants opened fire from nearby hilltop positions.

Officials said the attacks are affecting the harvesting of paddy crops as many farmers in the periphery areas of the valley are feeling afraid to go to the fields.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May last year. More than 200 people have lost their lives so far.
The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Delhi police for poor implementation of the firecracker ban in the national capital. The Court directed the police to form a special cell for the effective implementation of the ban.

Hearing a bunch of pleas, a bench comprising of Justices Abhay Oka and Justice A.G. Masih observed though the Delhi government imposed a ban on bursting firecrackers on October 14, the police action was mere eyewash. The bench criticised police for just seizing raw materials while not taking measures to stop the sale of firecrackers in the national capital region.

We find that implementation of the order (Delhi government ban) has not been taken seriously by the Delhi police. There is nothing mentioned in the polices affidavit to show that the order imposing the ban was communicated to those who have been permitted within the limits of the Territory of Delhi to manufacture, store and sell firecrackers including those who deliver firecrackers through online marketing platforms, Live Law reported quoting the order.

The bench criticised the police for not informing all licence holders regarding the sale ban. Delhi Police must immediately inform those entities that sell firecrackers online on marketing platforms to stop the sale and delivery of firecrackers within the limits of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. We direct the Commissioner of Police to set up a special cell for implementation of the order of ban and hold SHOs of all local police stations responsible for enforcing the ban through the year, the bench ordered.

The bench also questioned the Delhi government for imposing the ban as late as October 14. The apex court directed the Delhi government to decide on the matter of issuing a perpetual ban on firecrackers in the national capital by November 25.

The bench noted, "The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Prima facie, we are of the view that no religion promotes any activity that promotes pollution or compromises with the health of the people."

On the issue of solid waste management in Delhi, the apex court directed the chief secretary of the Delhi government to conduct a meeting of all stakeholders, including officials from the Centre and Delhi Corporation, and ensure proper implementation of the 2016 solid waste management rules.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah embarked on his first official visit to Jammu, since assuming office. The journey, however, took an unexpected turn as low visibility in Jammu resulted in the grounding of all flights, forcing Abdullah to travel by road.

Poor visibility in Jammu meant a sudden, last-minute, road trip. Nothing flew in or out from Jammu yesterday, so I had to saddle up and take the road to the winter capital, Abdullah posted on X. He said the hazy conditions didnt seem to be improving. Looking at the visibility from the balcony of the official residence, I dont think flights will be operating any time soon today either. You can barely see the sun in the haze, he said.

Looking at the visibility from the balcony of the official residence I dont think flights will be operating any time soon today either. You can barely see the sun in the haze. pic.twitter.com/pOByFDsnWp  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 11, 2024

Upon arrival at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, Abdullah received a warm welcome and a guard of honour, marking a significant moment in his tenure as he and his cabinet. Abdullah and his cabinet will now be based in Jammu in winter but will travel to Kashmir when required.

Before the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmirs limited autonomy, the Civil Secretariat employees traditionally moved to Jammu each winter as part of the "Darbar Move."

The practice, a tradition, was halted by the Lieutenant Governors administration due to the substantial expenses involved. Abdullah and his five-member cabinet are now set to operate from Jammu for the winter months, with planned visits to Kashmir as needed.

The foggy weather not only affected the Chief Ministers plans but also disrupted air travel across the region. All evening flights to Jammu were canceled on Sunday and Monday morning, with arrivals and departures facing delays due to continued poor visibility. Airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Alliance Air were forced to cancel or reschedule flights, leaving passengers stranded at airports in Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu.

Meteorologists suggest that the smoggy conditions are expected to linger until rainfall clears the air. Such smog is common in plains and border areas during this season, primarily due to stubble and crop residue burning. However, a developing western disturbance might bring light rain and snowfall to parts of north Kashmir in the coming days, potentially improving air quality.
MNS leader Raj Thackeray has opened up about his party's decision to field his son Amit Thackeray from Mahim, stating that it was Amit himself who expressed willingness to contest from the Assembly seat.

The MNS leader said during a campaign meeting at Mahim on Sunday that Amit informed his party of his interest in contesting polls during a meeting of MNS leaders and general secretaries organised a few months ago. "In that meeting, Bala Nandgaonkar asked who all were interested in contesting the Assembly elections. Amit, who was in the meeting, said, ''Every leader should stand for election. If the party orders me tomorrow, I will stand for election myself.' Though I came to know about it, I didn't pay much attention to the news," Raj told his supporters.

Raj added that it was during another meeting that he began seriously contemplating the prospects of Amit's candidacy. "During another meeting of MNS leaders, which I too attended, a few of the leaders suggested fielding Amit from Bhandup Assembly Constituency. Only then did I realise the seriousness of the issue," said Raj.

He and his wife Sharmila then spoke to his son Amit to seek his stance on contesting the elections. " I asked Amit whether he wanted to stand for elections. Amit said, 'If you say so, I will stand for election. If you say no, I will not stand."

It took two more meetings of MNS for Raj to finally decide on the decision. "I did not oppose his decision. Neither my father nor Balasaheb Thackeray imposed anything on us. We are never told to do or not to do something. I don't tell my kids these things either. So I thought, if Amit wants to stand for the election, he should contest the election. But I never wanted to contest elections," he added.

Raj added that nobody will have to make an appointment to meet Amit. He added that he has instructed every MNS worker to give their contact numbers to local people so that they can call in times of an issue.

Amit will face Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)'s candidate and two-time MLA Sada Sarvankar while Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Mahesh Sawant, who has a stronghold in the constituency.
Campaigning in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav made a call for burning the Lanka of Hemant Soren so that a Ram Rajya could be established.

This corrupt, dishonest and useless government has to be sent away, Yadav said in Garhwa constituency.

Yadav remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his speech saying that he had said that one day Jharkhand would be the countrys foremost state.

The state has immense mineral wealth, given by God. There are plenty of natural resources, he said.

Yadav criticised the Congress for not honouring the memory of tribal leader Birsa Munda.

Our illustrious Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, started celebrating Bhagwan Birsa Munda's birthday on 15 November as Tribal Pride Day across the country, he said, commending the PMs large heartedness towards tribal communities as evidenced by the elevation of Droupadi Murmu as the countrys president.

Yadav likened the state governments deeds to those of Lord Krishnas evil uncle Kansa, while touching upon the various allegations of corruption including the Rs 350 crores mining scam.

These people kept filling their pockets by looting the hard-earned money of people. (They) do politics of lies and illusions. In the last election, Soren said that he will give gold coins to the people. If anyone of you has got it, please tell me. They did not give even a brass coin to anyone, forget about gold. They ate up all the money of the public, Yadav said.

He likened the election to a religious war and said that the people of Jharkhand had to decide who would win this war. There is a challenge to Sanatan Dharma and our culture in Jharkhand, Yadav said.

Yadav drew attention to what he claimed were Bangladeshi infiltrators who had settled all over the state. These infiltrators want to occupy your land, kidnap your sisters and daughters and loot their honour. They have created such a situation that they will turn Ranchi into Karachi.

Yadav cautioned against the growing number of Bangladeshis and the falling population of Hindus and tribals in the state.
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the bail plea of Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna in the rape and sexual assault cases against him. The Karnataka High Court had rejected bail for the suspended party leader earlier.

Hearing the bail petition, a bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma dismissed Revannas bail petition considering the gravity of charges. The bench noted there were several complaints against the suspended JD(S) leader when his counsel argued that there was no mention of rape in the complaint registered against Revanna.

Prajwal Revanna, grandson of JD(S) patriarch and former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda is accused of sexually assaulting several women and recording those acts. He had contested the recently held Lok Sabha elections from Hassan, however, he lost to Congress candidate Shreyas Patel in the polls.

The sexual allegations emerged after the polls and he had left for Germany soon after the polls held on April 26. A Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the case and Revanna was arrested

minutes after he landed from Germany. The sexual abuse cases came to light after pen drives containing the alleged videos were circulated in Hassan ahead of polls.

The former MP is facing charges under various sections including IPC Sections 376(2)n (commits rape repeatedly on the same woman, 376(2)k (rape while being in a position of control or dominance over a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), 354(a) (Sexual harassment), 354b (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 354c (Voyeurism) and Section 66E (Punishment for violation of privacy) of Information Technology Act, Live Law reported.

Prajwal Revanna is facing charges in four cases. Besides him, his father Revanna and his mother Bhavani are also facing charges in related cases. His bother, Suraj Revanna, was also arrested for sexually assaulting a party worker.
Following a fresh wave of violence, the Jiribam district administration on Monday issued prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of five or more persons.

The order issued by the District Magistrate also prohibited carrying of fire arms, swords, sticks, stone or other lethal weapons, sharp edged article or objects of any description which can be used as offensive weapons.

"There is apprehension of widespread disturbance to peace and public tranquility or a riot or any affray in the area and grave danger to human lives and properties because of unlawful activities of some anti-social elements," said the notification.

The order was issued shortly after ten militants were killed in an encounter with security personnel at Jakurador Karong in the Borobekra sub-division.

The encounter took place after heavily armed militants set on fire several shops and attacked some houses and a CRPF camp. The militants also attacked the Borobekra police station.

According to officials several arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site.

"A criminal case has been registered and is being investigated into. Operations in and around Jakuradhor, under Borobekra Police Station, Jiribam District continues to flush out armed militants. Reinforcement teams consisting of Assam Rifles, CRPF and Civil Police have been rushed there," sources said.

Borobekra sub-division, one of the worst-affected areas in the district, has witnessed multiple gun attacks and arson since violence broke out in June.

The region also witnessed a spike in attack on farmers, with officials claiming that such attacks are affecting the harvesting of paddy crops as many farmers in the periphery areas of the valley are feeling afraid to go to the fields.
The BJP has approached the Election Commission seeking a direction to file an FIR against former Congress president Rahul Gandhi for spreading falsehood and creating enmity between states.

A delegation of the ruling party led by Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal met the poll officials in Delhi and submitted a memorandum. The saffron party alleged that Gandhi tried to create disaffection among people with his remarks during Maharashtra election campaign on November 6.

VIDEO | A BJP delegation comprising Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal (@arjunrammeghwal), party leaders Arun Singh, Shehzad Poonawalla and Om Pathak visited the Election Commission of Indias office earlier today.



Today, we visited the ECIs office. We informed how Lok Sabha LoP pic.twitter.com/DLTh52JDgd  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 11, 2024

We told the chief election commissioner's office that Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi tried to spread falsehood and make states fight with each other. He lied that the BJP was going to finish the Constitution. It's false propaganda and it should be stopped,  Meghwal told reporters after meeting the poll panel officials.

Gandhi had reportedly said that various projects including the iPhone factory and Boeing unit were taken to Gujarat from Maharashtra. The BJP said the Congress leader was inciting the youths of Maharashtra, which is dangerous for the unity and integrity of the country.

Gandhi violated the model code of conduct and other laws by falsely accusing Gujarat of stealing and snatching opportunities from Maharashtra, the BJP said in its memorandum.

n fact, Maharashtra has topped in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) across India by receiving a total of Rs 70,795 crore from April to June 2024-25, it said.

We request the Commission to reprimand, censure and restrain Rahul Gandhi from handing out lies during election campaigns for the remaining period of electioneering, and direct registration of FIR against Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi under application sections of the Representation of Peoples Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, it said.

The party further allehed that Gandhi had also made unsubstantiated accusations that the RSS and the BJP want to finish the Constitution and that the RSS membership, and not merit, is the qualification for appointment as vice-chancellors.
Security forces intensified operations in the Kishtwar after the death of a para commando and injuries to three other soldiers in an encounter with militants.

#WATCH | J&K: Visuals from Kishtwar where a search operation is underway by security forces. An encounter took place at Keshwan, Kishtwar between terrorists and security forces on November 10.



(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/UWujuBrq2v  ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2024

The operation was launched after the killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs), Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, at Munjla Dhar, while they were grazing cattle in the forest.

A group of militants believed to be involved in the killing of the two VDGs were engaged in a firefight in the dense forests of Gidhri Top in the Thossar area. Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (Special Forces), leading one of the Para teams sustained severe injuries during the gunfight.

#GOC #WhiteknightCorps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of #Braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). Sub Rakesh was part of a joint #CT operation launched in general area of # Bhart Ridge #Kishtwar on 09 Nov 2024.



We stand with bereaved family in this hour of pic.twitter.com/x9Zw0EnLRX  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) November 10, 2024

He and three other injured soldiers were airlifted to a military hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. After his killing, the operation was intensified and more reinforcement was rushed to Gidhri Top, where the militants were trapped. Helicopters, drones and surveillance equipment have also been deployed to track the militants. Gidhri Top is connected to Munjla Dhar where VDGs were killed.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his condolences to Kumar's family and lauded his courage and sacrifice. I salute the courage and supreme sacrifice of the Armys braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar, who laid his life in the line of duty in Kishtwar. His selfless service to the nation will always be remembered, Sinha posted on X.

The Armys Nagrota-based White Knight Corps in a statement said that based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of militants, a joint operation was launched in the Bhart Ridge area, Kishtwar. Contact was established, and a firefight ensued. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps and other ranks paid tribute to Naib Subedar Kumar, saying, We salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart, Nb Sub Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
On Monday, the last day of the campaign ahead of the by-polls in six assembly constituencies in West Bengal, Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education and the BJP state president, has been issued a show cause notice by the Election Commission of India on Monday for his comments on the Ashoka Stambh.

Majumdar had accused the West Bengal police of working in a partisan manner in favour of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). He suggested that the police replace the Ashoka Stambh on their uniforms with a symbol of slippers, representing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's footwear.

While campaigning for the BJP candidate Ananya Roy Chakraborty in Taldangra last week, Majumdar said, Dont work for Trinamool in the police uniform. If you work like this, take off the Ashoka Stambh symbols that you wear on your shoulder and hat. Put a slippers symbol.

We are not fighting Trinamool in the election. Our fight is with the police. If the police are removed, Trinamool will cease to exist within 15 minutes, he added.

The TMC argued this derogatory statement by the BJPs West Bengal chief was an insult to the police and the Ashoka Stambh. A delegation of the states ruling party, including MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Derek OBrien, Sushmita Dev, Kirti Azad, and Saket Gokhale, lodged a formal complaint at the ECIs office in New Delhi on Saturday.

The ECI has requested Majumdar to send his reply by 8 pm on Monday. The BJP leader, who campaigned for the partys candidate in the Naihati assembly during the day, said he would submit his response before the deadline.

Additionally, the Trinamool had complained to the election commission, alleging that the Central forces in election duties as well as those responsible for the security of the BJP leaders in West Bengal were trying to influence voters.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Whether Armenia participates in COP29 or not is up to this country, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said at the meeting with Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, Trend reports.

The meeting exchanged views on regional issues, and peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The head of state said that serious progress had been made as a result of active negotiations over the past year and pointed to some advances in the field of border delimitation. President Ilham Aliyev noted that territorial claims against Azerbaijan, reflected in the Constitution of Armenia, remained an obstacle to the signing of a peace treaty, adding that this Constitution should be amended.

President Ilham Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan had invited Armenia to COP29. Whether Armenia participates in COP29 or not is up to this country.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to travel to northern Bengal on Monday for a three-day visit, during which she will attend various official programmes. According to her itinerary, she will arrive in Darjeeling on Monday night and is expected to return to Kolkata on Friday.

This will be CM Banerjees first official tour after the festive season and her first trip to the hills in 2024. On Tuesday, she will convene a meeting with members of the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) and the chairmen of development boards of the hill communities. The GTA, the semi-autonomous administrative body for the two hill districts in northern Bengal, is controlled by the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), an ally of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Tuesday's meeting will be the most significant in recent times for the hills, where the state has struggled to maintain a strong administrative hold amidst repeated demands for separation from West Bengal. The last GTA elections were boycotted by the two traditional parties of the hills, Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) and Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), along with the Bharatiya Janata Party. GJM continues to stick to the demand for a separate state.

Therefore, the meeting between Banerjee and the elected members and officials of the GTA in Darjeeling could indicate a sense of peace in the hills.

The chief minister's trip is also significant as elections in the Kurseong, Mirik and Kalimpong Municipalities are due. She may meet with officials from the administrations of the hill districtsDarjeeling and Kalimpongto discuss the possibility of the elections.

The trip to the hills beginning on Monday will mark CM Banerjees first official visit since last years panchayat elections, which were held in the hills after nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, she will inaugurate the SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) Mela at Chowrasta in Darjeeling. Rural artisans and women SHGs get an opportunity to exhibit and sell their handicrafts and organic products at the SARAS fairs, organised by West Bengal's panchayat and rural development department.

The chief minister will come down to Siliguri on Thursday and she is likely to return to Kolkata on Friday.
Amid rising tensions between Lebanon and Israel, the Hezbollah group confirmed that it has not received any truce proposal.

"So far...nothing official has reached Lebanon or us in this regard," the head of Hezbollah's media office, Mohammad Afif said in a news conference in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

"I believe that we are still in the phase of testing the waters and presenting initial ideas and proactive discussions, but so far there is nothing actual yet."

ALSO READ | Why did Netanyahu's confidant secretly visit Russia? Major breakthrough likely in ceasefire with Hezbollah

| Mohammad Afif, Head of Hezbollahs media relations:



Our relationship with the Lebanese National Army is strong and will remain so. We recognize their important role in safeguarding the countrys sovereignty and security. To those with ill intentions, we say: You cannot pic.twitter.com/LWSZAKgjcx  Arya -  (@AryJeay) November 11, 2024

On Monday, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said that progress has been made in Lebanon's ceasefire talks but that enforcement remained an important element."There is progress...the main challenge will be to enforce what will be agreed, said Saar.

There were reports of substantial progress in diplomatic negotiations over the proposed Lebanon ceasefire that would require Hezbollah to withdraw its military presence north of the Litani River.

ALSO READ | Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he approved Lebanon pager attacks

Israel will never win its war against Hezbollah, said Afif.

"The actual facts on the ground are in your hands and will have the final say in politics and decision-making. And in light of your fighting and steadfastness, the fate of your homeland will be determined, and perhaps the fate of the entire Middle East, added Afif.

Israel on Sunday confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the pager blasts in Lebanon, which killed around 40 people and injured over 2,500.

Hezbollah group said that it has three decisive elements on the field. The will of [those] who are determined to die defending their homeland and their people. We have enough time before their [Israeli] tanks sink in the Lebanese mud with the onset of winter. We have the land that we know and that knows us, which gives us freedom of manoeuvre and movement. We can either live on it as honourable people or die for it as martyrs.

Afif also pointed out that in around 45 days of fighting, Israel was not able to occupy even a single Lebanese village.

Israel will never win your war with air superiority, nor with destruction and killing of civilians, women and children. As long as you are unable to advance on the ground and gain actual control, you will never achieve your political goals, and the people of the north will never return to the north, he added.
Russia on Monday denied reports of the US president-elect Donald Trump holding a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said that Putin had no concrete plans yet to speak to Trump.

The Washington Post report stated that Trump has called Putin and urged him not to escalate the Ukraine war.

"There was no conversation...This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications," he added.

During the election campaigning, Trump said that he could bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours if elected. A master plan for ending the war was also suggested by Trump.

ALSO READ | What's Donald Trump's master plan to end Russia-Ukraine war?

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said that it sensed European powers were nervous about Trump's election, but that they were still "pumping weapons into Ukraine in order to continue this war to the end.

As per Trump's massive peace plan, ending the Russia-Ukraine war might see him calling on European and British soldiers to put in place an 800-mile buffer zone between Moscow and Kyiv's troops. His staffers noted that this would freeze the front line of the war at present.

Also, the plan would require Kyiv to set aside its NATO ambition for 20 years. The US will also load up Ukraines armoury to help the country dissuade Russia from reigniting the war.

After Trump's election win, both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump.

Putin on Thursday extended congratulatory greetings to the Republican and said that he was "ready" to hold discussions with him.

"He turned out to be a courageous person. People show who they are in extraordinary circumstances. This is where a person reveals himself," Putin said referring to Trump's Pennsylvania assassination bid.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has released shocking footage of purported torture rooms set up by Hamas to conduct "brutal interrogations" and punishments. The videos, none of which have been verified, show detainees being forced or bound into stressful positions.

The 45-minute footage, a compilation of torture videos released by the IDF on Sunday, was allegedly captured during the two years from 2018-2020. It shows activities at a Hamas facility where "brutal interrogations" were carried out.

The videos was recovered from a computer in Jabalia, in northern Gaza, in March. They show detainees being bound into stressful positions, applying painful pressure to the body or limbs. Others were shown getting beaten on the soles of their feet.

One shocking visual shows a man chained to the ceiling by their feet with sacks over their head as a Hamas operative beats the soles of his feet with a stick. Another video shows a detainee with a sack over his face as the operatives talk among themselves and do paperwork.

The same civilians that Hamas outspokenly claimed to be fighting for, are the same civilians being tortured in this video.



Hamas is not only Israels enemytheyre Gazas enemy also. pic.twitter.com/J4kasDlOCu  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 10, 2024

It was unclear why the men had been detained but Israeli media reports say Hamas categorises Gazas citizens into four categories: "Neutral", Supporter, Enemy (Fatah and Islamic Jihad members), and Brother (religious Hamas loyalists). The punishments for their mistakes are dependent on these classifications, Ynet News quoted an unnamed official.

Some of the detainees include Salafist residents of Gaza, and radical Islamists aligned with al-Qaeda. These Salafists, condemn Hamas as infidel and protested the taxes imposed by the rulers of the enclave. Hamas is said to have identified and tortured them.

UK-based Daily Mail, which carried an exclusive report on the issue, quoted a former Israeli intelligence officer, who claimed that Hamas has been known to melt plastic over skin, and electric cables on their body. The officers, identified as Guy, said some are electrocuted on electricity pylons or dragged on a chain from a vehicle until they die. He also described Sinwar as someone obsessed with such punishments.
President-elect Donald Trump has had his first telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a report said. Though neither Washington nor Kyiv has confirmed this, Trump is said to have urged Putin to scale down Ukraine war.

Both leaders discussed the Ukraine situation and the goal of peace on the European continent, Washington Post quoted unnamed sources as saying. Trump is also said to have expressed an interest in follow-up conversations to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon.

He is also said to have briefly touched on the issue of a potential deal wherein Russia would be allowed to keep the land it acquired so far. Trump has vowed repeatedly to end the war once he takes office but has not divulged how.

Ukraine has confirmed that it was not aware of or informed it of the call in advance. "Reports that the Ukrainian side was informed in advance of the alleged call are false. Subsequently, Ukraine could not have endorsed or opposed the call," foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi told Reuters.

However, sources familiar with the matter told the Washington Post that Ukrainian officials "have long understood that Trump would engage with Putin on a diplomatic solution for Ukraine."

Trump's communication director Steven Cheung too said he wouldn't comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.

The move comes as President Joe Biden attempts to urge Trump not to abandon Kyiv. The outgoing President will also appeal to Congress for more aid to Ukraine in the final 70 days of his term.

"President Biden will have the opportunity over the next 70 days to make the case to the Congress and to the incoming administration that the United States should not walk away from Ukraine, that walking away from Ukraine means more instability in Europe," Sullivan told CBC News.

Ukraine attacks Moscow

The developments come as Ukrainian drones strike Moscow. In the biggest attack on Moscow by Ukraine, as many as 34 drones struck the Russian capital, forcing flights to be diverted at three of the city's major airports and injuring at least five people.

The Russian defense ministry said its air defences destroyed another 50 drones over other regions of Western Russia on Sunday. "An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using airplane-type drones on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted," the ministry said.
President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that Republican senators who are eyeing the position of the next majority leader must agree to Recess Appointments in the Senate.

If this happens, the president can bypass Senate confirmation while picking officials to the senior administration.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024

"Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner," Trump posted on X.

"Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again," he added.

The Republicans will get at least 52 out of 100 seats in the Senate by January, which is enough for Trump to gets his appointments approved. But the president-elect appears to be wanting to bypass this process in the face any objection from the opposition or the public.

This is essential. There is no other way.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024

"We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!" said Trump as he concluded his post.

Replying to Trump, Musk said, "This is essential. There is no other way. Without recess appointments, it will take two years or more to confirm the new administration! This would make it impossible to enact the change demanded by the American people, which is utterly unacceptable."

A 2014 Supreme Court ruling limited the power of presidents to make recess appointments by ruling that it cannot be made while the Congress was in pro forma sessions. It was in 2012 when the last recess appointment was used by Barack Obama.

Who will be next Senate majority leader?

Three Republican Senators are vying for the post of Senate majority leader with the longtime GOP leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, retiring.

John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott, who are running a secret ballot election on Wednesday for the position, have agreed with Trump's demand.

South Dakota senator Thune said they must "quickly and decisively" act to get nominees in place and that "all options are on the table to make that happen"

Texas senator Cornyn said the Senate Democrats should not blockade President Trump's cabinet appointments. He said the GOP senators will stay in session during weekends too if they don't relent.

Florida senator Scott agreed "100 per cent" with Trump, saying he will do whatever it takes to get the nominations through as quickly as possible.

Among the trio, Musk has endorsed Rick Scott to be the Senate majority leader. Trump was yet to back anyone.
Donald Trump has picked GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik as the US envoy to the United Nations, according to sources quoted by local outlets.

Why did Trump snub Nikki Haley?

Stefanik's name is making the rounds after Trump said he "will not be inviting" Nikki Haley back. Following this, Haley offered congratulations to Trump and did not respond to her omission.

She had served as the US ambassador to the UN during the first Trump administration. Haley, who is the South Carolina Governor, ran against Trump during the primary campaign. She was the last opponent to withdraw from the Republican presidential race.

I was proud to work with President Trump defending America at the United Nations. I wish him, and all who serve, great success in moving us forward to a stronger, safer America over the next four years. pic.twitter.com/6PhWN6xn1B  Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) November 10, 2024

Earlier, she wrote in the Wall Street Journal, "I don't agree with Mr Trump 100% of the time. But I do agree with him most of the time, and I disagree with Ms. Harris nearly all the time. That makes this an easy call."

Haley notably supported US aid to Ukraine which Trump opposed. She had also slammed Trump for alienating women and minorities over his misogynistic and racist comments. Haley's campaign even called Trump a "chicken" for avoiding debates.

Who is Elise Stefanik?

The New York Congresswoman is the House Republican Conference chair and is counted among the top fundraisers for the GOP. She is known for backing Trump when he made false allegations about election fraud when he was defeated by Joe Biden in 2020.

In the run up to the 2024 presidential elections, Stefanik was one of the contenders to become Trump's pick for vice president. The Congresswoman is currently serving as a member of the Armed Committee on Intelligence.
SHANGHAI, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- L'Oreal has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to open innovation through its North Asia BIG BANG Beauty Tech Innovation Program (BIG BANG) at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), announcing the 2024 winners across all 5 North Asia markets for the first time, along with a new sustainability track introduced at the North Asia BIG BANG Community Innovation Summit.







"Our beauty tech transformation is about pushing boundaries and shaping the future of an industry we're privileged to lead. A milestone, and a powerful proof point, of this commitment is our BIG BANG Program," said Vincent Boinay, President of L'Oreal North Asia Zone and CEO of L'Oreal China."BIG BANG is a platform where we harness the unique strengths of each market within our North Asia Beauty Tech ecosystem, to unlock unprecedented synergies and accelerate the development of groundbreaking beauty solutions."



With the BIG BANG's successful pilot in Chinese mainland market since 2020, L'Oreal has set a model for open innovation by developing future-ready beauty tech solutions with startups and SMEs. Expanding rapidly to Japan and South Korea market in 2023 and to Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan Region market in 2024, the program has become L'Oreal's first regional open innovation initiative, fostering unprecedented synergies and amplifying innovation potential across North Asia and beyond.



As the first edition to cover all 5 markets in North Asia, BIG BANG this year attracted nearly 600 startups, with 16 startups wining. These include those from the Chinese mainland market in several tracks: for Future Science, PAM2L, Boea Wisdom, and Xellar; for Operation 4.0, Cardinal Operations and Sucheon; for Phygital Experience, The SEA, xKool, Design Order, and BK International; for French Track, Connected Physics. In the Hong Kong SAR market, the winner is Reunite, and for the Taiwan region market, JORJIN and Far Eastern New Century. The Japanese market winner is My Skin, while the South Korean markets are Simfle Stick and Asleep. Each of these companies has demonstrated exceptional potential in areas such as advanced research and development, digital innovation, and operational efficiency.



On November 6, L'Oreal hosted the awarding ceremony at its main booth at the 7th CIIE. Joan VALADOU, Consul General of France in Shanghai and Jean-Paul Agon, L'Oreal Chairman attended and presented the award.



L'Oreal organized the North Asia BIG BANG Community Innovation Summit on November 7, bringing together representatives from the open innovation ecosystem across all 5 North Asia markets for the first time. Attendees included past BIG BANG winners and partners from industry, government, venture capital, and private equity. At the summit, L'Oreal introduced a new sustainability-focused track to address the rising demand for green beauty solutions. This addition will steer future projects toward eco-friendly practices, fostering collaborative exploration of sustainability opportunities. Other highlights included sharing sessions into consumer beauty trends, North Asia's co-creation innovation strategy, China's economic outlook, and a startup roadshow, offering a platform for open dialogue and new business opportunities.



L'Oreal also invited open innovation ecosystem partners to participate in the CIIE, through its main booth, showcasing the 10 winning Chinese startups from BIG BANG, and through the North Asia BIG BANG Beauty Tech Innovation Program Exhibition in the Innovation Incubation Special Section for the 2nd consecutive year. A total of 16 innovative startups and organizations from North Asia and France joined, presenting groundbreaking beauty tech solutions in biotechnology, digital technology, and innovative devices.



For the first time, the exhibition featured BOLD, L'Oreal's venture capital fund, and its portfolio companies. These included Prinker, a South Korean innovator and manufacturer of the world's first digital temporary tattoo device, and Abolis, a French biotechnology company specializing in custom industrial solutions using micro-organisms. Additionally, L'Oreal invited the France-China Committee to participate, fostering deeper collaboration between French and Chinese innovators.



Leveraging CIIE as an excellent platform for cooperation and innovation, L'Oreal not only elevates Chinese innovation onto the global stage, but also supports overseas companies unlock new opportunities in the Chinese market. CTIBIOTECH, a leading French force in real human skin testing and 3D bioprinting and the winner of the BIG BANG French Channel in 2023, perfectly embodies this approach. On November 8, at the 7th Oriental Beauty Valley International Cosmetics Conference, with the support of Metron Technology Co., Ltd., the cosmetics service and R&D platform of Oriental Beauty Valley Group, CTIBIOTECH will deliver its first order of 3D skin tissue and cell models in China, making a significant milestone in its development within Chinese market.



About L'Oreal Groupe



For 115 years, L'Oreal, the world's leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 37 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L'Oreal for the Future programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.



With more than 90,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2023 the Group generated sales amounting to 41.18 billion euros. With 20 research centers across 11 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 6,400 Digital talents, L'Oreal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.



More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom



About L'Oreal China



L'Oreal, the world's largest beauty company, entered Chinese mainland in 1997. L'Oreal China is headquartered in Shanghai and has five offices across the country. L'Oreal China currently has 31 brands and one R&I center in China, as well as two factories in Suzhou and Yichang, owning more than 15,000 employees. After 26 years of high-quality, steady and sustainable growth, China has become the second-largest market in the world, the headquarter of the North Asia "Beauty Triangle", and one of three Beauty Tech Hubs worldwide. L'Oreal founded the Group's first venture capital firm of regional markets in China, "Shanghai Meicifang Investment Co., Ltd". L'Oreal Group's first self-build smart fulfillment center has been officially opened in Suzhou.. As one of the best corporate citizens in China, L'Oreal China has always implemented and kept the "L'Oreal for the Future Sustainable Development Commitment 2030" in mind. China is L'Oreal's first market to reach 100% renewable energies for its sites, and L'Oreal China actively contributes to the good development of Chinese society through CSR programs.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) IndiGo is working with the civil aviation ministry to explore the possibility of extending the wet lease of wide-body Boeing 777 planes from Turkish Airlines as the existing lease period is ending this week.

Currently, IndiGo is operating two wet-leased Boeing 777 planes for flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul. These are also the only two wide-body aircraft that are in the fleet of the airline, which is India's largest carrier with a domestic market share of over 62 per cent.

These aircraft were wet-leased to cater to the rising demand for international travel from India.

IndiGo started operating its first wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft on the Delhi- Istanbul route from February 1, 2023, and began operating the Boeing 777 plane on the Mumbai-Istanbul route from May 17, 2023.

Sources in the know said the airline has not received an extension for continuing with the wet lease of the aircraft.

When contacted, an IndiGo spokesperson on Monday told PTI that the airline is "working with the ministry to explore solutions to extend the wet lease as our AOG (Aircraft On Ground) related capacity constraints, while improving, are not entirely behind us".

The two Boeing 777 planes will be operated by IndiGo till November 14 for the flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul.

From November 15, the airline will be deploying A321 aircraft for operating these flights, according to information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

Wet lease of an aircraft by an Indian carrier involves the leasing of foreign aircraft, along with crew, maintenance and insurance. The plane is also under the operational control of the foreign operator (lessor) and subject to regulatory requirements of the foreign civil aviation authority concerned.

The safety oversight of such operations is also under the purview of the foreign authority concerned, and the role of Indian carriers is limited to commercial aspects of operations.

While announcing the induction of the second Boeing 777 plane into its fleet in May 2023, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the new aircraft will not only increase capacity on the route but also help keep the fares affordable.

The Boeing 777 aircraft has a seating capacity of 400 passengers in a dual-class configuration with 24 business and 376 economy class seats, the airline said.

In the wake of Pratt & Whitney engine issues, the airline has grounded many aircraft, impacting its capacity.

Last month, IndiGo, which also became India's first airline to have more than 400 aircraft, said the number of grounded aircraft has reduced to the high 60s from the mid-70s and will further come down to the sub-60 level by the year-end.

At the end of September, the carrier had a fleet of 410 planes.

As part of expanding its international network to long-haul destinations, IndiGo, in May this year, placed a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Singapore, Nov 11 (PTI) A 37-year-old Singaporean man was charged in court on Monday for allegedly causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon after stabbing a priest in the mouth during a childrens mass in a church.

The stabbing incident took place on Saturday last week at St Joseph's Church in Upper Bukit Timah area, The Straits Times newspaper reported.

According to court documents, Basnayake Keith Spencer, a Singaporean Sinhalese, stabbed Reverend Christopher Lee while the 57-year-old was celebrating evening mass. Spencer approached the priest when he was distributing communion.

Basnayake allegedly used a foldable knife in the attack which endangered Lees life. As per the court documents, Lee was stabbed in the mouth. It left him with an 8 cm laceration on his tongue, a 3cm cut on his upper left lip and a 4cm cut on the corner of his mouth.

Spencer was handed one count of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by a dangerous weapon to Lee.

He was unrepresented and appeared in court via video link from his place of remand, wearing a white polo shirt with his hands in cuffs.

The police prosecutor applied for Spencer to be remanded for three weeks for psychiatric assessment. The judge granted the application and fixed Dec 2 as the next date for the hearing.

If convicted, Spencer may face life imprisonment or be jailed for up to 15 years. He may also be liable to caning and/or a fine.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. I express my deep gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev his hospitality is unrivaled, and you will not see it anywhere else in the world, the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic told reporters at the COP29 conference, Trend reports.

Aleksandar Vucic noted that he discussed with President Ilham Aliyev some topical issues related to COP29 and the construction of a gas power plant in Serbia.

Both countries may be interested in building this gas power plant in Serbia, and if we do it, it will be another important step in our great cooperation. I hope that next January we will be able to host President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Belgrade.

Over the last year, we have successfully increased the level of trade exchange and trade turnover by 30 times compared to five years ago. I really feel at home here in Azerbaijan, in Baku, and I hope to meet again with President Ilham Aliyev here next summer," he noted.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Islamabad, Nov 11 (PTI) A Pakistani court has handed over a 14-page questionnaire to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in a GBP 190 million settlement case.

The questionnaire, which contains 79 questions related to the Al-Qadir Trust case, was provided for Khan and his wife's final statements, The News International newspaper reported on Sunday.

It is alleged that Khan and his wife caused a loss to the tune of GBP 190 million or over PKR 50 billion while facilitating a property tycoon.

Khan's counsel Salman Safdar received the questionnaire in the presence of both the accused in the last hearing. The couple was directed to submit their responses to the court on Monday.

In the questionnaire, the accountability court in Rawalpindi asked the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder whether he and his associates illegally obtained "monetary benefits"  which include land measuring 458 kanals (57.25 acres)  and, in return, facilitated the "illegal and dishonest transfer/adjustment of GBP 171.159 million out of GPB 190 million, meant for the State of Pakistan".

The court while citing evidence said co-accused Shahzad Akbar  former special assistant on accountability  "in-connivance and active knowledge" of Khan floated a note dated December 2, 2019, to the deposed prime minister.

Seeking his response, the court stated: "The note contained misrepresented information, implying that funds frozen in the UK were to be surrendered to the State of Pakistan, mischaracterising the land purchase agreement as a fine and knowingly misrepresented that Supreme Court account was being operated for the benefit of State of Pakistan.

Furthermore, the accountability court said, "It is in the evidence that the jailed politician, being a prime minister, dishonestly instructed for placing the note as additional agenda without prior circulation in violation of rules of business, 1973 even though your co-accused Shahzad Akbar with your active connivance and under your influence had already dishonestly and for ulterior motive signed and submitted the confidential deed to the National Crime Agency UK on Nov 11, 2019.

In the November 7 hearing, lawyers for Khan and Bushra completed the cross-examination of the last and 35th witness at Adiala jail, taking the case conclusion to the final stage.

As per the charges of the case, Khan and other accused allegedly adjusted PKR 50 billion sent by Britains National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government as part of an agreement with a property tycoon.

Subsequently, the then-prime minister Khan got approval for the settlement with the UK crime agency from his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the details of the confidential agreement.

It was decided that the money would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon.

According to the NAB officials, the PTI founder and his wife obtained land worth billions of rupees from the property tycoon, to build an educational institute, called Al-Qadir University operated by the Al-Qadir Trust of which Khan and Bibi are trustees, in return for striking a deal to give legal cover to the property tycoons black money received from the UK crime agency.
Belgrade, Nov 11 (AP) Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic said he spoke with Donald Trump late Sunday, inviting him to visit the Balkan country while pointing out that in Serbia the US president-elect had the highest level of support of all European states during the election campaign.

The populist Serbian leader said the phone call was very cordial and added that Trump knew many things about Serbia. He expressed hope the ties between Serbia and the United States will further improve in all areas during the next Trump administration.

Vucic said on Instagram he "expressed hope that he (Trump) would visit Serbia, because Serbia is a country where support for the election of President Trump was the largest in all of Europe.

Vucic and other Serbian leaders had openly supported Trump during the campaign, hoping his Balkan policies would shift from the previous US administration's efforts to keep in check the expansionist goals of Serbian nationalists against neighbouring states.

Although formally seeking European Union membership, Serbia has refused to introduce international sanctions against its traditional Slavic ally Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Serbia has avoided major criticism in the West by reportedly supplying Ukraine with weapons that are exported through third countries.

Vucic said Trump thanked him for the support he received from the Serbian people and expressed his belief that he will be able to discuss further improvement of relations between the two countries in all fields with Trump in the coming period.

Serbia had maintained close relation with Trump's associates even during Joe Biden's administration.

Earlier this year, the Serbian government approved a multi-million-dollar contract with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on plans to build a luxury hotel on the site of the former defence ministry in Belgrade. The downtown building was bombed during a NATO-led military intervention to stop a bloody Serb crackdown against Kosovo Albanian separatists in 1999.

The project, which has caused a lot of controversy in Serbia, was reportedly proposed to Kushner by a former Trump aide and Balkan envoy, Richard Grenell, who is said to be destined for high office in the new Trump administration.

Vucic decorated Grenell with a high medal of honour in 2023 for distinguished merit in developing and strengthening peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between Serbia and the US. (AP) GRS

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Ottawa, Nov 11 (PTI) The overseas unit of the Congress party has denounced the recent clashes between Khalistani protesters and devotees at a Hindu temple in the Canadian city of Brampton, calling for "peace" and "harmony" in the Indo-Canadian community.

The Indian Overseas Congress, in a press release on Sunday, said that the Indo-Canadian community has gone through a "difficult period" with various attempts made to divide it.

The organisation organised a peace meet in Ontario province's Mississauga city on Sunday.

We the Indo-Canadians believe strongly in the ideology of peaceful co-existence and denounce the events of last week," the press release said, adding that an attempt was made by "divisive forces" and "miscreants" to create a wedge in the community.

It urged people to "strive to maintain peace and harmony in the community for times to come.

On November 3, protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashed with devotees at a Hindu Sabha temple and disrupted an event co-organised by the temple authorities and the Indian Consulate at Brampton, a city in Ontario's Greater Toronto Area.

Unverified videos of the protest showed fistfights and people striking each other with poles on what appears to be the grounds surrounding the temple.

The incident was condemned by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely.

India condemned the attack with an expectation that those indulging in violence "will be prosecuted".
Hong Kong, Nov 11 (AP) Merchants and consumers alike found the Singles' Day shopping festival Monday less shiny than in years past as e-commerce firms look abroad for growth.

The annual event named by the numeric form of its Nov. 11 date was started by e-commerce platform Alibaba, which offered attractive discounts to entice shoppers to spend big. The extravaganza has since expanded to other platforms like JD.com and Pinduoduo in China as well as abroad.

While Singles' Day was previously a one-day event, shopping platforms in China now kickstart the festival weeks ahead to drum up sales volume. The festival has also traditionally been regarded as a barometer of consumer sentiment.

But amid China's lagging domestic economy, dragged down by a real estate crisis and deflationary pressures, consumers no longer go all out on purchases during the shopping extravaganza.

I only spent a few hundred yuan on daily necessities, said Wang Haihua, who owns a fitness center in Beijing.

Wang said that the prices offered on e-commerce platforms during Singles' Day are not necessarily cheaper than usual.

They're all tricks and we've seen through it over the years, she said.

Zhang Jiewei, a 34-year-old who runs a barber shop in Xi'an city, echoed Wang's sentiments, saying that he no longer trust Singles' Day promotions as some merchant tend to raise the usual price of a product before offering a discount, giving consumers the illusion they are getting a deal.

I used to buy a lot two or three years ago and I even purchased a mobile phone (during Singles' Day), he said.

I stopped doing that following the pandemic because of less income. I am not going to buy anything this year, Zhang added.

Some experts say that Beijing's recent stimulus measures have had little impact to boost consumer confidence.

People are not interested in spending and are cutting back on big-ticket items, said Shaun Rein, founder and managing director of China Market Research Group in Shanghai. Since October 2022, the weak economy means that everything has been on discount year-round, 11.11 is not going to bring in more discounts that the month before.

Rein said he expects low growth for the Singles' Day shopping festival as consumers tighten their spending in anticipation of difficult economic times ahead.

Categories such as sportswear and fitness, however, have been doing well as customers trade down a Gucci bag for Lululemon sportswear, he said.

Platforms like JD.com and Alibaba, which operates e-commerce platforms Taobao and Tmall, previously used to publish the value of transactions made during the festival, but have since stopped revealing the total figure. While yearly growth used to be in the double digits, estimates of recent figures have dwindled to low single-digit growth.

Syntun, a data provider, estimated that last year's gross merchandising volume sales across major e-commerce platforms grew just 2% to 1.14 trillion yuan ($156.40 billion), a far cry from double-digit growth before COVID-19.

Merchants who typically take part in the Singles' Day shopping festivals say the costs of participation no longer pay off, amid high advertising fees and unsatisfactory sales.

Zhao Gao, who owns a garment factory in eastern Zhejiang province, said that after paying advertising costs to e-commerce platforms he would only break even after sales.

The platforms have so many rules for promotions and customers have become more skeptical, he said. As a merchant, I no longer participate in the Singles' Day promotions.

Another merchant, Du Baonian who runs a food company processing mutton in Inner Mongolia, said that overall sales in the past year have fallen 15% as consumers downgraded and reduced consumption.

Du said that while he still takes part in the Singles' Day promotions, the higher expenses do not typically generate returns because of sluggish sales.

We are seeing shrinking revenue, but advertisement on the platform can help us to maintain our leading sales position, he said, adding that he was considering advertising on more e-commerce platforms to target more consumers.

Meanwhile, e-commerce platforms grappling with a slowing domestic market have also turned to overseas markets to seek new growth, offering promotions like global free shipping and allowing merchants to sell globally with ease.

Alibaba, for example, said in a blog post on its Alizila site that some 70,000 merchants saw sales double with global free shipping. In markets like Singapore and Hong Kong, new customers also doubled, Alibaba said. (AP)

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Dearborn (US), Nov 11 (AP) Faced with two choices she didn't like, Suehaila Amen chose neither.

Instead, the longtime Democrat from the Arab American stronghold of Dearborn, Michigan, backed a third-party candidate for president, adding her voice to a remarkable turnaround that helped Donald Trump reclaim Michigan and the presidency.

In Dearborn, where nearly half of the 110,000 residents are of Arab descent, Vice President Kamala Harris received over 2,500 fewer votes than Trump, who became the first Republican presidential candidate since former President George W. Bush in 2000 to win the city. Harris also lost neighboring Dearborn Heights to Trump, who in his previous term as president banned travel from several mostly-Muslim countries.

Harris lost the presidential vote in two Detroit-area cities with large Arab American populations after months of warnings from local Democrats about the Biden-Harris administration's unwavering support for Israel in the war in Gaza. Some said they backed Trump after he visited a few days before the election, mingling with customers and staff at a Lebanese-owned restaurant and reassuring people that he would find a way to end the violence in the Middle East.

Others, including Amen, were unable to persuade themselves to back the former president. She said many Arab Americans felt Harris got what she deserved but aren't jubilant about Trump.

Whether it's Trump himself or the people who are around him, it does pose a great deal of concern for me, Amen said. But at the end of the day when you have two evils running, what are you left with?

As it became clear late Tuesday into early Wednesday that Trump would not only win the presidency but likely prevail in Dearborn, the mood in metro Detroit's Arab American communities was described by Dearborn City Council member Mustapha Hammoud as somber. And yet, he said, the result was not surprising at all.

The shift in Dearborn  where Trump received nearly 18,000 votes compared with Harris' 15,000  marks a startling change from just four years ago when Joe Biden won in the city by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.



No one should be surprised



The results didn't come out of nowhere. For months, in phone calls and meetings with top Democratic officials, local leaders warned, in blunt terms, that Arab American voters would turn against them if the administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas war didn't change.

The Biden-Harris administration has remained a staunch ally of Israel since the brutal Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took over 200 hostages. The war between Israel and Hamas has killed more than 43,000 people in Gaza, Palestinian health officials say. They do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

While Harris softened her rhetoric on the war, she didn't propose concrete policies toward Israel or the war in Gaza that varied from the administration's position. And even if she had, that might not have made much of a difference in places like Dearborn.

All she had to do was stop the war in Lebanon and Gaza and she would receive everyone's votes here, said Hammoud.

More voters thought Trump would be better able to handle the situation in the Middle East than Harris, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. About half of voters named Trump as better suited, compared with about a third who said Harris.

Among those who opposed more aid for Israel, 58% backed Harris in the presidential election; 39% supported Trump.

Even some Harris voters had their doubts. About three-quarters of Harris voters in Michigan said she was the better candidate to handle the situation. Few preferred Trump, but about 2 in 10 Harris voters said they were equivalent or neither would be better.

In the absence of support for Harris in the Arab American community, Trump and his allies stepped in.

A key part of Michigan's electorate  a state Trump won by nearly 11,000 votes in 2016 before he lost it by nearly 154,000 to Biden in 2020  Arab Americans spent months meeting with Trump allies, who encouraged community leaders to endorse him.

Things began to move in September, when Amer Ghalib, the Democratic Muslim mayor of the city of Hamtramck, endorsed Trump. Shortly after, Trump visited a campaign office there.

That was a turning point, said Massad Boulos, the father of Trump's son-in-law who led his outreach with Arab Americans.

They very, very much appreciated the president's visit and the respect that they felt, said Boulos. That was the first big achievement, so to speak. After that, I started getting endorsements from imams and Muslim leaders.



An apparent shift toward Trump in final week



While support for Harris had been declining for months  especially after her campaign did not allow a pro-Palestinian speaker to take the stage at August's Democratic National Convention  some voters say the last week of the campaign was pivotal.

At an Oct. 30 rally in Michigan, former President Bill Clinton said Hamas uses civilians as shields and will force you to kill civilians if you want to defend yourself.

Hamas did not care about a homeland for the Palestinians, they wanted to kill Israelis and make Israel uninhabitable," he said. "Well, I got news for them, they were there first, before their faith existed, they were there.

The Harris campaign wanted Clinton to visit Dearborn to speak in the days following the rally, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the discussions who were not authorized to speak on them. The potential visit never materialized after backlash over Clinton's comments.

That comment was the talk of the town. It hurt many like me, who loved him, said Amin Hashmi, who was born in Pakistan and lives in suburban Detroit. A self-proclaimed die-hard Dem, Hashmi said casting a ballot for Trump was a seismic move that came after he stood in the voting booth for 25 minutes.

On the Friday before the election, Trump visited The Great Commoner in Dearborn, the Lebanese-owned restaurant. That stood in sharp contrast with Harris, who met with Dearborn's Democratic mayor, Abdullah Hammoud  who didn't endorse in the race  but never came to Dearborn herself.

He came up to Dearborn. He spoke with residents. Whether some people say it wasn't genuine, he still made the effort. He did reach out and try to work with them, at least listen to them, said Samia Hamid, a Dearborn resident.

Amen said that at polling places in Dearborn on Tuesday, people were coming out and saying they were either voting third party or they were voting for Trump. When she asked what led them to support Trump, they said, at least he came out here and he talked to us, he acknowledged our community.

Although Arab American support didn't propel him to the White House, Trump has made several promises that stuck in voters' minds. Mainly, they'll be watching to see if he'll follow through on his vow to end the war.

They also hope his next term will differ from his first, when he enacted the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries. His rhetoric on that score has been mixed  he even pledged to expand the ban to refugees from Gaza.

Osama Siblani, publisher of Arab American News based in Dearborn, said people will hold him accountable." Regardless, Siblani added, the community survived the first four years of Trump.

We will survive the next four, he said. (AP)

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Washington, Nov 11 (PTI) A former staffer of Vice President Kamala Harris urged President Joe Biden to resign and install his deputy as the first woman president of the country, although for a short duration.

Joe Biden has been amazing but he should fulfil one last promise - to be transitional," Jamal Simmons, former communications director for the vice president said on a social media post after making a similar suggestion during a Sunday talk show.

Joe Bidens been a phenomenal president, hes lived up to so many of the promises hes made. Theres one promise left that he could fulfil, being a transitional figure. He could resign the presidency in the next 30 days, make Kamala Harris President of the United States," Simmons told CNN's"Situation Room in an interview.

"Itd turn tables on Trump, keep Kamala from presiding over January 6 and make it easier for the next woman to run, he said.

It would absolve her from having to oversee the January 6 transition of her own defeat. And it would make sure, it would dominate the news, at a point where Democrats have to learn drama and transparency and doing things the public wants to see. This is the moment for us to change the entire perspective of how Democrats operate," he said.

Responding to a question, Simmons said this is the best thing Biden can do now.

This is something within Joe Bidens control. If he did it, it would, again, fulfil his last promise and give Kamala Harris a chance to be the 47th President of the United States of America. It would disrupt all of Donald Trumps paraphernalia, right? Hed have to rebrand everything. And make it easier for the next woman president does not have to hold all that weight of being the first," Simmons said.

Harris, 60, lost the November 5 general election to President-elect Donald Trump.
Tehran, Iran, Nov 11 (AP) A militant attack near the Pakistani border with Iran left five Iranian forces dead, the state-run IRNA news agency reported Sunday.

The report said the dead were ethnic Baluch members of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's volunteer Basij force and were killed in Saravan city in Sistan and Baluchistan province. Saravan is some 1,400 kilometres southeast of the capital Tehran.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Earlier in the day, state TV reported that Revolutionary Guard forces killed three terrorists and arrested nine others in a military operation. The report did not specify which group the suspects belonged to.

Last month, unknown gunmen killed four people, including the chief of the Revolutionary Guard in the province.

In September, gunmen killed four border guards in Sistan and Baluchistan province in two separate attacks. The militant group Jaish al-Adl, which seeks greater rights for the ethnic Baluch minority, claimed responsibility for one attack in which one officer and two soldiers were killed.

The province, which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been the site of occasional deadly clashes involving militant groups, armed drug smugglers and Iranian security forces. It is one of the least developed parts of Iran. Relations between the predominantly Sunni Muslim residents of the region and Iran's Shiite theocracy have long been strained. AP HIG
Jerusalem, Nov 11 (AP) Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli strike hit a tent sheltering a displaced family in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least three people, including the parents of twins.

The strike late Sunday in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp wounded the two children, aged 10, who were being treated for serious injuries at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah.

The details of the casualties were listed in hospital records and an Associated Press reporter saw two of the bodies.

The Israeli military says it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians.

Palestinians reported heavy bombing late Sunday in the western areas of Nuseirat camp, which dates back to the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

At least 24 people were wounded and taken to the Awda hospital in Nuseirat, said Mohamed Muhareb, head of the hospital's ambulance service.

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. Israel's 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.

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Here's the latest:



Yemen's Houti rebels say they launched a missile targeting Israel

DUBAI  Yemen's Houthi rebels on Monday claimed they launched a missile targeting Israel.

Houthi military spokesman Brig Gen Yahya Saree made the claim in a prerecorded video message, claiming that the rebels launched a Palestine-2 ballistic missile he described as a hypersonic toward a military base.

The Israeli military said it intercepted one projectile that approached Israel from the direction of Yemen. The Israelis also said the fire did not enter Israeli territory.

The Houthis have launched missiles and targeted ships through the Red Sea corridor over the ongoing Mideast wars. The rebels separately said sites in the country came under attack in likely US airstrikes early Monday morning, something not immediately acknowledged by the Americans.



Senior UAE diplomat calls for de-escalation in Mideast wars

DUBAI  A senior diplomat for the United Arab Emirates called on the world to focus on the plight of civilians and de-escalate the ongoing Mideast wars.

Anwar Gargash's remarks Monday, made at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, followed the pattern of comments made by the UAE amid the Mideast wars. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms home to Dubai, diplomatically recognised Israel in 2020.

The complexities of the region require a steady hand and a clear and consistent vision, Gargash said. The recent cycle of escalation between Israel and Iran cannot become a permanent feature of the strategic landscape of our region. This must be addressed through a political framework.

He called for pragmatism and a serious political horizon to resolve the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reach a two-state solution. He described the war in the Gaza Strip as being driven by extremists on both sides, from the Israeli and Arab side. Yet he also called the systemic violence faced by Palestinians in Gaza criminal and unacceptable.

He added: At the present time, it is vital to identify that not all crises stem from the Palestinian issue, yet it undeniably remains central to the conflict in our region.

The UAE has provided aid for both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon in the wars, while maintaining its diplomatic ties with Israel. The UAE has, however, strenuously criticised Israel's conduct at times in public in the wars.

Gargash also offered criticism of governance in both the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

In both Palestine and Lebanon, a drastic reform is essential for the world to step in and provide considerable support, Gargash said. (AP) SCY

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London, Nov 11 (PTI) Keir Starmer on Monday became the first British Prime Minister to attend Armistice Day commemorations in France since the Second World War when Winston Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle for the event that marks the end of First World War hostilities.

As part of the Labour Party-led governments so-called reset with Europe, Starmer accepted French President Emmanuel Macrons "personal invitation" to attend the 106th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918 in Paris.

The two leaders are also scheduled for bilateral talks on the sidelines, during which the election of Donald Trump as US President and the impact on the war in Europe between Russia and Ukraine is to feature high on the agenda.

I am honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today, said Starmer.

These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come. That is why this government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE (Victory in Europe) and VJ (Victory over Japan) Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen, he said.

For the Second World War anniversaries, the UK has announced over GBP 10 million to commemorate the end of hostilities at events across the UK in 2025  with May 8 marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied Victory in Europe and August 15 marking the end of the Second World War in Japan.

Downing Street said preparations for next years commemorative events in the UK have already begun, with the government working closely with the Royal British Legion charity and veterans' representatives on a programme of activity that will be designed to "bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection and strengthen community spirit and cohesion".

It follows Remembrance Sunday events at the Cenotaph at Whitehall in London, which commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian service men and women in both world wars and later conflicts.

The annual ceremony was on Sunday led by King Charles III and marked the return to royal duties of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, after her cancer treatment.

At the Cenotaph memorial, Starmer was joined by former British prime ministers including Rishi Sunak in laying poppy wreaths during a sombre memorial service. India was represented at the event by High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami.

As is customary, there was a two-minute silence at 1100 hours local time to remember the dead who gave their lives in wars and marks a historic moment as fighting in the First World War came to an end in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
N'djamena (Chad), Nov 11 (AP) Boko Haram insurgents killed 17 Chadian soldiers in a weekend attack on a military post that also left 96 of the assailants dead in the country's west, Chad's army said.

The attack in the Lake Chad region happened on Saturday, army spokesperson Gen Issakh Acheikh said on national television Sunday night. He did not provide details.

The Lake Chad region has been plagued this year by frequent attacks from insurgents, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa. It has revived fears of violence after a period of peace following a successful operation launched in 2020 by the Chadian army to destroy the extremist groups' bases.

Last month, 40 soldiers were killed during an attack on a military base, prompting President Mahamat Deby Itno to launch an operation to dislodge Boko Haram militants from Lake Chad. In March, an attack the government blamed on Boko Haram killed seven soldiers.

Boko Haram, which launched an insurgency more than a decade ago against Western education, seeks to establish Islamic law in Nigeria's northeast. The insurgency has spread to West African neighbours including Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Chad, a country of nearly 18 million people, has been reeling from political turmoil before and after a controversial presidential election that resulted in Deby Itno's victory. He had led the country as interim president during the period of military rule that followed the death of his father in 2021. (AP) SCY

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The delegation headed by Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Alexander De Croo, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), visited Baku International Sea Trade Port, Trend reports.

The meeting, which was also attended by Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, discussed the reduction of carbon emissions to near-zero levels, the minimization of harmful climate impacts in the maritime sector, and solutions for the port's sustainable development.

At the meeting, which was also attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Azerbaijan Julien de Fraipont, as well as senior officials of Jan De Nul Company, which has experience in maritime services and dredging, issues of mutual interest were discussed, such as expansion of opportunities for further cooperation and exchange of experience between the ports of Belgium and Baku Port.

The guests were finally reviewed with the port terminals and workflow corresponding to technological innovations.

To note, the port of Baku and the Belgian port of Antwerp are currently cooperating.

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Beijing, Nov 11 (PTI) China on Monday said it would continue to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism to protect Chinese nationals working on various projects in the country notwithstanding the recurring attacks against them.

The remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian came in reply to a question on the recent attack in Karachi in which two Chinese nationals were injured when a security guard opened fire at them following a quarrel.

China will continue to support Pakistan in fighting terrorism, the spokesman told a media briefing.

Asked whether Beijing is satisfied with the security protocols for its nationals and projects in Pakistan, Lin said, We are firm in our commitment to protecting the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions overseas.

Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects under the aegis of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Last week's incident was the third incident involving attacks on Chinese or other foreign nationals in Karachi this year.

Beijing has been pressing Islamabad to step up security to protect its nationals.

Lin said that both countries have the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations and ensure that terrorists will pay the price.

China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our iron-clad friendship has taken deep roots among our peoples. Attempts to undermine the mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries will not succeed," he said.

Terrorism is a common enemy of humanity. Its the shared responsibility of the international community to fight terrorism and prevent tragedies from happening again, he added.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has been carrying out numerous attacks including suicide bomb attacks on Chinese personnel working on the CPEC project.

The BLA alleges exploitation of the rich natural resources of Balochistan by Pakistan and China.
Karachi, Nov 11 (PTI) The alleged mastermind of the Karachi airport suicide attack and four suspected accomplices, including a female bomber, have been arrested, police said on Monday.

The five militants were arrested last week from different parts of the restive Balochistan province, Umar Khatab, a senior official of the Sindh Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), said.

The blast on 6th October killed four people including the two Chinese engineers and wounded 17 others.

Two Chinese nationals were killed and 17 people injured in the suicide attack by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) that targeted a convoy of Chinese workers near the Jinnah International Airport on October 6.

We were able to identify those responsible for the attack through face verification and one of them is a trained female militant and bomber, Khatab said.

He said the female militant had accompanied the attack's mastermind in an SUV, witnessing the suicide bomber targeting the vehicle, carrying the Chinese nationals returning from a port industrial site on the outskirts of Karachi, at the airport signal.

Khatab said separatist groups have started recruiting young females to carry out terror attacks and recalled that some years back a female suicide bomber hit a van inside the Karachi University, killing Chinese teachers.

Among outlawed separatist groups in Balochistan, the BLA (Majeed group) has been the most active in carrying out terror attacks, including the recent suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station last week that killed 27 people and injured dozens.

Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is home to a long-running violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups have previously carried out several attacks targeting CPEC projects.

The BLA accuses China and Islamabad of exploitation of the resource-rich province, a charge rejected by the authorities. It has fought a long-running insurgency for a separate homeland.

The group in the last two years carried out similar suicide bomb attacks in Karachi targeting foreign nationals.

The BLA in March this year claimed responsibility for an attack on a Pakistani naval air base near China-run Gwadar port.

In April 2022, the group killed three Chinese tutors and a Pakistani driver in a suicide bombing near Karachi University's Confucius Institute.

In November 2018, gunmen killed at least four people in an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi.
London, Nov 11 (PTI) Tamil Nadu born Nobel laureate Dr Venki Ramakrishnan on Monday extended his support to a new GBP 48 million programme enabling fully funded PhDs by Trinity College and the University of Cambridge.

The University of Cambridge said the Trinity Cambridge Research Studentships (TCRS) have been created to respond to declining funding opportunities for PhD research, both in the sciences and the humanities.

Dr Ramakrishnan, Fellow of Trinity College who shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009 for his work on ribosomal structure, hailed the new programme as a means to attract the best brains to Cambridge from around the world.

PhD students are the lifeblood of new research, making breakthroughs in all areas of science, and it is very important that we be able to attract the best brains to Cambridge wherever they may be from. The Trinity Cambridge Research Studentships Programme will greatly facilitate that goal, he said.

In the next decade, the programme is designed to support up to 300 fully funded PhD studentships, depending on the breakdown between home and international students. The first students funded by the new programme will begin in October 2025 and anyone applying to join a PhD programme in 2025-26 will be considered for this funding.

If the UK is to continue to be world leading in research, it is important to support the next generation of PhD students," said Bhaskar Vira, Cambridge Universitys Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education Professor.

We are grateful for the funding provided to postgraduate research students through the UK governments investments in science and research, but also aware of worrying pressures on budgets. We work closely with many external partners and benefactors who allow us to continue to invest in this future research capacity, for the wider benefit of society, he said, welcoming the support of Trinity College for the new scheme to ensure more students are able to pursue their research careers in Cambridge.

According to a university release, the PhD awards will be highly competitive and seek students with the potential to be the Nobel laureates of the future and help increase Cambridge Universitys GBP 30 billion contribution to the UK economy.

We are committed to using our resources to support the next generation of world-class researchers whose work will improve the lives of many and help tackle some of the toughest problems the world faces, said Professor Catherine Barnard, Senior Tutor at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Trinitys five living Nobel laureates show that being able to change the world begins with your PhD. Whether you want to create new life-saving drugs, discover new planets or new understandings of the relationship between economics and ethics, Cambridge is the place to realise your ambitions  and change the world," she said.

With the first year of the TCRS programme fully funded by Trinity College and the University of Cambridge, matched funding is sought to unlock resources and achieve the programmes 10-year goal of GBP 48 million in new funding for PhDs.
Cairo, Nov 11 (AP) A leading rights group on Monday called for an international force to protect civilians in war-torn Sudan amid reports that a notorious paramilitary group has killed dozens of civilians and committed widespread rapes during a rampage in a province neighbouring Khartoum.

Sudan has been plunged into war for narly 19 months in a struggle for power between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has been accused of atrocities in multiple areas where it has seized control.

The Rapid Support Forces rampaged through the province of Gezira last month, attacking towns and villages.

Human Rights Watch said the RSF has killed, injured, and unlawfully detained scores of civilians and raped women and girls in Gezira. It urged Britain to use its turn as president of the United Nations Security Council this month to push for UN action to deploy a mission to protect civilians in Sudan.

This recent massive uptick in the Rapid Support Forces' heinous attacks against civilians should end any lingering hopes that these crimes will stop without a strong global response, said Mohamed Osman, HRW's Sudan researcher. The UN Security Council's minimal action is clearly failing to protect civilians."

The war began in April 2023 when growing tensions between the military and RSF exploded into fighting in the capital Khartoum and around Sudan. More than 24,000 people have been killed and more than 14 million people  about 30 per cent of the population  have been driven from their homes, creating the world's largest displacement crisis this year, according to the International Organisation for Migration, or IOM. Famine has struck some areas, and a cholera outbreak has killed more than 800 people and sickened 28,000 others.

Gezira province, southeast of Khartoum, has been largely controlled by the RSF since December. In October, one of its commanders running the province, Abu Aqlah Keikel, defected and surrendered to the military.

RSF fighters responded with a rampage through towns and villages across the province.

The fighters shot civilians and sexually attacked and raped women and girls in multiple places, according to the U.N. and local groups. About 135,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since Oct. 20, according to the IOM.

Three Sudanese - two women and a young man - told The Associated Press that RSF fighters stormed their town, Tamboul, on October 22, firing on civilians in their houses. They said they saw fighters shoot 12 men in the streets as they tried to escape. Many people, including women and girls, were detained, they said.

They went from house to house telling people to leave and searching for people connected to Keikel, said one woman, Inaam Abu Gassim, speaking by phone from her shelter in nearby Qadarif province.

At least 47 women and girls were raped around Tamboul, the Sudanese Doctors' Union said. A 7-year-old girl bled to dead after she was raped, Dr. Yassar al-Besheri, a spokesman for the union, told the AP.

In another town, Sariha, at least 123 people were killed and 200 others wounded in late October, the union said.

Human Rights Watch quoted a man from Sariha as saying that RSF fighters stopped him, his wife and three daughters as they fled their homes on October 22.

One of the RSF soldiers looked at my youngest daughter, who is 15, and said: Leave her so we can enjoy her, and you can leave.', the 51-year-old man was quoted as saying. He and his family, including his daughter, managed to escape, HRW reported.

In the city of al-Hilaliya, the union said at least 200 people died this month. At least two dozen were killed by RSF fighters. The rest reportedly died from torture, starvation and disease, it said.

Sudan's conflict has raged as global attention has been shifted over the past year to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and recently to Lebanon where Israel launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah last month.

Rights groups have repeatedly urged international powers to pressure Sudan's warring sides to stop fighting and negotiate a peaceful settlement to the conflict. The United States and Saudi Arabia have led multiple rounds of talks between the military and the RSF, most recently in August, but all failed to establish a cease-fire.

A senior US government official said the warring sides have been focusing their efforts on achieving military gains following the end of the rainy season.

The Biden administration has been working with its allies in the region to get them back to the negotiating table, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

So we are certainly trying actively with both African and Gulf partners, as well as European allies, and I think that we may or may not see something develop on that soon, he said. (AP) PY

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Washington, Nov 11 (PTI) An Indian American fundraiser of Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party has been receiving racist and threatening messages on his phone asking him to leave the county and go to India.

You claim that you are doing whats best for Americans, but you arent doing anything for Americans and you dont care about America. You are Indian. You only care about Indians. You do whats best for India. Why are you here? Stop being a beggar in America and become a leader in India, Ajay Jain Bhaturia was told in a text message that he received on Sunday from an unknown number.

Ajay Bhutoria is the Deputy National Finance Chair DNC and National Finance Committee, Harris-Walz campaign. He is also one of the Commissioners to the Presidents Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. In this role, he was instrumental in addressing several issues of the legal immigrant community.

Trump supporters asking me to go back to India to fight for green card backlog, Bhutoria told PTI.

Stop being a beggar in America and to be a leader in India, he was told in the text message. Some of these messages were posted by Bhutoria on social media platforms.
Indore, Nov 11 (PTI) An FIR was registered on Monday against the operator of a factory in Indore district for illegal diversion of subsidised fertilizers meant for use by farmers, an official of the Agriculture Department said.

He said "NPK" (which refers to three nutrients plants need to grow -- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) fertilizer products were being made illegally in the factory from urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash given to farmers on subsidy by the Madhya Pradesh government.

According to the official, during an inspection, about 950 tonnes of subsidized urea and other raw materials were seized from the factory located in the Khudail police station area of the district.

However, it was not clear from where the raw materials were purchased, he said.

The official said the FIR was registered against the operator of the factory under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

A detailed investigation was underway.
Ahmedabad, Nov 11 (PTI) A 23-year-old student of a prominent business school in Ahmedabad was stabbed to death allegedly by an unidentified driver of a car after an argument over rash driving, police said on Monday.



The incident took place at around 11.30 pm on Sunday when two students of the Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA) here were returning on a motorcycle to a hostel of their institute after buying a cake at a bakery shop.



On their way back, they had a heated argument with the speeding four-wheeler's driver at the Bopal locality crossroads over his rash driving, Superintendent of Police, Ahmedabad rural, Om Prakash Jat said.



The car driver trailed the students for about 200 metres before taking out a knife from his vehicle and stabbing one of them, Jat said.



The victim, identified as Priyanshu Jain, was rushed to a hospital where he succumbed to the injuries due to internal bleeding, the police officer said.



"The accused has not yet been identified but we are on a lookout for him and will nab him soon," he said.

The victim was a second year MBA student at the institute, a police official said.
Gwalior, Nov 11 (PTI) Two firearms made in Australia and China as well as mobile phones with foreign EMEI numbers have been seized from Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill's two aides who allegedly shot dead a man in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior last week, a police official said on Monday.

The two accused, identified as Navjot Singh alias Neetu and Anmolpreet Singh alias Vishal, were arrested in Punjab on Sunday in connection with the murder of a Youtuber there, as per police.

They had allegedly shot dead Jaswant Singh Gill on November 7 outside his house in Dabra area in Gwalior, the official said. Gill was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his wife's cousin Sukhvinder in 2016 and was out on parole since October 28.

The official said Sukhvinder's brother Satpal possibly transferred Rs 2.50 lakh from Canada to his cousin Jitu Singh alias Jita here to facilitate the November 7 killing.

"The two firearms, an Australian Glock and Chinese-made pistol, are worth Rs 15 lakh each. One of these pistols and the high-end mobile phones were used in the November 7 murder here. Our probe has found Navjot and Anmolpreet, after the killing, fled from here late Thursday night to Chandigarh in a taxi booked by Satpal," the official said.

After MP police got information about the duo through an identity card used at the hotel they had stayed in Gwalior, Punjab police was contacted, he said.

"We sent our Punjab counterparts their photos. The duo was arrested on Sunday and Punjab police are questioning them at present. Later, we will bring them here on transit remand. They had come to the hotel on November 7 itself. Jita gave them local inputs," he said.

The official said Satpal transferred Rs 1 lakh to Jita when victim Gill came out on parole, and the remaining Rs 1.50 lakh was sent online after the November 7 murder.

"After Navjot and Anmolpreet reached Chandigarh, Satpal made some online payments on their behalf. We were monitoring Satpal's online transactions and shared all information with our Punjab counterparts. Satpal and his family migrated to Canada after Gill killed Sukhvinder. But Satpal continued to visit here once in a while," the official said.

The official said the two alleged shooters are from Dalla's gang as per Punjab police, adding he would not comment on whether the Canada-based Khalistani terrorist has any role to play in the November 7 murder.

Arsh Dalla, who has been accused of involvement in targeted killings, terror financing and extortion in Punjab, was in January last year designated a terrorist by the Indian government.
Kolkata, Nov 11 (PTI) The intense campaign for the bypolls across six assembly constituencies in West Bengal concluded on Monday, marked by allegations, show-cause notices, and controversies.



The by-elections, scheduled for November 13, will be held in Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, and Taldangra constituencies.

The bypolls will be a test for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) amid ongoing protests over the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.



The ruling party repeatedly targeted the Election Commission (EC) over alleged delays in addressing their complaints.



The TMC claimed that despite approaching the EC on Saturday, their concerns including "misuse of central forces" were not promptly addressed.



However, the EC refuted these claims on Monday, asserting it acted within 20 hours of receiving the TMC's complaints.



In a letter to TMCs Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Party leader Derek O'Brien, the EC said it was surprising that accusations of delay were being made despite the Commissions prompt action.



TMC leaders, however, alleged that the Commissions actions favoured the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), diminishing the elections impartiality.



The ruling party accused central force personnel of entering private residences without the required presence of state police, reportedly intimidating voters and attempting to influence them in favour of the BJP.



TMC MP Saket Gokhale criticized the EC, stating on social media, This is a LIE. The ECI has NOT 'acted within 20 hours' as theyre claiming in the media."



In addition to concerns over CAPF activities, the TMC objected to comments made by BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, who allegedly disparaged the state police and the national emblem during a rally in Taldangra.



In response, the EC issued a show-cause notice to Majumdar, who was asked to explain his remarks by 8 pm on Monday.



The TMC also highlighted an incident where BJP MLA Niladri Shekhar Dana encouraged people to arm themselves in self-defense against political violence, a statement which attracted criticism from opposition parties.



Meanwhile, TMC MP Arup Chakraborty allegedly urged party workers to mobilize voters on polling day, which the BJP argued violated the model code of conduct.



In its letter to the EC, the TMC expressed disappointment over an appointment scheduled for Monday afternoon, just 90 minutes before the campaigns official end.



The TMC argued that such timing rendered any discussion moot, suggesting that the delayed response effectively undermined the TMCs complaints.



The EC maintained that the TMC's request for an appointment lacked specific issues initially.



Nevertheless, the Commission, according to its response, acted promptly once the representations were submitted, directing the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer to meet with officials and address force deployment issues within 20 hours.



The TMC on Monday also lodged a complaint with the EC alleging that BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari breached the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by making communal remarks during a campaign rally for the byelection to Taldangra assembly constituency.



As the campaign enters a silent period ahead of the polls, the focus shifts to how the allegations and tensions between parties may impact voting day.
Kohima, Nov 11 (PTI) The Nagaland government along with the British Deputy High Commission on Monday held a programme to commemorate those who gave lives at the 1944 Battle of Kohima during the Second World War.

Dignitaries, military officers, veterans, and people from both countries joined the programme to honour the soldiers on the 80th Remembrance Day.

The Kohima War Cemetery, located in the hills of Nagaland's capital, is the final resting place for 1,420 Allied soldiers. The cemetery also serves as the memorial for 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers who were cremated in accordance with their faith.

The battle is considered a critical turning point in the fight against the Japanese invasion of British India.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata Andrew Fleming led the dignitaries in laying wreaths at the memorial.

In his address, Rio said, "Today, we remember not just the soldiers who fell here, but the spirit of resilience, sacrifice, and courage that continues to live on in our hearts."

He said the Nagas played a crucial role in this historic battle.

Rio also highlighted how Nagaland has turned the painful memories of the war into a message of global peace.

"Every year, through events like the World War II Peace Rally, we bring together nations, once enemies, under the banner of peace and reconciliation," he added.

Fleming said the Battle of Kohima is now recognised as one of Britain's greatest battles.

"It was a pivotal moment in history, not just for the United Kingdom but for the world, and we must ensure that the sacrifices made here are never forgotten," he said.

The diplomat also praised the people of Nagaland for their continued commitment to peace, noting that the region's role in the battle had become a symbol of unity and hope for future generations.

Fleming expressed his commitment to collaboration with the Nagaland government, particularly as the state prepares to host the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, where the Welsh government will participate as a partner country.
By Lyu Hui

BEIJING, Nov. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) saw a total of 80.01 billion U.S. dollars worth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, representing an increase of 2 percent from that of last year.

For seven years since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has achieved great success with larger attendance and ever expanding intended turnover year on year and has evolved into a symbol of China's new development pattern, a platform for high-level opening up and a public good for the whole world.

Against the backdrop of changes unseen in a century and sluggish global economic recovery, the CIIE by connecting the global enterprises with Chinas super-sized market, has fostered global trade and cooperation, adding momentum to global economy and also injecting dynamism into the joint efforts of Global South countries to push for more balanced and inclusive economic globalization.

Commitment to opening up

Openness is a key driving force behind the progress of human civilizations and an intrinsic path toward global prosperity and development, said Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the fifth CIIE.

As the world's first national-level import expo, the CIIE demonstrates Chinas sincere commitment to expand opening up and is also a concrete action by China to advance an open world economy.

The Chinese economy is not a pond, but an ocean. As the worlds 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 and a middle-income group of over 400 million.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 4.8 percent year on year in the first three quarters of this year, and the country will remain on a steady course to achieve its full-year targets.

China's level of openness is constantly rising. The World Openness Report 2024, which was released at the seventh Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, showed that China remains one of the bright spots in a globally declining landscape of openness.

The Report indicates that from 2008 to 2023, China's openness index rose from 0.6789 to 0.7596, an increase of 11.89 percent, placing it among the top economies globally in terms of growth rate.

The previous CIIEs have seen China unveil a series of new measures to expand opening up and create a favorable business environment from taking further steps to lower tariff to continuously trimming the negative lists for foreign investment.

The country has fully implemented all the opening-up measures announced at the previous six CIIEs, including scrapping all items in the manufacturing industry on the national negative list for foreign investment, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum.

Li said China is willing to open up its enormous market further and will continue to expand market access to sectors in an orderly fashion, including telecommunications, the internet, education, culture and healthcare.

Chinas commitment to openness and vast market bring about enormous opportunities for global players with CIIE serving as a golden gateway to the unmissable opportunities.

Statistics show that the previous six editions of the expo have generated combined intended turnover up to over 420 billion U.S. dollars, facilitating precise matchmaking for more than 1,130 foreign enterprises and investment promotion agencies across different regions.

This years expo has attracted about about 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions, with a record high of 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders attending the event. Among all participants,186 enterprises and institutions have achieved full attendance across all seven editions of the expo.

The expo sent a message of openness that businesses worldwide can connect, forge partnerships, and contribute to a more prosperous and interconnected global economy, said Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

For years, the CIIE has witnessed numerous success stories with some exhibitors becoming investors and opening new stores, new factories and new R&D centers in China while others building valuable partnerships and enhancing foothold in the Chinese market.

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.

U.S. firms have since the first edition been at the forefront in terms of exhibition area and exhibitor numbers. This years expo once again attracts the attendance of a large number of U.S. enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies such as General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, and Honeywell.

The CIIE has featured a section dedicated to U.S. food and agriculture companies since last year. This year, the American Food & Agriculture Pavilion, covering over 240 square meters, 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), said 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.

Fostering inclusive development

In a letter to the sixth CIIE, President Xi pledged that China will firmly advance high-standard opening up and continue to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

Amid a tepid economic recovery globally, the CIIE is leveraging its role as an international public good to better support least developed countries (LDCs) in accessing China's vast market and further integrating into the world economy.

This year, China has offered over 120 free booths and other support measures to 37 of the world's least developed countries. The exhibition area for African agricultural products has been expanded, showcasing a variety of specialty agricultural products from the continent, such as coffee beans, shea butter, cashew nuts, honey and tropical fruits.

Since its debut in 2019, Ethiopian coffee has gained significant recognition and increased visibility in the Chinese market, said Ruth Wondosen Tesfaye from Addis Coffee.

"CIIE offers a unique platform to engage directly with consumers and distributors, which will be invaluable for enhancing our export strategies," Ruth told Xinhua in Shanghai, adding that China's large market and increasing demand for unique products, such as coffee from Ethiopia, present immense potential for African businesses.

Amadou Thera, an exhibitor from Mali promotes shea butter produced by his manual workshop at this years expo.

"Our company has participated in the CIIE on three occasions, and I always see numerous opportunities here," said Thera, adding that he is confident of attracting more big clients over the next few days.

"We brought many varieties of newly designed handmade Afghan carpets to the expo to better cater to the needs of Chinese consumers," said Ali Faiz from Biraro Trading Company, which has participated at the CIIE for five consecutive years. Ali added that it used to be difficult for small businesses in Afghanistan to find overseas markets for local products.

To attract more Chinese buyers, Ali decided to use short videos and livestreaming to share knowledge about Afghan carpets and hold cultural experience activities together with other exhibitors during this year's CIIE.

China has always been committed to promoting South-South cooperation. The CIIE is just one of China's endeavors to support the least developed countries.

During this year's FOCAC Beijing Summit, China announced it has decided to give all the least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step.

China's trade promotion measures have significantly boosted Africa's exports to China. In the first nine months of this year, China's imports from Africa reached 626.74 billion yuan (about 87 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 10.3 percent year-on-year increase, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.

Tapping potential of innovative growth

When addressing the first edition of CIIE, Xi said innovation is the premier engine for development. Only with bold innovation and reform can we break the bottlenecks in global growth.

According to the Global Innovation Index 2024 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China has moved up one spot to 11th place in the latest rankings of the world's most innovative economies -- becoming one of the fastest risers over the past decade.

Chinas shift towards high quality development gives rise to accelerated industrial transformation, robust innovation, and even shifts in people's lifestyles. The new technologies, new industries, and new forms and models of business have brought enormous opportunities for cooperation.

Global companies show interest in taking advantage of opportunities from Chinas vision of developing new quality productive forces.

Frank Heinricht, CEO of German glass company SCHOTT AG, said China's emphasis on new quality productive forces has played a key role in the company's global supply chain, and the company is looking forward to participating in China's industrial upgrade and supply-side reform.

Over the past years, the CIIE has become a major launchpad for new products, cutting-edge technologies and innovative services, demonstrating global companies confidence in the Chinese market and their commitment to further development in China.

The previous six editions of the expo saw nearly 2,500 new products, technologies and services make their debuts -- with combined intended turnover reaching over 420 billion U.S. dollars.

At this years CIIE, over 400 new products, technologies and services from around the world were unveiled, spanning sectors such as artificial intelligence, new materials, autonomous systems and energy transition technologies.

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.

"China's growth pattern has shifted from quantity-oriented to quality-oriented," said Tetsuro Homma, executive vice president of Panasonic Holdings Corporation. "To keep pace with this change, we are setting up more research and development teams in China to quickly adapt to the evolving Chinese market."

In the newly established new materials zone this year, Suzano, a giant in commercial pulp production from Brazil, 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."

The CIIE is not Chinas solo show, but rather a chorus involving countries from around the world. The annual event will play an increasingly important role in promoting the free flow of goods and services globally, and provide more inclusive opportunities for the world to benefit from Chinas economic development.
Photo: Office of the President of the Republic of Serbia

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) provides a unique opportunity for further international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and combating climate change, the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, who is on a visit to Baku to participate in COP29, said in a social media post, Trend reports.

Aleksandar Vucic noted that COP29, held by Azerbaijan, is one of the most important events on the issue of global climate change.

Commenting on the meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Aleksandar Vucic noted that the meeting focused on the countries' bilateral relations and the perfect overall cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan, which is reflected in numerous joint infrastructure projects and friendly relations between the two nations.

We addressed key issues important for the global climate agenda and the importance of achieving ambitious targets within COP29. I expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to work together with brotherly Azerbaijan to improve environmental standards and create a sustainable future for future generations, the Serbian President emphasized.

To note, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on November 11.

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Shillong, Nov 10 (PTI) Some miscreants vandalised the residence of North Eastern Hill University vice chancellor Prof PS Shukla on Sunday, amid students' protest demanding the removal of the VC and two other officials of the varsity, police said.

Following the vandalism, several officials along with police personnel led by SP (City) D Ashwaghosh reached the spot.

Acting Registrar B Rynjah filed an FIR at Mawlai police station and a case has been registered, an officer said.

Meanwhile, students of the oldest university in the North East region took out a march via the official residence of the VC but were stopped by the police.

Research Scholars Forum NEHU president Superior Syngkli said the VC has gone missing since late November 9.

Syngkli said the research scholars support the varsity students who have been demanding the immediate resignation of Prof Shukla.

Earlier, people from all walks of life, especially students from NEHU and other educational institutions, women and NGOs from the state took part in the march to show solidarity to the agitating students at NEHU Shillong campus.

The march began with a prayer meeting at the Science Cluster of NEHU and ended at the Administrative Block, where students have been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last five days.
New Delhi Nov 11 (PTI) After the Election Commission said it acted "within 20 hours" of receiving the TMC's complaints on West Bengal bypolls, the ruling party in the state Monday termed the poll authority's claim as "lie" and accused it of becoming a "wing of the BJP".

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) had approached the EC on Saturday with a complaint against West Bengal BJP chief and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, and another one on the role of central forces in the state where bypolls are being held on six assembly seats.

The EC on Monday rejected allegations made by the TMC of delay or inaction on its complaints, saying it acted within 20 hours of receiving the party's complaints on bypolls.

The EC also issued a show cause notice to West Bengal BJP president Majumdar on Monday for his alleged remarks on the national emblem and the state police.

TMC MP Saket Gokhale, however, said that the poll body did not respond to them.

"This is a LIE. The ECI has NOT "acted within 20 hours" like theyre claiming in the media," Gokhale said in a post on X.

"Complaint was submitted personally by 5-MP delegation led by our Floor Leaders in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 9th Nov (Saturday)," he said.

The EC didnt even bother to meet or even respond, Gokhale alleged.

"And now - when campaigning ends at 5pm today - theyre doing this drama of a notice. Shame that the Election Commission has openly become a wing of the BJP," the TMC MP added.

Earlier, the TMC, which had approached the Election Commission voicing concern over alleged misuse of central forces in West Bengal on Saturday, had slammed the poll body for giving it appointment for Monday afternoon over the issue, 90 minutes before the bypoll campaign ends in the state.

In a response to the complaint addressed to TMC's Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Party leader Derek O'Brien on Monday afternoon, the EC said it is "surprising" that even after the prompt action by the Commission "within 20 hours" of receipt of representation on November 9 afternoon, there has been "unwarranted comments of delay".

The TMC had complained to the EC alleging that CAPF personnel were operating without the mandated presence of state police, and also alleged they were entering private residences to intimidate voters and influence them in favour of the BJP.

The TMC also flagged comments made by BJP state president Majumdar during an election rally in poll-bound Taldangra, accusing him of making derogatory statements against the state police and insulting the national emblem.
Jammu, Nov 11 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday said he was proud to move a resolution seeking restoration of J-K's special status in the first Assembly session of the Union Territory, calling it a reflection of the wish of the people who want safeguards for their land and jobs.

The resolution, which was passed in the Assembly on November 7 by a voice vote, seeks a dialogue between the Centre and the elected representatives of J-K for the restoration of special status of the erstwhile state.

The BJP members protested the passing of the resolution by the National Conference government with repeated disruptions of the House during the five-day Assembly session.

"I am feeling proud for moving a resolution seeking restoration of special status which was moved by the Assembly recently. It was the wish of every individual who wants protection of land and jobs.

"While the BJP leaders called me 'Jaichand', I want to ask the people of Jammu if they want this special status or not? They (BJP leaders) are misleading the people... We all know that this is the demand of the commoners, including the farmers, labourers and businessmen, irrespective of their religious identity," Choudhary said while addressing a function at the National Conference headquarters here.

He also claimed the resolution is meant to safeguard the future of the coming generations, adding that it is in accordance with the promise made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah who assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir of protecting their land and jobs.

"We have a dozen states in the country which enjoy special status (Bihar Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar wanted special status for his state, but the BJP MLAs enacted a drama (in the Bihar Assembly). We will expose them (BJP) as our resolution is in the interest of the people," Choudhary said.

The deputy chief minister also accused the BJP leaders in J-K of taking orders from "outside", holding them directly responsible for "destroying" the region over the past 10 years.

"Instead of offering employment to the local youth, they (BJP) have provided land and big contracts to outsiders by ignoring the local industrialists. They boast of winning 29 seats in the Jammu region, but they should be thankful that the National Conference did not contest the elections on majority of the seats. Had we did, their fate would have been like their president (Ravinder Raina)," Choudhary, who defeated Raina from the Nowshera constituency, said.

He also said the NC will show BJP the real picture in the upcoming local bodies and panchayat elections.

The BJP downgraded the erstwhile state by bifurcating it into two UTs and then failed miserably to project any new tourist place, especially in the Jammu region, Choudhary claimed.

Referring to the passing of a resolution at the first meeting of the Omar Abdullah-led Cabinet shortly after the formation of the new government on October 16, the National Conference leader said the party will fulfil all its poll promises made to the people of J-K.

"The government has already accepted peoples demand by reversing the examination schedule in the winter zone from March-April to November-December to benefit the students. We have also announced age relaxation for the J&K Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), Choudhary said.

Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he claimed the security situation in J-K is there for everyone to see, where not a single day passes without innocent people getting killed.

"We want our country to be strong with J-K as one of its prosperous states. NC is the only party which has sacrificed thousands of its leaders and workers to make India strong, he claimed, adding, "We will continue with our endeavour to strengthen the Constitution, safeguard the borders, and empower every individual."

Claiming that a change in J-K is visible ever since the formation of the NC government with people visiting the civil secretariat seeking redressal of their problems, Choudhary said, "The BJP rule created a wedge between the administration and the public. We have started working to bridge this gap. It will take some time."

Alleging a scam in the public health engineering department, the NC leader urged people to have patience saying, "We are going to unveil everything."

Speaking at the function, J-K minister Satish Sharma accused the BJP of completely eroding the Dogra identity in the last five years by compromising the resources of Jammu and Kashmir.

"All of us need to unite to make J-K prosperous. We want statehood and special status back to preserve land and jobs for the locals," Sharma said.

"We have to become a bridge between the two divisions of Jammu and Kashmir and reject the vested interests trying to cash in on the 'Jammu versus Kashmir' ideology," he added.

Sharma also called for a vigorous campaign against the menace of drugs, assuring that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against the culprits in its bid to save the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) The Congress on Monday said the BJP's "hate campaign" has backfired in Jharkhand after an FIR was lodged in Ranchi for poll code violation against the saffron party's Jharkhand unit for posting "false and misleading" videos on its social media handle.

The cybercrime police station Ranchi has also written to the social media platform for removing the objectionable posts under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, sources said.

The Election Commission had received a complaint on Sunday from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh regarding "false and misleading" videos posted by the BJP 4 Jharkhand' on its official social media handles.

It was alleged that the video with baseless allegations is unduly influencing the voters and dissuading them to vote for any opposition party in the ongoing assembly elections in Jharkhand.

In a post on X, Ramesh said the BJP's "hate campaign" has backfired in Jharkhand.

"A malicious social media post designed to foment division, polarise and mislead voters has been taken down following our complaint to the ECI demanding an FIR. The police on the directions of the ECI have registered a case," he said.

The BJP should be prepared for an even more scathing verdict on the 23rd of this month, he added.

The state goes to polls on November 13 and 20 in two phases. The results would be announced on June 23.

The FIR was lodged on Sunday at the cybercrime police station Ranchi for alleged violation of MCC guidelines and relevant legal provisions, the sources said.

In a memorandum submitted to the poll panel, Ramesh had urged the poll body to issue directives for the immediate takedown of all videos of the advertisement and consequently take urgent action against the BJP and its official Facebook handle for Jharkhand.

The advertisement, which appeared to take a dig at Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav by featuring three characters resembling them, showed them being "anti-tribal" and how they now want to seek their votes.
Jaipur, Nov 11 (PTI) Two missing cousin sisters were found dead on Monday in a deserted area in Udaipur district of Rajasthan, police said.

Police suspect that the girls, who went missing last evening, consumed poison.

The sisters' bodies were found around 500 metres from their house in Gehloton ka Gudha village in Gogunda police station area.

"The teenage sisters had gone to relieve themselves in the open last evening and did not return. Today, their bodies were found around 500 metres away from their house. They were aged 17 and 18 years and were studying in class 11," a police officer said.

"Prima facie, the girls consumed poisonous substances. However, the exact cause of death will be clear after we receive the postmortem report," the officer added.

The bodies were handed over to their family members after postmortem, police said, adding that the investigation in the matter was on.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) A delegation comprising the board of directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Monday visited the first RRTS corridor connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut as part of their five-day visit to the country, an official statement said.

The delegation was accompanied by officials from Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance and NCRTC.

A detailed presentation was given to the delegation covering the project overview and various innovative initiatives taken by NCRTC, challenges overcome in the implementation of the project and so on, the statement said.

The delegation took a round trip on the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad to Duhai RRTS station, where they experienced the commuter-centric features of the Namo Bharat trains, it said.

The visit also included a demonstration of several ground breaking technologies being adopted for this first-of-its-kind project in India, the statement said.

The members of the delegation complimented the NCRTC team on the adoption of these innovative practices, including the successful implementation of the latest technologies, such as ETCS-2 signalling over an LTE backbone for this transformative mobility solution, it stated.

AIIB is one of the primary financial partners for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, having extended a loan of USD 500 million through the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the statement added.
Srinagar, Nov 11 (PTI) Thousands of youth lined up at an Army recruitment rally in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

The aspirants queued up before day break at Ganthmulla in the hope of joining the Army, the officials said. The recruitment drive began on Monday and will continue till Sunday.

While some aspirants said they wanted to join the Army to serve the country, others said they just wanted to earn a decent livelihood.

"We are thankful to the Army for conducting this recruitment rally here. This is the first rally in Baramulla after 2019," said Malik Nasir, one of the several thousand aspirants. Nasir, who hails from Boniyar area of Baramulla district, said he wanted to join the Army so that he could serve the country.

Another aspirant, Shabir Ahmad, said he had come to the recruitment rally in search of a job. "Most of the candidates here are educated but there are no jobs. Most of us are trying our luck wherever there is an opening," Ahmad said.

As per the schedule announced for the rally, candidates from Baramulla, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Budgam and Bandipora districts will be screened and put through various tests before the final selection is made.

Candidates from Baramulla will be screened on the first two days, followed by candidates from Ganderbal and Budgam on November 13 and Kupwara and Bandipora on November 14.

November 16 and 17 have been marked as reserve days for completing the process.
Sultanpur (UP), Nov 11 (PTI) An apple-laden truck rammed into a bus carrying pilgrims from Maharashtra here, injuring 38 passengers, police said on Monday.

The accident occurred around 1 am when the bus carrying more than 50 pilgrims was coming from Kalyan in Maharashtra.

Among the injured were several women, the local police said.

"With police assistance, the injured were transported to the local community health centre. Nine passengers with serious injuries were referred to Sultanpur District Medical College for further treatment," a police official said.

Police Circle Officer (Lambhua) Abdus Salam said the bus had left Maharashtra approximately 15 days ago, with pilgrims bound for religious sites in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

"After visiting temples in Ujjain and other destinations in Madhya Pradesh, the bus entered Uttar Pradesh. Following a stop for dinner, the bus departed from Ayodhya for Kashi," he said.

"Around 1 am, the driver parked the bus near a tea shop along the Sultanpur-Varanasi four-lane road, behind the Muslim cemetery in Lambhua Nagar Panchayat, and stepped out with an assistant to get tea while most passengers were asleep inside," the officer said.

At this time, a truck loaded with apples rammed into the the parked bus, he added.

The police control room dispatched ambulances and officers to the site. All the injured were taken to the community health centre for treatment.

The truck driver fled the scene, but the truck has been seized, and police are conducting further legal action, he added.
Shimla, Nov 11 (PTI) The previous BJP government wasted crores of rupees on the investors' meet and other events but failed to clear pending salaries of state employees, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Sanjay Awasthi alleged on Monday.

Awasthi, who is Congress MLA from Arki in Solan district, also claimed that the Finance Commission had promised Rs 1,000 crore for Mandi airport, Rs 400 crore for the expansion of Kangra airport and Rs 20 crore for Jawalamukhi temple, but no amount has been released yet.

Addressing a press conference here, he criticized the previous BJP government for failing to secure adequate financial support from the 15th Finance Commission, alleging that it caused a loss of Rs 1,420 crore to the state.

The previous BJP government made wasteful expenditure worth crores of rupees for organising events like 'Jan Manch' and Foundation Day, Awasthi said and added that Rs 19 crore was spent on the investors' meet organized in Dharamshala in 2019.

He said that the BJP government made big and unrealistic announcements, only to leave employees and citizens in the lurch.

"They (BJP govt) proudly declared revised salaries and dearness allowance (DA) worth Rs 10,600 crore just before (2022) elections, but failed to release the promised arrears to the employees," the CPS said.

"About Rs 10,000 crore in salary and Rs 600 crore DA arrears remain unpaid even today," he said.

Awasthi claimed that today the opposition leaders were left without any real issues and were unable to digest the growing popularity of the Congress government.

He said the people of the state are well aware of the "nefarious" designs of the BJP and have already discarded their "petty" politics.
Jaipur, Nov 11 (PTI) Industry minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Monday said establishing a defence hub is important to capitalise on the immense emerging potential in defence "atmanirbharta".

The minister was addressing the inaugural session of Gyan Shakti Think Tank (GSTT) at the south western command here on "Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: Opportunities in Rajasthan" in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

Rathore assured support of the state government for strengthening self-reliance in the defence sector.

He congratulated Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, SW Army Commander for establishing GSTT and bringing together veterans, industry, scholars and government officials.

He said the endeavour will pave the path for the state to develop defence research and development and manufacturing infrastructure that will contribute to the economic growth of the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt General Manjinder Singh highlighted the importance and role of GSTT and how it can contribute towards regional and national growth and development.

He said that Rajasthan with good road, rail and air connectivity and adequate real estate has tremendous potential for a viable defence ecosystem.

The seminar also aimed to recognise the significant potential of Rajasthan in development of defence ecosystem and bring together all stakeholders for establishment of defence manufacturing, maintenance and repair hub in the state.

GSTT is a maiden initiative undertaken by the south western command to promote intellectual activities and provide a holistic platform to veterans for defence related discussions, national and regional security and formulation of strategic vision.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The opening ceremony of the COP29 conference was held today at Baku Olympic Stadium, Trend reports.

In the course of the ceremony, the chairmanship was handed over to Azerbaijan and Mukhtar Babayev was elected COP29 President.

Representatives, leaders, and climate experts from around the world convened to mark the start of one of the biggest climate events of the year.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 last year.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, aims to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The Conference of Parties (COP) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the convention.



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Chandigarh, Nov 11 (PTI) Punjab Police Monday entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat to bolster the capabilities of law enforcement personnel.

Under the agreement, the RRU will provide a diverse range of programmes, including classroom-based sessions, virtual learning opportunities, and hybrid models that combine both approaches.

The focus of these programmes will be on several critical areas including women empowerment and role in policing, cybercrime investigation strategies, blockchain and cryptocurrency, financial fraud prevention techniques, drone training for surveillance, counterterrorism methods, VIP security protocols and other training as proposed by the Punjab Police.

The MoU was signed between Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Ram Singh and pro-vice chancellor RRU Prof Kalpesh H Wandra in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here, according to an official release.

DGP Yadav said the collaboration was a significant step towards fostering excellence in law enforcement education and training. He said the partnership will also facilitate joint initiatives, aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in policing and security.

He also emphasised the importance of such partnership in shaping the future of policing in India.

Underscoring the importance of the partnership in facilitating the upskilling of the Punjab police personnel, the DGP said this collaboration will be beneficial for enhancing performance in various operational areas where law enforcement officers require advanced skills and knowledge.

Wandra expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this partnership and underscored the long-term benefits that will arise from this collaboration for both institutions involved.

He said this MoU is pivotal in fostering collaborative learning between RRU and Punjab Police, particularly in light of future developments within India's security ecosystem.

The initiative demonstrates Punjab Police's dedication to improving public safety and security as per the changing requirements of law enforcement agencies, the statement said.

As Punjab Police maintains its focus on excellence in public safety, crime prevention, community policing, counter terrorism, national security, cyber crime prevention and equipping its personnel with latest technologies, this collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University exemplifies its commitment to effectively serve and protect communities, it said.
Jaipur, Nov 11 (PTI) Prominent Muslim leaders and organisations voiced their opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at a conference in Jaipur, arguing that it poses a serious threat to Muslim-held properties across India.

At the Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf conference held on the Moti Doongri Road here on Sunday, Saharanpur MP and Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) member Imran Masood accused the BJP of pushing a narrative aimed at dispossessing Muslims of their ancestral lands.

He dismissed accusations that Muslims are encroaching on public land, calling such claims "misleading" and designed to justify the amendment.

Masood stated that only Muslim-owned properties, including mosques, shrines and Idgahs, are facing intensified government scrutiny, describing this as part of a "plan to render Muslims landless".

Meanwhile, Adarsh Nagar MLA Rafeek Khan emphasized that the JPC should engage with actual stakeholders to understand their views on the Bill.

"Instead, they are giving time to individuals and groups who are neither stakeholders nor have any understanding of Waqf," he alleged.

"It is disappointing that JPC president Jagdambika Pal is allowing presentations from individuals who focus on praising PM Modi or discussing unrelated case studies," Khan claimed.

The MLA condemned the Bill's provision allowing non-Muslim MPs and MLAs to serve on Waqf boards, warning that it could lead to the inclusion of figures who have made anti-Muslim statements.

"Imagine leaders like Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, MP Giriraj Singh or Jaipur MLA Balmukundacharya on a Waqf board," he exclaimed.

Khan also questioned whether similar provisions would be accepted by other religious communities, saying, "Would any Hindu temple trust allow a Muslim member on its board, especially one making key decisions? The answer is a clear 'no'."
New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) Calling it a mere "eyewash", the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Delhi police for failing to comprehensively implement the firecracker ban in the national capital and only seizing raw materials.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih therefore directed the Delhi police commissioner to immediately inform all the stakeholders concerned about the ban order and ensure no sale and manufacture of crackers.

"We direct Delhi police commissioner to form a special cell to ensure effective implementation of the ban on fire crackers. We direct Delhi police commissioner to file a personal affidavit putting on record the steps taken by them to enforce ban," it said.

The top court wondered why the Delhi government delayed imposition of the ban on fire crackers till October 14, when the order of ban was issued.

"The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Prima facie, we are of the view that no religion promotes any activity that promotes pollution or compromises with health of the people," remarked the bench.

The top court further asked the Delhi government to decide before November 25 on a "perpetual" firecracker ban after consulting stakeholders.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Monday permitted the Delhi University to start the vote counting of its student union elections held earlier in 2024 subject to its satisfaction over cleaning measures undertaken by students.

A bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said while most colleges and faculties in the north and south campuses were cleaned up by the candidates, photographs showed certain properties close to the campus still bearing posters and graffiti.

The counsel appearing for the candidates assured the removal of any such material from the remaining properties within a week.

"(The matter is closed) with a direction to DU to undertake the counting process on or before November 26 if it is satisfied that the (remaining) sites.. are cleaned and repainted within a week," said the bench on Monday.

While the polling for DUSU took place on September 27, the vote counting -- scheduled for September 28 -- was stalled by the high court till all the defacement material, including posters, hoarding and graffiti, was removed and public property restored.

The bench underscored the intent of the proceedings was to reform and not punish the students, adding that it hoped that a "clear message" was sent to the present as well as future student candidates.

"The intent of the present proceedings was to ensure that students realise that the university property belongs to the public at large and that DUSU candidates are entitled to use it for a limited period and they hold it in trust for the next batch of students," the court said.

The bench said it was the responsibility of current students and candidates to ensure the next batch got to use the DU infrastructure in a "good and clean" condition.

"Since the candidates for the DUSU elections are young, this court is of the view that they deserve a second chance," it noted.

The court dealt with a plea by advocate Prashant Manchanda seeking action against the prospective DUSU candidates and student outfits for allegedly damaging, defacing, soiling and destroying public properties.

The DU counsel informed the court that a "DUSU Election Reform Committee" was formed and its suggestions were accepted in principle by the university vice-chancellor.

The committee was stated to have been constituted to assess the loss and set up accountability.

The court orally observed during the proceedings that the vice-chancellor should take action against students who defaced properties during campaigning.

"Your VC should take action against those who have spray painted entire walls. Why should they be studying in DU? Why are they giving a bad name to DU? Are you powerless? .. You have no conduct for students that they shouldn't spray paint walls? They must realise they are holding it in trust for someone for the next generation," it remarked.

The court had impleaded candidates -- Bhaanu Pratap Singh, Ronak Khatri, Yash Panwar, Rishabh Chaudhary, Lokesh Chaudhary, Yash Nandal, Rahul Singh Dedha, Aman Kapasia, among others -- asking them to clean up and beautify the areas defaced during the campaigning.
Rewari, Nov 11 (PTI) Three masked men shot and injured a jeweller's son and escaped with cash and valuables from their store Katla Bazaar of Bawal town here on Monday, police said.

The broad daylight robbery was captured on CCTV.

According to the police, the three masked robbers came to Komal Jeweller on a motorcycle at around 11.30 am.

One of the robbers pointed a pistol at Hitendra Soni, son of the jewellery store owner Pritam Singh. When he protested, the miscreants shot him in the leg, they said.

The three accused then fled from the spot after robbing some cash and jewellery, they said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Surendra Sheoran and Bawal SHO Inspector Lajpat reached the spot along with their teams and launched a probe.

Hitendra is undergoing treatment at a Community Health Center in Bawal.

"An FIR has been registered and our teams are conducting raids to nab the accused, DSP Sheoran said.
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.

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.

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 Boeings Starliner  Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams  will remain at the space station until February, flying back with SpaceX. Starliner returned empty in September.

(AP)
New York City cant use an unconstitutional, two-century-old anti-pauper law to block the state of Texas from offering migrants free bus rides to the city from the southern border, a state judge has ruled.

The court on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit brought by Mayor Eric Adams in January against charter bus companies contracted by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. It sought to bar them from knowingly dropping off needy persons, citing an 1817 state law that criminalized bringing an indigent person into the state for the purpose of making him a public charge.

Justice Mary Rosado said in a sternly worded decision that the law is unconstitutional for several reasons.

For one, she wrote, states are not permitted to regulate the interstate transportation of people based on their economic status.

The statute also violates a fundamental right  the right to travel, she added.

Rosado said requiring bus operators to screen passengers based on the possibility that they may need public assistance when they get to their destination would infringe on that fundamental right, and punishing the bus companies for failing to keep poor people out of the city would be improper.

The judge concluded by saying that if city officials want to do something, they should turn to Congress rather than ask the court to enforce an antiquated, unconstitutional statute to infringe on an individuals right to enter New York based on economic status.

Starting in 2022, the state of Texas began offering migrants free bus rides to cities with Democratic mayors. At least 46,000 were sent to New York, 19,000 to Denver, 37,000 to Chicago and over 17,000 to other cities, according to Abbotts office.

At the time, Adams, a Democrat, said the trips were illegal and amounted to political ploys from the state of Texas.

It would have been difficult for New York City to sue Texas due to a legal doctrine known as sovereign immunity, so it went after the private charter companies instead.

Despite the court loss, the Adams administration said the lawsuit has had its desired effect: Fewer charter buses brought immigrants to the city after it was filed, and none have been identified since June, according to a statement from his office. Adams has not given up on further action, either.

We are reviewing our legal options to address the costs shifted to New York City as a result of the Texas busing scheme, mayoral spokesperson Liz Garcia said in a statement.

The New York Civil Liberties Union applauded the courts decision.

Mayor Adams is not above the law and cannot keep wrongly exploiting the plight of newly arrived immigrants to bolster his own political agenda, NYCLU senior staff lawyer Beth Haroules said. Everyone, regardless of their citizenship status or income, has the right to freely travel and reside anywhere within the United States.

Abbot said during one visit to New York City that Adams was right to be upset about the surge in migrants but should be blaming President Joe Biden.

Adams ultimately did criticize the federal government, saying it had an obligation to help the city pay for housing and providing services to migrants.

New York has long provided shelter to more homeless people than any other U.S. city, in part because of a 1981 court ruling requiring it to shelter anyone who asks for it. City officials say they have provided shelter and other services to more than 200,000 immigrants in the past two years, only a fraction of whom arrived via Texas-sponsored buses.

As the new arrivals swelled, New York and other cities ended up following Abbotts lead, offering migrants free bus tickets to other places. New York paid over 4,800 fares for immigrants to travel to Texas, including some who had been bused from there, according to city officials.

(AP)
President Joe Bidens administration on Friday proposed tighter restrictions on oil, solar and wind energy development across more than 6,500 square miles (17,000 square kilometers) of federal land in the U.S. West to protect a declining bird species.

However, it is doubtful the changes would survive under President-elect Donald Trump.

Greater sage grouse  chicken-sized birds known for an elaborate mating ritual were once found across much of the U.S. West. Their numbers plummeted in recent decades because of energy exploration, wildfires, disease and other pressures.

A 2015 agreement shepherded by the Obama administration kept the birds off the endangered species list, by imposing limits on where and when development could occur across 226,000 square miles (590,000 square kilometers) of remaining grouse habitat spanning 11 states.

Now, in the closing weeks of the Biden administration, officials with the Interior Department want to make the protections even stronger. Their plan would eliminate loopholes that allowed development in areas considered crucial to the birds long-term survival. New solar and wind projects would be excluded, and oil and gas exploration could only occur from drilling sites located outside the protected areas.

Trump has pushed to open more public lands to energy development in line with his mantra to drill baby drill. During his first administration, officials attempted to scale back the Obama-era sage grouse protections, but were blocked in court.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said Fridays science-based proposal would boost sage grouse while allowing development on government lands to continue.

For too long, a false choice has been presented for land management that aims to pit development against conservation, Haaland said in a statement.

Yet the agencys attempt to find a middle ground fell flat with the oil and renewable energy industries, Republicans and even some environmentalists.

A spokesperson for American Clean Power, a renewables industry lobbying group companies, said it had supported an earlier version of the proposal but not the final details released Friday. Spokesperson Phil Sgro said the proposal unnecessarily restricts the development of wind, solar, battery storage and transmission, undermining the ability to deploy much needed clean energy infrastructure.

Most of the land at issue is in Nevada and California, according to government documents. Affected parcels also are in Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Montana and the Dakotas.

In Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon said the proposal would add new layers of federal regulation and hinder practical solutions for the grouse. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso accused the Biden administration of trying to ram though the changes on its way out the door.

I look forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration to reverse this reckless decision, said Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee.

Several major conservation organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation and Natural Resources Defense Council, issued a joint statement in support of the changes.

Other environmentalists said officials had squandered a chance to put in place more meaningful protections that could halt the grouses slow spiral towards extinction. They noted that loopholes allowing development would remain in place across nearly 50,000 square miles (122,000 square kilometers) of sage grouse habitat.

Its death by a thousands cuts, said Greta Anderson with Western Watersheds Project, an environmental group involved in previous sage grouse lawsuits. The Biden administration could have stopped the cutting, and it didnt.

Federal officials predicted minimal economic impacts. They said energy companies already steer clear of sage grouse habitat, where there are limits on when and where work can be done near breeding areas. Those companies can still find opportunities on other public lands, the officials said.

That was disputed by Kathleen Sgamma with the Western Energy Alliance. She said the Biden administration already had limited leasing in sage grouse habitat.

So theyve denied access and then say companies are avoiding them anyway, Sgamma said. Thats disingenuous.

The Interior Departments Bureau of Land Management will accept protests against Fridays proposal until Dec. 9. Final decisions on changes to the agencys land management plans will be made after the protests are resolved.

A related proposal to help sage grouse would block for 20 years new mining projects on more than 15,625 square miles (40,000 square kilometers) in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. That proposal was part of the 2015 Obama-era protections. It was canceled under Trump then restored by a court.

An analysis of the mining ban will be published by the end of the year, according to the Interior Department.

Greater sage grouse once numbered in the millions across all or portions of 11 Western states. Populations have dropped 65% since 1986, according to government scientists.

(AP)
A judge has struck down a state law that made it easier for New Yorkers to sue over electoral divisions and voting rules that weakened the political voice of minority groups, saying its special protections based on race and ethnicity are unconstitutional.

Orange County state court Justice Maria Vazquez-Doles struck down New Yorks Voting Rights Act of 2022 on Thursday in a decision in which she also dismissed a lawsuit brought by six Black and Hispanic voters against the Town of Newburgh.

In the suit, the residents challenged the way people were elected to the towns board, arguing that at-large elections to pick board members in the majority-white town had kept Black and Hispanic residents from electing their candidates of choice. They asked the court to impose a system in which the town, located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of New York City, would elect board members by district.

New Yorks Voting Rights Act created a pathway for voters to challenge at-large elections that led to racially polarized voting patterns or impaired a racial, ethnic or language-groups ability to get members of their community into office.

The judge said that portion of the act violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

The U.S. Supreme Court similarly cited the equal protection clause in its ruling last year that affirmative action programs at colleges and universities were unconstitutional.

An attorney for the plaintiffs said they would appeal.

We are confident that the New York Voting Rights Act is constitutional, and that on appeal that belief will be vindicated, attorney David Imamura said.

The lawsuit, which was filed in March, was one of at least four lawsuits filed under the states voting rights act.

In her decision, Vazquez-Doles wrote that under the equal protection clause, the government can take actions based on race only if theres a compelling state interest in doing so.

Ending discrimination against a racial group could meet that standard, Vazquez-Doles wrote, but the wording of New Yorks law didnt require voters challenging an electoral system to show evidence of past discrimination.

Hypothetically, she said, the law, as written, could also allow white voters to sue for electoral system changes on the grounds that their voting power had been diluted.

No compelling interest  as that term has been defined by the U.S. Supreme Courts interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause  exists in protecting the voting rights of any group that has historically never been discriminated against, Vazquez-Doles wrote.

She also found that the New York law didnt include clear guidelines on how much a groups voting power has to be diluted before its rights are violated.

New York was among more than a half-dozen mostly Democratic-controlled states that took action to protect voting rights after lawmakers became frustrated by new voting restrictions in some Republican-led states and the failure of voting rights legislation in Congress.

When New York enacted the strongest voting rights law in the country, we knew there would be challenges, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a bill sponsor, said in a statement Friday. I disagree with the courts legal reasoning and expect this decision will be overturned on appeal.

(AP)
Hezbollah commander Salim Jamil Ayyash, wanted for his role in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, according to Saudi media reports on Sunday.

Al-Arabiya reported Ayyash was targeted near the Syrian city of al-Qusayr, a known Hezbollah stronghold. Social media sources claimed the airstrike specifically targeted Ayyash, a high-ranking Hezbollah member with a $10 million bounty placed by the United States. Ayyash was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by a UN-backed tribunal in 2020 for orchestrating the 2005 car bombing in Beirut that killed Hariri.

The killing of Ayyash marks a continuation of Israels operations against Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups in Syria and Lebanon, which have intensified since October 2023. Following Hamass deadly assault on Israeli civilians and soldiers on October 7 last year, Israel has increased airstrikes on Hezbollah positions, as well as Iranian-backed targets in Syria, in efforts to curb ongoing threats to its northern communities.

In recent months, multiple high-ranking Hezbollah commanders have been killed, including former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who died in a massive Israeli strike on Hezbollahs headquarters in Beirut in September. The IDF has also eliminated Ali Karaki, Hezbollahs commander for operations along Israels southern border, and Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollahs top military officials.

The IDFs campaign aims to neutralize Hezbollahs ability to conduct cross-border attacks on Israel, particularly after consistent rocket and drone attacks in northern Israel. Since the renewed hostilities began, 40 Israeli civilians and 61 IDF soldiers have lost their lives in incidents stemming from Hezbollah attacks and Israels ground operations in southern Lebanon.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. A panel session themed "The Role of Higher Education in Addressing Climate Change: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact" organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has taken place within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Agreement on Climate Change (COP29), Trend reports.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Director of the UNITAR Ebru Canan-Sokullu noted that in recent years, many higher education institutions have added educational programs related to sustainability and climate change to their curricula.

"Universities are conducting scientific research on climate change. In this matter, young people bear a great responsibility. The new generation will play an important role in addressing climate change issues," she said.

The Rector of Bahcesehir University Esra Hatipoglu, said that universities will contribute to educating the next generations on climate issues.

"Higher education institutions must expand their experience and knowledge on this topic. Along with students, other individuals can also attend the climate change seminars we regularly organize. Universities must support students in their initiatives. Our goal should be to create sustainable ecological campuses," she said.

The CEO of GEDU Global Education from India Vishwajeet Rana emphasized that COP29 will contribute to the energy transition. He noted that everyone, regardless of where they live, can use new technologies to achieve a more sustainable future.

The session concluded with discussion of cooperation issues between universities, and answering questions.

The opening ceremony of the much-anticipated COP29 conference has kicked off today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

Representatives, leaders, and climate experts from around the globe gathered to mark the beginning of what is set to be one of the largest climate events of the year.

The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 of last year.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the conventions implementation.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless otherwise agreed, COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn.

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New York Representative Elise Stefanik has accepted President-elect Trumps offer to serve as US Ambassador to the United Nations.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump told the New York Post.

I am truly honored to earn President Trumps nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, said Stefanik. During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.

Media outlets reported over the weekend that Trump extended the offer to Stefanik.

Stefanik, a congresswoman from New York and the fourth-ranking Republican in the House, has been one of Israels staunchest supporters over the past year and is known for her fierce actions on behalf of US Jews, gaining worldwide fame when she ferociously grilled the presidents of Ivy-League universities regarding their lack of response or even recognition of the rampant antisemitism on their campuses following October 7 at a Congressional hearing of the House Education Committee.

The video of the hearing went viral when Stefanik reacted with shock and disgust when the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania refused to say that calling for the genocide of Jewish people would violate their schools codes of conduct.

Stefanik didnt rest on her heels following the hearing but followed up on further developments and often posted about the issue on her X account in addition to posts in support of Israel and calls for action for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

She paid a visit to Israel in May and slammed President Joe Biden for his policies on Israel and the war in Gaza in a fiery speech in the Knesset, excoriating Biden for imposing an arms embargo on Israel, including much-needed bombs. She warned that America could experience its own October 7 (chalilah) if it deprives Israel of weapons and thwarts it from crushing its enemies.

She is a prominent supporter of Trump, who reportedly previously considered choosing her as his vice president. Known for her steadfast alignment with the president-elects agenda, she has played a major role as a GOP fundraiser and influential figure within the party.

Stefanik brings a strong Republican voice to the U.N., reflecting the Trump administrations approach to international diplomacy. Her leadership in the House and her alignment with Trumps policies suggest she could advocate effectively for his foreign policy priorities on the global stage.

Stefaniks appointment mark a strategic choice by Trump to place an experienced congressional leader in one of the nations most prominent diplomatic roles. The decision is part of a broader effort to shape the new administrations team with allies who have shown dedication to the president-elects goals and have the experience to execute his agenda.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Six young Arabs were arrested on Sunday near the Chareidi neighborhoods in Antwerp for planning to attack Chareidi Jews.

Antwerp police confirmed the information to local media.

A few young people planned yesterday to carry out a similar action as in the Netherlands (an hour and a half drive from the Netherlands) in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp, and as a result, we increased patrols, said Antwerp police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns.

The police arrested six suspects, including several minors. Some of the suspects were caught in a local park and others were caught in the Chareidi neighborhood itself.

Suspects with suspicious items in their pockets, or flags, were detained for several hours, Bruyns said. However, he added that the suspects were released once the threat was removed.

We are very quick in our responses, he said. Last week, we managed to intercept messages related to the Jewish neighborhood in Antwerp. We are very vigilant.

Police began patrolling the Chareidi neighborhoods after threatening messages were circulated on social media calling for violence against local Jews. The messages appeared shortly after the mass attack on Israelis in Amsterdam last week.

In addition to foot patrols, the police deployed a drone over the Chareidi neighborhood and the local Shomrim organization was on standby with about twenty volunteers.

According to the report, no warnings were issued to the residents so as not to frighten them.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
President-elect Donald Trump is planning to reimpose strict sanctions on Iran, targeting its oil sales and economic activities to weaken Tehrans support for regional militias and curb its nuclear program. According to sources close to Trumps team who spoke with the Wall Street Journal, the new administration will adopt a maximum pressure 2.0 approach, aiming to cut off Irans primary sources of income.

In his first term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a multinational agreement to limit Irans nuclear activities, and introduced sanctions that reduced Irans oil exports to a fraction of prior levels. However, after President Joe Biden took office, oil exports from Iran rebounded, creating new challenges for the incoming administration, which intends to be more aggressive in targeting Iranian oil exports and related financial flows.

Sources say Trumps advisors are discussing targeting Chinese ports that receive Iranian oil, as well as sanctions on Iraqi officials who support Iran-backed militias. Former U.S. energy official Robert McNally suggested that renewed sanctions could reduce Iranian oil sales by around 500,000 barrels a day, mainly from purchases by China.

In recent weeks, senior Trump advisors have also voiced support for a potential Israeli strike on Irans nuclear sites. The previous Biden administration secured assurances from Israel not to target Irans nuclear facilities in recent operations, fearing an escalation. Trumps team, however, may be more open to Israeli action against Irans critical infrastructure.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded Wednesday, insisting that Irans economy would not be influenced by the U.S. election outcome. Yet internal divisions within Iran reflect growing concerns over potential economic impacts from renewed U.S. sanctions, with some Iranian officials warning of potential setbacks for the countrys oil industry.

Despite these rising tensions, some advisors close to Trump do not rule out a diplomatic approach, as Trump is known to favor striking his own deals with key adversaries.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Shlomo Filber, one of the CEOs of the Direct Polls polling company, was astonished by the Democrat partys dismissal of glaring warning signs regarding the Harris campaign.

Filber wrote: Why did all the US campaign professionals prefer to ignore simple and easy-to-analyze data that served as a huge warning sign and could possibly have changed the outcome for millions of people and trillions of dollars?

Lets try to develop a serious and professional discourse about the campaign in the U.S.

 The Democratic election campaign incurred direct and conservative spending well above a billion dollars.

 In secondary circles  party workers, organizations, institutions, States, financial bodies  were talking about many trillions of dollars.

 Political elections are unique and different  you have only one bullet and it must hit the target on the first try. For some people, it meant the end of their careers.

I have been a consumer of political polls for two decades, and in the past five years, Ive gained expertise in the execution of political polls, especially in-depth analysis. I have never conducted political polls in the U.S. but I am an enthusiast who follows the US elections, the polls, and the campaigns for personal enjoyment and professional enrichment.

I already noticed and warned in 2020 that the polls in the U.S. were biased in favor of Biden and that the elections will ultimately be decided by fractions of a percent in the swing states and not by a lead of 5%-8%.

This time, I expressed my opinion  already seven weeks ago  based on the analysis of the polls up to that point that Trump would win in the key states by 3%  which indeed happened.

It is true that the left and the media like to argue with me by attacking me personally instead of my position.

But, if I, in a few hours of analysis, twice reached the correct conclusion about the expected results based solely on public polls  then why didnt all the campaign managers/consultants/strategists/analysts/candidates in the various states, especially the presidential candidate and her staff, reach this conclusion? Or at least accept it as a worse-case scenario and plan the campaign accordingly or have a Plan B if the first strategy does not improve the situation. After all, if it comes to fruition (which indeed happened), they lose everything.

Its like planning an attack on Iran and not being 100% sure that the coordinates of the bomb are accurate  theres no point in deploying the entire attack system if the most important bomb misses and falls 200 meters from the target.

Accurate political research and analysis is not an expensive component of a campaign  just a few percent of the budget. It hones the campaign and saves time and money  funds wasted on foolish and ineffective advertising, and mainly it provides a safety net so you dont destroy your political career.

In Israel also, there are currently three to five senior and experienced politicians who follow pipers who quite precisely recreate the Democrats mistakes for them, hoping that it will work for them here.

And again, I genuinely ask (I would appreciate intelligent and relevant answers): why did everyone ignore simple and easy-to-analyze data that could have changed the outcome for millions of people and trillions of dollars?

It should be noted that Kamala Harris made 39 visits to Michigan but lost the state to Trump  just one example illustrating Filbers points.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Sirens blared in the Jerusalem hills, the Beit Shemesh area, and Kiryat Arba on Monday morning at about 6 a.m. as a missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen headed to the area.

Residents of the Beit Shemesh area reported hearing explosions and the police and Magen David Adom teams began searching the area. BChasdei Hashem, there were no injuries.

However, shrapnel from interceptor missiles fell in the Beit Shemesh area, causing several fires involving multiple vehicles and grassy areas. Firefighters are currently working to extinguish the fires and prevent the spread of flames to nearby structures and vehicles, the Fire and Rescue Department stated. Alongside the firefighting efforts, firefighters are conducting additional searches in the area to rule out further fires and damage from interceptor/missile fragments.

The IDF spokesperson later stated that the sirens were sounded in the Beit Shemesh area due to a ballistic missile launched from the east and that the missile was intercepted by the Arrow missile defense system before it crossed into Israel.

The spokesperson added that the Air Force overnight intercepted four drones heading towards Israel from the east. Two drones were intercepted before they crossed into Israel. Alerts were activated according to policy.

A pro-Iranian militia in Iraq claimed responsibility for attacking four vital targets in the north and south of the country.

Later on Monday morning, the Houthis took responsibility for the attack, claiming that it targeted the Nachal Sorek IDF base in central Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
A senior Kremlin official told Kan News on Monday that Russia is ready to assist efforts to achieve a diplomatic arrangement between Israel and Hezbollah.

He confirmed Sundays report that Russia is involved in the negotiations.

The official told Kan: Russia is ready to help and support anything that will stop the killing of civilian populations and prevent the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Ironically, reports say that Russia, which has killed, maimed, and exiled millions of civilians in the war it launched on Ukraine, fired a record number of drones at Ukraine over the weekend.

Also on Monday, the Kremlin vehemently denied reports that President Vladimir Putin spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump, adding that Putin has no current plans for such a conversation. Various media outlets, including The Washington Post and Reuters, reported that Trump spoke to Putin by phone on Thursday and advised him not to escalate the situation in Ukraine, mentioning the massive U.S. military presence in Europe.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: Its absolutely not true, a complete fabrication  its simply false information. There was no conversation.

Peskov also slammed Western media outlets: They are the clearest example of the quality of information being published right now  sometimes even by media outlets with quite respectable reputations,

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Israeli Air Force fighter jets, under precise intelligence guidance from IDF Intelligence, Shin Bet, and the Southern Command, carried out a targeted attack and eliminated Islamic Jihad commander Muhammad Abu Sakhil, a joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet announced on Sunday evening.

Sakhil was the Islamic Jihad operations coordinator in the Gaza Strip and operated in a command center established in a Gazan school.

He was a key Islamic Jihad figure who was involved in planning and executing terror acts against Israeli citizens and IDF forces in Gaza. He also coordinated terror acts with Hamas.

Before the attack, many steps were taken to reduce the likelihood of harming civilians, including aerial surveillance and the use of precise intelligence information, the statement said.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF is reportedly close to concluding a successful ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, achieving major strategic gains with limited international media coverage. Conducted over the past six weeks, the IDFs campaign has involved thousands of troops from four divisions, marking a substantial military effort without reaching the scale of a full invasion.

The operation has led to the destruction of approximately 30 Hezbollah-controlled villages along the Israel-Lebanon border. These locations had been transformed into heavily fortified terror bases, designed as launching points for a potential Hezbollah invasion into Israel. In each village, IDF troops uncovered and dismantled hidden terror positions, extensive underground facilities, and large stockpiles of weaponry that Hezbollah had amassed with billions of dollars in investments over recent years.

According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, Israeli forces seized more than 66,000 Hezbollah weapons, including around 6,000 explosive devices and thousands of anti-tank missiles. The large volume of captured weaponry has led the IDF to consider equipping new units with Hezbollah arms to enhance their operational capabilities. Estimated casualties range from 1,000 to 2,000 Hezbollah fighters killed since the start of the ground campaign, in addition to hundreds of casualties from prior airstrikes.

Hezbollahs mounting losses have led to reports of abandoned positions along the border. As IDF forces advanced, at least 14 Hezbollah-held villages were reportedly deserted by the groups fighters, signaling the psychological toll of Israels offensive and the declining morale among Hezbollah ranks. Rather than resisting Israeli advances, many Hezbollah operatives have reportedly retreated deeper into Lebanon, opting for concealment over confrontation.

While Hezbollah has inflicted some casualties on IDF forces through ambushes and other attacks, the group has struggled to slow Israels progress. IDF sources report fewer than 50 Israeli soldiers killed in this campaignconsiderably lower than the 120 Israeli fatalities in the 2006 Lebanon War, which yielded less decisive outcomes.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A direct rocket hit caused damage in Kiryat Atta following a heavy Hezbollah barrage (more than 00 rockets!) targeting the Haifa area a short time ago.

Magen David Adom reports that a 17-year-old boy sustained minor injuries from glass shards while rushing to a bomb shelter during the attack.

MDA teams searched an additional site with 2 vehicles on fire. Bichasdei hHashem, there were no casualties found.

The IDF says that in two separate incidents, approximately 90 rockets were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel on Tuesday afternoon, triggering sirens across HaMifratz, the Galilee, and surrounding areas. The first barrage, around 3:40PM, involved roughly 80 projectiles, most of which were intercepted, though some impacted the ground in the area.

A second round of fire between 4:02PM, and saw an additional 10 projectiles cross into Israeli territory, with some intercepted and others landing in open fields in the Upper and Western Galilee.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Marks & Spencer will learn the fate of plans for its flagship Oxford Street store within weeks as it plans to open ten more shops.

After a planning row, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is set to block or approve proposals for the London shop before or on December 5.

And boss Stuart Machin has planned to open even more stores, the Mail understands, as a turnaround at the High Street retailer is in full swing.

M&S is seeking permission to raze its 1929 art deco flagship near Marble Arch and build a larger ten-storey retail and office block in its place.

Former housing secretary Michael Gove blocked the plans last year and an appeal was delayed by the general election. Machin branded the decision 'utterly pathetic' and said the proposals would help revitalise the area.

Planning row: M&S is seeking permission to raze its 1929 art deco flagship near Marble Arch and build a larger ten-storey retail and office block

The M&S boss accused Gove of 'an anti-business approach, choking off growth and denying Oxford Street of thousands of new quality jobs'.

Machin scored a victory in March when High Court Judge Mrs Justice Lieven concluded that Gove had made a series of errors in his interpretation and application of planning policy.

But the retailer has also faced opposition over the plans from heritage campaigners, including London Eye architect Julia Barfield and Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud.

Last week M&S hailed bumper profits of 391.9m for the six months up to October, 20 per cent higher than last year.

And Machin was 'very confident' of a great Christmas with a range of party frocks designed with actress Sienna Miller flying off the shelves since their launch earlier this month.

In its half-year results, sales rose 5.8 per cent to 6.5billion  thanks to the group appealing to a broader base of shoppers.

M&S has approval for 70 more stores, under plans for 180 full-line shops and 420 food outlets by 2028.

The proposals now include five extra full-line shops and five more dedicated food stores, The Mail understands.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has released its weekly report on humanitarian demining operations in the territories liberated from occupation, Trend reports via the agency.

According to the agency, a total of 33 anti-personnel and 51 anti-tank mines, as well as 185 unexploded ordnances, were found and defused in Tartar, Aghdam, Aghdara, Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, Khankendi, Kalbajar, Khojavand, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan from November 4 through November 11, 2024.

Additionally, 545.3 hectares of land were swept clean of mines over the past week.

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Bitcoin hit $80,000 for the first time yesterday in the wake of Donald Trump's thumping victory in the US election.

The cryptocurrency continued its run today, climbing 4.6 per cent to trade at $84,090.10 at 4pm London time. Bitcoin has now rocketed more than 90 per cent this year.

President-elect Trump has insisted he will make the US 'the crypto capital of the planet'.

Geoff Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, predicts Bitcoin will continue to soar  with a $100,000 valuation 'easily achievable' by the end of the year.

Boost: Donald Trump has insisted he will make the US 'the crypto capital of the planet'

There has been a huge Bitcoin rally since the Republican's victory last week, hitting $75,000 on election night, with recent gains driven by his wins in swing states Nevada and Arizona.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said Bitcoin was 'always going to soar' if Trump won the election.

'Trump has already declared his love of the digital currency and crypto traders now have a new narrative by which to get even more excited about where the price could go,' he added.

Why has Trump boosted Bitcoin?

Trump was clear on the campaign trail that he wants to harness innovation in cryptocurrencies, writes Harvey Dorset

This could mean more crypto products, such as ETFs, entering mainstream financial markets.

So far, just 11 crypto ETFs are available in the US, having been approved at long last in January.

President Trump could bring a big push to increase that dramatically. On the campaign trail, Trump said: 'If crypto is going to define the future, I want it to be mined, minted and made in the USA.'

The more that bitcoin and other cryptos are pushed into the financial mainstream, with regulated products available to invest, the increasing chance there is of big institutional investors allocating funds to crypto.

Even if they allocate only a tiny percentage of investments to crypto, their financial firepower creates substantial demand.

Glen Goodman, author of The Crypto Trader, told This is Money: 'Trump is a late but seemingly passionate convert to crypto. In 2019 he said "I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies" and in 2021 "It just seems like a scam", shortly before launching his own collection of digital crypto trading cards, netting him millions of dollars.'

One major change to the crypto landscape in the US following Trump's win could be the removal of Gary Gensler, chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Speaking at a crypto conference in the summer, Trump said he would oust Gensler from the SEC 'on day one' of his presidency.

It is likely that whoever Trump favours will be keen to back the new president's policy of innovation. Gensler has proven one of the main hurdles to creating new regulation on crypto assets.

> Read more: Why is crypto flying after Trump's election victory?
Another foreign takeover bid has hit the UK and this time round it's for one of our stock markets.

One of Europe's largest stock exchanges has agreed to purchase London-listed Aquis Exchange in a 225million deal.

Swiss firm SIX Exchange Group intends to buy the junior stock market operator for 727p per share, a 120 per cent premium to Aquis's closing price on Friday.

SIX believes the takeover would enhance its ability to serve existing customers with its infrastructure services and 'seamless access' to capital markets while unlocking further growth in new territories.

Acquisition deal: Swiss-based SIX Exchange Group intends to buy the junior stock market operator Aquis Exchange for 727 pence per share

It also said the deal would 'create an increasingly attractive offering' for retail brokers and broaden its offering across the traditional primary exchange business, MTFs and data offerings.

Headquartered in Zurich, SIX owns the SIX Swiss Exchange, the third biggest stock exchange in Europe, and provides banking and securities services, as well as real-time financial data for distribution.

The company hopes to complete the acquisition of Aquis in the second quarter of next year, subject to shareholder approval.

Bjrn Sibbern, global head of exchanges at SIX, said: 'We believe that combining Aquis with SIX's platform is a compelling opportunity to bring together two businesses with a shared commitment to capital markets innovation.

'The combination will add Aquis' strong offering to our traditional primary exchange and data businesses, complementing SIX's existing growth listing segments.'

Founded in 2012, Aquis runs a junior stock market containing high-profile names like Suffolk brewer Adnams, Arbuthnot Banking Group, and mining developer Wishbone Gold.

It also provides exchange technology, including a low-latency matching engine and single-dealer platform, as well as consulting services.

Since listing on London's AIM market in 2018, the firm's turnover has soared by 495 per cent, propelled by the set-up of the Aquis bourse. It made a 5.2million profit last year.

But Aquis bosses said the group's future would be better placed under new ownership given the highly competitive nature of the European exchange market and the need to invest in technology and distribution.

Alasdair Haynes, its founder and chief executive, said: 'Aquis has a clear path of growth ahead; however, the Aquis directors recognise there are always some operational, commercial and market risks associated with the timing of future value creation.

'The offer de-risks this future value creation and provides Aquis Shareholders with certain value at a material premium.

Aquis Exchange shares skyrocketed by 114.1 per cent to 706.7p by mid-morning on Monday, making them by far the biggest riser on the AIM All-Share Index.
Almost a third of homes currently up for sale are being sold chain free, according to Zoopla, as buyers want to move quickly ahead of stamp duty rising in April.

The property website revealed that 32 per cent of homes currently for sale are being marketed as chain-free.

Chain-free refers to a property that is not dependent on the seller finding somewhere else to live before it can be sold.

These sales typically have less chance of falling through or being held up.

Stamp duty rush: One week on from the Autumn Budget, buyer enquiries for chain-free homes are 33% higher compared to those not advertised as chain-free, according to Zoopla

Most property transactions are often linked to a chain of other buyers and sellers. All are connected and if one sale collapses or delays, the others are impacted.

Izabella Lubowiecka, senior property researcher at Zoopla says: 'There are several reasons why a home might be chain-free.

'Individuals may be selling an inherited home, households might be moving in together, going from two homes to one, or investors and second owners could be selling additional property.

'Now is a great time to look for properties, with more chain-free homes available than in previous months.'

Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former Rics residential chairman, says he is finding that more investors are selling up at the moment.

He says: 'This is mainly down to tax and regulatory issues and the imminent introduction of the Renters Rights Bill, which will make it harder to remove disruptive tenants, rather than fears of an increase in Capital Gains Tax.

'Buying a chain-free property reduces the risk of problems arising with dependant transactions during the conveyancing process such as low valuation, poor survey, or a change of mind for work or other reasons.'

Buyers are in a rush to purchase before their stamp duty bills rise from 1 April next year, making chain free homes an attractive proposition.

As of 1 April next year, the price at which stamp duty starts to be charged will revert back to 300,000 for first-time buyers, from its current level of 425,000.

For first-time buyers, this could mean that instead of paying no stamp duty on a purchase worth 425,000. they will soon pay 6,205.

But the costs get even higher for any first-time buyers purchasing a property worth between 425,000 and 625,000.

A first-time buyer buying a home worth 625,000 currently pays 10,000 in stamp duty. But from 1 April, that will rise to 21,250 - an increase of 11,250.

Whilst affordability remains a concern for many first-time buyers, encouragingly 41 per cent of two bed homes are currently listed as chain-free on Zoopla.

Home movers are not immune from the stamp duty changes either. The threshold at which they start paying the tax is falling from 250,000 to 125,000.

It means anyone purchasing a property over 125,000 will pay up to 2,500 more in stamp duty.

Zoopla says that one week on from the Budget, chain-free homes are attracting more interest compared to homes not advertised as chain-free, with listing views seeing an average increase of 9 per cent and a 33 per cent average increase in buyer enquiries.

It is thought that more investors and second homeowners are also looking to sell due to changes to the way second homes are taxed. These properties are usually chain-free.

From April 2025, councils will be able to charge a premium of up to 100 per cent in additional council tax on second homes, a factor that second homeowners will be taking into account when making their selling or purchasing decisions.

Caught in a chain: most property sales are linked together with buyers and sellers all relying on one another in order for their purchase or sale to be successful

Matt Thompson, head of sales at Chestertons says: 'We have seen a clear uplift in the number of house hunters looking for a chain-free property.

'Most chain-free buyers have been renting for a while and are in a position to move quickly.

'Although there has been a slight increase in the number of chain-free properties being put up for sale since the Autumn Budget, demand still outweighs supply which creates a competitive market environment.'

However, while buying chain free may save on the stamp duty cost, they could end up paying more overall - as sellers can typically secure a price premium on a chain-free home.

'Listing a property chain-free can indeed entice more buyers to put forward an offer; particularly those who are eager to move sooner rather than later.

'Due to higher demand for such properties, sellers often demand a premium which can range anywhere from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, depending on the propertys location and overall condition.'

Based on the average property price, of 294,000. according to the latest Halifax house price index, that could mean paying a premium of between 8,820 and 20,580 for a chain-free home.
Canaccord Genuity Group restated their buy rating on shares of Taseko Mines (LON:TKO  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning,London Stock Exchange reports. The brokerage currently has a GBX 300 ($3.80) target price on the stock.

Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 275 ($3.48) price target on shares of Taseko Mines in a report on Thursday, November 7th.

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Get Our Latest Research Report on TKO

Taseko Mines Trading Down 5.9 %

Insider Activity

LON TKO opened at GBX 160.05 ($2.03) on Thursday. Taseko Mines has a 12 month low of GBX 115 ($1.46) and a 12 month high of GBX 238 ($3.02). The stock has a market cap of 867.16 million, a P/E ratio of 10.37 and a beta of 1.92. The stocks fifty day moving average price is GBX 165.16 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 168.97.

In other Taseko Mines news, insider Robert Dickinson sold 44,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 295 ($3.74), for a total value of 129,800 ($164,470.35). Corporate insiders own 2.58% of the companys stock.

Taseko Mines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Taseko Mines is a dynamic and growing mining company focused on the operation and development of copper mines in North America.

Headquartered in Vancouver, Taseko operates the state-of-the-art Gibraltar Mine (100% owned), the second largest copper mine in Canada, with a nearly 700-person workforce producing an average of 140 million pounds of copper and 2.5 million pounds of molybdenum per year.

In addition to the Yellowhead copper project and the Aley niobium project, Taseko is also advancing the Florence Copper project in Arizona  a near-term copper producer with an unparalleled energy, water and GHG profile per unit of production.

Further Reading

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay on November 11, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers.

At the meeting, the sides expressed confidence that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29, held in Baku, will make an important contribution to international efforts to combat climate change.

Issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bhutan in various directions were discussed.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. International carbon markets must be established to accelerate climate mitigation efforts, said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Trend reports.

He made the remark as he addressed the opening of the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference today in Baku.

"Here in Baku, we must get international carbon markets up and running, by finalizing Article 6," Stiell declared, stressing the importance of completing this critical element of the Paris Agreement.

Stiell also underscored the importance of moving forward on mitigation, building on the commitments made at COP28 in Dubai. "We need to move forward on mitigation, so targets from Dubai are realized," he said, adding that the world must not allow the 1.5C target to slip beyond reach. "And even as temperatures rise, the implementation of our agreements must claw them back," Stiell asserted.

He noted that investment in clean energy and infrastructure is set to reach $2 trillion in 2024, almost double the amount being invested in fossil fuels.

"The shift to clean energy and climate resilience will not be stopped. Our job is to accelerate this and make sure its huge benefits are shared by all countries and all peoples," he declared, calling for equitable distribution of the benefits from this global transition.

As countries come together to confront the climate crisis, Stiell emphasized the importance of adaptation in the face of a changing climate. "We must agree on adaptation indicators. You can't manage what you don't measure. We need to know if we're on a pathway to increasing resilience," he stated.

The COP29 conference officially began today in Baku, Azerbaijan. Running from November 11 through November 22, this pivotal event brings together world leaders, policymakers, and climate experts to address the urgent challenges of climate change. As nations gather to discuss key issues such as climate finance, emission reduction goals, and global cooperation, the outcomes of COP29 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the planet's climate strategy.
Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo has announced the details of its 2025 History Festival which will feature well-known Irish historians, broadcasters and historic writers.

The festival which has become an annual tradition will take place in the historic castle in Cong over two days, from Friday, 28 February to Saturday, 1 March.

The 'West of Ireland' themed festival will feature lively discussions and talks covering key historical moments, pivotal players and untold stories from the west.

Ryan Tubridy is among one of the guest speakers Ashford Castle has lined up for the event. In the talk 'Tubridy's West', the radio presenter will cover the period 1913-1923 and explore critical moments and key players of the time such as Roger Casement and his own maternal grandfather, Todd Andrews.

READ NEXT: Let me entertain you! Robbie Williams set to play in Dublin's Croke Park

The self-professed history fanatic, Tubridy, investigated his connections with 1916 in the 2016 RTE documentary series on The Rising.

Tubridy will also moderate a panel discussion on the final day of the festival.

One of Ireland's most prominent historians, Professor Diarmaid Ferriter will also make an appearance at the festival to reflect on the trials and triumphs of the West of Ireland through the ages in his talk 'All that had Edge.'

Broadcaster and author Myles Dungan will examine the fascinating life and legacy of Captain Charles Cunningham Boycott at the festival. Charles Cunningham Boycott, the subject of Dungan's talk, was an English land agent who took up residence in County Mayo and whose ostracism by his local community led to the word 'boycott' being coined.

The festival regular and favourite, Irish historian and writer Turtle Bunbury will return this year to discuss 'Vanishing Ireland'. Bunbury will explore the people and professions whose stories are rarely told and whom Turtle interviewed for his 'Vanishing Ireland' books and podcasts.

Each of these events will take place in Ashford Castle's private cinema and attendees will also enjoy dinner in Ashford Castle's George V dining room on one evening where each speaker will host a table. The discussions and debates will extend long into the evening!

Anyone wishing to join in on the historical festivities can choose to stay in the Ashford Castle or its sister hotel, The Lodge at Ashford.

However, the cost is certainly not cheap! Prices start at 1,700 for two people sharing over the two nights of the festival. For this price, guests can expect breakfast each morning and a second dinner in the George V dining room in the company of the festival speakers.

Alternatively, guests can get the same package at The Lodge for 1,180.
A Canadian woman who tossed a message in a bottle into the sea 24 years ago has visited the West Mayo beach where it was discovered earlier this year.

Lexi Ploc-Canning, a native of Ontario with Irish connections through her grandfather, has said she wants to move to Mayo after she visited local couple Aoife and Tom Bourke, who discovered her message in a bottle on Bertra Beach while out walking with their children.

Ms Ploc-Canning threw the bottle into the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland when she was eight years old thinking that pirates were going to find it.

I had forgotten about it for a very long time time and then shortly before they found the letter both my grandparents passed away and then I was remembering all the memories with them and thought about the letter and then it was a couple of weeks after I thought about the letter that it popped up here, Ms Ploc-Canning told The Mayo News.

Lexi Ploc-Canning pictured in Newfoundland aged eight

Though water-damaged, the message in the bottle was legible enough to show Ms Ploc-Cannings name.

The couple then connected with her through Instagram, and eventually, Ms Ploc-Canning organised a trip to the very beach where her bottle was discovered.

She said she was very shocked when the Bourkes made contact saying they had discovered it 24 years after she tossed it into the ocean.

I had been staying in Costa Rica for a while and I was just leaving and it was a very magical place that I was staying in, she said.

Then I get this message and it the reminder that I needed in that moment that magic is everywhere, no matter where I go, that its always going to happen, that its always present.

An avid animal enthusiast, Ms Ploc-Canning, was very taken by the scenery in West Mayo before returning home to Canada last Thursday.

I love it, its probably one of my favourite places that Ive been. The land is beautiful, the people are amazing, the culture and all of it, she said.

I could not even have imagined it in my wildest dreams. The fact that Im here and the letter is here is so surreal.

Though she will remain in Canada for the foreseeable future, Ms Ploc-Canning is already dreaming of one day opening a farm centre in West Mayo.

I need to think about it all and look into all of that. I have been looking at getting a VISA too to come here for years and see really if I like it before I decide to do something like that, she said.
The fully suspended sentence handed down to the "determined and organised" admin of a child abuse messaging group who was caught with hundreds of images and videos after an FBI tip-off was too lenient, the State has argued.

Anthony Ryan with an address at Macoyle Upper, Inch, Gorey, Co Wexford, deserved an "immediate custodial sentence", lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court on Monday.

Ryan had pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography on September 22, 2020.

He was sentenced to three years in prison suspended for a period of four years by Judge James McCourt at Wexford Circuit Court on March 20, 2024.

The court heard Ryans home was searched following a tip-off from the FBI after an undercover agent infiltrated messenger groups and alerted authorities. A large number of images and videos were found on Ryans personal mobile phone and further material was retrieved from the Kik messaging application.

The combined examinations revealed 575 items, including 326 images of young girls - the majority of whom were under the age of 12  exposing themselves and 159 videos of young boys and girls engaged in sexually explicit activity.

At the Court of Appeal today, Patricia McLaughlin SC, for the DPP, contended this was a case that called for an immediate custodial sentence.

She argued the nature of the material involved, the methodology around acquiring and distributing these images and videos and the level of activism of the respondent on particular chat threads merited a higher headline sentence.

Counsel referenced the nature and content of the material involved - including children under the age of eight engaged in oral sex with both adults and children - and the young age of the children which she said was a relevant consideration.

She said Ryan effectively used the tools of the internet to assist his offending, not only by registering on Kik but also signing up to Dropbox and other sites to store the images so that they were readily available to him.

Ms McLaughlin asserted there was a difference between someone who is drawn unwittingly into viewing this material and someone who does it in a determined, organised and premeditated way.

The barrister acknowledged that the sentencing judge had referenced the relevant aggravating circumstances in his judgement but submitted he had given them insufficient weight.

Michael OHiggins SC, representing Ryan, argued the sentence imposed had not been unduly lenient and said there was very strong mitigation in this case.

He said there had been instant co-operation with gardai, Ryan had supplied his pin number to access the phone and there had been an early plea of guilty.

He said this was a case which was on the line where there was some very depraved conduct with regard to establishing the facts of the case but on the other hand there was very significant mitigation.

Counsel described Ryans offending as an affliction and compulsive behaviour.

Theres no justification here, its rationalisation, he said.

Mr OHiggins said the respondent had seen the death of both his father and a teenage daughter and this had led him into a very dark place but when the knock comes at the door the turning around could not have been any quicker. He said his client had immediately engaged with child abuse support service One in Four.

He said Ryan recognised he was in the throes of this affliction and took every single step to stabilise it,

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the three-judge court said would reserve judgement in the case.

Detective Garda Jacinta Gordon told the sentencing hearing that gardai searched Ryans home following a tip-off from the FBI in Winnebago, Illinois in relation Kik Messenger accounts associated with email addresses linked to the respondent.

The court heard Kik Messenger is a messaging platform with similar functions to Whatsapp and Viber permitting group chats of up to 50 people. The platform also facilitates the sharing of pictures, videos and links between participants.

Several electronic devices were seized from Ryans home and a large quantity of images and videos were found on his personal mobile phone. The respondent was present during the execution of the warrant and cooperated by providing all devices and PIN codes to the gardai.

The mobile phone was examined in December 2021 and material was extracted using Cellebrite software with further material from the contents of the Kik application retrieved manually using the screenshot function.

The combined examinations revealed 575 items, including 326 images of girls, the majority of whom were under the age of 12, with the genital region exposed and 67 images of young girls engaged in or subjected to sexually explicit activity.

Gardai also found 23 videos depicting both boys and girls, mostly under the age of 12, with the genital region exposed and 159 videos of young boys and girls engaged in sexually explicit activity.

In addition to the material in Ryans possession on Kik, there was also evidence of the distribution by him of images and videos of child pornography on those chat threads. In total he shared 42 images.

The court heard that Ryan actively engaged in commenting on images shared by others.

When interviewed, he admitted that he was a group administrator of a Kik Messenger group which shared child sexual abuse images.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 11. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has met with Luc Remont, CEO of Electricite de France (EDF), to discuss potential collaborations in Kazakhstans energy sector, including nuclear power, Trend reports.

During the meeting, President Tokayev was briefed on EDFs operations as the worlds largest operator of nuclear power plants and its strategic plans.

President Tokayev shared that a majority of Kazakh citizens recently endorsed the construction of the countrys first nuclear power plant in a national referendum. EDF has been shortlisted as a potential technology supplier for the project, and Tokayev highlighted the potential for an international consortium to lead this critical development.

Luc Remont affirmed EDFs commitment to a productive partnership with Kazatomprom, Kazakhstans national nuclear energy company, and offered several ideas for advancing joint projects in renewable energy.

As a state-owned enterprise, EDF is a major force in the energy sector, operating 67 nuclear reactors56 in France, 9 in the United Kingdom, and 2 in Chinarepresenting around 18% of global nuclear energy capacity. The company plans to construct 14 additional reactors within France, further reinforcing its global energy footprint.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

Today, we spoke with Ruleta Camacho Thomas, Climate Ambassador from Antigua and Barbuda. She emphasized the urgent need for ambitious global leadership and substantial financial support for small island developing states.

As nations gather in Baku to tackle climate challenges, Thomas highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on small islands like Antigua and Barbuda and called for a recommitment from international leaders to assist vulnerable countries.

"Our expectations of what we would want to achieve is that we want to make sure that global leadership in climate change continues to be very ambitious and effective," she said. "Especially when it comes to the impacts on small island developing states, we're looking forward to that recommitment of the international leaders to helping us with moving out of the high-risk nature of our countries."

Addressing one of the most pressing issues for Antigua and Barbuda, the ambassador stressed the critical need for adaptation finance. "Financing adaptation is very, very critical for us," she explained. "As climate increases, we are facing more and more risk." She noted the alarming rise in water temperatures, which exceed 30 degrees Celsius at depths of 30 feet. This has led to widespread coral bleaching, threatening ecosystems that support Antigua and Barbudas tourism industry and impacting public health as extreme heat brings additional health risks to the population.

"We dont even begin to talk about the human impact," Thomas noted, explaining that the high temperatures contribute to illnesses and further strain the countrys development. "Instead of focusing our development financing on just development, we now have to respond to climate change while we are trying to develop. Its just a vicious cycle of debt and crises."

Thomas called for "grant-based instruments" instead of loans to address the financial burdens climate change imposes. "Loans will not help us. We need grant-based instruments to be able to take us out of the climate deficit that were in now," she insisted.

On the broader topic of global emissions reduction, Thomas pressed for genuine action and accountability from large emitters. "We want to see the actual implementation of their commitments and mitigation," she said, underscoring that without a reduction in fossil fuel use, small island nations will continue to suffer.

Thomas also expressed support for Azerbaijans role in hosting COP29, commending the countrys commitment to addressing climate change. "We are very proud of you for holding the COP," she remarked. "It shows that you are making an effort and that you are very conscious of the contributions that you are making to climate change."

Looking toward the future, the ambassador urged Azerbaijan and other nations to leverage innovation and technology to transition away from fossil fuels. "That is the goal," she concluded, adding, "It will need quite a lot of innovation and human ingenuity and quite a lot of technology to get there. But you have taken the right step. You are acknowledging that this is an issue, and we are very proud of you for that."
It's far to tempting to dwell on "analysis" after an election.

Instead, here at www.TonysKansasCity.com we share a peek at how local conservatives are moving forward after the election.

Context . . .

Already there's a fight for MAGA control of the US Senate over more moderate Republicans.

Check the local angle on a tough fight ahead for the GOP and a test to see how the MAGA coalition copes with historic success . . .



CLAY COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE DIRECT MISSOURI SENATORS TO SELECT SENATOR RICK SCOTT OR J.D. VANCE TO BE THE MAJORITY U.S. SENATE LEADER

This Wednesday, November 13, 2024, around 11 AM, the U.S. Senate will be voting for the Majority U.S. Senate Leader. Several Counties in Missouri are sending our Missouri U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt resolutions encouraging them to vote for either U.S. Senator Rick Scott or Vice President Elect J.D. Vance to be the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate. Both Senator Rick Scott and Vice President Elect J.D. Vance are very supportive of President Elect Donald J. Trump.



Senator John Cornyn has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Majority U.S. Senate Leader. Senator Cornyn has been against President Trump and is not a candidate that our U.S. Senators should back. The constituents of Clay County, the State of Missouri and the United States of America have made their voices heard by the overwhelming vote of confidence in President Trump & Vice President Elect J.D. Vance, as well as taking over the Senate and the proposed House.



As the Clay County Republican Central Committee we join with the other Missouri Counties that are listening to the voters and send this resolution to our MO Senators to not only vote for Senator Rick Scott or Vice President Elect J.D. Vance but to do an Open Roll Call Vote to show publicly their support for either of these nominees and for President Trump.

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Developing . . .


BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. We manufacture advanced electric vehicle charging systems, Elman Mirzayev, a representative of charge.az, told Trend on the sidelines of the COP29 in Baku.

He shared that the company has already launched around 20 charging stations in various locations.

"We are working on increasing this number. Currently, we have charging systems in Baku, Shusha, Sheki, Lankaran, and Ganja cities," Mirzayev said.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened today at the Baku Olympic Stadium. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date and is the first time the region has hosted the event in Azerbaijan. Within COP29, the highest level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies, and other topics.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5C pledge by bringing everyone together.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Right now model, biz lady & angel Gigi inspire our late night/early morning glimpse at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Full Circle: Another Glimpse At Kansas City Underground

Welcome To SubTropolis: The Limestone Mine Turned Climate-Controlled Business Complex After extracting all the useful stuff from a mine, you are often left with a lot of empty subterranean space without a clear purpose. This was the case with the Bethany Falls limestone mine, near K...

Show-Me Road Trip Eats

Missouri's Best-Kept Food Town Is In The Heart of the Ozark Mountains Branson, Missouri is a culinary hot spot for foodies looking for celebrity chef-owned restaurants, delicious theme park treats, barbecue, and more.

Rock Chalk Cook Out School

Freddy's is burger royalty in Kansas, with a new national headquarters and training center Over the past 22 years, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has become one of the most successful restaurant concepts to ever come out of Wichita, with 540 restaurants in 36 states - and counting.

Cowtown Cash Awarded

These KC nonprofits showed resiliency; their reward: $200K grants from Bank of America Bank of America this fall continued the 20-year run for its Neighborhood Builder grants program, awarding two Kansas City nonprofits with $200,000 grants and access to exclusive leadership training resources and a national network of nonprofit peers.

Kansas City Tribute Concert Climax Resonates

See 'Weird Al' Yankovic and Will Forte Cover Chappell Roan's 'Hot to Go!' at Thundergong! Benefit "Weird Al" Yankovic and Will Forte performed Chappell Roan's "Hot to Go!" Saturday at Jason Sudeikis' Thundergong! benefit concert in Kansas City.

Casual Angel Inspires

Gigi Hadid Proves Sweatpants Are Stylish Enough For Date Night With Bradley Cooper Gigi Hadid was reluctant to change out of her comfiest sweatpants this week. Here's what she wore for a date night with Bradley Cooper on November 9.

White House Second Hand?!?

Former Kamala Harris aide says Joe Biden should resign so she can serve as 47th president Former Harris communications director Jamal Simmons said on CNN that Joe Biden could step down, allowing Kamala Harris to serve as the 47th president.

MAGA Makes Demands

Trump says Senate GOP leader candidates must agree to recess appointments President-elect Trump demanded on Sunday that the next Senate GOP leader allow him to make recess appointments, which would effectively let him fast-track his nominees and appointments without needing Senate approval.

Feel The Bern For Wise Latina

Bernie Sanders says calls for Sotomayor to step down are not "sensible" Sanders said he's heard "a little bit" of chatter about the idea on NBC's "Meet the Press."

MAGA Moves Europe

Trump speaks with Putin and advises him not to escalate Ukraine war - report In phone call, Trump reminds Putin of US's 'sizeable military presence in Europe', Washington Post reports

Holy Land Declares Victory!?!



Israel's new defense minister says country has defeated Hezbollah Israel's newly appointed minister of defense, Israel Katz, announced Sunday that his country has defeated Hezbollah after killing its leader in an airstrike in September.

El Papa Offers Another Blessing

'We need them': NFL's Saints grateful for inadvertent prayers from Pope Francis New Orleans team thanks pontiff after he accidentally posts messages on social media and adds hashtag #Saints

Make New Holiday Friends

New 'Furever Tree' in Kansas City park honors beloved pets this holiday season The new addition in Kansas City is based off a "Furever Tree" in New York's Central Park.

Grigs Offers Preview This Week

Kansas City weather: Sunny, dry conditions continue Sunny and dry conditions are expected in the area over the next few days, with highs reaching the low to mid-60s.

Shaggy - Angel ft. Rayvon was the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Before we start . . .

Credit to KICK-ASS, BEST & BRIGHTEST TIPSTERS for sending this info our way.

We're not on LinkedIn and would've missed this worthwhile exchange without some timely help from very smart people.

Like or not, TKC really is a community effort where ALL OF US can watch & talk the news better than any single one of us.

Now . . .

Here are the basics after discussion of recent/constant Westport car-break-ins . . .



Betty Rae's Owner & local milkman Matt Shatto sent a reply to a friend that called out Mayor Q for never meeting to discuss crime. Even worse, Shatto seems committed to moving his biz out of town amid so much frustration with KCMO property crime.

Surprisingly, Mayor Q replied and offered to meet again but also chided Mr. Shatto for "personal attacks" and unwillingness to work on solutions.

It's a worthwhile conversation . . . And we hope it continues for the sake of all KCMO small biz owners.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com screenshots . . .

Again, here's the reply . . .

Developing . . .
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled Johnsonville brand smoked beef sausages and smoked beef cheddar cheese sausages due incorrect best-before dates.

The products were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec.

Metro confirmed the sausages were sold at Metro and Food Basics stores in Ontario.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

The CFIA recall notice issued on Nov. 1 lists this particular recall as a Class III.

According to the CFIA, a Class III recall means there is a low risk that consuming the food may result in any undesirable health problems.

The CFIA says this class also includes food that do not pose a health risk, but that do not comply with legislation.

What products are impacted?

What should you do?

The CFIA tells people to do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected products.
Weather Alert

Rainfall and strong winds expected Sunday. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. What: Wind gusts of 60 to 80 km/h. Total rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 mm. When: Early Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon. Additional information: Showers with a risk of thunderstorms are expected. Southerly winds will shift to westerly with the passage of a cold front Sunday afternoon kicking up strong wind gusts along with it. Localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads are possible. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. Utility outages may occur. For information concerning flooding, please consult your local Conservation Authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources office. Visit Ontario.ca/floods for the latest details. ### Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
The Islands of Sicily DMO, supported by the Sicilian Regional Government, captivated the travel industry at the World Travel Market in London from 5th to 7th November, showcasing the islands' stunning natural and cultural heritage.



(TRAVPR.COM) ITALY - November 10th, 2024 - London, 7th November 2024  The Islands of Sicily DMO, in collaboration with the Sicilian Regional Government, brought the charm of Sicilys islands to the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Attendees discovered a range of experiences, from UNESCO sites to Marine Protected Areas, volcanoes, and archaeological wonders.

Christian Del Bono, President of the DMO, emphasised the islands' unique appeal for British travellers, highlighting accessible, sustainable tourism experiences such as wine tours, boat excursions, trekking, and diving. A new Destination Management System (DMS) was also announced, aimed at aggregating local offers for global promotion.

With these initiatives, the DMO continues to grow its international presence. Follow the latest updates and plan your next trip to the Islands of Sicily.

About Islands of Sicily DMO

The Islands of Sicily DMO promotes the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Sicilys smaller islands through sustainable tourism and strategic international partnerships.

Contact Information

Christian Del Bono

Islands of Sicily DMO

info@islandsofsicily.com

www.islandsofsicily.com

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Over the years, the Belt and Road Initiative has promoted practical cooperation, and become an important driving force for the good of China and Peru, Latin America and the world at large. LIMA, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- An annual meeting on practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was held here in Peru's capital Friday, focusing on new opportunities available within the framework. The event was jointly organized by the China Economic Information Service of Xinhua News Agency, Peru's Andina News Agency and the China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. Attendees had an in-depth discussion on bilateral cooperation under the BRI framework and future development. Over the years, the BRI has promoted practical cooperation, and become an important driving force for the good of both countries, Latin America and the world at large. Peru is one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations and a comprehensive strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China. It is also the first Latin American country to sign a package of free trade agreements with China. Since China and Peru signed the memorandum of understanding on BRI cooperation in 2019, bilateral cooperation has achieved fruitful results, with increasingly close collaboration in economy, trade, finance, culture and other fields. Thanks to the cooperation, Peruvian alpaca dolls have enjoyed tremendous popularity in China, and Peruvian blueberries, grapes, avocados and other agricultural products are also widely welcomed by Chinese consumers. China has been Peru's largest trading partner and largest export market for 10 consecutive years. The fruitful practical cooperation between the two countries embodies the common aspiration of the two peoples for joint development and shows bright prospects for future cooperation. Both China and Peru have a rich history and a splendid civilization, and the people of the two countries, though thousands of miles apart, share a strong friendship and similar ideas. Peru is one of the Latin American countries where Chinese immigrants first arrived and settled in large numbers. In recent years, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly close, with more and more Chinese tourists visiting Peru. The Congress of Peru in May designated Feb. 1 as the "Peru-China Fraternity Day." At present, BRI cooperation has entered a new stage of high-quality development, which will inject fresh impetus into the joint efforts by China, Latin America and other countries from the Global South toward modernization. Take the Chancay Port project, a landmark project of the two countries' BRI cooperation, as an example. It will not only help Peru improve its shipping efficiency but also effectively promote the development of its science and technology and industrialization. The project has created 1,300 direct jobs and about 8,000 indirect jobs for locals. After completion, the port will become a new maritime hub connecting Latin America and Asia. Looking ahead, the two countries are expected to continue to join hands in exploring new opportunities within the BRI framework. The cooperation between China and Peru will contribute to mutual prosperity in both countries, Latin America, and the world at large.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

Today, we discussed the issues of climate finance with Mamadou Samake, Minister of the Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development of Mali.

Speaking on behalf of the Republic of Mali, Minister Samake thanked Azerbaijan for hosting the global summit and highlighted the close ties between the two nations. "First of all, I want to thank the Republic of Azerbaijan for organizing this COP29, on behalf of the Republic of Mali. We are pleased to be here," he said, adding that recent high-level meetings between Azerbaijani and Malian officials underscored the friendly relations between the countries.

Minister Samake outlined Malis primary goals for COP29, stressing the critical importance of financial support for developing nations as they address climate change. "Our expectation for this COP is about the financial side, he said. Recalling the commitments made at COP28 in Dubai, he expressed hope that leaders would now act on those promises: "We had many promises about finance. Now, the time is to mobilize this finance and to enhance this finance".

The minister emphasized the significant gap between the current level of climate finance available and the escalating needs of countries like Mali. "The need of global finance of climate change today is very, very important," he explained. "The gap of finance which are mobilized now and the need, the gap is very, very important".

According to the minister, reducing this financial gap is essential to advancing critical projects, including infrastructure for adaptation, green energy initiatives, and the broader energy transition needed to move toward lower emissions. "The need today to mobilize finance and to reduce this gap and to be able to finance adaptation and to finance our infrastructure projects and green projects. That is our main expectation," he stated, calling on international leaders to prioritize financial commitments.

Minister Samake reiterated Malis commitment to addressing climate change, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in COP29 and for the chance to call for decisive action on climate finance. "Mobilize, mobilize finance," he urged, underscoring Malis hopes that this conference will lead to meaningful progress in climate funding.
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Arab-Islamic Summit urged to take responsibility of Jerusalem

The Palestinian Resistance Groups have urged the Arab Islamic Summit to take responsibility of Jerusalem, which they said is undergoing a systematic Israeli Judiasation campaign

Monday November 11, 2024 11:56 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

[Illegal settlers regularly storm the sacred Al Aqsa complex, clash with worshippers and incite violence (File image)]

Gaza Strip (Palestine): The Palestinian Resistance Groups have urged the Arab Islamic Summit to take responsibility of Jerusalem, which they said is undergoing a systematic Israeli Judiasation campaign.

"It is time for the Islamic nations to fulfil their religious and political duties towards the Holy City, which is facing an extensive Judiasation campaign by the Israeli occupying government, Hamas Political Bureau Member Haroun Nasser al-Din said in a statement.

Jerusalem is currently under the Zionist occupation. Though Masjid Al Aqsa is under the control of Jordan, illegal settlers regularly storm the sacred complex, clash with worshippers and incite violence.

Haroun Nasser al-Din emphasized that Islamic countries possess the necessary resources to exert pressure on global powers to curb Israels occupation and halt its crimes against the Palestinian people and Islamic sanctities.

He also stressed the importance of implementing the resolutions from previous Islamic summits, which rejected any changes to the status of Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to Anadolu Agency.

Underlining the escalating attacks by illegal settlers on Al-Aqsa Mosque and demolitions in Jerusalem, particularly in the Silwan neighborhood, he said the Israeli occupation continues to assert full control over the holy city.

Arab Islamic Summit

The statement came ahead of the Joint Arab Islamic Summit 2024 scheduled to be held in Saudi capital Riyadh today i.e. Monday November 11, 2024.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the summit to discuss the Israeli war on Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories, and Lebanon exactly a year after the last one failed to deliver.

A year ago, the leaders of Arab and Islamic Countries had met in the Saudi capital more than a month after Israel started bombarding Gaza on October 07, 2023.

The summit last year , had ended with statements condemning the Israeli aggressions in Gaza and West Bank, miserably failing to agree on any real action to pressure the Zionist regime in the Occupied Palestine, or its supporter the United States.

As a result, the Israeli occupation forces have massacred more than 43,000 civilians according to the official records whereas close to 300,000 as per unofficial figures, since Oct 7, 2023.

A UN probe the result of which was released three days ago had found more than 70% of those killed in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories are women and children.

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False, Misleading: AMU on Reports Claiming Muslim Reservation

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Monday Nov 11, 2024 reiterated that there is no reservation for Muslims or candidates belonging to any other religion

Monday November 11, 2024 10:57 PM , ummid.com News Network

Aligarh Muslim University: The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Monday Nov 11, 2024 reiterated that there is no reservation for Muslims or candidates belonging to any other religion.

Refuting the reports that there is a quota or reservation for Muslims, the Aligarh Muslim University said the premium institution has no reservation on religious grounds either in admission or recruitments.

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) gives no reservation to Muslim candidates either in admissions in different courses offered by the university or in the recruitment, as has been reported by some media outlets, after the recent Supreme Court judgement, Prof Asim Siddiqui, Member Incharge, Public Relations, AMU, said.

Prof Siddiqui further said that the AMU has an internal quota system for the students, passing out from the schools run by the University.

When these students seek admission in the university they are considered internal for whom 50 percent seats are reserved regardless of their religion or faith, subject to eligibility requirements, Prof Siddiqui emphasised.

Refuting the reports that appeared in a section of media after the SC judgement over the Minority Character of the university Friday, Prof Siddiqui said:

Reports about reserving seats for Muslim candidates in AMU are false and misleading.

The issue of reservation in AMU has been a matter of debate for quite some time and is raised mainly by right wing groups and BJP/RSS supporters.

AMU was founded as the Madrasatul Uloom in 1875 in Aligarh by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and his friends, and evolved into the Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College in 1877.

The College later became AMU in 1920 by an Act of federal Assembly. This Act was passed on the proposal of Muslims who deposited Rs. 30 lakhs with the government as required by the government.

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'... Our brothers in Palestine, Lebanon': Saudi Arabia's strong message at Arab-Islamic Summit

Arab-Islamic Summit 2024: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman or MBS Monday Nov 11, 2024 on behalf of Arab and Muslim leaders expressed in wavering support for their 'brothers' in Palestine and Lebanon

Monday November 11, 2024 8:21 PM , ummid.com News Network

Arab-Islamic Summit 2024: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman or MBS Monday Nov 11, 2024 on behalf of Arab and Muslim leaders expressed in wavering support for their 'brothers' in Palestine and Lebanon.

"We stand with our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon to overcome the devastating humanitarian consequences of the ongoing Israeli aggression", Muhammad bin Salman said in his opening statement during the joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi capital Riyadh.

At the same time, MbS urged the international community to stop the Israeli aggression in Palestine and Lebanon, ensure sovereignty of Iran.

"We urge the international community to uphold international peace and security by immediately halting the Israeli attacks on the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, and ensuring that Israel respects the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran and ceases all hostile actions on Iranian territories", he said in his opening remarks at the Arab Islamic Summit Monday.

HRH the Crown Prince, leaders and heads of delegations participating in the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit pose for a group photo before the start of the event.#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/ESKxTUfr9C  SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) November 11, 2024

The leaders who attended the opening session inculded Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Farrah el-Sisi, President of Syria Bashar al-Assad, King of Jordan Abdullah II, President of State of Palestine Mahmoud Abba and others.

The crown prince also said that Palestine qualifies for full membership in the UN , and stressed the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state.

We launched a global initiative to support the two-state solution, he said.

"Genocide, Criminal Acts"

MbS also called Israeli action in Gaza and other occupied territories "genocide" and "criminal actions against innocent".

The Kingdom reaffirms its condemnation and utter rejection of the genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people, which has resulted in over 150,000 martyrs, wounded, and missing, most of them women and children.

Israel's continued criminal actions against innocent people, its violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its undermining of the Palestinian National Authority's pivotal role in all Palestinian territories will hinder efforts to secure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and establish regional peace.

Muhammed bin Salman also slammed Israel for banning UNRWA and other aid agencies in Gaza.

"The Kingdom condemns the obstruction of the relief efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Palestinian territories, as well as the obstruction of the work of humanitarian organizations providing aid to the Palestinian people", he said.

Joint Arab-Islamic Summit 2024

Saudi Arabia is hosting the summit to discuss the Israeli war on Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories, and Lebanon exactly a year after the last one failed to deliver.

A year ago, the leaders of Arab and Islamic Countries had met in the Saudi capital more than a month after Israel started bombarding Gaza on October 07, 2023.

The summit last year , had ended with statements condemning the Israeli aggressions in Gaza and West Bank, miserably failing to agree on any real action to pressure the Zionist regime in the Occupied Palestine, or its supporter the United States.

As a result, the Israeli occupation forces have massacred more than 43,000 civilians according to the official records whereas close to 300,000 as per unofficial figures, since Oct 7, 2023.

A UN probe the result of which was released three days ago had found more than 70% of those killed in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories are women and children.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Resistance Groups have urged the Arab Islamic Summit to take responsibility of Jerusalem , which they said is undergoing a systematic Israeli Judiasation campaign.

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Sheikh Hasinas Sinking Boat and Indo-Bangla Ties

Today, with the ouster of Hasina and the Awami League, India is quite naturally seeing more than its fair share of criticism and a dip in popularity

Monday November 11, 2024 4:52 PM , Saleem Samad

Days after Donald Trump won a landslide victory in the US presidential election, Ambassador Humayun Kabir, a credible commentator on foreign affairs, said in an interview with an independent newspaper Prothom Alo that the bilateral relationship with Bangladesh and the United States will not be sailing in troubled water, as expected by ousted Sheikh Hasinas loyalists.

I do not foresee any major changes in US-Bangladesh relations, the former diplomat said confidently.

He also said that unlike in South Asian countries, American foreign policy does not change after a change of government, whether the Democrats or Republicans win the election.

It is very rare for an incumbent regime in US polity to engage in witch-hunting of loyalists of the previous government or opposition political party. This, unfortunately, is very common in South Asias revenge political culture.

Dr Muhammad Yunus, Bangladeshs interim governments chief adviser, has congratulated Trump on his election as the new US president, expressing optimism for strengthened bilateral ties and future cooperation.

Anyway, as reported on social media the disgraced Awami League and its exiled leader Sheikh Hasina were upbeat about Trump. They had an impression that his election victory would help Hasina return to power, who is living in exile in Delhi.

The Awami League loyalists believe that Trump, who lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a good friend and in a condemnation of the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christiansin Bangladesh, would lend moral support to Hasina to return to power with the Indian help.

US President-elect Trump, who will be sworn in on January 20, 2025, painted Bangladesh under Dr Yunus as if the country is in a total state of chaos.

Promptly, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, said that Trump was provided wrong information on the contentious religious minorities issue after the interim government took charge in early August.

Meanwhile, Michael Kugelman  a South Asia expert, particularly focused on Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, said US-Bangladesh relations experienced a reset this year.

It began after Bangladeshs election last January, when US President Joe Biden sent Hasina a warmly worded letter, expressing my sincere desire to co-operate in a wide variety of spheres, after many months of bilateral tensions in the lead up to an election that the State Department would categorize as not free or fair.

In a hurry, Hasina sank her Boat (the partys election symbol). And political observers explain that it would be a herculean task to salvage the capsized boat in the years to come.

Obviously, Hasina ignored Bidens warning. She went ahead to hold a flawed parliamentary election for the third consecutive term. The reset truly took off after the mass movement against Hasina last monsoon that brought Yunus to power. The State Department quickly issued a statement saying it stands ready to work with Bangladeshs interim government, says Kugelman.

When she fled, she did not leave any message to her party leaders and members, who were left behind to face the wrath of the Interim Government. In a hurry, Hasina sank her Boat (the partys election symbol). And political observers explain that it would be a herculean task to salvage the capsized boat in the years to come.

Dr Yunus, like the US government, had been critical of Hasinas illiberal and anti-democratic policies, writes Kugelman, the Director of the South Asia Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Netra News, an investigative journalism portal based in Sweden.

However, Trumps election campaign Make America Great Again in his recent social media broadside against Bangladesh should be viewed against the backdrop of US electoral politics, he opined.

Meanwhile, a verified Facebook of Awami League announced observing Shaheed Noor Hossain Day on 10 November, who was killed in police firing in a 1990 student movement during the military rule of Gen Hossain Mohammad Ershads (1982-1990). Less than a month later, dictator Gen Ershad was toppled and imprisoned for corruption.

The Awami League announced at a protest rally at Noor Hossain Square in the capital Dhaka to eliminate undemocratic forces (the interim government of Dr Yunus) and restore the democratic system.

A purported audio message (which could not be verified independently) of Hasina urged the protesters to hold the portrait of Trump. Police detained scores of people having Trumps poster.

Law enforcement crackdown against Awami League with Trump signs has drawn flak from Trumps supporters on Twitter (X) handle @TrumpUpdateH. It says: Bangladesh police arrests Trump supporters for celebrating Trumps victory.

Dr Yunus office also in a press release has made a rebuttal of the news stories in Indian media regarding the crackdown on Trump supporters in Bangladesh.

There have been no arrests or crackdowns on the Trump supporters, said the chief advisers media wing on Sunday night.

The government has vowed to prevent the Awami League protest. The statement described the Awami League as a fascist party and added that the political outfit would not be allowed to hold any gathering anywhere in Bangladesh.

Earlier, Dr Yunus in an interview with the British newspaper Financial Times said there is no place for Hasinas fascist party in Bangladeshs politics.

The inventor of Banking the Poor described the political party (Awami League) of ousted authoritarian leader Hasina as exhibiting all the characteristics of fascism.

He reiterated that Bangladesh would not seek the exiled leaders extradition from India before the International Crimes Tribunals verdict, where she has been accused of crimes against humanity.

The FT writes that political rivals and human rights groups have accused the Awami League of rigging at least three elections (2014, 2018 and 2024), carrying out extrajudicial killings, and politicization of state institutions during Hasinas 15-year tenure (2009-2024).

The students who toppled Hasina from power have been demanding to ban the Awami League. The government has already banned the students wing Chhatra League for mobilization of armed vigilante Helmet Bahini during the Monsoon Revolution.

While the government is debating whether the party should be temporarily suspended from politics, required to reform, or banned entirely.

Regarding the democratization process of the country, the government is in a fix on how to justify when a free, fair, inclusive election is held to form a political government.

The 84-year-old Nobel peace prize winner speculates that the Awami League might disintegrate, but stressed that its fate would not be decided by his interim administration as it was not a political government.

Any decision on whether Awami League could participate in a future election would be decided by a consensus of political parties themselves, he told FT. They have to decide their political space.

On the other hand, Awami Leagues cyber warriors, loyalist intellectuals, journalists and expatriate Bangladesh nationals have been arguing that after Hasina fled to India, she is still recognized as Prime Minister of Bangladesh by New Delhi.

This prompted South Block in New Delhi to explain the status of Hasina. We have repeatedly said that she (Sheikh Hasina) is a former Prime Minister, that is where it stands, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told the journalists in New Delhi last week.

However, India is officially yet to accept that the people of Bangladesh have toppled the Hasinas government. It could be understood from the striking feature of Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankars statement in the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the People) on August 6 (the following day Hasina fled to New Delhi)  a complete failure to mention the Awami League governments egregious violation of human rights, and the killings of over 1,000 students and maimed nearly 30,000 people in 36 days of July and August.

Jaishankar began setting up a context for the peoples uprising saying that there had been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization in Bangladesh politics since the January election.

This underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year, he told the Lower House. There was growing violence, including attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, as well as traffic and rail obstructions. The violence continued through the month of July.

The ministers statement does not hint that Hasinas government reacted with overwhelmingly excessive force against students, and police opened fire on protesters with live rounds, writes Tanim Ahmed in an independent newspaper The Daily Star.

Since the Indian external affairs minister glosses over the former governments brutality, it appears to paint the anti-government movement behind Hasinas fall with a nefarious intention from its genesis  which fits into the Awami Leagues narrative  that this was a movement fomented by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami or even external forces such as the US.

In fact, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami took advantage of what turned into a bloody anti-government campaign and publicly supported the student movement.

Back to Jaishankars statement, when he says, Events took a very serious turn. His deliberate disregard for brewing tension among Bangladeshis, Awami Leagues intolerance for dissent and telltale signs of the Hasina regime turning into a classic autocrat show a rather myopic and oversimplified Indian take on what is happening in Bangladesh.

Jaishankars articulate and witty tete-a-tete with journalists or at discussion panels around the world convincingly demonstrates that he lacks the caliber to appreciate these nuances. One wonders, then, if he had not been properly briefed by his aides on what happened in Bangladesh.

Tanim Ahmed concludes that the Indian establishment had built relations with the Awami League instead of Bangladesh.

The South Blocks Look East policy was to keep Hasina in good humor and continued to support Awami League for expedience despite its faults, and in the process alienated the people of the country.

In a contradiction to the philosophy of Chanakya (375283 BCE), an ancient Indian master of diplomatic strategy, the debacle created by South Block was putting all eggs in one basket of Hasina. When the eggs are spoiled, the damage control is not effectively working.

Today, with the ouster of Hasina and the Awami League, India is quite naturally seeing more than its fair share of criticism and a dip in popularity.

[Saleem Samad is an award-winning independent journalist based in Bangladesh. A media rights defender with the Reporters Without Borders (@RSF_inter). Recipient of Ashoka Fellowship and Hellman-Hammett Award. He could be reached at saleemsamad@hotmail.com; Twitter (X): @saleemsamad. The above article is first published in the Stratheia Policy Journal, 11 November 2024.]

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Trump 2.0 and Its Impact on Muslim World

Donald Trumps re-entry in the White House is seen with a bated breath all over the world, especially the Muslim nations across the globe, as the world waits to see in which manner his current presidency will run

Monday November 11, 2024 11:10 AM , Asad Mirza

[Trump at Arab Islamic American Summit in 2017.]

Donald Trumps re-entry in the White House is seen with a bated breath all over the world, especially the Muslim nations across the globe, as the world waits to see in which manner his current presidency will run.

Will it be America First like the previous one or a rather tolerant one while dealing with the Muslim nations in particular.

Donald Trump has reclaimed the US presidency after a four-year absence, becoming the 47th American president and signalling a return to his approach of prioritising US interests and assessing alliances based on the strength and alignment of other nations.

Leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabias Mohammed bin Salman may anticipate smoother negotiations with reduced scrutiny, while Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to welcome a supportive, familiar ally in Donald Trump.

However, Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky may face challenges, as Donald Trump tends to prioritise countries that align with US policies or show strength. The same rule may apply to his future dealings with Chinas Xi Jinping.

Besides the world leaders who will be seen as either friends or foes in Trumps world, India and several other countries are likely to be viewed as winners with his return to the White House, but the biggest test of his presidency will be resetting the ties with Muslim nations, most of whom have grown more anti-America during the past four years.

Trump's Muslim Allies

Among the Muslim nations, the most obvious and an old-time ally of the US is Saudi Arabia. But under the stewardship of Crown Prince Saudi Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, Trump would definitely like to revive efforts for a long-awaited security pact with the US.

Trump, who played a key role in the Abraham Accords that established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations, is expected to focus on expanding this framework to include Saudi Arabia, also.

If Trump succeeds in brokering a peace deal between Israel and the kingdom, it could pave the way for the US to extend its security support to Saudi Arabia. This would allow the kingdom to shift its focus to economic development and reduce concerns over potential threats from Iran.

Another Muslim nation to watch for an upswing in bilateral ties would be Turkey. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may look forward to improved relations under a Trump presidency. Erdogan and Trump have maintained a friendly rapport, Trumps return could provide Erdogan with more direct access to Washington.

Trumps anti-war stance and focus on trade could benefit Erdogan, but his criticism of Israel may create tensions. Additionally, Turkey's recent moves to strengthen ties with China might present challenges in balancing its relations with the US.

Iran, another dominant player in the middle eastern politics has so far downplayed the impact of Trumps return, but his presidency closes the door to diplomacy on its nuclear program, which Tehran had hoped could ease its sanctions-stricken economy.

Trump, Iran and Palestine

A strong supporter of Israel, Trump applied a maximum pressure policy towards Iran during his first term. He may further isolate Iran by tightening the US sanctions he previously imposed. However, Trump will face a changed region, as Iran has recently strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of which had backed the maximum pressure approach.

The livelihoods of Iranians will not be affected by the US election, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani told reporters after a cabinet meeting in the capital, Tehran.

The US elections are not really our business. Our policies are steady and dont change based on individuals. We made the necessary predictions before and there will not be change in peoples livelihoods, she said.

As far as the Palestine issue is concerned, it is less clear how Trump would deal with the West Asian war. His steadfast support for Benjamin Netanyahu would certainly give him better leverage over him than a wavering Biden administration has had. Exploiting this to further an initiative that he commenced with the Abraham Accords will be a formidable test of his deal-making abilities.

He has backed Israel in its fight against Hamas in Gaza but has urged it to wrap up its offensive. Trump can be expected to continue the Biden administrations policy of arming Israel. Trump has claimed he will bring peace to Ukraine, curb China's unfair trade practices, force allies to pay up, and prevent further shocks like the October 7 attacks in Israel  all because decision-makers around the world fear what he will do if they defy him.

About other Muslim countries, the US is assured of its continued relationship with other regional powers like Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated Trump on his electoral victory, Jordanian King Abdullah II also extended his congratulations to President-elect Trump, according to a post on his X account. President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan sent a congratulatory message to Trump on his victory.

Other Muslim nations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia also played the usual bonhomie tune while congratulating the new American president-elect. Afghanistan expressed hope that there would be concrete progress in relations between the two countries and that both countries would be able to open a new chapter of relations considering mutual interaction.

It is expected that Mr. Trump will play a constructive role in ending the current war in the region and the world, especially in Gaza and Lebanon.

Noting the 2020 Doha peace deal signed during the previous Trump administration, which ended the 20-year-long occupation of Afghanistan, spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said Kabul hopes the future administration in Washington will take realistic steps in the light of a balanced foreign policy so that there could be a solid development, vis-a-vis relations, between the two countries.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged a further strengthening of the US-Pakistan partnership. Bangladeshs transitional government chief Muhammad Yunus also congratulated Trump on his victory.

Calling Trumps win a remarkable political comeback, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the US remains Malaysias largest source of foreign investment and a vital player in the Asia-Pacific region and Malaysia hopes that America will reinvigorate its engagement with Southeast Asian region.

However, most of these congratulatory messages are routine messages and no one could exactly predict the future course of the American foreign policy, because for another four years it would be led by a maverick, who is usually not bogged down by the real politik or issues but by his own sense of profit.

He may impose a travel ban on travellers from Muslim nations, as promised during his campaign or just like a statement made during the campaign while addressing the Arab-American Muslims in Michigan he may stop arms supply to Israel, an unfathomable promise to keep, but with Trump you really do not know, until after it has happened, just like his re-election.

(The writer, Asad Mirza. is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on international and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.)

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. An agreement has been signed within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and IntelliGrid, a joint venture of the Esyasoft holding and the Presight company, a source in SOCAR told Trend.

The agreement envisions implementation of the smart gas grid management system throughout the service area of the Azerigas production association.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SOCAR Mikayil Jabbarov, and the Chief Executive Officer for Digital Transformation at International Holding Company (IHC) Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia.

The document was signed by the President of SOCAR Rovshan Najaf, and the Chief Executive Officer of IntelliGrid Bipin Chandra.

According to the signed document, IntelliGrid's artificial intelligence capabilities will be used to integrate data analysis, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring into the gas distribution network, optimizing gas consumption, minimizing losses, and improving overall operational efficiency.

The opening ceremony of the much-anticipated COP29 conference has kicked off today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

Representatives, leaders, and climate experts from around the globe gathered to mark the beginning of what is set to be one of the largest climate events of the year.

The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 of last year.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the conventions implementation.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless otherwise agreed, COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn.

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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.
Donald Trump is back in the White House, and American students who are not politically similar to Republican policies are not too keen to start or finish their studies.

These sentiments were supported by a recent major increase in the number of students inquiring about how to study abroad.

Recorded by Studyportrals, and shared by University World News, the jump in interest in international education options was five-fold and was just a day after the results of the election night.

To compare, between mid-August and early November, they typically receive 2,000 to 3,000 inquiries from American students on a daily basis. However, on November 6 or the day Trump won over Kamala, the number shot up to more than 10,800. The top destinations were Canada, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK,

Students During the Trump Admin

Now, this is not the first time students expressed dissatisfaction with Trump. In 2016, when he was first elected, there was also a shift in education plans with some rethinking their opportunities at home by inquiring in international studies or in countries where they are more politically aligned.

Google, in particular, found an increase in searches about students moving to Canada following Trump's victory, which was the same in 2016 as well, per Business Insider. Besides students, American adults with children already going to school are also exploring the idea of settling in other countries.

Notably, not a lot of students follow through with their plans to study abroad due to insufficient access to resources like financial expenses. Regardless, experts believe that Americans studying abroad is still beneficial to the country as it can promote global understanding and even strengthen international relations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Climate change affects all segments of society, and youth must intensify their efforts to achieve zero emissions. Both international organizations and national governments must support the initiatives taken by youth to combat climate change, ensuring that future generations can live in a clean environment, Mongolian environmental rights advocate Enkhun Byambadorj said at the YNA's COP29 Youth Leadership Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

Byambadorj noted that Azerbaijani youth have shown strong engagement at COP29, underscoring their commitment to addressing climate change. She expressed confidence that positive outcomes will be achieved during the conference.

COP29 is organized at a high level in Azerbaijan. Hosting the event in Baku demonstrates the importance the Azerbaijani government places on the climate change issue. We aim to establish connections and collaborate with organizations in Azerbaijan working on climate-related issues, she added.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened today at the Baku Olympic Stadium. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date and is the first time the region has hosted the event in Azerbaijan. Within COP29, the highest-level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies, and other topics.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5C pledge by bringing everyone together.

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.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ambassador of Republic of Turkiye to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu here on Monday discussed various aspects of historical and longstanding brotherly ties between the two countries, particularly the growing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and defense

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ambassador of Republic of Turkiye to Pakistan, Irfan Neziroglu here on Monday discussed various aspects of historical and longstanding brotherly ties between the two countries, particularly the growing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and defense.

According to press release issued by finance ministry, the ambassador called on the federal minister during which Aurangzeb welcomed him on his diplomatic assignment in Pakistan. He highlighted the historical and fraternal bonds and the great potential for enhancing the current volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkiye.

The Minister also recalled his meeting with Mehmet Simsek, Turkiyes Treasury and Finance Minister, in Washngton DC on the sidelines of the World Bank Group/IMF Annual Meetings 2024 in Washington DC last month.

He said Pakistan could learn from Turkiyes experience of power sector reforms and invited Turkish firms to enter into mutually beneficial joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts, particularly in the field of information technology and agriculture.

Irfan Neziroglu expressed his appreciation for the economic reforms and the resultant macroeconomic stability in Pakistan.

He assured his full commitment and support for further strengthening the ties between both the nations' relations.
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Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, on Monday welcomed senior officials from Maersk Line, the Danish shipping giant, in a key meeting ahead of the Danish Foreign Minister's visit to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, on Monday welcomed senior officials from Maersk Line, the Danish shipping giant, in a key meeting ahead of the Danish Foreign Minister's visit to Pakistan.

During the meeting, Minister Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh emphasized Pakistan's readiness to collaborate with Maersk Line, which has committed to a landmark investment of USD 2 billion in the country's maritime sector.

Qaiser Ahmed described this investment as a significant achievement for Pakistans shipping and logistics industry, underscoring the potential for long-term economic benefits from enhanced cooperation.

The officials of Maersk Line expressed full confidence in the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, stating their satisfaction with the groundwork established for this major investment breakthrough.

Minister Qaiser Ahmed reassured Maersk officials of the Ministry's full support in facilitating their operations and addressing any challenges that may arise.

We are fully prepared to work with Maersk Line and ensure a smooth and efficient process for their investment, Minister said.

Qaiser Ahmed added that the terms of the partnership were being finalized, with todays meeting proving invaluable for establishing mutual understanding ahead of a formal agreement.

The Minister expressed optimism that this collaboration would pave the way for further foreign investment and contribute to Pakistans maritime infrastructure growth.

In concluding the discussion, Minister Shaikh reiterated the governments commitment to addressing any emerging issues to fully support and encourage Maersk's investment.

This partnership is expected to generate numerous opportunities in port development, job creation, and overall economic growth, further solidifying Pakistans position as a key player in the global shipping industry.
PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) The E-courts, established by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Service Tribunal have disposed of around 75 percent of cases, said the tribunal on Monday.

Since its introduction by the KP Service Tribunal, the E-courts were contributing a swift disposal of cases, registered by the litigants online.

It said that litigants from the far-flung areas were also benefiting from the E-courts as online services were being provided to the applicants and their lawyers.

Under the E-courts, the judges have also been provided with online dashboards for hearing of the cases. The litigants have expressed satisfaction over the swift performance of E-courts for redressal of their grievances.
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Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Polices Shalimar teams on Monday apprehended 39 individuals in a targeted operation against illegal sheesha cafes and seized sheesha equipment, hookahs, various flavors, and weapons with ammunition from the suspects

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Polices Shalimar teams on Monday apprehended 39 individuals in a targeted operation against illegal sheesha cafes and seized sheesha equipment, hookahs, various flavors, and weapons with ammunition from the suspects.

A police spokesperson told APP that, Shalimar Police teams intensified crackdown against the Sheesha centers in order to eliminate this menace from the city and special efforts were also taken against the accused involved in immoral activities.

In this regard, the Shalimar police station team apprehended 39 accused during the crackdown against sheesha cafes. Police team also recovered sheesha, hookah, flavors and weapons with ammunition from their possessions.

The arrested accused was also shifted to the police station for further legal proceedings.

DIG Syed Ali Raza said that the Islamabad Police is actively working to ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property, emphasizing that no elements will be allowed to disrupt citizens' peace. Protecting the lives, property, and dignity of citizens is the Islamabad Police's top priority, DIG added.

Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activities to the relevant police station, emergency helpline "Pukar-15" to help make the city crime-free through cooperation between the police and the public.
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Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth conceded Monday that his coalition was heading for a major drubbing in hotly disputed legislative elections, paving the way for the opposition to take power

Port Louis, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth conceded Monday that his coalition was heading for a major drubbing in hotly disputed legislative elections, paving the way for the opposition to take power.

Final results from Sunday's vote have yet to be released, but opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam looked set to become prime minister for the third time at the head of his Alliance of Change coalition.

Jugnauth said his Lepep alliance, led by his Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), was "heading towards a huge defeat" after the elections in one of Africa's most stable and prosperous democracies.

"The people have chosen another team to lead the country," Jugnauth, who has been prime minister of the Indian Ocean island nation since 2017, told reporters.

"We must respect this choice... and we wish the country and the population good luck."

Results are likely to be announced later Monday, with delays in counting caused by some election day incidents as officials were taking ballot boxes from polling stations to tallying centres, media reports said.

The winner-takes-all election model means single coalitions often dominate the 70-seat National Assembly.

Sixty-two seats were up for grabs Sunday, with the remaining eight allocated under what is dubbed the "best loser" system.

Only last month, Jugnauth was celebrating a historic deal with Britain for Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands following a long-running dispute.

Jugnauth, who first became prime minister after his father stepped down and then won the 2019 election, had portrayed himself as the candidate for continuity.

But the vote was overshadowed by an explosive wire-tapping scandal, when secretly recorded phone calls of politicians, diplomats, members of civil society and journalists were leaked online.

The revelations led the authorities to impose a social media ban just days ahead of the election, before it was lifted in the face of media and opposition outrage.

The move nevertheless added to concerns that Mauritius's much-vaunted democracy and civil liberties were being gradually eroded.

During the campaign, both camps promised to improve the lot of ordinary Mauritians who face cost-of-living difficulties despite strong economic growth.

Measures outlined in the Alliance of Change manifesto included the creation of a fund to support families facing hardship, increasing pensions and reducing fuel prices, as well as doing more to tackle corruption and boosting the green economy.

It also called for constitutional and electoral reforms including changing how the president and parliament speaker are chosen.

Both Jugnauth and Ramgoolam are members of dynasties that have dominated the leadership of Mauritius since it became independent from Britain in 1968.

Ramgoolam, 77, is the son of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam -- who led Mauritius to independence -- and served as prime minister between 1995 and 2000 and again from 2005 to 2014.

On Sunday, he had voiced optimism that his bloc would win.

"We are heading towards a big victory tomorrow. The people are waiting for this liberation," he told reporters.

Ramgoolam had warned about the risk of fraud but later said voting went off largely without incident, although police said there were some incidents after polling stations closed.

The majority Hindu nation has seen substantial stability and growth since independence, building an economy based on tourism as well as financial services and textile manufacturing.

Gross domestic product per capita in 2022 was more than $10,000, according to the World Bank. However, analysts have highlighted growing concerns about governance and corruption.

The island is renowned for its spectacular palm-fringed white beaches and turquoise waters, attracting 1.3 million visitors last year.

The Chagos deal was hailed as the completion of the "decolonization" of Mauritius, though Britain will retain a lease for a joint US military base on the island of Diego Garcia for an "initial" 99 years.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that efforts to revive Pakistan Steel Mill are making progress as an online meeting is scheduled for next week between Pakistani experts and representatives from Russia, which will be followed by an on-site visit from a Russian delegation to the Steel Mill

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that efforts to revive Pakistan Steel Mill are making progress as an online meeting is scheduled for next week between Pakistani experts and representatives from Russia, which will be followed by an on-site visit from a Russian delegation to the Steel Mill. It marks a significant advancement in the mills restoration.

This development was discussed during a meeting between CM Syed Murad Ali Shah and Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev, who visited him at the Chief Minister's House on Monday.

CM Shah was accompanied by his Secretary, Raheem Shaikh, while the Russian Ambassador was joined by Russian Consul General Andrey Fedorov, Third Secretary Pavel Iamanov, and Attache Ekaterina Zhigach.

At the start of the meeting, CM Shah emphasised the historical importance of the Pakistan Steel Mill, which was established in Karachi in 1974 with assistance from the Russian government during Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos tenure. He added, The Steel Mill was a gift from Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and has provided employment to people from across Pakistan. He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party has a strong commitment to the mill's revival.

According to the Russian Ambassador, the upcoming online meeting will involve discussions on the technical aspects of the project, including participation from a representative of the Sindh Industries Department.

Following this, the Russian delegation will visit the Steel Mill for further assessments. The CM and Ambassador Khorev agreed that a modern plant will be installed to replace the outdated infrastructure, with hopes that this revival will restore employment for its workers.

CM Shah and Ambassador Khorev discussed potential investment opportunities in Sindh.

The ambassador expressed interest from Russian companies in investing in Karachis public transportation, specifically by introducing electric buses. CM Shah instructed Secretary Raheem Shaikh to coordinate with the Transport Department for necessary collaboration on this initiative.

Ambassador Khorev also expressed a desire to establish Russian cultural centers in various cities within Sindh to promote art, music, and language, thereby strengthening cultural ties between Russia and Pakistan. CM Shah assured him that the Culture Department would coordinate with the Russian Consulate in Karachi.
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A delegation led by Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Ministers Coordinator for Climate Change, has arrived in Baku, Azerbaijans capital, on Monday to participate in COP29

BAKU, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) A delegation led by Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Ministers Coordinator for Climate Change, has arrived in Baku, Azerbaijans capital, on Monday to participate in COP29.

The delegation, which includes Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Climate Change Atiq Ur Rahman, senior officials, researchers, scientists, and other climate specialists, will spotlight Pakistans climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Alam stated that Pakistan intends to showcase its initiatives for climate adaptation and environmental stability, as well as seek new avenues for collaboration with regional and global partners.

She plans to meet with representatives from various countries to push forward the agenda for environmental finance support for developing nations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused Israel of pursuing a long-term agenda to settle in Gaza and eliminate Palestinian presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with the ultimate goal of annexation

RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused Israel of pursuing a long-term agenda to settle in Gaza and eliminate Palestinian presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with the ultimate goal of annexation.

Speaking at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, he alleged that since the onset of Israeli actions in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, approximately 50,000 Palestinians have been killed  70 percent of whom are women and children.

Erdogan emphasized the necessity of a coordinated international response, calling for the imposition of legal measures against individuals responsible for alleged crimes of genocide in Palestine, in alignment with international law and the United Nations Charter. He stressed that differences in opinion should not impede collective efforts towards justice and accountability.

The Turkish president underscored the need for global support of South Africas case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, affirming Turkiyes readiness to implement concrete and realistic measures to highlight the consequences of Israels occupation of Palestinian territories.

Erdogan also urged the international community to bolster Palestinian statehood, noting that since October 7, nine additional nations have recognized the State of Palestine. He lauded the participation of over 90 countries in the recent global alliance meeting held in Riyadh, which focused on advancing a two-state solution to the conflict.

Concluding his remarks, Erdogan expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit, voicing hope that the summits outcomes would contribute to positive change for both Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.
Russian strikes on Monday damaged a dam near the front line in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, Ukrainian authorities said, warning nearby villages could be threatened by rising water levels

Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Russian strikes on Monday damaged a dam near the front line in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, Ukrainian authorities said, warning nearby villages could be threatened by rising water levels.

Ukraine also said Russian attacks killed two people in the centre of the country, with rescue operations ongoing in the city of Kryvyi Rig.

The attacks came after the two warring countries hit each other with massive drone attacks at the weekend and as the long-term future of US support for Ukraine hangs in the air after the election of Donald Trump.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for nearly three years.

Moscow's army is now rapidly advancing in the Donetsk region and is closing in on the town of Kurakhove, which lies next to the reservoir and had a pre-war population of around 10,000 people.

"The Russians damaged the dam of the reservoir of Kurakhove. This strike potentially threatens residents of settlements on the Vovcha River, both in Donetsk and Dnipro regions," the region's Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

"As of 16:00, the water level in the river within the Velykonovosilkivska community has risen by 1.2 metres (four feet). No flooding has been reported so far!" he posted on social media.

The dam lies in the village of Stari Terny, west of Kurakhove.

International environmental groups have warned of the devastating effects of Russia's invasion on Ukraine's nature.

In June last year, a massive Soviet-era dam in Ukraine's southern Kherson region was blown up, pouring billions of litres of water downstream and flooding dozens of villages on the banks of the Dnipro River.

Kyiv said Russia, whose troops controlled the dam at the time, blew it up to thwart a Ukrainian counter-offensive. Moscow blamed Ukraine.

Dozens were killed in the floods that followed the blast, which has also caused vast environmental damage to southern Ukraine.

- Attacks on central Ukraine -

Russia also targeted the central Ukrainian cities of Nikopol and Kryvyi Rig on Monday.

Moscow's shelling killed two people in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region governor Sergiy Lysak said.

In Kryvyi Rig, the home city of President Volodymyr Zelensky, a search and rescue operation was underway, with at least 14 people wounded after Russian strikes on the city.

"Emergency workers are dismantling the rubble," Lysak said.

"A woman and three children may be trapped there," he added, publishing a photo of a seriously damaged block of flats.
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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has consistently championed Arab unity, providing steadfast support to Arab nations, particularly evident in its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause and Lebanons resilience

RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has consistently championed Arab unity, providing steadfast support to Arab nations, particularly evident in its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause and Lebanons resilience.

Saudi Arabia has persistently advocated for solutions to the Arab-Israeli conflict, working to protect the rights of Palestinians and preserve Islamic holy sites in occupied Jerusalem. This commitment, rooted in Arab and Islamic solidarity, has been recognized at regional and international levels.

In a significant diplomatic effort, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with other Muslim countries, successfully advocated for the passage of United Nations Security Council Resolution 478 in 1980, demanding the withdrawal of all diplomatic missions from Jerusalem.

In October 2000, at the Arab League meeting in Cairo, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz proposed the establishment of the Jerusalem Intifada Fund, initially capitalized at $200 million to support Palestinian families affected by conflict. Additionally, the Kingdom committed $800 million to the Al-Aqsa Fund, to preserve Jerusalems Arab and Islamic heritage.

At the Arab Economic and Development Summit in Kuwait in January 2009, Saudi Arabia pledged $1 billion towards Gazas reconstruction, provided medical aid, and facilitated medical evacuations. This humanitarian response was bolstered by a nationwide fundraising campaign.

Further solidifying its support, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud designated the 2018 Arab Summit in Dhahran as the Jerusalem Summit. At this event, the Kingdom announced contributions of $150 million to Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem and $50 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

After the recent escalation in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Saudi Arabia convened a Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, in consultation with the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Saudi Arabia ranks among the worlds top donors to Palestine, with over $5.3 billion contributed through 290 projects. In the latest crisis, under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has provided substantial humanitarian aid and launched a fundraising campaign, raising more than SAR697 million.

Aid was delivered by air and sea to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Additionally, the Saudi Fund for Development has provided approximately $4.8 billion in development aid to Palestine. In May 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed the recognition of Palestine by Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Armenia, urging other nations to follow suit.

Saudi Arabias relationship with Lebanon, rooted in Arab solidarity, dates back to King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Sauds support for Lebanese independence. This bond has been reinforced over decades, with Saudi Arabia hosting summits dedicated to Lebanons stability and reconstruction.

In 1976, a mini-Arab summit in Riyadh intended to ending Lebanons civil war. Following the 1982 Israeli invasion, Saudi Arabia provided substantial aid and played a key role in peace negotiations, including the Geneva Conference. The 1989 Taif Conference, convened by the Kingdom, culminated in the Taif Agreement, which established a new framework for Lebanese national reconciliation.

Saudi Arabia continued its support in 2006, contributing $50 million in emergency relief following Israeli attacks on Lebanon. At the Paris III Conference in 2007, Saudi Arabia pledged $1 billion for Lebanese development projects, in addition to a $100 million grant for budgetary support.

In response to the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, Saudi Arabia extended full solidarity, coordinating aid deliveries through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. According to the Saudi Aid Platform, Saudi Arabias aid to Lebanon totals over $2.6 billion, covering 123 projects in sectors including education, health, and infrastructure.

In the latest show of support, the Kingdom established a relief air bridge to Lebanon, delivering 22 aircraft filled with medical supplies, shelter materials, and food by November 11, 2024.

The Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit, convened by Saudi Arabia, highlighted unified Arab and Islamic opposition to Israeli actions in Palestine and Lebanon. The summit promoted collaboration with the Arab League, OIC, and African Union to foster international partnerships for regional stability.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

Our next interviewee is Michael Kalito from Zambia, a participant in the COP29 conference.

Climate change is a global issue that concerns the entire world, compelling humanity to take action, Kalito told Trend.

He highlighted the devastating impacts on Africa, including frequent floods and natural disasters.

"In order to tackle these challenges, leaders must come together and engage in discussions. I believe that COP29 is a huge opportunity for all participants to address the pressing issues affecting our world and voice their concerns. By hosting this conference, Azerbaijan is making a significant contribution at the global level," Kalito added.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened today at the Baku Olympic Stadium. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date and is the first time the region has hosted the event in Azerbaijan. Within COP29, the highest-level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies, and other topics.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5C pledge by bringing everyone together.

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.
RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Nov, 2024) Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday voiced grave concerns over unprecedented crisis threatening Lebanons future, citing ongoing Israeli aggression which violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

Speaking at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, he informed that the sustained attacks have claimed over 3,200 lives, including more than 775 children and women, and have left over 4,000 people injured, including medical personnel.

"The escalation has driven many Lebanese to flee their homes, compounding the challenges our country already faces," Mikati told the summit, calling for immediate international support to halt the aggression and work toward sustainable peace.

He reaffirmed Lebanons commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, underscoring the need to strengthen the Lebanese armys presence in the south and to enhance coordination with UN peacekeeping forces. He also emphasized the necessity of extending Lebanese state authority across its borders to ensure stability and security.

In closing, Mikati also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and advocated for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, urging the international community to step up its efforts to end the crisis.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday called on Arab and Islamic nations to press the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly to suspend Israel's UN membership if it does not comply with international law and its commitments

RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday called on Arab and Islamic nations to press the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly to suspend Israel's UN membership if it does not comply with international law and its commitments.

Speaking at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, he emphasized that the actions of Israeli occupation forces necessitate a collective effort to implement Security Council Resolution 2735.

The Palestinian leader urged member states to reevaluate their relationships with Israel, urging a halt to any normalization with the occupying power. "The international community must recognize Israels continuous non-compliance with international law," he said, adding that the General Assembly resolution urges sanctions on Israel.

President Abbas called upon the summit leaders to protect Jerusalem and its residents, safeguard the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and maintain the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian sites in the Holy City.

He further emphasized the need to back the State of Palestine's bid for full UN membership, implement the Arab Peace Initiative, and gather international support to help the Palestinian government bolster its people's resilience and national unity.

The Palestinian president appealed for economic support, asking the Arab and Islamic states to pressure Israel to release Palestinian funds and create a financial safety net to sustain the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Palestine.

President Abbas also announced the establishment of mechanisms, committees, and agencies within the Palestinian government to manage the Gaza Strip under the jurisdiction of the State of Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

He expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their dedication to the Palestinian cause and their efforts in hosting the summit.

President Abbas thanked the leaders present for their continued support of the Palestinian people and the vision of an independent Palestinian state as a foundation for peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday joined the Muslim world leaders as they gathered here at the second Joint Arab-Islamic Summit convened to discuss the situation caused by the Israel's barbarism and escalating violence in the Palestinian and Lebanese territories

RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday joined the Muslim world leaders as they gathered here at the second Joint Arab-Islamic Summit convened to discuss the situation caused by the Israel's barbarism and escalating violence in the Palestinian and Lebanese territories.

Accompanied by the cabinet members, the prime minister arrived here on Sunday night to address the moot where he will present Pakistan's viewpoint on Israel's aggression in Gaza, Palestine, and other areas.

The heads of state and government and senior officials from the Arab League and the OIC member countries are participating in the event.

At the Summit, the prime minister will call for an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza; an urgent and unconditional ceasefire; and immediate cessation of the ongoing Israeli adventurism in the region that is endangering the security of the countries in the Middle East.

He will also advocate for providing international protection for the Palestinian people; and for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the borders of 4 June 1967, with Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Azerbaijans "Azerenerji" and "Azerishig" OJSCs have presented an expansive pavilion in the Green Zone as part of COP29 in Baku, the former OJSC said in a statement, Trend reports.

The pavilion opened today, attracting a wide range of visitors who toured the space. Extensive information was provided to them through models, presentations, and promotional brochures, highlighting the companies' significant contributions to renewable energy development in Azerbaijan.

Notably, Azerenerji shared details about its decarbonization efforts, including the construction of 32 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 270 megawatts in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, which have been designated as a "green energy zone." These initiatives have sparked considerable interest among conference guests.

Throughout COP29, "Azerenerji" plans to host 6 events, 5 signing ceremonies, and several meetings with prominent leaders from international energy companies in the COP29 Green Zone.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date and is the first time the region has hosted the event in Azerbaijan. Within COP29, the highest level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance. The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies, and other topics.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5C pledge by bringing everyone together.

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.
Revered abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who was the first woman to oversee an American military action during a time of war, was posthumously awarded the rank of general on Monday.

Dozens gathered on Veterans Day at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Maryland's Dorchester County for a formal ceremony making Tubman a one-star brigadier general in the state's National Guard.

Gov. Wes Moore called the occasion not just a great day for Tubman's home state but for all the U.S.

Today, we celebrate a soldier and a person who earned the title of veteran," Moore said. "Today we celebrate one of the greatest authors of the American story.

Tubman escaped slavery herself in 1849, settling in Philadelphia in 1849. Intent on helping others achieve freedom, she established the Underground Railroad network and led other enslaved Black women and men to freedom. She then channeled those experiences as a scout, spy and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War, helping guide 150 Black soldiers on a gunboat raid in South Carolina.

Nobody would have judged Tubman had she chosen to remain in Philadelphia and

coordinate abolitionist efforts from there, Moore said.

She knew that in order to do the work, that meant that she had to go into the lions den, Moore said. She knew that leadership means you have to be willing to do what you are asking others to do.

The reading of the official order was followed by a symbolic pinning ceremony with Tubman's great-great-great-grandniece, Tina Wyatt.

Wyatt hailed her aunt's legacy of tenacity, generosity and faith and agreed Veterans Day applied to her as much as any other service member.

Aunt Harriet was one of those veterans informally, she gave up any rights that she had obtained for herself to be able to fight for others, Wyatt said. She is a selfless person.

Tubman's status as an icon of history has only been further elevated within the last few years. The city of Philadelphia chose a Black artist to make a 14-foot (4.3-meter) bronze statue to go on display next year. In 2022, a Chicago elementary school was renamed for Tubman, replacing the previous namesake, who had racist views. However, plans to put Tubman on the $20 bill have continued to stall.
As officials from around the world gather in Baku for the United Nations climate change conference, civil society groups are highlighting Azerbaijans poor human rights record, including the jailings of more than a dozen journalists over the past year.

COP29, which began Monday, is the U.N.s annual conference on combating global warming. This year, the summit is hosted by Azerbaijan, a country where oil and gas account for about 90% of Azerbaijans export revenues and over half of the state budget, according to a 2024 U.S. State Department report.

Journalists who investigate environmental issues and corruption in the country risk threats, jail or attacks, according to groups including the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Over the past year, Azerbaijani authorities jailed at least 14 journalists over their work. Many of the journalists are facing charges of currency smuggling, which media watchdogs have rejected as bogus.

Ahead of the climate summit, more than a dozen international rights groups called on European leaders to examine Azerbaijans rights record as they travel to the country for the conference.

It is deeply inappropriate for a country with such a repressive human rights record as Azerbaijan  particularly one that so flagrantly and so severely violates press freedom  to be holding the U.N. climate change conference, Gulnoza Said, CPJs Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, told VOA.

States hosting the annual climate conference should model the transparency and accountability needed to address climate change, according to Said.

Instead, what we have is a host state that in the year leading up to COP has cynically embarked on an unprecedented jailing spree against its brightest and most probing reporters, Said told VOA.

The fact that some of these reporters were among the few Azerbaijani journalists who have dared to comment and report critically on environmental issues only serves to highlight how jarring it is for Azerbaijan to be hosting COP29 and make the host state's cynicism and hypocrisy even more glaring, Said added.

In 2023, Azerbaijani authorities blocked journalists from reporting on environmental protests in the village of Soyudlu against toxic waste from a gold mine. Police detained, beat, threatened, or otherwise obstructed the work of at least six journalists who reported on the protests, according to CPJ.

Leyla Mustafayeva, the acting editor-in-chief of the independent outlet Abzas Media, said she finds it strange that the U.N. conference is being hosted "in countries where the human rights records are very negative, and Azerbaijan is one of them.

Several Abzas Media staffers have been jailed over the past year. It was a mass attack, Mustafayeva told VOA from Berlin, where she lives in exile. There is always a threat.

Abzas Media is considered one of the last remaining independent news outlets in Azerbaijan. It is known for its coverage of corruption, including allegations linked to the countrys ruling family.

Azerbaijan scores 23 out of 100 on Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index, where 0 means highly corrupt.

One day after this article was published, Azerbaijans Washington Embassy replied to VOAs email requesting comment.

Azerbaijan has a vibrant journalism tradition, Vugar Gurbanov, a counselor at the embassy, wrote in the email.

Understandably, journalism has nothing to do with permissiveness to engage in illegal activities. If a person is involved in unlawful activities, including illicit financial operations in large amounts, it violates Azerbaijans law, Gurbanov added.

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry did not reply to VOAs email requesting comment for this story.

Among the journalists jailed are Farid Mehralizada, an economist and journalist with the Azerbaijani Service of VOAs sister outlet Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. He has been jailed for more than five months on charges his employer rejects.

The charges against Mehralizada  including conspiring to smuggle foreign currency, illegal entrepreneurship, money laundering, tax evasion and document forgery  carry a combined sentence of up to 12 years behind bars.

Mehralizadas wife Nargiz Mukhtarova said her husbands case highlights the harsh realities facing journalists in Azerbaijan.

It underscores how difficult it is to speak freely and to question those in power. His case is a clear reminder that journalists are often treated as threats rather than contributors to society, and it reflects a troubling disregard for human rights and press freedom in the country, Mukhtarova told VOA.

Mukhtarova said that the problem is Azerbaijan is bigger than just her husbands case.

This is not just about Farid, she said. Its about the countless others who are silenced for wanting to tell the truth.

During the climate conference, Said told VOA that foreign officials visiting Azerbaijan should press Baku on its poor press freedom record.

Without international pressure, Baku is unlikely to change its repressive course, she said.
Donald Trumps supporters in California, a state that went for his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, have been celebrating Trumps presidential election victory. This comes as the states Democratic governor has called for a special legislative session to protect the states progressive policies from a Trump presidency. VOAs Genia Dulot has the report.
California voters have rejected a measure on the November ballot that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor.

The constitution already prohibits so-called involuntary servitude, but an exception allows it to be used as a punishment for crime.

That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates concerned that prisoners are often paid less than $1 an hour for labor such as fighting fires, cleaning cells and doing landscaping work at cemeteries.

The failed Proposition 6 was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers this year as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of discrimination against Black Californians.

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in the package in September to issue a formal apology for the state's legacy of racism against African Americans. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a measure that would have helped Black families reclaim property taken unjustly by the government through eminent domain.

Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about dismantling the remnants of slavery from the books.

While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made significant progress, she said in a statement. We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.

George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Prop 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century. After finding out more about the measure, Eyles decided it likely would not be economically feasible since prison labor helps cut costs for upkeep, he said.

I really couldnt get any in-depth information about ... the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it, Eyles said. If I really cant understand something, then Im usually going to shake my head, No.

Multiple states  including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama and Vermont  have voted to rid their constitutions of forced labor exemptions in recent years, and this week they were joined by Nevada, which passed its own measure.

In Colorado  the first state to get rid of an exception for slavery from its constitution in 2018  incarcerated people alleged in a 2022 lawsuit filed against the corrections department that they were still being forced to work.

Proposition 6s ballot language did not explicitly include the word slavery like measures elsewhere, because the California Constitution was amended in the 1970s to remove an exemption for slavery. But the exception for involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime remained on the books.

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.

Proposition 6 saw the second-least campaign spending among the 10 statewide initiatives on the ballot this year, about $1.9 million, according to the California Secretary of States office. It had no formal opposition.
China has published baselines for a contested shoal in the South China Sea it seized from the Philippines, a move that's likely to increase tensions over overlapping territorial claims.

The Foreign Ministry on Sunday posted online geographic coordinates for the baselines around Scarborough Shoal. A nation's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone are typically defined as the distance from the baselines.

Both China and the Philippines claim Scarborough Shoal and other outcroppings in the South China Sea. China seized the shoal, which lies west of the main Philippine island of Luzon, in 2012 and has since restricted access to Filipino fishermen there. A 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court found that most Chinese claims in the South China Sea were invalid but Beijing refuses to abide by it.

Ships from China and the Philippines have collided several times as part of increased confrontations, and the Chinese coast guard has blasted Philippine vessels with water cannons.

China's move came two days after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two laws demarcating the government's claims in the disputed waters.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said that the delimiting of the baselines was in accordance with a U.N. agreement and Chinese law.

"This is a natural step by the Chinese government to lawfully strengthen marine management and is consistent with international law and common practices," it said.

The statement added that one of the laws signed by Marcos, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, violates China's sovereignty in the South China Sea.

"China firmly opposes it and will continue to do everything necessary in accordance with law to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the Foreign Ministry said.

China stakes claim to almost the entirety of the South China Sea. It has a series of disputes with several Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines and Vietnam over territory in the waters, which are part of a key shipping route in Asia.
An intercepted missile fired from Yemen sparked blazes near Jerusalem Monday, and later the Houthi rebels said they carried out a successful attack on central Israel.

The Iran-backed militant group said it executed a "military operation targeting the Nahal Sorek military base" southeast of Jaffa, and that the "hit was accurate and led to a fire."

Meanwhile, the main television news outlet operated by the Houthis said U.S. and British forces carried out a series of airstrikes targeting the Amran and Saada governorates in Yemen.

The Israeli military told Agence France-Presse a projectile from Yemen was intercepted in the Bet Shemesh area west of Jerusalem, and debris from that interception caused fires.

In a statement to the AFP, it said: "Following the sirens that sounded in the Shfelat Yehuda, Yehuda, and Lakhish areas of central Israel, the IAF (Israeli Air Force) intercepted one projectile that approached Israel from the direction of Yemen.

"The projectile did not cross into Israeli territory. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol."

An Iran-backed coalition, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed to have carried out four drone attacks on vital targets in Israel Monday, but did not disclose details about the targets in a series of Telegram posts.

Strikes in Gaza, Lebanon

At least three people were killed Sunday when an Israeli strike hit a tent sheltering a displaced family in the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials reported.

Palestinians reported heavy bombing late Sunday in the western areas of Nuseirat camp, and least 24 people were wounded and taken to the Awda hospital in Nuseirat, the head of the hospitals ambulance service told the Associated Press.

Earlier Sunday in northern Gaza, an Israeli strike on a home sheltering displaced people in the urban refugee camp of Jabaliya killed at least 17 people including nine women, according to Dr. Fadel Naim, director of Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza City.

An Israeli airstrike killed at least 23 people, including seven children, in Aalmat village north of Beirut, far from the areas in the east and south where Hezbollah militants have a major presence. Lebanon's health ministry said another six people were wounded.

There was no Israeli evacuation warning and no immediate Israeli comment on the attack.

The United Nations childrens agency says the war between Israel and Hezbollah has killed more than 200 children in Lebanon.

Lebanons Health Ministry said at least 3,189 people have been killed and over 14,000 wounded in Lebanon in more than a year of conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. Some 1.2 million people have been displaced.

The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, although about one-third of them are believed to be dead.

Israel's counteroffensive has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas militants.

Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union and others.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to meet with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday in Washington as the mid-month deadline approaches for Israel to meet a Biden administration ultimatum that it allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza to assist Palestinians or risk possible restrictions on U.S. military funding.

Information from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters was included in this report.
A prominent human rights group is calling for the deployment of peacekeepers in Sudan, following a recent wave of attacks on civilians in Al Jazirah state widely blamed on the Rapid Support Forces, one of the warring sides in the countrys ongoing conflict.

Human Rights Watch says the situation has become so grim that a mission is needed to protect the population.

According to a local pro-democracy group, the Wad Madani Resistance Committee, 169 people have been killed since the violence started in southeastern Jazirah state on Oct. 20.

The attacks began after a commander for the Rapid Support Forces defected and joined the Sudanese army. Rights groups report that in response, RSF forces entered villages and towns in the area where the commander was from and carried out targeted killings and abuse.

Laetitia Bader, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Africa division, said the violations have added more problems for a population reeling from more than 18 months of war.

"Sudanese women's rights groups have been documenting cases of sexual violence against women and girls in these towns and villages. And we're talking here about over 30 towns and villages which have been attacked in recent weeks, and these attacks are ongoing, Bader said. It led to massive displacement of the civilian population in an area where people had already fled to and from. So it's just adding to the layers of suffering."

The RSF has denied attacking communities in Jazirah state and has accused Sudanese forces of arming local communities.

The RSF and Sudans military have been at war since April of last year. Rival generals lead the parties and are locked in a power struggle.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch and other observers are calling for the deployment of peacekeepers to Jazirah and other parts of Sudan, in hopes of protecting civilians.

Getting a presence on the ground could deter further attacks and help monitor humanitarian obstruction, Bader said, and also play a role in bolstering local cease-fire efforts and efforts by emergency response teams to provide assistance.

Right now the problem is that what is happening at the local level cannot act alone," Bader added.

Ahmed Hashi, a Horn of Africa political and security commentator, said troops are needed, and strong action must be taken against the leaders of the warring groups.

"There is a need to send at least 50,000 United Nations soldiers. There is a need to take the criminal generals to the International Criminal Court and issue a warrant for their arrest, Hashi said. It is important for the United Nations to put its foot down on conflicts because they are going to metastasize into a massive humanitarian catastrophe."

In a report issued last month, the office of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed shock at the human rights violations often witnessed in Sudans western Darfur region being repeated in the Jazirah area.

The United Nations Security Council is slated to discuss the report on Sudan later this month.
Iran's foreign ministry is calling for an arms embargo on Israel and the expulsion of its arch-foe from the United Nations, following a deadly strike in Syria.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran "strongly condemned the aggressive attack carried out by the Zionist regime against a residential building" in the Damascus area.

The strike on an apartment Sunday belonging to the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, killed nine people including a Hezbollah commander, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said.

Baghaei called for measures against Israel, including "an arms embargo" and its "expulsion from the United Nations."

Regional tensions have soared since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, triggered by the Palestinian Hamas militant group's unprecedented attack on Israel.

The conflict has drawn in Tehran-aligned militants in the region and included rare direct attacks between Iran and Israel.

Since Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria, mainly targeting army positions and fighters including from Hezbollah.

Israeli authorities rarely comment on the strikes but have repeatedly said they will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence in Syria.
Israel said on Monday there was progress in talks about a Lebanon cease-fire and indicated Russia could play a part by stopping Hezbollah rearming via Syria, although the Iran-backed group said it had not received any new truce proposals.

Pummeled by Israel's offensive, Hezbollah said diplomatic contacts were under way involving its backers in Tehran, Washington and Moscow, whilst reiterating its readiness to fight on, saying it had enough weapons for a "long war."

In Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the war against Hezbollah was not yet over. The main challenge facing any cease-fire deal would be enforcement, he said, though there was "a certain progress" in talks.

After previous rounds of fruitless U.S.-led diplomacy to secure a Lebanon truce, the comments indicate renewed focus on the issue as President Joe Biden prepares to leave office in January, with President-elect Donald Trump set to replace him.

Hopes of a Gaza truce have meanwhile suffered a setback, with Qatar suspending its mediation role.

Ignited by the war in Gaza, the conflict at the Lebanese-Israeli border had been rumbling on for a year before Israel went on the offensive in late September, pounding wide areas of Lebanon with airstrikes and sending troops into the south.

Saar, addressing a Jerusalem news conference, said Israel was working with the United States on a cease-fire. Israel wants Hezbollah north of the Litani river  some 30 km from the border - and unable to rearm, he said.

Saar said a basic principle for any agreement had to be that Hezbollah would not be able to bring weapons into Lebanon from Syria. "It is vital to the success of any arrangement in Lebanon," he said.

"And the Russians are, as you know, present in Syria. And if they are in agreement with this principle, I think they can contribute effectively to this objective."

Russia deployed forces into Syria nearly a decade ago to support President Bashar al-Assad in the civil war there. Hezbollah also sent fighters to help Assad, and carved out big sway on the ground alongside other Iran-backed groups.

Syria is widely seen as a major conduit for Iran to supply weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Israel has struck targets in Syria regularly during the conflict.

An Israeli airstrike temporarily cut Syria's main Homs-Damascus highway on Monday, Syrian media reported.

In Lebanon, relatives held funerals for 20 people killed in a strike on the southern town of Deir Qanoun-Ras al-Ain, including seven medics from rescue groups affiliated with Hezbollah and its Shiite ally Amal.

'Testing the waters'

In Beirut, Hezbollah official Mohammad Afif linked intensified political contacts to the looming change of U.S. leadership. "There is a great movement between Washington and Moscow and Tehran and a number of capitals," he said.

"We hear a lot of talk, but so far, according to my information, nothing official has reached Lebanon or us in this regard," he told a news conference. The contacts were "in the phase of testing the waters and presenting initial ideas."

Israel Hayom reported on Sunday that substantial progress has been made in diplomatic negotiations over a proposed Lebanon cease-fire that would require Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River, barring its military presence near the Israeli border, while the IDF would return to the international border.

Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel's best-selling newspaper, reported on Monday that Israel and Lebanon have exchanged drafts through U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, signaling progress in efforts to reach a final agreement.

The Lebanese government, which includes Hezbollah, has repeatedly called for a cease-fire based on the full implementation of a U.N. resolution that ended a war between the group and Israel in 2006.

The resolution calls for the area south of the Litani river to be free of all weapons other than those of the Lebanese state. Lebanon and Israel have accused each other of violating the resolution.

Israel says its campaign aims to secure the return home of tens of thousands of people forced to evacuate the north due to rockets fired by Hezbollah, which opened fire on Oct. 8, 2003, in solidarity with Hamas.

Israel's offensive has forced more than 1 million people to flee their homes in Lebanon in the last seven weeks. Since the eruption of hostilities a year ago, Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,189 people in Lebanon, the majority of them since late September, according to health ministry figures, which do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Hezbollah attacks have killed roughly 100 civilians and soldiers in northern Israel, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon over the last year.
Israeli airstrikes killed dozens of people in Lebanon and northern Gaza on Sunday, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have been discussing the way forward for when Trump takes office in January.

The Israeli leader said he has spoken with Trump three times since the U.S. presidential election last week and that they see eye-to-eye on the Iranian threat in all its aspects, and on the dangers they reflect.

Netanyahu said he sees great opportunities facing Israel, in the area of peace and its expansion, but did not expand on his statement.

Before the election, Trump, according to Israeli news accounts, told Netanyahu that he wanted Israel to resolve its wars against two Iranian-supported groups, Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, before his inauguration as president on January 20.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to meet with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday in Washington as the mid-month deadline approaches for Israel to meet a Biden administration ultimatum that it allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza to assist Palestinians or risk possible restrictions on U.S. military funding.

Israeli forces have encircled and largely isolated Jabaliya and the nearby northern Gaza towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun for the past month, allowing in only a trickle of humanitarian aid. Experts from a panel that monitors food security say famine is imminent or may already be happening.



In the Sunday fighting, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 23 people, including seven children, in Aalmat village north of Beirut, far from the areas in the east and south where Hezbollah militants have a major presence. Lebanon's health ministry said another six people were wounded.

Watch related report by Arash Arabasadi:

There was no Israeli evacuation warning and no immediate Israeli comment on the attack.

In northern Gaza, an Israeli strike on a home sheltering displaced people in the urban refugee camp of Jabaliya killed at least 17 people including nine women, according to Dr. Fadel Naim, director of Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza City.

The Israeli military, without offering evidence, said it had targeted a site where militants were operating. It said the details of the strike are under review.

A separate strike hit a house in Gaza City, killing Wael al-Khour, a minister in the Hamas-run government, as well as his wife and three children, according to the Civil Defense first responders who operate under the government.

In Syria, the state news agency SANA said an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in the Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, killing seven civilians. The Britain-based opposition war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, suggested Hezbollah was targeted, but Israel did not offer any immediate comment.

The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, although about one-third of them are believed to be dead.

Israel's counteroffensive has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to local health authorities. The Israeli military says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas militants.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

In an exclusive interview with Trend News Agency, Joao Carlos Soares, Director General of Environment at the Secretary of State for the Environment, Ministry of Coordinating for Economic Affairs of Timor-Leste, shared his countrys priorities and expectations as part of COP29.

According to Soares, Timor-Leste is represented by a delegation of 23 members, ranging from ministers to negotiators, as the nation continues to push for stronger global climate action and financial support.

"First of all, I want to highlight that we are here with a delegation of around 23 delegates, including heads of delegations, alternates, and negotiators," Soares explained. "We started from COP8, and since then, the delegation has been evolving. From the government side, we have representatives from various sectors, including foreign affairs, tourism, environment, agriculture, fisheries, and transport".

As the high-level session of COP29 opened, Soares emphasized the importance of Timor-Leste's active participation in key climate negotiations. "Today is the opening of the high-level session, and yesterday we had a technical coordinating meeting to discuss various issues," he said. "Timor-Leste, as a Least Developed Country (LDC) and Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is part of a specific group focused on these unique challenges".

Soares pointed out that Timor-Leste's climate negotiations are being guided by Adao Soares Barbosa, the country's special envoy and ambassador for climate change. He is also leading the Loss and Damage group, which comprises 47 countries. "One of our key focuses at COP29 is the issue of finance, particularly in relation to loss and damage," Soares explained. "Timor-Leste is committed to pushing for the mobilization of $200 billion for loss and damage, an ambitious goal, but one we believe is essential for addressing the needs of the most vulnerable nations".

He elaborated on Timor-Leste's broader position in the negotiations. "We are not a developed country, nor do we have huge ambitions, but we are committed to doing our part," Soares said. "Based on our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans, and communications, we report regularly on climate issues like sea-level rise and carbon development. Our goal here at COP29 is to negotiate flexibly, taking into account the unique circumstances of each country, and to secure commitments from developed countries and international financial institutions to support our adaptation and mitigation efforts".

With a particular emphasis on climate finance, Soares outlined Timor-Leste's engagement with various funding mechanisms. "We are part of several international funding platforms such as the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, the Adaptation Fund, and bilateral and multilateral funds. We also welcome the recent establishment of the Loss and Damage fund. These are critical resources for countries like Timor-Leste, which rely heavily on external financial support to address the impacts of climate change".

Soares underscored the importance of securing financial resources for adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer, and capacity building. "Our position is clear: we need the international community to honor their commitments and provide the necessary resources for adaptation, mitigation, and technological support. This is not just about financial aid; it is about building the capacity of countries like Timor-Leste to address climate change effectively."

"Timor-Leste is a small island nation with low emissions, but we are facing significant challenges. This COP is crucial for us because we do not have the financial means to rely solely on our state budget," he said. "We need the international community to stand with us, to ensure that our adaptation and mitigation efforts are supported, and that the necessary technology and capacity-building are in place".

As COP29 progresses, Timor-Lestes commitment to climate action and its call for enhanced financial support from the global community remains a priority, with hopes that the discussions in Baku will lead to meaningful outcomes for vulnerable nations. "We are here to represent our people, and we will continue to advocate for the resources and commitments necessary to protect our country and the planet," Soares concluded.
A Swedish Eritrean journalist held incommunicado without charge in Eritrea for more than 23 years won a Swedish rights prize on Monday for his fight for freedom of expression, the jury said.

Dawit Isaak was among a group of around two dozen people, including senior cabinet ministers, members of parliament and independent journalists, who were seized in a purge in September 2001.

He was awarded the Edelstam Prize "for his outstanding contribution and exceptional courage in standing up for freedom of expression, one's beliefs, and in the defense of human rights," the Edelstam Foundation said in a statement.

Amnesty International considers Isaak a prisoner of conscience, and press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says he and his colleagues detained at the same time are the longest-held journalists in the world.

U.N. rights experts have demanded Asmara immediately release him.

Eritrea has provided no news about him, and there are fears he may no longer even be alive. He would be 60 years old.

His daughter Betlehem Isaak will accept the award on his behalf in Stockholm on November 19.

Isaak fled to Sweden in 1987 during Eritrea's struggle against Ethiopia, which eventually led to independence in 1993.

After obtaining Swedish citizenship, he returned to Eritrea in 2001 to help shape the media landscape, and co-founded Setit, the country's first independent newspaper.

He was arrested shortly after the paper published articles demanding political reforms.

Asmara has not provided any information about his whereabouts or health over the years, which U.N. experts in 2021 deemed "extremely concerning.

But they said a credible source had indicated Isaak was still alive in September 2020.

The Edelstam Prize is awarded in memory of Swedish diplomat Harald Edelstam, who as ambassador to Chile at the time of Augusto Pinochet's 1973 military coup granted thousands of Chileans and other Latin Americans safe conduct to, and political asylum in, Sweden.
Mauritius incumbent prime minister Pravind Jugnauth said on Monday that his political alliance was headed for a huge defeat following Sunday's parliamentary election.

"L'Alliance Lepep is heading towards a huge defeat. I have tried to do what I can for the country and the population. The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country," Jugnauth told reporters.

Voters went to the polls to elect lawmakers for the 62 seats in parliament for the next five years, from a list of 68 parties and five political alliances.

Whichever party or coalition gets more than half the seats in parliament also wins the prime minister's post.
Palaus President Surangel Whipps Jr. has secured another term in office after defeating former President Tommy Remengesau Jr. in its Nov. 5 election that was closely monitored. Palau sits on the front line of competition for geopolitical influence between the United States and China in the Pacific Ocean.

Analysts say the outcome shows more Palauan voters support Whipps policy agenda, which includes tax reforms and deeper engagement with the United States.

It seems Palaus closer relationship with the United States under Whipps Jr.s leadership makes sense for the majority of Palauans, said Henryk Szadziewski, an expert on Pacific affairs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

While election authorities still havent finished counting absentee ballots, Whipps has won the vote with one of the biggest margins in Palaus electoral history, 57.5%. Remengesau, who is Whipps brother-in-law, took 41.3%.

Whipps thanked supporters for allowing him to continue building on the progress that his administration has achieved over the last four years.

Your decision to grant me a second term as president is a responsibility I hold with the utmost respect, he said in a statement shared with VOA on Monday.

The president can only have two consecutive four-year terms and must step down after that, but he can run again after a four-year gap in between.

Remengesau has served a total of four terms already.

Separately, the spokesperson for Palaus election commission told Radio New Zealand the following day that it was highly unlikely that Whipps would lose the election.

Meanwhile, in a concession speech broadcast by a local radio station, the Palau Wave Productions, on November 7, Remengesau said the election is finished and the Palauan people have spoken through a peaceful and free election.

Palau has a population of around 20,000 people and is situated around 890 kilometers (550 miles) east of the Philippines. It is one of three Pacific Island countries that receive significant economic support from the U.S. under agreements known as the Compacts of Free Association, or COFA.

Under the accords, the U.S. provides economic aid worth billions of dollars, while Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia give the U.S. exclusive military access to their land, water and airspace, as well as the right to deny China access to their ports and territorial waters.

In September, U.S. lawmakers passed funding for key provisions in COFA for Palau. The U.S. military is also helping to repair a runway on a World War II-era Japanese airfield on the island of Peleliu and installing two radar systems on Palau.

Experts say they expect Palau to keep deepening ties with the U.S. during Whipps second term and relevant efforts will likely include increasing the frequency of U.S. military visits and enhancing connectivity with Palau.

Theres going to be a much stronger U.S. presence in terms of military visits, joint actions to combat transnational crime and illegal fishing, and boost transport and digital connectivity, Meg Keen, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute in Australia, told VOA by phone.

During his first term, Whipps repeatedly said presence is deterrence, referring to the increased U.S. military presence in Palau, and characterized the Pacific island country as part of the U.S. homeland when it comes to security.

In an interview with VOA last month, Whipps said U.S. protection plays a key role in safeguarding Palaus territorial integrity.

Since Palau is small, having the protection of the United States is important because we see whats happening now in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China, he said during an interview at his office in Koror, Palau.

Since 2023, the Chinese and Philippine coast guards have repeatedly confronted each other at several disputed shoals that both sides claim to be their territories. While Beijing views almost the entire South China Sea as its territorial water, a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court found that most Chinese claims in the South China Sea were invalid. Beijing refuses to abide by the ruling.

While many Palauans support the Whipps administrations efforts to deepen security ties with the U.S., some political observers say some Palauans are still concerned about the negative impacts associated with the increased U.S. military presence across the Pacific island country.

Some Palauan people hold this apprehensiveness about the implication of increased U.S. military presence in Palau because they rarely saw U.S. soldiers in military uniforms in the past, Kambes Kesolei, editor of one of Palaus main newspapers, Tia Belau, told VOA by phone.

Some Palauans wonder what they can do to prevent Palau from becoming over-militarized, he added.

In addition to deepening ties with the U.S., some analysts say Palau will maintain its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which could lead to increased coercive pressure from China. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to reunite with the island, by force if necessary.

I expect ties between Palau and Taiwan to remain robust but increasing coercive pressure from the Peoples Republic of China, [PRC,] may increase risks for Palau, which will need strong support from the U.S. and like-minded partners to maintain resiliency against PRC coercion, Parker Novak, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, told VOA in a written response.

Whipps has accused China of weaponizing tourism against Palau and posing a wide range of threats to the Pacific island countrys national security, including cyberattacks and illegal incursion of Palaus territorial water by Chinese vessels.

In 2015 and 2016, tourism numbers from China went through the roof, which helped Palaus economy grow 30%, but since Palau never switched diplomatic recognition [from Taiwan] to China, that number just basically collapsed in the following years, Whipps told VOA.

In response to questions about Whipps claim that China has pressured Palau to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular press conference on November 4 that only a small number of countries, including Palau, still maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

China urges these countries to fulfill their obligations under international law, stand on the right side of history, and make right decisions that truly serve their fundamental and long-term interests at an early date, she said.

While Whipps is likely to remain critical of Chinas attempt to coerce Palau, Keen in Australia said the Palauan president is not going to completely shut the door for China. He is very much wary of how China has used land and tourism to build pressure, but if the investment is in the national interests of Palau, he is willing to consider, she told VOA.
The chief of staff of Saudi Arabia's armed forces, Fayyad al-Ruwaili, visited Tehran on Sunday to meet with his Iranian counterpart and discuss defense ties, state media reported the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff as saying.

The visit follows the election of Donald Trump, who will take office for a second term as U.S. president in January, and who has promised to bring peace to the Middle East.

During his first term, Trump initiated normalizations between Arab states and Iran's regional arch-enemy Israel, known as the Abraham Accords.

Saudi Arabia has not established ties with Israel, but Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has discussed the possibility with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman multiple times over the last years, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

Iran's state media said al-Ruwaili headed a high-level Saudi military delegation in Tehran and met Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri.

Iranian state media said the two military officials discussed various issues, including "the development of defense diplomacy and the expansion of bilateral cooperation."

State media added that Bagheri held a phone call with Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud last year to discuss regional developments and improve defense cooperation between the two countries.

Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the phone, Iranian media said.

Pezeshkian told the crown prince he would not be able to attend a summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh due to his busy schedule and would be dispatching the Iranian first vice president as a representative, the Mehr news agency said.

Tehran and Riyadh agreed in March 2023, via Chinese intermediation, to reestablish relations after seven years of hostility that had threatened stability and security in the Gulf and helped to fuel conflicts in the Middle East from Yemen to Syria.
Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao said on Monday he would sue in a Taiwan court senior Chinese officials over sanctions they had placed on him, saying he was seeking to counter China's intimidation of lawful activity.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, last month said it would punish and sanction Tsao, the retired founder of chipmaker UMC, for alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the "Black Bear Academy" that Tsao has helped fund was seeking to incite separatism that would endanger cross-strait ties.

Tsao, one of Taiwan's richest men who has pledged to provide millions to two civilian defense training programs, told a press conference that China was threatening the lawful holding of political views in Taiwan, and his personal safety.

The lawsuit will be lodged in a Taipei court against Song Tao, head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, and also the office's spokesperson Chen Binhua.

Taiwan courts have no jurisdiction in China and senior Chinese officials do not visit the island.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Cheng Wen-lung, one of Tsao's lawyers, said they understood that neither Song nor Chen would come to Taiwan and there would be no way of enforcing any judgment, but the case was about sending a message to Beijing, given it has been seeking to use legal means to put pressure on Taiwanese persons it does not like.

"Legally, we have to do this," Cheng said. "Taiwan is in a difficult spot, but we have to work hard. You cannot not do anything."

Tsao's team is also looking at suing in a U.S. court under that country's Alien Tort Claims Act.

China's announcement against Tsao came as the country's military staged a day of war games around Taiwan it said were a warning to "separatist acts." Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

UMC says Tsao has nothing to do with the company any longer having retired a decade ago.
The annual U.N. climate summit kicks off Monday with countries readying for tough talks on finance and trade, following a year of weather disasters that have emboldened developing countries in their demands for climate cash.

Delegates gathering in Azerbaijan's capital of Baku are hoping to resolve the summit's top agenda item  a deal for up to $1 trillion in annual climate finance for developing countries.

The summit's negotiating priorities, however, are competing for governments' resources and attention against economic concerns, wars in Ukraine and Gaza and last week's U.S. re-election of Donald Trump, a climate-change denier, as president of the world's biggest economy.

COP29 host Azerbaijan will be tasked with keeping countries focused on agreeing to a new global finance target to replace the current $100 billion pledge expiring this year.

The Caspian Sea nation, often proud of being home to the world's first oil wells, will also be under pressure to show progress from last year's COP28 pledge to transition away from fossil fuels.

The country's oil and gas revenues accounted for 35% of its economy in 2023, down from 50% two years prior. The government says these revenues will continue to decline, to roughly 32% of its GDP this year and 22% by 2028.

Before the summit talks can even begin, countries will need to agree on an agenda by consensus  including an 11th-hour proposal by China to bring trade disputes into the mix.

The Chinese proposal - made on behalf of the fast-developing "BASIC" group of countries including Brazil, India and South Africa - asked for the summit to address "restrictive trade measures" such as the EU's carbon border tariffs going into effect in 2026.

Those concerns have been compounded by Trump's campaign promise to impose 20% tariffs on all foreign goods  and 60% on Chinese goods.

China's request showed it was flexing power following Trump's re-election, which signaled the United States' likely disengagement from global climate cooperation, said Li Shuo, director of China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Trump has called climate change a hoax and vowed to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, the global treaty to reduce planet-warming emissions.

The European Union, along with current U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, have been pressing China and Gulf oil nations to join the pool of climate finance donor countries.

"If the EU wants to talk about climate finance with China, if it wants to talk NDCs, part of the conversation should be how to resolve our differences on trade and your tariffs," Shuo said.

Extreme pressure

With this year on track to be the hottest on record, experts noted that climate extremes were now challenging rich and poor countries alike  from flooding disasters in Africa, coastal Spain and the U.S. state of North Carolina, to drought gripping South America, Mexico and the U.S. West.

Most countries are not prepared.

"Election results don't alter the laws of physics," said Kaveh Guilanpour, vice president for international strategies at the nonprofit Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

"Unless the world collectively steps up its efforts, the impacts of climate change will become increasingly severe and frequent and will be felt by an increasing number of people in all countries, including in the United States."

Many in Baku were worried that a U.S. disengagement could lead other countries to backpedal on past climate pledges or to scale back future ambitions.
Faced with two choices she didn't like, Suehaila Amen chose neither.

Instead, the longtime Democrat from the Arab American stronghold of Dearborn, Michigan, backed a third-party candidate for president, adding her voice to a remarkable turnaround that helped Donald Trump reclaim Michigan and the presidency.

In Dearborn, where nearly half of the 110,000 residents are of Arab descent, Vice President Kamala Harris received over 2,500 fewer votes than Trump, who became the first Republican presidential candidate since former President George W. Bush in 2000 to win the city. Harris also lost neighboring Dearborn Heights to Trump, who in his previous term as president banned travel from several mostly-Muslim countries.

Harris lost the presidential vote in two Detroit-area cities with large Arab American populations after months of warnings from local Democrats about the Biden-Harris administrations unwavering support for Israel in the war in Gaza. Some said they backed Trump after he visited a few days before the election, mingling with customers and staff at a Lebanese-owned restaurant and reassuring people that he would find a way to end the violence in the Middle East.

Others, including Amen, were unable to persuade themselves to back the former president. She said many Arab Americans felt Harris got what she deserved but arent jubilant about Trump.

Whether its Trump himself or the people who are around him, it does pose a great deal of concern for me, Amen said. But at the end of the day when you have two evils running, what are you left with?

As it became clear late Tuesday into early Wednesday that Trump would not only win the presidency but likely prevail in Dearborn, the mood in metro Detroits Arab American communities was described by Dearborn City Council member Mustapha Hammoud as somber. And yet, he said, the result was not surprising at all.

The shift in Dearborn  where Trump received nearly 18,000 votes compared with Harris' 15,000  marks a startling change from just four years ago when Joe Biden won in the city by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.

No one should be surprised

The results didn't come out of nowhere. For months, in phone calls and meetings with top Democratic officials, local leaders warned, in blunt terms, that Arab American voters would turn against them if the administrations handling of the Israel-Hamas war didnt change.

The Biden-Harris administration has remained a staunch ally of Israel since the brutal Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took over 200 hostages. The war between Israel and Hamas has killed more than 43,000 people in Gaza, Palestinian health officials say. They do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

While Harris softened her rhetoric on the war, she didn't propose concrete policies toward Israel or the war in Gaza that varied from the administrations position. And even if she had, that might not have made much of a difference in places like Dearborn.

All she had to do was stop the war in Lebanon and Gaza and she would receive everyones votes here, said Hammoud.

More voters thought Trump would be better able to handle the situation in the Middle East than Harris, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. About half of voters named Trump as better suited, compared with about a third who said Harris.

Among those who opposed more aid for Israel, 58% backed Harris in the presidential election; 39% supported Trump.

Even some Harris voters had their doubts. About three-quarters of Harris voters in Michigan said she was the better candidate to handle the situation. Few preferred Trump, but about 2 in 10 Harris voters said they were equivalent or neither would be better.

In the absence of support for Harris in the Arab American community, Trump and his allies stepped in.

A key part of Michigans electorate  a state Trump won by nearly 11,000 votes in 2016 before he lost it by nearly 154,000 to Biden in 2020  Arab Americans spent months meeting with Trump allies, who encouraged community leaders to endorse him.

Things began to move in September, when Amer Ghalib, the Democratic Muslim mayor of the city of Hamtramck, endorsed Trump. Shortly afterwards, Trump visited a campaign office there.

That was a turning point, said Massad Boulos, who led Trump's outreach with Arab Americans. Boulos' son Michael is married to Trump's daughter Tiffany.

They very, very much appreciated the presidents visit and the respect that they felt, said Massad Boulos. That was the first big achievement, so to speak. After that, I started getting endorsements from imams and Muslim leaders.

An apparent shift toward Trump in final week

While support for Harris had been declining for months  especially after her campaign did not allow a pro-Palestinian speaker to take the stage at Augusts Democratic National Convention  some voters say the last week of the campaign was pivotal.

At an October 30 rally in Michigan, former President Bill Clinton said Hamas uses civilians as shields and will force you to kill civilians if you want to defend yourself.

Hamas did not care about a homeland for the Palestinians, they wanted to kill Israelis and make Israel uninhabitable," he said. "Well, I got news for them, they were there first, before their faith existed, they were there.

The Harris campaign wanted Clinton to visit Dearborn to speak in the days following the rally, according to two people with direct knowledge of the discussions who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about them. The potential visit never materialized after backlash over Clintons comments.

That comment was the talk of the town. It hurt many like me, who loved him, said Amin Hashmi, who was born in Pakistan and lives in suburban Detroit. A self-proclaimed die-hard Dem, Hashmi said casting a ballot for Trump was a seismic move that came after he stood in the voting booth for 25 minutes.

On the Friday before the election, Trump visited The Great Commoner in Dearborn, a Lebanese-owned restaurant. That stood in sharp contrast with Harris, who met with Dearborns Democratic mayor, Abdullah Hammoud  who didnt endorse in the race  but never came to Dearborn herself.

He came up to Dearborn. He spoke with residents. Whether some people say it wasnt genuine, he still made the effort. He did reach out and try to work with them, at least listen to them, said Samia Hamid, a Dearborn resident.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday to discuss ways to help Ukraine, after the election of Donald Trump has raised concerns of reduced U.S. support for the war against Russia.

Days after Trump was elected to begin a second term as U.S. president in January, Starmer will travel to France, where he will talk with Macron and become the first British leader to attend French Armistice Day services since World War Two.

Starmer and Macron will discuss "Russia's ongoing barbaric invasion of Ukraine and the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza," Downing Street said.

Trump has criticized the level of U.S. support for Ukraine's fight against Russia since the 2022 full-scale invasion and has promised to end the conflict without explaining how.

Britain and France have said it is essential to keep supporting Ukraine against Russia to protect the European continent.

Europe has been the biggest provider of aid to Ukraine, allocating 118 billion euros ($126 billion) since the start of the conflict, while the United States has provided 85 billion euros ($91 billion) in total, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Britain and the European Union are expected to begin talks next year on a post-Brexit security pact, covering areas such as defense and energy cooperation, as they look to take more responsibility for their own security.

Some European politicians have said Europe cannot replace the financial and military aid from the United States, including military resources such as F-16 fighter jets and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

On his visit to France, Starmer is scheduled to meet the new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The meeting will be their first since Barnier became prime minister in September.

The last British leader to attend the French Armistice Day commemorations was Winston Churchill, who was hosted by Charles de Gaulle in 1944, Starmer's office said.
While Ukraine was on high alert for air attacks on Monday, the countrys top military commander said tens of thousands of Russian troops were ready to advance on the Kursk region.

"Following the order of their military leadership, they are trying to dislodge our troops and advance deep into the territory we control," Ukraines General Oleksandr Syrskyi wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukraine launched an incursion into Kursk in August, taking control of a number of towns and villages in the border region.

Meanwhile, at least six people were killed in air attacks in southern Ukraine  five in Mykolaiv and one in Zaporizhzhia, where a residential building was destroyed, regional governors reported.

At least a dozen people were injured in Zaporizhzhia, including five children between the ages of 4 and 17.

Earlier, the Ukrainian air force put the nation on high alert for a large-scale missile attack, reporting that a large number of bombers were taking off from Russia and heading to Ukraine.

"The air alert is related to the launch of cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers," the air force said on its Telegram channels.

Power was cut to prevent further damage from attacks, and people were encouraged to seek shelter  including in Kyivs metro stations.

But by 0630 GMT the missiles had not arrived. According to some Ukrainian military bloggers, the Russian bombers performed flights imitating the launch of missiles, Reuters reported.

Report: Trump urges Putin not to escalate

The Washington Post and Reuters reported that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and urged him not to escalate the war in Ukraine.

Trump, calling from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, reminded Putin of America's sizable military presence in Europe, the Washington Post reported. Sources familiar with the call told the newspaper Trump expressed an interest in further conversations to discuss "the resolution of Ukraine's war soon."

Steven Cheung, Trump's communications director, did not confirm the exchange, saying in a written statement to AFP that "we do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders."

The Kremlin on Monday denied that the conversation took place, and said Putin had no concrete plans to speak to Trump.

"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," Reuters reported Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "There was no conversation."

Information from Reuters and Agence France-Presse was included in this report.
For many soldiers on the front lines, the trauma of war can be as hard to fight as the war itself. To help, the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, has created a program to support Ukrainian women veterans, the families of internally displaced persons, and military relatives. The program is part of the USAID Self-Reliance Learning Agenda. Anna Kosstutschenko has the story.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 12. Everyone should supporting the Azerbaijani Chairmanship at COP29, James Sharp, former ambassador of the UK to Azerbaijan, board member of the Caspian Policy Center (CPC), wrote on his page on X, Trend reports.

"Everyone should be hoping for a successful COP29 and supporting the Azerbaijani Chairmanship. Securing agreement on tackling climate change is too important an issue to be undermined by politics," he said.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will last until November 22, opened in Baku today.

This event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date, and for the first time, it is held in this region in Azerbaijan.

A top-level event - a summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held within COP29 on November 12-13.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, climate finance will also contribute to the 1.5C commitment by bringing everyone together.

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.

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Vietnam said Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu need to register with the government before the end of November or it will block their internet domains and apps from being used in the country.

Vietnam's government and local businesses have expressed concern about the impact of Chinese online platforms on local markets due to deep discounting. The trade ministry has also said it is worried about the potential for the sale of counterfeit items.

Nguyen Hoang Long, Vietnam's deputy trade minister, told a government meeting at the weekend that the ministry had worked with both Shein and Temu on the licensing matter.

"After the ministry's notification, if these platforms do not comply, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will coordinate with relevant agencies to implement technical measures such as blocking applications and domains," Long said in a government statement.

Shein and Temu did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Fast-fashion retailer Shein has been selling into Vietnam for at least two years, while Temu, owned by Chinese e-commerce giant PDD Holdings, started allowing users in Vietnam to shop last month.

Vietnam allows imported goods of up to $40 to be exempt from a value-added tax. The finance ministry said most items benefiting from this tax break are imported via e-commerce platforms and it is considering terminating the tax break.

Both Temu and Shein are also facing increased scrutiny and legal challenges elsewhere. Last month, Indonesia requested Apple and Google block Temu from their app stores to protect small merchants from competing with ultra-cheap items.

Vietnam's e-commerce market has grown 18% this year to be worth $22 billion, the third-largest in Southeast Asia behind Indonesia and Thailand, according to a report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company released last week.

Other e-commerce platforms that operate in Vietnam include Singapore-based Shoppe, Alibaba-backed Lazada and domestic companies Tiki and Sendo.
By Ken Bredemeier

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has picked Thomas Homan, his one-time acting immigration chief, to serve as border czar and fulfill his campaign vow to deport large numbers of undocumented migrants, potentially millions, back to their home countries.

Trump said on his Truth Social media platform late Sunday that the 62-year-old Homan would be in charge of our Nations Borders, south to Mexico and north to Canada. He added that he has no doubt that Homan will do a fantastic, and long-awaited for, job.

Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders, Trump wrote.

Trump is also set to appoint another immigration hard-liner, Stephen Miller, as deputy chief of staff for policy, U.S. news media reported.

This is another fantastic pick by the president, Vice President-elect JD Vance said of the prospect of Miller joining Trumps nascent administration.

In another appointment, Trump named one of his staunchest Republican advocates in Congress, Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, to serve as the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, calling her an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.

Stefanik, 40, arrived in the House of Representatives in 2015 as a political moderate but over time has emerged as a vocal Trump defender.

She drew national attention last year for her sharp questioning of Ivy League university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses in the wake of student protests against Israels conduct of its war on Hamas militants. Two of the academics, the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, stepped down in the fallout from the hearing.

Homans appointment as border czar does not require Senate confirmation. He served as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, from January 2017 to June 2018 during Trumps first presidential term but left in frustration when the White House failed to push his nomination toward the required confirmation in the Senate.

Homan, a former police officer and Border Patrol agent, subsequently became a Fox News analyst on immigration and border issues.

Hours after his appointment, Homan on Monday told the Fox & Friends show: "I've been on this network for years complaining about what [President Joe Bidens] administration did to this border. I've been yelling and screaming about it and what they need to do to fix it.

So, when [Trump] asked me, Would you come back and fix it? Of course. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't, he said. I'm honored the president asked me to come back and help solve this national security crisis, so I'm looking forward to it.

Trump recaptured the White House in last weeks election after repeatedly telling thousands of his supporters at campaign rallies that he would round up undocumented migrants in the U.S.  perhaps 11 million or more  and send them back to their home countries.

Were going to have to seal up those borders, Trump often said, claiming that other countries had emptied their prisons and mental health hospitals so migrants could flee to the U.S. He said the migrants in the U.S. are now causing a crime wave. Government statistics show that no such massive increase in crime has occurred.

In addition, immigration officials two months ago told Congress that more than 13,000 immigrants convicted of homicide  either in the United States or abroad  are living in the U.S. outside of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention.

The immigrants are part of ICEs non-detained list of migrants in the United States.

Officials told Congress that means the migrants have pending immigration cases in the U.S., but they are not currently in detention either because they are not prioritized for detention, they are serving time in a jail or prison for their crimes, or because ICE cannot find them.

In another interview, Homan told Foxs Sunday Morning Futures show that military troops would not be used to round up and arrest undocumented immigrants.

ICE, he said, would work to carry out Trumps plans in a humane manner" in what will be a necessary and well-targeted, planned operation.

Another Trump advocate, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, told CNNs State of the Union show on Sunday that deportation efforts would first focus on 1.3 million migrants who have already had court hearings and been rejected for asylum in the U.S., with Homeland Security agents and local police arresting them.

Asked whether 3.6 million children who entered the U.S. with their undocumented parents and have been living for years in the U.S. should also be deported, Jordan said, That question will be addressed later on.

Advocates for these migrants, now often young adults, call them Dreamers, and some U.S. lawmakers have, unsuccessfully so far, attempted to put them on a path to U.S. citizenship.

In his first term, Trump had pledged to build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it. Some of the wall was built but Mexico paid for none of it.

In addition, he sought to deport millions of immigrants but fell far short for lack of government financing, legal challenges brought by advocates of migrants and a public outcry over deportation tactics, including the separation of migrant children from their parents, a policy that Homan advocated.

During his tenure as the acting ICE chief, Homan pushed back against allegations that enforcement agents acted too aggressively. In the past, Homan has praised Trump for taking the shackles off ICE agents by allowing them to make a broader range of immigration arrests in the U.S. interior.

Homan told CBS Newss 60 Minutes last month that, as the government has for decades, any mass deportation would prioritize the arrest of criminals and national security threats.

But he also said that anyone in the United States illegally could be returned on flights back to their home countries. He said he would restart raids on workplaces to find people employed illegally in the United States and deport them.

The Biden administration had ended such raids, which Homan said made it easier for employers to hire unauthorized workers, including children.
Photo: Sophie Bassouls/Sygma via Getty Images

Dorothy Allison, author of Bastard Out of Carolina and Skin: Talking About Sex, Class And Literature, has died. She was 75. According to Sinister Wisdom, Allison died Wednesday after a short illness with cancer. A staunchly pro-woman, pro-queer, pro-love voice in our society, Allison wrote poetry, novels, essays and what she called smut. She repped poor, rural queerness when at least two of those three things seemed mutually exclusive to outsiders. As Literary Hub put it, Allison wrote about a queer, poor South with dynamism and ferocious love.

Dorothy Allison was born on April 11, 1949 in Greenville, South Carolina. Her mother, Ruth Gibson Allison, was 15 at the time. In her writing Allison described a childhood of poverty and abuse, both sexual and physical. Allison went to college and eventually got her masters at the New School. While in New York, she dove headfirst into the emerging feminist and gay rights movements. She wrote about the joy and excitement she found in those spaces for Sinister Wisdom, saying I loved each and every one of us. I loved what we were trying to do even as we quibbled over line breaks in a poem or structure in an essay.

Her first publication was a chapbook of poems, 1983s The Women Who Hate Me. 1988s Trash, a book of essays, brought her critical acclaim. She is perhaps best known for Bastard Out of Carolina, a semi-autobiographical novel. It was adapted into a film starring Jena Malone and Jennifer Jason Leigh in 1996.

Allison wrote extensively about the divides in society, and how they are set up to make people fight amongst each other. The horror of class stratification, racism, and prejudice is that some people begin to believe that the security of their families and communities depends on the oppression of others, that for some to have good lives there must be others whose lives are truncated and brutal, she wrote in 1994. To resist destruction, self-hatred, or lifelong hopelessness, we have to throw off the conditioning of being despised, the fear of becoming the they that is talked about so dismissively, to refuse lying myths and easy moralities, to see ourselves as human, flawed, and extraordinary. All of usextraordinary.
Ridley Scotts sequel to his 2000 Best Picture winner might make you wonder if weve lost the ability to treat brawny historical epics earnestly. Photo: Paramount Pictures

This review was published on November 11, 2024. On January 23, 2025, Gladiator II was nominated for the Best Costume Design Oscar.

I was thinking a lot about men while watching Gladiator II last week, and so, it seemed, was everyone else. In the woozy, shell-shocked aftermath of the presidential election, as everyone scrambled for explanations as to why Donald Trump won so decisively, conversations turned toward men. Men who voted so differently than women, who are lashing out against feminism, and who, faced with a mainstream culture that no longer guarantees their dominance, would rather opt out, leaving them forever in peril of slipping down a digital manosphere pipeline that ends with them dumped at the goblinlike feet of Andrew Tate, who celebrated the presidential results by declaring that the patriarchy was back. How are we going to reach the men, pundits have been fretting, while a swath of liberals online have insisted that the answer is to engineer some kind of blue-state answer to Joe Rogan, never mind that Rogan himself would be unlikely to ascribe any committed political leaning to his podcast. In the midst of all of this, Ridley Scotts sequel to his burly 2000 hit about a Roman general turned arena fighter is opening against Wicked like some Barbenheimer reprise  except that Gladiator II, despite its Best Picturewinning legacy, is so underwhelming that you might leave thinking, Huh, maybe masculinity really is in crisis.

I cant say that the trouble all started when Hollywood ceded romanticized historical masculinity to RETVRN accounts that insist that brutalist architecture is bad and eating enormous amounts of raw liver is good. But I wouldnt say thats entirely inaccurate, either? The trick of movies like Gladiator and Master and Commander, which came out within ten years of each other during what now feels like the last stretch in which these sort of throwback epics consistently got traction with large audiences, is that their bloodshed and grand speeches provided shelter for a lot of sentimentality  about honor and dying for what you believe in, sure, but also about men unabashedly relishing the camaraderie of other men. I knew a guy in high school who would start tearing up when talking about Braveheart, which was a testament to the weepiness of Mel Gibsons 1995 drama being as much a pull as the brutality of its battle sequences. Gladiator ends not with the body of Russell Crowes Maximus being lifted up in respect to his place as a soldier of Rome, but with fellow fighter Juba (Djimon Hounsou) burying his friends family keepsakes in the floor of the Colosseum and vowing that theyll see each other again someday.

Alas, the closest thing that Gladiator II has to Juba is a character played by Peter Mensah, who dies as soon as the movie leaves Numidia, which is being attacked by Roman legions when it begins. That kingdom, on the north coast of Africa, is where the films exiled hero, Lucius, has ended up after secretly being sent out of Rome by his mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), after the death of his father, who, the sequel makes explicit, was Maximus. In the 2000 film, Lucius was portrayed by a young Spencer Treat Clark, while in the new one, hes played by a requisitely beefed-up Paul Mescal in his first major studio role. The Irish actor, a usually intriguing presence, doesnt hold the screen here so much as he vanishes into its tumult. Of all the ways in which he feels miscast, the most fatal may be his utter inability to seem like someone other guys would follow to their deaths. Mescals career to date has been heavily delineated by women  from his breakout role in the TV adaptation of Sally Rooneys Normal People to the part in Charlotte Wellss debut feature Aftersun that made him a critics favorite  and he has excelled at playing elusive objects of longing. But hes terrible at giving the rousing speeches that were so iconic in Gladiator and that Gladiator II, which has a clunkier script written by David Scarpa, attempts to re-create. His instinct is to underplay these moments rather than bellow theatrically, which is a problem, especially when saddled with somewhat confusing slogans like Where we are, death is not!

Its easier to imagine audiences snickering than weeping over Gladiator II  as the first film demonstrated, these movies require an earnestness that this new one simply cannot maintain. Instead, like Scott and Scarpas last collaboration, Napoleon, it tends to land in an uneasy place between inadvertent and intentional funniness. Fred Hechinger, playing half of a pair of tyrannical twin emperors with Joseph Quinn, gives a performance so outsize that it turns his every scene into a joke. Denzel Washington fares a lot better as scheming villain Macrinus, turning out some pleasingly unpredictable line readings (I was partial to I own  your house. I want  your loyalty) and flashing a wolfish grin as he starts to realize the slave he bought to fight is far more valuable than he could have dreamed. While Lucius is the designated heir to Rome and to the franchise, Macrinus has a backstory so much more compelling that you start to root for his relentless climb to the top, particularly given Luciuss reluctance to step up to leadership or acknowledge the position that his mother and her husband, the general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal, in a kind of substitute Crowe role), have been put in. Macrinus is, at least, self-motivated, while Lucius reads as indifferent until the script requires him to make an abrupt shift in loyalties. When Macrinus talks about the rage he sees in his new fighter, it takes all of Washingtons powers to deliver an observation thats patently untrue. Lucius, at best, looks like someone engaged in a prolonged sulk.

I didnt adore Gladiator, but I appreciated the melodramatic conviction at its core, the way it was unabashedly emotional about grief and justice and restoring order to the world. Gladiator II echoes elements from the first film, including talk of the dream of Rome as a more egalitarian place, but while that idea is more central to the plot in the sequel, it feels even more abstract. Rome in this film isnt solid enough to require saving or destruction  its a series of historical interiors the characters pass through. Its only when characters fight that the movie comes alive. The best battle sequence is the agitated opening one, when Marcus leads a fleet of ships to conquer Numidia, raising built-in towers for his army to scale the walls and kill the soldiers trying to defend it, among them Luciuss archer wife. There are also Colosseum clashes involving a rhino-as-steed and a re-creation of a naval battle that involves flooding the arena. Scott, the old pro, knows how to give these scenes a vicious vitality that overcomes any thoughts about how the Romans supposedly got live sharks in the water. But the thrill of the action sequences just underscores the hollowness of the rest of the enterprise. Sure, not all of us spend a lot of time thinking about the Roman Empire, but those who do deserve better than this.
The Penguin A Great or Little Thing Season 1 Episode 8 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * *  Previous Next  Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Photograph by Macall Polay/HBO

Come see Gothams newest baddie at Vulture Festival, November 16 and 17 in Los Angeles, where well be talking to Cristin Milioti.

It was all for the penthouse view. An ivory tower to climb, conquer, and breathe the rarefied air of the Falcones, Bruce Wayne, Bella Real, and every other Gotham City elite, cop, or criminal. In conversation with Andy Serkis for Interview magazine, The Batman director Matt Reeves described Oz Cobbs rise as a dark American dream story. At a young age, Oswald correctly identified a world of haves and have-nots, responding in kind with the type of atomized sociopathy that the American dream emboldens  even to the point of locking your own brothers in a watery grave. His life is one of being rejected, and part of his ambition is driven by seeking some acceptance, says Reeves. He is underestimated. Hes mocked. Everyone perceives him to a degree as a joke, but he has all of these deep-seated ambitions within him from his brokenness. In its final chapter, The Penguin holds a mirror to the Oz Cobb lurking inside every American: a sad, deformed child with no viable path in life except the false one leading back to the comfort of the womb.

The Penguin finale opens with a Dr. Rushinduced flashback where Francis relives the moment she decided to end the life of her last living son. Tough beat, by the way, that Rex Calabrese  the guy Oz based his whole populist branding and work ethic around  was the guy who not only suggested Oz be taken care of but offered to pull the trigger himself. Once again, we return to that fateful scene at Monroes, where little Oswald promises his mother the world, only this time, we get a clear view of Rex Calabrese lurking in the background in death-dealer mode. Im sure this isnt the first time Ive had to eat crow for speaking too soon, but I have to acknowledge how wrong I was to identify Francis Cobb as something of a two-dimensional mafia-mom stereotype in the first episode, given the magnitude of a Trojan horse catalyst for this making of a monster story she became. Deirdre OConnell takes over flashback-Francis duties from Emily Meade, putting a riveting cap on this lynchpin performance when she awakes in the present, fresh from the moment she made a deal with herself to raise the devil.

Its all gagged shouts and desperate threats from Oz when he wakes up at the same dilapidated, present-day Monroes, tied to a chair at the center of Sofias makeshift kangaroo court/family-therapy sesh. After a string of gothic looks, episode seven introduces a sudden pop of color: a red flash under the collar of her coat during the bomb sequence, Gavia Baker-Whitelaw observed last week of Sofias Gigante transformation. According to [costume designer Helen] Huang, this expanded palette leads into the intense drama of the finale when Sofia and Oz will face higher stakes than ever before. Sure enough, Sofia commands the room like the fully formed comic supervillain inside a 70s crime thriller she is, wearing that same red scarf and black dress, delivering a great little analogous tale from her childhood about seeing a baby bird throw its own brother out of the nest, only to be rewarded with more food from his mother. Does Oz think the mother bird knew what her baby bird did?, Sofia taunts. Francis cuts through the pomp and circumstance: I know what you did to Jack and Benny! Ive always known.

Oz would rather let Sofia chop his mothers pinkie off with a cigar cutter than admit what Francis already knows, so she finally lets it fly: Shes always known what little Oz did to Jack and Benny. Youre a disappointment. Youre a waste of space. I wake up every goddamn day sick that Im your mother. As if to finish the job shed started with Rex all those years ago, she breaks the closest available bottle and jabs it into Ozs stomach, then falls out of consciousness and into the embrace of her sons fading, ghostly images. But her babies will go unavenged. Oz manages to break free from his chair and shoot his way out of the place with his mother in his arms, and the shock of what hes just been told will ultimately push him further down the path of Gothams new-and-improved costumed psycho-kingpin.

Victor meets Oz at the hospital, where hes taken Francis, delivering more bad news as Oz patches himself up in a supply closet. Zhao and the rest of their coalition are bailing. Victor tried to rally them with an Oz-brand impassioned populist call to action, but there was no convincing them to stick their necks out further for the Penguin when all they care about is the product. Oz is about ready to throw in the towel when Victor reminds him of the power he grabbed when he gave people jobs and got electricity moving again in Crown Point  a move bigger than bliss or drops or any other comic-book-ass-sounding fake-drug operation of the week. Elsewhere, Sofia unknowingly sets her own trap  offering up her entire remaining operation to whoever from the triads and other gangs will bring her Oz first. Zhaos right hand, Link, tired of being overlooked by his boss and the established criminal leaders at the table, makes the call to Victor to tip Oz off while Oz does what he does best  attend to every available pressure point, especially at City Hall.

The voters will want answers for the explosion in Crown Point, he points out to Councilman Hady from the mayors city council seat (the whole scene with Oz talking down to Hady from the bench is nothing short of delicious  a devilish arena for Colin Farrell to do monster-truck doughnuts of back-door-deal-making sleaze), and Oz has an ever-so convenient version of the truth on the matter laid out like a red carpet: Sofia Falcone sent a carful of explosives into the tunnels because she was in a drug war with Salvatore Maroni. The headline is: Same Old War. The Maronis and Falcones rip each other off; the Maronis kill Sofias brother, burn Sals wife and son to a crisp (Ozs words, not mine), and blow up his entire bliss operation. Case closed, with whats left of Sofias car and Sal Maronis whole corpse lying in the rubble for good measure. And Sebastian Hady can be the hero in the papers: the guy who turned the lights back on in Crown Point and ended the drug war thats plagued Gotham for decades.

Its a crooked offer this crooked councilman cant refuse. With a cover story for the media and institutional help in selling that story secured, its time for the final showdown with Sofia. Its been a stellar season of watching these two sympathetic monsters duke it out for the top spot, but given the shows title, we ultimately know who would come out on top in the final round. Still, we feel the thrill of victory for Oz and the agony of defeat for Sofia the moment it all goes down at the airport, which is nothing short of exhilarating. Its proof of a job well done by our two leads. Of the countless DC supervillain team-ups and face-offs over the years, its hard to imagine a more successful rendition than the one Farrell and Cristin Milioti have brought to life here.

The key to Ozs success is simple, as he explains to Sofia, driving her to what she thinks is her place of execution: Link was tired of being underestimated. And he wasnt the only one. Every one of the gangs had a first mate that ended up turning on their boss to rid themself of the boot on their neck  the very waters the Penguin swam in long enough to know how to rule them. The montage of each literal deputy of each gangs boss feels like a bit of a rush job that accidentally flattens the narrative a bit here, but the bigger point is well taken: Theres no army more powerful than the army of the overlooked.

Oswald Cobb: Man of the people, says Sofia. Thats what you have to believe. And shes right. In the face of total corruption of the very childhood memories that fueled his gangster populism, Oz clings to the aspiration with a renewed fanaticism, while Sofia is handed over to a worse fate than death  arrest and reinstatement at Arkham Asylum in the Hangmans shackles. Its an effectively tough pill to swallow for all of us who have watched the show and reveled in Miliotis revelatory performance of Sofias tragic arc. But the cliffhanger arrival of a letter from her half-sister, Selina Kyle, portends more of Sofia Gigante in future chapters of the Batman Epic Crime Saga. The Penguins critical and commercial success have surely led to a shift in focus for the burgeoning DC franchise. The comments from Reeves in his conversation with Serkis indicate he wants to continue to make more dark-character-study-type stuff with Batmans Rogues Gallery certainly opening the doors to more series-long, single-character-focused dramas (if not an actual second season of The Penguin, which seems just as likely). Will Sofias runaway popularity with viewers get our girl her own series, or is there a role for her to play in the upcoming The Batman Part II? However the rest of this crime saga turns out, Sofia is sure to rise again and meet the challenge.

In the meantime, victory proves a cruel ironic mistress for Oz Cobb. He finds his mother catatonic from a stroke upon returning to the hospital with some whiskey to celebrate the birth of his new empire. Hes finally painted the town in the colors of his mothers desperate dreams, but there will be no verbal acknowledgment of pride to drown out her final words of hate. Thats the thing about family, Oz tells Victor on a cold bench by the river. Its a strength. It drives you. But fuck if it dont make you weak too. In a shocking but logical end to their brotherhood, Oz strangles Victor Aguilar to death, throws his ID in the river, and leaves his anonymous body to be found by the next passing stranger. A murder as swift and unceremonious as the hubcap-jacking that brought the victim and the murderer together  the time spent between them a chance for both men to find genuine kinship out of the ashes of their broken lives. By killing Victor, Oz rids himself of all meaningful connections to his past, fortifying his ascension to Gotham kingpin in solitude.

Only not quite. Francis Cobb is still breathing and still unable to move or speak. And soon shell be tucked away in an ivory tower with an immaculate, ceaseless view of the city  perhaps the cruelest of all fates at the end of The Penguin. On the next floor down, Oz is all spruced up in a penguin suit, dancing with Eve, whos dressed as Francis, and repeating the lines Oz quietly demands of her. You did it. I knew you would, my beautiful boy. Gothams yours, sweetheart. Nothings standing in your way now. A bat signal appears in the night sky, signifying that future battles with greater enemies lie ahead for every major player in the Gotham underworld.

Say, while were at it, wheres the old Caped Crusader been this whole time anyway? Youre telling me Batman wouldnt be investigating this whole damn gang war the second an entire criminal dynasty was wiped out in a single night, or a wild new drug smuggled out of Arkham Asylum and spread through Gothams streets like wildfire, or a major city block reduced to rubble? We knew from the beginning that neither Robert Pattinson nor Batman would be cameo-ing in this show, but the entire back half of it strains a sense of internal logic by refusing to even acknowledge, let alone allude to the Bats existence until we see his signal. Still, The Penguins gamble on telling a Gotham story sans Batman has paid off in dividends, materializing into one of the best shows of the year and a comic-book origin story that speaks to the times without losing sight of the source materials heightened reality. Oz is the Penguin now  like everyone in Batmans Rogues Gallery, a caricature of his own trauma, drawn to criminal means of false liberation.
Octavia Chavez-Richmond, Karen Lugo, Ugo Chukwu, Alina Troyano, and Will Dagger in Give Me Carmelita Tropicana! Photo: Julieta Cervantes

Soho Rep has been playing its imminent departure from the downtown black box fondly known as Walkerspace very cool. Yes, the venue is tiny; it lacks disabled access; its got water damage and old plumbing and too little electricity to run the AC during tech rehearsals. And yes, Soho Reps leadership team, as well as the folks at Playwrights Horizonswhere the Rep is about to bunk up for at least two yearsare genuinely excited about their upcoming partnership. Are there ways both our organizations can learn from each other? Caleb Hammons, one of the Reps artistic leadership trio, has asked, while Playwrights artistic director Adam Greenfield believes the collaboration will reveal that two theaters working together are much greater than the sum of their parts. It is exciting, though it never would have happened if Walkerspaces old landlord hadnt died and the building hadnt been acquired by yet another city-devouring developer. Kind of like how the Connellyone of the most beautiful old theaters in the East Village, with some of the most consistently compelling programmingwouldnt be shut down and futureless if its landlord, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, hadnt started screening the scripts a little more closely and decided that these dangerous deviant plays wont do.

Whatin theater and everywhere elseare we to do as the bulldozers of avarice and bigotry roll on? The truth is that we really dont have a choice about whether or not to move toward a new era of mutual aid  of, theatrically speaking, co-production, space- and resource-sharing, and institutional collaboration and cross-pollination. The line between ethical imperative and basic survival strategy has long since been chipped away. Its time to invite the village in and start making stone soup. Perhaps its because of its tricksterish awareness of the perilous, possibility-rich state of thingscoupled with its unabashed playfulnessthat Give Me Carmelita Tropicana! feels like the perfect farewell-and-godspeed to Soho Rep as we know it. The show is a trippy love letter, the kind of wily, ingenious, slightly unhinged delight that pulls back the curtain on what theater really is: simultaneously a silly game and an inherently political act in which a bunch of kids, some young, some old, try on personas like feather boas, making shit up, making a mess, making worlds.

Pulling back several curtains, actually. Mimi Lien and Tatiana Kahvegians cardboard-and-tinsel-happy set is a gleeful box of surprises, revealing layer after hidden layer of madcap mental landscape. Phantasmagoria is the shows chosen word for it, a term thats expounded upon at length in one of the plays funniest sequences by a maniacal goldfish puppet. But Im getting ahead of myself. To quote Branden, the onstage avatar for Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who co-wrote the play with the performance artist Alina Troyano, often known as her stage persona Carmelita Tropicana: Youre probably asking yourself, Whats this play about? Well, put as simply as possible, its about two artists, one the former star student of the other, and the Wonderlandstyle adventure theyre sucked into when the student offers to buy the teachers alter ego. Oh God, B. Im in such a mess, says Troyano, the teacher, playing her offstage self and muttering over the phone to Branden (embodied with flawless comic precision by Ugo Chukwu) on a dark and stormy night. Im scared I have to do something drastic soon  I think  I think Im going to have to kill her.

Cue thunder! Cue lightning! Jacobs-Jenkinswho loves the Gothic, not to mention the slippery business of representing oneself onstageis clearly having a blast. In collaborating with Troyano, hes getting an extra infusion of screw it, lets do it exuberance, a push to embrace the big, delicious, unsophisticated impulse, and it feels great and freeing. When thats chucked in a blender with his own penchant for spiky-savvy verbosity, the results fizz and pop. Hadnt I been her mostly loyal star pupil all these years? demands Chukwus Branden, whose self-satirizing preening is tuned at just the right frequency. Devoted to the care of the very soil from which she herself had not only sprouted but through her life and work also tilled with such wit and sacrifice, and by that I mean the ontology of intersectional minority urban American life in the latter half of the 20th century as expressed through the professional identity of the gigging creative jargon jargon jargon theory theory theory? Chukwu pirouettes through this kind of winkingly pompous spiel with agility and verve. Part of what makes his Branden so funny is his anxious desirethat of the comparatively successful, socially conscious millennialthat we be impressed with him but not alienated. Guys, Im not rich, he insists to the audience, feebly and hilariously, after Alina has implied otherwise.

Alina could be forgiven for the mistake. After all, Brandens response, when he hears that his mentor is thinking of killing (or perhaps retiring) Carmelita Tropicana, sounds like that of an eccentric millionaire. Dont kill her, he says. Give her to me. I want her  Or, wait, I could buy her from you? You could sell her to me  How much do you want? Carmelita Tropicanathe brassy, banana-wearing lesbian chanteuse from Havana who lives inside Alina Troyanois suddenly a tradable commodity. But a whole rabbit holes worth of shenanigans are about to unfold as Branden starts to discover just how much more she is.

A few surreal turns later, Carmelita has entered Brandens body, and Chukwuconjuring up Steve Martin as possessed by Lily Tomlin in All of Meis caught debating himself. I guess I just didnt  I didnt understand that there was this whole other metaphysical element to it, his Branden side falters. I just thought we were talking about  you know  IP? Its a great line  the kind thats funny because its a cleaver, with both edge and weight to it. Give Me Carmelita Tropicana! is often zany but never mindless. If its got something to sayinside the farcical, fantastical twists and tumbles, which are all fully digestible in their own right as pure, liberating funits that our insistence on a world in which everything is for purchase is wreaking havoc not only on our environment, our politics, our social conscience, but also and most crucially on our imagination, which is the place where any change, any alternative vision, truly begins.

How such a vision comes to lifeat least according to Jacobs-Jenkins and Troyano, along with director Eric Ting, who gamely leans into the bizarreis through a theater of wit and wackiness, collage and surprise and accumulation  something less like settling in to listen to a straightforward narrative than like rifling through the attic of a wild great-aunt. Ooh, look! A photo of her at the WOW Cafe in the 80s. Another where shes playing a  sexy cockroach? And over here  a feathered turban, a bejeweled brassiere! Together, Branden and Alina stumble through Phantasmagoria, the mind-maze that houses all Alinas personas and creations  including the cigar-smoking bus driver and self-appointed poet of Cuban manhood, Pingalito (Troyano at first, then the excellent Octavia Chavez-Richmond), and, yes, that sexy cockroach. Her name is Martina (Keren Lugo, who also plays a very funny lawyer called Dede), and shes married to a mouse, though theres a mournful, histrionic horse called Arriero (the absolute gem Will Dagger) pining for her. Long-maned and leather-clad, with fluttering eyelashes and a constant pout beneath his mustache, Arriero looks like hes ready for a night out in the Meatpacking District. Greg Corbinowho brought to life the fabulous vulva-scape of Soho Reps Snatch Adams and Tainty McCracken last yeardesigned the shows costumes and, more strikingly still, its puppets. Dagger also plays ever-expanding iterations of the goldfish (its origin can be traced back to a performance-art piece young Branden did in Alinas class at NYU), and both his wonderfully demented performance and Corbinos incredible creations touch something beyond the simply daffy. Theres a weird beauty here too, even something fearsome.

If I tell you that our heroes eventually end up singing Spice Girls karaoke with Maria Irene Fornes (Chavez-Richmond) and a jorts wearing Walt Whitman (Dagger) while a surly, vaguely horny Juana Ines de la Cruz (Lugo) looks on, is that a spoiler? I hope its an enticement. Give Me Carmelita Tropicana! joyously follows Walts adviceHave you tried containing multitudes? he titters at Alina and Brandenrevealing the kind of intellectual and spiritual center thats inherent in humor and curiosity, in the genuine pursuit of delight. Though the writers encourage us not to cling too desperately to questions of meaningThere was a time in my theatergoing life where I didnt go to plays because I needed them to be about anything, Chukwus Branden ruminatesthat stance is also a bit of sleight of hand: Look over here! At the cockroach, at the gargantuan goldfish, at the one and only Carmelita Tropicana! We do look, and laugh, and ride the ride  and through those portals, a bold proposal slips in. What if more plays were this playful? What if, like Fornes, we turned to possibility rather than to formula? I dont know, squeaks Martina the cockroach, trapped at one point in the body of Dede the lawyer, outside of her native Phantasmagoria and inside the only part of Lien and Kahvegians set that resembles that of a realistic, office-set drama. I kind of hate it here. Its so beige and unfree. So, says Carmelita Tropicana, imagine something else.

Give Me Carmelita Tropicana! is at Soho Rep through December 15.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

Today, we are honored to speak with the President of Nepal, Ramchandra Paudel. Nepal, celebrated for its rich natural resources and cultural heritage, is also grappling with significant climate change challenges. In this exclusive interview with Trend, President Paudel shares his insights on sustainable development, strategies for climate adaptation, and ways to foster global cooperation for a better future.

He pointed out that Nepal, as a party to the UNFCCC, gives utmost importance to the COP29.

As the climate change is an escalating threat to human civilization, culture and also the mother earth; we are now at a crucial juncture of human history. The gravity of the situation is that the UN has recently warned all of us that, if we fail to take appropriate measures to address the subsisting climate crisis, the temperature could rise up to 3.10 C by the end of this century. The global bodys message is loud and clear that currently the world is in the midst of climate related predicaments and we all need to join hands to alleviate them. In this connection, it is contextual to mention here that Nepal has been committed to cooperate with the COP Troika Presidencies and their roadmap, which is in favor of Solidarity for a Green World. Nepal also extends its fullest support to make the Baku COP29 a great success, he said.

Priorities of Nepal at COP29

Paudel said he recognizes that the COP29 is an opportunity also for Nepal to present its case.

I will strongly put our case in the conference on the issues pertaining to the climate induced disasters and also shall seek the COPs technological as well as adaptive solutions. We need to dwell on them because, as you perhaps know, that Nepal was recently hard hit by incessant and erratic rains and floods, which were responsible for the loss of more than 200 precious human lives and huge damage to critical infrastructures. The natural disaster has costed millions of dollars to a least developed and landlocked nation! said Nepals president.

He went on to add that the global warming has caused the snow-capped mountains black.

Glaciers have burstcausing massive destructions and posing serious threats to the people living down-streams. We must understand that crisis facing the mountains is a global issue, not just that of the mountainous countries. Actually, Nepal, which has been blessed with majestic Himalayas- the major source of fresh water in the region, deserves special attention from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in view of Nepals high degree of vulnerability to climate change. Nepal deserves particular attention also because of its painstaking endeavors, yet with a scant resource, in addressing the subsisting climate related challenges. The generosity, on the part of the GCF, is critical as Nepal has already embarked on to ambitious goals of climate action such as achieving of the carbon neutrality by 2045 and negative carbon emission by 2050, said Paudel.

Besides, as the president said, Nepal is also committed to increase the forest cover to 45 percent by 2030, which is already achieved.

Therefore, at the moment, Nepal is in dire need of a generous support from climate finance and also advance technological knowhow in order to enhance its capacities, which are imperative for Nepals transition to a climate-resilient future. Against this backdrop, our principal expectations from COP29 which is also widely dubbed also as a Finance COP, are that: the issue of mobilizing the adequate fund for the mitigation and adaptation actions against climate change, by dint of scaling up the pledge, is resolved. At the same time, we expect that the fund is allocated judiciously and in an unhindered way among needy nations, he added.

Ensuring effective climate financing for small island countries at COP29

Paudel said he personally thinks that, the small and resource crunch nations, which are most vulnerable to climate change; deserve climate justice.

The reason is that, while these nations are least responsible for carbon emissions, they suffer the most. For example, the irony, in the case of my country, is that despite Nepals insignificant contribution to the Green-House-Gas Emissions, it has been a major victim of climate change phenomenon! The Climate Risk has categorized Nepal as the 10th most affected country. The impacts of climate change are glaring in all aspects of national life as there are reductions in agricultural products, domestic migrations taking place, stressed fresh water resources, loss of biodiversity, damage of strategic infrastructure, soil deterioration in addition to loss of human lives each year, said Nepals president.

In this context, Paudel believes that it is imperative for Nepal and other least developed and island nations to raise their concerns about the climate funding system.

The fund flow mechanism must be easy, sensible and fast. We believe that fund should be in grants and allocated through recognized national budgetary system. We would also like to see an enhanced volume of Loss and Damage Fund so that victim developing nations would not have to suffer further.

Another aspect, on which we need to ponder over and also act, is about the tying up of mountain and marine ecosystems. In the light of their causal relationship, since the melting of glaciers on the mountains has linear and consequential impacts on the costal ecologies, it is important to link both LDCs and Small Island Developing States (SIDs) institutionally. As the COP29 presidency has announced funding for SIDs, it is high time to act on this issue and I will try to draw the attention of all concerned on this pertinent subject. I personally believe that by bringing the LDCs and SIDs together shall help strengthening the alliance against the climate change phenomenon, said Nepals president.

Climate Finance Action Fund

Paudel noted that Nepal is very positive about the idea of creating Climate Finance Action Fund proposed by Azerbaijan.

We believe the effective allocation of the funds are important for achieving our goals. I wish the fund mechanism will be simple, easy accessible in the priority and needs of the vulnerable countries, he said.

Prospects for cooperation in renewable energy development

Paudel said he sees a prospect for Nepal and Azerbaijan strengthening their bilateral cooperation.

Both of them can exchange their experiences- specifically in the realms of renewable energy development and harnessing of natural resources. As Nepal has now been doing well in the area of clean energy generation and its deployment, it can share its experiences with Azerbaijan. Similarly, Azerbaijan is successful in reaping the natural resources such as limestone, copper ores, zinc, iron etc. Her experience on these areas could help Nepal a lot as the latter too has been blessed with these natural resources. Such bilateral engagements, coupled with the transfer of knowledge and technology between them, could bring them further closer on other areas of cooperation too, Nepals president concluded.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Today, COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev met with Tony Blair, Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute, Trend reports via COP29 Presidency.

Reportedly, they discussed the need for inclusive change through strengthened partnerships, aiming for real, tangible progress on climate action during COP29 Azerbaijan.

COP29 is officially starting today in Baku. The event, which will take place from November 11 to 22, will bring together world leaders, politicians and climate experts to discuss the pressing issues of climate change. Climate finance, emission reduction targets and global cooperation are on the agenda. It is expected that the results of COP29 will have a significant impact on the formation of the future climate strategy of the planet.
Strike action to affect airports in Italy on Tuesday.

Air travellers in Italy face disruption on Tuesday 12 November due to strike action by air traffic controllers and baggage handlers at various airports around the country.

Staff at air traffic control agency ENAV are to stage a four-hour strike, from 13.00 to 17.00, at Naples, Pescara, Perugia and Lampedusa airports, resulting in possible disruption to flights.

ITA Airways said it has been forced to cancel six domestic flights scheduled for Tuesday, due to the strike action, including connections between Rome, Milan and Naples.

A strike by baggage handlers on the same day, also from 13.00 to 17.00, at Rome Fiumicino, Bologna and Catania, is likely to impact airport operations including check-in and baggage services.

The website of Italy's civil aviation authority ENAC contains information about strikes and the time slots when flights are guaranteed under Italian law.

The industrial action on Tuesday is one of a series of strikes affecting air travel, trains and local public transport in Italy in November.

For official information about public transport strikes in Italy see the transport ministry website.
Lepore clashes with Meloni government ahead of regional vote in Emilia-Romagna.

The centre-left mayor of Bologna lashed out at Italy's right-wing government on Sunday following clashes between riot police and left-wing protesters in the north Italian city.

Matteo Lepore accused the government of "sending 300 Blackshirts" to Bologna, a reference to the armed squads of Italian Fascists under wartime dictator Benito Mussolini.

The clashes broke out on Saturday during an anti-fascist demonstration by left-wing collectives in protest against an authorised rally by members of the extreme-right Rete dei Patrioti and the neo-fascist CasaPound movement.

The CasaPound rally was scheduled to finish near the city's central station, site of the 1980 Bologna Massacre attributed to far-right terrorists, a circumstance that mobilised Bologna's anti-fascist network into staging a counter-protest.

Politicians on the left including Partito Democratico (PD) leader Elly Schlein joined the Bologna branch of ANPI, Italy's partisan association which preserves the memory of the Resistance movement against Fascism, at the protest on Saturday morning.

The far-right rally began in the afternoon but stopped behind the cordon set up by riot police near the train station where crowds sang Bella Ciao and hurled insults at the demonstrators.

Clashes broke out between the riot police and left-wing protesters as the latter attempted to reach the far-right demonstrators. Three police officers were injured.

Italian premier Giorgia Meloni offered her "total solidarity" to the police whose members responded to the "usual violent [people]" with "firmness and professionalism", adding: "It is sad to see that a certain left continues to tolerate and, at times, support these troublemakers, instead of openly condemning these episodes and showing solidarity with those who, every day, work to ensure everyone's safety."

Ancora violenze e scontri generati dai collettivi, a Bologna, rivolti contro la Polizia di Stato. La mia totale solidarieta va agli uomini e alle donne delle Forze dellOrdine, che con fermezza e professionalita hanno affrontato i soliti violenti, tra lanci di petardi e sassi, Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) November 9, 2024

Lepore, a member of the PD, stormed: "Public order should not have been managed in this way, I think the interior minister owes an explanation to the city of Bologna".

The mayor repeated demands for government funding in the wake of recent devastating floods in Bologna, noting that Meloni was due to visit the city on Monday as the centre-right closes its election campaign in Emilia-Romagna ahead of regional elections next week.

Interior minister Matteo Piantedosi on Monday said he was "astonished" by the Bologna mayor's remarks, stating the government has "always guaranteed every form of convinced, loyal cooperation" to the city.

Piantedosi also said it was "serious to insinuate alleged direction or interventions from Rome.

Italy's deputy premier Matteo Salvini also hit back, labelling the anti-fascist demonstrators communist criminals and calling for the closure of illegally occupied social centres.

Non si spengono le polemiche sugli scontri di sabato scorso a Bologna tra le forze dell'ordine e i manifestanti antifascisti che volevano fermare un corteo di CasaPound e altre organizzazioni di estrema destra pic.twitter.com/SD0EI1YbbD  Tg3 (@Tg3web) November 11, 2024

There was further controversy when television footage by news agency Dire appeared to show a far-right leader "giving orders" to riot police, telling them to lower their shields.

In a statement, the Silp-Cgil police union condemned the dialogue as "unacceptable", however the Questura police headquarters in Bologna categorically denied that members of Casapound or others had an influence on the decisions taken".

Michele De Pascale, the centre-left candidate in the Emilia-Romagna elections, condemned the violence, stating: "The neo-fascist organisations must be dissolved and demonstrations that have the purpose of apologia of the fascist regime should not be authorised".

Meloni was expected to arrive in Bologna on Monday to give her backing to Elena Ugolini in the race to be president of the Emilia-Romagna region, after the former governor Stefano Bonaccini (PD) stood down in July following his election to the European parliament.

Melonis coalition governs 14 out of 20 Italian regions following last month's narrow victory by Marco Bucci, the centre-right candidate in Liguria.

The government will be hoping for more electoral gains in Umbria next week but faces an uphill task in Emilia-Romagna, long a left-wing stronghold.

Both sets of regional elections are scheduled to take place on 17-18 November.

Photo credit: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com.
Meloni's migrant scheme hits another hurdle.

The Italian government's contested migrant repatriation scheme in Albania faced a fresh challenge on Monday after a Rome court suspended the detention of seven migrants.

The immigration section of the Rome tribunal referred the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and ordered that the seven migrants, from Egypt and Bangladesh, be returned to Italy once the 48-hour deadline to validate their detention expired, news agency ANSA reports.

The order came just three days after an Italian naval ship carrying the migrants landed in Albania as Rome sought to revive its controversial scheme following several legal hurdles from Italian courts.

In a social media post on Monday evening, deputy Italian premier Matteo Salvini slammed the latest ruling as "another political sentence not against the government, but against Italians and their safety".

The offshore migrant centres in Albania, a flagship policy of Italy's right-wing premier Giorgia Meloni, have faced much criticism from human rights groups since their launch a month ago.

The first 12 migrants sent to the Italian-run facilities were returned to Italy after the same Rome court ruled that their countries of origin, Bangladesh and Egypt, were not safe enough for repatriation.

Meloni's government reacted angrily to the ruling and swiftly changed the law to classify 19 countries - including Bangladesh and Egypt - as "safe".

Judges in Bologna subsequently challenged the parameters of the decree, referring it to the CJEU and asking how entire countries could be declared safe where there is evidence of the persecution of minorities.

Last week a Sicilian court ruled that Egypt could not be considered a "safe" country and refused to grant a detention order for an Egyptian asylum seeker.

Photo credit: Alessio Tricani / Shutterstock.com.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A new body tasked with investigating outstanding cases from the Northern Ireland Troubles is to look at the death of a teenage IRA member who was killed by the British Army in 1972.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will also examine the murder of a retired RUC reservist and his wife in Belfast in 1990.

The ICRIR has published the details of a number of cases which have been accepted for investigation and are in the information recovery stage.

It said it had accepted 14 individual requests for investigation and is working with more than 100 individuals on taking their cases forward.

The commission was created by the Conservative governments controversial Legacy Act which halted scores of civil cases and inquests into Troubles deaths.

Bereaved families, victims and certain public authorities can instead request the ICRIR carry out an investigation.

While Labour has committed to repealing the Act and has said legacy inquests will resume, it is continuing with the ICRIR.

The cases in information recovery include the killing of James and Ellen Sefton in Ballygomartin Road, Belfast, on June 6 1990.

Mr Sefton was a retired RUC reservist. He and his wife died after an IRA bomb exploded under their car.

The commission is also to investigate the death of 19-year-old Seamus Bradley in Londonderry in 1972. A coroner previously ruled that the Armys shooting of the IRA member during Operation Motorman was unjustified.

The ICRIR will also investigate the shooting of bus inspector Alexander Millar at Ardoyne Bus Station on May 2 1975.

Sir Declan Morgan. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Images

It has also commenced an investigation into the shooting of Thomas Sheppard in Ballymena on March 21st, 1996, after he was accused by the UVF of being a police informer.

The only case the commission had previously confirmed was in the information recovery stage was its investigation into the Guildford pub bombings in 1974.

The commission is headed by former Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan.

He said: With over 100 individuals coming to the commission, a figure that is continuing to rise, we have a crucial role to play in supporting the vast number of victims, survivors and families who are still looking for answers.

We will do so with integrity, independence and a focus on providing them with the unvarnished truth about what happened to their loved ones.

Sir Declan also welcomed a pledge from Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn that inquests which had been halted by the Legacy Act would be allowed to proceed.

The commission hosted a meeting with officials from the Council of Europe on Monday.

The delegation from the Department of the Execution of Judgments (DEJ) is on a visit to Northern Ireland.

A number of Troubles victims took legal proceedings against the operation of the ICRIR earlier this year. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images

Sir Declan said: This meeting gave us the chance to repeat just how important that commitment is for us, how it informs everything we do in the same way as our respect for the Good Friday Agreement and our focus on providing information to victims, survivors and families.

The ICRIR has faced sustained criticism from groups representing Troubles victims since it was established by the Legacy Act.

In September, the Court of Appeal part-allowed an appeal by several Troubles victims against the ICRIR.

The appeal was mounted after High Court judge Mr Justice Colton ruled in February that the legislation underpinning the commission did not contravene human rights laws and the body could undertake effective investigations of Troubles murders.

Three Court of Appeal judges ruled that a Government veto power over what sensitive material can be disclosed to bereaved families by the commission is incompatible with human rights laws.

They also found that the work of the commission also does not provide victims and their next of kin adequate means to participate in its processes.

However, other grounds of the appeal were dismissed, including a challenge over its operational independence.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Michael OLeary has repeated controversial comments he made about teachers, arguing that they are not the best type of politicians to deliver change in Ireland.

The Ryanair boss said at an election event at the weekend, where he endorsed Enterprise Minister and Fine Gael TD Peter Burke, that teachers should not lead the country.

This prompted sharp criticism from teachers unions and political parties, while the Fine Gael leadership have attempted to distance themselves from the comments.

Michael OLeary said Catherine Martin had been a failure as Minister for Tourism. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Mr OLeary has since doubled down on his stance, telling Newstalk radio on Monday that there are too many teachers in the Dail.

He said that he was making a serious point about the need for more diversity in the Dail  and said there was a need for more business owners to become TDs.

The Ryanair chief also said that Minister for Media and Tourism Catherine Martin was far better off back in the classroom.

This country is facing enormous challenges over the next decade, where the population is going to rise from five to six million people, Mr OLeary said.

Now we need lots of teachers delivering excellent education in the classroom, but a Dail where there is a striking surplus of teachers in the Dail is not necessarily one thats going to get things done.

I want to see more people enter the Dail from private enterprise, from the private sector, and thats the energy we need if were going to fix the infrastructure challenges we face, and if were going to provide housing and infrastructure for a population of six million people.

I think teachers do a great job in the classroom, but Im not sure that teachers in the Dail are necessarily the best people to deliver the kind of change and enterprise we need.

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary caused controversy with his comments. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

He cited Green Party ministers Catherine Martin and Roderic OGorman as two former teachers who have clearly failed in their roles.

Ill give you the example of Catherine Martin, for example, whos the Minister for Tourism. Shes been Minister for Tourism for five years, and what has she delivered? A [passenger] cap at Dublin Airport.

I think Catherine Martin will be far better off back in the classroom doing the valuable work that teachers do and as far away from the reins of government or making decisions, where I think shes clearly failed.

He said that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had done a great job in government, while their coalition party colleagues the Green Party needed to be weeded out and the main opposition party Sinn Fein should be ignored.

I think people should vote for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, I think Fine Gael and Fianna Fail should transfer to each other. I think nobody should vote for the Greens.

Asked about Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who was a former teacher, he said there is an exception to every rule.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, also speaking on Newstalk, said that Mr OLeary dislikes the Green Party because we deliver, but not what he wants.

The real question here, and this is an election issue, is: why is Fine Gael aligning themselves with Michael OLeary in this way? the former Green Party leader said.

Mr Ryan said it was a sign that the party wants to be less ambitious on climate which he said was a mistake.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Nepal is committed to cooperate with COP Troika Presidencies, said President Ramchandra Paudel in an exclusive interview with Trend, as today COP29 is kickstarting in Baku.

He pointed out that Nepal, as a party to the UNFCCC, gives utmost importance to the COP29.

As the climate change is an escalating threat to human civilization, culture and also the mother earth; we are now at a crucial juncture of human history. The gravity of the situation is that the UN has recently warned all of us that, if we fail to take appropriate measures to address the subsisting climate crisis, the temperature could rise up to 3.10 C by the end of this century. The global bodys message is loud and clear that currently the world is in the midst of climate related predicaments and we all need to join hands to alleviate them. In this connection, it is contextual to mention here that Nepal has been committed to cooperate with the COP Troika Presidencies and their roadmap, which is in favor of Solidarity for a Green World. Nepal also extends its fullest support to make the Baku COP29 a great success, he said.

COP29 is officially starting today in Baku. The event, which will take place from November 11 to 22, will bring together world leaders, politicians and climate experts to discuss the pressing issues of climate change. Climate finance, emission reduction targets and global cooperation are on the agenda. It is expected that the results of COP29 will have a significant impact on the formation of the future climate strategy of the planet.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Taoiseach Simon Harris joined Fine Gael general election candidate Senator John Cummins in Waterford this week, on his first full day of campaigning ahead of polling day on November 29th.

The pair visited Ardkeen Stores, Cafe Lucia, the library and went canvassing in Grange Cove housing estate.

Speaking to the media during their canvass Taoiseach Simon Harris made a firm commitment to Waterford Airport:

Im hearing the importance of Waterford Airport project and I want to be very clear for everybody living in county Waterford, in the city of Waterford and the South East, I want to see that project happen. The Waterford Airport project needs to happen.

I want to be absolutely crystal clear, I'm frustrated by some unhelpful comments that have been made in recent times by others. The Waterford Airport project needs to progress. This is important for Waterford.

Harris added the project needs to progress on the 50-50 contribution model that was agreed upon in 2019.

"This is a sensible construct because what it basically means is the state only has to put in money when the private element puts in money, too. It's been stalled for too long. I don't want to give anyone a history lesson."

When asked a follow up question regarding the business case, Taoiseach Harris said; "The business case hasn't come to me because that would be a matter for the Minister for Transport, and he didn't bring it to Cabinet.

"What I'm making very clear to people in Waterford, though, is that if my party leads the next government, the delivery of the Waterford Airport project along the agreed position of 2019  remember, this came to a Cabinet that I was in in 2019, we've agreed this, it will happen, and I'm very, very clear in relation to that."

Senator Cummins welcomed the Taoiseachs comments saying What is very clear is that Fine Gael is committed to the delivery of the Waterford Airport runway expansion project.

Clearly there hasnt been a desire by the Minister of Transport to progress this project which is unfortunate. It is only one of a handful of government departments without a Fine Gael Minister for the past couple of years and it is my hope that following the election, the new Minister of Transport will be a Fine Gael Minister to enable this critical piece of infrastructure to be delivered.

Meanwhile, Mary Lou McDonald made similar commitment on behalf of Sinn Fein during her own visit to Waterford this weekend.

She told local media: "The case has been made for investment...and certainly a Sinn Fein government will make good on that commitment."
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) held their 39th Annual Remembrance and Thanksgiving at the weekend.

The event is an important occasion for remembering deceased loved ones who have in their death given the gift of life to others.

The service was held at the Church of the Holy Child, Whitehall, Dublin and brought together over 1600 people from all across Ireland.

Among the guests were the Murphy family from Annestown, Co Waterford.

14-year-old Lexi Murphy paid tribute to the deceased donors and lit a candle in remembrance.

Lexi was born with a rare condition known as polycystic kidney disease, which also affected her liver.

Thankfully, Lexi underwent a life-saving operation in 2016 after receiving two kidneys from a donor.

Ballet

At the service, Lexi presented her pointe ballet shoes, symbolising her love of dance.

Lexi said to RTE News: "I'm able to do stuff now that I wasn't able to do before the transplant. I'm very thankful and if it wasn't for them (the donor), I probably wouldn't be here."

The service will be broadcast on RTE One this Sunday, November 17 at 11am, and will be available later on RTE player.
Winterval 2024 is set to launch this Friday, November 15, after months of build-up, organising and fine-tuning.

Excitement is at fever pitch, as the Deise becomes a winter wonderland for the 12th outing of the festival.

The pressure is on after last year's mammoth success, which saw Waterford secure the title of European Capital for Christmas 2024.

This Friday, November 15, Santa Claus will be stopping by Waterford City to switch on the Christmas lights at 6pm. Photo: Patrick Browne

Weekend bonanza

This Friday, November 15, Santa Claus will be stopping by Waterford City to officially launch the Winterval festival, with a little help from the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy.

At 6pm, Santa himself will be on Broad Street to switch on the Christmas lights.

On Saturday, November 16, the Winterval Parade will take place in the City, with a ceremony to officially declare the European City of Christmas title.

The parade will feature some of the main attractions of the festival, such as acts from The Trash Test Dummies, the cast of Waterford Panto, and the delightful Waterford Viking Elves, 'old world' choristers, the Winterval Mini Express Train, visitors from the North Pole, Monster Trucks, Nutcracker Brass Band, fire performers, some of the big man's naughtiest elves and even Mrs Claus herself.

One of this year's hotly anticipated features is the 'Gateway to Brno'- a live portal that will connect Waterford to the Czech city of Brno, a fellow European City of Christmas. The portal opening will take place at noon on Sunday, November 17, in the Apple Market.

Adam King with his book, Farrons Adventure, which was launched at The Book Centre on Saturday. Photo: Patrick Browne

Farron's Adventure

10-year-old Adam King, of Late Late Toy Show fame, launched his first book 'Farron's Adventure' at The Book Centre on Saturday, November 9.

The talented young man was at The Book Centre to share his tale of the cheeky Viking elf Farron and his Christmas adventure in Waterford.

Adam King signs his book, Farrons Adventure, for Niamh Butler and Ella Raftice, at the launch event in The Book Centre on Saturday. Photo: Patrick Browne

All proceeds from the book go to the voluntary charity 'Junior for Juniors', who provide care and solace to children in the paediatric wards of University Hospital Waterford.

Adam King launched his first book, Farrons Adventure at The Book Centre in Waterford City ahead of the Citys 12th annual Winterval Festival. Photograph: Patrick Browne

At the launch, Adam said: "Im delighted to launch my first book and help the charity. I remember one time I hurt my leg and I was in the hospital, while I was waiting a lady brought in blocks that I could use to make houses and they were really fun and they took my mind off of maybe having to get surgery."

Pictured with Adam as he signs books are Charlie McNicholas and Geoff Cowman. Photograph: Patrick Browne

'Pressure on'

Co-directors of Winterval, John Grubb and Trevor Darmody, have promised "some wonderful and quirky events, held in some of our incredible and unique historic spaces" during the festive spectacular.

"This years programme is fun-filled and light-hearted offering escapism and joy for all ages. We were especially conscious of the socialisers amongst us, who perhaps dont have a requirement for Santa, so we have added lots of new elements to attract those audiences to the festival more and more too."

They continued: "It is the first year of the celebration of our European title and while that has certainly added some pressure on us at Winterval to deliver more, it was a task that we relished; we took a look at what was happening at other festivals globally but also at what our beautiful ancient city could offer and we have come up with a programme that brings the two together."
Voters will be flocking to the polls on November 29 to determine which faces will form the basis of the new government and Waterford has already been inundated with posters from candidates vying for your vote, and appealing to be your Number One.

There will be no shortage of topics discussed throughout the campaign, many of which remain the same as in 2020.

We took to the streets of Waterford this week to ask locals to rate how Waterford's sitting TDs and Senator did in the past four years, and what additionally needed to be done in that time.

Vanessa. Photo: Joe Evans

Vanessa said that Waterfords TDs and Senator did not do enough for the county, and that the development of the quay would have been very welcome:

I dont think they have done enough for Waterford. I think theyre starting to rattle the cages now because theres an election coming up, but Ive been very disappointed because I never hear from some of them.

In terms of improvement in the past four years, I think its great to see the new footbridge and I hope people will use it now. But I think they really need to get those cars off the quay and it needs to be developed as a green area because its the most beautiful part of Waterford. Especially with the new bridge there it will be great for people from Ferrybank as well."

Vanessa suggested making the area fully accessible to the public, with the addition of amenities, such as cafes and restaurants.

Locals Patricia and Ellen added: I dont think theyve done enough. I think they help some people and some they dont."

Bridget and Fran. Photo: Joe Evans

Bridget and Fran said: No theyve not done enough. They should have brought down homeless figures in Waterford. Also, an outrageous amount of money has been squandered, money that belongs to the people. Nothing has changed in the last four years."
London: A childrens book written by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has been withdrawn from sale after it was criticised for causing offence to Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian newspaper reported at the weekend that the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation had blasted Billy And The Epic Escape, which was published earlier this year, for employing a series of tropes and stereotypes about Indigenous Australians, including their relationships with the natural and spiritual worlds.

Jamie Oliver was in Melbourne last year to film eight episodes of MasterChef.

The group criticised one of the fantasy novels subplots, which tells the story of an Indigenous girl living in foster care, for contributing to the erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences.

In a statement, Oliver, 49, said he was devastated to have caused offence and apologised wholeheartedly.
Anthony Burke is an architect best known for being the host of Grand Designs Australia. Here, the 53-year-old talks about losing his father, his fierce and independent mother, and meeting his now-wife more than 30 years ago.

Anthony Burke recalls that his first kiss was as awkward and thrilling as it could be. Credit:

My maternal grandmother Edna would shell peas out the back of her small home in Padstow, NSW, always with a bowl in her lap. She had three children  my mum Jeanette is the eldest, her sister Helen who was 10 years younger, and they had a brother Ray in between them. Edna had a very quiet life. My grandfather was a house painter, and together they moved to The Entrance. She was a homebody and I suspect had a bit of depression in her life. She died when I was about 18.

I wasnt that close to my paternal grandmother, Merle. My fathers parents split, and I saw my grandparents separately and not that often. Merle moved to Brisbane, and wed see her once a year. She was an avid member of the Broadbeach Bowling Club, died in her mid-70s from probably having too much fun  she enjoyed a roll-up and a whisky. She was also a homemaker and raised my father Brent and uncle John, who is now a doctor based in Canada.

My mum raised two sons; Im the eldest and my brother Matthew is three years younger. She worked as a bank teller, did some receptionist and secretarial work; its how she met my father, who was a stockbroker. Mum did part-time work on and off while raising her kids.
Being a cosmetic surgeon means I look at everyone through a cosmetic surgeons eyes, he told the Herald in 2014. If I go to the beach, I dont see women in bikinis  I see a collection of problems. Loading At the time, AHPRA accused him of breaking some fundamental tenets of good medical practice, but took no further action. Harlows case against Granot also coincided with a complaint to AHPRA, which imposed conditions on his registration in July, including a requirement he is supervised while performing any surgical procedure relating to the internal and external female genitalia and vagina. Granot did not respond to requests for comment from this masthead. Harlows solicitor, Kathryn Footner, from Footner Wren Legal, declined to comment.

However, Harlow said she was left deeply traumatised from the procedure, which she required after significant damage sustained during childbirth. She concedes she was also motivated by cosmetic reasons. I can talk about it now without crying ... but its been hugely damaging to me from a psychological and physical perspective. Its such an intimate part of your body, and you feel like you have been mutilated, she said. Its just so painful. Id have a baby every day rather than go through that again. I think I ended up with around 200 stitches. I was chopped to bits. Aged in her early 50s, Harlow faces further surgery. She warned other women against such procedures. More and more women are getting it done, and more men are thinking women should look like porn stars. We dont and vaginas come in all shapes in sizes. My advice would be if your partner makes fun of your body, then change your f---ing partner, Harlow said.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists warns there is little evidence that cosmetic vaginal procedures are effective, enhance sexual function or improve self-image. The risks of potential complications such as scarring, adhesions, permanent disfigurement, infection, dyspareunia and altered sexual sensations should be discussed in detail with women seeking such treatments, the college said. Professor Mark Ashton says practitioners of dubious qualifications are targeting vulnerable young women. Credit: ABC Mark Ashton, a professor of surgery at the University of Melbourne, said practitioners of dubious qualifications were redefining normal anatomy to target vulnerable young women. Too often, the clinicians performing labiaplasty (the surgical reduction of the inner lips of the vulva) were inadequately trained and used techniques that led to unreliable and unpredictable outcomes, he said.

Over-resection of tissue is the most common complication I see when patients present for complications after labiaplasty surgery, said Ashton, the former president of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Ashton said it was incredibly difficult correcting patients who had undergone the resection of labial tissue or botched labiaplasty. Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis says evidence suggests labiaplasty is one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures among young people. Credit: Chris Hopkins People come from all over Australia to see us after over-section of their labial tissue and are frustrated to find that corrective surgery is often multistaged, very time-consuming and involves significant downtime, he said. Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis, the author of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners guidelines on female genital cosmetic surgery, said while the number of labiaplasties was not officially recorded in Australia, mounting evidence suggested it was one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures among young people.

Medicare claims for labiaplasty and vulvoplasty more than doubled from 707 in 2002-03 to 1584 in 2013-14. Most people pay to have a labiaplasty in the private sector where, unlike in the United States, Australia does not require reporting of these statistics. A crackdown about a decade ago means Medicare can be claimed only if the procedure is to repair female genital mutilation or correct an abnormality. In 2016, the Medical Board of Australia advised that girls under 18 receive mandatory counselling and a three-month cooling-off period if they sought cosmetic vaginal procedures. Simonis wants tighter regulations around the procedure and said Australia should match the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists position that surgery be avoided where patients are under 18.

Loading She said the procedures popularity had been driven by the trends of removing pubic hair, pornography and online imagery, which had fuelled young peoples anxiety and shame. Simonis said there was also widespread lack of education about what a normal vulva looked like. Increasing numbers of young people felt convinced their genitals were deformed because they did not match the Barbie doll ideal. Youve got a whole generation of adolescents, young women, young adults entering this world, who think that they should look a particular way, she said. An AHPRA spokesman said confidentiality provisions in the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law prevented the regulator from commenting about individual matters unless that information was publicly available.
Police are investigating reports a kindergarten speech pathologist was killed while attempting an act of bravery as a truck ploughed into a preschool north of Melbourne on Monday afternoon.

The 43-year-old woman died at the scene and a three-year-old boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his upper body in the crash at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek as playtime was wrapping up shortly before 2.30pm.

Emergency services at the school in Riddells Creek where a truck killed one person and seriously injured a child. Credit: Nine News

Locals have been campaigning to lower the speed limit on Main Road, where the preschool is located. One resident told The Age the thoroughfare had become an endless road of traffic and that vehicles hurtled through the town. The council endorsed a draft plan to lower it from 50km/h to 40km/h in June.

The incident comes two weeks after an 11-year-old boy was killed when an SUV crashed through a primary school in Hawthorn East and one year since five people were hit and killed by a BMW that failed to turn right outside a pub in Daylesford.
The owner of one of Perths best loved indie bookshops has put out a public distress signal, saying the citys small businesses are doing it tougher than during COVID.

Rabble Books & Games Maylands shocking pink presence on hipster high street Eighth Avenue is known for going further than welcoming browsers and gift hunters, representing a haven and events hub for Perths queer, First Nations and disability communities.

Natalie Latter and Sam Baker with their daughter Pip. Credit: Stevie Lane

In only 6 years of operating it has amassed a whopping online following thats helped it become one of Perths most significant bookshops, but thats not been enough to stop financial bruising  to the point that it on Friday announced online that something had to change, as Rabble was no longer sustainable.

Natalie Latter, who works in the bookshop alongside partner and co-owner Sam Baker, is also a City of Bayswater councillor and further works another job to keep the family afloat financially as the shop is barely breaking even.
On November 10, the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) closed in Shanghai.

As a globally recognized economic and trade event, this year's expo once again attracted the attention of enterprises and investors worldwide.

Unlike other exhibitions, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo focused on imports.

So, what kind of "buyer" is Anhui?

Anhui is a buyer that knows how to purchase: technology and equipment account for about 60% of its procurement demand.

Anhui is a buyer with potential: more than 5,000 foreign-invested enterprises have settled in the province, including 192 Fortune Global 500 companies. The outward orientation and globalization of Anhui's industrial and supply chains have significantly enhanced, carrying the mission of developing an internationally competitive advanced manufacturing cluster.

Globalized industrial chains create global competitive advantages. To some extent, knowing how to buy gives a sense of sophistication.

Based on this, Anhui is set to become an increasingly active global buyer.

Procurement is the primary goal for Anhui's delegation at this expo.

This year, Anhui formed one provincial trading group, 16 city trading sub-groups, and 5 provincial trading sub-groups, with over 2,200 units and more than 6,200 people registered to attend.

Weve already met with several overseas merchants in the past few days, said Zhang Bao, whose company mainly engages in cattle breeding and slaughter processing. They came to understand the inventory and slaughtering conditions of foreign exhibitors cattle to prepare for market supply during New Year's and Spring Festival. In less than three days since the expo opened, they have already made purchases exceeding $2 million.

Purchasing personnel from Anhui Five Stars Fruit are also actively searching for new fruit varieties at the expo. The company focuses on the full industry chain operation of high-end imported fruits and domestically produced fruits. Through the expo, we secured the regional agency for Zespri, the New Zealand kiwifruit brand, as well as for Dole Food Company (USA) in Anhui, greatly enhancing our core competitiveness, said company manager Chen Bingzheng.

In addition to imported food and consumer goods, from previous years trading data, technology and equipment, agricultural products, biomedicine, and service trade are also key areas for Anhuis "buying team."

Statistics show that in the first six CIIEs, Anhui organized a total of 13,200 purchasing units and 41,500 personnel, with a cumulative procurement transaction amount of $12.32 billion.

More and more Anhui enterprises are preparing for upgrades and accumulating energy for development through their buying activities at the expo.





Source: Anhui Daily
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. COP29 is an opportunity for Nepal to present its case, said President Ramchandra Paudel in an exclusive interview with Trend, as today COP29 is kickstarting in Baku.

I will strongly put our case in the conference on the issues pertaining to the climate induced disasters and also shall seek the COPs technological as well as adaptive solutions. We need to dwell on them because, as you perhaps know, that Nepal was recently hard hit by incessant and erratic rains and floods, which were responsible for the loss of more than 200 precious human lives and huge damage to critical infrastructures. The natural disaster has costed millions of dollars to a least developed and landlocked nation! said Nepals president.

He went on to add that the global warming has caused the snow-capped mountains black.

Glaciers have burstcausing massive destructions and posing serious threats to the people living down-streams. We must understand that crisis facing the mountains is a global issue, not just that of the mountainous countries. Actually, Nepal, which has been blessed with majestic Himalayas- the major source of fresh water in the region, deserves special attention from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in view of Nepals high degree of vulnerability to climate change. Nepal deserves particular attention also because of its painstaking endeavors, yet with a scant resource, in addressing the subsisting climate related challenges. The generosity, on the part of the GCF, is critical as Nepal has already embarked on to ambitious goals of climate action such as achieving of the carbon neutrality by 2045 and negative carbon emission by 2050, said Paudel.

Besides, as the president said, Nepal is also committed to increase the forest cover to 45 percent by 2030, which is already achieved.

Therefore, at the moment, Nepal is in dire need of a generous support from climate finance and also advance technological knowhow in order to enhance its capacities, which are imperative for Nepals transition to a climate-resilient future. Against this backdrop, our principal expectations from COP29 which is also widely dubbed also as a Finance COP, are that: the issue of mobilizing the adequate fund for the mitigation and adaptation actions against climate change, by dint of scaling up the pledge, is resolved. At the same time, we expect that the fund is allocated judiciously and in an unhindered way among needy nations, he added.

COP29 is officially starting today in Baku. The event, which will take place from November 11 to 22, will bring together world leaders, politicians and climate experts to discuss the pressing issues of climate change. Climate finance, emission reduction targets and global cooperation are on the agenda. It is expected that the results of COP29 will have a significant impact on the formation of the future climate strategy of the planet.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam has had her say on the governments Westport announcement this morning  suggesting it was not a priority of her party but refusing to say whether they would scrap the project altogether.

Mettam faced a barrage of questions to clearly define what would happen to the $7.2 billion project if elected, but would not provide any detail.

WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam. Credit: Hamish Hastie

Its not a priority of a Liberal government, as Ive stated what our priorities are, and right at the top is cost of living, law and order, health, housing and restoring our regional services, she said.

Well, our question is the same as the questions many voters would be asking. Is this the biggest priority of the Cook Labor government?

Between Metronet and Westport, were talking about $20 billion worth of investment while we have a health system which is on its knees, while we have patients being treated in corridors, while we have children waiting over 18 months to see a pediatrician. This highlights that the Cook Labor government have their priorities all wrong.

A business case released today suggested the Fremantle container port would run out of capacity by the end of the next decade and the Kwinana port would likely not be finished until around then according to the current approvals and construction timeframe.

Mettam brushed aside those concerns and said Fremantle port was currently at 30 per cent capacity.

According to government figures the port is actually at 60 per cent capacity with the latest figures suggesting 860,000 container movements.

Fremantle Port has a capacity to deal with 1.4 million containers a year.

Mettam said she would release details on the Liberals transport policies closer to the election.
Six public schools from across Western Australia have been named as the best in their field at the states education awards on Monday.

Morowa District High School was handed the major award for excellence in school leadership.

Their strong focus on literacy, combined with a student leadership program aimed at giving students the chance to grow their skills, were highlighted as some of the main reasons they won.

School principal Tonia Carslake said she was honoured to accept the award.
In 2020, I published the Respect@Work Report, which looked into the prevalence of sexual harassment within Australian workplaces.

One of the key lessons at the time was that when employees made complaints to their employers, leaders often thought of how they should respond. But it was evident that there was still much more they could do to prevent the conduct in the first place.

Former sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins says encouraging results leave room for improvement. Credit: Arsineh Houspian

The report came off the back of a national inquiry, in which I read hundreds of submissions from Australians working across all sectors and at all company levels experiencing harassment or discrimination within their workplaces.

We heard reports from employees of a take a joke, get along, dont be a whinger culture that was pervasive throughout many workplaces. Their stories illustrated the entrenched issues that came together to contribute to an environment in which workers felt compelled to tolerate harassment and discrimination rather than report it and risk losing their jobs.
Ryan had his first bet at just 15. He entered the TAB in his school uniform to place the bet and no one asked for ID or even questioned him. They just took his money, which was meant for his lunch. Ryan was addicted before he was 18.

The Albanese government is proposing that the Ryans of this world be protected from social media with a ban to be imposed on those 16 years or younger. It is compelling to hear the reasons proffered. The government questions the social licence of these media companies, saying they have failed to protect children.

Credit: Matt Golding

While my instinct is to support this measure, I am aware of the pushback. Companies and commentators say there are difficulties of age identification and the loopholes for enforcement. But what amazes me is that the Albanese government, in proposing this, still rejects these very same arguments that were part of the Murphy inquiry into online gambling.

The parliamentary panel  which included Labor, Liberal, National, Greens and independent members and was led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy  recommended a total ban on gambling ads, both online and via free-to-air media, phased in over three years.
One Western official said Ukraines surprise incursion into Kursk in August had thinned out its forces across the battlefield in the east of the country, leaving them vulnerable to Russian advances. But that official, and US officials, said Ukraine still had a strong defence in Kursk and might be able to hold, at least for a time. The officials interviewed for this article spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence assessments and offer a candid appraisal of Ukraines battlefield prospects. Western and Ukrainian officials say the arrival of North Korean forces is a major escalation after more than two years of war. North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops to fight with Russia in Kursk, US officials say. The troops are wearing Russian uniforms and have been equipped by Moscow, but they will probably fight in their own discrete units, US defence officials said.

Ukrainian officials said Moscow had supplied the North Korean forces with machine guns, sniper rifles, anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Russia has been training the North Koreans in artillery fire, basic infantry tactics and, critically, trench clearing, US officials said. That training suggests that at least some of the North Korean forces will be involved in frontal assaults on Ukraines dug-in defensive positions. Donald Trump met Kim Jong-un in 2019. Will he use his contact and second presidency to stop the war in Ukraine? Credit: Getty Images We fully expect that DPRK [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea] soldiers could be engaged in combat, Sabrina Singh, the deputy Pentagon press secretary, said. US officials are not sure what constraints the government of Kim Jong-un has put on the use of its forces. However, US officials expect them to be directly involved in the fighting.

A Ukrainian official said the North Korean forces had been divided into two groups, an assault unit and a support unit, which will help provide security inside the territory recaptured from Ukrainian forces. Loading North Korea has a large army but, unlike Russia, has not been involved in ground combat for decades. The troops North Korea is deploying, however, are considered its best, drawn from the 11th Corps, home to the countrys special operations soldiers. The Ukrainians captured hundreds of square miles of territory with little opposition, but Russia has slowly chipped away at those gains  reclaiming roughly half the seized territory  and now appears ready to conduct a much larger-scale operation. US officials believe that the Ukrainian troops will prove difficult to dislodge and that the Russian and North Korean forces will probably take heavy losses, similar to what Russia has suffered in eastern Ukraine. US and British military analysts put the current number of Russian troop deaths and injuries at an average of more than 1200 a day.

The North Koreans will be fighting as light infantry, without the benefit of armoured vehicles. And current Ukrainian tactics of artillery fire and drone attacks have proved devastating to unprotected Russian troops. That said, if Russia gains momentum, it may not stop at its border but might try to drive Ukrainian forces back further. It is not clear if the North Korean government will authorise its forces to conduct sustained operations in Ukraine or if they are intended only for the Kursk counter-offensive, according to US defence officials. Some US officials believe that North Korea could order its troops to stop at the border while the Russian forces press deeper into Ukraine. US officials said they did not know how effective the North Koreans would be, considering their lack of ground combat experience. George Barros, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, said that despite that inexperience, the North Korean forces were well-organised. The one thing that they might actually be better at than the Russians is cohesion and discipline, he said. Rob Lee, a Russian military specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia who recently returned from a visit to Ukraine, added: Thousands of additional infantry can make a difference in Kursk. These soldiers are younger and in better physical shape than many Russian contract soldiers.

Loading In exchange for supplying troops, US officials believe North Korea expects to receive rocket and missile technology from Russia as well as diplomatic support. But Ukrainian officials said North Korea may also be hoping to battle-harden its troops and learn from the tactics being developed in the war. US defence officials said they did not know if North Korea would send additional reinforcements. A senior Ukrainian official said Ukrainian intelligence officials had predicted that North Korea could send as many as 100,000 troops. Russia is struggling to meet its monthly recruiting goal of roughly 25,000 troops as its casualties mount, meaning the North Korean soldiers are critical. Barros called the North Korean deployment an alternative pipeline.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. COP29 must be a conference focused on addressing financing issues that respond to the urgent needs of Global South countries, IBON International's Climate Justice Policy Officer Jax Bongon said at a panel discussion on the "Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice," Trend reports.

COP29 must be a conference focused on financing, one that answers the urgent needs of Global South countries. In these regions, people are fighting for their lives in the face of rising sea levels, flooding, super-typhoons, heatwaves, and droughts, Bongon said.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has kicked off in Baku. 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 11. A panel discussion on the topic Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice has been held within COP29, Trend reports.

Speaking at the event, IBON International's Climate Justice Policy Officer Jax Bongon said that COP29 must be a conference focused on addressing financing issues that respond to the urgent needs of Global South countries, at a panel discussion on the "Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice".

COP29 must be a conference focused on financing, one that answers the urgent needs of Global South countries. In these regions, people are fighting for their lives in the face of rising sea levels, flooding, super-typhoons, heatwaves, and droughts, Bongon also said.

UK activist, Director of the War on Want organization Asad Rehman said that COP29 stands as a summit of hope.

According to him, respect for human rights and justice is the foundation for the development of a society based on respect and equality.

"We are gathered here, united by hope and the pursuit of justice, and we want these words to resonate across the world. We see that contemporary challenges, such as the pursuit of justice, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law, remain essential foundations for all peoples, despite the difficulties and obstacles.

International law, as recognized by the United Nations and international courts, calls us to responsibility, action, and the maintenance of peace and human rights worldwide. These principles are universal values that unite us and set the direction for a better future," he also said.

"We support efforts to ensure peace and cooperation. The achievements of the global civil society and the contributions of various nations to the protection of human rights demonstrate the progress that is possible when we unite with a common goal. We know that international institutions, such as the UN, were created to protect these principles, and we are determined to support them.

This COP summit is a summit of hope. It provides an opportunity for countries and peoples to unite and strengthen efforts toward achieving climate justice and peace. It symbolizes the importance of solidarity and cooperation in overcoming global challenges," added Rehman.

The opening ceremony of the much-anticipated COP29 conference has kicked off today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

Representatives, leaders, and climate experts from around the globe gathered to mark the beginning of what is set to be one of the largest climate events of the year.

The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 of last year.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the conventions implementation.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless otherwise agreed, COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
U.S. Marine veteran shifts from animal to people care with degree from Weber State

November 11, 2024

OGDEN, Utah  In 2018, Kris Schweers threw a dart at a map, searching for a new place to call home. She aimed west  shed never been there before  and hit Utah, so she began planning a 2,100-mile move from North Carolina to the Beehive State.

Schweers was ready for her next steps in life: a different career, a college degree and a change of scenery.

Shed recently completed six years in the U.S. Marines, working in logistics and, later, in a helicopter unit. During her service, she deployed to 10 countries, taking part in missions like hurricane relief in Haiti and cold weather training in Norway.

Being a Marine gave Schweers a sense of belonging and amplified her confidence: I feel like nothing is impossible, she said. If its truly something I want, then I will do it.

With that mindset, Schweers headed to Utah. She enrolled at Weber State University and began working as a veterinary technician at a clinic in Layton. She specialized in exotic pet care and soon transitioned to emergency care for dogs and cats.

That job combined science and animals, two of her biggest passions. But she wanted opportunities for more professional advancement, so she set her sights on WSUs Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing.

I just have this drive to want more, she said. And when I was thinking about my career path, I wanted to change from four legs to two.

Getting into the nursing program meant boosting her GPA and successfully completing the required prerequisite classes.

Her years of experience in veterinary medicine were a plus, since many animal organs and human organs function the same. However, Schweers was struggling with the transition to civilian life and simultaneously grieving her sisters sudden death in 2019.

When I first started school, I was not a good student, she said. But Weber doesnt require you to know everything when you get here. Its an awesome place to grow.

Now a straight-A student, Schweers said shes proud of how far shes come.

Though her focus will be on human patients, she still surrounds herself with animals, including her three snakes, three lizards and two dogs. Schweers and her husband are also looking forward to a new addition to the family: a baby coming next spring.

Shes exploring job opportunities in preparation for graduating next month with an associates degree in nursing. Shes looking for a position shell find fulfilling and meaningful  common themes in all her past work.

Its so special to let someone feel safe and loved in my care, she said. If I can change somebodys day, that makes me feel satisfied.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. It is crucial to explore opportunities for increasing youth involvement in climate-related decision-making, Advocacy Lead at the Youth Negotiators Agency (YNA) Charlie Bevis said at YNA's COP29 Youth Leadership Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

Our discussion today focuses on the future of YNA and the broader involvement of young people in climate decision-making. To foster further growth and engagement, we must critically examine what it means for young people to have a seat at the tableequipped with the skills and knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions to addressing climate issues," he said.

Bevis also highlighted that YNA is participating in COP29 because the agency is deeply concerned about the climate crisis and possesses valuable knowledge to share.

We want to have the opportunity to share our experiences not just within the decision-making process at COP but also at related events, he added.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has kicked off in Baku. 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.
Issue Put To Cheyenne County Officials

Cheyenne County Communications Center Director Heidi Gillespie spoke Monday with the Cheyenne County commissioners about the Kimball Police Department potentially moving its dispatching services into the Cheyenne County Communications Center.

Gillespie said the move could be made easily with existing equipment, and changes to service coverage areas (like 9-1-1) would be updated at Lincoln for no charge to the county.

Kimball Police Chief Jose Ruiz was at the meeting and told the commissioners that their communications department entered into a mutual aid agreement with the Sidney Police Depart...
Historical, Ag Societies Asked Voters For More Funding On Ballot Questions

After 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Kimball County Clerk Cathy Sibal released the unofficial results of the Nov. 5 general election. Official results will not be available until the canvassing board meets on Nov. 13.

On the local scene, Kimball County Agricultural Society requested up to a 1.15 cents levy on $100 of taxable valuation was narrowly passed by the voters with 853 voting yes and 789 voting no.

The other levy request from the Plains Historical Society was successful by a slim margin of 818 for and 799 against.

Both candidates for Kimball City Council will be seated in December. Jamie Murdoch r...
'The Army Changed My Life,' War Zone Veteran Says

Brad Hottell said, "The military changed my life."

Brad graduated from Kimball High School in 2003 with no direction or "zero goals" in mind, but circumstances led him to enlist in the U.S. Army before his graduation. He left for Fort Knox, Kentucky, and basic training shortly after graduation. Landing in Fort Knox was the first time Brad had been outside of Nebraska.

After basic training, he was assigned to live at Fort Lewis, Washington, until deployments. He said, "All the units I was with could deploy within 24 hours."

War was raging in Iraq and Afghanistan, and when he enlisted, they "str...
Sonya McLean

A man will be sentenced next year after he threatened to publish intimate images of a woman online and then sent her hundreds of degrading and abusive emails  described by a judge as debasing not only to this woman but all women in general.

The court heard that Craig Coyle (37) and the woman had been in a relationship for a number of months, having met on the dating site Tinder in December 2022. They began their relationship early the following year and broke up in September 2023.

Coyle, of Holly Court, Ballybrack, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to publish intimate images of the woman without her consent on September 23rd, 2023.

He also pleaded guilty to harassment on dates between September 2023 and December 2023 and two charges of trespass at the womans home on December 23rd, 2023 and January 19th, 2024. He has no previous convictions.

The offence falls under legislation known as Cocos Law, which criminalises sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent. The penalties include fines and/or up to seven years' imprisonment.

Judge Pauline Codd read a number of the emails Coyle sent the woman, including one which the prosecution said was too graphic to be read into the record.

After reading this particular email, which Coyle sent to the woman in October 2023 and was entitled 'F**k This' Judge Codd commented: It is grotesquely pornographic in nature  he is clearly influenced by pornography.

Sarah Connolly BL, prosecuting, told the court that the woman felt especially threatened by this email as it referenced a disclosure she had made to Coyle about the fact that she had previously been the victim of a serious sexual assault. She felt he was purposefully trying to scare her.

Judge Codd noted that the woman had to purchase a security alarm after she caught Coyle outside her home one winters evening in 2023.

He was prowling around her home in the early hours of the morning, the judge commented before she described Coyles behaviour as horrendous.

She said his emails were debasing not just of this woman but women in general again stating that they were pornographic in nature. She said his unwanted communication to the woman depicts a dreadful attitude.

Garda Aaron Bradshaw said that the woman blocked Coyle on a social media app in September 2023 following a nasty message from him, but he began then to message her on the payment app Revolut claiming that she owed him money.

She accepted she owed him 200 and said she would pay him back a few days later when she was next paid. He then messaged her via Revolut and threatened to send intimate images of her to her ex-husband.

The woman blocked Coyle on Revolut as soon as she paid over the money she owed him but he then began to email her - amounting to hundreds of abusive and degrading emails over the following months.

He sent a message to her ex-husband on LinkedIn and told him he had material and information that would help him in their mediation.

The court heard that while Coyle apologised for his behaviour in some of these emails and promised never to contact the woman again, he would send more abusive emails again a few days later.

The woman contacted gardai on December 23rd, 2022, when Coyle was captured on security cameras peering through her kitchen window just before 6am. She had only set up security cameras in her house the previous day when she thought she had spotted Coyle at her back door.

Coyle was also captured on security cameras outside the womans home on January 19th, 2024.

The last email Coyle sent the woman was on Christmas Day 2023 in which he told her she was most f**ked up person in the world. He called her a pathetic easy tramp, a narcissistic c**t and said he hoped she would have a great Christmas with her family because they certainly wont have with you.

He said she was a disgrace to all women who have been impacted by rape and sexual assault  referring to the fact that the woman had previously told him she had been the victim of a serious sexual assault. He told her she was a waste of oxygen.

The woman read her victim impact statement into the record and said she had gone from someone who didnt set her alarm at night to someone who has a house alarm and cameras on 24/7.

She said her mental health has deteriorated because of Coyles depraved, degrading and disgusting messages to her. No one has ever spoken to me with that level of hatred, she said.

She said her self-esteem went to zero and she began to worry that she lose her job. She also started to worry that Coyle would be there when she came from work.

I genuinely did not know and still dont know what this man is capable of, the woman continued.

The situation made me distressed every single day, the woman said outlining that she was unable to sleep for months and she still has nightmares of seeing Coyle looking through her window.

I am not the person I was when we first met. I am a shell of my former self, the woman said.

She said Coyle took away her sense of security and outlined how she has installed security cameras in her home. I check the app hundreds of times a day, she continued.

If he had physically hurt me, people would understand the depth of my fear. I wonder if my children would be better off if I was dead, she concluded.

Judge Codd thanked the woman for her courage in delivering her own victim impact statement. I know it was not easy and I would like to thank you for that, the judge said.

Cathal McGreal BL, defending, told the court that his client is consenting to a life-long prohibition of communicating with or contacting the victim in any way.

Judge Codd adjourned the case to February 17th next pending an updated report from a psychologist who has recently diagnosed the man as having emotionally unstable personality disorder.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.

Safe Ireland also offers a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (NOVEMBER 12 EDITION)

Congestion at Ballyhaunis Railway Station has grabbed the attention of Minister Dara Calleary TD who has called upon Irish Rail to include Ballyhaunis Train Station on their Car Park Strategy Report for 2025.

He said: Ballyhaunis is a very busy station and car parking facilities onsite are not at all adequate. Quite often intending passengers are unable to access the car park and when they can, they are faced with having to reverse out of the facility onto the main road. It is a road safety and a health and safety hazard.

Following representation to Irish Rail, I have been assured that the matter is being raised with the Programme Manager for inclusion in the Car Park Strategy Report which I understand will be updated in 2025 to take account of usership and emerging preferred travel options...

Local Cllr Alma Gallagher said businesses located on Abbey Street have expressed deep concern to her about the lack of car parking outside their business premises as train passengers are forced to park for long durations on Abbey Street.

This is seriously disrupting business operations on Abbey Street with no available parking for their customers. Residents in Abbey Vale [housing estate] have also been inconvenienced with the overflow of passengers parking outside their homes.

New train services have lifted passenger numbers at Ballyhaunis station, noted Cllr Gallagher.

With Ballyhaunis now designated as a Sustainable Energy Community, I am now calling on the Minister to ensure that the expansion of car parking facilities will include appropriate electric vehicle charging points coupled with bike rails reflecting Ballyhauniss commitment to sustainable travel. We need to put serious consideration into the utility of the yard at the station adjacent to the station car park.

Retired Irish Rail employee and general election candidate Patsy OBrien told this column that there is ample space for an expansion of parking facilities at the Ballyhaunis station. To use a large yard adjacent to the current parking space, Irish Rail will however have to fence off access to the train tracks while facilitating access for trucks delivering ballast to a materials storage site behind the station.
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLINA - WESTERN PEOPLE (NOVEMBER 12 EDITION)

Eoghan Durkan and Neil Rafter, both of whom completed their Leaving Certificate examinations in St Muredachs College, Ballina last summer, have been awarded the 2024 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Birrane Bursary.

The bursary is named in honour of Martin Birrane, the late Ballina-born property developer, racing driver and former owner of Mondello Park Racing Circuit, also a former student of St Muredachs College in the 1950s.

The award provides 3,500 for Eoghan and Neil for each year at university over the course of three years.

For Eoghan Durkan, this is his second scholarship. The young Enniscrone man was the recipient of the prestigious Naughton Foundation Scholarship, announced some weeks ago. That scholarship is worth 24,000 over the course of his degree.

Eoghan is studying Science at University College Dublin while Neil is studying Engineering at University of Limerick.
Staff at the four-star McWilliam Park Hotel celebrate four national awards. The hotel won the Georgina Campbell Award, for Family Friendly Hotel of the Year, at the recent Irish Hotel Awards, The McWilliam Park Hotel was also the winner of the Business Hotel of the Year. Ann Marie Mee was the overall winner in the Duty Manager of the Year, and Boris Dungandzic. won the Connacht section of the Bar Manager of the Year.
On Saturday, 16th November 2024, actor and comedian Stephen Mangan will bring his deep connection to North Mayo to audiences worldwide when he appears on Between the Covers, hosted by Sara Cox on BBC2. Mangan, the London-born son of Erris natives, has selected A Goats Song, a novel set in Belmullet by acclaimed Irish author Dermot Healy, as his top book pick. This novel holds a special resonance for Mangan, capturing the landscapes, voices, and wit of the place he considers his second home.

In his heartfelt comments about A Goats Song, Mangan shared how the book struck a deeply personal chord. It's set in a really remote part of Ireland that my family comes from and it's one of those places that never gets mentioned or talked about by anyone ever, he said.

Mangans recognition of the book as a stone cold masterpiece showcases his love for Belmullet and the larger North Mayo region. He further praised Healys work, describing its melancholy, and wit as characteristics he associates with the people and spirit of Mayo itself.

Mairead Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, highlights the importance of this moment for the region. Having someone like Stephen Mangan, who has such a genuine connection to North Mayo, speak about Belmullet on a global platform is invaluable, she said.

It gives people a glimpse of the rugged beauty, rich culture, and community spirit that make this part of Ireland so special. Publicity like this allows us to showcase North Mayo to new audiences, encouraging people from around the world to explore our hidden gems.

Mangans affection for North Mayo extends beyond literature. In a heartfelt interview on The Hard Shoulder with Kieran Cuddihy, Mangan shared fond memories of his summers spent in Belmullet, describing the warmth and rich culture of the area. I spent every summer in Mayo, and both my mum and dad were from there, so we've always had an awful lot of family back there, he recalled. Its completely part of my life, and Im bringing my children back every year because I want them to have the joy that I had.

He also revealed his favourite beach, Elly Bay, laughing as he said, Apologies to everyone else who owns a beach up there who I haven't mentioned.

A Goats Song, first published in 1994, is considered Healys finest work. Its a powerful narrative about love, loss, and the yearning for connection, with a profound portrayal of Irish identity and history. Set in the period leading up to the Good Friday Agreement, it explores the divides and shared humanity between Northern and Southern Ireland and captures the male protagonists heartache as his life unravels.

For North Mayo, Stephen Mangans feature is more than just publicityits a celebration of the regions enduring legacy and vibrant present. His reflections on A Goats Song and personal anecdotes about places like Elly Bay invite audiences to experience the distinct beauty and character of North Mayo.

Tune in to Between the Covers this Saturday at 2:10pm on BBC2 for Stephen Mangans reflections on Dermot Healys unforgettable work and his enduring ties to North Mayo.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The global community is not investing enough in climate initiatives, Marina Ovtsynova, President of ALLATRA International Public Movement from the United States, told Trend.

"We are here today at the COP29 conference as part of the Egyptian Fund delegation, and we are honored to be involved in such an important event for the world. We sincerely hope that this conference will spark interest and draw attention to the key issues of climate change. Different perspectives on climate issues will be presented, and I believe this event will help highlight the enormous challenges humanity is facing. We need to act as quickly as possible and unite the full scientific potential to combat climate change. Otherwise, we will face serious problems," she said.

Ovtsynova emphasized that climate change is a critical issue that cannot be ignored.

"We are already witnessing stronger hurricanes in the U.S., and climate disasters are escalating around the world at an alarming rate. This is a dire reality that humanity must acknowledge. Clearly, we are not investing enough in climate initiativesthis is not just an issue for the U.S. but for the entire global community. We are failing to grasp how little time we have left before we reach the point of no return. Once humanity fully realizes the magnitude of the threat, we will begin to allocate more resources to tackling climate challenges. We must unite the full potential of science, bring in the best experts, and explore diverse solutions, such as ocean cleanup," she added.
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. COP29 represents a pivotal moment to chart a new path in the global fight against climate change, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and the President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev said at the opening ceremony of the conference in Baku today, Trend reports.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicates that the world is currently on track for a global temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius, which would be catastrophic for billions of people and threaten entire communities, Babayev pointed out.

The world is heading toward disaster, and this is not a problem for the future. Climate change has already begun, from floods in Spain to wildfires in Australia, from rising sea levels in the Pacific to parched lands in Africa. People are already suffering and dying, he said.

He stressed that affected communities need more than just compassion, prayers, and paperworkthey are calling for leadership and concrete action.

COP29 is an important moment to pave the way forward for all of us, Babayev emphasized.

The COP29 Presidency extends its sincere gratitude to all parties, delegates, observers, civil society members, indigenous communities, and climate activists who have gathered here today. This conference will be conducted in an inclusive, transparent, and participatory way. We are proud to share Azerbaijani hospitality with you, to showcase our national heritage and natural beauty, and to foster new friendships grounded in sincerity, openness, and mutual respect," he added.
How to stay safe in cyberspace: 5 essential reads

Whether were socialising, shopping, banking, studying or working, billions of people around the world spend hours each day online.

This digital immersion has many benefits  and plenty of pitfalls, too. Here are just a few of the articles weve published by academics who specialise in various aspects of online safety. Theyre packed full of cautionary tales and expert advice for keeping your digital spaces safe.

Identifying online scams

Think its only the digitally unsophisticated who get trapped by online scammers? Think again. Cybersecurity expert Thembekile Olivia Mayayise warns that even some of the most seasoned internet users she knows have fallen prey to phishing scams. They hand over sensitive information like login credentials and credit card details to seasoned and cunning scammers who have honed their skills in the world of phishing over an extended period. Some work alone; others belong to syndicates.

Academies for would-be cybercriminals

Given that some people make a career out of running online scams, it shouldnt be a surprise that theres a market for training aspirant cyber crooks. Cybercrime scholars Suleman Lazarus and Mark Button shine a spotlight on west Africas hustle kingdoms, which are becoming common in Ghana and Nigeria. At these informal academies, people are taught to carry out digital scams. Sextortion  coercing victims into sharing sexually explicit content and threatening to make it public if the scammer is not paid  is one such strategy.

The psychology of scammers

Luckily, researchers are developing new ways to understand the psychology of online scammers. Rennie Naidoo, a professor of information systems, explains how behavioural science and data science could join forces to combat cybercrime. While data science can be used to identify patterns that indicate potential cyber threats, he points out, it cannot recognise the human factors that drive cybercriminal behaviour. Thats where behavioural science comes in.

Truth and lies on the internet

Disinformation and misinformation have become depressingly common in online spaces. Misinformation arises from people unwittingly spreading falsehoods; disinformation involves the deliberate, planned dissemination of lies. Fabrice Lollias experience as a disinformation expert means hes well placed to offer handy tips for sorting lies from truth.

Keeping kids safe online

Its not just adults who are at risk online. Children are, in many respects, more vulnerable than their parents and caregivers even though they tend to have a better practical grasp of internet technology than previous generations. Lucy Jamieson, Heidi Matisonn and Wakithi Mabaso have researched various aspects of the ethics of new and emerging technologies, with a focus on how children are affected. The trio provide practical, simple advice for helping children navigate the risks, identify the ethical pitfalls and enjoy the benefits of social media platforms.

Natasha Joseph, Commissioning Editor, The Conversation. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The emotional power of naked protests in South Africa

Interviews with women who have staged naked protests reveal this is not just a shock tactic, but a powerful way of claiming their voices and their dignity.

Naked protests are a form of public demonstration where individuals, often women, use the symbolic power of their naked bodies to challenge injustices. These protests have become an increasingly visible form of resistance, particularly in response to state violence, economic exploitation, and the oppression of women by men.

While naked protests might seem provocative or shocking, they have a long and storied history in Africa. They are not only a powerful statement but also a direct challenge to norms in society around decency, control and vulnerability.

As a research psychologist, I was drawn to the study of naked body protests because of their profound affective power. Thats to say I study how emotions like anger, fear, joy and empowerment are expressed and experienced by both the protester and the observer. Ive interviewed numerous South African women who have taken part in naked protests in the past decade.

My studies, which take an African feminist approach, show that these protests are not just acts of desperation or shock tactics. Theyre rooted in a long tradition of resistance and decolonisation, drawing on generational power and emotional expressions. They are a feminist tactic that embodies both vulnerability and strength, using the body as a site of resistance and empowerment.

Naked protests are complex  and, I argue, a powerful tool for reclaiming African womens agency, dignity and voices.

Colonialism and nakedness

During colonialism, European countries ruled over African nations. Colonisers imposed their values, laws and social systems  including strict ideas about how women should behave and dress. These replaced many traditional African practices and beliefs. African women were required to cover their bodies because nakedness was seen as shameful or improper according to European moral standards.

By protesting naked, African women are rejecting these colonial ideas and reclaiming their bodies as a form of resistance. Theyre saying they refuse to be controlled by these outdated beliefs. So, naked protests are a decolonial action.

African feminism sheds further light. It highlights the unique historical and social conditions that shape African womens struggles. It recognises that African womens bodies have been sites of both oppression and resistance for a long time, subjected to patriarchal and colonial control.

Naked body protests in South Africa

In South Africa, colonialism was followed by white minority rule. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination, made law from 1948 to 1994. Black South Africans were denied political rights, restricted from owning land in white areas, and subjected to pass laws that controlled their movement. Black women bore the brunt of this oppression.

In Durban in 1959, South African women protested against the 1908 Native Beer Act, which banned them from brewing traditional beer. Protesters attacked state beerhalls and, in a bold act of defiance, exposed their bodies as they faced police barricades. The police were often hesitant to confront or harm the women.

In 1990, during the Dobsonville housing protest, women in Soweto stripped and protested against the demolition of their shacks by municipal police. They successfully drew media attention to their demands.

This form of protest has endured, even in the countrys democratic era. As recently as 2024, women from the South African Cleaners, Security and Allied Workers Union staged a naked protest against the sudden termination of their contracts by private security companies.

Psychology study

But a primary focus of my research was the South African student protests that began in 2015. The #FeesMustFall movement saw students protesting against sexual violence and the high cost of education. Naked protests took place at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and related #RUReferenceList protests against rape at Rhodes University in Makhanda.

My PhD study set out to understand naked body protests and contribute to their psychological understanding. I wanted to find out why women in particular use this form of decolonialist protest and what its emotional and social role is during and after the actions.

I interviewed 16 women who participated in the protests, as well as drawing from podcast interviews with two other participants and a video of the 1990 Dobsonville protests.

Anger and confrontation

I found that anger and confrontation played a central role. During the #FeesMustFall protests, womens decision to use their naked bodies was a deliberate, transgressive act aimed at disrupting structures that wanted to silence them.

They weaponised their vulnerability and exposed the contradictions within these systems  where womens bodies are often sexually objectified but deemed unacceptable when used as instruments of protest. By baring their bodies, these women confronted the state, universities, and society at large by placing their physical bodies in direct opposition to deeply ingrained social hierarchies.

The anger expressed in these protests is not random; its rooted in a collective and historical sense of injustice. The women told me they were responding to both the immediate issue of being excluded from higher education facilities and also broader, generational experiences of gender-based violence, racism and economic disenfranchisement. Anger became a way to assert control over their bodies in spaces where their presence had been marginalised, ignored or actively suppressed.

By channelling their anger, these women redefined their relationship to both their own bodies and the public spaces they occupied. Their protests highlighted the connection between personal anger and systemic oppression.

Joy in struggle

Joy is another important affect in these protests. Women often experience a sense of joy and empowerment when they achieve the goals of their protests.

This joy is not just a personal feeling but a collective one that binds women together. Joy is a form of resistance in itself because it defies the narrative of women as passive victims.

Empowered and powerful

When women take part in naked protests, they show that they have the power to make their own decisions. They feel more confident and in control.

Participants made it clear that being part of these protests can deeply change how women feel about themselves. They discover their strength and ability to fight back.

The #IAmOneInThree hashtag was based on the United Nations estimate that one in three women around the world will be sexually abused in their lifetime. A #IAmOneInThree naked protest took place at the University of the Witwatersrand in solidarity with #RUReferenceList protests at Rhodes University. Sibu, who took part, shared how carrying a sjambok (a whip) and singing struggle songs with other women made her feel:

For me that moment was affirming  I felt powerful somehow. Because when you  have been raped  it made me feel weak  It made me feel like an object and not a person. And so I remember that moment feeling empowered, right, I have my sjambok, I have my sisters around me.

Naked body protests in South Africa are a powerful form of feminist resistance that draws on deep historical and cultural traditions. These protests are strategic and affective forms of resistance that challenge patriarchy, sexism and colonialism.

Mpho Mathebula, Lecturer, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. We call on all parties to increase global energy storage capacity sixfold by 2030, the President of COP29, Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev said at the opening ceremony of the conference in Baku today, Trend reports.

"As the leading global climate platform, COP29 cannot and will not remain silent on measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Together with the International Energy Agency, we have today published calls for action for a fair and orderly transition," he explained.

Babayev added that COP29 is bringing attention to forgotten issues, such as food waste, which accounts for nearly 10 percent of global emissions.

"We have included the issue of mitigation in the agenda for all meetings leading up to the conference to find ways forward.

As the presidency, we are making every effort to address this issue comprehensively without losing sight of our main priority in the negotiations - achieving a new collective quantitative goal for climate financing," he emphasized.

The opening ceremony of the much-anticipated COP29 conference has kicked off today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

Representatives, leaders, and climate experts from around the globe gathered to mark the beginning of what is set to be one of the largest climate events of the year.

The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 of last year.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the conventions implementation.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless otherwise agreed, COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The youth's perspective on climate change needs to be promoted, said Sigurd Seindal Krabbe, Youth Delegate to the UN for Climate and Environment Scouting, at YNA's COP29 Youth Leadership Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

"For me, its of great importance to be a representative of youth in this space, because while nearly half of the worlds population is young, they do not constitute half of the worlds decision-makers. Therefore, in my view, the current decision-making approach does not reflect the democratic mandate it should be based on," he said.

Krabbe expressed hope that one day, youth will be included in key discussions alongside other representatives.

"However, I still believe youth advocacy must exist because the opinions of youth, and for example, lawyers, will differ. This will be a special group in need of representation and protection of their interests," he added.

The opening ceremony of the much-anticipated COP29 conference has kicked off today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

The highest-level event within COP29, the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, will take place on November 12-13.

The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan was made at the COP28 plenary session held in Dubai on December 11 of last year.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the conventions implementation.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless otherwise agreed, COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The atmosphere at COP29 is lively, the environmental rights advocate and co-founder at Breathe in Mongolia Enkhuun Byambadorj told Trend on the sidelines of COP29.

Today is the first day of COP29. I have high expectations for COP29. Everyone is trying to orient themselves today to make sure that the next two weeks will be at a good pace, she said.

Byambadorj noted that during the first day of the event, the parties are trying to approve the agenda. And this agenda approval is very important because it prioritizes the next two weeks.

As everybody knows, we are discussing a new collective target, which is basically the amount of climate finance that will go to developing countries so that they can cope with the effects of climate change and also mitigate the effects of climate change, she emphasized.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) kicked off today in Baku.

The official opening ceremony is taking place at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

The Summit of World Leaders on Climate Action will be held from November 12 to 13, and this significant event will be held until November 22.

To note, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to prevent dangerous anthropogenic impacts on the climate system. The first session was held in March 1995 in Berlin and the conference secretariat is located in Bonn.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

The head of the Palestinian youth group on climate negotiations, Mohammed Usrof, told Trend on the sidelines of the COP29 in Baku.

"The focus is on building alliances with the Global South and North, with youth, indigenous peoples, and individuals from vulnerable communities, and so on.

This is a space to represent them and achieve justice. There cannot be justice without human rights, and there cannot be climate justice without human rights," he said.

Usrof also emphasized the need for society to clarify and discuss the concept of human rights within the climate context.

"I believe we live in a world where the actions of one person can cause real harm to millions, while one negotiation topic can benefit many. This is why so many people are interested in these talks," he added.

The opening ceremony of the much-anticipated COP29 conference has kicked off today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

The highest-level event within COP29, the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, will take place on November 12-13.

To note, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, aims to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP (Conference of the Parties) is the highest governing body responsible for overseeing the conventions implementation.

A total of 198 countries participate in the convention. Unless otherwise agreed, COP is held annually. The first COP took place in Berlin in March 1995, with its secretariat headquartered in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
His wife was swept away by Hurricane Helenes floodwaters. Now hes been scammed out of nearly $40,000
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) continues to strengthen global trade connections as it marks its seventh year, drawing participants from across the world to Shanghai. "It's incredible how much has changed since my first visit to the China International Import Expo," said Hon Jia Xin, manager of the Lifestyle & Life Sciences Section at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. Hon, who attended the inaugural expo six years ago, returned as Malaysia took its place as a Guest Country of Honor at the event. Malaysia's initial participation focused primarily on high-tech and service sectors within industry pavilions. "Back then, we only had industry players from certain sectors," she recalled, adding, "This year, we brought a diverse range of sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods, sustainable products, services, and e-commerce." "China has been our largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years," Hon emphasized. "By participating in expos like the CIIE, we hope to further boost and enhance trade between our countries," she added. The CIIE has served as a vital platform for Malaysian companies over the past seven years, enabling them to showcase their products and services while strengthening trade partnerships. The expo's growth was evident in its numbers, with 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions participating this year. While 186 exhibitors, including Fortune 500 companies, had maintained their presence across all seven editions, the event continued to attract newcomers, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Among the first-time participants was Elizabeth Kalambo, CEO of Sisalana (Tanzania) Company Limited. "We've been trading through a middleman who would come to Tanzania and then take products to China. Now, we're here to meet our clients directly," she said, expressing optimism about expanding her company's global reach through the expo. Similarly, Manuel Garibay, manager of industrial sales at Royal Ridge Fruits, was another newcomer aiming to discover fresh business opportunities. Reflecting on his experience at the expo, Garibay shared, "I think it was a great success. It's been one of the best trade shows we've attended in China. We're excited about the connections we've made and what we can achieve over the next few months and potentially years," Garibay said. Garibay was impressed by the volume of potential buyers approaching their booth in the opening days. "It was a pleasant surprise; we didn't expect this level of success," he added. Royal Ridge Fruits, which specializes in premium dried, frozen and fresh fruit processing, joined the expo through an initiative by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. "We work closely with them, and they invited us to join the expo. Next year, we plan on having our own booth and setup, given this year's success," Garibay said. He also highlighted the potential of the Chinese market, emphasizing its large population and rapidly growing middle class, which means more disposable income and a greater demand for its products. The American Food and Agriculture Pavilion, returned for its second year, following its debut in 2023. The pavilion hosted its opening ceremony on Nov. 6 and set a new record by signing deals worth $815 million on the first day, surpassing the previous year's total. The pavilion's exhibition area expanded to more than 240 square meters, reflecting growing U.S. interest and participation. Elisa Duan, trade specialist of the International Marketing Program at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of the Chinese market for Washington State's agricultural exports. "Washington exports a wide range of agricultural products to China, including wheat, potatoes, apples and cherries," she said. In 2023, China was the state's largest market, with exports totaling $11 billion, representing 18% of Washington's total goods exports. In addition to Royal Ridge Fruits, Duan brought dairy products company Darigold to this year's expo. These companies aim to expand their Chinese market presence through the CIIE. "The expo is a great opportunity to promote local agricultural products and create more export opportunities through government support," Duan said. Assessing the expo's impact, Duan expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, noting interest from Chinese supermarkets and e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, with more opportunities anticipated. Duan said she intended to bring more companies to next year's expo, focusing on helping SMEs enter the Chinese market. "The CIIE is an important trade platform that helps promote trade relations among countries," Duan said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The Azerbaijani government has pledged to bring children to the forefront of climate policy by signing the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action at the start of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Trend reports.

The signing ceremony included participation from the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, COP29 Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova, high-ranking government officials, as well as children and youth from Azerbaijan.

UNICEF welcomes the commitments made by the government of Azerbaijan through the signing of this declaration. Thus, this declaration represents the first global and local framework to accelerate inclusive climate policies and actions aimed at children and youth.

Climate change is having a profound impact on children's health, development, safety, and access to basic services. About one billion childrenthat is, half of the world's child populationlive in one of the 33 countries that are at "extreme risk" of climate change impacts and pollution.

Today we reaffirm once again Azerbaijan's commitment to the climate process, which is important for children and youth, said Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of COP29.

We encourage everyone to think about how climate action can help create a more sustainable future for children and youth, he added.

It is important that we put children at the center of climate change policy and invest in solutions to protect them from the impacts of climate change, said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

Azerbaijan's signing of this declaration is the next step in putting children at the center of the climate agenda, she said.

UNICEF also urged other countries to sign the declaration and commit to protecting children from the worsening effects of climate change.

To support the implementation of the declaration, UNICEF is working with governments and partners to adapt and strengthen existing systems, such as education, social protection, and health care, that are important for children. The aim is to make these services resilient to climate change and able to respond to the impact.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) opened today in Baku and will continue until November 22. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date and, for the first time, is being held in the region of Azerbaijan.

The highest level event, the summit of world leaders on climate action, will be held within COP29 on November 12-13.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, the creation of climate finance will also contribute to meeting the 1.5C commitment by bringing everyone together.

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 abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) in English means Conference of Parties." It is the highest legislative body controlling 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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
On Thursday, the heads of state of the European Political Community (EPC) met in Budapest for the first time after Donald Trumps re-election as US president. It was followed by an informal European Union (EU) summit Friday. They marked a first response of the European ruling class to the political earthquake caused by the election of Trump, who on January 6, 2021 launched a far-right coup aiming to overturn the 2020 election result and has discussed ending elections in America.

From left, Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attend a plenary session during an EU Summit at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. [AP Photo/Denes Erdos]

The summits must be taken as a warning also of the fascistic course of the European bourgeoisies. The Budapest summits signaled that they hope to work with the billionaire fascist Trump, as long as he keeps waging their war with Russia in Ukraine. They aim to resolve mounting inter-imperialist tensions with the United States, notably over Trumps threats to impose crippling tariffs on EU exports, at the expense of the working class via deep attacks on jobs and social programs.

What is being set into motion is an explosive escalation of the class struggle, as workers collide with far-right regimes pursuing flagrantly unpopular policies. While deep-rooted and ultimately insoluble tensions exist between US and European imperialism, the European bourgeoisie hopes to address them by waging jointly with Trump imperialist war abroad and class war at home.

A recent Politico article noted, Trump is deeply unpopular in most of Europe, and there are few political points to score from embracing him. One poll found that only 13 percent of French people supported Trump in the US elections. However, Politico cited anonymous top EU officials who argued that a fascist US president would be, for one, a beneficial shock like the pandemic or the energy crisis following the war in Ukraine. Another said Trump would administer bitter medicine and help the EU justify increasing military spending.

Nonetheless, even the format of the summits pointed to the explosive geopolitical tensions between the NATO imperialist powers. The EPC was first proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, after the Ukraine war began, as a forum for European Union (EU) countries, Britain, Turkey, and selected ex-Soviet republics to discuss plans to encircle, wage war on and ultimately dismember Russia.

Trumps election has pulled the ground out from under the EPC. As the Ukrainian army retreats all along the front and faces mounting opposition inside Ukraine, Trump has called the war a loser, denounced current US President Joe Biden for having instigated it and criticized the hundreds of billions of dollars Washington and the EU powers spent on the war. He has also threatened to let Russia do whatever the hell they want to European NATO countries who do not pay America.

The German government collapsed the day after Trumps election, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz only arrived for dinner on Thursday after the EPC summit had formally ended. Berlin said government talks in Berlin prevented Scholz from attending the full EPC meeting.

At the EPC summit, Macron embraced Trump, calling his regime legitimate and his policies a good thing. Macron said, I think our role here in the European Union is not to comment Donald Trumps election, whether it is good or not. He was elected by the American people, he will defend the interests of the American people, and that is legitimate and a good thing.

Europes key interest, Macron claimed, is to ensure that even under Trump the war with Russia in Ukraine goes on: Our interest is that Russia not win this war because if Russia wins, this means that there is on our borders an imperial power to whom we are saying, You can be expansionist.

At the same time, Macron pointed to divisions inside NATO, calling for a separate EU military establishment and defense industry from the United States. He said, We Europeans need not delegate our security for all time to the Americans. I believe that it is important, also, to send a message that we are now providers of security solutions and to openly state a policy of European preference in this type of industrial production.

Macron asked: Do we want to read history written by others, wars launched by Vladimir Putin, the American elections, choices made by the Chinese or do we want to write history? The EPC, Macron asserted, could constitute a viable, independent military power: There is no market of 700 million inhabitants so united by history, interests and values than ourselves around this table.

Though Scholz did not speak at the EPC summit, powerful factions of the German bourgeoisie are laying out a similar policy of allying with Trump against Russia and the workers. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung called to calm Trumps anger by cutting the US trade deficit with Europeby buying overpriced US liquefied natural gas instead of cheaper Russian gas, and large quantities of US weapons for war with Russia.

While acknowledging Europes vulnerability to US trade sanctions, the FAZ said: Yet the EU is not defenseless. It could try to reduce the trade surplus by purchasing [US] liquefied natural gas, farm products or arms. For Trump, the US trade deficit with the EU and especially Germany is an obsession. But his most important economic advisers are also pushing for more balanced trade. The EU could also reduce tariffs itself, which are slightly higher than US import tariffs.

Even if Trump decides to satisfy himself with such offers, two evident obstacles face this policy of European imperialism.

Firstly, the pursuit of an alliance with Trump by making workers shoulder the burden of Trumps economic demands on Europe will deepen Europes involvement in wars with major, nuclear-armed military powers. Trump has clearly signaled plans to escalate war in the Middle East, including by wiping Iran off the world map.

While Trump has claimed his Art of the Deal will allow him to rapidly negotiate an end to the Ukraine war his claim has no credibility. Trump is threatening massive tariffs on Chinese imports that will devastate Chinese industry and US workers living standards. Moscow would have no reason to believe in Trumps peace offers, were he to make them, under conditions where Trump is also pledging to crush key Russian allies strategically located on Russias borders.

Neither Moscow nor Beijing called Trump the night of his election victory to congratulate him. That day, former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev said Trump could not end the war, that he would be assassinated like US President John F. Kennedy if he tried: A tired Trump, issuing platitudes like Ill offer a deal and I have a great relationship with will also be forced to follow all the systems rules. He wont be able to stop the war. Not in a day, not in three days, not in three months. And if he really tries, he could become the new JFK.

Secondly, military escalation faces growing working class opposition at home, as it is to be financed at workers expense. Trump plans to name the worlds richest man, Elon Musk, to head a cost-cutting commission preparing to slash pensions and health care. As national governments stagger under the cumulative financial impact of decades of wars and bank bailoutswith Frances debt at 112 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the US debt at 122 percent, and Italys at 140 percentEuropean war plans also require savage social attacks.

Mass layoffs are underway throughout European industry, after the announcement of plans for a staggering 30,000 job cuts at Volkswagen and to shut down Audi production in Belgium. This week, thousands more job cuts were announced in France, with 3,700 job cuts at Michelin including the closures of plants in Cholet and Vannes, and 2,400 cuts at the Auchan supermarket chain.

Governments in Britain, France, Spain and beyond are preparing austerity budgets cutting tens of billions of euros from social programs.

The EU is intensively discussing these plans behind closed doors. The agenda for its Friday summit in Budapest blandly said that amid a new geopolitical reality, it would hold a strategic debate on EU-US relations and EU competitiveness. It adopted a brief documented, Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal, calling for further free-market reforms, strengthening the EU defense industry, and reducing regulations that impact business operations.

This will face deep opposition in the American and European working class, like last years strikes in France against pension cuts designed to fund a 100 billion increase in defense spending. The key question is unifying the struggles of the working class in an international movement against imperialist war, austerity, and far right rule. The defense of fundamental social and democratic rights requires a political struggle by the working class against capitalist governments on both sides of the Atlantic, waged on a perspective of international socialist revolution.
The Biden administration has authorized US military contractors to deploy to Ukraine in a major escalation of US involvement in the war with Russia in Ukraine. The White House confirmed the move in a statement to multiple news outlets, including CNN and the Russian news outlet TASS.

The announcement follows the electoral defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris by the fascist Donald Trump. The indifference of the Biden-Harris administration and the Democratic Party to the worsening social conditions for working people in the United States was the principal factor in the electoral victory of the former president, but he was also able to make a demagogic appeal to popular hostility to the war in Ukraine.

With just two months left in office, the primary concern of the Biden administration is that the Ukraine war continue. To that end, Biden, seeking to create facts on the ground, has carried out this major escalation of the war.

In order to help Ukraine repair and maintain military equipment provided by the US and its allies, DoD is soliciting bids for a small number of contractors who will help Ukraine maintain the assistance weve already provided, the Pentagon spokesman told TASS.

The spokesperson added, Some of the equipment the US has provided Ukraineor will provide Ukraine in the coming monthssuch as F-16s and Patriot air defense systems require specific technical expertise to maintain.

The Pentagon added, Each US contractor, organization, or company will be responsible for the safety and security of their employees and will be required to include risk mitigation plans as part of their bids.

The Pentagon spokesperson also said, There are already US government contractors working in Ukraine as the Department of State and USAID have been directly contracting US companies to assist with a variety of tasks, including helping strengthen Ukraines energy grid and providing economic support.

In reality, these military contractors will serve as a tripwire. If they are attacked, it can be used to instigate a campaign to demand the escalation of the war.

Last year, the World Socialist Web Site explained that one major consequence of high-tech weapons like the Abrams battle tank, as significant as their effect on the battlefield in Ukraine, was the required deployment of contractors to service them.

A civilian contractor (left) helps install a combat vehicle tactical engagement simulation system on a M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank at a training area in Germany. (U.S. Army photo by Gertrud Zach) [Photo: Department of Defense]

Americas vast fleet of M1 Abrams tanks is serviced by civilian contractors at Army bases throughout the world, and these civilian contractors are generally Americans with specialized knowledge and skills, including direct employees of General Dynamics and other major arms manufacturers. The Abrams, the Armys most complex vehicle, requires about eight man-hours of maintenance for every hour it serves in operation. Thousands of civilian maintenance personnel from NATO countries will be deployed to Ukraine, along with the creation of massive supply chains for the specialized high-tech, precision parts required to keep the machines in operation, stretching hundreds of miles from the eastern front through Poland and to US bases in Germany. These supply lines and American personnel will likely become targets of Russian attacks on the weapons systems flowing into Ukraine. The demand, first raised early in the war, to close the skies and initiate a no-fly zone will quickly be raised by the entire US media, in order to save the lives of Americans deployed in Ukraine.

It is precisely such an escalatory spiral that the Biden administration is seeking to put into effect in its remaining time in office.

In an interview with the Face the Nation talk show on Sunday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that President Joe Biden will hold a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, during which Ukraine would be a major subject of discussion.

President Biden will have the opportunity over the next 70 days to make the case to Congress and the incoming administration that the United States should not walk away from Ukraine, that walking away from Ukraine means more instability in Europe, Sullivan said.

The Biden administration is also seeking to pass a major package of Ukraine funding through Congress, on top of the $174 billion that has already been spent on the war to date.

Over the weekend, Ukraine launched 34 drones on Moscow, in the largest attack on the Russian capital since the start of the war.

There are growing signs that Ukraine is facing a military collapse on the battlefield, with US newspapers claiming that Russia has massed 50,000 fresh troops, including allegedly troops supplied by North Korea, for an attack on Ukrainian troops that have captured territory in the Russian oblast (district) of Kursk. Ukrainian troops, meanwhile, continue to suffer major setbacks in eastern Ukraine.

In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined a proposed update to Russias nuclear policy document that would expand the conditions under which Moscow would use nuclear weapons.

Putin said, The updated version of the document proposes that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear-weapon state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear-weapon state, should be considered as a joint attack on the Russian Federation.
As it has done repeatedly over the past year, the Albanese Labor government last week moved to flout a ruling by the countrys supreme court that its punitive measures against immigration detainees are unconstitutional.

The Australian High Court, Canberra [Photo by Con Tassios / CC BY 3.0

The High Court ruled on November 6 that forcing people released from immigration detention to wear electronic monitoring ankle bracelets and live under curfews was unconstitutional, because this amounted to criminal punishment by ministerial edict without judicial process.

In response to this ruling in YBFZ v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Labor government immediately issued new regulations under the Migration Act to allow the immigration minister to quickly reimpose the same police-state restrictions.

The government did not stop there. It also introduced a new bill to parliament to expand the governments powers, allowing it to transport detainees to third countries, reverse protection findings made for refugees, and impose punitive visa conditions on those who remain in Australia.

These developments mark a further escalation in a bipartisan witch hunt, backed by the Liberal-National Coalition, directed against the basic democratic rights of immigrants, refugees and international students. They are being made scapegoats for the intensifying cost-of-living and housing crisis.

Numbers of legal and constitutional experts, as well as the lawyers who represented YBFZ, a 36-year-old stateless refugee, originally from Eritrea, have objected that the new regulations are just as unconstitutional as the ones struck down by the High Court.

The new regulations, rubber stamped by Governor-General Sam Mostyn last Thursday morning, still give the immigration minister, currently Tony Burke, extraordinary arbitrary power.

Burke can impose a range of restrictions, including curfews and ankle monitoring, on released immigration detainees if he is merely satisfied on the balance of probabilities that a person poses a substantial risk of seriously harming any part of the Australian community by committing a serious offence.

This not only amounts to punishment without trial. It is a new form of indefinite detention, potentially for life, based on unproven government accusations of the future risk of a crime.

The High Court majority, by 5 to 2, declared curfews and ankle bracelets to be punitive. On curfews, the main judgment stated: For one-third of every day, the person is confined to a specified place The person is confined because if they leave the notified address, they will commit a criminal offence and be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison.

On wearing bulky and intrusive ankle bracelets, the judges commented: The fitting of the monitoring device necessarily involves what would otherwise be the commission of the tort of trespass to the person (in the forms of assault and battery).

The 1901 Australian Constitution has no bill of rights, reflecting its colonial-era character. But it does contain a separation of powers. Courts have for decades stated that criminal punishment can be imposed only by a judicial order, except during wartime. There are a few peacetime exceptions, including detention of non-citizens for deportation purposes.

Among those warning about the unlawfulness of the new regulations were constitutional law experts Anne Twomey and Greg Craven. Craven told the Australian: Its incredibly vulnerable. Its vulnerable the same way the old legislation was.

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese contemptuously dismissed these concerns when questioned at a press conference last Friday. Lawyers have a lot of opinions and they had opinions about our legislation before the High Court made the decision that they did, he said.

Albanese once again sought to outdo the Coalition on taking harsh measures against refugees and immigrants. He said the real question was will the Coalition support our legislation?

For his part, Coalition leader Peter Dutton declared that the governments response was not enough. Echoing US President-elect Donald Trump, he signalled that the Coalition would seek to further target immigrants at the next federal election which must be called by May.

Alongside the new regulations, the government tabled another Migration Amendment Billits fourth in a yearto try to boost its powers. This bill would permit the government to make third country reception arrangements by paying foreign governments to detain deported people.

The Albanese government already does this on the remote Pacific island of Nauru, where it reopened the detention camp last year.

The bill would immunise the government from any liability for harm, injury or death caused by such overseas detention, which has led to numerous deaths, some by suicide, over the past two decades.

The bill would also allow such third country arrangements even if the government of that third country might then deport a refugee to their country of origin, where they could face persecution or harm. That violates the international refugee convention.

Moreover, the proposed new powers would permit the government to effectively overturn protection findings made by tribunals in relation to refugees.

Refugee Legal executive director David Manne, who acted for the refugee YBFZ, told the media that the new bill was an offshore warehousing regime and an act of consciously calculated cruelty.

The bill would not only expand Australias notorious offshore detention regime, it would provide a pretext to swiftly re-detain the 224 people who have been released as a result of a High Court ruling, known as NZYQ, last November.

Of these ex-detainees, 150 have been subject to electronic monitoring and 130 are under a curfew. Now they, and others who have only just begun to rebuild their lives after years in detention, could be shipped to Nauru or elsewhere, to be locked up once again.

The NZYQ decision partially overturned a shameful two-decade-old line of cases in which the High Court upheld the indefinite detention of refugees and immigrants who were unable to be deported to other countries.

This mandatory detention system was imposed by another Labor governmentthe Keating governmentin 1992. In NZYQ, the court said detention was lawful, but only if there was a prospect of deportation in the foreseeable future.

Now, again, the Albanese government has resorted to patently unconstitutional measures. Late last year, Labor joined the Coalition in ramming through both houses of parliament, in just 12 hours, the laws to impose ankle bracelets, curfews and other draconian restrictions on detainees released by the NZYQ ruling. Another bill was likewise passed to re-imprison them via preventative detention provisions.

A third tranche of laws pre-empting another High Court challenge was introduced, but ultimately not needed because the court ruled against an Iranian man who refused to cooperate with his deportation.

Despite widespread opposition throughout working-class immigrant communities, the Albanese government had attempted to rush through parliament a far-reaching immigration deportation bill. It included the power to repeatedly imprison people for up to five years for refusing to sign documents facilitating their deportation and that of their children.

That would clear the way for the government to detain and forcibly deport up to 10,000 people currently living in the community on temporary visas. The bill would also give the government the power to impose blanket travel bans, barring entry visas to people from designated removal concern countries such as Iran, China, Russia and South Sudan.

These moves have been accompanied by a foul inquisition by the Labor government, the Coalition and the corporate media against formerly detained refugees and immigrants, effectively depicting them all as murderers and rapists.

Vulnerable members of society, brutalised by years in detention, often after fleeing wars or persecution, have been vilified and victimised in order to justify authoritarian measures that can set precedents for wider use in the working class as social conditions continue to deteriorate.

More broadly, foreigners, including international students, are being blamed increasingly for the worsening conditions produced by capitalisms global economic crisis and the channelling of billions of dollars into military spending amid the US-backed Gaza genocide and the plunge into wider war against Russia and China.

Capitalist governments internationally are in a vicious drive to divide working people, domestically and globally as this social devastation and barbarism deepen.

Since the Keating government, successive Australian governments, both Labor and Liberal-National, have provided models for other Western governments to shut their doors, block boats, detain asylum seekers and either return them or transport them to grim locations.

In the US, while Trump has vowed to launch the biggest mass deportations ever seen, the Biden administration has already paved the way by intensifying its measures to prevent refugees entering the country. The UK Labour government of Keir Starmer has escalated a similar attack. In June, on World Refugee Day, German state and federal governments discussed measures to increase deportations.
The end of Germanys coalition government between the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Liberal Democrats (FDP) heralds a further intensification of the class struggle and the pro-war policy. All parties are reacting to Donald Trumps election victory by preparing fierce trade wars at the expense of workers and by increasing military spending to levels not seen since the Nazi era. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) is standing in the early federal election to counter this all-party coalition of war and cuts and to arm workers with a socialist perspective.

The coalition government was rightly the most hated government in the history of the post-war Germany. Eighty years after the Nazi war of extermination, it once again sent German tanks against Russia, returned to methods of genocide in Gaza, expanded the police state and caused a social catastrophe with its billions in gifts to the super-rich.

Trumps election victory will accelerate this development. On the one hand, because all the parties in the Bundestag (parliament) are reacting to Trumps threats against Germany and Europe with undisguised nationalism and aggressive rearmament plans. On the other hand, because they are impressed by his brutal behaviour and know that they too can only enforce war and social devastation in Germany with dictatorial and fascist methods.

Trump is no accident. Rather, his second presidency represents the violent realignment of the American political superstructure to correspond with the real social relations that exist in the United States,as the WSWS stated. The ruling class is relying on the fascist Trump to push forward the policy of ruthless enrichment and world war, which is incompatible with the fundamental interests of the vast majority, despite mass opposition.

The break-up of Germanys coalition government is guided by the same considerations. Faced with widespread rejection of their policies, the parties are looking for new ways to implement them. The plans are enormous. Mass layoffs and wage cuts in industry are already on the agenda. Volkswagen is only the forerunner with its plans to lay off tens of thousands and cut wages by 20 percent. German industry is to be made competitive on the backs of the workers, that is, to yield the greatest possible profits for shareholders.

This attack on the working class is matched by a militarist foreign policy. One of the issues that has led to the collapse of the coalition was the dispute over how the billions for arms deliveries to Ukraine can be financed. While hundreds of thousands of young Ukrainians have already lost their lives and the country is fighting a losing battle, the SPD and Greens want to fuel the war further in order to subjugate Russia and plunder its economy.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, center, German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck, left, and German Finance Minister Christian Lindner arrive for a press conference during a cabinet meeting last year. [AP Photo/Markus Schreiber]

Chancellor Scholz (SPD) left no doubt about this agenda when he dismissed Finance Minister Lindner (FDP). We have to invest considerably more in our defence and in the Bundeswehr [Armed Forces], he said, and announced: We are increasing our support for Ukraine, which is facing a difficult winter. After the election in the USA, this sends a very important signal: We can be relied upon. Green Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also declared that Germany would spend more money on the war in Ukraine and on arming the Bundeswehr.

After the break-up of the coalition, the former governing parties voted together with the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) for the so-called anti-Semitism resolution. This defames all critics of the terrible genocide in Gaza as anti-Semites and supports the mass slaughter, which it glorifies as self-defence. What is particularly deceitful about this is that the SPD, Greens, FDP and CDU are forging an alliance with the AfD in order to defile the commemoration of the Holocaust.

This makes it clear that they are also willing to bring the AfD fascists into government. In Saxony, state Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) has already met with AfD state leader Jorg Urban after exploratory talks with the Left Party split-off Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) broke down. If all parties are now declaring their willingness to work with Trump, they are also signalling their openness to an alliance with the AfD.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has long since announced that, as chancellor, he would escalate the war against Russia by delivering Taurus medium-range missiles and would not shy away from firing them at Russian cities. Following his dismissal, Lindner is now also calling for Taurus deliveries to Ukraine. Both parties have also announced further billions in gifts for the rich and severe cuts in health, care, pensions and the citizens income welfare payments.

There is no opposition in the Bundestag to this policy of war and austerity. At its last party conference, the Left Party also backed arms deliveries to Ukraine and emphasised Israels right to self-defence. It even accused the German government of not being aggressive enough against Iran. And as for the Left Partys social promises, they are not worth the paper they are written on. In every state government in which it has participated, it has supported the most severe cuts.

This also applies to the Left Party politicians who have since switched to the BSW and abandoned any left-wing rhetoric. The BSW criticises the war against Russia in Ukraine and also expresses a few critical words about the genocide in Gaza. However, similar to the AfD, it criticises the governments policy from a nationalist point of view. The BSW supports rearmament and militarism, it just wants to develop them more independently from the US. Europe must decide whether we want to take our own place in this new multipolar world or whether we want to perish as vassals of the United States, said Wagenknecht in the Bundestag on Thursday.

This all-party coalition for war and cuts has deep objective causes. Facing the capitalist crisis, the ruling class is relying on war abroad and class war at home to defend its wealth and prevail against its competitors. That is why all the ghosts of the past are returning. Germany is waging war against nuclear-armed Russia, democratic rights are under attack and the fascists of the AfD are being courted by all parties.

The only way to prevent a catastrophe is therefore the mobilisation of the international working class against capitalism. That is to say, the mobilisation of those who create all societys wealth and bear the full brunt of war and crisis. This enormous social force is being set in motion. The mass layoffs, austerity measures and wars are placing explosive class struggles on the agenda.

The decisive question is how to arm this movement with a revolutionary leadership and a socialist perspective. Only if the masses independently intervene in the political process, expropriate the big banks and corporations and place them under democratic control, can war and social catastrophe be stopped.

The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) is contesting the early federal elections on the basis of this socialist programme. We demand:

No Third World War! Stop the NATO war in Ukraine!

Stop the genocide in Gaza!

Never again fascism!

For a united socialist Europe!

To build a movement that can realise these demands, workers must turn again to Marxism. It is necessary to draw the lessons of history: the rise of fascism, the betrayals of Stalinism and the bankruptcy of social democracy. The SGP is standing in the elections to revive socialist consciousness and to arm workers with a socialist programme. If you are eligible to vote in Germany, sign up now to support our election participation and join the SGP!
High winds led to the eruption of the Mountain Fire in the Ventura County region of Southern California on Wednesday. As of Friday, the fire had destroyed more than 130 structures, mostly residential homes and has damaged 88 others. Though it began in Somis, a small unincorporated area of Ventura County, it now threatens more populous neighborhoods in the area northwest of Los Angeles.

As of Sunday morning, the fire had engulfed 20,630 acres (83.49 square kilometers) and was considered 21 percent contained. Dozens of nearby schools and colleges had canceled classes as a precaution, with nearly two dozen roads closed and officials warning residents to boil water before drinking. Several structures used by the Crestview Mutual Water Company were destroyed by the fire, leading to the water advisory.

The company released a statement that these conditions may have caused harmful contaminants, including benzene and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) to enter the water system. The statement continued, Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, and making ice and food preparation until further notice.

The situation has become so dire that the administration of California Governor Gavin Newsom secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to bolster the states inadequate firefighting resources. The fire continues to spread despite the fact that 48 pieces of firefighting equipment, along with 9 helicopters and over 100 personnel from 19 counties have already been deployed to fight it. This is the ninth such time this year alone that the governor has sought the FEMA grant after he requested support for the states emergency response to the Airport, Bridge, Boyles, Line, Borel, Park, Hawarden, French and Thompson fires.

The Airport Fire is reflected on Lake Elsinore, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Lake Elsinore, California [AP Photo/Eric Thayer]

Ten people suffered non-life-threatening injuries as of this writing with no deaths yet reported. Although temperatures have dropped in recent weeks, strong gusts of what are known locally as Santa Ana winds fueled the spread of the fire. While the winds began subsiding Friday morning, giving firefighters a chance to gain ground, meteorologists predict that they could resume in force by the middle of this week.

Fire conditions have also been exacerbated by an unseasonably warm summer in which the region experienced extended periods with triple-digit temperatures. A much higher than normal winter rainfall did little to offset an explosion of wildfires in the summer and autumn periods. In fact, on a global scale, the summer of 2024 was the hottest in recorded human history.

According to the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service, the global average temperature in the Northern hemisphere was a record-breaking 62.24 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperatures were particularly alarming to climate science researchers who found that that the rising temperatures exceeded even some of their most pessimistic models.

Despite these alarming trends, the incoming Trump administration has indicated that it will completely roll back even the meager climate change measures installed by past administrations, following an interview in August with Elon Musk where Trump stated that global warming was a hoax.

The Environmental Protection Administration, the Interior Department and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are all slated to be either eliminated or drastically defunded, not only as sops to the fossil fuel industry, but as part of the ruling elites attack on science and scientific thought more generally.

Trump has also threatened to withhold disaster aid to the state of California if it fails to loosen endangered species and other environmental regulations. During his first administration, Trump already withheld such aid to the state of Washington and successfully delayed aid requested by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Two former aides in the first Trump administration, including Mark Harvey, the former senior director for resilience policy, told Politico last month that Trump initially refused to provide disaster aid for California in 2018 due to the states Democratic Party leanings.

However, the state of California itself, run by Democrats since 2011, has consistently underfunded wildfire fighting and wildfire prevention programs. This is despite the fact that 18 of the states largest and most destructive wildfires have occurred in the first 24 years of the 21st century.

While funding for CalFire, the states firefighting agency responsible for 31 million acres, has increased from only $1.1 billion in the 2014-2015 budget to $3 billion in the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget, the amount is still a drop in the bucket in a state, which, on its own, would be the fifth largest economy in the world with an annual gross domestic product exceeding $3.9 trillion.

The state is home to 60 billionaires, all but a handful of whom have assets in excess of what the entire state spends on wildfires every year. The states richest man, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, has a net worth of $158 billion, $14 billion more than what the state spends on firefighting, education and food assistance programs combined.

The next three richest individuals, Google co-founder Larry Page, net worth $114 billion, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, net worth $110 billion, and Facebook creator and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, net worth of $106 billion, have a combined wealth exceeding the states entire budget, meant to service the social needs of 38.9 million people.

Due to the ruling elites unwillingness to spend the necessary amounts either to prevent wildfires from emerging or to quickly suppress them if they do, firefighters with CalFire are put on grueling 72-hour work weeks. Firefighters across the state both in Cal Fire and in local departments have been operating under slim budgets throughout the year. Under manning and operating on little rest has contributed to the four firefighter fatalities statewide thus far in 2024. There have been a total of 107 fire deaths during the this period.

By June 20, the total area burned by wildfires in California was 90,000 acres. This increased more than 800 percent in a month to 726,000 acres burned by July 29. As of this writing, a total of 7,498 fires have burned more than 1.04 million acres, resulting in the destruction of 1,437 structures.
On October 24, the US Department of Justice reached a settlement of nearly $102 million with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the owners and operators of the MV Dali, the container ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge as it was exiting the Port of Baltimore in the pre-dawn hours of March 26.

A Coast Guard cutter passes a cargo ship that is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the ship hit the bridge Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. [AP Photo/Steve Helber]

The settlement resolves a civil claim filed by the DOJ in September for the costs incurred by the federal government in responding to the collapse of the bridge.

The incident resulted in the deaths of six workers and caused significant damage. The victims were migrant workers Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35; Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26; Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, 38; Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, 26; Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, and Jose Mynor Lopez, 37.

Thousands of tons of collapsed bridge and road materials needed to be cleared in order for large ships to be able to reach most of the ports import and export terminals. It took over a month for the shipping lanes to fully reopen.

Dive teams with the Coast Guard also spent weeks searching for the bodies of the construction workers who fell into the Patapsco River. About 8,000 port workers were furloughed during the time the shipping channels were closed.

The $101.9 million settlement will go to the US Treasury and several federal agencies involved in the bridge cleanup efforts. The DOJ claimed the ships collision with the bridge was entirely avoidable due to the fact that the Dalis electrical systems were improperly maintained and configured in a way that violated safety regulations and norms for international shipping.

In the original filing, principal deputy associate attorney general Benjamin Mizer contended, The owner and operator of the DALI were well aware of vibration issues on the vessel that could cause a power outage. But instead of taking necessary precautions, they did the opposite.

He added, Out of negligence, mismanagement, and, at times, a desire to cut costs, they [the ships operators] configured the ships electrical and mechanical systems in a way that prevented those systems from being able to quickly restore propulsion and steering after a power outage.

This negligence resulted in the loss of power that set off a cascading set of failures, culminating in the bridge collision, Mizer stated.

For the ruling class, the bridge collapse was primarily an economic event whose impact was estimated at $190 million per day, according to the Maryland Port Administration. The states concern was the reopening of the Port of Baltimore as quickly as possible, and not focusing on how to prevent similar disasters or holding to account all those responsible for the disaster.

While the DOJ suit, based on its investigations in the wake of the incident, alleged extreme negligence on the part of the companies that owned and operated the vessel, it failed to address negligence at all levels of government regarding the subordination of society to the dictates of private profit.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, built in the 1970s at a time when container vessels were far smaller than those such as the Dali, was not designed to withstand an impact from a 95,000-ton vessel. Although bridges around the world routinely build protective barriers, known as dolphins, around bridge columns, no such measures were taken in Baltimore. Nor did the bridge have redundant columns (piers) to prevent a total collapse if one of the supports failed.

Likewise, regulations do not require the use of tug boats to accompany large ships in the part of the Patapsco River where the Dali lost power and steering. The same vulnerabilities and lack of safety precautions that led to the collapse of the Key Bridge are present in bridges across the United States.

Crucially, the settlement does not cover the costs for reconstructing the bridge, which is the subject of a separate suit brought by the state of Maryland against the ship owner and operator. The cost of rebuilding the bridge, which is slated to start in early 2025, is estimated at $1.2 billion.

Shortly after the incident, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine sought to limit their liability from the bridge collapse to just under $44 million. A judge for the US District Court in Maryland on Thursday scheduled the first of multiple civil suits brought against Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine to begin in June 2026.

Those suing the companies include the families of the six construction workers who were killed, as well as two construction workers who survived. Part of the trial will deal with whether the companies can limit their liability under the Limitation of Liabilities Act of 1851.

While the ship owner and operator are certainly culpable, the bridge disaster only revealed the decrepit state of American infrastructure. This is a result of the biggest criminals who are located in Washington D.C. and Wall Street.

While bridges, roads, dams, transit systems, school buildings and other necessary infrastructure are starved of resources, both corporate-controlled parties gave trillions to the financial oligarchy in the 2008 and 2020 bailouts, and squander nearly a trillion dollars every year on the Pentagon war machine. This looting of societys resources will only accelerate under a Trump presidency.
The Chinese government has announced a $1.4 trillion plan to assist local government authorities to more slowly pay off their massive debts. Its hope is this might free up money for spending and provide a boost to the Chinese economy as it confronts the lowest growth rates in more than three decades.

The Central Business District in Beijing, Monday, July 15, 2024. [AP Photo/Vincent Thian]

The decision, which came at the end of a four-day meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on Friday, consisted of two parts. Local governments were allocated additional government borrowing of about $838 over three years with a further $539 billion over five years.

The plan was not so much a bailout for local governments as a debt swap. It will enable them to bring so-called hidden debt, which is not officially recorded as it is carried out off balance sheet by entities known as local government financing vehicles [LGFVs], onto their books.

The money raised by LGFVs has been used to finance investment in infrastructure and real estate, paid off with money raised from land sales.

This mechanism has been responsible for much of the growth in the Chinese economy over the past decade and a half, with real estate, construction and related industries, often financed by local governments, estimated to have accounted for around 25 percent of GDP.

But the real estate sector faces a crisis, which began around 2021 and has seen major companies, such as Evergrande, collapse, as well as a host of smaller ones, leading to a fall in land sales. This has hit local government revenue to such an extent that some have fallen behind in paying the wages of their employees.

Announcing the new measures, finance minister Lan Foan said the plan would replace $1.4 trillion of hidden debt, which he put at $2 trillion at the end of 2023.

Calculations by private economists, however, say it is much highersomewhere between $7 trillion and $11 trillion. The International Monetary Fund has estimated it to be $8 trillion.

Whatever the exact number, it has been increasing rapidly. According to analysis by Victor Shih, a specialist in Chinese finance and politics at the University of the California, cited by the New York Times, the debt level of most local governments has doubled between 2018 and 2023.

He said the measures would save local governments only about $84 billion over the next five years and was an accounting exercise which did nothing for a real economy.

His overall assessment was that while a large sum of money was involved it is still basically kicking the can down the road.

Wang Tan, chief China economist at the Swiss bank UBS, also cited in the Times report, held a similar view. She said that while the measures helped reduce debt service payments over the next few years, they did not solve the local government debt issue.

Economists at the ANZ bank also pointed out that the measures did not actually pay down the debt but simply pushed their maturity dates into the future and that the economic impact of what amounted to a debt swap would be indirect and almost imperceptible.

Presenting the plan, Lan said money saved by governments on interest over the next five years (around 600 billion yuan) would free up resources to boost investment and consumption.

He said the package was a major policy decision taking into consideration international and domestic development environments.

The most significant factor in the international environment is the election of Trump to the US presidency which took place as the Standing Committee was meeting.

Apart from continuing and deepening the high-tech bans on China which he initiated in his first term, and which were significantly intensified under Biden, Trump has said he will impose a 60 percent tariff on all goods coming from Chinaa major increase from the present levies which average around 12.5 percent.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, economists at UBS estimate that a tariff of 60 percent could reduce the Chinese growth rate by as much as 2.5 percentage points in the 12 months after they come into force.

This is in conditions where the growth rate fell in the September quarter to below an annual rate of 5 percent, which is the official government target for 2024.

The Standing Committee meeting was keenly anticipated to see if there were any measures aimed at boosting the domestic economy. It is characterised by low consumption spending, lower investment, except in high-tech areas which are supported by the government, and continued deflation such that many industrial enterprises are struggling to make a profit, or are even experiencing losses.

Measures undertaken in September and October that loosened financial conditions did provide a 20 percent boost to the stock market, which has been in significant decline, but were not aimed at the real economy.

And Fridays package was not either.

However, given the threat to growth posed by the Trump administration, the Xi Jinping government may be forced to take some action because its greatest fear is that a further major slowdown in growth will lead to social instability, that is, an eruption of class struggle.

In his press briefing, Lan said there would be a more forceful fiscal policy next year. He said the government was studying additional measures to recapitalise major banks, buy unfinished property developments and lift consumption.

We are planning the next phase of fiscal policy and are intensifying countercyclical adjustments, he said.

The next major meeting of the Chinese leadership is set to take place in December when the 24-member Politburo will discuss the economy. According to some estimates, additional spending of 12 to 13 trillion yuan (around $1.8 trillion) is needed just to counter the effect of US tariff hikes.

Whether a decision is made there will depend on how far advanced US plans are for the tariffs to which Trump committed himself at various times in his election campaign.

Pointing to the absence of any stimulus measures in Fridays package, the WSJ noted that this absence pointed to Beijings desire to hold some dry powder in reserve should trade tensions with the US intensify.

Considering the central role played by tariffs in Trumps election campaign, where they were held out as the solution to nearly all the economic, and even social, problems confronting the US, such an intensification is likely to come sooner rather than later.
Sumitomo tire workers in Tonawanda, New York arrived for their shift last Thursday morning only to see security in tactical gear guarding factory entrances. They learned that the plant was shuttered and all 1,550 jobs had been wiped out without advance notice.

The company had earlier claimed that it had been shut down during the preceding week due to the need to dispose of excess inventory, according to workers who spoke with local media. Sumitomo announced that it is redirecting production to other plants.

The brutal closure of the plant is part of a wave of job cuts, in auto, manufacturing and logistics as corporations seek to boost profits by cutting jobs and slashing costs.

The federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) requires that in most cases employers give 60-day advance notice of a plant closing or mass layoff impacting more than 100 workers. However, a belated closure notice of from Sumitomo management was only sent by email to workers later in the afternoon on the day of the closure.

The Sumitomo plant in Tonawanda, NY. [Photo: Sumitomo Rubber]

New York state was informed by the company that workers would be given 60-days pay, which is the federal minimum, and their health insurance would be paid for the next year.

In a press release, Sumitomo stated that despite trying to put cost-cutting measures and efficiency enhancements in place, the viability of the facility, rising costs for materials and logistics, dated infrastructure, intermittent financial performance, and changing market conditions were some of the reasons for the closure.

Workers, many with decades of seniority at the plant, expressed their outrage and frustration with news of the plant closure on Facebook. One wrote, They pissed on our backs without the common courtesy of calling it rain. Another worker said, When I got the news and the pics of the fence going up I drove by and saw the security officers. I honestly want to sleep until 2030.

Just got a letter in the mail saying Im terminated on 11/11, etc. etc., and not even a thanks for your service, a sorry, or anything. Then again, what was I expecting from them? Said a Sumitomo worker on Facebook after the shutdown.

Outraged Sumitomo workers are organizing a meeting for Monday to seek media attention in an effort to keep the plant open.

United Steelworkers Local 135L, the union at the plant, expressed its disappointment at the closure in a public statement. It complained that management had not discussed the cuts first with the USW leadership, declaring, Our union has partnered with Sumitomo for years, helping to secure investments, as together weve navigated the ups and downs of the tire industry. Union officials said they were notified of the closure late on November 6, but did not inform workers, who only learned of the closure when they found the factory gates barricaded the next day.

The company said it is negotiating with the union over severance packages.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, parent of Sumitomo Rubber Industries North America, which operates the Tonawanda plant, posted record profits and sales in 2024. The company reported a 248.5 percent increase in profit on its tire business according to industry publication Modern Tire Dealer. It set records in the second quarter of 2024 with gains both in Europe and North America. Sumitomo Rubber said it now plans to dissolve its North American operation.

Japanese-based Sumitomo Group is a multi-billion-dollar transnational conglomerate involved in a range of industries from the tire division to Mazda, Nippon Steel, as well as in insurance and finance.

The Tonawanda plant was opened in 1923, and had been previously owned by Goodyear Dunlop Tire, which was sold to Sumitomo after the two companies announced the dissolution of their joint venture in 2015. In subsequent years local authorities had handed over millions in tax incentives to Sumitomo.

The USW had entered contract negotiations with the company almost a year before the July 2022 expiration, with the current agreement not set to expire until the end of 2025. At the time, the deal, which provided a mere 66 cent raise and a $1,200 signing bonus, was sold to workers as supposedly providing job security by helping to secure investment in the plant.

Man, I wish they would have run the plant as smoothly and organized as our dismissal from it. Said another Sumitomo worker on Facebook.

Another Sumitomo worker commented on Facebook in regard to the likelihood of the return of production to Tonawanda, No ones gonna buy it. Theyre already taking machines out. While another worker said, A friend of my brother works for Toyota fork lift, and said they just bought 15 of them, you know what they are for, referencing the removal of tire building machinery. Im curious how many of us will be there when the trailers leave the property with the tires that we built, said another.

The closure of the plant is part of a jobs bloodbath taking place in the US and around the world. Automaker Stellantis last week announced 1,134 layoffs, an entire shift, at the Toledo Assembly Complex. In Germany, Volkswagen, Bosch and Schaeffler have announced they need to initiate mass layoffs to bolster their profitability.

On Wednesday, Michelin Tire in France announced the closure of two plants, axing 1,200 jobs there, as well as shuttering its only non-union plant in Ardmore, Oklahoma last year with a surprise cut of 1,400 jobs while shifting production to other plants to further exploit remaining workers.

PPG industrial coating company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has recently announced the cutting of 1,800 jobs in stages throughout its facilities.

Multi-billion dollar corporation Pepsi has also launched shock layoffs at four plants, with workers arriving to find locked gates similar to the actions of Sumitomo.

Meanwhile, Rite Aids Liverpool, New York distribution center is closing and laying off 233 workers, most of the workforce at the warehouse.

There have also been massive job cuts across the logistics industry, led by UPS, which signed a contract last year with the Teamsters, which facilitated the cuts. For its part, the Teamsters union bureaucracy has mounted no opposition to the layoffs.

In every case, the nationalist and pro-company trade union bureaucracies have offered no opposition to job cuts, instead working with management to impose an orderly shutdown of production. If there is to be a fight to defend jobs its must come through the struggle of rank-and-file workers through the formation of rank-and-file committees, linking with workers globally through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

Sumitomo workers who would like to learn more about forming a rank-and-file committee should contact the WSWS through using the form below.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

Today, we spoke with Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan Maksat Mamytkanov. He emphasized that Kyrgyzstan has high hopes for COP29.

"For the first time, our country is opening its own pavilion at such a large-scale environmental event, which we are showcasing to the world today. Here, we present authentic, nationally produced eco-friendly products and, importantly, household and cultural items that symbolize our view of the world and the values of the Kyrgyz people," the diplomat said.

According to him, COP29 is an event that Kyrgyzstan expects a lot from.

"We aim to promote our agenda at the UN platform on climate change issues, and one of the priority topics is the 'Mountain Dialogue' initiative. As a mountainous country, Kyrgyzstan is working to start a productive dialogue on climate issues, especially those related to the rapid melting of glaciers, degradation of water resources, and other climate-related threats. These issues are becoming increasingly urgent, and their consequences are inevitable," he added.

Mamatkanov underscored that the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov leads this initiative, and at COP29, on international platforms, discussions will focus on how to draw the world's attention to the problems of mountain countries.

"The mountain theme is crucial for the future development of Kyrgyzstan, as the degradation of water resources leads to a reduction in our water and energy potential, which in turn negatively impacts agriculture and the economy as a whole. The loss of water resources directly affects our agricultural capabilities and limits economic growth. This affects not only the economy but also social issues.

Therefore, for us, environmental issues are a priority task connected with the sustainable development of the country. The contribution of the private sector to GDP is significant, and we must create conditions for people so that the negative impacts of climate change do not undermine their economic opportunities," he added.

Besides, according to him, Kyrgyzstan, as a state, is obliged to provide the necessary support, and in this matter, they also need assistance from the UN.

"We call on international organizations to assist in creating conditions where we can support our economically active population. Additionally, an important part of our strategy is the development of tourism  both eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which contributes to the diversification of the economy. This attracts more people to economic processes, creates jobs, and strengthens the economic well-being of our people," the ambassador stressed.

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The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka is intervening in the countrys November 14 parliamentary elections to build an independent political movement of the working class based on international socialism, against war, austerity and the turn to authoritarian methods of rule. The SEP is running 41 candidates in three electoral districtsin the capital of Colombo, in Jaffna in the north and in Nuwara Eliya in the central plantation area.

Leading SEP election candidates, from left to right, Myilvaganam Thevarajah, Thirugnana Sampanthar and Vilani Peiris

Political developments in Sri Lanka and internationally have thoroughly confirmed SEPs political intervention. We urge workers, students, youth and rural poor to vote for the SEP in this election to express their support for our socialist perspective and, on that basis, prepare for the class struggles ahead against the pro-imperialist and pro-business Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)/National Peoples Power (NPP) government.

Never before has the global threat of nuclear annihilation been as great as it is today. The US and its allies are backing Israelis genocidal war in Gaza and its invasion in Lebanon which threaten to expand into a wider war in the Middle East, directed above all against Iran. The US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine and the escalating US preparations for war against China threaten to plunge humanity into a global war involving nuclear-armed powers.

The SEP, as part of the campaign being waged by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and its sections, is intervening in the election to assist in building a unified international anti-war movement of the working class based on socialist policies to put an end to the capitalist system that is the root cause of war.

The election of the fascist demagogue Donald Trump as US president will not ease, but worsen, the economic and political crisis of American imperialism that is the driving force for world war. He will target China, in particular, which is regarded in ruling circles as the chief threat to maintaining US global dominance.

JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was elected as Sri Lankan president on September 21, has immediately congratulated Trump for his election victory. His message is an assurance his JVP/NPP government will work closely with the Trump administration and integrate Sri Lanka into the US-India war drive against China.

Throughout the election campaign, the JVP/NPP and all the parties of political establishment have kept completely silent about the growing danger of global war, signalling their support for the US and its allies, and keeping the working class in the dark.

The SEP warned the JVP/NPP was cynically exploiting the deep-rooted popular hostility to the traditional bourgeois parties and would jettison its phony election promises. Just six weeks after Dissanayakes election, the right-wing, anti-working class, communal politics of the JVP/NPP government have been rapidly revealed.

Working with global capital at the behest of big business, the Dissanayake government is carrying forward the savage International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity measures initiated by the previous government of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Dissanayake has assured the IMF that he will raise the governments primary budgetary surplus four-fold next year compared to last year, dwarfing the inroads into social conditions already carried out. The JVP/NPP government will increase taxes, slash state jobs through privatisation and further cut subsidies to public services, including education and health, to pave the way to repay foreign debt by 2028.

In doing the bidding of the IMF, the Dissanayake government has repeatedly declared that there is no money to meet the burning needs of working people. It has suspended salary increases for 1.4 million state workers of around 25 percent, approved by the previous government.

Recognising that this pro-business agenda will provoke mass opposition, the government has abandoned its election promise to abolish the existing battery of repressive laws, retaining the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in particular.

Commanders of the security forces stand behind as Sri Lanka's new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addresses a gathering after he was sworn in at the Sri Lankan President's Office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, September 23, 2024 [AP Photo/Sri Lankan President's Office]

Dissanayakes righthand man, former MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, recently gave the clearest indication of the governments plans to outlaw all industrial action by the working class, stating that strikes will be relegated to a thing in the past. These comments are a clear warning of the anti-working class, fascistic character of the JVP, which was never based on socialism and Marxism, but rather was founded on a petty bourgeois radical mixture of Maoism (Chinese Stalinism), Castroism and reactionary Sinhala patriotism.

The JVP/NPP is calling on voters to fill the parliament with its members in November 14 election so that they can form a strong government. Its purpose is clear: to implement the IMF austerity program to the letter and brutally suppress inevitable opposition of workers, youth and the rural poor through police-state repression.

The ruling class as a whole is haunted by the 2022 mass uprising over unbearable social conditions that forced President Gotabhaya Rajapakse to resign and is turning to the JVP/NPP to ram through the austerity agenda. Significantly, President Wickremesinghe, who denounced the economic threat posed by Dissanayake during the presidential election campaign, after being defeated swiftly declared his confidence in the new president.

The bourgeois parties of all shades have expressed their willingness to work with the JVP/NPP government as a loyal opposition. These include the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the main opposition in the previous parliament, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the previous ruling party, and the newly-formed Mawbima Janatha Party/Sarvajana Party, an eclectic mixture of Sinhala racialists led by a business and media tycoon.

Likewise, the Tamil bourgeois parties have also expressed their support to Dissanayake despite the fact that his vote was just 10 percent or less in the Tamil-majority north and east, as well as the plantation districts, where working people know full well the JVPs history of rabid anti-Tamil and anti-Muslim chauvinism.

The fake-left Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has praised the election of Dissanayake as a reflection of peoples expectations and promoted the false notion that the incoming government could be pressured to the left. The FSP is campaigning in the election as part of its broader front, the Peoples Struggle Alliance (PSA), on the slogan change the oppositionin other words, put FSP/PSA members in parliament to better pressure the Dissanayake government.

The FSP is again seeking to subordinate the workers and youth to the framework of bourgeois parliamentary politics. In 2022, when millions of working people took part in strikes and protests, the FSP worked with the trade unions to promote the illusion that an interim government of parliamentary parties would address pressing social needs. The result of the parliamentary manoeuvres was the installation of Wickremesinghe and social devastation.

In July 2022, amidst the mass uprising, the SEP launched a campaign for a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses, based on an expanding network of action committees of workers and rural toilers. The establishment of action committees independent of the trade unions and all bourgeois parties as the basis for such a Congress is all the more urgent today.

The Congress will provide the means for the working class and oppressed to unite their struggles, articulate their demands, and defend their social and democratic rights in opposition to the JVP/NPP government and the capitalist state apparatus, including the parliament and the executive presidency on which it rests.

The SEP calls for the formation of action committees in every workplace, plantation, working class suburb and rural area to fight for the following demands:

*Reject the IMF austerity program in its entirety!

* Repudiate all foreign debts!

* Nationalise the banks, big companies and plantations under the democratic control of the working class!

* Place all state-owned enterprises targeted for privatisation under the democratic control of workers!

* Subsidies and social programs for rural farmers and the needy!

* For the unity of the working class! Reject all forms of communalism and nationalism!

* Defend the democratic rights of all the oppressed!

* Abolish the executive presidency!

The campaign for these demands and a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Poor must be directed towards the struggle for the establishment of a government of workers and peasants to refashion society along socialist lines. To unite workers in Sri Lanka, the SEP advocates the formation of a Sri Lanka-Eelam Socialist Republic as an integral part of the struggle for a Union of Socialist Republics in South Asia and internationally.

We again urge you to vote for the SEP in Colombo, Jaffna and Nuwara Eliya districts as a conscious vote for our socialist program. Above all, we call upon you to join the SEP to build it as the mass party necessary to lead the working class in the revolutionary class battles ahead.

Contact the SEP:

Telephone/WhatsApp: +94773562327

E-mail: wswscmb@sltnet.lk
Eleven weeks have passed since the construction division of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) was placed under quasi-dictatorial administration by the federal Labor government.

Tens of thousands of construction workers protesting in Melbourne, Australia, against state control of the CFMEU, August 27, 2024

This was an extraordinary attack on building workers basic industrial rights, limited though they already were by draconian anti-strike laws. Workers capacity to defend their jobs, wages and conditions now rests with a hand-picked lawyer who answers only to the corporations, courts and the government.

The entire capitalist state is arrayed against the CFMEU and the 80,000 building workers it claims to represent. The Australian Federal Police is conducting multiple investigations in collaboration with the administrator. The Fair Work Ombudsman has 23 active investigations into CFMEU officials.

However, construction workers are the real target. The purpose of administration is to drive down their wages and conditions, in an offensive that will set a precedent for attacks on every section of workers.

Defeating administration is therefore an existential question for building workers and the whole working class. In that context, what is even more striking than the attack itself is the refusal of the ousted CFMEU leaders and their allies in the other building industry unions to organise any serious fight against it.

In almost three months, just two token days of protest have been held. This week, workers in Sydney will rally for a third time, but in complete isolation from their counterparts elsewhere in the country.

This is particularly stark in Victoria, which has the largest number of construction union members and where attendance at previous rallies was strongest. Widely supported plans for a possible three-day strike in that state were quietly dropped last month, apparently based on a promise from the Master Builders Association to uphold the existing CFMEU enterprise agreement.

This is completely out of step with the substantial opposition of workers to the administration, demonstrated by the tens of thousands who turned out for the rallies in August and September.

This underscores the need for building workers to take matters into their own hands.

The Socialist Equality Party calls for the establishment of rank-and-file committees at all major worksites and throughout the industry as the means by which workers can organise to fight for their own needs and rights. These committees must be democratically led by workers and independent from the CFMEU and all other unions, which are no longer workers organisations in any sense, but serve as a police force of governments and corporations.

In the first instance, rank-and-file committees must prepare a campaign of strikes and other action demanding the removal of the administrator and the repeal of the latest draconian legislation. Any attempt by employers to tear up, modify or circumvent existing agreements should be answered with indefinite stoppages.

Rank-and-file committees must fight to win support from the widest layers of workers. Even within the construction industry, many workers on non-union sites are not aware of what Labor has carried out. These workers are just as much a target of the attack on wages and conditions as those in the CFMEU and it is critical that, through rank-and-file committees, they are brought into the struggle against it.

More broadly, this means exposing the filthy role played by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and most unions in the country, which have given their full support to Labors imposition of administration.

The complicity of these organisations in the harshest attack on a section of the Australian working class for decades reveals as a total fraud their claim to represent their members. A union bureaucracy that cheers on the evisceration of workplace democratic rights is signalling that it will enforce attacks on jobs, wages and conditions everywhere.

Indeed, the largest unions in the country, covering health workers and educators, have played the leading role in imposing the austerity agenda of state and federal Labor governments in recent years, delivering one real wage cut after another, despite the opposition of workers.

This poses the need for a unified struggle against this broader assault spearheaded by Labor. That is anathema to the union bureaucracies, which seek to keep workers divided and isolated, industry by industry, workplace by workplace.

Strikes and rallies, in and of themselves, will not defeat this attack, but their significance is expressed in the hostile response to this weeks rally from the lackeys appointed by the administrator to run the CFMEU in NSW.

In a letter to all members, they threatened that workers who attended the unauthorised rally did so at risk of losing their job. The letter urged workers to wait on the outcome of a High Court challenge to the laws the Labor government rushed through parliament in August to enable administration.

This effort was launched by the ousted CFMEU bureaucracy as a political diversion to turn workers away from the need to fight Labors attack directly. In the unlikely event that the case succeeds, the government can simply change the law again.

It is no surprise that the administrators representatives are trying to undermine the rally. What is notable is how neatly their position dovetails with that of the current and former building industry union officials around the country who posture as opponents of administration.

Instead of action by workers, the CFMEU leadership-in-exile is promoting illusions that workers rights can be restored and wages and conditions defended through state mechanisms like the High Court case.

Equally bankrupt are claims from sections of the bureaucracy that administration can be fought through parliamentary means, whether direct appeals to Labor and the Greens, calls for workers to join Labor en masse, or the formation of a blue-collar rival to the ACTU to exert pressure through political donations.

What underlies all of this is that the construction union bureaucrats have only ever opposed the attack on building workers insofar as it affects their own highly paid positions. This is why there was no call for strikes in the six weeks before the legislation was passed, as CFMEU officials engaged in backroom negotiations with Labor, the ACTU and the Fair Work Commission to impose administration in a way that kept them in a key role.

Only after they were sacked were the first strike rallies organised. These were not directed at defending the rights of workers but restoring the privileges of the ousted leaders.

The exemplar is Zach Smith, who remains national secretary of the CFMEU, one of the few high-ranking officials kept on by the administrator. Now running the Victorian branch as a foot soldier of the administrator, Smith insists that building workers can carry on with business as usual, as if nothing had happened.

Providing political cover for the CFMEU bureaucracy are the pseudo-left organisations, including Socialist Alliance, which have helped to establish the falsely named Rank & File: Hands off the CFMEU group.

This group is not a rank-and-file organisation at all, but one that is collaborating with the CFMEU bureaucracy which has approved its creation and authorised its activities. Its purpose is to capture workers who, driven by the betrayals and complicity of the union leaders, are looking for an independent way forward in the political trap of appeals to the union apparatus and the Labor government.

In recent weeks, the pseudo-left groups have denounced the substantial payments being made to ACTU- and Labor-affiliated staff appointed by the administrator, but they are silent on the massive salaries enjoyed in every industry by the union bureaucrats that they consistently promote and defend.

This is because the pseudo-left organisations do not represent the working class or fight for socialism. They speak for a layer of the upper middle-class which pursues its own privileges within capitalism, and is tied by a thousand threads to the political establishment, particularly Labor and the union officialdom.

The pseudo-lefts phoney rank-and-file group is directed against the perspective advanced by the Socialist Equality Party. While this group operates with the blessing of CFMEU officials, SEP campaigners have been threatened and accosted by supporters of the ousted leadership when speaking to workers at building sites in Melbourne.

The SEP is fighting for a real rank-and-file movement and a rebellion against both the current and former CFMEU leadership. This means establishing genuine rank-and-file committees, independent of and opposed to this bureaucracy. Such committees must be controlled by workers themselves, not the privileged bureaucrats and their hangers-on.

To defeat administration and take up a fight for real improvements to wages and conditions in the building industry and more broadly, workers need to understand what they are up against.

Labors attack on the CFMEU is the sharpest expression in Australia of a global assault on workers by the ruling class, as the escalating crisis of capitalism toboggans towards world war.

This underscores the need for a unified political struggle by the working class against the capitalist system and its subordination of every aspect of workers lives to the profits of the financial and corporate elite.

Above all, what is posed is the need to fight for a workers government to implement socialist policies. The big builders and developers, as well as the banks and other major corporations, must be placed under public ownership and democratic workers control so that societys resources can be utilised to provide the social needs of the working people, not increase the immense wealth of the financial and corporate elite.

The SEP is committed to providing every political assistance to workers to form rank-and-file committees. Contact us today to discuss how you can take up this initiative in your workplace.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Kyrgyzstan presented a unique pavilion in the form of a traditional yurt at the international conference COP29, Trend reports.

The traditional yurt, which has served the nomadic peoples of Central Asia for centuries, symbolizes sustainability and harmony with nature. Kyrgyzstan, through this symbol, seeks to emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage and an ecological approach to the development of mountainous regions.

Kyrgyz Ambassador to Azerbaijan Maksat Mamytkanov told Trend that all materials used in the design of the pavilion are environmentally friendly.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has started in Baku. 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) 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 the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is based in Bonn.

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Ridley Scott may never stop making movies, and on the basis of Gladiator II, thats a very good thing.

Following two imposing historical epics (The Last Duel, Napoleon ), the prolific 86-year-old auteur delves even further back in time for a sequel to his 2000 Best Picture winner. He comes up with a massive, rugged 200 A.D. tale of honor, treachery, idealism, and bloodshed that makes up for the absence of Russell Crowe with grander set pieces and a phenomenally devious turn by Denzel Washington .

Theres no question that, in most respects, Scotts film, which hits theaters Nov. 22, in theaters, is an elaborate imitation of its predecessor. If little more than a cover song, however, its a majestic and malicious one that reaffirms its makers unparalleled gift for grandiosity.

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Sixteen years after the events of Gladiator, Lucius (Paul Mescal) lives with his wife in the coastal city of Numidia. When the Roman Empire comes calling with conquest on its mind, Lucius and his bride take up arms to defend their home. Regrettably, theyre crushed by an army led by general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), who returns home to be feted by Romes corrupt sibling emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), the former cruel and the lattera leashed monkey wearing a dress often perched on his shouldercrazy courtesy of syphilis.

Denzel Washington as Macrinus, Pedro Pascal as General Acacius and Connie Nielsen as Lucilla

Geta and Caracalla opt to celebrate Marcus North African triumph by hosting a round of Colosseum games, and though the military commander would prefer to spend time at home with his partner Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), the daughter of deceased emperor Marcus Aurelius and the lover of Crowes fallen Maximus, hes given no choice but to attend.

The participants of these games are gladiators supplied by Macrinus (Washington), a cunning politician who instinctively identifies Luciuswhos been taken prisoner and brought to Rome in the aftermath of Numidias defeatas a promising prospect.

While Lucius doesnt know the full details of his lineage, Gladiator II provides enough early parallels between him and Maximus to make it quite clear, and at least at outset, his primary goal isnt securing his freedom by prevailing in Colosseum combat but avenging his spouse by slaying Marcus. Macrinus is happy to strike a deal with the warrior so that they both get what they want, and it turns out to be a fruitful one, with Macrinus currying favor with the emperors thanks to Lucius prowess with a blade, and the enslaved protagonist inching his way closer to a showdown with the man he blames for his misfortune.

Paul Mescal as Lucius and Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius

Gladiator II complicates Lucius mission by revealing that, far from a heartless warmonger, Marcus is a noble soldier whos grown weary of ceaseless carnage, and plots with Lucilla to to overthrow the emperors and achieve Marcus Aurellius dream of a democratic Rome governed by the Senate and dedicated to serving all its citizens equally.

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This is the same thing that motivated Maximus to rebel in the first film, just as Lucius ascension from lowly, disrespected gladiator to rousing rebel leader more or less mirrors his dads evolution. In case Lucius connection to Maximus and Lucilla wasnt obvious enough from the get-go, David Scarpas script has Lucius recite a Virgil poem that adorns his moms bedroom wall and recognize the quote (What we do in life echoes in eternity) thats inscribed above his pops tomb, thereby additionally rendering Scotts latest a straightforward like father, like son rehash.

But what a rehash it is! No one directs large-scale warfare like Scott, and he demonstrates that peerless skill during Marcus opening siege on Numidia.

With thrilling intensity, Gladiator II conveys the weight of Romes ships, the wildness of the ocean, the heat of flaming catapult projectiles, the arduousness of men pulling ropes and rowing oars, and the brutality of swords clashing and arrows piercing flesh. Everything resounds with ferocity, not to mention overwhelming scale, whether the director is staging titanic conflicts on land and sea, one-on-one brawls in the gargantuan Colosseum, or conspiratorial conversations between power players in ornate chambers. Better still, Scotts CGI vistas of his enormous locales are an improvement over those found in Gladiator, lending the material an extra measure of lavish authenticity.

Gladiator IIs centerpieces similarly one-up those that came before it, such that instead of merely pitting man against tigers, the film delivers showstoppers involving savage primates, rampaging rhinos, and hungry sharks. Those bestial battles contribute to the actions muscular barbarism, while Mescal gives it its rage. The actor may not wholly fill Crowes shoes, yet he exhibits a requisite degree of passion and valor, more than capably shouldering this immense venture.

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His supporting cast is likewise compelling and colorful, be it Nielsen as a mother defined by principled commitment to her cause and her son, Pascal as a fighter devoted to peace, or Quinn and Hechinger as a pair of megalomaniacal tyrants who consider themselves gods, are delighted by murder and mayhem, and foolishly think that their positions protect them from suffering the same fates as the combatants who fight for their amusement.

Macrinus keeping a watchful eye

Scotts trump card, however, is Washington, stealing every scene as the calculating Macrinus, whose designs for himself, and all of Rome, are informed by his subjugated past. His body swathed in long, vibrant robes, his ears decorated by small hoops earrings, his chin covered in a graying goatee, and his fingers bejeweled with big, shiny rings that clatter almost as loudly as his giant gold necklace, Washingtons baddie is a flamboyant schemer adept at manipulating those around him with a whisper and a smile. With watchful eyes, an outwardly deferential demeanor, and a fluid manner that belies his viper-like lethality, hes a larger-than-life figure fit for this vast film.

Since it rarely deviates from its predecessors narrative formularight down to having Lucius repeatedly scoop up gravel in his hand, and giving him his own Black comradeGladiator II boasts few surprises, and its outcome is so preordained that the climax is less than wholly rousing. The primary thrills, instead, come from Scotts vigorous stewardship, as when his camera bobs along the choppy sea as warships enter and flank the frame, and from Washingtons devilish performance as a wheeler-dealer willing to do whatever it takes to remake the world in his image.

Gladiator II may not be remembered for all time (as the emperors hope they will be), and it never reckons with celebrating the very bloodsport its tale condemns. Nonetheless, as far as second passes go, its a worthy heir.
A decade on from the first Paddington film, we now have a third instalment in the beloved franchise following the titular bear and the Brown family.

Paddington in Peru has hit movie theaters in the United Kingdom but won't journey to the US until the New Year.

However, we can still get in on the action by taking a look at the first reactions which are out now, calling the film "A wonderfully fun adventure with all the warmth, humour, and heart fans of this beloved franchise have come to adore," as per Linda Marric of HeyUGuys.

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The film has landed itself a score of 92% on the review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes, from 38 critics who are largely positive about Paddington's latest adventure.

Although 92% is a stellar score, it's a noticeable drop from the 2014 film's score of 97% and Paddington 2's 99%, but critics still sing its praises.

"It doesn't matter if this film is much the same sort of thing as the last one, warmed over," says Stephanie Bunbury, "In fact, that's exactly what you want: third time around, the story of the little bear welcomed by strangers remains magical."

Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent says, "Really, all you can do is take what joy you can from Paddington in Peru, because its pleasures are rarer but still sweet."

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Among the warmth is some frost, with Nick Curtis of the London Evening Standard saying, "This one, directed by Dougal Wilson, feels ponderous and slow. The slapstick scrapes Paddington gets into are effortful and all the scripted jokes are painstakingly explained, as if younger audience members are dim."

The Wrap's William Bibbiani also had some criticism, saying, "The new film has some heart, but it's buried beneath a lot of hackneyed writing and tedious padding. Like, a ton of padding. A padding ton."

There does seem to be a consensus that Paddington in Peru doesn't match the strength of its predecessors, but mostly, people are just thrilled to be back in Paddington's presence.

Paddington in Peru Review Roundup
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Today, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) officially kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Today, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) officially kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan. This high-stakes gathering has drawn a powerhouse delegation of over 40,000 participants from more than 190 countriesworld leaders, top scientists, corporate executives, and civil society heavyweightscoming together to tackle the defining challenge of our time: climate change.

Spanning 12 days, this conference isnt just another milestone in global climate diplomacy; its the biggest event in Azerbaijans modern history. What makes COP29 truly unique is its debut in the South Caucasus, a first for the region. This elevates Bakus status on the global stage, spotlighting Azerbaijan as a critical player in addressing international environmental crises.

Bakus Big Moment: Preparation and Execution

Baku pulled out all the stops to host COP29. A sprawling 112,000-square-meter venue was custom-built near the citys Olympic Stadium, designed to accommodate the event's sheer scale. The city underwent a major facelift, with airport upgrades, a revamped transport network, and a digital overhaul to ensure seamless logistics. Early estimates suggest the city will welcome between 70,000 and 80,000 international visitors, a figure that underscores Azerbaijans ability to host global-scale events with flair and efficiency.

"Finance COP": A Game-Changer for Global Climate Funding

COP29 has been nicknamed the Finance COP, a nod to its central focus: rethinking and turbocharging climate financing for developing nations. For the first time in 15 years, the worlds leaders aim to overhaul the financial commitments underpinning climate action. At the heart of the discussions is the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a bold United Nations initiative set to replace the long-standing but increasingly outdated $100 billion annual pledge.

The stakes are high, with projections indicating that developing nations will need an eye-watering $2.4 trillion annually by 2030 to combat climate change effectively. Of this, $1 trillion is earmarked exclusively for clean energy investments. These numbers arent just statistics; theyre a stark reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis.

However, as with any global initiative involving big money, the debates are fierce. Developed nations, grappling with fiscal challenges at home, are hesitant to commit to higher obligations. On the flip side, developing countries, already bearing the brunt of climate impacts, are calling for bolder, more equitable action. The role of private sector investments is also taking center stage, with negotiators working overtime to bridge these gaps.

Geopolitics Meets Climate Action

The world isnt just battling rising temperaturesits grappling with a perfect storm of wildfires, droughts, floods, and resource scarcity, compounded by geopolitical tensions and economic volatility. In this climatepun intendedCOP29 serves as more than a venue for negotiations. Its a crucible for leadership, a litmus test for global unity in the face of intersecting crises.

Transitioning to green energy and achieving decarbonization isnt just a moral imperative; its an economic playbook for resilience in an uncertain world. Azerbaijan, with its strategic position and growing influence, has smartly positioned itself at this intersection, turning Baku into a nexus of East meets West diplomacy.

From Rhetoric to Results: What COP29 Needs to Deliver

COP29 isn't about incremental changeits about delivering a blueprint for a sustainable future. The agenda includes a hard look at methane emissions, scaling up global clean energy capacity, and creating a robust market for hydrogenthe fuel of the future. Theres also a deeply symbolic initiative on the table: the COP Truce, a proposal advocating a global ceasefire during the conference to underscore the intrinsic link between peace and environmental action.

But lofty goals wont cut it anymore. COP29s success hinges on its ability to produce actionable outcomes. The conference serves as a crucial test of whether world leaders are prepared to move from diplomatic niceties to bold commitments.

Azerbaijan: The Unexpected Star of Climate Diplomacy

Azerbaijans role as host goes beyond logistics. The nation is leveraging this opportunity to showcase its green transformation, from renewable energy initiatives in Karabakh to ambitious plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. The countrys leadership, particularly President Ilham Aliyev, has framed COP29 as a moment for Azerbaijan to punch above its weight in global climate diplomacy.

And the message is resonating. By hosting the largest-ever COP event in its history, Azerbaijan is staking a claim as a leader not just in its region but on the world stage. The countrys emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and cross-border collaboration is setting a new standard for how nations can navigate the complex challenges of climate action.

The Road Ahead: Unity or Fragmentation?

COP29 is more than just a conference; its a defining moment for the global fight against climate change. In an era marked by division and uncertainty, Baku has become the unlikely epicenter of hope, serving as a reminder that collective action is the only way forward.

The successor failureof this conference will reverberate far beyond Azerbaijan. If COP29 can deliver bold commitments, foster compromise, and inspire real action, it will mark a turning point in humanitys battle against climate change. If not, it risks becoming another missed opportunity, one the planet can ill afford.

As the world watches Baku, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher. Lets hope the leaders assembled here are ready to meet the moment.

A Historic Moment for Azerbaijan

By hosting COP29, Azerbaijan has cemented its status as a rising star in global climate diplomacy. Positioned at the crossroads of East and West, the country has emerged as a leader in renewable energy and decarbonization, actively contributing to international efforts to combat climate change. Azerbaijans commitment to sustainable development is not just rhetoric; it is reflected in tangible progress, from innovative energy projects to ambitious environmental goals.

Hosting COP29 is more than a logistical achievementit is a testament to Azerbaijans growing influence in shaping global solutions to climate challenges. The conference underscores the nations potential to lead in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Challenges and Opportunities: The Stakes at COP29

COP29 is not just another conference on climateits a critical litmus test for global action in an era of escalating climate crises and geopolitical instability. This summit offers nations an unparalleled opportunity to agree on practical, measurable steps to combat global warming. At the same time, it challenges participants to demonstrate a genuine commitment to real, transformative change.

The success of COP29 will depend on whether world leaders can bridge divides and forge collective solutions. Initiatives developed in Baku have the potential to reshape global climate policy, transforming COP29 into a pivotal moment in the fight against global warming. But the stakes are highfailure to act decisively here could have irreversible consequences for the planet.

The Political Dimension: The Absence of Key Players

Despite the scale and ambition of COP29, the absence of several key global leaders has cast a shadow over the proceedings. U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and leaders from Brazil, Japan, and Australia are notably absent. Their nonattendance has raised questions about the conferences ability to achieve meaningful progress.

However, the summit still boasts a roster of high-profile participants, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their contributions are expected to add substantial political weight to the discussions, underscoring the global importance of the event.

Climate Alarm: A Defining Moment

COP29 comes at a time of unprecedented urgency. UN data paints a grim picture: current national commitments fall far short of what is needed to meet the Paris Agreements goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C. Without swift and decisive action, the planet is on track for a catastrophic temperature rise of 2.63.1C by the end of the century.

The stakes could not be higher. Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and methane have reached historic highs, with 90 percent of emissions stemming from fossil fuel consumption. COP29 serves as a wake-up call for nations to move beyond pledges and implement actionable strategies to mitigate climate change.

Progress or Stagnation? Following Up on COP28 Commitments

At COP28 in Dubai, participating nations made bold commitments to phase out fossil fuels and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Yet, progress has been slow, and major oil and gas producersSaudi Arabia, Russia, and the United Statescontinue to expand fossil fuel projects. These developments underscore the gap between ambition and action.

COP29 represents a crucial test of whether nations can transition from promises to results. Will leaders demonstrate the political will to confront entrenched interests and prioritize the planets future over short-term gains? The outcomes of this conference will answer that question.

Azerbaijans Role in the Global Climate Agenda

Azerbaijan has strategically positioned itself as a leader in the green energy revolution. From ambitious renewable energy projects in Karabakh and East Zangezur to its broader decarbonization agenda, the country is charting a path toward sustainability. Hosting COP29 in Baku underscores Azerbaijans commitment to climate leadership and its determination to influence the global dialogue on environmental challenges.

The nations role at COP29 is not merely symbolicit reflects a broader strategy to leverage its geographical and political positioning to drive climate solutions that benefit both the region and the world.

Global Leadership at COP29

While the absence of some leaders has sparked criticism, COP29 still carries significant diplomatic weight. The United States is represented by John Podesta, Senior Advisor to President Biden on International Climate Policy, whose participation underscores Washingtons commitment to the climate agenda despite Bidens absence.

The presence of influential figures like Erdogan, Starmer, and Zelensky ensures that critical voices will guide the discussions. Their participation reinforces the importance of COP29 as a platform for addressing the intersection of climate, security, and economic policy.

A Crossroads for Global Climate Action

COP29 represents a watershed moment in the fight against climate change. In Baku, nations have the chance to move beyond rhetoric and deliver actionable solutions to a crisis that demands immediate attention. The absence of key players may cast doubt on the conferences outcomes, but the presence of other influential leaders offers hope for meaningful progress.

For Azerbaijan, COP29 is an opportunity to showcase its leadership in climate diplomacy and set a precedent for future host nations. The stakes are clear: success at COP29 could set the stage for a more unified, sustainable future. Failure, however, would be a missed opportunity the world cannot afford.

As the world watches Baku, the question remains: Will COP29 rise to the occasion and deliver the breakthroughs the planet so desperately needs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certainAzerbaijan has firmly placed itself at the center of the global climate conversation.

Azerbaijans Climate Initiatives: Driving Innovation and Investment

In the lead-up to COP29, Azerbaijan unveiled the "Future Climate Investment Fund," a bold initiative backed by $500 million in initial capital from SOCAR, the state oil giant. Designed to attract investments from other fossil fuel producers, the fund aims to finance critical climate projects. While some critics have questioned Azerbaijans dual role as a fossil fuel exporter and climate advocate, the initiative underscores the nations willingness to leverage its resources for green innovation.

Azerbaijan has also introduced 14 forward-thinking initiatives to reinforce its commitment to combating climate change, including:

Green Energy Corridors to accelerate renewable energy distribution,

Clean Hydrogen development as a fuel of the future,

Methane Emission Reduction in organic waste management,

Green Digital Technologies to enhance sustainability through innovation.

A flagship proposalthe creation of a Climate Finance Action Fundis poised to play a pivotal role in achieving global climate targets. These initiatives highlight Azerbaijans strategy of aligning its economic transformation with the broader global agenda on climate action.

Key Expectations from COP29: Redefining Climate Financing

At the heart of COP29 is the development of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate financing, an ambitious framework designed to replace the outdated $100 billion annual pledge. This initiative seeks to establish equitable resource distribution between developed and developing nations while targeting the critical goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C.

NCQG is not just a technical framework; it is a reflection of the growing urgency to scale up financial support for climate adaptation and mitigation. With estimated needs reaching $2.4 trillion annually by 2030, NCQG will demand bold commitments from nations, private investors, and international institutions.

The World Leaders Summit: All Eyes on Baku

On November 1213, COP29 will host the highly anticipated World Leaders Summit on Climate Action, convening heads of state, prime ministers, and leaders of international organizations. As a hub of diplomacy and innovation, Baku has become the epicenter of global attention. President Ilham Aliyev has emphasized the importance of this summit as a platform for bridging divides between developed and developing nations, fostering consensus on critical climate policies.

This gathering of influential figures is expected to drive home the urgency of international cooperation, setting the stage for actionable outcomes that resonate far beyond the conference.

A Turning Point for Global Climate Policy

COP29 is more than a conferenceit is a defining moment in the global effort to combat climate change. For Azerbaijan, it represents a transformative opportunity to showcase its leadership on the world stage. As Baku evolves into a nexus for climate diplomacy, the outcomes of COP29 could reshape the global approach to environmental challenges, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and equitable future.

Success will require nations to bridge deep-seated divisions, make bold commitments, and translate ambitious goals into concrete actions. The stakes are monumental: COP29s success could serve as a blueprint for future climate negotiations, while its failure would underscore the high cost of inaction.

Azerbaijan: A Role Model for the Region and Beyond

Azerbaijans climate strategy demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability, positioning the nation as a regional and global leader. The liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur, along with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, have been designated as green energy zones, symbolizing Azerbaijans commitment to integrating innovation into ecological policy.

Initiatives such as "smart city" and "smart village" projects in these areas exemplify Azerbaijans focus on combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable development. With goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030 and 40 percent by 2050, Azerbaijan is setting ambitious yet achievable targets that align with its international climate commitments.

Infrastructure and Inclusivity: Setting a New Standard

The Baku Olympic Stadium, the central venue for COP29, reflects Azerbaijans commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. For the first time in COP history, sign language translation and audio induction systems for the hearing impaired are being implemented, ensuring equal participation for all delegates.

This emphasis on accessibility goes beyond symbolismit is a testament to Azerbaijans efforts to create a truly inclusive platform for global climate action.

Logistics and Innovation: Seamless Coordination

To facilitate the movement of delegations, Azerbaijan has introduced a digital transportation map, seamlessly integrating key nodes of Bakus transport system. With 500 vehicles in operation140 of which are electric busesAzerbaijan is showcasing its dedication to reducing emissions and promoting green technologies.

The Motto of COP29: "Lets Stand Together for a Greener World!"

Azerbaijans chosen motto encapsulates the spirit of solidarity and collaboration at the heart of COP29. President Ilham Aliyev has articulated a vision for the conference as a catalyst for transformative change, emphasizing that Azerbaijan is determined to turn COP29 into a success story that inspires future generations.

A Blueprint for the Future

As COP29 unfolds, Azerbaijan is not just hosting a global summitit is redefining its role on the world stage as a leader in sustainable development. From ambitious climate initiatives to groundbreaking infrastructure projects, Azerbaijan is demonstrating that bold vision and decisive action can drive meaningful progress.

The conference serves as a critical juncture for global climate diplomacy, offering nations an opportunity to unite behind shared goals and deliver tangible solutions. The outcomes of COP29 will reverberate far beyond Baku, shaping the trajectory of climate policy for years to come.

With its innovative approach, unwavering commitment, and strategic leadership, Azerbaijan is proving that even in a world divided by geopolitical challenges, collective action remains the most powerful tool for securing a greener, more equitable future.

Cultural Program and Public Engagement: A Community-Centered Approach

COP29 is designed not only to facilitate high-level negotiations but also to foster widespread public engagement. The conference is divided into two main zones:

Blue Zone: Reserved for official negotiations and discussions among policymakers, scientists, and global leaders.

Green Zone: Open to the public, this space features exhibitions, interactive workshops, and cultural events, making the climate conversation accessible to all.

Special attention has been given to the role of volunteers, who serve as ambassadors of sustainable development. Their active participation underscores the critical importance of collective responsibility and grassroots involvement in addressing climate change. By integrating the community into the event, COP29 sets a new benchmark for inclusive climate diplomacy.

A Future-Oriented Legacy: Pioneering Innovation and Engagement

Azerbaijans innovative hosting of COP29 is a statement of its commitment to shaping the global climate narrative. Through ambitious environmental initiatives and a focus on inclusivity, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the international fight against climate change. By combining cutting-edge infrastructure with a people-centered approach, the country is redefining how global climate conferences are planned and executed.

Azerbaijans Role in the Global Climate Agenda: Bridging East and West

COP29 serves as a testament to Azerbaijans growing influence as a bridge between East and West. By hosting this landmark event, Azerbaijan reinforces its image as a leader in environmental and energy transformation, capable of uniting nations in pursuit of shared climate goals.

Azerbaijan is not merely reacting to the challenges of climate changeit is proactively shaping the agenda. This strategic leadership elevates COP29 to a historic event of global significance, positioning Azerbaijan as a central player in the international climate arena.

Baku: The New Stage for Climate Action

The conference in Baku marks a new chapter in global climate action. More than a meeting of world leaders, it represents a transformative platform where Azerbaijans solutions inspire and challenge the global community to act.

COP29 is a milestone in worldwide efforts to combat climate change, providing a unique opportunity for nations to collaborate on urgent issues and craft effective strategies for a sustainable future. With Azerbaijan leading the charge, the event underscores the importance of regional and international cooperation in tackling the planets most pressing challenges.

A Test of Commitment Amid Global Challenges

In a world grappling with rising temperatures, economic turbulence, and geopolitical instability, COP29 is not just an eventits a test of the global communitys willingness to embrace meaningful change.

The conference presents an opportunity for nations to move beyond rhetoric and commit to actionable solutions. It challenges participants to overcome divisions and reach a consensus on policies that will define the future of climate action. The proposals and initiatives emerging from Baku have the potential to become a turning point, setting a transformative trajectory for global climate policy.

Azerbaijan: Leading by Example

By hosting COP29, Azerbaijan has established itself as a key figure in the global climate dialogue. Its ambitious goals and strategic vision highlight the nations commitment to addressing the most pressing issues of our time.

This event underscores Azerbaijans ability to bridge divides and foster a spirit of global solidarity. As the world converges in Baku, Azerbaijans leadership shines as an example of how nations can step up and play a pivotal role in building a sustainable, united, and resilient future.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton made a major update to their online presence after they attended a special royal outing together over the weekend.

The Prince and Princess of Wales joined King Charles III for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, on Saturday, Nov. 9. The event preceded Remembrance Sunday, which is held every year on the second Sunday in November as the United Kingdom commemorates the service members who fought for their country.

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Anne, the Princess Royal, also joined her older brother, his son and his daughter-in-law at Saturdays event. Queen Camilla, who Buckingham Palace officials said last week was unwell with a chest infection, did not attend.

William was photographed wearing a navy suit and his military medals, and Kate was photographed wearing a black dress, sheer black tights and black heels. While Kate wore her long, wavy brown hair down, William sported the scruff that has become familiar to royal watchers over the last few months. The prince and princess each completed their looks for the special night with red poppy pins worn on their lapels.

Related: Kate Middleton Fans Say She's Barely Changed After Seeing Recently Unearthed College Photo

After Saturday evenings event, the official social media accounts for William and Kate underwent a major change, with the profile images for their conjoined accounts suddenly featuring a photo of them at a previous Festival of Remembrance ceremony. The photo used for their profiles on Instagram and on X, formerly Twitter, showed William and Kate during the 2023 ceremony, back when William was clean-shaven.

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A newer snapshot of the four royals attending this years ceremony popped up on Saturday on the official Instagram account for the royal family, which William and Kates Instagram account also shared. Many fans who left comments on the post expressed happiness at seeing Kate and the king looking happy and healthy after their cancer diagnoses earlier this year.

They all look so good together!  I'm so happy to see The Princess of Wales and The King looking beautiful and healthy, one fan wrote before adding praise for the lovely photo .

Another fan applauded their apparent health while sending well wishes for Camilla. Wishing speedy recovery to Her Majesty The Queen & its amazing to see them together again. Our beloved Princess of Wales looks even more beautiful than ever before  What a special evening. Cant wait for tomorrow , they wrote.

I am so happy to see Princess Catherine again, I love her so much and I wish the best for her, and also for His Majesty the King. , another fan gushed.

Next: Prince William Opens Up About the Brutal Months That Followed Wife and Fathers Cancer Diagnoses
At first, the reunion was supposed to be a surprise, but David tells PEOPLE the logistics of getting home from Chile proved too complicated

McElliott Family

A military family recently reconnected  along with 50 other families  in the Texas Hill Country

The McElliott family includes David, a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps, his wife Jennifer and their three sons, Connor, 14, Keegan, 12, and Colton, 5

While David has served in the military, the McElliotts have lived in California, Alabama, Florida, Washington and Texas  and they even spent a six-month stint in Italy

For the McElliotts, spending time together is all about the little things.

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The Texas-based military family of five  David, a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps, his wife Jennifer, and their three sons, Connor, 14, Keegan, 12, and Colton, 5  was recently reunited when David, who had been away for six months, came home for a brief visit to San Antonio.

At first, the reunion was supposed to be a surprise. But then the logistics of getting David home from Chile proved too complicated, he tells PEOPLE.

After returning to a houseful of sleepy boys late one night last month, the crew set out a few days later to make the most of their time together by taking part in the "Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo" event, which was sponsored by Blue Star Families and Ford, in the Texas Hill Country.

Related: Military Dad Surprises His Son at School in 'Heartwarming' Reunion Video: 'It Meant Everything'

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The McElliotts didnt waste any time bonding at the weekend event, where 49 other veterans and their loved ones embarked on an off-road adventure.

I think it's always good to meet other families just because you have that common bond of moving so often, being in the military, David, 50, tells PEOPLE.

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.

Thats certainly been part of the McElliott familys story. Since David and Jennifer married in 2009, they've moved nine times as David has been deployed to Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America.

McElliott Family

As a family, theyve lived in California, Alabama, Florida, Washington and Texas, and they even spent a six-month stint in Rome, Italy. In 2021, youngest son Colton attended three schools alone.

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Now, as Davids career in the military winds down  hes scheduled to retire in 2027  the family is recalibrating and remembering what it means to be together.

Davids missed a lot, Connor's eighth grade promotion ceremony, and he missed Keegan's fifth grade graduation last year because he wasn't home, Jennifer, 47, says. It is really hard to find a family photo of all five of us. Often, hes not in them."

"That's challenging," she adds. "But these kind of experiences to come back to are really nice. They're really special.

Related: Retired Army Veteran Couldnt Sleep After He Won $150,000 Powerball Lottery Prize: Im Still So Excited

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Over that weekend, the McElliott boys and their parents interacted with other families as they shared meals and took in the scenic Central Texas landscape. Of course, there was also room on the agenda for having fun.

The hit was the 1.3 mile racetrack that was set up like a rally racing course with hairpin turns, David tells PEOPLE. And you got to go on there as basically as fast as you could drive the kids.

Inspired by Blue Star Families Do Your Part initiative, which is dedicated to improving the lives of military families, the event further reinforces Fords commitment to veterans and military families, according to the auto company.



Related: Man Recreates 30-Year-Old Photo with His Dad Alongside His Look-Alike Son: 'I Just Had to Do It'

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I think they have been an amazing, amazing organization to be a part of, Jennifer tells PEOPLE. I just I couldn't believe the things that they offer.

As for the weekend in the Hill Country, it was a memory that the McElliotts say they will cherish.

Adds David, "I think everybody had a good time driving the Broncos around and it was a good way to kind of reconnect now that I'm almost at the end of my tour."


Hint: It has nothing to do with brining or basting.

Getty Images/Allrecipes

When the Allrecipes team compares notes on their perfect turkey recipes, the conversation often turns to brining strategies, basting techniques, seasoning blends, or cooking stylesspatchcocked or smoked, anyone?

But when consulting with chefs for a recent guide on how to prepare the juiciest turkey this year, we stumbled upon an unexpected tip that changed our game plan and had us wishing wed known it years earlier. Turns out, celebrity chefs Rachael Ray and Alex Guarnaschelli also support this idea.

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Read on for a secret that could help you bring your best bird to the table this year, while shortening cook time, making meal prep easier, and leaving you with more of those most-prized pieces of turkey.

The Secret to Your Tastiest Thanksgiving Turkey Yet

Your best Thanksgiving turkey starts in the supermarketor wherever you buy your poultry. While how you brine and cook the meat certainly matters, one of the simplest ways to make your turkey more flavorful is to try two smaller turkeys instead of one big bird.

For a juicier, more flavorful result, aim for turkeys that weigh 12 pounds or less, suggests Rob Wright, co-owner of The Warwick Houston, a restaurant open every Thanksgiving. Typically, small turkey refers to birds between 10 and 14 pounds.

Kieron Hales, executive chef and owner of Zingermans Cornman Farms in Dexter, Michigan, agrees, recommending two smaller birds over one 25-pound turkey if youre feeding a crowd of around 18. Folks often pick a far too big of bird to cook for the number of guests. Its much harder to cook a larger turkeyand especially more difficult to keep the turkey juicy and cook it evenly. So I much prefer to do two much smaller birds. This really helps with even cooking, and as an added benefit is much easier to deal with, Hales says.

Allrecipes Magazine

Why Smaller Turkeys Are the Way to Go

They thaw and cook more quickly than large birds.

Two small turkeys often fit in one oven at the same time.

Smaller birds fit more easily in the fridge and are easier to carry.

Youll have double the legs and thighs for dark meat lovers.

There will be twice as many wishbones for tableside challenges.

They cook more evenly.

Smaller turkeys are generally younger, which means more tender meat.

Local, organic, and heritage turkeys are often in the 10- to 12-pound range, so choosing small can be more eco-friendly.

Smaller turkeys have more exposed surface area, creating extra crispy skin for everyone to enjoy.

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This approach has plenty of fans. On her talk show, Rachael Ray raved about it, and on TikTok, chef Alex Guarnaschelli advised a fan to go for two smaller birds over one large one so you have two chances to get it right, enough leftovers, and a lot more wings and drumsticks.

How Much Turkey Per Person?

For leftovers, plan for 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. If youd like just enough for Thanksgiving Day, 1 pound per person should do. With the two-bird approach, heres how it breaks down:

Two 10-pound birds : Serves around 20 guests, or 13 with leftovers

Two 12-pound birds : Serves around 24 guests, or 16 with leftovers

Two 14-pound birds: Serves around 28 guests, or 18 with leftovers

Small turkeys are also ideal for smaller gatherings. A single 12-pound turkey, for example, is perfect for a table of eight, with enough left over for a bonus round of Black Friday leftover turkey casserole, pasta, or soup.

Now that you know why you might want to cook a small turkey (or two) this year, check out our guide on how to cook small turkeys so everyone will be asking, Did a pro chef make this?!


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Mastering the perfect turkey is an important milestone for every home cook, especially around the autumnal holidays. The large bird can feed a crowd and is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table, so the pressure to cook it flawlessly is certainly there. One of the trickiest parts of this culinary project is getting the timing just right, so we spoke to Freda Sugarman, Executive Chef at Sarabeth's Greenwich Village, and asked about the ideal cooking time for the turkey. The expert's advice is to keep the turkey in the oven "for 15 to 20 minutes a pound."

That means a 16-pound turkey will cook for at least four hours, so take that into consideration when you're planning your Thanksgiving timeline. Four hours can seem like a dauntingly long time to wait, but cooking a whole bird is not something you can rush. In Sugarman's own words, "I think low and slow is the way to go with a turkey." One of the tips for cooking a perfect turkey is to completely thaw it before putting it in the oven. The safest way to do so is in the refrigerator, but you'll have to take into account some more prep time: Each four to five pounds of weight will take a day to thaw. For a 16-pound turkey, that can mean four days of thawing. It's possible to skip the thawing process altogether and cook the turkey frozen, but that will extend the cooking by at least 50 percent.

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Read more: 25 Most Popular Snacks In America Ranked Worst To Best

The Best Temperature For Cooking A Turkey

Turkey in the oven with thermometer - New Africa/Shutterstock

Temperature-wise, Chef Sugarman advises cooking the turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit and points out that "a well calibrated meat thermometer is a chef's best friend for cooking a turkey." According to the USDA, the turkey is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit  that's where the thermometer comes in. You'll want to measure the turkey's temperature in three different places to ensure it's fully cooked: Inside the thigh, inside the wing, and in the thickest part of the breast. If you don't have a good thermometer yet, Alpha Grillers is currently a bestseller on Amazon, and ThermoPro is another great pick.

Knowing the ideal timing and temperature tricks, you're all set to make the perfect turkey  and it doesn't have to be a feast exclusive to the holidays, either. Cooking the whole bird can save you time when meal prepping, as you can cut it up and freeze the different parts to use in later meals. White meat is perfect for sandwiches and salads, while dark meat can be used up in hearty stews, like our turkey vegetable soup or turkey butternut squash chili.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
One person was killed and 16 others were injured during a shooting at Tuskegee University in Alabama early Sunday morning.

Twelve people were wounded by gunfire and four others sustained injuries not related to shots, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said in a statement.

The shooting began around 1:40 a.m. and one 18-year-old man, who was not a university student, was confirmed dead. No arrests have been made and the agency is asking for the publics assistance in the case.

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The agencys State Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the shooting and is requesting that anyone with information about the incident submit a tip.

The shooting came as Tuskegee University, a historically Black university, was celebrating its 100th Homecoming week. Monday classes have been canceled, and grief counselors will be available for students, The Associated Press reported.

Parents of the victim were notified and several of the injured were being treated at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery.

One female student was shot in the stomach, and one male student was shot in the arm, police Chief Patrick Mardis said, per the AP.

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The Hill has reached out to the university 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  Its been 80 years since Marie West of Monument served in the Navy, but now, at the age of 101, shes getting the recognition she deserves.

In May and June of this year she was aboard the Queen Mary II ocean liner from New York City bound for Europe where she spent two weeks marking history for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Nonprofit helping veterans, first responders cope with PTSD with time in Colorado outdoors

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It all started when she was asked to take part in a program sponsored by the Greatest Generations Foundation, a veterans charity started in Denver.

The organization was assembling a team of veterans to return to the battlefields of Normandy, France for this milestone anniversary.

Marie was on the list to join because she was one of the 350,000 women who donned a uniform during World War II.

I was excited about it, she told FOX31s Jeremy Hubbard. I was helping. Of course I went to boot camp and learned about the Navy. Of course did a lot of marching.

Part of the Navy WAVES, or Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, she was enlisted back when women werent allowed to do much of anything in the military. Even though she was in the Navy, she never got to climb aboard a ship, never got to experience Europe like so many men in World War II did.

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That is, until now.

Now it was time for Marie to inspire the rest of the world, and thats just what she did aboard the Queen Mary II, crossing the Atlantic for an entire week.

Colorado Marine veteran who battled on Iwo Jima celebrates 99th birthday

I couldnt go overseas, so youd better do what you can to help. And how I appreciate all of this, she said.

She shared her story with history-loving travelers on stage with a group of women who served their country too, during Vietnam.

Its because of Maries trailblazing volunteerism that the nurses were able to wear the uniform during Vietnam where they served. And it really wasnt until she came on this journey, took this stage, that Marie realized the importance of her role in history. The trails she blazed.

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Suddenly, she was thrust into the spotlight, even signing autographs. And the adoration didnt end when the ocean liner came ashore in Southampton, England.

She met dignitaries, boarded a ferry, crossed the English Channel to France, just as the heroes of D-Day did 80 years ago. And then something happened that she never could have imagined in her wildest dreams. She was there at the cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach on the D-Day anniversary, meeting the President of the United States and the First Lady. For a quiet farm girl who never sought attention, fame, or glory, this was the ultimate recognition.

Back home a few weeks later here in Colorado What a thing to have toward the end of your life. Her church gathered for a slideshow with pictures from her adventure.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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Maryland police have arrested 12 Salisbury University students who allegedly used Grindr to target and assault a gay man because of his sexuality in October.

According to a press release from the Salisbury Police Department (SPD), the assault reportedly occurred in an off-campus apartment complex for college students. Local outlet WBOC reports that, based on charging documents, the victim was contacted on Grindr by an individual  who police later identified as 18-year-old Zachary Leinemann  claiming to be 16 years old, which is the age of sexual consent in Maryland.

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WBOC says that, per the police, Leinemann then lured the victim to the off-campus apartment complex on October 15 under the pretense of sex. The victim told police that upon arrival, he was ambushed by about 15 men and was forced to sit on a chair in the middle of the room while they kicked, punched, and spit on him for several minutes while calling him derogatory names.

CBS News reports that a video of the assault shows one of the suspects hitting a victim with a cookie sheet.

Why are you getting up? Make one more move, and I swear Im going to punch the **** out of you, bro, one of the suspects yells in the video. Get back! Lay down. Lay down. Lay down, or Im going to punch the **** out of you!

Although the victim allegedly attempted to leave multiple times, he was thrown to the floor and warned by his attackers to tell no one what had happened. After seeking medical attention, the victim discovered that he had a broken rib and sustained bruising all over his body as a result of the assault.

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According to the Salisbury Police Department, seven of the 12 individuals are associated with Salisbury Universitys chapter of the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The students have been identified as 20-year-old Ryder Baker; 18-year-old Bennan Aird; 20-year-old Riley Brister; 19-year-old Cruz Cespedes; 20-year-old Dylan Earp; 19-year-old Elijah Johnson; and 18-year-old Zachary Leinemann.

Police identified the other five individuals involved as 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.

The suspects have been charged with assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment, and the associated hate crime charges.

In a statement posted to Salisbury Universitys X account, the school announced that the 12 students, as well as Sigma Alpha Epsilon, have been placed on suspension. Meanwhile, Sigma Alpha Epsilon has expelled its members who were allegedly involved in the attack, per CBS News.

South Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Pebbles LaDime Doe

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A friend described Doe, who was murdered in August 2019, as the most loving, happy, joyful, outgoing person you could ever meet.

In a separate statement, Salisbury Universitys president, Dr. Carolyn R. Lepre, condemned the students attack, writing, 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.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the incident or similar incidents is asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Solvers at (410) 548-1776.

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Originally Appeared on them.
At least eight people were killed and 14 others wounded when an Israeli strike hit an apartment in the area of Akkar in northern Lebanon on Monday, the Lebanese Health Ministry said.

The airstrike hit an apartment in the village of Ain Yaqoub in Akkar, where some people displaced from the fighting in southern Lebanon were staying, according to Lebanese security sources.

They added that the target might have been a member of the pro-Iranian Shiite Hezbollah militia.

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It was the first time the area was hit since the outbreak of the war between Hezbollah and the Israeli military.

Ain Yaqoub is populated by Christians and Sunni Muslims.

Since the fighting broke out over a year ago, over 3,200 people have been killed and over 14,000 others injured in Lebanon.

Meanwhile in Saksakiyeh in southern Lebanon, at least seven people were killed and seven others were wounded when an Israeli airstrike hit the area, security sources and the Health Ministry said.

Israel says Hezbollah fired 165 rockets into northern Israel

The Israeli military said on Monday that Hezbollah fired around 165 rockets into the north of Israel.

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According to the Magen David Adom rescue service, a total of six people were injured, including a 1-year-old child, in the Karmiel area of the Galilee and in the area of Kiryat Ata, just east of Haifa.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said some projectiles were intercepted by missile defence and others struck open areas.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks.

The Iranian-allied militia has been shelling Israel since the Gaza war began more than a year ago. Israel has responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive.

According to Israeli figures, 74 people have been killed in the north of the country by shelling from Lebanon since the start of the war, including 43 civilians and 31 soldiers. More than 640 people have been injured.

Israeli military: Attacks from Iraq and Yemen blocked

The Israeli Air Force has intercepted four drones approaching the country from the east, the military authorities reported on Monday.

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Two were shot down before entering Israeli airspace. Air-raid sirens sounded in the south of the country.

A group calling itself Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack.

The air force also intercepted a missile fired from Yemen before it could reach Israeli airspace. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed that they had struck a military base in the centre of Israel.

There have been repeated attacks on Israel by the "Axis of Resistance," which includes both Islamic Resistance in Iraq and the Houthi movement, since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.

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Other members of the Iranian-backed coalition are Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli and US forces have responded to the Houthi attacks by bombing targets in Yemen.

Report: US envoy might return to Lebanon to discuss ceasefire deal

US envoy Amos Hochstein is due to travel to Lebanon and negotiate a proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a local television channel reported on Monday.

Hochstein is expected in the Mediterranean country later this week, Lebanese television station LBCI reported, citing people familiar with the plans.

But the office of House Speaker Nabih Berri, who is carrying out the negotiations with Hochstein on behalf of Hezbollah, said that Berri "has not received yet any phone call regarding a new visit by Hochstein to Beirut."

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The plans for his possible visit are an indication that demands from the Lebanese side have been taken into account in the draft agreement.

Israeli media reported on the alleged US proposal last month, which says Israel and Hezbollah should initially suspend their attacks for 60 days.

The Israeli army is to leave Lebanon and soldiers from the Lebanese army are to be stationed at the border, the report said.

Israel and Lebanon are also scheduled to hold indirect negotiations on the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 after 60 days, it said.

UN resolution 1701 ended a 33-day war in 2006.

Reports: Israeli minister calls for strike on Iran's nuclear sites

Israel's new Defence Minister Israel Katz has reportedly called for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

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"Iran is more vulnerable than ever to damage to its nuclear facilities. There is [now] a possibility of removing the threat," the newspaper Jerusalem Post cited the minister as saying on Monday, based on information from his office.

Katz was previously the foreign minister and has only just taken over the defence portfolio following the dismissal of his predecessor Yoav Gallant.

Israel accuses Iran of striving to produce nuclear bombs. Iran, which denies Israel's right to exist, refutes this.

"There is a possibility to achieve the most important goal, to thwart and remove the threat of annihilation from hanging over the State of Israel," the newspaper the Times of Israel quoted Katz as saying.

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Israel said it had destroyed radar and missile facilities in Iran in an attack in October.

However, the Iranian nuclear facilities are in part located in such deep tunnels that, according to experts, only the US military could destroy them. Israel is not capable of this and could at best delay the expansion of the nuclear programme with strikes, according to the reasoning.

US President Joe Biden is against an attack on the nuclear facilities. How the future US president, Donald Trump, will position himself on this issue was initially unclear.
HALAWA, Hawaii (KHON2)  Inmates at Halawa Correctional Facility are slowly getting their lives on track after celebrating their newest accomplishment, earning their General Education Development diploma.

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Fifteen inmates crossed the stage in their cap and gowns on Friday, Nov. 8 at the facilitys Learning Center in front of more than 30 attendees. The event was themed Success Against All Odds.

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Genki balls cleaning up more than just the Ala Wai Canal

Graduates earned their diplomas by passing four exams in reading/language arts, math, science and social studies with a minimum score of 145.

Today was big for me. It was good. It was amazing. I put a lot of work and effort into this. This makes me feel really good. It really does. It makes me feel like I can do so much good in my life. Dravin Akui, 23-year-old graduate

Love is love, says Hawaii voters: LGBTQ+ commission responds

The Department of Educations McKinley Community School for Adults, Moanalua Campus Principal Helen Sanpei and Vice Principal Lance Jyo handed out their diplomas.

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According to DCR Corrections Education Program Manager Roseanne Propato, the graduates have shown dedication, patience and belief in their potential to accomplish their goals.

Feeling a bit subversive? Try this

An education opens doors to so many things, from employment opportunities to college, the opportunities are limitless, said HCF Warden Shannon Cluney. Congratulations to all of you. I look forward to your next accomplishment and great things out of each and every one of you.

Officials made a special thanks to HCFs Acting Education Supervisor Marly Jane Nakamura for helping teach, guide and motivate all the students.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
MARYLAND (DC News Now)  Over a dozen Board of Election buildings in Maryland received bomb threats on Friday night, leading to evacuations and sweeps state-wide.

In an update on Monday, State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis said the threat seems to have originated from overseas and that they are working with the FBI and other federal partners to investigate the threats.

A total of 15 local Board of Election sites received a threat, including those in Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Frederick and Washington counties.

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Boards of Elections buildings in Maryland evacuated due to bomb threats

DeMarinis said sites received the threats via email at about 7:15 p.m. on Nov. 8. Immediately, the Board of Elections started coordinating with local directors and partners.

By 8 p.m., sites were evacuated.

By Saturday, all sites  regardless of whether they received a threat  had been swept. Nothing was found in those searches, DeMarinis confirmed.

He also said none of the work being done regarding certifying or canvassing after the election was interrupted or disrupted.

Oregon and New York State seemed to have received similar threats.

The following Maryland counties received a threat:

Allegany

Anne Arundel

Baltimore City

Baltimore County

Calvert

Charles

Dorchester

Frederick

Harford

Montgomery

Queen Annes

Somerset

Washington

Wicomico

Worcester

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

Today, we spoke with COP29 participant Bill Murad. He emphasized that COP29 in Baku is organized at a high level.

It is nice to see that people participate in the conference with such enthusiasm, with such energy. This is Azerbaijan's success. Representatives of all countries of the world are holding useful discussions, he added.

To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will last until November 22, opened in Baku today.

This event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date, and for the first time, it is held in this region in Azerbaijan.

Within COP29, a top-level event - a summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, climate finance will also contribute to the 1.5C commitment by bringing everyone together.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
On Veterans Day, we honor the soldiers who lived beyond their sacrifice serving in the U.S. military. We marvel at the stories of being on the frontline or working behind the scenes of war, but rarely do we see the efforts of our Black soldiers highlighted as they should be.

Over the course of President Joe Bidens administration, weve seen a series of adjustments like the renaming of Army posts from Confederate leaders to Black military leaders. Weve also seen medals of honor and other military awards be granted posthumously or decades late to Black soldiers who werent allowed the honor at the time due to racism.

If theres one day to soak in the heroic stories of the immense sacrifice our people gave on our behalf and the behalf of our country, its today. After youre done reading these 15 stories of our unsung heroes, youll be blown away at their bravery.

Sgt. William Henry Johnson

Photo: U.S. Army (Getty Images)

Johnson, a Winston Salem native, enlisted in the Army in 1917 as a teenager and moved to New York, per the U.S. Army website. He was assigned to Company C, the all-Black 15th New York Infantry Regiment that soon became the 369th Infantry Regiment.

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While on tour in western France to fight against Germany, 12 German soldiers ambushed Johnson and his unit. He took the initiative to protect his team and advanced toward the soldiers with nothing but a knife in hand. He bought enough time for the injured soldiers to escape being abducted by the Germans. He died after succumbing to his 21 combat injuries.A Louisiana Army base is named Fort Johnson in his honor.

Col. Paris Davis

Photo: CBS, US Army

The Vietnam veteran received a Medal of Honor in February of 2023, 60 years after his time in the service as one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in Vietnam, per the Army Times. He proved his courage June 18, 1965 when a raid on the North Vietnamese Army camp resulted in a counterattack, leaving every American soldier critically injured. Davis -- with one hand damaged by an enemy grenade and an order to leave his team -- went back to rescue each one of them. Davis success led to a recommendation for a Medal of Honor, but his file disappeared and the military review found no record of him, CBSs report says. This oddity caused a group of volunteers to look through the archives a piece the paperwork together.

Col. Charles Young

Photo: Library of Congress

Charles Young, the first Black person to be a colonel in the U.S. Army, was promoted posthumously to brigadier general nearly a century after his death, per CNN. The honor made him the first Black person to be promoted to that rank. His career in the Army was restricted because of the overt racism that did not allow him to be promoted. However, he was still appointed to be the first Black National Park Superintendent in 1903 and won praise from President Theodore Roosevelt for becoming the first Military Attache to both Haiti and the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola, per NPS.

Romay Davis

Photo: Jay Reeves (AP)

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Romay Davis was honored at the age of 102 for her service with the the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalio, or the Six Triple Eight, during World War II, per NBC. Toward the end of the war, mail sent to U.S. troops were back piled in European warehouses as Allied troops were closing in on Hitlers Germany. In June of 1945, just after the war, Davis unit sailed to France to help situate the mail load through deplorable conditions. However, with her leadership, they managed to get through a six-month backlog in just three months time. For her work, she received the Congressional Gold Medal from President Biden.

Black D-Day Troops

Photo: U.S. National Archives

One of the most notable moments in Black military history was when American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. About 1,700 Black soldiers were part of the group of soldiers who went. However, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion consisted of all Black soldiers who were vital to protecting the ships and the Omaha and Utah beaches by keeping Nazi planes from being able to fly lower and attack, per The National WWII Museum.

The Tuskegee Airmen

Photo: Afro American Newspapers/Gado (Getty Images)

Following World War II, the military ran an experimental program for Black pilot candidates seeking positions in the Army Air Corps. Prospects were sent to the Tuskegee Army Field in Alabama after passing examination. These airmen went on to fly over 15,000 missions to escort bombers to and from European countries. They had one of the lowest loss records in comparison to any other escort fighter group, per The National WWII Museum.

One notable leader of the force was Charles McGee. According to his biography in the National Aviation Hall of Fame, he joined the all-Black 332nd Fighter Group, 12th Air Force nicknamed the Red Tails. Air Force Magazine reported McGee not only helped grow the Tuskegee Airmen Association but also stayed in touch with the Air Force to continue motivating the Airmen who came after him.

Alexander Augusta

Photo: Wikicommons

Upon the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Augusta took his medical education and offered it toward supporting the Black regiments of the Union Army during the Civil War. After a series of legal battles over his race, he was appointed as a surgeon with the rank of Major in the Union Army with the 7th U.S. Colored Infantry. There, he was able to demand he be paid the same as white surgeons, he was placed in charge of the Freedmans Hospital in Washington D.C. and was promoted to lieutenant colonel, making him the highest ranking Black officer in the U.S. military, per the NPS.

Susie King Taylor

Photo: Wikicommons

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After becoming the first Black teacher to openly educate Black Georgia residents as a mere teenager, she became a nurse and laundress for the 33rd United States Colored Infantry for the Civil War by way of her husband, Officer Edward King, per the American Battlefield Trust. She didnt only tend to soldiers injuries but also taught them how to read and write. When she and her husband left the service at the conclusion of the war, the two opened up a school for Black children in Savannah.

Harlem Hellfighters

Photo: Photo 12/Universal Images Group (Getty Images)

The all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I, dubbed the Harlem Hellfighters, were a group of fierce, courageous soldiers. The unit refused permission to join the New York National Guards farewell parade before being deployed to Europe in resistance to racism, per the National Museum of African American History and Culture. They were known to have spent more time in continuous combat than any other unit. However, they also suffered the most losses. Even so, their bravery won them honors from the French government, U.S. government and local Americans who threw them a victory parade on their return home.

The Black Rosies

Photo: E.F. Joseph/Anthony Potter Collection (Getty Images)

Rosie the Riveter became the face of the American working woman during World War II. However, her skin complexion did not represent the Black women in the labor force who were holding the fort. Half a million Black Rosies were part of the war labor effort at the home base determined to help the country but also empower themselves economically having been part of the Great Migration from the south, per History.com. Their work in the sheet metal factories, assembling explosives and munitions, doing electrical work and even building ships undergirded the war effort to support their husbands fighting overseas.

Sgt. Cornelius Charlton

Photo: Wikicommons

Charlton was posthumously awarded a Medal of Honor for his work during the Korean War in 1951. While serving in Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, he was tasked with capturing Hill 543 in Japan, per the Naval History and Heritage Command. When Chinese forces came in hot, Charltons crew suffered a blow. However, he lead the counterattack with his own weapons and rounded up the remaining soldiers to fight back. After suffering mortal injuries from enemy grenades, Charlton pressed forward until the enemy was defeated. He saved majority of his platoon.

Pfc. William Henry Thompson

Photo: US Army

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Thompson served in the 24th Infantry Regiment of an all-Black unit that served in Japan, per the Department of Defense. Thompson and his unit were sent to South Korea as soon as the war kicked off. Though, a lack of organization gave the unit a bad reputation of perceived cowardice. however, Thompson returned with a platoon with Company M who was attacked in the dark by North Korean forces. Thompson quickly hopped on one of the machine guns and swept out the enemy - all while being struck with grenade debris and gunfire fragments. According to NPS, his last words were Get out of here! Ill cover you, as his platoon was ordered to retreat and he refused to give up the fight. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Abraham Galloway

Photo: Wikicommons

The seemingly secret weapon to the Civil War was a runaway slave. Galloway escaped bondage and became a Union spy, recruiting Black soldiers to join the Norths war effort, per NPR. With expertise in the North Carolina coast, he was the most trusted to provide intel so the Union could plot their attacks accordingly. Once the war ended, he was elected as the one of the first Black Senators in North Carolina.

James Armistead

Photo: Corbis (Getty Images)

As an enslaved Black man, Armistead managed to serve the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War under the leadership of Marquis de Lafayette, per the U.S. Army. He was a double agent who infiltrated British troops disguised as a runaway slave. While feeding foolish counsel to the British, he sent reliable intel to Lafayette which ensured the success of the Franco-American blockade at Yorktown that forced the British to surrender. Once the war was over, Lafayette wrote a letter praising Armistead for his service, leading to his emancipation.

Cathay Williams

Photo: U.S. Army

If youve ever seen Mulan, youll recognize this tale. Williams served as an Army cook during the beginning of the Civil War before enlisting when she was of age. Despite the restriction against women serving, she entered under a false name, Williams Cathay, and passed as a man for three years, per the National Park Service. She was assigned to the 38th U.S. Infantry Regiment or the Buffalo Soldiers. She was the first Black woman to enlist and only one listed as having served in the Indian Wars. After a series of hospitalizations for smallpox, her true identity was discovered. However, she was honorably discharged.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City.

168 Days Campaign: Remembering Saundra G. (Sandy) Avery. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Saundra G. (Sandy) Avery, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
N'DJAMENA, Chad (AP)  Boko Haram insurgents killed 17 Chadian soldiers in a weekend attack on a military post that also left 96 of the assailants dead in the country's west, Chad's army said.

The attack in the Lake Chad region happened on Saturday, army spokesperson Gen. Issakh Acheikh said on national television Sunday night. He did not provide details.

The Lake Chad region has been plagued this year by frequent attacks from insurgents, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa. It has revived fears of violence after a period of peace following a successful operation launched in 2020 by the Chadian army to destroy the extremist groups' bases.

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Last month, 40 soldiers were killed during an attack on a military base, prompting President Mahamat Deby Itno to launch an operation to dislodge Boko Haram militants from Lake Chad. In March, an attack the government blamed on Boko Haram killed seven soldiers.

Boko Haram, which launched an insurgency more than a decade ago against Western education, seeks to establish Islamic law in Nigerias northeast. The insurgency has spread to West African neighbors including Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Chad, a country of nearly 18 million people, has been reeling from political turmoil before and after a controversial presidential election that resulted in Deby Itnos victory. He had led the country as interim president during the period of military rule that followed the death of his father in 2021.
A teenage girl from Massachusetts was killed in a crash in Vermont early Sunday morning, authorities said.

Troopers responding to a report of a crash near Upper Cold River Road in Shrewsbury just after 4 a.m. found a totaled 2019 Ram 1500, according to Vermont State Police.

The driver, who state police identified as 17-year-old Needham native Macy Piersiak, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Piersiak was traveling south on Cold River Road when she crossed the centerlines, exited the roadway, struck a guardrail, and crashed into a tree.

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There were no other vehicles or people involved in the crash, state police noted.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Ryan Gardner at 802-773-9101 or Ryan.Gardner@vermont.gov.

In a statement, Needham Public Schools Superintendent Dan Gutekanst expressed his condolensces to Piersiaks family and friends.

We have learned about the tragic accident of Macy Piersiak, a Needham resident, and our hearts go out to the family, he said.

District officials say Piersiak was not enrolled in Needham Public Schools for the 2024-2025 school year.

An investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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CHICAGO (CBS) -- Investigators in Wisconsin have used DNA evidence to solve a 65-year-old cold case involving a 7-year-old boy whose body was found in a culvert.

Ozaukee County Sheriff's officials said a human skeleton was found in a culvert on Oct. 4, 1959, in the city of Mequon, about 20 miles north of Milwaukee.

At the time, it was believed the skeleton belonged to a child between 6 and 8 years old.

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Meantime, investigators in Houghton County were working with Chicago police on the investigation into the apparent disappearance of Markku Jutila, after relatives of his adoptive parents, William and Hilja Jutila, became suspicious of the child's whereabouts.

The Jutilas had recently moved from Houghton to Chicago and told police they'd disposed of Markku's body in a ditch on their way to Chicago. Hiljua later admitted to beating the boy to death, according to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's office.

In 1966, the couple was arrested in Chicago and extradited to Wisconsin to face charges in their son's death. But the charges were dismissed eight months later because investigators had not yet linked Markku's death to the skeleton found in Mequon, and there was no body to link to the crime.

The case remained cold until October 2023, when DNA tests identified the skeleton as Chester Alfred Breiney, whose mother had died in 2001, and had no living relatives. Adoption records confirmed Chester had been admitted to the Good Will Farm orphanage, and was adopted by the Jutilas in March 1955, and renamed Markku Jutila.

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Further investigation determined Markku most likely died from significant neglect, and had a healed fracture to his ribs.

"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. That is what happened to Chester and because his abuse went undetected, Chester died as a direct result of his torture and abuse by his adoptive parents," the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post.

Because both his adoptive parents died in 1988, no charges will be filed in the case, according to the sheriff's office.

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Honoring a Civil War veteran who was lost to history

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A Hennepin County judge has set bail at $1 million without conditions for the Minneapolis man accused of shooting his neighbor last month.

According to a transcript of the Oct. 29 hearing, John Sawchak denies the charges against him and expressed a desire to obtain restraining orders against people he claims are "stalking him".

Sawchak gained national media attention after he allegedly shot his neighbor, Davis Moturi, in October while Moturi was doing yard work. The shooting was only the most recent escalation in what Moturi alleges has been a year of consistent racial harassment and death threats.

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Minneapolis police have been criticized for how long it took to arrest Sawchak, who is now charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, stalking and harassment in connection with the case.

Hennepin County Jail roster

Sawchak newly appointed public defender, Elizabeth Karp, said in court on Oct. 29 that Sawchak "denies the allegations that are in front of him", according to the transcript.

Karp argued for his bail to cover all four open cases, including the second-degree attempted murder charge against Moturi, noting Sawchak is currently unemployed and has no way of paying for bail.

Karp also argued that Sawchak had not been convicted of a felony and that his prior convictions had been misdemeanors. However, the state pointed out that Sawchak has had ten restraining orders against him in the past 15 years.

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The judge set a $600,000 conditional bail, under which Sawchak would have to remain law-abiding, have no contact with the victims in the case, and find somewhere else to live, where he would be placed on home monitoring.

The judge granted Karp a one-time visit to his home with a police escort to get his belongings. However, Sawchak told the judge, "I'm not going to be able to make the bail, honestly."

Before the court went off the record, he asked the judge if he could request restraining orders "against all of these people who repeatedly keep coming on my property," saying these people are "stalking" him. His request was ignored, with the judge saying that would be a separate matter.

Since Sawchak's arrest, MPD announced it would be conducting an internal review of his arrest and the case between him and Moturi to see where they went wrong in preventing the shooting. However, the Minneapolis City Council voted on Oct. 31 to suggest an independent review of the Sawchak case to the City's auditor.

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"Mr. Moturi's life mattered, and I'm sorry that MPD did not treat it as such for almost a year," Ward 2 Council member Robin Wonsley said. "I know I and my colleagues are committed to taking meaningful action for accountability and restoration; hopefully, some of that starts with this independent review."

Related: At fiery meeting, Minneapolis City Council vote for review into MPD response to Davis Moturi case
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham (left) and incoming U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile (right) will be the first Black U.S. House representatives from Alabama to serve together at the same time. (Left: Courtesy Terri Sewell for Congress; Right: Mike Kittrell for Alabama Reflector)

The 2024 election and a court-ordered redistricting led to this result: next year, Alabama will have two Black U.S. House members serving together, for the first time in history.

Shomari Figures, elected Tuesday night to represent the 2nd Congressional District, will join U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Bimingham, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2011 and won her eighth term last week.



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Figures wrote in a statement Friday that he understood the history of the district and how that history impacted the opportunity to represent the people in it.

The opportunity for fair representation is an essential element of democracy, as it affords people from different backgrounds an opportunity to make sure their voices are heard and interests represented, he wrote.

Sewell said in a statement that the results were about having people in office who will fight for the issues that matter to us and the values we share.

Too many Black voters in Alabama have had their power diluted by unfair congressional maps, the statement said. By sending Shomari Figures to Washington, those voters finally get the chance to claim their seat at the decision-making table. I look forward to having him as a partner in Congress and working on behalf of all Alabamians, especially those whose voices have yet to be fully heard.

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Alabamas population is about 64% white and about 27% Black, but Black Alabamians have fought for centuries against voter suppression and disenfranchisement. During Reconstruction, when the state was about 48% Black, Alabama voters sent three men to the U.S. House of Representatives  Benjamin Turner; James Rapier and Jeremiah Haralson  but their terms did not overlap. Sewell and Figures districts include areas represented by all three men during the 1870s. Rapier, like Figures, was elected from Alabamas 2nd Congressional District.



Alabama sent three Black men to congress during Reconstruction. Left to right: U.S. Rep. Benjamin S. Turner, R-Selma (served 1871-73); U.S. Rep. James T. Rapier, R-Montgomery (served 1873-1875) and U.S. Rep. Jeremiah Haralson, R-Selma (served 1875-77). (Turner and Haralson photos from the Library of Congress; Rapier etching from the Alabama Department of Archives and History)

The state had already begun enacting voter suppression laws by the time Haralson left Congress in 1877. Those culminated in the 1901 Constitution, which denied the ballot to Black Alabamians and poor whites. The state did not elect another Black Alabamian to Congress until 1992, when Earl Hilliard won the 7th Congressional District, located in the western Black Belt and drawn to be a majority-minority district.

The 7th Congressional District, which Sewell represents, remained the only one district to elect Black representatives for decades. In 2022, though, a federal court ruled that racially polarized voting in the state  in which white Alabamians tend to support Republicans and Black Alabamians tend to support Democrats  meant most Black voters were swamped in elections and did not have the opportunity to choose their preferred leaders.

The court ordered the state to drawn a second opportunity district to give Black voters a chance to elect their candidates. After battles with the Alabama Legislature, the court last year approved a map that drew a new 2nd Congressional District running from Mobile to the Georgia border and taking in Montgomery. The district has a Black Voting Age Population (BVAP) of 48.7%.



At no point was it a foregone conclusion

The court case, known as Allen v. Milligan, is still pending. Evan Milligan, the lead plaintiff in the case, said in an interview Wednesday that he had been less confident than a co-plaintiff that the lawsuit would be successful in providing more representation.

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At no point was it a foregone conclusion, he said. Ill say that, and its still not, because this is an active case.

Milligan said the laws all favored the outcome.



The only reason the law needs to point to it is because of the decades of resistance that the state of Alabama has had to uniform enforcement of civil rights protections and voting rights protections at every branch and every step of the democratic process, he said.

Benard Simelton, president of the Alabama State Conference NAACP, also among the plaintiffs, said that he hopes that the courts will uphold the decisions made so far on the case.

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He said that, a few days ago before the presidential election, he would say that he expected the courts to uphold the rulings made so far in the case, but he is less sure know.

Still, I think the courts cannot help but see that the way the state of Alabama had this, had gerrymandered the district and that they will rule in favor of the keeping that district the way it is, he said.

Simelton said they expected the outcome of two Black candidates because they had a good candidate, and they did a lot of work trying to get people excited about voting.

It showed that again, when Blacks get an opportunity to elect and show up to the polls, they will do and elect the person that they want to represent them, he said.

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Milligan said he thinks theres a tradition in the state, and in his life as a child of activists, for these challenges.

I think in every generation theres an opportunity for us to hold our state and to hold our nation to the values that are written down in our Constitution, because freedom and fairness and justice, those are action words, he said.

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Paleontologists have long debated whether the woolly rhinoceros had a hump on its back, and a new fossil discovery has finally confirmed that the ancient beast did indeed possess a hump, likely filled with fat, as depicted in cave paintings.

In an intriguing first, a Coelodonta antiquitatis preserved in permafrost in Yakutia possessed the feature that had puzzled experts as a woolly rhinoceros is typically presented in cave paintings with a hump.

This is the first time that the presence of a hump in the neck and withers area has been reliably established.

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Until now, no specimens had been found, raising doubts about whether Ice Age artists had taken creative liberties in their depictions.

The new study aims to contribute to the literature on how mammals of the Mammoth fauna were able to adapt to such harsh conditions, including their fat reserves.

The researchers compare the woolly rhinoceros's suspected fat hump to the white rhinoceros's nuchal lump, proposing that it may have served a key role in maintaining warmth in the harsh cold.

Did the woolly rhinoceros have a fatty hump to keep warm?

The woolly rhinoceros went extinct around 10,000 years ago, as IFL Science reports. Their investigation seems to suggest that the hump was made up of a type of white fat cells that store energy as lipids and help bodies gain weight.

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But the study authors dont yet know if woolly mammoths shed this hump as they aged or if this was a common feature throughout their lives, IFL Science continues.

Interestingly enough, the researchers compared the specimen to the white rhinoceros, a distant relative that also has a hump, but discovered no connection between the two species. The two are not related.

As the study authors stated, a fat lump is a distinctive adaptation that is not typically seen in mammals of this kind, so most likely, due to what is known about lipids, it served some practical function probably around storing nutrients or keeping the body warm through the harshest of winters.

The kurdyuk sheep has fat reserves at the root of its tail. Camel humps serve a similar function. However, extant mammals in northern latitudes" instead have an even distribution of adipose tissue that performs a thermos-insulating function.

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How mammals of the Mammoth clan adapted to the Ice Age remains a subject of serious inquiry. The mummies in the Yakutia provide the field with unique information on this issue.

How Ice Age animals adapted to the cold gets clearer

Though it remains a hypothesis, a long-standing question has been answered. The cave paintings from Chauvet Cave in France accurately depict the intriguing beast from the very cold past.

This discovery shows that Paleolithic artists from Chauvet Cave made strikingly accurate depictions of the exterior of a woolly rhinoceros.

Now scientists will be able to understand this evolutionary trait now that they have confirmed the existence of the fatty hump on a young rhinoceros.

The research was published in Quaternary Science Reviews.
MECOSTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Mecosta County authorities say they arrested two metro Grand Rapids men in a sex trafficking sting.

The Mecosta County Sheriffs Office said the bust happened Friday in the Rogers Heights community of Mecosta Township, near Rogers Dam Pond. Authorities stressed no actual children were involved in the sting and that all decoys used in the operation were adults.

Two people were arrested: Erik Lundquist, 53, of Comstock Park, and a 48-year-old Grand Rapids man whose name was not released Monday pending arraignment.

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Authorities say Lundquist was charged with solicitation and accosting a minor younger than 16, as well as drunken driving. He posted bond and was released from jail, authorities said.

The Grand Rapids man faces charges of solicitation/prostitution of an adult.

The Mecosta County Sheriffs Office said the operation was conducted by a multijurisdictional task force that also includes the Montcalm, Newaygo and Oceana county sheriffs offices and police from Big Rapids and Mt. Pleasant, plus Ferris State campus 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 WOODTV.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The ongoing events at COP29 have been exceptionally informative, indigenous rights advocate Whitney Melinard told Trend on the sidelines of the event in Baku.

"I have attended many events at COP29, and they have truly been informative. Im looking forward to more. Today, I also participated in one of them, which was a new experience for me," she said.

Melinard also mentioned her visit to the Blue Zone, where she toured the delegate pavilions, highlighting that all of them appeared impressive.

"I hope to learn as much as I can and look forward to the coming days. I am hopeful that small island nations, Caribbean countries, and indigenous peoples will succeed in securing climate finance," she added.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

Within COP29, the highest-level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

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 first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Hall Ambulance paramedic Sam Swanson and EMT Krystal Barboza will be honored in Washington this week along with other emergency medical services workers at an event held by the American Ambulance Association.

The Stars of Life event, held Nov. 11-13, pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining a light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure, according to a Hall release.

Sunny conditions for Veterans Day Parade, showers expected late Monday

Sam Swanson

Swanson and Barboza join 141 others across the country attending the event, which includes an awards banquet and legislative visits.

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Swanson joined Hall in 1999 as an EMT. He worked his way up, becoming a paramedic then a paramedic field supervisor; since 2006, hes been an instructor at the Hall EMT Academy.

Krystal Barboza

Barboza, a community outreach coordinator, helped Hall reconnect with community events after the pandemic. She also established relationships with peers in local public safety organizations. This year, shes participated in 71 events  with 15 more scheduled by the end of the year.

Sam and Krystal bring an enthusiasm to their respective positions at Hall Ambulance that makes them stand out as the best of the best, Hall owner Lavonne C. Hall said in the release. I am excited for them to receive this recognition from the American Ambulance Association at our nations capital.

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The Stars of Life website contains more information including the schedule of events and bios of each person being honored.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 14-year-old boy, according to Meriwether County officials.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Deputies say Jordan Simon,14, was found dead on Rocky Mount Road in Meriwether County on Sept. 25. Investigators say Thaddeus Stokes, 23, has been arrested and charged with several crimes, including Simons murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

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Last Wednesday, Meriwether County deputies, with the help of Newnan police, arrested two other suspects: Jamarion Mondrez Ford,18, and Maurice Jamarcus Malone, 20, both of Newnan.

Investigators have not shared details on what led up to Simons death or what linked the suspects to it. Although, officials say Stokess arrest marked a significant initial breakthrough in the case.

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Lisa Simon, Jordans mother said Stokes was someone her son knew.

Jordan trusted him, said Lisa Simon. He really tricked my son into a relationship with him like buy him food and give him clothes, like a big brother.

While Jordans family said theyve heard rumors, they want to know what would lead anyone to kill a 14-year-old and dump him on the side of the road.

They hurt my baby. As a mom a lot of stuff going through my head, said Doris Jenkins, Jordan Simons cousin.

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Ford and Malone are being held in the Meriwether County Jail without bond. Both are charged with murder.

This effort will continue going forward in the pursuit of justice for the Simon family and others affected by this senseless act. This investigation is still active and ongoing, Sheriff Chuck Smith said.
Russian forces allegedly killed two captured Ukrainian servicemen in Russia's embattled Kursk Oblast, the Prosecutor General's Office reported on Nov. 11.

Reports of murders, torture, and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war are received regularly by Ukrainian authorities and have spiked in recent months. Most cases were recorded in embattled Donetsk Oblast.

A footage purporting to show Russian soldiers shooting two unarmed Ukrainian servicemen in Kursk Oblast was spotted on social media earlier in the day, the prosecutors said. It is unknown when the video was filmed.

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The Prosecutor General's Office has opened a pre-trial investigation into the incident.

Videos and photos have documented potential war crimes, including drone footage showing the shooting of the prisoners of war (POWs) as they surrendered to Russian troops.

Other videos and photos point to torture and violent death in Russian captivity.

Russian forces have executed at least 124 Ukrainian prisoners of war since 2022 as of Nov. 6, the Prosecutor General's Office said.

Former Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin called the killing of Ukrainian servicemen in captivity a "deliberate policy" of Russia.

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Some 80% of the cases of executions of Ukrainian POWs were recorded in 2024, but the trend began to appear in November 2023, when "there were changes in the attitude of Russian military personnel towards our prisoners of war for the worse," said Yurii Belousov, a senior representative of the Prosecutor General's Office.

Read also: Finishing off the defenseless: How the Russians execute Ukrainian soldiers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
There were no shovels in the ground over the past year to search for the body of Maj. San D. Francisco, a Kennewick High graduate, who was shot down over Vietnam.

On Veterans Day his family will have been waiting for news that he is coming home for 20,440 days.

A counter on a website dedicated to bring awareness to the campaign to recover his body ticks off the days since the F-4 Phantom jet he was co-piloting was shot down during a reconnaissance mission over the Ho Chi Minh Trail on Nov. 25, 1968.

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He volunteered for the mission just days before a scheduled R&R break when a member of the scheduled crew fell ill.

I havent given up and I wont give up, said his younger sister Terri Francisco-Farrell of Kennewick last week.

The excavation of a site where MIA Air Force Maj. San D. Francisco, a Kennewick High graduate, may be buried in Vietnam has not been rescheduled after the COVID-19 pandemic stalled the search.

She had been dogged in her determination not to let the U.S. Department of POW/MIA Accounting Agency or the Washington Congressional delegation forget about him.

Help to find MIA airman

Most recently she has enlisted the help of Washington state Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, to obtain an update on any new developments or updates in the federal governments efforts to find Franciscos remains.

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As you may be aware, Terri Francisco-Ferrell has been diligently pursuing information and assistance in locating and repatriating the remains of her brother, whose sacrifice and service to our country deserve the utmost respect and recognition, Boehnke said in a letter to the U.S. Air Force Oct. 30.

Francisco-Farrell also is asking Tri-Cities residents, plus residents of Burbank, Wash., where her brother grew up, and those who went to school at Central Washington University as her brother did, to contact Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, both D-Wash., to ask that another excavation to look for Francisco be scheduled.

Murray has met with Francisco-Farrell and advocated for the return of her brothers remains previously.

The location where Francisco may have been buried in the Quanf Binh province in central Vietnam was identified in 2004.

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Excavations of first one site and then another were done by 2020, without Francisco being found.

Hundreds of square feet have previously been excavated in Vietnam looking for the remains of Major San D. Francisco, whose jet fighter was shot down in November 1968.

Then with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, excavations organized by the U.S. government were halted and a third planned excavation for Francisco was canceled.

Excavations in Vietnam were scheduled to resume this year, but Francisco was not on the list despite a third site for excavation being identified, said his sister.

It is close to the first site.

Franciscos F-4 shot down

When the F-4 Francisco was co-piloting was shot down, the pilot survived, only to be killed resisting capture.

Co-pilot Francisco had two broken legs and was being taken into captivity when he was hit by shrapnel from American bombs, according to accounts from Vietnamese witnesses.

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Francisco-Farrell suspects that he was dragged into an open area by his captors in their attempt to ambush the Americans looking for him. She believes he died during the ambush after he would not lift his hands to the ladder of a rescue helicopter and put its crew in danger.

He was promoted to major after his death.

The body of Air Force Major San D. Francisco, a graduate of Kennewick High, may be buried behind the blue structure shown. Franciscos jet fighter was shot down during the Vietnam War in 1968.

Vietnamese witnesses were interviewed over the last decade by the U.S. Department of POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to identify where Franciscos body was buried.

Among them was one who was guarding a tunnel and said he saw Franciscos parachute land. The other helped bury him and later exhumed his body for Vietnamese Army propaganda on a claim that his was the 2,000th plane shot down during the war.

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He is believed to have been reburied in the same area.

In 2019 two witnesses were re-interviewed by DPAA and escorted to the first site excavated in 2015.

They indicated that he was buried just meters from that site, Franciscos sister said.

Francisco-Ferrell was told by the DPAA in 2020 that their information was credible. Then an excavation was planned for 2020, before the COVID pandemic derailed efforts.

Those who knew Francisco or want to help his family with their campaign to recover his remains may email Murray through her website at murray.senate.gov/write-to-patty or email Cantwell through her website at cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form.

Letters also may be sent to Sen. Patty Murray, 154 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510, and to Sen. Maria Cantwell, 511 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510.
Election workers secure ballot drop boxes at the Clark County Election Department the evening of Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current)

The presidential election was far from the only thing being decided by Nevada voters last week. Heres a look at some other takeaways that have emerged as the dust settled on the 2024 general.

Lombardo remains Gov. Veto

Democrats appear to have slipped further from obtaining a veto-proof supermajority, though they remain in healthy control of the Nevada State Legislature, unofficial election results show.

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Going into the general election, Democrats had a supermajority in the Assembly and were one seat shy of a supermajority in the Senate.

In the Nevada State Senate, where 10 of 21 seats were up this year, the makeup will remain the same as it was going into Election Day.

Democrats successfully flipped Senate District 15. Democrat Angie Taylor, who served one term in the state Assembly, defeated Republican Mike Ginsburg for a seat formerly represented by Republican Heidi Seevers OGara (formerly Seevers Gansert), who opted not to run for re-election.

That gain appears to have been offset by Senate District 11. As of Monday morning, the Associated Press, which the Nevada Current uses for race projections, had not yet called the SD11 race between Democratic incumbent Dallas Harris and Republican challenger Lori Rogich. But Harris was trailing Rogich by around 850 votes.

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State Sen. Carrie Buck, a Republican seen as vulnerable in competitive Senate District 5, fended off her Democratic challenger.

If current results hold, Democrats will be two seats shy of a supermajority in the upper chamber.

In the Nevada State Assembly, Republicans appear to have successfully broken the Democratic supermajority by defending their 14 seats and flipping one seat red.

Republican Rebecca Edgeworth defeated Democrat Sharifa Wahab in Assembly District 35, according to the AP. Edgeworth, who raised significantly more funding than Wahab, was part of a cadre of candidates backed by Gov. Joe Lombardo.

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AD35 was previously represented by Democrat Michelle Gorelow, who opted not to run for re-election amid controversy about her yes vote on a funding bill that benefitted a nonprofit she later took a job with.

Other competitive open seats will see new representatives but not switch parties. Republicans failed to flip Assembly District 29. There, Democrat Joe Dalia defeated Republican Annette Dawson Owens. Similarly, Democrats failed to flip Assembly District 4. There, Republican Lisa Cole defeated Democrat Ryan Hampton.

Republican Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama and Democratic Assemblywomen Elaine Marzola, Selena La Rue Hatch, and Shea Backus all successfully defended their competitive seats from challengers.

Meanwhile, Democratic Majority Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui appears to be on track to squeak out a win over Republican challenger Rafael Arroyo in Assembly District 41. The race has not been called by the AP but Jauregui is up by around 350 votes.

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Jaureguis race is one of two Assembly races the AP had not called as of Monday morning. The other, Assembly District 12, is between Democratic incumbent Max Carter and Republican challenger Nancy Roecker. Carter is up by less than 300 votes.

If current results hold, Democrats will be one seat shy of a supermajority in the Assembly.

According to Ballotpedia, Nevada is one of a dozen states with a divided government, meaning neither major political party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governorship.

Moms for Liberty headed to school board

The Clark County School Board will soon have two trustees associated with Moms for Liberty  an advocacy group known for protesting vaccine mandates, advocating against diversity equity and inclusion policies, and pushing anti-trans narratives.

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Lorena Biassotti, who co-founded the Moms for Liberty Clark County chapter, and Lydia Dominguez, a former member of the chapter who left the group in the weeks before the general election, were both elected to the nonpartisan board. Both defeated former teachers  Kamilah Bywaters and Eileen Eady, respectively.

Biassotti and Dominguez will be sworn in as trustees in early January.

Joining them will be political newcomers Emily Stevens and Tameka Henry. Stevens expressed some conservative positions on educational issues like charter and private schools but is not associated with Moms for Liberty and did not campaign on cultural issues like banning books and trans athletes. Henry, a vocal critic of Moms for Liberty backed by progressive groups, ousted School Board President Evelyn Garcia Morales.

The Clark County School Board has seven voting members and four appointed members. The newly seated school board will almost immediately be thrust into the process of selecting Clark County School Districts next superintendent.

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Applications for the districts top job are being accepted until Feb. 5, according to a timeline posted by CCSD. The school board is expected to conduct its first round of interviews on Feb. 17, with semi-finalists interviewed on March 5 and the top two candidates selected on March 13.

Final interviews are scheduled for the week of March 17, with the official hiring scheduled for March 27.

Also in education

Biassoti and Dominguez secured victories in the general election, but a third Moms for Liberty candidate fell far short of being elected. Tim Underwood, who told the Current that his trans childs death by suicide solidified his decision to fight trans-inclusive policies within public schools, lost to Tricia Braxton in the Nevada State Board of Education District 1.

Danielle Ford, who served one term as a Clark County School Board trustee before losing re-election, won a seat on the State Board of Education. Ford defeated Rene Cantu in District 3. Cantu currently represents District 2 on the board but due to redistricting that took place after the last election now lives in District 3.

Nevada Question 1, which asked voters to remove the Board of Regents from the state constitution, failed  55% no, 45% yes.

Bad day for libraries

The Washoe County Library System is set to lose about a quarter of its current funding after voters in the county rejected a countywide ballot question there.

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The library system is anticipating a $4.5 million budget cut, according to News 4, leading to the elimination of 23 staff positions, the systems entire $1.4 million book budget, and $200,000 of the systems technology budget in June. Libraries are likely to reduce their weekend and evening hours.

The Renew Washoe Libraries initiative would have continued the dedication of a small percentage of existing tax revenue to public libraries. The failure of the ballot question will not decrease what residents pay, it will simply de-obligate the money to be spent elsewhere.

The shortfall and cuts could be offset by the Washoe County Commission in its general fund budget. An online petition calling for just that is already being circulated.

Meanwhile, voters in Henderson rejected Henderson Library District Question Num. 1, which would have raised property taxes by 2 cents per $100,000 of assessed value to be used to operate and maintain libraries, as well as to build new facilities in newly developed areas of the city.

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Henderson residents also rejected additional funding for firefighters.

No, yes, no, yes, yes, yes, yes

Nevada Question 3, which would have switched the state to an open primary/ranked choice system of voting, received more total votes than any of the other six statewide ballot questions, according to unofficial vote totals as of Monday morning.

This year, Question 3, which failed, was the most voted-on ballot measure, receiving more total votes than other high-profile questions on voter identification requirements and abortion rights. Question 3 received 1.372 million total votes, about 3,000 more than Question 7, the voter ID measure which passed and received 1.369 million total votes.

The Nevada State Republican Party took strong positions on both questions, opposing Question 3 and supporting Question 7.

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Question 6, which proposes enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution and passed, received the third most total votes. Voters will have to approve it again in 2026 before it becomes part of the constitution.

Question 1, which sought to remove the Board of Regents from the state constitution, failed. The question, which was criticized for being confusing to voters, received the fewest number of total votes. About 55,500 fewer people voted on Question 1 than Question 3.

The remaining three ballot questions  two on removing antiquated language from the state constitution and one exempting diapers from sales tax  all passed.

Voters are not required to weigh in on every race or ballot measure, and many voters opt not to. For comparison, Nevadas presidential race saw approximately 68,600 more total votes than the most voted-on ballot question.

Every vote matters

Only 63 votes separate incumbent North Las Vegas City Councilwoman Ruth Anderson Garcia and her challenger Robert Twixx Taylor in the nonpartisan race, according to unofficial election results posted by the state. Thats equivalent to about one third of 1 percent of votes.

That North Las Vegas City Council race appears to be the closest among this years municipal elections. However, it is larger than the 15-vote difference that separated two candidates in the nonpartisan Reno City Council Ward 1 primary earlier this year.

Nevada does not have automatic recounts, no matter how close the election results. Recounts must be requested and paid for by the candidate. They rarely, if ever, result in election results being reversed.
YEMASSEE, S.C. (WCBD)  More than two dozen monkeys that escaped a South Carolina research facility have been returned to captivity.

Alpha Genesis CEO Greg Westergaard told Yemassee Police on Sunday evening that they had safely recovered 24 of the escaped primates. Another was captured on Saturday, meaning 25 of the 43 monkeys were returned.

18 of the rhesus macaques are still on the run; however police say the animals are situated near the fence line and have bedded down in the trees for the night.

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Survey worker said he spotted escaped monkeys in South Carolina, then alerted research facility

Veterinarians have been diligently conducting thorough wellness exams throughout the day. Initial reports from the veterinary team indicate that all recovered animals are in good health, said Yemassee Police.

Anyone who spots an escaped monkey is asked to report their sighting by calling 911. You should not approach or interact with the animal.

The monkeys initially escaped the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center on Wednesday after an employee did not fully shut an enclosure.

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YEMASSEE, S.C. (WSAV)  As of 5 p.m. Sunday, 25 monkeys have been found after 43 young females escaped on Wednesday according to the Yemassee Police Department (YPD).

The monkeys escaped after a worker left a door open while they were cleaning the enclosure, the Alpha Gensiss CEO Greg Westergaard told WSAV News 3. Many on social media have been rooting for the monkeys to not be found or returned to Alpha Gensis.

Police said that a sizable group remains active along the fence line and has bedded down in the trees for the night.

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They also said that veterinarians have been conducting thorough wellness exams throughout the day and initial reports indicate that all recovered monkeys are in good health.

Monkey business: Is it legal to have primates as pets in South Carolina?

Police also said that they ask that drones not be used in the vicinity since these animals can be skittish and any additional noise or movement could hinder their safe capture.

The police department, in collaboration with Alpha Genesis, has set up humane traps around the area and is using on-site thermal imaging cameras to help locate the monkeys. They said theyre also working closely with the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office and state agricultural and wildlife officials to manage the incident effectively and humanely.

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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.

Westergaard said there are several thousand monkeys at the research center.

This is not the first time primates escaped from the research center. WSAV reported about a group that escaped in May 2016.

Alpha Gensis has also been called out by Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN), an Ohio-based non-profit. They said that the monkey escape would likely violate multiple federal regulations.

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Should the public locate one of the escaped primates, officials said do not attempt to interact with them. Instead, call 911 immediately.

You can read more about the monkeys escape on the WSAV website.

This story is developing. Stick with WSAV for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
DELTONA, Fla. (WFLA)  An investigation by animal control is underway after residents in a Florida neighborhood found three cats were mutilated near their homes, according to NBC affiliate WESH.

On Saturday morning, one Deltona resident recalled finding two dead cats near her home, before she discovered a third just a few feet away.

Pregnant teen, grandmother allegedly killed in Florida home invasion

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He was down the road, and he was slit open, and theyre all black cats, she told WESH. It looked like they had been poisoned and then mutilated.

Another neighbor described the area as a cat-loving community, saying residents are known the feed the strays.

The wounds to the cat, you can tell, were not by another animal, the second resident told WESH. These were done by someone with force  it was absolutely gruesome.

15-year-old boy drowns in Florida, 1 child rescued by lifeguard: report

According to WESH, neighbors suggested that this incident was intended as a message, being deliberately left in specific spots.

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I am fully aware that there are people in the neighborhood that do not care for the cats and I feel like where these cats were placed was very strategic, the neighbor added. They were placed by peoples homes who feed the cats.

The community reportedly started a neighborhood watch group and is asking residents to review their home security cameras.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A 3-year-old girl abducted from Ohio was rescued and her alleged captor arrested in Nebraska after a high-speed chase Saturday, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

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The chain of events started in Columbus when a 27-year-old man, later identified as Diego Revilla Gonzalez, visited a woman and her child at their home Friday. Gonzalez was then accused of getting into an argument with the woman and sexually assaulted her, according to court records viewed by our news partner WBNS-TV in Columbus.

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Gonzalez then took the womans 3-year-old child and left in a white GMC pickup truck, the station reported. Court records also indicate the woman had a protection order against Gonzalez.

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Columbus police notified the state troopers in Nebraska Saturday they had information Gonzalez and the child were on I-80 in Nebraska and were believed to be traveling west, a spokesperson for the Nebraska State Patrol said in a media release.

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The GMC truck, driven by Gonzalez, was spotted on I-80 near Overton, Nebraska, which is about 200 miles west of Omaha and nearly 1,000 miles from Columbus.

State troopers attempted to stop the truck but Gonzalez took off. Speeds reached over 100 mph and he was passing other cars on the shoulder, which led Nebraska state troopers to end the chase citing safety concerns for the child in the truck, the spokesperson said.

The truck was spotted about 50 miles away in Callaway, Nebraska where troopers were able to deploy tire deflation devices. The pursuit continued and state troopers attempted to deploy more tire deflation devices. Gonzalez then drove off the road and in the direction of the state trooper attempting to deploy the tire deflation device, the spokesperson said. The state trooper was able to jump out of the way and avoided being hit.

The truck eventually stopped after it crashed through a fence and into a field where Gonzalez was taken into custody. The 3-year-old girl was found uninjured inside the truck. She was checked out by medics, medically cleared, and placed into protective care until she could be reunited with her mother.

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Gonzalez was arrested on charges including flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, child abuse, attempted assault on an officer, and numerous traffic violations, state troopers said. He was booked into the Custer County Jail where he remains booked. It was not immediately clear if hell be brought back to Ohio to face charges.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. We are here to discuss three major issues that affect millions of people around the world today - agricultural sustainability, water management, and food security, the President of the International Eurasia Press Fund Umud Mirzayev said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the panel Strengthening NGOs in the climate crisis: joint approaches to agricultural sustainability, water management, and food security at the COP29 event.

He noted that statistics show that ten percent of the world's population suffers from hunger and 30 percent of agricultural land is degraded.

As a result of climate change, these problems are becoming more urgent. Water is a basic resource that plays an important role in food production and agriculture, but its scarcity is rapidly increasing. It is then incumbent on each of us to find sustainable solutions.

Against the backdrop of these challenges, NGOs are taking on the important mission of adapting global strategies to local realities and implementing projects aimed at sustainable agriculture and natural resource conservation, working directly with communities.

In post-conflict areas in particular, NGOs are doing unprecedented work in both the environmental and humanitarian spheres. They are turning demined land back into fertile land, creating new opportunities for life and economic development for communities.

I would like to state that as a non-governmental organization, we are also constantly taking steps to create a safer and more prosperous world for communities and future generations.

I'd like to mention that since 2013, IFEP has been admitted as a member of the UN Environment Assembly. Then it was the first in the post-Soviet space to hold an international event on Sustainable Development and Green Economy and prepared the Baku Declaration, which defined the contours of the Sustainable Development Goals. During its activity, the Foundation has held several environmental events at the UN office and in other countries.

One example is the documentary Water is a War Machine produced by IFEP as part of the Eighth World Water Forum organized by the World Water Council in Brazil in 2018. This movie highlighted the damage caused to the water resources of the Terter district during the occupation of the Karabakh territories of Azerbaijan and the importance of water conservation in these territories.

Also, I would like to note that for almost 25 years, IFEP, through its participation in mine action programs in the territories of Azerbaijan, has been working to build a safer and more prosperous world for future generations. As we gather here today, we reaffirm our commitment to these initiatives. In the future, by expanding these initiatives, we will continue to create pathways of sustainability and empowerment for communities, which are an important segment of civil society at the forefront of the climate crisis, Mirzayev noted.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)

As the country marches into the cold months of winter, bitter cold, snow, and other wintry precipitation are on the horizon. Wintry weather has already arrived in some places, including in Colorado and northern New Mexico, where a series of storms unloaded several feet of snow, AccuWeather meteorologists reported.

There's the famous, or better yet infamous, polar vortex, a large pocket of very cold air that sits over the planet's poles. A high pressure system can displace this cold air and send it south, usually into the Plains, Midwest and Northeast, leading to bitterly cold winter stretches.

As we head farther south toward the tropics, though, we tend to assume that freezes and colder weather are completely absent, but this isn't always true, even at sea level. In North America, in the winter, the coldest air masses in Canada can bring cold air not just to places like Chicago and New York but all the way to Atlanta and even farther down into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Here's a look at three surprising places in the tropics in the United States and worldwide that have seen freezes.

As mentioned in AccuWeather's climate rundown of Miami, the Magic City and much of South Florida have a tropical climate. Average high temperatures in Miami are well into the 70s even in the middle of of January. Still, Miami's coldest January low is 45 degrees Fahrenheit on average. And yet, the record low in January is 28 F.

One of these cold snaps happened in January 1977, when an Arctic cold front made its way south into the Florida Peninsula, leading to the first time in recorded history that snow fell in Miami. On the morning of Jan. 19 between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., flakes fell in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The high temperature that day was only in the 40s, about 30 degrees below the historical average.

One key concept with most cold snaps is the idea of continentality, the degree to which a location is affected by the temperature and moisture characteristics of a large, interior landmass. Key West and the Caribbean islands are more protected from these due to the nearby ocean.

Strawberry plants in Florida during a record-setting cold spell. The plants are sprayed with water to save them, but the fruit is irretrievably damaged. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The 1977 cold snap caused more than $300 million in agricultural damage in South Florida, known for its orange groves and other crops. Coral can also be harmed during these cold snaps, as was the case in '77 and more recently in 2010, when hundreds of coral were killed during a January chill.

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Heroica Veracruz, a port city in southeastern Mexico, is about 19 degrees north latitude, firmly in the tropics. Yet, in rare instances, temperatures in the city have dipped into the 30s. Compare that to another tropical savanna climate halfway around the world in Dakar, Senegal, where the temperature has never dropped below 50 degrees.

Remember those high pressure systems that can bring cold air from the north, southward and into tropics? Another phenomenon, called cold air damming, results in a cold air mass being trapped, often on the eastern side of a mountain range, leading to cold air spilling southward.

In the U.S., cold air damming most commonly occurs on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, but it can also happen along the Rocky Mountains and the Cascades in the Northwest, explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco. Cold air damming can even impact portions Texas and Mexico when it occurs on the east side of the Sierra Madre, she added.

"Cold air damming events occur due to high pressure moving in from the north and the clockwise circulation around high pressure areas ushering cold air southward into the eastern side of the terrain," Danco said. "The mountains act as a blocking mechanism causing the cold air to get trapped, only being able to move southward on the eastern side of the mountains."

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Cold air damming events can last for several days, promoting a stretch of cloudy, dreary and cold weather. In some instances, freezing precipitation, including snow or freezing rain, can also occur when moisture from a nearby storm combines with the trapped cold air.

Cold air damming explains how frigid air has reached places like Heroica Veracruz, well within the tropics.

Deserts are known for their high diurnal temperature range, with hot days that can turn surprisingly cold in the winter, including in cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. The Sahara Desert is another region with significant swings from daytime nighttime temperatures, without the cloud cover and high humidity that moderates this swing.

Moonlight shines over a camel in the Sahara desert. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

However, desert cities like Dongola, Sudan, in the Eastern Sahara, occasionally experience temperatures below freezing. The city's record low temperature is 27 F. Cold snaps in this region usually occur when cold air masses from Europe and Asia descend southward.

While we often associate tropical regions with warm and balmy weather, the reality is that even these areas can experience surprising cold snaps under certain conditions. From the historical snowfall in Miami to the rare freezes in southeastern Mexico and the Sahara Desert, these uncharacteristically cold weather highlight the complex interplay of atmospheric phenomena.
A search warrant at a west-central Georgia home led to the arrest of a 33-year-old man.

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Last Thursday morning, Butts County and Fayette County deputies conducted a search warrant at 33-year-old Dylan Jattans home.

We utilized the Fayette County SWAT team to ensure he could hear us knocking, Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said.

After the search, Jattan was charged with the following:

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Two counts of trafficking a child for sexual servitude

Two counts of child molestation

Two counts of aggravated child molestation

Two counts of sodomy

Obscene internet contact with a minor

Two counts of enticing a child for indecent purposes

Two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor

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During the search warrant, authorities said they found several guns and face more charges in Fayette County for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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He was booked into the Butts County Jail.

I have never been to the northwest United States, but I am going real soon, and you are coming back with me and my deputies. Then we will be taking a trip to the beach, and you will be coming back as well. Keep your bags packed, as we are not stopping until each and every one of you is in custody and put in a place where you can no longer prey on children. See you soon, Sheriff Long said.

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ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  Arlington police said four teenage boys were arrested after a police pursuit ensued in connection to a robbery in Arlington on Saturday night.

The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) told DC News Now that just before 6:30 p.m., officers were sent to the 2500 block of Columbia Pike for a robbery.

Once on scene, officers determined that four teenage boys approached the victim, with one of them pulling out a gun. Police said they then stole the victims property and car and fled on Interstate 395 toward Washington, D.C.

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After police issued a lookout for the suspects, they found the stolen car on I-395.

Windows of kosher restaurant in DC destroyed, police investigating

During a pursuit, the car stopped at Glebe Road, where officers, with the assistance of Virginia State Police, took the suspects into custody.

ACPD said that petitions are pending for the suspects.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
STRATFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Five people were arrested on drug and firearm charges after a search warrant was executed in Bridgeport Friday, according to Stratford police.

Police said their Nov. 8 search warrant seized narcotics packaging materials, cocaine, crack-cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, ecstasy, PCP, firearm ammunition and $1,126.00 from a Success Village Apartments unit.

60 pounds of marijuana, THC seized from Stratford smoke shop

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The search warrant stemmed from a month-long investigation initiated in Stratford. Stratfords NVI unit was assisted by about 15 police officers from the Bridgeport Police Task Force and Bridgeport DEA office.

The people charged include:

Andre Seabury, 34: Criminal possession of ammunition, large capacity magazine, illegal possession with intent to sell narcotics, illegal operation of a drug factory, illegal possession with intent to sell a hallucinogen and violation of conditions of release. Held on a $500,000 bond. Also charged with two counts second-degree failure to appear since he had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Willie Parks, 39: Large capacity magazine, illegal possession with intent to sell narcotics, illegal possession of narcotics, illegal operation of a drug factory, criminal possession of ammunition and illegal possession of a hallucinogen. Held on a $500,000 bond.

Russell Lemke: Criminal possession of ammunition, large capacity magazine, illegal possession with intent to sell narcotics and illegal operation of a drug factory. Held on a $500,000 bond.

Shelia Ayala, 38: Illegal use of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of narcotics and illegal possession of a hallucinogen. Held on a $10,000 bond. Also charged with two counts of second-degree failure to appear since she had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Celyna Watford, 26: Two counts of second-degree failure to appear since she had two outstanding arrest warrants.

Most of the suspects are expected to appear in court on Nov. 15.

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Millions across the US are commemorating Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring active and former US service members. Many government institutions, banks and schools will be closed. Veterans will be offered freebies at different retailers and restaurants as a token of thanks for their service and sacrifice.

Heres what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

1. Presidential tranistion

Less than a week after the election, President-elect Donald Trumps transition team is quickly working to fill key roles in his administration. Foreign leaders, allies and those seeking a job under Trump have descended on his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Some members and guests have been seen having pull-aside talks with Trump, although advisers insist that everything is going through the proper channels. On Sunday, Trump announced Tom Homan, who served as the acting director of ICE in his last administration, will be in charge of the nations borders. He also offered Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik the job as US ambassador to the UN, sources told CNN. Trump has ruled out Cabinet posts for Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley, who both had top foreign policy spots the last time around.

2. House

Republicans are hoping to seize unified control in Washington but the balance of the House of Representatives is still undecided. So far, the GOP has clinched the presidency and flipped the Senate, but an estimated 1,000,000 votes are left to be counted in House races, mostly in California. Republicans are now four seats away from holding on to the majority, while Democrats are 13 seats away from taking the chamber. Meanwhile, Democrats are analyzing the election loss after Trump won in all seven of the countrys battleground states. While some shifts in Trumps direction were expected, others revealed voter shifts that could reshape Americas political landscape.

3. Climate crisis

As global leaders gather in Azerbaijan for the United Nations Climate Change Conference this week, a new report is flashing a warning signal about natural disasters. The total cost of damage from climate-related extreme weather events globally was approximately $2 trillion between 2014 and 2023, according to the International Chamber of Commerce. Thats roughly in line with the economic toll of the 2008 global financial crisis. There has also been an 83% increase in recorded climate disasters between 1980-1999 and 2000-2019, the ICC says. The report comes as President-elect Donald Trump promises to undo climate regulations in the US, including rolling back pollution limits on tailpipes and power plants.

4. Alabama shooting

Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a Sunday shooting that killed one person and injured 16 others during homecoming week at Alabamas Tuskegee University. The victim was an 18-year-old who was not a student at the university. Social media video shows people ducking for cover in a parking lot as gunshots rang out. The university said law enforcement officials have secured the scene and the Alabama Bureau of Investigations is investigating. The shooting is among at least 454 mass shootings reported so far this year in the US, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which, like CNN, defines a mass shooting as one that injures or kills four or more people, not including the shooter.

5. Bitcoin

Bitcoin on Sunday hit a new record above $80,000. The worlds largest cryptocurrency is up 80% this year, dwarfing the S&P 500s still-electric 25.7% gain in 2024. The crypto industry believes Donald Trumps presidential victory is a bullish sign for Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Although Trump was once a Bitcoin skeptic, once saying it was based on thin air, he has fully embraced crypto in recent months  unlike the Biden administration, which has sought to rein in crypto. Trump said in August that cryptocurrencies could define the future, adding he wanted it mined, minted and made in the USA. The president-elect also proposed a strategic national Bitcoin stockpile, akin to Americas strategic petroleum reserve, directly purchasing and investing in cryptocurrencies as a national security measure.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

Was music really better when you were younger?

Generations of music lovers claim music was much better when they were younger  and we dont disagree. Experts explain why the music of a persons youth has such a powerful hold.

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Monkey mayhem continues

At least 25 monkeys have been recovered after dozens escaped a research center in South Carolina last week. Others are jumping back and forth near the facility, police said.

Two-time shark attack survivor in Florida says he cant wait to surf again

Not many people know someone who has been bitten by a shark, let alone twice. This surfer still has an un-wave-ring love of the ocean after surviving two shark attacks.

Speaking of luck 

An Illinois woman is $1 million richer after finding a lottery ticket she forgot about in her purse.

The Northern Taurid meteor shower could produce fireballs

The Northern Taurid meteor shower is expected to peak tonight into Tuesday. Heres what to look for and how to see it.

TODAYS NUMBER

6.8

Thats the magnitude of an earthquake that struck off the coast of eastern Cuba on Sunday, causing material damage in several regions as the island continues to recover from widespread blackouts and the impact of two hurricanes over the past few weeks.

TODAYS QUOTE

We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this.

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 Toy manufacturer Mattel, issuing an apology after mistakenly printing the web address of a pornographic site on the packaging of its newly launched Wicked dolls. People who have already purchased the dolls are advised to discard the packaging or obscure the link that is not appropriate for children, the company said.

TODAYS WEATHER

Check your local forecast here>>>

AND FINALLY 

Bells of Notre Dame ring out for the first time in 5 years

Eight bells in the northern belfry of Notre Dame cathedral rang out last week for the first time since the 2019 fire that severely damaged the Paris landmark. Watch the video here.

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Scientists have officially spotted characteristics of superfluidity (a quantum fluid with zero viscosity) inside a two-dimensional supersolid for the first time.

In a new study, physicists from the University of Innsbruck in Austria used magnetic fields to carefully stir a supersolid of erbium atoms and spotted quantum vortices.

This will help scientists study the characteristics of supersolids under extreme conditions while also examining certain aspects of celestial objects like neutron stars.

As a kid, you probably learned that there are three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. But like most things in life, it gets a bit more complicated as you get older. For example, super hot plasma powering the Sun (and, hopefully, future fusion reactors) is an important fourth state of matter, and the fifththe super-cold Bose-Einstein Condensateshelps scientists study the nature of the quantum world.

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But it gets even more complicated. Within these states of matter reside other, potentially even more counterintuitive objects. Take, for example, the supersolida material thats both a superfluid (exotic matter with zero viscosity) and a solid. The existence of this bizarre example of matter was first hypothesized more than half a century ago, but examining a supersolids free-flowing atoms through its crystalline lattice has been an extremely difficult undertaking. Now, scientists from University of Innsbruck in Austria state in a new paper (published in the journal Nature) that theyve successfully stirred a two-dimensional supersolid and observed quantum vorticesa phenomenon that physicist Francesca Ferlaino told AFP is the smoking gun of superfluidity.

It is a bit like Schrodingers cat, which is both alive and dead, a supersolid is both rigid and liquid, Ferlaino said in a press statement . This work is a significant step forward in understanding the unique behavior of supersolids and their potential applications in the field of quantum matter.

The first stage of this remarkable breakthrough actually occurred back in 2021, when Ferlainos team developed the first long-lived, two-dimensional supersolid out of an ultracold gas of erbium atoms, a rare-earth metal. At the time, supersolids had only been observed as a series of droplets in one dimension. The team hoped that this first breakthrough could allow for the study of vortices within the supersolid itself. While that hope wasnt misplaced, observing those quantum tornadoes was far from simple.

The next stepdeveloping a way to stir the supersolid without destroying its fragile staterequired even greater precision, Eva Casotti, lead author of the study, said in a press statement.

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The team used magnetic fields to deftly rotate the supersolid, and because liquids within the lattice of the supersolid dont rotate rigidly, this high-precision movement created quantum vortices that are a tell-tale sign of superfluidity. The discovery of this phenomenon has big implications for laboratory studies of supersolid dynamics in exotic conditions, but it could also help answer some questions about one of the most extreme celestial objects in the known universe: the neutron star.

It is assumed that the change in rotational speed observed in neutron starsso-called glitchesare caused by superfluid vortices trapped inside neutron stars, Thomas Bland, co-author of the study, said in a press statement. Our platform offers the opportunity to simulate such phenomena right here on Earth.

Considering that the surface of a neutron star would vaporize the human body immediately, studying their physical characteristics from afar seems like a good idea.

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SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Sunday night motorists ran into delays along Interstate 65 because of a crash involving an RV near the Sumner County-Robertson County line.

According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), an RV overturned shortly after 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10 at mile marker 103 on I-65 South, near Bethel Road.

PHOTOS: Maury County house seriously damaged following fire

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All southbound lanes were closed at mile marker 103 for a couple hours, causing a backup past mile marker 105.5, based on TDOTs online traffic map. However, as of 8:30 p.m., I-65 South is back open.

The White House Community Volunteer Fire Department wrote on Facebook that one person had to be removed from a truck, but there is no word on that persons condition.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Neither Sumner County officials nor Robertson County officials have posted any other details about the incident. News 2 reached out to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) for additional information, but THP said no troopers responded to the crash.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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Several people were arrested after a months-long joint investigation between two Georgia sheriffs offices.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the Effingham County Sheriffs Office, the investigation spanned several months. On Oct. 25, Effingham County deputies, Bryan County deputies and the ECSO Drug Suppression Unit executed a search warrant at a home off Greenbriar Trail in Ellabell.

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Authorities said they found trafficking amounts of fentanyl, tools used to manufacture methamphetamine and a stolen gun.

On Oct. 29, authorities conducted another search warrant at a home on Homestead Drive. During the search, officials discovered trafficking amounts of fentanyl, prescription medications, and materials associated with the distribution of controlled substances.

TRENDING STORIES:

The following were arrested and charged:

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Richard Downs, 36, of Ellabell, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and trafficking fentanyl.

Austin Griffin, 28, of Ellabell, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (Schedule II) and possession of tools for the commission of a Crime.

Cody Griffin, 30, of Ellabell, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (Schedule II), possession of tools for the commission of a crime and trafficking fentanyl.

Courtney Huggins, 31, of Ellabell, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kenneth Lane, 32, of Pembroke, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of Tools for the commission of a crime.

Kenneth Rose, 25, of Ellabell, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (Schedule II) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cheyenne Tillman, 21, of Ellabell, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (Schedule II), possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation.

With the number of overdoses steady on the rise, both the Bryan County Sheriffs Office and the Effingham County Sheriffs Office, especially our Drug Suppression Unit, will make the battle to eradicate drugs, drugs sales and activity in our community a high priority, Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie Office said.

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MAXTON, N.C. (WBTW)  Maxton police have identified a 7-year-old girl who was shot and killed Sunday afternoon while riding in a car with several other people.

Quazariya G. Williams died at Scotland Memorial Hospital in Laurinburg after police said Dedric Page, 31, of Maxton, fired shots into a car with five other people inside on E. Graham Street, Police Chief Schirra Johnson said. It happened at about 2 p.m.

Dedric Page / Photo: Maxton Police Department

She was a cheerleader and a sweet girl who had a lot going on in her life, Maxton police Lt. Patrick Hunt said.

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Page was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, discharging a firearm in city limits and possession of a firearm by a felon. Hunt said he was out on bond on a weapons charge at the time of the shooting.

According to Hunt, the shooting happened during a dispute between Page and the girls mother. Page was taken to the Robeson County Detention Center.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Veterans Day is just around the corner and the Erie community gathered Sunday morning to give back to those brave individuals who served.

Veterans Day is a day to honor and celebrate our veterans, and the community gave veterans the recognition they deserve on Sunday.

Veterans Day is like Christmas for veterans, and I know every one of them appreciates it, said Kenny Smith, Vietnam Navy veteran.

Veterans make the ultimate sacrifice, risking their lives in defense of the United States and the freedoms of its citizens.

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At the Polish Falcons Club on East 3rd Street on Nov. 10, local unions gave back to the veteran community, hosting a free breakfast for veterans and their families.

Anytime that we can get our veterans together and share that camaraderie over a shared meal always is a great experience. It allows them to reconnect with fellow veterans and friends that they havent seen in years, said Ken Vybiral, Erie-Crawford Central Labor Council.

Vybiral added the 8th annual Veterans Breakfast is an opportunity to show appreciation for veterans and let them know that their service matters.

To an average person, the event looks just like an ordinary breakfast, but for many veterans at the Polish Falcons Club, it means so much more than that.

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Its wonderful. Im glad that the Central Labor Council and the sponsors provide this. It allows veterans to know that people working in the community appreciate what they did also, said Smith.

And Sunday morning, the community showed their appreciation, serving veterans free eggs, bacon and coffee.

And like many other veterans, Smith said he is proud to have served his country.

They gave up a lot. They gave up their family life. And in some cases, the fact that they were gone through all those years, they actually came home and felt forgotten, Smith added.

And with Veterans Day approaching, make sure you let the veterans in your life know they arent forgotten.

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On Monday, Nov. 11, the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home on East 3rd Street will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing todays pressing climate challenges.

Our next interviewee is Toste Tanhua from Germany, a participant in the COP29 conference.

The organization of COP29 in Azerbaijan is of the highest standard, Tanhua told Trend.

He added that the conference addresses critical issues related to climate change, particularly the financial mechanisms required to tackle it.

"One of the key topics here is funding. The crucial issue is how to finance climate change mitigation efforts. Countries must have unified support in this regard," Tanhua added.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will run until November 22, opened today at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date and is the first time the region has hosted the event in Azerbaijan. Within COP29, the highest level event - the summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance. The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies, and other topics.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5C pledge by bringing everyone together.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A 9-year-old boy has died after he was hit while riding his bicycle on Sunday, the St. Petersburg Police Department said.

Around 6:35 p.m., a Kia SUV struck the boy near 63rd Avenue North and 12th Street.

The child was taken to the hospital but did not survive his injuries.

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12th Street North is closed between 62nd and 64th Avenue North while the investigation is ongoing.

The police said the Kia driver is cooperating with investigators.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Attendees cheer during a Missourians for Constitutional Freedom rally after the campaign turned in more than 380,000 signatures for its initiative petition to enshrine abortion rights in Missouris constitution. Voters in seven states, including Missouri, chose to protect or expand access to abortion through ballot initiatives in Tuesdays election. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)

Widespread support for abortion rights continued to defy partisan labels in Tuesdays election, but several of the ballot measures that voters approved may face legal and legislative challenges in the coming months. And supporters worry that federal efforts could eventually override the state measures.

Voters in seven states  including deep-red Missouri and Montana  chose to protect or expand access to abortion through ballot initiatives.

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This wont be the last time Missourians vote on so-called reproductive rights, Missouri Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, who opposed the ballot measure, wrote in a press release. I will do everything in my power to ensure that vote happens.

In Missouri and Arizona, the ballot measures will expand abortion access beyond what state laws currently allow. Though those constitutional amendments are set to go into effect in the coming weeks, abortion is unlikely to become immediately accessible in those states because abortion-rights advocates will have to go to court to overturn existing laws.

In addition, anti-abortion groups and their legislative allies in recent years have worked to undermine abortion protections through laws and court challenges based on concepts such as fetal personhood, parental rights and fetal viability. Those efforts could limit the impact of the new ballot measures.

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Supporters of the Missouri measure anticipate continued opposition. Mallory Schwartz, the executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, told a crowd celebrating on Tuesday night that anti-abortion, anti-democracy politicians are going to try to stomp us out, according to the Missouri Independent.

Theyre going to try to fight us in court, and theyre going to file new attacks in Jefferson City, Schwartz said.

Some abortion-rights supporters worry that without a federal constitutional right to abortion, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in its 2022 Dobbs ruling, the new state-level protections are vulnerable to federal moves that could override them.

After the Dobbs decision, the Biden administration took several steps to protect access to birth control, abortion medication and emergency abortion care at hospitals.

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But Nourbese Flint, president of the abortion-rights group All* In Action Fund, said the incoming Trump administration could restrict access even in states that have abortion-rights measures on the books.

We are in a position where even if your state has passed great legislation, the actual, tangible access to medication abortion might be harder.

 Nourbese Flint, president of the abortion-rights group All* In Action Fund

President-elect Donald Trump has flip-flopped on abortion and other reproductive rights, bragging for years that his U.S. Supreme Court nominations led to the Dobbs decision  then telling Fox News viewers last month that some state abortion laws were too tough and would be redone.

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Unfortunately, we are in a position where even if your state has passed great legislation, the actual, tangible access to medication abortion might be harder in the future, Flint said.

Some anti-abortion groups want the Trump administration to enforce the Comstock Act, a long-dormant 1873 law they believe could be used to make it a federal crime to send or receive abortion pills in the mail.

The Trump administration also could reverse a current policy under the federal Food and Drug Administration that allows the mailing of abortion medication. And when the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a case earlier this year involving FDA regulation of the abortion medication mifepristone, it left the door open for future challenges. Meanwhile, some states have laws limiting access, such as requiring in-person physician visits for abortion medication, effectively barring patients from accessing it via telemedicine.

I dont want people to think just because they voted yes to protect reproductive rights there is going to be a magic wand to restore those rights, said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which supports progressive ballot initiatives nationwide.

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Theyre going to have to double down and fight to make sure people are going to receive the reproductive care they need and deserve.

In addition to reliably red Missouri and Montana, voters on Tuesday also approved abortion-rights measures in presidential battlegrounds Arizona and Nevada and solidly blue Colorado, Maryland and New York. In Nevada, voters will have to approve the amendment again in 2026 for it to go into effect.

Before last week, voters in six states  including conservative Kansas and Kentucky  had endorsed abortion rights when presented with abortion-related ballot questions.

But Tuesdays election marked the first time since the fall of Roe v. Wade that abortion-rights ballot measures failed: Voters defeated proposed amendments in Nebraska and South Dakota. And in Florida, 57% of voters supported an abortion-rights amendment, but it fell short of the 60% supermajority required for passage.

Questioning viability

The ballot measures in Arizona, Missouri and Montana establish the right to abortion up to fetal viability. Its a term that lacks an exact medical or legal definition, and thanks to medical advances over the years, viability has moved earlier in pregnancy. Today, its generally considered to be around 23 or 24 weeks of pregnancy.

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Fetal viability is not a legal term, said Dale Margolin Cecka, director of the Family Violence Litigation Clinic at Albany Law School and a former Georgia assistant attorney general. Even in states that now have amended their constitutions [to permit abortion], I can foresee challenges to the fetal viability aspect of those amendments.

For example, she said, state legislators could attempt to restrict abortions by defining fetal viability in state law in such a way that might create doubt in the minds of providers about whether a patients pregnancy meets state requirements for a legal abortion.

In the days leading up to the election, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, a Republican, used the vagueness of the viability standard in Floridas proposed abortion amendment to ask the states highest court to keep the measure off the ballot, though the court declined to do so.

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In Montana, where abortion was already legal until fetal viability under a 1999 state Supreme Court ruling, the new constitutional amendment shores up that protection by defining fetal viability. The amendment says viability should be based on the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional and based on the particular facts of the case.

Personhood and parental rights

The concept of fetal personhood also could be used to circumvent state constitutional amendments on abortion. Long a cornerstone of the anti-abortion movement, fetal personhood is the idea that a fetus, embryo or fertilized egg has the same legal rights as a person who has been born. If state law considers fetuses to be people, the thinking goes, the abortion would be considered murder.

Missouri state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican, told Stateline in July that he plans to introduce a fetal personhood bill in the upcoming legislative session that would grant unborn children the same rights as newborns. His hope was that the bill could protect embryos and fetuses regardless of whether Missourians passed a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion.

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Cecka also expects to see state legislators continue testing abortion protections with so-called parental rights laws. Since Dobbs, conservative legislators in several states have filed parental consent bills to restrict access to abortion, birth control and other reproductive health care for people under age 18. Proponents argue such laws are needed to protect the rights of parents and to prevent other adults from persuading adolescents to get abortions.

The lawsuit filed last week by Missouri reproductive care providers to strike down several of Missouris abortion restriction laws after passage of the constitutional amendment does not challenge the states parental consent law.

In Ceckas view, abortion access remains at risk, even in states that have passed protective laws, unless federal protections are put in place.

In red states where theres a strong enough push, the anti-reproductive freedom movement is a big machine with a deep bench, and theyre ready to fight, she said.

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DENVER (KDVR)  An increase in sales tax, ballot measure 2Q, was approved by Denver voters during the November General Election to help fund Denver Health.

The .34% sales tax translates to about 3 cents on each $10 purchase and experts estimate it will generate another $70 million annually to support the healthcare systems operational costs. The health system previously said that it plans to put the funding toward five areas: Emergency and trauma care, primary medical care, mental health care, pediatric care and recovery support services.

Mayor Johnston concedes narrow loss of affordable housing ballot measure 2R

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When presented to Denver City Council in June, proponents of the measure said the funds would largely be used to cover costs for patients who cannot pay their medical bills, many due to a lack of health insurance.

The voters of Denver have shown without a doubt that health care is a critical component of a vibrant and dynamic city, said CEO Donna Lynne in a press release about the measure passing. Im excited that this supportive funding will help us to invest in our people, our infrastructure and our technology year-after-year.

The measure passed with 55.7% of voters in favor of the measure as of 5 p.m. on Nov. 9, according to unofficial Denver Election results.

Denver Health said the additional money from the sales tax will not fully close the gap the health system is facing  in June, officials said the health system is facing about $140 million in unpaid 2023 medical bills.

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Lynne told supporters in the health systems release that Denver Health will be fiscally responsible and accountable, and will explore additional funding sources including philanthropy and all level of government funding.

The passage of 2Q means so much to our entire Citys health. Thank you, Denver voters, said

Councilmember Jamie Torres, the primary co-sponsor of the bill, in the Denver Health release. You have ensured that Denver Health can continue to provide crucial health services in our schools, in our neighborhood clinics, and at their main campus. Im eternally grateful that Denver will continue to have a strong health care safety net and Level I Trauma Center for generations to come!

Your Local Elections Headquarters: Candidates, races and results on FOX31

Co-sponsoring the bill was Councilmember Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, who also commented in Denver Healths release about the measures passage.

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Denver Health is a vital part of our community, and voters showed how important health care is to them. Im so proud to be a part of this victory to prioritize health care and Denver Healths role in strengthening access for all, Gonzales-Gutierrez said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP)  For the first time since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan on Monday sent a delegation to the United Nations climate talks in a bid to garner help in dealing with global warming.

Matuil Haq Khalis, who's head of the countrys environment protection agency, told The Associated Press that Afghanistan needs international support to deal with extreme weather like erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and flash floods.

All the countries must join hands and tackle the problem of climate change, said Khalis, speaking through a translator at the talks, taking place this year in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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Afghanistan has been hard hit by climate change, with a recent assessment by climate experts ranking it the sixth most climate vulnerable country in the world.

In March, northern Afghanistan experienced heavy rains resulting in flash floods, killing over 300 people. Climate scientists have found that extreme rainfall has gotten 25% heavier over the last 40 years in the country.

Khalis said Afghanistan has prepared national action plans to deal with climate change and will be updating its climate goals within the next few months. He said the country has great potential for wind and solar power but needs international to develop it.

He added that the Afghan delegation was grateful to the Azerbaijani government for inviting them. The delegation will have an observer status at the talks, as the Taliban do not have official recognition as the government of Afghanistan.

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Joanna Depledge, a climate historian at the University of Cambridge in England, said Afghanistan should be able to attend.

By virtue of being a global forum, there are a whole host of politically unsavoury states with all kinds of appalling records of one sort or another that attend. Where would we draw the line? she said.

Responding to a question about the U.N. assessment that women are more vulnerable than men to climate impacts, Khalis said that climate change impact doesn't have any boundaries, it can have its impact on women, children, men, plants or animals, so it requires collective work to tackle this issue.

Khalis said he has requested bilateral talks with a range of countries, including the United States and would be happy to sit down with them if the request is accepted.

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We were not part of the last three conferences ... but we are happy that this time we are here and we will be able to deliver the message of Afghan people with the international community, said Khalis.

___

Associated Press journalists Olivia Zhang, Peter Dejong, Aleksandar Furtula, Seth Borenstein and Joshua A. Bickel contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
The front of the federal courthouse in Montgomery, Alabama. A dispute between a state senator and the state's alcohol control board could delay contracts for attorneys representing the state in several key battles. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)

A state senators decision to delay approval of contracts for state agencies could slow the states ability to approve legal contracts for lawsuits alleging voting or civil rights abuses.

Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, told representatives of state agencies at a Contract Review Committee meeting that he would withhold contracts until the ABC Board establishes rules to allow employees of restaurants and hotels with restaurants to take exams allowing them to serve alcohol.

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A spokesperson for the ABC Board said Thursday they plan to approve the rules at their Nov. 14 meeting.

The delayed contracts include a $200,000 contract with a Montgomery law firm to defend the state in a lawsuit over state Senate district lines and millions of dollars in contracts for cases involving the Alabama Department of Corrections.

The $200,000 contract in the redistricting case is with Balch & Bingham, LLP, a law firm based in Montgomery meant to provide expert legal assistance by assisting the AGs Office in the redistricting case, Khadidah Stone v. Wes Allen.

If I could just tell the committee, this trial date is next week, said Clay Crenshaw, the chief deputy attorney general, on Thursday. We need it. We need our lawyer.

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The lawsuit alleges that redistricting in 2021 led to Black Alabamians being denied a right to elect candidates of their choice in Montgomery and Huntsville.

The Corrections contracts include an amendment to a contract with Huntsville attorney Bill Lundsford over a lawsuit over unsafe conditions at St. Clair Correctional Facility in Springville, known as Duke v. Dunn. The suit alleges that mismanagement, poor leadership and inadequate security in the prison have led to stabbings and homicides. The department is seeking to increase the contract with Lundsford from $8.6 million to $12.6 million.

Lundsford has received several contracts from the state for the past several years. He was also part of a controversial award to YesCare, a Tennessee-based health care firm that won a $1 billion health care contract for Alabama prisons. DOC officials told members of the Contract Review Committee last year that Lundsford served on the board during the first round of bidding on the contract, but stepped down before a second round began. YesCare also provides health care services to Maryland prisons and the Baltimore jail, according to the Baltimore Banner.

Other contracts pertain to compliance with court orders stemming from the Braggs case, in which a federal court ruled that Corrections failed to provide adequate health and medical care to people incarcerated within Alabamas prisons.

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The first is Dr. Donald Raymond Reeves, Hydrangea Hill Psychiatric Associates, Inc. based in South Orange, New Jersey for $280,000 at $500 per hour for services rendered as part of the external monitoring team in the Braggs case.

Corrections awarded a similar contract to Rick Raemisch of Falcon Correctional and Community Services, based in Chicago, also for $280,000 at $350 per hour.

The remaining contracts are for legal services to defend correctional staff working within ADOC facilities. The contracts are all $200,000 billed at $195 per hour with the state funding the entire amount.

A contract was given to Robbie Hyde of Alexander Hyde in Auburn to defend the state in William R. Smith v. Jefferson Dunn alleges that correctional officers beat a person to death at Ventress Correctional Facility in Clayton.

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The fourth contract was given to Steve Herndonv of Herndon Law, PC based out of Montgomery, involving an alleged sexual assault at Ventress Correctional Facility.

The final contract is awarded to W. Allen Sheehan of -Capell & Howard based in Montgomery to defend DOC in a lawsuit alleging sexual assault and murder at St. Clair Correctional Facility.

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President Donald Trump and Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy pose for a photo aboard Air Force One during a stopover at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage in 2019. (Sheila Craighead / White House photo)

Alaska lawmakers expect bipartisan coalitions to control the state House and Senate when the Alaska Legislature convenes in January, but they dont know who the states governor will be.

Gov. Mike Dunleavys second term isnt over until December 2026, but in a series of interviews, legislators say they believe he may be offered a job in the new administration of President Donald Trump, and in interviews, the governor has indicated that hes open to taking a job with Trump.

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I think the expectation has been that Gov. Dunleavy will take a position with the Trump administration, said Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage. I mean, thats probably the worst-kept secret in Juneau.

Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said hes been looking for Dunleavys name to be mentioned as a candidate for various cabinet positions, but he hasnt seen it yet.

In October, Dunleavy told reporter Nat Herz that he hadnt had a conversation with the president-elect about a job, but that he wouldnt rule out the possibility.

The governors office declined an interview request by email on Thursday and said the governor hasnt had any discussions with Trump about a cabinet position. A spokesperson referred to a Wednesday TV interview in which the governor said, Im more than happy to have a discussion with the President about anything, as long as it can move Alaska forward.

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On Friday, Dunleavys social media account shared a video from Trump in which the president-elect said he intends to accelerate development of the long-planned trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline.

Thank you to your great governor, Trump said. Were going to work together just like we have in the past, and it was a very special relationship, Mike. Thank you very much. I look forward to a long and enduring future relationship.

If Dunleavy were to leave office, Article III, Section 11, of the state constitution would kick in automatically, and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom would become governor. The states adjutant general, Torrence Saxe, is currently the No. 3 person in the states line of succession, and he would become lieutenant governor. Saxe leads the Alaska National Guard and the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

There wouldnt be a special election unless Dahlstrom were to also leave office, making Saxe governor.

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Wielechowski said that if Dunleavy leaves, it could be a net positive for progress on a variety of issues where lawmakers have significantly different views from the governor.

Last year, legislators overwhelmingly passed a bill that would have permanently increased funding for public schools. Dunleavy vetoed it, and lawmakers failed by a single vote to override that veto.

Dunleavy also vetoed a swath of projects from the Legislature-passed budget and a series of policy bills, some of which passed by wide margins.

I think the governor has burned a lot of bridges with the Legislature in the last few years, Wielechowski said. I think the states due for a fresh start there.

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Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, offered a similar view on Election Day in a streamed broadcast, saying that if Dunleavy were to join Trump in Washington, that is a silver lining for Alaska.

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Stevens said hes trying to stay prepared to work with whoever occupies the governors office in January.

If hes still here, weve got to work with him. Hes the governor, and he stays through the next two years. Weve got to find a way to make it work, and we havent in the past. You know, hes vetoed our budgets. Hes not agreed with us in so many areas, so thats a real concern. Weve got to make sure that we are able to work with him. So I dont  the last thing I want to do is offend the governor, he said.

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If you want things to work for Alaska, youve got to work together. So were prepared to work with whoever the governor is, said Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak and the Houses incoming rules chair.

Asked whether Dunleavy had burnt his bridges with the Legislature, Stutes said she doesnt personally think so.

My job is to represent my constituents and work with whoever the governor might be, and if he hurt my feelings last year, lets start over this year.

A Dunleavy departure wouldnt be without precedent: former Alaska Gov. Wally Hickel left office in 1969 to become secretary of the Interior for President Richard Nixon.

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Nixon fired Hickel from the job after about a year.

During his first term in office, Trump didnt announce his cabinet picks until late November or early December.

Sen. Loki Tobin, D-Anchorage, said she doesnt know whether Trump will appoint Dunleavy, and If Im looking at a crystal ball, I dont really have an answer other than that the president cannot appoint their cabinet until Congress is seated, and that means after the inauguration, and so I anticipate on Dec. 15, we will have a budget from Gov. Dunleavy, she said. I anticipate when I swear into office, Gov. Dunleavy will still be our sitting governor. And after that, I dont know what will happen, but either way, I am preparing myself for an administration in the state of Alaska, who is in a different political party than myself and may have different views.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  An Albuquerque man is in custody after a shooting injured someone.

On Saturday night, the Albuquerque Police Department responded to reports of a man being shot near Vermont and Copper.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a man who was shot in the stomach and later transported to the hospital. Police said the shooter drove up to a victim and another person before shooting multiple times.

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One of the victims identified the shooter as Anthony Lovato.

Lovato was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on Sunday and is facing aggravated assault and battery charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The adverse effects of climate change are depleting resources, the head of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit at the Ministry of Planning and Development of Trinidad and Tobago, Kishan Kumarsingh said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the COP29 event, Just Resilience: Just Transitions towards a more equal and climate-resilient society.

Climate change is having negative impacts on many key sectors of the economy that are particularly vulnerable to climate challenges. Global climate change is leading to increased droughts and rainfall, which in turn causes flooding and damages agricultural production and food security. The consequences affect not only the economy but also public health, he said.

Kumarsingh warned that unless drastic measures are taken, the situation will only worsen.

He added that the adverse effects of climate change are depleting resources and causing many unintended consequences, including threats to national security, migration, and competition for jobs and resources.

Kumarsingh emphasized that in the future, with the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation in agriculture, new challenges may emerge, including risks for traditional farmers.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Sunday reflected on Donald Trumps success in last weeks election and engaged with supporters on social media to try to unpack the thinking that led to it.

The progressive lawmaker, who cruised to reelection in New Yorks 14th congressional district, noted that many House Democrats outperformed the top of their ticket. In her district, voters swung toward Trump by a substantial margin compared to how they voted when the president-elect faced Joe Biden in 2020.

Lets do this right now. If you voted for Donald Trump and me, or if you voted for Donald Trump and voted Democratic down-ballot, I would really love to hear from you, Ocasio-Cortez said during a Q&A on her Instagram story.

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This is not a place of judgment. Im not gonna, like, put your stuff on blast or anything like that, or dunk on it. Thats like, genuinely not the intent here. I actually want to learn from you. I want to hear what you were thinking.

She posted some of the responses, with the caption, Im listening.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asked supporters who voted for both her and Trump to explain their reasoning. Instagram/AOC

The responses included:

I feel like Trump and you are both real.

I feel that you both are outsiders compared to the rest of DC, and less establishment.

Its real simple... Trump and you care for the working class.

Trump is going to get us the money and lets men have a voice. Youre brilliant and have amazing passion!

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In a second page of shared replies, the lawmaker reacted to one respondent who said the responses you got make me want to barf.

Sometimes you gotta dig in and see it to understand and adapt she said with a laughing emoji. Even if it makes you want to barf.

Ocasio-Cortez attempted to learn from last week's elections in a Q&A with supporters on social media. Instagram/AOC

One respondent said that as a person who is way too online, the answers are blowing my mind.

Yall, this is why I say that we should be signing up to knock on doors and be on the phones, Ocasio-Cortez replied.

She noted that the internet and mass media companies, including social media apps like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), are influenced by the billionaires who own them.

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If youre only tuning in to those mediums, you will think that most people fall along this spectrum, she said. And a lot of people dont, and thats why its important to be at the doors, and thats why its important to be on the phones, and thats why its never just like a little junior thing that you grow out of, but that we always need to be listening, because you will learn a lot.

Earlier in the Q&A, the lawmaker had discussed her game plan moving forward as Democrats regroup.

Im going to be doing a lot more direct communication, she said, encouraging supporters to join and enter community right now.

On Wednesday, as it became clear that Trump would win the presidency and Republicans had reclaimed the Senate majority, Ocasio-Cortez said the next four years would be a very, very, very difficult, challenging time, but urged concerned Americans to build community and prepare to fight back.

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We are about to enter a political period that will have consequences for the rest of our lives, she said. We cannot give up.

Demographics that helped elect President Biden in 2020, such as Latino voters and young people, swung rightward in this election, as did much of the country, with the economy proving to be the top issue.

Ocasio-Cortez said last week the partys main project is to unite the working class in this country against a fascist agenda.

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This is an adapted excerpt from the Nov. 9 episode of Velshi.

Politics is easier for most of us when the democratic ideals we cherish triumph  or at least persist. However, to be politically engaged is to not only risk losing in an election, but also to be prepared, and willing, to lose. Its to put it all on the line knowing the outcome, at least the immediate one, might not be the outcome for which you worked so hard.

I know this lesson well. I learned it when I was 11 years old, working on my fathers first campaign in Canada in 1981. On election night, we expected the results to take some time, so we were in the car when the polls closed. When we turned on the radio, I heard the hosts say what I would learn to say years later when covering elections: It was too early to tell who would form the government. However, based on history, demographics and exit polling  things I was too young to understand at the time  they were able to project the results in one constituency: the one my dad was contesting.

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Within the first minute of the broadcast, they announced he had lost. I was devastated. I looked at my dad and said, I cant believe we lost. He turned his attention away from the road for just a moment to look at me and with a smile he said, Of course, we lost. We were never going to win. I asked, Then why did we do this?

Because we could, he told me. We ran because we could. And more people voted for the other guy than voted for me. Its OK. Life goes on.

My father appreciated something I didnt. He grew up in apartheid South Africa, where he couldnt vote because of the color of his skin, let alone run for office. He ran because thats what civic engagement looked like to him.

But my fathers loss cut deep. Last week, I felt the depth of that cut. This years election felt different from eight years ago when Donald Trump was first elected. That felt like an accident. This didnt. There was so much on the line: Pregnant women are dying, the Earth is burning, wars are being waged and democracy is on the brink.

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Im fairly certain this country will see some dark days ahead, but you know what I dont know? I dont know where we are in this effort to forge a stronger democracy, a more perfect union.

Just as rebel colonists didnt know on April 19, 1775, when gunfire erupted in Concord, Massachusetts. Or on Sept. 3, 1783, when the Revolutionary War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

America had declared its independence from Britain seven years earlier, a date we think of as the start of the nation, and yet on July 4, 1776, this new nation was not even a quarter of the way through that war.

America didnt know on April 11, 1861, before the first shot was fired on Fort Sumter, how long that fight would take or whether it would be much of a fight at all. Or on April 9, 1865, after an estimated 750,000 Americans died and Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. Back then, we still didnt know what the future would hold.

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History is steeped in examples of people who fought through the darkness, in the glow of candlelight. People who knew  like my father taught me that night in 1981  that defeat paves the way for triumph.

In fact, many who have fought for human rights, freedom, liberty and democracy did not themselves live long enough to enjoy the fruits of their labor. But the seeds were planted and flourished after they were gone. They understood the fight was bigger than them. They understood it was important to nurture the seeds of democracy into a tree under whose canopy later generations could seek shelter and of whose fruit later generations would partake.

We fight not simply for ourselves, but also for the future of democracy.

Susan B. Anthony dedicated her life to social justice. For 45 years, she fought for womens suffrage with little obvious success. In 1869, just after the end of the Civil War, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution eliminated voting discrimination based on race but not gender. (At least on paper.)

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The overt exclusion of women was a huge blow to Susan B. Anthony and women across America. But they kept going. The 19th Amendment was first proposed eight years later, in 1878, yet it would take another 42 years for white women to vote freely.

During the Civil Rights Movement, countless individuals fought for years against segregation: Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Thurgood Marshall, the Little Rock Nine, the Freedom Riders, John Lewis and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., to name a few.

Black Americans endured decades of discrimination, ridicule and violence. It wasnt until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 99 years after the end of the Civil War, that segregation was officially outlawed in public places and Jim Crow laws were banned.

Conflict often produces change, but change is slow. Sometimes, it may not even look like change at all, or in the case of last weeks election, it might look like a setback. But todays setbacks are tomorrows comebacks  and the comeback is our work now.

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As my father taught me all those years ago, the fact that your side did not win is not a loss; its simply a sign that your work is not yet done. In 1775, 1776, 1783, 1861, 1865 and 1964, our work was not done. It may never be done, because democracy is dynamic. We will confront issues in the future we didnt know would be issues  but we will continue to fight.

I know that one of the toughest things to reconcile is the fact that half of America made a choice you inherently disagree with. Maybe you found out that your neighbor, a friend, maybe even your mom or your brother, voted for the guy who wants to take your freedoms away.

That is a tough reality to come to terms with. As James Baldwin once said, We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.

Votes were cast by people who would oppress and deny the humanity of some of us  but that fact is not true of all of the more than 74 million people who voted for Trump. There are people out there who fell for his lies but, I believe, dont wish to see pregnant women bleed out in parking lots, or the planet burn up, or migrants deported.

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And those are our fellow citizens with whom we must engage.

There is neither time nor space for cynicism about politics today. The right to engage in politics is a privilege; one with which my parents did not grow up. It is a privilege we cannot give up and one of which we cannot tire.

This is going to be a challenge. The end of the tunnel is there but, right now, its too far away to see the light. So, we will use flashlights until we get closer to the other side, and we will hold them for each other.

But what you have, what we have, is agency. America chose a republic over a monarchy 248 years ago, and we still have that republic, but, as Benjamin Franklins admonition comes back to remind us time and again, we only have a republic if we can keep it.

And now that is our work.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
ALLIANCE, Ohio (WJW)  The Alliance Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a missing woman.

Vernisha Hawkins, 42, of Alliance, was last seen on Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Alliance area, and has not been heard from since a phone call around 4 p.m. that day.

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Vernisha Hawkins, Courtesy: Alliance Police Department

According to police, Hawkins was on the phone during the call, in which she mentioned being in a car, but there has been no communication with her since. She has not returned home, answered her phone, or posted on social media, raising concerns from family members who are worried about her safety.

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Cedar Point ride removed to make way for future development

Hawkins was reported missing by relatives, and the Alliance Police Department is actively investigating her disappearance.

Anyone with information regarding Hawkins whereabouts is urged to contact the Alliance Police Department at (330) 821-9140.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
UPDATE: The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the missing mother and her children have been located safe and are canceling the Amber Alert. As such, we are removing their pictures and names from this story.

PHILLIPSBURG, Mo.  An Amber Alert has been issued for a mother and her two young daughters missing from their home near OFallon, Missouri. The St. Charles County Police Department is actively investigating the situation.

Corporal Barry Bayles, St. Charles County Police Department, reported that the incident began around 6 p.m. Sunday when the mother argued with someone at the familys mobile home in unincorporated St. Charles County. Following the dispute, she reportedly called someone to pick her and her children up in a black SUV.

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According to the Missouri Highway Patrols Amber Alert, the woman and her daughters left with two unidentified men. Later, they stopped at a gas station outside of Springfield, Missouri, where the mother briefly left the vehicle to use the restroom. When she returned, her children and the SUV were gone. The alert states that the mother and children were separated in Phillipsburg, Missouri, with the mother allegedly forced into a red pickup truck against her will. The children were last seen in the black SUV.

Authorities lack details on the make, model, or license plate of the SUV, and its current location is unknown. The alert also indicates the mothers phone last pinged in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at 1:30 a.m., with another ping detected in Texas around 8 a.m., though its unclear if that was her phone.

Police note that everyone involved is from Honduras, adding some language barriers to the investigation. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Where they could be going: Canada remains the top destination for disillusioned Americans, followed by the United Kingdom and Japan, according to a survey by Casino.org. Japans appeal is particularly growing, aided by new programs such as a digital nomad visa that allows eligible foreigners to live in the country for up to six months. Culture, job opportunities and healthcare are the top three reasons listed by those who expressed interest in moving abroad.
Ana Navarro left President Biden a message on Mondays edition of ABCs The View, recommending the sitting president pardon his son Hunter Biden.

And this is what Im going to tell Joe  Joe, since theyre talking smack about you anyways, you know what? Maybe pardon Hunter, she said. Pardon Hunter because we, basically America just pardoned a criminal who was convicted of felonies.

Hunter Biden has been found guilty on a variety of felony convictions after lying about his use of illicit drugs when applying to purchase a gun six years ago and unlawfully possessing it thereafter. He is the first child of a sitting president to face a criminal conviction.

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America just elected a man who pardoned Jared Kushners father, who set up his brother-in-law with a hooker and then sent the pictures to the sister because they were in the midst of a fight over the parents money, she added. Hes probably going to pardon some of the folks from Jan. 6, those insurrectionists. So, you know what? Its your son. He probably wouldnt have been prosecuted if his last name wasnt Biden. Baby, you got 2 1/2 months. Im good with you pardoning Hunter.

The White House has said there are no plans to pardon the presidents son after President-elect Trumps victory last week.

Our answer stands, which is no, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

Trump in earlier remarks did not rule out a pardon for Hunter Biden, saying that he wouldnt take it off the books. He offered the comments during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last month.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  This is the second year that the event Corvettes and Veterans was held at War Memorial Stadium in the capital city.

Organizer Jason Irby said its all about honoring those who stood in the line of duty for our country while also publicizing the veteran mental health resources available.

Things to do for Veterans Day in central Arkansas

Out here everybodys smiling, you see everyone is having a good time, Irby said. Veterans Day is a time when we can say thanks for your service.

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Irby is putting a new twist on how veterans are honored, gathering many of them across the capital city in Corvettes.

Its a small, swift, military lethal vehicle and a lot of people didnt know that Irby said.

The cars lined up, and the veterans got in for a parade that Arkansas schools and others participated in.

Deals from restaurants, retailers for Veterans Day 2024

Irby said the event brings joy, something that all veterans need with their mental health sometimes at stake, which is where the national American Legion steps in.

Were trying to destigmatize mental health, James LaCoursiere Jr. the national commander of the American Legion said. Theres various factors involved and a lot of times when I speak, Ill talk about PTSD, and TBI.

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LaCoursiere takes pride in getting veterans the help they need, and the program takes care and gives back to over a million of them a year.

As the event ended, old war gear, uniforms and items were all laid out, reminding veterans that their service is always appreciated.

I wish all the veterans and their families a very wonderful and safe Veterans Day weekend, LaCoursiere said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Anti-government protesters in Serbia on Monday demanded arrests and the resignations of top officials over the deadly collapse of a concrete roof at a railway station that killed 14 people in a northern city this month.

The rally in Belgrade blamed the collapse on rampant corruption and sloppy renovation work on the station building in Novi Sad  part of a wider deal with Chinese state companies involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the Balkan country.

Borislav Novakovic, a former mayor of Novi Sad, accused the ruling populists of filling their bloody pockets while filling cemeteries in Serbia." The state was "responsible for the crime that took 14 lives, he added. The crowd chanted jail in response.

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The several thousand protesters demanded that Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and his government step down and that those responsible for the collapse be arrested.

Authorities have opened an investigation and Serbias construction minister submitted his resignation last week, but no one has been charged or detained in connection with Nov. 1 accident.

Monday's rally was peaceful, unlike one last week in Novi Sad when masked people threw rocks, bottles and red paint at City Hall after thousands marched peacefully. Police used tear gas against the rioters.

Government officials have promised full accountability, but there is widespread skepticism because the populists control both the police and the judiciary.

The train station, originally built in 1964, has been renovated twice in recent years and was inaugurated by Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic and his populist ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, over two years ago as a major stopover for a planned fast train line between Belgrade and Budapest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The exhibition and discussions held under the "FINS Initiative" (International Protection of Marine Species) get underway within COP29 in Baku, Trend reports.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Founder and Head of IDEA Public Union, and Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center, viewed the exhibition organized at the COP29 venue and Seaside National Park within the framework of the project.

The special panel discussions and exhibition were organized under the "FINS Initiative" as well.

Over the course of eleven days, panel discussions will take place, along with presentations and documentary screenings at the pavilion set up in the COP29 Green Zone.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
In the days leading up to last week's election, signs posted around Santa Ana showed a community divided over whether residents who are not citizens should be allowed to vote in local races.

"Strengthen Our Democracy," read lawn signs, in English and Spanish, supporting Measure DD.

"Defend citizen's rights," said opposition banners hanging on fences throughout the city.

Casting his vote at the Orange County Registrar of Voters, Juan Molina said that although he has no prejudice against undocumented people, he believes voting rights should be reserved for citizens.

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"It has to be a U.S. citizen. We all go through steps to become a U.S. citizen," said Molina, 61.

That perspective won out in the end, with 60% of voters rejecting the measure that would have been the first in Southern California to give voting rights to noncitizens.

Read more: Noncitizens banned from voting in federal elections but not some local races

Santa Ana  which had more votes for Vice President Kamala Harris than President-elect Donald Trump  is a predominately Latino community of about 310,000 people. But experts say the votes against measure DD may indicate that voters, especially Latino voters, are shifting their attitudes about immigration.

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"This is kind of in line with trends we've been seeing in both polling and elections of the Latino community getting more conservative on issues of immigration," said Jon Gould, Dean of the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine.

It may also reflect how naturalized voters view citizenship, an often years-long and expensive lawful status to obtain.

"Nationally, there's this growing sense that citizenship matters. It's a process that needs to be respected," said Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant with expertise in Latino voting trends.

Read more: This misunderstanding of the Latino vote may be biggest blind spot in American politics

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Measure DD also arrived on the ballot during an election season heavy on anti-immigrant rhetoric as the GOP castigated the Biden-Harris administration for unlawful border crossings. Trump and other Republicans spread misinformation about noncitizens illegally voting in federal elections to skew results in favor of Democrats  despite laws and decades of studies that dispute claims of voter fraud.

Republicans introduced legislation in Congress this year that would have required states to obtain proof of U.S. citizenship when people register to vote. It was not successful, but several GOP-controlled states put similar measures on the ballot that won. Voters approved measures last week in Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin to explicitly ban noncitizens from voting in state and local elections.

Federal law already bans noncitizens from voting in presidential elections, and those who commit voter fraud may face imprisonment or deportation.

However, federal law allows states to set their own local and statewide election rules, which could include allowing noncitizens to vote in limited local elections, like school board or city council races. And two cities in Northern California are among several nationwide that already allow noncitizens to vote in some local elections.

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San Francisco passed Proposition N in 2016 to allow noncitizens with children under 18 years old to vote in school board elections. Prop N passed after two other similar measures were rejected in 2004 and 2010.

Read more: Noncitizen parents will again be able to vote in S.F. school board elections after group drops legal fight

Oakland also approved a measure in 2022 that allows noncitizens to vote in school board elections, but the law has not yet been enacted.

Both measures faced legal challenges from a conservative legal group, who dropped the fight after the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled last August that the laws did not violate the California Constitution.

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Measure DD would have amended the Santa Ana City Charter to allow noncitizen voting by the November 2028 general municipal election for city council positions.

The measure faced steep opposition from local officials and conservative groups such as Policy Issues Institute, who claimed it would be costly and litigious, and upend citizen's rights.

Carlos Perea, an immigrant rights advocate who supported the measure, said those groups "hit the panic button." The results, Perea added, reflect Trump's influence in a year when the former president campaigned heavily against illegal immigration.

"In the backdrop, we had this growing anti-immigrant, nativist, fascist rhetoric rising in the country," said Perea, the executive director of the Harbor Institute for Immigrant and Economic Justice.

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The campaign for the measure, which defined noncitizens as tax-paying undocumented people and green card holders, said it would allow for fairer elections, evoking the centuries-old slogan "no taxation without representation."

Perea said he was proud of the work he and other activists, including Latino and Vietnamese advocacy groups, pulled together to put the measure on the ballot. He noted they would keep trying to pass the measure in future elections  pointing to San Francisco's Prop N as an example.

"We are ready to introduce this again in the near future," Perea said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The 55-year-old audio producer told others to use IRA tactics in response to lockdown restrictions, a court heard - Central News/Met Police

An anti-vaxxer called for Covid-19 kill squads to target Boris Johnson and Prof Sir Chris Whitty, a court has heard.

Patrick Ruane, 55, encouraged his 26,000-strong audience on messaging app Telegram to adopt IRA tactics in response to lockdown restrictions.

He told groups named The Resistance UK and The Great Reopening to shoot people involved in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout and burn Big Pharma to the ground.

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The audio producer encouraged the use of weapons, guns and explosives, including whacking Sir Chris over the head with a bat, as he posted 2,000 messages inciting violent action.

Ruane, from Paddington, west London, denied two charges of encouraging terrorism but was convicted by a jury and jailed for five years.

The Covid denier claimed he could not have formed any intent when he posted the messages because he was blind drunk all day and every day.

Sentencing on Monday, Judge Richard Marks KC, told Ruane that vaccinations had saved lives and his messages were extremely dangerous at a volatile time.

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He said: This was an unprecedented time of fear and upheaval in this country and across the world.

The overwhelming view around the world was that the vaccines were hugely effectively [sic] in saving lives. You and others, however, did not share that opinion.

You were, of course, fully entitled to publicly vent your views and to do so in an extremely cogent and forceful way, if you chose.

You, however, went very much further and in so doing committed the offences of which you were convicted.

The judge said the defendant could not be sure that members of the groups would not act out what was said in the messages.

Find where they live and put kill squad together

Over a 10 month period in 2021, Ruane sent messages encouraging violence.

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These included: Dont know why the people dont go after the families and personnel of these drug companies, maim & kill them back and Im all for hunting them down and f---ing executing them where they stand as too many people have f---ing died and its not going to stop until we start killing them back.

Ruane repeatedly referred to Semtex in his messages, encouraging people to make the explosive so they could start blowing those f---ers apart.

In a message about further restrictions issued by Mr Johnson, Ruane said: IRA play book should be implemented.

Ruane also replied to a post about Sir Chris, saying: The weakest point of the scull [sic] is the back of the scull [sic] and all it would take is riding a bike very fast and whacking target over the back of head with a rounders bat but a mace (a piece of metal ball and chain) would be way better.

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He said this would turn said target into a vegetable for the rest of its life.

Sir Chris Whitty (pictured) and Boris Johnson both played major roles in formulating the UKs response to the pandemic - Heathcliff O'Malley

When someone posted about not allowing a satanist puppet to come near his children with that poison jab kill shots, the defendant encouraged others to find where they live, put a kill squad together and shoot them in their beds.

Ruane also advocated burning all the Big Pharmas offices, manufacturing plants and infrastructure to the ground and running over jabbers at zebra crossings.

Julia Faure Walker, prosecuting, said Ruane was angry, frustrated and upset about lockdown policies and believed conspiracy theories about a hidden agenda.

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She said that, while it is not illegal to believe in any particular ideology, Ruanes messages would be understood as encouragement to commit violent acts and it was irrelevant in law whether his posts had in fact encouraged anyone.

The prosecutor added that Ruane was struggling with alcohol during lockdown and would drink a bottle of vodka a day.

A dangerous man prolific in encouraging violence

Ruane was cleared of collecting information useful to a terrorist, relating to a manual entitled Anon  How To Make A Jolly Roger, which was said to include viable instructions on making Semtex.

He had denied the charges against him and claimed his film work gave him a reasonable excuse for being in possession of the manual containing Semtex instructions.

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Bethan David, the head of the counter-terrorism division at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: This is a dangerous man who was prolific in encouraging violence because of his firmly held beliefs in a conspiracy theory.

During a time when the nation was suffering a devastating pandemic and many lost loved ones, Patrick Ruane was using Telegram to spread false and damaging information and encourage violence and terrorism.

He posed a credible threat to the peace and safety of the public, and it is only right that he has been found guilty today. The CPS will always seek to prosecute such appalling criminal behaviour whether carried out in person or online to keep the public safe.

Acting Commander Gareth Rees, from the Metropolitan Polices Counter Terrorism Command, said: Our investigation found large numbers of posts by Ruane where he was encouraging others to carry out extremely violent acts, all because he didnt like the Governments response to the pandemic.

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This wasnt idle chit-chat online  he was encouraging people to seriously injure or kill others, suggesting who to target.

This case should serve as a warning that if youre encouraging people to commit acts of terrorism, then we will investigate. Where we find evidence of this, then there are very serious consequences, something that Ruane is now facing.

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As Democrats search for answers after Tuesdays crushing defeat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asked her supporters to share why they voted for Donald Trump.

The congresswoman, who was comfortably reelected as New Yorks 14th Congressional representative last week, asked her 8 million Instagram followers why they backed Trump for the presidential election but voted Democrat in down-ballot races.

If you voted for Donald Trump and me, or if you voted for Donald Trump and voted Democratic down-ballot, I would really love to hear from you, she posted in an Instagram story on Sunday.

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This is not a place of judgment, Im not gonna put your stuff on blast or anything like that or dunk on it. That is genuinely not the intent here, she said. I actually want to learn from you, I want to hear what youre thinking.

The Bronx and Queens Democrat shared some of the responses and may have been surprised when some of her followers compared her to the president-elect.

I feel like Trump and you are both real, one person said.

You also signified change. Trump signified change. Ive said lately, Trump sounds more like you, another wrote.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez search for answers saw her being compared with Trump (AP)

Its real simpleTrump and you care for the working class, someone else said.

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I feel that you both are outsiders compared to the rest of DC and less establishment, one her followers added, while another said: You are focused on the real issues people care about. Similar to Trump populism in some ways.

Others said they voted for Ocasio-Cortez and Trump because of the war in Gaza and disappointment with the Biden administration.

Responding to a follower who said some of the answers made them want to barf, Ocasio-Cortez said: Sometimes you gotta dig in and see it to understand and adapt! Even if it makes you want to barf.

A senior Democratic aide on Capitol Hill told the New York Post that the informal survey showed that the Democrats have to figure out how to harvest authenticity.

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Thats who wins, they told the newspaper. Trump is authentic. Harris was grown in a lab. People can tell.

Some Democrats think swapping Joe Biden for Kamala Harris was their deadly mistake. Others have blamed Biden himself, saying he took far too long to drop out.

Progressives point to the Biden administrations stance on Israel and the Harris campaigns attempts to appeal to moderates and anti-Trump Republicans.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led a call for immediate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon at a joint meeting of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Riyadh on Monday.

In a joint statement, the Arab and Muslim leaders condemned Israelis actions in the context of the crime of genocide.

The call followed a decision by Qatar to stop trying to mediate between Hamas and Israel, although Doha has left the door open to future talks.

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Many regional leaders had taken a wait-and-see approach prior to the US presidential election, The New York Times reported, with many seeing Trumps win as likely to mean any potential progress on securing a Gaza ceasefire will not come until he takes office in January.

SIGNALS

Israel feels emboldened after Trumps victory

Sources: Semafor, The New York Times, Axios

Donald Trump has said he wants Israel to wind down its war in Gaza, although most Israel officials expect that he will grant them freer reign in the territory. I encourage [Netanyahu] to get this over with, Trump said in August, while criticizing Kamala Harris efforts to tie Israels hand behind its back. Israeli politicians have warmly welcomed Trumps reelection, with at least one openly talking about the potential of annexing the West Bank after Trump returns to the White House. Even so, Trump and Netanyahu had a stormy relationship during the president-elects first term in office, with Trump reportedly accusing the Israeli leader of disloyalty.

Trump administration may seek to expand Abraham Accords

Sources: Al Monitor, Deutsche Welle, Breaking Defense

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Trump had said he would prioritize expanding the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and some Arab states during his first term as US president. Once back in office, the president-elect is expected to revive a plan for a Saudi-Israel peace deal, including a strengthened defense agreement with Riyadh in exchange for the resumption of diplomacy with Tel Aviv. Saudi officials, however, have said a deal is off the table until there is a resolution to Palestinian statehood. One expert told Breaking Defense that discussions of Israeli normalization are toxic in the Arab world, adding that Riyadh would be taking a significant risk by signing a deal at a time when images of death and destruction in Palestine are livestreaming 24/7.

Israel sees pathway in Lebanon ceasefire talks

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Times of Israel

Despite the overall regional uncertainty, Israels foreign minister said Monday there was certain progress in negotiations for a ceasefire in Lebanon, although he added that challenges remain as to how it might be enforced. A Hezbollah official, however, told a news conference that while there is great movement between Washington, and Moscow, and Tehran and a number of capitals, toward a deal, we are still in the phase of testing the waters. Russia may be poised to take a more active part in talks, with an Israeli official telling The Times of Israel that an Israeli delegation to Moscow had discussed the Kremlins role in ensuring weapons are not transported through Syria to Hezbollah.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has rejected calls to resign after a report found the Church of England covered up the abhorrent abuse of more than 100 boys and young men for years.

John Smyth QCs abuse could have been exposed in 2013 if Justin Welby had followed up to ensure the police investigated concerns.

Smyth is said to have subjected as many as 130 boys and young men to appalling sexual violence, but died in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police.

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Three members of the General Synod have launched a petition which calls on Welby to resign following the report.

The Rev Richard Coles, the radio presenter, has also called for him to resign while the Rev Giles Fraser, the vicar and columnist, said it was unlikely he could remain in post.

Rev Coles posted on X, formerly Twitter: Anyone in authority who knew about an abuser and did not act properly so that abuse continued should resign. Then [we need] a reset that begins with making safeguarding in the CofE independent of the CofE.

Rev Fraser posted: I think it seems increasingly unlikely that the Archbishop of Canterbury can survive in post, given the growing chorus of calls for his resignation from amongst his own clergy.

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A Lambeth Palace spokesperson told The Times that Welby reiterates his horror over Smyths abuse and has apologised profoundly both for his own failures and omissions and for the wickedness, concealment and abuse by the church more widely.

She added: He had no awareness or suspicion of the allegations before he was told in 2013. And therefore, having reflected, he does not intend to resign.

John Smyth was able to move to Zimbabwe and South Africa while church officers knew of the abuse

It comes after Welby said on Thursday, the day of the reports publication, that he had thought about resigning that morning.

He told Channel 4 News: I have given it (resigning) a lot of thought and have taken advice as recently as this morning from senior colleagues, and, no, I am not going to resign.

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Asked if he considered resigning on Thursday morning, Mr Welby said yes.

Mr Welby said he had no idea or suspicion of this abuse before 2013 but acknowledged the review had found that after its wider exposure that year he had personally failed to ensure it was investigated.

Mr Welby knew Smyth because of his attendance at the Iwerne Christian camps in the 1970s, but the review said there was no evidence that he had maintained any significant contact with the barrister in later years.

It said while he knew him and did have reason to have some concern about him this was not the same as suspecting he had committed severe abuses, and concluded it was not possible to establish whether Mr Welby knew of the severity of the abuses in the UK before 2013.

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But the report said Smyth could and should have been formally reported to the police in the UK, and to authorities in South Africa (church authorities and potentially the police) by church officers, including a diocesan bishop and Justin Welby in 2013.

It said: had that been done, on the balance of probabilities Smyth could have been brought to justice at a much earlier point than the Hampshire Police investigation in early 2017.

It added: Opportunities to establish whether he continued to pose an abusive threat in South Africa were missed because of these inactions by senior church officers.

The report also stated: In effect, three and a half years were lost, a time within which John Smyth could have been brought to justice and any abuse he was committing in South Africa discovered and stopped.

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Its authors concluded that, in their opinion, Justin Welby held a personal and moral responsibility to pursue this further, whatever the policies at play at the time required.

Others have warned against treating Welby as a scapegoat, noting that some church officials knew far more than Welby about Smyths abuse for decades but covered it up.

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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) on Sunday pledged to move forward with the states fake electors case against several allies of President-elect Trump, despite his recent victory in the 2024 election.

The case, which is set to go to trial in January 2026, charges ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, former Trump personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and more than a dozen other defendants with alleged crimes related to a conspiracy to subvert the presidential election results in Arizona in 2020.

In an interview with MSNBCs Ali Velshi, Mayes said she would not be intimidated into dropping the case simply because Trump won the 2024 election.

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I have no intention of dropping that case, Mayes said in the interview. A grand jury in the state of Arizona decided that these individuals who engaged in an attempt to overthrow our democracy in 2020 should be held accountable.

So we wont be cowed. We wont be intimidated. And patriots across the country must stand up for our Constitution, for what is lawful, she added.

Meadows and Giuliani are among the 16 total defendants with remaining charges, all of whom have pleaded not guilty.

The state has accused Giuliani of spreading false claims of election fraud and pressuring state and local officials to change the outcome of the election. Prosecutors also say he presided over a gathering in Phoenix after the election where he accused officials of making no effort to determine the accuracy of the elections outcome.

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Several other defendants, the so-called fake electors, signed a document falsely claiming Trump won Arizonas 2020 presidential election.

The alternate-electors scheme relied on then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify false slates of Trump electors in battleground states that went for President Biden, or for Pence to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the different slates and refuse to certify. Pence declined to do so, with the resulting tensions culminating on Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump is not a defendant in the case but is described as unindicted co-conspirator 1 in charging documents. He has been charged, however, in a similar election conspiracy case in Georgia for his alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state.

Prosecutors in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada have also filed criminal charges related to the scheme, though in June the Nevada case was dismissed, a decision that state prosecutors have appealed.

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Ella Lee contributed

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The Arizona Supreme Court declined to extend the states deadline for voters to fix problems with their mail ballots after finding no evidence of disenfranchisement.

The American Civil Liberties Unions (ACLU) Arizona arm and the Campaign Legal Center raised concerns that thousands of mail ballots wont be processed until after Sundays 5 p.m. MST deadline, meaning some voters wont know if their ballot has an issue until it is too late to cure it.

The states top court declined the groups emergency petition, which was filed Saturday, that sought to extend the statutory deadline. The petition asked the court to provide voters with four days to cure their ballot after being notified of a deficiency.

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No county that responded asked for an extension, and each asserted they made reasonable efforts to notify voters with inconsistent signatures, the court noted.

Thus, the Court is not presented with evidence that any voters will be prevented from curing a defective ballot by todays 5:00 p.m. deadline. In short, there is no evidence of disenfranchisement before the Court, the courts order reads.

The ACLU filed its petition alongside the League of United Latin American Citizens. The Republican National Committee (RNC) filed court papers opposing the request.

ACLU lost its hail mary last minute lawsuit to extend the cure period for mail ballots lacking signature matches. Ballot curing is now over in Arizona. Lets finish the tabulation and wrap this up, Harmeet Dhillon, who represented the RNC, wrote on X.

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Arizona State Senate President Warren Petersen (R), who similarly filed a brief opposing the ACLU, wrote Court ruled as predicted. ACLU lost. We won.



We encourage voters to check their ballot status. We will continue to advocate to make sure all votes are counted, the ACLU of Arizona said in a statement.

Before mail ballots are tabulated in Arizona, each county recorder processes them to verify the voters signature. When issues are discovered, state law requires officials to make reasonable efforts to notify the voter and provide them an opportunity to cure their ballot.

But state law also provides that voters have until five days after the election to do so.

More than 67,000 early ballots had yet to be processed as of Sunday, according to estimates from the Arizona secretary of states office. The majority  57,000  are from Maricopa County, the states most populous area that includes Phoenix.

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All responding counties advise that all such affected voters have received at least one telephone call along with other messages by emails, text messages or mail, the court wrote in its order.

Updated at 9:37 pm ET.

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Arkansas Children's main campus in Little Rock (Courtesy of Arkansas Children's Hospital)

An Arkansas physician received a $662,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study why children in the state suffer more from asthma than their peers in other states, the Arkansas Childrens Hospital announced in a Monday press release.

Dr. Akilah Jefferson of the Arkansas Childrens Research Institute will spend the next four years leading a team of researchers to explore factors like a childs home environment, access to healthcare and the quality of care they receive, the release states.

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One in four Arkansas children has asthma, a significantly higher percentage than the U.S. average of 6.5%, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A childs ZIP code should have nothing to do with how easy it is for them to breathe, Jefferson said in the release. Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has the chance to breathe easy and thrive.

Arkansas children are more likely to have asthma and its accompanying complications if they live in rural areas and come from low-income or minority backgrounds.

Jeffersons research goal is to find ways to improve childrens asthma outcomes in rural areas, which could include providing better education about asthma management, increasing access to healthcare, or addressing environmental factors that can trigger asthma attacks, the release states.

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Jefferson treats children with allergies and immune system conditions at Arkansas Childrens in both Little Rock and Springdale. She is also an assistant professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine.

Dr. Tamara Perry, the Allergy and Immunology chief at Arkansas Childrens and a professor of Pediatrics at the UAMS College of Medicine, will be Jeffersons mentor during her research, the release states.

The Arkansas Childrens Research Institute received a $3-million, 5-year grant in 2018 to create a mobile help app to help adolescent asthma sufferers improve health outcomes.

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GLOBALink | Industry insiders impressed at maritime engineering equipment expo in China's Xiamen Pub Date:24-11-11 10:43 Source:Xinhua

"I'm not surprised. China's footprint in the maritime industry speaks for itself. It's incredibly impressive," said an industry insider attending a maritime engineering equipment expo in China's Xiamen. Editor:Qin Shuying

Related News Colorful CIIE: Magic shoes that make you '... China Focus: Scientists harvest sweet spac... China-Europe SMILE satellite to depart for... Shenzhou-18 mission returns samples for ex...
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Events and meetings with officials from international organizations and different countries will be held within COP29 with the organization and partnership of the Ministry of Economy on various issues, Trend reports.

The Ministry of Economy, together with the World Economic Forum, will organize a high-level session on "The Power of Cooperation: Joining Efforts to Achieve Net Zero" on November 13, within the framework of the Summit of World Leaders on Combating Climate Change.

The Climate Platform for Business, Investment, and Philanthropy will organize a series of events and discussions on climate finance and strategic partnerships.

Climate FIT Day, jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy and the World Trade Organization (WTO), will be held on 14 November, where the Baku Initiative on Climate Finance, Investment and Trade (BICFIT) will be presented.

COP29 will host the event Strengthening a Sustainable Future: Stimulating Green Growth through Finance, and the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) will be presented.

Also, there will be events Partnership with CAREC on Climate, Innovation, and Trade, "Organization of Turkic States Partnership on Climate, Innovation, Green Economy and Trade", and SPECA Dialogue Ministerial Meetings on Climate and Innovation.

On November 15, the Day of Energy, Peace, Relief, and Recovery, within the framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and the Center for International Development "Growth Lab" of Harvard University, the presentation of the global portal "Green Growth" will be held, and there will also be events on "Carbon pricing: current challenges and new strategies", "Development of sustainable finance and climate resilience strategies through public-private partnership projects and the role of the private sector in addressing climate issues".

On November 16, Science, Technology and Innovation-Digitalization Day, the conference The Role of SMEs in the Green Economy and the events The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence: Reducing Environmental Impact and Sustainable Development, The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: A New Era of Governance in the Digital Economy with a Technology Forecast, etc. will be held.

On November 20, the Day of Urbanization, Transport, and Tourism, a roundtable of EBRD green city leaders from the SPECA region is scheduled, and a briefing on the SPECA Multilateral Trust Fund is also planned.

In the framework of COP 29, the Ministry of Economy and bodies under the Ministry are planning to sign documents with the Islamic Development Bank, the International Trade Center, and several foreign companies.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy will hold a number of meetings with representatives of international organizations and officials of different countries.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
An Arkansas man faces possible jail time after allegedly poaching a 15-point deer in Arkansas and entering the animal in a big-buck contest in Louisiana.

Andrew Riels, 27, of Crossett, Ark., was cited recently for hunting contest fraud and violating interstate commerce regulations by agents with the Louisiana Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

The agents were informed of Reils activities by wildlife agents in Arkansas.

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During the investigation, agents learned that Riels illegally harvested a 15-point buck during illegal hours on Sept. 8 near Crosset, Ark., the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries stated in a news release. Riels then entered the buck into the Simmons Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest in Bastrop [La.] later that same day.

Riels was cited for the illegal killing of the buck on Oct. 30 in Arkansas.

Hunting contest fraud in Louisiana is punishable by a fine of up to $3,000 and one year in jail. Violation of interstate commerce regulations is punishable by a fine of up to $950 and 120 days in jail.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Arkansas deer hunter accused of 'contest fraud' in Louisiana
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An 18-year-old is in custody after a drive-by shooting led to a police chase on Friday in Marianna, Arkansas.

The Marianna Police Department says they responded to the 300 block of Doby Lane regarding a shots-fired call. Upon arrival, officers say several cars began speeding away from the scene.

When the cars refused to stop, a police chase was initiated. Shortly afterward, the chase ended near Highway 1 and Highway 242 in Phillips County.

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Drive-by shooting leaves 3 injured, Methodist South hospital on brief lock down

Officers say preliminary findings led to the arrest of 18-year-old Omari Palmer.

Palmer is charged with four counts of terroristic acts, two counts of aggravated assault, fleeing, and 16 counts of misdemeanor charges. His bond has not been set.

We are thankful that no one was injured in this dangerous incident, said Chief Rodney Perry. However, this type of reckless behavior endangers the safety of our community. Our officers acted swiftly and decisively to bring the situation under control, but we still need the publics help to fully understand what led to this act of violence. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.

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If you have any information that could help the police, call the Marianna Police Department at (870) 295-2508.

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A young US Army soldier from Chicago who died fighting in World War II has spent nearly 80 years as nameless remains. Now he's been identified, and will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery.

The 19-year-old soldier, Jeremiah P Mahoney, was part of an anti-tank company working to counter German forces in France.

In January 1945, the Germans pushed his position at Reipertswiller, France during a fierce counterattack which included heavy artillery and motar fire.

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Mahoney was digging a foxhole when the German shelling began, according to theNew York Times.

Shells were falling, another soldier in his company wrote in a letter to Mahoney's mother. One came close and this fellow jumped into the foxhole on top of Mahoney. Then, at once, another one came in bursting in a tree, spraying shrapnel downward into this open half-finished hole.

Mahoney was killed by the blast. His company was driven out of Reipertswiller by the German push, meaning his body could not immediately be recovered by Allied troops. In 1946, finding no evidence that Mahoney had been captured and with no remains to confirm his death, the US War Department issued a presumptive death finding.

Now, nearly 80 years later, researchers with the Defense Department's POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)  which tries to find and identify the bodies of service members who go missing during wars  believe they've identified Mahoney's remains.

US Army Private Jeremiah P Mahoney, 19, of Chicago, died during a battle with German soldiers in France in 1945. Defense Department investigators using DNA analysis recently identified Mahoneys remains. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in 2025 (The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)

Mahoney was first discovered by French de-mining workers in 1947, who located numerous human remains in Reipertswiller. They informed US military officials of their findings, who then ordered for the remains to be collected and returned to the US for identification.

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The 19-year-old's remains were among those found, but due to technological limitations no one could positively identify them.

He  and the other 8,500 sets of American WWII remains that were never identified  were ultimately buried under the name "unknown" in American military cemeteries around the world. Mahoney was laid to rest at the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium in 1949.

In the years since Mahoney died, forensic techniques and DNA analysis have improved considerably, allowing investigators to crack decades-old cold cases and catch elusive serial killers with just scraps of biological materials. Those same tools were also used to match Mahoney's name to his remains.

In 2022, Mahoney was exhumed from his grave and his remains were tested against biological samples provided by his living relatives. They matched.

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Jerry Mannell, 72, is Mahoney's nephew. The two never met, but he told the Times he finally feels some amount of "familiarity" with his uncle. He also expressed some sadness that Mahoney's immediately family died before a positive ID was made.

Still, he praised the US Army for continuing to work toward identifying his uncle all those years later.

Kudos to the Army for sticking with this for 75 years, he told the TImes. So they truly leave no soldier behind.

Next spring  100 years after his birth  Mahoney will be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

More than 72,000 Americans who fought in World War II are still awaiting location and identification. 7,500 still remain missing from the Korean War, while the number stands at 1,500 from Vietnam.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Police Department said a 41-year-old man who had gone missing Sunday evening was found safe. Police said the man has Down syndrome.

APD put out a media release on Monday asking for the publics help locating the man.

Police on Tuesday morning said he had been located and was safe.

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UPDATE: The two people found dead at a Tyler residence Sunday night have been identified as Rolanda Garcia-Vasquez, 38 of Tyler, and Fidel Meza-Marmolejo, 43 of Dallas, officials said.

The Tyler Police Department said Garcia-Vasquez lived at the residence.

TYLER, Texas (KETK)  A woman and a man were found dead at a Mockingbird Lane home on Sunday and the Tyler Police Department said theyre investigating it as a homicide-suicide.

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UPDATE: Man who died after fall from Trinity County cell tower identified

According to the police department, shortly after 7 p.m. officers were dispatched to a shooting at the 1400 block of Mockingbird Ln. When police arrived, they found a woman dead who looked like had been shot.

Officials said a man who appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound was also found dead.

The identities of the individuals are being withheld until family can be notified and it is an active investigation, Tyler PD said.

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Traditional healing services provided through the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribally-operated health facilities in Arizona will now be covered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state's Medicaid program. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

Indigenous people have relied on traditional healing practices within their communities for generations and continue to do so alongside Western medicine within various tribal health care facilities across Arizona.

Even though traditional healing services have not been covered under federal programs like Medicaid, many health care facilities in tribal communities continue to offer these services to Indigenous patients.

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Because the services were being offered at some tribal health care facilities, a working group through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizonas Medicaid program, was established to figure out how traditional healing services could be reimbursed.

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Dr. John Molina, who is Pascua Yaqui and Yavapai Apache from the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care, is part of the AHCCCS traditional healing workgroup.

He said the groups work started more than 10 years ago and has been driven by the fact that there is still a significant presence of traditional healing services that patients are utilizing within tribal communities.

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This is something that our people are still using, even though many folks believe that traditional healing services are probably a thing of the past, Molina said. It really isnt.

After about a decade of work, AHCCCS received approval in October from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover traditional healing services provided through the Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribally-operated health facilities in Arizona.

Indigenous traditional healing is a whole medical system encompassing a range of holistic treatments used by Indigenous healers to treat many acute and chronic conditions or promote health and well-being, according to the National Institutes of Health/National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

Federal approval of coverage for traditional healing services in Arizona and multiple other states represents a watershed moment in recognizing the importance of culturally competent care, AHCCCS Director Carmen Heredia said in a statement. The administration first sought reimbursement for traditional healing through Medicaid in 2015 and again in 2020.

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As we continue this work in partnership with Arizonas Indigenous communities, we look forward to the positive impact these services will have on the health and well-being of our members, Heredia said.

According to the agency, CMS approval allows AHCCCS to establish a process and policies for reimbursing services provided by traditional healers employed by or contracted with an IHS or tribally operated health center. Urban Indian Organizations may also offer services through a care coordination agreement with an approved IHS or tribally operated facility.

According to the agency, traditional healing services can be provided only to AHCCCS members eligible to receive services through an IHS or tribally operated facility.

Christine Holden, the tribal liaison for AHCCCS, said getting federal approval is the first step, and AHCCCS will move forward with plans to get state approval.

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Once AHCCCS receives the necessary approval from the Arizona legislature, a timeline will be established for implementation, and members and providers will be notified of the effective date.

Traditional healing services take various forms, including sweat lodges, smudging, and ceremonies. AHCCCS stated that federal approval represents a critical first step toward allowing traditional healers to bill for services under Medicaid.

Molina said this reassures that the IHS facilities and other tribally-operated health facilities in Arizona can continue to offer these services, but give those who have yet to provide them a chance to do so.

Traditional healing services are so part of our lifestyle (and) our culture because it brings a sense of wellness and healing that sometimes Western medicine does not, Molina said.

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Molina said traditional healing incorporates the spiritual aspect of our well-being and health, which Indigenous people have done for centuries, even before colonization.

Its been a cornerstone of our culture and of our health, the wellness of our communities, he added. So, it only makes sense that this is something that our people would be very open to continue to work in their communities and with their families.

Holden said integrating traditional healing practices into Medicaid is not just a policy change, but recognition.

It is recognition of the value that tribes, our cultures, and our traditions have and what incorporating those practices into the Western system means for our people, Holden said. Its a more inclusive health care system that is responsive to our cultural needs.

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Holden, who is White Mountain Apache and Hopi, said making traditional healing services more widely available is huge for Indigenous communities in Arizona because tribes have been using those practices since time immemorial.

This is a step in the right direction in terms of expanding that availability and ensuring inclusivity, she said.

Approval of traditional healing services on the federal level not only respects Indigenous traditional knowledge but also Tribal sovereignty.

We have a right to determine the management of our healthcare, Molina said. As Indigenous nations across the country, were exercising our sovereign right to have these healing services.

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Holden said that AHCCCSs ability to reimburse for traditional healing services is very much about respecting tribal sovereignty.

Tribes have the right to determine what health care looks like, and they are the best situated to determine what that health care looks like for their members, she said.

Holden said this move honors the autonomy of tribal nations in integrating their cultural practices into the modern health care system. She said this not only strengthens Indigenous communities but also sets a precedent for the community to stay true to ensuring health equity on a national and global scale.

Im hopeful that this will be a push in the right direction and setting a new precedent across the United States so that all of our relatives have the option to seek their traditional healing practices and incorporate that into their health care, she added.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Police officers are attempting to locate a missing juvenile last seen in south Bakersfield.

Raul Olague, 16, was last seen in the 1500 block of Lotus Lane on Nov. 9, according to the Bakersfield Police Department. It was about 9 p.m. when Olague went missing and police say he is at-risk due to no prior history of running away.

Olague is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. He has brown eyes, brown hair and was wearing a dark blue sweater with a white logo on the back at the time of his disappearance.

He also had on dark blue shorts, white socks and sandals.

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Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Bakersfield Police

Department at 661-327-7111.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov held a meeting with the First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Jurgen Rigterink, Trend reports.

The sides exchanged views on projects envisioned to promote a green economy, cooperation towards transition to low-carbon solutions, and initiatives supporting the strengthening of public-private partnerships.

At the meeting, it was noted the holding of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan, our country's active participation in global climate action, and successful partnership with the EBRD in various directions. It was emphasized that the promotion of a green economy occupies an important place in the goals of the socio-economic development of Azerbaijan. During the meeting, steps to be taken to strengthen joint activities in the field of green economy, use of renewable and alternative energy sources, support of public-private partnerships, realization of infrastructure projects, and other areas were discussed. The importance of diversification of cooperation towards transition to low-carbon energy solutions was noted. Prospects of platforms that will strengthen the partnership between Azerbaijan and EBRD within COP29 were discussed.

First Vice President of the EBRD Jurgen Rigterink noted the Bank's effective cooperation with our country and the importance of the events held within COP29. According to him, Azerbaijan's rich economic potential creates prospects for expansion of relations, and the Bank's support for Azerbaijan will continue.

The parties exchanged views on the usefulness of Azerbaijan-EBRD relations for sustainable development and effective measures to combat climate change, as well as prospects for joint projects.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Veterans Day, the federal holiday to honor those who have served in the military, is Monday and most major retailers are open, but banks and post offices are closed.

Origins of Veterans Day span back to World War I when Germany and the Allies signed a 1918 agreement to end war. The next year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

Here's what to know about banks, post offices, and schools in Milwaukee, and whether they will be open on the federal holiday.

When is Veterans Day 2024?

Veterans Day is on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.

Are banks open on Veterans Day?

Branches of Bank of America, Truist, PNC, Capital One, Wells Fargo and other banks are closed on Monday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

Is the post office open on Veterans Day? Will mail be delivered?

No, post offices are closed on Veterans Day and mail will not be delivered because it is a federal holiday.

Are shipping services, like UPS and FedEx, open on Veterans Day?

UPS pickup and delivery services are available on Monday, Nov. 11, however UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries require one additional business days' time in transit due to the USPS federal holiday. UPS Store locations will also be open.

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FedEx pickup and delivery services are also available on Monday, and FedEx Office locations are also open.

Are major retailers like Walmart and Target open on Veterans Day?

Most major retailers, such as Walmart and Target, remain open on Veterans Day.

Will the city of Milwaukee garbage pickup change on Veterans Day?

In the city of Milwaukee, garbage collection is not paused on Veterans Day. You can check your schedule to see when garbage pickup is scheduled for your area.

Are Milwaukee Public Schools closed on Veterans Day?

Milwaukee Public Schools remain open on Veterans Day, according to its calendar.

Are Wisconsin State Parks open on Veterans Day?

Wisconsin state parks are open on Veterans Day and are free for state residents who are service members.

RELATED: For Veterans Day, Oneida leader shares story of pain and peace following Vietnam War

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Veterans Day 2024: Are banks, UPS and schools closed in Wisconsin?
Israel has said there is progress in talks about a ceasefire and indicated Russia could play a part. On todays episode of Battle Lines, Venetia and Roland look at what this means and go over the latest news updates from around the region, including a voicenote from an aid worker fleeing northern Gaza and meetings between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

They also chat to Reuters Beirut Bureau Chief Maya Gebeily about how Lebanese politicians and citizens are coping with the fighting, what is behind Israels increasing attacks on Syria, and why the conflict in Lebanon is her most difficult reporting assignment yet.

Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favourite podcast app.

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.
Josh Shapiro is already fielding calls from Democratic Party leaders in Pennsylvania urging him to run for president. Gavin Newsom held a Friday call with about 50,000 people in his small-donor network and called a special legislative session designed to Trump-proof California. And Pete Buttigieg is set to tout his Cabinet accomplishments in a series of events as he winds down his official role.

Democrats are only a few days into recriminations over why they blew the presidential race. But conversations and moves by ambitious Democrats focused on 2028 have already begun.

Kamala Harris, of course, could still run again, and centered herself as the leader of the movement against Trumpism in her concession at Howard University. But potential rivals are already entertaining entreaties from their backers to make moves, testing their fundraising operations, and situating themselves as leaders of the resistance to Donald Trump in the states.

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For Democrats rising stars, there was a silver lining in the blow dealt to them by Trumps victory. Before Harris defeat, it looked like a generation of Democratic talent might be sidelined for a decade or more. Now, they have a new lease on a political future at a time when the party is searching for a way back from the wilderness.

The public 2028 campaign starts the first day Trump is in office, when he signs his first executive order, said Dan Sena, a consultant who led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. But the behind-the-scenes work starts today, the moving and maneuvering is well underway now.

The primary field, as it was in 2020, could be gigantic, including any number of governors, lawmakers and Cabinet secretaries. In addition to Harris, Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, 60, is drawing attention inside the Harris-Walz orbit.



When Democrats start talking about 2028, six months ago, Walz's name wouldn't have been on the list, now it might be on the top, a former Harris staffer, granted anonymity to assess the field, told POLITICO.

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Near the top of the scrum of hopefuls, Newsom could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Harriss loss, given the sheer amount of overlap between their California-based networks. With his final term up in two years, he has long been considered a future presidential contender and his team has been building up to the moment when there isnt an incumbent in his path. Indeed, few Democrats are as prepared to launch a national campaign.

An emerging leader of the anti-Trump resistance, Newsom has a full-time political operation that includes Harris lead 2024 pollster and several of her current and former advisers; raised $151 million for himself and others since 2020; has a combined small-donor list that includes nearly 30 million emails and phone numbers and is close to some of the countrys biggest donors.

With his party suddenly on the outs, hes leapt in to fill the void, calling his Democratic-dominated Legislature back to Sacramento for a special session to help safeguard the state from Trump on climate, immigration and reproductive rights  everything from abortion bans and slashing electric vehicles to deportation raids and withholding federal disaster aid.

But Newsom and his team have been hesitant to appear too hungry, believing Democrats are tired of 24/7 campaigning. Instead, he is working to emphasize the policy implications of Trump returning to office with the understanding that liberal California  more than any other state  is destined to be in the president-elects crosshairs.

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On the political side, Newsom is re-activating his volunteer army that since June has sent a combined 33 million texts and logged 85,000 calls urging Democrats to vote in the presidential race. Newsom held a zoom call late Friday for his network where he promised to defend the state from Trump, but not to fight him just for the sake of partisan combat.

I revere this country, I revere the presidency, and I want our president to succeed and our job  my job  is not to wake up every single day and get a crowbar and try to put it in the spokes of the wheel of the Trump administration, Newsom said. In that spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist, that's how we want to proceed. That said  I'm not naive either, and we're pragmatic and we will stand firm.

And then there are Harris discarded veep shortlisters, including Shapiro and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and others who landed in the conversation, like Buttigieg and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

In the wake of Harris loss, some Democratic officials and operatives have looked to Shapiro as a kind of would-be savior, asking whether he could have helped carry Pennsylvania if Harris had chosen him as her running mate. As Shapiros national star has risen this year, hes raised $9 million for his gubernatorial campaign, up for reelection in 2026. On the other hand, if the election was a test of his clout in Pennsylvania, it wasnt enough to keep Harris from losing the state.

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Buttigieg has neither ruled in or ruled out a 2028 bid, nor has he declined a potential run for Michigan governor in 2026 after relocating to the state and registering to vote there. But the soon-to-be outgoing transportation secretary, working in his personal capacity, dusted off his fundraising operation for the top of the ticket and showed he still had juice, raising $16 million for Harris and President Joe Biden  a few hundred thousand dollars more than Newsom raised for the team. In the final days of the campaign, he crisscrossed the Blue Wall states for the campaign. And on the eve of Election Day, he called Democrats up and down the ballot to check in on their races.

At 42, Buttigieg could also take a pass on the race and still run in the future. But his ability to communicate on Fox News and other hostile media environments may give him new purchase in a country that has drifted right. Even as he campaigned for down-ballot Michigan candidates the day before the election, he heard requests to look at higher office himself. At one party headquarters, he stopped in to greet volunteers, and a woman said to him, We want to see you as president in our life. He flashed a smile.

Buttigieg is expected to wrap up his Cabinet role by burnishing his and the Biden administrations accomplishments in a series of events  including going back to his alma mater for the Harvard University Institute of Politics fireside chat in the next few days, where he will also talk about the challenges facing the next administration.

And nearly every one of the Democratic Partys top prospects paraded through New Hampshire this year on campaign swings for Biden and then Harris that continued long after it was clear the erstwhile swing state would stay blue.



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The roster was part 2020 retread  Buttigieg, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and even Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.)  and part up-and-comers. Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited over the summer, the former in a bid to prop up Bidens flailing campaign, the latter to promote Harris nascent candidacy. Pritzker came over Labor Day weekend, followed by Beshear in October. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) also paid a visit in October. Then, six days before an election that would hinge on his critical swing state, it was Shapiros turn.

Many of the same names  plus others such as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore  also made sure to include the state in their blitzes of key states breakfasts at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. California Rep. Ro Khanna, a frequent flier to New Hampshire, even sponsored the states breakfasts for the week.

The attention the partys bench has showered on New Hampshire is both a blatant acknowledgment of future aspirations  You all know how to pick a president, Shapiro said during his breakfast stump  and a clear message that Bidens attempt to strip the state of its spot atop the primary lineup in 2024 has not diminished its power in the presidential process going forward.

My view is, we've got an incredible group of talented folks in the Democratic bench, Khanna told reporters in August after speaking to New Hampshires DNC delegation. And hopefully we will have our moment of leadership.

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Some have downplayed their ambitions in their visits to the state more than others. Whitmer, asked by POLITICO during her July campaign swing whether shed be returning to New Hampshire down the line, said she was not planning to do so in a political capacity but would like to come back and check out the state.

But Beshear used his headlining slot at a New Hampshire Democrats dinner to promote himself as well as Harris.

If I can introduce myself just a little bit, the governor said, Im the guy who last November beat Mitch McConnells handpicked candidate. And Im the guy who last November picked Donald Trumps handpicked candidate. To cheers, he went on to tout his bona fides as a proud pro-union, pro-choice and pro-public education Democrat in a deeply red state.

And the activists who showed up to New Hampshires restaurants and backyards and function halls to hear their partys rising stars tout the top of this years ticket were already sizing up the next competition.

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As she watched Shapiro glad-hand in a Concord bookshop one late October morning after stumping for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Joyce Craig, local Democratic activist Maura Willing marveled about the partys deep bench.

Shapiro is fantastic, Willing said when asked whether shed want to see him run for president someday. We have so many great people. But if he was on the candidate list, yeah, absolutely  Id support him.
Belleville observed its 26th annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday.

After a welcome from Capt. John Lawson of the Veterans Assistance Commission of St. Clair County and a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner from retired police sergeant Patti McDaniel, winners of an essay contest were invited to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in front of hundreds of veterans and their families gathered near the Public Square.

St. Clair County board chairman Mark Kern shakes hands with an essay contest winner during Bellevilles 26th annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2024.

The students, encouraged by District 118 superintendent Dr. Ryan Boike, then proceeded to read their essays honoring veterans living and dead.

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Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General John. E. Michel followed the essay winners and spoke on the resilience of U.S. veterans and military personnel. He told a story about a plane crew in World War II that was shot 11 times in the fuel tank, only to find out the dud ammunition was a result of a prisoner of wars deliberate sabotage.

The note said this is all I can do for you now, and that is exactly what this days about, Michel said.

Its about freedom, its about hope, its about trusting that someone always has your back. Veterans Day isnt just a great day to reflect, its also a great day to celebrate young people who are the future and those who are going to march forward. Its about the spirit of the unsinkable.

Ret. U.S. Air Force Brigadier General John E. Michel speaks to a crowd during Bellevilles 26th annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2024. Veterans Day isnt just a great day to reflect, its also a great day to celebrate young people whoa are the future and those who are going to march forward, Michel said.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D - IL), an Army veteran, next spoke on the event that resulted in her losing her leg when her helicopter was shot down in Iraq.

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They thought I was dead, and the only reason I am here today is because my buddies refused to leave me behind.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is introduced during Bellevilles 26th annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2024.

Duckworth also highlighted the issues veterans face on the day-to-day and how Americans can help them.

Despite the risks, despite the danger, thousands of the bravest people that you and I could ever meet still volunteer to serve in our countrys uniform every year, Duckworth said.

And when these heroes come home, they deserve more than just an ovation on Veterans Day itself. They deserve to be honored the other 364 days of the year, as well. They deserve access to good-paying jobs, high-quality accessible health care, affordable housing and much more.

Belleville Alderman Johnnie Anthony sits next to fellow veterans during Bellevilles 26th annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2024.

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For more than three years, Kelly DeKett has owned a black and gray tabby with a white underbelly.

His name is Bob. Hes an outdoor cat with a black mark under his chin and kinked tail. During cold and rainy winter months, he resides inside DeKetts home in Spanaway that she shares with her elderly mother, whos bonded with the feline. He enjoys roaming outside, walking along a fence and visiting neighbors for free handouts, according to DeKett.

On Oct. 1, Bob didnt come home for dinner. After a nearly two-week search, DeKett found him. Now, she wonders if shell ever get him back.

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Bob had been stolen, taken to an animal shelter and soon after adopted by a new family when no one claimed him, according to a lawsuit filed by DeKett last month in an effort to retrieve the cat.

DeKett, 52, sued The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, seeking a court order to return Bob. She accused the shelter of acting negligently and standing in the way of her attempt to recover her stolen property.

I dont care about paying the filing fee, she said in an interview. This is a family member that somebody took.

In a statement, shelter spokesperson Lauren Green declined to address the suits allegations.

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While we are not able to comment on the specifics of any lawsuit, our focus remains on providing compassionate care for every animal who comes through the doors of our open-admission shelter, and to those in need of support in our community, Green said.

Bob, a black and gray tabby, seen here in this undated photo.

The lawsuit, which was filed Oct. 25 in Pierce County Superior Court, said that by the time that DeKett learned Bob had been at the shelter, it was too late: The cat had already gone off with a new family.

DeKett blamed the shelter for failing to recognize that Bob appeared well cared for, unlike a typical stray, and accused it of inaccurately describing Bob on its website, causing her to dismiss the missing pet as her own while searching for him. She also criticized the shelter for declining to provide her with the contact information of the adoptive family. Instead, the shelter had tried unsuccessfully, as of Thursday, to reach the family to see if they would be willing to return the cat, according to DeKett.

I want to get him back because he was unlawfully taken, she said.

Local laws

One of the biggest challenges to Bobs safe return was that he didnt have an identification tag nor was he micro-chipped  two measures that animal organizations strongly advise to protect lost pets. DeKett told The News Tribune that she didnt think she needed those protections because Bob was well-known in her neighborhood.

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Obviously, prevention is best, animal law attorney Adam Karp said in an interview.

Karp, who practices law in Washington and other states and has both sued and represented shelters, said that missing animals are treated as lost property. There are so-called reciprocal burdens: Owners must search for their property and a finder must search for an owner, including by contacting animal control or a local animal shelter if the owner cannot be located.

Local governments and shelters will seek identifying features, such as microchips and license tags, but if theres no information, then what are they supposed to do? Karp said.

Both the city of Tacoma and Pierce County have contracts with The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The local governments, like others, set their own rules regarding lost pets, including how long theyre held if impounded.

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In Tacoma, if animals in the custody of animal control arent picked up within 48 hours after notice to an owner, theyll be placed for adoption by The Humane Society, according to the city. The 48-hour holding period exists in unincorporated Pierce County, too, county code shows.

The holding period also applies to the shelter, according to Pierce County Sheriffs Department spokesperson Sgt. Darren Moss.

Redeeming a dog might cost an owner as much as $25, in addition to boarding fees, if its the animals first impound within a year period, city and county codes show. The cost is slightly less for cats and slightly more for livestock.

In Tacoma, dogs and cats may not be redeemed unless properly licensed, according to city code. Animals not redeemed in the city or county could be euthanized, the codes say. The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County doesnt euthanize animals because they have been at the shelter too long or because space is limited, according to its policy. Euthanasia is only considered for terminally ill and dangerous animals, the policy states.

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Animal organizations suggest starting an immediate search for lost pets. American Humane, an animal welfare organization, advises checking with local shelters every day, including by visiting in person.

The organization also suggests calling local animal control; scouring local neighborhood groups on Nextdoor and Facebook; putting up lost pet signs; and placing ads in local newspapers.

Searching for Bob

DeKett, who has no attorney and is representing herself in her case, alleged that a person took Bob to the shelter and reported him as a stray despite knowing that he belonged to her.

About two weeks before Bob went missing, a woman had come to DeKetts door and expressed concern about the cat and later sent a text message that noted he was at the womans house all the time, according to the lawsuit. After DeKett replied to the woman at her door that Bob was fine and to leave him be, (the woman) became irritated, stated she feeds him too and left, the suit said.

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DeKett believes the woman later delivered Bob to the shelter out of spite, but DeKett said she didnt realize what had occurred until nearly two weeks after her cat was gone. The woman is also named as a defendant in DeKetts legal complaint against the local Humane Society and referred to as Jane Doe.

The immediate search for Bob led DeKett to check the shelters website on or about Oct. 2, according to the lawsuit. She found a grainy photograph posted of a cat that looked like him but the written description didnt match him: The cats sex was listed as unknown and its color as brown and white.

DeKett kept looking, the suit said.

It wasnt until about Oct. 13, or 12 days after Bob went missing, that a person reached out who had come across a Facebook post that DeKett made about her missing cat. The person said they had seen Bob at the shelter, and they sent pictures of a cat to DeKett that confirmed it had been him, according to the suit.

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DeKett contacted the shelter, provided evidence of rightful ownership and requested Bobs immediate return, the suit said. The shelter purportedly told her that he had been adopted within 36 hours of his surrender.

If accurate, the holding period would be less than the 48 hours established by Pierce County law.

DeKett, who said she filed a report still pending with the Sheriffs Department that was similar to the allegations in the lawsuit, accused the shelter of declining to provide the adoptive familys contact information and wrongfully allowing the family to retain her personal property.

The Plaintiff is in immediate need of the property because each day that goes (by) that Bob is not at home Plaintiffs elderly mothers anguish increases, a court record related to the lawsuit reads. She is broken-hearted and misses her best friend.

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A shelter doesnt have a duty to disclose new owners unless a plaintiff can convince a court that they would win their case and then that information becomes relevant, according to Karp. If its proven that an animal was fraudulently delivered to a shelter, it could be an avenue for voiding the transfer of an animal, he said. A shelter might face liability if it didnt follow local law or exercise due diligence, he added, including making reasonable efforts to reunite an animal with its owner.

If a shelter has to go back to an adoptive family after that family has taken custody of an animal, it could make for a thorny situation.

It can become a big fiasco where everybody feels kind of wronged, Karp said.
Berlin's top electoral official has warned against setting the date for the new election to the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, too early.

"If we want to maintain the high quality standards that we have at both federal and state levels, I advise against an election date in January," Stephan Brochler told dpa.

The official advised approaching the election with caution, adding that politicians should listen to experts and not succumb "to immediacy when setting the election date."

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"It is about ensuring the quality of democratic elections in Germany. This is a highly valued asset, and I do not wish for the election to have to be repeated in the end."

Berliners are well aware of this, as the city's elections in 2021 were a fiasco and had to be repeated in part.

Brochler said that if politicians decided that the elections should take place in January, his office would of course comply.

"But we must be aware that it endangers the quality of democratic elections," added Brochler, who took office after the severe electoral mishaps from three years ago and has since organized two repeat elections.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) criticized Democrats for their attitude toward Joe Rogan and other podcast hosts in Sunday comments.

Sanders joined CNNs State of the Union, where he was asked by host Dana Bash about the blowback he received years ago after appearing on Rogans podcast and receiving his endorsement.

Yeah, I think thats fair enough. Look, youre going to have an argument with Rogan, agree with him, disagree with him. But, whats the problem with going on those shows? Its hard for me to understand that, Sanders said.

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Rogan endorsed President-elect Trump just a day before Election Day. Trump sat for an interview with Rogan late last month, and the two talked for nearly three hours. Trump ally Elon Musk also appeared on the show ahead of the election.

Vice President Harriss campaign did not pass on an interview with Rogan but said she would not come to his Texas-based studio. Rogan said he would have had to travel to her, and that they would only be able to sit for an hour time slot, so the interview didnt happen. Harris was criticized for not appearing on his show.

After the brutal election loss, Democrats are left pointing fingers and trying to figure out where they went wrong. Some say not doing the Rogan interview was a missed opportunity for Harris to reach a younger, male demographic.

Sanders argued Sunday that more candidates need to be reaching the millions and millions of viewers that watch alternative media.

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In January 2020, Rogan said he would vote for Sanders in the Democratic primary.

The Vermont senator noted that he received backlash from the Democratic establishment when he sat for an interview with Rogan during the primary.

I dont see a problem in doing that, Sanders said Sunday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) isnt keen on some Democrats idea for shoring up the Supreme Court before President Joe Biden ends his term in office.

During Sundays episode of NBCs Meet the Press, the progressive politician said he thinks forcing Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire early and allow Biden to appoint a new liberal justice is just impractical.

When host Kristen Welker questioned Sanders about whether reports of behind-the-scenes party discussions about Sotomayor stepping aside were true, he was quick to shut down the idea.

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Is that something that you would support, do you think she should step down? Welker asked.

No, I dont, Sanders said, shaking his head softly.

The Vermont senator continued to dismiss the scheme when asked if he had heard any talk about having Sotomayor swap her seat on the bench with someone younger.

A little bit, yes, Sanders admitted before adding, I dont think its a sensible approach.

WATCH: Sen. Bernie Sanders says the idea that Justice Sotomayor should step down so President Biden can appoint someone younger before he leaves office is not a "sensible approach."@kwelkernbc: "Have you heard any talk of this?"@BernieSanders: "A little bit, yes." pic.twitter.com/jwVIvBmvym  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) November 10, 2024

On Sunday, sources close to Sotomayor told The Wall Street Journal that the 70-year-old Supreme Court justice has no plans to retire any time soon.

This is no time to lose her important voice on the court, one insider said. She just turned 70 and takes better care of herself than anyone I know.

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Even if Sotomayor was willing to bow out, confirming her replacement before the end of Bidens term would likely be a tall order.

If Democrats were unable to confirm someone in Bidens last 71 days in office, President-elect Donald Trump would be left to make the appointment, leaving the court with an overwhelming 7-2 conservative majority.

Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009, Sotomayor was the first Latina to ascend to the role of Supreme Court justice.

As the most senior member of the courts small liberal flank, which also includes Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sotomayor serves as the minoritys de facto leader.

Related...
Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott talking to reporters and supporters outside La Teresita restaurant in Tampa on Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

Has Rick Scott emerged as the front-runner to succeed Mitch McConnell as majority leader for Senate Republicans? Two betting markets think so.

On Monday, Polymarket gave the Florida Republican a 60% chance of succeeding McConnell, who announced earlier this year that he would step down from leading Senate Republicans following the general election. Polymarket places Sen. John Thune of South Dakota in second place, with just a 35% of becoming the next leader. The third candidate in the race, Texas John Cornyn, is a distant third at 6%, as of 9 a.m. eastern time.

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Kalshi, another online betting site, shows Scott with a 57% chance of succeeding McConnell. Thune is second there at 33%, with Cornyn at 5%, also as of 9 a.m. eastern time.

Momentum for Scott to succeed McConnell picked up steam over the weekend, as some big-name people in MAGA world such as Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, and Vivek Ramaswamy endorsed him.

Scott has also picked up support from Florida GOP congressional colleagues, such as Sen. Marco Rubio and Reps. Carlos Gimenez, Maria Elvira Salazar, Byron Donalds, and Greg Steube.

I am running for Senate Republican leader because I believe now is a moment we need dramatic change in Washington to upend the status quo & make sure President Trumps agenda gets done, Scott said on Saturday on X, where he posted a letter that he sent to his Senate colleagues in May when he made the case for his selection and was prescient in predicting that it would be a watershed election.

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Americans will reject wholesale the Biden/Democrat destruction of our country, Scott wrote in May. I believe President Trump will win with a mandate for dramatic change, we will have a Republican Senate majority and a bigger Republican advantage in the House. We will have a historic opportunity to save our countrys problems. Over the years, the Senate has become the place where change oriented conservative policies come to die, and I believe now is the time to change that.

Scott noted in that letter that he has known Donald Trump since before either of us ran for any political office, but Trump has not endorsed in the race and its uncertain whether he will before Wednesdays vote.

Recess appointments

On Sunday, the president-elect said that any Republican senator who wants the leadership position had to agree to recess appointments  temporary appointments that can take place when the chamber is out of session.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Trump wrote on X. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!

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100% agree, Scott quickly responded via X. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.

Thune and Cornyn quickly followed suit.

This story has been updated to correct that Sen. John Thune represents South Dakota.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday made their first joint appearance since her election loss when they observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The pair then went to the cemetery's memorial amphitheater, where Biden honored the service and sacrifice of America's military veterans  including those who paid the ultimate price, and their families  during what was his final time speaking there as commander in chief of the U.S. military.

It's been the greatest honor of my life, to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you, just as you defended us, generation after generation after generation, Biden said. You are the greatest fighting force, and this is not hyperbole, the finest fighting force in the history of the world.

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Biden announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding the types of cancers covered under the PACT Act, legislation he signed to expand health care services for veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from burn pits" that incinerated garbage and other waste.

The president opened his brief remarks by stating that America's truly sacred obligation is to prepare those it sends into harm's way and care for them when they come home, or don't.

To all the military families, to all those with a loved one still missing or unaccounted for, to all Americans grieving the loss of a loved one who wore the uniform, Jill and I want you to know we see you, we thank you and we'll never stop working to meet our sacred obligation to you and your family, he said.

The president's son, Beau Biden, served in the Delaware Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2008 for about a year. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

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Biden and Harris appeared solemn as they approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough. They placed their hands over their hearts as the national anthem played before the wreath-laying, and again afterward as Taps sounded.

The president and first lady hosted veterans and members of the military community at the White House before they and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, departed for the hallowed burial ground across the Potomac River from Washington.

It was the first time that Biden and Harris had been seen together in public since the vice president lost last week's election to former President Donald Trump, though Biden had spoken to both Trump and Harris by phone. The president plans to host the president-elect at the White House on Wednesday.

Before leaving the cemetery, Harris and Emhoff visited a gravesite. The White House did not say who is buried there.

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After the Veterans Day observance, Biden flew home to Delaware to attend the unveiling of a plaque in Claymont honoring his late son. Biden also visited Beau's gravesite in Wilmington.

___

Associated Press writer Ayanna Alexander in Delaware, contributed to this report.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Baku hosted a panel discussion within COP29 in connection with Advancing Integrity in Carbon Markets with the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, Trend reports.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will continue until November 22, opened in Baku today.

This event is the largest planned by Azerbaijan to date and is being hosted in this region for the first time.

A top-level event - a summit of world leaders on climate action - will be held within COP29 on November 1213.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, climate finance will also contribute to the 1.5C commitment by bringing everyone together.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
(The Hill)  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made their first public appearance together since last weeks Election when the two leaders attended a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Biden and Harris participated in a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. First lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff also attended, the White House said.

Harris also attended Bidens remarks at the amphitheater at Arlington Cemetery.

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Harris last week lost the presidential election to President-elect Donald Trump, with Trump winning all seven battleground states. He is also on track to win the popular vote. Finger-pointing has ensued over who was most to blame for Harris defeat.

Watch: Biden speaks at Veterans Day ceremony

The vice president replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee in late July after Biden ended his candidacy amid mounting pressure from lawmakers who feared he would not run a competitive campaign against Trump.

Both Harris and Biden delivered speeches last week vowing a peaceful transfer of power and separately urging supporters not to give up the fight for their values. Biden praised Harris for running an inspiring campaign.

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She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran, Biden said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
It took 150 years for this veteran to finally get the respect he deserves.

Brave black Civil War soldier Sandy Wills was recently given a heartfelt military burial  after his great-great-great-granddaughter, Spectrum News NY1 anchor Cheryl Wills, tracked down his unmarked grave in Tennessee, she told The Post.

Wills went on a 15-year fact-finding mission  with the help of professional genealogists and archeologists to find the resting place of her ancestor, who escaped slavery to join the United States Colored Troops in 1863.

Brave black Civil War soldier Sandy Wills was recently given a heartfelt military burial  after his great-great-great-granddaughter tracked down his unmarked grave. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery

Wills great-great-great-granddaughter, Spectrum News NY1 anchor Cheryl Wills, tracked down his unmarked grave in Tennessee. Michael Nagle

She went on a 15-year fact-finding mission  with the help of professional genealogists and archeologists  to find the resting place of her ancestor, who escaped slavery to join the United States Colored Troops in 1863. Alonzo Boldin

This Veterans Day, hell be honored for the first time ever with a flag on his headstone at West Tennessee State military Cemetery.

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This is very emotional for me. For me, this is justice, Wills said. He was a leader, he was fearless, he was strong, and he was a visionary.

Willis began investigating the background of her ancestor in 2009 after learning he wasnt honored by his country the way her late Vietnam Veteran dad was upon his death, she said.

I said, This is a shame,  she recalled. And I started digging.

She soon enlisted genealogists to pull historic documents from the National Archive along with family-tree records and eventually traced Sandys grave site to Brownsville, Tenn.

I realized he was buried in an unmarked grave on the slave plantation where he worked  and the same family still owned it, she said.

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I know he would have said, Granddaughter, get me out of here,  she said.

This Veterans Day, hell be honored for the first time ever with a flag on his headstone at West Tennessee State military Cemetery. Alonzo Boldin

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Willis began investigating the background of her ancestor in 2009 after learning he wasnt honored by his country the way her late Vietnam Veteran dad was upon his death. Alonzo Boldin

In 2017, the family who owned the plantation allowed her to visit the property, where Sandy and several other former slaves were buried on a hillside.

A team of archeologists dug up his grave and confirmed his remains. He stood at 5 9 and died at age 50.

I almost passed out, Wills said. When that excavator went down, I had to grab onto a tree.  I was overwhelmed with emotion.

After a yearslong investigation, the US Military confirmed his service, and he was laid to rest surrounded by relatives at the military cemetery Aug.10, Wills said.

A team of archeologists dug up his grave and confirmed his remains. He stood at 5 9 and died at age 50. Alonzo Boldin

The family who owned the plantation allowed her to visit the property, where Sandy and several other former slaves were buried on a hillside. Alonzo Boldin

They handed his remains to me, and I put it in the most expensive casket money could buy, she said. It was my honor.

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Sandy Willis was sold into slavery as a 10-year-old boy before escaping from the plantation with friends and serving in the United States Colored Troops 4th Heavy Field Heavy Artillery.

This is the first Veterans Day well be putting a flag on his headstone, Wills said. Im proud of his service, and Im proud that he survived slavery.
Following last week's brutal election for Indiana Democrats, Black faith leaders in Indianapolis are calling on party chair Mike Schmuhl to resign, citing a "lack of progress" under his leadership.

Democrats nationwide are reckoning with their staggering losses and what that means for the party's brand and strategy. In Indiana, despite polls at one point showing close matchups, the statewide races for governor and attorney general ended up being blow-out wins for Republicans, and Democrats did not flip any seats in the Statehouse, leaving the General Assembly dominated by a Republican supermajority.

More: Democrats thought state races could be close, but Republicans clobbered. What happened?

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That Indiana Democrats didn't lose any ground this cycle is an upside in the state party's eyes, but the clergy calling for Schmuhl's immediate resignation said they don't see any progress.

"We have seen enough, we have given Mike time enough," Rev. David Greene, president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, told IndyStar. "Data says there needs to be a change."

Greene cosigned a press release along with Rev. Wayne Moore, president of the Baptist Minister's Alliance, calling for a change in leadership.

Schmuhl was elected to his four-year term as chair in 2021. The South Bend native previously managed the mayoral and presidential campaigns of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Mike Schmuhl, Democrat state party chair, shows his gavel Saturday, July 13, 2024, during the Indiana Democratic State Convention in Indianapolis.

In a statement, the state party acknowledged a need to "do better" and noted that the party will undergo its regular reorganization at the county, district and state levels, as it does every four years, this March. Schmuhl is spending the next few weeks connecting with Democrats around the state and will likely make a decision before the end of the year on whether to run for another term.

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"We are all disappointed by the results this year in Indiana and across the country," the statement reads. "We must do better and we invite all stakeholders to be a part of the discussion moving forward."

There are two problems, Greene said: The state party lacked a cohesive strategy to unify campaigns up and down the ballot, leaving candidates working in silos; and, the party and its campaigns took their base  voters in urban cores like Indianapolis, Evansville and Fort Wayne  for granted.

On the strategy piece, Greene said Democratic supporters such as himself did not have clarity on how the party planned to translate the momentum from the Democratic National Convention, where Vice President Kamala Harris was enshrined as the presidential candidate, to wins in Indiana.

For example, there was no coordinated ground campaign with U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, who handily won reelection. Individual candidates seemed to be on their own, aside from one get-out-the-vote rally in October. Some primary battles, like the attorney general race where Beth White and Destiny Wells competed for the delegates' vote, might have had the effect of turning off some Democrat voters upset by the infighting, he said.

Rev. David Greene, pastor at Purpose of Life Ministries and president of Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, is calling for Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl to step down.

"I dont think theres a silver bullet that fixes all of it, but I think we collectively must have a strategy," Greene said. "We want to see different results, we need to get a strategy thats communicated to all the Democrats in Indiana. Otherwise, if you're the younger ones, why run? Why put yourself through it? And then there will always be turmoil in the party."

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Nationwide and in Indiana, the core did not turn out in large numbers for Democrats. Only 54% of Marion County voters turned out this election  among the lowest showing since the 1950s.

Greene said the party didn't do enough work to energize this base. Statewide candidates spent a lot of time trying to appeal to rural voters and moderate Republicans, because they needed a sizeable amount of crossover voters to actually win in Indiana  but that thinking is based on an assumption that the core urban voters would automatically turn out in full force.

"Thats a bad assumption," Greene said.

In its statement, the party said it directly reached out to hundreds of thousands of voters this election season, the most it's done in six years. Still, in the statement party officials pledged to "grow that number more and hear from voices throughout our state in the coming months."

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The party also pointed to its launch of a "Hoosiers for Harris" project as well as national investment from groups like the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Governors Association. It pointed out that "many other states weren't as fortunate" as Indiana to not lose any seats in the legislature.

Last year, we elected a record number of Black mayors across our state and we are proud to have a diverse staff representing communities across our state," the party noted. "We always welcome constructive dialogue to strengthen our party."

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer atkdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @kayla_dwyer17.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Black clergy call on Indiana Democratic Party chair to resign
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The holiday shopping season has begun with many stores already releasing their Black Friday deals. It comes as the National Retail Federation predicts record spending this year.

Check out whats going on around the nation on our National News page

Target has begun its Black Friday deals now through Christmas Eve. Home Depot, Lowes and Ace Hardware have started their deals too.

Best Buy got an early start and will also release new doorbusters every Friday. Walmarts Black Friday kicks off on Monday online, and Nov. 15 in-store.

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Las Vegas Raiders donate $25,000 to support Hawaiis inaugural girls flag football season

So it all kind of started slowly in October, explained Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaii president. And its a big weekend because its Veterans Day weekend, its a three-day holiday, so youre seeing more people out and the sales have really started.

This year, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is 26 days, the shortest time in five years, which is another reason why deals are dropping early.

Theres a big competition going on right now, Yamaki added. She said even the smaller stores have begun discounting items.

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Its kind of like FOMO, youre scared to be left out so everyone is kind of doing it and you want to attract people to come into your store so they might buy the discounted item, but they might also buy five other items not on sale, she added.

To make sure your getting the best deal, if you know exactly what you want, a Google search can go a long way. Just type in the item youre looking to buy, and Google will bring up the item youre looking for with prices from other stores.

Spending is also expected to reach new levels. According to the National Retail Federation, consumer holiday spending is expected to hit $902 per person on average for food, decor and gifts. Holiday spending is expected to total nearly $1 trillion in November and December with total spending predicted to be at $989 billion.

BBB: Know who youre shopping with when it comes to holiday pop-up shops

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Online is looking to go up a bit more, and more people are also going into stores as well, Yamaki said.

Although online shopping is still the most popular way to shop, she said more people are feeling comfortable going into stores again, but she warns people who shop online to make sure theyre buying from a legitimate website and company.

If its too good to be true, theres probably a reason for that, she said.

The NRF said nearly half of holiday shoppers plan to browse and buy items before November ends, which is up 40% from a decade ago.

Most people surveyed said they want to get a head start so they can spread out their budget and avoid last-minute shopping stress and the crowds.

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Ala Moana Shopping Center will have extended hours and exclusive promotions on Friday, Nov. 29. The shopping center will be open on Black Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with many stores offering early-bird deals.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

There will also be holiday performances throughout the holiday season at Centerstage and the Ewa Wing Stage. The popular Christmas-themed bar will be open daily at Ala Moana Center from 5 p.m. to midnight from Dec. 1 to Dec. 28. Extended Holiday Hours Ala Moana Center is normally open daily from 10 a.m.  8 p.m. Beginning, Dec. 6, Ala Moana Center will extend its hours of operation to give shoppers extra time to tackle their holiday shopping list. Individual store, restaurant and department store hours may vary. Date Hours of Operation Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving Day) Closed Nov. 29 (Black Friday) 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 5 (Normal Hours) 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 6-23 (Extended Hours) Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.. Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) Closed

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Steve Schwarzmans early endorsement of Donald Trump is proving to be a canny wager.

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The Blackstone Inc. chiefs pledge in May to vote for change and root for Trump marked a turning point for Schwarzman, who had previously distanced himself from the former president.

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It also set him apart from high-profile business chiefs, including Warren Buffett and Jamie Dimon, who remained publicly neutral as Kamala Harris went up against one of the most divisive presidents in US history.

Now that Trump has pulled off a decisive comeback, Schwarzmans latest shift gives him a powerful voice in the new administration.

Schwarzman has fielded calls from Howard Lutnick, the billionaire chief executive officer of Cantor Fitzgerald and co-chair of Trumps transition team, whos seeking recommendations for roles in the administration. Schwarzmans name has even been floated for Treasury secretary, but it isnt clear if he would take on such a role. It would likely call for him to sell the Blackstone shares behind his estimated more than $50 billion net worth and park the proceeds in a blind trust.

Even if Schwarzman advises Trump informally, Blackstone would have an opportunity to sway the administrations stance on antitrust rules, trade policy and the tax code. Schwarzman has staunchly defended the preferential tax treatment for so-called carried interest, private equity executives share of deal profits. Across the industry, buyout firms are also eager for looser antitrust regulations and other policies that would further revive deals.

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Whats clear: Blackstone came into the election well hedged. While Schwarzman, 77, donated more than $39 million to conservative causes during this election cycle, according to OpenSecrets, his 54-year-old heir-apparent, President Jon Gray, was a Democratic donor and supported Harris.

Either way, somebody at the top of the worlds largest alternative-asset manager would back the winner.

Executives at the firm have viewed divergent political leanings at the top as ultimately good for business, said people familiar with the matter. Thats especially true as the $1.1 trillion firms investor base has ballooned to pension funds and insurance firms across the US, sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf and elsewhere and, increasingly, affluent people around the country and globe.

In a particularly tense election year, Blackstones diverse viewpoints have also insulated it from accusations that it was pandering to Trump.

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Im surprised public pensions havent been more outspoken about certain top private equity executives being so pro-Trump, said Tom Byrne, a money manager, Democratic donor and former chairman of the New Jersey State Investment Council, which supervises how the states pension fund is run. But a number of these places are hedged in senior layers of management.

Several Pivots

While Schwarzman ultimately backed Trump, the road to his endorsement took several twists.

The CEO declined to support any candidate in the 2016 Republican primary, when Hillary Clinton loomed large. After the election, Schwarzman chaired a council of influential CEOs advising the president. He later supported its dissolution after a public outcry over Trumps response to violent clashes between Unite the Right rallyists and counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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That CEO rebellion marked a dramatic  even if brief  schism between the White House and corporate chieftains.

Still, Schwarzman continued to serve as a liaison between top officials in the Trump administration and foreign leaders, playing a role in trade talks that would lead to the rollback of some tariffs on China.

Steve, I know you have no interest in this deal at all, Trump said during a press conference announcing the Phase One trade deal with China, as it was known. Im surprised youre not actually sitting over here on the ledge of the stage.

In 2020, Schwarzman became Trumps biggest champion in finance, accounting for the vast majority of Wall Street elites contributions to his campaign, a Bloomberg analysis showed at that time.

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The long-time Republican then broke with Trump.

He expressed concerns about the Jan. 6, 2021 riots that ensued after Trump told supporters to march to the Capitol. In 2022, he called for a new generation of Republican leaders.

Months after Trump secured the nomination, Schwarzman pivoted again.

The dramatic rise of antisemitism has led me to focus on the consequences of upcoming elections with greater urgency, he said in his May endorsement. I share the concern of most Americans that our economic, immigration and foreign policies are taking the country in the wrong direction.

Schwarzmans acquaintances expected that he would back the Republican candidate he saw as most likely to win. He told associates that Bidens policies were veering further left than he expected, and he was concerned about a lack of checks and balances on one party.

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Purple Environments

Blackstone  founded by Schwarzman and another Republican, Pete Peterson, a Commerce secretary under Richard Nixon  has a history of Democratic leaders, too. When Democratic donor Tony James was the CEOs top lieutenant, Schwarzman made friendly jabs about his No. 2s politics at Blackstone staff meetings, said people familiar with the matter. James told associates it was important for him personally to voice his political position, and that it rounded out the views in Blackstones highest ranks.

Despite his own Democratic leanings, Gray was under consideration for Treasury secretary after Trumps first election in 2016. Gray was Blackstones real estate chief at that time, a point of connection for a president with a history as a property developer.

Gray stayed on at Blackstone and was elevated to president in 2018. The long-time Democrat, whos also a billionaire, avoids airing his political views in public, hewing to the image of a corporate boss.

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The good news for us as a firm: Weve operated in blue environments, red environments, purple environments, Gray said in a Bloomberg TV interview last month. I feel confident regardless of who wins well do a great job for our investors.

Still, hes part of a group including Evercore Inc. founder Roger Altman, who served in the Clinton and Carter administrations, and Centerview Partners Blair Effron that has fielded calls from Harris allies on policy. The three men hosted a fundraiser for President Joe Biden, before Gray joined the chorus of donors warning of the toll a second term could take on the 81-year-old. On election night, Gray attended a Democratic watch party hosted by Altman and Effron at Manhattan steakhouse Aretskys Patroon.

Sophisticated Approach

Blackstone continues to hire executives with connections to both parties. This year, the firm brought on Tom Nides, Bidens former ambassador to Israel and a long-time Democratic insider who had been floated by Harris allies as a possible White House chief of staff.

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Wayne Berman, Blackstone head of government affairs, and George H.W. Bushs former assistant secretary of commerce, has been with the firm for roughly 12 years and has deep ties to the Republican machinery. He also runs a team that includes a former senior aide to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

Berman wrongly predicted Trump would win in 2020, said people familiar with his forecasts. Going into the latest election, he told people that Trump would win. He predicted that the Senate would remain in Republican hands, and that the House would fall under Democrats control.

Increasingly, more top firms have covered all their bases in Washington, said James Maloney, managing partner of regulatory consulting firm Tiger Hill Partners.

Washington policies are having a bigger effect on private equitys portfolio companies, leading to a more sophisticated approach in how firms engage across the board on public policy, he added.

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--With assistance from Todd Gillespie and Kara Wetzel.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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A new Dairy Queen opened in Franklin on Nov. 4 at 7730 S. Lovers Lane Road.

Winter isnt quite here in Wisconsin, but Franklin residents are in for a Blizzard.

That is, if they visit the newly opened Dairy Queen at 7730 S. Lovers Lane Road.

The business, owned and operated by Dharmesh Ghelani and his partner Hailey Patel, opened Nov. 4 in the Shoppes at Wyndham Village, according to a news release. Day-to-day operations will be overseen by Sagar Patel and Yash Patel.

This is Ghelanis first Dairy Queen location.

As an experienced entrepreneur I am thrilled to open my first Dairy Queen, Ghelani said in the release. This brand-new restaurant allows us to bring joy to Franklin and create a welcoming space for the community to enjoy their favorite meals and treats. I cant wait to welcome guests in to celebrate lifes happiest moments.

Franklin Mayor John Nelson attended the grand opening for the restaurant.

Mr. Ghelani's Dairy Queen employs 30 people, and I got to meet one of the wonderful staff when she handed me my favorite: a cherry dipped ice cream cone, Nelson said on his official Facebook page. Let's welcome them to the area by showing them wonderful support with a visit.

The restaurant will offer a menu of hot food and cold confections including Signature Stackburgers, chicken strip baskets and DQ soft serve in cones, sundaes, cakes, and Blizzards, to name a few.

The hours going forward are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

The location features indoor and outdoor seating space along with a drive-thru and 14-foot DQ red spoon.

Dairy Queen is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dairy Queen opens location on Lovers Lane Road in Franklin
Tampa (BLOOM)  This Veterans Day, Bloom Health Club is honored to welcome Dr. Joseph Dituri, known as Dr. Deep Sea, for an important discussion on the USF Veterans Clinical Research Dynamic. Dr. Dituri will highlight an incredible opportunity for veterans to receive treatment for traumatic brain injuries through an innovative program at the University of South Florida.

Supporting Veterans Through Clinical Research

In this episode, Dr. Dituri will discuss the groundbreaking program that invites veterans to USF to receive comprehensive care for traumatic brain injuries, including specialized treatments approved by Floridas Governor and Speaker of the House. Veterans participating in the program on Veterans Day will also receive compensation, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery.

Key Talking Points:

Free Treatment for Veterans : Any veteran can visit USF on Veterans Day to access advanced treatments for traumatic brain injuries.

Paid Participation : Veterans in the program will be financially compensated for their time, reflecting the commitment to support those who have served.

State-Backed Program: This clinical research initiative is endorsed by key Florida leaders, underscoring its importance and value to the veteran community.

Empowering Veterans with Advanced Care

Dr. Dituris work at USF aims to provide veterans with access to high-quality healthcare and innovative research. With a focus on traumatic brain injury, the program is designed to offer healing and support for veterans who have sacrificed so much.

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Tune in to Bloom Health Club for this meaningful conversation with Dr. Joseph Dituri to learn more about the clinical research opportunities available to veterans at USF and how this program is helping those who have served our country.

For more on Dr. Joseph Dituris work, follow him on social media:

USF_HBOT_Flyer_Dituri-1Download

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BOCA RATON  Arthur Polacheck still remembers receiving the message, in Morse code, that World War II was coming to an end.

"I was privileged to get a code that the Japanese were at the point of calling it quits," he said.

He was 17 years old and stationed in Okinawa, an island of Japan, as a radio operator for the United States Army. At the time, he knew that if he'd waited until he turned 18, he would have been immediately drafted as a foot soldier into the army.

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"I had skills," said Polacheck, 96, who lives in Boca Raton and has lived in South Florida for the past 40 years. "I thought I could better serve my country in a field that I was very well-versed in. Electronics and radio repair."

More on Veterans Day: Hampton U. president, a retired Army general, to headline Veterans Day event in West Palm

Arthur Polacheck, a 96-year-old WWII veteran in a portrait at his home in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on November 1, 2024.

He'd spent three of his teenage years building up those skills. Since he was 15, Polacheck had his own ham radio station (the use of the radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial message exchanges)  he'd earned his license for it and was permitted to operate it on two wavelengths.

"I could call all over the world," Polacheck said. "I could call Australia. I could call anywhere I wanted to, if the other ham radio on the other end would accept the call."

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Or he could use Morse code, which he'd become fluent in. They were skills that would soon help him avoid being drafted as a foot soldier.

"I wanted to escape that possibility and do what I did," Polacheck said. "It worked out quite well."

Younger than many of his counterparts by about a year, Polacheck enlisted in the Signal Corps in January 1945. He was sent to basic training at Fort Dix, in New Jersey.

"We had a firing range," Polacheck said. "We were given a rifle, M1, and we went to the firing range and learned to shoot."

There, he also learned how to march with the other soldiers, properly clean weaponry and the meaning of "KP." Kitchen police, Polacheck said between laughs, where he often helped peel potatoes.

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Six weeks later, it was time to be shipped overseas.

Images of Arthur Polacheck military service; left, enlistment at Fort Dix in New Jersey at the age of 17 to serve in the signal corps, middle, "Army of Occupation" in 1945 Japan, right, country western music band "Fuji Mountain Boys" where Polacheck played the violin. Photographed at his home in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on November 1, 2024.

"They gave you shots for every possible disease God had ever created," Polacheck said. "They gave you lots of protection against any disease that you might encounter over there. After the shots, you were pretty out of it."

After leaving from San Francisco, he arrived in Okinawa and was assigned eight to 10-hour shifts on the radio. Work was around the clock  he and the other operators had to maintain open communication.

"Some nights you were more restless than other nights because of the fighting," Polacheck said. "It was a strange environment, but I was semi-protected by being in the radio shack."

Florida veteran spent two more years in Japan after World War II

Arthur Polacheck, a 96-year-old WWII veteran in a portrait at his home in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on November 1, 2024.

When Japan eventually surrendered to the Allied Forces in September 1945, it was a relief for Polacheck.

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"You were no longer tense," he said. "Because while you're over there, you're tense, just all the time, concerned with, 'what is the future?'"

But, for Polacheck, it wasn't time to go home. He served in the Army of Occupation and spent about two more years in Japan, working as a radio operator. He'd spend his free time playing his violin in a band he'd formed with two friends.

"It was called the Fuji Mountain Boys," Polacheck said, and the soldiers loved it. "And we traveled all over Japan with various army bases playing country western music."

Polacheck returned to the U.S. in late 1948.

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"It was bewilderment," he said. "What has the world got to offer me? Or, what do I have to offer to the world," he recalls thinking.

The G.I. Bill helped land him a spot at the University of Miami soon after.

"If I was going to be anything to anybody, I had to have knowledge," Polacheck said. He graduated in 1953, with a degree in economics. And it paid off  over the course of 62 years, Polacheck owned six entirely unrelated businesses, ranging from party catering, to medical supplies, to a framing company.

"I loved adventure," he said.

He met and married his wife, Glorianne, when he was still a businessman in Chicago. In 1980, he moved back to South Florida and launched a medical supplies business that eventually served more than 12,000 clients.

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Before her passing last August, Glorianne Polacheck had spent a lifetime writing books to provide hope to children with serious illnesses. She'd draw inspiration from a home office filled with stuffed animals, which Polacheck has kept intact since. His desk still sits next to hers, with four shelves of books and toys stacked behind them.

RELATED: Palm Beach County events and dining deals to honor veterans on Veterans Day

RELATED: Two-war vet triumphs over painful memories on Honor Flight trip to DC

RELATED: Jack Nicklaus pays special tribute to veterans at PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week

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The pair had two sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom is now 77, living in New Orleans. Polacheck has two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

World War II veteran still volunteers at Boca Helping Hands

Today, he is a Rotary member and spends his Monday and Thursday afternoons volunteering at Boca Helping Hands, a local nonprofit providing food, medical and financial assistance to those in need. There, he's put together meals for the last 15 years.

In January, Polacheck, a classic car enthusiast since the 1940s, held a classic car show with The Rotary Club of Boca Raton, where he raised more than $10,000 for Boca Helping Hands. He plans to hold it again next year.

"I'm looking for a purpose today, as I was then," Polacheck said.

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Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida WWII vet's unique skill kept him off front lines in Okinawa
Women have reported an increase in online harassment and abuse since Donald Trump was elected Tuesday. This has included repeated offenses of young men crowing, Your body, my choice  a phrase that has its roots in a deeply misogynistic online culture, and more directly means men control what women do and do not do with their own bodies.

Influencers and chronically online men from the so-called Manosphere and related online communities have been inspired by white nationalist podcaster Nick Fuentes, who tweeted, Your body, my choice. Forever on Nov. 5. He later added, Id just like to take the opportunity to thank men for saving this country from stupid bches who wanted to destroy the world to keep abortion.

Fuentes is a 26-year-old podcaster who is known for his antisemitic and sexist rhetoric. Though he didnt endorse Trump this year, he has appeared to endorse many of the President-elects inflammatory positions, as well as those of the far-right.

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue has tracked abusive comments across social media platforms in the days that followed the election. The ISD reported that the volume of your body, my choice and get back to the kitchen mentions exploded on the day after the 2024 elections.

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On Nov. 8, the ISD also reported:

A 4600% increase in the use of both phrases on X

Fuentes initial comment, seen as the epicenter of the current abuse, had been seen by at least 35 million people

An uptick in boys telling girls your body, my choice in classrooms across the United States

The phrase was trending on Facebook with at least 52,000 posts using it in 24 hours

At least five posts on X that called for rape squads

Donald Trump has been no stranger to his own allegations of misogyny. Trumps third campaign for the presidency survived his indictment and conviction on charges of sexual abuse and defamation after author E. Jean Carroll won her case against him. Trump was ordered to pay $3 million for the claim of defamation, and another $2 million for the sex abuse conviction despite his claims that hed never met Carroll and she wasnt his type.

Trump has also boasted about having appointed three of the justices who overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, and throughout his campaign against Kamala Harris, repeatedly questioned her racial and ethnic background and openly called her a low IQ individual.

The messages have also inspired a lot of women in the United States to look to South Koreas 4B movement. 4b, which began in 2015 in response to sexism in the country, but took off during the #MeToo movement. 4B is short for four Korean words: bihon (not married), bichulsan (not having kids), biyeonae (not dating) and bisekseu (not having sex). Though it is too early to know if the movement will truly grab hold in the U.S., conversations online indicate some women are interested  and that interest has inspired its own backlash, mostly from politically conservative women.

Exit polls revealed that while the majority of women who voted in the United States supported Kamala Harris, her lead with women was not higher than Bidens or Hillary Clintons. The same polls also revealed the majority of male voters supported Donald Trump.

The post Your Body, My Choice: Women Report Uptick in Online Harassment and Misogyny Following the Election appeared first on TheWrap.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. The agenda of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has been approved, Trend reports.

According to the information, the decision was announced on Monday by COP29 President, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev at the plenary session after the opening of the conference.

A separate vote was held on each agenda item.

At first, Babayev presented the agenda.

We will inform the public in detail about all discussions taking place here. All agreements reached will be covered in the press daily. The agenda includes a discussion of item 15, he said.

Candidates for membership in the Executive Committee of the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol were then nominated. Babayev proposed to complete consultations on elections to the Executive Committee of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement by November 16.

On the first day, they also adopted decisions on representatives to the Conference of the Parties, and on non-governmental organizations that are not members of the UNFCCC but were proposed for participation in the work of the Convention.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
(Bloomberg) -- Botswanas new leader Duma Boko unveiled the names of six members of his cabinet, including economist and Deputy President Ndaba Gaolathe as his finance minister.

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We are here to mark the beginning of the delivery of the hopes and aspirations of the nation, Boko, 54, said in Gaborone, the capital, on Monday. We will make more announcements in the next few days as we get down to the real work of changing and transforming this country.

Boko succeeded Mokgweetsi Masisi as president of the diamond-rich southern African nation after his Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition secured 36 of the 61 seats in parliament in Oct. 30 elections.

Masisis Botswana Democratic Party was widely expected to retain its majority, but it won just four parliamentary seats  down from 38 five years ago, as voters punished it for an economic downturn triggered by a collapse in the diamond market that generates the bulk of state revenue.

Botswana is the worlds largest producer of rough diamonds by value, with almost all of its gems mined by Debswana  which is jointly owned by the government and De Beers, a unit of Anglo American Plc.

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Other ministerial appointments:

International relations: Phenyo Butale

Health: Stephen Modise

Child welfare and basic education: Nono Kgafela-Mokoka

Lands and agriculture: Micus Chimbombi

Youth and gender affairs: Lesego Chombo

--With assistance from Alister Bull and Rene Vollgraaff.

(Updates with presdents comments in second paragraph, other appointments in bullet points.)

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DENVER (KDVR)  The Boulder Star will be lit on Monday, marking the start of the holiday season and as a special recognition to veterans.

According to the city of Boulder, the tradition started in the winter of 1947. The Boulder Star usually marks the start of the holiday season, signifying hope, generosity and inspiration. While those values stay the same this year, another message is being spread.

This year, the Boulder Star is specifically being lit on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

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Look up: F-16 fighter jets to flyover Denver metro communities on Veterans Day

The Boulder Chamber lights the Boulder Star on Veterans Day as a tribute to servicemembers, both active duty and retired, who play a critical role in ensuring our freedoms, the city said on its website.

The star sits on Flagstaff Mountain, southwest of the citys center.

While the star is lit on the mountain, the mountain itself is closed. The city said that people will have to look from afar, as there are no trails to get to the star and there is a steep slope and loose soil in the area.

However, there are still places where you can see the star.

Where to see the Boulder Star

The city said the following areas are places where people can view the star:

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Cowdrey Draw

Coalton

Greenbelt Plateau

Marshall Mesa / Marshall Valley

Dry Creek

Cherryvale Trailhead

East Boulder-White Rocks

East Boulder-Gunbarrel Hill

South Boulder Creek Trail

Sawhill Ponds

Chautauqua Park

Panorama Point (closed to parking between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.)

Viewpoint Trail

Flagstaff Trail

Four Pines

North Boulder Park

East Boulder Community Park

Theres also a livestream for the lighting ceremony between 6-7 p.m. if youre unable to get out to the area on Monday night.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL)The Bristol, Virginia, Police and Fire Departments will conduct an active shooter exercise on Monday morning near Gate City Highway and Osborne Street.

According to a release from Mike Armstrong, Fire Chief Emergency Management Coordinator, the active shooter exercise will begin around noon on Monday.

The release said motorists may see emergency vehicles and personnel in the area, but there is no threat to the public. The exercise is for training purposes.

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Traffic will not be disrupted, the release said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Britains recent drop in carbon emissions has been fuelled by factory closures and households switching off their central heating, a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said.

According to the IEAs latest figures, the UK was recently placed top of the global league table for improvements in energy efficiency.

However, it pinned the UKs achievements largely on a sharp reduction in British manufacturing and the impact of warmer weather.

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The IEA said in its report that Britain posted a 9pc drop in energy demand from 2010 to 2019, even despite the economy growing by 19pc.

It also found that the UKs use of oil fell from 151m tonnes in 2010 to 125m tonnes in 2023, while the UKs use of gas fell by 17pc last year alone.

One key contributory factor, said the IEA, was that energy use in households and commercial buildings fell by 21pc and 15pc respectively in 2023.

It said this decline was related to the weather rather than efficiency improvements, as higher temperatures reduced the need for people to switch on their heating.

As space heating is the main use of energy in the UK residential sector, this means a large part of the observed reduction in households was likely due to the weather rather than efficiency improvement measures, the report said.

The decline in the UKs energy-intensive industries is another factor. Back in 2010, these industries consumed the equivalent of 39m tonnes of oil, but by last year this had fallen to 20m tonnes, according to UK government data.

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Some of this was down to the closure of coal-fired power stations and their replacement by renewables  bringing a genuine reduction in emissions and pollution.

The IEA said: This effect is likely to have contributed over 50pc of the total primary energy intensity improvement alone because burning coal was inherently inefficient due to heat losses.

However, the shutdowns of other heavy industries, such as steel, were also a key factor.

The consequent reduction in emissions from the loss of such industries has boosted the UKs apparent progress towards net zero.

However, it has also led to a surge in imports as the UK now has to buy many products it once made itself from other countries.

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Emissions generated abroad for UK imports are not included in the UKs emissions data.

Research by the University of Leeds suggests that since 1990, the CO2 generated abroad to make products for the UK has risen from 200m tonnes to nearly 400m tonnes per year.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was contacted for comment.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  As chief financial and administrative officer for the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, Tom Williamson is naturally involved with the ongoing Broadleigh Lofts development. His role as a veteran, however, makes the project personal.

The vision for this development is to help ensure that veterans in Franklin County have a safe and stable place to call home  together, we can achieve the goal of no veteran being homeless, Williamson said.

Broadleigh Lofts is a $26 million project by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, which said the nearly four-acre vacant site will consist of three three-story buildings. The development is being built in tandem with Woda Cooper Companies.

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According to CMHA, the property includes 25 apartments with rental assistance and supportive services exclusively for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The remaining 59 units are reserved for general households earning less than 80% of Franklin Countys annual income.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 7% of the general population are veterans, but nearly 13% of the homeless population are veterans. The data also estimates around 633 veterans in Ohio are homeless, although some may be unsheltered so it is difficult to confirm the number.

Williamson said the project is the first development in CMHAs 90-year history specifically dedicated to serving homeless veterans. The location  on East Broad Street near John Glenn International Airport  was selected because of its proximity to VA Wylie Clinic, a Veterans Affairs treatment center, as well as other geographic benefits like transportation.

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Williamson was honored for exemplary service while serving with elite special operations forces as an Army Ranger. He said his past work in the military  especially his role managing a multi-billion dollar budget  has helped him look toward innovation in his work with CMHA.

Gov. DeWine shares thoughts on Vance Senate replacement

He said hes not alone in gaining skills in the military that help him in civilian work, something he encouraged employers to keep in mind when receiving job applications from veterans.

As a 100% disabled veteran, I am blessed that my disabilities have not affected my ability to work. I remain in contact with my buddies who have not been as fortunate as I, Williamson said. Most have suffered debilitating physical injuries, others have suffered from complications associated with post traumatic stress. We can do better.

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He said he hopes the supportive services and housing stability that will be offered at Broadleigh Lofts can offer a chance for veterans to heal. Leasing on the 60%-completed development is expected to begin in late spring of 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, 2024. (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.

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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 11. Tajikistan's imports of petroleum products increased during the first nine months of 2024, Trend reports.

According to the country's Customs Committee, Tajikistan imported 769,700 tons during this period, which is a 17.3 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous year.

The total value of imports reached $611.5 million. Most of these imports92.5 percentoriginated from Russia.

Specifically, in the first nine months of 2024, Tajikistan brought in 375,500 tons of diesel fuel, 322,200 tons of gasoline, 22,800 tons of lubricants, and 46,200 tons of jet fuel.

In terms of overall trade, Tajikistan's turnover for January through September 2024 was $6.387 billion, a 25 percent increase from $5.103 billion in the same period of 2023. Exports accounted for $1.349 billion, a 45 percent rise year on year, while imports grew by 21 percent to $5.037 billion.
SALEM, Ohio (WKBN)  A pair of businesses are closed while demolition crews work to tear down a building that collapsed in downtown Salem over the weekend.

Christoper Sell, who owns Heggys Confectionary next door, had his phone at the ready when the walls of the abandoned building came crashing down on his business Sunday.

Its not ideal, for sure, but were going to try and stay positive, he said.

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The roof and back of the building on State Street caved in, according to the Salem Fire Department. Though no one was hurt, the partial collapse closed two businesses next to the building, including Heggys Confectionary.

You have property owners that dont take care of the buildings, this is what happens, Sell said.

Salem Fire Chief Scott Mason said the building was scheduled to be demolished this week, with preparation work already underway. After the partial collapse, crews began tearing it down Sunday night with plans to finish Monday afternoon.

This buildingwas scheduled to be demolished, probably starting next week. They were starting to carry out debris, taking out some drywall and they were doing pre-demolition preparation, Mason said.

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He said the building has been vacant for more than a decade.

It just happened to collapse on itself about three days before it was scheduled to be torn down, Mason said.

Sell spent most of Monday morning getting as much inventory out of his shop while he still could.

We can see daylight through the cooler. Thats not good when you have eggs, and ice cream and everything else in there, he said.

Next door, demolition crews made relief cuts in the roof to weaken the structure even more, in an effort to ensure everything collapses inward when they demolish it.

Sell says November and December are two of his busiest months, pulling in about a third of his revenue over the holidays.

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Heggys Confectionary was closed when the building next door started to collapse.

Luckily, nobody was here when the collapse happened. We did have plans to open up Sundays after Thanksgiving through Christmas while were in the midst of busy season, Sell said.

Right now, theyre unsure when they can reopen with the repairs needed to the store.

Tino DiCenso contributed to this report.

Courtesy: Salem Fire Department Courtesy: Salem Fire Department WKBN

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Time is absolutely critical during medical emergencies, particularly cardiac arrest. New preliminary research of close to 200,000 incidences where cardiac arrest occurred outside of a hospital shows just how crucial every second really is. The sooner a bystander begins cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)ideally up to 10 minutes after the cardiac arrest startsthe better the chances of survival. Those who received quick CPR had an 81 percent higher chance of surviving up to hospital discharge and a 95 percent higher rate of surviving the episode without significant brain damage. The preliminary data will be presented at the American Heart Associations Resuscitation Science Symposium on November 16 and 17.

Why time matters during cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart malfunctions and abruptly stops beating. When the heart stops beating, the lack of blood flow to the brain and other organs can cause organ damage or death if not treated immediately. Administering CPR increases the blood flow to the heart and brain, ultimately buying time before paramedics can arrive. Without quick medical attention to restore blood flow, cardiac arrest is often fatal.

[Related: Cardiac arrests like Damar Hamlins are rarebut teams must be prepared.]

According to the American Heart Association, over 357,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States with a 9.3 percent survival rate.

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Our findings reinforce that every second counts when starting bystander CPR and even a few minutes delay can make a big difference, Doctor Evan OKeefe, a study co-author and a cardiovascular fellow at Saint Lukes Mid America Heart Institute and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said in a statement. If you see someone in need of CPR, dont dwell on how long theyve been down, your quick actions could save their life.

The importance of bystander CPR

The new research analyzed 160,822 cases of cardiac arrests that occurred outside of a hospital from 2013-2022. The average age was 64 and more than 54,000 were women.

The team compared incidences where bystanders began CPR within different time windows with the outcomes where there wasnt any bystander intervention to see if there was a difference in survival and brain function after the patient left the hospital.

We found that people who received bystander CPR within the first few minutes of their cardiac arrest were much more likely to survive and have better brain function than those who didnt, said OKeefe. The longer it took for CPR to start, the less survival benefit one received. However, even when CPR was started up to 10 minutes after cardiac arrest, there was still a significant survival benefit compared to individuals who did not receive CPR from a bystander.

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Additionally, those who received CPR within two minutes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest had an 81 percent higher rate of survival up to release from the hospital. They also had a 95 percent higher rate of surviving the episode without significant brain damage compared with those who didnt receive bystander CPR.

[Related: CPR can save lives. Heres how (and when) to do it.]

Even those who received bystander CPR up to 10 minutes after cardiac arrest were 19 percent more likely to survive to hospital discharge and 22 percent more likely to have better neurological outcomes than those who did not receive early bystander CPR at all.

In the cases where the patient did not receive bystander CPR, about 12 percent survived to be released from the hospital. More than nine percent survived without significant brain damage or major disabilities. In instances where bystander CPR was initiated more than 10 minutes after cardiac arrest, the CPR was no longer associated with improved survival.

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Some of the studys limitations include that the average time of arrival for emergency medical technicians to the person in cardiac arrest was roughly 10 minutes. In this sample, those who received bystander CPR 10 minutes after their cardiac arrest were likely being compared to a group receiving medical attention from processionals.

Where to learn CPR

CPR is a life saving skill that anyone can learn. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer training and certifications nationwide. There are also plenty of reliable bystander CPR resources for easy learning available. Learning from these trusted resources is generally better than asking an AI assistant like Siri or Alexa, as the information can change from year to year based on research.

It is also important to follow the three Cscheck, call, care. Check the scene, call 911 for medical help, then care for them to the best of your ability. Several states have Good Samaritan laws that can protect against negligence when administering bystander CPR in an emergency.

These results highlight the critical importance of quick action in emergencies. It suggests that we need to focus on teaching more people how to perform CPR, and we also need to emphasize ways to get help to those suffering cardiac arrest faster, OKeefe said. This might include more widespread CPR training programs, as well as better public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and improved dispatch systems.
The largest liberal bastion in the nation is circling the wagons amid news of a second Donald Trump presidency.

Two days after Tuesdays decisive presidential election, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he plans to take action to protect California values like civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action and the rights of immigrant families.

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California is ready to fight, Newsom wrote on X Thursday morning. 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.

According to Newsom, the Golden State, which delivered the biggest cache of electoral votes for Vice President Kamala Harris, will refuse to turn back the clock and allow our values and laws to be attacked following the regime change.

The special session of the California Legislature will take place on Dec. 2, Newsom announced. The governors urgent priorities include bolstering legal defenses against federal actions that the incoming president has threatened throughout his campaign, like stripping women of reproductive rights and facilitating mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

The Governors proclamation calls for legislation to provide additional resources to the California Department of Justice and other state entities to pursue robust affirmative litigation against any unlawful actions by the incoming Trump Administration, as well as defend against federal lawsuits aimed at undermining Californias laws and policies, Newsoms office wrote. The funding will support the ability to immediately file litigation and seek injunctive relief against unlawful federal actions.

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The session will be the first of several actions taken by the Newsom Administration to rebuff the president-elects policies. The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attackand we wont sit idle, Newsom said.

Trump isnt sitting idle, either. On Friday, he took to his media platform, Truth Social, to hit back at the California official.

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, but I just overwhelmingly won the Election, Trump wrote. People are being forced to leave due to his, & others, INSANE POLICY DECISIONS.

But Newsom has the backing of Californias chief legal officer. No matter what the incoming Administration has in store, California will keep moving forward, Attorney General Rob Bonta said. Weve been through this before, and we stand ready to defend your rights and protect California values. Were working closely with the Governor and the Legislature to shore up our defenses and ensure we have the resources we need to take on each fight as it comes.

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California sued the Trump Administration more than 100 times during the former presidents first term, upholding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), fending off attacks on its clean air regulations, and preserving the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Speaker of the California Assembly Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) admitted that voters sent a clear message during the presidential election, noting that politicians need to lean in and listen.

Though the state has voted for Democrats in nine consecutive presidential elections, the deep blue wave saw some dilution this cycle.

Harris swept the Golden State as expected, garnering 58 percent of the popular vote as of Friday, but Trump made headway with Southern California voters, leading in three counties that voted for President Joe Biden in 2020: Orange County, San Bernadino County and Riverside County.

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Voters also cast their ballots for more conservative politicians and policies within the state; 70 percent voted yes on retail-crime-busting measure Prop. 36, and Los Angeles County ousted its progressive District Attorney, George Gascon, elevating Republican challenger Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor who has been vocal about rising crime and homelessness.

While Rivas believes its essential to tap into constituents concerns, he said the Assembly must be prepared to defend California values, no matter the challenges ahead.

It makes sense to consider the Governors proposal. Im ready to fight harder than ever for opportunity, equality and a Golden State that works for each and every resident, he added.

Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) was more bullish about Newsoms call to action. We learned a lot about former President Trump in his first termhes petty, vindictive, and will do what it takes to get his way no matter how dangerous the policy may be, he said.

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California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender and accept his dystopian vision for America. This is why were moving with speed and investing in our legal defense, he added. This is an important first step in protecting our progress and the values that make this state great. Well be working with the Assembly and the Governor in the months ahead to ensure the rights of all Californians are safeguarded.

California advocates for garment workers are wasting no time in making their sentiments known, specifically surrounding Trumps threat of rounding up and ousting undocumented immigrants.

The former president vowed throughout his campaign to mount the largest deportation effort in American history if elected.

The threat of mass deportations is felt by our membership and the local garment industry. Any ramping up of detainment and deportation will have a significant impact on our communities, said Marissa Nuncio, director of Garment Worker Center, a worker rights organization based in Downtown, L.A.s Fashion District. About 45,000 workers cut, sew and finish garments locally, the groups data shows.

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According to Nuncio, the group is already working with its members and coalition partners on strategies to mitigate harm to affected communities, including demanding protections against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to city-held data.

One of our first next steps is to collaborate with local immigration attorneys to host legal clinics for our members so they can better understand their immigration status and legal rights, she said. Were also working closely with our membership to process this federal transition and adjust our organizing strategies accordingly.

The GWC lead said the organization is using its influence to make L.A. a true sanctuary city.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also touted its readiness to take on Trump policies surrounding immigration and deportation.

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During Trumps first term, the ACLU filed 434 legal challenges against his administration, successfully blocking some of Trumps most egregious policies, like the Muslim ban and separating immigrant families, ACLU executive director Anthony D. Romero wrote this week.

The group plans to use its full firepower to defend against the Trump administrations unlawful mass deportation plan through coordinated action at all levels of government, he added. Well also work with states and localities to protect residents to the full extent possible and ensure that a Trump administration cant hijack state resources to carry out its draconian policies.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California voters have rejected a measure on the November ballot that would have amended the state constitution to ban forced prison labor.

The constitution already prohibits so-called involuntary servitude, but an exception allows it to be used as a punishment for crime.

That exemption became a target of criminal justice advocates concerned that prisoners are often paid less than $1 an hour for labor such as fighting fires, cleaning cells and doing landscaping work at cemeteries.

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The failed Proposition 6 was included in a package of reparations proposals introduced by lawmakers this year as part of an effort to atone and offer redress for a history of discrimination against Black Californians.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in the package in September to issue a formal apology for the state's legacy of racism against African Americans. But state lawmakers blocked a bill that would have created an agency to administer reparations programs, and Newsom vetoed a measure that would have helped Black families reclaim property taken unjustly by the government through eminent domain.

Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about dismantling the remnants of slavery from the books.

While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made significant progress, she said in a statement. We are proud of the movement we have built, and we will not rest until we see this issue resolved once and for all.

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George Eyles, a retired teacher in Brea who voted against Prop 6, said he found it confusing that the initiative aimed to ban slavery, which was outlawed in the U.S. in the 19th century. After finding out more about the measure, Eyles decided it likely would not be economically feasible since prison labor helps cut costs for upkeep, he said.

I really couldnt get any in-depth information about ... the thinking behind putting that whole Prop 6 forward, so that made me leery of it, Eyles said. If I really cant understand something, then Im usually going to shake my head, No.

Multiple states  including Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama and Vermont  have voted to rid their constitutions of forced labor exemptions in recent years, and this week they were joined by Nevada, which passed its own measure.

In Colorado  the first state to get rid of an exception for slavery from its constitution in 2018  incarcerated people alleged in a 2022 lawsuit filed against the corrections department that they were still being forced to work.

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Proposition 6s ballot language did not explicitly include the word slavery like measures elsewhere, because the California Constitution was amended in the 1970s to remove an exemption for slavery. But the exception for involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime remained on the books.

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution also bans slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.

Proposition 6 saw the second-least campaign spending among the 10 statewide initiatives on the ballot this year, about $1.9 million, according to the California Secretary of States office. It had no formal opposition.

___

Austin is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on Twitter: @ sophieadanna
Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Firefighters in California reported making progress toward containing the Mountain Fire, amid favorable weather conditions.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said Sunday that the blaze was 31% contained and has burned 20,630 acres in Ventura County.

Even with the improvement, the residents of some 1,000 homes northwest of Los Angeles, were still told to steer clear until further notice. The fire started Wednesday morning with dry conditions and a strong Santa Ana wind helping the blaze grow.

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"[This is] an immediate threat to life," Cal Fire said about evacuation areas in 11 zones on Sunday in a report. "This is an order by law enforcement to leave immediately. The area is lawfully closed to public access.

"The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities."

Cal Fire said emergency crews continued to conduct tactical patrols, make control lines, and perform mop-up duties. It said fire activity overnight into Monday remained minimal and within the control of firefighters.

"Damage inspection teams remain out in the fire and are reassessing affected structures," Cal Fire said.

Some 3,000 firefighters have been tasked with trying to contain the fire. There had been reports of 10 injuries from the fire but none were considered life-threatening.
Calling all Ohio college students: We want to hear from you.

Ohio reporters Madeline Mitchell of The Cincinnati Enquirer and Sheridan Hendrix of The Columbus Dispatch are looking into mental health trends on college campuses.

More than one-third of students reported having received psychological or mental health services in the last year, according to the American College Health Association's spring 2024 National College Health Assessment results.

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Feelings of loneliness impact 2 in 3 students at least some of the time, according to data from The Healthy Minds Network, with 27% of students often feeling isolated from others.

And 13% of college students thought about suicide in the past year, survey results show.

Colleges and universities in Ohio are working to provide more support for students experiencing mental health struggles. While mental health stigma has lessened in recent years, issues surrounding mental health and access to care still persist.

Want to join the conversation? Please fill out the survey below, or click here.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can call or text the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or 800-273-8255 any time day or night, or chat online at https://988lifeline.org/chat/.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Survey: We want to hear from college kids in Ohio about mental health
The Italian army should be deployed to Naples to combat a wave of mafia-linked teenage murders, prosecutors said on Monday.

The city has been shocked by a number of killings related to underworld criminality and drug dealing, with most of the victims in their late teens and one aged 15.

Three teenagers have been killed in just two weeks, including a 19-year-old shot reportedly because he had trodden on the designer trainers of a 17-year-old boy.

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The victims are reportedly so young because the Camorra, the mafia based in Naples and the surrounding Campania region, recruits teenagers and young men as foot soldiers for its drug turf wars.

Naples was described by one Italian newspaper on Monday as a Wild West where kids shoot from the back of mopeds and the sheriffs appear impotent.

City at mercy of criminals

Emilia Galante Sorrentino, a prosecutor with the citys tribunal for juveniles, said: Were at war.

And in situations like this, you need to bring in the army. I say it with a heavy heart, but the city needs to be locked down with the forces of law and order and the army.

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And not just until midnight each night because it is after that time that the city is at the mercy of criminals.

The prosecutor added: We have two parallel situations. On the one hand, we have a Camorra 2.0 that arms young men, takes advantage of them, uses them for drug dealing. This is a new way in which the Camorra is operating.

On the other hand, we have a cultural problem  there is a Camorra mentality which is spreading among young people, a Camorra way of resolving conflicts  even if it is something banal like stepping on a shoe or a girlfriend going off with someone else.

Around 300 people gathered for the Lets free Naples from violence campaign meeting - Antonio Balasco/LiveMedia/Shutterstock

The latest murder happened at the weekend, when a 19-year-old allegedly shot by his 18-year-old cousin.

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The youngest victim of the recent spate of killings was Emanuele Tufano, 15, who was shot dead during a clash between rival gangs.

Officials announced on Monday that they are launching a crackdown on the increasing levels of violence.

Matteo Piantedosi, Italys interior minister, said there would be more security around nightlife hotspots and additional CCTV cameras installed.

Mafia mentality has taken root

Maurizio Agricola, the citys chief of police, said that there were deep-seated social issues behind the violence and that the police needed the help of schools, families and social services to tackle the problem.

We need to sow a culture of legality among children, he said. Unfortunately, it is easy to buy weapons on the dark web.

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If people go around armed, if they start shooting over the slightest thing, it is clear that a mafia mentality has taken root, a Camorra methodology of criminal activity.

Violence between Camorra clans has often taken place in the past on the outskirts of Naples, in housing estates or satellite towns.

Worryingly for the authorities, many of the most recent murders have taken place in the citys historic centre  a jumble of narrow alleyways, piazzas and pizzerias which has undergone a tourist boom in recent years.

Maria Luisa Lavarone, an education expert and the author of a book about youth violence in Naples, said the city was in the grip of an immense emergency where it had become acceptable for youths to go out on to the streets carrying a pistol.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansans have cast their votes in the 2024 election and made decisions on multiple issues and candidates.

Capitol View host Roby Brock spoke with political consultants Richard Bearden of Impact Management Group and Michael Cook from Cook Consulting to break down the results of the election.

Capitol View: Arkansas candidates on the November ballot, Issue 2

Brock then speaks with Kristen Welker, moderator of NBCs Meet the Press. The two spoke about Trumps election. Welker said that his first order of business when entering the White House is securing the border.

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Capitol View airs on Sundays at 8:30 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 KARK.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 11. Uzbekistan and the European Union signed a roadmap for implementing the memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership for sustainable raw material value chains, Trend reports.

The document was signed during the official opening of the 2024 European Economic Days in Tashkent, organized by the European-Uzbek Association for Economic Cooperation (EUROUZ).

At the event, it was noted that nearly 1,000 European-invested companies now operate in Uzbekistan, with optimal conditions created for joint projects across sectors such as electrical engineering, machinery, chemistry, mining and metallurgy, energy, agriculture, textiles, tourism, and more.

The EU confirmed its readiness to advance cooperation in information technology and mining and mineral processing, which will help establish new enterprises, create jobs, and jointly develop new transport and logistics corridors.

The Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov noted key achievements, including over $30 billion in joint projects with EU companies and the participation of 320+ EU representatives at the third Tashkent Investment Forum.

According to the European Commissions lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Peter Stano, currently a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the EU and Uzbekistan is being prepared for signature and entry into force.

The agreement covers areas such as political dialogue and reforms, the rule of law, justice, freedom and security, human rights, migration, trade, and economic and sustainable development. It will promote a favorable business and investment environment. It also foresees closer cooperation on foreign policy issues and global challenges such as climate change, corruption, and the fight against terrorism.
The Elkader Care Center in Clayton County. (Photo via Google Earth)

An Iowa care facility has been fined $9,000 for failing to treat a bed sore that contributed to the death of a resident.

State records indicate a woman was admitted to the Elkader Care Center on Oct. 4 with a shallow, open sore on her backside. However, the care plan developed by the Elkader home allegedly failed to include any procedures for repositioning the woman on a regular basis to ensure the sore didnt worsen, and the staff allegedly failed to assess the wound.

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On Oct. 10, a nurse noted the wound had increased in size and was emitting an odor. Later, the nurse allegedly told state inspectors she should have performed a more complete assessment and informed the womans doctor, although she did neither.

On Oct. 15, less than two weeks after her admission to the Elkader home, the woman was transported to a hospital emergency room after developing sepsis  a life-threatening infection. At that point, the wound had worsened to the point where a nurse practitioner described it for inspectors as shocking.

On Oct. 18, the resident died, with the cause attributed in part to sepsis related to the open wound. The residents primary physician allegedly told inspectors the wound could have been avoided or minimized had the staff informed her of the womans condition.

State records indicate the Elkader facility has yet to pay the $9,000 fine imposed by the state.

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Other Iowa nursing homes recently cited for quality-of-care issues include:

 Medication errors: Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, which was cited for failing to administer doctor-ordered medications to residents. In one case, the home had received a residents medication that was intended to slow the progression of his cancer, but for six weeks it failed to administer the drug and failed to notice the supply of the medication wasnt being depleted.

According to state inspectors, the resident subsequently showed signs of elevated proteins of the kind that are produced by cancer cells. In addition to the medication error, the home allegedly failed to inform the mans family or doctor of the error once it was discovered, and didnt complete an internal investigation as to how the error occurred.

The operations manager at the cancer center that was treating the man allegedly told inspectors that the Clarion facilitys failure to provide the medication could accelerate the cancers progression and prove fatal. The centers advanced registered nurse practitioner agreed, and reportedly told inspectors the man had already undergone two stem-cell transplants and she didnt want to put him through that again.

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In a separate medication-error case, a female resident of the Clarion home was mistakenly given her roommates round of six separate medications, rather than her own. The error was caught only after the resident who should have received the drugs noticed that the assortment of pills she had been given didnt look like hers. At that point, the staff realized the two sets of medications had been inadvertently swapped.

The state proposed, and then held in suspension, a $7,000 fine so that federal regulators could determine whether to impose a penalty of their own.

 Missed labs: The Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines, which was cited for failing to properly obtain the doctor-ordered blood work for a resident who then had to be hospitalized. Inspectors allege that in August the residents doctor ordered the staff at the Rehabilitation Center to re-check the residents sodium and potassium levels in one week. The order was somehow missed and on Aug. 27, the resident was transported to the hospital and admitted with critically high sodium levels. The state has held in suspension a $5,200 fine.

 Abuse: Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo, which was cited for failing led to follow its own policies on resident abuse after it was discovered that a residents narcotic medication was missing and may have been replaced by a look-alike tablet of acetaminophen. The home was fined $500.
Democratic strategist James Carville said support from some on the left for the push to defund the police has become a major hindrance for the partys candidates, including Vice President Harris during her presidential campaign.

We could never wash off the stench of it, Carville said in an interview with The New York Times.

He added that the phrase defund the police is the three stupidest words in the English language.

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The phrase initiated with the Black Lives Matter movement. It calls for decreasing police department budgets in order to invest in other community services in the hopes of minimizing the publics contact with law enforcement.

Harris, who often mentioned her history as prosecutor on the campaign trail, rarely spoke of the Black Lives Matter movement this cycle. In 2020, however, she called for redirecting funds from police budgets to other resources.

And despite her spending only minimal time speaking of her identity as a woman of color during her campaign, Carville agreed that Democrats have become the party of wokeism  or what he calls identitarianism.

As such, he said, voters feel that identity is more important than humanity.

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Its like when you get smoke on your clothes and you have to wash them again and again, said Carville. Now people are running away from it like the devil runs away from holy water.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Democratic strategist James Carville said Vice President Harris had every advantage in the presidential race but lacked a motivating reason behind her campaign.

Carville unpacked Harriss defeat in an interview released Saturday on The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller.

By the way, she had every advantage. We had a united party, from Dick Cheney to AOC, everybody was, whatever you want to do is fine, Carville said, referring to the former Republican vice president and to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), both of whom backed Harriss campaign.

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We had more people on the ground. We had more volunteers, we had more money, all right? We had more surrogates, but we didnt have a reason, Carville continued.

Carville said the campaign was strong but that since the dawn of time, no number of resources or technology could overcome lacking a reason to vote for a candidate.

You cannot not have a reason and beat it with technology, or beat it with volunteers, or do that, Carville continued. The overall message here, Tim: A reason, and she didnt give us a reason.

Carville also pointed to President Bidens insistence on staying in the race as a mistake that deprived talented young politicians the chance to move up and generate real excitement. Having a primary process, Carville said, would have served the party well.

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If we would have had this process, wed have had gone through it, and we would have had this mega level of talent that exists, and all of these people would have been different. It would have been energetic. It would have created a sense of real excitement, Carville said.

Biden, he just blocked all that from happening, he added.

With Harris, Carville said, Democrats flubbed it on delivering change to a country where approximately two-thirds of its citizens say they think theyre on the wrong track. The Harris campaign, according to Carville, failed to offer a compelling economic message that differed from the status quo.

If the country wants something different, you try to give the country something different, he said.

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Instead, Carville said, Democrats responded by reasoning that, We are just not going to give in to them. But maybe the odiousness of [President-elect] Trump combined with the Dobbs decision, we can overcome it.

Well, we didnt overcome it, he added.

Carville pointed to Harriss devastating lack of response on The View, when asked what she would do differently from Biden, as a key moment contributing to her defeat.

Its the one question that you exist to answer, all right? That is it. Thats the money question. Thats the one you want. Thats the one that everybody wants to know to answer to, Carville said, reflecting on Harriss past interview. And you freeze, you literally freeze, and you say, Well, I cant think anything.

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But when we go back, and history unearths this, its going to be right there on The View. And I think her name was Sunny Hostin  asked the question, and thats the most devastating answer you could imagine.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Dr. Ayaz Pathan, an emergency room physician from Cary, spent three weeks in Gaza this summer on a medical mission.

He flinched at the shudder of bombs, had Israeli soldiers point guns at him, endured hunger as he lost 13 pounds and, in the worst of his experiences, was helpless to prevent the deaths of wounded children he could have saved in a U.S. hospital.

You have to make a decision that the child is going to die, he said. That is something that still haunts me, putting kids aside and letting nature take its course.

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When it came time for his group of doctors and nurses to leave that ravaged strip of land full of battered people beside the Mediterranean Sea, he thought he would be grateful to depart.

Instead, he thought of those who were trapped behind. I thought when we got out of Gaza there would be this big relief, he said. But honestly, all I felt was guilt. They cant exit.

Yet Pathan also took to heart the words of a Gaza doctor who thanked him for his work there, but told him, Your real work is going to begin when you go back.

Pathan, 47, who is Indian-American, has been back in Cary with his wife and three young children since August. He is continuing that real work by speaking at churches and mosques, to local government meetings, and to the media and medical students about what he saw and what he wants to see end in Gaza.

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A year after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led raid on Israel killed some 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of more than 250 hostages, Israels response is taking an ever-higher toll. More than 43,000 Palestinians are reported to have died, at least half of them women and children.

Pathan said his first-hand reports are eye-opening for many in his audiences. Indeed, the testimony of doctors whove spent time in Gaza is one of the few ways the world is able to learn about what is happening there. Journalists are generally barred from entering the enclave, new medical missions are blocked and aid workers on the ground are being evacuated from northern Gaza.

Gaza medical students and doctors keep Pathan informed via text. This week he learned of the bombing of a building full of displaced people and medical staff depleted by the Israel Defense Forces detention of doctors suspected of ties to Hamas.

A text this week reported on the killing of a doctor by drone fire during the evacuation of Kamal Odwan Hospital in northern Gaza, which came under assault by soldiers and tanks. The hospital is near where Pathan worked, the severely damaged Indonesian Hospital, one of northern Gazas largest health care facilities. Another text reported on a doctors arrest of the only surgeon working in northern Gaza.

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Pathan said that in taking extreme measures to root out Hamas, Israel is in turn creating a new generation of people who will fiercely oppose it.

Its like the Martin Luther King quote, you cant drive out darkness with darkness, only light can do that. Its almost like youre trying to drive out hate with hate and youre creating more hate there, he said.

Pathan is accustomed to treating serious injuries. But its what he couldnt treat for lack of resources in Gaza that troubles him now. I still have nightmare dreams about specifically bad days when Im looking at children that I know are going to die. These are kids that all I can think of are my own kids because they are in the same category, 8 years old and my oldest is 13, and that is exactly the category of kids that I couldnt save or couldnt do anything for.

Those memories drive Pathan to spread the word of what he saw in Gaza and what he wants to see stop. When he is asked to speak, he tells those inviting him that the size of the audience doesnt matter.

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I tell them I dont care if its one person or a thousand people, yes, I will tell the story, he said. Ill make some time. Ill do whats needed because I think thats important.

When its possible, Pathan wants to go back to Gaza. But for now hes using his words instead of his hands to save lives there.

Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com




(Photo: Nevada Department of Wildlife)

The first time I saw a coyote was at Pyramid Lake. It was dawn and the sun was peeking out  lighting up a mother coyote and her two pups. The family was slowly trodding down the shoreline. I was awestruck by how gorgeous and content they were. Suddenly, one of the pups noticed a quick movement in the Tufa rocks and off they went, doing what coyotes do, hunting rodents. I still remember this fondly, my breath taken away by seeing iconic Nevada coyotes in their native habitat, and I have been advocating for coyotes and other wild carnivores ever since.

Coyote killing contests have gained notoriety in Nevada, raising ethical questions and heightening tensions between hunters and conservationists. These contests, which reward participants for killing the most coyotes within a set time frame, are not only inhumane but also detrimental to the ecosystem. Its past time for Nevada to ban these contests.

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At the heart of the issue is the ethical dilemma surrounding wildlife management and animal rights. Coyotes, often labeled as pests or nuisances, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. As apex predators, they play an important role in our ecosystems. Killing contests undermine this natural balance, incentivizing the indiscriminate slaughter of these animals without consideration for the broader environmental consequences. There is not one state-level department in Nevada that recognizes coyote killing contests as a viable scientific management tool. Not even Nevadas Department of Wildlife.

Furthermore, these contests often promote a culture of violence toward wildlife. Participants are encouraged to view animals not as integral parts of the ecosystem but as mere targets for sport. This mindset can desensitize individuals to the suffering of living creatures and foster a dangerous disregard for nature. Hunting has a time and place, and certainly Indigenous people in Nevada have been hunting since time immemorial, but coyote killing contests are unsportsmanlike, and severely out of sync with the natural circle of life. The Sierra Club supports regulated periodic hunting and fishing when based on sufficient scientifically valid biological data and when consistent with all other management purposes and when necessary total protection of particular species or populations. Coyote killing contests are not based on sufficient scientific data or necessary for any species survival.

Public sentiment is increasingly leaning towards compassion and respect for wildlife. A poll conducted earlier this year shows that a majority of Nevada voters support a ban on coyote killing contests. Instead of endorsing events that encourage killing for sport, flagrantly defying the will of most Nevadans, the state should focus on education and fostering a culture of respect for all living beings. Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont have all banned wildlife killing contests.

After years of back and forth discussions on coyote killing contests, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, with hunters representing the majority of the commissioners, is meeting once again on November 14th to rehash this issue. In 2019 and 2023, the Nevada legislature

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had the opportunity to ban these contests once and for all, but the bills died both times. Since then, activists including myself have been let down time and time again as the Commission fails to ban these cruel contests. At a 2021 meeting of the wildlife commission, Tony Wasley, former Nevada Department of Wildlife Director, said that these contests are not an effective control of coyote populations.

Coyote killing contests in Nevada represent a concerning trend that contradicts the principles of ethical wildlife management and conservation. They not only harm ecosystems and promote violence against animals but also risk the states reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship. As a society, we must advocate for policies that prioritize compassion, sustainability, and coexistence. Its time to end coyote killing contests and embrace a future where wildlife is respected and humanely managed.
Cash-strapped councils have warned the social care bill for the lifelong disabled could increase by more than 50 per cent by 2030.

Projections by the County Councils Network (CCN) found the costs to cover social care for adults could top 17 billion by the end of the decade.

Last year, costs of providing support to working-age adults and those with a lifelong disability is estimated to have been almost 11 billion, which the CCN said now dwarf the 6 billion spent on older adults with a physical disability and dementia.

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Those aged between 18 and 24 account for around 13 per cent of the current expenditure on this group at around 1.4 billion.

The figures, in a report using analysis from consultancy firm Newton, found spending on support for this age group will likely grow by at least 40 per cent by 2030.

Adults between 18 and 24 account for 13 per cent of the expenditure on support for lifelong disabilities - Jasmin Merdan/Moment RF

The growth in spending is expected as a consequence of increases in Send (special educational needs and disabilities) and population growth, according to the CCN.

It comes as a growing number of councils continue to struggle to balance the books, with estimates by the CCN putting the collective black hole across England at around 54 billion over the next five years.

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One in five local authorities will be at risk of financial failure by the end of this financial year, and four in ten risk going under before the end of the decade, according to accountancy firm Grant Thornton UK.

The CCN report said that the cost of care has risen sharply in recent years, driven by the type of care and the complexity.

The Local Government Association (LGA) described the council spending projections as concerning.

The LGA also said the care sector is often seen primarily as a service for older people when in reality many people needing such care are younger, working-age adults with disabilities.

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David Fothergill, of the LGA, said: While their aspirations, such as independence, relationships, and hobbies, may align with those of older generations, supporting them effectively requires a distinct approach.

This report highlights the urgent need for focused attention on this group as we address funding and reform.

Labour pledges to get millions of sick adults back into the workforce - Ijubaphoto/E+

The analysis was based on publicly available national data, alongside local input from 16 local authorities to project future costs and excluded council staffing and administrative costs.

Labour has pledged to tackle economic inactivity in Britain, including by getting millions of sick adults back into the workforce.

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It has also committed to creating a National Care Service, which will help to ease the burden on NHS hospitals and waiting lists.

But Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said before the election that it would take a decade to build the kind of National Care Service that I think will last this country the best part of the next century.

He added: Change takes time, especially when the public finances are in the state they are and the catastrophic damage the Conservatives have done.

Wes Streeting said it would take a decade to build a National Care Service to last the best part of the next century - Wiktor Szymanowicz

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There was criticism from the sector at the time that the plans lacked any detail on how it would work.

A Government spokesperson said: We have inherited a broken social care system and will work closely with the sector to build a National Care Service that will improve the quality of care for working-age disabled adults across the country.

The Chancellor has announced at least 600 million of new social care funding, as well as an 86 million increase for the Disabled Facilities Grant, which are part of a wider package to bolster support for councils.

We are also committed to reforming Jobcentres to provide better employment support and make health-related benefits more flexible, making it easier for people to move into paid work.

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British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has pulled his new childrens book from shelves, saying he was devastated by the offense he caused following criticism that the book stereotyped Indigenous Australians.

The book, Billy and the Epic Escape, was first published in May and drew outrage in Australia, where Indigenous leaders described it as trivializing the community's history and diversity, as well as perpetuating harmful stereotypes against them.

The books publisher, Penguin Random House U.K., said it was withdrawing the book from sale.

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It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action, the publisher said Monday in an emailed statement.

Oliver, who was in Australia promoting his cookbook Simply Jamie, also apologized in a statement.

I am devastated to have caused offense and apologize wholeheartedly, he said. "It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale."

The book narrates the abduction by the books main villain of a First Nations Indigenous character named Ruby, who is living in foster care.

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But the description is in such a way that puts the blame on her family, which the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) said "dangerously trivializes the ongoing trauma associated with Australias violent history of child removal."

For decades, successive Australian governments forcibly removed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families as part of an assimilation policy.

The implication that First Nations families are easily swayed by money and neglect the safety of their children perpetuates a racist stereotype that has been used to justify child removals for over a century, NATSIEC said in an emailed statement Monday.

The book also equates First Nations beliefs and spirituality with magic, NATSIEC said, calling it a long-held stereotype.

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This trivialization is both culturally insensitive and harmful," it said. The book also included errors made by mixing different Indigenous languages, which NATSIEC said reinforced the "harmful stereotype that Indigenous peoples are a homogenous group."

The organization said it welcomed the withdrawal of the book, "which was developed without any consultation with First Nations people or organizations."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Some races in central Ohios 2024 general election came down to a single voter flipping the outcome, and in others, creating a tie.

The results of national and statewide races  including a projected win for former President Donald Trump and the ousting of Sen. Sherrod Brown  were decided by millions of voters with sizable margins. But several races in central Ohio came down to razor-thin counts and also had major impacts on smaller pockets of residents.

In some races determining factors in Ohioans lives, like how much they will owe in taxes or whether police and fire departments will gain funding, a single voters decision to participate or not would have an important effect. Two measures in particular ended in ties, one being for a road maintenance levy and the other for a villages expenses. When an issue race ends with an even amount of voters on both sides, it fails.

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Checking election results from Nov.5, NBC4 found 14 races decided by 10 votes or fewer. The biggest was a levy to pay for maintenance on a Perry County assisted living facility, which would raise property taxes in the area by $70 for every $100,000 in property value. It had just under 16,000 residents cast ballots countywide, and ultimately failed by a narrow margin of just three votes.

At least two races came down to a difference of one vote, including a school levy that 1,397 voters weighed in on. Five, such as a 2,460-voter race over funding for a fire department, were decided by five votes or fewer.

Zooming out even farther to races decided by 100 votes or fewer, the list balloons. Like the previous two groups, this one coincidentally only includes issue races rather than candidate races.

Several school districts bond issues and levies were among this group, including Franklin, Mechanicsburg, Riverdale, River View and Triad. River View Local Schools stood as the biggest race with this narrow of a margin between its 7,166 voters, of which 22 made the difference in failing additional taxes for district improvements. Franklin Local Schools was a close second, having only a 73-voter difference between its 5,293 participants that shot down its measure.

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All of central Ohios races have unofficial results only, as of Monday. Election officials need to confirm the votes in each race, after which theyll share the certified totals on Nov. 30.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
HEWITT, TX (FOX 44)  Morris Barker may be 99 years old  with his 100th-birthday coming in January, but he vividly recalls his time as an Army Air Corp tail gunner being shot down in combat and then spending a harrowing several months in prison camps in Germany.

A look at Morris Barker in 1943 when he was inducted into military service, joining the Army and later transferring to the Army Air Corps. Morris Barker today, holding a model of a B-24 Liberator, where he served as a tail gunner.

I trained down in South Texas and then I was stationed down in Italy with the 15th Air Force, bombing various targets throughout Europe  German targets throughout Europe, Barker said.



He vividly recalls a day  at his tail gunner post on his B-24 Liberator that changed his life forever.

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August 2nd, 1944, I was flying a mission from Italy to Vienna, Austria and we were shot down by three German ME 109s and was taken as a Prisoner of War for the next nine months, Barker recalled. We were attacked by three German ME-109s. They hit our number two engine. The pilot and the engineer were both killed by this. The plane was on fire. We were able to delivery  we were able to bail out at 30-thousand feet. We were, of course, taken prisoner of war at that time by the Germans.

He vividly remembers his time as a prisoner of war.

Our prison camp was Stalag Luf 4 up on the Baltic. The prison camp was divided up into four different stations, Barker said. I was in section three, and was a prisoner there until the British started moving in, and the Germans didnt want to us to get liberated so they moved us  started marching us for three months, sleeping in barns and outside, and then liberated by the British.

Barker recalls also being liberated by American troops, and the trip home to the United States. We were liberated and they took us into France and put us on a ship and took us into New York. They took us on down to San Antonio on a freight train, Barker reminisced. They then gave us a furlough, and I had to report back. I was stationed at Fort Worth  Fort Worth Air Base and headquarters there until I had enough points to be relieved.

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As much as Morris Barker remembers his World War II service, hes also grateful for celebrating Veterans day in 2024.

I do want to thank all the Veterans for serving our country for sure as we had to do during World War II, Barker 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 KWKT - FOX 44.
The City of Charlotte settled a lawsuit in the police killing of a Spanish-speaking man who died after raising his hands and an unloaded gun above his head. The settlement comes days before the case, which once reached the U.S. Supreme Court, would have gone to trial.

The city will pay the mans family $700,000 to settle the lawsuit for the 2017 shooting, WSOC, The Charlotte Observers news partner, first reported. The money will go to his daughter, Rubi, who is six years old now.

In September 2017, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Officer David Guerra killed Ruben Galindo Chavez.

Ruben Galindos widow, Azucena Zamorano, cries and is comforted by Pastor Rusty Price at a discussion between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and the Latino community.

Guerra was responding to Galindos 911 calls, in which Galindo told dispatchers he had an unloaded gun and wanted to turn himself in for an upcoming court date (he was facing misdemeanor charges of simple assault and assault by pointing a firearm). He also asked them to send a Spanish-speaking officer, according to records.

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No tengo balas, Galindo told 911 operators, the Observer previously reported. In English: I dont have bullets.

The operators told him to put the gun away before police arrived. He didnt. When officers  none of whom were fluent in Spanish  arrived, they told Galindo to show his hands with one word: manos. Galindo came out of his apartment with his hands raised above his head. The unloaded gun was in one of them. Police told him to drop the gun in English. He didnt.

Guerra shot Galindo while his hands were raised.

Protests at Charlotte City Council followed. Guerra faced no criminal charges, but in 2019 he was named as a defendant in the civil lawsuit filed by Galindos mother.

Attorneys and family members of Ruben Galindo hold up signs during Charlotte City Councils Monday meeting as part of a silent protest of his fatal shooting by police.

Appeals court denies immunity to Charlotte police officer in Danquirs Franklin killing

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The Charlotte federal judge who first reviewed the case said officer Guerras shooting was reasonable. Galindos family appealed that decision. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed with the Charlotte judge and ruled that body camera video showed Galindo was raising his hands and trying to surrender.

The city most recently appealed that appellate decision to the Supreme Court, where judges declined to review the case  meaning the 4th Circuits ruling remained unchallenged.

A trial would have began Tuesday.

Ruben Galindos son Israel Caballero, 4, right, and daughter Evelin Aguirre, 14, grieve during a vigil Friday night to remember Ruben Galindo.

US Supreme Court issues order in fatal Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department shooting
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. Iran's crude oil and gas condensate exports totaled $27 billion during the seven months of the current Iranian year (from March 20 through October 21, 2024), the country's Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Director General of Customs Administration Mohammad Rezvanifar told reporters, Trend reports.

The official said that during the reporting period Iran exported 37,9 million tons of petrochemical products worth $15.2 billion abroad, up 24 percent in value and 23 percent in weight compared to the same period in 2023 (from March 21 through October 22).

However, Iran cannot freely export the mentioned products due to the sanctions imposed by the US and Western countries. Therefore, the export of non-oil products holds great importance.

The value of Iran's crude oil exports last Iranian year (from March 21, 2023, through March 19, 2024) amounted to approximately $35.9 billion.

At present, Iran is in the driver's seat with 74 oil fields and 22 gas fields under its belt. The National Iranian South Oil Company is occupied with 37 fields, while the National Iranian Central Oil Company is closely monitoring 14. The Arvand Oil and Gas Company is actively managing five fields, while the Offshore Oil Company is successfully managing 18 fields.

Additionally, gas fields include 5 managed by the National Iranian South Oil Company, 13 by the National Iranian Central Oil Company, one by Pars Oil and Gas Company, and three by the Offshore Oil Company.

Iran's treasure trove of hydrocarbon reserves stands at a whopping 1.2 trillion barrels, with 340 billion barrels ripe for the picking using today's technology. Only about 30 percent of the country's hydrocarbon reserves are currently accessible, with the remaining 70 percent lying underground.

---

Follow the author on X: @BaghishovElnur
The partner of a man who police shot and killed in 2017 has reached a settlement agreement with the city of Charlotte for $700,000.

Its a lawsuit that reached the Supreme Court of the United States, but the settlement agreement and voluntary dismissal came days before the case was set to go to trial on Nov. 12.

Police were called to the Hunters Pointe Apartments on Prospect Drive in September 2017 to investigate reports of a man with a gun after someone called the 911 language line. Investigators said when officers arrived, they found a man, Ruben Galindo, standing outside with his hand inside his waistband. At some point, police said Galindo raised his hands and officers saw he was holding a gun.

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In a clip from a video before the shots were fired, you can hear officers yell, Ruben, policia, manos, manos, manos, manos. Get down, drop the gun, do it now, drop the gun. Police said Galindo called 911 and told the operator in Spanish that he had a gun.

In 2017 the District Attorney announced there would not be any charges filed against officers for killing Galindo -- two years later the lawsuit was filed. Initially a judge determined Officer David Guerra acted reasonably when he shot Galindo, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed and reversed the decision to dismiss the lawsuit.

The City of Charlotte appealed the 4th Circuits opinion to the US Supreme Court. The 4th Circuit ruled body camera video showed Galindo raised his hands and was trying to surrender when the officer shot him.

The Supreme Court ultimately decided not to hear the city of Charlottes appeal earlier this year.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

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The settlement was first announced in late October and Galindos girlfriend filed a stipulation of dismissal on Nov. 8.

...the parties have reached an agreement to resolve this matter, which is set for trial beginning November 12, 2024. The parties anticipate finalizing the settlement and filing a stipulation of voluntary dismissal prior to the trial date, according to court documents.

Court documents do not reveal the settlement agreement, however, the attorney for Galindos girlfriend told WSOC-TV the agreement was for $700,000 and court records show that both sides will pay for their own attorneys fees.

(VIDEO: Body camera footage released of officer-involved shooting in Pineville)




Food recalls are serious business, triggered for many reasons, such as contamination from bacteria and viruses, the presence of foreign objects, and even improper labeling of allergens. These recalls can affect millions of pounds of product and can cause severe illness and even death, as was the case for this year's Boar's Head recall, one of the worst deli meat recalls in history.

Now, joining Costco's recent 80,000-pound butter recall, there's a recall affecting about 4,500 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat meats straight off the Dim Sum table, such as pork belly and chicken feet -- as announced by the USDA. The recall comes from Yu Shang Food, Inc., out of Spartanburg in South Carolina, "out of an abundance of caution" for a possible Listeria infection across nine of its products.

If you suspect you have any of the infected products, throw them out or return them for a refund. You can also email or call Ling Yi, the plant manager where the possible infection began, at yushangchicken@gmail.com or (408) 857-0901 if you have further questions.

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Read more: 7 Butter And Margarine Brands You Should Buy, And 7 You Shouldn't

Specifics Of The Yu Shang Food, Inc. Recall

Glazed chicken feet on a small white dish - AmpYang Images/Shutterstock

You can find a complete list of all nine recalled products on the USDA website; for even more help identifying the recalled products, you can consult this PDF (also from the USDA) that has pictures of the recalled products' packaging. If any of these products match anything in your freezer, then you can double-check the fine print to see if it's a possibly infected bag.

Those bags were produced between October 21 and 27 and have "use by" dates of August 21 through 27, 2025. The infected bags also have the establishment numbers "P-46684" or "EST. M46684" inside the USDA's mark of inspection.

Listeria can withstand the harsh environment of a freezer, and even though cooking food can kill Listeria, cooked food can easily become re-contaminated. If you have a possibly infected bag, play it safe and get rid of it -- especially if you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weak immune system.

Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox.

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
The celebrity chef Pati Jinich knows how to spot a good  and bad  Mexican restaurant.

Cold salsa and premade guacamole are both bad signs, she said.

Jinich said many places are trying to do birria, but most of them aren't authentic.

Pati Jinich, the chef known for programs including PBS's "La Frontera" and "Pati's Mexican Table," has dined at countless Mexican and Mexican-inspired restaurants.

Though she's had good meals at spots across the US and in Washington, DC, where she currently lives, she can sense when an establishment isn't doing her home country's cuisine justice.

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Here are the five red flags she looks out for at Mexican restaurants.

Cold salsa isn't a good sign.

Jinich said salsa should be served at room temperature or warmer. Semyon Nazarov/Getty Images

Salsa is a staple at any Mexican place, but Jinich told Business Insider that she's skeptical when it's served cold.

"Mexican salsas are best when they're freshly made and when they're either hot or lukewarm but not cold," she said.

Even if the salsa is made in big batches ahead of time, which is common, the chef said it's best to either bring it to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge or warm it up by simmering it on the stove.

"The cold temperature makes salsas less flavorful," Jinich said. "When they are lukewarm or warm, their flavors are unlocked."

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Tortilla chips shouldn't be thin and brittle.

Fresh chips are usually thicker. LMPark Photos/Shutterstock

Though Jinich chef said serving a basket of chips before the meal is primarily an American invention, it's now common in restaurants across the US and Mexico.

But not all tortilla chips are created equally.

"On the Mexican side of the border, the topos, or tortilla chips, tend to be made at the restaurant and with fresh corn tortillas, and they're thicker, too," she said.

She's not a fan of the thin, easily cracked chips found in many Mexican restaurants in the US.

Premade guacamole is a big no.

Guacamole is best when it's fresh. Iparraguirre Recio/Getty Images

If there's one thing Jinich can't stand, it's low-quality, premade guac.

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"Premade guacamole is a disgrace," she said. "It just doesn't taste at all like the guacamole that I know and that I love and that's so easy to make."

In Jinich's eyes, a good restaurant should always make fresh guacamole, ideally tableside, if it's on the menu.

Birria doesn't belong on every Mexican menu.

Birria is sometimes served alongside tacos. cesar fernandez dominguez/Shutterstock

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When made well, the meat stew known as birria should be tender and savory, but Jinich said the regional dish has become something of a fad.

Birria's popularity on US menus has exploded in the past four years, and it's available at chains including Qdoba and Sugar Factory.

"On the one hand, I'm happy when I see it, but on the other hand, many times, they're just trying to put it on the menu," she said. "They know it is going to appeal to customers, but when it's not executed right, it's disappointing."

Proper preparation of birria includes a multihour process and requires a complex mix of herbs and spices. If you're served a much more basic meat stew, it's likely not authentic birria.

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Be wary of fusion menus.

Pizza doesn't have to be on every restaurant menu. The Image Party/Shutterstock

Jinich is all for Americans and other cultures learning more about Mexican cuisine and incorporating it into their meals. But she tends to avoid Mexican-fusion spots.

"I don't love seeing in a Mexican restaurant when they do too many things," she said. "For example, if you see a Mexican restaurant that also has sushi and pizza and pasta, that's kind of a warning to me."

Read the original article on Business Insider
CHICAGO  Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other leaders were on hand at Soldier Field Monday for a Veterans Day ceremony.

More than 300,000 military veterans call the Chicago area home. The ceremony paid tribute to those and the millions of others who have served.

There was a standing ovation for Purple Heart recipient Retired Lt Col Eldridge Johnson Jr, as Chicago became an official Purple Heart city

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Political leaders reiterated the a message that the military is a place for service not politics.

President Biden and VP Harris honor veterans at Arlington National Cemetery

What pride we have in you, our neighbors, our friends, our volunteers, teachers, Little League coaches, and mentors, Pritzker said. Today, Veterans Day 2024, we thank you for all your past and continuing service and the pride you give us in America.

During his remarks, Pritzker, reinforced the expanded resources for Illinois veterans. More information on that can be found here.

We are constantly reminded, as we should be, of the valid courage of these individuals, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin said. Its the right thing to do to stand up in honor is the right thing of American to do always.

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Special Section: Veterans Voices

For the veterans in attendance, Monday was about their service and honoring those others whove served for nearly 250 years.

We all talk about the experience we had over there. The trial, the tribulations, but most of all a lot of buddies who didnt t make it home, US Army Veteran Freddee Ciowell said. And that makes it hurt more than anything else. Im in here, and so are the other guys, to represent the buddies who did not make it home the men and women who didnt make it home.

Other communities including Aurora, St. Charles, Orland Park, Wilmette and Lombard also held ceremonies Monday morning.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The states first  and the nations third  law-enforcement child care center is coming to the Ten Mile interchange area in Meridian.

The center would house up to 84 children of officers across the nine agencies in the Treasure Valley, would stay open on nights and weekends, and would charge below-market prices. Plans show a 7,500-square foot building and an accompanying playground almost as large.

Why a child care center specifically for police? Why not one for other government workers, or for families not in government? They face shortages of affordable child care too, as Boise-area day-care centers struggle to survive.

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The answer lies in how law enforcement have been villainized in recent years, says a former California police detective who formed a foundation to promote child care for law enforcement officers families, with the goal of boosting recruitment and diversity in the profession.

Jim McKay launched the National Law Enforcement Foundation in 2022. The retired San Diego detective told the Idaho Statesman that the Treasure Valley center will be based on a law-enforcement child care center that opened in San Diego in February. That center came out of discussions in the local police union.

Farmland set for development along Ten Mile Road and Interstate 84, where a law enforcement child-care center is planned.

Young people really dont want to be in the profession of law enforcement anymore, because the profession has been villainized, Mackay told the Statesman, tying dropping recruitment rates nationwide to Black Lives Matter protests and movements to defund the police.

So thats where we started looking at, What can we do to change it, to bring the profession back? Mackay said. A key component, he found, is child care.

A rendering of the planned Treasure Valley Law Enforcement Childcare Center planned in South Meridian.

Mackay said his foundation drew from research by groups such as the Police Executive Research Forum and 30x30, an initiative to promote recruitment of female officers. According to 30x30, women make up 12% of sworn officers and only 3% of police leaders in the country.

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There are a lot of single families, single parents, that couldnt do this job because of the shift work, not having family in the area to be able to watch your child, Mackay said. So having a center like this opens up a profession to a demographic of single parents that was not there before.

And a 2023 report by the Police Executive Research Forum found that gender diversity can benefit agencies and help their public image. For example, female officers are less likely to be named in citizen complaints and misconduct reports than male officers, the report said.

Mackay said the San Diego centers customizable care  with long hours and affordable rates  differs from most traditional child care options. Law enforcement works 24 hours a day, he said.

Mackay said the center caught the eye of officers in the Treasure Valley and that the foundation formed a community advisory board, which selected fast-growing Meridian for the center. The foundation is also pursuing a center in St. Louis, which is scheduled to open in May 2025.

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Mackay said the Meridian center will be open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, with the flexibility to add hours if needed.

The San Diego center offers care at 50% the market rate. Mackay said the Treasure Valley center has not landed on a rate yet, but he estimates that it will be between 35% and 50% the market rate.

According to a 2024 report by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, monthly rates for child care in Ada County range from $680 to $1,177, depending on the age of the child and whether care is part- or full-time.

Mackay also said the center will prioritize higher wages for caregivers, which he hopes will also help with caregiver shortages in the Valley.

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The roughly $6 million center will be part of Ahlquist Developments District at Ten Mile, a 200-acre commercial and residential development planned along Interstate 84 in South Meridian. Ahlquist is set to break ground by December.

Mackays foundation will fund the project through multimillion-dollar grants from the state of Idaho and the federal government, and about $1 million in private donations, including a grant from the Boise family foundation named for the late Idaho potato baron J.R. Simplot.

The government grants are a $3 million workforce development grant from Gov. Brad Littles office and $2.65 million in federal funds secured by U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho. Mackay estimates those will cover the building costs and first three years of operations.

This project meets an urgent need for child care options in the Treasure Valley and supports efforts to address the police recruitment and retention challenges facing Idaho and the nation, Simpson told the Statesman in an email.

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The center was approved by Meridians Planning and Zoning Commission in early September. The broader District at Ten Mile development was approved by the City Council Sept. 24. Mackay guesses the center will be able to begin enrolling officers children by mid-summer 2025.

Ahlquist VP Tonn Peterson did not respond to the Statesmans request for comment.

Mackay says he hopes this will not be Idahos last law enforcement child care center. He says he is often asked why his group advocates for child care for law enforcement and not for other public employees like firefighters and nurses.

If you have a healthy police department, then you have a healthy community base as well, so everybody else can thrive from that, Mackay said. Were happy to help those other workforces doing the same sort of thing, but we concentrate on law enforcement, because ... thats where the greatest need is.

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Home for health sciences: Idaho State prepares big Meridian expansion. Whats coming

Raising Canes wants to open in Meridian. A neighboring business owner voices concerns

No traffic study. School-crowding worries. Meridian OKs another big Ten Mile development

Meridian mom leads charge for Rileys Residence, loving home for kids with disabilities
The topic of immigration has had a stronghold on the election cycle this year, specifically regarding the border. Of course, President-Elect Donald Trump's previous solution to build a wall failed miserably, so it's surprising that some are willing to still believe that he actually has a plan in motion to address the issues on their minds.

Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images

However, Trump's promises of mass deportation and his general attitude toward immigrants have been rooted in xenophobia and racism. Let's not forget that he and his running mate, J.D. Vance, tried to convince Americans that illegal Haitian immigrants were eating cats in Springfield, OH. Turns out that the Haitian immigrants in the community were legal nor were there any reports of cats being eaten.

Joe Raedle / Getty Images

There are several examples of the Republicans trying to create fear among Americans to secure their votes. However, their words have real impacts, especially for immigrants.

Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Still, there seems to be a divide surrounding the strict immigration policies that Trump has presented, especially among immigrants and the children of immigrants.

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On one hand, some feel as though undocumented immigrants entering America should be given a pathway to citizenship. On the other, the Republicans' stance on immigration and border policies has resonated with first and second-generation immigrants who feel as though the only way to stay in America is through legal channels, regardless of the circumstances.

Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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I recently asked the children of immigrants in the BuzzFeed Community to share the issues that are concerning them the most this election. Here's what they had to say.

1."Im a Latina and Im voting for Trump this election. My top issues of the election are the economy and the border crisis."

sophisticatedpickle The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images

2."Genocide in Gaza."

Anonymous, New York Pool / Getty Images

3."Im the daughter of immigrants, voting for Kamala Harris for all the reasons. I was raised Republican, but realized how much I disagreed with the GOP as a college student."

"My parents are still a little conservative as the older generation of people who generally side with the establishment. They voted for Trump before but thankfully saw the light soon after. I think a lot of immigrants are like my parents  they dont like to rock the boat with change, protests, and reform because they come from countries with authoritarian governments. They dont trust freedom of the press because they came from propagandist regimes. But then they gravitate towards racist conspiracy theories because they 1) grew up a little racist because many old cultures are xenophobic and 2) arent highly educated and cant make sense of a complicated world without some simple explanation that a couple of people or groups are ruining it for everyone else. Then they find themselves voting with an authoritarian philosophy, even if it means theyre siding with a party that would happily deport them, even if theyre legally here. putzik47 Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

4."Government in schools. Kids need to learn normal things like math and reading. And funnily enough, immigration."

"My parents came here legally and we get to live freely without retribution. Those who come here illegally are more than likely running drugs or trafficking young kids. We need to stop illegals from just walking right into the southern states and up north. They're taking away jobs from hard-working normal citizens and ruining the reputation of legal immigrants." Anonymous, Indiana Alexander W Helin / Getty Images

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5."I'm a single-issue voter this year and that issue is Gaza. My parents are from Palestine, and seeing their faces every time they open social media and see how their home country has been devastated is heartbreaking."

"What this election has taught me is that liberals are absolutely hypocritical. 'I'm voting to save my kids!' 'Vote in a way that makes sense to my kids!' 'I just voted for my kid's future!' But when we say we're voting to save our kids, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and siblings, the hate speech comes flying out their mouths so fast, it gives you whiplash. They want us to vote for their families while they say f*ck it to ours. I'm proud to have given Dr. Stein my vote, and I hope Kamala 'I'm speaking' Harris learns that genocide doesn't pay." Anonymous, Illinois Sopa Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

6."Trumps racism and hate for immigrants is something that I cant stand for."

"Im not necessarily the daughter of immigrants per se, but my parents came to Florida from Puerto Rico once they found out that my mom was pregnant with me. They wanted their children to have full, complete American citizenship. Im now old enough to vote in this election (Im 20 and a college student), and Im proud to say that Im voting for Kamala Harris. The hurtful, awful, racist comments made about Puerto Rico and its people that were made at a recent Trump rally are DISGUSTING. Thats only the tip of the iceberg though; Trumps racism and hate for immigrants is something that I cant stand for. Kamala may not be entirely perfect (no politician is), but I believe in what shes trying to do." Anonymous, Florida Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images

7."Human rights."

"We are not free until we are all free. I am a white, cisgender, straight married woman, and I am also a first-generation American. My parents are from England and Germany. We have never faced the discrimination that my Black and Brown immigrant friends experienced. We have always been treated as full citizens of this country, but that is due to our whiteness. My parents taught us the unfairness of our system is always the hardest on people of color, and we have to change that. This election is about morality, full stop." Anonymous, South Carolina Leopatrizi / Getty Images

8."Whats going on at the border is actively making it harder for people who want to get in the legal way to get in and fueling hate towards them because people are just feeling generally anti-immigrant."

"Im the granddaughter of Greek immigrants and will be voting for Donald Trump this election. Whats going on at the border is actively making it harder for people who want to get in the legal way to get in and fueling hate towards them because people are just feeling generally anti-immigrant. Kamala Harris was appointed border czar and proceeded to let 6 million+ illegals immigrants into this country, 300,000 of which are lost children, and its baffling that people are trying to pretend that it isnt her and Bidens fault. Shes had three and a half years in office to fix the problem that she created by undoing all of the Trump immigration laws and shes done nothing but deny that she did anything wrong and deny that the problem is there at all. And that is only one of many reasons I will vote for Trump." Anonymous, Florida Rebecca Noble / Getty Images

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9."Illegal immigration."

"I understand that the intentions of those who are coming into this country aren't one-size-fits-all, but there is very much a right and a wrong way to do things. And doing it the wrong way undermines the rights of our family members who have put in the work to earn those rights."

Anonymous, New Jersey

10.And finally, "Trump staffing every level of government with loyalists is terrifying to me."
Researchers in the US have confirmed that China is working on a nuclear-powered propulsion system for an aircraft carrier warship.

The researchers have confirmed that the country has developed a land-based prototype nuclear reactor that can provide power to a large surface warship.

This is the clearest indication towards China developing its own very first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The findings were confirmed by an analysis of satellite imagery and documents from Beijing which were accessed by the Associated Press (AP).

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The research conducted by the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California is the first to confirm that China is working on a nuclear-powered propulsion system for a large warship.

Nuclear-powered warships take much longer time to build than traditional carriers. However, they provide the added advantage of being able to stay at sea for exponentially longer durations.

Moreover, using a nuclear reactor for propulsion also means that they can store more weapons and other crew members' requirements in place of fuel.

The reactor also allows them to generate more power with which they can run better, bigger, and more advanced technical systems on the warship.

Nuclear-powered carriers

Only the United States and France have nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. As China inches towards this capability, it could soon become the third country to have them in its fleet.

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Chinas PLA Navy already has the largest number of vessels in the world. It is also quite modernized, and adding nuclear-powered carriers will only improve its prowess and dominance.

With longer range of operations, China can also extend its impact around the globe on the seas and oceans. This might lead to Beijing challenging the US authority in key areas which are a point of contention between its immediate neighbors and elsewhere.

According to the report by AP, the US currently has 11 nuclear-powered carriers, while France has just one  named Charles de Gaulle. Paris is building another nuclear-powered new generation carrier  called Porte Avion Nouvelle Generation (PANG)  which will replace the existing model in 2038.

If Beijing has succeeded in building the nuclear-propulsion tech for powering large vessels, it could introduce them in warships at a faster pace.

Chinas PLA Navy capabilities

According to an earlier report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China has 234 warships as compared to the 219 that the US has in its fleet.

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The CSIS report warned that the US should keep modernizing its fleet and add more warships, destroyers, guided missile cruisers, and submarines to ensure it stays ahead of Beijing.

The report also mentioned that Chinas ships are far more new and modernized than their US counterparts. Its shipyards are also more productive and have been producing vessels at a faster rate.

The most recent addition to Chinas fleet was the Fujian aircraft carrier.

Chinas state broadcaster, CCTV, had claimed that it was the worlds largest known conventionally powered aircraft carrier by displacement.

The indigenously built vessel was the nations largest, and it is also building another one at a fast pace  the details of the latter being powered by nuclear or conventional energy are yet to emerge.

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Fujian has completed two sea trials. It is also equipped with electromagnetic catapults, an advance that allows aircraft to be launched more frequently and heavier planes to lift off from its deck.

The USS Gerald R Ford is the only other aircraft carrier that has this capability.
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?
A new Chinese concept for an unpowered hypersonic boost-glide weapon loaded with different types of submunitions, including supersonic missiles and drones, has emerged. Boost-glide vehicles already present significant challenges for defenders and one loaded with various sub-payloads could carry out kinetic strikes and non-kinetic operations like electronic warfare, as well as reconnaissance, against multiple targets across a broader area. While a weapon of this kind could present numerous benefits and additional complications for defenders, releasing payloads from a platform traveling at hypersonic speed also presents substantial technological challenges.

A model of the new unpowered hypersonic boost-glide vehicle concept, called the GDF-600, and some of its payloads are on display at this years Zhuhai Airshow in China, which formally opens tomorrow. The design comes from the Guangdong Aerodynamic Research Academy (GARA). GARA previously came to more widespread attention in 2022 with its unveiling of the MD-22, ostensibly an uncrewed hypersonic testbed that continues to have limited details, at that years Zhuhai Airshow.

GDF-600 hypersonic vehicle with cluster submunitions from Gara. Launch mass 5000 kg, payload 1200 kg. Speed up to Mach 7, range 200-600 km, maximum trajectory altitude up to 40 km. 1/n#ChinaAirshow2024 pic.twitter.com/BLlKdcYZoi  Michael Jerdev (@MuxelAero) November 10, 2024

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The wedge-shaped GDF-600 can be launched with a total weight of up to around 11,000 pounds (five and a half tons or 5,000 kilograms), including a payload of submunitions weighing up to 2,645.5 pounds (1,200 kilograms), according to information at GARAs booth at Zhuhai. The vehicle is said to be able to reach a peak speed of Mach 7 and have a maximum range of between approximately 124 and 370 miles (200 and 600 kilometers). Hypersonic speed is typically defined as anything above Mach 5.

GARA has put forward five different potential payload types for the GDF-600: supersonic and subsonic missiles, a patrol projectile (which appears to be a loitering munition or kamikaze drone), an uncrewed aerial system (UAS), and an unpowered kinetic strike munition. The GDF-600 model shows a mixed load of six patrol projectiles, six UAS, and 13 subsonic missiles.

Unpowered boost-glide vehicles, in general, use some means to get to an optimal speed and altitude via a rocket booster, before soaring back down to their target. The weapons range is dependent in part on how high and fast it gets to begin with and GARA says the GDF-600s trajectory can crest at up to some 131,233.5 feet (40 kilometers). There does not appear to be any specific mention of a particular launch platform for the GDF-600, but it could be adaptable to a ground, air, and/or sea-based weapon system.

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Hypersonic boost-glide weapons also travel along largely shallow atmospheric flight paths to their targets and are capable of making erratic movements along the way. The combination of speed and maneuverability creates significant complications for defenders, including reducing the total amount of time available to react at all, let alone attempt an intercept.

A graphic showing, in a very rudimentary way, the difference in trajectories between a traditional ballistic missile and a hypersonic boost-glide vehicle. Depictions of typical trajectories for aeroballistic (or quasi-ballistic) missiles and air-breathing hypersonic cruise missiles are also provided. GAO

The value of the additional ability to release sub-payloads, potentially at several points along the boost-glide vehicles flight path, is clear. A single boost-glide weapon would therefore have the ability to strike multiple targets (and different target sets) and do so across a broad area. The sub-payloads, especially drones, can be configured to carry out electronic warfare and other non-kinetic attacks and/or perform other tasks, including immediate bomb damage assessment and reconnaissance, as well as just acting as decoys. All of this only increases the challenges for defenders.

In addition, some of the submunition types GARA has put forward would have the ability to substantially increase the overall range of the complete system. It says that the supersonic missiles can travel up to 310 miles (500 kilometers) from their launch point. If they were released in the terminal phase of the GDF-600s flight, this can almost double the range of the entire weapon. The sub-payloads at that point would also have benefited from the boost-glide vehicles initial penetration through layers of an enemys air and missile defense network.

As described now, especially given its range, the GDF-600 would seem more optimized for employment in a more regional context, such as a Taiwan Strait or South China Sea scenario. However, GARA claims its new submunition-laden hypersonic glide vehicle concept could be scaled up to a design offering an intercontinental range of up to 3,728 miles (6,000 kilometers).

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Its interesting to note here that the U.S. Army has been looking into the possibility of adding submunition payloads, including small drones, to future iterations of its Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The PrSM is a short-range ballistic missile that can also evolve into a longer-range weapon. The PrSM is set to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATAMCS) short-range ballistic missile in Army service, which was also originally designed to carry a traditional cluster munition warhead with hundreds of small bomblets.

A US Army briefing slide that discusses a drone swarm payload for the PrSM, among other weapons. US Army

At the same time, it is unclear how advanced GARAs work on the GDF-600 might be at this time. Launching payloads from something traveling at hypersonic speeds presents its own relatively massive technological challenges, particularly due to physical and thermal stresses, especially at the time of separation. More fragile payloads like drones would require some means of safely slowing down to subsonic speeds first.

A high-speed picture showing submunitions being released from a US Army weapon system at supersonic speed during a test using the Holloman High Speed Test Track at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. USAF

Wedge-shaped hypersonic boost-glide vehicles are also understood to be more complex to begin with than conical types.

The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) has operationally fielded at least one wedge-shaped hypersonic boost-glide vehicle weapon that is launched from the ground via a missile-like booster, the DF-17. The U.S. government also says that China has successfully tested a novel nuclear-capable orbital weapon system that includes a hypersonic glide vehicle capable of launching sub-payloads, which also underscores a general interest in the kinds of capabilities the GDF-600 can offer.

A top-down look at two of the DF-17 mockups on parade in 2019. China Military Online DF-17 mockups on parade in Beijing in 2019. China Military

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If nothing else, the GDF-600 reflects the PLAs significant and still-growing investments in the development and fielding of hypersonic weapons, including air and ship-launched types. This also now comes as the U.S. military has faced significant issues in its own work in this regard, especially when it comes to hypersonic boost-glide vehicle designs. The future of the U.S. Air Forces AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), or a potential follow-on program, remains notably murky. The U.S. Army has also faced setbacks with its Dark Eagle hypersonic missile program, a weapon being developed in cooperation with the U.S. Navy.

The GDF-600, if it becomes a reality, could be an important new step for Chinas hypersonic arsenal.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
ALLEN EYESTONE/THE PALM BEACH POST

WEST PALM BEACH  A judge has sentenced a man accused in the Delray Beach Christmas Day homicide in 2020 to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty earlier this month to criminal charges in multiple cases.

Bakari Kyon Washington entered pleas to charges of manslaughter and felony possession of a firearm in the shooting death of 21-year-old Sebastien Theodule in the parking lot of a shopping center at Congress Avenue and Linton Boulevard.

Multiple witnesses told investigators Washington, now 25, exited a vehicle occupied by two other people and shot Theodule in the head. Theodule died two days after the attack.

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A judge in November 2023 placed a second defendant, Rodrice Sonson, on 10 years probation after he pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact. Delray Beach police said Sonson acted as the getaway driver in the Christmas Day shooting.

One witness alleged to police that Washington and Theodule were part of different cliques and that Washington may have believed Theodule's group was involved in a shooting outside his grandmother's home.

During a hearing Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Palm Beach County Courthouse, Circuit Judge Cymonie Rowe sentenced Washington in the separate cases, ordering that his other prison terms ranging from five years to 15 years be served concurrently with the manslaughter plea.

She credited Washington with three years, nine months and 23 days of time served in the Palm Beach County Jail.

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CARES Act fraud: He spent most of a Paycheck Protection Program loan on himself. Now he'll pay.

Delray murder suspect pleaded guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud in separate case

Washington pleaded guilty to two additional counts of felony possession of a firearm and one count of attempting to flee or elude law enforcement.

Weeks after the Delray Beach homicide, Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies assisting with a search warrant for a residence in Lantana found Washington in possession of a stolen firearm, according to court records.

He also pleaded guilty to four counts of unemployment compensation fraud, one count of organizing a scheme to defraud and one count of unlawful use of a two-way device.

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In that case, investigators said Washington fraudulently applied for unemployment benefits in multiple states through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security  or CARES  Act passed in March 2020.

Between June 2020 and January 2021, Washington claimed residences in Kansas, California, Arizona and Nevada, successfully receiving an $8,004 payment from the state of Arizona, investigators said.

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: Christmas day 2020 shooting in Delray Beach: gunmans fate decided
LONDON (AP)  The head of the Church of England, spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, is under pressure to resign after an investigation found that he failed to inform police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.

Some members of the General Synod, the churchs national assembly, have started a petition calling on Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to step down, saying he had lost the confidence of his clergy. The petition had garnered more than 1,800 signatures on Change.org by late morning London time on Monday.

Compounding the pressure, a senior cleric added her voice to those who believe he should resign. Helen-Ann Hartley, the bishop of Newcastle, told the BBC that Welbys position is untenable.''

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Calls for Welbys resignation have grown since Thursday, when the church released the results of an independent review into John Smyth, who sexually, psychologically and physically abused about 30 boys and young men in the United Kingdom and 85 in Africa over five decades.

The 251-page report concluded that Welby failed to report Smyth to authorities when he was informed of the abuse in August 2013, soon after he became Archbishop of Canterbury.

Welby last week took responsibility for not ensuring that the allegations were pursued as energetically as they should have been after he learned of the abuse, but said he had decided not to resign.

On Monday, his office issued a statement reiterating Welbys horror at the scale of John Smyths egregious abuse.

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As he has said, he had no awareness or suspicion of the allegations before he was told in 2013  and therefore, having reflected, he does not intend to resign, the statement said. He hopes the Makin Review supports the ongoing work of building a safer church here and around the world.

Church officials were first made aware of the abuse in 1982, when they received the results of an internal investigation into Smyth. The recipients of that report participated in an active cover-up to prevent its findings from coming to light, the Makin Review found.

Between 1984 and 2001, Smyth moved to Zimbabwe and subsequently relocated to South Africa. He continued to abuse boys and young men in Zimbabwe and there is evidence that the abuse continued in South Africa until he died in August 2018.

Smyths abuse wasnt made public until a 2017 investigation by Britains Channel 4 television, which led Hampshire Police to start an investigation. Police were planning to question Smyth at the time of his death and had been preparing to extradite him.

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The Makin Review found that if Smyth had been reported to police in 2013, it could have helped to uncover the truth, prevented further abuse and led to a possible criminal conviction.

In effect, three and a half years was lost, a time within which John Smyth could have been brought to justice and any abuse he was committing in South Africa discovered and stopped, the review found.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the Church of England and is seen as the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, which has more than 85 million members in 165 countries. He is considered first among equals with respect to the communions other primates.
By Muvija M and Sachin Ravikumar

LONDON (Reuters) -Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the global Anglican church, faced mounting calls to resign on Monday over a report that his institution had covered up prolific abuse of boys and young men.

In office since 2013, Welby apologised last week after the report described a barrister who ran summer camps for young Christians, John Smyth, as the most prolific serial abuser associated with the Church of England, as it is also known.

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Welby said he had "no idea or suspicion" of the allegations before 2013, but the independent report concluded that it was unlikely he would have had no knowledge of the concerns regarding Smyth in the 1980s.

Helen-Ann Hartley, one of the church's 108 bishops, became the most senior person in the institution to call for Welby to resign when she said on Monday his position was now untenable.

A petition calling for his departure - started by three members of the Church's governing body, the General Synod - has received over 2,900 signatures.

"It's very hard for the church ... to continue to have a moral voice in any way, shape, or form in our nation when we cannot get our own house in order with regard to something that's critically important," Hartley said.

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Smyth, who died in 2018, was held responsible for the violent abuse of at least 115 children and young men in England, Zimbabwe and South Africa, including caning.

WELBY: 'I AM SO SORRY'

Welby has apologised for "failures and omissions" in not properly investigating the claims, especially after a documentary by Britain's Channel 4 in 2017 revealed the full extent of the abuse.

"I am so sorry that in places where these young men, and boys, should have felt safe and where they should have experienced God's love for them, they were subjected to physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse," he said in a statement last week.

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Welby, spiritual leader to 85 million Christians worldwide, has led the church during a period of major upheaval, forced to navigate a schism over homosexual rights and women clerics between liberal churches in North America and Britain, and their conservative counterparts, especially in Africa.

A conservative group of Anglican church leaders declared last year that they no longer had confidence in Welby, saying he had betrayed his ordination, after the church set out plans to allow priests to bless same-sex couples in church, while still not allowing them to marry in church.

The 68-year-old has also been criticised for commenting on government policies including the former Conservative government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Welby told Channel 4 on Thursday he had considered resigning, but reiterated that he had not known about the abuse. In his apology he said the review was clear that he had personally failed to ensure proper investigations.

(Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar and Muvija M; Editing by Kate Holton and Andrew Cawthorne)
Volunteers for the Safe Schools, Safe Communities campaign organize petition materials on Oct. 29, 2024. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

Vanessa Spires lives half a mile from Schemengees Bar and Grille, one of the locations of the Lewiston mass shooting last fall that left 18 dead and 13 injured. The bar used to be a regular date night spot for Spires and her partner, but she said after the shooting, they dont go out much anymore, to Schemengees or elsewhere.

If Maine were to pass a red flag law, Spires said, our kids would be safer, and we would be safer.

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The Maine Gun Safety Coalition and allies began collecting signatures on Election Day for a citizen initiative to get this type of law on a future ballot. In one day, about 500 volunteers spread throughout 100 polling locations for the Safe Schools, Safe Communities campaign collected 60,000 signatures.

The total is approaching the total needed to get the initiative on a future ballot, 67,682 (10% of the total votes cast for governor in the Nov. 2022 election).

The filing deadline for appearing on the November 2025 ballot is 5 p.m. on January 23, 2025 and February 2, 2026 for the November 2026 ballot. Campaign director Stephanie Clifford said the group has yet to decide on which ballot year to aim for but that theyre continuing to collect signatures.

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The Safe Schools, Safe Communities campaign formed to pursue a citizen-led path to creating a red flag law after the state commission tasked with investigating the Lewiston mass shooting concluded that local law enforcement failed to enforce the states current yellow flag law, and after the Maine Legislature failed to pass a red flag law proposal last session.

The main difference between these types of laws is that under a red flag law, officially called Extreme Risk Protection Order, family members can directly petition a judge to temporarily limit someones access to firearms when they are in crisis, whereas current Maine statute only permits law enforcement to do so and requires a mental health evaluation before a judge can confiscate someones firearms.

Washington, D.C. and 21 states have red flag laws, but Maine is the only state with a yellow flag version of this type of proactive violence prevention measure.

Several of the people who signed the petition on Election Day told Maine Morning Star their support was a no-brainer, including some who said they dont typically sign such petitions. The issue also drew several volunteers who hadnt previously worked on citizen initiatives, including Peggy Duhamel, who was among the 40 or so who helped organize petition packets the week before the election.

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Were the only country in the world that has this problem, were not the only country in the world that has mental illness, Duhamel said. People that say, Oh fix mental illness. Well its a lot easier to control guns than it is to cure mental illness.

Erin Kiley of Falmouth (left) asks voters if theyd like to sign the petition for a red flag law at the Portland Expo on Nov. 5. (Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

David Moltz, who collected signatures at Deering High School on Election Day, said the yellow flag laws mental health evaluation requirement is stigmatizing.

It suggests the only cause of gun violence is mental illness, Moltz said, and excludes people who are a threat but dont have a mental illness.

Moltz made similar arguments when representing the Maine Association of Psychiatric Physicians in a hearing for a proposed red flag law before the Maine Legislature earlier this year. That proposal never made it to the floors of the Senate or House of Representatives for a full vote.

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The idea appears to be gaining traction among the public, at least enough to likely get on a future ballot for Maine voters to ultimately decide.

You say, gun safety and people say, yes, Moltz said of the response from voters on Tuesday.

That was the case for Portland resident Brianna Pottle when Erin Kiley of Falmouth asked for her signature at the Portland Exposition building. Pottle said there was no question shed sign the petition.

Guns are a huge issue, Pottle said. I dont feel safe at all.

As he waited in line to vote, Brad Yates similarly heard Kiley pitching to others, specifically highlighting that it would allow for family member intervention, and was convinced by the time he reached the table.

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Anything they can do to curb the violence is good for me, Yates said, adding, Im all about the democratic process, referring to the initiative ultimately being decided by voters.

Petition signers were a mix of those whod already been well aware of the initiative, following the red flag proposal since it was considered in the Legislature, as well as people hearing about it for the first time as they exited the polls.

Pottle and Yates fell into the latter camp. Matthew Kurt fell in the former.

Kurt said he hadnt expected petitioners to be asking for signatures on Tuesday, but hed heard about the initiative in the news and knew hed want to sign it if given the opportunity.

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I dont usually sign these, but this is important, Kurt said.

Petitioners and signees alike emphasized that the red flag law isnt about taking away all guns.

This is a hunting state, said Orono resident Susannah Owen. I dont have a problem with that. But I have a problem with the generosity with which people are allowed to have all kinds of different guns that could possibly be used to hurt people.

For some, gun reform has become a priority after a mass shooting occurred so close to home. For others, it was one of the hundreds of mass shootings that occur each year in the U.S.

Polly Haight Frawley of Cumberland said shes been supporting reform efforts since 20 first graders and six educators were shot and killed in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012.

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I had elementary age children at the time and I remember pulling over at the side of the road and just weeping, Haight Frawley said. I couldnt drive. And from that point on Ive been active.

Haight Frawley had previously helped with the citizen initiative to require background checks for gun sales in Maine in 2016, which failed to pass.

Last session, the Maine Legislature considered a number of other gun reform proposals aside from the red flag law, which was considered the most ambitious.

For example, a proposal from Gov. Janet Mills passed that expanded background checks to advertised sales. It also modified the states yellow flag law, allowing police to get protective custody warrants to use at their discretion to take dangerous people into custody and remove their weapons.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The most recent attempt to tabulate the unsheltered in Southern Nevada saw a 13-year-high in the number of people experiencing homelessness. (Photo: Michael Lyle/Nevada Current)

As homeless rates in Southern Nevada have skyrocketed, both Clark County and the City of Las Vegas have recently taken more punitive measures to criminalize the unhoused for sleeping in public.

Clark County voted 6-1 last week to prohibit unhoused folks from camping and sleeping in a public right-of-way. Under the ordinance, which goes into effect Feb. 1, a person could be jailed up to 10 days and fined up to $1,000.

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The law is supposed to be enforced after a warning and only if shelter space is available to direct unhoused folks to in lieu of citation or arrest. .

Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy cast the dissenting vote.

I ask that we take a hard look at what were doing and ask ourselves if we are moving too fast, McCurdy said.

He argued that the county lacks sufficient resources, including beds, housing, and administrative capacity to connect unhoused folks to services.

Commissioner Justin Jones acknowledged the vote in support of the ordinance was super awkward since in 2019 he publicly criticized the City of Las Vegas for passing an anti-homeless camping ban.

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I went over to the City of Las Vegas when they proposed their camping ban and vehemently opposed it, he said. None of us want to be in this position, but its also the reality we are all facing on the ground.

The day after Clark County approved its ordinance, the City of Las Vegas voted unanimously to expand its 2019 ban on sitting and camping on downtown sidewalks to become a citywide ban.

Las Vegas City Council members Brian Knudsen and Olivia Diaz, who opposed the 2019 ordinance, voted in favor of the harsher law passed last week.

Under the new law, which took effect Sunday, people who are cited more than twice in a year can be sentenced to 10 days in jail. A person can complete a diversion program or rehabilitation program in lieu of jail time.

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There have been 110 people cited and arrested under the original ordinance since 2020, city officials were told in a meeting in September.

The citys initial ordinance was only supposed to go into effect if there was shelter space available.

The provision was written to be in compliance with a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which jurisdiction includes Nevada, that limited a city from criminalizing the unhoused when it lacked shelter space.

The U.S. The Supreme Court ruled in June that anti-camping bans passed by cities dont violate the 8th Amendments prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment even when there is a lack of adequate shelter spaces for the unhoused to go.

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Because of that ruling, the city removed the shelter requirement from the ordinance and the law can be enforced anytime.

Not everyone eligible for available services

Southern Nevada saw a 13-year-high in the number of people experiencing homelessness this year.

The Point-in-Time count, a yearly census to tabulate the number of unsheltered folks on one particular night, found 7,906 unhoused people early this year, a 20% increase from the previous year. The findings are usually seen as an undercount.

The report found that 34% of people were experiencing homelessness chronically, or those who have been unhoused for at least a year and struggle with serious mental illness, substance abuse or a physical disability.\

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Not long after the Supreme Court ruled cities and counties could pursue anti-homeless bans, Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom suggested the county would pursue an ordinance similar to Las Vegas.

The ordinance is intended to increase the connection between the expanded array of services, said Clark County Deputy Manager Abigail Frierson.

The ordinance requires steps to be taken prior to any enforcement action and those steps include education and the offer of services, she said. Even if services are refused an individual can avoid enforcement by moving from and not returning to the location of the violation.

The county used Covid relief dollars, including money from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to convert several older motels into non-congregate shelters.

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Prior to the hearing, Clark County Social Services Director Jamie Sorenson briefed commissioners on non-congregate shelters and said the county operates 1,688 beds.

Those were 85% occupied during the count in January, he said.

The county is expected to open a 24-bed Crisis Stabilization Center in February. It is working to open four additional non-congregate shelters by 2027 to offer 6,800 additional beds for various homeless subpopulations.

The law punishing unhoused people for sleeping and camping outside was initially planned to go into effect Jan. 1. Commissioners delayed it until Feb. 1 in an attempt to line it up with the availability of more services.

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We still have projects in the pipeline that are not available yet, McCurdy said. Until they are online, it doesnt make sense to adopt this even with an enactment date of February 2025 because they wont be available until much later than that.

Fuilala Riley, the CEO of Help of Southern Nevada, asked commissioners to delay the enactment date even further if the beds at the stabilization center or additional non-congregate shelters arent ready in February.

When commissioners announced their intention to pursue an anti-homeless ordinance in September, Clark County public defenders warned against it.

Public defenders were able to convince commissioners to change parts of the ordinance, including reducing potential jail time from six months to 10 days.

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Olivia Miller, a public defender with Clark County, told commissioners during the hearing last Tuesday that even though there are options for shelter and treatment to theoretically direct people to in lieu of jail time, not every unhoused person is eligible for services.

A criminal history, substance abuse and other conditions are used as grounds to prevent people experiencing homelessness from being eligible for the already limited number of court diversion programs or shelter spaces.

Being referred to and then turned away from a resource and then punished for not accepting referrals to those placements is a method that destroys trust and harms our ability to do further outreach, Miller said.

She also recommended the county make a provision in the law that if a person is cited they have a chance to have the case dropped if they received services prior to their court hearing.

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By accessing resources even at a later instance than the initial citation that person has better accomplished our goals of any punishment would, Miller said.

If arrested, unhoused people could have their items impounded and stored for up to 30 days. They would be able to get those items after they are released.

Erica Webb, another public defender, was concerned about a provision of the law that allows police to make value judgements on unhoused folks personal property and throw away items in encampments following an arrest.

I think of a jailed client who was so worried about his property because he kept drawings from his daughter in his backpack, Webb said. He would look at them every day as a reminder that to get back in their lives he had to stay sober. While one person would see stick figures, he sees a reason to stay alive.
The United States Coast Guard is searching for a missing sailboat off the coast of Cape Cod.

Crews are conducting a search-and-rescue operation near Pleasant Bay off Chatham for a missing 48-foot sailing vessel named Alchemist, according to the USCG Northeast sector.

The USGC said the Alchemist, last known to have one sailor onboard, hasnt been heard from since Thursday, Nov. 7.

The USGC noted that the vessel has a green hull and green bimini.

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There were no additional details immediately available.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 866-842-1560.

 #SAR in progress: #USCG D1 Command Center is searching for a missing 48ft sailing vessel ALCHEMIST with 1 sailor onboard. Last known position: near Pleasant Bay, MA. Vessel details: green hull, green bimini. Last contact: 07NOV. Anyone with info, please call 866-842-1560. pic.twitter.com/44dr2fLQhm  USCGNortheast (@USCGNortheast) November 10, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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COLORADO (KRQE)  Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking help in mitigating damage conflicts from elk near two wildlife refuges near Alamosa.

The department is offering antlerless elk hunts on the Baca and Monte Vista National Wildlife refuges. They said each refuge will have one long-period hunt starting at the end of rifle season through the end of February.

Regular hunting licenses will not be valid for the hunts, and anyone who successfully applies for them will need to obtain an access permit. Hunters will only be able to obtain a permit for one of the refuges.

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The department says each hunt will be for five hunters at any one time. the application period ends Friday evening. Click here for the application.

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Columbia University activists are planning a protest of Veterans Day  which organizers want to reclaim from the Israel-US war machine in the name of Palestinians killed in Gaza.

The unsanctioned student group Columbia University Apartheid Divest is circulating flyers for the event  set for Monday on the Ivy League schools main Morningside Heights campus.

Veterans Day is an American holiday to honor the patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice of veterans. We reject this holiday and refuse to celebrate it, a flyer for the agitator groups event said.

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The American war machine should not be honored for the horrors unleashed on others, the flyer added. Instead, we will celebrate Martyrs Day in honor of those martyred by the Israel-US war machine. A day to honor the patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice of those martyrs.

The flyer circulated by Columbia University Apartheid Divest for its Martyrs Day demonstration. Instagram / @cuapartheiddivest

Campus veterans outraged by the plans are planning a celebration of veterans at the same time to counter the antagonists.

The protest was viewed as a slap in the face after the on-campus vitriol sparked by Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel  much of which wound up directed at student-veterans.

That post really shook the hornets nest, said Sam Nahins, a 31-year-old Air Force veteran and Columbia graduate student who completed his undergraduate degree at the school in the spring.

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Theyve never hid their disdain for veterans. But now its really out in the open, he added. Last year when students and faculty members were running around dressing up as jihadists and screaming Death to America, Death to Western civilization, death to everything but their cause, I had friends get called infidels, and murderers and baby-killers.

Columbia was consumed by anti-Israel demonstrations last school year, which veterans say were often directed at them. Getty Images

Most concerning to Nahins is the effect something like a Martyrs Day demonstration might have on the mental health of his fellow campus vets following such a tumultuous year  especially after one of his best friends from school took his own life just months ago.

That friend was Brandon Christie, a US Marine Corps veteran who was working on an undergraduate degree in mathematics-statistics when he stopped going to class in the weeks after Oct. 7 last year.

Christie eventually dropped out of school altogether, and after vanishing in September, was found dead, apparently by his own hand, in an upstate park days later.

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This has all been really detrimental towards the mental health of veterans, and just nothing was really being done about it, Nahins said.

Brandon Christie, a Marine Corps veteran and Columbia student, took his own life in September. Facebook / Brandon Christie

Nahins  who has acted as an unofficial liaison for the schools large veterans community of more than 700 students  raised such concerns to administrators after finding out about the Martyrs Day plans, and on Sunday had a meaningful call with Columbias interim president Katrina Armstrong, he said.

When I told President Armstrong that about what happened last year, she really seemed to be very taken aback by it, he said.

Armstrong was appointed interim president in August after her predecessor, Minouche Shafik, stepped down over her handling of a series of anti-Israel demonstrations, which escalated into violence and destruction until the NYPD was forced to raid a barricaded campus building in April.

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The school told The Post that it stands by its veterans community  the largest of all Ivy League schools  and downplayed the reach of the Martyrs Day organizers.

The NYPD was forced to expel protesters from Columbias campus in April.

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Columbia is proud of our students, faculty and staff who are veterans, and we are grateful for their service and sacrifice and the invaluable contributions they offer to our community, a campus spokesperson told The Post. The University honors its veterans on Veterans Day and every day, and we are proud to be participating in the New York Veterans Day Parade tomorrow, as we have for more than a decade.

We are aware that a small group has called for a demonstration tomorrow, and our public safety team is monitoring for any disruptions to campus activity. As always, we are committed to preserving our core mission to teach, create, and advance knowledge, the spokesperson added.

Columbia University Apartheid Divest did not respond to a request for comment.

The groups flyer has made its rounds outside campus  including to some New York lawmakers who reacted with disgust.

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Any effort to dishonor our veterans is disgraceful and must be confronted head-on. Columbia University cannot allow these un-American terrorist supporters to insult the brave men and women who defended our freedoms, said Queens Councilman Robert Holden, who saw the flyer.

These lunatics will not reclaim Veterans Day  not today, not ever, he added.

Additional reporting by Carl Campanile
Chef Yevhen Klopotenko shared how his meeting with the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and now Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK Valeriy Zaluzhny went in London a few weeks ago. The restaurateur also said that the purpose of his trip to England was to organize a charity dinner.

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Klopotenko was surprised to be spoken to by Zaluzhny, but he was even more impressed by the ambassador's stern gaze. In an interview with 33 Questions, he said that it was uncomfortable to look him in the eye.

"The meeting with Zaluzhny went well, I was a little shocked. When I approached him, he was like: "Good afternoon, Yevhen!" I didn't know what to say to him. Then he looked me in the eye. And looking into Zaluzhny's eyes... I was a little embarrassed," the restaurateur said.

He noted that he had traveled to London to organize a dinner party that had a charitable component to help the military. That's when Klopotenko learned that Valeriy Zaluzhny didn't like the most important dish of Ukrainian cuisine, borscht.

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"I was very surprised that he didn't like borscht. I told him that I would come up with a borscht that he would definitely fall in love with. That's my mission," the restaurateur added.

The chef is actively spreading knowledge about Ukrainian cuisine around the world, so this became another topic of conversation with the ambassador. He asked what he could do to help the British learn more about our traditional dishes.

"We talked about different things, where can I be involved? We talked about the development of Ukrainian cuisine, the presentation of Ukrainian cuisine in the English space. That was the meeting about cooperation between Britain and Ukraine," he said.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that Yevhen Klopotenko admitted that he had never cooked for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, although he had previously created dishes for his wife Olena Zelenska. After the outbreak of full-scale war, strict food bans were imposed on the family of the head of state.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is cracking down on homeless camps after a new state mandated ban on public sleeping and camping.

The department provided pictures on social media of two different camps around 3rd Street. Officer found items that were connected to several thefts at the nearby Nordstrom Rack and Target.

It led to two arrests.

They said several people were living in the homeless camps; however the problem is much larger. After officers took down the two homeless camps, employees at a Jacksonville Beach shopping plaza said it has made a huge difference after they noticed some repeat customers no longer show.

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We havent seen this one woman come in, which is a good thing considering she was touching everything and messing with our products. We always had to sanitize to make sure our customers dont get sick, Sarina Hernandez, employee at Bath and Body Works.

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department posted several pictures of the camps on Facebook, which they said show several stolen items, including bikes.

Reuben Creslin was arrested for retail theft. Another man, Nicholas Caldwell had an outstanding warrant from 2019.

Officers also issued two warnings for camping in public.

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One shopper, Dr. Bob Bersh, said there is a growing homeless problem in the area. He believes the city must provide more housing and supplies for the homeless, or we will continue to see more of these crimes.

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A lot of people are stealing because they are desperate. Theyre not stealing necessarily because they have nothing better to do with their lives, said Dr. Bersh.

He adds the times we are living in have been challenging, which he believes has contributed to the growing number of people living on the streets.

With an increasing prevalence of un-affordability that is happening, not only throughout this area, but throughout the country, we have to recognize that these folks are going to need to be paid attention to, said Dr. Bersh.

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Jacksonville Beach Police Department said officers work with the beachs only homeless shelter, Mission House which offers housing, food, and financial assistance for anyone who needs it.

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HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  The Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition is inviting the community to join the fight against child abuse through the Holiday Half Pot fundraiser.

Officials state this event offers participants the chance to win while supporting this cause across seven counties in Southwestern Indiana.

Tickets are available for purchase in the following packages:

$5 for one ticket

$10 for three tickets

$20 for 15 tickets

$40 for 40 tickets

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Officials say the drawing will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 5 p.m. ET.

Participants must be 18 years or older to enter. For more information, visit SWICACC.com/holiday-halfpot.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
A swim club in central Ohio, which had been a community fixture for nearly 60 years, has been saved from being closed.

The Northland Swim Club, which is located in north Columbus will be open for the 2025 season, thanks to the generosity and hard work in obtaining pledges, according to the clubs Facebook page. The pool is located on Almont Drive.

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Fox 28 reported that Missi Conley, General Manager of Northland Swim Club, said, We just were really working hard. She said that she and the board members were determined to open the swim club in 2025.

Organizers raised more than $50,000 in an effort to save the swim club.

The fundraiser was organized by former employees and members, including one man who was a pool boy and started working at the swim club in 1965, according to Fox 28.

NBC4 in Columbus reported that Conley was shocked with she learned that people who had never visited the pool or those who hadnt visited in a long time donated money to help save the swim club.

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Organizers of the fundraiser had until Nov. 1 to raise the money. They learned last week their goal was met and that it would open in 2025.

Conley said the work is not done yet as there are major repairs that need to be done, NBC4 reported.

The swim clubs Facebook page said the aging infrastructure will require significant improvements, so its important to keep raising money to keep the pool open for years.

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Poet Walt Whitman visited wounded soldiers in many hospitals, including Carver Hospital in Washington, above, where he once provided a general ice cream treat. The photo is from a Matthew Brady collection. (National Archives)

With over 40 armed conflicts now taking place around the world, the costs of warfare are immense and continue to mount with each passing day.

Russias war on Ukraine is estimated to have resulted in more than 600,000 Russian casualties, with estimates of total dead and injured on both sides as high as 1 million. The war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in about 140,000 Palestinian and 10,000 Israeli casualties, and there have been at least 50,000 casualties in the ongoing Sudanese Civil War. Closer to home, the newly married son of a colleague of mine suffered grievous injuries and lost all four limbs in an explosion while serving in the Middle East.

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The loss of life and limb, violations of human rights, destruction of personal property and damage to infrastructure such as power stations, hospitals and roads render such costs essentially incalculable, at least in monetary terms.

Yet war also opens up opportunities to care for the injured, displaced and forgotten. As someone who studies and writes about the intersection of medicine and the humanities, I often find myself returning to the American poet Walt Whitman.

To appreciate the act of offering support and comfort for the victims of war, there are few better sources of inspiration than Whitman, who spent more than three years volunteering his time and energies during the U.S. Civil War.

Compelled to help

Walt Whitman is considered one of the greatest poets in American history. Born the second of nine children in straitened circumstances in New York in 1819, he left school at age 11 to help support his family, working in a variety of jobs, including typesetting, teaching and newspaper publishing.

Walt Whitman by Mathew Brady, circa 1865-67. (National Archives)

In 1855, he self-published his greatest work of poetry, Leaves of Grass, written in free verse and opening with the poem later known as Song of Myself. The works fans included Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote to Whitman, in a letter praising the poet, I greet you at the beginning of a great career.

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Yet fame and fortune were slow to wend their way to Whitman, and he continued to work in the newspaper trade. With the onset of the Civil War, Whitmans brother enlisted, and when Whitman saw his brother named among wounded soldiers, he traveled to Virginia to find him.

He eventually discovered that his brother had suffered only a minor wound. Yet during the search, Whitman encountered scores of wounded soldiers and piles of amputated limbs, which moved him to help in some way.

He secured a job in Washington, D.C., as an army paymasters clerk and began volunteering in the citys military hospitals, making, by his estimate, over 600 visits, sometimes overnight, to as many as 100,000 soldiers.

Dispenser of treats, transcriber of letters

Why would perhaps Americas greatest poet voluntarily devote the better part of over three years of his life to visiting places replete with mutilation, agony and sorrow?

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Lacking formal training in medicine or nursing, Whitman nonetheless felt that he had something important to offer.

I found it was in the simple matter of personal presence, and emanating ordinary cheer and magnetism, that I succeeded and helped more than by medical nursing, or delicacies, or gifts of money, or anything else, he wrote in Memoranda During the War.

Whitman managed to bring more tangible gifts as well: Blackberries, peaches, lemons and sugar, wines, all kinds of preserves, pickles, brandy, milk, shirts and all articles of underclothing, tobacco, tea, and handkerchiefs.

He procured these items using his own meager funds and by soliciting donations, providing others their own opportunities to give.

The second page of a letter Walt Whitman wrote on behalf of Union soldier Robert N. Jabo, who was dying of tuberculosis. It was signed, Written by Walt Whitman, a friend. (National Archives)

Consider a specific case, that of a young soldier from Massachusetts suffering from respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments.

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Of him, Whitman wrote, His heart was broken. He felt the struggle to keep up any longer to be useless. God, the world, humanity, all had abandoned him. It would feel so good to shut his eyes forever on the cruel things around him and toward him.

Yet Whitman took his place beside him, gave him some money so that he could buy milk, and wrote a letter for him to his sister. Trifling as it was, he was overcome and began to cry. He has told me since that this little visit, at that hour, just saved him  a day more, and it would have been perhaps too late.

Along with all the other gifts in his haversack, Whitman always gave paper, envelopes, and stamps so soldiers could write to loved ones back home. Many times, he wrote their letters himself, in his own hand, often signing below their name, Written by Walt Whitman, a friend.

Of the letters, he noted:

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Many sick and wounded soldiers have not written home to parents, brothers, sisters, and even wives, for one reason or another, for a long time. Some are poor writers, some cannot get paper and envelopes; many have an aversion to writing because they dread to worry the folks at home  the facts about them are so sad to tell. I always encourage the men to write, and promptly write for them.

It is remarkable to think of one of the greatest artists of the English language sitting by the bedside of so many sick and wounded soldiers, helping them compose letters to family and friends far away, sometimes simply transcribing what they said, and other times capturing what they wanted to say or what needed to be said.

He was tending not only to the soldiers before him, but also to loved ones sick with worry, hundreds of miles away.

Becoming conduits of compassion

Whitmans dedicated service offers deep and enduring lessons for people around the world today.

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For one thing, the toll of war cannot simply be counted up in numbers of lives lost or billions of dollars of damage incurred.

Behind every number is a human story. Every wounded or dead soldier is someones son or daughter, sister or brother, husband or wife, or mother or father. Every civilian casualty is someones friend, neighbor and fellow citizen.

Whitman didnt use his poetic powers just to help share the stories of wounded soldiers with their loved ones back home. He also mined his experiences by their bedside to compose literary masterpieces such as The Wound-Dresser and Come Up from the Fields Father.

As violence permeates the globe, its easy to look away, or become numb to headlines and images of death and despair. But confronting this suffering head on  through an act as simple as extending a hand, a voice or an ear  is an act of courage in and of itself.

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True, it may not stop or win a war. Yet this sort of attention is a form of generosity and a conduit to healing  a way, as Whitman put it in a letter to his brother, to have our feelings so thoroughly and permanently absorbed, to the very roots, by these huge swarms of dear, wounded, sick, and dying boys.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Connecticut remains in a Stage 2 drought advisory Monday as abnormally dry conditions keep fire danger high across the state.

The State 2 drought advisory was issued by Governor Ned Lamont on Saturday.

Connecticut farms feeling impact of drought

On the lower end of the five-level drought scale, Stage 2 is focused on awareness by identifying a developing drought event that could impact water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems.

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The lack of rain over the past two months has caused exceptionally dry conditions across Connecticut, resulting in numerous wildfires and reduced groundwater levels and streamflows, Governor Lamont said in a statement Saturday.

He said people should be mindful of their water consumption and take simple, sensible steps to stretch water supplies.

U.S. Drought Monitor: All of Connecticut placed under moderate drought status

This stage of drought only asks residents and businesses to voluntarily take action to aid in minimizing future drought conditions. These actions include:

Shutting down automatic outdoor irrigation

Minimizing overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures

Following any conservation requests issued by local water suppliers and municipalities

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Residents who depend on private wells, fire or irrigation ponds, and other localized water resources should be particularly cognizant of local conditions, Lamonts office said.

Office of Policy and Management Undersecretary Martin Heft said the state is seeing the driest two-month period recorded since records began in 1905.

We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought be prolonged, he said.

Veterans Day forecast: From mild to cold this week

If current conditions continue, the next level under the Connecticut Drought Preparedness and Response Plan is Stage 3, which is moderate drought.

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The last time any drought advisories were used in Connecticut was the summer and fall of 2022, when six counties reached Stage 2 and two counties were in Stage 3.

Lamonts state of emergency declared last month remains in effect to assist the state in its response to heightened weather conditions and a slew of brush fires across the state.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protections burn ban is also still in effect. It prohibits the use of outdoor grills, firepits, campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors at all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas statewide.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says all of Connecticut is on moderate drought status.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
For nearly 40 years, a controversial California law has required companies to place warning labels on their products alerting consumers to the potential health threats posed by chemicals, or else face lawsuits from lawyers, private citizens and advocacy groups.

Passed as a ballot initiative, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 has resulted in warnings being affixed to everything from vinyl-covered Bibles to gas station pumps, advising that exposure to some 900 chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.

Ever since the passage of Proposition 65, policymakers and business groups have argued over whether the law is effective in preventing people from ingesting and inhaling toxic chemicals, or just providing a payday to plaintiffs attorneys.

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Now, a new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives has concluded that Proposition 65 has curbed exposure to toxic substances in California  and nationally.

"If you live in California, the warnings are everywhere," said Kristin Knox, a senior researcher at the Silent Spring Institute, a nonprofit that investigates the links between breast cancer and chemicals found in consumer products and the environment.

"They're on all sorts of stuff. So it's very easy for people to make fun of Prop. 65 because you're like, there's warnings on my coffee and in my parking garage. But, for us, that made it even more important to be able to go and see if it's having effects."

Read more: Farm pesticides found floating in California air samples; state officials say it's OK

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The study, conducted by Silent Spring and UC Berkeley researchers, suggests the law helped to reduce exposure to toxic substances commonly found in diesel exhaust and plastic materials.

In order to gauge the law's effectiveness, study authors examined the prevalence of chemicals found in blood and urine samples collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The researchers analyzed concentrations of 11 chemicals placed on the Proposition 65 warning list and monitored by the CDC between 1999 and 2016. They included several types of phthalates, chemicals used to make plastics flexible; chloroform, a toxic byproduct from disinfecting water with chlorine; and toluene, a hazardous substance found in vehicle exhaust.

They found that the majority of samples had significantly lower concentrations of these chemicals after their listing. But the levels didn't just decline in California, they fell nationwide.

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However, California residents had lower chemical levels compared to the rest of the U.S., possibly due to more stringent environmental regulations and consumer awareness, according to researchers.

Study authors surmised that the concentrations fell, in part, because businesses removed the chemicals from their goods to avoid warning labels.

"It sounds like they reformulate to avoid having to put a Prop. 65 label on their product," Knox said. "But when they reformulate, they reformulate nationwide. It's not like they're going to make a product just for California. And so this state regulation is actually having a national impact."

But swapping one chemical for an unlisted substitute has sometimes resulted in its own consequences.

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For example, when bisphenol A, an ingredient in plastics, was listed in 2013, chemical concentrations in blood and urine samples subsequently fell by 15%. However, that was followed by a 20% rise in bisphenol S  a closely related chemical also linked with reproductive toxicity.

"That's not what we want to see, and that's an argument for regulating chemicals as a class, rather than specific chemicals," Knox said.

Read more: Port of Los Angeles receives unprecedented $400-million grant to electrify operations

Business leaders have long been skeptical of Proposition 65's effectiveness. They argue that the extensive list of chemicals has led to nearly universal warnings, which they say has undermined the law's original intent and given consumers warning fatigue.

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Since 2010, companies have settled more than $200 million in Proposition 65-related lawsuits, according to the California Chamber of Commerce. Proposition 65, they say, has resulted in a cottage industry of so-called bounty hunters that target California companies for payouts.

Prop. 65 is infamous for its ubiquitous warnings and its bounty hunters who have abused the law to shake down businesses," Adam Regele, vice president of advocacy for CalChamber, said in a statement.

"For many chemicals, it requires warnings at levels 1,000 times below the level known to cause no effect in animal studies. It therefore should come as no surprise that listing a chemical under Prop. 65 prompts businesses to avoid it  if they can. The more important question is whether these changes have any public health benefit, and particularly at what cost to consumers.

Experts say some of the legal action is warranted and paved the way for reform.

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Dr. Meg Schwarzman, a physician and environmental scientist at UC Berkeley, said Proposition 65 has encouraged regulation that has reduced air pollution. Diesel was recognized as a carcinogen and listed under Proposition 65 in 1990.

Several lawsuits were lodged against businesses, including school bus manufacturers and a major grocery chain. Perhaps the most notable was filed by then California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris, who sued tenants at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach for failure to warn residents that diesel emissions can cause cancer.

Not long after its Proposition 65 designation, the California Air Resources Board classified diesel exhaust as a toxic air contaminant, enabling the agency to regulate it. It later adopted a number of rules curtailing diesel pollution in heavy-duty trucks and equipment at ports.

From 1990 to 2014, diesel emissions dropped by 78% in California, compared with 51% nationally.

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"Californians have lower body burdens of many known toxic chemicals than people living outside of here," said Schwarzman. "And that shows that whatever combination of our environmental laws targeting toxics is having an effect."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  Conway police arrested a man just before midnight on Saturday after he barricaded himself inside a Long Avenue Extension home.

City spokeswoman June Wood said the person was taken into custody with assistance from the Horry County Police Department.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
As delegates from nearly 200 countries gather for a major international summit on addressing the threat of climate change, they're confronting a new era of uncertainty for the United States' climate commitments in the wake of Donald Trump's presidential election victory.

Trump has said that in a second term, he would again exit the Paris Climate Agreement, an accord signed in 2016 aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The U.S. formally withdrew during Trump's first term, but then rejoined under President Biden.

CBS News has reached out to the Trump transition office for more information about his plans.

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The United States joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an international treaty, in 1992 and has attended its conferences  known as COP, for "Conference of Parties"  in many years since, most recently last year's COP28 in Dubai.

Project 2025, the conservative blueprint drawn up by the Heritage Foundation for the next GOP administration  which the president-elect has endeavored to distance himself from  calls for the U.S. to withdraw from both the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

What is COP29?

This year's United Nations Climate Change Conference  called COP29, since it's the 29th Conference of Parties  kicks off Monday in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and runs through Nov. 22.

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The annual summit, which is held in a different location every year, brings together world leaders and thousands of other representatives of nations that are party to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Their goal is to take stock of the progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions  each country sets it own targets and action plan  and limiting global warming.

So far, the world is falling far short of meeting these climate goals.

Overall, 2023 had the highest greenhouse gas emissions ever recorded, although here are currently 42 countries where emissions are decreasing, including the United States, China, Russia and in the European Union.

Without greater reductions over the next few years, the world is on a path to see a temperature increase of more than 3 degrees Celsius, according to an October U.N. report, which warned such an outcome "would bring debilitating impacts to people, planet and economies."

Current climate policies are not on track to meet the main goal of the Paris Climate Agreement, to keep warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius and preferably no more than 1.5 degrees. / Credit: Climate Central

Under the Paris Agreement, countries update their targets for emission cuts (known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs) every five years. The next update is due in February.

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Who's going to COP29?

This year, President Biden is sending a delegation that includes John Podesta, the senior presidential adviser for international climate policy, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Ali Zaidi, the White House national climate adviser. Vice President Kamala Harris represented the U.S. at last year's conference.

The gathering in Baku will be smaller than some previous summits for several reasons, including fewer attendance passes and hotel spaces, and concerns over Azerbaijan's human rights record and its oil-production-based economy.

Participants walk by an entrance of COP29, the U.N. Climate Change Conference venue, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on Nov. 10, 2024. / Credit: Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A number of other world leaders have opted not to attend this year, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. California Gov. Gavin Newsom isn't going either, although California often has a strong presence at the conference.

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Among the thousands who will attend are delegates from the Taliban government of Afghanistan, the Associated Press reported, citing the country's national environment agency. Though the regime is not internationally recognized, Afghanistan is considered one of the nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with severe drought, flooding, and a great need for financial assistance.

Higher attendance is expected at next year's COP30 in Brazil, whose president shown a greater commitment to tackling emissions and climate finance.

What is expected to happen at COP29?

Countries will share updated national climate action plans on how to reduce emissions. The current administration is expected to submit its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) before President Biden leaves office, but whether the commitments will be upheld under the Trump administration seems unlikely.

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Attendees will also be discussing climate financing. Developed nations, which are most responsible for climate change, are expected to provide funding to developing nations for climate adaptation and green energy projects. Amnesty International projects that trillions of dollars will be needed to get developing countries up to speed.

What will a Trump presidency mean for U.S. involvement in global climate efforts?

Experts say that withdrawing from major climate agreements has the potential to isolate the U.S. in global climate negotiations, damage its reputation as a leader and encourage other high-emitting nations like China to deprioritize their emissions reductions. Leaving the Paris Agreement would mean the U.S. does not have to report on its emissions each year, and it would have weaker legal responsibilities to provide climate finance to developing countries.

But while exiting these global commitments would be a major setback in the eyes of climate advocates, it wouldn't stop state and local governments, businesses or nonprofits from stepping up.

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In the wake of Trump's victory, several climate advocacy organizations released a flurry of statements reiterating their commitment to clean energy investments, carbon emission reduction and environmental protection. States and local governments are also expected to continue investing in initiatives like cap-and-invest programs, carbon neutrality, and infrastructure improvements.

Other countries are also not likely to throw away their climate commitments.

"I am struck by the last time this happened, even with the shock, not a single other country followed the United States in withdrawing from the agreement," said Jonathan Pershing, program director of environment at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and a former special envoy for climate change at the State Department.

Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement would take at least a year to complete, and a future president would have the power to rejoin if they so choose  just as President Biden did after Trump exited the agreement during his first term.

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A withdrawal from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, on the other hand, could have an even greater long-term impact. Exiting the global treaty would remove the U.S. from the international stage of climate discussions and could hamper the country's ability to participate in negotiations in the future. The U.S. Senate ratified joining the UNFCCC in 1992, which legal experts say could make withdrawal a more complex process.

If the U.S. does withdraw, the rest of the world will continue to negotiate even in its absence. The void left by America will likely be filled by another country, like China, which could negotiate deals that fall in its favor.

"Leaving the Framework Convention doesn't provide a lot of benefit to a Trump administration," said David Waskow, director of International Climate Action at the World Resources Institute, on a call with reporters. "It actually brings a lot of harm to the U.S. in terms of reputational impacts and the ability to work with other countries on shaping the clean energy economy."

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Honoring a Civil War veteran who was lost to history

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Ukraine's representative at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024, Artem Kotenko, has already arrived in Madrid, the capital of Spain, where this year's song contest will take place, and held his first rehearsal. He will perform in front of thousands of spectators in the concert hall and on the screens on November 16.

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The concept of his performance was slightly changed. The teenager took off the navy blue suit he wore at the National Selection and appeared on stage in a white outfit and a sequined sweater. The stagers made his appearance much lighter than the one in Ukraine. Photos from the rehearsal were posted on Telegram.

The number of backup dancers has not changed - there are four of them, just like at the National Selection. The main attribute of the team is still white frames with backlighting, which supposedly symbolize the walls of a house.

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Before his first appearance on the big stage in Madrid, Artem Kotenko showed us how he was preparing for the rehearsal. He was stretching his vocal cords in his hotel room.

It is worth noting that Artem Kotenko will be performing the song Hear me now, which was previously titled "Home". This change was made because the Ukrainian organizers want to convey the track's message to European audiences. The song tells about the loss of one's own home at the hands of the occupiers.

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As a reminder, Artem Kotenko's composition is written in Ukrainian and English. The vocalist, who was born in Okhtyrka, Sumy region, and has not left the frontline city despite the war, sings about how Russian barbarians are taking away Ukrainians' homes.

Junior Eurovision 2024 will take place in 6 days - on November 16 in Madrid. Representatives from 17 European countries will compete for the victory.

This year's identity of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest is watercolor flowers in a purple and orange palette. The organizers will unite young talents under the slogan "Let's Bloom". However, there was a scandal. Herman Nenov, the creative director of the National Selection in 2023 and the director of Anastasia Dymyd's performance, suggested that the design was plagiarized from the Ukrainian's performance last year.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about the ranking of the participants of Junior Eurovision 2024 a week before the final. Young talents from different parts of Europe will demonstrate their voice power, and one of them will become the main winner of the show.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Leaders, ministers and other officials from around 200 countries are set to convene at the UN's Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan on Monday to discuss how to limit global warming and its deadly consequences.

From Monday at 10 am (0800 GMT), the two-week conference in Baku aims to address new financial commitments to poor countries impacted by heatwaves, storms and floods made more frequent by climate change.

Developing countries and environmental organizations are expecting wealthy industrialized countries to mobilize at least $1 trillion annually  10 times more than the current pledge of $100 billion annually.

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To finance this, climate activists are proposing taxing the rich and levies on the extraction of coal, oil and gas.

Non-governmental organizations fear that the summit, known as the Conference of Parties, or COP29, will be overshadowed by Donald Trump's election as US president. After his first election victory in 2016, Trump had already ordered the US to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

According to a New York Times report over the weekend, Trump now plans to not only withdraw from the Paris Agreement, but also to move the headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) away from Washington and reduce the size of nature reserves to clear the way for oil drilling and coal mining.

Tens of thousands of government representatives, journalists, activists and political lobbyists are expected in the authoritarian ex-Soviet republic of Azerbaijan, where freedom of the press and expression are severely restricted.

After the first plenary session on Monday at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, speeches by dozens of heads of state and prime ministers are scheduled to follow on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Solar panels on the rooftop of the California Indian Museum and Multicultural Center in Santa Rosa, Calif. Interest in ESG - environment, social and governance - investing has cooled, but is still important, advocates say. Photo courtesy of American Microgrid Solutions.

Though the craze around environmental, social and governance (ESG) has simmered some  both in support and in opposition  were continuing to see companies voluntarily release reports and incorporate it into long-term business strategies.

As someone with a career in financial services and a passion for helping disadvantaged communities become thriving participants in the national economy, I believe ESG reports are a strategic way for businesses to focus on long-term impact on local economies, communities and the environment.

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A recent example is CSX Transportation, a leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation.

Not long ago, CSX released its 2023 ESG Report, which highlighted the companys major advancements in addressing important matters through alternative fuel projects, investments in safety innovations, and enhancements to the employee work environment. At its Curtis Bay Piers in South Baltimore, this included being awarded $11.6 million in federal grants to acquire three battery-electric, zero-emissions locomotives and a battery charging station. This is especially notable as it was the first zero-exhaust train at an East Coast port and will help to reduce emissions and noise for the surrounding community.

Even with local groups and officials in Baltimore calling for stronger regulations on trains and industry in the area, CSX still released its ESG report detailing their Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Though the community is justified in the pursuit of a cleaner environment, there are other ways to go about it without increasing government regulations. Especially when the company is being so transparent about its emissions  even going as far as having a website that reports live particulate matter in the community.

While some companies, like CSX, are continuing forward with ESG reporting, others are taking a step back. One company published a 2024 investment stewardship report in which it said it supported only 4% of environmental and social proposals  a drastic decrease from the 21% supported in 2021. The reason given was that the objectives were unlikely to promote long-term shareholder value.

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I disagree with that notion. Companies releasing ESG reports is a fiscally smart move, in addition to being good for the broader environment and communities.

A recent research paper found when companies prioritize ESG, it positively influences their overall value. At the same time, it found that focusing on nonmaterial ESG factors can cause a decline in value. This simply means companies need to walk that fine line of ensuring their ESG initiatives are fiscally beneficial as well. And obviously, this can be done.

For example, Walmart launched Project Gigaton in 2017 aiming to eliminate one gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from its global value chain by 2030. Though this is certainly an environmental initiative, its also a smart business decision. By reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency, costs are lowered throughout their entire supply chain. It also positioned Walmart as a leader in sustainability efforts early on, which can enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty  factors that have significant long-term financial benefits.

Similarly, CSX reported engaging suppliers in CDPs Supply Chain program to improve sustainability of operations and reduce the carbon footprint of the companys value chain. This entails having Tier 1 suppliers report environmental data to CDP and work closely with them to ensure sustainable practices and carbon reduction strategies. In 2023, CSX engaged 63 suppliers and have a goal to double that engagement this year.

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A focus on responsible sourcing within supply chain efficiency has long-term monetary benefits, too. Environmental initiatives increase fuel efficiency, in turn reducing emissions, which ultimately benefits the communities they serve while also providing better services and smooth deliveries and customer experiences.

Its simple math; Satisfied customers equal better business.

As both a financial professional and resident of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area, I hope to see other companies continue to be transparent and release reports on their environmental, social and governance initiatives and successes. Its always great to see companies taking it upon themselves to acknowledge their role and impact on the environment, communities, and economy.
CHICAGO  Chicago police are searching for a missing 72-year-old man who may be in need of medical attention.

Police said Otis Wheeler was last seen on Oct. 27 in the 200 block of East Huron Street in the citys Streeterville neighborhood. He was last seen wearing a burgundy shirt and navy blue pants.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Wheeler is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 315 pounds.

Investigators added he may be in need of medical attention.

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Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 312-744-8266.

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TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  Christian County Crime Stoppers is looking for more information after a suspect shot at a house with a pellet gun last week.

A suspect shot with a pellet gun at a house located at 200 North Grant Street in Edinburg on Tuesday, Nov. 5, according to a release. Two windows were damaged, but no other damage or injuries were reported. Crime Stoppers does not have an estimation for the cost of the damaged windows.

Crime Stoppers looking for Champaign ATM thieves

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Christian County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for any information on a crime that will lead to an arrest. The organization will also pay double for any information for arrest of crimes of the week.

To contact Christian County Crime Stoppers, call 217-824-9100, visit christancountycrimestoppers.org, or text CRIMES(274637) with your tip. All tipsters will remain anonymous.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
An Iowa survey following conservation practices that reduce nutrient runoff, shows an increase in cover cropping in the state. (Photo by Edwin Remsberg and USDA-SARE)

Results from the annual Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council crop survey show Iowa farmers planted more than 3.8 million acres of cover crops in the 2023 crop year.

INREC initiated the yearly survey in 2017 as part of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to track tillage practices, crop rotations and nitrogen, phosphorus and manure fertilizer applications. These practices can reduce the amount of nutrients, notably nitrogen and phosphorus, that run off cropland and into waterways.

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Ben Gleason, the councils executive director, said the use of cover crops has increased significantly since the non-profit started the survey.

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In 2017, just 1.6 million acres of Iowas approximately 23 million acres of corn and soybean cropland had a cover crop planted. That amount has more than doubled in the past seven years, bringing the percentage of cropland with a cover crop to nearly 17% in 2023, according to the most recent survey results.

Thats not a small amount, Gleason said.

Cover cropping is a practice of seeding a crop such as cereal rye, oats, wheat, radishes or turnips into the soil between cash crop (corn and soybean) rotations to improve soil health, minimize soil erosion and in some operations, create pasture for cattle.

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According to Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, cover crops can reduce the amount of nitrogen runoff from a field by nearly 50%.

Were making progress, but weve got a long ways to go just because of the scale were trying to reach, Gleason said.

Gleason also said conservation practices, dont happen in a vacuum, and that the council is always considering what else might have caused the use of a certain practice to increase or decrease in a given period.

Bill Frederick, co-owner of Iowa Cover Crop, a seed and service company that helps farmers implement cover crop systems, said his business has increased by 30% to 50% each year since opening.

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Were always chasing that next level of adopters, Frederick said and noted that the company has also retained most of its customers over the past 10 years.

There are a number of private and public funding streams that Frederick said his company helps farmers navigate so they can implement a cover crop for basically no cost which makes it an easier sell.

According to the Environmental Working Group conservation database, Iowa farmers received nearly $300 million to help implement conservation practices through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program, between 2017 and 2022.

For farmers who also raise cattle, Frederick said the cost of the cover crop is easily offset by grazing the cattle on the crop.

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Frederick said he is optimistic for future adoption of cover cropping, and isnt discouraged by the only 10% increase over the past seven years.

I mean, youre totally changing the way people are farming and I think its a big ask to just have people jump in, Frederick said.

Our big thing is everybody thinks of this conservation as something that we have to do. Weve always looked at it as a potential income source.

Starting next year, sustainable aviation fuel producers would be eligible for a new federal tax credit if they produce their fuel with corn and soybeans grown on farms that employ sustainable practices, including cover cropping and no-till, to offset some of the carbon emissions of the fuel production.

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Frederick said he already has new customers seeding cover crops to be able to sell to these producers.

So thatll be the next big leap, I think, Frederick said.

Nutrient Reduction Strategy

The nutrient reduction strategy is Iowas contribution to a multi-state effort aimed at reducing the size and severity of the hypoxia, or dead zone, in the Gulf of Mexico. The hypoxia is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus transported down the Mississippi River into the gulf.

Practices like cover crops keep plants in the soil and help keep those nutrients in the soil, rather than washing off downstream, but other practices, like reducing tillage and being more efficient when applying fertilizer, are also part of the nutrient reduction strategy.

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According to the 2023 survey results, 63% of corn and soybean acres were farmed with either no till or conservation tillage practices, which leaves 30% or more of the field untilled.

The survey also shows a 7% decrease in the rates of commercial nitrogen applied to continuous corn operations since 2017.

The nutrient reduction program also tracks point-source pollution from municipal and industrial wastewater facilities, which also contribute to the N and P loads in the water.

Gleason said his council works with the Iowa State University center for survey statistics and methodology to randomize and extrapolate the survey data, collected from about 100 ag retailers, to generate figures that are representative of the entire state.

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We feel, using the stat lab, that its representative of the state, Gleason said.

In part, the survey was initiated to track the progress of these conservation practices and gather some of the water-quality data that Gleason said is necessary to qualify for cost-share programs.

Gleason said these practices, especially around fertilizer application, have grown in popularity because farmers are more aware of the programs, and also because they realize it can help their bottom lines.

Number one, is certainly theres more awareness of nutrient reduction strategies and the suite of strategies we have for farmers, Gleason said. I also think some of it is economic  Farmers are trying to be as efficient as possible with their budget.

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The efforts in Iowa and in other states along the Mississippi have made a difference in nitrogen levels of the Mississippi, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys 2023 report. Gleason said he also likes to emphasize the impact these practices have on local water systems.

Whats good for the land here is good for the water here, Gleason said. And obviously we want to help out the Gulf of Mexico  but we have our own issues to work on, too.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is working on a structure fire near I-25.

On Monday, Nov. 11, CSFD reported crews were working on a fire at Sun Springs Motel located at 1411 South Nevada Avenue. At 9:45 a.m., CSFD reported via X (formerly known as Twitter), that the fire had been contained to one unit and the fire had been knocked down.

At 9:55 a.m., CSFD said the fire was officially put out and no injuries were reported.

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Fire crews are still in the area and will remain there for approximately 30 minutes. Southbound Nevada is closed at Brookside Street. CSFD asks individuals to avoid the area.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
The parent company of Stop & Shop and Hannaford grocery stores is alerting customers about a cybersecurity incident that is affecting services.

Ahold Delhaize USA says they recently detected a cybersecurity issue that will cause several pharmacy and e-commerce operations to be taken offline to mitigate security risks.

According to a company statement, their internal security teams are investigating along with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts. Law enforcement entities were also notified.

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The security of our customers, associates and partners is a top priority, Ahold Delhaize USA said in a press release on the Stop & Shop website. We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused customers and partners.

Officials say each of Ahold Delhaize USAs brands stores are open and will continue serving customers. A timetable for when services will be fully restored was not immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is facing growing calls to resign after a report found the Church of England covered up the abhorrent abuse of more than 100 boys and young men for years at the hands of serial predator John Smyth.



The review said Archbishop Welby could and should have reported the case to authorities when details were presented to him in 2013. Archbishop Welby admitted he had personally failed to ensure it was investigated, but that he had no idea or suspicion of this abuse before 2013.



Kamal and Gordon Rayner are joined by the Telegraphs Religious and Social Affairs Editor Janet Eastham to talk through what Welby did and didnt know and whether his position is tenable.



Plus, as farmers prepare for a mass rally in London against the rise in inheritance tax, Kamal and Gordon speak to one of the organisers who says that Labour have picked a fight with the wrong people.

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.
DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN)  A man is behind bars in Dale County after the sheriff claims he tied up, gagged, and killed a Midland City woman a week after being released from an out-of-state prison.

Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum identified the victim as 57-year-old Sherry Clark.

During a press conference Tuesday morning, authorities revealed Clarks father called for a welfare check after she failed to show up at work at Avis Car Rental in Dothan early Sunday morning.

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READ MORE: Former co-worker remembers Midland City murder victim as a kind, loving woman

Sherif Bynum says Clark was found naked, bound, gagged, and dead inside her bedroom at her home on Dale County Road 79 in Midland City.

Investigators did notice severe trauma to her head and neck region, Sheriff Bynum said. The sheriff also said the murder weapon has not yet been identified.

Following a short investigation, 29-year-old James Johnson was charged with one count of murder and booked into the Dale County Jail late Sunday night.

According to Sheriff Bynum, Johnson had been released from the Florida Department of Corrections one week before the murder occurred, and he was staying with a relative next door to Clark.

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Clarks family joined Sheriff Bynum and other investigators with the DCSO and the State Bureau of Investigation at the podium during the press conference.

Knowing our mother was murdered is so devastating for us to understand or comprehend, said Shelly Linderman, Director of the Wiregrass Angel House, in a prepared statement from Clarks family.

Linderman continued to read the statement, saying, Sherry was a kind, loving mother, sister, daughter, and grandmother who loved her family very much. She did nothing to deserve this, and we want to make sure this horrible man pays for what he did.

Clarks body was taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

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The sheriff has not released a motive in the murder as of the Tuesday morning press conference.

Stay with WDHN News as we bring you the latest developments.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.


A holographic screen that floats in mid-air and allows interaction! Join our correspondent at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) as she discovers the exciting, real-world applications of this technology that was once only seen in science fiction! Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Ukrainian actress Natalia Vasko, who has starred in many Russian films, such as Return My Love and I Will Do Anything for Love, has admitted that she has a negative attitude toward her Russian colleagues. She has excluded from her work films and TV series in which she played roles with Russians.

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As the actress says in an interview with Apostrophe, "I just want to wipe it all away, like dirt from a white wall." But in addition to the above-mentioned series, she is known for her participation in the following Ukrainian films: The Serf, Kruty 1918, The Devoted, Daughters of Mothers, and many others.

"You know, I don't even want to use the word 'colleagues'. I have crossed off all my jobs where I worked with Russians from my list. I just want to wipe it all off, like dirt from a white wall, with a metal spatula," she admitted.

The star recalled that after the start of the full-scale invasion, she rethought her work and "apologized to her country" for working in a team with Russians. However, even before that, she had organized her own little Maidan on the set.

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"I don't know if it justifies me that I almost always tried not to allow myself to be humiliated as a Ukrainian. I didn't keep silent when another 'star' started expressing their 'meh' so that I wouldn't speak 'this ugly language'. There were many such rotten creatures in my film biography, and believe me, I did not remain silent in response. This is what I call "my little Maidan". It's a pity that those who witnessed such situations kept silent in their "handkerchiefs" and later said quietly in my ear that they agreed and supported me. You know what the most disgusting thing about it was - this "quietly, in my ear," Natalia Vasko added.

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She, like many other artists, tried to reach out to the Russians at the beginning of the great war, but all attempts were in vain. The actress recalls turning to her Ukrainian colleagues who were doing the same and asking them not to "break out of their skin" because she realized that it was a futile endeavor.

In particular, Vasko recalled that at one time Ukrainian actors were in a kind of "psychological twine" when they were filming in Ukraine in Russian films.

"It's scary and strange that speaking Ukrainian on your own land, you were almost always in a catastrophic minority. For many years, Ukrainian actors were in a so-called 'psychological twine'. Projects, seemingly Ukrainian, are filmed in Ukraine, but for some reason in Russian, with Russian actors in the lead roles... What a grief it all turned out to be," she noted.

Earlier, Natalia Vasko admitted to OBOZ.UA that she had been preparing for the war for six months before the invasion and was very angry with those Ukrainians who did not take the threat seriously.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A suspect is in the hospital after being shot by a Jacksonville police officer early Monday morning.

According to Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, the shooting happened after a mother attempted to confront the 18-year-old suspect about alleged inappropriate texts hed sent to her 13-year-old daughter.

18-year-old Cerry Banks is facing aggravated assault charges, and is likely to face additional charges, after Jacksonville police allege he threatened a mother and her two children in a Popeyes restaurant in Murray Hill.

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Police claim the mother was confronting him after she discovered hed been inappropriately texting her 13-year-old daughter.

She coaxed him into a meeting Monday morning according to police, but when confronted, he allegedly showed the family a gun and told them, When you hear the shots tonight, youll know whats up.

According to JSO, the mother called the sheriffs office.

Officials said when police arrived, they confronted the suspect behind the restaurant.

Banks allegedly ran and pulled out his weapon.

Investigations Division Chief Alan Parker said thats when the responding officer shot the suspect multiple times.

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So, it looks like it was once in his hand, theres something in the torso, and I heard maybe one in the leg, said Parker.

Parker said Banks managed to flee and was found in a nearby drainage culvert.

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He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital, where police reported he is in stable condition as of about 11 a.m.

You never know whats going to happen. Luckily, he didnt shoot them. So, you never know what somebody is going to do when their back is against the wall, said Parker.

Back in July, St. Johns County Sheriffs Office posted on social media, highlighting several incidents where local teens had attempted their own sting operations where they would confront alleged child predators in person.

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Former FBI agent Dale Carson argued in any scenario, these types of investigations are best left to law enforcement.

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They dont want to be identified. They dont want to go to jail. They dont want to be stymied by individuals who are attempting to prevent them from accomplishing their criminal act. Theyre dangerous, said Carson.

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters echoed those comments.

While the mother seems to have been looking out for her young daughter in this case, he said it can be extremely dangerous to confront people with these types of allegations.

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This is a mother who was concerned about her daughter. So, I get it. I understand. But I would say that in most cases in situations like that, call us and have us deal with the situation so it doesnt unfold like this, said Waters.

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(WHTM)  Pennsylvanias Senator-elect Dave McCormick (R) says he will attend the Senates orientation this week after not initially receiving an invitation.

Looking forward to joining the Senate freshman class of 2025 for orientation this week! said McCormick. Im honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania, and will fight hard to make sure their voices are heard in Washington. Lets get to work!

Incumbent Senator Bob Casey (D) has not yet conceded the race to McCormick with thousands of ballots still being counted and the race hinging on less than 40,000 votes. On Monday his campaign again insisted on waiting for all votes to be counted.

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Should the race finish within half a point there will be an automatic recount, however McCormicks lead grew over the weekend.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) initially not invited McCormick with his office saying they would invite a winner once the votes are counted. Request for comment from Schumers office on whether the invitation was extended to McCormick were not returned.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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Dave McCormick is expected to vote in the Senate leadership election in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, according to Channel 11 sources.

McCormick will be on Capitol Hill alongside other Republican senators to vote for a Majority Leader, senior campaign sources say.

McCormick is proceeding as the winner of the U.S. Senate race for Pennsylvania, despite incumbent Senator Bob Casey not conceding yet.

>> Dave McCormick gives victory speech in Downtown Pittsburgh, Casey says its not over yet

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The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Thursday, but Casey continues to push back as provisional ballots are still being counted.

On Monday, a statement from Casey claimed that there are more than 100,000 ballots left to be counted, including tens of thousands from counties that typically favor the senator.

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After campaigning on a theme of retribution and pledging to be a warrior and justice to those who were betrayed by the government, Donald Trump could soon prepare to seek revenge against those he believes have wronged him.

President-elect Trump  who baselessly accuses President Joe Bidens administration of weaponizing law enforcement and the court against him  will enter office on January 20, 2025, with an array of executive powers at his fingertips.

Olivia Troye, a former Trump administration official who joined Republicans who spoke out against the former president at this years Democratic National Convention, told NBC News that a passenger on a plane told her your days are numbered.

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Im worried that Ill be targeted by him and a lot of people in his circle, she said. They very much know who I am. And Im concerned for my family.

Trumps Republican allies in Congress already have mounted investigations into President Joe Biden and his family, as well as the judges and prosecutors overseeing the criminal cases against the former president, whose attacks have inspired a deluge of threats to their offices, courtrooms and families.

Donald Trump could soon take unprecedented measures to exact his promised retribution against his political enemies (via REUTERS)

Congressional Republicans are already preparing a legislative firestorm, including a measure that would give the Internal Revenue Status broad latitude to target ideologically opposed nonprofit organizations.

Jack Smith, the special counsel leading investigations into Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, will be fired within two seconds of Trump taking office, he said. Trump has also suggested that Smith should be thrown out of the country.

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Billionaire Elon Musk, has funneled tens of millions of dollars into Trumps campaign and closely worked alongside the president-elect as he prepares to enter office, wrote that Smiths abuse of the justice system cannot go unpunished.

Trumps legal ally Mike Davis told Newsmax that Smith should go to prison for engaging in a criminal conspiracy against President Trump.

Following his indictment in the classified documents case, Trump said he would appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the United States of America: Joe Biden and the entire Biden crime family.

Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, told CNN on Sunday that he does not believe any of thats going to happen because were the party whos against political prosecution.

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Were the party whos against going after your opponents using lawfare, he said.

Trump has suggested that he would direct the Department of Justice to investigate President Joe Biden and his family. (AFP via Getty Images)

Vice President-elect JD Vance told Joe Rogan last month that the Trump administration would pull security clearances for 51 people who signed a letter before the 2020 election questioning the authenticity of the content discovered on a laptop allegedly belonging to Joe Bidens son Hunter.

They still all have security clearances, I believe, which is going to change when we win, he said.

Attorney Mark Zaid told NBC News that he has advised several clients who worked under the first Trump administration or have criticized the president-elect to leave the country before he is sworn in until they have a better idea whether his administration will retaliate against them.

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Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen had urged the Supreme Court earlier this year to review Trumps retaliatory abuse of power in his first term in office, when Cohen was kept in solitary confinement  alleged at Trumps direction  for revealing plans for a tell-all memoir after Cohen was prosecuted for lying to Congress and tax violations involving Trumps 2016 campaign,

His testimony in Trumps hush money trial, where he testified in front of his former longtime client for several days in a Manhattan courtroom, was crucial to prosecutors case that resulted in a jurys 34-count guilty verdict.

When Donald Trump tells you what he wants to do, what he intends to do, understand he has already done it before and you should listen to what hes saying because he intends to do it again, he told MSNBC earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Trump has promised mass pardons for the hundreds of criminal defendants he calls hostages and patriots after they were charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Trump also has embraced a Supreme Court decision that grants the office of the presidency broad immunity from criminal prosecution, which he has seen as vindication in his attempts to dodge multiple criminal trials and have his Manhattan conviction thrown out entirely.
A man who oversaw a scheme to launder millions of dollars of narcotics money from the U.S. to drug organizations was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Daniel Shaun Zilke, who went by the nickname the Englishman, was also fined $50,000 and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Zilke, 49, was arrested last year in May and pleaded guilty months later to conspiracy to aid and abet drug distribution, launder money and obstruction of an official government proceeding for stealing and attempting to cover up the theft of $150,000 in DEA undercover funds. He was sentenced Nov. 4.

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Federal authorities accused Zilke of laundering money on behalf of drug cartels for five years starting in 2015. The case against Zilke and his associates began that year when an undercover DEA agent posing as a money launderer made contact with Zilke.

As part of a guilty plea, federal officials said, Zilke admitted telling the undercover agent that he had a client in Europe who needed hundreds of millions of dollars to move to Mexico and that he could use the bank account of a charity in Dallas to launder the money.

Prosecutors said the undercover agent helped Zilke move that money by allowing him to use bank accounts associated with businesses that often deal with large sums of money.

They alleged that Zilke and his associates also arranged numerous cash pickups from drug traffickers across the country and deposited them into various bank accounts, including some that were controlled by at least two other suspects in the case. The suspects were identified as Jeffrey Mark Thompson, 63, of Dallas and Gustavo Adolfo Aldana-Martinez, 58, of Pico Rivera, Calif. Both men have been convicted in the case.

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Zilke and the two men each earned a commission that was a percentage of the amount laundered through their respective accounts, according to court documents. Prosecutors did not say what that percentage was.

At one point during the investigation, federal officials said, Zilke offered to cooperate and expose the money laundering organization. Investigators gave him $200,000 to be given to Thompson.

The intent was to have Thompson move the money though his bank accounts and eventually return the funds to the DEA undercover accounts, federal prosecutors said in a written statement.

However, approximately two weeks after the cash delivery, Zilke returned to Thompsons residence and took back $150,000 without telling the DEA agents, the statement read. After this theft of government funds, he repeatedly lied to the agents about the money and made excuses for why it was taking so long to receive the wire transfers for the full $200,000.

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Thompson, who is awaiting sentencing, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to aid and abet drug distribution, money laundering, and concealment money laundering of drug trafficking proceeds.

Aldana-Martinez, who has already been convicted on similar charges, is serving a four-year prison sentence.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Over the next year, 831 early Milwaukeeans may finally be laid to rest in Forest Home Cemetery after more than a decade on university shelves.

Or they may linger awhile longer because of issues no one could have anticipated when they were originally buried in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The remains were originally buried in one of four Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries. The cemeteries were meant to be the final resting place for Milwaukeeans who died while in poverty, had physical or mental health disabilities, or were unidentified or unclaimed at the time of death.

The skeletal remains of nearly 2,500 Milwaukeeans who died between 1882 and 1925 were removed from graves at an unmarked paupers cemetery in 1991 and 2013 to make room for hospital expansion projects at the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. The remains are stored in boxes in the basement of Sabin Hall in the University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee Archaeological Research Laboratory of the Department of Anthropology.

In 2013, the 831 were exhumed to make room for the expansion of the Milwaukee Medical Grounds Complex in Wauwatosa, which houses Froedtert Hospital, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin and other health care facilities. Since then, the remains have been at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where they've been used for anthropological research.

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Judy Klimt Houston of Madison has led the effort to secure reburials for the 831. Houston is the president of the Descendant Community of Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries, an organization of descendants and interested citizens dedicated to preserving the memory of those buried at the cemeteries by emphasizing the "importance of reburial as a means of healing historical injustices."

"We are super-excited because this will remove those individuals from forever-research, and, finally, they'll be laid to rest," Houston said.

In September, Wisconsin Historical Society director Christian verland awarded disposition of the remains to the Descendant Community. The "disturbing entity"  in this case, Froedtert  must pay for the costs associated with reburial, the Historical Society said. The 831 were exhumed to make room for the construction of Froedtert's Center for Advanced Care.

Per Wisconsin law, the reburial process must begin within 60 days of the award. That would have been Nov. 8. However, both Froedtert and Milwaukee County appealed the Historical Society's decision to the Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Sabin Hall houses the remains of 831 early Milwaukeeans exhumed from the Milwaukee County Grounds Cemetery 2 in 2013.

Froedtert and Milwaukee County appeal reburial cost

In its appeal, Froedtert says the Descendant Community's reburial plan is estimated to cost between $3,490,200 and $3,988,800, plus an additional $250,000 for a memorial obelisk.

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Both Froedtert and Milwaukee County say the Historical Society's decision failed to afford them "adequate" due process.

"We are committed to the respectful and dignified final disposition of the human remains and look forward to partnering with the Descendant Community ... and government officials, in this effort," Froedtert said in a statement.

In a follow-up email to the Journal Sentinel on Oct. 21, Froedtert said, "We are awaiting a response from Descendent Community representatives as to the scheduling of an initial meeting." Froedtert officials said they knew of no earlier attempts by the Descendant Community to meet.

But Houston said she did speak with Froedtert's attorney on the phone in November 2022. She said she hasn't heard from the hospital or the attorney since.

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Milwaukee County Corporation Counsel attorney Scott Brown said a contractual relationship between the county and Froedtert gives the county an interest in the reburials.

"Under the Descendant Community plan, it is my understanding that Froedtert would be responsible for the reburial," Brown told the Journal Sentinel in an interview. "For legal reasons ... (Froedtert) could possibly have claims against us, as well, because we sold them that land."

Now that the Nov. 8 deadline has passed, Wisconsin law states that the remains are to be returned to verland and the Historical Society.

Houston said the Descendant Community's attorney has requested a stay from the Historical Society, which would extend the required reburial start date. The Historical Society said it was unable to comment on the appeals from Froedtert and the county given the "pending litigation."

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Houston said her attorney is working to make it possible for Descendant Community representatives to make a statement at any appeals hearings. According to an email to Houston from the Division of Hearings and Appeals, the hearings haven't been scheduled, but a pre-hearing conference is scheduled for Jan. 22.

"It's far beyond time to treat these people as people. They're not specimens. They're not artifacts. These were people who lived epic lives. They built Milwaukee County, the same streets we walk on now," Houston said. "If we continue to treat them differently, what does that say about us as humankind?"

Descendant Community unites families for 'dignified reburials'

Houston began building the Descendant Community after research into her own genealogy revealed that her great aunt, Jennie Sharpless, who died at age 2, likely was buried at the county grounds. Houston wanted to have Jennie disinterred and reburied at the family plot. But when she went to look for Jennie's gravesite, she couldn't find anything.

She discovered that 2,480 people who'd been buried at the cemeteries were exhumed between 1991 and 2013 during two expansions of the Medical Complex  1,649 individuals in 1991 and 1992, and the group of 831 in 2013.

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More research led Houston to connect with others who had ancestors exhumed from the county grounds and hoped to see "dignified reburials" for them. Within months, the Descendant Community formed, she said. Now, the organization has 24 regular volunteers and more than 200 people involved in some capacity. Anyone is welcome to join.

Although the Historical Society rejected a plan for a privately funded DNA identification study, the Descendant Community and researchers are working to identify the remains using historic burial documents and osteological profiles  which are especially useful if someone had a traumatic injury or unique physiology, Houston said. The Descendant Community encourages descendants to join the Historical Society's burial registry to be notified when exhumed remains are available for reburial.

This map depicts the original locations of Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries 1, 2, 3 and 4.

What were the Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries?

The Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries, also known as the Milwaukee County Poor Farm or the Potter's Field of Milwaukee County, were four sections of a county-run cemetery for the poor, disabled, unclaimed and unidentified buried between 1852 and 1974.

It's estimated that around 10,000 Milwaukee County residents were buried across all four cemeteries. An estimated 7,000 were buried in Cemetery 2, where the 831 came from.

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Identification of anyone in Cemetery 2 is complicated because not all burials were recorded, some remains are under Doyne Avenue and an estimated 55% were disturbed in 1928 by the construction of the Milwaukee County Nurses' Residence. Some of those were moved to Cemetery 3.

Then there were the disturbances from Medical Complex construction in the early 1990s and again in 2013.

A drawing included in an 1896 Milwaukee Sentinel article titled "Burying the Paupers." The article called the Potter's Field "not an unattractive place" and said friends of the deceased kept graves marked and "tidy."

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Those buried in Cemetery 2 included mostly German immigrants at first, Houston said, "but then, over time, Irish, Poles, Italians, Greeks, Eastern European Jews, and eastern and southern European nationalities were also interred, reflecting the city's growing diversity." Native Americans and U.S.-born residents, especially Black Milwaukeeans, were buried there in the early 20th century.

Cemeteries 1, 3 and 4 remain undisturbed, UWM says. Cemeteries 1 and 3 were the final home of similar populations to Cemetery 2  the poor, unclaimed and unidentified. Cemetery 4 was used between 1880 and 1914 for patients and residents of the Milwaukee County Asylum.

Residents and patients of the Almshouse  Milwaukee County's first medical institution and home to many disabled, chronically and mentally ill, orphaned and poor citizens who lived and worked there  also were buried at the cemeteries.

Section 38 of Forest Home Cemetery will be the site of the reburials of 831 early Milwaukeeans who died in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Forest Home Cemetery hopes to honor ancestors

The Descendant Community evaluated three cemeteries before selecting historic Forest Home Cemetery on Milwaukee's south side. It's home to the graves of some of the city's most notable early citizens.

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"Forest Home is absolutely the perfect pick for (the 831)," Houston said. "Next year marks 175 years of the cemetery, so their relatives and friends are in there."

She said the Descendant Community aimed to be "ecologically and financially sound" when planning the reburials. If its reburial plan goes forward, each person will be buried in a 3-foot grave, one-third the size of a typical plot at Forest Home. Each plot can accommodate a flat grave marker for remains that have been identified. The 831 will be buried in Section 38 of the cemetery, near the Our Lady of Guadalupe site, said Forest Home president Jason Seymour.

Whenever the reburials are completed, Houston said, plans call for numerous religious groups to consecrate the grounds to represent the diverse cultures buried there. Afterward, the Descendant Community intends to host a memorial event for families and community members.

Seymour praised the Descendant Community's work and said Forest Home is honored to be the chosen reburial site.

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"One of our core values is human dignity  that a person's life continues to have value, even after it is lived," he said. "So, that fits very, very closely with what the cemetery represents for the community and what we're trying to build."

Seymour said, as far as he can tell, this would be one of the first cases of such a large reburial in the U.S.

"It's pretty different from about what any cemetery would do in terms of capacity. ... I don't really have a contemporary cemetery to look to and say, 'Oh that's how to handle it.' But, it's important work."

Identifications are slowed by disruptions, lack of data

Following the reburials of the 831, Houston and other Descendant Community families hope to gain reburial rights for the 1991-1992 group of 1,649 ancestors as well. However, that might be more difficult because, unlike the 831, the Historical Society awarded final disposition to UWM, the Descendant Community website says.

According to UWM's "Milwaukee County Poor Farm" research project website, at least 11 individuals once buried in Cemetery 2 have been "provisionally identified" using burial ledger records and biological profiles. Houston argues that such a small number of identifications indicates UWM doesn't deserve to continue conducting research on the remains.

Meanwhile, director of UWM's Archaeological Research Laboratory Center Jennifer Haas said that "identifying individuals and reuniting them with their descendants is an important goal of UWM's work." However, challenges such as the repeated disruptions to the cemetery, missing burial markers, and an incomplete and inconsistent burial ledger have made identifications difficult.

Still, Haas said, UWM expects to make more provisional identifications and has narrowed down the identities of at least eight more people. She said community members are welcome to contact UWM researchers via their website.

Margareta Frankulin, left, with two of her three grandchildren, shortly before Frankulin's death. Born in Croatia in 1852, Frankulin immigrated through Ellis Island in 1909 and died at the Milwaukee County Hospital in 1920. She was buried in Milwaukee County Grounds Cemetery 2.

Michele Gerlach, who now lives in Canada, and her aunt, Jeanne Zangerle of Muskego, are in one of those families with a link to the 1,649. Zangerle's great-grandmother, turn-of-the-century Croatian immigrant Margareta Frankulin, was one of those disinterred. Gerlach said Frankulin's remains have been "putatively identified" by UWM due to her short stature and death from pernicious anemia.

Zangerle said her family wants to claim Frankulin's remains from UWM so she can be reburied alongside her son and grandson. The family had hoped the proposed DNA study  ultimately rejected by the Historical Society  would eventually lead to reunification.

"Our main goal is not having them at some college being used for osteological purposes, for testing," Gerlach said. "It's to give them back the dignity that they didn't get to have when they were alive."

This story has been updated to add video.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's early poor are on research shelves. Will they be reburied?
Restraints are shown on the lethal injection table in the execution chamber at the Utah State Correctional Facility after the Taberon Honie execution Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)

COLUMBIA  Attorneys for death row inmates are asking the state Supreme Court to wait until after New Years Day to issue any more death warrants, according to court filings.

The attorneys request, filed last week, would have the court pause in issuing execution notices until Jan. 3. By law, each execution takes place four weeks after the warrant is sent, making Jan. 31 the next time an inmate would enter the death chamber if the state Supreme Court agrees.

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Six consecutive executions with virtually no respite will take a substantial toll on all involved, particularly during a time of year that is so important to families, the inmates attorneys wrote.

After a holiday break, executions could resume at the regular five-week interval, the lawyers wrote.

Attorneys previously had requested the court wait at least 13 weeks between executions to protect the mental health of corrections staff working in the death chamber and give them time to address any logistical problems. After the states attorneys said they were ready to carry out executions in quick succession, the Supreme Court ultimately landed on five weeks.

Under that schedule, inmate Marion Bowman was set to receive a death warrant Friday setting his execution date for Dec. 6. But Friday came and went without a warrant or an explanation as to why the court decided not to issue it.

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Bowman, 44, was convicted in 2002 of fatally shooting a 21-year-old Orangeburg mother who owed him money, putting her body in her trunk and setting the vehicle on fire in rural Dorchester County.

The state has already executed two inmates since September, when the state Supreme Court ended a 13-year hiatus in deciding that firing squad and electrocution were constitutional means of death. Lethal injection is also an option after a secrecy law allowed corrections officials to replenish their supply.

The state put Freddie Owens to death Sept. 20, some 25 years after he was convicted of killing gas station clerk Irene Graves, a 41-year-old single mother of three, during a string of robberies on Halloween night 1997.

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Richard Moore, 59, was executed Nov. 1, about 23 years after a jury convicted him of killing of James Mahoney, a gas station clerk, in Spartanburg County in September 1999.

Four inmates, all of whom are listed in last Tuesdays request for a pause, are slated for execution in the coming months after exhausting their appeals.

While no major problems have been publicly reported during the two most recent executions, a pause would give attorneys and corrections staff the chance to address any potential issues and ensure coming executions go without incident, the attorneys wrote.

Even in the best of circumstances, there is always a risk attached to executions of error, serious harm, and even torture, the inmates attorneys wrote. By adjusting those circumstances to provide a brief respite, the Court can help preserve the capacity of corrections staff and minimize the risks of such errors.

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The states attorneys called those concerns speculation, saying nothing has yet gone wrong, so theres no reason to think any of the upcoming executions will have issues, according to court filings. Media witnesses to the past two executions said the inmates did not seem to outwardly suffer, the Daily Gazette has previously reported.

The state has executed inmates during the winter months in previous years, including a spate of five executions between Dec. 4, 1998, and Jan. 22, 1999, the Attorney Generals Office wrote in response.

The State stands ready to duly and carefully carry out its obligations under the law, the filing reads.

The inmates have known the schedule of executions since August, when the state Supreme Court first decided to wait five weeks between warrants and released the order in which inmates could expect to receive their death warrants. If the inmates lawyers had a problem with the timing, they should have brought it up sooner, the attorney generals office argued.
Thousands of farmers are expected to descend on Whitehall on November 19 to oppose the levy - Gareth Fuller/PA

Five million acres of farmland is at risk of being sold off as a result of Labours inheritance tax raid on farmers, analysis has found.

Rachel Reeves announced in the Budget that, from April 2026, families who inherit farmland will face 20pc tax on anything above 1m. Previously, the agricultural property relief (APR) gave farms a complete exemption from the death duty.

The average farm has 203 acres and a value of 2.2m, according to analysis by accounting firm Saffery. This means that farmers would need to sell 23 acres of land at the current market rate of 11,000 an acre in order to pay the bill, which would total 246,000.

With 209,000 holdings across 70pc of the UKs landmass, this would leave 4.8m acres of farmland at risk of being sold to pay the taxman.

The Treasury insists that just 500 farms a year will have to pay more, and in the Budget, Ms Reeves said that the raid would not affect three quarters of farmers, including small family farms.

Farmers were dealt a further blow last week as it was revealed that they will not be able to transfer their 1m relief to their spouses.

A Treasury document published alongside the Budget said: Any unused allowance will not be transferable between spouses and civil partners.

This means that while a married farmer could leave behind up to 3m without paying inheritance tax, they could not share their 1m tax relief with their spouse.

David Chismon, a partner at accounting firm Saffery, which did the analysis, said: The Chancellor has put paid to this protection for many farmers whose farms may have previously survived intact for generations in the same family.

Whilst 1m of relief may sound like a very generous figure to many, in the context of farmland this would only cover a very small farm, less than 100 acres, so the impact of this announcement will be felt by a wide range of farms, not just the very large ones.

In the wake of the Chancellors announcement, farmers rallied to threaten food shortages and protests. Thousands of farmers are expected to descend on Whitehall on November 19 to oppose the changed levy.

Jeremy Clarkson has promised to join rebel farmers at protests, having said after the announcement that farmers had been shafted by the changes.

One farmer with knowledge of the protest plans said there were discussions of possible blockades of ports and food distribution centres.

The farmer said: They will block every port in the UK if they have to. [This] could be a possibility to slow down the supply in the supermarket. The Government and supermarkets need to realise the control we have as farmers. The good thing with that is you have farmers everywhere so you can cover all the ports.
Clemon Perry Jimerson Sr. knows all of their names. Day after day, he called and researched until the list held dozens who Jimerson refuses to leave forgotten.

From his diligent act of memory will come a striking public monument. The names of more than 182 men, women and children who walked onto Mississippis segregated shores six decades ago and peacefully demanded civil rights will soon be etched in stone.

The plan is still in its early stages. But those behind it hope in several years a permanent memorial to the Biloxi wade-ins will stand just past the citys famous lighthouse, forever a reminder of the sacrifice Black residents made to transform this region.

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I waited all my life to go on that beach, said Jimerson, who joined the most famous wade-in in 1960.

Signs have marked the spot before, and a stretch of Highway 90 is named after Dr. Gilbert R. Mason Sr., a local physician who led the movement. But Jimerson wants everyone else remembered, too. So their names will be carved on the memorials inside curve, shielded from the highway noise. Slots of light cut through the stone will create long shadows  a nod to the people who marched on the beach. It will be handicap accessible. And concrete will stretch deep under the sand so the structure can withstand a hurricane.

It will rise near the American flag.

To clearly remind them it has history behind it, said David Perkes, an architect at Mississippi State University and founding director of the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, which is helping plan the memorial. A lot of people dont even know this story, he said.

The Gulf Coast Community Design Studio used community input to design plans for the Biloxi wade-in memorial. The memorial will feature names of wade-in participants on the inside curve.

Bloody Sunday

Jimerson could not swim at the beach as a child because antebellum mansion owners along Highway 90 falsely claimed their property lines ran to the water. But white residents used the beaches. The Harrison County Board of Supervisors managed the shoreline. Everyone paid those taxes.

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Mason started organizing non-violent protests in response. Jimerson and his family joined a wade-in in April 1960, when he was 14. He was so excited to go that he bought new clothes and an Elgin watch. The crowd was mostly women and children, because men who joined could lose their jobs.

Clemon Perry Jimerson Sr., who participated in the Biloxi Wade-ins when he was 14, describes some of his life experiences as he stands at Biloxi Beach on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Jimerson helped collect the names of the Wade-In participants for a new memorial on Biloxi Beach.

The wade-in was highly organized: Mason patrolled between groups in his car and Jimersons uncle and others monitored from a boat. No one had weapons.

One by one, white men arrived in cars. A mob soon gathered with pipes, brass knuckles, chains and sticks. Police stood by as they flipped Masons car and began to beat Wilmer McDaniel, a local funeral home operator.

Theyre attacking, Jimerson said, pointing to an old picture that shows himself in the distance, just visible in his white swimsuit. And were running away.

A white mob chases wade-in participants off the beach in Biloxi on April 24, 1960. Clemon Perry Jimerson Sr., then 14, is pictured in the top right corner in a white swimsuit.

Jimerson fled. A white teenager chased him through standstill Highway 90 traffic and through mansions backyards until Jimerson reached a tall fence.

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I just said a prayer to God, Jimerson said.

He swung.

Jimerson and the teenager fell in opposite directions. He said they both got up and ran. Jimerson found his family in their car and rushed home. The day descended into riots and white mobs rode through Black neighborhoods, firing guns. Jimerson tried to collect his new clothes from the beach but found the mob burning them in the sand.

The day became known as Bloody Sunday. Two Black men were killed that week.

A federal court ordered Harrison County to desegregate the beaches in 1968.

Clemon Perry Jimerson Sr., who participated in the Biloxi Wade-ins when he was 14, points out participants in a photo of Bloody Sunday that Jimerson himself is seen in on a temporary sign honoring the Wade-Ins at Biloxi Beach on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. A new memorial will eventually stand on Biloxi Beach honoring all the participants.

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Wade-in memorial plans

Plans for the memorial began in earnest four years ago. The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area awarded an over $8,000 matching grant for the design and temporary sign at the beach, said Jeff Rosenberg, the Heritage Areas historic preservation coordinator.

Rosenburg works in the office of restoration and resiliency at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and said the grant review committee thought the project would shed light on important local history.

That played a big part in the decision to award it, he said.

The Community Design Studio has shared plans and asked residents to vote for designs over the last few years on Juneteenth. It is working with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to create a donor advisory fund. Perkes said the the non-profit Knight Foundation has awarded the project roughly $50,000.

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Full funding will come from several sources, and the project is also accepting donations from the public.

Christen H. Duhe, president and executive director of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, said in a statement the foundation is honored to help the memorial.

This fund is about preserving the courage and history of those who stood up for equality on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, she said.

The project is working to find an engineering firm that can estimate its full cost. A temporary sign on the beach already lists every participants name. It will be several years before anything is built.

This memorial is for so many people, Perkes said. Theyll see the beach differently. Itll continue to tell the story.
In the history of Ukraine, 1917 was a very important year. At the time of the collapse of the Russian Empire, the state declared its desire to gain independence, and the events left a vivid mark, in particular, in photo archives.

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This photo was published by the Telegram channel "Kyiv Historical." It was taken on St. Sophia Square in November 1917.

The October Revolution had just taken place in Petrograd and the Provisional Government had been overthrown. The Ukrainian elite could not but take advantage of this moment. Therefore, on November 20, all concerned citizens came to St. Sophia Square and during this rally, the Third Universal of the Ukrainian Central Rada was proclaimed.

This document proclaimed the Ukrainian People's Republic without severing federal ties with Russia, with leadership being transferred to the Central Rada and the General Secretariat. The photograph shows Mykhailo Hrushevskyi, who headed the Central Rada, as well as political figures Volodymyr Vynnychenko and Symon Petliura.

The document proclaimed that day did not make Ukraine independent. This happened later, on January 22, 1918, when the Fourth Universal came into force. However, the document laid the foundations for the separation of the Ukrainian state and defined certain contours of it, such as state ownership and control over production, the creation of independent courts, the abolition of the death penalty, and the introduction of autonomy for national minorities.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Russian troops are intensifying their assaults on Ukrainian military positions in Kurakhove, Donetsk Oblast, from the north, south, and east.

Source: DeepState analytical project

Quote: "The enemy continues to carry out their large-scale strategy to encircle the city from the flanks. As previously stated, the Russians, mounting greater pressure on new directions, are attempting to reach the logistical paths of the Defence Forces, and this process is just gaining momentum. The Muscovites are currently attacking Ukrainian military positions from the north, south, and east.

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Their goal is to bypass the city from the flanks and control the N15 Zaporizhzhia-Donetsk route, which is crucial for hampering any movement.

The movement from the south is conducted on the Yasna Poliana-Maksymivka-Trudove route, where despite persistent pressure and losses, the Russians are making progress. About 10 kilometres remain between the [Ukrainian] defences and the highway, and the fortifications in this area left much to be desired. From the north, the Russians concentrated their efforts on the settlement of Sontsivka, making many attempts to infiltrate the village, but the Defence Forces were able to kill the infantry."

Details: Analysts also reported that the Russians "push through to the eastern outskirts of the city [of Kurakhove] and also try to build up [forces] and gain a foothold."

At the same time, an unfavourable situation develops in the vicinity of the settlements of Antonivka, Katerynivka and Yelyzavetivka.

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"We must reiterate that lies will ruin us all,' yet even in attracting greater resources to the vicinity of Kurakhove, concerns remain about the reasoning behind the deployment. Taking into account the enemys activity, it is only a matter of time before Kurakhove is lost. And if we still do not take control of the problem with the flanks, it will quickly turn into another catastrophe," analysts write.

Background:

Earlier on Monday, the press officer of the 46th Separate Airborne Brigade of the Airborne Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine working in the city and the source of Ukrainska Pravda on the Kurakhove front reported that the Russian army came close to Kurakhove and even making occasional incursions with military equipment.

However, the city is entirely under the control of Ukraine's defence forces, specifically the 46th Separate Airborne Brigade.

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Cheryl Crazy Bull (Photo/American Indian College Fund)

Guest Opinion. Last weeks election results saw the culmination of a contentious several months. The results are very difficult for many of us, our relatives, and friends to process as we worry about the potential negative impact on Indigenous communities and on others in the U.S. and around the world.

Now more than ever it is important for us all to find a path across our political divisions to defend democracy and build a better future for our Native communities, and indeed, all communities. Our children and future generations deserve the fundamental human rights that are vital to the success of our nation.

I chose to release this statement today, on Veterans Day, for a reason. Native people have the highest per capita rates of service in the armed forces19% compared to 14% of all other ethnicitiesaccording to the USO. Defending our Nation and our land are deep-rooted values in Indigenous communities. Our people served in every major conflict in this nation for more than 200 years: in World War I before we were granted citizenship; and in greater numbers in World War II fighting and defeating fascism with the help of the more than 400 Native Code Talkers from the Navajo, Cherokee, Choctaw, Lakota, Meskwaki, and Comanche tribes.

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More recently, 90% of Natives who served in the Vietnam War were volunteers, and nearly 20% of all Native American service members are women, compared to the approximately 15% of all other racial and ethnic groups.

We know more than any other group the sacrifices maintaining a functioning democracy requires.

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.

To that end, Native people are resilient. We will continue to be resilient and work to ensure that our communities can access the education that an informed citizenry requires. This includes recognizing the important contributions Native peoples make and continue to make to the United States; ensuring the continued investment in Native education and programs that will improve the well-being of our communities; working closely with the government to ensure continued investment in education and a federal boarding school truth and reconciliation process; funding for tribal colleges and universities; and the restoration of our families mental and physical health.

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We thank the Biden administration for creating a moment in time when Native people have grown, healed, been heard, been seen, and have been represented and considered in this country we call our own. At the same time, we remain hopeful our countrys leadership will continue to create space for us to be represented and included as we write the next chapter in our nations history.

Education is, and will always remain, the most important pathway to creating a future worth writing about, as democracy depends on an educated population. Investment in education in Indian Country is critical to defending the rights and well-being of all people.

We continue our work at the American Indian College Fund with our unwavering focus to ensure that the next seven generations of Indigenous people receive as much as we have given over centuries to this nation. We will continue to work to ensure our children and grandchildren are seen, heard, and have the opportunity to grow and thrivespiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionallyfulfilling their promise and the dreams of their ancestors.

Cheryl Crazy Bull, Wacinyanpi Win (They Depend on Her), the President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, is a citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation. She has been in her position with the American Indian College Fund since 2012.
DEL CITY, Okla. (KFOR)  There were signs of sadness sitting outside of Rag City Customs Sunday, as the Del City community mourns the loss of one of their own.

Police investigating homicide at body shop in Del City

Police say a 43-year-old an was shot Saturday inside of Rag City Customs, located near Delwood Drive and Westside Drive.

He was found by someone who had come to this location. When our officers arrived, he was pronounced deceased at the scene, said Major Brad Cowden from the Del City Police Department.

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Del City Police have not released the victims name, but friends tell News 4, they knew him as Tony Ganther.

Memorial outside of Rag City Customs

A close friend of Ganthers, Marlon Thomas, tells News 4, Ganther was a prominent member of the lowriding car community.

Ganthers last ride

Thomas sent News 4 a statement about Tony Ganther:

Tony was the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back, he was very active in the lowrider community here in Oklahoma. He would go state-to-state representing for the Oklahoma car culture. He would come out to all the community events for the kids to let them check out the lowriders and take pics and even let them ride in the cars. He also gave a lot of advice to people who were trying to build a lowrider or paint one. All around great guy. His time was cut short but he made a great impact on the people and the culture not just here in Oklahoma but state-to state. Marlon Thomas, friend of Tony Ganther

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However, police are still investigating why he was killed.

Time of death is definitely uncertain, said Major Cowden.

Del City authorities have not said if a suspect is in custody.

On Facebook, Ganthers lowriding car community is organizing a Memorial Cruise to honor him later 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
On Monday, after deliberating for about 18 hours over four days, jurors in the case against Richard Allen declared him guilty on four counts in the deaths of Liberty "Libby" German and Abigail "Abby" Williams.

It's unlikely to be the last the families, the public, journalists and true crime fans will hear about the case; Allen can appeal the conviction. And for now, the gag order that kept family, law enforcement and attorneys from speaking publicly about the case is still in place.

'People will not be happy': Judge Frances Gull asks for composure

Before the verdict was announced, Special Judge Frances Gull asked everyone in the courtroom to keep their composure. "Regardless of what the verdict is," she said, "people will not be happy."

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That was true inside the courtroom and will be beyond it, too, as those interested in the case continue to seek additional information about the crime and the subsequent trial.

People inside the courtroom gasped and sobbed, according to reporting from the scene, and once word reached the crowd outside, people began to scream "guilty." Several erupted in cheers.

Previously: Court issues gag order on Delphi murder case

Gag order still in place, ISP says

Gull had previously issued the gag order preventing law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the families from speaking publicly about the case. Capt. Ron Galaviz, chief public information officer of the Indiana State Police, told reporters Monday that the gag order will remain in place until lifted by the judge.

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Journalists from the Indianapolis Star and the Lafayette Journal & Courier will continue covering the case.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Richard Allen guilty in Delphi murders, but gag order still in place
(NewsNation)  Delphi man Richard Allen was found guilty on four counts of murder of killing Indiana teens Libby German and Abby Williams in 2017.

Sex trafficking allegations close Texas massage parlor

The jury concluded Allen, 52, killed German, 14, and Williams, 13, in February 2017 after luring them to their deaths while they were on a hike not far from their home.

Allen faces up to 130 years in prison and the judge will hand down his sentencing on Dec. 20, 2024.

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The girls deaths had gone unsolved for more than five years when Allen, then a pharmacy worker, was arrested in the case that has drawn attention from true crime enthusiasts. State police announced his arrest in October 2022.

Allens conviction serves as closure for the two families of the girls after seven and a half years of uncertainty and no answers.

Delphi murders trial against Allen

The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, began deliberations Thursday afternoon after hearing closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial.

Over three days, jurors met for 14.5 hours before standing down Sunday. Saturdays session lasted 4.5 hours and included viewing of videos previously entered into evidence.

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The state made its case: A crime lab technician matched a bullet found at the crime scene to Allens gun; a camera captured Allens car near the murder scene; he admitted he was on the bridge on the day of the murders and confessed to the crime dozens of times, including in jail phone calls to his wife and mother.

Wife of Illinois judge charged with his murder

The defense countered: The state had no DNA, social media or digital forensic evidence linking Allen to the crime; his time in solitary confinement warped his mind and led to false confessions; the states investigation was bungled from the beginning; and the bullet evidence was inconclusive at best.

The trial started with jury selection on Oct. 14 in Allen County. Due to the high profile of the case and its prominence in central Indiana, Special Judge Fran Gull decided to pull jurors from Allen County. Since the murders happened in Carroll County and a number of key witnesses and investigators lived near or around Delphi, the trial itself was held at the Carroll County Courthouse.

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The prosecution and defense delivered closing arguments on Nov. 7, 2024  seven years, eight months and 25 days after the girls bodies were found.

NewsNation affiliate WXIN 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.
The former CVS clerk charged in the 2017 killings of two middle school girls was convicted of murder Monday in a case that shook the small Indiana town of Delphi.

The jury reached its verdict after a four-week trial in which Richard Allen, 52, pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the Feb. 13, 2017, slayings of close friends Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14.

Allen is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 20.

Liberty German and Abigail Williams.

A gag order remained in effect, NBC affiliate WTHR of Indianapolis reported. A spokesperson for Indiana State Police, which investigated the killings, declined to comment because of the order, according to the station.

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"This isn't over at all," Allen's wife tearfully told reporters, WTHR reported.

The jury heard from dozens of witnesses who testified over 17 days. It deliberated for four days.

Abigail and Liberty had been hanging out at Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, north of Indianapolis, when, prosecutors said, Allen used power and fear to force them down a hill and cut their throats.

In his closing argument Thursday, Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland identified Allen as "the bridge guy"  a man seen in a Snapchat video walking on a then-abandoned bridge along the trail.

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Authorities released the video, which was captured on Liberty's cellphone the day she died, in an effort to identify the man.

Now all the pieces are clear, McLeland said, according to WTHR. Richard Allen is the bridge guy. He kidnapped them and later murdered them. He slit their throats. He stole the youth and life away from Abby and Libby.

Defense attorney Brad Rozzi challenged that conclusion, saying witnesses who testified that they saw "the bridge guy" gave physical descriptions that did not match Allen, the station reported.

Rozzi also described Allen's repeated confessions to the murder as "false," according to the station.

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In an interview with authorities before his 2022 arrest, Allen acknowledged that he had been at the trail the day of the girls' deaths, but he repeatedly denied having killed them.

Allen was held in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison while he awaited trial. Rozzi attributed the confessions to a mental health crisis.

When the dust settled, he was there for 13 months, Rozzi said, according to WTHR. How much can one human endure?

Officers escort Richard Matthew Allen after a hearing in Delphi, Ind., on Nov. 22, 2022.

In addition to the Snapchat video and witness accounts, prosecutors pointed to an unspent .40-caliber cartridge that was found near the girls bodies, which authorities said came from Allens gun.

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The defense called the markings on the cartridge insufficient to link the bullet to Allens gun. In his closing argument, Rozzi referred to the cartridge as "a magic bullet," WTHR reported.

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Allen, a former CVS clerk, was not a suspect until a file clerk organizing thousands of tips discovered a mislabeled lead sheet in September 2022.

The document, which had incorrectly been marked "clear," showed that Allen reached out to investigators days after the killings and said he had been at the same location as the girls on the day they disappeared.

Authorities announced Allen's arrest on Oct. 31, 2022, weeks after the discovery.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Racism lost in this election, and thats something the country should be proud of. When all was said and done, the election was largely predicated on the vote of several racial, ethnic and religious demographics in the Midwest and other key voting grounds that spoke loudly either in full support of Donald Trump or in protest of Kamala Harris. Perhaps the most influential of these was the vote of Latino men.

After the election, Democrats are left wondering to themselves what could possibly have driven Latino men  and most critically young Latino men  to vote so drastically against their own interests.

The answer is simple: They didnt. But Democrats are having a difficult time coming to terms with this because to them, Latino men are just that: Latino. And it is true that Donald Trump is the leader of harmful, and at times even malicious, rhetoric against Latino immigrants. Moreover, his campaign has actively promoted his intention to deport undocumented immigrants en masse and to limit access to this country for people from Latin America. Because of this, it is impossible for Democrats to see how Trump could possibly feed the interests of Latino men. This is the case because Democrats are fundamentally incapable of doing the one thing Trump is: to look at the cohort of Latino American men as rational political actors first and Latinos second.

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Only Democrats lumped Latino Americans and their social political interests into the same group as that of undocumented immigrants from Latin America. In doing so, Democrats sent a very clear message to the Latino population of the United States: No matter what you do or who you are as a person, you will always be just another one of them to us. This is perhaps the most blatant and abhorrent case of latent systematic racism in American politics today.

Latino men distanced themselves from the Democratic Party precisely because race and ethnicity meant less to them than they were being told it should. Racism drove Democrats to lump a wildly diffuse group of Americans into a manufactured cohort called Latinos and expect that being a part of the group would mean the same to the members as to those standing on the outside looking in. Democrats expected that race and ethnicity should be at the forefront of Latinos identity because it is at the forefront of theirs when they think of them.

Democrats have a fundamental misunderstanding of identity politics on 2024 because they are inherently, although perhaps not maliciously, stuck in a racist paradigm that the broader community is largely evolving out of. Its time to rethink what race means for identity politics and perhaps this absolute failure of racism on a national scale will help us move toward a future where both political parties can come to realization that Latinos are certainly more than just Latino. Theyre American.

Antonio Molinar is an assistant teaching professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he specializes in the intersections of racial and ethnic politics, religion and politics, and generational cohort political behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from University of North Texas.
Noted animal mutilator and brain-worm host Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hopes to run the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, or even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the second Trump administration. Not long after Trumps victory, he started to lay out what the big role the president-elect promised him in the White House might entail: taking fluoride out of water supplies; dismantling mandatory vaccination programs; eliminating entire departments within the FDA. The Trump campaign reportedly tried to distance itself from him not long afterward.

Whether RFK Jr. gets a Cabinet post or not, how such a noted kook became a serious candidate for such positions is something people will likely be pondering for weeks, months, and potentially decades. Some piece of the story is how strongly young menmany of whom frequent the corners of the internet that champion RFK-esque mantrashave swung toward Trump. Fifty-six percent of young men nationwide voted for Biden in 2020. In 2024, 56 percent of them backed Trump. CBS exit polls found that Trump won young men in Pennsylvania by 18 points this year; in 2020, Biden captured the same demographic with a nine-point lead.

The Trump campaign seems to have done a decent job selling itself to the so-called manosphere: a sprawling informal online community encompassing a multitude of unrelated podcasts, YouTube channels, and Twitch streams whose content runs the gamut from half-baked, freshman dormstyle philosophical debates and anodyne self-help advice to virulent misogyny and fringe conspiracy theorizing. At its core is an aspirational masculinity loosely grounded in extreme notions of personal responsibility: rising and grinding, maximizing your physical attractiveness (looksmaxxing), driving up your own Sexual Market Value, etc. As Mother Jones and other outlets have noted, the sheer amount of that content means that young men looking to get in shape or upgrade their wardrobes can quickly get pulled into a bizarre web of right-wing propaganda stylized as lifestyle content.

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RFK Jr. tried to appeal to these same disaffected young men in his own campaign for president. As Liza Featherstone has written for TNR, his emphasis on physical fitness and the dangers of certain types of environmental pollutionincluding when appearing on Joe Rogans podcastholds some appeal for young men rightfully concerned about their own well-being. While RFK Jr.s bizarre claims that microplastics are causing people to become trans and nonbinary are obviously wrong and dangerous, Featherstone writes, its legitimate not to want microplastics in your balls, and research does suggest that pesticides, PFAS, and microplastics are bad for peoples endocrine systems.

The predictable irony of all this is thatif he does make it to a top White House postRFK Jr. will be carrying water for the people responsible for depositing microplastics and all manner of other toxic chemicals into the balls of American men. In September, Trump reportedly offered microplastic-manufacturing oil and gas executives whatever policy changes they wanted in exchange for $1 billion in campaign contributions.

And that, as Featherstone suggests, points to a possible opening for Democrats and others on the left: Tackling toxic plastics production head-on could present an inroad to the manosphere and its preoccupations with clean living and virility. Ideally, thatd be part of a deeper project to figure out what ails men. Part of that would necessarily involve building a thriving, independent media ecosystem to counter the one that fuels right-wing and right-wing-adjacent influencers. As Taylor Lorenz argues, the financial incentives that have driven billionaires to invest in eccentric right-leaning podcasts just dont exist on the left. Leftist channels do not receive widespread financial backing from billionaires or large institutional donors, she writes, primarily because leftist content creators support policies that are completely at odds with what billionaires want.

Taking that project seriously would carry serious political upsides for Democrats; the party faces a real risk of permanently losing young men to some of the darkest corners of the rightand maybe even losing young people altogether. While young people in the U.S. have leaned to the left politically in recent years, buoyed by Bernie Sanderss Democratic presidential primary campaigns in 2016 and 2020, young people in other countries seem to be moving rightward. In Germany, the far-right party Alternative for Germany, or AfD, won 16 percent of voters aged 16 to 24 in this years European electionsup 11 points from the previous election in 2019. Voters aged 25 to 44 moved toward the AfD, as well. Support for Narendra Modis ruling, pogromist Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, among voters under 35 in India has been stubbornly consistent since 2019, hovering around 40 percent. Last November, nearly 70 percent of young voters in Argentina backed Javier Milei and his far-right party.

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Yet the popularity of the manospheres most noxious elements might better be understood less as a partisan communications challenge than a symptom of a broader social crisis worth dealing with in its own right. Labor force participation among 25- to 34-year-old men in the U.S. has dropped over the last 20 years, when men under 30 spent an hour more of their waking hours alone than women in the same age range. Those figures have climbed steadily over the last several years, and continued to swell even after Covid-19 lockdowns eased. In 2019, young men spent 5.6 hours alone per day, according to the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, or AESG; in 2023, that had jumped to 6.6 hours per day. Two-thirds of men aged 18 to 30 surveyed by the nonprofit Equimundo reported feeling that no one really knows me. Roughly a quarter of unmarried men younger than 30 say they have no close friends.

Steve Bannon famously set out to take advantage of that fact and court rootless white males into the MAGA orbit. Progressives, by contrast, have barely even attempted to present a positive, fun, even aspirational picture of what it means to be a guy. While the Democratic Party bizarrely decided to embrace an album about being a woman who parties in your thirties, leaning hard on Charli XCXs endorsement of Kamala as brat, its most prominent men are either wholesome Midwestern dads, cringey wife guys, or people who look and act like they play politicians on TV. This isnt a problem that can be solved exclusively with better messaging, either: Winning young men means embracing policies that actually make their lives better. Its not a coincidence that the rise of the male loneliness epidemic has coincided with a decline in union density and rising economic instability for young people saddled with student debt, rising rents, and unaffordable health care. Decades of bipartisan divestment from public goods like pools and parks means there are fewer inviting places to meet and hang out with friendsespecially if you dont happen to have a bunch of expendable income. If youre working two or three jobs to afford car payments and insurance, letting YouTube autoplay might sound more relaxing than driving a half-hour to get a drink with a buddy.

The Harris campaigns strategy of racking up endorsements from liberal celebrities didnt work out much better than it did for Hillary Clinton in 2016. Going on Joe Rogan probably wouldnt have saved her campaign, of course. But theres a lot of work to be done to keep him and those even further to his right from turning a generation of young men into degenerate fascists.
The aggressor country of Russia has arrested in absentia a judge of the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC), Haykel Ben Mahfoudh. The Russians were outraged by the fact that the Tunisian lawyer had previously issued arrest warrants for former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov.

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The decision was made by the Basmanny District Court of Moscow. This was reported on November 11 by the Russian online media outlet Mediaphone.

As a reminder, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Shoigu and Gerasimov in the summer of 2024. Both of these generals of the Russian army were charged with striking civilian objects and civilians in Ukraine.

In Moscow, a criminal case was opened against Haykel Ben Mahfoudh for the alleged illegal detention of Shoigu and Gerasimov. He is charged with Part 2 of Article 301 of the aggressor country's criminal code. Russian propagandists emphasize that the maximum punishment under this article is "four years in prison."

It is noted that the Tunisian lawyer, who became an ICC judge in March 2024, issued the warrant together with his colleagues Rosario Salvatore Aitala and Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez.

Earlier, Russian security forces opened similar criminal cases against other ICC judges who had issued arrest warrants for dictator Putin and Russian Human Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Democrats who control the Illinois General Assembly return to Springfield this week facing an agenda that now includes considering how to address the implications of President-elect Donald Trumps return to power.

Lawmakers will be looking into whether any of the states left-leaning laws in areas including reproductive rights and immigration need to be shored up because of fears the incoming Trump administration might take action to undo the states policies.

Were gathering  a list of things that we may need to address, maybe not during veto session, but maybe. It can be done in the new year, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said last week. But suffice to say that we have a lot of work that were looking at doing.

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While Democrats held on to their supermajorities in both legislative chambers in last weeks election, Trumps showing in the deeply blue state was surprisingly strong. The former president lost the state by only about 9 percentage points, after falling short by 17 points in each of the previous two elections.

House Republican leader Tony McCombie of Savanna said those numbers should give Democrats pause about responding to Trump with new laws.

I dont know any legislation that would be necessary as a reaction, McCombie said. I think the Democrats have to be careful.

The fall veto session includes only six scheduled days, three this week and three next, and since Pritzker didnt veto any bills this year lawmakers face no essential business.

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House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch said last week that the session will be an opportunity to continue discussions on certain proposals but that larger issues would need more time to get settled. As for the effect Trumps administration may have in coming years, the Hillside Democrat acknowledged Illinois has made good strides in recent years with certain laws it has put on the books, but that more could be done during the January lame duck session, held before a new legislature is sworn in.

We could call a lame duck session and do some things when it comes to workers rights, womens rights, LGBTQ+ rights, we have an opportunity that we can do some things before Donald Trump takes the oath of office, Welch said. Were going to be a check on Donald Trump. As a state, we have rights. And we did it in his first term and well do it again.

Aside from possibly addressing how to adapt to a Trump presidency, Pritzker has said he doesnt have a significant legislative agenda for the years final session, and agreed with Welch that bigger issues will be addressed next year.

Those issues range from how to tackle a $730 million fiscal cliff for Chicago-area public transit once federal pandemic aid dries up in early 2026 to setting aside more funding for Chicagos public school system.

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The states perennial pension problems also need to be addressed, including a pension debt totaling more than $140 billion and concerns that some pensions in place since 2011 dont equal what Social Security would provide, a violation of a federal safe harbor policy.

In addition, a report released earlier this month from Pritzkers budget office said the state faces a deficit of about $3.2 billion in the fiscal year beginning July 1. If that estimate holds true in the next couple of months, the governor has some difficult decisions ahead, including whether to initiate spending cuts or propose more tax increases.

McCombie warned its going to be a very scary time for the governor and Democrats, given the deficit, but Pritzker last week downplayed the forecast and said the budget he proposes in February will be balanced.

Aside from financial issues warranting attention, McCombie said there could be an opening for ethics reform in Springfield, an area where many agree the state has fallen short in recent years. That opening, she said, has been reignited by the ongoing public corruption trial of former longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago.

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During Pritzkers nearly six years in office, state legislators have passed a sweeping liberal agenda of laws, among them a measure codifying abortion as a fundamental right and another creating a special health care program for noncitizens, which Pritzker said in some cases were meant to counteract Trumps first-term agenda.

The governor said he feels like a lot of that work has been done over the last 5  years to protect the people of Illinois from something terrible happening at the federal level or some attack on Illinois residents.

Pritzker, whos seen as a possible presidential candidate in 2028, said hes spoken to senior staff and other governors around the country about issues that might need to be addressed under Trump. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, said last week he was calling a special December session of that states legislature to safeguard the policies on reproductive rights, climate change and immigration in light of a Trump presidency.

One of Welchs House Democratic legislative groups is focused on shoring up abortion rights following the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

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Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago, a member of the abortion rights group, said she would like Illinois to create its own version of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which became law in the 1990s in response to violence toward providers and patients seeking abortions.

In some ways, were well-equipped for this moment because weve had some practice, said Cassidy, referring to state abortion laws already passed to protect against any opposition on the federal level. Depending on the balance of power (in Congress), we might even find ourselves staring down the barrel of a national (abortion) ban.

Another possible measure she said she supports would safeguard private health information that can be shared through phone apps or programs that monitor a persons heart rate, menstrual cycle, caloric intake or travel. According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, many people are concerned about the sharing of health data with law enforcement seeking to enforce restrictive abortion laws across state lines.

Other unresolved issues include gun safety measures that Democrats havent been able to bring over the finish line.

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Legislation thats become known in Springfield as Karinas Bill would require law enforcement to remove firearms from people who have orders of protection against them, clarifying when and how authorities can confiscate such weapons. As it stands, guns arent always taken from people in those situations even if the owners firearm identification card is revoked.

The bill is named after Karina Gonzalez, a resident of Chicagos Little Village neighborhood who, along with her 15-year-old daughter Daniela, was shot and killed by her husband last year, according to prosecutors. The shooting happened even though Gonzalez had obtained an order of protection against him and his FOID card had been revoked.

Another holdover proposal would require gun owners with valid FOID cards to report their guns lost or stolen within 48 hours, instead of 72 hours, upon discovering their guns are missing. Another measure would prohibit storing or leaving a firearm outside an owners immediate possession or control unless its unloaded and secured in a lock box, making it inaccessible to a minor or anyone else who is barred from using guns.

We know that the bills that we pass in Springfield have real life and death consequences. It is clear that we must address child access to firearms and safe storage, Rep. Maura Hirschauer, a Democrat from Batavia, said at a news conference on Chicagos West Side in October. We know that gun owners can help make their homes and communities safe by storing their guns securely. A comprehensive statewide safe storage policy will have an impact on this.

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Illinois lawmakers could also take up a proposal to create a statewide office to help under-resourced public defenders. One of the proposals goals is to address the lack of public defense resources in rural areas, many of which dont even have a public defenders office, as well as disparities in the resources allotted to county prosecutors and public defenders. For example, Cook Countys 2024 budget provided about $102 million for its public defenders office, and about $205 million for its states attorneys office.

Rep. Dave Vella, a Rockford Democrat whos behind the measure, said the bill could come up for discussion during Januarys lame-duck session.

Weve been working on getting language straight and kind of letting people know about whats going on, Vella said in October. The longer we push this off, the longer there are people who are in the system that we think needs to be changed.

During the veto session, state Sen. Rachel Ventura said she wants to continue pushing for legislation that would approve the use of psilocybin, an ingredient found in certain types of mushrooms that can have psychedelic effects, as a treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill has yet to make it out of the Senate and would also need to pass through the House before heading to the governors desk.

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Ventura also wants to push a bill that would mandate more transparency from the Illinois Prisoner Review Board on its adherence to the states Joe Coleman Medical Release Act, which makes people in prison eligible for early release for medical reasons.

The legislation, which passed in the House in April but has languished in the Senate, calls for, among other things, the medical release hearings to be public unless the person incarcerated requests otherwise. If the review board denies medical release, it must publish details of its decision.

There were some issues with some of those cases and were hoping to create some more transparency with that process, said Ventura, a Democrat from Joliet who is the Senate sponsor of the bill.

Rep. La Shawn Ford said he was close to an agreement that would allow all dispensaries to sell medical cannabis, a proposal that failed during the spring legislative session.

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Separately, he said he was reevaluating legislation for an overdose prevention site on Chicagos West Side, which would allow people to use drugs in a supervised environment. Last week, Ford said the bill should instead be passed as a task force that could make recommendations for such a site. That bill recently received its first Republican co-sponsor in Rep. Steve Reick of Woodstock.

Another bill that could get discussed by the lame-duck session is a measure allowing people in Illinois who die to have their human remains converted into soil  a process called natural organic reduction or human composting. Its seen by advocates as a more eco-friendly method of handling human remains. The bill has passed in the House and is currently in the Senate.

A proposal to legalize medical aid in dying, often referred to as physician-assisted suicide or medically assisted death, that would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults the right to choose to end their lives is also on the table. It would allow these patients the right to access life-ending prescription medication, which they could then self-administer at a time of their choosing.



Chicago Tribunes Dan Petrella contributed to this story.
DENVER (KDVR)  Tranquil weather has settled into Denvers weather forecast, featuring a welcome thaw after several days of snowfall last week. The Pinpoint Weather team is tracking a potential return to 60 degrees as well.

Weather today: Warmup continues

Temperatures climb into the lower 50s on Monday with a south wind of 5-15 miles per hour. The abundant sunshine will help to continue the quick snow melt.

View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31

Pinpoint Weather: Daily highs on Nov. 11

Weather tonight: Partly cloudy skies

A few clouds move into Denver as overnight lows dive into the upper 20s and lower 30s. Winds will be out of the southwest anywhere from 5-10 mph.

Pinpoint Weather: Overnight lows on Nov. 11

Looking ahead: Some mountain snow, quiet rest of the week

Quiet weather has returned. The rest of the week will have sunny skies and temperatures generally in the 50s.

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Child lost in snowstorm found after multi-agency search

It will be a bit breezy on Tuesday, especially in higher elevations. The high country may also see some snow showers Tuesday and Tuesday night, which will bring about 1-3 inches.

Pinpoint Weather: Snowfall forecast by Nov. 13

Denver will make a run at 60 degrees on Thursday and another attempt at it on Friday.

Pinpoint Weather 7-day forecast in Denver on Nov. 11

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Temperatures will begin to cool again next weekend.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
OCALA, Fla. (WFLA)  A manhunt is underway for a suspect who cut off his ankle monitor Sunday morning, according to the Marion County Sheriffs Office.

Adam Knisley, 46, cut off his court-order pre-trial GPS monitoring device, the Domestic Unit said.

Man found deceased with multiple gunshot wounds in Sun City Center, HCSO investigates

MCSO is asking the community for any information on his whereabouts at this time and said not to approach Knisley.

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Anyone with information is asked to call 352-732-9111.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Deputy Housing Secretary Deborah Flannery will leave her job on Nov. 22, 2024. Her departure comes less than a year after she was appointed to the job by Gov. Dan McKee. (Contributed photo)

Rhode Islands deputy housing secretary is stepping down later in the month to start a new job at an out-of-state nonprofit, leaving another post open as the Housing Department continues searching for a permanent leader.

Deborah Flannery, who was appointed last December, wrote an email to interim Housing Czar Dan Connors last Wednesday that she had accepted a job with the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. Her final day is Friday, Nov. 22.

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I am so grateful for all your support and encouragement, she wrote. I hope our paths will cross again.

Flannery did not immediately respond to request for comment Monday. She had an annual salary of nearly $188,000 for fiscal year 2025.

Prior to joining the Rhode Island Department of Housing, Flannery served as vice president of lending for Evernorth, a Vermont-based nonprofit that helps low- and moderate-income households in northern New England access affordable housing. She also spent five years as the director of lending, programs, and strategic initiatives for the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund.

Flannerys departure, first reported by the Boston Globe Friday, comes as the states Housing Department continues to lack a permanent secretary. Former Secretary Stefan Pryor left the post in early July after a little over a year, marking the third time the top post at the fledgling department was vacant in its three-year history.

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When she was appointed, Flannery was tasked to assist and oversee programs and functions related to housing production, preservation, real estate finance, and community development, according to the initial announcement of her hiring.

Connors was tapped to serve as interim housing secretary July 17, but a permanent pick has not been named. Gov. Dan McKee spokesperson Andrea Palagi said four candidates have met with the governor as part of the search, but declined to say who and when to expect a finalist to be named.

The top priority is to find the most qualified candidate, that will dictate the timing, Palagi said. As is longstanding policy, out of respect for the privacy of the individuals we interviewed, we will not be releasing their names, as some may currently hold other jobs.

Only two candidates potentially interested in the head housing role have surfaced so far: HousingWorks RI Director Brenda Clement, and Pawtucket Planning and Redevelopment Director Bianca Policastro. Both did not immediately return requests for comment.

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An official job posting for Pryors successor was not made public, which the state is not required to do for cabinet-level positions.

Housing secretary candidates in 2023 were required to have at least a masters degree in urban planning, economics, or a related field of study. That job posting also asked for five years of experience administrating housing policy and/or development.

Correction: Deborah Flannerys appointment was done internally at the Department of Housing.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Police say a Des Moines man is behind bars after he abducted his four-year-old daughter Sunday afternoon while armed with a machete.

Duane VanDenHemel

Duane VanDenHemel, 36, is being held in the Polk County Jail on charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and violation of a no contact order.

Police investigate 3rd Git N Go robbery in 7 days

Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department said officers were called to a home in the 1000 block of E. Aurora Ave. around 2:38 p.m. Sunday on a report of a kidnapping. When they arrived, they learned VanDenHemel had kicked in a door to the home, threatened the childs mother while armed with a machete, and then took the girl from the home.

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There was a protective order in place prohibiting VanDenHemel from having contact with his daughter.

Officers saw VanDenHemels vehicle in traffic less than 10 minutes later and stopped it near E. 27th & E. University Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident but his daughter was not in the vehicle.

Sgt. Parizek said the girl was found at a family members home in the 2900 block of E. Grand Avenue less than 15 minutes after the incident began. Court records said the girl was located at VanDenHemels mothers home.

The child was then safely reunited with her mother.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
People cast general election ballots at the Adams County Human Services Center on Nov. 5, 2024. (Andrew Fraieli for Colorado Newsline)

Nearly 3.3 million Coloradans cast a ballot in the 2024 election, roughly equaling the number of ballots returned in the presidential election four years ago, according to the latest data released by the secretary of states office.

When accounting for growth in Colorados population and the number of registered voters, however, this years turnout rate is on track to fall short of not just the 2020 election, but every other presidential election held since 2000.

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Data released by state elections officials on Friday showed a total of 3,268,441 ballots returned statewide. With a little over 4 million active voter registrations and another 603,000 Coloradans whose registrations are inactive, that puts the state on track for a turnout rate of about 81% of active voters, or 71% of all registered voters.

Thats Colorados lowest turnout rate in a presidential election year since 2000, when less than 67% of active voters cast their ballots in the presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Its also the worst presidential turnout since Colorado switched to a universal vote-by-mail system, widely touted as the nations gold standard and credited with achieving some of the highest turnout rates of any state in recent U.S. elections.

Unaffiliated voters once again represented Colorados largest voting bloc in 2024, with nearly 1.5 million ballots returned. Registered Democrats returned a little over 900,000 ballots, ahead of the 830,881 ballots returned by Republicans.

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Colorados modest decline in turnout compared to 2020  when 86.5% of active voters returned a ballot  appears to broadly reflect national trends. While the data is preliminary and ballots are still being processed, the University of Floridas Election Lab currently estimates that nationwide turnout dipped from 66.4% in 2020 to 62.3% in 2024.

Turnout in Colorados June primary election was also down significantly this year, with a little over 1 in 4 active voters returning a ballot  the lowest rate since 2016.

For the second election in a row, daily ballot return updates released by the secretary of state suggests that Colorado voters on average are returning their ballots later than they used to  especially in populous counties in the Denver metro area, where local elections officials have been increasingly vocal about the challenge of processing so many last-minute returns.

Colorado voters were asked to weigh in on a record-tying 14 referred and citizen-initiated measures in 2024, while Denver voters were faced with a total of 11 additional municipal and regional ballot questions.

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In 2020, over two-thirds of Coloradans who voted had returned their ballots as of the Friday prior to Election Day. This year, the figure was barely one in two. That repeats a pattern from the 2022 midterm elections, which also featured a dramatic late surge in ballot returns.

Consistent with past trends, the vast majority  nearly 95%  of Colorado voters are choosing to vote in 2024 by returning their ballots through the mail or a drop box, according to the secretary of states office.

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Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

TRUMP AND THE CALIFORNIA ECONOMY

Via David Lightman...

Was Californias economy better under President Donald Trump than under President Joe Biden?

Hard to say.

Evaluating the entire economy is not easy, but one measure is unemployment. The states annual jobless rates were between 4% and 4.8% from 2017 to 2019, Trumps first three years in office. Then came the Covid pandemic in March 2020, and the years rate averaged 10.2%.

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It fell back during the Biden years, falling under 5% in 2022 and 2023. But in recent months, the rate has topped 5% and was 5.3% in September, the latest data available.

That tied California with Illinois for the nations second highest state unemployment rate. Nevada was first at 5.6%.

Consumer prices followed national trends under Trump and then Biden. Prices in California were up 3% in 2017, 3.7% in 2018, 2.9% in 2019 and 1.8% in 2020, as detailed in last months UCLA Anderson forecast.

Trump will inherit a California economy that grew 2.8% in the second quarter of this year, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis said. The national economy grew at a 3% pace.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

It is commonsense that felons should not own nor have access to firearms. States must maintain the ability to keep weapons out of the hands of individuals who have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt to have violated state and federal felony criminal laws.

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- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in a statement accompanying a legal brief he filed before an en banc panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals concerning a case where a convicted felon was arrested for unlawfully possessing a gun under federal law.

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WEST PALM BEACH  At the conclusion of a weeklong trial, a federal jury convicted in part, and absolved in others, a man blamed for the overdose deaths of two women in Lantana.

Jurors agreed that Anthony Del Valle, 28, sold counterfeit painkillers to sisters Jennifer Graham, 50, and Julie Beckstrom, 57, hours before they fatally overdosed in their living room on April 7. The jury did not find, however, that his drugs were responsible for their deaths.

"I'm pleased with the verdict," said Glenn Mitchell, Del Valle's attorney. "I'm disappointed in some respects, but overall, the jury worked hard on difficult issues."

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Among the most difficult was the question of accountability.

Had Graham and Beckstrom's deaths happened years earlier, they likely would have been considered accidents. But the testimony of a witness who survived the overdose  as well as a push by lawmakers to hold dealers accountable for drug users' deaths  morphed it into something else.

More: He sold the fentanyl that killed an infant. Is he to blame for her death?

Decades of pain management preceded Florida sisters' overdose death

In her closing argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon O'Shea Darsch told jurors the case was "simple." She pointed to surveillance camera footage that recorded the suspected drug deal in the driveway of Graham and Beckstrom's home on April 7.

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A car carrying two people arrived at 2:36 p.m. Graham walked out of her home and took something from the outstretched arm of one of the car's occupants. The car departed, and Graham returned inside.

Mitchell said prosecutors couldn't prove that the outstretched arm belonged to Del Valle. Even if it did, the attorney said investigators hadn't proven that Del Valle handed her drugs, or that those drugs were the ones that killed Graham and Beckstrom.

The sisters had a shared history of falls and accidents that laid the groundwork for decades of pain management. They were legally prescribed Dilaudid, an addictive pain killer, and fentanyl patches that, when applied to the skin, slowly administer the drug over three days.

By no account did Graham and Beckstrom use the patches as instructed. Prosecutors and the defense attorney said they chewed them "until they'd sucked out every morsel of fentanyl," as Mitchell put it. To supplement their prescribed drugs, prosecutors said Graham paid Del Valle on the second Wednesday of every month  when her disability check arrived  for "roxies," a painkiller.

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"Here's where it gets tricky," Mitchell said. "When you look at the blood and find fentanyl, you have to ask: Did it come from legal fentanyl or illegal fentanyl? There's no way to know."

Florida Shuffle: State's failure to oversee addiction treatment leaves patients in deadly danger

Prosecutors relied on the evolving testimony of Matthew Michaud, Graham's son, to combat this uncertainty.

Michaud, 38, initially told investigators he was asleep during the April 7 exchange. He later told jurors that he watched it from inside the home, peering out of a window as Del Valle handed his mother a bag of pills. Michaud said Graham returned inside and immediately divided the pills, giving some to her son and some to her sister.

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Michaud said the three of them crushed and snorted the pills before Michaud retreated to his bedroom to nap. When he woke up, he said he found his mother and aunt still in the living room, unresponsive. First responders pronounced them dead at 4:16 p.m.

Pathologists at the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office classified their deaths as accidental overdoses, caused by acetyl fentanyl, fentanyl and oxycodone intoxication.

"I lost the only two family members that I had," Michaud told Del Valle two days later, during an undercover drug deal arranged by authorities.

Del Valle, who lives west of Lantana, fled on foot when he spotted federal agents waiting to apprehend him. They caught and arrested him, paving the way for charges in state and federal court.

Del Valle, once lauded as a hero, became addicted to painkillers after 2021 car crash

Had his case remained in state court, Del Valle risked being charged with first-degree murder for Graham and Beckstrom's death. In federal court, a grand jury indicted him instead on two counts of dealing drugs resulting in a death, and two counts related to illegal drug and gun possession.

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Prosecutors said that were it not for Del Valle and his drug delivery, the sisters would still be alive. They urged jurors to find him guilty of their deaths, juxtaposing a photograph of the sisters smiling with footage of Del Valle in handcuffs, a stolen gun and pills emptied from his pockets.

The jury deliberated for about five hours Thursday before finding him guilty of illegally distributing fentanyl, but not guilty of causing their deaths. Del Valle, a father of four who was pursuing his pilot's license before his arrest, is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 30 for his sentencing hearing.

There, Mitchell may walk U.S. District Judge Don Middlebrooks through the path that he says led Del Valle to dealing drugs.

In 2021, Del Valle was working on a boat in a canal near the Boynton Beach Boulevard exit on Florida's Turnpike when a tractor-trailer veered off the highway and plunged nose-down into the canal, striking the boat. The collision injured Del Valle's leg and hip, but he helped drag the truck driver to the shore and tried to do the same for a woman trapped inside a burning car crushed in the wreck.

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From the archives: Two dead after tractor-trailer flips into canal off Florida's Turnpike in Boynton

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue presented Del Valle, then 26, with a Citizen Heroism Award the following year. He posed for photographs next to firefighters, standing upright with the help of a walker and promised a job with the county once he'd recovered.

But like Graham and Beckstrom, Del Valle's injuries required numerous surgeries and pain medications to treat.

"Nice people, good people, get hooked on these drugs," Mitchell said. "He got hooked, and everything went downhill from there."

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Members of Graham and Beckstrom's family, as well as of Del Valle's, attended this month's trial. Because the jury delivered its verdict Thursday evening, after the courthouse had closed to the public, only Del Valle, the attorneys and the judge were there to hear it.

The reaction from all sides of the courtroom was muted.

"We have no winners in a case like this," Mitchell said. "Everyone's a loser."

Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm jury decides if dealer guilty of Florida sisters' deaths
Diddys legal ordeals over the last year related to his alleged sex crimes havent just impacted him. His former bodyguard is suing one of his rape accusers for defamation in response to her lawsuit involving him, per a report from Rolling Stone.

Thalia Graves sued the Bad Boy founder and Joseph Sherman for allegedly drugging, binding, and raping her at the Bad Boy studio Daddys House in 2001. She filed this lawsuit less than a year after Puffs ex-girlfriend Cassie opened the floodgates in November 2023 by suing him for rape, trafficking, and more.

Per the lawsuit, Graves learned that her rape had been recorded and shown to multiple other men. Graves ex-boyfriend claimed he had also seen the tape and it was being sold as if it was casual porn. Sherman, however, denies all allegations. He claims that he stopped working for the controversial mogul in 1999 and never even met Graves.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA  JULY 25: Entertainer Puff Daddy looks on prior to the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Joseph Sherman included several screenshots in his lawsuit where Thalia Graves was asking if he ever worked for Diddy and to call her number. She also appeared to be trying to persuade him to testify against Diddy in court. If you will be my witness against Diddy, then my attorneys will leave you out of any proceedings, one of the messages read. I will make sure that the state does not pick up charges or rape charges against you.

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Shermans defamation lawsuit is for the reputational and financial losses he has taken due to her allegations. He is also suing for emotional distress, negligence, abuse of process, and more. He has taken a significant position as the first person named in any of Diddys lawsuits who is countersuing one of his accusers.

Diddy is currently behind bars after being arrested in September in New York City. His federal indictment outlined charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. One of the most discussed aspects of his indictment was the fact he had over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, three assault rifles with the serial numbers scratched off, and footage of all of his freak offs.

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The Disney Treasure was sailing from The Netherlands to Florida before it diverted course and saved the stranded sailors

Disney The Disney Treasure The Disney Treasure

Four people have been rescued from a sinking catamaran by a passing Disney cruise ship.

The incident happened on Sunday, Nov. 10 around 230 miles off the coast of Bermuda, reported multiple outlets including ABC News and CBS News.

According to the outlets, the 50-foot catamaran got into trouble when it began to take on water after a gasket failure in its escape hatch.

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Nearby ships were then alerted by the U.S. Coast Guard after the crew of the catamaran called for help.

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This prompted the Disney Treasure  a brand-new cruise liner sailing from the Netherlands to Port Canaveral, Florida, ahead of its maiden voyage  to alter course at around 11:40 a.m. and race to the assistance of the stricken vessel, according to CBS News.

The cruise liner completed the 80-mile journey to the catamaran at around 1 p.m. and launched a small boat to bring the four-stranded crew members onboard, added CBS News.



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Disney The Disney Treasure The Disney Treasure

Related: 2 Men Rescued in Gulf of Mexico By Carnival Cruise Ship After Their Boat Sinks

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In a video shared by Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, per 7th Army training Command, the disabled catamaran can be seen floating in the sea as the Disney Treasure comes to its rescue.

"We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril. Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety," Disney Treasure Captain Marco Nogara told ABC News in a statement.

Related: 2 Yacht Passengers Rescued After Whales Sink Their Boat in Growing Trend That Has Scientists Divided

No injuries or medical issues have been reported among the catamaran's crew members, per multiple outlets.



According to CBS Orlando affiliate WKMG-TV , the Disney Treasure has 1,256 staterooms and is set to embark on its first voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, on Dec. 21.

"Set your compass toward the Disney Treasure, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, where the spirit of adventure meets the daring tales of classic Disney films and Disney park attractionssailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries beginning December 2024," the Disney Cruise Line website reads.
The compact Mitsubishi Mirage is the cheapest model of the Japanese company in the United States with a price of less than $18,000. It was decided to abandon it and replace it with another model  the Mitsubishi Xforce compact crossover.

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This became known to The Drive. Mirage sales are constantly falling  in 2022, only 15,816 units were sold to American buyers. In Japan, sales have already been curtailed, and the US will do the same by 2025.

But the model has other problems. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States calls the Mitsubishi Mirage the most dangerous new car on the American market. This is due to its compact size and outdated design.

The new Mitsubishi Xforce crossover will replace it. It was presented recently. The car was made in the current design of the company. There are narrow headlights and lights, a large trapezoidal front grille, sharp edges, and neat chrome decor.

The crossover is compact: 4390 mm long (wheelbase  2650 mm) with 1810 mm width and 1660 mm height. Interestingly, the ground clearance is 222 mm. On bad roads, the car will behave confidently.

The car is only slightly larger than the Mitsubishi ASX. The compact crossover is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 105 hp. Later, a more powerful version with a hybrid powertrain will debut.
A Disney cruise ship performed the dramatic rescue of four boaters who were stranded on a sinking catamaran in Bermuda on Sunday.

The Disney Treasure, the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and the second of three Triton class vessels, was making its way to Port Canaveral in Florida from the Netherlands when it received a Coast Guard broadcast for help. According to ABC 7, the 50-foot catamaran, the Serenity, began taking on water due to gasket failure in the escape hatch, prompting an emergency call from the crew.

The Serenity was about 230 miles off the coast of Bermuda when it began experiencing trouble, and the Disney Treasure was the closest ship nearby at just 80 miles away. When it located the distressed vessel, the cruise ship launched one of its smaller tender boats used for transporting passengers to and from the shore to rescue the stranded boaters.

"We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril," Disney Treasure Captain Marco Nogara said in a statement to ABC News. "Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety."

The Disney Treasure will embark on her maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 2024, from Port Canaveral with a seven-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. The ship, which was built with a total of 1,250 staterooms, boasts a design that was "inspired by Walt Disney's love of exploration." The theme of the ship is also adventure, featuring Peter Pan and Captain Hook on the stern.
Four people were rescued over the weekend by the crew aboard a new luxury cruise liner.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The newly built Disney Treasure cruise ship was en route to Port Canaveral when it received word of a distress call in the Atlantic, according to our sister station WFTV.

TRENDING STORIES:

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A catamaran sent out an SOS after it started taking on water 230 miles off the coast of Bermuda.

The Disney Treasure was 80 miles away, but the captain decided to change course and encountered the distressed vessel.

The captain launched one of their lifeboats and rescued all four people on the catamaran.

The Disney Treasure is a brand-new ship and the latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

The Disney Treasure is set to arrive in Port Canaveral on Tuesday.

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A Disney Cruise Line ship rescued four people from a sinking catamaran in Bermuda on Sunday.

The 50-foot catamaran, called the Serenity, was about 230 miles off the coast of Bermuda when a gasket failure in the escape hatch caused the vessel to begin taking on water.

After the passengers called for help, the Coast Guard issued a broadcast.

MORE: Search suspended for woman who fell overboard on Taylor Swift-themed cruise

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The Disney Treasure, which was about 80 miles away, launched one of its small boats and rescued all four passengers.

The four individuals were recovered safely, and no medical issues were reported.

The passengers were a family of four -- a married couple, their daughter and a cousin -- who were between the ages of 25 and 74, according to U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Mike Rauch.

"They were really way out there to sea and and they were in distress, and they were having some trouble trying to keep the water from coming in," Rauch said.

PHOTO: A Disney Treasure cruise ship rescued four people off a sinking catamaran on Sunday. (ABC News)

Rauch said it could have been a "dire situation," and said they were "very fortunate" the cruise ship was able to come to their rescue.

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"We were very grateful for them to change their course and head up to help these people," Rauch said of the cruise staff.

In a statement, Disney Treasure Capt. Marco Nogara said he was "pleased" they were "able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril."

"Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety," Nogara said.

MORE: Passengers on 3-year cruise speak out as ship remains stuck in harbor

The Disney Treasure had been on its way from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to Port Canaveral, Florida, according to a spokesperson for the cruise line.

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After the rescue, the family was taken aboard the cruise ship on its way to Florida, Rauch said.

"So they got a free ride back to the U.S., and on one of the best cruise ships in the world," Rauch said. "And I'm sure they're enjoying every minute of it."

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Disney Cruise ship rescues 4 people off sinking catamaran in Bermuda originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
In a display of real-life heroism, a Disney Cruise Line ship came to the rescue of four stranded passengers off the coast of Bermuda on Sunday, November 10, saving them from a sinking catamaran.

The 50-foot vessel, named Serenity, encountered an unexpected emergency when a gasket failure in the escape hatch caused it to take on water. This left the vesseland its four passengersin peril, approximately 230 miles off Bermudas coast.

The Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, was the closest available vessel, positioned about 80 miles away at the time.

Disney Cruise Pulls Off Real-Life Rescue, Saving Four From Sinking Vessel in Bermuda

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In a swift response to the call for assistance, the Disney Treasure, which was on a journey from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to Port Canaveral, Florida, launched one of its smaller rescue boats and reached the Serenity, bringing all four passengers aboard safely.

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Fortunately, no medical issues were reported among the rescued individuals.

A Disney Cruise Line spokesperson confirmed the rescue details, noting the speed and coordination involved in reaching the stranded passengers. Following the distress call, the Coast Guard had broadcasted an alert, and Disney Treasures crew didnt hesitate to spring into action.

"We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril. Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skillfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety," Disney Treasure Captain Marco Nogara said in a statement to ABC.

In May 2024, Disney Cruise Line Encountered A Capsized Boat Southeast Of Bermuda

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This is not the first time a Disney Cruise ship has stopped to help others in need.

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On the evening of May 7, 2024, passengers aboard the Disney Dream witnessed an unexpected incident when the ship encountered a capsized boat southeast of Bermuda. Passenger Jose Carreon shared that an announcement over the loudspeaker informed everyone on board that the ship would be turning around to investigate the overturned vessel.

The Disney Dream stopped for about 30 minutes as the crew assessed the scene. Kevin O'Connor, whose parents were among the passengers, told The Blast that the ship "pulled alongside the capsized boat and began searching for any signs of life."

After finding no indication of survivors, the ships captain contacted local authorities before continuing on its scheduled route.

Disney Cruise Searched For Any Individuals But Found No One

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Another passenger, Lacey Harris, shared with The Blast that the crew announced that they "spotted lights and a capsized catamaran off the starboard side and would be pausing to investigate."

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"They searched the water and wreckage, but no one was found," she exclusively told The Blast. "After they realized no one would be found, the Captain came back [over the loudspeaker] and announced they would be continuing on to Ponta Delgada and thanked us for our patience."

In 2016, Disney Found Three Clinging To Capsized Boat Near Cuba

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In a similar event in 2016, three individuals were found clinging to a capsized boat roughly 40 miles north of Varadero, Cuba.

According to ABC, U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas Jr. of the Southern District of Florida reported that the trio was rescued by a Disney Cruise Line ship and subsequently handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard. During a fingerprint analysis, authorities discovered that two of the rescued individuals had outstanding arrest warrants in New Orleans.

"I think it was evident from the law enforcement standpoint that they were fleeing the U.S. to avoid federal and state charges," Barry Golden, Senior Inspector with the U.S. Marshals Service, told ABC News at the time. "Cuba is somewhat a safe place for fugitives to hide."

It was further revealed that all three men had multiple prior arrests for credit card fraud.

In 2023, Disney Cruise Carried Out A Rescue Operation Near Cuba

MEGA

In January 2023, the Disney Dream cruise ship carried out a rescue operation near the coast of Cuba after spotting a 29-year-old Cuban man struggling in the water. The ship diverted course and launched a tender boat to bring the individual aboard safely. Following the rescue, the Disney Dream coordinated with the Cuban Coast Guard, who later transported the man back to the mainland.

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Disney Cruise Line operates a fleet of five shipsthe Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. These ships offer a range of itineraries to diverse destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the Bahamas, and beyond.

Disney's newest ship, the Disney Treasure, is set to have her maiden voyage on December 2128, 2024
Donald Trump has reportedly spoken with world leaders like Vladimir Putin this week without the typical oversight of the U.S. State Department and government interpreters.

The reasoning for this, as sources explained to The Washington Post, is that Trump is distrustful of federal officials after a string of leaked transcripts emerged from calls he made with world leaders during his first White House term.

The Post reported its standard procedure for incoming presidents is to sign an agreement with the General Services Administration, which the Trump transition team has so far bypassed. Officials familiar with conversations told Politico on Saturday that Trumps team is expected to eventually sign an agreement with the agency, but they had not done so by the weekends end.

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An insider told the Post that, for now, world leaders have just been calling Trump directly.

Vladimir Putin is among the world leaders Donald Trump spoke to by phone this week.

Steven Cheung, Trumps communications director, said in a statement that world leaders have reached out to Trump to congratulate him and to develop stronger relationships with the president-elect.

Cheungs statement added that the incoming president represents global peace and stability, a point Trumps campaign regularly emphasized by pointing to the relative stability in the Middle East and in Ukraine during his first term.

Trump and Putin reportedly conversed Thursday for the first time after Trumps comfortable election win. Sources told the Post that Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, encouraged the longtime Russian leader to not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of Washingtons sizable military presence next door to him in Europe.

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A key promise of Trumps campaign was to bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, but hes stopped short of detailing how he plans to accomplish that.

Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met in September.

Among the others to ring Trump this week was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In that 25-minute call, reports said Trumps billionaire super-supporter Elon Musk was also on the line.

Ukrainian officials told the Post they did not object to Trump calling Putin. They reportedly understood conversations would take place between the two men regarding the years-long war between Russia and Ukraine, which has left a staggering 500,000 troops killed or injured, U.S. officials revealed this summer.

There had been fears in Ukraine that a Trump presidency would spell the end of most U.S. military aid to the country. On his call this week, however, Axios reported that Ukrainian officials found Trumps words somewhat more reassuring than expected.

Trumps election win is yet to lead to an immediate slowing of fighting between Russia and Ukraine, however. A CNN report on Sunday revealed that Russia and North Korean troops had amassed a large force of tens of thousands to carry out an assault on Ukrainian positions in Russias Kursk regionan operation thats expected to begin in the coming days.
(Bloomberg) -- A bevy of smaller cryptocurrencies outperformed market-leader Bitcoin in recent days as enthusiasm about the sectors prospects under President-elect Donald Trump encouraged a wave of speculative bets.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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Among the leaders are Shiba Inu-themed digital token Dogecoin, a meme-crowd darling promoted by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Also known as Doge, the coin is up about 50% in the past five days, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

At the top of the pile is ADA from the Cardano blockchain, up more than 60% over the period apparently because the networks founder Charles Hoskinson in a podcast discussed plans to work with lawmakers in Washington.

These and other so-called altcoins, including tokens linked to blockchain platforms Polygon, Cosmos, Solana and Algorand, have posted gains exceeding Bitcoins five-day climb of about 7% to a record high.

A rising tide lifts all boats and the boom in Bitcoin rippled on to the alts relatively quickly, said Caroline Bowler, chief executive officer of digital-asset exchange BTC Markets Pty. The sector in its entirety is expected to be a net beneficiary of Trumps administration.

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Big Spenders

The crypto industry spent heavily during US election campaigning to back candidates perceived to be friendly to its interests. Executives and investors now expect to reap the rewards in the form of a more accommodative regime under Trump, whose Republican Party is set to control Congress.

Trump pledged to fire Securities & Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, the bete noire of digital assets because of his aggressive crackdown against alleged noncompliance with the agencys rules. The president-elect also vowed to nurture US Bitcoin mining and establish a strategic stockpile for the token.

Some investors are speculating that more coins, such as Solanas SOL, will be allowed dedicated exchange-traded funds in the US, which has so far permitted the vehicles for Bitcoin and second-ranked Ether.

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Traders for now arent asking tough questions about how quickly this agenda can be implemented or the feasibility of a strategic Bitcoin stockpile and expanded ETF universe.

Its still too early to tell how everything will shake out in terms of regulation under Trump, venture capital company a16z crypto wrote in a blog. But there is now a pathway for constructive engagement with regulatory agencies, it said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A break in the Santa Ana winds over the weekend allowed firefighters to make steady progress on the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, but there is still work to be done as winds are forecast to pick back up this week.

Ventura County Fire Department Deputy Chief Chad Cook spoke with KTLA 5s Annie Rose Ramos on Monday morning and provided an update on the status of the fire and efforts to extinguish it.

Were actually looking a quite bit betterthis fire has pushed a lot of our buttons, Chief Cook said. We are slowly getting around it.

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The environmental recipe that created the devastating Mountain Fire

As containment numbers continue to climb, crews began demobilizing some apparatus Monday morning, Chief Cook said, but the firefight is far from over.

We are really getting deeper inside the fire to make sure there is nothing that is going to rekindle or cause us any problems, he said.

Television reporters film as flames from the Mountain Fire consume a home in Camarillo, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Flames consume a home as the Mountain Fire burns in Camarillo, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Firefighters and sheriffs deputies push a vintage car away from a burning home as the Mountain Fire burns in Camarillo, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) A home burns in the Mountain fire, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) Flames from the Mountain Fire leap along a hillside as horses gallop in an enclosure at Swanhill Farms in Moorpark, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) A helicopter drops water over a burning home in the Mountain fire, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

At a community meeting held Sunday night for residents affected by the fire, some questioned why firefighters werent able to save more structures from being burned, with Chief Cook saying that the department even received hostile phone calls regarding how they were fighting the fire.

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The main factor contributing to the destruction people are asking about, the chief says, is strong winds.

Homes go up in flames during KTLA reporters live coverage of Mountain Fire

Wind-driven fires are their own animal, he said. When you are up against the wind, you are in an environment that is out of your control, and all of us want to have control of the environment were in. And when our firefighters are put in these positions, people only have a small snapshot of whats really going on at the scene.

We deploy our resources into the streets, we try to make calculated decisions, and we understand that not everything is perfect, Chief Cook continued. But we ask our people to go imminently into these areas and we want them to do life first, we want them to do primary searches, look for people and get them out of harms way. Sometimes, that comes at the cost of property.

Marvin Meador sifts through his fire-ravaged property after the Mountain Fire swept through, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) Marvin Meador walks on the remains of his fire-ravaged property after the Mountain Fire swept through, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) Kelly Barton, left, is hugged by a family friend after arriving at her parents fire-ravaged property in the aftermath of the Mountain Fire, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) A firefighter, moves bicycles as he works against the Mountain fire, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) Todd Howard, left, sifts through the remains of his parents fire-ravaged property with the help of firefighters after the Mountain Fire swept through, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Camarillo, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) A home smolders during the Mountain Fire in Camarillo, California, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Getty Images)

At one point during the height of the firefight, crews were responding to 136 active rescues of people trapped in burning buildings, according to the chief, which underscores the need to quickly move personnel from actively fighting the flames to searching and rescuing.

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When resources are on the street and someone says Hey, that fire engine left, absolutely [it did] because were calling our companies that are out there in the field and saying, We need you to report to two streets over, we have people trapped, Chief Cook told KTLA. There are a lot of different people in our communitiesthe area we are in has some elderly people who cannot exit for themselves, and we have to put firefighters in there to physically remove them and assist them which takes us from the firefight.

Veterans Day: Service members celebrated with events, food deals around Southern California

Elaborating on the meeting that took place Sunday night, Chief Cook said that the men and women of the Ventura County Fire Department care more about the lives of local residents than their own. Some of them have even lost their homes in the fire, he added.

Ventura County Fire Department Deputy Chief Chad Cook provides an update on the status of the fire and efforts to extinguish it to KTLA 5s Annie Rose Ramos on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.

Its an emotional thing when we drive through these neighborhoods because these are our families and our neighbors, he said. When we see the aftermath and we deal with the people face to faceyou see the damage that occurred and you have this guilt that you could have done more and could have been more successful with your actions.

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I have to let people know that [the fire department] does care about them, he said. Not every decision we make is the right one, but we do the best we can with the number of inputs we have and we put lives first.

As of Monday evening, the blaze stood at 20,630 acres and was 42% contained, according to Cal Fire. A total of 192 structures have been destroyed with a further 82 damaged, and six people  including one firefighter  have been injured since the blaze broke out Wednesday morning near Balcom Canyon and Bradley roads in Somis.

For the most up-to-date information on the Mountain Fire from Cal Fire, click here.

Emergency updates from Ventura County officials can be found here.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Donald Trump has demanded that the incoming Republican Senate leader fast-track the approval of his cabinet.

The president-elect has not endorsed a candidate in the race for the Senate leadership but Rick Scott, a Florida senator, has emerged as a frontrunner after gaining support from key Trump backers Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson and Marco Rubio.

Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social that any Republican seeking the post of Senate leader should back recess appointments, which are made when the Senate is not in session, so his cabinet can be formed in a timely manner.

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Allowing recess appointments would be a break with tradition and essentially bypass the Senate, expanding the presidents power. The last time one was made was under Barack Obama in 2012, after which the Supreme Court ruled recess appointments were effectively unusable.

Mr Scott has expressed support for such a move saying he would do whatever it takes to get Mr Trumps nominations through as quickly as possible.

We have got to change the way the Senate is run to get Trumps agenda done, Mr Scott told Fox News on Sunday.

01:07 PM GMT

Thats all for today

Thanks for following our live coverage of the US election. It has now ended for the day.

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Well be back soon with more updates and analysis.

12:17 PM GMT

Harris to make first appearance since conceding election

Kamala Harris, the vice president, will make her first appearance since conceding the election on Monday.

Ms Harris will join Joe Biden in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, CNN reported.

She will also attend the National Veterans Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheatre, where Mr Biden is due to give a speech.

The vice president is not expected to speak at either event.

Kamala Harris conceded the election in a speech at Howard University on Wednesday afternoon - REUTERS

12:02 PM GMT

Musk: New Senate leader must respond to will of the people

Elon Musk, one of Donald Trumps closest allies, has said the new Senate leader must respond to the will of the people.

Mr Musk has endorsed Rick Scott, a Florida senator, to become the new leader after he said he would consider recess appointments to fast-track Mr Trumps cabinet appointments.

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Read our 8.42am post to understand more about recess appointments.

The new Senate Majority Leader must respond to the will of the people https://t.co/L0v3MhWYQz  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 11, 2024

11:41 AM GMT

Berlin: Phone call with Trump was very friendly

Donald Trump and Olaf Scholz held a very friendly, very constructive 25-minute phone call on Sunday, a Berlin spokesman said on Monday.

The two agreed to stay in touch during the conversation on Sunday evening but did not discuss individual topics in depth, rather taking a broader view of things, the spokesman said.

11:27 AM GMT

Trump cabinet: what we know so far

Donald Trump has already made the first official hires of his new cabinet.

Susie Wiles will serve as chief of staff, Tom Homan will serve as the border czar, while Elise Stefanik will serve as the US ambassador to the UN.

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But who else could serve in Mr Trumps administration? Here are some of the rumoured names:

Attorney general - Aileen Cannon, Jeffrey Clark, Ken Paxton

Secretary of state - Marco Rubio, Vivek Ramaswamy, Richard Grenell

Defence secretary - Christopher Miller, Michael Waltz, Robert OBrien

Treasury secretary - Scott Bessent, Robert Lighthizer, John Paulson

Robert F Kennedy Jr is reportedly under consideration to become the head of the health and human services department, while Elon Musk could head up a new department of government efficiency.

Some names have been explicitly ruled out by Mr Trump, including Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley.

Donald Trump has already begun appointing his cabinet - REUTERS

10:49 AM GMT

Trump confirms US ambassador to UN

Elise Stefanik has accepted Donald Trumps offer to become the next ambassador to the United Nations.

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I am honoured to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Mr Trump, 78, told the New York Post.

Ms Stefanik, who has become a key Trump ally, said she was honoured to serve in his cabinet.

During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate, she added.

Donald Trump greets US Representative Elise Stefanik during a campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire - AFP

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10:29 AM GMT

Healey: World yet to see Trumps Ukraine plan

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said the world will have to wait and see what Donald Trump really proposes to end the war in Ukraine.

Mr Trump repeatedly promised before he was elected on Nov 5 to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Officials in Kyiv and the rest of Europe this could mean forcing Ukraine into making concessions, including giving up Ukrainian land.

But Mr Healey appeared to think Mr Trump had got the tone right during his apparent call with Putin last week.

If the reports of his call with [Vladimir] Putin last week are right then president Trump is exactly right to warn Putin against escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, Mr Healey told BBC Breakfast.

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And our task as a nation supporting Ukraine, one of its leading supporters, alongside allies like France, is to step up our support to reinforce the position that Ukraine has at this period where its under great pressure from Russia.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump meet at Trump Tower in New York in September - Shutterstock

10:05 AM GMT

Step down and make Harris president, Biden told

Kamala Harris lost big last week, meaning Donald Trump will become the 47th president - or will he?

Jamal Simmons, Ms Harris former director of communications, has said Joe Biden should step down so that she can become president as a symbolic gesture.

Joe Biden has been a phenomenal president, hes lived up to so many of the promises that hes made. There is one promise left that he can fulfil: Being a transitional figure, Mr Simmons said on CNN.

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He could resign the presidency in the next 30 days, make Kamala Harris the president of the United States. He could absolve her from having to oversee the January 6 transition of her own defeat.

There is no indication that either Mr Biden or Ms Harris are seeking such an arrangement.

Kamala Harris could technically be the next president - AP

09:47 AM GMT

Meet the anti-pollsters who called all 50 states by ignoring public opinion

The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, if the polls were anything to go by, was extremely close.

Except, it wasnt: Mr Trump was destined to win  according to one group of political scientists who forecast the exact result, state-by-state, nearly a month ago.

Peter Enns and his team studied every election since 1980 and came to the conclusion that just two issues are truly consequential in determining election results: the economy and the popularity of the incumbent president.

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In marked contrast to polling, which largely under-calculated the swing towards Mr Trump this time around, Mr Ennss model involves no direct contact with Americans on how they intend to vote.

Mr Enns, a Cornell University professor and co-founder of Verasight, told The Telegraph: We plug in the 2024 numbers from 100 days or more in advance, and then say okay, if these past relationships hold, that lets us predict what will happen in each state, right?

He was right. In a special forecast published in October, Mr Enns and three other political scientists predicted that Mr Trump would win 312 electoral college votes. As we now know, he did.

Read the full story here.

09:39 AM GMT

Progressive Democrats push to take over party leadership

Progressive Democrats are pushing to take over the party leadership as in-fighting breaks out following Kamala Harriss election defeat.

Left-wingers are hoping to install Ben Wikler, the Wisconsin Democratic chairman, to take over the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and swing it away from the current centrist leadership ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Pramila Jayapal, who leads the Democrats progressive faction in Congress, has said she would love to see somebody who is like a Ben Wikler, Politico reports.

Her intervention may mean Left-wing Democrats swing behind Mr Wikler, who is seen as an effective fundraiser and has been credited with reviving his partys fortunes in Wisconsin, if he launches a bid for the position.

Read the full story here.

Chairman of Wisconsin Democratic Party Ben Wikler and his dog Pumpkin - Getty Images North America

09:07 AM GMT

Kremlin: There was no call between Putin and Trump

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have not spoken on the phone, the Kremlin said on Monday.

The Washington Post first reported that the call took place on Thursday. Reuters also reported that the call took place.

Putin has no specific plans to speak to Trump at the present, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who said the reports were pure fiction.

09:03 AM GMT

Starmer plots to thwart Trump on Ukraine

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are expected to plot a last-ditch attempt to thwart Donald Trumps efforts to scale back US support for Ukraine.

The British and French leaders will discuss on Monday whether Joe Biden, the US president, can be persuaded to give Ukraine permission to fire Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russia, according to UK Government insiders.

The Telegraph has been told there are hopes in London that Mr Biden will finally give the approval Kyiv has sought for months in an attempt to secure his foreign policy legacy.

The knock-on impact of the impending Trump presidency on the Middle East and the possibility of a trade war with Europe are also expected to be discussed.

08:42 AM GMT

What are recess appointments?

Donald Trump is urging the next leader of the Senate to push through his cabinet appointments in a timely manner using recess appointments.

Typically the president nominates his cabinet picks, which are then voted in officially by the Senate.

But the Constitution allows the president to temporarily install nominees when the Senate is in recess - defined as a break longer than 10 days.

Such appointments could still be blocked if Congress or the Senate refuse to formally go on a long break.

Mr Trump was unable to make any recess appointments during his first term, nor was Mr Biden, after a Supreme Court ruling in 2014 which stated Barack Obama had overstepped constitutional power by doing so.

Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush made more than 100 recess appointments.

08:25 AM GMT

Watch: Biden stumbles on sand

Joe Biden struggled to walk across the sand and needed help from his wife Jill Biden during their holiday in Delaware on Sunday.

The outgoing president could be seen repeatedly losing his balance on Rehoboth Beach.

C-SPAN

08:18 AM GMT

Trump urged Putin not to escalate Ukraine war

Donald Trump reportedly warned Vladimir Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine in a call after the US election, writes Benedict Smith.

The two men are said to have discussed how to return peace to Europe, during a post-election phone call, according to The Washington Post.

Mr Trump is said to have raised the issue of Ukrainian territory captured by Russia, although precisely what either man said is unclear.

He also reminded Putin that the US maintained a substantial military presence in Europe.

Read the full story here.

Relations between Washington and Moscow worsened after Mr Trump left office - AFP

08:05 AM GMT

Who is Rick Scott, frontrunner to become Senate leader?

Rick Scott, a senator from Florida, has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next leader of the Senate.

He has not been endorsed by Donald Trump but has the support of Elon Musk and Marco Rubio - two figures likely to feature in the president-elects cabinet.

Mr Scott is running against John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota, both of which were key allies of outgoing leader Mitch McConnell.

Mr Trump once warned the Florida senate to be careful after he suggested popular federal programmes such as Medicare and Social Security should be renegotiated every five years.

Senate Republicans are due to vote for the next leader in a secret ballot on Wednesday.

Rick Scott, a Florida Senator, has won the backing of key Trump allies - AP

07:58 AM GMT

Trump appoints hardline immigration official border czar

Donald Trump announced late on Sunday he was bringing back hardline immigration official Tom Homan to oversee the countrys borders in his incoming administration.

Mr Homan will be in charge of our nations borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders.

Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.

Tom Homan, who previously served in the Trump administration as ICE director, is also a contender for secretary of state - REUTERS

07:54 AM GMT

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage.

Well be bringing you the latest from the US as Donald Trump continues to prepare for his return to office by revealing his cabinet picks.

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From the Dispatch Politics on The Dispatch

Happy Monday! The Dispatch Summit is tomorrow, and former House Speaker Paul Ryan will be there. Should we ask him if he still knows what a dab is?

Up to Speed

Over the weekend, the Associated Press called Nevada and Arizona for President-elect Donald Trump, bringing the final electoral vote tally to 312-226 and cementing his sweep of all seven battleground states. As for the national popular vote, Trump leads with 74.8 million (50.4 percent) to 71.2 million (48 percent) for Vice President Kamala Harris as of this morning, though more votes are left to count.

President Joe Biden will host Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET. Meetings between an outgoing and incoming president are customary. However, Trump did not extend the same courtesy to Biden in 2020 after losing to him, maintaining he won that years election and that the outcome was rigged and stolen.

The size of the Republicans incoming Senate majority remains uncertain. The Associated Press, New York Times, and Decision Desk HQ have all called Nevada for incumbent Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen over Republican challenger Sam Brown, who conceded Saturday. However, only Decision Desk HQ has called Arizona for Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego over GOP nominee Kari Lake, who has yet to concede. Meanwhile, the AP remains the only one of the three to have called the Pennsylvania Senate race for Republican Dave McCormick over incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who also has not conceded.

The Associated Press, The New York Times, and Decision Desk HQ also differ on where the battle for control of the House of Representatives stands, although Republicans still appear poised to defend their majority by a narrow margin. The AP and the Times have the count at 214-203 for Republicans with 18 races uncalled, while Decision Desk HQ has it at 216-209. Republican candidates are leading in multiple races that have yet to be called, including Alaskas at-large district and those of incumbent Republican Reps. John Duarte and Ken Calvert of California and Juan Ciscomani of Arizona.

Trump announced two appointments to his impending White House. He said on Truth Social Sunday night that Tom Homan, who served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement early in his first term, will be the new administrations border czar. Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin, he wrote in a post. Additionally, Trump will look to have Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York serve as his ambassador to the United Nations. I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump told the New York Post in a Sunday report. Stefanik told the Post she was truly honored to earn President Trumps nomination to serve in the role.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not serve in Trumps administration, the president-elect announced Saturday. I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation, Trump said in a Truth Social post. I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! It is unclear whether Haley had ambitions to be in the administration, but Pompeo was gunning for an appointment as secretary of defense, according to Politico. The prospect of his serving in that role, however, ran afoul of Donald Trump Jr. and far-right commentator Tucker Carlson. Pompeo, unlike Haley, did not challenge Trump for the 2024 nomination but also endorsed the president-elect later in the campaign than other former administration officials.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is running for the top post at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Im 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, he told Fox News Digital, which first reported the news. Scott touted endorsements from the outgoing NRSC chair, Sen Steve Daines of Montana, plus Senate Republican Conference chair Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.

Inside the Race for Senate Majority Leader

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota wait to speak to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on December 6, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Has Elon Musk hand-selected the next Senate majority leader? Not exactly, but its not for lack of trying.

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On Sunday, with three days to go before the members of the new Republican majority meet to elect a new leader to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell, the billionaire and consigliere to President-elect Donald Trump posted on his X platform a simple message that said a whole lot.

Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader! Musk wrote, responding to a tweet from the Florida Republican who just won reelection handily. Scotts tweet was a promise that, as majority leader, he would do whatever it takes to fast-track Trumps nominations. And Scotts tweet was itself a direct response to a Sunday afternoon tweet from the incoming president:

Trump had resisted publicly weighing in on the Senate leadership race, but his not-so-cryptic tweet suggests the president-elect is keenly aware how the rules and precedents in the Senateon track for a three-seat GOP majoritycould tap the brakes on the agenda for his second term. The litmus test is clear, even if the tweet simplifies how recess appointments work.

(A quick aside: These temporary appointments are a way around the Senate blocking a nomination, but for a president to make them, the Senate as a body must agree to adjourn and, thanks to a 2014 Supreme Court decision, be adjourned for more than 10 days. The majority leader has no power under the current rules to agree to a recess appointment nor to have a majority vote on adjourningunless, of course, the Senate rules were changed to remove the 60-vote threshold to break a filibuster and close debate.)

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The Scott-Musk tag-team response suggests an effort is afoot to convince Trump to put his thumb on the scale for his fellow Floridian, but Senate Republicans have two additional choices running in Wednesdays election: John Thune of South Dakota, who has been serving as McConnells No. 2 as Republican whip; and John Cornyn of Texas, who preceded Thune as whip. And just because one of Trumps most important advisers has come out for Scott does not necessarily impact the outcome of the election. It is a secret ballot, after all.

But when it comes to who is willing to jump as high as necessary for Trump on Senate-confirmed appointments, anyone looking for differentiation among the three candidates wont find it here. Cornyn tweeted on Saturday that if he were leader, the Senate would stay in session until Trumps appointees were confirmed, then followed up Sunday afternoon with a more concrete promise to accede to Trumps ask on recess appointments. Thune himself issued a statement Sunday, making it clear recess appointments would be on the table if the Senate proved resistant to any of Trumps picks.

Ive spent eight months carefully listening to my colleagues about their vision for the next chapter of the Senate Republican Conference, especially as we hit the ground running with President Trump. One thing is clear: We must act quickly and decisively to get the presidents cabinet and other nominees in place as soon as possible to start delivering on the mandate weve been sent to execute, and all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats block the will of the American people, he said in a statement provided to Dispatch Politics.

Of course, as the minority leader and the minority caucus, Schumer and the Democrats will be relatively powerless to block confirmation of Trumps appointments.

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The threshold for confirming presidential appointees, including judges, is 51 votes. So, even though the current Republican minority, and the incoming Democratic minority, are afforded the power to filibuster presidential appointees under Senate rules, neither have the votes to actually block confirmation. In other words, the Republican majorityprojected at 53 seatsthat will be sworn into office in January will have more than enough votes to confirm Trump appointees even with unanimous Democratic opposition.

So what Trump is really asking the soon-to-be-installed GOP majority to do is to neuter any opposition to his picks that might materialize from Republicans.

In any event, lets dive into the Republican candidates for majority leader.

Thune has pitched himself largely as a majority-builder and Senate institutionalist. The fact that he is next in line to follow McConnell is a double-edged sword. While the Kentucky Republican had been reelected every two years since 2006 as the conferences leader, McConnells final bid in November 2022 still saw 10 Republicans vote against him (while 37 voted for him). That was some proof the long-brewing grumbling about McConnells effective but top-down leadership style was growing into a durable resistanceand his opponents would like nothing more than to have senators think of Thune as a McConnell clone.

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Allies of his, however, insist Thune is his own man and not a carbon copy of the outgoing leader. Hes earned support from a handful of senators across the Republican conference, from Montanas Steve Daines (an establishmentarian) and Oklahomas Markwayne Mullin, who also serves as an unofficial envoy between Thune and Trump. To other members, Thune has pointed to his willingness to campaign on behalf of several of the newly elected Republicans who will have given the party its majority, including Tim Sheehy of Montana, Bernie Moreno of Ohio, and Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania. They also point to Thunes fundraising prowess, including his transfer in September of $4 million from his campaign committee to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the largest-ever single transfer to the committee.

But Cornyn can also point to his own strong fundraising abilities, and thats formed a big part of his pitch. A familiar face to the dozens of big-dollar donors in Texas and elsewhere, Cornyn has touted his nearly $33 million raised in the current two-year cycle, part of a whopping $415 million raised for Republican Senate candidates since Cornyn was elected to the Senate in 2002. Only McConnell himself has been a more prolific fundraiser for the Senate GOP. In a press statement last week endorsing Cornyn for leader, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri highlighted the large amount of money the Texan has raised.

In the last two years, nobody has done more to win back the majority than he has. He tirelessly raised millions of dollars for competitive Senate races, including mine, Hawley said of Cornyn.

And then theres Rick Scott, Musks pick, who challenged McConnell in 2022. Scotts allies see the 10 votes he received then as a floor for his support two years later, a base of more conservative and more pro-Trump senators looking to radically change how the Senate works. So far, Scott has the most public endorsements, including Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and his fellow Floridian Marco Rubio. On top of that, the support from Musk and the larger MAGA movement has given Scott the perception of momentum.

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But whatever the online groundswell for Scott, what ultimately matters is support from actual senators who will be voting by secret ballot. (Unlike the election for House speaker, the Senate majority leader is not selected publicly in a vote of both parties on the chamber floor.)

Among Scotts challenges: His colleagues were disappointed with his stewardship of Republicans electoral efforts in 2022, when he was chair of the NRSC and needed to win just one seat to capture the majority. The committees political and spending practices during that cycle earned scrutiny, especially after some Scott-driven expensive overhauls to the way the NRSC raised money left the committee without the cash to run many ads in the final weeks of the midterm campaign.

Scott himself spent much of his time boosting Senate candidates in out-of-reach racesmoves that McConnells camp saw at the time as boosting Scotts profile at the expense of helping winnable campaigns. After Republicans failed to win back control of the Senate in 2022, there were even calls by some senators for an audit of the NRSC, although Scott pushed back and blamed staffers under his predecessor, Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, for the failures.

But that was then, and this is now. Between Trumps latest litmus test and Musks ability to turn over the megaphone to the populist grassroots, its possible supporting Scott in the leadership race could be seen as a proxy for supporting the incoming president. And in this honeymoon period, thats a position nearly every sitting Republican senator has an interest in maintaining.

Notable and Quotable

That was a cataclysm. Electoral map wipeout. Senate D practical ceiling is now 52 seats. Rs is 62. Time to rebuild the left. We are out of touch with the crisis of meaning/purpose fueling MAGA. We refuse to pick big fights. Our tent is too small.

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Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut in a post on X, introducing a thread in which he encourages fellow Democrats to embrace economic populism, November 10, 2024

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The 2008 Peugeot crossover became the basis for the Iran Khodro Ray budget crossover. The Iranian automaker creates very cheap models, and the new Ray is no exception.

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The photo is published by Khodro Bank, the car was caught during road tests before preparing for mass production. However, there are also photos from a small presentation.

The new Iran Khodro Ray looks unfamiliar, but inside it is a first-generation Peugeot 2008, which gave way to its successor a few years ago. Currently, its components are used by an Iranian budget car.

The cheap Iran Khodro Ray crossover is built on the same platform and is equipped with 1.6-liter (113 hp) and 1.7-liter (160 hp) engines. The front-wheel drive car will be equipped with a manual and automatic transmission.

The design differs from Peugeot models. Although some of the company's other cars, also based on the French brand's units, have always looked like them. The front of the Ray is more reminiscent of Hyundai cars.
Donald Trump Jr. is facing scrutiny for amplifying an outspoken anti-Israel comedian on social media over the weekend, particularly as he takes a leading role in shaping the incoming Trump administration.



On Sunday, Trump Jr. voiced his agreement with Dave Smith, a libertarian podcaster and comedian, who in a post on X called for maximum pressure to keep all neocons and war hawks out of the Trump administration.



The post came shortly after President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday night that he would not ask Mike Pompeo, his former secretary of state, and Nikki Haley, who served as his ambassador to the United Nations, to join his next administration.



The stop Pompeo movement is great but its not enough, Smith said in his post responding to the decision. They have had their time at the table and brought nothing but disaster to the world and this country, he added. America First: screw the war machine!



Trump Jr., for his part, endorsed that view on X, where he has nearly 13 million followers. Agreed 100% 100% 100%!!! he wrote the following day. Im on it.



By boosting Smith, Trump Jr. was aligning with a fierce critic of Israel and its ongoing war in Gaza  which he has called every bit as evil as the worst of Hamas Oct. 7 terror attacks, and on a much larger scale. The comedian has also claimed that the way Israel was founded was illegitimate and immoral, while suggesting that, during World War II, the Zionist agenda at the time very much lined up with Hitlers agenda, among other incendiary remarks.



In recent months, Smith, who is Jewish, has indulged Holocaust revisionism in conversations with Candace Owens, a far-right provocateur who frequently traffics in antisemitic tropes, and Darryl Cooper, a Hitler apologist who has argued Winston Churchill was the chief villain of World War II.



Smith has defended Owens and Cooper, even as Republicans have sought to distance themselves from the two controversy-stoking commentators.



Over the summer, for instance, Trump Jr. faced backlash for a scheduled appearance with Owens at a crypto event in Nashville, Tenn.  prompting her removal from the gathering. Meanwhile, some GOP lawmakers criticized Cooper after he sat down for a friendly interview with Tucker Carlson, a close ally of Trump Jr. who is also reportedly advising on the transition process.



Smith, who boasts a sizable following on social media, has also denounced Trumps policies in the Middle East  even as he identifies as a MAGA enthusiast. On X last March, he called Trump a war criminal who should spend his life in prison, citing the Abraham Accords as contributing to increases in civilian deaths across the region.



In June, Smith condemned Trump after his consequential debate with President Joe Biden  urging his followers to take a moment to appreciate how unbelievably awful and cowardly Trumps take on Israel was.



Joe Biden, the lifelong Zionist who is currently funding the assault on Gaza, is a Palestinian? Wow, good one Trump! Smith said, referring to a remark Trump made in the debate. He had an opportunity to actually take a brave America first stance but instead he decided to be every worthless Republican Ive heard make the same tired argument for my entire life.



Asked for his response to Smiths past statements, Trump Jr.s team sought to distance him from the comedian in a statement shared with Jewish Insider on Monday.



Don is not familiar with his views on Israel, Arthur Schwartz, a spokesperson for Trump Jr., said of Smith. Hes not familiar with the views on Israel held by most people that he interacts with on X. But this guilt by association nonsense is one of many reasons that Dems got their asses handed to them on Election Day, so please keep it up.



Smith, for his part, did not respond to a request for comment about his engagement with Trump Jr.



While Smith praised Trumps announcement that he would not include Pompeo and Haley in his next administration, he said in a separate post that the president-elect followed up with a horrible pick for ambassador to the United Nations, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who was offered the position on Monday.



He also proposed a handful of isolationists for top national security posts, including Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), a critic of U.S. aid to Israel, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). These, very realistic, picks alone would send shockwaves through DC, Smith said on X, and bring serious change to the most corrupt town on earth.



Trump Jr.s decision to boost Smith this weekend, which drew criticism on social media, underscored some of the tensions surrounding his involvement in the transition process  where he has vowed to enlist MAGA loyalists who wont interfere with his fathers agenda.



It also underscored heightened concerns among traditionally conservative pro-Israel voices who have privately expressed reservations about the direction the president-elect will take on Middle East policy in a second term.



Trump has indicated that he will work to expand the Abraham Accords and return to a hardline approach against Iran. But he has sent mixed messages on the Middle East, calling for Israel to quickly wrap up its war in Gaza and using contradictory rhetoric while courting Arab American voters in Michigan during the election.



It remains unclear how that ideological push and pull will ultimately shape Trumps policies toward Israel, as he excludes some of the most prominent pro-Israel voices from his first administration while staffing a second.



For the moment, at least, some pro-Israel Republicans are taking a wait-and-see approach to the Trump transition  even as his sons recent social media activity has raised questions about key foreign policy decisions.



Lets first see who he picks for his Cabinet before making any judgments, said Eric Levine, a GOP fundraiser who sits on the board of the Republican Jewish Coalition.




Donald Trump Jr took a swipe at Volodymyr Zelensky after sharing a social media post suggesting that the Ukrainian president was just weeks away from losing his allowance  a reference to US military funding for fighting Vladimir Putins.

President-elect Donald Trump has staunchly criticized the Biden Administration spending more than $64 billion in providing security assistance to Ukraine since Russias invasion of the nation in February 2022, according to figures from the US Department of State.

On Sunday, Trumps eldest son mocked Zelensky in a social media tirade, teasing that Ukraines military aid budget was about to be abolished.

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The outspoken political scion shared an Instagram post by former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, as per screenshots taken by the Daily Beast, with the caption: POV: Youre 38 Days from losing your allowance.

The clip shows the Ukrainian president looking stoney-faced as he stands next to Trump, before the screen turns black and black and white and dollar bills cascade from the ceiling.

The 38 days comment is thought to make reference to December 17, the day electors in each state meet to cast their votes for President and Vice President based on the results counted on Election Day.

Sharing a separate post on X on Sunday, Trump Jr also backed calls to keep neocons and war hawks out of the White House, hours after Trump ruled out former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo  who are both pro-Ukraine  from having a position in his cabinet.

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Trump has attempted to foster relations with both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents since he defeated vice president Kamala Harris at the ballot box last week.

The president-elect had a 25-minute phone call with Zelensky on Wednesday, with a source telling Axios that the exchange went well and didnt leave Zelensky with a feeling of despair.

Trump Jr speaks ahead of Trump arriving at a campaign rally at J.S. Dorton Arena, Monday, November 4 in Raleigh, North Carolina (AP)

On Thursday, the soon-to-be 47th president also spoke with Putin. Trump is said to have advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine further, several sources close with the matter told The Washington Post.

One source said Trump expressed interest in having a follow-up call with Putin to discuss the resolution of Ukraines war soon.

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The Kremlin denied reports on Monday. "This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "There was no conversation."

"This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications," Peskov said.

At a Detroit campaign rally In June, Trump described Zelensky as maybe the greatest salesman of any politician thats ever lived.

Every time he comes to our country, he walks away with $60 billion, Trump continued before later adding: I will have that settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect.

Zelensky and Trump meet at Trump Towers in New York City September 27 (AP)

Trump repeated the claim in a separate stump speech at a Pennsylvania campaign stop in September, just days before meeting Zelensky at Trump Tower in New York City.

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After their meeting, Ukrainian leader said he believed they shared a common view that the war has to be stopped and Putin cant win.

With just 70 days until Trump is due to take office, the Biden Administration is said to be planning the remaining $6 billion in congressionally-allotted aid to Kyiv.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Ukraine-Russia war would not have happened if he remained in office in 2020. He has continued to claim that he would end Putins invasion of Ukraine in just a single day.

Questions remain how Trump is set to resolve the conflict, and he is yet to explain how he would do so.
(NewsNation)  President-elect Donald Trump plans to appoint Tom Homan, who was acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trumps first term, to be his border czar.

I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform late Sunday.

Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job, Trump added.

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Trump: Senate GOP leader candidates must agree to recess appointments

Homan served as acting director of ICE from January 2017 through June 2018. He oversaw the early stages of the Trump administrations controversial family separation policy, in which migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border without permission were criminally charged or referred for prosecution.

Last year, Homan defended the controversial policy of separating family members of those who entered the U.S. illegally.

Im sick and tired hearing about the family separation, Homan told the Conservative Political Action Conference last year. You know, Im still being sued over that, so come get me. I dont give a s***, right. Bottom line is, we enforced the law.

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Oklahoma superintendent issues memo on dismantling US education dept.

When I was a cop in New York and I arrested a father for domestic violence, or someone for [driving under the influence], I separated that family, he continued. When you violate the law with a child, youre going to be separated.

Homan voiced an equally strong message at the Republican National Convention in July.

I got a message to the millions of illegal aliens that Joe Biden has released into our country in violation of federal law: You better start packing now, he said.

Fact check: Both Harris, Trump won states with no voter ID laws

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Homans career began in West Carthage, New York, where he was a police officer. Later, he joined what was then known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

After positions as a border patrol agent, investigator and supervisor, he was appointed by then-President Barack Obama to be the Executive Associate Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2013.

Since retiring as acting ICE director in 2018, Homan joined the Heritage Foundation, and was a contributor to its Project 2025, the purported blueprint for Trumps second 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 NewsNation.
Immigrants, their employers and groups that work with them are already taking action ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps second term, in which he has promised to deport millions of people.

Some fear how the new administration could impact their families, while others are hopeful the plans  if they materialize  will make things better.

Trump allies are discussing deportation and detention options, with tackling the US-Mexico border seen as a priority from Day 1. And removing undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes is likely to be an early focus, a source familiar with the teams preliminary plans told CNN.

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But advocates fear deportation plans will soon reach deeper into American communities, targeting people who they say have a right to live here.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States, is securing money and lawyers to fight what it is already calling potential vicious, malevolent, cruel and ruthless immigration policies.

Make no mistake: Mass deportations will harm the millions targeted by Donald Trump, the families and communities they are part of  and every person in our country. They will rip parents from their children, destroy businesses and livelihoods, and devastate the fabric of our nation and our economy, said Juan Proano, CEO of LULAC.

A lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union says its planning for legal challenges is already well advanced.

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We have been preparing for a second Trump term for nearly a year, with a focus on the most draconian possible policies, including the threat to use the military for deportation, which is flatly illegal, said Lee Gelernt, an ACLU attorney who argued many of the most high-profile cases during Trumps first term.

The National Immigrant Justice Center said its lawyers were ready, too.

We will continue our work of providing critical legal representation to immigrants and refugees, fighting to keep families together, defending access to asylum, and advocating for the end of arbitrary detention and unjust deportation, Mary Meg McCarthy, the centers executive director, said in a statement.

What happens now?

Cesar Espinosa, a leader in Houstons Hispanic community, said hes had many calls and messages from worried people since Trump won reelection early Wednesday.

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We can feel the sense of uncertainty from a lot of people. A lot of people are asking, What happens now? What do we do? he said.

Some are in so-called mixed status families made up of US citizens and undocumented immigrants. And the fear is that non citizens will be targeted immediately, said Espinosa, who is a legal permanent resident, or green card holder.

Supporters of then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gather outside Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, on February 29, 2024, the day Trump visits the U.S.-Mexico border at Eagle Pass. - Go Nakamura/Reuters

He says he tries to calm fears by saying that mass deportations, particularly of non-criminals, will take time. Meanwhile, he keeps count of the time when he can apply for US naturalization, still more than two years away.

Espinosa said machismo among Latino men may have contributed to support for Trump.

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Unfortunately, a lot of people in the Latino community have bought into the rhetoric of being anti-immigrant, even the immigrants themselves, he said.

Jorge Rivas support for Trump is obvious. He features a MAGA burger on the menu at Sammys Mexican Grill, in Catalina, Arizona, north of Tucson, the restaurant he runs with his wife, Betty.

Rivas, born in El Salvador, was granted asylum at age 17, he says, and sees little connection between his life as an immigrant and those at the top of Trumps potential deportation list.

If they let in hundreds or thousands of people who already have criminal records, if deporting them creates a mass deportation, Im all for it, he said.

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He does not think the action will extend to law-abiding workers.

That wouldnt be fair, he said. They need to make sure that they dont throw away, they dont kick out, they dont deport people that are family oriented.

Advocates mobilize

In California, where farmers are reliant on migrant labor, there is a renewed call for immigration reform to allow people into the US for temporary agricultural work. There are also calls for legal status for the current workforce.

We must focus on easing the chronic employee shortages on California farms and ranches and reducing the barriers to employment, California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass said in a statement to CNN.

A farmworker wears protective clothing while working in a field during the morning heat on July 3, 2024, near Coachella, California. - Mario Tama/Getty Images

Flowers are seen on the ground during the "Protect Asylum Seekers" vigil in New York on February 1, 2024, following the death of a 3-month-old inside a Queens migrant shelter. - Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images

In the urban heart of New York City, where thousands of migrants and asylum seekers have stretched local resources, some houses of worship are preparing to shift their missions.

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The faith community has been mobilized for more than two and a half years in kind of an emergency capacity, said the Rev. Chloe Breyer, executive director of the Interfaith Center of New York, a religiously diverse non-profit agency. The challenge was not specifically deportation, as it is now, the challenge was the feeding, the housing and the welcome of enormous numbers of people.

She said there was a biweekly call of about 60 churches, mosques and synagogues involved in welcoming migrants that could be pivoted. Thats the network that will be mobilized when it comes to fighting any sort of more extreme measures such as deportation.

A day after the election, New York City officials said fear was premature when they addressed immigration and how they would work with the incoming Trump administration.

The city has sanctuary laws that prevent local authorities from contacting federal immigration officers if they come across a migrant without permission to be in the US. Some in Mayor Eric Adams administration have said they want the laws amended to not include those who commit violent crimes, but for now any city-federal cooperation is limited.

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Were working with all of the agencies that interact with immigrant communities to make sure that they understand what our sanctuary laws are and what they are expected to follow, said Manuel Castro, the mayors commissioner for immigrant affairs. While the laws are in place, he said, anxiety and fear for immigrant communities is rooted in misinformation and even hate crimes.

But Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, warned that sanctuary laws wont stop federal immigration agencies from doing what they want.

Sanctuary laws dont stop federal agencies. They just dont allow the city and state to participate, Awawdeh said. Theyve never been a firewall.

Federal enforcement

Officials in US Customs and Border Protection and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, two agencies under the Department of Homeland Security, are not commenting on any potential new policies or preparations. Both would be central to any deportation plan, but top leadership will not change until the second Trump administration begins its work on January 20.

Asylum seeking migrants from China and Turkey climb a hill while looking to surrender to immigration officials, after crossing the border into the U.S. from Mexico in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, on May 20, 2024. - Adrees Latif/Reuters

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U.S. Border Patrol agents search for migrants trying to enter the United States from Mexico undetected, in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on October 24, 2024. - Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters

At both the northern and southern borders, apprehensions of those who have crossed illegally continue to be low in 2024, with a seven-day average of 1,700 a day, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the government data. The busiest sector was San Diego, with 350 people detained on Tuesday.

At some points in December 2023, migrant apprehensions exceeded 10,000 per day on the US southern border.

The day after the election, Jim Desmond, a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, posted a picture of himself and Vice President-elect JD Vance at the border wall, saying he was looking forward to securing it. Earlier this year, Desmond testified before Congress that federal policies had meant our Border Patrol has been reduced to processing agents, standing by, watching people break our laws.

Kenia Zamarripa, of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, said many local businesses had ties across the border with companies, operations and workers and that an efficient and secure border should still facilitate trade and travel.

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Its not just manufacturing, its not just tourism or retail, these are high-paying jobs and skilled workers that our businesses need to thrive, she told CNN.

The tone was more defiant in Los Angeles, where the University of Southern California estimated last year there were more than 800,000 undocumented immigrants in LA county. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told CNN: The immigrant community is the heart of our city and in the face of threats and fear, Los Angeles will stand together. No one should live in fear due to their immigration status. We will continue to support local and state policies that protect immigrants and provide vital resources.

She added: My message is simple: No matter where you were born, how you came to this country, Los Angeles will stand with you and this will not change.

The Los Angeles Unified School District  the second largest in the nation behind New York City  said it was bracing for a potential threat of legal action against students and their families that could lead to separation or deportation. It added that it would not enter into agreements with government agencies for the enforcement of federal immigration law unless required by law.

Immigration enforcement activities around schools create hardships and barriers to health and educational attainment and cultivate a pervasive climate of fear, conflict, and stress that affects all students in our district, regardless of their background or immigration status, a spokesperson for the district said in a statement sent to CNN.

The shadow of a migrant is cast over a tent at Juventud 2000 shelter in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on November 6, 2024. - Guillermo Arias/AFP/Getty Images

Across the border from San Diego in Tijuana, Mexico, about 3,400 people are waiting in migrant shelters, according to Jose Luis Perez Canchola, the citys migration affairs director.

Many are hoping to enter the US legally using the CBP ONE app run by DHS to get an immigration appointment, but there are fears that the app could be impacted, he said.

In the event of a mass cancellation of appointments and closing CBP ONE, what may happen is that many will decide to illegally cross the border before January 2025, Perez Canchola said.

There is also concern in Piedras Negras, the Mexican city across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, Texas. Theres fear and trepidation, said Sister Isabel Turcios, director of the Frontera Digna shelter, where migrants were also using CBP ONE to get an appointment with an immigration officer.

I try to calm them because the anxiety theyre feeling is very great, she said.

CNNs Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this story.

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Dialing In

During his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just one day after the election, president-elect Donald Trump decided to include his number one campaigner: Elon Musk.

First reported by Axios, this three-way call was apparently less tense than one might expect.

According to insiders Axios spoke to, Zelenskyy was reassured by what he heard from the billionaire pair amid speculation about how a second Trump presidency will affect the United States' relations with Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion.

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One of those sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity so they could discuss the matter freely, said that it "didn't leave Zelenskyy with a feeling of despair."

In particular, the Ukrainian president was heartened that the call happened so soon after the election, one of Axios' anonymous sources claims. Notably, the Zelenskyy call occurred days before Trump spoke to Putin  and during that exchange, which seems to have happened without Musk, he advised his Russian counterpart not to escalate his years-long incursion in Ukraine.

From Russia With Love

During the 25-minute call, Musk told the Ukrainian leader that he'd continue supporting Ukraine via Starlink satellite. That reassurance was also likely welcome to Zelenskyy following reports last month indicating that Russian forces were using Ukraine's Starlink access to their own ends.

It's also curious that the South African-born technocrat was put on the call given that just a few weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal reported that Musk had been having secret phone calls with Putin since late 2022  the same year Russia invaded Ukraine.

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During those chats, Putin purportedly asked Musk not to provide Starlink access to Taiwan at the behest of Chinese President Xi Jinping  and given that the disputed country still doesn't have Starlink, it appears that the billionaire acquiesced.

It doesn't appear that those clandestine chats were discussed during the relatively brief call between Trump, Musk, and Zelenskyy. Nevertheless, we'd love to hear what the trio did talk about.

More on Musk: Elon Musks Daughter Vivian Says Hes a "Delusional and Grubby Little Control Freak"
The 13 months since October 7 2023 have had a clarifying effect. No more hiding in the murk. Many people with pre-existing moral weakness or susceptibility to disinformation about Israel have since Hamass butcherous invasion leaned deeply and proudly into a variety of anti-Jewish positions. Ivy League college campuses, in particular, have shown their true colours. Too many have pioneered a new model of student life as a cesspit of open support for Palestinian jihadist groups.

Nobody showed up the anti-Jewish rot at the heart of Americas elite colleges quite like New York Republican Elise Stefanik, who presided over House hearings with the then-presidents of Harvard, University of Pennsylvania and MIT. A highlight was when Stefanik asked the universities representatives whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated their codes of conduct. Their shameful answer? It depends on the context. Claudine Gay, then president of Harvard, was subsequently forced to step down over a plagiarism scandal.

How satisfying, then, to learn that Stefanik has been appointed by Donald Trump as US ambassador to the UN, the worlds greatest international hotbed of respectable Israel-loathing and a body so pernicious in its attitude towards the Jewish state that it makes Harvard look positively friendly.

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For decades, the UN has been rigged against Israel. Its main relief organisation for Palestinians, UNRWA, is so rotten that nine of its staff (of many more suspected) were found to have actually participated in the October 7 attacks. While obsessed with false charges of Israeli genocide in Gaza, the UN has not managed to pass a resolution condemning Hamas. UN Women had nothing to say about the rape and torture of Israeli women on that horrible day until shamed into issuing a comment.

Then there are biased UN potentates like Francesca Albanese, the UNs special rapporteur for Palestine, and the UN secretary general Antonio Guterres himself, whose response to the October 7 attacks was to appear to justify the Hamas attacks by saying they did not happen in a vacuum.

And so it is pleasing to know that into this bog will come the woman who made her name on the international stage for calling out just the sort of embedded anti-Israel rhetoric that the UN loves and emboldens. A woman who has a track record of making the great and the good tremble as they refuse to stand up against groups and forces justifying the murder of Jews.

Stefanik isnt entirely good news. She was among those staunch Trump allies who denied the results of the 2020 presidential election and said that Nancy Pelosi shared the blame for the Capitol riots on 6 January.

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But when it comes to angering and irritating all the right people, her appointment as US ambassador to the UN could not be better. In the post-October 7 court of international opinion, we need more people pointing out the moral cowardice and hypocrisy of those in positions of responsibility. Stefanik is unlikely to be afraid to do that.

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By Gram Slattery and Alexandra Ulmer

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (Reuters) - As advisers and allies of Republican President-elect Donald Trump search for personnel to staff his coming administration, one quality is absolutely paramount: unquestioning loyalty.

During his 2017-2021 term, Trump butted heads with key appointees, particularly those in the intelligence, national security and law enforcement communities, several of whom later recounted slow-walking or trying to talk Trump out of his most controversial plans.

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Without people around him who are inclined to push back, the president-elect may find it easier to bend longstanding norms in pursuit of his conservative agenda, both Trump supporters and opponents say.

On Thursday, Trump named his campaign chief, Susie Wiles, as White House chief of staff. And on Saturday, Trump said he would not invite back his former U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, nor his former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, both of whom have criticized elements of Trump's conduct and policy, even as they tried to make amends in recent months.

Just days before the Nov. 5 election, one of Trump's former chiefs of staff, John Kelly, called him a "fascist" in an interview. One of his national security advisers, John Bolton, has repeatedly described Trump as unintelligent. And his second defense secretary, Mark Esper, recounted talking Trump out of bombing drug cartels in Mexico in his 2022 autobiography.

Trump has in return blasted those former cabinet-level officials, going so far as to suggest that his second joint chiefs of staff chairman, Mark Milley, should have been executed for treason. This time around, Trump has said only true believers in him - and in his "Make America Great Again" movement - will be allowed into government.

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"President Trump has publicly said that he's learned from his first term," Mike Davis, a conservative attorney who frequently talks to the president-elect, told Reuters. Davis, who helped Trump get his Supreme Court picks through the Senate as a high-ranking Capitol Hill aide, has drawn frequent praise from Trump's most conservative allies.

"Political appointees require both competency and loyalty. You can't have just one or the other. You need both."

On X last week, Davis put it bluntly: "Before asking me for help, I am going to ask you to provide me specific and concrete evidence of your loyalty to Trump," he wrote. "If you cannot provide a lot of that, stop asking me."

A FORENSIC LOOK

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To keep actors considered disloyal out of Trump's government, his transition team is taking a forensic look at every potential appointee for signs they might turn against their boss, even for lower-level appointees like assistant and deputy secretaries, according to two people involved in the effort.

Researchers contracted by Trump's transition team are sifting through potential appointees' past statements to see if they have ever spoken negatively about Trump, according to one of those people involved in the transition effort, who has direct knowledge of the matter. They are also checking if potential appointees have donated to Democrats - or even to Republicans who have sharply criticized the president-elect, that person said.

While such donations or negative statements are not necessarily disqualifiers, the person added, they are demerits.

Davis singled out the attorney general as a particularly crucial position.

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Trump fired his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, after he declined to shut down inquiries into contacts between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russian officials. Trump later said that hiring Sessions was his "biggest mistake."

Trump also fired his first FBI director, James Comey, under similar circumstances.

With a more loyal attorney general and FBI director, Trump allies say, he would be less likely to face damaging probes. Trump would also likely face less resistance if he tries to make good on campaign trail pledges to investigate opponents, including Democratic President Joe Biden, a matter of serious concern for Democrats and civil servants.

A spokesperson for Trump did not address the dynamics of how potential political appointees were being selected, beyond saying decisions on key appointments were imminent. Three appointments - White House chief of staff, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and border czar - have already been announced.

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In a statement, the Democratic National Committee expressed concern that Trump was choosing loyalists they said would put Trump's interests over those of the nation.

"Instead of making sure agencies and law enforcement have the best and the brightest with the resources they need, Trump and his cronies are looking to dole out job offers to loyalists who will put Trump ahead of the American people," said Alex Floyd, a DNC spokesperson.

LOYALTY TO POLICY - AND THE MAN

While it is normal for presidents to choose loyal allies for key appointments, the focus on loyalty over subject-matter expertise goes beyond the norm, according to interviews with five Trump advisers and public statements made by the president-elect's associates.

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In many cabinets, presidents often reach out to the various wings of their own party so that distinct ideological factions have a seat at the table. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, said on the trail that she would appoint a Republican to her cabinet.

"We're going to give people the role based on their capacity  and their fidelity and loyalty to the policy, as well as to the man," Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of Trump's transition effort, told the Financial Times last month.

One Trump adviser predicted the president-elect would bring much of his campaign to the White House, many members of whom have proven their loyalty in Trump's eyes by running a disciplined and tight-lipped campaign. Last time around, that adviser noted, Trump hired officials from the Republican National Committee.

"Loyalty is super important," said the Trump adviser, who was not authorized to speak to the media.

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"There will be a lot more of the campaign staff that will transition over to the White House. Last time, a lot of party folks ended up in the White House, but their loyalty wasn't to the president. It was to themselves."

(Reporting by Gram Slattery in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Alexandra Ulmer in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Aram Roston in Washington; Editing by Ross Colvin and Howard Goller)
Trump quickly filled out his Cabinet and other top White House roles as he prepares to take office in January

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Atlanta on Oct. 15, 2024 Former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Atlanta on Oct. 15, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has selected his advisory team for a second term in the White House after sifting through a long list of potential Cabinet nominees.

Dozens of top jobs were up for grabs in the Trump-Vance administration, and everyone who helped the former president emerge victorious in the 2024 presidential election hoped to cash in by gaining influence on his policies  some who have served in Congress, some from Wall Street, some who helped compile Project 2025 and some who played roles in his White House four years ago.

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Related: Elon Musk Has Been with Donald Trump 'Nearly Every Single Day' Since Election, 'Weighing In on Staffing Decisions': Report

Though many of the Cabinet-level positions require Senate approval  which could prevent a few of the more controversial nominees from getting confirmed in January  Trump has now made his dream team clear.

From Fox News personalities to wealthy business executives and everyone in between, here's who he tapped to fill each of the high-level openings that will have direct access to the Oval Office after he is sworn in.

Cabinet Secretaries

Secretary of State

Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the top pick for secretary of state, at a Trump rally on July 9, 2024 Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the top pick for secretary of state, at a Trump rally on July 9, 2024

The most coveted Cabinet position will hold even more significance in the next administration, as foreign policy takes center stage with the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

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On Nov. 13, Trump formally offered the role to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a staunch Israel advocate and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who was thought to be on Trump's running mate shortlist over the summer. Rubio, 53, was born to Cuban immigrants who came to the United States during the 1950s Cuban Revolution.

"He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries," Trump said in a statement.

Secretary of the Treasury

Vincent Alban/Bloomberg via Getty Scott Bessent, the nominee for treasury secretary, attends RNC events on July 16, 2024 Scott Bessent, the nominee for treasury secretary, attends RNC events on July 16, 2024

The secretary of the treasury is effectively the chief financial officer of the United States government, in charge of shaping an administration's economic policy. Among the many in Trump's orbit with finance backgrounds, hedge fund manager Scott Bessent rose to the top of the pack to lead the Treasury Department.

Bessent, a 62-year-old gay man who once supported Al Gore's presidential campaign and worked as an investor for liberal philanthropist George Soros, has become an unlikely ally of Trump's. Prior to earning the secretary nomination, he served as an economic adviser for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

Secretary of Defense

Michael Brochstein/ZUMA Wire/Shutterstock Fox News host Pete Hegseth was a surprise choice for secretary of defense Fox News host Pete Hegseth was a surprise choice for secretary of defense

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Fox News host Pete Hegseth becoming Trump's top choice for defense secretary was a development that Washington insiders didn't see coming.

"Pete has been a host at FOX News for eight years, where he used that platform to fight for our Military and Veterans," Trump said in a statement, before touting that Hegseth had a bestselling book which he says "reveals the leftwing betrayals of our Warriors, and how we must return our Military to meritocracy, lethality, accountability, and excellence."

Related: Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Jokes He Hasn't Washed His Hands in 10 Years Because 'Germs Aren't Real'

Hegseth, 44, is a political newcomer who is far younger than most people who have held the high-ranking post. If approved by Senate, the Army National Guard officer will oversee the Pentagon and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Attorney General

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks to reporters on June 18, 2024 Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks to reporters on June 18, 2024

Hours after Trump's initial choice for attorney general  embattled Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz  withdrew his nomination amid bipartisan criticism, the president-elect put forward a new name to lead the Department of Justice: former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

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Related: Matt Gaetz Bought Sex with His 'Son' Nestor's PayPal Account, Women Reportedly Told House Investigators

Since leaving state office in 2019, Bondi, now 59, has served as a lobbyist for the government of Qatar, a Fox News contributor, and the top lawyer on the Trump-aligned think tank America First Policy Institute. Previously backed by Scientologists, Bondi has been a staunch ally of Trump's, defending him in his first impeachment trial and promoting his false claims of election fraud.

"For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans - Not anymore," Trump said in a statement revealing his new AG nominee on Nov. 21.

During an August 2023 appearance on Fox's Hannity, Bondi commented on Trump's vision for the Department of Justice in a second term: "The prosecutors will be prosecuted  the bad ones. The investigators will be investigated. Because the Deep State, last term for President Trump, they were hiding in the shadows. But now they have a spotlight on them, and they can all be investigated. And the house needs to be cleaned out."

Secretary of Interior

Bryan Dozier/Variety via Getty Doug Burgum on Sept. 10, 2024 Doug Burgum on Sept. 10, 2024

It was announced that Doug Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota and supporter of the fossil fuel industry, will serve as the interior secretary.

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Trump also revealed that he will serve on the newly formed National Energy Council, which will include departments and agencies "involved in the permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation, transportation of all forms of American energy."

A former businessman and founder of venture capitalist and real-estate development firms, Burgum is reportedly among the richest politicians in the U.S., with an estimated net worth of at least $1.1 billion.

Secretary of Agriculture

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Brooke Rollins, the CEO of a Trump-aligned think tank, at an event on July 26, 2022 Brooke Rollins, the CEO of a Trump-aligned think tank, at an event on July 26, 2022

Brooke Rollins, founder of the Trump-aligned think tank America First Policy Institute, beat out a couple of Department of Agriculture veterans to earn the nomination for agriculture secretary. If confirmed by Senate, Rollins, 52, will play an important role in determining whether rural and low-income Americans feel supported by the administration, as the overseer of a wide range of agencies that deal with forests, food safety, food stamps and rural development.

Rollins has an agricultural development degree from Texas A&M University and she formerly served as Trump's director of domestic policy during his first term.

Secretary of Commerce

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Billionaire Howard Lutnick, co-chair of the Trump 2024 transition team Billionaire Howard Lutnick, co-chair of the Trump 2024 transition team

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Billionaire Wall Street executive Howard Lutnick, who has helped vet Trump's potential White House administrators, was announced on Nov. 19 as the nominee for secretary of commerce. Lutnick is the CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald and has been acting as a co-chair on Trump's presidential transition team.

"He will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative," Trump said, referencing his controversial plan to hike tariffs, which has been criticized by economists on both sides of the aisle.

Secretary of Labor

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer at a bill signing on March 10, 2023 Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer at a bill signing on March 10, 2023

Days after losing her reelection bid in Oregon's 5th Congressional District, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer was unexpectedly named Trump's pick for secretary of labor. Representing a swing district for one term in the House, Chavez-DeRemer, 56, has been seen as a generally pro-union Republican, making her addition to a less labor-friendly administration a surprising choice.

"Loris strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success  Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger and more Prosperous than ever before!" Trump said in a statement.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Rebecca Noble/Getty Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspends his independent presidential campaign on Aug. 23, 2024, to endorse Donald Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspends his independent presidential campaign on Aug. 23, 2024, to endorse Donald Trump

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, after Trump previously said that he would let the anti-vaccine activist do whatever he wants with government health agencies after hes sworn in.



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Some previously believed that Kennedy, 70, could be named a broad health "czar" instead, which would not need Senate approval and would prevent lawmakers from rehashing his political and personal controversies during the confirmation process.

Related: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says Donald Trump Will 'Remove Fluoride' from Public Drinking Water if Elected

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

AP Photo/Evan Vucci Scott Turner, then the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, at a Cabinet meeting on May 18, 2020 Scott Turner, then the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, at a Cabinet meeting on May 18, 2020

Former NFL defensive back Scott Turner, 52, was nominated to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development after previously working with HUD Secretary Ben Carson as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

Turner  who played for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos  went on to serve as a Texas state representative from 2013 to 2017. He founded the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, which aims to support children from low-income families through "sports, mentorship and economic opportunity."

Secretary of Transportation

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy in September 2016 Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy in September 2016

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Fox Business host Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman, has been nominated for transportation secretary, under orders from Trump to stop airlines from considering diversity and inclusion when hiring pilots. Duffy, 53, immediately resigned from Fox when the announcement was made.

"The husband of a wonderful woman, Rachel Campos-Duffy, a STAR on Fox News, and the father of nine incredible children, Sean knows how important it is for families to be able to travel safely, and with peace of mind," Trump said in a statement.



Secretary of Energy

Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Chris Wright on Jan. 17, 2018 Chris Wright on Jan. 17, 2018

Chris Wright has been tapped to serve as the energy secretary and will also be a member of Trump's National Energy Council alongside Burgum.

Wright is the chief executive of Liberty Energy, a hydrofracking company, and a board member of the nuclear technology company Oklo Inc. In a video posted to LinkedIn, he said "there is no climate crisis and we're not in amidst of an energy transition."

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In his announcement of Wright's cabinet position, Trump noted that the energy executive "was one of the pioneers who helped launch the American Shale Revolution," which refers to the combining of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.

Secretary of Education

Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty WWE co-founder Linda McMahon, who has been nominated for education secretary WWE co-founder Linda McMahon, who has been nominated for education secretary

WWE co-founder Linda McMahon is Trump's choice for education secretary, tasked with overseeing a federal department that Trump has expressed interest in abolishing.

As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand Choice to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families," Trump said in a statement. "We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.

McMahon, 76, has played a pivotal role in recent weeks on Trump's transition team and previously served as administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump's first term. CNN's Kristen Holmes reported that McMahon was nominated for education secretary after Trump passed her over for commerce secretary, which she wanted.

Related: WWE Clip Shows Linda McMahon, Trump's Education Secretary Pick, Being Body Slammed by Kane, Now a Tenn. Mayor

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Graeme Jennings - Pool/Getty Congressman Doug Collins on June 10, 2020 Congressman Doug Collins on June 10, 2020

Former Congressman Doug Collins, who served as a members of the House of Representatives for Georgia's 9th district from 2013 to 2021, has been announced as the new head of the department responsible for issues involving benefits, health care as well as memorials and cemeteries for veterans.

"Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our nation as a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, and fought for our country in the Iraq War," Trump said in a statement, adding that Collins will be an advocate for people serving active duty.

Secretary of Homeland Security

KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will be nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will be nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security will play a significant role in Trump's second administration as the overseer of immigration and border security, in addition to anti-terrorism efforts, cyber-security, disaster prevention and the Secret Service.

Trump will nominate an unexpected ally to lead the department: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who was once thought to be under consideration for Trump's running mate. Many believed he would select someone with more border state experience, or someone who has worked in one of the immigration and border-related government agencies.

Senior Officials

'Border Czar'

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Tom Homan will serve as 'border czar' in Donald Trump's second administration Tom Homan will serve as 'border czar' in Donald Trump's second administration

Tom Homan, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was recruited as Trump's "border czar" to help carry out the president-elect's controversial plan for the largest mass deportation in history, working closely with the secretary of homeland security without having to get Senate approval.

"I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation's Borders," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Nov. 10.

The border czar is not an official government position, but Trump said it will entail Homan, 62, monitoring the United States' borders, plus overseeing security on the seas and in the skies.

Homan, who has asserted that the mass deportation plan is not racist, told Fox News Channel that ICE will be responsible for finding illegal immigrants. "When we go out there, we're going to know who we're looking for," he said. "We most likely know where they're going to be, and it's going to be done in a humane manner."



Leaders of Government Efficiency

Marc Piasecki/Getty; Anna Moneymaker/Getty Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will co-lead a department focused on government efficiency Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will co-lead a department focused on government efficiency

Billionaire businessmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were chosen to co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, which Trump says will "provide advice and guidance from outside of Government, and will partner with the White House and Office of Management & Budget to drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before."

Musk, 53, and Ramaswamy, 39, were once believed to be in the running for top administration positions, and their new assignment gives them a seat at the table without handing them control of a core federal department.



Related: Here Are All the Major Trump Team Players Who Heard 'You're Fired!'  or Quit, Were Replaced or Moved On

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin was chosen to lead the EPA in Donald Trump's second term

Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, was chosen to helm the Environmental Protection Agency. Before entering politics, Zeldin, 44, briefly ran a law firm and worked as an attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

"Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies," Trump said in a statement on Nov. 11. "He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet."

In recent years, the conservative-leaning Supreme Court has chipped away at the EPA's power to impose regulations on businesses that would help protect citizens from pollution and combat climate change. Trump campaigned in 2016 on abolishing the EPA and sought to dramatically cut back its funding as president. In the next term, he is expected to continue the work he began by rolling back environmental protections that force businesses to be mindful of their footprint.

Director of the Office of Management and Budget

AP Photo/Alex Brandon Russ Vought, Project 2025 co-author and Trump's pick for the OMB director Russ Vought, Project 2025 co-author and Trump's pick for the OMB director

Russ Vought, a co-author of Project 2025, has been tapped to return to his former role under Trump as director of the Office of Management and Budget, a position that helps compile the president's annual budget and ensure that federal agencies are acting in accordance with the White House.

"Russ has spent many years working in Public Policy in Washington, D.C., and is an aggressive cost cutter and deregulator who will help us implement our America First Agenda across all Agencies," Trump said of the 48-year-old nominee. "Russ knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State and end Weaponized Government, and he will help us return Self Governance to the People."

Related: The Woman Behind Biden's Federal Budget Hopes Her Work Makes a Statement: Its Anything but a Financial Document

Director of National Intelligence

Steven Ferdman/Getty Tulsi Gabbard at a live taping of 'Hannity' on Sept. 13, 2023 Tulsi Gabbard at a live taping of 'Hannity' on Sept. 13, 2023

Democratic presidential candidate turned MAGA spokesperson Tulsi Gabbard, 43, has been chosen to oversee all of the United States intelligence agencies as Trump's director of national intelligence.

Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman, is not a shoo-in to get approved by the Senate, given her history of undermining the U.S. intelligence community and, as The Hill reports, that she has been accused of mimicking Russian talking points and appearing unusually close to foreign adversaries.

Director of the C.I.A.

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty John Ratcliffe, then the director of national intelligence, on July 1, 2020 John Ratcliffe, then the director of national intelligence, on July 1, 2020

The New York Times previously reported that Trump is looking for someone who is willing to overhaul the Central Intelligence Agency to step in as director.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Trump announced former national intelligence director John Ratcliffe as his pick for the gig. In his announcement, Trump said that Ratcliffe, 59, earned his trust when he undermined "51 national intelligence officials" who said that the Hunter Biden laptop scandal was part of a Russian disinformation campaign.

Ratcliffe would report to the director of national intelligence.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, will join Donald Trump's administration

New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the fourth-ranking House Republican, will vacate her role to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations. In Trump's first administration, the position was notably held by friend-turned-foe Nikki Haley and, later, conservative business consultant Kelly Craft.

Stefanik replaced Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney as chair of the House GOP in 2021, after Cheney was stripped of her leadership position for speaking out against Trump. Stefanik, now 40, was the youngest congresswoman in history at the time of her swearing-in in 2015. Once considered a moderate, she rose the ranks after moving further right to become a fierce defender of the MAGA movement.



Related: Liz Cheney Sounds Alarm After Donald Trump Suggests She Face Firing Squad: 'How Dictators Destroy Free Nations'

White House Advisers

White House Chief of Staff

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Incoming White House chief of staff Susie Wiles at an election night watch party in Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 6, 2024 Incoming White House chief of staff Susie Wiles at an election night watch party in Palm Beach, Fla., on Nov. 6, 2024

Susie Wiles was the first official tapped to join Trump's next administration as the White House chief of staff, the senior-most political appointee in his administration who will have unmatched influence on his priorities and decision-making as the top adviser in the president's ear.

Wiles, 67, served as a senior adviser and co-campaign manager on Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. The Florida-based lobbyist has earned a reputation for being quiet and calculated in Trump's orbit, staying largely behind the scenes on the campaign. She will be the first female White House chief of staff.

"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 obtained by Politico.

Trump had four chiefs of staff during his first administration. The final one, Mark Meadows, is under indictment in two separate criminal cases for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

White House Counsel

Tom Williams/Roll Call/Getty Bill McGinley, who will act as White House counsel in Trump's second administration Bill McGinley, who will act as White House counsel in Trump's second administration

The White House counsel serves as a key guardrail for the president, leading a team of lawyers that offers legal guidance the president and his administration. Trump offered the position to Bill McGinley, who served as his White House Cabinet secretary from 2017 to 2019.

McGinley is a prominent D.C. lawyer who has previously held top legal roles with the Republican National Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

National Security Adviser

John Nacion/Getty Florida Rep. Mike Waltz will serve as Donald Trump's national security adviser Florida Rep. Mike Waltz will serve as Donald Trump's national security adviser

Florida Rep. Mike Waltz has been asked to join the administration as Trump's national security adviser, according to several reports. He will act as the president's right hand on security issues and work closely with the departments of State and Defense to understand the White House's options in times of crisis.

Waltz, 50, is a combat-decorated Green Beret who served in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. He serves on multiple House committees, including the Armed Forces and Foreign Affairs committees.

Homeland Security Adviser

Joe Raedle/Getty

Former White House speechwriter Stephen Miller, who has been integral in shaping Trump's mass deportation plan as an immigration adviser, will hold dual roles as a deputy White House chief of staff overseeing policy and as the homeland security adviser.

Miller, 39, founded a conservative legal advocacy group that was initially listed on the advisory board of Project 2025.

Related: Biden's Homeland Security Adviser Is the Most Powerful Woman Youve Never Seen  Until Now (Exclusive)

White House Press Secretary

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for Trump's 2024 campaign, will serve as the youngest White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for Trump's 2024 campaign, will serve as the youngest White House press secretary

Karoline Leavitt, a 27-year-old who served as the national press secretary for Trump's 2024 campaign, will serve as the face of the Trump administration's communications in the role of White House press secretary. She will be the youngest person to hold the title.

Other Notable Hires

Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Donald Trump stands outside the Manhattan Criminal Court with his lawyer, Todd Blanche, who will join the administration as a deputy attorney general Donald Trump stands outside the Manhattan Criminal Court with his lawyer, Todd Blanche, who will join the administration as a deputy attorney general

Todd Blanche, who represented Trump during his 2024 criminal trial, resulting in Trump being found guilty of 34 felony counts, will join the administration as deputy attorney general.

Also set to join Trump's administration is Emil Bove, who will serve as principal associate deputy attorney general. He will also serve as acting attorney general while Blanche goes through the process of being confirmed by the Senate.

Dean John Sauer has been tapped to serve as solicitor general. He was previously the lead counsel in the Trump v. United States case, which the Supreme Court ruled that Trump was absolutely immune from being charged for "official" presidential acts.

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After navigating media requests about Trump's countless campaign trail controversies, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung has been chosen to serve as the White House communications director.

Brendan Carr was selected to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The lawyer has served as a Republican member of the FCC since 2017, and he wrote the chapter on the FCC for the far-right governing blueprint Project 2025.

Celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz was nominated to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, tasked with working alongside RFK Jr. to "cut waste and fraud."



Frequent Fox News guests Janette Nesheiwat and Marty Makary were chosen to be surgeon general and FDA commissioner, respectively, alongside former Congressman Dave Weldon as the CDC director.
Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile on Sunday called for a great introspection after President-elect Trump outperformed expectations in some Democratic strongholds in the 2024 election cycle.

We should put it all on the table and have a great introspection as to what happened. What happened in New Jersey  and what was going on in Minnesota, what was going on, of course, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island? Brazile said in a panel discussion on ABC Newss This Week.

Trump improved not just his numbers in the battlegrounds, which we were talking about on election night, 3 to 4 points, Brazile said. He also improved in inner cities. He improved in outer suburbs. So it looks like Trump ran the 50-state strategy that the Democrats used to talk about.

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Trump outperformed expectations for his third straight presidential election, despite preelection polls showing a neck and neck race between him and Vice President Harris.

Trump pulled off a sweep of the main battleground states and appears set to win the popular vote. He also made considerable inroads in comfortably blue states, losing some of them by smaller margins than Republicans have previously.

Brazile, a longtime Democratic strategist, said everything should be on the table when discussing what went wrong for her party, but she also said she thinks Democrats need to do a better job at reaching voters.

So we can talk about messaging, we can talk about the map. We can also talk about just, was 107 days enough? All of this should be on the table. Were going to have a lot of introspection, Brazile said.

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But more importantly, look at the Democratic Party. I was there eight years ago when Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, and we looked at ourselves and said, What the hell? We tried to stitch together the blue wall with Elmers glue. We needed duct tape and a lot more, she said.

We got to do a better job of reaching the voters where they are, and not try to make pretend that this was won simply because Donald Trump is a better liar.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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At the 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece, Ukrainian actor Volodymyr Kravchuk won the Best Actor nomination. The 40-year-old actor was honored for his masterful performance in the science fiction film U Are the Universe, where he transformed into the last man in the universe.

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The relevant information was published on the festival's website. The jury noted that the actor managed to fully immerse the viewer in the events of the movie.

"For his outstanding performance in the story of one man trapped in the universe. He was surprisingly able to lead us through the path of human experience and love," the experts said.

Colleagues from the Drama and Comedy Theater on the left bank of the Dnipro River, where the actor serves, congratulated the star on his victory. They wrote on their Facebook page: "Congratulations to actor Volodymyr Kravchuk, who won the Best Actor award at the 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece for his leading role in the movie U Are the Universe.

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What is the movie "U Are the Universe" about?

The plot centers on a former trucker from Ukraine, Andriy Melnyk. After the Earth exploded, he found himself the last person in the universe, so he and his robot friend went to outer space to live their routine lives. One day, a French woman named Catherine got in touch with the man. Then Andriy's journey began to focus on finding that very girl, which required a lot of effort to cross the entire galaxy.

As a reminder, the premiere of the debut film by director Pavlo Ostrikov took place on September 7 at the Toronto International Film Festival. At that time, the film was named one of the best projects in Ukraine in 2024. "U Are the Universe" aroused great emotions among foreign audiences and received a standing ovation after the screening.

According to Ostrikov, only $750,000 was spent on filming the movie, and the process of creation was complicated by the constant shelling of our country. Ukrainians will be able to see the fantastic film in the spring of 2025.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that Russian actor Yuri Borisov was nominated for the American Gotham Awards 2024.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) partnered with El Paso law enforcement agencies in October to assist in bringing awareness to distracted driving laws, the department said in a news release.

The enforcement operation took place from Oct. 16 through Oct. 18 with the El Paso Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office and the El Paso County Constables Office, DPS said.

The focused areas of the operation were to reduce crashes in school zones, along with major roads and in total, the participating officers issued 63 cell phone violations and 30 Move Over or Slow Down violations, DPS said.

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According to DPS, the Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a vehicle with emergency lights including law enforcement, fire, EMS, the Texas Department of Transportation, tow trucks and other vehicles.

DPS is reminding drivers that when slowing down, you should be going 20 mph below the posted speed limit and only move lanes when its safe and legal.

People who violate the Move Over or Slow Down law can face fines up to $1,250 for first offenses. Violaters who cause bodily injury can possibly face jail time and a $4,000 fine, according to DPS.

According to TxDOT, nearly 1 in 6 crashes on Texas roads were caused by distracted drivers in 2023. Of those crashes, 399 people died and over 2,790 people were seriously injured as a result.

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Texting while driving is illegal and phone usage is prohibited in a school zone, according to DPS.

Violaters who use cell phones while driving can face fines up to $200 plus court costs, DPS said.

If you need to use your cell phone or mobile device, pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop.

DPS said at least one person on Texas roads has died every day since Nov. 7, 2000.

DPS is currently partnering with TxDOT to help hand out safety fliers to drivers who received warnings when pulled over by a DPS trooper.

For more on the safety effort, you can visit TxDOTs website here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Three people were left injured and a hospital was put on lockdown after a drive-by shooting in Whitehaven Sunday night.

A little before 10 p.m., officers say they responded to Methodist South Hospital where two shooting victims arrived by a private vehicle.

One victim was in critical condition. The other victim was non-critical and is expected to be ok.

Overnight armed barricade ends with suspect in custody

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Police say there was an accident and a shooting at the front gate of the hospital stemming from an earlier shooting in the 4000 block of Bogart Drive.

A third victim was then found suffering from a gunshot wound and taken inside the hospital in critical condition.

At that time, Methodist South Hospital was briefly placed on lockdown due to the incident.

Woman shot in face, suspect still on the run: Police

MPD says this is still an ongoing investigation.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said detectives have charged a man after he reportedly struck and killed an 80-year-old woman while he was driving in Oakton in September.

According to the department, on Sept. 21 at around 8:40 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Hunter Mill Road and Lynnhaven Place for a pedestrian crash.

During their investigation, police learned that a Ford F-150 struck 80-year-old Choon Kook, of Vienna, after she entered the crosswalk. Police said the driver was trying to make a turn into the Oakton Shopping Center when they hit her.

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Police said there was no pedestrian signal at the crossing.

77-year-old woman dies after crash in Oakton

Responders took Kook to the hospital, where she died.

In an update on Nov. 10, police said that detectives charged the driver of the Ford, 72-year-old Walter Bozarth, of Maryland, with failure to yield to a pedestrian. He was served a summons and released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
SHELTON, Conn. (WTNH)  An injured driver had to be extracted from his vehicle after crashing in Shelton Sunday evening, according to the Shelton Fire Department.

Authorities responded to a call at 5:28 p.m. near 333 Bridgeport Ave for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. The vehicle was rolled over into a utility pole when authorities arrived.

Photographs provided by the Shelton Fire Department.

The driver was the only person in the car and they were trapped and unconscious when crews arrived.

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The roof was removed so crews could access the patient. Within 13 minutes, the patient was in the care of Echo Hose Ambulance.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
A driver is hospitalized after a semi crashed into a ditch in Butler County Sunday night.

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Officers and medics responded to the State Route 4 Bypass and Tylersville Road on reports of a crash, according to our news partner WCPO in Cincinnati.

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When crews arrived, they found a semi had driven off the side of the road and fell into a ditch.

Medics transported the semi-driver to an area hospital with unknown injuries, WCPO said.

The crash remains under investigation.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)Weeks of very dry weather, low humidity, and days of brisk winds have caused brush fires across much of the state. Sunday night, western Massachusetts is getting a tiny bit of much-needed rain.

Elevated brush fire risk continues through early November weekends

Massachusetts saw over 200 brush fires in October, more than 11 times the average for this time of year. Because of the elevated risk, multiple Red Flag Warnings have been issued this past month.

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I do really like the rain when it comes down and everything, expressed Luke Dukette of West Springfield. I think its just very helpful to see everything. And I definitely agree. I think its just becoming not only a dry time of year, but its also just been very dry during the summer as well. So probably a lot of the brush doesnt have as much moisture as it normally does.

While some rain on Sunday evening, our 22News Storm Team projects that dry weather will return for the rest of the week.

7 Day Forecast

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Kayleigh Thomas is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Kayleigh on X @kayleighcthomas and view her bio to see more of her work.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
(NewsNation)  Fire crews are battling a wildfire on the New York-New Jersey border that has already resulted in the death of one volunteer firefighter and prompted air quality alerts in the region.

The fires in New Jersey are in a densely wooded area where around 3,000 acres are burning, and the fire is only 10% contained as of Sunday.

Smoke has diminished in the area after it rained Sunday night, but the amount of rainfall was not enough to make a dent in the fire.

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How could Trump influence military policies?

One aspect that complicates the fire is the underground root systems, which are dry, decayed, and rotting. That means the fire is also burning underground, which is hard to capture.

Make no mistake, though precipitation is forecasted, thats not going to solve the problem we have here with this wildfire, said New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly. Its inevitable that this fire is going to continue to burn until it reaches our control line.

Donnelly told NewsNation they are hoping to secure control lines and contain the fire by the end of the week.

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But its a difficult task, with New Jersey not well equipped to handle something that is very out of the norm for the region.

Volunteer firefighter Dariel Vasquez, 18, died when a tree fell on him as he was trying to fight the Jennings Creek fire in New York.

That fire straddles two states. It began in New York and has spread thanks to drought and high winds. At one point, there were around 11 burning across New Jersey, with the cause for all of them under investigation.

In one case, an arrest has been made. A man in Ocean County, New Jersey, allegedly fired a shotgun and sparked a fire with an ember from the shotgun shell.

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Jury deliberations resume in Delphi murder trial against Richard Allen

Other fires, which are at various stages of containment, are also being investigated. One fire was 100% contained on Sunday, but others are still spreading in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

Even New York City has been affected, with a brush fire breaking out in Brooklyns Prospect Park on Friday.

On the opposite coast, Southern California is also battling wildfires that have resulted in thousands of evacuations and more than 100 destroyed structures.

Wetter weather is in the forecast there as well, which could aid firefighters in their efforts to contain the blazes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
PENN TWP., SNYDER COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A road rage suspect is wanted after police say he choked and punched a dump truck driver multiple times after his van was hit by a stone.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on October 9 around 3:30 p.m., a man was assaulted in a road rage incident on Route 35 in Penn Township, Snyder County.

Police say the victim was operating a dump truck loaded with stones when a van passed him and slammed on the brakes. The driver of the van got out of his vehicle and yelled at the victim about a rock falling from the dump truck and breaking his windshield, troopers said.

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Home invasion victim allegedly tackles suspect to prevent escape

An argument between the two continued when the suspect jumped on the drivers side of the truck, struck the victim through the window then opened the door and punched him 12-15 times before choking the victim until he lost consciousness, investigators reported.

The suspect is described as a man with a dark-colored beard, around 510- 6, and he had a large build. The van was possibly a Ram, with a blue rectangular business logo on the side and a registration plate possibly out of Virginia.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Selinsgrove at 570-374-8145 or contact PSP Tips Toll-Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Action News Jax is digging deeper into an investigation regarding Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Bernier.

Action News Jaxs Ben Becker obtained a confidential report Friday night and learned new details Monday about Berniers behavior at his old job as superintendent for Lee County Schools in Southwest Florida.

This all began in April after a Lee County whistleblower complaint. It was regarding alleged racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. Bernier resigned shortly after and was then hired in May by DCPS.

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The investigative report concluded that Bernier spoke to his former COO in a dehumanizing, insulting, loud and disrespectful manner.

It also says Bernier spoke about and appeared to regard some female employees less favorably than men.

Investigators say specific claims of racism and sexism were unsubstantiated.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The report did say that one employee made the observation that Bernier can come off as an expletive.

This is what Bernier said about the investigation in June:

The facts will bear themselves out. I believe the board has done excellent due diligence including calling people that I provided personal phone numbers to, Bernier said.

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DCPS sent Becker a statement over the weekend that reads in part: The report clears Dr. Bernier of the most serious allegations pressed against him by a cabinet-level officer in Lee County. Dr. Bernier acknowledges that the report reflects areas in which he can improve, particularly with interpersonal interactions with senior leaders. He is committed to that improvement.

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Duval School Board members received a copy of the report shortly before the boards meeting last week. The Board meets again Tuesday for the first time since theyve had time to review the report.

Action News Jax will be monitoring that meeting and will have the latest updates as they become available.

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.
It is impossible to imagine December in Europe without Christmas markets. They create an atmosphere of celebration and belief in miracles. For many, going to a Christmas Eve market on the weekend is an annual family tradition. There, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, buy holiday souvenirs, and enjoy the beautiful, colorful decorations.

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Fairs in large popular cities are usually incredibly crowded and have long lines. Europe also has a lot to offer in the way of quieter, underrated markets without the noisy crowds of tourists. Wizz Air has prepared a list of the least crowded Christmas markets in Europe, perfect for a holiday vacation.

To determine the most popular and most underrated Christmas markets, Wizz Air experts analyzed more than 35 destinations. They used a keyword research tool to assess the popularity of each destination, focusing on searches for "[Destination] Christmas Market" on Instagram, TikTok, and Google, as well as Google searches for "flights to Destination" from October to December 2023.

Andras Rado, Head of Communications, commented on the results: "When people think of Christmas markets, cities like Prague, Munich, and Vienna often come to mind. However, Wizz Air wants to help travelers discover Europe's lesser-known winter gems. There are countless unique places where you can truly immerse yourself in the holiday spirit without suffering from lines or noisy crowds."

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Top 10 underrated Christmas markets in Europe

Saranda, Albania;

Esslingen, Germany;

Sibiu, Romania;

Craiova, Romania;

Gdansk, Poland;

Poznan, Poland;

Gothenburg, Sweden;

Bratislava, Slovakia;

Basel, Switzerland;

Wroclaw, Poland.

A study has found that the Christmas market in Saranda, Albania, is the most underrated in Europe. Although Albania is often referred to as a summer paradise, its winter charm may surprise you. The Saranda Christmas Market, though smaller than many of its well-known counterparts, offers a cozy atmosphere that highlights the region's rich culture and warm hospitality. The fair runs from December 6, 2024, to January 2, 2025.

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Next on the list is the medieval city of Esslingen in Germany. Given the low number of searches (only 3470), you can be sure to find the best place to marvel at the skillful glassblowers and blacksmiths who make holiday goods. During the holiday period, which will last from November 26 to December 22, there will be many holiday workshops.

The third place goes to the Christmas market in Sibiu, Romania. The city is located in the heart of the picturesque mountains of Transylvania. The Sibiu Christmas Market, which runs from November 15 to January 5, offers an extended holiday season, giving you plenty of time to experience its charm.

In fourth place is another Romanian Christmas market, this time in the city of Craiova. This market, known for its stunning light displays and festive atmosphere, transforms the city's central square into a winter fairy tale from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

Gdansk, Poland, took fifth place. Located on the picturesque Targ Wegowy Square, the fair offers visitors a magical atmosphere with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a tall Christmas tree from November 22 to December 23, 2024.

Top 10 most popular Christmas markets in Europe

Experts also released a rating of the most popular Christmas markets:

London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Birmingham, England; Prague, Czech Republic; Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria; Krakow, Poland; Berlin, Germany; Cologne, Germany; Brussels, Belgium.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA's Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest developments.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  An East Tennessee murder suspect who had become the subject of a multistate manhunt and a $5,000 reward has been captured, authorities in South Carolina announced on Sunday.

The Columbia Police Department announced just before 6 p.m. that Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, had been taken into custody. Police said an employee at an area hospital recognized Hamlett and notified law enforcement.

Maryville American Legion Post 13 marks Veterans Day weekend with community, camaraderie

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Hamletts identity was later confirmed using a fingerprint scanner and was placed into the temporary custody of U.S. Marshals. Arrangements are being made to extradite him back to Monroe County where he faces a first-degree murder charge.

The arrest came more than a week after U.S. Marshals confirmed that Hamlett had been spotted in the town of Chapin, South Carolina. Law enforcement also said he had ties to other states including Alaska, Montana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida.

On October 18, Monroe County deputies responded to the area of the Charles Hall bridge on the Cherohala Skyway after someone called 911 claiming to be an injured hiker named Brandon Andrade who was being chased by a bear.

Investigators found a mans body and quickly determined that the ID found on the victims body was stolen and had been used on multiple occasions. The victim was later identified as 34-year-old Steven Douglas Lloyd of Knoxville. Investigators said they believe Hamlett, befriended him, and lured him into a wooded area to take Stevens life and his identity.

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He was also wanted out of Alabama on a parole violation. Sheriff Bill Franklin of Elmore County, Alabama told 6 News that Hamlett pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault in 2011 but was paroled in July 2016.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
(Bloomberg) -- President Daniel Noboa removed his second-in-command as a political obstacle in Ecuador, while electoral authorities disqualified a conservative candidate ahead of Februarys election.

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The presidency announced that Planning Secretary Sariha Moya would replace Vice President Veronica Abad in an acting capacity on Monday. Abad was suspended by the labor ministry for 150 days last week after she was late in relocating to Turkey from Israel, where she is serving as a peace envoy.

The feud between Noboa, who must take leave from the presidency in January to run for re-election, began during last years snap campaign. Abad, a libertarian, blames the estrangement on Noboas willingness to cut a congressional deal with a left-wing party, and accuses him of pushing her aside to avoid having to hand her the reins of power.

They intend to disqualify me for five months for an offense not committed and without any proof, with the sole purpose of preventing me from assuming the presidency, Abad said in a video message distributed late Sunday.

Separately, the Electoral Disputes Court confirmed the disqualification of conservative candidate Jan Topic. It cited a potential conflict of interest between his eventual presidency and his business interests with local governments, ruling that he hadnt credibly divested them.

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With no option to appeal, his SUMA party will be taking online applications to select a new candidate in the 10 days it has to pick a replacement. Its disgusting, Topic said Monday during a news conference in Quito, blaming Noboa for the ruling.

Ecuador is facing crippling blackouts and a looming recession as Noboa fights several crises at once ahead of his re-election bid. While polls havent been released since before the lights started going out in September, they previously indicated the 36-year-old heir to a banana fortune was Ecuadors most popular politician, followed by Luisa Gonzalez, his left-wing opponent in last years runoff vote, and Topic in third place amid a field of 16.

While Abad can only be permanently removed if Congress impeaches her, Noboa has the right to replace her in the case that shes temporarily absent from her post. And as an existing cabinet appointee, Moya qualifies to serve as vice president in her place.

The president is nevertheless being criticized, given the executive-branch swap and Topic court ruling occurred in rapid succession.

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The Topic issue is grave, its anti-democratic, Sofia Cordero, a political scientist at FLACSO Ecuador in Quito, said by phone. The vice presidents case is much more serious, she added, calling it a gross violation of the constitution amid a series of grotesque illegal acts that fails to respect the will of the voters.

Noboas predecessor, former President Guillermo Lasso, also criticized the moves, saying in a post on X they represent a risk to the stability of our democracy.

Elected to serve out the last 18 months of Lassos term, Noboas crackdown on crime took his approval ratings to 80% after armed thugs shocked the nation in January by briefly seizing a television set during a live broadcast.

Homicides are down 17%, while police have shot and killed 100 suspects dubbed terrorists since Noboa declared an internal war on narco gangs. He also used his popularity to push through a tax increase that helped secure a deal with the International Monetary Fund, easing fiscal pressures.

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But problems with the power grid are taking a toll on Noboa. The electrical industry is unable to meet demand due to a prolonged drought that first led to blackouts in late 2023, leaving homes and businesses without power for several hours a day as hydroelectric plants lack water.

Abad says she fell out with Noboa after opposing a legislative deal with two parties  Gonzalezs Citizen Revolution, or RC, and its junior partner, the Social Christian Party, on whose ticket Topic ran in 2023  to secure a temporary congressional majority. That pact collapsed when the president ordered police to storm the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest fugitive former Vice President Jorge Glas, a leading RC politician.

While the vice president complied with Noboas decision to post her to Ecuadors embassy in Tel Aviv so as to not be accused of dereliction of duty, she complained about being sent into a war zone as a result of their dispute. The foreign ministry ordered Abad to decamp to Turkey as of Sept. 1 amid the widening Israeli conflict, with the labor ministry then suspending her without pay for being unjustifiably absent from her new office for several days.

Those disciplinary measures were a gross violation of the Constitution and Ecuadorian laws as an administrative measure not applicable to elected officials after she had refused to cave in to pressure to resign, Abad said in her video message. She called on authorities including the National Assembly and the attorney generals office to review her case.

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Foreign Affairs and Defense has long been the most prestigious and powerful of the Knessets committees, but in wartime, its oversight of all of Israels national security bodies takes on additional importance. The government of Israel is required to report to the committee declarations of war or operations that could lead to war, emergency call-ups of reserves, regulations related to a state of national emergency, and more.



The panel is also responsible for legislation related to national security  including a Haredi conscription bill.



Presiding over all of this throughout Israels multi-front war with Iranian proxies  with a higher security clearance and greater access to intelligence than most Israeli cabinet ministers and in some cases, even members of the smaller security cabinet  has been Likud lawmaker Yuli Edelstein.



Edelstein, 66, was born in the Soviet Union, in what is now Ukraine. As a young man, he applied for an exit visa to move to Israel and was rejected; he led a network of underground Hebrew teachers and was arrested by the KGB in 1984 and sent to the gulag. His name became well-known in the Free Soviet Jewry movement in Israel and the U.S., where President George H.W. Bush advocated for his release, which was secured in 1987.



Nearly a decade later, Edelstein was voted into the Knesset in the Natan Sharansky-led Yisrael BaAliyah Party, and served as immigration minister in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus first government. He has been a legislator ever since, serving in numerous cabinet positions. He was Knesset speaker from 2013-2020, a job he lost amid a constitutional crisis over the Supreme Courts authority vis-a-vis the Knesset, foreshadowing the political crisis sparked by judicial reform efforts last year.



As his showdown with the Supreme Court may suggest, Edelsteins right-wing bona fides are well-established. But its not just the bogeymen of the Israeli right with whom he has fought. While he has been a Likudnik for more than 20 years, he has not hesitated to go up against the partys leadership when he felt it has turned its back on the partys underlying ideology. Edelstein, who resided in Gush Etzion in the West Bank for nearly three decades, was one of a small group of Likud lawmakers who resigned over the 2005 Gaza disengagement.



Now, it is his turn to again stand up for his principles: Edelstein announced last week that he would not support the daycare centers bill that would cancel one of the major sanctions against Haredim who dodged the IDF draft. A response was quick to arrive: Likud whip Ofir Katz barred Edelstein from submitting legislation for a month.



The man who stood up to the KGB did not take the punishment for standing up to Netanyahu too seriously.



It was important [for the Likud] to show that my opposition didnt pass unnoticed, and therefore they sanctioned me, but I smiled at this, after all my years in the Knesset, Edelstein told Jewish Insider on Sunday.



Haredi conscription is the talk of the Knesset this week. The daycare centers bill that Edelstein and other Likudniks opposed was taken off the agenda hours before Netanyahu fired former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last Tuesday. That, and the installation of Israel Katz, who was selected for the role in large part due to his backing of Netanyahus legislative priorities, have led many analysts to aver that passing a law by which very few Haredim will have to serve in the IDF, in the interest of saving his governing coalition, is the real reasonNetanyahu dismissed Gallant. (Netanyahu said the reason was because of their ongoing disagreements over how to fight the current wars and the minister airing them in public; Gallant included the Haredi conscription dispute among several reasons.)



Edelstein summoned Netanyahu to a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting to defend the firing of a defense minister in the middle of a war; a date has not been set.



I think there was a problem with their relations, but I am less certain that firing him is the right solution, Edelstein said. We cant dispute the prime ministers authority to dismiss a minister, but we can argue about his judgment. My job as Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman is to make sure this issue doesnt fall between the cracks  to make sure that everything is under control.



With a more like-minded minister in place, Netanyahu and the Haredi parties, United Torah Judaism and Shas, may shift tactics from circumventing Gallant via the daycare centers bill to passing a comprehensive Haredi conscription bill from the Defense Ministry, which would bring few Haredim into the IDF. However, like any other security-related legislation, it would have to pass through Edelsteins committee multiple times.



My stance is not about who is sitting in the Prime Ministers Office or the Defense Ministry, Edelstein said. Its a matter of principle and it hasnt changed. If the new defense minister and the system work hand in hand with us, we can have a good law. If its an attempt to bring a bill that is about exemptions and not service in the military, just to get this item off the agenda, I cant support it.



The leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community still have not realized that something happened in this country and things cant continue business as usual, so it wouldnt be a bad idea if they would at least encourage part of their younger generation to contribute to the country through army service, Edelstein said.







Edelstein sat for a wide-ranging interview with JI in his Knesset office last week, before Donald Trump was elected president for the second time and before Netanyahu fired Gallant, but Haredi conscription was high on the Knesset agenda.



I have been trying to do my best for the last several months to reach an understanding about the draft legislation, but in the meantime I cant boast about the results, he quipped.



Edelstein identified two main obstacles to finding a solution for this decades-old problem: the Haredim and the IDF.



The leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community still have not realized that something happened in this country and things cant continue business as usual, so it wouldnt be a bad idea if they would at least encourage part of their younger generation to contribute to the country through army service, he said.



At the same time, Edelstein said that he was disappointed with the IDF who were not exactly clear and goal-oriented in terms of drafting ultra-Orthodox youngsters to the army. I understand that its not that simple and you need some preparatory work, but if you are really serious about the necessity of additional soldiers to take at least some of the burden off of the shoulders of reserve duty soldiers and others, the army could be more enthusiastic.



Edelstein was optimistic that a solution will be found because the current situation is in nobodys interest  the IDF doesnt have enough manpower and the Haredim, as draft-dodgers, will suffer from economic sanctions and be barred from leaving the country.



Im interested in answering the needs of the army. With all the fallen and wounded soldiers and those who spent the vast majority of the last year on reserve duty  it cant go on like that. Im doing my part, and I hope there will be partners, he said.



While the Knesset debates who will serve in the IDF, the army has been on alert for a possible attack from Iran.



Edelstein said he was very impressed with Israels response to the Islamic Republics last missile attack, in which more than 100 Israeli Air Force planes flew over 1,000 miles to Iran, where they struck military sites, including aerial defense capabilities and missile-production sites.



Its very rare in the military experience that you see plans of attack in advance, and after the attack happens you dont see any gaps with what happened in reality, he said. I totally approve of the goals that were chosen. I think it sent a very serious message to the Iranian regime that we can reach every square meter of Iranian territory.



Yet the attack was not just about showing off Israels prowess.



Israel struck certain capabilities and right now, I think they are learning and estimating what happened that day. Im not sure they are pleased with the results, he added.



Edelstein expressed alarm that the Iranian nuclear program has advanced to the point that breakout is a matter of decision, and that weaponization is unlikely to be a major obstacle because of Irans alliances with Russia and North Korea.



The veteran lawmaker said he thinks snapback sanctions, a mechanism bringing back all of the sanctions on Iran from 2015, would still be effective, even though China, Russia and others are not exactly obliged by U.S. or European sanctions, because of the damage it would cause to the Iranian economy.



Other than the military option, its something practical that the world can do, he stated.



Edelstein is one of the most outspoken Russia critics in Israeli politics, especially since Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.



He had misgivings about the possibility, reported in Israeli media, that Jerusalem and Moscow will cooperate once again, to stop Hezbollah from smuggling arms into Lebanon from Syria, where Russia has a large military presence.



If we dont want the effort of the last several months and weeks to be in vain, we need to make sure it is written in black and white that Israel keeps the right to control and impose demilitarization by itself. All the other talk and attempts by [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] and the Lebanese army  is not something that is doable. The Lebanese army is not in the mood to fight Hezbollah, Edelstein said.







Russia is strategically cooperating with Iran. They even depend on the Iranians for missiles, drones and other things. I am not saying that we shouldnt try to coordinate what we can on the military level, as far as Syria is concerned. We are not interested in hurting Russians who are posted there  Thats the kind of coordination we can have, he said.



However, Edelstein added, to build on strategic cooperation would be a little bit naive.



As for the possibility of a diplomatic solution for the Lebanese front of the war, Edelstein said, It will all fall or hold based on one paragraph: Whether Israel itself will be able to impose control and destroy any attempt by Hezbollah to rebuild its military infrastructure and restart  its weapons production and smuggling.



If we dont want the effort of the last several months and weeks to be in vain, we need to make sure it is written in black and white that Israel keeps the right to control and impose demilitarization by itself. All the other talk and attempts by [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] and the Lebanese army  is not something that is doable. The Lebanese army is not in the mood to fight Hezbollah, he said.



Asked if that requires a long-term Israeli presence in Lebanon, such as in 1982-2000, Edelstein said that it may not be the case, because Hezbollah is significantly weakened.



The international community should try to take this chance to put Lebanon back on track, he suggested. Before the Palestinians arrived, it was referred to as the Switzerland of the Middle East  Israel cant play any role here. We can fight Hezbollah and bring security to our border, but we cant interfere with Lebanese politics. The U.S., France and others could definitely take this chance and try to bring the situation back to normality.



As Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman, Edelstein played a key role in advancing the laws effectively outlawing the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, which works with Palestinians, in Israel due to its extensive ties to Hamas and other terror organizations. With just over two months before the law goes into effect, the international community is pressing Jerusalem to come up with an alternative to the U.N. agency to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza. The U.S. has already slowed down some military shipments, accusing Israel of not allowing enough aid into Gaza.



UNRWA is totally infiltrated by Hamas, Edelstein said. We made it clear that UNRWA is out. Now, international organizations, volunteers, NGOs are all welcome if they want to take care of the population and not assist Hamas to stay in power  The average family in Gaza will only profit, because Hamas wont be able to take 50, 60, 70% of the aid.



As to whether friendly Arab states will step in to manage Gaza, Edelstein said Hamas is not yet sufficiently defeated.



No sane country would come as long as Hamas is still in some kind of military and governmental control of Gaza, he said. The IDF has to make sure Hamas has been weakened to the point where they dont present an immediate danger. Its doable.



I have had difficult conversations in hundreds of meetings with the families of the hostages, Edelstein said. On some occasions  my guests would say, Please say publicly that you are ready to pay any price, whatever it takes to release the hostages, and sometimes I would ask, If Hamas demanded to rule Tel Aviv, is that reasonable? Then the families, serious people, said, No, we dont mean that. There are obviously limits, especially with terrorists like Hamas who have a big appetite and the moment we agree to something, they come back with additional demands.







While there are countries that expressed interest in helping, Edelstein said the devil is in the details, as a number of countries have called for the involvement of the Palestinian Authority, which he views as a problem. We need to look for local leadership, but only technocrats could be of use because neither the PLO nor Hamas can really run the area.



Regarding negotiations to free the remaining 101 Israeli hostages in Gaza, Edelstein said theres always hope, but called it naive or romantic to think that the IDFs killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar last month would have made it much easier to reach a deal. Still, he said, negotiations are necessary because a military operation to free all of the hostages is unlikely.



As to whether Israeli politics would get in the way of a potential cease-fire deal for Gaza, Edelstein said no.



I have had difficult conversations in hundreds of meetings with the families of the hostages, he said. On some occasions  my guests would say, Please say publicly that you are ready to pay any price, whatever it takes to release the hostages, and sometimes I would ask, If Hamas demanded to rule Tel Aviv, is that reasonable? Then the families, serious people, said, No, we dont mean that. There are obviously limits, especially with terrorists like Hamas who have a big appetite and the moment we agree to something, they come back with additional demands.



At the same time, he said, We have to admit that there will be concessions, including the release of the worst terrorists we can imagine. There will be a price. In the situation that we are in, where we failed to protect our population on Oct. 7, that is the price the government has to pay.



I think this painful issue is strategically important, because we cant really finish the operation in Gaza without bringing the hostages back, Edelstein said.



In a call with JI on Sunday, Edelstein fell short of some of his right-wing colleagues elated responses to Trumps victory, simply saying that he hope[s] very much that we will work with the new administration in a coordinated way, because there is no doubt that with everything happening in our region  the American stance can influence developments.




We dont yet know exactly how many votes Republicans will control in the U.S. Senate, but control they will  which means Brooklyns own, Democrat Chuck Schumer, will no longer be majority leader.

Thats a pity; Schumer has been a strong voice for New York who steered passage of many productive pieces of legislation. Mitch McConnell, who now leads Senate Republicans, is on his way out. His replacement could be John Thune, John Cornyn or a player to be named later.

Republicans took back the levers of federal decision-making through fair and square votes cast all across America. Now they must carry out their constitutional duty of advice and consent to ensure that the presidents nominees for critical positions, most importantly cabinet secretaries and lifetime federal judges, pass muster.

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A president who wins a mandate from the American people should get the team he wants. But that proposition has limits, especially with Donald Trump.

In his first term, Trump made some solid picks and some terrible ones. A shockingly high number of the individuals he chose would go on to oppose Trump after they saw him exercise power  consistently seeking to abuse his authority.

In the four years since, Trump has surrounded himself with many new advisers and acolytes. Some are credible and competent. Others are not. We wont name names here.

Actually, we will. If Trump nominates anti-fluoride, anti-vaccine crusader Bobby Kennedy Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services  RFK Jr. said during the campaign Trump promised him control of the public health agencies  that bad choice will demand rigorous scrutiny from Republican and Democratic senators alike.

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His choices for defense and homeland security secretary cannot be rubber-stamped either. Trump has pledged to launch the largest deportation operation in American history, and has said hell use the military if necessary. Federal law forbids deploying the armed forces on American soil. Would cabinet secretaries resist an illegal order or follow them? Would they go along with a commander-in-chief who seeks to attack drug cartels in Mexico or oppose him, as former Trump Defense Secretary Mark Esper did?

Never before has a presidential candidate so openly threatened to use the Department of Justice to prosecute his political rivals. (Despite the 2016 rally chants, he didnt lock up Hillary Clinton, but thats cold comfort.) Whoever Trump taps as attorney general needs to be intensely scrutinized to ensure they will handle prosecutions with complete independence. Trumps second AG, Bill Barr, warned that whoever fills this role will have to be ready to oppose the abuse of government power.

So too must Trumps choices to lead Treasury and Commerce answer difficult questions about tariffs, monetary policy and more. The former and future president has gathered an odd collection of economic advisors. He has threatened the independence of the Federal Reserve, an essential foundation of Americas trustworthy markets. He has spitballed slapping 60% tariffs on Chinese goods and 20% tariffs on all other imports. All these plans must be put through their paces, lest the Senate confirm a secretary who reflexively puts in place the presidents worst ideas.

The brilliant American system, which emerged from a revolution against a monarchy, is built to check and balance the power of the chief executive. Trump has autocratic tendencies. The system must prevail.

_____
Two years after the leaked audio scandal rocked Los Angeles City Hall, voters finally had their say in this election. And speak they did.

Voters overwhelmingly backed charter changes designed to curb elected officials political power by creating an independent redistricting commission and empowering the citys Ethics Commission. Advocates had long pushed for these reforms, but until the 2022 scandal, they had been blocked by the citys political leadership. The measures were passing with nearly 75% support as of Friday afternoon.

Voters in Council District 14, meanwhile, ousted Councilmember Kevin de Leon, who refused to resign after being caught on tape making deplorable, racially divisive comments. Tenants rights attorney and first-time candidate Ysabel Jurado had a double-digit lead over the veteran politician at last count.

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Read more: Endorsement: Yes to fixing L.A. City Hall. These measures will fight corruption and increase trust in government

This was an important election for Los Angeles, even if it was overshadowed by the presidential race. City voters laid the groundwork for fairer, more representative elections by passing Charter Amendment DD, enacting independent redistricting. That means the citys politicians can no longer draw their own district boundaries and effectively choose their own voters.

The leaked recording revealed De Leon, two other council members and a labor leader plotting to manipulate redistricting to retain their power and diminish that of their perceived enemies. That was allowed under the city's old redistricting system.

Reform is long overdue. Independent redistricting commissions increase public participation, reduce gerrymandering and draw districts that represent communities, not individual politicians' interests.

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Voters also sent a message that they will hold elected leaders accountable. De Leon was an active participant in the vile conversation that touched off the scandal. He disparaged a colleague's Black son as a prop carried like a Louis Vuitton handbag, suggested Black people have too much political power and made other demeaning remarks about activists and constituents.

When the recording was exposed, residents and fellow elected leaders urged De Leon to step down in recognition of how much his words hurt Los Angeles. Instead, he dug in his heels, hoping voters would forgive and forget. They did not.

Read more: Fixing City Hall

After a series of recent corruption scandals that have so far sent two local elected officials to prison, voters backed Charter Amendment ER to strengthen the Ethics Commission. The commission will now have a guaranteed minimum budget so that elected officials cant defund ethics enforcement. Another change will make it harder for the City Council to kill ethics reforms they dont like  which the council has done, for example, when asked to tighten the city's law regulating lobbyists, which is difficult to enforce.

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Community organizers and good government groups deserve much of the credit for getting these measures across the finish line. They kept the pressure on City Hall to support systemic change in the months and years after the scandal. Credit also goes to elected leaders, including former Council President Paul Krekorian and Councilmember Nithya Raman, who seized the moment to advance worthwhile reforms.

Read more: Endorsement: Ysabel Jurado for Los Angeles City Council District 14

Of course, there is a lot more to do. The council ended up weakening the ethics reform proposal that it put before voters. The new Charter Reform Commission and advocates should press for more substantive changes that ensure the Ethics Commission can be the watchdog that residents expect.

Advocates also pushed city leaders to put a proposal on the ballot to expand the City Council from 15 members to between 21 and 31 members. L.A.'s council districts are the nation's largest by population. The city of 4 million needs a larger council to better represent residents and their diverse needs. But the council punted that decision to the Charter Reform Commission, which will propose additional charter changes for the 2026 ballot.

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The commission is still being formed. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Krekorian made their appointments to it in September, and an executive director was picked a month ago. Mayor Karen Bass has to make her appointments before the next round of commissioner selections can move forward.

Voters' supermajority support for the charter reforms demonstrates that Angelenos back big changes to fix City Hall. The 2026 election should give them that opportunity.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Uptown Smokes on Chicagos North Side is a spacious and friendly place to shop, with colorful, inviting packages lining its shelves  and thats part of the problem.

Unlike licensed dispensaries that follow rigorous regulations in doling out marijuana-based products to adults only, Uptown Smokes is among a slew of vape shops, convenience stores, gas stations, lounges and bars selling largely unregulated hemp-based products that also get people high.

These hemp concoctions sidestep the marijuana rules intended to guarantee purity, prevent sales to minors and raise extra tax revenues. Instead, they take advantage of a loophole that has allowed unlicensed hemp outlets to proliferate  and earn big profits  at the expense of the licensed marijuana biz.

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Theyve also been accused, plausibly, of marketing to children and understating the potency of the drugs their products contain. Sometimes heavy metals or even fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid, have found their way into hemp products, which are usually cheaper and more widely available than marijuana counterparts that can only be sold legally through licensed outlets.

This is not a new problem, but solving it is proving more difficult than it should be. As craft brewers, neighborhood smoke shops and others pull in big bucks from hemp, their political influence grows. They are funding  ahem  a grassroots campaign to keep the hemp loophole open, and, so far, lawmakers at both the national and state level have dragged their feet in closing it.

As this page has said previously, the state must assert regulatory control over any outlet selling hemp intoxicants, to address the threat these unregulated products pose. Thats an especially urgent matter in hemp-saturated states such as Illinois. And the more we learn about the potential for public health and law enforcement problems, the more sympathetic we are to putting the hemp profiteers out of business entirely.

Hemp is a variety of the same cannabis plant as marijuana, but it contains only a tiny amount of psychoactive ingredients. It was a small-scale cash crop for Midwest farmers until 2018, when the federal Farm Bill removed hemp and its derivatives from the Controlled Substances Act.

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The idea was to provide an opportunity for farmers to grow more hemp for paper, rope, clothing and CBD, a hemp product with purported health benefits that doesnt get people high. Instead, crafty chemists started synthesizing hemps psychoactive ingredients, concentrating them into vape cartridges, gummies, dabs and other products that look and feel much like their marijuana equivalents.

With the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress carelessly opened the door to nationwide distribution of these products, undermining state laws that regulate marijuana. One of the biggest facilities for making and distributing bulk hemp extracts is in Indiana, for instance, where recreational and even medicinal pot is still prohibited. Indiana may drop the marijuana prohibition next year. Hoosier hemp, however, is already widely available.

Youd think Congress would have owned up to its mistake by now, but so far nothing has been done. When the 2018 Farm Bill expired in 2023, the blue-vs-red warriors on Capitol Hill couldnt agree on a new one, and instead extended the old one, loophole included. Its possible a fix could get tucked into a post-election spending bill or, less likely, a new Farm Bill could be approved, but dont count on either step.

Illinois tried to take the initiative with a measure that passed the Illinois Senate overwhelmingly earlier this year, then stalled amid opposition from craft brewers and other hemp beneficiaries. The bill would have imposed a two-year ban on selling hemp products, then followed up with new rules and taxes.

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The hemp people say they would welcome the regulations but strongly oppose any ban, which they say, correctly, would hurt their businesses, cost jobs and stigmatize harmless CBD products. Meantime, they continue to take advantage of the loophole.

That leaves some public officials frustrated, including Chicago 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins and 3rd District Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry. The two local politicians, accompanied by health and legal experts, met with us and compellingly made their case. Hopkins is pushing for municipal regulations and Lowry for a resolution to ban hemp products. Both concede those steps are unlikely to have much of an impact compared with state or federal action, but we credit them for stepping up to do something instead of the nothing done so far.

Hopkins and Lowry represent the part of Chicago where Lurie Childrens Hospital is a magnet for kids with medical emergencies. They shared alarming stories about children ingesting large amounts of hemp, often in the form of candy, and needing law enforcement and emergency room intervention.

Uptown Smokes is not far from Uplift Community High School. Last year, five high schoolers had to be transported to hospitals after consuming gummies that, as the Tribune reported, came from the store. Hopkins says the only action available to him was shutting down the building temporarily for code violations that were swiftly corrected, enabling it to open again.

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Theres no question some adults enjoy these products and want them to remain available. As Chicagos history shows all too well, Prohibition doesnt work.

Its also clear that theres an intensifying industry battle between legal pot purveyors and the hemp sellers, and policymakers are being asked to take sides. Were not generally advocates for governments picking economic winners and losers.

But if the hemp entrepreneurs and federal lawmakers wont act to solve the problems theyre causing, then our sympathies are with Hopkins when he tells us, We need to put these people out of business. The hemp purveyors arent likely to get serious about regulating their business if theyre allowed to carry on as usual as discussions proceed.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso will serve as the host for a big tourism conference and expo in 2026, Destination El Paso announced.

The City of El Paso and Destination El Paso will team up to host the 2026 TxDOTs Texas Travel Counselors Conference in conjunction with the 2026 Texas Travel Alliance Travel Expo.

This marks a significant win for El Paso, which was last selected to host the prestigious event in 2018. The conference and expo are key events in the Texas tourism industry, inviting tourism professionals, travel media and industry leaders from across the state and the region, Destination El Paso said in a news release.

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The Texas Travel Counselors Conference, organized by the Texas Department of Transportation, is an annual event focused on promoting travel and tourism throughout the state.

The event brings together tourism and transportation professionals, providing a platform for key discussions on infrastructure, marketing and initiatives that help drive tourism growth in Texas, Destination El Paso said in its news release.

It is an opportunity to share innovative ideas, strategies and best practices that strengthen the tourism economy in Texas. In conjunction with the conference, the Texas Travel Expo offers attendees an immersive experience showcasing the diverse travel experiences available across the Lone Star State. As part of the Expo, Texas destinations, attractions and hospitality businesses come together to present the best of Texas tourism, Destination El Paso said.

This selection is a testament to the tremendous progress our City has made as a leading travel destination in Texas. We look forward to welcoming our tourism colleagues and showcasing how El Paso is most deserving of its recent accolades as the Stella Awards Best Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and bronze winner for Best Convention Center in the Southwest region and Best DMO in Texas, recognized by the Texas Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus, said Jose Garcia, president and CEO of Destination El Paso.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
On the morning of Monday, November 11, the aggressor country Russia took off a group of Tu-95MS strategic bombers. Enemy MiG-31Ks, which are carriers of the "Kinzhal" missiles, also came to the launch line.

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This was warned by the monitoring channel "Nikolaevsky Vanek" on Telegram. It was expected that in a few hours, Ukraine would be under a massive missile attack.

In the end, no real launches took place. The departure of such a large number of aircraft turned out to be a large-scale training of Russian aviation.

The head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko, warned that the aggressor has everything ready for massive attacks. The Russians have accumulated missiles and ready-made carriers. Practicing the tactics of imitation launches "is also part of keeping aviation ready for action."

"And the enemy is using this for psychological pressure," Kovalenko said.

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How the situation developed

As of 03:40, eight Tu-95s were carrying X-101/X-55/X-555 cruise missiles in the sky. They took off from the "Olenya" airfield in the Murmansk region of the Russian Federation in the direction of the Caspian region.

The author of the channel "Nikolaevsky Vanek" reported that the estimated time for the aircraft to reach the launching lines at the Engels air base in the Saratov region is 05:30  06:10 (if the launches are from here, the missiles will appear in our airspace around 06:00  06:40).

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At the same time, in the Caspian Sea area, the occupiers' planes were expected to arrive at about 06:50  07:30 (analysts pointed out that if the launches were from here, the missiles would be on the territory of Ukraine around 07:30  08:20).

Information about the takeoff of the bombers in Russia was also reported by the Monitor channel.

At half past 7 a.m., it was reported that all eight Russian TU-95MS aircraft had performed launch maneuvers.

"If the launches are real, missiles are expected in our airspace within an hour and a half," "Nikolaevsky Vanek" wrote.

At around 07:00, an air raid alert was once again raised across Ukraine. The Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that it was related to the enemy launching cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers from the Caspian Sea.

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In addition, a Russian Air Force MiG-31K took off in Russia. Due to the threat of massive missile attacks, emergency power outage schedules were introduced in several regions of Ukraine.

At this time, a huge number of people in the Kyiv metro were hiding from the alarm. The stations were overcrowded.

Against this backdrop, "Nikolaevsky Vanek" suggested that the missile threat to the country was relevant until about 08:00 and that the alarm in the regions would continue for some time.

"When all 13 'roosters' were in the Caspian Sea, they also performed launch maneuvers. At the time of the alleged launches, there were 13 TU-95MS aircraft at the launch sites. No launches from MiG-31Ks were recorded, and the takeoff from Savasleyka was not confirmed either, so there are still three MiG-31Ks in the air that took off from Astrakhan. It is too early to exhale," he explained.

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On the evening of November 10, Russian troops also launched Shahed-136 attack drones at Ukraine. The enemy drones flew into our territory from the northeast and south. As of 3:55 a.m., the alert was raised in the north and east of Ukraine. Air defense systems were operating in the regions.

Earlier, military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko assessed the likelihood of Russia resuming massive missile strikes against Ukraine. He said that during the absence of such attacks, the enemy was able to accumulate.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of November 10, air defense forces repelled another Russian attack, which was carried out using a record number of attack drones  145. In total, 62 UAVs were neutralized over 13 regions, and even more targets were lost locally.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
TOKYO  Japans Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged to take tougher measures against misuse of political funds after he was reelected by parliament Monday following a major loss in the polls last month by his governing coalition.

Ishibas Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner Komeito together lost a majority in the 465-seat Lower House, the more powerful of Japans two-house parliament, in the Oct. 27 election. The defeat was blamed on voter outrage over financial misconduct by his party.

We must remind ourselves of the basics that politics is for the people, as we tackle political and party reforms, Ishiba said. He said that in response to the poor election results, We must be able to have empathy for the pain, sorrow and anger of the people.

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A special parliamentary session convened Monday to pick a new leader in a vote required within 30 days of a general election. Ishiba beat top opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda, 221-160, in the first runoff in 30 years.

In his second Cabinet in just over a month, Ishiba reappointed most of its previous members, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. He replaced three ministers who lost seats or were affected by the election results.

Ishiba stressed the importance of pursuing the significant buildup of Japans defense power to deal with growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea, while cooperating with its ally the United States and other like-minded partners.

He said he plans to attend Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Group of 20 summits later this month to further strengthen partnership with the Global South nations and the Asia-Pacific region. He said he will hold talks with U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other leaders.

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His government is also reportedly arranging a possible meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on his way home.

Ishiba has refused to step down and showed willingness to cooperate with additional coalition partners to boost stability and help him pursue his partys policies.

Ishiba will struggle in the coming months to gain consent from the opposition on policies including the budget and other legislation, experts say. Ishiba said he will listen to opposition parties more carefully than before.

While we stick to the LDP-Komei partnership as the foundation, we will do our utmost to gain understanding of as many other parties as possible as we humbly work to ensure safety and security of the people, Ishiba said.

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He wants to cooperate more closely with a rising smaller, conservative Democratic Party for the People, whose seats quadrupled to 28 under its popular leader Yuichiro Tamaki. His proposal for raising the basic tax-free income allowance and increasing take-home wages garnered support from low-income and younger voters.

Tamaki only wants to cooperate with Ishibas party on policy  not as part of a coalition  since he wants to use his leverage to increase his partys standing ahead of the next election.

Tamaki was recently stung by a magazine article exposing an extramarital affair, which he admitted to on Monday.
One person was killed Sunday in a crash that left 11 others hospitalized, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The two-vehicle collision happened in Edgefield County, said Master Trooper Gary Miller.

At about 3:35 p.m., a 2003 Toyota Camry was driving south on Plum Branch Road, while a 2004 Toyota Sienna van was heading east on Morgan Bussey Road, according to Miller. The van driver disregarded a stop sign and the vehicles collided, Miller said.

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One of eight passengers in the van died at the scene, according to Miller.

The Edgefield County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the passenger who died.

The van driver, along with the other seven passengers, as well as the Camry driver and two passengers in that car were taken to an area hospital, Miller said. Further information on the surviving victims conditions was not available.

There was no word if any of the people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts. The wreck continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol.

Through Nov. 3, at least 817 people have died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least six people have died in Edgefield County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data.
Elon Musk wants Rick Scott to be the next Senate majority leader.

He backed Scott after asking people on X who should take up the position.

Musk's endorsement comes after he used his money and power to help Trump win the election.

Elon Musk is backing Sen. Rick Scott of Florida to lead the GOP in the Senate.

"Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader!" Musk wrote in an X post on Sunday, a few hours after he posted a poll asking who should take up the position.

Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader! https://t.co/lpT34yHTKk  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024

When this article went live Monday, 1,088,220 votes were registered on Musk's poll. Scott took 65.5% of the vote, while John Thune of South Dakota and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas got 6.6% and 5.2% respectively. Around 22.6% of the votes were for "other" candidates.

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Representatives for Musk and Scott did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

The race to find a successor for outgoing party leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, comes after the Republican Party clinched control of the Senate last week. The GOP is expected to hold at least 52 Senate seats, giving it a majority in the upper house.

The race for Senate leadership is shaping up to be a three-way fight between Scott, Cornyn, and Thune. Both Cornyn and Thune served as deputies to McConnell when he was Senate majority leader. Thune is GOP whip.

Republican senators are set to vote for their next leader in a secret ballot on Wednesday.

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President-elect Donald Trump has yet to endorse a candidate but wrote in an X post on Sunday that the next Senate majority leader should support his recess appointments.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024

Scott, Cornyn, and Thune all wrote on X that they agree with Trump on the matter.

Musk's growing power

Musk's comments on X on Sunday come as his power and influence in the political world are on the rise.

The billionaire CEO was a major contributor to Trump's presidential campaign.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO held his own rallies and spent just under $119 million on his pro-Trump political action committee, America PAC.

Musk said on Tuesday that his super PAC will continue to play a role in American politics even after the 2024 election. America PAC, he said, is "preparing for the midterms and any intermediate elections, as well as looking at elections at the district attorney level."

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It's unclear what role Musk will have in Trump's second administration. Both he and Trump have expressed interest in having Musk lead a government-efficiency commission to reduce spending.

Musk joined Trump's calls with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week, according to media reports.

The New York Times reported that Trump handed the phone to Musk during his call with Zelenskyy. Musk told Zelenskyy that he would continue to support Ukraine with his Starlink satellites, per Axios.

"We have a new star, a star is born. Elon. He is an amazing guy," Trump said on Wednesday morning after declaring his electoral victory.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Vivian Jenna Wilson, the estranged trans daughter of billionaire Elon Musk, has spoken out about her plans to potentially leave the U.S. following Donald Trumps election victory  and once again set the record straight after Musk claimed she had been killed by the woke mind virus for transitioning.

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On November 6  the day after the U.S. presidential election  Wilson took to the Meta-owned social media platform Threads, writing, Ive thought this for a while, but yesterday confirmed it for me. I dont see my future being in the United States.

Even if [Trump is] only in office for 4 years, even if the anti-trans regulations magically dont happen, the people who willingly voted for this are not going anywhere anytime soon, she added.

Another Trump presidency stands to be devastating for LGBTQ+ Americans. On Trumps 2024 website, he vowed to pass a federal ban on gender-affirming care for minors and redefine gender at the federal level so that male and female as assigned at birth are the only recognized genders within the United States. These policy promises come amid the Republican partys months-long use of anti-trans rhetoric. According to data released by Ad Impact and cited by Washington Post reporter Casey Parks on November 5, Republicans spent nearly $215 million on anti-trans network TV ads during the 2024 election cycle.

As for Musks post-election activities, the billionaire responded to a New York Post tweet about Wilsons desire to leave the U.S. last week, in which he misgendered her, writing, The woke mind virus killed my son.

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The billionaire has spent much of this year cozying up to Trump. According to CNBC, he poured at least $130 million into pro-Trump campaign efforts, to say nothing of his constant stream of X posts endorsing the convicted felon. During his off-hours, hes partial to throwing tantrums over the mere existence of trans people, often bringing Wilson up in his recent anti-trans rants.

Musk previously adopted the claim that Wilson was killed by the woke mind virus during an appearance on the July 22 episode of Jordan B. Petersons podcast (and in subsequent X posts) because she was trans.

Wilson responded to Musks latest claim that she had been killed in a November 8 Threads post, writing, 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 .

Did anyone actually believe this? she continued. Its just tired, its overdone, its cliche. Im just bored, honestly, like is this really the best you could come up with?

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Wilson went on to theorize that the reason why that particular post got to Musk is that youre mad that you finally dont have power over someone.

Elon Musks Trans Daughter Called His Taylor Swift Tweet Heinous Incel Nonsense

The right-wing billionaire made a disturbing post saying he would impregnate Swift and guard her cats.

Youre just upset because at the end of the day everyone around you knows you as a delusional and grubby little control freak who hasnt matured as a person for 38 years, she added. However, last time I checked thats not my fucking problem.

Wilson previously filed a name and gender change petition in 2022, citing both her gender identity and the fact that she no longer live[d] or wish[ed] to be related to [her] biological father in any way, shape, or form. In a July interview with NBC News, she described Musk as an absent father who harassed her as a child for being feminine.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
In the days since Election Day, billionaire Elon Musk has emerged as an influential figure in President-elect Donald Trumps orbit, offering input on staffing decisions and playing a significant role in shaping the future Trump administration, multiple sources tell ABC News.

Since Election Day, the world's richest man has spent nearly every day at Mar-a-Lago with Trump, multiple sources tell ABC News.

Musk appeared in Trump's family photo on election night, was spotted dining with future first lady Melania Trump and golfed with the Trump family over the weekend.

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MORE: Elon Musk joined Trump's call with Zelenskyy: Sources

PHOTO: Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., left, and Donald Trump, prior to a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, Oct. 5, 2024. (Justin Merriman/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

But his presence stretches far beyond that, with sources telling ABC News that Musk is now weighing in on Trump's staffing choices.

Musk was present for at least two phone calls the president-elect had with foreign leaders, sources told ABC News. During a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, Trump even handed the phone to Musk so he could speak to Zelenskyy as well, sources told ABC News. Musk was also present a call with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sources said.

PHOTO: Elon Musk speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, Oct. 27, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

After Trump shared that he selected Rep. Elise Stefanik to be his U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Musk raised concerns on his X platform about how this choice could impact the Republicans' potentially slim majority.

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"Elise is awesome, but it might be too risky to lose her from the House, at least for now," Musk posted early Monday morning.

MORE: Donald Trump and Elon Musk golf at Trump International after election win

On Sunday, Musk weighed in on the Republican Senate leadership race, endorsing Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott.

Musk is also close to Howard Lutnick, who is leading the Trump transition to the White House.

Musk 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.

Elon Musk weighing in on Trump staffing decisions: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The mother of a woman who died in the Tarrant County jail in May continues to raise questions about the investigation into her daughters death.

LaMonica Bratton is asking why the investigation into the death of her daughter Chasity Bonner has not been closed, despite the Sheriffs Office appearing to have all the documentation it says it needs to do so.

It doesnt make sense, she said.

Sheriffs Office spokesperson Laurie Passman told the Star-Telegram on Sept. 18 that the departments Criminal Investigations Division sent a request to the medical examiner for the autopsy report of Chasity Bonner in the first week of that month.

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When theyve completed their work, your public information request can be fulfilled, Passman said in an email to the Star-Telegram, referring to the Criminal Investigations Division. I recommend you reconfirm with the (medical examiners) office that you have received accurate information regarding our request for the file. We requested that information early in the month.

But an email exchange between a Sheriffs Office detective and a records secretary with the medical examiner show the request was made on Sept. 20, and that the report was sent four days later. The Star-Telegram obtained the email through a records request.

Passman did not respond to a request for comment, but Chief Deputy Jennifer Gabbert provided a statement in an email: The Bonner case is not closed at this time. As is known standard practice, we will not discuss open cases or make media statements while they are open.

Timeline

Bonner died of natural causes, according to the medical examiner, which published the results of the autopsy online on Sept. 3. The 35-year-old died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or hardened arteries, the medical examiner ruled.

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The Star-Telegram requested Bonners autopsy report from the medical examiner on Sept. 5. Three other media outlets and Bonners aunt, Pamela Taylor, have also requested the report.

The Tarrant County District Attorneys Office asked Taylor to withdraw her request on Sept. 6. After she declined, the office appealed to the Texas Attorney Generals Office to withhold the report on Sept. 13, citing the ongoing investigation into Bonners death.

Taylor said on Sept. 24 that she believes the Sheriffs Office is purposely stalling the release of critical information in Bonners case because they have things to hide.

The discrepancies with the Sheriffs Office statements add to Taylors belief that it is being intentionally deceptive in her nieces case, she said on Nov. 8.

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They are playing games, she said. Its a cover up, and its something theyve been allowed to do in the past, and its just business as usual, and they think its going to be swept under the rug, because theyre counting on giving us a hard enough time to where were going to give up. But we dont have that option, because one of our family members is gone now.

Daryl Washington, the familys lawyer, said the autopsy report should have been made public in full by now had Bonner died a natural death.

They are hiding the truth, he said. If they had information that was favorable to the county  it would have been released months ago.

Washington said the contradictions are doing nothing more than contributing to the hurt that these families are currently feeling.

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In the Sept. 18 email exchange about Bonners autopsy report, Passman accused Washington of being an opportunist who profits off families dealing with loss.

It is frustrating that this person continues to make misrepresentations instead of being truthful to the citizens of Tarrant County, Washington said on Friday, Nov. 8. She chose to make an attack on the familys attorney, who is simply doing his job.

Police departments role

Waybourn won a third term in office earlier this week. When asked about Bonners autopsy report at his watch party on the night of Nov. 5, Waybourn said the Sheriffs Offices investigation cannot be closed until the Fort Worth Police Department finishes its own outside investigation.

They would actually be the closer, he said. They would close the case.  Until they say its over, its not over.

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A police spokesperson said the department has not conducted an investigation into Bonners death.

The department only reviews their investigations once they are complete, that is our only involvement, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Bratton said the Sheriffs Office has had plenty of time to release her daughters autopsy report.

Turn the damn autopsy loose, because Im not going to stop asking for it, she said.
Emergency power outages have been implemented in several Ukrainian oblasts due to the threat of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure on the morning of 11 November.

Source: Ihor Taburets, Head of Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration; Sumy Oblast Military Administration; Kyiv City Military Administration

Quote from Taburets: "Cherkasy Oblast. Following instructions from Ukrenergo (Ukraine's state-owned electricity transmission system operator), emergency power outages have been implemented throughout the oblast from 06:31 on 11 November. These measures are aimed at preserving Ukraine's energy system."

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Quote from Kyiv City Military Administration: "Emergency power outage schedules have been introduced in Kyiv due to the threat of a missile strike. This is a preventive measure. Stay calm! Take care of your own safety."

Details: Emergency power outage schedules have been implemented in Sumy Oblast, affecting four queues. [Ukrenergo defines a "queue" as a group of consumers and businesses using a specific amount of megawatts. The Dispatch Centre sets the number of queues needed across oblasts to address energy deficits. Critical infrastructure and industrial companies that import over 80% of their energy cannot be disconnected, according to a Ukrainian Cabinet resolution  ed.]

DTEK, the largest private energy company in Ukraine, reported that preventive emergency power cuts had been introduced in Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts.

The media also reported emergency power outages in Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad and Kharkiv oblasts.

Background:

The Air Force reported that eight Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers had taken off on the morning of 11 November, later launching cruise missiles.

Later, the Air Force reported that an air-raid warning was issued due to the takeoff of a Russian MiG-31K fighter jet capable of carrying Kinzhal missiles.

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(Photo via Getty Images, logo courtesy of the State of Iowa)

The State of Iowa has revoked the license of a former Lee County EMT who is serving a 30-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a 10-year-old child.

In 2023, Daniel Jannusch, 39, of Donnellson, was charged with felony incest and second-degree sexual abuse. At the time, the states Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services issued an emergency order suspending Jannuschs paramedic license on the grounds that he posed an immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare.

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Police alleged that the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services was investigating a case last August when the agency discovered Jannusch had told several persons about an incident involving a minor child.

Paramedic Daniel Jannusch, formerly of Lee County Emergency Medical Services. (Photo courtesy of Lee County)

The 10-year-old victim was then interviewed and, according to police, she alleged Jannusch placed her on a bed and began kissing her while placing his hand down her pants and rubbing her genitalia for a few minutes. Police also allege Jannusch admitted to coworkers that the incident happened. At the time, Jannusch worked for the Lee County Ambulance Service.

Jannusch pleaded not guilty to the charges. After several continuances, a jury trial was held this month and Jannusch was found guilty on both counts. On Oct. 4, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He has since filed a notice with the court indicating he intends to appeal his conviction.

Court filings by the Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services indicate Jannusch worked for Lee County Emergency Medical Services for 10 years prior to being fired in the wake of his arrest.

Lee County EMS operates out of three stations located in Donnellson, Fort Madison and Keokuk, and responds to roughly to 5,900 emergency calls per year.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops advanced on the main Ukrainian salient in the Kursk region amid prolonged fighting on November 10. At the same time, the Russians have intensified their attacks and are actively using armored vehicles in the fighting.

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In an attempt to regain territory, the enemy has concentrated about 50,000 soldiers in the region, including a contingent from North Korea. This was pointed out by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

They refer to geolocation footage that shows that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have recently advanced north of Novoivanivka (southeast of Koreneve), while Russian forces have advanced south of the settlement.

Additional geolocation footage showed the Russian army advancing south and east of the village of Pohrebky (north of Sudzha).

The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged that Ukrainian forces counterattacked the Russian Armed Forces southeast of Koreneve in the area of Novoivanivka, Daryino and Zelenyi Shlyakh, and east of Koreneve near Nova Sorochyna.

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A representative of the Ukrainian brigade operating in the Kursk region said that Russian troops have intensified offensive operations using armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and tanks. It is noted that units of the 810th Marine Brigade (Russian Black Sea Fleet, Southern Military District) are operating in the area of Pohrebky.

"Neither Russian nor Ukrainian sources reported any fighting in the Glushkoa area (west of the main Ukrainian salient) on November 10," ISW emphasized.

They also referred to a November 10 New York Times article, where analysts quoted unspecified US and Ukrainian officials. According to them, Russia has deployed about 50,000 troops, including North Korean soldiers, to try to retake territory in the Kursk region. The NYT article, citing a new US assessment, says that Russia has concentrated these forces without redeploying troops from eastern Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, military experts have emphasized that Russia will not be able to endlessly suffer heavy losses at the front for the sake of limited success. Having captured 1,500 square kilometers of territory in September-October 2024, the Russian army lost almost 200 tanks, more than 650 armored vehicles, and about 80,000 soldiers (killed and wounded).

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Winter 2022-2023 brought record snowfall to Arizona's high country and above-average rainfall across much of the region. The drought-weary state may have breathed a sigh of relief as snowmelt refilled reservoirs and aquifers.

But that was one wet year in a long string of dry ones, and one good year wont end a three-decade drought.

Arizona is dry, with or without drought. With just two rainy seasons  the summer monsoon and winter snowfall  the state has averaged about 12 inches of rain a year since measurements began in 1896.

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But since 1994, the Southwest has experienced drier than normal conditions. Wet winters are followed by dry years, putting pressure on water supplies across the region.

Looking at these last 31 years, 21 of those have been dry and below the long-term, 12-inch average, said Erinanne Saffell, Arizonas state climatologist. Ten of them wet, but they havent happened all in a row which makes it harder to come out of that drought.

Climate patterns like El Nino and La Nina can provide temporary relief or trigger short-term drought, but they are not strong enough to significantly alter long-term drought.

We would need a surplus continuously where it would actually recharge our water supply, she added. It would be consistently having wet seasons and hopefully not being as hot.

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The Colorado River has declined in recent years, with decreased streamflows and lower water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two major reservoirs that store the rivers water. Over 40 million people across seven states and Mexico rely on its water.

The Salt and Verde rivers, managed by Salt River Project which delivers half of Phoenixs water supply, have also experienced declines.

Arizonas hot and dry weather is a topic of debate among politicians, residents and scientists both within and beyond the states boundaries.

To outsiders, life in Phoenix  one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country  seems impossible under the pressures of a desert ecosystem and the effects of climate change.

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But many are dedicated to preserving Arizonans way of life, regardless of how much it rains or how long the drought persists  and resolving misconceptions about life in the desert.

You see a lot of stories like from the East Coast that talk about Phoenix as an unsustainable city, said Tim Skarupa, senior hydrologist at Salt River Project. One of the metrics often used when they look at that is proximity to your water supply. But here in the West, our water supply is not necessarily near our city.

Here's what to know about drought in the Southwest, like long and short-term drought, how climate change plays a role in precipitation and ways water managers preserve the supply:

Forecasting: Can forecasters predict weather 90 days out? Why long-term outlooks are so complicated

Natural variability in the desert

While the Southwest is experiencing a severe drought exacerbated by climate change, ebbs and flows in precipitation have occurred naturally over the last thousands of years.

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We live in a desert. We have an arid climate, Saffell said. Part of what happens in those climates is that they have occasional droughts.

The Southwest has a variable climate outside of external stressors. Short-term droughts are relatively common, like if Arizona experiences a dry monsoon and below-average rainfall that season.

The region can withstand these shifts in weather patterns over a short period and usually will return closer to normal in the following months.

Natural variability explains wetter winters like the 2022-2023 season.

El Nino Southern Oscillation, or ENSO, is a major driver for wet or dry periods. ENSO is a natural cycle that represents the relationship between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

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There are three ENSO cycles: El Nino, La Nina and a neutral phase. El Nino tends to create wetter conditions during the winter in the Southwest, and contributed to the 2022-2023 season. La Nina can create drier seasons, and the neutral phase tends to produce average conditions.

The cycles can affect short-term drought and alleviate or worsen the effects of long-term drought.

To assess long-term drought, climatologists compare how much precipitation an area receives during a water year compared with the long-term average. If below-average rainfall persists, the area experiences a long-term drought.

On average through the last 30 years, Arizona recorded about 11 inches of rain a year, Saffell said, an inch below the long-term average.

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With long-term drought, we look at not just precipitation, but also how hot the temperatures are, because recognizing when you have hotter temperatures, youre going to lose moisture from the soils and vegetation, Saffell said. You have less water when its hot.

Long-term droughts are a recurring phenomenon in the Southwest. They tend to last about 35 years statistically. Previous major droughts occurred in the 1920s and 30s, during the Dust Bowl Era, and again in the 1950s. Saffell said the Southwest is currently in its 31st year of drought.

Scientists meet regularly to observe water supply, groundwater sources, vegetation and wildfire activity, which are all impacted by long-term drought conditions.

To end the long-term drought, the region would have to experience consecutive years of wetter and cooler conditions, ultimately recharging the water supply.

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What might happen: La Nina could turn Arizona's hot, dry summer into a warm, dry winter

Climate change and drought

While scientists are still studying how climate change affects precipitation, they know warming temperatures influence drought and water supplies.

Theres a lot of stuff that swirls around and makes it challenging to say what exactly is caused by changes in the climate system, Saffel said. Theres really no indication saying that were understanding well whats happening with climate change and precipitation.

We dont have that signature that we can hang out hats on as easily as we can looking at temperature, she continued.

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Higher temperatures increase evaporation, which dries out rivers and reservoirs, soil and vegetation. This speeds up Earths water cycle, sending more water into the air for precipitation but drying out some land areas.

Much of the Southwest has experienced higher average temperatures since 2000, with some areas more than two degrees warmer than normal.

Its also hotter for longer. Temperatures are trending warmer in early spring and fall. The last spring frost is occurring earlier, and the frost-free season has increased by two to three weeks in the fall.

These changes affect winter precipitation, and snowmelt is essential to the Wests water supplies.

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Warmer winters can mean less snowfall, and snowmelt can occur earlier and at a faster pace, resulting in rapid runoff and flooding.

How water providers manage drought conditions

Water managers like SRP consider climate change and long-term drought in their planning and operations.

We really have to respect the environment and understand water is a precious resource, Skarupa said. While we do anticipate less runoff, its not out of the range that weve been living in. But were going to continue to monitor and adjust what we do.

SRP relies on the Salt and Verde watersheds for much of its water supply, an area that covers 13,000 square miles in Arizona.

Snow accumulates on the watershed during the winter, especially at higher elevations. As temperatures increase around March and April, the snow melts and drains into streams and rivers.

These waterways feed SRPs reservoir system, and water is released to canals and treatment centers before reaching Phoenix.

Skarupa said the water supply is highly variable due to long-term drought.

Weve been able to handle these extremely dry periods but really benefit from those periodic wet years that refill our system and reset the clock, he said. This allows us to bridge this long-term drought; we save that water until its needed by our downstream users.

SRP is still reaping the benefits of the 2022-2023 winter and reported its system was at around 75% capacity in October.

Were really set up nicely when we have these dry periods or when La Nina rolls around and we dont expect as much inflow, Skarupa said.

While the drought has stressed the Southwests water supply, requiring effective solutions to sustain life in the region indefinitely, Saffell emphasizes the water situation is not yet dire.

When youre looking at the amount of water used now versus what was used in the 1950s, its the same amount of water, she said. Making the water go further has been a success of what goes on in Arizona.

Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com.

Monsoon 2024: Seventh-driest season ends in Phoenix with a burst of hot air, no more rain

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona needs more than 1 wet winter to end 30-year drought
ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP)  An Enfield vape shop was shut down after a police investigation revealed an illegal drug factory.

According to the Enfield Police Department, an investigation was conducted at the Speedy Corner Convenience vape shop on 57 Enfield Street due to numerous complaints from citizens of alleged drug sales.

Person found with serious injuries on Post Road in Enfield, police seek information

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On November 1st, police arrested 38-year-old Abubakr Alshami of New Britain, and seized over 2.31 pounds of various marijuana edibles, vapes, buds, synthetic marijuana, and paraphernalia. Alshami was charged with operation of a drug factory and possession with intent to sell/distribute narcotics. He was held on a $25,000 bond.

MAP: 57 Enfield Street

The Connecticut Fire Marshall and Building Department deemed the property uninhabitable after multiple violations were discovered.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Environmental advocates are concerned about the second Trump administration's effect on Wisconsin water quality. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

On the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump frequently talked about slashing environmental regulations on industry, freeing them up to do as they wish because climate change is a hoax.

With about 70 days until the second Trump administration takes office, environmental advocacy groups in Wisconsin are preparing for how theyll respond to the actions of the Trump-led Environmental Protection Agency and the departments of Agriculture and the Interior as they try to protect the states air, water and natural resources.

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Howard Learner, president of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, says the first Trump term had negative effects on the environment, but the difference this time around is that Wisconsin and its midwestern neighbors have Democratic governors, attorneys general and liberal majorities on their state Supreme Courts.

For the next few years in Wisconsin, theres a Democratic governor, a Democratic-appointed Wisconsin [Department of Natural Resources] (DNR), a Democratic attorney general and a Democratic majority Supreme Court, Learner says. Where previously a number of DNR issues got tied up by the Republican majority, the current Supreme Court has given DNR more latitude to be protective of the environment. So theres an opportunity for the states to be stepping up if the federal government is pulling back, and Wisconsin should seize that opportunity.

Many environmental advocates are also still in wait-and-see mode, wondering which party will win control of the U.S. House of Representatives and which members of Congress will control the bodys committees.

Sara Walling, Clean Wisconsins water and agriculture program director, points to areas where theres broad bipartisan consensus and there isnt need for concern  largely the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a multi-agency collaboration to protect the largest freshwater lakes in the world.

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Over the years, since its initial authorization, and then its reauthorization several times now, including during the Trump administration, both parties have really supported Great Lakes Restoration funding and those programs, so we fully expect that it will be intact and continue to be authorized moving forward, Walling says.

But she adds there are questions about the level of funding for projects such as cleanup efforts in the Milwaukee River estuary. She also says its unlikely progress will continue for starting a similar large-scale restoration project with the Mississippi River.

Walling says shes concerned about the Trump-led EPAs reliance on scientific research conducted by industries the agency regulates.

Generally speaking, the Trump administration in the past, and I dont see any of this changing going forward, does not tend to rely on science when making a lot of its decisions at the EPA level, she says.

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Walling expects the incoming presidents administration to reject Biden administration EPA provisions that have really been very heavily supported by really expansive scientific studies, she says. Theres a lot of initiatives that the EPA has been undertaking that are really a science-driven exploration of any environmental issue, to use that science as the backing for potentially new regulations.

Walling says that the pesticide and agricultural industries are areas where Republicans have complained about what the scientific research has found, and the Trump-led EPA and USDA may swing the pendulum back toward using research conducted by the companies themselves that ignores potential harms to the environment.

Gussie Lord, the managing attorney of the tribal partnerships program at Earthjustice, says that for Wisconsins Native American tribes, the environmental concerns of the Trump administration focus largely on the construction of the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline in northern Wisconsin and the delisting of the gray wolf, once again allowing the animal to be hunted in the state.

We dont know for sure whats going to happen or what their priorities are going to be, but we can look at the previous Trump administration and the things that have been said by his advisors and former advisors, and we can surmise that theres going to be a focus toward more extractive industry practices, including mining, oil and gas, Lord says.

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Lord says protections under the National Environmental Policy Act, wetland protections under the Clean Water Act and subsidies for green energy are all at risk of being reduced. He also considers it likely that the new administration will approve federal permits for Line 5.

On Friday, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who represents much of northern Wisconsin, wrote in his weekly email newsletter about tapping into Americas clean oil and gas resources and that removing the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list is a priority under the new administration

I am committed to passing my legislation that will return gray wolf management back to the states, allowing us to protect our communities and rural livelihoods, he wrote.

In the previous Congress, Tiffany was a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and chairman of the subcommittee on federal lands. During his last term, he allied with right-wing anti-conservation group American Stewards of Liberty to oppose conservation projects in northern Wisconsin.

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American Stewards of Liberty (ASL) played a role in developing Project 2025, the policy plan written for the Trump administration. The president-elect said during the campaign the document wasnt going to reflect his administration, but Trump allies have touted it as a playbook for his term in the days after his victory.

Charlie Carlin, director of strategic initiatives at Gathering Waters, which focuses on land conservation in Wisconsin, says ASLs ideology becoming a main aim of the federal governments environmental policy is worrying.

If we take seriously that Project 2025 is essentially a guiding document for what the next Trump administration looks like, then I think we need to be really concerned about the future of permanent land conservation, kind of across the board, Carlin says. That extends to agricultural land and working forest land as well as natural and wildlife areas, he adds.

ASL and Tiffany have been outspoken in their support for extractive industries, and Carlin says hes worried about the trade-off the Trump administration appears likely to make.

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I think its incredibly concerning  whats the long term sustainability of both the landscape and the economy of northern Wisconsin if the levers of federal government are used to incentivize extraction [which] in northern Wisconsin is likely to be open pit mining, Carlin says.

Theres potentially a major short term economic gain for the wealthiest  for the people who are the owners of those mining companies, or folks who invest in those companies. he adds. But then what suffers there is both water quality and forest land cover for the long term. So maybe you get 10 years or maybe a generation worth of revenue  extracted as youre mining, and then youre left with many generations of poison water or impaired water quality.

He adds that short-term gain could result in a long-term loss in more sustainable industries, diminishing property tax values for communities in the region.

If you strip the timber off of the land in order to dig a big hole to extract minerals, then what you dont have is the regular annual income that supports loggers and that supports the truckers and that supports the mills, and also, that land base supports the outdoor recreation economy and the second-home economy that provides so much of the property tax base up north, Carlin says. And so what youre talking about is this sort of short term blitz that is going to benefit a very few people at the consequence of the long term environmental and economic health of the entire region.

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Estonia's Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur arrived in Kyiv on a visit on Monday, 11 November.

Source: Pevkur on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Pevkur reported that during his visit to Kyiv, he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and "confirmed our continued military support to Ukraine".

"On my way to his office [I also] signed electronically the new military aid package of clothing, small arms, etc. New packages coming already next year (0,25% of Estonia's GDP)," he added.

Met with president @ZelenskyyUa and confirmed our continues military support to . On my way to his office signed electronically also the new military aid package of clothing, small arms etc. New packages coming already next year (0,25% of  GDP). pic.twitter.com/cTBjJP3eWe  Hanno Pevkur (@HPevkur) November 11, 2024

Background:

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Estonia has previously provided Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems, howitzers, artillery, anti-tank mines, anti-tank grenade launchers, mortars, vehicles, communications equipment, field hospitals, medicines, personal protection equipment and dry rations.

In March, the country announced a 20 million military aid package for Kyiv.

Earlier, Estonia stated that the country had virtually no weapons and ammunition left in its stockpiles that it could transfer to Ukraine.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  East Tennessee State University (ETSU) will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday.

Military veterans, including ETSU students, staff and faculty, will be honored at a ceremony starting at 3:45 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial.

The ceremony will feature remarks from ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland, Col. Matthew Skaggs, U.S. Army Futures Command, as well as ETSU ROTC, the Color Guard, music and more.

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Bristol Hard Rock Casino to close in preparation for permanent facility opening

After the program, all veterans and military service members can enjoy a free dinner from 5-7 p.m. at the ETSU Dining Hall.

Veterans can pick up a free meal ticket at the following locations:

Military and Veteran Services, 125 Yoakley Hall

ETSU Army ROTC, 206 Brooks Gym

Office of Equity and Inclusion, 109 Burgin Dossett Hall

For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has been forced to spend the early morning of Monday, 11 November in a bomb shelter because an air-raid warning has been issued in Kyiv.

Source: Borrell on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Borrell also posted a photo showing himself in the shelter.

Quote: "Starting my day in Kyiv in the shelter, as Russia unleashes another missile attack.

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This is the daily reality for the Ukrainian people since Russias full-scale invasion."

Background:

Borrell arrived in Kyiv on a visit on Saturday, 9 November.

The media reported that Borrell had arrived in Kyiv to reassure Ukraine of Europes support. This is the first visit by a high-ranking Brussels official following Donald Trumps election victory.

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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A decision on approving Hungary's Oliver Varhelyi as the new EU commissioner for health and animal welfare has been postponed, a spokesperson for the European Parliament said on Monday.

In September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen nominated her candidates for posts in the EU executive, following the June EU elections.

All candidates are quizzed by European Parliament lawmakers, who have to approve their nominations. During these hearings, they attempt to extract various commitments from the nominees.

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The Hungarian, who currently serves as EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, was among the candidates EU officials expected to come under pressure during his hearing.

A spokesperson did not give more information on why the decision had been postponed or when it was now expected.

Hungary has grown increasingly isolated within the EU for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ties with Russia and opposition to military aid for Ukraine.

Orban's self-styled "peace mission" upset European Union leaders in July when he visited Moscow and Kyiv without notifying the EU or NATO.

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Editing by Sabine Siebold and Ed Osmond)
PARIS (Reuters) - France's foreign minister said on Monday that a new round of sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers could happen soon.

"We were instrumental in setting up the (EU) sanctions regime that was already activated two times, and that might be activated a third time soon," Jean-Noel Barrot told the Paris Peace Forum.

"We believe that those violent settlers and these intensive settlement activities are illegal, that it should stop in the interest of Israel and its security."

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As much of the world's attention has focused on the war in Gaza, growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank and land grabs in the occupied territory have raised concern among some of Israel's Western allies.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Ros Russell)
Denmark will pay for the purchase of weapons and military equipment from Ukrainian defense companies. The agreements cover a total amount of approximately EUR 535 million.

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A number of implementation agreements with the Danish Ministry of Defense were signed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine. These documents finalize the agreements outlined in the Letter of Intent signed in late September in Kyiv, the Defense Ministry's press service explained.

As a result, domestic defense companies (both state-owned and private) will supply the Armed Forces with self-propelled artillery systems, attack drones, anti-tank weapons, and missile weapons, said Hlib Kanevskyi, director of the Procurement Policy Department.

Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov noted that Denmark was the first country to purchase weapons directly from our defense companies.

"I am sincerely grateful to the Danish government and the entire nation for their continued and consistent support. We appreciate that Denmark sets an example in the development of Ukraine's defense industry. This will speed up the supply of necessary weapons to our military while strengthening the Ukrainian economy in the face of Russian aggression. It is extremely important for us to have such a reliable ally as Denmark," said Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries Hanna Hvozdiar.

We would like to add that Ukraine has already received 50 million euros thanks to the Danish model, which provides direct financing to manufacturers. These funds were used to finance the production of "Bohdana" self-propelled artillery systems for the Armed Forces.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
State Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton, elected to represent Colorado's 8th Congressional District, participates in a Republican primary debate at the Grizzly Rose in Denver on June 1, 2024. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

One day after declaring victory in a crucial Colorado congressional race, Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton didnt come any closer to clarifying his views on President-elect Donald Trumps detailed plans for the largest mass deportation in American history.

Continuing a pattern set throughout his campaign to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo in the 8th Congressional District, Evans while speaking to reporters Monday repeatedly evaded questions about promises by Trump and his top advisors to deport millions of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., insisting that a conversation about those plans could be had at a later date.

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I think thats at least step three in the process, Evans said during a press conference at his campaign headquarters. Step one: Secure the border. Step two: We have to make sure that those violent criminals that are in our community are being held accountable.  After weve got those priorities done, then we can absolutely continue to have that conversation about what we do with the millions of folks who are present illegally in the United States, but who arent committing crimes and who arent really causing massive problems in our society.

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Evans comments are at odds with the day-one agenda that has been extensively and publicly outlined by Trump and those tapped for key roles on immigration policy in his second administration, including former Immigrations and Customs Enforcement director Tom Homan, named by Trump late Sunday as his border czar, and advisor Stephen Miller, who will serve as the incoming presidents deputy chief of staff.

Homan, an architect of the first Trump administrations family separation policy, said in an interview last month that large-scale workplace raids against unauthorized workers would resume under Trump. Miller has pledged a blitz and shock-and-awe approach to deportation beginning on Trumps first day back in office, and told the New York Times that the program would shift from targeted enforcement operations to mass roundups, involving what he called vast holding facilities that would function as staging centers.

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Unofficial results in the 8th District show Evans, an Army veteran and former Arvada police officer, narrowly prevailing over Caraveo by about 2,500 votes after a campaign dominated by issues of crime and immigration. The Associated Press had yet to call the race Monday, but Caraveo conceded Sunday.

The 8th District is Colorados newest and most competitive congressional seat, and includes parts of Denvers northern suburbs in Adams County as well as more rural areas in southern Weld County. Nearly 40% of the 8th District residents are Latino, and Caraveos narrow 2022 win made her the first Latina to represent Colorado in Congress.

Evans, the grandson of Mexican immigrants on his mothers side, did not answer directly on Monday when asked about Millers comment, during a Trump rally in Aurora last month, that America is for Americans and Americans only.

America is the great melting pot, Evans said. I think all that people ask is that if youre going to come to the United States, you do it the right way.

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But that, too, is starkly at odds with the agenda laid out by Trump and his advisors. Miller has advocated freezing or curtailing a wide variety of pathways to legal immigration, including major new restrictions on work visas, green cards and temporary asylum statuses, as well as new and expanded travel bans. Miller has also called for an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and Trump has promised a day-one executive order ending automatic citizenship for children born in the United States.

Opposes family separation

Evans did, however, express opposition to a reinstatement of the first Trump administrations family separation policies. Miller was a driving force behind the so-called zero tolerance approach to unauthorized border crossings, which was implemented from 2017 to 2019 and resulted in the separation of more than 5,500 children from their families.

Im not a big fan of separating families, said Evans. I dont think thats the right path to go down.

Evans presumptive victory in the 8th District could prove crucial for Republicans, who are on track to maintain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and give Trumps party unified control of the federal government.

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Evans cruised to victory in the 8th Districts Republican primary in June thanks in part to Trumps endorsement. When asked earlier this year about Trumps plans to deport them all, Evans affirmed his support  yeah, you go back and you wait in line, the way everybody else does, he told moderators after some prodding in a June primary debate  but avoided answering the question throughout his general-election matchup with Caraveo.

He also didnt answer when asked repeatedly during an October debate about Trumps racist rhetoric targeting immigrants, including the former presidents comments about immigrants who have bad genes and are poisoning the blood of our country.

My faith guides me, I follow the Constitution and I listen to my constituents, Evans said Monday of how he will approach his work in Congress. And so, in order, that is how Im going to be making my decisions.

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Former Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm has been left paralyzed from the chest down after falling off a horse in a freak polo accident in September, pals told The Post on Sunday.

The 54-year-old Marine veteran is being treated at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey  where late Superman movie star Christopher Reeve also recovered after being paralyzed from the neck down in a fall from a horse.

Grimms injuries are so severe that friends have started a GoFundMe to raise money for the extensive, yearslong medical expenses he is expected to incur.

Former Staten Island Rep. Michael Grimm has been left paralyzed after falling off a horse in a polo accident. @MichaelGrimmNY/X

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for Grimms medical expenses. GoFundMe

I hate to even say it. Mike is paralyzed from the chest down, said pal Vincent Ignizio, a former Republican councilman and current deputy executive director of the New York City Board of Elections.

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Ignizio has frequently visited Grimm and noted that he was moved from a hospital to the rehabilitation center last week.

Hes currently immobilized and is currently being treated to try to give him the function that he can obtain. A lot of prayers are needed, Ignizio told The Post.

Grimm was an intense, fit, hard-charging military veteran  and looked the part.

Grimm was paralyzed from the chest down after falling from a horse on Sept. 22. @MichaelGrimmNY/X

He could flash a smile to light up a room but was also quick to anger  once threatening on live television to throw a NY1 reporter off a balcony in the US Capitol after the journo asked him about his legal woes.

Our friend, former Marine, FBI Agent, and US Congressman Michael Grimm was paralyzed following a devastating accident when thrown from a horse in September 2024, reads the GoFundMe sponsored by the Michael Grimm Supplemental Needs Fund. He has been in the most devastating of situations and through the grace of God, Mr. Grimm has miraculously thread the needle to survive.

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Yet, his ongoing care and the treatment to walk again will cost millions of dollars. For a man who has dedicated his life to helping others, we now humbly ask that you give generously to help him.

Grimm represented Staten Island and southern Brooklyn in Congress from 2010 to 2015. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

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More than $36,000 had been raised as of Sunday afternoon.

Even former Brooklyn City Councilman Domenic Recchia, who lost when he ran against Grimm for Congress in 2014, donated $250 to his onetime political nemesis.

This isnt a Democratic or Republican issue. Its a human issue. Hes a human being, Recchia said.

Michael Grimm gave his life for our country in the Armed Services. We have to unite together.

It was a tragic accident. Hopefully one day hell walk again.

Grimm is being treated at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. Michael Grimm/Facebook

State Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, chairman of the Staten Island Republican Party, pleaded for as many people as possible to come to Grimms aid.

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Congressman Grimm is a dedicated public servant who served us on the battlefield and in the halls of Congress. We need to join together as one community to help Michael in his time of need, Tannousis said.

Grimm was thrown off a horse during a polo tournament Sept. 22, according to the GoFundMe page.

He represented Staten Island and southern Brooklyn in Congress from 2010 to January 2015.

He won re-election in 2014 while under indictment for tax evasion. But he resigned after his re-election and pleaded guilty for under-reporting income from an Upper East Side restaurant he once co-owned and paying staffers off the books.

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Grimm served seven months in prison.

He attempted a political comeback in 2018 but lost in a Republican primary to then-Republican Rep. Dan Donovan.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis now represents the 11th House District.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) experts have analysed reports of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russians and noted that these acts remain unpunished by Russian field commanders.

Source: ISW

Details: The ISW reports that Ukrainian officials continue to speak of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russians.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office announced on 9 November that it was investigating a video showing Russian forces executing a captured and unarmed Ukrainian soldier in violation of the Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War.

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Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets mentioned that he sent a letter to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the war crime reports.

ISW has repeatedly reported on previous footage reports of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian military personnel and noted a broader trend of Russian mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs across different parts of the front, which appear to be condoned if not explicitly approved by some Russian commanders and go unpunished by Russian field commanders.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 10 November:

Ukrainian forces struck Russian ammunition warehouses in Bryansk Oblast during a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike against Russia on the night of 9-10 November.

Ukrainian officials continue to report Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs).

Russian forces recently advanced on the Pokrovsk front.

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Last month, an E. coli outbreak swept through McDonalds restaurants in 13 states, killing one person and sickening 89 others, including 27 people who needed to be hospitalized. Within days, an investigation led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the culpritfresh, slivered onions often served on Quarter Poundersand they were able to halt the outbreak.

Under a second Trump administration, its not clear that public health officials would be able to act so quickly. In the wake of Trumps victory, conservative commentators, including right-wing podcaster Matt Walsh and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, emphasized that Project 2025, which calls for splitting up the CDC and erasing protections on health care, is the agenda. Meanwhile, close Trump ally Robert Kennedy Jr., who claims Trump promised him control of health and agriculture agencies, told MSNBC last week he plans to empty entire departments at agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates the food and drug supply.

Over the next two months, health officials are racing to Trump-proof their work, said Gregg Gonsalves, associate professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health. Federal officials are scrambling to disburse funding and move up the timelines of some projects, while local and state health departments are trying to beef up any potential weaknesses in their systems.

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Without quick, coordinated responses to outbreaks of deadly pathogens like E. coli, youll see more of them, Gonsalves told me. Lindsay Wiley, professor and director of the Health Law and Policy Program at UCLA Law, agreed: Conducting investigations really requires work across state lineswe really are pretty dependent on federal agencies to perform those kinds of epidemiological investigations to track it to the source, she said. State and local health departments should be scanning to identify: What are the things that we would lose? That could include funding as well as resources and leadership on epidemiological investigations and health campaigns. Its not unusual for states to share resources and information among themselves, but multistate efforts are usually coordinated by federal officials. Now states are rushing to fill in those gaps.

The national public health apparatus wont be dismantled overnightits too complicated for that, Gonsalves said. This is where federalism is a blessing. Instead, itll be a war of attrition, he said, and while larger local and state health departments with more resources may be better able to weather the coming storm, everyone will face significant challenges. Public health, always operating on a shoestring budget, is in worse shape than it was before Covid hit, with fewer resources and less trust alongside more pathogens, pervasive burnout, and threats to personal safety.

Trump said last week that he hasnt ruled out banning certain vaccines at RFK Jr.s prompting, though Kennedy later walked back the claim slightly by saying he wont take away anybodys vaccines. Not much can be done to prepare for the possibility of removing vaccines from the market, because mounting an effective vaccination campaign to prepare for future shortages isnt likely to happen in the next two monthsthough communications on getting up-to-date on immunizations could help. Most local and state health departments dont have funding sloshing around to mount any kind of last-minute  efforts like this, Gonsalves said. While state and local health departments have always been on the front lines and vaccination campaigns happen at the local and state level, the funding largely comes from the federal government, he said. And anything that needs national leadership and coordination is going to be severely disrupted or dismantled.





Before Trumps administration takes office in January, federal officials need to send out funds already appropriated by Congress to state and local health departments, a process that often takes months or years, experts said. The most important job for them to keep doing, and maybe to prioritize in this moment, is getting money out the door, Wiley said. Public health programs could be cut off in future budgets, Wiley said, but theres also the possibility of a lawless decision to just not make the payment, even though its been appropriated. Wiley was careful not to name specific programs, in case that makes it easier for Trump administration officials to target them, but she said public health usually depends on federal money for everything from disease monitoring to maternal mortality prevention.

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Whatever discretionary funding is around, get it out the door if youre CDC; if youre a state health department or local health department, spend that money, Gonsalves said. But the big thing is that state and local officials may have to step into the breach now and support basic public health capacity that they have not had to do in the past.

To the extent they can, some state and local officials have already been preparing for disruption. States that are pro-health or protective of public health have been taking action to try to protect and shield health professionals, Wiley said. Usually, state health departments operate without much direct federal intervention. The new thing is going to be the absence of a federal buffer with respect to other states, Wiley said. The Biden administration has been using tools like the Food and Drug Administration approval of certain drugs and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, to protect providers from state restrictions on abortion, she said. That shield from the federal government will go away. But in the meantime, states have also tried to supplement that federal buffer with a combination of things that count as shield laws.

Shield laws can be especially important with politicized forms of health care that have mainstream scientific support and are evidence-based but have been politicized by opponents, sometimes based on misinformation, Wiley said. This includes reproductive, sexual, and gender-affirming health care; mental health and vaccination could also come under attack from anti-science officials, she said. In addition to making laws to protect health professionals who provide care for people living in states where that care is restricted, officials are also making sure they dont have any laws on the books that could be turned against providers.

State and local officials may also be preparing for revenge from the incoming presidentespecially states where elected officials might actively resist complying with what they view as unlawful commands of a new federal administration, or even states that simply didnt turn red for Trump on election night. In 2018, Trump attempted to withhold wildfire disaster funding to California because of the number of Democratic voters in the state.





The reality is, most people dont really understand what public health does. The pandemic increased that sense of uncertainty and misunderstanding, Gonsalves said. Its not masking and vaccine mandates. Its the fact that you dont get food poisoning when you walk into a restaurant, the water coming out of your tap isnt filled with lead, your building tiles arent filled with asbestos, you dont have to deal with polio or other childhood infectious diseases. In order to save public health, we need to understand the countless and almost entirely invisible ways it saves our lives every day.

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Go to city council meetings, support propublic health candidates, write op-eds, counterprotest if necessary, Gonsalves said. To fight against tyranny, you get ready to defend institutions. That means finding out who runs public health in your city or town, finding out what they need, and supporting them. If theres a city council meeting and theyre talking about your local health department budget, make sure youre there to advocate for it, he said. And hes not just talking to residents of red states or scrappy little towns, which may already face significant challenges. Larger departments and blue districts that expanded their work with Covid funding have had to cut back, but they may be motivated to find ways to continue these efforts if residents indicate theyre important. This is all hands on deck, Gonsalves said. You need to show up everywhere  everything is in jeopardy.

Anti-science proponents have gotten very good at showing up, consistently, at all levels of leadership and making their voices heard in public meetings and private communication. Those eager to defend public health institutions may need to start following a similar playbook.

Above all, were not helpless, Gonsalves said. This isnt the first time at the rodeo for anybody in public health. Gonsalves got his start in public health activism during the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, when Ronald Reagans inaction and incompetence made the tragedy far worse; Gonsalves also lived in South Africa when then-President Thabo Mbeki blocked lifesaving HIV antivirals. Those were difficult days, in which tempestuous leaders made things a lot harder, but now they are gone, Gonsalves said. These tin-pot dictators like Donald Trump are a dime a dozen, and they come and go. But we keep pushing ahead.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Events and specials will be held all across Mid-Michigan Monday to honor those veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Ceremonies

The Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony will be hosted at the All Wars Monument on the Capitol Lawn (Northeast) in Lansing at 2:00 p.m. This years ceremony will feature seven wreaths, symbolizing the sacrifices made during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the War on Terror and a Michigan wreath representing 516,000 Veterans from Michigan.

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Holt Lutheran School will host a flag burning ceremony to honor veterans at 10:00 a.m. Burning is the proper way to dispose of an old and damaged flag. Students will play an active role in the ceremony. They have placed photos of the important veterans in their lives on display in the school cafeteria and will be performing songs.

Livingston County Veterans Memorial in Howell will be the site of the Veterans Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. With help from fundraising and donations from the community, renovations to the Veterans Memorial have been made, including improved lighting and six granite stones displaying the badges of the United States military. The event will be held at 11:00 a.m.

Lansing Community College will hold its 12th annual Veterans Memeorial Induction Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the LCC Downtown Campus Gannon Building Michigan Room on the first floor. The college will induct Richard Allen, an employee in Information Technology Services and the longest-tenured employee in the colleges history.

Events

DeWitt High School will host its 18th annual Veterans Day Tribute in the gymnasium, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The event will offer breakfast and will include a keynote address and performances by the High School Chamber Choir.

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Footprints of Michigan, in partnership with the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1039, will host the Veteran Appreciation Shoe Giveaway. This event is open to all veterans with a valid Military ID or DD-214. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Veterans will receive a free pair of shoes, along with a complimentary breakfast sandwich and coffee.

Potter Park Zoo will offer free entry to veterans, active military members, and their families. The zoo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Ingham County Veterans Treatment Court (ICVTC) will celebrate its 15th anniversary with an event held at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person; admission is free for veterans and ICVTC justice partners. The ICVTC assists veterans who have been diagnosed with a substance use and/or mental health disorder. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement, retired Brig. Gen. Michael C. H. McDaniel, retired Command Sgt. Maj. David Dunckel and Spc. Anthony Warner will all speak at the event.

Deals

Kroger will be offering a 10% discount on all in-store purchases for veterans and active-duty military.

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Lansing area McDonalds will offer a free meal to all veterans with a valid military ID. For breakfast they will offer an Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit, along with a hash brown and any size soft drink, tea or coffee. The free meals are only available for dine-in or drive-thru costumers.

Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen will offer a free meal all day from a curated menu of 10 items to both veterans and active-duty military.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The incoming US president is likely to reverse the current government's policy on climate change, Washington's current envoy told the UN Climate Change Conference on Monday as it opened in the Azerbaijan.

President-elect Donald Trump's likely U-turn on climate action is all the more disappointing, given the worsening climate crisis, US international climate policy adviser John Podesta told journalists at the conference in Baku.

Leaders, ministers and other officials from around 200 countries are gathered to discuss how to limit global warming and its deadly consequences.

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Podesta called the climate crisis a matter of life and death, and a reality, though Trump has questioned global warming and dismissed it as a hoax.

Podesta, appointed by outgoing US President Joe Biden, is likely to be replaced after the new administration starts work next year.

Trump has already vowed to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and scale back US climate protection measures in the US in favour of generating oil and gas.

But Trump will not be able to catapult the US back to the 1950s, if only because the economic trend favours the expansion of renewable energies, which are often the most cost-effective, Podesta said.

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Funding is a core issue at the two-week summit, which focuses on new financial commitments to poor countries impacted by heatwaves, storms and floods made more frequent by climate change.

Developing countries and environmental organizations are expecting wealthy industrialized countries to mobilize at least $1 trillion annually  10 times more than the current pledge of $100 billion annually.

To finance this, climate activists are proposing taxing the rich and levies on the extraction of coal, oil and gas.

The urgency of the issue was clear from the outset with the UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) signalling the highest alarm level in the face of the speed of climate change as it presented its 2024 temperatures report.

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The average global temperature came in at a record 1.54 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level between 1850 and 1900, the WMO reported. Researchers are not confident much will change by the end of the year.

The 2015 Paris Climate Accords set a target of limiting the rise in the long-term average temperature to 1.5 degrees, with the emphasis on "long-term." According to the WMO, the rise is currently 1.3 degrees by this standard.

"The record-breaking rainfall and flooding, rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones, deadly heat, relentless drought and raging wildfires that we have seen in different parts of the world this year are unfortunately our new reality and a foretaste of our future," WMO Secretary General Celeste Saulo said.

Large sums needed for change

Speaking in Baku, German Climate Change Secretary Jennifer Morgan said her country was fundamentally facing up to its responsibility but that all states able to afford to help must pay.

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From the EU's point of view, that means China and wealthy Gulf states, though these are classified as recipient countries according to the UN's dated logic.

But action is urgent, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warning that the looming climate catastrophe is endangering the health of millions of people, widening inequalities and shaking the foundations of peace.

Tasneem Essop, the head of the Climate Action Network (CAN), slammed donor countries for being hesitant. "Coming to this conference and saying that they don't have the money is unacceptable."

Oxfam Australia meanwhile said the number of people affected by climate-related disasters in the Pacific alone has risen by an average of 700% in the last decade.

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The pressure to act is immense, with the planet having warmed by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times for the first time. It is likely to be the warmest year since weather records began, according to the EU climate service.

However, even if all states implement their climate protection plans, the planet is on course for a temperature increase of 2.6 to 3.1 degrees by the turn of the century, which would make large parts of the world uninhabitable.

'Substantialoutcome' needed at talks

Earlier, as he opened the meeting, the UN's climate chief Simon Stiell said that significant steps are needed.

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"We cannot leave Baku without a substantial outcome," Stiell - the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - told those gathered for the two-week conference, known as COP29.

"Let's dispense with any idea that climate finance is charity," said Stiell. "An ambitious new climate finance goal is entirely in the self-interest of every nation, including the largest and wealthiest."

Stiell acknowledged that the negotiations can sometimes feel far removed from the victims of the climate crisis, but he insisted that the UN-led process is working.

"Without it, humanity would be headed towards 5 degrees of global warming," he said.

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The stakes are high - but several leading figures are absent, from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Brazilian President Lula da Silva, US President Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also cancelled his trip to Baku after his ruling coalition collapsed last week.
A signature campaign promise of President-elect Donald Trump  mass deportations of immigrants in the United States illegally  could ultimately work against another promise to lower grocery prices, some migration researchers and advocates warn.

The low-paid farm laborers who pick crops in Michigan and across the U.S. are significantly composed of migrants  and the not-so-secret truth is that many are undocumented. A 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Labor, based on interviews with nearly 2,600 migrant crop workers between 2020 and 2022, found that only 58% of those interviewed were authorized to work in the U.S.

"We have multigenerational families and groups that have been coming to Michigan for years as migrant farmworkers. We have many seasonal farmer workers and year-round farmworkers and many, many of them are undocumented," said Susan Reed, director of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, an advocacy and legal resource center for Michigan's immigrant communities.

Clothes hang on a line to dry behind a migrant workers camp near Grand Rapids Monday, Aug. 31, 2020.

Reed could not cite specific numbers but said, "In our experience, it's a very significant portion of Michigan's agricultural workforce that is undocumented."

Farmworker shortage would boost prices

A large-scale deportation  even if it starts elsewhere but creates a climate that causes these migrant farm laborers to not want to make their annual trips to Michigan and other farm fields  could cause an economic shock wave in a sector already struggling with labor shortages.

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"Many of the people that voted for Trump were motivated by how much they pay for groceries, how difficult it is to find affordable housing," said Stephanie Nawyn, an associate professor of sociology at Michigan State University specializing in migration and migrant labor issues."Folks might learn the hard way how dependent our economy and other social institutions are on migrants coming to this country."

American citizen or resident laborers are historically reluctant to choose agricultural field work. A loss of the dwindling immigrant workforce would force farmers to increase wages for those jobs  in a climate where large grocery chains operating on thin, 1.6% net profits after taxes already put downward pressure on growers to keep prices on fruits, vegetables and other produce lower.

The increased costs would almost assuredly fall to consumers, said Steven Hubbard, senior data scientist with the American Immigration Council in Washington, a nonprofit that advocates for "fair and just" U.S. immigration.

Agriculture is an economic powerhouse in Michigan

"If we have a mass deportation, if you are looking in particular at the ag industry, that will increase food prices greatly," he said.

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"You will either have to import food from other countries or growers will just have to pay workers more money. It's going to increase the labor costs for items such as strawberries. There are things that can't be picked by machines."

Agriculture is Michigan's second-largest industry, contributing $125 billion annually to the state economy and employing nearly 1 million people, almost 25% of the state's workforce, according to Michigan Farm Bureau. Michigan is the No. 1 producer of asparagus in the nation, a crop that requires picking by hand.

American farmers have already been seeing fewer migrant workers heading north to their fields, Hubbard said.

In the era of COVID-19, the nonprofit Migrant Legal Aid hand out personal protection equipment including masks and hand sanitizer to migrant workers who are getting ready to harvest Michigan apples on various farms near Grand Rapids on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020.

"Mexico has its own agricultural industry, and it's doing quite well," he said.

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Younger agricultural workers are staying in Mexico to a larger degree, and one of the results is the aging of migrant crop workers here, Hubbard said. A recent study shows that from 2006 to 2022, the average age of a U.S.-born crop production worker rose from 39.6 years to 40.6 years  but for migrant crop workers, the jump was from 37.2 years to 41.6 years.

At a time when businesses everywhere are struggling to attract and retain workers, it's particularly acute in farming, and not just with field crops, Hubbard said. Dairy and meat farmers and fisheries are also struggling, and they have more year-round needs, he said.

"It could be very complicated for those farmers to have the workers they need," he said. "And it increases the costs."

Farmers 'have been asking for help from Congress for years'

The 2024 Republican Party platform set as one of its top priorities, "Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history," a topic Trump reiterated frequently during his campaign speeches. Republicans cited illegal immigration, particularly across the Southern U.S. border, that rose significantly from 2021 to 2024 under the Biden administration. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows more than 2 million "encounters" with undocumented immigrants at the Southern border every fiscal year between 2022 and this year, a number that had stayed between 300,000 and 850,000 per year during Trump's first term.

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Free Press inquiries to the Michigan Farm Bureau, which endorsed Trump in the presidential election, about potential impacts to Michigan farms reliant upon migrant crop labor were responded to with an emailed statement from John Kran, Michigan Farm Bureau national legislative counsel.Farmers across America depend on a skilled, reliable workforce to help grow and raise our sustainable food supply," he stated. "Unfortunately, our farmers are experiencing a workforce crisis and have been asking for help from Congress for years. Too many growers in our state are facing labor challenges that are pushing them to the brink of collapse, and some have already made the heartbreaking choice to stop farming because of it. "We need both sides of the aisle to work together on long-term legislative action to help alleviate skyrocketing labor costs and ensure that Michigan farmers can continue to grow affordable, high-quality food on our soil. Michigan Farm Bureau stands ready to work with the new Congress and presidential administration to deliver the certainty farmers need to continue producing affordable food for Americas families.

'More fraught and dangerous' for farmworker families

Some 49,000 migrant seasonal farmworkers labor in Michigan every year, Reed said. With their accompanying household members, it comes to almost 100,000 migrants, she said.

Reed said mass deportations would "have a devastating impact on Michigan's No. 2 industry."

"The process of being a migrant farmworker just became more fraught and dangerous for those families," she said.

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And that might ripple to documented crop production workers, she said.

"I, as a U.S. citizen, would feel pretty uncomfortable bringing my family to stay in farmworker housing, concerned that a law enforcement raid could turn into a very high-intensity conflict," Reed said. "It could happen any night after I tuck my kids into bed. No thanks. I think I would sit this harvest out before I do that.

"There is very real potential for others in the agricultural workforce to just feel like, 'I don't feel very comfortable being a noncitizen in this very highly visible way as part of the ag labor force.' Clearly, there would be an impact from that on the cost of food."

Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump's call for mass deportation could affect grocery prices
US President-elect Donald Trump (L) on November 13, 2024, and Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on August 23, 2024. SAUL LOEBOLIVIER TOURON via Getty Images

Americans are bracing for a second Donald Trump presidency. His policies and leadership will impact all aspects of life, and while no one knows exactly what will unfold, many people are scared  especially when it comes to their health.

During his last time in office, Trump botched the pandemic response, he spread misinformation everywhere, he contributed to restricting access to reproductive health care, he tried to repeal [the Affordable Care Act] and he set the world back on climate action, saidLucky Tran, a science communicator based in New York. For me, its extremely worrying to have someone in charge with such a poor track record on health and science.

Whats more, Trump has said hell put Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  an anti-vaccine advocate  in charge of many aspects of health care.

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[Kennedy] is not qualified to have an opinion on anything health-related, Dr. Sylvia Gates-Carlisle, the treasurer of the Association of Black Women Physicians, told HuffPost.

Here are the issues health experts are most worried about:

Abortion

[Trump] is an individual who we have already four years of experience with who takes credit for reversing Roe [v. Wade] and is proud of it, said Dr. Meera Shah, the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic in New York.

Without the protections established under Roe, states have the power to decide whether abortion is legal within their borders, despite what most Americans want, ... which is they want it to be available and accessible to them, Shah said. This election, abortion protection measures were on the ballot in 10 states, and of them, seven states voted to support them.

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Currently, 21 states have abortion bans or restrictions in place, according to The New York Times.

What weve seen is exactly what we knew would happen, which is patients are being harmed, patients are dying, because of these bans, Shah said.

Abortion has become heavily politicized, and now this go around, all of a sudden were hearing a different tune, and were being told that [Trump is] going to protect the rights of women. But quite frankly, we just dont know  I have a hard time believing him.

Health insurance coverage

Millions of people in the U.S. who rely on government health programs could also be at risk of losing access to care.

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Im most concerned about the funding thats going to be cut for health care organizations, for possibly Medicare or [Medicaid] programs, and Im concerned about the programs that are funded through [the Department of Health and Human Services] that might be cut, said Dr. Sheila Young-Mercado, the president of the Association of Black Women Physicians.

Medicare, the government insurance program for elderly Americans, could become more expensive for patients, and Medicaid, which provides healthcare to people who have limited income, is always on the chopping block because people view it as an entitlement, said Gates-Carlisle.

Reproductive rights are a huge concern for doctors  and for the everyday American. SDI Productions via Getty Images

Vaccines

In a recent interview, Kennedy said he wont take away Americans access to vaccines. Still, experts are concerned.

Especially if RFK has any kind of authority, I think its going to become more difficult to get new vaccines approved, and therell be increased scrutiny of the safety of current vaccines, said Sara Gorman, the CEO of Critica, an organization that fights science misinformation, and author of The Anatomy of Deception: Conspiracy Theories, Distrust, and Public Health in America.

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I dont actually think that theyll necessarily be able to pull current vaccines from the market. ... There was some talk about the vaccine schedule disappearing. I think that that seems a little bit less likely, but I do think that there might be more hoops to jump through, Gorman said.

Inequity in health care

Young-Mercado said the language in Project 2025, the far-right policy plan put forward by conservatives in the event of a Trump win, has her concerned about continued funding for programs that look into racial equity in health care and beyond.

Lets talk about multiple studies showing that Black people get less radiation therapy for cancer, Black people get less money spent on them in health care, ... less referrals to transplants, Gates-Carlisle said.

Young-Mercado said the likes of Project 2025 were using a misleading definition of diversity, equity and inclusion to cut back on programs that try to prevent these kinds of disparities.

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Its basically saying we need to open the doors to allow people who have been discriminated against and left out, who have not had access to now have access, Young-Mercado said. Were asking you to ensure that patients who need a heart transplant, patients who need a kidney transplant, will be able to receive those and not continue to experience the discrimination based on racism or sexism or any other ism that you want to throw at them.

IVF

In vitro fertilization is already under attack in certain parts of the country, and experts worry this could get worse during a second Trump presidency. Fetal personhood laws, statutes that give fetuses the same rights as people, are in effect in one third of U.S. states, according to Politico.

These restrictions not only undermine scientific integrity but could criminalize critical aspects of IVF, making the procedure inaccessible, Dr. Stacy De-Lin, the associate medical director of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, told HuffPost via email.

As a result of these laws and ongoing litigation, fertility clinics have paused treatment in the past, disrupting a process that for patients is very much time-dependent.

LGBTQ+ health care

Our patients and our community are devastated and panicked, and theres so much evidence that they have reason to be, said Dr. Kaiyti Duffy, the chief medical officer of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

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Trumps campaign rhetoric singled out transgender people in particular, Duffy added.

The rhetoric has really damaged a group of people who are so vulnerable ... and now were going into an administration that has self-identified as being anti-trans, she said.

While we dont know precisely what the Trump administration will do in regard to gender-affirming care, Trump repeatedly attacked Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail for supporting providing health care to incarcerated trans people. Project 2025 outlines a range of attacks on the health of trans people, including striking gender-affirming care from veteran health care coverage and outlawing gender-affirming care for minors.

Duffy is worried.

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Weve seen throughout the country, different states enacting legislation to restrict hormones, and I think the fear is that this is going to happen on a national level, Duffy said.

Many Americans who arent transgender may not understand that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and life-saving, she argued.

These are individuals who are fighting for their lives to get this care so that they can live out their true nature. Denying this care really does risk their lives. It risks their safety. It risks their mental health, she said.

Climate change isn't only making the world hotter, it also has direct health consequences. Jasmin Merdan via Getty Images

Climate change

Trump plans to increase fossil fuel production during his second term. And Project 2025 threatens the Environmental Protection Agency and environmental justice.

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These things could make climate change worse, which doesnt only impact weather patterns.

Climate change impacts our health in multiple ways, said Tran. As the planet warms, ticks and mosquitoes will become more widespread, putting Americans at greater at risk of infections like Lyme disease, Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus and more. Instances of heat stroke increase as the world gets hotter too, he noted.

The act of burning fossil fuels itself is actually one of the greatest contributors to early death in the world, prematurely killing 7 million people a year, because fossil fuels are bad for your health, Tran added.

If a Trump administration rolls back pollution regulations, that could have consequences for respiratory health, Gorman added.

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Climate change also makes natural disasters more common; more wildfires means more wildfire smoke, which increases risk of respiratory diseases, according to Tran. And severe storms can create flooding and water contamination issues, in addition to killing people directly.

Public health agencies

Im worried about the future of our health and scientific agencies under another Trump presidency, because for one, RFK Jr. wants to restrict their powers, and two, Project 2025 has details for plans to dismantle public health and science and environmental agencies, Tran said. Agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency could all see changes.

[What] concerns me most, actually, is this talk about splitting the CDC in two: one part to work on infectious disease and one part to work on chronic disease, said Gorman.

It actually makes no scientific sense to split those things up, she said. But I think more importantly, what doing something like that would do would be to weaken the [CDC] as kind of an all-encompassing public health institution, and that, to me, is one of the most concerning things that Ive heard so far.

These changes could weaken things like the CDCs disease warning system or the EPAs oversight of environmental rules.

[The EPA] also is involved in a lot of regulatory processes, which keeps our air and water clean, and so really restricting the EPA regulatory powers will make all of us less healthy, Tran noted.

And problems at the FDA could cause food safety to be compromised, said Tran.

So, what can you do?

Turning off the news and shutting off your phone can be a good way to deal with post-election stress in the short term, but Gorman said that its important not to do that if these changes start to happen.

Dont retreat. I think people are wanting to hide a little bit in light of all this, and a lot of people want to quit social media and just get out of it so that they dont see any of the discussion, but I think the more people do that, the less that we have a chance of fighting back, Gorman noted.

If youre not informed, youll have no idea what you even can or need to do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community.

We still have agency, Tran added, And there are many things we can all do as an individual that can help protect our communitys health.

Even if things are stalling at the federal level, a lot of important health policies actually happen at the state and local level ... and there are many different tools that we can use to help, [like] protests, mutual aid, community care, local legislation and litigation, Tran said.

You can also try to find trusted doctors who can share accurate, science-backed information with you and to vote in local elections, which directly impact your health, too.

I think the takeaway is that good public health is a collective endeavor, and regardless of who holds the highest office, we all still have agency, and there are many things that we can do in our own communities and at the local and state levels to not only protect public health but make progress, Tran said.

Related...
Car horns started honking and dogs began to bark. Thats the first thing that Laura Jimenez and Vicente Cantador remember. Then they heard the sound of water. But it wasnt falling from the sky, because not a single raindrop fell that afternoon in Catarroja. It was coming from the ground. Its the ravine that has overflowed, they thought. They saw a tongue of water, small at first, advancing from the far end of the street towards their building door. They ran down from the first floor where they live and hurried to get their car out of the underground garage. There was a rush of water. In the space of just two minutes, chaos ensued. With some of the neighbors, Vicente raced to erect a makeshift dike at the garage door using trash bags. Then the lights went out at number 7 on Blasco Ibanez Avenue. Vicente went back upstairs to calm down his son, who was crying. They heard screams and banging. Everything was dark.

He soothed the boy and went back downstairs. The water was now rushing by with unstoppable force. Except it wasnt quite water. It was a brown, viscous mass carrying stones, trees, debris, wood and objects of all kinds. It was then that some of the people who were erecting the dike were swept down into the garage, and nobody could do anything to stop it. Two days later, the Spanish Armys Military Emergency Unit (UME) removed four lifeless bodies from in there. Many neighbors still cannot bring themselves to talk about what happened. I never want to remember that night again in my life, says one of them.

Catarroja, located five miles (eight kilometers) from the eastern Spanish city of Valencia, has a population of nearly 30,000. It is one of the municipalities most badly affected by the October 29 flash floods, which have caused at least 215 deaths in the province and destroyed dozens of villages. It is an area of orchards and marshland nestled between Paiporta, Benetusser, Albal and Massanassa, four names sadly famous these days for being located in ground zero of the flooding. All these towns are stuck together, and if you are not familiar with the area, you dont know where one ends and the next one begins.

The degree of devastation in all of them is such that it leaves you breathless. In many streets, there is only mud and human beings with stories to tell. Each person has one. What happened here is so brutal that we journalists have been left to wonder whether it is even possible to convey the tragedy in all its dimensions. Sometimes it is useful to look through a microscope, so this report focuses on a single street in Catarroja, the street that Vicente and Laura live on, the street where four people died in that garage. On Blasco Ibanez Avenue.

This aerial view from Google Earth shows Catarroja and Blasco Ibanez Avenue before the flooding. At the end of the video, a photograph by Samuel Sanchez shows the state of the area after the disaster.

It is called an avenue, but in reality it is not a very big street, stretching barely 300 meters. It contains about 200 housing units, the Larrode school, the Berenguer Dalmau public secondary school, a hair salon called Azabache owned by Pili, a clothing store called Lola Guarch owned by Sarai and her mother Maria, a block of three-storey white houses, a park for children to play in, two restaurants  Pasta Nostra and 11 de Calle  a bar called Marjal, Laura and Vicentes house, Pedros, Jose's, Nurias... And at the far end, although formally it belongs to another street, there is the San Vicente Martir funeral home. Just behind it, a minutes walk away, is the ravine known as Barranco del Poyo. When the water level is low, it looks like the harmless bed of a calm river. But it is one of the natural waterways that overflowed torrentially, and this street was one of the first to receive its violent brown tide.

Now, everything is destroyed. The gym hall of the Larrode school has become a food and basic goods distribution center run by teachers and parents in the only part of the facilities that has remained in good condition. The cafeteria is a mess of mud and tables. The kindergarten classrooms were flooded. The little backpacks with the extra sets of clothes and the coat racks with photos of the children among smiling bees and hippos are now covered in mud. The Berenguer Dalmau secondary school is closed and its courtyard is full of rubble and buried cars. Someone entered the building and ransacked one of the offices, leaving documents and graduation photos of former students lying strewn on the floor.

00:31 A resident talks about the street devastation (audio in Spanish). Nuria Cabezas. Photo: SAMUEL SANCHEZ | Video: EPV

Nuria, her husband and her children, who live right across from the secondary school, no longer have a home. Pili does not have a hair salon. Sarai and her mother have no boutique left. Behind the funeral home there is a coffin full of mud. Laura and Vicente feel an anguish that will not go away. Everyone on the street is in shock. But they are pushing forward and have been working day and night for 12 days, with the help of a tide of volunteers, to recover their lives amid the mud and a putrid smell that permeates everything, that filters inside your brain and will not go away. The story of the flash flooding that followed a record deluge is contained entirely in this street in Catarroja.

This is what Blasco Ibanez Avenue in Catarroja, Valencia, looked like after the flooding.

1-THE FLOOD: A night of horror and screams in the dark

It was terrifying. I had never been so scared. The memories of the residents of Blasco Ibanez Avenue coincide in that Tuesday, October 26, was the worst day of their lives. You outsiders have seen the destruction and the mud in pictures, but you cannot imagine how scared we were that night, says Sarai Gil, 29, who was in her fashion store that day, working among fabrics and dresses. They all tell the same story: that it happened very quickly, that things were quiet, then they saw a little water, and all of a sudden the water reached up to their necks. Quite literally, in Sarais case. She got out of the store as best she could and the neighbors pulled her up to the first floor.

Words cannot express the horror of that night of screams in the dark, she recalls. Imagine: no light and no way to call anyone. Incommunicado. All the store shutters were bursting. The flood water was very loud. From the balconies we could see cars floating by, as if our street were a river. But the worst thing was the constant screams of people calling for help. It is something we will never forget. You listened to them helplessly, not knowing if anyone was helping them or if they were dying.

01:14 Store owner recalls moment flood waters nearly killed her (Spanish audio) Sarai Gil, owner of the clothing store Lola Guarch. Photo: SAMUEL SANCHEZ | Video: EPV

It was, without a doubt, the most distressing night of my life, says Nuria Cabezas, 35. She was smoking a cigarette on the balcony and typing on the computer. She lives on the ground floor at number 36. Her husband had gone out and her three teenage children were inside the house when she noticed the water coming with tremendous force: It was beastly; I told the kids to run to the neighbors house. From then on everything was horrible. The windows in the courtyard began to shatter. There was a corpse down here that was carried away by the current. It wasnt until Thursday that I found out whether my husband was dead or alive. I have cried so much that I have no tears left.

From the next day onwards, residents have had to deal with the damage to their homes, businesses, cars, streets but that night, it was their lives that were at stake. Many people struggled to hold on to anything they could  a fence or a bedsheet that somebody threw down at them. Others remained perched for hours on top of anything halfway stable, like a garage door. From their balconies, mothers and fathers lit up the streets with flashlights so that their children could hold on to something and try to make their way back into their houses by any means necessary.

00:29 Climbing back into safety (Spanish audio) A resident of Catarroja is encouraged by her neighbors as she struggles to climb into a building. Video: CORTESIA WENDY MORALES (REUTERS)

The less fortunate, like Vicente and Lauras neighbors, died. The firemen are still pumping water out of the garage because there is still a part of it that is still flooded, although they have gone inside with zodiacs and believe that they will not find any more dead people. I hope so, says Vicente. But besides the four people they found, I saw two young people on the garage ramp. The girl must have been about 20 years old, she was wearing shorts and she looked at me with eyes that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I was shining my mobile phone on them, but I couldnt help them. They were swept inside. I want to believe that they managed to save themselves somehow.

01:12 The garage, a death trap (Spanish audio) Vicente Cantador, in the garage that became a death trap for some of his neighbors. Photo: SAMUEL SANCHEZ | Video: EPV

The most absurd thing of all is that when there were already people drowning and we were all trying to save our lives, thats when we received an alert on our cell phones telling us to avoid travel because of the heavy rains, he recalls. The fucking alert.

The alert read: Civil Protection alert due to heavy rains; as a preventive measure all types of travel should be avoided in the province of Valencia. Stay tuned for future warnings through this channel and official sources, on X@GVA112 and on A Punt.

Tuesday - 6:44 p.m. Juanma de la Camara, a neighbor in the street, records from his balcony how the water is already carrying away cars and dragging other materials. It is not raining. It is 6.44 p.m., an hour and a half before the alert from the Valencia regional government. 6:46 p.m. Juanma and his wife Rosa's doorway is already completely flooded. 7:01 p.m. The flood is getting stronger, carrying with it more and more cars, sticks and debris. There is still an hour and 10 minutes to go before the alert reaches the citizens' cell phones. 7:53 p.m. Residents try to prevent the flooding of the garage, where the dead bodies of four people would later be found. There were still 17 minutes to go before the alert from the Valencia regional government. 8:11 p.m. The message that the citizens received on their cell phones. Wednesday - 8:07 a.m. This is how the street dawned the morning after the flood. The water came down from the upper floors, leaving a trail of mud and flooded garages. 11:12 a.m. A blanket of mud covers Vicente Blasco Ibanez Avenue. Thursday - 10:18 a.m. Sarai Gil was unable to access her clothing and sewing store until two days after the flood. This is the way it looked on the 31st. She and her mother lost everything.

Everything about that alert was wrong. The A Punt regional TV channel could no longer be seen or heard: there was no electricity, no phone reception, and, at that point, nothing at all. There had been no rain whatsoever on Vicente and Lauras street; instead, a ravine had overflowed, which is quite different. And the four people who died in that garage were not traveling anywhere. They were only trying to protect their cars because they had no idea of the magnitude of what was coming and thought it would be just a small overflow, like so many others experienced in the past by people living in houses built in an area prone to flooding. Nobody had warned them. They did not risk their lives for a car. They just lacked information, and everything happened in a matter of minutes.

Luis, who lived just a few meters down the street, had not been traveling either. He was an elderly man who lived all by himself in a white three-storey house. He had suffered a stroke, had mobility problems, used a walker and always stayed on the ground floor. He was at home, feeling safe, when the water came in. When it started, a neighboring couple called the emergency number 112 to report that there was a person who could be in danger. We rang several times, but nobody answered the phone, recalls Pedro Diaz. They could not do much more than that. Pedro is 71 years old. His wife is 70. It was all they could do to try to save themselves. The next day, Luis daughter found his body in the house.

Pedro Diaz, 71, lives with his wife in one the three-storey white houses on Blasco Ibanez Avenue. His neighbor Luis, who lived alone and had mobility problems, died in his home on Tuesday, October 29.

At least five people died that night on Avenida Blasco Ibanez, out of a total of 215 counted so far in the province of Valencia, according to the latest available data. The main cause of death, according to one of the forensic experts working in the affected areas, is asphyxiation by water and mud. Besides homes and garages, lifeless bodies have been found in streets, in fields and on roads. Some victims died from a blow caused by an object due to a flood that swept away everything in its path with great force.

The timing of the official phone alert is an emotional trigger for all the neighbors. There is no one here who does not say angrily that Valencias regional government, led by Carlos Mazon of the conservative Popular Party (PP), minimized the risk; that officials had information in their power but did not give it out; that the more than 200 deaths, or at least some of them, could have been avoided. On this street, it is a fact that the alert arrived late and that it was of no use. If those five people had known that there was a risk of flooding and that it could be of that magnitude, Luis could have gone up to an upper floor, and the deceased in the garage would not have gotten into that death trap. But for that to happen, the warnings should have been much more forceful, and they should have indicated that the seriousness of the danger was extreme.

What they should have said was that the risk was due to the overflow of the ravine, not to rain, says Vicente. Because we were looking at the sky and not a single raindrop fell here. We thought that the storm was not reaching Catarroja. But did it ever. The destruction of buildings and things could not be avoided, but many deaths could have been avoided, agrees Nuria. Many people could have been saved with information. Authorities were under the obligation to have it and give it to the population. I do not understand how this could have happened. What kind of management is this?

Local authorities should have gone all over town with loudspeakers warning us that the ravine could overflow, that it was very dangerous, adds Juanma de la Camara, a 59-year-old who lives on number 32, Blasco Ibanez Avenue. The problem is that town halls had no information either. The Generalitat [regional government of Valencia] didnt give us any warnings about anything all day, says Lorena Silvent, the Socialist mayor of Catarroja. This is her account of what happened that day:

 We knew by Saturday that we were in an area that could be affected by floodwaters, but nothing more. I activated the emergency work group to check the sewers, watch for leaks... That morning [Oct. 29] we found out that it had rained in the Ribera area and we started to talk to other mayors to see if we should cancel classes. We did. We canceled classes from 3p.m., but only as a precaution because of the road travel that classes entail. We had no warning of any kind from the Generalitat about the evolution of the flood, and it wasnt raining here. We were working without information. I dont know how much it rains or what happens in other areas because Im not in contact with the Hydrographic Confederation [water management public agency]. Just in case, I sent a local police patrol near the ravine. At 5:30 p.m. everything was very calm. At that point, the water was not even a meter high. But shortly afterwards someone from a company called the police: Hey, theres water here. And from then on everything happened so fast that there was no time for anything. At around 6:30 p.m. the ravine began to overflow and at 7 p.m. the chaos and destruction began.

That sentence, it all happened so fast that there was no time for anything, is repeated by everyone on Blasco Ibanez Avenue. Jose Maestre was shopping at the Mercadona supermarket around the corner. Jose, go home, something strange is happening here, the cashier told him. When he walked out of the premises, the water barely reached the curbs of the sidewalks. By the time he reached his door, just 140 meters away, the neighbors were already trying to build the dike outside the door of the garage where four people later died.

Jose Maestre, resident of number 5, Blasco Ibanez Avenue.

Rosa Manzanares, Juanmas wife, was caught out in the street. She was driving to her pilates class when someone shouted at her: Turn around, the wave is coming. Drivers ended up leaving their cars whereve they could and running away on foot. The water was coming towards us dragging containers, cars, it swept everything away People were climbing on car hoods. Everyone did whatever they could. Luckily I managed to reach Town Hall, and I was able to warn Juanma before we were cut off, and I spent the night there along with several dozen other people. Mayor Silvent remembers it well: We rescued as many people as we could and sheltered them here. There was a young pregnant woman, elderly people, people with panic attacks. There was no electricity or communications. No one could call their family. It was dramatic.

Meanwhile, during those key hours of the early afternoon, when there was already a local patrol watching the Poyo ravine and the disaster was about to begin, what was going on in the Valencian government? At 5 p.m. the meeting of the Emergency Center (Cecopi) had begun, but the Valencian premier, Carlos Mazon, was not there. Instead he was having a long, drawn-out lunch with a journalist, allegedly to offer her the position of director of the regional public television channel, A Punt. At that point, Utiel and other towns had already been flooded; the emergency military unit UME had been dispatched at 5 p.m., the mayors of affected municipalities were very nervous and did not know what to do, the national weather agency Aemet had launched a red alert hours earlier over the risk of a DANA (name given in Spain to an upper-level low that meets warm air from the Mediterranean and can cause severe rains, especially in the autumn); and the Jucar Hydrological Confederation had sent emails to the regional governments emergency services warning of the situation in the Magro and Jucar rivers. But Mazon was still at his lunch. He joined the Cecopi meeting at almost 7.30 p.m., when Blasco Ibanez Avenue was already completely flooded and destroyed, as were many other streets in the 65 municipalities in the province of Valencia affected by the flash floods. By the time alerts began to be sent out at 8 p.m., it was already too late for everything.

Damaged constructions Remains of flooding Larrode School Barranco del Poyo ravine Ronda Nord 36 32 Berenguer Dalmau School Av. Blasco Ibanez 7 CATARROJA Home of Nuria Cabezas Azabache hair salon and Lola Guarch clothing store Cuatro muertos en un garaje Source: Copernicus and in-house Damaged constructions Remains of flooding Larrode School Barranco del Poyo ravine Ronda Nord 36 32 Berenguer Dalmau School Av. Blasco Ibanez 20 7 CATARROJA Home of Nuria Cabezas Azabache hair salon and Lola Guarch clothing store Four dead inside a garage An elderly man drowned inside his house Source: Copernicus and in-house. Damaged constructions Barranco del Poyo ravine Church Remains of flooding Av. Vicent A. Estelles Larrode School Ronda Nord 36 50 m 32 Av. Ramon y Cajal Berenguer Dalmau School Av. Blasco Ibanez 20 CATARROJA 7 Home of Nuria Cabezas Azabache hair salon and Lola Guarch clothing store Four dead inside a garage An elderly man drowned inside his house Source: Copernicus and in-house. Damaged constructions Barranco del Poyo ravine Church Remains of flooding Av. Vicent A. Estelles Larrode School Ronda Nord 36 50 m 32 Av. Ramon y Cajal Berenguer Dalmau School Av. Blasco Ibanez 20 CATARROJA 7 The school is used as a support center Home of Nuria Cabezas Azabache hair salon and Lola Guarch clothing store Four dead inside a garage An elderly man drowned inside his house Source: Copernicus and in-house.

The scale of the disaster is brutal: 530 square kilometres were flooded and it is estimated that the damage has affected 190,000 people and 7% of the buildings in the province. Insurance claims have already been filed for more than 70,000 cars and 33,000 homes, according to the registrars. A third of the provinces companies, 54,000, have been affected to a greater or lesser extent: 355,000 workers, 51,000 self-employed and 63 business parks or industrial estates, according to data from the Chamber of Commerce.

2-THE DAY AFTER: My whole life has gone with the flood

When dawn broke on Wednesday, October 30, nothing was the same. Those who managed to get some sleep woke up and looked out from their balconies. Blasco Ibanez Avenue was a post-apocalyptic scene of cars, wood and mud. At number 7 they knew there were corpses in the garage. There was another one further on, at number 22. They had no electricity, no water, no gas. Both schools were gutted, as were all the commercial premises and the apartments located on ground floors. That same morning they began to remove mud from the doorways so they could walk out into the street and start cleaning up, but wherever they looked, the mess seemed impossible to fix. Despite everything, on this street and on many others, the same phrase is heard again and again: We are safe, we are still alive, and that is the only important thing.

We had to go and live with my in-laws, Nuria explains. On the one hand you feel very lucky to have survived, but we have lost everything. A house is a refuge. I am going through a period of depression, and this was the only place where I felt good. Now there is nothing left. They have had to throw away their clothes, the new sofa, the dining table, the printer, the computer, the documents, the photos, the contents of the childrens rooms.

When the store owners first opened their shutters, the sight was devastating. We had 100,000 to 150,000 worth of goods in here, says Sarai, standing inside the fashion boutique she opened with her mother 12 years ago. They are giving everything up for lost, although they are trying to save the fabrics they love the most inside black tubs, even if they dont know if they will succeed. At most we might save 1% of what we had, she says. We also had an online store, but of course, now there is nothing to sell. Inside the shop, only the ceiling lamps that were not reached by the water remain intact. The floor is full of hats, skirts, boots, dresses and shirts so dirty that it is difficult to guess what colors they used to be.

This is what the street looked like before and after the flash floods

The Lola Guarch fashion boutique before the flash floods. The store and all its contents were destroyed by the flooding. The cafeteria at Larrode school before the flooding. A kindergarten classroom at Larrode school, after the flash floods. Samuel Sanchez The Azabache hair salon before the flooding. The Azabache hair salon after the flooding. Samuel Sanchez

At the Azabache hair salon next door, Pili is cleaning up with her husband, Juan Jose, and her daughter Noelia, aged 17. She doesnt think she will be able to save anything. Not even the hair dryers which, as they are mounted on the wall, she thought might have survived. I set up this hair salon 20 years ago, she says. It was my life, and now I dont know if Ill be able to open again. I have to replace absolutely everything. Ill only be able to do it with a lot of help. Washbasins, armchairs, dressing tables... Only the floor has held up, miraculously. It all seems like a dream, or a nightmare, rather. Youre here but youre not. Were in a huge state of shock.

The pace of work the street is frenetic. A week has elapsed since the flooding and people are still taking out unrecoverable belongings that are piling up while other people remove mud and more mud with shovels. Seeing these mountains of rubble is very sad. There are washing machines, brushes, tables, sofas, chairs, armchairs, shelves, lamps, baby strollers, shoes, booties, lots of clothes, papers, books, records. Entire lives buried in the mud. Pedro, the man who called 112 to try to save his disabled neighbor without success, starts to cry when he thinks of what has been lost. He had prepared a small trousseau for when his son, who is now 26 years old, left home. They were things in there that we loved very much, like some towels that Grandma had embroidered, but now there is nothing left.

They are all on edge, recovering from the trauma while working around the clock. They cry and laugh and are grateful for any help they receive. The national, regional and local emergency services, using the resources and personnel they have, have set priorities: searching for missing people, clearing major roads to ensure access to every location, pumping out water from basements and garages and places that are still flooded, removing wrecked cars, clearing the mud. While they do all these things, they are also helping the loca residents as much as they can, and the latter greet them almost with hugs.

Catarroja has been divided into six sectors for the emergency. The command point is located at the Jaume I school. The following people meet there every day at 8.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.: the mayor, the local chief of security, the director of the emergency operation (who is a firefighter), the representative of the firefighters in charge of each sector, and a military member of the UME. Because Level 3 (denoting a national emergency) has not been declared, the direction of the operation is in the hands of the regional government, not Spains central one. So the people in charge at these meetings are the firefighters.

In each sector, a survey is carried out, explains Mayor Silvent. Then, access routes are cleared and we move forward little by little through the streets as if it were all a spider web. We pool all the needs to try to sort out the chaos. And each sector has a tent set up to answer questions from neighbors and volunteers. Among the volunteers who are helping out on Blasco Ibanez Avenue, some have been told where to go at these points. Other volunteers say that they tried phoning, did not get a municipal response and simply went to help on the first street they found with problems.

There are about 8,000 soldiers on the ground. There are also 2,450 firefighters from all over the country, as well as 9,700 National Police and Civil Guard officers and 130 Local Police officers (in the case of Catarroja, 32 of them). But they are not enough. They have barely done any work on Blasco Ibanez Avenue. There are a few firefighters bailing out the water from the garage where four people died, and little else. Some Civil Guard officers on leave are helping out a volunteer with a tractor to remove cars from the street. The UME soldiers insist that priorities must be set in order to advance in an orderly manner, and that they will reach all the houses and all the streets.

3-AN UNPRECEDENTED WAVE OF SOLIDARITY: Farmers and youths have saved us

Meanwhile, the residents are constantly cleaning up and organizing supplies of food, cleaning products and water. They are helped by an army of volunteers who have come from all over the country, equipped with shovels and brooms, but also with tractors, trucks and excavators.

A firefighter and a group of volunteers pump out water and mud from a sewer near Blasco Ibanez Avenue, in Catarroja.

This wave of solidarity is probably the most moving thing that has happened since this devastating flood. On the street, everyone is constantly asking reporters to write about it: Please, say it, a thousand times, says Pedro Diaz. We have felt alone and abandoned by the institutions, at least on this street, and it has been 10 days now. If it werent for these people, for the volunteers, for all the selfless help they are giving us, I dont know what would have become of us. Pedro starts to cry when he remembers the strangers who showed up in his basement to help him clean it, and to offer him food and water. It is one of the most beautiful things I have experienced, and it has been in the middle of this horror.

Farmers have saved us, says Rosa Pico at one of the drop-off points on a nearby street. They started showing up from day one to help remove mud, to remove cars. It has been incredible. And all those young people who walked for miles with their brooms... and then they tell you that young people never show any solidarity. And what about the people who have crossed the country with their trucks and their machinery, paying for their own fuel. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. I cant stop feeling emotional about what has happened.

Blasco Ibanez Avenue is full of volunteers who dont make a big deal of it. We saw what was happening and we came to help, thats all, says one. How can you not do anything about something like this? They are people like Francisco Olivan, a farmer from Carinena. Or Jose Miguel Redondo, from Argamasilla de Calatrava, in Ciudad Real, who came with his trailer with a container tub.

A volunteer farmer helps on Blasco Ibanez Avenue in Catarroja.

They get water, fresh food, and sanitary and cleaning products from one of the many collection and delivery points around the town. There were three near their street, and on Thursday one more opened on Blasco Ibanez, inside the school at the end of the street, Colegio Larrode, which caters to students from kindergarten to high school. The gym remained standing because it was located on higher ground, and school officials were contacted by local authorities to see if they could organize a help center there. From then on, everything has been self-managed by teachers, families with kids in the center, neighbors and volunteers. A group of women are attending to peoples needs outside, at school tables arranged as a counter:

 Do you have any mops?

 There are none left.

 Okay, and laundry soap?

- Yes we do have that.

 Well, give me some, please. And some persimmons and some oranges.

Everything is organized and classified as if it were a supermarket. On one side are the canned goods, on the other are the milk, biscuits, bleach, detergents, fresh fruit and vegetables, water In the afternoons, many restaurants and schools bring them leftover hot food. And there are people from the neighborhood who cook every day for them. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., although in reality the volunteers work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. evening because, like everywhere else, there are so many things to do. Maria Munoz, a 47-year-old teacher at the school, explains that they are overflowing with diapers and baby clothes that they dont need, because almost all the babies have left the neighborhood for areas that havent been flooded. There is also an excess of clothing in general, because only those who live on the ground floor have lost it. But there is a lack of rain boots. And in other places they need laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid.

00:55 How the aid is being organized at a help center (Spanish audio) Hundreds of volunteers are helping out at distribution centers. Photo: RAUL BELINCHON | Video: EPV

Elderly people and people with mobility problems are always brought what they need by a neighbor or a volunteer. Some go down the street with a shopping cart and even a megaphone in hand offering things: Pads, masks, gowns.

The residents of Blasco Ibanez Street are as grateful for the solidarity of the volunteers as they are angry with the politicians, with every last one of them. Certainly with the regional premier, Carlos Mazon, for his actions on the day of the floods, for the lack of foresight, of involvement, for that alert at 8 p.m.. But when they talk about the subsequent management, the anger goes further. All the people interviewed for this story said it is not up to them to analyze who was supposed to be in charge of managing the emergency, but everyone agreed that this is an emergency like no other in decades and that they have felt abandoned by the politicians.

Then there are all these dangerous hoaxes circulating, says Aitana, a Business Administration student. If the volunteers have been the bright side of this crisis, the dark side has been the hundreds of hoaxes making the rounds, such as the one that claimed there were hundreds of dead people inside the car park of the Bonaire shopping center, when none were found, which have only added confusion and concern to a dramatic situation.

4-THE FUTURE: A glimmer of hope in the middle of the horror

Nearly two weeks after the floods, the work that remains to be done is enormous. Even so, there are small rays of hope on Blasco Ibanez Street. The first few days the junk piles were like mountains that disappeared at night and reappeared in the morning, like Sisyphus rock. Luckily the street is wide and the volunteers machines have been able to enter without any problem, which has not been the case in narrower streets in Paiporta or in Catarroja itself, which are still full of rubble. On Blasco Ibanez they have been removed, as well as the totaled cars, and in a matter of days the scene has changed considerably.

There is no gas, but the electricity and water are back, although the latter took a while to reach a block down the street due to a leak in a pipe. The neighbors are making progress emptying and cleaning the basements and ground-floor premises. They take turns using water pressure machines that work wonders on the floors and remove the mud from everywhere. Let everyone who can send more in, says Sarai. Like many other young people, she is making requests on Instagram for specific help that is required. At this point she has stopped cleaning and is focused on looking at all the aid that can be applied for, while her mother continues removing mud.

Sarai Gil, owner of the clothing store Lola Guarch.

Pili is also doing the math to see if she can reopen her hair salon. I see a tough future ahead. Getting started is going to be very, very difficult, but we will put all the strength we have into it, she says. We need the institutions to help us in every way, to help us more, to stop feeling alone in the face of this tragedy and little by little to overcome the trauma that has lodged inside us. Maria, a teacher at Larrode school, hopes that the help distribution center can soon be relocated so they can focus on fixing up the school and for the students to be able to return. Right now, they are either at home or attending classes in other schools. The kids need to get back to normal as soon as possible, she says.

Pilar Perez, owner of the Azabache hair salon, and her daughter Noelia, look at the mark that indicates how high the water reached on the day of the flood.

Nuria wants to return to her home, her refuge, which she has to set up entirely again. But she believes that nothing will ever be the same. Vicente and Laura do not think beyond tomorrow or the day after. It sounds like a cliche, but thats the way it is, says Vicente. We are thinking only about the next day. We do not have a car and thank goodness my wife can work from home. What I do believe is that these villages have died. A couple of generations will have to pass before people forget this and families are willing to live here again. Although I dont know. The truth is that seeing all the young people who have come to help, I think that with them, there is a future. Pedro wants politicians, and certainly those of the Valencian government, to accept their responsibilities for the mistakes that were made and for the helplessness he has felt.

After several days on the street with them, Sarais mother, Maria Asencio, calls the photographer and me from afar and runs over to tell us the news.

 I wanted to tell you, before you go, that we have finally decided to reopen the shop. We dont know how, but we will do so in March or April, even if its just a few items, for the summer season.

Today she is speaking, for the first time, with a smile on her face. The effects of this flood will take a long time to go away. There are those who have not yet found their missing relatives or buried their dead, who have lost everything, who live in tiny streets still filled with mountains of mud and trash and where your boots still sink in mud and you can barely walk. But many are looking for something to hold on to in the midst of the horror. Please come back when we reopen the shop, Maria asks before saying goodbye.

Credits: Coordination: Brenda Valverde Rubio Design: Ana Fernandez Art direction: Fernando Hernandez Development: Alejandro Gallardo and Carlos Munoz Infographics: Rodrigo Silva and Jacob Vicente Video editing: Olivia Lopez Bueno and Paula Casado

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  This week, a statewide nonprofit food bank will hit the road for the finale of their Thanksgiving food-raising/fundraising effort.

According to organizers with Extra Table, the chicken distribution event, the Henny 500, is a two-day, five-city distribution of the 9,000 chickens the nonprofit has purchased through Wayne-Sanderson Farms.

One-thousand chickens were donated by Wayne-Sanderson Farms, and Extra Table received donations from more than 465 individuals and businesses, as well as 12,600 boxes of Louisiana Fish Fry Cornbread Stuffing Mix.

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Mississippi governor pardons turkey to help fundraising initiative

The Extra Table team will hit the road on November 14-15 with a 53 semi-truck and trailer and a 26 box truck loaded with tons of food for more than 60 food pantries around the state.

Beginning in Greenville on Thursday at 8:30 a.m., the Extra Table team will unload and distribute to their eight food pantry partners in the Delta. From there, they will go to Shannon, Jackson, Hattiesburg and Gulfport.

Each food pantry will receive approximately 150 chickens and 200 boxes of Louisiana Fish Fry Cornbread Stuffing Mix. This is in addition to the regular monthly allocation of food Extra Table provides delivers to each food pantry partner every month at no cost to the food pantry.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Israels far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has ordered preparations for the annexation of settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Smotrich, who is in charge of the settlements, said on Monday that he had instructed his department to prepare the necessary infrastructure for applying sovereignty.

It is unclear whether his long-standing desire to apply full Israeli law in West Bank settlements has any chance of being implemented soon.

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The Prime Ministers Office is yet to comment on Smotrichs order. However, earlier Monday, Gideon Saar, Israels new foreign minister, told a press briefing that the government had made no decision on the issue of annexation as yet, but noted it had been discussed during Donald Trumps first term as US president and added that if it will be relevant it will be discussed again with our friends in Washington.

Observers said Smotrichs announcement was likely motivated in large part by staking out political ground in Israels fractious domestic politics.

Still, it drew swift condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, whose foreign affairs ministry characterized such comments as a blatantly colonial and racist extension of the ongoing campaign of extermination and forced displacement against the Palestinian people.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Authoritys presidency, said Smotrichs comments confirmed the Israeli governments intention to finalize its plans for taking control of the West Bank by 2025 and said he held both the Israeli occupation authorities and the US administration responsible for allowing Israel to persist in its crimes, aggression and defiance of international legitimacy and international law.

Trump victory brings opportunity

Smotrich told the Knesset, or Israeli parliament, that US President-elect Donald Trumps victory in the US election brings an important opportunity for the state of Israel.

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The only way to remove the threat of a Palestinian state, Smotrich added, is to apply Israeli sovereignty over the entire settlements in Judea and Samaria, the biblical term by which Israelis refer to the West Bank.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since seizing the territory from Jordan in 1967. In the decades since, it has expanded Jewish settlements in the area, which are considered illegal under international law, despite signing a series of peace agreements with the Palestinians in the 1990s.

Around half a million Israelis live in West Bank settlements. Smotrich, himself a settler, has long called for Israeli law to apply in the settlements, and previously opposed the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

The minister said he intends to lead a government decision that will allow Israel to work with the new administration of President Trump and the international community to apply sovereignty and achieve American and international recognition.

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During his first term, Trump took several steps in Israels favor. In 2017, he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, upending decades of US policy and international consensus. He also recognized Israels sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria during the 1967 war and is also considered occupied under international law.

I have instructed the Settlement Division in the Ministry of Defense and the Civil Administration to begin professional and comprehensive work to prepare the necessary infrastructure for applying sovereignty, Smotrich said on Monday.

In his first term, President Trump led dramatic steps, including affirming the legality and legitimacy of settlements in Judea and Samaria, Smotrich added. Alongside this, there were the Abraham Accords  peace for peace. Those accords, a set of agreements facilitated by Trumps first administration, saw Israel normalize relations with four Arab nations.

We were on the verge of applying sovereignty over the settlements in Judea and Samaria, and now the time has come to do so, Smotrich said.

Ideas of peace delusional: Hamas

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group Israel is fighting in the Gaza Strip some 60 miles from the West Bank, seized on Smotrichs comments, saying they confirmed the colonial intentions of the occupation and refuted the claims of those who are delusional about achieving peace and coexistence with Israel.

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Another militant group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said it was tantamount to an admission of the open war waged by the criminal entity against the Palestinian people.

Israel has been waging its war in Gaza since the Hamas-led terror attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. Since then, more than 43,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the strip, with the United Nations reporting that most of the dead are women and children.

At the same time, another major escalation of violence has been playing out in the West Bank, where more than 700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops since the war began, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The attacks are occurring amid a surge in Israeli settler violence across the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, where some settlers continue a campaign targeting Palestinian civilians and infrastructure.

In both places, the violence shows little sign of abating, with Gaza hospital authorities on Monday reporting dozens of deaths from new strikes across the enclave.

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At least 10 people were killed in an Israeli strike on Al Mawasi, west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Nasser hospital officials and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The aid group said the strike hit a cafe housing displaced people.

Multiple strikes in Nuseirat in central Gaza killed at least 20, according to Al Awda hospital, while in Gaza City, an airstrike killed at least two people, according to Al Ahli Baptist hospital officials.

CNN has reached out to the IDF for comment on the strikes.

The latest violence comes even as Israeli Foreign Minister Saar suggested at his press briefing Monday that Israel was open to ending its military operations in Gaza. The foreign minister told the briefing that Palestinians would be able to return to their homes in the north when the war ends  though he cautioned this would not happen before Israels objectives were achieved.

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He also appeared to rule out the possibility of creating a separate Palestinian state, saying this would pose a security threat to Israel. Asked about the possibility, he responded, in a word: no.

Meanwhile, Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) leaders meeting in Riyadh for the Arab-Islamic summit condemned Israels measures in the occupied West Bank.

In its closing statement, the summit called on the UN Security Council and international community to take action to stop the escalating illegal Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank that undermine the two-state solution and to condemn colonial policies pursued by the occupying power to annex any part of the occupied Palestinian territory by force with the aim of expanding illegal settler colonialism.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Mostafa Salem, Ruba Alhenawi, and Nadeen Ebrahim contributed reporting.

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(NewsNation)  Some media and fact-checking sites have discredited a lie that spread over social media following the election that Vice President Kamala Harris only won states that didnt require voters to show identification at the polls.

She didnt actually win all of the states where photo ID is not required, Lisa Bryant, chair of the political science department at California State University-Fresno, told the French news agency AFP.

Thirty-six states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures website. The remaining 14 states and Washington, D.C., use other methods to verify the identity of voters, it adds.

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Former Harris aide calls for Biden to resign so she can be president briefly

Fourteen states dont ask for ID when people vote in person, and Harris won 12 of them. President-elect Donald Trump won the other two, Pennsylvania and Nevada. Harris also won seven states that require either a photo or no-photo ID to vote in person.

Some social media posts implied that ineligible people to vote took advantage in the states that dont require ID and voted for Harris. Some of those posts were viewed several million times.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Claim:

Prior to the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024, a FEMA official instructed relief workers to skip past homes of residents with pro-Donald Trump signs in their front yards.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

FEMA confirmed firing the employee who gave the order. We were unable to independently confirm how many households were impacted by the guidance or the number of staff members who received the order.

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On Nov. 8, 2024, an investigation from conservative news outlet The Daily Wire claimed that an official of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had instructed hurricane-response workers to avoid homes with signs supporting then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in their front yards.

The story spread on Facebook, Reddit, and X, and a number of readers shared screenshots with us of the purported messages.

(Screenshot via reader)

The Daily Wire reported FEMA skipped at least 20 homes in Lake Placid, Florida, after Hurricane Milton struck, due to the guidance. The story stated:

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A FEMA supervisor told workers in a message to "avoid homes advertising Trump" as they canvassed Lake Placid, Florida to identify residents who could qualify for federal aid, internal messages viewed by The Daily Wire reveal. The supervisor, Marn'i Washington, relayed this message both verbally and in a group chat used by the relief team, multiple government employees told The Daily Wire. The government employees told The Daily Wire that at least 20 homes with Trump signs or flags were skipped from the end of October and into November due to the guidance, meaning they were not given the opportunity to qualify for FEMA assistance. Images shared with The Daily Wire show that houses were skipped over by the workers, who wrote in the government system messages such as: "Trump sign no entry per leadership."

After the story published, FEMA confirmed an employee had indeed told workers to skip homes with pro-Trump signs. The agency said it terminated the employee. As such, we rate this claim as true.

FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell released a statement on Nov. 9, 2024, saying:

More than 22,000 FEMA employees every day adhere to FEMA's core values and are dedicated to helping people before, during and after disasters, often sacrificing time with their own families to help disaster survivors. Recently, one FEMA employee departed from these values to advise her survivor assistance team to not go to homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Trump. This is a clear violation of FEMA's core values and principles to help people regardless of their political affiliation. This was reprehensible. I want to be clear to all of my employees and the American people, this type of behavior and action will not be tolerated at FEMA and we will hold people accountable if they violate these standards of conduct. We take our mission to help everyone before, during and after disasters seriously. This employee has been terminated and we have referred the matter to the Office of Special Counsel. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure this never happens again.

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FEMA did not, however, confirm where the employee was operating, the number of homes affected, or the extent to which the instructions were distributed to workers. We have reached out to the agency to learn more and will update this story if we get more information.

Per The Daily Wire report, the supervisor issued the guidance verbally and then over a group chat in late October 2024. The Trump-related instructions were reportedly deleted soon after, and by Oct. 30, 2024, the employee walked back the instructions about skipping homes that appeared to support Trump.

FEMA workers had been in Florida supporting residents who suffered during Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called the employee's behavior "targeted discrimination" and added, "The blatant weaponization of government by partisan activists in the federal bureaucracy is yet another reason why the Biden-Harris administration is in its final days."

Sources:

Bowman, Emma. "FEMA Worker Fired for Telling Hurricane Responders to Avoid Homes with Pro-Trump Signs." NPR, 9 Nov. 2024. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33601/fema-worker-hurricane-trump-signs-florida." target="blank">https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33601/fema-worker-hurricane-trump-signs-florida.">https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33601/fema-worker-hurricane-trump-signs-florida. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

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"EXCLUSIVE: FEMA Official Ordered Relief Workers To Skip Houses With Trump Signs." The Daily Wire, 8 Nov. 2024. https://www.dailywire.com/news/exclusive-fema-official-ordered-relief-workers-to-skip-houses-with-trump-signs." target="blank">https://www.dailywire.com/news/exclusive-fema-official-ordered-relief-workers-to-skip-houses-with-trump-signs.">https://www.dailywire.com/news/exclusive-fema-official-ordered-relief-workers-to-skip-houses-with-trump-signs. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

"Statement from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Employee Misconduct." FEMA.Gov. 9 Nov. 2024, https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241109/statement-fema-administrator-deanne-criswell-employee-misconduct." target="blank">https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241109/statement-fema-administrator-deanne-criswell-employee-misconduct.">https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241109/statement-fema-administrator-deanne-criswell-employee-misconduct. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.


As President-elect Donald Trump formed his new administration in the fall of 2024, a long-standing rumor about something he supposedly said about U.S. service members years ago resurfaced online. According to the claim, Trump once called fallen soldiers "suckers" and "losers".

Six years ago today: Trump cancels trip to Aisne-Marne cemetery in France, calling Marines buried there "losers" and "suckers."  Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) November 10, 2024

U.S. President Joe Biden often repeated the rumor while campaigning for president against Trump, including during the June 2024 presidential debate, and Vice President Kamala Harris accused the President-elect of making the comment as well.

But Trump and his allies have consistently denied the accusation since it first emerged in 2020 during his first presidential race against Biden. Furthermore, Trump has made his apparent support for soldiers in the U.S. military, both active and veteran members, a platform of his campaigns.

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The rumor originated from a 2020 story by The Atlantic. After it was published, a number of reputable news outlets reported on the alleged comments, relying entirely on anonymous sources from the Trump administration.

However, there was no evidence of an audio or video recording of the remarks in question, nor was there any documentation, such as transcripts or presidential notes, to independently confirm or deny the authenticity of the alleged quotes. Moreover, since Snopes did not witness the in-question comments firsthand, we cannot say for certain whether Trump called fallen soldiers "suckers" and "losers."

Since the claim first surfaced, we have reached out to Trump's representatives to see if they have any supplemental evidence to help substantiate their denial. We will update this story if, or when, we receive a response.

How the Accusations Emerged

Citing anonymous officials from the administration, the 2020 article by The Atlantic, titled "Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are 'Losers' and 'Suckers'," unpacked Trump's trip to Paris in 2018 when he allegedly did not want to visit a cemetery of American war was canceled.

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Trump did not want to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery  which is home to the graves of Americans who fought and died in World War I  for two reasons, according to The Atlantic: He feared the rain would dishevel his hair and "because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day." The Atlantic continued (emphasis ours):

Trump rejected the idea of the visit because he feared his hair would become disheveled in the rain, and because he did not believe it important to honor American war dead, according to four people with firsthand knowledge of the discussion that day. In a conversation with senior staff members on the morning of the scheduled visit, Trump said, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers." In a separate conversation on the same trip, Trump referred to the more than 1,800 marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood as "suckers" for getting killed.

Shortly after the publication of The Atlantic report, one unnamed senior official with the U.S. Department of Defense and one senior U.S. Marine Corps officer confirmed the 2018 cemetery remarks from the above report in interviews with The Associated Press (AP). According to the AP, the official had firsthand knowledge of Trump's remarks, and the officer had been told about them.

Trump Allies Deny the Claims

The White House blamed the canceled cemetery visit on bad weather. Responding to The Atlantic's reporting, Trump said the accusation was "a disgraceful situation" by a "terrible magazine."

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Trump strongly denied calling fallen soldiers "losers" and "suckers." Speaking to reporters on Sept. 3, 2020, upon returning from a campaign rally to Washington, D.C., just after the report came out, Trump said: "I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more. No animal  nobody  what animal would say such a thing?"

Just days later, Zach Fuentes, a former White House aide who left the administration in early 2019 and was with the president on the Paris trip and presumably near him during the in-question conversations about the cemetery visit, stood up for Trump in an interview with Breitbart.

Referring to Gen. John Kelly, who was with Trump during the trip as his chief of staff, he said: "I did not hear POTUS call anyone losers when I told him about the weather. Honestly, do you think General Kelly would have stood by and let ANYONE call fallen Marines losers?"

Reporting on Fuentes' interview with Breitbart, The Washington Post noted that the phrase "I did not hear " is not the same as "it didn't happen." Furthermore, there was no evidence that Kelly was around Trump to hear the alleged comments.

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Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, who said he was on the trip, also issued a denial to Fox News days after the article came out, saying it was "simply false."

Then-U. S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also denied the claims in an interview with Fox News in September 2020. He said: "I was with him for a good part of that trip, if I'm thinking about this visit and the timing right, and I never heard him use the words that are described in that article. Just, I never saw it."

Trump Critics Continuously Make the Accusation

During his 2024 presidential campaign against Trump, Biden repeatedly accused Trump of making the comment about U.S. military members.

For instance, in October 2023, Biden's official account on X alleged Trump once "referred to American service members as 'suckers' and 'losers.'" The post included video footage of Biden speaking at a September 2023 event to honor the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, who was a military veteran and prisoner of war (in that speech, Biden referenced the 2020 story by The Atlantic).

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The day after Biden's post on X, Kelly repeated the claim as well. Speaking to CNN, he said (emphasis ours):

What can I add that has not already been said? A person that thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as POWs are all 'suckers' because 'there is nothing in it for them.' A person that did not want to be seen in the presence of military amputees because 'it doesn't look good for me.' A person who demonstrated open contempt for a Gold Star family  for all Gold Star families  on TV during the 2016 campaign, and rants that our most precious heroes who gave their lives in America's defense are 'losers' and wouldn't visit their graves in France.

In other words, Kelly, who was with Trump in Paris, said that Trump did call American troops "losers" and "suckers," though it was unclear whether he witnessed the comments firsthand or heard about them from someone else or from news reports (the 2020 Atlantic story detailed a separate incident of Trump visiting the grave of Kelly's son, who was killed in action in Afghanistan, for which Kelly was supposedly present. In that case, Trump allegedly asked of military personnel who volunteered to join the service: "What was in it for them?").

Responding to the CNN interview, a Trump official issued a statement to CNN, saying: "John Kelly has totally clowned himself with these debunked stories he's made up because he didn't serve his president well while working as chief of staff."

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Harris, after launching her presidential campaign against Trump in July 2024, accused him of making the comment as well.

In sum, the claim stemmed from a story by The Atlantic, which relied on anonymous, secondhand reports of Trump's alleged words; there was no independent footage or documented proof to substantiate the in-question comments; and Trump vehemently denies that he once called service members "losers" and "suckers." While it is certainly possible that he said those things, Snopes was unable to independently verify the claim.

Sources:

Baker, Peter, and Maggie Haberman. "Trump Faces Uproar Over Reported Remarks Disparaging Fallen Soldiers." The New York Times, 4 Sept. 2020. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/04/us/politics/trump-veterans-losers.html. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

Blake, Aaron. "Analysis | What Trump Officials Really Say  and Don't Say  in Denying That He Disparaged Fallen Troops." Washington Post, 8 Sept. 2020. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/09/08/trump-officials-military-disparagement-denials/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

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Goldberg, Jeffrey. "Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are 'Losers' and 'Suckers.'" The Atlantic, 3 Sept. 2020, https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/09/trump-americans-who-died-at-war-are-losers-and-suckers/615997/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

Mason, Jeff, et al. "Biden Warns Trump, 'MAGA' Movement Threaten American Democracy." Reuters, 29 Sept. 2023. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-warn-threat-democracy-trump-honor-mccain-2023-09-28/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

"Report: Trump Disparaged US War Dead as 'Losers,' 'Suckers.'" AP News, 4 Sept. 2020, https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-top-news-politics-b823f2c285641a4a09a96a0b195636ed. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo With Steve Doocy, Jedediah Bila, and Pete Hegseth of Fox & Friends." United States Department of State, https://2017-2021.state.gov/secretary-michael-r-pompeo-with-steve-doocy-jedediah-bila-and-pete-hegseth-of-fox-friends/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

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Tapper, Jake. "Exclusive: John Kelly Goes on the Record to Confirm Several Disturbing Stories about Trump | CNN Politics." CNN, 2 Oct. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/02/politics/john-kelly-donald-trump-us-service-members-veterans/index.html. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

"Trump: "He's a War Hero Because He Was Captured. I like People That Weren't Captured."" C-SPAN. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=541Cg2Jnb8s. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
A family unwittingly caught up in a law enforcement pursuit in which a suspect was killed is suing George and Jackson counties, whose deputies were involved, the familys lawsuit says.

Autum M. Wiser and Robert D. Ellett have filed the lawsuit on behalf of themselves and their two children. They are accusing the counties of negligence and gross negligence, saying law enforcement officers were indifferent to the familys safety and failed to protect them. The lawsuit also alleges the counties failed to properly train and supervise the officers involved.

Wiser and Ellett are seeking unspecified compensation for the substantial emotional distress and trauma they suffered, including to pay medical bills and cover lost wages.

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The lawsuit represents only one side of the case. The counties have not yet had a chance to file responses.

Law enforcement officers shoot suspect

Wiser and Ellett heard on the evening of May 2, 2023, that law enforcement officers had responded to a situation near their home in the Perkinston community of George County. While they were worried, the lawsuit says, they were unsure what was going on. By 8 p.m., they said, they heard the law enforcement activity had ended.

Before dawn on May 3, the family loaded up in their pickup, with the children in the backseat, to take Ellett to work in Pascagoula. He was driving their dark-colored pickup truck. They saw a black pickup similar to theirs approach a stop sign as they neared an intersection. Otherwise, it was quiet.

Suddenly, the lawsuit says, there was a bright flash of lights ahead to their right and a huge, armored vehicle raced across Broome School Road right in front of their vehicle, forcing them to come to a halt. The armored vehicle smashes into the front drivers side of the black truck, which had not yet come to a stop . . . 

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The collision pushed the black pickup into the bushes just off the road. Almost immediately, the lawsuit says, multiple gunshots were fired from the armored vehicle and eight law enforcement officers rushed out. All the officers appeared to be armed, the lawsuit says.

Some of the officers rushed toward the black truck, while others turned their attention to the truck Ellett was driving. The officers trained their guns on the family, the lawsuit says, with what appeared to be red laser sights shining on their bodies and their pickup truck.

The officers were yelling at them, the lawsuit says. They were terrified, scared for their lives and for the lives of their children.

Ellett called out that the officers should not shoot the couple or their children. He eventually got his truck into reverse, backed it up and drove home. He didnt go to work that day and the children didnt go to school. They were too traumatized, the lawsuit says.

Officers claim suspect fired gun

At the time, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation reported that law enforcement officers had been involved in a 16-hour standoff with the suspect, Michael Roy Carney, after attempting to serve him with a warrant that accused him of making terrorist threats.

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The George Countys Sheriffs Department and Jackson County SWAT team were on the scene, a report from WLOX-TV says. When Carney left his home in his truck, the officers pursued him. The MBI, which investigated the case, said officers shot and killed Carney after he pointed a weapon at them and started shooting.

The lawsuit also says that the family never heard the suspect fire a gun and they didnt see him with a gun. His truck windows, the lawsuit says, appear to have been rolled up.

Christopher Stopher Haug of Ocean Springs, the attorney representing Ellett, Wiser and their children, said the family is still shaken up about it.
Eagle-eyed fans have found a concerning link on the back of Mattels new line of Wicked doll boxes.

Ahead of the highly anticipated movie premiere on November 22, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Mattel launched a line of limited-edition dolls inspired by the stars renditions of the characters originally created by Gregory Maguire.

The famed toy conglomerate stocked Target, Amazon, and Walmart on September 26 with Glindas, Elphabas, Nessaroses, Madame Morribles, and Fiyeros dolls, encouraging story lovers to grab their favorite characters for no more than $39.99. Each doll matches the specific actor in the film, with some even having singing capabilities.

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But, while the toy release was meant to generate buzz before the movie hits theaters everywhere, fans online pointed to an inappropriate issue with the packaging that some suggested could potentially lead to a massive recall.

On November 9, one shopper took to X to show an NSFW box error found on a Glinda toy displayed in-store. Sarah Genao posted side-by-side images of the Glinda toy package, front and back, with the caption: The official Mattel Wicked dolls link to a porn site on the box.

Sarah Genao posts pictures of Mattels Wicked boxes with NSFW link (X/@just2goodYT)

A close-up of the back of the green box showed a link for www.wicked.com pasted next to the barcode. When typed into a search engine, the URL sends you to an age-restricted website that says you must be 18 or older to view the content uploaded.

Genao then posted a video of her flipping a Nessarose box around to show the same link also on the back of another box. She then wrote in the comments that she thought the URL they meant to share was www.wickedmovie.com  the films official website presented by Partners.

Mattels Glinda doll box front and back in the store (X/@just2goodYT)

Upon discovery, Genao rushed to see if the movies other merchandise had the same NSFW link pasted on the packaging.

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With pictures and videos, the worried fan confirmed the Wicked lego set and the Betty Crocker Wicked mix did not feature the same link as the alleged Mattel boxes.

Stunned viewers rushed to the comments of Genaos post to convey their shock.

Thats an insane oversight, one person wrote on X, while another questioned: Why would they do that knowing that its mostly kids buying these dolls?

The Wicked Lego box front and back (X/@just2goodYT)

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A third said: I had to google this at a McDonalds to see if it was true...its true.

Recall incoming? Stickers over the website? What are the odds these boxes end up being worth anything? one curious individual asked.

Another claimed: This might be the biggest fail in official merch history, especially considering its meant for kids!

In a statement sent to The Independent, a representative for Mattel explained the company was aware of the label misprint.

Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this, the statement read.

Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionist Party, has demanded the annexation of the Palestinian West Bank.

He instructed the Defence Ministry's settlement department and civil administration to "begin professional and comprehensive staff work to prepare the necessary infrastructure" for extending sovereignty, according to a statement from his office, the Jerusalem Post reported on Monday.

Smotrich is reviving plans suspended in 2020 to annex the Israeli settlement blocs which make up some 30% of the West Bank occupied since 1967, which Palestinians claim for their proposed state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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For decades, Israel's Western allies have also advocated the two-state solution as a lasting way to establish peace in the region.

The annexation plans had not been pursued during US President-elect Donald Trump's first term in office due to the historic Abraham Accords, treaties to normalize Israel's relations with Arab countries.

"The time has come to exercise sovereignty over the West Bank," Smotrich said, referring to Trump's election victory last week.

During his first term in office, Trump made many concessions to Israel, including recognizing the annexation of the Golan Heights.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionist Party, has demanded the annexation of the Palestinian West Bank.

He instructed the Defence Ministry's settlement department and civil administration to "begin professional and comprehensive staff work to prepare the necessary infrastructure" for extending sovereignty, according to a statement from his office, the Jerusalem Post reported on Monday.

Smotrich is reviving plans suspended in 2020 to annex the Israeli settlement blocs which make up some 30% of the West Bank occupied since 1967, which Palestinians claim for their proposed state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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For decades, Israel's Western allies have also advocated the two-state solution as a lasting way to establish peace in the region.

The annexation plans had not been pursued during US President-elect Donald Trump's first term in office due to the historic Abraham Accords, treaties to normalize Israel's relations with Arab countries.

"The time has come to exercise sovereignty over the West Bank," Smotrich said, referring to Trump's election victory last week.

During his first term in office, Trump made many concessions to Israel, including recognizing the annexation of the Golan Heights.

US reviews aid over humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip

Since the beginning of the Gaza war over a year ago, the United States has supported Israel with military aid amounting to billions of dollars.

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However, with the expiry of a 30-day deadline set by the US on October 13, during which Israel was supposed to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the Jewish state is facing potential restrictions on this support.

President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told US broadcaster CBS that Washington will decide this week what progress Israel has made. He added that a decision would then be made on the appropriate response.

The US is Israel's most important ally and by far its largest arms supplier. It is unclear which weapons would be affected by any cuts. Such a measure could certainly hit Israel hard.

For the US, it is a dilemma: it wishes to compel movement from Israel on the Gaza issue without restricting the country's defence capabilities against its enemies, primarily Iran. However, it is assumed that primarily offensive weapons might be affected, but not defensive systems against, for instance, missile attacks from Iran.

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Despite their criticism of Israel's conduct of the war, the US has so far refrained from restricting military aid. Should this now occur, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu might hope for an old ally: Trump's new US leadership might reverse any restrictions next year.

A designated "humanitarian zone" in the Gaza Strip is to be expanded and will include field hospitals, water and medication provision, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Monday, amid dire conditions in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

Aid organizations have repeatedly warned of starvation among the population, particularly in the north of Gaza.

The US and Israel's other allies have repeatedly called on Israel to open border crossings to aid deliveries.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for all crossings to be opened. "Never in the last 12 months has so little aid entered the Gaza Strip as now," she said in a statement released on Sunday.

Baerbock said Israel had repeatedly made promises in this regard, but then "failed to keep them."

Israeli authorities insist that aid deliveries are being looted by Hamas operatives, who then sell the goods to the population in an effort to entrench their control.

Palestinian residents say that there are no safe areas in the region, noting that the Israeli military has repeatedly carried out attacks in zones declared safe.

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The Israeli news site Ynet reported that the political leadership in Israel is considering three options regarding the relief supplies. One is to do nothing about the current state, despite Hamas seizing aid supplies. The other options are for the Israeli army to distribute the relief goods, which it opposes, or for a US security company to manage the distribution.

The takeover of control in the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Authority, currently in control of the West Bank and sought by the international community, is rejected by Israel's government  as is a two-state solution.

The Gaza war was triggered by the terrorist attack on southern Israel launched by the Palestinian militant Hamas organization and others on October 7, 2023, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage.

More than 43,300 people have been killed and over 102,000 injured so far in the ensuing Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.
A new adverse weather front is threatening Spain this week as a result of the arrival of a cold storm from northern Europe, according to Ruben del Campo, spokesman for the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), who issued an initial information note on Sunday to warn the population and the authorities of what is coming. Aemet expects abundant, very strong and persistent rainfall in the Balearic Islands and on the Mediterranean coasts from Tuesday, just two weeks after the worst so-called gota fria, or DANA  an autumn weather event typical of eastern Spain  to have hit the country so far this century. In addition, this storm front will bring sudden winter cold, as it will be accompanied by a swift and widespread drop in temperatures, with snowfall at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 meters in the north of the country.

In its warning, Aemet describes the sequence of the new storm: a mass of cold air is moving from northern Europe to the southwest and will be isolated from the general circulation, that is, forming a DANA, which will reach the peninsula and the Balearic Islands on Tuesday. This weather front will worsen on Wednesday in the Mediterranean and will remain in the vicinity of Spain at least until Saturday. The increase in instability will be accompanied by the entry of a humid Mediterranean flow from the east, Aemet said, that is, providing more fuel for the rainfall.

The uncertainty about its final position is high and this determines both the distribution and the amount of precipitation, warns Del Campo, who urges the population to be attentive to the updated weather forecast and warnings. Another important aspect is that temperatures will drop significantly between Tuesday and Wednesday. The big question now is whether this storm will be as destructive as the previous one that affected mainly the Valencia region, causing over 200 fatalities and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. This situation presents even greater uncertainty and, although in principle it does not seem that it will rain as much, it will do so in an already damaged area; the south of Catalonia, Castellon, and southern Valencia, so the vulnerability is higher, Del Campo told EL PAIS. The expert added that 60 to 80 liters of water are expected in those areas between Thursday and Saturday.

The forecast, day by day

On Monday, the day before the new storm is expected to arrive, strong winds are expected in the Emporda region of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, and there are likely to be localized heavy showers in the Pityusic Islands (which include Ibiza and Formentera) and potentially in Alicante. There is a yellow warning in place  the minimum  for rain and rough seas in the Balearic Islands and for rough seas in Catalonia.

On Tuesday, the cold storm will approach Spain and instability will increase. There will be rain in a good part of the northern third of the peninsula, which will be abundant in the eastern Cantabrian Sea, Aemet said. There are also forecasts of stormy showers, which could be very strong, on the Mediterranean coasts of the Levant and in the Balearic archipelago. How much rain are we talking about? Especially in the Balearic Islands, 30 or 40 liters per square metre could accumulate in just one hour, and this could lead to some flooding in low-lying areas, warns Del Campo.

Evolution of the rain probability map in Spain from Monday to Saturday. The red crosses depict snowfall. CESAR RODRIGUEZ BALLESTEROS / AEMET

The precipitation will come in the form of snow in the mountains of the northern half of the country. It will snow and, moreover, it could do so copiously in the Pyrenees, the Cantabrian mountain range, and the north of the Iberian system from about 1,800 meters and the snow level will drop to about 800m or 1,000m at the end of the day, says the expert. It could also snow more lightly in the Central system and in the south of the Iberian system with lower temperatures, northerly winds, and frost in mountain areas.

For now, there are warnings for rain, storms, snow, wind or rough seas in six regions. The warning is orange  the second level on a scale of three  for rain in the Balearic Islands and for rough seas in Girona, while yellow warnings are in place in Aragon for wind, in Castilla y Leon for snow, in other areas of Catalonia for rough seas, rain and storms, in Galicia for rough seas, and in Valencia for rain and stormy seas.

On Wednesday, the temperature will continue to drop, and it will be more pronounced in the southern half of the country, says Del Campo. The weather will be cold, practically wintry, with light frost in mountain areas and also in the plains of the center and east of the Peninsula. Rain will continue in the Cantabrian Sea, but the most severe instability will be recorded in the Balearic Islands, the east, south and center of the Peninsula, with uncertainty still over the areas where it will rain the most. The rain could be heavy or very heavy and persistent in the Balearic Islands, the Levant, and southern Andalusia.

To complete the winter picture, the wind will blow from the north with intensity in a good part of the country. On the warning scale, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Valencia will remain on yellow due to rain, storms, or rough seas.

As of Thursday, the forecast is not at all clear. Uncertainty is increasing considerably; the areas that will receive the most rainfall will depend on the position of the low pressure area and this cannot be determined with precision yet, admits the Aemet spokesperson. As of today, the areas with the highest probability of intense rainfall will be the Levant area and southern Andalusia, but this will be confirmed or ruled out as the week progresses.

It does seem clearer that temperatures will rise significantly in a large part of the country and that the atmosphere will once again be somewhat milder, more autumnal and more typical of mid-November and not as wintry as the day before, notes Del Campo. This rise in temperatures will mean that the snow will be confined to higher altitudes. In the final days of the week, Spain will probably be exposed to the passage of Atlantic storms with possible rain, especially in the west of the peninsula, and with milder temperatures.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's far-right finance minister said on Monday he hoped Israel would extend sovereignty into the occupied West Bank in 2025 and that he would push the government to engage the incoming Trump administration to gain Washington's support.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also wields a defence ministry supervisory role for settlers as part of his coalition deal with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he hoped the Trump administration would recognise an Israeli sovereignty push.

Israel's foreign minister said separately that while no decision was made, the issue could come up in talks with the future U.S. administration in Washington.

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Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said Smotrich's remarks confirmed the Israeli government's intention to annex the West Bank in defiance of international law.

"We hold the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the repercussions of these dangerous policies," he said. The United States was also responsible for the continuous support it offered to Israel's aggression, he said.

Smotrich has for years called for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank, land Palestinians want for a future state.

At a meeting of his far-right faction in parliament on Monday, Smotrich said he had instructed Israeli authorities overseeing West Bank settlements "to begin professional and comprehensive staff work to prepare the necessary infrastructure" for extending sovereignty, according to a statement from his office.

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He also said he would push the government to engage the incoming Trump administration to recognise such a move.

However earlier on Monday, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the government's position on the issue of extending sovereignty into the West Bank had not yet been settled.

"A decision has not yet been made on the issue," he told a news conference in Jerusalem.

"The last time we discussed this issue was in the first term of President Trump," he said. "And so let's say that if it will be relevant, it will be discussed again also with our friends in Washington."

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"It is important to state that Israel sees what we call Judea and Samaria and others call the West Bank not as occupied territories but as disputed territories."

The United States has for decades backed a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians and has urged Israel not to expand settlements. In 2020, during Trump's first term, discussions were held between Israel and Washington on plans to annex parts of the West Bank.

The West Bank is among territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war and where Palestinians, with international support, seek statehood. Most world powers deem the settlements illegal. Israel disputes that, citing historical claims to the West Bank and describing it as a security bulwark.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer, James Mackenzie and Ari RabinovitchEditing by Peter Graff, William Maclean and Cynthia Osterman)
Farmers are exaggerating the impact of the governments inheritance tax raid on agricultural land, the Environment Secretary has suggested.

Steve Reed told MPs that the vast majority of farmers will not be affected by the governments decision to charge inheritance tax on agricultural land.

He called on them to look at the detail of the reforms rather than believing every alarming claim or headline.

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Under changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month, farming assets worth more than 1 million will be liable for 20 per cent inheritance tax from next year.

Campaigners claim the move will force many struggling families to break up their land.

Mr Reed said: I recognise many farmers are feeling anxious about these changes. I would urge them not to believe every alarming claim or headline.

I reassure them that this government is listening to them. We are committed to ensuring the future of family farms.

The vast majority of farmers will not be affected at all by the changes: look at the detail.

Protests against the tax raid at the northern farming conference in Hexham last week - OWEN HUMPHREYS/PA

He said that currently, 73 per cent of agricultural property relief claims are for amounts less than 1 million.

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Mr Reed added that an individual farm owner can pass on up to 1.5 million and a couple can pass on up to 3 million between them to a direct descendent free of inheritance tax.

For most people, that is an effective threshold of up to 3 million to pass on without incurring inheritance tax, he said.

Any liability beyond that will be charged at only half the standard inheritance tax rate, and payment can be phased over 10 years to make it more affordable.

Farmers will be able to pass down their family farms down to generations, just as they always have done.

Mr Reed said the old system, under which 40 per cent of the value of APR went to just seven per cent of claimants, was not fair and its not sustainable.

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Our reforms will put a stop to wealthy individuals buying up agricultural land to avoid inheritance tax and in the process of doing that, pricing younger farmers out of buying land for themselves and for their families, he said.

Prices have been artificially inflated by non-agricultural buyers purchasing land for inheritance tax purposes, making it hard for young farmers to set up as a family farm...

These reforms will protect family farms by closing those loopholes.

Sir Keir Starmer also said the vast majority of farmers would be unaffected by the changes.

Speaking to journalists on a trip to a climate summit in Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister said: Obviously we had to take difficult decisions in the budget because of the black hole and the circumstances that we inherited.

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The vast majority of farmers will be unaffected by the changes in the Budget not least because if theres a married couple the relief is 3 million and thats why the vast majority of farmers will not be affected at all.

Farmers are furious

Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins said: The way in which the Chancellor has designed this policy means that it is tenant farmers and farmers in the middle who will struggle, not the very wealthiest.

Farmers are furious, anxious, even distressed about these changes. They feel that the government is coming after them and their families livelihoods.

It came as the Country Land and Business Association farmers could face inheritance tax bills that would wipe out their profits every year for 10 years.

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Despite government assurances that only the wealthy will be affected, modelling shows typical 250-acre arable farms could be forced to sell 20 per cent of their land.

Earlier on Monday, the rural affairs minister insisted that the inheritance tax changes will not affect many people.

Speaking at the Egg and Poultry Industry Conference in south Wales on Monday, he said: Inheritance tax is really complicated and no two situations are the same, but our genuine view is that it will not be affecting many people.

The feedback Ive been getting from some of my colleagues is that, when people have sat down and gone through the detail, they are then much more reassured.

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He pointed to Treasury figures which show that last year, there were only 462 claims for agricultural property relief, which allows many farmers to avoid inheritance tax.

Mr Zeichner said the low claim rate for APR was very much at odds with much of what is being said.

These are the facts, and I think it is worth looking at them.

National Farmers Union president Tom Bradshaw said the government had failed to understand how farming works and the policy was short-sighted and had not been properly thought through.

He warned that instead of investing in their businesses, farmers would now have to put any spare cash they made aside, to provide for future death duties.

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The damage that has been done with the Budget is going to take a very long time for our industry to get over, he said.

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A father of four was found dead days after he set out on a snowy hike in an Oregon forest, deputies and family said.

James Robert MacDonalds body was discovered at about 10:30 a.m. Nov. 8 near Hidden Lake Trail, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

MacDonald went on a day hike two days prior in the Mount Hood National Forest, deputies said.

His family got worried when he never returned, so they called authorities.

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Although MacDonald was an experienced hiker, his family told deputies he didnt have gear to stay in the woods overnight in the cold.

My heart is so heavy as were comprehending the loss of my brother-in-law, James. I was always so amazed at how he... Posted by Rocky Seeley on Saturday, November 9, 2024

Multiple search teams began looking for the man from Ridgefield, Washington, deputies said. They found what appeared to be his footprints in the snow.

A helicopter and drones were also used to search for him but, but he never turned up, deputies said.

Then on Nov. 8, authorities found his body.

The loss of James is incomprehensible. He was a dedicated father, husband, and physician, his sister-in-law Rocky Lynne Seeley wrote on a GoFundMe page.

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He was unfailingly loyal, thoughtful, and a true family man, his wife was quoted in the donation page as saying.

MacDonald was a father of four young children, Gabriel, 6; Lucas, 4; and 1-year-old twins, William and Elizabeth.

19-year-old who vanished in Colorado national park is found dead on cliff, sheriff says

Body found on rugged trail in Big Bend National Park after rangers see abandoned car

Man says he was hurt running from bear, now hes suspected of murder, TN deputies say
Felix Clary

ICT + Tulsa World

TULSA, Okla.  In tribal administrative offices and in the homes of Indigenous people from Alaska to Florida, many Native people awoke the day after Tuesdays election to find what they had feared: the election of former president Donald Trump.

Feelings of fear and uncertainty experienced by many Native people during the president-elects first term in office returned, and Native leaders and individuals expressed those feelings on social media and elsewhere.

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But not all Native people were concerned about Trumps re-ascension. Indeed, Trump appeared to have earned the votes of many Native people this year, a fact not lost on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women advocacy group Not Our Native Daughters, which questioned the decision by so many Native voters to support the former president.

View the original article to see embedded media.

At least one organization expressed frustration at barriers faced by Native voters.

Margaret Faliano, IllumiNatives associate director of advocacy and engagement, said Native people faced more barriers this year to get to the polls than she expected.

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I'm disappointed, she said. We have been doing get-out-the-vote efforts for the Native Vote campaign.  We've been doing phone training for poll workers, training on how to really exert your rights going to the polls, how to use a tribal ID, all of those things.

Faliano gave an example of Natives struggling to vote in Arizona on election night.

Folks were driving up to 200 miles to get to their local polling stations, and at the polling stations, they didn't have enough ballots, or their systems were down, or they closed early, and people were in line up to like 9 p.m. and freezing in the cold.

IllumiNative is a Native woman-led racial and social justice organization dedicated to increasing the visibility of, and challenging the narrative about, Native peoples. The organization received rapid-response requests from Native Arizona voters for food and blankets at the polls.

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Faliano said Arizona was one of the key states in 2020 that helped Former President Joe Biden secure his victory, and was disappointed in Native voter suppression due to complications at the poll sites.

With President Trump's second office we don't know exactly what the future will hold, but we can look at the past to see what Trump's record of policies that vastly reduced environmental protections at the federal level, Faliano said. We saw federal laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act weakened during Trumps first term, when these had enabled tribes to give input around projects regarding their ancestral land.

She said in his first term Trump enacted his America First Energy Plan, which expedited controversial projects like the Dakota Access and Keystone Access pipelines. Native communities broke out in protest over the pipelines, and Faliano said the opposition by Native nations was monumental and sustained.

She also worries that national monuments, like Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, could be at risk, as it was reduced by about 85 percent during Trumps first term. The Biden administration worked to restore the boundaries of Bears Ears, which is considered sacred to several tribes.

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Trumps support of fossil fuel projects could also impact tribal lands.

These are projects that are just likely to deepen the mining crisis, which harms Indigenous people disproportionately, as well as the fact that programs that man camps and mining brings to the reservation could exacerbate the MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons) crisis, said Faliano.

The western chat pile is the largest chat pile remaining, according to Summer King with the Quapaw Nation Enviromental Office, and stands 200 feet tall Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 in Picher, Ok. (Photo by Mike Simons, Tulsa World)

In Picher, Okla., on the Quapaw Nation reservation, mining companies created dangerous sinkholes while mining for ore used for ammunition during WWI and WWII. Those companies also left thousands of tons of chat piles, lead and zinc, on the surface, which have made the town uninhabitable. The Quapaw Nation has been working for over a decade to clean up their land.

In the Trump administration, they don't really have a plan to engage Indian Country, Faliano said. Whereas, that transition team for the Harris/Walz administration had appointed Jade Begay, who is a very well known advocate in the Native nonprofit space, in the Native organizing space, and all those things in between.

Related: Quapaw Nation restoring their reservation that scientist says feds destroyed

On a local and state level, tribal leaders saw victories and losses on election night. Jason Salsman, spokesperson for the Muscogee Nation, was dispirited over the loss of Oklahoma Justice Yvonne Kauger.

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Were disappointed that a reputable defender of tribal sovereignty, someone who spearheaded the Sovereignty Symposium, did not come through, but we are glad that Justices James Edmondson and Noma Gurich remain, said Salsman.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. (AP)

Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. released a statement congratulating the victors and planning how to manage community needs during Trumps second term: As Principal Chief, I have worked with federal leaders on a bipartisan basis to advance the well-being of Indian Country, including during President-Elect Trump's first term in office, said Hoskin. During and after the transition of presidential administrations, we will continue pressing the United States to honor its treaty obligations to Native peoples, respect our sovereignty and meet obligations to provide needed resources to tribal nations.

Still others expressed indifference at Harris loss, said Osage licensed trauma therapist Marca Cassity (they/them).

Some have expressed feeling disillusioned with all of the political candidates and parties and refrained from voting for Harris, as they disagree with her and the Biden administrations approach to the horrific situation in Gaza, Cassity said.

Two-Spirit community reactions

A majority of Cassitys community, however, has expressed despair, as they often work with Two-Spirit individuals, they said. The Two-Spirit identity is both Native and queer, and most Two-Spirit people identify with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Osage singer/songwriter Marx Cassity released their new album 2Sacred on November 5 as a response to a 2020 statistic showing that 33 percent of Native queer youth attempt suicide. (Photo courtesy of Marx Cassity)

There are a variety of responses I am hearing. Some Two-Spirit people are feeling stunned and in deep fear, some to the point of panic, said Cassity.

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They said Two-Spirit people feel their protection in the U.S. is already so fragile, and those who are transgender fear they will lose their gender-affirming healthcare under the Trump administration that the Harris administration likely would have protected.

Cherokee and Delaware tribal citizen Cray Bauxmont-Flynn of Tulsa, Okla., expressed concern that Native people and Two-Spirit people could be marginalized again.

Bauxmont-Flynn is the founder of the All-Nations Two-Spirit Society, which is hosting its 37th annual International Two-Spirit Gathering in Hinton, Okla., next week.

We've done so much fighting and wanted to be heard. It seems like maybe three steps backwards, but we have to be adamant about our cause, our needs, our voices, said Bauxmont-Flynn. There are resources and organizations out there and individuals within the community that are here to help, just to be a sounding board or there for our community and individuals.

What next?

Moving forward during a second Trump presidency, it will be important for Native and Two-Spirit people to focus on caring for their health and that of their communities, Cassity said.

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There are many unknowns coming our way. It will take time to see how things unfold, so there will be a deep need for self-care and community care, they said.

As a trauma therapist I encourage folks to deepen right now into fostering habits of whatever helps them to stay grounded, and centered spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The basics of eating healthy food, staying hydrated, slowing down and being aware of your surroundings. Its important to co-create connections with trusted friends and family, as tensions can cause rupture in these relationships that folks need right now.

Whether or not people continue to express their Two-Spirit identities outwardly, Cassity said, it is still important to have spaces and relationships to retreat into at times for self-care, and to stay resourced in the coming days ahead.

Bauxmont-Flynn said the Two-Spirit and Native communities should avoid being inundated with the bad news or the negativity and to keep looking at the good news.

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Tomorrow is another day, he said. You're not alone in this. Join discussion groups and organizations. It may just take a little longer than expected. With any bad news, it can be inundated, but theres always two sides. We just have to keep moving forward and charging ahead.

The next step moving forward is to mobilize and get more voters to Indian Country, said Salsman. There are all types of initiatives like IllumiNative, the NDN Collective, Rock the Native Vote. Theres national coalitions trying to be built to drum up support.

At the end of the day, are we where we want to be? No. But I think there is a day to come that politicians on a national scale will have to concern themselves with the Native vote on election day, he said.

Faliano said Native nations must continue organizing and demanding a seat at all tables where issues are being discussed that impact tribal communities.

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We've been here since before the first president. We will be here well after the Empire of the United States is around, and we will continue to organize and be grounded in Native values, said Faliano.

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The owner of nuclear power plant Hinkley Point C has come under fire over its proposals to flood 1,500 acres of land and build a salt marsh.

EDF, the French energy company, wants to create a coastal ecosystem on land currently used for agriculture, campsites and holiday lets to mitigate the environmental impact of the power plant.

The company said a cooling system at Hinkley will ingest and kill 44 tons of fish a year  therefore it wants to compensate for that by building a salt marsh at one of four sites along the River Severn in Somerset.

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Proposals are currently focused on Kingston Seymour, between Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare, after initial plans for a salt marsh at Pawlett Hams, near Bridgwater, were criticised.

The company, which is owned by the French state, insists the salt marsh will increase and protect biodiversity, help fish by providing breeding grounds and offer food and shelter for birds and animals.

Residents have warned that the proposals are tantamount to destroying one habitat by killing another that will have an impact on existing biodiversity, agricultural land, businesses and peoples livelihoods.

They have also claimed that the short-sighted salt marsh will increase the risk of flooding along the Severn Estuary, which has the second-highest tidal range in the world, rising up to 49ft.

Residents and farmers are against the salt marsh plan - Daniel Dayment/SWNS

Residents, including many farmers, have begun a battle to halt the construction of the salt marsh, with more than 3,900 signing a petition in protest against the proposals.

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A public consultation will be held before a full planning application is made which will be considered by the energy secretary next year.

Sophie Cole, a third-generation young farmer in Kingston Seymour, said her land and property would be directly impacted if the proposals come into effect.

She said: I grew up here, its my home and they threaten me with compulsory purchase of my land if I dont give them permission to conduct their work? There is just no logic to these plans, and everyone thinks so.

The 28 year-old added: I didnt go to university, I never travelled  I was always thinking about the future. Now Im thinking why. If I lose this, its going to take away my whole identity and what Ive worked so hard for.

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Ms Cole lives on the farm with her 30 sheep and has future plans to power her farm off-grid by installing solar panels, batteries and a wind turbine, as well as plant more trees and a wildflower meadow.

She has warned that EDFs proposed plans will affect the wildlife on the land, from great crested newts to badgers, deer, birds, bats and insects.

Farmer Sophie Cole has said there is no logic to the proposals - Daniel Dayment/SWNS

Dan Kostyla, a fourth generation farmer who operates a large dairy and beef farm business, said: I cant see the proposal working here. Even if a salt marsh is created, which is unlikely because of how muddy it is, it will just be washed away at high tide: it is so powerful.

So this salt marsh will take tens of years to be created  for it just to be washed away.

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Andrew Cockcroft, the head of stakeholder relations at Hinkley Point C, told The Telegraph: We have listened carefully to concerns and suggestions made during our consultation and are now exploring changes to our proposals.

Hinkley Point C is one of Britains biggest acts in the fight against climate change and its operation will provide significant benefits for the environment.

The development of salt marsh habitat will boost this further  helping support fish populations and minimise the small environmental impact of operating the new power station.

Hinkley Point C is set to start generating electricity by 2030  five years later than first planned.

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With immigration a major concern that helped decide at least some voters' ballot choices, vetting those who enter the country, or who sponsor entry, is on the minds of many Americans fearful that the wrong people are getting in. But if you ask government officials to do something, you must know that they'll take the ball and run. In the case of "vetting"performing background checks to make sure travelers, would-be immigrants, and their sponsors aren't terrorists or criminalyou end up with a surveillance system that targets those entering the country and, inevitably, their American friends and contacts.

Turning Fear Into a Surveillance Program

"Despite rebranding a federal program that surveils the social media activities of immigrants and foreign visitors to a more benign name, the government agreed to spend more than $100 million to continue monitoring people's online activities," reports Aaron Mackey of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

The issue started early in the first Trump administration, when the incoming president responded to immigration concerns by building on earlier border policies with calls for "extreme vetting."

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"In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles," President Trump noted in a January 27, 2017 executive order calling for a tougher screening process. "The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law."

Security is a legitimate concern. But as the Cato Institute's David J. Bier pointed out in 2018, even by the most generous (to federal officials') assumptions, "only 13 people  2 percent of the 531 individuals convicted of terrorism offenses or killed while committing an offense since 9/11  entered due to a vetting failure in the post9/11 security system."

The program quickly became more than a demand for documentation from migrants' and visitors' home countries; the U.S. government wanted access to people's online lives, especially their social media accounts, to continuously monitor their statements and opinions. Private contractors seeking to participate in the program were expected to "analyze and apply techniques to exploit publicly available information, such as media, blogs, public hearings, conferences, academic websites, social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedln, radio, television, press, geospatial sources, internet sites, and specialized publications." The monitoring soon applied to millions of people entering legally (those crossing the border without documentation are another matter and a bigger headache).

Same Snooping, New Name

When Joe Biden won the presidency in 2020, Mackey notes, he kept the program in place. The biggest change is that the program was renamed the Visa Lifecycle Vetting Initiative (VLVI) at some point.

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"We're disappointed that the Biden administration has decided to double down on this Trump-era policy of mass surveillance of visa applicants' social media," Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney with the Knight First Amendment Institute commented in 2022.

"Social media vetting programs like VLVI are insidious in nature, since an individual's data can be retained indefinitely, shared broadly across multiple federal agencies, and could even be disclosed to foreign governments," warned David Strom of Avast, an online security company.

The Knight First Amendment Institute assisted two documentary filmmakers' associations who sued to end the program. The plaintiffs feared government officials peering through their correspondence with colleagues visiting from overseas and scrutinizing the opinions expressed in their communications and their work (arguments are scheduled for December)and, maybe, sharing the results with partner agencies in other countries.

"Regardless of the name used, DHS's program raises significant free expression and First Amendment concerns because it chills the speech of those seeking to enter the United States and allows officials to target and punish them for expressing views they don't like," adds EFF's Mackey.

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EFF also sued to get an inner glimpse at how the online monitoring is conducted.

Surveilling Travelers Means Spying on You

Given that communication is rarely a solitary activity, monitoring migrants and foreign travelers inevitably involves surveilling Americans, too. That's often the intention of surveillance efforts ostensibly aimed at foreign citizens in which their American correspondents are of equal or greater interest.

Section 702 authorization, for example, is supposed to be directed at "non-United States persons." Frequently, however, "the government acquires a substantial amount of U.S. persons' communications as well," the federal Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) cautioned in a 2023 report. Such spying on Americans "should not be understood as occurring infrequently or as an inconsequential part of the Section 702 program," the report added.

That's the case with agencies charged with border security as much as with the FBI and other agencies called out for abusing Section 702. Three years ago, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was found to be running detailed background checks on critics, activists, and others in search of private information. Agents "routinely used the country's most sensitive databases to obtain the travel records and financial and personal information of journalists, government officials, congressional members and their staff, NGO workers and others," according to Jana Winter of Yahoo! News.

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There's no reason to believe that yet another surveillance program administered by people who have repeatedly abused their power isn't following the same path as all that came before. Awareness that Big Brother is watching hangs over not just migrants and travelers, but their friends and contacts in this country.

"The knowledge that the government will be regularly scouring online statements to make admission or deportation determinations will unquestionably pressure both visa applicants and recipients  and the people with whom they communicate  to censor themselves online," the Center for Democracy and Technology objected to the program.

Border security isn't going away as a concern for a great many Americans. But it should come as no surprise that government officials are eager to turn public fears into blank checks for expanding their own intrusive power.

The post Feds Use 'Border Security' To Justify Social Media Surveillance appeared first on Reason.com.
Last year, as Donald Trump's reelection bid was underway, he declared that a new book by his fiercely loyal adviser Kash Patel would serve as a "blueprint" for his next administration.

"This is the roadmap to end the Deep State's reign," Trump said of the book on his Truth Social media platform.

Titled "Government Gangsters," it calls for a "comprehensive housecleaning" of the Justice Department and an eradication of "government tyranny" within the FBI by firing "the top ranks" and prosecuting "to the fullest extent of the law" anyone who "in any way abused their authority for political ends."

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MORE: Kash Patel tells members of media, government: 'We're going to come after you' in Trump's 2nd term

"[T]he FBI has become so thoroughly compromised that it will remain a threat to the people unless drastic measures are taken," Patel claimed in his book. Democrats "should be very afraid," Patel wrote, as Trump and his allies battle "the Deep State" -- what conspiracy theorists claim is a cadre of career employees inside government who are working together to secretly manipulate policy and undermine elected leaders.

After Trump's historic reelection last week, media speculation has suggested that Patel, a former Defense Department official, could be under consideration to become Trump's attorney general or CIA director -- or that he could even replace current FBI Director Christopher Wray, who Trump has reportedly vowed to fire.

"President Trump called [my book] the roadmap for 2024, and now let's put it into work," Patel said Thursday on a podcast, without indicating whether he himself might take on a senior-level role in the incoming administration.

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A spokesperson for Trump's transition team did not respond to a request for comment from ABC News.

Patel's proximity to Trump and Trump's public embrace of Patel's book underscore how a major shake-up could be coming to the Justice Department or FBI.

Here is what Patel has said about what new leadership could do.

Fire and potentially charge FBI and DOJ officials

Patel, who once served as a prosecutor in the Justice Department's National Security division, has long accused leaders in the FBI and Justice Department of exploiting their authority to boost Democrats and undermine Republicans -- especially Trump.

There's been a "two-tier system of justice," Patel has routinely said.

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He often highlights his subsequent work as a congressional investigator, when he helped lead the House Republicans' probe of "Russiagate" -- which, as he describes it, exposed FBI wrongdoing in its 2016 investigation of alleged ties between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia.

That work led to Patel joining the Trump administration in 2019, and in the final year of Trump's presidency, Patel was appointed acting deputy director of national intelligence -- the second-in-command of the entire U.S. intelligence community -- and then chief of staff to the acting U.S. defense secretary, a position critics claimed he was unqualified to hold.

PHOTO: Former Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense Kash Patel speaks during a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump at Findlay Toyota Center on Oct. 13, 2024 in Prescott Valley, Ariz. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images, FILE)

A special counsel investigation launched by the Justice Department under Trump's first term concluded that "senior FBI personnel" and federal prosecutors working the Russia-related probe had "displayed a serious lack of analytical rigor" toward politically-tainted information, failing to "adequately examine or question" that information before launching a full-scale investigation of Trump and his associates, which included intercepting the communications of one former Trump adviser.

In its own report on the matter, the office of the Justice Department's inspector general said that while it found "fundamental errors" and significant "failures" in the FBI probe, it found no evidence that "political bias or improper motivation influenced" the investigation, including the decision to intercept those communications.

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Still, in his book, Patel said "all those who manipulated evidence [or] hid exculpatory information" should face charges.

He also alleged "abuses of prosecutorial discretion" by the Justice Department in declining to charge Hillary Clinton for allegedly compromising classified information through her use of a private email server, and in declining to charge President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, for what Patel describes as influence-peddling -- while indicting Trump ally Steve Bannon over his refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and also charging so many of the Trump supporters who were at the Capitol that day.

"Those specific prosecutors, and division[s] within the department, that selectively apply the law should be removed and brought to heel," Patel wrote in his book.

In a campaign video released last year, Trump promised that if reelected, he will "immediately reissue" a 2020 executive order giving him the power "to remove rogue bureaucrats."

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"And I will wield that power very aggressively," he declared.

Trump also said he will "totally reform" the court system that in 2016 and 2017 approved the FBI's applications to intercept his former adviser's communications.

Strip 'massive' amounts of security clearances

On another podcast two months ago, Patel said anyone involved in "Russiagate" should be stripped of their security clearances.

According to Patel, there is a "massive" list of such government officials, from the FBI and Justice Department to the CIA and U.S. military.

"They all still have clearances," including those who left government for private sector jobs, so "everybody" should lose their clearances, Patel said.

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Patel said he has personally "recommended" to Trump that the new administration also strip any security clearances still held by the 51 then-former intelligence officials, including former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA director John Brennan, who in October 2020, just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, signed onto a letter dismissing the public release of emails from Hunter Biden's laptop as part of a "Russian information operation."

MORE: Trump loyalist Kash Patel's tax-exempt charity raises questions, experts say

"We want to emphasize that we do not know if the emails ... are genuine or not and that we do not have evidence of Russian involvement," they wrote. "[But if] we are right, this is Russia trying to influence how Americans vote in this election, and we believe strongly that Americans need to be aware of this."

Trump and his allies have accused the 51 former intelligence officials of trying to influence the 2020 election themselves. And that's why Patel wants Trump to strip them of their clearances.

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"Because it's justified," Patel said. "It's not an act of vengeance. They have had the opportunity to recant, and all 51 of them have doubled-down, and tripled-down. So pull them. I think he will."

'Close down' FBI headquarters

Speaking on Thursday's podcast about FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. -- where more than 7,000 agents, analysts, administrative personnel and other employees work -- Patel said that the new Trump administration should "close that building down."

"Open it up the next day as the museum to the Deep State," he added.

Patel said the FBI should then leave about 50 people from its staff somewhere in Washington to help keep the agency running, and send the thousands of other employees into the field to join the 16,000 employees already there.

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Meanwhile, in his book, Patel said the Justice Department should "drastically curb" the number of cases that it prosecutes in Washington, because Washington is "perhaps the most liberal jurisdiction in America."

Release still-secret documents

On Thursday's podcast, Patel described Trump's election victory as a "mandate for the truth" about "the corruption" inside government.

Therefore, he said, the new Trump administration should "get out all the remaining documents that were blocked" by the Biden administration and by "Deep State" efforts in other administrations.

Patel has long called for the public disclosure of documents still unreleased from the FBI's investigation of Trump and alleged ties to Russia.

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On Jan. 19, 2021, Trump's final full day in office, the outgoing president announced that he had declassified a binder with many of those documents. But for reasons that still remain unclear, none of the documents were ever officially released.

MORE: Judge Aileen Cannon, who tossed Trump's classified docs case, on list of proposed candidates for attorney general

Now, as president again, Trump "can expose the documents that these folks have written for decades, allowing [their] corrupt activities," Patel said on Thursday.

"He's going to come in there and maybe give them the Epstein list, and maybe the P. Diddy list," Patel added, referring to documents involving the late sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein and hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who denies wrongdoing in the sexual abuse cases recently filed against him and maintains his innocence on the criminal charges he faces.

In the campaign video released last year, Trump promised to establish a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" that will "declassify and publish all documents on Deep State spying, censorship, and corruption."

It's all part of "my plan to dismantle the Deep State and reclaim our democracy from Washington corruption once and for all," he said.

How fierce Trump ally Kash Patel could help reshape the FBI or Justice Department originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Donald Trump has appointed the fiercely pro-Israel Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik as the next US ambassador to the UN.

Ms Stefanik, 40, a Trump critic-turned-loyalist, has become one of his loudest defenders in Congress and on the campaign trail and has established a reputation as a Republican rising star.

She won re-election to the House in New Yorks 21st congressional district last week, but will now leave that role to take up her position as one of Mr Trumps top diplomats.

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The president-elect had a tumultuous relationship with the UN in his first term, ordering his officials to withdraw from the World Health Organisation over its failure to fully investigate the origins of coronavirus in China.

He is also a strong supporter of Israel, putting him on a collision course with the UN, which has strongly criticised Benjamin Netanyahus government since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7.

Ms Stefanik took on university chiefs over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests that emerged on campuses in response to the war.

A pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University in November 2023. Ms Stefanik was a loud critic of such demonstrations - Spencer Platt/Getty Images

At a congressional hearing in December, the congresswoman grilled the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, giving their opponents ammunition and ultimately forcing their resignation.

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She asked Claudine Gay, the then Harvard president: Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvards rules on bullying and harassment?

Dr Gay responded: It can be, depending on the context.

In a moment that later went viral, Ms Stefanik shot back: Whats the context? Its targeted at Jewish students, Jewish individuals.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Trump described his appointment as an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, in a hint at the isolationist stance he expects to take within the UN over the next four years.

Reinvention

Ms Stefanik, a Harvard University graduate, criticised Mr Trump during his first campaign in 2016 but later reinvented herself as one of his closest allies.

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She defended him during his 2019 impeachment hearings, earning the status as a Republican star, in Mr Trumps words at the time.

She later adopted some of his toughest talking points, attacking the Biden Crime Family over Joe Bidens sons business dealings. As House Republican Conference chairman, she is the fourth-most senior GOP representative.

Ms Stefanik has become one of the most prolific Republican media performers, and appeared on stage with Mr Trump during his latest campaign. She was in contention to be his running mate, before JD Vance was appointed the partys vice-presidential nominee.

President Trumps historic landslide election has given hope to the American people and is a reminder that brighter days are ahead  both at home and abroad, Ms Stefanik said.

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America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek.

Her appointment means another Republican will now be appointed to her safely red district in upstate New York, where she was re-elected last week with 63 per cent of the vote.

By law, the states governor Kathy Hochul must call a special election within 10 days of the seats vacancy, with a vote within three months.

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If you drink Nestea and live in Spain you can breathe easy: the famous brew will not disappear from the Spanish market. The rumor spread a few months ago when it became known that the Swiss multinational Nestle, owner of the famous iced tea brand, would break ties with Coca-Cola, its distributor in Spain since 1993. Now Coca-Cola wants to promote its own brand which it will call Fuze Tea. In fact, Fuze Tea can already be found in bars and restaurants and on supermarket shelves. But the divorce poses a curious legal battle, because while Nestea is owned by Nestle, the drinks formula belongs to Coca-Cola. Conflict seems inevitable.

In 2025, the two companies will become rivals. On October 8, Nestle calmed things down by stating that it would continue to sell iced tea under the Nestea name and that consumers will be able to continue to choose their favorite brand  the market leader  in their favorite flavors. A week later, Coca-Cola responded by making it clear its new iced tea drink, Fuze Tea, uses the time-honored tea drink formula. The recipe is and will remain the exclusive property of the Coca-Cola Company, it stated.

Market analysts believe that, although the situation may be difficult for consumers to understand, the coexistence of the two brands need not lead to the court room, although the scenario is delicate. Even if the breakup were not amicable, we are left with two brands that can coexist in the market, given their differences, says Carmen Gonzalez Candela, director of strategy and legal advisory services at PONS IP.

One of the potential conflict areas is taste. The problem is that there is no way to register the taste of a beverage, just as its impossible to register odors. Thats why companies do not protect the flavors, but rather the formulas that produce them.

Can Nestle sell Nestea if its formula is owned by Coca-Cola? The answer is yes. In theory, if Nestle could develop a formula identical to that of Nestea completely independently, it could market it, explains Eric Macia Lang, head of the trade secrets area at PONS IP. Trade secrets do not recognize an exclusive right of use. In other words, a company  in this case Coca-Cola  cannot claim a monopoly on a flavor. Laura Montoya, partner in charge of the legal and litigation department of ABG Intellectual Property, points out that in this regard if a third party replicates the formula, i.e., obtains a similar or even identical flavor to Nestea, the owner of the secret could not prevent it.

The advertising front

A second front in the battle between Nestle and Coca-Cola could be advertising. It is probable that there will also be a certain amount of advertising warfare, Montoya says. In Spain, the law does not stop companies from explicitly mentioning competitors in their advertising. This is known as comparative advertising, which is permitted in Spain, Montoya points out. But there are certain lines that must not be crossed. For example, Nestle and Coca-Cola must be clear that comparisons between their products must be objective, not misleading, and must not disparage competitors or distort reality. For the moment, Coca-Cola merely insists that Fuze Tea, its iced tea drink, is the original flavor.

A third potential area of friction between the two companies may be in terms of unfair competition. For Inmaculada de la Haza, partner at Balder, Nestea and Fuze Tea are compatible trademarks, because although they are both tea-based beverages, in her opinion there are obvious denominative and phonetic differences It should also be taken into account that Fuze is not a new trademark, it was created in 2000 in the United States and acquired by Coca-Cola in 2007 and is present in 90 countries around the world. However, she recognizes that the bottling of the product is very similar. This is not trivial, as it can confuse the consumer, which is exactly what the law seeks to avoid.

Candela Sotes, competition director at Bird & Bird, recognizes that the future rivalry between Nestea and Fuze Tea may lead to aggressive measures to attract customers. And in the heat of the commercial battle, these can generate confusion for the consumer by associating one brand with the other. Sotes says that, in such a scenario, the possible use of exclusivity or non-competition clauses should be closely scrutinized, since there is a danger that the company with greater market power may block the other companys access to the distribution network, especially in hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias.

The key idea is that Nestle and Coca-Cola should not be tripping each other up: They will have to prevent such confusion from being deliberately induced by their advertising campaigns or commercial strategies. The battle over tea is being served in a very cold glass.

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By John Irish and Anne Kauranen

PARIS (Reuters) - Forcing neutrality onto Ukraine will not bring about a peaceful solution to the crisis with Russia, Finland's foreign minister said on Monday, adding that Moscow could not be trusted to adhere to any agreement it signs.

Ruled by tsarist Russia for more than a century, Finland gained independence in 1917. It then desperately fended off a Soviet invasion in 1939 and for a time sided with Nazi Germany in a bid to win back lost territory.

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As the war ended with Allied victory, Finland found itself compelled to spend decades maintaining friendly and accommodating relations with its eastern neighbour and treading a sometimes precarious path of neutrality to preserve independence - a tactic known as "Finlandisation".

With the prospect of U.S. president elect Donald Trump seeking to end the conflict as quickly possible and concerns from some allies that the terms could be imposed in Kyiv, one scenario could be to force a neutral status on Ukraine.

Russia has repeatedly demanded Ukraine remain neutral for there to be peace, which would de facto kill its aspirations for NATO membership.

RUSSIA TRUST ISSUES

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Speaking in an interview with Reuters, Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen poured cold water on using the "Finlandisation" model, pointing out that firstly Helsinki had fended off Russia in World War 2 and that despite the ensuing peace had always continued to arm itself fearing a new conflict.

"I'm against it (Finlandisation), yes. Let's face it, Ukraine was neutral before they were attacked by Russia," Valtonen, whose country has a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia, said on the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum.

"It's definitely not something I would be imposing on Ukraine. Definitely not as a first alternative," adding that it would not make the problems go away.

The Ukraine invasion led both Finland and Sweden to abandon decades of military non-alignment and seek safety in the NATO camp.

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Valtonen questioned whether Russia could be trusted even if it agreed a deal and said forcing Ukraine's hand to accept terms against its will would tear down the international system.

"I really want to avoid a situation where any European country, or the United States for that matter, starts negotiating over the heads of Ukraine," she said.

"A larger power can not just grab territory, but also essentially weaken the sovereignty of another nation," she said.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
RINGWOOD, N.J. (AP)  Fire crews battled small wildfires across the Northeast U.S. on Monday, including a blaze in New York and New Jersey that killed a parks employee over the weekend and postponed Veterans Day plans.

A quarter-inch of rain fell overnight from Sunday into Monday in a forest area straddling the border between the two states, giving a slight respite to firefighters.

The fire is one of several burning on the East Coast amid a lack of much rainfall since September. An employee of the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department who was assisting firefighting crews died Saturday when he was hit by a falling tree.

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The East Coast fires were burning as much larger wildfires raged in California.

Firefighters continued making progress against a wildfire northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County that broke out Wednesday and quickly exploded in size due to dry, warm and gusty Santa Ana winds.

The Mountain Fire in Ventura County prompted thousands of residents to flee their homes and was 41% contained as of Monday. The fires size remains around 32 square miles (about 83 square kilometers). The Mountain Fire has destroyed more than 192 structures and damaged 82, most of them homes, officials said. The cause is under investigation.

In neighboring Nevada, authorities ordered the evacuation of hundreds of homes southwest of Reno and closed the main highway to Lake Tahoe after a wind-whipped wildfire erupted Monday and spread quickly through mountainside vegetation.

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About 3,000 people were told to leave, said Adam Mayberry, spokesperson for the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Rain began to fall as local, state and federal crews arrived to battle the blaze, Mayberry said.

Across the country on the New Jersey and New York border, crews worked to contain the the 4.7-square-mile (about 12.2 square-kilometer) fire dubbed the Jennings Creek Wildfire, although no evacuations had been ordered, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Officials said the overnight rainfall was far less than what was needed to extinguish numerous brush fires that have broken out around New Jersey since the middle of last week. At least four other wildfires in central to northern New Jersey were mostly or completely contained as of Monday.

In order to find and fight the fires, crews are navigating a maze of country roads, lakes and steep hills amid dense forests. Trees there have dropped most of their leaves onto parched ground, masking a potential danger.

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Beneath the surface leaf litter that falls off the trees, that stuff is bone dry, Bryan Gallagher, a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said at a media briefing. So right now you get a little bit of rain that puts that surface fire out. But if its in the duff its going to stay there. Its going to smolder like a cigar until it gets dry enough and then that fire can pop up again.

A firefighting helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons (1,325 liters) at a time was being used to help combat the Jennings Creek fire. The National Guard deployed two Black Hawk helicopters for water drops, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

In West Milford, New Jersey, a Veterans Day ceremony was postponed to later in the month because of the firefighting effort, said Rudy Hass, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. commander.

Many of those personnel currently engaged with the fires are veterans themselves, and right now we need to keep them in our thoughts as they spend many hours, day and night, doing all they can in order protect our great communities in that area, he posted online.

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Meanwhile, New York State Police said they were investigating the death of Dariel Vasquez, the 18-year-old state parks employee killed Saturday while fighting a fire near New York states Greenwood Lake.

Health advisories were issued over the weekend for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality produced by smoke from the fires, but conditions improved after the rainfall and changes in wind direction.

Dana Van Allen, of Ringwood, New Jersey, said she awoke early Saturday to what smelled like a burning campfire. She realized the fires were close enough to leave ashes on her deck.

"It was very stifling. We were very scared, she recalled Monday.

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In Massachusetts, one wildfire among several fueled by powerful wind gusts and dry leaves has burned around 400 acres (162 hectares) in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a municipal park extending across about 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) in the city some 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Boston.

The Lynn Fire Department cited "a dry spell we have not seen during this time of year in many years.

"We believe we have the fire contained using the main fire roads. We will maintain a presence to ensure the fire doesnt spread further," Lynn Fire Chief Dan Sullivan said in a statement late Sunday.

The Northeast has been experiencing prolonged dry conditions. In New Jersey, the state Department of Environmental Protection is planning a hearing on Tuesday to review its water supply conditions. Before Sunday night, the last measurable rainfall in New Jersey occurred Sept. 28.

___

Ken Ritter contributed to this report from Nevada
Rain was falling across the Northeast on Sunday afternoon, bringing a much-needed assist to firefighters battling a major wildfire straddling the border of New Jersey and New York.

But the blaze evaded their control and grew to more than 2,500 acres on Sunday, threatening several structures -- including a historic site dating back to the Revolutionary War, officials said.

PHOTO: Burnt and smoldering trees sit along a highway as firefighters battle a series of brush fires on Nov. 09, 2024 outside of Pompton Lakes, N.J. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

While Saturday marked 42 days without any measurable rainfall in the city of Philadelphia, and the driest streak in New York City history, many cities throughout the Northeast were expecting to see measurable rainfall on Sunday.

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The forecast was welcome news to fire crews battling the so-called Jennings Creek Fire that broke out Saturday and burned wildland throughout West Milford in New Jersey's Passaic County and Orange County, New York.

But the flames remained 0% contained on Sunday afternoon, Chief Bill Donnelly of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said at a news conference.

And although more rainfall was yet to come, he didn't seem optimistic that it would change the outcome.

"Make no mistake, though precipitation is forecasted, that's not going to solve the problem that we have here with this wildfire," Donnelly said. "It's inevitable that this fire is going to continue to burn up until it reaches our control line."

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Donnelly estimated that it might take crews until the end of this week to extinguish the blaze.

Since Oct. 1, New Jersey firefighters have responded to 537 wildfires that have consumed 4,500 acres, including about 40 fires that ignited between Friday and Saturday, according to Donnelly.

Forest Ranger Jeremy Oldroyd, of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said New York fire crews have battled 60 wildfires since Oct. 1, and they have burned 2,100 acres.

A New York State Parks and Recreation aid was killed on Saturday helping the battle the Jennings Creek Fire, which is burning in the Sterling Forest State Park, officials said. The deceased parks employee was identified Sunday by the New York State Police as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez.

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"I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers and his bravery on the front lines," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said of Vasquez. "My prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time."

MORE: Firefighters continue battling blaze that left 18-year-old dead

The rain heading into the Northeast is associated with what was left of a storm system that has been sweeping east this weekend after hitting parts of the Rockies with very heavy snow and the South with torrential rain.

While the rain is expected to put a dent in the extremely dry conditions, some areas in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will remain under red flag fire danger warnings, officials said.

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As the Jennings Creek Fire continued to grow Sunday, Donnelly said the fire was threatening several structures in the area, including eight in New Jersey's Long Pond Ironworks State Park, a historic 175-acre village where iron was produced during the Revolutionary War.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

PHOTO: Firefighters take a break from battling a series of brush fires on Nov. 09, 2024 outside of Pompton Lakes, N.J. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The fire came amid blustery winds and drought conditions in New York and New Jersey, which hasn't had any rain in more than a month, officials said.

At one point over the weekend, New Jersey firefighters were battling at least six brush fires that ignited across the state, including a second wildfire in Passaic County that was threatening structures Sunday.

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The "Cannonball 3" fire began on Friday afternoon near Passaic County's Pompton Lake and grew to 175 acres, according to Donnelly. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire was still threatening 55 structures, but was 75% contained, according to the fire service.

Another wildfire in New Jersey -- the "Shotgun Fire" -- started Wednesday and burned 350 acres of the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area in Jackson Township before firefighters gained control of the blaze, officials said. Officials said the cause of the fire was arson.

The Shotgun Fire had broke out around noon on Wednesday, near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road, fire officials said.

Investigators concluded that the fire began behind a berm at the rifle club and was caused by magnesium shards of a "Dragon's Breath" 12-gauge shotgun round, which ignited materials on the berm. Firing incendiary or tracer ammunition is illegal in New Jersey, authorities said.

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Richard Shashaty, 37, of Brick Township, surrendered to the police on Saturday. He was charged with arson and violation of regulatory provisions relating to firearms, officials said Saturday.

PHOTO: Burnt and smoldering trees sit along a highway as firefighters battle a series of brush fires on Nov. 09, 2024 outside of Pompton Lakes, N.J. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Air quality alerts remained in effect Sunday in the New York City area. As of Sunday morning, New York City's Office of Emergency Management said the Air Quality Index was at 105, a level "unhealthy for sensitive groups." On Saturday evening, the AQI in some monitors reached 201, indicating "very unhealthy" air quality, officials said.

Several brush fires have erupted in New York City in recent days, including one on Friday evening that swept through Brooklyn's Prospect Park, burning at least two acres before more than 120 firefighters brought it under control Saturday morning.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday that at least 120 brush fires had broken out in the city within the last two weeks. The fires follow the driest October in New York City history.

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MORE: Wildfires erupt in New Jersey, fueled by dry, windy conditions

Meanwhile, firefighters in Southern California continued to battle the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. As of Sunday, the blaze, which started on Wednesday morning and was fanned by strong Santa Ana winds, had grown to 20,640 acres.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday that winds had died down overnight, enabling fire crews to make significant progress by upping containment lines to 26%.

Fire at New Jersey-New York border still uncontrolled after burning over 2,500 acres originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Fire crews on both coasts of the United States continued to battle wildfires this weekend, with flames claiming lives and property from New Jersey to Southern California. In the Northeast, a blaze at the New York-New Jersey border killed an 18-year-old parks employee, while in California, the larger Mountain Fire has destroyed more than 130 structures.

As reported by the Associated Press, the Mountain Fire erupted in Southern Californias Ventura County on Wednesday. Fueled by dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, the fire surged in size, eventually covering approximately 32 square miles. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate. The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways and communities, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire.

As of Sunday, the fire was 26% contained, up from 21% the day prior.

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Meanwhile in New York, state police are investigating the death of Dariel Vasquez, a teenaged state parks employee who was killed while fighting a large brush fire in Sterling Forest, near the New Jersey line. Vasquezs death has reverberated among firefighting communities as many paid tribute to him. Rip brother your shift is over job well done, a New York State forestry services post said, according to the AP.

Authorities said New Jerseys Jennings Creek Wildfire had reached 10% containment by Sunday night.
At least five people were killed and one woman was injured in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv overnight as a result of a Russian drone attack, Governor Vitalii Kim said on Telegram early on Monday.

Fires in two buildings have been extinguished and several residential buildings had been damaged, Kim said, adding that five Russian drones were shot down in the Mykolaiv area.

In the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya, one person was killed in Russian bombing raids, the military governor of the region, Ivan Fedorov, said on his Telegram channel. Another 21 people were injured. A total of at least three glide bombs hit the city, he said.

At least seven injured in Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih

At least seven people were injured in a Russian missile attack on a multi-storey residential building in the city of Kryvyi Rih in south-eastern Ukraine.

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"Russia only seeks a continuation of the war, and every blow refutes Russia's declarations of diplomacy," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in a post on Telegram, reiterating his call for more weapons to defend the country from such attacks.

"Without principled decisions and strong support for Ukraine, Russia will have no motivation to seek peace."

Kryvyi Rih is Zelensky's home city and he posted pictures of the building that was destroyed by the missile.

Search and rescue teams continue to search for survivors among the rubble, he said.

Ukraine evacuates more villages in Kharkiv region

A forced evacuation has been ordered for 10 more villages in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv due to advancing Russian troops, Governor Oleh Syniehubov announced on Monday.

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The governor explained on a Ukrainian news television channel that the enemy is constantly shelling civilian settlements in the affected areas around the village of Borova on the eastern bank of the Oskil River.

Similar orders were earlier issued for villages in the more northern Kupiansk metropolitan area.

Since September 10, approximately 6,500 people have been evacuated, including about 500 minors, according to Syniehubov.

The area was liberated in the autumn of 2022 as part of a Ukrainian counteroffensive after around five months of occupation.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian troops have come under increasing pressure due to an intensified Russian glide bomb offensive in the region.

Ukraine: Military experts warn of catastrophe in Kurakhove

In light of the intense Russian attacks near Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine, a catastrophe threatens the defenders, the government-affiliated Ukrainian military channel Deep State reported on Monday.

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The city is reportedly already surrounded on three sides. Meanwhile, Russian units are attempting to cut off and encircle the Ukrainian military stationed there, the military experts said.

The situation of the Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk region has rapidly deteriorated since early August. In this sector of the front, the Russian army is not only advancing on the now heavily damaged Kurakhove but has also alarmingly approached the nearby transport hub of Pokrovsk.

During the fierce fighting for Kurakhove, a dam at Stari Terny was destroyed by the Russians, according to official Ukrainian reports. Downstream, the water level of the Vovcha has reportedly risen by more than 1 metre.

The Russian side, however, blamed the Ukrainians for the destruction, suggesting it was possibly intended to hinder the advance of Russian units.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over two and a half years.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Flights are no longer delayed at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA told KXAN in a statement earlier Sunday that flights were delayed due to staffing.

This comes after a viewer reached out to us via ReportIt@kxan.com saying there was a delay with flights due to staffing shortages around 3:30 p.m.

Due to staffing, there is a Traffic Management Program in effect for traffic arriving Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX (AUS). This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 36 minutes, the FAA said in a statement to KXAN.

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As passenger count increases, so do safety concerns at Austins airport

I think this is a real failure by the Federal Aviation Administrator to address the safety concerns we have here today, said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin.

Doggett, who has previously urged the FAA to address staffing issues, said there were supposed to be 13 air traffic controllers on staff on Sunday night. Instead, there were only eight with no supervisors, he said.

The FAA made this delay in flights departing without even notifying the Austin airport. That is unacceptable, and we have a serious problem here, Doggett said. This is a really serious matter today. It causes inconvenience. It may mean that people miss their connection, but the bigger problem is the safety problem if we dont have adequate air traffic controllers, he continued.

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Doggett said he would continue to put pressure on the FAA until the staffing issues are resolved.

We need a significant increase in controllers at the airport. Not by this time next year, when we may have had additional near misses or a disaster, but we need it soon. We need it prioritized, Doggett said.

The FAA is responsible for the hiring and training of air traffic controllers, not the citys Department of Aviation. However, Austins airport has seen staffing challenges and shortages in other areas, as well.

KXAN investigators dug into safety concerns, after two people died while working at the airport in 2023. The report focused on what is called the apron  that is, the area between the terminal and the taxiways.

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KXAN reviewed internal Aviation Department emails, airport safety violation data, court records and conversations with people concerned about safety, shedding light on the challenges workers face in enforcing the rules and challenges the airport has faced in filling vacancies. The report highlighted a 30% vacancy rate on the departments airside operations team, which is tasked with compliance, safety and other operations on the apron.

In October, a special risk assessment report from the City Auditors office also highlighted these staffing challenges.

Due to these challenges, Aviation has become increasingly reliant on third-party contractors to deliver airport services, the auditors said they learned.

Sam Haynes, Deputy Chief of Communications and Marketing for the Department of Aviation, said it does have a plan to address job vacancy concerns.

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She told KXAN investigators, in part, Its not just about filling the vacancies; its about bringing the most talented, experienced, qualified people, and really what were looking for is to bring others from large airports to help us grow this airport into a large one ourselves.

The FAA also noted progress toward hiring new air traffic controllers.

In September, it announced that it exceeded its goal of hiring 1,800 air traffic controllers in 2024. According to a news release from the agency, this marked the largest number of hires in nearly a decade and important progress in the FAAs work to reverse the decades-long air traffic controller staffing level decline. The agency opened another application period for more potential hires in October.

The agency currently reports more than 14,000 air traffic controllers nationwide. Around 3,400 of them are in various stages of training, according to that news release.

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The FAA told KXAN Sunday those who may be affected can check the FAA airport status information, select their departure airport and check Delays by Destination.

KXANs David Barer contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
FLORISSANT, Mo.  In the aftermath of last weeks heavy rains and flooding, St. Louis area residents spent Sunday clearing out flood-damaged items, aided by the city of Florissants cleanup initiative.

To support those affected, the city provided dumpsters at St. Ferdinand Park on St. Ferdinand Park Drive, where residents could discard ruined items from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. over the weekend.

The disposal site saw a constant flow of people unloading items, including waterlogged mattresses, furniture, and even cherished belongings. Over eight dumpsters were full by Sunday night, reflecting the significant damage that local homes and properties had sustained.

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Source of Festus yellow water reported non-toxic, solution in 90 days: Officials

The citys Streets Department and Health Department coordinated the event, with Mayor Timothy Lowery authorizing the collaborative effort to help residents manage the overwhelming cleanup. Officials noted the success of the partnership, and residents expressed appreciation for the citys prompt response. City employees kept the area clean and accessible by managing additional waste near the dumpsters.

Affected Florissant residents are encouraged to reach out to the citys health department or streets department with any further disposal questions as the community continues its recovery.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
North Korea's troops in Russia are largely thought to be from Pyongyang's elite "Storm Corps."

But as more videos appear to show them, doubts are rising about their status as special forces.

One ex-member of the branch said he thought North Korea did send special forces but not its best.

As questions arise over the quality of Kim Jong Un's troops in Russia, a former soldier who served in North Korea's special forces said they're likely the country's elite troops.

Lee Woong-gil, who defected to South Korea in 2007, told The Korea Times, which is headquartered in the South Korean capital of Seoul, that he believed the North Korean men sighted in Russia were indeed special forces.

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"They do not appear to be the finest members, however," he told the outlet.

Washington and Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, say they believe that about 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to aid in the Ukraine war, including some 8,000 dispatched to the Kursk region.

The exact makeup of the deployment is unclear, but many of the troops are said to be part of Kim's elite branch, also known as the "Storm Corps" or "Black Berets." As early reports of the transfers emerged in mid-October, South Korea's intelligence agency said that it observed an initial wave of 1,500 special forces entering eastern Russia.

The spy agency later said it believed North Korea planned to send four brigades' worth of elite forces, 12,000 troops in total, to Russia.

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, at a March military demonstration in North Korea. KCNA via REUTERS

Lee told The Korea Times that those who survive a deployment in Kursk would gain valuable combat experience, a benefit that Kim may have considered when sending troops to fight Ukraine.

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"Among them, the elite forces are deployed overseas on highly dangerous missions, such as the kidnapping and assassination of North Korean defectors, missionaries, and covert South Korean agents," said Lee, who The Associated Press reported served in the Storm Corps from 1998 to 2003.

"However, the troops sent to Russia do not seem to be tier 1 team members," he added.

The Storm Corps' elite status in question

There's been debate over how well these troops measure up to modern standards for special forces, or whether the North Korean men in Russia are even from the country's prestigious unit.

South Korea's Defense Ministry estimates that the Storm Corps has 200,000 members, a staggering total for a special-forces branch.

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During a September visit to a training base, Kim lauded the division's members as each being worth 100 typical North Korean soldiers.

But Seoul has described these troops in Russia as young, inexperienced men sent to be "mere cannon fodder."

Videos on Russian social channels appearing to show the North Korean soldiers seem to depict relatively shorter men with smaller frames, leading to assessments that they arrived malnourished and vulnerable to disease.

Lee told the AP in late October that the Storm Corps was generally better supplied than other units during his time there but that its members still suffered from tuberculosis and malnutrition.

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James JB Park, a former South Korean defense and national security official, told The Wall Street Journal that Kim may have sent a first wave of more expendable soldiers to test the waters with Ukraine.

"They will pave the way for the more experienced ones," he told the outlet.

Ukraine said that its troops had already launched attacks, including an artillery strike, on North Korean soldiers in Kursk, where many of the Asian country's troops are believed to be stationed to support the front lines.

"It was an ordinary combat engagement in the Kursk region," Andrii Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, previously told Business Insider's Mia Jankowicz.

Kim watching his troops in combat training, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service. National Intelligence Service of South Korea

Kovalenko also said that as they were stationed in Russia, North Korea's troops were being taught how to operate strike and reconnaissance drones.

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An injection of 11,000 North Korean troops likely wouldn't be a game changer for Russia, which the UK estimated lost about 1,500 troops a day in October.

But it stands as yet another source of personnel and resources for the Kremlin to continue its strategy of trying to overwhelm Ukraine with mass in a war of attrition.

North Korea's direct involvement has also renewed concerns about the war escalating to a global front, with Seoul now saying that it won't rule out reversing a law that has prevented the export of its weapons to Ukraine.

That comes as South Korea has become home to one of the world's fastest-growing defense industries in recent years. It is moving to become the globe's fourth-largest defense exporter by 2027, up from 10th place from 2019 to 2023.

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Correction: November 11, 2024  An earlier version of this story misstated the country in which videos appear to show North Korean troops. The videos are believed to show the troops in Russia, not North Korea.

Read the original article on Business Insider
France has officially declared war on drug trafficking and organized crime, a scourge that in recent months has spread with unprecedented virulence and violence to the outskirts of many of the countrys cities. Marseille, the epicenter of this type of gang activity and an example of a city increasingly degraded by the phenomenon, was the setting chosen by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Didier Migaud to present a special plan against what the head of French security last week described as the Mexicanization of France. The ministers announced the creation of a liaison magistrate position in Bogota, Colombia, and the reform of the system to provide greater protections and guarantees to those who cooperate with the authorities. It is not the first time that France has promised to end the problems in Marseille, a city of 1.5 million inhabitants, including the metropolitan area, and the second-largest in the country.

The security situation has reached unprecedented levels even by the standards of crime in some French cities. A month ago in Marseille, a minor was stabbed more than 30 times and then burned in a metal drum while still alive. The murder marked a turning point in the fight against gang activity, but the trickle of killings and shootings continued, including an incident at a police station in Cavaillon, 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Marseille, where the DZ Mafia, the organization that controls drug trafficking in the city, set fire to four of the vehicles that were parked outside in retaliation for an operation in which the authorities had seized a cache of drugs.

The ministers sought to convey a message of extreme firmness in the fight against the gangs, evoking a war comparable to that being waged against terrorism. Migaud stressed that drug trafficking is an existential threat to institutions, to democracy and that it threatens the fundamental interests of the nation. As such, he said that action against drug trafficking is a national cause that will take years. It is a fight that will probably last 10, 15 or 20 years, but it can be won, he said. My hand will not tremble in mobilizing the entire judicial apparatus, Migaud added before announcing that the teams at the Paris Prosecutors Office dedicated to organized crime will be reinforced with 40% more personnel, and that four more judges will be assigned in the capital to speed up judicial processes.

France is looking in Italys mirror and wants to address the issue in the same way as terrorism, or the crusade against the mafia. To this end, Migaud spoke of the creation of a special prosecutors office for gang-related crimes and a new system for the handling of informants and state witnesses of the type that was introduced in Italy during the Cosa Nostras bloodiest period, and which allowed legendary magistrates such as Giovanni Falcone to put the Sicilian criminal organization in check. Only through the testimony of those who decide to collaborate with the authorities has it been possible to make advances in dismantling these organizations.

42 murders in six months

Cities with gang and drug-trafficking problems are spread across France, from Grenoble to Poitiers, Lyon, and Paris itself. In the first half of the year, 42 deaths were attributed to drug-related murders. But Marseille is experiencing another serious crime wave. After a record 49 shooting deaths in 2023, the toll this year stands at 19 so far. The citys public prosecutor, Nicolas Bessone, intervened in the public debate a few weeks ago and described the latest crimes as unprecedented savagery. The magistrate, who coined the term narcoicide to describe the killings in Marseille, estimated the number of drug-dealing hotspots in the city at 128 and spoke of a total loss of reference points. The new plan calls for the appointment of 25 additional investigators and the reinforcement of the police presence on public roads with 95 additional officers.

The Interior Minister presented other measures that the government intends to push forward, such as authorizing prefects to order the closure of businesses suspected of being used to launder drug money, requiring proof of the origin of funds used for the purchase of vehicles, or a mechanism for quickly freezing the assets of criminals.

The problem is this is not the first time that France has looked to Marseille to combat this phenomenon, without achieving much success. Three years ago, President Emmanuel Macron himself travelled to the city to present an investment and rehabilitation plan worth 1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to restore normality. Today, many of the planned projects, local associations complain, have still not been implemented.

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LONDON (Reuters) - A British soldier accused of passing sensitive information to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pleaded guilty on Monday to escaping from prison while awaiting trial.

Daniel Abed Khalife is on trial at London's Woolwich Crown Court, accused of collecting sensitive information between May 2019 and January 2022.

Khalife, who is no longer a member of the British armed forces, also denies leaving a fake bomb on a desk and absconding from his barracks in 2023.

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Prosecutors had also alleged Khalife escaped from London's Wandsworth prison in September 2023 by tying himself to the bottom of a delivery van, sparking a brief nationwide manhunt.

The 23-year-old had originally pleaded not guilty to escaping from lawful custody, but changed his plea to guilty on Monday after having given evidence for several days earlier this month.

Khalife is also charged with gathering information that might be useful to an enemy, namely Iran, obtaining information likely to be useful for terrorism and perpetrating a bomb hoax.

He still denies those three charges and his trial continues.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Michael Holden)
On Veterans Day, one of Fort Mills decorated high school bands was preparing to travel across the world to honor hometown soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

The Fort Mill High School band learned Friday theyll travel to France and Switzerland in 2026.

The spring trip coincides with Americas 250th birthday, and is meant to honor 40 Fort Mill soldiers killed either in World War I or World War II. A performance at Epinal American Cemetery in eastern France will highlight two of them.

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Pvt. Odell Myers is buried there, after the Army soldier was killed in combat in 1945. Myers was nine months into his Army service when he went overseas in December 1944, according to Herald archives. He lived with his wife and four children on Lee Street in Fort Mill at the time. He worked at one of the Springs mills. The following January, his wife received a letter stating he was missing in action.

That March, the Herald reported news from the war department that Myers, 23, was killed in action on Jan. 5, 1945 in France.

The other Army soldier highlighted in the coming band performance is the towns only Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Tom Hall. Hall received that honor posthumously for his actions on Oct. 8, 1918.

Halls platoon advanced through two machine gun nests but was stopped about 800 yards from its final objective by still more machine gun fire near Montbrehain, France. Hall ordered his men to take cover in a sunken road, according to his Medal of Honor citation, before advancing alone. Hall killed five members of a machine gun post to allow his platoon further advance. Hall was mortally wounded later that day while attacking another machine gun nest.

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Hall was 25 years old. Hes buried in Unity Cemetery in Fort Mill, just off Tom Hall Street. The library at Fort Jackson in Columbia also is named for him.

The upcoming trip isnt the first time Fort Mills band, or others in the area, have traveled with a military purpose. The band traveled to the Normandy American Cemetery six years ago in Normandy, France. A Hawaii trip almost three decades ago included a performance at Pearl Harbor.

This spring, band students from Rock Hills three high schools traveled to Hawaii and performed at Pearl Harbor. Clovers performing arts center has routinely hosted official military bands for performances, at times playing with high school students there.

The Fort Mill band is one of the most accomplished programs in South Carolina. They have a record 24 state marching band titles.
Officials have identified a man who drowned in a Georgia river last week as a U.S. Army specialist.

Spc. Carlito Lindsey, 26, died on Friday morning after he was pulled from the Tivoli River in Bryan County.

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Richmond Hill police and the Bryan County Sheriffs Office told local media outlets that Lindsey and four other men were crab fishing when they lost one of their traps.

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Lindsey went into the water to retrieve, but got caught by the current, according to deputies. The other men on the dock told the sheriffs office and police that none of them knew how to swim.

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Lindsey served as an utilities equipment repairer for 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Before he was active duty at Fort Stewart, he served in the National Guard for eight years.

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Spc. Lindsey was a dedicated and professional Soldier who made a significant impact on our unit and our Army. His untimely death is a devastating loss and we will honor his memory by continuing to live up to the high standards he set for us, said Col. James Armstrong, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team.

His career decorations included Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and an Army Service Ribbon.

Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this time of grief and we are committed to supporting them in any way we can, Col. Armstrong said.

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One of Fort Worths oldest businesses is closing its doors for good.

Haltoms Jewelers, which opened its first Fort Worth store in 1905, will begin selling off its inventory before announcing a final closing date.

Store owner Jack Miller emphasized in a statement to the Star-Telegram that he and his wife and co-owner Ladye Ann are not retiring.

Between us we have 108 years of retailing and 108 years of working Saturdays. We both feel now is a good time to end our retail careers, he said in the statement.

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The jeweler has locations at Sundance Square, at 6102 Camp Bowie Blvd., and at Grapevine Town Center. All three stores are closing.

Haltoms has been a cornerstone of Fort Worths business community, said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in a statement to the Star-Telegram.

For decades, this business has not only set the standard for quality and craftsmanship, but has also been a symbol of the culture, style, and spirit that makes our town unique, he said.

Miller bought the business from the Haltom family in 1983, after previously working at his fathers store downtown. He moved the business to Sundance Square in 1988, citing the thriving businesses, restaurants and foot traffic.

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Quality was of the upmost importance to Miller. He told the Star-Telegram in 1993 that jewelry doesnt have to be expensive, but it does have to be the best of its class.

Miller also found ways to give back to the Fort Worth community, including donating profits from a 1995 exhibition of rare Swiss watches to Cook Childrens Hospital.

I did it because Im a local, and I want to help the place I live, Miller told the Star-Telegram at the time.

Dr. Marie Holliday, who owns a dental practice and flower shop downtown, recalled how the Millers created a neighborhood atmosphere through their friendly interactions with other downtown business owners.

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I will miss just knowing that you have people that have always been examples of what it means to be committed to the Fort Worth community, she said.

Losing Haltoms and the Millers is a loss for the downtown business community, said Andy Taft, president of the nonprofit Downtown Fort Worth Inc, in a text message to the Star-Telegram.

Haltoms is a legacy, marquee, local brand and the Millers are consummate retail leaders and genuinely caring, honorable and widely respected people, he said.

Haltoms started as a watch repair shop in 1893 in Bowie before owner G.W. Haltom moved into the jewelry business. The first Haltoms location in Fort Worth opened near West Fourth Street and Main Street before moving to the ground floor of what is now the Courtyard Marriot at 607 Main St. It moved to its current location at West Third and Main Street in 1988.

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The 18-foot-tall clock standing outside the store at 317 Main St. will also be leaving. Miller said he had a plan for the clock, but wasnt ready to share it publicly.

Haltoms departure marks the latest in a series of Sundance Square store closures that have generated complaints from some of its long-term tenants.

Reata Steakhouse moved to the Tower building in July 2024, and Melt Ice Cream, which closed its location in a Sundance Square owned building at 308 Houston St, recently announced it will return to downtown in 2025 with a location at 700 Main St.

Representatives for Sundance Square did not respond to an email requesting comment about Haltoms closure.

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All Haltoms employees will get paid through the end of 2025 along with health benefits and retirement account contributions, Miller said in his statement to the Star-Telegram.

Miller considered selling the business, but worried his employees wouldnt get long-term severance pay if things didnt work out with the new owner.
FRANKLIN, La. (KLFY)  A Franklin home was destroyed Sunday in a fire.

It happened at a home in the 400 block of Ninth Street in Franklin. Crews from the Franklin and Centerville Fire Departments battled the home fire.

Officials said the home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross has been contacted to assist the resident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO)  A 35-year-old man from Freeport was killed Sunday after colliding head on with a semi truck, according to police.

The Stephenson County Sheriffs Office said the crash happened around 11:40 p.m. at Illinois Route 26 North and Winneshiek Road.

Police said a 2005 Dodge Neon was headed south on Route 26 but in the northbound lane, colliding with the semi.

The driver was the sole occupant of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The driver of the semi, a 60-year-old man from Wisconsin, was uninjured in the crash.

Authorites are withholding the identity of the driver of the Neon until family members have been notified.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  No arrests were made following two OVI checkpoints held Friday night in Youngstown.

Read next: Ohio Amber Alert ends with deadly police-involved shooting

The checkpoints conducted by the Mahoning County OVI Task Force were at 2214 Mahoning Avenue and Market Street near Ridge Avenue.

A total of 256 vehicles passed through the checkpoints, and two were further investigated.

One driver was cited for driving under suspension, and one was cited for expired registration.

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The Mahoning County OVI Task Force is funded by a federal grant administered through the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  An International Soiree was held tonight in Evansville to raise money for the Immigrant Welcome and Resource Center.

The night was filled with food, music and performances. The resource center works to be an advocate for area immigrants.

The 2020 US census indicates there are nearly 6,000 immigrant residents in Vanderburgh County contributing more than $45 million in tax revenue.

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To learn more, watch the video above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Charities are introducing four-day working weeks despite concerns it could lower standards and raise costs for taxpayers.

The British Red Cross, which received 32m in government funding last year, is among organisations trialling compressed hours, allowing some UK-based staff to work 32 hours rather than 35 a week.

One non-profit has gone further and introduced so-called monk-mode mornings where emails and meetings are banned before 11am.

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Other initiatives trialled by charities include working in 25-minute intervals punctuated by occasional half hour breaks throughout the day, a technique known as the Pomodoro method.

But think tanks warned that allowing charities to adopt a four-day work week would decrease productivity, reduce the quality of services and push up costs.

Len Shackleton, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: The view that a four-day week can be both costlessly and effectively rolled out across the economy should be treated sceptically.

He said: If public sector bodies feel obliged to acquiesce to union demands for four-day working it must not add to costs to the public. Public sector productivity is in decline, services are poor and costs are high. A four-day week risks making this worse if it is not carefully managed.

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Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers Alliance, said charities in receipt of taxpayer funded support should be monitored.

Mr Keck added: Given the questionable evidence on the benefits of a four-day week, the Government should be monitoring any taxpayer-funded charities pursuing these schemes carefully to ensure no drop in standards

It comes after Angela Rayner last week gave South Cambridgeshire District Council the go-ahead to introduce shorter working hours for the same pay despite concerns it could lead to a decline in service for taxpayers.

Trade unions welcomed the move, as she accused Conservative ministers of micromanaging local authorities over the controversial policy.

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Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, also last week agreed to give Tube drivers a four-day week for the same pay in response to their latest strike threat.

The British Red Cross introduced a four-day week trial for 200 employees in July. It is expected to last a minimum of six months.

Sophie Manifold, the charitys spokesperson , said: Our priority will always be ensuring we are there for those that need us and our staff work incredibly hard to support people in crisis across the UK and around the world.

She added: As part of this, we constantly look at ways we can improve our productivity, whilst also supporting the work-life balance of our people. The pilot will look into this and we will review its findings in due course.

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Waterwise, a London-based charity which promotes water conservation, announced it would move permanently to a four-day week last year following a successful trial that gave staff all of their pay but for 80pc of their contracted hours.

The organisation has also turned to other measures in an effort to boost staff productivity, including allowing staff not to deal with emails or attend meetings before 11am.

A blog post by the charity said staff had also tried the so-called Pomodoro technique, a working pattern that typically involves 25-minute intervals of work followed by a break of five minutes. Every four intervals there can be a longer break of as much as 30 minutes.

Nicci Russell, of Waterwise, said the scheme improved work ability and that the four-day week has worked well for us and is a positive and efficient use of the income we receive. It helps with retention and recruitment of good staff and also improves productivity.

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Another charity which has implemented a permanent four-day working week is the sexual health charity Brook. It had run a six-month trial of the working pattern, and became the first clinical service provider in Britain to make the change last year.

Helen Marshall, of Brook, told industry journal Civil Society: The four-day week pilot was a resounding success. Participants reported significant increases in mental and physical wellbeing, along with decreases in stress, sickness and burnout.

A Government spokesman said: We have no plans to mandate a four-day work week for five days pay  not in government nor in any other sector.

We are strengthening workers rights to request flexibility in their working pattern, which is different to this, and organisations will still be able to reject unworkable requests if it doesnt work for the business or organisation.

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The artillery fire, air raids and movement of armored vehicles are so intense in Sumy that it is a stark contrast compared to Ukraines weak position in the hottest spots in Donbas. Sumy province is the rearguard of the three-month-old operation that has allowed Kyivs forces to occupy part of Russias Kursk region. The soldiers interviewed in late October in the area say that if there is anything they need, it is more weapons. The number of troops deployed is clearly greater than that of their brigades retreating south of Donetsk.

Nobody in Kursk is complaining about the lack of personnel: rotations in the State Border Guard platoon commanded by Vadim take place every 10 days. At first it was every three days, says this veteran soldier, who prefers not to reveal his last name. But in places in Donbas besieged by Russian forces, such as Kurakhove, the average time that infantry units must spend on the front line is 25 days, according to four brigades consulted by this newspaper this October.

The invasion of Kursk is a personal gamble for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and on the success of the operation depends not only his political fate, but that of the country. Demonstrating to Russia that it is vulnerable and that its territory can also be threatened is one of the five points of Zelenskiys plan for victory, a document that he has presented to his international allies to improve Ukraines situation in the war and to arrive at potential future peace negotiations in a position of greater strength.

The obstacles to Zelenskiys objectives are enormous, even more so after Donald Trumps victory in the U.S. presidential elections. The president-elect insisted during his campaign that his priority is to turn off the tap to Kyiv in terms of military assistance and to seal an agreement between Zelenskiy and Vladimir Putin as soon as possible, even if it means Ukraine ceding territory to Moscow. In addition, Russian forces are preparing a new offensive on the southern front in Zaporizhzhia.

North Korean presence

Russia has regained a third of the territory it lost in Kursk province, but this is modest progress compared to its current advance in Donetsk. The gray zone in Kursk, which neither side controls, is especially wide and the Ukrainian troops continues to hold the offensive initiative. The Institute for the Study of War reported last Friday that Ukrainian forces had advanced on the village of Novoivanovka. This is also demonstrated in videos released by its military units in which tanks and infantry vehicles are seen assaulting Russian positions on the front line. Such actions are unthinkable on the various open fronts inside Ukraine.

According to estimates by the Ukrainian General Staff, Russia has allocated 45,000 soldiers to the counteroffensive to regain control of Kursk. The military officials surveyed estimate that half of them are recent recruits, meaning they have no combat experience. The Kremlin does not want to slow its advance in Donetsk and has opted for its alliance with North Korea to strengthen the defense of Kursk, without weakening its position in other theaters of the war. NATO, the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine have indicated that some 11,000 North Korean soldiers will take part in the fighting in Kursk. Zelenskiy stated on November 5 that the first clashes between Ukrainian troops and Pyongyangs forces have already taken place. Several military analysts stated in Forbes and The New York Times that North Korean troops are fighting at the forefront of the offensive to liberate Kursk alongside the 810th Russian Naval Infantry Brigade.

For the Ukrainian president, the North Korean alliance is proof that Russia lacks the men and equipment to continue to fight this war of attrition. The goal is to continue advancing, because the front is fluctuating and we can break it, we can be in it for the long haul, says Yaroslav, a sergeant with the Ukrainian 225th Separate Assault Battalion. The mission in Kursk, Yaroslav reiterates, is to show that Russia is weak and cannot protect its own territory. American military sources explained to Bloomberg on October 9 that the deployment allocated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Kursk will allow troops to stay there for a few more months, or even longer.

A Ukrainian Oncilla armored vehicle, seen from the firing screen, on October 26 in Sumy. Cristian Segura

Mechanized and armored regiments such as the 1st Brigade have their best tanks  German Leopards  opening fire just a few hundred meters from the enemy. The 47th Mechanized Brigade, made up entirely of NATO weapons and training, has also shared videos of its American Abrams tanks and Bradley armored infantry vehicles directly attacking Russian positions. By contrast, in another sector of the front where the 1st Brigade operates, in Zaporizhzhia, its tanks only carry out quick defensive maneuvers, mainly being used as artillery far from the enemy lines.

Yevgeny is the commander of an assault company. He speaks to EL PAIS while he and his unit prepare the machine guns on two Oncillas, a Polish-Ukrainian-made vehicle for attacks and infantry transport. Yevgeny explains that the incursion into Kursk was a surprise and the Russian forces had neither extensively mined the terrain nor built fortifications, as they have done in the occupied territories in Ukraine, so operations with their Oncillas are easier: Here we can attack the Russian defenses with two tanks, opening fire, and then we go into action.

One problem for his men, Yevgeny explains, is that some of the ammunition they have is faulty. One in ten rounds jams the machine gun and forces his team to retreat. Another drawback, he says, is that for a battalion of 340 soldiers carrying out offensive operations, they only have six Oncillas  each one can transport a dozen troops. Zelenskiy said on October 30 that Ukraine has only received 10% of the U.S. military aid, valued at around $60 billion, approved last April by Congress.

Ukrainian soldiers in an Oncilla armored infantry vehicle on October 26 in Sumy. Cristian Segura

Air and communications superiority

According to Ukrainian military officials, Russian forces have two significant advantages. First, there is their superiority in the air. The impact of guided missiles fired by Russian bombers are constant in Sumy and Kursk. The Russians are focusing their air strikes on our logistics network. In August, to reach the positions where we are fighting, we had to travel 15 kilometers, then it was 30, and now it is 45, explains Technik, the code name of a soldier in the 95th Airborne Brigade.

The other advantage the Russians hold is telecommunications. The soldiers interviewed confirmed that they cannot use their cell phones because there is no coverage and they communicate mainly with walkie-talkies. Another serious setback for Ukraine is that its troops cannot use the Starlink satellite connection on Russian soil, which is not activated to provide a signal on Russian territory. Despite this, Oleg Apostol, commander of the 95th Brigade, and Pavlo Rozlach, commander of the 80th Airborne Brigade, assured in interviews with the media outlet Novy Narnia in October that they have found alternatives. Apostol, without specifying how, said that they had found a way to use Starlink; Rozlach acknowledged that they cannot use it, but that they are using other systems.

The 95th and 80th Brigades are two of the best regiments in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are examples of what Ukrainian General Dmitry Marchenko criticized in an interview on a YouTube channel on October 27: Maybe our leaders have some kind of secret plan, otherwise I dont understand why our best brigades are in Kursk, while our defenses in Ukraine are collapsing. Marchenkos voice is not the only one suggesting the operation on Russian soil is a mistake while the invader is gaining ground in Donetsk province every day. Politico reported in September that former army commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi was also against the Kursk incursion. The commander of the Azov Brigade, Bogdan Krotevich, has also voiced criticism in the same vein.
A 7-year-old boy died in an accident after troopers say he fell off the back of an SUV in middle Georgia.

Georgia State Patrol received a call around 6:20 p.m. Friday about the accident in Bleckley County. Investigators say the boy was holding onto the back of a Ford Expedition SUV that had left a house in the area.

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GSP said the driver only got a short distance when the boy fell off. It all happened without the driver knowing he was ever there, according to troopers. Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape said he doesnt believe any charges will be filed.

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As a community, this is a time to come together, mourn, and support the family, not just today but in the coming weeks and months, as this is not a burden to try to carry alone, Cape said.

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GSP and the Bleckley County Sheriffs Office did not release the victims name. His aunt shared a GoFundMe identifying him as Mitchell Holiday.

Im making this GoFundMe on the behalf of his mother for funeral expenses. Any amount is appreciated and all donations will go to Paschal Memorial Funeral Home, Alexius Woodfaulk wrote.

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Mitchell attended Bleckley County Primary School. His teachers said they will remember Mitchells bright spirit, sweet nature, and incredible work ethic.

The school will have resources available for families and staff.

We send our deepest condolences to the family and all who knew this beautiful child.

You can click here to donate to the family.

We are heartbroken to share that we lost a beloved member of our school community. Our hearts go out to the family,... Posted by Bleckley County Primary School on Saturday, November 9, 2024

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State Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican who is running for Congress in Colorado's 8th Congressional District, speaks during a rally for former President Donald Trump, the GOP candidate for president, Oct. 11, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)

Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton appears to have flipped Colorados newest and most competitive congressional district from blue to red.

Evans declared victory Sunday afternoon in the 8th Congressional District race against Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo of Thornton, shortly after Caraveo conceded. Unofficial results showed Evans prevailing by a roughly 2,500-vote margin, winning just under 49% of the vote compared to Caraveos 48.2%. The Associated Press had yet to call the race.

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I am incredibly humbled to be chosen as the next Congressman for Colorados 8th, Evans said in a written statement. It is an honor to be entrusted with the job of representing you and your families, and I am ready to fight back for a better direction for all Coloradans.

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Evans statement thanked Caraveo for her service and gracious concession. A pediatrician and former state lawmaker, Caraveo was narrowly elected in 2022 to become the 8th Districts first representative, and the first Latina to represent Colorado in Congress.



Its been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Colorados 8th district, Caraveo said in a statement. I came to Congress to get things done, and have spent the last two years working to find common ground and bipartisan solutions to the most pressing issues facing our community.

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Ballot counting in the 8th District proceeded slowly in the days following Tuesdays election, due in part to severe winter weather affecting the Front Range. The tally previously indicated Caraveo was ahead. Drawn by an independent redistricting commission in 2021, the 8th District encompasses Denvers Democratic-leaning northern suburbs as well as more conservative rural areas in southern Weld County.

Colorados congressional delegation is now split, with four Republicans and four Democrats. Evans win in the 8th District could help establish a narrow Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, though 19 congressional races remained too close to call as of late Sunday, according to the AP.

Both Evans and Carveo benefited from millions of dollars in outside spending by partisan super PACs. Evans was aided by the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC with ties to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with the National Republican Congressional Committee and Americans For Prosperity, the group founded by right-wing billionaire Charles Koch.

Caraveo received support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Environmental Defense Fund, the League of Conservation Voters and Fairshake, a group funded by the cryptocurrency industry.

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During her first term in Congress, Caraveo was frequently among a group of moderate Democrats crossing the aisle to back legislation advanced by the U.S. Houses Republican majority. Her voting record in the 118th Congress is by far the most conservative of Colorados five House Democrats, according to VoteView, a database of congressional roll call votes maintained by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles.

She said during an Oct. 8 debate that her votes in Congress reflected what she called a responsibility to portray the opinions of my constituents in a very evenly divided district.

But her moderate record did little to dissuade Evans and Republican campaign groups from routinely describing Caraveo as extreme and one of the most leftist members of Congress.

Evans, a first-term state lawmaker from Fort Lupton, coasted to victory in the 8th Districts Republican primary in June thanks in part to an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Throughout the campaign, he echoed Trumps hard-line positions on crime and immigration, and appeared onstage last month at a Trump campaign rally in Aurora, where the Republican nominee doubled down on false and exaggerated claims that the city had been conquered by Venezuelan gangs.

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Evans, the grandson of Mexican immigrants, has expressed support for Trumps plans to deport all of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S., using military force if necessary.

Yeah, you go back and you wait in line, the way everybody else does, Evans told moderators during a June primary debate.

We need to go after the sanctuary city and state policies that are handcuffing our law enforcement at all levels, Evans said. After that, then you can look at what else is necessary to protect the territorial integrity of the United States, to include National Guard.

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A gang who called themselves the Sticky Bandits stole 1.6 million worth of machines and metals from businesses in a Christmas burglary spree.

The burglars filmed themselves laughing and joking while they ransacked industrial units and factories.

In one clip, one of the members refers to the gang as the Sticky Bandits, in an apparent reference to the Home Alone films.

Many of the businesses were targeted while they were closed over Christmas 2022.

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After raiding one premises, they spray painted the words Ha ha. Merry Xmas, Happy New Year on the floor before setting fire to a lorry they had used.

The gang, from Wolverhampton, raided 10 firms across the West Midlands, in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, Bilston, Perry Barr, Brierley Hill, Kidderminster, Tamworth and Shrewsbury.

They would spend hours at sites as they stole metal and other goods using heavy-duty machinery.

Credit: West Midlands Police/YouTube

They stole vehicles from the firms and used others with fake number plates to ferry the material back to their base in Wolverhampton and later sell the metal to scrap dealers.

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Three of the gang members used 17 mobile phones between them during the burglary spree to avoid being caught, police said.

They also filmed some of their raids on their mobile phones, and in one video, members of the gang can be heard laughing while the man recording says: Sticky bandits. Love it. Love it.

Another member filmed a business near a cemetery, and later recorded himself saying in a voice note: Do you think Im sad that I made it look like I was mourning on a grave just so I could scope out the building?

Detectives used CCTV and phone records to identify the gang, who were arrested in a series of dawn raids last June.

1.6 million lost

The total loss of materials and vehicles cost firms 1.6 million and damage to the buildings cost about 200,000.

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Firms were also set back a further 800,000 over the loss of sales, the costs of beefing up security and the increased insurance premiums.

All five men admitted conspiracy to burgle commercial premises between December 2022 and June last year.

They were jailed for almost 30 years in total at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday.

Adam Shakespeare, 31, was jailed for six years and five months.

David Smith, 36, Lee Fletcher, 33, and Royston Hallard, 30, were each jailed for six years and four months.

David Williams, 44, was jailed for three years and four months.

Serious criminality

Det Con Kelly Whyte, from West Midlands Polices major crime proactive unit, said: This was serious, organised and professional criminality on an industrial scale, that saw the theft of materials and vehicles valued at more than 1.6 million, not to mention the disruption to business and emotional impact on those affected.

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They would focus on sites that were tucked away from houses, and struck over holiday periods when they knew the risk of them being disturbed was lower.

She added: The videos recovered from their mobile phones show how they relished what they were doing and would laugh and joke with each other.

When we identified similarities between the offences, we launched a major investigation based on forensics, analysis of mobile phones and CCTV which meant we were able to move in and arrest the gang in dawn raids last June.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom will visit Washington this week to help figure out ways to combat California programs and funding that could be in jeopardy under a Trump administration.

Newsom plans to have a series of meetings with the Biden-Harris administration and the California congressional delegation, his office said Monday.

Newsom and President-elect Donald Trump have been at odds over a host of initiatives important to California, notably disaster funding levels, health care policy and environmental standards.

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Particularly crucial will be what policies the Biden administration, which leaves office January 20, and the current Congress can enact in the next few weeks. Democrats now control the Senate, but Republicans will run the chamber starting in January.

The GOP now controls the House and while its unclear who will have a majority next year, Republicans appear likely to retain control.

Newsom has moved quickly to protect his heavily Democratic state, a state thats been a favorite target for Trumps rhetoric and, during his first term, some of his policies.. He said Wednesday he would seek to work with the incoming president.

But Trump, who lost big in California, wrote on his Truth Social site, Governor Gavin Newscum is trying to KILL our Nations beautiful California.

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Newsom, he added, 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, but I just overwhelmingly won the Election. 

The governor last week convened a special session of the Legislature, to ask the Democratic-controlled Assembly and Senate to boost the states legal efforts, which are expected to be targeted at protecting reproductive healthcare, climate efforts and immigration policy in the state.

The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack  and we wont sit idle, Newsom said announcing the session, which begins December 2. 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.
Georgia lawmakers are studying the way AI could help doctors treat patients as well as how to head off concerns about things like privacy and bias. Image created by Midjourney AI

Some of your doctors intelligence might not be inside his or her brain.

Thats what members of Georgia House and Senate committees on artificial intelligence learned Friday in a hearing that featured expert testimony on topics including AIs role in hospitals across the state.

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Doctors are already taking advantage of state-of-the art technology like AI-enabled sensors that can predict when a high-risk patient is about to take a fall up to 45 seconds in advance and allow nurses to rush in and prevent an injury.

AI will soon help doctors by quickly reviewing CAT scans, wrangling large amounts of data or watching over procedures to make sure no surgical tools get sewn up inside a patient. The new tech is already streamlining unexciting but important tasks like updating patient paperwork, said Dr. Alistair Erskine, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Emory Healthcare and Vice President for Digital Health at Emory University.

We have now, live, 2,000 clinicians that are using something called ambient listening, he said. Ambient listening, if you dont know, is a technology that obviates the need for a clinician to write a clinical note from scratch during every outpatient visit. The doctor walks into the room, asks permission of the patient if its OK to record the session, then puts down their iPhone and then has a conversation with the patient, ignoring the computer, the keyboard, the mouse, is able to pay attention to whats going on in the visit.

The doctors phone captures the entire conversation and converts it into a clinical note, which can be added to the patients chart within minutes.

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So theres no bias in terms of recalling what happened in that visit, Erskine said. If youre seeing 60 patients a day, which happens with some of our urologists and orthopedic doctors, you can imagine the cognitive load associated with trying to remember whos doing what, and this does this automatically.

But big changes can bring big problems, and lawmakers asked about issues that they may need to address in coming sessions.

Acworth Republican Sen. Ed Setzler asked about what would happen to people who didnt want AI to be part of their treatment for privacy reasons.

As health care progresses to a place where the staffing levels, the assumption is, I mean, the praxis of medicine in a hospital setting becomes dependent on having these kind of AI models watching somebody in a room, he said. Are people going to really, truly have the ability to say, I dont want that. I dont want to be monitored. I dont want to have this looking at me. I dont want to have an audio recording of my delicate conversation with my doctor.

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Erskine said current law protecting patient privacy still applies to medical AI, but European countries and states including California have policies stating that people have the right to have their records erased or not to have records made at all.

Theres an opportunity in policy to do that now, the caveat is that if somebody has a life critical condition and they turn off all the tools that are designed to be able to help manage that critical condition, they may take a hit in terms of whats recommended, the doctor may not know something which is life-saving now, he said. Thats their choice.

Atlanta Democratic Rep. Darshun Kendrick asked about cultural or ethnic bias arising from AI algorithms.

Thats a problem Emory health providers have already encountered, Erskine said.

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Ill give you an example relative to kidney care, theres something called the GFR, which is the glomerular filtration rate, he said. There were two different numbers given dependent upon whether you were Black or whether you were white, and and theres no physiologic reason for that to occur. And so what we found is when we get some of the algorithms from our vendors that have those kinds of elements in them, we can actually unpack them and we can actually remove some parameters and then repackage that AI and use that instead of the one thats actually offered, so thats called deracializing the algorithms.

Erskine said health providers can analyze patient outcomes and look for opportunities to deracialize the data, but he acknowledged it is not perfect.

The House and Senate AI committees have been meeting since this years legislative session came to an end, discussing the potential impact of AI on topics from traffic and infrastructure to business and education, and what policies the state could put into place to take advantage of the new technology.

Next month, the committees are scheduled to present recommendations for legislation to pursue once the General Assembly gavels in again in January.

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This year, a bill backed by Republican leadership to restrict AI-generated deep fakes from being used in political advertisements ahead of an election passed the House but stalled in the Senate after some lawmakers expressed free speech concerns. Similar legislation could make a comeback this year.

Senate AI Committee Chairman John Albers, a Roswell Republican who also chairs the Senate Public Safety Committee, has expressed interest in finding ways for AI to help first responders, including by speeding up 911 dispatch and helping solve cyber crimes. Lawmakers have also called for laws to prevent criminals from using AI deepfakes for scams or making illicit deepfakes of innocent people, especially minors.

Speaking at the end of Fridays meeting, Albers predicted a busy session on the AI front.

Knowing that artificial intelligence is changing literally on a daily basis, this is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end, as Winston Churchill said. We have a lot of work ahead of us, he said.

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Georgia stands at a crossroads.

The parliamentary elections on Oct. 26 were presented as a choice between a creeping authoritarianism and a drift into the Kremlin's orbit on one hand, and Georgia's EU aspirations on the other.

A group of pro-European parties hoped to unseat the Georgian Dream, a party led by a controversial oligarch with business ties in Russia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, which has been in power since 2012.

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During the election campaign, Georgian Dream has been playing on the people's trauma of the 2008 war with Russia, scaring the voters with images of war-torn Ukraine to justify cozying up to Moscow.

When the Russian-friendly ruling party declared victory with 54% of the vote, despite many exit polls projecting victory for the opposition, the pro-EU parties and international observers cried foul.

Voices that pointed to alleged vote buying, ballot stuffing, and intimidation were joined by President Salome Zourabichvili, who compared Georgian Dream's methods to those of Russian intelligence services.

Read also: Georgians take to streets in protest as pro-Russian party crowned election winner amid wide-scale fraud

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The Georgian people took to the streets again to protest what they call "stolen elections." They raised their voices against the party whose controversial anti-LGBTQ+ and "foreign agents" laws grounded the country's EU accession to a halt.

On Nov. 1, less than a week after the crucial vote, the Kyiv Independent sat down with Laura Thornton, senior director for global democracy programs at the McCain Institute, to discuss the elections' results.

Thornton has dedicated years to researching democracy, elections, and corruption in Georgia. Between 2014 and 2019, she worked as a global associate of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in the South Caucasus country.

Thornton believes that the level of irregularities in this election was unprecedented, and she estimates the chances of overturning the vote as "slim." If the Georgian Dream continues in its trajectory, the democratic world can no longer consider Georgia its partner, she says.

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Yet, she voices hope that the predominantly pro-EU, pro-NATO population can eventually steer the country toward a democratic future.

Georgian pro-democracy group activists protest against a repressive "foreign influence" bill outside the parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, on April 15, 2024. (Vano Shlamov / AFP via Getty Images)

Georgian Dream party supporters celebrate the exit poll results outside the new Georgian Dream headquarters during Georgian Election Day in Tbilisi, Georgia on Oct. 26, 2024. (Diego Fedele/Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: Many have called these Georgian elections pivotal. What does the victory of the Georgian Dream mean for the future of Georgia?

Laura Thornton: First of all, we need to question whether or not this was a victory for the Georgian Dream. I'm not convinced that these elections reflect the will of the people. I don't know.

But the level of irregularities in this election  and I've observed many elections in Georgia  is exponentially higher than any election that we've seen since maybe since 2003. But beyond what happened on election day, the pre-election environment itself was not conducive to democratic elections. You had violence against the opposition, civil society, and journalists.

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You had lawfare being employed against civil society. You had laws that were passed that were undemocratic. You had the ruling party intimidating and abusing state resources.

And you had a campaign that was based on undemocratic principles. So all of these things together do not create an environment of credible elections.

I cannot say definitively whether these election results reflect the will of the people or not, but doubts are in place.

So what does it mean going forward for the Georgian Dream government? I think there'll be an expectation that significant actions are taken. They cannot just reset and say, Okay, let's start over with our international partners. It's not going to work like that.

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I believe that international partners  the U.S., the EU  are going to demand certain actions, revoking the foreign agents law, revoking the anti-LGBTQ law, perhaps even annulling results in certain polling stations where there were huge irregularities, maybe calling for early elections. Definitely implementing election reform. I do not think that there's going to be business as usual.

The Kyiv Independent: Based on what you've observed about the allegations of electoral fraud, do you think the allegations are credible, that there really was some kind of rigged election?

Laura Thornton: As I mentioned, these irregularities and the number of irregularities are far, far greater than any election. I've been observing elections there since 2014, never seen anything like that. These are not just isolated incidents.

These were quite a significant amount. Can I say definitively that the 10% was stolen? I don't know.

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The irregularities were unprecedented. Even before the polls opened, the environment was not conducive to democratic elections. It was not a fair playing field.

It was a manipulated information environment, and it was an environment of fear and intimidation that was not conducive to democratic elections.

Georgians vote in the country's parliamentary elections at a polling station in Tbilisi, Georgia on Oct. 26, 2024. (Vano Shlamov / AFP via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: If there was electoral fraud, how realistic do you think are the chances of the voters and the opposition to overturn the result?

Laura Thornton: Very slim. When I was living in Georgia, we observed irregularities, and never once was any of them investigated or anyone brought to justice.

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It just doesn't happen. Because there's a very politicized adjudication process in Georgia, both through the CEC (Central Election Commission), but also through the courts.

Not that we shouldn't try. The opposition and, equally importantly, domestic observers have filed complaints, and we should continue to pressure the resolution of those complaints.

But another thing that needs to happen on a parallel track is the parties coming together, including civil society, to implement needed reforms, which never happened. So the head of the CEC, the Central Election Commission, was not appointed through legal procedure because he or she was supposed to be appointed by a two-thirds majority of the parliament. It did not happen.

So there are several things that can be reformed, and then perhaps there should be an agreement to have early elections. But there needs to be some process by which these complaints are heard and some concessions are made by the Georgian Dream government.

The Kyiv Independent: What should be the steps of the U.S., the EU, and other democracies regarding Georgia and the elections?

Laura Thornton: It's very difficult because policymakers in the EU and the U.S. would love to have very specific, concrete data that demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is the outcome or this is not the outcome. I think we will not get that in this election. It will be murkier.

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But it doesn't stop U.S. and EU policymakers from saying: We don't know.Given the scale of irregularities, given the pre-election environment that was absolutely unacceptable for democratic standards, the international community can say, We don't know. We cannot say these elections were free and fair.

We're not saying that they don't reflect the will of the people. But (we can say) that, given the overall context of the election environment, we are not satisfied. This is a sign of democratic backsliding, and we expect to see massive change, not just in rhetoric but in action from the Georgian Dream government.

"This is a sign of democratic backsliding."

The Kyiv Independent: If, despite protests at home and protests abroad, the Georgian Dream stays in power, how will that affect the state of democracy in Georgia and its foreign policy orientation?

Laura Thornton: First, it'll be important to see what is the situation around the protests. I hope people will be allowed to protest peacefully without violence being used against them.

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Unfortunately, as we saw during the protests against the foreign agents law, the government wielded tremendous violence. I have many friends who were beaten up by these black robocops deployed by the state. I am hoping that the government does not do that against protesters.

A man holds a placard against Russia during a protest against a controversial "foreign influence" bill, which Brussels warns would undermine Georgia's European aspirations, in Tbilisi, Georgia on April 28, 2024. (Vano Shlamov / AFP via Getty Images)

But if the Georgian Dream pushes ahead and says, We're the government, and does not take actions that I've already described  repealing the foreign agents law, repealing the anti-LGBTQ+ law, election reform, etc.  then I think that we have to change our mindset about Georgia and how we deal with Georgia. I don't think we can consider them a democratic partner.

I think it will be a decision by them  as we've seen over the last several years  to pivot away from European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations towards a Kremlin-friendly one.

And I don't think that we will have a constructive partnership. That's very depressing for Georgians, who overwhelmingly want to join the EU and NATO, but their government is working against those goals.

And I don't see much value in a partnership with Georgia without democracy, because democracy is Georgia's greatest asset, and our alliance with them is based on values. And if they're going to become Azerbaijan, then we have to question what are we getting out of this relationship.

The Kyiv Independent: How realistic do you think are Georgian Dream's threats to ban opposition parties?

Laura Thornton: They (Georgian Dream) themselves said they would need a constitutional majority to do that. So it seems unlikely, but you never know. They didn't have a constitutional majority to appoint the head of the Central Election Commission, and they did it anyway, with a simple majority.

So it's something that we need to keep our eye on. They're at a crossroads where they can pivot and actually take democratic actions, or they can go in the opposite direction. If they go in the opposite direction and threaten opposition, they've also promised trials to arrest civil society leaders and journalists.

They can start implementing the Foreign Agents Act, but they don't even need the Foreign Agents Act. We saw ahead of the election that they used other instruments of lawfare to go after Transparency International, whether it's about taxes or corruption. They went after the Atlantic Council, which is an international organization, and there are mysterious charges against two of my friends who work there.

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The Kyiv Independent: Some critics of the Georgian Dream say that at this trajectory, Georgia can end up being a full-blown autocracy, like Belarus. Do you think that's realistic?

Laura Thornton: I'm an optimist and I don't want to see that, but certainly that's possible. We've seen countries go in those directions, and it's heartbreaking. I also believe that the Georgian people have unbelievable resilience and a strong will, so a lot of different scenarios are possible.

It could be just closed autocracy and crackdowns. We could end up with a Venezuela-like situation, with strong actions from the foreign community and sanctions, sanctions against Bidzina (Ivanishvili).

Or you could see swelling public pressure that goes in the opposite direction, which we've seen in Georgia, and we've seen in Ukraine, and we've seen in 1986 in the Philippines, where (dictator Ferdinand) Marcos was put on an airplane and flown out of the Philippines because of the People Power (Revolution).

The Kyiv Independent: What would you say about President Salome Zourabichvili's statement when she compared the election to a Russian special operation and said that the ruling party used the methodology of Russian special services?

Laura Thornton: It's very difficult to know the role of Russian special services in Georgia. I have heard that even earlier in the spring, during protests against the foreign agents law, there was some support from the Kremlin's special services. I don't know.

What I do know is that in terms of information operations during the pre-election environment and during the campaign, the Kremlin was very active. We saw very clearly how Kremlin information operations during the campaign were focused on turning Georgia away from the opposition and implementing fear of war, fear of a second front, fear of the global war party, and basically parroting Georgian Dream messages that this election is about war and peace.

"In terms of information operations during the pre-election environment and during the campaign, the Kremlin was very active."

What's important to note is that the Georgian Dream and Kremlin campaign messages were exactly the same. They were in lockstep. So, I do think that they were working in a coordinated way during the campaign, whether as formal information sharing or coincidentally.

The Kyiv Independent: You said that the Georgian population is, in majority, pro-NATO, pro-EU. The country has direct experience with Russian aggression. So how does the Georgian Dream maintain such a strong support? Even if the vote was tampered with, they still scored a strong result.

Laura Thornton: It's a really good question. We saw three major exit polls, one of which was an independent exit poll that was 10 points different from the CEC results, giving Georgian Dream about 40% or 42%.

So your question is, why does 40%, 42% of the Georgian public like the Georgian Dream?

There are a couple of reasons. One is information space. Particularly outside of Tbilisi, many people are getting their information from a dominant news channel called Imedi, which is very much a pro-Georgian Dream, pro-government news channel.

They're not exposed to a lot of opposition or independent news. Local independent media has been eviscerated. Local media really is critical and, unfortunately, underfunded in Georgia.

I used to do polling in Georgia, and when we would ask people about their information sources, a lot of the older generation didn't have access or didn't use the internet.

Second, the majority of people employed in Georgia are employed by the state. And there's a culture and practice in Georgia that state employees vote for the government because they fear that if they don't, they will lose their jobs. And that's not a silly fear.

Because we saw when there was a change of power before, many state employees  not just the political leadership, but (also) bureaucrats  lost their jobs.

And then the Georgian Dream  or previously, the UNM (United National Movement)  would go to state employees and say, you vote for Georgian Dream, or you're going to lose your job. There's that motivation. I'm employed by the state. I'm a teacher. I'm a civil servant. I better do the status quo.

Georgian oligarch and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili (C) and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze (R) react during a gathering at the party's headquarters after exit polls were announced during parliamentary elections in Tbilisi, Georgia on Oct. 26, 2024. (Giorgi Arjevanidze /AFP via Getty Images)

Third, the most important issue: While Georgians definitely support the EU and NATO, if you ask them, and I asked them in my polling when I was there, what are the top five most important issues to you? Economy, economy, economy, economy, economy, not EU and NATO.

Economy, jobs, trade. Lots of Georgians are really dependent on trade with Russia. They do not want to have sanctions because they rely on that chain.

So when the Georgian Dream comes and provides all these right before the election, builds some bridges, builds some infrastructure projects, gives extra pensions, this means a lot to people.

Read also: Georgia sinks deeper into Russian-style authoritarianism amid stolen election allegations

The Kyiv Independent: How big of a role did the war in Ukraine play in the electoral campaign?

Laura Thornton: A very big role.

This is where the international community also needs to do better. We should be supporting Ukraine because Ukraine needs to win this war. Because Ukraine needs to be sovereign and independent. We also need to win this war because of countries like Georgia.

Because the Georgian Dream government thinks that Russia is winning and it doesn't think the international community has the resolve. They're making a bet, a calculation.

What's key is that it's not only about winning the war in Ukraine, it's winning the war for democracy, for the whole region, and maybe even more broadly for the world, for Taiwan, and for other places. And I think the Georgian Dream government manipulated the war and frightened the Georgian people.

And so their whole campaign was: Do you want a second front? The U.S. is pushing Georgia into becoming a second front. Do you want to go to war?

You might have seen the disgusting images that they put up of blown-out scenes from Ukraine of devastation and then a pristine Georgian church.

Absolutely shameful what they did. I'm sorry, I'm getting very emotional, but they were manipulating people. And if you're a Georgian citizen and you've experienced Abkhazia or 2008, that's effective messaging for anyone anywhere in the world.

Fear is an effective message. So, yes, they are definitely watching the war and manipulating it.

The Kyiv Independent: If the Georgian Dream stays in power, how do you think this will affect Georgia's relationship with Ukraine in the future?

Laura Thornton: Again, it depends on that road I told you about, whether they really change behavior and action. I think to many Georgian people, Ukraine and Georgia are sisters, and they've experienced the same violence from Russia and the same occupation.

It seems logical that they would be allies, friends, and supportive of one another. That's what you would hope to see. But I can't say that's the future because I don't know what the Georgian Dream is going to do.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Bloomberg) -- A deputy German economy minister is in Taiwan this week for talks with officials and executives and will visit Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., according to the government in Berlin.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Udo Philipp, a deputy to Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens, will attend Tuesdays meeting of the Taiwan-Germany Joint Business Council, which this year is focusing on cooperation in the semiconductor sector, his ministry said Monday in an emailed statement.

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Germany and Taiwan dont have formal diplomatic ties and Berlins decision to send Philipp risks angering Beijing, which has ramped up military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. Last year, China reacted furiously to a visit to Taiwan by a German cabinet minister aimed at expanding technology cooperation.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Beijing reiterated his nations view that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

We urge the German side to stick to the one-China principle, stop official interactions in any form with Taiwan authorities and stop sending wrong signals to the Taiwan independence forces, Lin Jian added at a regular press briefing.

Lai refuses to endorse the claim that his democratically run island is part of China. Beijing hasnt ruled out taking the territory by force.

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Germany and Taiwan want to work together to increase resilience of global supply chains and foster economic diversification in the Asia-Pacific region, the ministry quoted Philipp as saying.

At the same time, we also want to encourage Taiwanese companies to expand their involvement in Germany and the European Union, he added, welcoming TSMCs involvement in a 10 billion ($10.7 billion) chip facility being built in the eastern German region of Saxony.

Germanys relations with China have have been testy under Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz. It sent its first warship through the Taiwan Strait in 22 years in September, defying Beijings warnings as the two sides spar over trade and Russias war on Ukraine.

(Updates with comments from Chinas Foreign Ministry.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
German election officials at both federal and state levels plan to meet on Monday to discuss the preparation for the expected snap election for the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, after the collapse of the ruling coalition.

According to top election officials, there is a need for an exchange of information between the two levels, similar to a regular Bundestag election.

The meeting to be held online at 1 pm (1200 GMT) is also expected to cover new procedures following a change in the federal election regulations.

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An important point here is that those running for the Bundestag will no longer need to disclose their private address. The year of birth and place of residence will suffice. This aims to minimize the risk of candidates becoming a victim of violent crime or politically motivated stalking.

Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand has "naturally begun preparations for a possible new election in order to tackle the challenges posed by the shortened deadlines together with all stakeholders," she clarified on the platform X.

In a letter to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz she also warned of "unforeseeable risks" due to shorter deadlines and pointed to logistical challenges.

Brand intends to fully utilize the 60-day period set down in the constitution between the dissolution of parliament and the new election "to ensure that all necessary measures can be taken legally and on time."

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The German opposition criticized Brand's statements as potentially interfering with the setting of a date for the election.

The meeting was planned before Scholz said on Sunday that he can imagine holding a vote of confidence before Christmas. That vote is needed before elections can be called.

Scholz had originally said he would hold the vote of confidence in January, after his coalition collapsed last week, but that prompted a heated debate with demands to hold it sooner.
Tanks borrowed from museums have been used in Germany to train Ukrainian troops to deal with booby-trapping tactics used by Russian soldiers on the battlefield.

Source: Reuters, citing German Lieutenant General Andreas Marlow, commander of the EU training mission for Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Instructors from 17 countries have trained about 18,000 Ukrainian soldiers in Germany to operate high-tech tanks and precision air defence systems. They have also passed on their skills to snipers, engineers and paramedics.

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The German military has also dug trench systems based on Russian standards and borrowed Soviet-era tanks from museums to provide practical experience at some of its training grounds.

"These (museum) systems are in use on the Russian side, and they sometimes plant booby traps in abandoned gear," said Marlow, head of the EU Special Training Command near Berlin.

"Providing such vehicles in the training makes it easier to demonstrate where to be cautious to make sure that you don't trigger an explosion if you find them on the battlefield and open the door," he added.

The exercise command declined to reveal where the tanks had been borrowed from or how many were in use.

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For reference: The command is part of an EU military mission set up in 2022 to train Ukrainian troops to fight the Russian invaders. On Friday, the mission was extended for another two years.

The extension of training assistance for the Ukrainian military is one of the provisions in a separate security agreement that Ukraine signed with the EU as a union in June 2024.

Background: In August 2024, EU defence ministers resolved to keep military drills for Ukrainian soldiers close to Ukrainian borders rather than moving them into Ukrainian territory.

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has postponed a trip to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with political leaders amid the government crisis in Berlin, his office said on Monday.

Following the collapse of his three-party coalition, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he would call a vote of confidence in January.

However, under pressure from opposition parties to call the vote immediately, Scholz on Sunday said he would be willing to bring the timetable forward and table the vote before Christmas, though the exact date is still unclear.

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If Scholz does not receive the necessary majority in the vote of confidence, Steinmeier can dissolve the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, within 21 days and set a new election - which must take place within 60 days of the dissolution.

Immediately after the collapse of the coalition, Steinmeier declared that he was ready to make the decision to dissolve the Bundestag, saying Germany needed stable majorities and a government capable of acting.

The president is reportedly in constant contact with Scholz and with the leader of the opposition conservative CDU/CSU bloc Friedrich Merz, and on Monday spoke to Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck.

Talks are planned for later this week with the parliamentary group leaders of Scholz's Social Democrats and of the CSU.
A year-long experiment was conducted at the self-service checkouts of a supermarket chain in Modena and Ferrara in Italy to test whether there was any link between corruption scandals and how honest consumers were with their shopping. Analyzing data from random checks on the supermarket carts, the researchers found that the probability of not declaring all the purchases increased by 16% to 30% after a local corruption scandal made headlines. The effect reached its peak four days after the news broke, then tailed off. It was defined as contagious corruption.

According to academics, corruption is the abuse of power for private gain, but it can take many forms: bribery, embezzlement, extortion and fraud. It began to be studied in the 1990s by economists using the theory of rational choice and the so-called rational crime model. The prestigious researcher Robert Klitgaard summarized it by saying that corruption is not a crime of passion, but a crime of calculation. And people who choose to be corrupt are making very explicit calculations  namely, how much profit they can make, how likely they are to get caught and the consequences if they are.

In the last decade, behavioral economics and social psychology methods have been adopted to test and measure this paradigm in conjunction with behavioral data. If I increase punishment, does corruption decrease? If I increase benefits, does it increase? What we find are contradictory results: sometimes yes, sometimes no, says Nils Kobis, Professor of Human Understanding of Algorithms and Machines at the University Duisburg-Essen and affiliated researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development.

Kobis, founder of KickBack-The Global Anticorruption Podcast, has created game versions of corruption and bribery primarily to establish the psychology behind the phenomena. Is it a form of corruption that I do for myself like embezzlement, i.e., stealing while in a position of power, or is it an interpersonal one like bribery where we have to coordinate to break a rule together? Kobis explains that these acts are completely different.

One of the studies, published in the journal PNAS, involved a large bribery experiment in which the researchers got people from 18 countries to pair up and analyze whether their own country of origin weighed more heavily in their decision to offer or accept bribes than that of the person they were paired with. The results were surprising.

In the literature on corruption, there is this idea that some countries are corrupt and some are not and if, for example, someone from New Zealand, which is often considered one of the most corruption-free societies, travels to a country with a lot of corruption  for example, Somalia, which is often at the bottom of the rankings  a New Zealander would be immune to corruption and never engage in it. And vice versa, if someone from Somalia came to New Zealand, they would constantly try to break rules, says Kobis. But what they discovered is that the nationality of the other player was more important than their own and all  New Zealanders, Dutch and British  were willing to offer bribes to those they believed to be corrupt in what they defined as conditional bribery.

If there were some sort of corrupt personality, Kobis explains, then corruption would be more predictable. A corrupt person would be corrupt all the time, and a person of integrity would not get involved, regardless of who they mixed with. What we saw is that people acted based on who they were paired with. So, it seems to be much more dynamic and flexible and not so much a matter of a stable, incorruptible personality, he adds. The bad news is that even those who consider themselves immune to corruption can easily become corrupt, but the good news is that it has much more to do with the environment than the person.

If you put people in the right environment, with the right institutions, you can reduce corruption substantially, possibly because they quickly adapt to whats going on in their environment, Kobis explains. To study the effect of belief systems, Kobis and his team conducted a field study in Manguzi, South Africa, a small town where they had evidence that corruption was decreasing. They put up posters informing the population what they were working on and set up a small mobile laboratory for people to play these games. What they found was that, as long as the posters were up, the willingness of the locals to participate in bribery decreased.

On the upside, if people start to believe that there is less corruption, they adapt to that scenario and are less tempted to engage in it. Once we took down the posters, the corruption went back to its original level, so it didnt last long, but for a short period of time we changed their beliefs and their behavior, says Kobis.

Besides what we believe is going on around us, there are a whole series of psychological attitudes to be taken into account, such as do you object strongly to corruption or are you more or less flexible. The problem is that many forms of corruption are relatively easy to rationalize because not only am I benefiting myself, but often I am also benefiting someone else and we tend to neglect the fact that there is a victim, Kobis explains. We cant ignore the fact that its actually a win-win-lose situation. There is always another party involved.

From a psychological perspective, the problem is this third party is often very abstract, like society. You think, well, who am I hurting? And there is no feeling of guilt. So, emotions are another factor that affect our decisions. If I feel guilty fast, Im less likely to engage in corrupt activities. So its not always a calculative crime. Sometimes passion really matters in both directions: emotions can drive us to refrain from corruption, but can also drive it, he concludes. Nepotism is a case in point, with very complex reciprocity networks, where family members or friends install others in jobs, and affection and obligation compromises integrity.

According to Fernando Jimenez, professor at the University of Murcia where he co-directs the Chair of Good Governance and Public Integrity, in order to explain corruption, you need to factor in the institutional aspect.

The key to corruption is improving the quality of government. Without that, anti-corruption strategies are bound to fail, he says. For Jimenez, when someone in power is subject to effective boundaries, not only does it allow for better control of corruption, but it also ensures better levels of prosperity, more equal opportunities, and also higher levels of institutional and social trust.

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has postponed a trip to Saudi Arabia scheduled for next week to hold talks with Germany's political leaders amid the government crisis in Berlin, his office said on Monday.

Following the collapse of his three-party coalition last week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he would call a vote of confidence in January.

However, under pressure from opposition parties to hold the vote immediately, Scholz on Sunday said he would be willing to bring the timetable forward and table the vote before Christmas, though the exact date is still unclear.

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If Scholz does not receive the necessary majority in the vote of confidence, which seems very likely, Steinmeier can dissolve the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, within 21 days and set a new election - which must take place within 60 days of the dissolution.

Immediately after the collapse of the coalition, Steinmeier declared that he was ready to make the decision to dissolve the Bundestag, saying Germany needed stable majorities and a government capable of acting.

The president is reportedly in constant contact with Scholz and with the leader of the opposition conservative CDU/CSU bloc Friedrich Merz, and on Monday spoke to Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens.

Talks are planned for later this week with the parliamentary group leaders of Scholz's Social Democrats and of the CSU.

Scholz not expected to announce confidence vote on Wednesday

A government spokesman confirmed on Monday that Scholz will not table a vote of confidence in parliament on Wednesday, when he is due to give a statement in the Bundestag.

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Scholz remains keen to pass a number of critical bills before holding new elections, and he has called on parliamentary leaders from his Social Democrats (SPD) and the CDU/CSU to hammer out a deal.

If no such agreement can be reached, Hebestreit warned, Scholz would decide the date of the vote of confidence by himself.

Greens call for 'orderlytransition' as CDU and FDP increase pressure

Scholz's last remaining coalition partners, the Greens, have largely supported the chancellor's plan despite fierce criticism.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said an "orderly transition" is needed in Germany, especially considering the international situation following the victory of President-elect Donald Trump in the United States.

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Speaking in her home constituency of Potsdam, near Berlin, Baerbock said the government has "a responsibility to make it clear above all in the coming weeks and months: Germany is a reliable partner in Europe, a reliable partner in this world."

Baerbock's message has not resonated with the CDU/CSU, which continued to insist on an immediate vote of confidence on Monday.

At a meeting of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag on Monday, the bloc's leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz suggested elections should be held on February 16 or 23, participants told dpa.

The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), who withdrew from the coalition last week after their leader Christian Lindner was fired by Scholz as finance minister, have also kept up the pressure on the chancellor.

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FDP parliamentary leader Christian Durr told dpa: "The vacuum which Olaf Scholz has manoeuvred the country into is costing us jobs and prosperity every day."

Meanwhile, Germany's far-left Die Linke (The Left) called for parties to work across party lines to "pass resolutions and laws that solve difficult issues in the interest of citizens" ahead of the elections.

Election officials prepare for election despite warning of rush

German election officials at both the federal and state level also met on Monday to discuss preparations for the upcoming election.

After the meeting, Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand reiterated her recommendation not to set a new election date too soon.

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"In order to best meet the challenges of organizing an election that arise from the deadlines for a new election, the period of 60 days between the dissolution of the Bundestag and the new election should be fully utilized," she said in a statement.

However, Brand said that her office was working to ensure that all relevant authorities "take all the steps that can be implemented independently of specific deadlines, regardless of the exact election date."

In a letter to Scholz last week, she warned of "unforeseeable risks" due to shorter deadlines and pointed to logistical challenges.

Opposition parties have criticized Brand's statements as potentially interfering with the setting of a date for the election.

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In the latest contribution to what has become a highly charged debate, Germany's printing sector on Monday said it is capable of producing ballot papers for an early election after Brand seemed to suggest a lack of paper could be an issue if an election were held too soon.

The criticism echoed comments made last week by Alexander von Reibnitz from Germany's paper industry trade association.

The general secretary of the SPD, Matthias Miersch, defended Brand: "The attacks on the federal returning officer cannot be justified in any way."

"Anyone who has ever prepared elections knows that this is not a trivial matter," he said, adding that many parties have not yet nominated their Bundestag candidates or drawn up their national lists.

Miersch also urged the Bundestag to work together in the meantime on uncontroversial issues such as continued support for Ukraine and public transport.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in drastic terms as she called on Israel to open all border crossings into the coastal area to allow for aid deliveries.

"Never in the last 12 months has so little aid entered the Gaza Strip as now," the German minister said.

Baerbock said Israel had repeatedly made promises in this regard, but then "failed to keep them." The Israeli government must allow more aid to the suffering civilian population in the Gaza Strip, "without excuses," she said.

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"A large proportion of the more than 2 million [residents of the Gaza Strip] suffer from acute malnutrition and live in unimaginable conditions," the minister continued. Nowhere else in the world are there so many children with amputations in such a small area.

"Large parts of Gaza are an absolute wasteland," she said.

Baerbock said that, with winter approaching, nothing is more urgent than the release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas and the delivery of urgently needed aid to the civilian population like food, water, medicine, hygiene products and tents.

"To do this, all border crossings into Gaza must be opened for humanitarian aid." Israel's right to defend itself is limited by international humanitarian law, and this includes ensuring humanitarian access at all times, Baerbock stressed.

Baerbock reiterated her call for a ceasefire: "Because without a ceasefire, the dying will not stop, the suffering will not end - the suffering of the more than 100 hostages and their families. And also the suffering of the families in Gaza."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will not table a vote of confidence in parliament on Wednesday, a government spokesman has confirmed, after days of political wrangling in Berlin.

"I can reassure you that the chancellor will not call a vote of confidence on Wednesday," spokesman Steffen Hebestreit told reporters on Monday.

Scholz is due to give a statement in the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, on Wednesday.

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He has been under huge political pressure from opposition parties to call a vote of confidence immediately, instead of in January as he initially proposed.

The vote would likely result in new elections being held as Scholz is currently without a majority in the Bundestag after his three-party coalition collapsed last week.

Despite the chancellor signalling in an interview on Sunday that he could table the vote for before Christmas, Hebestreit said Scholz would decide the date alone if he cannot reach an agreement with the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) over passing a number of critical bills before holding new elections.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will not table a vote of confidence in parliament on Wednesday, a government spokesman has confirmed, as political wrangling continued in Berlin.

"I can reassure you that the chancellor will not call a vote of confidence on Wednesday," spokesman Steffen Hebestreit told reporters on Monday.

Following the collapse of his three-party coalition last week, Scholz is due to give a statement in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, on Wednesday.

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The chancellor has been under huge political pressure from opposition parties to call a vote of confidence immediately, which would likely result in new elections being held.

After initially proposing a January date, Scholz on Sunday signalled his willingness to bring the timetable forward and table the vote before Christmas.

However, the chancellor remains keen to pass a number of critical bills before holding new elections, and he has called on parliamentary leaders from his Social Democrats (SPD) and the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to hammer out a deal.

If no such agreement can be reached, Hebestreit warned, Scholz would decide the date of the vote of confidence alone.

Baerbock calls for 'orderly transition'

Scholz' last remaining coalition partners, the Greens, have largely supported the chancellor's plan despite fierce criticism.

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On Monday, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said an "orderly transition" is needed in Germany, especially considering the international situation following the victory of President-elect Donald Trump in the election in the United States.

Speaking in her home constituency of Potsdam, near Berlin, Baerbock said the government has "a responsibility to make it clear above all in the coming weeks and months: Germany is a reliable partner in Europe, a reliable partner in this world."

Baerbock's message has not resonated with the CDU, which continued to insist on an immediate vote of confidence on Monday.

The conservative party's parliamentary leaders said the CDU remains "in favour of a very quick decision by Chancellor Scholz on the vote of confidence this year."

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The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), who withdrew from the coalition last week after their leader Christian Lindner was fired by Scholz as finance minister, also kept up the pressure on the chancellor.

FDP parliamentary leader Christian Durr told dpa: "The vacuum which Olaf Scholz has manoeuvred the country into is costing us jobs and prosperity every day."

Election officials meet as paper dispute continues

Also on Monday, German election officials at both the federal and state level were planning to meet to discuss preparations for the upcoming election, amid political mud-slinging over the country's capability to hold a snap vote.

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The online meeting was expected to cover new procedures following a change in the federal election regulations.

Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand earlier said in a post on X that her office has "begun preparations for a possible new election in order to tackle the challenges posed by the shortened deadlines."

In a letter to Scholz last week, she warned of "unforeseeable risks" due to shorter deadlines and pointed to logistical challenges.

Brand intends to fully utilize the 60-day period set down in the constitution between the dissolution of parliament and the new election "to ensure that all necessary measures can be taken legally and on time."

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Opposition parties have criticized Brand's statements as potentially interfering with the setting of a date for the election.

In the latest contribution to what has become a highly charged debate, Germany's printing sector on Monday said it is capable of producing ballot papers for an early election.

"If ordered promptly, printing companies can produce the ballot papers for an early general election," said Kirsten Hommelhoff from the German Printing and Media Industries Federation.

Hommelhoff slammed Brand's comments. "In order to divert attention from her own organizational and administrative problems, the Federal Returning Officer is passing the buck to the paper and printing industry," she argued.

The criticism echoed comments made last week by Alexander von Reibnitz from Germany's paper industry trade association.
(Bloomberg) -- Republicans appear close to securing sweeping power in the US government, inching toward retaining the House majority as Congress returns for its lame-duck session this week.

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With 218 seats needed for Republicans to keep their majority in the 435-member chamber in January, the Associated Press as of Sunday had called 213 contests for the GOP.

There are 19 races still in play, with Democrats holding 203 seats. Washingtons 4th District is among the races not yet called by the AP, with two Republican candidates pitted against each other. That means the GOP can count at least one more win toward its tally.

Many of the remaining House races are in California, which tends to take longer counting votes than some other states because of its extensive vote-by-mail system.

If Republicans hold on to control of the House, the party will have a so-called trifecta and lead both chambers of Congress, as well as the executive branch.

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Holding both chambers will provide an easier path for much of President-elect Donald Trumps legislative promises and agenda, which includes mass deportations and reining in clean energy. But the majority in the House will again be a narrow one, which contributed to the intra-party GOP dysfunction and squabbles that marked the current congressional session.

Republican senators are set to hold leadership votes this week to replace Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Senators John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas are among the top contenders for the partys most coveted position, along with Floridas Rick Scott.

Scott has recently gained momentum among Trump allies, picking up endorsements from Elon Musk and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. He said one of his first priorities if elected would be to get Trumps nominees through, in an interview on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures.

We cant keep doing what were doing. We have to be the change, Scott said. Thats what Donald Trump got elected to do  to be the change.

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Hours later, Trump said that any Republican running for the leadership position must agree to recess appointments, in a post on Truth Social Sunday.

A recess appointment sidesteps the Senate confirmation process, allowing the president to temporarily install a nominee while the chamber is on break.

Among other priorities for Congress this week, newly elected members will arrive in Washington on Nov. 12 for a 10-day orientation.

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Rep. Justin Sparks, a Wildwood Republican, speaks during Missouri House debate on March 1, 2023 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).

In the days before Missourians voted to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution, incoming House Speaker Jon Patterson declared lawmakers should respect the peoples choice, whatever the outcome.

Now, with abortion set to become legal in Missouri, Republican Rep. Justin Sparks of Wildwood is mounting a long-shot challenge seeking to block Patterson from the top leadership position in the Missouri House, arguing that he is not up for the job of defending anti-abortion values.

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On day one, your speaker must address and tackle Amendment 3, Sparks said Sunday on a Facebook live video, foreshadowing future legislative battles over abortion.

Sparks in an interview Monday said hes been humbled by the support hes already received.

Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican, declined comment.

Amendment 3, which won with 51.7% of the nearly 3 million votes cast, goes into effect on Dec. 5. At that point lawmakers wont be allowed to restrict abortion prior to fetal viability, generally seen as the time toward the end of the second trimester when a fetus can survive outside the womb without extraordinary medical interventions.

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The amendment also protects the right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion care, miscarriage care and respectful birthing conditions.

During a Lees Summit Chamber candidate forum in late October, Patterson said while he didnt support Amendment 3, the legislature should respect the voters will if it passed.

It will be the law of the land, he said at the time. And we have to go forward as the people decide.

Patterson added that the abortion ban wasnt working for Missouri. In an interview with The Independent the following day, Paterson clarified that he was referring to the states total ban on abortion, which didnt include exceptions for survivors of rape or incest.

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Missourians are telling us they want compromise, he said.

On Sunday, Sparks repeated Pattersons words.

Thats not what the leader of the Republican caucus should be saying, guys, Sparks said in the video.

The speaker of the House is in charge of appointing committee members and chairs, assigning legislation to committees and ruling on points of order raised during debate in the House Chamber, among other legislative duties.

It is considered the most powerful leadership position in the General Assembly.

Patterson, who currently serves as House majority leader, was tapped last year to be the next speaker by the 111-member House GOP caucus. But he will not officially become speaker until January, when his promotion is ratified by the full House at the start of the legislative session.

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Sparks complained Sunday that, as majority leader, Patterson refused to allow one of his bills seeking to counter Amendment 3 to come up for debate in the House.

Sparks has filed a handful of other anti-abortion bills during his short tenure in the House, including one that wouldve prevented Missouri medical students from learning or traveling to other states for abortion-specific training, and another that would have prohibited fetal tissue or organs from elective abortions from being used for research. He also proposed a second constitutional amendment that would have asked Missourians if they wanted to grant fetal personhood to embryos and fetuses.

Those bill did not progress far.

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But Sparks believes an abortion amendment will successfully be pushed through in the 2025 session.

He plans to tackle Amendment 3 by pre-filing a constitutional amendment that would provide voters an opportunity to vote to put further restrictions on abortion.

Asked what those restrictions might include, Sparks said he and other Republicans across the House and Senate are still narrowing down specifics.

What we dont want, clearly, is a poorly-written constitutional amendment that provides an abortion sanctuary state   Sparks said, adding: We need to define what were talking about when we address Amendment 3, and obviously we need to go back to the voters so ultimately they can decide.

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Sparks was just elected to his second term in the Missouri House. He represents a district in St. Louis County  a county where more than 67% of voters were in favor of Amendment 3 and more than 60% voted in support of both Democrats Kamala Harris for president and Lucas Kunce for U.S. Senate.

Patterson was just elected to his fourth term. His House district sits in Jackson County, which voted in support of Amendment 3.

A number of Republican lawmakers and elected officials have said they are exploring ways to overturn Amendment 3.

In 2019, Patterson voted in favor of the trigger law that was later enacted in June 2022, making Missouri the first state to ban abortion minutes after Roe v. Wade fell.

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While Sparks did not mention Pattersons voting record on abortion, he did bring up that Patterson was among three Republicans to vote against the SAFE Act, which banned transgender youth from starting gender-affirming care.

Sparks added that if he were speaker, he would also work to decentralize the power of the speakers office; prohibit chairmanships and committee positions from being purchased with money; and address the unelected bureaucratic administrative state.

This story was updated at 4:55 p.m. to include comments from Rep. Justin Sparks.

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Longtime Republican pollster Frank Luntz on Sunday argued that Kamala Harris did too much defining of President-elect Donald Trump leading up to her election loss.

We all know what Trump is, we experienced him for four years, said Luntz in an appearance on ABCs This Week.

Whoever told her to focus on him committed political malpractice because in the end, you can not change someones point of view on him. It was all about her.

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Luntz is not alone in his post-election analysis.

Harris campaign aides along with advisers and strategists revealed to The Washington Post that there was too much of a focus on Trump while the party failed to register the concerns of the average voter.

In a clip aired by ABC earlier in the program, Luntz asked a focus group of persuadable and undecided Gen Z voters for a show of hands if they disliked both major-party candidates.

Every participant raised their hand including one Maryland resident, who slammed Harris for running on an Im not Trump platform.

Thats not enough to be a president, you need to have more than, Well, Im better than this person, the participant explained.

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Youve got to explain how youre going to fix our democracy, how youre going to make the United States a better place and I didnt get that from her.

ABCs Jonathan Karl asked Luntz for the bottom line from the focus group.

In the end, she didnt answer the question that they wanted to know  what are you going to do in the first hour, in the first day, in the first week, in the first month and so on, Luntz replied.

They felt they had the right to hear this and if she wont tell them that, then they couldnt give her their vote and other voters, not just the young voters, felt like she wasnt  she never came clean with what she wanted to do and the fact that she changed her positions on some issues, she never really explained it.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom formally proclaimed Monday as Veterans Day in California, which came with a major announcement.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded $33 million in grants to seven counties through the California Veterans Health Initiative. The grants will go to preexisting community organizations that provide mental health support for veterans and their families. Newsom also announced 100,000 free mental health appointments for veterans, and a federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that will go toward Native American veterans mental health and suicide prevention.

Californias veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our country, and it is our duty  and our honor  to ensure that we provide for them and their families when they return home, Newsom said in a statement Sunday.

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These investments will help us expand access to and develop even more lifesaving supports for all our veterans.

Focusing on veterans mental health has always been a key priority at CalVet, and were pleased to partner with community-based providers statewide to expand the reach and effectiveness of resources for veterans seeking no cost, accessible mental health services in their own communities, said Lindsey Sin, CalVet secretary.

In his formal proclamation, Newsom highlighted the struggle that many veterans have with their mental health.

Roughly 1.5 million veterans call California home, represented in every facet of our society, he said. Many suffer the physical and emotional scars of war and service. California is committed to supporting our veterans.

In September, the governor signed a package of bills that will support veterans, including access to housing and education.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Grand Rapids-based software developer said his system flagged a racist text message before the user was able to send it out.

Lance Beaudry, the CEO and co-founder of mass messaging software TextSpot, contacted News 8 after seeing a story about racist text messages targeting Black people across the country following the election.

A screenshot of a racist text message received by Frances Carmonas niece and others. (Courtesy)

We got a flag in our system about 4 oclock on November 6 and it was the message that, come to find out, about 24 hours later, a lot of people around the country were getting, Beaudry said.

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Racist texts target people in West Michigan following election

TextSpot was originally a side project for Beaudry, who helped design it to be a tool for small to medium-sized businesses to send reminders, event information or other important details to a large group of recipients. It has grown to serve hundreds of customers over the years.

Unfortunately, people with ill intentions try to use it.

A lot of spam, a lot of phishing out there in the text messaging space, Beaudry explained. Years ago, we realized that people were coming to our platform trying to use it for phishing and spam, so it was probably about a year and a half ago really when AI really took off, ChatGPT got huge, we were like we need a way to make sure that messages being sent from our system are not going to telecom networks being delivered to people that shouldnt be.

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The TextSpot team utilized ChatGPT to develop an AI system that would review every message for brand-new customers. It looks for terms associated with sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, and tobacco and prohibits users from sending messages related to any of those topics.

Im at a loss: People with Nazi flags harass citizens in Mid-Michigan

Its that technology that Beaudry credits for preventing a racist message from being sent out the day after the presidential election.

Its shocking. Its like we disagree with it to the highest extent, right? Its awful and we see this technology as being something that we want to encourage positive messaging, right? So were incredibly happy that our system did its job and did not allow this, Beaudry said. It caught it and it even gave it the highest severity, which was great.

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They banned the user, who signed up with the likely fake name Amy Jones, and didnt think much of it until they realized messages similar to the one TextSpot blocked were still being sent out.

We were like Oh my gosh, this is a bigger deal,' Beaudry recalled. That means that other providers like us that have software like us allowed these messages to be sent, but we didnt. We stopped it before it could spread any further.

TextSpot users are required to verify their account with a phone number, which Beaudry said that user did. News 8 called the number, but it went straight to voicemail.

Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states and prompt investigations

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Knowing the intentionality of what somebody was trying to accomplish here, Im sure they used a number that couldnt easily be traced back to an actual name to identify the person, Beaudry explained.

The TextSpot team was able to identify an IP address that was traced to Philadelphia. Since it was under a Comcast IP address, Beaudry said its highly unlikely the person was using a VPN, which would have allowed them to fake the location they were signing up from.

We cant say with 100% certainty, but it is very likely that this was domestic. It was somebody located in Philadelphia, Beaudry said.

Beaudry reported all the information about the user to Grand Rapids police and the FBI. He added that his team plans to cooperate with investigators by providing whatever information they need to find whoever is responsible for these messages.

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Several federal and state agencies, including the FBI, FCC and Justice Department continue to investigate who is behind the messages, which showcase just how vulnerable some technology systems can be.

We are even being more cautious now and going to probably work on just even like stress testing and seeing what are other methods that people could use to potentially get around our system? Because we dont want that. Were trying to create a solution, a tool that is good for people and doesnt allow hate to spread, said Beaudry. I would encourage other people that are kind of that middleman, that medium between messaging and content, to consider using AI for this very purpose.

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On Tuesday, October 29, around 10 a.m., I get a call from Madrid asking for photos of the heavy rains in the province of Valencia. I feel around, talk to some friends and decide to head to Turis. On the way, I see a truck full of water thats driven off the road. In Turis, they tell us that the worst-hit area is Chiva. On the way, I see a raging ravine, overflowing with turbulent water.

I arrive at Chiva by secondary roads and see that everything is flooded, full of stones and water, and the fields are muddy. It is 11:30 a.m. I take photos. I go to Catadau, where homes have been flooded. Then, on my way home, I notice that the ravines are dangerously full. I arrive home around 3 p.m. I live in Picanya, in a semi-detached house, facing the Poyo ravine. We go to the local bar and talk about what we have seen, whether there are plans to evacuate those who live near the ravine. And people make a bit of a joke: that the ravine doesnt overflow; that it has never happened... They argue about who has seen it fuller, and we go home.

Jochen, my husband, has to go to Sedavi, and I am left alone. I look out over the ravine, which is always dry. People often walk their dogs in it. It is full of rabbits, teeming with life. Right now it is already half full. I go home and call the police. I ask if we should leave. They assure me there is no warning, but mention that the footpath down to the ravine has been closed  although I doubt anyone would dare go near it at this point. I send my photos to Madrid.

By 5 p.m., I start to have a kind of premonition. I call my husband. I decide to collect my things and bring them up to the top floor: my cameras, of course; food for the cat; food for us; water. I call a neighbor and ask him to check the garages. At first, he doesnt pay much attention to me. Its not raining. Soon, he sends me a horrified video. The water level in the ravine has risen even higher. We start to hear the sound of water pouring into the garages. I take out my photos, albums, everything that I consider most important, from the first floor of my three-story house.

Photograph taken from the terrace of the house. Monica Torres

At 7 p.m., Jochen doesnt pick up the phone and panic sets in. The neighbor has gone to his parents house. Others start calling to tell me that the ravine has overflown. I open the door and see a sea of water. Then my husband calls me and tells me that he cant come, and asks me not to go out alone. Stubbornly, I grab my suitcases and go downstairs to get into the car. Jochen finally shows up. He must have been the last to cross the bridge. He tells me to go inside. The water starts to rise like a mass and in seconds, the car wheels are submerged. We run into the house. We climb the stairs to the top floor and stay on the terrace. We watch the town turn into an ocean with waves passing over the only bridge still standing.

The water inundates street signs as it rushes out of the overflowing ravine. The neighbors children are also on the terrace. There is a lot of panic and fear. We try to calm down, to regroup. The candles I brought up are running out. We charge our cell phones with our laptops. We call the emergency services but the switchboard is jammed. Thank goodness my daughter, Maya, is not here. She studies in Alicante.

Monica Torres' kitchen after the flood.

What we see and hear is not easy to describe. It grips hearts: screams of panic, people dragged by the water with nothing to hold on to, sofas, cars... A friend of Mayas is holding on to his father, trying to get into the house, as cars float towards them. We see a neighbor perched on the fence; a woman on the first floor with water up to her neck... They finally manage to get her out. I make video calls to my family to try to reassure them, but in reality it seems like a goodbye, as my sister told me later. We are like this for two or three hours. And finally the water starts to recede. We go into the house and lie down for a while. I can hardly sleep, I cant get the awful, metallic noise of the furniture and appliances hitting the ceiling out of my head.

When the sun rises, it is terrible. With the first light of dawn, we see the horror. It reminds me of the film The Impossible. It is like the landscape after a tsunami. Cars are piled up on top of one another, forming mountains and barriers. We fear many bodies may be underneath them. The emergency alert, warning of the danger of the ravine overflowing, finally arrives on our cellphones at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Unbelievable. Why did it take them so long to warn us? Even I, the day before, in the morning, could see how the water was rising.

The crisis response has been pathetic. Deplorable. We have been without help for four days. Since there were robberies in the first days, we slept fearfully in our shattered home, without doors or windows. There is no water, no power, nobody helps us. We go out into the street with the uncertainty of not knowing if the neighbors have died. Everything is flooded, full of mud, you cant walk anywhere, the entrances to homes are blocked and people are locked inside. The feeling of abandonment is absolute, but we have to rethink how to move forward.

Until a river of volunteers starts to arrive. It shocks us. Lots of young people, full of good will and good vibes, come with sticks, brooms, water and food, with whatever they can. They are the ones who help us. It is not the emergency services, nor the police, nor the Civil Guard. It is the people who save us and encourage us to continue, it is the community.

Jochen observes the state of the house after the flood. Monica Torres

I will never forget the sea of people: 17-year-old girls, people I dont know at all, my nephews and their parents, walking from Valencia, with chorizos, with water. I will never forget seeing a fellow photographer, as if he were a spirit, carrying two backpacks. People going crazy looking for shovels. We have found support, and that was what we needed, support.

By Thursday, they have already cleaned up the mud in the house. Friends also come on Wednesday. They remove trees, furniture, Jochens family piano, which is more than 100 years old, all is lost. I find the wedding ring that I had lost a year ago. Incredible. And Jochen found the heart-shaped stone that he picked up walking on the beach the day we met 25 years ago. People help us remove everything. There is nothing left of the table where my father sat for the last Christmas before he died, of the kitchen where we made meals or celebrated my daughters birthdays. Memories associated with things that no longer exist. I have to keep them in my heart now. But we are alive.

Now we have to find a house, move, set up a home. Manage everything thats on my mind: the screams of panic, the floating bodies, the terror of the water, the horrible sound, the fear I felt when Jochen didnt answer his phone... Were exhausted. But we have to start again.

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(Getty Images)

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.  A paid petition circulator for Nebraskas two successful medical cannabis ballot measures pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor and a $250 fine, down from an initial felony charge.

Michael K. Egbert, 66, was a paid circulator for the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign to legalize and regulate medical cannabis. Hall County Attorney Marty Klein, whose investigation was aided by the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office, reduced Egberts charge from a Class IV felony to a Class I misdemeanor, for the attempt to falsely swear to a circulators affidavit.

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Egbert pleaded guilty for intentionally engaging in conduct that was a substantial step toward committing the Class IV felony crime between Feb. 9 and June 30.

A Class I misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison or a $1,000 fine, or both.

About 200 irregular signatures

Egbert consistently told local law enforcement  and testified last week in a Lancaster County District Court trial against the petitions  that he illegally used a phone book to add signatures to petitions he circulated in addition to legitimate signatures he gathered.

Hall County Election Commissioner Tracy Overstreet said in mid-September, when Egbert was first charged, that approximately 200 irregular signatures were flagged as fraudulent and rejected and not counted toward those totals from the get-go.

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Egbert has consistently said he never signed his circulators oath or got his pages notarized in the presence of a notary, which is required under state law, which led to 24 charges of official misconduct against notary Jacy Todd of York.

Todd has denied those allegations and is seeking to have his case dismissed.

At least one other notary, Crista Eggers, campaign manager for the efforts, notarized Egberts petitions. Court documents in Lancaster County state that Eggers has no memory of notarizing Egberts petitions and notarized them by mistake, likely because they were inadvertently mixed with petitions from valid circulators.

Lancaster County District Judge Susan Strong is reviewing evidence after the four-day trial seeking to throw out thousands of signatures on the petitions because of alleged circulator misconduct and notarial malfeasance.

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Attorneys seeking to throw out the signatures, including from the AGs Office, may submit post-trial briefs by Tuesday. The ballot sponsors can respond by Friday, and the attorneys against the petitions can file an additional response by Nov. 18.

Over 70% voter support

The petitions from the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign  Initiative Measure 437 and Initiative Measure 438  received overwhelming support at the ballot box last week: 70.88% of voters supported Measure 437, while 67.11% of voters supported Measure 438.

Initiative Measure 437, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, would set an allowable amount of medical cannabis at 5 ounces; exempt patients and caregivers from penalty for using or assisting someone else in using the cannabis; and require a written recommendation from a health care practitioner before prescription.

Initiative Measure 438, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act, would define cannabis; legalize possessing, manufacturing, distributing, delivering and dispensing cannabis for medical purposes; and create the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the new law.

Nebraskas constitutional officers will meet Dec. 2 to certify Tuesdays election results. Legal challenges can continue after that date.

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LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS)  Hurricane Helene relief efforts are still ongoing in North Carolina.

To assist with funds, the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company hosted a fundraising event called Greenbrier Gives Back.

PHOTOS: Helene brings flooding, damage as storm barrels ahead

Jeff Friszell is the production manager and small batch lead brewer at GVBC. He said he is originally from the Asheville area.

Not hearing from friends or family for weeks, you know, finding out now who is okay and who is not. It is really heartbreaking to know that my hometown went through that and still going through that. There is still not clean water to drink in Asheville right now, said Friszell.

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There were different ways people could donate their money, including QR Codes and they were also collecting cash donations. 1 dollar of every Apple-Atcha Honeyd Apple Ale will go directly to a family he was really close with in Craigtown, North Carolina.

13 people lost their lives, 11 people from one family alone. I grew up with that family. So I wanted to do something as a brewery. We just wanted to give back. We have been through it in Greenbrier County; we wanted to do the same for North Carolina, said Friszell.

Some local musicians donated their time to be there, including Jonah Carden, as well as Chandler Beavers and Friends.

Food vendors were also set up and getting in on the donations  Kitchen 304 being one of them.

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Wyatt Sabbag is the co-owner of Kitchen 304. He said they have been setting up at GVBC different times over the past few weeks to help collect donations.

We are just going to do anything we can. We have had a couple of natural disasters here in Greenbrier County and everything, and we had a lot of relief come to help us. So we are just kind of paying it back. You know, any time anything that we can do to to help another community is something that we like to do, said Sabbag.

Helene death toll rises while supplies are rushed to North Carolina; Florida digs out

Sabbag told 59News that one of the GVBC employees personally drives to Craigtown to deliver the funds.

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The NATO defence alliance continues to have a military advantage over Russia, despite a rearmament under President Vladimir Putin, according to a study commissioned by Greenpeace published on Monday.

An analysis of the military capabilities of the Western alliance and Russia "leaves no doubt about NATO's overall military superiority. Only in terms of nuclear weapons do the two sides have parity, concluded Herbert Wulf and Christopher Steinmetz, the study's authors.

Information from their study does not "justify the need for a further and permanent increase in military spending in Germany," the authors wrote, adding that a "logical consequence" of a higher military budget would be cuts to social services, education or climate protection measures.

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For the study, Wulf and Steinmetz compared the military potential of NATO and Russia on the basis of six central parameters, including military spending.

They found that NATO countries combined currently spend 10 times as much on their armed forces as Russia ($1.19 trillion vs. $127 billion). Even removing US spending and taking into account differences in purchasing power, NATO still has a significant advantage ($430 billion vs. $300 billion).

NATO also has a significant edge when it comes to major weapons systems, with members of the defence alliance counting a combined 5,406 combat aircraft (including 2,073 in Europe) compared to Russia's 1,026. Only when it comes to strategic bombers does Russia almost reach parity with the United States (129 to 140), the study says.

Russia is lagging behind NATO in many areas of weaponry, and it's unlikely it would be able to catch up in less than a decade, the authors say, adding that the defence alliance also has a larger number of soldiers under arms as well as a deeper reservoir of reservists.

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NATO countries dominate the global arms market, with over 70% of total sales.

"Instead of further rearmament, NATO's existing conventional superiority ... should be taken as an opportunity to prepare and initiate arms control policy initiatives ... at least in Europe," the researchers said.

According to the authors, the first step should be to save the New START disarmament treaty, the only major nuclear arms control treaty left between the US and Russia.
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees voted on Monday to extend its contract with schools superintendent Burke Royster by three years.

As a result of the extension, Royster, who has led the district since 2012, will remain at Greenville County Schools through 2028.

The board met on Monday for an annual review of Roysters performance as superintendent.

He was assessed on six categories: instructional leadership, quality personnel, culture of achievement, organizational, operational and resource management, communications and community relationships and tone from the top.

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This rating is reflective of the steady and impressive progress Greenville County Schools has made over the past school year under Dr. Roysters leadership, said GCS Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Carolyn Styles in a press release. The evaluation highlighted increased academic achievement in many areas, remarkable gains in college and career readiness, and an all-time high graduation rate of 88.7%. Under the leadership of Dr. Royster, there is no doubt the District is setting the bar for excellence in achievement and innovative practices at the state and national levels. The future for our students has never been brighter!

Royster did not receive any change in compensation to go with the contract extension. His current salary is is $318,917.

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ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  FOX8 honors Gregory Summers of Jackson Middle School. Congrats, Mr. Summers!

If you know of an educator who is worthy of this nomination please fill out the nomination form here. Educator of the Week is sponsored by the North Carolina Education Lottery.

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Climate activist Greta Thunberg hit out at the annual UN Climate Change Conference being held in Baku this year as a "dark joke" in an article published in Britain's Guardian daily on Monday.

In the article entitled "A 'Cop of peace'? How can authoritarian, human rights-trashing Azerbaijan possibly host that?" the 21-year-old activist described the summit as "a mere act of greenwashing."

She noted that Azerbaijan's entire economy was built on fossil fuels, which accounted for close to 90% of the country's exports. "Despite what it might claim, Azerbaijan has no ambition to take climate action," she said.

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The country was planning to expand fossil fuel production, she said, adding that this was completely incompatible with the 1.5 degree Celsius limit of the Paris Climate Accords.

She also lashed out at Azerbaijan's human rights record, saying that many attending the conference were scared to criticize the government.

"The Azerbaijan regime is guilty of ethnic cleansing, humanitarian blockades and war crimes, as well as repressing its own population and cracking down on the country's civil society," Thunberg wrote.

She is currently in Georgia, Azerbaijan's neighbour to the west, but is not planning to travel to Baku for the conference. She will instead travel to Armenia at some point.
GRINNELL, Iowa  Decision Day has become divisive but in Dr. Sarah Purcells history class at Grinnell College students learn it is hardly unprecedented.

It is not accurate that America has never been this divided. There are times weve been divided but thats not to say it is a good thing, Dr. Purcell said.

The eight-week fall course takes students through the five times in United States history that controversy, ballot integrity, rhetoric and voter suppression led to presidential election results being contested. Purcell said, If you look at the 1876 election which was contested, that was contested in part because southern states were having terrible controversy and white supremacists were suppressing the right of Black voters.

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Trump Day 1: Begin deportation push, pardon Jan. 6 rioters and make criminal cases vanish

Students learned it goes back as early as the fourth presidential election over 200 years ago, with incumbent John Adams against eventual winner Thomas Jefferson. Zev Zetner is a fourth-year student at Grinnell and a Religious Studies Major who took the class. They said, Our first contested election was in 1800 in which we had the first real political parties and they are seeing their opponents as illegitimate and thats a trend weve seen throughout American history in American politics.

1824 went down as the Corrupt Bargain. John Quincy Adams lost both the popular vote and electoral college to Andrew Jackson but thanks to Adams close bond with Speaker of the House Henry Clay, Adams became President. Purcell said, The House of Representatives chose John Quincy Adams to be President.

In 2000 the U.S. Supreme Court was forced to decide the winner of Al Gore and George W. Bush after Floridas numbers were too close to decide. Third-year Grinnell student and English/Bio-Chemistry Major Clare Bode was another who took the class taught by Dr. Purcell. Bode said, The ways in which voter turnout really matters is something we saw with Bush versus Gore. How it came down to a small number of votes so that helps when people are disillusioned to think their vote doesnt matter.

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According to a survey released in October by the American Psychological Association 69% of Americans say the election is causing them an overwhelming amount of stress. While the class puts current political trends into perspective it hasnt exactly eased up the anxiety for students like Anne Mester, a third-year History and Biology major. Mester said, Im going to be less surprised now with what happens if contestation does arise and I think. Bode agreed saying, I dont think it eased any anxiety unfortunately about the event but it did provide me with a lot more context and information with how the system works.

Congress returns to Washington this week

Dr Purcell says while each contested election had a different spark that lit the flame the integrity of the end result stayed the same. The actual candidates in the elections had always accepted the results and that was really key in the system functioning, said Purcell.

Learning the past can sometimes help better understand current events like the aftermath of the 2020 election that nearly led to results being contested despite record voter turnout. Mester said, I learned a lot about how the public reacts to contested elections and how that really can change the course of the election itself and how the candidate themself reacts and how important that is to resolving the contestation in the American publics eyes.

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Dr. Purcell added, Historians cant predict the future so I cant tell the students exactly what is going to happen next.

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A family-favorite restaurant is returning to Massachusetts.

The Ground Round is set to make a comeback to the Bay State in January. The restaurant chain posted on Facebook that they are looking for people to join their team.

The Shrewsbury location will be located at 271 Grafton St, home of a former Chinese restaurant.

The restaurant chain was founded in Massachusetts in 1969 before it filed for bankruptcy in 2004.

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There are currently four Ground Round locations in the United States, one in Ohio and three in North Dakota.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Two U.S.-based airlines were struck by gunfire Monday while flying in Haitis airspace. One plane, a Spirit Airlines flight, was hit by bullets while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince. The second, New York-bound JetBlue Airways Flight 935, was hit after take off. JetBlue discovered it has been shot at only made after the crew arrived safely at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

While no issues were initially reported by the operating crew, a post-flight inspection later identified that the aircrafts exterior had been struck by a bullet, JetBlue Airways spokesman Derek Dombrowski told the Miami Herald. We are actively investigating this incident in collaboration with relevant authorities.

By the end of the day, all three major U.S. carriers that fly into Haiti had announced cancellations of their daily service into the country. In a notice to pilots, the Federal Aviation Administration said that all traffic into Port-au-Princes international airport were temporarily suspended at least until Monday, Nov. 18.

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Dombrowski said that due to the ongoing civil unrest in Haiti, we have made the decision to suspend all flights to and from the country through December 2. Before the discovering of the gunshot, the airline had canceled flights from JFK and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport into Port-au-Prince until Thursday.

Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our customers and crewmembers, he said We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update our plans as necessary.

The first incident reported about airplanes being fired upon on Monday involved a Spirit-Airlines flight that left from Fort Lauderdale and was diverted to an airport in the Dominican Republic, where it landed safely.

In response to the incident, the three major U.S. carriers flying into Haiti, including American Airlines, announced they were suspending flights to the Caribbean nation.

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We have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien pending further evaluation, a Spirit Airlines spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson confirmed the incident, which occurred as Spirit Airlines Flight 951, out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, was approaching Toussaint Louverture International Airport from the east. No passengers were injured, but a flight attendant received minor injuries, the spokesperson said. The airplane was diverted and landed safely in Santiago in the neighboring Dominican Republic.

An inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire, the spokesperson said.

The plane has been taken out of service, and we are arranging for a different aircraft to return our guests and crew to Fort Lauderdale, the spokesperson added. The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority.

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Jean-David Desrouleaux, a Miami resident and passenger aboard the flight, said the aircrafts wheels were already down when we could hear clack, clack, clack...the metal inside the plane and the plastic just cracking.

A few of us understood what was happening, he said, noting the flight was partially full and as they sensed the plane pressure changing they knew they had been shot at. The pilot, he said, then circled the Port-au-Prince airport before decided to head to Santiago to land.

The aircraft was about a mile from the airport and was crossing above Clercin, one of the battlegrounds in the countrys ongoing gang war, when it was fired upon, a source with the National Airport Authority said. The source noted that the National Airport Authority has taken measures to secure the perimeter of the airport but has little control over the general security situation of the country, which remains the responsibility of the Haiti National Police.

The incident forced the airport authority at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Haitis capital to ground all commercial flights. Flight tracking showed both JetBlue Airways and Amerijet Cargo planes turning away from Haiti. A Port-au-Prince-bound Air Caraibes flight from France was diverted to Santo Domingo. Late Monday, some of the passengers on the Air Caraibes flight, Haitian nationals with European visas, were allowed to disembark in the Dominican Republic due to the extraordinary circumstances, a source told the Miami Herald, but others were not allowed entry and had to return to France.

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This was a terrorist act; the countries that are following and helping Haiti should declare these armed gangs as terrorist groups, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said Monday about the incident during his regular press conference.

Amanda Maldonado, a spokeswoman with American, also confirmed that as a result of the unrest in Port-au-Prince, the airlines has suspended service between Miami International Airport and Toussaint Louverture International Airport through Thursday. We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed, she said.

The incident marks the second time in the last few weeks that an aircraft traveling over Port-au-Prince airspace was struck by gunfire from armed gangs. Last month, a United Nations helicopter was struck by gang gunfire and forced to return to the airport. No one was injured.

The incident on Monday occurred just hours before Haitis ruling presidential council was set to swear in a new prime minister, businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime, after ousting Prime Minister Garry Conille in an executive order that was leaked on Sunday and published on the councils X account early Monday morning.

Miami Herald Writer Syra Ortiz Blanes contributed to this report.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Its the most wonderful time of the year: H-E-B officials confirmed the grocers new South Congress storefront will open this December.

H-E-B will open its location at 2400 S. Congress Ave. on Dec. 4 at 6 a.m., company officials confirmed Monday. The company first shared plans back in December 2021 to demolish its original Congress store, which first opened in 1957.

PAST COVERAGE: Does H-E-Bs South Congress shop have a grand opening date set?

H-E-B has been operating out of a temporary space at the Twin Oaks Shopping Center, located at 2301 S. Congress Ave.

The new, multi-level store stands at more than 145,000 square feet, with a ground level that features indoor and outdoor dining areas, a second level hosting the grocers array of products and three levels of above-ground parking for customers. The store will also feature a True Texas BBQ, curbside and home delivery services, a pharmacy and accompanying drive-thru and local art installations to celebrate the South Congress areas art and cultural legacy.

New H-E-B on Oltorf & S. Congress (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) New H-E-B on Oltorf & S. Congress (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) New H-E-B on Oltorf & S. Congress (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) New H-E-B on Oltorf & S. Congress (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) New H-E-B on Oltorf & S. Congress (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

Our vision has always been to create a store that our customers will be proud of, an iconic location that reflects the personality and vibrancy of the South Congress community, said Cathy Harm, H-E-B Group Vice President Central Texas, in the announcement. This store is an important part of this neighborhood, and we hope this new design conveys the deep gratitude we have for our loyal customers who have supported our business for more than 60 years.

More details on the new store are available online.

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Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

It is time to give Silvio Berlusconi the recognition as he deserves: he was ahead of his time, a modern precursor to a type of leadership that cloaked self-serving economic (and criminal) interests under the guise of patriotic rhetoric. The cunning of the former prime minister of Italy, who skillfully returned to power despite the growing scandals surrounding his business empire, foreshadowed the rise of another figure who has now returned to power in style in the United States  Donald Trump.

Like Berlusconi, Trump is a millionaire, vulgar, a womanizer, a chauvinist, and entangled in various legal battles. He isnt fooling anyone. However, Trump brings something extra  a torrent of hatred and divisiveness, a contrast to the more charismatic approach of Berlusconi, a man who crooned on cruise ships, and is, after all, Italian. An important factor, indeed.

But here we are. Trump is president again, this time with the popular vote, not just the electoral maneuvering of swing states. And theres another difference: a newfound atmosphere of respect for his return, something that wouldnt have existed if Harris had won. After all, as all Trump supporters know for a fact, Harris victory would only have been possible through fraud.

Trumps victory, lets face it, is perfect for many groups. Its perfect for Putin, who now has the opportunity to expand his grip on Ukraine with North Korean troops sent by Kim Jong-un (whom Trump famously befriended). Its perfect for Netanyahu, who can continue to reshape the Middle East with no regard for Palestinian lives. Its perfect for Viktor Orban, the most anti-democratic and pro-Russian leader in the EU, who celebrated Trumps victory with vodka instead of the promised champagne. Its perfect for the European far right, which has uncorked another bottle of xenophobia. Its perfect for leaders like Madrid premier Isabel Diaz Ayuso, who sees the court investigation into her partner as a persecution, claiming he is merely a victim, despite the fact he has admitted to tax fraud. Its perfect for men who think women have gained too much power. Its perfect for millionaires who will see their taxes slashed. Its perfect for the oil and gas industries, which will continue to thrive despite the deadly impact of global warming. Its perfect for powerful manipulators like Elon Musk. And its perfect for many citizens who live more comfortably in ignorance and falsehoods, rather than seeking truth.

Ultimately, its perfect for progressives who will have to face the reality that they failed workers, and that their focus on admirable causes didnt translate into economic gains for the average person. To teach ourselves a lesson, Trump is, simply, perfect.

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In elections set this week to select a new Senate majority leader, U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty is backing U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida in his quest for the powerful role, while U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has not yet publicly endorsed a candidate, saying she'll wait to hear from everyone.

The three major contenders for the position are Scott, and U.S. Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas. Elections for Senate majority leader will be held by secret ballot on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Many Trump allies are backing Scott, who is seen as most closely aligned with President-elect Donald Trump. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and billionaire X owner Elon Musk enthusiastically endorsed Scott on social media Sunday, while Musk knocked Thune as "the top choice for Democrats."

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., speaks during the Tennessee Republican Partys Statesmens Dinner at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Hagerty was one of the earliest senators to endorse Scott in a statement on Saturday.

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President Trumps massive coattails delivered a historic Republican Senate majority. As a result of President Trumps leadership, we saw Republican Senate victories in seats (i.e. PA, OH, MT) that have eluded Republicans for decades," Hagerty said. "Any leader of this new majority must be able to work hand-in-hand with President Trump to advance his America First agenda. The Senate must lean into advancing this agenda. Thats why I want to see a Senate Majority Leader who can join me in embracing the Trump agenda, which will unify Senate Republicans. On Wednesday, I will be voting for Rick Scott.

Scott has also gained support from former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and U.S. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Marco Rubio of Florida.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn speaks during her watch party at the Hilton Hotel in Cool Springs, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Blackburn, who has long been a close Trump ally and outspoken supporter of the president elect, has not yet publicly backed anyone. In a social media post on Monday, she said she will listen to each candidate as they make their pitches this week.

"I look forward to hearing from all of the candidates this week, and I'm going to vote for the person who is best to work with President Donald Trump to begin the great American comeback," Blackburn said.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Senate majority leader race: Hagerty backs Scott; Blackburn undecided
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Haitis international airport shut down on Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in Port-Au-Prince, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace.

The Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-Au-Prince was just hundreds of feet from landing in Haiti's capital when gangs shot at the plane striking a flight attendant, who suffered minor injuries, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy and flight tracking data. The flight was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic.

Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane.

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The shooting appeared to be part of what the U.S. Embassy called gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports. Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines said Monday they were canceling flights to and from Haiti.

In other parts of Haitis capital, firefights between gangs and police broke out. Rounds of gunfire echoed through the streets as heavily armed officers ducked behind walls and civilians ran in terror. In other upper class areas, gangs set fire to homes. Schools closed as panic spread in a number of areas.

The turmoil comes a day after a council meant to reestablish democratic order in the Caribbean nation fired the interim prime minister Garry Conille, replacing him with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime. The council has been marked by infighting and three members were recently accused of corruption.

As he was sworn in, Fils-Aime said his top priorities were to restore peace to the crisis-stricken nation and hold elections, which havent been held in Haiti since 2016.

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There is a lot to be done to bring back hope" he said before a room of suit-clad diplomats and security officials. I'm deeply sorry for the people ... that have been victimized, forced to leave everything they own.

The country has seen weeks of political chaos, which observers warned could result in even more violence in a place where bloodshed has become the new normal. The country's slate of gangs have long capitalized on political turmoil to make power grabs, shutting down airports, shipping ports and stirring chaos.

The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital of Port-au-Prince, while a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Louis-Henri Mars, executive director of Lakou Lape, an organization working on peace building in violent areas of Haiti, said the political fighting has allowed the gangs to have more freedom to attack more neighborhoods in the city and expand their control of Port-au-Prince. Civilians, he fears, will suffer the consequences.

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There will be more lives lost, more internal displacement, and more hunger in a country where half the population is on the brink of starvation, he said.

The transitional council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haitis next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell violence, which exploded after Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021.

The council was meant to pave the way to democratic elections, but it has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille, the interim prime minister they hand picked six months ago, who they fired yesterday. Gangs have capitalized on that power vacuum to make their own power grabs.

Conille railed against the council's decision to fire him, calling it an illegal overreach of their powers.

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This resolution, taken outside of any legal and constitutional framework, raises serious concerns about its legitimacy and its repercussions on the future of our country, he wrote in a letter.

Organizations including the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition.

On Monday, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric urged all involved in Haiti's democratic transition to work constructively together," although he stopped short of offering an opinion on the move to oust Conille.

"Overcoming their differences and putting the country first remains critical," he said. "What is important is that Haitian political leaders put the interests of Haiti first and foremost.

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Associated Press reporter David Koenig contributed to this report from Dallas and Pierre-Richard Luxama, contributed from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

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Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Haitis most powerful warlord has called for an escalation in the gang violence against the interim government after it moved to oust the prime minister.

The transitional council, a temporary body charged with organising the Caribbean nations first elections in a decade in 2026, announced that it was dismissing Garry Conille as prime minister on Friday.

Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, the leader of the Vivre Ensemble gang alliance that controls much of Port-au-Prince, the capital, responded on Sunday with a video in which he called on residents to stay at home to avoid the bloodshed.

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The time for monitoring [the political situation] by the gangs of Vivre Ensemble is over, said Cherizier, the target of both UN and US sanctions for his alleged human rights abuses.

The time has come to take the destiny of this country into our own hands.

Cherizier, a 47-year-old former police officer, allegedly gained his nickname from his habit of setting fire to his opponents homes while they are still inside.

Mr Conilles dismissal and Cheriziers response are serious blows for the US-backed attempts to restore order in Haiti and for ordinary Haitians whose lives have been devastated by the rampant gang bloodletting.

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Almost 5,000 people have died in the fighting this year, often in the most brutal ways, including being hacked to death or having their homes set ablaze.

An estimated 700,000 people have been internally displaced while half the population is suffering acute food shortages.

Mr Conilles apparent ousting comes after months of infighting with the transitional council, which was appointed last April in an attempt to fill the political vacuum that has allowed street gangs like Vivre Ensemble to control more than 80 per cent of the country of 12 million people.

The prime minister had sought to fire three of the councils members accused of demanding a $750,000 bribe to confirm the head of a state-owned bank.

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The council, meanwhile, has repeatedly pressured Mr Conille to change his cabinet.

A medical doctor and former head of Unicefs Latin American and Caribbean operations, Mr Conille was regarded as a key ally of the US efforts to restore order in Haiti through an international security mission made up of police and troops from the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

He is refusing to accept his dismissal, claiming the council has the authority to appoint prime ministers but not fire them.

Garry Conille is refusing to accept his dismissal - Jose Iglesias/Avalon

In a letter to the Haitian people, signed Prime Minister, he said he would challenge any illegal action motivated by narrow political interests that only add to the suffering of our people.

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The council, however, has already named Mr Conilles successor, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, a former head of the national chamber of commerce and senatorial candidate who owns a chain of dry cleaners.

The latest political upheaval has dismayed Bob Rae, Canadas ambassador to the UN, who leads an advisory committee on Haiti.

Just when we are trying to find support for the security, economy and well-being of the country  the instability within the transitional council does not help the Haitian people or the confidence of your partners, he said.

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A New Hampshire man was arrested on Saturday, November 9, after crashing into multiple state cruisers while trying to evade law enforcement.

The incident occurred Saturday at 7:44 p.m. when a New Hampshire State Trooper tried to pull over a 2015 Ford Focus going 104 mph. The driver did not comply, thus a pursuit was initiated.

Several minutes passed by when the suspect pulled into the Holderness neighborhood, made a U-turn, then struck and disabled a state troopers vehicle, putting the trooper and his K9 at risk of injury.

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After 45 of pursuit and the suspects various attempts at hiding, troopers finally pulled him over.

The driver was identified as 19-year-old Jack Dobbins, of Waterville Valley. He, and a female passenger, were taken into custody, but the passenger was shortly released without charges.

Dobbins was charged with disobeying an officer, reckless driving, driving after revocation or suspension, and multiple felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon. He was treated with minor injuries.

Dobbins refused bail and remains held at the Grafton County Department of Corrections.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Elwood Edwards, the voice recognized by millions of AOL users, passed away on November 5, 2024, at age 74. Known for iconic phrases like Youve got mail and Files done, Edwardss voice became synonymous with America Online (AOL). Since news of his passing emerged, many have been curious about his career and the circumstances of his death. Here are the details.

Elwood Edwards dead at 74, claims report

The news of Edwardss passing was shared by WKYC Studios, where he worked for years as a graphics operator and camera technician.

They reported that he died following complications from a stroke at his home in New Bern, North Carolina, a day before his 75th birthday. His daughter, Sallie Edwards, confirmed the cause of death (via The New York Times).

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Edwards began his career in radio during high school, later moving into television, where he took on various roles, including as a booth announcer and weatherman. Eventually, he shifted focus to behind-the-scenes work in graphics and camera operations.

In 1989, Edwardss voice journey took off when his wife, Karen, who worked at Quantum Computer Services (later AOL), overheard CEO Steve Case discussing the need for a voice on the platform. She recommended her husband, and Edwards recorded the iconic lines Welcome, Youve got mail, Files done, and Goodbye on a cassette deck in his living room, earning $200 for the gig. These phrases quickly became a hallmark of the AOL user experience.

His voice continued to resonate culturally for years. The 1998 film Youve Got Mail and a 2000 episode of The Simpsons both referenced his work. He also appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he humorously read fan-suggested phrases.

In his later years, Edwards took on roles outside of broadcasting, including working as an Uber driver. He retired from WKYC in 2016 after a multi-decade career.

The post What Happened to Elwood Edwards? Voice Actor Passes Away appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
When you think of Milwaukee landmarks, a few probably come to mind: the Milwaukee Public Market, the Hoan Bridge, the soaring "wings" of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

But what about the odder, more arcane landmarks that once dotted the city? Do you remember the giant, prehistoric reptile that used to greet airport-goers? Or the nearly life-size whale mural papering the side of I-43?

As part of our What the Wisconsin? series, we set out to answer several reader questions about lost (or re-located) Milwaukee landmarks. You can check out past What the Wisconsin? stories or submit your own question here.

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From Bernie's Chalet to Professor Stein, here's what happened to four Milwaukee oddities and where you can find them today.

Pterosaur (not pterodactyl) presiding over Milwaukee Mitchell Airport

Vistors at Mitchell International Airport look at a replica of a prehistoric flying reptile, the Pteranodon, which was displayed above the second floor concourse. The replica was built by staff members from the Milwaukee Public Museum.

Travelers through Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport may remember a particularly striking former fixture of the airport's second floor concourse: a life-size pterosaur replica that towered over airport-goers with its 20-foot wingspan.

The pterosaur was crafted in the late 1980s by Floyd Easterman, chief taxidermist of the Milwaukee Public Museum. With help from other museum staffers, Easterman spent nine to 10 months creating the furry replica for the Milwaukee Airport, said Madeline Anderson, the museum's director of communications, in an email.

If we're getting a bit more technical, Easterman's sculpture is of a Pteranodon, which is a type of pterosaur. Over the years, Anderson said, many have confused the sculpture for a pterodactyl, which is a smaller but perhaps better-known type of pterosaur.

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"Interestingly, pterosaurs are not dinosaurs, but rather, are flying reptiles," Anderson added. "There are several key differences between the two, including that flying reptiles had fur while dinosaurs that could fly had feathers."

Unfortunately, the Pteranodon no longer lives at the airport to provide a proper Milwaukee welcome. Though it was created specifically for the airport, the model was sent to the Public Museum for repairs at some point and stayed there as part of the museum's exhibits after the repairs were complete. The specific date it was moved is unclear, Anderson said.

If you missed your chance when it was in the airport, you can still go see the Pteranodon hanging from the first-floor ceiling of the Public Museum, by the entrance of the Third Planet gallery of prehistoric life of Earth.

Mechanical bear tight roping over the Grand Avenue Mall

When Milwaukee's new Grand Avenue Mall opens this mechanical bear will ride a wire over the Grand Court.

In 1982, downtown Milwaukee saw the opening of Grand Avenue Mall: a new retail center complete with shops, food and ... a mechanical bear tightroping over shoppers on a unicycle.

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Professor Stein may have been an unexpected decor piece, but the seven-foot bear statue quickly became a beloved fixture of a now-defunct mall. Amid years of declining sales and eventually foreclosure, Grand Avenue was sold in 2015 to a group led by Milwaukee- and Minneapolis-based executives.

The bear, however, endured past the mall. After the mall shuttered, Professor Stein was on display in the Milwaukee Public Market for nearly a decade. Meanwhile, Grand Avenue was revamped into a combination of offices, apartments and the 3rd Street Market Hall, a food hall featuring local vendors.

But Professor Stein and Grand Avenue couldn't be kept apart for long. In 2022, the 3rd Street Market Hall owners worked with the Public Market to return Professor Stein home to the former Grand Avenue building.

Sadly, Professor Stein no longer cycles over a tightrope, but you can still glimpse him perched over the food hall, balancing two steins of beer and surveying passersby with his monocle.

Whale mural curved over courthouse parking garage

Artist Robert Wyland (at left in blue) was aided by Roy Chavez while working on the whale mural on the curved parking ramp of the Courthouse Annex in 1997.

It used to be that as you sat in I-43 traffic, you could gaze up at giant dolphins and whales commuting alongside you in deep blue waters.

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In 1997, Milwaukee debuted the "whale wall": a 76-feet long and 36-feet high mural wrapping around the Milwaukee County Courthouse Annex. The installation was part of Michigan-born artist Robert Wyland's global project painting 100 large-scale murals of underwater scenes to raise awareness of marine conservation.

The Milwaukee installation was the 76th one Wyland painted. He titled it "Whale Commuters," in a nod to how the mural faced the northbound lanes of 1-43.

Tom Ament, Milwaukee's then-county executive, dedicated the mural and hoped it would "draw attention to the idea that even a landlocked city can make a difference" in ocean conservation efforts, according to the Wyland Foundation.

The mural drew largely mixed reactions from the city. Some, including former Journal Sentinel art critic Jim Auer, lauded the tranquil glimpse of nature over the bustling, industrial freeway. Others questioned the relevance of the whales to Milwaukee and criticized the mural for obstructing the view of Milwaukee's eleven-story, neoclassical County Courthouse.

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The mural ultimately met its demise in 2006, when the Courthouse Annex was removed to make way for the Marquette Interchange.

Still, if you're craving some deep sea sights on your commute, the city preserved a small portion of the mural depicting an adult and baby dolphin, along with the artist's signature. It is on display at the northern entrance of the Kilbourn Tunnel on the 1-43 northbound lanes, according to OnMilwaukee.

Bernie Brewer's Chalet at County Stadium

Bernie Brewer slides from his chalet into a frosty mug of beer to celebrate a Brewers home run in 1973.

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Bernie Brewer's Chalet has more than a half century of history in Milwaukee. Its story begins in 1973, when the Brewers opened their season at County Stadium with brand-new mascot and a mini, Bavarian-style chalet to house him.

Every time the Brewers hit a home run or won a game, Bernie Brewer would slide out of his chalet and into a 21-foot-tall stein of beer. As he landed, a cannon was set off and dozens of balloons were released.

For 12 seasons, Bernie Brewer and his chalet were a mainstay of Brewers games, until, in 1984, the stadium opted to pack up the chalet in favor of installing speakers in center field bleachers instead. For almost a decade, it seemed no one particularly missed the chalet and its schtick.

In 1993, however, Brewers fans voted by a landslide to bring it all back  Bernie, the chalet, the giant stein and the slide. The re-debut of the chalet in June 1993 also saw a revamp of Bernie himself, with the mascot sporting his now-signature giant foam head and swirling mustache.

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Until County Stadium shuttered in 2000 to make way for American Family Field (then-Miller Park), Bernie Brewer delighted fans from his chalet during each game's most exciting moments. In 2021, American Family Field unveiled an upgraded version of Bernie's Chalet with elements inspired by the County Stadium chalet.

As for the original chalet, it found its (presumably) final resting place at Lakefront Brewery, another Milwaukee institution. The chalet is a key stop during the brewery's tour, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakefront introduced date nights in the chalet to allow for a socially distanced dinner for two.

Visit Lakefront's website to book a brewery tour or reserve a date night in the chalet.

More: When Bernie Brewer first got his chalet (and that giant beer mug) at County Stadium

Chris Foran contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here's what happened to Milwaukee's whale wall, other local landmarks
Maria woke up the morning after Donald Trump won the presidency feeling spicy. She grabbed a razor and began shaving her head while recording the process for TikTok. Im giving up on America, she said as she tried to shave off her hair until she gave up, grabbed a pair of scissors, and began cutting it off in chunks. Fuck being everything the patriarchy wants us to be, because they clearly dont give a shit about us, she continued in the three-and-a-half-minute video, which has already racked up more than four million views. If youre a man, I will not be talking to you. Im going to be promoting the 4B movement from here on out.

But what did she mean by the 4B movement? Trumps election as the next U.S. president has sparked a wave of social media posts discussing the South Korean-born 4B feminist movement, which advocates for women to swear off men altogether. Maria  @girl_dumphim on TikTok  explained in her video: Women, stop dating men. Stop having sex with men. Stop talking to men. Divorce your husbands, leave your fucking boyfriends, leave them! They dont give a shit about you.

Since election night on Tuesday, searches for the 4B movement on Google in the United States have skyrocketed by 4,000%, making it one of the top trending topics over the past 72 hours. The five states showing the highest interest  Washington, D.C., Colorado, Vermont, Minnesota, and Maine  are all Democratic strongholds, indicating that progressive women, disillusioned by Kamala Harris loss, are driving the surge. TikToker Maria, for example, lives in New York, according to her video.

For Harris and many of her supporters, womens rights were at the heart of this election. The vice presidents campaign focused on the fight for reproductive rights, hoping it would galvanize the female vote in her favor and against Trump. However, women ended up gravitating towards him, despite his misogynistic rhetoric and the fact that he was responsible for the Supreme Courts June 2022 decision to overturn the federal right to abortion. Women shifted to the right, with Harris winning the female vote by only eight points, compared to Bidens 15-point margin in 2020, according to exit polls.

For many progressive women, Trumps victory, along with the failure of abortion rights referendums in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota, is a threat to their reproductive freedoms. While Trump has expressed support for states legislating abortion rights, they fear a federal ban on abortion or at least a nationwide law restricting it to 15 weeks, as he has previously proposed. Their alarm is compounded by the fact that the new president is a man convicted of sexual assault and accused of rape.

In response, many are turning to the 4B movement. TikToker @rabbitsandtea posted on Wednesday: Doing my part as an American woman by breaking up with my Republican boyfriend last night and officially joining the 4B movement this morning. Her post quickly went viral, accumulating over 9.4 million views, with more than 10 additional videos explaining her decision in the face of widespread backlash.

To counter this, they are turning to the 4B movement. Another TikToker (@rabbitsandtea) posted on Wednesday: Doing my part as an American woman by breaking up with my Republican boyfriend last night and officially joining the 4B movement this morning. Her post quickly went viral, accumulating over 9.4 million views, and she has since posted more than 10 additional videos explaining her decision in the face of the backlash.

The 4B movement, inspired by global feminist movements like #MeToo, began in South Korea in 2019 amid protests against the countrys deeply entrenched gender inequalities and misogynistic culture. The movement gained momentum during the 2021 presidential election, when conservative candidate Yoon Suk-Yeol campaigned on abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, claiming that structural sexism didnt exist in the country. South Korea also has one of the largest gender pay gaps among OECD countries and the worlds lowest birth rate, with women of reproductive age averaging less than one child, according to 2023 data.

The 4B refers to four key rejections: heterosexual marriage (bihon in Korean), having children (bichulsan), dating men (biyeonae) and having sexual relations with them (bisekseu).

In the United States, discussions about the 4B movement have not been confined to TikTok, with users advocating for it on other platforms such as X, Instagram, Reddit or Facebook. Ladies, we need to start considering the 4B movement like the women in South Korea and give America a severely sharp birth rate decline: no marriage, no childbirth, no dating men, no sex with men. We cant let these men have the last laugh, we need to bite back, reads a post on X with more than 20.4 million views.

In addition to swearing off men, some social media users are also encouraging women to sign up for self-defense classes, support female-run businesses, and cultivate the female relationships and friendships in their lives. Reminder that the 4B movement, and the separatist movement in general, isnt just about avoiding menits also about supporting and investing in women, one posted on X.

While the 4B movement has gained international traction and popularity in recent years, particularly as young women around the world have discovered it through social media, it remains relatively small outside of South Korea. Experts suggest that, in the United States, the movement is largely a reaction to Trumps election.

Its a temporary means to bring attention to the precarious situation of women, with Trump and his ascending to power, Katharine Moon, a professor at Wellesley College and an expert on womens movements in East Asia, told The New York Times. So its not really about a total commitment to a way of life without men. Whereas in South Korea, it is a way of life.

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The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after a report found the Church of England covered up abuse of more than 100 boys and young men by the barrister John Smyth for years.

A survivor of Smyths abuse, along with three members of the General Synod, a bishop and several other clergy members, had called on the Most Rev Justin Welby to quit on Monday.

The independent report, released last week, concluded that the Archbishops failure to act on concerns about Smyth, who died in 2018, meant the Churchs most prolific serial child abuser was never brought to justice.

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Here, The Telegraph explains the process for selecting his replacement.

How does an archbishop quit?

The Archbishop of Canterbury would typically serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70.

However, an archbishop is able to retire earlier and would have to inform the King if they wish to do so.

The King would then accept and approve the resignation.

On retirement, they would usually be appointed as a life peer in the House of Lords.

Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, revealed the late Queen once told him she herself cant resign when he visited the palace to try to step down from the job.

Lord Carey served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002 and, during his period in office, took part in the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 and became the first Archbishop to ordain women to the priesthood.

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In his statement announcing his resignation, the archbishop said: It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.

Lord Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, revealed the late Queen once told him she herself cant resign when he tried to step down from the job - Fiona Hanson/PA

Has it happened before?

Dr Rowan Williams, Mr Welbys predecessor, resigned from his role in 2012, aged 61.

Despite being capable of continuing in his post for a further eight years, Dr Williams announced he would return to academia, as master of Magdalene College at the University of Cambridge, the following January.

Dr Williams, who held his position between February 2003 and December 2012, was criticised during his tenure by conservatives for his liberal views on homosexuality.

Dr Rowan Williams, Mr Welbys predecessor, resigned from his role in 2012, aged 61 - Alamy

In a series of letters from 2001 and 2003, he said gay relationships can reflect the love of God in a way that was comparable to marriage.

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Four months after announcing his resignation, Dr Williams said Christians needed to confront feelings of embarrassment, shame and disgust over homosexuality.

How is a new Archbishop of Canterbury chosen?

The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) is in charge of selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

Its role is to submit the name of a preferred candidate (and a second appointable candidate) to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister is constitutionally responsible for tendering advice on the appointment to the King.

When an Archbishop of Canterbury is chosen, there are 16 voting members. These are as follows:

The Chair (a layperson)  to be appointed by the Prime Minister

A Bishop  to be elected by the House of Bishops

The Archbishop of York or, if they choose not to be a member of the CNC, a further Bishop to be elected by the House of Bishops

The six representatives elected from the Diocese of Canterbury by their Vacancy in See Committee

The six representatives (three clergy and three lay) elected by the General Synod to serve as members of the Commission for a five-year period

A member of the Primates Meeting of the Anglican Communion, elected by the Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion

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In addition, the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Prime Ministers Appointments Secretary and the Archbishops Secretary for Appointments are non-voting members of the Commission.

The Commission will vote on their recommended candidate, and a second appointable candidate, and their names will be passed to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister commends the name preferred by the Commission to the King, who formally appoints them.

What is the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury ?

The Church of England is presided over by two archbishops: the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is primate of All England, and the Archbishop of York, who is primate of England.

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It is the Archbishop of Canterbury who has the privilege of crowning the kings and queens of England and ranks immediately after the princes of royal blood.

The Archbishop is seen as the spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide.

Their official residence is at Lambeth Palace, London, and second residence is at the Old Palace, Canterbury.

The Archbishop is the senior member of the House of Lords, the second chamber of the United Kingdom Parliament, and is the patron of many charities and organisations.

The first Archbishop of Canterbury was Augustine, who was sent to England by Pope Gregory I with the mission of converting the natives to Roman Christianity.

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The Armistice Day meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron in Paris was heavy with symbolism. The Prime Minister was the first since Winston Churchill in 1944 to attend the ceremonials at the Arc de Triomphe after receiving a personal invitation from the French president to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

It afforded an opportunity for the two leaders to hold talks at a time of peril on the continent arguably greater than at any time since the end of the Cold War. The election of Donald Trump has forced a strategic rethink in the chancelleries of Europe about how to deal with Vladimir Putins aggression should the US president-elect withdraw support for Ukraine.

It was reported by the Washington Post that Mr Trump had called the Russian leader and urged him not to escalate further but the Kremlin denied any conversation took place. Nonetheless, Mr Trump has not hidden his view that America cannot continue to fund the war, certainly not at current levels. The US is by far the biggest provider of financial and military assistance to Ukraine and Mr Trump is right to expect the Europeans to pay more for their own security. Yet even though more countries now spend around two per cent of GDP on defence, the Nato target, this is by no means enough.

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Few politicians in Europe are prepared to cut social spending to boost defence but they may not be able to rely on America to fill the gaps if Mr Trump disengages from Nato. The commitment to the Ukraine and wider European defence dominated the talks in Paris though no decisions were taken about what to do next.

President Macron, together with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, wants the EU to develop a military identity and will try to pull the UK into its orbit. Critics fear Labour will inch back into closer ties with the EU rather than use Brexit freedoms to seek new trade and military arrangements with Mr Trumps new administration.

For now the pressure is on the incumbent Joe Biden to Trump-proof aid to Ukraine by making commitments that will be hard to undo, including letting Ukraine fire long-range missiles into Russia. He has already committed to sending Kyiv the remaining $6bn in allocated military aid before Mr Trumps second term begins.

After that, the future for Ukraine looks more uncertain than at any time since the invasion.

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A scout. A spy. A nurse. An advocate. These were just a few of the titles used to describe a renowned freedom fighter and former enslaved woman who spent her life fighting for others at a commissioning ceremony in Maryland.

The Maryland National Guard and Gov. Wes Moore posthumously commissioned Harriet Tubman as a one-star general in the Maryland Army National Guard on Monday. The ceremony, commemorating her service to the Union Army during the Civil War, was held near her birthplace at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park Visitor Center.

This is a person who was one of the greatest Marylanders weve ever known, and someone who was willing to risk her own freedom, her own safety, her own life in order to save others. That is patriotism. That is heroism, said Moore, acknowledging the importance of honoring Tubman on Veterans Day.

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John A. Andrews, the governor of Massachusetts at the time of the Civil War, recruited Tubman to the Union Army shortly after the war began. Tubman was the first African American woman to serve in combat for the US military.

She first served as a liaison between Union commanders and escaping slaves, helping to recruit them into the military. She then worked as both a nurse and a spy, commanding her own group of spies and leading an expedition that led to the freedom of over 700 slaves.

After the war ended, Tubman was denied military benefits by the US

government. She received a widows pension more than 20 years later for the military service of her second husband.

Tubman honored for her service

Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, the commanding officer for the Maryland National Guard, hosted the ceremony to officially recognize Tubmans military service, commissioning her as a brigadier general.

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On behalf of the Maryland National Guard, I am proud to call Brig. Gen. Harriet Tubman among the best of us, said Birckhead. With courage and selflessness, Harriet Tubman nobly advanced the survival of the Union and the proposition that all people are created equal.

The decision won unanimous support from both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly, state delegate Edith J. Patterson explained. Following speeches from political leaders, Birckhead placed the symbolic rank around the neck of Tina Wyatt, the three-time great grandniece of Tubman.

She came into the Civil War, into the bowels of slavery, after having freed herself to be able to free others, and to be able to fight for the Union but mostly to free the enslaved that were there and then to let them fight, Wyatt said as she accepted the honor.

Americas very-own Moses

Born into chattel slavery in 1820 as Araminta Minty Ross, Tubman was raised on a plantation in Dorchester County, Maryland. She was one of 11 children.

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As a five-year-old child, she was rented out to a neighboring family. When she was 12, Tubman was hit in the head with a heavy metal weight while trying to aid a fleeing slave. The injury caused her to have sleeping spells for the rest of her life, and episodes where she would drop into unconsciousness without warning.

Harriet Tubman, American abolitionist leader, was born in 1820, and contributed to the freedom of over 700 slaves during her service with the U.S. Army. - MPI/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Tubman decided she would escape around 1850, after learning she and two of her brothers were to be sold. The siblings left together, but, fearful of what would happen if they were caught, her brothers turned back. Tubman continued the journey to Philadelphia alone, according to an 1886 biography by Sarah Bradford.

In 1850, Tubman began her famous work with the Underground Railroad, first organizing the escape of her sister Mary Ann and her family. In 1857, Tubman returned to Maryland and freed her parents. Tubman is said to have made at least 17 additional trips south during her lifetime.

Tubman became a legend to many of the people who heard of her journeys, becoming known as the Moses of her time. Whispers of a mysterious Moses spread among plantation owners, who offered large rewards for her capture.

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Tubman made her last trip to Maryland in November 1860, around the time that Abraham Lincoln was elected president. She died in 1913 at the age of 92.

In 2016, US Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew announced plans to have a portrait of Tubman featured on the front of the $20 bill. In 2021, the Biden administration said it was exploring ways to speed up the release of $20 bills featuring the abolitionist after the Trump administration delayed the move first initiated by President Barack Obama.

If put on the $20 dollar bill, Tubman will be the first African American to appear on a US banknote.

Mondays commemoration is the first time Tubman has been officially recognized for her military service.

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Editor's note: This is part two of a two part series. Click here to read the first part.

Just over a year ago, after a massive explosion in the parking area of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza killed 471 people and wounded hundreds more, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah, who was performing surgery at Al-Ahli when the roof fell in, gave an extraordinary press conference. Flanked by fellow health care workers in their scrubs and surrounded by white-shrouded dead bodies in the hospital courtyard, Abu-Sittah, a British-Palestinian volunteer in Gaza with Doctors Without Borders, described how people came to the hospital in search of safety.

This is a war crime that the world has seen coming, he declared. Israel has been warning the entire world that it was going to attack Palestinian hospitals, and it did exactly that.

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While Israel has denied responsibility for that specific attack, whose origin is still debated, since then, Israeli forces have directly attacked hospitals and other health care facilities dozens and dozens of times.

In a recently-released investigation that was presented to the United Nations General Assembly on Oct. 30, the U.N.-mandated independent Commission of Inquiry found that Israel has implemented a concerted policy to destroy the health care system in Gaza, and that it has committed the crime against humanity of extermination.

Salon previously reported the findings of the COI, which covers allegations from all sides in the region from Oct. 7, 2023, through the end of July 2024, and explored how they relate to the ongoing impact of Israels continued and intensifying operations in Gaza on health care facilities, staff and patients, an impact documented by other organizations. These include a report on the killing, detention and torture of health care workers released this month by Healthcare Workers Watch, a correspondence published last week in the Lancet documenting a surge in preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in Gaza, and a new report from the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, that addresses the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

While the evidence of Israels repeated and deliberate attacks on health care infrastructure has been presented to the world, many health care professionals and their patients have asked the international community why their calls for intervention are being ignored  and wonder where the solidarity is with health care workers in Gaza.

Distribution of medical aid and medicines to Nasser Medical Hospital Gaza

Nothing in this war makes sense, the entirety of it is unimaginable! I hope it ends soon, but no one seems to be trying to stop it, Dr. S., a physician who worked in a north Gaza hospital until he and his family were displaced and the hospital was later attacked, raided and put out of service, wrote to Salon in a series of text messages. (Salon has agreed to protect his identity.) Dr. S. was trapped in Gaza when he returned home days before Oct. 7, 2023, to celebrate his graduation with family members he hadnt seen during 10 years of medical studies abroad. He has lost 72 family members to Israel's attacks.

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In the midst of the devastating conflict in Gaza, doctors and medical staff are caught in an unimaginable crisis, S. said. The health care system, which should be a sanctuary in times of war, has instead become a target. Hospitals are under siege, and medical professionals, who are doing everything in their power to save lives, are under direct threat. Doctors are being attacked, kidnapped and killed, while the very institutions meant to provide care are being bombarded. Yet, the world remains largely silent on their plight. While there is global outrage over civilian casualties, the relentless attacks on the medical community remain underreported.

War crimes the world has seen coming

On Nov. 8, 2023, another unique press conference took place in Gaza. This time it was at Al-Shifa Hospital, then the largest in the Gaza Strip. Standing outside the hospital, Palestinian children called on the world to prevent their deaths. The first young speaker stated in English, We come to Al-Shifa Hospital to keep us from bombing. We suddenly run out of death more [sic] after bombing the hospital.

On Nov. 11, the IDF laid complete siege to Al-Shifa Hospital, claiming that Hamas used it as a command and control center.

By Nov. 12, the World Health Organization, UNFPA and UNICEFs regional directors jointly called for international action to put a halt to Israels attacks on hospitals, reporting that 137 attacks on health care infrastructure had already resulted in 521 deaths, including those of 16 medical workers. The attacks described in the COI report and documented since the period studied there by others, like Healthcare Workers Watch, Forensic Architecture, Human Rights Watch, other U.N. bodies and numerous media organizations, dont just include hospitals. They also involve ambulances, which health care staff rely on to save the lives of people too badly injured to get to a hospital on their own. As the report states:

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As at 15 July, 113 ambulances had been attacked and at least 61 had been damaged. The Commission documented direct attacks on medical convoys operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and non-governmental organizations. Access was also reduced owing to closure of areas by Israeli security forces, delays in coordination of safe routes, checkpoints, searches or destruction of roads.

The U.N. commission devoted special attention in its report to particularly egregious allegations, one of which was the story of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, and the paramedics who tried to save her life.

On Jan. 29, a car carrying Hind and her cousin, 15-year-old Leyan Hamada, as well as Hinds aunt and uncle and three other cousins, was attacked by Israel Defense Forces while trying to evacuate from an area under heavy bombardment. After the adults in the car were killed, Leyan tried to call for help and got through to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.

They are shooting at us. The tank is right next to me. We're in the car, the tank is right next to us, she told the PRCS dispatchers before they heard her screams and the sound of machine gun fire. When the dispatchers called back, Hind answered and told them her cousin was dead.

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The little girl was trapped alone in the car for hours after that, using her cousins phone to beg PRCS staff for rescue, telling them, I'm so scared, please come. Come take me. Please, will you come?" As described in the U.N. commission report, the dispatchers contacted the MOH and Israeli security forces to coordinate, over hours of negotiation, a designated safe route they might take to rescue the child  which is standard practice in conflict situations  and when finally given the green light, dispatched an ambulance with two paramedics.

When the ambulance was roughly 50 meters from the familys car, it was struck by a tank shell. Twelve days later, after the Israeli military finally withdrew from the area, the family members bodies, including Hinds, were retrieved from the bullet-ridden car. The ambulance was also found nearby, totally destroyed and with human remains inside.

The number of bullet holes in the car indicates [it] was being deliberately fired upon, Chris Sidoti, one of the three members of the independent COI, told Salon in a video interview, citing hundreds of bullet holes. The condition of the ambulance suggested it had been struck by a tank shell, Sidoti continued, adding, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad do not have tanks.

Sidoti is a lawyer, consultant and expert in human rights law, institutions and mechanisms, and previously served as a Member of the U.N. Independent International Fact Finding Mission on Myanmar. The IDF has denied there were any operational units in the area, Sidoti said. We do not accept that. We have evidence, and we have indicated, that the 162nd Brigade of the battalion was operating militarily in the area.

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The relevance of this episode for the U.N. commissions report, Sidoti continued, is that health facilities, patients and personnel were involved. The ambulance went there, the ambulance was attacked and the two paramedics were killed, Sidoti said, and the fact that happened after many hours of a child on the phone pleading to be rescued made it even more outrageous. Speaking personally, rather than officially, its what happens to kids that really gets me.

The questionable legality of Israels attacks on health care

Attacks were widespread and systematic, starting in the north of the Gaza Strip (October to December 2023) and then later occurring in the centre (December 2023 to January 2024), the south (January to March 2024) and other areas (April to June 2024). The stated justification of the Israeli security forces for the attacks was that Hamas was using hospitals for military purposes, including as command-and-control centres.

Is it actually legal to bomb a hospital? Or, for that matter, to bomb 36 hospitals?

At the presentation of the first part of the report to the U.N. Human Rights Council in June, COI chair Navi Pillay made clear that Israel has the right to protect its citizens from violence by Palestinian armed groups  but also that it must comply with international law while doing so. Hamas and Palestinian armed groups are likewise bound by international law. That includes law relating to health facilities in war, as codified in the First and Fourth Geneva Conventions as well as in state practice and the military manuals of most states.

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There are two dimensions to this, Sidoti told Salon. Hospitals and health facilities are, he said, protected property. That means that they cannot be attacked, but they can lose their protection only insofar as they are being used for military purposes, and any military action that is then taken in relation to the hospital is subject to the normal rules of combat, meaning, most importantly, a distinction between civilians and non-civilians. Any military action must be reasonable and necessary, as well as proportionate to the military usage that is occurring.

In response to Salons request for comment, the IDF cited a social media statement: Hamas use of medical facilities to conceal its operatives, to store its arsenal, to conduct attacks, to hide hostages, and to connect the sites of its terrorist activity through tunnels is clear as day. The evidence is overwhelming, yet, the COI chooses once again to turn a blind eye to Hamas strategy of abusing civilian infrastructure and using the Palestinian population as human shields.

Does that mean that if Al-Qassam fighters (members of Hamas military wing) are hiding in a hospital, its OK to bomb them? Is it legal, in a conflict situation, to kill a human shield?

Sidoti offered an example, referring to the standards of reasonableness, necessity and proportionality mentioned above: When Israeli authorities say they have found three armed terrorists in a hospital, that is not sufficient to justify the total destruction of a hospital, killing hundreds of people.

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Before Al-Shifa Hospital was besieged and attacked, for example, the IDF produced this very flamboyant imagery of the command and control center underneath the hospital, Sidoti said, which they alleged form the basis of the justification of the attack. Yet none of the footage produced after the event indicated anything like that kind of command and control center underneath the hospital.

He noted that there is some dispute among Israeli leadership as to whether tunnels found near or under the hospital were the work of Hamas, or had been constructed by Israeli authorities in the 1980s for storage purposes. You need to have better evidence than that before you destroy an entire hospital complex and attack a hospital and kill large numbers of civilians, Sidoti said.

Facilities organized for medical purposes are protected under the Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocols and other law and practice  rules developed in part as a response to the horrors of the Holocaust revealed at the Nuremberg trials  and can be either civilian or military, permanent or temporary, fixed or mobile. They can therefore range from hospitals to ambulances to an outdoor vaccination clinic to a pharmaceutical storage facility in a medical clinic. At least 40,000 Palestinian deaths have occurred due to Israeli military action in Gaza (though an estimate published in the Lancet in July suggests the tally is closer to 200,000), even as billions and billions of dollars in military funding continue to flow from the U.S. to Israel.

The crime of extermination

According to the Media Office of the de facto authorities in Gaza, more than 500 bodies were found in mass graves located on hospital grounds, including at Shifa and Nasr hospitals. Satellite images from 23 April show at least two possible mass graves at Nasr Hospital. The de facto authorities in Gaza have said that several bodies were found undressed and handcuffed, indicating that the victims might have been executed. One witness involved in the exhumation of bodies near Nasr Hospital told the Commission that he had seen bodies with gunshot wounds in the head or neck. Israeli security forces have denied burying bodies in mass graves, although they acknowledged that soldiers searching for the bodies of hostages had exhumed some mass graves.

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The commission concluded from its investigation that Israel has been guilty of the crime against humanity of extermination. Among its recommendations, it calls for U.N. member states, including the United States, to cease aiding or assisting in the commission of violations; explore accountability measures against alleged perpetrators of international crimes, grave human rights violations and abuses in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Crimes against humanity are, according to the NGO TRIAL International, those found on a list of specific crimes committed in the context of a large-scale attack on civilians. They are not quite the same as war crimes, since a crime against humanity can also be committed in peacetime. The most comprehensive and recent list of crimes against humanity is found in the 1988 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Extermination is one of these crimes.

Just as a crime against humanity isnt necessarily a war crime, extermination, Sidoti explained, is not the same thing as genocide. Genocide does not need to involve a single killing. There are five acts that can constitute genocide, only one of which involves killing, he said.

The genocide case against Israel, launched by South Africa on Dec. 29, 2023, and since joined by 10 other nations, including Ireland, Mexico and Turkiye, has not yet been decided by the International Court of Justice, which in January issued provisional orders. The ICJ considers the claims made by South Africa about possible rights violations constituting genocide to be plausible, and that the consequence of waiting for the ruling could be catastrophic.

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By contrast, the commissions October finding that Israel is committing the crime of extermination in Gaza relates to the commission of massacres, not to their purpose: More significantly still, genocide must be these acts carried out with the purpose of destroying a protected group in whole or in part. Extermination does not involve that genocidal purpose. It is mass killing, but it need not be accompanied by a purpose to destroy the group in whole or in part, Sidoti told Salon.

Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City

There can be no question that mass killing has occurred repeatedly in Gaza in the last year, with over 93 massacres since March, according to Special Rapporteur Francesca Albaneses report, which was released last month. The Flour Massacre. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Massacre. The al-Tabin school-turned-shelter Massacre. The Nuseirat Market Massacre. The multiple massacres in Jabalia refugee camp and Beit Lahia neighborhood. The siege of Al-Shifa Hospital. The Al-Mawasi safe zone massacre.

On Oct. 19, at least 73 people died as a result of Israeli strikes on Beit Lahia, a residential block made more crowded by displaced people ordered to evacuate Jabalia refugee camp and hospitals in the north. But the Israel Foreign Ministry posted in English on X: Following an initial IDF examination, the numbers published by the Office of Hamas-run Government Information Office in Gaza  are exaggerated and do not align with the information held by the IDF, the precise munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike on a Hamas terror target.

Indeed, the IDF is capable of extremely precise strikes. Back in 2012, the IDF Editorial Team described the Israeli Air Forces ability to use so-called pinpoint targeting, singling out terrorists and targeting them in a way which wont endanger bystanders ... IAF pilots can even single out one target from an entire residential complex. They also noted the Air Force ability and willingness to abort an attack if it becomes clear that there are civilians in the target zone.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are used extensively for risk-free surveillance, while armed UAVs or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), can shoot or snipe from above. Small drones, called quadcopters, may be used for surveillance or equipped to drop bombs. The buzzing sound of UAVs has been ubiquitous in Gaza since 2006, and drones are called zenana, an Arabic word referring to the sound using the slang term for a nagging wife.

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It occurs to me that, for children born after 2005, they have no concept of a quiet sky, Dorotea Gucciardo, who coordinates medical delegations to Gaza for Glia, an international NGO devoted to accessible healthcare, told Salon in a video interview. They have no concept of a free sky, because everything in the sky is trying to kill them. Its either trying to track them, to surveil them, to maim them, to target them, to kill them, whether its these quadcopters, whether its the drones, whether its the fighter jets.

Breaking the Silence, an organization of Israeli veterans who oppose the occupation and testify to war crimes committed by the IDF, also addressed the question, writing on X about the killings of 120 people that resulted from the bombing of a hospital and a residential complex on the same weekend, which the IDF attempted to justify by citing its use of precise munitions.

Unsurprisingly though, the dead dont seem to care how precise the weapons were, the post reads. And while the army may have considered them acceptable collateral damage, basic moral norms say otherwise. Especially when the list of acceptable targets includes humanitarian safe zones.

You can see we are burning and you stay quiet"

The period investigated by the U.N. commission ended in July. But the atrocities described in the report have not ceased: For example, the stun grenade dropped on a polio vaccination clinic during a humanitarian pause, wounding several children. The bombing of the third floor of a hospital that destroyed medical supplies brought in after days of negotiations just days before. The 13-year-old girl just out of surgery who was struck by shrapnel, causing a fresh and critical abdominal injury, during multiple strikes on a hospital while World Health Organization staff were present to carry out medical evacuations coordinated with Israeli forces. The doctor killed in an Israeli strike alongside her mother and her newborn twins, her husband finding their bodies at the morgue of her former workplace minutes after registering his babies birth. Patient wounds routinely crawling with maggots because health care facilities have no access to soap, gauze, disinfectant and running water. A hospital director calling daily on the international community to intervene to break the siege and bring surgeons and supplies to the nearly-ruined hospital where he is one of two remaining doctors amid a constant flood of suffering as Israel carries out forced displacement that may amount to ethnic cleansing of the north of Gaza.

By the beginning of last month, the World Health Organization reported 516 attacks on health care since the start of the war, an increase from the 498 attacks the commission reported between Oct. 7, 2023 and July 30, 2024.

The week before Salon spoke with Gucciardo in October, 19-year-old software engineering student Shaban Al-Dalou was burned alive as a result of a targeted Israeli strike that hit patient tents in the hospital courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which, like the grounds of other major hospitals, has become an overflow site for patients and their families. As people around the world watched in video and photographs, Al-Dalou could be seen trying to move while engulfed in flames. A clearly visible IV ran from his arm. Al-Dalous mother was burned alive beside him while his father, Ahmad, managed to rescue two of his five children. As reported by The Times of Israel, the IDF said it had struck terrorists operating from a command center inside the medical centers compound and accused Hamas of hiding among civilians and using facilities such as hospitals for terror operations.

Shabans brother, Mohammed, said in an interview with AJPlus, I can't describe the feeling. I saw my brother burning in front of me. And my mother was burning. What more do you want to happen to stay quiet? You can see we are burning and you stay quiet.

Days afterwards, Al-Dalous youngest brother, 10-year-old Abdul Rahman, succumbed to his burns. Their cousin spent days calling out to the world on social media, begging for international intervention to secure the medical evacuation of Al-Dalous two sisters, whose condition has continued to deteriorate. There was no response. Farah died of her injuries around Oct. 20, leaving only 14-year-old Rahaf struggling to survive.

It made a lot of people feel just totally helpless, like, what have we been doing? Why? Why can not even this galvanize change? Gucciardo told Salon. And then it made some of us feel more galvanized, like now is not the time to stop. Now is not the time to stop talking, to stop fighting, to stop demanding dignity for Palestinians in Gaza.

International solidarity MIA

There has been a glaring disparity between medical associations eagerness to speak out about the Ukraine war and to advocate for protection of medical facilities and provision of humanitarian medical services, and the virtual silence regarding the complete destruction of the health care system in Gaza.

The silence surrounding the targeted attacks on Gazas medical workers is a moral failure, Dr. S. told Salon from the devastated north of Gaza, where all three remaining hospitals have been under Israeli siege and attack in recent weeks, with numerous medical staff detained in unknown locations. This level of exhaustion and lack of support is unsustainable, he said in late October. Nevertheless, this month S. decided to go back to help out at a different hospital but was displaced again on Nov. 7, his familys fifth displacement in a month. He doesnt know where they will end up.

Its not just a question of statements calling for a ceasefire or for an end to U.S. funding for Israels war in Gaza, or expressing condemnation of attacks on health care facilities. No Palestinians, even if they can pay the exorbitant fees, are allowed to leave Gaza right now unless by medical evacuation. Since Israeli forces took control of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt in May, even those have become vanishingly rare. But while the desperate pleas of Shaban Al-Dalous cousin on social media have not been answered, medical evacuation remains possible  and its the host governments, or even host hospitals, that put the process in motion.

The system inside Gaza is actually fairly efficient, explained Dr. Amber Alayyan, an American pediatrician and the deputy cell manager for the Middle East Region at Doctors Without Borders. American hospitals can arrange and pay for the medical evacuation of sick or injured patients from Gaza.

It would totally be possible to bring lots of injured people or sick people from Gaza, Alayyan said. Its not that complicated. All there needs to be is the will, a real will. Weve done this before, she added, recalling examples of patients brought to the U.S. from various foreign countries for specialized treatment. Each hospital can just say, I have the space. I can take 10 kids, 15, 20, 30, 100 kids. Any hospital in the U.S., because its so privatized, could say, Were doing this, were going to make the space, and can get in touch with people from their local government or their state government, who can get in touch with people in the U.N.

The hospitals, and those who help with advocacy and funding  whether that means individual health care staff, hospital directors, local health authorities, or the various national medical societies  would also be taking patients to a place of safety at a time when every person who remains in Gaza is at imminent risk of death.

As NPR reported in August, an organization must have the surgery or treatment lined up along with transportation and funding, and thats the part any individual American hospital or medical organization could arrange. But the Israeli agency that coordinates government activity in occupied territories must also provide clearance for any person to leave Gaza, and often wont do that until a host-country visa is in place. Approved evacuations have plummeted since May, from roughly 50 per day before Israel took over the Rafah Crossing, NPRs Jane Arraf reported.

In July, the Palestinian Childrens Relief Fund, the largest NGO working on medical evacuations, reached an agreement with the WHO and the European Unions Emergency Response Coordination Centre to bring children from Gaza to European hospitals for treatment, along with their accompanying immediate relatives. Early in November, the WHO announced that over 100 patients would be evacuated to the United Arab Emirates and Romania for treatment. The U.S. State Department has sometimes had success intervening with Israeli authorities to make evacuations happen.

American medical associations are incredibly slow on moving forward, Alayyan told Salon, and some are not speaking out, for many reasons, including the potential loss of donations.

In 2023, the American Medical Association refused to debate a resolution calling for a ceasefire, while in June of this year dozens of health care professionals and students protested the AMAs House of Delegates meeting in Chicago, where a compromise resolution calling generally for peace in Israel and Palestine ultimately won over resolutions that would have called explicitly for a ceasefire, condemned collective punishment tactics such as restricting access to food, water or health care, and opposed U.S. funding to entities that commit war crimes.

I mean, the American Medical Association has a giant voice. The medical community in the U.S. has a huge voice, Alayyan said. Its just striking how its become almost accepted by the international [community], or at least the West. No ones really screaming and calling out [that] these are abject war crimes.

A recent call to action by a loose international coalition of health care workers urged American health institutions like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, medical association presidents, hospital CEOs and other health care leaders to push elected officials for a ceasefire. It also asks health care institutions to support an arms embargo of Israel and divestment from companies implicated in violence.

But within the medical community in the U.S. there is little evidence so far of any move toward even a statement advocating against bombing hospitals.

Dr. Alice Rothchild is a retired OB-GYN and a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, a national, membership-based organization working towards Palestinian freedom and Judaism beyond Zionism. Its the worlds largest organization of Jews who oppose Israeli policy in Palestine. JVP condemns Hamas war crimes, such as indiscriminate killing of civilians and taking of civilian hostages on Oct. 7 and beyond, and many of its members lost loved ones in the attack. As early as Oct. 11 the organization issued a call to prevent the imminent genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

Rothchild notes that a bad faith conflation of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, or a reluctance to criticize actions of the State of Israel even when they violate international law, has led to a culture of silence and fear within the medical community.

In a video interview with Salon, Rothchild stated her views bluntly: There is a genocide, there [are] now academic papers documenting the deliberate targeting of all health care institutions, health centers, health care workers in Gaza. Gazas two schools of medicine, she added, have been bombed and its universities reduced to rubble. Medical institutions [should] say this is egregious behavior, and we need to call it out. And we need to pressure Congress and Biden and anyone who has any power to stop this. The way to stop this is not to give Israel a free pass and not to send them billions and billions of dollars of weaponry that allow them to continue this genocide.

Medical professionals are allowed to criticize wars, anywhere else in the world, [to criticize] trauma anywhere else in the world, she added. Yet the clear and obvious fact that war is a threat to public health remains a politically fraught position in relation to Gaza  even as time runs out for American doctors colleagues, and their patients, in the enclave.

I was looking at the statistics the other day, Alayyan said.If 587 healthcare workers in Gaza have been killed, the equivalent in the U.S. is 92,000 people ... So we hear these numbers, we go, thats so small. Yeah, but the population is two million people. So if 92,000 healthcare workers in the States were killed, I feel like somebody would want to speak up. And it just seems shocking to me that doctors and health care workers in the States arent saying anything ... There are many individuals who are speaking out, but the idea that these organizations that represent them arent is just disgusting.
Two helmet-wearing goons shot a cellphone store worker multiple times and took his $22,000 Rolex during a stickup in Queens, cops said Saturday.

The robbers got tangled in a physical altercation with the victim just before 7 p.m. Friday at the Top in Town Wireless store on 32-78 Steinway St. in Astoria, according to the NYPD.

During the fight, one of the thieves fired multiple rounds at the victim, cops

One of the thieves who stole a Rolex watch from a man after shooting him several times at 32-78

Steinway St, Queens. NYPD/DCPI

Both suspects during a robbery in progress at a cellphone store in Astoria, Queens. NYPD/DCPI

Crime scene at Top in Town Wireless store with disarray from a robbery and shooting. Brigitte Stelzer

The victim, a 40-year-old man who works at the mobile phone store, was shot in both legs and his torso, according to the NYPD. He was transported to NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst in stable condition.

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They stole the victims jaw-droppingly expensive watch before they fled the scene on a scooter, officials said.

The Top in Town Wireless storefront, where an employee was robbed at gunpoint on Friday evening. Google Maps

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NYPD Evidence Team at the crime scene of Top in Town Wireless store. Brigitte Stelzer

One of the men was wearing a gray helmet with a black jacket and blue jeans, cops said. The other was wearing a black helmet and a red mask with a blue hooded sweatshirt and red and black sneakers, according to the NYPD.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
By Noriyuki Suzuki, KYODO NEWS - Nov 12, 2024 - 00:03 | All, Japan

Shigeru Ishiba was formally reelected as Japan's prime minister on Monday after a rare runoff vote in parliament that his ruling coalition no longer controls, setting the stage for a minority government that may push him to yield more to an emboldened opposition bloc.

The first runoff vote in three decades to select a new prime minister saw Ishiba, who heads the Liberal Democratic Party, defeat his rival Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, at the opening of a four-day parliamentary session.

While the outcome was widely expected, it still points to the struggles that the scandal-hit ruling coalition may face in passing budget plans and legislation after it lost its long-held majority control of the 465-member House of Representatives in an election on Oct. 27.

The reelection of Ishiba, who took office only about a month ago, puts an immediate focus on how much the ruling camp will take heed of opposition calls for more drastic political reforms and reducing income tax burdens for households.

"The current political situation may be good for democracy in a sense," Ishiba told a press conference at his office, as he stressed the need for various parties that represent diverse views to squarely discuss policies.

"Building on our cooperation between the LDP and (the coalition partner) Komeito party, I will strive to obtain support from as many other parties as possible to protect the safety and security of the people in a careful and humble manner," he said.

In the second round of voting that came after none of the candidates gained majority support in the initial vote in the powerful lower house, Ishiba was declared the winner with 221 votes, surpassing 160 for Noda and 84 that were deemed invalid. He also won reelection in the ruling coalition-controlled House of Councillors.

Faced with myriad challenges, from the rising cost of living to security threats from China, North Korea and Russia, the 67-year-old Ishiba made only small changes to the lineup of his Cabinet and retained the rest, including foreign, defense and finance chiefs.

In a stark reminder of the ruling parties' weakening grip on parliament, an opposition member will chair the powerful budget committee of the lower house for the first time in three decades. Diet deliberations may require more time and concessions from the ruling bloc.

The CDPJ has an increased presence in the lower chamber, and the same goes for the opposition Democratic Party for the People, which has been courted by both sides of the aisle, with its seats quadrupling from before the election.

To smooth the way for a stable government, the ruling coalition has signaled its willingness to work with the DPP and coordinate their policies.

The smaller but influential DPP has become a target of courting by both the ruling bloc and the opposition CDPJ, as they appear warming to the DPP's idea of raising the 1.03 million yen ($6,700) income ceiling for tax payments, thereby boosting people's incomes.

But a layer of uncertainty loomed over the DPP and the outcome of the vote at the last minute after a magazine report exposed its leader Yuichiro Tamaki's extramarital affair, though his party members agreed that he should stay on.

The opposition camp is expected to tighten the screws on Ishiba, taking aim at the LDP's loose handling of political funds, an issue that cost some LDP members their official endorsements and eroded public trust in politics.

During the press conference, Ishiba stressed the need to make the flow and use of political funds "crystal clear" in the eyes of the public and vowed to take necessary legislative steps before the end of the year.

"We need to come up with additional ways to exponentially boost the transparency of political funds," he said.

The CDPJ and the DPP are calling for a legal revision to make the flow of political funds more transparent and for the establishment of a third-party panel to impose checks.

More Diet panels are led by opposition members than before the lower house election, raising the bar for Ishiba in seeking parliamentary approval.

The government plans to compile a package of economic measures intended to mitigate the negative fallout of rising prices by providing cash handouts to low-income earners and lowering energy prices through subsidies.

A supplementary budget for the current fiscal year to next March will be needed to finance the package.

In the second Cabinet in about a month, former senior vice foreign minister Keisuke Suzuki was named the new justice minister, and Taku Eto will serve again as farm minister. Both took over from their predecessors who lost their parliamentary seats. Hiromasa Nakano, a Komeito lawmaker, took the post of land minister in place of Tetsuo Saito, who became the party's chief.

Related coverage:

Japan minor party head apologizes for "uterus removal" remark

Land minister Tetsuo Saito takes helm of Japan coalition partner Komeito

Ishiba's LDP, smaller DPP debate econ steps, PM eyes minority gov't
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Veterans Day is a day to remember and honor those who serve our country.

Veterans Day ceremonies in western Massachusetts

Veterans Day is recognized every year on November 11th. A day to remember, honor and acknowledge the service, sacrifices and contributions of the millions of veterans in our country.

Everybody kind of comes together in moments like this, said Marc Massey, an Army veteran.

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Traditionally ceremonies are held throughout the day along with parades, and in Agawam and West Springfield, residents started their days early with a wreath laying ceremony.

Marc Massey is not only the Director of Veteran Services for the town of West Springfield, but he is also an Army veteran, serving for about 15 years.

It means a lot to be able to come together and just have peace amongst everybody. Knowing that the sacrifices that a lot of us made are worth it to have moments like this, said Massey.

The cities of Agawam and West Springfield meeting right here in the middle of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge this morning. Each city bringing a wreath, one placing it on the bridge and the other, tossing it in the water, honoring those whove served and those whove made the ultimate sacrifice.

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For Jeffrey Zaleski, an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, it is important people know what veterans have done and continue to do for the country.

Always remember, never forget the sacrifices made for your freedoms, said Zaleski.

The ceremony was accompanied with a gun salute and taps on the bugle from members of both Agawam and West Springfield.

By-city brotherhood. That all veterans share, not matter where, what town you live in. We all share that same glue and adhesive that bonds us all together, said Massey.

Whats open and closed on Veterans Day?

Although Veterans Day is federally recognized on November 11th each year, it doesnt mean you cant thank veterans for their service and sacrifice each and every other day.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Junior League of Panama Citys largest annual fundraiser, Holly Fair is coming to a close after a weekend full of Christmas spirit. For 35 years the Holly Fair earnings are donated to Bay County residents to help them during the holiday season.

The event features everything from boutiques, Christmas ornaments and decor, soup shops, and more. The Holly Fairs main attraction throughout the weekend is its massive shopping event.

Ukrainian Culture celebration raised money for special drone mission

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Oh, my goodness. We have over 65 vendors here in the building and you can buy anything from macaroons to snack on while youre shopping to books for your children, to clothes for yourself and maybe your sister or your mother as well as bags made from sales. I mean, we have a little bit of something for everybody. Soaps, cookware, we have it all, Junior League President Rebecca Windham said.

Its not only a great time for the family, but the event also gives back to Bay County. While getting a head start on holiday shopping, attendees are also giving back, with 100% of the net proceeds supporting the programs mission of advancing womens leadership for a meaningful community impact.

We have had phenomenal support from the community, some of our largest attendance so far. And we are so proud and so happy to have that support, Holly Fair Chair Jennifer said.

To close out the weekend full of festivities families were able to enjoy meet and greets with Santa, stories read by Mrs. Claus, and live music. Organizers say it is never too early for Christmas.

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Lynn Havens Art in the Park returns

The Christmas season is just all about helping others and giving back and thats what this is. You just feel joy and happiness. I feel like when you walk in, its never too early for Christmas, Guynn said.

Organizers say they hope to continue growing the event for years to come.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
The number of homeless veterans in America dropped to its lowest level on record this year, down more than 55% over the last 14 years, according to data released by the Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday.

The improvement comes after three years of aggressive efforts by department leaders to quickly find permanent housing for veterans facing economic hardship and mental health challenges. Officials announced earlier this fall they had helped place nearly 48,000 veterans in stable housing in fiscal 2024 alone, and more than 133,000 over the last three years.

The estimate of veterans dealing with homelessness comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Developments annual point-in-time count, conducted each January. This year, face-to-face surveys across the country found 32,882 veterans living on the street without stable housing, a reduction of about 2,700 individuals from the 2023 count.

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Homeless vets set to receive more housing help

In a statement, VA Secretary Denis McDonough called that estimate an encouraging sign.

No veteran should experience homelessness in this country they swore to defend, he said. This years PIT Count shows that VA and the entire Biden-Harris administration are making real progress in the fight to end veteran homelessness. We still have a long way to go, but we will not stop until every veteran has a safe, stable place to call home.

In 2010, President Barack Obama announced a nationwide push to end homelessness among veterans, an ambitious goal that advocates hailed as a turning point in outreach efforts to struggling veterans. That included better tracking of the number of homeless veterans, since that data had not been monitored on a reliable basis.

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At the time, federal agencies estimated that as many as 74,000 were without stable housing on any given night in America.

U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Director Jeff Olivet said that the steady decrease shows that with the right investments in housing and health care, and with strong leadership and coordination across government, homelessness is solvable.

So far in 2024, VA has awarded more than $800 million in grants to help veterans experiencing homelessness. In recent years the department has also expanded legal services for veterans without stable housing and eased eligibility rules for veterans to receive assistance before facing homelessness.

The full point-in-time count report from HUD, which shows trends on homelessness among all Americans, is expected to be released in the next few weeks.

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Kathryn Monet, CEO of the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, said the latest numbers are encouraging news for homeless advocates.

The return to decreases in veteran homelessness estimates reflects the power of community work, the impact of housing-focused interventions, and the tenacity we see every day from organizations on the front lines of responding to this emergency, she said. These results remind us that when we come together with the intent to create systemic change, we can improve access to housing for veterans.

Veterans currently experiencing homelessness or related financial problems can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 or visit the departments website for more information.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Honolulu Emergency Medical Services had a busy hour on Sunday, Nov. 10 evening after responding to incidents in Mililani and Pearl City.

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Paramedics and Honolulu police first responded to an aggravated assault incident in Pearl City in the Kamehameha Highway and Kuala Street area of Pearl City.

UH engineers make medical breakthrough with tiny squishy robots

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The incident happened shortly after 6 p.m. when it was reported a 61-year-old man suffered multiple injuries and lacerations from the apparent assault.

Feeling a bit subversive? Try this

First responders transported him to an emergency room in serious condition.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., EMS responded to an incident in Mililani to treat three patients after a car drove into a home.

Love is love, says Hawaii voters: LGBTQ+ commission responds

A man in his 70s, who was inside the vehicle, was brought to the hospital in serious condition.

According to EMS, two other patients, one also inside the car and one in the home, were evaluated but declined transport.

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Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is back in the hospital and gearing up to sue New Yorks public health system as he faces a new sex crimes trial.

Weinstein, 72, was reportedly diagnosed last month with chronic myeloid leukemia, a rare form of bone marrow cancer, and has been receiving treatment at Rikers Island. He was admitted to Bellevue Hospital on Friday, though his representatives declined to say why, the New York Post reported.

The spokesperson did say, however, that treating Weinstein in prisonwhich appears to be the norm for incarcerated cancer patientsinstead of admitting him to the hospital indefinitely amounts to ongoing medical negligence.

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Refusing to keep him at Bellevue during his trial is a severe oversight, jeopardizing his ability to attend to his own retrial, a representative told the Post. 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.

NYC Health + Hospitals operates the citys public health facilities, including overseeing health care for prison inmates.

The former movie mogul was convicted of rape in New York and California, though hes awaiting a new trial in the New York case after an appeals court overturned the conviction in a stunning 4-3 decision in April. Hes also facing new criminal charges brought in September.

Since his legal proceedings began in 2018, Weinstein has been plagued by health problems. He attended his previous trials in a wheelchair, and in September, he underwent emergency surgery to remove fluid from his heart and lungs. In July, he was treated for COVID-19 and double pneumonia.

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His representatives told the Post his medical treatment suggests a broader agenda for a more sinister outcome through lawfare and inadequate healthcare. In other words, a high-level conspiracy to sabotage the upcoming trials, which are slated to begin in 2025.

But Weinstein might just be facing the ugly truth about prison health care. Cancer is the leading cause of death among inmates, and studies have found that mortality rates for the disease are higher among the incarcerated than for the general population.

Maybe a celebrity really is being treated like everyone else for once.
Credit: X/ @Bashareport

Houthi rebels claim to have hit an Israeli military base with a ballistic missile in the wake of US strikes against its strongholds.

The Iran-backed militia announced a hypersonic ballistic missile, known as the Palestine 2, was used in the strike on the Nahal Sorek military base in central Israel, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

The hit was accurate, and led to a fire ignition in the vicinity of the targeted site, they added. The facility is home to a major ammunition centre.

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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen before it entered Israeli airspace.

Firefighters were battling blazes in west Jerusalem that the military said was sparked by debris from the intercepted missile.

It marked the second missile attack claimed by the Houthis in recent days after the group claimed to have targeted Nevatim air base in southern Israel on Nov 8 with a ballistic missile. Israel said the projectile was successfully intercepted.

Houthis claim UK involvement

It follows US air strikes over the weekend on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.

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Houthi media claimed the UK was also involved in the attacks, but there has been no official confirmation.

The Pentagon told the AFP news agency that advanced weapons storage facilities had been targeted in the raids.

The US_UK joint strikes, which started in January, are part of an ongoing effort to quash the group which since last November has been carrying out a blockade on global shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis say the attacks are in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian terror proxies. Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel on Oct 8, in solidarity with Hamas, sparking a wider conflict around Israels borders.

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Since November, dozens of international seamen have been taken hostage, ships sunk or captured, and four men killed as the Houthis try to force a ceasefire in Gaza and end the war sparked by Hamass Oct 7 massacre.

The Houthis have launched multiple direct attacks against Israel, including one in July which narrowly missed the US embassy on the Tel Aviv beach front, hitting a nearby residential building and killing one person.

Netanyahu approved pager attacks

On Monday, Lebanons Hezbollah fired at least 75 projectiles at Israel, according to the IDF, as their war of attrition continued.

The fresh strikes came as Omer Dostri, Benjamin Netanyahus spokesman, revealed the prime minister had approved the pager attacks against Hezbollah in September.

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Until now, the attacks  which saw thousands of communication devices used by the group simultaneously explode, killing around 39 and injuring 3,400  had remained unclaimed.

Mr Netanyahu reportedly approved the plot against the advice of senior defence and political figures. Hezbollah branded it the biggest security breach in its history.

Meanwhile, Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, said the countrys first priority for security is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

In his first news conference, he said: The most important issue for the future of this region and the security of the State of Israel is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

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As Israel awaits the return of Donald Trump, the US president-elect, known for his tough stance on Iran, Mr Saar said: I am sure that we can work together with the US to stabilise the region and to secure its future.

Mr Saar was named the new minister to replace Israel Katz last week, who moved to the role of defence minister following the dramatic sacking of Yoav Gallant after clashes with Mr Netanyahu.

The long-time political figure was brought back to government at the end of September so Mr Netanyahu could bolster the right-wing coalition.

Iran has reached 60% uranium enrichment which is deemed enough to create nuclear weapons. Raphael Grossi, the UNs nuclear chief, is visiting Tehran on Wednesday as one third of the UNs inspectors remain barred from the country.

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Meanwhile, the IDF revealed a significant decline in the rate of reserve soldiers showing up for duty in combat units fighting in Gaza and the north in recent weeks.

The turnout rate has dropped by 15 to 25 per cent since the start of the war, the military said, attributing the trend to battle exhaustion.

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The agency has contacted 100% of the high-risk veterans they identified before the stormsome visits requiring mile-long hikes up unstable mountainous terrain.

Jay Price / WUNC / American Homefront Project Western North Carolina VA Health Care System Outreach Team (L-R): Nurse Matthew Bain, driver Garth Massie, and nurse Sherrie Byrd. Western North Carolina VA Health Care System Outreach Team (L-R): Nurse Matthew Bain, driver Garth Massie, and nurse Sherrie Byrd.

As Western North Carolina continues to pick up the pieces on a long road to recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, teams from the local VA are going above and beyond to care for veterans.

Our employees demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to meet the needs of our veterans while facing their own challenges, Stephanie Young, Executive Director of the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System told Southern Living. They didnt just care for our veterans; they provided exceptional service!

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That service extended deep into the mountains. Prior to the storm, the VA identified over 2,600 vulnerable veterans at highest risk, including patients going through chemo treatments and those with spinal cord injuries, mobility issues, and home oxygen needs.

When the floodwaters hit, the Emergency Department never closed.

Immediately following Helene, the VA began addressing the oxygen needs of 1200 vulnerable veterans, Young shared, and a task force was mobilized to perform wellness checks. But as many roads were washed out and phone and internet service inconsistent, these wellness checks often took the form of compassion on foot.

Western North Carolina VA Health Care System VA nurse Joseph R. Healy serving at a local shelter in Asheville, NC. VA nurse Joseph R. Healy serving at a local shelter in Asheville, NC.

We contacted 100% of the high-risk veterans, either by phone or in person at their homes, Young said. Some visits required mile-long hikes up unstable mountainous terrain to reach veterans, including those determined to stay in their homes. Since the hurricane, each team has conducted two to four visits daily in hard-hit communities. The three-person VA teams restocked medications, delivered food, and ensured that patients were connected to their primary care providers.

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In a story produced by The American Homefront Projecta collaborative public media initiative out of Chapel Hill, that aims to break down stereotypes, bridge the gaps, and tell honest stories about life for military personnel, veterans, and their familiesWUNC journalist Jay Price went along with the VA on a day of wellness checks. Price accompanied nurses Matthew Bain and Sherrie Byrd, along with driver Garth Massie.

At first, a major challenge that the VA faced was in caring for its own staffmany of whom were personally impacted by the hurricane, Bain shared with Price. Weve got a couple of nurses we work with in primary care that have lost their homes completely, Bain said. Some of our staff lost family members. Some people have lost homes. Some people lost nothing. Just like western North Carolina, it's a gamut of everything. Bain and his family were without power for 15 days.

Still, the VA nurses showed up day after day.

When one hospice patient was left completely isolated after Hurricane Helene washed away the bridge to his house, Bain was one of two nurses who had to go in on foot. Me and another nurse had to walk in water, food, and supplies in backpacks, about two miles in, Bain said. He had no medicinesno power, no electricity. So, he was pretty much just at our whim with what we had that we could give him.

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On the day Price joined, the outreach team visited Vietnam Marine Corps veteran Cliff Stewart in his mobile home in Swannanoa. Stewarts home flooded in the storm, but was salvageableunlike the homes of many of his neighbors.

Jay Price / WUNC / American Homefront Project Veteran Donald Harris of Fairview, NC, showing the outreach team a video of the Black Hawk helicopter that airlifted him out following the hurricane. Veteran Donald Harris of Fairview, NC, showing the outreach team a video of the Black Hawk helicopter that airlifted him out following the hurricane.

A second stop in Fairview led Price and the team to 50-year-old Donald Harris, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair. Harris had been evacuated by a military helicopterin a metal basket, as the helicopter couldnt find a safe place to landfollowing a Helene landslide that took out his driveway, Price reported.

The veteran only recently returned home, and the VA has been working to bring him a new wheelchair. The outreach team went to work making sure that Harris had the medications he needed as well as considering improvements the VA could make on the veterans home for increased accessibility.

In a conversation with Southern Living, Pricea seasoned journalist who has covered storms from Katrina to Floyd, now Military and Veterans Affairs Reporter for WUNCremarked that he was at first a bit skeptical of how the teams could manage outreach with such treacherous terrain. I was surprised that they've been able to get as much of the transportation open againto get to folks that are in need. Not just the veterans, but a bunch of isolated people, he said.

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One takeaway really stands out to Price: the community of it all.

The level of community and cooperationpeople just pitching in, Price said. I mean official, unofficial, all of it. Doing whatever needs to be doneThey are hearty people up there.

He recalled that, when Harris was evacuated from his home in the Black Hawk, the veterans neighbors scraped his driveway back into shape. His neighbors looked out for him, Price shared. They immediately thought, We better check on him, and they made the slog up through a mudslide. They all look out for each other.

Western North Carolina VA Health Care System Evacuee at local shelter following Hurricane Helene. Evacuee at local shelter following Hurricane Helene.

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The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System has not stopped in their relentless support of the 50,000 veterans that reside in their 23-county area, even beyond the wellness checks that Price experienced. The VA has distributed over 500,000 items received from donations through clinical outreach, identified 26 veterans who could benefit from a charitable program offering loaned RVs, and even temporarily turned their main facility, Charles George VA Medical Center, into Camp VAshelter, food, water, and assistance for hurricane evacuees.

Appalachian people are a uniquely strong breed, connected by their special roots to their families and their communities, Executive Director Young said. Before any resources came from outside the area, these special people shared what they had with others, kept each other safe, cut each others fallen trees, and connected with unique spirituality. The same is true of our VA community. Despite personal loss, all had something to give to others, if nothing more than a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on in grief or prayers of support.

To support the ongoing rebuilding following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, weve gathered a list of ways to help our Southern neighbors, as well as tips for safely donating to affected communities. Learn more about The American Homefront Project and veteran stories across the South here.
KYODO NEWS - Nov 11, 2024 - 15:22 | All, Japan

A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper that caught fire in waters off the country's southwestern coast capsized and sank Monday, according to the local coast guard office.

One crewman remains unaccounted for after the Ukushima went up in flames on Sunday. The fire was extinguished after the ship toppled on its side shortly after midnight, allowing the coast guard to begin search operations.

The coast guard has launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crewman inside the sunken ship using divers, while the MSDF has launched an investigation of the incident.

The minesweeper, carrying a crew of about 40, reported a fire in the engine room to the 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Fukuoka Prefecture around 9:40 a.m. Sunday when it was sailing some 2.5 kilometers off Oshima Island in the prefecture.

Another MSDF minesweeper, the Toyoshima, which joined the coast guard in the fire-fighting and rescue operation, reported around 2 p.m. that the fire on the Ukushima was contained, but a flare-up was confirmed later.

The Ukushima's crew had completed evacuation to the Toyoshima by around 3:45 p.m., but an engine room crewman, later identified as 33-year-old petty officer 3rd class Tatsunori Koga, was found not to be present.

One crewman in his 20s who suffered a non-life-threatening injury was taken to hospital.

At the time of the incident, Koga and the crew member who was sent to the hospital were on duty in the engine room, where the fire is believed to have started.

The Ukushima, which left an MSDF base in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, earlier Sunday, was conducting a drill while sailing to Kagoshima Prefecture.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -The International Criminal Court's governing body will launch an external probe into its chief prosecutor Karim Khan over alleged sexual misconduct, it said in a statement on Monday, confirming a previous report by Reuters.

"An external investigation is ... being pursued in order to ensure a fully independent, impartial and fair process", the statement said, also calling upon all parties to cooperate fully.

Khan said in a statement that he would stay on in his key function of overseeing investigations into alleged war crimes, including in the Israel-Gaza conflict, while any issues relevant to the investigation would be handled by deputy prosecutors.

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Khan has previously 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.

ICC judges are reviewing Khan's May request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, his defense chief and Hamas leaders. Khan said the misconduct allegations aligned with a misinformation campaign against his office.

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.

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Tony Blair is everywhere these days, isnt he? The BBC gave him a primetime interview slot to plug his new book. He popped up on Sunday in a Channel 4 documentary about the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. And here he is in Immigration: How British Politics Failed (BBC Two), defending his legacy yet again. The idea that we had some sort of open-door immigration policy, he scoffed, is absolute nonsense. His critics think otherwise.

This two-part programme sets out to tell the real story of how immigration took over our politics, and traces the problem back to New Labour. Blairs government talked up the economic benefits of welcoming migrants. But the numbers kept rising. Where the defining image today is of small boats crossing the Channel, in the early 2000s it was Sangatte stowaways jumping from the back of lorries that had come through the Channel Tunnel. The decision to admit 10, mainly former Eastern bloc, countries into the EU in 2004 led to growing public anger.

The BBC, keen to appear impartial, has constructed this documentary as a series of interviews with politicians and other interested parties, reflecting all views. So we have Blair and Jonathan Portes (an economist in Blairs strategy unit) on one side, Nigel Farage and Prof Andrew Green (founder of Migration Watch) on the other. All are of the opinion that they have the correct take on this subject.

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More interesting are the people who admit, in hindsight, to misgivings. Former Cabinet minister Alan Johnson says that European Union enlargement was our biggest mistake.

David Yelland, who appears to feel slightly disgusted with himself for once editing The Sun, accuses Migration Watch of being part of an industry of fear around immigration. He recalled attending focus groups: The Sun readership was white, male, and if you had images on the front of the paper of people who were not white coming from parts of the world that our readers would have no understanding of, the emotion that would elicit from our readers was fear. That comes from racism.

Other contributors include David Cameron, Michael Howard and Diane Abbott. Notable by his absence is Gordon Brown, but we do revisit the infamous moment from the 2010 election trail when he was overheard labelling a member of the public as a bigoted woman for buttonholing him on immigration. It was a reminder that we havent really moved on: concerns about immigration and accusations of racism still go hand in hand.

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DELPHI, Ind. (AP)  A former drugstore worker in the small Indiana community of Delphi was found guilty of murder on Monday in the killings of two teenage girls who vanished during an afternoon hike.

Jurors convicted Richard Allen of two counts of murder and two additional counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping in the 2017 killings of Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14.

Allen wasn't arrested for five more years, while the case drew outsized attention from true-crime enthusiasts. His trial followed repeated delays, a leak of evidence, the withdrawal of Allens public defenders and their reinstatement by the Indiana Supreme Court.

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Reporters inside the courtroom said Allen, 52, showed no reaction as the verdict was delivered, but he looked back at his family at one point. Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 20. He could face up to 130 years in prison.

Outside the courthouse, people on the sidewalk began to cheer as word of the verdict spread.

Indiana State Police spokesman Capt. Ron Galaviz told The Associated Press that the judges gag order remains in place and he believes it will until Allen is sentenced. Allens lawyers left the courthouse Monday without making statements.

A special judge oversaw the case  Superior Court Judge Fran Gull who along with the jurors, came from northeastern Indianas Allen County. The seven women and five men were sequestered throughout the trial, which began Oct. 18 in the Carroll County seat of Delphi, the girls hometown of about 3,000 residents in northwest Indiana where Allen also lived and worked.

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Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland noted in his closing argument that Allen had repeatedly confessed 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.

McLeland also said Allen is the man seen following the teens in a grainy cell phone video recorded by one of the girls as they crossed an abandoned railroad trestle called the Monon High Bridge.

Richard Allen is Bridge Guy, McLeland told jurors. He kidnapped them and later murdered them.

McLeland said it was Allens voice that could be heard on the video telling the teens,  Down the hill  after they crossed the bridge on Feb. 13, 2017. Their bodies were found the next day, their throats cut, in a nearby wooded area.

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An investigator testified that Allen told him and another officer that on the day the teens vanished, he was wearing a blue or black Carhartt jacket, jeans and a beanie  clothing similar to what the man recorded on the bridge wore.

McLeland said an unspent bullet found between the teens bodies had been cycled through Allens .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun. An Indiana State Police firearms expert told the jury her analysis tied the round to Allens handgun.

But a firearms expert called by the defense questioned the analysis, and attorney Bradley 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.

Allen was arrested in October 2022. He had become a suspect after a retired state government worker who volunteered to help police in the case found paperwork in September 2022 showing that Allen had contacted authorities two days after the girls' bodies were found. That paperwork indicated that Allen had told an officer he had been on the hiking trail the afternoon the girls went missing, according to testimony.

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Allens defense argued that his 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 called by the defense testified that months in solitary confinement could make a person delirious and psychotic.

But Dr. Monica Wala, Allens psychologist at the Westville Correctional Facility, said Allen shared details of the crime in some of the confessions, including telling her he slashed the girls throats and put tree branches over their bodies. She wrote in a report that Allen told her he abandoned his plans to rape the teens when a van passed nearby. A man whose driveway passes under the Monon High Bridge testified that he was driving home from work in his van around that time.

That van, McLeland told jurors in his closing, was a detail only the killer would know.

During cross-examination, Wala acknowledged that she had followed Allens case with interest during her personal time even while treating him and that she was a fan of the true-crime genre.

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Rozzi said in his closing arguments that Allen is innocent. He said no witness explicitly identified Allen as the man seen on the hiking trail or the bridge the afternoon the girls went missing. And he said no fingerprint, DNA or forensic evidence links Allen to the murder scene.

He had every chance to run, but he did not because he didnt do it, Rozzi told the jurors.

Allens lawyers had sought to argue before the trial 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.
By Stanley Widianto

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesia said on Monday it does not recognise China's claims over the South China Sea, despite signing a maritime development deal with Beijing, as some analysts warned the pact risked compromising its sovereign rights.

Beijing has long clashed with Southeast Asian neighbours over the South China Sea, which it claims almost in its entirety, based on a "nine-dash line" on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of several countries.

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Joint agreements with China in the strategic waterway have been sensitive for years, with some nations wary of deals they fear could be interpreted as legitimising Beijing's vast claims.

In 2016, an arbitral tribunal said the Chinese claim, based on its old maps, has no basis in international law, a decision China refuses to recognise.

A joint statement issued at the weekend during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Beijing mentioned the two countries had "reached important common understanding on joint development in areas of overlapping claims".

NO LEGAL BASIS

Indonesia's foreign ministry has repeatedly said the country is a non-claimant state in the South China Sea and has no overlapping jurisdiction with China.

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On Monday, the ministry said its position was unchanged and the agreement would have no impact on its sovereign rights.

"Indonesia reiterates its position that those (Chinese) claims have no international legal basis," it said.

"The partnership does not impact sovereignty, sovereign rights or Indonesia's jurisdiction in the North Natuna Sea."

China's foreign ministry said the clause "clarifies the political consensus and direction of co-operation between the two sides on joint development in the overlapping maritime areas claimed by the two countries."

A ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said Indonesia and China would further explore topics such as the content and mode of co-operation, adding there was a historical basis for China's South China Sea claims and that consensus would benefit both.

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China's U-shaped line, based on its old maps, begins off central Vietnam and runs into waters off Indonesia's Natuna islands, more than 1,000 km (620 miles) south of the island of Hainan.

It crosses into the EEZs of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, and is patrolled by an armada of the Chinese coast guard, which neighbours accuse of aggression and seeking to disrupt energy and fisheries activity.

China typically says its vessels are preventing incursions into its territory.

Indonesia's foreign ministry said the economic agreement on maritime issues with China covered fisheries and fish conservation, and hoped it would be a model to safeguard peace and friendship.

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Some Indonesian analysts, however, said signing such an agreement could have repercussions and be interpreted as a change in stance.

"If we refer to the official joint statement, that means we recognise overlapping claims," said maritime analyst Aristyo Rizka Darmawan, adding it could compromise Indonesia's sovereign rights to exploit resources in its EEZ.

Indonesia might have signed the agreement with the intention of boosting economic ties, he added.

Klaus Heinrich Raditio, a lecturer in Chinese politics, said Indonesia never had overlapping claims to begin with and the clause's inclusion in the statement was "inappropriate".

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"This joint statement puts our national interests at risk," he said, adding that it could still be renegotiated.

(Reporting by Stanley Widianto; Additional reporting by Liz Lee and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Clarence Fernandez)
ST. LOUIS  A Ferguson police officer who suffered a serious brain injury three months ago will be discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, FOX 2 News has learned.

The family of Officer Travis Brown informed FOX 2s Jasmine Huda that Brown is well enough that he can be transferred from Saint Louis University Hospital to a facility for specialized treatment.

A police escort comprised of law enforcement from across the region will accompany Brown from SLU Hospital at 11:30 a.m. to Spirit Airport in Chesterfield.

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On Aug. 9, protesters gathered outside the Ferguson Police Department to mark the 10th anniversary of the shooting death of Michael Brown. During that demonstration, some protesters shook and damaged the entryway fence outside the department parking lot.

Officer Brown was on the arrest team dispatched to apprehend the individuals responsible. During the fracas, one protester shoulder-tackled Brown, knocking him to the pavement and leaving him with a brain injury.

The individual who shouldered Brown, Elijah M. Gantt of East St. Louis, was taken into custody. Two other officers helped arrest Gantt. At least two other officers suffered minor injuries. Several protesters were arrested.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Gantt with first-degree assault, rioting, resisting arrest, evidence tampering, attempted escape while under arrest, first-degree property damage, and five counts of fourth-degree assault.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
ASHFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The Ashford Volunteer Fire Department rescued an injured hiker from Boston Hollow in Ashford Sunday afternoon.

Emergency response crews were dispatched at 2:53 p.m. to the blue trail at Boston Hollow for reports of an injured hiker.

1 dead, another injured in Waterbury crash

One crew member entered the woods with medical equipment to locate the hiker and begin treatment. They found the patient just over a  mile into the woods on top of the ridge.

Photographs courtesy of the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department. Photographs courtesy of the Ashford Volunteer Fire Department.

Mutual aid was requested and crews from Willington, Willington HIll and UConn collaborated to package and carry the patient to the top of the ridge.

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The crews built a rope and haul system to lower the patient. Once they were extracted from the woods, the patient was then transported to Windham Hospital for treatment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  You may walk outside and smell smoke on Monday, depending on where you live in New York or New Jersey.

Thats due to multiple wildfires burning across the tri-state area. If youre wondering how close you are to one of those fires, AirNow has an interactive Fire and Smoke Map.

More Local News

AirNow is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other federal, state, and local government bodies that tracks air quality alerts.

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On Monday, two major fires on the map were the Whitehouse Fire in Ulster County and the Jennings Creek fire burning across New Jersey and New York. The Jennings Creek fire killed an 18-year-old New York State Parks employee who was battling the blaze, officials said.

You should still check for updates with your local fire departments and government services. In New Jersey, you can check the states Forest Fire Service on X.

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.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  The International Criminal Courts oversight body announced Monday it will open an outside investigation into sexual misconduct accusations against its top prosecutor Karim Khan, confirming reporting by The Associated Press. Khan said he won't step down during the probe.

The Assembly of States Parties made the announcement after the courts internal watchdog opened and shut an inquiry into the allegations after only five days.

An external investigation is therefore being pursued in order to ensure a fully independent, impartial and fair process, ASP president Paivi Kaukoranta said in a statement.

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Khan has categorically denied accusations that he tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship. 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.

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.

In his own statement Monday, Khan said he was aware of the new investigation and had requested that his two deputy prosecutors take responsibility for the matter internally.

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I welcome the opportunity to engage in this process, he said.

He also declined to step down during the investigation. I will be continuing all other functions as Prosecutor, in line with my mandate, across situations addressed by the International Criminal Court,'' he said.

The composition of the new probe remains unclear. According to Kaukoranta, the practical modalities of the investigation are being finalized. AP sources suggested law enforcement officials from Europe and a law firm could be involved.

The United Nations internal watchdog has also been discussed for such a probe, but that could be fraught with conflict-of-interest concerns because Khans wife, a prominent human rights attorney, had previously worked at the agency in Kenya investigating sexual harassment.

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The ASP said the courts watchdog, the Internal Oversight Mechanism, had no objections to the opening of an external probe.

The 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 watchdogs inquiry was closed within five days. The watchdog did recommend that Khan minimize contact with the woman.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said here Monday that China is willing to maintain communication with Singapore on major international and regional strategic issues and jointly safeguard economic globalization, as global trade protectionism is on the rise and unilateralism is prevalent.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

He said that leaders of the two countries jointly announced the new positioning of China-Singapore all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership last year, which has drawn the blueprint for the development of the two countries' relations in the new era.

Noting that next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Ding said that China is ready to work with Singapore to further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

He called on the two sides to synergize their development strategies more closely, strengthen overall planning, and constantly explore new areas of mutual interest and cooperation growth.

Ding said that China will continue to deepen institutional opening-up, build a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized, adding that China expects to see more foreign companies, including those from Singapore, to invest and do business in China, creating a better future together.

For his part, Wong said that Singapore attaches great importance to developing relations with China, and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

He said that Singapore is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as economy, trade, science and technology and people-to-people exchanges to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, so as to bring more benefits to the two countries and two peoples.

He said that Singapore is willing to play a constructive role in the development of ASEAN-China relations and work with China to safeguard free trade and promote regional stability and openness. 
(Bloomberg) -- Money managers pulled cash from exchange-traded funds that buy Chinese stocks last week as Donald Trumps election victory stoked the risk of tougher tariffs, while stimulus measures failed to reassure investors that China can weather the coming storm.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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The $9.5 billion iShares China Large-Cap ETF, known by its ticker FXI, saw $315 million in outflows last week, extending a four-week streak of withdrawals following massive inflows earlier in October. The iShares MSCI China ETF, ticker MCHI, recorded $280 million in outflows over the same period.

Emerging-market investors navigated through turbulent waters last week in light of Trumps win and the potential impacts from his trade policies when he takes office. Throughout his campaign, Trump vowed to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 60%.

China ETFs have taken a large hit as Trump has historically focused on reducing reliance on China to boost American manufacturing, said Roxanna Islam, head of sector & industry research at TMX VettaFi. Investors are very bullish on U.S. equities following Trumps win, but have pulled back on many international funds due to potential trade policy changes and tariffs.

The so-called Trump trade  bullish bets on sectors that could benefit from the incoming presidents tax cuts and deregulation  has also crimped interest in risky assets.

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Beyond the impacts of a Trump administration, markets were disappointed after Beijing announced its latest stimulus package, which relieved some of the debt burden on local governments but lacked the sweeping fiscal support many investors had hoped for.

Investors were looking for a stimulus plan that would address Chinas rising debt levels, but were underwhelmed at the lack of a broader plan in response to a Trump presidency, said Islam.

The prospects for China ETFs arent much better this week. The latest economic data released in China over the weekend bolstered demands for stronger fiscal stimulus. UBS even lowered its 2025 growth forecast for the nation, saying the economy will expand around 4% in 2025 and at a considerably lower pace in 2026. The bank added that it expects the incoming Trump administration to impose additional tariffs on most imports from China in a staged manner starting in the second half of next year.

China gave us more of a band aide than a shot, said Malcolm Dorson, senior portfolio manager at Global X Management. Big picture, there will be more meetings and more stimulus to come, but the market is losing patience.

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Other funds tracking emerging-market equities also took a hit. The $16.4 billion iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF recorded $258 million in outflows last week, its biggest loss on record. While the outflows are eye-catching, Dorson said it doesnt mean that its a broad-base move.

Big picture, ex-China funds should have done relatively well last week, and should continue to cannibalize broad EM strategies, he said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A designated "humanitarian zone" in the Gaza Strip is to be expanded and will include field hospitals, water and medication provision, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Monday, amid dire conditions in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

Aid organizations have repeatedly warned of starvation among the population, particularly in the north of Gaza.

The United States and Israel's other allies have repeatedly called on Israel to open border crossings to aid deliveries.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for all crossings to be opened. "Never in the last 12 months has so little aid entered the Gaza Strip as now," she said in a statement released on Sunday.

Baerbock said Israel had repeatedly made promises in this regard, but then "failed to keep them."

This week, a 30-day deadline set by the US on October 13 comes to an end, within which Israel has been instructed to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, otherwise US military assistance to Israel will be restricted.

Israeli authorities insist that aid deliveries are being looted by Hamas operatives, who then sell the goods to the population in an effort to entrench their control.

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Palestinian residents say that there are no safe areas in the region, noting that the Israeli military has repeatedly carried out attacks in zones declared safe.

The Gaza war was triggered by the terrorist attack on southern Israel launched by the Palestinian militant Hamas organization and others on October 7, 2023, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage.

More than 43,300 people have been killed and over 102,000 injured so far in the ensuing Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.
Tel Aviv  Early this fall in Gaza, aid workers doled out one food portion per mealtime, per family to starving civilians displaced by Israel's raging war with Hamas. But as Israel choked off aid deliveries to the Palestinian territory, the meals dwindled. Last week, the United Nations again warned that some Gazans are facing famine conditions.

Israel's government faces a deadline this Wednesday. The Biden administration warned almost a month ago that Israel must significantly increase the amount of aid reaching Gaza's beleaguered civilian population within 30 days, or it would face restrictions on American military support to the country.

The ultimatum, laid out in a letter from the administration to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his deputies, appears to have had some impact.

A driver prepares a truck carrying humanitarian aid before crossing into the Gaza Strip, Nov. 11, 2024, at the Erez West Crossing, Israel. / Credit: Amir Levy/Getty

CBS News saw aid trucks roll across the border from Israel into Gaza at one of the four land crossing points on Monday morning.

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Under U.S. pressure, Israel has increased the amount of aid from a low of just 30 aid trucks entering per day in October, to about 150 now. But that's still less than half of

the 350 trucks the U.S. government said must be rolling into Gaza to meet the urgent needs of the enclave's 2 million-plus people.

United Nations humanitarian agencies have said in recent days that far from a dramatic increase, even less food and other aid are reaching Palestinian civilians in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli restrictions and evacuation orders and ramped-up offensives in the north and center of the territory, along with chaos created by the lack of any law enforcement presence in the enclave.

Children are seen as Palestinians flee to safer areas amid Israeli attacks on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, Nov. 11, 2024. / Credit: Ashraf Amra/Anadolu/Getty

Netanyahu's newly appointed Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday he was confident that Israel would "reach understanding with our American friends and that issue will be solved."

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But Michael Oren, a former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, told CBS News that if the outgoing Biden administration does determine the minimum aid threshold isn't being met and it decides to curb the flow of American military support, it could impact Israel's war effort.

"Israel has to ask itself, 'Do we have the ammunition we need to get to January 20th, 2025?' I don't know. I served in the Army over the summer, up in the north, and there were some severe shortages back then."

But while the vast material support from the U.S. may be crucial, Oren said there were broader implications for Israel should the U.S. government scale back its backing.

"It's a signal given to other suppliers," he said.

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In other words, if Israel's biggest ally reduces the extent of its support for the multifront war, it could prompt other nations that have continued backing the Israeli government despite major human rights concerns, including some that have already imposed some limits, to rein in their aid and diplomatic support, too.

"That signal from the United States  where you already have Canada and Great Britain withholding certain types of arms deliveries from us  the signal, saying that our primary ally in the world is not delivering these arms, [would be] a very, very dangerous signal," said Oren.

Israel's President Isaac Herzog will be in Washington to meet with President Biden on Tuesday, and the provision of aid to Gaza is certain to be a key topic of discussion.

But Netanyahu is also clearly aware that the White House is now set to change hands, and while its incoming resident, President-elect Donald Trump, has criticized the current Israeli government's tactics in communicating about the war, he's seen as less likely to keep up or increase the U.S. pressure over humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

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Netanyahu has said he's spoken with President-elect Trump three times in recent days.

Trump has said he wants the war in Gaza to end quickly  reportedly even before he takes office in January - but he hasn't said how he intends to make it happen.

A promising new treatment for PTSD

Honoring a Civil War veteran who was lost to history

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The Israeli military said on Monday that the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah fired around 165 rockets into the north of Israel.

According to the Magen David Adom rescue service, a total of six people were injured, including a one-year-old child, in the Karmiel area of the Galilee and in the area of Kirjat Ata, just east of Haifa.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said some projectiles were intercepted by missile defense and others struck open areas.

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Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks.

The Iran-allied militia has been shelling Israel since the Gaza war began more than a year ago. Israel is responding with massive air strikes and a ground offensive.

According to Israeli figures, 74 people have been killed in the north of the country by shelling from Lebanon since the start of the war, including 43 civilians and 31 soldiers. More than 640 people have been injured.
By Emily Rose

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said on Monday it had met most demands by the United States to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza but was still discussing some items as a deadline looms to improve the situation or face potential restrictions on U.S. military aid.

There are a number of things that remain under discussion and they touch on safety issues, an Israeli official told reporters. He said most issues had been addressed.

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Among the U.S. demands that Israel appears to have refused is allowing the entry of 50-100 commercial trucks a day.

The official said commercial activity had been halted because Hamas was controlling the merchants. Restrictions on the entry of closed containers would also not be lifted due to security risks, the official said.

Others, including the opening of a fifth crossing into Gaza, have been implemented.

The United States told its ally Israel in a letter on Oct. 13 that it must take steps to improve the aid situation within 30 days, with Tuesday as the final deadline.

Last week, the State Department said Israel had taken some measures to increase aid access to Gaza but had so far failed to significantly turn around the humanitarian situation.

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday he had met the U.S. ambassador and was confident that "we can reach an understanding with our American friends and that the issue will be solved".

Last week, a committee of global food security experts warned of a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in certain areas of northern Gaza, a claim which Israel rejected outright.

The Israeli official said Israel had added entrances into Gaza, expanded the humanitarian zone, increased security for aid vehicles and managed joint task forces with the international community and many others as part of the process to improve the humanitarian situation.

Israel began a wide military offensive in northern Gaza early last month. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. envoy to the U.N., said on Oct. 16 that Washington was watching to ensure Israel's actions on the ground show it does not have a "policy of starvation" in the north.

(Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
At least eight people were killed and 14 others wounded when an Israeli strike hit an apartment in the area of Akkar in northern Lebanon on Monday, the Lebanese Health Ministry said.

The airstrike hit an apartment in the village of Ain Yaqoub in Akkar, where some people displaced from the fighting in southern Lebanon were staying, according to Lebanese security sources.

They added that the target might have been a member of the pro-Iranian Shiite Hezbollah militia.

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It was the first time the area was hit since the outbreak of the war between Hezbollah and the Israeli military.

Ain Yaqoub is populated by Christians and Sunni Muslims.

Since the fighting broke out over a year ago, over 3,200 people have been killed and over 14,000 others injured in Lebanon.

Meanwhile in Saksakiyeh in southern Lebanon, at least seven people were killed and seven others were wounded when an Israeli airstrike hit the area, security sources and the Health ministry said.

Buildings are seen heavily destroyed following Israeli air strikes on Beirut's southern suburb. More than a dozen Israeli attacks hit Beirut's southern suburb, a stronghold of pro-Iranian Hezbollah, overnight. Marwan Naamani/dpa
The News

Israels finance minister said Monday that his department is preparing to apply sovereignty over the West Bank.

Speaking at a meeting of his far-right Religious Zionism party, Bezalel Smotrich said that now the time has come to apply sovereignty over the territory, and hailed Donald Trumps reelection to the US presidency as creating an important opportunity. Smotrich suggested a move to annex the territory could come as soon as next year.

Smotrich, who is also responsible for Israels Civil Administration which oversees the countrys presence in the West Bank, said he had directed the Defense Ministry to prepare the infrastructure needed to make the move, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Know More

Smotrich has long called for annexing the West Bank, a call that leaders of the Israeli settlements in the territory  as well as the Israeli national security minister, Ben Gvir, have echoed  also citing Trumps incoming administration as a window of opportunity.

A majority of Jewish Israelis, however, oppose annexing the West Bank, according to a poll conducted earlier this year by Tel Aviv University, while 38% supported the idea.
ABIDJAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Twenty people were killed and 11 others injured Sunday in a collision between two minibuses in southern Cote d'Ivoire, the National Office for Civilian Protection (ONPC) said on Monday.

The collision between the two 24-seaters happened in Ahizabre, a village about 20 km from Gagnoa on the Gagnoa-Soubre road, the ONPC said in a post on social media. It did not say what caused the tragedy.

Fatal accidents are common in Cote d'Ivoire, with many blamed on poor roads and the large number of vehicles, as well as driver incivility. 
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -An Israeli airstrike killed seven people late Monday at a cafe near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, Palestinian medics said, bringing the death toll from Israeli strikes since Sunday night to at least 37.

In central Gaza, Israeli forces earlier on Monday sent tanks into the Nuseirat camp from the west, sparking panic among residents and displaced families as advancing tanks opened fire.

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Twenty people were killed by air and ground strikes in Nuseirat, one of the Gaza Strip's eight historic refugee sites, overnight and into Monday, including some in a tent encampment, health officials at Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat said.

Resident Zaik Mohammad said the tank incursion caught residents by surprise.

"Some people couldn't leave and remained trapped inside their homes, appealing to be allowed out, while others rushed out with whatever they could carry as they fled," Mohammad, 25, who lives one kilometre (half mile) away from the targeted area, told Reuters via a chat app.

There was no Israeli comment on Monday's violence.

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With the war in Gaza now in its 14th month, Israel is focusing its operations in the north and centre of the enclave in what it says is a campaign to stop Hamas militants from waging attacks and regrouping.

Tens of thousands of Palestinian residents have been told to evacuate the areas, fueling fears that they may never be allowed to return.

The already slim chances of a ceasefire receded further at the weekend when mediator Qatar said it was suspending its efforts until both Israel and Palestinian group Hamas showed greater willingness to reach an agreement.

Israeli airstrikes also killed people in Gaza City and in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya, where Israeli forces have operated since Oct. 5, medics said.

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At Kamal Adwan Hospital near Beit Lahiya, medics said Israeli fire from a drone wounded three medical workers in the facility.

The Israeli military said it killed a senior commander of the Islamic Jihad group, an ally of Hamas, Mohammad Abu Skhail, in a strike on Saturday at a command center inside a compound that previously served as a school in Gaza City. Palestinian medics said the attack killed six people.

HOSPITAL SIEGE

Israeli forces have besieged the three hospitals in and around Jabalia in northern Gaza for several weeks, and hospital officials have refused orders to evacuate the facilities or leave their patients unattended despite the lack of food, medical supplies and fuel.

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The Israeli military accuses Hamas of exploiting Gaza's civilian population for military purposes, a charge the militant group denies.

The Israeli army sent tanks into Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia camp in northern Gaza over a month ago. It said it had killed hundreds of militants in Jabalia and around it since the raids began.

The armed wings of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad said their fighters carried out ambushes, mortar fire and anti-tank rocket attacks, claiming to have killed many Israeli soldiers in recent weeks.

On Monday, the Israeli military said it had expanded a humanitarian zone in the enclave. It also said it would allow more tents, shelter materials, food, water and medical supplies to enter.

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Its forces "will continue to work to achieve the war's objectives, including dismantling Hamas and returning all the abductees," it said, referring to Israeli hostages.

Palestinian and United Nations officials say there are no safe areas in the enclave, home to more than 2.1 million people and now largely in ruins.

The war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and taking 253 hostage, by Israeli tallies. Israel's military campaign has leveled much of Gaza and killed around 43,500 Palestinians, Gaza health officials say.

(Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Sharon Singleton and Cynthia Osterman)
A total of 38 people were killed on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes in different areas of Lebanon, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported.

The highest number of casualties was in the town of the Aalamat in Jbeil, north of Beirut, where the ministry said at least 23 people, including seven children, who had fled other Israeli bombardments, were killed after an Israeli strike hit a house there. The toll is likely to rise as body parts are identified.

"There were more than 30 people that hail from three different families and came here searching for a safe refuge," said Yasser, a member of the Islamic Association of Civil Defence.

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"What happened is a massacre," said Ali Yassin, who was busy evacuating his wife and two children.

"The people fled the Israeli bombardment and came here for safety. Warplanes followed them here," he said, adding that he was moving with his family to Beirut in search of safety.

The Israeli military stated upon request that it had attacked weapons depots of the Iranian-backed Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah in Aalamat and prior measures such as aerial reconnaissance were taken to avoid civilian casualties. The details of the attack are currently being investigated, it said.

Since the outbreak of the armed conflict between the Israeli military and Hezbollah over a year ago, 3,189 Lebanese have been killed and 14,078 injured, the ministry said.

Israel kills Gaza commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad

The Israeli military said it killed Mohammed Abu Sakheil, the military leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) paramilitary organization in the Gaza Strip.

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The Islamic Jihad confirmed Abu Sakheil's death to dpa. The military said he was killed in an attack on a former school in the north of the Gaza Strip. His son and daughter, along with three other people, were also killed.

Abu Sakheil had only taken up the post in May after his predecessor was also killed by the Israeli military.

The PIJ is considered one of the most radical militant groups in the Middle East, and its fighters fire rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel. However, the organization is considered less powerful than Hamas.

Situation in Gaza

In the northern Gaza city of Jabalia, which is home to a large refugee camp, Israeli troops had "dismantled many terror infrastructure sites, as well as a weapons storage facility in the area," an Israeli military statement posted on Telegram said. Further targets were located in nearby Beit Lahia.

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Israeli troops were also continuing to carry out "precise, intelligence-based operational activity" in the Rafah area, in the southern Gaza strip. It said it took action to protect civilians before the strikes.

Thirty-six people, including 15 minors, were killed in an Israeli attack on Jabalia, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

The Hamas-controlled health authority in the Gaza Strip stated that in the more than 13 months since the war began, more than 43,600 people have been killed and nearly 103,000 others injured in the territory. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Germany's Baerbock: Aid deliveries for Gaza at an all-time low

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has described the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in drastic terms as she called on Israel to open all border crossings into the coastal area to allow for aid deliveries.

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"Never in the last 12 months has so little aid entered the Gaza Strip as now," the German minister said. "A large proportion of the more than 2 million [residents of the Gaza Strip] suffer from acute malnutrition and live in unimaginable conditions," she said. Nowhere else in the world are there so many children with amputations in such a small area.

Baerbock said Israel had repeatedly made promises to allow more aid in but then "failed to keep them." They have to let the aid is "without excuses" to help the suffering civilian population in Gaza, she said.

IDF publishes videos said to be Palestinians tortured by Hamas

Video clips purporting to show torture of Palestinian civilians by the Hamas militia in the Gaza Strip during the years 2018 to 2020 were meanwhile published by the Israeli military on Sunday.

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The military said the material had been found during its operations in the area and proved "severe abuse perpetrated by the Hamas terrorist organization against the civilian population," along with human rights violations and oppression of those opposed to its rule.

The videos are reported to show torture carried out by Hamas operatives in so-called "Outpost 17" in Jabalia.

The material shows people with bags over their heads, tied up, sometimes into twisted and painful positions. One of the men is suspended by his feet from the ceiling and beaten on the soles of his feet with a stick.

The victims are reported to include political opponents of Hamas, suspected collaborators with Israel, suspected adulterers and homosexuals.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Axios reported on Monday, citing two Israeli officials and two U.S. officials.

The Sunday meeting at Trump's Florida estate between the president-elect and Dermer, a close aide of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, preceded a meeting between the Israeli minister and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.

Axios reported that Dermer passed messages from Netanyahu to Trump. He also briefed Trump on Israel's plans for Gaza, Lebanon and Iran for the next two months before Trump takes office, according to the report.

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Axios said Dermer additionally met with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who was a top adviser on the Middle East during Trump's 2017-2021 administration.

Netanyahu said on Sunday he had spoken with Trump three times in the prior few days to tighten the alliance between Israel and the United States.

Hopes for a truce in Israel's war in Gaza suffered a setback, with Qatar suspending its role as a mediator in negotiations. Israel separately said on Monday there was progress in talks about a ceasefire in its war in Lebanon.

Some analysts say Democratic President Joe Biden's administration may no longer have enough leverage to get agreement on ceasefires between Israel and its foes after Trump won the U.S. presidential election. He is set to take office on Jan. 20.

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The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed over 43,000, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Israel's separate military operations in Lebanon have killed over 3,000 and displaced over a million. Israel says it is targeting Lebanese Hezbollah militants.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward in Washington; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Cynthia Osterman)
An Italian court has ruled that seven migrants held in an offshore asylum-processing centre in Albania must be brought to Italy, in another setback for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's new migration scheme.

The men, who originally come from Egypt and Bangladesh, were picked up by an Italian Navy ship last week in the Mediterranean and taken to the centre in Albania to have their asylum claims processed.

Five of their applications have already been denied, but the Italian judges have also postponed their deportations.

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The two asylum-processing centres in Albania have only been in operation since last month but have remained empty for most of that time.

The first group of men to be taken to the centres in October, also of Egyptian and Bangladeshi origin, were ultimately allowed to travel on to Italy after a court ruled that neither Egypt nor Bangladesh is considered safe - a prerequisite for processing in the offshore camps.

Meloni's right-wing government has since issued a decree establishing a new list of 19 supposedly safe countries of origin, which includes Egypt and Bangladesh, but the Italian court has requested that the European Court of Justice reviews the decree.

Under EU law, neither Bangladesh nor Egypt are classified as safe countries of origin.

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Italy is the first EU country to process asylum claims in camps outside the European Union. The scheme is being closely watched by other European governments, several of which are considering following a similar approach.

The men are to be taken to Italy as early as Tuesday.
By Angelo Amante

ROME (Reuters) - A Rome court on Monday asked EU judges to weigh in on the detention of sea migrants in Albania, again frustrating the Italian right-wing government's efforts to pursue its flagship plan to crackdown on irregular arrivals.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has built migrant camps in Albania to deter Mediterranean crossings, making some of the migrants who arrive from Tunisia or Libya liable to be housed in a third country while their asylum requests are processed.

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A group of migrants, from Egypt and Bangladesh, was taken to the Balkan country after being picked up at sea last week. There were initially eight of them, but one was transferred to Italy for health reasons.

"A referral ... was chosen as the most suitable instrument to clarify various elements of doubtful compatibility with supranational (EU) law," a statement from the Rome court said.

Following the Rome court decision the migrants left the detention centre late on Monday and were being transferred to the southern Italian port of Brindisi, two Italian government sources said.

The decision added to tensions between the coalition government and judges.

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"Another political ruling not against the government, but against Italians and their security," said Matteo Salvini, a deputy prime minister and leader of the anti-immigrant League party.

Judges dealt a first blow to Meloni's plan last month, ruling that the first batch of asylum seekers detained in Albania had to return to Italy due to concerns over their legal status after a European Union Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on the matter.

The migrants in line to be deported to Albania are males coming from a list of countries Italy has classified as safe, meaning their asylum requests have little chance of being accepted and they can be swiftly repatriated.

But in their first ruling, judges said this was against a recent ECJ sentence, which ruled a country outside the EU cannot be declared safe unless its entire territory is deemed free of danger.

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The cabinet last month upgraded the legal status of the list of safe countries, making it an act of law rather than a lesser ministerial decree, believing that would make it harder for courts to challenge its validity.

(Writing by Angelo Amante, editing by Alvise Armellini and Keith Weir)
MILAN (AP)  Italian Premier Giorgia Melonis program to screen asylum seekers outside of European Union borders in Albania hit another snag when a court in Rome refused to rule on a formal request to detain seven migrants transferred to the Balkan nation last week.

The decision Monday meant the seven migrants, hailing from Bangladesh and Egypt, were brought to Italy overnight by naval ship, just days after their arrival in Albania.

Albanian media showed images of a minibus accompanied by Italian police vehicles entering the Albanian port of Shengjin, where the migrants were seen boarding a small ship. Italian media reported the ship docked in Brindisi, the Italian port across the Adriatic, a few hours later.

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It is a repeat of what happened with the first 12 migrants in the program, who also were returned to Italy by another court decision last month shortly after the opening of two migrant screening centers in Albania operated by Italy.

In both cases, courts referred the cases to the EU court of justice in Luxembourg to rule if the countries of origin for the migrants are considered safe countries for repatriation. The first 12 were also from Egypt and Bangladesh.

The courts move has raised the ire of Melonis far-right-led government, which has been seeking strategies for easing the strain on Italy of the arrival of migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

In the latest decision, the court specified that it was seeking clarification on which countries are designated as safe only to identify which procedure to apply.

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The exclusion of a state from the list of safe countries of origin does not prevent the repatriation and/or expulsion of those migrants whose asylum applications has been rejected, the court said in its ruling.

Under a five-year deal, Albania would allow Italy to run two migrant centers on its territory with the capacity to screen up to 3,000 migrants a month to be vetted for asylum or returned to their home countries.

Human rights groups and nongovernmental organizations active in the Mediterranean have slammed the agreement as a dangerous precedent that conflicts with international laws.

So far, Italy has failed to identify anywhere close to that number for possible screening in Albania, despite thousands of arrivals on Italian shores since the centers opened. Migrants sent to Albania must be adult males, traveling without family members, and come from countries deemed safe.
ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM)  The Ithaca Police Department is seeking information to aid in the investigation of a death that was reported on Monday morning.

Authorities from IPD report that on Monday, Nov. 11, at 5:30 a.m. police were called to a residence on the 400 block of South Plain Street for the report of a death, which at this time is being investigated as a homicide.

Bath man convicted of attempted murder for 2023 standoff

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Police report that this incident was not random and that a suspect has been placed in custody. Since the investigation into the incident is ongoing, no further information is being released at this time.

Anyone who has any information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact IPD by any of the following means:

Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245

Police Administration: 607-272-9973

Police Tip line: 607-330-0000

Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Japans Democratic Party for the People will nominate its head Yuichiro Tamaki for the premiership vote as planned following a report about his personal life.

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DPP Secretary General Kazuya Shimba said that Tamaki has his partys full backing to stay on as leader after a report earlier Monday alleging marital infidelity. Shimba said the party will continue to nominate Tamaki for prime minister both in the first round of voting and in an expected runoff.

Weve been helped many times by Tamaki, and without Tamaki, this party would not exist, Shimba said while touching on an upper house election next year. Weve increased the number of our members in the lower house and changed the landscape but if we lose seats in the next election this will have been meaningless.

The partys support for Tamaki means the report is unlikely to change the expected outcome of Mondays vote to select the nations prime minister. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is widely seen keeping his post due to the state of fragmentation among opposition parties and their failure to coalesce around an alternative candidate.

The DPP has emerged as an unlikely power broker following the loss of the ruling coalitions majority in Octobers election. While the party has said it wont join the coalition and wont vote for Ishiba to become premier, it is looking to work with his Liberal Democratic Party to promote the DPPs key policies.

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Tamakis fate as leader of the party is less clear after he acknowledged that the local media report was largely true. The scandal may affect his bargaining power over policy when negotiating with Ishibas LDP.

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BAGHDAD, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shiite militia group, on Monday claimed responsibility for six drone attacks on Israeli targets.

According to its statements, the group's fighters launched four drone attacks on sites in northern Israel, and two more on other locations in southern Israel.

The statements did not provide further details about the targeted sites or report any casualties.

The Iraqi militia group noted that the drone attacks were carried out "in solidarity with our people in Palestine and Lebanon," adding it would continue targeting "the enemy's strongholds at an escalating pace."

Since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has repeatedly attacked Israeli and U.S. positions in the region to show support for Palestinians in Gaza.

The militia has stepped up its attacks on Israel after the latter intensified strikes against Hezbollah across Lebanon on Sept. 23. 
TOKYO (AP)  Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged to take tougher measures against misuse of political funds after he was reelected by parliament Monday following a major loss in the polls last month by his governing coalition.

Ishibas Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner Komeito together lost a majority in the 465-seat Lower House, the more powerful of Japans two-house parliament, in the Oct. 27 election. The defeat was blamed on voter outrage over financial misconduct by his party.

We must remind ourselves of the basics that politics is for the people, as we tackle political and party reforms," Ishiba said. He said that in response to the poor election results, "We must be able to have empathy for the pain, sorrow and anger of the people.

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A special parliamentary session convened Monday to pick a new leader in a vote required within 30 days of a general election. Ishiba beat top opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda 221-160 in the first runoff in 30 years.

In his second Cabinet in just over a month, Ishiba reappointed most of its previous members, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. He replaced three ministers who lost seats or were affected by the election results.

Ishiba stressed the importance of pursuing the significant buildup of Japan's defense power to deal with growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea, while cooperating with its ally the United States and other like-minded partners.

He said he plans to attend Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Group of 20 summits later this month to further strengthen partnership with the Global South nations and the Asia-Pacific region. He said he will hold talks with U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other leaders.

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His government is also reportedly arranging a possible meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on his way home.

Ishiba has refused to step down and showed willingness to cooperate with additional coalition partners to boost stability and help him pursue his partys policies.

Ishiba will struggle in the coming months to gain consent from the opposition on policies including the budget and other legislation, experts say. Ishiba said he will listen to opposition parties more carefully than before.

While we stick to the LDP-Komei partnership as the foundation, we will do our utmost to gain understanding of as many other parties as possible as we humbly work to ensure safety and security of the people, Ishiba said.

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He wants to cooperate more closely with a rising smaller, conservative Democratic Party for the People, whose seats quadrupled to 28 under its popular leader Yuichiro Tamaki. His proposal for raising the basic tax-free income allowance and increasing take-home wages garnered support from low-income and younger voters.

Tamaki only wants to cooperate with Ishibas party on policy  not as part of a coalition  since he wants to use his leverage to increase his partys standing ahead of the next election.

Tamaki was recently stung by a magazine article exposing an extramarital affair, which he admitted to on Monday.

___

This story has been corrected to show the summit is Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, not ASEAN.
This is an adapted excerpt from the Nov. 10 episode of Inside with Jen Psaki.

Since last weeks election, Ive spent a lot of time thinking about what just happened. Im sure you have, too. Im trying not to wallow in it, though if youre doing a little wallowing, I get it. Mostly Im trying to learn from it and think about what comes next.

Because now is a time to reflect and be humble. Its also a time to be very, very curious. I know theres an instinct right now to try to find some very clear-cut explanation, but, the truth is, there isnt just one.

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If theres one thing I know, its that there were lots of factors at play here. Yes, there have been some major trends wiping out incumbents all across the world post-Covid. Yes, there is a lot of sexism and racism in our country  something that definitely exists and something that can be frustratingly hard to measure. And yes, Vice President Kamala Harris ran a campaign in just 107 days.

During those 107 days, she did have moments of complete brilliance. The debate and the Democratic National Convention both come to mind. Many of us thought she might be able to overcome the burden of an unpopular governing party, introduce herself to voters, bring back the members of the Democratic coalition who had left and massively outperform every single global trend. Maybe that was an insurmountable expectation all along, especially on a short timeline.

But beyond those structural challenges, we also need to be clear-eyed about some hard truths in the results from election night. President-elect Donald Trump improved his share of the vote with almost every demographic group. He improved with men, women, young people and Latinos. If thats not a hard truth, I dont know what is.

While we try to understand why that happened, I think there might be an instinct to assign blame to this demographic or that demographic. But despite how hard this moment is and how challenging the years ahead will be, we have to resist that urge.

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Thats just not how democracy works. Winning elections is about convincing more voters that you are the right choice. No one American, and no one group of Americans, owes anyone their vote. People choose with their own free will who they think better represents their interests. People are either motivated to turn out to support what a party is offering, or they arent. And we need to reflect on that.

We need to reflect on why an anti-labor, anti-working-class candidate won voters who didnt go to college; why an anti-immigrant candidate who ran on the promise of deporting millions of people made historic gains with Latino voters; and why a country that ranks democracy as one of its top issues elected the guy who promised to be a dictator on Day 1.

Man, those are big questions, and it might be a while before we have answers to all of them.

But there were also some bright spots, including the election of Sen.-elect Elissa Slotkin in Michigan and the re-election of Sens. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Arizonas Ruben Gallego is leading in his Senate race, too. Those races all happened in states Trump won, and those candidates all outperformed the top of the ticket.

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What I do know for sure is that not nearly enough people turned out to vote for what the Democratic Party was selling nationally. I look at this from my vantage point as a college-educated white person, which is one of the only demographics Trump didnt increase his share of the vote with, and I can tell you that the message of the party is geared too much toward me.

I happen to believe that Trump is a major threat to our democracy. I believe that as much today as I did this time last week. Fascism is a threat. A dire one. So is authoritarian leadership. I believe that in my bones, and I believe its what were facing.

But clearly that message just didnt connect with enough people, and maybe it was the wrong closing message. Too many people either didnt buy it and didnt show up or were willing to price in the risk because other issues were more important to them.

The answer to that failure isnt to say fascism doesnt matter or to say everyone who didnt vote for Harris is to blame for not hearing or understanding the threat; its for candidates to rethink how they prioritize what they talk about, to rethink how they engage.

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Part of the answer here is to stop diagnosing and start listening. Over the last few days, I thought a lot about my first presidential campaign in 2004, because I think there are some important lessons there. For one, it produced an outcome that also made very little sense at the time. It did not make any sense that the country chose George W. Bush, a man who had started a deeply unpopular war in Iraq, over John Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who had spoken out against it  but they did.

Kerrys loss left the Democratic Party with a huge leadership vacuum, and it turns out, vacuums can be a good thing. Two years later, the country rejected Bushs failed presidency and Democrats won back the House for the first time in 12 years, making Rep. Nancy Pelosi the first female speaker.

Two years after that, the Democratic electorate, after a hard-fought primary with good candidates, chose a Black man with the middle name Hussein over the party establishment candidate as their nominee. And the country chose that same man, Barack Obama, to be their president, twice.

I traveled with him to nearly every event he did on both presidential campaigns. I can tell you that he won by throwing out the old playbook and showing up for years to places people didnt expect. He won by being fearless. He refused to accept the notion that the country would only elect someone who looked or sounded a certain way.

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He did it by believing that Yes, we can as a country. The man is a once-in-a-generation speaker, but he didnt win by talking at people. He won by listening. He won by listening to the country and charting a new path forward based on what he heard.

So, I know you are feeling confused, upset and pissed off. Im sure youre feeling exhausted. I get it. But as painful as it is right now, even amid that exhaustion and anger, its important that we dont fall into the trap of believing that things cant get better or that we cant get to the other side of this.

Because they can and we can. So lets listen carefully, lets learn a lot, lets be super curious and lets get to work.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Jennie Josephine (Liana) Nethers, 102, passed away at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Sacramento, California the morning of Tuesday, November 5 after having lived an amazing, full life.

Jennie was born October 9, 1922, in Youngstown, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Francis and Leon Liana and was a middle child of five siblings, Anna Liana, John (Jean) Liana, Stella (Ed) Zebrasky, Mary (George) OHare and Helen Liana.

She spent her early years on a farm in Mahoning County before the family moved to Idora Avenue.

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She was a 1940 graduate of South High School in Youngstown, Ohio.

For 46 years Jennie was the devoted wife of Richard. W. (Dick) Nethers whom she married on May 8, 1954. Dick passed away on July 14, 2000. Together they had twins, David and Barbara, born August 17, 1959. She was an ardent supporter and advocate of her children, their spouses, her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

During her many years living in Poland, she was active in the Youngstown Chapter of the Mothers of Twins Club which named her 1975 Mother of the Year, a Pink Lady volunteer with the Youngstown Hospital Association, an employee of Youngstown Sheet and Tube, Sharon Steel, and the Poland Local School District where she wore many hats. She was an amazing cook whose ornate confectionaries entertained many guests at numerous weddings, holidays and other occasions.

At the age of 94 Jennie left her home of 62 years in Poland, Ohio to live with her daughter, Barbara and her husband, Dr. J. Stephen Pinson, in Gold River, California, where she remained incredibly active, traveling the world with them through her 101st year of life.

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She leaves behind her two adult children, Barbara (Steve) Pinson of Gold River California and her son, David (Cindy) Nethers of Broadview Heights, Ohio; her treasured granddaughter, Claire Pinson and her grandsons, Adam Pinson, U.S. Army SSG Matthew (Casey) Nethers and U.S. Army Cpl. Johnathan Nethers, as well as her great-granddaughter, Oaklynn.

She is preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings; her husband, Richard and many, many of her friends and neighbors.

A private burial will be held with close family in attendance in Youngstown where she will lie next to her late husband at Calvary Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Epiclesis Church in Sacramento at a future date.

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Those wishing to honor her memory are asked, in lieu of flowers, to please make a contribution in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street, Boardman.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jennie Josephine (Liana) Nethers, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, November 12 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  A wildfire burning in New York and New Jersey will get a little larger in the coming days, New York fire officials said Monday.

In just a few days the fire has burned 5,000 acres, about 7.8 square miles, across New York and New Jersey, according to Bryan Gallagher, a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Family remembers teen killed fighting NY fire: Full of promise

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The fire was 20% contained as of Monday afternoon. Before its completely controlled, the fire is expected to grow due to strong winds expected in the region Tuesday and containment efforts, Gallagher said.

The fire blew up and spread to New Jersey Saturday after initially igniting in New York. It burned about 2,500 acres in each state, Gallagher said.

About 12 homes were voluntarily evacuated Sunday evening in Sterling Forest and the American Red Cross has set up a temporary relocation center at the Greenwood Lake Community Center, Orange County Emergency Services commissioner Peter Cirigliano said.

Rain and changed wind patterns have provided firefighters a breather, officials said Monday.

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The weathers with us, Gallagher said. [But] tomorrows going to be very windy.

Gallagher emphasized the crucial importance of safe fire practices in the coming days. A rare and severe drought has made this fire particularly difficult, he said.

We dont need any more work right now, Gallagher said. Were getting tired.

The wildfire killed Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old New York State Parks worker, on Saturday.

It was a very emotional situation, said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. The outpouring of support from the residents and businesses [has] been phenomenal.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is facing a key decision on whom to tap to fill the term of Vice President-elect Vance as jockeying among Ohio Republicans for the coveted appointment is set to become a knife fight.

Vance will be departing the upper chamber only two years after winning his seat, creating a vacancy that will have ramifications both immediately and down the line. The appointed senator would be staring down back-to-back campaigns: a high-stakes special election in 2026 and a race in 2028.

With a rare opening, Republicans are expecting an intraparty battle in a state that has become increasingly red in recent years.

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[The] jockeying will be intense, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) said.

Discussions are still in their infancy, but speculation is running rampant over whom DeWine may pick, with the governors office already receiving a steady stream of outreach from interested parties.

A lot of people are calling, DeWine told reporters Thursday. Were just going through the process of starting to think about this and see who would be the best person.

DeWine also acknowledged that whoever is chosen must be ready to hit the ground running and have the ability to run and win the pair of coming Senate races, much like what Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) is trying to accomplish.

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The senator is also expected to be a consensus pick, rather than someone either purely in the mold of DeWine, a moderate GOP governor, or cut wholly from MAGA cloth.

I suspect that DeWine is going to pick someone thats broadly acceptable to the whole party, a Trump World source told The Hill. I dont expect him to pick some crazy MAGA person, but also he wont pick someone who will anger Trump and his supporters.

According to a handful of GOP sources, Jane Timken is widely believed to be among the leading early contenders for the appointment.

The former Ohio GOP chair finished in a disappointing fifth place during the 2022 GOP Senate primary that Vance emerged from, but she has put herself in a solid position for an appointment due in part to her close relationship with DeWine. She ran the Ohio GOP during the opening years of his gubernatorial stint.

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Timken was also a top ally of Vance leading up to the 2022 the general election.

One Ohio GOP insider described her as a bridge builder, something that would likely appeal to DeWine. But she is also known for her cautious approach and would have to instill confidence that she can win back-to-back Senate bids, especially after the failed primary run.

Jane makes all the sense in the world.  But thats also why she maybe wont get it, one GOP operative with Ohio ties said. She makes sense as the favorite on paper.

DeWine also has a history of appointing women to open posts and positions, multiple operatives noted.

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But after Timken, there is little consensus. Among the smattering of Republican names being mentioned are Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy and Rep. Mike Carey (Ohio).

Sources also noted that DeWine may opt to use the appointment as an opportunity to cull the herd of potential opponents in the states looming GOP gubernatorial primary.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R) is DeWines favored choice as successor, but he could square off against the likes of Yost or Vivek Ramaswamy, the former presidential candidate and a favorite of President-elect Trump. This could lead DeWine to pick either of the two possible challengers, operatives believe, though Yost would be the more likely of the pair.

Strategists are also quick to note that DeWine, a former two-term senator himself, is sure to take the selection process particularly seriously  something the governor acknowledged while discussing the heightened importance of the role, especially given the double dose of elections the pick will face.

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It has to be someone who will serve well in the Senate. I think I have a pretty good idea of what it takes, DeWine said, adding that hes looking for someone who will focus on both Ohio and national issues, show strong work ethic and wants to get things done. These are qualifications I think that are very important.

This is not for the faint-hearted, he continued. This is not for someone who just wants to get a seat. This has to be someone who really wants to do the job and do the work and who we think has the ability to do that.

Two names that are considered unlikely to receive DeWines call from the bullpen are state Sen. Matt Dolan (R) and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R), both of whom lost the Senate primary to Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno (R) in the spring.

Dolan is unlikely to fall into that boat of being a consensus pick because he is widely viewed as a moderate who would upset Trump and his backers. His selection would also likely prompt a contentious primary challenge  something Republicans of all stripes would like to avoid.

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As for LaRose, he put up an underwhelming performance during the Senate run, having led at stages before ultimately finishing behind Moreno and Dolan. He also struggled on the fundraising side, especially against two self-funders.

It also remains to be seen what role Vance plays in who succeeds him. Multiple sources noted that Vance and DeWine have a strong personal relationship despite their political differences, with the Trump World source pointing to the lack of a response from Vance after DeWine called him out for his comments about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio.

While the vice president-elect is likely to have conversations with the governor, DeWine is also expected to lean on counsel of advisers and keep the selection process close to the vest.

Trumps role in selecting Vances successor is also unclear at this point, but sources say he will have some level of influence.

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But one thing thats universally agreed on is that this is the governors choice, no matter how much Vance and others weigh in.

At the end of the day, its a DeWine thing, the Trump World source said.

The timing of filling the vacancy remains unclear because it is unknown when Vance will officially resign from the upper chamber.

According to a DeWine spokesperson, the governor is mindful of appointing someone as early as possible, especially in order to give the new senator seniority over the incoming class of members who will be inaugurated on Jan. 3.

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DALLAS  Veterans Day honors Americas veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Julian Torres embodies all of those virtues.

The San Diego native enlisted six months after graduating high school, beginning boot camp in January 2007. By August 2009, Torres was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, known as the Never to Quit Battalion, where the second-generation military service member became a machine gun squad leader. In April 2010, Torres was promoted to sergeant. Two months later, Torres and his unit received their combat orders. They shipped out to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, with Marjah, a township in the Helmand Province, serving as their temporary home. Then on July 15, 2010, Torres life changed forever.

There were 13 of us together and someone, four or five guys ahead of me, noticed a piece of cloth on a reed and he held the patrol and knew it was an indicator (for an IED), Torres said. So I go back a few steps and thats when I stepped on it and it went off. I remember the chatter on the radio about who got hit. Everything was so bright and I thought about my son, I thought about my wife and all of my family.

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The IED, or Improvised Explosive Device, took both of Torres legs. His unit successfully evacuated him off the battlefield and a long, painful road of rehabilitation began. In three days, Torres went from Camp Dwyer and Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and on to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. In September 2010, Torres checked into the Wounded Warrior Battalion West Detachment in his hometown of San Diego.

Torres worked tirelessly to overcome the loss of his legs, with a goal of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africas tallest peak and the worlds tallest freestanding mountain. The double amputee advanced from prosthetic legs and a walker, to prosthetic legs and two canes, to no canes at all. On Veterans Day 2015, a little more than five years from the day of Torres IED encounter, he scaled Mount Kilimanjaro.

It was a monumental triumph over adversity, yet the loss of Torres legs still made getting from place to place a challenge. An adapted vehicle to transport Torres and his family was needed.

Enter Interstate Batteries and Toyota. In a partnership forged at NASCAR tracks across the country, the two longtime Joe Gibbs Racing partners banded together in support of Semper Fi & Americas Fund to secure a new Toyota Sienna with all the necessary upgrades to fit Sgt. Torres needs. The gift of motion as Torres calls it, has been invaluable in helping him live as normal a life as possible.

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Ive been fortunate to be able to cut down the stresses thanks to Interstate Batteries, Toyota and everyone at Semper Fi & Americas Fund, said Torres, a married father of three. One of those stresses is 100 percent mobility. There is no better means of transportation than a vehicle. The ability to be able to get up and move is a privilege. This Toyota Sienna is not only practical, but its also comfortable. Interstate Batteries coming together with Semper Fi & Americas Fund has given me the ability to express my freedom through liberty of motion. Ill be forever grateful for what theyve done for myself and my whole family.

The average cost to secure and replace an adapted vehicle ranges between $20,000 and $80,000. While there are government assistance programs to help with securing these vehicles, the resources are limited and are available on a one-time basis. With the average lifespan of a vehicle being 12 years, the expense to replace an adapted vehicle quickly becomes burdensome.

As Veterans Day approaches, we are so very grateful for Sgt. Torres and the countless others who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy. It is our honor to be a part of providing this adaptable Toyota Sienna to someone who has done so much for our country, said Lain Hancock, president and CEO of Interstate Batteries.

Semper Fi & Americas Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides vital support to critically wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and military families. Interstate Batteries, a leading provider of automotive batteries and related products, has been raising awareness and providing financial support for The Funds transportation program, which supports injured veterans with stipends for vehicles repairs, adaptive vehicle purchases and vehicle modifications.
Talk of who will fill President-elect Donald J. Trump s new Cabinet has already inspired rampant speculation, and a chart of potential picks from CNN revealed a deep bench of idiots, freaks and wannabe tough guys, according to John Oliver .

That chart f---ing sucks, The Last Week Tonight host said Sunday. It looks like a choose your fighter screen where the only thing theyre fighting is the arc of the moral universe. It looks like an advent calendar where every circle opens up to a tiny piece of literal shit. It looks like a game board for Guess Who? Oops! All a--holes.

Trump already has named Susie Wiles as his incoming chief of staff. And hes expected to formally name New York congresswoman and chair of the House Republican Conference, Elise Stefanik, to become the new United Nations ambassador.

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But Oliver zeroed in on the question marks over the headshots of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk , declaring: Even the chart itself is surprised that theyre there, and honestly, chart: Same.

John Oliver chart.

Oliver described RFK Jr. as an enemy to all animals, friend to all measles and reminded viewers that Trump plans to let him go wild on medicines, you know, really get in there and mix things up, like a worm in a frontal cortex .

Oliver seemed more skeptical about plans to put Musk in charge of cutting wasteful government spending , even though Musk once boasted he could easily trim the federal budget by $2 trillion, even if it means a period of  temporary hardship  for many Americans. And seeing a man worth $300 billion telling the country to endure hardship and live within their means fills me with a feeling that apparently I cannot say out loud for legal reasons, Oliver said, adding: Look, ultimately I dont see Musk going through the federal budget line by line because hes just going to get bored and go back to something more his speed like, I dont know, finding a place to do another big-boy jump.

Some other potential Cabinet-level positions under Trumps second term could include Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as U.S. attorney general, despite not only coming under federal investigations for bribery as well as settling a state securities fraud case against him earlier this year by agreeing to pay $300,000 in restitution, and perform hundreds of hours of community service and another 15 hours of legal ethics training.

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More concerning for Oliver, however, was was Paxtons refusal to sign a letter condemning violence on the eve of the election.

Among qualifications for AG, Oliver said, I would argue that horny for another insurrection shouldnt be one of them.

Oliver also exposed potential CIA director Kash Patel as a man so devoted to Trump he even has a series of childrens books called The Plot Against The King , about King Donald fighting Hillary Queenton. Trump reportedly considered Patel as a deputy FBI director during his first term, only to have then AG Bill Barr reject the idea. Well, Bill Barr isnt there to stop it anymore, Oliver said, noting how Patel told Steve Bannon on his podcast last year that he would go after the media , saying: Were going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. Were going to come after you. Whether its criminally or civilly, well figure that out. But yeah, were putting you all on notice.

Well, I dont love the sound of that, Oliver said.

But that is just scratching the surface of a deep bench of idiots, freaks, and wannabe tough guys eager to get into the White House and start breaking things. In January, things can get very bad very fast.
A garage in downtown Johnson City owned by Sean Williams, suspected in dozens of sexual assaults, was vandalized, captured in a photo that has been introduced in a federal lawsuit against the city.

This story contains allegations of sexual violence involving child and adult victims. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available through the National Sexual Abuse Hotline: 800-656-4673

Disturbing allegations continue to emerge in an ongoing civil lawsuit that claims members of the Johnson City Police Department, for years, conspired to protect a prominent business owner implicated in dozens of sexual crimes against women and children.

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The businessman, Sean Williams, is now in federal custody awaiting trial on federal child pornography production charges.

But for years, Williams was a fixture in downtown Johnson Citys nightlife scene.

Williams, 53, operated a glass and concrete contracting business, lived in a downtown penthouse and partied in his nearby garage, often drawing in passersby  including women who later accused Williams of spiking their drinks and then assaulting them while unconscious, according to court records filed in a class action federal lawsuit against Johnson City and its police department.

Other women reported their last memory before waking up in Williams bed after having been sexually assaulted was taking a sip of a drink.

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Yet reports from multiple women who stepped forward over a four-year-period to tell Johnson City police that Williams had raped them went nowhere. Police closed their files and made no arrests, according to court records.

Video and still images later recovered from Williams electronic devices last year show him sexually assaulting 67 women and children inside his Johnson City apartment, according to an affidavit by an investigator with the First Judicial District Attorney Generals Office filed in federal court.

The electronic devices were discovered by campus police who happened upon Williams napping in his car at a rural North Carolina university in Aug. 2023, not Johnson City police who  by then  were aware of at least 20 women whom Williams had allegedly sexually assaulted, court records said.

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Williams alleged victims filed a federal lawsuit last year, accusing Johnson City Police of failing to protect them. Since its filing in July 2023, the class action lawsuit has surfaced allegations that Johnson City police officers collected, extorted or stole money from Williams and turned a blind eye to his crimes.

This case involves grave allegations of sex trafficking, the sexual assaults of dozens of women and children, and perhaps most disturbing, public corruption at the hands of Johnson City police department that enabled the perpetrator, Sean Williams, to terrorize his victims for years, read an Oct. 16 filing by attorneys in the class action suit.

Attorneys for the victims have also alleged Williams engaged in a sex trafficking scheme by which he would provide drugs or other inducements for women to continuously recruit new victims.

The recent legal filing makes even further allegations of public corruption on the part of Johnson City police. Among the allegations:

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JCPD knew as early as July 2020 of specific allegations Williams had sexually abused children  including the existence of photographs of the abuse described in detail by a woman who came forward to report she had been raped by Williams. JCPD did not investigate the womans child sex abuse allegations nor include it in the resulting police report summarizing their interview with the woman. Williams went on to sexually abuse another child in December 2020, according to legal filings.

JCPD failed to gather, test, investigate and disclose evidence of Williams crimes  in some instances altering police reports and destroying evidence, according to computer audit trails obtained by attorneys bringing the class action lawsuit

Details of a web of financial transactions involving individual Johnson City police officers show hundreds of thousands of dollars in unaccounted-for income for some officers. The lawsuit also alleges one officer may have tried to pay off a witness to an ongoing public corruption investigation.

The women accuse police of unconstitutional conduct that shocks the conscience.

The women are represented by attorneys Vanessa Baeher-Jones, with California-based Advocates for Survivors of Abuse, Heather Moore Collins with Brentwood, Tenn.-based HMC Civil Rights Law and San Francisco attorney Elizabeth Kramer.

A spokesperson for Johnson City Manager Cathy Ball did not respond to a request for comment left Thursday and Friday about the new allegations. Ball, who speaks on behalf of the JCPD, has previously denied wrongdoing on the part of the Johnson City Police Department.

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An attorney for Williams did not respond to an emailed request for comment left last week.

Attorneys for the women said in legal filings they are cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice in a federal public corruption probe related to its handling of the Williams case that began in 2023. The DOJ has declined to confirm the probe citing department policy that prohibits them from discussing open investigations.

A woman falls five stories

In September 2020, police responded to Williams condominium after a woman fell from his fifth-story window onto the sidewalk below, suffering grievous and permanent injuries.

The woman, who has since filed her own lawsuit against the Johnson City Police Department, alleged she was drugged then pushed from Williams apartment during an attempted sexual assault.

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When JCPD investigator Toma Sparks and another investigator arrived at Williams door to investigate, Williams hands were covered in blood, the new filings allege, citing photographs police took of Williams hands filed under seal in the case.

The officers left without arranging for the blood on Williams hands to be tested, did not secure video cameras visible around Williams home nor a large rifle, court filings said. The officers also left Williams with his phone, which was wiped of its data when police later sought to retrieve it. The lawsuit alleges that before wiping his phone of data, Williams was also able to access his in-home video cameras, deleting footage.

A search warrant obtained later that day by Sparks failed to mention the existence of the rifle in the threat assessment portion of the document. Williams, who has a previous felony conviction, was not permitted to own one.

Excerpt from threat assessment portion of Sept. 2020 search warrant for Sean Williams condominium. (Source: federal court filings, U.S. Eastern District of Tennessee)

When Sparks and three other JCPD officers showed up at Williams home to do the search, they found a list entitled raped with 23 female names listed below, including names that reference babies or children, the lawsuit said.

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The list of names, along with the rifle, were neither seized nor included in a police inventory list of items in the apartment, court records said.

Instead, police collected Williams safe, five computers, three cell phones and six video cameras.

The electronic devices wouldnt be forensically examined for more than two years, only after allegations of multiple sexual assaults emerged in evidence seized by North Carolina campus police.

Days later, JCPD videotaped the opening of the safe at the police department. The video footage show large amounts of cash, along with a gold Cartier necklace, two dildos and a baby doll with a hole in her genitals  items that were not inventoried, according to copies of police inventory records submitted in court, according to the lawsuit.

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Williams later claimed in a social media post that JCPD stole more than $500,000 in cash from the safe, returning just $81,000, court records said. The cash was never counted nor inventoried before the safe was returned, legal filings allege. The Cartier necklace also was not returned, court filings claim.

Crime scene investigation photo taken by JCPD shows cash found inside Sean Williams safe on Sept. 23, 2020 (Source: federal court filings, U.S. Eastern District of Tennessee)

The existence of the doll should have been a red flag for police, the womens attorneys said in their legal filing.

Had JCPD acted on the evidence that Williams was sexually exploiting children in September 2020, they could have prevented the sexual exploitation of an unnamed child victim in December 2020, among the horrific crimes Williams perpetrated with impunity, the Oct. 16 filing said.

Legal filings in the case also cite audit trails of police computer systems that uncovered numerous instances in which individual officers accessed and edited sexual assault police reports involving Wiliams alleged victims, even if they had no role in the case and, in some instances, months after the report had been filed.

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Some of the computer activity by police occurred after litigation had begun and JCPD officers were removed from any involvement in investigating Williams.

Sparks, for example  the officer who investigated the womans fall from Williams fifth story condo  edited the sexual assault reports of three alleged Williams victims two months after he was instructed to stop working on Williams cases, attorneys allege.

U.S. District Judge Travis McDonough in August dismissed claims against certain of the responding officers in the civil suit, but not Sparks.

In his ruling, McDonough noted that the allegations contained in the womens suit are replete with conduct by Sparks that shocks the conscience and declined a request by Sparks to be dismissed from the lawsuit.

Other allegations contained in the suit say Sparks solicited bribes from Williams in exchange for insulating his criminal activities and intimidated and lied to victims and concealed evidence of Wiliams crimes.

McDonough also ruled against Sparks and other JCPD officers claims they were protected from litigation by qualified immunity.

Laura Beth Rufolo, a Chattanooga attorney who represents one of the officers named in the lawsuit  two other officers have since been dismissed as defendants  cited court rules and pending litigation in declining to comment. She noted that a legal response to the allegations would be filed soon and that our clients categorically deny the allegations made against them.

Former federal prosecutor pursues evidence

The existence of the doll did give pause to former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kateri Dahl.

At the time, Dahl was working on contract as liaison between the U.S. Attorneys Office and the Johnson City Police Department to prosecute drug crimes. Dahl, however, had begun examinging sexual assault crimes reported by Williams alleged victims.

And in a secret recording she made in December 2020 of a conversation with Karl Turner, who was the then-JCPD chief of police, she explained why.

Thats (the doll) actually a theme in pretty disturbing cases, Dahl said as she pressed Turner to authorize a search warrant of Williams electronic devices for evidence of child sex abuse, according to a transcript of the conversation filed as evidence in the case.

Excerpt of transcript of secretly recorded conversation in December 2020 between former U.S. Attorney Kateri Dahl and then-JCPD Police Chief Karl Turner (Source: federal court filings, U.S. Eastern District of Tennessee)

Turner, who is also named as a defendant in the class action lawsuit, questioned whether the so called raped list found in Williamss condo was simply girls hes had consensual sex with and calls it whatever he calls it, before bringing in JCPD Captain Kevin Peters to look into getting a warrant to examine the digital devices.

Dahls contract with the police department was terminated about six months later.

She has since filed a federal whistleblower lawsuit alleging Turner killed the funding for her job as she pressed the agency to build a case against a felon she believed was a serial rapist.

Dahl gathered substantial evidence that a well-known individual  had not just been dealing drugs but was credibly accused of raping multiple women and had possibly caused the death of one of his alleged victims, Dahls lawsuit, filed in June 2022, claimed. Dahl urged Johnson City and its Police Chief Karl Turner to investigate further. But Chief Karl Turner intentionally and recklessly failed to investigate (the felon) despite Dahls repeated urging.

Turner has since retired from the department. He has previously filed a response in Dahls whistleblower lawsuit that said Dahls contract was ended for performance issues, not retaliation.

An attorney for Turner did not respond to an emailed request for comment last week about the allegations.

Altered police reports, missing evidence

Two years after Dahls 2020 conversation with Turner, another woman turned to JCPD police to report she had been sexually assaulted by Williams.

Referred to in court documents as Female 8, the woman was taken to an interrogation room by a JCPD officer while two other JCPD officers, including officer Sparks, observed from another room.

The woman was asked to repeat the account of her sexual assault multiple times during the course of the interview.

She also told the officer interviewing her that she had seen graphic photographs of Williams sexually abusing children on his phone.

She identified specific children she suspected Williams was targeting.

Inexplicably, none of this material information ended up in (the) report of the victim interview, the lawsuit said

The resulting police report, filed under seal in the federal court case, says only that the victim saw photographs of Williams with children, the court filing said. The police report omitted the fact that Female 8 told Higgins she saw photographs of Williams sexually abusing children, it said.

Johnson City Police closed the womans case in March 2023 with no arrests or further action.

Weeks later, Williams was arrested by Western Carolina State University campus police on a routine patrol who spied Williams unconscious in his car. The officers discovery of drugs, cash and digital devices in the car helped launch the broader investigation into Williams.

Female 8s sexual assault was recorded on these devices, court records said.

Alleged payoffs

Attorneys for the women have previously alleged that Williams business partner funneled $2,000 in weekly extortion payments to certain Johnson City Police officers, using a complicated scheme of shell companies disguised as subcontractors in order to cover her tracks.

Some of the transactions took place in 2022 while Williams was a fugitive and Johnson City police were supposed to be monitoring his companies transactions for suspicious activity as part of their formal investigation into his disappearance, legal filings alleged.

Instead, according to the legal filings, some officers continued to cash in on Williams through his business partner, identified in court papers as Female 4.

Financial records for certain JCPD officers show deposits into their accounts for amounts which appear to be above any sources of legitimate income, new allegations filed in court said.

One officer received $400,000 in unexplained income, the filing alleges, citing financial records obtained through subpoenas.

Now, new allegations claim that at least one JCPD officer made payments to Williams business partner in January this year  after she was a witness in a potential federal corruption investigation into JCPD police  in a complicated scheme involving the Cartier gold necklace recovered from Williams safe.

Bank records submitted in the legal case show one officer in January making $21,200 in outgoing payments during the same week that Williams business partner received $14,000 to her account.

The transaction is alleged to have been part of a complicated scheme in which the gold necklace was placed for sale at a Nashville jewelry consignment shop by an unidentified seller.

The necklace was sold to an unidentified buyer, court records said.

The consignment shop then wired $14,000 to Williams business partner.

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PARK CITY, Utah (ABC4)  Just weeks after Kouri Richins appealed to the court to reconsider her release from custody, state prosecutors have moved to drop two of the 11 charges she faces while defense attorneys seek to separate charges.

Richins, 34, has been in state custody since May 2023 when she was accused of using a high dosage of fentanyl to poison and kill her husband, Eric Richins.

She was formally charged with felony aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of mortgage fraud, two counts of fraudulent insurance claim, and three counts of forgery. Richins pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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Late last week, the State of Utah moved to dismiss the two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

TIMELINE: Kouri Richins complete timeline in murder case

The motion to dismiss the two counts comes as attorneys for Kouri Richins appeal to Judge Richard Mrazik to separate the charges of attempted criminal homicide, one count of distribution, the two counts of mortgage fraud, and two counts of forgery from the other charges.

The defense argues the alleged attempt to poison Eric Richins on Feb. 14 and the day of his death on March 3 did not meet the definition of a single criminal episode. Kouri Richins attorneys say the charges related to separate events should be tried respectively.

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If successful, Richins could be tried on the charges in a separate trial.

The prejudice that Mrs. Richins will face if the jurors are allowed to consider two separate alleged acts involving an alleged intent to cause death cannot be overstated, Richins attorneys argued. The fact that the allegations connected to Feb. 14 are wholly speculative and circumstantial makes the prejudice to Mrs. Richins even more profound.

Former Utah Tech president faces lawsuit over vulgar display attributed to employees, alleged retaliation

State prosecutors argued against severing the charges saying all the alleged charges are connected together as a common scheme or plan of criminal activity. They describe an arc that goes from alleged fraud involving property, alleged fraud implicating human life, to allegedly attempting to take a human life, to allegedly taking a life.

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The evidence supporting each of the offenses establishes a readily discernable, direct relationship between all nine offenses, prosecutors countered. Considering the offenses together, the Defendants parasitic behavior forms an arc of increasingly aggressive, risky, opportunistic, and bold actions required to perpetuate the Defendants facade of accomplishment and success.

Judge Mrazik is set to consider the motions to sever, the motion to dismiss charges, as well as Richins request for bail, on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HANOI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The State Bank of Vietnam will study and propose to the government the establishment of a national gold exchange at an appropriate time and context, the central bank's governor Nguyen Thi Hong has said.

The gold exchange's establishment needs careful impact evaluations of relevant ministries and sectors to give advice and make proposals to the government, she said during a question-and-answer session of the ongoing National Assembly meeting on Monday.

She said the gold exchange helped transactions transparent and created favorable conditions to meet the selling and purchasing demands of people, businesses and entities.

However, the exchange's establishment requires investment in infrastructure, she said.

In response to surging domestic gold prices over the past time, she said the central bank would consider intervening in the gold market if necessary to stabilize the market and balance monetary policy objectives.

The central bank will coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to inspect gold trading of enterprises, stores, distributors, buyers and sellers as well as other entities, she said.

Vietnam's gold prices continued to decline on Monday with Saigon Jewelry Company's gold bar being sold at 82 million Vietnamese dong (3,245 U.S. dollars) per tael for sellers and 85.5 million dong (3,384 dollars) for buyers, down 1 million dong (39.5 dollars) compared to the previous trading day.

A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces. 
U.S. District Court Judge Colleen McMahon has dismissed a copyright lawsuit against OpenAI. McMahon's decision, issued Thursday, is a win not just for OpenAI but for everyone who benefits from ChatGPT and similar programs.

Raw Story Media and AlterNet Media filed the suit in February, complaining that OpenAI used their articles to train ChatGPT and that the bot "regurgitate[s] verbatim or nearly verbatim copyright-protected works of journalism." The plaintiffs alleged that OpenAI had violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by removing copyright management informationauthorship and titlefrom articles used to train ChatGPT.

McMahon disagreed with the plaintiffs. She rejected their damage claim for failing to specify "any actual adverse effects stemming from this alleged DMCA violation"; without concrete harm, she wrote, there can be no standing. She also noted that while content can by copyrighted, mere information cannot. There is no substantial risk of ChatGPT violating the DMCA, she wrote, because "given the quantity of information contained in the repository, the likelihood that ChatGPT would output plagiarized content from one of Plaintiffs' articles seems remote."

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McMahon's decision could set a precedent for The New York Times' ongoing suit against OpenAI and Microsoft, OpenAI's largest investor, for using millions of its articles to train ChatGPT. The Times suit, filed last year, demands the "destruction" of every large language model and training set "that incorporate[s] Times Works." The next hearing in that case is set for December 3, 2024.

Jen Sidorovaa policy analyst at Reason Foundation, the nonprofit that publishes this websitepoints out that artificial intelligence "just scales what researchers have done for decades with data. The ethical landscape hasn't changed; it's the business model that needs updating."

The post Judge Dismisses Copyright Lawsuit Against OpenAI appeared first on Reason.com.
Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Missouri (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

A judge on Friday found a northeast Missouri hospital board guilty of gross violations of the Sunshine Law and voided all the actions taken during illegal closed meetings in August 2022.

Circuit Judge Rick Roberts also ruled that Scotland County Hospital must also pay a civil fine of $5,000 and attorneys fees to its former CEO, Dr. Randy Tobler.

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Tobler sued the hospital in March 2023, alleging he had been slandered, the target of a conspiracy to remove him and that the board vote to fire him was done at a meeting that violated the Sunshine Law. The slander and conspiracy counts were dismissed from his lawsuit and a trial was held in September on the Sunshine Law violations.

While Toblers attorney, Lowell Pearson, didnt explicitly ask for attorney fees during the trial, Roberts wrote that he would award them.

Refusing to award attorney fees for the time spent in obtaining the judgment would thwart the purpose of the Sunshine Law, Roberts wrote.

In an interview, Pearson said the ruling was everything Tobler asked for.

Dr. Randy Tobler (photo submitted).

This is a total victory for Dr. Tobler and complete vindication for him that the actions of the hospital were unlawful, Pearson said.

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The decision is gratifying, Tobler said.

I appreciate Judge Roberts issuing a thoughtful, careful and thorough decision, he said. It provides vindication for me and establishes accountability for the hospitals illegal, knowing and purposeful violation of Missouri Sunshine Law.

Tobler said he is examining with Pearson whether to refile the defamation count in the case.

The areas residents, he said, deserve hospital leadership that can be trusted in providing the essential healthcare needs of the community.

In a statement sent Sunday, hospital CEO Megan Weber said the hospital is disappointed with the ruling.

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The board continues to still feel strongly that the hospital did not knowingly or purposefully violate the Sunshine Law, and are examining our options with regards to any appeal, Weber said.

The case focused on two meetings held Aug. 15 and 16, 2022. The first was held at the home of Lori Fulk, board chair, with only four of the boards six members present. Fulk did not post a public notice of the meeting, the two board absent members were not notified and Tobler was not given any notice, Roberts found.

Holding the meeting at Fulks house violated the hospital district bylaws, Roberts wrote. Failing to inform all board members or the public violated the Sunshine Law.

At the meeting, the board members present voted to fire Tobler and chief financial officer Michael Brandon.

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During the trial, Roberts wrote, Fulk testified that the hospital was facing an immediate financial collapse so immediate that she felt the hospital only had days if not hours before it closed.

Scotland County Hospital serves 12,300 people in five counties. It is located in Memphis, a town of about 1,700 people. The hospital was losing money, but had $8.2 million in cash on hand on June 30, 2021 and $4.6 million on June 30, 2022, audit reports show. The morning of Aug. 16, rumors started spreading in Memphis that Tobler had embezzled money from the hospital.

Tobler, an obstetrician and gynecologist, had been CEO of the hospital since 2014. The vote to fire him disrupted an orderly transition because he had already submitted his resignation effective Sept. 3, 2022.

If Fulk was truthful when she said the hospital had a severe financial crisis, the logical step would be to have the entire board meet with the CEO and the chief financial officer, Roberts wrote.

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But Fulk was less than creditable in her testimony, Roberts wrote.

The selection of the members to attend clearly demonstrates that the purpose of this meeting was not the alleged financial crisis but was to focus on how to remove certain officers from the organization, he wrote.

Lori Fulk, chair of the Scotland County Hospital District Board of Directors, speaks during an Aug. 30, 2022, meeting (Echo Menges/Memphis Democrat).

All board members were present for the Aug. 16 closed meeting, which was held at the hospital on short notice to the members and no notice to the public.

Whatever her agenda was in August 2022 she knew she wanted to limit the persons informed of and who could participate in the meetings of August 15 and 16, 2022, and the only way to get what she wanted was by a gross violation of the Sunshine Law, which is exactly what she did, Roberts wrote.

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The language Roberts used is some of the strongest he has seen about a witness, Pearson said.

Its unusual for a judge to make a credibility finding that is that stark, he said. Thats a pretty unusually explicit way for the court to say that he found a witness to not be credible.

The decision will not result in Toblers reinstatement as CEO, Weber said Sunday. The board voted to fire him at its Aug. 30, 2022 meeting that met the requirements of the Sunshine Law, she said.

Brandon has not sued over his firing and his status after Roberts decision is unclear.

Another case stemming from the same time is also pending before Roberts. Terri Schmitt, who was the human resources officer of the hospital, was fired Aug. 17, 2022, by Weber, named CEO at the Aug. 16 meeting.

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Schmitt, who was 59 at the time of her firing, is suing for age discrimination and violation of her employment contract, which required 90 days notice of termination. The case is expected to go to trial sometime next year.

This article has been updated with comments from hospital CEO Megan Weber and to correct the dates when the hosptial held particular cash balances.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Charlotte man was sentenced to life in prison on November 6, after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and multiple other offenses, according to a press release from the North Carolina District Attorneys Office.

The Mecklenburg County District Attorneys Homicide Team tried 29-year-old Christopher Chisholm with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, three counts of possession of a stolen firearm, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and being a habitual felon.

Honorable Judge Louis A. Trosch Jr. sentenced Chisholm to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder charge. For the remaining charges, Judge Trosch sentenced him to consecutive sentences totaling 112-159 months in prison.

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The trial began on October 21, 2024, five years after the death of 56-year-old Robert Michael Hopkins.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On December 20, 2019, officials say Chisholm and another male were attempting to break into vehicles in the parking lot of the Ayrsley Town Center in south Charlotte.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

Surveillance video showed them backing their car into a parking space two spots away from the victim, Robert Hopkins vehicle. The unidentified male attempted to break into the car between them, and then tried the victims truck. After he failed to get in, Chisholm reportedly pushed in the lock and began ransacking the inside of the truck.

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Hopkins was leaving work at the time after attending his companys holiday party. He had stayed late to go over plans for the house he and his wife were planning to build.

As Hopkins approached his truck, he noticed Chisholm in the front seat. He approached Chisholm who ran to his car and got into the drivers seat. Hopkins stood in front of the car, attempting to stop Chisholm from fleeing.

Chisholm drove forward, striking and killing Hopkins before fleeing the scene.

Two days later, Charlotte police spotted Chisholm on McAllister Road in the same car he used to run over Hopkins. Following a high-speed chase with police, he was arrested. Stolen property was found inside the car as well as the victims blood on the cars undercarriage, which was confirmed by lab testing.

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Richard Allen has been found guilty of two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder in the highly publicized Delphi murder trial, according to CNN affiliate WTHR.

Prosecutors say Allen killed 13-year-old Abigail Abby Williams and 14-year-old Liberty Libby German in 2017, cutting their throats and leaving their bodies near a trail in Delphi, Indiana. The case went cold for more than five years until Allen was arrested in 2022.

The jury spent about 19 hours deliberating before reaching a verdict. Regardless of what the verdict is, people arent going to be happy, said Special Judge Frances Gull ahead of the verdict, WTHR reported.

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Richard Allen sat emotionless as the guilty verdict was read, WTHR reported. His lawyers comforted him before he was handcuffed and led away from the courtroom. The judge left the gag order restricting involved parties from speaking on the case in place until Allen is sentenced December 20.

Allen could be sentenced to up to 130 years in prison, The Associated Press reported.

Crying as she left the courthouse, Libbys grandmother, Becky Patty, hugged family members, WTHR reported. The crowd outside erupted into applause and cheers outside the courtroom after the guilty verdict was announced, according to WTHR. Some spectators held signs showing their support for Allen, while others expressed their desire for a guilty verdict, according to CNN affiliate WISH.

Allens wife, Kathy Allen, told WTHR this isnt over at all as she left the courtroom.

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The 12-person jury, which had been sequestered during the trial, began deliberating on Thursday afternoon after 17 days of testimony. The judge instructed them to deliberate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday until they reached a verdict.

Gull gave the jurors 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, CNN affiliate 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, referring to a video taken from Libbys phone showing a man walking down the Monon High Bridge Trail. Delphi law enforcement have long held they believe the Bridge Guy shown in the video is the main suspect in the case.

McLeland showed jurors graphic photos of the girls bodies, the Bridge Guy video which he said captured the final moments of the girls lives, and a recording of Allen purportedly confessing to his wife during a phone call from prison, according to WTHR.

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I did it, Allen could be heard telling his wife. I killed Abby and Libby.

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, according to WTHR.

The defense further argued no physical evidence ties Allen to the killings and said confessions he made in the past were false and stemmed from being in solitary confinement for months as his mental health deteriorated.

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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, and partially covered by sticks.

Liberty German (left) and Abigail Williams - Family Photos/WXIN

The case attracted public attention in part because of the video and audio recording of a suspect taken from Libbys smartphone. The video 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 audio and a still photo from the video 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 the 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.

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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 murder counts.

In this courtroom sketch, Richard Allen, left, is seated next to one of his defense attorneys, Andrew Baldwin, inside a courtroom at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. - Li Buszka/Pool/AP

Allens confessions  and his mental health when he made them  highlighted

Over the course of the trial, 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.

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 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 he had cut the girls throats and covered their bodies with sticks, she testified.

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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 a team of mental health professionals concluded he had a grave disability, according to CNN affiliate WRTV.

The defense originally hoped to introduce an 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.

Prosecutors focus on audio recordings and bullet found at scene

Despite Allens confessions, very little physical evidence ties 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.

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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 in his opinion, the voice of the Bridge Guy is the voice of Richard Allen, according to WRTV.

Richard Allen is Bridge Guy, McLeland told jurors. He kidnapped them and later murdered them.

In response, Rozzi said Allen was not clearly identified by witnesses as the man on the hiking trail or the bridge when the teenagers went missing. He also pointed out 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.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has been recognized as the highest-rated Medicare health plan in the state, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars for its 2025 Medicare health plans from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Each year, CMS publishes ratings for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D), helping consumers evaluate and compare the quality of different health plans.

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To determine the ratings, CMS evaluates several aspects of care and service, including how well health plans help members maintain their health, manage chronic conditions, and ensure patient access to care.

Firefighters contain brush fire in Kokee Saturday night

Ratings also reflect patient experiences, customer service, and pharmacy services.

We are proud that our 4.5-star rating reflects the strength of our integrated care model and the dedication of our teams in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, said Dr. Karen Ching, associate area medical director of quality for Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Our connected approach allows us to meet the unique needs of each member, ensuring they receive the best possible care at every stage of life.

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Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiis 4.5-star rating is a testament to its leadership in providing comprehensive, coordinated care for the states Medicare beneficiaries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Vice President Kamala Harris is seemingly taking it easy as she spends her downtime with family following the 2024 Presidential election. In photos shared on social media by her niece Meena Harris, the 60-year-old is all smiles with her two great-nieces.

The post features two carousel images uploaded to Instagram on Sunday (Nov. 10). In the snaps, Harris is casually enjoying a game of Connect Four with her hair pulled back into a messy bun, wearing a Howard University pullover hoodie.

Back to where it all began only a few months ago, shared Meena Harris in the caption. My eternal gratitude to everyone who showed up. We love her so much.

Last week, VP Harris was defeated by now-President-elect Donald Trump. According to Newsweek, Harris is partially redirecting campaign funds toward a recount. The website details, The first $41,300/$15,000 from a person/multicandidate committee (PAC) will be allocated to the DNC. The next $3,300/$5,000 from a person/PAC will be allocated to Harris for Presidents Recount Account.

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Still, Harris formerly conceded to Trump after he was declared victorious. Per CNN, as of Saturday, Trump earned 50.3% of the popular vote and 312 Electoral votes.

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pauses while speaking on stage as she concedes the election, at Howard University on November 06, 2024 in Washington, DC. After a contentious campaign focused on key battleground states, the Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump was projected to secure the majority of electoral votes, giving him a second term as U.S. President. Republicans also secured control of the Senate for the first time in four years.

A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results, detailed the VP. That principle, as much as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny, and anyone who seeks the public trust must honor it.

She added, At the same time, in our nation, we owe loyalty not to a president or to a party, but to the Constitution of the United States.

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Coldwater Republican Rep. Kyle Hoffman, right, comments during the latest meeting of the Kansas Legislature's special budget committee. The panel is expected to meet four more times before submitting its own proposed state government budget to the Legislature in January. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will also make budget recommendations. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)

TOPEKA  The staffing shortage at Kansas psychiatric hospitals in Larned and Osawatomie prompted budget requests of more than $60 million to continue filling the health-care gap with private contract nurses.

The states inability to hire a sustainable workforce of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse aides and patient care support staff at the two state hospitals has generated bipartisan frustration in the Kansas Legislature.

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The challenge has been most acute at Larned State Hospital, which would need $43 million annually to continue receiving the services of about 200 contract staff. The Osawatomie State Hospital requested $23 million for the same purpose.

Weve tried everything, but you just cant force people to go there to work, said Rep. Will Carpenter, an El Dorado Republican on the Legislatures interim budget committee. Its a question I have no answer for.

Democratic Rep. Henry Helgerson of Eastborough said: After four or five years of going down the same path, Ive lost my patience. We have to do something more radical.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said it was time the Legislature to form a separate committee to look into alternatives to embedding tens of millions of dollars annually in the state budget for nurses provided by private agencies. Employing contract nurses costs the hospitals an estimated 2.5 times the cost of hiring a state worker to do the same job.

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The state has committed about $70 million to construction of a 50-bed psychiatric hospital in southwest Wichita that could be expanded to 100 beds. That decision has come under scrutiny after a lobbyists for owner of the former Riverside Hospital complex in Wichita suggested the state buy and renovate the old hospital for use as the psychiatric hospital.

In March, the overall job vacancy rate at Larned stood at 45%, while the shortage at Osawatomie was 37%. However, vacancies among nursing staff at Larned reached 69%.

Staffing problems have driven interest at the statehouse in outsourcing to private companies all responsibility for managing the state hospitals serving people in mental health crisis as well as sex offenders placed indefinitely in Larneds treatment program after serving prison sentences. The number of sexual predators at Larned has expanded to about 230.

Its huge and growing by the year, Carpenter said. I dont want to be responsible for letting these folks out.

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The nursing shortage conversation occurred Friday during the first of five meetings by the newly formed 2024 Special Committee on Budget Process and Development. The GOP-inspired committee plans to depart from tradition by introducing its own draft of the state budget in January at opening of the annual legislative session. For many years, the Legislature has worked from blueprints offered by governors.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has been working on her version of the budget. Its expected her spending priorities would differ from those of a Republican-dominated budget committee.

Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, said the Legislature had to take the lead in sorting out state budget issues. She expressed disdain for tarnishing the process with horse trading behind closed doors at the Capitol.

The executive branch is not in charge of the budget, Williams said. Tension is good when you have three branches of government.

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The 21-member committee plans to consider budget enhancement requests from 26 state agencies amounting to more than $1.2 billion in additional spending in the upcoming fiscal year. The roster included $272 million for the Kansas Board of Regents and $105 million for the Kansas State Department of Education. The list included $450 million to replace Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

During the initial meeting, the majority decided to sidestep the topic of state employee salary increases. The regular House and Senate budget committees will consider compensation issues as well as recommendations from the special budget committee during the 2025 session.

The next meeting of the budget panel wont occur until after Nov. 20 when the state was scheduled to release an updated snapshot of the states revenue stream.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Today is Veterans Day in America, a day set aside each year to recognize those who have served in Americas Armed Forces.

The days origins date back to the end of World War I, but it would not have truly become Veterans Day were it not for Kansas.

Although the war to end all wars officially ended on June 28, 1919, the actual fighting ended on Nov. 11, 1918. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, killing an estimated 30 million people worldwide.

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In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation naming Nov. 11 Armistice Day.

To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations

Local elementary school supporting veteran in fight against cancer

The day was to be marked with parades, public meetings, and a two-minute pause to all business starting at 11 a.m. It wasnt until June 1926 that Congress officially recognized Armistice Day, passing a concurrent resolution that read:

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Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

Wichitans honor Veterans Day with parade on Saturday

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Armistice Day didnt become a federal holiday until 1938. It would take over a decade and another world war before it would become Veterans Day.

In 1953, a man in Emporia had an idea. Alvin J. King thought, why not make Armistice Day a day to honor all veterans who had served their country in all wars and conflicts?

That year, Emporia celebrated its first Veterans Day. The following year, Ed Rees, who represented Emporia in Congress, introduced House Resolution 7786 to change the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day officially.

Kansas Congressman Ed Rees (R) smiles as President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially signs Rees bill renaming Armistice Day Veterans Day June 1, 1954. (Courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense)

On June 1, 1954, fellow Kansan and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the resolution into law as Congressman Rees watched.

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ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW)The Allen County Sheriffs Office is asking for help from the public.

Lucille (Courtesy: Allen County Sheriffs Office)

According to the ACSO, Lucille, a British White bred heifer, was killed in October during the supermoon approximately six miles southeast of La Harpe.

The sheriffs office says that the death was not due to another animal or from natural causes.

Lucilles owners are offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those involved.

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Anyone with any information is asked to contact the ACSO. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or sending tips using the Crime Stoppers P3 app, which is available on Google Play and Apples App Store.

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TEHRAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji have highlighted the necessity to fully implement a border security agreement signed between the two countries in March last year, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Monday.

In a meeting in the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday, Araghchi pointed to the "very good" relations between Tehran and Baghdad in all areas, describing the bilateral security cooperation as very important in their ties.

The Iranian foreign minister hoped that by fully implementing the security agreement, the two countries would ensure sustainable security along the common border.

The Iraqi national security adviser, for his part, presented a report on the progress of the security agreement's implementation, underlining the Iraqi government's determination to implement the agreement completely.

Al-Araji emphasized that Iraq and Iran, as two Muslim, brotherly and neighboring countries, had "excellent" bilateral relations thanks to having ensured security and stability along the shared border.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for greater efforts by and synergy among Muslim states to stop as soon as possible Israel's "war crimes" in the West Asia region and send humanitarian aid to the displaced Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.

Iran and Iraq signed a security agreement that includes coordination in protecting the border between the two countries in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on March 19, 2023.

This agreement mainly aims to counter Kurdish factions operating within Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. These Kurdish groups, often accused by Iran of supporting Western or Israeli interests, had previously been targeted by Iranian military strikes.

The deal includes measures to ensure that no armed groups can launch attacks from Iraqi territory into Iran, including relocating those groups to "less accessible" camps in Iraqi Kurdistan. 
Kansas State University agronomy professor Vara Prasad, left, said the U.S. Agency for International Development's investment of up to $50 million over five years at a KSU-based research center would strive to raise crop yields without cultivating more land. In this image, Prasad visits an agricultural technology park in Cambodia. (Kansas State University)

TOPEKA  The U.S. Agency for International Development pledged up to $50 million over the next five years for research led by Kansas State University to raise agricultural productivity while moderating environmental tradeoffs.

The infusion of USAID funding guaranteed continuation of Kansas States work in the field of sustainable intensification, which calls on researchers to develop methods and technologies of increasing crop yield without cultivating more land. A challenge for scholars is to advance production on an international scale while making farming more resilient to climate change and extreme weather in regions of the planet with distinct management practices.

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The USAID grant promised to continue a 10-year research initiative at K-State fueled by $75 million in financing that ran out earlier this year. That sustainability research at KSU concentrated on climate adaptation and mitigation, resource use, soil fertility management and other objectives.

I think what this new award shows is USAIDs trust in Kansas State University, as well as our commitment to our program and what we are capable of doing, said Vara Prasad, an agronomy professor and director of agriculture innovation laboratory.

The new five-year grant could be renewed for an additional $50 million and five years based on documented progress and availability of funds from Congress. KStates support from USAID to study sustainable intensification over a 20-year period could top $175 million, officials said.

The project would include partnerships with Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Senegal and Tanzania. Each country would serve as a test bed for sustainable farm practices. The bottom line is to make the worlds farmers more efficient, productive, profitable and equitable.

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Dina Esposito, a USAID deputy coordinator of the Feed the Future program, announced the grant recently during the World Food Prize program in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Feed the Future innovation lab network, including these newly funded labs, will advance technology development and draw on the expertise of top U.S. universities and host country research institutions to tackle some of the worlds greatest challenges in agriculture and food security, she said.

Prasad said the challenge and potential of the USAID-funded research could be illustrated by considering that Kansas had a thriving agricultural economy despite variables in soil, rain and temperature from western to eastern regions of the state.

When it comes to resilience in farming, Kansas is the place, Prasad said. What we learn from other countries is going to be extremely valuable for Kansas and other places around the country and world.

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Prasad said the previous decade of sustainable intensification research at Kansas State supported about 120 organizations, 150 researchers, 275 students and 40,000 farmers.

We want to make a positive impact, change the lives of people and then make sure its done right so that they also develop the passion to help others, he said.

In addition to USAID funding to Kansas State, the agency said a program led by Washington State University could receive up to $35 million over the next five years for development and use of veterinary vaccines for livestock that could help with global hunger and poverty.

USAID earmarked funding for coffee research at Cornell University and studies of chicken disease and breeding at the University of Florida and the University of California at Davis.
Keir Starmer became the first British prime minister to attend Armistice commemorations in France since World War II on Monday, as the two countries appear to be forging closer ties ahead of an incoming Donald Trump presidency.

Starmer joined French and British veterans alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to honor those who died in World War I, as well as veterans of subsequent conflicts, according to No. 10 Downing Street.

The last UK leader to attend commemorations in the French capital was former Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the invitation of General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.

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The UK prime minister appears to be increasing coordination with France and has previously pledged to build a closer relationship with Europe and reset relations with the EU in the aftermath of Brexit.

Ahead of Mondays commemorations, Starmer met Macron for a bilateral meeting to discuss topics including Russias war in Ukraine, European security and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination, underlining their determination to support Ukraine unwaveringly and for as long as necessary to defeat Russias war of aggression in Ukraine, a French government statement said.

Trump has suggested he will cut support for Kyivs war effort and claimed on the campaign trail that he could settle the war in one day.

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Ahead of his inauguration in January, European allies have been bracing for US funding for Ukraine to dwindle. Last week, Macron said Europe needs to take control of its own destiny at a pivotal time for the continent, adding, We cannot entrust our security to the Americans forever.

British media reported that Starmer and Macron were also expected to discuss trade and the impacts of a Trump presidency, with The Guardian newspaper calling it a pointed show of European solidarity days after Donald Trumps re-election.

As a candidate, Trump also pledged to put 10% tariffs on imported goods. That has sparked concern in the UK, given the United States is the countrys largest trading partner, accounting for more than 17% of total UK trade.

Enduring friendship between UK and France

On Monday, the British prime minister, alongside Macron, laid wreathes at various monuments throughout Paris, including the Winston Churchill Statue and the Tomb of the Unknown soldier  a symbol in France commemorating those who died during World War I. Both the British and French national anthems were played as the leaders paid their respects.

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I am honored to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today, Starmer said.

These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come, he added.

Starmers presence, at the personal invitation of Macron, symbolizes the close and enduring friendship between the UK and France, the PMs office said.

He was also expected to meet his French counterpart Michel Barnier  the first time the pair have met since Barnier became Frances prime minister in September.

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Mondays visit comes as Starmer also announces more than 10 million (almost $13 million) to mark the 80th anniversaries of the Allied Victory in Europe and the end of World War II in the Far East in 1945.

Starmers office announced events will be held across the UK next year to mark the anniversaries on May 8 and August 15 respectively.

This government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE (Victory in Europe) and VJ (Victory over Japan) Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen, Starmer said.

CNNs Max Foster, Catherine Nicholls and Niamh Kennedy contributed reporting.

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JAMESTOWN, Pennsylvania (MyValleyTributes)  It is with extraordinary sadness that we announce the peaceful departure of Keith Jaymes Genco from this life he so profoundly enjoyed on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at the age of 51 in Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Keith was perhaps the strongest, the most caring and determined beacon of light to ever walk this earth, with a zest for life that brought love and inspiration to everyone who crossed his path. He had been living with numerous health issues since his mid 20s, but the cancer diagnosis he received in 2022 was simply too much for his body to handle.

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Keith was born on December 18, 1972 in Youngstown, Ohio, to the current Susan A. Mannion (Williamson) and Keith Eric Genco.

Keith grew up in New Springfield, Ohio and attended Springfield Local High School in Petersburg, Ohio, prior to moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received his GED at Connelley Technical Institute and Adult Education Center in Pittsburgh on November 1, 1993 and went on to study computer programming at Computer Tech.

Keith resided at numerous locations in and around Pittsburgh during his time there and he took on many different jobs, including a stock person at Candy-Rama, a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman and a sterile tech at West Penn Hospital. For a short time, he also drove an ice cream truck but he made no money from it because he often gave the ice cream to the less fortunate children for free, which he would then pay for out of his own pocket. That was Keith, always looking out for and helping others in need, regardless of the situation he himself was in. Most recently, Keith was a server and bartender at 5801 Video Lounge and Cafe (formerly NYNY) in Shadyside, a job he truly enjoyed for many, many years and where he met many lifelong friends.

On January 14, 2001, Keith met his life partner and future husband, Chuck Lentz, and moved-in with him in Blairsville, Pennsylvania just a few months later. They purchased a home and permanently relocated to Jamestown, Pennsylvania in November of 2010.

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Keith was a deep and true lover of animals, nature, and the ocean, but he was most passionate about dogs, cats, butterflies and hummingbirds. He recently planted numerous butterfly bushes and cared for several hummingbird feeders in his yard to attract his favorite airborne friends.

During their 23 years together, Keith was always Mommy to their eight dogs, four cats and one rabbit. He also helped to save countless baby birds, kittens, puppies, opossums, turtles, and many other beautiful creatures from near-certain demise over the years with his nurturing, caring and heartwarming touch.

Keith is survived by his cherished, loving husband and partner of 23 years, Charles E. Chuck Lentz III of Jamestown, Pennsylvania; precious canine children, Duchess and Winston; his adoring mother, Susan A. Mannion (Williamson) of New Middletown, Ohio; his beloved sister, Tammy Genco of Struthers, Ohio; an uncle, James Jim Genco of New Springfield, Ohio; an aunt, Bonnie Dunlap of North Lima, Ohio; a great-aunt, Barbara Genco; numerous cousins and countless dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Keith Eric Genco; maternal grandparents, Beryl and Lily Sis (Martin) Williamson; paternal grandparents, Leonard and Nancy (Collins) Genco and cherished furbabies, Miss Kitty, Buster, Napoleon, Brutus, Cassidy, Sebastian, Nimbus, Sambuca, Anastasia, Chardonnay and Frangelica.

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Keith was often quite stubborn at times but it was always well intentioned. He lived his life his own way, on his own terms, right to the very end but his strength, kindness, generosity, sweet personality and willingness to help others are just a few attributes for which he will be forever remembered.

In accordance with Keiths wishes, there was no viewing or funeral service and Keiths cremains are in the perpetual care of his husband, Chuck.

If you wish to do something special for Keith, please consider a memorial contribution of money, food or other needed supplies to your local no-kill animal shelter or local humane society, not to a national organization. It would put a huge smile on his face!

Funeral arrangements were entrusted with Szal Funeral Home, Inc. located in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, November 12 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Kentucky man who was upset that his girlfriend broke up with him and went back to her ex-husband has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for having the ex-husband killed.

Freddy Manuel Gonzalez, 40, of Bowling Green, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of murder through use of a firearm during crime of violence, according to the U.S Department of Justice.

The man he hired for the murder, 26-year-old Xavior Caine Posey, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

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Gonzalez, a former Kentucky Army National Guard soldier, hired Posey in late December 2020 to kill Brian Russell, according to the court record.

Gonzalez ran a cafe at The Mint Gaming Hall in Simpson County at the time, and Posey worked for him.

Russell, 43, and his wife of 16 years, Miranda Russell, had divorced in 2018.

She started dating Gonzalez in February 2020, but then broke up with him in October to return to her ex-husband, according to court documents.

For a couple of months, Miranda Russell alternated between dating both men before breaking up with Gonzalez for good in mid-December, Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Weiser and Madison T. Sewell said in a sentencing memorandum.

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After that, Gonzalez obsessively stalked, her, deluging her with text messages, placing a tracking device in her car and spying on her, the prosecutors said.

Gonzalez ultimately decided the only way to get Miranda Russell back was to eliminate the competition by killing Brian Russell, according to the prosecution memo.

Gonzalez offered Posey $2,000, a pickup truck and a raise at the cafe to kill Russell, according to prosecutors.

He knew Posey was a drug dealer, and sweetened the deal by falsely telling Posey he could probably find marijuana and methamphetamine at Russells house.

Early on Dec. 30, 2020, Posey got a friend to drive him to Russells house.

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Posey knocked on the door and when Russell answered from inside, Posey said he had car trouble and needed jumper cables.

When Russell opened the door, Posey shot him twice in the chest and once in the head with the .380-caliber pistol Gonzalez had provided, then fled, according to the court record.

Soon after, Gonzalez and Posey met, took apart the gun and cleaned it with bleach, and then threw it away on the banks of the Barren River.

Franklin police searched Miranda Russells car as part of the investigation and found the tracking device. When they removed it and it shut off, Gonzalez called the police department and later admitted he had put the device in her car.

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As a result, police charged him with stalking and got a warrant to search his cell phone, which turned up messages implicating him in the murder.

Gonzalezs defense attorneys, Brian Butler and Michael Denbow, sought a sentence of 25 years for him, arguing he was suffering a mental health crisis when he hired Posey to kill Russell.

Gonzalez had suffered trauma as a child from his father, a violent drunk, and a family acquaintance who sexually abused him, according to the defense attorneys.

The break up with Miranda Russell, coming on top of the stress of running the cafe and his unresolved mental health problems, sent Gonzalez into deep depression.

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He became convinced the only way out of his despair was to be with Russell, his attorneys said.

Prosecutors pushed for the 40-year sentence, however, calling the crime a cold-blooded, calculated murder orchestrated by Gonzalez because he was angry that his girlfriend rejected him.

U.S. District Judge Greg N. Stivers sentenced Gonzalez and Posey Nov. 6 in federal court in Bowling Green.

There is no parole in the federal court system so each man will have to serve at least 85% of the sentence.
Voters at the Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Edmonson County were greeted by a unifying message hand colored on the white board, Nov. 5, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Does Kentucky have a moderate majority that could be harnessed to pull the states politics back from the far right? Maybe.

The defeat of Amendment 2, which would have changed Kentuckys Constitution to allow state funds to go to private schools, makes it three straight years that this very Republican-leaning state has voted in a more liberal direction in a high-profile contest. Two years ago, an amendment to definitively declare the states Constitution does not include the right to an abortion was defeated. Last year, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear won reelection.

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The political map for the first two victories was similar. The more liberal position (for abortion rights, for Beshear) won overwhelmingly in Louisville and Lexington, won narrowly in the suburbs and exurbs outside of Cincinnati and received 30% or more of the vote even in the states most conservative areas. The pro abortion-rights side won 52% of the statewide vote in 2022; Beshear won 53% in 2023.

The school vouchers provision was more decisively defeated. More than 65% of Kentuckians voted it down. A majority rejected it in all 120 of the states counties.

Those were unusual victories. In basically every other statewide race in Kentucky, Democratic candidates have been crushed, usually stuck at around 40% of the vote. Vice President Kamala Harris did even worse, winning only 34 percent of the vote here. This remains a clearly Republican state.

But those three successful liberal campaigns point to a way forward for Kentuckians like me who are frustrated with the increasingly right-wing politics of the state legislature and officials such as U.S. Sen. Rand Paul. First, all three campaigns were fairly nonpartisan. I suspect many Kentucky voters think of themselves as Republicans and more importantly, very much NOT DEMOCRATS OR LIBERALS. So the ballot measures on abortion and school vouchers allowed Kentucky Republicans/non-Democrats to back a more liberal position without voting for a Democratic politician.

Gov. Andy Beshear and his father, former Gov. Steve Beshear, left, celebrated last year on election night. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Similarly, Beshear is obviously a Democrat, but hes really a Beshear. The governor and his father Steve have a political brand somewhat separate from the official party as pragmatic nice guys. In his gubernatorial campaigns, Andy Beshear hasnt explicitly distanced himself from fellow Democrats running for other offices, but he has run fairly individualized campaigns. So in both 2019 and 2023, many voters in the state backed Beshear but also Republicans in other races.

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Secondly, in all three cases, the liberal side spent millions of dollars on TV commercials and get-out-the-vote efforts, making sure conservatives didnt have a huge messaging advantage.

Thirdly, all three campaigns argued their stance was common sense, as opposed to framing the debate in more ideological terms.

And this approach isnt just working in Kentucky but also in other red states. In one of Nebraskas U.S. Senate races this year, a mechanic named Dan Osborn took Democratic positions on many positions (particularly his support for unions) but ran as an independent instead of a Democrat and distanced himself from the official party. He lost by only 8 percentage points, compared to Harriss 22-point loss and the 26-point loss of a Democratic candidate who was running for Nebraskas other U.S. Senate seat.

Ballot initiatives to expand Medicaid, raise the minimum wage, mandate workers get paid sick leave, protect abortion rights and legalize marijuana are passing in Republican-dominated states across the country.

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What these results both in Kentucky and nationwide suggest is that there are many voters who support Republican candidates but not the agenda of Republican legislators and governors. There may be a moderate majority of Democrats, independents and some Republicans in red states, including Kentucky, who want well-funded public schools, abortion rights, health care for the poor and the government to not be cruel to immigrants or transgender people.

So how can this bloc wield power? Unlike in other states, citizens cant get initiatives on the ballot themselves in Kentucky. I suspect a measure enshrining abortion rights would pass here, but Republican legislators will never give us a chance.

What Kentucky could have is more independent candidates in the mold of Osborn. I understand that Democrats have historically been the dominant party in this state, but that time is over. Having Democrat attached to their name automatically disqualifies many candidates to a big bloc of Kentucky voters. Outside of Louisville and Lexington, this is a one-party state. (Or two-parties  the Republicans and the Beshears.)

You could imagine independent candidates running in Republican-leaning districts and perhaps even for statewide offices. These candidates couldnt win unless Democrats didnt field candidates. The candidates would need to win a coalition of most Democrats along with a sizable bloc of independents and Republicans. Im not sure how viable this is. But Im tired of voting in statewide elections where I know the Democratic candidate has no chance of winning. I would prefer backing a viable candidate who is more conservative than watching more offices in Kentucky held by Trump-style Republicans who win after barely campaigning.

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My bottom line is that these liberal victories in Kentucky shouldnt be treated as flukes. They are something to build on. Kentucky is more conservative than most states, but not as conservative as the bills passed each winter by our legislature. There may be a moderate majority here  and its critical to harness it whenever possible.

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On November 5, Kentuckians voted overwhelmingly to reject Amendment 2, a measure that would have allowed lawmakers to use public dollars to fund private and charter schools. The school choice amendment would have opened the door to vouchers that have placed a strain on public education budgets in states like Florida and Arizona. Despite aggressive funding efforts in Kentucky, including millions pouring in from out-of-state donors, 65% of voters cast their ballots in support of public education. The initiative was soundly defeated in all of Kentucky's 120 counties.

As public school students ourselves, we believe student advocacy was a major contributor to the success seen last Tuesday night. Students are one of the primary stakeholders in public schools. Despite most of us being too young to vote, we each spend a minimum of about seven hours a day, five days a week in our schools. The stakes of this issue felt too high for us not to get involved.

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Were members of the Kentucky Student Voice Team, which took a seat on the executive committee of the Protect Our Schools KY coalition, the lead group working to oppose Amendment 2. We collectively used our personal experiences to fight for our right to education and to preserve that right for all Kentucky students.

Over the past few months, students on our team told their stories by writing op-eds in local newspapers, educating their communities at public teach-ins, making memes to be shared on social media, and even organizing a bus tour to major cities in our state.

As public school students, we knew the impact Amendment 2 would have on us if it had passed. It would have decimated rural schools and communities. It would have cut educator jobs in the midst of a statewide teacher shortage. It would have stripped away resources for disabled students and cut funding for extracurriculars. More than anything, Amendment 2 would have enabled an inequitable system of education that left Kentuckys most vulnerable students behind.

Were both public school students and have been profoundly impacted by the public education system firsthand. I, Isabella, am the proud product of 12-plus years of public education. I have attended the best school in the state as well as underfunded Title 1 schools. Both are evidence that support for public education is vital. Without the opportunity to study in the journalism program at my high school, I would never have found my passion for writing.

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The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a left-leaning research group, predicts a school voucher program under Amendment 2 could have required up to $1.19 billion of the state budget, the cost of employing 9,869 public school personnel. Teachers would likely have been laid off and electives like my journalism classes probably would have been the first to go. These classes that supplement core requirements are foundational to students current success and future achievement.

Meanwhile, I, Luisa, am a Colombian immigrant, and the most invaluable opportunity this country has given me is access to its public education system, where Ive been equipped with the necessary skills, tools, and mindset to make impactful contributions to my community. Within the US public education system, I was dependent on English Learners programs to academically perform at the level of my peers during elementary school. Some critics of Amendment 2 were concerned that private schools might be hesitant to accept students like me because of the additional resources wed require.

In the 1950s, school voucher programs were established by Southern lawmakers as a tool to maintain racial segregation after the Supreme Court banned the practice in Brown v. Board of Education. Today, vouchers continue to deepen disparities and inequities in education across the country.

The school choice movement gained momentum during the pandemic, spurred on by the growing culture war surrounding public education. However, its reach had not yet invaded our Commonwealth thanks to protections for public schools granted in the state constitution. In both 2021 and 2022, state lawmakers passed bills related to school choice. One would have established an Education Opportunity Account program, providing tax credits for individuals and businesses that contributed to scholarships to help families pay for educational expenses like private school tuition. The other would have created a public funding system for charter schools. Both were declared unconstitutional by Kentucky courts. Amendment 2 marks the third time in the past few years that attempts to slash funding for public education in the Commonwealth have failed.

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Roughly 90% of Kentuckys students attend public school, per the most recently available data from the National Center for Education Statistics. According to data from the Kentucky Department of Education about the 2022-2023 school year, 9,699 of these students were immigrants, 44,309 were English learners, nearly 110,000 received special education services, and more than 60% of students were eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. The defeat of Amendment 2 means that public schools can continue championing diversity and ensuring that all students can thrive.

Over the past few months, our peers told their stories too. Milo Osborn, a Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) member and 12th grade student, said the campaign had been an amazing opportunity to use my voice as a disabled student, adding that though there are over 100,000 disabled students in Kentucky, they are woefully underrepresented. Georgie Farmer, an 11th grade student, said that working on the anti-voucher campaign made them realize they had a voiceand the impact of that voice. Through this campaign, I got to meet like-minded students from all across Kentucky who had the same goal of keeping public dollars with public schools, they said. And Peter Jefferson, a 12th grader and student coordinator of our campaign, highlighted that students personal connections to public schools were able to soundly reaffirm Kentuckys dedication to public education.

We echo our fellow team members sentiments. Our victory against Amendment 2 and the out-of-state donors who poured millions of dollars into it, is also a win for student advocacy efforts. Our stories resonated with Kentucky voters, a number of whom had no personal stakes in public education. Alongside educators, allies, and community members, we were able to help the people of our Commonwealth see the value of public schools.

"When we talk about empowerment, we have to ask if its truly meaningful, said 11th grade student Khoa Ta. This campaign proved the power of a united student voice. We werent just showpieces; we were crucial in decision-making. Khoa emphasized that now efforts turn to issues like universal pre-K, mental health support, improved facilities, and fair teacher pay. Ivy Litton, a 12th grader, added, We're not done yet, but this is absolutely a first step toward creating just and equitable educational opportunity in Kentucky.

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Kentucky wasnt the only state with this issue on the ballot. Voters in Nebraska and Colorado rejected school choice measures last week as well. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly supported privatizing K-12 schools, including through vouchers. This moment is just the beginning, and students have an important role to play in fighting for public education.

With Amendment 2 soundly defeated and behind us, well continue our mission to create more just and democratic Kentucky schools by ensuring that the system of public education we worked for months to protect is providing a quality and equitable education for all. When it comes to issues regarding public education, leaders should look to young people to shape conversations on the ground. We are the ones knowledgeable about our experiences. The successful Amendment 2 campaign signals that student voices can be an impactful advocacy tool and one that can and should be replicated nationwide. Students are people too. We care about our education. We can see when it is under attack. And we will fight for it.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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The News

NAIROBI  President William Ruto is pushing for the transition of the Kenya-led security mission in Haiti to a UN peacekeeping operation, amid mounting concerns about its effectiveness, funding and future.

The proposed transition featured in US Secretary of State Anthony Blinkens phone call with Ruto last week. Ruto said the move was meant to enhance the capability of the mission to help stabilize Haiti.

The UN-backed multinational security mission was meant to help quell the gang violence in the island nation, but its impact has so far been limited.

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UN special representative Maria Isabel Salvador told the UN Security Council in October that the situation in Haiti had regrettably worsened since July, with new peaks of acute violence. A 22% increase was recorded in the number of internally displaced persons in the island nation between August and October according to the UN.

A first contingent of 430 Kenyan police officers was deployed in June, with the number expected to rise to 2500 including more officers from Kenya and other countries. Salvador said the mission remains critically under-resourced, lacking adequate equipment and manpower.

In his statement following the phone call with Ruto, Blinken only revealed that he thanked Kenya for leading the mission, without discussing the proposed transition.

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With the US having footed much of the bill for the Kenya-led mission so far, the future of its funding also appears unclear following the election of Donald Trump and Republican control of Congress when they take office in January. A shift to a UN peacekeeping operation would ostensibly unlock new sources of funding for the mission.

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Republican lawmakers had previously stalled approvals for the missions funding. In a May letter to Blinken, House Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Senate Foreign Relations ranking member Jim Risch (R-Idaho) accused the Biden White House of rushing to fund an undefined and indefinite engagement in Haiti without Congressional approval.

According to various experts, the continued smuggling of weapons and ammunition into Haiti is also contributing to the rise in gang violence and expansion of their territories.

The firing of Prime Minister Gary Conneill on Sunday by Haitis Transitional Council pointed to further political turmoil in the country. Conneill will be replaced by Alix Didier Fils-Aime. The businessman is the son of Haitian activist Alix Fils-Aime, a former political prisoner under the authoritarian regime of Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier.
LONDON (AP)  King Charles III led the nation Sunday in a two-minute silence in remembrance of fallen service personnel in central London as the Princess of Wales looked on, a further sign that the royal family is slowly returning to normal at the end of a year in which two of the most popular royals were sidelined by cancer.

Prince William describes brutal year with wife and fathers cancer treatment

Remembrance Sunday is a totemic event in the U.K., with the monarch leading senior royals, political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his eight living predecessors, and envoys from the Commonwealth countries in laying wreaths at the Cenotaph, the Portland stone memorial that serves as the focal point for honoring the nations war dead.

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The service is held on the second Sunday of November to mark the signing of the armistice to end World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Across the U.K., services are conducted at the same time in memory of the dead.

Kate, Princess of Wales, left an Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attend the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, Pool ) Britains Kate, Princess of Wales, stands on a balcony during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London, England, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Pool Photo via AP) Britains King Charles attends the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at The Cenotaph in London, England, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

After the two-minute silence, buglers from the Royal Marines played the Last Post, and Charles led the wreath-laying part of the service.

The 75-year-old king, dressed in his Royal Navy uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet, laid a wreath of poppies at the base of the Cenotaph in recognition of the fallen from conflicts dating back to World War I.

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His eldest son and the heir to the throne, Prince William, left his own floral tribute  featuring the Prince of Wales feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red.

Local gas station sells $1M scratch-off ticket

Dressed in somber black, his wife, Kate, watched on from a balcony of the nearby Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, as is tradition. Queen Camilla, who would normally be standing next to the princess, wasnt present as she recovered from a chest infection.

Its the first time since the start of the year that Kate carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements. On Saturday, she attended the Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

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Following the wreath-laying, around 10,000 veterans, including those who have fought in wars this century, notably in Afghanistan and Iraq, marched past the Cenotaph. With the passage of time, there were only a handful of World War II veterans present.

Its always a great honor to be back on occasions like this, but I remember the guys that never came home on my ship when it was torpedoed, said 99-year-old Stan Ford, who has had to walk with leg calipers ever since the ship that he was serving on  HMS Fratton  was sunk off Frances Normandy coast in August 1944 at the cost of 31 lives.

They never came home, and I always feel its my duty to put in an appearance and thank God for those that did survive, and to pray for the ones who didnt, said Ford, who was one of 38 survivors.

Charles ceremonial role as commander in chief of the armed forces is a holdover from the days when the monarch led his troops into battle. But the link between the monarchy and the military is still very strong, with service members taking an oath of allegiance to the king and members of the royal family supporting service personnel through a variety of charities. Charles and William served on active duty in the military before taking up full-time royal duties.

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Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, forcing him to step away from public appearances for two months as he focused on his treatment and recovery. Just a few weeks later, Kate announced her own cancer diagnosis, which sidelined her for much of the year as she underwent chemotherapy.

The king has been in good form in recent months and recently completed a taxing trip to Australia and Samoa. Kate, who made her first post-diagnosis public appearance during the monarchs birthday parade in June, is slowly returning to public duties.

Prince William reflected this week on the strain that the cancer scare has placed on the royal family.

Im so proud of my wife, Im proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done, William told reporters on Thursday as he wrapped up a four-day trip to South Africa. But from a personal family point of view, its been, yeah, its been brutal.

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While the Cenotaph was the focus of the national remembrance service, communities throughout the U.K. held their own ceremonies on Sunday.

Needham-Crofton, who served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers before a truck accident ended his military career, planned to attend a local service in Eastbourne on the south coast of England.

He has spent much of his time honoring veterans and trying to help them, including 20 years as a volunteer for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Like some of his army tasks, raising cash was rather grueling as it involved standing in front of London subway stations collecting coins to help fund the groups efforts.

I like to respect all the veterans and do what I can for them, he told The Associated Press. Its a brotherhood really. Even if you dont know a veteran that you meet, you feel a kinship toward them. That is very important to me. I shall be like that for the rest of my life.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
TEHRAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud have expressed shared commitment in a phone conversation to deepening bilateral cooperation, said a statement by the Iranian presidency.

According to the statement released late Sunday, the Iranian president explained that due to pressing domestic duties, he would be unable to attend a special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League scheduled for Monday in Riyadh. Instead, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref would represent Iran at the event.

Pezeshkian expressed confidence that the meeting would yield meaningful outcomes in addressing Israel's operations in the region and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Pezeshkian also highlighted Iran's readiness to further enhance bilateral relations, aligning with the aspirations of both leaders to expand cooperation across various sectors.

For his part, the Saudi crown prince thanked Pezeshkian for the call, expressing understanding of Iran's situation and wishing the Iranian leadership success.

Noting that the two countries' relationship is at a critical juncture, the Saudi crown prince said he hopes the bilateral ties be elevated to the highest level across all fields, and talks on this front would be held with Aref during his visit to Riyadh.

Both leaders expressed readiness to undertake state visits to each other's countries in the near future.

Saudi Arabia and Iran resumed diplomatic relations in April 2023 with China's mediation, ending a seven-year freeze on diplomatic relations. 
Voters fill voting booths at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. (Photo by Michael G. Seamans/ Maine Morning Star)

Results are still up in the air for Maines closely watched 2nd Congressional District race, but the state will be one step closer to declaring a winner after the ranked-choice run-off scheduled for Tuesday.

Even though there were only two named candidates for the 2nd Congressional District race, the race between Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault used ranked-choice voting because there was an unofficial write-in candidate, Diana Merenda. Neither named candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, which means the state now needs to conduct ranked-choice tabulations to determine a winner.

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The tabulation will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the Maine State Police headquarters building in Augusta. Both the ranked-choice tabulation and the recount Theriault requested are open to the public and will be streamed on the Maine Department of the Secretary of States YouTube page.

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 some Democratic districts red in the House. Complete control of Congress for Republicans would give president-elect Donald Trump a significant boost in enacting his sweeping agenda.

Even though the presidential, U.S. Senate and 1st Congressional District races in Maine also used ranked-choice voting, the 2nd District is the only one that will require ranked-choice tabulations, the Secretary of States office said Friday, based on initial election results.

RCV run-off is mathematically necessary

Golden, who already gave a reelection victory speech, pushed back on the run-off, saying it isnt necessary since he had more than 50% of the vote on election night when clerks reported returns.

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Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said the rule that allows election officials to forgo a ranked-choice run-off if a candidate has more than half of the vote only applies in situations where it is mathematically impossible for the leading candidate to lose if it went to a ranked-choice tabulation.

However, Bellows said that isnt the case in this race where the congressman leads by fewer than 2,200 votes.

Given that more than 12,000 voters made a first choice that was not either Congressman Golden or Representative Theriault, it is mathematically possible that the second choices of those voters could change the outcome, Bellows wrote in a statement Friday. For that reason, the law requires that we proceed with the ranked choice voting tabulation.

Golden had 196,189 votes or 48.65% of the vote and Theriault had 194,030 votes or 48.11%, according to data the department said it received from municipalities.

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Merenda received 420 first-choice votes, which is one-tenth of a percentage point. Another 12,600 ballots left their first choice blank, the data show.

RCV tabulations first, then a recount

Theriault has also said on social media that his campaign is filing for a recount, given how close the outcome is.

Maine law does not require recounts, but candidates can request one. 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.

In another social media post Friday, Theriaults campaign outlined what it described as areas of concern, which largely included voting numbers from towns where Theriault underperformed compared to other Republicans on the ballot.

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We must ensure a full, accurate count, and that will likely take some time, Theriaults campaign manager Shawn Roderick wrote. Unfortunately, that means that were looking at a lengthy process, and were looking at this taking weeks  not days  to ensure Mainers voices are heard. We have to follow the process and the law to ensure every vote is counted fairly and accurately.

The Secretary of States office has said any recount will take place after the ranked-choice tabulations.

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(NewsNation)  President-elect Donald Trump will regain control of the White House in January, four years after he lost the presidency to President Joe Biden.

In this election cycle, Trump won the popular vote and the Electoral College. Biden and Democratic nominee Vice President Harris both vowed a peaceful transfer of power, with the president inviting Trump to a meeting at the Oval Office.

Bidens inauguration in 2020 was on the heels of the Jan. 6 riots and Trump refusing to concede the election, claiming election fraud.

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Heres what a Trump presidency could mean for Social Security

Heres what we know so far about Trumps impending second inauguration:

Trumps Inauguration Day logistics

Trump will be sworn into office as the 47th president of the U.S. on Jan. 20 at U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.

The inauguration is planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and events include the swearing-in ceremony, the inaugural address, and the pass in review.

Around noon, he will recite an oath in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution.

He is also expected to give an inaugural address where most incoming presidents highlight their goals and vision for the next four years in office.

FILE: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office as First Lady-elect Melania Trump, looks on during the 58th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. President Donald Trump says he wont attend President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration next week after Trump supporters mounted a violent assault on the U.S. capitol. Trumps decision to skip the ceremony is a notable break from recent precedent as we look back on Trumps own inauguration 4 years ago on Jan. 20 2017. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

There will also be an honorary departure where the outgoing president and first lady leave the Capitol to begin their post-presidential lives.

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There is also a pass in the review where the new president stands on the East Front steps of the Capitol to review military troops before leading a procession of ceremonial military regiments, citizens groups, marching bands and floats down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

The day will also include a luncheon and photo opportunities.

Trumps inauguration day security

Capitol police have warned of post-election violence and protests.

In a Capitol Police intelligence assessment report released earlier this month, obtained by ABC News, authorities expect the trend of civil unrest seen in 2020 to repeat in 2024.

They noted there have been fewer threats to members of Congress this go around.

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What happens after Election Day? Key dates to know

Police expect demonstrations on the electoral certification process and protests related to the war in Israel.

What happens before Trumps inauguration?

State executives must certify their presidential electors by Dec. 11, and the Electoral College will convene Dec. 17. They must submit their votes officially by Christmas Day.

The incoming Congress members will be sworn in on Jan. 3 and will count electoral votes three days later.

The winner, presumably Trump, will take the oath of office Jan. 20.

Selecting an administration is a top priority for Trump as he prepares to take over the White House.

WASHINGTON, DC  JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump embraces First Lady Melania Trump as daughter Ivanka Trump looks on after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In todays inauguration ceremony, Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

What we know about Trumps Cabinet

He first picked Susie Wiles, leader of his 2024 campaign, to be chief of staff.

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Trump has also chosen Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York for ambassador to the United Nations.

His longtime adviser Stephen Miller will be his deputy chief of policy.

Tom Homan, who was acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trumps first term, has been announced as the incoming Trump administrations border czar, overseeing Americas border sovereignty.

Some of the names floating around as potential Trump cabinet members include former independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

Judge Aileen Cannon, the federal judge who dismissed Trumps federal classified documents case, has also been speculated as a possible attorney general.

WASHINGTON, DC  JANUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump, R, stands with his wife first lady Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, inside of the inaugural parade reviewing stand in front of the White House on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump was sworn in as the nations 45th president. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Former Trump cabinet member Linda McMahon and Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick are co-chairing the team helping Trump transition back to the White House. Trumps sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are reportedly playing big roles as well.

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Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not have roles in the second Trump Administration.

He also announced a new committee with former Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Steve Witkoff, a real estate investor, serving as co-chairs.

The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee will honor this magnificent victory in a celebration of the American People and our nation, Trump said in a statement.

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No signals have as yet been received from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on resuming dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite indications on the German side, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said in Moscow on Monday.

"If they say that signals are coming, then we will have to wait for them. To date there have been none," Peskov said. The Kremlin has repeatedly confirmed its willingness regarding dialogue between the two leaders.

Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Scholz said he wished to hold talks with Putin in the near future, but would not do so on his own. Talks with other leaders were needed beforehand, Scholz said.

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On Thursday, Putin repeated that he was open to talks with Western leaders, but that he could not pick up the phone first, since it was they who had broken off contact.

Scholz last spoke by phone with Putin in December 2022 to call for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine and the withdrawal of Russian troops following the full-scale invasion of February that year.

Peskov said that the Kremlin was observing a certain nervousness in the West following the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections but that it was premature to speak of changes in European positions.

"But there are official explanations from European representatives referring to a continuation of their general line of providing all kinds of support. And in plain Russian, that means pumping weapons into Ukraine to continue this war to the end," the Kremlin spokesman said.
No signals have as yet been received from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on resuming dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite indications on the German side, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said in Moscow on Monday.

"If they say that signals are coming, then we will have to wait for them. To date there have been none," Peskov said. The Kremlin has repeatedly confirmed its willingness regarding dialogue between the two leaders.

Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Scholz said he wished to hold talks with Putin in the near future, but would not do so on his own. Talks with other leaders were needed beforehand, Scholz said.

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On Thursday, Putin repeated that he was open to talks with Western leaders, but that he could not pick up the phone first, since it was they who had broken off contact.

Scholz last spoke by phone with Putin in December 2022 to call for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine and the withdrawal of Russian troops following the full-scale invasion of February that year.

Peskov said that the Kremlin was observing a certain nervousness in the West following the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections but that it was premature to speak of changes in European positions.

"But there are official explanations from European representatives referring to a continuation of their general line of providing all kinds of support. And in plain Russian, that means pumping weapons into Ukraine to continue this war to the end," the Kremlin spokesman said.

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With the German government in crisis over the date of the next election following the collapse of the three-party coalition last week, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Green Party has called on Germany's conservative opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) to uphold support for Ukraine.

"What we cannot afford now is to get bogged down," Baerbock said at the business summit of the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper in Berlin on Monday.

"Everything that can be mobilized to support Ukraine must be mobilized now," she added.

She called on the CDU in particular to approve proposals to strengthen Ukraine's air defence and to grant the country's requests to use long-range Western weapons to destroy Russian supply routes.

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"In my view a great many people in the German Bundestag went into politics for precisely this reason: to say that in crucial moments we should do the right thing, not the easy thing," Baerbock said.

A poll published on Sunday by Germany's Bild newspaper put the CDU, along with its Bavarian ally, the CSU, on 32%, with Scholz's Social Democrats trailing on 15%, in third place behind the far-right Alternative for Germany on 19%.
(Bloomberg) -- The Kremlin denied a report that President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump.

Most Read from Bloomberg

This is completely untrue, it is pure fiction, Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters Monday. There was no conversation.

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The Washington Post earlier reported that Putin and Trump spoke on Thursday and discussed the goal of peace in Europe, citing people with knowledge of the matter that it didnt identify. Trump advised the Russian leader not to escalate his war in Ukraine and reminded him of the sizable US military presence in Europe, according to the newspaper.

Peskov told reporters there are no specific plans yet for contacts between Putin and Trump, as the Russian president had said on Thursday during the annual Valdai Club meeting in Sochi.

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The Kremlin on Monday denied that President-elect Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call following the U.S. presidential election last week.

The denial came after reporting from The Washington Post and Reuters that Trump and Putin held a phone call on Thursday, where the incoming commander in chief reportedly advised Putin not to escalate in Ukraine and reminded the Russian leader of the sizable U.S. military presence in Europe.

There was no conversation. This is completely untrue, it is pure fiction, said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, according to TASS, a Russian state-owned media outlet.

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The Hill reached out to Trumps team for comment.

Putin issued a public congratulations to Trump on Thursday while speaking at a security conference in Russia, the same day the Post and Reuters reported the call took place.

Putin, in his remarks, said he was ready to hold discussions with the president-elect. Trump has said he wants to end the war between Russia and Ukraine before inauguration day, saying he would leverage his relationships with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to broker a settlement.

Trump and Zelensky spoke soon after Trumps victory last week over Vice President Harris. Zelensky said it was a good and productive conversation. Of course, we cannot yet know what his actions will be. But we do hope that America will become stronger, he said.

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Putin ordered Russian forces to launch a full-scale invasion against Ukraine in February 2022, part of a wider war against the country since Russian forces invaded the eastern Ukrainian territory of the Donbas in 2014, as well as annexing the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.

The Biden administration and European and Asian allies have framed Russias war against Ukraine as an existential battle for the future of the liberal world order, saying Russia cannot be rewarded for seeking to take a neighboring country by force.

However, Ukraine and some of its backers in the U.S. have criticized the Biden administration for holding back critical military assistance and restricting the use of American weapons in attacks into Russia. They are now appealing to Trump to scale up military assistance for Kyiv in a rebuke to policies from the Democrat-led administration.

Still, Trump has shown little interest in increasing aid to Ukraine and during his debate against Vice President Harris in September could not even say that he backed a Ukrainian victory in the war.

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Many of Trumps closest advisors and congressional allies argue the U.S. should scale back or even cut off military and financial support for Kyiv, focusing resources instead on securing the southern border and other domestic challenges.

Updated at 10:47 a.m. EST

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(The Hill)  The Kremlin on Monday denied that President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call following the U.S. presidential election last week.

The denial came after reporting from The Washington Post and Reuters that Trump and Putin held a phone call on Thursday, in which the incoming commander-in-chief reportedly advised Putin not to escalate in Ukraine and reminded the Russian leader of the sizable U.S. military presence in Europe.

There was no conversation. This is completely untrue, it is pure fiction, said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, according to TASS, a Russian state-owned media outlet.

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The Hill reached out to Trumps team for comment.

Putin issued a public congratulations to Trump on Thursday while speaking at a security conference in Russia, the same day the Post and Reuters reported that the call took place.

Putin, in his remarks, said he was ready to hold discussions with the president-elect. Trump has said he wants to end the war between Russia and Ukraine before inauguration day, saying he would leverage his relationships with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to broker a settlement.

Trump and Zelensky did speak soon after Trumps victory last week over Vice President Kamala Harris. Zelensky said it was a good and productive conversation. Of course, we cannot yet know what his actions will be. But we do hope that America will become stronger, he said.

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Putin breaks silence on Trump win

Putin ordered Russian forces to launch a full-scale invasion against Ukraine in February 2022, part of a wider war against the country since Russian forces invaded the eastern Ukrainian territory of the Donbas in 2014, as well as annexing the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.

The Biden administration and European and Asian allies have framed Russias war against Ukraine as an existential battle for the future of the liberal world order, saying Russia cannot be rewarded for seeking to take a neighboring country by force.

However, Ukraine and some of its backers in the U.S. have criticized the Biden administration for holding back critical military assistance and restricting the use of American weapons in attacks into Russia. They are now appealing to Trump to scale up military assistance for Kyiv in a rebuke to policies from the Democrat-led administration.

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Still, Trump has shown little interest in increasing aid to Ukraine and during his debate against Vice President Harris in September could not even say that he backed a Ukrainian victory in the war.

Many of Trumps closest advisors and congressional allies argue the U.S. should scale back or even cut off military and financial support for Kyiv, focusing resources instead on securing the southern border and other domestic challenges.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not speak on the phone last week, the Kremlin said on Monday, after a US media report stated that a conversation had taken place.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the Washington Post report, which was published on Sunday, calling it "pure fiction, it's just false information."

"There was no conversation," Peskov told Russian news agency Interfax.

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On Thursday, Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory at a public appearance in Sochi and said he was willing to resume contact.

The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing informed sources, that Trump advised Putin not to escalate Moscow's war on Ukraine, during the purported call on Thursday.

Based on anonymous sources, the report said that Trump also referred to the US military presence in Europe. Trump himself made no comment on the report.

During his election campaign, Trump said he could bring the war in Ukraine to a swift end, though he did not say how he would do so.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden and other Western backers of Ukraine - and leaaers in Kiev themselves - fear that under Trump US military aid to Ukraine could dry up. Ukraine is heavily dependent on such aid as it seeks to repel Moscow's forces.

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Russia has indicated willingness to hold talks with Trump about a way to end the conflict in Ukraine.

There has been radio silence between Biden and Putin since Russia's all-out attack on Ukraine in February 2022.

According to an unconfirmed report in the Wall Street Journal, Trump has spoken with Putin multiple times in recent years since leaving office in 2017.

Trump is due to be inaugurated for a second term as US president on January 20.
MOGADISHU, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A World Health Organization (WHO) official has called on the international community to help Somalia sustain health services, protect public health gains, and build a resilient health system that can withstand future challenges.

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region Hanan Balkhy, who has just wrapped up her three-day visit to Somalia, said the country's evolving situation demands ongoing commitment from the international community and adaptability from all partners to also promote the health and well-being of all Somalis.

"Many public health risk factors, including food, agriculture, water, and sanitation, fall outside the remit of health governance. Only by addressing these issues together can Somalia build a sustainable health system that meets the needs of its population," Balkhy said in a statement issued Sunday at the end of her visit.

She said Somali leaders are committed to transformation and the Somali people, many of them born during the civil war, are eager to contribute to the progress of their country.

Balkhy said her visit to Mogadishu included discussions with senior government officials, humanitarian partners, and donors and focused on strengthening coordination and support to address some of the most critical health issues facing Somalis and the health system that serves them.

She noted that in many parts of the country, the health infrastructure has been devastated, with more than 40 percent of Somalis lacking access to basic health services.

"More children under the age of 5 and women giving birth die from preventable causes than anywhere else in the world, mainly as a result of limited infrastructure and the shortage of skilled health workers, particularly midwives, in remote and rural areas," Balkhy said.

She said Somalia is increasingly impacted by extreme weather events such as drought and floods, adding that while coordinated preparedness and response efforts by the WHO and partners were able to avert famine during the 2022-2023 drought, tens of thousands of children lost their lives and millions of people remain vulnerable to hunger and diseases.

More than 1.5 million children have yet to receive a single vaccine dose against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and measles, Balkhy said.

"Deprived of access to essential health services, these children face not only the possibility of contracting deadly diseases but multiple other health risks," she said.

She expressed the UN health agency's commitment to helping Somalis deliver essential health services despite the challenges facing the country.

Balkhy said the WHO's decentralized presence in Somalia facilitates the delivery of technical assistance to states "so they can effectively expand and deliver health services and helps ensure that we reach larger parts of the population, bringing health services to where they are most needed."

During her meeting with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Balkhy expressed appreciation for the government's commitment to ending the current polio outbreak in the central and southern parts of the country, including by establishing the Immunization and Polio Eradication Task Force that he personally leads.

"This political commitment is reverberating across the country, including at the state level with the inauguration of polio campaigns," she said. "With continued support from our teams, partners, and Somalia's indomitable health workers, I am optimistic the country will soon end poliovirus transmission, as it has done with previous outbreaks." 
The Kremlin on Monday rejected reports that President Vladimir Putin spoke last week with President-elect Donald Trump about the war in Ukraine, and a spokesman for Trump refused to comment on what he called his private calls with world leaders.

The Washington Post first reported on Sunday, citing anonymous sources, that the two spoke on Thursday, with Trump advising Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine and cited the sizable U.S. military presence in Europe.

In a conference call Monday with journalists, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said there was no conversation and the report was completely untrue, it is pure fiction.

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Asked about the report, Trump's communications director Steven Cheung said, We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.

Speaking at a foreign policy forum Thursday in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin offered congratulations to Trump on his election victory and praised him for what he said was brave behavior during an assassination attempt on him in July.

Peskov said there are no specific plans yet for a conversation between Putin and Trump. He said previously that contacts between the two before Trump's inauguration are not ruled out and pointed to Trump saying that he would call Putin before the inauguration. He denied, however, that Russia's presidential administration or Foreign Ministry had any contacts with Trump's campaign after the election.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly said he could quickly end the fighting in Ukraine but did not offer details of how he would accomplish that.

Russia has intensified strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine as the war approaches its 1,000-day mark. For its part, Ukraine over the weekend sent a massive wave of drones that rattled Moscow and its suburbs.
By Dmitry Antonov, Guy Faulconbridge

MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin on Monday denied reports that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days, and said Putin had no concrete plans yet to speak to Trump.

The Washington Post first reported that the call had taken place, citing unidentified sources, and said that Trump had told Putin that he should not escalate the Ukraine war. Reuters also reported on the call, citing an unidentified source.

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"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, it's just false information," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "There was no conversation."

"This is the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is being published now, sometimes even in fairly reputable publications," Peskov said.

Asked if Putin had plans for any contacts with Trump, Peskov said: "There are no concrete plans yet."

The 2-1/2-year-old war in Ukraine is entering what some officials say could be its final - most dangerous - phase as Moscow's forces advance at their fastest pace since the early weeks of the conflict and the West ponders how the war will end.

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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.

Putin congratulated Trump on Thursday, praised him for showing courage when a gunman tried to assassinate him, and said Moscow was ready for dialogue with the Republican president-elect.

WAR AND PEACE

Russia has been signalling to the United States and its allies for weeks that if they give permission to Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with Western-supplied missiles, then Moscow will consider it a major escalation.

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Putin said on Sept. 12 that Western approval for such a step would mean "the direct involvement of NATO countries, the United States and European countries in the war in Ukraine" because NATO military infrastructure and personnel would have to be involved in the targeting and firing of the missiles.

The Kremlin said that it sensed European powers were nervous about Trump's election, but that they were still "pumping weapons into Ukraine in order to continue this war to the end."

Peskov was asked about reports that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron wanted to convince U.S. President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine to fire Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russia.

"Nothing can be ruled out," Peskov said, adding that European leaders still wanted to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.

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"We, in turn, will continue the SMO (special military operation) until we achieve all our goals," Peskov said. "The dynamic of the SMO is well understood by the military. They understand well what is happening. And it is probably important to note that no individual types of weapons are able to change this dynamic anymore."

Putin, who ordered thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022 after eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine, casts the war as a battle between Russia and the declining West, which he says ignored Russia's interests after the 1991 Soviet collapse.

Ukraine and its Western allies say Putin unleashed an imperial-style war against its smaller neighbour and have repeatedly said that if Russia wins the war then autocratic countries across the world will be emboldened.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge/Anastasia Teterevleva; editing by Andrew Osborn/William Maclean)
The dam at the Kurakhove Reservoir in Donetsk Oblast has been destroyed, causing water to flow into the Vovcha River nearby.

Source: sources in the city of Kurakhove; Novyny Donbasu (Donbas News), citing sources in emergency services

Details: The dam was destroyed in the village of Stari Terny, leading to a significant increase in the Vovcha River's water level, which runs along the villages west of Kurakhove.

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"The water level in the Vovcha River has risen by one metre so far. In the villages along the river  Bohatyr, Oleksiivka, Andriivka, Konstantynopol  no floods have been recorded, according to our data," Novyny Donbasu reported.

Background:

Russian troops are intensifying their assaults on Ukrainian military positions in Kurakhove in order to encircle the city.

Earlier on Monday, the 46th Separate Airborne Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose units have been defending this area, and the source of Ukrainska Pravda on the Kurakhove front reported that the Russian army came close to Kurakhove and even attempted occasional incursions with their vehicles.

However, the city is entirely under the control of Ukraine's defence forces, specifically the 46th Brigade.

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Kyiv believes that with Donald Trump's victory in the US election, the chances of Ukraine joining NATO have decreased.

Source: A Ukrainian official told Reuters in an interview on condition of anonymity, as reported by European Pravda.

Details: Trump is currently selecting officials for the top security and defence posts in his administration. Who he chooses will help to understand how the future president will shape his policy towards Ukraine. Trump has already ruled out former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is seen in Kyiv as pro-Ukrainian.

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The Ukrainian source said that it is "less likely" that Ukraine will be invited to join NATO after Trump's victory and acknowledged that there is a risk that Trump will cut US aid to Kyiv.

"I hope the Biden administration will try to avoid this risk by accelerating the speed of (its) help," the Ukrainian official said.

"This winter is a critical point ... I hope the war is drawing to an end. Right now we will define the positions for both sides on negotiations, the starting positions," the source added.

In an effort to strengthen his position in September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined his Victory Plan to Joe Biden, repeating his request for permission to strike military targets deep in Russia, an invitation to join NATO and provision of more powerful weapons.

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This plan, according to Zelenskyy, is needed to force Russia to come to the negotiating table in good faith. However, there are no signs of a breakthrough in the implementation of any of the five points of the plan.

"The mood in Ukraine is pretty bleak. You can see the increasing frustration in Zelenskiy's recent remarks," said a senior Kyiv-based diplomatic official.

The Ukrainian official also expressed scepticism that Biden would deliver anything substantial to Ukraine, such as lifting restrictions on long-range strikes.

"Who is Biden now? He lost a lot of credibility. I hope he will be brave enough to do something. But I don't have big hopes. It would be great. We are very grateful for his help. He did a lot, much more than we expected," the official said.

Background:

According to media reports, London and Paris will try to persuade Biden to give Ukraine permission to strike deep into Russia.

The White House said earlier today that Joe Biden will be talking about the need to support Ukraine until the end of his presidential term amid the arrival of the Donald Trump administration.

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The international challenges we are now facing would require the combined talents of Talleyrand, Bismarck and Churchill: subtle diplomacy, decisiveness, a sense of history, and the ability to inspire. Instead we have Sir Keir Starmer, David Lammy and Ed Miliband.

The challenges are global, but the British Government must confront a particularly bleak outlook, as the pillars of Labours very own international strategy are simultaneously crumbling. They announced a reset in relations with the EU and our friends in Europe. They expected to be dealing with a congenial and unassertive Democratic administration in Washington. And they promised a rapid transition to a green paradise of economic dynamism and well-paid jobs, and expected to bask in the satisfaction of leading the world towards a carbon-free future. What remains of their hopes?

Lets take the three in turn.

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There is no feebler concept than reset when thinking of Europes problems and our mutual relationship. Reset implies going backwards, returning to a normal that has long ceased to exist. Michel Barnier, when he first met Starmer during the Brexit negotiations, noted in his diary that this was the man to bring Britain back into the EU.

No rational person would go so far today, but it testifies to the predominant Labour reflex. As far as I understand the Remainer/Rejoiner mindset, it seems to be based on what one serious academic study has identified as being anti-Brexit without being pro-EU. Those who advocate resetting or even rejoining seem to have little knowledge of or interest in the EU as it really is, but they definitely want Brexit to be a failure. Hence their stubborn reliance on exaggeration and endless dodgy dossiers of statistics.

This mindset prevents our policy makers from facing up to the real issues about our relations with the EU and its major states: their political and social instability, their economic failures, and their security weaknesses. The European strategy we need now is how to deal with a failing EU, not rejoining it.

Turning to our relations with Washington. Trumps biggest issue with the European nations during his last administration was that we were not willing to pay for our own defence. Britain performs better than our continental neighbours, but we are still a laggard compared to the United States.

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If our politicians today had the foresight and courage of Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain (who doubled defence spending in 1938), they would plan a major defence programme and increase spending as soon as possible to 2.5 per cent of GDP, as a start. They should announce this now, not delay with another interminable review. Our efforts should concentrate on sea power, air power and cyber, where we and Europe are most vulnerable. This would increase our influence with a Trump administration.

Britains core international strategy, at least since 1916, has been to involve the United States in European defence and the global order. Anything that makes it more likely that America will once again withdraw from Europe, and as a first step abandon Ukraine, must be avoided at all costs. Britain and other European states, who for generations have adopted the unconcealed policy of neglecting their own defences and leaving the burden to America, are in danger of reaping what they have sown.

We must avoid the fatal mistake of thinking that the EU is capable of replacing the USA, and make every effort to persuade Washington that Nato can be made viable.

The other crumbling pillar of Labours strategy was to count on a successful and world-wide rush to net zero. The Cop29 meeting in Baku has the makings of a fiasco. To fly 80,000 participants to meet in a major oil producing state is absurd enough, not least as the hosts are reported to be profiting from the occasion to sell more oil and gas. The heads of the biggest CO2 emitters  including the US, China, India, and Germany  are staying away. Trump, of course, dismisses it all as a huge scam.

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Starmer, however, will be present. Labours aspiration to green virtue and global leadership clearly remains strong. It is a position that seems more and more lonely. Perhaps the example we are really giving the world is what not to do: devastating our own economy in pursuit of an impossible target. We already have probably the most expensive energy in the world, despite promises that wind and solar power would be cheap. The Governments latest idea seems to be that we voluntarily ration ourselves. To anticipate the future effects on the economy  including the newest sectors such as energy-hungry artificial intelligence  requires little imagination.

More and more people realise that a sacrificial energy policy such as ours is a looming disaster, and does nothing to remedy global warming. Green utopianism has been damaging, including for their own cause. But all political parties are to blame. We could have had a rational and less polluting energy policy decades ago: a transitional period of increasing gas use (including our own North Sea and fracked supplies) while moving towards a mainly nuclear future. Rolls-Royce is a pioneer in modular reactors, which the former and the present government have neglected.

Few other countries seem keen to join us in walking the economic plank. Around the world, the public are rebelling, and politicians who close their ears condemn themselves to defeat.

Our present government persuaded a sceptical electorate that they would get things back to normal, which seemed to mean a return to the Blair era of easy prosperity, lavish public spending (except on defence), and blaming everything on the Tories.

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The appointment of Jonathan Powell, Blairs chief of staff, as National Security Adviser demonstrates this political nostalgia.

But we are in a new world, and a new normal. Starmer, Lammy, Miliband and their colleagues cannot rely on resets or on blaming their predecessors. They have to show urgently whether they are capable of understanding todays threats, taking difficult decisions, and convincing the public. If not, they are in for a very rough ride. So are we all.

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Lake County reported lower voter turnout compared to presidential elections dating back to 2008, while Porter County reported another voter turnout in the 60% range similar to previous presidential elections.

Elizabeth Bennion, Chancellors Professor of Political Science at Indiana University, said whats most notable in the data from Lake and Porter counties in presidential elections dating back to 2008 is that in each presidential election, the Democratic candidate for president receives fewer votes.

Democrats are losing voters amid a weakening of the union labor movement, Bennion said. But amid the current union leadership, there has been increased diversity of political thought, she said.

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It seems that in Indiana and nationally, were seeing additional support for Republican candidates including in counties that have traditionally been considered solid blue counties within a red state, Bennion said. That is something that makes an already difficult situation for Democrats in Indiana even more difficult if theyre losing the support that they once had.

Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Wieser said he believes the countys decrease in votes for the Democratic presidential candidates since 2008 has been a top-of-ballot trend likely because of a decrease in population in the northern part of the county. Democrats have held strong races down the ballot, he said, including in 2024.

Those numbers still hold true on the down-ballot, Wieser said. All of those races we won handily.

Porter County Republican Chairman Michael Simpson said in Porter County the presidential candidates have shifted from Democrat to Republican since the 2008 election because over time the Democratic candidates have not been offering what people are wanting.

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People are getting a little more conservative in their thought process and values, Simpson said.

In 2024, voter turnout in Lake County was reported at 57.2% while Porter County reported at 62.15%, according to data from each county.

In Lake County, voter turnout was reported at 70.6% in 2008 as 215,062 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 209,039 cast a vote for president and former president Barack Obama received 66.6% of the vote, according to county data.

During Obamas second run for office in 2012, Lake County voter turnout was reported at 60.5% as 205,940 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 202,147 cast a vote for president and Obama received 64.75% of the vote, according to county data.

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In 2016, Lake County voter turnout was reported at 56.76% as 206,781 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 202,699 voted for president and Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton received 57.6% of the vote, according to county data.

In 2020, Lake County voter turnout was reported at 60% as 222,982 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 220,328 voters voted for president and President Joe Biden received 56.6% of the vote, according to county data.

In Porter County, voter turnout was reported at 66.3% in 2008 as 112,811 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 74,793 cast a vote for president and Obama received 56% of the vote, according to county data.

In 2012, Porter County voter turnout was reported at 64.4% as 114,618 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 73,810 cast a vote for president and Obama received 50.8% of the vote, according to county data.

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In 2016, Porter County voter turnout was reported at 62.2% as 126,941 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 79,075 cast a vote for president and President Donald Trump received 49.6% of the vote, according to county data.

In 2020, Porter County reported a 66.5% voter turnout as 132,035 voters cast a ballot. Of those, 87,833 cast a vote for president and Trump received 51.87% of the vote, according to county data.

Nationally, Bennion said a few final voter turnout data points are still being collected, but it does not appear that the 2024 voter turnout will surpass the previous presidential election. Indiana falls in the bottom of the pack when comparing states voter turnout, Bennion said.

While Trump won the 2024 election, the data shows low voter turnout impacted his campaign, Bennion said.

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The United States as a whole is a relatively low turnout nation, and we see in 2024 there are more people who are eligible to vote but chose not to do so than there were people who voted for Donald Trump, who won a majority of the popular vote, Bennion said.

Voter turnout has been low nationally because voting has been a right but not an obligation, Bennion said. In other democracies, voting has been made a requirement, similar to the U.S. requirement for jury duty or paying taxes, with a fine imposed if a voter doesnt cast a ballot.

The electoral college has also likely been impacting voter turnout because many voters may decide not to vote if they live in a state where they know a particular candidate will win or lose the state they live in, Bennion said.

For example, in Indiana, Bennion said state-wide races have seen a Republican advantage in over two decades, so voters may feel less inclined to vote if they anticipate an outcome. But, in neighboring Michigan, voter turnout will likely be higher than Indianas because of the competitive races and ballot questions, she said.

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Indianas election laws, like prohibiting same-day election day voter registration or universal vote by mail, also limit the states voter turnout, Bennion said. Republican Governor-elect Mike Braun and the Republican supermajority legislature have not indicated that they want to change Indianas election laws toward improving voter turnout, she said.

To improve voter turnout, Bennion said political party leaders and politicians need to work toward improving voting institutions and ensuring that voters feel like their votes have an impact on the outcome.

Wieser said he was disappointed by Lake Countys voter turnout in the presidential election, particularly Election Day totals given how strong early in-person voter turnout numbers were.

I cant for the life of me figure out why (voter turnout was low), given the state of the election and the polarization of the candidates, Wieser said. Its just upsetting to me that so many people dont exercise their right to vote.

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Simpson said the voter turnout in Porter County was abysmal and low because about one-third of the countys registered voters didnt cast a ballot.

Theres still a big number of people sitting at home and not casting a ballot, Simpson said.

akukulka@post-trib.com
(NewsNation)  A judge ruled that prosecutors can use crucial evidence, including cell phone data and DNA samples, in the upcoming trial of Jose Ibarra, who is accused of killing college student Laken Riley.

Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard denied a motion from Ibarras defense team that sought to suppress evidence collected after Rileys death on Feb. 22. The 22-year-old nursing student was killed while jogging on the universitys campus.

Defense attorneys had argued that police unlawfully entered Ibarras apartment and that subsequent search warrants lacked probable cause. The disputed evidence included two cell phones, DNA samples, social media records from Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, and Google location data.

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Immigration advocates brace for Trump: Buckle up

In his ruling, Haggard determined that Ibarra was lawfully detained and arrested and that all search warrants were valid and properly executed. The judge found that police were justified in conducting a protective sweep of Ibarras apartment, where they discovered him the day after Rileys death.

Police allege that Ibarra attacked Riley, causing blunt force trauma, and attempted to conceal her body in a secluded area off the jogging path. A grand jury has indicted him on 10 counts, including murder.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Wednesday, with opening statements expected on Nov. 18. Prosecutors aim to conclude the trial before Thanksgiving.

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The case has drawn widespread attention, partly due to Ibarras status as an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who entered the U.S. in 2022 and had a history of minor criminal offenses before moving to Georgia.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the University of Georgia Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and FBI, collaborated on the investigation and executed search warrants on 10 electronic devices.

El Paso Sector sees people trying to cross border before Trump win

Who is Jose Ibarra?

NewsNation confirmed Ibarra entered the United States illegally in September 2022 in El Paso, Texas. He came from Venezuela and lived in New York before moving to Georgia.

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Ibarra had previously been arrested in connection with other minor crimes, including shoplifting.

What happened to Laken Riley?

The investigation into Rileys death began when a friend reported her missing on Feb. 22 after she didnt return home from a run.

Investigators soon after discovered a body on the University of Georgia campus in a forested area. Emergency responders tried to revive Riley, a 22-year-old who had studied at Augusta Universitys nursing college but determined she died before officers discovered her body.

Fake Union Pacific trucks used to smuggle migrants

The University of Georgia Police Department arrested Ibarra in connection to Rileys death the following day.

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Prosecutors allege Ibarra beat Riley with an object and dragged her body to a secluded area off the jogging path in an attempt to conceal her body.

Preliminary autopsy reports suggest Riley died of blunt force trauma to the head.

GOP support for Laken Riley Act

Some Republican senators have since urged lawmakers to pass the Laken Riley Act, which would require the Department of Homeland Security to detain immigrants in the country illegally for crimes such as theft, as part of an upcoming funding bill.

Militia members who wanted to kill Border Patrol agents convicted

The legislation already passed the House, where it was sponsored by Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga. The bill requires anyone who is arrested for theft, burglary or similar crimes and who is not legally in the country to be detained by DHS. It would also allow state attorneys general to sue federal officials for failing to enforce immigration policies.

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The bill still faces challenges in the Senate.

Laken Rileys father, Jason Riley, told NBC News he fears her death is being exploited as a political wedge.

NewsNations Katie Smith, Steph Whiteside 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.
Laverne Cox discussed why she's considering leaving the US following Donald Trump's win in the 2024 election.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

In a new interview with Variety, Laverne said that she and several friends were considering a move: "Were doing research on different cities in Europe and in the Caribbean."

Jeanette D. Moses/Variety via Getty Images

The actor compared the continued rise of Trump to earlier points in history, continuing, "There was this a thriving community of queer people in Berlin pre the rise of Nazism. They attacked Jewish folks. They attacked immigrants, they attacked queer and trans people."

Scott Kirkland / Disney / Getty

When asked how to move "forward" as a Black trans woman, she replied, "I dont want to be in too much fear, but Im scared. As a public figure, with all my privilege, Im scared, and Im particularly scared because Im a public figure. I feel like I could be targeted."

Gilbert Carrasquillo / GC Images

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On election night, the Orange Is the New Black alum further said that she texted with a friend who voted for Trump, recalling, "Hes a cisgender, straight, white male. Its really interesting and really complicated because this friend of mine said to me that they were sad. As everybody at their job was celebrating Trump winning, he was sad for me. He does care about me and he does love me, and he was sad for me. That was interesting."

Kevin Mazur / Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

As for Laverne's advice for other trans people, she recommended preparation: "If you have the capacity right now, trans people to make sure that all your ID documents, in terms of your name and gender markers, match, do it immediately. Do it before January 20th. Get expedited passports with hopefully the proper gender markers while you can. Save as much money as you can. Some people can't. Being able to flee the country, obviously, is something privileged people can do."

For those not in such a position, she recommended looking into states that have trans protections in place. Daniel Zuchnik / Variety via Getty Images

Lest someone think that Laverne is overreacting, 41 anti-trans bills have already passed in 2024 alone and the number considered is in the hundreds. The Trump campaign reportedly spent over a hundred dollars per actual trans person in the US running anti-trans ads.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Trump's own website touts the anti-trans rallying cry of "Keep men out of women's sports" and threatens to cut federal funding for any schools "pushing...radical gender ideology." He's also expressed a desire to ban gender-affirming care for minors despite it being lifesaving. Even outside of policy, violence against trans people has risen in recent years, with Black trans women making up a disproportionate amount of those murdered.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

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This is but an excerpt of the hour-plus conversation with Laverne. You can read more of Laverne's words here.
(Getty Images)

Two law students in Northern Virginia are challenging George Mason University for allegedly violating their First and 14th Amendment rights, after the school ordered them to have no contact with another student who proposed the university offer feminine hygiene products in all restrooms, a suggestion the law students said would compromise their safety and beliefs.

Maria Arcara and Selene Cerankosky, the two students who received the no-contact orders, responded to the Sept. 27 proposal in an online chat group, according to a lawsuit filed on behalf of the students attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal organization focused on protecting religious rights.

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Cerankosky said if women accessed male restrooms, she believed that men would seek to access private female spaces, which would violate her safety and privacy as well as her religious convictions about human sexuality, ADF stated. Acara agreed.

However, the exchange of views led the student, identified in the lawsuit as Mr. Doe, to accuse them of bigotry and report them to the universitys Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office. Arcara and Cerankosky received no-contact orders prohibiting them from contacting Mr. Doe.

ADF claims that their clients potentially face expulsion from school and scrutiny in their legal careers due to the orders.

Attorneys also claim in the complaint that the schools policy allows the school to include protected speech as sexual harassment.

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ADF claims the policy does not require the DEI Office to determine that sexual harassment occurred, give notice to students before they are disciplined, advise the accused of the allegations, or allow students to appeal supportive measureswhich include no-contact ordersimposed by the DEI Office.

Tyson Langhofer, senior counsel and director of the ADF Center for Academic Freedom, said that Arcara and Cerankosky expressed their opinion about the biological differences between men and women, but Mr. Does proposal blurs those lines at the expense of safety, privacy, and religious conviction. Because of this, their academic and professional careers are now in serious jeopardy.

Langhofer added that the universitys policy is far too subjective and allows university officials to punish students simply because their opinions about hotly debated social issues dont align with their own.

George Mason University President Gregory Washington, Sharnnia Artis, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, and Thomas Bluestein, Title IX coordinator and assistant vice president of equity and access services, are named in the lawsuit.

The university acknowledged The Mercurys request for comment but did not supply a response before press time.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) touted his partys performance in the 2024 election cycle and blamed the Biden-Harris administration for Vice President Harriss defeat in the presidential race.

In an interview on NewsNations The Hill Sunday, Lawler pushed back at the suggestion that President-elect Trumps significant advantage over Harris did not similarly play out in down-ballot races.

You can look at a district like mine, where Joe Biden won by 10 points four years ago, and when all ballots are counted, Donald Trump very likely will win my district, or come just short, which is significant movement across the country, Lawler told Chris Stirewalt.

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Lawler said the success of the Republicans, led by Trump, all boils down to one thing: the issues.

Lawler said people are frustrated by what he described as the economic, migrants and international crises that have exploded under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

And this wasnt just a function of Kamala Harris not being able to, you know, introduce herself to the American people in 107 days, Lawler said, addressing a common explanation her supporters cite to explain her defeat.

Shes the sitting Vice President United States. That argument is bunk. This really boils down to the failures of this administration to address the challenges facing the American people. And the American people spoke loud and clear, Lawler said.

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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.
NIAMEY, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The African Development Bank (AfDB) released about 511 million U.S. dollars to finance four government programs in Niger, an AfDB official said Sunday.

The first targeted program is a 284.96-million-U.S. dollars budget support for basic services, Lamin Barroco, director general of the AfDB's West Africa region, said at a meeting in Niamey with members of the Nigerien government.

The second financing package, estimated at 119.84 million dollars, will support a project to strengthen the supply of drinking water and sanitation to the towns of Zinder and Mirriah and surrounding villages, he said.

Barroco added that the other two financing projects are the Integrated Program for Promoting Youth Agripreneurship in Niger (93.21 million dollars) and the African Disaster Risks Financing Program in Niger (13.31 million dollars). 
WASHINGTON (AP)  Keeping the federal government open. Providing more disaster aid. Passing a defense policy bill. And for Senate Democrats, confirming more judges.

It's a short but important to-do list as Congress returns to Washington this week to begin what is known as a lame-duck session  that period between Election Day and the end of the two-year congressional term.

Republicans are anxious to turn the page and move on to next year when they'll have control of the White House and possibly both chambers of Congress, while Democrats hope to get in as many of their priorities as they can while they still have the majority in the Senate.

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Here's a look at where things stand going into the final weeks of the tumultuous 118th Congress:

Funding the government

Just before lawmakers left Washington in September, they passed a short-term extension of government funding to avoid a shutdown before the election. They still need to pass full-year spending bills for the current fiscal year, or at least another extension, by Dec. 20.

A Republican aide in the House and another in the Senate not authorized to speak publicly about internal planning said it is likely that Congress will pass another short-term extension into early next year rather than complete work on the bills.

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That's because the two sides still have major differences on spending levels and policy priorities. Also, Republicans have less incentive to negotiate now because they will have control of the White House, Senate and possibly the House come January.

Much will depend upon whether government funding is a fight President-elect Donald Trump really wants to take on in his first few weeks as president or whether he'd prefer to focus on other priorities.

Under terms of a previous deal that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached with the Biden administration, spending for defense and nondefense programs would rise 1% this fiscal year.

The Senate has been charting a course to go above that level, while House Republicans have been voting for steep cuts to many non-defense programs, and they have attached policy mandates to the spending bills that Democrats overwhelmingly oppose. So a final agreement will be difficult to reach this Congress.

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Disaster Aid

Congress replenished the Federal Emergency Management Agency 's disaster relief fund with more than $20 billion in September. But that money is being spent quickly in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Congress is expected to take up a supplemental disaster funding package at some point during the lame-duck. But, for now, lawmakers are awaiting a request from the Biden administration on what additional money will be needed for FEMA's disaster fund and for other disaster aid programs, such as Small Business Administration program that provides low-interest loans to businesses and homeowners hit with property damage. The program ran out of money in mid-October, though the agency continues to take applications, so it can move quickly when Congress does provide funding.

Lawmakers are expecting a hefty request.

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When visiting North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress provided money to meet immediate needs and would at the appropriate time "act in a bipartisan fashion to supply what is needed to help these communities recover, the appropriate amount that the federal government should do.

Defense Bill

Congress for more than six decades has passed an annual defense policy bill that authorizes specific weapons systems and sets troop strength and pay levels.

The House passed its $895.2 billion measure in June. That amounts to a 1% increase from the last fiscal year, an amount in keeping with the spending caps set by the McCarthy-White House agreement. The measure provided a 19.5% boost in pay for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for other service members. But the measure was also filled with scores of conservative policy mandates, including overturning the Pentagon's policy of reimbursing transportation expenses to service members for travel out of state for an abortion.

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The inclusion of culture war provisions turned what is typically a bipartisan bill into one that the vast majority of House Democrats opposed.

The Senate version would authorize about $919.9 billion in spending. The bipartisan measure passed out of committee in July, but has not been brought to the floor as Democrats reserved precious floor time for other priorities. But behind the scenes, lawmakers have been negotiating to reconcile the differences in the two bills.

Judges

Democrats have made confirming judges a high priority after watching Trump get 234 judges confirmed during his first four years in office.

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So far, the Senate has confirmed 213 of President Joe Biden 's judicial nominees, and a committee spokesman said the chairman, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., aims to confirm every nominee possible by the end of the Congress. Seventeen nominees are pending on the floor and several more are pending in committee.

It's possible that Biden could beat Trump's overall number, but Trump still gets the edge when it comes to the most important nominations  those to the Supreme Court, with Trump appointing three and Biden appointing one. Trump also had more appellate court judges confirmed.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has already lined up votes on two judges next week, an indication of the priority Democrats are placing on the issue during the lame-duck.
Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, a veteran of Afghanistan, sponsored a bill earlier this year for tuition and fee exemptions for certain disabled veterans and their dependents. The measure never made it to the full Senate for a vote. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

West Virginia lawmakers regularly cite the states population decline  or brain drain  as one of its most pressing issues. Its the largest population decrease in the country, which has worsened the states workforce shortage, caused a problem for school budgets and more.

Some lawmakers say veterans are a key group that the state must attract and retain as a solution to the population decline.

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Veterans are an educated group of people. They obviously have shown a desire to work, theyre driven and motivated, said Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, a veteran of Afghanistan. They would make a great addition to our workforce.

Bills aimed at giving veterans certain services and discounts  like college tuition exemptions  often require state funding. The measures have struggled in the budget-conscious Legislature tasked by Gov. Jim Justice with minding the store.

Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio

Anytime theres a bill with a fiscal note, its an uphill battle, said Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio. Whatever we can do to help our veterans and their family members, we should do.

While West Virginia has led the nation in the highest number of veterans per capita, the number has declined. Nearly 8% of the states population are veterans, still outpacing the national average of 6%.

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Two years ago, state Department of Veterans Assistance Secretary Edward Diaz told lawmakers, The biggest thing we can do is make our state as attractive to the veterans and their families, he said, noting that Virginia offered a property tax exemption to fully-disabled veterans (residents recently approved a constitutional amendment to expand it to additional military spouses).

West Virginia lawmakers this year passed a handful of bills providing benefits to veterans. Legislation created the Veterans Home Loan Mortgage Program, which provides reduced-interest loans to veterans and active-duty military service members who are first-time homebuyers. Following the September special session, Justice signed legislation that provided $1.2 million for the Veterans Home in Barboursville.

Another bill provides in-state tuition rates to military members and their spouses and children.



Last year, prior to the bills passage, there were 21,000 veterans at our two- and four-year institutions, according to data from the states Higher Education Policy Commission.

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But the bulk of veteran-focused bills didnt make it to the finish line in the GOP-heavy Legislature, measures that would have exempted certain veterans from vehicle registration fees or provided a property tax credit for widowed spouses.

And there was Welds idea for tuition and fee exemptions for certain disabled veterans and their dependents. He believes it would encourage military families to remain in West Virginia.

Cost is the number one barrier to college, according to a report from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation.

The bill required recipients to be a West Virginia resident and rated as having 90% or greater service-connected disability by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The tuition exemptions would have extended to eligible veterans spouses and children. The measure never made it to the full Senate for a vote.

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Diaz, when speaking before lawmakers in 2022, emphasized that veterans families were a package deal.

We have to take care of them, as well, he said, adding that several states, including Virginia, were already offering the free tuition to certain veterans and their family members.

Weld, who chairs the Senate Military Committee, plans to push the legislation again in 2025.

I have introduced different iterations of this bill every year, and yes, everything we do comes down to dollars and cents, he said. The measure didnt come with a fiscal note.

He doesnt think theres a particular reason why veterans arent choosing to remain in West Virginia, but that its part of the states overall issue retaining its population.

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Chapman, whose father is a veteran, also sponsored the legislation and said shed support it again.

This is a very limited bill  If its lucky enough to pass, I would like to expand it to more veteran families. I dont think a lot of people think about their sacrifice. They move around a lot, they have extended periods with their family members gone and worrying about their safety, she said.

In 2022, over $71 million dollars came into the state through veteran education benefits, according to the HEPC.

West Virginia University provides immediate residency and in-state tuition to any veteran or active-duty member who has a West Virginia address. The university also provides in-state tuition to out-of-state military dependents who have exhausted benefits and active-duty personnel who live out-of-state.

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If legislators pursue additional benefits to veterans and their families in future sessions, we would work with the Legislature, HEPC and other institutions to see how we can make West Virginia more friendly and affordable to veterans, their families and their dependents, said WVU Communications Director April Kaull.

Stephen Belan is the director of Veterans Upward Bound, a program based in Elkins that helps veterans statewide prepare for and access higher education. His organization helps veterans with barriers to college  typically associated with how to pay for it.

Paperwork connected to the G.I. bill, federal aid forms and grants is the biggest barrier, he said.

Theyll get in the process of applying for their G.l. bill, and they may not know who to send something to so they give up, he said.

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Many of the veterans who want to access higher education have families and jobs and want to stay in West Virginia, he noted.

We do see all ages  we see very young vets who entered the military right out of high school who had a one year deployment in their early 20s. And we also see Vietnam veterans, he said.

Chapman sees West Virginia as a great place for veterans to live, noting benefits like a bill passed earlier this year that exempted certain veterans from state park fees.

If we are able to retain more veterans and their family members, I do believe they will contribute to our economy. Its a win-win for everyone, she said.

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Germany's leading climate activist on Monday called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to attend the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan.

As COP29 talks began in Baku, Luisa Neubauer from the German chapter of the Fridays for Future organization asked Scholz to reconsider his decision to skip the meeting due to the ongoing political crisis in Berlin.

Scholz decided not to attend the meeting due to the collapse of his governing coalition last week.

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The climate group also demanded that Germany hold to its extensive commitments on climate finance in the coming years despite the current wrangling over the national budget.

Germany is one of the countries carrying the most responsibility for the climate crisis, the activists said.

Neubauer added: "The majority of the world looks at countries like Germany and asks: When are you going to put your money on the table? When will you be ready to pay?"

With US President-elect Donald Trump - who pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement - about to return to the White House, Germany must show leadership in tackling the climate crisis, the activists argued.

Climate finance is one of the key points of focus in the talks in Azerbaijan.
At least seven people were injured in a Russian missile attack on a multi-storey residential building in the city of Kryvyi Rih in south-eastern Ukraine.

"Russia only seeks a continuation of the war, and every blow refutes Russia's declarations of diplomacy," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in a post on Telegram, reiterating his call for more weapons to defend the country from such attacks.

"Without principled decisions and strong support for Ukraine, Russia will have no motivation to seek peace."

Kryvyi Rih is Zelensky's hometown and he posted pictures of the building that was destroyed by the missile.

Search and rescue teams continue to search for survivors among the rubble, he said.
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.

In a statement on Monday, Trump praised Zeldin's background as a lawyer and said he's known the former New York congressman for a long time.

"He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet," Trump said. "He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way."

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MORE: Trump transition live updates: Lee Zeldin picked to lead Environmental Protection Agency

Zeldin confirmed he had been offered the job in a social media post.

"It is an honor to join President Trump's Cabinet as EPA Administrator," Zeldin wrote on X. "We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water."

PHOTO: New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Congressman Lee Zeldin address supporters gathered for his election night event in New York City, Nov. 9, 2022. (Justin Lane/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Zeldin represented Long Island's Suffolk County in the House of Representatives for eight years. He ran for governor against Democrat Kathy Hochul in 2022, earning Trump's endorsement but falling short of Hochul by 6 points.

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Zeldin previously criticized the Biden-Harris administration for canceling a key permit needed for the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline and rejoining the Paris climate agreement after Trump withdrew. During his gubernatorial bid, he wanted to reverse New York state's ban on hydraulic fracking.

Zeldin will need to be confirmed by the Senate to lead the EPA.

Shortly after Trump's announcement, Zeldin appeared on Fox News' "The Story" and stressed his role within the agency would be to carry out Trump's plan to "unleash economic prosperity through the EPA."

He pledged to quickly eliminate regulations upon his arrival at the EPA, claiming existing rules are hampering businesses across the country.

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"So day one and the first 100 days, we have the opportunity to roll back regulations that are forcing businesses to be able to struggle," Zeldin said. "They're forced to cut costs internally, they are moving overseas altogether to be able to bolster liquidity in the American economy, where businesses strive to grow, expand here and have the ability to export what they produce, as opposed to exporting their jobs in the company -- the companies themselves."

While vowing to cut regulations, Zeldin still insisted that Trump cares about "conserving the environment" and providing access to clean air and water.

Trump's pick of Zeldin comes less than a week after Election Day and as Trump's new administration begins to take shape.

Lee Zeldin tapped to lead Environmental Protection Agency under Trump originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The U.S Capitol Building is prepared for the inaugural ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden as American flags are placed in the ground on the National Mall on Jan. 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

How about I start with something different  a geography lesson.

If I were to put a globe of the planet earth in front of you, with all the countries of the world printed on that globe, within 10 seconds, could you put your finger on the countries of Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Vietnam, Korea? How about France or Okinawa, Japan?

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Americas finest in military uniform have fought and died in those countries for the preservation of freedom; I dont think its asking that much that Americans at least know where those countries aredo you?

We stand today on the good earth, the earth we all share. We are truly blessed in the Big Sky country, arent we: Vast skies, beautiful mountains and prairies, sunshine, fresh air filling our lungs, wonderful starlit evenings, the quiet, and above allfreedom. Freedom, like the big sky, is a beautiful thing, isnt it? Freedom to live, to walk, to think, to sing, to vote, to pray or not to pray, and freedom to choose.

Beginning at Lexington Green in Massachusetts, April 1775, 77 armed men, Americans all, stood resolutely against the greatest military power of that day, the British army. These 77 American men were the first military force in the history of mankind to fight not for a prize, not for land, not for power. No, they fought for an idea; they fought for freedom. They fought and died for a cause brought forth not solely from the hand of man, but a cause truly from the mind and greater purpose of a higher spiritual authority.

When the Revolutionary War ended, representatives from the 13 original states gathered to create a fundamental document, a living document forging a foundation of who we are and what we are as a people. They created the Constitution of the United States.

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For Americas armed forces the constitution clearly reads that Congress creates the United States military, and this military is subordinate to a democratically elected civilian: The president of the United States in the presidents role as commander-in-chief of the military. We are the first nation on earth to resolutely state that our military will be and must be subordinate to a democratically elected civilian.

The armed forces of the United States began June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the Continental Army. The Continental Navy followed in October 1775. The Marine Corps followed in November 1775, founded in Philadelphia in of all places, a bar. In time Americas armed forces would include the Coast Guard, the Air Force, and in December 2019, the United States Space Force.

Veterans have given much to defend Americas values and beliefs in freedom for all: Even in wars that twisted terribly wrong and challenged what Americas armed forces should be and must be used for.

Women in the United States military, beginning in World War I, struggled to achieve veterans status. Americas military women would not receive equal pay, rank and benefits as the men until after World War II. Women World War I telephone operators in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, many of whom served on the front lines in France, would not receive veterans status until 1977.

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The American WWII five-star general-of-the-army, Omar N. Bradley wrote that war is a wretched debasement of the human experience, a defilement of the basic dignity of man.

Hes right.

Defending freedom by shot and shell must always be the last resort when all manner of peaceful settlement of a conflict has failed. American lives are too precious to think or act otherwise.

As veterans the common bond we have, regardless of our name, our gender, the color of our skin, or the way we pray, is the condition of our hearts and the color of our blood shed to uphold and protect freedom.

Today all Americas military veterans stand together as one, we stand together as warriors, warriors not for conflict but for peace. Peace is not solely the absence of war but exists when we truly honor and love all mankind, and afford freedom and liberty to all, even those with whom we disagree.

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Veterans who have been in battle, seen battle, smelled it, feared it, cried in it, or were shrouded in god-awful exhaustion in it, are changedforever changed. They arent better than those who have not gone to war, but they are different now.

Asking a veteran to describe war is an unanswerable question. For who can describe the depths of hell, where killing, once thought abhorrent, got mechanical and far too easy?

As Ernie Pyle, the great Pulitzer Prize winning WWII correspondent who lived with and ultimately died with combat soldiers wrote, Say what you will, nothing can make a complete soldier except battle experience.

Ill add to what Pyle wrote and include the fear of a sailor in the bowels of a warship taking on water, an air crewman in a crippled aircraft at 10,000 feet with an engine on fire and hydraulics failing, and a salt-water-soaked marine enduring mortar fire. Or a combat nurse choking down every emotion she has, enabling her to care for frightfully wounded men coming off helicopter after blood-soaked helicopter.

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America now has three generations of battle veterans: World War IIKorea; VietnamGulf War, and IraqAfghanistan, plus an ever-growing women veterans population. America must not forget previous generations of veterans and concentrate solely on the newest generation of veterans.

America strives to honor military veterans. But today the line blurs between Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Armed Forces Day honors those presently serving in military uniform; Memorial Day honors those who died in military service; and Veterans Day honors those still living who served honorably in the military. As Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg, It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

If America does not fervently strive to honor veterans to the highest standards afforded by law and our good graces as free people, then veterans sacrifice and noble service to America are reduced to the common and the insignificant. This we must never allow and never tolerate. Within the realm of human possibility and endurance, America must never leave veterans behind in body, in memory, or in spirit.

Veterans share a common bond: The bond of service to defend freedoms ideals. But more than anything, veterans bond with each other. Americas veterans have faced many determined enemies, but we cant defeat time. When a piece of colored cloth we call Old Glory passes in a parade, veterans once vibrant and physically strong, haltingly stand and with hands over their hearts, resolutely show the next generation of Americans how to give honors to the land veterans love and have given so much.

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When sunset quiets the day and people settle into their reflections, veterans remember the long ago and the people theyand Iserved with. Veterans look to the sunset and think, It was good.

May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless those who stand ready to defend this bright shining light of freedom and hope we call the United States of America.

About this column: Ed Saunders, a retired U.S. Army colonel, wrote these remarks that he will give at a Veterans Day ceremony at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel today.
Arlington National Cemetery on May 17, 2013. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley | U.S. Coast Guard

How about I start with something different  a geography lesson.

If I were to put a globe of the planet earth in front of you, with all the countries of the world printed on that globe, within 10 seconds, could you put your finger on the countries of Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Vietnam, Korea? How about France or Okinawa, Japan?

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Americas finest in military uniform have fought and died in those countries for the preservation of freedom; I dont think its asking that much that Americans at least know where those countries aredo you?

We stand today on the good earth, the earth we all share. We are truly blessed in the Big Sky country, arent we: Vast skies, beautiful mountains and prairies, sunshine, fresh air filling our lungs, wonderful starlit evenings, the quiet, and above allfreedom. Freedom, like the big sky, is a beautiful thing, isnt it? Freedom to live, to walk, to think, to sing, to vote, to pray or not to pray, and freedom to choose.

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Beginning at Lexington Green in Massachusetts, April 1775, 77 armed men, Americans all, stood resolutely against the greatest military power of that day, the British army. These 77 American men were the first military force in the history of mankind to fight not for a prize, not for land, not for power. No, they fought for an idea; they fought for freedom. They fought and died for a cause brought forth not solely from the hand of man, but a cause truly from the mind and greater purpose of a higher spiritual authority.

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When the Revolutionary War ended, representatives from the 13 original states gathered to create a fundamental document, a living document forging a foundation of who we are and what we are as a people. They created the Constitution of the United States.

For Americas armed forces the constitution clearly reads that Congress creates the United States military, and this military is subordinate to a democratically elected civilian: The president of the United States in the presidents role as commander-in-chief of the military. We are the first nation on earth to resolutely state that our military will be and must be subordinate to a democratically elected civilian.

The armed forces of the United States began June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the Continental Army. The Continental Navy followed in October 1775. The Marine Corps followed in November 1775, founded in Philadelphia in of all places, a bar. In time Americas armed forces would include the Coast Guard, the Air Force, and in December 2019, the United States Space Force.

Veterans have given much to defend Americas values and beliefs in freedom for all: Even in wars that twisted terribly wrong and challenged what Americas armed forces should be and must be used for.

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Women in the United States military, beginning in World War I, struggled to achieve veterans status. Americas military women would not receive equal pay, rank and benefits as the men until after World War II. Women World War I telephone operators in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, many of whom served on the front lines in France, would not receive veterans status until 1977.

The American WWII five-star general-of-the-army, Omar N. Bradley wrote that war is a wretched debasement of the human experience, a defilement of the basic dignity of man.

Hes right.

Defending freedom by shot and shell must always be the last resort when all manner of peaceful settlement of a conflict has failed. American lives are too precious to think or act otherwise.

Advertisement Advertisement

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As veterans the common bond we have, regardless of our name, our gender, the color of our skin, or the way we pray, is the condition of our hearts and the color of our blood shed to uphold and protect freedom.

Today all Americas military veterans stand together as one, we stand together as warriors, warriors not for conflict but for peace. Peace is not solely the absence of war but exists when we truly honor and love all mankind, and afford freedom and liberty to all, even those with whom we disagree.

Veterans who have been in battle, seen battle, smelled it, feared it, cried in it, or were shrouded in god-awful exhaustion in it, are changedforever changed. They arent better than those who have not gone to war, but they are different now.

Asking a veteran to describe war is an unanswerable question. For who can describe the depths of hell, where killing, once thought abhorrent, got mechanical and far too easy?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As Ernie Pyle, the great Pulitzer Prize winning WWII correspondent who lived with and ultimately died with combat soldiers wrote, Say what you will, nothing can make a complete soldier except battle experience.

Ill add to what Pyle wrote and include the fear of a sailor in the bowels of a warship taking on water, an air crewman in a crippled aircraft at 10,000 feet with an engine on fire and hydraulics failing, and a salt-water-soaked marine enduring mortar fire. Or a combat nurse choking down every emotion she has, enabling her to care for frightfully wounded men coming off helicopter after blood-soaked helicopter.

America now has three generations of battle veterans: World War IIKorea; VietnamGulf War, and IraqAfghanistan, plus an ever-growing women veterans population. America must not forget previous generations of veterans and concentrate solely on the newest generation of veterans.

America strives to honor military veterans. But today the line blurs between Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Armed Forces Day honors those presently serving in military uniform; Memorial Day honors those who died in military service; and Veterans Day honors those still living who served honorably in the military. As Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg, It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

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If America does not fervently strive to honor veterans to the highest standards afforded by law and our good graces as free people, then veterans sacrifice and noble service to America are reduced to the common and the insignificant. This we must never allow and never tolerate. Within the realm of human possibility and endurance, America must never leave veterans behind in body, in memory, or in spirit.

Veterans share a common bond: The bond of service to defend freedoms ideals. But more than anything, veterans bond with each other. Americas veterans have faced many determined enemies, but we cant defeat time. When a piece of colored cloth we call Old Glory passes in a parade, veterans once vibrant and physically strong, haltingly stand and with hands over their hearts, resolutely show the next generation of Americans how to give honors to the land veterans love and have given so much.

When sunset quiets the day and people settle into their reflections, veterans remember the long ago and the people theyand Iserved with. Veterans look to the sunset and think, It was good.

May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless those who stand ready to defend this bright shining light of freedom and hope we call the United States of America.

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About this column: Ed Saunders, a retired U.S. Army colonel, wrote these remarks that he will give at a Veterans Day ceremony at the Yellowstone National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 2024.

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To the editor: As a decades-long subscriber to The Times, I am used to the far-left opinion pieces it publishes. However, the column by Mark Barabak, "Trump wins and it's a dark night for America's soul," goes too far.

This is the first time in three election cycles that I actually voted for President-elect Trump, because I feared a Kamala Harris presidency more than him.

The left has only President Biden to blame. If he had stayed the course and governed as the one-term president he strongly suggested he'd be, the Democrats likely would have found a better candidate to run against Trump. Instead of lauding Biden for choosing to "pass the torch" when he did, we should blame him and his party for leaving us with a Hobson's choice between Harris and Trump.

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That said, the people have spoken, and Trump is our president again.

David Cox, San Juan Capistrano

..

To the editor: The Times' editorial board states in its post-election piece, "His victory has us wrestling with the question of how two such starkly different visions of the United States coexist."

This sentence epitomizes the issue that so many in America have with most of the mainstream media. The Times still doesn't get it  and as long as it keeps having only liberal editorial board members, it never will.

David Jankowski, Indian Wells, Calif.

..

To the editor: My very young Irish parents were on a movie date in England the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese military. Halfway through the movie it was abruptly stopped and the theater manager announced that the U.S. was entering the war.

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The audience stood and cheered  not because of the attack, but because with Adolf Hitler's forces at England's doorstep, they desperately needed U.S. support.

When my parents moved to California after the war, I remember both of them telling us that America saved Europe. I am glad that they are not here now to realize that Europe and our other allies cannot enjoy that comforting belief today.

Eileen Blankenhorn, Valencia

..

To the editor: Now aged 102 and a World War II destroyer sailor, I held my nose and voted for Harris, a really weak candidate.

Calling Trump's victory a retreat to the Dark Ages is ridiculous.

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Bill Suter, South Pasadena

..

To the editor: I am a white, male, Christian, American veteran. After Nov. 5, 2024, I am ashamed of all five of those things.

Philip Fickling, San Diego

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yet another once-key Lexington restaurant apparently is coming down.

A demolition permit has been requested for 1487 Boardwalk, which was the first Lees Famous Recipe Chicken location in Lexington. The request was filed Oct. 31, 2024, and is awaiting review by the city.

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Lees Famous Recipe Chicken franchisee Chuck Newnham, whose company K2 Property LLC owns the parcel, told the Herald-Leader in September that the location was listed for a potential sale or ground lease that would result in the property not reopening as a Lees.

Newnham did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the post-demolition future of the spot, which is next door to the Taco Tico that shut down in August.

At right is the former Lees Famous Recipe Chicken location at 1487 Boardwalk, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Lexington, Ky. The restaurant closed has been closed since 2019. And at left is Taco Tico, which closed in August 2024.

The former Lees Famous Recipe Chicken location at 1487 Boardwalk, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Lexington, Ky. The restaurant closed has been closed since 2019.

History of Boardwalk Famous Recipe Chicken

The restaurant, which has been closed since 2019, opened near the North Park shopping center just off New Circle Road in 1977 and was hugely successful, according to chain co-founder Lee Cummings, a nephew of Col. Harlan Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame.

In April 1984, Cummings visited the restaurant, then one of five locations in Lexington, when he came to speak to University of Kentucky students about the restaurant business.

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At the time, Famous Recipe was the fifth-largest chicken restaurant chain in the nation and the local franchises ranked near top in sales internationally.

The Boardwalk store in particular was one of the higher-volume stores, he told Herald-Leader writer Merlene Davis at the time.

Cummings had learned the fried chicken business working for Sanders for years selling pressure cookers and bags of spices. Then in 1966 he and his brother-in-law, Harold Omer, created Harolds Take Home restaurant in the back of a gas station in Lima, Ohio, with Famous Recipe chicken as the specialty of the house. The chicken took off and more locations soon followed in Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky.

In 1981, the chain was sold to Shoneys Restaurants of Nashville. It has since changed hands several times.

Lees Famous Recipe Chicken is known for its chicken tenders, fried chicken, sides and more.

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Second Lexington Lees demolished this year

Another of the Lexington stores  on Red Mile Road and Versailles  was one of the first in the chain to have the distinctive farmhouse look.

That location was demolished earlier this year along other other nearby buildings, apparently to make way for a gas station and convenience store.

Rubble sits in a pile Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 after the Lees Famous Recipe Chicken restaurant location at the corner of Versailles Road and Red Mile Road in Lexington, Ky. was demolished. A new Speedway convenience store and gas station is being built on the property at 1318 Versailles Rd.

The Boardwalk restaurant closed abruptly on Nov. 7, 2019; employees showed up for work that day and found the doors locked. Two other Lexington locations also shut down at the same time. Only one, the Lees Famous Recipe Chicken on Richmond Road, ever reopened.

Lees Chicken on Boardwalk in Lexington, Ky. Photographed Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019.

Lees Famous Recipe Chicken at 3014 Richmond Road In Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

Newnham said earlier this year that the Richmond Road restaurant, which is now the only place in Lexington to get Lees chicken tenders and more, is doing well.

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Walgreens to close stores in Lexington, Central Kentucky before end of year

Whats going into former Lynaghs Irish Pub spot near UK campus?

Update: One of Lexingtons oldest restaurants reopens after health department closure

Stanley Demos, former owner of Lexington fine-dining restaurant Coach House, has died

Lexington restaurant closes after 44 years at high-profile location. See historic photos

Legendary Lexington restaurant closing ahead of big move, but for how long?
Lil Zay Osama has received a federal prison sentence stemming from a 2022 incident in which the rapper left a loaded machine gun in a ride share in New York City.

On Thursday (Nov. 7), Lil Zay Osama, born Isaiah Dukes, was hit with a fourteen-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession of a machine gun earlier this year.

The Chicago natives legal team was seeking a seven month sentence for their client, citing the deplorable conditions at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center, where Lil Zay Osama will serve his time. The prosecution was seeking a 27 month sentence against Lil Zay Osama, with Federal Judge Nina Morison settling on the fourteen-month sentence.

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The defendant knowingly carried a fully automatic weapon  a pistol with a switch device whose only purpose is to make a dangerous weapon all the more deadly  and then carelessly left that gun in the back of a rideshare, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said following the ruling.

Lil Zay Osama

Todays sentence serves as a reminder to anyone who may bring an illegal firearm, especially one that has been modified to increase its lethality, into New York City: There are serious consequences for your reckless actions.

In September 2022, Lil Zay Osama and others were traveling in an Uber to a recording studio in Queens, Ny. when the driver witnessed Lil Zay Osama handling a firearm, which he accidentally left behind after exiting the vehicle.

The driver notified law enforcement and led the police back to the studio, where he fingered Lil Zay Osama as the person he saw in possession of the pistol, which was modified with a switch to operate like a machine gun.

Machine Gun Pistol

The rapper was immediately arrested and charged the following day, however, the case was later dismissed without prejudice, stipulating that prosecutors could try Dukes again on the same charges at a later date.

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The ruling proved to be short-lived victory for Lil Zay Osama, as the state filed a grand jury indictment against him in January 2024, charging him with with possession of a machine gun and possession of an unregistered firearm.

At the time of the indictment, Lil Zay Osama was already locked up in his homestate of Illinois on multiple gun charges, stemming from a Dec. 2023 incident in which he was also found to be in possession of a modified firearm. In that instance, police received a tip that a blue Dodge the rapper was traveling in was used in an armed jewelry store heist in New York City, leading to local police attempting to pull the vehicle over, only for a high-speed chase to ensue.

Lil Zay Osama

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Lil Zay Osama was ultimately apprehended, with police finding a loaded Glock 29 with a laser, an extended magazine and a switch that converts the gun into a machine gun, plus a loaded Glock 19 with a 50-round drum magazine and a defaced serial number, according to prosecutors.

He is also said to have been wearing a $90,000 necklace connected to the NYC jewelry store heist at the time of that arrest.

In additon to the aforementioned charges against Lil Zay Osama, he is also wanted on two warrants, one related to an additional gun charges in Wisconsin.

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Dutch brand Rituals has participated in the China International Import Expo for the first time this year. The company looks forward to growing and expanding its presence in China, saying the Chinese market has always been a key part of its global strategy.




Per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, are chemicals that linger in the body and are linked to health issues like cancer, obesity, liver damage, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, high cholesterol and hormone suppression. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Among many striking observations Ive heard from those affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), one from a farmer who had to abandon his contaminated land and home stands out: I am unlucky that this happened to me, Adam Nordell observed, but I am lucky since it did that it happened in Maine.

Farmers and consumers in Maine are indeed fortunate that the state has mobilized a concerted PFAS response, investing more than $200 million to datemuch of it spent working to ensure that local foods are not laced with these persistent chemicals. But public health should not be a matter of geographic good fortune: every American deserves access to a clean environment.

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Thirty states have now adopted measures related to PFAS while 22 have set standards to control these chemicals in drinking water. For residents of other states, the only protection from PFAS may comeif there is no regulatory rollbackwhen the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPAs) new federal maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS in drinking water take full effect in 2029.

In some settings, residents cannot even get basic information on PFAS from their state agencies: a recent analysis by the PFAS Project Lab found that four states still dont mention PFAS on their websites. Roughly a dozen states have failed to post updated information about the EPAs drinking water guidance.

The EPA has not yet taken action to prevent contamination from PFAS-laden sludge, and for states like Maine and Connecticut that have banned this practice, local action is only a partial fix. A recent study of food consumption patterns in New England states found that 96% of the food Mainers buy comes from outside the state or region. Without action by the EPA, residents across the U.S. are at risk of consuming tainted foods. Nationwide, 31% of the PFAS-laden sewage sludge generated is still applied to agricultural lands.

Nor can states fully protect residents from PFAS in drinking water. Global concerns are growing about TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), a fluorinated compound from pesticides, pharmaceuticals and refrigerants that now appears in many drinking water supplies (and resists current means of treatment). States cant easily test for this compound because its not on the federally certified testing protocol (the EPA does not define TFA as a PFAS). While acknowledging that there are no safe levels of certain PFAS, the agency defines each compound on a case-by-case basis, with no consistency, even among its own internal programs.

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Lack of federal action leaves states unable to fully shelter their residents from persistent chemicals still in widespread production. And now, the future of federal support is in jeopardy. Project 2025, the blueprint for the incoming administration, proposes to deregulate PFASreversing recent measures enacted to recognize two PFAS as hazardous substances and to protect drinking water from these pernicious chemicals.

A version of this piece first appeared in Marina Schaufflers Substack newsletter ContamiNation.
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The city of Lisbon, known for its picturesque cobbled streets, eye-catching colorful buildings and mouth-watering Portuguese custard tarts, has become an increasingly popular vacation destination in recent years.

But as overall monthly overnight stays in Portugal reached an all time high in August, some Lisbon residents are becoming frustrated by the impact of ballooning tourism on local quality of life.

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Following protests in September about the citys housing market, thousands of people living in the Portuguese capital have signed a petition demanding a clampdown on Lisbon vacation rentals.

The appeal, supported by more than 6,600 locals, demands a referendum on existing tourist lets in Lisbons residential blocks, and was presented to the citys municipal assembly at the end of last week.

The group behind the petition, the Referendum Movement for Housing (MRH), is seeking to eradicate the almost 20,000 short term vacation rentals in Lisbon residential blocks, hoping to free up housing opportunities for locals.

The conversion of homes into holiday rentals has led to evictions and the displacement of residents from the citys neighborhoods, Lisbon-based MRH representative Luisa Freitas told CNN Travel.

Locals forced to move to the outskirts

Some Lisbon locals say they've been priced out by tourist lets. Pictured here: the Augusta Arch near Comercio square, in the Baixa district of Lisbon. - Jorge Castellanos/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Alongside the locals, some 4,400 non-Lisbon residents have signed the referendum petition, which was circulated at Lisbons various community centers and across local businesses over the past year.

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According to Freitas, many of these non-residents are former Lisbon locals forced to move to the outskirts by drastic rent increases.

Their voices are as important as the ones of people who have the privilege to vote, so we also collected their signatures to show not only the will of the people but also the scale of the impact of Lisbons housing policies, she says.

The number of signatures collected on the petition means Lisbons municipal assembly must debate the referendum, but theres still no guarantee itll go ahead.

A booming vacation rental market

Lisbon isnt the only popular tourist destination reconsidering its vacation rental market. Barcelona announced earlier in the summer it will bar apartment rentals to tourists by 2028.

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Meanwhile back in February, the European Union voted for more transparency around short-term rentals, acknowledging these kind of properties represent around 25% of tourist accommodation in the EU.

Airbnb  a travel accommodation company so popular its become a byword for vacation rental  said back in February welcomed increased transparency.

CNN Travel has reached out to Airbnb for comment about the Lisbon referendum petition.

Changing the Lisbon tourist industry

Freitas stresses a successful referendum wouldnt eliminate Lisbon tourist lets altogether, but prevent them from existing in houses registered for residential use. Landlords would also be prohibited from establishing new vacation rentals in residential buildings in the future.

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Freitas says shes also concerned about the wider impact of Lisbons tourist industry on the citys buildings and urban landscape, with Freitas suggesting businesses and services which residents rely on and form an important part of the social fabric are increasingly being evicted in favor of souvenir shops, tour agencies, and cliche restaurants which primarily cater to tourists.

But for now, the focus is rebalancing the citys housing market.

We firmly believe that a referendum is not only desirable, but also achievable, says Freitas.

And the goal, said Freitas, is not to discourage tourism, but encourage a Lisbon tourism industry that distributes its benefits equally across society and respects the local culture, life, and rights of residents.

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By Andrius Sytas

VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda on Monday criticised the Social Democrats' decision to form a government with a party whose leader is accused of antisemitic statements and said he would block its ministers from taking power.

The Social Democrats, the winners in October's general election, signed a coalition agreement on Monday with the Nemunas Dawn and For Lithuania parties, gaining control of 86 seats in the 141-member parliament, above the 71 seats required for a majority.

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Nemunas Dawn party founder and head Remigijus Zemaitaitis resigned from parliament in April, ahead of an impeachment vote, after the Constitutional Court ruled he had broken his oath by stirring up hatred against Jews in social media posts last year.

I think a mistake has been made, Nauseda told reporters in Vilnius. A primitive, everyday antisemitism is taking hold in our country.

The semi-executive Lithuanian president approves government ministers, and Nauseda said he would not allow anyone related to Nemunas Dawn into the cabinet.

Zemaitaitis has earlier said his posts were not antisemitic and has denied wrongdoing. On Monday, he said that voter support gives his party the right to be in the government.

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The coalition agreement allows Nemunas Dawn to nominate the heads of three of the government's 14 ministries, among them the Justice Ministry.

Zemaitaitis went on criminal trial over the posts in September, charged by prosecutors with "attempting to create hostility, and provoking intolerance, towards Jews", and with playing down the Holocaust in Lithuania.

Social Democrat deputy leader and its designated prime ministerial candidate Gintautas Paluckas blamed any backlash on "misquotes in social networks or in the media".

"The factual situation is that, in the Social Democrat-led government and in its coalition, there is no antisemitism and there will not be any," he told reporters on Monday.

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The Social Democrat leadership pledged to avoid having Nemunas Dawn in its government during the election.

Nearly all of Lithuanias Jewish community of about 200,000 people was shot by Nazi Germans during World War II and buried in mass graves.

Former Lithuanian president Algirdas Brazauskas apologised in Israels parliament in 1995 for the fact that some Lithuanians contributed to the killings.

The new government is expected to be sworn into office in December.

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
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 second week of testimony in the trial of Anthony Ryan Patterson is underway in Fort Worth, with a third child victim who alleged she was sexually assaulted in 2004 and 2005 on the stand.

TIMELINE: The trafficking, child sex crimes case against Anthony Patterson

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Former president of the Patterson Auto Group, Patterson, 48, of Wichita Falls, stands accused of multiple counts of human trafficking and child sex crimes.

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

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Proceedings resumed on Monday morning, November 11, 2024, with a third alleged victim, who is now an adult, testifying about the allegations she made against Patterson.

Below is a running live blog of opening arguments and testimony in Anthony Pattersons trial from Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Refresh this story often for updates.

Judge Kennedy dismissed the jury for the day. Testimony is set to resume at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with the defense presenting its case to the jury.

At 4:38 p.m., Brooke Grona-Robb, on behalf of the prosecution, rested the States case in chief.

Grona-Robb asked Judge Kennedy to take judicial notice of the date of the indictment against Patterson as May 4, 2023. Judge Kennedy noted this.

Grona-Robb passed the witness back to Shook, who had no further questions. Davis was released from the witness stand.

4:38 p.m.  Davis testified that the sting operation was conducted after Bell was arrested by sealed indictment. He testified that the Keepsafe application is a safe for which he doesnt have the key.

Shook passed the witness back to Grona-Robb for re-direct examination.

4:34 p.m.  Shook offered a copy of the indictment against Bell into evidence. It was admitted with no objection from the prosecution. Davis testified that Bell was indicted on four felony counts, her charges are still pending, and that continuous trafficking is not among the charges pending against her.

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4:30 p.m.  Davis testified that the age of consent for sexual contact in the State of Texas is 17 years old.

4:27 p.m.  Davis testified regarding text messages discovered on Pattersons phone between Jandreani Bell and Patterson. Shook questioned Davis regarding the specific language used by Bell in the text messages. Davis testified that he did not see any text messages returned from Patterson to Bell.

4:20 p.m.  Davis testified that anyone can access the Wichita County Appraisal District records and discover who owns properties in Wichita Falls.

4:13 p.m.  Davis testified that Jandreani Bells phone was also seized and examined.

Grona-Robb passed the witness to Toby Shook for cross-examination.

4:09 p.m.  Drone footage of a path from the Bill Bartley YMCA to Pattersons residence on Woodridge, the path he wouldve taken to bring Child Victims 1 & 2 from the YMCA to his home, is shown to the jury, with Davis narrating the footage.

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4:04 p.m.  An 865-page document is admitted into evidence, containing all of the items inside the Keepsafe App. Davis testified that 1,134 items were in the application that investigators were unable to access.

3:59 p.m.  Davis testified that they found evidence of blasphemy on Pattersons cell phone and computer. He also testified that he was unable to access several pieces of evidence in Pattersons phone due to an app called Keepsafe that had those items locked.

3:58 p.m.  A video is played for the jury, depicting Bell at Pattersons home on the date the sting operation is attempted. The video shows Bell ringing the doorbell and no one answering, consistent with earlier reports.

3:55 p.m.  Davis testified that text messages were found on Pattersons phone regarding shaving. A text is shown to the courtroom, showing that Patterson participated in No Shave November, noting that he would be shaving in December. Davis testified that this corroborates an allegation from Child Victims 1 & 2 regarding Patterson having facial hair during the incident in November 2017.

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3:53 p.m.  Withdrawal slips from a bank are admitted into evidence, showing two withdrawals of several thousand dollars, one of which corresponded to a receipt for a bondsman from Bell.

3:48 p.m.  A picture from Pattersons phone was admitted into evidence. The picture depicts a picture sent via email of an order for a hearing in a case against Jandreani Bell. Another picture of a balance due letter from a legal service provider was also shown. A screenshot of text messages was also shown to the jury, showing texts from Bell to Patterson.

3:43 p.m.  Davis testified to the operational security of the search warrant. He testified that the WFPD was not notified of the search warrant until just before the warrant was executed. He testified that it was at this time that he was notified of the 2012 and 2013 investigations into Patterson. He also testified that he found evidence on Pattersons phone of correspondence between Patterson and Jandreani Bell prior to September 2019.

3:38 p.m.  Grona-Robb offered a timeline of updates to Pattersons home regarding the fire. Shook took Davis on voir dire, in order to determine whether or not there will be an objection by the defense. After questioning Davis, Grona-Robb withdrew the exhibit.

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3:33 p.m.  Videos admitted into evidence taken from Pattersons phone were shown to the jury, with Davis depicting for the jury what the bathroom off of the main bedroom in Pattersons home would have looked like prior to the remodel after the fire.

Judge Kennedy called the jury back into the courtroom. Testimony resumed at around 3:30 p.m., with Tye Davis returning to the witness stand.

Judge Kennedy dismissed the jury for an afternoon break. The Court will be in recess for about 15 minutes, when testimony is set to resume.

2:52 p.m.  Davis testified that many photos were found on Pattersons phone depicting the differences between what his home looked like before the fire when Child Victims 1 & 2 would have been inside his home.

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2:44 p.m.  Davis testified that a fire had taken place at Pattersons home between when Child Victims 1 & 2 were allegedly sexually assaulted in 2017, and when the search warrant of the home was executed on the home in 2021. He testified that pictures of the fire damage were found on Pattersons phone.

2:40 p.m.  Davis testified that Child Victim 3 also identified a residence in the 1600 block of Ardath Avenue where she said the second alleged sexual assault occurred in 2005. Appraisal records revealed that Patterson also owned this residence.

2:33 p.m.  Davis testified that a residence in the 4000 block of Gossett Drive, one of the two identified as potential locations by Child Victim 3, was shown to have been owned by Anthony Patterson according to appraisal records. He testified that Gossett Drive is also right behind the Finishing Touch Plaza.

2:29 p.m.  Davis testified that when Patterson was arrested in 2021, he had facial hair, but when he was arrested in 2023, he was clean-shaven. He testified that his facial hair was a factor in Child Victim 3s ability to identify Patterson.

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2:26 p.m.  Davis testified that he found evidence on Pattersons phone that Jandreani Bell, the co-defendant in this case, attempted to contact him. He testified he also found evidence corroborating the sting operation attempt on Pattersons phone. He testified that he later became aware of the third alleged victim with allegations against Patterson from 2004, and he found evidence on Pattersons computer regarding the residences Child Victim 3 said the incidents of sexual abuse occurred.

2:24 p.m.  Davis testified that he was present for the search of Pattersons home. He also testified that he obtained the search warrants for electronic devices seized during the search of Pattersons home and business.

Grona-Robb passed the witness back to Shook, who had no further questions. Kelly was released from the witness stand. Grona-Robb recalled Tye Davis, Chief Investigator with the Wichita County District Attorneys Office, to the witness stand.

2:21 p.m.  Kelly testified that in a situation where you have two defendants with criminal culpability, its important to establish whether or not theyre being truthful. Kelly testified that the massage oil he found inside the bedside table was relevant to the investigation.

Shook passed the witness back to Grona-Robb for re-direct examination.

2:18 p.m.  Shook questioned Kelly regarding the photos he took of the Bible inside the bedside table. Shook asked why Kelly would have taken a photo of a Bible when the disclosure regarding the Bible wasnt until after Pattersons initial arrest. Kelly testified that he had a working knowledge of the case from other law enforcement officials.

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2:14 p.m.  Kelly testified that hes unsure if the printer he photographed from Pattersons office was taken into evidence on the day he photographed them. Shook then showed Kelly four photos of that same printer, offering them as evidence. They were admitted without objection. The photos show the inner workings of the printer.

Grona-Robb passed the witness to Toby Shook, Pattersons lead defense attorney, for cross-examination.

2:11 p.m.  Kelly testified that Backpage used to be a prominent website that was utilized for prostitution. He testified that he has seen in the past that massages can be a way to groom a potential victim and to test the waters.

2:08 p.m.  Grona-Robb showed the jury several more pictures of the inside of Pattersons home taken by Kelly, with Kelly noting for the jury what each room or item he located inside the home was and the relevance to the investigation.

2:01 p.m.  Kelly testified that inside a drawer in the closet of the bedroom, three bottles of lubricant were found, including several flavored lubricants.

1:59 p.m.  Kelly testified that inside the drawer of the nightstand next to the bed inside of a bedroom, he found body oil, THC gummies, and a Bible. He testified that the body oil and Bible being next to the bed corroborated things the child victims said happened while they were at Pattersons home.

1:55 p.m.  Kelly testified that he discovered a handheld video camera as well as handwriting examples inside the garage. He testified that the garage door opener inside Pattersons truck opened the garage door.

1:52 p.m.  Kelly testified that Pattersons pickup was equipped with a dealer tag, which could be moved from vehicle to vehicle. Kelly testified that someone who was involved in trafficking could theoretically use multiple vehicles as they wished.

1:48 p.m.  Grona-Robb offers a number of photographs from the inside of Pattersons home that were taken during the execution of the search warrant into evidence. They are admitted with no objection from the defense.

1:45 p.m.  Kelly testified that in dealing with human trafficking or sexual assault offenses, corroboration is important because they will likely not have the evidence from an investigation into offenses like trafficking and sex crimes like they would in a murder investigation. He testified that an alleged victim knowing the inside of the home that theyd have no other reason to know would be an example of corroborating evidence.

1:40 p.m.  Kelly testified regarding the search of Pattersons home. The search warrant, issued Feb. 3, 2021, was executed at Pattersons home. The warrant was offered as evidence by Grona-Robb with no objection from the defense. Kelly testified that he was present for the execution of the search warrant.

Judge Kennedy called the jury back into the courtroom. Testimony resumed at around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, with Grona-Robb calling Matt Kelly, a Texas Ranger with the Texas Department of Public Safety, to the stand.

Judge Kennedy dismissed the jury for lunch. The Court will be in recess until around 1:30 p.m. when testimony is set to resume with the prosecution calling its next witness to the stand.

11:55 a.m.  Shook stated to Childhood Best Friend that if she didnt have the title to the car until December 2006, she had to have driven Child Victim 3 over to Pattersons some time in 2007, not 2005. Childhood Best Friend testified that she didnt remember when she went over to the house. Patterson was observed looking at Shook and smirking when this point was made. A member of the gallery was overheard apparently scoffing.

11:52 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that her mother had the Pontiac Grand Am in her name before she signed the title in 2006. She testified shes almost 100 percent sure she drove Child Victim 3 to Pattersons house in the Grand Am.

11:49 a.m.  Shook questioned Childhood Best Friend regarding the title paperwork for the red Pontiac Grand Am. Shook offered the title paperwork as evidence, and it was admitted without objection. According to the title, it was issued on December 12, 2006, when Childhood Best Friend would have been 18 years old.

11:43 a.m.  Shook questioned Childhood Best Friend regarding a record of a phone call between herself and Child Victim 3. Childhood Best Friend testified that she didnt recall the phone call being the same day as her conversation with investigators. She testified that she never spoke with Child Victim 3 about the case.

11:39 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that at first, she didnt recall many of the details about the day she drove Child Victim 3 to meet with Anthony, but after driving by the area, she did recall some events. She testified that shes still friends with Child Victim 3, just not as close as when they were teenagers. She testified that she and Child Victim 3 now mainly communicate on Facebook.

11:36 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that her first car was a red Pontiac Grand Am, and before she had that vehicle, she drove her moms white Nissan.

Grona-Robb passed the witness to Shook for cross-examination.

11:33 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that she only vaguely remembered the incident, that she remembered that one male was inside the house when they got there, and that she was unsure of his name.

11:31 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that she remembered driving to the area of Gossett Street, near Finishing Touch Plaza, after it was mentioned to her that it was a street of interest. She testified that she drove down that street and said she remembered taking Child Victim 3 to that house.

11:27 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that she took Child Victim 3 home and then went home herself. She testified that back then, nothing really seemed off about the night, but now looking back, something did seem strange. She testified she received a call from the Wichita County District Attorneys Office in May 2023.

11:24 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that she used to drive Child Victim 3 places. She testified that she took Child Victim 3 to someones house, then went to get McDonalds. She testified that soon after she returned, Child Victim 3 told her she was ready to leave.

11:21 a.m.  Childhood Best Friend testified that she and Child Victim 3 started spending time together around age 12 or 13. She testified that they spent time at the mall and the movies. She testified that she got her license before Child Victim 3.

Shook passed the witness back to Grona-Robb, who had no further questions. The witness was released from the stand and Grona-Robb called the next witness on behalf of the state, Child Victim 3s best friend from high school. In an effort to protect her identity, the witness will be referred to as Childhood Best Friend.

11:16 a.m.  Shook questioned Child Victim 3 regarding when she got her drivers license. According to a defense exhibit, she got her license in November 2005, after the alleged incident with Patterson occurred. She then testified that she had driven there with a learners permit and not a license. Grona-Robb objected to further questioning on this matter, which was sustained by Judge Kennedy.

Judge Kennedy called the jury back into the courtroom and testimony resumed, with Child Victim 3 returning to the stand and Shook continuing to cross-examine her.

Judge Kennedy dismissed the jury for a morning break while the defense team prepared a document to be admitted into evidence. Testimony is set to resume after a 10-15 minute break.

10:53 a.m.  Shook offered two screenshots from Facebook as evidence. Both are admitted without objection. The screenshots show comments posted by Child Victim 3 on Facebook posts by Texomas Homepage and Times Record News regarding Patterson.

10:49 a.m.  Shook questioned Child Victim 3 about two phone calls between herself and her best friend from high school. Child Victim 3 testified that she was unsure what the subject of that phone call was, but she did not talk with her about the case. She again testified that a majority of the communication between the two of them is done by Facebook.

10:45 a.m.  Child Victim 3 testified that she and her best friend, who was with her during the first alleged assault, and her friend who accompanied her during the second alleged assault, havent discussed the incidents.

10:41 a.m.  Child Victim 3 testified that the second incident occurred in April or May of 2005. She testified that she and a friend went to Anthonys and were hanging out in his hot tub. She testified that she drank the beer and her friend drank the fruity drink while they were sitting in the hot tub. She testified that Anthony told her she could change clothes inside. She testified that while she was changing, Anthony picked her up, placed her on the bed, and had sex with her.

10:36 a.m.  Child Victim 3 testified that after she and Anthony had sex, she put her clothes back on and went into the living room. She testified that at that same time, her best friend returned. She testified she told her that she wanted to leave. She testified that they left, and she put her clothes in the washer when she got home.

10:32 a.m.  Shook questioned Child Victim 3 regarding the details of the inside of the house and the layout of the house. Child Victim 3 testified that her best friend left to go get food. She testified that she and Anthony then walked to a bedroom and pornography was on the television in that room. She testified that clothes started to come off.

10:28 a.m.  Child Victim 3 testified that she and Anthony first came in contact on AOL Instant Messenger. She testified that they then exchanged phone numbers and communicated via text message, but never actually spoke on the phone.

10:25 a.m.  Child Victim 3 testified that she was interviewed after she read the stories online about Patterson. She testified that she and her best friend from high school, who was with her during one of the alleged assaults, are still in contact and communicate via Facebook.

10:22 a.m.  Child Victim 3 testified that she saw a photo of Patterson on April 2023 that made her connect Patterson to the Anthony who assaulted her when she was a teenager. She testified that she read several articles on Texomas Homepage regarding Patterson.

Grona-Robb passed the witness to Toby Shook, lead defense attorney for Patterson, for cross-examination.

10:17 a.m.  Grona-Robb then admitted multiple photos and maps of Finishing Touch Plaza, near where Child Victim 3 testified the first assault occurred. She testified that she pointed out two potential houses in the area to investigators where she alleged the first assault occurred, as well as a house where she claimed the second assault occurred.

10:12 a.m.  Brooke Grona-Robb, the lead prosecutor for the State of Texas, offered a school photograph of Child Victim 3 from 2005 as evidence. It was admitted without objection and shown to the jury. Another photo of Child Victim 3 and her best friend is admitted into evidence and shown to the jury. Child Victim 3 testified that she did not recognize the couch in the picture, so she assumed the picture was taken at Anthonys.

10:08 a.m.  Child Victim 3, now visibly emotional, testified that she thought the assault was something she would take to her grave, but when she read about Patterson and the charges against him, she testified she had to come forward. She testified that when she was 15, she thought he was 19, but after learning of the charges against him, she realized he wouldve been in his late 20s when the assaults occurred.

10:02 a.m.  Child Victim 3 testified that a second alleged assault occurred the following year. She testified that it happened around April of 2005. She testified that shed continued talking to Anthony after the first alleged assault, and hed invited her over. She testified that Anthony said he could bring a friend and get in the hot tub. She testified that Anthony brought beer and a fruity drink to the hot tub. She testified that while she was there, Anthony again sexually assaulted her. She testified that afterward, she started freaking out, put on her clothes and went to leave. She testified that as she was leaving Anthony gave her $300 and said, Im sorry.

9:54 a.m.  A third child victim, who was 15 years old in 2004, is on the stand, testifying regarding the assault she experienced by Patterson. She testified she had confided in someone she knew as Anthony over online chat and text messages. She testified that when she was 15 years old, Anthony invited her over to his home to watch a movie. She testified she was assaulted while she was at his house. As she recalls details, the victim is visibly emotional.

READ MORE: New alleged victim connects assault to Patterson nearly 2 decades later

AUTHORS NOTE: To protect the identity of the alleged victim, who was a teenager when she claimed she was sexually assaulted by Patterson, they will be referred to as Child Victim 3. Unlike the other two alleged victims, Child Victim 3 is now an adult. She alleged that Patterson assaulted her in 2004 and 2005, not making the connection until almost two decades later.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  Veterans Day ceremonies kicked off this weekend in Northampton allowing the community to come out and show their appreciation for our countrys heroes.

Inaugural Soldier On 5K Walk/Run kicks off in Pittsfield

All veterans are important and we want to thank them every day for their service, said Carolyn Nutt, the Massachusetts State Regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

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The community made their way to the historic Betty Allen Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter House with American flags symbolizing unity and remembrance.

Veterans put their lives on the line for this country so event organizers said it was only right to recognize them and pay tribute.

I think it has come around full circle and they are doing a lot more for veterans, especially for the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and it is just a long time coming. We really appreciate it, Veteran Tatro Lawrence told 22News.

Residents were able to dedicate flags to specific veterans in their lives making the ceremony a personal one.

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I think that it just matters to us, expressed Denise Kindschi Gosselin, Betty Allen chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. These are our family, not people that are unknown. My father, my brother, my grandson is in the military. This is all of our family and a part of all of us.

Veterans Day is on Monday and this was just one of many events to kick off this special day. If you are interested in attending Veterans Day events there will be several in western Massachusetts.

There is a parade in West Springfield at 10 a.m. that begins at St. Thomas School. There is also one in Westfield that starts at the Westfield Bank parking lot at 10:30 a.m. And, Springfield is hosting one that kicks off at Springfield Technical Community College at 11 a.m.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
(WKBN)  Monday is Veterans Day  a federal holiday observed each year on November 11 to honor those who served our country in the armed forces. Communities across the Valley recognized those veterans who helped preserve our freedoms.

Read next: 2024 Veterans Day events and deals

A crowd of people gathered at the First Presbyterian Church in Warren for a ceremony honoring local veterans.

Its just great to be able to have that camaraderie with other veterans, sit and share stories, and just make sure that they get recognized for everything that they do, said Cari Delgado, director of the Trumbull County Veterans Service Commission.

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Performances of patriotic music were a big part of the service, including the Cortland Community Bands rendition of the Armed Forces Medley, paying tribute to veterans in each branch of the military.

It was great. I liked it. Yeah, you cant beat it, it was really great, said Bill Wagonjack, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Wagonjack served in the Marines during the Korean War. He was one of a few veterans who received a special honor.

We did our job, thats all I can say, is we were in there, we had to do our job and we did, he said.

Outside the church, people lined Mahoning Avenue as veterans were escorted through downtown Warren in a parade. Floats and vehicles were decorated with a patriotic theme, and several veterans rode along.

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Aubriee Ware was in the crowd. Her sister is part of the Warren G. Harding marching band.

Her mom, Tonya, says she thought the parade was a great way for Aubriee to see veterans and learn about their service to the country.

Its very important. Theyve served for us, they gave us our freedom, they helped provide for it. I think its important, she said.

In Columbiana, ceremonies were held at both the high school and middle school. Students were joined by veterans from the community and their families for a morning of appreciation. They enjoyed breakfast, then were honored with a slideshow presentation.

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Megan Cowan is the music director for choirs and has organized this event for over 20 years.

She hopes it inspires the students.

That is definitely the hope  that it inspires them, helps them understand that patriotism, being proud to be an American is not a bad thing. Its not a negative thing in this day and age to be proud of where you are from, to be proud of this country, to be proud of the men and women who served and are doing an important job for our country, Cowan said.

The program included a keynote address by Bill Johnson, president of Youngstown State University. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1973 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished military career of more than 26 years.

The Mahoning County Veterans Commission also held a program in downtown Youngstown, featuring guest speaker George Otto  a retired Army lieutenant. He stressed how the military brings all types of people from different backgrounds and races together.

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Brian Oehlbeck 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.
By Rodrigo Gutierrez and Ivan Alvarado

IQUIQUE, Chile (Reuters) - Over a thousand years ago, the hundreds of giant geoglyphs carved into the desert in northern Chile were a bustling scene. They marked sources of water in the vast arid landscape and were where locals came together to trade skins, animals and fish.

Now the carvings are scarred with hundreds of tire tracks from motorcycles and off-road vehicles tearing through the art creations in the landscape and permanently disfiguring them.

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"It's practically destroyed by motorcycles, off-roaders," said Jose Barraza, general director of the regional national patrimony office.

He said various groups were trying to preserve the site to prevent any more destruction - but also without restoring it to its former glory, to show the error of people's ways in the future.

"(It) will be an example that shows future generations what not to do with our heritage, no matter how painful or how much anger, discomfort or resentment we feel towards it," he said.

Local resident Angelo Araya says the community has been working with a local museum and authorities to try and "put an end to the destruction."

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The goal, Araya says, is to stop motorcycle and off-road vehicles from damaging the site further and "to make everyone aware that this is not just a heritage site, but that it belongs to all of us."

The site has gone through many phases, going from a place to barter, to an abandoned site, to one where people were looking for gold. Eventually Chile's national forests association CONAF turned the area into part of the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve.

Sand board instructor Franco Diaz said the government should physically close off access to the sites as the geoglyphs are difficult to spot.

"If a jeep driver goes behind the hill, he won't notice if there's a geoglyph," Diaz said. "They should close the perimeter and protect these sites that are over 1,000 years old."

(Reporting by Rodrigo Gutierrez and Ivan Alvarado; Writing by Alexander Villegas; Editing by Alison Williams)
The saga of Homewood Mountain Resort, California, continues.



Over the weekend, the resort reaffirmed that it will always be public via a social media postand apologized for not being transparent about its plansamidst ongoing pressure from local residents.



In the social media post, Homewood explained that it exists in a challenging environment as a smaller ski resort, presumably referencing the financial difficulties that non-major ski resorts face. We've certainly felt the pinch here at Homewood, the post reads. Homewood wrote that it considered adopting a private model in 2022 to foot the bill for much-needed infrastructural improvements.



The resort has since determined that the private model didnt align with a previously approved master plan and was not the best thing for the local community. To those who were frustrated by the possibility of private access at Homewood, the resort said it was sorry.



We've worked with various agencies on our master plan, we've failed to keep youour friends and neighborsclearly informed on our plans, the resort wrote. Were sorry we let you down, and we are grateful for the chance to create better transparency and clear up any misinformation.



Yet, despite Homewood now repeatedly steering away from the private model, skepticism remains.

One local group, Keep Homewood Public, which sprang up in opposition to Homewoods private access plans, has thoroughly reviewed Homewoods written commitments to public access, seeking loopholes that could be exploited by the resort in the future (Homewood, in a press release announcing its closure ahead of the 2024-2025 ski season, called claims that it would backtrack on its public access plans hypothetical fears and false rumors.).



Beneath Homewood's latest Instagram post, Mike Rogge, the editor of Mountain Gazette and a Lake Tahoe area resident, asked the resort to explicitly reaffirm its future plans.



To clarify, @skihomewood, the ski area in its entirety will be open to the public 7 days per week during the winter season? No exceptions? Rogge wrote.



Yes! Mountain access will be the same for everyone all the time, Homewood replied.

Homewood Mountain Resort trail map. Photo: Homewood Mountain Resort

Another commenter, in the same reply chain, wondered if the price of passes will remain affordable.



Passes will be available to everyone at a market rate comparable to other local resorts, Homewood replied, pointing to a tab of its website that outlined pass program plans.



The web page states that all areas of Homewood will be accessible by skiers and snowboarders with a lift ticket and season pass during operating hours. Local West Shore residents will have access to a 35% discounted season pass product. If our regular pass is $1,000 and the prior seasons highest tier restricted pricing was $600, the Homewood True Local Season Pass will be available for $600, the web page reads.

Keep Homewood Public. Photo: Keep Homewood Public

Keep Homewood Public continues to seek loopholes in Homewoods public access policies. The organization shared comments on Homewoods updated community access plan, suggesting that the policies leave the possibility of a private membership model open.



All these programs depend on a guarantee that season passes and day tickets will be sold every year. Without that guarantee, these promises fall apart, one Keep Homewood Public comment on Homewoods local ski access discount programs reads.



Homewood isnt the first ski resort to consider enacting a private model recently.



Powder Mountain, Utah, announced last winter that it would begin reserving portions of its terrain for on-mountain homeowners. The resort explained in a press release that the decision stemmed from a desire to remain independent and uncrowded. Powder Mountain faced a mix of community backlash and cautious optimism. It hasnt changed course since the December announcement.

Related: How To Ski Moguls: 7 Essential Tips for All Skill Levels

Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the worlds best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.
LRS

Drug of choice

There was a big result in last weeks US election. Polling suggested that the vote would be close, but it was not. Yes, you know the one  the Massachusetts electorate rejected Ballot Question 4, the Natural Psychedelic Substances Act, on decriminalizing some psychedelic drugs. The policy researcher Charles Fain Lehman notes that this was far from the only progressive policy that lost, alongside defeats for efforts to reduce drug and theft sentences in California and to legalize weed in Florida.

The results do not simply reflect a correction of progressive overshoot, he argues, but a repudiation of a philosophical position that has taken root in recent years: That the costs of deterring antisocial behavior exceed the benefits. Scholars argued that even though incarceration reduces crime, and thus improves society at large, it causes so much suffering in the incarcerated that it is unjustified. Lehman says that that argument is probably empirically and morally wrong, but more importantly, the US public wants to live in a society where people follow shared rules, and made that clear at the ballot box.

Safe travels

For years, self-driving cars seemed like one of those technologies that were always five years away. But now theyre normal sights in several US and Chinese cities, and its safe to imagine that pretty soon theyll be mainstream across the rich world. The tech writer Matt Bell has spent 130 hours taking rides in Waymos San Francisco robotaxis recently, and the first thing he learnt, he said, is that its boring. He took his first ride in 2023 and was ecstatic, but even by the end of that journey, I already felt a temptation to get to work on my laptop.

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Thats the point, of course. The ride is smooth and reasonable, and its easy to work on the journey: Waymos are great mobile offices. Its far from perfect  Waymos sometimes make weird route choices, or get confused by unusual road events. But their rise also reveals something about human nature and society: People are gradually figuring out that Waymos are incredibly docile and careful, and are taking advantage. One person sat on Bells car for several minutes, during which it just stayed still. If you tried that with a human driver, they might well hit you. Its a factor which made me realize to what degree the threat of victims fighting back keeps violence down on the streets.

Art class

There is a theory about art, which goes something like this. Until modern times, rich people showed off their wealth with ostentation, so their art and especially their architecture was highly ornamented. But then technology made ornamentation cheap and it no longer signaled wealth effectively, so rich people began to signal their wealth through instead: Creating elaborate codes and unspoken rules which you had to be rich to have the time and resources to learn. And so art took the modernist turn, in which it became more austere, less ornamented, less obviously beautiful.

The architecture writer Samuel Hughes, in Notes on Progress, says that this is a fun and insightful theory, but it cant be the whole story. For one thing, all art forms took the modernist turn, but not all art forms  live music, for instance  became cheaper to produce. Hughes argues that the story is the other way around. Artists drove modernism, and the intellectual elite followed them. The rich and the masses still want tonal music, ornamented architecture, representational art, but they are not the drivers of elite tastes: I cannot think of any pioneer modernist composer who reluctantly abandoned Romanticism because atonality was where the money was.
ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. (WGNO)  The Louisiana State Police has asked for the publics help in finding the suspect in a fatal St. Bernard Parish hit-and-run crash.

According to troopers, around 3:15 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 26-year-old Kyle St. Angelo was riding his motorcycle north on Louisana Highway 46 approaching Riverbend Drive.

Man shot to death in New Orleans East

At the same time, troopers said a pickup truck was headed south on the highway, and was making a left turn onto Riverbend crossing into St. Angelos path. St. Angelo reportedly crashed into the passenger side of the truck and was ejected from his bike.

Troopers said he was wearing a helmet but sustained fatal injuries. St. Angelo reportedly died on the scene.

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LSP troopers said the truck driver fled the scene and did not call the police.

Man dragged in New Orleans armed carjacking

An investigation revealed the truck was a newer model, light-colored, possibly white, crew cab Dodge Ram pickup. Troopers add that the truck should have damage to the front passenger side door.

Anyone with information on the incident can call LSP Troop B at 504-471-2775.

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YAOUNDE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 96 Boko Haram militants were killed and 11 others injured in a clearance operation conducted by Chadian troops in the Lake Chad region on Saturday, the army said Sunday, adding 15 Chadian soldiers were killed and 32 others injured.

In a statement, the army spokesman, General Issakh Acheikh said the troops also seized arms and equipment during the operation, which was continuing.

"The situation is totally under control," Acheikh said.

Chad began the operation dubbed "Haskanite" after Boko Haram attacked a military base on Barkaram island near the border with Nigeria in late October, resulting in the deaths of over 40 Chadian soldiers.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said the operation was intended to dislodge Boko Haram militants from Lake Chad. 
Louisiana Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson and state Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, testify at a House Ways & Means Committee hearing on Nov. 8, 2024. (Photo credit: Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Although Gov. Jeff Landrys major tax overhaul would do away with many of the states tax breaks in exchange for lower income tax rates, Louisianas most lucrative corporate subsidy  its Industrial Tax Exemption Program  would remain in place, according to a member of the governors cabinet.

Were not touching ITEP, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said in an interview Friday after testifying before the state House Ways & Means Committee. Lawmakers have convened in a special session this month to rewrite the states tax code, which will ultimately need approval from voters statewide.

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Louisianas ITEP is one of the most generous corporate handouts in the nation, giving large industrial companies, many in the petrochemical sector, an 80% exemption on property taxes for up to 10 years.

Since 1998, Louisiana has awarded more than $20 billion in local tax breaks to industry through ITEP, according to an Ohio River Valley Institute analysis.

Bourgeois said there is no need for the program to be part of discussions in the legislative session because it doesnt impact state revenue.

The state manages ITEP through its economic development department and the Board of Commerce and Industry. The programs critics had long complained the board, an unelected group of political appointees, had nearly complete control to deprive parishes of their own property tax revenues.

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That arrangement changed in 2016 when then-Gov. John Bel Edwards issued an executive order that required local approval of any industrial tax exemption. He also required companies to create jobs in order to get an exemption.

When Landry took office, he issued a new executive order, removing the job creation requirement and wresting control of industrial tax exemptions away from local governments. Instead of each local taxing body having to approve an ITEP request, Landry created consolidated parish industrial boards that take a single vote.

While ITEP will remain in place, Landrys tax overhaul would sunset the rest of Louisianas incentive programs such as those for film production, angel investments, digital media services, historical renovation and others. The Quality Jobs tax credit, which also caters to industrial manufacturers by subsidizing their payrolls, will also go away.

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Any companies with current incentive contracts under Louisiana Economic Development programs would be honored.

The proposed changes are a part of House Bill 2, sponsored by Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, which cleared the House Ways & Means Committee on Sunday. It received opposition from New Orleans Reps. Matt Willard and Mandie Landry, both Democrats.

Film industry executives and real estate developers who renovate historic buildings testified in opposition to the bill, voicing concerns that it would hurt their businesses.

Although many industries would lose their incentives, Landrys tax package would offset the losses by reducing income tax rates for both individuals and corporations. Emersons bill includes a provision that would eliminate the current graduated corporate income tax brackets and establish a flat rate of 5.5% for the first year and then 3.5% thereafter.

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The gradual decrease would limit the impact of revenue losses until the various tax incentives fully sunset as individual LED contracts expire over the next few years.

Separate legislation that lawmakers advanced last week would establish a flat individual income tax rate of 3% and establish a much higher $12,500 standard deduction per filer, up from $4,500.

Louisiana Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson told lawmakers Sunday that the future effects of the tax overhaul would best be measured through population growth and median household income.

I think three years from now youll see a significant change in those numbers, Nelson said.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  On Nov. 5, Hawaii voters approved a significant constitutional amendment that ensures the state legislature cannot define marriage as solely between one woman and one man.

This vote was a powerful affirmation of the rights of same-sex couples and all individuals who seek equal recognition of their marriages.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

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For Commissioner Kathleen ODell, Ph.D., Chair of the Hawaii State Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, the passage of this amendment is a moment of pride and cautious optimism.

This is a powerful affirmation of equality, acceptance, and safety for all individuals, Commissioner ODell said. Its not just about the LGBTQ+ community, but about who people love and how they identify. We stand for inclusion, we celebrate diversity, and we make it clear that hate has no place here.

While the outcome was a win for equality, Commissioner ODell acknowledged the challenges faced during the campaign.

To be honest, the language was a bit confusing, she said, referring to the ballot measure. I heard from many people about that, and we knew we had to work hard to make sure voters understood how to cast their votes. In the end, though, everyone pulled together, and we got the word out to help people understand what was at stake.

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Despite the confusion, the turnout and support for the amendment were strong.

Im just grateful that everyone came together to get the word out and help pass this measure. It shows how much we care about equality and how far weve come as a state, ODell said.

Looking ahead, Commissioner ODell expressed a sense of cautiously hopeful optimism for the future.

This vote gives us a sense of safety and security, but we cant let our guard down. We still have work to do to ensure our rights are protected and that discrimination has no place in Hawaii.

The amendment was not just a win for same-sex couples but a step forward for all individuals who believe in fairness and justice.

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When we protect the rights of people to marryregardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or who they lovewere protecting what is right, just, and fair for all people, Commissioner ODell emphasized.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

For Commissioner ODell, Nov. 5, 2024 was more than just a victory in the fight for marriage equality  it was a reaffirmation of Hawaiis commitment to human rights and inclusion for all its people.

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PORT ROYAL, S.C. (WSAV)  In the town of Port Royal, the community came together for the Lowcountry Pride festival at Live Oaks Park.

Local folks gathered Saturday for a pride festival in port royal, where they were gleaming with joy and Lowcountry Pride in support of the LGBTQ+ community. This festival marked its fifth year in the Lowcountry, but it made its home in Port Royal for the second year in a row.

It also happens to fall a few short days after a tough election, which members said may affect their community.

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A lot of people are very scared, but we all have to keep on living, Angela Wright, Lowcountry Pride organizer, said. And so, this is an opportunity for people to see theyre loved, and theyre supported and theyre not alone.

Wright said that the festival was going to happen regardless of what happened Tuesday, but its now more important than ever, through fighting to advocate for the marginalized group while also creating a safe space.

Its really just an opportunity to celebrate diversity and community and make people feel loved and welcomed, said Wright.

Trans activist, Gwenn McClune, was a part of the festival, setting up a booth for folks to ask questions about the transgender community. She emphasizes that the Lowcountry is and has always been filled with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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You are in slave group B: Racist texts sent to Black Americans

Were just regular people that are out here having a good time. Like were just your neighbors, your friends, people you work with. Theres no reason to be afraid of this community, said McClune.

Local drag queen and Savannah resident, Red Williams, also set up a booth educating folks about drag queens. They said the festival is a safe space to freely be who you are without outsider opinions, and they would love for the whole Lowcountry to join in those outlooks.

We got to get everybody involved. We also have to make sure were taking care of one another, because we see the country sometimes, you know, just disregards people like us, Williams said,

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Wright said that it isnt always easy to be open to change but the Lowcountry Pride organization is open to inform anyone curious about LGBTQ+ and what pride represents.

If you are unsure about what youre seeing, like reach out to us. Reach out to anyone. You know, we want people to understand that were all just people trying to live our lives and were no different than anybody else, said Wright.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Germany's Lufthansa Group of airlines announced in Frankfurt on Monday that it is to extend its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport up to December 15 on account of the continuing tense security situation in Israel.

The decision applies to the airlines Austrian, Swiss and Brussels. The core Lufthansa airline will not be flying to Israel at all this year for operational reasons, the company said.

The previous suspension had been due to last to November 25. Passengers hit by the cancellations will be able to book a later date free of charge or receive a refund.

Connections to Beirut are to remain suspended up to February 28 next year, and there will be no Lufthansa Group flights to Tehran up to January 31.
The luxury good of choice on the black market is not what youd expect.

Counterfeit designer leather goods and premium sneakers often snag headlines when it comes to illicit trade, but cheese is quickly becoming a hot commodity, the BBC reported. Yes, the familiar dairy product has drawn the attention of international smugglers and other parties looking to profit from the most luxurious varieties. The practice gained wider attention just last month when what became known as the Grate Cheese Heist became an internet sensation. That robbery involved the disappearance of $390,000 of prized English cheddar, but it was just the tip of the iceberg.

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In general, food-related crimes are on the rise, with losses for the food industry sitting between $30 billion to $50 billion, the World Trade Organization estimates. Luxury cheese, however, has stood out as a category of particular interest, with signs appearing as far back as 2016. That year, criminals absconded with nearly $103,000 of Parmigiano Reggiano from a warehouse in Italy, but industry members who spoke to the CBC at the time divulged that $7 million of the famous pasta companion had been stolen over a two-year period.

Cheese making involves timely and expensive aging procedures and specific climate conditions.

With rising costs, cheese has only continued to gain value. Cheesemaking is an energy-intensive business, Patrick McGuigan, a specialist in the dairy sector, told the BBC. He attributes this to the production process itself, which involves heating milk and then storing the finished product in energy-consuming refrigerators. This requires ample amounts of fuel and, especially in Europe, energy prices have increased since Russia invaded Ukraine. Many cheeses also require lengthy aging periods, sometimes years, that make them even more costly.

The tipping point may have come from organized crimes increased interest in cheese. Major criminal networks have used the food supply chain to move money and banned substances for decades, but food has a distinct advantage. They know crimes involving food result in less severe convictions than for importing drugs, but they can still make similar amounts of money, said Andy Quinn of the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU). Yet offloading something like luxury cheese can be difficult. As a result, most of it is scattered overseas or to other countries with thriving black markets for food.

To fight back, cheese makers are turning to technology. In 2022, Italys Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium introduced tracking chips roughly the size of a grain of rice embedded into each rind. These trackers help identify each wheel with a unique number, ensuring authenticity and making it easy to learn if any have been stolen.

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Heres hoping that tech like this will stop parmesan pilfers in their tracks.

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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 44)  Texas A&M Universitys Corps of Cadets honored those who have served the nation.

The ceremony was scheduled at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month  the date which marked the end of World War I. The Corps Veterans Day ceremony started with the placement of ceremonial wreaths at the Memorial Student Center and on the Corps Memorial Plaza. The Corps Memorial Plaza is home to Texas A&Ms Spanish-American War, World War I and post-World War II memorials.

SEE ALSO: Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board hosting Veterans Day ceremony

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In addition to the placement of wreaths, members of the Ross Volunteer Company performed a rifle salute and the Corps bugler performed Taps at the Corps Memorial Plaza.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will join French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Nov. 11 for talks on Ukraine's defense needs, the prime minister's office announced on Nov. 10.

The meeting represents a show of solidarity among European and NATO leaders as fears mount over the future of U.S. support for its traditional Western allies in the wake of Donald Trump's re-election.

The two leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine in private talks after participating in Armistice Day memorial ceremonies with French and British veterans.

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The talks will "reflect on the close bonds between the two countries, many forged and cemented by the sacrifice of British and French soldiers on the frontline," Starmer's office said.

Starmer's visit marks the first time a U.K. leader has participated in France's Armistice Day events since Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited in 1944.

Armistice Day, known in the U.K. as Remembrance Day and in the U.S. as Veterans Day, commemorates the armistice signed on Nov. 11, 1918 to bring about a ceasefire during World I.

Trump's re-election has ushered in a new era of uncertainty for Ukraine, Europe, and NATO. U.S. funds for Ukraine's defense may dry up after Trump takes office, given his complaints about U.S. aid and his boasts about a speedy end to the war.

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Trump has also criticized European NATO members for not investing enough in their defense capabilities and has threatened to abandon commitments to the alliance altogether.

In a visit to Ukraine following Trump's election, the European Union's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, promised "unwavering" EU support for Ukraine despite the potential shifts in U.S. policy.

Read also: Opinion: Trumps election marks the death of Transatlanticism

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
There is a long-standing practice in the United States in which former presidents receive intelligence briefings, even after leaving office, in part as a courtesy and partly in the event that their advice might be needed. Shortly after taking office in 2021, however, President Joe Biden decided that the unique circumstances surrounding his immediate predecessor necessitated a break from modern norms.

Donald Trump, the president said a month after the Jan. 6 attack, was simply too erratic to have ongoing access to sensitive information. What value is giving him an intelligence briefing? Biden added in an interview with CBS News, shortly after his inauguration. What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?

More recently, however, after Trump won his partys 2024 nomination, the Republican became eligible anew for intelligence briefings. He rejected the offer. The then-candidate said that if he received the sensitive information, he might be accused of leaking, so he preferred to remain in the dark.

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Given his extensive history of blurting out, sharing and leaking secrets, that made a degree of sense.

Now, of course, Election Day has come and gone, and Trump  who, among other things, famously brought highly classified national security secrets to his glorified country club for reasons he has never explained  will be briefed once again on the countrys secrets. Time magazine reported that Biden has directed his entire administration to work with Trumps team to ensure an orderly transition  even if that means looking past Trumps previous history with classified information.

Gregory Treverton, who was the chair of the National Intelligence Council from 2014 to 2017, described as scary Trumps history of seemingly showing off classified information to others as a souvenir, without regard for whom he may be endangering in the process. The situation will pose a major challenge for intelligence officials who work to hide the way they gathered information and protect sources who may have risked their lives, he says. For a profession that is so disciplined and so nonpartisan and so careful about politics, to confront someone who trespasses on all those norms, is awful, Treverton says.

Thats true. Thanks to the electorates verdict, this scary scenario is going to unfold anyway.

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At a White House press briefing held two days after Election Day, a reporter asked Karine Jean-Pierre whether Biden has any concerns about Trumps ability to responsibly deal with classified information ahead of Inauguration Day. The press secretary said she wasnt prepared to speculate, which was certainly the political answer.

Its worth emphasizing for context, though, that the public might be able to rest easy for an unexpected reason: Even during his White House tenure, Trump routinely ignored intelligence briefings.

Two years into his term, The Washington Post had a memorable report along these lines, noting that the CIA and other agencies devoted extensive time, energy and resources to ensuring that Trump received accurate information, but they found that such efforts were a waste because he wouldnt listen and didnt care.

If were all lucky, we wont have to worry too much about Trump mishandling sensitive secrets hes poised to receive, because he wont pay any attention to the intelligence briefings.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
One of the forgotten stories of Donald Trumps first term came around this time five years ago, when the then-president tried to arrange for a G7 summit to be held at one of his struggling businesses. Even by his standards, it was quite brazen.

Trump, in no uncertain terms, told some of the worlds most powerful leaders that if they wished to participate in an international gathering, they would have to spend quite a bit of money at one of the venues he owns that was short on customers. The Republican had already earned a reputation for welcoming money from foreign governments, but this represented an escalation: Trump was insisting upon money from foreign governments.

To be sure, he ultimately backed off, but the effort was part of an ugly pattern. As The American Prospects David Dayen recently explained in an op-ed for The New York Times, Mr. Trumps entire term in office was marked by profit-taking schemes and uses of public funds for personal benefit.

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Unfortunately, we can keep going down the same road: Trump also issued corrupt pardons to those who engaged in corruption. Members of his Cabinet faced so many corruption allegations that it was difficult to keep track of them all. For all intents and purposes, the result was effectively the first modern pro-corruption administration.

Its nevertheless a safe bet that his second term in the White House will be considerably worse.

Indeed, less than a week after Election Day, theres already some unsettling evidence coming to the fore. The New York Times reported, for example, that the president-elect has not yet submitted a legally required ethics pledge stating that he will avoid conflicts of interest and other ethical concerns while in office.

Mr. Trumps transition team was required to submit the ethics plan by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act. While the transition teams leadership has privately drafted an ethics code and a conflict-of-interest statement governing its staff, those documents do not include language, required under the law, that explains how Mr. Trump himself will address conflicts of interest during his presidency.

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Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, noted that Trumps transition team was supposed to sign an agreement with the General Services Administration by Sept. 1. That didnt happen.

Why does that matter? Because, while that wouldve released millions of dollars in funding to cover transition costs, it also, as the Times report noted, would impose a $5,000 cap on donations to the transition team and require the public disclosure of all its donors.

By refusing to sign that agreement, Mr. Trump effectively faces no limit on contributions and does not need to name his donors publicly, the article added. Money raised by the transition is not regulated by any other government agency.

Those looking to bribe the president-elect, in other words, wouldnt have to place orders for overpriced wristwatches.

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But wait, theres more. The New York Times also reported on Howard Lutnick, the CEO of a financial services firm called Cantor Fitzgerald, whose influential new role is raising eyebrows.

As co-chair of the transition team, Mr. Lutnick is in charge of identifying 4,000 new hires to fill the second Trump administration, including antitrust officials, securities lawyers and national security advisers who have global expertise. But Mr. Lutnick has not stepped away from running financial firms that serve corporate clients, traders, cryptocurrency platforms and real estate ventures around the world  all of which are regulated by the same agencies whose appointees he is helping to find.

Given Lutnicks vast business interests, the Times added, its unclear how he might keep from violating the transitions own code of ethics.

Looking ahead, theres little reason for optimism. Indeed, The New Republics Greg Sargent recently highlighted a broader context, noting that if Trump moves forward with plans to purge much of the federal workforce, replacing career civil servants with loyalists, Americans might soon see a dynamic in which independent officials muzzle themselves, both in terms of putting out good government data that contradicts the Trump propaganda line, and in terms of not letting people know, blowing the whistle, when higher-ups, MAGA loyalists types, corrupt the agency.

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I suspect that if a pollster were to ask Americans whether theyre comfortable with government corruption, the vast majority would say no. And yet, were about to experience a brutal elections-have-consequences moment when it comes to the corrupting of the executive branch of the federal government.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The post-election presidential transition period is relatively brief  Donald Trump will be inaugurated in just 70 days  and there is an enormous amount of work to do to ensure a smooth transfer of power between administrations. Even competent presidents-elect who care about governing find the challenges daunting.

All things considered, however, the last thing Trump has to worry about is Senate confirmation of his nominees. The Republican majority is likely to have 53 members in the new Congress, and there will be nothing the Democratic minority  or even the GOPs so-called moderate faction  can do to stop the Senate from serving as a rubber stamp for the incoming White Houses administrative selections.

And yet, the issue is apparently very much on the president-elects mind. NBC News reported:

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President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday involved himself publicly in the Senate leadership race for the first time, writing on Truth Social that anyone running to be the next Senate majority leader should agree to let him make recess appointments to his cabinet.

The Senate GOPs current leader, Kentuckys Mitch McConnell, is poised to step down after 17 years. Three Republicans  South Dakotas John Thune, Texas John Cornyn and Floridas Rick Scott  are vying to succeed him, and by most accounts, Thune is the front-runner, though Scott has picked up enthusiastic backing from a variety of right-wing figures, including Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, Glenn Beck and Charlie Kirk. (The leader will be chosen by way of a private ballot, so members wont have to worry about too great a backlash.)

It was against this backdrop that Trump turned to his social media platform to make an unexpected appeal. Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, the president-elect wrote.

I suspect that many political observers have forgotten what recess appointments even are, and for good reason: Its been a while since they were relevant.

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The basic idea is that the Constitution empowers a president to make emergency personnel appointments when Congress is not in session. Plenty of White Houses have tried to do play fast and loose with this power, but in 2014, a unanimous Supreme Court strengthened lawmakers hand.

Whats more, for the last couple of decades, lawmakers have held pro forma legislative sessions precisely to prevent presidents from making appointments without congressional consent.

Trump, evidently, finds this unacceptable.

Predicably, McConnells would-be GOP successors responded to the president-elects missive by issuing statements designed to make Trump happy, offering fresh evidence that too many congressional Republicans are prepared to act as Trumps employees, rather than elected officials serving in a co-equal branch of government.

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But lets not miss the forest for the trees: Five days after he won a second term, one of Trumps first priorities was to take aim at a basic element of checks and balances. Despite the circumstances that will effectively ensure that all of his nominees are confirmed anyway, regardless of merit or qualification, the incoming Republican president wants greater authority to circumvent the Senate altogether and simply install whomever he wants to powerful posts.

When many of us warned ahead of Election Day that Trump, running on an authoritarian-style platform, would deliberately take steps to undermine democracy if he prevailed, we werent kidding.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank on Monday licensed another credit-scoring company to engage in personal credit reporting.

Qiantang Credit Co., Ltd. is the third company in the country that has been permitted to conduct the data-intensive business.

Qiantang Credit, with registered capital of 1 billion yuan (about 139.3 million U.S. dollars), will provide personal credit evaluation services to financial institutions and individuals.

In 2018, China's first market-oriented personal credit-scoring firm, Baihang Credit, was approved for operations, followed by Pudao Credit which was greenlighted in December 2020.

Credit-scoring companies on personal credit reporting analyze and judge an individual's credit status based on non-borrowing information, so they must have stable and abundant data resources and possess effective data processing and handling technologies, analysts say.

China started implementing regulations on credit reporting business management in 2022. The regulations clarify the boundaries of personal credit information and standardize the entire process of its collection, processing, and provision.

Qiantang Credit says it will carry out personal credit reporting services strictly in accordance with the law, so that the data security and privacy are well protected. 
In theory, as special counsel Jack Smith prepares to abandon his criminal cases against Donald Trump, Republicans should be celebrating his looming departure, waving goodbye, and hoping the public forgets about the voluminous evidence he compiled against the president-elect.

In practice, its not quite working out that way.

On Friday, two leading House Republicans  House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and House Administration Subcommittee Chairman Barry Loudermilk  sent Smith a letter, demanding that he preserve documents as part of a GOP investigation into his investigation. Soon after, conspiratorial billionaire Elon Musk, who amplified the Jordan-Loudermilk correspondence, added, Jack Smiths abuse of the justice system cannot go unpunished.

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The same day, a member of Trumps team sent a warning shot by way of The Washington Post, saying the president-elect would react extremely poorly if the special counsel takes any additional public steps. The unnamed adviser added in comments to the Post that the next Justice Department will look critically at what Smiths team did over the past couple of years to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.

Im not even sure what that means. The special counsel and his team were tasked with investigating a criminal. They uncovered extensive evidence of wrongdoing, took the evidence to a grand jury, secured indictments and filed charges. Team Trump wants make sure nothing like this ever happens again? Thats the sort of phrase that suggests the incoming Trump administration will be at least as hostile toward the rule of law as the first administration, if not more so.

But two days after Jordan sent new demands to Smith, he also opened an interesting door. NBC News reported:

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, on Sunday said that he and his House Republican colleagues are not taking anything off the table related to investigating special counsel Jack Smith.

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When CNNs Dana Bash asked the right-wing congressman several times on State of the Union whether he intends to call on Smith to testify, Jordan wouldnt answer directly. The Ohio Republican did say, however, Thats been the norm, but were not taking anything off the table. Were not saying for sure, but we want the information.

Jordan isnt alone. The Washington Posts Ruth Marcus explained in her latest column that Trump adviser Mike Davis has raised the prospect of various forms of legal jeopardy for Smith.

There should be several investigations: House Judiciary, Senate Judiciary, DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility and a criminal probe, he told the Post. Davis added during a Newsmax interview that Smith should go to prison for engaging in a criminal conspiracy against President Trump.

Obviously, the offensive against the special counsel is quite bonkers, and theres literally no evidence to suggest the person accused of felonies is the hero of this story, while the prosecutor is the villain.

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But what the right might not fully appreciate is the course Democrats prefer.

On the surface, it might seem that Democrats would want to avoid yet another partisan spectacle in which GOP members of Congress yell at the special counsel for several hours, while Trump appointees harass Smith and his team. But just below the surface, a different kind of dynamic comes into focus.

Shan Wu, a legal analyst and former federal prosecutor, wrote a good piece on this for MSNBC:

Investigations carried out by Congress ... can be a double-edged sword for Republicans. A probe in this case will involve testimony about and the disclosure of that evidence Jordan and Loudermilk want preserved. Such a proceeding may not be what Trump wants, given that it puts a renewed focus on acts that resulted in dozens of criminal charges against him, both federal and state.

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Quite right. Smith apparently wont have an opportunity to advance his criminal cases in the courts, but there might yet be an opportunity for him and his team to share their findings  perhaps through a final special counsel report, through congressional testimony, or both.

Democrats dont want Republican scrutiny of Smith to end; they want it to continue indefinitely, with as much public discussion as possible of all the many crimes Trump has been accused of committing.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Chances are, most Americans have never heard the name Tom Homan. Given the role hell soon hold in Donald Trumps second administration, hell likely be far better known quite soon. NBC News reported:

President-elect Donald Trump announced late Sunday that Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who backed his controversial zero tolerance policy, will be his administrations border czar.

I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security, Trump wrote in a message posted to his social media platform.

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Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders, the missive continued. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.

The president-elects confidence is misplaced.

As Rachel explained on the show a few weeks ago, Homan is largely considered an architect of Trumps policy to tear children away from their parents at the border. He also happens to be one of the Republicans who helped write the right-wing Project 2025 blueprint.

At a radical rally in Pennsylvania last month, Homan also publicly vowed, I will run the biggest deportation operation this country has ever seen.

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Five weeks later, Trump tapped him to serve as the nations border czar. (The position does not require Senate confirmation.)

Ahead of Election Day, the Republican candidate boasted about his vision of mass deportations  apparently by way of militarized deportations and mass detention camps  though some of his congressional allies have suggested in the elections wake that the actual policy will be less extreme. On CNNs State of the Union, for example, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan said the incoming administration intended to focus on migrants here who have committed crimes.

On NBC News Meet the Press, Senate Republican Conference Chair John Barrasso made a similar comment, telling host Kristen Welker, in reference to deportations, Were talking about people who are from criminal cartels, drug dealers, people on the terrorist watch list.

There are, however, a couple of reasons to be skeptical of these efforts to downplay the scope of the upcoming policy. For one thing, its at odds with Trumps first-term agenda.

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For another, Homan has already made clear that his focus wouldnt be limited to dangerous criminals. In an interview with CBS 60 Minutes that aired a couple of weeks ago, for example, the incoming border czar was asked whether there was a way to carry out mass deportations without separating families.

Of course there is, he replied. Families can be deported together.

In the same interview, Homan suggested that children who are American citizens should also expect to pack up and move to an unfamiliar country if their parents are undocumented.

There was a time in the not-too-distant past that Republicans shied away from such positions, fearing a backlash from Latino voters. But in 2024, Trump ran on a reactionary anti-immigrant platform and made dramatic gains among Latino voters anyway.

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Ron Brownstein has written quite a bit about this for The Atlantic, explaining that Trump has reason to believe he can achieve the best of both worlds politically: The Republican can energize xenophobic, far-right voters with his anti-immigrant agenda, while adding votes from immigrant communities that either dont know or dont care about his hate-filled vision.

Its against this backdrop that Homan is receiving a radical remit from the president-elect. Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Maggie Haberman put President-elect Donald Trumps recent reported handing of the phone to billionaire X, formerly known as Twitter, owner Elon Musk during his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy down to two things.

I also just think it is that Trump likes to impress other people, and Elon Musk is the richest man in the world, and thats one way of showing off for Zelenskyy, Haberman told CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

I also think its something of a dominance play. Musk has a relationship with [Russian President] Vladimir Putin [], and I dont think that that is completely out of Donald Trumps head when he is doing this, The New York Times reporter added.

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This call attracted a lot of attention for a variety of reasons, Haberman said. Musks various connections to the government and interest in government approvals and government contracts and so forth is going to be a big discussion in the coming months.

Watch here:

Haberman earlier recalled how Trump would put his daughter and then-White House adviser Ivanka Trump on the line with global leaders following his 2016 election win over Hillary Clinton.

In this case, its the richest man in the world who has business with government and its slightly different but its pretty in keeping with Trumps character, she said.

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Musks recent closeness to Trump and his campaign  including his financial backing during the final weeks of the election  would most certainly mean hell leave his imprint on a second Trump presidency even if he never actually formally joins the government, said Haberman.

Trump and Musk have both reportedly talked with Putin multiple times in the last couple of years. Trump on the campaign trail boasted about being able to settle Russias invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, on the first day of his return to the White House.

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CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A man accused of attempting to rob at least four banks in Charlotte has been arrested, according to Mecklenburg County court records.

The Mecklenburg County jail says the 48-year-old Paul Glover was arrested on November 8 and charged with three counts of attempted common law robbery and one count of common law robbery.

Based on court records, the first alleged offense occurred on October 29 at the Truist Bank on Freedom Drive in west Charlotte. Officials say a victim at the bank told police that the business was robbed with the implied threat of a firearm. According to the police report, $1,725 in cash was stolen from the bank, the same amount detailed in the court records.

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Court records show Glover attempted to rob a Fifth Third Bank on November 4 and then another on November 7.

Glover remains in the Mecklenburg County Jail as of Sunday. He is due back in court on Tuesday, November 12.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

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A man is facing charges after Pennsylvania State Police said he robbed a Butler County gas station while armed with a hammer.

State police were called to the Kwik Fill gas station on North Main Street Extension in Center Township just before 11 p.m. on Nov. 10.

An employee told state police that the suspect threatened him with a hammer and left with cash.

While troopers were canvasing the area near the gas station, they found the suspect, identified as Zackary Nickolas Clark, 27.

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Clark was taken into custody without incident, state police said. He was taken to the Butler County Prison.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A man was accused of shooting a woman after a car was stolen from Jefferson Avenue.

On the evening of October 5, police say a 61-year-old woman arrived at Strong Memorial Hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

The victim told police she was at a corner store on Jefferson Avenue when her friends car was stolen. She chased the vehicle along with her friend and husband to Tremont Street. The driver fired a handgun at them, hitting the victim and her vehicle.

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RPD said the stolen vehicle was found the next day. Shaiquon Reeves, 25, was identified as the suspected shooter. He was arrested and arraigned last Friday and was taken to the Monroe County Jail.

Reeves was charged with second-degree assault, first and second-degree robbery, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and third-degree grand larceny. He was also served an outstanding bench warrant for second-degree criminal impersonation and traffic charges.

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HAVANA, Ill. (WMBD)  A man who escaped custody in Havana Sunday was taken into custody after an early morning manhunt.

According to the Mason County Sheriffs Office, Preston Carle escaped the custody of a Mason County Deputy at about 4:30 a.m. Carle initially lied about his name and was being brought in for identification. He was not in handcuffs at the time he escaped.

Carle had a civil warrant for his arrest in another county and is a suspect in an alleged battery incident in Mason County.

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Man who sparked manhunt for stealing car was arrested week prior for same thing

The sheriffs office encouraged residents to look for him, but not to approach him because they believed he may have had a knife.

He was eventually taken into custody at about 7:30 a.m. with help from Mason and Fulton County deputies as well as the Havana Police Department and some local residents.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A man was arrested early Sunday morning after authorities with the Salt Lake City Police Department were informed of a burglary in progress at a bike shop, according to officials.

Officers responded to the scene  a shop at 2107 South 700 East  around 1:40 a.m., and saw through a video feed that the suspect was still inside the business. The glass of the buildings front door was smashed and a metal security gate was bent back, SLCPD said in a press release.

Ex Utah Tech president faces lawsuit over vulgar display attributed to employees, alleged retaliation

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During their search outside, officers saw a man matching the suspects description. The officers ordered for the man to stop running, but he refused, police said.

The suspect  identified as Ryan Brenner, 36  was taken into custody in a parking lot nearby after a brief chase, according to SLCPD.

Brenner was arrested for several charges, including burglary, theft, possession of burglary tools, causing property damage, possession of drug paraphernalia, failing to stop at the command of a police officer, and interfering with a police officer, SLCPD said.

The damage to the business is estimated to be more than $1,500 but under $4,999 and the amount of merchandise stolen is valued at more than $500 but under $1,499, police said Sunday.

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Police said there has been an uptick in bike shop burglaries since late October, which prompted an increased police presence around bike shops.

The suspect in several other cases reportedly forced entry into the shops and stole expensive e-bikes and other items  however, detectives have not yet determined if Brenner is connected to those other incidents.

As of Sunday, Brenner was only being charged in connection the the burglary on Nov. 10.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Officers with the Des Moines Police Department in Washington arrested a man after he crashed a stolen car near a local intersection Saturday morning as the result of an attempted traffic stop.

According to a post on Facebook from the department, officers spotted a stolen car and tried to pull its driver over. The driver didnt stop and officers chased him until he lost control and crashed near the intersection of South 216th Street and Marine View Drive South.

The driver then got out of the car and tried to run away from the officers.

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Officers and a K9 officer with the Federal Way Police Department chased the man down and arrested him.

The man is facing multiple warrants in addition to new charges regarding this incident.

There were no further details to provide regarding this incident.




DANVILLE, Ill. (WTVO)  A 38-year-old Ohio man is accused of bringing his baby with him on a 265-mile trip into Illinois to meet two teens at a hotel for sex.

According to the Knox County Sheriffs Office, Ryan Loveless had been communicating with a 15-year-old and 16-year-old and arranged to have them meet him at a hotel in Danville.

Investigators said Loveless planned to bring his infant, due to not having a babysitter.

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Loveless rented the room and instructed the minors to drive to meet him and enter through a side door, according to police.

He was arrested in the hotel parking lot around 9:06 p.m. on Friday, November 8th.

Authorities said the infant was in his company at the time of his arrest. The child was turned over to family after a medical evaluation, police said.

Loveless was charged with four counts of Indecent Solicitation of a Child, two counts of Traveling to Meet a Child, two counts of Grooming, and two counts of Solicitation to Meet a Child.

Knox County Sheriff Jack Harlan advised parents to be aware of their childrens social media accounts, and who they may be communicating with.

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Staff members count ballots in Triolet, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

PORT-LOUIS, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on Monday conceded defeat of his alliance in legislative elections, before the announcement of final results of the polls Sunday.

"It is clear that the Lepep Alliance is heading for a big defeat," Jugnauth told reporters shortly before 2 p.m. local time.

"I did what I could for the country and for the people. The people have chosen another team to lead the country. I respect that choice," he said. "I wish my country and the people good luck."

Full results of the elections are expected Monday. The leader of the majority party, or alliance, will be appointed prime minister afterward.

Partial results in five constituencies showed that candidates from the Change Alliance, led by former prime minister Navin Ramgoolam, were well ahead and heading for a clear victory.

According to observer estimates, the trend should be the same in all the 21 constituencies.

Mauritius' unicameral parliament has 70 seats. Voters directly elect 62 members of the National Assembly, while the remaining eight will be appointed. 

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (3rd L) waits for election results in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Staff members carry a box with ballots in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Former Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam (C) waits for election results in Triolet, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Former Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam waits for election results in Triolet, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (3rd L) waits for election results in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Staff members wait to transport boxes with ballots in Quartier-Militaire, Mauritius, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A man is dead after police say he crashed into a parked pickup truck early Sunday in the Bay Park neighborhood of San Diego.

San Diego Police are investigating the fatal crash that happened at 1:44 a.m. Sunday in the 3700 block of Clairemont Drive in Bay Park.

Body found in burning car at Escondido storage facility

According to SDPD, a 45-year-old man was driving south on Clairemont Drive in a BMW 645CI when he reportedly veered to the right and hit the back of a parked Ford F350.

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The man, who has not yet been identified, was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Man, 29, hit by Tesla in Mira Mesa dies

Police say it is unknown at this time whether alcohol was a factor in this fatal collision.

The San Diego Police Department Traffic Division is investigating. Anyone with more information is asked to call the San Diego Police non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

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A 52-year-old man who prosecutors said was hiding in plain sight was found guilty on Monday of the brutal murders of two girls in the small town of Delphi, Indiana, more than seven years ago.

The 2022 arrest of Richard Allen, 52, a married Delphi resident who worked at a local CVS, had been a surprising development in what for years had been an unsolved case. Libby German, 14, and her best friend, Abby Williams, 13, disappeared from a hiking trail on Feb. 13, 2017, and their bodies were found the next day beside a creek about half a mile away. Allen confessed to the killings more than 60 times while he was being held in prison before the trial, prosecutors said. But his defense attorneys argued he was innocent, discounting the confessions as brought on by his poor mental health under the conditions of incarceration.

Allen was found guilty of two counts of murder and two counts of murder while kidnapping. The jury of seven women and five men  who were selected in another county and were sequestered for the duration of the trial  deliberated for about 18 hours over four daysafter hearing 17 days of testimony.

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The case had drawn the attention of true crime fans and online sleuths for the many questions that surrounded what happened to the girls, even as a video from Libbys phone seemed to capture the moment their killer approached them on an abandoned railroad bridge. Prosecutors said Allen was the man  dubbed by online sleuths as Bridge Guy  glimpsed and heard in the chaotic video filmed at about 2:13 p.m. on the day the girls were allegedly abducted.

Authorities had publicly released snippets of the video in hopes that someone could identify the man, but for more than five years, they had no credible leads.

Allen was identified as a suspect only after a volunteer file clerk in the county prosecutors office testified that on Sept. 21, 2022, she discovered a mislabeled record of Allen telling investigators he was on the hiking trail at the time of the girls disappearance, IndyStar reported.

In this courtroom sketch from Nov. 2, Richard Allen (left) is seated by to one of his defense attorneys, Andrew Baldwin, at the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, Indiana. Li Buszka, Pool photo via Associated Press

The video that had become an obsession in the true crime community and stymied investigators was played publicly in its entirety for the first time in court in its original and forensically enhanced forms. In the 43-second video, authorities said a man can be seen approaching the girls across the railroad trestles and later ordering them to go down the hill, the Journal & Courier in Lafayette, Indiana, reported.

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Reporters in the courtroom said they could hear a girls voice saying that theyd reached the end of the trail and had to go down.

A detective said he could hear one of the girls say that the man had a gun, WTHR-TV in Indianapolis reported.

Investigators found an unspent bullet cartridge between the girls bodies that they said also tied Allen to the crime. A firearms expert for the prosecution testified that it had been cycled through one of Allens guns, while his defense attorneys questioned the reliability of the testing, WXIN-TV in Indianapolis reported.

Though the trial revealed disturbing details about the girls deaths that had long been withheld from the public, Allens defense attorneys argued that prosecutors had failed to prove that he was guilty. Among a variety of issues the defense raised, no evidence linked Allens DNA to the bloody crime scene, the IndyStar and other news outlets reported.

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The trial also included emotional testimony from the girls family members, who have worked for years to keep the girls memory alive and seek justice.

Maybe when this is over  we will learn to move forward  maybe not, Libbys grandmother Becky Patty wrote in a poignant Facebook post on the first day of the trial. One thing is for certain though  we will live our lives loving and honoring you. Love you and miss you so much Libby.

Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 20. The judge hasnt lifted the gag order preventing people associated with the case  including the victims families  from speaking publicly, so authorities will not be making a statement until after the sentencing.

A makeshift memorial to Libby German and Abby Williams, near where they were last seen and where their bodies were discovered, stands on Oct. 31, 2022, along the Monon Trail leading to the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, Indiana. Michael Conroy/Associated Press

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A man hospitalized after a shooting at a Worcester home last week has died.

Officers responding to a reported domestic incident at a home on Gingerbread Trail just after 2 a.m. on Thursday, November 7 found a woman and man suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the Worcester Police Department.

The female victim was pronounced dead while the male was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The man died a short time late.

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In a statement, police said, Because it is a domestic incident, we can release only limited information.

Oh my gosh, its frightening, neighbor Arlette Lynch said. Its scary right in our own neighborhood.

One neighbor who did not want to be identified, tells us, she woke up to the sound of a woman screaming.

The names of the man and woman have not been released yet and the incident is under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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What happened: Xiaojun, who posed as a wealthy second-generation heir, met his wife Xiaojia in 2019. They married and lived together after she became pregnant, but she later kicked him out upon discovering that he had lied about his background. Soon after, he met another woman, Xiaohong, through a game, persuading her to give him 140,000 yuan ($19,500) for their future home's renovation. Instead, he used the money to sustain his lies. Xiaohong, who also became pregnant, moved in with him to an apartment just below Xiaojia's unit. Over the next four years, he deceived three more women  university students Xiaomin and Xiaoxin, and nurse Xiaolan.
A man made a desperate attempt to evade Redondo Beach police when he jumped into the Pacific Ocean overnight.

Officers were sent to South Catalina Avenue and Avenue I around 12:01 a.m. Monday due to a disturbance call, Sgt. Spry confirmed to KTLA.

A witness at the scene pointed a man out as the suspect to arriving officers, but the person fled on foot toward the beach when police tried to contact him.

A man runs into the ocean trying to evade police in Redondo Beach on Nov. 11, 2024. (TNLA)

Police called for assistance from the Redondo Beach Fire Department and Harbor Patrol when the unidentified man eventually ran into the ocean.

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The agencies conducted a rescue and brought the man, who had gone about 100 feet into the ocean, out of the water, Spry said.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital for a mental evaluation.

Spry said that no victim came forward following the incident and no crime was reported.

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A Butler County man was sentenced to over 16 years in prison for trafficking multiple kilograms of narcotics.

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Eric Jason Clark, 42, of Fairfield, was sentenced on Nov. 4 to 200 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for conspiring to traffic at least 11 kilograms of narcotics, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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Following a bench trial, Clark was found guilty in February 2024 of participating in a narcotics conspiracy.

TRENDING STORIES:

Court documents and evidence presented at trial showed that Clark was dealing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and fentanyl in Cincinnati.

He also had criminal contacts in the Los Angeles area.

In May 2021, the DEA discovered that Clark was trying to purchase 10 kilograms of cocaine from a source in Los Angeles for $33,000 per kilogram.

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Later that month, Clark met with a confidential source to arrange a drug transaction after being contacted by an undercover agent.

Clark reportedly told the source he wanted to obtain a shipment of fentanyl, calling it China.

When Clark was arrested in August 2021, Clark had five kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, more than $204,000 in cash, and five cell phones in his car.

Agents also searched his stash house, a luxury apartment in Cincinnati, and found three more kilograms of fentanyl and three more of cocaine.

At Clarks residence in Fairfield, agents discovered more than $15,000 in cash and two firearms.

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Clark was on federal supervised release when he was arrested for the instant offense in August 2021.

He was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

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Carrollton police say a man was shot and killed near the University of West Georgia on Sunday night.

Carrollton police told Channel 2 Action News that at around 10 p.m., officers responded to a shots fired call at an off-campus student housing complex on Lovvorn Road.

Officers found a man in the parking lot with a gunshot wound. The man was taken to nearby Tanner Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

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Officers who responded to the shooting saw a white car leaving the area and attempted to stop it. The driver sped away.

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Hours later, officers arrested a 20-year-old on Monday morning. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds from an earlier incident, police said.

Police have not released the suspect or the victims name.

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A man shot by St. Paul police over the weekend was wanted for killing his pregnant wife, officials confirmed Monday.

Mychel A. Stowers, 36, was shot multiple times and killed by police about 1:45 p.m. Saturday near homes on Bay Street and Watson Avenue, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Officers received an anonymous report after 1 p.m. that Stowers was on a bicycle at a laundromat on the 1100 block of West Seventh Street, St. Paul police spokesman Sgt. Mike Ernster said.

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Stowers is charged with killing Damara Alexis Kirkland, 35, and her unborn child in St. Pauls North End.

Stowers was not initially spotted at the laundromat by police, but while they monitored the business, he approached the location on a bicycle.

When officers in uniform and marked squad cars followed, they found Stowers armed with a handgun and he then pointed it at the officers, according to the BCA.

Officer Eric Jaworski and Officer Matthew Foy were identified as shooting Stowers multiple times.

Stowers was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The two officers have been placed on critical incident leave.

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No officers were injured and the shooting was captured on body-worn cameras, squad cameras and neighborhood security camera video, according to the BCA.

The BCAs investigation of this incident is ongoing. When the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings, without recommendation on charges, to the Ramsey County Attorneys Office for review.

Previously convicted

Stowers was previously convicted of murdering a man in St. Paul in 2008. Hed been on work release since March and the Minnesota Department of Corrections said he was under supervision by their agency and a halfway house.

Kirkland and Stowers married in December 2021 and he filed for divorce at the end of June, according to a court file. The case was ongoing.

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Stowers was granted a pass to visit his ex-wife, according to a criminal complaint, during his work release while living in a halfway house.

Police arrived to an apartment on Sycamore Street between Jackson and Agate streets at 9:08 p.m. Oct. 19 after receiving reports from residents who said theyd heard gunshots. An officer found Kirkland lying on the floor of the apartments spare bedroom and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to criminal charges, after fleeing the scene, Stowers also carjacked a 26-year-old man and shot him in the leg that same day.

Pregnancy abuse risk factor

Five shell casings were found on the bedroom floor. Officers also found ultrasound photos in Kirklands apartment and an autopsy found she was eight to nine weeks pregnant.

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Kirkland was shot three times.

Theres a lot of research that indicates that domestic violence can begin or escalate during pregnancy, Violence Free Minnesota communication manager Meggie Royer said.

Last October, the coalition released a pregnancy and intimate partner homicide data report from 2012-2022 which reported nine pregnant homicide victims within the decade.

Royer said abusers may seek control of or manipulate their partners reproductive health. This can look like encouraging them to get pregnant in order to stay in the relationship, controlling their birth control or asking them to have an abortion.

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Sometimes we unfortunately see cases where the survivor becomes pregnant and the abuse really escalates because the partner feels like theyre entitled to have control over their partners body, Royer said. Then sometimes they feel jealous that their partner has a close bond with their baby and is spending more time with them.

Domestic violence help

Help is available 24/7 through the Day One hotline by calling 866-223-1111 or texting 612-399-9995.

Violence Free Minnesota encourages healthcare providers to conduct general domestic violence screening, and especially during pregnancy and afterward.

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A 38-year-old Hilliard, Ohio, man faces charges in connection with communicating with teens about sexually abusing them in a hotel room, according to a news release from the Knox County Sheriffs Office.

Sheriff Jack Harlan says Ryan P. Loveless was arrested shortly after 9 p.m. Friday.

Ryan Loveless (Knox County Sheriffs Office)

Knox County Sheriffs Office investigators had information that Loveless was communicating with 15- and 16-year-old children, and traveled across state lines to Illinois to sexually abuse them. Further information was gained that Loveless planned on bringing his infant, due to not having a babysitter, the release says.

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Investigators learned that Loveless rented a hotel room and instructed the Knox County teens to drive to Danville, Illinois, and enter the hotel through a side door.

Once information was gathered, the Knox County States Attorneys Office produced an arrest warrant for Loveless.

Thanks to effective communication the Knox County Sheriffs Office, Vermillion County Sheriffs Office, and Danville Police Department were able to work together to locate Loveless in the hotel parking lot in Danville, where he was taken into custody, the release says.

Loveless did have his infant child with him. The infant, who was not injured, was turned over to family members after a medical evaluation, the release shows.

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Loveless was taken into custody then transported and booked into the Knox County Jail on these charges:

Indecent solicitation of a child (four counts)

Traveling to meet a child (two counts)

Grooming (two counts)

Solicitation to meet a child (two counts)

Sheriff Jack Harlan puts out this message to make parents aware of their childrens social media accounts and who they may be communicating with, according to the release.

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SYDNEY, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A worker has died after being crushed by a fan blade from a wind turbine at a wind farm construction site in Australia's state of Victoria, local media reported on Monday.

Police in the state of Victoria said the man was working at a wind farm construction site near the small rural town of Rokewood, approximately 100 km west of Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, when he was crushed beneath a fan blade on Monday morning.

Emergency services were called to the site at about 8 a.m. local time and first responders tried to revive the man, but he was declared dead at the scene.

Speaking at a press conference in Melbourne, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan offered her sympathies to the friends and family of the victim.

"Any accident in any workplace is indeed a deep concern and a tragedy," she said.

The construction site is part of the Golden Plains Wind Farm project. The two-part clean energy project is a state-significant project that will be Australia's largest wind farm to date, according to the project's website.

"The site has been closed and we are working closely with emergency services and the authorities," a spokesperson for the project said in a statement.

WorkSafe Victoria said it has launched an investigation into the incident. 
The man who sparked a nationwide search after he allegedly staged a hiker's murder as a bear attack in the Tennessee woodlands has been found and taken into custody, law enforcement said.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office of Tennessee shared that law enforcement in Columbia, South Carolina, had found Nicholas Wayne Hamlett and took him into custody on Sunday night after he was recognized at a local hospital. The FBI was able to confirm his identity by verifying his fingerprints.

Hamlett is currently facing first-degree murder charges out of Tennessee and a parole violation out of Alabama, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said.

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In mid-October, 34-year-old Steven Douglas Lloyd of Knoxville was found dead in a staged bear attack that was allegedly linked to Hamlett.

The murder of Steven Lloyd

Just before 11:35 p.m. on Oct. 18, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office received a transferred call from nearby Polk County about a distressed hiker named "Brandon Andrade" who told dispatchers that he had "fallen off a cliff while running from a bear," and that he was injured and partially in the water.

Authorities were then able to pinpoint the man's location in the area of the Charles Hall Bridge on the Cherahola Skyway in Tellico Plains, at least 80 miles northwest of Chattanooga.

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When emergency personnel and search and rescue crews arrived, they found a dead man with Andrade's ID on him and brought the body to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center.

After reviewing the scene, detectives then learned that the dead man was not Andrade and that the ID "had been stolen and used on multiple occasions." The dead man they had found was Lloyd.

Additionally, they learned that Hamlett had been using Andrade's ID and that he was wanted out of Alabama on a parole violation. Authorities had then determined that Hamlett had used a fake name when calling dispatch after the distress call and that he was believed to have fled his Tennessee home before his identity was verified.

While speaking to Lloyd's family, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office learned that he was a foster child who had suffered from trust issues and had been diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, a condition that makes it difficult to establish healthy relationships with parents and caregivers.

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At some point before his death, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office believed that Hamlett had met Lloyd, "befriended him, and lured him into a wooded area to take Steven's life and his identity."

Reports said that Hamlett had ties to Tennessee, Montana, Alabama, Alaska, Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida, and he was believed to be have been armed and dangerous throughout the manhunt.

A promising new treatment for PTSD

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A hiker in the Swiss Alps Splugen Pass ran across a bamboo cart dated to the 20 th century.

The cart was likely protected by ice for decades before getting exposed in the high-altitude location.

Experts are unsure of what the cart was once used for, eliciting plenty of suggestions online.

It was a walk to remember for hiker Sergio Veri. During the first week of November, the Ticino, Switzerland resident was hiking through the Splugen Pass in the Swiss Alps when he discovered a strange object.

You see, it isnt common to discover a wagon-like bamboo cart stitched together with rods and cord strewn amongst mountain rock along an ancient trail. That elicits quite the reaction.

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Veri quickly reported to the Canton of Graubunden archaeological services, and in a Facebook post from the Canton officials reporting the findwhich jokingly refers to the cart as a UFOthey ask if anyone has information on the origins of the contraption. According to the initial estimate, experts call the cart relatively young, and probably from the 20th century. However, according to the post, the function and creator are unknown.



The mystery has one additional wrinkle: bamboo isnt native to Switzerland, meaning the materials used in the carts creation were brought into the region from elsewhere. But in general, there isnt a ton of information availableat least, not on first glance. The cart has two wheels that were created using bamboo poles secured with cord. While the Archaeological Service of Graubunden plans to run additional inspections on the cart, the Facebook users are already willing to lend a hand.

Online theories about the provenance of the cart range from the simple (such as the idea that it was used for carrying supplies or meat killed while hunting) to the more... well... ambitious (such as the cart being a key item in a smuggling operation or pieces of a would-be airplane).

The pass is a known historical trade route, according to Archaeology Magazine, lending credence to the idea that the device was some sort of means to simply move supplies from one place to another (which, to be fair, is what most carts are used for), especially over the tricky terrain. Still, without a full explanationand as the ice continues to peel back historical finds from human remains to ancient weapons to entire landscapeswe can carry on speculating how exactly bamboo ended up high in the Swiss Alps.

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Two San Bernardino County residents were arrested last week in connection with a scheme that reportedly bilked the California Employment Development Department and the United States Treasury out of more than $2 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, federal officials announced.

In a news release, prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice say that 43-year-old Rialto resident Lisa Puente and 53-year-old San Bernardino resident Arthur Marquez ran the operation from Feb. 2020 to Aug. 2023.

The pair reportedly filed more than 120 fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits using identities stolen from inmates in California state prisons as well as stealing identities from out of state victims.

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The fraudulent applications falsely stated that they were individuals whose employment had been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered eligibility for [unemployment insurance] benefits under federal law, the release detailed.

Once Puente and Marquez got possession of the debit cards generated by the fraudulent claims, which were issued under the names of dozens of victims, they withdrew the benefits by making cash withdrawals at ATMs or used the cards to purchase items at local businesses.

In total, prosecutors said the pair filed 124 fraudulent claims and stole $2,136,768 in unemployment insurance benefits.

Puente and Marquez were arrested on Nov. 5 and were each charged with six counts of mail fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of use of unauthorized access devices.

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Both individuals have been released on bond and are scheduled to appear in court for the start of the Dec. 30 trial.

If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each mail fraud count, up to 10 years in federal prison for the unauthorized access device count, and a mandatory two-year consecutive prison sentence for the aggravated identity theft count, officials said.

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BALTIMORE -- A man was arrested Tuesday evening after police found 80 illegal ghost guns and an arsenal of weapons inside a home, according to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE: Jerod Adam Taylor Arrested



LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 12, 2024) - At approximately 7 p.m. today, detectives from the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office arrested Jerod Adam Taylor at his residence on open warrants related to the ongoing investigation of a substantial https://t.co/sWmfzA6nou  St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office (@firstsheriff) November 13, 2024

Police said Jerod Taylor, 39, fled the scene of a reported domestic assault on November 7 before police responded to a home in the 20000 block of Goddard Road in Lexington Park.

During their investigation, officers found multiple guns in plain sight, despite Taylor being barred from possessing firearms due to his prior convictions.

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Detectives executed a search warrant at the home and in nearby vehicles, leading to what police called an "extensive collection" of weapons.

Police said they found 3D-printed "ghost guns," semi-automatic rifles, handguns, shotguns, an AK-47, 18 suppressors, and over 1,300 rounds of ammunition. They also found 74 auto sears, which are used to convert firearms to fully automatic weapons, and a 3D-printed, fully automatic rifle were also found.

Taylor is charged with illegal possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of an assault weapon with intent to sell, second-degree assault, and several other related charges. He also has an outstanding warrant for theft, according to police.

What is a Ghost Gun?

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According to Maryland State Police, a ghost gun is a firearm made with unfinished parts that do not have serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.

In March 2023, a law went into effect in the state, prohibiting the sale of ghost guns and requiring that all privately made firearms have serial numbers. A law that banned the sale of ghost guns also went into effect that month.

In February 2024, Baltimore City reached a $1.2 million settlement with Polymer80 Inc., a ghost gun manufacturer that was allegedly undermining firearms laws by selling ghost gun kits and parts to buyers who did not complete background checks.

In 2023, the Baltimore Police Department recovered 462 ghost guns.

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Trump expected to pick Rubio for secretary of state, Kristi Noem for Homeland Security secretary

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Before the dust settled on Donald Trumps reelection, Mississippi politicos  and some top elected officials  were discussing the what-ifs and domino effects of Trump appointing some Mississippi politicians to positions in his administration.

The one most discussed (even before Tuesdays election, and even in Trumps previous administration) is the potential for U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith  one of Trumps staunchest allies on Capitol Hill  to be appointed secretary of agriculture.

Some folks close to Hyde-Smith, a longtime farmer and former Mississippi agriculture commissioner, avow the job would be hers if she wants it (although Kentucky U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is almost certainly in the running). But theyre unsure that Hyde-Smith wants it, perhaps not willing to give up the time she gets to spend in Brookhaven, albeit limited by senatorial duties.

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Its likely Hyde-Smith would have input on who is appointed to the ag post in Trumps administration. But its also likely if Trump pressed her to take the job that she would be hard put not to.

Another name now being mentioned for ag secretary for Trump is Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum, former under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and former chief of staff to the late Sen. Thad Cochran. Mississippi politicos suspect Hyde-Smith is putting Keenums name out for the post.

Hyde-Smith vacating her Senate seat next year would require Gov. Tate Reeves to within 10 days appoint an interim, then set a special election within 90 days. Any vacancies beyond 2025 would have different deadlines, based on past court rulings.

Reeves would likely consider appointing one of Mississippis three Republican U.S. representatives as interim senators, or perhaps someone like state Treasurer David McRae (who sure has been traveling the state a lot lately). But this could still create a mad rush of people running for the seat.

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It would be hard to come up with a list of top Mississippi politicians who wouldnt consider taking a free shot at running for U.S. Senate. The compressed election cycle would somewhat level the playing field, opening it to anyone who could raise seven figures in short order for a race. Even those with other aspirations, such as Secretary of State Michael Watson, a likely candidate for lieutenant governor in 2027, might consider a why-not shot at the Senate seat.

Thats all not to mention the mad rush for any special U.S. House seat election, should a sitting rep be appointed interim senator. Besides, its also possible one of Mississippis Republican House members  particularly Rep. Trent Kelly, a decorated combat veteran and major general  be appointed to a position by Trump.

Speaking of Reeves, some of the governors supporters have been talking up the possibility of him getting a Trump appointment. Reeves, in his second and final term, has publicly said hes not interested in running for another office and its unclear what he would do after leaving office, after spending the last 20 of his 50 years in state government elective office.

President Donald Trump embraces Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves during a 2019 campaign rally at BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo.

Should Reeves receive a Trump appointment, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann would fill out the rest of his term as governor, a post Hosemann has expressed interest in running for in 2027.

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Attorney General Lynn Fitch, a loyal and early Trump supporter who appears to have his favor, is also considered a likely candidate for a Trump appointment should she seek one. Her role in overturning Roe vs. Wade certainly raised her stock and profile with a new Trump administration.

Another Trump favorite in Mississippi is state Sen. Joel Carter Jr., R-Gulfport, who has been a big donor of the president elect. While Carter might be in line for an appointment should he want one, hes already announced his intentions to run for Mississippi secretary of state in 2027. And, surprisingly, hes already received Trumps endorsement, on video, for the state election.

One person likely to play a major role in Trump choosing any Mississippians for federal appointments is former Gov. Phil Bryant, who has been close to Trump since his first term as president. Its unlikely Bryant himself would want a D.C. position, but he would likely play an advice-and-consent role.

Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant poses with Donald Trump.

One reason Trump might look to the Magnolia State for people to appoint in his administration is pragmatic. If he were to appoint any sitting GOP members of Congress from here to positions, he could feel safe that their vacant seats would remain in Republican hands.
Mario Lopez has reacted to Iraq possibly passing a controversial law that would lower the legal age of consent from 18 to nine, effectively permitting men to marry young girls.

This proposed amendment to Iraq's "personal status law" comes from conservative Shia groups in Iraq's parliament. Critics warn it could lead to a rollback of women's rights that mirrors the restrictive conditions imposed under Taliban rule.

Mario Lopezs vocal condemnation echoes that of many international activists and public figures, who see the proposed law as a disturbing setback for womens rights.

Iraq To Lower Age Of Consent For Girls To 9

MEGA

Activists argue that this law would not only allow for child marriages but also place nearly all family decisions under the control of religious authorities, a change that, they believe, would strip women of basic rights and protections.

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Raya Faiq, an activist working with female representatives in the Iraqi parliament, has spearheaded efforts to challenge the proposed legislation. She, along with a group of 25 female Iraqi lawmakers, is fighting to halt the amendment before it goes to a second vote for ratification. However, this battle is an uphill one.

This is a catastrophe for women, Faiq told The Guardian. My husband and my family oppose child marriage. But imagine if my daughter gets married and my daughters husband wants to marry off my granddaughter as a child. The new law would allow him to do so. I would not be allowed to object. This law legalizes child rape.

Mario Lopez Reacts To The Possibility Of Lowering The Age Of Consent In Iraq

MEGA

After The New York Post shared the news on Instagram, actor Lopez was one of the first to comment, simply writing, "WTF?"

Others echoed Lopez's disapproval, as one social media user expressed, "Im reading this right? Nine?! A 9-year-old should be playing with Barbies! Sick and twisted world."

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"This is despicable," another said.

Human rights advocates warn that this law would expose young girls to heightened risks of sexual and physical abuse. They also point out that it could lead to more young girls being removed from school, depriving them of an education.

Outrage Pours In After Draft Iraqi Law To Allow 9-Year-Olds To Marry

MEGA

The Shia religious groups in Iraqs parliament hold a strong majority, and their influence has grown significantly since the U.S. invasion in 2003, which removed the secular government of Saddam Hussein. Despite billions spent on rebuilding Iraqs government institutions, religious conservatism now dominates its political landscape.

Alia Nassif, an Iraqi representative, has voiced frustration with many male colleagues who do not see the issues surrounding child marriage. She highlighted the obstacles faced by her and other female lawmakers as they seek to safeguard womens rights against this law, which has previously been defeated twice thanks to significant backlash from Iraqi women.

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Unfortunately, male MPs who support this law speak in a masculine way, asking, Whats wrong with marrying a minor? Their thinking is narrow-minded, she said.

Human Rights Groups Are Criticizing The Bill

MEGA

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The Shia coalition has repeatedly argued that the purpose of the proposed law is to "protect" girls from what they see as "immoral relationships." However, opponents, including human rights groups, have criticized the bill as a clear attempt to curb womens rights in Iraq, especially following recent protests led by young women against the countrys restrictive government.

Although Iraq banned child marriages in the 1950s, a 2023 United Nations survey revealed that about 28% of girls in Iraq were married before turning 18.

Other Laws Have Criminalized Gay And Transgender Individuals In Iraq

MEGA

Since 2021, Iraq's political system has been largely controlled by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of factions aligned with Iran. This coalition has enacted several laws rooted in sharia principles, including one establishing religious holidays and another that criminalizes gay and transgender individuals in Iraq.

Following the mass youth protests which took place in Iraq in 2019, these political players saw that the role of women had begun to strengthen in society, said Nadia Mahmood, co-founder of the Iraq-based Aman Womens Alliance. They felt that feminist, gender and womens organizations, plus civil society and activist movements, posed a threat to their power and status  [and] began to restrict and suppress them.

Should this amendment be ratified, its consequences would extend far beyond marriage, removing fundamental rights for women regarding divorce, child custody, and inheritance.
Ribbet, a Labrador Retriever puppy, is fighting for his life after the pup suffered a fractured skull and lost both eyes in a dog attack after his adopters violated their adoption agreement by placing him into another home, local animal shelter officials said Monday.

A few weeks ago, the three-month-old pup was adopted from Second Chance Animal Services, a shelter based in East Brookfield. The adopters, without contacting the shelter, then rehomed Ribbet in violation of his adoption agreement, and a larger dog in that home attacked Ribbet, shelter officials said.

Ribbet suffered life-threatening injuries in the dog attack, shelter officials said.

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The case underscores the critical role that adoption safeguards play in protecting vulnerable pets, Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services, said in a statement.

Were sharing Ribbets story not only to ask for help with his care but to raise awareness of why shelters and rescues have these safeguards in place, Blancato said. While no approach is foolproof, these policies help protect our animals and give them the best chance at a stable and loving home. Rehoming a pet responsibly can make all the difference.

Ribbet, a three-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy, is bravely fighting for his life

After the attack, Ribbet was rushed to Second Chances Community Veterinary hospital in Worcester, where the veterinary team worked swiftly through their own tears to save his life, Blancato said.

Although they were able to stabilize the puppy, the extent of his injuries required surgeons to remove both his eyes, she said.

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Despite the trauma, Second Chances team remains cautiously optimistic that Ribbet will recover from his fractured skull and the shelter staff is determined to give him every chance to heal.

Second Chances adoption policies require adopters to contact the shelter if theyre unable to keep a pet, and they encourage meet-and-greet sessions with all household members, including other pets, Blancato said.

These precautions are vital in avoiding preventable tragedies, and Ribbets story is a powerful reminder of the potential risks that pets can face without them, she said.

Ribbet has a long road to recovery, and the costs of his medical care are estimated to be significant, Blancato said.

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Second Chance is asking for the communitys support to give him the best possible chance at a new beginning. Every dollar donated will go directly to Ribbets care, and should donations exceed the costs of his treatment, the additional funds will be used to help other pets in need of medical support, Blancato said.

A new home for Ribbet will be sought once he is safely out of danger and recovered, she said.

Anyone interested in following Ribbets recovery or donating to help with the puppys medical expenses may visit the shelters website.

And For those who cant donate, Second Chance encourages sharing Ribbets story and keeping this brave little puppy in your thoughts and prayers, Blancato said.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN)  Mattel has apologized after the web address of a porn site was mistakenly printed on the packaging of its newly released Wicked dolls, saying it deeply regrets the error.

Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the US, which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page, the toy manufacturer said in a statement sent to Nexstar on Monday.

Dan Goodwin, of Indiana, purchased one of the dolls for a relative and found the address on the back of the box.

Images courtesy of Dan Goodwin Images courtesy of Dan Goodwin

Goodwin, who was interested in purchasing advertising minutes on the companys website, visited wicked.com, as listed on the packaging.

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However, the link didnt take Goodwin to a website advertising the new film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Instead, he was directed to a pornography site.

Image provided by Dan Goodwin

Mattel expressed regret over the mistake and cautioned parents.

We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children, said Mattel, which is known for brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price and American Girl.

The Wicked dolls are currently still being sold at retailers across the nation. It appears that this doll line is the only one of Mattels Wicked-branded products to display the incorrect site.

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Mattel advised consumers to discard the product packaging or obscure the link. The company also said customers can contact Mattel Customer Service for more information.

The films correct website is wickedmovie.com. Wicked releases in theaters on 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 Queen City News.
INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN)  Mattel has apologized after the web address of a porn site was mistakenly printed on the packaging of its newly released Wicked dolls, saying it deeply regrets the error.

Mattel was made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the US, which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page, the toy manufacturer said in a statement sent to Nexstar on Monday.

Dan Goodwin, of Indiana, purchased one of the dolls for a relative and found the address on the back of the box.

Images courtesy of Dan Goodwin Images courtesy of Dan Goodwin

Goodwin, who was interested in purchasing advertising minutes on the companys website, visited wicked.com, as listed on the packaging.

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Singles Day shopping festival loses its shine under Chinas lagging economy

However, the link didnt take Goodwin to a website advertising the new film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Instead, he was directed to a pornography site.

Image provided by Dan Goodwin

Mattel expressed regret over the mistake and cautioned parents.

We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children, said Mattel, which is known for brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price and American Girl.

The Wicked dolls are currently still being sold at retailers across the nation. It appears that this doll line is the only one of Mattels Wicked-branded products to display the incorrect site.

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Mattel advised consumers to discard the product packaging or obscure the link. The company also said customers can contact Mattel Customer Service for more information.

The films correct website is wickedmovie.com. Wicked releases in theaters on 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 PIX11.
Mattel is advising parents to throw away packaging for their new dolls promoting the upcoming musical Wicked after a misprint directed consumers to a pornography site.

The toy company apologized after buyers noticed an unfortunate error on their Singing Elphaba dollscollectibles released for the upcoming film adaptation of the beloved Broadway show starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Above the dolls barcode, the packaging lists the website wicked.comthe homepage for Wicked Pictures, a pornography studio based in California. The correct website for the upcoming film is  wickedmovie.com .

The misprint was first noticed by Wicked fans on Reddit earlier this weekend. Other users on social media quickly noticed the misprints on their dolls and some still on the shelves in local stores.

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In a statement sent to the Daily Beast, Mattel said they deeply regret this unfortunate error. It was not immediately clear how many Elphaba dolls shipped with the error, but the company said it was taking immediate action to fix the misprint. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children, Mattel said. Consumers who already have the product are advised to discard the product packaging or obscure the link and may contact Mattel Customer Service for further information.

According to Mattels website, the dolls were being sold at Target storesbut the item was inaccessible from the big box retailers own online shop as of Sunday evening.
A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024. The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

JIUQUAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday launched the Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China and sent the 15 satellites, including satellites from the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits.

The Lijian-1 carrier rocket was developed by CAS Space, a commercial spaceflight company established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This rocket series completed its maiden flight on July 7, 2022, and has now launched a total of 57 satellites in the course of five flight missions.

With a length of 30 meters, a takeoff weight of 135 tonnes, and a takeoff thrust of 200 tonnes, Lijian-1 can send a payload of 1.5 tonnes to a 500-km sun-synchronous orbit, or a payload of 2 tonnes to low Earth orbit.

The Lijian-1 Y5 carrier rocket uses a payload fairing with a diameter of 3.35 meters to accommodate the larger space required by satellites. Payload fairing configuration can be adjusted according to the payload capacity and space requirements of satellites in future missions. 

A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)
(Bloomberg) -- Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who served three terms as prime minister of Mauritius before being voted out a decade ago, reclaimed the top post after his four-party coalition won elections by a landslide.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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Ramgoolams Alliance du Changement secured all the parliamentary seats in the Indian Ocean island nations 20 constituencies, the state-owned Mauritius Broadcasting Corp. reported. Incumbent leader Pravind Kumar Jugnauth conceded defeat on Monday after early results from the Oct. 10 vote showed his five-party Alliance Lepep coalition hemorrhaged support.

Members of Jugnauths coalition got two of the four positions in the legislature that are allocated to lawmaker candidates from under-represented communities who secured the highest number of votes without directly winning a seat, according to the electoral commission. A date for the swearing in of the new premier has yet to be set.

Ramgoolam, 77, is the son of the nations first post-independence leader. His alliance pledged to cut the cost of food, fuel and medicines. It also plans to raise old-age pensions, reorganize the nations ports, airports and national airline, and overhaul the electoral system.

The new administration will deliver on all its promises, including removing value-added tax on necessities and ensuring the Mauritian rupee remains stable, Ramgoolam told supporters in Triolet, north of the capital, Port Louis, early Tuesday.

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You will see that the cost of living will stop rising as it is now, he said.

The currency fell for a second day on Tuesday, declining as much as 1% against the dollar.

While the Mauritian economy has been booming  gross domestic product is expected to expand more than 6% annually until 2030  there has been mounting public anger over declining living standards and allegations of government fraud and corruption.

Jugnauths attempts to curb access to some social media sites following what he said was a cyberattack may have also alienated voters.

The power shift in Mauritius comes days after the party that ruled Botswana for almost six decades was voted out of office, a backlash over the way it ran the diamond-dependent economy. A study published in July by research company Afrobarometer showed faith in democracy in both nations has plunged over the past decade.

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Mauritius has seen several peaceful transfers of power since it gained independence from Britain in 1968. The country of about 1.26 million people is known for its pristine beaches and luxury tourist resorts, with visitor arrivals expected to reach 1.4 million this year.

--With assistance from Thomas Hall and Paul Richardson.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Villen Anganan

PORT LOUIS (Reuters) -Mauritius' incumbent Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said on Monday his political alliance was headed for a major defeat to a rival coalition led by a three-time former premier following Sunday's parliamentary election.

Jugnauth said the Alliance du Changement headed by 77-year-old veteran politician Navin Ramgoolam was poised to win the vote on the Indian Ocean archipelago of about 1.3 million people.

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With a cost of living crisis uppermost in voters' minds, Rangoolam's alliance had said it planned to increase pensions as well as introduce free transport and internet services, and reduce fuel prices.

Jugnauth had promised to raise minimum wages, increase pensions and reduce value-added tax on some goods. He also negotiated an October agreement for Britain to cede the Chagos Islands while retaining the U.S.-UK Diego Garcia air base.

But his successes and promises did not appear to have swayed voters, with some wanting a new direction.

"L'Alliance Lepep is heading towards a huge defeat. I have tried to do what I can for the country and the population. The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country," Jugnauth told reporters.

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FINAL RESULTS DUE SOON

Earlier this month, his government blocked social media platforms until a day after the election, citing national security concerns after conversations between public figures were leaked. It lifted the ban a day later after opposition parties criticized the move.

Voters went to the polls to elect lawmakers for the 62 seats in parliament for the next five years, from a list of 68 parties and five political alliances.

Whichever party or coalition gets more than half the seats in parliament also wins the prime minister's post.

Voter turnout stood at 79.3% of just over 1 million registered voters, election commission data showed.

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It was due to announce the final results later on Monday.

Jugnauth became prime minister in 2017, when his father stepped down from the post, and won the election five years ago despite opposition complaints that it had been obtained through bribery and undue influence.

Ramgoolam, son of the man who led Mauritius to independence in 1968, was prime minister from 1995 to 2000 and won office again in 2005 and 2010. He first practiced as a doctor and lawyer before turning to politics full time.

(Reporting by Villen Anganan; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Hereward Holland, Bate Felix, and Ammu Kannampilly)
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Mauritius' ruling coalition is set for a huge defeat following Sunday's parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth told reporters Monday, acknowledging the rejection of his Militant Socialist Movement even as vote-counting continued.

Jugnauth, in office since 2017, had been seeking another five-year term in the Indian Ocean island nation, but his government faced corruption allegations after recordings of politicians and business people were leaked online.

The Alliance for Change coalition, led by former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, appeared poised for victory. They had no immediate comment.

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The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country, Jugnauth said.

Final results were expected later Monday.

At least 1 million people were registered to vote in the 12th election since Mauritius gained independence from Britain in 1968. Mauritians were voting for 62 seats in Parliament, and the party or alliance with a majority forms the government and chooses the prime minister.

Mauritius, about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) off Africas east coast, has developed a successful economy underpinned by its finance, tourism and agricultural sectors. It was briefly rated a high-income country in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic set back its tourism sector.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
DENVER (KDVR)  Denver Mayor Mike Johnston conceded Saturday that voters appear to have narrowly defeated a citywide ballot measure that would have advanced his affordable housing proposal.

Denver City Council voted to move forward with the ballot proposal in August, asking voters to approve a sales and use tax rate increase of 0.5%  from 8.81% to 9.31%. The additional taxes would then be used to build affordable housing in Denver.

Your Local Elections Headquarters: Candidates, races and results on FOX31

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The measure did have some exceptions, such as food, fuel and medical supplies. However, according to Saturdays unofficial vote tabulations for Denver, the measure lost by about a percentage point: 49.26% of votes were in favor, while 50.74% were opposed. Official results are set to be certified later this month following a canvass of the results.

Johnston addressed the ballot measures rejection on Saturday.

We are grateful to the council members, housing advocates and community leaders who took on the challenge of addressing our affordability crisis head on, he wrote. We knew this would be a difficult struggle, but thanks to their courage, 2R fell short by the narrowest of margins, and Denverites continue to speak loudly about the need to confront rising housing costs across Denver.

However, Johnston didnt appear to be backing down from creating affordable housing and more affordable ways of life in the city and county.

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2R was one path to make Denver more affordable, but its not the only path forward, Johnston said. I remain committed to finding new solutions to take on this challenge. We continue to believe that our toughest problems are solvable, and we are the ones to solve them  that will never change.

The measure would have generated about $100 million to complement existing funding, according to the mayors office, such as the Affordable Housing Fund and Homeless Resolution Fund.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Inside the death chamber at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. (Photo provided by the Indiana Department of Correction)

Hoosier prison staffers, the condemneds friends and family members, and the victims family members may soon witness the state of Indianas first execution since 2009. But its likely that no independent witnesses will be included.

Joseph Corcoran, who killed four people in 1997, is scheduled to be executed Dec. 18. In Indiana, the death penalty is only available for the crime of murder. It will also be the states first time killing a prisoner with pentobarbital instead of a traditional three-drug cocktail.

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But public information on how it goes will come exclusively from the Department of Correction. Thats because Indiana law, in contrast to other states, doesnt allow for media or other independent witnesses.

There were 13 federal executions during the last six months of Donald Trumps first presidential term and reporters were allowed to witness them.

Tim Evans, of the Indianapolis Star, witnessed one of those executions in July of 2020. Here is what he wrote in a column.

(Daniel Lewis) Lee looked up briefly at us. Two small hoses running from a stainless steel port in the green tile wall behind the gurney were attached to IVs. One in his left elbow, the other on his right hand. In a matter of minutes they would administer the lethal injection  Lee lay quietly as the drug flowed into his veins. His chest rose and dropped slowly. At a couple of points over the next two to three minutes Lee fluttered his lips, like he was blowing bubbles. But nothing came out. His head bobbed up and to the right, then dropped back down. He appeared to run his tongue over his lips, and one hand twitched.

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Execution is the most extreme punishment that society takes in any criminal case, said John Blume, a professor at Cornell Law School professor and director of Cornells Death Penalty Project.

And if you want the public to have confidence in the administration of justice, it seems to me like you would want transparency to be at its highest when (government) is taking its most draconian action, Blume added.

Indiana Department of Correction spokeswoman Brandi Pahl wrote that public information regarding who can be present is available in statute.

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Indiana Code says only certain people may witness an execution: the states prison warden and designees, the prison physician and another doctor, the prison chaplain, the condemneds spiritual adviser, a maximum of five friends or family members of the condemned, and a maximum of eight family members  at least 18 years old  of the victims or victims.

The law limits the latter witnesses to direct family members: children, parents, grandparents or siblings. It allows, upon request, a support room for additional victim family members.

The statute dates back to 1983 but was amended in 2002 to keep executioners identities confidential and let wardens keep out dangerous witnesses, and in 2006 to reduce the number of the condemned prisoners loved ones and to add victim family.

Only Wyoming and Indiana dont allow media witnesses, according to a review by the Death Penalty Information Center. That includes the 27 states and the federal government that has the death penalty. A few leave the decision as discretionary but the vast majority allow a certain number of reporters between two and 12.

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Blume, who spent years as a full-time capital defense practitioner, said the condemneds loved ones may provide support during the execution or take action if something goes wrong. Victim family members, meanwhile, may get closure or satisfaction.

John Blume. (From Cornell University)

Media, he, said would serve as neutral members of the public there to observe what happened and to report on it, like if an execution is botched, or to settle disputes over what happened.

An estimated 3% of U.S. executions between 1890 and 2010 went wrong in some way, according to the 2014 book Gruesome Spectacles: Botched Executions and Americas Death Penalty, by Amherst College professor Austin Sarat.

In some cases recorded by the Death Penalty Information Center, the injection  billed as a more humane method of execution than gas, firing squad, or others  caused pain. And reports gathered by the center reveal differences in independent versus government accounts of the executions.

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In 2014, Arizona murderer Joseph Wood was given a lethal injection, but took nearly two hours to die, gasping for breath during that time. A reporter who witnessed the execution counted 640 gasps but an Attorney Generals Office spokesperson said Wood was just asleep and snoring, according to the Arizona Republic.

Because an execution is an official government function that uses taxpayer funds and resources, the process requires full transparency and accountability by government officials, said Robin Maher, the executive director of the center.

Secrecy statutes that prevent media witnesses from attending executions are contrary to democratic principles that promote public trust, ensure integrity, and prevent governmental abuse and overreach, she continued, in a written statement. Secrecy also greatly increases the chances that an execution will be botched because there is no opportunity for outside experts to fully examine and critique the process.

Robin Maher. (From Death Penalty Information Center)

Even states that let reporters observe may not allow witnesses to see preparatory procedures  like pokes for intravenous lines  or to hear audio from the execution chamber.

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Blume said states often have a curtain or glass separating witnesses from the execution chamber, and that the curtain isnt pulled until the execution is ready: condemned prison strapped down with a sheet draped across the body and I.V. lines placed.

He posited that governments may want to block viewing of what can be a lengthy, painful cutdown to make it appear like the person peacefully drifts off to sleep. But it may also protect the condemneds privacy, to not have to endure this with a bunch of people that want to see him die watching.

Blume believed someone besides prison staff should view the insertion, however, like the clients defense lawyer. He observed that its often defenders who step in when the execution goes bad.

Many of the botched executions documented by the center involve difficulty finding veins suitable for the intraveneous lines. Condemned prisoners were stabbed more than a dozen times in some cases, and the execution was sometimes called off.

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An executioner spent about an hour finding a usable vein for Oklahoma murderer Clayton Lockett in 2014. The Guardian reported in 2014 that, for the first three minutes after the drugs were delivered, he struggled violently, groaned and writhed  observations not mentioned in the states timeline. About 13 minutes later, before he was dead, the state closed the blinds from the viewing room into the execution chamber. Lockett died of a heart attack 30 minutes later.

Its unclear what Hoosier witnesses will experience. Pahl, the Department of Correction spokeswoman, didnt reply to questions about the agencys administrative rules about execution proceedings.

Reporters will be standing outdoors.

A media staging area will be available outside of the Indiana State Prison and additional information will be provided closer to the date of the execution, Pahl wrote.

This story has been updated to include a more timely review of state-by-state laws on media witnesses.

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Emergency rooms, like the one at Oregon Health & Science University, treat Oregonians with opioid overdoses. (Christine Torres Hicks/OHSU)

The federal governments push to make Medicaid funding more flexible for drug addiction treatment in the last nine years has not stemmed the tide of nonfatal opioid overdoses, an Oregon Health & Science University study found.

The study, published this month in Health Affairs, comes as Oregon is fighting an epidemic of opioid overdoses driven by illicit fentanyl use. On a national level, the study scrutinizes a 2015 change made to Medicaid, which provides health care to nearly 80 million low-income people nationwide. That federal change allowed states to seek a waiver so large institutions can provide Medicaid-funded addiction treatment.

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That change, made in response to rising overdoses, marked a shift in decades of federal policy dating back to the 1960s that prohibited funding addiction treatment in residential facilities with more than 16 beds. But the change that opened up a flow of money to larger institutions has not been enough to combat overdoses, the study found.

Weigh in on Oregons drug addiction crisis

The Oregon Capital Chronicle wants to hear from Oregonians affected by the states drug addiction crisis and from providers and others involved in treatment or other services.

To share your thoughts and experiences here.

The waivers have been important to update Medicaids program to treat opioid use disorder, however they alone do not appear to have meaningfully improved the situation in terms of uptake of medication to treat opioid use disorders or in reducing overdoses, said lead author Stephan Lindner, an associate professor in the OHSU Center for Health Systems Effectiveness and a faculty member of the OHSU-Portland State University School of Public Health.

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The study looked at 17 states that participated in the waivers that allowed the larger institutions to treat addiction from 2017 to 2019 and compared their outcomes to 18 states that did not. In all, the study included about 1.7 million people on Medicaid whod been diagnosed with an opioid addiction, and about two-thirds of them lived in states with waivers.

Those 17 states with the waivers are: Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Oregon did not participate in that Medicaid initiative in the period studied, though in 2021, Oregon obtained a waiver that allows larger institutions to treat substance use disorders through Medicaid. Thirty-four states, including Oregon, participate in the waiver program.

The states Oregon Health Plan, the Medicaid-funded program that provides health care, dental care and behavioral health care services to low-income people, serves 1.4 million people, or about one in three Oregonians.

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In Oregon, about 1,400 people died of opioid overdoses in 2023, up from 280 in 2019, according to Oregon Health Authority data. Thousands more needed emergency treatment. In 2022, Oregonians made nearly 3,300 visits to hospital emergency rooms for opioid consumption.

Study results

The federal government started that waiver to increase access to methadone and other medication treatments for opioid addiction that are used to prevent withdrawal symptoms for people after they stop using the drugs.

The researchers looked at outcomes in states with the waiver and found only modest increases in medication for people enrolled in Medicaid.

The use of methadone, considered the gold standard in treating opioid addiction, increased by 2.3 percentage points with coverage changes, with about 7,300 more people every three months taking the medication in states with the waiver.

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And providers increased the use of all opioid treatment medications for people on Medicaid with a severe addiction by 3.7 percentage points  a jump of 4,000 more people in an average three-month period in states with the waiver. They included people on Medicaid with a severe addiction who stayed in a hospital or residential facility.

But thousands in the states studied did not access medication treatment. Even with the overall increase in medication, less than half of the population diagnosed with an opioid use disorder  48%  did not receive medication in a given three-month period. For a typical three-month period, that would mean about 164,000 people did not receive medication.

The study said the waiver programs did not bring about significant improvements in medication treatment or reductions in nonfatal opioid overdoses.

However, they may have moderately improved medication treatment for those with severe opioid use disorder, the study said.

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In some of the states that started the waiver earlier, there were better outcomes, like Lousiania and Virginia. The study suggested that those states were prepared and motivated to make substantial changes to their Medicaid programs.

More substantial efforts at the federal level are required for a stronger response to the (opioid use disorder) crisis in Medicaid, the study said.

The studys author, Lindner, said the waiver alone is not the answer.

Theres a lot more states need to do in order to really effectively combat and address the opioid crisis, Lindner said in an interview.

Those efforts apply to Oregon as well as others. They include improving access to methadone, which can only be administered through specialized clinics in approved opiate treatment programs. That makes access difficult, such as in rural areas, even though methadone is approved through Oregons Medicaid program and has been since the 1990s.

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In 2021, OHSU researchers recommended making access to methadone easier, such as through primary clinics, as overdose deaths surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal regulations that limit methadones use put the U.S. behind other nations. A recent study by OHSU physician Dr. Honora Englander found that 87% of people with opioid use disorder in France received access to methadone compared with less than 20% in the United States.

Other steps include more distribution of naloxone, which can reverse overdoses and prevent deaths. Initiatives across the state have boosted naloxone use. OHSU has made efforts to distribute naloxone, and a state-funded initiative called Save Lives Oregon has distributed 391,000 naloxone doses across the state, with a reported 7,500 overdose reversals.

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Voting results: Subramanyam, who is currently a state senator, garnered 52.1% (207,131) of the vote compared to Republican Mike Clancy's 47.9% (190,256), according to unofficial results. I am honored and humbled that the people of Virginias 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress, Subramanyam told his supporters. He also expressed personal ties to the district, emphasizing that it is where he got married and raising his daughters. Despite Clancys attacks, which included allegations that Subramanyam covered up sexual assaults in schools  a claim he vigorously denied  Subramanyam maintained a forward-looking tone. The Democrats campaign found support across party lines, including endorsements from both Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton  whose seat he is filling  and former Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock. Subramanyam pledged to advocate for womens healthcare, environmental protections and economic issues while opposing corporate influence in politics.
KIGALI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Five startups received cash awards for innovative solutions designed to address local challenges on Sunday during the closing of a forum for African youth in Kigali, the Rwandan capital.

The five winners presented their innovations at the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, a pan-African initiative connecting young people for social and economic transformation.

They were finalists in Hanga PitchFest 2024, a project where competitors vie for a share of 110 million Rwandan francs (about 80,645 U.S. dollars) in grants.

Sinc Today Ltd. won first prize of 50 million Rwandan francs. The startup seeks to transform Africa's events industry with a one-in-all platform for event discovery and management, easy ticket purchasing and sustainability and inclusivity to combat waste and boost visibility.

The second prize of 20 million Rwandan francs went to Geuza Ltd., which seeks to empower people with disabilities across Africa through affordable assistive devices like crutches, walkers, and prosthetics made from recycled electronic waste.

The third winner, Afya Wave, was awarded 15 million francs. It seeks to invest in developing low-cost medical-grade ultrasound devices to bridge the gap in accessing sonographic services for mothers in remote and underserved communities in East Africa.

The fourth winner, Clenville Ltd., focuses on improving plastic waste management through an innovative app that incentivizes users to segregate recyclables.

In fifth place was Lifeline, a startup that offers a software platform designed to enhance access to emergency medications through integrating in-house and third-party insurance with outpatient drug tracking.

The fourth and fifth winners each received 12.5 million Rwandan francs.

Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said that Hanga PitchFest, now in its fourth edition, has in four years supported over 1,000 startups.

"We want Hanga PitchFest to grow beyond just Rwanda to become a continental platform that provides opportunities for young people," she said.

Ingabire said that through a one-year program of business development and acceleration, the winners are connected with funders who provide essential capital, enabling them to reach the next stage, secure their first clients, and ultimately scale.

Closing the forum, Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente said that since its inception, Youth Connekt Africa has played a key role in upscaling entrepreneurship and innovation to drive Rwanda toward becoming a knowledge-based economy.

"As the world shifts toward digital and technology-driven jobs, investment in skilling our youth is imperative," he said. "The government of Rwanda believes that innovation and creativity are key drivers in supporting and empowering talented youth to create jobs and drive economic growth."

"Our young people must be equipped with the necessary skills to reach their full potential and play their critical role in driving our continent's transformation. To achieve this, there is a need for targeted investments and strategic partnerships between all stakeholders to leverage the young people's skills and innovation," Ngirente said.

This year's summit, under the theme "Jobs for Youth Through Innovative Skilling," drew more than 3,000 young people from across Africa to discuss ways of addressing critical development challenges facing the continent. 
There are five new members of Congress from North Carolina. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

Following last weeks election, there are five new members of Congress heading to Washington in January from North Carolina.

After heavy redistricting, three Democratic incumbents opted not to seek reelection.

Republicans flipped three seats, resulting in a 10-4 split for the 14-member delegation. Though they differ in some respects, all ten Republicans have expressed support for President-elect Donald Trump.

District 1: Don Davis (D)

U.S. Rep. Don Davis (Photo: house.gov)

U.S. Rep. Don Davis has represented North Carolinas first congressional district since 2023. It spans the northeastern part of the state.

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Running in the states only competitive congressional district, Davis narrowly defeated Army veteran Laurie Buckhout to return to Washington.

He has supported increased funding in the Farm Bill for crop insurance and pricing for local farmers, and opposed job cuts at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro.

Davis previously represented Pitt, Wayne, and Greene counties in the North Carolina Senate from 2009 to 2023.

He also served in the Air Force, attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, Central Michigan University, and East Carolina University.

District 2: Deborah Ross (D)

Rep. Deborah Ross (Photo: house.gov)

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross has represented the states second district since 2021. The district covers northern Raleigh and surrounding suburbs in Wake County.

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A one-time civil rights attorney, shes a strong supporter of public education and affordable, accessible health care, as well as fighting climate change.

Ross was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2003 to 2013.

She lives in the Boylan Heights neighborhood in Raleigh. Ross is an attorney who attended Brown University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

District 3: Greg Murphy (R)

U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy  Photo: house.gov

U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy has represented North Carolinas third district since 2019, located on the Atlantic coast.

Murphy is a social conservative who has, among other things, introduced legislation to ban giving federal funds to graduate medical schools that offer diversity, equity, and inclusion training.

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He served in the state House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, he sponsored legislation to combat the opioid epidemic.

Prior to entering politics, Murphy was a urologist. Murphy graduated from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

District 4: Valerie Foushee (D)

U.S. rep. Valerie Foushee (Photo: house.gov)

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U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee has represented the fourth congressional district since 2023. The area covers the central region of the state and is considered the most Democratic in North Carolina.

She is an original co-sponsor of the Medicare for All Act at the federal level, and advocated for expanding Medicaid at the state level.

Foushee was elected to the state House in 2012 and appointed to serve in the Senate in 2013, which she did until 2023.

Foushee graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

District 5: Virginia Foxx (R)

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (Photo: house.gov)

U.S. Rep Virginia Foxx has represented North Carolinas fifth congressional district since 2005 and is the dean of the congressional delegation. The district covers the central western portion of the state.

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During her tenure, Foxx has advocated for stopping birthright citizenship and banning abortion. She objected to certifying the electoral votes from the 2020 election.

She previously served in the state Senate from 1995 to 2005. Foxx holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Addison McDowell (Photo: mcdowellfornc.com)

District 6: Addison McDowell (R)

Addison McDowell will represent the sixth district, succeeding Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning who opted not to run due to redistricting. The district is located in the north central portion of the state.

McDowell has worked on the campaign for U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson and in constituent services for then-U.S. Rep. Ted Budd.

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Hes a Trump-endorsed candidate who says he wants to secure the southern border and defend the Second Amendment.

He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

District 7: David Rouzer (R)

Rep. David Rouzer (Photo: house.gov)

U.S. Rep. David Rouzer has represented the states seventh congressional district since 2015, spanning the southern portion of the state.

An archconservative, Rouzer opposes same-sex marriage. Along with Foxx, he objected against certifying the results of the 2020 election.

He previously represented Johnston and Wayne counties in the state Senate from 2009 to 2013.

Rouzer attended North Carolina State University.

Congressman-elect Mark Harris (Photo: markharrisforcongress.org)

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District 8: Mark Harris (R)

Mark Harris will represent the states eighth district, succeeding U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, who ran for attorney general. The district covers the southern Piedmont area.

Harris describes himself as a pivotal figure in the pro-life movement. He also supports school choice.

Harris is a pastor and previously ran unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. His victory in a 2018 congressional primary was overturned because of his campaigns unlawful scheme to harvest absentee ballots.

He holds degrees from Appalachian State University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

District 9: Richard Hudson (R)

Rep. Richard Hudson (Photo: house.gov))

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson has held office since 2013. The ninth district, located in south central North Carolina, was previously numbered as the eighth.

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Hes the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, the partys campaign arm. Hudson objected to certifying the results of the 2020 election.

He supports banning same-sex marriage and favors repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Hudson graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

District 10: Pat Harrigan (R)

Congressman-elect Pat Harrigan (Photo: harriganforcongress.com

Pat Harrigan will represent the 10th district, succeeding U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry. Its located in central and western North Carolina.

Harrigan wants the U.S. to become energy independent via domestic oil exploration, fracking, nuclear energy development, and other methods. He opposes abortion and backs the Second Amendment.

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Hes a firearms manufacturer and served in the military. Harrigan graduated from the U.S. Military Academy.

District 11: Chuck Edwards (R)

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (Photo: house.gov)

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards has held office in the 11th district since 2023, representing western North Carolina.

Edwards temporarily suspended his campaign in order to focus on recovery efforts in his district following Hurricane Helene. He promised during his victory speech to bring more recognition to the western portion of the state. Though he is a conservative, Edwards is not regarded as being as far to the right as some other GOP delegation members.

He was previously in the state Senate from 2016 to 2023. Edwards attended Blue Ridge Community College.

District 12: Alma Adams (D)

Rep. Alma Adams  Photo: House.gov

U.S. Rep. Alma Adams has held the 14th congressional seat since 2014, covering northern and eastern portions of Charlotte and surrounding areas.

She supports reproductive freedom, strengthening the middle class and has sponsored progressive policy proposals on an array of issues throughout her tenure in Congress.

Adams was appointed to the state House in 1994 and served until 2014. She holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University and Ohio State University.

District 13: Brad Knott (R)

Congressman-elect Brad Knott (Photo: bradknottforcongress.com)

Brad Knott will represent North Carolinas 13th district, covering the central area of the state. Hell succeed Democratic U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel.

Knott, an attorney, is a Trump-endorsed candidate who opposes abortion. He supports securing the border and funding police.

He considers himself a lifelong Eastern North Carolinian and is a quadruplet.

Knott graduated from Baylor University and Wake Forest University.

District 14: Tim Moore (R)

House Speaker Tim Moore (Photo: ncleg.net)

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore will represent the 14th district, succeeding Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson, who won a bid for attorney general. The district spans areas near Charlotte.

Moore, an attorney, has served in the House since 2003 and been speaker since 2015. During his time at the legislature, Moore supported outlawing sanctuary cities in North Carolina and enacting a law for voters to present a photo identification at the polls. Moore also oversaw the enactment of new restrictions on abortion.

He attended Campbell University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Oklahoma City University.
President-elect Donald Trump has already begun building out a team to serve in his second term.

Trumps new administration is expected to look different from his firsthe said in an October interview that the biggest mistake of his first term was choosing bad, disloyal people to join his administration. Many of the roles will need to be confirmed by the Senatethough Trump has demanded that Republican leadership bypass the typical confirmation process.

Here are the key appointments, nominations, and staffing decisions announced by the Trump administration, in a list that will continue to be updated during the transition.

Susie Wiles, chief of staff

Susie Wiles, Trumps 2024 campaign manager, was named White House chief of staff soon after Election Day, in the first major staffing decision. A longtime Republican strategist and campaign staffer, Wiles worked on Ronald Reagans 1980 campaign and managed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis winning gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Wiles, who Trump referred to as the ice maiden in his election night victory speech, will be the first woman to serve as chief of staff. Simmone Shah

Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff for policy

Miller, an immigration hardliner, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration.

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Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families.

Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. AP

Mike Waltz, national security adviser

Trump asked Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, a person familiar with the matter said Monday.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before Trump made a formal announcement.

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The move would put Waltz at the forefront of a litany of national security crises, ranging from the ongoing effort to provide weapons to Ukraine and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah.

Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.

He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its ongoing mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. AP

Elise Stefanik, U.N. ambassador

Trump nominated New York Rep. Elise Stefanik to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik has been a critic of the U.N., in particular over the organizations stance on Israel, saying last month that the Biden Administration should consider a complete reassessment of U.S. funding of the U.N. given the Palestinian Authoritys efforts to expel Israel from the General Assembly. Stefanik has been a vocal supporter of Trump, during both of his impeachment trials and as he contested the results of the 2020 election. She has ascended the partys ranks, serving as chair of the House Republican Conference, the fourth highest position in House GOP leadership. Stefaniks appointment will need to be confirmed by the Senate. Simmone Shah

Tom Homan, border czar

Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was appointed as border czar, a role that will likely be involved in Trumps plan for mass deportations of millions of undocumented migrants. Homan, a former police officer, will be in charge of the southern and northern U.S. borders, as well as all Maritime and Aviation Security, according to Trumps post on Truth Social. Homan also served in Trumps first termacting as ICE director from January 2017 to June 2018 and played a role in Trumps crackdown on immigration, as one of the architects of the administrations controversial child separation policy. The role will not require Senate confirmation. Simmone Shah

Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator

Trump has picked Lee Zeldin, a former New York representative, to serve as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The position is subject to Senate confirmation. Zeldin said he would restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI, while committing to clean air and water, in a statement posted on X.

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Zeldin represented a district spanning from Long Island to the Hamptons while in Congress from 2015-2023 and previously served as a major in the Army Reserve. Zeldin was a staunch defender of Trump during his first term and sided with him during both impeachments. Zeldin most recently ran against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in the states 2022 gubernatorial race. Solcyre Burga

Contact us at letters@time.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  On Veterans Day, Memphis is honoring its heroes with different events throughout the city.

American Legion Post 27 hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade starting at Second Street and Exchange.

It featured high school bands, dance teams, civic groups, and VA corvettes symbolizing veterans of wars. The Grand Marshal married to a veteran for over 40 years, led the procession.

You name it, theres an organization for everything that is here to celebrate the veterans just to say thank you for what they have done for us, said Nancy Harper, coordinator.

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Harper is a 24-year retired veteran.

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Ive been doing this for twenty years, working with the parade committee, and I get excited because the veterans didnt have to do what they did, Harper said. After Vietnam, it became a volunteer army, and I volunteered. I went to the army because I wanted to. I enjoyed being with fellow soldiers and now I enjoy taking care of veterans now that Im out.

In Bartlett, a simultaneous event honored veterans. At Veterans Park, adjacent to W.J. Freeman Park, there was a ceremony under the A. Keith McDonald Pavilion. To honor veterans, people purchased bricks for the memorial. The ceremony included a wreath laying at the monument.

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9 Great Clips salons in the Memphis area including Oxford, MS, Dyersburg, TN, and Olive Branch will be running their annual promotion at Great Clips that provides active and retired military with free haircuts on and after Veterans 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 WREG.com.
The Paulding County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help locating stolen ATVs near Buchanan Highway in Dallas.

Sheriffs deputies say on Nov. 6, just before 6 p.m., they responded to an area off Buchanan Highway for a theft call.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When they arrived, deputies determined entry was made inside of a building where numerous ATVs and other property were stolen.

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ATVs stolen include Can-Am four-wheelers and 1 Can-Am side-by-side from the property. Officials also say chainsaws and power equipment were stolen.

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Anyone with information on this case can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at here, or by texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (738477).

Persons do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000.

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Advocates from WildEarth Guardians, New Energy Economy, YUCCA, and Physicians for Social Responsibility held a news conference in support of a proposed statewide ban on "forever chemicals" outside the Roundhouse on Oct. 21, 2024. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source New Mexico)

New Mexico environmental regulators will consider new rules this week that would require companies to disclose what chemicals they use in oil and gas operations, and prohibit them from using so-called forever chemicals that can harm human health.

The state Oil Conservation Commission will hold a four-day hearing that runs from Tuesday through Friday to consider establishing new rules banning PFAS in oil and gas operations, and mandating full disclosure of the chemicals companies use. The commission will be accepting public comments on the proposed rules.

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PFAS  which stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances  are synthetic chemicals used in everything from industrial processes to household products. They are frequently described as forever chemicals since some dont degrade naturally.

One cause of concern linked to PFAS in New Mexico is oil and gas production.

The state generates billions of gallons of toxic wastewater from oil and gas drilling and fracking, which the industry calls produced water. The U.S. Geological Survey in 2021 found PFAS in water samples from the Pecos River and produced water samples from the Permian Basin.

In anticipation of the hearing, climate activist groups on Oct. 21 delivered more than 4,700 public comments which urged Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to build on her efforts to address PFAS contamination by supporting the proposed rule.

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PFAS can be harmful in many ways, said Dr. Robert Bernstein, a medical doctor and president of the New Mexico chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.

They can raise cholesterol, disrupt thyroid function, cause liver and kidney problems, reduce the bodys ability to fight infections by interfering with the immune system, increase risk of birth defects, and cause cancer, he said.

It is unclear when the commission will decide on the rule.

How to participate

The hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Pecos Hall Hearing Room in the Wendell Chino Building at 1220 South St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe. It will continue through Friday.

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People can virtually attend the hearing via Microsoft Teams by clicking this link. The meeting ID is 266 932 579 58 and the passcode is cGzkrG.

People can also dial in by phone by calling 1-505-312-4308, ext. 812829678#.

The hearing will be livestreamed on YouTube here.

More information about how to make public comment can be found in the hearing notice.
NEW YORK (AP)  Former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, a New York Republican who resigned from Congress following a tax fraud conviction, is paralyzed from the chest down after being thrown from a horse during a polo tournament, according to friends who are raising funds to pay for the ex-lawmaker's medical care.

Grimm, 54, suffered the devastating injury in September and is now being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey, where the late actor Christopher Reeve was treated after a similar equestrian accident in 1995, according to Vincent Ignizio, a friend of Grimm's who is a former New York City Council member.

Grimm had been an avid polo player for years, Ignizio said. It was a passion of his and he suffered a tragic accident at the end of September, said Ignizio, who has set up a GoFundMe account to pay for Grimm's medical care.

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A former Marine and FBI agent, Grimm represented Staten Island and a part of Brooklyn in Congress from 2011 to 2015.

A federal investigation into Grimm's fundraising that started in 2012 ultimately resulted in a 20-count indictment centered on a restaurant Grimm ran in Manhattan. Prosecutors said he underreported wages and revenue to the government and filed false tax documents.

Grimm won reelection in 2014 despite the indictment but pleaded guilty the following month to one count of tax fraud. He resigned from Congress in January 2015 and served eight months in prison.

Grimm attempted a comeback in 2018 but lost a Republican primary for his old district to incumbent Rep. Dan Donovan, who then lost the general election to Democrat Max Rose.

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Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis defeated Rose in 2020 and has represented the district since then.

Grimm has recently worked as a host on Newsmax.

The GoFundMe for Grimm's medical care had raised $118,000 as of midday Monday. His ultimate goal is to get himself to walk again, Ignizio said.
U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain speaks at a rally at Alro Steel in Potterville, Michigan ahead of a speech from former president Donald Trump on Aug. 29. 2024 | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Bruce Twp.) is running to be Republican House conference chair after current chair, New York U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The conference chair position is the fourth high-ranking position for U.S. House Republicans, who are currently in the majority. It is unclear which party will control the U.S. House next term, as results in several races are still outstanding.

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McClain announced her interest in running for the position Monday with Indiana U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin and Florida U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack throwing their hats in the ring, as well.

McClain confirmed reports she was in the running on social media, saying, Pres. Trump & I brought together a unified coalition of voters in Michigan that represents the modern Republican party. Im running to be Conference Chair because this is the approach we need to retain and grow our Conference. Im ready for the challenge!

McClain spoke at several Trump campaign rallies around the state during the 2024 campaign.

Michigan Republican Party Chair Pete Hoekstra is backing McClains pursuit of the position, saying in a statement that McClain is a fierce leader who is up to the task of uniting Republicans to accomplish their goals.

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There is no representative better suited to fill the House GOP Conference Chair role and deliver the America First message to the nation than Congresswoman Lisa McClain. A lifelong Michigander, businesswoman, mother of four, and fiery public servant, Lisa has represented Michigans 9th Congressional District with pride and loyalty, Hoekstra said. On the heels of delivering the critical swing state of Michigan for President Trump, Lisa is the freedom fighter and MAGA voice the House GOP needs. Lisa tore through the Blue Wall, and as Conference Chair, shell tear through liberal agendas to deliver results for America.

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Nearly a week after Donald Trump was voted back into the White House, Michigan gas prices are down an average of 12 cents a gallon, with motorists paying close to $3 a gallon for regular unleaded.

Trump does not take office until January, but analysts predict the president-elect's policies will benefit oil companies and could go down as Trump promised, but they also warned there could be price increases.

"Michigan gas prices have dropped to the lowest prices since February," Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for AAA, said. "If gasoline stocks continue to rise, alongside lower demand, pump prices could drop further."

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The average price of gas in Michigan was $3.04 a gallon on Sunday, 28 cents less than a month ago and 36 cents less than a year ago, with areas with the least expensive gas averages  Flint, Grand Rapids and Traverse City  just below $3 a gallon.

More: What former Vice President Mike Pence said about Donald Trump's 2024 presidential win

Compared to last week, metro Detroits prices also dropped to an average of $3.10 a gallon. Detroit, along with Ann Arbor were among the cities with the most expensive gas averages, followed by Marquette at $3.09, which also is the average price nationally.

Gas demand slid from 9.15 million barrels a day to 8.82 million, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration. Total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 210.9 million barrels to 211.3. West Texas Intermediate fell 30 cents last week to $71.69 a barrel.

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More: Expert: Mass deportation would have devastating impact on Michigan agriculture industry

Throughout his campaign, Trump promised to return gas prices to less than $2 a gallon, noting that he would support more oil drilling in the United States. News reports note he mentioned a target of $1.87 a gallon several times.

ING Group, a Dutch multinational banking and financial services company, said in a report, "What a Trump presidency means for oil and gas markets," that "there is additional upside to U.S. oil production, but we do not think it will significantly move the needle."

Trump, ING pointed out, mentioned oil in his victory speech, calling it "liquid gold."

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But the financial services company also said trade uncertainty could have "a negative impact on energy prices, specifically when it comes to U.S. energy prices," with a potential for "growing trade friction" if trade tariffs trigger retaliation.

When it comes to foreign policy, how the president-elect handles "the Russia/Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict" will be a key factor. It remains to be seen, the ING report said, what foreign policy actions Trump may take.

Whats more, its also unclear whether COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, that begins Monday, will result in meaningful agreement or understandings among world leaders on fossil fuels.

Countries promised to scale back using them, but scaled up their oil production outlook.

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The International Institute for Sustainable Development has forecasted a "strong uptick" in exploration licensing, which, if "fully exploited," means more carbon emissions. One analyst pointed out in the report that would be "the opposite of a transition away from fossil fuels."

Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, has called Trumps re-election a "net +" for oil companies. Yet De Haan also said it "could be bad for prices" if the new president adds Iran sanctions.

De Haan predicted the national average prices for gas nationwide to dip below $3 a gallon.

But, he also said, "we are not going to see $1.69/gal pandemic #gasprices."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump promised cheaper gas: Here's what his presidency could mean
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Thursday approved Detroit-based DTE's request to hike natural gas rates by around $113.8 million, meaning the average customer will see about a $2 increase on their monthly bill.

In regulatory filings, DTE officials said the rate increases are needed to pay for investments in the company's infrastructure as well as rising operational and maintenance costs. The company initially sought to increase its natural gas rates by $266 million in January.

The rate increases approved Thursday amount to a 2.28% increase for DTE's natural gas rates. That means a typical residential customer using 100 cubic feet of natural gas per month will see an increase of $1.98 on their bill at the end of the month.

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In a statement, DTE officials said the lower-than-initially-sought rate increase "may inhibit our ability to implement the work that will allow us to continue providing the level of service that our customers have come to depend on."

The company pointed to planned infrastructure upgrades and goals for carbon emissions as two areas potentially affected.

"We're currently assessing the rate orders impact on the progress of our work, including our gas main renewal program - the upgrade of older cast iron pipes with modern, more durable materials that not only provide increased safety and reliability but also reduced emissions," a statement provided by a DTE spokesperson said.

Commissioners also approved an "Infrastructure Recovery Mechanism" surcharge  beginning Nov. 21, customers will see an increase of 66 cents on their monthly bill. The surcharge will increase annually until 2029, when it reaches $6.28, according to the MPSC.

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DTE provides natural gas service for about 1.3 million people in Michigan.

Attorney General Dana Nessel's office was among the parties intervening in the case, calling for commissioners to approve a lower rate than the utility initially sought.

The Commission's decision to slash DTE's requested rate hike by more than half will save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars on their utility bills, Nessel said in a statement.

Testimony filed by Nessel's office previously indicated DTE had sought to include costs for private jet travel in the rate increase. Regulators agreed with Nessel's assertion that ratepayers should not have to bear the cost for company executives' travel, removing a $74,769 allowance from the rate increase.

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"The Attorney General recommended that the Commission disallow recovery of costs for the use of the jet because it does 'not directly benefit customers but instead may benefit shareholders,'" MPSC staff wrote in their 308-page approval of DTE's rate increase.

DTE did not challenge Nessel's assertions, according to the filing.

The MPSC is the three-member body that considers rate increase requests from utility companies. It most recently approved a rate increase for DTE's natural gas services in Dec. 2021, when regulators signed off on an $84 million rate increase.

Regulators are also currently considering a proposed $456 million rate increase for DTE's electric service. DTE electric provides power to around 2.2 million people in Michigan, mainly in southeast Michigan.

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DTE to hike natural gas rates, increase monthly bills by $2 per month
President-elect Donald Trump named Stephen Miller, a longtime confidante and vocal opponent of immigration and asylum, as his next deputy White House chief of staff for policy on Monday, furthering his plans to fulfill a key campaign promise to conduct mass deportations of immigrants out of the United States.

But Millers own policy proposals may undermine those plans from the start.

Miller has repeatedly railed against a program that became a linchpin in the Biden administrations strategy to slow a historic flow of migrants to the U.S. southern border and convince Mexico to accept up to 30,000 deportees a month  a critical diplomatic breakthrough that increased the capacity of U.S. authorities to deport people from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti that previously did not exist.

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These four countries have represented some of the biggest sources of immigration to the United States in recent years  and either have governments hostile to Washington, often unwilling to accept deportation flights, or are in a state of chaos, unable to reliably accept them.

Only by creating new, legal pathways for migrants to enter was the Biden administration able to convince Mexico to accept deportees, an aim the Department of Homeland Security had held for years, according to court records. Eliminating those legal pathways could ultimately undermine the ability of the U.S. government to conduct tens of thousands of deportations a month to its southern neighbor.

Mexico has made clear that its willingness to accept returns of [nationals from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela] to Mexico is contingent on the continued availability of lawful processes for nationals from those countries to come directly to the United States, the agency said last year in documents submitted as part of a federal lawsuit.

If DHS cannot provide lawful processes for some nationals [of those countries] to come directly to the United States, it continued, Mexico will almost certainly stop accepting returns or removals of nationals [of those countries] at the southwest border.

FAST-PASS FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS

The parole program has allowed over half a million people from these countries to temporarily come to the United States through legal means, as long as they had a U.S. financial sponsor and underwent U.S. government vetting. When the federal government expanded the program in January 2023, it also announced it would increase the use of expedited deportations and restrict access to asylum.

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The Biden administration first launched the program for Venezuela in October 2022 and later expanded it to Cuba, Nicaragua, and Haiti three months later. Over 110,000 Cubans, almost 211,000 Haitians, over 93,000 Nicaraguans, or more than 117,000 Venezuelans have flown to the United States through the program, according to federal government data.

Miller has been highly critical of the widely publicized program, stating it has secretly flown nearly half a million illegals into the United States and characterizing the effort as one of the gravest criminal acts in American history.

CHNV is the federal government acronym for the migrant flights of illegals into Small Town USA, Miller wrote on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, in September. The H stands for Haiti.

What is the CBP One App? Its Kamalas fast-pass entry program for illegal aliens, Miller wrote last month, referring to Trumps election opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Arrive at border without a visa. Press button on a smart phone. Entry on demand. 95% acceptance rate for all illegals, he wrote. Take American jobs.

NO RENEWALS FOR CURRENT BENEFICIARIES

Anticipating a potential transfer of power to Republican hands, the Biden administration confirmed last month that it was not planning on renewing paroles for existing beneficiaries, giving those currently under the program time to prepare and pursue other legal pathways to remain in the country. Those individuals will have to either find another way to stay in the United States or leave the country altogether.

Many Venezuelans and Haitians that arrived through the program are eligible for Temporary Protected Status, which protects people from countries in turmoil from deportations. No Nicaraguans who have arrived under the program are eligible for their countrys TPS, which was last designated at the turn of the century. Meanwhile, Cubans can apply for a green card after a year and one day of being admitted or paroled into the U.S. because of a decades-old legislation.

The specter of the incoming administration also makes the future of Temporary Protected Status uncertain. Trump previously moved to end the program for several countries, including Haiti and Nicaragua, during his last administration. During his campaign, he said his administration would end Temporary Protected Status for Haiti again. And many newly arrived Cubans are struggling to legalize already because they are not eligible for green cards under the Cuban Adjustment Act because of the paperwork they were given at the border.

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America First Legal, Millers aggressively conservative legal group, along with 20 Republican-led states, filed a lawsuit to terminate the Biden parole process in April 2024. The legal challenge came months after a federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit where Florida, Texas, and several other states requested the program be deemed unlawful. At the time, Miller described the program as a clandestine migrant smuggling operation.

It is a covert plan to resettle our communities, and we will use every legal tool we have to oppose it, said Miller in a statement.
A China's J-35A stealth fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday. Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

ZHUHAI, Guangdong, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- As Airshow China opens on Tuesday, an impressive lineup of cutting-edge military hardware is set to debut, offering a glimpse into the latest achievements in the modernization of the Chinese military.

Among the highlights, the J-35A stealth fighter, the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system, a new type of attack-reconnaissance drone, and J-15T carrier-based fighter jets are poised to steal the spotlight at the airshow.

Officially known as the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, the airshow is scheduled for Nov. 12-17 in the southern coastal city of Zhuhai.

J-35A STEALTH FIGHTER

Unlike the J-20, a heavy stealth fighter designed mainly for air superiority, the J-35A is a medium-sized multi-role stealth fighter capable of both air superiority and strike missions against ground and maritime targets.

The combination of the J-20 and J-35A features both air superiority and multi-role capabilities, greatly enhancing the Air Force's ability to conduct offensive operations in high-threat and contested environments, said military expert Wang Mingzhi.

"The successful development of the J-35A has enabled China to possess two types of stealth fighter jets, providing the Air Force with enhanced capabilities to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," Wang added.

HQ-19 SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE WEAPON SYSTEM

Another key highlight is the debut of the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system.

It is designed primarily for regional interception of ballistic missile targets and represents the new-quality combat capabilities for China's land-based air defense and missile defense. It is also flagship equipment for the country's strategic air force to fulfill its role in safeguarding national aerospace security.

NEW ATTACK RECONNAISSANCE DRONES

A new type of attack-reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be unveiled at the airshow. The drone performs tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and strike missions in low to medium-threat environments during wartime.

Together with existing drones, the new UAVs form an integrated unmanned reconnaissance and strike system for strategic and operational missions.

The unmanned drone fleet combines a mix of electronic-optical, radar imaging and electronic reconnaissance payloads. In terms of mission capabilities, it integrates reconnaissance, identification, targeting and real-time precision strikes.

J-15D, J-15T, Z-20J CARRIER-BASED AIRCRAFT

The airshow will unveil the J-15T fighter, J-15D electronic warfare aircraft, and Z-20J helicopter. They are among the latest main combat equipment in active service with the Chinese Navy, forming core weaponry for carrier and amphibious groups.

The J-15T boasts a large combat radius, strengthening air superiority and anti-ship strike capabilities. As a specialized electronic warfare aircraft, the J-15D is a crucial component of the carrier-based aircraft fleet.

The J-15D and J-15T are expected to engage in aerobatic displays during the event.

NAVY MARINE CORPS

The Navy Marine Corps will make its inaugural appearance at the airshow, featuring demonstrations of air assault operations using the Z-20J carrier-based helicopter and Z-8C transport helicopter. The corps is responsible for amphibious assault operations in the Navy.

In recent years, with the commissioning of large amphibious vessels and various types of carrier-based helicopters, the Navy Marine Corps has enhanced its ability to carry out multidimensional assault operations. 

A China's J-20 stealth fighter is pictured after finishing a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A China's J-20 stealth fighter is pictured after finishing a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A Russia's Su-57 fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A Russia's Su-57 fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A Russia's Su-57 fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A China's J-35A stealth fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

China's J-20 stealth fighter jets perform in formation during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A China's J-20 stealth fighter is pictured after finishing a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A Russia's Su-57 fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A Russia's Su-57 fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A Russia's Su-57 fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A Russia's Su-57 fighter jet takes part in a performance during Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 12, 2024. The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, kicked off in Zhuhai on Tuesday.

Among the highlights, China's J-20 and J-35A stealth fighter jets, as well as Russia's Su-57 fighter jet, staged flying shows one after another. This is the first time that the three types of stealth fighters from China and Russia have been exhibited at the same time in Airshow China. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)
(This story was updated to add new information and a video).

The Milwaukee Police Department has located a critically missing 26-year-old man.

The man was last seen on foot in the 5500 block of North 68th Street in Milwaukee's northwest side Silver Spring neighborhood, police say. As of 7:19 a.m. on Monday, police say the man has been located and is safe.

"Critical missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police locate critically missing 26-year-old man
A teen who was among those charged with leading police in a chase on Interstate 43 that ended with Milwaukee officers shooting two other teens now admits to his role in the crime.

Tyrone Rogers, 17, pleaded guilty Monday to armed robbery, attempted armed robbery as a party to a crime, first-degree reckless endangering safety and driving or operating a vehicle without an owner's consent.

The charges stemmed from a June 20 robbery and police chase that ended with two teens shot by an officer. One of the teens was pregnant.

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Rogers appeared before Circuit Court Judge Jorge Fragoso on Monday for three cases connected to the incident. Fragoso accepted Rogers' pleas, and will sentence him on Dec. 12.

Prosecutors are recommending Rogers be sentenced to nine years in prison and eight years of extended supervision, according to an Oct. 28 plea questionnaire.

Three other people who were charged in the case have upcoming court dates

Also charged were Calveyon Jeans, the driver, and his pregnant girlfriend, Ashley Patterson, a passenger. Both were shot by police in a construction zone after being blocked by a cement truck following the pursuit.

Jeans was 17 and Patterson was 18 at the time of the incident.

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Patterson was six months pregnant. She suffered life-threatening injuries that ended her pregnancy.

More: Milwaukee police release footage of I-43 officer shooting, injuring 2 teens

A preliminary hearing for Patterson is scheduled for Dec. 4. Jeans has a status hearing on Dec. 19.

Another passenger in the car, Semira Dean, 18, also faces charges of armed robbery, as party to a crime, and operating a vehicle without owner's consent, knowing passenger, as well as other charges. She is expected to appear in court Nov. 22 for a status conference.

Two other teens, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, also were arrested at the scene. They were not charged in adult court; their names were not released in court documents.

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More: Police shoot two teens, one whose pregnancy ended, on Milwaukee highway after suspected carjacking

Here's what prosecutors say happened

According to a criminal complaint, on June 20 a visitor from out of state was operating a rental compact car in a parking lot in the 500 block of North Broadway downtown when she was approached by three teens shortly after noon.

Police believe Rogers was one of them, and that he was accompanied by the two unnamed juveniles. The woman told investigators the teens were driving a white Chevrolet Trax and were armed.

They demanded her keys and grabbed at her hand, but she managed to fight them off, get back into the Chevrolet and drive away.

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Roughly a half hour later, another person, who also was visiting Milwaukee, was approached by the two unnamed juveniles about two blocks from where the first crime occurred.

The man told police he was operating a rented SUV in the 400 block of East Clybourne when a young female knocked on his window and began asking about restaurants, according to the complaint. The man said he began looking up restaurants on his phone when a young male stuck a gun inside the vehicle.

The teens demanded the man out of the vehicle and then the male and female suspects drove away in the vehicle. According to the complaint, Dean, Jeans, Patterson and Rogers monitored the robbery nearby in the Chevrolet.

Police said the Chevrolet Trax was stolen by two teens on June 8 parked outside of the McDonald's at 420 E. Capitol Drive. Also, in September, a Waukesha County sheriff's deputy had his personal compact car stolen while parked on the 1400 block of East Brady Street on the east side, the complaint states.

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Inside the vehicle were the deputy's duty weapon and personal weapon. When police recovered the vehicle in January the duty weapon was missing, the complaint states. Jeans later admitted he, Dean and another unnamed teen stole the firearm in September.

Police investigate after all northbound and southbound lanes on Interstate 43 from Capitol Drive to Locust Street were closed due to a police investigation in Milwaukee on June 20.

The pursuit wound its way through crowded streets in the middle of the afternoon

According to the complaint, a uniformed patrol officer spotted the Chevrolet Trax near North 17th Street and West Vliet Avenue around 2:30 p.m. June 20.

The officer turned on his squad lights to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle pulled over momentarily, then sped away northbound on 17th Street, according to the complaint.

The chase continued for several miles at high speed through heavy traffic. At times, the driver drove the wrong way down streets and almost struck a pedestrian, according to the complaint.

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The fleeing Chevy then made its way on to I-43, where the driver weaved in and out of traffic and passed vehicles on the shoulder.

The Chevy came to a construction lane near Burleigh Street until it hit a cement truck, then backed into the pursuing squad car, the complaint states.

Officers, who were by now out of their squad cars with guns draw, ordered everyone out of the Chevy. The driver drove it forward, then hit reverse toward one officer as construction workers ran from the scene.

An officer fired at the vehicle, and it came to a stop. All of the teens were then removed from the vehicle.

According to the complaint, a gun found inside the vehicle belonged to the Waukesha sheriff's deputy from the prior vehicle theft.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee teen pleads guilty to robbery that triggered I-43 police chase
MINERAL RIDGE, Ohio (WKBN)  Mineral Ridge students and the Mineral Ridge Historical Society celebrated veterans with a twist on Sunday.

They hosted a celebration of veterans and Christmas at the Moss Ancestral Home. The event featured a Christmas tree lighting with real candles.

Wartime carols were sung by Mineral Ridge student Addison Goche. Marci Buchanan with the Historical Society says its important to show veterans appreciation.

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We need to celebrate veterans every single day because of what they have gone through and the sacrifices theyve made, and we are here because of them  being able to live in our country freely, Buchanan said.

Veterans also received hand-made Christmas ornaments from another student, Tenley McElhaney.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Minority- and women-owned businesses are bracing for the end of affirmative action in federal contracting - and the potential loss of contracts worth at least $70 billion a year - as government programs for disadvantaged firms have fallen to legal attack over the past year.

In a seismic shift, a series of court rulings have held that some of the federal governments largest diversity programs violate the Constitutions guarantee of equal protection, often citing the Supreme Courts 2023 decision to overturn race-conscious college admissions.

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As a result, key agencies have dropped race and gender preferences born in the civil rights era and intended to level the playing field by setting aside billions each year in contracting dollars for minority- and women-owned firms.

A reality has set in that its a different game, said Tony Franco, managing partner at PilieroMazza, which represents numerous minority contractors. How the government tries to achieve equality is going to require much more thinking through of how to get to disadvantaged communities of all races.

Since the Supreme Court last year ruled against race-based admissions at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, several contracting programs, including a Small Business Administration program that funnels billions in federal contracts to disadvantaged firms, have faced adverse rulings.

Franco said the Biden administrations decision not to appeal that SBA ruling signaled a major turning point, indicating that the administration agreed the process needed to be changed to comply with the Constitution. As a result, any programs that similarly presume minorities are disadvantaged may be subject to revamping, he said.

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Last weeks election victory of Donald Trump - an ardent foe of affirmative action programs - is heightening fears that race-based programs could be further undone. Meanwhile, another major program is primed for a similar outcome: In September, a federal judge in Kentucky partially blocked the Transportation Departments Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, which has been operating for more than four decades on the presumption that minorities and women are socially disadvantaged. In his opinion, Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, a George W. Bush appointee, indicated that he would block the entire program from awarding contracts based on those presumptions.

The program has 49,000 participants. Some say such a ruling would be catastrophic, affecting their access not only to federal contracts but also to the many state and local programs structured the same way.

It would be a minority business crisis if this program went away, said Shon Harris, owner of a Chicago-based electrical services firm.

Harris, who founded his business in 2006, said it could be decimated. Though only about 10 percent of his companys $19 million in revenue last year came from the federal program, much of the remaining income came from contracts won through the minority businesses enterprise program run by the state of Illinois, which Harris predicted would be the next to topple.

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From an African American contracting standpoint, its pretty scary to think that these programs wont be around, Harris said. And to try to prepare for them is not necessarily all in our hands.  Its not like the problems with bias and racism wont exist anymore.

Created in the 1960s and 70s, federal affirmative action programs were adopted to address pervasive race and gender discrimination in the private and contracting sectors. Backlash soon followed from White and male business owners, who said the programs discriminated against them.

A series of Supreme Court decisions in the 1980s narrowed the circumstances in which race and gender preferences were justified. And beginning in the late 1990s, several states took up ballot measures to outlaw affirmative action. Its now prohibited in nine states: Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington.

California, the first state to pass a prohibition, is often held up as an example of what lies ahead if the federal government drops its core race-conscious programs. The passage of Proposition 209 in 1996 ended the use of racial and gender considerations in government, including the awarding of state and local contracts.

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As a result, minority- and women-owned firms secured fewer government contracts, wiping out $1 billion of their annual revenue, according to a 2015 report by the Equal Justice Society. More than 80 percent of that lost business - $823 million - was tied to state contracts, while municipalities such as San Francisco accounted for much of the rest.

There were many businesses that had to close their doors because the entrenched business networks - the old boys networks that exist throughout the economy - were allowed to flourish after Proposition 209 went into effect, said Oren Sellstrom, litigation director at Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston, who worked as an attorney in San Francisco when the California affirmative action ban was passed. That is a predictor in some ways of what could happen if a similar situation unfolded at the federal level.

But taxpayers may have also saved. According to a 2009 study published in the Review of Economics and Statistics, the price of state-funded contracts in California fell 5.6 percent after the affirmative action ban, relative to federally funded contracts, which were not affected by the law. The state collectively saved $64 billion in 1998 and 1999, according to the study, which attributed the drop to fewer restrictions on selecting contractors.

Kendra Perkins Norwood, a partner and government contractors attorney at ReedSmith, is trying to prepare her clients for what to expect. She predicts contracting preferences across the board will no longer rely on race or gender alone. Instead, she said, qualification will come down to an individuals ability to document their struggles with discrimination.

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Norwood said all minority and women contractors should be preparing written narratives to prove their disadvantage. Doing so became a crucial part of the application process after a court blocked the use of racial preferences in the Small Business Administrations 8(a) program. Participants in the Transportation Departments DBE program should be preparing for a similar requirement, Norwood said, though the program has not yet adopted it.

Youre going to have to certainly be prepared to meet a higher standard to demonstrate why you deserve to have access to these programs, and itll become more competitive, said Norwood, who represents disadvantaged businesses in both programs.

Procurement at all levels of government contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, typically comprising around 10 percent of the countrys gross domestic product.

In fiscal 2023, the federal government committed about $759 billion in contracts, according to the Government Accountability Office. About $76 billion went to minority-owned businesses through SBA programs, such as the 8(a) program. In addition, businesses in the Transportation Department program have received almost $34 billion through federal transportation contracts in the past five budget years, according to data provided by the Transportation Department.

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The federal government still requires most government contractors to take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for their employees, meaning they are legally obligated to ensure their workforces are diverse. That requirement comes via a 1965 executive order issued under Lyndon B. Johnson, which has remained in place ever since - despite an effort by Ronald Reagan to roll it back in 1984.

In a sweeping policy proposal for the incoming Trump administration, conservative policy advocates recommend that Trump rescind the Johnson order - a move that would eliminate contractors affirmative action obligations and the office that enforces them. Though Trump has not indicated he would do so, he issued an executive order in 2020 that effectively barred contractors from implementing diversity training - which President Joe Biden subsequently reversed.

Federal programs are not the only ones facing legal challenges. In one highly watched case concerning a minority contract set-aside program in Houston, two landscaping companies run by White plaintiffs sued the city, alleging discrimination under the equal protection clause. A federal judge is set to decide whether to block the program.

Colette Holt, a San Antonio-based attorney who has developed and defended such programs for three decades, said judges have typically upheld minority contracting programs based on accepted statistical analyses and qualitative evidence, such as studies that measure disparities between the number of minority firms available versus those awarded government contracts.

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Since the Supreme Courts college admissions ruling, however, the federal courts are now rejecting these studies and seem to be changing the law to make it much more difficult to justify systemic, tailored remedies for race and sex discrimination in public contracting, Holt said in an email.

Linda Moen, head of an engineering firm in the St. Louis area, said the Transportation Department program now under threat helped her business after she enrolled in 1998. Although she said her firm is now strong enough without the programs contracts, they still comprise 30 percent of her companys $12 million in annual revenue.

I think well take a large hit, Moen said. But who its really going to hurt is the people who are just starting into the industry.

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Ryan Borgwardt was reported missing in Wisconsin on Aug. 12, but investigators now think he's in Europe following a 54-day-long search

A missing dad of three named Ryan Borgwardt is believed to have fled to Europe after staging a kayaking accident, according to Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll

Borgwardt was first reported missing in August but authorities say they later discovered he had replaced his computer hard drive and cleared its browser on the day of his disappearance

"Ryan, if you are viewing this, I plead that you contact us or contact your family," the sheriff said on Friday, Nov. 8

Authorities now believe a missing kayaker and father of three faked his disappearance in a Wisconsin lake before fleeing the United States.

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In a news conference on Friday, Nov. 8, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll provided an update following a 54-day search for Ryan Borgwardt.

Podoll said that on Aug. 12, around 5:32 p.m. local time, deputies initially responded to a missing persons call  and Borgwardt's vehicle and trailer were later found parked in the area of Dodge Memorial Park, with the man's last known location being Green Lake.

Around an hour after the alarm was first raised in August, authorities then found a capsized kayak in the western part of the lake in an area where the water is around 220 feet deep, the sheriff told reporters.

The following day, fishermen found Borgwardt's fishing rod in the same lake, before his tackle box was also discovered, according to officials. Inside, the box contained a wallet, keys and a license belonging to Borgwardt  who last had contact with his wife on Aug. 11.



Green Lake County Sheriff's Office Ryan Borgwardt Ryan Borgwardt

During the news conference last week, the sheriff explained that on Aug. 24, a team of experienced divers and search dogs were brought in to help look for Borgwardt, who has three children, according to local TV station WBAY, the Kansas City Star and the Watertown Daily Times.

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Members of a volunteer search-and-recovery organization, Bruce's Legacy, also ran a 28-day search for the missing man.

But on Oct. 7, Sheriff Podoll said, he met with his team and they decided the search had to "go a different direction"  after they discovered that Borgwardt's passport had been checked by Canadian law enforcement on Aug. 13, the day after he was reported missing, per WBAY, suggesting someone with his records was still out there.

"That was something we didn't expect," the sheriff told reporters last week, adding that authorities ended up analyzing a laptop that the missing man's wife had given them.

Heath Korvola/Getty A stock photo of a kayak A stock photo of a kayak

Investigators then delved further and discovered that Borgwardt had reported his passport missing and obtained a replacement on May 22, according to WBAY.

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Authorities now think Borgwardt is "someplace in Europe," with Podoll saying officers discovered he had replaced his computer hard drive and cleared its browser on the day of his disappearance.

Borgwardt also took photos of his passport, moved funds to a foreign bank, changed his email and communicated with a woman in Uzbekistan ahead of his vanishing, Podoll continued, telling reporters that he'd taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January and purchased airline cards.

Green Lake County Sheriffs Office Photos of the search area covered for missing kayaker Ryan Borgwardt Photos of the search area covered for missing kayaker Ryan Borgwardt

"Due to these discoveries of the new evidence, we were sure that Ryan was not in our lake," Podoll said, thanking everyone that had helped in the search. (He didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information on Monday, Nov. 11.)

I want to thank the family, I want to thank his wife. That is one strong lady, the sheriff said at the news conference last week.

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Whenever we called on her, she always responded and she gave everything that she could for us," he said. "I cannot imagine what shes going through and theyre going through.

Of Borgwardt's kids, Podoll added, They thought that their dad was drowned. A day ago, they found out that he wasnt.

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The sheriff then delivered a message directly to the missing man.

Ryan, if you are viewing this, I plead that you contact us or contact your family," he said. "We understand that things can happen, but theres a family that wants their daddy back.
Authorities in Wisconsin believe a kayaker missing since August did not actually vanish while out on a lake, instead faking his own disappearance and fleeing the country. The discovery came after search teams had probed the deep waters of central Wisconsin's Green Lake for 54 days in hopes of locating 45-year-old Ryan Borgwardt, said Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll at a news conference Friday that was streamed by CBS News affiliate WFRV-TV.

Borgwardt was initially reported missing Aug. 12, according to the sheriff. Authorities who responded to the report found the man's car and trailer parked on the bank of the lake, and a capsized kayak that apparently belonged to him in an area where the water was about 220 feet deep.

Keith Cormican, of a nonprofit search-and-rescue organization called Bruce's Legacy, helped multiple law enforcement agencies over the course of several months to try and find Borgwardt. Cormican had searched essentially every corner of the western part of Green Lake by early October, and although he told the sheriff he was not prepared to give up, Podoll recalled regrouping with his detectives on Oct. 7 and deciding to take the investigation in "a different direction."

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They learned shortly afterward that Canadian authorities had checked Borgwardt's name on Aug. 13, according to the sheriff's office. The investigation so far indicates border officials in Canada checked the name, said Green Lake Chief Deputy Matt Vandekolk.

"That was something we didn't expect," Podoll told reporters Friday.

Vandelkolk told CBS News the fact that Borgrwardt's name was checked by law enforcement in Canada after he seemingly went missing "caught our attention," because it meant "he had contact with Canadian law enforcement in some way, shape or form."

"We've still got to work out all the specifics of that with the Canadian government," said Vandelkolk.

Partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in addition to state and local investigators in Wisconsin, authorities began to uncover more evidence suggesting Borgwardt may not have drowned in the lake at all, Podoll said Friday. A forensic analysis of a laptop that Borgwardt's wife had given to investigators raised suspicions he had engineered the disappearance in order to flee to some place in Europe.

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Analysts determined Borgwardt had replaced the laptop's hard drive before he vanished and cleared its browsing history on the day of the fated kayaking trip, after syncing the laptop's contents to the Cloud on Aug 11. He had also photographed his passports and taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy in the months leading up to his disappearance. Authorities also said Borgwardt had moved funds into a foreign bank, changed his email address and was communicating with a woman in Uzbekistan prior to going missing.

"Due to these discoveries of new evidence, we were sure that Ryan was not in our lake," said Podoll. "The expertise of Kieth Cormican of Bruce's Legacy cannot be overstated. His dedication and persistence in searching efforts was remarkable, and initially his confidence that he could not find a body in the western part of our lake drew us in a direction that we were not looking."

Podoll asked the public to report any information they may have on Borgwardt's disappearance to the Green Lake Sheriff's Office or the local Crime Stoppers line. He told reporters it was too early to comment on any charges that could potentially be brought against Borgwardt and anyone who might have helped him, if he is found, although the sheriff emphasized that recovering the expenses used to search for him would be a priority.

"Ryan, if you are viewing this, I plead that you contact us or your family," Podoll said. "We understand that things can happen but there is a family that wants their daddy back."

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Vandelkolk told CBS News that Brogwardt has three children. Two are in high school and one is in seventh grade, he said.

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Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally at Avflight at Cherry Capital Airport on Oct. 25 in Traverse City, Michigan (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images).

We are not going back.

Kamala Harris campaign staffers slipped those words into the first speech she gave as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the presidency, after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July. It was a vow not to return to a Donald Trump presidency, and all the damage that could bring.

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The line was something of a throwaway, but the audience liked it so Harris kept using it. Turns out the slogan was spot on, although not in the way she and her supporters intended.

We are not  at least in the foreseeable future  going back to political decency. Or a period of calm. Or guardrails.

We used to have those things. They are perhaps mythologized, but they did exist. Not so long ago a felony conviction, public displays of vulgarities and overt calls to murder political opponents and journalists would have been disqualifying for someone hoping to be president of the United States. A candidates character used to count at the ballot box.

But that was then and this is now and we are not going back.

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The 2024 presidential election exposed an underbelly of American society that many of us dont want to look at too closely. It is crawling with so-called influencers who openly glorify political violence, demean women, demonize immigrants and minority groups and whip up grievances.

Donald Trump and his team legitimized that underbelly. His victory over Harris brought it into the mainstream.

If the Republican nominee and soon-to-be U.S. president can sit on a stage with Tucker Carlson and fantasize about his adversary Liz Cheney having guns trained on her face, whats to stop a Trump wanna-be from harassing a woman on the street or committing violence against a neighbor?

The guardrails have disappeared. And theyre not coming back.

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I have, over the last 10 years or so, ceased believing in pendulum swings. That was a comforting notion in, say, the presidency of George W. Bush. The pendulum would reach its peak swing, and then political gravity would pull it back toward the center. We would have an election and things would be better.

If that theory ever worked in politics, it doesnt anymore. The pendulum is spinning wildly in some chaotic hinterland. It is not drifting back to sanity.

For evidence of the broken pendulum, look no further than post-election Missouri.

Democrat Crystal Quade, a legislative leader and as good a candidate as youll find, could not convince national groups to provide the funds needed to run a statewide campaign.

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She lost to Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican who felt obliged to reverse himself on the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. Kehoe used to say that people needed to accept that Joe Biden had beaten Trump in that race. Then, faced with a competitive GOP primary for governor, he declared Bidens win illegitimate and said he should have never stepped foot in the Oval Office.

For me, that abasement was the saddest moment of the campaign. Until election night, of course.

Missouris newly elected secretary of state, Denny Hoskins, wants to audit voter registration rolls, roll back early voting and crack down on public libraries.

The states attorney general, Andrew Bailey, just elected to his first full term, considers it his job to act as a back-up lawyer to Trump at the expense of Missouri taxpayers.

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Both of the states U.S. senators have denied the legitimacy of the 2020 election.

Forget that old image of Missouri as the land of common sense, the home of plain-spoken Harry Truman from Independence. That Missouri is gone and it is not coming back.

In Missouri and in the United States, we have entered a new reality. And we are going to have to figure out how to live in it.

First of all, we do not have to accept nastiness, vulgarities and violence in the public space as normal. It is not OK to scapegoat and threaten your opponents or entire groups of people and we should say that.

We do not have to accept lies or a rewrite of history and denial of science. When Trump and his allies make false claims we should call them out. The right to free speech applies to all Americans, and now is our time to use it loudly.

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At the same time, beware of dividing into opposing camps based on political preferences. Im talking to you, my fellow Democrats and progressives. Clearly, we are outnumbered. Your neighbor with the Trump sign in the yard has a story, and it may be helpful down the road to learn what it is.

Harris, in her elegant concession speech last Wednesday, urged supporters to play the long game.

Sometimes the fight takes a while, she said. That doesnt mean we wont win. The important thing is dont ever give up. Dont ever stop fighting to make the world a better place.

Those lofty words in Harriss final speech as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee will come as cold comfort to many contemplating another Trump presidency.

But she was right in her first speech, only four months ago. We are not going back. The only way through this nightmare is forward.
MANILA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it has approved a financing package of 21.95 million U.S. dollars to boost Maldives' capacity to combat the effects of climate change and ensure the sustainability of its food systems.

The ADB said in its press release that the financing package comprises a concessional loan of 4 million dollars and a grant of 17.95 million dollars.

The Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security Project will strengthen the country's resilience to disasters and climate change by upgrading the early warning systems in Addu City and Male, the Manila-based bank said.

The measures will enable the Maldives Meteorological Service to establish a real-time weather monitoring and early warning system, it added.

The project will also help Kulhudhuffushi Island, the most populous island in northern Maldives, improve its flood protection and management by constructing stormwater drainage and filtration systems, restoring mangrove areas, and introducing other nature-based solutions.

Offshore and nearshore infrastructures such as artificial reefs and berms will be constructed for coastal protection and sand retention.

To help achieve long-term food security, the ADB will introduce climate-smart urban farming technologies and practices in Haa Dhaalu and Addu atolls, the bank said. 
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he will not join President-elect Trumps new administration but will offer advice to whoever takes the top finance role.

Mnuchin told Reuters it was important for the Treasury to work toward strengthening U.S. trade policy, including holding China to its trade commitments from Trumps 2020 deal to rebalance trade.

The former Cabinet member said serving in Trumps first administration was the experience of a lifetime and Mnuchin said he is happy to advise on the outside.

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He said he would provide advice to whomever Trump picks, including how to strengthen sanctions on Russia and Iran and contain the countrys debt.

Reuters reported two prominent hedge fund investors  Scott Bessent, the founder of Key Square Group, and John Paulson  emerged as the top choices for Treasury secretary. Bessent has reportedly met with Trump.

Mnuchin declined to name his favorite option for the next administration but said he is sure the Trump team will have a lot of great choices.

With 70 days until Trump takes office, hes begun shaping up his administration.

He tapped Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as his choice to serve as ambassador to the United Nations and former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan as border czar. Trump also chose veteran political consultant Susie Wiles as his chief of staff.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Moldova's president Maia Sandu has addressed the recent incidents involving Russian drones that crashed on the country's territory.

Source: Moldpres, citing Sandu, as reported by European Pravda

The president stated that the detected drones pose no immediate threat to residents, but emphasised the need for continued vigilance.

She highlighted the importance of "acquiring the necessary technologies to protect the entire country and ensure the safety of all citizens".

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Quote: "While these incidents do not currently pose a direct threat to the Republic of Moldova, the proximity of the war to our borders and the presence of drones in our airspace are certainly concerning," Sandu added.

Background:

On 10 November, two drones were found in Moldova, in the districts of Causeni and Riscani. Ukraine's Air Force, in a morning briefing, reported that 10 drones "left Ukrainian airspace" towards Russia, Belarus and Moldova.

Moldovan authorities have previously reported discovering drone debris after Russian air attacks on Ukraine.

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A Texas mother claims a Dallas-area emergency room facility didnt do enough to respond when her daughter fell to the floor during a difficult birth, leaving her in a coma.

Makayla Thomas arrived at Preston Hollow Emergency Room, a Dallas-era freestanding emergency room facility, on June 29. She was 26 weeks pregnant, with intense abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, the latest development in a challenging pregnancy.

Shed previously been admitted to Dallass Texas Presbyterian Hospital, which diagnosed her with a kidney infection and given antibiotics earlier that month, related to a potentially untreated urinary tract infection.

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When Thomas was admitted at Preston Hollow, she began to go into labor alone in an exam room as she waited for a doctor to arrive.

Thomas told news station WFAA she pushed her baby out, and it rolled onto the floor. She began recording videos as employees of the ER responded.

Is that the baby? Is it dead? Thomas asks in one video.

A new mother claims the Preston Hollow ER in Dallas failed to take care of her pre-term baby after it was born still inside its amniotic sack and fell on the floor. (WFAA screengrab)

It appears to beyeah, an employee replies.

Later videos capture the personnel at Preston Hollow listening for a heartbeat and giving the baby, who was eventually cut out of the amniotic sack, chest compressions. At various points in the clips, employees tell Thomas to stop recording.

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Being born inside the amniotic sack is whats known as an en caul birth, a rare and potentially dangerous condition that occurs in less than 1 in 80,000 vaginal births and cuts off newborns from the oxygen needed to survive.

Thomas was eventually transfered to a larger hospital for care and her daughter survived, though the baby remains in a vegetative state and may never recover, a condition her mother believes is linked to the tough birth.

I definitely do believe if they had started reviving her right away when they came in the room and saw, this could have been a lot different, Thomas told WFAA. I feel like they failed me.

The ER refused to answer specific questions from the station about Thomass care, but said it followed state health guidelines.

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Texas has the most freestanding emergency room facilities in the country, according to the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, handling nearly one quarter of ER visits in the state.

These freestanding ERs, which are sometimes satellite locations of larger hospital systems and sometimes independent facilities, were designed to serve as lower-cost and more convenient alternatives to traditional ERs, and often treat people with lower-level health problems.

A Texas A&M study, however, found they often serve a similar role as their larger hospital counterparts, for a similar cost.

The costs are about the same, as is the volume at hospital EDs [emergency departments], assistant professor Daniel Marthey, an author on the study, told the universitys website. 

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Some Texas institutions warn against using such freestanding ERs, arguing they can cause high costs for patients who are out of network and dont offer swift care in high-level emergencies.

If you have a true emergency, a freestanding ER must transfer you by ambulance to a hospital for the right level of care, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas warns its members. This delays your care, costing you time that may be critical to your recovery. And  in the most extreme cases  your survival.

Thomas and her husband Joe are raising money on GoFundMe for the care of their daughter.
It was dinnertime on October 30, 2024, when police handcuffed Brittany Patterson in front of three of her four children and drove her to the station in Fannin County, Georgia. She was then fingerprinted, photographed, and dressed in an orange jumpsuit.

Hours earlier, around noon, Patterson had driven her eldest son to a medical appointment. Her youngest son, 11-year-old Soren, intended to come along but wasn't around when it was time to leave.

"I figured he was in the woods, or at grandma's house," says Patterson, who lives on 16 acres with her kids and her father. (Her husband works out of state). There is no shortage of family in the vicinity. Patterson's mother and sisters live just two minutes away.

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Soren, however, was not playing in the woods. He had decided to walk to downtown Mineral Bluff, a town of just 370 people. It's not quite a mile from his house. A woman who saw him walking alongside the roadspeed limit: 25 in some places, 35 in othersasked him if he was OK. He said yes.

Nevertheless, she called the police.

A female sheriff picked up the boy and called Patterson. "She asked me if I knew he was downtown and I said no," says Patterson.

Patterson was upset that Soren had gone to town without letting anyone know, but says there was hardly reason to worry.

"I was not panicking as I know the roads and know he is mature enough to walk there without incident," she says.

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The sheriff disagreed.

"She kept mentioning how he could have been run over, or kidnapped or 'anything' could have happened," recalls Patterson.

The sheriff drove Soren home and left him with his grandfather. After returning to the house, Patterson scolded her sonand that, she thought, was that.

But at 6:30 p.m. that night, the sheriff returned with another officer. They told Patterson to turn around and put her hands behind her back. As three of her kids watched, Patterson was handcuffed. The sheriff took her purse and phone, put her in the cruiser, and hauled her off to jail.

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To Patterson, none of this made sense. She had grown up in the area with plenty of unsupervised time to wander and play and was raising her kids that way, too.

"The mentality here is more Free-Range," she says.

Patterson was soon released on a $500 bail. The next day, a case manager from the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) came out for a home visit, and even went to interview Patterson's oldest son at his school. The case manager told Patterson that everything seemed fine, but declined to comment to Reason.

A few days later, DFCS presented Patterson with a "safety plan" for her to sign. It would require her to delegate a "safety person" to be a "knowing participant and guardian" and watch over the children whenever she leaves home. The plan would also require Patterson to download an app onto her son's phone allowing for his location to be monitored. (The day when it will be illegal not to track one's kids is rapidly approaching.)

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Patterson did not want to be compelled to track her son. Recalling a similar case, she contacted attorney David DeLugas. DeLugas is the head of ParentsUSA, a nonprofit that often provides pro bono legal help to parents wrongly arrested and prosecuted for child neglect. A GoFundMe has been established to help ParentsUSA cover the Pattersons' legal expenses.

As Patterson's counsel, DeLugas called the assistant district attorney (ADA) to discuss the case. He recorded the conversation, which is legal in Georgia. The ADA told DeLugas that if Patterson would sign the safety plan, the criminal charges would be dropped.

DeLugas responded that if Patterson had to sign a safety plan simply because her son walked someplace without her knowing his exact location, it would stop him from visiting friends or having any independence whatsoever. But the ADA maintained that Soren had been in danger, and thus a safety plan was necessary.

The matter was left unsettled.

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With safety plans, the veiled threat is that if you don't sign, your children could be taken away, says DeLugas. In this case, he says, the unspoken deal seems to be: Sign it and the state won't prosecute. If the state does prosecute, Patterson could face a reckless conduct charge, a $1,000 fine, and a year in jail.

DeLugas would like to see Georgia pass a law that permits the authorities to check up on kids and then leave them be as long as they aren't hurt, in distress, or in actual, immediate danger from an identifiable source. Meanwhile, as if this case could not get weirder, DCFS just mailed Soren a birthday card signed by the case manager. Soren turned 11 over the weekend.

Birthday greetings do not change the facts. Patterson knows that refusing to sign the safety plan could get her in trouble. But she is resolute.

"I will not sign," she says.

The post Mom Jailed for Letting 10-Year-Old Walk Alone to Town appeared first on Reason.com.
Union dockworkers at the Port of Montreal have been locked out after rejecting a final contract offer from the Maritime Employers Association (MEA), shutting down all four major container terminals at the hub and further straining supply chains on both of Canadas coasts.

The lockout of all 1,197 members of the Local 375 branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) began Sunday night at 9 p.m., significantly widening the scope of an ongoing work stoppage.

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The Port of Montreal moves $400 million Canadian dollars ($287,000) worth of cargo every day, second in the country only to the Port of Vancouver, which is experiencing a foremen lockout of its own across major British Columbia ports. The B.C. ports remain open.

The Montreal Port Authority raised alarm over a possible prolonged conflict, with CEO Julie Gascon saying at a Monday morning news conference that there will be catastrophic consequences for the Canadian economy if the lockout continues. She had previously called on the Canadian federal government to intervene in the labor action.

Gascon said it was only a matter of days before the lockout is felt by citizens daily. She estimated that over 10,000 workers in the logistics sectorfrom trucking and railway employees to maritime agents and pilotswill feel the brunt of the work stoppage.

Rail operations at the ports Viau, Maisonneuve, Cast and Racine terminals have been suspended. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is not accepting any exports to the Port of Montreal due to the strike. Canadian National Railway suspended and removed all capacity at inland terminals for exports destined to Montreals terminals.

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Maersk said Saturday it has three vessels underway with planned calls in Montreal. However, it is considering omitting Montreal and proceeding to Canadas other major East Coast ports, Halifax and St. John, as part of its contingency plans in case the port doesnt reopen. CMA CGM was evaluating whether one of its ships could import discharge at Halifax instead of Montreal.

Each container that is not moved here in Montreal is a missing piece in the Canadian economy, Gascon said. Today, the lockout affects the logistics chain. Tomorrow, itll be the factories. After that, itll be the retailers.

Roughly 320 CUPE longshoremen had already been on an indefinite strike since Oct. 31 as the union seeks out a new contract. But that strike only impacted two of the Montreal ports terminals, which handled 40 percent of container traffic.

A larger overtime strike that affected all major terminals has been in place since Oct. 10, with a full-day strike taking place Oct. 27.

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The MEAs latest offer provided for a 3 percent salary increase 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 longshore worker at the port would be more than $200,000 Canadian dollars ($144,000) per year.

According to the union, 99.7 percent of the members voted the deal down.

The hostile offer was rejected because the employer refused to negotiate. Nothing in the offer reflects the unions demands, said Michel Murray, union advisor at CUPE, in a statement. If the MEA had respected the collective bargaining processes, solutions would have been found and a conflict at the Port of Montreal would have been avoided.

According to the union, the new contract offer doesnt address issues regarding scheduling and work-life balancing, which have been major sticking points in the negotiations.

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On Sunday night, the MEA reiterated its request to Canadas Minister of Labour, Steven MacKinnon, to intervene to resolve the impasse as quickly as possible.

A number of economic and maritime players across the country have made the same request in recent weeks to get things moving, the employers said. Like the MEA, they all want this dispute to be resolved so that Quebec and Canadian businesses can no longer be held hostage and rely on predictable and uninterrupted operations at the Port of Montreal.

Tagging MacKinnon in a statement on X, Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet said, This conflict will have major consequences on the economy if it continues. It is imperative that Ottawa act quickly to bring the parties to an agreement as soon as possible and restore activities at the Port.

Marc Cadieux, president of the Quebec Trucking Association (ACQ), said that the labor disruption directly impacts land transportation and the hundreds of jobs associated with it.

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Nearly 2,000 trucks move through the Port of Montreal every day. The freezing of its activities will have an immediate impact on many carriers who may have to consider layoffs, Cadieux said in a statement. The ACQ strongly urges the responsible stakeholders to find a solution to restart commercial activities at this crucial point of global trade as soon as possible and avoid compromising our reputation on the international stage.

The Port of Montreal longshore workers have been without a new collective bargaining agreement since Dec. 31, 2023.
By Divya Rajagopal

(Reuters) -The Montreal Longshoremen's Union rejected a final offer made for a new labour contract, leading to a lockout being declared, the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) and the union said on Sunday.

The MEA said in a statement the lockout, which will impact nearly 1,200 port workers at the Canadian port that handled 8.7 million metric tons in the third quarter of 2024, has been declared as of 9 p.m. eastern (02:00 GMT).

The lockout will further slow Canadian imports and exports at a time the Port of Montreal was already operating at partial capacity and as West Coast ports are stopped due to a separate dispute.

The union representing longshoremen at the Port of Montreal said the offer was rejected by 99.7% of members because the employer refused to negotiate.

"If the MEA had respected the collective bargaining processes, solutions would have been found and a conflict at the Port of Montreal would have been avoided," said union adviser Michel Murray in a statement.

Two terminals operated by Termont, the container terminal operator based out of the Port of Montreal, representing about 40% of Montreal's container traffic and 15% of total port volume, have been shut down by the union's strike, which began on Oct. 31.

However, after Sunday's announcement all longshoring at the port will be locked out. And only essential services not related to longshoring will continue at the Port of Montreal.

The MEA said that its final offer provided for a 3% salary increase per year for four years and a 3.5% increase for the two subsequent years.

West Coast ports including Canada's largest port of Vancouver have also been mostly shut down since Monday due to a labor dispute, impacting exports of canola oil and forest products.

(Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru, Divya Rajagopal in Toronto; Editing by Kim Coghill and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
Labour has underestimated how many pupils will be forced out of private schools as a result of its VAT raid, new figures show.

More than 3,000 private school students applied to join state schools between June and September, according to data exclusively obtained by The Telegraph.

A further 2,500 pupils have given notice to leave in January, according to separate figures compiled by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), which surveyed 900 members.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer revealed on May 24 that Labour would add VAT to school fees, just two days after the general election was called. The policy was finalised on July 29.

The Treasurys costings are calculated under the assumption no more than 3,000 children will be forced out by the VAT raid across the entire 2024-2025 school year.

Eyebrows were raised last month when Labours long-awaited impact assessment found the policy would bring in 9bn by the end of the decade, up to 300m more per year than previously estimated.

These revised figures show the Government anticipates it will raise 1.8bn by 2029-2030, rather than 1.5bn forecasted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The estimations assume 35,000 pupils will move into the state sector in that time costing the Treasury up to 300m per year.

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But the fresh figures from The Telegraph have called these figures into question.

Responses from 124 local councils in England, Scotland and Wales show they received more than 3,011 applications from private school pupils to move to a state school between June 1 and September 9.

The actual total is expected to be far higher given there are 207 education authorities in Britain and the remaining 83 either did not respond to our Freedom of Information request or did not hold the data.

If all councils had responded with figures, it suggests more than 5,000 private school pupils submitted in-year transfer requests to move to state school by the end of the first week of the new school year.

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The data shows the largest exodus of pupils took place around the outskirts of London and the Home Counties, which have reported the greatest pressure on state school availability.

In Harrow, north-west London, the council received 167 in-year transfer requests from pupils attending private schools between June and September.

This was followed by Surrey County Council which had 161 requests and West Sussex County Council which received 131 requests.

In Edinburgh, where almost a quarter of all schoolchildren attend private schools, the council received a combination of 151 queries and applications for a private school pupil to move to a state school.

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Hampshire County Council received 101 applications, slightly more than the 99 applications received in Cambridgeshire and 92 in Buckinghamshire.

Exodus is not spread evenly

Despite Labour repeatedly saying there is enough state school capacity to deal with the exodus, the spread of pupils moving from private schools to the state sector is not spread evenly. Parents in some pockets of the country have reported being told by local authorities that schools have no spaces.

In Ealing, west London, the council has told parents of year 10 and year 11 pupils it is not advisable to transfer schools because there is no guarantee GCSE pupils will be able to pick the same subjects and any coursework already completed cannot be transferred.

Neil OBrien MP, the shadow education minister, urged the Government to take off the blinders and recognise the impact this is going to have on children, including vulnerable pupils with special needs, before it is too late.

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He told The Telegraph: Labours ideologically driven education tax will cause lots of problems for parents and for state schools too.

They have consistently ignored the warnings of schools, teachers, and concerned parents and ploughed ahead with introducing this disruptive policy, right in the middle of the school year.

Now the consequences they were warned of time and time again are starting to materialise.

The findings come as the ISC , the largest body representing private schools, has found more than 2,500 pupils will leave in January when the 20pc levy begins.

A survey of 900 of its members found the parents of 2,555 pupils have given notice they will remove their children at the end of this term.

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A previous study by the ISC, which measured the responses of 1,110 schools, found pupil numbers fell by 1.7pc year-on-year in September, the equivalent of 10,540 fewer children.

When removing nursery children as well as those moving at traditional entry points  reception, Year 3 and Year 7  the data shows schools lost 3,156 pupils this year.

Julie Robinson, ISC chief executive, said this showed the Government had underestimated how many pupils would leave this year as a result of the policy.

She said: We have consistently said that the Governments expectations on pupil movement have underestimated how much pressure VAT will place on schools and parents alike.

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The fact that pupil numbers gathered from 1,100 independent schools are down by nearly double the government expectations for this year shows that to be the case.

Given this, it is more important than ever for the Government to work with independent schools to properly mitigate the impacts of VAT, particularly on faith communities, military families and children with Send.

A Government spokesman said: Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise 1.8bn a year by 2029-2030 to improve education for the 94pc of children in state schools. We are confident that the state sector will be able to accommodate any additional pupils.

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More than half of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools were in the top 50% of schools in the state for student growth, new data shows.

As a result, the 97 principals at those campuses will receive bonuses from the state, ranging between $1,000 and $15,000.

For the second consecutive year, the majority of CMS schools surpassed state expectations and this year the district ranked 24th for its share of schools in the top 50%, out of the states total 115 districts.

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Schools receive performance grades from the state each year that are not only based on student test scores but also on the growth in those scores year-over-year. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction sets estimates of how much they expect a student performance to grow from one year to another, and schools are classified as meeting, not meeting, or exceeding the states growth estimates.

For example, a school might have lower test scores than others in the district but still see a greater improvement in student performance from one year to the next. Schools that exceed growth are those that are on a trajectory to improve student performance year-over-year, according to the states projections.

To make those determinations, North Carolina uses a system called EVAAS to compare students against themselves and assess the amount of progress they have previously made across all tested grades and subjects.

In the 2023-24 school year, 97 of the 184 total schools in CMS ranked in the top 50% in the state for growth. Thats the same number as the 2022-23 school year.

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A total 146 schools in CMS  out of 184 schools in the district  met or exceeded their growth targets last year. Thats 83.4% of schools in the entire district and the highest number the district has ever had in that category.

It is, I think, particularly notable because we are such a large district, specifically the second largest in the state, Beth Thompson, CMS chief strategy and innovation officer, told The Charlotte Observer. When we have 184 schools, to say that we had 83.4%, were just super, super proud about that.

Eleven schools in the district were among the top 5% of the state for growth, and their principals will receive a state bonus of $15,000.

The consistency in growth across two school years means the district is heading in a promising direction, says Melissa Balknight, the deputy superintendent of CMS.

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We are doing a really good job at the school level, making sure that our kids exceed what is expected of them by the state to really get them back and above where they were even pre-pandemic, Balknight said.

What strategies have worked

Balknight and Thompson say the districts success has everything to do with monitoring student performance early and often and making adjustments quickly.

Every quarter, teachers and principals look at student performance data from their school, down to the individual student. Then, principals meet with district leadership who provide feedback on the data. That way, the district can assess how students are doing as early as the first quarter and change course if needed, rather than having to wait until end-of-course exams.

Doing that on a regular cadence makes such a difference because then we kind of know how schools and students are doing at the end of the first quarter, Thompson said.

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Thompson said the meetings also are a way for educators from different schools to collaborate and compare notes about what works at their campus. Leaders can visit other schools to observe particular practices and how they can implement them at their school.

I think they love to come into the sessions and be able to do that work together with their school teams and then theyll also collaborate with other school teams, she said. So its really opened the district up to really have more ongoing professional development embedded in real time. I think, before last year, those types of things were being done, but they were being done kind of in isolation at each school.

Studies show the most critical factor in improving student outcomes is having a high quality teacher. About 10 years ago, CMS began building what it calls its Teacher Leader Pathway. As part of the program, educators with a history of high student impact get additional opportunities for professional development as well as up to $18,250 added to their salary by working at schools where theyre most needed.

Professional development opportunities and pay incentives can help increase teacher retention, says Brenda Berg, president and CEO of education advocacy non-profit Best NC. And Charlotte is ahead of the curve when it comes to that.

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I would say Charlotte has been a leader in the state on this, Berg said. What that does is it helps attract great teachers, especially to schools that need them the most and where they may not have considered teaching before.

While CMS has had this program in the works for 10 years, Berg says many districts in the state are just now getting started on the same path.
LUANDA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Angola's new capital airport, Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) completed its first incoming and outgoing passenger flights Sunday morning.

According to Angola's Ministry of Transport flight schedules, the new airport, located 40 km southeast of downtown Luanda and built by a Chinese company, saw eight round-trip flights between Luanda and Cabinda, operated by Angola Airlines (TAAG), on its first day of passenger services.

"This is a celebratory, historic day for our civil aviation and our country. We are all very pleased. What stands out to me is the joy in the eyes of all the professionals and passengers already using our new airport," Angolan Minister of Transport Ricardo D'Abreu told the press.

Angola plans to expand flight routes from the new airport to eastern provinces by early December, he said.

By March 31 of next year, all domestic and international flights from Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro Airport will be transferred to the AIAAN, which has already been assigned the International Air Transport Association code, "NBJ."

The AIAAN was built by China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation and is designed to handle 15 million passengers and 130,000 tons of airmail per year. The airport aims to become a key aviation hub in southern Africa.

In an interview with Xinhua, D'Abreu said: "China represents a significant partner for Angola, allowing us to develop important infrastructure in our country, including Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport."

He added that starting early next year, the new airport will fall under the newly established Icolo e Bengo Province, and Angola will begin developing an "airport city" around the area to drive economic growth and create new business and investment opportunities in the airport region.

Nelson Oliveira, TAAG chief executive officer and one of the first passengers on the inaugural flights, said TAAG is pleased to consider the new airport its new "home."

"We will gradually move all our staff and equipment to operate exclusively at the new airport," he said.

Oliveira praised the new airport built by the Chinese firm, describing it as "modern and advanced."

"This will enable greater development and improved service. Here, we can serve our passengers much better, allowing us to attract more customers and thus offer a higher-quality service," he said. 
The 40-foot-long UniMovil  with two exam rooms, diagnostic equipment, and a lab  brings health care to rural communities in Texas Rio Grande Valley.(University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine)

Twice a month, a 40-foot-long truck transformed into a mobile clinic travels the Rio Grande Valley to provide rural Texans with womens health care, including birth control.

The clinic, called the UniMovil, is part of the Healthy Mujeres program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.

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The U.S. has about 3,000 mobile health programs. But Saul Rivas, an OB-GYN, said he wasnt aware of any that shared the specific mission of Healthy Mujeres when he helped launch the initiative in 2017. Mujeres means women in Spanish.

Its now part of a small but growing number of mobile programs aimed at increasing rural access to womens health services, including long-acting reversible contraception.

There are two kinds of these highly effective methods: intrauterine devices, known as IUDs, and hormonal implants inserted into the upper arm. These birth control options can be especially difficult to obtain  or have removed  in rural areas.

Women who want to prevent an unintended pregnancy should have whatever works best for them, said Kelly Conroy, senior director of mobile and maternal health programs at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

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The school is launching a mobile womens health and contraception program in rural parts of the state this month.

Rural areas have disproportionately fewer doctors, including OB-GYNs, than urban areas. And rural providers may not be able to afford to stock long-acting birth control devices or may not be trained in administering them, program leaders say.

Mobile clinics help shrink that gap in rural care, but they can be challenging to operate, said Elizabeth Jones, a senior director at the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association.

Money is the greatest obstacle, Jones said. The Texas program costs as much as $400,000 a year. A 2020 study of 173 mobile clinics found they cost an average of more than $630,000 a year. Mobile dental programs were the most expensive, averaging more than $1 million.

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While many programs launch with the help of grants, they can be difficult to sustain, especially with more than a decade of decreased or stagnant funding to Title X, a federal money stream that helps low-income people receive family planning services.

For example, a mobile contraception program serving rural Pennsylvania lasted less than three years before closing in 2023. It shut down after losing federal funding, said a spokesperson for the clinic that ran it.

Rural mobile programs arent as efficient or profitable as brick-and-mortar clinics. Thats because staff members may have to make hours-long trips to reach towns where theyll probably see fewer patients than they would at a traditional site, Jones said.

She said organizations that cant afford mobile programs can consider setting up pop-up clinics at existing health and community sites in rural areas.

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Maria Briones is a patient who has benefited from the Healthy Mujeres program in southern Texas. The 41-year-old day care worker was concerned because she wasnt getting her menstrual period with her IUD.

She considered going to Mexico to have the device removed because few doctors take her insurance on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande Valley.

But Briones learned that the UniMovil was visiting a small Texas city about 20 minutes from her home. She told the staff there that she doesnt want more kids but was worried about the IUD.

Briones decided to keep the device after learning its safe and normal not to have periods while using an IUD. She wont get billed for her appointment with the mobile clinic, even though the university health system doesnt take her insurance.

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They have a lot of patience, and they answered all the questions that I had, Briones said.

IUDs and hormonal implants are highly effective and can last up to 10 years. But theyre also expensive  devices can cost more than $1,000 without insurance  and inserting an IUD can be painful.

Patient-rights advocates are also concerned that some providers pressure people to use these devices.

They say ethical birth control programs aim to empower patients to choose the contraceptive method  if any  that is best for them, instead of promoting long-acting methods in an attempt to lower birth and poverty rates. They point to the history of eugenics-inspired sterilization and even more recent incidents.

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For example, an investigation by Time magazine found doctors are more likely to push Black, Latina, young, and low-income women than other patients to use long-acting birth control  and to refuse to remove the devices.

Rivas said Healthy Mujeres staffers are trained on this issue.

Our goal isnt necessarily to place IUDs and implants, he said. Its to provide education and help patients make the best decisions for themselves.

David Wise, a spokesperson for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, said staff members with the universitys mobile program will ask patients if they want to get pregnant in the next year, and will support their choice. The Arkansas and Texas programs also remove IUDs and hormonal arm implants if patients arent happy with them.

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The Arkansas initiative will visit 14 rural counties with four vehicles the size of food trucks that were used in previous mobile health efforts. Staffing and equipment will be covered by a two-year, $431,000 grant from an anonymous donor, Wise said.

In addition to contraception, faculty and medical residents staffing the vehicles will offer womens health screenings, vaccinations, prenatal care, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

Rivas said the Texas program was inspired by a study that found that, six months after giving birth, 34% of surveyed Texas mothers said long-acting contraception is their preferred birth control option  but only 13% were using that method.

We started thinking about ways to address that gap, Rivas said.

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Healthy Mujeres, which is funded through multiple grants, started with a focus on contraception. It later expanded to services such as pregnancy ultrasounds, cervical cancer screenings, and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

While the Texas and Arkansas programs can bill insurance, they also have funding to help uninsured and underinsured patients afford their services. Both use community health workers  called promotoras in largely Spanish-speaking communities like the Rio Grande Valley  to connect patients with food, transportation, additional medical services, and other needs.

They partner with organizations that locals trust, such as food pantries and community colleges, which let the mobile units set up in their parking lots. And to further increase the availability of long-acting contraception in rural areas, the universities are training their students and local providers on how to insert, remove, and get reimbursed for the devices.

One difference between the programs is dictated by state laws. The Arkansas program can provide birth control to minors without a parent or guardians consent. But in Texas, most minors need consent before receiving health care, including contraception.

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Advocates say these initiatives might help lower the rates of unintended and teen pregnancies in both states, which are higher than the national average.

Rivas and Conroy said their programs havent received much pushback. But Rivas said some churches that had asked the UniMovil to visit their congregations changed their minds after learning the services included birth control.

Catherine Phillips, director of the Respect Life Office at Arkansas Catholic diocese, said the diocese supports efforts to achieve health care equity and shes personally interested in mobile programs that visit rural areas such as where she lives.

But Phillips said the Arkansas programs focus on birth control, especially long-acting methods, violates the teachings of the Catholic Church. Offering these services to minors without parental consent makes it more egregious, she said.

Jones said that, while these programs have hefty costs and other challenges, they also have benefits that cant be measured in numbers.

Building community trust and making an impact in the communities most impacted by health inequities  thats invaluable, she 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 KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Tents under Interstate 83 in Baltimore City for people experiencing homelessness. File photo by Elizabeth Shwe.

Mission Possible founder James Roberts has noticed it, an increase in residents in their 60s and 70s seeking emergency housing at his homeless shelter in Baltimore.

Its kind of been that way for a few years now, said Roberts, 78. We do what we can to help them and to get them taken care of.

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State housing officials say that what Roberts is seeing is part of a statewide trend.

From 2018 to 2024, there was a 77% increase in adults aged 65 and older facing homelessness, according to new data reported by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The numbers rose in that period from 677 to 1,199 people, a concerning trend according to Danielle Meister, assistant secretary of homeless solutions within the department.

On its own, 77% is a large increase, but it is above and beyond any increases were seeing for other populations, Meister said earlier this week. So, its telling us that theres a specific issue related to older adults that causing this disparity and this greater level of need.

Older homeless people still make up just a portion of the overall homeless population in the state. But the rise in the older homeless population comes as the states homeless population overall has gone down, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments annual point-in-time survey, from 8,390 sheltered and unsheltered individuals in 2015 to 5,865 individuals in 2023, the most-recent year for which the survey is available.

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While federal data is not yet available for 2024, Maryland officials gathered preliminary homelessness numbers from local Continuum of Care entities, which coordinate health and housing services to across different regions in the state.

This is the first year state officials have requested data for those aged 55 and older and 65 and older. Meister first presented the data to a handful of lawmakers on the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness in late October.

Weve had data for all other populations, Meister said, which includes information on homeless youth, LGBTQ+ people, and families, among other demographics. But this year, for the first time, we have this older adult homelessness data.

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It showed that much of the increase in homelessness occurred in post-pandemic years. From 2022 to 2024, there was a 49% increase in people aged 65 and older. Meister said that the situation is not at crisis-levels yet, but is something that housing officials and other agencies should be keeping a pulse on.

It is also indicative that the current system of housing and services isnt serving this population as well as it could be, and that we need to develop new ides and new ways of serving people, she said.

There are a couple of primary factors leading to more older people to experience homelessness, one of which the so-called silver tsunami  the simple fact that the number of older folks is rising both nationally and in the state.

The countrys getting older, Meister said. At a demographic level, the population of America is getting older, and especially in Maryland. By 2030, were expecting people over 60 to make up about 26% of the population. Right now thats between 20%-23%.

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Isabella Shycoff, who oversees the housing division within the Department of Aging, agreed.

The numbers that are being collected by the housing department, while they are alarming, they are also trending along the lines of our aging demographic in general, Shycoff said. That is, Marylanders are getting older, so the numbers of homelessness, the age groups that are represented in it are also getting older.

But the rising costs of living is also a factor, Shycoff said, which can be additionally challenging for people aged 65 and older because they can be on restricted incomes.

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Rents have gone up, and our demographic are often people on fixed incomes. So if the rent goes up, they have  few options available to them to afford that, Shycoff said.

Older individuals on a fixed income can also have a harder time bouncing back from financial difficulties.

We find that older people usually find themselves in a crisis for two main reasons  a medical crisis  or a financial crisis  and then those things turn into tipping points where they lose their housing, Shycoff said.

Meister said that older homeless people can qualify for many of the housing services and resources currently available to help their situation, but that people aged 65 and older may need additional resources.

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A lot of the assistance that we have is time limited. Its generally for households who, within a year or two, could pay fair market rent on their own  they have earning potential, Meister said. For people aged 65 and older, we dont want to necessarily assume the right solution for them is getting back to the workforce, because they are at that retirement age.

We already know that 29% of those adults have a disability, so they may be out of the workforce entirely and living off of disability income or Social Security income, retirement, Meister said. Those resources  remaining the same year over year, or with modest increases, its just not keeping up with the pace of housing costs and living costs.

So when we think about interventions  what they really need and are looking for is a long-term income subsidy or rental subsidy that can help them pay the rent and live independently and not have to come into the homeless system, Meister said. And those long-term programs like vouchers are just really limited resources.

She said that addressing the older population of homeless individuals is going to be a major focus for the department in the next year, and officials are discussing a few options to help older homeless people.

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Increasing housing subsidy opportunities for older people facing a financial crisis is one of the options on the table, to help before someone loses their housing, she said.

Meisters department is also considering co-housing programs that pair older adults with others to share housing costs.

In addition, she said that theyre hoping to increase the number of shelters that can meet the specialized needs of older people, specifically those who need additional help with daily activities such as personal care or for those who need medical respite care.

Those are some creative options that we would love to see expanded in our state, Meister said.
Celebrated Bangladeshi filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has been put in charge of his countrys Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

In August, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was appointed to lead Bangladeshs interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas flight from the country amid mass protests. As it is an interim government, Yunus serves as Chief Advisor, rather than as Prime Minister. Farooki, though effectively the Culture Minister, has the formal title of Cultural Advisor.

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Yunus expanded his cabinet on Sunday. Farooki was among those who were sworn in on Sunday evening. He is Bangladeshs best-known filmmaker internationally. His films have represented Bangladesh at the Oscars three times.

I was initially hesitating to say yes to this. However since Bangladesh is going through a rebuilding process, one part of my heart was saying Lets try and see if some changes can be made. I was also tempted by the possibility of working with Nobel laureate Professor Yunus who is heading our government right now. So finally I agreed, Farooki told Variety.

Another factor in Farooki accepting the role was the experience of South Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong, who served as the countrys Minister of Culture and Tourism from 2003-2004.

Also I took courage from another favorite filmmaker Lee Chang-dong who was a minister too, Farooki said. I thought Okay, if he could come back and continue his independent thinking, I can survive too maybe. However, to make it clear, in our government system, the Culture Minister can do very little in the film sector. However I will try and see if we still can leave an impact through our multi-disciplinary Shilpokola Academy which is under my ministry.

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The unrest in Bangladesh began in July and centered on demands to end a quota system reserving up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of 1971 independence war veterans. Protesters argued the system is discriminatory and instead seek a merit-based alternative. In response, the then government shut down the internet and deployed armed forces who opened fire on the protestors, killing scores.

The protests then evolved into a broader anti-government movement with demonstrators calling for an end to Hasinas 15-year rule., leading her to eventually flee the country.

Farooki had described the events to Variety as amazing and Monday as the second independence for Bangladeshi people. The country had gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. The most beautiful part of this movement is that people from all walks of life participated, led by Gen Z youth, Farooki said. English medium, Bangla medium, Arabic medium, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, all participated in the movement.

Its an unbelievable feeling, Farooki had added. People are enjoying. I hope we move towards a beautiful, democratic society where there is freedom of expression, fair justice for all and no corruption. And where there will be artistic freedom and people can make whatever films they want without barriers and not have to worry from the script stage, Can I show this?

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Farooki now has the opportunity to make a difference in the sector.

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Six years ago this week, one of the most destructive fires in Southern California history exploded near the Santa Susana Pass.

Over the next three days, the Woolsey fire would forge a devastating path through southeast Ventura County and into the hills of Malibu, burning practically until it met the ocean, stopping next to Pacific Coast Highway. About 1,500 structures were destroyed, almost 100,000 acres were burned and three people were killed.

So when the Mountain fire ignited last week not far from the 2018 footprint of the Woolsey fire  and amid similarly dangerous winds that contribute to extreme fire spread  there was concern that it could balloon to a disaster of similar scale.

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And though it ultimately has not, it still has burned more than 20,000 acres, destroyed more than 200 structures, mostly homes, and damaged at least 90 others  becoming the most destructive fire to hit any Southern California community since Woolsey.

Read more: In a few terrifying hours, the Mountain fire exploded into SoCal's most destructive in years

But officials are praising the dire fire weather warnings that prepared residents and pre-positioned resources, the quick decision to order evacuations and assist residents in that, and the dangerous firefighting done against wind-driven flames. Although many homes were lost, everyone made it out alive, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. A few minor injuries were reported.

"This fire could have been an absolute disaster for our community," Gardner said. "We suffered loss, but again, we had no fatalities... I know we suffered great damage, but thousands of homes were saved.

A path of destruction

The Mountain fire ignited amid dangerous red flag conditions that officials warned had the potential to create extremely fast-moving fires. Firefighters first responded about 9 a.m. Nov. 6 to a large brush fire on South Mountain in the Santa Susana Mountains. With intense offshore winds  reaching hurricane-force speeds at the higher elevations  and extremely dry brush, the blaze spread quickly and, by the afternoon, had ripped through hillside neighborhoods near Camarillo.

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Once evacuations were ordered, firefighters and other first responders went around to many neighborhoods alerting residents and helping them leave the area.

This fire moved faster than anything we have seen in years," Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff told residents at a community meeting Sunday night.

Since 1986, this area has seen six other major wildfires, with footprints greater than 1,000 acres. Most recently, the 2023 South and 2019 Maria fires burned thousands of acres in the western section of the Mountain fire's perimeter. In 2003, the 108,000-acre Simi fire burned in eastern Ventura County, reaching a terminus around South Mountain  where the Mountain fire started.

In November 2019, the Maria fire burned along the Santa Clara River, similarly driven by Santa Ana winds. However, it mostly threatened Santa Paula and didnt reach more urban enclaves.

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This portion of Southern California is particularly susceptible to major fires because of how intense Santa Ana winds funnel through the region, typically hitting in the fall and winter when the landscape is often at its driest.

Ariel Cohen, the lead meteorologist at the National Weather Services Oxnard office, called the area a "favorable corridor" for the dry, offshore wind patterns, which have fueled many of these recent fires.

Typically, fires make an area less prone to another fire soon afterward, since they burn up much of the most flammable fuels, which can take many years to grow back. But when fires burn too large and too frequently, the larger, more resilient foliage struggles to regrow, allowing for quick-growing, invasive grasses to take hold  which easily dry out and turn into kindling.

Read more: Firefighters continue to make progress in battle against Mountain fire in Ventura County

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That cycle was evident this fall, which saw extreme drying after a hot late summer that followed two wet years that facilitated growth.

This was definitely an area with very high vulnerability, Cohen said. Consecutive 12-month periods with up to twice the normal amount of precipitation produced a lot of smaller fuels in the form of underbrush and grasses, he said, and that ends up being the foundation for fires to very efficiently spread.

Growth of Woolsey fire in 2018 (L.A. Times)

Could it have been worse?

The Mountain fire could have been a second coming of the 2018 Woolsey fire  or even the 2017 Thomas fire  but luckily it didnt pan out that way, said Mark Lorenzen, the Ventura County Fire Department chief from 2012 to 2022.

The Thomas fire, which destroyed over 1,000 structures and burned more than 281,000 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, also grew under similar circumstances as the Mountain and Woolsey fires: with low humidity, Santa Ana winds and lots of dry brush in a mixed wildland and urban environment.

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All the conditions were perfect for a fire of this magnitude, the retired fire chief said. If the windy conditions had persisted longer, Lorenzen thinks this year's blaze could have rivaled those larger fires.

By Monday, the fire was 36% contained as firefighters continued mopping up hot spots before winds could again pick up this week, authorities said. But the conditions were not expected to be as extreme as last week, when the Santa Ana winds were at their worst since 2020 and much of fire damage occurred in just a few hours.

That morning and afternoon, 60- to 80-mph gusts slammed the foothills around Moorpark and Camarillo. The winds were so fierce that retardant-dropping aircrafts were grounded, at least temporarily. At the same time, the demand for water from firefighters was so great that some crews lost water pressure, forcing water to be shuttled up to certain areas. Some firefighters on the ground said this created a challenge, but officials said it didn't hinder operations.

In the weeks and months after the Woolsey fire, there was much debate about whether anything could have been done to minimize the extent of the devastation. A Times investigation found that first responders on the front lines of the Woolsey fire struggled during those first crucial hours, stymied by communication breakdowns and a scarcity of air tanker support, equipment and firefighters.

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But it's still too early to say whether anything should have been handled differently in the Mountain fire, though officials have initially applauded the multiagency response. Fryhoff did acknowledge that the time of the fire's ignition  in the morning, in complete daylight  aided in evacuation, communication and firefighting.

This had the opportunity to be so exponentially worse  in that regard we are very fortunate," Fryhoff said. We did not lose any lives that we know of at this point, which is unbelievable when you have this amount of devastation.

Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police said two brothers are in the hospital after one of them was bit and the other was shot during a robbery in Northwest D.C.

According to a police report from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), on Nov. 10, around 9:10 p.m., officers were called to the 3100 block of 16th St. for a shooting.

There, officers canvassed the area and discovered a shell casing, live round and a pocket knife at the scene. Police later learned that two men who were involved in the incident were taken to the hospital.

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Family of 6 displaced after escaping house fire in Montgomery County

Officers said the victims were in the 1600 block of Lamont St. to pick up one of their daughters from daycare when two people on rideshare bikes approached them and asked for money.

When the brothers refused, the suspects started to assault them and snatched one of their backpacks, according to police.

Police said as the assault continued, one of the suspects took a gun and attempted to fire it, but it jammed. During this time, the other suspect reportedly bit one of the brothers on the arm.

The brothers began running toward Mt. Pleasant Library when one of the suspects reloaded the jammed gun and fired it, hitting one of them. The suspects then fled the scene in opposite directions.

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Police said an Uber driver was passing the area and saw the two brothers lying on the ground and took them to the hospital.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text MPDs Tip Line at 50411. Texts and calls can remain anonymous.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(NewsNation)  Finding the vaccine to prevent the spread of mpox is not difficult. But paying for it could be very difficult in the U.S., especially for those at the highest risk of contracting what used to be known as monkeypox.

Private insurance companies in the U.S. arent required to cover the cost of the mpox vaccine Jynneos, which costs $270 a dose. The firms will be required to cover the vaccine starting on Jan. 1.

This is a massive bump in the road, and especially because its happening in the middle of deep concern about another outbreak, Dr. Stacey Trooskin told The New York Times. Trooskin is the executive medical officer of the Mazzoni Center, a large sexual health clinic in Philadelphia.

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Standing desks arent making you healthier: Study

Along with the high cost, privacy may also be a factor in some reluctance to seek out the vaccine. Health professionals say that gay and bisexual men, those living with HIV and sex workers should seek out the vaccine.

However young gay men may not have health insurance, and others may be reluctant to get the Jynneos vaccine because they are not out to their families.

Last month, the city of El Paso, Texas confirmed two cases of mpox. The latest iteration of the virus is responsible for thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths in central Africa. Cases have also been confirmed outside of Africa, including Sweden and the U.K.

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Ozempic can lead to muscle mass loss: Study

Earlier this year, the White House announced that it would donate one million doses of the mpox vaccine to the Central African countries at the center of the deadly outbreak.

There may be some alternatives, however. Some local health departments, such as Chicago, Los Angeles County and the state of Virginia, are offering the mpox vaccine for free.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Troopers say theyre looking for a missing Delton man whose family is worried about him.

Michael Hodge, 76, was last seen Friday, according to the Michigan State Police.

His family is concerned about his well-being, troopers wrote in a social media post.

According to MSP, Hodge often wears a black fleece jacket.

If you know anything, youre asked to contact Barry County Central Dispatch at 269.948.4800 or the MSP Wayland Post at 269.792.2213.

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JERUSALEM, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday that diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon have progressed, though Hezbollah maintains no deal proposal was conveyed to the group.

"I think there is some progress," Saar said in a press briefing, adding that Israel is "working with the Americans on the issue."

He stated that Israel would agree to a ceasefire only if assured that "Hezbollah is not on our border" and pulls its forces north of the Litani River. Israel also demands that "Hezbollah will not rearm with new weapons systems," Saar said.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, said that no official ceasefire proposal has been conveyed to the group.

"If you hear about negotiations or political movements, the real reason is the battlefield and the resilience of the resistance," Hezbollah's Media Relations Officer Mohammad Afif said in a news conference in Beirut's southern suburb.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale ground offensive in Lebanon -- primarily targeting southern Lebanon, Beirut's southern suburb, and the Bekaa Valley -- since late September, saying its goal is to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities. 
By Sabine Siebold

BERLIN (Reuters) - Old Soviet tanks have been borrowed from museums to help train Ukrainian troops on what a commander of the EU training mission for Kyiv says are booby-trap tactics used by Russian soldiers on the battlefield.

Instructors from 17 nations have trained some 18,000 Ukrainian troops in Germany to operate high-spec tanks or precision air defence systems and passed on their skills to snipers, engineers, paramedics and for drone warfare.

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But with the Russian and Ukrainian armies blasting thousands of shells at each other every day in grinding combat that echoes the trench warfare of World War One, Ukraine has also sought training in circumstances more representative of the battlefield reality as well as on some older equipment.

So the German military has dug trench systems according to Russian standards and borrowed museum piece Soviet tanks to enhance the on-the-ground experience at some of its training sites.

"These (museum) systems are in use on the Russian side, and they sometimes plant booby traps in abandoned gear," Lieutenant-General Andreas Marlow, head of the EU's Special Training Command near Berlin, told Reuters.

"Providing such vehicles in the training makes it easier to demonstrate where to be cautious to make sure that you don't trigger an explosion if you find them on the battlefield and open the door."

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The training command declined to say where the tanks were borrowed from, or how many were in use.

The command is part of a European Union military mission set up in 2022 to train Ukrainian troops to combat Russia's invasion.

On Friday, the mission was extended by another two years as Ukrainian troops face Russian forces advancing at the fastest pace since the early days of the war.

Part of the training in Germany now also involves studying Russian trench systems, which Marlow said were typically built to a fixed scheme.

"It is about the shape of the trenches, where to expect shelters and weapons positions," he said.

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Instructors are not only looking into the past for inspiration.

Modern simulators have been brought in to train Ukrainian units in combat shooting as well as high-tech dummies that present combat medics with more complex cases.

At the same time, drones are playing a much bigger role in training now, teaching surveillance techniques as well and raising awareness of the constant danger posed by enemy drones hovering in the sky, Marlow said.

Moscow and Kyiv have both sought to buy and develop new drones, deploy them in innovative ways, and find new ways to destroy them.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Alison Williams)
A curious case of the UK's oldest satellite, named Skynet-1A, has come into the spotlight.

Launched in 1969, it was once a vital part of Britain's telecommunications network. But its story is shrouded in mystery.

As years passed, its mission ended, and it was expected to drift into a harmless orbit. However, something unexpected happened. It was moved, a deliberate act that has puzzled experts for decades.

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Why would someone move a defunct satellite? And who was responsible? The questions remain unanswered.

How it ended above the Americas

In 1969, this cylindrical-shaped satellite was placed over eastern Africa in geostationary orbit to support British military communications.

After it stopped working, the relentless pull of gravity should have dragged the satellite eastward toward the Indian Ocean region.

In a bizarre twist of fate, the satellite reportedly is now orbiting above the Americas at a position of 22,369 miles (36,000km).

The satellite's current location suggests it wasn't a passive drift. As per BBC, it was likely intentionally commanded the satellite to use its thrusters in the mid-1970s to propel westwards. The mystery lies in who ordered this and why.

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But why does it matter after so many years?

"It's still relevant because whoever did move Skynet-1A did us few favours," Dr Stuart Eves, a space consultant, told BBC.

"It's now in what we call a 'gravity well' at 105 degrees West longitude, wandering backwards and forwards like a marble at the bottom of a bowl. And unfortunately this brings it close to other satellite traffic on a regular basis, he explained.

Its unexpected presence in this orbit raises concerns about space debris.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BCeanUiKwM

Satellite's final days remain a mystery

Despite extensive research, Dr. Eves couldn't find any information about the satellite's final days.

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Skynet-1A has US roots. It was built by the now-closed Philco Ford aerospace company in the US and launched by the US Air Force Delta rocket.

Back then, Skynet-1 was a game-changer for UK communications, enabling secure military links to distant locations, like Singapore.

Initially, the US controlled Skynet-1A, testing British software before transferring control to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

"In essence, there was dual control, but when or why Skynet-1A might have been handed back to the Americans, which seems likely - I'm afraid I can't remember," Mr Graham Davison, associated with Skynet-1A in the early 70s, told BBC.

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Some of the official documentations suggest that operational control of Skynet-1A was transferred to US authorities in June 1977.

Skynet-1A should have been moved to an orbital graveyard, a region where old satellites pose no risk of collision. However, it was left in an orbit that risks colliding with active satellites, highlighting the growing issue of space debris.

The UK Ministry of Defence closely monitors Skynet-1A, and other satellite operators are alerted to potential close encounters. However, the government may eventually need to consider actively removing the satellite to a safer orbit to mitigate the risk of collisions.
A 49-year-old man who laundered millions of dollars in narcotics-related funds from the U.S. to international drug trafficking organizations and who attempted to steal nearly $200,000 from the Drug Enforcement Administration has been sentenced to more than 7 years in prison, federal officials announced last week.

In a news release, officials at the U.S. Department of Justice say Daniel Shaun Zilke, also known as The Englishman, oversaw the large money-laundering conspiracy on behalf of drug traffickers for several years.

An investigation into Zilke began in late 2015 when he was contacted by an undercover DEA agent.

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During the course of that relationship, the 43-year-old told the federal agent that he had a European client who needed hundreds of millions of dollars moved to Mexico and that he could utilize the bank account of a charity in Dallas, Texas to help launder the funds.

Schoolteacher in Southern California charged with molesting student, 13, in car

The undercover agent agreed to assist Zilke by allowing him to use bank accounts associated with cash-intensive businesses, the release details. Subsequently, Zilke and his associates arranged numerous pickups of large sums of cash from drug traffickers in cities all over the country.

At The Englishmans direction, funds were deposited into various accounts, including one in the name of a purported charity called Peace Through Water Foundation and another controlled by a man in Pico Rivera.

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Prosecutors said that Zilke and his co-conspirators were paid a percentage of the amounts moved through their respective accounts.

In 2019, the 43-year-old became a cooperating individual for the DEA, offering to expose the money laundering organization and took $200,000 of government money to be delivered to 63-year-old Dallas resident Jeffrey Mark Thompson.

The intent was for Thompson to launder the money through his bank accounts and return the money to DEA undercover accounts, the release stated. However, approximately two weeks after the cash delivery, Zilke returned to Thompsons residence and took back $150,000 without telling the DEA agents.

Officials said he repeatedly lied and made excuses for why it was taking so long to receive the wire transfer for the entire $200,000.

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Zilke, who has been in custody since May 2023, pleaded guilty in December of that year to conspiracy to aid and abet drug distribution, conspiracy to launder money and obstruction of an official government proceeding for stealing and attempting to cover up the theft of $150,000 in undercover DEA funds.

Man, woman allegedly steal $2.1M in jobless benefits in Southern California

The 43-year-old, who was most recently a resident of Mexico City, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, fined $50,000 and ordered to $150,000 in restitution to the DEA.

Two other convictions in this case include Gustavo Adolfo Aldana-Martinez, 58, of Pico Rivera, who is serving four years after a jury convicted him in Dec. 2023 for money laundering and conspiracy to conceal drug proceeds.

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Thompson was another conviction. He pled guilty in Nov. 2023 to conspiracy to aid and abet drug distribution, money laundering conspiracy and concealment money laundering of drug trafficking proceeds. The 63-year-old is awaiting sentencing and faces up to life in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
After an early Sunday morning crash on the Everett Turnpike, a Nashua woman had to be flown to the hospital.

State Troopers responded to the turnpike at approximately 5:01 a.m. when they found a blue Toyota Matrix that had struck a bridge abutment. The driver was trapped in the vehicle.

New Hampshire State Police, assisted by members of the Nashua Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Transportation were able to free the driver. The driver was airlifted to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

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The crash remains under investigation, any anyone with information can contact Trooper Abigail Wells at 603-230-3192 or Abigail.A.Wells@dos.nh.gov.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Riders queue up in WeGo Central. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Nashvilles decisive transit plan victory Tuesday is part of a national wave of successful transit ballot measures this year, positioning transit as an issue capable of unifying voters across the political spectrum.

Nashville voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase to help fund a $3.1 billion, 15-year plan to improve sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic signals and bus service in Davidson County. The plan saw 65.5% support, a complete reversal from a 2018 transit plan attempt that failed 64% to 36%.

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Voters across the nation supported 19 out of 26 pro-transit ballot measures, approving more than $25 billion in public transportation spending, according to an election results analysis by the American Public Transportation Association. The nonprofit monitors and supports transit ballot measures.

Pro-transit measures passed in Arizona, California, Colorado, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Michigan, Virginia and Washington, joining 20 additional 2024 transit initiatives approved prior to the Nov. 5 election. Overall, transit notched 46 wins out of 53 ballot measures, an 87% success rate.

No matter if you live in a red state, a blue state, a purple state or anywhere in between, if youre rural, if youre urban, people support transit  regardless of the political makeup, APTA Center for Transportation Excellence Executive Director Jessica Grennan said during a post-election webinar Thursday.

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Grennan has been working to support ballot measures since 2018, and said part of public transits success over the past decade has come from prioritizing long-term planning.

These measures were not just presented as temporary fixes, but part of the broader vision for building more livable and sustainable communities, she said.

2024 transit votes across the U.S.

In Arizona, 60% of Maricopa County voters greenlit the extension of a half-cent sales tax to continue funding the maintenance and operation of public transportation and light rail. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the measure did not have an organized opposition this time around, something she says comes from hard work to address past concerns and issues.

Mass transit efforts have had a complicated history in Maricopa County. Voters approved a regional sales tax bump to fund freeway construction in 1985, but an early effort to similarly fund mass transit was shot down. Phoenix and Tempe began funding their own transit projects with citywide taxes, and in 2004, voters approved the continuation of the regional transportation tax, this time allowing funds to be used for transit initiatives. Getting the proposed extension of that sales tax for another 20 years on this years ballot was a feat of its own that required approval from Arizonas state legislature and the cooperation of 32 mayors, county supervisors and tribal chairs.

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Roughly 78% of Miami-Dade County voters agreed in August that the county needs to expand its existing mass transit system, which includes passenger rail. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins said putting the question on the ballot was a way to gauge voter support for future transit plans prior to asking for funding, which will come in a proposed bond referendum in 2026.

Other wins championed by APTA include funding for bus rapid transit lines in Columbus, Ohio, the retention of funding for Washington public transportation grant programs, and increased operations funding for San Franciscos Muni system.

Not all measures were successful. Transit ballot measures failed in Charleston County, Anderson County and Beaufort County in South Carolina. Voters in Georgia rejected transit referendums in Gwinnett and Cobb County. Ballot measures also failed in San Diego and South Lake Tahoe, California.

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Nov. 11 (UPI) -- A handful of demonstrators carrying Nazi flags protested outside of a play presentation of The Diary of Anne Frank at an American Legion Hall in Howell, Mich., on Saturday post officials and sheriff's deputies said.

The play, which tells the true story of a young Jewish girl during Nazi occupation in Europe before her murder in a concetration camp, was sold out where it was put on at the American Legion Devereaux Post 141. Post Commander Bobby Brite said about 10 people took part in the protest, all wearing masks while carrying the flags.

"They are some of the most cowardly people I've ever met," Brite, an Army veteran, told the Detroit News, calling the demonstration "absolutely disgusting."

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The protesters never made it inside the hall. Instead, they stood in the parking lot until the Livingston County Sheriff's Office showed up. Once they were asked to leave, they started their protest again across the street from the hall.

The demonstrators at one point started chanting, "Anne Frank was a whore." In 1945, she died at 15 at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

The demonstration comes as anti-Semitic incidents throughout the country have been on the increase since the Israel-Gaza war. There was no indication media report, however, that Saturday's protest was connected to the war.

Howell has a reputation of once being known as the Michigan capital of the Ku Klux Klan.
Michele Morrow, the MAGA candidate who last week lost the race for North Carolina superintendent of public instruction, is now hoping to land an education post in the new Trump administration.

Morrow is among dozens of people who have been nominated on a new website created by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to crowdsource names of people to fill positions in the new Trump administration. On Monday, Morrow posted the link on her social media pages to urge supporters to vote for her for a role in the U.S. Department of Education.

Lets help get Michele to Washington where she can fight to save our children in North Carolina and beyond! Morrows campaign said Monday on a post on X, formerly called Twitter.

Michele Morrow Nominated for Trump Education Administration



To all supporters of Michele Morrow,



Perhaps more importantly, to all supporters of education reform in America.



Michele has only just begun to fight! And we have only just begun our fight with her.



We now have  MicheleMorrow (@MicheleMorrowNC) November 11, 2024

Kennedy, who ran for president as a third-party candidate but later threw his support behind Trump, created his Nominees for the People site to solicit names for screening in all departments of the executive branch, Stat News reported. Theres no indication that Trump is consulting the list before making his nominations.

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Morrow, a Republican, narrowly lost the election to lead North Carolinas public schools to Democrat Mo Green. Green won 51.1% of the vote while Morrow received 48.9%, according to unofficial results.

The race drew national attention due to Morrows past social media posts that talked about killing Democrats such as former President Barack Obama.

Trumps agenda calls for closing the U.S. Department of Education. Morrow is a homeschool parent, nurse and conservative activist.

Huge congratulations and thank yous to President Donald J. Trump, Vice-President Elect JD Vance, Elon Musk, Robert Kennedy Jr and so many more, Morrow said on X. To fix education in America and Save Our Children, they need our help. And having Michele Morrow fighting in Trumps Education Administration is a great place to start.

Marched on Capitol on Jan. 6

Morrow is a staunch supporter of Trump. She marched in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, with her children but says she did not join the people who stormed the Capitol.

Michele Morrow

We are here to stop the steal, Morrow said during a video that she posted online while attending the protest. We are here to ensure that President Trump gets four more years.

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Later that night, Morrow posted another video on social media urging Trump to use the military to stay in power.

Reaction of Morrow opponents

News that Morrow was seeking a position in the Trump administration drew derision from her critics but also support from those who voted for in North Carolina.

In Trump world, you can only fail upward, Dustin Ingalls, director of political programs for the environmental group EDF Action, posted Monday on X. When you lose races for county school board and state superintendent, naturally youd be a rock star pick to tear down a federal department.

Justin Parmenter, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg teacher, noted on Morrows nomination form that she attributed the loss of the superintendents race due to the very poor performance of the GOP candidate for Governor (Mark Robinson).

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Hey @MicheleMorrowNC  excellent news, your complete lack of education credentials is a huge plus for Trump, Parmenter said Monday on X. Couldnt help but notice in your self nomination comments you really kicked Mark Robinson to the curb though. I thought you loved Minisoldr  what gives?

Meanwhile, some on social media urged Trump to select Morrow for a role in the Department of Education due to her support for school choice.
Nearly 50 migrant deaths at border in first 40 days of FY2025

EAGLE PASS, Texas (NewsNation)  Nearly 50 migrants have died attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border since Oct. 1, as Texas officials ramp up security measures ahead of Januarys presidential transition.

Its horrible, its inhumane, said Border Patrol Union President Paul Perez. Allowing people to come and die in their trek? Thats not humane. Its completely inhumane, scary and it should stop.

The deaths come as cartels tighten their grip on border crossings, implementing a sophisticated wristband system to track payments and routes.

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El Paso Sector sees people trying to cross border before Trump win

Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Chris Olivarez reports that cartels are charging up to $15,000 for VIP crossing packages, while those unable to pay face greater risks.

Border Patrol agents are struggling to manage the rising death toll while patrolling the vast Texas borderland. Officials describe the crisis as a constant, evolving challenge as migrants continue to attempt dangerous crossings through cartel-controlled routes.

Under Operation Lone Star, the Texas National Guard has intensified preparation efforts, conducting response drills in anticipation of a potential surge in border crossings before the presidential inauguration.

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Recent arrests by Texas DPS in Mission and Sullivan City revealed groups of migrants wearing colored wristbands, which authorities say indicate payments made to cartels.

At three of the busiest sectors along the U.S.-Mexico border, many migrants are trying to get through before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated in January, as hes promised mass deportations.

At the El Paso Sector, which spans 268 miles, Border Patrol reported having 10,820 encounters with migrants.

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.

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Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak attends the opening ceremony of a Cambodia-China Sister Cities Conference in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Nov. 11, 2024. A Cambodia-China Sister Cities Conference was held here in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province on Monday, aiming at deepening friendship and practical cooperation between the two countries.(Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua)

SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodia-China Sister Cities Conference was held here in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province on Monday, aiming at deepening friendship and practical cooperation between the two countries.

Themed "Cambodia and China jointly write a new chapter of a community with a shared future," the conference brought together more than 200 delegates from sister cities and provinces between Cambodia and China.

The event was attended by Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, Ek Sam Ol, president of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association, and Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, as well as Siem Reap Provincial Governor Prak Sophoan.

Huot Hak said the event was one of the joint activities to celebrate the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024.

"This conference will inject fresh impetus into building a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era," he said. "Also, it will contribute to deepening bilateral cooperation in the frameworks of the comprehensive strategic partnership and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)."

Meanwhile, the minister said China is one of the key sources of international tourists to Cambodia and that the kingdom recorded 607,542 Chinese visitors during the January-September period of 2024, accounting for 12.6 percent of the total 4.8 million international tourist arrivals.

Ek Sam Ol said the conference not only deepened the bond of friendship among sister cities and provinces between Cambodia and China, but also contributed to promoting culture, tradition and tourism potential of both countries.

Cambodia and China are "unbreakable" ironclad friends, he said, adding that China's assistance is crucial to Cambodia's development.

Yang Wanming said the conference was a vital platform for promoting mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the local governments of China and Cambodia, and an important window for deepening exchanges and cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win results.

He added that people-to-people exchange has played a crucial role in helping build a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

Prak Sophoan said the conference not only promoted Cambodia-China pragmatic cooperation, but also deepened friendship among delegates from all sister cities and provinces. 
(File/Getty Images)

LINCOLN  A panel of state lawmakers passed over one idea for reducing property taxes but expressed dismay Friday that a state agency isnt generating more investment income for Nebraska schoolchildren.

The idea of selling some of the 1.25 million acres of land owned and rented by the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds and using the proceeds to lower property taxes emerged during debate this year on reducing the states traditionally high taxes on land.

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An interim study hearing, called by State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, called for exploring the viability of doing that.

But testimony and discussion Friday before the Legislatures Education Committee veered from that idea and instead focused on why the independent agency wasnt generating more investment income from its more than $1 billion in financial assets.

Relic from settlement days

Nebraskas Board of Educational Lands and Funds is a relic from settlement days.

At that time, two square-mile sections of land per township were set aside in trust for schools.

Originally, that added up to 2.8 million acres of land across Nebraska. But around 1900, about half of the land was sold, mostly in eastern Nebraska.

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From time to time, state lawmakers have looked at the agency, without much success, to help with issues such as property tax relief and revenue shortfalls because o its vast holdings of land and money.

Rents land to farmers

Some background: The board currently provides about $60 million a year to the states pre-K-12 schools  or about $161 per student  from money it earns by renting its land to farmers and ranchers and from cash investment income.

But state senators on the Education Committee raised questions after the agencys CEO/executive secretary, Kelly Sudbeck, told them it was getting a return of about 2.86% on its cash investments, made by a state investment council.

This seems like not a very good return on our investment, said Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who noted that recent investments in stock did much better than 2.86%.

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If someone gave me a million dollars, Id do the best I could to make the most from it, said Linehan, who chairs the Legislatures Revenue Committee, which guides tax policy.

Sudbeck, however, said that as a trust, the agency is bound by rules that require conservative investments that dont risk losses.

We have a fiduciary duty to do what is in the best interest of the school land trust, he said, noting that the return on its property has been 3.63%, higher than its return on its cash investments.

North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, who is a banker, told the committee it appears that the Board of Educational Lands and Funds is locked into fixed income investments that dont yield the kind of income that the stock market has in recent years.

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But, Jacobson added, state lawmakers might look at whether the agency could be allowed to make investments with higher yield.

Is that something statutory that we can change? Thats worth looking at, Jacobson said.

Representatives of four school groups testified against a fire sale of the agencys lands, arguing that the money it sends to local schools is a reliable and stable source of funding that shouldnt be traded for a short-term benefit. The agencys funds, they noted, already help reduce property taxes.

Land generates more revenue

Sudbeck said the agency has an ongoing plan to sell off a few of its poorest performing properties. Currently, 158,000 acres of its land is for sale, he said, and between 1,000 and 2,000 acres have been sold in each of the last three years.

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Sudbeck added that the board has consistently decided that land is generating higher revenues than its cash investments so selling it off wholesale doesnt make sense.

In addition, he said, many of its renters cant afford to purchase their rental tract, and renting allows smaller and younger farmers a more affordable way to obtain land for their farming and ranching operations.

Interim hearings, such as the one conducted Friday by the Education Committee, are designed to explore legislative topics. Often, such studies will result in drafting legislation, but it appeared after the hearing Friday that no proposal would be introduced to sell off large tracts of land to benefit property tax relief.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved pager attacks that dealt a deadly blow to the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in September, Omer Dostri, spokesperson for his office, said on Monday.

The Israeli military, which has been engaged in cross-border fighting with Hezbollah since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, at first declined to respond to questions about the detonations.

On Sept. 17, thousands of pagers simultaneously exploded in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds, in most cases after the devices beeped, indicating an incoming message.

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A Hezbollah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the incident was the "biggest security breach" for the group in nearly a year of conflict with Israel.

Among the victims rushed to hospital, many had eye injuries, missing fingers or gaping holes in their abdomens, Reuters witnesses saw, indicating their proximity to the devices at the time of detonation.

In total, the pager attack, and a second on the following day that activated weaponised walkie-talkies, killed 39 people and wounded more than 3,400.

Israeli media reported that Netanyahu claimed responsibility for the attack during a cabinet meeting, telling ministers that senior defence officials and political figures were opposed to the detonation of the pagers but that he went ahead with the operation.

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Hezbollah fighters have been using pagers as a low-tech means of communication in an attempt to evade Israeli location-tracking, two sources familiar with the group's operations told Reuters this year. A pager is a wireless telecommunications device that receives and displays messages.

Israel followed up the pager detonations with the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike and launching incursions in south Lebanon.

(Reporting by Jonathan Saul, Writing by Michael Georgy, Editing by William Maclean)
Four people were rescued over the weekend by the crew aboard a new luxury cruise liner.

The newly built Disney Treasure cruise ship was en route to Port Canaveral when it received word of a distress call in the Atlantic.

Photos: Newly built Disney cruise ship rescues 4 people from sinking boat en route to Florida

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A catamaran sent out an SOS after it started taking on water 230 miles off the coast of Bermuda.

Watch: Disney Cruise Lines newest cruise ship heads to Port Canaveral

The Disney Treasure was 80 miles away, but the captain decided to change course and encountered the distressed vessel.

The captain launched one of their lifeboats and rescued all four people on the catamaran.

Read: See where Disney Cruise Line will sail out of Port Canaveral in 2025

The Disney Treasure is a brand-new ship and the latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

The Disney Treasure is set to arrive in Port Canaveral on Tuesday.

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Read: Disney announces Villains Land, Monsters Inc. Land, Encanto and more

Channel 9 will have live coverage of the Disney Treasures arrival during Eyewitness News This Morning.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Gov. Gavin Newsom on Veterans Day pardoned five former members of the military and is seeking one posthumous clemency grant for another for convictions that include robbery, drug dealing and grand theft.

Newsom's office said "a pardon grant recognizes the grantees self-development and accountability after conviction," but does not erase a conviction or seek to minimize the harm caused by the recipient.

The governor's office offered a brief description of each person who received a pardon on Monday. All five of the recipients are veterans who were honorably discharged from service:



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Don Archibald, who served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, was sentenced to five years to life in prison for first-degree robbery on May 24, 1966, in Los Angeles County Superior Court.



Marcus Page, who served in the U.S. Marines, was sentenced to three years of probation and 240 days in jail for the transport or sale of a controlled substance in San Diego County Superior Court on April 7, 1994.

Robert Teagle, who served in the U.S. Army as an Army Ranger, was sentenced to three years of probation and 69 days in jail for the transport or sale of a controlled substance on Sept. 4, 1981, in San Bernardino County Superior Court. Teagle was wounded in action, received a Purple Heart and the Silver Star during his time in service.



Alex Zonn, who served in the U.S. Air Force, was sentenced to three years of probation and 60 days in jail for possessing marijuana for sale on Feb. 16, 1970, in Ventura County Superior Court.



Brian Tinney, who served in the U.S. Navy, was sentenced to five years of probation and 90 days in jail for grand theft of property on Jan. 25, 1994, in San Diego County Superior Court. On July 11, 1996, Tinney was sentenced to a concurrent term of two years in prison for the crime of felon or addict in possession of a firearm. State law does not allow Newsom to pardon or commute the sentences of someone with more than one felony conviction without the high courts approval. The California Supreme Court reviewed his case and recommended him for a pardon.

Newsom is also seeking a posthumous pardon for Sgt. Richard Allen Penry, an Army veteran who received the Medal of Honor. A pardon for Penry, who was convicted of drug-related crimes, requires the approval of the California Supreme Court.

Anyone convicted of a crime in California can apply for a pardon or commutation from the governor, who has granted 186 pardons during his time in office.

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A pardon restores some rights to former felons, such as the ability to serve on a jury or to seek a professional license. In limited cases, pardons can restore gun rights to those convicted of crimes that did not involve a dangerous weapon or relieve a sex offender from being required to register.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The address of a Chicago-area home that appears to belong to Nick Fuentes was posted on X after the bombastic right-wing influencer celebrated Donald Trumps election victory by mocking women concerned their reproductive rights will be restricted by conservative lawmakers and courts.

Your body, my choice, Fuentes posted on X. Forever.

It echoed a comment he also made in an online video that took on a life of its own.

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Social media users unhappy about the 26-year-old internet trolls remarks responded by posting photos and property records showing where Fuentes appears to live. Images posted online indicate Fuentes critics have begun harassing him at home.

Nick Fuentes has been fully doxed and its being shared to millions of women across every social media platform, an account associated with the hacker collective Anonymous posted over the weekend.

One woman claims she was pepper sprayed when she rang his doorbell.

Fuentes shared a post from fellow right-wing influencer Tristan Tate showing support.

If a man turned up at a pro choice womans house to confront her about her views she could literally shoot him dead and nobody would care, Tate wrote. Id also totally agree with her and her right to defend her home. Nobody should be turning up at any bodies house uninvited. Harassment.

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Tate and his brother Andrew are under house arrest in Romania after being charged with rape and human trafficking in 2022. Theyre still awaiting trial.

On Friday, in the midst of the harassment against him, Fuentes joked online that his provocative tweet drew more views than defeated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris got votes. More than 90 million people saw his message, according to X metrics. Harris is estimated to have received around 72 million votes, though the final count is pending.

Fuentes continued his diatribe against women Saturday with a Rumble.com video where he spoke about his sort of a joke viral statement, then said women shouldnt have the right to vote. His 30-minute rant didnt go into detail about trouble at home.

The house believed to be Fuentess place of residence has been blurred on Google Maps.

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Fuentes, a race-baiting Nazi sympathizer, became a household name during the election when he and rapper Ye had dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November 2023.

Trump has boasted about helping to overturn abortion right laws by appointing three conservative Supreme Court justices in his first term. Democratic lawmakers have voiced concern over how Trumps second term might further affect womens rights. Hes stopped short of supporting a national abortion ban.

_____
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Niles man who had been accused of exposing himself at a local laundromat pleaded guilty in his public indecency case last week.

Read next: One dead, juvenile seriously injured after car crash on SR 82 in Vienna

Isaac Taylor, Jr., 22, entered the plea Thursday in Warren Municipal Court. According to court records, he was sentenced to two years of probation with the condition that he stay away from the laundromat on Youngstown Road, where the incident occurred.

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Court records state that his jail term was suspended and that he received credit for the time already served.

Police arrested Taylor on Oct. 28 after reports that he was exposing himself at the laundromat.

When police arrived, they found Taylor with his pants down at the back of the building, fondling his genitals, according to a police report. Officers asked, What are you doing? and Taylor told them, My bad, the report stated.

Patty Coller 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.
NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  Veterans and active military personnel can get free rides on NJ Transit Monday for Veterans Day.

Bus, rail and light rail rides will be completely free for people who show a military ID card, Veterans Administration ID, veterans organization membership card or wear a military uniform. The discount runs all day on Monday.

Veterans Day Parade in NYC: Street closures, schedule and more

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Whether going to the countrys largest Veterans Day parade in New York City, heading to ceremonies around New Jersey or simply commuting to work or school, veterans and active members (in or out of uniform) can utilize any portion of the bus, rail and light rail network all day on Monday, representatives of NJ Transit said.

Its one of many freebies and deals for veterans across New York and New Jersey, including sales at Dunkin and Starbucks. Target, Ikea and Home Depot will also run discounts for veterans in-store throughout November.

NJ Transit offers military personnel and their families can get reduced prices with military ID cards. For more information on military discounts, click here.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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PHILADELPHIA, N.Y. (WWTI)  Sheriffs Deputies observed and attempted to stop a 2022 Nissan SUV for speeding on US Rt. 11 in the Town of Philadelphia on Nov. 9, 2024, at approximately 2:42 a.m.

Deputies said the operator failed to comply and fled at a high speed through Philadelphia and North toward Antwerp. As the vehicle fled, Deputies identified it as a stolen vehicle from Camillus in Onondaga County and the alert advised that the suspected driver may be armed.

Deputies said they continued to try to stop the vehicle and the operator continued to flee, at high speeds and in a reckless manner. At one point, according to Deputies, his reckless operation caused a collision with a marked Sheriffs patrol unit. The collision caused damage to both vehicles, but caused no injuries.

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The operator continued North and into St. Lawrence County where patrols from the New York State Police assisted in attempting to stop the vehicle, according to police. At approximately 3:24 a.m., patrol units from the NYS Police, stopped the vehicle just outside of Canton and the operator and passenger were taken into custody.

Police say the operator was charged with multiple offenses in St. Lawrence County by State Police and was then turned over to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Sean W. Patterson, 25, of Syracuse, NY was charged with the following:

Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (Class D Felony)

Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)

Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle (Class A Misdemeanor)

Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (Misdemeanor)

As well as numerous Vehicle and Traffic Violations

According to Deputies, Patterson was arraigned in CAP Court on Nov. 9 and remanded to the Jefferson County Jail on $10,000 cash bail. Sheriffs Deputies were assisted in the investigation by the New York State Police, Troops D and B.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Many of South Dakotas top political leaders are in the state for Veterans Day, including Governor Kristi Noem.

Since the election, the Governor has made multiple national appearances in support of President-elect Donald Trump. In one of those interviews, on News Nation, Noem was asked if she thinks Trump will prosecute political opponents, as hes mentioned in the past.

I do not, I do not expect him to do that at all, and thats not any indication that he would do, if there is any persecutions, or not persecutions I guess prosecutions, maybe, it would be because theres been a law broken, something that has happened that is not acceptable under our state or our federal government. Bring that kind of justice back into the system, Noem said to News Nation.

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Remembering Watertown Stadiums football history

Monday afternoon, Noem was scheduled to attend a bridge dedication in Beresford.

The KELOLAND News crew at the event said Noem will not be attending Mondays dedication.

It would have been one of the Governors first-known public events in South Dakota since the election.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
by Xinhua writer Shi Song

GENEVA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The sister mountain partnership forged between Mount Rigi in Switzerland and Mount Emei in China over a decade ago has built a bridge of tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries, Frederic Fussenich, CEO of Mount Rigi Railways, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Located in central Switzerland, Mount Rigi stands at the edge of the Swiss Alps, overlooking Lake Lucerne. Known as the "Queen of the Mountains," it has long been a popular tourist attraction, especially since the launch of the mountain railway in 1871.

In March 2009, Mount Rigi Railways and the Mount Emei Scenic Area Management Committee signed an agreement to collaborate on joint promotions and market sharing. The two sides also agreed to exchange stones representing each mountain's identity as a celebration of the partnership.

This "bond of mountains and stones" allows visitors to experience a piece of each mountain's character, promoting each other's reputation globally and symbolizing the friendship between the two peoples, Fussenich said.

He also noted that as the partnership develops, more tourists from both nations have exchanged visits, strengthening cultural understanding.

Since China resumed outbound tourism in 2023, Mount Rigi has welcomed an inrush of Chinese visitors, Fussenich said, adding that many Chinese tourists show increasing interest in hiking, wellness and local experiences -- all of which Mount Rigi offers in abundance.

Mount Rigi has been actively cooperating with major Chinese travel agencies and influencers to promote itself on social media and better serve Chinese visitors, Fussenich noted.

Additionally, the mountain now provides Chinese-language informational materials, signage and menus tailored to Chinese preferences, and a newly completed round walk will soon offer an audio guide in Chinese.

China's recent decision to grant visa-free access to visitors from several countries, including Switzerland, "has greatly simplified travel," said Fussenich. This policy not only makes travel to China more accessible and convenient for international visitors but also represents a positive step toward enhancing tourism cooperation between China and other nations, he added.

Looking forward, Fussenich expressed his enthusiasm for the future. "I can't wait to welcome more Chinese tourists to our Queen of the Mountains soon!" 
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Authorities in North Charleston are investigating a Sunday evening shooting.

Officers with the North Charleston Police Department responded to an address on Chestnut Street around 6 p.m. for a reported shooting.

A male was found lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound when police arrived.

The man died while en route to the hospital.

There have been no arrests. The investigation is ongoing.

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SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea has ratified a mutual defence treaty with Russia signed by the two countries' leaders in June, which calls for each side to come to the other's aid in case of an armed attack, state media KCNA said on Tuesday.

The report came amid international criticism over increasing military cooperation between the two countries, with North Korea having sent tens of thousands of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a decree to ratify the pact on Monday, KCNA said, adding it takes effect when both sides exchange the ratification instruments.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has also signed the treaty into law, which stipulates that the two countries should "immediately provide military and other assistance using all available means" if either side is in a state of war.

Kim clinched the accord with Putin at a summit in June, touting it as a step to elevate bilateral ties to something akin to an "alliance".

Seoul, Washington and Kyiv have said there are more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia, and U.S. officials and Ukraine's defence minister said some of them have engaged in combat in Kursk, near the Ukraine border.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said last week that North Korean troops had suffered casualties in combat with his country's forces, and the first battles between them "open a new page in instability in the world."

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
Records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that the City of North Myrtle Beach has a documented history of having former employees sign Non-Disclosure Agreements on their way out the door. The purpose is to prevent the city from looking bad, but what about the publics right to know?

According to the Harvard Business Review, non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs, and similar restraints used to stifle and place restrictions on an employees ability to report misconduct to government agencies are illegal.

South Carolina state law does not prohibit former government employees from signing NDAs. Or, even putting it in contracts to get hired.

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Previous reporting by The Sun News highlights concerns from South Carolina Press Association attorney Taylor Smith about issuing NDAs to taxpayer-funded employees.

Non-disclosure agreements impact our marketplace of ideas, and when that marketplace concerns how public money is used or how decisions are made about public business, the harm to the marketplace can be extreme, he previously said. Agreements that suppress information which could be used to create a better-formed democracy ... are things that should be avoided.

Federal government agencies have used NDAs with former employees in the past, but usually only pertaining to matters that involved classified information or national security, a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office states.

When asked if he had anything else to share about NDAs between the city and former employees, city attorney Chris Noury simply answered no.

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In North Myrtle Beach, post-employment NDAs have been used multiple times throughout the years, most recently with the resignation of their former city manager, Mike Mahaney, who signed an NDA after leaving his position in October.

Noury declined to answer what goes into the decision-making process for having a former employee sign an NDA.

Thats something that I dont think Im going to get into, he said. I think that goes into an area where it would be advice between the citys attorney and its client, and Im not going to get into that.

In Mahaneys NDA, signed by Mayor Marilyn Hatley on behalf of the city, the city agrees to pay the former city manager more than $320,000 in exchange for his refraining from making disparaging remarks about his former employer.

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NDAs can go beyond defamation, libel, and slander laws, which are already on the books because even telling the truth could have legal repercussions.

Hatley did not return The Sun News request for comment.

Similar payouts and NDAs have been signed by former North Myrtle Beach since the 2010s, records and previous reporting show.

Based on some of these records that The Sun News received in 2019, the City of North Myrtle Beach was the most frequent local user of these types of agreements, paying out nearly $46,000 to nine departing employees during the 2010s.

At least seven former North Myrtle Beach city employees were paid out and given documents with the same official label, Transition Resources and Release in Full Agreement, in 2020.

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The city paid $29,230 to the seven individuals, according to the agreements.

A new FOIA request that was submitted last month with the city asks for all contracts or agreements that involve the cessation of former employees contracts for the last 20 years. That request was still in progress as of Thursday afternoon.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuiOW36ceYZ4pLs7ziKMIvwbWgDM2CN1/view?usp=sharing

A copy of Mahaneys NDA was handed out to the public at a special council meeting in October, and available without filing a FOIA request.

The first part of his payment, $193,379, will be deposited in a lump sum 15 days following Mahaneys last day of employment and his submission of the agreement and signature at the bottom, the terms said.

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The city initiated that payment to him on Nov. 4, North Myrtle Beachs acting city manager Ryan Fabbri said on Friday.

At first, it wasnt clear if the document the city drafted for Mahaney to sign was explicitly an NDA, since its formally called the Transition Resources and Release Agreement in Full.

The day before the meeting, when the October special meeting agenda was released publicly, North Myrtle Beachs Public Information Officer Lauren Jessie declined to comment on if Mahaney would be required to sign an NDA.

A Freedom on Information Act request to the city on the day of the special meeting on Oct. 22 confirmed that the Transition Resources document is an NDA.

After the special meeting wrapped on Oct. 22, Noury declined comment at the time, instead directing The Sun News to the agreement for further information.
(FOX40.COM)  Police in Northern California arrested a man accused of stealing over $100,000 worth of jewelry from several stores.

On Nov. 7, the Citrus Heights Police Department worked with the Reno Police Department to catch a felony grand theft suspect in Citrus Heights. The suspect was wanted for multiple jewelry store burglaries in Reno, Nevada.

Northern California police issue more than $4.1M in fines for illegal marijuana grows

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During the operation, police said more than $100k worth of stolen jewelry was recovered.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Norway's opposition Conservative Party is proposing to triple aid to Ukraine in 2025 from NOK 15 billion to NOK 45 billion (approx. US$1.36 billion to US$4.07 billion) to strengthen Kyiv's defence capabilities in the current challenging period of war.

Source: Conservative Party leaders in an interview with Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Erna Solberg, leader of Norway's Conservative Party and the countrys former Prime Minister, argues that increasing aid to Kyiv is the only option "if we are to do what is historically right in the complex situation Ukraine faces now".

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The conservatives want to present their proposal in an alternative draft budget to be submitted to parliament in a few weeks. It envisages allocating NOK 45 billion, or 40% of Norway's defence budget for 2025, to help Ukraine.

To prevent pressure on the Norwegian economy, the opposition proposes to invest these funds abroad, with the majority of the additional funding going to support Ukraine's defence industry.

Other proposals include supporting Ukraine's energy sector and building military infrastructure, particularly shelters to protect Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets from Russian strikes.

Background:

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Last year, Norway approved the NOK 75 billion Nansen programme (approx. US$6.7 billion), which ensures long-term support for Ukraine through to 2027, i.e. providing NOK 15 billion (around US$1.36 billion) annually.

However, this year, the country's authorities proposed increasing funding for the programme to NOK 135 billion [approx. US$12.2 billion] and extending it for another three years until 2030.

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Counselling programmes, therapy pets and a well-being room full of Lego blocks. What sounds like an itinerary for a self-help camp is actually a list of examples showing how organisations tried to support staff after Donald Trumps polarising election victory.

After a historic political result that will have a seismic global impact, companies have been scrambling for advice on how to calm political tensions at work.

American bosses would have known on Nov 6 that a decent chunk of their workforce would be unhappy with the outcome. Half of the people in our workplaces are very upset today, Jennifer Dulski, the chief executive software business Rising Team, told Fortune.

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The Guardian sent an all-staff memo out urging colleagues to speak to their manager or use the companys counselling programme. American students were offered therapy ducks and well-being rooms full of Lego blocks. Some US stores closed for a day of grieving.

Emotions in the US have been running high. But bosses cannot be expected to become post-election therapists in an increasingly polarised world. Infantilising staff only deepens divides, playing into the stereotype that anti-Trump voters live in a bubble.

If this really is the beginning of a nightmare, then theres no time to wallow. Hanging out with a therapy duck called Quacktavious certainly wont move the dial.

Engaging in therapy-speak at work will not address geopolitical concerns. To get to the crux of the rise of Trump, fearful staff need to look beyond their office walls. We now know that Americans who are less well-off powered Donald Trump to victory, while better-educated, wealthier voters backed Kamala Harris.

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It is unlikely that lower paid workers will be told they can take time off or access free therapy if theyre upset by the election result. If these workers see people in more comfortable jobs receive special treatment because theyre disappointed by the election result, it could deepen workplace conflicts and amplify the stereotype that Democrats are part of a woke elite who need cushioning from lifes blows.

Trump clearly appealed to those feeling alienated and desperate. Poverty is the fourth highest risk factor for death in the US after heart disease, cancer and smoking, the University of California found last year. The exit polls on Nov 5 showed that 67pc of voters rated the economy as not so good/poor while the topic was also rated as Trumps best issue.

As US political consultant Frank Luntz told my colleague last week  the number one issue for all voters, including ethnic minorities, was high prices and affordability. Blue-collar workers lost interest in the Democrats. White-collar workers taking time out of work to process the results doesnt help any of the cliches.

American companies will want to get the tone right for their own sake over the coming weeks. US businesses have been losing an estimated $2bn (1.55bn) a day from reduced productivity and absenteeism in the run-up to the election, according to a report from HR group SHRM.

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Avoiding political conflict between disagreeing colleagues by telling everyone to work from home or suggesting they take time out will only deepen this problem. Encouraging upset staff to take time off could also trivialise serious mental health issues, agitating those who have long suffered mental ill health but never felt heard. It could also quickly contribute to the wider worklessness crisis if every political event that polarises staff leads workers to tap out.

Worklessness is already a big issue on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly among men. Analysis by the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) showed that the UK and the US have seen the biggest drops in male labour force participation of the G7 nations.

Those fearing hostility under Trumps America should be supported, and in some instances the help will need to be practical. This is clearly not the time for employers to tap out from their responsibilities. But its also not the time to act hysterically and make divisions even worse. The meaningless corporate puff should go  staff already think their bosses are useless at this stuff anyway.

While 84pc of c-suite executives said they felt prepared to manage election-related workplace issues, just half of employees felt the same, according to advisory firm Burson. Not all bosses will share the same political views as their team either. Tech executives were quietly courting Trump behind the scenes in the lead-up to the election, according to The New York Times.

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Amid the rising tensions, some bosses were given training sessions on how to have difficult conversations ahead of the election result, while staff were urged to keep things civil with colleagues.

Keeping things civil doesnt mean ignoring what is happening. Introducing office bans on political talk, especially after this election, is not a smart idea. Staff quit cryptocurrency start-up Coinbase in 2020 following a ban on political chat. About a third of American software company Basecamps staff then left after it issued a similar ban a year later.

Political tension in the workplace is not new, but tensions are rising on both sides of the Atlantic and staff on opposing sides of the political spectrum need to figure out how to work together. There are serious concerns about what comes next.

Good companies will ensure that staff directly affected by Trumps policies get any practical support they need. But its not their job to act as a therapeutic sounding board for every political twist and turn that workers dont like. There are many more of those to come.

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University of Nebraska regents, chancellors and then-interim NU President Chris Kabourek join with state senators and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen following the announcement of a new scholarship for top-performing Nebraska students. Feb. 5, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The University of Nebraska is officially expanding its newest full-ride scholarship to include up to 50 Nebraska students who ace or perform the highest results on the ACT or SAT college admissions tests.

NU welcomed 17 freshmen across its campuses as inaugural Presidential Scholars, for scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT or the equivalent on the SAT this fall. Students who ace the ACT will continue to automatically qualify for the program, with the remaining spots among the 50 scholarships will be open to students who score 32-35 on the ACT, or similarly on the SAT.

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The Presidential Scholars Program covers the full cost of attendance for NU undergraduates from Nebraska, including tuition and fees, housing and food, and personal expenses for up to four years of study. Students also receive a $5,000 stipend each year.

Eligible Nebraska students can apply for the program immediately. More information is available at nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars.

Our states future will be bright when our most driven and passionate young people attend college here in Nebraska, President Jeffrey Gold said in a statement. This is an investment in our state that underscores two deeply ingrained Nebraska values: hard work and excellence at the highest level.

NU officials joined Gov. Jim Pillen to announce the program in February, which began with a $5 million endowment. It came in part to seek to keep high-performing students from leaving the state.

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The NU Board of Regents requested a $3 million addition to NUs state-aided budget from the Nebraska Legislature for the next two years to expand the program.

The states budget will be debated in the spring before going to Pillen for approval.

It is essential we compete to keep our kids here. The Presidential Scholarship Program provides that pathway, Pillen said in a statement. When our brightest make the commitment to attend an institution of higher learning in Nebraska, then it is more likely they will stay.

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Hard-core Democrats are seething that one of their own  Staten Island city Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks  praised a pro-Donald Trump-Make America Great Again statement posted on social media.

Republican Vincent Ignizio, the deputy executive director of the city Board of Elections, issued a statement on his personal Facebook account after the Nov. 5 election saying, Popular vote 300+ electoral votes. Now bring our Country Together & truly Make America Great Again.

Hanks, a Democrat who represents Staten Islands blue-leaning North Shore, responded to Ignizio with, Well said.

Staten Island city Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks praised a pro-Donald Trump-Make America Great Again statement posted on social media. Stefan Jeremiah for NY Post

A Democrat who saw the exchange said Hanks comment will all but certainly lead to the local pol facing a party primary challenge from an anti-Trump Dem.

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At best, its tone deaf. At worst, its a betrayal, the Democratic borough activist, who requested anonymity, said of Hanks online comment.

A lot of people think Hanks is a closet Republican and Donald Trumps victory gives her a permission slip to walk out into the sunlight, the source griped.

Hanks, during an interview Sunday, called the interpretation of her response absurd.

My response was about Trump having the opportunity to bring the country together, she said. It was more about that than the whole MAGA thing.

People can stir the pot all they want, added Hanks, who said she voted for fellow Democrat and Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Hanks, a Democrat who represents Staten Islands blue-leaning North Shore, responded to Ignizio with, Well said. Facebook / Vinny Ignizio

Hanks said she has known Ignizio for nearly 20 years and only thought he made a good point.

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Ignizio is a friend, and what he said I agreed with, said Hanks, who is seeking re-election to a second term next year.

I love our country and always think its great  despite all its bumps and bruises.

She also said glum Democrats should stop the circular firing squad and instead figure out what went wrong this election cycle, fix it and look to the future.

Democrats should take a deep dive on why we lost the presidential election instead of looking at my Facebook comments, the councilwoman said.

Hanks said she has known Ignizio for nearly 20 years and only thought he made a good point. Facebook / Vinny Ignizio

Hanks described herself as very much a moderate and not a left-of-center person at all.

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City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams replaced Hanks as chairperson of the bodys Public Safety Committee last year, reportedly over disagreements with the How Many Stops Act law that requires NYPD officers to file reports on more of their interactions with the public.

Ignizio said it was unfortunate that Democrats were attacking Hanks.

Kamillah and I have been friends for 20 years, he said. Everyone has to come together post-election.

The election is over and now its time to govern, added Ignizio, a former councilman. President Trumps success is our success, and we should all want that.

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He claimed he wrote similar posts after Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden were elected president.

Staten Island is a borough where representatives from different parties work well together, Hanks said.

Thats what Staten Island electeds do well. We cross the aisle to get things done. Potholes dont have a political party, the councilwoman said.
NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams on Monday asked the judge presiding over his federal public corruption case to set an earlier trial date so he can focus on getting reelected in 2025.

The case is set to go on trial on April 21, per a Nov. 1 ruling by Manhattan federal court Judge Dale Ho. In a new letter, Adams lawyer, Alex Spiro, asked that it begin on April 1.

As it currently stands, the resolution of trial would only be one month before New York voters cast their ballots in the 2025 Democratic primary, Spiro wrote.

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An earlier trial date, Spiro argued, would ensure that the mayor will be able to fully participate in his reelection campaign and that this citys voters can be rid of the distraction of this misguided indictment as they hear from and evaluate the Democratic candidates for mayor on their merits.

Spiro said Adams waived all outstanding motions related to evidence that the prosecution plans to present. He said Adams would similarly waive access to classified materials if it would get the case in front of a jury sooner.

Adams, 64, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud and secretly soliciting campaign contributions from overseas donors in a five-count indictment handed up by a grand jury in September.

Among other allegations, the feds accuse Adams  starting when he was Brooklyn borough president  of accepting more than $100,000 worth of lavish trips, cruises and hotel stays from a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen who believed his rising political career would see him one day take the White House.

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Adams allegedly repaid the favors by pulling strings for his secret benefactors, such as by pressuring the FDNY to expedite the opening of the 36-floor Turkish Consulate in Manhattan in time for the Turkish presidents visit despite serious fire safety concerns.

Outside of the lavish gifts, Adams allegedly solicited and accepted tens of thousands of dollars in illegal straw donations to his mayoral campaign from Turkish nationals  funneling the payments through U.S. citizens to disguise their origins.

According to the feds, the illegal donations were maximized through the citys public matching funds program, contributing to the $10 million in public money he received in his last campaign. They say the illegally garnered contributions tainted the whole pot.

Prosecutors conducting several probes involving Adams and his inner circle have said that more indictments will quite likely be brought. They are still trying to access the mayors cellphone, whose password they say he changed before handing it over and then said he forgot.

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Adams denies all allegations and has pushed the court to dismiss the bribery count tied to the consulate allegations. His attorneys have argued that the indictment fails to meet the U.S. Supreme Courts definition of bribery but rather describes normal and perfectly lawful acts that many city officials would undertake for the consulate of an important foreign nation.

Opposing that motion, prosecutors last month said a September 2021 conversation between Adams, then the Democratic nominee for mayor, and former aide Rana Abbasova about it being his turn to return favors to Turkey by pressuring the FDNY was about as express as courts see in a bribery case.

Despite his indictment, the first of a sitting New York City mayor in modern history, Adams has refused calls to step down, and Mondays request makes clear he doesnt plan to. More than two-thirds of New Yorkers think he should, according to a Marist poll released last month, which reported that 65% of those surveyed believed he committed crimes.

Detailing the busy campaign calendar Adams had in 2021, Spiro argued Monday that a late May verdict would allow prosecutors to sideline Mayor Adams for the vast majority of his remaining reelection campaign, during many of the most important moments and hamper his ability to win over the citys electorate.

(This) prosecution will continue to cast a cloud over that campaign until it is resolved by a jury of New Yorkers, Spiro wrote.

A spokesman for the Manhattan U.S. attorney declined to comment.

_____
The city has stopped using two hotels sheltering migrants in the Big Apple  with many other locations to be phased out in the coming months, The Post has learned.

The 23-room Hotel Merit in Times Square and the 73-room Quality Inn JFK Airport are the first hotels the city has stopped using as emergency shelters as the influx of migrants into the five boroughs has significantly slowed.

Weve come a long way since the first buses from Texas arrived in our city over two years ago, when we were working around the clock to care for the thousands of people who were arriving every week, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said.

The city has stopped using Hotel Merit in Times Square as an emergency migrant shelter. LP Media

Resettlement efforts and other resources have helped get 170,000 migrants out of the shelter system and onto the next step, the administration noted.

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And thanks to our advocacy efforts on the federal level and executive orders issued by the Biden-Harris administration, we continue to see a decline in the number of people entering our shelter system every week, the spokesperson added. Our staff is on hand to help guests plan for next steps as the city consolidates its operations.

The overall costs to house migrants per night is $352  including $130 to hotels for the room rental and separate payments social service, food and cleaning costs.

Hotel Merit  at 414 West 46th Street between 9th and 10th Ave  had been used as a shelter for migrant families with children since July 2023 before it was phased out Nov. 4, city officials said.

New York stopped using the Quality Inn at 153-95 Rockaway Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens as a shelter for migrant families last week. It had been in use since June 2023.

Hotel Merit was used as a migrant shelter from July 2023 to Nov. 4, 2024. LP Media

Mayor Eric Adams administration has been able to begin reducing where asylum seekers are housed as the migrant population declines and many residents move out of the shelters.

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From Oct. 28 to November 3, more than 700 new migrants entered the city, while more than 1,000 departed.

The migrant shelter population has plummeted from 69,000 in January to 58,000 currently.

And in December, the city will close all 10 of its migrant shelters upstate in Albany, Dutchess, Erie, Orange, and Westchester counties, officials said.

The citys migrant population has declined since January this year. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post

The city also plans to close Randalls Island as a massive migrant encampment in February after dramatically cutting back the number of migrants sheltered there

Still, the Adams administration plans to continue the use of hotels as emergency shelters for the foreseeable future.

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The Department of Homeless Services is seeking a contract with hotels to provide a total of 14,000 rooms to shelter migrants over the next few years.

About 150 hotels are currently sheltering migrants and total spending on migrant services over three years will hit $6.1 billion, according to city data.

The city projects that spending on housing for migrants over the past two years and this fiscal year combined will surpass a staggering $2.41billion  much of it on rent paid to hotels in the Big Apple.

But City Hall on Sunday said the Big Apple is receiving immediate taxpayer savings when hotels are no longer used as emergency shelters.

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Under the terms of the contract with the Hotel Merit and Quality Inn, payments cease after the city clears out  as long as officials give 30 days notice of a phase-out, which they did, a mayoral spokesperson said.

The Quality Inn near JFK Airport in New York City. Gogle St View

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Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of NYC, confirmed the contract terms.

I cannot comment on individual hotels, but the City has the right to terminate a contract with a hotel with 30 days notice. There would be no reason for the payments to continue if there are no migrants, as the contract will be terminated, Dandapani said.

Critics have said President-elect Donald Trumps resounding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris last week was fueled in part by the border crisis under the Biden administration.

Trump has promised to stiffen security at the border and launch a massive deportation campaign to remove illegal immigrants.

Adams also imposed 30-day limit stays for individuals and 60-days stays for families in shelters to provide relief to the beleaguered shelter system, though asylum seekers can reapply. They city also helps migrants apply for asylum.
SYDNEY, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Researchers from Australia and Germany have for the first time cured patients suffering from toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), a deadly skin disease, said a news release on Monday.

An international collaboration, including researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne and the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Germany, has developed the first-ever cure for TEN in a breakthrough study published in Nature, WEHI said in a news release on Monday.

Also known as Lyell's syndrome, TEN is a rare skin disease that causes widespread blistering and detachment of the skin and can lead to dehydration, sepsis, pneumonia and organ failure.

The potentially deadly condition is triggered by a severe adverse reaction to common medications and has a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent.

The new study identified a hyperactivation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway - a chain of interactions between proteins in a cell that is involved in processes such as immunity, cell death and tumor formation - as a driver of TEN.

By using JAK inhibitors - an existing class of drugs used to treat inflammatory diseases - they were able to treat patients with TEN.

"Finding a cure for lethal diseases like this is the holy grail of medical research. I am beyond proud of this incredible research collaboration that has already helped to save the lives of multiple patients," Holly Anderton, an author of the study from WEHI, said.

"All seven people treated with this therapy in our study experienced rapid improvement and a full recovery, in staggering results that have likely unlocked a cure for the condition."

Researchers said they are hopeful the findings will pave the way for a clinical trial aimed at the approval of JAK inhibitors as a cure for TEN. 
(Bloomberg) -- Ryanair Holdings Plc Chief Executive Officer Michael OLeary made controversial comments about teachers serving in government, forcing Prime Minister Simon Harris to go on the defensive weeks before an election.

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I wouldnt generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done, OLeary told a Saturday campaign event to endorse trade minister and member of Fine Gael Peter Burke.

Ireland is to hold an election at the end of the month, after Harris called a snap vote to capitalize on strong polling numbers at the expense of left-wing opposition party Sinn Fein, which has slumped recently, largely on the issue of immigration as its working-class base looked elsewhere for solutions.

OLeary doubled down on the remarks Monday, claiming that teachers arent the best people to deliver the kind of change he said Ireland needed in a radio interview on Newstalk radio. I think the more teachers we have in the classroom the better and the fewer teachers we have in the Dail or in ministerial office, the better, he said.

The comments were crass and ill-informed. Im pretty annoyed, Harris told reporters Monday as he attempted to distance himself and his party from the remarks.

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Teachers are the people that we trust with our most important possessions: our children, he said pointing out that two former political leaders, ex-finance minister Michael Noonan and former prime minister Enda Kenny, were once teachers.

Fixing Irelands infrastructure shortfalls, including in the public sector, is one of the biggest issues on voters minds. As such, the comments attracted criticism from Micheal Martin, deputy prime minister and leader of government coalition party Fianna Fail, while Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said teachers were demeaned and jeered at a Fine Gael function.

While a setback, the remarks are unlikely to trip up the prime minister who looks on course to gain a fresh term in government according to polling data. He has enjoyed a honeymoon period with voters after becoming his partys leader in March.

Even so, courting the vote of working people in Ireland is important for Fine Gael over the coming weeks, illustrated by the governments recent 10.5 billion ($11.2 billion) budget giveaway which includes several tax credits and extra welfare payments to be dished out before Christmas.

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(Corrects spelling of Ryanair CEOs first name in 1st paragraph)

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An 18-year-old Jacksonville man is at the hospital after being shot by an officer Monday morning in the Murray Hill area.

The mother of a 13-year-old girl called police to the Popeyes restaurant at 649 McDuff Ave. S, at about 7 a.m. She called about a man she said was having an inappropriate texting relationship with her daughter, police said at a news conference Monday outside of the restaurant.

The mother reported to police that she carried on a texting conversation with the man police identified as Cerry Banks, 18.

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She was pretending to be her 13-year-old daughter and made arrangements to meet Banks at Popeyes, police said. She arrived at the restaurant with her daughter and her 11-year-old son and confronted Banks.

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Police said Banks flashed a gun in his waistband and told the mother, When you hear shots, youll know whats up. The mother retreated to the inside of the restaurant and called police.

The responding officer approached Banks, who was behind the restaurant, police said. Banks ran from the officer, who ran after him. Police said Banks pulled the gun from his waistband, refusing the officers command to drop the weapon, and the officer shot him, police said.

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Banks continued running after being shot but was found in a nearby wooded area in a culvert suffering from gunshot wounds to his hand and torso.

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Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters warned parents and relatives about confronting people they believe might be having an inappropriate relationship with their child or family member.

Wed like for the parents to allow us to handle situations like this, he said, adding that he understood why the mother did what she did.

After the shooting, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office had McDuff Avenue blocked off from Interstate 10 to Phyllis Street.

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Ohio Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno speaks on stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

At an Ohio Chamber of Commerce conference last week Trump allies struck a conciliatory tone at odds with the increasingly hostile rhetoric of the president-elect. Donald Trump has promised sweeping deportations, to mobilize police or even military force against a perceived enemy within, and to serve as a kind of avatar of retribution on behalf of his supporters.

But to hear Senator-elect Bernie Moreno and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy tell it, the incoming Trump administration will be an open hand rather than a closed fist. Their message? Give him a chance, instead of woe to the vanquished.

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Im confident that he is eager to harness the learnings of that first term to go even further in this second term than anybody imagined even in uniting the nation, Ramaswamy said of Trump.

In the very next breath he added the caveat, Maybe not through words, through cheap verbiage  that doesnt really unite people. But action does. Success is unified.

Moreno offered a similar tired of winning message, and committed to establishing a presence for his office in places that didnt vote for him.

But even if both men struck a softer tone, that shift in tenor appears to be extent of the changes they expect. There was little to suggest they believe Trump will moderate on his stated policy priorities.

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A mandate

After ousting three-term Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, and in light of Republican gains across the country, Moreno argued his party has a mandate to lead. But he was also circumspect.

Look, I did not win the vote in Franklin County, he said. I did not win the vote in Cuyahoga County, Hamilton, Lucas, Summit, Athens or Montgomery  not that Im keeping track.

But that means thats my fault, Moreno added. I look at that as my failure. I failed to explain to the people in those counties why I would best represent them, and I will fix that over the next six years.

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He argued you wont find a more pro-immigration Republican than him, but Im not pro-invasion. Moreno said he wants to see a system that prioritizes people who add to the economy and dont bring down wages, and suggested the country could even expand the number of visas and temporary work permits. But he said there should be zero tolerance for illegal immigrants.

Moreno said hed work to drive down the cost of everything. The recipe, he argued, is to massively cut federal spending and to expand energy production.

For those of you who care about the planet, like I do, us building coal mines here, and coal fired plants and natural gas is better for the planet because we do it safer, cleaner and much more efficiently than any other place on earth, Moreno argued. He added that although theres room for solar and wind, without subsidies they wouldnt be viable sources.

The U.S. is already the worlds largest producer of oil and natural gas, and the fourth largest producer of coal  all of which benefit from federal subsidies.

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Moreno argued we need a renaissance of automobile manufacturing in the United States, and that the way to do it is eliminating subsides for purchasing electric vehicles or mandates on EV production or fuel efficiency.

But while he expressed skepticism toward government intervention in energy production or automobile manufacturing, one place he doesnt want to see federal officials step back is the Intel project in Licking County. Trump has criticized the CHIPS Act legislation that helped spur the project along, and Moreno acknowledged maybe I dont love the exact way the bill is structured. Hed be more comfortable with tax incentives than grants, Moreno explained.

All the same, he argued, the federal government made promises to Intel (that) theyve not kept. The federal government said theyd give them billions of dollars in exchange for an investment. Not one cent of federal money has flowed into Intel.

We cannot lose that project, Moreno said, adding too many businesses in central Ohio are relying on that project to go forward.

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He emphasized the national security implications of bringing semiconductor production on shore and said hed press the commerce secretary personally if necessary to get money flowing.

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy delivers remarks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton on June 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Rooting for them

Ramaswamy founded a biotech startup before gaining prominence in conservative circles as an author criticizing woke politics. He launched a longshot presidential campaign that saw his star rise even further, and hes now seen as a possible Trump administration appointee or a future candidate for statewide office in Ohio.

He told the crowd hes rooting for Democrats to step away from the cultural issues hes railed against and argued the country would be stronger for it with both parties pushing the other to be the best version of itself. He argued for restoring a political discourse where we can disagree like hell as Americans and still get together at the dinner table.

And if you give them a chance, he said, even if youre on the left, Im confident that that is the America that Donald Trump and our fellow Ohioan and good friend J.D. Vance, I think, are going to work hard to revive from the top and set an example for this country.

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But if Democrats dont, he warned, they could be headed for the dustbin of history.

Ramaswamy readily defended one of Trumps biggest policy promises.

If we had the largest influx of illegals into this country in American history, it stands to reason that we ought to have the largest mass deportation in American history, he insisted. Thats not xenophobic, thats not racist. Thats what it means to stand for the rule of law in the United States of America.

He criticized independent federal agencies as a fourth branch of government. In truth, agencies generally are part of the executive branch of government, with top staff selected by the president. Their authority in a particular field like employment (National Labor Relations Board), trade (Federal Trade Commission) or communications (Federal Communications Commission) is delegated to them by an act of Congress.

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But Ramaswamy argued a pair of recent Supreme Court rulings offer a one-two punch that could severely restrict their ability to act.

It is a century-long sin in the United States of America, he said, that we now have a historic and generational opportunity to correct.

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Parents-to-be from Haiti stand at a gap in the U.S.-Mexico border wall after having traveled from South America to the United States in Yuma, Arizona. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

With former President Donald Trumps reelection Tuesday on an anti-immigrant platform, advocates across the country are worrying about what comes next. But an Ohio immigration advocate this week said President Joe Biden and the Democrats made things worse by playing Trumps game.

One of the lowlights of the campaign was when, during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump repeated false rumors that Haitians in Springfield were stealing and eating their neighbors pets. Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, kept repeating that lie even after Gov. Mike DeWine dispatched state Troopers to Springfield schools in the face of bomb threats.

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In a statement issued after the Trump-Vance victory, Ohio Immigrant Alliance Director Lynn Tramonte said the Republican campaign used immigration as a code word for racial and economic anxiety in a changing, polarizing nation.

But, she said, Biden didnt help matters by trying to act tough on the border. Stung by an increase in undocumented immigrants after covid-era restrictions expired, Biden implemented several measures to decrease their numbers  including support for a border bill that many immigrant-rights advocates saw as too punitive.

Trump successfully urged congressional Republicans to kill the deal in order to deny Biden a political victory. But Tramonte said damage was done to immigrants by that and other of Bidens actions.

Democrats tried to be the lesser of two evils on immigration, instead of understanding migration for what it is  a human need to save your life and take care of your family. An act of courage and love, Tramonte said.

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She added, The losing party doesnt just have a messaging problem. The Biden administrations overall immigration policy was to act tough and try to keep people out, instead of recognizing immigrants inherent humanity and helping communities welcome new residents. They had plenty of examples of community care in action to follow, and could have brought resources to the table for a short-term bridge, as well as a long-term commitment to ending housing insecurity for everyone.

Instead they sent money to fund border militarization, border externalization, and genocide in other countries. The border bill strategy they thought was so clever only reinforced the other sides racially coded frame.

Demba Ndiath, the Immigrant Alliances advocacy director, tried to reassure Ohio immigrants.

My message goes out to all immigrants in Ohio and beyond who are feeling scared and uncertain today, he said in a statement. We see you and we stand with you. My own family experienced the pain of deportation during the first Trump administration, when my uncle was torn from us. I know what its like to watch our elders, teachers, and community leaders being taken away from our mosques and our families. The fear you feel is real, and I understand it. But let me remind you that during the first Trump administration, the Ohio Immigrant Alliance stood strong with you, fighting every step of the way. Through that experience, we grew stronger and more determined.

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Sanjaysia Caruthers bathroom sink dangles from a deteriorating wall, dangerously close to crashing to the floor. Caruthers tries to keep her two sons, ages 6 and 8, from lingering around the dangerous sink.

Maintenance repair staff from the Oklahoma City Housing Authority have used caulk to reattach the sink more than once, but the caulk cant support the heavy porcelain, Caruthers said.

Pipes under the sink leak constantly. A saucepan collects the drips. Caruthers said shes had those problems since February and has submitted maintenance requests to her landlord, the Oklahoma City Housing Authority.

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A leaking toilet was fixed recently, but Caruthers said she still has a $1,300 water bill to show for the leak.

The tenant said she mentioned those issues when officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development showed up to inspect her NE 17 home as part of regular inspections of OCHAs asset management projects, or AMPs, conducted April 16-18.

Oklahomas public housing this year is being inspected under a new protocol, National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate or NSPIRE.

Matt Mills, the operations director at OCHA, said NSPIRE inspection standards have the states largest housing authority grappling with staffing and budget limitations that make complying with the new standards a challenge. The struggle is compounded by the need to address deficiencies while providing regular maintenance.

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The inspections resulted in an unusually low score of 7 out of 100 for OCHAs 448 scattered public housing sites, significantly lower than OCHAs previous failing score of 48.

More: Oklahoma City's low-income renters have little recourse against bad landlords

About 4,470 extremely low-income tenants live in the Oklahoma City Housing Authoritys 2,700 public housing units. Those tenants receive rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and they pay no more than 30% of their monthly income for rent.

OCHA owns and manages 10 public housing asset management projects, seven of which have been recently inspected under the NSPIRE protocol. Four of the AMPs are designated for seniors and disabled tenants: Jeltz Senior Center received a 93, Towers Classen scored 81, and Shartel Towers and Andrews Square have yet to be inspected this year.

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Four OCHA asset management projects are apartment complexes: Will Rogers Courts scored 76, Ambassador Courts and Oak Grove scored 59, and Fred Factory Gardens scored 58. Planned inspections of JFK Duplexes have been canceled multiple times by the inspector.

The shift to new federal inspection standards has been time-consuming

Some Oklahoma public housing professionals say HUD has placed an unfunded mandate on housing authorities with its new inspection protocol, adding costly upgrades and repairs to the list of inspection points and requiring immediate fixes for many deficiencies.

Mills said that the shift to NSPIRE inspections has also introduced a new source of administrative red tape.

The transition was in the works before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mills said. It was waylaid for several years but was finally implemented in 2023.

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The new protocol focuses on interior details of public housing and replaces HUDs Uniform Physical Condition Standards.

OCHA was familiar with NSPIRE long before its first regular inspections under the new protocol. In 2022 the housing authority volunteered to act as a demonstration site where HUD trained its inspectors on the NSPIRE protocol. During the two years HUD performed training in Oklahoma City, Mills said the housing authority was not subjected to regular inspections. OCHA also received no scores during training inspections, just lists of deficiencies.

OCHAs extremely low inspection score for its scattered sites has much to do with the nature of keeping single-family homes ready for inspections  houses usually score lower than apartments, Mills said.

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Our scattered site houses have always been challenging, Mills said. Theyre spread out. Theyre different. I mean we have hundred-year-old houses. Some have crawlspace; some have chimneys.

The single-digit score placed OCHAs scattered sites in HUDs troubled category and resulted in a mountain of follow-up paperwork for OCHAs maintenance employees.

A sampling of 30 houses in OCHAs scattered sites was inspected, which resulted in 114 deficiencies categorized as life-threatening. Many of these citations were for missing smoke alarms, now required in every bedroom under NSPIRE.

Smoke alarms must be installed within 24 hours, but the deficiency didnt include a point deduction during inspections. OCHA is still working to outfit all bedrooms with smoke alarms, Mills said.

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Other life-threatening deficiencies that resulted in point deductions were numerous citations of exposed electrical wires and plumbing problems.

Infestations of roaches and mice, at least one instance of lead paint, and even a home with no working toilet were listed as severe delinquencies.

Housing agencies are required to repair all life-threatening and severe delinquencies within 24 hours. Moderate and low-threat deficiencies are required to be remedied within 30 or 60 days.

OCHA employees are now required to submit photos and other documentation as proof of repair for all deficiencies noted in inspections, which Mills said has added a significant administrative challenge to staying in compliance for the OCHA operations staff.

Inspections are part of the process

All properties that accept Section 8 housing vouchers through HUD are subject to annual inspections. HUD conducts separate inspections for public housing AMPs, project-based multifamily complexes and individually owned Section 8 units.

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HUD is transitioning Inspection standards for all those properties to the NSPIRE protocol, which prioritizes the interiors of homes. Mills said that the previous inspection standards, UPCS, placed more weight on outdoor spaces.

More: More than 200 new laws take effect Nov. 1 in Oklahoma: Here are the highlights

Landlords, whether individual owners or housing agencies like OCHA, can lose HUD reimbursement and even be debarred from future HUD subsidy contracts for continually failing inspections.

OCHAs recent inspections of its scattered sites were performed by a quality assurance inspector who instructed a QA inspector trainee, Mills said. He said the inspectors extra-high training standards may have contributed to OCHA's low score.

Updated inspections have been costly to Oklahoma's housing authorities

Jennifer Ricker, executive director of the Guthrie Housing Authority, said the new inspection protocols amount to an unfunded mandate from HUD.

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Rickers said the new standards introduce extra costs to agencies attempting to comply.

She and her team are in the process of updating Guthries stock of public housing. The housing agency owns and manages 187 public housing units, all of which are single-story duplexes where preference is given to disabled and elderly tenants.

She said her agency has worked for three years to ensure Guthries public housing units measure up to a long checklist of inspection standards in the NSPIRE protocol. She sent her staff to trainings and has hired new maintenance staff to contend with the change.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

Ricker said that the Guthrie Housing Authority received a score of 90 for its recent NSPIRE inspection, the highest it has ever scored. That places the agency in HUDs high performer designation, meaning it will be three years until the next HUD-required inspection.

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Wed already been doing these updates and upgrades, Ricker said. If we had not been, it could have been catastrophic.

Ricker said that one of the biggest financial burdens the Guthrie Housing Authority incurred during the shift was installing and updating GCFI and single-source electrical outlets for refrigerators and other large appliances. She said those outlets cant be within six feet of a water source, and in small units, that can be tricky.

Those upgrades often require licensed professionals, and associated costs add up quickly when a housing agency has many units.

Thats the kind of stuff, though, that we had been preparing for as soon as we started hearing about NSPIRE, Ricker said.

Many (housing authorities) were going to kind of wait and see how their inspections turned out before they made those repairs because the new protocol actually mandates that every item that was identified must be repaired, which was not the case before, he said.

What is Rental Assistance Demonstration? How Tulsa has used it to update public housing

Public Housing is typically funded by HUD, which allocates federal money earmarked for housing, but that money barely covers the costs of basic maintenance by housing agencies. Installing new outlets and smoke alarms is expensive, and many housing authorities like OCHA have found themselves with unmet capital needs.

Tulsa is leading the way in Oklahoma toward ensuring its public housing supply meets NSPIRE standards of modernization and renovation. The Tulsa Housing Authority has converted 1,380 public housing units to a project-based Section 8 platform.

This conversion is through HUDs Rental Assistance Demonstration, or RAD, a program thats been open for a decade and offers housing authorities more flexibility in funding modernization projects.

HUD explains: Under Section 8, the property has access to the new financing tools safely used by the rest of the affordable housing industry and, with the long-term Section 8 contract, the property is insulated from the Federal funding decisions impacting public housing.

HUD estimates housing agencies are struggling with a $115 billion backlog of public housing capital needs. Public housing agencies that have converted their housing stock through RAD have generated an estimated $11.7 billion in construction improvements across 1,380 properties, raising $13 for each HUD dollar allocated.

Tulsa soon will convert its remaining 240 public housing units through RAD, but in the meantime, its Hewgley Terrace scored 93 on its first NSPIRE inspection in February.

The Oklahoma City Housing Authority also plans to convert its public housing inventory to HUDs project-based Section 8 platform through the RAD program.

Thats part of our strategy on some of those properties that have the under 60 scores, Mills said.

OCHA has already converted two senior living communities and one other complex through the RAD program.

So when we switch under RAD like Tulsas done, then it lets (OCHAs development department) go out and get low-income housing tax credits, Mills said. We can get loans, we can get other grants.

Lags in repairs and requested maintenance

Caruthers said she is glad HUD has rolled out NSPIRE, focusing more on the inside of public housing units. She said its important for homes to pass inspections for the safety of those who live there.

But Caruthers is concerned that the new inspection protocol may be forcing OCHA to prioritize things like smoke alarms and GCFI outlets while she is left waiting for other important maintenance requests to be addressed.

Caruthers was at home when her rental house was inspected in April as part of the sampling of 30. She said a group of about five inspection officials spent about five or six minutes going through her home.

They go room to room and they look at the doors, the locks, the windows and the smoke detectors, Caruthers said.

Only two deficiencies were noted on the inspection report for Caruthers house  a damaged fascia on the roofline and accumulated litter in an undesignated area.

Caruthers said she requested the inspectors look at the items for which she had submitted maintenance requests, including her broken sink, broken latches on her windows and water leaks, but those items werent noted on the inspection report and werent immediately addressed.

OCHA did add smoke alarms to the bedrooms in Caruthers home, she said.

Theyre fixing everything that HUD is requiring them to fix, Caruthers said. But my sinks been messed up since February.

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: NSPIRE public housing leaves OKC housing authority struggling
The bodies of Lloyd Eubanks, 54, and William Eubanks, 27, were found near Haskell, Okla., after a multi-agency search on Saturday, Nov. 9

KOTV-DT Emergency responders at the scene of Lloyd and William Eubanks' death Emergency responders at the scene of Lloyd and William Eubanks' death

A father and son died after they were swept away by rising floodwaters in northeastern Oklahoma, authorities said.

Lloyd and William Eubanks were found after a multi-agency search on Saturday, Nov. 9 at about 8 a.m., according to a news release from Wagoner County Emergency Management.

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William, 27, entered the water after his sister slipped in a low-water slab while trying to clear debris from the area on the evening of Friday, Nov. 8, authorities noted. Lloyd, 54, also tried to save his daughter but the two men lost their footing and slipped under the water.

Related: Missing Father of 3 Faked His Disappearance in Kayak Accident and Fled to Europe: Authorities

Before they were swept away, the son was able to guide his sister to a nearby tree where she was able to free herself from the water, Fox affiliate KOKI-TV reported.

The woman called 911 and emergency responders descended on the scene near Haskell, where the men disappeared.

Wagoner County Emergency Management Emergency responders dispatched to the scene of Lloyd and William Eubanks' death Emergency responders dispatched to the scene of Lloyd and William Eubanks' death

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Swift-water teams and drones were used in the rescue operation before it was called off on Friday. The next morning, the bodies of the men were found, Wagoner County Emergency Management said.

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With the area receiving a large amount of rain in a short period last week after a recent drought, authorities cautioned others to heed flood warnings and flooded areas.

Related: Body of Missing 20-Year-Old Driver Found After His Car Was Swept Off the Road by Floodwaters

We had amassed a lot of resources out here last night and today to perform this search and recovery, Jeff Smith, director of Muskogee County Emergency Management, said according to CBS affiliate KOTV. We do not enjoy this. We do not enjoy responding to things like this.

He added, "This is not a playing matter. This is not a joke. Whenever you go into these high waters, you not only risk your life, but you risk the lives of first responders.


A woman walks past a line of voters waiting to cast their ballots at an Edmond polling location on Nov. 5. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)

The sun had hardly risen the morning after Election Day when the self-congratulating press releases and statements started flowing in.

Both sides of the aisle celebrated victories and hard-fought campaigns, and our Oklahoma election officials expressed their gratitude for an election that they said saw heavy turnout.

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But even as everyone was prematurely patting themselves on the back for a job well done, some dire election results were still coming in.

Roughly 50% of all Oklahoma eligible voters didnt vote. To put it another way, about 1 out of 2 voters sat it out.

It was so bad, one analysis placed us dead last for turnout in the entire country. Thats right: were in the bottom 10 again.

Even the turnout of Oklahomas registered voters was the worst of the three most recent presidential elections. While more Oklahomans actually voted than four years prior, our voter rolls are considerably larger, so a smaller percentage of people actually turned out.

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The sad thing is heading into Nov. 5, we were celebrating setting an all-time voter registration record and that a record number of Oklahomans voted early.

Now, I dont feel like this is an election worth celebrating at all.

Not because of the wins and losses of the candidates and measures on the ballot (democracy was done there), but because it continues to expose some sort of fundamental flaws in our election system.

Something is broken if were dead last  or maybe a smidge above it  in voter participation election-after-election-after-election.

We need to do some serious soul searching about whether our system is working as it should and why we stink. Because every other state demonstrated that they dont have the same problems getting people to the polls  or even registered to vote in the first place.

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And if election officials think this is heavy turnout, Im afraid of what future elections will look like if even 6 in 10 eligible voters show up.

Theres obviously a disconnect here, and if this election is any indication, were not ready to have a truly high turnout election in Oklahoma.

Because this election was marred by long lines  both during early voting and on Election Day.

I heard from multiple people who waited 30 minutes or longer on Election Day to vote. I saw long lines. I heard from people who drove to their polls and quickly turned right around and left without voting after hearing that the wait was going to be an hour or more.

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That doesnt even account for the poor Oklahomans who had to stand in lines for three-plus hours to vote early. Lines were long during all four early voting days.

Standing in line to vote isnt the same as waiting in line to get Taylor Swift concert tickets or that good Black Friday deal.

Most people dont want to wait in lines to vote. They only want to get in and out. No muss. No fuss.

And they deserve to have that happen.

If we cant meet those expectations, weve lost those voters  and that means weve failed. Because Id be willing to bet that most of the people who show up to do their democratic duty but then immediately leave because of the long lines dont come back.

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And yeah, theres a state law that allows people to skip two hours of work to vote, but not everybody has the luxury of just leaving work for hours at a time.

Maybe a solution is requiring employers to give employees a paid day off on Election Day. Or maybe that means looking at the states who are doing it right. We could add more days of early voting. We could put more funding into our election system so that we can increase the number of voting precincts and thereby shrink the number of people assigned to vote at those locations. Doing that would definitely shorten lines, but its going to cost money and require a committed investment in our entire election infrastructure.

Those are just some starting points from an observer and a voter.

I am encouraged that state Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, has publicly expressed support in possibly adding another day to early voting and additional locations. He believes that will increase turnout, especially among younger voters.

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During the course of the election, he handed out over 1,000 tacos as a thank you to those waiting in line to vote and apologized for the long lines.

I hope more legislators share his sentiments.

We desperately need sound strategies to increase Oklahoma voter turnout, registration and engagement.

This needs to be a bipartisan conversation because we need leaders on both sides of the aisle who are willing to take this seriously and not just shrug their shoulders helplessly or sloppily attempt to slap a small bandaid on a gaping wound to try to stem the bleeding.

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Justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court stand before entering the House chamber in the Oklahoma State Capitol for the governor's State of the State Address on Feb. 5. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down an order prohibiting municipalities from collecting franchise fees and other fees or taxes on costs from Winter Storm Uri.

The justices reversed the Corporation Commissions order Wednesday and remanded the case back to the board. The court, ruling 8-0, found that the Corporation Commission does not have the authority or jurisdiction to prevent municipalities from collecting franchise fees.

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Justice Dustin Rowe, who wrote a concurring opinion, said this leaves municipalities with millions in lost revenue with no clear answer on if they will be repaid and who the responsibility for making payments would fall on.

Who is paying the franchise fees associated with the winter storm? Rowe wrote. Will payment be made from the securitized revenue or from the utility companies balance sheets? I suppose the answer to these questions will be litigated in the district court. From there, the district court can determine whether the burden of an additional ($60 million to $100 million) will fall onto the people of Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is responsible for regulating various industries in Oklahoma, from the states public utilities to its towing and oil industries.

Justice James Edmondson wrote the majority opinion for the state Supreme Court. He wrote that the Corporation Commission had no authority to make decisions on municipal fees or taxes and franchise fees.

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The February 2021 Regulated Utility Consumer Protection Act does not give the Commission the authority to determine a utilitys gross receipts tax liability or determine such liability is legally unenforceable via a utility rate or tariff because of that Act, he wrote.

Edmonson concluded that the commissions determination that the February 2021 Regulated Utility Consumer Protection Act changed, amended, or altered a utilitys legal obligations concerning municipal franchise fees and gross receipts taxes is a determination not sustained by law and must be reversed.

The Corporation Commission issued its order in August 2022. The Oklahoma Municipal League argued against it and said the commission had no jurisdiction in this matter.

The City of Oklahoma City filed a petition in error, or an application to reverse an action from a lower court, against the commission in September 2022.

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Commissioner Bob Anthony, who dissented in the 2022 Commission order said in a statement that it improperly waived utility company tariffs and violated contract rights. Anthony is term limited and will be replaced by Brian Bingman who was elected Nov. 5.

Justice Rowe is right to wonder who will be required to pay that additional $60-100 million owed to Oklahomas towns and cities, Anthony said in a statement.

Commissioner Todd Hiett said he could not comment on the Courts opinion.

Being the Court has remanded the case back to the Commission, it would be inappropriate for a Commissioner to comment, he said in a statement. I will engage during the public hearings where certainly I will have comments.  This stands to potentially have an impact on customers.

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During the winter storm that lasted two weeks in 2021, public utilities reported that natural gas prices spiked nearly 40,000%. This created additional energy costs for Oklahoma consumers totaling over $4.5 billion.

The Corporation Commission permitted the states three largest public utilities, Oklahoma Natural Gas, OG&E and PSO, to securitize that debt by adding a monthly surcharge that will last nearly three decades.

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JACKSON COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) If you close your eyes and listen to the burners or see balloons dancing in the sky, you might think youre at Albuquerques famous Balloon Fiesta.

You open your eyes and find out youre in Altus, OK instead, taking in a balloon festival in just its fourth year. Altus Parks and Rec Director Michael Shive said its grown every year.

City of Wichita Falls unveils new futsal courts with block party

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We started out that first year with about 4 or 5 balloons and about 25 vendors, Shive said And then weve grown it now to this year, we had 16 balloons.

The Altus Balloon Festival got its start coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020. The idea was presented to the city with the intent of putting the festival on for the first time in the following year. Instead, the city jumped at the idea. Four years later, the vision was fully realized.

For us, bringing that here, and then bringing in from surrounding towns to this helps drive that tourism, Shive said It gives our military families as well as our citizens right here, something to look forward to and to be a part of.

One of those former military residents is Cleatus McDonel, a former marine turned balloonist who played a big part in bringing the festival to Altus. But if it wasnt for family ties, he might not have become a balloon pilot in the first place.

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I flew in the Marine Corps, helicopters, and flew airliners for FedEx, McDonel said. My wife says, well, you think you can fly anything. How about a balloon? Well of course I can fly a balloon, Ive flown everything else. Humbling experience. Its not the same thing.

Ballooning presents many challenges that other types of aviation dont. In many ways, it is more of a science, pitting the pilot against whatever nature has to offer.

City View ISD Culinary Program celebrates 4 years with a carnival

Its you and burners and propane and a big envelope sitting over the top of your head, and what are you going to do with it, McDonel said. You know, its nobody elses fault. Theres not a radio, theres not a GPS, theres nothing involved in it really. So, its you and the elements out here and what you can do with them.

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As onlookers had their eyes on the sky, watching the balloons go up, the balloonists in the baskets were happy to give the fourth annual Altus Balloon Festival another happy landing.

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PERRY COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Every day, the memory of World War II fades further from living history. Many who fought and won this war are now in their 90s or older.

Youve probably heard the saying, age is just a number, but imagine being over 100 years old  108 to be exact.

Its something to be proud of, I guess, said Oakley Hacker.

Hacker was born on Oct. 2, 1916, in Clay County.

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More than a century later, hes considered to be Kentuckys oldest known living World War II veteran, serving in the United States Navy for almost five years. Hacker achieved the rank of gunners mate second class and served as an armed guard aboard the SS Oliver Wolcott.

Hacker provided gunnery support in the countrys biggest seaborne invasion in history on June 6, 1944. His D-day mission was to ensure the protection of cargo ships and operational ships.

I had eight men under me; I was responsible for them; I mean, it took that many to operate the long gun we had, said Hacker.

Hacker returned to his old Kentucky home after completing his Navy mission. But he didnt slow down any time soon, working several different jobs throughout the years, and as his birthday cake piled higher and higher with candles, it wasnt until he turned 92 that he decided to retire.

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He stopped his car lot at age 92, and he really didnt want to, but his eyesight was declining, so he felt in the best interest of everything that was the right thing to do, said Hackers daughter, Fatima Brown.

Hacker now lives peacefully at Paul E. Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center. His daughter visits him often, reminiscing about her childhood memories with him and cherishing the one she still can make.

Were just incredibly proud of him, of his service, and of his age, and he is such a good man. He always has been; hes just straight up through and through, Brown said. A member of the greatest generation, you know, those men and women, had a job to do and they went, and they done it, and they came home, and they had families and, you know, carried on; theyre just incredible people.

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Hacker said he doesnt know the secret to living to 108 years old, but he does know he wouldnt change a thing.

Deals from restaurants, retailers for Veterans Day 2024

I never think about it; I just live as long as I can, said Hacker.

Hacker said if he was still able to serve, he would.

He has four children, one of whom unfortunately passed away, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

For his 107th birthday, Senate President Robert Stivers delivered a special senate resolution commemorating the milestone.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VIENNA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi will travel to Tehran this week for high-level talks with the Iranian government.

The two sides will hold technical discussions on all aspects related to the joint statement agreed by both sides in March 2023 to step up cooperation to expedite the resolution of outstanding safeguards issues, according to the IAEA on Sunday.

The IAEA said that the meetings in Tehran will build on Grossi's discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September.

"It is essential that we make substantive progress in the implementation of the Joint Statement agreed with Iran in March 2023," Grossi said. 
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  School districts across the Miami Valley are mourning the loss of a student killed in what authorities determined was an accident.

The incident occurred in Clark County on Saturday. Now, a teen is in police custody and facing charges.

Clark County sheriffs say that a 16-year-old shot and killed another teenager by accident while the teens were horseplaying. One of them pulled the trigger believing the gun was empty.

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On Nov. 9, first responders arrived at a residence in the 4400 block of Reno Road in Northridge. Just before 7 p.m. that evening, dispatch received a call about a shooting in the house.

Authorities say a 16-year-old was in possession of the firearm, and went to the home on Reno Road to meet the victim and another person. Bystanders reportedly told police that in a moment of horseplay, the victim was shot in the torso.

The teen later succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.

Investigators say the magazine was removed from the firearm, but one bullet remained in the weapon when it was fired.

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The tragedy has drawn support from local school districts who have sent messages of support to the Kenton Ridge community on social media.

In one post, Benjamin Local Schools shared:

Our hearts are heavy as we share that KR has lost a beloved student and member of their bowling team. Please join us in keeping his family in your thoughts and prayers tonight and in the weeks to come.

Indian Lake Schools shared this post online:

Indian Lake Lakers extend our thoughts and prayers to our CBC friends at Kenton Ridge. They lost a classmate and member of the bowling team.

Kenton Ridge High School has not made a statement at this time.

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The 16-year-old accused of firing the gun is being charged with reckless homicide. He is currently being held at the juvenile detention center.

The incident remains under investigation by 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 WDTN.com.
(Getty Images)

A version of this commentary originally appeared in the Alabama Reflector.

My family and I stopped at Buffalo Wild Wings in Georgia a few weekends ago after watching one of our kids take part in a marching band competition. Surrounding us in restaurant were wall-mounted televisions. Most showed sports, repeatedly punctuated by political ads.

At least half of them attacked transgender people. And I dont know that Ive ever seen anything more rancid on a TV broadcast.

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One image after another of smiling human beings, framed as a monstrous threat.

A persons existence is never a debatable point. But these ads werent even gesturing toward persuasion. They were harangues, treating transgender people as nothing but targets and receptacles for hatred. Certainly not people worthy of the most basic respect.

The spots reminded me of an equally rancid ad from Alabamas past. Faced with an extinction-level political event in Alabamas 1970 gubernatorial campaign, George Wallace circulated a flyer showing a white girl sitting with seven Black children. The text read Wake Up Alabama! Is This The Image You Want? Blacks Vow To Take Over Alabama.

Brute. Crude. Demeaning.

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Its the old shriek of privilege, directed at white men like me. You matter. They dont. If they matter, you wont.

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It incites us to mad attempts at shoving the great shining rainbow of our nation back through the prism. Thinking we can make everything we see white.

That hateful struggle has warped our country. Its ruined lives and communities. And all too often it means living in a cynical simulacrum of freedom. Democracy at its heart is an act of inclusion, of gathering voices to come to a consensus. In America, we have a disturbing tendency to elevate people obsessed with excluding men and women from the discussion because of one identifier or another. All too often, they use violence to shrink the circle. Alabama has logged more decades as an apartheid state than as anything like a responsive government.

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And yet, we know that people pushed back. We know of countless Americans who faced tyranny and violence with a cool and clear demand to be treated as Americans.

Im thinking here of Jackson Giles, a Black man from Montgomery who lived through an age of segregation and lynchings. Someone who had seen his rights yanked away by a small clique of elites. Hopelessness would be a natural reaction.

But Giles fought. He challenged Alabamas 1901 Constitution, enacted through fraud to steal the vote from Black Alabamians and, later, poor whites.

Backed by the Tuskegee Institutes Booker T. Washington, he took the state to the U.S. Supreme Court, where, in 1903, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. ruled against him in a manner that was both illogical and cowardly.

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You could understand if Giles gave up there. He didnt.

Black leaders from around the state gathered in Montgomery after the courts ruling to continue the fight. Giles, a deacon in a local church, began the meeting with a hymn.

Jackson Giles, seen here in an undated photo published in a magazine in 1903, brought a lawsuit over Alabamas racist 1901 Constitution, taking his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Via archive.org)

One more river, he said. Theres one more river to cross.

Giles did not win that battle. The 1901 Alabama Constitution is still our governing document. Its authoritarian provisions controlled the state until 1966, when the first elections under the Voting Rights Act took place. Giles lived a long life, but not long enough to see that day. Its unlikely anyone who heard him sing in 1903 did, either.

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But other Alabamians picked up the melody. Amelia Boynton Robinson. Arthur Madison. Jo Ann Robinson. E.D. Nixon. Rosa Parks. They marched through Alabamas hopeless landscape in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, at considerable personal risk, trying to make freedom and rule of law something more than luxuries enjoyed by white elites.

Theyre not unique. Look at any marginalized group in American history. Youll see people who will not be silent, who will not be intimidated and who demand to be treated not as the powerful choose, but as the Constitution demands.

Their lives depend on us living our ideals. Not muttering them under our breath, but working to make our country the democracy it should be. Because when we decide that some people arent worthy of that, democracy dies.

It lives when people targeted for exclusion say no. When other people join them. And when the boundaries of belonging expand.

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Progress is not ordained. Giles saw it go backwards. It could do so again. But it will not be complete until the day we accept that all of us are Americans, each with a right to representation and respect. Until we acknowledge our freedom is tied to the freedom of everyone else.

That destination is far over the horizon, with many obstacles ahead and nothing we can count on except the path that led us here and each others faith in the journey. Take a deep breath and step forward. Theres one more river to cross.

Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and X.

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ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM)  One person was killed and one person was injured during two separate incidents in Ithaca gorges on Sunday morning, and authorities were called to a third potential incident that didnt require a rescue.

According to the Ithaca Fire Department, someone called Tompkins County 911 at about 1:10 a.m. on Nov. 10 to report that a person fell into a gorge near the Stewart Avenue Bridge. Officers from the Ithaca Police Department found the person, and personnel from the Ithaca Fire Department and Bangs Ambulance assessed their condition.

Authorities say first responders stabilized the person, and firefighters used a basket and a high-angle rope system to remove them from the gorge. A waiting ambulance crew took the person to Jessup Field where a Life Net air ambulance was waiting to take them to a regional trauma center. The Ithaca Fire Department does not know the persons current condition.

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The rescue was labor intensive and took about an hour and a half. The Ithaca Police Department is currently investigating the fall.

At 10:30 a.m. the same day, first responders were called to the Fall Creek Gorge for a report about a person in the water. Authorities who responded found a deceased person near the Stewart Avenue Bridge. It took emergency personnel about three hours to recover the persons body from the gorge. The Ithaca Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding this death.

According to the fire department, about 20 minutes after first responders were called to the Fall Creek Gorge area, a passerby reported seeing someone jumping into the gorge in the area of the Giles Street pedestrian bridge. Authorities thoroughly searched the area and didnt find a victim, so no rescue was needed.

The Ithaca Police Department, Cornell Environmental Health and Safety, the Ithaca Fire Department, and Bangs Ambulance were involved in the rescues. The Cayuga Heights, Lansing, and Newfield fire departments provided apparatuses and personnel during both of the rescue operations. Off-duty Ithaca Firefighters and firefighters from surrounding departments helped to cover additional calls in Ithaca during the rescues.

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The Ithaca Fire Department says none of these incidents are believed to be connected.

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(Bloomberg) -- A US Supreme Court transformed by Donald Trump now sits as one of the few potential checks on his authority as he returns to the White House.

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The president-elect has vowed to impose a 10% to 20% tariff on all imported goods, execute a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and undo what the court left of Joe Bidens environmental initiatives. But Trump hasnt always gotten his way and he may need the courts help to fulfill those ambitions.

Trump in the past has netted important victories before the Supreme Court for his policies on trade, immigration and the environment. With the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett just before he lost to Biden in 2020, three of the Supreme Courts nine justices are Trump appointees.

Still, the president-elect and the court have had a complicated relationship. More than once, Trump as president blasted his own appointees for voting against him, including when they refused to question his 2020 election defeat. More recently, the Republican-appointed majority gave him a major victory by partially backing his claims of immunity from prosecution for trying to reverse that 2020 defeat.

His previous administration had the lowest win rate at the Supreme Court in modern history, according to a database compiled by professors at Washington University in St. Louis and Penn State University. And Trumps campaign pledges go well beyond his first-term policies and are certain to face fierce legal pushback.

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Ultimately, the range of issues will depend in part on how much Trump follows through on campaign-trail promises and whether Republicans keep their House majority, giving them control of both congressional chambers to more easily pass legislation. Here are some of the areas that could test how accommodating the Supreme Court will be in Trumps second term:

Tariffs

During Trumps first term, the Supreme Court twice declined to question the 25% tariffs he placed on imported steel products. Trump relied on a provision known as Section 232, which gives the president broad discretion to impose tariffs on national security grounds.

Using that legal authority will be harder with an across-the-board tariff. The bigger that Trump goes with this, the bigger of a challenge hell face, said Ilya Shapiro, director of constitutional studies at the conservative Manhattan Institute. But he added that courts have generally given a lot of discretion to presidents who levy tariffs.

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Trump also has other tools at his disposal, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which gives the president broad leeway to address crises.

Ultimately, the question may be whether the court concludes Trump has gone beyond the authority granted by Congress. The court could also consider whether lawmakers have unconstitutionally ceded their legislative authority by giving the president so much discretion.

Immigration Crackdown

Trump has also promised the biggest mass deportation in US history. The fate of the plan is likely to hinge on how quickly he moves and how much latitude the court concludes he has under the nations immigration laws and the Constitutions due process clause.

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If the Trump administration is trying to effectively remake immigration law without congressional authorization, I would expect the court would be a significant constraint on that, said Jonathan Adler, an administrative law professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. But as with tariffs, the president probably has more authority than in some other areas when it comes to immigration.

Trump could face even tougher scrutiny should he try to fulfill his pledge to end birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. The Constitution has long been understood as making anyone born on US soil an American citizen.

It would be extraordinarily difficult to take away birthright citizenship without amending the Constitution, said David Cole, a Georgetown University law professor who served as national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. It would be very likely that the court would invalidate such efforts.

Trump had a mixed record on immigration issues the first time around. In its first major ruling, the Supreme Court upheld his travel ban, which barred entry into the country by more than 150 million people, most of them from predominantly Muslim countries.

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Later on, the court blocked Trump from including a citizenship question on the 2020 census and from ending a Barack Obama-era program that prevents deportation of hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants. But both those decisions turned on a single vote, and they came before Trump gave the court a sixth conservative by appointing Barrett.

Energy and Environment

Trumps sweeping agenda is likely to include the elimination of incentives for electric vehicle sales, the scrapping of regulations limiting power plant emissions and the dismantling of rules governing environmental, social and governance initiatives.

Some of those moves could hit an ironic set of obstacles: Biden-era Supreme Court rulings that put major new limits on the power of regulatory agencies.

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The court in 2022 enshrined the so-called major questions doctrine, forbidding agencies from deciding matters of sweeping political or economic significance without clear congressional authorization. Then in June the court overturned decades of precedent and slashed the leeway of regulators to put their own gloss on unclear federal statutes.

Those rulings now could be wielded against the incoming administration even though its not clear how much force they will have, said Tara Leigh Grove, a professor who teaches constitutional law at the University of Texas. The court, for example, hasnt said whether the major-questions doctrine applies when an agency is engaged in deregulation.

In general, judges try to be principled, Grove said. I think that some members of the court will actually prove to be a check on excesses of any administration, but I think its hard to know for sure about anyone.

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There is one unelected, nonpartisan woman standing in the way of Donald Trumps plans to crack down on immigration and the border.

Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, essentially a referee of the Senate, is responsible for ensuring that lawmakers follow the rules that govern how legislation moves forward. And it's her role that could prove to be the last roadblock before Trump can implement sweeping immigration reforms.

Trump has made it clear he intends to stop the flow of migrants across the border and, with immigration hardliner Tom Homan in the post of Border Czar, they plan to strip back protections for migrant minors.

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Republicans are considering pushing the aggressive measures through under budget reconciliation  a complex procedure that allows the Senate to end debate and call a vote with the support of a simple majority, which they will have in the Senate, The Hill reports. Many bills need to reach 60 votes in order to be fillibuster proof.

MacDonough has been Senate parliamentarian since 2012 and is the first woman to hold the position. She has struck prohibited measures from budget reconciliation bills several times, confounding both Republicans and Democrats.

Republicans are concerned MacDonough could be problematic because of a track record of ruling against adding immigration proposals to budget reconciliation bills. If the Republicans talk about trying to change immigration through the budget reconciliation process, she could push to nix those efforts.

Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough - its her advisory role in the Senate that might stand in the way of Donald Trump and sweeping immigration reforms (US Senate Photographic Studio)

Republicans are already talking about doing three reconciliation measures in the next two years, and one of them will be focused on that, border security, a GOP strategist told The Hill. The parliamentarian could be problematic. If youre starting to push policy legislation into the reconciliation process, thats a no no.

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The parliamentarian serves as an advisor to the Senate, but is rarely overruled. In fact, the last time was when Vice President Nelson Rockefeller overruled the parliamentarian in 1975, sparking outrage from both sides of the party.

MacDonough kept a relatively low profile until in 2021, when her name hit the headlines after she dashed Democrats hopes of passing a $15-an-hour minimum wage increase within their $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill.

The parliamentarian ruled that the Covid-19-aid bill couldnt comply with reconciliation rules if it included the minimum-wage provision.

Democrats were left with a range of options, from redoing the legislation to dropping the wage increase to trying to override MacDonoughs ruling. Some even called for MacDonough to be fired  which the GOP strategist implied could be one option in the upcoming Congress.

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The bottom line is if Republicans really want to be tough, they can ignore the parliamentarian. They can do whatever they want, the strategist added.

Trump has revealed Tom Homan, an immigration hardliner, will be his border czar as the administration looks at sweeping immigration changes (REUTERS)

MacDonough is the arbiter of whether the reconciliation bill passes the Byrd Rule  which limits the types of provisions that can be included in bills that deal with the budget.

The rule says provisions in a reconciliation bill cannot result in changes to spending or revenues, raise the deficit past the point of the budget window (usually 10 years) or make changes to social security, the Bipartisan Policy Center explains.

When we take the majority and we have a new majority leader, does Elizabeth MacDonough remain the parliamentarian? Why not hire a parliamentarian who perhaps might be more favorable to allowing some of these provisions to move past Byrd Rule obstacles, the GOP aide added.

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In 2021, MacDonough ruled against Democrats when they wanted to introduce a number of provisions that would help immigrants into work as part of a $2 trillion social spending bill under budget reconciliation.

Outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell preferred not to overrule the parliamentarian, but his replacement will have the authority to remove MacDonough.
TOPGUN is the United States Navys top rating for pilots and aircrew. Its official name is Naval Strike Fighter Instructor Course.

The United States Army has something similar for its tank crews. A four-member team from the Tennessee National Guard won the Army Sullivan Cup for 2024.

That makes the state of Tennessee the home of a world champion and the U.S. Armys best tank crew!

Tennessees team bested active duty Army crews to win the competition at Fort Moore, Georgia, which took place April 29 to May 3. Many know Fort Moore by its former name, Fort Benning in Georgia.

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Tennessee Guard crew members consist of a law school graduate, an information and technology data technician, a video game designer and a mechanic.

Foursome competed against full-time active duty Army teams

Being the best takes dedication, commitment to excellence, knowing your equipment and putting metal on target. These four soldiers did that and more.

Four members of the Tennessee National Guard won the 2024 Sullivan Cup for best tank crew competition at Ft. Moore, Georgia in May 2024. Pictured are: Staff Sgt. David Riddick, Sgt. Joshua Owen, Spc. Noah Eddings and Spc. Seth Carter.

Ashland City is the home to 278th Armored Cavalry Regiments Troop B, 1st Squadron, they are is just minutes away from downtown Nashville and our state capital. The winners are Staff Sgt. David Riddick, Sgt. Joshua Owen, Spc. Noah Eddings and Spc. Seth Carter.

Beating the Big Army is a great achievement. After all, the U.S. Army teams crew their Abrahams battle tanks more often than the Tennessee National Guard team.

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Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, who was appointed the states adjutant general by Gov. Bill Lee, had high praise for his tankers. He said: This is an amazing honor, and these soldiers should be proud of all they have accomplished.

Tennessee citizens should be proud of the National Guard members

Being a weekend warrior isnt easy. Members of the Guard and other reserve components give up one weekend a month and 15 days annually for training. You miss family, church, and lots of other things to serve your state and nation.

Since the global war on terror after 9/11 (Sept. 11, 2001), Tennessee Army and Air Guard have been deployed in combat zones and engaged in the fight. Many members have also been called up for state missions too. Some of these brave soldiers didnt make it home alive.

Tennesseans should be very proud of these four Guard members and of the thousands serving in the National Guard of Tennessee. This crew of four, exemplify what it means to be a citizen soldier and they live the Guards motto of Always Ready Always There.

Thomas Salas Freeman

Thomas Salas Freeman is a veteran. He is the co-founder of Tennessees Honor Our Veterans, a privately funded organization, which assists fellow veterans and families. He resides in Williamson County.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Opinion: Tennessee National Guard tank crew won top honors over Army
Since early October, Chicagos school system has been upended by political intrigue reminiscent of what one reads about in history books covering corrupt nineteenth-century city governments. In a move that the Wall Street Journal editorial board called a coup led by Chicago Teacher Union-backed Mayor Brandon Johnson, all seven members of the Chicago Board of Education resigned on October 4. Those resignations came just weeks before Chicagoans were set, for the first time ever, to vote for their school board members, who have historically been appointed by the mayor.

The proximate cause of the political fracas is a $300 million hole in Chicago Public Schools annual budget, driven primarily by the drying up of federal pandemic relief dollars. But funding challenges in the Windy City are downstream of a concerning reality: Chicago is increasingly beholden to the wishes of its teachers union. This is especially the case under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, who spent a decade as an organizer for the CTU and ascended to the mayoralty with its backing. At the helm of the city, Johnson has been willing to bend over backward to put his union sympathies into policy. A since-retired reporter told Chicago Magazine editor Edward McClelland that CTU President Stacy Davis Gates made Brandon Johnson. Now, Stacy Davis Gates owns Brandon Johnson.

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Former U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D) shared a similar sentiment: We have a new political machine [in Chicago], and its called the CTU, and its vassal is Mayor Johnson.

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The previous boards resignations marked the apex of the tensions that have been simmering between it and Johnson ever since the board approved a controversial $9.9 billion budget in July. In addition, the board has sided with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez in opposing a $300 million short-term, high-interest loan to pay for the expensive raises sought by the CTU, which is negotiating a new contract with the board. After Johnsons hardball move, theres little question that the unions negotiators are breathing a sigh of relief. In the memorable words of Chicago Magazines McClelland, following the boards resignations, Mayor CTU will appoint a set of lackeys, brownnosers, and apple polishers who will carry out the Chicago Teachers Unions program  fire Martinez, take out the loan, and use the money to hand out 9% raises for teachers.

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Chicago Mayors Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Debt Plan for the District

Indeed, its clear that Johnsons recent school board moves align well with the CTUs positions. The union, which is actively hostile toward Martinez, wants him gone. But the school board, which was almost entirely hand-picked by Johnson himself, refused to play along because it recognized the irresponsibility of taking on a risky loan.

Its worth dwelling a bit on the financial situation of CPS. It can be boiled down to two words: not good. The school board passed a $9.9 billion budget in July that did not include money for the contract that the board is currently negotiating with the CTU, which typically adds $100 million to $120 million annually to the districts operating costs, nor a non-teaching-staff pension payment that will cost the district $175 million.

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These two expenses culminated in the roughly $300 million gap mentioned above. Mayor Johnson has pushed the school board and Martinez to take out a loan to close this gap, but because CPS bonds are junk rated, the interest payments on the loan would likely be exorbitant. Indeed, CPS is already $9.3 billion in debt, and principal and interest payments on outstanding debt  the debt that exists before this potential new loan would take effect  will total $817 million this year alone. When Johnson first floated the idea of taking out a loan in July, an internal CPS memo reviewed by Chalkbeat called it a fictional or phantom revenue source.

An apparent lack of adequate state funding may also be at play here. In 2017, Illinois changed its school-funding formula to better fund historically under-resourced districts. Under the reformed funding formula, CPS only has 79% of its required funding this year due to the districts recent increase in English language learners and a decrease in local revenue, both of which increased the required funding per the states formula.

Lurking in the background of this shortfall is the rocky relationship between Johnson and Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker, providing fertile ground for the conspiracy-minded to suspect that the governor is holding back funding from Chicagos schools out of personal pettiness. But the reality is more prosaic: Other districts in Illinois are even worse off than Chicago, including the 49 of them that are funded below 70%of what the state formula says they need. This suggests that Chicago is not being squashed by gubernatorial caprices. In the words of one person close to CPS, I think that the union thought, once Brandon [Johnson] got elected, that theyd be able to walk into Springfield and get whatever they wanted. . . . But theres no money, especially after ESSER funds have expired.

Still, Chicago spends a lot of money each year on education. Per-student operating expenses in FY 22 totaled $24,132, roughly double the national average. Moreover, as Chad Aldeman wrote last month, CPS has added thousands of personnel at the same time that enrollment in the district has been declining. Budgeting decisions like these would be anathema in any other industry, argues Aldeman, where leaders normally try to match up the number of employees with customer demand. But Chicago Public Schools is doing the opposite.

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Indeed, Aldeman notes that the district chose to invest 92% of its one-time relief funds in full-time school employees, a decision that greatly benefited the CTUs members  and, by extension, CTUs coffers.

But Mayor CTU refuses to countenance worries about the CPSs dire financial straits. In the press conference during which Johnson announced the boards new appointees  which local news outlets have described as fiery and combative  he compared those raising concerns about fiscal responsibility to slaveholders. They said it would be fiscally irresponsible for this country to liberate Black people, Johnson argued. And now you have detractors making the same argument of the Confederacy when it comes to public education in this system.

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Chicago Is Running Out of Money. Its Teachers Union Wants 9% Raises Anyway

One can hardly blame the CTU for its insistence that its members receive generous raises, financial considerations be damned. The first concern of a union, after all, is simple: to act in the best interests of its members. But Brandon Johnson deserves less sympathy. In a time of unprecedented financial chaos for the school district, Mayor Johnson is acting in the interests not of Chicago as a whole but of the CTU. This is not to suggest that Johnson is a stooge of the union. Johnson strikes this observer as a full-throated advocate for the cause on which he rose to power, which is why the CTU funded him so generously in the first place; the arrow of causality does not point in the opposite direction.

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Still, Johnson should know better than to jeopardize the financial health of the citys school system in order to push forward the interests of just one of his many constituencies. In contrast, Chicago voters delivered a strong anti-union verdict in last weeks elections, as just four of the 10 school-board candidates elected were backed by the CTU.

Perhaps this is a sign that Chicagoans have recognized the peril of being beholden to the union.
For tens of millions of Americans who supported Vice President Kamala Harris in last weeks election, this is not the result we wanted for her historic, hard-fought campaign.

And now I have a suggestion for all of us: Lets skip the autopsy.

Instead, lets go straight to the physical  in other words, lets examine the beating heart that has made the far right powerful and able to gain control over our institutions. If you say its money, youre largely right  but its also strategy and the long game.

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Not only that, but we as progressives have to recommit to core values that distinguished us in the past, especially our commitment to free speech.

Lets start with the rights long-term strategy. I believe Democrats should have responded far more aggressively decades ago when the 1971 Powell memo mobilized Republicans to get serious about investing money in two things: capturing the courts and reinforcing a system that could allow them to win elections even if they dont win the popular vote  which has happened more than once.

We as progressives need to focus now on building a judiciary we can trust and on fundamental changes in our electoral system, and we have to raise serious money to do it.

Our goals will be extraordinarily challenging in the short term, especially the first two years of a Trump administration and Republican control of the Senate.

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But as Vice President Harris said the day after Election Day, Sometimes the fight takes a while, but that doesnt mean we wont win.

We made great progress in confirming federal judges under President Biden: judges who are highly credentialed, highly diverse and committed to civil rights.

About two dozen Biden judicial nominees are waiting for confirmation now, and the Senate must use the lame-duck period to confirm all of them before the transition.

In the longer term, we have to invest in a pipeline for future judges just as the right has done with the Federalist Society.

And we have to commit to structural changes including term limits and ethics reform at the Supreme Court.

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The way this Supreme Court put its thumb on the scale for Trump during the election season was nothing short of disgusting. And its not the only instance. Remember Bush v. Gore? The right has been at this for a long time.

Meanwhile, profound changes are needed in our electoral system, which the right has co-opted so that it fails to deliver on our democracys promise of one person, one vote.

The right decimated federal voting rights protections, creating a vacuum that let MAGA-run states swoop in with harsh voter suppression laws; we need to restore voting rights by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.

We also have an antiquated Electoral College system with roots in a racist past; we have to replace it with a National Popular Vote.

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Again, this will all take time. But there is also something we can do immediately, right now, to change the conversation: We can go back to being the side known for expansive and unstinting support of free speech.

This is not our current reputation.

When we police speech, when we shout down opponents or bar them from campuses, we dont win. We look like we fear losing the argument when the truth is, we can easily win it.

Especially now, when an incoming Trump administration looks ready to attack freedom of speech on all fronts, its our job to be free speech heroes. Credible opposition to Trump  and especially to Project 2025, which is a draconian anti-free speech agenda if there ever was one  demands it.

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Ill say one other thing about something the right has had success with lately: breaking norms and rules. Republicans used to be seen as the party of conformity and rule-following until they became the party of rule-bending, if not rule-breaking. Trump is the apotheosis of this.

I dont advocate unethical behavior of the kind weve seen in some instances, as when Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) trashed rules and norms to hold a critical Supreme Court seat open for Trump to fill. But I do think we should challenge norms that dont serve us and institutions that werent built for us.

This moment is hard for many of us. But we can be proud of the fact that Kamala Harris had a message that resonated broadly with huge numbers of Americans across ages, parties, genders and races.

We can also be bolstered by our belief that her message is the future and that it is where our country ultimately will be going, and we can look ahead.

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As the old saying goes, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, but the second best time is today.

Svante Myrick is the president of People for the American Way.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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In 2010, I attended an Oklahoma legislative committee meeting where most lawmakers were reading a New Yorker article, Steve Brills The Rubber Room. It was full of attacks on teachers. Legislators found his narrative persuasive, and it contributed to the passage of the most destructive education bill I ever witnessed.

I then reached out to Brill, trying to share the social and cognitive science that explained why he was using invalid and unreliable data in support of a blame game that would undermine teaching and learning.

So, I was curious about what he now believes. After all, the subtitle for a recent interview with him was:

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New York repealed measures that made it easier to fire ineffective teachers. The veteran journalist wonders if they ever mattered.

But, Brill, a non-educator, still sticks with an anti-teacher ideology, propagated by astro-turf think tanks that rejected the scientific method when trying to use venture capitalism procedures for transforming traditional public schools. Even after those reward-and-punish policies demonstrably failed, Brill says, in public education, I think theres a pretty good argument that the people abusing and undermining the system are actually the teachers.

"The Rubber Room" presented little evidence that teachers were to blame. His sources focused on the twentieth of one percent of all New York City teachers who had been removed from the classroom, but not fired. He believed the PR from corporate reformers like The New Teacher Project (TNTP) and the New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein who thought tenure is ridiculous.

Although value-added models (VAMs) were the foundation for holding teachers accountable for test score growth, Brill only used the term value-added once, and he didnt bother to address that statistical models flawed methodology for evaluating individual teachers. (Some of those models even held teachers accountable for outcomes of students they never met!)

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Brill merely wrote that the value-added scores was a phrase that sends chills down the spine of most teachers union officials.

Brill didnt understand why it was impossible to recruit top teachers to highest-poverty schools using evaluation metrics that were biased against inner city teachers. Neither did he understand why these data-driven evaluations would prioritize jukin the stats and drill-and-kill instruction that would undermine holistic and meaningful teaching and learning. Brill certainly didnt understand that teachers and unions also fought against VAMs in order to protect their students from teach-to-the-test malpractice which they would incentivize.

More: The holistic community school model can help children  and their families  to thrive | Guest

Brill was also dismissive of peer review, which the teachers union supported, and which was a constructive and efficient method of removing ineffective teachers from the classroom. (In my experience, union leaders invested a great deal of political capital in removing ineffective teachers; it was administrators that would lose their nerve and not exit those teachers.)

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Brill drew upon the anti-union TNTP, which spread inaccurate information on the Toledo Plan, where districts and unions worked together to efficiently remove ineffective teachers. The TNTP claimed that the Toledo peer review program only removed .7% of probationary teachers over a five-year period. In fact, 12.9% of teachers in the plan were removed from the classroom in 2009. The percentages of 2008 probationary teachers removed from the classroom in Syracuse (9.7%), Rochester (7%), Montgomery County (10.5%), and Minneapolis (37%) were far greater than outcomes that VAMs produced.

And that brings us to todays attacks on education. After a history of failure, corporate reformers have moved away from teacher evaluation systems that rely on test score growth, even though they still tend to blame teachers and unions. But state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters now represents todays version of disempowering teachers.

Walters pushed for and succeeded in getting the Oklahoma State Board of Education to revoke the license of Norman High School's Summer Boismier, who covered her bookshelves with red paper, [with] the words books the state doesnt want you to read, and a QR code to the Brooklyn Public Library, which offers any student free access to banned books.

She has asked an Oklahoma County judge to review and reverse the revocation order, saying it was unlawful, frivilous and without a legitimate cause.

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Also, Edmonds Regan Killackey is fighting against Walters effort to revoke his teaching license for a photo showing him playing with his kids at a Halloween supply store in September 2019. His daughter was wearing a mask of Donald Trump and his son held up a plastic sword, and Killackey had a grimaced look on his face.

If teachers lose their due process rights, who will be able to resist Walters civics curriculum committee which includes the Heritage Foundations Kevin Roberts, a key sponsor of Project 2025?

John Thompson

John Thompson is a former Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Opinion: Ryan Walters represents todays version of disempowering teachers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Donald Trump last week on his electoral victory on X and reminded his American counterpart of his peace through strength approach, adding, This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer.

This is true, but Trump has given no sign of approaching Russias imperial aggression the way Ronald Reagan approached the Soviet Union.

For this reason, the period we have entered now  before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20  is critical. President Biden and the Senate leadership have an opportunity to shield Ukraine from the immediate impact of Trumps election  emboldening Russia President Vladimir Putin and perhaps setting the parameters for the next Trump administrations policy towards Ukraine.

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The situation in Ukraine is dire. Ukraines armed forces lack sufficient personnel, equipment and training. They are innovative and technology is helping, but not enough. The state of their democracy is improving, but they need more human capital, which continues to be eroded by the war. The rule of law must be bolstered, and for that, Zelensky and his government will need encouragement and assistance.

The last time Ukraine took the initiative was when the military seized territory in Russias Kursk region in August. Putin made his countermove last month, expanding the war to introduce thousands of North Korean soldiers onto his territory to fight Ukrainians. Although this is not likely to prove decisive  and could even backfire on the Kremlin and Kim Jong Uns regime  we should not downplay its diplomatic significance. This moves the war in Ukraine into the global category, especially if you consider Iran and Chinas support for Russias war effort.

The next move is likely to come from South Korea in the form of direct weapon supply to Ukraine  although we cant rule out that they may wait to see what a new Trump administration holds in store.

Washington must now immediately make its own move. President Biden should work now with our NATO allies to urge the alliance to issue a swift invitation to NATO membership, one that can be ratified by the majority of the members rapidly. This also means seeking the help of current Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), which should be possible since hes on the record supporting Ukraines entry into the alliance.

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NATO enlargement to include Ukraine will entail some risk that Putin will test our resolve, so the existing bilateral assurances that most NATO countries signed with Ukraine this year should be referenced as the diplomatic basis for new NATO troop deployments to Ukraine to deter Russia from any further military action in the period between invitation and ratification. We can start preparing now by deploying a Polish Patriot to help create stronger air defenses and consider taking other action to shoot down Russian drones and missiles over Ukrainian territory, much as we have done for Israel in its current fight with Iran.

It has been increasingly apparent to European allies  even in the West  that they could well come under attack by Russia under certain scenarios, that are not far-fetched. Already last year French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of deploying troops back to Ukraine.

But the sabotage operations executed by Russian agents  attacks on the Paris metro, ammunition depots in the Czech Republic and bases in Germany  have provided a jolt to Europes leaders, along with break-ins to Finnish water towers and treatment plants and the attempted assassination of the CEO of Germanys Rheinmetall, a major provider of munitions for Ukraines military, including through four military plants in Ukraine.

Russian agents are also suspected of a plot to place incendiary devises on aircraft bound for the U.S. and Canada  this operation alone, if it had succeeded would have brought us to the brink of war with Russia. German intelligence chiefs now warn that Russia could be in a position to attack NATO by the end of the decade.

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It remains to be seen if this has been a wakeup call, bringing a realization that Putin tested NATO and in our muted response to these attacks, we have invited further probes. Ultimately, as many of us have written repeatedly, Putin wants to eliminate NATO as a threat to his quest to recreate a Russian empire. Only a strong United States with its allies can stop him from destroying the international order, which rests upon respect for sovereignty of state borders and human rights. Providing no response only invites more frequent and lethal attacks from Russia. And it emboldens China to take similar aggressive action against Taiwan and its other neighbors.

We dont want war with Russia, so we must act firmly now to punish Russia for these acts. We can start by declassifying more information on these attacks and communicating the reality more broadly to European, American and Asian publics with sanctions  adding more Russian banks to the list, and slapping secondary sanctions on countries providing electronics, machine tools and other precursors and components that are being used to manufacture drones and other weapons in Russia. And we can warn Putin that if he persists in such operations on NATO territory, NATO will implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

Bringing Ukraine quickly into NATO will create territorial depth for NATO allies and we gain a member that has the most experience fighting Russians  and in keeping them off balance. President Biden and senators from both parties owe it to the American people to support an invitation to Ukraine during the lame duck. Without the prospect of a NATO security umbrella, Ukraine will be another kind of duck  a sitting duck in Vladimir Putins sights.

Evelyn Farkas is executive director of the McCain Institute, former deputy assistant secretary of defense, and former executive director of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. She went to North Korea in 2008 as a senior staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to letters from friendly personages from all walks of life in Brazil recently, encouraging them to continuously contribute to the China-Brazil friendship.

In his reply, Xi said that he is glad to see that the China-Brazil friendship has been passed on from generation to generation, adding that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Brazil have marched forward hand in hand, sharing weal and woe, and have forged a friendship spanning mountains and oceans.

China is willing to work with Brazil to enrich the friendship between the two countries in the new era, make China-Brazil relations a good example of solidarity, coordination, common development and mutual benefit among major developing countries, and make greater contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind, Xi said.

He said Brazilian friends are welcome to visit China more often and experience for themselves the myriad sights of Chinese modernization.

He voiced hope that people from all walks of life in the two countries will play a positive role in promoting the continuous development of China-Brazil relations and making the China-Brazil friendship flow unceasingly like the Yangtze River and the Amazon River, Xi added.

Recently, Enrique Teixeira, former deputy mayor of Campinas, Sao Paulo State, and more than 100 friendly personages from the Brazil-China Friendship Association, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo State University, and the Copacabana Fort Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro wrote to Xi respectively, thanking the Chinese government, enterprises and universities for their contributions to China-Brazil friendly exchanges and the improvement of local people's livelihood. 
Its extraordinary how the fortunes of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have changed since they last met in 2019.

Back then, at the G20 summit in Canada, Trump was embroiled in domestic legal issues, the Mueller report, and accusations of being Moscows candidate. This image wasnt helped by the disastrous summit with Putin in Helsinki the previous year.

The concern was that Putin had compromising material on Trump  like the infamous pee tape  which could explain Trumps fawning overtures toward the Russian leader. Trump seemed genuinely enamored with Putin, perhaps drawn to his aura of power and menace  traits Trump may secretly aspire to himself.

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At the time, Putin had ruled Russia for two decades, rebuilding its image as a great power and bolstering its military might. Russia had successfully put the West on the back foot in various international settings, from Syria to Libya and Africa, through the actions of the Wagner Group.

In Ukraine, Putin had illegally annexed Crimea and militarily intervened in Donbas, continuing his efforts to destabilize the country. His interventions in Syria, Africa, and Belarus aimed to push migrants into Europe, destabilizing the European political, economic, and social fabric, while promoting far-right and far-left movements across the continent. He backed Brexit and supported far-right and far-left candidates in Western democracies, seemingly to great effect.

Meanwhile, Putin had Europe dependent on Russian energy, using that leverage to tighten his grip through pipelines like Nord Stream and restrict other gas supply routes. Geopolitically, Putin appeared to pull all the strings, with the added backing of Chinese President Xi Jinping, solidified in their no-limits partnership just weeks before Russia's fateful full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Read also: Kuleba: 5 lessons for Ukrainians from Trumps victory

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Putin and his authoritarian allies seemed ascendant, while Western liberal democracy appeared to be on the decline. Fast forward five years, and Trump is basking in the glow of a landslide U.S. election victory. Trump now controls the Supreme Court, the judiciary, and all levers of federal power. Legal cases against him are likely to be dropped, and a recent Supreme Court ruling seems to suggest that the president is above the law. His political capital is enormous, with world leaders lining up to kiss the ring.

"Putin and his authoritarian allies seemed ascendant, while Western liberal democracy appeared to be on the decline."

Even if Putin had kompromat on him, so what? Trump has proven he can weather scandals  he once boasted he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue with no legal consequences. With his Teflon-like ability to survive the biggest controversies, Trump can call Putins bluff on whatever compromising material he may have.

Contrast this with Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine has become a catastrophe for Russia. Nearly three years into the full-scale invasion, Russia  a supposed great power  has failed to defeat Ukraine, which was considered a third- or fourth-rate military power at the war's outset.

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A war that was supposed to last two weeks has dragged on for over 1,000 days, with no end in sight. Russia has lost perhaps half a million soldiers and much of its conventional military strength, so much so that its now forced to use World War II-era equipment.

Ukraine, despite having no navy, has managed to defeat Russias Black Sea fleet, forcing it to flee Crimeas Sevastopol naval base and significantly limiting its ability to operate in the Black Sea. Russia fought to secure a land corridor to Crimea, but now even the peninsula seems unsustainable, with each new land corridor turning into a white elephant.

Russias military technology has been exposed as inferior, with NATOs second- and third-generation equipment outmatching Russias fourth- and fifth-generation hardware. Russian defense sales have plummeted, and its geopolitical leverage has evaporated. Who wants to buy Russian S-400s now, when U.S. Patriots are in high demand?

The Russian economy is buckling under sanctions, with inflation rampant, the ruble nearing record lows, and the central bank forced to raise interest rates to 21%. Russia has lost access to $330 billion in central bank reserves, with nearly $400 billion in assets immobilized abroad. The cost of the conflict to Russia is already close to $1 trillion  half of one years GDP.

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Russia has lost the European energy market permanently, as Europe accelerates its transition away from Russian carbon energy and diversifies to suppliers like Algeria, Central Asia, and the Gulf. This was a 50-billion-euros annual business for Russia just for gas, and its never coming back.

Meanwhile, the no-limits partnership with China has exposed Russia as the junior partner. China has not offered unlimited support to Russia, instead carefully balancing its stance to avoid antagonizing the West. As a result, Russia has resorted to begging North Korea and Iran for weapons and troops.

Russia's situation has become so dire that, just a year ago, Putin faced an existential threat from a coup led by Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, coming dangerously close to losing power. Russia has been revealed as a declining colonial power  the entire world knows it; only Russia has yet to face the truth.

Putin enters any talks with Trump in a critically weak position. Yes, he can continue the war, as can Ukraine, but it will cost countless more Russian lives and resources, while risking another coup attempt.

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Trump, on the other hand, enters potential talks from a position of overwhelming strength. He needs a Ukraine peace deal far less than Putin does. If Trump fails to reach an agreement, what are the consequences for the U.S.? Not much.

Ukraine has shown its willingness to fight, and even if the U.S. cuts its financing, Europe will continue to support Ukraine, as it has the most to lose from Russias aggression. And if funding is tight, Europe can tap into the $330 billion in frozen Russian assets. Ukraine and Europe will continue to order vast amounts of U.S. defense equipment, ensuring U.S. jobs and billions in contracts. Putin has no leverage over Trump now, and Trump should play hardball.

Trump is presented with a rare opportunity to broker the greatest peace deal ever. Why wouldnt he use all his leverage to extract maximum concessions from Putin? What does Putin bring to the table? What concessions can he offer Trump?

"Trump is presented with a rare opportunity to broker the greatest peace deal ever. Why wouldnt he use all his leverage to extract maximum concessions from Putin?"

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Lets consider the deal suggested by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance: Putin keeps all the territory in Ukraine, Ukraine remains neutral and does not join NATO, and the only concession to Ukraine is the ability to buy Western weapons to defend itself. But what is Putin offering in exchange? Nothing.

Read also: Opinion: 3 ways Trumps return to power could unfold for Ukraine

The Wests leverage is significant  sanctions could be eased if Russia withdraws to its February 2022 borders, or even better, to its 1991 borders. Russia would be reintegrated into the international community and begin rebuilding trust.

But Ukraine must be given the means to defend itself  either through NATO membership, security guarantees, or the full range of Western military technology. If NATO is unwilling to bring Ukraine in, it must still have the tools to defend itselflike Israel or South Korea. The key for Ukraine is ensuring security, financial stability, and a credible path to EU membership to anchor necessary reforms.

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Trump is undeniably a fortunate politician, and this set of circumstances presents him with the opportunity to make the deal of the century on Ukraine.

Trump must be prepared to walk away. The advantage he has is that Ukraine is willing to continue fighting, and the consequences for the U.S. are minimal  but they could be existential for Putin. Trump can intensify Putin's pain by offering to supply Ukraine with the full range of U.S. conventional military equipment if Putin refuses to sign a peace deal that secures Ukraines future. More U.S. arms will make the situation worse for Russia on the battlefield.

Does Trump really have the Art of the Deal, or is he just Putins tool? We will soon find out. Putin is weak, and Trump holds all the cards. Lets see if he can play his hand and clean up the table.

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.

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Its hard to know what feels worse: Trumps shocking 2016 win, which came at the expense of a highly qualified woman whose path to the White House seemed preordained, or his 2024 victory, which in hindsight feels predictable. This time, the nation has already seen what a Trump presidency can do, from failing to react quickly to the Covid pandemic to behaving so egregiously he was impeached by the Senate (twice), to separating distraught children from their parents at the border, to blocking refugees based on their religion. Trump is one of the singularly worst presidents to ever occupy the Oval Office. And American voters just put him back in it.

One clue for how and why this happened, at least in part, may have come from conservative commentator Ryan Girdusky, who was banned from appearing on CNN after he hurled a racist quip at journalist Mehdi Hasan. Last Tuesday, Girdusky opined that the election would be a middle finger aimed at the people who talk down to you.

This is the day you get to throw a human Molotov cocktail, he told Real Americas Voice News. And his name is Donald Trump.

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And arsonists across the nation seem to have complied.

Ryan Girdusky says this election is a chance for "white men" to throw a "middle finger" at the "people who talk down to you" and "reclaim my country."



"This is the day you get to throw a human Molotov cocktail, and his name is Donald Trump." pic.twitter.com/QpFBXSkNSA  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) November 5, 2024

Trump has now run three times as the candidate of rage and grievance. In 2020, enough voters were tired of the schtick. But after four years of a fairly innocuous Joe Biden administration, his appeal has somehow expanded. There are a lot of reasons voters tell pollsters that they back Trump: the economy, immigration, crime. But what if a good number of Trumps fans are simply chaos voters? They may not feel horribly mistreated so much as they resent what they perceive as the better treatment accorded to people they dont think deserve it. These voters wouldn't be turned off by Trumps aggression and his threats because his brash rhetoric is part of the appeal.

I'm obviously not describing every person who cast a ballot for the Trump-Vance ticket. But Trumps four years in office were incredibly divisive and ugly. Unlike in 2016, those who put him back in office this week know what theyre getting. A large share of these voters do not seem to have been persuaded by appeals to American democratic traditions and the maintenance of democracy itself. Among voters who put the state of democracy as their top issue in this election, 80% voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, according to NBC's exit polling. But Harris and Trump voters were also about equally likely to say that democracy was threatened: Nearly three-quarters of voters said as much, and their votes were divided almost evenly between Trump and Harris. These Trump voters, in other words, seem to believe that their candidate not only poses no real threat to democracy, but may be the man to protect it.

It's important to also remember that autocrats are not always installed against the will of the people. Many initially win popular elections, and then use their power to undo democratic norms (see, for example, Vladimir Putin in Russia, Recep Erdogan in Turkey, Viktor Orban in Hungary, and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, among others). And many autocrats enjoy widespread support, at least for a while. Both Italys Benito Mussolini and Spains Francisco Franco were initially popular figures, and Franco remains admired by many right-wing Spaniards.

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Formal democratic systems that prioritize fairness, power-sharing and compromise  that protect the rights of minorities and the vulnerable  are relatively new in the sweep of human history and are often fairly unpopular. Democracy, and the compromise and power-sharing it requires, is hard  something Harris supporters are no doubt feeling today.

So while I believe Harris was right, like presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton before her, to emphasize the threat that Trump posed to democracy, his promise to break the system in favor of his favored groups is part of his popularity. A lack of election integrity, Trump and his fans argued, was the real threat to democracy, and they insisted that Americas electoral system was fatally flawed. Notice now, the silence from these same conservatives.

The term bull in a china shop comes up a lot when voters talk about Trump, and his team even campaigned on that reputation in 2020. His supporters mean it as a compliment: They want to see him break what so many of us find precious.

As predicted, the gender gap in this election was significant, with 53% of women and 42% of men voting for Harris, according to NBC's exit polls. The combination of gender and education made for an even larger contrast: 57% of white college-educated women and 65% of college-educated voters of color cast their ballots of Harris, while fewer than 30% of non-college white men did. Yes, millions of women voted for Trump. But the majority didnt. They have already lived in Trumps proverbial china shop  and did not find it enjoyable.

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But if youre the kind of person who likes breaking things  or to return to the Girdusky metaphor, who likes to watch things burn  then the suffering of those you deem unworthy is more appealing than appalling; maybe its even exciting. Indeed, Trump's final campaign events seemed increasingly mean-spirited. While Harris surrounded herself with surrogates like Beyonce and Taylor Swift and struck a tone of optimism, Trump relied on male celebrities and subcultures that emphasize a specific kind of macho masculinity: Hulk Hogan, Dana White, Joe Rogan and Elon Musk.

Trump and his supporters rhetoric also seems to have appealed to those who have historically demanded quick and sometimes revolutionary change: the young and the male. Younger men broke for Trump by a clear margin. Although nearly 60% of Latinos over 65 voted for Harris, the younger vote was nearly evenly split. Among Black voters, more than 90% of those over 65 voted for Harris, but her support declined by roughly ten points among Black voters under 65. And across all racial groups, the gender gap between male and female Trump voters was notable: Seven points among White voters, 14 points among Black voters, and 17 points among Latino voters.

As Election Day drew closer, it remained to be seen whether the men Trump catered to would actually show up at the polls. After all, women are more likely to vote than men, and people who are dissatisfied and disillusioned often opt out of political participation all together. It seems we got our answer: These men (and a whole lot of women too) showed up  and they torched the place.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The Governor's Honor Guard leads the massing of the colors at the start of a Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony hosted by the 45th Infantry Division Museum in northeast Oklahoma City.

I am not sure what started the fire inside of me. I know it was there for as long as I can remember. A sense of service that I needed to fulfill. As I grew older, it manifested from a longing to fly fighters in the Air Force to being a rescue swimmer in the Navy to considering being a Marine. By the time I was commissioned, I had settled on being a nurse in the greatest Army in the world. I did not see that trajectory, but I am sure those around me did. In high school, I was well known for being highly active in JROTC, and in college, I went to a military school. There I was, the cadet who did all that medical stuff, always running around with a medic bag and a radio.

For over two and a half decades, my identity was tied to military service. So, in 2022, when my service ended, I was devastated. For those in my life at the time, it's probably not what they remember. Outwardly, I projected a jubilant attitude, while inside, I was battling a true identity crisis. Who was I? What was I supposed to do? These were some of the hundreds of questions that swirled inside my head. How was I going to be me without the U.S. Army?

Although personal to me, my story is far from unique. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 16.2 million veterans in the United States today. That represents just over 6% of the U.S. population over the age of 18. Surprisingly, that number is decreasing every day as veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War succumb to the unrelenting march of time.

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I would argue that every one of my fellow veterans has struggled in some form or degree with their identity after leaving the service. It does not matter if you served for one day or 30 years; military service becomes part of who you are. That's because being in the military requires sacrificing who you were before joining  a one-way transformation from civilian to soldier, airman, sailor, Marine, or guardian.

Yes, there are benefits, but not acknowledging them would tell only half of the story. A steady paycheck, comprehensive healthcare, educational benefits and excellent retirement are just a few of the job's perks. There are a lot of benefits, but they all come with a toll on your physical, mental and emotional health. Not to mention the genuine risk of death, even when you are not serving in combat. For a point of reference, over 61,000 service members died while on active duty over the last 40 years from non-combat-related causes, with suicide tragically standing as the number one cause.

That is why November 11th, Veteran's Day, is so important. It's a day to say "Thank you" to our fellow citizens who sacrificed so much for our country. It was in 1938 when the day, first known as "Armistice Day," was designated as a legal holiday. Initially, it was a day dedicated to the cause of world peace and honoring the veterans of World War I. It was not until after World War II that Congress, in 1954, the changed name to Veterans Day to celebrate and thank all veterans from all eras of service.

Like so many things today, the holiday has gone from a day of thanks to a weekend of commercialization. Discounted prices and great deals attract many shoppers, with retailers offering the first significant savings of the holiday season. Our fast-paced world often keeps us from reflecting on what Veteran's Day is about. So, this Veterans Day, let's do more than say "thank you." Let's pause, listen, and reflect on the real people behind the uniform  those who gave a piece of themselves for our collective safety and freedom. Take a moment to hear a veteran's story, consider volunteering to help a veteran in need, or support your local veterans' organizations. Our lives are better because of their sacrifices, and they deserve not just our thanks but our understanding.

Robert Fabich

Robert Fabich is a U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of service and two combat deployments.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Opinion: It's Veteran's Day. Veterans need more than a 'thank you.'
Remember Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss ill-fated campaign for the Republican presidential nomination? He proudly proclaimed that he made his state the place where woke goes to die and promised that he would do for America what he had done in Florida.

The 2024 election shows that, for many voters, DeSantiss message was the right one, even if he was the wrong messenger. While the Florida governor talked a lot about what he would do to end woke culture, Donald Trump did him one better.

He turned every rally into a battle in the war on woke.

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If Democrats and progressives are ever to come to terms with the Trump phenomenon, they will have to come to terms with the fact that a majority of American voters cast their ballots for him, knowing him to be crude, offensive and as politically incorrect as anyone could be.

In 2016, Trump was something of an unknown quantity. He seemed more to be bluffing than political savant.

In 2024, we all know who Trump is. This time, we cant claim ignorance as an excuse.

In the wake of the 2016 election, progressives could attribute the Trump phenomenon to white working-class grievance and resentment. This year, he assembled a multiracial, cross-generational coalition that complicates the previous explanation of what fueled his rise.

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Millions cast their ballots for him, not in spite of but because of what progressives find most offensive about him. They voted for the man whose voice was caught demeaning women on the Access Hollywood tapes, who incited an attack on the Capitol, who is a convicted felon, who was found liable for committing sexual assault and who violated every convention of woke culture.

Progressives must come to terms with that fact  and they have no time to waste. But there will be no quick fixes.

As Anand Giridharadas puts it, welcome to the rebuilding years. He notes that there is a kind of freedom in the rebuilding year.  Youre not expected to turn around and win the title, because you acknowledge that youre broken. Your work is not winning, not at first. It is rebuilding to put yourself in a condition such that you might win again.

Acknowledging that the progressive team and the old Democratic coalition is broken begins with acknowledging that their understanding of freedom is not playing in Peoria.

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Vice President Kamala Harris made one version of freedom the centerpiece of her campaign. She even adopted Beyonces anthem of defiance and redemption as the soundtrack of  [her] campaign.

Beyonce notwithstanding, Harriss version of freedom was a caring kind of freedom, but it was also a technocratic, wonky kind of freedom. It depended on making sure that government policy respected freedom.

As Peter Slevin noted at the start of her campaign, Harris is pledging to support bills guaranteeing the right to vote, to join a union, and to choose abortion anywhere in the country, as well as measures to ban assault weapons and require background checks on gun purchases. Slevin quotes historian Eric Foner, who rightly observed that freedom has always been a contested term and Harris is advocating for an active, positive, progressive rendering. Freedom from want requires public intervention of one kind or another.

Bills, measures, public intervention  all of it seemed to many voters desperate for change to be a recipe for more of the same. Many Americans are now deeply disillusioned with government and policy wonks.

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While Kamala Harris talked about freedom, Trump exemplified and enacted it. Trump showed his dedication to a version of freedom that did not require anyone to believe that government programs could make their lives better.

It is not an accident that his version of freedom embodied a certain version of masculinity  that his is the freedom to say what one thinks, the freedom to offend. It is available to anyone, rich or poor, Black or White, old or young, but more to men than to women. And no one has to wait for government to enact a law or convene a commission to make it possible.

Let me be clear, there is nothing admirable about what Trump did or said. There is nothing valuable about giving offense just for the sake of offending. And I do not believe for a moment that Trump will protect people who have the temerity to offend him.

But Trumps version of freedom struck a chord with many decent people who chafe at the way their speech is policed  the way their seemingly trivial or thoughtless offense is converted into an actionable harm.

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It is undeniable that words can wound and that freedom does not mean doing whatever you want whenever you want. But taken to excess, the policing of language and manners fosters fear, not freedom. People choose silence over speech and retreat to the comfort of their tribe over the danger of saying something that might offend others.

Millions of Americans whose economic conditions are precarious could not, and cannot, understand why progressives put such a premium on what we say rather than on what we should do to help people who have neither the wherewithal nor the prospect of living a comfortable life.

George Packer argues that the goal of woke culture is to cleanse language of any trace of privilege, hierarchy, bias, or exclusion. He offers an example of the environmental organization The Sierra Club, which he says in its zeal to accomplish that mission has clear-cut a whole national park of words.

If you are going to be accepted in the Sierra Club, you cant say certain things, and new language has to replace the old. Urban, vibrant, hardworking, and brown bag all crash to earth for subtle racism. Yall supplants the patriarchal you guys, and elevate voices replaces empower, which used to be uplifting but is now condescending. The poor is classist; battle and minefield disrespect veterans; depressing appropriates a disability; migrant  no explanation, it just has to go.

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Packer is right to observe that The new language might not stick in broad swaths of American society, but it already influences highly educated precincts, spreading from the authorities that establish it and the organizations that adopt it to mainstream publications, such as The Atlantic, where he published his article.

Now what? What can we do in the wake of Trumps victory?

First, we do not have to give up on the goals of a culture, even one derided as woke, to create a more inclusive, equitable nation. They have been and remain the right goals.

But it is time to rebalance the scales, to find new modes of achieving those goals that will make it less difficult and less fraught for people to say what they think and interact across their differences, even as we reject its most macho version.

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This means that the work of creating an America that actually makes a place for everyone needs to be done by everyone, though not in equal measures. Freedom is no good if everyone cannot participate.

For many, including the privileged, that means listening more and speaking less. For all of us, it means being willing to treat identity as loose fitting some of the time.

That means focusing a little less on building and fortifying enclaves and more on forging alliances. We need to find new ways to cultivate tolerance and forgiveness and to turn down the burners on righteous indignation.

For a long time, Americans who live in small towns and in places that seem to have been left behind have been sending those elite institutions a message about their desperation, economic anxieties, and their feeling that this country is on the wrong track.

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Many of our leading educational, cultural and economic institutions have ignored that message, writing off the complaints of ordinary Americans as reactionary, racist or ignorant or simply irrelevant. Now the objects of such condescending views and those who have never been admitted to those clubs have set off an electoral nuclear bomb.

Early in her campaign, Harris threw down the gauntlet to Trump. If Donald Trump, she said, wants to pick a fight over our most fundamental freedoms, we say: Bring it on. Because were ready.

He did. He won.

Let the rebuilding begin.

Austin Sarat is the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College. His views do not necessarily reflect those of Amherst College.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russias invasion of Ukraine is approaching its 11th year, with three years of full-scale war. In search of security guarantees like NATO membership, Ukraine has been left in limbo due to Russian-occupied territories and Western bureaucracy.

In light of Russian advances and Western indecision, Kyiv has stated that NATO membership is one path to victory and negotiations on its own terms. If membership remains out of reach, Ukraine may restart its nuclear program, triggering a domino effect of nuclear proliferation  a consequence the West would directly bear due to its failure to manage escalation.

"If membership remains out of reach, Ukraine may restart its nuclear program, triggering a domino effect of nuclear proliferation  a consequence the West would directly bear due to its failure to manage escalation."

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Kyivs aspirations for NATO were minimal prior to Russias initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014. The countrys initial bid for membership was vetoed by then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2008, a decision she remains unapologetic about. Ukraines desire for NATO membership stagnated. However, the full-scale invasion in 2022 and Russias illegal annexation of parts of several Ukrainian oblasts reignited the push for NATO ascension.

After two years of negotiations and no security guarantees from major Western powers, as well as a stalled NATO path, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a resolution to the war would include NATO membership or a pathway to nuclear weapons.

After the Soviet Union collapsed, Ukraine inherited one of the largest nuclear arsenals in existence, as many Soviet-era missile silos were located within its borders. Russia, which held the launch codes, not only wanted the nuclear weapons but also demanded the destruction of Ukraines long-range bombers and missiles.

Read also: Opinion: Bidens foreign policy missteps weakened the West and undermined Harris path to the presidency

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Under global pressure and threats, the West appeased Russia, forcing Ukraine to give up its nuclear weapons and dismantle its long-range missiles and bombers. In return, territorial sovereignty was guaranteed by the United States and Britain, which led the negotiations under the Budapest Memorandum, and by Russia, which recognized Ukraines 1991 borders.

Vladimir Putins rise to power and his imperial ambitions have not only threatened Ukraine but also other countries once part of the Soviet Union, including Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Chechnya, and Belarus  nations that dared protest or rebel under his rule.

Russias war against Ukraine showed that the Kremlin could not be trusted with the Budapest Memorandum. Putins illegal annexations of occupied Ukrainian regions underscored that Ukraines security guarantees had been violated.

As the war continues, Ukraine seeks international security guarantees, not only because it was disarmed but also because Russias invasion contradicted the promises made under the Memorandum.

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Ukraine is currently seeking NATO membership or an alternative security guarantee  a mutual defense pact outside the collective alliance, similar to the agreements the U.S. has with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Israel.

(L-R) U.S. President Bill Clinton, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, and Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk shaking hands after signing the historic Trilateral Agreement in Moscow, Russia on Jan. 14, 1994. (Diana Walker/Getty Images)

If Russia is allowed to maintain territorial gains without a clear path to NATO membership, it could trigger a global chain reaction  one the international community has sought to avoid since the height of the Cold War: a new era of nuclear proliferation.

A victory on current battle lines, or even further Russian annexation, would send a message that non-nuclear states cannot count on full international support for territorial sovereignty. The frequent nuclear threats made by the Kremlin would come to dominate global affairs.

"A victory on current battle lines, or even further Russian annexation, would send a message that non-nuclear states cannot count on full international support for territorial sovereignty."

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The fear of continuous Russian nuclear bluffs would leave Ukraine vulnerable to the most significant conventional onslaught since the Iran-Iraq War. Kyiv could very well restart an independent nuclear weapons program regardless of potential sanctions or Western indecision.

Countries like China and a more belligerent North Korea might use nuclear blackmail to gain territorial concessions in their conflicts with Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Additionally, Russias successful use of nuclear threats could embolden it to pursue further expansion, eyeing countries like Moldova or even NATO members such as Estonia, Poland, and Lithuania.

If Europe and, particularly, the U.S. lose their peace through strength doctrine, smaller countries may feel compelled to create their own nuclear deterrents, rather than rely on vague assurances from Western powers like Ukraine.

Read also: Opinion: Ukraine needs to rethink its long-range strike strategy

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South Korea has long been interested in a nuclear program, and growing instability in U.S. politics and foreign policy could push Seoul toward an independent nuclear path. Despite being a major supporter of Ukraine, South Korea is observing how U.S. leadership reacts to conflicts.

Japan could also pursue an independent nuclear program. The country has the capability to do so and faces looming conflicts with North Korea, China, and Russia  especially over the Kuril Islands.

Similarly, Taiwan could reassess its defensive posture, particularly as China has successfully lobbied to isolate the island internationally. Without guaranteed U.S. aid and mutual defense, Taiwan could be overwhelmed by Chinas growing air and naval power, prompting Taipei to consider drastic measures, including nuclear weapons or even a strike on the Three Gorges Dam.

Eastern Europe, long wary of renewed Russian aggression and scarred by imperial and Soviet rule, could also consider nuclear deterrents if Russia maintains its current gains in Ukraine. Countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania might reassess their security, especially as political rhetoric from the U.S. weakens NATOs cohesion.

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now entering a precarious phase. Western indecision and hesitation could result in a dangerous outcome for Ukraineand for the world. If no country feels safe without nuclear weapons as a deterrent, we could see a renewed arms race, marking the beginning of a new era of nuclear proliferation.

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.

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Last month, the Pentagon automatically granted honorable discharges to 800 of the estimated 13,000 veterans who had been pushed out of the military during the 1994-2011 "don't ask, don't tell" era with less than fully honorable discharges. Even 13,000 is likely an undercount. In some cases, if a commander suspected homosexuality but lacked proof, the servicemembers got administratively or punitively discharged preemptively. Neither does the Pentagons estimate count veterans separated because of their sexual orientation before 1994, when automatic discharge was the formal policy.

This Veterans Day, we should reflect on the population of veterans who were discharged in a process that is still suffused with subjective notions of honor and shame. This moment of reckoning with LGBTQ+ veterans is an opportunity for the Pentagon to rethink its archaic military discharge system.

Read more: 'Don't ask, don't tell' repeal lets gays, lesbians serve openly

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Since World War I, the military has tied veterans benefits to the characterization of their discharge. Honorable, general under honorable conditions, other than honorable and dishonorable are the most common. Individual military commanders are granted discretion on these distinctions, placing the determination of honor or shame in their hands.

Since World War II, 2.36 million veterans have been issued a less-than-fully honorable discharge. Each service varies in how they dispense these discharges , too. Although only about 10% of marines and airmen get other than honorable discharges, about 20% of Army soldiers do.

Even a seemingly benign downgrade  from honorable to general discharge under honorable conditions  makes a difference. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare is automatically available to those with honorable and general discharge characterizations . Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits , however, are reserved only for those with a fully honorable discharge. Without it, a soldier cant get full tuition and fees at a public university as well as a housing and books allowance  a sum that can easily reach $100,000.

Read more: The immorality of 'don't ask, don't tell'

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This is an imperfect practice at best, and one that has never been applied uniformly. It makes the nations largest employer  the U.S. military  unique, tying eligibility for benefits to a perception of honor in ones work performance. During and after World War II, for instance, around 50,000 servicemembers  who were mostly people of color, women and LGBTQ+  were given blue ticket discharges that made them ineligible for benefits. More recently, some commanders have used their discretion to push out military sexual trauma victims and those suffering post-traumatic stress with less than honorable discharges.

Ive spoken with dozens of veterans who received other-than-honorable discharges and their families and seen the damage caused firsthand: stymied career prospects, limited access to healthcare. Not having an honorable service record carries a stigma in the veterans community as well. Many organizations websites state that eligibility requires fully honorable service characterization, leaving veterans to question whether they are real veterans.

Read more: Vets are pushing for a 'Town Center' on L.A.'s VA campus. But what is it? And will it have a hotel bar?

Outside of the small subset of automatic "don't ask, don't tell" upgrades, everyone else has been left to apply for an upgrade on their own. Some waver because reengaging with the Defense Department seems like pouring salt in the wound. Others are put off by the process, which can take months to years of submitting paperwork, attending hearings and waiting for final determination. Upgrade requests for "don't ask, don't tell"-era veterans have increased across the board, but the Navy and Marine Corps still deny 23% and 18% , respectively, of these upgrade requests.

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Discharge review boards have also been approving upgrades for service members pushed out less than honorably who suffered conditions such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Still, success rates are low for other veterans seeking an upgrade: The Naval Discharge Review Board granted relief to only 33% of claims with a mental health adjudication between April and June 2024.

The Pentagon should explore a new system with fewer types of discharge and objective metrics. At the least, eligibility for VA benefits should reward time of service, using a transparent, sliding scale of benefits that increases based on the length of ones career.

A conversation about the Pentagons outdated and often unfair discharge system started even before the end of "don't ask, don't tell," yet little has been done to explore alternatives. Commanders discretion is too outsized in the current system, leaving those who serve their country needlessly vulnerable to bias. We should not let veterans fall through the cracks based on subjective notions of honor and shame.

Ryan Haberman is an Army veteran and senior policy analyst at Rand, where he primarily focuses on national security strategy and government workforce issues.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Over 60% of Czech residents believe that Russia actively uses propaganda and disinformation to influence public opinion in the country.

Source: Seznam Zpravy online portal with reference to a survey by the Ipsos agency, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Czech population was asked how much they agreed with the statement that "Russia actively uses propaganda and disinformation to influence public opinion in Czechia".

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Around 19% held the opposite view and over 16% were unable to answer.

Ipsos analyst Michal Kormanak stated that the majority of the country's population perceives Russia as a real threat, which "primarily concerns us in the information realm".

Quote from Kormanak: "These results were not surprising for us. They are linked to the information war that Russia has been waging practically since the beginning of the war in Ukraine."

The survey data was published by Ipsos, which conducted the survey on behalf of Seznam Zpravy. The survey was conducted at the end of October and involved 1,001 respondents over the age of 18.

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Background:

In the summer, NATO stated that Russia's hybrid operations and cyberattacks were grounds to activate Article 5.

In early October, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said that Russia is currently responsible for 80% of influence operations worldwide.

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What happened: Surveillance footage shows a gray Chevrolet SUV pulling up to the cafes location at 916 East 5th Street in Columbus Park around 2 a.m. A masked man then exited the vehicle and repeatedly threw rocks at the business, shattering its glass windows and door before driving off. Kansas City police arrived at the scene at 7:42 a.m. Cafe owner Jackie Nguyen told The Kansas City Star that she learned of the incident from her managers before they opened the store on Wednesday. While authorities have not classified the incident as a hate crime, Nguyen, a first-generation Vietnamese American, believes it was a targeted attack and not a burglary since the perpetrator did not enter. It was the third attack on her business, with previous incidents involving break-ins at her cafe and mobile cart. Nguyen is an activist for the Asian American community and once displayed a sticker in her business that read, IVE HEARD ENOUGH FROM OLD WHITE MEN.
One of the buildings that makes up the Heritage Apartments complex in Waterloo. (Courtesy of the Black Hawk County Assessors Office)

Two Nebraska companies are engaged in a court battle over a financially troubled low-income apartment complex in Waterloo, Iowa.

The companies, Waterloo Affordable Housing and Central States Property Management, are suing Leumas Residential of Virginia in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.

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Waterloo Affordable Housing 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.

The company claims that in January 2024, HUD ignored Iowas foreclosure laws and asserted its right to take over the complex based on Waterloo Affordable Housings 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 Waterloo Affordable Housing and Central States from the property.

Mismanagement alleged

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 and 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.

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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, Waterloo Affordable Housing filed for bankruptcy and in 2022 sued the Iowa Finance Authority for allegedly blocking the companys efforts to sell Heritage Apartments.

At the time, Waterloo Affordable Housing 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.

In response, the authority argued that the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program that Waterloo Affordable Housing had benefited from was enforced by the authority, which had the right to place such conditions on the sale of the property.

Significant compliance issues

In court, the Iowa Finance Authority 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.

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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.

This article first appeared in Iowa Capital Dispatch, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.
NEW YORK, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- A major wildfire dubbed Jennings Creek continued to rage in Passaic County of New Jersey and Orange County of New York with limited success in containment efforts.

The blaze burned through an area of 3,000 acres, posing threats to 25 structures, said New Jersey Forest Fire Service via a post on social media later Sunday.

The wildfire only impacted an area of 2,000 acres with 10 structures threatened around 23 hours ago.

It's reported that an 18-year-old New York State Forest Ranger volunteer and state employee died on Saturday in responding to the wildfire.

Still, the joint firefighting efforts by New Jersey and New York authorities have made some progress by containing 10 percent of the wildfire by now.

The public is strongly urged to refrain from using any open flame and take every precaution possible to prevent wildfires given prolonged and extremely dry conditions in New Jersey.

New York City has banned grilling in city parks as the city remains under drought conditions and multiple wildfires burned in or near the city.

Notably, a bushfire broke out at the iconic Prospect Park in Brooklyn Friday and engulfed around two acres of land.

Around 27 million residents in the Northeastern United States were under a Red Flag Warning on critical fire weather on Saturday with the Red Flag Warning extending into Sunday in Connecticut. 
(Bloomberg) -- The animal spirits being set loose by the economic policies of President-elect Donald Trump will send the S&P 500 to 10,000 by the end of the decade, according to veteran strategist Ed Yardeni.

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His uber-bullish prediction, which would represent a 66% surge by 2030, is another sign that Wall Street is growing increasingly optimistic about stock markets in the wake of the US election. Yardeni lifted year-end targets to 6,100 for 2024, 7,000 for 2025 and 8,000 for 2026.

Stock investors are also thrilled by the regime change to a more pro-business administration promoting tax cuts and deregulation, he wrote in a note on Monday.

Equities have rallied strongly after Trumps win, with the S&P 500 notching its best week of the year after a 4.7% gain. Other strategists have also ratcheted up their forecasts. Evercore ISIs Julian Emanuel said last week that the history shows the bull market is still an infant.

Yardenis forecasts are based on a belief that Trumps policies, particularly a cut to the corporate tax rate, will lead to bigger profits for US companies. If Russias war against Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East are resolved, then expect the stock market rally to intensify, he wrote.

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While we dont expect another bear market through the end of the decade, there will undoubtedly be a few corrections along the way, Yardeni said, adding that the overly bullish sentiment is a worry.

Even so, theres a good chance that consumer and business optimism improve and follow the same pattern as when Trump was elected in 2016. Animal spirits are back, he wrote.

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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  The Green Bay Packers and the American Red Cross have surpassed 15,000 blood donations through their Green Bay Packers Give Back Community Blood Drives, a milestone achieved since the first drive in 2009.

Were so grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Green Bay Packers, and were thrilled to hit this major milestone of 15,000 life-saving donations, said Rebecca Rockhill, executive director of the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the Red Cross.

Mason Street Bridge in Green Bay to close Wednesday for maintenance

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The Packers and the Red Cross partner for three annual blood drives, held each May, August, and November at Lambeau Field. Mondays drive took place in the Johnsonville Tailgate Village.

The Red Cross encourages people of all blood types to donate, noting the organization must collect nearly 12,500 blood donations daily to support about 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers across the United States.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
QUETTA, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistan's railways suspended all train services on Monday to and from a restive southwestern province where a suicide bombing at a train station over the weekend killed 26 people, including soldiers and railway staff.

The train services would be suspended for four days for security reasons, according to a statement from Pakistan Railways.

The attack, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army struck the station in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, on Saturday. At lest 62 people were also wounded in the bombing, officials said.

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The provincial government also declared a three-day mourning period in solidarity with the families of the victims and said that security has been stepped up and vowed to hit back with full force against the separatists, according to Sarfraz Bugti, the province's chief minister.

Bugti spoke after meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who traveled to Quetta on Sunday to be briefed about the situation. Naqvi's office said in a statement that authorities would take decisive steps to crush the terrorists" and support the local Balochistan government in dealing with the "scourge of terrorism.

Train services are a major part of Balochistan's economy  hundreds of people travel to and from Quetta to other parts of the country every day. Trains also transport food and other items.

Saturday's attack took place when about 100 passengers were waiting for a train to leave the Quetta station for the garrison city of Rawalpindi, police had said. In its claim of responsibility, the separatist BLA said it targeted Pakistani troops.

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The attack was the deadliest since August, when separatists killed more than 50 people in multiple coordinated attacks on passengers buses, police and security forces across Balochistan.

The oil- and mineral-rich Balochistan is Pakistans largest but also least populated province. It is a hub for the countrys ethnic Baloch minority whose members say they face discrimination and exploitation by the central government.

Balochistan has for years been the scene of a long-running insurgency, with several separatist groups staging attacks, targeting mainly security forces in their quest for independence. The province also has an array of militant groups that are active there.

The separatists also target Chinese nationals working in Pakistan as part of Beijings multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, an initiative that has built power plants, roads, railroads and ports around the world and is a major part of China's push to play a larger role in global affairs

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Last month, a suicide bomber dispatched by the BLA targeted a convoy with Chinese nationals outside the countrys largest airport in the port city of Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, killing two Chinese workers and wounding eight people.

Authorities subsequently claimed they arrested the mastermind of that Oct. 6 attack in a raid in Balochistan.

Ziaul Hassan, the interior minister in southern Sindh province, told reporters on Monday that police arrested also three other suspects, including a woman, over their direct involvement in the Karachi attack.

He identified the alleged mastermind only as Javed, without explaining if that was a real name, a pseudonym or why he wasn't giving a full name. Hassan also said more arrests were planned and that police were assisted by security camera footage in their investigation.

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According to the minister, the car used in the Oct. 6 attack was brought to the city from Balochistan province.

Hassan said an investigation was still underway over last week's shooting attack that wounded two Chinese workers at a textile mill in Karachi.

___

Associated Press writer Muhammad Farooq in Karachi, Pakistan, contributed to this report.


EXCLUSIVE: Director Hany Abu-Assad, two of whose films have been Oscar-nominated, is sitting in the booth of the Palestine Filmlab at the El Gouna Film Festival in late October.

Amid the hubbub of the open-air festival plaza, Egyptian star Youssra walks past surrounded by youngsters yielding smart phones. An influencer rolls out a mini red carpet, films the actress gliding over it, and the gaggle moves on.

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Abu-Assad is not involved in the activities of the Palestine Filmlab, but with the people overseeing the stand for the Ramallah-based talent and project incubator gone for the day, it felt like a relatively quiet place to conduct an impromptu interview.

The Palestinian-Dutch filmmaker was in El Gouna to participate in his first public onstage conversation in nearly four years.

Over two hours, he discussed his trajectory from Nazareth to the Netherlands back to the West Bank and then onto Hollywood, and filmography spanning Ford Transit (2003), Paradise Now (2005), The Courier (2012), Omar (2013), The Idol (2015), Idris Elba and Kate Winslet starrer The Mountain Between Us (2017) and Hudas Salon (2021). Both Paradise Now and Omar were Oscar-nominated.

As we talk, Egyptian festival goers wander up from time to time to ask for information on Palestinian cinema unaware they are speaking to one of its greatest directors. Its closed, says an apologetic Abu-Assad, who has not shot a film since Bethlehem thriller Hudas Salon and has no immediate plans to get back into the directors chair.

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He is consumed instead by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza sparked by Israels year-long military operation, which in turn is in response to Hamass October 7 attacks on southern Israel which killed more than 1,100 people and resulted in 253 people being abducted.

A year on, more than 43,000 people have been killed in the densely populated Gaza strip and another 104,000 wounded, while world aid agencies are warning that the 2.1M population is at risk of famine due to Israeli restrictions on food supplies.

I dont know a single Palestinian who has not lost somebody in Gaza, says Abu-Assad, bringing up the case of Qais Attaallah, the young star of his 2015 Gaza-set drama The Idol, who lost 48 members of his family on his mothers side in an Israeli airstrike in November 2023.

Qais Attaalah (centre) in The Idol.

His entire family has been wiped out. He lost his grandparents, uncles, aunts and their children. When the war started, they left Gaza City for a villa, thinking they would be safe. They had nothing to do with Hamas, says Abu-Assad.

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In his on-stage conversation, Abu-Assad was uncharacteristically publicly scathing of the West and its leaders and their lack of condemnation and action over the situation in Gaza, saying the the masks are off in terms of the different attitudes towards the wellbeing of the Palestinian people.

Talking afterwards, he says that nothing has changed in his rhetoric, but rather the world has changed in its attitude to Palestinians.

Ive always been against colonization but Ive always been happy to hear the other point of view, says Abu-Assad. Im saying the same thing as always. I havent changed but Ive had so many interviews cancelled because it doesnt fit with what editor-in-chiefs want to hear.

Im still pro-freedom of speech, pro-equal rights, pro-liberal democracy. 99% of the people in the West want the same as me but when I say I want equal rights, I am told, You want to destroy Israel, he continues. If equal rights for Palestinians means the destruction of Israel, that means there is something wrong with Israel.

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I am human where I believe every human being is equal and there should be justice and rule of the law Does mean that I am extreme, that I want to kill the Jews. Are you kidding me. I appreciate them. There are so many Jewish people speaking against Zionism.

Questioned on the ferocious violence of Hamass actions on October 7, which have been defined as atrocities by NGO groups such as Human Rights Watch (which has also since condemned Israels military operation in Gaza), Abu-Assad bats back against generalizing about Palestinians as a people.

Of course, we have fighters, people who will use violence, but in general Palestinians dont like violence, which is why most of us are still watching from the sidelines as these horrible crimes against our people take place.

We are not one people, dont make collective judgements, in the same way Im not making a collective judgement about the Israelis. With all these crimes, I still think there is a place for Jews but there is no place for occupation, discrimination, for apartheid, he continues. We cant continue with this system. Yes, there is a place for the Jews, but there is no place for supremacy.

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Abu-Assad speaks Hebrew  having grown up in Nazareth, which is a Palestinian city lying within Israels 1948 borders  and forged ties with Israelis prior to the breakdown in relations in the wake of the failure of the Oslo Accords in the early 2000s. Surprisingly, amid the violence and killing, he suggests the only forward in the long run will be for both sides to learn to live together with equal rights.

Germany and France, how many times did they go to war? We been fighting for 75 years but we have to live together with equal rights  there is no other choice, and the ones who cant stand being equal to Palestinians what can I say to them? There are Palestinians who dont want to live with Israelis but I can say one thing, most people dont care about any of this, as long as youre a law-abiding citizen, a good neighbor, but we have to stop these politicians who misuse fear and sentiment, to cancel the other.

Beyond the creatively paralyzing impact of the situation in Gaza, Abu-Assads current hiatus comes after a bruising professional period, starting with Hudas Salon.

Maisa Abd Elhadi in Hudas Salon

The Bethlehem-set thriller, about a hairdresser who blackmails female clients into becoming Israeli informers by fabricating sexually compromising images of them, met with disapproval from the Palestinian Ministry of Culture for its depiction of rotten elements of Palestinian society, while a nude scene also caused controversy.

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Around the same time, Abu-Assad also found himself caught in a storm around Egyptian director Mohammed Diabs West Bank-set drama Amira, on which he was a producer. The tale of a girl who believes she was conceived from the smuggled sperm of an imprisoned Palestinian freedom fighter, sparked outrage for its twist in which she discovers her biological father is Israeli.

Jordan was forced to drop the film as its 2022 Oscar entry and the producers pulled the film from a Red Sea Film Festival Screening, after the families of Palestinian prisoners and children conceived with smuggled sperm blasted the drama for being insensitive.

In response to a question from the floor during the conversation, Abu-Assad suggested he embraces the controversy provoked by both films.

Its important to tackle thorny or controversial topics, and if some people get angry thats ok. Making a movie that angers society isnt necessarily a bad thing, he told the young audience. If people decide not to interview me, or release the film, or ban the film, so be it thats not my motivation. I am against bans and taboos, thats a sign of weakness. The stronger the society, the more accepting it is of controversy.

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In a further setback, the director also parted company with Netflix on $12M series Kings Wives, set in a Middle Eastern kingdom, after the platform asked him to depoliticize the screenplay. It reportedly felt the drama was too close to real-life, contemporary power structures in the region where it was trying to make inroads.

A project with TriStar Pictures to direct an adaptation of the popular comic book Infidel, about an American Muslim woman and her multi-racial neighbors who move into a building haunted by entities that feed off xenophobia, also fell through.

Reflecting on these failed projects, Abu-Assad suggested the film industry in the Middle East and North Africa needed to be thinking about other ways of financing its productions, not reliant on the West.

We need a kind of BRICS for Arab filmmakers, he told the conversation, referring to the intergovernmental investment bloc bringing together Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

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Abu-Assad says he has ideas for future features but that he is struggling to distil them with the current situation in Gaza.

At the moment, I am feeling a bit confused. I want to see first where the world is going. I believe this world belongs to the past. The current system is corrupt, not just in terms of Palestine, but in terms of issues such as the future of democracy, the environment and even A.I. No-one knows where it is all going I want to make a story capturing his moment, of this falling of the past, but its taking time to find, because Im also living in that moment.

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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  A pancake fundraiser at the West Elmira Fire Department raised more than a thousand dollars to support the BSA Troop 101.

Free pancake breakfast for veterans at Corning American Legion

The funds raised will go towards a trip scheduled for May of 2025 to Philadelphia. In previous trips, BSA Troop 101 has visited places such as Gettysburg and Boston to explore historic American sites and learn about American History.

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The next pancake breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  An American philosopher once said, Its not the destination, its the journey.

A local artist is a prime example, taking just as much pride in the pieces he collects to create his art, as he does the finished product.

Healing, honoring children at unknown cemetery

Milling balls, rail spikes, shards of glass, doll parts, and coins.

Thats an 1880s San Francisco mint half eagle, Sioux Falls artist Brad Giebink said.

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Its all in a days work  or lifetime of searching  Giebink.

If Im looking, if Im thinking, Im gaining, Im making progress, even though it doesnt look like it, Giebink said.

His passion for discovering items began as a child with a ring near a former amusement park at 33rd and Spring in Sioux Falls.

It was a real ring, real metal, and it had a little glinting diamond chip or something in it, and that was treasure, Giebink said.

Giebink considers himself an outsider artist, specializing in found object assemblage art. The northern Black Hills are his playground.

These milling balls have been cleaned and placed in a gold pan found in Alaska. Thats far from where they started.

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Behind a little waterfall there was an accumulation of these milling balls that were all clumped together, Giebink said.

A clump can lead to a major discovery.

This chunk used to be bigger and when I first pulled it out I showed it to my son, called him over and said what do you think this is?, and there was a big rim on something and he goes a coin? and I said I dont know, could be a washer. Turned out to be a 19th century Reis coin from Portugal, which is now on the front of my elephants ear, he said.

The discoveries didnt end there.

I ended up splitting it again, by gosh theres an 1894 silver barber quarter, Giebink said.

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Once the treasure hunt is complete, the real work begins.

I cant just snap my fingers, Ive got to work (grinder), Giebink said.

Giebink says he wont use 95% of what he finds, but when the project requires something specific hes usually got plenty of it.

Sometimes you have to go through a hundred pieces to find one that fits, he Giebink said.

Finding those found pieces is often easier said than done.

Especially if I keep moving it around you know. Used to be here for ten years, now its not, where did I put it?', Giebink said.

Theres plenty to see in his home.

A motorcycle hangs on his wall with a seat made of porcupine jaw.

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Theres a free standing military tank with removable snorkel, cannon, and bones that spell war no more.

This wall art started with a piece of iron, which reminded Giebink of a tower, and led to a fortress. The door is made of a book his father brought back from Germany following World War II.

Thats why its so complicated. I see shape, color, form, texture in everything and its hard to find whats really going to be the best.

Giebink found a bent iron rod that he thought looked like a goose neck, but it wasnt until he spotted a porcelain swan at his mother-in-laws that it all came together.

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The story doesnt end there when it comes to personalizing his artwork.

The orange beak, they have orange beaks and I utilized, I crushed some Italian glass that came out of mosaics from my childhood home before it was tore down, Brad Giebink said.

After decades of locating and creating, Giebinks art is growing even more personal. His son, Jacob, is now involved in some projects.

Every father wants their son to be at his side, Giebink said.

Jacob Giebink is a local sheet metal worker. Hes also a welder.

I just like the way it looks, the way that molten metal forming together looks before, during, and after. Its really satisfying, 27-year-old Jacob Giebink said.

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Jacob started welding in high school, but its his love of the arts that has him welding and working alongside dad an opportunity he doesnt take for granted.

It really means a lot to me, to go from helping out here and there with some of his art projects as a kid to now then having the ability to use welding as kind of a way to help out even more or make stuff even different, weirder, crazier (laugh), Jacob Giebink said.

That wasnt always the case. Growing up, Jacobs friends were the ones who spent hours talking art with his dad.

You were coming to hang out and then we were going to leave, I just got busy for ten minutes doing something, and now its like two hours and Im sitting on the couch, Jacob Giebink said.

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Remembering Watertown Stadiums football history

In a house filled with art, this ship is one of Jacobs favorites.

Its in the corner of a wall hanging, and to make a pirate ship coming out of that, and make it look so dimensional on top of using old items to create something we can all recognize, that really just blows my mind, Jacob Giebink said.

Jacob says his dads art is all but priceless.

Its hard to put a price on something that should be appreciated, Jacob Giebink said.

Dad isnt done creating, and says the door is open to more collaborations.

I have the repository, I have the stuff if he ever gets, in the future, inspired to weld that stuff together, I have high hopes, Brad Giebink said.

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As for his current collection, Brad hopes it will one day serve as an inspiration to others.

I hope people see it and get something from it. If they dont, I dont care if they see it or not. I want people to get something from it, Brad Giebink said.

And every piece comes with a story.

Brad Giebink was a student of Oscar Howe at the University of South Dakota. He also studied geology and engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, laying the foundation for the artist he is today.

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MIFFLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania man is facing charges after firing shots at an unlikely trespasser on Friday, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

On Friday, Nov. 8, police say troopers responded to a residence on McCoy Avenue in Mifflin County for an animal cruelty report.

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Police said a cat was trespassing in the 78-year-old mans yard at his residence in Armagh Township in Mifflin County. As a response, the man attempted, but failed, to shoot the cat.

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Its unclear if the cat was a pet that belonged to a neighbor or if it was a stray.

Police say charges were filed against the man. His identity remains unknown at this time.

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Its a question Black Americans have been asking for a while, and now that former President Donald Trump has won back the Oval Office, its on everyones mind: Can slavery make an official comeback?

Reflexively, the answer to this seemingly crazy question should be hell no, but if you take just five minutes to Google it, youd be surprised to know were not too far from that reality.

In 2022, slavery was on the ballot in five states, according to AP News. Talk show host and author Tavis Smiley expressed growing fears of slavery right before the 2016 election. Going back to the 13th Amendment, legal loopholes still allow for slavery today.

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Additionally, southern states like Florida have moved to ban teaching students about the horrors of slavery.

4.5 million people voted to keep slavery legal in California. pic.twitter.com/Z6W7REl3oS  Gerrick Kennedy (@GerrickKennedy) November 6, 2024

The Root spoke with Dr. David Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), who said the playbook for slavery is already in action. A lot of this sh*t aint new, he said. The tactics, the strategy, the language, the racism, the white supremacy of it all. We might call it something that feels like new birtherism, but its white supremacy at its core.



Trump has pledged to be a dictator on day one, and with a history of banning Muslims, building a southern border wall, and now Project 2025 looking to dismantle educational opportunities for Black people and attack Critical Race Theory, Johns said Black people have the right to fear what the MAGA president has up his sleeve and if his newest trick might include reinstating slavery.

Although many in his camp, like former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, argue theres nothing to worry about with Trump because he isnt racist, but his documented words and actions tell another story

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Admittedly, Trump has always told Americans exactly what he plans to do. If you need it written down on paper, its all outlined in Project 2025 although the GOP winner denies any connection to the 900-page conservative, Christian manifesto. Johns notes the importance of reading between the Trump campaigns strategic words as they have been successful at coopting language and weaponizing government to make it difficult for people to engage in critical discussion or inquiry, he said.



According to Johns, this is why slavery is possible in 2024. Matter of fact, its already taken form. On Tuesday (Nov. 5), California residents voted against Proposition 6, which wouldve changed the states constitution and end forced labor in prisons, according to CBS News. In a 54.9 percent majority, Californians took a side, leaving many civil rights activists baffled over the clear legal remanent of chattel slavery.

Also, lets not forget the Latinx community voted in record turnout for the candidate actively planning mass deportations. It is much easier for folks to lie to themselves and believe that they can access the white privilege that Trump embodies then it is to do the deep and sometimes difficult work, Johns said.

And that, he argues, is why Black people must stay vigilant. We have justifiable mistrust in a country that expects Black women to do custodial care without acknowledgement or Black people to do labor without reparations, he said.

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Despite growing concerns of the return of slavery, Johns has faith that like always, the Black community will persevere. One of the lessons that Black ancestors teach us is that we are joy-filled people, he said. One of the goals of white supremacy is to steal that from us.

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BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and U.S. officials have met in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, to discuss cooperation in tackling online sales of infringing goods, China's top market regulator said on Monday.

The conference, jointly organized by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), brought together over 200 representatives from law enforcement and judicial departments, industry associations, brand owners and e-commerce platforms from both countries, SAMR said in an online statement.

The meeting followed a memorandum of understanding on intellectual property (IP) cooperation signed between SAMR and USPTO in Beijing this April.

Discussions covered topics including IP policies and regulations, administrative enforcement practices, cooperation between e-commerce platforms and rights holders, and U.S. law enforcement experiences.

China has been stepping up IP protection amid efforts to create a more attractive environment for foreign investment and trade and pursue higher-level opening-up.

In August last year, SAMR issued guidelines emphasizing equal IP protection for domestic and foreign companies. This April, it launched a two-year special enforcement campaign on IP protection. 
The 11th day of April means more to Elvina Smith than her daughters will ever know.

For 17 years, a shoplifting conviction that led to six days in a Wayne County, Michigan, jail and a year of probation impacted every aspect of Smiths otherwise law-abiding life.

From 2006 to 2007, Smith traveled for miles outside of Detroit to check in with a probation officer, where random drug and alcohol tests were requested  despite Smith saying she did not struggle with substance-use addiction.

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But those burdensome  and often embarrassing  requests ended last year when Smiths record was expunged on April 11  the result of her successful participation in a so-called clean slate program, efforts by states across the nation to purge the convictions of those who have committed nonviolent offenses but have had no other interactions with the criminal justice system.

Over the course of the next month, I would say it went from my record having all kinds of stuff to it being completely blank, said Smith, whos 47. Ive never been so happy to see that my name brought back nothing on a sheet of paper.

Smith is one of the hundreds of people who criminal justice reform advocates say have taken part in clean slate programs, which have been enacted in a dozen states since 2018.

Just a mere brush with the legal system can have long-lasting, negative impacts on your family, community, and larger, especially our economy, said Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative.

More than 40% of the roughly 800 people with arrest or conviction records in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Utah who had their records sealed automatically reported improvements in their employment, personal finances, and access to public assistance, according to a survey released this month by the Clean Slate Initiative, an advocacy group for expungement policies and legislation. Additionally, 35% of these respondents reported better family relationships, and 34% noted improved mental health and self-esteem, the survey also found.

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If your crime is being poor, you wont be able to get your record clear because its costly, said Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative. You have to get an attorney, you have to jump through hoops, you have to take off work  its just really complicated.

The problem is, most people dont realize that having a record goes beyond a criminal conviction, and going to jail or prison, Meade says.

Just a mere brush with the legal system can have long-lasting, negative impacts on your family, community, and larger, especially our economy, Meade said, noting that employers, landlords, and higher education administrators use background checks to screen potential applicants.

Read More: Groundbreaking Legislation Would Seal Criminal Convictions for Many Californians

When applying for housing or professional licenses, background checks reveal all interactions with the criminal justice system  including traffic and family courts  often without noting each cases outcome.

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There are millions of people who have been arrested and sent right back home or been arrested [and] have dismissals, and yet this arrest still serves as a barrier to them getting access to jobs, housing, and education, Meade said.

Typically, clean slate laws seal criminal records for eligible nonviolent felony and misdemeanor convictions after a certain period when all conditions of the conviction are adjudicated. Advocacy groups like the Clean Slate Initiative are working with more than two dozen states to propose, pass, and carry out similar legislation.

Connecticuts version of clean slate legislation was signed into law in 2021, but it has not yet been fully put in place because of technical difficulties. Delawares legislation passed in 2021, but wasnt implemented until Aug. 1. And after Colorado passed its law in 2022, it wasnt until July that over 100,000 court records were automatically sealed.

What seems like bureaucratic delays are intensive planning, programming modifications of multiple complex agency case management information systems, upgrades in technology, and changes in business practices and workflow, according to research released in April 2023 by the National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics.

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Other states that have passed clean slate laws include: California, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia.

When Michigan announced that April 11, 2023, would be the effective date for its clean slate law, Smith attended the event with trepidation, hoping for a chance to clear her record. Before she arrived, one of her misdemeanor convictions had automatically dropped off her record.

After 17 years of her single felony and three misdemeanors appearing on background checks and preventing her from fully engaging in her daughters lives and activities with their classmates and parents, she was uncertain if this could finally change.

With a felony conviction on her record and $6,000 in legal fees later, Smith was unprepared for the collateral consequences that would prevent her from securing housing, volunteering as a chaperone for her childrens school field trips, or achieving any personal goals that required a background check.

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Smith says she had been placed in weird positions where she had to explain to other parents about her invisible scarlet letter.

You dont want to tell people, Oh, I have a felony, Smith said.

As an example, Smith says she always feels forced to oversell herself with each application for housing. She said she always had to attach a letter that states: I have a felony. This is not just who I am. Its something that happened. I would still be a great tenant, she said.

During Second Chance Month last April, Smith was alerted about an automatic expungement fair hosted by the nonprofit group Safe & Just Michigan. The states clean slate legislation was passed and signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, but it took three more years for it to be implemented.

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Each day, old convictions, arrests, traffic violations, and dismissed charges linger on a Black adults background check, further hindering their progress as they wait for housing, job, or loan decisions.

Long lasting negative impacts

For Meade, working to put clean slate legislation on the books at the federal and state level is personal. As a Black woman living in Florida with a record from 2004 for bouncing an $87 check for groceries, Meade says getting a second chance after incarceration or a non-jail conviction can be difficult, especially if you come from a low-income community, and in the South.

For example, in time for the 2020 presidential election, Florida enacted a law that restored voting rights for formerly incarcerated people who completed their sentences and paid court fees. Supporters applause was short-lived, however, when Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law that disenfranchised that same community from voting again. Without clarity on this new law, more than a dozen clean slate Black Floridians were put back into the criminal justice system with voter fraud charges. To date, all but two of those cases have concluded.

Arrests and charges can appear on background checks even if they didnt result in a conviction or were dismissed before arraignment. Additionally, wrongful convictions, which have impacted 649 Black people in the 12 states with clean slate laws since 1989, can also remain on their record.

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That lack of clarity has led millions to miss out on opportunities that could prevent recidivism. However, there are laws in each state that provide people the chance to get their criminal record expunged, and sealed, which comes with its own obstacles and costs.

In recent years, more county prosecutors have organized expungement fairs to raise awareness among Black adults, who are disproportionately impacted by having a criminal record. President Joe Biden and governors in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Oregon have used their executive powers to pardon those with decades-old federal and state low-level marijuana convictions.

Nationally, nearly half of Black adults  about 46%  have a record. Progress on the federal side to have a Clean Slate Act is promising, Meade says. More than half of Black adults in California, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Utah have a criminal record, according to research conducted by the Clean Slate Initiative.

Pending legislation is being considered in Kentucky, while plans to introduce new legislation in Texas are set for 2025. Additionally, there are active initiatives in Illinois, Missouri, and several other states that the national clean slate coalition is working on. Efforts in North Carolina have stalled, however.

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A year after clearing their records, Michigan residents who have taken part in the program have earned 22% higher wages and are less likely than members of the public to commit crimes within five years after their record was cleared, according to a 2020 study published in the Harvard Law Review.

Meade says convincing lawmakers of the urgency of clean slate legislation is worth the fight to legally relieve those who have paid their debt to society after past mistakes. Shes also optimistic that a similar legislation will be in Florida  one day.

Once Smiths record was cleared, she received a promotion at her job, and went back to college to study accounting  a journey that began on April 11, or 4-1-1, as she affectionately calls it.

Whats the 4-1-1?! Smith says to Meade of a day that changed her life  forever.

The post Your Permanent Record Really Stays With You Unless Clean Slate Legislation Passes appeared first on Capital B News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A female patient was injured after she fell off the border wall in El Pasos Lower Valley on Sunday evening, Nov. 10, El Paso Fire dispatch said.

The female, no age given, fell near the Border Highway and Yarbrough at about 8 p.m. Sunday, fire dispatch said.

She was not in the water but watercraft had to be used reach her and rescue her, dispatch said. She was transported to a hospital Code 1 (non-life-threatening injuries), dispatch said.

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The Yarbrough exit off the Border Highway East was closed for a little over an hour because of the incident, but has since reopened.

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Attorney General Anthony Brown (D), shown at a July news conference, recently announced the creation of the position of solicitor general to handle all appellate cases in his office. Photo by Elijah Pittman.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown (D) has created an Office of the Solicitor General within the attorney generals office  describing it as a division dedicated to overseeing the states appellate litigation in both state and federal courts.

Brown announced last week that he is appointing Julia Doyle, a seasoned appellate litigator and current chief of the Office of Attorney Generals Civil Division, as the new solicitor general, effective Jan. 8.

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Creation of the solicitor generals office aligns Maryland with more than 40 states and territories that have appointed a solicitor general to coordinate and promote consistency in appellate work across all divisions of the attorney generals office. The new office, which will not require extra money to establish, will manage both civil and criminal appeals in all state and federal courts.

The new Office of the Solicitor General will enhance the Office of the Attorney Generals long tradition of excellence in appellate advocacy at the highest levels of our judicial system, Brown said in a statement. I am confident that Marylands interests will be well-represented in the courts, and that we will continue to protect and defend the laws and values of our state.

Doyle is an appellate attorney who has argued more than 135 cases before the Supreme Court of Maryland and has extensive experience in federal courts as well, including in the U.S. Supreme Court. She is currently serving as chief of litigation in the Civil Division at the attorney generals office, where she oversaw hundreds of appellate briefs and provided strategic guidance on some of Marylands most significant legal matters.

I am honored to take on this new role as solicitor general, Doyle said in a statement. The creation of the Office of the Solicitor General marks a new chapter for the Office of the Attorney General, one that will allow us to better serve the people of Maryland through a more focused and strategic approach to appellate advocacy.

As the lobbying world turns

Jennifer Bevan-Dangel, a seasoned State House lobbyist, is leaving her job as Maryland director of the Humane Society of the United States and is joining the white hat Annapolis lobbying firm Gally Public Affairs for the 2025 General Assembly session.

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Jennifer and I have worked together for a long time. I value her knowledge and work ethic, said Eric Gally, president of Gally Public Affairs. Shes been a colleague and partner for years and I know she will be a great addition to the firm.

Bevan-Dangel has over two decades of experience as a lobbyist in Annapolis working for nonprofit causes and organizations, working on issues ranging from environment to good government. She is a former state director for Common Cause Maryland, the political reform organization.

For the 2025 session, Bevan-Dangel joins Gally and Dru Schmidt-Perkins, another former head of a statewide organization and a contract lobbyist at the firm for the past few sessions.

Bevan-Dangel is transitioning into an independent consulting role, working not just for Gally Public Affairs but also for Economic Action Maryland, a nonprofit formerly known as the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition that advocates for economic rights, equity and housing justice for all Marylanders.

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Bevan-Dangels last day at the Humane Society is Friday. The organization is looking for a new state director, and Gally Public Affairs will be supporting the organizations legislative work during the 2025 session to ensure a smooth transition.

A new leader in the fight for ranked choice voting

The organization Ranked Choice Voting Maryland, which is dedicated to promoting and implementing the ranked-choice voting election process in Maryland, announced this week that Michelle C. Whittaker, a veteran activist, organizer and campaign strategist, will be its new executive director.

Whittaker spent the past two years as chief of staff to Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D). She is also a member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee.

I am honored to lead Ranked Choice Voting Maryland and to work alongside our dedicated volunteers across the state to ensure Marylanders have a stronger voice and more choice on the ballot, Whittaker said. Every vote counts and how voters express their vote matters too. This is a very exciting time to advance election innovations. Ranked choice voting is gaining momentum across the country and in Maryland.

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The organization Whittaker is taking over has been at the forefront of efforts to build community and legislative support in Maryland for RCV, even though it has faced resistance in the General Assembly. RCV Maryland organizes events across the state and advocates for legislative efforts at the municipal, county and state level.

Michelle Whittaker is a proven leader with a deep understanding of ranked choice voting and a commitment to making our democracy more fair and representative, said Ranked Choice Voting Maryland Board Chair Cynthia Richie Terrell. We are thrilled to have her join our team and lead our efforts to make RCV a reality in Maryland.

Taking over for Whittaker as Jawandos chief of staff is Dave Kunes, another seasoned political strategist. Kunes, a former chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, has been most closely associated with Tom Hucker, the former state lawmaker and Montgomery County Council member, throughout Huckers career. After Hucker left the council in 2022, Kunes split his time between Jawandos office and the office of Del. Emily Shetty (D-Montgomery).

Will is an inspiring leader whose vision for positive change has transformed our community, Kunes said in a Facebook post. Im truly honored to serve in this position to support his mission to make Montgomery County a place where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), an artificial intelligence (AI) advocacy group, is calling on President-elect Trump to make Elon Musk a special adviser on AI in his second administration.

The nonprofit launched the petition Monday, arguing Musk is well-positioned to help ensure that the U.S. continues to lead on AI.

Theres no one better positioned to help the Trump Administration navigate this new technology, Satya Thallam, ARIs senior vice president of government affairs, said in a statement.

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This is someone who has both pioneered AI advancement and consistently sounded the alarm about AIs potential risks, Thallam added. Musk knows what its going to take to make America lead on safe AI.

Musk has played a key role in supporting the advancement of AI. He helped found OpenAI, whose ChatGPT tool brought AI to the public and sparked a race between tech firms to develop and release their own models.

The billionaire also has his own AI company, xAI, and has increasingly centered the technology at his electric vehicle company, Tesla.

However, he has voiced concerns about AI safety over the years  a key issue for ARI, whose mission is to advocate for AI policy in the public interest.

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Musk made an unsuccessful attempt to buy DeepMind to prevent Google from acquiring the AI lab over concerns about how then-CEO Larry Page would develop the technology, according to The Wall Street Journal.

He also sued OpenAI and fellow co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman earlier this year, alleging they manipulated him into supporting the venture by promising it would create safe and transparent AI. Instead, he argued that they abandoned the companys original mission.

With proper mechanisms in place to handle conflicts of interest, Musk would be an invaluable asset for helping the Trump administration navigate the development of this transformational technology, ARI wrote in its petition.

The nonprofit hopes to gather 10,000 signatures on its petition in the next month, according to a press release.

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Musk has become a close ally of Trump and is expected to hold some role in his next administration. The president-elect has previously suggested the tech mogul could lead a panel focused on cutting government costs.

The billionaire poured millions of dollars into a pro-Trump super PAC that he founded earlier this year, which took the lead on the Trump campaigns get-out-the-vote efforts in swing states. He also used his massive platform on X, the social platform he owns, to amplify the president-elects message online.

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SOUTHBURY, Conn. (WNTH)  Southbury officials battled a four-acre brush fire on Saturday.

Southbury fire was dispatched at around 2:30 a.m. to West Purchase Road, fire officials said.

Mutual aid from Middlebury, Woodbury, Bridgewater, Roxbury, Sandy Hook, and The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection helped battle the blaze.

Connecticut remains in Stage 2 drought advisory

On Saturday, Gov. Ned Lamont issued a Stage 2 drought advisory in Connecticut due to below-than-normal precipitation and fire danger levels.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning on Veterans Day weekend.

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An emergency Burn Ban remains in effect for all of Connecticut prohibiting outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires.

According to DEEP, since Oct. 21, Connecticut has experienced around 150 brush fires.

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TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Veterans Day celebrations are happening throughout East Texas and in Tyler, Tyler ISD recognized teachers and staff who served the nation and now the district.

According to the district, members received a flag pin that Southside Baptist Church donated as a token of appreciation.

Surprise birthday party held for 100-year-old Tyler woman

At 6:30 p.m. a celebration will be held at Tyler Legacy High School to honor the communitys veterans with a flag presentation, a National Anthem performance and remarks.

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Our veterans represent the best America has to offer, Tyler ISD said. We honor these veterans who serve our district.

Veterans at elementary campuses

Thank you to Jerry Miller, who is a Jack Elementary music teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Kristi Tapper, who is a Ramey Elementary kindergarten teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Danielle Johnson, who is a Bell Elementary 5th-grade teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Craig Weaver, who is a Bell Elementary 5th-grade teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Cody Deaver, who is the Griffin Elementary SRO on our police department and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Annette Houston, who is a Clarkston Elementary precision teaching aide and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Reyes Gomez, who is a Ramey Elementary bilingual pre-k teacher and a veteran who served in the Army and Coast Guard, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to James Biles, who is a Andy Woods Elementary ISS assistant and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Sherry Coulter, who is a Dixie Elementary special education classroom assistant and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Teresa Bullard, who is a Bonner Elementary special education classroom assistant and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Trista Simmons, who is the Bonner Elementary Dean of Students and a veteran who served in the Coast Guard, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD.

Veterans at middle school campuses

Thank you to Gregory Lytle, who is a Hubbard Middle School 8th-grade English teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to George Powell, who is a Moore Middle School 6th-grade math teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Mason Simmons, who is a Moore Middle School 7th-grade social studies teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Catherine Moranda, who is a substitute teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Buddy Hancock, who is a Moore Middle School ISS assistant and a veteran who served in the Marines, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Christy Carr, who is a Moore Middle School 6th-grade science teacher and a veteran who served in the Navy, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Rebeka Labeau, who is a Three Lakes Middle School 7th-grade science teacher and a veteran who served in the Coast Guard, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD.

Veterans at high school campuses

Thank you to Terry Sapko, who is a Tyler High School math teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Barry Tillie, who is a special education resource assistant at Tyler Legacy High School and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Louis Stephens, who is a Tyler Legacy High School history teacher and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Matt Singleton, who is a Career & Technology Center health science teacher and a veteran and active duty in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Samuel Tinker, who is a Tyler High School JROTC teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Ryan Zeller, who is a Tyler Legacy High School English teacher, cheer coach, and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Garrett Abbott, who is a Tyler Legacy High School special education teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Charlie Sizemore, who is a Tyler Legacy High School tennis coach, P.E. teacher, and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Michael Cleghorn, who is a Tyler Legacy High School geography teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Mike Anderson, who is a Tyler Legacy High School special education teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Isaac Findley, who is a Tyler Legacy High School adaptive behavior unit aide and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Curtis Jenkins, who is a Career & Technology Center welding technology teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Colby Venters, who is a Tyler High School assistant principal intern and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Eric Johnson, who is a RISE Academy math teacher and a veteran who served in the Army National Guard, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Altaneshya Gordon, who is a RISE Academy special education resource assistant and a veteran who served in the Army National Guard, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Corey Cato, who is a Tyler High School JROTC teacher and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to James Horner, who is a Tyler Legacy High School ROTC teacher and a veteran who served in the Marines, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD.

Veterans in transportation and services

Thank you to Christopher McPherson, who is a bus driver on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Robert Grant, Tyler ISDs Maintenance Services Supervisor and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Gilbert Trey Flores III, who is a Tyler ISD preventative maintenance technician and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Caterina Davis, who works in special education as a certified occupational therapy assistant and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Daryl Kisosondi, who is a techology services network security engineer and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Isaac Barlow, who is a bus driver on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Byll Rodgers, who is a bus driver on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Curtis Martine, who is a Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator of K-12 social studies and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Donny Shuttlesworth, who is a bus driver on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to DeRay Thompson, who is a bus driver on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Army and the Texas Army National Guard, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Ronal Bear Washington, who is a bus driver on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Charles Turner, who is a transportation specialist on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Army and Army Reserve, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Frank Hibbs, who is a transportation team leader and a veteran who served in the Navy, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Paul Vaughn, who is a bus driver on our transportation team and a veteran who served in the Navy, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Jim McDougal, who is a transportation routing coordinator and a veteran who served in the Navy, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Randy McCugh, who is a locksmith on our maintenance team and a veteran who served in the Navy, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Greg Powell, who is a special education positive behavior specialist and a veteran who served in the Coast Guard, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Mark Bounds, who is a carpenter on the maintenance team and a veteran who served in the Air Force, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Matthew Dews, who is a crossing guard on the safety and security team and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Tom Synovec, who is a quality control specialist on the maintenance team and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Troy McCullough, who is a plumber on the maintenance team and a veteran who served in the Army, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD. Thank you to Aaron Porter, who is a Birdwell Dual Language crossing guard on the safety and security team and a veteran who served in the Marines, Tyler ISD said. Courtesy of Tyler ISD.

As of Monday at noon, the school district said they are going to share more photos of veteran staff members.

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One man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday morning, police say.

According to Sgt. Armando Pardo of the Anaheim Police Department, officers were dispatched to 1500 Benmore Lane in Anaheim at 1:09 a.m. on a call for medical aid regarding an overdose.

Upon arrival, officers found the four unconscious men, one of whom was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News) According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News) According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News) According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News) According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News) According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News) According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News)

All three of the others were rushed to a hospital in critical condition, Sgt. Pardo said.

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Altercation leads to 2 men being shot at popular West Covina sports bar

A white powder substance was located nearby, [and] a hazmat unit was called out to the scene to collect samples and send them to a lab, Sgt. Pardo added. There was a party happening at the location.

Evacuations were in place in the neighborhood due to the hazmat situation; residents were able to return to their homes after three hours.

According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News) According to police, one man died and three others were rushed to a hospital after an overdose incident during a party in Orange County early Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (County News)

The substance was not formally identified.

The names of the four men have not been released. No arrests were made, authorities said.

No further details were immediately available.

Sofia Pop Perez contributed to this report.

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An Oklahoma City police officer's use of force while arresting a 70-year-old man has come under question, with the officer on paid leave while the police department investigates.

During the incident, the man refused to sign the traffic ticket the OKC police officer had written, which the officer said he could take the man to jail for.

After news of the incident went viral, many have wondered what the law states. Here's what to know about Oklahoma City's law on signing a citation from a police officer.

Can OKC police take you to jail for refusing to sign a ticket?

Yes, according to the city of Oklahoma City, refusing to sign the citation a police officer writes could end in your arrest.

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Signing the citation doesn't admit guilt, rather it represents your assurance you will either pay the fine or appear in court to argue its validity.

Also, according to the city, yelling at or touching an officer aggressively could result in your arrest.

The city also says you should comply with a police officer's requests even if you disagree, and not to argue about the officer's actions or the law.

What to do during a traffic stop

While different states have different rules for drivers' duties during a traffic stop, experts generally agree on a few steps drivers should take to ensure the traffic stop remains calm.

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma recommends that if you're pulled over by police, you should take the following steps:

Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.

Turn off the car's engine.

Turn on the internal light.

Open the window partway.

Place your hands on the wheel.

The ACLU also encourages people to stay calm during the traffic stop and not to run, resist or obstruct officers.

More: Do you have to roll your window down during a traffic stop? ACLU, police weigh in

The Oklahoma City Police Department recommends many of the same actions, including lowering your window to speak with the officer. If you're afraid during the stop, the police department's website also suggests you can lower your window a few inches, ask to speak with a supervisor or call 911.

Contributing: Dale Denwalt

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Can you be arrested for refusing to sign traffic ticket? What we know
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  Things are getting hairy at the Boardman Police Department as officers grow out their beards for an annual fundraiser.

Each year, members of the Boardman Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 43 grow out their beards to raise money that will be used to benefit local children. This year marks the 6th anniversary of No-Shave November for the department, and the funds will go toward Shop With a Cop events.

For nine, 10 months out of the year, we dont get to have beards, said Joe Lamping, president of FOP Lodge 43. So everybody kind of takes that moment to jump on the chance, and its like, Were supporting a charity and it gets us out of shaving for a couple months. Its one of our favorite times of the year.

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This is the first year the program has expanded to include nine elementary school kids, in addition to the middle-school age group it usually works with. Lamping says school counselors select the kids that would benefit the most from the program.

Its Christmas joy, right? Lamping said. You know, they get that Christmas spirit where its, Hey, this is my time and I dont have to worry about anything else, I get to go in, I get to get some toys, I get to get some new clothes, I get to get that new art set I wanted.'

I think its a great event each year, said FOP Lodge 43 secretary Tom Zorzi. We try to raise money for local charities, and this year, we chose the kids  thats what our main focus is. We like raising the money, you know, to help out the kids in need.

Lamping said theyre setting the bar high this year with a $3,500 fundraising goal  up $1,000 from previous years.

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We try to give each child thats involved $300 to spend at whatever store theyre at, he said. That can go toward anything: clothing, school supplies that they want, art supplies, toys, Christmas gifts, things of that nature.

Cash, check, and Venmo donations are accepted, with more details available on the FOPs Facebook page. When donating, police ask that you name the officer you are supporting, but it is not necessary.

Our main focus is community outreach, Lamping said. We dont care who wins. Our focus as the Lodge, its not about ourselves  its about these kids.

The top five officers who raise the most money will be allowed to keep their beards through December.

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If any money is left over, it will be added to a scholarship program for local kids going into public service. Last year, the program gave out six $750 scholarships.

Lamping says they hope to continue growing the program to help more local kids in the years to come.

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The opening ceremony of a dialogue for Chinese and Italian university rectors is held in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 9, 2024. China and Italy, two major education powers, are deepening collaboration in the realm of higher education, a move that is aimed at nurturing modern Marco Polos to carry forward civilizational exchange and mutual learning. (Peking University/Handout via Xinhua)

by Xinhua writers Wang Aihua, Shi Yifei and Wei Mengjia

BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Italy, two major education powers, are deepening collaboration in the realm of higher education, a move that is aimed at nurturing modern Marco Polos to carry forward civilizational exchange and mutual learning.

At a dialogue for Chinese and Italian university rectors held in Beijing over the weekend, China announced plans to boost youth exchanges between the two countries. Universities from both sides also signed agreements to jointly build campuses and interdisciplinary research centers.

Huai Jinpeng, China's education minister, said the country will offer over 100 fully funded exchange opportunities to the 22 participating Italian universities -- an effort to advance a high-level initiative China proposed earlier this year to double the scale of European youth exchanges in the country.

"In contemporary times, the missions for higher education are not limited to creating and communicating knowledge; they transcend to the historic level of inheriting and innovating human civilizations," Huai said.

Located on the opposite ends of the ancient Silk Road, China and Italy boast rich and long-standing civilizations. More than seven centuries ago, Italian explorer Marco Polo's travels served as an important bridge to connect the Chinese and Western civilizations. He remains a symbol of cross-cultural exchanges even today.

Education links the two countries, too. Italy is widely believed to be the birthplace of modern universities. China, on the other hand, has a sophisticated educational system developed through centuries that has nurtured numerous literati, scholars and administrators at both the central and local levels.

"Marco Polo's legacy teaches us that only through respect for each other's cultures and openness can we promote innovation and progress toward a better world," Tiziana Lippiello, board member of the Conference of Italian University Rectors, said.

Over the past two decades, educational exchanges and cooperation between China and Italy have played a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples, officials said.

China is now the largest source country of international students in Italy, while Italy ranks among the top five European countries in terms of the number of students studying in China.

Over the years, Chinese and Italian universities have set up 45 collaborative higher-education institutions and programs, on top of nine research labs with a focus on cutting-edge and foundational disciplines, as well as high-tech engineering fields.

In 2016, Italy incorporated the Chinese language into its national education system. A number of primary and middle schools in Italy have opened Chinese language and culture courses.

Dozens of institutions dedicated to teaching Chinese culture have also been established.

"We hope that the Italian language and culture will also become more widely spread in China, promoting understanding of our rich cultural heritage and facilitating mutual exchange," said Lippiello, also rector of the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, who studied in China in the 1980s.

University representatives at the event, which was jointly organized by China's Ministry of Education and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, also highlighted the importance of higher-education cooperation in response to common challenges for humanity like climate change and sustainable development.

Giovanni Molari, rector of the University of Bologna, said his university has been cooperating closely with its Chinese counterparts in areas like AI, robotic automation and pharmaceuticals.

"I'm sure such dialogues can help us achieve common development and meet global challenges," Molari said.

Matteo Lorito, rector of the University of Naples Federico II, said he expects more collaboration between the universities of Italy and China on ecology, digital transformation and food science.

"Cooperation with China is indispensable," Lorito said. "I hope that the students we cultivate can become the Marco Polo of modern times, possessing a critical and innovative spirit, as well as a sense of responsibility toward the international community." 

A parallel session of a dialogue for Chinese and Italian university rectors is held in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 9, 2024.

China and Italy, two major education powers, are deepening collaboration in the realm of higher education, a move that is aimed at nurturing modern Marco Polos to carry forward civilizational exchange and mutual learning. (Peking University/Handout via Xinhua)
Police have identified the suspect and the victim in a deadly Hyde Park shooting last week.

According to police around 1:14 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, officers responded to Garfield Avenue in Hyde Park for a report of shots fired and a person shot.

Upon arrival, officers located a victim, Jose Alberto Feliz, 28, of Hyde Park, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Jose Alberto Feliz was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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Police on the scene arrested Isaiah Trevon Smith, 28, of Hyde Park.

Smith is charged with murder and various firearms charges, he will be arraigned in West Roxbury District Court on Tuesday morning.

The shooting is not believed to be random and there is no threat to the public.

The Suffolk District Attorneys Office is assisting Boston 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.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A shooting along a key downtown Dayton corridor early Monday afternoon left one in critical condition.

Officers were dispatched at 12:32 p.m. to the area of South Jefferson and Fourth streets on reports of a shooting, according to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center.

When they arrived, officers found a young adult male suffering from a gunshot wound on the sidewalk in front of businesses on the west side of South Jefferson. Officers provided first aid but called for emergency medical services.

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The man was transported to an area hospital, said to be in critical condition.

An alleged suspect described as a young adult male fled the immediate area, leading officers on a search. Both downtown and private cameras were used to eventually locate the suspect several blocks away from the shooting.

A weapon was also found.

According to Dayton Police Maj. Jason Hall, the suspect was being interviewed by the DPD Violent Offenders Unit. He said police did not have a motive for the shooting at this time.

While officers worked to investigate the scene, South Jefferson Street was shut down between Third and Fourth streets, making the Greater Dayton RTAs Wright-Stop Plaza inaccessible to buses. Passengers had to be picked up or dropped off at the intersection of Third and Main streets.

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The scene was cleared around 2 p.m.

Dayton Polices Hall pointed out that despite Mondays shooting, downtown Dayton is statistically a safe place to be.

Generally, the crime rate downtown is much lower than other areas, Hall said. Downtown is generally a very safe place to be.

These instances of violent crime are somewhat rare.

Dayton Police block the intersection of Jefferson and Fourth streets after reports of a shooting on Jefferson Street near the Wright-Stop Plaza Dayton RTA hub, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Joe Gurnig/WDTN) Dayton Police block the intersection of Jefferson and Fourth streets after reports of a shooting on Jefferson Street near the Wright-Stop Plaza Dayton RTA hub, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Joe Gurnig/WDTN) Dayton Police block the intersection of Jefferson and Fourth streets after reports of a shooting on Jefferson Street near the Wright-Stop Plaza Dayton RTA hub, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Joe Gurnig/WDTN)

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Police are investigating after a man with multiple gunshot wounds was dropped off at a Knoxville hospital on Sunday.

The Knoxville Police Department was notified around 4:30 p.m. that a man with multiple gunshot wounds had arrived at the Fort Sanders Medical Center in a personal vehicle. He was transferred to the University of Tennessee Medical Center and is critical condition, police said.

Teen facing attempted murder charge in East Knoxville shooting taken into custody

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Investigators believe the shooting occurred in the 3000 block of Woodbine Avenue. The suspect vehicle is possibly a black full-size SUV that was seen leaving the area following the shooting.

Police said the victim drove away from the scene and parked his car in the area of Baxter Avenue and Marion Street before being picked up and transported to Fort Sanders Medical Center.

Anyone who may have information about the shooting is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

There are multiple ways you can provide anonymous information to Crime Stoppers. You can call 865-215-7165 or **TIPS, and go online at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org, via the free mobile app, P3 Tips, or the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Facebook page. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward.

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A Georgia State University student is facing charges after two students were robbed at gunpoint inside a dorm.

Police havent identified the student or the charges shes facing, citing the ongoing investigation.

On Oc. 30, GSU police responded to Piedmont Central Dormitory after getting reports of an armed robbery.

Investigators said the unidentified student accused another student of stealing her hoodie and when the accused student refused to give it back, the student called two men to the dorm.

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Once they arrived, the men were taken upstairs to the victims dorm room, where they robbed and assaulted two students, police said.

TRENDING STORIES:

The two men, who are not students at GSU, were last seen leaving the scene in a black Toyota Camry, according to police.

Police have identified the men, but as of 5 p.m. Monday, they remained on the run, according to jail records.

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On Monday, Channel 2s Michael Seiden stopped by the dorm and spoke with several students who had no idea what had happened until he told them about the incident.

I dont know how they got in, said Ayesa, a GSU freshman who asked us not to share her last name. Georgia State has really good protocols when it comes to safety for housing.

I am definitely going to check my surroundings, said GSU student Lita Volk. Im going to be more careful about who walks in for sure.

GSU officials called this an isolated issue and reassured students that they are safe on campus.

The two robbery victims suffered minor injuries, and both are expected to make a full recovery.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD)  Officers are looking for the people who broke into a gaming store in Holland on Sunday morning.

Around 9:50 a.m., officers with the Holland Department of Public Safety were sent to the Super Hideaway Gaming store, located at 1036 Washington Avenue near W 40th Street, after receiving reports about a broken window in the front door.

Responding officers determined that the store had been broken into sometime during the night and trading cards were stolen.

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The owner of the store is working to determine how much was taken, police said.

The break-in remains under investigation.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The man who died last week after he was struck by an SUV on I-95 in Providence was carrying cash at the time, according to Rhode Island State Police.

The victim, identified as Kevin Elliot McCort of Ocala, Florida, had stopped his car Wednesday morning on I-95 South and was hit while trying to cross the northbound side. It remains unclear whether his car was disabled or he simply pulled over.

BACKGROUND: Man dies after being struck on I-95 in Providence

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After the crash, state troopers and people stuck in traffic were seen collecting money that was scattered along the highway as a result.

State police confirmed on Monday that McCort had been carrying the money when he was hit. How much cash he had was not disclosed, and police said theyre still trying to figure out where it came from.

Some of the money that was picked up by passersby was returned to troopers. However, police said they have no way of tracking down anyone who drove off with the cash they found.

The incident remains under investigation.

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Poland wants to build an alliance with the U.K. to continue helping Ukraine after Donald Trump takes office in 2025, The Times reported on Nov. 11.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he intends to hold talks with his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer in the coming days. He will also meet President Emmanuel Macron of France, and Mark Rutte, secretary-general of NATO, The Times said.

"This new political landscape is a serious challenge for everyone  especially in the context of a possible end to the Russian-Ukrainian war as a result of an agreement between the president of Russia and the new president of the United States," Tusk said.

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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.

He has repeatedly promised to end the war "in 24 hours,' and though he hasn't yet elaborated a plan, it is largely expected to involve Ukraine ceding land to Russia.

Over the weekend, his son, Donald Trump Jr. mocked Zelensky and Ukraine by sharing a picture of him on Instagram with the caption: "POV (point of view): You're 38 days from losing your allowance."

The "38 days" may reference Dec. 17, the date when U.S. electors meet to cast their votes for president and vice president based on the results of the Nov. 5 vote.

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Tusk has been pushing back against Trumps plans since his reelection by saying that decisions about Ukraines future cannot be made without Ukrainians, as reported earlier on Nov. 9.

Elsewhere, the leaders of France and the U.K. are expected to meet in Paris on Nov. 11 to discuss a last-ditch attempt to persuade the U.S. to allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with Western weapons before Trump enters the White House in January, The Telegraph reported citing UK Government sources.

According to the newspaper, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron hope President Joe Biden will give the approval sought by Kyiv for months as a step towards cementing his foreign policy legacy.

"We are very keen to make sure we can make the most of the time between now and Jan. 20 (when Trump takes office) and not just put everything on hold until the next administration," one source was quoted as saying.

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Read also: Russia suffers deadliest day since start of full-scale invasion, Ukraines military says

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WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Polish President Andrzej Duda marked Independence Day on Monday with a call for sustained U.S. commitment to Europe's security in view of Russian aggression in the region and argued that Ukraine's pre-2014 borders should be restored.

Weighing on the minds of many is the war across Poland's border in Ukraine, and an expectation that Donald Trump's return to the White House will bring a change in the security situation in the region.

Some fear Trump could end the U.S. commitment to NATO, or make a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that could result in a permanent loss of territory for Ukraine and encourage Russia to attack other nations. Others believe Trump could persuade Putin to stop the fighting.

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Duda, who has had friendly relations with Trump, said in a speech in Warsaw that Europe will continue to need U.S. protection.

It is a pipe dream  as some people think  that Europe can ensure its own security today, Duda said.

He emphasized that the security guarantees of successive U.S. presidents are extremely important in times of resurgent Russian imperialism.

Today we have no doubts that for the security of Europe and the world, it is necessary to strengthen Euro-Atlantic ties, Duda said.

He said the territorial integrity of all countries, especially Ukraine, should be respected and it must return to its borders from before the Russian attack, not only the one in 2022 but also the first one, in 2014."

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Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Later in a news conference, Duda said he had spoken to Trump and that they would meet before the inauguration in January.

Duda spoke as Poland marked the 106th anniversary of its restored independence at the end of World War I after more than a century of being partitioned and ruled by Russia, Germany and Austro-Hungary. The date of Nov. 11 carries powerful weight for a nation where the trauma of losing national sovereignty endures.

In Warsaw, tens of thousands of people took part in a march organized by nationalist groups that has sometimes seen violent clashes in past years but passed without major incident Monday. Organizers estimated turnout at 250,000 while city hall put it at 90,000. Police said they detained 75 people and seized banned items from participants, including pyrotechnic materials, knives, telescopic batons and brass knuckles.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of the conservative Law and Justice party, which governed Poland from 2015-2023 and is seeking a comeback, joined the march with other party members.
Bruges, Madrid, Amsterdam and Berlin are among the European destinations ready to lure British tourists away from France by ruling out a Brexit tourist tax.

Tourists are facing a 5 (4.10) surcharge to visit attractions such as the Louvre museum and Notre Dame cathedral in Paris because the UK has left the EU.

However, authorities in other cultural hotspots told The Telegraph that Britons could dodge the higher prices by coming to their cities instead.

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Dirk De fauw, the mayor of Bruges, which welcomed seven million tourists last year, said: We will never make a difference between European inhabitants and non-European inhabitants.

For us it is all the same if they come from Mexico, or if they come from China, or if they come from Korea, or if they come from London.

He added: Bruges has also always been an open city where everybody is welcome. We will not close the doors or close the gates of the city and put taxes on it.

Entry prices to the Louvre for non-Europeans could rise from 22 to 30 - ANTOINE BOUREAU/AFP

His vow to roll out the welcome mat comes as attitudes to tourism harden across Europe.

In cities such as Barcelona there has been a backlash against Airbnb, with residents blaming short-term holiday rentals for pricing them out of affordable accommodation and creating a housing crisis.

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Venice has introduced a 5 charge in a bid to reduce overcrowding and improve the quality of life for residents, while France wants to charge extra to non-EU tourists with the money raised used to renovate its major attractions.

Mr de Fauw said that some people in Bruges wanted to charge cruise day trippers extra, but even if that happened the city would never discriminate between non-EU and EU nationalities.

He urged Britons, the second largest nationality visiting Bruges after Germans, to come to the Venice of the North.

They should stay the night to sample the citys beautiful canals and ancient buildings once the tourist crowds dispersed, he said, adding: When you stay at night, this is the most romantic city of Europe.

Madrid leader also rejects taxes

In Madrid, home of the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, the Spanish capitals Right-wing regional president also said she would not introduce tourist taxes.

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A spokesman for Isabel Diaz Ayuso said: Madrid is not going to impose new taxes. The president rules out any tax that taxes tourism.

Our policy is one of low taxes that generate greater economic activity, job creation and prosperity.

Ms Ayuso, who was the first leader in Spain to take her region out of lockdown, recently caused controversy by telling restaurants in Madrid to open earlier for lunch and dinner to cater for tourists.

The usual Spanish time for lunch is 2pm and dinner can be as late as 10.30pm. We have a new battle cry, she said. Welcome tourist!

ERG chairman calls French plans daft

In Berlin, a spokesman for the mayor said there were no plans to introduce a Brexit tourism tax in the capital.

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Meanwhile, Amsterdam has cracked down on anti-social behaviour by tourists in its centre and red-light district in an effort to keep the city liveable for residents.

But Wouter Moll, the city spokesman, said: The municipality of Amsterdam has currently no plans to impose a local taxation for non-EU-residents, especially not when it comes to museums.

The French plans for the tourist tax were reported in late October and could be imposed in 2026.

It would raise tickets to the Louvre, which has nine million visitors a year and houses the Mona Lisa, from 22 to 30.

It could also result in tourists paying 5 to enter Notre-Dame when it reopens, instead of entry being free.

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Rachida Dati, the culture minister, told Le Figaro: I want visitors from outside the EU to pay more for their entrance ticket and for this supplement to finance the renovation of the national heritage.

Is it normal for a French visitor to pay the same price for entry to the Louvre as a Brazilian or Chinese visitor? The French people should not have to pay for everything on their own.

Mark Francois, the chairman of the European Research Group (ERG) of Brexiteer Tory backbenchers, said the French plans were daft.

The shadow defence minister said: It seems daft that Brits might have to pay extra to see the Mona Lisa, just because weve left the EU.

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Hopefully, these dotty plans for a Brexit tourist tax will be reconsidered, before they actually come into force.

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ULAN BATOR, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia exported a total of 65.9 million tons of coal in the first 10 months of 2024, according to official data released by the Mongolian Customs General Administration on Monday.

This figure represents a significant year-on-year increase of 26.6 percent compared to the same period in 2023, the administration reported.

Coal remains a key export commodity for Mongolia, a resource-rich country with abundant mineral reserves. During the January-October period, coal accounted for 55.3 percent of the country's total exports, highlighting its crucial role in Mongolia's economy.

Initially, Mongolia set an export target of at least 60 million tons of coal for 2024, but this goal has since been revised upwards to 75 million tons in light of strong performance.

In 2023, Mongolia achieved a record coal export volume of 66.7 million tons, setting a new benchmark for the country's coal trade. 
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  Washington County, Virginia Public Schools (WCPS) is encouraging parents to speak to their children after a pre-K student brought a BB gun to Meadowview Elementary School on Monday.

According to a release from WCPS, administrators were told Monday that the student had brought the BB gun in their backpack to show a friend.

Bristol Hard Rock Casino to close in preparation for permanent facility opening

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The friend promptly reported it to their teacher, the release states and the backpack was confiscated immediately. The principal was then notified of the incident.

We do not believe the student brought the BB gun to school with the intent to cause harm, only with the purpose to show a friend, WCPS wrote in the release. We are thankful for the quick actions of the student that reported this incident to their teacher.

The school district is asking all parents and guardians to talk with their students about gun safety and ensure that firearms stay at home, safely stored and away from children.

The WCPS policy on weapons in schools can be found online.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
VERO BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  A pregnant 19-year-old and her grandmother were reportedly the two victims killed during a home invasion in Vero Beach, NBC affiliate WPTV reported.

At 3:47 a.m. on Sunday, the Indian River County Sheriffs Office received the 911 call and responded to the home, located in the 600 block of 23rd Place SW in the Highlands neighborhood.

15-year-old boy drowns in Florida, 1 child rescued by lifeguard: report

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Its a heinous crime, the Sheriff said. Theres no doubt about that.

WPTV spoke to Charlie Baker, who said his mother, Amanda, and his daughter, Shelby Lynn, tragically lost their lives.

My daughter was just 19. She hadnt even begun to truly experience life, Baker told WPTV. She was pregnant with our granddaughter, Amina.

Deputies said they are conducting search warrants on the residents in the home, some of whom they said they are very familiar with and who may be involved.

Pedestrian dies after being struck by 3 vehicles on Manatee County highway

When I brought her first and second granddaughter into the world, she radiated happiness, Charlie told WPTV. She was so close to meeting her great-grandbaby, but now, sadly, she wont.

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The sheriffs office is continuing to investigate the homicide. WPTV said they have not confirmed the identity.

Anyone with information on the residents or from the overnight incident is asked to contact Detective Crawford with the sheriffs office at 772-569-6700 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-8477.

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 WFLA.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  For his final Veterans Day as Commander-in-Chief, President Joe Biden offered a message of unity and gratitude during a large ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery.

Its been the greatest honor of my life to lead you, to care for you, to defend you just as you defended us generation after generation after generation, President Biden told the crowd.

The president used the bully pulpit to highlight his administrations efforts to improve the lives of veterans during his tenure. According to the White House, veteran homelessness is down 11.7% since 2020 and this year alone, nearly 48,000 veterans found housing.

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He says his greatest achievement was signing the PACT Act into law. The federal legislation allows veterans exposed to toxic burn pits access to VA health care benefits.

The PACT Act has already helped over one million veterans, and their families get the benefits they deserve, Biden said.

Blue Star Families Founder, Kathy Roth-Douquet, says the PACT Act means everything to military families. She also credits the president for pushing pay raises for service members as well as affordable housing and child care.

President Biden took a moment to reflect on his own sons military service during his Veterans Day remarks. Beau Biden served in Iraq. He later died from a rare brain cancer at the age of 42.

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I remember how hard it was when he was deployed, empty seats at the dinner table, Biden said. This is my duty as president but also as a parent.

According to a survey conducted by Blue Star Families, approximately eight in 10 military families believe there will be a major conflict in the next three to five years.

Douquet says anxiety is high, and military families need community support.

Since the election, President Biden has assured the nation, the country will be ok. Closing his speech, he called on the nation to come together and keep faith in each other.

President-elect Donald Trump is pledging to end conflicts abroad once he takes office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris honored veterans during a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Monday.

The Veterans Day ceremony was the first time the president and vice president have been seen together since the election.

Following the ceremony, President Biden delivered remarks from the Memorial Amphitheater where he paid tribute to veterans and their families.

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We have many obligations, but only one truly sacred obligation. Sacred. Prepare those we send into harms way and to care for them and their families when they return home, and when they dont, Biden said.

Mondays ceremony marked the last time President Biden will participate in Veterans Day ceremonies in Arlington as Commander-in-Chief.

Its been the greatest honor of my life to lead you, to serve you, to care for you, to defend you. Just as you defended us generation after generation after generation, he said.

Biden also touted his work to help veterans and their families during his time in office, citing the PACT Act. The legislation expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins, as well as their survivors.

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Today, I am proud to announce that the VA will expand the number of cancers covered under the PACT Act, Biden said.

Biden concluded his speech by urging Americans to continue to honor the men and women who serve.

The world is dependent on each of you and all of us, all of you, to keep honoring the women and the men and the families who have borne the battle, to keep protecting everything they fought for, Biden said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
WASHINGTON  Today on Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Commemorated annually, Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Then President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 that changed the name to Veterans Day. It is a national holiday that honors all veteransalive and deadwho have served the United States in the military.

For over 200 years, Native Americans have fought valiantly in the United States military even before Native Americans gained U.S. citizenry in 1924.

Last Wednesday, President Joe Biden issued the following proclamation to honor veterans:

A Proclamation on Veterans Day,2024

Today, we honor generations of Americas veterans  patriots who have stood on the frontlines of freedom and kept the light of liberty shining bright around the world. Just as they have kept the ultimate faith in our Nation, we must keep ultimate faith in them.

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Each one of our Nations veterans is a link in a chain of honor that stretches back to our founding days  bound by a sacred oath to support and defend the United States of America. Throughout history, whenever and wherever the forces of darkness have sought to extinguish the flame of freedom, Americas veterans have been fighting to keep it burning bright. I remember so clearly the pride the First Lady and I felt in our son Beau during his service in Iraq. He  like all our veterans from Belleau Wood, Baghdad, and Gettysburg to Guadalcanal, Korea, and Kandahar and beyond  lived, served, and sacrificed by a creed of duty. We owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay, not just for fighting for our democracy, but for giving back to our communities and inspiring the next generation to serve, even after they hang up their uniforms.

As a Nation, we have one truly sacred obligation:to prepare and equip those we send into harms way and to care for them and their families when they return home. Since I came into office, I have signed more than 34 bipartisan laws to support our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors. That includes the landmark Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which enacted the most significant expansion of benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxins in more than 30 years. Today, more than 1.1 million veterans and 11,000 survivors of deceased veterans are now receiving new service-connected disability benefits, and over 5.8 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure  a critical step to ensuring they get access to the care they need. And as of last March, any exposed veteran who served during any conflict outlined in the PACT Act will be able to enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care. My Administration is ensuring that women veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care have equitable access to benefits and health services. My Administration has worked to reduce barriers and reach out to veterans to make sure they can access their earned benefits. As a result, the VA is delivering more benefits to more veterans than ever before. In 2024, the VA processed more claims than ever and is providing record level health care services. We have taken steps to eliminate barriers and disparities for all veterans, including people of color, LGBTQI+ people, and women. We have made progress in addressing veteran homelessness, and we are working to end the silent scourge of suicide by addressing financial and legal risk factors, promoting secure storage of firearms, and expanding access to mental health services. Last year, the VA housed nearly 48,000 veterans, expanded access to health care and legal assistance for homeless veterans, and helped more than 158,000 veterans and their families keep their homes. And we are committed to assisting the roughly 200,000 service members who transition from the military each year with finding good-paying jobs, including by connecting them to Registered Apprenticeship programs. My Administration has also prioritized supporting veteran entrepreneurship. This year, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses secured almost $32 billion in Federal contracts, nearly $4 billion more than in the prior year.

While our veterans are the steel spine of this Nation, their families are the courageous heart  they also serve and sacrifice so much for our country. Last year, I signed an Executive Order calling for the most comprehensive set of administrative actions in our Nations history to support the economic security of military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors. The Executive Order increases training and employment opportunities for military spouses in the workforce and encourages Federal agencies to do more to retain military and veteran spouses through flexible policies. Additionally, through the First Ladys Joining Forces initiative, my Administration is working to better support military and veteran families on everything from making school transitions easier for military children to expanding economic opportunities and improving well-being for military spouses, caregivers, and survivors.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day alongside so many World War II veterans. Their service and sacrifice helped free the world from tyranny. We learned then what we still know now: Democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it, and fight for it. Today, we honor all our veterans, who have preserved, defended, and fought for our democracy. They prove that we are a Nation that can meet darkness with light again and again, no matter how high the cost or how heavy the burden. May we all strive to be worthy of their sacrifices for us, doing our part to keep the light of liberty burning bright for generations to come.

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In respect and recognition of the contributions our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nations veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots through appropriate ceremonies and private prayers and by observing two minutes of silence for our Nations veterans. I also call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States of America and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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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
TOOELE, Utah  On a mild autumn evening, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Deseret Peak Utah Temple  the churchs 200th house of the Lord.

This is the Lords house. It is filled with His power, President Nelson said of the churchs newest temple, which he dedicated Sunday, Nov. 10. He promised that those who live Gods higher law will have access to that power. Gods power helps us to withstand the trials and temptations of life  with joy in our hearts, he said.

The new Deseret Peak Utah Temple lies roughly 30 miles from Salt Lake City, in the Tooele Valley located along the southern shores of the Great Salt Lake. To the east are the Oquirrh Mountains, which separate the area from the adjacent Wasatch Front. To the west are the Stansbury Mountains and the towering Deseret Peak  the fourth-most prominent peak in the state of Utah and the temples namesake.

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During the day, the temples copper-plated central spire reflects the sunlight. At night, the lights of the temple stand out against the dark backdrop of the mountains.

But it wasnt the temples scenic location or impressive architecture that President Nelson emphasized on the day he dedicated the edifice as a beacon of hope to all who see it. It was its sacred purpose.

I hope that our members in the Deseret Peak temple district will not just treasure the addition of a beautiful building to their community but will arrange their lives so that they worship and serve in the house of the Lord as regularly as possible, President Nelson told the Church News, promising The temple is a place of peace and power, and spending time there will literally change a persons life.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visits with Elder Gary E. Stevenson in front of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who accompanied President Nelson to Tooele, called attention to two unprecedented, historic facts associated with the days event. First, that the church has a 100-year-old prophet in this dispensation. Second, that our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson was dedicating the churchs 200th temple.

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We think of moments when we can say Hallelujah! and for us this is one of those moments. This is a moment  the 200th in this dispensation now  that allows us to look heavenward and recognize the Lords love for each one of us, Elder Stevenson said.

Roughly 300 individuals gathered within the walls of the temple on Sunday, Nov. 10, for the single 4 p.m. session that was broadcast throughout western Utah.

Also participating in Sundays dedication were Sister Wendy Nelson and Sister Lesa Stevenson as well as Elder Brian K. Taylor, second counselor in the Utah Area presidency, and his wife, Sister Jill Taylor; Elder Brook P. Hales, a General Authority Seventy, and his wife, Sister Denise Hales; and Elder Kevin R. Duncan, executive director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Sister Nancy Duncan.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The 200th Latter-day Saint temple

When President Nelson was a child, there were six dedicated temples in the world. Now there are 200.

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As he contemplates that fact, President Nelson said, I am filled with awe at all the Lord is doing for His people.

President Nelson noted that it took the church until the year 2000 to dedicate the first 100 temples. But now, just 24 years later, they have dedicated the second 100. The Lord is truly hastening His work. I am filled with gratitude for the Lords mercy in guiding us to bring temples closer to members of the church throughout the world.

The Deseret Peak temple becomes the 23rd dedicated house of the Lord in the state. The Orem, Red Cliffs, Taylorsville and Layton temples were also dedicated this year.

Utah has 31 total temples  dedicated, under construction, under renovation or announced and in planning.

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Two temples in Utah are currently being renovated  the Salt Lake and Provo Rock Canyon. Five others are under construction  Syracuse, Lindon, Smithfield, Ephraim and Heber Valley

Two more were announced in April 2024 general conference  in Lehi and West Jordan, with a third announced in October 2024 general conference for Price. The churchs 199th temple, the Salvador Brazil Temple, was dedicated just three weeks ago by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Attendees walk into the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

It took the church 104 years to dedicate the first 20 temples  from the St. George Utah Temple in 1877 to the Jordan River Utah Temple in 1981. In contrast, the last 20 houses of the Lord have been dedicated in a span of about 15 months.

Elder Stevenson noted the total number of temples announced, under construction or in operation is 367. It is estimated that roughly 95% of Latter-day Saints will be within two hours of a house of the Lord.

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Just last month in October general conference, President Nelson announced 17 more temples, saying, My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment. The Lord is indeed hastening His work.

Why is the church building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord, President Nelson declared.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, center, pose with, from left, Elder Brian K. Taylor and his wife, Sister Jill Taylor; Elder Gary E. Stevenson and his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson; Elder Brook P. Hales and his wife, Sister Denise Hales; and Elder Kevin R. Duncan and his wife, Sister Nancy Duncan, prior to the dedication of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

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Latter-day Saint history in the Tooele Valley

Just a few days after Brigham Young and the vanguard company arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in July of 1847, he and other church leaders rode out to explore the area near the Great Salt Lake. The apostle Orson Pratt rode into what is now the Tooele Valley and climbed Adobe Rock, a prominent rock outcropping and landmark, to view the valley.

The area soon began attracting settlers for a variety of reasons, explained Matt Lawrence, a longtime resident of Tooele County who served as the Deseret Peak temple historian. First was the availability of water. While the Great Salt Lake is not potable, both Tooele City and nearby Grantsville have artesian wells that flow all year.

Next, the valley was full of tall, green grass. I read a history of this valley that said that the grass was high up on a cow. There was thick grass and tall grass, so it was very fertile and green and a great place for agriculture, said Lawrence. Pioneer settlers in Salt Lake City soon began bringing their animals to the Tooele Valley to graze.

Also, while scenic, the valleys surrounding mountains have provided significant yields of minerals through the years  gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and more. Mining operations in areas like Ophir and Stockton brought miners from other countries to settle in the valley and work in the smelters.

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The apostle Ezra T. Benson, the great-grandfather and namesake of church President Ezra Taft Benson, built the first sawmill and grist mill in the valley.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The first ward there was organized in the spring of 1850. By 1860, Tooele County had 416 people, according to the census. More settlements, including Grantsville, were established, and in June of 1877, Latter-day Saints in the various settlements were organized into the Tooele Stake.

The early settlement of the area could be grueling. The official history of Tooele County records the experience of several of the pioneer women, including Anna Erickson Stromberg, whose husband, Charles Stromberg, was called on a mission in 1884.

A year after he left, a diphtheria epidemic took the lives of their three sons within two days. A week later, their daughter also died. Anna Stromberg was in a state of shock, so much so that her sanity was in question, the Tooele County history states. She received a priesthood blessing from church patriarch John Smith, however, promising her that she would have a larger family than the one she lost. She bore seven more children.

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Another pioneer woman, Hilda Anderson Erickson, owned a mine, did legal work for farmers and ranchers in the Grantsville area and delivered more than 200 babies. She and her husband, John A. Erickson, served a mission to the local Native Americans in 1882. She was also a professional tailor of suits and uniforms, established a general merchandise store, practiced as a dentist and served as an officer of a bank. At the time of her death in 1968 she was Utahs oldest citizen at age 108.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, stand near the Deseret Peak Utah Temple, in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Today, Tooele County has a mix of long-time residents with roots to those hardy pioneer settlers and transplants who feel led to the area, said Erda Utah Stake President Shawn Johnson.

But the traits exhibited by those early pioneer settlers  hard work, thrift, faith, grit, service, concern for ones neighbor  have percolated through the generations. The people here are the salt of the earth, President Johnson said. They are kind to one another. Theyre hard working and faithful people that love the Lord, and they care about each other. Its in the DNA of the community, this hard work and the desire to help each other out.

The area has remained mostly rural but has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. When Stansbury Park Utah Stake President Michael Kjar and his wife moved to the area in 2004, there were no stakes in Stansbury Park and no meetinghouses. Now, there are two stakes and many meetinghouses.

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Its grown significantly, and its going to continue to grow, President Kjar said.

Attendees walk into the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

A grateful valley

Richard and Becky Droubay, the temple open house and dedication coordinators, said they experienced many miracles during the open house.

People came from all over, from countries around the world, from states throughout the country, all kinds of different cities and from all over Utah.

At one point, a woman from the Iraqi government came through for a tour. Things fell into place that they were able to find an Arabic translator.

Any need that arose, people would just step up, Richard Droubay said.

The temple hosted more than 130,000 people during the four-week open house, which excluded one Saturday  Saturdays are the busiest days  due to being closed for general conference.

The Deseret Peak temple district is comprised of 12 stakes, whereas other temples of comparable size draw from 20 or more stakes. There was some worry going into the open-house period whether the temple district would be able to provide the needed number of volunteers for the open house or have enough temple workers.

Not only were they able to fill the slots for the needed 11,000 volunteers, but there is now a waiting list for members to serve as temple workers.

Attendees walk into the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Its been amazing to see it all come together, Becky Droubay said.

For many decades, large numbers of Latter-day Saints from the Tooele Valley have served faithfully in the Salt Lake Temple. Now they will have even greater access and opportunities to serve, President England said, noting that the new temple is just down the street from a junior high and the areas newly constructed high school.

I think Heavenly Father knows the willingness of the people of this valley to serve in the temple, Lawrence said with emotion.

During the open house everyone  from the parking attendants to the cleaners to those leading tours  I feel volunteers were just filled with joy, Becky Droubay said.

Erda Stake President Shawn Johnson said he heard many members describe the feeling of being in the temple like coming home. What better thing could you say about the house of the Lord than it feels like home?

Attendees walk into the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President Johnson, President England and President Kjar all reported that the construction of the temple has created a renewed focus on temple worship and covenants with more members seeking temple recommends.

Having a temple in their valley will be a blessing to many people who have sacrificed to serve in other temples. Its such a gift, said Becky Droubay. We live in a grateful valley.

Richard Droubay said he hopes the enthusiasm never wears off for people. The way we show our gratitude to the Lord and to the Prophet for building a temple in this valley is to fill that temple every day.

The purpose of the temple is to bring individuals closer to the Savior, Richard Droubay said. And that doesnt happen all at once or in six months or a year. Its a process, and we have to grow in that process. And we hope that our people will continue to engage in the process of coming to the Savior through the temple.

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 200th temple, the Deseret Peak Utah Temple, in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Deseret Peak Utah Temple facts

Address: 2400 N. 400 West, Tooele, UT 84074

Announced: April 7, 2019, by President Russell M. Nelson

Groundbreaking: May 15, 2021, presided over by Elder Brook P. Hales, a General Authority Seventy

Open house: Thursday, Sept. 26, through Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, excluding Sundays and Saturday, Oct. 5, for general conference

Dedicated: Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, one session, by President Nelson

Property size: 15.5 acres

Building size: 71,998 square feet

Building height: 182.7 feet to top of spire

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks to media prior to the dedication of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Attendees walk into the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
This is the American cemetery on the outskirts of Luxembourg City, not far from where Adolf Hitlers Nazi forces staged the Third Reichs last great offensive of the war during the Battle of the Bulge. (Courtesy of Marc Johnson)

Private First Class Clarke E. Krivanec went missing in action on Dec. 20, 1944, four days into the bloodbath that became the Battle of the Bulge.

Krivanec was 21 years old, an infantryman in 112th Regiment of the 28th Division, part of Gen. George Pattons Third American Army. Private Krivanec was from Rupert, Idaho, a graduate of Rupert High School.

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Clarke Krivanec never came home from Europe. Never married. Never had a chance for a career or a family. He almost certainly never again saw his mother and father after shipping out for the European Front in September 1943.

Private Krivanec is a name lost to time, a statistic, one of the 400,000 American dead in the greatest war the world has known, a war against fascism.

When nine Nazi divisions launched their surprise offensive in the early hours of Dec. 16, 1944, Krivenacs 28th Division was spread along a 25-mile front in the Ardennes Forest, a dense wood that had four years earlier provided the Nazi invasion route into western Europe.

By Dec. 20, the 28th Division  nicknamed the Keystone Division  had been pushed back from their initial positions and was scattered across a new defensive line. The fighting had been as brutal as the winter weather. Battling frozen hands and feet, great coats caked with snow, the division delayed the German offense, but it had been bloody costly.

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As a unit history recounts the delay, had allowed reinforcements like the 101st Airborne Division to arrive and secure the critical junction at Bastogne, a place that lives in World War II history.

I happened upon Krivenacs grave in late October during a Sunday visit to the big American cemetery on the outskirts of Luxembourg City, not far from where Adolf Hitlers Nazi forces staged the Third Reichs last great offensive of the war. A fascist offensive. Private Krivanec got in the way of that offensive and was apparently seriously wounded in the left leg and then taken prisoner by the Germans.

All who shall hereafter live in freedom will be here reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and with the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live eternally.

 Dwight D. Eisenhower at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg

We will never know whether Krivanec died of his wounds or was left to die as the course of this awful battle finally turned against the Nazis. That he was there, a young man with a life ahead of him fighting a war against evil thousands of miles from southern Idaho, is what we do know.

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The U.S. War Department told Krivenacs parents in January 1945 that he was classified as missing, and then they heard nothing for months. The brief newspaper story detailing these slim facts reported that Krivanec has been selected to attend a special, nine-month engineering training course at Washington University in St. Louis, but the story then cryptically noted, when the program was discontinued he was assigned the infantry.

Finally, the following January  1946  the Twin Falls Times-News published another story about Clarke Krivanec. Missing for a Year, Private Listed Dead.

The War Departments straightforward communication simply said, in view of the fact that 12 months have now expired without the receipt of evidence to support a continuing presumption of survival the governments conclusion was that the Idaho soldier had died. Sometime later Krivanecs remains were identified and interred in the American Cemetery in Luxembourg.

It is fitting that one of the major American war cemeteries in Europe, including a simple and beautiful chapel and other monuments is located in the tiny nation in the heart of Europe. Krivanecs simple white marble cross resting on immaculate green grass marks the final resting spot of one of the more than 5,000 U.S. soldiers and airmen buried there.

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The most famous grave is that of Patton who died as the result of an automobile accident after the war ended. Pattons wife decided it would be appropriate that he be buried where so many of his men rest in this quiet, solemn spot in Luxembourg.

The American Cemeterys location in Luxembourg is also fitting since that nation both suffered grievously during five years of fascist occupation and emerged from that experience as dedicated as any nation to a free and democratic Europe.

Luxembourg was one of the six original members of NATO and although the pocket-sized nation has a tiny army, the country dutifully contributes two percent of its GDP to national defense, the NATO standard. It was no surprise to see flying next to the Luxembourg and Europe Union flags at city hall the flag of Ukraine.

For decades after World War II, it was an article of bipartisan political faith that American national security interests were inextricably linked to the security interests of a democratic Europe. Collective security, as demonstrated by NATO, the most effective military alliance in history, was not a subject of debate during any presidency from Harry Truman to Barack Obama.

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Dwight Eisenhower, who praised the sacrifice of the dead when the American Cemetery in Luxembourg was created, was the first commander of NATO. The Alliance came to Americas aid after the attacks of 9-11. NATO has been the linchpin of collective security against Putins Russia, and member nations have supplied billions to Ukraine, a democratic non-member, as it fights off the continuing terror of Putins war.

Clarke Krivanec, the 21-year-old Idaho soldier from Minidoka County, died fighting fascism 80 years ago in Europe. By the time he died there was little question that the United States and its allies would prevail over fascist Germany. The only question was how many more Americans would die to insure the victory. Krivanec paid the ultimate price.

Eighty years on, an American political party  once the party of Eisenhower  ran a NATO-bashing fascist, a Putin apologist who has denigrated the sacrifice of American veterans as its candidate for president. Simply remarkable.

Seeing Clarke Krivanecs white marble cross in Luxembourg is enough to make one weep for such callous disregard for his sacrifice and what it continues to mean for all of us and the world.

Clarke Krivanec, the 21-year-old Idaho soldier from Minidoka County, died fighting fascism 80 years ago in Europe. (Courtesy of Marc Johnson)

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Prince William says hed like to approach royal duties with a smaller r, aiming to inject more empathy, and toning down pomp and circumstance with more personable projects.

Its hard to describe what that is all about, but I can only describe what Im trying to do, and thats Im trying to do it differently and Im trying to do it for my generation, the heir to the British throne told reporters as he wrapped up a four-day trip to South Africa to bestow the Earthshot Prize environmental innovation awards, which he founded.

And to give you more an understanding around it, Im doing it with maybe a smaller r in the royal, if you like, thats maybe a better way of saying it.

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The prince had illustrated his intentions throughout the trip, balancing formal duties like meeting with South African president Cyril Ramaphosa with informal events that he attended in casual dress, The Independent reported.

His passion projects include studying solutions to homelessness and championing environmental causes, with an eye toward securing the future, signaling a more modern view of the monarchy, BBC News noted.

Its more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people, he said, according to BBC News, speaking just after Donald Trump re-won the U.S. presidency. And Im also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps impacts peoples lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world.

The princes statements also reflected the openness he exhibited in describing the brutal year 2024, during which he supported both his father King Charles and wife Kate Middleton as they navigated cancer diagnoses and treatment.

Honestly, its been dreadful, he said. Its probably been the hardest year in my life.
On Friday, Princeton University professor Eddie Glaude Jr. called out folks who voted for Donald Trump on MSNBCS The 11th Hour. Last week, Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election.

Though host Stephanie Ruhle said Trump supporters were concerned about the economy, Glaude begged to differ in the now viral clip.

Ruhle stated that she didnt agree with Glaudes assessment, and that Americans were uncomfortable by the lefts identity politics. That, coupled with the economy, also led to Trumps victory, according to Ruhle.

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However, Glaude respectfully disagreed and said that most Americans voted for Trump because they felt that whiteness was under threat.

So theres this sense, right, that whiteness is under threat  the demographic shifts. The country is  all of these racially ambiguous children on Cheerios commercials are confusing the hell out of me, he remarked.

Finally Professor Eddie Glaude of Princeton, confronted the issue as to why white people voted for Trump on a so-called liberal station like @MSNBC, you should see unless you too want to remain in the closet about the reality of what America is. Its about time. pic.twitter.com/V9imvm6F5F  Mr. Reynolds (@MrReynolds52) November 9, 2024

Ruhle retorted, Eddie, a lot of people voted because their lifes too damn expensive.

That remark seemingly set Glaude off. Youre telling me, Stephanie, that all of these people who believe that their lives are  that bread is too high and eggs are too high  that they voted for a convicted felon, a guy who said we can grab the P?

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Ruhle doubled down on her stance. Im not defending it...people are saying lifes not fair. Im not doing well, she said. My sons still living in the basement. I cant seem to get a job. I dont like the status quo. Im voting for something else.

Glaude wasnt trying to hear it  like, at all.

I do not believe that. I cannot believe that. And the reason I think you believe it is because you dont want to believe that thats whats really motivating them, he replied.

They voted for a crook, a person who they know is doing everything to undermine the so-called country that they love. And then theyre telling us the BS, that its economics. We know thats not true. We know its not true. And weve got to raise our kids in this sh*t.

Glaudes passion was palpable in the clip, and reflected what a lot of folks are thinking.

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by Xinhua writers Zhao Jinzheng and Yao Yuan

BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- After a long day of studying, Xu Qianhui jumped into a late-night livestream broadcast in search of some bargain snacks. It was the "Double 11," the annual online shopping extravaganza, and the broadcaster, a young lady with delicate makeup, was busy introducing assorted nuts while chatting with her viewers.

It took Xu five minutes to realize that she was actually talking to an artificial intelligence (AI) bot.

"It looks like a real person and responded to all my comments quite naturally and appropriately," said Xu, a 22-year-old student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, noting that the broadcaster was interacting with over 800 viewers without any mistakes or pauses.

On the other side of the screen, four AI broadcasters were being operated by one single computer in the city of Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province. The robots can automatically interact with inquiring customers all night long, allowing their human colleagues to avoid the stress of working late into the night.

A plethora of AI applications have mushroomed amid China's tech boom, so it may not be a surprise that AI broadcasters have become part of the "Double 11," the country's biggest online shopping event, which usually begins in October and culminates on Nov. 11.

In China, it is common for online shops to boost sales by recruiting livestreamers, who are typically social media influencers or professional salespersons, to showcase their products and interact with buyers. According to a report from the livestreaming branch of China Association of Performing Arts, more than 15 million people had adopted online broadcasting as their primary profession by December 2023.

"A shop needs around six broadcasters for 24-hour livestreaming, but this is costly because human broadcasters need a studio, lighting and other forms of support," said Han Wei, who is in charge of the livestreaming service of Three Squirrels, a snack company.

Robotic livestreamers can cut livestreaming costs for the company by at least half, he said.

"Nowadays, a growing number of young people love to shop online before they go to sleep, but that's a tricky time for human broadcasters. That's where tireless, stable, and precise AI broadcasters come in. They're perfect for the job," Han said, noting the company's AI employees have boosted over 30 percent of midnight sales during this year's "Double 11."

Sun Jing, general manager of TU Reality that offers "virtual human" services, said her company's AI livestreamers can adjust everything from their appearance to their sound to suit the target audience.

According to Sun, it only takes a few photos to create an AI avatar, and several hours of computer learning can train a broadcaster that is ready for use. This significantly lowers the technical threshold for medium and small-sized broadcasting studios.

However, an AI broadcaster is not always a jack of all trades, especially when it comes to rush-hour livestreaming that requires passion and the ability to improvise.

"Unlike real livestreamers who display emotional changes, the AI broadcaster is a bit flat and too suave. That's why I found it a bit unconvincing after about five minutes," said Xu.

As a result, Han and his colleagues have decided to use AI only during non-peak hours, including after midnight, for promoting products that require detailed and repetitive descriptions, reserving the busiest times for human livestreamers.

However, there are still concerns that this profession will be replaced by AI.

"We're trying to make every broadcast unique and hope to provide more emotional support for our audience through personalized interactions. That's the way we keep our job," said Keke, a young broadcaster with the Three Squirrels, adding that it is inevitable to see more low-end jobs taken by AI.

"There is no boundary for AI, and it is just a beginning. What we need to do is to try to differentiate from computers, as unique human beings," Sun said. 
As Britain is gripped by a prisons crisis, The Telegraph is publishing dispatches from an inmate at a Category B jail  the second-highest level of security  to discover what life is really like inside. Recently, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) found the jail to be chronically overcrowded and understaffed, with self-harm and drug use rife.

The inmate, a British professional and entrepreneur on the outside, is on remand awaiting trial charged with non-violent crimes which he denies. To protect his identity, he is not named. Other names and nicknames have also been changed.

The SO (Senior Officer) on my wing is Mr Jackson. Hes about my age  mid-50s, grizzled, a little heavier set than I am. Towards me personally, he went out of his way to be amiable and encouraging, perhaps sensing I was initially horrified at being in prison for the first time.

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I have never seen him be other than entirely reasonable. I have seen him extremely angry, berating a former padmate for brewing hooch, but that was not unreasonable: because the greatest danger to his officers and to other inmates, he roared, arose when prisoners were high or drunk. The message, a no doubt oft-delivered performance, was received loud and clear.

Last week, Mr Jackson told me that when he joined the service 20 years ago, most officers had served 10 or 15 years. Today, he explained with a shrug, most officers have served 10 or 15 weeks. An exaggeration, perhaps  there are, thankfully, quite a few other experienced officers in the prison  but an illustrative one. It used to run like clockwork, he recollected fondly. He did not say what he thought it ran like now.

Being a new prison officer is a fast learning curve. New officers, I suspect, are more likely to be assaulted because they have not quite worked out what riles prisoners, and may lack the gentler tone of experienced turnkeys, assuming instead  a bit like new teachers  that authority equates with strictness. On average, on our wing, I would say an officer is assaulted somewhere between weekly and fortnightly, which can mean anything from a shove to ultra-aggressive acts such as strangulation. Some very nice officers have received nasty injuries in my time here.

Its quite an event when an assault kicks off: the alarm is pushed (there are buttons every few yards all over the prison) and other officers rush, not in pairs but in dozens, often coming at a run from other wings, first to pin the offender to the ground, then to ensure that all other prisoners are pacified, which might mean shutting us behind our cell doors for a period. Its easy to understand why: theres a tinderbox atmosphere with prisoners looking on, usually from behind the bars which partition each spur from the rest of a wing, hooting and roaring like animals in the proverbial zoo.

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Because there are just as many female as male officers, women are every bit as likely to be assaulted as men. I have been impressed by our female officers, who are pretty chilled and more than capable of running an all-male prison with minimal male involvement  indeed, there are several relatively young female SOs here. Some are butch (theres strong lesbian representation in the profession and HMP Bullingdon has a rainbow flag flying at the reception entrance). Some, whatever their sexual orientation, are rather beautiful. A common prison conversation is about which female officers we fancy (its framed in slightly cruder terms). But only in one instance have I seen a relationship brewing between a female officer and a prisoner which crossed the boundaries of propriety.

Its called conditioning when prisoners, sometimes over several years, soften up officers to the point that they become friends. The best officers, I sense, allow that process to happen knowingly: there are advantages which can work their way too, and prisoners are quite easily tipped into being informers. You might open up to the kinder, more reasonable officers when behaviour by other prisoners becomes disturbing. Or, if you fear prisoners more than officers, you might not.

The term by which most prison officers address us is mate, which reflects the fact we are all trying to get along, and generally do. Occasionally, one is even called sir, which I cant help being amused by and feels, at root, a little sarcastic. But the social background which prison officers come from is pretty similar to the background of the inmates  the difference might be the extent of alcohol and drug addictions and the fecklessness of prisoners parents. Like prisoners, officers swear with gusto and sport tattoos and jewellery. And, like prisoners, a large contingent of officers are immigrants. Few are from the same demographic, however: I am yet to meet an Albanian prison officer, while an almost overwhelming proportion of new prison officers (and hardly any prisoners) are West African, prepared to do a job which either we native Britons are disinclined to do, or are not qualified for in sufficient numbers.

The mistake would be to assume that being a prison officer is a cake walk. Prisoners almost invariably disrespect the police, but few disrespect their prison officers. In a recent conversation, Mr Jackson presented the case for his profession being more demanding than that of the police. Knowing how much better paid the police are, I raised an eyebrow, but he won me over: A prison officer has to be a hotelier, a psychologist, a bouncer, a paralegal and a paramedic, as well as a policeman. Having come to view the police  from personal experience  as a largely paramilitary organisation entirely divorced from people and community, I liked, and had to agree with, the way he put that.

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Next week the Secret Prisoner writes about guard shortages and drone drug delivery

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In the immediate aftermath of Vice President Kamala Harris' defeat the Washington Post editorial board blamed the Democratic Party for its embrace of progressivism. This ignores entirely the decision to move the party to the center to accommodate Liz Cheney and her small army of disaffected Republicans who had been exiled from their own party.

Of course, what actually moves a nation like ours is the confluence of circumstances of the American people who make their choice for president in the privacy of the voting booth and based on their economic reality.

When you have your campaign strategy designed by David Plouffe, who converted his Obama win credentials into being a highly paid tool of Uber, you know you are going to get a top down corporate playbook totally disconnected from the 44 percent of Americans that cant afford to cover a $1,000 emergency expense.

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These professional millionaires plus Democrats can only reference the middle class because its their only social frame of reference. If they were to recognize the size of the struggling low wage cohort they would have to question the way they make their living serving the banks and multinationals against the public interest.

The current form of winner-take-all late-stage vulture capitalism has led to unprecedented wealth concentration and income disparity. The post-pandemic increase in wages in no way can compensate for the lost opportunity cost of a generation of flat or real wage loss that was replaced by predatory consumer credit and student loans.

Having former President Obama lecture Black male voters about anything is going to backfire. Yes, he won the White House, but how many Americans of every color lost their homes as a consequence of Wall Streets mortgage-backed security crime wave that hit Black neighborhoods hardest while the former president looked on. That kind of moral injury has generational consequences. Its just like the lingering anti-labor legacy left by President Clintons embrace of all things free trade that gave us NAFTA, which promoted the use of the U.S. tax code to reward corporations to ship jobs overseas.

You remember the day the Sheriff puts you out from your familys home. You never forget the last day at the plant where you made the best wage in you life.

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When Bidens boosters were confronted with the polling from Gallup that most Americans felt negative weeks out from the election about the economy, their response was to point to aggregate data. Yet, no one lives in the aggregate.

Beltway Democrats were quick to declare the pandemic over, despite the well-documented economic dislocation that lingered. The federal minimum wage still sits at the same $7.25 it was in 2009 during President Obamas tenure. With Biden in the White House, Sen. Joe Manchin and a handful of fellow corporatist Democrats joined with Republicans to defeat raising that scandalously low minimum wage.

After the pandemic, Washington let the Expanded Child Tax Credit expire cruelly sending millions of children back into poverty. The White House cut tens of millions of Americans loose from Medicaid in the great unwinding when they let states cut back on the rolls of the poor they were covering during the pandemic even as they doubled down of shipments of munitions and weapons to global hotspots.

Former President Trumps performative faux populism, paid for an oligarch like Elon Musk, spoke to enough of this cohort that the Democrats' rust belt strategy collapsed with some union households going red and millions who opted to stay home.

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And there was that pandemic check from the U.S. Treasury with former President Trumps name on it. Meanwhile, Biden wins funding for hundreds of billions in infrastructure and theres not so much as a poster at the site of these projects explaining what it is and who advocated for its funding.

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For years, Rev. Dr. William Barber has implored both political parties to pay attention and engage the 87 million low-wealth and low, fully a third of the electorate.

For far too long extremists have blamed poor people and low-wage people for their plight while moderates too often have ignored poor people, appealing instead to the so-called middle class while the poor and low-wage people have become nearly half of this country, Barber told reporters earlier this year. Poor and low-wage people have the power to determine and decide the 2024 elections and elections beyond. In the 2016 election there were 34 million poor and low-wealth people eligible to vote but didnt. These voters made up more than a quarter of the electorate.

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Barber continued: Poverty is now the fourth leading crisis of death in America, a moral crisis in America taking the lives of 800 people a day and this is before and after COVIDThese are the issues that must be at the center of the narrative of a democracy in our country. If we are serious about saving the democracy it cant be some philosophical term. Saving the democracy must be a Third Reconstruction where people are paid a living wagewhere people have health carewhere public education is fully funded and where voting rights are protected and expanded.

Beltway Democrats were not listening. They think poor people are of little consequence.
The disclosure that the Iranian state was behind a plot to assassinate Donald Trump is not a great surprise given the Tehran regimes disruptive and murderous behaviour around the world. The plan, thwarted weeks before the US election, was devised by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in revenge for Mr Trumps fatal 2020 strike on Qassim Soleimani, one of its commanders.

What is surprising, however, is the continued refusal of the British government to proscribe the IRGC, as America and Canada have done. The Conservatives failed to do so and were criticised by Labour in opposition. Yet now they are in power they seem no more inclined to ban the IRGC than their predecessors.

Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, are doubtless receiving the same official advice that stayed the hands of Tory ministers. The argument is that it is better to keep diplomatic channels to Tehran open and that proscription would be merely symbolic. But it is hard to understand why an organisation that sponsors terror groups around the Middle East and has sought to murder critics based in Britain should not be proscribed. It is especially galling given the Governments perceived anti-Israeli measures such as the restoration of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency, and the suspension of some arms export licences to Israel.

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The Foreign Office is the main blockage to proscription and needs to be reined in. Britain needs to send a clear signal that the actions of a state-backed terrorist organisation in the UK and around the globe are unacceptable. In opposition, Labour was adamant that a more robust line was needed. It is time to show that this was more than just hot air.

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GARFIELD COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A man who was a firefighter and paramedic with Provo Fire & Rescue died after an accident in the Escalante area of Southern Utah, according to officials.

Aaron White, 39, died in southern Utah on Saturday, Nov. 9, and Provo Fire & Rescue made the announcement of his death on social media on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 10.

Yellow Lake Fire now 100% contained at just over 33K acres, officials say

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Wade Matthews with the Garfield County Sheriffs Office told ABC4.com that the incident happened around 6 p.m. on Nov. 9, when White and two others were hiking in the Big Horn Canyon area off of Hole in the Rock Road.

Matthews said White fell about 30 to 50 feet, and his friends called for help. Another hiking group arrived, but White died at the scene. He was taken to the medical examiners office, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

His absence will be keenly felt, Provo Fire & Rescue wrote. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.

White was said to have been a valuable team member with a positive attitude and infectious smile. Officials said White inspired the department, and they feel his loss deeply.

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White also worked part-time with the Mapleton City Fire Department for the past seven years. He is survived by his wife and children, according to officials.

There is no further information at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The Kremlin has denied reports that President-elect Donald Trump spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Nov. 7, branding the claim " pure fiction."

The Washington Post (WP) citing sources familiar with the matter, reported on Nov. 10 that the call took place, claiming Trump advised Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine, and highlighted Washingtons significant military presence in Europe.

Trump and Putin also discussed the importance of peace in Europe, with Trump expressing interest in continuing conversations aimed at "the resolution of Ukraines war soon," according to several sources.

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Speaking on Nov. 11, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports.

"This is the most vivid example of the quality of the information that is now published, sometimes even in fairly respected publications," he told Interfax.

"This is completely untrue. This is pure fiction, this is just false information."

WP had also reported that Ukraine had been informed about the call before it took place, a claim denied by Kyiv.

"Reports that the Ukrainian side was informed in advance of the alleged call are false. Subsequently, Ukraine could not have endorsed or opposed the call," foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi told Reuters on Nov. 11.

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The alleged call took place amid widespread uncertainty about Trumps approach to realigning U.S. relationships with global allies and adversaries after his election victory on Nov. 5.

On Nov. 7, Trump told NBC he had spoken with about 70 world leaders since winning the election, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Elon Musk joining that call.

Throughout his campaign, Trump pledged to bring an immediate end to the war in Ukraine but has not elaborated on specific plans.

Read also: Before Trump begins, Biden has 6 weeks left to help Ukraine  heres what he could do

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DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  A Purple Heart medal that belonged to a World War II Marine has been returned to the veterans daughter.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said he returned U.S. Marine Corps Private First-Class Delbert Tuttles medal to Carolyn Peckham.

Veterans Day deals for active-duty military members, veterans

Tuttle earned the medal and a Silver Star after he was injured during the Battle of Saipan in the Pacific Theater on June 15, 1944.

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Private First Class Tuttle put aside his own wounds so that he could help his fellow combatants take a battleground that was key to ushering in the end of the Second World War, Frerichs said. No matter the passage of time, his bravery and sacrifice shall never be forgotten, especially as we return this Purple Heart to his family.

Frerichs returned the medal to Peckham during a private ceremony at the World War II Memorial outside the Decatur Civic Center on Oct. 29. Peckham said her father never spoke about his service.

My father loved my brother and I very, very much, Peckham said. The war was very difficult for him. He carried it with him forever. But he was always there for us. He was very loving.

Frerichs has returned 12 Purple Heart medals as a part of Operation Purple Heart. The goal is to return lost medals to families or soldiers of the U.S. armed forces.

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Whats open and closed on Veterans Day?

I cant say enough about what a special thing this is for the Treasurers Office to go the extra mile to find the recipients of the Purple Hearts, State Representative Sue Scherer of Decatur said. I cant even imagine how touched Carolyn must be to actually have this Purple Heart back in her familys possession.

Tuttle was in the F Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Division during the Battle of Saipan. He was initially wounded in the shoulder, but refused an order to leave the line, according to military records. Frerichs said this bravery also helped him earn the Silver Star which is the third-highest military combat decoration. Recipients are recognized for bravery on the field, especially during an intense confrontation.

Tuttle was also wounded a second time during that days battle. He was later discharged due to his injuries on Nov. 2, 1945.

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One month later, U.S. military secured Saipan. U.S. forces suffered approximately 26,000 casualties. At least 23,000 Japanese troops perished according to Frerichs.

Champaign high school students celebrating Veterans Day their own way

Tuttle was born in Tuscola, on Oct. 6, 1919. After he returned from service, he moved to Chicago, and met his future wife, Lorraine Fellows. They later moved to Decatur, and Tuttle worked as a machinist for the A. W. Cash Company. On April 16, 1972, Tuttle passed away in Forsyth, after a battle with lung cancer.

Operation Purple Heart began in November 2021. Frerichs has returned 12 Purple Hearts and is working to return 10 more.

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To see a list of medals waiting to be returned, visit the Operation Purple Heart website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Less than a week after being elected to a second term, President-elect Donald Trump doesnt appear to be the international strong-arm he claimed hed be.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already waltzed right past a pointed warning from the MAGA leader, sending tens of thousands of soldiers to the Ukrainian war front after Trump told him not to escalate the situation.

Ukraines top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, told NBC News that Russian forces are trying to dislodge our troops and advance deep into the territory we control in Kursk, a city in southwestern Russia that borders Ukraine. Ukrainian forces continue to hold back a nearly 50,000-strong enemy group in the occupied region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote in a Telegram post Monday.

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Ukraine has warned of a looming counteroffensive in the embattled region for weeks. Among Russias allies on the front line include more than 10,000 North Korean soldiersconfirmed by the Pentagonwho are engaging in combat against Ukrainian militaries, according to Zelenskiy.

There are losses; this is a fact, he said.

The importance of this operational area cannot be underestimated given the number of enemy troops concentrated there, Syrskyi wrote on Telegram. If it were not for the steadfastness of our soldiers, these tens of thousands of enemies from the best Russian assault units would have stormed our positions.

Trump had spoken with Putin over the phone on Thursday, reportedly advising the foreign leader not to escalate the war, reminding Putin of Americas military capabilities in Europe, according to The Washington Post.

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Russia immediately turned its back on the discussion, claiming that the report was pure fiction.

One of Trumps biggest and boldest campaign promises was that he would immediately end the Russian invasion of Ukrainethough his philosophy on how to achieve that was suspiciously scant of details and, at times, veered toward solutions that would invariably aid Russia.

In June, Trump said he would be open to an increase in U.S. weapons aid to Ukraine so long as it shows up for peace talks with Russia, reported Reuters.

Trumps advisers envisioned that the peace talkswhich Trump promised to facilitate upon winning in Novemberwould also quietly include Ukraine seceding part of the country that is currently occupied by Russian forces. The concept was drawn up by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, both former chiefs of staff in Trumps National Security Council.

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And Trumps ardent opposition to NATOthe Western military and trade alliancehas also raised eyebrows, even sparking condemnation from some of his former allies. In February, Trump claimed he told a European leader that hed allow Russia to do whatever the hell they want to NATO allies if they didnt pay their bills. And while Trumps former national security adviser John Bolton cast doubt on the incendiary story, he didnt question the MAGA leaders desire to nix the strategic alliance.

Look, I was there when he almost withdrew, and hes not negotiating, Bolton said at the time. His goal here is not to strengthen NATO, its to lay the groundwork to get out.
Vladimir Putin has deployed 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops in an attempt to recapture Kursk from Ukraine before Donald Trump takes office as US president in January.

Ukraines top military commander said tens of thousands of enemy soldiers had arrived to expel Kyivs forces from the Russian enclave, fuelling Western fears of a significant escalation of the war.

Nato allies believe Putin is hoping to recapture territory lost to Ukraine before Mr Trumps inauguration on Jan 20.

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A British defence intelligence assessment seen by The Telegraph shows Russia is likely to ramp up kamikaze drone attacks on Ukrainian positions in the coming days, using new launch sites close to the border.

It was reported that Mr Trump used a phone call with Putin after the presidential election last week to warn the Russian leader against escalating the war, amid fears of a winter offensive boosted by North Korean troops and supplies.

A Russian soldier aims from a bunker inthe Kursk region - AP

Around 12,000 North Korean conscripts will also likely be involved in the fighting in the Kursk region, under a Russia-North Korea mutual military assistance pact agreed this year.

Ukrainian analysts said that the Kremlin may also be aiming to use its biggest counter-attack in the Kursk region to build momentum and push into Ukraines northeastern Sumy region.

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Russia has already recaptured roughly half the territory lost to Ukraine in a daring incursion in August.

Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraines top military commander, said that tens of thousands of enemy soldiers from the best Russian shock units were attacking Ukrainian positions.

Credit: 95th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

As Sir Keir Starmer held talks on the war with Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday, Downing Street said both countries would attempt to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said Mr Trump was exactly right to warn against escalation and that the US would continue a policy of security through strength, despite the incoming presidents threat to cut military aid to Ukraine.

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Western diplomats are concerned that Putin will try to rapidly capture territory before Mr Trumps inauguration to give Russia more negotiating power in any peace talks.

The Kremlin on Monday denied that Mr Trump had spoken to Putin, despite detailed reports of their conversation emerging in US media outlets.

Putin has congratulated Mr Trump on his election victory and called him courageous.

During the presidential election campaign, Mr Trump said he would end the war in a day.

JD Vance, his running mate, suggested that peace talks would involve territorial concessions by Ukraine.

Volodymr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has cautiously welcomed Mr Trumps election victory, but called on him to maintain military support in the coming months.

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Their call after the result included Elon Musk, whose Starlink technology has been used by Ukrainian forces to direct drones towards Russian targets.

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Mr Trump will meet with Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the transition.

Jake Sullivan, Mr Bidens national security adviser, said on Sunday he would use the meeting to urge his successor to continue American support for Kyiv.

Mr Healey told the BBC yesterday: I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to prevail over Putins invasion.

Sir Richard Knighton, the Chief of the Air Staff, added in a speech at the RUSI (Royal United Services Institute) think tank: We should also remember the old dictum that the best form of defence is attack.

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Since the counter-offense in Kursk, Russia has intensified front-line attacks, swarming Ukrainian oppositions with mass infantry assaults.

Russian soldiers patrol a village near the Ukraine border inthe Kursk region - AP

In October, Russian forces took more Ukrainian territory than in any other month since mid-2022.

Fighting in Ukraines eastern Donbas region is now focused on the southern sector of the front line.

There, Russian forces have skirted around major Ukrainian defences into open areas with only scattered and weak defensive positions.

Ukrainian forces are suffering from a shortage in manpower and weapon supplies.

The Biden administration has pledged to spend the remaining money for Ukraine authorised by Congress in the next 10 weeks, including $4.3 billion (3.3 billion) in redirected American weapons and $2.1 billion in new contracts from US companies.

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Russian soldiers have pushed towards Pokrovsk, a town that had a pre-war population of 60,000.

It is a major supply hub for Ukrainian forces and is considered a lynchpin for defensive positions.

Significant fighting has also been reported in the fortress town of Kurakhove, to the south of Pokrovsk.

The Ministry of Defence believes kamikaze drone attacks will increase in the coming weeks, after a 35 per cent rise in launches in the last month.

Russia has continued to invest in new drones and launch sites. Intelligence officials believe the limiting factor on more attacks is personnel, not equipment.

DeepState, a Ukrainian military blogging channel, warned of an impending catastrophe in Kurakhove because Russian forces were storming from the north, south and east.

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The loss of Kurakhove is only a matter of time, it said.

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Elsewhere in Ukraine, at least six people were killed on Monday night in Russian attacks on the cities of Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia.

A Russian missile also hit Mr Zelenskys home city of Kryvyi Rih.

Ukrainian officials said that 10 people were injured in the attack. Photographs showed smoke pouring from a five-storey residential apartment block.

Oleksandr Vilkul, head of Kryvyi Rih defence council, called Russia a monster for using high-precision missiles to hit civilian targets.

Russians who fled the conflict area queue for humanitarian aid in Kursk - AP

In Russia, officials said that 13 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Kursk and Belgorod regions on Monday morning.

This came a day after Ukraine launched its biggest attempted drone strike on Moscow since the start of the war.

In Kursk city, reports on Sunday said a dozen or so Russians who fled from Sudzha in August held a rally demanding that the Kremlin compensate them for losing their homes.

This was a rare unsanctioned protest against the Kremlin, which has banned dissent.

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JAKARTA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Health Ministry has raised its tuberculosis detection target to 1 million cases next year, up from 900,000 cases this year, as part of its efforts to eliminate the disease from the Southeast Asian country by 2030.

"This increase in the target is part of a broader strategy to eradicate tuberculosis in Indonesia, with a focus on improving detection and treatment," said Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin at a high-level meeting on tuberculosis innovation held on the resort island of Bali on Monday.

Indonesia has seen annual increases in tuberculosis case detection, from 400,000 cases in 2021 to 700,000 cases in 2022, and 840,000 cases in 2023.

The government is actively seeking ways to improve monitoring and testing, including utilizing existing equipment and exploring more efficient and precise technologies.

Sadikin said that to reach the target of 1 million cases, 7-8 million people need to be tested every year in the country.

In addition to using 2,000 molecular rapid test machines, Indonesia is also leveraging 1,000 COVID-19 test machines scattered across provinces to support tuberculosis testing and plans to begin producing a tuberculosis vaccine by the end of 2028. 
(This Nov. 11 story has been refiled to fix the misspelled name in paragraph 6)

By Brendan O'Brien and Maria Tsvetkova

(Reuters) - Rainfall did little to slow a wildfire burning on the border of New York and New Jersey on Monday, officials said, as strong winds helped the fire grow.

The Jennings Creek Fire, located about 30 miles northwest of New York City, has now torched some 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) and is 20% contained, according to officials at a press conference given by the New York State Parks department.

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Half of the containment is in New York and the other half is in New Jersey, officials said, adding that rainfall overnight did allow firefighting crews to rest.

Meanwhile in California, gusty winds threatened to help a massive wildfire there expand.

Wildfire outbreaks are a relatively common occurrence in California, but the East Coast blazes are unusual.

The Jennings Creek fire has already killed one person, an 18-year-old employee of New York State Parks department, according to local police. Police said in a statement that Dariel Vasquez died while battling the fire as it ripped through Sterling Forest on the shore of Greenwood Lake.

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In California, firefighters have slowly gained on the 20,630 acre (8,350 hectares) Mountain Fire as it burned about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Los Angeles.

The fire, which started last Wednesday, was 36% contained after destroying more than 160 structures, according to Cal Fire.

The area remains on high alert as winds were expected to strengthen on Monday and into Tuesday with gusts reaching 45 miles (72 km) per hour, the National Weather Service said in its forecast.

NO IMPACT ON DROUGHT

As much as a half inch of rain was recorded in several East Coast cities overnight, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly reported. Some cities, like Trenton, New Jersey, had not seen rain in 42 days, the service said.

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"This will NOT have any meaningful impact on the drought, but should briefly quell the extreme fire danger," the service said, as overnight rain gave way to clear skies on Monday morning.

Northern New Jersey was downgraded to "very high" fire danger on Monday morning, from "extreme" before the rain. The southern third of the state was still considered "extreme," while Central New Jersey's danger was rated "moderate," the state's forest service said on its website.

Overall, New Jersey's forest fire service reported about 10 separate wildfires in different parts of the state over the past week, including one in Englewood Cliffs, across the Hudson River from uptown New York City, where haze was visible and the air smelled of smoke over the weekend.

Other New Jersey blazes were much smaller than the Jennings Creek fire and were largely contained by Monday, according to the local forest fire service.

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On Friday night, a two-acre fire broke out in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, damaging its last remaining forest called Ravine in Prospect Park, according to Prospect Park Alliance, an organization that sustains the park. The fire was extinguished by Saturday.

A 37-year-old New Jersey man has been charged with arson and violation of provisions relating to firearms after he fired a shotgun round that ignited combustibles and started a wildfire in Ocean County, the local prosecutor said over the weekend.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago and Maria Tsvetkova in New York; Additional reporting by Brad Brooks in Colorado; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Aurora Ellis)
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP)  Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who awaits trial in a sexual abuse case, was arrested for his involvement in an armed altercation in the Dominican Republic countryside, police said Monday.

Meregirdo Espinosa, a Dominican police spokesman, told The Associated Press the altercation happened in a parking lot in San Juan de la Maguana, a city that is located 116 miles (187 kilometers) west of Santo Domingo. Franco was arrested Sunday. Another man and a woman were also detained, and two firearms were seized, police said.

Espinosa said one of the guns presumably belonged to Franco, who was allegedly fighting with the other man over the woman's attention.

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Police didn't say whether there were injuries.

The 23-year-old Franco is scheduled to go to trial Dec. 12 in the northern province of Puerto Plata in a sexual abuse case involving a 14-year-old girl. He was also charged with sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking.

Franco was conditionally released Jan. 5, four days after his arrest on the abuse allegations.

Franco, who has refused to speak to the media, has said about the case: Everything is in Gods hands.

Franco was in the midst of his third major league season when his career was halted in August 2023. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.

Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list on July 10, cutting off the pay he had been receiving while on administrative leave.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Several Democrats are already looking ahead to the 2028 Democratic primary as the party tries to rebuild after a devastating loss to President-elect Donald Trump.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are all names that are considered to be in the mix. Others include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Some of the potential candidates are already making moves to be at the front of the line when primary season kicks off - likely in two years.

Party leaders in the Keystone State are pushing Shapiro to run, Newsom held a call on Friday with 50,000 in his network of small donors and he also called a special legislative session to counter expected measures from the incoming Trump administration. Buttigieg, meanwhile, is set to attend a number of events focused on his accomplishments during his time in President Joe Bidens cabinet.

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While Vice President Kamala Harris can run again next cycle, other possible contenders are taking calls from possible backers, reviewing their fundraising prowess, and advertising themselves as Democratic bulwarks against Trump across the country.

Much like in 2020, the 2028 primary field could end up being massive, with governors, cabinet secretaries and members of Congress entering the fray.

When Democrats start talking about 2028, six months ago, Walzs name wouldnt have been on the list, now it might be on the top, a former Harris staffer told Politico about her running mate.

Tim Walz, Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and Josh Shapiro are all possible 2028 Democratic primary contenders. Some contenders for 2028 are already looking ahead and starting to position themselves with the base (Getty)

Considering the overlap of their political networks, Newsom might be one of the possible candidates benefitting the most from Harriss loss. His final term as governor will end in two years, and there arent many Democrats more prepared to kickstart a campaign.

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During his Friday video call with supporters, Newsom said: I revere this country, I revere the presidency, and I want our president to succeed and our job, my job, is not to wake up every single day and get a crowbar and try to put it in the spokes of the wheel of the Trump administration.

He added, In that spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist, thats how we want to proceed. That said  Im not naive either, and were pragmatic and we will stand firm, according to Politico.

Shapiro is up for re-election in 2026, and he has so far raised $9 million for his gubernatorial campaign. Meanwhile, Buttigieg hasnt let on what his plans are for 2028, and after his move to Michigan, he hasnt ruled out a 2026 run for governor in the state.

Almost all of the Democratic candidates went to New Hampshire this year to campaign for Joe Biden in the primary and Harris during the general, even after it was clear the state would remain in the Democratic column.

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Those who went included some 2020 candidates such as Buttigieg, Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Michael Bennet of Colorado. Newsom visited to support Biden and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer went to back Harris in the early days of her short campaign.

Pritzker, Beshear, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and Shapiro also visited the state.

New Hampshire appears to still hold sway over presidential primaries in the Democratic Party even after Biden placed South Carolina ahead in the primary calendar.

Several of the candidates, in addition to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and California Representative Ro Khanna, also visited the New Hampshire breakfast at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)The Department of Safety and Homeland Security reminded Tennesseans in a news release that the REAL ID Act of 2005 will take effect in less than six months.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 mandates that all individuals aged 18 and older must possess a REAL ID or another federally-issued photo ID, such as a passport, in order to enter specific facilities or board commercial flights within the United States. This requirement will take effect on May 7, 2025.

REAL ID compliant driver licenses and Identification credentials have a black circle with a star in the right corner of the license to indicate it is REAL ID compliant. Non-REAL ID driver licenses and identification credentials display the phrase, NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES on the front of the credential.

Federal law requires REAL ID applications to be completed in person, the release said. Those with a Tennessee drivers license or ID can apply for a REAL ID at a Driver Services Center or participating County Clerk. Those without a Tennessee drivers license must apply at a Driver Services Center.

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The department said on its website that regular Tennessee drivers licenses can still be used for general identification purposes, such as driving, purchasing age-restricted products, applying for federal benefits, voting, and accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, and federal courts.

To view a list of required documents for the REAL ID application or to learn more, visit https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/real-id.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Presidential pardons became a relative rarity during the administrations of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, but the latters return to power has markets accepting wagers on who the president-elect may show clemency to this time around.

Trump, 78, dropped a number of hints during his campaign that hed show clemency to figures like Hunter Biden and Ross Ulbricht, while a political insider thinks Trump may even pardon disgraced reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley.

Here is a look at some of the people who might be pardonedor have their sentences commutedonce Trump is sworn back into the White House on Jan. 20.

Jan. 6 rioters

Donald Trump has suggested hed pardon those who rioted on his behalf on Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.

Trump said during his campaign he would free Jan. 6 rioters serving time in federal prison and pardon those who are yet to be sentenced.

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If theyre innocent, I would pardon them, he told a panel in July, adding that they were convicted by a very tough system.

Perhaps that comment is what has prediction websites like Polymarket listing a Jan. 6 protester as having the highest chance of being pardoned by Trump in his first 100 days in office. For that prediction to pay out, only a single rioter would have to be pardoned.

In total, more than 1,400 Trump supporters have been charged in connection with the chaos at the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Some defendants have already tried to wiggle their way out of convictions by referring to Trumps pardon promise, asking federal judges to throw out their cases since their convictions will supposedly be deemed moot by Trump.

Ross Ulbricht

Donald Trump told Libertarian voters at their convention that he would commute Ross Ulbrichts sentence on day one of his second term.

The person with the next highest chance of a Trump pardon, according to Polymarket, is 40-year-old Ross Ulbricht, an American who was sentenced in 2015 to life in prison for operating the drug marketplace Silk Road on the dark web.

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Ulbricht has a massive following that has worked feverishly to raise awareness to his sentence and call for his release. Among those is the X account Free_Ross, which celebrated Trumps election win by posting, ROSS IS COMING HOME IN JANUARY!!

That enthusiasm isnt without reason. Trump told the Libertarian National Convention in May that hed commute Ulbrichts sentence on day one of his presidency. He also posted to Truth Social in October that he WILL SAVE ROSS ULBRICHT!

Ulbricht was convicted of continuing criminal enterprise, a charge that has also been handed to drug kingpins like Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. Prosecutors said Silk Road generated $213.9 million in sales, which included the selling of narcotics like heroin and cocaine, and made $13.2 million in commissions.

Trumps sympathy toward Ulbricht is sharply different from his stance on other drug traffickers. The president-elect has promised to cripple the drug trade by suggesting that traffickers, smugglers, and dealers be eligible for the death penalty. Perhaps that is why Trump passed on pardoning Ulbricht in his first term, despite sources telling the Daily Beast he was considering it.

Hunter Biden

Rumors have swirled that Donald Trump might pardon Joe Bidens son.

As bizarre as it may sound given Trumps on-the-record calls for Joe Bidens son to be tossed in federal prison, the president-elect has recently suggested hes had a change of heart and may even wipe away 54-year-old Hunter Bidens gun charges.

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Trump told the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last month theres no question about it that hed consider pardoning the first son, who Trump noted has been a bad boy.

I happen to think its very bad for our country, he said of Hunter Bidens prosecution.

Biden was convicted in June on a trio of felony charges related to his purchase of a revolver in 2018. Prosecutors successfully argued that he lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form when he indicated he wasnt illegally using or addicted to drugs.

The White House has saidwith the latest insistence coming Thursdaythat the president will not pardon his son. Its possible the elder Bidens sentiment may change next month, however, should his son be given a harsh prison sentence at his sentencing hearing.

Eric Adams

Eric Adams, a Democrat, was quick to congratulate Donald Trump on his election victory last week.

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Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams just might be a surprise pardon by Trump. Despite being in rival parties, the men share a hometown, and Trump has publicly showed sympathy to the mayor amid his Turkish influence scandal.

I know what its like to be persecuted by the DOJ for speaking out against open borders, Trump said at a charity dinner in New York City last month, referring to Adams vocal displeasure with the migrant crisis in New York.

At the same event, Trump said: We were persecuted, Eric. I was persecuted, and so are you, Eric.

Adams, 64, was indicted on federal bribery and fraud charges in September that were related to his allegedly cozy relationship with Turkish officials. He has yet to be convicted, but Trump could have the case dismissed outright if he wishes to.

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The mayor, for his part, remained mum on Trump in the buildup to Election Day but was quick to congratulate him on Wednesday morning, saying he wishes Trump and JD Vance all the best as they work to promote the interests of the American people.

Julian Assange

Julian Assange is the founder of WikiLeaks.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, 53, may be among those to have their criminal charges wiped away during a Trump presidencythough a pardon in his case would be more symbolic than anything.

Assange pleaded guilty in June to releasing a trove of U.S. military secrets in 2010 that included hundreds of thousands of pages related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. That deal meant Assange would be released from a British prisonwhere hed been incarcerated for the last five yearsand could return to his native Australia.

Still, Assanges wife, Stella, told Reuters that she would still push to have her husbands name cleared entirely. Prior to Assanges plea deal being struck, Trump told the podcaster Tim Pool in May that hed give very serious consideration to granting clemency to Assange.

Todd and Julie Chrisley

Reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley are serving time in federal prison for federal tax evasion and bank fraud.

Among those celebrating Trumps election win the most last week were the reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, an insider told the Daily Mail.

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The British tabloid quoted the insider as saying, Todd is jumping for joy in prison and is so optimistic that he will be able to walk out of there when Trump takes office.

Trump hasnt publicly hinted at a pardon for the couple, who are serving time on federal tax evasion and bank fraud charges. However, the couples 27-year-old daughter, Savannah, has been a fervent supporter of the president-elect and even spoke at the RNC this summer.

The Washington Post columnist Philip Bump wrote after Savannahs speech that, should Trump win, the Chrisleys would almost certainly be quickly pardoned. Thatd be a relief to the 55-year-old Todd and 51-year-old Julie, who were sentenced to a combined 19 years in the clink for defrauding Atlanta banks out of more than $36 million in BS loans.

The long shots

Joe Exotic was rumored to be on Donald Trumps pardon list in 2021, but ultimately didnt make the cut.

Other pardons Trump may consider includes Joe Exotic, the infamous Tiger King protagonist who was rumored to be on Trumps clemency list at the end of his first term. That pardon never came, however, and the so-called Tiger Kingwhose real name is Joseph Maldonadohas remained locked up on a 21-year prison sentence for a murder-for-hire plot and violations of the Endangered Species Act.

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Trump hasnt given any inkling hed pardon Sean Diddy Combs, but Polymarket lists the disgraced musician and accused sex trafficker as a long-shot pardon possibility that its accepted wagers on. The same goes for the disgraced crypto kingpin Sam Bankman-Fried, who has been given the same highly unlikely chance at clemency as Combs at 5 percent.

The ex-Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez may also be holding out hope for clemency via Trump. After all, the former lawmakers pal Dr. Salomon Melgenwho faced corruption charges alongside Menendez in 2017was among those who had their sentence commuted by Trump at the end of his first term. Menendez, 70, was found guilty of accepting bribes and acting as an agent for the Egyptian government this summer. He faces decades in prison and will learn his fate at a sentencing hearing in January.

The rapper Young Thug has also been mentioned as being primed for a pardon, but his recent guilty plea was to state charges in Georgia. Only federal charges are eligible to be pardoned or commuted by a sitting U.S. president, making the 33-year-old ineligible for clemency via Trump.
Lawmakers in the Minnesota House are gearing up to work across the aisle during upcoming Legislative session, which will likely see a rare, even divide of power between the two parties in the chamber.

With Democrats and Republicans anticipated to be split 67-67, partisan policy goals could sit on the sidelines as lawmakers work to enact a budget.

A power sharing agreement is anticipated to help the session run as smoothly as possible, but two Minnesota House races are headed to a recount before the makeup of the House will be finalized.

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Democratic incumbents have won in both House District 14B in Sherburne County and House District 54A in Scott County, according to the first tally of votes, and the House will be evenly divided if those candidates hold onto their seat after the recounts.

If either Republican candidate wins, their party will take control of the chamber.

Credit: Shaymus McLaughlin

Following election results, Sherburne County said some mail-in ballots were processed and counted, they werent uploaded to the Secretary of States Election Reporting System due to a damaged memory card.

After the election results were updated, DFL incumbent Dan Wolgamott's lead over Republican challenger Sue Ek grew to nearly one percentage point.

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While the difference is no longer close enough to trigger a state-funded recount, Sherburne County has asked the state for permission to hold a public recount with county funds. The county says its received preliminary approval from the Secretary of State.

Meanwhile, the House District 54A race in Shakopee remains close enough for a state-funded recount, with DFL incumbent Brad Tabke just 14 votes ahead of Republican challenger Aaron Paul.

Current House Speaker Melissa Hortman said in an interview on MPR News' Politics Friday that she's not expecting the recounts to change the results of either race.

That said, power sharing measures - such as co-chairs on committees and equal representation on committees - are likely to be agreed upon.

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"Now that we're both partners in governing, everybody will look bad if people don't cooperate and get things done," Hortman said.

Even with power evenly divided, a majority of at least 68 votes will be required to pass proposed legislation off the House floor.

The 2025 Legislative session begins Jan. 14.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)Georgetown Countys local options sales tax (LOST) referendum is scheduled for a recount this week after voters narrowly rejected it on November 5.

The proposal would have added a one-cent tax on every $1 spent on purchased items already taxed under the states 6 percent sales and use tax. It would not have applied to groceries, gasoline, prescription medications, and other tax-exempt items.

Officials estimated it would have generated about $10 million per year, 71% of which would go toward property tax rollbacks for residents. The remaining percentage would have been used for government operations and projects.

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However, voters rejected the idea, and the measure failed by just 64 votes, according to unofficial results. That margin triggers an automatic recount.

Georgetown County election officials said the recount will begin at the county office on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., but could stretch into Wednesday.

Georgetown County discusses ways to help workers at International Paper Mill

Another referendum on the ballot did pass. Voters approved the capital projects sales tax, which is expected to fund dozens of road, bridge, public facility, recreation, and water and sewer projects over the next eight years.

The state is slated to certify election results on November 14.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Guest Opinion. Book bans prevent access to ideas based on content and are thus unconstitutional. Books can "have limited access based on some constitutional exceptions, notably obscenity and pornography can be banned from access by children, for example. Another example is time, place and manner but this would be based only on the hours set for the library to be open, for example, and cannot be based on content.

In October 2024, in a county just north of Houston, Montgomery County  a citizens advisory committee made the decision to reclassify a non-fiction book written from a Native American perspective about their own tribe to the fiction section of the library.

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.

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So reclassifying a book as fiction, when it is non-fiction, is making a statement about the book; but if it is not limiting access or banning the book, then it is not an unconstitutional violation of the Free Speech clause of the First Amendment. In fact, the free expression of the library (or its advisory committee) in its classification of the book is protected by the First Amendment.

Does Montgomery County include Aboriginal land?

The U.S. Court of Claims says it does.

Montgomery County, Texas is a bustling suburban county next to Harris County, Texas where the fourth largest city in America sits (Houston). One of the three federally recognized tribes in Texas, the Alabama Coushatta Nation, is located only 65 miles away. However, the U.S. Federal Circuit (I once worked for Judge Plager there as a law student) recommended that the U.S. pay the Alabama Coushatta $270.6 million for land that is still legally theirs. In AlabamaCoushatta Tribe of Tex. v. United States, No. 383, 2000 WL 1013532 (Fed.Cl. June 19, 2000), the Court of Federal Claims made a nonbinding recommendation to Congress that the federal government violated its fiduciary obligations by knowingly failing to protect 2,850,028 acres of the Tribe's aboriginal lands and damages were due. It was determined that the land was aboriginal land (never ceded to the U.S.) and to which the tribe possesses and can occupy. This covers an eleven county area and a big section of Montgomery County. The Alabama Coushatta Nation has sought to enforce this judgment.

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Whether this land dispute with the Alabama Coushatta contributed to the reclassification of a book about the impacts of colonization on a Native Nation including the taking of their land into a fiction section, is not clear.

The book

The book, Colonization and the Wampanoag Story by Linda Coombs (Aquinnah Wampanoag), published by Crown Books for Young Readers, NY (2023), tells the story of the Wampanoag Tribes pre-contact and contact experiences, told by a citizen of the Wampanoag Tribe. For context, the Wampanoag Tribe is the Native Nation responsible for helping the Pilgrims survive the winter by supplying them with food and knowledge and are the Native Americans portrayed in the story of the first Thanksgiving. (I wrote about another current legal controversy with the Wampanoag Nation.)

The book has won a number of awards, and is notably mentioned on the blog that promotes childrens literature in the area of Native American studies. The title was the official selection by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the Library of Congress 2024 Great Reads for Kids, and was a finalist in the middle-grade category for the New England Independent Booksellers Associations book awards.

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I read the book, and while I might have written about the Doctrine of Discovery differently, her viewpoint is not wrong, and it is her perspective about how the Doctrine of Discovery impacted and continues to impact her Tribe. I particularly liked her approach to writing about pre-colonial life as stories that included children.

Coombss Chapter Ten is particularly helpful to any reader as she walks through traditional Wampanoag law and philosophy of law, leading to the imposition of laws by the Massachusetts Bay Colony a mere 40 years after they arrived and took the land that belonged to the Wampanoag Nation. She gives a short description of these laws and the impact that they had on the indigenous people. Laws that prohibited traditional ceremonies of the Wampanoag Nation set in motion centuries of these laws that followed, and it is important to see how they started here in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The back cover of the book mentions this book is the true story of America's earliest days, from the perspective of the Wampanoag . . .. and further,  . . . this is the true story of how America as we know it today began.

Reversal of the reclassification

A list of free expression advocacy organizations wrote to the Montgomery County Executive Committee:

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Colonization and the Wampanoag Story is a carefully researched, fact-based account of the Indigenous perspective of the tribes of the New England area on the impacts of European colonization. Moving it to the fiction section communicates distrust of material that reflects the truths of our American history. It diminishes the legitimacy of Coombs's perspective as a member of the Wampanoag Tribe and Indigenous educators who recommend its use.

We ask the Commission to overturn the Review Committees decision on Colonization and the Wampanoag Story and order it to stay in the Juvenile Nonfiction Collection across your countys public libraries.

October 22, 2024, the Montgomery County Commission reversed the re-classification of the book and it is back on the shelf as a non-fiction book.

Native American Education

There is an effort to include more education about one of the three sovereign governments in America  Native Nations. That effort is also underway in Texas.

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A petition to include a course on Native American Studies for public schools has been circulated and the group is seeking to make a course in Native American Studies a permanent elective course.

Avoiding the Book Ban

The act of banning books and removing them from the shelf, even for a short time, is likely to be an unconstitutional burden on First Amendment, Free Expression. The result of book banning cases has been based on a test that looks at the motivation of the book banner  was the motive a viewpoint motive or was it because the book was factually incorrect? In a case in Miami, a book about Cuban life was deemed factually incorrect by someone who was a political prisoner in Cuba, and upon examination it was agreed that it was factually incorrect, applying the Pico test finding the Board was motivated by its factual inaccuracy rather than a viewpoint. Whereas in a case involving the removal of a book called Voodoo & Hoodoo, which included various spells in Voodoo that the parent did not want their child to read, the court found this was unconstitutional viewpoint exclusion.

So by simply re-classifying the book as fiction the issue of book banning was avoided which would have required an examination of the motive of the governmental body effecting the ban. In this case, there was no reason given. The removal of the book while they made their decision no matter how short the time was a deprivation of a civil right; however, the re-classification of the book as fiction was a creative reinvention of a ban. In the end the County Commission made the right choice and avoided a judicial examination of motive.

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To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to: https://profvictoria.substack.com/

Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is a law professor on the faculty of Texas Tech University. In 2005, Sutton became a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians, Policy Advisory Board to the NCAI Policy Center, positioning the Native American community to act and lead on policy issues affecting Indigenous communities in the United States.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Global waste has always had particularly devastating effects on developing countries, with island nations such as the Philippines and Indonesia bearing the brunt of waste produced by larger nations such as the United States and China. Now, the population of Easter Island has seen an alarming increase in microplastics making their way into local flora and fauna, Reuters reported.

What's happening?

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui by the locals, is a remote island off the coast of Chile. As of 2023, its population was estimated to be a mere 8,600 people, yet according to Reuters, it has become trapped in "an oceanic vortex of plastic" with rising amounts of waste coming from much larger populations such as Australia and South America, along with countless fishing vessels.

This "vortex" is the result of the system of ocean currents known as the South Pacific Gyre, which brings debris from across the Pacific region to the shores of this remote island.

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Rapa Nui mayor Pedro Edmunds told Reuters that the microplastics that break down on their journey through the ocean currents have been contaminating the island's "entire food chain."

"Microplastics have been growing exponentially and it's terrible," Edmunds said. "It's affecting our lives, it's affecting our food, the blue fish that live in our ocean and we depend on for protein."

According to the island's municipal data, most of the contamination is actually coming from its own country: Chile. In fact, Easter Island receives around 50 times more plastic and microplastics than the coasts of mainland Chile. Edmunds shared that 58% of the plastic that Rapa Nui gets comes from continental Chile, and thus "it's Chile that's mainly contaminating Chilean waters and Rapa Nui."

Earlier this year, researchers from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, estimated that there are 12 million tons of plastic pollution on the ocean floor.

Why does the pollution of Easter Island matter?

Not only does the pollution have lasting, potentially devastating effects on the island population, but it has the potential to cause a ripple effect for the rest of the world as well. Left unchecked, the impact of high pollution levels on Easter Island's biodiversity will likely spread to other neighboring ocean flora and fauna as well.

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Additionally, Easter Island's economy is primarily based on tourism, so an increase in pollution and a decrease in food safety would result in lower tourism rates. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the damage inflicted upon the island would also result in the eventual loss of a culturally significant and historical place.

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What's being done about it?

To fight the rapidly growing quantity of microplastics washing ashore on Easter Island, Edmunds and others have begun a campaign against plastic pollution.

In April, Easter Island leaders hosted the Rapa Nui Pacific Leaders' Summit to address microplastic pollution and strengthen ocean protection in the region by generating concrete commitments and coordinated actions from key global partners including U.N. representatives.

Edmunds also hopes that an agreement will be reached with South Korea later this year to help reduce the use of plastic polymers.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  President-Elect Donald Trumps selection of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations means New Yorks North Country and parts of Central New York will be voting for a new representative within months of re-electing Stefanik.

Stefanik was elected last week to her sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in a district that encompasses a massive part of Upstate New York.

The latest version of New Yorks 21 District includes parts of Oneida, Jefferson, Montgomery and Saratoga Counties and all of Lewis, St. Lawrence, Herkimer, Schoharie, Fulton, Hamilton, Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Warren and Washington Counties.

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The district includes the City of Rome and the Tug Hill region.

In a statement to NewsChannel 9, a spokesperson for Governor Kathy Hochul said: Governor Hochul will call a special election in accordance to the timeline mandated by State law.

New York State law requires the governor to announce a special election within 10 days of the congressional vacancy. Then, state law requires the special election to happen with 70-80 of the announcement.

Unlike vacated U.S. Senate seats, the governor does not have the power to fill the vacancy with an appointment.

The biggest unanswered question is when Rep. Stefanik plans to resign her congressional seat.

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The 118th Congress expires on January 3, 2025, immediately followed by the sitting of the 119th Congress of which Stefanik has been elected a member.

Stefanik could be sworn-in as scheduled, awaiting for President-Elect Trumps inauguration January 20, 2025 and further wait for U.S. Senate confirmation of her appointment.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, President-Elect Trump said in a statement to ABC News.

Stefanik chairs the Republican caucus of the U.S. House, a position she took over from former Congresswoman Liz Cheney after the January 6th Insurrection.

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NewsChannel 9 has not yet heard back from Stefaniks office about her planned timeline for resignation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
VILNIUS, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Social Democratic Party (LSDP), Dawn of Nemunas (PPNA) and the Democratic Union "For Lithuania" (DSVL) signed an agreement on Monday to form a ruling coalition in the future Seimas and government, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported.

The document was signed after all the three parties approved its draft on the weekend.

Under the coalition agreement, Gintautas Paluckas will lead the new government, while DSVL leader Saulius Skvernelis will serve as Speaker of the Seimas. The distribution of ministerial roles allocates three ministries to PPNA, two to DSVL, and nine to LSDP.

The agreement includes commitments to create a Road Fund, introduce value-added tax relief for fruits and vegetables, reform the second tier of pensions, increase efforts to combat xenophobia, reintroduce a public electricity supplier, and halt education reforms.

The coalition would hold at least 86 of the 141 parliamentary mandates in the next term.

Following two rounds of parliamentary elections on Oct. 13 and 27, LSDP secured the largest share of votes, winning 52 seats in the 141-seat unicameral parliament, with PPNA and DSVL securing 20 and 14 mandates, respectively. 
Israel's new Defence Minister Israel Katz has reportedly called for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

"Iran is more vulnerable than ever to damage to its nuclear facilities. There is [now] a possibility of removing the threat," the newspaper Jerusalem Post cited the minister as saying on Monday, based on information from his office.

Katz was previously the foreign minister and has only just taken over the defence portfolio following the dismissal of his predecessor Yoav Gallant.

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Israel accuses Iran of striving to produce nuclear bombs. Iran, which denies Israel's right to exist, refutes this.

"There is a possibility to achieve the most important goal, to thwart and remove the threat of annihilation from hanging over the State of Israel," the newspaper the Times of Israel quoted Katz as saying.

Israel said it had destroyed radar and missile facilities in Iran in an attack in October.

However, the Iranian nuclear facilities are in part located in such deep tunnels that, according to experts, only the US military could destroy them. Israel is not capable of this and could at best delay the expansion of the nuclear programme with strikes, according to the reasoning.

US President Joe Biden is against an attack on the nuclear facilities. How the future US president, Donald Trump, will position himself on this issue was initially unclear.
(Bloomberg) -- House Republicans are on the brink of clinching unified GOP control over Washington under President-elect Donald Trump, awaiting wins in just four of the chambers 16 remaining uncalled races.

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With 218 seats needed to control the 435-member House, Republicans on Monday were leading in races that have been decided, 214-205, according to the Associated Press.

But other races are on the brink of adding to the GOP numbers. In Colorado, Democratic freshman Representative Yadira Caraveo on Sunday posted a concession statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

While this isnt the outcome we had hoped for, the work is not over, she posted. I look forward to returning to Washington to finish out this term and will continue to be an independent voice for the people of this district.

Republicans are also assured of a 216th seat in an uncalled Washington State race that is an intra-party battle. While not official, incumbent Dan Newhouse released a statement Monday declaring himself the winner there.

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Any Republican majority in the new House that opens in January will likely be narrow.

Democrats were leading in many of the 17 uncalled races as of Monday. And New York Republican Representative Elise Stefanik has accepted Trumps offer to be United Nations ambassador  which, if shes confirmed, would temporarily shrink the majority.

California Contests

Still, Republicans are leading in four of the five California races that were considered toss-ups by Cook Political Report heading into Election Day. Even so, all of those contests are still too close to call, and there is only one candidate in the five toss-up districts, Representative David Valadao, who is leading by a margin of more than 3 percentage points, according to the Associated Press.

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It could still be days before the California races are called. It took 15 days after the 2024 March primaries in California before the results of Proposition 1 were called.

Californias tallying process is slower than most states, partially because it sends mail-in ballots to all registered voters. Following election day, local workers need to open each mail-in ballot and verify signatures, which can be painstaking.

The state also gives voters whose ballots are ruled invalid extra time to prove to local election officials that their votes should be counted.

GOP Rifts

Republicans thin majority has been a key factor in intra-party fights and dysfunction, with blocs of Republicans, mostly far-right conservatives, willing to hold out their votes for concessions.

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How a Trump presidency  and a Senate-controlled GOP  might alter such battles is uncertain. But Trump has previously succeeded in keeping GOP House members largely in line. And the Republicans who bucked him in his first term are generally no longer in office.

Republicans under Speaker Mike Johnson will meet this week to lay out early plans for a legislative agenda under Trump, which will be dominated by spending priorities and the expiring 2017 tax cuts.

(Updates number of uncalled races, from first paragraph.)

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The Republican Party is likely to retain control of the House of Representatives in the coming days, but with the makeup of the chamber virtually unchanged despite decisive victories in the presidential race and US Senate contests.

GOP members are projected at this point to win a single-digit majority. Seventeen seats around the country remained up for grabs as of Monday evening, with Democrats currently leading in nine and Republicans in eight  in two cases, by just a few hundred votes.

Of the races already called, Republicans have secured 214  four short of a majority. Democrats currently sit at 204 in the chamber. Notable incumbents on both sides lost seats, including Anthony DEsposito in the New York GOP and Pennsylvanias Susan Wild on the Democratic side.

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The result is remarkable and would represent a clean sweep for the party, with Donald Trump soundly defeating Kamala Harris, winning seven out of seven fought-over swing states, winning the popular vote for the first time, and even shrinking his margins of defeat in long-held Democratic bastions like Maryland.

But nevertheless, it could still cause headaches for the GOP next year. Case in point: the already-rambunctious state of the House Republican majority, which has hovered in the single digits for months and even before then was so unruly it resulted in the ouster and eventual resignation of Kevin McCarthy, the Republican who won the role of speaker after more than a dozen votes.

Mike Johnson is poised to be speaker of the House once again come January (AP)

With Donald Trump poised to install loyalists across his administration, the real test for him this time around  in terms of ramming through as much of his ultra-conservative, nationalist agenda as possible  will be posed by Congress.

His ability to unify and bully Mike Johnsons members into falling in line will be key to halting the kind of rebellion that took down McCarthy and could stall his legislative agenda.

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Even his more optimistic aides will probably privately agree that the party risks losing the House once again in the coming midterm elections, though the Senate may be out of reach for Democrats thanks to a map that once again gives their rivals the edge.

That leaves roughly a year and a half before an election will in some way hinder the GOPs ability to pass policy through Congress. For perspective: last time around, GOP House and Senate majorities worked together to pass Trumps signature tax cuts in his first year, after trying and failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The vast majority of Trumps agenda was pursued through the Executive Branch.

Hell be essentially on that same timeframe  unless, of course, Democrats fail to get their act together between now and then. Its always possible that Republicans will hold the House, too, in 2026.

Trumps ability to rein in Johnsons unruly caucus will likely determine the fate of his legislative agenda (AP)

On the Democratic side, wounds remain extremely raw following last weeks defeat. Harris underperformed compared to the partys Senate candidates as well as House candidates in areas where her support collapsed, like Dearborn, Michigan.

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This was coupled with an admission from Jon Favreau, former speechwriter to Barack Obama, that Joe Bidens own internal campaign polling showed Trump winning 400 electoral votes in what have been an absolute bloodbath during the period his aides and campaign officials were angrily insisting he was the best candidate to put forward. Such a loss would have been devastating to the electoral prospects of Bidens allies in Congress.

The president-elect formally announced two Cabinet nominees on Monday  GOP conference chair Elise Stefanik to be his United Nations ambassador, and former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA.

In the days ahead, the focus will be on bigger positions being filled in Trumps Cabinet  secretary of State, Defense and the attorney general among them  as well as news regarding the incoming administrations first big legislative push.
Republicans are inching closer to reclaiming control of the U.S. House of Representatives, but with 19 races still uncalled as of Sunday night, House Speaker Mike Johnson cant celebrate yet.

So far Republicans have won 213 races, compared to 203 for Democrats, according to calls made by The Associated Press. It takes 218 seats to win a majority in the House. Of the 19 races that are still too close to call, Republicans were ahead in 10 and Democrats in 9.

The state with the most outstanding races is California with 10, while there are two uncalled races in Arizona. Another seven states have races outstanding, including Alaskas single House seat, and one each in Oregon, Colorado, Washington, Louisiana, Iowa and Ohio.

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The three Utah Republican incumbent representatives  Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens  easily won their reelection bids last week, while new Rep.-elect Mike Kennedy, also a Republican, won Utahs 3rd District, which was vacant after Rep. John Curtis ran for and won Sen. Mitt Romneys Senate seat.

With Republicans likely to retake control of the House, all eyes are now on whether the unruly House Republican conference will unify behind Speaker Johnson, or if there are factions within the conference who will challenge his leadership.

Johnson won reelection to his own Louisiana seat with 86% of the vote. Ahead of the 2024 election, the Republican speaker crisscrossed the country raising hundreds of millions of dollars for Republican candidates and campaigning in swing districts.

Ahead of the election, Johnson was bullish on Republicans chances to win a trifecta, and promised if they did, they would take advantage.

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When we take control again and we have unified government  when we have the White House, the Senate and the House  were going to have the most aggressive first 100 days agenda that, Congress, youve ever seen, he told NPR a few days before the Nov. 5 election.

In a post on X, Johnson said House Republicans would focus on the border, energy, the economy and ending the radical woke agenda. With many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  passed during President-elect Donald Trumps first term  expiring next year, negotiations over future tax cuts are also likely to take center stage.

The House of Representatives at the Capitol is seen in Washington, early Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. | J. Scott Applewhite

If Republicans do retake the House, Johnson could face a challenge to his gavel. Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., tried to oust Johnson in May, but her motion failed. There are already rumblings that Johnson could face another challenge in the coming weeks.

In a historic vote in October last year, House Republicans removed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who then resigned from his California seat. To win the speakership, McCarthy had to make significant concessions to House conservatives, which contributed to his ouster.

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Since Johnson became speaker in McCarthys wake, uneasiness in the Republican conference has persisted.

But, if Republicans win control again, they will likely face pressure from the Trump White House to work together to pass the president-elects agenda  which could keep them from infighting as much as they did in the last Congress.

Meanwhile, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is reportedly promising Democrats he will use his position to oppose Trumps agenda, according to Axios.

On Thursday, Jeffries was still saying publicly there was a clear pathway for a Democratic majority in the House, but Axios reported Jeffries told Democratic donors on a Thursday phone call they would likely win 214 seats, two more than Democrats currently hold, but four seats shy of a majority. On Sunday, Democrats were on track to win 212 seats.
Voters at Park High School in Cottage Grove on Nov. 5, 2024. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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 first appeared in Stateline, a sibling site of Minnesota Reformer and part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network.

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Marco Rubio and other Republican leaders have angrily accused the embattled Democratic Party in the U.S. Senate of failing to honor election results.

They say GOP Sen.-elect Dave McCormick (R-PA) is being snubbed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has refused to invite McCormick to an orientation at the upper chamber of Congress this week because he doesnt accept the race is over.

McCormick was ahead of Democratic incumbent Bob Casey by 39,000 votes on Sunday and the Associated Press projection last Thursday gave the Republican the win. Casey has yet to concede.

Dave McCormick was named the winner in his Pennsylvania race for Senate by the AP

But a spokesperson for Schumer insisted in a statement to Politico: With over 100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race has not been decided. As is custom, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted.

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Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) responded in a social media post that has attracted more than 2 million views. Schumer is not allowing @DaveMcCormickPA to participate in Senate orientation this week because Casey refuses to concede the race, he wrote. What happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the outcome of the elections?

Schumer is not allowing @DaveMcCormickPA to participate in Senate orientation this week because Casey refuses to concede the race. What happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the outcome of the elections?  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 10, 2024

He was referring to the 2024 presidential election campaign when Democrats warned Donald Trump would contest the result if he lost.

McCormick also won support from the three senators vying to become the chambers next Republican majority leader.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott said Schumers snub was disgusting and added: They did the same thing to me after I beat a Democrat in 2018. We have to fight this!

Dave McCormick is the senator-elect & @SenSchumers move to not allow him to participate in orientation this week is disgusting. They did the same thing to me after I beat a Democrat in 2018. We have to fight this!



AP called it. Dave won, Casey must concede NOW.  Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 10, 2024

The idea that Schumer would not allow him to participate in Senate orientation is beyond unacceptable, Sen. John Thune, from South Dakota, posted on X. The voters of Pennsylvania have spoken. Looking forward to having Daves strong voice in the Senate Republican Conference.

Dave McCormick is the new senator for Pennsylvania. The idea that Schumer would not allow him to participate in Senate orientation is beyond unacceptable.



The voters of Pennsylvania have spoken. Looking forward to having Daves strong voice in the Senate Republican Conference.  Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 10, 2024

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Texas Sen. John Cornyn said it was time for Casey to do the right thing.

It is time for Senator Casey to do the right thing: acknowledge reality and concede to @DaveMcCormickPA. Casey has no plausible path to reverse the outcome. https://t.co/5AzHpywStf  Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) November 10, 2024

McCormick said there was no way mathematically for his opponent to claw back victory.

Senate orientation is a traditional meeting for newly elected members who are set to take office in January to be shown around and get comfortable in their new jobs.

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Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte will have the solid Republican control of the New Hampshire Legislature to work with. (Will Steinfeld | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Republicans have had a trifecta of control since 2021. But with an evenly divided House chamber the past two years, their powers were limited. A handful of absent lawmakers on voting day could tank a bill, and often did.

Now, with Tuesdays election providing stronger majorities in the State House and Republican Kelly Ayottes victory in the race for governor, Republican lawmakers have the opportunity to pass bolder legislation.

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Barring any changes from recounts, the House is expected to have 222 Republicans and 178 Democrats, according to the House Clerks Office; the Senate is projected to have 16 Republicans and eight Democrats.

Theyll also face a difficult budget season, with analysts predicting lower revenues coming into the state.

I think that Republicans will have an easier path forward on some of the social issue changes they want to make, said Anna Brown, executive director of Citizens Count, a nonprofit that tracks the New Hampshire Legislature. That being said, I think that Republicans are very aware of how certain social issues can get a backlash. And the obvious example is the abortion issue. They had very clear messaging this time around: Were not going to change the abortion law.

New legislation is still pouring in; lawmakers have until Nov. 22 to continue to file new bill requests. But interviews and existing legislative service requests indicate that Republicans will seek to use their new majority to pursue long-held policy proposals.

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Heres what to expect next year.

More tax eliminations

After a series of sessions in which Republicans lowered business taxes and eliminated the interest and dividends tax, the party is unlikely to continue lowering the bigger taxes  especially with lower revenues coming in.

But they are interested in eliminating the communication services tax, according to Jim Kofalt, the House deputy majority leader, in an interview Thursday.

That is a 7 percent tax on all landline and cell phone bills in the state as well as other communications. The tax used to bring in almost $60 million a year in revenue, but that has fallen to less than $30 million, as businesses have transitioned from conference calls to online Zoom and Skype meetings, which arent taxed.

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House Majority Leader Jason Osborne has long sought to remove the tax, arguing it is a regressive tax that hurts low-income families, but the measure did not survive the 2023 budget process. Kofalt said the party would try to bring it back next year.

Republicans have also discussed a program to send direct tax relief to property taxpayers  rather than just aid to towns so towns can lower property taxes  Kofalt said. But the logistics of how to do so could be difficult since there is no broad-based income tax through which the state could send residents a refund.

Meanwhile, amid projected revenue shortfalls, Republican budget writers will likely look for state programs to reduce or cut. Kofalt said he doesnt know which programs that might entail, but predicted the party will seek to find alternate funding sources or cheaper solutions.

I think were probably going to see revenues decline, so we dont want to raise taxes, he said. So I think thats going to mean tightening our belt. People sitting around the kitchen table have to figure out how to make it work for their family. I think we owe it to the people in New Hampshire to do the same thing.

Tougher immigration bills

In past years, Republicans have sought legislation to ban the creation of sanctuary cities and require all local law enforcement to refer undocumented people to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Those efforts have not passed, but the party has indicated it will try again next year.

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And Rep. Joe Sweeney, a Salem Republican, has submitted a bill relative to illegal presence in New Hampshire and establishing a task force concerning deportation, according to the bills description. Sweeney did not respond to a request for details on the bill.

Return of the parental bill of rights

House Republicans will once again attempt to pass a parental bill of rights, after similar attempts narrowly failed in 2021 and 2023.

The bills require public schools to carry out a number of transparency measures, including a requirement to inform parents about their childs choice of clubs and classes. Most controversially, they require school officials to tell parents who ask if their child is using different gender pronouns at school or has expressed a different gender identity or sexual orientation, and allowing parents to sue school staff if they do not comply.

Republicans have called the legislation a common-sense approach to prevent school staff from keeping information from parents; Democrats have argued it will force schools to out children to their parents even when they are not ready to tell them.

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And the bills have been defeated in the House by very narrow margins: two attempts in 2023 fell by four votes and 13 votes each.

But with a bigger majority, House Republicans may be able to finally bridge the gap; Senate Republicans have had sufficient numbers to do so for years. This years bill  like the 2023 bill  is sponsored by current House Speaker Sherman Packard.

Housing bills face fraught politics

New Hampshires expensive housing market was a potent issue in the governors race and a top issue on voters minds. It was also a topic that both parties say they are focused on.

But even with larger Republican majorities, it remains unclear what laws the House and Senate might pursue.

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In 2024, the House passed House Bill 1291, which sought to remove local barriers to the creation of accessory dwelling units and allow homeowners to build two by right; current law allows only one. But the Senate rejected that bill after Republicans there raised concerns about increased ADUs lowering property values.

Kofalt said he expects House Republicans to return with a pared back bill that removes the local zoning barriers for one ADU but that does not include the language allowing two ADUs by right.

Meanwhile, Rep Bob Lynn, a Windham Republican, is returning with his bill to allow landlords to evict tenants at the end of a lease period without needing an additional reason; that bill passed the House but was sent to interim study by the Senate, effectively killing it.

Education freedom accounts expansion

New Hampshires education freedom accounts program, which allows lower-income families to use public school dollars toward private school or home-school expenses, has been expanded once since it was created in 2021.

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In 2023, the Legislature raised the income eligibility cap from households making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level to households making up to 350 percent. But many Republicans  including Ayotte  have said the state should remove income limits on the program and open it up to all families.

According to Kofalt, House Republicans will try to do that this year. But raising the income cap will inevitably lead the program to pay out more money, which could be a strain on the states Education Trust Fund.

Concerns over the financial viability of an increase prompted Senate Republicans to reject a House Republican effort to raise the threshold to 500 percent this year; the Senate proposed 400 percent and the measure died. Those same fiscal tensions could limit the scope of an expansion of the program next year, but Kofalt said he believes House Republicans will still try to make the program universal.

Meanwhile, Rep. Kevin Verville, a Deerfield Republican, is bringing back a bill that would create local educational freedom accounts  allowing local residents to vote to allow families to use local taxpayer funds toward private and home-school expenses as well.

Cannabis legalization, right to work up in the air

Its practically a certainty: The New Hampshire House is likely to pass a bill to legalize cannabis in the state. Similar bills have passed by wide margins under both Republican and Democratic control in the last decade.

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But what form the legislation takes this year is less clear. Gov. Chris Sununu insisted that lawmakers pass a bill that included state-run retail cannabis stores, but House lawmakers balked at the model and killed the final bill. Gov.-elect Ayotte has said she would not support marijuana legalization, so lawmakers would need a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House to overturn a veto.

House lawmakers have already submitted two bill requests for cannabis legalization, one from Democrat Jared Sullivan of Bethlehem and another from Verville. But the prospect of success for either measure is a major uphill climb.

Also a difficult task for Republicans: passing a right-to-work bill, or legislation that would bar unions from mandating the collection of union dues from employees. The measure, which has failed consistently in Republican-led legislatures due to a contingency of pro-union Republicans, is not likely to be a key focus next year, Kofalt predicted.

Democrats undaunted

Though diminished, Democrats will continue to put forward their own priorities. A public listing of legislative service requests shows the minority caucus will push to repeal legislation often referred to as the divisive concepts law that adds restrictions to teachers and state officials around the endorsement of certain concepts. They will attempt to roll back a new law that will require voter identification at the polls in future elections.

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They will press for a bill to protect access to abortion care, and a bill to eliminate the statute of limitations around lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers. And they will fight for a law requiring new background checks and a mandatory waiting period for firearms purchases.

But after Tuesdays election, prospects of success for any of those measures are dim. For the next two years, the levers of control lie in Republicans hands.
BROWNWOOD, Texas (FOX 44)  On this Veterans Day, we recognize one of the most legendary battles in American military history.

This incredible story of survival has a special connection to Camp Bowie right here in Central Texas. I went to that very battlefield on its 80th anniversary to take a look at what so few people have seen.

Rising up from the Vosges Mountains in eastern France is a dense, ominous forest. It is beautiful and peaceful today, but this was a frightening place 80 years ago. I had the rare opportunity to walk this forest with french historian Gerome Villain, who knows this forest better than anyone.

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Their situation at the time, the situation was very critical, very bad, says Gerome. It was a station of the Lost Battalion.

Gerome says in the fall of 1944, 220 men  a unit that trained in Camp Bowie  found themselves surrounded by an enormous German force on this very spot.

It was certainly a big mistake to send a regiment so far behind enemy lines, Gerome explains.

This battle would come to be known as The Rescue of the Lost Battalion.

The Texas Lost Battalion.

Trapped and severely outnumbered, Gerome showed me their only way to survive was to dig deep foxholes and fight. There are so many of these foxholes right here in this forest. Its what they used to defend themselves as they found themselves surrounded by the Germans.

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It was vital for them to have a big foxhole, a nice foxhole, uh, cover of logs to be protected of bullet and rain, for example, says Gerome.

No sleep, no food, no water, constant fear of death, says Texas Forces Military Museum Directory Jeff Hunt.

At the Texas Forces Military Museum in Austin, Hunt talks about the Lost Battalions legacy and its importance to Texas history.

It is a story that I think very much encapsulates the steadfastness, the fortitude, the simple ability to endure almost incredible conditions, says Hunt.

Hunt credits their leader, Captain Marty Higgins, for getting them through. Film shows Higgins in that forest in 1944, and then talking about the battle 60 years later.

Captain Marty Higgins. (Courtesy: Texas Forces Military Museum)

The most significant thing was firing, setting up a perimeter defense around all sides, says Higgins.

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There was also Lt. Erwin Blonder, the radio operator, who stretched just one days worth of radio battery to last a week.

Lt. Erwin Blonder, 141st Infantry Division (Lost Battalion member). (Courtesy: Leslie Tramer).

If it wasnt for him and that radio, this story probably ends very differently, says Hunt.

Blonder used a radio to relay their desperate need for supplies. That desperation led to innovation.

They came up with the idea of using P-47 Thunderbolt fighter bombers that were fitted with external fuel tanks, or belly tanks, says Hunt. And instead of putting gasoline into these belly tanks, well put supplied ammunition, batteries, you know, food.

One of those belly tanks sits preserved at the Museum today. In fact, it was Gerome who found it.

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Rescued at last after six days under incessant fire from an enemy on all sides, Gerome explains.

The reason this story is so important is that in spite of great odds the Lost Battalion was saved. An old film was taken soon after their rescue, showing the Lost Battalion coming down the hill. And it took a highly-trained and accomplished unit to pull it off.

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was a segregated unit. Even though these Japanese Americans endured great prejudice from their own country, they are one of thr most decorated units in American military history. Rescuing the Lost Battalion was one of their many accomplishments.

This classic newsreel was seen in theaters all over America. Captain Higgins can be seen celebrating, impressed by the 442nds grit.

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To see these guys coming, granted they were little, but, God, they were tough, says Higgins.

(Courtesy: Texas Forces Military Museum)

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A man seen on the stretcher is radio operator Lt. Blonder suffering from severe trenchfoot.

Its very important to preserve this area, Gerome says.

As Gerome walks me through these hallowed grounds, he tells me few people have been here since the battle. Reminders of the violence are everywhere.

Many artifacts can still be found in this forest today  including rations, medical supplies, bullets  signs of a battle. Even though it is considered one of the U.S. Armys greatest battles  few people know about this place. To be here in the Vosges Forest on the 80th anniversary of the battle is something Ill never forget.

(Courtesy: Dylan Glockler)

On this Veterans Day, we must honor these fearless Texans and the young men who saved them  recognizing the sacrifices they made for our country and the world.

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The Rescue of the Lost Battalion.

But we want to make it clear that the 442nd went though supreme sacrifices to save the Lost Battalion. They lost over 800 men in the Vosges Forest and the I company was the hardest hit. They walked in with 187 men and left with eight.

It drives home the sobering point that there are no happy endings in war.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
NEW LONDON, Ohio (WJW)  The New London Police Department has identified the suspected gunman and a potential motive in a deadly shooting at an assisted living facility.

Mans attempt to abduct child caught on camera

According to the New London Police Department, the shooting took place at the Windy Acres senior living retirement facility on Friday, November 8, just after 10:50 a.m.

Police say Roger Murray, 70, shot two employees and then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.

FOX 8 photo

Murray, a resident of the complex had filed multiple repair requests for his apartment and felt his requests were not being adequately met, police said in a press release. He was further distraught over the matter due to a pending site inspection.

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When responding officers arrived, they found two injured victims locked in the main office, according to a press release from New London police.

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The two victims were able to exit through a window, police said, and were taken to area hospitals.

The victims, a 52-year-old office manager and a 56-year-old maintenance worker, have both been released from the hospital and are resting at their homes, according to police.

Police say the 52-year-old was shot in the torso. The maintenance worker had an injury to the head.

Cedar Point ride removed to make way for future development

When addressing the media on Friday, New London Chief of Police Joe Hicks wanted to make sure residents know this was an isolated incident.

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What I do want the community to know is everybody in our community is safe. This incident has no bearing on our safety in New London, Hicks said.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations is helping process evidence.

The shooting remains under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
CANBERRA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has appointed the country's first anti-slavery commissioner.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus on Monday announced that Chris Evans, a former senator and human rights official, will serve as the inaugural Australian anti-slavery commissioner on a five-year term commencing in December.

Dreyfus said that the new commissioner role would strengthen the work undertaken across government, business and society in Australia to prevent and respond to modern slavery.

"Modern slavery deprives victims of their dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms," he said in a statement.

"It encompasses a range of exploitative practices including human trafficking and slavery-like practices such as forced marriage, forced labor, deceptive recruiting and debt bondage."

Walk Free's 2023 Global Slavery Index estimated that there are 41,000 people living in modern slavery in Australia in 2021.

A report released by the anti-slavery commissioner of the state of New South Wales in September estimated that there were 16,400 people in modern slavery in the state, prompting the state government to launch an inquiry into the modern slavery risks for temporary migrant workers.

The federal government committed 8 million Australian dollars (5.2 million U.S. dollars) in funding over four years for the new national anti-slavery commissioner in the 2023-24 federal budget. 
The Most Rev Justin Welbys position as Archbishop of Canterbury looks increasingly untenable as pressure for his resignation mounts within the Anglican church over his alleged failure to deal properly with a child abuse scandal.

The Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, joined a growing clamour for the Archbishop to step down in response to a critical report into the handling of the case. She feared the Church was in danger of losing complete credibility if action was not taken. Certainly, the Archbishop risks forfeiting his moral authority if he stays on in Lambeth Palace.

The Archbishop says he was unaware of the activities of John Smyth, a serial child abuser, before taking over in 2013. But as the Telegraph disclosed, he knew of the rumours many years earlier. The report confirmed this, stating it is most probable that he would have had at least a level of knowledge that John Smyth was of some concern.

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Smyth, a barrister who ran Christian youth camps, abused at least 115 children and young men over five decades before his death in August 2018. The inquiry concluded that his prolific, brutal and horrific activities were covered up by powerful evangelical clergy.

Even if the Archbishop was not given a detailed account of Smyths abuse until 2013 he failed to report it to the police or alert the authorities in South Africa where Smyth had fled to carry on his abuse. The Archbishop was also critical of the way the BBC handled the Jimmy Savile scandal, which makes his own protestations on ignorance hard to sustain.

The Archbishop said he had considered resigning but decided not to. He needs to think again.

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Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez has plans to turn the apartment above her dispensary into a consumption lounge, but the state has yet to open applications. (Sophie Nieto-Munoz | New Jersey Monitor)

Two and a half years after Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez first drew up the plans for a cannabis consumption lounge above her Jersey City dispensary, the lounge is no closer to opening.

Brevard-Rodriguez has plans for above The Other Side Dispensary for a lounge that she wants to be a safe space for locals and visitors alike to consume cannabis and hold cannabis-focused events. Instead, the room is covered in wooden planks and building materials. It needs HVAC upgrades and a security monitoring system, but Brevard-Rodriguez and other hopeful consumption lounge operators dont know all the requirements state cannabis regulators will require for them to open.

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I cant even smartly invest in doing the build-out without having confidence in the state, because it would just be another period of me wasting money without really knowing what would come on the other side, Brevard-Rodriguez said during an interview at her dispensary, which opened last month.

Its been nearly 10 months since the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved rules for the operation of cannabis consumption areas in New Jersey, but the commission has yet to discuss the process or open applications for retailers who want to run lounges.

Critics say this has led to a lot of frustrated retailers and some to risk-taking business owners using loopholes to host events anyway.

In New Jersey, there are few places for people to smoke besides their own homes, and their options are even more limited if their landlords ban vaping or smoking or if someone lives in federally subsidized housing, said Jessica Gonzalez, a cannabis attorney.

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Its not just an economic issue, but also an issue of social justice, social equity, and patient access, she stressed.

Cannabis commission spokeswoman Toni-Anne Blake confirmed the agency hasnt approved any consumption areas. The next step is for the commission to approve issuing applications for dispensaries that want to open consumption lounges.

Since there is no legislative deadline for the commission to issue these applications, it is not considered delayed, Blake said.

In spite of the lack of movement from the state agency, people are getting creative ideas on how to host consumption events like puff-and-paints, said Scott Rudder, president of New Jersey CannaBusiness Association and owner of Township Green Dispensary in Riverside.

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People can rent someones empty home for a day and host events like this there without worrying about spending thousands on security laid out in the cannabis commissions rules, he said. This has a negative impact on the industry and spotlights the lack of enforcement, he added.

Theres really nothing that anybody can do about it, and thats the problem, and thats been the problem all along  we see how people just do the workaround, he said.

Gonzalez noted theres a concern about how many municipalities are actually going to allow consumption. Fewer than a dozen of New Jerseys municipalities have passed ordinances allowing consumption lounges, a fraction of the one-third of the states municipalities that allow cannabis sales.

She wants to see the states cannabis officials offer municipalities more education on what consumption lounges actually are and get more of them on board. Some officials imagine a club setting where people are recklessly smoking, ordering food, and drinking, she said  but rules lay out bans on tobacco, alcohol, and food. Gonzalez described what she told municipal officials who are anxious about approving consumption lounges.

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What you are describing already exists, and thats called a bar. Its called a club. Its called, in some places, a restaurant, she said.

No one involved in New Jerseys cannabis space is surprised at how long its taken for applications to be rolled out. Brevard-Rodriguez noted it took her 31 months to get approval to open her dispensary.

But some people like Gonzalez arent in a huge rush for the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to start the approval process for consumption lounges. She noted the agency is prioritizing licensing retailers, cultivators, and other operators as new businesses open up every week.

And its going to be another big investment from entrepreneurs who may have spent years opening their doors. A $5,000 licensing fee, municipal approvals, upgrades to the facility, and hiring more staff are not going to be cheap endeavors by any stretch of the imagination, she added.

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Brevard-Rodriguez agrees it will be another major investment to finish upgrading the apartments above her dispensary and turn them into a consumption lounge. But it would also make the dispensary more profitable, she said.

My capability to survive and sustain as a business would be reinforced because I would have a place that people could go, I would have another revenue modality, I would have another place that could be events for people, she said. We could really lean more into wellness, which is what our brand is surrounded by and what our mission is.

Leo Bridgewater, a cannabis activist, said he doesnt blame the agency, echoing that dozens of businesses have opened up and that lawmakers keep giving the five-member panel more responsibilities without increasing funding. Theyre understaffed and still have a backlog of applications to approve, Bridgewater said.

Today, everybody wants consumption lounges. Last month, it was all about alcohol and hemp. The month before that, it was the certificates of occupancies. And access to capital is still the No. 1 issue, he said. Im not saying the CRC is beyond reproach, but theres a long ass line of priorities.

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Reverse vending machines are coming to Michigan this holiday season  instead of getting something, users will be able to give to those in need. Items range from hygiene products and clothing to educational supplies and livestock. Yes, livestock.

The Light the World Giving Machine initiative is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and provides "an instant act of service for people looking to help those in their community and around the world," according to a release from the church. "Visitors can make donations by purchasing items ranging in price from $5 to $250."

The Giving Machines will be available in 100 cities this year. Since 2017, donations have benefited local and global charities, said a spokesperson for the Detroit Giving Machines initiative, Chad Lyons. And for the first time, four machines will be in Michigan.

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Two Giving Machines will be placed in Campus Martius in downtown Detroit on Thursday until Dec. 8 and then moved to Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids from Dec. 12 until Jan. 4. Another set of machines will be at Midland Mall from Nov. 20 through Dec. 31.

More: Christmas tree placed in Campus Martius ahead of Detroit Tree Lighting on Nov. 22

More: Free Thanksgiving turkeys handed out to Detroiters

"Giving Machines look like traditional vending machines but instead of getting chips or candy they are full of items to purchase to benefit Detroit-area charities as well as global ones," Lyons said.

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Items include clothes, glasses, books, backpacks, goats, chickens, pigs, sheep, beehives, community wells, meals, emergency shelter, therapy sessions, safe births for mothers, car seats and more.

The purchased item cards will fall into an enclosed display bin, and the donor will leave with a digital receipt.

Giving Machines are coming to Michigan this holiday season, allowing people to donate items like clothing, hygiene products, therapy sessions, livestock and more. Two machines will be placed at Campus Martius in Detroit Nov. 14 - Dec. 8.

In addition to 15 global charities, this years nonprofit beneficiaries in metro Detroit include Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, Zaman International, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Focus: HOPE and the Pope Francis Center.

Every donation goes entirely to the participating charities. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not receive any financial benefits from the initiative, Lyons said.

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"During the 2023 holiday season alone, approximately 600,000 individuals visited Giving Machines in Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States, contributing $10.4 million in donations," according to the church.

For those unable to visit the machines in person, donations can also be made at lighttheworld.org/give.

Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Giving Machine coming to Detroit's Campus Martius: How it works
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeing his star rise after President-elect Trump glided to a second White House victory on Tuesday, a remarkable trajectory for someone who was long dismissed as a fringe political figure.

Kennedy and Trump bet big on each other, taking a gamble that independents and other coalitions of voters disillusioned with establishment politics would merge to beat Vice President Harris. That partnership paid off for both men, with a massive Trump win all but ensuring Kennedy is poised to have a prominent role in Washington.

One idea thats being floated, per a source privy to discussions about Kennedy this cycle, is making him an adviser that wouldnt need Senate confirmation, but have a direct line to POTUS.

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He would make personnel recommendations, the pro-Kennedy source said. Nothing solid or in stone yet.

Still, figures close to both Trump and Kennedy believe its only a matter of time before the environmental lawyer is elevated within Trumps newly revamped brain trust. They see the president-elect rewarding Kennedy, who has shown considerable loyalty to the MAGA movement in recent months, with a spot that could have great impact.

Key nominations, appointments and other top roles in the incoming Trump administration are starting to be discussed as speculation builds around where Kennedy could be a plausible fit.

In the immediate aftermath of the election, the ex-Democrat has already started flexing some muscle privately. The source familiar told The Hill that Kennedy has some early personnel preferences, including around foreign policy. Sen. Marco Rubios (R-Fla.) name has been floated as a potential nominee for secretary of State, to which Kennedy has expressed opposition.

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He will be advocating for someone who is less neocon, the source said.

The scope of influence Kennedy may have is yet to be determined, but many of his critics  in particular Democrats who strongly opposed his third-party run  are already casting doubt that hell be a major figure in Trumps orbit.

Democratic strategists who were worried about Kennedy being a spoiler in the election painted him as a noncredible conspiratorial candidate who struggled to get on state ballots and then, later in the contest, even had trouble removing himself from battlegrounds where he could hurt Trump.

Party advisers and operatives circulated talking points and held calls about Kennedys potential danger to Harriss campaign, highlighting his most controversial moments. An image of Kennedy trying to eat a charred animal carcass and news stories about him tossing a dead bear into Central Park were only a few of the bizarre stories that surfaced about the contender.

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Democrats also played up a line in a profile on Kennedy where he said his brain was damaged by a worm years ago.

Those peculiar life events, which shaped the narrative around Kennedy as an odd character, came on top of some already controversial stances on vaccinations that disregarded much of the scientific communitys consensus.

None of that, however, seemed to faze Trump. Kennedy was, instead, considered a strong asset, able to tap into certain groups who shared many of his unorthodox views, which at times ran counter to both neoliberal and neocon thinking.

Before he dropped out of the presidential race, Kennedy and Trump allies discussed ways that the independent, who had reached double-digit support but struggled to get broader traction, could lift Trump. They settled on a plan that would remove Kennedy from key swing states, wagering that it would help the Republican nominee.

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Kennedy, for his part, pressed for an unspecified place within what both people hoped would be a second Trump administration. As the election entered its closing weeks, Kennedy made his preference to change Americas approach to public health  his primary focus beyond his more recent foray into electoral politics  known to Trump.

Publicly and privately, the president-elect was receptive to that idea, even teasing a possible role working on womens health specifically  which quickly angered Democrats who failed to get enough momentum with female voters by pushing an abortion message.

Trump said he would let Kennedy go wild on the governments health care systems, a line that his son Donald Trump Jr. also enthusiastically repeated to conservative media after his fathers victory.

Kennedy has most recently claimed he wants to eliminate fluoride in the countrys drinking water supply, concerning health officials who consider adding the mineral chemical a major advancement to preserving teeth.

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Trump has been nondescript other than pledging to give Kennedy breathing room to advance some of his health goals. He wants to go do some things and were going to let him go to it, Trump said in part of his postelection victory address.

Reeling from their loss against Trump, some Democrats are skeptical that Kennedys biggest agenda items will come to pass and point to large bureaucratic bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency as checks on his power. And while Republicans regained control of the Senate, theres an existing 60-vote threshold to get Cabinet nominations confirmed in the upper chamber, making a high-level post harder to navigate.

RFKs eyebrow-raising ideas are so toxic that hed never be confirmed in a Senate, said Sacha Haworth, a Democratic strategist. You think Collins or Murkowski are really going to vote for the brain-worm guy who wants to ban childhood vaccines? she said, referencing the moderate Republican senators from Maine and Alaska.

Some Democrats like Haworth are also hopeful that Trump, who is known to have shifting and fleeting, alliances, will not remain steadfast to Kennedy. Now that RFK Jr. has served his purpose, Trump will do what he always does: Drop him like a rock, she added.

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The early debate playing out over Kennedy, in and of itself, is somewhat astonishing and showcases his unlikely rise over the past two years. After failing to get any traction challenging President Biden for the Democratic nomination last year, few expected that Kennedy could be advising the GOP president-elect on the countrys most pressing health considerations.

But Trumps interest in Kennedy only increased as the election neared. The two appeared together at battleground state rallies and Kennedy gave public directives to his supporters not to vote for him in places where he couldnt legally get off the ballots, like Michigan and Wisconsin.

Despite no longer being an official candidate, Kennedy still amassed nearly 44,500 votes in those two states, showing his popularity with his own diehard base.

As Kennedy now moves to hone his focus more closely on health during the transition, Democrats are pointing fingers at each other, questioning who is ultimately to blame for his ascent.

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As a progressive its disappointing that the Democratic Party establishment is allowing an existential threat to our public health to wreak havoc on our country because they failed to stop Donald Trump, said Kamran Fareedi, a left-wing Democratic operative.

Fareedi said that for a variety of reasons, Democrats didnt adequately address voters concerns and now could fall victim to the conspiracy-laden populist right.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The German arms company Rheinmetall and the satellite company ICEYE SAR, which joined forces in September to support Ukraine, are reporting the first successes of their collaboration.

Source: European Pravda, citing Rheinmetall

The company says that to meet Ukraine's need for satellite SAR imaging capabilities, Rheinmetall and Ukraine signed a contract with the support of the German government.

Quote: "The agreement further increases the SAR data and other support Ukraine has been receiving from ICEYE during the war," the press release notes.

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Since early October, Ukraine has been receiving new satellite images from ICEYE's SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites as part of the collaboration between Rheinmetall and ICEYE.

These images complement other intelligence data gathered from various sensors and will serve as a foundation for decision-making and operational planning by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The agreement also enables the use of ICEYE's entire satellite fleet.

SAR satellites have an advantage over conventional satellites because they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

They also offer exceptional detail, enabling the identification of even the smallest objects on the ground. This provides a critical advantage for armed forces in surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and positioning on the battlefield.

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The company further highlighted that the technological group from Dusseldorf announced its participation in the worlds largest fleet of radar reconnaissance satellites in June 2024, and in September, Rheinmetall and ICEYE ramped up their cooperation.

In this context, Rheinmetall secured exclusive rights to sell SAR satellites to military and government clients in the German and Hungarian markets.

Background:

In August 2022, ICEYE announced the signing of a contract with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to provide ICEYE satellite SAR imaging capabilities to the Ukrainian government. As part of the agreement, one of ICEYE's satellites was allocated for use by the Ukrainian government over the region.

In October 2022, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia could consider Western commercial satellites as legitimate targets if they were used to assist Ukraine in the war.

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DELPHI, Ind.  A jury of five men and seven women on Monday found Richard Allen guilty of all four charges in the deaths of Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" German.

The jury convicted the 52-year-old Delphi man of two counts of murder and two counts of murder while kidnapping the girls. The long-awaited decision in one of Indiana's most high-profile murder cases comes after more than seven years of investigation, nearly three weeks of testimony and 18 hours of deliberation.

Abby, 13, and her best friend, Libby, 14, went on a hike on the Monon High Bridge trail in the afternoon of Feb. 13, 2017. Allen, prosecutors alleged, tailed the girls on the high bridge, forced them down a hill and to a nearby woods, where he killed them by slashing their throats.

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The verdict is an affirmation of the years-long and, at times, criticized law enforcement investigation of the girls deaths. Although it may provide some closure for their families, the jurys decision is unlikely to be the end of the case that has spawned a circus-like atmosphere, created deep divisions among members of the public and became the subject of widespread misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Two years after Delphi's Abby Williams and Libby German were murdered, their families set up photos and candles for a Community prayer remembrance at Delphi United Methodist Church 1796 US-421, on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019.

As Special Judge Frances Gull made clear before the verdicts were announced just after 2 p.m., the outcome is unlikely to soothe long-troubled waters.

"Regardless of what the verdict is," she said, "people will not be happy."

There was a gasp, followed by quiet sobs, from members of Libby's family after the guilty verdict on the first murder charge was announced. Libby's mother, Carrie German Timmons, hugged the woman sitting next to her. After everyone was allowed to leave, Libby's relatives stayed to hug and thank Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland.

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Members of Allen's family stood in a corner near the courtroom's door, surrounding and consoling his wife, Kathy Allen.

Outside the courthouse, people began to scream "guilty." Several erupted in cheers.

What\'s next?

Allen, who will most certainly appeal, will be back in court for sentencing at 9 a.m. on Dec. 20. Allen faces between 90 and 130 years in prison. If he loses his appeal, he's likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Gull had previously issued a gag order preventing law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the families from speaking publicly about the case. Capt. Ron Galaviz, chief public information officer of the Indiana State Police, told reporters that the gag order will remain in place until lifted by the judge.

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Victims' families are allowed to deliver impact statements during sentencing hearings. Most of Abby and Libby's relatives have stayed quiet since Allen was arrested a little over two years ago.

A recap of the case

The case against Allen relied largely on an unspent round found between the girls' bodies that investigators alleged had been cycled through Allen's Sig Sauer, Model P226, .40-caliber handgun and on the dozens of confessions Allen made while awaiting trial in prison.

In one confession to Dr. Monica Wala, his therapist at Westville Correctional Facility, Allen said he forced the girls into the woods and planned to rape them, but he was spooked by a van driving in a private drive nearby, so he made them cross Deer Creek and killed them, according to Wala's notes. That vehicle belonged to Brad Weber who testified he was driving to his house near the trail at around 2:30 p.m., a few minutes after the girls were believed to have been kidnapped.

This courtroom sketch depicts defendant Richard Allen with defense attorney Andrew Baldwin at the Carroll County Courthouse on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2024. Allen is on trial in Delphi, Indiana, on murder charges in the 2017 killings of Abigail Williams and Liberty German.

That van, Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland said in his closing argument Thursday, was a detail "only the killer would know."

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Another key piece of evidence that prosecutors have focused on is the 43-second video that Libby took moments after she and Abby vanished from the trail. The video showed a man known as "Bridge Guy" tailing Abby as she crossed the high bridge. Toward the end of the video, the man told the girls to, "Go down the hill."

"The State has shown that Richard Allen is Bridge Guy," McLeland told jurors, citing testimony from Indiana State Police master trooper Brian Harshman, who testified he has become familiar with Allen's voice after listening to 700 calls he made in prison. Bridge Guy's voice is Allen's voice, Harshman told jurors.

Defense attorneys have countered that Allen is an innocent and mentally fragile man whose months-long isolation at Westville drove him to psychosis and to giving false confessions. In his closing argument, Bradley Rozzi urged jurors to recognize the dubiousness of the years-long investigation into the girls' deaths.

"You should question the credibility of this investigation because of the things they did not tell you," Rozzi told jurors.

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Rozzi repeatedly pointed to what the defense viewed as a critical flaw in the state's version of events: a gaping five-hour hole during which somebody had plugged in a headphone jack into Libby's phone. The testimony from the defense's digital forensics expert casts doubt on the prosecution's theory that the girls were killed earlier that afternoon, and their bodies were left in the woods, untouched for hours until first responders found them the next day.

Defense attorneys also called multiple experts to rebut testimony from Wala that Allen faked psychosis. A neuropsychologist told jurors that months of solitary confinement exacerbated Allen's depression and dependent personality disorder and drove him to psychosis. A psychiatrist and an expert on solitary confinement told jurors that Allen's behavior and mental state at Westville are "perfectly consistent" with the effects of prolonged isolation.

"When is somebody going to say something's wrong here? Where is the moral compass? Rozzi told jurors in his closing argument. "You're the moral compass."

Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at kphillips@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Richard Allen found guilty of Libby German, Abby Williams' murders
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is making a play for Donald Trumps endorsement in his bid to become Senate majority leader, hoping that the first Floridian to hold the White House will help make him the first senator from the Sunshine State to serve atop the chambers leadership.

Scott, a longtime Trump ally who won reelection last week by more than 1.3 million votes, has cast his effort to succeed U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell as the chambers top Republican as a chance to remake a slow-moving legislative body that will be responsible for confirming Trumps political appointees and enacting key parts of the president-elects agenda.

But Scott is facing competition from two other Republican senators  John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota  both of whom have served in the Senate far longer than Scott and have prior experience in the chambers GOP leadership.

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Still, Scott is hoping that his years-long alliance with Trump will pay off on Wednesday when Senate Republicans hold a secret-ballot election for their next leader.

Ive been talking to my Republican colleagues. Guess what? They want change, Scott said in an interview on Fox Business Sunday Morning Futures. They know that Trump has a mandate. They want to be part of that mandate. They want to be treated as equals. They want to be part of a team. They want to have a working relationship with the House. They know I got a great working relationship with Trump, with [House Speaker] Mike Johnson.

READ MORE: An outsider from the inside, Rick Scott seeks another six years in the U.S. Senate

Trump hasnt made an endorsement in the race for Senate Republican leader. A spokesperson for the former and future president did not respond to the Miami Heralds request for comment on the majority leader race or whether he planned to back a candidate.

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Scott said on Sunday that he had been in touch with Trump about the Senate leadership race, noting that he already won the president-elects support for the post once before in 2022 when Scott lost a longshot challenge to McConnell, who has served as the chambers GOP leader since 2007.

He supported me when I ran against McConnell two years ago. Im hoping hell support me this time, Scott said on Fox Business. But hes doing the right thing right now. He won his race. So were texting back and forth. Im going to do everything I can to make sure his agenda gets accomplished.

READ MORE: Rick Scott says hell make another run for Senate GOP leader after loss to McConnell

Trump hasnt remained entirely silent on the leadership race. He insisted on Sunday that any Republican who wants the job would have to agree to fast-track appointments to his administration and the courts by allowing him to name people to senior administration positions without Senate confirmation.

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Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Scott quickly agreed to the former and future presidents demand, writing on the social media site X that he will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible. Thune and Cornyn also chimed in on the matter, saying that they were both open to doing the same.

While Trump hasnt given his blessing to any one candidate, Scott has already amassed the support of several of the president-elects most prominent allies, including billionaire Elon Musk and conservative media personality Tucker Carlson, who in a post on X called Scott the only candidate who agrees with Donald Trump.

A handful of Scotts Senate colleagues have also come out in support of his leadership bid. That includes Floridas other U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who is also seen as a top contender for a role in the incoming Trump administration.

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READ MORE: Marco Rubio is at the center of a quiet race for secretary of state

Scott also has ties to some of the most influential figures in Trumps orbit, most notably Susie Wiles, the longtime Florida Republican operative who was tapped last week to serve as the president-elects White House chief of staff. Wiles previously managed Scotts successful 2010 bid for Florida governor.

Asked in an interview on Fox & Friends Monday morning about his prospects of securing the Senate leadership post, Scott said he was confident that he has the support of Trump and his team, even if the president-elect doesnt publicly make an endorsement in the race.

Im going to work hard, Scott said. I believe Im going to win because I represent exactly what the Trump team wants and what Trump wants and what the American public wants.
CAIRO (AP)  A leading rights group on Monday called for an international force to protect civilians in war-torn Sudan amid reports that a notorious paramilitary group has killed dozens of civilians and committed widespread rapes during a rampage in a province neighboring Khartoum.

Sudan has been plunged into war for narly 19 months in a struggle for power between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has been accused of atrocities in multiple areas where it has seized control.

The Rapid Support Forces rampaged through the province of Gezira last month , attacking towns and villages.

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Human Rights Watch said the RSF has killed, injured, and unlawfully detained scores of civilians and raped women and girls in Gezira. It urged Britain to use its turn as president of the United Nations Security Council this month to push for U.N. action to deploy a mission to protect civilians in Sudan.

This recent massive uptick in the Rapid Support Forces heinous attacks against civilians should end any lingering hopes that these crimes will stop without a strong global response, said Mohamed Osman, HRWs Sudan researcher. The U.N. Security Councils minimal action is clearly failing to protect civilians."

The war began in April 2023 when growing tensions between the military and RSF exploded into fighting in the capital Khartoum and around Sudan. More than 24,000 people have been killed and more than 14 million people  about 30% of the population  have been driven from their homes, creating the worlds largest displacement crisis this year, according to the International Organization for Migration, or IOM. Famine has struck some areas, and a cholera outbreak has killed more than 800 people and sickened 28,000 others.

Gezira province, southeast of Khartoum, has been largely controlled by the RSF since December. In October, one of its commanders running the province, Abu Aqlah Keikel, defected and surrendered to the military.

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RSF fighters responded with a rampage through towns and villages across the province.

The fighters shot civilians and sexually attacked and raped women and girls in multiple places, according to the U.N. and local groups. About 135,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since Oct. 20, according to the IOM.

Three Sudanese - two women and a young man - told The Associated Press that RSF fighters stormed their town, Tamboul, on Oct. 22, firing on civilians in their houses. They said they saw fighters shoot 12 men in the streets as they tried to escape. Many people, including women and girls, were detained, they said.

They went from house to house telling people to leave and searching for people connected to Keikel, said one woman, Inaam Abu Gassim, speaking by phone from her shelter in nearby Qadarif province.

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At least 47 women and girls were raped around Tamboul, the Sudanese Doctors Union said. A 7-year-old girl bled to dead after she was raped, Dr. Yassar al-Besheri, a spokesman for the union, told the AP.

In another town, Sariha, at least 123 people were killed and 200 others wounded in late October, the union said.

Human Rights Watch quoted a man from Sariha as saying that RSF fighters stopped him, his wife and three daughters as they fled their homes on Oct. 22.

One of the RSF soldiers looked at my youngest daughter, who is 15, and said: Leave her so we can enjoy her, and you can leave., the 51-year-old man was quoted as saying. He and his family, including his daughter, managed to escape, HRW reported.

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In the city of al-Hilaliya, the union said at least 200 people died this month. At least two dozen were killed by RSF fighters. The rest reportedly died from torture, starvation and disease, it said.

Sudan's conflict has raged as global attention has been shifted over the past year to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and recently to Lebanon where Israel launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah last month.

Rights groups have repeatedly urged international powers to pressure Sudans warring sides to stop fighting and negotiate a peaceful settlement to the conflict. The United States and Saudi Arabia have led multiple rounds of talks between the military and the RSF, most recently in August, but all failed to establish a cease-fire.

A senior U.S. government official said the warring sides have been focusing their efforts on achieving military gains following the end of the rainy season.

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The Biden administration has been working with its allies in the region to get them back to the negotiating table, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

So we are certainly trying actively with both African and Gulf partners, as well as European allies, and I think that we may or may not see something develop on that soon, he said.
Representatives from more than 50 Arab and other Islamic countries called for an end to the violence in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon at a summit in Saudi Arabia on Monday.

The summit in its final declaration called for the mobilization of international support to freeze Israel's participation in the United Nations and to stop Israeli aggression in the region.

The summit participants requested that all countries ban the export or transfer of arms and ammunition to Israel.

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The final statement strongly condemned the continued and persistent "Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the violation of its sovereignty and the sanctity of its territories," and called for an immediate ceasefire. It also condemned Israeli attacks on UN personnel in Lebanon.

The statement also lashed out at what was described as "the horrific and shocking crimes committed by the Israeli occupation army in the Gaza Strip in the context of the crime of genocide, including mass graves, torture and field executions."

Participants renewed their call for the establishment of a Palestinian state. "The only path to sustainable peace in the region is the two-state solution," said Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

He added that the inability to stop the aggression against Gaza is "a failure for the international community."

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Saudi Arabia had already invited people to a similar meeting a year ago.

Israel is conducting a war against the militant Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip alongside a parallel conflict with the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has been attacking Israel for a year: according to its own account, it is supporting Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which in turn committed a massacre with some 1,200 deaths in Israel on October 7, 2023.
SYDNEY, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- One adult is dead and one child has suffered serious injuries after a truck crashed into a kindergarten in Australia's state of Victoria on Monday afternoon, local police said.

A truck crashed into a kindergarten on Main Road in Riddells Creek, a small town some 45 km northwest of Melbourne, at around 2:20 p.m. local time, said Victoria police on social media on Monday.

"One adult, who is yet to be formally identified, has died at the scene," said the police.

"One child was injured and has been taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries."

The driver of the truck has also been taken to hospital for observation. Emergency services are currently in Riddells Creek following the collision.

Police said that investigations into the circumstances of the crash are underway and called for anyone with information to come forward. 
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Roanoke College has announced a new program beginning in the 2025 academic year.

On Monday, November 11, Roanoke College announced its new Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program that will be a part of the New River Valley Battalion of Cadets.

The ROTC program will be a four-year program, but students are also able to join as sophomores or juniors. This program is a part of Roanokes plan to make the exploration of purpose, the pursuit of character, and the graduation of leaders as a part of the education at the college.

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Dunkin Donuts honors Veterans Day with a sweet treat

This program will be a concentration for students that can be combined with a major at the school. Military Science will be a course taught on campus and cadets will be involved in combined training exercises each week with Radford University cadets.

Damon Daniels 24 will be Roanokes new military support and recruitment coordinator and will be the person to contact for students interested in the program. Daniels was in the Army for almost 20 years and toured in Afghanistan and Iraq and recently graduated with a health and physical education major.

Daniels also created and served as President of the Student Veterans Group while attending Roanoke and now advises the group.

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The College thanks Radford, and especially Major Drew Snow, assistant professor of military science and detachment officer in charge, for helping to bring ROTC to Roanoke College, David Taylor, associate vice president for academic operations, said. Were excited to continue the collaboration.

Veterans Parade Returns to Downtown Roanoke

The military science courses will be taught by Army instructors and professors along with offering ROTC students from both schools to have joint classes once a week.

ROTC courses include the following:

Critical thinking

Personal development

Leadership development

Analytical thinking

Troop leading procedures

Army problem-solving

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Cadets will learn about their leadership styles while working on their skills to work up into leadership roles. ROTC members will be in a small detachment which will allow them to work together while maintaining a high level of physical fitness.

Nature preserve created from suburban landfill lot in Salem

The cadets can then graduate as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army. ROTC students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships from the U.S. Army to help with educational costs.

Cadets can also graduate as second lieutenants and the goal of the program is to emphasize the following personal integrity, goal setting, ethical decision-making, and mission accomplishment.

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The program also offers field training like rappelling, land navigation, and marksmanship all while increasing confidence, discipline, and physical stamina.

Students interested in the new ROTC program at Roanoke can contact Damon Daniels, military support and recruitment coordinator, at 540-444-0774 or daniels@roanoke.edu.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW)  The service of U.S. military veterans should be remembered every day, not just on Veterans Day, Robeson Community College President Melissa Singler told a group gathered on campus for a ceremony on Monday.

Singler also reminded those at the ceremony that freedom is not free and that those who served should be remembered every day for all that they have done for us.

Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College Photo: Hector Miray / Robeson Community College

The ceremony held to honor all veterans, including those in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, Army National Guard, Space Force and Reserves, included the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, the laying of a wreath at the flag and the playing of taps.

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The keynote speaker, Master Sgt. Raymond Hunt, talked about the sacrifices veterans and their families have made and encouraged everyone to reach out to a Veteran.

The school also announced the winner of its Veterans Day Poem contest. The winner, Lakyn Jacobs, then read aloud her winning poem  To the Promise Lands Heroes.

At the end of the ceremony, Christmas cards were made available for everyone to write a note and sign. The cards will be mailed and distributed to veterans as a way to lift their spirits during the holiday season.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
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The outcome of the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5 has not only people in Washington, D.C. preparing the handoff of administrations, but people overseas are also making plans. It appears that the royal family is figuring out how to handle a second Donald Trump term and they might have this secret weapon to help foster an amicable relationship.

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According to iNews, many countries are nervous about the president-elects promise to shake up the world order, especially when it comes to Russias war against Ukraine. It has many leaders in Europe on the edge of their seats, thats why King Charles III is reportedly prepping to use his soft power to stay on the U.S. good side. What the monarch has working in his favor is Donald Trumps respect for the throne and he might be easy to sway with a Buckingham Palace visit or two.

Queen Elizabeth II and President of the United States, Donald Trump walk from the Quadrangle after inspecting an honor guard at Windsor Castle on July 13, 2018 in Windsor, England.

The royal familys diplomacy with Donald Trump might be a really good way for the UK to strengthen relations. Evie Aspinall, director of the British Foreign Policy Group, told iNews that leaning into the president-elects ego might be exactly what the U.K. needs right now. Donald Trump, he loves family, he loves the pomp of the monarchy, and I think thats an exciting way for him to feel important, she explained. Being seen to be recognized by the Royal Family is something, I think, that he would like. So actually, the more we can bring in people like King Charles, who he particularly likes, I think theres an opportunity to get a basis of strong relations from that.

Donald Trump gushed about Queen Elizabeth II after she passed away in September 2022. Queen Elizabeths historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women, he wrote on Truth Social, via People.

Still, the late monarch was reportedly not a fan of the controversial politician. In Craig Browns book, Q: A Voyage Around the Queen, Queen Elizabeth reportedly found Donald Trump to be very rude. The author wrote, She particularly disliked the way he couldnt stop looking over her shoulder, as though in search of others more interesting. He reportedly wasnt her favorite foreign dignitary, but Donald Trump claimed to the Daily Mail in August.

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She said to friends of mine that, President Trump was my favorite president. And then you have this guy looking for some publicity for a book that probably is phony, and a lot of other ways too, he said. We had an unbelievable relationship. She was an amazing woman.

Now its up to King Charles to foster good relations with a sometimes temperamental Donald Trump.

Before you go, click here to see every time Queen Elizabeth has met the US Presidents!

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A man was arrested on Hague Street in Rochester Sunday after police say he threatened another man with a stolen gun.

According to the Rochester Police Department, officers were called to the area around 2:30 p.m. for a report of a man possibly held against his will. They determined Clemont Grayson, 30, threatened another person with a handgun.

Police said Grayson had a loaded handgun in his pocket when he was taken into custody. The gun had been reported stolen in Idaho.

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Grayson was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of stolen property, and menacing. He was taken to the Monroe County Jail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three GOP senators are set to battle in a secret vote this week in a bid to be named the next Republican Senate leader, replacing the outgoing Mitch McConnell - and all three could have a signficant hand in shaping Americas policy.

Senators Rick Scott of Florida, John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota are all vying for the top position, as President-elect Donald Trump is pressuring them to allow him to make recess appointments so he can fast-track positions without Senate approval. Whoever wins the vote will be expected to help Trump enact his agenda that includes hard-line immigration enforcement, tax cuts and a host of other campaign promises.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Trump wrote in a social media post on X.

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Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!

While a president has the constitutional authority to make recess appointments, they are rarely used and are intended for emergencies. The appointments can last for up to two years without any Senate involvement.

Donald Trump in the Oval Office with outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pictured in July 2020. McConnell is stepping down as the Republican Senate leader, and now several are aiming to replace him (Getty Images)

Elon Musk, who has endorsed Scott for the role, also weighed in despite the fact he is not a member of the U.S. government and cannot vote for a Senate majority. This is essential. There is no other way, Musk replied to the president-elects order.

Musk also asked his 204.2 million followers in a poll who they think should be the next Senate leader, which resulted in 65.5 percent for Scott.

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Its going to be bloody and rough, and money is going to matter, one GOP aide told The Hill.

But who are the candidates in the running?

Rick Scott

Although he is largely seen as the outsider in this contest, Trump allies have been quick to endorse Scott for Senate leader. Scott, from Trumps home state of Florida, has already received the backing of Robert F Kennedy Jr, Tucker Carlson and fellow Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

The wealthiest member of the U.S. Senate has already said to Trump he will do whatever it takes to get his nominations through as quickly as possible.

The 71-year-old former Governor of Florida, who was reelected to the U.S. Senate last week, told Fox Newss Maria Bartiromo at the weekend that, we have got to change the way the Senate is run to get Trumps agenda done.

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Before entering politics, Scott was the chief executive of Columbia/HCA Health Corporation, but resigned after federal agents found the company defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs. He took responsibility for what happened in 2010, but denied any wrongdoing and was not charged with a crime.

Senator Rick Scott of Florida has picked up the backing of several Trump loyalists as he runs for Senate majority leader (AP)

The company settled for $1.7 billion and Scott still walked away with $10 million severance pay and $300 million in stock and options, the Miami Herald reports.

Scotts gubernatorial race in 2010 was won with Trumps incoming White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, at the helm. Wiles is still a close friend of the Florida senator.

John Cornyn

As a close McConnell ally, Texas senator Cornyn has been waiting in the wings for his chance at the top Senate job.

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He was McConnells No. 2 from 2013 to 2019 and is a fundraising powerhouse for Senate Republicans, raising over $406 million since he was first elected in 2002.

The 72-year-old, who was Senate Republican whip during the first two years of Trumps first administration, has already signaled he will also appease Trumps wishes to change protocol in the Senate. It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President @realDonaldTrumps cabinet appointments, he posted on X on Sunday. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent.

Senator John Cornyn of Texas, has long been the No. 2 to McConnell, but some have blasted him for not always being a strong Trump backer (AP)

But Cornyn has not always been Trumps most vocal supporter. President Trumps time has passed him by and I think whats the most important thing to me is we have a candidate who can actually win, he said in May 2023.

Cornyn, who was Texas attorney general from 1999 to 2002, did eventually endorse Trump, but some on the far right of the party have called him anti-gun, anti-Trump, the Texas Tribune reports.

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Vice President-elect JD Vance also clerked for Cornyn on the Senate Judiciary Committee when he was a student at Yale Law School in 2011.

John Thune

Musk has slammed Thune as being the top choice of Democrats.

The Senate GOP whip, 63, of South Dakota, said he believes its in Trumps best interest to stay out of the Senate leadership race.

Im staying in regular contact with him and with his team and, 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 [the race,] Thune told CNBC.

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These Senate secret-ballot elections are probably best left to the senators and hes got to work with all of us when its all said and done, he added.

Senator John Thune of South Dakota has been slammed as the top choice of Democrats for the job (AP)

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Thune, an evangelical Christian who grew up in the small town of Murdo in South Dakota, has bounced back since losing the Senate race by 524 votes in 2002.

He traveled to Mar-a-Lago in the spring when he launched his bid to Trump to replace McConnell, but his failure to go along with the president-elect in 2020 over the baseless election fraud claims might damage his chances.

Thune has since tried to soften his position, asserting that Trump can be trusted with the presidency a second time around while acknowledging that 2020 was hard, painful and tumultuous in many ways.

I think with respect to democratic norms, my expectation is that [Trumps] going to ... follow them. Hes going to do things clearly his own way, Thune added.
Vladimir Putins much-anticipated second counteroffensive against the three-month-old Ukrainian occupation of Russias Kursk region appears to be underway in a much larger fashion than the one launched in September. This time, not only are there far more Russian troops, but there appears to be the first deployment of a significant number of North Korean troops in combat on Russias behalf as well.

They are now doing the order of their military leadership, trying to push our troops out and push deep into the territory we hold, Col.-Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces, announced on Facebook Monday after visiting the region.

The commander of Ukraines Armed Forces, Col.-Gen. Oleksandr Syskyi said he visited troops in Russias Kursk region. (Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff)

To end this invasion, which Ukrainian officials say has occupied about 500 square miles of territory, Russia has amassed about 50,000 troops, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday. That includes some from North Korea, The New York Times reported on Sunday, citing U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

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 In the Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding back a 50,000-strong enemy group, Zelenskyi in a night address



"By the end of the year, European partners should have time to fully implement the initiative to supply 1 million shells for our artillery." pic.twitter.com/h202C4Fjlh   MilitaryNewsUA  (@front_ukrainian) November 11, 2024

Ukraine had been steadily losing ground in Kursk since September after Russia launched a previous attempt to kick them out. However, theyve largely managed to hold ground in recent weeks, while significant parts of the Kursk battleground remain in flux and controlled by neither side. Whether this counteroffensive will result in large thrusts or chipping away at Ukrainian positions is unclear at the moment. Attacks seem to have increased in the past few days, with Russian forces attempting to chew off pieces of the Ukrainian salient from several directions.

Obviously, they will try to take back as much territory as possible Rob Lee, a Russian military specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia who recently returned from a visit to Ukraine, told us. But, given the quality of the Ukrainian units there, we may see Russia continue to chip away and make incremental advances.

Statements from Ukrainian troops and video from the battlefield indicate Russia has taken heavy losses in so-called meat attacks, similar to how theyve fought in eastern Ukraine.

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During two days of assault, the enemy did nothing except destroy their units and equipment, namely 28 units of the enemys equipment and more than 100 [Russians] from the 810th brigade of the Russian marines, Ukraines 95th Brigade claimed on Telegram. But about a hundred more occupiers were seriously injured on the territory of Kursk. Our paratroopers repelled the desire of the Russians to continue the assault  the [Russians] began to retreat, but not all succeeded.

The War Zone cannot independently verify that claim.

 The  Ukrainian Flying Skull unit destroys  Russian equipment and infantry in the Kursk region pic.twitter.com/lYorWL8Ene   MilitaryNewsUA  (@front_ukrainian) November 11, 2024

 Russian assault in the Kursk region. Russians are clearing mines on roads with their own equipment and personnel.



Im sure youre proud of them @DarthPutinKGB, and you remain a master strategist  https://t.co/pZ6PGCMPAZpic.twitter.com/pykxiQzsCT  Maria Drutska  (@maria_drutska) November 10, 2024

The Ukrainian GEOINT specialists "KiberBoroshno"https://t.co/PfP3SwmZPa



have prepared an excellent map with detailed geolocation of the defeat of the advancing Russian equipment in the area of the settlement Pogrebki in the Kursk region, which took place on November 7-8 pic.twitter.com/rcSXCHObT4  Lew Anno Suport#Israel #Ukraine 24/2-22 (@anno1540) November 11, 2024

Milblogger Romanov on the Russian meat assault in Kursk on November 7, which resulted in the destruction of several armored vehicles and the loss of dozens of personnel. According to him, the tragedy was caused by yet another lie:



"The footage published by the enemy shows an pic.twitter.com/EohXqxXaE7  WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) November 11, 2024

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The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Telegram that its Northern grouping of troops repelled six enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Daryino, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Novoivanovka.

The high quality of forces Kyiv has committed to Kursk has created a conundrum for Ukraines thinly stretched military.

In his message on Monday, Syrskyi claimed the invasion forced Russia to pull troops from the fight inside Ukraine.

If not for the resilience of our soldiers, these tens of thousands of enemies from the best Russian strike units would storm our positions in the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove or Toretsk directions, which would significantly worsen the situation on the frontlines, he said.

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However, U.S. officials have a different view.

A new U.S. assessment concludes that Russia has massed the force without having to pull soldiers out of Ukraines east  its main battlefield priority  allowing Moscow to press on multiple fronts simultaneously, The New York Times reported.

Adding validity to that assessment, Russian troops continue to make gains in eastern Ukraine, especially near Kurakhove in the Donetsk region.

The enemy continues to implement his large-scale plan to envelop the city, entering from the flanks, the Ukrainian DeepState open-source intelligence collective stated on Telegram Monday. As we noted earlier, [the Russians], having increased the pressure from new directions, are trying to enter the logistical routes of the Defense Forces, and from that moment on, this process is only gaining momentum. As of today, Muscovites are storming the positions of the Ukrainian military from the north, south and east:

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We have to remind once again that lies will destroy us all, DeepState complained. But even in attracting additional resources that arrive in the Kurakhove region, questions of the adequacy of the deployment arise. With such actions, the loss of control over Kurakhove remains a matter of time. And if the problem with the flanks is not taken under control, then very soon it will turn into another disaster.

  DeepState reports difficult situation around Kurakhove, which could become catastrophic https://t.co/Av9nS3p4yb  Ukrainska Pravda in English (@pravda_eng) November 11, 2024

As part of their advance, Russian forces have damaged the Kurakhove dam, according to the regional governor.

This strike potentially threatens residents of settlements on the Vovchii River, both in Donetsk region and in Dnipro region, Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram.

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In mid September we crossed the dam over the Kurakhove reservoir several times. And each time we crossed it, it got more destroyed by the Russians. They used FABs in the morning and in the afternoon to detonate the dam, cut the road and lower the water level of the lake  pic.twitter.com/DxEljvAMc6  Julian Ropcke  (@JulianRoepcke) November 11, 2024

The losses in the east are not going unnoticed by Ukrainian troops, who are questioning the value of the Kursk gambit.

Syrskyis strategy raises questions among some military personnel who do not understand why resources are being directed to the Kursk region while the defense in the Donbas is weakening, the Spanish El Pais newspaper posited, citing an interview with a former Ukrainian commander. Perhaps our leaders have some big secret plan, otherwise I dont understand why our best brigades are in Kursk region, while our defense in Ukraine is falling apart, the newspaper quotes Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Dmitry Marchenko, who recently announced his dismissal from the army.

Making matters worse for Ukraine, there are about 10,000 North Korean troops in Kursk, according to the Pentagon. They are part of a cadre of what the head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate told us was some 12,000 of Pyongyangs soldiers in Russia.

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There are fresh claims that the North Koreans are involved in the fighting.

North Korean troops were taking part in direct combat operations in Kursk, as well as defensive operations in the neighboring Belgorod region of Russia and in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, a Ukrainian commander told CNN Sunday.

Mostly, the tasks are defined as the second echelon of defense. In the Kursk region, these are direct combat operations, he said, adding that among the personnel were specialist artillerymen and snipers.

The North Korean troops were a significant resource for Russias war on Ukraine, the commander continued, noting that even those being deployed defensively would free up Russian troops for assault operations elsewhere and would themselves eventually be used in direct combat.

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This morning I went to Kursk in Russia.



I can confirm after speaking to soldiers in Sudzha that North Koreans have been spotted in combat on the front lines AND that the counter offensive has officially begun in a big way.



It was extremely loud and dramatic with KAB glide pic.twitter.com/ZcYT97FWEk  Caolan (@CaolanRob) November 11, 2024

With Russia increasing pressure on the Kursk salient while also gaining ground in eastern Ukraine, Kyivs political and military leadership faces a stark choice about where they want to continue to commit their limited amount of troops and equipment.

It depends on where Ukraine chooses to prioritize, Rob Lee suggested to us. Kursk clearly remains a priority given the size of the force and the quality of the units committed there. The operation has stretched Ukrainian forces and has likely contributed to Russias increased rate of advance elsewhere on the front line.

Russia, he added, will likely continue to try to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk while also continuing offensive operations elsewhere on the front. A potential offensive from Zaporizhzhia could stretch Ukrainian forces even more.

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All this comes against the backdrop of political change in the U.S, Ukraines biggest backer. On Jan. 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump will once again become president. While the mercurial Trump claims he can quickly end the war in a plan he has yet to make public, there are concerns that he might abandon Ukraine if such a deal is not accepted by Kyiv. However, the issue is far more nuanced and complex, as we noted in our deep dive on the subject which you can read more about here.

When it comes to U.S. involvement with Ukraine, President-elect Donald Trump will shuffle the deck. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Chip Somodevilla

As we previously reported, Zelensky sees Kursk as a bargaining chip.

Our operation is aimed to restore our territorial integrity, Zelensky said in early September. We capture Russian troops to replace them with the Ukrainians. The same attitude is to the territories. We dont need their land.

Unfortunately for Ukraine, Zelensky is playing a steadily weakening hand. While both sides are struggling to meet recruiting goals, Russia has a far larger pool to pull from and is regenerating its forces more quickly. Meanwhile, should North Korean troops see success on the battlefield, Kim Jong-un could send tens of thousands more to Russia, not just for fighting in Kursk, but also in Ukraine.

One Western official told the Times that the Kursk invasion thinned out its forces across the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, leaving them vulnerable to Russian advances. But that official, and U.S. officials, said Ukraine still had a strong defense in Kursk and might be able to hold, at least for a time.

Though Ukraine continues to lose troops and territory, Zelensky will likely do whatever he can to keep Kursk contested until Trump takes office and negotiations can begin.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Russia has prepared tens of thousands of troops for an offensive to retake the Russian region of Kursk, which Ukraine has held for months, according to Kyivs commander-in-chief, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Syrskyi said the threat of the Russian troops cannot be underestimated, warning they were prepared to mount an attack on Kursk.

Now, following the order of their military leadership, they are trying to dislodge our troops and advance deep into the territory we control, Syrski wrote in a post on Telegram, adding that Ukrainian forces were ready to deter any advance.

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Russian forces have slowly been advancing on Ukraines positions in Kursk from several directions, aiming to recapture the roughly 500 square miles of territory that Ukrainian forces took when they began a surprise offensive in August.

But Russia has so far held back from a large-scale deployment, with Russian President Vladimir Putin vowing that the Kursk attack would not detract from Moscows efforts to seize territory in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine still holds much of the territory in Kursk, including the key city of Sudzha.

That calculus may have changed with the arrival of North Korean forces. The U.S. has said some 10,000 North Koreans are in Kursk, and Ukrainian officials have said that Ukraines forces have already fired at the new troops.

The New York Times reported that some 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops have amassed for a Kursk offensive and that they can press forward in the Russian territory without sacrificing efforts in eastern Ukraine.

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Still, Russia may take heavy losses if they attempt to remove dug-in Ukrainian forces, who have held the territory for more than three months now.

The U.S. says that Russia has already suffered some 600,000 casualties since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and there were 1,200 casualties a day in September alone, the deadliest month yet.

Its unclear how a major Kursk offensive will affect relations with the U.S. after the recent electoral victory of President-elect Trump, who has called for an end to the war, which could involve major concessions from Ukraines side.

The Washington Post reported over the weekend that Trump called Putin last week and asked him not to escalate the war, but the Kremlin denied the call.

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Russia has massed tens of thousands of troops as part of a major effort to retake land in its Kursk region that was seized by Ukraine, according to the commander in chief of Kyiv's armed forces.

Oleksandr Syrskyi said Monday that Russian forces were "trying to dislodge our troops and advance deep into the territory we control" in Kursk, where Ukraine's military has occupied swaths of territory since a surprise August incursion that turned the tables in the 2-year war.

The push to retake territory comes as the two sides exchanged an intense wave of drone attacks that Ukraine said killed eight people, and after President-elect Donald Trumps election victory, which could upend the U.S. approach to the war. The Kremlin on Monday denied that Trump had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Ukraine and its allies have warned a counteroffensive in Kursk was likely for weeks, and said that thousands of North Korean troops were among the force assembled by the Kremlin in Kursk.

The importance of this operational area cannot be underestimated given the number of enemy troops concentrated there, Syrskyi said in a post on Telegram, adding that soldiers were engaged in combat in the area. "If it were not for the steadfastness of our soldiers, these tens of thousands of enemies from the best Russian assault units would have stormed our positions" elsewhere on the front lines, he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed in September that Ukraine had seized roughly 500 square miles of Russian territory, but its offensive has stalled in recent months after Putin promised to "squeeze" Ukrainian troops out of the country.

Russia had initially struggled to respond, and there seemed to be limited resources devoted to driving back the first invasion of Russian land since World War II.

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But Zelenskyy said last week that about 11,000 North Korean soldiers were in the areas bordering Ukraine and were taking part in combat against Ukrainian militaries.

There are losses; this is a fact, he said

The Pentagon had confirmed earlier that some 10,000 North Korean troops had been sent to Russia for training and were presumed to be joining the fight against Ukraine, intensifying their partnership and alarming the United States and its allies.

As Russia continues its offensive, Ukraine is also reckoning with a shifting political landscape after its biggest backer elected a new president.

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Trump has said he would be able to resolve Russias invasion before he even takes office, and has praised Putin while blaming Zelenskyy for the war.

Tech mogul Elon Musk briefly joined Trumps call with Zelenskyy last Wednesday, according to a source familiar with the matter. Zelenskyy described the call as "excellent."

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday denied a Washington Post report, citing multiple unnamed sources, that Trump had spoken with Putin.

"There was no conversation, Peskov claimed. "It is completely untrue. It is pure fiction, it is simply false information."

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Russia's push in Kursk marks the latest escalation in fighting after the two countries exchanged a wave of drone strikes over the weekend.

Ukraine said heavy Russian shelling from Sunday through to Monday morning killed eight civilians in the country, including five in the city of Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine.

Ukraine's Kherson, Donetsk and Sumy regions also experienced casualties, according to local officials.

The strikes come after Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow since the Kremlin's full-scale invasion began in 2022, injuring one person and forcing three major airports to divert flights.

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Russia fired an unprecedented 145 drones against Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials said that at least two people were injured and buildings were damaged by Russian drone strikes on the southern region of Odesa. Zelenskyy said Monday that Ukraine has suffered $800 billion in damages as a result of Russian aggression.

Mykhailo Samus, a Ukrainian military analyst and director of the New Geopolitics Research Network, told NBC News that Putin may be rushing to take the Kursk region back now that he faces the prospect of negotiations with Trump and Zelenskyy.

Kursk Oblast will be one of the one of the cards on the table used by President Zelenskyy, if youre talking about the conditions of stopping the war or negotiating a cease-fire, he said in a phone interview.

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It will be very difficult for Putin to explain to the Russian population, Russian elites, how its possible they are discussing Russian territory with the Americans. So Im sure that next weeks will be very intensive battles, he said.

Christopher Tuck, an expert in conflict and security at Kings College London, echoed Samus, saying North Korean troops had "accelerated Russias ability to conduct the offensive."

"The presence of North Korean troops has been an important enabler for this new offensive because these forces are likely to be able to provide the initial cannon fodder that Russias current style of warfare requires," he said.

"How long they will continue to be militarily effective is something that we dont yet know."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
As many as 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops are preparing to launch a new counteroffensive to push Ukrainian forces out of their positions in Russia's western Kursk region, multiple Ukrainian military sources told ABC News.

Moscow has been trying to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk since they seized a chunk of the border region in a daring August offensive, marking the first time that Kyiv's forces have seized and held significant Russian territory since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The expected counteroffensive intends to retake land captured by Ukrainian forces in Kursk since August, Kyiv military sources told ABC News. North Korean forces will be involved, they said, but it is unclear how many of Pyongyang's soldiers are prepared to join the fight.

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Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said last week there are 10,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to Kursk.

PHOTO: In this image taken from a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Nov. 7, 2024, Russian soldiers fight with Ukrainian troops in the Sudzhansky district of the Kursk region of western Russia. (AP)

"We'll see exactly how these forces are integrated into Russian operations, and how they're committed to the battlefield, assuming that they are replacements for Russian forces," Ryder told journalists during a briefing.

"Should these troops engage in combat support operations against Ukraine, they would become legitimate military targets," Ryder added.

Kyiv has used the Kursk operation to replenish its "exchange fund" of captured Russian soldiers, to bolster its negotiating position and to apply political pressure on the Kremlin. If renewed peace talks go ahead -- as President-elect Donald Trump has proposed -- occupied parts of Kursk could prove valuable bargaining chips for Kyiv.

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MORE: NATO confirms North Korean troops deployed in Russian war on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last month that the Kursk operation marked "a very important phase of the war," adding that Ukrainians "have proven that they can push the war into Russia."

Ukraine's top commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskiy, said in a Monday Telegram post that the importance of the Kursk operational area "cannot be underestimated given the number of enemy troops concentrated there."

"If it were not for the steadfastness of our soldiers, these tens of thousands of enemies from the best Russian shock units would have stormed our positions in the Pokrovsky, Kurakhiv or Toretsk directions, which would have significantly worsened the situation at the front," he added, referring to areas of intense fighting on the eastern front.

PHOTO: In this photo taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry press service on Nov. 5, 2024, a Russian Su-34 bomber operates at the border area of Kursk region in western Russia. (AP)

"Now, following the orders of their military leadership, they are trying to dislodge our troops and advance deep into the territory we control," Syrskiy said. "Our task in this direction is to deter and destroy the enemy on his land."

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Ukraine's Kursk operation has not stopped Russian momentum in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow's troops have been reporting steady progress and the capture of villages, edging the front line westward.

ABC News' Will Gretsky, Patrick Reevell and Natalia Popova contributed to this report.

Russia prepares counteroffensive with 50,000 troops, potentially including North Koreans, sources say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
YINCHUAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- In an intangible cultural heritage employment workshop in Xiji County, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, several women sit around tables, busy making embroidery patterns.

Fifty-year-old Lei Chunhua, one of the embroiderers, secures a shoe sole in front of her, and a few colorful threads weave gracefully through her fingers, gradually revealing the intricate pattern of handmade slippers.

Lei used to be a farmer, and the thought of making a living through embroidery never crossed her mind. Then a few years ago, she had a major operation that left her unable to work in the fields.

By chance, she joined the company founded by Shi Manyi, an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage for Ningxia embroidery, to learn the craft.

"Our employees are mainly women left behind in rural areas, farmers and some people living with disabilities," said Zhao Jing, daughter of Shi and general manager of Xiji County Rural Cultural Creative Industry Co., Ltd. "The wages are calculated per piece, making the work schedule highly flexible. They can come to the workshop when they have free time or take materials home to work."

Through making and selling handicrafts, the company provides employment opportunities and a way to boost incomes for those who would otherwise be without work.

"Now that I can't do farm work or take on other jobs, I use my spare time to do handicrafts. It helps support my household and allows me to take care of my child who attends school," said Lei.

Today, the company's products are sold nationwide, with sales revenue reaching 4.58 million yuan (about 638,000 U.S. dollars) in 2023. It has created employment for over 300 locals, increasing their annual income by more than 10,000 yuan per person.

In recent years, with strong national support for intangible cultural heritage like embroidery, Xiji has leveraged traditional embroidery skills among women, establishing it as a key industry to boost local women's employment.

The county has developed a brand called "Xiji Embroidery Women," making embroidery and hand knitting an essential part of vocational skills training programs, which boosts women's incomes and advances rural revitalization.

As the number of embroiderers grows and orders increase, this traditional craft is also seeking new development through innovation.

"The market for cultural and creative products is thriving. At a recent promotional event in the city of Changsha, we secured orders worth 370,000 yuan," said Yang Ling, general manager of Ma Lan Embroidery Co., Ltd. in Xiji.

Inspired by her mother Ma Lan, Yang learned embroidery at a young age and later studied design at university. After returning to her hometown to take over the company, she sought not merely to preserve tradition but to blend it with modernity, developing cultural tourism products based on intangible heritage.

"In the past, we only produced traditional embroidered items. Later, while visiting other cities, I was captivated by the market appeal of trendy, China-chic cultural products, which sparked a lot of inspiration. When I returned, I began creating these products," Yang noted.

Inspired by Yang's creativity, the company began producing a wide range of cultural products last year, such as earrings, brooches, pillows and playing cards.

These products are highly favored by consumers, enjoying strong sales not only in the domestic market but also in regions such as the Middle East and Central Asia. Today, sales from cultural products account for half of the company's total revenue.

Moreover, Yang also established a training school through her company, offering year-round courses in embroidery and hand knitting. To date, the school has trained over 14,000 participants, cultivating thousands of skilled artisans in handicrafts.

"We hope to develop more new products to drive the growth of the embroidery industry while also helping more women increase their income," Yang said. 
Russian losses in Ukraine reached a record daily high of 1,770, according to figures released by Kyiv on Nov. 11.

The total surpasses the previous record of 1,740 on May 13.

According to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Russia's total casualties now stand at 710,660.

The figures do not specify killed or wounded, though the overall consensus is that it includes dead, wounded, missing, and captured. They are broadly in line with estimates from Western nations.

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While the Kremlin does not announce the number of dead and injured, Western officials have claimed October was the heaviest month yet for Russian forces.

The number of Russian troops injured and killed last month averaged 1,500 "every single day," U.K. Defence Staff Chief Admiral Anthony Radakin told the BBC on Nov. 10.

This is higher than the previous figure presented by the U.K. Defense Minister John Healey, who told The Telegraph on Nov. 8 that Russia suffered 41,980 killed and wounded during October- a daily average of 1,354.

Read also: For 2nd day straight, Russias reported losses in Ukraine surge to record levels

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According to some experts, the surge in losses in recent months may be one of the factors behind the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia.

Russia is sacrificing high numbers of troops for tiny increments of land, Radakin told the BBC. However, he added that Russia is making tactical, territorial gains, and putting pressure on Ukraine" amid a heavy offensive.

While Russian forces are suffering record losses, they're also making increasingly swift gains in the east of Ukraine.

According to a Bloomberg analysis published on Nov. 1, Ukraine has lost 1,146 square kilometers of its own territory since the launch of the Kursk Oblast incursion in early August, with the week up until Nov. 1 reported as the worst in terms of lost territory in all of 2024.

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On Nov. 2, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Ukraine was facing one of the most powerful Russian offensives since the start of the all out war.

Over autumn, large chunks of Ukrainian territory, sometimes including entire cities, have been lost on a near-daily basis in southern Donetsk Oblast, while Russian forces have also made operationally significant gains near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, Kupiansk, as well as on their own soil in Kursk Oblast.

Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine pass 700,000, Putin runs low on non-mobilization options

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Russia is attempting to influence the next presidential elections in Romania, which will take place in late November or early December.

Source: Digi24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Russia is attempting to influence Romanian elections "through proxies and intermediaries, such as Russia-related or Russian-funded organisations and institutions, possibly including candidates".

According to the article, every Russian person in Romania "is under constant monitoring", and the country's counterintelligence records prospective attempts to "cast doubt on Romania's membership in the European Union and NATO".

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Furthermore, Romanian legislators raised the issue, calling for an investigation into whether countries such as Russia, China, and North Korea interfere in elections, for example, by conducting hacker attacks on Romanian public institutions.

Among other indicators of such influence, Digi24 mentions a network of bots and trolls on social media who are attempting to "obtain illegitimate content to promote certain candidates", into which the Romanian police have also begun an investigation.

The first round of Romania's presidential election will be held on 24 November and the second on 8 December. Klaus Iohannis, the incumbent president and a representative of the National Liberal Party, cannot serve a third term.

Last month, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, one of Romania's presidential candidates, was embroiled in a scandal after it was revealed that his campaign's previous coordinator had connections to a Russian propagandist and businessman.

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Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia shortly after 1 a.m. on Nov. 11, killing and injuring civilians, including children.

One man was killed in the attack, regional Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. At least 21 more people were wounded, including five children. The injured victims include boys aged 4, 16, and 17 and girls aged 15 and 17.

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Eight people were hospitalized, including the 4-year-old boy, Fedorov said.

Russia carried out three strikes against the city on Nov. 11 using FAB-500 bombs, the National Police reported. One attack partially destroyed a two-story residential building. The other attacks damaged a dormitory and a car dealership.

Residents are being evacuated from the dormitory, authorities said.

Rescue operations are ongoing at the site and the number of victims is still being established.

Zaporizhzhia, the regional center of the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, is a common target of Russian attacks. In the past week alone, the city has suffered multiple strikes against densely populated neighborhoods.

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An attack on Nov. 7 killed 10 people, including a 1-year-old child, and injured 41 others. Two days before, a Nov. 5 strike killed six and injured 23.

Some 710,000 residents lived in Zaporizhzhia before the outbreak of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow; Russian casualties reached record high in October

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Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia attacked the southern city of Mykolaiv with drones on Nov. 11, killing five people and injuring one woman, local authorities reported.

Five people were killed and one 45-year-old woman was hospitalized following the attack, Governor Vitalii Kim reported. According to Kim, search and rescue operations have been completed.

Russia attacked the city overnight with kamikaze drones, Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych said.

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The drone strike destroyed a house and caused serious damage to a four-story apartment building. An apartment on the fourth floor was destroyed, and fires broke out on the third and fourth floors, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said.

Mykolaiv Oblast and other southern oblasts suffer regular Russian attacks. The city of Mykolaiv lies roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest from the front line in Kherson Oblast.

A Russian missile strike in Mykolaiv on Oct. 15 killed one person and injured 23 others.

Russia has recently been ramping up attacks against residential neighborhoods in Ukraine's most populated cities. The night before the attack on Mykolaiv, Russia on Nov. 10 launched a record number of drones  145 total  against Ukraine in its largest overnight drone strike since the start of the full-scale invasion.

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Read also: Russias Iranian Shahed drone strikes on Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities surge

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russian glide bombs, drones and a ballistic missile smashed into cities in southern and eastern Ukraine on Monday, officials said, killing at least six civilians and injuring about 30 others.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has recently intensified strikes that have long tormented civilian areas, in an apparent effort to unnerve Ukrainians and wear down their willingness to keep up a war that is approaching its 1,000-day milestone.

Every day, every night, Russia commits the same terror, Zelenskyy said in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Except that an increasing number of civilian objects are becoming targets.

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Both Russia and Ukraine are waiting to see how Washington will change its policy on the war after Donald Trump takes office as the U.S. president in January. The U.S. is the biggest provider of military help to Ukraine, but Trump has chided the Biden administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars of aid.

The Ukrainian army intends to expand its mobile units, which are primarily tasked with shooting down drones, in the regions most frequently targeted by Russian strikes, Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

He also said that Ukraine is working on producing its own glide bombs as part of a domestic missile program. Russian glide bombs have significantly impacted the battlefield, as their destructive power reduces settlements to rubble and makes it increasingly difficult for Ukrainian forces to hold their defensive fortifications.

Ukrainian forces are being slowly pushed backward in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia is bringing its greater military might to bear. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would conduct a substantial reinforcement in areas near the Donetsk settlements of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk, where Ukraines army is in danger of being overrun.

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Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is holding its positions in Russias Kursk border region, where Western and Ukrainian officials say Russia is being helped by thousands of newly arrived North Korean troops. He said Russia has deployed some 50,000 troops to Kursk.

Also in Donetsk, near the recently captured settlement of Hirnyk, the Russians have damaged a dam at the Kurakhove reservoir, regional Gov. Vadym Filashkin said.

The local water level in the Vovcha River has risen by 1.2 meters, though no homes have been affected, and possible flooding threatens both the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, he said.

We continue to monitor the water level in the river and are prepared for any developments, Filashkin said.

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The development revived memories of the collapse of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine in June 2023, killing hundreds of people. An Associated Press investigation found the collapse was likely caused by Russian forces.

The major cities struck Monday by Russia are close to the approximately 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line.

Russian drones hammered the southern city of Mykolaiv, killing five people and injuring a 45-year-old woman, local authorities said. Around two dozen people sought psychological help following the attack that damaged houses and stores, officials said.

Mykolaiv, about 60 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of the front line in the Kherson region, frequently comes under Russian attack.

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An overnight attack on Zaporizhzhia, also in the south, with three powerful glide bombs killed one person and injured 21, including a 4-year-old boy, Ukraines National Police said. The strikes partially destroyed a two-story apartment building and damaged a dormitory.

A five-story apartment building in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyys hometown in central Ukraine, was hit by a Russian ballistic missile, injuring at least eight people. The missile destroyed all five stories in one part of the building, said Oleksandr Vikul, head of Kryviy Rih Military Administration.

Meanwhile, Ukraines intelligence agency claimed in a statement it destroyed a Russian Mi-24 assault helicopter parked at the Klin-5 airfield in the Moscow region. The claim could not be independently verified.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Monday that 17 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over the Russian regions of Kursk, Belgorod and Voronezh overnight and in the morning.

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Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
After a pause of more than two months, for a few hours on the morning of Nov. 11 it seemed Russias forces were about to resume mass missile attacks against Ukraine  with winter right around the corner.

In Kyiv and cities across Ukraine, sirens sounded, people headed to shelters, emergency blackouts were introduced, and monitoring channels on Telegram tracked Russian heavy bombers in real time.

Yet, while warnings of an imminent mass aerial attack have been sounding for weeks, a few hours of tension and panic soon turned into relief as it became apparent it was a Russian aviation training exercise.

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Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, warned against complacency.

The Russians are ready for massive strikes. There are enough missiles, they are accumulated at strategic aviation airfields and continue to accumulate, he said in a social media post.

Aviation is also ready. Rehearsing the tactics of simulated launches by the Russians is also part of maintaining the readiness of aviation for action."

How the 'attack' unfolded

At around 3:30 a.m., monitoring channels on Telegram reported the take-off of eight Russian Tu-95s from the Olenya airfield.

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Each Tu-95 can carry eight Kh-101 cruise missiles and are regularly used in mass aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities.

It was a Kh-101 missile that struck Okhmatdyt, Ukraines largest childrens hospital centrally located in Kyiv, on July 8. The last mass missile attack against Ukraine occurred on Sept. 2.

Air raid sirens sounded across the country shortly before 7:00 a.m. due to the takeoff of a Russian MiG-31K fighter jet. The jet can carry hypersonic Kinzhal missiles capable of hitting anywhere in the country within minutes.

Shortly after, Ukraines Air Force said the alert was also related to the launch of cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.

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For those in Ukraine grimly experienced in following the development of an imminent mass Russian aerial attack, all the signs pointing to one unfolding were in place.

Across the country, people headed for shelters  including the European Union's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, who arrived in Kyiv last week.

Starting my day in Kyiv in the shelter, as Russia unleashes another missile attack.



This is the daily reality for the Ukrainian people since Russias full-scale invasion. pic.twitter.com/4h3Yrljrxy  Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) November 11, 2024

Emergency blackouts were introduced in multiple oblasts, including Kyiv, a preventative measure designed to reduce the damage caused to energy infrastructure if it is damaged in a strike.

However, shortly before 7:30 a.m., monitoring channels on Telegram reported that despite the Tu-95s being given orders to launch, no missiles had been detected so far.

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By 08:15 a.m., all eight Tu-95s were returning to their bases and the threat appeared to be over.

The official all-clear was given at 08:57 a.m.

But any relief is likely only temporary. Ukrainian officials have warned that Moscow is preparing to carry out further strikes against Ukraines electricity infrastructure ahead of winter months, including grid connections to generation from Ukrainian nuclear facilities, as it seeks to break the country's resolve.

Recently, Moscow has scaled back attacks with cruise and ballistic missiles. Experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent said this may be in preparation for an unprecedented mass attack rather than any restraint from the Kremlin.

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Read also: Russia suffers deadliest day since start of full-scale invasion, Ukraines military says

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The Centre for Countering Disinformation (CDC) at Ukraines National Security and Defence Council has reported that Russian forces accumulated cruise missiles at their airfields in order to carry out large-scale attacks on Ukraine.

Source: Andrii Kovalenko, Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation at Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, on Telegram

Quote: "As I said, the Russians have everything ready for large-scale attacks. They have enough missiles; they have accumulated them at strategic aircraft airfields and they are still accumulating them. Jets are also ready."

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Details: Kovalenko said that the Russians' practice of simulated launches was also part of keeping aircraft ready for action. "And the enemy uses this for psychological pressure," he said.

Background: On the morning of Monday, 11 November, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that eight Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers had taken off, later launching cruise missiles. However, the missile launches were probably just simulations.

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Russian forces attacked the city of Kryvyi Rih with a ballistic missile and hit a five-storey building on 11 November, leaving 14 people injured. The city authorities reported that some people sustained injuries, and rescue workers are working at the scene.

Sources: Oleksandr Vilkul, Head of Kryvyi Rih Defence Council; Ukraines Air Force; Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote from Vilkul: "The monsters who claim they only fire high-precision weapons hit a multi-storey residential building with ballistic missiles. A search and rescue operation is underway...

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There are wounded who have already been taken to hospital."

Details: Rescue workers, medics and utility workers are working at the scene.

Lysak said that a five-storey residential building was damaged.

Update: Lysak said that apartments from the ground floor to the fourth floor in one section had been damaged. A fire broke out.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration reported that two children sustained injuries in Kryvyi Rih: "A 10-year-old girl was treated on the spot. However, an 11-year-old boy was taken to hospital in a moderate condition. In total, six people were injured in the attack."

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Later, rescuers reported that 5 people had been rescued. 35 apartment buildings and 11 cars had their windows damaged.

As of 14:47, Vilkul reported 12 victims, including two children aged 11 and 10. A boy, 11, is in the hospital, while another girl aged 10 will receive treatment on an outpatient basis.

The hospital has a total of four patients in moderate condition.

More than 40 apartment buildings sustained damage.

There may be more people trapped under the rubble. Search and rescue operations continue.

A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the case of violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

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Updated: At 16:58, the head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration reported that the number of injured in the strike on Kryvyi Rih has risen to 14. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency workers clearing rubble. A woman and three children may be trapped under the rubble.

Details: Journalists from Suspilne on the scene spoke with Iryna, who shared that her daughter-in-law and three grandchildren  aged ten, two and a half, and a two-month-old infant  remain under the rubble. Her son sustained injuries. Iryna was at work during the attack. Upon hearing of the explosion, she tried calling her family, but received no response. She immediately rushed to the scene.

"My son had gone to the kitchen to make breakfast. He survived  he fell to the second floor. But his wife and children are now being searched for under the rubble," she explained.

Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih.

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Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

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Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

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The so-called Supreme Court of the illegal military formation "Donetsk People's Republic" has condemned eight Ukrainian servicemen to 17 years in prison for allegedly bombarding Mariupol (Donetsk People's Republic is a Russian-backed terrorist organisation).

Source: Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation on Telegram

Details: Russian-backed separatists have sentenced servicemen from Ukraine's 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilinsky.

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The Russian investigators stated that between March and April 2022, while stationed in Mariupol, the defendants "fulfilled the criminal orders of the top leadership" by firing multiple shots from mortars with high striking properties at gas distribution and pumping stations.

The "court" said that during the investigation, the defendants pleaded guilty.

Eight Ukrainians received sentences ranging from 15 to 17 years.

It is reported that they would serve their sentences in a maximum-security penal colony.

Background:

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has concentrated significant forces to capture Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast.

The Russians committed numerous war crimes against the civilian population, systematically reducing the city to rubble.

In mid-May 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine began an organised withdrawal from their last strongpoint, the Azovstal steel plant, leading to Mariupol's complete occupation. Ukrainian authorities report that tens of thousands of people were killed in the city.

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Russian forces launched three airstrikes on the city of Zaporizhzhia on the night of 10-11 November, killing a man and injuring at least 21 people, including children.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine; Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration

Details: According to the State Emergency Service, the airstrikes took place on Monday night at 01:30.

Quote from State Emergency Service: "Early reports indicate that a man was killed as a result of the attack. So far, nine people have turned for medical assistance due to their injuries. Among the casualties are a 15-year-old girl and two boys aged 4 and 17. The exact number of those who were injured in the attack is being confirmed."

   11    3   

:  pic.twitter.com/hjIrzcv9Hq     (@ukrpravda_news) November 11, 2024

Details: The blast wave from the attack partially destroyed a two-storey residential building and damaged a student accommodation building and a car dealership.

     11 

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Photo: Ukraines State Emergency Service

Rescue workers used an emergency rescue vehicle to transport one of the casualties to a medical facility. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Aftermath of the Russian attack.

Photo: Ukraines State Emergency Service

Quote from State Emergency Service: "Local authorities have engaged three buses and are evacuating residents from the student accommodation building. All city emergency services are working at the scene to deal with the aftermath of the attack."

Fedorov reported at 05:30 that the number of casualties from the nighttime attack on Zaporizhzhia had risen to 18, including five children.

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Fedorov noted after 06:00 that the number of those who were injured in the attack had increased to 20, with eight hospitalised, including a four-year-old boy.

Updated: Fedorov reported at 07:50 that the number of casualties had risen to 21.

"Six people have been hospitalised and 15 received assistance at the scene. Among those hospitalised are two children, who are currently receiving medical care from doctors," Fedorov stated during the national joint 24/7 newscast.

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COLOMBO, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Approximately 9,500 cybercrime cases were reported in Sri Lanka in the first 10 months of this year, with about 1,600 incidents related to Internet scams, said the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) on Monday.

Senior engineer of the SLCERT Charuka Damunupola told the media that over 2,000 cases of cyberbullying have been reported so far this year in the South Asian country.

Internet scams have been on the rise in Sri Lanka, and Damunupola stressed that the public needs greater awareness of the tactics used by cyber criminals.

The growing number of cybercrime cases highlights the urgent need for stronger protection for online users, especially children and other vulnerable groups.

The SLCERT under the Ministry of Technology is tasked with safeguarding the cybersecurity in Sri Lanka. 
A Russian artillery strike on the city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, has killed two people and left two in critical condition.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "We have tragic news from Nikopol. Two people were killed in the city by Russian artillery shelling. Five others have been injured, with two in critical condition."

Details: Lysak reported that the attack also damaged a medical facility, a cafe, shops and several vehicles.

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The Russian military has committed another war crime, shooting two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Source: Dmytro Lubinets, Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Commissioner for Human Rights, on Telegram

Quote from Lubinets: "Based on the information spread on the Internet, Russian troops probably shot point-blank at least two unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war in Kursk Oblast.

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POWs must always be protected, in particular from acts of violence, but Russia has once again committed a war crime, which is a serious violation of the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law."

Details: The Commissioner for Human Rights added that he had sent letters to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the crime.

Background:

On 9 November 2024, a video showing Russian troops capturing a wounded Ukrainian serviceman appeared on one a Telegram channel. The Russians shot point-blank with automatic weapons the unarmed defender, who was lying on the ground. The Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General launched a pre-trial investigation into another war crime committed by the Russian troops.

The Prosecutor General's Office noted that they had recorded a rapid increase in the number of cases of killing of Ukrainian defenders during the surrender. Law enforcers are investigating 49 criminal proceedings over the killing of 124 POWs on the battlefield.

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Russian forces attacked the village of Bilenke in Kramatorsk hromada of Donetsk Oblast, on 11 November, injuring a 16-year-old boy. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "A teenager was injured in a Russian attack on the village of Bilenke, Kramatorsk hromada. The village came under Russian fire this evening  four impact points have been identified.

A 16-year-old boy sustained injuries, and houses, an administrative building and an infrastructure facility were damaged."

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The Russian army has advanced close to Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast and is even making occasional incursions with military equipment. However, the city remains firmly under the control of Ukraines defence forces, specifically the 46th Separate Airborne Brigade of the Airborne Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Source: Oleksandr, the press officer for the 46th Separate Airborne Brigade operating in the city; a source for Ukrainska Pravda on the Kurakhove front

Quote from Oleksandr: "The enemy is trying to capture high ground, gain fire control over the roads leading to Kurakhove, break through the defences and reach the outskirts of the city.

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They are heavily attacking the city, using guided bombs and artillery.

The defence forces are successfully holding back the enemy's offensive, inflicting losses on their personnel and equipment. Kurakhove remains fully under defence forces control."

Details: A well-informed Ukrainska Pravdas source on the Kurakhove front said that Russian forces attempted to enter the eastern outskirts of Kurakhove with several pieces of equipment but were successfully hit by the defence forces on the morning of 11 November.

Background: On 10 November, 154 combat engagements took place along the front, including 46 on the Kurakhove front and 35 on the Pokrovsk front.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Wichita Falls is no stranger to military members, current and retired. This Veterans Day, the City of Wichita Falls and American Legion Post 169 are hosting a ceremony to honor all those who have served.

The Veterans Day Ceremony will take place on Monday, November 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza. The Legacy High School Army JROTC will present the colors.

Texas Senator-elect Brent Hagenbuch will be the guest speaker at the event, which will include the unveiling of the Thomas Fowler monument.

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Post Chaplin Michael Kurtz said this day is all about reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who serve.

I think thats really what it boils down to; it comes back down to the sacrifice, Kurtz said. It comes down to being able to reflect on our own service.

This is a free event and open to the public.

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Saga Cruises has unveiled 11 new Mediterranean cruise itineraries to help travellers search for winter sun in 2026.

Saga Cruises 2026 winter sailings can be booked now, round trips from Portsmouth aboard either Spirit of Adventure or Spirit of Discovery heading to the Canary Islands and Morocco, sailing from 5 January.

The over-50s brand is focusing on themes of adventure and discovery, including a homecoming cruise to Croatia that was designed by one of Sagas captains, Franko Papic.

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Prices start from 3,617 per person for a 14-night Celestial Canary Islands cruise on Spirit of Discovery. Port stops include Lanzarote where you can trek the El Cuervo Volcano, as well as stargazing in La Palma and carnivals in Funchal and Tenerife.

Guests can visit Tangier and Casablanca aboard Spirit of Adventure on a 15-night Taste of Morocco and the Canaries cruise that sails on 6 January 2026, with prices from 4,211 per person.

There is also a 16-night cruise on 22 February 2026 to the Arctic Circle where you can experience the Northern Lights. Prices start from 5,253 per person.

Captain Frankos specially-designed 26-night Homecoming Cruise aboard Spirit of Discovery departs on 10 March 2026 and will visit Melilla in Spain and Valletta in Malta before reaching his home of Croatia.

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Guests can experience new ports for Saga including Opatija and Krk Island as well as a return to Rijeka.

The sailing will also visit Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia before stops in Kotor, Corfu, Palermo, Palma and Gibraltar. Prices start from 10,052 per person.

Select excursions as well as tips, wifi, speciality dining and premium drinks are included in all the winter sailings.

Nigel Blanks, chief executive of Saga Cruises, said: Our 2026 Saga Cruise journeys now offer an excursion in every port  with a wider range of experiences to suit varying tastes.

Because there are different levels of activity, it changes the way passengers can engage with their destination. For every sightseeing trip, theres an offer of a little bit more, that gives a glimpse beyond the usual postcard vistas.
(WIVT/WBGH)  The holidays are almost here, and Price Chopper/Market 32 has once again partnered with the Salvation Army to raise money for those in need this season.

Price Chopper/Market 32 is hosting the Salvation Armys Red Kettle holiday campaign at all of its locations, including those in Greater Binghamton. The organizations have been collaborating for over 35 years.

The annual Red Kettle campaign has become integral to the holiday season  both in our stores and in our communities, said Blaine Bringhurst, Market 32/Price Chopper president. Being able to extend ourselves and welcome our community partners in support of friends and neighbors in need is a blessing.

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The campaign this year will run from November 11 to December 24, benefiting the communities in which the funds are collected.

Our continued Red Kettle partnership with Market 32 and Price Chopper, and the continued generosity of their customers, makes it possible for The Salvation Army to help those most in need in local communities throughout the year, said Major Kevin Stoops, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army, Empire State Division. Ringing the bell at a Red Kettle for two just hours this holiday season will help The Salvation Army feed a family of four for a week, and truly have a positive impact on the lives of local men, women and children.

Last years Red Kettle campaign at Price Chopper/Market 32 stores raised nearly $580,000 in donations.

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A San Bernardino duo has been arrested and charged with using identity theft to steal $2.1 million in benefits meant to provide relief for Americans who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal prosecutors said that Lisa Puente, 43, and Arthur Marquez, 53, submitted to the California Employment Development Department more than 120 fraudulent applications for pandemic benefits over three years. The victims of the alleged identity theft included incarcerated Californians and U.S. citizens who did not reside within California, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

The pair was arrested after a federal grand jury indicted them last week for six counts of felony mail fraud, one count of using unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identify theft. They both pleaded not guilty.

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Each conviction on mail fraud could carry a federal prison sentence of up to 20 years, plus another 10 years for using unauthorized access devices and two years for aggravated identity theft, officials said.

Read more: SoCal pair milked Medicare for $6 million in gold bars, other riches, feds allege

The U.S. attorney's office declined to comment on the case or explain how Puente and Marquez are accused of gathering private personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers.

But according to the unsealed indictment that was filed last month, Puente and Marquez had made up information including annual income, fake jobs and false mailing addresses in the unemployment applications they filed. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which was designed to help independent contractors, business owners and people with limited work history, did not require them to submit supporting documents to prove their unemployment status.

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Once their fake applications were approved, Puente and Marquez were reportedly issued debit cards from Bank of America for each applicant, where at least $167 a week was deposited for them to access, according to the indictment.

It was not clear in the indictment what Puente and Marquez are accused of using those funds for, but if convicted the pair will be asked to forfeit all property bought with the stolen money.

The U.S. attorney's office has requested that the two be held in detention before they are set to face trial on Dec. 30.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a new economic relief package for victims of the storms that killed more than 220 people in the countrys worst natural disaster in more than six decades.

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Spain is committing 3.8 billion ($4.1 billion) in a new aid relief package for victims of the Oct. 29 floods in Valencia, Sanchez said in a speech in Madrid on Monday. The package lists 110 different measures and joins a previous package announced earlier in the month which earmarked 10.6 billion, between direct aid and loan guarantees.

The new package includes 500 million to remove thousands of tons of mud and debris and repair sewages, Sanchez said. The package also seeks to help hundreds of workers keep their income and offers 200 million in direct aid to farmers who lost at least 40% of their production, among other things, Sanchez said.

So far, some 400 companies have requested to take part in furlough programs because of the floods, affecting some 9,000 workers, he said.

The announcement comes amid growing frustration among local residents in Valencia, fueled by a feeling that both regional and central governments did too little, too late. More than 100,000 people are estimated to have taken part in a march on Saturday to protest over management of the floods and its aftermath, with the anger largely aimed at the president of the region of Valencia, Carlos Mazon, but also partly targeted at Sanchez.

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Sanchez had said on Nov. 5 that Spain would earmark as much as 10.6 billion for its first relief package. At the time, Sanchez said that package would include direct compensation for residents to cover houses that were destroyed, as well as home appliances and cars. The aid includes waiving or delaying certain taxes and levies.

Thousands of soldiers, police officers, firefighters and volunteers continue to operate across the areas impacted by the storms, which hit 75 towns in Valencia and three others in two more regions. Entire houses need to be rebuilt while others that remained standing still need to be cleaned from the mud created by the rain.

The central government on Nov. 10 said that 222 deaths have been recorded so far due to the floods, with 214 in the region of Valencia alone, and more bodies are still being identified and missing people searched for.

Anger against Mazon has been compounded by revelations late last week that he had been at a lunch for more than three hours with a local journalist on Oct. 29, as the Valencia emergency committee that he presides met and discussed what to do. The local government sent an alert after 8 p.m. telling people to seek shelter, when floods had already started and some 13 hours after the national weather agency had issued a red alert.

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Mazon and Sanchez, who belong to rival parties, were walking together with King Felipe VI on Nov. 2 in one of the worst-hit towns when a furious crowd started throwing mud and objects at the three men. Sanchez was rushed off by his security detail.

The total cost of the floods is still unknown. Total insurance losses will exceed 3.5 billion, the government said last week, based on the first 72,000 insurance claims. The bulk of insurance claims is expected to be met by a special government agency that exists to cover natural disasters, among other incidents.

(Adds details on aid in sixth paragraph. A previous version of this story corrected the source of estimates in the last paragraph.)

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Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Sunday evening, the latest move reflecting the two countries' slow rapprochement since a deal last year to restore ties.

Tehran and Riyadh's relations have cautiously improved since the China-brokered deal was announced in 2023, after a rupture of seven years that saw both countries at loggerheads in several military conflicts in the region.

During the call, Pezeshkian praised Saudi Arabia's initiative to host a joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit to discuss the Israeli aggression towards the Palestinian Territories and Lebanon, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.

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They also discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties, it added.

Also on Sunday, the Saudi military chief of staff visited Iran for talks with his counterpart, the kingdom's Ministry of Defence said.

It remains to be seen how this rapprochement could affect Riyadh's ties with Washington after President-elect Donald Trump takes office next year. During his previous term as president, Trump said Saudi Arabia is an ally in the fight against Iran.

Saudi Arabia was planning to normalize relations with Israel over a year ago in what was seen as a historic development that could profoundly alter politics in the Middle East after years of tension between the kingdom and Iran.

However, talks have stalled amid Israel's war in Gaza.

Arab and Muslim leaders are convening in Riyadh on Monday, for the second year, focusing on Israels wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said here on Monday that China is willing to strengthen coordination with Singapore within the framework of the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other multilateral mechanisms as the international situation is intertwined with changes and chaos.

China is also willing to intensify cooperation with Singapore in areas such as tackling climate change, said Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, when meeting with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

China firmly supports the building of the ASEAN community and ASEAN centrality, he said.

Ding stressed that China is willing to work with regional countries, including Singapore, to prevent external forces from interfering with the mainstream of regional development cooperation and jointly safeguard the hard-won peace and tranquility in the region.

The Chinese vice premier called on the two countries to carry forward their traditional friendship, improve and upgrade cooperation, continue the momentum of stable and positive development of bilateral relations, and deliver more benefits for the people.

Noting that China is Singapore's important partner, Tharman Shanmugaratnam expressed appreciation for China's increasingly significant role in the global economy.

He said Singapore is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in international and regional affairs to build an open world economy and create a better future for the people of the two countries and the region. 
Pvt. Brian Gilbert poses at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on Aug. 15, 2024. (Provided/U.S. Marine Corps, Lance Cpl. Zachary Candiani)

COLUMBIA  After Brian Gilbert graduated from Marine Corps basic training, he greeted the Lexington County deputy who had arrested him months earlier with a hug.

Deputy John Sanders booked Gilbert into the countys detention center on charges of shoplifting from a grocery store deli before discovering the then-18-year-old high school senior was homeless and struggling to get food. Sanders, a U.S. Army Reserve member, thought a military enlistment could be the way to get Gilbert on a better path, he said in a news release commemorating Veterans Day.

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During the 2020-2021 school year, nearly 12,000 public school students were homeless, according to the most recently reported data by the state Department of Education. About a quarter of those students were unsheltered, meaning they were living in parks, campgrounds or cars, according to the department.

Joining the military isnt an option for all of them to escape homelessness, but it is one potential path, Sanders said.

Gilbert was one such case. He didnt have a job. He rarely went to school. He was living in the woods behind a shopping center in the town of Gilbert. A military enlistment could help get him back on his feet, the deputy said.

From my experience with the military, youre fed, you get a place to sleep and you get paid for it, Sanders said.

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Sanders wasnt sure whether Gilbert would want to join, but when he mentioned the Marines to the teen, Gilbert agreed to meet with a recruiter.

So, after helping clear Gilberts shoplifting charges, Sanders called Sgt. Brent Latham, a Marine Corps recruiter.

I at least wanted to give him a foot in the door and see if he ran with it, Sanders said.

After meeting at a coffee shop, Latham brought Gilbert back to the office to talk about the teens goals. Gilbert didnt know what he wanted to do, he told the recruiter.

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But when Latham brought up the Marines, Gilbert was on board.

I was like, You know what, lets just go for it, Gilbert said in a sheriffs department video.

Gilbert passed the mental and physical exams required to enlist, and Latham signed him up for 13 weeks of basic training on Parris Island, where about half of all Marine Corps recruits train each year.

Sanders and Latham both came to see him graduate in May.

Gilbert was grinning ear to ear, Sanders said. He hugged Sanders and thanked him for his help. Latham, too, thanked Sanders for calling him.

It took one phone call from a deputy to a Marine Corps recruiter to get someone from a terrible situation in the woods to where hes at now, in a full career with a salary, Latham said. One phone call can absolutely make a difference.

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Latham was not surprised to see Gilbert succeed. After all, the teenager was bright and enthusiastic despite his difficult circumstances, Latham said.

Brian was outgoing. Brian was smart. Brian wanted to succeed, Latham said.

Gilbert, now a Marine Corps private, moved onto advanced engineering training at Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina. He is learning to be a utilities systems technician, a job that involves installing and running utilities in the field, such as power generators, showers and air conditioners. Hes considering pursuing a bachelors degree, according to the Lexington County Sheriffs Department.

I mean, this is way better off than I thought I would be, Gilbert said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he can imagine calling a confidence vote in the Bundestag before Christmas.

"It is no problem at all for me to call a vote of confidence before Christmas if everyone agrees," Scholz told public broadcaster ARD.

He had originally said he would hold the vote in January, after his coalition collapsed last week, but that prompted a heated debate with demands, especially from the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, to hold it sooner. A vote of confidence is needed before elections can proceed.

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Friedrich Merz, CDU head and the chancellor candidate of the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), told Stern magazine that Wednesday, when Scholz is planning to make a government address, "would be a good opportunity for this." Merz also heads the CDU-CSU parliamentary group

Scholz notes that as chancellor, he would have to formally initiate this step. But he says he would honour any agreement between the parliamentary group heads of his Social Democrats (SPD) and the CDU.

However, the necessary democratic steps and technical preparations for a proper new election must always be taken into account, Scholz said.

"None of us, not you, not me, not anyone else, wants anything to happen, like in Berlin, where we have to repeat elections," the chancellor said, pointing to a 2021 fiasco which required local elections in the capital to be partially repeated.

Scholz defends his administration

Scholz also denied the accusation that he deliberately forced the break-up of his governing three-way coalition.

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"I did not provoke it," Scholz told talk show host Caren Miosga, saying he fought until the end to keep the three-party constellation of SPD, Greens and FDP together, but that it was ultimately impossible.

"I put up with the fact that I kept putting on a good face for the sake of compromise and cooperation, sometimes even playing a pretty nasty game. But when it's over, it over," Scholz said.

Scholz not only defended his actions but said he was instrumental in keeping the coalition going as long as it did.

"Without my repeated efforts to achieve cooperation and compromise, the government would not have lasted this long. It wouldn't even have been formed."

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The chancellor also defended his public, personal reckoning with Christian Lindner, head of the pro-business FDP, who had served as Scholz's finance minister, until Scholz fired him last week, prompting the coalition's collapse.

"It was decent, clear and straightforward and very understandable for all citizens," he said of his break with Lindner, noting there had been many calls for him to put his foot down.

Chancellor says he's more level-headed than Merz

Scholz remains untroubled by the prospect of an election campaign against the Merz, saying he is more level-headed than his opponent and predicted a comeback for the SPD.

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"I find myself a bit cooler when it comes to matters of state - to put it as politely as I can manage right now," Scholz told Miosga. He also said he and Merz have very different political goals.

But the biggest differences between him and Merz have to do with character and temperament, the chancellor said.

So far the polls have not agreed, with the SPD some 15 to 18 percentage points behind the CDU-CSU. But Scholz seemed unconcerned.

"That's a very recoverable margin," the chancellor said.

Unlike Merz, Scholz has not yet been officially nominated as his party's chancellor candidate. However, he told Miosga, that he had no doubt he would be selected.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in his first telephone call with Donald Trump since he won the US election, on Sunday offered the incoming US president the opportunity to continue the long-standing cooperation between Berlin and Washington.

Scholz offered Trump the opportunity to "continue the decades of successful cooperation between the governments of both countries," according to German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.

Scholz also personally congratulated Trump on his election victory, Hebestreit said.

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Both agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe. They also discussed the Germany-US relationship and the current geopolitical challenges, the spokesman added.

Scholz had already reached out to Trump on social media on Wednesday, immediately after his election victory, offering him a "reliable partnership." However, he had also made it clear that he is preparing for changes in Germany's relationship with the United States.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz seems unfazed about the prospect of future cooperation with US President-elect Donald Trump, saying you have to take political situations as they come.

"My principle is always, if I may say so casually: You dance with those who are in the room. And that also applies to the future president of the US," Scholz told a Sunday evening talk show on public broadcaster ARD.

"I'm never naive, but I'm also a bit unflustered," he said.

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During his first term as US president, Trump had heavily criticized Germany for what he deemed to be insufficient military spending, the country's trade surplus, and the German-Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2.

Defence commitments discussed

Scholz pointed out that Germany is now spending 2% of its gross national product on defence, in line with NATO guidelines.

The chancellor also made it clear that he expects Trump, who is due to return to the White House in January, to adhere to the commitment made by outgoing President Joe Biden to station US intermediate-range missiles in Germany.

"This is an agreement we have made with the US. It is in our mutual interest. So I want to accept it," Scholz said.

Brushes off Musk's 'fool' comment

Scholz also responded in the interview to the recent criticism from Trump supporter and tech billionaire Elon Musk regarding the breakdown of the centre-left coalition in Germany.

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Musk had written in German on the online platform X, which Musk owns: "Olaf is a fool." When asked if this bothered him, Scholz replied, "It honours me."

"I don't comment on tech billionaires," the chancellor said. "He is not a head of state, even if one sometimes gets the impression that some tech corporations are more powerful than states."

Scholz's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit said Scholz spoke with Trump on Sunday evening in their first telephone call since Trump won the US election.

Scholz offered Trump the opportunity to "continue the decades of successful cooperation between the governments of both countries," Hebestreit said.

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Scholz also personally congratulated Trump on his election victory, the spokesman added..

Both agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe. They also discussed the Germany-US relationship and the current geopolitical challenges, the spokesman added.

Scholz had already reached out to Trump on social media on Wednesday, immediately after his election victory, offering him a "reliable partnership." However, he had also made it clear that he is preparing for changes in Germany's relationship with the United States.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken to US President-elect Donald Trump.

Source: German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, quoted by German media outlet Tagesschau, as European Pravda reports

Details: Hebestreit said the chancellor stressed his readiness to continue "decades of successful cooperation between the governments of the two countries".

"They also agreed to work together to restore peace in Europe," the government spokesman stressed.

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Scholz also congratulated the Republican on his election victory. However, as the media outlet added, other details were not disclosed.

This conversation took place against the backdrop of the political crisis in Germany, which began on 6 November, when Scholz decided to dismiss Finance Minister Christian Lindner.

Background: Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Trump, and during the conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they agreed to develop cooperation between the two countries.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to resume a dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin "soon" to discuss the conflict in Ukraine.

"Yes, I have resolved to speak to the Russian president at the right time," the German leader told a Sunday evening talk show on public broadcaster ARD.

"But I am a responsible politician, I don't do it alone," Scholz added. A conversation with Putin requires contacts and conversations with a number of other parties. The situation must also be discussed with Ukraine, said Scholz.

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When asked when the right time for a conversation with Putin would be, Scholz replied: "Soon."

The chancellor stressed that it was important to ensure that "Ukraine can rely on us and others and does not have to fear being left alone. And that we do everything we can to prevent this war from escalating."

Scholz added that "of course we have to see if there are ways to find out whether this war will go on forever or if we can find ways to end it."

In mid-October, Scholz said he was willing to talk to Putin about a just peace in Ukraine after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media that Putin was open to a dialogue with the German leader.

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In June, Scholz said he could not rule out a conversation with Putin in the future, but said it would only make sense if there was something specific to discuss.

Scholz last spoke to Putin on the phone in December 2022, when he called for a diplomatic solution and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Russia began its all-out attack on Ukraine in February 2022.
Happy Veterans Day! Today is the day we honor the sacrifice and patriotism of all veterans of U.S. wars and active-duty military personnel.

Although World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, the fighting stopped seven months earlier when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 to be Armistice Day the next year, to be "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys service and with gratitude for the victory." It was made a legal holiday in 1938, and changed in 1954 to Veterans Day "after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nations history" and "after American forces had fought aggression in Korea," according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

When is Veterans Day 2024?

Veterans Day is today, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.

Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Veterans Day is a federal holiday.

Is Veterans Day a Florida holiday?

Yes, and just like the federal holiday, Florida state employees will observe Veterans Day.

Will there be mail delivery today, on Veterans Day? What about Amazon, FedEx and UPS?

The U.S. Postal Service recognizes Veterans Day on Nov. 11 as one of 11 federal holidays and will be closed.

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FedEx offices will be open Nov. 11. There will be home delivery on Nov. 11, but many other services will be closed.

UPS pickup and delivery services are available Nov. 11 and UPS Store locations will be open. UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require one additional business day because of the federal holiday.

Amazon does deliver on Veterans Day.

Will Publix, Walmart, Target, Sam's Club and Costco be open on Veterans Day?

Most retail stores, grocery stores and restaurants are open on this holiday to serve customers, and many are offering free food, drink, or discounts. While the following schedules are followed by most locations, always check your local business for any changes.

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Veterans Day meal deals: Where to get free food, drinks in Florida

Are schools open today?

Some will be. There is no legal requirement that schools close on Veterans Day; individual states or school districts are free to establish their own policies on school closings, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Most school districts in Florida will be closed, but some choose to remain open. The districts that will be open Monday, according to their posted school calendars, are:

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Check with your local school district to verify.

Is it Veterans Day, Veterans' Day or Veteran's Day?

It's Veterans Day.

"Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an "s" at the end of "veterans" because it is not a day that "belongs" to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

What's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

"Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle.

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"Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace  dead or alive  although its largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices," according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

What military branches are included in Veterans Day?

Veterans Day honors all veterans and active duty personnel from all service branches: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard, and their part-time reserves.

Was Veterans Day ever celebrated on another date other than Nov. 11?

Yes. The Uniform Holiday Bill in June 1968 was intended to provide for three-day weekends for federal employees by giving them Mondays off for Washingtons Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day (on the fourth Monday in October), and Columbus Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971. It didn't last long.

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On Sept. 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 to return the observance of Veterans Day back to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978.

Do any other countries celebrate Veterans Day?

Other countries also celebrate Nov. 11, although their customs differ,

Canada and Australia observe "Remembrance Day" on Nov. 11, although the Australian holiday is closer to our Memorial Day when they honor their war dead.

Great Britain observes "Remembrance Day" on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11.

Which states do not have Veterans Day as a holiday?

Nonessential federal government offices are closed on Veterans Day, providing a paid day off to all affected employees. All state governments also provide a paid day off to affected employees except Wisconsin, which provides a floating "paid personal holiday" instead.

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Wisconsin provides nine legal holidays; Veterans Day is not one of them.

What to say to a veteran on Veterans Day

Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who have died in service, Veterans Day is set aside to honor all who have served or are still serving. So the best thing to say is, thank you.

Say "Happy Veterans Day" and thank them for their service and for all they did and continue to do for our country. Thank them for helping keep the country free.

But beyond saying the words, you also can show your appreciation by attending Veterans Day events, talking to friends and family members about their service, donating to veterans charities, hiring veterans and more.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Veterans Day 2024 closings, schools, what to say to veterans today
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is coming under fire for not extending an invitation to Republican David McCormick to attend the Senates new members orientation this week.

McCormick is leading Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in the race for the Senate, and The Associated Press has declared McCormick the winner, though major networks and Decision Desk HQ, The Hills forecasting partner, have not.

Longtime Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), who became an independent two years ago, said Schumer should invite both McCormick and Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.).

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Decision Desk HQ has projected Gallego to be the winner in the Arizona Senate race. The AP has yet to call that race.

In 2018 my race wasnt called for 6 days. I jumped on a redeye to DC to make Senate orientation  I learned so much & made lasting relationships that week. Dave McCormick & Ruben Gallego will be senators for PA & AZ. They should be invited to orientation & start learning the job, Sinema posted on X.

Alex Nguyen, a spokesperson for Schumer, said the Pennsylvania Senate race has yet to be decided.

With over 100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race has not been decided. As is custom, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted, the aide said.

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Senate Republican strategists allied with McCormick campaign argue there is not a viable path for Casey to find enough uncounted ballots to overtake McCormicks 39,000-vote lead in the race.

Then-Senate candidate Al Franken (D) was not invited to the 2008 Senate orientation, as he had yet to be immediately declared the winner of that years Minnesota Senate race.

Franken was finally declared the winner over Republican Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.) after an eight-month legal battle.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a key swing Senate vote, said she looks forward to welcoming McCormick to the Senate.

I want to congratulate Senator-elect Dave McCormick, who the AP has declared the winner of the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania. Looking forward to welcoming him to the Senate, she posted on the social platform X.

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Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), another influential Senate Republican moderate, put pressure on Schumer to invite McCormick to the new members orientation.

Congratulations to Senator-elect Dave McCormick from Pennsylvania. I look forward to welcoming him to the new member orientation in Washington this week, Collins posted on X.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ANKARA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye on Monday denied reports claiming that it is allowing crude oil shipments to Israel via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.

The BTC pipeline, which originates in Azerbaijan and passes through Georgia before reaching Turkiye's Ceyhan port, exports oil from Azerbaijan's oil fields in the Caspian Sea.

In a statement, Turkiye's Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said that companies using the BTC pipeline respect Ankara's stance against trade with Israel and have refrained from any deliveries designated for Israeli ports.

The ministry added that the Turkish Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS), responsible for the management of the pipeline within Turkiye, "has no involvement or discretion over the sale of the oil transported through the pipeline."

Recent media reports claimed that Azerbaijani oil exports to Israel continued to transit through the Turkish port despite Turkiye's trade embargo against Israel.

Turkiye claimed that it suspended trade with Israel in May due to Israeli military actions in Gaza. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkiye reported 5.4 billion U.S. dollars in exports to Israel in 2023 and 1.6 billion dollars in imports.

Since 2010, ties between Turkiye and Israel have been strained over the Palestinian issue. 
By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In 1781, German-born British astronomer William Herschel made Uranus the first planet discovered with the aid of a telescope. This frigid planet, our solar system's third largest, remains a bit of an enigma 243 years later. And some of what we thought we knew about it turns out to be off the mark.

Much of the knowledge about Uranus was gleaned when NASA's robotic spacecraft Voyager 2 conducted a five-day flyby in 1986. But scientists have now discovered that the probe visited at a time of unusual conditions - an intense solar wind event - that led to misleading observations about Uranus, and specifically its magnetic field.

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The solar wind is a high-speed flow of charged particles emanating from the sun. The researchers took a fresh look at eight months of data from around the time of Voyager 2's visit and found that it encountered Uranus just a few days after the solar wind had squashed its magnetosphere - the planet's protective magnetic bubble - to about 20% of its usual volume.

"We found that the solar wind conditions present during the flyby only occur 4% of the time. The flyby occurred during the maximum peak solar wind intensity in that entire eight-month period," said space plasma physicist Jamie Jasinski of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, lead author of the study published on Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy.

"We would have observed a much bigger magnetosphere if Voyager 2 had arrived a week earlier," Jasinski said.

Such a visit likely would have shown that the Uranus magnetosphere is similar to those of Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune, the solar system's other giant planets, the researchers said. A magnetosphere is a region of space surrounding a planet where the planet's magnetic field dominates, creating a protective zone against solar and cosmic particle radiation.

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The Voyager 2 observations left a misimpression about the magnetosphere of Uranus as lacking in plasma and possessing uncommonly intense belts of highly energetic electrons.

Plasma - the fourth state of matter after solids, liquids and gases - is a gas whose atoms have been split into high-energy subatomic particles. Plasma is a common feature in the magnetosphere of other planets so its low concentration observed around Uranus was puzzling.

"The plasma environment of any planetary magnetosphere is usually formed of plasma from the solar wind, plasma from any moons present inside the magnetosphere and plasma from the atmosphere of the planet," Jasinski said.

"At Uranus, we did not see plasma from the solar wind or from the moons. And the plasma that was measured was very tenuous," Jasinski said.

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Uranus, blue-green in color due to the methane contained in an atmosphere comprised mostly of hydrogen and helium, has a diameter of about 31,500 miles (50,700 km). It is big enough to fit 63 Earths inside it. Among the solar system's eight planets, only Jupiter and Saturn are larger.

Its unusual tilt makes Uranus appear to orbit the sun like a rolling ball. Uranus, which orbits almost 20 times further from the sun than Earth does, has 28 known moons and two sets of rings.

The Voyager 2 observations had suggested that its two largest moons - Titania and Oberon - often orbit outside the magnetosphere. The new study indicates they tend to stay inside the protective bubble, making it easier for scientists to magnetically detect potential subsurface oceans.

"Both are thought to be prime candidates for hosting liquid water oceans in the Uranian system due to their large size relative to the other major moons," Jet Propulsion Laboratory planetary scientist and study co-author Corey Cochrane said.

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Scientists are eager to learn whether subsurface oceans on moons in the outer solar system have conditions suitable to support life. NASA on Oct. 14 launched a spacecraft on a mission to Jupiter's moon Europa to address that very question.

"A future mission to Uranus is crucial to understanding not only the planet and magnetosphere, but also its atmosphere, rings and moons," Jasinski said.

(Reporting by Will Dunham; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Scots are being forced to wait more than a year for a tooth extraction on the NHS, figures obtained from health boards have disclosed.

Patients in Lothian waited an average of 62 weeks to have teeth removed, while those in the Borders and Grampian waited an average of 55 and 54 weeks respectively.

In Lothian, one patient waited two years to get their tooth removed, while in the Highlands a patient waited nearly two.

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In Greater Glasgow and Clyde, children on average waited 10 months to get their teeth extracted (43 weeks) and in Dumfries and Galloway 42 weeks. Lothian had the third longest average wait of 33 weeks, the equivalent of almost eight months.

Scottish Labour, which obtained the figures from health boards under freedom of information, said people who could not afford to go private would have to live with the agony.

The extraordinary waits were disclosed after it emerged in March that more than a third of patients registered with an NHS dentist went without a check-up or treatment for three years.

The longest waits for adult tooth extractions recorded in 2023/24 - GETTY

In July, Labour published figures showing at least 36,818 people since 2019 had signed up to private dental care plans instead of relying on the NHS.

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Paul Sweeney, the spokesman for Scottish Labour dentistry, said: Rotten teeth can cause excruciating pain but these figures show some Scots are forced to wait for years before getting the surgery they need.

Some Scots will raid their savings to escape the agony, but others will have no choice about living with it. Scottish Labour will encourage more dentists to work for the NHS so that everyone can get the treatment they need when they need it.

The longest waits for adult tooth extractions recorded in 2023/24 included 104 weeks in the Lothian health board region, 94 weeks in the Highlands, 87 weeks in Fife and 59 weeks in Dumfries and Galloway.

For children, the longest waits were 83 weeks in the Highlands, 70 weeks in Lothian, 66 weeks in Dumfries and Galloway, 57 weeks in Grampian and 53 weeks in Shetland.

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A Scottish Government spokesman said: Any long wait for surgery is highly regrettable. However it is important to note that the overwhelming majority of NHS dental care is delivered in a primary care setting.

We are supporting NHS Boards to drive improvements in waiting times and are targeting resources to ensure people waiting the longest are treated as soon as possible.

He said Jenny Minto, the SNP public health minister, was meeting UK care secretary Stephen Kinnock and her Welsh and Northern Irish counterparts on Wednesday to discuss increasing our dental workforce capacity.

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The manhunt for a man wanted on a murder charge in Tennessee ended Sunday when he was captured in South Carolina, according to the Columbia Police Department.

At about 6 p.m., police said that Nicholas Wayne Hamlett was located and identified at a hospital in Columbia. Information about why the fugitive out of Monroe County, Tennessee was at the hospital was not available.

But an employee at the hospital recognized the man wanted for murder and notified law enforcement, according to police.

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A responding officer also recognized Hamlett, and his identity was confirmed with a University of South Carolina Police Department fingerprint scanner, police said. Hamlett is in the temporary custody of U.S. Marshals Service Columbia Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force as arrangements are being made with Tennessee authorities regarding his extradition to Monroe County, according to police.

On Halloween, the Chapin Police Department said it was one of multiple law enforcement agencies that was searching for Hamlett, who was reported to be in the Chapin area of Lexington County. Hamlett is believed to have family in the Midlands, and was last seen early Nov. 1 near 431 East Boundary St., Chapin police said.

Chapin police provided updates about the search for more than a week. On Nov. 8, police said U.S. Marshals had moved on from searching in Chapin for Hamlett, and although it was believed he was no longer in town police warned residents to always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

On Sunday afternoon Chapin police announced Hamlett was in custody.

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The suspect in this case HAS BEEN ARRESTED. Thank you to our law enforcement partners who relentlessly worked this case until he was apprehended, Chapin police said. Thank you to the community as well for your patience and vigilance throughout this time.

The search for Hamlett began in October.

On Oct. 18, emergency officials in Monroe County said they received a call reporting a distressed hiker who claimed to be Brandon Andrade, and said he was injured after falling of a cliff while running from a bear, Mens Journal reported.

Investigators said they found a mans body and quickly determined that the ID found on the victims body was stolen and had been used on multiple occasions, and that the victim was really 34-year-old Knoxville resident Steven Douglas Lloyd, per TV station WATE.

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The Monroe County Sheriffs Office said it believed that Hamlett had met Lloyd, befriended him, and lured him into a wooded area to take Stevens life and his identity, CBS News reported.

Hamlett was also wanted out of Alabama on a parole violation, according to WATE.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  The 2024 presidential race had Americans and foreign countries alike anxiously awaiting the results. However, some voters may have had second thoughts on who they casted their ballot for  whether that was at the federal, state or local level.

On the morning of Election Day, before the polls were even closed, Google Trends saw a spike in searches for How to change my vote.

Google Trends places a value of 0-100 on searches relative to the total number of searches in the allotted time. Looking from Nov. 4-11, the searches peaked on Election Day, Nov. 5, at 7 a.m. with a value of 100, and progressively decreased throughout the day.

This data was up to date as of Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.

Meanwhile the next day, on Nov. 6, President-elect Donald Trump was declared the winner, and many state and local leaders were also announced. Data showed significantly less people were inquiring about changing their vote.

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Iowa was the state that saw the highest number of people searching how to change their votes, specifically in their Des Moines-Ames and Cedar Rapids-Waterlook-Iowa City and Dubuque areas.

Even though the state went red, the searches in those areas correspond with areas that had a large portion of votes for Vice President Kamala Harris in the state. Surprisingly, the highest number of searches took place on Monday at 5 a.m., just under a week after Election Day.

Other states with high search interest include Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska and Alabama  all states won by Trump.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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State Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, talks on the Senate floor in January 2024. (Legislative Support Services)

Washington Senate Democrats chose state Sen. Jamie Pedersen as their new majority leader on Monday.

Pedersen, who represents the 43rd Legislative District in Seattle, replaces retiring Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig of Spokane. Democratic senators made the much-anticipated leadership decision in a caucus meeting in Tukwila.

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Pedersen has served as the majority floor leader in the Senate since 2022. In his new role, he will lead a caucus of potentially 30 senators, a one-seat increase in the partys majority. Thats because Democrat Adrian Cortes is beating Republican Brad Benton by 232 votes in the 18th Legislative District where Republican Sen. Ann Rivers is retiring. A recount may be required to settle the outcome.

The caucus will also see three new arrivals. Reps. Marcus Riccelli, of Spokane, Jessica Bateman, of Olympia, and Mike Chapman, of Port Angeles, all won seats previously held by Democrats.

We are excited to see our majority grow, Pedersen said in a statement Monday. I am confident this new energy and passion will help Senate Democrats continue to put people first and tackle the issues Washingtonians care about most  affordable housing, great public schools, behavioral health, gun violence prevention, climate change, and more.

Pedersen has served in the Senate since 2013. He was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2006. He has chaired the House Judiciary and the Senate Law and Justice committees.

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His appointment makes Washington the first in the nation to have two LGBTQ+ legislative leaders at the same time. He joins House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, who became the first woman and first lesbian to lead the chamber in 2020.

Billig, who announced in March he would not seek re-election, will depart as the third-longest serving majority leader in the past 50 years. Lisa Brown, a Democrat and a former 3rd District seatmate of Billigs, held the post for eight years and Jeannette Hayner, a Republican, held it for a combined seven years over two stints in the 1980s and early 1990s.

In his time as majority leader, Billig teamed with Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and the Democrat-controlled House to pass landmark policies concerning education, the environment, guns, taxes, child care and policing.

Pedersen said Monday he is eager to build on the bipartisan progress the party has made since Democrats took control of the Senate in 2018.

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In Billigs tenure, the caucus moved ideologically leftward, a trend expected to continue following this months election. Sen. Mark Mullet of Issaquah, one of the caucus moderates, will be succeeded by a more liberal Democrat, state Rep. Bill Ramos, also of Issaquah.

Also Monday, Democrats re-elected Bob Hasegawa, D-Tukwila, as caucus chair. Hasegawa has held that post since 2018.

In the 2025 legislative session that begins Jan. 13, lawmakers will be working with a new governor and writing a new two-year state operating budget. Separately and together they will be wrestling with how to plug a potential multi-billion dollar gap between incoming revenue and the costs of maintaining programs and services approved in prior years.
GREENWOOD LAKE, N.J. (PIX11)  Fire crews continued battling wildfires on Sunday, including a blaze in New York and New Jersey that killed Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state parks employee.

New Jerseys state forest fire service said Sunday that the blaze  dubbed the Jennings Creek Wildfire  was threatening 25 structures, including two New Jersey homes. There have been no evacuations as of Sunday night.

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Officials said Sunday that the fire encompasses 2500 acres of brush between the two states. The brush is expected to burn until at least the end of the week before it is able to be controlled.

I dont anticipate any New Jersey residents having to be evacuated. I assure you, we have things well in hand, said Bill Donnelly of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection shared the following pictures and videos of the wildfire.

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Health advisories were issued for parts of New York, including New York City, and northeastern New Jersey due to unhealthy air quality due to smoke from the fires.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
KIEV, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and 23 others injured in overnight strikes on the cities of Mykolayiv and Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine on Monday, local authorities said.

Russian forces attacked Mykolayiv with Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones at around 1:50 a.m. local time (2350 GMT Sunday), killing five and injuring one, regional governor Vitaliy Kim said in a post on Telegram.

Fires were sparked in the city while an apartment building and a private home were destroyed, said Kim.

In Zaporizhzhia, a 71-year-old man was killed and 22 people were wounded in three airstrikes shortly after midnight, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov.

A residential building, a dormitory and a car dealership were damaged in the strikes, said Fedorov.

The Ukrainian capital also came under drone attacks overnight but sustained no casualties or damage, said the Kiev City Military Administration. 
Workers install solar panels at Huguenot High School in Richmond. (Sun Tribe Solar)

The landmark law Virginia passed in 2020 to decarbonize the electric grid is being tested, as energy demand from data centers surges, prompting discussions about how to meet the laws goal.

On Monday, Nov. 18, Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, is hosting a summit in Richmond to talk about that law, the Virginia Clean Economy Act, and a wide range of related topics including economic considerations, challenges limiting local approvals for solar projects, energy efficiency, delivering energy through transmission lines and small modular nuclear reactors.

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The summit will be the culmination of discussions involving Marsdens office that he said would be exempt from Freedom of Information Act laws under a working papers exception, in order to allow for more candid conceptual discussions.

Were not touching the act, said Marsden, in a previous phone interview with the Mercury. The act itself is fine. What are the circumstances around it that have changed in four years and how do we adjust to that demand?

Up for discussion: SMRs, solar and local land use considerations

The Virginia Clean Economy Act, a policy passed under a Democratic trifecta control of state government, requires Virginias two largest utilities, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company, to decarbonize the grid by 2045 and 2050, respectively.

But the growing demand from data centers is expected to increase the electricity needs from Dominions current peak amount of about 22,000 megawatts to about 45,000 by 2039.

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According to filings at the State Corporation commission, Appalachian Power had a 2023 peak load of about 3,200 megawatts. The utility is currently planning to add about 7,700 megawatts for large load customers, about half of which are data centers.

Eric Carr, Dominion Energy president of nuclear operations and chief nuclear officer, left, sits with Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, at the North Anna Power Station (Charlie Paullin/Virginia Mercury)

Small modular reactors, which are smaller nuclear reactors able to produce about 300 megawatts, have gained appeal because of their ability to provide baseload power without generating carbon emissions. Though one is yet to be used commercially in the United States, Amazon announced recently it would help pay for Dominion to develop one.

As SMRs potentially become viable, Marsdens summit attendees will discuss other possible power-producing solutions, including solar energy development. Some participants have previously advocated for altering the local approval process for solar projects by giving state officials the authority to override local denials, by creating a regional siting board or developing a state-level task force to support localities and regions by offering an opinion on technical guidance.

We do not want to diminish local opinion, and we do not want to fail in the task of accelerating permanent approvals, said Jay Ford, Virginia Policy Manager at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a group that wants to see less emissions trickle down into the Bay.

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Theres no doubt about it that if were going to hit our targets, weve got to accelerate utility scale solar being built out, but we have to do it in a way that doesnt cause blowback and grind the whole thing to a halt, Ford said in an interview after presenting the opinion idea to the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation on Thursday. Were trying to strike that balance right now.

A major concern of localities and the farming community faced with Chesapeake Bay cleanup requirements and challenging economics: the loss of farmland to solar.

A Southside Virginia farm. (Sarah Vogelsong / Virginia Mercury)

But Greg Habeeb, a lobbyist on behalf of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Advanced Energy United and several solar developers shared numbers, told legislators at the CEUR meeting that only about 2,400, or 3%, of the 97,000 acres of prime farmland lost annually on average has been due to solar energy development, which is in line with numbers from the Department of Environmental Quality.

Renewable energy is not the problem, Habeeb said. Other land use decisions are the problem.

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Theres the concern over the loss of forestland, said Kyle Shreeve, a lobbyist speaking on behalf of the Virginia Forestry Association, during the CEUR meeting, and removing local land use authority makes conservation efforts much more difficult.

We think the regional planning outline, as Mr. Ford has presented, definitely has potential and could be a potential vehicle to work through some of these issues, Shreeve said.

Other topics of discussion at the summit  such as increasing energy efficiency to build homes and businesses that require less energy, increasing distributed generation on the ground and more comprehensive planning for transmission lines to deliver power across broader regions  have been proposed by environmental and energy groups.

Natural gas

The use of natural gas isnt on the summits agenda, but it is, but often brought up in discussions of the VCEA.

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As a result of the projected electricity demand, Dominion wants to build a natural gas plant and is planning for more, alongside a suite of renewable energy projects, to provide dispatchable reliable power to maintain the grid when solar and wind cant.

Environmental and ratepayer groups see that as running counter to VCEA, since natural gas facilities are required to come offline under the law unless theres a concern over grid reliability. If that concern is present, Dominion and Appalachian Power can appeal to the State Corporation Commission regulators to keep a carbon-emitting source, like its planned natural gas plant, online.

I see no reason for us to give up on that very important state mandated goal, said Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, one of the lead sponsors of the VCEA. We can, and as far as Im concerned, will meet that goal. I have confidence in Virginia and Virginians. When we set a goal we meet our goal.

Although natural gas is not listed as a discussion topic for the summit, Glenn Davis, a former Republican legislator and now director of Virginia Energy appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, said in an interview a key consideration is getting rid of the banning of natural gas as we look forward.

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The specific policies will be coming out over the next 45 days or so from the administration, said Davis.

The former coal-fired Chesterfield Power Station at Coxendale Road. (Charlie Paullin/Virginia Mercury)

Dominion has acknowledged the challenge of being able to provide power through solar, given recent analysis that gave it a lower effective load carrying capacity, meaning solar produces less power than previously thought. The utility is relying on the provision in the VCEA that allows for carbon emitting sources to stay online if need be.

Were quite confident that we will make that case, but it will be up to the State Corporation Commission to decide that, Dominion Energy chair, president and CEO Bob Blue said in a recent interview with reporters about its long-term plan, called an integrated resource plan, which increases natural gas usage.

This is a company that complies with the law. We are doing that in this integrated resource plan. Were going to do that moving forward, Blue said.

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Appalachian Power, in a statement, said it will continue to work with regulators, developers, localities and other interested parties to meet the Virginia Clean Economy Act requirements.

We are committed to meeting those requirements without compromising the reliability, affordability, or security of the electric power system, said spokesperson George Porter.

Editors note: This article was updated to clarify that Greg Habeeb shared the acreage of lost prime farmland, not all farmland.

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The Senate Higher Education Subcommittee will meet for its third interim hearing Monday to venture into new territory as per Lt. Gov Dan Patrick's interim charges: the role of faculty senates, extracting "discriminatory" diversity, equity and inclusion policies from programs and certificates aimed to strengthen Texas' workforce, and increasing advanced placement and dual credit courses for high schoolers.

The subcommittee, chaired by Sen. Brandon Creighton, will meet in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at 9 a.m. Anyone may sign up to give public testimony.

Here's what to know about the charges:

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More: Higher education in Texas: What lawmakers hope to tackle in the 89th legislative session

Is Texas targeting DEI again?

In the 2023 legislative session, the subcommittee advanced Senate Bill 17, a law to ban diversity, equity and inclusion offices, training, programs and staff members at institutions of higher education. Lawmakers approved the bill, and it went into effect in January. Dozens of former DEI staff members lost their jobs at the University of Texas, and students lost access to the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and Gender and Sexuality Center.

SB 17 carves out exceptions for academic purposes and research. A separate proposal last session to discipline faculty members who "compel or attempt to compel a student enrolled at the institution to adopt a belief that any race, sex, or ethnicity or social, political or religious belief is inherently superior" stalled in the Texas House and wasn't considered.

More: Why Texas A&M may cut LGBTQ+ studies minor, and what GOP lawmakers are targeting next

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Preparing students to enter Texas' growing workforce has been a central focus of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board after lawmakers passed House Bill 8, which rewards community colleges for each "credential of value" students receive, meaning a certificate or degree with a likely positive return on investment.

As the next legislative session nears, some lawmakers and groups have targeted courses focused on race, LGBTQ+ studies or social justice as conflicting with such credentials of value. And change is already happening: After months of mounting pressure from conservative lawmakers, Texas A&M University announced its plan to stop offering its LGBTQ+ minor and 51 other certificates or minors  a top-down decision that seemingly circumvented a prescribed process in which changes to minors and certificates are initiated by departments.

More: Texas lawmakers probe universities' compliance with anti-DEI law, free speech: Our takeaways

Texas A&M said the inactivations were initiated due to low enrollment, though faculty members said they've never had enrollment standards for minors. In a statement, the provost said the inactivations were "one step in that process" of further investing in credentials of value.

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Patrick's interim charge tasks the committee to "examine programs and certificates at higher education institutions that maintain discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Expose how these programs and their curriculum are damaging and not aligned with state workforce demands."

The Texas A&M Faculty Senate's Executive Committee voted to reject the inactivation of the minors in an "emergency action" before the system's Board of Regents held its meeting Wednesday through Friday, though ultimately the board directed the university to eliminate the programs, The Texas Tribune reported.

"As the representative body of our Faculty, The Senate and its EC is deeply concerned for our University and the reputational risk that the Provosts proposal represents," Angie Hill Price, the speaker of the Faculty Senate, said in an email to Faculty Senate members Tuesday. "The EC (executive committee) is concerned that The Board of Regents may not be fully aware of the deeply flawed process and the ramifications of the Provosts decisions."

More: This was politics: How UT slashing its DEI programs crushed careers, halted a lifes work

Texas subcommittee to review university faculty senates

This isn't the first time a Faculty Senate, also under fire in the interim charges, has pushed back against university action, particularly of a conservative nature.

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Faculty senates have largely symbolic power but can enact a vote of no confidence against university administrators  an action growing in frequency nationally that signifies a faculty's formal disapproval of a leader and, if passed, often requires the board to review the administrator's position. The West Texas A&M Faculty Senate initiated a no-confidence vote last year against President Walter Wendler after he canceled a campus drag show, a decision widely criticized by free speech groups and students.

Though a similar panel at UT never initiated a formal vote, more than 500 faculty members signed a letter saying they did not have confidence in UT President Jay Hartzell after his police response to pro-Palestinian protests in the spring and the termination of about 60 staff members, many in former DEI-related positions, on April 2.

More: UT Faculty Council resolutions condemn April 2 former DEI terminations, response to protests

The interim charge tasks the committee on Monday to "review and analyze" faculty senates and recommend "guidelines for the role" of such groups.

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On the UT Faculty Council's website, it says the council "is the guardian of the institution's commitment to the academic principle of shared governance." The council is elected by faculty members and students, and it holds monthly open meetings to represent the 3,700 faculty members at UT and hold discussions and make recommendations in the employees' best interests to administrators.

The American Federation of Teachers and the Texas chapter of the American Association of University Professors, in partnership with other groups, held a "call to action" event ahead of the interim hearing to encourage people to testify.

"Having The State of Texas impose regulatory burdens on Faculty Senates would lead to weakening of the quality of education for our students and advancement of knowledge in Texas. It is a matter of public concern," Brian Evans, president of Texas AAUP, told the American-Statesman in an email. "The resulting micromanagement of Faculty Senates could muzzle the faculty voice in matters of their expertise, including curriculum, teaching methods, research, and faculty hiring and promotion. Faculty Senates currently operate under regulations from their campus administration and Board of Regents, and follow professional standards jointly formulated by Boards of Regents, Presidents, and Faculty in Texas and across the nation."

Evans said he hopes the public gains a better understanding of how faculty senates improve the quality of education for students and advance knowledge in Texas.

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"Faculty Senates bring together faculty, students, staff, and administration to create environments and opportunities for learning and growth for students," he said in the email. "For its part, Faculty Senates make recommendations to the President on how to foster the highest quality curriculum, teaching methods, research, and faculty."

More: Board seeks about $39.4M for HB 8 performance funding for community colleges in FY 25

Why dual credit?

As per the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's strategic plan, "Building a Talent Strong Texas," the state aims to have 60% of Texans ages 25-64 graduate with a credential of value by 2030.

The interim charge tasks the subcommittee with identifying ways to streamline K-12 pathways to postsecondary education and challenges in transferring course credits.

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Public testimony is limited to two minutes, and the subcommittee also asks for people to bring seven written copies of their testimony for committee members.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Senate Higher Education Subcommittee to examine DEI on Monday
Senate Republicans are poised to make a historic decision on Wednesday when they'll gather behind closed doors to select their new party leader -- and President-elect Donald Trump's influence in undeniable as he insists that whoever be selected support his ability to install recess appointments to his Cabinet.

With Trump's victory and Senate Republican's majority secured, the lead up to the race has intensified the jockeying between the three major contenders for the position: Sen. John Thune, Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Rick Scott.

The leadership election, slated to occur just one day after the Senate returns from its monthlong election recess, will see Senate Republicans selecting their first new leader since 2007, when current Republican Leader Mitch McConnell first won the job. McConnell is the longest-serving party leader in United States history, but announced earlier this year he'd be stepping aside after the election.

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MORE: How fierce Trump ally Kash Patel could help reshape the FBI or Justice Department

PHOTO: Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, speaks during a bus tour stop for the Ohio Senate race in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 28, 2024. (Joe Maiorana/AP)

Thune, a South Dakota Republican who currently serves as the No. 2 Republican, is somewhat of a front-runner in the race. He has served as the party whip for the last six years and in that time has notched a number of policy wins for the party, and has been working behind closed doors to whip support for the role for months. Thune said he keeps in regular contact with Trump and his team, but the two have at times had an icy relationship.

Running against Thune is Cornyn, a Texas Republican and another established GOP leader who served as the party's whip for the six years prior to Thune before being term-limited out of the role. Though Cornyn has a slightly more conservative track record than Thune, he also faced ire from Trump for his support of the bipartisan gun safety bill that passed in the wake of the shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Also vying for the role is Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican who just won reelection. Scott has attempted to brand himself as the most Trump-aligned of the contenders, but is less popular among some of his Senate colleagues after a stint atop the Senate GOP's campaign arm in 2022 led to a less-than-successful night for Senate Republicans.

PHOTO: Senator Rick Scott speaks during the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, July 16, 2024. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

Trump won't get a vote in this secret-ballot race, but his influence over it is palpable.

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Many Republicans see Trump's comfortable victory in Tuesday's elections coupled with Senate Republicans' new majority as a sweeping mandate to implement Trump's policies, and as such, potential party leaders seem to be cozying up to Trump ahead of the vote.

Trump has not yet endorsed a specific candidate for the race, and it's unclear whether he ultimately will. Instead, Trump has attempted to exert influence over the race by arguing that whoever is slated to fill the role supports a modification to what has become the Senate's normal operating procedure to allow him to temporarily install appointments to federal vacancies without Senate approval during the Senate recesses.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump takes the stage to address supporters at his rally, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., Nov. 6, 2024. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

"Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!" Trump wrote on his social media platform on Sunday.

Recess appointments are permitted by the constitution, and allow presidents to fill federal vacancies during Senate recesses. Though once a regular occurrence, the Senate has operated in such a way as to block all recess appointments since former President Barack Obama's first term. Allowing recess appointments for Trump's second term could allow controversial nominees who may otherwise fail to get the support they need from the GOP-controlled Senate to serve for nearly two years without Senate approval.

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MORE: Republicans clinch Senate control with key flips

None of the top contenders have ruled out supporting the use of these recess appointments, and their responses to Trump's post show how far each is willing to go to show that they're on Trump's side.

Though Thune said in an interview on Thursday that his "preference" would be for Trump to stay out of the Senate leadership race, he issued a statement Sunday night following Trump's post affirming his commitment to installing Trump's Cabinet, and not ruling out the appointments Trump is seeking.

"One thing is clear: We must act quickly and decisively to get the president's cabinet and other nominees in place as soon as possible to start delivering on the mandate we've been sent to execute, and all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments," Thune said in a statement. "We cannot let Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats block the will of the American people."

PHOTO: Sen. John Cornyn speaks to the media on Oct. 18, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP)

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Cornyn meanwhile discussed the use of recess appointments with Trump prior to his post, per a source familiar. In a post on X Sunday afternoon, Cornyn affirmed his support, noting that if he is elected leader, he will keep the Senate in session continuously until nominees are confirmed.

"It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President @realDonaldTrump's cabinet appointments. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent. Additionally, the Constitution expressly confers the power on the President to make recess appointments," Cornyn wrote.

Almost immediately after Trump posted on Sunday, Scott posted on X that he was in lockstep with Trump on this policy.

"100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible," Scott wrote, reposting Trump's post.

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MORE: Are the top candidates to replace McConnell MAGA enough for Trump?

A small handful of senators have come out publicly to endorse their chosen candidate.

Scott, for his part, has picked up endorsements from some of Trump's most out-and-proud supporters in the Senate as well as a number of Trump-aligned outside voices, including Robert F. Kennedy and Elon Musk.

But this critical race has a very small constituency: only Republican senators serving in the incoming Senate get a vote. ABC News has not yet reported a projection in the Pennsylvania Senate race, but that means only about 52 people will get to cast ballots.

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Senators are also shielded behind closed doors and by secret ballot in this race. In order to win the election, a candidate must amass a simple majority of the vote. If all candidates fail to get a simple majority, the lowest vote earner is eliminated from the process, and senators vote again.

MORE: Courts restrained Trump in his 1st term. Will they 'check' his power again?

Because of the secret nature of the vote, it's unclear how much of an influence any outside factor, including Trump, will ultimately wield.

Newly elected incoming senators including Bernie Moreno of Ohio, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, Reps. Jim Banks of Indiana and John Curtis of Utah and Tim Sheehy of Montana will all be in attendance to cast votes.

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Sen. JD Vance, who is now the vice president-elect, is also eligible to cast a vote in the election if he so chooses, but his team has not yet said whether he ultimately will attend Wednesday's vote.

In addition to the closely-watched race for party leader, a number of other positions will also be selected during Wednesday's vote. Sen. John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican, is running unopposed to becoming the No. 2 Senate Republican. Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, and Sen. Tom Cotton, the Republican from Arkansas, are in a race to become the conference chair. Additional down-ballot races will also be voted on Wednesday.

Senate leadership race heats up as Trump issues demands originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(Bloomberg) -- Senegal will recommit to a 2.5 billion ($2.67 billion) program to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels in coming weeks, a key funder said.

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Negotiations over the pact  a so-called Just Energy Transition Partnership  with some of the worlds richest nations had been slowed by a change of government in Senegal this year. A commitment to the deal, in the form of an investment plan, is now expected, said Remy Rioux, the chief executive officer of Frances state development bank.

While former President Macky Sall had initially announced the program in June 2023, his party lost presidential elections in March and Bassirou Diomaye Faye was appointed as his replacement. That created uncertainty over the deal as well as oil and gas developments worth billions of dollars that companies such as BP Plc and Kosmos Energy Ltd. plan to implement.

Faye is expected to announce support for the project if his party and the prime minister he appointed, Ousmane Sonko, wins parliamentary elections on Nov. 17, Rioux said. Sonkos Pastef party is widely expected to secure a majority and shore up Fayes power in parliament.

It will probably be rapidly after the election if Prime Minister Sonko has a majority, Rioux, the head of Agence Francaise De Developpement, said in an interview in Johannesburg. The investment plan would detail how the African country plans to boost the share of renewable power in its energy mix.

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A government ministry official said the drafting of the plan is at an advanced stage and its completion is planned for December.

The deal, if confirmed, would see the money flow from France, Germany, the European Union, the UK and Canada over the next five years.

It would add to similar programs with larger developing countries that are reliant on fossil fuels for electricity production. South Africa committed to a program, now worth $9.3 billion, in 2021. It is gearing up to implement its investment plan and has already won 700 million in funding from AFD as well as loans from Germanys KfW development bank.

Indonesia and Vietnam followed with their own agreements worth $20 billion and $15.5 billion respectively.

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The program is an effort by some of the worlds most industrialized nations, which produce the bulk of the emissions causing climate warming, to help emerging nations invest in renewable energy and reduce their own output of greenhouse gases as they develop.

Senegal currently relies on burning oil and gas to produce most of its electricity. South Africa, Indonesia and Vietnam rely mostly on coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel.

Sign up here for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter

--With assistance from Yinka Ibukun.

(Updates with government comment in sixth paragraph.)

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BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbias President Aleksandar Vucic said he spoke with Donald Trump late Sunday, inviting him to visit the Balkan country while pointing out that in Serbia the U.S. president-elect had the highest level of support of all European states during the election campaign.

The populist Serbian leader said the phone call was very cordial and added that Trump knew many things about Serbia. He expressed hope the ties between Serbia and the United States will further improve in all areas during the next Trump administration.

Vucic said on Instagram he "expressed hope that he (Trump) would visit Serbia, because Serbia is a country where support for the election of President Trump was the largest in all of Europe.

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Vucic and other Serbian leaders had openly supported Trump during the campaign, hoping his Balkan policies would shift from the previous U.S. administrations efforts to keep in check the expansionist goals of Serbian nationalists against neighboring states.

Although formally seeking European Union membership, Serbia has refused to introduce international sanctions against its traditional Slavic ally Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Serbia has avoided major criticism in the West by reportedly supplying Ukraine with weapons that are exported through third countries.

Vucic said Trump thanked him for the support he received from the Serbian people and expressed his belief that he will be able to discuss further improvement of relations between the two countries in all fields with Trump in the coming period.

Serbia had maintained close relation with Trumps associates even during Joe Bidens administration.

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Earlier this year, the Serbian government approved a multi-million-dollar contract with Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner on plans to build a luxury hotel on the site of the former defense ministry in Belgrade. The downtown building was bombed during a NATO-led military intervention to stop a bloody Serb crackdown against Kosovo Albanian separatists in 1999.

The project, which has caused a lot of controversy in Serbia, was reportedly proposed to Kushner by a former Trump aide and Balkan envoy, Richard Grenell, who is said to be destined for high office in the new Trump administration.

Vucic decorated Grenell with a high medal of honor in 2023 for distinguished merit in developing and strengthening peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between Serbia and the U.S..
SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sergeant Bluff Police Department said that the missing teen returned home safely Monday morning.

The Sergeant Bluff Police Department is seeking the publics help in locating a missing 13-year-old.

According to the Sergeant Bluff Police Department, they are searching for a teen who was reported missing on Sunday.

Woodbury County Auditors Office conducts post-election audit

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If anyone has any information on their whereabouts, theyre asked to contact the Sergeant Bluff Police Department at 712-279-6960.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  For decades, the Cannon family has answered the call to serve, passing down a legacy of sacrifice and pride.

Each deployment, every hardship, every triumph, and every promotion earned adds to the familys unwavering dedication to service.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

The Army it gets in your blood and youre certainly used to the environment, and the family thats there in the Army, said David Cannon.

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Its a legacy that started more than six decades ago.

First of all, I did not enlist. The government enlisted me. I was drafted, said Frank Cannon Jr.

This legacy quickly turned into a family business and became one Frank Cannon Jr.s sons were proud to carry out with the youngest of the Cannon brothers enlisting first.

I went in in 1987. So while I was in, my brothers were actually finishing up ROTC, so I think I was the first one to go in. Is that right? So, I was the first one of my, of my siblings to go in, I enlisted when I was 16 years old and then actually got sent to basic training when I was 17 years old. So, I kind of knew, right as soon as I finished high school, the Army was for me, said Johnson Cannon.

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Growing up as army brats the Cannon brothers said the environment, camaraderie, and the sense of family thats created is something that cant be replaced and something they all found themselves longing to get back.

Just that lifestyle and shared experiences and then knowing that, Hey, I could provide that same thing to my kids, but its what I really missed, you know, is what I really missed. I think about the experiences that we were able to give our kids the same opportunities, the same things we saw in him, and the way that it affected us to be able to strive for higher goals, to continue to persist, and to not give up. I see those same things we have been able to instill in our children, and they take that forward to the next generation, said David.

The brothers, giving literal meaning to the saying following in your parents footsteps, said the bond created by putting on the uniform and serving the country you love, is the highest honor and something they are proud to do together.

I think as far as the relationship with my father, you know, thats something that I think would have occurred irrespective of career choices. I think Id still have that relationship if I never went to the military. but it was special for me to know that I was in the same unit that he was in, in Vietnam. And for my brothers. Its a its a common bond that we share, said Frank Cannon III.

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The path to the army always seemed to be clear for the Cannon brothers, but the one who started this legacy said he would never imagine his boys would choose the same path.

I never thought they would. But then again, I never discouraged them either. If they wanted to go in, they knew what army life was like. They knew it. Its almost a nomadic life cause youre moving from place to place to place. I dont know how many times I moved. I lost track of them, actually. But, when they wanted to go and serve it, I encouraged them, said Frank Jr.

The Cannon family has served a combined 64 years, totaling six combat tours, in countries including South Korea, Germany, Greece, Iraq, and Kuwait. They all affirm if they could do it all over again, they wouldnt change a thing.

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Yu Shang Food, Inc. issued a recall of approximately 4,600 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential listeria contamination, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Saturday. The company, headquartered in South Carolina, classified nine of its products as being possibly contaminated with listeria: Yushang Brand Cooked Chicken, Seasoned Pork Hock, Japanese Chashu Pork Belly, Braised Pork Belly in Brown Sauce, Cooked Pork Hock, Chinese Brand Spicy Chicken Feet, Bazhen Seasoned Whole Chicken, Braised Beef Shank, and Seasoned Pork Tongues.

Listeria was found present in a Yu Shang Food product during a routine examination by FSIS on October 21. According to FSIS, the food items under question were produced from October 21 to October 27 and their packaging includes "used by" dates from August 21, 2025 through August 27, 2025. These products with listeria risk were offered both in retail stores nationwide and online.

FSIS warned that some contaminated food items may be present in the refrigerators and freezers of those who have recently purchased Yu Shang Food products. The organization urges consumers to throw the products away or return them to where they were purchased.

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The Trouble With A Recent Slate Of Listeria Outbreaks

A Boar's Head deli meat section in a grocery store - Tom Sibley/Getty Images

Yu Shang Food's recall for listeria concerns is just one wave in a recent tide of food-related listeria scares. Last month, BrucePac announced a recall for 10 million pounds of its ready-to-eat meat and poultry due to listeria. Contaminated meat from BrucePac could have been distributed to restaurants, institutions, and other establishments, according to FSIS. Also in October, TreeHouse Foods issued a recall of its frozen waffle products. Later that week, Kirkland Signature's smoked salmon was recalled by Acme Smoked Fish Corporation, which produces the Costo brand's salmon, for possible listeria risk. And then, earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of six brie and camembert products from Savencia Cheese USA due to a potential for listeria contamination.

A food-related recall for listeria contamination is not uncommon, but a significant series of major recalls is likely sounding some alarms. Listeria-contaminated foods can infect consumers with listeriosis, leading to a range of symptoms like fever, headache, muscle stiffness, confusions, and gastrointestinal problems. Elderly people, immunocompromised individuals, newborns, and pregnant women are more vulnerable to listeriosis and worsened symptoms.

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WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCBD)  An emergency shelter was opened Sunday for residents looking to escape rising water along the Edisto River.

The shelter, which began welcoming evacuees at 6 p.m., is located at the Colleton County Recreation Center at 208 Recreation Lane.

If you need assistance leaving, call 843-549-2211. We have additional personnel on shift, ready to assist you, said the Colleton County Sheriffs Office. People were encouraged to leave before dark.

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Crews from Colleton County Fire Rescue evacuated river-side residents near Whetstone Crossroads earlier in the day.

Residents have informed Fire-Rescue the water level is higher now than it was after TS Debby, the agency said. Please heed the warnings and prepare to leave before it is too late.

Colleton County Fire Rescue previously warned residents that the river was expected to reach moderate flood stage, near major flood stage, in the coming days. Much of the rising water comes after heavy rain in the Midlands last week moves south toward the coast.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024. The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

JIUQUAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday launched the Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China and sent the 15 satellites, including satellites from the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits.

The Lijian-1 carrier rocket was developed by CAS Space, a commercial spaceflight company established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This rocket series completed its maiden flight on July 7, 2022, and has now launched a total of 57 satellites in the course of five flight missions.

With a length of 30 meters, a takeoff weight of 135 tonnes, and a takeoff thrust of 200 tonnes, Lijian-1 can send a payload of 1.5 tonnes to a 500-km sun-synchronous orbit, or a payload of 2 tonnes to low Earth orbit.

The Lijian-1 Y5 carrier rocket uses a payload fairing with a diameter of 3.35 meters to accommodate the larger space required by satellites. Payload fairing configuration can be adjusted according to the payload capacity and space requirements of satellites in future missions.

The Yunyao-1 series onboard the rocket consists of six satellites, which are primarily designed for atmospheric detection or monitoring environmental hot spots.

The remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman utilized artificial intelligence to calculate its load. The intelligent operating system of the satellite can conduct in-orbit processing and analysis, and it can be applied in detailed land surveys, urban planning, forest surveys and disaster monitoring.

This mission marks the first time for Chinese commercial space enterprises to provide launch services to international users, highlighting that the Lijian-1 carrier rocket has officially entered the international commercial space market, said Shi Xiaoning, chief designer of the rocket.

Shi noted that the cost performance and product reliability of the rocket have been recognized by the international market. 

A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

A Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket with 15 satellites onboard blasts off from a commercial aerospace innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Nov. 11, 2024.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday and sent the 15 satellites, including the Jilin-1 Gaofen series, Yunyao-1 series, Xiguang-1 series, and a remote-sensing satellite launched for Oman, into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)
Shipwreck confirmed as WWI ship that lost over 500 sailors

A shipwreck discovered off the coast of Scotland was confirmed to be a British cruiser sunk by a torpedo during World War I, killing more than 500 crew members on board, U.K. military officials have revealed.

The wreck of the HMS Hawke was found in "remarkable" condition this summer by a volunteer team of divers about 70 miles east of Fraserburgh. Royal Navy experts said Friday that an analysis of video, photos and scans confirmed the ship's identity.

On October 15, 1914, a German sub captained by U-boat ace Otto Weddigen attacked the HMS Hawke, killing 524 crew members, officials said. The ship exploded and sank in fewer than eight minutes with just 70 sailors surviving.

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The month before sinking HMS Hawke, the same U-boat sank three Royal Navy cruisers in one hour, killing more than 1,450 sailors and Royal Marines.

The HMS Hawke. / Credit: Lost in Waters Deep

HMS Hawke was located in August about six miles from where British maritime officials estimated it would be in the early 1970s. Divers found it about 360 feet underwater.

The team consulted the war diary of the U-boat that sank Hawke, as well as the logs of the nearest warships to the cruiser at the time of its sinking, officials said. Divers also looked at contemporary charts of the North Sea to help pinpoint the possible wreck site.

"The wreck is in remarkable condition for a vessel of this era, likely due to the depth and having never been dived before," said Steve Mortimer, one of the divers. "It's a fascinating site. You can look through the open scuttles and see artifacts just lying there on the deck. There's lots of Royal Navy crockery, including teacups, plates and bowls. It's a really remarkable time capsule."

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Mortimer and his team also located two large guns on the bow and stern, guns along the ship's sides as well as an admiral's walkway around the stern and navigation equipment.

Three years before it sank, HMS Hawke made headlines in 1911 when she was damaged after colliding with RMS Olympic  the sister ship of the Titanic.

Hole torn in the hull of 'RMS Olympic' after the collision with 'HMS Hawke' in the Solent, 20th September 1911. / Credit: / Getty Images

After World War I broke out, the warship was assigned to enforce the naval blockade of Germany by patrolling between Scotland and Norway. The cruiser was doomed when on October 15, 1914, she was spotted by U-9 about 80 miles east of Fraserburgh, Scotland.

Lieutenant Commander Jen Smith told the BBC that the Navy appreciated efforts to locate and identify wrecks around the U.K.

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"Without these volunteers dedicating their time to these projects, the resting place of many of our sailors would never be found and their sacrifices forgotten, so we are most grateful," she said.

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Police have arrested one person in connection to the deadly shooting at Alabamas Tuskegee University on the last day of homecoming week Sunday morning, but authoritiesdont believe he acted alone.

Jaquez Myrick, 25, is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility. Myrick was found leaving the scene of the shooting that occurred on the campus of Tuskegee University, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said. Myrick was arrested and charged federally with possession of a machine gun.

The tragic event left one person dead 18-year-old LaTavion Johnson  and at least 16 people injured. At least 12 were injured by gunfire, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said in a post on X. CNN reported that Johnson was not a student at the university.

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Several others including Tuskegee University students were injured and are receiving treatment at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, according to the school.

According to local outlet WSFA 12 News, Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson said he believes there is more than one suspect.

If youve seen some of the videos, there was shooting all over the place. So, I think there will be multiple suspects, he said. Were going to deal with it and try to get every last one of them.

Shots rang out around 1:40 a.m. on the Macon County campus as the schools centennial homecoming festivities were coming to a close.

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Officials request that anyone with information about the shooting reach out to investigators immediately. Authorities also asked possible witnesses to upload any digital files of the incident to the FBI.

Tuskegee University announced that all Monday classes are canceled as police work to process the scene. Grief counselors will be available for students on Monday as well.

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The 37-year-old man was waiting in line at a Virginia Beach 7-Eleven, staring into his strawberry-melon Big Gulp, when he saw the red dot appear on the side of the cup. It was around 2 a.m., July 25, 2019.

His eyes followed the dot to two hooded men pointing guns at him and the clerk. He tried to stay calm as the clerk begged with the men, one shoveling cash out of the register. The 37-year-old sipped his drink as he felt for his gun, holstered underneath his T-shirt. He pulled out a 9 mm, shooting and wounding one robber in the neck. He shot the second twice in the torso, killing him.

Nothing has been the same since.

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Virginia gun owners often cite self-defense for wanting to own a firearm. However, several Hampton Roads legal experts said gun owners are often mistaken in when they can use deadly force. Killing someone in self-defense can be mentally traumatic and bring murder charges more often than the public may expect.

You may be right. But more often than not, you were going to be wrong, said Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi. And if you were wrong, then you would have killed somebody illegally. And you will almost certainly face trial and prison.

While the 7-Eleven shooter wasnt charged, he has dealt with the trauma of that night for the past five years and agreed to speak to The Virginian-Pilot on the condition of anonymity because of the stigma he feels.

In Virginia, people have the right to defend themselves under limited conditions. They must later prove that any reasonable person in their situation would have been fearful of themselves  or someone near them  dying or suffering great bodily harm.

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The use of force also has to be proportional. A person cant use deadly force against nonlethal force. For example, you can punch someone you fear is about to punch you. But you cant shoot them.

A self-defense claim is judged on the standards of outside observers, such as the testimony of witnesses. When gun users go to court  when law enforcement deems that there wasnt immediate, clear evidence of justified self-defense  jurors are told to consider if a defendant was with fault, meaning they played a role in provoking the fight or difficulty that led to the shooting, or without fault.

Virginia model jury instructions state that defendants who are with fault  before resorting to shooting  must retreat to wall, get as far away as physically and as safely as possible in a good faith attempt to abandon the fight.

Deadly force also cant be used to defend property alone.

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A lot of people think that, Hey, if a burglar breaks into my house, Im automatically entitled to kill that person,' Fatehi said. Thats simply not law.

Also, the threat must be immediate.

On June 4, 2021, Calvin Anthony Durham Jr., 37, entered the Kappatal Cuts on Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk and started a fight with Nelson Luckett, who was 44. They argued, fought, pulled out guns and Luckett eventually took Durhams gun and shot and killed him with it.

Mr. Durham had disengaged and was no longer fighting or doing anything to present an immediate physical threat to Mr. Nelson Luckett, Fatehi said.

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Durham may have gone to the barbershop to start a fight, but that did not give Luckett the right to kill him, Fatehi said. Luckett was found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to nine years in prison, with four years suspended on court-mandated conditions.

Im willing to accept that he does, and did, believe that he was doing the legally correct thing, Fatehi said. He was not right.

Even when a person is acquitted, trials can take years to resolve.

I think that going through a trial as a defendant or as a client is probably one of the most stressful things that someone can experience, said Mario Lorello, a defense attorney for the Norfolk firm Zoby & Broccoletti, P.C.

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Lorello has successfully represented clients whove claimed self-dense and witnessed the emotional toll the court process takes.

How a police department or how a Commonwealth Attorneys office or a different attorneys office view self-defense and which cases should or should not go to trial is going to vary from city to city to city, he said.

In the 7-Eleven case, the shooter did everything right after he shot the gunmen.

He immediately approached the men, moved their weapons out of reach, checked on the wounded survivor and told the clerk to call the police. He helped a woman who had fallen and instructed other customers to go outside. He removed the bullets from his gun and made sure the clerk witnessed every step.

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When police arrived, the woman pleaded with them not to arrest the man whod saved her life.

The man said hed studied best practices and trained with firearms and carried a concealed carry permit for years. He was released from custody that day but was emotionally hobbled for years.

I couldnt think clear for crap, for crap, he said.

He recalled, for example, when he ordered the wrong part for his vehicle and couldnt return it; it cost him $1,100. Everywhere he went, he said, people either called him a hero or disapproved of what hed done; he began to feel that people only tied him to the event. He was sure his co-workers at the medical transport business where he worked heard about the incident.

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So, he stopped going to work, lost his job and his relationship with a girlfriend suffered. He doesnt know if the relationship fell apart because hed killed someone or if his behavioral changes drove her away.

Youre never going to be the same after that. Ive even considered, like in my next relationship that I have, do you bring that up?

Only recently hes begun to feel more settled. He doesnt regret what he did; hes a staunch supporter of the right to bear arms and knows he protected himself legally.

Ive got the right to defend.

Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com
While many of us across the country might be experiencing election fatigue, Goodyear residents can gear up for another one.

Goodyear voters will have a number of measures to decide on, with the City Council having called for a spring special election at the Nov. 4 council meeting.

The City Council initially discussed a potential special election at a September work session, where staff presented proposed changes to the city charter.

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The Charter Committee, which consisted of a group of seven Goodyear residents that met during the spring, examined four different sections of the charter.

One of those is the city managers administrative authority. Currently, the City Council has the authority to create, consolidate, alter or abolish city departments. But under the proposed charter changes, that authority would instead be shifted to the city manager.

Some recommendations from the committee simply clarified things intending to protect local control in case there are any changes in state legislation.

Goodyear: City considers special election in May. Here's what voters need to know

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One amendment, for example, would clarify that bond elections are decided by a simple majority vote and that the Council can issue city debt by a simple majority vote. While thats currently the case, some bills at the state level have proposed raising that threshold.

Other amendments include changes to zoning regulations and how the City Councils salary is decided, an issue that came up late last year.

What franchise agreements will be on the ballot?

The other two ballot measures that residents will see on the special election concern franchise agreements: one with EPCOR Water Arizona Inc., and another with Liberty Utilities.

Goodyear is currently in a license agreement that allows EPCOR to use city right-of-way to install water distribution systems. That agreement was made with the intent to eventually enter into a franchise agreement, which would allow the company to construct, maintain and operate water distribution facilities within city limits to provide water services for areas of the city.

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Franchise agreements are voter-approved contracts between a municipality and a company that give a utility provider access to public infrastructure on or through city-owned land.

The agreement would also allow EPCOR to install wastewater collection facilities in the future if the Arizona Corporation Commission expands EPCORs service territory, according to city documents.

Under the current license agreement, EPCOR pays the city license fee of 2% of the gross profits of water services within city limits, which comes out to about $22,000 to $26,000 per year. The franchise agreement would up the fee to 3%.

EPCOR will be responsible for any costs associated with the special election. If passed, the franchise agreement will be effective until May 2050.

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Peoria voters recently decided on a similar measure during the general election. EPCOR has had a franchise agreement with the city since 2010, with voters renewing the franchise agreement for another 25 years.

Proposition 496: Peoria puts water, wastewater utility question to voters

Another measure that voters will see on their ballot is a similar franchise agreement with Liberty Utilities, formerly known as Litchfield Park Water and Sewer. The agreement would allow Liberty Utilities to construct, maintain and operate water distribution facilities and wastewater collection facilities within city limits to provide water services to areas of Goodyear.

Like EPCOR, Liberty would also be subject to a 3% franchise fee, which could come out to about $75,000 per year. Liberty currently provides wastewater services within the city but does not have a franchise or service agreement to install infrastructure.

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Liberty would pay any permit fees to the city for installation of water and wastewater systems. It will also pay the city any fees associated with having a special election.

If passed, the agreement would also be effective until May 2050.

Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-259-8545. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why Goodyear called a special election in May
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Sidewalk Film Center will host its 15th annual Sidewalk $10K Party on Nov. 16.

Upcoming holiday markets in Central Alabama

Located at Events at Haven, this event will feature BINGO, free popcorn, Cahaba Brewing Company beer and Vineyard Brands wine. There will be multiple opportunities to win prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize.

300 tickets will be sold for this event. More information can be found here.

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SANTOS, Brazil - Three hundred surfers over the age of 50 gathered at the weekend in Santos, Sao Paulo to attempt a world record for the most people riding the same wave.

Participants, many of whom took up surfing later in life, arrived early, eager to hit the water.

"I had a crazy desire to learn (to surf) and when I started, I couldnt stop," said Christiane Melin. "Its an addiction, but an addiction thats really good. Its a really great sensation to ride the waves."

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The event, organised by a local surf school specialising in teaching older adults, emphasised community and well-being.

"This is a great example to show the world the importance that, after the pandemic and beyond politics, we can all be together on the same wave," said organiser Cisco Arana.

Though the group fell short of breaking the record  98 surfers managed to ride a wave together, shy of the 110 achieved in South Africa in 2009  the event highlighted the transformative power of the sport.

"There were some people who were retired and were a bit idle, there were people with depression, there were people with problems, and then they started to get into surfing," said Marco Horta, a retiree.

"While surfing in nature, people talked, made friends and started to be happy."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical campus in Rapid City, South Dakota. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

If patriotism can be measured by how much support veterans receive and some forms of civic engagement, Salt Lake City ranks 5th in the list of most patriotic cities in the country.

Thats what a survey conducted by Veterans United Home Loans found when it studied veteran population, presence of Veterans Affairs health facilities, veteran-owned businesses, Google search interest for Veterans Day and voter turnout, according to its website.

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Salt Lake City has a relatively small veteran population, the lender wrote. But, services and community support for that community are proportionately high. There are more than 1,280 veteran-owned businesses in the city. That, in addition to an over 90% voter turnout in the 2020 general election, earned Utahs capital a high score among 99 other metropolitan areas.

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But, with those local numbers boosted by voting participation, you may be wondering whats the status of the 140,000 veterans that live in Utah. A state office that helps veterans access federal programs has some insight.

The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs helps veterans access dedicated benefits including health care with the VA, housing benefits, education and free access to state parks, said Taylor Ricks, director of communications for the office.

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Getting those claims through the VA can be quite difficult. its quite a large organization, and so it can be kind of tedious, Ricks said about the work his office does. And we come in as kind of middlemen or caseworkers, if you may, we help walk them through that process and help them get approved.

Mental health and education

In addition to the over 500 different claims the office helps handle every month, it also runs initiatives for suicide prevention among veterans along with the Department of Health and Human Services, creating a training specific to suicide prevention measures among members of the military, including tools to recognize thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis.

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We know that in 2023 veterans made up about 12% of the suicide deaths here in the state, and they account for about 5% of the population, Ricks said. So you can kind of see the disparity there.

The state also hired a Family Programs Manager for military families that may be moving for different assignments, including helping kids adjust to different education programs.

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A lot of it is childhood education, and a lot of it also can be therapy, Ricks said. Theyve recently added some mental health therapists in the districts on Hill Air Force Base that are specific to the military children. And so thats something that kind of goes hand in hand with this family programs manager.

Businesses and housing

Apart from that, the Veteran Business Resource Center, which partners with Salt Lake Community College to help veterans get started with their business ventures, has supported the creation of more than 1,500 businesses, Ricks said, including food trucks, restaurants, coffee shops, and videography and manufacturing companies.

In housing, apart from the home loans backed by the VA, the state has a first-time-buyer grant that offers about $2,500 for those who have transitioned out of service in the last year. The $500,000 the Legislature appropriates every year is enough to fund 181 grants a year, Ricks said.

Recreation

The Legislature passed a bill last general session, appropriating $200,000 to grant free admission to state parks for veterans who are Utah residents and have a current service-connected disability rating issued by the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration. Lawmakers also created a pilot program extending the benefits to all veterans with an Interagency Military-Lifetime Pass for national parks.

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The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs hopes the pilot can turn into a long-term program, Ricks said, since interest in it ran high.

The applications filled up within just a couple weeks of announcing it, he said about the 1,600 passes that were offered through a newsletter and emails.

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LOWER MANHATTAN (PIX11)  Wildfires across New Jersey have sent smoke across the Hudson to New York City, prompting health officials to issue an air quality health advisory.

Out of nowhere, for about two or three hours, it was so smoky and hazy, Keaton Myers, a Lower Manhattan resident, told PIX11 News.

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Myers said he couldnt believe the eerie, yellow and brown haze that appeared to be coming possibly from wildfires across the Hudson. I kind of felt a cough coming on. I stayed inside, Myers added.

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A Battery Park City resident chimed in. When we left yesterday. It was very smoky outside, Debbie Belevan, out for an evening stroll, told PIX11 News. Feels like its cleared out now, she added.

And it has, for the most part.

The air quality now is considered moderate, in the yellow, around 50 whereas Saturday the range was in the danger zone, between orange and red, 100 to 150.

But still, on Sunday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued a warning about excess fine particulate matter, which are tiny particles of pollution in the air. Everyone is really at risk. your eyes and throat, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and particularly those with asthma, COPD, very young children less than five and very old people risk, Dr. Len Horovitz, a Lenox Hill pulmonologist, told PIX11 News.

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NY Parks employee killed in Greenwood Lake fire: State police

Dr. Horovitz described how dangerous particulate matter can be for the vulnerable population. Particles that are about the diameter of human hair and they can get into the bloodstream and cause problems for patients with cardiac disease or pulmonary disease, Dr. Horovitz added.

This air quality health advisory also applies to the Hudson Valley.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
(Bloomberg) -- South Africas commercial hub Johannesburg will take a series of steps to improve water supply and stop its taps from running dry, the countrys water minister said.

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The city will improve revenue collection to increase the funds available for maintenance and provide better incentives for water to be used efficiently, Pemmy Majodina told a briefing Monday in Johannesburg.

It will also upgrade pressure management and replace aging pipes and dysfunctional bulk and customer water meters so that water flows can be measured accurately to determine the location of these losses to fix them faster, she said.

The push, in a nation that recorded recent success in improving electricity supplies after years of power cuts, comes amid growing concern over the threat of water shortages in major cities.

Rand Water, the citys bulk-water supplier, warned last month that water-storage facilities may soon be depleted if municipalities such as Johannesburg dont fix leaks and conserve water.

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The demand supply relationship for treated water in Johannesburg is very tight, and the system is vulnerable, Majodina said. The city must reduce the leaks in its water distribution system and complete its current projects to construct more reservoirs and pumping stations.

Johannesburg Water Management Ltd., which distributes water in the city, said it loses 48% of the volume supplied to it to leaks and theft. In one incident, residents across several districts were left without water for almost two weeks in March after a breakdown.

South Africas Constitutional Court, based in the central business district, has been unable to conduct in-court case hearings since Nov. 1 because of unreliable water supply in its building.

Whilst the court has a water tank installed for ablution facilities, this back up water supply lasts for only one working day, and the City of Johannesburg is unable to refill it promptly on a daily basis to allow court operations to continue uninterrupted, it said in a statement.

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--With assistance from Rene Vollgraaff.

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Hezbollah media chief Mohammad Afif attends a press conference in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Nov. 11, 2024.(Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah media chief Mohammad Afif claimed on Monday that the Israeli army was still unable to occupy any village in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency.

"After 45 days of bloody battles, the Israeli enemy is still unable to occupy a single village in southern Lebanon," Afif told a press conference in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Afif said that as long as Israeli forces were unable to advance by land and gain actual control, they would never achieve their political goals, and the people of the north would never return to their houses.

Afif denied allegations by Israeli officials about Hezbollah's missile stockpile declining to around 20 percent of its actual capabilities.

"We confirm again that the resistance fighters, especially on the front lines, have enough weapons, equipment, and supplies for a long war that we are preparing for on all levels."

Responding to the Israeli saying that diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon have progressed, Afif said no official ceasefire proposal has been conveyed to the group.

"If you hear about political negotiations for a ceasefire, the real reason is the battlefield and the resilience of the resistance," he said

Afif also emphasized the solid relationship between Hezbollah and the Lebanese National Army. "The relationship was and will remain so," Afif said.

"The army and the resistance are both defending Lebanon and the Lebanese each in its own way and capabilities," he added.

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has intensified its air strikes on Lebanon in an escalation of conflict with Hezbollah.

In early October, Israel initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon. 
By Marco Aquino and Eduardo Baptista

LIMA/BEIJING (Reuters) - In South American copper giant Peru, the incoming Donald Trump White House will find itself already on the losing side in a trade battle with China, part of a bigger power realignment around the resource-rich region in Washington's backyard.

Peru, the world's no. 2 copper exporter, is set to host Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders this week, with China's President Xi Jinping expected to attend and inaugurate a major new Chinese-built port in the country. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden is also on the guest list.

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Peru reflects a wider challenge for the White House around South America, where China's presence has grown rapidly given its huge appetite for the region's main exports: corn, copper, soy, beef and battery-metal lithium.

That's made Beijing the go-to trade partner from Brazil to Chile and Argentina, eroding Washington's regional political clout, a trend that widened under Trump's 'America First' inward turn during his first administration and again under Biden.

"The strategic value is that this is the United States' backyard," said Li Xing, professor at the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, adding it helped counter U.S. presence around the Indo-Pacific and offset trade war risks.

"China can't start by building military bases there because it's too sensitive and will make China's conflict with the United States too pronounced... So it has made inroads with economic ties first."

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Peru demonstrates the dramatic shift. China's trade lead there over the United States widened to $16.3 billion last year, UN Comtrade data show, a stark reversal of just a decade ago when Washington was the dominant player. That's come hand-in-hand with investment from energy to mining.

China overtook the United States in 2015 on trade with Peru, widening the gap under Trump's previous administration from 2017-2021, and again under Biden.

"China has entered the region aggressively, is learning quickly, and is prepared to remain for the long term," said Eric Farnsworth, a former State Department official now at the Council of the Americas and Americas Society.

"Unless the United States meaningfully prioritizes regional economic policy in a new and more effective way, the region will continue to tilt toward Chinese interests."

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The U.S. embassy in Lima did not respond to a request for comment. Washington officials have repeatedly warned publicly that Chinese investment in the region comes with strings attached and said the United States is a more reliable partner.

'SINGAPORE OF LATIN AMERICA'

A beacon of the change is a new megaport 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Lima in Chancay. It is being built by China's state-owned Cosco Shipping and promises to shorten sea routes to Asia both for Peruvian and Brazilian goods.

The Chinese-controlled port, set to be inaugurated by Xi when he is in Peru, has sparked concern from the United States over regional security, but more importantly will turbocharge the region's trade highway to China.

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"We will have direct routes to Asia, particularly to ports in China, which will be cut by 10, 15, 20 days depending on the route," Peruvian Minister of Transport and Communications, Raul Perez Reyes, told Reuters at the port.

He added that it would compete with Mexico's Port of Manzanillo and eventually Long Beach in California.

"Our aim is to become the Singapore of Latin America."

The Pacific coast port is leading to other investments to boost connectivity, especially for soy producers in Brazil, who are keen to cut down shipping costs and travel time to Asia, and avoid going through the Panama Canal to the north. Peru's government is pushing a potential $10 billion rail project.

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That could see more Brazilian soy transported overland to Peru and then heading for China. Brazil has seen trade with the world's no. 2 economy skyrocket in recent years.

Most local officials and diplomats, however, strike a cautious tone. They say both China and the United States are key partners. But privately, they concede that China has given more concrete attention to Latin America.

"Peru is open to do business with all countries," said a senior Peruvian official on condition of anonymity. "What China does though is concentrate its investments in Latin America and Africa" which have the resources it needs, the official said.

He added that Peru hoped to sign an agreement during APEC with China to upgrade their 2009 free trade agreement, mainly related to intellectual property, electronic commerce and customs procedures.

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'SIGNALS OF ENTHUSIASM'

Brazil's ambassador in Lima, Clemente Baena Soares, said the Chancay port would be a major boost for his country's soybean farmers, cutting almost in half journey times to Asia.

He called for Peru to ease red tape for Brazilian haulers such as load limits on highways linking the countries.

Jose Tam, president of the Peru-China Chamber of Commerce, said that China was being more proactive than others in South America, helping boost its trade and investment ties.

"China is sending the clearest signals of enthusiasm in the region," said Tam, who heads the association that includes large copper mines such as MMG Ltd's Las Bambas and Aluminum Corp's Chinalco.

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Mario de las Casas, corporate affairs manager for Cosco Shipping, said Peru's pivot towards China wasn't political and it was open to investors from everywhere. The trend was purely business, with less U.S. investment on offer.

"Let the United States come to invest, it has not done so for many years," he said, adding that Peru was well positioned to benefit from any global trade tensions. "Here there are no good or bad guys, here there are only interests."

(Reporting by Marco Aquino and Eduardo Baptista; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Alistair Bell)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  South Carolina's Supreme Court has not set a date for the state's next execution after lawyers for four inmates out of appeals asked them to postpone deaths until after Christmas and New Year's.

The justices typically issue notices on Fridays because it gives the maximum amount of time of 28 days to prepare for the execution which by law is to be carried out on the fourth Friday after the receipt of such notice.

The Supreme Court also promised in August to space out the executions in five week intervals to give prison staff and defense lawyers, who are often representing several condemned inmates, time to handle all the legal matters necessary. That includes making sure the lethal injection drugs as well as the electric chair and firing squad are ready and researching and filing last minute appeals.

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South Carolinas death chamber has a backlog because of a 13-year pause in executions in part because the state couldnt obtain the drugs needed to carry out lethal injections until the General Assembly passed a law keeping the name of the provider secret.

Six inmates ran out of appeals during that time. Two have been executed and four are awaiting their fate.

The justices could have issued a death warrant this past Friday for Marion Bowman Jr. that would have been carried out on Dec. 6.

But the day passed with no word from the Supreme Court, including what the justices thought of the request from the inmates last Tuesday to take a break from executions until early January.

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Six consecutive executions with virtually no respite will take a substantial toll on all involved, particularly during a time of year that is so important to families, the lawyers for the inmates wrote in court papers.

Attorneys for the state responded that prison officials were ready to keep to the original schedule and the state has conducted executions around the Christmas and New Years holidays before, including five between Dec. 4, 1998, and Jan. 8, 1999.

Bowman, 44, was convicted of murder in the shooting of friend 21-year-old Kandee Martin whose burned body was found in the trunk of her car in Dorchester County in 2001. Bowman has spent more than half his life on death row.

Bowman would be the third inmate executed since September after the state obtained the drug it needed to carry out the death sentence. Freddie Owens was put to death by lethal injection Sept. 20 and Richard Moore was executed on Nov. 1,

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South Carolina was among the busiest states for executions back then, but that stopped once the state had trouble obtaining lethal injection drugs because of pharmaceutical companies concerns they would have to disclose they had sold the drugs to officials.

The state Legislature has since passed a law allowing officials to keep lethal injection drug suppliers secret, and in July, the state Supreme Court cleared the way to restart executions.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  South Carolinas Supreme Court has not set a date for the states next execution after lawyers for four inmates out of appeals asked them to postpone deaths until after Christmas and New Years.

The justices typically issue notices on Fridays because it gives the maximum amount of time of 28 days to prepare for the execution which by law is to be carried out on the fourth Friday after the receipt of such notice.

The Supreme Court also promised in August to space out the executions in five week intervals to give prison staff and defense lawyers, who are often representing several condemned inmates, time to handle all the legal matters necessary. That includes making sure the lethal injection drugs as well as the electric chair and firing squad are ready and researching and filing last minute appeals.

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South Carolinas death chamber has a backlog because of a 13-year pause in executions in part because the state couldnt obtain the drugs needed to carry out lethal injections until the General Assembly passed a law keeping the name of the provider secret.

Six inmates ran out of appeals during that time. Two have been executed and four are awaiting their fate.

The justices could have issued a death warrant this past Friday for Marion Bowman Jr. that would have been carried out on Dec. 6.

But the day passed with no word from the Supreme Court, including what the justices thought of the request from the inmates last Tuesday to take a break from executions until early January.

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Six consecutive executions with virtually no respite will take a substantial toll on all involved, particularly during a time of year that is so important to families, the lawyers for the inmates wrote in court papers.

Attorneys for the state responded that prison officials were ready to keep to the original schedule and the state has conducted executions around the Christmas and New Years holidays before, including five between Dec. 4, 1998, and Jan. 8, 1999.

Bowman, 44, was convicted of murder in the shooting of friend 21-year-old Kandee Martin whose burned body was found in the trunk of her car in Dorchester County in 2001. Bowman has spent more than half his life on death row.

Bowman would be the third inmate executed since September after the state obtained the drug it needed to carry out the death sentence. Freddie Owens was put to death by lethal injection Sept. 20 and Richard Moore was executed on Nov. 1,

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South Carolina was among the busiest states for executions back then, but that stopped once the state had trouble obtaining lethal injection drugs because of pharmaceutical companies concerns they would have to disclose they had sold the drugs to officials.

The state Legislature has since passed a law allowing officials to keep lethal injection drug suppliers secret, and in July, the state Supreme Court cleared the way to restart executions.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
ORLANDO, Fla.  SpaceX has a pair of launches on tap Monday from its two launch pads on the Space Coast that could lift off within four hours of one anothter.

First up is a Falcon 9 on the Koreasat-6A from Kennedy Space Centers Launch Pad 39-A targeting a window that runs from 12:07-4:07 p.m. and backup opportunities from 12:06-4:06 p.m. Tuesday. The payload is a communications satellite for South Korean company KT SAT Corporation Ltd. headed for geosynchronous transfer orbit.

This is the 23rd mission for the first-stage booster, which will aim for a recovery return to nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations Landing Zone 1. If it lands, it will become the first SpaceX booster to successfully make 23 landings. Two previous boosters launched 23 times, but one blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion.

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SpaceX warned one or more sonic booms may be heard across parts of Central Florida, which would occur about eight minutes after liftoff.

There is the possibility that residents of Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions, the warning stated.

The second launch on tap is a Falcon 9 on the Starlink 6-69 mission with 24 of SpaceXs internet satellites set for liftoff from Canaverals Space Launch Complex 40 at 4:02 p.m. during a window that runs through 7: 44 p.m.

The launch was scrubbed from a Sunday attempt because of poor weather in the booster recovery area.

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The first-stage booster for this mission is making its 12th flight and will aim for a recovery landing downrange in the Atlantic on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas.

Space Launch Delta 45s weather squadron forecasts a 70% chance for good conditions for the KSC launch, which improves to 90% in the event of a 24-hour delay, and forecasts an 80% chance for good launch conditions for the Cape Canaveral launch, which also improves to 90% in the event of a delay until Tuesday.

These would be the 77th and 78th launches from the Space Coast in 2024, with all but five coming from SpaceX.

The time between the two Space Coast launches, if they remain close to four hours apart, would not best SpaceXs company record between its KSC and Canaveral pads, which was set Dec. 28, 2023 when a Falcon Heavy launch from KSC was followed by a Falcon 9 at Cape Canaveral in 2 hours and 54 minutes.

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Even that has not beaten the all-time record on the Space Coast for shortest times between launches, which came during four Gemini program missions that flew in 1966. Those featured double launches from two different pads on what was then Cape Kennedy.

Those would send crew up in the Gemini capsule on Titan rockets about 100 minutes after Atlas boosters had sent up Agena Target Vehicles with which they would rendezvous in space.

The record remains the two launches from Gemini 11, which sent up astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon from Launch Complex 19 only 97 minutes and 25 seconds after the Agena launch from Launch Complex 14 just over 1 mile to the south.

_____
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  This week on The Spectrum:

Republicans are celebrating a huge election night. Donald Trump is back in the White House and J.D. Vance joining him as the first Ohioan to become vice president.

Then theres Bernie Moreno, whose victory in the Senate race reinforces Ohio as a conservative stronghold.

This weeks expanded all-star roundtable will not only talk about the success of the GOP but also where Democrats go from here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Editors note: This story has been corrected to fix the flights path. It originated in Florida.

(The Hill)  A Spirit Airlines flight was hit by gunfire in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The flight from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was landing and was diverted when it was hit.

The airline said Flight 951 landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Spirit said in a statement that an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire.

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One flight attendant on board reported minor injures and is being evaluated by medical personnel. No airline guests reported injuries.

Spirit said it took the plane out of service and is arranging for a different aircraft to return its guests to Florida on Monday.

The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien pending further evaluation, Spirit said in a statement.

FAA opening Boeing safety review

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince posted on the social platform X that it was aware of reports and possible protest activity and civil unrest in the coming week. It warned Americans to not travel to Haiti.

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The embassy later released a statement to say it was aware of gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince.

The Touissant LOverture airport has a temporary pause in operations, the U.S. Embassy said.

The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel, it added.

The violence comes a day after the transitionary council created to reestablish democratic control in Haiti signed a decree firing interim Prime Minister Garry Conille. He was replaced with Alix Didier Fils-Aime, continuing the rocky democratic transition for the country thats been plagued by gang violence, The Associated Press reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A Spirit Airlines flight from Florida was hit by gunfire while trying to land in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Monday and diverted to the neighboring country of the Dominican Republic, the Federal Aviation Administration said. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Two other flights bound for Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport were diverted as a precaution, the FAA said in a statement. The airport closed following the shooting, according to the agency.

A video posted to social media appeared to show a bullet hole inside the Spirit plane near an exit in the back of the cabin. The video also shows damage to an overhead compartment above a row of seats. Photos shared by the airport where the plane landed in the Dominican Republic show what look like bullet holes on the exterior of the plane.

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Spirit Airlines Flight 951 took off from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, just north of Miami, on Monday morning, bound for Port-au-Prince.

According to the flight-tracking website Flightradar24, the flight flew over parts of Haiti and circled around Port-au-Prince. The Airbus A320 was over a neighborhood about 550 feet off the ground when it began to quickly climb and diverted to Cibao International Airport in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

"The decision to get out of there, I think that was a very solid decision," said Robert Sumwalt, a former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and a CBS News transportation safety expert and analyst.

A photo provided by the Dominican Republic's Cibao International Airport shows what looks like a bullet hole in the fuselage of Spirit Airlines Flight 951. / Credit: Handout from Cibao International Airport

The flight landed safely, according to Spirit. The airport said 48 passengers were on the flight. In Santiago, the aircraft was inspected, and damage consistent with gunfire was found, the airline said.

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A flight attendants union, the Association of Flight Attendants, confirmed to CBS News that a flight attendant on the plane sustained minor injuries from debris during the incident. No passenger injuries were reported, according to Spirit.

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince said in a security alert Monday it was aware of "gang-led efforts" to block travel to and from the capital that may include "armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports."

"The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous," the embassy said. "Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti."

Sumwalt said it's important for carriers to understand incidents like Monday's can happen at some of their destinations.

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"Airlines really need to make sure that they understand that these sorts of things can happen in some of these countries where we have political unrest, where we have violence," Sumwalt said.

Spirit said the plane involved in Monday's incident was taken out of service. The airline was making arrangements for a different plane to take the passengers and crew back to Fort Lauderdale on Monday.

Following the incident, Spirit and other airlines suspended service to Haiti.

Spirit said its service at Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien in northern Haiti was suspended "pending further evaluation."

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JetBlue said Monday night it discovered one of its planes had also been hit by gunfire.

"JetBlue flight 634 from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, landed safely at New York's JFK Airport. While no issues were initially reported by the operating crew, a post-flight inspection later identified that the aircraft's exterior had been struck by a bullet."

JetBlue canceled its flights to and from Haiti through Dec. 2. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update our plans as necessary," the carrier said in a statement.

American Airlines said it was suspending flights between Miami and Port-au-Prince through Thursday. "We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation as needed," the airline said in a statement.

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Editors note: This story has been corrected to fix the flights path. It originated in Florida.

A Spirit Airlines flight was hit by gunfire in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The flight from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was landing and was diverted when it was hit.

The airline said Flight 951 landed safely in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Spirit said in a statement that an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire.

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One flight attendant on board reported minor injures and is being evaluated by medical personnel. No airline guests reported injuries.

Spirit said it took the plane out of service and is arranging for a different aircraft to return its guests to Florida on Monday.

The safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority, and we have suspended our service at Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien pending further evaluation, Spirit said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince posted on the social platform X that it was aware of reports and possible protest activity and civil unrest in the coming week. It warned Americans to not travel to Haiti.

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The embassy later released a statement to say it was aware of gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince.

The Touissant LOverture airport has a temporary pause in operations, the U.S. Embassy said.

The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel, it added.

The violence comes a day after the transitionary council created to reestablish democratic control in Haiti signed a decree firing interim Prime Minister Garry Conille. He was replaced with Alix Didier Fils-Aime, continuing the rocky democratic transition for the country thats been plagued by gang violence, The Associated Press reported.

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Updated at 5:33 p.m. EST.

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A Spirit Airlines aircraft was struck by gunfire as it attempted to land in Haiti Monday (Nov. 11), resulting in major U.S. airlines canceling flights to the country.

An attendant on the flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti was also injured, a statement from Spirit obtained by NBC News confirmed. One Flight Attendant on board reported minor injuries and is being evaluated by medical personnel. No Guest injuries were reported. The flight was ultimately re-routed to the Dominican Republic. Upon inspection, damage consistent with gunfire could be seen.

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince believe the incident was a part of gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince, which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports. Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haitis main international airport, has since paused operations, CNN reports, with airlines including JetBlue and American releasing statements confirming they would be suspending service to Port-au-Prince.

AUSTIN, TEXAS  FEBRUARY 12: A Spirit Airlines aircraft undergoes operations in preparation for departure at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on February 12, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Spirit Airlines shares plummet as the company continues grappling with financial woes and steep losses during its last quarter. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

The incident follows the swearing in of interim Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who has promised to restore peace and hold elections, which the nation hasnt done since 2016.

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A United Nations helicopter was also hit by bullets while flying over Port-au-Prince just last month. Back in February, gang violence forced the airport and main seaport of the capital into closure, cutting off the population from vital supplies and aid.

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BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday rebuked U.S. backing of the Philippines' enactment of the so-called "Maritime Zones Act."

Spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing that driven by its geopolitical interests, the United States has been inciting the Philippines to provoke unrest in the South China Sea for many years, and that the U.S. intentions to disturb the South China Sea are well-known to the world.

The U.S. State Department on Nov. 8 issued a statement supporting the so-called act, alleging that it "aligns" Philippine domestic laws with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the so-called "2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling."

"The South China Sea arbitration itself violates the UNCLOS and is a complete political farce. The so-called arbitral ruling on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void," Lin said.

The U.S. side repeatedly demands that all countries abide by the UNCLOS, but the United States itself has not joined the UNCLOS, Lin said. "This is a typical act of hypocritical 'double standard,'" he added. 
A Spirit Airlines plane flying from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was struck by gunfire Monday as it attempted to land in the Haitian capital, forcing it to divert and land elsewhere.

A spokesperson for the airline told HuffPost that a flight attendant onboard sustained minor injuries in the ordeal and is being evaluated.

According to the airline spokesperson, Flight 951 was diverted to Santiago in the Dominican Republic, where an inspection revealed evidence of damage to the aircraft consistent with gunfire. The spokesperson didnt respond when asked if the plane was deliberately targeted.

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Screenshots taken from an unverified video obtained by TMZ appear to show multiple bullet holes in the cabin.

The plane has been taken out of service, and Spirit Airlines has suspended all service to Haiti. American Airlines and JetBlue, which also fly to Haiti, have likewise canceled flights to the country through Thursday.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, operations at the Toussaint Louverture airport are temporarily paused.

In recent years, violent gangs have besieged the country, which has struggled to sustain stable political leadership following the shock assassination of President Jovenel Moise at his home in July 2021.

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The U.S. Embassy warned Americans on Monday not to travel to Haiti, calling the security situation there unpredictable and dangerous.

Travelers should be prepared to encounter gang-led efforts to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince which may include armed violence, and disruptions to roads, ports, and airports, the embassy said in a security alert.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Multiple organizations will gather in Springfield on Monday to celebrate and honor veterans at the 12th Annual Veterans Day Parade.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, the Navy Club and the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club invite members of the public to join them at the parade, which kicks off at 11 a.m.

Veterans Day deals for active-duty military members, veterans

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I look forward to honoring veterans at the Springfield Veterans Day Parade, a community tradition, Director of Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Terry Prince, said. Veterans Day is an opportunity for the entire nation to pause and honor veterans. Team IDVA will be attending programs, events, and parades throughout the entire month to demonstrate our deepest gratitude.

The parade will start on 11th Street at 11 a.m. It will proceed down Capitol Avenue to end at the Capitol Building.

Active military, veteran organizations, bands, or military vehicles that are interested in joining the parade must register by Monday, Nov. 11. For more information, email Crystal Womack, at crystal.womack@illinois.gov.

There will be a complimentary lunch open to the public after the parade. The lunch will be held at the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club at noon.

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(Bloomberg) -- Keir Starmer said hes not planning to call in on Donald Trump at his home in Florida next week, when the British prime minister will be traveling to Brazil for the Group of 20 leaders summit.

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With Trumps warnings about trade tariffs and questions over his stance on Russias war in Ukraine hanging over US-UK ties, speculation had mounted that Starmer might seek a head-start on what is likely to be a complicated second presidency to navigate, especially given the potential to stop off in Florida en route to or from Rio de Janeiro.

But asked if he was considering dropping in to Mar-a-Lago, as some other leaders are planning, Starmer told reporters as far as I know his plan is to travel directly to Rio de Janeiro. He referred to his call with Trump hours after his election win last week, as well as a meeting in September in New York where we discussed a wider range of issues and well continue to do so.

Starmer was speaking to reporters on the plane from Paris, where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, to Baku in Azerbaijan, where the British premier is attending United Nations climate talks. Trumps election win forms the backdrop to both, as governments try to figure out how to respond to an incoming US president who they know from his previous tenure can be unpredictable.

For Starmer, there are potential flashpoints looming including over Ukraine. The prime minister was asked if he and Macron discussed whether to use the last weeks of Joe Bidens administration to pressure the current president to allow Ukraine to fire British Storm Shadow cruise missiles  which rely on US navigation systems  into Russian territory.

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Ive always said that we support Ukraine for as long as it takes, Starmer said, without mentioning missiles. Ive also said on a number of occasions, we need to put Ukraine in the best possible position.

Trump has pledged to broker a swift end to Russias war in Ukraine, raising fears in Kyiv and among its allies about what kind of settlement he has in mind.

Following Trumps first win in 2016, it was former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who wrote what became the playbook for dealing with a leader who loves flattery, when he dropped a speaking arrangement in Peru to stop off in New York and became the first world leader to meet the president-elect.

With the APEC meeting being held in Peru this week, and the G-20 in Brazil next, some world leaders are expected to repeat Abes strategy to get a diplomatic head-start on the next four years of Trumps second presidency. Argentine President Javier Milei is confirmed to speak at a gathering of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Mar-a-Lago, with Japans Shigeru Ishiba and Indonesias Prabowo Subianto reportedly seeking to meet Trump.

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But Starmer appeared disinclined to follow on his way to Rio. To be perfectly honest next week is a long way off just at the moment, but as far as I know were going straight there, he said.

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Officials hope $30 million program will streamline housing aid for homeless veterans. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

New Jersey will commit more than $30 million over two years to secure housing for more than 1,000 homeless veterans through formal partnerships with veterans service organizations, Acting Gov. Tahesha Way announced Monday.

The Bringing Veterans Home program, a joint effort by state offices and private service providers, is intended to streamline the process by which unhoused veterans seek housing assistance, beginning early next year. Service members and National Guard members also are eligible.

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The courageous men and women who have served our country should never bear the weight of homelessness, Way said in a statement. Our Administration is committed to connecting veterans with the resources they need for the housing they deserve.

Eligible veterans and service members will be able to apply for housing assistance online, by calling the states homelessness hotline, or through housing and homeless service providers affiliated with county homelessness offices, the Department of Community Affairs, or state or federal veterans affairs offices.

Officials will also conduct direct outreach to unhoused veterans living in homeless encampments or who are otherwise unable to apply on their own. Veterans must have been honorably discharged to be eligible for the program.

A portion of the funds set aside for the program will be used to build out data infrastructure and create six regional hubs to streamline and standardize housing access for homeless veterans across county lines.

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By bridging jurisdictional boundaries, eliminating service gaps, and creating dedicated pathways to permanent housing, were building a system that ensures no veteran or National Guard member in New Jersey will have to wonder where theyll sleep at night, said Michael Callahan, director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention.

The program marks the first formal partnership between veteran services organizations and the state to combat homelessness among service members. The Office of Homelessness Prevention will administer the program in partnership with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Officials said they hoped the program would allow New Jersey to effectively end veteran homelessness in the state by 2027. The most recent count of New Jerseys unhoused population identified 518 unhoused veterans, representing 5% of almost 10,000 adults statewide who are homeless.

We are proud to lead this mission alongside the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and are dedicated to honoring our veterans by providing them with the secure housing they rightfully deserve. They served us, now its our turn to serve them, said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez.

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Corey Smith  the reputed leader of a notorious Liberty City drug gang who was convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to death two decades ago  got a reprieve Sunday when prosecutors said they would no longer ask for the death penalty at his re-sentencing.

Its a case that has been in limbo for almost a year as attorneys first grappled with the difficult task of changes to the death penalty law in Florida. They were also forced to navigate through the removal of the two lead prosecutors in the case for alleged misconduct. That was followed by moves from Smiths defense attorneys to have the case tossed altogether.

READ MORE: Miami-Dade prosecutor removed from murder case a paradox: Hero to some, villain to others

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Then Sunday, after a series of controversial texts between the Miami-Dade state attorney and the appellate judge who originally prosecuted the case and who testified at re-sentencing were publicized, the state said it would no longer seek death for Smith because too much time had passed and witnesses had dried up or died.

READ MORE: Miami judges venomous texts come back to bite her in crumbling death penalty case

Compelled to re-sentence because of court decisions, with the passage of time, and taking all these factors into consideration, we do not feel we have a sufficiently compelling case for a death penalty presentation to jurors, the state attorneys office wrote in a statement to the Miami Herald. The statement also said Smiths defense attorneys and the court had been notified.

Smiths defense attorney Allison Miller, who is trying to have Smiths murder convictions vacated, called Smith complicated and said he is far more good than bad.

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Frankly, Miller said, he is one of the most generous and certainly smartest clients I have ever had. And he is an integral part of his family unit and has raised his son from prison.

Smiths next court hearing before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

RICO conviction leads to death sentence

Smith was first convicted in federal court in 1999 of drug and firearm charges. A year later, a Miami-Dade grand jury indicted Smith and seven others on 17 counts for crimes committed in connection with Liberty Citys violent John Doe drug gang  named for the toe tags tied to unidentified bodies at the morgue.

In 2004, Miami-Dade jurors found Smith guilty of the murders of Cynthia Brown, Angel Wilson, Leon Hadley and Jackie Pope and the manslaughter deaths of Melvin Lipscomb and Marlon Beneby, in a case that launched the careers of several young Miami-Dade prosecutors. Smith was accused of ordering most of the deaths, and participating personally in the drive-by shooting of Hadley.

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Law enforcement flooded the courthouse during the high-profile murder case in which Smith was forced to wear a stun belt each day in case he tried to escape. A year later he was sentenced to death.

But as Smith fought for his life over the years, the case has remained tied up in a court system that changed its rules regarding the death penalty several times. The sentencing phase of Smiths and other cases were first ordered re-tried in 2016 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Floridas death sentence law unconstitutional and said a unanimous jury was required before meting out a death penalty sentence.

As prosecutors worked to re-try those cases, that ruling would be upended in Florida because of a mass shooting at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School two years later. By 2023, after convicted shooter Nikolas Cruzs life was spared by jurors, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law in the state that only required a two-thirds majority of jurors to impose a death sentence.

Still, re-sentencing was required. To Smith and others originally sentenced to death in Florida by non-unanimous juries, the the judicial ruling and legislative response were a roller coaster ride that has entangled their cases in the court system for almost a decade.

Smiths re-sentencing has consequences

Smiths re-sentencing, contentious from the start, has exposed state prosecutors to withering criticism from defense attorneys and some ethics experts. In March, lead state prosecutor Michael Von Zamft and co-counsel Stephen Mitchell were removed from the case by Wolfson.

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The judge was incensed after learning in jailhouse phone calls between Von Zamft and a states witness, of an apparent attempt to use a snitch in the jail to shore up stories between potential witnesses. Defense attorneys have also constantly accused state prosecutors of hiding or not passing along evidence in a timely manner.

Prosecutor Michael Von Zamft presents closing arguments in a 2008 murder case.

The revelations unraveled other murder convictions that were tied to the same jailhouse informant. In July, the State Attorneys Office agreed to vacate the murder conviction and life sentence of Taji Pearson, and hell be released next summer. The lawyer for Jimmy Washington, also convicted on the testimony of the jailhouse informant, is seeking to have his conviction and sentence thrown out as well. Both were involved in the 2010 murder of a 15-year-old, Sabrina ONeil.

And, the case has also proven to be a major embarrassment to the person who perhaps benefited the most from Smiths 2005 conviction: 3rd District Court of Appeal Judge Bronwyn Miller. Judge Miller, the lead prosecutor in the Smith case, would later receive appointments at the circuit court and the 3rd DCA.

Earlier this year, Miller testified at Smiths re-sentencing, saying during the original trial she spoke to witnesses daily at either Miami Police headquarters or in a jury room. And when she learned some of them were being fed and given cigarettes, she told the court, Miller wrote a memo about it.

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But what has come into question about her testimony are a series of texts between the appellate judge and Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. In several of the texts, Miller seems to be pressuring the state attorney about how to handle the case against Smith.

She denigrates defense attorneys and urges Fernandez Rundle to try and remove Wolfson from the case after Von Zamft was dismissed.

She also told the state attorney that the recent hiring of a Daytona Beach public defender to train prosecutors was a mistake that could end up having her removed from her elected post. The defense attorney resigned in August, two months into the job, after the Herald reported he had recently published a sex novel rife with sexual violence and misogyny.

They play by different rules, Miller texted. No defense attorney should be training [assistant state attorneys]. It should be someone who knows that prosecutors are held to higher ethics.

And in another text, the appellate judge told Fernandez Rundle that appointing Von Zamft to the case was also in error.
Meet this everyday hero who braved strong waves to rescue a critically endangered swimmer in China's Guangdong. Amazingly, the rescuer's family members have a tradition of saving people in this area. #FacesofChina
Dangerous wildfires were burning Monday on the East and West coasts, with firefighters in New York and New Jersey working to contain a deadly blaze spurred by an ongoing, historic drought  while strong winds in Southern California could fan a destructive fire in Ventura County.

The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings on Tuesday for southeastern New York, areas along the New Jersey/New York border where the Jennings Creek Fire is burning, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The warnings indicate an increased risk of wildfires due to strong winds and dry air, prompting caution among residents.

The Jennings Creek Fire has scorched approximately 3,500 acres across parts of New York and New Jersey and is 20% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on X Monday evening. While rain on Sunday helped slow the fires progress, dry conditions and high winds are expected to continue throughout the week, Assistant Division Firewarden Christopher Franek with the service said during a news conference Monday.

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While no civilian injuries have been reported, an 18-year-old Wildland Fire Crew member was killed while responding to the blaze over the weekend, officials said Sunday. Dariel Vasquez died Saturday afternoon when a tree fell over in the fire area.

Dariel Vasquez was killed while responding to the Jennings Creek Fire. - Rockland County Government

Vasquez recently graduated from Ramapo High School, where he was a member of the schools varsity baseball team, the East Ramapo Titans.

Anthony Vasquez, 50, described his late second cousin as a stellar young man and a family person. And his death has nearly taken us apart, Vasquez said.

Were very close, our family. He grew into a family of community service where were about helping each other, helping the community, Vasquez told CNN.

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Dariel Vasquez was a leader among his peers, a teen who loved to play baseball and worked hard at his craft, he said. The 18-year-old wanted to be an electrician, according to his cousin, and had plans to study electrical work in college this coming January.

On the other side of the country, forceful winds are expected to return to Southern California this week. It raises fears the Mountain Fire, which has damaged and destroyed dozens of homes in Ventura County, could spread after calmer weekend weather allowed firefighters to get its containment up to 36%.

Special weather statements were also issued for eastern Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, where humidity levels are slightly higher.

Wind advisories are in place through Tuesday for parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, where gusts of 50 mph to 60 mph are possible, even as a cold front could bring a slight chance of rain.

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The Mountain Fire has prompted thousands of evacuation orders, with some families already having returned to find their homes damaged or burned to the ground.

Flames had burned around 20,600 acres as of Sunday night, according to Cal Fire. Since the fire sparked Wednesday, 192 structures have been destroyed and another 82 damaged. Six injuries have been reported, including five civilians and one firefighter, officials said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but officials are looking into whether power lines may have contributed.

While California is used to raging wildfires, New York has not had a fire season like this year since 2002, according to Jeremy Oldroyd, a forest ranger with the states Environmental Conservation Department. Nearly 600 wildfires have burned nearly 7,000 acres in New Jersey and New York since October 1, according to officials.

Most of the fires were in New Jersey, where the states Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires. Thats nearly 500 more than the same period last year  and the flames have claimed about 4,500 acres, Donnelly said.

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New Jersey hasnt seen anything this dry since, you know, we began keeping records, which is one of the obstacles were facing, Donnelly said. We have fires in New Jersey that have been burning since July 5, if thats any indication of how dry it is and what were dealing with.

New Jersey firefighters have been battling a spate of wildfires. - New Jersey Forest Fire Service

After reports of the wildfire and a separate two-alarm forest fire in Brooklyns Prospect Park on Friday night, New York City Mayor Eric Adams banned grilling in the citys parks. The city has seen 120 brush fires in the last 10 days, according to a release from the mayors office. Adams warned residents to take fire precautions and steps to conserve water during the drought.

Homes lost to the blaze

In California, as officials assess the damage inflicted by the Mountain Fire, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said hes grateful for the number of lives that were saved and the fact that we have zero reported fatalities.

I know we suffered great damage, but thousands of homes were saved and hundreds of lives were rescued. I know we made mistakes, but we will learn from those mistakes, Gardner said during a community meeting Sunday night.

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Gardner pointed out the number of residents in the fire-affected area  about 30,000, including 7,000 who are nonnative English speakers  made evacuating the area challenging.

We were fortunate that the fire started at 9 oclock in the morning, with daylight, said Jim Fryhoff, the sheriff of Ventura County. Imagine this at 9 oclock at night, where its already dark. Then you lose power in an area thats already dark, then you have smoke on top of that. This had the opportunity to be so exponentially worse.

Jamie Randall looks at the rubble of her home in Camarillo, California, on Saturday. Randall and her husband said they plan to rebuild. - KCBS/KCAL

Agricultural officials assessing the impact of the wildfires on farmland planted with avocados, citrus and berries estimate the damage at over $6 million. County Agricultural Commissioner Korinne Bell said Monday that officials have completed only a quarter of their survey on the damage and expect total losses to rise.

As the situation evolves, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for changing conditions.

CNNs Robert Shackelford, Eric Levenson, Taylor Romine and Kia Fatahi contributed to this report.

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PAYSON, Utah (ABC4)  A student at Payson Junior High was taken into custody on Monday, Nov. 11, after police said they came to the school with a gun.

The Payson Junior High administration said it received a report of the student earlier in the school day and the school resource officer was immediately contacted. Within minutes of the report, the student was found and taken into custody.

The gun was also found and secured by administrators. In a statement posted to social media, Nebo Junior High School Principal Kevin Mecham said there is no longer a threat posted to students or staff.

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The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, Mecham said. We are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the continued safety of our school community. Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the situation.

Mecham said the Payson Junior High administration appreciates the patience and understanding from the community, adding a big thank you to the students for seeing something and saying something.

ABC4 has also reached out to the Nebo School District for comment and is awaiting comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
President-elect Donald Trump is unlikely to continue Biden's student-debt relief efforts.

Trump has opposed broad student-debt relief and did not prioritize targeted relief during his first term.

Two of Biden's debt relief plans remain blocked in court, keeping borrowers in limbo.

Student-loan relief is now a lot more uncertain for millions of federal borrowers. Two efforts, in particular, are in the hot seat.

President Joe Biden's SAVE income-driven repayment plan, intended to give borrowers cheaper monthly payments and a shorter timeline for relief, has been blocked in court since July following a lawsuit by GOP-led states.

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In addition, the president's broader student-loan forgiveness plan, intended to benefit over 30 million borrowers, is also blocked in court pending a final decision.

Under Biden, the Education Department canceled billions of dollars in student loans for nearly 5 million borrowers. Though he hasn't been able to pass broad forgiveness, the relief was a result of targeted actions for borrowers on programs including Public Service Loan Forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans.

President-elect Donald Trump is unlikely to continue both Biden's targeted debt relief efforts and the broader student-loan forgiveness initiatives that are blocked in court.

"He's throwing money out the window," Trump previously said of Biden's debt relief efforts, also calling broad relief "vile" and illegal.

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When Business Insider asked Trump's campaign if the president-elect would oppose student-loan forgiveness, Karoline Leavitt, the Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman, 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."

The campaign did not elaborate on what Trump would do for student-loan borrowers. However, Americans can look back at Trump's first term in the White House to gauge the actions he might take on student debt. His Education Department ran up a backlog in processing applications for PSLF and borrower defense to repayment applications, which allow relief for those who were defrauded by the schools they attended.

Trump has also suggested getting rid of the Education Department altogether. Some advocates have vowed to fight for borrower protections under Trump's second term  Mike Pierce, executive director of the advocacy group Student Borrower Protection Center, said in a statement after Trump won the election that Trump's policies left "millions drowning in student debt."

"The threat posed by these plans is real and will imperil the financial stability of millions of working families," Pierce said. "Making the basics of American life more expensive remains bad policy and bad politics."

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Republican lawmakers in Congress also oppose student-loan forgiveness. If they secure the majority in both the House and Senate, legislation to rescind Biden's debt relief efforts has a chance of being signed into law. For now, millions of borrowers remain on forbearance as they wait for the courts to decide what will come of Biden's broader debt relief efforts, leaving their timeline for repayment in limbo.

How do you feel about the future of your student loans under President-elect Donald Trump? Share your story with this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SPRINGFIELD Mo.  On Sunday, Missouri State University students reacted as the schools new president Richard Biff Williams is the subject of a federal lawsuit.

The lawsuit stems from Williamss time as president of Utah Tech University and claims that Williams delivered a suggestive display to a high-ranking administrative member. OzarksFirst spoke with students on MSUs campus who say they still have confidence in their new president.

It is concerning hearing this, but its also something that does not necessarily affect his role here, says freshman Anna Gleckler.

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It doesnt really affect me or how I view who he is, as long as he does his job, says Sophie Weber.

MSU President accused of obscene display in lawsuit

The display in the lawsuit was delivered to the home of the Utah Tech administrative member. It was made of vegetables put together obscenely, along with a note attributing the gesture to the Title IX coordinators. You can find more details on the lawsuit here. Gleckler says she understands why the situation was inappropriate.

A president of a university did it to somebody that he worked with. And then I thought about myself in the workplace, like, what if my boss or something made that joke, says Gleckler.

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President Williams has sent an email to the university addressing the lawsuit and apologizing for the attention it has brought Missouri State. Students say they appreciate the email and enjoy Williamss presence on campus.

He seems really nice and is willing to go around our campus and get to know people and listen to people. So that that meant a lot to me, says Gleckler.

The Missouri State Board of Governors has also responded to the lawsuit, saying it still has full confidence in President Williams.

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University students in South Africa have introduced a new humanoid robotics research platform, highlighting advancements in robotics technology.

Stellenbosch Universitys Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has developed a humanoid robot with a full-height frame, a functional torso, an operable right arm, and a nearly finished left arm.

Outfitted with a webcam and advanced software, the robot can track and replicate human movements in real time.

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"Our system performs inverse kinematics, allowing it to follow human motions. This enables theoretical teleoperation from anywhere, demonstrating its potential for remote operation," said Dr William Duckitt, a professor at SU's Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, told an engineering news outlet.

In February, four members of Hong Kongs Diocesan Boys School robotics team engineered the worlds smallest humanoid robot, measuring just 141 mm11.3 mm shorter than a standard ballpoint pensurpassing the 2022 record set by Pakistans Zain Ahmad Qureshi.

Remote-controlled robotics

The humanoid robot at Stellenbosch University's currently stands at full height with a fully operational torso, right arm, and hand, while its left arm is nearly complete.

Designed for advanced human-like interaction, the robot incorporates a webcam for vision tracking, combined with sophisticated software that allows it to analyze and mimic human movements in real-time, according to Engineering News.

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Equipped with an inverse kinematics system, the robot can accurately replicate the motions of a human operator, enhancing its capability to interact with its environment in a responsive and adaptive manner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xmACc6O3e8&pp=ygUdc3RlbGxlbmJvc2NoIHVuaXZlcnNpdHkgcm9ib3Q%3D

According to researchers, this feature not only allows the robot to follow complex human motions but also opens up possibilities for remote operation, as the platform is theoretically capable of teleoperation from any location worldwide.

The development of such technology underscores the potential for humanoid robots to be deployed in remote scenarios, whether for research, inspection, or collaborative tasks.

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According to researchers, Stellenbosch University is pioneering innovations that bring humanoid robotics closer to practical, real-world applications by advancing the robot's real-time movement tracking and remote operational capabilities.

Student-led innovations

The next phase of research at Stellenbosch University's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering focuses on developing actuators for the humanoid robots legs, aiming for bipedal walking. Achieving this capability is a vital step toward creating a fully mobile humanoid robot with realistic movement and interaction.

Recognizing the growing potential of humanoid robotics, the department is actively engaging students in innovative projects. Several final-year undergraduate projects emphasize hands-on experience, as students work on designing custom actuators, advanced robotic hands, and humanoid arms with pincer grips.

The initiative aims to inspire a new generation of researchers to progress to masters studies and make deeper contributions in this field.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHKCwyUa2rg&pp=ygUdcm9ib3QgaW50ZXJlc3RpbmcgZW5naW5lZXJpbmc%3D

The team highlights that a masters student is also advancing research through virtual robotics simulations using the Nvidia IsaacSim platform. This project focuses on sim-to-real transfer, a technique that applies simulation results to the physical robot arm prototype, with plans to expand to the entire humanoid platform.

Built with the EtherCAT communication protocol, the platform enables both synchronous and asynchronous operations. This architecture supports tackling complex tasks and leverages technology previously applied in particle accelerator control systems, broadening the departments academic and engineering ambitions.
Summit Carbon Solutions plans to build a 2,500-mile network of CO2 pipelines across the Midwest to capture carbon produced by ethanol plants and then sequester it underground in North Dakota. Minnesota regulators are evaluating a 28-mile stretch of the project. (Courtesy of Summit Carbon Solutions)

An administrative law judge report recommends that Minnesota approve a small segment of the massive Summit Carbon Solutions project that would store millions of tons of carbon dioxide underground in North Dakota.

A final decision from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission could come at its Dec. 12 meeting, a spokesperson for the agency said in an email.

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The 28-mile segment in Otter Tail and Wilkin counties would connect the Green Plains ethanol plant at Fergus Falls in northwest Minnesota to about 2,500 miles of pipeline planned by Summit Carbon Solutions.

If built, the five-state pipeline network would send carbon emissions from ethanol plants to a permanent underground storage area northwest of Bismarck.

The report filed last week by an administrative law judge said an environmental impact statement is adequate and the project is unlikely to pollute Minnesotas natural resources.

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CURE, a Minnesota environmental group opposed to the project, said the report fails to address the many concerns that impacted landowners and hundreds of community members have raised in written comments and public hearings.

The group said the commission will be setting a dangerously low bar for environmental review for Summits current project and the other pipelines it has plans to build in the state.

In an emailed statement, Summit said this report reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in ensuring the project meets rigorous standards.

Summit says it has secured 89% of the 28-mile route through voluntary easements. In Minnesota, Summit does not have the option of using eminent domain to obtain right-of-way for the pipeline.

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Eminent domain is a point of contention with landowners in other states.

Summit did not say when it expects to file for a route permit for the larger larger part of its project in west-central and southern Minnesota.

Summit is awaiting rulings in North Dakota on permit applications for its pipeline route and underground storage.

Iowa has granted Summit a permit, and the company says it plans to try again for a permit in South Dakota. The project also includes Nebraska, which has no state agency in charge of issuing permits for CO2 pipelines.

The report says Summit plans to begin construction in Minnesota in the third quarter of 2025.

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As of 5 p.m. Sunday, 25 of the 43 escaped primates that fled through open security doors from Alpha Genesis in Yemassee, South Carolina had been recovered, according to town administrator Matthew Garnes.

Greg Westergaard, the CEO of Alpha Genesis, a monkey breeding and research facility confirmed with the town that, more than two dozen of the missing 43 primates have been successfully recovered. A large group of the monkeys are still active along the fence line and have settled into the trees for yet another night.

According to Garnes, veterinarians conducted wellness exams throughout the day for the recovered monkeys, and their initial reports indicate that the animals are in good health.

How did this start?

Around 9 p.m. Wednesday, 43 adolescent, female rhesus macaque monkeys escaped from an enclosure at the facility when an employee doing routine cleaning and feeding failed to secure two doors behind her, according to Westergaard.

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On Saturday, one of the monkeys returned, and by Sunday, 24 more monkeys had joined her, according to Garnes.

In 2014, 26 monkeys escaped from the facility. Nineteen more monkeys escaped in 2016. In his time working as town administrator, Garnes said Thursday, all of the escaped monkeys had been captured.

The approach that the facility is taking to capture the monkeys, Westergaard said Friday, is to leave them alone and hope they return on their own. They have deployed have a heart traps to try and capture the monkeys humanely. But if the monkeys are not caught in the traps or refuse to come back on their own, they will be shot with tranquilizing darts, he said.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Ingham County Prosecutors Office has charged 19-year-old Xavian Soto with the murder of Braylon Shepherd.

Shepherd, 18-years-old, was found with a gunshot wound on the 600 block of Sadie Court at approximately 11:45 p.m. last Thursday evening.

Police arrest 19-year-old in connection to Lansing homicide

The Lansing Police Department and Michigan State Police conducted an investigation and arrested Soto within 24 hours of the incident.

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Soto has also been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm.

This was a senseless and tragic loss of life. My office continues to work with law enforcement and community groups to reduce gun violence and gun-related crime in Lansing and Ingham County, said John J. Dewane, Ingham County Prosecutor in a press release sent to 6 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 WLNS 6 News.
A person was shot and killed by a Boise officer following a hostage situation on Sunday, police said.

At 2:35 p.m., officers responded to a home on the 1300 block of North Liberty in West Boise, the Boise Police Department said in a news release.

Police said a third party reported concerning behavior and a possible hostage situation in which a man armed with a knife was threatening another man inside the home.

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Officers began an investigation and worked to make contact with the suspect in the residence, police said.

The department called in its crisis-negotiation team and the special-operations unit to help.

Around 5:05 p.m., the victim safely exited the residence and, as officers moved in to assist the victim, the suspect also emerged armed with a knife, police said in the release.

An officer then fired at and hit the suspect, according to police.

First responders transported the suspect to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The Ada County Coroners Office will identify him once his family has been notified.

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Police said the hostage victim was treated for minor injuries at the scene. No officers were injured.

Boise police spokesperson Haley Williams told the Idaho Statesman that the details about what happened between the two men before police arrived are still under investigation.

The department said it will follow policy by placing the officer involved on leave.

The Ada County Sheriffs Office will lead the Ada County Critical Incident Task Force in investigating the police shooting.
SHENZHEN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- As you plug your electric vehicle into a supercharger stall in Shenzhen, China's tech hub, you find yourself marveling at the rapid movement of the charging progress bar on the car's dashboard.

At the brand new Lianhuashan supercharging station in Shenzhen, a driver of a new energy vehicle (NEV) surnamed Sun unplugged the charging cable and remarked, "I've got nearly 500 km of range in roughly 20 minutes, and the range is enough for my daily commute and weekend outings for two weeks."

"Recharge over a cup of coffee before hitting the road" is the slogan seen at many NEV supercharging stations that have recently sprung up in the city in south China's Guangdong Province. In June 2023, Shenzhen debuted its first fully liquid-cooled supercharging demonstration station and unveiled an initiative that seeks to establish Shenzhen as the "City of Supercharging" by 2030.

By the end of April, the city, home to approximately 18 million permanent residents as well as the prominent NEV producer BYD, had installed 362 supercharging facilities, surpassing the number of petrol stations. The latest available statistics put the number of supercharging stations in the city at 670 and Shenzhen plans to expand the number to 1,000 by the end of this year.

As the tech hub leads the push for ultra-fast charging of NEVs, another tipping point was reached in the automotive sector, highlighting the growing dominance of NEVs over traditional fuel-powered vehicles across the country.

China's NEV sector surpassed the market share of fuel-powered cars for the first time in July. Retail sales of NEVs nationwide reached 878,000 units in July, accounting for 51.1 percent of the total market, according to data released by the China Automobile Dealers Association.

Behind this milestone, the country's ongoing efforts to enhance charging infrastructure have played a crucial role in easing drivers' "range anxiety," which in turn has significantly boosted NEV adoption.

The availability of supercharging makes NEVs a more appealing choice as it significantly shortens charging time. While it usually takes seven to eight hours to charge a vehicle using a slow charging pile, and one to two hours using a fast charging pile, a supercharger is capable of charging an electric vehicle to 80 percent or above within 10 minutes -- adding up to one kilometer of range per second.

"For me, the biggest concern for driving an electric car was the slower charging speed compared to gas refueling. However, this concern has been dispelled by the option of supercharging," said Sun.

Shenzhen is home to more than one million NEVs, which accounts for a quarter of its entire vehicle fleet. During the first half of 2024, the penetration rate of NEVs in Shenzhen reached 72.6 percent -- approximately 72 out of every 100 newly registered vehicles in Shenzhen were NEVs -- well above the national level.

The city boasts over 360,000 public charging piles, an equivalent of roughly 180 piles per square kilometer. Most of the new superchargers are built upon existing public charging facilities and are distributed in large business complexes, bus stations and industrial parks across the city.

Across the country, other megacities are also installing supercharging facilities and developing roadmaps for building supercharging networks. Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality plans to build more than 2,000 supercharging stations for NEVs by 2025. Beijing plans to install 1,000 supercharging stations by the end of 2025.

In a policy interpretation issued in August, Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform said, that Chinese consumers are increasingly expecting "on-the-go" charging experiences similar to gas refueling. The efficiency of charging services, in particular, affects consumer's decision-making when it comes to car purchases.

The supercharging technology and a social service network centered on it are crucial to the appeal of NEVs, according to the authorities.

A Chinese industrial research institute named Forward published an analysis report and tallied that as of mid-June, the number of supercharging stations in China had exceeded 7,700, citing data retrieved from Chinese mobile mapping service Gaode Map. Guangdong Province topped the league table in terms of the number of such facilities.

The year 2024 will be the inaugural year for the implementation of supercharging related standards, said Li Yangxing, vice president of R&D at Sunwoda EVB Co., Ltd, a new energy technology company, adding high-power charging stations will dominate future landscape of public charging infrastructure.

"We found during our investigation that consumers are willing to pay more to upgrade to superfast charging. If their vehicles can achieve a 200-km range in just 5 minutes of charging, consumers are willing to pay up to 6,500 yuan (about 905.5 U.S. dollars) to adapt their vehicles to the charging facilities," Li said.

Forward forecasted that production at scale and the extensive construction of supercharging stations are expected to further drive down unit costs, which will contribute to the extensive adoption of supercharging.

As the government continues to intensify its support for the new energy sector, the construction and operation of supercharging stations can be guaranteed, according to the institute. 
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  One of the two men accused of killing a postal worker in Warren in March has requested to be released on bond.

Thomas Sledge, 44, and Kaprice Sledge, 24, are being held without bond and are accused of the March 2 shooting death of Jonte Davis, 33, a postal worker who was delivering mail at Washington Street and Olive Stree NE when he was shot.

Thomas Sledge filed a motion to be released on bond on Friday in the U.S. Nothern District Court of Ohio, claiming there is a reasonable assurance of his reappearance and that he is not a threat to the community, as he has no prior history of murder nor recent violent offenses.

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The two men pled not guilty before Judge Donald C. Nugent last month. Both men are charged with one count each of murder of an officer and employee of the United States and one count of discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Nugent ordered that both men be held in detention pending trial. A pretrial conference has been set for Nov. 15 with trial dates for Dec. 9.

Joe Gorman contributed to this report.

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TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan on Monday said it had closed a probe into pagers that exploded in Lebanon in September and caused a deadly blow to Iran-backed Hezbollah, saying no Taiwanese citizens or companies were involved.

Israeli media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed responsibility for the attack during a cabinet meeting, telling ministers that senior defence officials and political figures were opposed to the detonation of the pagers but that he went ahead with the operation.

Security sources have previously said the pagers carried the name of Taiwan-based Gold Apollo, a company which has asserted that it did not make them. Taiwan's government has also said the pagers were not made in Taiwan.

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Taipei prosecutors, who were investigating the case, said in a statement the AR-924 pager model that exploded in Lebanon was manufactured, traded, and shipped by a firm called Frontier Group Entity, and made outside of Taiwan. They added, however, that Gold Apollo had authorised the company to use the Apollo trademark.

"There is no evidence indicating that any domestic manufacturers or individuals were accomplices in the relevant explosions, violating the Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, or engaging in other illegal activities," the prosecutors said in a statement.

"No concrete evidence of criminal activity has been discovered in this case, nor have any specific individuals been implicated in any criminal activity, following a comprehensive investigation."

Prosecutors have previously confirmed that they questioned Gold Apollo's president and founder Hsu Ching-kuang and a woman called Teresa Wu, the sole employee of a company called Apollo Systems Ltd.

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In their statement, the prosecutors said Wu acted as a liaison with Frontier, but there was no evidence she "had prior knowledge or participated in any conspiracy or collaboration related to the explosion incidents".

The prosecutors said there was some information they did not know, including the exact identities of the Frontier employees Wu communicated with.

It said one person was called "T" and was presumably the head of Frontier, while another was called "M" and was presumably the sales director.

Gold Apollo told Reuters it had also just seen the prosecutors statement, and that it was not immediately able to comment further.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and Toby Chopra)
TAIPEI (Reuters) - There is no new "stage of talks" with the United States at the moment for arms sales, Taiwan's government said on Monday, as the island considers how best to respond to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's previous demands that Taipei pay for protection.

Trump, who won a second term as president last week, unnerved democratically governed Taiwan, which is claimed by China, by saying it should pay the U.S. for its defence and that it had taken away semiconductor business from America.

Trump has not elaborated on what he means by Taiwan having to pay for its protection, but it could mean Taipei takes the demand seriously with large new arms deals early in his administration, say people familiar with government thinking.

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Taiwan's presidential office, in a statement responding to what it said were media reports that the government planned a large arms purchase from the United States, said in the face of increasing Chinese military threats, Taiwan and its neighbours have continued to strengthen their defence deterrence.

This "demonstrates their determination to defend themselves on their own", it said.

"There has been a period of consolidation and discussion between Taiwan and the United States on military needs, but there is no new stage of discussion at this time," the presidency added, without elaborating.

Taiwan, which rejects China's sovereignty claims, has complained of a backlog worth some $20 billion of weapons it has previously ordered from the United States.

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The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, but there is no defence treaty, unlike in the case of Japan and South Korea.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
The package could include 60 F-35 fighter jets and 400 Patriot missiles, the FT reported.

President-elect Donald Trump has previously said Taiwan should pay the US to defend it.

US officials believe China will be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.

Taiwan may buy a US weapons package worth more than $15 billion to show President-elect Donald Trump it is serious about defending itself against China.

According to the Financial Times, the package could include 60 F-35 fighter jets, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 retired warships, and 400 Patriot missiles.

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People familiar with the matter told the publication that Taiwan may also request Lockheed Martin's Aegis Combat System, which uses satellites to detect and destroy missile launches.

"Taiwan is thinking about a package to show that they are serious," one former Trump administration official told the Financial Times.

"Assuming they follow through, they will go to the US national security advisor when they are named and present a very aggressive package of American hardware."

A senior Taiwanese national security official told the FT that informal discussions have already begun with the president-elect's team.

Business Insider could not independently verify the report.

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In a statement to Reuters , the Taiwanese government denied renewed talks on arms sales with the US.

"There has been a period of consolidation and discussion between Taiwan and the United States on military needs, but there is no new stage of discussion at this time," it said.

US officials believe China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, will be ready to invade by 2027.

China would initially seek to target key US military sites in the region in missile attacks, then deploy thousands of drones to surveil and help pinpoint further strikes, experts previously told BI.

The stakes are high. In its Global Peace Index 2023, the Institute for Economics and Peace estimated that a Chinese blockade of Taiwan would result in a $2.7 trillion loss in world economic activity in the first year alone, equivalent to a 2.8% decline in global GDP.

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Bloomberg's modeling, meanwhile, estimates that a total blockade of Taiwan and Western sanctions on China could result in a 5% worldwide GDP decline, with US GDP falling by 3.3% and China's by 8.9%.

While Trump has not yet revealed his policy toward Taiwan, he has made comments to suggest Taiwan should pay the US to defend it against China.

"We're no different than an insurance company," he told Bloomberg in July.

"Taiwan doesn't give us anything. Taiwan is 9,500 miles away. It's 68 miles away from China. A slight advantage, and China's a massive piece of land, they could just bombard it.

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"They don't even need to  I mean, they can literally just send shells. Now they don't want to do that because they don't want to lose all those chip plants."

Benjamin Blandin, a researcher at the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies, told BI's Singapore bureau it's unclear what protection Taiwan could receive from the US under Trump even if it were to pay up.

Blandin added that it's highly unlikely the US would send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.

"China will likely test American reactions by increasing further its gray-zone activities around Taiwan and also against the Philippines," said Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute think tank.

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In 2022, Biden vowed to defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese attack. In October, he approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including radar systems and three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems

Despite approving packages to Taiwan worth upward of $21 billion during his first term, Trump has been less explicit in his support.

"The American people re-elected President Trump because they trust him to lead our country and restore peace through strength around the world," said Trump transition team spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement to BI. "When he returns to the White House, he will take the necessary action to do just that."

The Chinese embassy in London and the British Office Taipei did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Veterans Day is very important in our nation and its one that leaders around the Natural State are celebrating.

Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock met with Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and talked about cybersecurity, a drug abuse initiative and a new tribute to a World War II hero from the Natural State.

Talk Business & Politics: Little Rock economic development, south Arkansas lithium rush

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Brock and Griffin then talked about national issues including the results of the election and how they could affect the Natural State.

Talk Business & Politics airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FOX 16. For more coverage, head to TalkBusiness.net.

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INDIANA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  A 14-year-old girl was charged with attempted homicide after allegedly stabbing her mother multiple times during an argument, state police report.

The teen, who was not identified, was arrested Saturday night, Nov. 9 after police were called to a home on Graceton Village Road in Center Township for a domestic dispute.

Upon arrival, troopers said they learned the teen stabbed her 41-year-old mother multiple times. The mother was ultimately flown to Allegheny General Hospital and was last reported to be in critical condition.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

The teen was taken into custody and charged with attempted homicide through Indiana County Probation, troopers reported.

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TUSKEGEE, Ala.  Authorities have identified the victim killed in Tuskegee Universitys Homecoming weekend shooting as 18-year-old LaTavion Johnson of Troy, Alabama. Macon County Coroner Hal Bentley confirmed Johnsons identity. One female victim remains in critical condition.

The violence casts a shadow over the schools 100th homecoming weekend celebration as thousands of alums and their families traveled out of town to attend. The shooting occurred Saturday night during a large gathering in the parking lot near the West Residence Halls along Luther Foster Drive. ALEA responded to the scene at 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, November 10, after multiple individuals were reported shot. Twelve victims were injured by gunfire and transported to hospitals, four sustained non-gunfire-related injuries.

Police detained Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, as he was leaving the scene. Myrick was found in possession of a handgun with a machine gun conversion device and was charged federally with alleged Possession of a Machine Gun.

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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has requested assistance from the public. Anyone with information or digital files related to the case can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit information online at fbi.gov/tuskegeeshooting24.

Tuskegee University has canceled classes on Monday, Nov. 11, and will provide grief counseling in the campus chapel.

Agencies assisting in the investigation include the Tuskegee University Police Department, Tuskegee Police Department, Macon County Sheriffs Office, FBI Mobile Office, ATF, the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office.

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The crisis that has brought down the Archbishop of Canterbury over his links to child abuser John Smyth has its roots in years of reporting by The Telegraph.

In February 2017, a Channel 4 documentary alleged that Smyth had routinely subjected teenage boys to sadomasochistic assaults during his time in charge of Christian holiday camps in the Seventies and Eighties.

In a series of subsequent reports, The Telegraph shed light on events surrounding the abuse and revealed the Most Rev Justin Welbys connection to the scandal.

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Despite having previously insisted he was not aware of the abuse, the Archbishop later admitted he was warned about the Church of Englands most prolific child abuser 40 years ago.

After mounting pressure to go, he resigned on Tuesday afternoon.

The claims initially came to light in a 1982 report by the Iwerne Trust, a charity that ran the Christian camps where Smyth met many of his victims, but no action was taken by church leaders.

Following the airing of the 2017 documentary, Hampshire Constabulary announced an investigation and police sources said eight men had come forward to say that they were attacked by the barrister.

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The Telegraph then published an open letter to the Archbishop, endorsed by the eight alleged victims of John Smyth, calling on him to reveal the true extent of his knowledge about the abuse claims.

The Archbishop worked as a dormitory officer on camps run by the trust, which Smyth chaired from 1974 to 1981. The Archbishop insisted he was completely unaware of the claims against the part-time judge until a victim contacted police in 2013.

The Archbishop also claimed he had not previously been aware of the claims because he moved to Paris in 1978, when the beatings were said to have begun.

But the report was carried out by Canon Mark Ruston, one of the Archbishops close friends, and the letter published by The Telegraph labelled him an observer of the abuse, who knew but never reported appropriately.

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The Archbishop was then accused of changing his story over his links to Smyth after documents revealed he attended a summer camp when the campaign of abuse was being carried out.

The Telegraph on June 1 2017

He claimed he left the country at the time of the alleged abuse in the Seventies but evidence emerged suggesting that he had attended the camp during that period.

Despite the Archbishops claims he moved to Paris in 1978 and had had no contact with the Iwerne Trust until his return to Britain in 1983, he later told Channel 4 News he had returned to the summer camp in 1979 and had not been in Paris as he originally claimed.

In August 2017, the Church announced an independent review into the assaults carried out by Smyth in the Seventies and Eighties. At the time, The Telegraph reported that the Archbishop was expected to give evidence.

Clipping from The Telegraph Feb 6 2017

Smyth died of a heart attack in 2018 aged 77 at his home in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2020 The Telegraph reported that the Titus Trust, which took over some of the responsibilities of Iwerne in 1997, had reached a settlement with three men who were subjected to the abuse from Smyth. After this was announced, victims of the abuse called for the Titus Trust to close and for the organisation to take part in the Church of England review.

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In July 2020, Channel 4 News reported that the Church was investigating a formal complaint that the Archbishop failed to act appropriately on the allegations against Smyth. It was alleged that the Archbishop did not refer the abuse directly to social services and the police, in breach of church guidelines. The Archbishop insisted he knew nothing of the allegations until 2013, when the Church passed them to police.

The Telegraph on July 28 2020

In 2021, he apologised to victims of Smyths perverted version of spirituality and evangelicalism.

That June, The Telegraph revealed that Smyths son PJ Smyth, a church leader in the US, had been suspended from ministry amid allegations that he misrepresented what he knew about his father.

In January 2022, The Telegraph reported the findings of an investigation that stated Winchester College Christian society had allowed Smyth unfettered access to the school where he groomed boys. The college, which commissioned the inquiry, said it apologised unreservedly for its role in the terrible experiences of their former pupils.

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In December 2022, the Church of Englands National Safeguarding Team announced that it was reaching its final stages of its review, but there were subsequently further delays after new evidence was provided.

On Friday, the Archbishop acknowledged he had been warned to stay away from Smyth in 1981, decades before Smyths abuse became public.

The report found his failure to act meant the Church of Englands most prolific child abuser was never brought to justice.

The review, led by Keith Makin, a former director of social services, was five years in the making.

In his statement, the Archbishop said: Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

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The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.

When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.

It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.

It is my duty to honour my constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.

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I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse.

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SEOUL, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports logged a double-digit fall in the first 10 days of this month owing to fewer business days, customs office data showed Monday.

Export stood at 14.91 billion U.S. dollars in the November 1-10 period, down 17.8 percent compared with the same period of last year, according to Korea Customs Service.

The double-digit reduction was attributed to a fall in working days, which decreased 1.5 days in the cited period.

The daily average export shrank 0.1 percent in the 10-day period. The monthly outbound shipment kept expanding for the 13th straight month through October.

Semiconductor exports spiked 17.4 percent to 3.28 billion dollars, but automotive shipments plunged 33.6 percent to 1.33 billion dollars.

Shipments for oil products, steel, mobile devices, auto parts, precision machinery and home appliances retreated in double figures in the 10-day period.

Import diminished 21.0 percent from a year earlier to 15.77 billion dollars in the first 10 days of November, sending the trade deficit to 856 million dollars.

Imports for crude oil, natural gas, oil products, machinery, mobile devices and automobiles dipped in double figures. 
Terminally-ill people could be allowed to kill themselves in three weeks under the assisted dying Bill published on Monday.

The legislation, tabled by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, will require two independent doctors to determine whether the person satisfies the criteria to take their own life.

A judge will then have to take evidence from at least one of the doctors, and could question the terminally-ill person themselves, before deciding whether they should be allowed to self-administer the fatal medication.

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This process should take at least three weeks unless the persons death is more imminent than that, according to the Bill.

It stipulates that at least seven days must elapse between the two doctors making their assessment and a further 14 days after the judge has made a ruling.

Ms Leadbeater said her Bill, on which MPs will get a free vote on Nov 29, provided the strictest protections and safeguards of any legislation anywhere in the world.

Lord Blunkett says he is ambivalent about the Bill - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian

It comes amid growing concerns among Labour figures about the proposed law after Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, voiced his opposition.

Lord Blunkett, the former home secretary, told The Telegraph he was ambivalent about the plans and was very, very wary about the safeguards that needed to be in place given the legitimate concerns raised by doctors and nurses.

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The Bill says a person will only be eligible if they are terminally ill and are expected to die within six months.

Ms Leadbeater has rejected calls by some campaigners for it to be extended to those liable to die within 12 months.

She has also proposed strengthening the law against encouraging suicide which can see someone sentenced to up to 14 years in jail.

It will be illegal for anyone who by dishonesty, coercion or pressure induces another person either to make a declaration that they want to take their own lives or to self-administer the medication ending their lives.

Unlike countries like Canada where a fatal medication can be administered by doctors, Ms Leadbeaters Bill says it must be self-administered, requiring the person to drink or swallow the fatal medication themselves.

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Neither a doctor nor anyone else can administer the medication to the terminally-ill person. If they choose not to self-administer, the medication is immediately removed from their possession, says the legislation.

It retains a proposal from Lord Falconers Bill giving doctors a right to conscientiously object.

No doctor will be under any obligation to participate in any part of the process, says the legislation.

It was not clear on Monday night, however, whether judges would also be able to withdraw.

The Bill goes further than the Labour former justice secretarys legislation in requiring two independent doctors who will be expected to ensure there is no coercion or pressure and that the decision to take their life is a voluntary and informed choice.

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This should include being made aware of other options such as palliative or hospice care.

The person seeking to die must be over 18, have been registered with a GP for at least 12 months and have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life.

At every stage, they must express a clear, settled and informed wish without coercion or pressure.

They must make two separate declarations of their wishes, which must be witnessed and signed. They can change their mind at any time.

Besides ensuring the person is eligible, the two doctors should, if necessary, consult a specialist in their condition and receive an assessment from an expert in mental capacity.

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The chief medical officer will be legally required to monitor and report on how the legislation works in practice.

The Health Secretary will be expected to report on the availability, quality and distribution of palliative care and support for families accessing it.

The Bill will allow doctors to proactively suggest assisted dying to patients. Draft legislation published on Monday night states that while doctors are not obliged to raise the issue, they may use their professional judgement to decide if and when to discuss assisted dying with a patient.

Preliminary discussions must cover the patients diagnosis, prognosis and available treatments, as well as palliative and hospice care options, including symptom support.

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Opponents have said that allowing doctors to initiate conversations could lead to a slippery slope, as seen in Canada.

Patients seeking an assisted death will rely heavily on the actions of the coordinating doctor, as termed by the Bill.

This doctor will be responsible for assessing their eligibility for assisted death, finding a second doctor to approve, and providing the lethal substance to end their life.

But the Bill sets no specific qualifications for doctors undertaking this significant role, leaving it to the Health Secretary, who may specify by regulations the necessary qualifications  though this is not mandatory.

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Assisted dying was rejected by 330 votes to 118 in 2015. Ms Leadbeater said she had aimed to put before MPs the best possible legislation by consulting widely in a thorough and robust way.

I believe this Bill not only offers protections to people nearing the end of their lives that they dont have at present, but also provides for the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world, she said.

Right To Life UK branded the proposed legislation a disaster in waiting and described the proposed measures as a monumental change to our laws.

Campaign group Our Duty of Care, representing doctors and nurses, has sent a letter to the Prime Minister arguing it is impossible for any government to draft assisted suicide laws which include protection from coercion and future expansion.

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YEMASSEE, S.C. (WCBD)  A nonprofit wildlife sanctuary based out of Texas is urging Alpha Genesis to rehome the 43 primates who escaped a Beaufort County research facility last week.

Born Free USA says it operates one of the largest primate sanctuaries in the country. They are now calling on the research facility in Yemassee to work with its team to allow the monkeys the opportunity to live out their days in safety.

More than 40 rhesus macaques escaped the facility on Nov. 6 after an employee failed to secure an enclosure. The monkeys primarily stayed in a wooded area near the facility. As of Sunday, 25 of the 43 monkeys had been captured.

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After learning about the incident, Born Free USA called upon the company to work with its team to rehome the monkeys to their south Texas sanctuary.

We are deeply concerned for the welfare of the 43 monkeys who have reportedly escaped from the Alpha Genesis facility in South Carolina. The monkeys are vulnerable, with no experience of living outside of their captive environment. As wild animals, they also pose a risk to humans, with a particular threat of zoonotic disease spread, said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA, in a statement posted on the organizations website.

Grimes said the non-profit extended an invite to Alpha Genesis to have the monkeys brought to their sanctuary but had not heard back from the company.

We await their response and encourage them to make the right decision to allow these monkeys a second chance at life, away from harm, Grimes added.

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VIDEO: Man spots escaped monkeys while working near research facility

Grimes tells News 2 that the monkeys would be able to live at the sanctuary for their lifetime  which could be roughly 20 years  if funding can be provided for their enclosure and some initial support toward their care.

We hope Alpha Genesis will choose to do right by these innocent animals  who have been given a taste of freedom  and give them a chance at a better life, rather than be returned to lab cages or killed because their outside exposure deems them no longer viable in a research setting, she said.

Alpha Genesis provided continual updates through local law enforcement. Its management and staff remained on-site feeding and monitoring the animals. Humane traps designed with a trap door mechanism were also set up, with food to entice the animals.

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Yemassee Police said 24 of the monkeys were recovered by Sunday evening with 18 remaining loose. Veterinarians have been diligently conducting thorough wellness exams throughout the day. Initial reports from the veterinary team indicate that all recovered animals are in good health.

The moneys are young females weighing 6-7 lbs. Alpha Genesis said the animals have never been used for testing because of their young age and size. A spokesperson from Alpha Genesis said through Yemassee Police that the animals are too young to carry disease and there was no threat to public health.

There have been similar incidents at the Alpha Genesis facility in the past. In 2016, 19 monkeys escaped from the compound because of a broken or loose cage door, and in 2014, 26 monkeys escaped.

Alpha Genesis was fined $12,000 by federal officials for violations related to the escapes and the handling of animals. In 2023, Alpha Genesis also entered into a federal contract to oversee the daily care of the monkey colony on Morgan Island  often referred to as Monkey Island  which consists of around 3,000 monkeys.

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TBILISI, Georgia (AP)  Thousands of opposition supporters rallied Monday in Georgias capital in continuing protests against the ruling party's declared victory in the Oct. 26 parliamentary election amid allegations that Russia helped rig the vote.

The protesters waved Georgian and European Union flags and gathered outside the Georgian parliament. They demanded a new parliamentary election under international supervision and an investigation into the alleged election fraud.

Giorgi Vashadze, leader of Unity National Movement Coalition, vowed that the opposition will fight until the end.

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Elections were massively rigged, that is why we dont recognize election results," he said. "Our goal is new elections, our goal is to form the new government, which will drive Georgia to European integration.

Opposition leaders have vowed to boycott sessions of parliament and hold regular protests until their demands are met.

The Central Election Commission said the governing Georgian Dream party won about 54% of the vote. Its leaders have rejected the opposition claims of vote fraud.

European election observers said the election took place in a divisive atmosphere marked by instances of bribery, double voting and physical violence.

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The opposition has accused Georgian Dream, which was established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia, of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. It has recently adopted laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.

President Salome Zourabichvili, who has rejected the official results, says Georgia has fallen victim to pressure from Moscow against joining the EU. Zourabichvili, who holds a mostly ceremonial position, has urged the United States and EU to support the demonstrations.

Officials in Washington and Brussels have urged a full investigation of the election, while the Kremlin has rejected the accusations of interference.

Many Georgians viewed the parliamentary election as a pivotal referendum on the countrys effort to join the EU. The EU suspended Georgias membership application process indefinitely because of its passage in June of a Russian-style foreign influence law.

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Lawmakers from several EU nations attended Mondays rally in a show of solidarity with protesters.

Somebody is trying to take your freedom, somebody is trying to take your democracy, your country, your membership in EU and NATO, Zygimantas Pavilionis, a Lithuanian parliament member, said at the rally. Dont give up. Fight for your freedom, fight for your democracy, fight for your country , fight for your membership in EU and NATO.
(Bloomberg) -- Threads and Bluesky, rival social networks that look a lot like Elon Musks X, have seen an influx of new users since election night in the US as people seek alternatives to Musks more right-leaning platform following Donald Trumps presidential victory.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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Bluesky, a decentralized social network originally funded by Twitter, has added more than 700,000 new users in the past week, and now has 14.5 million total accounts, up from 10 million in September. The recent increase is not the fastest that the site has grown  it added 1 million new sign-ups in just three days after X was shuttered in Brazil  but the majority of Blueskys new users are from the US, which may be driving more attention, said Emily Liu, a company spokesperson.

Meta Platforms Inc.s Threads, meanwhile, is the top rated free app in Apple Inc.s App Store. Bluesky is seventh on the list of free apps, ahead of Instagram, Facebook and X.

Threads has more than 275 million monthly users, up from 150 million in April.

Both services are full of new users introducing themselves and seeking an alternative to X, formerly Twitter, after Trumps win. Musk, who bought X in late 2022, has spent the last several months pushing Trumps agenda to his more than 200 million followers. Hes also been taking a virtual victory lap in the past week to celebrate Trumps presidency.

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Many users, saying they are bothered by Musks involvement in the election or simply uninterested in supporting his service, have started to migrate. Whats interesting to me is the diversity of communities coming to Bluesky last week, Bluesky Chief Operating Officer Rose Wang wrote in an email. She mentioned communities about wrestling, city planners and Taylor Swift as examples.

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Three male teens were arrested on Sunday and are facing firearm and property offenses, Boston Police announced.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of Grove Hall area of Blue Hill Avenue. Officers noticed that two scooters were driving at very high speeds. The front scooter had a driver and passenger, and the rear motorcycle had just a driver, and none of the individuals were wearing helmets. Officers followed the scooters when they saw one of the individuals walking on Edgewood Street. Officers apprehended the individual in handcuffs.

As officers informed the individual of the traffic violations he committed, the second individual was driving the wrong way on Edgewood Street struck the officers car, and attempted to flee. Officers were able to apprehend the suspect.

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The passenger of the bike had fled toward Blue Hill Avenue. Officers pursued on foot and noticed that the individual had discarded a ghost gun under a car. Officers were able to apprehend the individual.

Officers investigated the scooters and noticed that the ignitions were modded to be used without keys and neither scooters had registration sticks or proof of ownership.

The individual with a gun, a 15-year-old male, was arrested and charged with Delinquent to wit; Carry a Firearm Without a License, Delinquent to wit; Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card, Delinquent to wit; Carry a Loaded Firearm, Delinquent to wit; Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm, and Delinquent to wit; Trespassing.

The other two individuals, 15 and 16-year-old males, were arrested and charged with Delinquent to wit; Receive Stolen Property.

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All three teens are expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The owner of a Lake Lawrence area home has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, the Thurston County Sheriffs Office announced Sunday afternoon.

The arrest was the result of a death investigation that began about 8 a.m. the same day.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence near Lake Lawrence on 153rd Avenue Southeast, and were told two people were inside the home, according to a news release.

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Detectives entered the home and found an unresponsive man on the floor, but no other residents.

However, during their investigation they established probable cause to arrest the homeowner, although it wasnt clear where they made that arrest.

Detectives also determined that the victim was from Pierce County and had been a guest in the home.

A cause of death was not disclosed.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact detectives through the non-emergency dispatch line at 360-704-2740 or at detectives@co.thurston.wa.us.

Death investigation under way in Lake Lawrence area, Thurston County Sheriffs Office says
Indianas 790,000 dedicated family caregivers provide 740 million hours of care every year, adding up to $10.8 billion in unpaid labor annually. (Getty Images)

As the recent election captured our attention with candidates vying for our votes, many across our state were engaged in a different, yet profoundly important job. Despite being unpaid and lacking sufficient support to ease the immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens it brings, it remains one of the most crucial roles any of us will ever undertake.

What job am I referring to? Its the role of family caregivers, who help their aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently.

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Each November, we recognize unpaid family caregivers during National Caregivers Month. These caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. Indianas 790,000 dedicated family caregivers provide 740 million hours of care every year, adding up to $10.8 billion in unpaid labor annually. According to a recent AARP survey, nearly two in three Indiana adults age 45-plus have caregiving experience.

The same AARP survey revealed that 87% of respondents believe it is extremely or very important for older Hoosiers to remain in their own homes as they age. Family caregivers play a crucial role in making this possible, ensuring that older adults and individuals with disabilities can stay in their homes and communities.

Standing With Caregivers

Supporting family caregivers has been and will continue to be a significant priority for AARP Indiana in the coming year. Even though they have a critical role in providing care, family caregivers often go unrecognized and unsupported. Its time to change that.

More than three out of every four family caregivers pay out of their own pockets for care-related expenses such as home modifications, care at home, transportation, and equipment to help with daily living. These costs add up quickly, with caregivers spending an average of more than $7,200 each year out of pocket. Those who live far from their loved ones spend almost double that amount.

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Additionally, many family caregivers must reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs to care for loved ones, resulting in significant income loss and jeopardizing their career advancement and retirement savings.

Providing caregivers financial relief, through tax credits or reimbursement programs, is essential to easing some of these struggles. Around six in ten Hoosier adults age 45-plus strongly support state legislation providing family caregivers with a tax credit for their expenses.

Finding Support

AARP also offers a range of resources, including a newly updated resource guide to help caregivers find the services they might need throughout their journey.

As our population ages, the demand for caregiving will only increase. Its time for our leaders to recognize the invaluable contributions of family caregivers and to ensure they receive the support they deserve. By doing so, we can help alleviate the burdens they face and honor their dedication to their loved ones.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A fugitive accused of killing a man in Tennessee and trying to pass off the body as someone elses by calling 911, identifying himself as that person and saying he had fallen off a cliff while being chased by a bear has been captured in South Carolina, authorities said.

In a social media post Sunday, the Columbia Police Department said Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, 45, was recognized by an employee at a hospital in the South Carolina city. Authorities confirmed his identity with a fingerprint scanner and hes in the temporary custody of the U.S. Marshals Service while awaiting extradition to Tennessee.

Authorities in Monroe County, Tennessee, and elsewhere had been looking for Hamlett since last month.

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After observing Hamlett at a local hospital, a good citizen alerted the authorities and brought this manhunt to a peaceful end, Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones said in a social media post.

The sheriffs office said last month that Hamlett called 911 on Oct. 18 claiming to have fallen off a cliff while running from a bear. Using the name Brandon Andrade, Hamlett claimed he was injured and partially in the water, authorities added.

When emergency responders searched the area near a highway bridge in Tellico Plains, where the call had come from, they found the body of a man with Andrades ID on it.

However, authorities determined that the man was not Andrade, whose ID had been stolen and used multiple times. The person using Andrades stolen identification was Hamlett, who was wanted in Alabama for a parole violation, the sheriffs office said. Andrade was alive and well, authorities confirmed.

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Forensics officials also determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, which isnt consistent with a high fall or a bear attack, Jones said.

Hamlett likely fled his Tennessee home before police could verify his real identity, authorities said. That set off a manhunt for Hamlett, who was considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals Service had been offering a reward of up to $5,000 for help finding him.

On Oct. 31, law enforcement officers searched Chapin, South Carolina, with helicopters and police dogs after getting information that Hamlett was in the area, telling residents to lock their doors on Halloween night. He was spotted near a high school in the city the next day.

On Nov. 4, the Tennessee sheriffs office identified the dead man as 34-year-old Steven Douglas Lloyd, of Knoxville. It said Hamlett had befriended Lloyd, then lured him into the woods to kill him and take his identity.

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According to the sheriff, Lloyds family said he was diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder and would leave home and live on the streets, but remained in touch with his family.

Steven loved the outdoors and was so helpful when it came to others, Jones wrote in a Nov. 4 social media post. The family was shocked to learn that their beloved sons life had been taken by someone that Steven trusted.

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At a Donald Trump rally in 2022, Tom Homan revealed that the Republican had tasked him with closing the US border in 60 days.

Ill tell you what I told the president. He comes back, I come back, we fix this st, Mr Homan, the plain-spoken former head of immigration enforcement, declared at the West Palm Beach event.

Mr Trump did not even announce he was running for the White House until the following month, but the incident shows how long he has been eyeing the 62-year-old bruiser for a top role in his administration.

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Mr Homan now has his chance. On Sunday, the president-elect revealed he would become the immigration tsar in one of the new administrations first appointments.

Since his election victory last week, Mr Trumps aides have been reviewing media appearances of potential appointees as they search for officials who will publicly defend their boss.

A team of advisers has assembled in Las Vegas to go through the TV interviews of those tipped to play a key role in the administration, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/YouTube

An immigration hawk who is equally unsparing on interviewers, there is little wonder that Mr Homan is one of the first appointments.

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He began his career as a police officer in New York before joining the border patrol in 1984, crediting those decades in immigration enforcement with developing his tough-on-crime philosophy.

Mr Trump elevated him to the top role at immigration and customs enforcement (ICE), where he became the face of its hugely controversial programme of separating children who crossed the border illegally from their families.

He was unapologetic when, a year after leaving the White House, he was confronted by New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez about the kids in cages programme.

Images of the tiny figures kept in chain-link enclosures caused outrage when they were published in 2018  even provoking criticism from Melania Trump, the then-first lady.

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Mr Trump blinked in June, signing an executive order to end the policy.

Homans interrogation

Mr Homan was not so easily cowed when he was interrogated by congressional Democrats in 2019.

If I get arrested for DUI and I have a young child in the car, I will be separated, he said in a pugnacious performance in front of the House oversight committee.

When I was a policy officer in New York and I arrested a father for domestic violence, I separated that father from his family.

Credit: C-Span

Ms Ocasio-Cortez is known for her impassioned performances but faltered in the face of Mr Homans terse answers and no-nonsense attitude.

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While Mr Homan may have been content to put children in cages, he took no prisoners at the committee hearing.

You want to seek asylum, go through a port of entry, he said bluntly, unimpressed as Ms Ocasio-Cortez argued that asylum seekers were not criminals. Do it a legal way.

Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Sunday: Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our borders.

Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all deportation of illegal aliens back to their country of origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.

Questions on return of family separation

His return to government raises questions about the return of family separation, with Mr Trump having been reported to have regretted ending the policy in his first term.

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Mr Homan told 60 Minutes, a week before being tapped for his latest role, that the US government should absolutely consider reinstating the practice.

Im sick and tired hearing about the family separation, he told the Conservative Political Action Conference last year, unrepentant. You know, Im still being sued over that, so come get me. I dont give a st, right. Bottom line is, we enforced the law.

Tom Homan is known for his tough approach on tackling immigration

Mr Homan was the intellectual father of the policy and had proposed it as far back as 2014, according to The Atlantic. He had been appointed a year before by Barack Obama as executive associate director of immigration enforcement.

Homan investigated deadly human trafficking incident

Although Mr Homan looks and acts like a bulldog, he spent time in therapy after investigating one of the USs deadliest human trafficking incidents.

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In 2003, Mr Homan was sent down to the border in southeast Texas, where he found 17 dead migrants, including a five-year-old, who had been packed like sardines into an overheated lorry.

I got down on my knees, put my hand on the childs head, and said a prayer, because I could only imagine what his last hour of life must have been like, how scared he must have been, he told The Atlantic.

Couldnt breathe, pitch black, begging his father to help him. His father couldnt help. What was his father thinking? Hed put him in that position.

Child separation was not meant to traumatise, he insisted  it was a deterrent to deadly border crossings. The goal was to stop the madness, stop the death, stop the rape, stop the children dying, stop the cartels doing what theyre doing.

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Mr Homan left the White House the same month that Mr Trump ended family separation, although his departure does not seem to have been connected with the U-turn.

He joined the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and contributed to its Project 2025 policy document. Democrats had claimed that it was a blueprint for a second Trump ter, prompting furious denials from the Republican.

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TOKYO, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed on Monday amid a risk-off mood as Japan's lower house held a runoff vote to choose the prime minister for the first time in three decades.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 32.95 points, or 0.08 percent, from Friday at 39,533.32.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 2.47 points, or 0.09 percent, lower at 2,739.68.

On the stock market, the benchmark Nikkei initially tracked gains on all-time Wall Street highs late last week. But it was mostly directionless amid a cautious mood as the prime ministerial vote went to a runoff for the first time in 30 years after the ruling coalition lost its majority in the powerful House of Representatives in the general election last month.

Meanwhile, disappointing earnings results released by some Japanese firms Friday also dampened sentiment, analysts said. 
Veteran Republican pollster Frank Luntz has accused Kamala Harris campaign advisers of committing political malpractice for fixating on Donald Trumps flaws rather than telling the electorate about her.

Luntz sat down with ABC News Jonathan Karl on This Week and argued that the vice presidents campaign aides set her up for failure due to a lack of focus on creating her own political identity and policies.

It was too much defining what Trump was, Luntz said.

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Not defining herself?, Karl interjected.

The longtime GOP pollster continued: We all know what Trump is. We experienced him for four years. Whoever told her to focus on him committed political malpractice, because in the end, you cannot change someones point of view on him, it was all about her.

Veteran GOP pollster Frank Luntz appeared on ABCs This Week on Sunday to take aim at Kamala Harris campaign advisers (ABC/This Week)

Trump once again outperformed pollsters prediction and won a historic second term in the White House last week.

The Republican candidate surpassed the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes after winning several key battleground states by the early hours of Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after ballots opened on Election Day.

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On the show on Sunday, Karl asked Luntz for the bottom line as to why Harris failed to win over swing voters.

They did not like either candidate, that was clear, he replied. They thought that Trump was offensive and abusive in his language, and polarizing, but in the end, she didnt answer the question that they wanted to know.

What are you going to do in the first hour, in the first day, in the first week, the first month and so on? They felt they had the right to hear this, and if she wont tell them that, then they couldnt give her their vote.

Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Alliant Energy Center on October 30, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin (Getty Images)

Sources close to the Harris campaign revealed to The Washington Post that they believe there was too much of a focus on using clunky rhetoric in an attempt to discredit Trump, described as the Triple Us: Unhinged, unstable and unchecked.

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Another described Harris campaign chair Jen OMalley Dillion as a micromanager who failed to win over voters on key issues which Trump took a staunch position on including immigration and the economy.

In the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election in November, Luntz correctly predicted that Trump would take the lead on election night, but in the hours and days that followed, Biden would catch up, move ahead, and would eventually be elected president.

By July 20, 2024, Luntz this time hedged a bet for the GOP candidate.

I can tell you now, that unless something dramatic happens to Trump, I believe hes the next president, he told The Times.

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But when Harris then launched her presidential campaign on July 21, Luntz predicted the playing field leveled out.

After the debate on September 10, Luntz forecast that Harris performance on stage clinched her the presidency.

By mid-October, the pollster admitted the race was too close to call.
Will Pope, seen in a confrontation with Trinity Carpenter during an Aug. 25, 2020, demonstration at City Hall in Topeka, was indicted by a grand jury in D.C. on federal charges related to the Jan. 6 attack on democracy. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  A Topeka man who blocked officers on Jan. 6, 2021, during an attack on the U.S. Capitol building asked a federal court to delay his trial after Donald Trump won the presidency.

In a motion filed Friday in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., Will Pope asked the judge to delay his trial scheduled for Dec. 2 for three months. Trump promised while on the campaign trail to pardon those criminally charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, and Pope is one of several defendants seeking changes to their cases in the wake of Trumps victory.

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Ultimately, my jury was the entire American public, and they voted for a mandate to set me free, Pope wrote in his motion.

He also expressed concern that a fair jury trial may not be possible. More than 90% of voters in Washington, D.C., voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent presidential election. Those voters may find it especially difficult to look past those results to serve as fair jurors in my case, Pope wrote.

He continued: However, if there should be a jury trial in my case, it should happen after emotions have had time to cool.

Federal prosecutors opposed any delay in Popes trial.

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In a Saturday filing, prosecutors said it is in the public interest to issue a prompt and efficient administration of justice.

No continuance is warranted here, prosecutors wrote. At this time, the defendants expectation of a pardon is mere speculation, and the Court should proceed as it would in any other prosecution.

In a response to prosecutors, which also was filed Saturday, Pope argued the governments administration of justice is not in the public interest, but a belligerent disregard for the will of the American people.

Ultimately, he said, I will get the same result with a trial or with no trial.

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Pope, who has represented himself in his case, was indicted by a grand jury alongside his brother on Jan. 8, 2021. They faced eight criminal charges, including civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding and disorderly conduct in a capitol building.

According to an FBI agents investigation into the Pope brothers, which used information first reported by Kansas Reflector, a U.S. Capitol Police officer said Pope blocked law enforcement from closing doors as they were trying to prevent others from entering the building despite repeated verbal orders to leave and an attempt to physically grab and push Pope out.

But Pope resisted by tensing up and refusing to move, the agent wrote.

Pope, who ran for Topeka City Council in 2019, said he entered the Capitol to express their concern about the direction of the nation, wrote the FBI agent, whose name was redacted.

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Specifically, William Pope explained that questionable things happened during the election and that citizens deserved a full election audit, the FBI agent wrote.

Pope and his brother were identified in social media posts and videos, and surveillance footage from inside the Capitol building. FBI agents and Topeka Police Department officers arrested Pope on Feb. 12, 2021, at his house in Topeka, according to court documents.

Since then, the case has dragged on.

In June, prosecutors admitted to a drafting error that stated Pope had assaulted an officer. He is not charged with any crimes associated with assaulting an officer. In response to the error, Pope accused prosecutors of misconduct and requested sanctions. He subsequently withdrew that request in a June 26 filing.

I ask that the government in turn begin bestowing mercy on the hundreds of January 6 defendants whose lives are being crushed, he wrote.
HENDERSON, NEVADA - OCTOBER 31: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump walks off stage at the end of a campaign rally at Lees Family Forum on October 31, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. With less than a week until Election Day, Trump is campaigning for re-election on Thursday in New Mexico and the battleground states of Nevada and Arizona. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

Welcome to The Topline, a weekly roundup of the big numbers driving the Minnesota news cycle, as well as the smaller ones that you might have missed. This week: the Twin Cities exception; Klobuchar overperformance; polarization in Minnesota; and the state of school levies.

Trump makes only modest gains in Twin Cities

One of the most striking developments in the 2024 election has been Donald Trumps dramatic overperformance in deeply liberal urban areas. The Republican convicted felon and election denier ran up his previous margins by 5 points in Philadelphia, 9 points in Detroit, 11 points in Chicago, and around 20 points across much of New York City and Miami.

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The how and why of that shift is still being sussed out, and is likely to be a source of contention among Democrats trying to figure out how to move forward. Part of the answer may lie in the urban areas that did not see such a big shift to the right, including the Twin Cities: How and why are they different?

Trump increased his margin by just 2 points in Ramsey County, and only 1 point in Hennepin County. Why was the shift there so much smaller? Was it because Gov. Tim Walz was on the ticket? Or because of fundamental demographic differences between places like the Twin Cities and those like New York? Were Democrats in Minnesota more energized to vote on account of the big progressive victories in the state Legislature in 2023? Despite all the publicity around crime and homelessness in the Twin Cities, are its residents more sanguine about Democratic governance than in those other big cities?

To be clear, the overarching dynamics in the Twin Cities are the same as elsewhere: lower turnout and a shift toward the GOP. But the magnitude of those changes is much smaller. Understanding why may help Democrats and progressives understand what they need to do differently in 2026 and beyond.

Klobuchar dramatically outperforms Harris

Another point of contrast between Minnesota and everywhere else: Sen. Amy Klobuchar ran an impressive 5 percentage points better than Kamala Harris, a bigger overperformance than any other Democratic Senator, with the exception of Montanas Jon Tester, who lost.

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Klobuchar won 21 of Minnesotas 87 counties on her way to a 16-point victory over challenger Royce White. Harris, by contrast, took just 9 counties.

Part of that gap may be because Klobuchar had the benefit of a uniquely weak opponent with a short resume and a long history of bigoted remarks and scandals. On the other hand, the same could be said for Harris.

Still, Klobuchars 16-point margin was narrower than her three previous Senate victories, which all yielded margins of 20 points or more. Even more telling, in 2012, she won 85 of 87 counties. Its a reminder of the power of political polarization, which helps even the least qualified candidates rack up impressive vote totals, provided they appear on the ballot with the right letter after their name.

Speaking of polarization

Last week the Star Tribune published a fantastic visualization of how Minnesotas counties have split apart on partisan lines over the past decades. Places that were once relatively close to the political center have drifted toward the margins, with the populous Twin Cities counties heading left and the less populated rural regions moving right.

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A cluster of mostly suburban counties still hover on either side of the center, and its no accident that those areas comprise many of the key battlegrounds in the state Legislature.

One interesting bit of ephemera in the data: Clay County, where Moorhead is located, had voted for the eventual winner of every presidential contest between 1992 and 2020. But voters there broke that streak this year, supporting the Harris-Walz ticket by the narrowest of margins.

Half of school funding levies succeed

MPR News reports that about half of the local school levies on the ballot this year succeeded. Generally speaking voters were more willing to renew existing funding, rather than raise new spending.

Earlier this year the Reformer reported on the dire school funding situation in the northwest Minnesota town of Thief River Falls, where elementary students were fundraising to save their own classrooms after voters rejected two back-to-back levies.

The school put a more modest levy before voters this year, which finally succeeded.

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A semiconductor factory funded by the Biden administration is pouring chemicals linked to an increased risk of cancer into a river surrounded by homes.

People living nearby said they were absolutely terrified by the range of harmful chemicals leaking into the Winooski River in Vermont.

Semiconductors are the building blocks of computers, mobile phones and almost all modern electronics, and the government has been keen to support the industry amid concerns that too many of the chips are imported from Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and China.

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The Telegraph has seen research showing the extent of emissions into a public waterway, sparking fears for the health of locals.

There have not been any illnesses reported that have been linked to the chemical leak.

Experts have raised alarm about the release of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

David Millward

They are known as forever chemicals because they cannot be processed by the human body once they have been ingested. Human exposure to these the chemicals has been linked to cancer and other diseases and is also associated with fertility problems.

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In February, the government announced it had given GlobalFoundries, the semiconductor manufacturing company, $1.5 billion in federal grants for its Fab 9 facility in Essex Junction, Vermont.

The town of nearly 11,000 people is nestled in the Green Mountains and the factory is the areas largest private employer.

But it is pouring PFAS, which are used in the production process, into the river.

Some of the chemicals being released into the water have never previously been disclosed to the public, because the company is not required to report them.

David Millward

The Telegraph has obtained a copy of a confidential survey conducted by researchers at Cornell University on behalf of GlobalFoundries in October 2023.

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It found that the factory was releasing 18 PFAS chemicals into the Winooski River, and experts believe they could find their way into drinking water.

PFAS cannot be broken down by the human body, and has been linked to a number of health problems, including several cancers.

Under state law, GlobalFoundries is required to report several PFAS releases to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The company has complied with the law by reporting 17 PFAS chemicals it has emitted.

Among the chemicals in the report, which GlobalFoundries is not required to disclose to the public, is GenX, a chemical used as a replacement for PFAS in industrial processes, which the Environmental Protection Agency has linked to liver, kidney and immune system problems, fertility issues and an association with cancer.

Safety levels

The report found that at the time samples were collected in 2022, the concentration of GenX in water emitted by the factory into the river was 88 parts per trillion.

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The federal government has set a national limit for the quantity of GenX in drinking water at ten parts per trillion. Some PFAS, including other chemicals released by the GlobalFoundries plant, have a lower safe level of four parts per trillion.

There is no federal limit on the concentration of PFAS, including GenX, in rivers. Although the Winooski river is not used for drinking water, chemicals released into rivers and streams can still find their way into the human body.

People can consume PFAS that is dispersed in the air, or by eating fish that has absorbed the chemicals. The Winooski river is a popular fishing spot for salmon, rainbow trout and smallmouth bass.

Research has found that the chemicals build up in the human body over a lifetime, and can lead to an increased risk of health problems even if the quantity consumed regularly is very low.

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Local residents in Essex Junction told The Telegraph they were concerned for their health after learning of PFAS in the river next to their homes, and they called on the US government to review the companys funding.

Alison Bombard, who lives near the factory, said: Im absolutely terrified.

I think the general public should have been alerted if they were releasing chemicals into that waterway, said Darren Haynes.

Vermonters are very proud of their natural areas and if something like that was being released, it should have been brought to a town meeting so we could discuss it.

Breana Fucile, another resident, said the government had a responsibility to tackle the problem.

Breana Fucile wants the government to take more responsibility over the issue

I think the [Biden] administration should stop funding them and have GlobalFoundries tell us what they are going to do to clean up the mess  if they can, she said.

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GlobalFoundries told The Telegraph it had disclosed its PFAS emissions and mitigation plans to the government before receiving federal funding, and ran active PFAS reduction programs.

We remain committed to finding ways to reduce or eliminate its use, a spokesman said.

Production of all semiconductors, including those made by GlobalFoundries, requires PFAS.

GlobalFoundries meets or exceeds all applicable regional, state, and federal laws and reporting requirements related to our manufacturing operations.

Hayley Jones, the director of Slingshot, an environmental group, said: Studies have shown that PFAS are linked to a number of different cancers, a number of different reproductive difficulties and birth defects.

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We are really worried about the public health impacts of the PFAS emissions both on the folks who live down the river in Winooski and Colchester and the folks on the factory floor.

The regulation of PFAS in semiconductor manufacturing has become a topic of debate in Washington, as the federal government looks to step up domestic production.

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  Storm Team 10 and the National Hurricane Center are monitoring Tropical Storm Sara, which continues to slowly drift westward, bringing significant rainfall to Central America.

Global models have backed off a stronger system developing, as Sara will be interacting with land over Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula in the coming days. Tropical models are showing this as well. Sara may completely dissipate over Mexico before reaching the Bay of Campeche. Tropical moisture will try to surge northwards but reorganization will be difficult to occur.

Impacts and path are dependent on how weak the system is as it emerges in the southern Gulf. Its extremely rare for a system to reach as far west as Louisiana this time of the year.

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A strong upper level trough early next week should send anything in the Gulf well east of Louisiana. The higher threat for impacts would be across Florida but a strong tropical system is looking less likely.

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TROY, Ala. (WIAT)  Troy University will now be offering a new scholarship that will directly benefit military veterans and their families.

Through the TROY Partnership Program, the University will offer a 10% tuition scholarship and waiver of application fees for all veterans and their families, including spouse and dependents, in appreciation for their service to the country.

Scot Brumbeloe, director of military and veterans affairs at Troy, said the new scholarship will help military veterans and their families meet their educational goals.

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In addition to being a longstanding partner to those serving in our military, we are proud to now offer a tuition scholarship to all veterans and their families to show appreciation for their service to our great nation, Brumbeloe said in a statement. This scholarship and application fee waiver will assist in making TROY more accessible than ever and assist military veterans and their families in attaining their higher education goals.

Eligibility for the scholarship will be verified by the applicants form DD214. The app fee waiver is available by using the promotional code TROY4VETS.

For additional information about the scholarship, call Brumbeloe at 334-670-3657 or by email at sbrumbeloe@troy.edu. Those interested in the scholarship can click here.

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"DBS remains very optimistic about the growth prospects of China," Soon Chong Lim, group head of Global Transaction Services at Singapore-based DBS Bank, told Xinhua in an interview. #GLOBALink








WASHINGTON (AP)  President-elect Donald Trump says Tom Homan, his former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve as border czar in his incoming administration, a position that is likely to play a key role in Trump's campaign pledges to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and mount a massive deportation operation.

I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders," he wrote late Sunday on his Truth Social site.

Trump said Homan will be responsible for the southern and northern borders, maritime and aviation security and will be in responsible for deportation efforts  a central part of Trump's agenda.

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Homan said Monday during an appearance on Fox News that he was honored at the appointment.

Homan is a tough-talking former Border Patrol agent who worked his way up to head Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2017 and 2018 as the acting director. He was never confirmed by the Senate, and his new role does not require it.

Bringing him on shows the lengths that the Trump administration is likely to go to carry out the hardline immigration pledges that were a hallmark of the campaign. However, Homan has also pushed back on rhetoric suggesting massive roundups.

At the National Conservatism Conference in Washington earlier this year, Homan said that while he thinks the government needed to prioritize national security threats, no ones off the table. If youre here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.

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He also said: Youve got my word. Trump comes back in January, Ill be in his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation operation this countrys ever seen.

He said in recent interviews, however, that those targeted  at least initially  would be people posing a risk to public safety and pushed back on suggestions that the U.S. military would be assisting in finding and deporting immigrants.

You concentrate on the public safety threats and the national security threats first, because theyre the worst of the worst," he said on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures." He also said ICE would move to implement Trump's plans in a humane manner.

Its going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. Theyre good at it, he said.

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During a 60 Minutes interview before the election, Homan called suggestions of mass neighborhood raids or building camps to hold people ridiculous.

When asked whether there was a way to carry out deportations without separating families, he said, Families can be deported together. He also said worksite immigration enforcement operations  which the Biden administration largely stopped  would be necessary."

Gil Kerlikowske, who knows Homan from when Kerlikowske headed U.S. Customs and Border Protection under then-President Barack Obama, said Homan likely got the job because he's been a strong, vocal supporter of Trump since leaving office and knows how the border and immigration works.

He added that unlike other figures such as Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner who's also been tapped for a top White House job, Homan's decades in immigration jobs means he knows the difficulties of launching a massive deportation operation.

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Tom is much more knowledgeable about what can be done and whats practical, Kerlikowske said.

Trump has long vowed the mass deportation of people living in the country illegally, but logistical and financial challenges make that difficult to carry out.

ICE has about 41,500 detention beds at any one time, and countries have to agree to take back their citizens  which is not always a given, especially for those with which the U.S. has no diplomatic relations, like Venezuela.

Obama carried out 432,000 deportations in 2013, the highest annual total since records were kept. Deportations under Trump never topped 350,000.

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Homan started his career in 1984 as a Border Patrol agent before moving to ICE. He was a relatively low-key but influential figure on immigration enforcement in the Obama administration, heading ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations arm  tasked with tracking down people who dont have the right to be in the country and removing them.

During his first administration, Trump scrapped Obama-era policies limiting deportations to people who posed a public safety threat, convicted criminals and those who have crossed the border recently, effectively making anyone without legal status open to apprehension.

During that time, Homan spearheaded a 40% surge in deportation arrests and established policies to make immigration arrests at courthouses and detain pregnant women.

He was also a key figure responsible for immigration when the Trump administration launched its zero-tolerance policy, which separated migrant parents from their children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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When Homan retired as acting head of ICE, he said he wanted to spend more time with family. In an interview with the AP in 2018, he said he had not intended to stay on into the Trump administration but did after then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly asked him to stay. Homan said he was at his own retirement party when he got the request. Kelly gave him a weekend to decide, and he accepted.

After Homan stepped down, it appeared that he might be returning when Trump said in 2019 he wanted to bring Homan back as a border czar."

Homan said the announcement was premature. The reason he gave at the time may give some insight into how he believes the border czar position needs to operate this time around.

I think any sort of border czar needs to be a person who coordinates an all-government response to the border, adding, That wasnt the way it was set up, he told Fox News at the time.

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After leaving the Trump administration, Homan wrote a book titled, Defend the Border and Save Lives: Solving Our Most Humanitarian and Security Crisis" and has been a frequent guest on Fox News.

He was also a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank that often sets the conservative agenda and he was a founder of Border 911 Foundation Inc., a group that says it fights against a border invasion.

___

Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.
President-elect Trumps GOP allies in Congress want to jam tough immigration and border security reforms through the Senate using a special fast track known as budget reconciliation, but face a major obstacle in Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough.

Shutting down the huge flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border is one of Trumps top priorities, but Republican legislation that would make it harder for migrants to claim asylum and roll back protections for migrant minors under the Flores settlement faces a Democratic filibuster in the Senate.

This has prompted a discussion among conservatives in the Senate and House over moving as aggressive a border-security package as possible under budget reconciliation, which would allow it to pass with a simple majority through the Senate.

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Getting that done would depend on whether the Senate parliamentarian rules that it complies with the chambers Byrd Rule, which requires that legislation produce a change in spending or revenues and have a budgetary impact thats not merely incidental to the policy change.

A Senate GOP aide warned that that while funding for the border wall and more Border Patrol agents would easily be allowed in a budget reconciliation bill under the Senates rules, reforms to the nations asylum and parole laws, which Republicans say the Biden administration used to allow millions of migrants into the country, may not pass muster.

Some of it could be possible, but a lot of it could fall to the merely-incidental rule, a Senate GOP aide said.

I think there will be limitations to the changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act, and going into the criminal titles and changing the codes, some of that will be pretty hard to do in a reconciliation setting, the source said, adding that some of those reforms could be enacted through executive actions.

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The problem with relying on executive action, however, is that it could be reversed by a future Democratic president.

Republicans are already talking about doing three reconciliation measures in the next two years, and one of them will be focused on that, border security, a GOP strategist said. The parliamentarian could be problematic. If youre starting to push policy legislation into the reconciliation process, thats a no no.

Some Republicans are pushing the argument that GOP senators could overrule the parliamentarian to get Trumps top legislative goals across the finish line.

The bottom line is if Republicans really want to be tough, they can ignore the parliamentarian. They can do whatever they want. We saw what happened in the House this week when the House Freedom Caucus ignored the parliamentarian, the strategist said.

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House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) stunned colleagues Tuesday when they used what was supposed to be a ceremonial pro forma session of the House to quash a popular bill to expand some Social Security benefits while no other lawmaker was in the chamber to object.

Harris recognized Goods request to table the Social Security bill despite being told explicitly by the House parliamentarian that he was not allowed to grant his colleagues request.

MacDonough, the Senate parliamentarian, has a record of ruling against adding immigration proposals to budget reconciliation bills. That could lead to calls that she be replaced, GOP aides say.

In 2021, she ruled against Democrats push to add immigrant-friendly provisions to a $2 trillion social spending bill they wanted to pass under budget reconciliation. The proposals would have provided work permits to immigrants who had come to the country before 2011, temporary protection from deportation and more flexibility for unused work visas.

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She also ruled against a proposal backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 dollars per hour to a $1.9 trillion COVID-relief bill that Democrats passed under budget reconciliation in early 2021.

Some Republicans argue that a Republican senator presiding over the chamber could ignore the parliamentarians advice to rule against asylum and parole reforms included in a future reconciliation package.

Certainly, thats an option that exists, the Senate GOP aide said. Whether you have 51 senators to overrule the parliamentarian, a handful of Republicans are probably pretty skittish about what sort of precedent that creates for the Democrats in the future to do that.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who is generally regarded as an institutionalist, wasnt a fan of overruling the parliamentarian, but he is stepping down from the leadership at the end of the year.

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His successor could replace MacDonough with someone more likely to rule favorably on efforts to stretch the scope of a reconciliation package.

When we take the majority and we have a new majority leader, does Elizabeth MacDonough remain the parliamentarian? Why not hire a parliamentarian who perhaps might be more favorable to allowing some of these provisions to move past Byrd Rule obstacles, the aide said.

Otherwise, Republicans, who are expecting to control a 53-seat Senate majority next year, would have to muster at least seven Democratic votes for legislation to close off or tighten the asylum and parole rules that enabled millions of migrants to enter the country during President Bidens four years in office.

Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors reducing immigration flows, said the reforms in the House-GOP passed Secure the Border Act, H.R. 2, would be a big part of any legislative fix to the border problem.

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It would require the Department of Homeland Security to resume construction of the border wall, increase the number of Border Patrol agents, tighten asylum standards, narrow Homeland Securitys power to grant parole to people in the country illegally and criminalize visa overstays.

In a letter circulated to Republican lawmakers Wednesday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) highlighted border security as a top priority for a budget reconciliation package that could pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing a Democratic filibuster.

We will surge resources to the southern border to build the Trump Border Wall, acquire new detection technologies, bolster our Border Patrol, and stop the flow of illegal immigrants, he wrote.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), one of Trumps closest Senate allies, this week called for Congress to use budget reconciliation to secure the border.

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If we hold the House, we will hit the ground running on budget reconciliation  the best vehicle to jump start the economy and help secure the border, Graham posted on the social platform X.

Republican aides say adding money for the border wall, detection technologies and Border Patrol agents should be able to pass muster with the parliamentarian pretty easily, because those reforms are all expenditures and clearly meet the Byrd Rule.

But the other core reforms of H.R. 2 would likely meet resistance from the parliamentarian.

James Wallner, a former Senate GOP aide, said how the parliamentarian rules will depend heavily on how the provisions in question are drafted.

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He said that if Republican senators can get the Congressional Budget Office to score asylum, parole and visa reforms as having a budgetary impact, they can argue it should be protected from a filibuster.

On immigration, there are very few, if any, merely incidental test points of order that could serve as precedent to rule against including immigration reforms in a budget reconciliation package, he said.

Krikorian said that while Trump can do a lot to limit migration through executive action, passing legislation is really improvement.

If were going to avoid this ping-ponging back [and forth] with one administration doing something and the next administration undoing it, were going to need legislation, he said. And Republicans have an opportunity here to get something done, and they shouldnt squander it.

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Emily Brooks contributed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Editor's note: Follow here for updates on Trump's Cabinet on Monday, Nov. 11.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House for a second term, and the soon to be President has made two decisions about his Cabinet in the wake of his victory

Trump announced Susie Wiles as his chief of staff Thursday, making her the first woman to hold the position.

Trump said Saturday that neither former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will have a role at the start of the new administration.

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"I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation," Trump said on Truth Social. "I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country."

Questions remain about the roles high-profile supporters such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate who endorsed him after dropping out of the race, and billionaire Elon Musk, who donated more than $118 million to his Trump-backing PAC, will play in the next administration. Trump has previously said he would give Musk a cost-cutting role in his administration while allowing anti-vaccine activist Kennedy to "go wild on health."

With a Republican Senate majority in place, Trump expects to have little resistance in confirming his Cabinet picks. Here are some of the potential nominees for Trump's cabinet.

Election 2024 recap: An updated tally on final House races as they're called

Who could be nominated for Secretary of State?

These are some of the contenders for secretary of state, according to media reports. The secretary of state is the president's chief foreign affairs advisor and head of the State Department.

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Who could be nominated for treasury secretary?

These are some of the contenders for secretary of the treasury, according to media reports. The treasury secretary's responsibilities involve formulating and advising financial, economic and tax policy both domestically and internationally:

Scott Bessent : The longtime hedge fund investor is among the top candidates for treasury secretary, according to Politico. Two sources close to Trump told Reuters that Bessent met with the president-elect on Friday.

John Paulson : The hedge fund manager and founder of New York investment management firm Paulson & Co. is also a contender for the role, according Reuters. The Wall Street Journal previously reported Paulson as a candidate to lead the Treasury Department, with the billionaire investor adding he would work with Musk to slash spending if he claimed the role.

Larry Kudlow : The Fox Business financial commentator could also have shot at the position, per Reuters and Politico. He previously served as director of the National Economic Council between 2018 to 2021, and Politico reported he served on an outside group promoting Trump's policies ahead of a second administration.

Robert Lighthizer: The attorney and former trade leader's name was also in the mix for the role, according to Reuters and Politico. Having served under Trump's first administration as the U.S. trade representative, he helped oversee Trump's aggressive use of tariffs and efforts to deal with China, Canada and Mexico.

Who could be nominated for attorney general?

After Trump's many accusations that the Justice Department was persecuting him, he is now tasked with selecting an attorney general to lead the department. He is expected to choose someone highly loyal to him, experts previously told USA TODAY, and the following people are in consideration:

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Sen. Mike Lee : The Utah Senator is being considered most prominently

John Ratcliffe: Trumps former Director of National Intelligence and a former GOP House member from Texas

Jeffrey Clark: Former assistant attorney general

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon: Trump-appointed judge who dismissed charges that he mishandled classified documents after leaving the White House

Mike Davis: Former counsel for nominations on the Senate Judiciary Committee

Mark Paoletta: Former 10-year counsel to a House committee and a White House veteran.

Stephen Miller: senior adviser in Trumps White House.

GOP trifecta: What to expect in a Republican-controlled White House and Congress

What we know about Trump's Cabinet so far:

Susie Wiles, senior advisor of Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump, attends a rally in Kinston, North Carolina, U.S., November 3, 2024.

Chief of Staff: Trump named his senior campaign adviser Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff, the first woman in history to hold the title. The Florida political consultant largely stays out of the spotlight but has been credited with helping Trump's political comeback.

What are the Cabinet positions?

The Cabinet advises the president on issues related to their respective offices.

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These are the Cabinet positions from the 15 executive departments, which must be confirmed by the Senate:

Secretary of State

Secretary of Defense

Attorney General

Secretary of the Interior

Secretary of Agriculture

Secretary of Commerce

Secretary of Labor

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Secretary of Transportation

Secretary of Energy

Secretary of Education

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Secretary of Homeland Security

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Secretary of Treasury

The Cabinet and presidential advisers also include the vice president, the chief of staff, the ambassador to the United Nations, the director of National Intelligence, the U.S. trade representative, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, the head of the Office of Management and Budget, the head of the Council of Economic Advisors, the head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the head of the Small Business Administration.

Contributing: Victor Hagan, Bart Jansen, Kinsey Crowley, Fernando Cervantes Jr., Riley Beggin, Michael Collins, USA TODAY, Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump Cabinet picks: Latest news on State, Treasury and AG contenders
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped House Republican Conference chair and longtime ally Rep. Elise Stefanik, of New York, to serve as ambassador to the United Nations.

Stefanik is Trump's first Cabinet pick for his second term in the White House.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said in a statement Monday.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., in Washington in January.

Stefanik said she was "truly honored" by Trump's announcement.

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"I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trumps restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations," she said in a statement.

News of Trump's pick was first reported by CNN.

Stefanik, 40, has been a staunch defender of Israel in its response to Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks and has been outspoken over the last year about antisemitism on college campuses. A day before last week's election, Stefanik reiterated her call for the defunding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East because she alleges it has been infiltrated by Hamas.

Israel has accused staff members of the organization of participating in the Oct. 7 terror attacks, prompting it to fire at least 10 people. Israel's parliament voted in late October to ban the organization's operations.

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Stefanik has served as the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference since May 2021, after then-Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., was ousted over her vocal criticism of Trump. Stefanik has served in the House since 2015 and represents New York's 21st Congressional District, which covers upstate New York, bordering Vermont and Canada.

Any appointments by Trump that lead to vacancies in the House could prove problematic for House Republicans. While they could maintain control of the lower chamber, an election outcome that NBC News has not yet called, their margin will be slim, and they struggled throughout the last Congress to maintain effective control of the body with few votes to spare.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President-elect Donald Trump issued a series of unprecedented threats against his perceived foes throughout the election campaign that would have made Richard Nixon blush.

He suggested he would use the military against an enemy from within, arguing critics of the Supreme Court should be put in jail and that journalists who wont give up their sources should be thrown in there with them, to name a just few.

Now, some of his critics are fretting that hes ready to make good on them.

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One is even hiding at home, afraid Trump will soon mobilize the police.

Ill die right here on my fing house, Michael Fanone, the retired police officer who was attacked during the January 6 insurrection and subsequently became a vocal critic of Trump, told The Washington Post. Im not going to be in some Apprentice fing military tribunal.

Fanone, who is holed up at his Virginia home, was alluding to Ivan Raiklin, a Trump surrogate and retired Army Reserve lieutenant colonel who has touted himself as Trumps future secretary of retribution.

Raw Story reported in July that Raiklin had drafted a list of 350 people he wants arrested.

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Fanones paranoia is also understandable: his mother was swatted earlier this year after he called Trump an authoritarian. She opened the door one night to a fully armed law enforcement team after someone falsely reported an active shooter at her address.

NBC News interviewed 10 other people who have crossed Trump, including former officials in his first administration, and they expressed varying degrees of alarm from a foreboding sense of dread to outright terror.

Im worried that Ill be targeted by him and a lot of people in his circle, said Olivia Troye, a former Trump administration national security official who spoke out against the President-elect at this years Democratic National Committee. They very much know who I am. And Im concerned for my family.

Troye told NBC, while she was boarding a plane recently, a passenger said to her, Your days are numbered.

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Trumps former national security adviser John Bolton, another ally-turned-critic, said, I assume theres a long retribution list and Im on it.

Aquilino Gonell, a former law enforcement officer who, like Fanone, was assaulted by Trump supporters on January 6 told NBC, I have to be vigilant. I mean, I have a family to take care of.

Others fear attacks on their livelihood.

Larry Pfeiffer, a former chief of staff at the CIA who signed a 2020 letter that questioned the authenticity of emails found on a laptop owned by Hunter Biden, said he fears that he and the 50 other security officials who signed the letter will have their security clearances revoked.

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There are colleagues of mine on that list who have clearances because theyre active members of companies that do business inside the intelligence community, and they will likely lose their post-government livelihoods if their clearances are pulled, he told NBC.

In an appearance on Joe Rogans podcast, Vice President-elect JD Vance said those who signed the letter would have their privileges revoked when we win.

Adding to the worries of many is the fact that Trump will take office following a landmark Supreme Court decision that largely protects former presidents from being prosecuted for their decisions taken in office.

Butfor all of Trumps endless blusterthe president-elect and some of his allies have also said revenge will simply mean going about his term and proving those who doubted he could win again wrong.

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My revenge will be success, Trump told Fox News in February.

Asked by Fox host Laura Ingraham in a separate appearance last month if he would go after his political foes while in office, Trump said no.

I want to make this the most successful country in the world  thats what I want to do, he added.

INGRAHAM: When you get into office, are you going to go after your political enemies like Kamala and Biden are doing?



PRESIDENT TRUMP: "No. I want to make this the most successful country in the world  THAT'S what I want to do." pic.twitter.com/OjkJMeHZ1Y  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 7, 2024

MAGA House Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) said he doesnt believe prosecutors in any of the various investigations against Trump will be subject to reprisal.

Were the party whos against going after your opponents using lawfare, he told CNN.

For the time being, some Trump foes are nevertheless looking over their shoulders.
President-elect Donald Trump has demanded the Republican senators running for majority leader back recess appointments that would fast-track his nominees and bypass congressional scrutiny.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, Trump wrote on X on Sunday. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024

The three senators vying to replace Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as the partys leader in the chamber immediately fell in line, indicating their willingness to follow Trumps orders.

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100% agree, wrote Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), the MAGA diehard whose onetime longshot bid for the leadership has gained steam with the backing of Trump allies Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as well as his racist pal Laura Loomer.

100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible. https://t.co/GlrHx2zJXh  Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 10, 2024

I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible, he added.

Senator John Thune (R-SD) said, in a post on X, that all options are on the table when it comes to getting Trumps nominees in place, including recess appointments.

We must act quickly and decisively to get the presidents nominees in place as soon as possible, & all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people.https://t.co/h6gDmjhbqn  Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 10, 2024

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) also indicated that, if elected leader, he is willing to keep the Senate in session, working through the weekends, until Democrats agree to Trumps appointees. If that fails, he said recess appointments would be an option.

It is unacceptable for Senate Ds to blockade President @realDonaldTrump s cabinet appointments. If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent. Additionally, the Constitution expressly confers the power on the President to make recess appointments.  Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) November 10, 2024

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Republican senators will vote in a secret ballot Wednesday to determine which of Scott, Thune or Cornyn will lead the GOP conference after McConnell steps down.

Recess appointments can be made when the chamber is not in session, lasting a maximum of two years unless the Senate later confirms the nominee.

Both Republicans and Democrats have fended off recess appointments in recent years by holding short pro-forma sessions that prevent the president from bypassing the Senates consent.

The Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in 2014 that three recess appointments by then-President Barack Obama were unconstitutional because the Senate was holding a pro-forma session and therefore not in true recess.

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The chamber has not allowed a president, Democrat or Republican, to make a recess appointment since that ruling.

Democrats could conceivably try to stave off attempts by the GOP to fast-track Trumps appointments by filibustering any motions to go into recess.
Donald Trump called on Republican Senators vying for the majority leader position to permit him to appoint temporary cabinet members without Senate approval through recess appointments and demanded they reject any judicial nominations until he takes office.

Complaining that Senate approval takes too long, Trump said anyone seeking the leadership position must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!) on Truth Social on Sunday, a tactic that would effectively allow him to place any person in his cabinet without formal Senate approval.

Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Trump wrote.

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Hours after Trumps statement, three Senators running for the leadership position endorsed Trumps idea.

Texas Senator John Cornyn agreed Trump has the power to do so and urged Senators to get Trumps cabinet chosen quickly. South Dakota Senator John Thune said recess appointments were an option on the table. Florida Senator Rick Scott backed Trump 100%.

President-elect Donald Trump has asked Republican senators vying for the leadership to approve of his use of recess appointments to get his cabinet up and running quickly (REUTERS)

The framers of the Constitution explicitly created checks and balances to prevent one branch of government from obtaining too much power. One way they did so was by directing the Senate to approve the presidents nominations.

Recess appointments are a provision that allows the president to appoint a cabinet position for a maximum of two years without the Senates approval when the chamber is out of session. Its original intent was to be used when the Senate was in recess for a long period of time.

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These are fairly uncommon and the last time a president used recess appointments, in 2012 under former president Barack Obama, the Supreme Court ruled they could not be made while Congress was in pro forma sessions. This made recess appointments effectively unusable.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024

Both Trump and President Joe Biden were unable to use recess appointments because the Senate uses pro-forma sessions routinely  these are short sessions typically held during recess periods that ensure Congress is technically in session.

In 2020, Trump threatened to use recess appointments by forcing Congress to adjourn. However, that never occurred.

Throughout his first term, Trump memorably had a difficult time holding onto a full and consistent cabinet. It took him longer to fill his cabinet when he entered office, in part because his transition team was seemingly unprepared, but also because Democratic senators hampered several nominees from being confirmed.

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This time around, Trump is more prepared. And some of the names floating around for cabinet positions are already stirring controversy.

In his Truth Social post, Trump also asked that the Senate block any judicial nominations until he takes office because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges.

Trump appointed approximately 220 judges while president, a tactic that helped reshape the federal judiciary and assist Republicans in pursuing litigation. Biden has invoked a similar tactic, appointing 213.

Its unlikely Trumps request will materialize as Democrats have control of the Senate until the end of the year.
Anyone who voted against Kamala Harris last Tuesday to protest the Biden-Harris administrations policy on the war in Gaza may soon feel the pangs of buyers remorse.

The first qualms might have come on Friday, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Yechiel Leiter to be Israels new ambassador to the United States. Leiter is a prominent writer and activist in Israels settler movement. He advocates formally annexing the West Bank, the illegally occupied territory from which Israelis have steadily and forcibly displaced many Palestinians.

As both men have admitted, Donald Trump and Netanyahu have talked several times in the past few weeks. It is unlikely that Netanyahu would have appointed Leiter without getting a green light from Trump.

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Like many settlers, Leiter grew up in the United States, where he joined Rabbi Meir Kahanes Jewish Defense League, which was founded in the late 1960s initially to quell antisemitism but eventually grew into a radical organization calling for the violent expulsion of Palestinians from all of Israel. At one point, the U.S. declared the JDL to be a terrorist organization; Kahane, who emigrated to Israel in 1971, was too radical even for his host country, which arrested him 62 times over the next decade. (One of his books, written in jail, was called They Must Gothey being Arabs in Israel.) He was assassinated in Brooklyn in 1990 by an Egyptian American.

Leiter has never been charged with any violent activity. An article this past week in the left-leaning Israeli newspaper Haaretz calls him a thoughtful and respected writer with a deep understanding of American politics. However, the same article notes that by appointing Leiter, Netanyahu is making his intentions extremely clear: His focus is on annexation, not normalization. The move signals that the prime minister believes Trump will support him in that focus, not only in the West Bank but also in parts of Gaza.

Trump has been saying for a long time now that Netanyahu should finish the fighting in Gazanot by signing a peace deal but by winning the war, and doing so quickly, preferably before Inauguration Day.

In conversations with Muslim leaders in Michigan, Trump said he was for peace in the Middle Eastbut how he accomplishes this seems reminiscent of Richard Nixons plan for peace in Vietnam, which helped him win the 1968 presidential election but turned out to be bombing the North Vietnamese into submission. (The bombing was ferocious, but the enemy didnt submit.)

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In Trumps case, the plan amounts to letting Israel bomb, invade, and occupywhatever it takes, as the president-elect later said. In the last days of the campaign, he said President Biden had put too many restraints on Israel. When Sen. Chuck Schumer, one of the most pro-Israel members of Congress, criticized Israels behavior in the war, Trump said he was acting like a Palestinianand he didnt mean it as a compliment.

Netanyahu also said this past week that he and Trump see eye to eye on Iran. During his first go-around as president, Netanyahu persuaded Trump to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, which had been signed by President Obama and five other world leaders in 2014. A few weeks ago, after Iran attacked Israel with missiles, Trump said Israel should hit the nucleari.e., it should respond by destroying Irans nuclear facilities. President Biden persuaded Netanyahu to launch a proportional retaliation, which he did, destroying Iranian missile factories, aircraft, and air-defense sites.

These last targets were most important, as their destruction left much of Irans critical infrastructureenergy and some nuclear sitesexposed. Irans Ayatollah Khamenei recently said he would deliver a crushing blow to Israel in response to that attack. He might want to reconsider. Even Biden told him that if he did, the U.S. would not hold Israel back this time. Trump would outright encourage Netanyahu to do his utmostand maybe even send the U.S. Air Force to help.

Despite Trumps clear favoritism toward Israel and utter disregard for the Palestinians, an exit poll indicated that just 20 percent of Muslim Americans voted for Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday. Slightly more, 21 percent, voted for Trump, while 53 percent voted for the protest candidate, Jill Stein. In Michigan, just 14 percent of Muslims voted for Harris. In Dearborn, Michigan, where many Muslims are concentrated, 42 percent voted for Trump, 36 percent for Harris, and 18 percent for Stein.

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By contrast, back in 2020, Biden beat Trump among Michigan Muslims, 6917. There are about 240,000 Muslims in Michiganjust about 2.5 percent of its 10 million people overall. Harris lost the state on Tuesday by about 78,000 votes. In other words, though it wouldnt have mattered in the overall election, the war might have cost the Democrats Michigans 15 electoral votesdespite the fact that Trumps position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is, was, and always has been tilted far more sharply toward Israel.

It is possible that Trumps extra pressure could push the regions antagonists in a conciliatory direction. Shortly after the election, Qatars leaders said they would expel Hamas political spokesmen, who have been lounging in the small oil-rich countrys capital, Doha, since before the war began. Whether this spurs Hamas to get more serious in cease-fire negotiationsor, for that matter, whether the Doha contingent has any influence over the militias fighters in Gazais hard to say. For the moment, Netanyahu still sees total victory, including the elimination of Hamas as a political and military force in Gaza, as his goal.

Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, reached out to Trump soon after the election, saying he hoped the two could achieve peace in the region. Abbas sent his message, along with congratulations, through Tiffany Trumps father-in-law, a prominent Lebanese American businessman who had campaigned for the president. However, Abbas has long ago lost all leverage with other Palestinian groups in the Middle East.

The once-and-future American president probably is keenly interested in facilitating normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, seeing it as a continuation of the Abraham Accords, which his son-in-law Jared Kushner helped engineer in his first term and which formalized the Jewish states ties to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. However, the Saudis have said normalizationwhich they also very much wantis impossible without an end to the fighting in Gaza and real negotiations toward a Palestinian state. Netanyahu opposes even discussions about the latter; it is unclear how much Trump would insist on it as a condition for his continued friendship with the prime minister.

Trumps reemergence may further deter Irans leaders from firing more missiles at Israel. It may even spur them to make diplomatic overtures on broader issues; Irans currency, the rial, already in dismal shape, dropped precipitously the day after the American election. However, Netanyahu has never welcomed any such moves from Iran, even during the period of the nuclear deal, when they seemed genuine. Sources in Trumps entourage say that he is likely to restart the maximum pressure policy of his first termthough that had little effect except to compel the Iranians to restart their nuclear program, which they had begun to dismantle.
President-elect Trumps White House victory has created tussles among conservatives and liberals alike over whether the Supreme Courts oldest justices should retire.

Trumps election has raised public anticipation that two of the courts leading conservatives, Justice Clarence Thomas, 76, and Justice Samuel Alito, 74, may step down.

Although the incoming Republican-controlled Senate could glide their Trump-nominated replacements to confirmation, the speculation has drawn admonishment from a key figure in the conservative legal movement, who called the talk crass.

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The election has meanwhile renewed fretting among some Democrats that the court could be headed to a 7-2 conservative majority as President Bidens term nears a close with Justice Sonia Sotomayor, 70, the courts most senior liberal, showing no sign of stepping aside.

During his first term, Trump remade the court by appointing three justices who have delivered considerable conservative victories, including overturning constitutional abortion protections, contracting the power of federal agencies and expanding gun rights.

In his second term, Trump could become the first president since Dwight Eisenhower to appoint a majority of sitting Supreme Court justices, if Thomas and Alito do in fact retire.

Were going to see again younger originalist judges who really respect the structural constraints of our Constitution, said Kimberly Hermann, executive director of the conservative Southeastern Legal Foundation.

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Ed Whelan, a conservative legal commentator who clerked at the Supreme Court, wrote on his Substack newsletter last week that he anticipates Trump can reach the rare feat.

I expect Alito to announce in the spring of 2025 that he will retire from the Court. I think it very likely that Thomas will do the same in the spring of 2026, Whelan wrote.

Mike Davis, a fierce public defender of Trump who has denied rumors that he may become Trumps attorney general, wrote on social platform X, Prediction: Justice Sam Alito is gleefully packing up his chambers.

But not all conservatives see it that way.

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, said Leonard Leo, a judicial activist who played a central role in the courts rightward shift and aided Trump in choosing his three nominees, in a rare public statement.

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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 said.

Nominated by former President George H. W. Bush, Thomas is the longest-serving current justice. His 33-year tenure recently cracked the top 10 out of the 116 people who have ever served on the court.

Alito arrived on the court more recently in 2006, nominated by former President George W. Bush.

Theres no guarantee that the two conservatives  or Sotomayor, whom President Obama nominated to the court in 2009  will retire during Trumps time in the White House. They all still will be younger at the end of Trumps term than the three most recent justices who remained on the bench into their 80s.

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Stephen Breyer retired at 83, Ruth Bader Ginsburg served until her death at 87 and Anthony Kennedy retired at 82.

Its hard to tell when any Supreme Court Justice is going to retire, said Hermann.

Democrats are still reeling from Ginsburgs decision to not retire during former President Obamas term despite facing health issues. Ginsburg passed away from pancreatic cancer weeks before the 2020 election, which enabled Trump to create a 6-3 conservative majority by replacing the liberal icon with Amy Coney Barrett, who remains the youngest sitting justice at 52.

When Breyer announced his retirement a year into Bidens term, when Democrats also controlled the Senate, the liberal justice indicated the political environment was part of his calculus.

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If I stay there another year, another two years  you know, Im not Methuselah  even another three years. Will it be possible for a president to nominate and have confirmed my replacement? Thats the kind of thing thats in my mind, Breyer said in an interview with CNN after leaving the bench.

There have been delays, you know, when the parties split between control of the Senate and control of the presidency and sometimes long times pass, Breyer continued. And I would prefer that my own retirement, my own membership on the court, not get involved in what I call those purely political issues.

Before this election, Sotomayor faced a scattering of public calls to retire from people like columnist Josh Barro and Mehdi Hasan, a former MSNBC host who now runs startup Zeteo.

But elected Democrats brushed aside the pressure from left-leaning commentators and stood behind Sotomayors decision to stay on the bench.

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Sotomayor, the third-oldest sitting justice, has long been public about living with type 1 diabetes, and concerns about her health heightened after a watchdog through a Freedom of Information Act request unearthed documents indicating the justice has traveled with a medic in recent years.

Her health also entered the public fray when she denied reports about conflicts with Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trumps first appointee who sits next to Sotomayor on the bench, over wearing masks when they returned to in-person operations. Sotomayor continued to wear a mask at oral arguments well after her fellow justices, though she stopped doing so months ago.

There is no indication the liberal jurist plans to retire, or even whether a replacement at this point would be confirmed before the end of Bidens term. The Wall Street Journal and CNN, citing people close to the justice, in recent days reported Sotomayor plans to remain in her post.

Thomas, Alito and Sotomayor did not return a request for comment on their plans sent to a court spokesperson.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said on NBCs Meet the Press that he had heard a little bit of talk from his colleagues about the prospect of Sotomayor retiring in the waning days of the Biden administration but dismissed the idea.

I dont think thats the sensible approach, Sanders said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President-elect Donald Trump announced Sunday night that Tom Homan, who served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in his last administration, will be in charge of the nations borders.

I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security, Trump said in a post on Truth Social late Sunday.

The president-elect added that theres nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders and that Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin.

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The former acting ICE director was a contributor to Project 2025, the sweeping conservative blueprint for the next Republican president, which Trump distanced himself from during his campaign.

CNN reported earlier Sunday that Trump was expected to tap Homan to serve in a czar-like role.

CNN has reached out to Homan for comment. On Fox News Monday morning, Homan detailed some of his plans to handle illegal immigration.

Worksite operations have to happen, Homan said. Where do we find most victims of sex trafficking and forced labor trafficking? At work sites.

Homan expressed disdain toward sanctuary cities, which are jurisdictions that have policies in place designed to limit cooperation with or involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions. He said that he hopes that local police in these cities will cooperate with the incoming administration but noted Trumps history of using the Department of Justice to enforce his immigration policies.

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Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals, Homan said on Fox News.

Immigration was a cornerstone of Trumps 2024 campaign, and he repeatedly vowed to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

In a recent interview on CBS 60 Minutes, Homan argued that families could be deported together when asked about Trumps pledge to carry about mass deportations immediately upon entering office. He also argued that that effort would be targeted, though exact plans for how it would be carried out  and how much it would cost  remain to be seen.

Its not going to be a mass sweep of neighborhoods. Its not going to be building concentration camps. Ive read it all. Its ridiculous, Homan told CBS.

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In a sign of his influence in Trumps orbit, Homan spoke at the Republican National Convention in July.

I got a message to the millions of illegal aliens that Joe Biden has released into our country in violation of federal law: You better start packing now, Homan said from the stage in Milwaukee. Youre damn right.

A career law enforcement officer, Homan served as the public face of the first Trump administrations aggressive efforts to step up immigration enforcement before retiring in 2018. He served temporarily in the role from the beginning of the Trump administration, despite never being confirmed by the Senate, because he had already been the deputy in line for the job.

Homan often took the microphone  including at White House briefings  to defend his agents arrests of undocumented immigrants and to call for more robust enforcement. At one point, he told Congress that undocumented immigrants should be afraid.

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Homan also oversaw an immigration system that placed a record number of immigrant children in US custody. In September 2017, Homan said at a public event that his agency would arrest undocumented people who came forward to care for the children, something previous administrations avoided.

You cannot hide in the shadows, Homan said at a Washington border security event, adding that parents should be shoulder-to-shoulder with their children in court. Were going to put the parents in proceedings, immigration proceedings, at a minimum.  Is that cruel? I dont think so.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Jack Forrest, Michelle Shen, Catherine E. Shoichet, Tal Kopan and Eli Watkins contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Laos will hold the "Peace Train-2024" humanitarian medical rescue exercise in Laos later this month, China's Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday.

The fifth joint drill of its kind between the two countries' militaries aims to strengthen their joint medical and logistical command and rescue capabilities, while deepening practical cooperation and exchanges, according to the ministry's statement.

Aligned with the annual schedule and the consensus between China and Laos, the exercise will also see the Chinese team deliver medical services to Lao military personnel and civilians. 
A former Trump staffer and renowned nativist is about to make a comeback at the top of Donald Trumps policy machine.

In the coming days, Trump is expected to announce the appointment of Stephen Miller to serve as White House deputy chief of staff for policy, reported CNN.

Miller previously served as the senior adviser for policy and White House director of speechwriting under Trumps first term, and his appointment comes as little surprise: The 39-year-old was expectedsince at least the beginning of the yearto reenter the West Wing as the leading expert on America First immigration policy.

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The far-right politico has made a name for himself for his vicious anti-immigrant policies, which include proposals to build mass deportation camps and deploy the military and the national guard to seal the border, promising a forthcoming reality of large-scale raids and throughput facilities.

Hes long been seen as one of the most apparent and rigid ties between Trump and the white nationalist agenda. Miller, a mentee of Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon, has had a profound impact on the president-elects language and policy on immigration, despite entering Trumpworld with little policy or legal expertise. He was the architect of Trumps first Muslim travel ban and has been a vocal proponent of family separation at the U.S. border, as well as limiting citizenship for legal immigrants. During his time in Trumps first term, leaked emails revealed that he promoted white nationalist articles and books, especially on the idea that non-white people are replacing white people.

His rhetoric has been roundly condemnedincluding by his uncle, Dr. David S. Glosser, who in a scathing 2018 piece for Politico Magazine condemned his far-right relative as a hypocrite for drafting policy that would have prevented their own family from seeking refuge on Americas shores in the twentieth century.

No matter what opinion is held about immigration, any government that specifically enacts law or policy on that basis must be recognized as a threat to all of us, Glosser wrote. Laws bereft of justice are the gateway to tyranny. Today others may be the target, but tomorrow it might just as easily be you or me.

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Miller has also been on the front lines of other components of Trumps agenda, including attacks on LGBTQ rights and abortion access. In May, Miller (under the helm of America First Legal) joined a legal effort by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and several professors at the University of Texas at Austin that aimed to dismantle Title IX, arguing that the federal civil rights lawwhich protects against sexual or gender-based discrimination in educationviolated the states sovereign interest.

According to a legal filing, that included limiting schools abilities to punish students who take time off to get an abortion, even if that abortion was performed out of state.

Miller sided with the professors that the school should be allowed to punish students who take time off to get an abortion, even if that abortion is performed out of state, while weirdly diminishing Title IX as a pronoun-fueled bathroom battle that would force girls in every public school in America to share restrooms, locker rooms, and private facilities with men.
(This Nov. 11 story has been corrected to remove an incorrect reference to Africa and the G20 in paragraph 11)

By Jessica Donati

(Reuters) - A decline in U.S. influence in Africa means U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration will have to grapple with blind spots in its understanding of a fast-changing continent increasingly allied with China and Russia and threatened by spreading jihadist insurgencies.

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Interviews with eight current and former officials along with a review of U.S. government watchdog reports show that a dearth of staff and resources under President Joe Biden at embassies in Africa undermined efforts to implement Washington's goals.

The U.S. racked up diplomatic setbacks over the past four years, including losing America's major spy base in Niger and failing to negotiate a deal with any ally to reposition those assets. It is now caught without a foothold among the Sahel region's Russia-backed military juntas just as the region becomes the world's terrorism hotpot.

In soft power terms, a Gallup poll published this year showed that China surpassed the U.S. in popularity in Africa.

Cameron Hudson, a former CIA analyst who worked on Africa in a number of roles for both Democrat and Republican administrations, said the lack of resources had led to missteps.

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These include being caught by surprise when war erupted in Sudan in April last year, he said, and bungling talks with Niger's junta over its airbase.

"We have huge blind spots in our understanding of political dynamics, military dynamics in the countries where we are active," Hudson, now at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told Reuters. "This is a mega issue that U.S. diplomacy faces, and it's particularly acute in Africa."

In response to Reuters questions, the U.S. State Department said applicants for posts in Africa were dissuaded by insufficient schools, health care, and the remote nature of many postings, adding that monetary and non-monetary incentives were in place to encourage service in what it called difficult posts.

Other signs point to Americas decline in a region long considered to be a low priority for U.S. foreign policymakers.

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Washington has made little progress towards advancing access to vast reserves of African minerals that it says are critical for national security. A flagship U.S.-backed railway project to export resources through Angola to the West is still years from completion.

Biden made sweeping political promises to Africa, including a yet-unrealised visit during his presidency, which ends in January. His administration backed the creation of two permanent seats for Africa at the U.N. Security Council, but it has not happened.

Two former senior officials that served in Trump's 2017-2021 administration said they expected him to pursue a more pragmatic approach than Biden, seeking tangible returns for U.S. spending in the region.

Competition with China will be a major focus, they both said, along with fresh support for U.S. businesses. The U.S. may also revisit its politics towards military leaders in the troubled Sahel, with less focus on democracy and human rights, they said.

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"Africa policy needs a bit of realism," said Tibor Nagy, a retired career ambassador and former Trump envoy to Africa. "I'm hoping that with a second Trump administration, where policy is more transactional, you can actually end up with more successes."

The Trump campaign did not respond to emails requesting information about its plans for Africa. Brian Hook, a former Trump official overseeing the diplomatic transition at the State Department, did not respond to a request for comment.

"THE LIGHTS WERE OFF"

The troubled U.S. diplomatic footprint on the continent is visible in U.S. government data and official reports that are publicly available but have not appeared in the media.

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Numerous reports by the State Departments watchdog, the Office of the Inspector General, detail staffing problems at embassies that undermine U.S. goals including promoting political and economic stability.

One example is the situation in the Central African Republic, a gold-producing, increasingly authoritarian state that pays Russian mercenaries for protection while receiving millions in U.S. aid, according to a watchdog report in June.

The report described how embassy staffing shortages meant the U.S. ambassador in the country often had no note-taker at meetings. Sending documents could take hours due to a weak internet connection at the embassy.

Over $2 million worth of inventory was lost in 2023, linked partly to theft and fraud by local hires, the report said.

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Even in places where the U.S. wants to compete with Beijing, a top national security priority, staffing problems are severe. At one point in 2023, a U.S. congressional official said, the political section was vacant in Guinea, home to the world's largest bauxite reserves, with exports mostly destined for China.

"The entire department was empty, the lights were off," the official told Reuters, on condition of anonymity to speak candidly.

In Togo, a coastal West African nation threatened by jihadists, the small U.S. embassy was unable to keep up with Washington's demands after Togo was selected to pilot the bipartisan Global Fragility Act, a U.S. strategy to promote political stability around the world through 10-year plans, an inspector general report published in mid-2023 described.

The report blamed a lack of both staff and experience, with almost every U.S. official at the post serving in their job for the first time. The embassy declined additional funding for security assistance because it didn't have the resources to spend it, the report said.

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The State Department declined to comment on specific questions about embassy operations in the Central African Republic, Guinea and Togo.

CUTS, CUTS, CUTS

With major wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, Africa may well be low on Trump's foreign policy priorities. He has yet to appoint an Africa team, in contrast to his defeated opponent U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who named a team for the region in the days before the Nov. 5 election.

During his last administration, many in the region were enraged when Trump reportedly referred to African nations as "shithole countries". Close allies were hit with travel bans. Eritrea, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania were among 13 countries on the list when he left office.

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Peter Pham, a former top Trump envoy to Africa's Great Lakes and Sahel region, said he did not expect a major drop in U.S. aid for Africa with the new government but that with Trump there was a higher chance assistance would be cut off if a country was perceived to be acting against U.S. interests.

"We have to be more intentional about that, and that means capable partners and accountability," he said in an interview.

The first Trump administration proposed sweeping cuts to the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development and struggled to fill posts during its time in office. It also pulled funds from the United Nations and healthcare organizations that supported family planning.

The American Foreign Service Association, the union that represents U.S. diplomats, said that a shortage of mid-level staff, red tape and other institutional issues all contributed to the problems in Africa.

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The State Department has been hiring above attrition for the first time in 15 years, Marcia Bernicat, the foreign service director general, said in an interview in September, citing initiatives to address mid-career shortages.

A quarter of the workforce is now made up of people hired since 2020, she said. Two studies are underway to review incentives to draw people to hard to fill jobs.

Despite these efforts, staffing levels in Africa changed little overall during Biden's time in office after falling during the global pandemic.

Limited State Department data provided to Reuters shows the number of foreign service officers in Africa dipped to 2,057 in 2023 from 2,175 in December 2018.

"It's frustrating for everyone involved," Tom Yazdgerdi, the foreign service union president, told Reuters. "It's not just a staffing issue  it's a national security concern."

(Additional reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Gram Slattery in Washington; Editing by Estelle Shirbon and Frank Jack Daniel)
Donald Trump Jr., son of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, shared an Instagram clip on Nov. 10 mocking President Volodymyr Zelensky and indicating that Ukraine would soon lose aid from the United States.

The post comes less than a week after Trump Jr.'s father was re-elected president.

Trump Jr. reposted an Instagram clip featuring an image of Zelensky with the caption: "POV (point of view): You're 38 days from losing your allowance."

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The "38 days" may reference Dec. 17, the date when U.S. electors meet to cast their votes for president and vice president based on the results of the Nov. 5 vote.

Trump has repeatedly criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, calling Zelensky "the greatest salesman on earth" and vowing to get the U.S. "out" of the war as soon as possible. Trump also led congressional Republicans to obstruct aid to Kyiv in a drawn-out legislative battle while Ukrainians on the front lines suffered an ammunition shortage.

The circumstances for Ukraine are no less dire today: Russia continues to advance in the east, seizing territories despite high personnel losses, and aerial attacks against Ukraine's cities are intensifying as winter nears.

Trump reportedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the war during a phone conversation two days after the election, according to the Washington Post. The following days were marked by record-breaking drone strikes.

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U.S. President Joe Biden has promised to deliver the remaining $6 billion in congressionally-allotted aid to Kyiv before Trump takes office on Jan. 20 of next year.

Trump Jr. has previously argued that Ukraine should not be granted permission to use long-range Western missiles against targets in Russia and has called on Kyiv to "de-escalate" the war.

Read also: We asked 5 prominent Ukrainians to respond to Trump Jrs Negotiate with Russia op-ed

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Donald Trump loyalists are facing a battle to win over ped off Republican senators who will control the confirmation of the president-elects top team.

Tensions have already emerged between Trump insiders and the more moderate wing of the party just days after the incoming presidents election victory.

Those close to Mr Trump want to install Rick Scott, the Florida senator and Trump ally, to lead the Senate and water down the powers of Congress.

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Mr Scott has been endorsed by allies of the president-elect including Elon Musk, the Tesla billionaire, and Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host.

Mr Trump has not explicitly endorsed a candidate in the contest to replace Mitch McConnell, the outgoing leader, with a vote scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

However, the election of a Trump loyalist would be a significant boost to the incoming president before he takes office in January and would diminish a rival power base outside the White House.

Traitors

MAGA  Make America Great Again  activists have begun targeting Mr Scotts rivals, John Cornyn and John Thune, and called those who refuse to fall into line behind the Florida senator traitors.

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Dan Scavino, the president-elects social media head, shared a tweet from Mr Thune dating from October 2016 in which he calls for Mr Trump to end his presidential campaign.

The Republican would go on to beat Hillary Clinton the following month.

If your Senator has not vocally supported Rick Scott, theyre likely voting Thune/Cornyn, Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist, wrote on social media.

This will become a major issue down the line if one of them wins. Grassroots wont forget this.

However, Mr Scott is seen as a long-shot candidate to succeed Mr McConnell and attempts to browbeat senators appear to be backfiring.

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The campaign is ping off senators whose votes Rick needs, a Republican Senate aide told Politico. Senators do not take kindly to having an army of social media trolls attack them.

Nevertheless, Mr Cornyn and Mr Thune have been at pains not to isolate the Trump-aligned wing of the party, particularly in the wake of his election victory.

None of the candidates have pushed back against Mr Trumps recent appeal for powers to make administration appointments without seeking Senate confirmation.

Any Republican senator seeking the coveted leadership position in the United States Senate must agree to recess appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner, the president-elect wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.

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Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled immediately!

All options are on the table

The Senate typically must confirm hundreds of presidential appointments, meaning it can block unpopular or controversial candidates.

However, if Congress passes a motion to go into recess, this means the president can make a temporary appointment for a maximum of two years.

This is despite the fact that the Republicans have regained control of the Senate after four years, flipping formerly Democrat seats in Montana, Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Appointments need a simple majority to pass, meaning Democrat support will not be required.

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Mr Scott quickly took up Mr Trumps call, pledging on social media to do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.

Mr Thune did not rule out the measure, telling Fox News that all options are on the table. Mr Cornyn suggested he would support the move if Democrats blocked cabinet appointments, noting: The Constitution expressly confers the power on the president to make recess appointments.

It is unclear if there will be a backlash from the wider party, since the Senate tends to be more independent than their counterparts in the House of Representatives.

In their two terms in office, Bill Clinton made 139 recess appointments, George W. Bush made 171 recess appointments, and Barack Obama made 32 recess appointments.

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In 2005, for example, Mr Bush used a recess appointment to install John Bolton as the US permanent representative to the UN following a five-month stand-off with Senate Democrats.

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Elise Stefanik is continuing her ascent through Trumpworld.

President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly tapped the House Republican Conference chair to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations, a decision that could redefine Americas relationship with some of its longest allies.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Trump said in a statement obtained by CNN. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.

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Stefanik, a longtime critic of the international organization, won reelection in New Yorks 21st congressional district on Tuesday while campaigning as a staunch defender of Israel in its war on Gaza. That includes defending Israels decision to eliminate humanitarian aid from the region. In a statement last week, Stefanik heralded Israels decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA, from operating in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, claiming that the 74-year-old aid program instills antisemitic hate in Palestinians and houses weapons for terrorists.

She also called on the United States to defund the refugee program, criticizing the Biden administration for issuing $1 billion to UNRWA since 2021. (The U.S. has received international condemnation for being the lone holdout on aid since Israel accused 19 UNRWA staff members of participating in the October 7, 2023, attack. An independent report published in April found no evidence and was supplied no evidence by the Israeli government supporting the allegations.)

Stefanik has called for a complete reassessment of U.S. funding of the United Nations after the Palestinian Authority attempted in October to expel Israel from the organization for alleged war crimes and human rights abuses.

At the time of her first win in 2014, she was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Shes since proved to be one of Trumps staunchest defenders, making a name for herself in 2019 for her impassioned defenses of the MAGA leader during his first impeachment trial and later refusing to certify the 2020 election results, elevating lies that the Biden-Trump race had been stolen.

But she hasnt always sided with the MAGA leader. In 2017, Stefanik voted against Trumps tax plan, one of his signature legislative victories.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump will nominate New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik to join his administration as US Ambassador to the United Nations.

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Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said in a statement.

Listen to the Bloomberg Daybreak Europe podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen.

The UN job  a high-profile national security role that comes with offices and a residence in New York City  would bring one of Trumps highest-profile congressional allies into his administration. Stefanik, 40, is currently the fourth-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives.

Stefaniks office confirmed the president-elect offered her the job and she accepted. The New York Post first reported the decision on Sunday.

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Read: America First: Heres Who Trump May Tap for National Security

In an interview Friday on 77 WABC radio in New York, Stefanik said she is ready to help Trump any way she can, including as a member of his administration because, she said, he needs strong allies.

Her devotion to Trump has a long public track record. Stefanik was among the 147 House Republicans who voted against certifying then President-elect Joe Bidens 2020 electoral victory over Trump. She was the first House member to endorse Trump in this third White House bid, and was even a contender earlier this year to be Trumps vice presidential running mate.

Cubans Criticism

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In Trumps first administration, he appointed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as his original UN envoy. Haley mounted an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination against Trump this cycle before ultimately dropping out and endorsing him; the president-elect said last week he would not be inviting her to rejoin his administration.

In the final days of this years presidential campaign, the Harvard University graduate quickly stepped up to publicly respond to billionaire Mark Cubans assertion that Trump did not surround himself with strong and intelligent women  pointing to herself as proof that he was wrong.

Im proud to be the highest-ranking woman in the United States Congress, Stefanik said in a video. Im the most senior woman on the House Arms Services Committee, the House Intelligence Committee and I proudly am voting and endorse President Trump.

Stefaniks ability to seize the political moment is a skill shes refined during her five terms in Congress. Over her time in office, Stefanik pivoted from being a bipartisan lawmaker representing a rural district stretching from the Canadian border to the Albany area to a die-hard MAGA loyalist and star in a Republican Party reshaped by Trump.

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Read: Trump Picks Former Immigration Chief Homan as His Border Czar

She grabbed headlines over the past year by helping lead the GOP charge against her alma mater, Harvard University, and top administrators of other universities over alleged campus antisemitism  a controversy that eventually led to the Harvard presidents resignation.

Stefanik has spoken publicly in the past about how much she loved the university, from which she graduated in 2006. She focused there on government studies, and wrote for the student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson. She taught civics to public school students in Boston and Cambridge, and helped run a study group for the late Ted Sorensen, who wrote speeches for former President John F. Kennedy.

But Harvard removed Stefanik from an advisory board after she made comments supporting Trumps false claims of fraud in the 2020 election.

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Before Harvard, Stefanik had attended a tony all-girls prep school in Albany. After college she worked as a staffer to George W. Bush and developed a reputation for working across the aisle with Democrats. At age 30, she became the then-youngest woman elected to Congress.

Rightward Shift

Initially, during the 2016 presidential campaign and Trumps early years in office, Stefanik was openly critical of him on issues ranging from building the border wall to his rhetoric on women and Muslims.

She also voted against his 2017 tax-cut legislation and joined a bipartisan chorus of people calling on him to release his tax returns. But by 2019 she had made a rightward turn, even describing herself as ultra-MAGA, in reference to Trumps Make America Great Again slogan.

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When Trumps House allies voted to remove Liz Cheney as the GOP conference chair in 2021 over her repeated criticism of him, the shakeup led to Stefanik being chosen to succeed her in that leadership post.

Separately, Trump said hell install Tom Homan, the former acting head of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, as a border czar with oversight over immigration, maritime and aviation security.

Homan was the public face of Trumps zero tolerance immigration policies during his first term, which broke with the practice of keeping families together during detention and deportation proceedings. Making him a czar based in the White House means Homan wont have to face Senate confirmation.

--With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse.

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(Updates with confirmation from Trump and Stefanik offices)

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(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, placing the Long Island Republican in charge of his plans to boost energy production and curb regulations.

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If confirmed by the Senate, Zeldin would take the lead of an agency whose air, water, chemical and biofuel regulations touch nearly every sector of the US economy  from mammoth oil refineries to family farms.

He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet, Trump said in a statement.

The EPA will play a direct role in Trumps pledges to speed the construction of gas-fired power plants and curb President Joe Biden-era regulations that reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from the electric and transportation sectors.

Zeldin would take office with a sweeping mandate to roll back several rules targeting power plant pollution. The measures are seen as hastening the closure of coal-fired power plants, even as US demand for electricity soars to serve data centers, factories and other needs. The agency pulled a similar maneuver during Trumps first term in office, easing former President Barack Obamas sweeping Clean Power Plan and replacing it with more lenient pollution targets.

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Zeldin, in a social media post, said he would work to restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.

Zeldin is a former Republican Congressman who represented the eastern end of New Yorks Long Island from 2015 through 2023, after spending four years in the New York State Senate. Hes a Jewish army veteran, who ran for governor of New York in 2022 but lost by six points to incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul.

His record on the environment is mixed. In 2018, he joined a bipartisan delegation of New York lawmakers including Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, to call on then-Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke to oppose drilling off the coast of Long Island.

The League of Conservation Voters has given Zeldin a lifetime score of only 14% for routinely voting against environmental legislation while in Congress. In his final year in office, in 2022, his score was only 5%.

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Praise, Criticism

Its going to be great with someone with a fresh perspective coming to institute major reforms, Mandy Gunasekara, who served as chief of staff at the agency during Trumps first term, said in an interview. If Lee Zeldin can turn around the Republican party across New York, hes absolutely the man to turn around the EPA.

Environmentalists blasted the choice on Monday. Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, said the decision to name an unqualified, anti-American worker who opposes efforts to safeguard our clean air and water lays bare Donald Trumps intentions to, once again, sell our health, our communities, our jobs and our future out to corporate polluters.

Trump has made clear he wants to see the EPA rewrite tailpipe pollution standards set under Biden for model years 2027-2032 that are so strict they effectively compel automakers to sell more electric and plug-in-hybrid models.

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Zeldin may also be tasked with relocating EPA headquarters to outside Washington. Members of the president-elects transition team have been discussing moving the roughly 7,000 federal employees at EPA elsewhere, the New York Times reported last week.

Zeldin is the second Republican from Trumps birth state to be selected for the Cabinet, after he tapped Elise Stefanik over the weekend as his ambassador to the United Nations. Both appointments were first reported by the New York Post.

When he was in Congress, Zeldin helped mount Trumps impeachment defense.

--With assistance from Justin Sink, Laura Nahmias and Zahra Hirji.

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(Updates throughout. An earlier version corrected references to Zeldins title in the headline and lede.)

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(Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump said he will install Tom Homan, the former acting head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, as a border czar with oversight of immigration, maritime and aviation security.

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Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders, Trump said in a social media post Sunday. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin.

Homan was the public face of Trumps zero tolerance immigration policies during his first term, which broke with the practice of keeping families together during detention and deportation proceedings. As a result, thousands of undocumented migrant children were separated from family members, drawing widespread backlash.

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In his first interview since being announced, Homan defended Trumps policies as common sense and merely a way to enforce immigration laws.

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I dont care what people think about me. Especially on the left, he told Fox and Friends Monday morning. Border security is national security. We should all be on the same side of that.

Homan also had a warning for local law enforcement, especially in sanctuary cities: If youre not going to help us, get the hell out of the way.

Were going to do the job, without you or with you, he said.

Homan had a long career in federal government and served under former President Barack Obama at ICE, where he oversaw deportations. He was the executive associate director of the agency for almost four years before Trump appointed him acting director in 2017.

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Trump and his transition team have not outlined how they plan to accomplish the mass deportation effort, which will likely require substantial funding from Congress and the cooperation of countries to accept returning migrants. Still, allies have said Trump will move quickly to reverse the immigration policies of President Joe Biden, using executive authorities to scale back pathways for migrants to apply for asylum.

Read: Trump Offers New Yorks Stefanik UN Ambassador Post, CNN Reports

The choice of Homan also suggests that participation in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 wont prevent people from getting appointed to jobs in Trumps administration. Homan had contributed to the policy project, which the president-elect had sought to distance himself from on the campaign trail.

Trump is expected to use czar-like positions to concentrate power among loyalists in the White House, giving appointees broad discretion over government departments and agencies to implement his agenda. White House roles dont require Senate confirmation.

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The border czar title also comes after Trump and other Republicans derisively applied that description to Vice President Kamala Harris during the campaign, saying she failed in her efforts to oversee a portfolio addressing the root causes of migration from Central America.

Homan on Monday also took a swipe at Harris.

Im gonna look like a genius. Because if you follow failure, you cant help but succeed, he said.

(Updates with background on Homan in 8th paragraph.)

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The News

US President-elect Donald Trumps impending return to office is already shifting global geopolitics.

In a recent phone call, Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate his war in Ukraine, reminding the Kremlin of the substantial US military presence in Europe, The Washington Post reported. The Kremlin, however, denied the conversation took place, describing the media reports as pure fiction, while Kyiv said it had not been informed of the call and doubted it took place, Politico reported.

Trump also assured Palestinian officials that he would work to end the war in Gaza, while Taiwan and the Philippines  locked in separate standoffs with China  are looking to increase purchases of US defense equipment.

SIGNALS

Trumps foreign policy may include deterring rivals and transactionality with allies

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, The Free Press

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Trumps foreign policy is expected to focus on building deterrence against foreign rivals while favoring transactional policies with US allies, The Wall Street Journal noted, bringing back his first-term approach of peace through strength. But a realignment of American diplomacy toward authoritarian leaders is also on the cards, The Associated Press added. A lot will depend on who ends up in charge of national security, conservative outlet The Free Press reported: I think theres a new inner circle around Trump that is pushing him toward allowing Putin, Xi Jinping, and Iran to kind of do whatever they want to do, into a new isolationist approach, said a Republican national security strategist.

Unclear how Trump intends to end the war in Ukraine

Sources: The Washington Post, Bloomberg, Reuters

Uncertainty remains around how Trump will approach Russias war in Ukraine, The Washington Post reported, as he has vowed to end it quickly, but without clarifying how he plans to do so. The Kremlin congratulated Trump after his reelection and repeatedly said it was willing to discuss the conflict with the West, but that it wouldnt alter its demands. Meanwhile, the mood in Ukraine has turned bleak, Reuters added, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed worries a swift end to the conflict would mean making significant concessions to Russia. Still, Kyiv is taking precautionary steps to be in a strong position ahead of possible negotiations, including by securing more potent weapons and a NATO invitation before the end of the Biden administration.

Diplomats fear Trumps capricious nature

Sources: The Guardian, CNN

For those watching from abroad, the development of Trumps foreign policy is an all-consuming preoccupation, The Guardians diplomatic editor noted. The sheer unpredictability of Trumps caprice, and his faith in his quixotic charisma, made it hard for diplomats to operate, he wrote. These concerns are in the spotlight as the annual UN climate summit kicks off, CNN added. Trump has taken a clear stance against climate agreements, which could dramatically upend any international effort: The US has more power than any other country to fund climate change action in the developing world, the outlet wrote. An America First Trump administration is unlikely to be more generous with grants and loans for other countries green transition.
Zhang Guoli (C), an actor and director, talks with visitors at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Zhang Guoli (4th R) and other cast members answer the curtain call after the performance at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

A woman visits an exhibition at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors prepare to watch the drama "I Love Peach Blossom" at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 9, 2024 shows a view of Changshou drama valley, transformed from old enclosed houses, in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Zhang Guoli (3rd R), an actor and director, talks with visitors at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors make matcha at Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Visitors take a rest at a cafe of Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

People visit the Changshou drama valley in Changshou Village of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 9, 2024. Changshou Village in Shenzhen is an ancient Hakka village with a history of nearly 300 years. The village transformed the old enclosed houses into the Changshou drama valley in collaboration with theater groups in 2023. Now, the drama valley has become a cultural hub, reviving this historic village with the power of theater. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
About as humble in victory as he wouldve been gracious in defeat, Donald Trump is continuing to slam the Democratic Party for bringing in once-arch Republicans Liz and Dick Cheney as part of their election campaign.

The Democrats made a BIG mistake in getting Crazy Liz Chaney [sic], and her father, Dick, involved in their campaign for President, the president-elect wrote Sunday in a Truth Social post.

It made the Republicans angry, and the Democrats just plain scratching their heads in amazement, he added. It is always a bad idea to bring losers into a political campaign!

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Trump has made little secret of his contempt for the Cheneys, with their defection from GOP ranks to back Kamala Harris appearing to have gotten under the Republican candidates notoriously thin skin almost as much the opposing campaigns repeated jibes about crowd sizes at his rallies and the downright weirdness of him and his running mate JD Vance .

His comments about the father-daughter duo have proven about as sanguine as you might expect. In a Truth Social rant earlier in September, Trump described Dick Cheney as the King of Endless, Nonsensical Wars, wasting Lives and Trillions of Dollars, just like Comrade Kamala Harris, adding that he himself is, naturally, the Peace President, and only I will stop World War III!

By Trumps political logic, uniquely impervious as it is to irony, being a messianic safeguard against globalized conflict wouldnt appear to be mutually exclusive from leveling astonishing threats of violence against your domestic opponents.

Describing Liz Cheney as a radical war hawk, he later went on to posit before crowds at a November 1 campaign event in Arizona : Lets put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK? Lets see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face.

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This burst of end-of-campaign vitriol has reportedly prompted an investigation from Arizonas Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, who claims to have asked his criminal division chief to probe whether the president-elects sentiments may actually have violated local laws on death threats.

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(The Hill)  President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to serve as ambassador to the United Nations, choosing one of his staunchest allies in the House to take on a top diplomatic post.

Trump confirmed the choice in a statement to The New York Post late Sunday.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said.

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CNN first reported that Trump had offered Stefanik the role.

The congresswoman, who is likely to get confirmed by a majority GOP Senate, is expected to be a combative presence at the United Nations and an outspoken advocate for Trumps America First foreign policy, which pushes allies to contribute more to shared defense efforts and takes a critical approach to major institutions like the U.N. itself.

Stefanik has limited foreign policy and diplomatic experience. She has served on the House Armed Services Committee and on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is an outspoken supporter of Israel and has previously decried the United Nations as antisemitic. Stefanik addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem in May to pledge continued U.S. support for Israel.

The choice of Stefanik could have repercussions for Trumps efforts to get his agenda through the House. Republicans are expected to have an extremely narrow majority, and that margin will temporarily become slimmer if Stefanik vacates her seat to join the administration.

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Musk backs Scott as Senate GOP leader

Stefanik, 40, had long been considered a GOP rising star, and she has broken through in recent years as she became an outspoken Trump ally. She fiercely defended Trump during his first impeachment in 2019, joined GOP leadership in 2021 and sharply questioned Ivy League presidents about campus antisemitism after the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

She has served as chair of the House Republican Conference since 2021 and has represented an upstate New York congressional district since 2015. She was 30 when she first won election, making her the youngest woman elected to Congress at the time. She previously worked in the George W. Bush White House.

The role of ambassador to the United Nations was held during Trumps first term by Nikki Haley and later by Kelly Craft. Trump announced Saturday that Haley would not have a role in his second administration.

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The congresswoman had publicly spoken about her willingness to serve in the Trump administration, including immediately after Trumps election victory last week.

He needs strong allies. Im honored to have my name in the mix, but Im focused on serving the president however he sees fit, whether thats passing the agenda in Congress or serving in his administration, Stefanik said last week on a New York City radio show.

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President-elect Trump has selected former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, putting a second New Yorker and loyalist into his forming Cabinet.

I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected former Congressman from New York, Lee Zeldin, will be appointed to serve as The Administrator of The United States Environmental Protective Agency (EPA), Trump said in a statement.

Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies, Trump added.

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Zeldin would be expected to look to roll back regulations on the environment as part of the Trump administration, something the president signaled in his statement.

He said Zeldin will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards.

Zeldin said Monday in a post on the social platform X that its an honor to join President Trumps Cabinet as EPA Administrator.

We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water, he added.

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In an interview with Fox News, Zeldin said that in the first 100 days, the Trump administration would roll back regulations that are forcing businesses to be able to struggle.

He did not specify which regulations he would target, though he said that Trump was rattling off 15, 20 different priorities.

In 2014, Zeldin reportedly said about climate change, Im not sold yet on the whole argument that we have as serious a problem as other people are.

However, he was a member of the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.

Yet hes not considered an environmentalist: Zeldin has a lifetime score of 14 percent from the League of Conservation Voters, which rates politicians based on how often they make pro-environment votes.

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Zeldin, 44, served in Congress between 2015 and 2023. He was one of Trumps chief defenders during the former presidents first impeachment in 2019.

Zeldin did not seek reelection in 2022, instead challenging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for her seat.

While he lost the race by about 6 percentage points, he outperformed Republicans in past elections in the solidly blue state.

He joins Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as the second New Yorker so far in Trumps new Cabinet. Stefanik is set to become U.S. representative to the United Nations.

Both positions are subject to Senate confirmation.

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In its statement announcing that he would lead the EPA, the Trump campaign said that Zeldins strong performance at the top of the ticket helped Republicans flip multiple suburban House districts in New York, resulting in the Republican Partys majority in the House of Representative.

Last year, Zeldin launched a political action committee that aimed to support Republican candidates in their outreach to young voters, voters of color and Jewish voters, constituencies that have historically been more supportive of Democrats.

While in Congress, Zeldin served on the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services committees  each of which have limited influence on environment policy.

Nevertheless, the Sierra Club, an influential environmental advocacy organization, criticized his appointment because of policy and called himunqualified.

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Naming an unqualified, anti-American worker who opposes efforts to safeguard our clean air and water lays bare Donald Trumps intentions to, once again, sell our health, our communities, our jobs, and our future out to corporate polluters, said a written statement from Ben Jealous, the groups executive director.

Updated at 5:20 p.m. EST

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President-elect Donald Trump selected Rep. Elise Stefanik to be his U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, multiple Trump officials told ABC News.

"I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to ABC News.

Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman from New York's 21st District, was elected last week to her sixth term in the House. Born in 1984, she was at the time of her 2014 election the youngest woman to ever win a seat in Congress.

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She joined House leadership in May 2021, when she was elected as chair of the House Republican Conference. She replaced former Rep. Liz Cheney in the role after Cheney was denounced by her party for her criticism of Trump in the wake of Jan. 6.

PHOTO: Rep. Eloise Stefanik, Republican of New York, speaks during a campaign rally for former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York on October 27, 2024. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Stefanik came to Congress as a relatively moderate Republican and skipped the 2016 Republican National Convention when Trump first became the party's presidential nominee.

But she became one of Trump's most vocal allies, denouncing his first impeachment in 2019 and later challenging the 2020 election results.

In the past year, she played a leading role in House Republicans' response to antisemitism on college campuses. She grilled university presidents on their handling of campus protests over the Israel-Hamas war, several of whom later stepped down from their roles.

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Stefanik, a staunch supporter of Israel, has also repeatedly accused the United Nations of antisemitism. She has called for defunding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, the chief distributer of aid in Gaza, amid Israel's allegations that Hamas infiltrated the group.

Stefanik told the New York Post, which first reported developments of Trump's decision, that she was "truly honored to earn President Trump's nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations."

Stefanik said that when speaking with Trump, she "shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate."

Control of the House remains in the balance as several key races have yet to be called, though Republicans are closing in on the number of seats they need to secure the majority.

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Stefanik will have to vacate her seat to become ambassador, though she would not be confirmed for her new role until after the presidential inauguration at the earliest.

New York law mandates that Gov. Kathy Hochul set a special election date via proclamation for within 10 days of the seat's vacancy -- and the election date itself must occur no sooner than 70 but no more than 80 days from the date of proclamation.

Stefanik handedly won reelection last week, beating her Democratic challenger by 24 points. While the New York State Republican Party told ABC News they have "no comment on candidates at this stage," chairman Ed Cox said he was sure the seat would remain Republican.

"On behalf of the New York Republican Party, I congratulate Elise Stefanik and her team on this well-deserved honor and commend President Trump for making such a wise and thoughtful selection," Cox said, in part, in a statement.

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ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler, Brittany Shepherd, Lauren Peller and Oren Oppenheim contributed to this report.

Trump selects Rep. Elise Stefanik to be UN ambassador originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Donald Trump is set to select New York Representative Elise Stefanik as the US ambassador to the United Nations, according to reports.

The 40-year-old GOP lawmaker is said to have accepted the president-elects offer after Trump made a statement to the New York Post on Sunday evening.

I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said in a statement.

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Two sources familiar with the matter first told CNN on Sunday evening that Trump had offered Stefanik the ambassadorial role, moments before the congresswoman confirmed her hire.

I am truly honored to earn President Trumps nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, she said in a statement confirming her acceptance of the role to The Post.

Trump greets New York Representative Elise Stefanik during a campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 19, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.

The UN ambassador role, which is currently held by Linda Thomas-Greenfield under the Biden Administration, is vital to global cooperation and security. Stefaniks upcoming appointment comes as conflicts continue across the Middle East and Ukraine.

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She added: President Trumps historic landslide election has given hope to the American people and is a reminder that brighter days are ahead  both at home and abroad.

America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek.

Stefanik, who hails from upstate New York, marks Trumps third official hire of his incoming administration after he secured a historic second term last week.

The Republican candidate surpassed the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes early on Wednesday after clinching several must-win swing states.

Stefanik speaks during a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden, in New York, on October 27 (REUTERS)

Trump has announced that he will rehire Tom Homan, the former US Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director in his first term, as his Border Czar, he wrote on Truth Social late on Sunday evening. Susie Wiles, the former co-chair of the Trump campaign, is also set to be appointed Trumps chief of staff.

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Unlike Homan and Wiles, Stefaniks appointment will need to be approved by the Senate.

The announcement comes 24 hours after Trump announced his former UN ambassador Nikki Haley will not be a part of his second administration.

Who is Elise Stefanik?

At just 30-years-old, Stefanik was the youngest ever woman to sit in the lower chance when she was elected to the House in 2014. Initially seen as a more moderate conservative, the congresswoman has since shifted more to the right and becoming a staunch Trump ally.

The fourth-ranking House Republican endorsed the then-GOP candidate during the 2016 election cycle, despite noting that Trumps lewd remarks in a 2005 conversation with Access Hollywoods Billy Bush that resurfaced months from Election Day were just wrong.

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She was vocal in her opposition to the president-elects first impeachment in 2019 and backed baseless claims surrounding interference in the 2020 election and sought to get the outcome overturned.

In May 2021, Stefanik replaced Trumps most vocal Republican critic Liz Cheney as GOP conference chair.

Stefaniks stance on Ukraine-Russia War

Stefanik was fierce outspoken against both President Joe Biden and Russias bloodthirsty, authoritarian dictator, Vladimir Putin when Russia launched its invasion on Ukraine in February 2022.

Vladimir Putin is a war criminal and deranged thug. We must stand with democracies under assault, she wrote in a statement at the time.

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More than two years on, the congresswoman was one of 112 Republicans that voted against sending $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine.

I cannot support billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars of non-lethal aid while Joe Biden continues his failure to address his crisis at our southern border, she said in a statement to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise in April.

Stefaniks stance on the Middle East

In statement in May, Stefanik described herself as a longterm proponent and partner to Trump in his historic support for Israeli independence and security.

She has continued to defend Israels response following the Hamas October 7 attacks and has garnered national attention after questioning Ivy League presidents about antisemitism on college campuses.

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In May, she went to Israel to speak in front of Jewish and Pro-Israel Students on Campuses Around the World, stating: There is no excuse for an American president to block aid to Israel.

Stefanik has repeatedly called the UN antisemitic for its opposition to Israels offensive in Gaza. Last month, she called for a complete reassessment of U.S. funding of the United Nations.

Thankfully the Biden-Harris Administrations rewarding of terrorists at the expense of our great ally Israel is coming to an end, she wrote on X on Sunday.

The Independent has contacted both Trump and Stefaniks representatives for more information.
Former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters at a campaign event on October 30, 2024 in Rocky Mount, N.C. Credit - Chip SomodevillaGetty Images

Two years ago, the FBI raided Donald Trump's home to retrieve government records he had refused to return, including hundreds containing classified information. The indictment that followed alleged the former President had left classified information laying around next to a toilet and stacked on a ballroom stage.

Now Trump is poised to be briefed once again on the countrys secrets to prepare him to take the reins of government on Jan. 20. Theyre not going to restrict it, says a Republican involved in the transition.

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Its an awkward dance. Biden previously called Trumps handling of Top Secret documents totally irresponsible. And during his first term, Trump raised alarms in the intelligence community when he reportedly shared secrets of a close U.S. ally with senior Russian officials during an Oval Office meeting. In the interim, federal officials charged Trump with violating the Espionage Act for unauthorized retention of national defense information, a case that is now likely to be closed in the coming weeks.

But Biden has directed his entire Administration to work with Trumps team to ensure an orderly transition. That means looking past Trumps previous history with classified information.

"He was indicted for mishandling classified information," says Jeremy Bash, a former chief of staff for the CIA and the Department of Defense during the Obama Administration. "But given that he is about to assume the Presidency, the responsible thing to do would be to provide him the classified briefings and offer government resources to help him handle and store any classified material he needs to hold on to."

For decades, President-elects have been allowed to receive sensitive national security briefings by the countrys intelligence services well before Inauguration Day. Its a practice rooted in the idea that the voters have chosen the person to run the country, and there is no further vetting required beyond they are sworn into office.

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Asked on Thursday if Biden was concerned Trump may leak secrets, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said she is not going to get into speculation about what Trump may do with classified information hes given, and she referred TIMEs question to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which will be responsible for reading Trump in on the countrys closely held operations.

ODNI is acting consistent with the tradition, in place since 1952, of providing intelligence briefings to the President-elect, said an ODNI spokesperson.

Gregory Treverton, who was the chair of the National Intelligence Council from 2014 to 2017, described as scary Trumps history of seemingly showing off classified information to others as a souvenir, without regard for whom he may be endangering in the process. The situation will pose a major challenge for intelligence officials who work to hide the way they gathered information and protect sources who may have risked their lives, he says. For a profession that is so disciplined and so nonpartisan and so careful about politics, to confront someone who trespasses on all those norms, is awful, Treverton says.

Ahead of a presidential election, the Democratic and Republican nominees usually sign an agreement with the General Services Administration in the final months of the campaign to get briefings from key federal agencies. Thats meant to ensure the winning candidate can get a head start on hiring and preparing to tackle the countrys most thorny issues. But Trumps team decided not to sign on to that agreement before Election Day, and are only now negotiating the terms under which his aides can use federal office space and look under the hood of the operations of the federal government.

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The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris Administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act. We will update you once a decision is made," said Brian Hughes, Trump-Vance transition spokesperson, in a statement sent to TIME.

Members of an incoming Presidents staff typically must go through vetting to get the security clearance needed to see classified information. Aides usually need to sign agreements promising to protect sensitive information and go through a background check. Last month, The New York Times reported that some Trump advisers had proposed bypassing those traditional background checks and immediately granting security clearances to many Trump appointees.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
In 2016, following Donald Trumps upset win for the White House, The Wall Street Journal reported that his campaign staff seemed flabbergasted by the scope of hiring and appointments required for an incoming administration. The stumbling start to Trumps first administration delayed the draconian policy platform Trump had won the White House on  and its not a mistake hes willing to make twice.

Days after winning a second term, the now president-elect is already rattling off a roster of incoming administration officials, none more closely aligned to his agenda than Tom Homan, Trumps former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a Project 2025 contributor. Trump on Sunday named Homan Border Czar for the incoming administration.

I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security, Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social.

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Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job, Trump added.

Under the fist Trump administration, Homan gained infamy as a prominent backer and executor of the president-elects zero-tolerance policy towards undocumented immigration  a policy which led to the separation of thousands of migrant children from their parents in migrant detention centers.

Homan  who broke deportation records as the head of ICEs deportation branch under the Obama administration  remains one of the most uncompromising anti-immigration hawks in Trumps orbit. Trump comes back in January, Ill be on his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen, Homan said during a panel on immigration policy in July. They aint seen shit yet. Wait until 2025.

He reiterated his commitment to crackdown on Monday. If youre not going to help us, get the hell out of the way because were going to do it, he told Fox News of Democratic governors who may try to hamstring deportation efforts. If we cant get assistance from New York City, we may have to double the number of agents in New York City  because were going to do the job.

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Last month, Homan told CBS News 60 Minutes that raids of workplaces and roundups of undocumented people would be necessary to meet the deportation goals set by the Trump administration but that my priorities are public safety threats and national security threats first.

When asked if there was a way to carry out mass deportations without separating families, Homan replied of course there is and that families can be deported together.

In the interim between his work in Trumps first administration, and his most recent appointment, Homan took an active hand in shaping the policies of a potential second Trump term. In 2022, Homan became a fellow at The Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank behind Project 2025, and a contributor to the sweeping policy projects immigration package. Despite Trumps public claims throughout the campaign that he had no idea who was involved in Project 2025, his new Border Czar was one of 140 former Trump advisers, employees, and administration officials identified by CNN as collaborators in its creation.

Project 2025s immigration platform includes mass deportations, expanded detention capabilities, and the heavy restriction of existing visa programs that would grant legal status to migrants entering the country. According to NOUTS, the reporting arm of the Allbritton Journalism Institute, since Trumps victory last week Heritage Foundation staffers have been privately celebrating how they tricked the Libs into believing Project 2025 wasnt real. Right-wing commentators have been gloating publicly on X, formerly Twitter.

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Homan is entering an administration that has placed a giant target on the immigrant community, and he has the backing of a willing and prepared extended universe of right-wing allies. Last week, Trump said he was willing to essentially write a blank check to pay for his vision of immigration enforcement.

There is no price tag, he told NBC News on Thursday. 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.

Homan agrees. What price do you put on national security? he asked Cecilia Vega of CBS News last month when asked about the expected cost of mass deportations.

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President-elect Donald Trump has picked former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Thomas Homan to serve as a border czar for the incoming administration.

Trumps selection of Homan, 62, for the post was widely expected.

Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders, Trump wrote as he announced Homans new job on the Truth Social platform late Sunday night. Homans duties will include overseeing the borders with Mexico and Canada, as well as the U.S. coastline and airspace, Trump said.

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Trump, who has promised mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, said that would also be part of Homans portfolio. Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin, Trump wrote.



In his second week in office in 2017, Trump appointed Homan as the acting director of ICE. In November of that year, Trump nominated him to be ICEs permanent director, but the Senate never acted on his nomination.

Homan played a key role in designing and carrying out Trumps highly controversial family separation policy, under which children crossing the southern border into the U.S. without legal permission were separated from their parents or other adults so those people could be criminally prosecuted. The policy, sometimes referred to as zero tolerance, began in 2017 and ramped up in early 2018 before the administration backed away from it after large numbers of Americans denounced it as inhumane.

In a speech at the Republican National Convention this summer, to a crowd of delegates waving MASS DEPORTATION NOW! signs, Homan was unvarnished.

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As a guy who spent 34 years deporting illegal aliens, I got a message to the millions of illegal aliens that Joe Bidens released in our country in violation of federal law: You better start packing now. Youre damn right. Cause youre going home," he said.

Homan is expected to be part of the White House staff and would not be subject to Senate confirmation. He would not have legal authority over the federal agencies involved in managing the border, so would have to direct their activities through others who have Senate confirmation or are installed in those posts through designations as acting officials or by recess appointments.

Homan officially retired from ICE in 2018. In a strange episode the following year, Trump announced Homan was returning as border czar  an announcement that took Homan by surprise. Homan told lawmakers the following month that hed never accepted the position. He never returned to the administration but remained a vocal supporter of Trumps tough immigration policy in the media and elsewhere.

Betsy Woodruff Swan contributed to this report.
(Bloomberg)  President-elect Donald Trump is raiding the House of Representatives as he stocks his cabinet, threatening to cut into whats likely to be a razor-thin majority for Speaker Mike Johnson in the early days of his new administration.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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On the House side, Trump has selected Mike Waltz, a Florida congressman who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, to serve as his national security advisor, according to people familiar with the choice. Waltz joins Elise Stefanik, the New York congresswoman and chair of the Republican caucus, as lawmakers primed to leave Capitol Hill for a job working for the incoming president.

Trump will also reach into the the Senate, with the expected appointment of Marco Rubio of Florida as secretary of State, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The loss of two Republicans will tighten margins considerably for Johnson, who only took the speakers gavel after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted following a prolonged leadership battle among Republicans that paralyzed the chamber. And while Republicans may be favored to win back the empty seats, the slots will remain vacant until filled in a special election.

With 218 seats needed to control the 435-member House, Republicans on Monday were leading in races that have been decided, 214-205, according to the Associated Press. Democrats are leading in many of the 17 uncalled races, but the GOP was strongly favored to ultimately take the majority.

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In the Senate, Republicans have already secured a majority, and Floridas Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, would choose Rubios successor if hes formally nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

Separately, Trump announced he had selected a recently departed House Republican - former congressman Lee Zeldin - to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. And South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will be the next head of the Department of Homeland Security, CNN reported.

The president also plans to name longtime aide Stephen Miller as White House deputy chief of staff for policy, according to vice president-elect JD Vance, who congratulated Miller and credited Trump with a fantastic pick in a social media post. The appointment was first reported by CNN.

Miller will serve under Susie Wiles, who ran Trumps campaign, and alongside Tom Homan, who the president-elect announced would serve as border czar in a weekend social media post.

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Miller, who served as a senior adviser during Trumps first term, was the chief architect of his controversial travel ban. In recent years, his America First Legal nonprofit has mounted challenges to corporate diversity, equality, and inclusion efforts.

Heres everything happening with Trumps transition:

Musk Questions Stefanik

Billionaire Trump supporter Elon Musk questioned the president-elects decision to appoint New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik as his ambassador to the United Nations, pointing out that Republicans are unlikely to hold more than a slim majority in the House.

Elise is awesome, but it might be too dicey to lose her from the House, at least for now, Musk tweeted early Monday morning.

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Republicans struggled over the past congressional term to manage their House caucus with a razor-thin majority as defectors paralyzed the chamber and prompted multiple leadership battles. House Speaker Mike Johnson will have to navigate those conflicts again, and do so without the assistance of Stefanik, a Trump loyalist who serves as the fourth-ranking GOP official in the chamber.

Homan Defiant

Hours after being named border czar by Trump, Homan appeared on Fox News and discounted criticism over policies he implemented during the president-elects first term that separated undocumented migrant children from their family members.

I dont care what people think about me. Especially on the left, Homan said, noting that aggressive measures were necessary when you have a crisis this big.

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Homan said he was hopeful that local law enforcement would assist federal authorities in Trumps promised deportation efforts.

Were going to do this job, with or without you, Homan said.

Leadership Battle

Senator Rick Scott, the Florida lawmaker vying to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate Republican Leader, looked to boost his candidacy with an appearance on Fox News on Monday morning. Scott said that he was hopeful Trump would weigh in on the leadership battle, where Scott is squaring off against John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas.

The country voted they want a change. They want the Trump agenda. They want his nominees. They want his policies. Weve got to do everything we can to get that done, he said.

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Scott has the key endorsement of some Trump allies  including Musk  who believe he would help fast-track the president-elects agenda in the upper chamber. But Trump has not yet weighed in, saying just that he wanted the next majority leader to agree to allow temporary presidential appointments when the Senate was not in session.

Scott, a former for-profit health-care executive and the wealthiest sitting senator, said that experience would benefit him in the leadership post.

Im a business guy that had success doing exactly what we need to do in the Senate, Scott said.

DOJ Warning

Trump transition official Mark Paoletta on Monday warned career lawyers at the Justice Department that they would be subject to disciplinary measures, including termination if they decline to implement the president-elects agenda.

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Justice Department officials may be tasked with preparing pardons for those convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, helping to abolish DEI initiatives, and helping to ease energy regulations, Paoletta, an attorney who previously served as general counsel in the Office and Management and Budget during Trumps first term, posted on X.

Hopefully, they will be as committed to helping President Trump implement his agenda as they did for President Biden. Of course, political leadership welcomes feedback to help improve a project. But once the decision is made to move forward, career employees are required to implement the Presidents plan, he continued.

Zeldin for EPA

Trumps pick of Zeldin, who helped lead his impeachment defense in the House, rewards a lawmaker with a portfolio that is expected to include ending the Biden administrations pause on constructing new natural gas export terminals, redrawing national monument boundaries to permit mining and development, and withdrawing the US from the Paris climate agreement.

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He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet, Trump said in a statement.

He may also be charged with relocating EPA headquarters to outside Washington  a move members of the president-elects transition team have been discussing, the New York Times reported last week.

TV Auditions

Two candidates for economic posts in the second Trump administration  Scott Bessent and Kevin Hassett  joined former Trump aide Larry Kudlow on Fox Business Monday afternoon, arguing that Trumps victory has led to a stock market rally and positive signs of economic growth.

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Long-term interest rates are coming down even with this growth shock, Bessent said. The tax cuts, the deregulation, energy dominance, interest rates are actually going down, and the dollar is still going up.

Bessent said that he explained the phenomenon to Trump in a conversation on Friday, telling the president-elect that the dollar loves you and we keep increasing the after tax return on US assets, and its going to keep going.

Bessent also commented on Jay Powells statements that Trump would not be able to force him out of his position as Fed chair before his term ends.

He is going to exit the stage in May of 26, and President Trump will have a list of five fine candidates who the market will be happier with than Jay Powell, he said.

RFK Vows Cuts

Trump ally Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he would fire hundreds of employees at the National Institutes of Health, the nations foremost medical research center, as part of his planned shakeup of the US health care system.

We need to act fast, and we want to have those people in place on Jan. 20, so that on Jan. 21, 600 people are going to walk into offices at NIH and 600 people are going to leave, Kennedy said at the Genius Network Annual Event this weekend, according to ABC News.

The president-elect has said Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic who previously suggested in a Wall Street Journal op-ed devoting half of NIHs research budget to preventative, alternative and holistic medicine, would have a substantial role in shaping health policy.

Wray Braces

FBI Director Christopher Wray is planning for the possibility that Trump will replace him upon taking power, NBC News reported.

Such a move would truncate the 10-year term Wray was confirmed for when appointed by Trump in 2017, after the president dismissed James Comey over frustration with the probe into whether his first presidential campaign had colluded with Russia. A special counsel later determined there was not evidence of Trumps personal involvement in the matter.

Wray has earned ire from some Trump loyalists over the FBIs participation in a raid on the president-elects Mar-a-Lago estate to recover classified material he allegedly kept after leaving office.

With assistance from Stephanie Lai.

(Updates with DHS pick Kristi Noem in seventh paragraph.)

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By Katharine Jackson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump has chosen Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, the president-elect said on Monday.

"I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement.

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Stefanik, 40, a Harvard-educated lawmaker from New York state and Republican Conference chair in the House of Representatives, has been a fierce Trump ally. She said in a post on X that she had accepted the nomination.

"The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries," Stefanik said.

"I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump's restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations," she said.

Stefanik's nomination is subject to Senate approval, which is expected after her fellow Republicans regained control of the upper chamber in last week's elections.

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The United Nations has been planning for Trump's return and the cuts to U.S. funding and engagement with the world body that are likely to come with his second four-year term as president.

A U.S. retreat at the U.N. could open the door for China, which has been building its influence in global diplomacy and, like the United States, is one of the five permanent members on the U.N. Security Council.

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 193-member world body and withdraw from key multinational institutions and agreements, including the World Health Organization and the Paris climate agreement. During Trump's first term, the U.S. withdrew from the climate accord and announced plans to leave the WHO.

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Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon congratulated Stefanik on her nomination on Monday. "At a time when hate and lies fill the halls of the U.N., your unwavering moral clarity is needed more than ever. Wishing you success in standing firm for truth and justice," he said in a post on X.

Stefanik took a Republican leadership position in the House in 2021 when she was elected to replace then-Representative Liz Cheney, who was ousted for criticizing Trump's continued false claims of election fraud.

Stefanik's first turn in the national limelight came when she mounted an impassioned defense of Trump at his first impeachment trial in 2019, leading the then-president to declare "a star is born." She garnered headlines again last December when she asked university presidents tough questions about campus antisemitism during congressional hearings on pro-Palestinian protests.

At age 30, Stefanik was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress when in 2014 she first won her district, which had voted twice for Democratic President Barack Obama and had been represented by Democrats in Congress since 1993.

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She was seen as a potential vice president pick for Trump before he selected Senator J.D. Vance.

Stefanik will succeed President Joe Biden's U.N. ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a 35-year veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service who served on four continents, most notably in Africa.

During Trump's first term in office, Nikki Haley and Kelly Craft served as U.N. ambassadors. Trump said on Saturday that former 2024 Republican presidential contender Haley will not be asked to join his administration.

Trump is meeting with potential candidates to serve in his administration before his Jan. 20 inauguration as president.

(Reporting by Katharine Jackson and Michelle Nichols; Additional reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Ros Russell, Andrea Ricci and Jonathan Oatis)
BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- No examinations or tests in any form will be allowed for preschool-aged children to be enrolled into kindergartens, China's Ministry of Education vowed on Monday.

Zhang Wenbin, a senior official with the ministry, said public kindergartens should also enroll children with disabilities who can adapt to kindergarten life, amid efforts to better protect the right to education.

Zhang made the remarks at a press conference to discuss the preschool education law, which the national legislature adopted on Friday.

The new law, which will take effect on June 1, 2025, stipulates that preschool education refers to the nursing and education services provided by kindergartens and other institutions for children aged three and above before they go to primary school.

The legislation states that preschool education is an integral part of the national education system and an important undertaking for social welfare.

China has seen a rapid development in preschool education in recent years. Nearly 40.93 million children were enrolled in kindergartens across the country last year, accounting for 91.1 percent of all preschool-aged children, according to the ministry.

Removing preschool exams and tests also marks another step towards reducing the academic burden on Chinese kids and students. In 2021, China issued a document proposing the "double reduction" policy to reduce excessive homework and after-school tutoring hours for primary and junior high school students. 
By Valerie Volcovici, Nailia Bagirova and Kate Abnett

BAKU (Reuters) -U.S. climate envoy John Podesta on Monday urged governments to keep faith in the country's promise to combat global warming, saying Donald Trump can slow, not stop, the transition from fossil fuels when he returns to office in January.

The annual U.N. climate summit began on Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, with many country delegations concerned Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5 would hinder progress to limit planetary warming.

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Trump has promised to again remove the United States, the world's biggest historic greenhouse gas emitter, from international climate cooperation and maximise the country's already record-high fossil fuel production.

"For those of us dedicated to climate action, last week's outcome in the United States is obviously bitterly disappointing," Podesta said at the summit.

"But what I want to tell you today is that while the United States federal government, under Donald Trump, may put climate action on the back burner, the work to contain climate change is going to continue in the United States."

He said the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), President Joe Biden's landmark climate legislation providing billions of dollars in subsidies for clean energy, would continue to drive investments in solar, wind and other technologies, and that U.S. state governments would also push emissions cuts through regulation.

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"I don't think that any of that is reversible. Can it be slowed down? Maybe. But the direction is clear," he said.

Although Trump has promised to rescind the IRA, to do so would require an act of Congress - and that could be elusive due to support from some Republican lawmakers whose districts benefit from IRA-linked investments.

AGENDA WRANGLING

As well as the U.S. election, the talks in Baku are vying for attention with economic concerns and wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

That complicates the summit's ambition to resolve the priority agenda item  a deal for up to $1 trillion in annual climate finance for developing countries, replacing a target of $100 billion.

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U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell sought to whip up momentum.

"Let's dispense with the idea that climate finance is charity," he said at the Baku stadium. "An ambitious new climate finance goal is entirely in the self-interest of every nation, including the largest and wealthiest."

This year is on track to be the hottest on record. Rich and poor countries alike have been challenged by extreme weather events, including flooding disasters in Africa, coastal Spain and the U.S. state of North Carolina, and drought gripping South America, Mexico and the U.S. West.

But even agreeing one of COP29's first tasks proved a challenge: the agenda for negotiations was delayed by more than five hours before being approved.

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Four sources with knowledge of the closed-door discussions, asking to remain anonymous, said the European Union and small island countries had demanded nations discuss how to build on last year's deal to transition away from fossil fuels.

Fossil fuel-producing Gulf states wanted to limit discussions to the elements of last year's COP28 deal related to finance, the sources said.

In the end, countries agreed they would discuss the COP28 agreement, but left open where these talks would focus.

They also endorsed a set of carbon credit quality standards seen as critical to launching a U.N.-backed global carbon market to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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And countries sidestepped a spat over trade tensions, after China had asked to include concerns about some countries' trade policies on the COP29 agenda. Beijing withdrew its proposal, settling instead for informal talks on the issue with Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency.

Trade has gained importance as an issue for China, already facing EU tariffs, because of Trump's campaign promise to impose 20% tariffs on all foreign goods, and 60% on Chinese goods.

Many also worry U.S. disengagement could lead other countries to backpedal on existing climate pledges or scale back future ambitions.

"People will be saying, well, the U.S. is the second biggest emitter. It's the biggest economy in the world ... If they don't set themselves an ambitious target, why would we?" Marc Vanheukelen, the EU's climate ambassador from 2019 to 2023, told Reuters.

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Podesta said China, currently the world's biggest emitter, has an obligation to step up, in part by developing a plan to cut emissions that is aligned with the 2015 Paris Agreement goal to limit planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

"They have an important role to play and I hope they play it," Podesta said.

Host Azerbaijan has lobbied governments to accelerate their move to clean energy while touting gas as a transition fuel. Its oil and gas revenues accounted for 35% of its economy in 2023, down from 50% two years earlier. The government says these revenues will decline to 22% by 2028.

President Ilham Aliyev has called Azerbaijan's fossil-fuel bounty "a gift of God," and Baku has proposed creating a Climate Finance Action Fund to collect voluntarily up to $1 billion from extractive companies across 10 countries including Azerbaijan.

(Additional reporting by Gloria Dickie, William James, Simon Jessop and Virginia Furness; Editing by Katy Daigle, Barbara Lewis, Marguerita Choy and Rosalba O'Brien)
An attorney helping President-elect Trump plan for the transition at the Justice Department (DOJ) said Monday that career employees opposed to the Republicans vision for the agency should leave.

Mark Paoletta wrote on the social platform X that Justice Department employees would play a role in carrying out a variety of measures, from immigration enforcement to addressing soft on crime prosecutors to helping with pardons for Jan. 6 defendants and others.

If these career DOJ employees wont implement President Trumps program in good faith, they should leave. Those employees who engage in so-called resistance against the duly-elected Presidents lawful agenda would be subverting American democracy, Paoletta wrote.

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Finally, those that take such actions would be subject to disciplinary measures, including termination.

Paoletta gave a nod to numerous grievances raised by Trump, saying the Justice Department would be immediately stopping the lawfare and persecution of political opponents that is unprecedented in American history and destroying our democracy.

He also said the administration would be granting pardons or commutations to January 6th defendants and other defendants who have been subjected to politically-driven lawfare prosecutions and sentences.

Trump has floated prosecutions of his political enemies under his future Justice Department, including prosecutors that have brought cases against him.

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He has said he would fire special counsel Jack Smith within two seconds, and his future DOJ leaders are expected to drop all charges against him.

Trump has stressed the importance of loyalty in a second administration and has long accused federal employees of being part of a deep state pushing back against his agenda.

He has pledged to sign a new order creating a class of Schedule F employees, converting many federal staff into positions where they could be fired at will and replaced with political appointees. Its a concept that could also be carried out with career Justice Department attorneys.

Mark Davis, among those being considered for a nomination as attorney general, chimed in to comment on Paolettas tweet.

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Justice Department employees work for the President of the United States, who is elected by all Americans. Their job is to carry out his lawful orders. If they have a policy disagreement with him, they can always resign and run for Congress, he wrote.

But they should not obstruct justice by undermining his orders.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Donald Trumps Ukraine policy should not be judged prematurely, Frances foreign minister said on Nov. 11.

"Facing speculation on what could be the positions or initiatives of the new U.S administration, I think that we absolutely should not prejudge, and we have to give (the Trump administration) time," Jean-Noel Barrot told the Paris Peace Forum.

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.

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He has repeatedly promised to end the war "in 24 hours,' and though he hasn't yet elaborated a plan, it is largely expected to involve Ukraine ceding land to Russia.

Barrot said Kyivs Western allies needed to do everything they could to ensure Ukraine entered any future peace negotiations in the strongest position possible.

"Ukraine, and beyond that the international community, would have too much to lose if Russia imposed the law of the strongest," Barrot added.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was also in Paris, with earlier reports suggesting he and French President Emmanuel Macron would discuss how to persuade President Joe Biden to give the approval sought by Kyiv for months to strike deep into Russian territory by Western-supplied weapons.

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After the two leaders met, they released a joint statement "stressing their determination to support Ukraine unwaveringly and for as long as necessary to thwart Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine."

The leaders are expected to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk soon, as Poland wants to build an alliance with the U.K. to continue helping Ukraine after Donald Trump takes office in 2025.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he intends to hold talks with his British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer in the coming days. He will also meet Mark Rutte, secretary-general of NATO.

Read also: Russia suffers deadliest day since start of full-scale invasion, Ukraines military says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Donald Trump on Monday named Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as his choice for US ambassador to the United Nations as he assembles his administration following victory in the US presidential election.

"Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump told broadcaster CBS and the New York Post tabloid newspaper.

The 40-year-old congresswoman had backed him in the conflict over the 2020 presidential elections, when Trump claimed against the evidence that he had been cheated of victory.

Stefanik's appointment will have to be confirmed by the Senate, where the Republican Party has a majority following the November 5 elections.
The immediate aftermath of an election is a terrible time for political punditry. Everything the winner did looks brilliant, everything the loser did looks dumb, and even widely predicted results feel shocking when they actually materialize. There is no way to avoid these analytical vices, but maybe one way to minimize them is to think about what isnt all that different or surprising about the outcomeand to trace out what the election doesnt seem to mean. The point of such an exercise is not to minimize the importance of the election or the very real achievement of its winner. It is to reveal some of what the ecstasy and agony of the two parties could easily conspire to obscure.

Approaching this election from that angle first of all clarifies the continuity of our peculiar political era. The 2024 election was very much of a piece with our 21st-century politics: It was a relatively narrow win owed almost entirely to negative polarization.

Preliminary exit polls reveal an electorate deeply unhappy with the status quo, just as in the last several elections. Voters were not so much excited about what Donald Trump was offering as they were upset at Joe Biden (and by extension Kamala Harris) for mishandling key public challenges, and above all the economy. They have rehired a previously dismissed chief executive not because they missed him but because Republicans made the peculiar choice of renominating an unpopular (and, in the eyes of many voters, also unfit) former president who lost his bid for reelectiona choice that likely narrowed rather than broadened their victory on Tuesday. The last (and only other) time a party did such a thing was with Grover Cleveland at the end of the 19th century, and it was followed by a realigning election that enabled that partys opponents to dominate our national politics for three decades.

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Trumps win, therefore, likely doesnt mean that we are out of the exhausting bog of 50-50 politics in which we have been mired now for about 30 years. And it doesnt mean that Trumps eccentric mix of interests and priorities is well aligned with the publics hopes and fears. This has been difficult for winning parties to grasp throughout this century. It may prove particularly challenging for the motley crew surrounding Trump, whose political instincts add up to an especially incoherent jumbleat once dovish and hawkish, libertarian and activist, traditionalist and revolutionary, authoritarian and anti-establishment.

(Photo by Liao Pan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)

The problem is not quite that these ideas dont hold together but that none of them really matter to the public all that much. The exit polls suggest that family policy wasnt high on voters minds in this election. Ukraine, one way or another, was not a priority either. The constituency for dispatching Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take fluoride out of our drinking water is non-existent. People around Trumpeven in the more distant reaches of his campare all inclined to think theyve won a mandate for their pet cause even though voters have no idea who they are or what they want, and likely wouldnt be on board if they did. Most of what Trump himself is most eager to do, from mass deportations to steep tariffs, would likely prove fairly unpopular when actually put into practice.

This is the trap that our 21st-century presidents have tended to fall into. They win elections because their opponents were unpopular, and thenimagining the public has endorsed their party activists agendathey use the power of their office to make themselves unpopular. This is why the public moved left on key issues during Trumps first term and right during Bidens. Voters in this election rejected the excesses and failures of the left far more than they endorsed the rightor much of anything else.

It would therefore also be a mistake to imagine that this election victory is an endorsement of Donald Trumps character and behavior. In the exit polls, just 43 percent of the electorate said Trump has the moral character to be president. Fifteen percent of his own voters said he didnt. And 67 percent of voters blamed him for the violence at the Capitol after the last election.

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That Trump was elected despite this widespread perception of his low character is surely an indication of one thing his victory does portend: The Trump era has lowered our expectations of the presidency. Our standards for the behavior of public officials have fallen to a degree that will exact a cost for many years to come.

Character matters immensely in the presidency, as does a proper conception of the office. And in his first term, Trump showed himself plainly to lack the character necessary for the job. He exhibited absolutely no regard for our system of government and repeatedly put that system under intense stress in the service of his implacable narcissism and bottomless self-pity. His refusal to accept the legitimacy of his election defeat in 2020 and his effort to prevent the certification of his opponents victory was perhaps the most serious dereliction of the presidential office in the history of our country. None of this amounts to an argument for the merits of Kamala Harris, of course. And voters made their own judgments of relative merit and harm, as they must. But there is an inescapable element of disgrace in our bringing such a person back into office after all he did. Even those who, on net, may welcome his return should not look away from that fact and must be willing to approach him critically.

This points to one more thing Trumps victory does not mean, especially for conservatives, whatever our views of him: His victory does not mean that Trumpian populism alone will now own the right for good.

The Republican coalition is surely likely to double down on its populism in the coming few years, and so to further retrench from conservatism. Conservatives in our politics have been living with this dynamic for a decade now, and there is no easy way to adjust to it. It makes sense to try to influence the direction of policy where that is possible, and to celebrate policies we think are good for the country, of which there will surely be plenty. But it also makes sense, and is essential, to criticize bad policy, misgovernment, and bad citizenship when they arise.

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Populism has always been an essential element of the coalition of the right, and it has a lot to offer in a time of elite failure and a collapse of trustworthiness. But left to itself, it tends toward a corrosive alienation from American institutions, and toward the rejection of the boundaries of republican government. Populism must be balanced by conservatism, which pushes back on both fronts and which is also utterly essential at this moment.

Conservatives cannot abandon the rightand one look at the left will easily demonstrate that we have nowhere to go in any case. But conservatives must do a better job of understanding ourselves as a distinct faction on the right, with a strong claim on its direction.

Trumps victory does not mean that Trumpian populism alone will now own the right for good.

This has been very hard to do in the Trump era because acquiescence to his person over any political vision has implicitly become a prerequisite to participating in Republican politics. The factions of the right have behaved as if they have needed him more than he has needed them. But that is not true, and his election victory does not make it true. Relearning the habits and expectations of coalition politics is now essential.

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Of course, seeing what this election does not mean should not take away from what it does mean. This win has put Trump at the peak of his power. Its achievement and reach should not be underestimated, and its implications for the future of American politics are quite significant. But a peak is followed by decline, and Trumps win does not mean that he is the future of the right or of our politics. He will return to the White House as a 78-year-old lame duck, and he has not brought American politics out of its 21st-century deadlock. That work will have to follow in his wake.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

On college campuses across the country last week, the bubbling excitement of Election Day quickly gave way to an eerie quiet. Students shuffled to class and talked in small groups, reckoning with Donald Trumps sweeping victory. Teen Vogue dispatched student photojournalists in the swing states of Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania  all of which ultimately went to Trump  to document how their peers were responding to the 2024 election results. What struck them most was the lack of protests. Trumps 2016 win saw major protests nationwide, but the reaction this time has, so far, been more muted.

All that could be heard were footsteps, Nick Stewart, who documented election week at the University of Nevada, Reno, told Teen Vogue. I wonder if students are just feeling kind of shocked right now and are still processing their feelings.

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Heres what election week looked like through the eyes of students at the University of Michigan, the University of Nevada, Reno, and The Pennsylvania State University.

The Pennsylvania State University (PSU)  Alexandra Antoniono, student photojournalist

"Given the steady number of gatherings and protests at local spots throughout the past year, there was a surprising lack of any activist response in the days following the election results. [The university's] Allen Street Gates, which had overflowed with voting organizations and campaign tables in the days prior, was suddenly and completely vacant for most of the day after Trump was elected president. By the afternoon, a small handful of his supporters were celebrating in the space where dozens of Harris signs once stood.

I had conversations with many students who shared feelings of disconnection and fear. One student, Ashley, said something that especially stood out to me: She felt a loss of trust in this community, she explained, and that people dont see each other with empathy  which is perhaps reflective of a broader sentiment expressed by many. On the other hand, a few students I talked to expressed excitement and hopefulness for the coming years.

Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

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Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

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Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

Chase, 18

I'm definitely pretty sad. I'm a little worried for vulnerable people. I'm just hoping for the best, and see if I can continue to do my part.

Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

Lauren, 20

I'm feeling very hopeful now that the election is over. I'm very excited to see how things turn around now.

Alexandra Antoniono for Teen Vogue

University of Michigan  Lila Turner, student photojournalist

"Throughout the past few months (and even years), students have been aware of the importance of their vote in a swing stage. Out-of-state students changed their voting registration, there were multiple visits from the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns, and regularly occurring events that encouraged students to register and vote.

"On Election Day, the University of Michigan campus transformed from anxious, in the early hours, to hopeful and calm as the last student voted at 8:30 p.m.

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"By the next morning, the normally lively campus was empty, and there was a feeling of weariness hanging in the air. Students who did come to campus felt disengaged from their classes and peers. Many did not want to discuss their feelings and went about their day as best as possible. Those who did feel open to sharing expressed shock over how the young demographic in Michigan was [looking], some even feeling betrayed by their peers who may have voted for Trump. There was frustration with how the election unfolded, but there was also hope that this could be a learning opportunity looking toward the 2026 midterms.

"For those upset by the elections outcome, these were heavy and sad days; most students knew people who stayed home from classes out of disappointment. There was also some celebration as fireworks were heard going off in off-campus housing in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Covering this election has been momentous here in Michigan. Especially with so many students and Ann Arbor residents involved with different campaigns and having differing views. In the wake of an already turmoil-filled year, students are exhausted, downtrodden, and overwhelmed. Yet there was still an expression of hope and resiliency for the future.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

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Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

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TeenVogue_UMichgan_LilaT_Nov2024_WM-27.jpg Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

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Lila Turner

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Jack, 19

I was a bit shocked and very disappointed. I knew this election could go either way, but I had more faith in Michigan, specifically, and a few more swing states to go for Kamala Harris.

I felt a little bit helpless, like now I dont know what to do. I worked here at the UMMA, Ive canvassed, Ive knocked on doors, and a lot of people I know have done that stuff too.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

Ian, 21, and Olivia, 21

Olivia: I think its different [than in 2016] because there was a lot of momentum. I think its also different for us because [Ian] would have been in seventh and I would have been in eighth grade when Hillary lost. So that was, like, my start in politics  the 2016 election. I knew I was angry and I knew kind of why, but I didnt understand the policy implications, and now that we have Project 2025 and stuff like that, I think it makes it more scary and more real.

Ian: My brother is transgender and hes a freshman in college, so last year when he was looking for colleges there were a lot of colleges that he wanted to go to that he couldnt because he didnt feel safe in those states. This is more existentially scary. He posted something on his Snapchat story yesterday and he goes, When does moving to Ireland not become a joke? And thats just terrifying.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

Olivia: Im visually impaired, and Im a woman. Im very passionate about womens issues and disability issues and, as a student, really passionate about disability access and education. So having a president who wants to defund the Department of Education, get rid of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the way that it works is really scary. I would not be where I am today without that law.

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Ian: I feel like we grew up thinking this country is the place where people come to be free and I think thats still true, but I never thought that this would be the old country that people would be escaping and leaving behind. But who knows whats gonna happen?

Olivia: Campus Dems and students for Harris here have formed this community over this process because were together all the time as a group. And these are people that have become my best friends, and all these people are so passionate. Then you add in all the volunteers, you add the voters, you add in all the people on the campaign and, just in Ann Arbor alone, we all know each other. Its a big community. Its comforting to know that there are so many people who feel the same way and are sad about this. But it is also concerning that there are so many people  enough for him to win  that they don't.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

Akhila, 21

It was quite nerve-wracking and terrifying trying to exist being a regular college student and then trying to see the election result come in.

I woke up. It was 5:00 a.m., and I started crying. The first person I called was my dad, and he was like, Its gonna be okay. The good thing about democracy is that it works, and you have to just trust the system. You have power. Youre not going to lose power and not overnight. This is just a reminder that you have to keep fighting no matter what. And it was really hard.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

I am not happy with who won the presidential election, and Im allowed to, you know, feel that way, but I respect the institutions that made that happen.

Weve still got a lot of races, and Im looking at the little races, local and state elections, and those are all the wins  the little wins. Im trying to focus on the little wins. Watching the races that I care about, at home, the people Ive supported, they're winning different policies across the state of Michigan.

While I am disappointed, this is all a part of the process, and once we lose faith, thats when we actually lose.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

Audrey, 21

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. 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.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

Dani, 21

Truthfully, Im terrified. Im shocked that sexual assault, fraud, and constant bullying was not a dealbreaker 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.

"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.

Lila Turner for Teen Vogue

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)  Nick Stewart, student photojournalist

"The feeling on campus at the University of Nevada, Reno, was actually quite eerie. The morning after Election Day, there were students going to class as normal, but the normal conversations that would be taking place as students walk with each other were not happening. All that could be heard were footsteps.

"I think the most surprising part for me was that there were no rallies or any kind of gathering after the election. I wonder if students are just feeling kind of shocked right now and are still processing their feelings.

It felt really important to be covering Nevada, a swing state, in this election. I've never seen voter turnout on my campus the way that I have on Election Day. Overall, the young voters I heard from were generally disappointed about the election. The difference in reactions was that some students were shocked about the results while others were not surprised at all.

Nick Stewart for Teen Vogue

Nick Stewart for Teen Vogue

Nick Stewart for Teen Vogue

Dalia, 22

I really want to see how its going to play out with the men and the woman who decided to vote for Trump, even though they know undocumented people, they have undocumented individuals in their family."

Nick Stewart for Teen Vogue

Nick Stewart for Teen Vogue

Nick Stewart for Teen Vogue

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

Want more U.S. government coverage?
President-elect Donald Trump is announcing his picks for key positions in his administration.

They include Scott Bessent to lead the Treasury and Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary.

Here's a running list of those Trump has tapped for his next four years in the White House.

President-elect Donald Trump has been staffing his next administration since winning another four years in the White House.

The former and future president refused to talk in detail about potential appointees during the campaign, leaving plenty of room for speculation about his eventual choices.

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His picks include Scott Bessent to lead the Treasury, Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, and Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council.

He also announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would run a new department, called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Here's a running list of Trump's staff picks, who will determine everything from his daily schedule to the ins and outs of finance, defense, and education.

Alina Habba

Alina Habba was Trump's defense attorney during his E. Jean Carroll defamation trial. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Trump has tapped his defense attorney, Alina Habba, to join him in the White House as Counsellor to the President.

Habba served as Trump's defense attorney during some of his most high-profile cases, such as the defamation case against author E. Jean Carroll.

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Trump wrote in a Truth Social post late on Sunday that Habba was "a fierce Defender of the Rule of Law, and an invaluable Advisor to my Campaign and Transition Team."

"She has been unwavering in her loyalty, and unmatched in her resolve - standing with me through numerous 'trials,' battles, and countless days in Court," he wrote.

"Few understand the Weaponization of the 'Injustice' System better than Alina, who has fought relentlessly against the full force of Lawfare with courage and an unshakable commitment to Justice," Trump added.

Responding to the appointment through an X post on Sunday, Habba said, "Honor of my life to serve the 45th and 47th President and the American people."

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Habba served as a senior advisor in Trump's presidential campaign. She has also been a public advocate for the president-elect, accompanying him on his campaign trail and speaking at his rally in New York's Madison Square Garden in October.

Andrew Ferguson

Trump picked Andrew Ferguson to chair the Federal Trade Commission. Ferguson, one of two Republicans in the agency, would replace Lina Khan  a divisive figure who's gained praise and criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike for her probes into Big Tech companies such as Microsoft and Google.

In an announcement on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Ferguson's stances toward the tech industry.

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"Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country," Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. "Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country's History."

David Sacks

David Sacks will lead the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Reuters

Trump has appointed venture capitalist and former PayPal COO David Sacks as the White House's AI and crypto czar.

Sacks has a prolific track record in Silicon Valley, having worked alongside Musk as an early employee at PayPal before founding the enterprise social networking platform Yammer  which was acquired by Microsoft for $1.2 billion in 2012.

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He is one of the four co-hosts of the "All-In" podcast alongside fellow VCs Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg.

"David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas. He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship," Trump posted on Truth Social on December 5.

His new role will involve developing a legal framework for crypto in the US and leading the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Jacob Helberg

Tech exec Jacob Helberg, a senior advisor to Palantir CEO Alex Karp, was selected to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment. Helberg, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, is considered a power broker in Trump's world, and rallied for support of the TikTok ban.

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Helberg is also the author of "The Wires of War: Technology and the Global Struggle for Power."

William Joseph McGinley

William Joseph McGinley will serve as White House counsel in Donald Trump's second administration. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

William McGinley has been tapped as counsel to the Department of Government Efficiency  the commission that will aim to slash spending helmed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

In this role, McGinley will work with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget "to provide advice and guidance to end the bloated Federal Bureaucracy," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

On November 12, Trump said McGinley would serve as his White House counsel, but has since backpedaled on that. Trump announced that David Warrington will serve as White House counsel instead on December 4, the same day he shared McGinley's new role. The president-elect did not explain his reasoning when he made the swap.

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McGinley previously served as White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first term and as general counsel at the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Paul Atkins

Trump tapped Paul Atkins to lead the SEC. AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File

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Trump has tapped Paul Atkins as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, he announced on Truth Social.



Atkins currently serves as founder and CEO of risk management consultancy Patomak Global Partners, and has been co-chairman of the Digital Chamber's Token Alliance since 2017. He was an SEC commissioner under former President George Bush and is an outspoken supporter of the crypto industry, a sharp distinction from the current chair.

Jared Isaacman

Trump nominated Isaacman as Administrator of NASA. Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Trump nominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire SpaceX aeronaut, as administrator of NASA. The 41-year-old also founded Shift4 Payments, a payment processing firm, and is worth $1.9 billion, per Forbes.

"Jared's passion for Space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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Isaacman responded to the announcement in a post on X, writing that "Americans will walk on the Moon and Mars" and that he is "honored" to receive the nomination.

Kelly Loeffler

Businesswoman Kelly Loeffler speaks after she was introduced by Gov. Brian Kemp at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta on December 4, 2019. AP Photo/Elijah Nouvelage

Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was tapped by Trump to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

"Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach."

Loeffler, a businesswoman who served as CEO of bitcoin company Bakkt and co-owns the WNBA team the Atlanta Dream, was among the wealthiest politicians on Capitol Hill. In 2020, Forbes estimated her and her husband's combined net worth at about $800 million. She raised several million dollars for Trump's 2024 campaign, according to CNN.

Adam Boehler

Boehler will serve as the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. ARMEND NIMANI/AFP via Getty Images

Adam Boehler will serve as Trump's special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the president-elect announced on Truth Social.

"He has negotiated with some of the toughest people in the World, including the Taliban, but Adam knows that NO ONE is tougher than the United States of America, at least when President Trump is its Leader," he wrote.

Boehler is the former CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and was a lead negotiator for the Abraham Accords, which normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2020.

Two days before announcing the nomination, Trump addressed the hostages being held in Gaza in a separate Truth Social post, writing that "there will be ALL HELL TO PAY" if they are not released before he assumes office again on January 20, 2025.

Peter Navarro

Peter Navarro. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Peter Navarro, who served as a trade advisor during Trump's first term and spent four months in prison for failing to cooperate with a Congressional investigation about January 6, will be senior counselor for trade and manufacturing.

"The Senior Counselor position leverages Peter's broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills," Trump wrote in posts on Truth Social. He also said that Navarro will help "successfully advance and communicate the Trump Manufacturing, Tariff, and Trade Agendas."

Navarro, 75, helped Trump create protectionist trade policies and tariffs during his first term. The economist is a harsh critic of China.

In March of 2024, Navarro started serving a four-month sentence at a federal prison in Miami, Florida. He was the first senior Trump administration official to be imprisoned over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Navarro served time for defying a subpoena from a House committee investigating January 6.

Michael Whatley

Trump has asked Whatley to return as chair of the RNC. Leon Neal/Getty Images

Trump asked Michael Whatley of North Carolina to return as chairman of the Republican National Committee, writing on Truth Social that he "has done an OUTSTANDING and HISTORIC JOB" and has "put together a completely unprecedented ELECTION INTEGRITY OPERATION."

Prior to becoming chairman of the RNC in March, 2024 with Trump's endorsement, Whatley led the North Carolina Republican Party.

Kash Patel

Kash Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Trump announced at the end of November. Brandon Bell / Getty Images

Kash Patel, once the chief of staff to former Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Trump announced on November 30.

Trump, in a statement posted on Truth Social, described 44-year-old Patel as "a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter."

"This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border," Trump said. "Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI."

Kash's appointment effectively fires the bureau's current leader, Christopher Wray, whom Trump appointed during his first term, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent, founder of Key Square Group hedge fund, was nominated for Treasury secretary by President-elect Trump. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Trump tapped Scott Bessent, founder of Key Square Group hedge fund, to serve as Treasury secretary on November 22. In this prized cabinet role, Bessent will be expected to follow through on Trump's economic agenda around tax cuts and tariffs.

"Scott has long been a strong advocate of the America First Agenda," Trump said in a statement.

Bessent is the founder and CEO of Key Square Group investment firm, which Trump mentioned in his statement. Notably, the president-elect left out how Bessent spent a large part of his career working with billionaire Democratic donor George Soros, a contentious figure in the conservative world. Between 2011 and 2015, Bessent served as the chief investment officer at Soros Capital Management.

Still, Bessent was seen as a frontrunner for Trump's Treasury secretary for the better part of the year, as the billionaire hedge fund manager defended Trump's economic policies around de-regulation and tariff increases.

At the Republican National Convention in July, Bessent said it was "absurd" to think Trump's policies would be inflationary, MarketWatch reported.

Howard Lutnick

Howard Lutnick has served as president-elect Donald Trump's transition team cochair. ANGELA WEISS / AFP

Trump tapped Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as his next Secretary of Commerce.

Lutnick, who also co-chairs the president-elect's transition team, had been in the running for treasury secretary.

The president-elect said Lutnick would lead his administration's tariff policy. During a pre-election rally, Lutnick extolled the virtues of a much earlier US economy that collected significant tariffs.

"At the turn of the century, our economy was rocking," Lutnick said at a Madison Square Garden rally, praising 1900s America. "We had no income tax, and all we had was tariffs."

In selecting the 63-year-old Wall Street titan as his commerce secretary, Trump is returning to the playbook he used during his first time in office.

Wilbur Ross, the so-called "King of Bankruptcy" and a long-time Wall Street fixture, was Trump's only commerce secretary during his first term  a remarkable milestone considering the unprecedented upheaval that engulfed most of Trump's cabinet.

Ross' department played a major role in the Trump administration's efforts to hold Chinese companies accountable for doing business with Iran and North Korea.

Marco Rubio

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. Saul Loeb/Pool via AP

Trump has selected Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as his nominee for Secretary of State, elevating his onetime political rival and the current vice chair of the Intelligence Committee to one of the highest-profile roles in his upcoming administration.

"Marco is a Highly Respected Leader, and a very powerful Voice for Freedom," Trump said in a statement announcing the pick. "He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries."

With Rubio's selection, Trump is installing a hawk of China, Iran, and Venezuela to help shape the country's foreign policy during a tumultuous time throughout the world.

Trump in 2024 made inroads with Arab American voters in Michigan, a key swing state, over Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war. The president-elect has indicated that he wants to see an end to the conflict in Gaza, but it is unclear what his plan would entail to do so.

Rubio, a former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, was first elected to the Senate in 2010 and was easily reelected in 2016 and 2022.

In 2016, Rubio ran for president and clashed with Trump throughout the GOP primaries, with his then-rival pegging the senator as "Little Marco." But both men repaired their relationship afterwards, and during the 2024 presidential campaign, Rubio staunchly defended Trump against Democratic attacks.

Pete Hegseth

Fox anchor Pete Hegseth was nominated by Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Defense John Lamparski/Getty Images

Pete Hegseth, who has been an anchor at Fox News for eight years, was nominated by Trump to serve as Secretary of Defense.

The role will require a confirmation vote through the Republican-controlled Senate to be approved.

An Army veteran with two Bronze Stars as well as a Combat Infantryman's Badge, Hegseth served tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump.

"Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, America's enemies are on notice - Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down," Trump said in a statement announcing his appointment.

Pam Bondi

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was a member of Trump's legal defense team during the first impeachment trial in 2020. Matt Slocum/AP

Trump picked Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, to lead the Justice Department hours after Matt Gaetz, his first choice, withdrew from consideration. Gaetz said his nomination was "unfairly becoming a distraction" as sex-trafficking allegations continued to dog him.

Announcing Bondi, the president-elect said in a statement that she would ensure that the DOJ is not "weaponized against me and other Republicans."

Bondi is a longtime Trump ally who served on the legal defense team of the president-elect's first impeachment trial in 2020. She was also Florida's first female attorney general serving from 2011 to 2019.

Disclosure filings showed that Bondi was a registered lobbyist, representing Amazon, General Motors, Uber, Fidelity National, Carnival North America, Major League Baseball, and foreign interests.

Kristi Noem

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is Trump's choice to be the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

If confirmed by the Senate, Noem will lead US Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the US Secret Service  in sum, she will be in charge of a $60 billion budget, The Washington Post reported. She will play a crucial role in implementing Trump's hard-line immigration plans.

Noem, a former representative, has maintained a good relationship with Trump. During his first term, she once greeted him in her home state with a four-foot replica of Mount Rushmore  with his face added.

In a statement, Noem said she was "honored and humbled" to be selected as the Secretary of Homeland Security.

"I look forward to working with Border Czar Tom Homan to make America SAFE again," Noem said. "With Donald Trump, we will secure the Border, and restore safety to American communities so that families will again have the opportunity to pursue The American Dream."

The governor was floated as a potential running mate for Trump, but she prompted controversy by including an anecdote in her book about shooting and killing her dog, Cricket.

Elise Stefanik

Trump offered Rep. Elise Stefanik the role of UN ambassador. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Trump nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik of upstate New York to fill the role of UN ambassador  his first Cabinet pick. She is the fourth-ranking Republican in the House and was a loyal Trump surrogate during the campaign.

Stefanik, the 40-year-old chair of the House Republican Conference, cemented her status as a Trump ally during his 2019 impeachment hearings. She's a vocal supporter of Israel and took a leading role in the congressional hearings that led multiple top university presidents to resign over their handling of protests against the war in Gaza.

However, Stefanik lacks significant foreign policy and national security experience, Maggie Haberman wrote in the Times.

"Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement confirming the pick.

In a statement to the New York Post, Stefanik said she was "deeply humbled" to accept the nomination.

Should the Senate confirm Stefanik, as it is likely to do, there will be a special election to fill her congressional seat.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, has been nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Trump announced he was nominating former presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, on November 14.

"I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health.

The president-elect previously vowed to let Kennedy "go wild on health."

Kennedy, 70, supports removing fluoride from water supplies and is a well-known vaccine sceptic. He has said that he wants to fire some nutritionists at the health agency and overhaul federal food regulations. His eclectic views occasionally cut across party lines  his desire to cut ultra-processed food from school lunches, for example, was an Obama-era priority as well.

Kennedy dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed the president-elect in August, which sources said was an effort to secure a job in the administration. The two have since spearheaded a "Make America Healthy Again" campaign.

The head of HHS requires Senate approval and Kennedy could have an upward battle ahead of him, Semafor reports.

Chris Wright

Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright was nominated to be the US Secretary of Energy under the second Trump administration. Andy Cross/Denver Post via Getty Images

Trump has nominated campaign donor and Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright to be Energy Secretary.

The position, which manages the country's nuclear weapons program and carries out energy policy, requires a Senate vote to confirm.

The fracking company's chief executive was also appointed to the newly formed Council of National Energy, led by Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota.

The council, per a statement from Trump, "will oversee the path to US ENERGY DOMINANCE by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the Economy, and by focusing on INNOVATION over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation."

John Ratcliffe

John Ratcliffe previously served as the director of national intelligence during President Donald Trump's first term. Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images

John Ratcliffe, the former director of national intelligence, is Trump's choice to head the Central Intelligence Agency in his second administration.

As director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe declassified unverified Russian intelligence concerning Hillary Clinton and her presidential campaign, alleging the campaign approved a plan to "stir up a scandal" against Trump, drawing criticism that Ratcliffe used the intelligence community to help Trump politically, CNN reported at the time.

Trump praised Ratcliffe's loyalty in his announcement, describing him as "a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public."

Prior to his stint as the director of national intelligence in Trump's first term, Ratcliffe served in Congress for over five years, representing Texas' 4th congressional district. During that time, he was a member of the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees and the Cybersecurity Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

Sean Duffy

Trump named Sean Duffy as his pick for Secretary of Transportation. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

Trump tapped former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy for Secretary of Transportation.

Duffy, 53, is the latest Fox News contributor to join the president-elect's administration. The former prosecutor served in Congress for eight years until 2019. He currently co-hosts "The Bottom Line" on Fox Business Network. Before his time in government, Duffy appeared on the MTV reality series "The Real World."

"During his time in Congress, Sean was a respected voice and communicator in the Republican Conference, advocating for Fiscal Responsibility, Economic Growth, and Rural Development," Trump wrote in a Truth Social announcement on November 18.

Trump said Duffy will prioritize "Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty when rebuilding America's highways, tunnels, bridges and airports."

Elon Musk had previously advocated for businessman and former Uber exec Emil Michael in the role, posting on X that Michael "would be effective."

Tulsi Gabbard

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Trump has nominated Tulsi Gabbard, a 43-year-old one-time Democratic presidential nominee turned MAGA loyalist, as director of national intelligence. A former congresswoman from Hawaii and Army veteran, Gabbard is yet another example of the president-elect stocking his Cabinet with loyalists.

"As a former Candidate for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican! I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength," Trump said in a statement.

Gabbard is a former congresswoman from Hawaii and Army veteran but does not have direct experience working in the intelligence community, other than her time on House committees, the Associated Press reported. She supported Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 bid for the presidency and ran for the Democratic nomination herself in 2020. Despite previously criticizing Trump, she endorsed him this election and is a member of his transition team.

Doug Burgum

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

Trump also tapped Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota for Secretary of the Interior.

Trump indicated his intention to nominate Burgum while attending a gala for the America First Policy Institute on November 15. Burgum was also in attendance.

"I won't tell you his name, it might be something like Burgum. Burgum," Trump told gala attendees.

"Actually, he's going to head the Department of Interior, and he's going to be fantastic," the president-elect said.

If confirmed, Burgum will lead the Interior Department, which manages more than 500 million acres of federal and tribal land.

"We're going to do things with energy and with land, Interior, that is going to be incredible," Trump said.

Trump had reportedly considered Burgum as a running mate, alongside other candidates like Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Trump eventually picked Vance for his VP, and has since nominated Rubio for Secretary of State.

In July, Burgum told CNN's Kaitlan Collins that Trump had referred to him as "Mr. Secretary" while notifying him that he wasn't selected as the Republican vice presidential candidate.

Like Trump, Burgum was a businessman before entering politics. In 2001, he sold his software company, Great Plains Software, to Microsoft for over $1 billion.

Burgum was elected governor of North Dakota in 2016, and his second term is slated to end in December. Burgum said in January that he would not seek a third term.

Lee Zeldin

Lee Zeldin of New York will lead the EPA. Leon Neal/Getty Images

Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, 44, has been chosen to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.

"We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water," Zeldin, a four-term Republican congressman from Long Island, wrote in a post on X on November 11.

In a separate statement, Trump said he'd known Zeldin for years and trusted he would "ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American business, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards."

During his time in the House, Zeldin repeatedly voted against clean water legislation and clean air legislation, the Times reported. Nonetheless, he had a more bipartisan record when it came to climate than many other Republicans.

Some individuals close to Trump's transition team were taken aback by the selection, as Zeldin hasn't demonstrated a lot of interest in the EPA.

In 2022, Zeldin ran for governor of New York and put up an impressive fight. He has remained close with President-elect Trump and appeared at Mar-a-Lago multiple times during the 2024 campaign.

Trump has promised to "drill, baby, drill" for fossil fuels, cancel some EPA rules, and roll back some of President Joe Biden's climate agenda.

Doug Collins

Doug Collins, a veteran, served in the US House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. Bill Clark/Getty Images

Trump chose Doug Collins, a Republican from Georgia who served in the US House from 2013 to 2021, to serve as his Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Collins is a veteran, previously serving in the Navy and then the Air Force reserve following the September 11 attacks. He was deployed to Iraq in 2008 and has served as a chaplain in the Navy and US Air Force Reserve.

"We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump wrote on Truth Social on November 15.

Linda McMahon

President-elect Donald Trump named former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as his education secretary on November 19. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Trump has tapped former WWE CEO Linda McMahon for his Secretary of Education.

"Linda served for two years on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she was one of fifteen members overseeing all Public Education in the State, including its Technical High School system," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on November 19.

"We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort," he added.

McMahon cochairs Trump's transition team with the president-elect's commerce secretary pick, Howard Lutnick.

She also served in the first Trump administration, heading the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019.

Trump has repeatedly promised to shut down the Department of Education while on the campaign trail.

In 2017, during his first term, Trump proposed a $9 billion cut to the department's budget.

"I say it all the time, I'm dying to get back to do this. We will ultimately eliminate the federal Department of Education," Trump said in September during a campaign rally in Wisconsin.

Russell Vought

Russell Vought, a key leader in Project 2025, was tapped to reprise his White House role as the director of the Office of Management and Budget. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Trump nominated Russell Vought, an instrumental figure in the Project 2025 blueprint, to lead the White House's Office of Management and Budget.

Vought previously served in the same role during Trump's first term between July 2020 and January 2021.

Vought "did an excellent job serving in this role in my First Term - We cut four Regulations for every new Regulation, and it was a Great Success!" Trump wrote in a statement.

As a key leader of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a blueprint for Trump's second term, Vought was responsible for drawing up plans that could strengthen the president's power through a series of executive orders.

As the OMB director, Vought will oversee the president's budget and legislative proposals.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon was nominated to serve as Trump's labor secretary. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican representative from Oregon who recently lost her bid for a second term, was tapped by Trump to serve as the secretary of the Department of Labor.

Chavez-DeRemer is considered a moderate as one of the few Republican lawmakers who supported pro-union legislation that would have made it easier for workers to unionize.

Teamsters President Sean O'Brien pushed Trump to consider Chavez-DeRemer for the labor secretary role, Politico reported.

"Lori has worked tirelessly with both Business and Labor to build America's workforce, and support the hardworking men and women of America," Trump said in a statement. "I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs."

Scott Turner

Scott Turner shakes hands with Donald Trump. Andrew Harnik/AP

Former NFL football player and Texas State Rep. Scott Turner is Trump's pick to be the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Turner previously served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term.

Turner, who is from Texas, played college football at the University of Illinois before the Washington Redskins drafted him in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL draft. He played in the NFL until 2003.

Turner is now chair of the America First Policy Institute, a political policy and advocacy group with ties to Trump.

In a statement announcing Turner's appointment, Trump said that Turner led an "unprecedented effort that transformed our country's most distressed communities" during his previous administration. As the head of Trump's Opportunity and Revitalization Council, Turner encouraged public and private investment in low-income areas designated as "opportunity zones," CNN reported.

Critics of "opportunity zones" say they serve as tax loopholes for the rich and funnel untaxed money into mostly wealthy communities.

Susie Wiles

Susie Wiles will become the nation's first female chief of staff. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Susie Wiles is set to make history as the country's first female chief of staff to a president. A veteran Florida strategist who led Trump's political operation for nearly four years, Wiles is seen as loyal and supremely capable.

A grandmother who keeps a relatively low public profile, Wiles is Trump's only campaign manager to have lasted an entire election cycle, The New York Times reported. Not only did she help the president-elect expand his base and run a more professional campaign, she also assisted lawyers on his various criminal and civil cases. She has a proven ability to manage Trump's unpredictable personality, which will be crucial as she takes on what some consider the second-most-powerful job in Washington, behind the presidency itself.

"Susie is tough, smart, innovative and is universally admired and respected," Trump said when he announced her role.

Chris LaCivita, Trump's co-campaign manager, described her as "loyal and honest as the day is long."

Come January, Wiles will likely have to balance the demands of various big personalities, from Elon Musk to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Trump tore through four chiefs of staff during his first term, with one of them, Gen. John Kelly, describing it as the worst job he's ever had.

More traditional Republicans and MAGA diehards alike seem to think that Wiles, with her political sharpness and close ties to the Trump family, will be a more durable choice.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, will head the Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE"). Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Trump announced that Tesla CEO Elon Musk will lead the Department of Government Efficiency, alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

"Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies - Essential to the "Save America" Movement," Trump said in a statement.

Musk has teased his role in a second Trump administration for months, previously describing his priorities as leading a "once-in-a-lifetime deregulation and reduction in the size of government."

Also, as the DOGE will be a commission, Musk's role would not make him an official Cabinet member.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy, along with Elon Musk, will head the Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE"). Scott Olson/Getty Images

Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, will cohead the Department of Government Efficiency with Musk (meaning he isn't an official Cabinet member, either).

"I look forward to Elon and Vivek making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans," Trump said in a statement. "Importantly, we will drive out the massive waste and fraud which exists throughout our annual $6.5 Trillion Dollars of Government Spending."

In his statement, Trump said DOGE would "provide advice and guidance from outside of Government, and will partner with the White House and Office of Management & Budget to drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before."

Jay Bhattacharya

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya speaks during a roundtable discussion with members of the House Freedom Caucus on the COVID-19 pandemic at The Heritage Foundation on Thursday, November 10, 2022 Getty Images

On November 26, Trump announced he had picked Jay Bhattacharya as the director of the National Institutes of Health, the medical research agency.

A physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, Bhattacharya, 56, is known for criticizing COVID-19 lockdowns. He was one of three co-authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, an open letter published in October 2020, before the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, which called for those at minimal risk of dying from the virus to "live their lives normally "in a bid to achieve herd immunity.

Trump said Bhattacharya would work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

"Together, Jay and RFK Jr. will restore the NIH to a Gold Standard of Medical Research as they examine the underlying causes of, and solutions to, America's biggest health challenges, including our Crisis of Chronic Illness and Disease," Trump said in a post to Truth Social.

"Together, they will work hard to Make America Healthy Again!" he said.

The NIH, which falls under the HHS, is the largest biomedical agency in the world with a $47.7 billion budget and 27 different institutes and centers.

Bhattacharya wrote on X following the announcement: "We will reform American scientific institutions so that they are worthy of trust again and will deploy the fruits of excellent science to make America healthy again!"

Dr. Mehmet Oz

Dr. Oz will lead the agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid. Ryan Collerd/AFP/Getty Images

Dr. Mehmet Oz  "the most accomplished and influential celebrity doctor in history," according to Esquire  has been tapped to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

"He will also cut waste and fraud within our Country's most expensive Government Agency, which is a third of our Nation's Healthcare spend, and a quarter of our entire National Budget," Trump said in a statement announcing the pick on November 19.

A cardiothoracic surgeon, Oz shot to fame in 209 as an expert voice on "Oprah," then as the host of his own Emmy Award-winning "The Dr. Oz Show."

He sought the Republican nomination for a Pennsylvania Senate seat in 2022 but was unsuccessful. He has no experience leading a large government bureaucracy.

Announcing the appointment, Trump said Oz would work closely with RFK Jr., the president-elect's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kevin Hassett

Kevin Hassett is Trump's pick to run the White House National Economic Council. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Trump said he would nominate Kevin Hassett, an economist and veteran of the president-elect's first term, to run the White House National Economic Council.

Hassett previously led the White House Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2019. He returned as a senior advisor to Trump in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.

"He will play an important role in helping American families recover from the inflation that was unleashed by the Biden administration. Together we will renew and improve our record Tax Cuts, and ensure that we have Fair Trade with Countries that have taken advantage of the United States in the past," Trump wrote in the Truth Social post announcing Hassett's appointment.

Karoline Leavitt

Trump 2024 National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Karoline Leavitt, who served as the national press secretary for Trump's 2024 reelection campaign, was tapped to become the administration's White House press secretary.

At 27, she will be the youngest person in history to hold the role, NPR reported.

In Trump's first administration, the role of the top White House spokesperson had a notable turnover rate, with four people holding the title over the four-year term. President Joe Biden had two White House spokespeople during his term, while President Barack Obama had three over both his terms.

During Trump's first term, Leavitt previously served in the White House as an assistant press secretary.

Steven Cheung

Trump has tapped Steven Cheung to become his next White House communications director. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Steven Cheung, the chief spokesman for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, is set to become the next White House communications director.

Cheung, a former spokesperson for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, previously served as the director of strategic response during Trump's first term.

During the 2024 campaign, Cheung became known for his forceful statements against Trump's rivals in both the GOP primaries and the general election. Earlier this year, Cheung strongly criticized onetime Trump officials-turned-critics John Kelly and John Bolton, accusing them of having "a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome."

Trump, in a statement, praised Cheung as a "trusted" advisor who has "continued to champion America First principles" from the president-elect's first foray in the White House to his successful reelection bid.

Thomas Homan

Thomas Homan was a top immigration official during Trump's first term. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Trump has tapped Thomas Homan to serve as his administration's "border czar." Homan, 62, was a senior immigration official during Trump's first term and served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Homan will oversee the nation's borders, as well as maritime and aviation security. A former police officer and border patrol agent, he has extensive experience in immigration enforcement.

Trump made immigration enforcement a centerpiece of his election campaign and has promised to pursue the country's largest mass deportation to date.

Last month, Homan told "60 Minutes" that worksite raids to target unauthorized employees would pick back up under a Trump presidency.

The president-elect announced Homan's role on Truth Social: "I've known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders," he wrote.

Homan's role does not need Senate confirmation.

Michael Waltz

Rep. Michael Waltz, center, was first elected to the House in 2018. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trump has turned to Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida to become his next national security advisor, bringing on board an Army Green Beret veteran and staunch critic of the Biden administration's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Waltz himself served in Afghanistan, as well as the Middle East and Africa.

"Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda, and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!" Trump said in a statement.

Waltz was first elected to the House in 2018, where he succeeded now-Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the conservative-leaning 6th Congressional District. He currently chairs the Armed Services subcommittee on readiness and also sits on the Foreign Affairs and Intelligence committees.

Brendan Carr

Brendan Carr, a senior Republican Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission, has been tapped to lead the FCC during the second Trump term. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Trump announced Brendan Carr as his pick to lead the FCC during his second term.

Carr has served at the FCC since 2012, including being nominated to five-year terms as a commissioner by both Trump and Biden. He has been confirmed unanimously by the Senate three times. According to his biography, his work at the FCC has focused on modernizing communications infrastructure and accelerating the construction of high-speed networks across the country.

"Commissioner Carr is a warrior for Free Speech, and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans' Freedoms, and held back our Economy," Trump said in a statement. "He will end the regulatory onslaught that has been crippling America's Job Creators and Innovators, and ensure that the FCC delivers for rural America."

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Fox News contributor and medical director, was nominated to serve as US surgeon general. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Trump tapped Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a Fox News medical contributor, to serve as the US surgeon general.

"Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate and strong communicator for preventive medicine and public health," Trump said in a statement. "She is committed to ensuring that Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare, and believes in empowering individuals to take charge of their health to live longer, healthier lives."

According to her website, Nesheiwat graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and is the medical director at CityMed.

The surgeon general is responsible for communicating to the public essential information about healthcare.

Marty Makary

Trump tapped Dr. Marty Makary to be the FDA Commissioner. Noam Galai/Getty Images for HBO

Trump nominated Marty Makary, a surgeon and professor at Johns Hopkins University, to be the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

"FDA has lost the trust of Americans, and has lost sight of its primary goal as a regulator. The Agency needs Dr. Marty Makary, a Highly Respected Johns Hopkins Surgical Oncologist and Health Policy Expert, to course-correct and refocus the Agency," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on November 22.

Makary gained some notoriety for questioning COVID-19 protocols and vaccinations in the United States.

Trump said on Truth Social that Makary would work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "properly evaluate harmful chemicals poisoning our Nation's food supply and drugs and biologics being given to our Nation's youth," among other things.

"I am confident that Dr. Makary, having dedicated his career to High-Quality Lower-Cost care, will restore FDA to the Gold Standard of Scientific Research, and cut the bureaucratic red tape at the Agency to make sure Americans get the Medical Cures and Treatments they deserve," Trump said.

Makary has written books like "UNACCOUNTABLE" and "The Price We Pay," which question the American healthcare system.

Dr. David Weldon

Former Florida congressman David Weldon in Orlando in 2005. He was tapped by Trump to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Peter Cosgrove/AP

Dr. David Weldon, a former Republican congressman of Florida, was nominated by Trump to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During his time in Congress, Weldon pushed a bill that would have moved vaccine research away from the CDC and toward an independent agency within the HHS. He has also pushed the false idea that thimerosal, an ingredient in some vaccines, caused an increase in autism, according to The New York Times.

"As a father of two and a husband of 45 years, Dave understands American Family Values, and views Health as one of utmost importance," Trump said in a statement on November 22. "Dave will prioritize Transparency, Competence, and High Standards at CDC."

Steve Witkoff

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his longtime friend Steve Witkoff to a key diplomatic post. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Trump has appointed real-estate developer Steven Witkoff as a special Middle East envoy.

Witkoff, who has known Trump for decades, has no formal diplomatic experience, although that did not stop Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner from leading the first Trump administration's efforts in the region. Kushner helped broker the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

Trump also appointed Witkoff to cochair his inaugural committee alongside former US Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia.

Biden appointed several special envoys to the Middle East. In April, Biden appointed Lise Grande, the former head of the US Insitute for Peace, as Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to bring about peace, though he hasn't been clear on how he will reach a long-term cease-fire in Gaza that has so far eluded Biden.

Witkoff was playing golf with Trump at his West Palm Beach, Florida, golf club in September when a Secret Service officer fired at a would-be assassin, the second attempt on Trump's life.

Mike Huckabee

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has been nominated for the role of US Ambassador to Israel. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Trump tapped former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as his next ambassador to Israel.

"He loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him," Trump said in a statement. "Mike will work tirelessly to bring about Peace in the Middle East!"

Since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago, Huckabee has been a critic of the Biden administration's response. In an interview on Fox News at the end of 2023, Huckabee said Biden was participating in "nothing less than diplomatic schizophrenia."

Huckabee served as Arkansas governor from 1996 to 2007. He's since pivoted more toward commentary, hosting his own talk show.

He ran for president in both 2008 and 2016.

In 2008, Huckabee won the Iowa GOP caucuses, but he was unable to sustain that momentum against the eventual nominee, then-Arizona Sen. John McCain, in later contests and eventually bowed out of the race.

When he ran again in 2016, Huckabee came in ninth place in Iowa, and suspended his campaign after that performance.

Todd Blanche and Emil Bove

Todd Blanche represented Trump in his hush-money trial. Mark Peterson - Pool/Getty Images

Trump selected Todd Blanche, his defense lawyer, to serve as deputy attorney general in the Department of Justice.

"Todd is an excellent attorney who will be a crucial leader in the Justice Department, fixing what has been a broken System of Justice for far too long," Trump wrote on November 15 in an announcement on Truth Social.

Blanche, a former chief federal prosecutor in New York, represented Trump in multiple indictments, including leading his defense in the hush-money trial concerning Stormy Daniels earlier this year. Trump was convicted on all 34 counts brought in the case.

Trump also said he was selecting Emil Bove, another of his defense attorneys, to serve as principal associate deputy attorney general. Bove also represented Trump in the hush-money case.

"Emil is a tough and strong attorney, who will be a crucial part of the Justice Department, rooting out corruption and crime," Trump said.

Dean John Sauer

Dean John Sauer, center right, represented Trump before the Supreme Court. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Trump selected another of his lawyers, Dean John Sauer, to serve as solicitor general of the US. Sauer previously served as solicitor general of Missouri and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Sauer was Trump's lead counsel in his case before the Supreme Court arguing for presidential immunity, which resulted in a favorable decision for the former president.

"John is a deeply accomplished, masterful appellate attorney," Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding he "will be a great Champion for us as we Make America Great Again!"

Daniel Driscoll

Daniel Driscoll is Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Army, the official within the Defense Department responsible for matters that pertain to the army.

"As a former Soldier, Investor, and Political Advisor, Dan brings a powerful combination of experiences to serve as a disruptor and change agent," Trump wrote in a string of Truth Social posts on December 4.

In addition to serving in the army, Driscoll worked in venture capital and was a senior advisor to Vance.

Gail Slater

Trump chose Gail Slater as his nominee to be the assistant attorney general for the antitrust division at the Justice Department.

"Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social announcing his pick. He said that Slater will lead the effort to address the "abuses."

Slater was an assistant to the president on tech, telecom, and cybersecurity issues during Trump's first term and is an economic policy advisor for Vice President-Elect JD Vance. She worked at the Federal Trade Commission for a decade and has been advising Trump's transition team on whom to appoint as the chair, Bloomberg reported.

David Warrington

Trump appointed David Warrington as assistant to the president and counsel to the president, he announced on Truth Social. In this capacity, Warrington will be the top attorney in the White House.

Warrington  a partner at the Dhillon Law Group  previously served as Trump's personal attorney, as well as general counsel for his presidential campaign.

Billy Long

Trump picked former Missouri Congressman Billy Long to serve as commissioner of the IRS.

"Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country," Trump wrote in a statement on Truth Social. "He then served 12 years in Congress, because he "felt it was important for his constituents to have a Representative who has signed the front of a check!" Since leaving Congress, Billy has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations."

Long would replace current IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel and would be crucial in the new administration's targeting of the Inflation Reduction Act.

David Perdue

Former Sen. David Perdue campaigned unsuccessfully to be governor of Georgia in 2022. Megan Varner/Getty Images

Former Georgia Sen. David Perdue is Trump's nominee for the US ambassador to China.

"As a Fortune 500 CEO, who had a 40-year International business career, and served in the US Senate, David brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China," Trump wrote of his decision on Truth Social. "He has lived in Singapore and Hong Kong, and worked in Asia and China for much of his career."

Perdue, who was a top executive at companies like Reebok, Sara Lee, PillowTex, and Dollar General, has years of experience expanding Western manufacturing firms in China and other lower-cost countries.

As the ambassador in Beijing, he will help Trump navigate the latter's pledges of additional tariffs on China.

"Having lived in Asia on two occasions, I understand the gravity of this responsibility and look forward to implementing President Trump's strategy to make the world safe again and to represent the United States' interests in China," Perdue wrote on X in response to Trump's announcement.

Caleb Vitello

Trump's pick to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement is Caleb Vitello, who is the assistant director of the agency's Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.

"Caleb's exceptional leadership, extensive experience, and commitment to ICE's mission make him an excellent choice to implement my efforts to enhance the safety and security of American communities who have been victimized by illegal alien crime," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Vitello has 23 years of federal law enforcement experience at ICE and oversees tactical training and safety, according to his agency bio.

He previously was a deputy assistant director at ICE's fugitive operations, which tracks and arrests non-citizens who "present a danger to national security, or are a risk to public safety."

As the acting director of ICE, he's to play a key role in helping Trump enforce his promise of deporting millions of people staying illegally in the US.

Rodney S. Scott

Scott was Border Patrol chief until August 2021 and implemented Trump-era policies like the Remain-in-Mexico program. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump has chosen Rodney S. Scott to be the commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection.

Scott is a border enforcement veteran with almost three decades of experience. He was the chief of the US Border Patrol from January 2020 to August 2021 and was vocal in his support for Trump's wall.

Announcing his choice on Truth Social, Trump praised Scott's tenure as Border Patrol chief for "record low levels of illegal immigration."

During his time leading Border Patrol, Scott implemented the Trump administration's Remain-in-Mexico program, which blocked non-Mexican asylum seekers from entering the US while waiting for their court dates.

His new role as commissioner expands upon his previous role  Scott will also oversee enforcement at ports of entry, trade, and travel.

Chad Mizelle

Trump selected Chad Mizelle as the next chief of staff at the Department of Justice.

Mizelle, a Trump loyalist and former Department of Homeland Security official, is set to work alongside the president-elect's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi.

"During my First Term, Chad was General Counsel and Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security, where he helped to secure our Border, and stop the flow of illegal drugs and aliens into our Country," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

"Chad is a MAGA warrior, who will help bring accountability, integrity, and Justice back to the DOJ," he added.

Stephen Miran

Trump nominated Stephen Miran as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

Miran earned a doctorate in economics from Harvard University in 2010. He worked as a senior advisor for economic policy at the US Department of Treasury during Trump's first administration. Miran is also a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a senior strategist at Hudson Bay Capital, an investment management firm.

"Steve will work with the rest of my Economic Team to deliver a Great Economic Boom that lifts up all Americans," Trump wrote on Sunday on Truth Social.

Miran responded to the nomination on X.

"I am beyond honored that President Trump has chosen me to lead his Council of Economic Advisers," Miran wrote on Sunday. "I look forward to working to help implement the President's policy agenda to create a booming, noninflationary economy that brings prosperity to all Americans!"

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tesla announced plans last year for a new factory in Mexico. JULIO CESAR AGUILAR/AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump has vowed to hit Mexico with a 25% tariff, which would affect automakers including Tesla.

Tesla announced plans in 2023 for a $10 billion factory in Mexico, whose future remains uncertain.

Analysts said tariffs on cars imported from Mexico would have dire consequences for US automakers.

President-elect Donald Trump's pledge to impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico could be a problem for Tesla, whose CEO is one of Trump's most vocal supporters.

Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on goods from the country has put a $10 billion new factory proposed by Elon Musk in limbo.

Tesla announced in March 2023 that it was planning to build a gigafactory near the industrial hub of Monterrey, Mexico.

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The project has since been hit by delays and uncertainty, with Musk telling investors earlier this year that it was on pause until the election outcome was clear.

Elon Musk played a key role in Donald Trump's campaign. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

"Trump has said that he will put heavy tariffs on vehicles produced in Mexico, so it doesn't make sense to invest a lot in Mexico if that is going to be the case," the Tesla CEO said in July.

Musk backed Trump's election campaign and has since been given a role in his administration targeting wasteful government spending.

Trump announced his new planned tariffs on Truth Social on Monday. It marks an escalation of the 60% tariff on goods from China and a 10% to 20% tariff on goods from other countries he proposed on the campaign trail. He also floated imposing tariffs of 200% or more on vehicles imported from Mexico during the election campaign.

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The Mexican peso fell over 1% against the dollar on Tuesday following Trump's post.

The world's richest person praised Trump's proposed tariffs on Mexico and China in an X post on Monday, saying the threat of tariffs would be "highly effective."

He was responding to a post by Bill Ackman, the hedge fund manager and Trump supporter, who said the tariffs "will not be implemented, or if implemented will be removed, once Mexico and Canada stop the flow of illegal immigrants and fentanyl into the U.S."

Trump's victory has pushed Tesla's planned factory even further into purgatory. Days after the election, Mexico's economy minister said he planned to set up a meeting with Musk to clarify what was happening.

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During the campaign, Trump vowed to clamp down on automakers building cars in Mexico. The prospect of new tariffs could force US automakers such as Tesla to make some hard choices about operational or planned factories in Mexico.

Investment bank UBS warned that any tariffs on Mexico would be "highly disruptive" to the entire US automotive industry, in an analyst note released after the election. Analysts told BI that tariffs would deter automakers such as Tesla from investing south of the border.

"Everything's up in the air with Tesla's plant," Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions said, adding that tariffs "could complicate the investment in Mexico."

A looming crisis

Fiorani told BI that factories in Mexico were crucial for US manufacturers  particularly the Detroit "Big Three" of Ford, General Motors, and Jeep owner Stellantis  because it offered cheap parts and labor.

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GM and Stellantis have around a third of their full-size pickup truck production in Mexico, according to Morningstar analyst David Whiston, while Ford builds its Maverick compact pickup there.

Mexico is also a crucial production hub for Ford's Mustang Mach-E EV, built at the company's Cuautitlan plant.

The country's free trade agreement with the United States, which allows automakers to import vehicles across the border without duties and is up for review in 2026, has attracted other automakers outside the Big Three.

Ford makes its Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles at a plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Toyota, the world's largest carmaker, announced in 2020 that it would move production of its Tacoma pick-up from the US to Mexico. Nissan and Volkswagen also have factories in the country.

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Mexico has also attracted interest from Chinese automakers, sparking fears from some lawmakers that they could use the country as a "backdoor" to the US market.

Chinese EV giants BYD and MG, a brand owned by SAIC, have both announced plans to build factories in Mexico.

In September BYD denied reports that it put those plans on hold to wait out the election result.

BYD Americas head Stella Li told Reuters that Mexico was a "very relevant" market because the plant would make cars for the local market rather than export.

Some Mexican officials fear a BYD plant could provoke the new Trump administration, The Wall Street Journal reported.

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Other automakers have expanded their presence in Mexico, despite the prospect of tariffs under a second Trump term.

Jeep is building its first EV, the Wagoneer S, at its Toluca plant in Mexico, per a breakdown of the company's 2024 manufacturing operations.

The CEO of Chrysler, another Stellantis brand, also recently confirmed it was expanding a factory in Mexico as a "relief valve" for US truck production after the Journal reported the company was considering making its bestselling Ram 1500 truck south of the border.

Germany's BMW, meanwhile, is investing 800 million euros ($861 million) in expanding its factory at San Luis Potosi, Mexico. It's expected to make the company's latest range from 2027.

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"Imposing tariffs would be a deterrent. It would make it difficult if you're planning on exporting to the US," Stephanie Brinley, an automotive analyst at S&P Global, told BI. "It makes building a plant in Mexico more expensive and less attractive."

Costly dilemma

Brinley added that many automakers with a significant US presence had been operating in Mexico for decades, meaning it would be expensive as well as highly difficult to shift production in response to tariffs.

The Toyota Tacoma is another vehicle produced in Mexico. Alanis King

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"That would be a massive investment issue ... it would probably require a staggering amount of money and would not be something they could do quickly. Changing that manufacturing footprint would take at least five years," she said.

Ultimately, Brinley said many US automakers may decide it's in their best interests to stay put, despite the tariffs  something that she said could lead to higher prices for Americans.

"That's where the tariff ends up hurting the consumer, because these companies are not going to just eat the tariff. Some, if not all of the cost would be passed on to consumers," Brinley said.

Tesla, GM, Ford, and Stellantis did not respond to requests for comment from BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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On election night, I was switching between CNN and MSNBC for election coverage, because my motto is the same as Ghenghis Khan (or was it Sun Tzu?)

"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."

I figured it would be instructive to watch how the networks that have exhibited a visceral hatred for Donald Trump since he came on the political scene described the trajectory of the evening.

The evening started with Jake Tapper and John King, on whom I have an inexplicable but major nerd crush, standing in front of the Big Board and discussing the mathematical possibilities for Trump and Kamala Harris. Unlike some of their colleagues, these guys played it fairly straight and didnt show their hand about who they hoped would win. Of course, we already knew who Philly boy Tapper wanted to win, but he was admirably middle of the road, as hed been in the ill-fated CNN debate between Biden and Trump.

And even though Im sure King is a liberal, I never get the feeling that hes rooting for a side. Which is why I have a crush on him.

As the evening progressed, however, Trump started racking up electoral votes. The CNN duo explained this away as exactly what had happened in the 2020 race between the former president and current President Biden. It was as if they were calming the nerves of an audience that didnt want to see Trump with 105 votes and Harris with 25.

But when we started hitting 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., I noticed a definite shift in the way that Tapper was talking. His normally staccato intonations had become a bit more halting, a little flatter, and King had to jump in more often with comments like "Well this precinct is very blue but its still too soon to call because everyone in the precinct is out milking the cows and hasnt voted yet."

To be fair, I have to credit CNN for being very even handed in its coverage, even though their angst and upset became obvious as Trump started collecting more and more states, including big ones like Texas, Florida and Ohio. And yet they were able to tap dance a bit, since Pennsylvania wasnt going to go gentle into that good night. Our beloved Commonwealth was going to give everyone agida, as it went first overwhelmingly for Harris, then Trump started closing the gap, and then he actually overtook her by a couple of percentage points.

Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, the Keystone State gave its 19 electoral votes to the former president. As this was happening, you could see the color drain out of the faces of Tapper and King.

But CNN was nothing compared to MSNBC. I switched over to that network around the time Pennsylvania was becoming "too close to call" and then "likely Trump" and then finally "in the Trump column." At that point, panelists  including the predictable Joy Reid  started explaining why she thought Pennsylvania voters rejected Harris: race and gender.

While its no surprise one of the most racist and sexist women on television would immediately pivot to the old demographic tropes, it was still shocking to see how obvious she and her colleagues were willing to be. Bitter that their candidate was going down to defeat, they seized on the only reasons their limited life experiences could proffer: American voters couldnt bear to elect a Black person, and a woman, to a position of authority.

And it wasnt just any old group of Americans who were to blame.

Americans who looked like me were the worst culprits, "white women." Reid conveniently forgot the fact that a majority of American voters, including those nefarious white women, have voted for Hillary Clinton over Trump. Before that, an even larger group of voters put Barack Obama into office, and kept him there for another four years.

A woman, and a Black man, got the popular vote in three consecutive elections. But somehow, the fact that Kamala Harris was unable to convince voters that she was a qualified leader had to be due to her race and her gender. Its the woke, liberal fiat that it cant be anything having to do with the resume or character of the candidate. It must be prejudice.

I almost feel sorry for folks who think like that. They are afflicted with a sort of blindness that will make it impossible for them to ever assess the humanity of a candidate, with a necessary x-ray vision that bores through the irrelevant and epidermal characteristics like biology and ethnicity.

On the other hand, it will continue to make for entertaining viewing on election eve.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Christine M. Flowers is a lawyer and columnist.
This photo shows ROMOMO stuffed toys in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingbo)

XI'AN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese street-food snack called "roujiamo" -- often referred to as the "Chinese hamburger" -- is made by baking flatbread to a slight crisp and inserting a filling, usually succulent pork that has been drenched in aromatic sauce. However, this mouth-watering food is no longer limited to restaurants, but is also emerging in toy stores.

It is a common street-food item in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Now, a palm-sized stuffed toy ROMOMO, modeled on the Chinese hamburger, with a smiley face and small limbs, has gone viral in Xi'an, igniting a buying frenzy since its debut this past summer.

Young locals and tourists sometimes wait in line for over an hour to snag their ROMOMO toys, drawn by the product's creative design and its link to the culinary experience.

The retail process of the ROMOMO toys has been designed to mimic the preparation of the real-life snack. A "chef" dressed in traditional Hanfu robes uses a plastic knife to mime the chopping of the toy's meat element, and then inserts it into the bread element, simulating the completion of the cooking process.

During the process, the "chef" usually interacts with customers to learn their preferences, asking questions like: "Would you like lean meat or fatty meat?" or "Shall I add some more juice?"

Young people are eager to share their shopping experiences on social media, such as the lifestyle-focused platform Xiaohongshu. Meanwhile, ROMOMO employees broadcast the interactions on livestream platforms, generating over 50,000 daily views recently.

"It is adorable and affordable, priced at just 49 yuan (about 6.9 U.S. dollars). It reminds me of kitchen toys during my childhood," said Wang Yichen, a college student, who bought three ROMOMO for herself and her friends.

Zhang Bo, 26, is the designer of ROMOMO. He has been engaged in 3D printing and art derivatives since graduating from college. Recognizing the burgeoning market for cultural and creative products, he and two partners conceived the idea of designing toys in the shape of Chinese hamburgers a year ago, and later founded Daxiang Culture and Technology Company.

"When I traveled during my childhood, I would buy keychains or ornaments as souvenirs with patterns such as miniature landmarks," he said. "Today, many youths are weary of generic products. By incorporating traditional culture elements as well as contemporary aesthetics, designers can provide customers with creative and unique products."

China's cultural and creative market is rapidly evolving. According to a report by Zhiyan Consulting, its market size reached 16.38 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, a year-on-year increase of over 13.09 percent. Cultural and creative product planners and operators have been included in a list of new professions by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security this year.

More than 200,000 ROMOMO have been sold since the product entered the market in June, with orders from souvenir shops, online platforms, and even clients from New York and Sydney, according to statistics from Daxiang. The product is also being showcased at the seventh China International Import Expo which concluded on Sunday via the booths of Xi'an exhibitors.

In addition to the standard pork-and-bread model of ROMOMO, Daxiang has introduced various side products, such as plush toys modeled after green chilies, potato chips and lettuce leaves, as locals might also add these ingredients when eating Chinese hamburgers.

Stuffed toys inspired by local dishes, cultural relics and landmarks are gaining in popularity in China, along with the creative consumption rituals and scenarios they create.

For instance, at the Gansu Provincial Museum, visitors can select a range of vegetable and meat toys, and watch them being "cooked" on a little stove to form a replica of the spicy dish Malatang, an iconic hotpot in Gansu's Tianshui that has dominated trending topics and drawn numerous tourists.

These Chinese souvenirs are also a nod to the amusing and personalized toys of the popular British brand Jellycat, which offers consumers a sense of ceremony and appeals to those young people pursuing spiritual comfort.

Data from the China Toy and Juvenile Products Association reveal that the post-00s generation has become the largest consumer group for stuffed toys, accounting for 43 percent of total buyers, while people in the post-90s comprise 36 percent.

For China's Generation Z, emotional companionship and sentimental value play a significant role in their consumption habits, compared with other generation groups, according to a report by McKinsey & Company this year on China's consumption trends.

Zhang Yan, director of the Culture and Tourism Center at the Shaanxi Academy of Social Sciences, said that the younger generation is increasingly seeking spiritual comfort amid the pressures of urban life, and cute plush toys provide a degree of emotional comfort.

"Seeking instant gratification through experiential consumption with affordable prices is a good choice for the youngsters," she said, adding that young people prioritize cost-effectiveness for daily essentials, but are also willing to spend on their own interests.

"By sharing photos and videos online, they build social connections with those who have similar hobbies," Zhang added.

Fierce market competition has made many creative cultural products a short-lived success. In the face of these challenges, Liu Ziqi, a co-founder of ROMOMO in charge of marketing, said that Daxiang is adopting a diversification strategy to respond to the rapidly changing market.

Liu said Daxiang has produced a set of postcards that depict ROMOMO visiting iconic relics and landmarks in Xi'an, including the Terracotta Warriors and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and is planning to release a ROMOMO-themed short animation.

"We will continue to seize the resonance with young people by utilizing historical elements and traditional culture," said Liu. "Furthermore, we will try to incubate more popular IPs and explore pathways for global reach." 

A livestreamer sells ROMOMO stuffed toys via livestreaming in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Oct. 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingbo)
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is pressing the United States to reconsider its support for Kurdish militants in Syria, according to comments by its leaders including President Tayyip Erdogan, who has again floated the possibility of a new cross-border offensive.

"We are constantly reminding our American counterparts that they need to stop the cooperation they have with the terrorist organisation in Syria," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was quoted on Monday as telling the Milliyet newspaper.

"Our contacts on this issue have increased. We see that the U.S. side is keen on more talks and negotiations too," he added.

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On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey could mount a new offensive into northern Syria to create new safe zones along its border, after saying on Friday that he would discuss a possible U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria with President-elect Donald Trump.

Strains in U.S.-Turkey ties include U.S. support for the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, Washington's main ally against Islamic State in Syria. Ankara calls it a terrorist organisation and extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which the United States also deems a terror group.

NATO member Turkey has carried out several cross-border operations against the YPG in recent years and has since threatened more.

Erdogan said on Sunday these moves established safe zones in Syria that had "thwarted attempts to surround" it from the southern borders, and Turkey was determined to "completely cut off contact between terrorist organisations."

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"God willing, we will complete the missing links of the safe zone we have established along our borders in coming period," he said.

In recent months Erdogan has also made overtures to repair severed ties with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government after a decade of animosity.

Ankara has complained that Damascus has not reciprocated its attempts at rapprochement, after Erdogan said in July he wanted to invite Assad for talks. Assad said those attempts have yielded no results and Damascus wants Turkish troops to withdraw from Syrian territories.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Angus MacSwan)
LAFOLLETTE, Tenn. (WATE)  One person died and another was injured after a crash in the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Authorities responded to an area of North Cumberland WMA known as the Sand Mines after receiving a 911 call around 3:30 a.m. Sunday from one of the people involved in the crash.

Officer-involved shootings: Lawyer explains legal side of use of force

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According to a TWRA release, two men left a LaFollette truck stop around 8:30 p.m. Saturday and drove a side-by-side onto the North Cumberland WMA from Highway 63. At some point during the night, investigators believe they drove off of a 200-foot rock high wall.

The operator, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and killed. He was identified as Josh Mefford, 41, of LaFollette.

The passenger, identified as Rick Violes, 27, of Oneida, was knocked unconscious and seriously injured. Its unclear when the crash occurred, but Violes regained consciousness around 3:30 a.m. and contacted authorities.

Rescue squads arrived at the crash site and stabilized Violes but were unable to transport him due to the crash sites remote location. He was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center by a Tennessee National Guard helicopter around 9 a.m.

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Meffords body was recovered around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Late Indiana Congressman Andrew Jacobs and 14 other Hoosier veterans who've laid their lives on the line for Americans or used their time to advocate for their communities will be inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

The annual induction ceremony and banquet is in its 11th year and will take place at the Primo South Banquet and Conference Center on National Avenue in Indianapolis. The IMVHOF is a nonprofit organization that's dedicated to honoring and highlighting the service of Indiana military veterans and families.

Plan ahead What is open, closed on Veterans Day 2024 today? Banks, post office, restaurants, retail

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This year's inductees include a female Army recruiter who's mentored youth and cared for homeless and hospitalized veterans, a World World I fighter pilot who was America's first Ace, and a Vietnam veteran awarded a Bronze heart for continuously enduring battlefield hostilities. He also was the recipient of two Purple hearts.

Known as a humble public servant and champion of civil rights, Jacobs was a U.S. Marine who fought in the Korean War. He received a law degree from Indiana University after returning from the war and would later go on to become one of Indiana's more notable and distinguished Congressman.

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jacobs co-authored the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, helped improve the Social Security Administration and Medicare program, and was an early opponent and critic of the Vietnam War. He died in 2013.

Late U.S. Rep Andrew Jacobs is being inducted into the 2024 Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

The 2024 Indiana Military Veterans' Hall of Fame inductees are:

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Paul Frank Baer

Aletha Calloway

Thomas Gantz Cassady

Brigadier General Donald R. Canaday

Paul Michael Cauley

Gerald Leonard Clewlow

Lieutenant Colonel Norris Furman Dendy

Congressman Andrew Jacobs

Sergeant Lester H. Keller

Platoon Sergeant Major Arno C. Land

US Navy Corpsman and Fleet Marines Combat Corpsman Ralph Richards

Major Maurice E. Shearer

Lieutenant Philip Max Spreuer

Lieutenant Colonel James M. Thompson

Private First Class Michael R. Tomes

In honor Veterans Day 2024 freebies, free meals and deals near me tomorrow! Restaurant discounts Nov. 11

Paul Frank Baer, an American fighter pilot in World War I, is being inducted into the 2024 class of the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

Distinguished service

Members of the 2024 class of the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame have served in the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy. Many saw combat during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. They've laid their lives on the line and advocated for their communities and fellow service men and women.

First Lt. Paul Frank Baer of Fort Wayne was an American fighter pilot for the United States Air Service during World War I. According to the IMVHOF, he first enlisted in the French Army in 1917 and later transferred to the U.S. Army in 1918. The nonprofit said Baer fought in the battles of Verdun, Aisne, Cambria, Champaign and Flanders.

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A fighter pilot who became known as America's first flying ace, Baer took down, by himself, a group of several enemy pursuit machines and two enemy two-seaters over the course of several days, the nonprofit said. His aviation career continued after the war, but in 1930 he died in an aircraft accident in Shanghai, China.

First Sgt. Aletha Calloway enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school, working her way up the ranks in various assignments, becoming a field recruiter, guidance counselor and eventually tapped to be first sergeant of a recruiting battalion in Syracuse, New York.

Aletha Calloway enlisted as a computer/machine operator, working her way up the ranks in various assignments. She moved to Indianapolis after her retirement and served as an Army JROTC instructor and engaged in community service. She is being inducted into the 2024 Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

According to the hall of fame, she settled in Indianapolis after her retirement and worked as an Army JROTC instructor at Broad Ripple and John Marshall High Schools where she mentored students. The Broad Ripple High School Foundation established a scholarship in her name.

Calloway's impacted extended beyond the walls of the schools she worked. She organized donation drives for homeless and hospitalized veterans, planted flags at cemeteries and served a six-year stint as secretary of the National Association of Black Veterans where she supported aging vets.

Lieutenant Colonel Norris Furman Dendy served a 25-year distinguished career in the U.S. Army. He is being inducted into the 2024 class of the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

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Lt. Colonel Norris Furman Dendy also is being honored this year. A decorated veteran, his career in the U.S. Army spanned 25 years. Dendy, who died several months ago, was the recipient of the Legion of Merit and the Air Medal for exceptionally meritorious service with the 45th Infantry Regiment in Vietnam.

He also received the Bronze Star for continually enduring intense hostile fire on the battlefield and received two Purple Hearts, according to the IMVHOF. Additionally, Dendy worked as a professor of military science and was an advisor to the college president at the Virginia State University. He was known for his intellect and writing skills. He retired at Fort Benjamin Harrison.

Paul Michael Cauley, also known as "Ponytail Paul, is being inducted into the 2024 class of the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.

Another 2024 inductee is Paul Michael Cauley, also known as Ponytail Paul. Cauley volunteered for military service in 1970 with the U.S. Army and served a combat tour in Vietnam, according to IMVHOF. After he returned home, he embarked on a career in construction and volunteered with organizations that recognized Vietnam veterans and the wartime.

Cauley's community service includes participating in several local committees including former Mayor Gregory Ballards Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans celebration in 2008 and the 101st Airborne Division recognition ceremony for Screaming Eagle veterans during the 2017 Indianapolis 500 Race opening ceremonies, according to the IMVHOF. He is the former president of the Indianapolis World War II Roundtable and a founding member of the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans program.

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"He has put his heart into serving all generations of Veterans and ensures, in every possible way, so that these Veterans receive the honor and recognition they deserve," the nonprofit said.

See past inductees.

This article was updated with a video.

Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @allyburris.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame to honor 15 Hoosier vets on Tuesday
The leaders of France and the U.K. are expected to meet in Paris on Nov. 11 to discuss a last-ditch attempt to persuade the U.S. to allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with Western weapons before Donald Trump enters the White House in January, The Telegraph reported citing UK Government sources.

According to the newspaper, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron hope President Joe Biden will give the approval sought by Kyiv for months as a step towards cementing his foreign policy legacy.

We are very keen to make sure we can make the most of the time between now and Jan. 20 (when Trump takes office) and not just put everything on hold until the next administration, one source was quoted as saying.

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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.

He has repeatedly promised to end the war "in 24 hours,' and though he hasn't yet elaborated a plan, it is largely expected to involve Ukraine ceding land to Russia.

However, with six weeks left to Trumps inauguration, outgoing U.S. President Biden could make decisions that he would have not made before, unburdened by the election campaign and responsibilities of another term in office.

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.

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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," Ambassador Kurt Volker, who served as the U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations in 2017-2019, told the Kyiv Independent last week.

"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.

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"But there's no justification for allowing Russia to attack Ukraine from anywhere, and to tell Ukraine that they must not strike back."

Read also: Before Trump begins, Biden has 6 weeks left to help Ukraine  heres what he could do

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Tom Balmforth

KYIV (Reuters) - As Donald Trump's election win brings the prospect of talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine closer, Kyiv is battling to put itself in the strongest position for any negotiations, including by securing more arms and holding out on the battlefield.

A senior Ukrainian official said the next four to five months would be pivotal, signalling how Trump's return to the White House is focusing minds in Kyiv on a possible end game in the war. Trump, who will be sworn in as U.S. president on Jan. 20, has said he will end the war quickly but has not said how.

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"This winter is a critical point ... I hope the war is drawing to an end. Right now we will define the positions for both sides on negotiations, the starting positions," the official told Reuters, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive security issues.

Officials are waiting to see who Trump picks for his top security and defence jobs for clues on how he will shape Ukraine policy. He has ruled out ex-secretary of state Mike Pompeo, seen in Kyiv as pro-Ukrainian.

Russia is advancing at its fastest rate since 2022 despite taking heavy losses, and Ukraine said last week it had clashed with some of an estimated 11,000 North Korean troops deployed to Russia's Kursk region.

Stretched by manpower shortages, Ukrainian forces have lost some of the ground they captured in an August incursion into Kursk that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said could serve as a bargaining chip.

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Ukraine's hobbled energy system is keeping the lights on for now as winter sets in, but the threat of another big Russian attack on the grid remains.

Drones attack Kyiv almost nightly although Russia may not want to alienate the incoming Trump team by destroying the system.

After holding what he said was an "excellent" phone call with Trump late on Wednesday, Zelenskiy said the next day that he was convinced a rapid end to the war would mean Kyiv accepting big concessions.

"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," Zelenskiy said.

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He also criticised talk of a ceasefire without Ukraine first receiving robust security guarantees that would prevent Russia launching an even bigger offensive later on.

"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 in comments apparently aimed at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had proposed a ceasefire.

BLEAK MOOD

The Kyiv official said it felt "less likely" after Trump's victory that there would be a NATO invitation for Ukraine and acknowledged there was a risk Trump would scale back aid.

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"I hope the Biden administration will try to avoid this risk by accelerating the speed of (its) help," the official said.

The Kremlin said on Friday that President Vladimir Putin was ready to discuss Ukraine with Trump, but that this did not mean Moscow's war demands had changed.

Putin set out his terms for an end to the war in June: Ukraine would have to drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from all of the territory of four regions claimed by Russia, something Kyiv sees as akin to capitulation.

Ukraine's public is sceptical Russia is interested in talks, but its central demand if they happen is for Ukraine to receive proper security guarantees, said Anton Grushetskyi, executive director of the KIIS pollster.

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Ukrainians leaned towards wanting Democrat Kamala Harris to win the election, but frustration at the reluctance of outgoing President Joe Biden's administration to increase support meant they were increasingly open to a gamble on Trump, he said.

"People are very disappointed that behind the very strong words of the Biden administration the real steps were much weaker, especially over the last year," he said.

Trying to strengthen his hand in September, Zelenskiy outlined a "victory plan" to Biden, reiterating his request for permission to strike military targets deeper in Russia, receive a NATO invitation and obtain more potent weapons.

The plan, he said, was needed to compel Russia to the negotiating table in good faith. There has been little sign of a breakthrough on any of the plan's five points.

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"The mood in Ukraine is pretty bleak. You can see the increasing frustration in Zelenskiy's recent remarks," a senior Kyiv-based diplomatic source said.

The Ukrainian official voiced scepticism that Biden would supply something significant to Ukraine, such as lifting the restriction on long-range strikes.

"Who is Biden now? He lost a lot of credibility. I hope he will be brave enough to do something. But I don't have big hopes. It would be great. We are very grateful for his help. He did a lot, much more than we expected," the official said.

(Reporting by Tom Balmforth; editing by Mike Collett-White and Timothy Heritage)
A forced evacuation has been ordered for 10 more villages in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv due to advancing Russian troops, Governor Oleh Syniehubov announced on Monday.

The governor explained on a Ukrainian news television channel that the enemy is constantly shelling civilian settlements in the affected areas around the village of Borova on the eastern bank of the Oskil River.

Similar orders were earlier issued for villages in the more northern Kupiansk metropolitan area.

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Since September 10, approximately 6,500 people have been evacuated, including about 500 minors, according to the governor.

The area was liberated in the autumn of 2022 as part of a Ukrainian counteroffensive after around five months of occupation.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian troops have come under increasing pressure due to an intensified Russian glide bomb offensive in the region.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over two and a half years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Russia has deployed nearly 50,000 troops to Kursk, the southern Russian region where Kyiv launched its surprise counteroffensive in the summer.

Ukrainian troops continue to hold back the nearly 50,000-strong enemy group in Kursk, Zelensky said in a post on Telegram after receiving a briefing from General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces.

Russian forces launched offensives into Kursk in several waves on Monday, a spokesperson for one of Ukraines mechanized brigades said Tuesday, though none of them were successful.

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They stormed with a battalion-sized force, Anastasiia Blyshchyk said, adding that Ukrainian forces destroyed Russian vehicles and equipment, and that the Russian invaders were eliminated. It was a black day for the Russian occupiers, she said.

Kyiv launched its incursion into Russias Kursk region in August, taking by surprise not just Moscow, but also its allies. It said at the time that the operation was necessary, because Russia had been planning to launch a new attack on Ukraine from the region. It said it was aiming to create a buffer zone to prevent future cross-border attacks.

The Kursk offensive, the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II, caught Moscow completely unprepared.

Ukrainian troops advanced quickly, deep into Russias territory and have since maintained control over hundreds of square miles of Russias territory. And while Russia has reclaimed some settlements, the line of control has barely changed over the past months.

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A US official told CNN on Sunday that Russia has amassed a large force of tens of thousands  including recently arrived North Korean troops  to carry out an assault on the Ukrainian positions in Kursk. The official said the offensive was expected in the coming days.

The Kremlin has not commented on the presence of North Korean troops on its territory. At a meeting of the UN Security Council last week, Russia refused to answer questions from the US about its deployment of North Korean troops.

At the same time though, Russian state media TASS reported Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law ratifying a mutual defense treaty with North Korea, while North Korean media reported Monday that Kim Jong Un had also signed the treaty into law.

The pact is the most significant agreement signed by Russia and North Korea in decades and is seen as something of a revival of their 1961 Cold War-era mutual defense pledge. It also consolidates the Kim regimes powerful link with a world power that wields a veto on the UN Security Council.

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Russia and North Korea have forged increasingly friendly ties since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. North Korea has one of the worlds largest militaries with 1.2 million soldiers, but most of its troops lack combat experience.

Zelensky said last week that 11,000 North Korean soldiers were now in the region.

Separately, a Ukrainian commander told CNN Sunday that North Korean troops were taking part in direct combat operations in Kursk, as well as defensive operations in the neighboring Belgorod region of Russia and in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.

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.

Kyiv braces for second Trump presidency

Ukraine is once again finding itself in a difficult position. Russia has been launching near daily waves of long-range drone strikes on its cities while also struggling to hold back Russian advances at multiple locations along the more than 600-mile (1,000-kilometer) frontline.

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Over the weekend, Russia and Ukraine exchanged record numbers of drone strikes, with Moscow launching a total of 145 drones on Saturday night.

Ukraine meanwhile fired an unprecedented number of drones towards Russias capital overnight on Saturday into Sunday.

At the same time, Kyiv is trying to gauge the impact of Donald Trumps victory in the US election last week. Trump has previously said he could end the conflict in 24 hours and in September he declared: I think its in the US best interest to get this war finished and just get it done.

CNNs Alex Marquardt, Maria Kostenko and Mitchell McCluskey contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ukrainian soldiers are holding off nearly 50,000 troops in Russia's embattled Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 11.

Zelensky's statement came a day after The New York Times reported that Moscow is preparing to launch an offensive in Kursk Oblast with a force of 50,000 soldiers, both Russian and North Korean.

Russia has also deployed thousands of North Korean troops in the embattled region, with some reportedly already clashing with Ukraine in small-scale engagements. Around 11,000 North Korean soldiers were stationed in Kursk Oblast as of Nov. 4.

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Kyiv launched the surprise offensive into Kursk Oblast in August, with Russian forces have managed to reclaim around half of the territory initially lost.

The Kursk incursion was also intended to preempt a Russian plan to invade Sumy Oblast to create a "buffer zone" in Ukraine's north and draw Russian forces away from Donetsk Oblast, where Moscow keeps steadily advancing, the Ukrainian military said.

According to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russian forces have suffered 7,905 soldiers killed, 12,220 injured, and 717 captured during the three months of the Kursk offensive.

Zelensky has previously said that if Ukraine had permission to use Western long-range weapons against targets deep inside Russia, it could preemptively target "every camp" in Russia where North Korean troops are gathering.

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Read also: For 2nd day straight, Russias reported losses in Ukraine surge to record levels

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine has introduced emergency blackouts across the country due to the threat of Russian attacks against critical energy infrastructure, Ukrainian media and government officials reported on Nov. 11.

The blackouts began as the Air Force issued a nationwide aerial alert after Russia launched Tu-95MS strategic bombers as well as MiG-31K jets, which are capable of carrying Kinzhal ballistic missiles.

Blackouts have been reported in a number of Ukrainian cities, including Mykolaiv, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv, according to the news outlet Suspilne.

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Ukraine's state grid operator Ukrenergo ordered emergency blackouts in Cherkasy Oblast at 6:31 a.m., Governor Ihor Taburets reported.

"The measures taken are aimed at preserving the power system of Ukraine," he said.

Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, issued a similar order in Kyiv, saying the power outages were a result of the imminent missile threat.

Ukrainian officials have warned that Moscow is preparing to carry out strikes against Ukrainian nuclear facilities ahead of the winter months, as it seeks to break the country's resolve.

Ukrenergo's interim director Oleksiy Brekht said on Oct. 29 that Ukraine is facing the "most difficult" winter since the start of the full-scale invasion.

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Recently, Moscow has scaled back attacks with cruise and ballistic missiles. Experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent said this may well be in preparation for an unprecedented mass attack rather than any sort of restraint from the Kremlin.

Read also: Ukraine facing most difficult winter since start of full-scale war, Ukrenergo chief says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SEOUL, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Ukraine's military intelligence has intercepted what it claims are radio communications between North Korean soldiers in Russia, amid media reports of a massive troop buildup ahead of an attack in the Kursk region.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine shared brief audio clips Sunday of soldiers speaking Korean.

"In the conversation, the DPRK soldier first calls for a 'repairman' and then orders the group to return immediately," DIU said in a post on its website.

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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

In another clip, the speakers can be heard exchanging coded terms that translate to "Seal One, Seal Two," presumably to check their signals.

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that some 11,000 North Korean troops were in the Kursk region of southwest Russia and had already begun skirmishing with Ukrainian soldiers.

"The first battles with North Korean soldiers open a new page of instability in the world," Zelensky said in a video address Tuesday.

Ukrainian forces have occupied hundreds of square miles in Kursk since an incursion in August. The New York Times, citing U.S. and Ukrainian officials, reported Sunday that Russian troops are amassing 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops, to launch an assault to regain territory.

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CNN also reported on the troop buildup, saying an attack was expected in the coming days, according to a U.S. official.

The Pentagon has said that North Korean soldiers would be fair game on the battlefield.

"We fully expect that DPRK soldiers could be engaged in combat and if they are, they are legitimate targets," Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said at a press briefing on Thursday.

North Korea and Russia have drawn closer since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the two regimes signing a mutual defense pact in June.

South Korean officials have raised concerns that Moscow may be sharing missile and nuclear technology with Pyongyang in exchange for the troop deployment.

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On Monday, Seoul's military intelligence said that North Korea's new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, test-fired on Oct. 31, could have been developed with Russian technical assistance.

According to Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the ruling People Power Party, the Defense Intelligence Agency determined in a report that the Hwasong-19 was a new type of ICBM with a longer fuselage and higher maximum altitude than the solid-fuel Hwasong-18.

However, the military has not detected any signs of a solid-fuel engine test in North Korea since March, leading to speculation that the new missile could have resulted from cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang under the guise of aerospace technology.

"It is assessed that the possibility of North Korea receiving support from Russia on technologies that can be applied to the development of ballistic missiles, under the name of 'space technology cooperation,' cannot be ruled out," Yu quoted the military report as saying.
KIGALI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda is pushing for a new global goal for climate finance that includes support for loss and damage, alongside mitigation and adaptation efforts, the Ministry of Environment said Monday.

"This call is critical for ensuring that countries most affected by climate impacts receive consistent support to recover and build stronger communities. At COP29, loss and damage is a priority for Rwanda, highlighting the need for sustained funding to assist communities facing the devastating effects of climate disasters," the ministry said in a statement as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP29, kicked off in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The ministry called for investment in long-term solutions that empower vulnerable nations to adapt and build resilience against a changing climate.

"Rwanda's delegation will also champion the value of transparency in climate commitments, advocating for clear and accurate information on the support exchanged between nations to build trust and accountability," it said.

The two-week COP29 meeting brings together delegates from about 200 countries from governments, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate global efforts in addressing the climate crisis.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has recently called for more funding from wealthy nations to tackle climate change, noting that the terms must be favorable, without pushing developing countries into more debt.

This year's climate conference is aimed at seeking a new climate change funding goal to replace the existing collective target of mobilizing and providing 100 billion U.S. dollars annually by developed countries in support of developing countries. 
In light of the intense Russian attacks near Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine, a catastrophe threatens the defenders, the government-affiliated Ukrainian military channel Deep State reported on Monday.

The city is reportedly already surrounded on three sides. Meanwhile, Russian units are attempting to cut off and encircle the Ukrainian military stationed there, the military experts said.

The situation of the Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk region has rapidly deteriorated since early August. In this sector of the front, the Russian army is not only advancing on the now heavily damaged Kurakhove but has also alarmingly approached the nearby transport hub of Pokrovsk.

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During the fierce fighting for Kurakhove, a dam at Stari Terny was destroyed by the Russians, according to official Ukrainian reports. Downstream, the water level of the Vovcha has reportedly risen by more than 1 metre.

The Russian side, however, blamed the Ukrainians for the destruction, suggesting it was possibly intended to hinder the advance of Russian units.
Ukraine said Monday that Russia had been using decoy drones to try to overwhelm its air defenses.

These drones emit radar signatures that mimic more-deadly drones packed with explosives.

Ukraine said it examined a Russian decoy drone and found Western-made parts inside it.

The Ukrainian military said on Monday that it found Western-made parts inside a Russian decoy drone that was used in an attack over the weekend.

Russia has been using unarmed, fake drones in swarm attacks to try to distract and overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses, Kyiv's military intelligence agency, also known as the HUR, wrote in a statement shared to the Telegram messaging app.

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The HUR said these decoy drones were smaller and cheaper than the Iranian-made Shahed-136 one-way attack drone, an explosive-packed system that Russia has been using to terrorize Ukrainian cities for the past two years.

But the decoy drone  which Ukraine calls "Parody"  can apparently mimic the radar signature of a Shahed in a bid to confuse Kyiv's air defenses with fake targets.

A look inside a Russian decoy drone. Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine via Telegram

Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 2,000 drones last month, but about half of them were these decoys, the HUR said. On Sunday, two of them crashed in Moldova, a non-NATO country that borders Ukraine to the south.

The HUR said an examination of the crudely built decoy drones had disclosed technology and parts made by companies around the world, including in the US and Europe. Ukraine uploaded purported evidence of these Western-made components  such as microcontrollers, antennas, and transceivers  to a government portal and listed the names of several Western companies.

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Despite widespread international sanctions aimed at curbing the Kremlin's war efforts by limiting Moscow's ability to obtain key parts from abroad, Ukraine continues to find Western-made components inside Russian weapons, including its missiles and drones.

Britain's defense ministry wrote in an intelligence update last week that Russia had been launching more and more one-way attack drones at Ukraine over the past few months and was likely to continue doing so, considering the expansion of Russian launch sites and the current production capacity.

Shahed-136 drones are designed by Iran, but Russia has been domestically producing them under a weapons deal with Tehran. ANONYMOUS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

On Sunday, Ukraine's air force said that Russia attacked the country with a record 145 drones overnight and that 62 of them were shot down.

Kyiv said in a Telegram statement that dozens more were "lost" in different regions of the country, while 10 others left Ukrainian airspace and headed toward Moldova, Belarus, and even back toward Russia. An official confirmed at least two had crashed in Moldovan territory.

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"Two Russian decoy dronesused to mislead Ukrainian air defense  crashed in Moldova today, endangering Moldovan lives and violating our airspace," Mihai Popsoi, Molvoda's foreign minister, wrote in a social-media post on Sunday.

"We firmly condemn these aggressive incursions and reiterate our condemnation of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Strategic Industries have signed a series of implementation agreements with Denmark's Ministry of Defence totalling around 535 million.

Source: Ukraines Defence Ministry, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "The documents finalise the agreements outlined in the Letter of Intent, which was signed at the end of September in Kyiv. They authorise a number of purchases from Ukrainian defence industries worth around 535 million. The governments of Denmark and Sweden provide money, as does interest from frozen Russian assets."

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Details: According to reports, these agreements fully describe the projects, as well as the date of financing and weapon supply.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Ukraine provided Denmark with "comprehensive information on manufacturers, weapons effectiveness, production capabilities, and compliance with anti-corruption standards."

Hlib Kanievskyi, director of the Procurement Policy Department, says that as a result of these agreements, Ukrainian weapons and equipment manufacturers (both public and private) will supply the Armed Forces of Ukraine with self-propelled artillery systems, attack drones, anti-tank weapons, and missile weapons.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Ukraine has already received 50 million through the "Danish model," which allows for direct funding of manufacturers. These funds were used to support the manufacturing of Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems for Ukraine's Armed Forces.

Background:

In June, Ukraine and Denmark signed a memorandum on the procurement of armament and equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers by Denmark, which was the first country to take such a step.

On Monday, 28 October, the Swedish government announced its decision to allocate 63 million in support to Ukraine as part of previous military aid packages. The new financial contribution will include 20 million to support Ukraine's industrial base.

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Key developments on Nov. 11:

Russian forces damage Kurakhove Reservoir dam in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine says

Russian missile hits high-rise building in Kryvyi Rih, at least 14 injured including two children

Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia Oblast expected 'any day,' military says

Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter set ablaze at Moscow Oblast airport, Ukraine's military intelligence claims

Russia suffers deadliest day since start of full-scale invasion, Ukraine's military says

Russian forces damaged the dam holding the Kurakhove Reservoir in Donetsk Oblast on Nov. 11, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

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Filashkin's statement came after multiple reports of the dam being attacked near the village of Stari Terny, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the embattled town of Kurakhove.

The Kurakhove Reservoir is located on the Vovcha River, with its source near the village of Progress.

"This attack potentially threatens residents of settlements on the Vovcha River, both in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts," Filashkin said.

It's not the first time a critical dam was hit during the full-scale war.

Russia is carrying out intense attacks in multiple sections of the eastern front, with attempts to break through Ukraine's defenses in Donetsk Oblast toward the towns of Kurakhove and Pokrovsk.

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There is a threat of Kurakhove being encircled, Nazar Voitenkov, an acting spokesperson for Ukraine's 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Nov. 5.

Read also: Ukraine struggles to contain Russian advance in Donetsk Oblast as US elections loom

Russian missile hits high-rise building in Kryvyi Rih, at least 14 injured including two children

A high-rise residential building in Kryvyi Rih was hit by a Russian missile on Nov. 11, injuring at least 14 people including two children, local authorities said.

The missile hit the building between the first and fifth floor, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhiy Lysak reported, adding there may still be a woman and three children under the rubble.

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A 10-year-old girl, and an 11-year-old boy are among the injured.

"Russia seeks only to continue the war, and each of its strikes refutes any statements from Russia about diplomacy," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media.

"Ukraine needs weapons to defend against Russian terror and stronger support from the world to make diplomacy real and strong."

The aftermath of a Russian attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Nov. 11, 2024. (State Emergency Service)

Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia Oblast expected 'any day,' military says

Russian assaults in Zaporizhzhia Oblast could begin "any day," Vladyslav Voloshyn, Ukrainian military's Southern Command spokesperson, told Reuters on Nov. 11.

In early October, Russian troops have reportedly renewed their attack in the Zaporizhzhia sector. Kyiv warned of a potential Russian push in the southern region, just as Moscow's troops continue advancing in Ukraine's east.

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According to Voloshyn, Russia is also deploying trained assault groups to advance in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. They are preparing to attack, he added.

"(The assaults) could begin in the near future, we're not even talking about weeks, we're expecting it to happen any day," the spokesperson said.

Ukraine's military intelligence said that Russia was planning to use armored vehicles and a significant number of drones, Voloshyn said, although it is not yet clear whether this will be a single offensive push or separate attacks.

"They are preparing both armored groups and light vehicles  buggies, motorcycles  to conduct these assault operations," he added.

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Voloshyn said in October that Russian forces were massing for a breakthrough in the direction of Orikhiv and Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The area was the main axis of Ukraine's southern counteroffensive in 2023, which led to the liberation of the settlement of Robotyne but achieved no major results.

Russian troops have intensified attacks against Zaporizhzhia, targeting its civilian infrastructure with guided aerial bombs.

Read also: Ukraine holds off nearly 50,000 Russian troops in Kursk Oblast, Zelensky says

Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter set ablaze at Moscow Oblast airport, Ukraine's military intelligence claims

A Mi-24 type attack helicopter was set ablaze and destroyed at an airbase in Russia's Moscow Oblast, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) claimed on Nov. 11.

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In a post on Telegram, HUR said the aircraft was attacked at a Russian airbase overnight on Nov. 9-10, and attached a video allegedly showing it on fire.

It did not say how the helicopter was set ablaze. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the video.

Russia suffers deadliest day since start of full-scale invasion, Ukraine's military says

Russian losses in Ukraine reached a record daily high of 1,770, according to figures released by Kyiv on Nov. 11.

The total surpasses the previous record of 1,740 on May 13.

According to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Russia's total casualties now stand at 710,660.

The figures do not specify killed or wounded, though the overall consensus is that it includes dead, wounded, missing, and captured. They are broadly in line with estimates from Western nations.

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While the Kremlin does not announce the number of dead and injured, Western officials have claimed October was the heaviest month yet for Russian forces.

The number of Russian troops injured and killed last month averaged 1,500 "every single day," U.K. Defence Staff Chief Admiral Anthony Radakin told the BBC on Nov. 10.

This is higher than the previous figure presented by the U.K. Defense Minister John Healey, who told The Telegraph on Nov. 8 that Russia suffered 41,980 killed and wounded during October- a daily average of 1,354.

According to some experts, the surge in losses in recent months may be one of the factors behind the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia.

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Russia is sacrificing high numbers of troops for tiny increments of land, Radakin told the BBC. However, he added that Russia is making tactical, territorial gains, and putting pressure on Ukraine" amid a heavy offensive.

While Russian forces are suffering record losses, they're also making increasingly swift gains in the east of Ukraine.

According to a Bloomberg analysis published on Nov. 1, Ukraine has lost 1,146 square kilometers of its own territory since the launch of the Kursk Oblast incursion in early August, with the week up until Nov. 1 reported as the worst in terms of lost territory in all of 2024.

On Nov. 2, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Ukraine was facing one of the most powerful Russian offensives since the start of the all out war.

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Over autumn, large chunks of Ukrainian territory, sometimes including entire cities, have been lost on a near-daily basis in southern Donetsk Oblast, while Russian forces have also made operationally significant gains near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, Kupiansk, as well as on their own soil in Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Kyiv Independent is 3 years old. Heres a list of our consequential stories throughout the years

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Throughout Russia's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, Russian forces have been using not only conventional weapons but also specialised ammunition loaded with hazardous chemicals. However, it is incorrect to classify these as "chemical weapons".

Source: Captain Dmytro Lykhovii, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in an interview with ArmyInform

Quote: "The term "chemical weapon" is inaccurate regarding these munitions. However, the use of ammunition containing toxic substances in warfare is also strictly prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons."

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Details: This refers, in particular, to the Russians using hand grenades filled with gas, such as the K-51 and the RG-VO models, which are intended for riot control and are prohibited for use in armed conflict.

The Russians often use chloroacetophenone  a substance technically classified as a riot control agent rather than a chemical weapon. Lykhovii explained that chloroacetophenone, described in the Chemical Weapons Convention, is known for rapidly causing irritation to human sensory organs and temporary physical discomfort, such as tearing, nasal discharge, and blurred vision.

Lykhovii noted that the Russians, in addition to violating the Convention, are clearly aware of the effectiveness of these weapons, because when combating street riots, the police use such methods to make the protesters disperse and cease their actions. In the case of a combat setting, however, soldiers remain in their positions  within a chemically hazardous environment. These actions by Russian forces are deliberate violations aimed at inflicting harm on Ukrainian forces through the use of toxic substances.

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Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has visited Ukrainian units deployed to the Kursk front, where he held discussions with local commanders about combat operations and how to better target Russian forces.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Quote from Syrskyi: "I worked with units and subunits that are taking part in combat operations on the Kursk front. The importance of this operational area cannot be underestimated given the number of enemy troops deployed there."

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi in Kursk Oblast.

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Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: Syrskyi said Russian forces are trying to push the Ukrainian defence forces out from Kursk Oblast and advance into the territory currently controlled by them.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi in Kursk Oblast.

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

"So my visit was dedicated to helping commanders plan combat operations, improving the effectiveness of attacks on the enemy, and addressing supply and training issues," Syrskyi said.

He also noted that if it wasnt for the resilience of Ukrainian troops, Russian assault forces would have assaulted Ukrainian positions on the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove and Toretsk fronts, which would have significantly worsened the situation at the front.

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Background: On 10 November, The New York Times reported that 50,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers were preparing to launch a large-scale counteroffensive in Russias Kursk Oblast.

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Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has outlined the capabilities of Ukrainian drone production during a meeting in Kyiv with Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Source: Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov

Quote: "I informed the EU delegation about the capabilities of Ukrainian drone production, currently valued at US$11 billion. Of this, we can independently invest about US$3 billion, but to fully realise our potential, we need financial support from partners."

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Details: Umierov also thanked the EU for its support and expressed hope that a significant portion of the next tranche of funds derived from proceeds of frozen Russian assets will be used to strengthen Ukraine's defence industry.

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The skilful use of available weapons, including artillery and drones, allows Ukrainian border guards to repel attacks, inflicting heavy losses on the Russian troops in the areas of the eastern front controlled by Ukrainian forces.

Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU)

Details: Serhii Deineko, Head of the State Border Guard Service, has visited positions of combat units of the Pomsta (Revenge) and Hart (Hardening) brigades, as well as the Shkval (Squall) rapid response border commandant's office, which hold the line in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts.

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The officers spoke about the assault actions that the Russians continue to carry out, as well as the countermeasures taken by the border guards.

According to the video, Deineko observed the work of Ukrainian drones and was informed about the Russian losses due to the effective work of UAV pilots and artillery [in particular, the video reveals that in one day, the border guards destroyed two dozen Russian soldiers, and, according to UP, it happened on the Kramatorsk front, Donetsk Oblast  ed.]

Border guards have also repeatedly captured Russian soldiers, one of whom was taken recently in the Serebrianka forest.

In the video, the prisoner says that he was transferred from Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, to an engineering group of about 70 people, of which 25 remained  not long after the deployment.

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Separately, during the working visit, Deineko brought up the comprehensive provision of units, addressing urgent needs, and developing the use of reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial systems in all combat brigades.

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ISLAMABAD (AP)  The U.N. childrens agency on Monday warned that the health of 11 million children in Pakistans eastern Punjab province is in danger because of air pollution that experts say has become a fifth season in recent years.

Toxic smog has shrouded Pakistan's cultural capital of Lahore and 17 other districts in Punjab since last month. Health officials say more than 40,000 people have been treated for respiratory ailments.

UNICEF's representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, in a statement urged the government to make urgent and greater efforts to reduce air pollution for the 11 million affected children under the age of 5 and others.

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Prior to these record-breaking levels of air pollution, about 12% of deaths in children under 5 in Pakistan were due to air pollution," Fadil said. "The impact of this years extraordinary smog will take time to assess, but we know that doubling and tripling the amount of pollution in the air will have devastating effects, particularly on children and pregnant women.

Pakistan has shut schools until Nov. 17 in parts of Punjab as part of measures aimed at protecting childrens health. Authorities on Friday ordered the closure of all parks and museums for 10 days, and they have been urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.

According to the Environmental Protection Department in Punjab, Multan remained the most polluted city on Monday, with air quality index readings of about 800. Anything over 300 is considered hazardous to health.

Though the government has ordered the mandatory wearing of face masks, that has been widely disregarded. The government has also said it was looking into methods to induce artificial rainfall to combat the pollution.
Start your week in North Carolina politics with our latest Under the Dome podcast, for the week of Nov. 11, 2024. Dawn Vaughan here, your podcast host and The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief. On this episode, Im joined by my politics team colleagues Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi, Kyle Ingram and Korie Dean.

This episode is part two of our post-Election Day look at the statewide races on your ballots. If you missed our bonus episode posted the day after Election Day, you can catch up listening to that as well, during which we discussed the races for president, governor and attorney general and those focused on Charlotte, like Rep. Tricia Cothams close race.

On this episode, we get to the rest of the ballot: N.C. Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, the General Assembly and the rest of the Council of State, from auditor to agriculture commissioner. Plus what the working supermajority means for swing Democrats in the House.

Headliner of the Week

Stay tuned to the end for our picks for Headliner of the Week. Our non-politics headliners this week range from the Outer Banks television show to Veterans Day.

Listen to our latest episode below and catch up on previous episodes. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, iHeart, Pandora, Amazon Music and Stitcher.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Monday met with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, and they agreed to strengthen the planning and design of bilateral cooperation in an all-round, high-quality and forward-looking manner.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said when meeting with Gan that bilateral cooperation has produced new fruitful results in the past year and the two sides should make good use of the various platforms of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and continue to work together to push forward bilateral cooperation.

Gan said that the bilateral cooperation mechanism has continuously injected new impetus into the prosperity and development of the two countries. Singapore attaches great importance to the building of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and is willing to keep close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen mutual learning on governance, enhance people-to-people exchanges, expand cooperation in emerging areas and push for greater development of bilateral relations.

The two officials co-chaired four meetings of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including 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 (JSC), the 16th meeting of the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City JSC, and the eighth meeting of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity JSC.

The two sides comprehensively reviewed the progress of China-Singapore practical cooperation and fully recognized the achievements of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park, the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, and the Guangzhou Knowledge City.

They had in-depth exchanges on the cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), economy and trade, sustainable development, innovation, finance, public health, people-to-people exchanges, and bilateral national-level projects, and jointly explored new ideas and measures for cooperation.

The two sides agreed to continue to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen and implement major cooperation projects, strengthen the construction of new land-sea corridors, continue to expand cooperation in new areas with a focus on digitalization and greenization, and push for new achievements in people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation, so as to better benefit the two countries and their people.

They also witnessed 25 achievements of China-Singapore cooperation, including the signing of a Belt and Road cooperation plan, agreeing on the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA) Further Upgrade Protocol (FUP) to enter into force on Dec. 31 this year, and the renewal of the framework agreement on the exchange and training program for middle and high-ranking officials. 
David McNew/Getty Images

Undocumented queer people push back against both geopolitical and heteronormative borders," says Alonso Reyna-Rivarola, a gay man from Utah who was born in Lima, Peru, and came to the United States at age 11. He is a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, and has firsthand experience of how people living at this intersection can be overlooked and marginalized. There are the day-to-day things and the broader things," he says. As someone who's both undocumented and queer, you have to navigate being often excluded.

Queer immigrants have historically faced targeted discrimination. The inadmissibility clause of the Immigration and Nationality Act excluded those with sexual deviation and was used to deny queer immigrants legal status from 1952 to 1990, when the Supreme Court struck down the policy.

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Today, in a political landscape where government safety nets are designed for citizens and legal residents, undocumented queer individuals can still find themselves unseen and unprotected. There are approximately 300,000 undocumented queer immigrants currently living in the US, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. That is nearly 300,000 people who exist at an even greater disadvantage because of their dual identity.

For example, many undocumented people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, dont report crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence to law enforcement because they fear being deported. The same is true for queer individuals, who tend to experience sexual assault and domestic violence at even higher rates.

When you're undocumented, there's a lot of fear in reporting to the authorities for the fear of being deported or further victimized, says Bamby Salcedo, president of TransLatin@ Coalition, the largest trans-led organization in the US. Salcedo spent a significant portion of her life in the US undocumented after arriving at age 16 in 1985. She is now in the process of getting a U-Visa, which offers temporary legal status to victims of certain crimes, after she became a victim of a hate crime.

In 2023, over 520 pieces of legislation were introduced in state legislatures targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, with 220 specifically targeting trans individuals, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The messages they are crafting about us essentially translate to we are not supposed to exist, Salcedo says. Those are the messages that people hear, and because of those messages they act upon those things they believe about us. That translates into people actually enacting violence against us.

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Many states with Republican-controlled legislatures that are attempting to pass anti-queer legislation are also states pushing for extreme and anti-immigrant legislation. In its most recent legislative session, Texas  where a draconian Senate Bill 4 has been heavily criticized for encouraging racial profiling in the states attempt to deport individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally  filed over 76 anti-queer bills.

Donald Trumps 2024 presidential win could intensify challenges for undocumented people, especially given his promise of mass deportations and reduced asylum protections. Trumps agenda has also specifically outlined challenges for LGBTQ individuals, limiting access to healthcare and affirming services and rollbacking Title XI protections.

For undocumented trans individuals, Reyna-Rivarola adds, there are a myriad of other challenges, including finding gender-affirming care and changing gender markers on IDs. "There is also the reality that undocumented trans people who are detained are being sent to the wrong detention centers," he notes.

In some cases, detention means death for trans immigrants. Both Roxhana Hernandez and Johana Medina Leon were trans women who developed medical complications while being detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to Democratic lawmakers advocating for the release of transgender migrants from ICE.

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Says Salcedo, who has been incarcerated in an immigration detention center herself, undocumented individuals often end up at detention centers trying to find an easier life in the United States: Many members of our community fled their countries because of the violence that they experienced. Many of us come to this country, trying to find the American dream, only to find the American nightmare.

Luis is a 22-year-old gay man who arrived in Texas at age 15 from Veracruz, Mexico. Its scary because it doesnt necessarily look as acceptable to be queer in Mexico, says Luis, who asked to withhold his last name because of his undocumented status. I dont think I would feel as safe as I am right now if I were ever deported to Mexico.

At the same time, some undocumented queer individuals are wary of erasing the queer heritage found in their birth countries. Dante, a 23-year-old DACA recipient from San Antonio who also asked to withhold his last name, says that his cultural heritage and queerness have been at odds in the past, but he now believes it is incredibly important to avoid a patronizing, American-exceptionalist lens and recognize queerness in Mexico. I've only recently begun exploring queerness in a culturally significant context," Dante says. "My family is deeply Catholic, and a lot of their sentiments towards my sexuality initially were that this kind of thing doesn't exist for them.

He continues, I've started discovering and being exposed to queer art, queer stories, and queer experiences in Mexico, and it's been really cool. It's helped me a lot.

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Sometimes the path to legal status can also be uniquely difficult. Luis, who is not eligible for DACA, has been considering marrying his boyfriend of over two years for legal status. "One of the ways to get status is to get married and have kids, he says. Still, he worries about how his case would look to immigration officials. For instance, he says, when you go to the interview for a marriage-based green card and they ask questions like, 'Were your parents at the wedding?' and they were not there because they were not supportive."

Reyna-Rivarola points out that constantly juggling the vulnerabilities that come with one's identity prevents you from fully exercising and living a complete life. He says he has been involved with advocating for Palestinian liberation but is worried that his political involvement could result in immigration sanctions. If you have to constantly police yourself, you're always on edge.

Dante feels a different type of pressure: "[There are] pressures to perform or fulfill different roles. Our families often feel heavier because we're a family of immigrants that have had a hard time in this country; it's a lot harder at times to dismiss some of the obligations that they have or that they impose, whether intentional or unintentional." He adds, Sometimes the obligations can just be the kinds of jobs they want for us or something a lot more personal, like marriage or how we present ourselves to the family.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS)  Special visitors paid a visit to the Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg.

The United States Air Force Heritage Brass Band put on a free performance ahead of Veterans Day at the Carnegie Hall. This was their first appearance in the Hamilton Auditorium since 2019, when they performed in front of a sold-out crowd.

The longest running Veterans Day parade returns to McDowell County

Cathy Rennard is the CEO and President of Carnegie Hall. She said they were also honored to have a Presentation of the Colors preceding the concert, by the Greenbrier Composite Squadron.

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Freedom is not free, and we are very grateful for the sacrifices that our veterans have made to ensure that the shores of America stay as they are for us. We want to celebrate them, honor them, and just find that unity and patriotism that we all share. So, we are very grateful for their presence here today, said Rennard.

The Heritage Brass Band is an 11-piece ensemble with percussion and vocals. They proudly represent the airmen of the United States.

Lewisburg was the latest stop on their tour, in between their performance in Blacksburg, Virginia, and the Clay Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WHTM)  The year 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the selection, return from Europe, and interment at Arlington Cemetery of the Unknown Soldier.

According to Dr. Michael Neiberg of the U.S. Army War College, honoring unknown soldiers is not a new idea.

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The idea of creating a monument to unknown soldiers goes back to the ancient Greeks. Thucydides mentioned it (The Peloponnesian War, 5th Century B.C.E.-Auth.) We in the United States did it in the American Civil War, so it is an ancient custom, Neiberg said.

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Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to host centennial ceremony

But World War I would create a special need to honor the unidentified dead. The old ways of fighting infantry charges, attack and counterattack, marching in formation  were literally blown away. Rapid-fire artillery and machine guns turned dashing across a field towards an enemy an exercise in mass suicide.

The Unknown Soldier Part Two: A hard crossing

The war began on June 28th, 1914. By September 15, less than four months later, the first trenches were dug, and the war literally ground to a halt in a brutal, bloody stalemate. All told, the two sides would dig almost 35,000 miles of trenches.

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The U.S. Army Heritage and Education in Carlisle has a replica World War I Trench, which is where we met Dr. Neiberg to talk about the war.

Trench warfare was awful, Neiberg said. All the conditions, exposed to weather, exposed to rats, exposed to shelling, just awful. But it did save lives, it was better for human life than being out in the open, but it was a miserable way to fight a war, as everyone recognized early on.

Unknown Soldier Part Three: The final journey

At first, the United States tried to stay out of the war. According to Dr. Neiberg: America tried to hold to a pro-allied neutrality. Most Americans favored the British and French but didnt want to get involved.

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But get involved they did, entering the war in 1917.

Even then, Neiberg explained, The United States goes in as an associated power, that is, saying were fighting for our own interests, not necessarily the British or French.

U.S. Army Heritage Days in Carlisle

But it takes about a year for the United States to really put together large numbers of forces. The first big battle the United States fights in really isnt until the summer of 1918. And then the United States is a major part of the war from summer 1918 until its done.

And when it was done, the United States had over 116,000 dead. Many are never identified.

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Why Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11

Most soldiers in World War I are killed by artillery. And very often artillery doesnt leave enough of a body to identify it, Neiberg said. So, there are simply more unknown soldiers in the First World War than there had been in other wars, which creates a kind of macabre and bizarre kind of need to commemorate those folks. Virtually all of the major combatants of World War I created an unknown soldier.

Belgium, Britain, France, Italy, and Portugal established monuments to unknown soldiers. And on Oct. 25, 1921, a train arrived in the French harbor of Le Havre. Onboard, Americas Unknown Soldier. He had been selected a day earlier.

Breakfast in Carlisle celebrates and remembers veterans

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The United States Army gave orders to a Sergeant named Edward Younger, a well-decorated combat veteran, Neiberg said. They told him to go to the town of Chalons-sur-Marne in France, where a Frenchman who had lost three sons handed him a bouquet of roses. Then he was escorted into a room where there were four coffins of unidentified soldiers, soldiers that were completely untraceable. Sargeant Younger walked around the room a couple of times, placed the bouquet of roses on one casket, and thats how they chose the one that would go to Arlington.

Veterans Day ceremony held at Greenwood Cemetery in Lancaster

French and American dignitaries gathered to escort the Unknown to a waiting vessel. For the special passenger, the navy had picked a special ship.

The Unknown Soldier comes on board the Olympia, which at that time would probably have been the most famous ship in the U.S. Navy. It was Admiral Deweys flagship when he went to the Philippines in 1898, so the symbolism is really important, Neiberg said.

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The Unknown Soldier series: Where does World War I video footage come from?

The Olympia pulled away from the dock, sailors at stations, and a detachment of marines to stand watch over the Unknown during the journey. Those aboard the ship had no way of knowing it, but they were about to go in harms way.

This is the first story in a three-part series. To view part two, A hard crossing, click here. To view part three, The final journey, 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 ABC27.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM)  The year 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the selection, return from Europe, and interment at Arlington Cemetery of the Unknown Soldier.

Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia chronicles the seafaring history of Pennsylvania. People dont think about Pennsylvania as a maritime state, and yet we are, Peter Seibert, CEO and president of the museum, said. Its most famous exhibit is the cruiser Olympia.

The Unknown Soldier Part One: The last journey begins

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The historic Olympia is an amazing vessel, Seibert said. She is truly the last of her kind. She was built at the end of the 19th century as a steel and iron warship, meant to show to the world that America was on stage, and we were a world power.

Commissioned in 1895, Olympia gained national fame during the Spanish-American War as the flagship of Commodore George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898. Its service to the country didnt end there.

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As Seibert explained, She served in the Spanish-American War, then during the First World War, in guarding troop transports. She was there during the Spanish flu epidemic, helping out in the Adriatic. She was then in Russia supporting American efforts against the Red Russians and supporting the White Russians. She had a really, really long history that was so much a part of the story of the early 20th century.

Unknown Soldier Part Three: The final journey

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This history made Olympia an obvious choice to bring the Unknown Soldier home from France.

The museum has a special temporary exhibit on board the ship, detailing what happened on that trip. It is called The Difficult Journey home for good reason.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to host centennial ceremony

Olympia left France on Oct. 25, 1921, with the coffin on the afterdeck at the stern of the vessel. The ships crew wanted to move the Unknown inside for the rest of the voyage, but the hatches were too narrow for the coffin.

And no one wanted to be disrespectful by turning it up on end or tilting it, Seibert explained, so they agreed they would probably try to find a place for the body to rest outside on the ship, and they would lash it down.

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Hidden history of Lancaster Countys Shenks Ferry nature preserve

The Unknown ended up on the signal deck, encased in a specially made box, wrapped in canvas, and secured in place with every lashing they could find. A detachment of Marines stood guard 24 hours a day.

The special exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum includes animations created for the museum by contributing partner Drexel Universitys Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and Assistant Teaching Professor Dan Rose.

Old Guard posts flags at Arlington National Cemetery

The animation shows what it was like when Olympia sailed into the paths of not one, but two tropical storms  the remnants of Hurricane #5 and the Tampa Bay Hurricane. (The idea of giving hurricanes proper names didnt catch on until the 1950s.)

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And the Olympia was tossing around like a cork. And the marines who were designated to guard the Unknown, they actually lashed themselves to the coffin, to the ship itself, which must have been terrifying to be out here, tied on this way.

Historic Lancaster County site celebrates 300th anniversary this year

It wasnt straightforward sailing, it was up and down, up and down, so you had to keep a good head of steam going on Olympia. That was an all-hands operation, and it really, really was, Siebert said.

The Olympia is equipped with two triple-expansion steam engines, the same type of engines that powered the Titanic and every Liberty Ship built during World War II. Keeping a good head of steam meant burning coal, and lots of it.

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Why Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11

As Siebert explained, that presented a couple of problems during the storms:

The coal was stored in bunkers that ran along the sides of the ship, and that was to be added protection as well, in case of attack. But it meant that these guys had to be downstairs, shoveling coal on a constant basis. There was no mechanical stoker that you put in the coal and it feed it out.

Coal produces ash, and so every roughly four hours, they had to get the ash out so you wouldnt fill up with ash and lose your efficiency. And that had to be brought up on hoists, out of the bowels of the ship, and dumped overboard.

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Treasured trash: A visit to the White Cliffs of Conoy

Burning coal and dumping ash made the ship lighter, which meant the hull rose further out of the water. That changed the center of gravity, which made it less stable, which meant it rolled farther  on a ship that already had a long-standing reputation as a roller. At one point, the Olympia heeled over a full 39 degrees, just a few degrees away from capsizing.

And then of course the ship is rocking at the same time, Seibert said. Its groaning, its moaning, the ship itself is adjusting to being battered. So you can just imagine how terrifying it would have been.

Harrisburg gives up its warship

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The crew of Olympia spent much of the 15-day voyage fighting foul weather and high seas. Finally, on Nov. 9, Olympia docked at the Washington Navy Yard, where the Unknown was transferred to a caisson and taken to the Capitol to lie in state in the rotunda. Sailors and Marines could take pride in a job well done, and probably breathe sighs of relief.

For the Olympia, transporting the Unknown was the last hurrah. In 1922 it was decommissioned and languished at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

The Unknown Soldier series: Where does World War I video footage come from?

Then in the early 1950s, the Navy announced plans to scrap some of the older vessels, including Olympia. History-minded Philadelphians came together to rescue the ship, and in 1958, it became a floating exhibit on Philadelphias waterfront.

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This is the second in a three-part series. To view part one, click here. To view part three, 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 ABC27.
(WHTM)  World War I was notable for many reasons  brutal slaughter being the foremost. But its also the first war to be extensively recorded on motion picture film. During the five years of the war, cinematographers on both sides of the conflict shot literally miles of film, showing everything from basic training to actual combat.

The Unknown Soldier Part One: The last journey begins

The Unknown Soldier Part Two: A hard crossing

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Unknown Soldier Part Three: The final journey

The cameras used 35 mm motion picture film, the same kind used by Hollywood (16 mm movie film wouldnt be introduced by Eastman Kodak until 1923 and was considered an amateur format). Everything was black-and-white; a practical method of shooting movies in color wouldnt come along until the mid-1920s.

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The cameras were hand-cranked at about 16-18 frames per second. Between the large size of the cameras and the hand-cranking, every shot had to be on a tripod.

Looking for film from World War I can be a daunting task, but the National Archives make it easy. The collections of the archive include thousands of movies, of which 3,352 are up on the National Archives YouTube channel. Two of them became abc27 reporter David Tristans primary sources for a series on the Unknown Soldier:

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America Goes Over: A documentary produced by the Army Signal Corps showing prewar America, The U.S. joining the war effort, and ultimately, the doughboys going into battle

The Unknown Soldier of the World War: Follows the Unknown Soldier from his arrival in Le Havre, France, being put on board the cruiser Olympia, lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, and the parade to Arlington Cemetery

Some other movies Tristan looked at:

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That leaves just 3,343 videos on the National Archive YouTube channel to go, covering life in America from the invention of movies to today. Dive in and have fun.

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For over 40 years, six people from Medjugorje, a small town in Bosnia-Herzegovina, have claimed to see and speak with the Virgin Mary. For almost as long, hordes of pilgrims have traveled to visit sites of the virgins alleged appearance and to observe the seers daily trances.

The Vatican has never approved the pilgrimage or issued any official judgment of the visionaries  until now.

Scholars have shown that Christians have claimed to see the virgin in dreams and visions since the fourth century. I have studied modern Marian apparitions for about 15 years and wrote a book about an American apparition.

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Reports of Virgin Mary sightings escalated after 1800. Church leaders have rarely authenticated such claims, however, with the exception of some famous events at Lourdes, France, and Fatima, Portugal.

Of the roughly 500 apparitions reported between 1900 and 2000, the Catholic Church declared only 10 to be genuinely supernatural, based on the churchs exacting requirements for authenticity.

Earlier this year, though, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith  formerly the Inquisition and now the Vatican office responsible for protecting and promoting Catholicism  issued new norms for the discernment of alleged supernatural events.

As a result, the dicastery has declared that despite its previous skepticism, the pilgrimage to Medjugorje can still yield spiritual fruits. The decision does not mean, however, that the dicastery believes the apparitions to be genuinely supernatural  only the pope can make that decision.

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Still, both the ruling and the way it came about are important changes in the history of apparitions.

Apparitions at Medjugorje

In 1981, Medjugorje was a small farm town of about 14,000 people in the former Yugoslavia. On June 24 that year, six children, aged 11 to 16, told their families that they had seen the Gospa  Serbo-Croatian for the Lady  on the hill of Podbrdo near Medjugorje.

Forty-three years later, two of the original witnesses still claim to see and speak to the Gospa daily, while three of the others allegedly meet her yearly, and one announced that she no longer sees the virgin. The two who see the Gospa daily, Ivan Dragicevic and Vicka Ivankovic-Mijatovic, continue to share the virgins daily messages with pilgrims.

Church authorities have argued about the Medjugorje apparitions since they began. They sent psychiatrists and physicians to examine the seers, tested the childrens grasp of the catechism and observed their behavior. Meanwhile, more people came to watch the daily visions, even when Yugoslavia was fractured into new nations by the three-year-long Bosnian war starting in 1992.

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The Gospa has allegedly imparted about 40,000 messages to the seers, which have been shared on various websites devoted to the Medjugorje pilgrimage. The sheer number of repetitive messages alarmed church authorities. In 2017, Pope Francis warned that Mary was not a Madonna who is the head of a telegraph office.

The messages claim that Mary wants a return to faith, conversion to deeper forms of Catholicism, ordination of more priests and reconciliation among individuals, families and nations. According to seers, the virgin also chided Catholics for not paying attention to her messages at Medugorje.

Pilgrims on the path that leads to the place where seers reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty Images

Church guidelines for discernment

The church has always set guidelines for discerning the truth of visions. A seer must be healthy and their visions must not contradict Catholic doctrine.

Additionally, the seer must not seek profit or fame from their experiences or use visionary claims as a pretext for exploitation. They must not spread a sectarian mentality that would subvert church authority.

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Until now, local bishops investigated reports of supernatural phenomena in their dioceses, then either declared them safe for Catholics or shut them down. Sometimes a complex case led bishops to seek private help from the dicastery.

The process varied across dioceses and could take years to complete  43 in the case of Medjugorje. If the church finds nothing troubling about the proclaimed visionary, Catholics are allowed but not required to believe in the vision.

New norms

The dicasterys revised norms of discernment may be a response to increasing Catholic claims to supernatural experience. Global media not only spread but encourages reports of visions and apparitions.

The newly revised norms make three important changes to the process.

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First, the new norms put the decision about supernatural phenomena in the hands of the dicastery. It streamlines the process and prevents local politics or any single bishops opinions from clouding final assessment of the declared apparition.

Second, the dicastery has reduced assessment of visions to one of six outcomes. The least positive decision is that theres nothing supernatural going on.

The most positive ruling  short of the popes official declaration that the phenomenon is unarguably supernatural  is Nihil obstat, meaning nothing hinders.

This means the event presents many signs of the action of the Holy Spirit, and that the visionary shows no serious flaws that would prevent Catholics from supporting the phenomenon.

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The third is that the apparition can be genuine even if the alleged seers have made minor errors of interpretation or behavior. It recognizes that visionaries sometimes cannot properly articulate what they see, or they may misinterpret the virgin  for instance, suggesting Mary is angry with those who ignore her warnings. Seers need not be perfect Catholics, either.

Belief in the Virgin of Medjugorje

Despite personal criticisms of the seers, such as accusations that they have profited from their fame, the dicastery found that apparitions at Medjugorje have led to profound positive fruits for thousands of people.

One survey at the vision site found that 48.8% of visitors to Medjugorje said their lives were changed by the experience; 30.4% believed their lives were very much changed; and 14.5% said they were radically changed.

Granted, pilgrims are often predisposed to spiritual growth, yet the majority of visitors to Medjugorje claimed deepened faith. Some were moved to seek ordination or able to conquer what they considered sinful habits; some others reconciled with family members, were healed of illness or disability, or witnessed small miracles.

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Still, the dicastery suggests that pilgrims should visit and pray at places associated with the original events at Medjugorje, such as the hill of Podbrdo, rather than watching the seers in trance.

A Vatican commission in 2010 had decided that the first seven apparitions and related messages were supernatural, but the commission was not convinced about the rest.

Why now?

Changes in the norms for discernment have come at a moment when church leaders claim to be listening to ordinary believers. Pope Francis recently concluded a three-year Synod on Synodality that brought parish priests, lay people and even dissenting theologians together with church leaders in Rome to ponder solutions.

Long-term issues important to the laity, such as inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics and womens ordination, were discussed but left unresolved. Yet the synod achieved some structural reforms aimed at including the ideas and opinions of regular Catholics. Early in the deliberations, the synod itself warned against the sin  of lack of listening, communion, and participation of all.

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Perhaps the dicastery is paying attention to the experience of pilgrims.

Catholic priests conduct a Mass for pilgrims at St. Jacobs Church, in Medjugorje, on Sept. 19, 2024. Elvis Barukcic/AFP via Getty Images

No matter what the supposed visionaries do or say or whether the virgin appears there or not, many visitors say going to Medjugorje makes them better Catholics. Over 43 years, millions of pilgrims have believed in the apparitions at Medjugorje.

It appears that, given the dicasterys recent ruling of Nihil obstat, nothing prevents Catholics from devotion to Our Lady of Medjugorje, the Queen of Peace.

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: Lisa Bitel, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

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Lisa Bitel 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.
The United States has carried out a second consecutive night of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, a US defense official said Sunday.

Details of the types of weapons, targets or locations of the strikes were not immediately available, though there were reports of explosions in the Amran and Saada governorates, north of the capital of Sanaa, where the US has carried out strikes in the past.

On Saturday, the US used fighter jets to carry out a series of strikes against Houthi sites in at least three different locations, including facilities the Iran-backed rebel group used to store advanced conventional weapons that have been used to target US warships and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

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The Red Sea is a vital waterway that connects to the Suez Canal, through which 10% to 15% of the world trade passes. Activities along the strait have effectively closed amid ongoing attacks.

The Houthis, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, are all part of an Iran-led alliance spanning Yemen, Syria, Gaza and Iraq that has attacked Israel and its allies since the war in Gaza began. They say they wont stop striking Israel and its allies until a ceasefire is reached in the Palestinian enclave.

The Houthi attacks come amid Yemens dire humanitarian crisis  worsened since a 2014 civil war when Houthi forces stormed the capital Sanaa and toppled the internationally-recognized, Saudi-backed government.

The Arabian Peninsula nation, home to more than 34 million people, is plagued by severe food shortages exacerbated by climate catastrophes. Earlier this year, the country was struck by deadly flooding that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee warned makes things worse for the 4.5 million Yemenis currently internally displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

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The US has struck Houthis targets in Yemen multiple times over the last 11 months but the attacks have continued. In mid-October, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the US struck the militant group using stealth B-2 bombers for the first time. B-2 bombers are among the most sophisticated weapons in the countrys long-range strike arsenal, capable of carrying a far larger payload than fighter jets.

The attack was authorized at the direction of President Joe Biden, Austin said, to make clear to the Houthis that there will be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks.

CNN reported last month that the US has strengthened its military posture in the region amid Israels war with Hamas in Gaza and conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. US forces in the region include a carrier strike group, several additional guided missile destroyers, an amphibious ready group, a marine expeditionary unit and a broad range of aircraft, including fighter and attack aircraft.

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A new investigation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that a failed engine complaint effects over 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles.

The investigation, which opened Friday, spans from the 2018 to 2020 Acura TLX, 2016 to 2020 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot, 2018/2019 Honda Odyssey and 2017 to 2019 Honda Ridgeline vehicles with the 3.5-liter V6 engine.

A recall was issued to address the complete engine failure, which tied back to a faulty connection of rod bearings. These rods link the pistons to the crankshaft and convert vertical motion to move the wheels.

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No injuries or fatalities have resulted from the issue so far.

Honda recalled nearly 250,000 cars in November 2023 because of a similar issue. That recall included Pilots, Odysseys and some Ridgelines.

Honda said it will cooperate with NHTSA on the investigation, according to the Associated Press.

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By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The United States this week will decide whether Israel has made progress toward improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and how Washington will respond, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday as Israel began to make its case.

President Joe Biden's administration told Israel in an Oct. 13 letter signed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that the longtime U.S. ally must take steps within 30 days on a series of measures or risk restrictions on American military aid.

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"This week we will make our judgments about what kind of progress they have made," Sullivan told the CBS program "Face the Nation." "And then Secretary Austin, Secretary Blinken, the president will make judgments about what we do in response, and I'm not going to get ahead of that."

COGAT, the Israeli military agency that deals with Palestinian civilian affairs, on Sunday published a list of Israel's humanitarian efforts over the past six months, "highlighting recent initiatives and detailing plans to sustain support for Gaza as winter approaches."

"Through expanded routes, medical assistance, infrastructure improvements and coordination with international partners, COGAT continues to facilitate the implementation of humanitarian efforts that are meant to help the civilian population in the Gaza Strip," the agency said.

The U.S. deadline is set to expire just days after global food security experts said there is a "strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas" of northern Gaza as Israel pursues a military offensive against Hamas Palestinian militants there.

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Israel began its wide military push in northern Gaza last month. The United States has said it is watching to ensure that Israel's actions on the ground show that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government does not have a "policy of starvation" in the north.

COGAT on Saturday pushed back against the rare alert by the independent Famine Review Committee, which reviews findings by the internationally recognized standard known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

The Israeli agency said that "all projections by the IPC have proven incorrect and inconsistent with the situation on the ground" and that Israel's military "operates and will continue to operate in accordance with international law to facilitate and ease the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza."

COGAT also said Friday that it is preparing to open another crossing - at Kissufim - into Gaza.

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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 accused Israel of hindering and blocking attempts to deliver aid, particularly to Gaza's north.

In response to the famine warning, the head of the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon.

"This deprives people in Gaza of the basics including food to survive," Lazzarini wrote in a social media post on Saturday. "What is being allowed into Gaza is not enough, an average of just over 30 trucks (a) day. This is just over six percent of the daily needs."

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 denied Israeli allegations that it was stealing aid and has blamed Israel for shortages.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Brendan O'Brien; Editing by Will Dunham)
SANAA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-British coalition fighter jets carried out nine airstrikes on military sites in the Houthi-controlled northern Yemen on Monday morning, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The airstrikes, which have continued for its third consecutive day, hit the Houthi military sites in the Harf Sufyan district in Amran province and the As-Safra district in Saada province, said the television, without specifying the casualties or the extent of damage.

The Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa and several other northern Yemeni provinces, rarely disclose their casualties or losses.

The coalition has yet to comment on the strikes.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since the Houthi group seized control of several northern provinces in late 2014, forcing the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel and disrupted "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea, allegedly to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In response, the U.S.-led navy coalition stationed in the Red Sea has been conducting regular air raids and strikes against Houthi targets since January in a bid to deter the group from disrupting the international shipping lanes. 
Utah officials this week rejected a request to study the feasibility of incorporating a mountainous expanse in Morgan County where a development team proposes a 2,257-unit housing and resort

The Utah Lieutenant Governors Office rejected the request from Ogden-based Spring Mountain Ranch and SISO in a letter dated Nov. 4, saying it didnt comply with guidelines set out in state law governing the incorporation process. Among other things, the 2,317-acre expanse encompassing the proposed city surrounds an island of territory not included in the municipality, and the land is owned by more than three entities, running afoul of requirements spelled out by the state.

Brach Nelson, of Structure 9 Development Group, part of the team pursuing the Nine Springs Mountain Resort plans, said the developers haven't yet determined their next steps. "We are still figuring that out," he said.

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Per state guidelines, Spring Mountain Ranch and SISO reps can "correct the deficiencies" identified in the denial letter, it reads, and resubmit a request for a feasibility study. If an acceptable amended request isn't submitted by Feb. 2 next year, though, "the incorporation process cannot proceed," says the letter. Feasibility studies are required at the preliminary phase of proposed incorporation to determine if an envisioned city would have a sufficient tax base to operate.

The Nine Springs developers propose 2,257 housing units on an undeveloped expanse north of I-84 between Mountain Green and the Snowbasin ski resort in adjacent Weber County. The development  still in the preliminary planning stages  would include a mix of single-family homes, condominiums and other multifamily structures, along with 600 hotel units and 30 yurts. They have also been in talks with Morgan County officials about the plans since the zone is unincorporated, at least for now.

"The Morgan County Planning and Development office never stopped working on the Nine Springs application. Their decision to file a request with the lieutenant governor's office does not affect their application submitted to Morgan County," Kate Becker, the Morgan County manager, said in a message.

The Wasatch Back area of Weber and Morgan counties is getting increased attention from developers. Officials from the Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley ski resorts in Weber County have broached the possibility of new development initiatives. A massive, high-end development is already underway south of the proposed Nine Springs site in Morgan County, the 12,000 acre Wasatch Peaks development.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaking at a Nov. 8 press briefing in Richmond. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

Virginia legislators, educators and parents were surprised to learn in the past few months how many schools failed to meet expectations under a new accountability system compared to an older system that showed most schools were accredited.

During an announcement on Friday about the Department of Educations new Road to Readiness Hub to help improve student and school performance, the agencys current reports showed most schools were meeting or are on track to meet expectations compared to a report presented in August demonstrating that more than half of schools lagged behind and required support, based on 2023-24 data.

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Under the accountability system, schools are given one of four labels based on their performance: Distinguished, On track, Off Track, and Needs Intensive Support.

Schools considered distinguished are those that exceed the states expectations for growth, achievement and readiness, while those that need intensive support do not meet any of the states expectations. In addition, there are on-track and off-track descriptors that indicate whether schools are meeting or not meeting expectations.

It seems like there is not [any] clarity around what we are talking about and what this new accountability system is actually looking at, Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, the Senate Health and Education Committee chair, told reporters on Friday, adding that the VDOE has not been forthcoming with its data.

We dont have the data ourselves to evaluate what these numbers constitute and what they represent, she said, and so thats a real concern why theres not the transparency we need in order to understand where our schools are actually performing.

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When asked about the data gap, Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said on Friday that the modeling was incomplete. The August data was not finalized until Sept. 30, Coons said.

The Virginia Department of Education projected in August that 55.5% of schools were significantly off track and not meeting the states expectation for growth, achievement, and readiness (Courtesy of VDOE)

Based on 2023-24 data, the VDOE projected in August that 55.5% of schools were significantly off track and not meeting the states expectation for growth, achievement, and readiness, while current data shows that 34.7% of schools are off track and would need intensive support.

The hubs launch on Friday comes as Gov. Glenn Youngkins administration seeks to provide the public with transparent access to preliminary data on school performance and resources to support students and schools.

This new Road to Readiness embodies our commitment to high expectations, transparency, and prioritizing resources to those students and schools most in need, Youngkin said in a statement. Our school performance framework and this new resource hub reaffirm our commitment to empowering our teachers, partnering with our parents, strengthening our schools and most importantly, preparing every student for success.

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The administration believes the performance data was masked behind an existing system that showed an inaccurate picture of K-12 public education in Virginia, as identified by state and national assessments. Youngkin suggested the inaccurate picture was because of previous administrations decisions.

The hub is also in conjunction with the new accountability framework, which has been in the works for two years and was overhauled from the existing system.

The new framework is intended to depict how schools are meeting all requirements set by state laws and regulations, and provide timely and transparent information on student and school performance, according to the VDOE.

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Education leaders, including members of the Board of Education, said the existing system has been considered vague and fails to clearly state to the public how students are performing academically since its development in 2018-2019.

The new system also aims to improve the direction of state resources.

On Friday, Youngkin said he would commit at least an additional $50 million to support schools that were most in need, as well as an unspecified amount of additional operating funds for the Office of School Quality. The Richmond Times-Dispatch previously reported that the agency requested $125 million for the assessment system.

Data collection on assessments is underway, and full implementation of the plan  is set to begin in the 2025-26 school year.

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Public speakers at Board of Education meetings and Democratic lawmakers have criticized agency leaders for using performance labels that they say have a negative connotation. They also said that they believe the overhauling of the system was rushed.

Speakers have also said that the changes would increase current inequities for students, and require teachers to earn additional certifications to teach accelerated coursework in middle school mathematics, science, history and social science.

English learners, which have been typically excluded because of the language barrier, will also be considered in the accountability calculations.

The previous rules allowed VDOE to exclude ESL students from their assessment for 11 months per year. Under the new rules, the agency can only discount ESL student data for three months of the year.. Under the previous regulations, approximately 35,000 students were excluded.

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CHICAGO (CBS)  After more than three days of deliberations, an Indiana jury has convicted Richard Allen in the murders of two teenage girls who had vanished during a hike in Delphi in 2017.

A jury of seven women and five men spent about 19 hours deliberating over the course of three days before finding Allen, 52, guilty of all counts in the deaths of 14-year-old Liberty "Libby" German and 13-year-old Abigail "Abby" Williams.

John Thompkins, an Indianapolis defense attorney not connected to the case, was somewhat stunned.

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"I thought there was a fair amount of questionable evidence, and there were some significant weaknesses in the state's caseso I thought a not guilty verdict was a real possibility," said Thompkins, of Thompkins Law Indianapolis.

Liberty German, left, and Abigail Williams

Allen, appearing very pale and wide-eyed, had his Bible with him as the verdict was announced. He showed no visible reaction as the verdict was announced, but later turned back to his family and appeared to ask, "Are you OK?" His wife, Kathy, wept and appeared almost unable to stand after the verdict.

Sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 20. Allen faces up to 130 years in prison.

The case went to the jury on Thursday afternoon following closing arguments from the weekslong trial.

Richard Allen, 50, is charged with two counts of murder in the 2017 deaths of 13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German in Delphi, Indiana. / Credit: Indiana State Police

Prosecutors told jurors that Allen was the man seen in a grainy cellphone video recorded by one of the girls as they crossed an abandoned railroad bridge just before they vanished on Feb. 13, 2017. It was also noted that Allen repeatedly confessed to the killings in person, on the phone, and in writing. In one of the recordings, Allen could be heard telling his wife, "I did it. I killed Abby and Libby."

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Allen's defense doubted the confessions, with witnesses, including a psychologist, who said that Allen was delirious and psychotic after months in solitary confinement. The defense further argued there was no physical evidence tying Allen to the murders, stating that no witness explicitly identified Allen as the man seen on the hiking trail or the bridge the afternoon the girls went missing.

"I think it was the words that came out of Richard Allen's mouth himself," said Thompkins. "Whether they were going to come back guilty or not guilty was really going to be based on what he had said in those interviews."

Allen still lived in Delphi while working at a local pharmacy five years after the teens were killed.

Delphi murders: Timeline of events

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Abigail, 13, and Liberty, 14, better known as Abby and Libby, were close friends who were dropped off by a relative at a hiking trail on the Monon High Bridge in Delphi on Feb. 13, 2017. When they failed to meet Libby's father later in the day, they were reported missing. They were found dead about a mile from where they were last seen with cuts to the throat, according to prosecutors.

Police spent years searching for a suspect, investigating thousands of leads, and releasing multiple composite sketches of the suspect based on eyewitness accounts.

Audio evidence from Libby's cell phone revealed an unknown man had told the girls to go "down the hill." Libby also recorded a short Snapchat video of a man who police believed was the killer. Although police circulated the photo and audio just days after the killings, the case ran cold for more than five years until Allen was arrested in 2022.

Allen stayed in the small town of Delphi and worked at a local CVS pharmacy until a clerk related to the investigation in September 2022 noticed he had placed himself at the scene of the killings. Just days after the bodies were discovered, Allen told police he had been on that trail around the time the girls were thought to have been killed. He told them he had been walking in the area and seen three "females" near a bridge but hadn't spoken to them.

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On Oct. 13, 2022, Allen was interviewed again after police searched through former suspects. 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.

Allen was arrested on Oct. 26, 2022, and 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. Allen has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Over the course of the trial, which began Oct. 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. The defense doubted the confessions and said they were made involuntarily and that he was suffering from mental illness at the time.

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.

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According to WTHR, Wala testified that Allen had told her, "I killed Abby and Libby. I'm sorry," and that 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.

Allen's lawyers previously suggested that the girls were killed as part of a pagan ritual sacrifice and accused police of ignoring evidence from the crime scene. In a search warrant request in March 2017, an FBI agent claimed the girls' bodies appeared to have been "moved and staged" at the crime scene. That theory was not heard by the jury per the judge's ruling.

Thompkins said Allen's conviction could be reversed if an appeal finds the jury did not hear a fair amount of evidence.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20. Allen faces up to 130 years in prison.

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The defense could file an appeal within 30 days of the sentencing.

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Chinas PL-15 active-radar-guided air-to-air missile has been reworked for improved internal carriage in the countrys stealth fighters, the Chengdu J-20 and the Shenyang J-35. This development is significant, with the promise that these fighters should, in the future, be able to carry larger loads of longer-reaching missiles while maintaining their low-observable characteristics.

Full-size mock-ups of the revised PL-15E were unveiled at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, better known as Airshow China, in Zhuhai. While the event doesnt officially open until tomorrow, it has already sprung various surprises, including new versions of land-based and carrier fighters seen for the first time and at least one previously unseen drone.

Fin-folding PL-15E BVRAAM unveiled



Allowing J-20 and J-35 to carry 6 of these internally pic.twitter.com/7oCSv3Gzk2  Fighterman_FFRC (@Fighterman_FFRC) November 10, 2024

A few more detailed shots of the  PL-15E BVRAAM

(via wb/Fighterman_) https://t.co/S0nFlN0W7zpic.twitter.com/ltzItzqDwb  Jesus Roman (@jesusfroman) November 10, 2024

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The PL-15E differs from the previous PL-15 in having folding rear fins, which provide a compressed carriage capability, and other alternations ensuring that it can better fit inside internal weapons bays on stealth fighters. The cruciform tail fins now simply fold around the midway point, deploying once the missile is released from the aircraft. Meanwhile, the cruciform center-body fins are of reduced span compared to those on the original missile.

The PL-15E was displayed next to a short-range infrared-guided PL-10E air-to-air missile, in front of a mockup of the recently revealed J-35A stealth fighter and again in front of a mockup of the two-seat J-20S stealth fighter.

Scale models of the PL-15E and PL-10E in front of mockups of the J-35A and J-20S stealth fighters at Airshow China 2024 on November 10, 2024, in Zhuhai, Guangdong province of China. Photo by Ruan Yulin/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images China News Service

Already, the basic PL-15 can fit in the weapons bays of the J-20, at least. From the start, it appears the missile was tailored for internal carriage, with the original version already having distinctive cropped fins to reduce its dimensions, similar to the changes introduced on the American AIM-120C.

Close-up of a J-20 fighter carrying four inert examples of the original PL-15 in its main ventral bays. via Chinese Internet



The new PL-15E, therefore, is likely designed to be better accommodated in the weapons bay of the smaller J-35, and intended to increase the number of medium-range missiles that the J-20 can carry. Currently, four of the standard PL-15s can be carried in the J-20s internal weapons bay. Both those possibilities could also be true, with the PL-15E providing a dedicated internal medium-range air-to-air weapon for the J-35, and a way of accommodating more missiles internally in the J-20.

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While we have not seen inside the weapons bay of the J-35 thus far, there are indications that it is scaled to carry six medium-range air-to-air missiles  very likely the compressed-carriage PL-15E version.

Weapon carrying capacity of new Chinese J-35 stealth fighter jet.#j35a pic.twitter.com/gq54kGJGdB  Global Defense Agency (@Defense_GDA) November 9, 2024

Somewhat confusingly, while this compressed-carriage missile is new, the PL-15E designation is not. At the 2021 Airshow China, a PL-15E was also exhibited, described as an export version. Apart from a slightly reduced range, this was otherwise similar in appearance to the basic PL-15.

PL-15 air-to-air missile features an active electronically scanned array radar seeker and has a range exceeding 200 km. In Zhuhai air show 2021,China presented an export variant of PL-15 named PL-15E with a maximum range of 145km. #AirshowChina2021 pic.twitter.com/6gWSTD5cdI   (@louischeung_hk) October 1, 2021

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As you can read about in our in-depth story on Chinese air-to-air missiles, the PL-15 is Chinas standard active-radar-guided AAM and it apparently was intended to at least match the performance of the U.S.-made AIM-120D.

The PL-15 has a dual-pulse rocket motor that provides a reported range of 124 miles. Another important feature is a two-way datalink that allows the launching aircraft to provide guidance updates to the missile.

The missile seeker uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, with active and passive modes, and its claimed to have better resistance to countermeasures than previous Chinese air-to-air missiles.

The typical air-to-air load-out for the J-10 (like this J-10C) comprises PL-15 (inboard) and PL-10 (outboard) AAMs. via Chinese internet

As well as being the main armament of the J-20, the PL-15 is now also used by most other modern Chinese fighters, including the J-10C, J-11B, J-15, and J-16. The first export operator was Pakistan, which acquired PL-15s for its JF-17 Block III and J-10C fighters.

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All in all, the PL-15  even in its basic form  is widely assessed as being a very capable air-to-air missile and one that is likely superior in some respects to certain Western equivalents.

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) defense and security think tank determines that the PL-15 out-ranges the U.S.-made AIM-120C/D AMRAAM series and has a comparable maximum range to the Meteor.

Reflecting this, the development and fielding of the PL-15 has been a major driver behind the United States launching a program of improvements for its AIM-120D, creating a stopgap weapon before the new long-range AIM-260 enters widespread service. The AIM-260 program itself was also largely a response to Chinese AAM developments. In the meantime, the U.S. Navys AIM-174 air-to-air missile is also seen as a direct counter to China, to make full use of so-called kill webs for very long-range engagements in the Pacific theater.

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As well as working on secretive new range air-to-air missiles, the United States has also been looking at ways to increase the magazine depth of its existing fighters, specifically adding more missiles to the F-22 and F-35, which are constrained by their internal weapons carriage  provided they are to retain their critical low-observability advantage.

In the air-to-air configuration, the F-22 carries six AMRAAMs and two AIM-9 Sidewinders. However, the F-35 can only carry four internal AMRAAMs, which led to a program to develop the Sidekick weapons bay adapter, which will boost the number of internal AMRAAMs a Joint Strike Fighter can carry to six.

The United States has also been working on more radical ways of increasing internal air-to-air missile capacity.

The Raytheon Peregrine is a design for a new medium-range missile that combines superior performance with small size, potentially doubling the number of missiles that an F-35 or F-22 can carry internally.

Concept art of the Peregrine missile, being launched by an F-22. Raytheon www.twz.com

A similar miniaturized beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, Lockheed Martins Cuda, was promoted in the early 2010s, though more recently it seems to have largely disappeared from the companys marketing.

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It seems that Cuda would have been a shorter-range weapon than AMRAAM and would utilize a hit-to-kill design to help reduce its dimensions.

It would be surprising if China, too, isnt working on all-new air-to-air missiles that are optimized for internal carriage. In the meantime, however, it seems the PL-15 has been further optimized to arm both the J-20 and J-35 as China continues on its path of stealth fighter development  as well as the appropriate weapons to arm these aircraft.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Thats no way to thank military heroes!

New Yorks disabled vets are seeing red instead of ganga green on the eve of Veterans Day  fuming that they have been awarded a paltry 3.5% of all of the states cannabis business licenses issued so far, even though they are supposed to be considered a preferred group.

They also have received just 7% of the social equity licenses set aside for disadvantaged residents.

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It is totally unacceptable. That is not, Thank you for your service,  said Leo Bridgewater, an army vet and co-founder of Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis Association.

New Yorks disabled vets are seeing red instead of ganga green on the eve of Veterans Day  fuming that they have been awarded a paltry 3.5% of all of the states cannabis-business licenses issued so far. AP

More than half of the states cannabis licenses  53%  have been awarded to social and economic equity applicants so far, according to the state Office of Cannabis Management.

But of that group, 43% of the licenses went to women-owned businesses, 38% to racial and ethnic minorities and just 7% apiece to disabled vets and distressed farmers. Another 5% went to applicants from communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs before marijuana was legalized in New York in 2021.

The licenses issued cover merchants in all aspects of the weed business from seed to sale: farmers and cultivators, micro-processors, distributors and retail dispensaries.

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Osbert Orduna, CEO of the Queens-based The Cannabis Place and a disabled vet, called the number of licenses doled out to veterans to date ridiculous.

Its inadequate. Its hugely disappointing, said Orduna, who was awarded a license and is also a leader in the Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis Association.

More than half of the states cannabis licenses  53%  have been awarded to social and economic equity applicants so far. AFP via Getty Images

He said there are many disabled vets who earned a business certification from the state Office of General Service who should have been able to obtain a cannabis license.

The state Cannabis Control Board and office of Cannabis Managements treatment of disabled veterans has long been a sore point  but is an especially sensitive topic this time of year.

The licenses issued cover merchants in all aspects of the weed business from seed to sale: farmers and cultivators, micro-processors, distributors and retail dispensaries. Paul Martinka

Monday is Veterans Day, a federally recognized holiday when the nation is supposed to pause to honor its military heroes.

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Gov. Kathy Hochuls cannabis regulators were sued last year for giving convicted pot peddlers preference over disabled vets in the awarding of marijuana licenses.

Red-faced state officials settled the case after a judge ruled that the regulators were likely illegally favoring drug felons over disabled vets.

The state Cannabis Control Board and office of Cannabis Managements treatment of disabled veterans has long been a sore point  but is an especially sensitive topic this time of year. Paul Martinka

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The Office of Cannabis Management, in a statement, defended the share of licenses awarded to disabled vets.

Seven percent of the OCMs SEE [Social and Economic Equity] licensees are Service-Disabled Veteran Owned compared to the states 0.25% of small businesses that fit that same category, an OCM spokesperson said.

The OCM is proud to be ahead of the benchmark but, were also excited for the tremendous opportunity to grow the demographic. The SEE program fully expects to see a large uptick in [disabled veterans] representation as we move through approval in the December Queue.

But during a meeting last month, regulators appeared generally satisfied with the progress with at least the total number of cannabis licenses awarded to social-equity applicants.

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The Disabled Veterans in Cannabis group quickly fired back in a statement, Disabled veterans do not want a hand out, they want an opportunity to lead and launch their cannabis businesses.

We believe the OCM should give them the opportunity they earned, the group said.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Veterans Day ceremony was held in downtown Tampa to honor those who have served our nation.

Major General Karl Host, a retired U.S. Army service member, acted as Master of Ceremonies at the parade, hosted by the CRISP (Commitment, Respect, Integrity, Service, Pride) organization.

Veterans Day 2024 deals: Where to find free meals, coffee, admission and more

The ceremony took place at MacDill Park, located at 100 North Ashley Drive.

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Mayor Jane Castor, Lt. General Sean Farrell, and Senator Jay Collins were among those speaking at the event.

WFLA live streamed the parade at 11 a.m., which can be viewed 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 WFLA.
by Xinhua writers Ding Yinghua, Chen Hao and Zhang Zhaoqing

BUDAPEST, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two European meetings have been convened in Budapest with one on a new European competitiveness deal and the other to address pressing European security issues.

Analysts point out that these events provided a platform for European leaders to align on critical challenges amid the uncertain economic outlook. But deep-rooted divisions on issues like aid to Ukraine and political struggles in major EU nations such as France and Germany limited the meetings' potential outcomes.

ROADBLOCKS TO COMPETITIVENESS DEAL

A new European competitiveness deal was a focal point at the informal meeting of heads of state or government. According to the European Council, leaders endorsed the "Budapest Declaration," emphasizing the urgency of bolstering Europe's competitiveness through a new deal.

The EU's share of global GDP has halved over the past two decades, a concerning trend that leaders aimed to address by discussing competitive drivers introduced at an EU summit in April, said European Council President Charles Michel ahead of the meeting.

Media reports suggest the competitiveness deal discussions drew on a strategic report by Mario Draghi, former Italian Prime Minister and former European Central Bank president, which advocates for an additional annual investment of 750 billion euros (804 billion U.S. dollars) to 800 billion euros (857 billion dollars) to counteract Europe's competitive decline.

Draghi proposes issuing new fresh joint debt to bridge this substantial financial gap.

Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Allianz, commented that while the Budapest Declaration was endorsed, "Europe is not ready for this."

Analysts note that with Europe's uncertain economic outlook and continued internal disagreements, reaching a consensus on joint debt remains elusive.

France backed Draghi's proposal, yet Germany and the Netherlands rejected it almost immediately after the report's release. Although EU officials believed that Draghi's report will provide a strong basis for further EU initiatives, the Budapest Declaration remains vague on how to address the funding shortfall.

"That consensus did not come, and as a result we have suffered lower economic growth, and now stagnation," Draghi told reporters at the meeting.

SPLITS OVER UKRAINE AID

The issue of support for Ukraine remains a central concern for European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to social media X on Thursday, urging Europe to take on greater responsibility in security, defense and aid to Ukraine.

Since the escalation of the Ukraine crisis in Feburary 2022, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with 118 billion euros (126 billion dollars) in aid, according to European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis.

However, EU countries remain deeply divided over future aid. Hungary opposes further assistance, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban asserting that Europe cannot shoulder the financial burden of aiding Ukraine alone.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also questioned financial support for Ukraine, highlighting the need to prioritize resources for Europe's pressing issues like illegal immigration.

Matthew Burrows, director of the Strategic Foresight Hub at the Stimson Center, noted that European nations are increasingly divided politically and economically. The looming uncertainty over U.S. policy on Ukraine under a future administration has added to Europe's fatigue.

"FRANCO-GERMAN ENGINE" PREOCCUPIED

France and Germany, often regarded as the EU's "twin engines," have both encountered significant political troubles this year, with declining influence due to waning support for their ruling parties.

Analysts suggest this has weakened EU cohesion, with disagreements increasingly difficult to bridge and collective actions diminishing.

In France's legislative elections in June and July, President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition lost its majority. The new parliament was divided among the left-wing, centrist alliances and the far-right parties.

It created a rare period of over 50 days without a functioning government in France. Not until Sept. 5 did Macron appoint veteran conservative Michel Barnier as the new prime minister, restoring government functionality.

Meanwhile, Germany's coalition government encountered a political crisis following German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's announcement of the dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner. It led the Free Democratic Party (FDP) to exit the administration coalition, leaving Scholz's Social Democrats, Greens and FDP in disarray.

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank, noted that the coalition breakdown in Germany and persistent challenges for the French government have hampered EU efforts to consolidate its stance on key issues.

Germany, often regarded as Europe's leading economic engine, has faced an economic downturn in recent years, with declining manufacturing output affecting the EU's economic landscape. 
WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD)  Marine Corps veteran Ricardo Vasquez will wake up Tuesday to a new restroom and lease on life after a local Michigan company gifted him a new, accessible shower for Veterans Day.

Im going to sleep in the shower, Vasquez laughed as he admired the work that BathWorks of Michigan employees completed inside his Wyoming home. I hope it brings that joy back, when I used to like to take a shower.

New trees spruce up Wyoming veterans memorial wall

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Vasquez lost his legs to diabetes last winter and his wife to the disease this fall. He admittedly has had a hard year.

I dont even want to get up sometimes, he said.

But his sons commitment to the family and a lucky application brought this six-year serviceman a new restroom through a national program known as Baths for the Brave.

Were very proud that we spearheaded this program, said Senja Spelman, marketing director of BathWorks. We will be installing 19 different bathrooms for deserving veterans throughout our country today.

Grand Rapids coffee shop provides space for veterans and art

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Vasquez served as a machine gunner during the end of the Vietnam War. While he never deployed, he said his experience getting out of the military was similar to others back in the late 1970s and early 80s.

Now I know that somebody cares, he said. You spend all that time in the Marine Corps, and nobody says, Hey were going to help you out. Nothing like that.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MARQUETTE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WMBD)  Jack Ashton heard buzzing over his Marquette Heights home and thought, whats going on?

His first thoughts were to call police when he saw a drone over his home, but when several work trucks showed up at his house, he got a huge surprise  that he was getting a new roof courtesy of River City Roofing.

Ashton, 76, served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973 and as a way to show their appreciation for what he did, the roofing company donated their time and energy to make his day a bit better.

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Peoria Veteran gets home makeover of a lifetime

We all owe it, especially the ones that did not serve. I feel like, to show our gratitude and thanks to these guys and what they did, especially Vietnam, everybody knows the stories. So, to let them know that I appreciate it, said Tim Garrison, the owner of River City Roofing. I think is just mandatory for anyone thats living in this country.

Many volunteers and neighbors surrounded the home and thanked Ashton for his service.

The soldier was deeply appreciative and kind of in shock. He mused about how things were when he came back from the war, getting no welcome home. This, he said, was an amazing surprise, and he couldnt be more grateful.

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Every Veterans Day, River City Roofing donates a new roof to one veteran as a way to show gratitude for their service. Since 2017, the company has donated their work and equipment.

Ashtons pastor contacted the company and said Ashton would be the perfect person to receive the new roof, as his current roof has patches and was caving in.

River City Roofing also installed new gutters and re-painted some of his interior walls to remove the lead paint he previously had. All told, the work was worth between $12,000 and $15,000, the company 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.
Its Veterans Day and there are plenty of celebrations around metro Atlanta to honor those who have served our country.

Veterans Day is celebrated every year on Nov. 11, or what was known as Armistice Day when World War I ended in 1919.

Here is list of events happening today where you can honor the veteran in your life.

See an event that is missing from our list? Email us at newstip@wsbtv.com with the date, time, location and information for Veterans Day.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Acworth

The City of Acworth will hold a ceremony at 2 p.m. at Cauble Park. Since 2006, visitors have been able to pay tribute to veterans at a memorial by Lake Acworth.

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We are grateful for the brave men and women who have faithfully served our nation and look forward to the community coming together to honor them at Acworths Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point, the city says.

Cauble Park: 4425 Beach St, Acworth, GA 30101

Atlanta History Center

Veterans, active-duty military and their families can receive free admission to the Atlanta History Center. The center will hold a commemoration ceremony at 11 a.m. featuring U.S. Navy Commander Frank Weisser, a two-time Blue Angels pilot.

Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Brookhaven

The City of Brookhaven will host its first Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, at 9 a.m. at Langford Park. There will be a presentation of colors, tribute to veterans and activities for the family.

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Langford Park opened in 2023 as a tribute to Robert C. Bob Langford, a local war hero who was lost in Vietnam.

Address: 1174 Pine Grove Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30319

DeKalb County

The Atlanta VA Medical Center will hold a Veterans Day ceremony featuring several speakers, a marching band and a parade with classic cars and motorcycles.

Parade route begins at 9 a.m. at the main entrance of the VA Medical Center.

Address: 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033

Dunwoody

Dunwoody will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park. Dunwoody Parks and Recreation, Dunwoody/Sandy Springs VFW Post 10822 and Dunwoody Womans Club will host the ceremony.

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Retired Lt. Col. Thomas W. Ariail will be the featured speaker. He served in the Army for over 23 years and now serves as Commander of VFW Post 10822. Ariaill will also attend with his therapy dog, Normandy.

Address: 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday inside the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center

Army veteran Veda Brooks, who serves as Women and Minority Veterans Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Veteran Services, will give the keynote address.

If you cant make it to the event, the ceremony will be uploaded online here.

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Address: 75 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Marietta

The City of Marietta hosts one of the largest Veterans Day parades in metro Atlanta.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Roswell Street Baptist Church, go up Roswell Street down the Marietta Square and head back down Lawrence Street.

The Marietta parade is sponsored by the American Legion Post 29 Marietta.

Address: 774 Roswell St NE, Marietta, GA 30060

Roswell

The City of Roswell will host a Veterans Day honor walk on Monday. The walk begins at 9:15 a.m. at the Roswell Area Park Pond followed by a ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

The city says if it rains, the Veterans Day walk and ceremony will move indoors at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building.

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Address: 10495 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075

Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs is hosting its 15th annual tribute and sculpture dedication to veterans on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center and Veterans Park.

The city will unveil two new art sculpture that honor our nations heroes. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel John McDonough will give the keynote speech.

Address: 1 Galambos Wy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Snellville

Snellville will host a Veterans Celebration starting at 3 p.m. in front of City Hall.

The Button Gwinnett Chapter Militia, South Gwinnett High School JROTC and Patriot Guard will be in attendance.

Address: 2342 Oak Rd SW, Snellville, GA 30078

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  For one local veteran, November marks an important time of year. On Veterans Day, Wilbur Hudson, who turns 100 on Nov. 25, is remembering his military service and life.

Hudson was born in Ohio in 1924 and graduated from high school in 1942. He said he can sharply recall many eras of his life, almost right from the beginning.

In 1943, Hudson joined the U.S. Army, finishing his service in 1966. During that time, Hudson served in World War II and the Korean- and Vietnam Wars.

Wilbur Hudson joined the Army in 1943. (Olivia Yepez) Hudson was born in Ohio on Nov. 25, 1924. (Olivia Yepez) Today, some of Hudsons grandchildren are servicemembers themselves. (Olivia Yepez) Hudson served in World War II, and the Korean- and Vietnam Wars. (Olivia Yepez)

The veteran remembers his time in the Army as a pivotal period in his life. He often recounts those memories in great detail to his family members.

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Those stories are not always easy to tell, said Hudson.

I talk in abstract, and that abstract probably began probably when I was in the military. Theres times that make you forget, Hudson said.

Hudson went on to become an engineer after his service, earning multiple patents for his work.

Today, some of his grandchildren are military members themselves. Hudson had the honor of pinning their bars at their commissioning ceremonies.

READ MORE ABOUT WILBUR HUDSON 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 WRBL.
The Vietnam War was raging when Dan King left his Oneida Reservation home one Sunday, telling his mother hed be back.

I never said what year, King joked in a recent lecture recalling his experience.

Dan King, an Oneida Nation member and Vietnam War veteran, holds photos of his grandfather during World War I, his father during World War II and himself during his service.

King discusses his experiences at various events around Wisconsin. It's his way of keeping alive the memory of those who served alongside him. He shared his story for Veterans Day.

He didnt know his father very well, but knew he served during World War II. He also knew that his grandfather served during World War I. King said he left home to sign up to serve in the Army, because he thought that's what he should do. It was a way to maintain his familys and his tribes warrior tradition.

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Soon, he was shipped off to Vietnam.

He learned the horrific truth about war, and being surrounded by death.

I was scared, but didnt admit it, King said. They dont train you for that. They dont tell you what its really like.

He said movies always portrayed those who served in World War II as glorious heroes who earned medals and everyones appreciation.

Theres nothing glorious about war, King said. Its easy to go to war, but how do we live with it afterward?

While serving, King was shot. He had killed to save others. His buddies had been killed saving him. He said many units, like his, might face some level of combat more than 100 times in a year. Some of the young men who came over, teens really, survived less than a month.

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Back home, those sights, sounds, even smells would often come back.

Kings nephews would ask him how many people he killed, and he would just walk away, not wanting to answer.

King initially didnt want any of the medals he had been awarded. And he drowned his post-traumatic stress disorder with alcohol trying to forget, often ending up in a county jail somewhere.

But he could never forget.

King later realized that Vietnam differed from other wars in that there often were no clear front lines, and no clear objectives. Soldiers were on high alert and under high stress around the clock.

Kings mother had urged him to go to church for healing, and that helped a little. He also turned to traditional Oneida ways by burning tobacco and praying to Creator. That helped, as well.

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They say it (the pain) goes away, but it doesnt, King said. But I learned how to live with it and how to accept it.

Today, as the commander of the Wisconsin Indian Veteran Association-Oneida Chapter, King is an advocate for veterans, lobbying for resources they need, such as PTSD treatment and housing.

King realized he will forever have a strong bond with those he served with, as well as other veterans, and that they are all really just there for each other in the end.

Who goes to die for a flag or country? he said. All the guys on the (Vietnam Memorial) Wall didnt for a flag. They died for somebody like me, buddies. They died looking out for each other.

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More: The suicide rate of Native American veterans has soared. What's being done in Wisconsin to help?

More: Native American veterans who are homeless get lift from Oneida Nation program

More: Native Americans have proud tradition of serving in military. This Oneida Vietnam War veteran explains why.

Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox

Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Oneida veteran shares story of anguish, peace following Vietnam War
(NewsNation)  Americans are honoring those who served in the United States military with parades, wreath-laying and other commemorative ceremonies.

President Joe Biden spoke Monday from the Arlington National Cemetery, where he promised to expand access to health care under the PACT Act. The legislation, signed in August 2022, expands benefits for millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins during service. Its passage is one of Bidens proudest achievements and he hopes to make it more impactful before his term ends in January.

Today, Im proud to announce that the VA will expand the number of cancers covered under the PACT Act, Biden said. And to all veterans who served at K2 Air Base in Uzbekistan  constantly surrounded by toxins  we want to honor you. We want to have your back, just like we did with Agent Orange. 

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How could Trump influence military policies?

Were going to make sure you dont have to prove your illness is a consequence of your service, which is often too hard to do, Biden continued. God willing, we will make sure that any rare condition you develop is covered. Were committed to getting this rule in place by the end of my term.

Bidens promise was one of several impassioned moments during his address Monday. Throughout the ceremony, he referenced his son Beau Bidens service.

I still remember the day he asked me to pin his bars on him, Joe Biden said.

The eldest of the presidents three children, Beau Biden served in Delawares Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq. Its there, the president says, his son was exposed to toxic gases from pits where the military burned waste. Joe Biden has linked his sons cancer to his exposure to burn pits.

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Beau Biden was 46 when he died of brain cancer in 2015. His father was vice president.

Folks, this matters, Joe Biden said. Too many of our nations veterans have served, only to return home and suffer from permanent effects of poisonous chemicals.

Biden also touted his widely criticized 2021 withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.

Four presidents faced a decision, after wed gotten (Osama) bin Laden, whether to end our longest war in history in Afghanistan, Joe Biden said. I was determined not to leave it to the fifth.

Deals from restaurants, retailers for Veterans Day 2024

He still carries his schedule from that day, the president said.

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The Veterans Day National Committees service also included a performance from the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, and an Armed Forces full honor wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The nations largest commemoration service will begin at 12:30 p.m. ET with the kickoff of the 105th Annual New York City Veterans Day Parade. Its scheduled to feature veterans representing every military branch and generation of service since World War II.

The parade includes nearly 300 elements consisting of 20,000 marchers and more than 150 vehicles.

Before it begins, a group of parade and community representatives participate in a wreath procession to the Eternal Light Memorial.

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This story is developing. Download our NewsNation app for 24/7 fact-based unbiased coverage.

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.
Opinion. Along the federal governments Road to Healing Tour for Indian boarding school survivors, there were a lot of flags on display. Native American honor guards, at most tour stops, proudly presented the flag of the United States, eagle staffs and tribal nation flags.

These symbols were respectfully positioned near the table where Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) and Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs Bryan Newland (Bay Mills Indian Community) listened to testimony from survivors or descendants of those who attended boarding schools over the past century.

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.

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Some might find a bit of irony in Native honor guards displaying such reverence for the United States flag, considering it was beneath this very banner that the federal government carried out a systematic program to destroy Native culture in the name of assimilation. This program, devised by an Army officer, operated with military-like tactics.

Still, Native Americans express deep respect for the military service of their relatives. At every powwow grand entries begin with thundering sounds of the drum, prompting Native American veterans carrying eagle staffs and flags, including the U.S. flag.

The reverence Native Americans have for the U.S. flag and their veterans cannot be ignored.

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American Indians and Alaska Natives men and women serve in the armed forces at five times the national average, according to Alicia Madalena Sylvester (Jemez Pueblo), who is the Defense Departments senior tribal advisor and liaison for Native American affairs.

Since September 11, 2001, about one-fifth of Native Americansmale and femalehave served in the armed forces, in comparison to an average of 14% of all other racial/ethnic groups.

In issuing a Native American Heritage Month proclamation for the month of November, President Joe Biden referenced the service of Native Americans in the armed forces.

The president wrote: "Despite centuries of violence and oppression, Native peoples remain resilient and proud. Today, Native Americans are essential to the fabric of the United States. They serve in the United States armed forces at higher rates than any other ethnic group.

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"They continue to steward so many of our great lands. Their contributions to science, humanities, arts, public service, and more have brought prosperity for all of us. Their diverse cultures and communities continue to thrive and lead us forward.

Remarkably, even before American Indians became citizens of the United States in 1924, during World War I (July 28, 1914  November 11, 1918), some 12,500 American Indians served in the armed forces. They fought for freedom when they werent even citizens of this country. Almost two-thirds of American Indians who served did so in the infantry, where they won widespread praise for bravery and achievement. Almost 5% of American Indian combat soldiers lost their lives, compared to 1% of American forces overall.

During World War I, approximately 400 students who attended Haskell Indian boarding school fought in the armed forces. The Indian Leader, Haskells weekly newspaper, reported regularly on the Haskell students involvement in the war.

Three decades later during World War II, Native Americans once again answered the call to duty. Using Indigenous languages that were forbidden in Indian boarding schools, Native Americans used traditional language to confuse and ward off the enemies. Navajo code talkers became legendary because their code was never broken. The Navajo code talker program is cited as a significant reason the United States won the war in the Pacific campaign.

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Other tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Lakota, Meskwaki, and Comanche tribes participated in translating encrypted messages in their Indigenous languages on the front lines.

Thankfully, Indigenous languages persevere despite the physical punishment inflicted on Native children in Indian boarding schools when they were caught speaking their tribal languages.

During World War II, before Alaska was a state, more than 6,300 Alaska Natives volunteered to serve in what was known as the Alaska Territorial Guard. They came together to defend the United States from attack along the 6,640-mile coastline.

I am sometimes asked why Native Americans serve in the armed forces when the federal government throughout history has not treated our people kindly. I answered them with the explanation an Native elder told me: in defense of the land.

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We know our people have been here since time immemorial. We appreciate the service of our ancestors who protected this land, and those Native Americans who continue to fight for our community and our freedom.

Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  Among all the places to visit on Evansvilles west side, few and far between are like the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1114 off Wabash Avenue.

Every other Friday trivia night is in the back bar and open to the public, and its where Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Lainhart is spending his last couple hours in southern Indiana.

Just last month, Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart left his Evansville home for deployment for deployment in a classified area in the Middle East.

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Hes no stranger to seeing other parts of the globe. Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart has served our country at the Pentagon, twice in Iraq, in Italy and in Africa  putting logistics in place to keep America and their host countries safe.

Going forward over the next two to five years, planning is kind of the realm where Ill be working in, Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart says.

He will be deployed for a year  nearly seven thousand miles away from Evansville.

We dont want to inform as we live in a world today that this microphone could translate it into another recording device that gets send to somebody that maybe doesnt want to do good by it, Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart says.

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Over 27 years  14 of which in active duty  Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart believes the world is small.

I learned that theres a lot of good out in the world, but theres also a lot of bad. Some of the things that I saw over the years  without naming specifics and getting into details  theres bad actors all over. But, theres also good actors out there and the biggest thing is knowing who the bad actors are, and using the good actors to help, Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart says.

As the years go by, he says resilience has helped him keep his head up high.

: A lot of times when people get beat down, they get beat down, and they stay down, Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart says. I just keep bouncing back and keep moving. And part of that is my faith, and you know, being a Christian and knowing that Ive got a higher power thats going to help me do it.

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Just before getting back up and fighting for our freedoms, Lieutenant Colonel Lainhart is taking some time enjoying the camaraderie at the VFW.

Its times like these  being at the VFW post for trivia  where we as Americans can be thankful to enjoy each other, to have faith in our deeply held religious beliefs and maybe sneak in laughs with our friends.

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Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.

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From expanded health care access to reducing suicide rates, veterans groups are preparing to lobby the 119th Congress on a host of issues affecting retired service members.

Veterans groups are highlighting long-standing issues, like mental health care and exposure to toxins, but also emerging problems, such as veterans who are incarcerated and dont have access to health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

As America marks Veterans Day on Monday, Congress is sitting on two bills that veterans groups want prioritized in the lame-duck session before January: the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act and the Major Richard Star Act.

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Both have been introduced in the House, which comes back into session this week after a long election recess.

The Elizabeth Dole act will greatly expand veterans ability to access care for mental health, dentistry, community and nursing home care, as well as more educational, employment, disability and housing benefits.

The Richard Star bill will ensure veterans who have been severely injured and medically discharged can receive Defense Department retirement and VA compensation benefits. Currently, only veterans who served at least 20 years are eligible for both.

If those bills are not signed into law in the next two months, veterans groups say they are a must-pass in the 119th Congress.

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Julia Mathis, a Marine veteran and the legislative director at the American Legion, said the Dole act is an important step toward addressing their No. 1 priority: reducing veteran suicide rates, which remain disproportionately higher than those of the average population.

Improving the care that veterans are provided [and] ensuring that the sense of community care, belonging, all of that is important for our veterans, she said. A properly funded VA will ensure that their suicide-prevention programs are wide-reaching and effective.

And Jose Ramos, vice president for government and community relations at the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), said the Richard Star bill is a priority for his organization.

Theyre two distinct pays for two distinct reasons, he said of Defense Department retirement pay and VA benefits. I lost my arm in 2004 after six years of service. My goal was to serve 20 years of service  and theres a lot of individuals like that.  I think were unjustly punishing these individuals.

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Ramos explained WWP is also focused on several other issues, including making more toxins and illnesses covered under the 2022 PACT Act, which expanded treatment for toxic exposures during military service.

Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), said some members of Congress have discussed cutting down the toxin exposure fund in the PACT Act, and she was concerned that a GOP-dominated Washington might take steps to slash it.

Camp Lejeune victims

Eric Flynn, a lawyer with Bell Legal Group, one of the primary firms working on Camp Lejeune litigation, is also looking to next years Congress.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allowed service members exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987, to sue for damages.

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But Flynn said the bill needs an update, pointing to new legislation that will tweak language to ensure a jury trial can move ahead for Camp Lejeune victims. The Department of Justice has prevented jury trials because the language is ambiguous on the matter.

The new bill, Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, will also expand cases to cover all district courts in the 4th Circuit Court jurisdiction instead of just the one federal court in North Carolina in a bid to speed up cases.

Flynn said he is pushing for the bill to be passed in the lame-duck session but will continue to advocate for it in the next Congress if needed.

A lot of this comes down to a sense of justice on the part of these men and women who have suffered so extraordinarily, he said. What people want is [to] have a jury hear their stories.

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So far, around 200 veterans have been compensated under a quick payment program, but more than 500,000 are awaiting relief.

Reproductive health care

Jaslow also said she was watching and waiting to see how Republicans would move on issues such as reproductive health care and gender-affirming care for service members.

Under President Biden, the VA created opportunities for abortion counseling and, in rare cases, abortion services for rape and incest victims or for those whose lives may be threatened by a pregnancy.

Republicans have attacked the VA measures as violating the Hyde amendment, which prohibits taxpayer funds from going toward abortion services.

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A push for change is likely with President-elect Trump taking the White House in January and Republicans capturing the Senate and likely the House as well.

The GOP-controlled House passed an appropriations bill for military construction and veterans affairs this year that would ban abortions at the VA in most cases and would also block hormone therapy and surgery for transgender veterans at the department. The VA currently allows for hormone therapy for veterans and supports gender-affirming care, though it does not carry out those surgeries.

One of the biggest things were watching is like, what are we going to have to fight back against? Jaslow said. Everybodys taking stock right now of what the new landscape is going to be.

Other priorities

IAVA is also supportive of efforts to expand alternative treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder, including psychedelics, and repealing the 2001 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF) against global terrorism and Iraq. The Senate passed AUMF repeals in 2023.

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A new issue is also being brought to Congress: veterans who are incarcerated and cant get the VA treatment they need to improve their lives.

Jim Seward, director of the Veterans Justice Commission, has been working on this issue for the past two years. His commission was created in 2022 by the nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice.

The VA had previously provided incarcerated veterans with care but stopped doing that in 1999 as a way to cut costs. The updated rule at the time specifically said veterans in the care of another government institution are no longer eligible for VA medical benefits.

Seward said veterans without adequate access to care are stuck in a dangerous feedback loop.

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We train our troops when theyre in combat and they face violence, they respond with violence, he said. Many veterans say when they come home, they feel like theyre expected to just turn off the switch, and they have no mission, and they kind of get lost in their head.

They often cope with substances, and those co-occurring disorders can lead to their criminal justice involvement and then once inside, if theyre not getting treated, he added, its harder [to treat] post-traumatic stress disorder.

Veteran representation

Veterans groups and advocates may have some luck when it comes to getting their priorities passed in the next Congress, as the incoming class will include at least 78 veterans in the House and 18 veterans in the Senate. Several more veterans are in races that have yet to be called, but those figures already mean former service members can see themselves well represented on Capitol Hill.

Seth Lynn, a founder of the nonpartisan Veterans Campaign, an organization that trains veterans running for office, told The Hill that as the numbers are, veterans account for nearly 20 percent of all members.

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Its a really healthy number, Lynn said. It looks like were going to have eight women veterans in Congress, which is the highest number ever.

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This photo shows Xiaoxiao, a pet-like robot brought by Groove X from Japan to the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Tang Siqi)

SHANGHAI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- When Xiaoxiao was powered on and started moving, she quickly noticed the gaze of a woman sitting in a wheelchair, staring at her with interest. She immediately walked in that direction, opening her small hands for a hug.

The lady is a visitor to the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE). She embraced Xiaoxiao and murmured to her as if she was her own child. Xiaoxiao's voice was gentle and sweet, and her big eyes blinked slightly before closing comfortably.

Xiaoxiao is one of the two artificial pets named LOVOT, brought by Groove X from Japan to CIIE, the world's first national-level import-themed expo. This robot can be used to accompany the elderly, children, and those in distress or feel lonely.

Unlike humanoid robots, Xiaoxiao has a round body that is 43 centimeters tall and weighs 4.3 kilograms, with a large head and a pair of big eyes, unlike any animals on Earth. When people touch her, they will feel warm and soft. She doesn't speak a human language, but her face is expressive and often makes baby-like voices.

Although small, she has over 10,000 components, 10 central processing units and over 50 sensors in her body. LOVOT uses a semi-spherical camera located in its horn to find people and give them feedback.

LOVOT is derived from "love" and "robot." "Rather than replacing human tasks, LOVOT's mission is to simply be there, offering companionship and helping people bring out their best," said Kaname Hayashi, founder of Groove X.

Kaname Hayashi is a robot engineer who brought a robot to a nursing home. All went well, but once, its power was suddenly interrupted. The residents, upon seeing the robot that wouldn't turn on, began cheering it on. When it restarted and stood up, those who had already been cheering became even more excited.

It was a shocking sight for him. He had always thought that the value of a robot lay in "doing something for people," yet here people were, feeling joy in cheering for and helping the robot instead.

He realized that robots and humans could establish emotional relationships and began designing a new type of robot, which is LOVOT.

"Please stop napping Xiaoxiao, wake up and let's play," holding the pet in her arms and gently touching her nose, the woman in the wheelchair smiled and then burst into laughter. "Wow, listen to her voice," she said as she turned to the booth staff, "how sweet it is!"

"It really brought me warm and pleasant feelings," the visitor surnamed Zhu said to the booth staff, "I'm a little bit reluctant to give it back to you."

"As LOVOT never speaks, it will never say 'I beg your pardon' to people who have difficulties expressing their meanings clearly, and I believe that's silent support," said Liu Yujia from Groove X, in charge of overseas business.

Just like pets, LOVOT can learn its name and needs to "sleep." At night, it needs to sleep at least eight hours for not only for charging but also software updates and backup, and so on. During daytime, it needs to be charged once per hour or so. And when it is set in advance, LOVOT can welcome you at the door when you come home.

LOVOTs write diaries when it is charged, recording how it enjoyed its day.

The diaries are usually like: "I was called by my name," "I was hugged," "I was helped put on new clothes."

Owners can check the diaries via the application. "On the one hand, they can savor the moments they spend with LOVOT, and on the other hand, they will have references when they want to take care of their family members' mental health," said Liu.

Liu said that LOVOT is not designed for a certain age group, but Groove X is cooperating with another Japanese company GEOM to upgrade the LOVOT, so that LOVOT can help with taking care of the elders with dementia, connecting to a dementia care-assist artificial intelligence named DeCaAI.

A LOVOT equipped with DeCaAI is designed to predict behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in advance and notifies preventive care methods.

The company's introduction on the booth states that in Japan by 2040, compared to 2020, the number of dementia patients will increase by 51 percent, while the working-age population engaged in nursing will decrease by 41 percent.

GROOVE X has sold around 14,000 LOVOTs since 2019. And the company was invited to the CIIE this year by Itochu, a Japanese trading company, to exhibit the project together with GEOM.

"The CIIE is really a great platform with vast opportunities. During the past six days, visitors flocked to our booth, and many merchants expressed strong intentions to cooperate with us," said Liu.

Yuichi Yasura, chairman of Itochu Shanghai, emphasized the immense potential of China's market, as it has a large population and faces aging, just like Japan.

"We believe this robot has the potential to enter the homes of Chinese users, tapping into a market that is many times larger than Japan's," Yasura said.

There are over 290 million elderly people aged 60 and above in China. According to a study published by the Beijing-based Xuanwu Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University in the Lancet, there are about 38.77 million people over 60 with mild cognitive impairment, including 9.83 million Alzheimer's patients. 
Shein and Temu have found their latest regulatory hurdle in Vietnam.

Regulators in the country have stipulated that the two companies must register with the Vietnamese government by the end of November. If they fail to do so, regulators said, Vietnam plans to block their respective domains, preventing the companies from selling to consumers throughout the country.

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Though Shein has been selling in Vietnam for several years, Temu is a newcomer to the country; it only expanded into both Vietnam and Brunei last month. At the time it launched its platform in Vietnam, the low-priced e-commerce player only launched its site in English and also failed to allow consumers to complete transactions with payment platform Momo, a hallmark of the consumer experience in Vietnam.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Vietnamese regulators have expressed concern over the companies impact on its own economy and businesses, particularly given the deep discounting strategies the two offer consumers. Reportedly, regulators have also balked at the potential for sales of counterfeit goods that deceive consumers or infringe on brands intellectual property rights.

Nguyen Hoang Long, Vietnams deputy trade minister, said the government has already been in contact with both companies about the licensing and registration process, according to the SCMP.

After the ministrys notification, if these platforms do not comply, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will coordinate with relevant agencies to implement technical measures such as blocking applications and domains, Long said in a statement.

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A spokesperson for Shein said the company has been working with Vietnams regulators. Its assortment in Vietnam includes both Shein-branded products, as well as products we curate and procure for our Vietnamese consumers, the company stated.

Shein is committed to complying with Vietnams laws and regulations and we are working closely with local authorities on this matter, the companys spokesperson said in an email.

Temu did not return Sourcing Journals request for comment.

While forcing Shein and Temu to register in Vietnam is one regulatory intervention, Vietnam is considering another stipulation that could further impact the companies ability to operate in the country. According to the SCMP, government officials said they are considering altering or dissolving its version of the de minimis exemption. Currently, imports worth less than approximately $40 can enter the country with a value-add tax exemption. But as regulators note that the companies that gain the most from this are low-priced e-commerce platforms, they have begun thinking about ending the benefit.

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Vietnam is far from the only country concerned with counterfeits and the viability of its own economy as players like Shein and Temu continue enticing consumers with low-priced goods.

Earlier this year, Indonesia banned Temu, citing concerns over the marketplace platform stifling local businesses and the countrys economy. Indonesia took similar action toward TikTok Shop earlier this year, though the platform found its way back in by purchasing an Indonesian e-commerce company. Reportedly, Indonesia plans to take similar action against Shein if it works to sell to consumers there; to date, the Singapore-headquartered company has not ventured into the Southeast Asian country.

And the United States and the European Union have each expressed alarm over the companies practices. Earlier this month, the EU Commission announced that it would carry out an investigation on Temus potential sale of illegal goodsamong other issues it has with the company. Regulators in the United States have called on Shein and Temu to clarify their respective practices on ensuring products sold comply with consumer safety laws.

Its also not the only company considering changing its tax rules. German officials have stated they would likely support doing away with the EUs version of de minimis; South Africa has already done away with its exemption and the Biden-Harris administration is expected to take action on the de minimis threshold before exiting office.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) arrested a man after he assaulted officers and emergency medical responders.

On Sunday, Nov. 10, officers were dispatched to a single-car crash on Powers Boulevard, near Hancock Expressway. Witnesses had informed dispatch the driver had a weapon and was walking away from his car.

Upon arrival, officers located the driver, identified as Joseph Lopez, who then attempted to assault officers when they tried to contact him CSPD said the man then allegedly became violent and fought with law enforcement.

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The suspect assaulted three officers and one AMR paramedic.

CSPD officers were able to take Lopez into custody and was taken to a hospital, where he continued to be aggressive and tried to bite staff members according to the police department.

Officers also found an illegal firearm in the mans car. CSPD says alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash.

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Its hard to imagine two political candidates occupying more distant points on the political spectrum than Donald Trump and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

But with parts of Ocasio-Cortezs solidly blue district in New York City going for both the extreme-right Republican president-elect and the House of Representatives most outspoken progressive, the congresswoman took to Instagram on Sunday night to ask her followers what inspired them to vote for both.

Its real simple trump and you care for the working class, one replied.

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Trump is going to get us the money and lets men have a voice. Youre brilliant and have amazing passion! another said.

I feel like Trump and you are both real, wrote a third.

AOC asked her followers who split their ballots either for Trump/her or Trump/downballot Dem to explain why and posted the replies: pic.twitter.com/LuTcD29szt  aaron from queens  (@aaronnarraph) November 11, 2024

In 2020, Trump won just 22 percent of Ocasio-Cortezs district, which covers parts of the Bronx and Queens. In 2024, he won 33 percent, the New York Post reported.

With Ocasio-Cortez winning 68.9 percent of the vote and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris winning 65 percentnearly a four-point differencelogic dictated that at least some of those voters had pulled the lever for both Ocasio-Cortez and Trump.

Digging into precinct data showed that the Queens borough of Corona, for example, went for both the Republican billionaire and the Democratic working-class families advocate.

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During a live story on her personal Instagram account, Ocasio-Cortez described districts like hers, where Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives outperformed the Democrat at the top of the ticket, as a very rich environment for us to dig into.

As a matter of fact, lets do this right now. If you voted for Donald Trump and me, I would really love to hear from you, she said, adding a section for her followers to respond directly to the story.

I feel that you are both outsiders compared to the rest of DC, and less establishment, one replied.

Others said they voted against Harris because they blamed President Joe Biden for not ending the war in Gaza.

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[Trump] speaks of war as something that is bad, one person wrote. Democrats became the party that supports war.

AOC/Trump voters are of course a small sub-set of the electorate, and some Democrats might have felt it was safe to cast a protest vote against the war since New York is a solidly liberal state, for now.

But if even some of Ocasio-Cortezs fansand not just voters, but people who like her enough to follow her personal Instagram accountare throwing their support behind Trump, its another sign that Democrats have a lot of work to do.

Ocasio-Cortez apparently isnt wasting any time. On Monday, she asked her followers a series of follow-up questions.

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Starting with: Trump voters: What places/accounts do you follow for info/news?

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.
Pinellas County residents go to cast their voting ballots at the Coliseum polling precinct on Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images)

While voters statewide weighed in on the six proposed constitutional amendments, Floridians up and down the state approved local referenda that will shape their communities.

The most widespread local initiatives that passed involved school funding through increases in either millage or sales taxes. Nineteen counties approved or renewed such measures, according to the Florida Education Association.

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Those counties were: Alachua, Collier, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jackson, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and St Lucie.

Hillsborough County narrowly renewed a 15-year extension of its Community Investment Tax, a half-cent sales tax that has helped fund infrastructure projects since 1996 (when it was originally approved to help build what became Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

One difference in the renewal of the tax (which will begin in 2026 and go to 2041) is that while it now allocates 25% of those funds to the Hillsborough County School Board, sitting conservative county commissioners had already voted to reduce education funding for the next 15 years to just 5%.

Term Limits

While the Legislature failed to pass a measure earlier this year that would have set eight-year term limits for county commissioners throughout the state, voters in Pinellas County did pass a charter amendment that will limit county commissioners to 12-year terms.

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In the Broward County city of Coral Springs, voters approved a referendum setting a lifetime service limit of 16 years for city commissioners, retaining the 8-year consecutive term limit, and extending the mayors term from two years to four years.

Affordable housing

Orange County voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2, which supports the continued existence of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund created in 2020 to help build and preserve affordable housing in the county. It included oversight and auditing requirements.

Pay raises for city commissioners

Fifty-six percent of voters in Tallahassee approved a measure that nearly doubles the salaries of city commissioners, from roughly $45,000 to $90,000 according to the Tallahassee Democrat. Meanwhile, voters in Brevard County rejected a proposal that would have increased the pay of county commissioners from $60,000 to more than $100,000.

Land acquisition

Voters in Central Floridas Osceola County renewed a proposal to approve up to $70 million in bonds to continue funding an environmental land conservation program for the next 20 years. And in Fort Myers, residents approved up to $75 million in bonds for the planning of improvements and new construction across 18 proposed parks and facilities over ten years.

Taking back control of a municipal electric utility

More than 70% of Gainesville residents voted to repeal the state appointment of Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) Authority board members and put that power back into the hands of the city commission and charter officer.

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Since 2023, Gainesvilles public utilities have been overseen by a board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. That took place after the Legislature passed and DeSantis signed a law amending the Gainesville city charter and took control of that agency away from the (all-Democratic) Gainesville City Commission and gave it to newly created Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority.

However, thats not the end of the story. A state circuit judge ruled last month that the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority cannot be dissolved until the outcome of a lawsuit that the authority filed against the city of Gainesville in June after the commission put the referendum on the ballot. A two-day legal hearing to resolve the issue has been scheduled to take place in December.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  How voters feel about recreational marijuana is slowly becoming more clear as the El Paso County Clerk and Recorders Office (EPC County Clerk and Recorder) continues to tabulate votes.

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, the EPC Clerk and Recorder gave another update on the 2024 General Election via X (formerly known as Twitter) with new unofficial results, which showed 54.64% of voters in favor of Ballot Question 300, and 45.36% of voters against it. The other recreational marijuana measure, Ballot Question 2D, remains extremely close.

ICYMI: 2024 General Election Results

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Question 300 asks to amend City ordinance to allow existing medical marijuana licensees to apply to become licensed as retail/recreational marijuana businesses. A yes vote authorizes only medical licensees to become recreational retailers, however, retailers must follow regulations and the Colorado Springs City Code which prohibits:

Any retail/recreational marijuana business within 1,000 feet of a public or private daycare, preschool, or K-12 school.

Sale or transfer of recreational marijuana to anyone under 21.

Sale or transfer of recreational marijuana by any person at any public or private school, daycare, or preschool.

Can recreational marijuana be sold in Colorado Springs?

The other measure, Ballot Question 2D, asks to amend the Charter of the City of Colorado Springs to prohibit retail marijuana establishments within City limits. So far, 50.50% of voters said no and 49.50% said yes. The 1% difference between yes and no votes is outside the automatic .5% recount zone in Colorado.

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EPC Clerk and Recorder will drop the next round of unofficial results on Thursday, Nov. 14, after the ballot cure and Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) deadline.

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It doesnt have to be this way. It really doesnt.

As I worked as a Voting Location Manager (or VLM, as the acronym-enchanted Board of Elections calls it) on Tuesday I kept thinking about how voting doesnt have to be this difficult, complicated and exhausting in Ohio.

The last point was especially relevant to me on the day after the election, which I spent mostly sleeping and recovering. While I and my stalwart band of volunteers worked hard, getting up at 4:30 a.m. or so and getting home at 10:30 p.m., many of us arent young or even middle-aged anymore. Not going to lie, there were a lot of exhausted volunteers when we finally left the building.

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The line outside my Hilltop location in Columbus began forming at 6 a.m., half an hour before we opened the doors. A small number of the eventual 900 voters on Tuesday had some difficulties between that time and our 7:30 p.m. closing.

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While we had a few problems with the voting machines, those problems were mainly glitches  the electronic reader on the machines was so sensitive that we told workers to hide the Authority To Vote slips (or ATVs, see: acronym-happy board) behind their backs. Otherwise, the machines could jam, and I or another worker would have to reboot them.

Importantly, those machines are essentially electronic typewriters and do NOT count up the votes.

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Another machine, the Ballot Counter, does that. Voters slide an oblong card from the voting machine (with their choices printed on it) into an electronic reader on the Ballot Counter to actually cast their ballot.

At the end of the day, a bipartisan duo (including myself) drives the paper ballots and a thumb-drive from each ballot counter to the Board of Elections. The thumb-drives hold electronic duplicates of all paper ballots, and because the bipartisan drive-alongs are in the same car and make sure no one and nothing gets to those ballots, its essentially impossible to tamper with the results.

Other problems that voters faced were likely no more than 1 percent of my locations tally, but those issues just should not have to exist.

For example, we saw a handful of voters who told us, Oh, yeah, Im registered to vote. But they werent. After we asked them how they knew they were registered, their reply was, Well, I have a drivers license. In other words, they believed that they were automatically registered to vote when they obtained their drivers license.

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Another handful of voters had apparently not double-checked that they were still on the voting rolls. Unfortunately, they had been tossed off the rolls, and couldnt vote, even though they assured us  often vehemently  that they had voted for years at that location.

Then there was a Spanish-speaking voter whose family asked if the voting machines had a second-language button  like the closed-caption button on smart televisions. They dont, at least not now in Ohio. Luckily, we were able to assure the voter that it was legal and allowed for a family member to stand and translate the ballot.

And even as we saw a huge turnout  my location tallied about 900 voters on Tuesday, the most that any longtime workers at that place had ever seen  I note that many areas of Ohio reported even more voters four years ago.

That election, it should be pointed out, occurred during the Covid pandemic, in which many people voted by mail. In other words, if you make it easier to vote, more people will vote.

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That point is driven home by the experience that Oregon has had since 1998, when voters there passed a ballot measure directing all elections to be conducted by mail. Instead of using traditional polling places where voters go to cast ballots on Election Day, a ballot is mailed to each registered voter. Voters then return their ballots to their county boards, where the ballots are counted on Election Day.

At least one study indicates that the result has been an increase in turnout by 10 percent  for a total of almost 80% of voters  in both presidential and mid-term elections in that state.

And I doubt that election workers in Oregon have to get up at 4:30 a.m. to start counting the ballots. Be better, Ohio.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Virginia State Police are investigating after four Montgomery County deputies shot a suspect who they say threatened them with a chainsaw on November 9.

On Saturday, State Police said deputies were called for an attempted arson at 5:17 p.m. on the 3800 block of Stanley Road near Christiansburg.

Five injured in shooting at Lynchburg restaurant

Deputies arrived to find a person allegedly holding a chainsaw and claiming they had a weapon. After the person allegedly cranked the chainsaw, deputies are said to have then contacted mental health resources. However, State Police say the person became aggressive toward the deputies, who then attempted the use of non-lethal means to subdue them.

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The attempt reportedly didnt work, and the suspect ran away. As deputies chased them, the person dropped their chainsaw while allegedly making aggressive movements towards the deputies, according to VSP. They say four deputies fired at the suspect who died at the scene.

When VSP finishes its investigation, it will turn over all evidence and documentation to the Montgomery County Commonwealths Attorney

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Bob Ferguson speaks to the crowd at a Washington State Democratic Party gathering in Seattle, on election night, after winning the governor's race. (Grace Deng/Washington State Standard)

Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Thursday named the eight people who will serve as his executive leadership team when he takes office as governor next year.

The individuals and their future jobs are Mike Webb, chief strategy officer; Shane Esquibel, chief operations officer; Kristin Beneski, chief legal counsel; Sahar Fathi, policy director; Jaime Martin, external relations director; Joyce Bruce, legislative director; Franklin Plaistowe, deputy chief operations officer and Brionna Aho, communications director.

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All currently hold key posts in the Office of the Attorney General except Martin who is executive director of government affairs and special projects for the Snoqualmie Tribe.

There will not be a chief of staff as Webb and Esquibel will report directly to Ferguson.

Webb, Fergusons chief of staff since 2017, will guide policy, legislative, and communications work and handle strategy. Esquibel, deputy attorney general since 2016, will oversee agencies represented in the cabinet.

Beneski, the first assistant attorney general, is the lead attorney on Washingtons lawsuit that argues current restrictions on mifepristone are unlawful. Fathi and Bruce are the current policy and legislative directors respectively, and will do the same job in the governors office.

Plaistowe, chief human resources officer for the attorney generals office, will help manage executive operations in the Ferguson administration. Aho, Fergusons current communications director, will handle the same duties when Ferguson moves to the executive office.
A Tri-Cities community leader, self described political junkie and author of Washington history and politics books died Saturday.

C. Mark Smith, of Richland, was 89.

He retired from a 40-year career in economic development in 2005 that included eight years as a senior official in the Nixon, Ford and Carter administrations.

From 2000 to 2005 he served as the manager of business and economic development for the city of Richland.

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The next 19 years he dedicated to his interest in history, biography and politics, researching and authoring five books.

He wrote books when he saw a hole in history he wanted to fill, said Robert Franklin, vice president of the B Reactor Museum Association and Washington State University Tri-Cities assistant professor of history.

Smith, a native of Tacoma, started with Raising Cain, about his childhood mentor, former Washington Sen. Harry P. Cain. It was Cain who exposed the excesses of the Eisenhower Administrations loyalty-security program as an administration appointee during the McCarthy era.

C. Mark Smith

Next was Community Godfather: How Sam Volpentest Shaped the History of Hanford and the Tri-Cities.

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As much a history of the Hanford nuclear site and the Tri-Cities as a biography of Volpentest, it tells the story of Volpentests strong determination to save the Tri-Cities as the U.S. government stopped plutonium production.

He wrote a short history of the Lewis and Clark expedition for the American Queen Steamboat Co., which is used by their passengers during cruises on the Snake and Columbia rivers.

Next came Doc: Congressman Doc Hastings through Twenty Years of Turmoil, as Hastings political career representing the Washington 4th Congressional District coincided with the growth of partisanship and the nation.

At the time of his death, Smith was gathering recent information on the Hanford nuclear site, apparently planning to update Something Extraordinary: A Short History of the Manhattan Project, Hanford and the B Reactor, written with Robert L. Ferguson in cooperation with the B Reactor Museum Association and the WSU Tri-Cities Hanford History Project.

Smiths Tri-Cities leadership

Smith was dedicated to the Tri-Cities community and said that signing up for what would be 23 year with the Richland Rotary Club was one of the best things he ever did. He volunteered as the communications officer for the B Reactor Museum Association and was the vice president of programs for the Columbia Basin Badger Club.

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That drive to be involved will be really, really missed, Franklin said.

Kirk Williamson, president of Badger Club, said Smith was dedicated, organized and had a real spirit of we could do anything if we put our mind to it.

C. Mark Smith

He thought big, Williamson said, and was willing to call anyone, including drawing on his large circle of friends and acquaintances, to find speakers for the clubs public forums on important and timely topics.

Speakers he brought to the Tri-Cities club have included retired Gen. James Mattis, the former defense secretary; Nicholas Kristof, a New York Times columnist and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes; Alex Biryukov, live from Ukraine; and coming soon, Peter Wehner, a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum, opinion writer for The New York Times and contributing editor at The Atlantic.

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Smith was always focused on what would make the Badger Club and the community better, Williamson said.

Mark was a fine man  accomplished, intelligent and ever-giving to his community, said Badger Club board member Michael Harrington.

Harrington said hell miss Smiths quiet humor, considerate ways and unparalleled ability to herd cats for the club.

Smith provided not only a breadth of knowledge and experience to his volunteer work with the B Reactor Museum Association, but also a welcoming, can-do attitude, said Dave Marsh, president of the museum association.

He brought wisdom to the museum board, both from his decades in economic development and knowledge of local politics and how to work with local institutions, said Franklin, the B Reactor Museum Association vice president.

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When Franklin moved to the Tri-Cities to serve as WSU faculty, Smith took him under his wing and introduced him to the people who would be helpful to know, before Franklin even realized how valuable Smiths introductions would be.

Mike Gonzalez, the Sunnyside city manager and former Franklin County administrator, also remembered Smith as caring and engaging. Smith always checked in with him when he was going through challenges in county government, he said.

WA Lifetime Achievement Award

Smith was a 1961 graduate of the University of Puget Sound with degrees in history and political science. He served two terms as a trustee for the university and was awarded the UPS Alumni Associations Lifetime Professional Achievement Award in 2012.

He was a fellow and honorary life member of the International Economic Development Council and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Washington Gov. Gary Locke in 2004.

Smith is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elsa. They have two sons, Scot and Todd.

Einans at Sunset Funeral Home in Richland is handling his arrangements.
Wake County parents could find out sooner if their child is being taught by a substitute teacher because the classroom position is unfilled.

Most Wake County teaching positions are filled, but some students can go weeks or months being taught by a substitute teacher. A new policy is being considered that would require schools to notify parents if their child has been taught by a substitute teacher for two or more straight weeks.

its hard sometimes to fill those positions because maybe no qualified candidates applied, school board member Lindsay Mahaffey said at last months policy committee meeting. Just letting parent know hey, were looking for this, theres an absence, I think is just good communication, and it shouldnt be principal dependent.

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The policy committee, which Mahaffey chairs, will resume discussing the substitute teacher policy next week.

Wake currently leaves it up to each principal whether to notify families if a class has a long-term substitute.

Kendra Hill, Wakes senior director of employee relations, told the policy committee on Oct. 29 that its her experience that principals tell parents if their child will have a substitute teacher for more than a few days. That statement drew coughs of disagreement from several school board members.

Parental notification of a substitute teacher

Last month, Hill proposed a new school board policy on substitute teachers. One section included wording that parents would be notified if their child has been taught by a substitute teacher for four or more consecutive weeks.

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But the proposed notification requirement would only cover Title I schools. Thats a federal program where some schools get additional funding because they have a high number of low-income students.

If I got a note that said, hey, your child has had a substitute in X class for a month, heres the breaking news to you, I think thats too long, said school board member Lynn Edmonds.

Edmonds proposed a two-week notification requirement for all schools. She said it would help Wake build trust with families and the community.

It supports that building of trust that were going to share with you when things arent the way wed like them to be, such as having a sub for that long, Edmonds said.

Families ask for help filling teacher vacancies

As of September, Wake had filled 98.55% of its teaching vacancies. But that still left 170 vacant teaching positions.

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Several board members shared their own experiences of having a substitute teacher or having parents contact them about their child not having a permanent teacher.

Just letting parents know on the front end stops a lot of worry and confusion on the back end, said Mahaffey, who had to deal with a sub when one of her childrens math teachers quit earlier this school year.

School board member Toshiba Rice shared how a high school senior asked her for help finding a teacher for her English class.

They dont have anyone in there thats qualified to teach them what they need right now for their English IV class, Rice said. Its their last year and we know at this time students writing skills and everything really need to be on point because theyre getting ready to come to the real world and go into college.

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Notification that theres a substitute teacher could allow parents to get their children extra help they need, according to Rice.

Transparency is a good thing, school board chair Chris Heagarty said, but added its nor easy finding job candidates for all those vacancies.

Im saying you cant force people to come in and take a job, Heagarty said.
GAZA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 people were killed and more than 30 others injured on Monday due to intense Israeli bombings in a refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, and a tent sheltering displaced people in the southern Gaza Strip.

At least five people were killed and several others injured in the evening during an Israeli bombardment targeting a tent sheltering displaced people west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, according to a report by the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.

In a separate attack, at least 20 Palestinians were killed and more than 30 others injured due to an Israeli bombing of Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, according to Al-Awda Hospital in the camp.

A statement from the hospital said that Israeli artillery had bombed water tanks, causing water outage in parts of the hospital, adding that its administration building also sustained damage from Israeli drone attacks.

It called on international organizations to protect healthcare facilities amid the ongoing killings of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents yet.

Israel has been waging a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 43,603, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday. 
Nov. 11 (UPI) -- With over 40 armed conflicts now taking place around the world, the costs of warfare are immense and continue to mount with each passing day.

Russia's war on Ukraine is estimated to have resulted in more than 600,000 Russian casualties, with estimates of total dead and injured on both sides as high as 1 million. The war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in about 140,000 Palestinian and 10,000 Israeli casualties, and there have been at least 50,000 casualties in the ongoing Sudanese Civil War. Closer to home, the newly married son of a colleague of mine suffered grievous injuries and lost all four limbs in an explosion while serving in the Middle East.

The loss of life and limb, violations of human rights, destruction of personal property and damage to infrastructure such as power stations, hospitals and roads render such costs essentially incalculable, at least in monetary terms.

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Yet war also opens up opportunities to care for the injured, displaced and forgotten. As someone who studies and writes about the intersection of medicine and the humanities, I often find myself returning to the American poet Walt Whitman.

To appreciate the act of offering support and comfort for the victims of war, there are few better sources of inspiration than Whitman, who spent more than three years volunteering his time and energies during the U.S. Civil War.

Compelled to help

Walt Whitman is considered one of the greatest poets in American history. Born the second of nine children in straitened circumstances in New York in 1819, he left school at age 11 to help support his family, working in a variety of jobs, including typesetting, teaching and newspaper publishing.

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In 1855, he self-published his greatest work of poetry, "Leaves of Grass," written in free verse and opening with the poem later known as "Song of Myself." The work's fans included Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote to Whitman, in a letter praising the poet, "I greet you at the beginning of a great career."

Yet fame and fortune were slow to wend their way to Whitman, and he continued to work in the newspaper trade. With the onset of the Civil War, Whitman's brother enlisted, and when Whitman saw his brother named among wounded soldiers, he traveled to Virginia to find him.

He eventually discovered that his brother had suffered only a minor wound. Yet during the search, Whitman encountered scores of wounded soldiers and piles of amputated limbs, which moved him to help in some way.

He secured a job in Washington, D.C., as an army paymaster's clerk and began volunteering in the city's military hospitals, making, by his estimate, over 600 visits, sometimes overnight, to as many as 100,000 soldiers.

Dispenser of treats, transcriber of letters

Why would perhaps America's greatest poet voluntarily devote the better part of over three years of his life to visiting places replete with mutilation, agony and sorrow?

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Lacking formal training in medicine or nursing, Whitman nonetheless felt that he had something important to offer.

"I found it was in the simple matter of personal presence, and emanating ordinary cheer and magnetism, that I succeeded and helped more than by medical nursing, or delicacies, or gifts of money, or anything else," he wrote in "Memoranda During the War."

Whitman managed to bring more tangible gifts as well: "Blackberries, peaches, lemons and sugar, wines, all kinds of preserves, pickles, brandy, milk, shirts and all articles of underclothing, tobacco, tea, and handkerchiefs."

He procured these items using his own meager funds and by soliciting donations, providing others their own opportunities to give.

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Consider a specific case, that of a young soldier from Massachusetts suffering from respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments.

Of him, Whitman wrote, "His heart was broken. He felt the struggle to keep up any longer to be useless. God, the world, humanity, all had abandoned him. It would feel so good to shut his eyes forever on the cruel things around him and toward him."

Yet Whitman took his place beside him, gave him some money so that he could buy milk, and wrote a letter for him to his sister. "Trifling as it was, he was overcome and began to cry. He has told me since that this little visit, at that hour, just saved him - a day more, and it would have been perhaps too late."

Along with all the other gifts in his haversack, Whitman "always gave paper, envelopes, and stamps" so soldiers could write to loved ones back home. Many times, he wrote their letters himself, in his own hand, often signing below their name, "Written by Walt Whitman, a friend."

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Of the letters, he noted:

"Many sick and wounded soldiers have not written home to parents, brothers, sisters, and even wives, for one reason or another, for a long time. Some are poor writers, some cannot get paper and envelopes; many have an aversion to writing because they dread to worry the folks at home - the facts about them are so sad to tell. I always encourage the men to write, and promptly write for them."

It is remarkable to think of one of the greatest artists of the English language sitting by the bedside of so many sick and wounded soldiers, helping them compose letters to family and friends far away, sometimes simply transcribing what they said, and other times capturing what they wanted to say or what needed to be said.

He was tending not only to the soldiers before him, but also to loved ones sick with worry, hundreds of miles away.

Becoming conduits of compassion

Whitman's dedicated service offers deep and enduring lessons for people around the world today.

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For one thing, the toll of war cannot simply be counted up in numbers of lives lost or billions of dollars of damage incurred.

Behind every number is a human story. Every wounded or dead soldier is someone's son or daughter, sister or brother, husband or wife, or mother or father. Every civilian casualty is someone's friend, neighbor and fellow citizen.

Whitman didn't use his poetic powers just to help share the stories of wounded soldiers with their loved ones back home. He also mined his experiences by their bedside to compose literary masterpieces such as "The Wound-Dresser" and "Come Up from the Fields Father."

As violence permeates the globe, it's easy to look away, or become numb to headlines and images of death and despair. But confronting this suffering head on - through an act as simple as extending a hand, a voice or an ear - is an act of courage in and of itself.

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True, it may not stop or win a war. Yet this sort of attention is a form of generosity and a conduit to healing - a way, as Whitman put it in a letter to his brother, "to have our feelings so thoroughly and permanently absorbed, to the very roots, by these huge swarms of dear, wounded, sick, and dying boys."

Richard Gunderman is a chancellor's professor of medicine, liberal arts and philanthropy at Indiana University.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  The Second Baptist Church in Warren has finally completed repairs for its historic chapel. The church commemorated its grand reopening with a 108-anniversary celebration on Sunday.

The chapel, originally constructed in 1919, was dedicated to the nations veterans right before Veterans Day. Dozens of people gathered for the celebration.

It just made me imagine what it must have felt like those many years ago when believers would come into the church, and it was often said it was so crowded. People would be standing outside, and they all couldnt fit  and it felt like that was being relived right here, said Reverand Todd Johnson.

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The chapel pays special tribute to Black veterans. Johnson announced one way the chapel is thanking those who served.

We will be offering this chapel to the families of any veterans who may pass away and dont have a church or a chapel to have a formal service, and well work to facilitate that for them free of charge, Johnson said.

Mayor Doug Franklin was at the event and presented the church with a flag  a gift he received from former President Barack Obama at a conference.

This flag was given to me at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Honolulu, Hawaii  the birthplace of President Barack Obama. So, it was a gift of his to all the mayors in the country at the time. I wanted to give you that, Franklin said.

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To know that type of distinguished item will be here on our property, and well do our very best to honor that as we honor our veterans, Johnson added.

Before reopening, the chapel was closed for four years and was vandalized in 2021. After costly repairs and renovation, it can be used  but the chapel still needs some work.

Were going to continue to work to preserve the space to shore up as any old building would have issues to make sure that we strengthen those things so that we dont have those types of issues to zero to four years from now, Johnson said.

The Second Baptist Church is located on Main Avenue SW.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Warrior Memorial Foundation will bury its first warrior.

On Monday, a parade of motorcycles will ride through Panama City to Captain Andersons Marina to kick off Oscar Clyde Westbrooks celebration of life.

Westbrook was a chief warrant officer and highly decorated diver in the Navy.

Patriot Guard and local bike organizations will escort Oscars remains and family from the Man in the Sea Museum to Capt. Andersons Marina, where his remains will then be transported to the military divers memorial reef for his final resting place.

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Ukrainian Culture celebration raised money for special drone mission

This is actually our first request. So we really want to honor him, pay tribute to his legacy. And we really want the community to come out and, you know, see who this man was, Warrior Memorial Reefs President Joe Theodorou said.

Westbrooks family is encouraging the community to join the celebration. You can bring flags or simply stand in solidarity.

If you would like to attend the motorcycle procession it will begin at 8 am from the Man in Sea Museum.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Washington restaurants decision to turn away a same-sex couple because of the owners religious beliefs has sparked outrage and a potential legal battle, throwing a spotlight on LGBTQ + rights and anti-discrimination laws. A restaurant that has served the local community since April was set to cater the wedding of Ryah Calkins and Lillian Glover, a Seattle-area couple, until the business abruptly canceled  allegedly after realizing they were a same-sex couple.

The restaurant, JJs ToGo, in Centralia, had initially agreed to cater the January wedding of the couple who had spent weeks finalizing the catering details with the restaurants owner, Jessica Britton. According to The Daily Chronicle, when the couple met Britton in person to complete the arrangements, she informed them she could not cater their wedding due to her religious beliefs. This sudden refusal led Calkins mother, Ali Duncan, to post on Facebook, calling the decision hurtful, shocking, and illegal under Washington state law, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation.

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Ali Duncan

Duncans post quickly gained attention, and by the next day, protesters had gathered outside JJs ToGo while social media lit up with reactions from both critics and supporters. The Brittons defended their decision in a public statement, asserting that it was based on their Christian faith. Every decision that is made is based on our faith in Jesus Christ, they wrote, adding that their refusal was intended to ensure that the couple could have someone catering [their] event that supports and can celebrate [their] union.

Despite the Brittons explanation, Washington state law is clear: the Washington Law Against Discrimination mandates that businesses offering services to the public must not deny those services based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The Daily Chronicle reports that Calkins and her fiancee plan to file formal complaints with the Washington State Human Rights Commission and the attorney generals office. In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to overturn a ruling upholding Washingtons anti-discrimination protections, requiring businesses to comply with the states laws.

JJs ToGos refusal prompted strong reactions from the community. According to The Daily Chronicle, other businesses in downtown Centralia, such as Centerville Cafe and The Shady Lady, expressed their support for inclusivity and reaffirmed that they welcome all customers. The Centralia Downtown Association also released a statement on social media, declaring that Main Streets are for everyone and highlighting their commitment to equal access and inclusivity in the district.

The Brittons shared they had received both supportive messages and hostile ones, including threats and explicit content. In their statement, the owners thanked those who had reached out positively, reiterating that they love all people, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Tracy Ryan, a nurse at Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend, stands in front of one of the hospital's maternity ward rooms. (Grace Deng/Washington State Standard)

While working in large, urban hospitals, Tracy Ryan has seen 25 to 30 babies delivered a day.

I call those places baby factories. They provide incredible care  theres incredible expertise because they do so much volume, said Ryan.

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But I couldnt tell youI cant tell you one family that I remember both the parents names and their babys name, Ryan said. I know thats supposed to be one of the most intimate, fabulous events of your life, right? And I dont remember any of those people.

Thats a far cry from her current job at Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend, a rural hospital that delivered only 78 babies last year. Ryan started her job in May  but even though shes been there for less than a year, she already feels like shes caring for her neighbors.

I know that kind of sounds cheesy, but in small communities, you are caring for your neighbors, Ryan said. You do see these people in the community. You do see them at dinner. Ive seen people at the movie theater, for crying out loud, and its so fun. It feels like theyre part of your family. So I definitely love working in a place like this.

Places like Jefferson Healthcare are in a precarious position. Rural maternity wards are almost always financial black holes, a reality that has forced several in Washington to close in recent years, including one in Toppenish last year and at Naval Hospital Bremerton, which stopped delivering babies in 2022.

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Its something lawmakers are trying to solve, both on the state and federal level. Washington lawmakers approved $1.6 million for low-volume birthing hospitals during the 2024 legislative session, which has kept some wards from closing, said Beth Zborowski of the Washington State Hospital Association  but rural hospitals say they still need more help.

Thats why theyre supporting a bill, co-sponsored by Democratic U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington and Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, to increase Medicaid reimbursements for rural hospitals and provide other support.

We shouldnt penalize families for living in small communities, Ryan said. If we dont do something about maternity deserts and keeping maternity care a viable option for young families, our rural communities are going to die because they cant be only populated with retiring people.

Running a rural maternity ward

Keeping a rural maternity ward fully operational at all hours of the day requires a lot of creativity.

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Well go days, sometimes weeks, without having a single birth, said Dunia Faulx, chief planning and advocacy officer at Jefferson Healthcare. Yet we have to be fully staffed and ready for any kind of emergency.

At Jefferson Healthcare, labor and delivery nurses are always cross-trained, meaning theyre trained across different departments. There are two nurses staffed on every shift trained for labor and delivery  but when the maternity ward is empty, those nurses might be in the emergency department, assisting with surgery or working on the medical-surgical floor, which involves patients with a wide range of medical conditions.

Its this constant, Whats our backup plan? said Karah Ealy, director of inpatient services at Jefferson Healthcare, explaining the push and pull of moving nurses around when a pregnant person arrives at the maternity ward.

For Ryan, that meant being trained to work on the medical-surgical floor. Ryan has been a nurse for 29 years  but this is her first time working outside of the labor and delivery unit.

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Im a novice in other areas of the hospital, Ryan said. Im learning from the certified nursing assistants. Sometimes the housekeepers teach me things, the physicians teach me things, and its keeping me fresh.

Training new nurses, too, with such a low volume of births, can be difficult. Rural hospitals often use drills and virtual or life-like birth simulations to ensure nurses are trained on high-risk deliveries and difficult births. Many rural hospitals are also dealing with staffing and recruitment challenges.

All of the challenges of health care are magnified in rural areas, said Jenica Sandall, director of clinical excellence at Washington State Hospital Association.

Maternity ward deserts

Nationwide, nearly one in four rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies from 2011 to 2021.

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In Washington, there are still 19 rural hospitals with birthing units. While thats much better than some states, Washingtons geography means its more difficult for a person in labor to travel further distances than in other areas of the country.

As many Washington residents know, depending on where youre going in the state, an hour-long drive can become much longer due to bridge closures, stormy weather and windy backroads. Areas like Chelan, Omak and Snoqualmie Pass are particularly difficult for neonatal transport.

You make that drive when youre bleeding and youre in pain, or you dont know if youre okay or not, and theres a bridge that will close and youll be sitting on the side of the road for half an hour waiting for it to open again  yeah, it can be a tremendously long distance away depending on the circumstance, said Dr. Stephen Erickson, a family medicine practitioner at Jefferson Healthcare.

Erikson used to practice in rural Alaska, where the hospital would fly him out to villages.

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Thats real frontier medicine, right? said Erickson. I feel were almost more in line with that Alaska isolation, compared to when I was in New Mexico.

We were an hour away from Albuquerque, but it was a wide open, flat, straight road all the way there. There was never traffic, there was never bridge closures, there was never bad weather that might ground the helicopter, Erickson added.

Sometimes, Jefferson Healthcare will put expectant mothers up in a nearby hotel because they might go into labor at any minute and live too far away for the drive to be safe  but not every health insurer covers lodging.

Closures can also have a ripple effect on the remaining hospitals, which struggle with an influx of patients. Katie McClymonds, a former travel nurse, used to work at a hospital in Silverdale. When Naval Hospital Bremerton closed its maternity ward, the hospital was totally overwhelmed, she said.

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Its scary, to be honest with you, McClymonds said. You dont have all the resources. You dont have enough OB providers.

Financial realities of a rural maternity ward

Jefferson Healthcare loses between $1.2 million to $1.4 million a year operating its rural maternity ward, said Faulx  but even if the hospital only cared about its finances, shutting down the ward might be a losing prospect for them, too.

In order for us to be able to hire people who want to start families in this community, in order for us to have a thriving family-based community here, we need to have this service, Faulx said, pointing out that Jefferson Healthcare is the largest employer in the community.

It would take around 200 births a year for the hospitals labor and delivery unit to be financially solvent, Faulx said.

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Wed have to almost triple our births, which is not possible in our community, Faulx said. Theres only 150 births in Jefferson County every year.

Jefferson Healthcare received about $200,000 from the $1.6 million state lawmakers gave out to rural maternity wards in 2024  about a fifth of what they lose each year.

Those kinds of one-time grant programs are lifesavers, Faulx said. But there needs to be a look at more ongoing financial sustainability for these programs.

Faulx said Cantwell and Wydens legislation is incredibly comprehensive. It would increase Medicaid payments for labor and delivery services for eligible rural and high-need urban hospitals, impacting about a quarter of Washingtons hospitals, among other various Medicaid reforms. Current payments from Medicaid, said Zbrowski, dont come close to covering the cost of maintaining a rural birthing unit.

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It will also provide standby payments to cover staffing and maintenance costs for hospitals with few births, allow hospitals to request emergency obstetrics providers from the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and mandate states study and report the costs of providing labor and delivery services to the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

A lot of these folks that are pregnant in labor and delivering babies out here, they have nowhere else to go, Faulx said.

It is critical to our community and rural communities across the state and the country that this service is offered, she added.
CORONA, Queens (PIX11)  A worker confronted two suspects who stormed in before one of the gunmen opened fire inside a busy barbershop in Queens, according to police and video.

The suspects were shooting at an unknown person when shots rang out inside the Langumas El Cache Barbershop at 103-17 Roosevelt Ave. in Corona at around 5:45 p.m. Friday, police said. No one was hit.

The barbershops surveillance video showed people in hoodies running into the business before one of the workers intervened as customers and barbers fled the store or ducked for cover.

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Before the incident, a man holding a red jacket standing by the door noticed the perpetrators and ran to the back of the store as they came in, according to the footage. Thats when one of the workers held back the suspect in the white hoodie while his accomplice, dressed in a black hoodie, headed for the back of the store and fired a few rounds, the video showed.

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The suspects then ran out of the barbershop, and remained at large as of Monday morning, police said.

Local officials said the shooting was gang-related and the barbers were protecting a man who sought cover in their store.

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Its a miracle no one was mortally wounded in the packed shop, former Councilmember and District Leader Hiram Monserrate said in a statement.

Advocates are calling for more police presence in the troubled Roosevelt Avenue neighborhood ahead of a meeting with the barbers on Monday afternoon.

The area has been riddled with crime and prostitution, angering local residents and forcing the NYPD last month to start a task force to tackle the urban crime zone. Operation Restore Roosevelt is a 90-day crackdown focusing on Roosevelt Avenue from 74th to 111th Street.

We are clear that these police officers need to stay in place on Roosevelt Avenue beyond the 90 days, Ramon Ramirez-Baez of the Lets Improve Roosevelt Avenue Coalition said.

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The area patrolled by the 115th Precinct has seen a spike in almost every major crime category, including murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, and shootings this year compared to 2023, according to NYPD data.

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).

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.

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Credit: U.S. Coast Guard District 5

A Disney cruise ship rescued four stranded people from a sinking catamaran 200 miles off the coast of Bermuda.

Footage showed panicked passengers hanging on to the sinking catamaran on Sunday morning before they were saved.

The 50ft catamaran, named Serenity, had suffered a hatch failure, causing the ship to fill with water in the North Atlantic Ocean.

The passengers launched a distress call to the US Coast Guard, which issued an emergency alert that was picked up by Disney Treasure at about 11.40am.

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The 1,115ft-long Mickey Mouse-themed liner, which was on its maiden voyage 80 miles away, launched a small boat that rescued all four passengers, none of whom suffered injuries, an hour later.

Passengers in peril

We are pleased that the Disney Treasure was able to provide aid to the boat passengers in peril, Marco Nogara, its captain, said.

Our crew members worked together on the rescue, skilfully demonstrating their training and commitment to safety.

A spokesman for the cruise line said the Disney Treasure had been heading from Eemshaven in the Netherlands to its base in Port Canaveral, Florida, when it received the call.

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Catamarans are made up of two parallel hulls, connected by a single deck. They can look anything like a lightweight boat to huge passenger ferries.

Disney Treasure is yet to be used by the general public and is the sixth of its kind owned by Disney Cruise Line fleet.

It will launch its maiden voyage for passengers from its Florida base on Dec 21 and will offer seven-night cruises in the eastern and western Caribbean.

It has more than 1,250 staterooms, 10 pools, Disney-themed restaurants and immersive spaces also inspired by Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar.

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BROOKLYN, New York (KMID/KPEJ)- A video caught by security footage in the Brooklyn neighborhood Crown Heights, showed an attempted kidnapping in broad daylight.

The footage, posted to X by Crown Heights Shomrim Patrol, showed a father walking with his two children around 3:30 PM on Saturday, November 9, when a masked man grabbed the little boys hand and tried to walk away.

The father, however, was able to hold onto the boys hand and push the attempted kidnapper away.

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An update later provided by the Crown Heights Shomrim Patrol said that a suspect, described as a 28-year-old man, was later arrested and charged with second-degree kidnapping.

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CHAVIES, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Perry County resident received an unexpected visitor on Saturday.

Lexie Mullins was shocked, to say the least, when she checked her security camera footage and found a large furry creature hopping across the front lawn.

This was filmed in my yard at 9:05 p.m., Mullins wrote. I never thought I would see the day.

Initially, Mullins instinct led her to believe the animal pictured was a kangaroo. However, experts at the Louisville Zoo affirmed that they believe a wallaby is actually on the loose in Perry County.

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The video has caught the attention of people all over, seen and shared by upward of 100,000 viewers, and left some residents questioning their sanity.

My friend told us she seen one and I swore this girl was going crazy, a comment read.

Only in Chavies, another commenter said.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife confirmed that the wallaby is a residents pet, and the owners have been notified. As of Tuesday morning, it is our understanding that the wallaby is still on the loose, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife told FOX 56.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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On Wednesday morning, East Kentucky Thermal Drone Recovery shared an update on Facebook, saying the wallaby had been caught overnight.

We sure appreciate the help! Stidham Pest and Predator Control commented on the recovery groups post. Didnt take you 10 minutes to locate him.

Kentucky law doesnt explicitly list wallabies as prohibited exotic pets. FOX 56 reached out to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife for clarification.

They had a valid transportation permit when they brought the animal into Kentucky from Tennessee and the species is not on the list of prohibited exotic species, Lisa Jackson, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife information office supervisor, said.

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Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Wildlife deemed inherently dangerous to Kentuckys native ecosystems or to human life is prohibited in Kentucky, while some exotic pets require a permit to own or transport. For a list of the species listed, click here.

Camille Hantla contributed to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
In late October, the Health and Human Services Inspector General found that Medicare Advantage plans pocketed $7.5 billion in 2023 from diagnosing health conditions that prompted no medical services  about $4.2 billion of it through health assessments done in patients homes. (J. David Ake/Getty Images)

A new federal watchdog audit is ratcheting up pressure on government officials to crack down on billions of dollars in overcharges linked to Medicare Advantage home visits.

But so far, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has rejected a recommendation from the Health and Human Services Inspector General to limit payments stemming from house visits that dont result in any medical treatment  a potential red flag that may signal overcharges.

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In late October, the HHS watchdog found that the health plans pocketed $7.5 billion in 2023 from diagnosing health conditions that prompted no medical services  about $4.2 billion of it through health assessments done in patients homes. And court records show that for a decade or more, CMS officials have failed to act on their concerns that the home visits waste tax dollars and should be limited.

UnitedHealthcare, the largest Medicare Advantage contractor, accounted for about two-thirds of the payments tied to home visits and chart reviews, in which health plans mine patient medical files to add new diagnoses that can bring in additional revenue, according to the audit.

Assistant Inspector General Erin Bliss said the health plans are making billions without offering any treatment for medical conditions they flag during the visits, such as diabetes and major depression.

Frankly, it needs to stop, Bliss said.

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CMS, which runs the Medicare program, disagrees.

In a statement to KFF Health News by spokesperson Alexx Pons, the agency said it appreciates the OIGs review in this area and will continue to study the issue.

However, CMS disagreed with the OIGs call to restrict use of home health assessments in computing how much to pay health plans. People on Medicare should have access to care that is appropriately provided in the home setting, CMS wrote in a written response included in the audit report.

One would think that CMS would kick its regulatory oversight up a notch or two, said Richard Lieberman, a Colorado health data analytics expert.

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In contrast, CMS appears to be unconcerned and is telling OIG to stay out of their lane, he said.

UnitedHealthcare spokesperson Heather Soule said in a statement that the OIG had drawn inaccurate conclusions in the audit.

The home visits are among the most comprehensive and thorough assessments of a patients health and physical environment available in the healthcare system, helping to identify and drive needed follow-on care for the vast majority of the patients with whom we engage, according to the company.

No care provided

Government spending on Medicare Advantage, which is dominated by UnitedHealthcare and a handful of other health insurance companies, is expected to hit $462 billion this year.

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The industry, whose more than 33 million members make up over half of people eligible for Medicare, argues that most enrollees are satisfied with the care they receive and typically pay less out-of-pocket than those on original Medicare.

Whether Medicare Advantage is a good deal for taxpayers is another matter, largely because many health plans exaggerate how sick patients are to boost their payments, multiple federal audits and other investigations have shown. Medicare pays the health plans higher rates for sicker patients.

For fiscal year 2023, CMS identified $12.7 billion in overpayments linked to diagnoses not supported by patients medical records.

The OIG audit tied $7.5 billion in payments to health conditions that prompted no treatment, including serious diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and major depression. That suggests that the medical condition either didnt exist or that the health plan failed to treat it adequately, auditors said.

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These are serious conditions. You would think you would see additional care during that year, said Jacqualine Reid, who led the OIG audit team. We are asking CMS to step up its oversight.

Homegrown

The in-home visits have sparked controversy for more than a decade. A June 2014 media investigation found that a sharp rise in home visits had inflated Medicares costs by billions of dollars. The visits, which typically last less than an hour, are often conducted by nurse practitioners, who do not treat the patient, but go over a checklist of possible health conditions.

Sabrina Skeldon, a Texas lawyer who advises physicians on billing issues, said problems arise when health plans fail to order necessary medical tests to confirm a diagnosis made during a home visit  and treat it.

Skeldon noted that The Cigna Group in 2023 paid $172 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit that alleged its Medicare Advantage plan illegally collected payments for medical diagnoses that were based solely on in-home assessments.

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The OIG audit comes as the Justice Department presses a civil fraud case that accuses UnitedHealth Group of cheating Medicare out of more than $2 billion by mining patient records to churn up diagnoses that boosted revenue, while ignoring evidence of overpayments. The company denies the allegations.

Court filings from the case show CMS officials were concerned years ago that home visits and chart reviews could needlessly drive up costs.

In April 2014, CMS backed off a proposal to restrict their use amid complaints from the industry that it would lose billions of dollars as a result. Similarly, CMS officials scrapped a proposal to tighten scrutiny on the chart reviews after what one official called an uproar from the industry.

CMS officials also had concerns that unchecked home visits might affect efforts to recover overpayments through billing reviews known as RADV audits.

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Former CMS official Thomas Hutchinson, who ran the agencys Medicare Plan Payment Group from September 2006 through June 2010, testified in a deposition that officials had heard about various folks that figured out how they could RADV-proof things by doing in-home visits.

In a confidential April 2015 slide presentation, CMS officials observed that health plans were now conducting health risk assessments in beneficiaries homes. One purpose of the assessments is to identify conditions and create medical records documentation that substantiates diagnoses.

And an October 2015 CMS memo circulated among senior agency staff cites limitations around home visits among the possible ways to strengthen the RADV audits.

In its statement to KFF Health News, CMS said it was committed to ensuring that diagnoses health plans submitted for payment were accurate. But the agency declined to answer written questions about the impact of home visits on its audit program, which has yet to complete reviews of payments dating back as far as 2011.

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UnitedHealthcare had the lowest rates of unconfirmed diagnoses among five large Medicare Advantage organizations audited in 2011, according to court records.

Overall, the company ended up with underpayments of more than $261 million for 15 of its plans audited for 2011-2013, court records show. The audit findings for other Medicare Advantage firms are blacked out in court filings.

CMS audits payments to just 30 out of more than 700 contracts a year. Thats not enough to protect tax dollars, said Matthew Fiedler, a health policy researcher at The Brookings Institution.

They should be auditing 10 times as many contracts, he said. Where we are now you are not likely to get caught.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
MOSCOW, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Africa are set to establish a dialogue centered on security, according to a joint statement published Monday following a Russian-African forum.

"We reaffirm our readiness to set up a standing top-level Russia-Africa dialogue mechanism that will contribute towards peace, stability and security as well as coordinating efforts in combatting terrorism and extremism," said the statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The dialogue will also address environmental challenges and issues related to food and information security.

The First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was held on Nov. 9 and 10 in Sochi, Russia.

The event was attended by around 1,500 participants, including over 40 ministers from African countries. 
WAYNE, Nebraska (KCAU)  A variety of shirts with different colors have been hung along the railings in the student center at Wayne State College, in honor of victims and survivors of sexual assault.

This is a part of The Clothesline Project being held for its second year by the club Its On Us. The different colors of the shirts represent a situation where a person was sexually assaulted.

The color gray stands for someone who has died due to violence from an intimate partner, while purple is for people who have been attacked because of their gender or sexual orientation.

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Alongside the hung-up clothing, the club has been handing out customized shirts for those who have gone through sexual assault and for supporters as well.

Siouxland non-profit raises $6,500 during annual event

The president of Its On Us says its important to discuss this topic and help create safe places on campus.

No matter what your story is, no matter what time of the year it is, its a really important topic to be brought up. And so, just sometimes we wanted to share on campus and show that even though its a tough subject, its something that needs to be shared and get the message out, said Theresa Johnson, the president of Its On Us.

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Its important so that people know that they have like a place to go where they are felt and heard. And I feel like its just something that people need to have on campus, said Dalayni Rhodes, a club member with Its On Us.

The t-shirts are expected to stay up until November 13th. Johnson says to expect a similar event next April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (WLNS)  The new GOES-U satellite launched from Cape Canaveral, FL, and has recently begun sending back high-resolution images and data of the weather across the United States and beyond.

This satellite, the last in the GOES-R Series, is filled with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including an Advanced Baseline Imager and Geostationary Lightning Mapper, which will be used to observe the weather throughout Earths atmosphere.

New weather satellite will help save lives in Mid-Michigan. (WLNS) New weather satellite will help save lives in Mid-Michigan. (WLNS)

Multiple space weather observation instruments are also included on the satellite. One of the main tools is the Compact Coronagraph, the first of its kind to be included in a GOES-R Series satellite. This will study the suns corona and alert scientists when a coronal mass ejection is headed toward Earth, leading to better aurora borealis forecasts.

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Whether in Michigan, Florida, North America, South America, the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans, meteorologists are monitoring the weather overhead using the GOES-R Series of satellites, using the data to help keep people safe.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Editor's note: This article is an on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox every Sunday.

ReBuild Ukraine gathers in Warsaw on Nov. 13-14 to discuss infrastructure, housing, energy, and other reconstruction-related issues. The event will also include an EU-Ukraine Investment Conference, which will look at mobilizing private capital and encouraging EU-Ukraine business partnerships. Expect discussions on ensuring a level playing field and improving engagement with state actors, as well as a mix of concern and optimism over what US President-elect Donald Trump means for rebuilding Ukraine.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) will take place Nov. 11-22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nearly 200 countries will aim to boost climate funding (the return of Trump, who previously withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement, will complicate joint action. Meanwhile, scientists warn the 1.5-degree goal is out of reach (it was exceeded throughout half of 2024). Discussions on an Azeri gas deal, on hold but liable to be revived, could take place in the background.

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The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting on Nov. 15-16 in Peru will conclude the organizations week-long summit. Key issues include regional trade, the environment, and security; expect talk on US-China tensions, the Russia-Ukraine war and Trump, as well as preparations for the G20 summit in Brazil (Nov. 18-19). Joe Biden and Xi Jin Ping are both set to travel to both summits.

The race for the US lower chamber, the House, will likely finish this week  Republicans are on track to secure the Presidency, Senate, and House. The current tally (as of early Nov. 10) stands at 213 vs. 202 (218 is needed for a majority). Despite a likely margin of 3-4 votes, Trump will still need to manage the Freedom Caucus of radical right/wing House representatives (who previously held up Ukraine support and led to the removal of their own partys Speaker).

Justice Juan Merchan is expected to rule by Tuesday (Nov. 12) on Trump's pre-election appeal to overturn his conviction (specifically 34 felony counts in the New York case - falsifying business records to conceal hush money to an adult film star). If Justice Merchan rules in Trump's favor, his criminal record could (almost) be cleared. If not, Trump could proceed to sentencing on Nov. 26 (but will likely attempt to further delay or dismiss the case).

Other events and milestones:

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KI Insights, powered by the Kyiv Independent, provides an in-depth analysis of Ukraines political and business environment. Our briefings offer essential insights for analysts, decision-makers, and organizations overseeing investments or operations in Ukraine. Please note that a KI Insights subscription is separate from a Kyiv Independent membership and provides more detailed, expert-level analysis.For more information about our work, visit insights.kyivindependent.com.

Read also: Opinion: 3 ways Trumps return to power could unfold for Ukraine

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In February 2022, Tom Homan went to the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, and took a seat among a group of young white supremacists. Homan  who oversaw former President Donald Trumps brutal anti-immigrant regime as acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and who under former President Barack Obama was responsible for record-high levels of deportations as the head of ICEs deportation branch  had been invited to speak at the American First Political Action Conference.

As HuffPost first reported at the time, Homan claimed he was unaware of what the AFPAC was all about  his assistant had booked him at the event, he said, and had likely confused America First, the events organizer, with another right-wing group. Sitting at the table, waiting for the event to begin, Homan got out his phone and looked up Nick Fuentes, the leader of America First, and came across a bunch of articles labeling him a white nationalist. This didnt prompt Homan to get up and leave. He was skeptical of the label white nationalist. After all, he knew what it was like to be unfairly labeled a bigot and a racist during his time overseeing ICE. Maybe Fuentes had suffered the same injustice. But then he read that Fuentes had praised Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Homan got up from the table, leaving the conference before it began.

At the AFPAC, after Homan left, Fuentes praised Adolf Hitler, while other speakers cheered on Putins bombing of Ukraine and called for Dr. Anthony Fauci to be hanged. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) gave a speech in which she told the assembled white supremacists they had a responsibility to fight for our Constitution and stand for our freedoms, and stop the Democrats, who are the communist party of the United States of America.

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Asked if it inspired any self-reflection that someone like Fuentes  a young, wildly racist and antisemitic leader of the America First groyper movement who attended the deadly 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia  would want him to speak at the AFPAC, Homan demurred. He told HuffPost in a phone interview after the AFPAC that he didnt know why Fuentes might like him. He had never even met the guy.

A few minutes later, Homan called HuffPost back to make a clarification: Im not saying this is a bad group, he said of Fuentes and the groypers. Im saying I dont know.

This weekend, Trump announced that Homan would serve as his border czar.

I am pleased to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nations Borders (The Border Czar), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security, Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social.

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Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job, Trump added.

Homan didnt immediately return HuffPosts request for comment about the appointment.

Tapping Homan for this role signals that Trump is aiming to fulfill his horrifying campaign promise to mass deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. Trump campaigned on fascist rhetoric, arguing that immigrants are poisoning the blood of the country and portraying them as inherently criminal or savage  like when he pushed the lie that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating their neighbors pets.

Homan was a significant contributor to Project 2025, the authoritarian blueprint for a second Trump administration put together by several conservative groups and other key allies. Announcing Homan as part of his upcoming administration signifies that Trump, despite distancing himself from Project 2025 during his campaign, is actually poised to implement many of its policies.

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Homan has essentially been auditioning to be Trumps border czar all year.

Trump comes back in January, he said during a speech this summer at the National Conservatism conference. Ill be on his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen. They aint seen shit yet. Wait until 2025.

We are going to have a historic deportation operation, because youve got a historic, illegal immigration, crossing the southern border, Homan said, later adding: No ones off the table. If youre in the country illegally, its not OK. If youre in the country illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder. ... The bottom line is: Every illegal alien is a criminal. They enter the country in violation of federal law. Its a crime to enter this country illegally.

Homan notoriously spearheaded one of the most brutal anti-immigration campaigns during Trumps first term: a zero tolerance policy toward migrants, which meant separating thousands of migrant children from their parents. This cruel act, meant to deter more migrants from arriving at the southern border, resulted in thousands of children being put in shelters, living inside cages. There are an estimated 4 million children, all American citizens, who live with an undocumented parent or guardian.

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Last month, weeks before Trump earned a decisive electoral victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Homan sat down with CBS News 60 Minutes, promising to round up immigrants at their workplaces if Trump brought him into his second administration.

Asked if there was a way to carry out mass deportations without separating people from their families, Homan said, Of course there is, adding bluntly, Families can be deported together.

Related...
Two kinds of silence have left me cold recently.

The first is the Talibans brutal edicts silencing womens voices. Its Islamist decrees insisting that not only should women not be seen, they should also not be heard. Their sinful hair, faces and bodies have long been hidden behind the oppressive drapery of the burqa. Now the Taliban is passing laws to ensure their sinful voices are shrouded, too.

The latest diktat from his cruellest, most misogynist of governments says that even when women pray they must take care that no passer-by, including other women, hears their whispered words.

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Women, says Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Talibans minister for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice, are not even permitted to hear [each others] voices while praying.

This comes just two months after the Taliban enforced even stricter rules on how women must dress and behave in public. Dress-wise, they must be utterly covered, including every millimetre of their faces. Behaviour-wise, they must refrain from reading, singing and even speaking when outdoors. Rarely in history has there been such a barbarous gagging of an entire section of society.

And the second silence that has unsettled me? The silence of the woke of the West in response to this vile crime against womankind.

You will search in vain for expressions of solidarity with the women of Afghanistan. The hashtag activists of the very online Left are schtum. Unlike the women who live under the sexist boot of Taliban rule, these people have the right to speak, but choose not to.

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There hasnt been a peep from the keffiyeh classes, those smug crusaders who never leave the house without the Palestinian scarf draped over their shoulders so that everyone they encounter will know what a caring, virtuous person they are. Their concern for the oppressed seems to shrivel and die when it comes to the women of Afghanistan.

They beat the streets every weekend in noisy displays of pity for the people of Gaza. They wear Palestine pins. They damn Israel as a uniquely malevolent state for its mass murder of Palestinians (what the reasoned among us refer to as its war on Hamas).

Yet they run out of moral steam where the Taliban is concerned.

They spend their Saturdays weeping for Palestinians, they raged against Donald Trump for saying dumb things like grab em by the p*ssy, they put a blacked-out square on Instagram to show how heartbroken they were over the police killing of George Floyd.

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Yet for the brutalised women of Afghanistan, nada. Not one measly public gathering to say Free Afghan women. The Wests feminists are not much better. Yes, some have spoken out and tried to drag the public gaze to the Talibans warped tyrannising of women.

Nothing better captures the dystopian streak in virtue-signalling than the fact that while privileged feminists in the West demand the right to lounge around in swanky clubs, women in Afghanistan cant even read a novel on a park bench.

How do we explain the wilful blindness of the woke? Their refusal to extend just a little of that fury they feel over Palestine and other causes to the women of Afghanistan?

I think the key culprit is the politics of identity. These people are cagey about slamming the Taliban because they fear appearing Islamophobic. Israel, on the other hand, is a white nation, in their small minds anyway, and therefore it can be hated without restraint.

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The juvenile ideology of identitarianism, which says only whites can really be oppressors, has frazzled the minds and broken the moral compasses of a whole generation of activists.

Their deafening silence over the Talibans destruction of womens dignity exposes the cruelty that lurks behind fashionable causes. Having devoted themselves, obsessively, to pitying Palestinians and hating Israel, the puffed-up clicktivists have no moral energy left for Afghan women. Your suffering isnt fashionable enough. Sorry, ladies.

Lets ignore these Leftists with their choosy virtue, and instead listen to Afghan women, some of whom are risking life and limb to express themselves online.

The lyrics to one of their songs goes: Their boots might be on my neck. Or their fists to my face. But with our deep light inside, I will fight through this night. Now thats a sentiment that deserves solidarity.

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West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency Director Brian Cunningham speaks to members of the Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and PEIA during legislative interim meetings Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Charleston, W.Va. (Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

As the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency continues to hear from members about proposed premium increases for next year, Director Brian Cunningham on Monday presented lawmakers with ideas for stabilizing the agency going forward.

Cunningham provided an update to the Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and PEIA.

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Under a plan that would equal about $113 million for the 2026 fiscal year, PEIA has proposed increasing its premiums by 14% for state employees and by 16% for local government employees. The fiscal year begins July 1, 2025.

PEIA retirees premiums would go up by 12%. Both state and county employees would see an increase of 40% in their out-of-pocket maximum as well as increase in co-pays. A monthly spousal surcharge for state employees would more than double, from $147 to $350.

PEIAs finance board started a series of public hearings across the state about the proposed changes last week. The public hearings continue Tuesday in Martinsburg and conclude in Charleston on Nov. 21. The complete list of public hearings is available on the PEIA website. The finance board is expected to vote on the proposal during its meeting Dec. 5.

To help stabilize the agencys finances going forward, Cunningham suggested lawmakers consider clarifying legislation that requires that providers be reimbursed 110% of what Medicare would reimburse them.

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Cunningham said he believes that Senate Bill 268, which went into effect in July 2023, was intended to target reimbursement for inpatient hospitals, but its been interpreted to include all health care providers.

What wed like to consider at PEIA is not paying 110% to all health care providers, Cunningham said. In fact, what we see at PEIA is that we are overpaying compared to national averages for some services.

Cunningham suggested lawmakers also clarify the rules around a gold card provider program, that allows doctors to prescribe without prior authorization from PEIA. GLP-1 drugs require a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in order for PEIA to pay for them, but without the prior authorization, theres no way for the agency to enforce that rule, he said.

Cunningham said lawmakers may also want to consider lifting a moratorium on additional non-state agencies joining PEIA.

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The cost of GLP-1 drugs, which treat obesity and diabetes, have been a driver of the increased costs for PEIA, Cunningham said. The drugs accounted for $52.5 million, or 20% of PEIAs overall net drug spend in state fiscal year 2024, Cunningham said.

PEIA recently suspended a pilot weight loss program with the states three bariatric centers of excellence at West Virginia University, Charleston Area Medical Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital. Under the program, 1,000 PEIA participants had access to GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss. The program cost $7.5 million in fiscal year 2024, he said.

Cunningham said there may be ways that PEIA can save money by using GP1s for improving health outcomes. The agency has attempted to work with drug manufacturers to provide the weight loss management pilot program, but when PEIA tried to up the requirements for getting the drugs for weight loss  raising the body mass index required to have access to it  the companies took away rebates for the drugs, he said.

We simply cant afford to provide GLP-1s for weight management that are not rebated, Cunningham said.

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If PEIA were to cover GPL-1 drugs across the board for weight management, 70,000 members would be eligible under a requirement of a 27 body mass index with comorbidities, or a body mass index of 30 without comorbidities. If a quarter of those eligible under those criteria used the drugs, that would mean 17,500 members and $260 million in gross prescription drug costs, he said.

Even if the cost were half of that because of rebates and people going on and off the drugs, Were still looking at $130 million, which is half of the net drug spend at PEIA right now, he said.

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Dr. Aldo Fusaro was named the new Whatcom County medical examiner in a unanimous vote of the County Council on Wednesday.

Fusaro, who has served as interim medical examiner since September, replaces the forensic pathologist who was removed after allegations that bodies were left to decompose on at least one occasion in May. His appointment is effective Dec. 9.

Dr. Aldo Fusaro.

Councilman Ben Elenbaas, who had been critical of the previous medical examiner, Dr. Allison Hunt, said he was part of an interview committee that selected Fusaro and called him kind and insightful.

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Its like a breath of fresh air, Elenbaas said at Wednesdays meeting.

Whatcom County officials conducted a nationwide search and heard from six applicants amid a tough market where there are between 40 and 50 medical examiner vacancies across the country, according to documents provided to the County Council.

Elenbaas, Councilman John Scanlon, Sheriff Donnell Tanksley and the Northwest Washington Medical Society participated in a screening process that also included law enforcement and fire service officials, officials who provide victim services, officials in the Prosecuting Attorneys Office and the County Executives Office.

Fusaro and his staff could be Whatcom County employees instead of contract workers as has been the practice for more than three decades. A resolution to consider that step was introduced Wednesday for consideration at the councils Nov. 19 meeting.

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Fusaro has been deputy medical examiner for the Montana State Medical Examiners Office since 2017, according to a background report provided to the County Council.

Before taking the job in Montana, Fusao was associate medical examiner for King County from 2005 to 2017. Early in his career he served in the Office of the Cook County Medical Examiner, which includes Chicago. He has taught at the University of Washington School of Medicine and at Rush Medical College in Chicago.
DELPHI, Ind.  A jury of five men and seven women on Monday found Richard Allen guilty of all four charges in the deaths of Abigail "Abby" Williams and Liberty "Libby" German.

The jury convicted the 52-year-old Delphi man of two counts of murder and two counts of murder while kidnapping the girls. The long-awaited decision in one of Indiana's most high-profile murder cases comes after more than seven years of investigation, nearly three weeks of testimony and roughly 18 hours of deliberation spread over four days.

The verdict is an affirmation of the yearslong and, at times, criticized law enforcement investigation of the girls Feb. 13, 2017, deaths. Although it may provide some closure for their families, the jurys decision is unlikely to be the end of the case that has spawned a circus-like atmosphere, created deep divisions among members of the public and became the subject of widespread misinformation and conspiracy theories.

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As Special Judge Frances Gull made clear before the verdicts were announced just after 2 p.m., the outcome is unlikely to soothe long-troubled waters.

"Regardless of what the verdict is," she said, "people will not be happy."

Delphi murders verdict: Jurors convicted Richard Allen on all counts in murders of Abby and Libby

There was a gasp, followed by quiet sobs, from members of Libby's family after the guilty verdict on the first murder charge was announced. Libby's mother, Carrie German Timmons, hugged the woman sitting next to her. After everyone was allowed to leave, Libby's relatives stayed to hug and thank Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland.

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Members of Allen's family stood in a corner near the courtroom's door, surrounding and consoling his wife, Kathy Allen.

Outside the courthouse, people began to scream "guilty." Several erupted in cheers.

What's next in Delphi murders case?

Allen, who will most certainly appeal, will be back in court for sentencing at 9 a.m. on Dec. 20. Allen faces 90 to 130 years in prison. If he loses his appeal, he's likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Gull had previously issued a gag order preventing law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the families from speaking publicly about the case. Capt. Ron Galaviz, chief public information officer of the Indiana State Police, told reporters Monday that the gag order will remain in place until lifted by the judge.

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Victims' families are allowed to deliver impact statements during sentencing hearings. Most of Abby and Libby's relatives have stayed quiet since Allen was arrested a little over two years ago.

"It's not over ... There's still more waiting, but ultimately it was a good day for the families ... It's not like there's real justice or anything. The girls are still gone. And now, there's another family as well that's devastated forever," said Aspen Conner, a North Carolina man who's been following the case from the beginning and traveled to Delphi to watch the trial. "It's a good day for the families, but it's also a sad day. My biggest hope is that the families can close this chapter and at least begin to find a way to see what's next in their healing process."

Inside 'bizarre' Delphi murders case: Evidence leak, suicide, Odinists and legal chaos

Sarah Ausbrook was sitting on a ledge on the east side of the courthouse when she got a call that the jury had reached a verdict.

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"I hope this means the community can start to heal," said Ausbrook, a family friend of the girls. "For a while, we thought every man here was 'Bridge Guy.'"

Kelsi German Siebert, Libby's older sister, later posted a picture of the two teens smiling and wearing neon glasses. The caption reads, "Nearly 8 years, today was the day." She ended the Instagram post with two heart emojis in the girls favorite colors.

"Thank you for all your love, support, and prayers. We truly couldn't have gotten here without it," Siebert posted in a separate Instagram story. "I'll share my thoughts once the gag order is lifted and the Holidays pass in December."

A recap of the case against Richard Allen

Abby, 13, and her best friend, Libby, 14, went on a hike on the Monon High Bridge trail that afternoon. Allen, prosecutors alleged, tailed the girls on the high bridge, forced them down a hill and to a nearby woods, where he killed them by slashing their throats.

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The case against Allen relied largely on an unspent round found between the girls' bodies that investigators alleged had been cycled through Allen's Sig Sauer, Model P226, .40-caliber handgun and on the dozens of confessions Allen made while awaiting trial in prison.

In one confession to Dr. Monica Wala, his therapist at Westville Correctional Facility, Allen said he forced the girls into the woods and planned to rape them, but he was spooked by a van driving in a private drive nearby, so he made them cross Deer Creek and killed them, according to Wala's notes. That vehicle belonged to Brad Weber who testified he was driving to his house near the trail at around 2:30 p.m., a few minutes after the girls were believed to have been kidnapped.

That van, Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland said in his closing argument Thursday, was a detail "only the killer would know."

Another key piece of evidence that prosecutors have focused on is the 43-second video that Libby took moments after she and Abby vanished from the trail. The video showed a man known as "Bridge Guy" tailing Abby as she crossed the high bridge. Toward the end of the video, the man told the girls to, "Go down the hill."

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"The State has shown that Richard Allen is Bridge Guy," McLeland told jurors, citing testimony from Indiana State Police master trooper Brian Harshman, who testified he has become familiar with Allen's voice after listening to 700 calls he made in prison. Bridge Guy's voice is Allen's voice, Harshman told jurors.

The burden of justice: Delphi murder case jurors will face unimaginable pressure, life-changing decision

Defense attorneys have countered that Allen is an innocent and mentally fragile man whose months-long isolation at Westville drove him to psychosis and to giving false confessions. In his closing argument, Bradley Rozzi urged jurors to recognize the dubiousness of the years-long investigation into the girls' deaths.

"You should question the credibility of this investigation because of the things they did not tell you," Rozzi told jurors.

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Rozzi repeatedly pointed to what the defense viewed as a critical flaw in the state's version of events: a gaping five-hour hole during which somebody had plugged in a headphone jack into Libby's phone. The testimony from the defense's digital forensics expert casts doubt on the prosecution's theory that the girls were killed earlier that afternoon, and their bodies were left in the woods, untouched for hours until first responders found them the next day.

Defense attorneys also called multiple experts to rebut testimony from Wala that Allen faked psychosis. A neuropsychologist told jurors that months of solitary confinement exacerbated Allen's depression and dependent personality disorder and drove him to psychosis. A psychiatrist and an expert on solitary confinement told jurors that Allen's behavior and mental state at Westville are "perfectly consistent" with the effects of prolonged isolation.

"When is somebody going to say something's wrong here? Where is the moral compass? Rozzi told jurors in his closing argument. "You're the moral compass."

Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: After Delphi murders conviction, what's next for Richard Allen?
by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Shi Chun

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 11 (Xinhua)-- Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), has expressed deep concern about the ongoing violent conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine and stressed negotiation and diplomacy must take precedence over the use of force.

"This is not an exhaustive list. Unfortunately, there are many other conflicts around the world which deserve our attention," Yang told Xinhua in a recent interview, lamenting the continued violations of international law, UN resolutions, and the UN Charter.

"Impunity has become the norm endangering the lives of millions of civilians across the world. These conflicts not only take their lives but are a major setback to the sustainable development of many countries suffering the devastating effects of war," he said.

Reiterating his earlier statements at the close of this year's UNGA General Debate, Yang said that "negotiations and diplomatic solutions must take precedence over force."

"The Charter of the United Nations mandates Member States to settle their disputes peacefully," he said, urging nations to prioritize diplomacy at every opportunity. "It is best to avoid war and come to the negotiating table instead to solve matters of concern."

Yang also stressed the prevention of nuclear war amid all these conflicts.

"We need concrete measures to prevent a nuclear war or any use of nuclear weapons -- but nuclear-weapon States must take the lead. We rely on Member States like China to discourage irresponsible rhetoric. A nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought," he said.

"We also rely on all States to uphold existing norms and instruments to regulate conventional weapons and to adhere to their commitment to humanitarian disarmament in order to duly protect civilians," said Yang.

Addressing the role of the United Nations in the face of such challenges, Yang underscored that "multilateralism and dialogue, based on international law and the UN Charter, remain critical and the only way forward to achieve lasting peace and security for everyone."

"As President of the General Assembly, I am encouraged that the General Assembly has stepped in when the UN Security Council has been at a deadlock. This demonstrates that the UN General Assembly also has a role to play in maintaining international peace and security. Nonetheless, I also expect the UN Security Council to assume its primary responsibility," he said. 
The current US President Joe Biden has pledged to spend all the money he has left to support Ukraine while he is in office.

Source: John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator of the US National Security Council, as quoted by Radio Svoboda (Liberty)

Details: This is about US$6 billion.

Quote: "The president has pledged to spend every dollar we have in support of Ukraine for as long as he is in office."

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Details: Kirby also noted that "there has to be a balance in this case, so that the Pentagon has time to replenish the stockpile instead of what the United States is giving to Ukraine."

Quote: "But Biden's plan is to spend as much of that budget as possible."

Background: The Biden administration plans to use up the entire balance of funds allocated for military aid to Ukraine by the day of Donald Trump's inauguration on 20 January 2025.

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Supporters and organizers of Amendment 3, an abortion-rights measure, celebrate the results of the election at a watch party at Uptown Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 5, 2024. Credit - Dominick WilliamsThe Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service/Getty Images

As seven of the 10 states that voted on reproductive rights passed ballot measures to protect access, the country reelected former President Donald Trumpa man who has claimed credit for the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade two years ago. Trump saw victory in four states that passed protections, highlighting what some experts call a cognitive dissonance on how people feel about abortion and the candidates they choose to elect.

Arizona, Missouri, and Montana will amend their state constitutions to enshrine the right to abortion until fetal viability (which is around 24 weeks of pregnancy), with exceptions after that if the pregnant persons life or health is at risk. Nevada voters also backed a similar measure, but will need to pass it again in 2026 in order to officially amend the state constitution.

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And yet, Trump won almost 59% of the vote in both Missouri and Montana, and about 52% of the vote in Arizona, according to the Associated Press. Nationally, about 38% of Trump voters in the 2024 election also said they believe abortion should be legal in all or most situations, according to an AP VoteCast survey.

Deirdre Schifeling, chief political and advocacy officer for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), says the results indicate a cognitive dissonance on this issue. There is a disconnect between voters actions, Schifeling says. I think its going to take a minute before we have a satisfying answer to how these two contradictory things could be true.

For Arizona and Missouri, the newly-passed amendments are expected to upend existing restrictions on abortionArizona currently prohibits abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with some exceptions, and Missouri has a near-total ban. Montana already allows abortion until fetal viability, but advocates said that the measure would prevent state lawmakers from trying to restrict access in the future, which they had attempted to do in recent years. The measures passed with nearly 62%, 52%, and 58% of the vote in Arizona, Missouri, and Montana, respectively, according to the AP.

Political and reproductive rights experts have a few theories to explain why voters in those three states supported abortion access while backing a candidate who has applauded the Supreme Court decision that eliminated the constitutional right to abortion. Many emphasize that the results from the 2024 election indicate something Americans have already known: there is broad support for abortion rights in the country across political party lines. Nearly two-thirds of Americans say that abortion should be legal in all or most situations, according to 2024 data from the Pew Research Center.

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But for some voters, its a question of priorities.

When you give voters a chance to vote directly on the issue, you see a track with the overwhelming support there is for reproductive rights across the country, Schifeling says. However, candidate races are never just about one thing, and that was certainly true this year.

Issues like the economy and immigration have emerged as two of the top concerns on voters minds this election cycle, followed by abortion. Rachel Janfaza, a youth political analyst who has held listening sessions with young people in various states since 2022, says that she spoke to some young men in Arizona who were undecided voters that supported the right to abortion, but also prioritized issues like the cost of living. I do think many of these young men are pro-choice and believe its up to a woman what she does with her own body, Janfaza says. I do think that for them, it was not as motivating of an issue in their vote calculus as was the economy or immigration.

Samara Klar, a political science professor at the University of Arizona, says that Arizona is a unique state in the variation it expresses ideologically in elections. Trump won Arizona, but in the states race for the U.S. Senate, Democratic candidate Ruben Gallego is currently leading Republican Kari Lake (the AP has not yet called the race). In the 2020 election, President Joe Biden won the state. Obviously, the Democrats were hoping that abortion was going to give them more momentum, but its a really uphill battle in Arizona, Klar says. At the same time, many Arizonans, including Republicans, support abortion rights. Some voters may have separated this issue from their presidential pick. By having abortion on the ballot, it allows pro-choice Republicans to both support a Republican candidate but also support reproductive rights, so you dont have to channel your support for reproductive rights through a presidential candidate; you can keep them as two distinct issues, Klar says.

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Klar says she thinks the messaging from the Republican Party and the Trump campaign on abortion got through to some Arizona voters. While Trump has, in the past, indicated support for national restrictions, he attempted to soften that stance in this election cycle and said that the decision should be left up to the states. I think that does resonate with Republicans who say, Fine, we know this is going to be a states rights. As an Arizonan, I want abortion legal in my state, and I will vote for Trump for whatever reasons, whether it be conservative social policies, economic policieswhatever the reason might be,  Klar says.

Jamille Fields Allsbrook, an assistant professor of law at Saint Louis University, offered similar explanations for the results in Missouri. She says its possible that voters didnt believe that Trump posed a threat to abortion access. Donald Trump, famously back in 2016  said that he would appoint justices on the Supreme Court to overturn Roe, and thats exactly what happened, Fields Allsbrook says. But for whatever reason, voters did not feel that he was ideologically really opposed to abortion. And some of that has to do with the way hes presented himself now.

Fields Allsbrook also says that some voters may think that, because they had the ability in their state to protect abortion access through the ballot initiative, abortion rights would be protected. (Any national restrictions on abortion would supersede state constitutional protections.)

Montana is a state that, in general, has been moving to the right for years, according to Sara Rushing, a political science professor at Montana State University Bozeman. Many people from states like California and Washington have moved to Montana over the past few years, some of whom may be more right-leaning but also value their right to abortion, which is protected in their home states, Rushing says. She adds that Montanas ballot measure didnt change existing laws as similar initiatives did in other states, since the Montana Supreme Court had ruled in 1999 that the state constitution protected the right to abortion, so people may have been more inclined to vote for it.

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Rushing echoed some of the possible explanations that other experts proposedthat Trump walking back his previous comments on abortion and insisting that the issue should be left up to the states resonated with Montana voters. I think hes talking out of both sides of his mouth, which leaves people able to sort of quote what they want from him, Rushing says of Trumps stance on abortion.

And she says having the issue on the ballot can allow voters to separate abortion from Trump as a candidate: You can kind of have your cake and eat it too.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The Most Rev Justin Welby has never hesitated to criticise the perceived shortcomings of fellow clergy  or the Church of England itself as an institution.

But as calls mount for his resignation, the Archbishop of Canterbury appears unwilling to recognise his own alleged failings.

Last Thursday, an independent review found his failure to act when concerns were raised with him about John Smyth, an evangelical Christian camp leader, meant the Churchs most prolific child abuser was never brought to justice.

John Smyth, who ran Christian youth camps, carried out psychological, sexual and physical abuse over five decades - Justice Alliance of South Africa

The Archbishop now faces extreme pressure to quit, with a senior bishop calling his position untenable and a petition seeking for his resignation set up by three members of the General Synod that has garnered thousands of signatures.

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On Monday morning, the Archbishop insisted he does not intend to resign. However, a string of battles with the wider Church over everything from gay rights to alleged racism on the pews has left him with very few cheerleaders.

No senior clergy have spoken out in support of him since an independent review found Smyths abhorrent abuse could have been exposed in 2013  three years before it was made public  if the Archbishop had reported him to the police.

Smyth, a barrister who ran Christian youth camps, abused at least 115 children and young men across three countries in the five decades before his death, in August 2018.

The report, commissioned by the Church of Englands national safeguarding team and written by Keith Makin, the former director of social services, found Smyths abuse was covered up by powerful evangelical clergy.

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The Archbishop has repeatedly stressed he had no awareness or suspicion of the abuse prior to 2013, when the Bishop of Elys safeguarding adviser had told him in detail about Smyths decades of abuse.

However, reviewers of the Makin Report have described this statement as unlikely.

It concluded: On the balance of probabilities, it is the opinion of the reviewers that it was unlikely that Justin Welby would have had no knowledge of the concerns regarding John Smyth in the 1980s in the UK.

He may not have known of the extreme seriousness of the abuse, but it is most probable that he would have had at least a level of knowledge that John Smyth was of some concern.

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Speaking to the BBC on Monday afternoon, Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, said the Church risked losing complete credibility surrounding safeguarding without taking action following the horrific, horrendous and shocking report.

Its very hard to find the words to respond adequately to what the report tells us, Bishop Hartley told the World at One.

I think rightly people are asking the question Can we really trust the Church of England to keep us safe? And I think the answer at the moment is no, she said.

Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, said the Archbishop should stand down - Chris Strickland

Rev Dr Ian Paul, the vicar of St Nics, Nottingham, is a member of the Archbishops Council and one of the General Synod members behind the petition.

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He told The Telegraph the killer phrase in the Makin Report was the line that the Archbishop had a personal and moral responsibility to pursue concerns further when they were raised with him in 2013.

I think that is a really key observation, he said.

He explained the reason the call for the Archbishop to resign has come now, rather than in 2017, when the scale of the abuse was first made public by Channel 4 News, is that the report has done a very good job of offering a detailed catalogue, a chronology, of who knew what, when and what happened when.

And I think that has made things very clear and very stark, he said.

Petition to hold leader to account

The petition, which has gathered 3,856 signatures and counting, has united different factions of the Church.

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Dr Paul, an evangelical Christian, has joined forces with the Anglo-Catholic Rev Marcus Walker, Rector of St Bartholomew the Great in the City of London, and Richard Thompson, vicar at St Marys, Kilburn & St James West Hampstead, who Dr Paul describes as a radical liberal.

Dr Paul explained the reason they came together to create a joint petition is they wanted to show this is not a party political issue and that it should not become a witch hunt.

He said: I think most people on the outside look and say, Hang on, if someones leading an organisation and something in that organisation goes so badly, the question is, whos responsible? Surely, the leader needs to be held to account.

The clergy behind this petition have identified an inconsistency in the way that, under Mr Welbys leadership, other Church leaders have been treated, which appears to be in sharp contrast to his own refusal to step down.

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Justin Welby himself has wanted to signal how important he takes safeguarding. As a result, I think hes actually been too harsh with other people, Dr Paul said.

He added: The first example that comes to mind is George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, whose licence was removed.

Dr Paul also pointed to the case of Christopher Lowson, the previous Bishop of Lincoln.

People were very angry that his ministry was terminated on a much lesser question than the one Justin is facing. He was suspended for two years without really just cause, and in the end, his ministry came to a very abrupt end, Dr Paul said.

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If a local parish minister had done what Justin had done, he would be out. His ministry would come to an end. Thered be no question. To know about an abuser, and for four years between 2013 and 2017 to take no action, no local parish priest would survive that. So why the inconsistency?

I can tell you that on the Archbishops Council, weve been working so hard to communicate that we take safeguarding really, really seriously. We spend masses of time and masses of money on this issue.

As a member of the Archbishops Council, I dont see how we can continue to do that with credibility, with Justin Welby as Archbishop.

Channel 4 News

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The calls for the Archbishops resignation come after anger at his stance on same-sex marriage and slavery reparations.

Over the past few months, Mr Welby has been criticised for making up Church doctrine on same-sex blessings, and for a commission set up by him and the Archbishop of York, which appeared to call parishioners racist.

But three General Synod members are keen to stress that the call for the Archbishops resignation is not about an accumulation of issues.

We think that this is enough. This is a big enough issue [for him to resign over], Dr Paul said.

Hampshire Police opened an investigation into Smyth in 2017 after his abuse had been the subject of a Channel 4 News report. He died the year after, aged 77, while still under investigation, with the Makin Report finding that he was never brought to justice.

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A spokesman for Lambeth Palace told The Telegraph: The Archbishop reiterates his horror at the scale of John Smyths egregious abuse, as reflected in his public apology. He has apologised profoundly both for his own failures and omissions, and for the wickedness, concealment, and abuse by the Church more widely.

As he has said, he had no awareness or suspicion of the allegations before he was told in 2013  and therefore having reflected, he does not intend to resign. He hopes the Makin Review supports the ongoing work of building a safer Church here and around the 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.
BERLIN  Swedens government this month blocked the construction of 13 offshore wind farms over concerns that they would shorten the countrys early-warning window for a Russian missile attack.

The decision marks another example in Europe of national security factors seeping into political decisions that were deemed civilian in nature before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In this case, the issue is about two dueling interests: sustainable-energy independence and surveillance of the national airspace. That is because wind farms can interact with radar signals, reducing the quality of the situational air picture or even outright blocking out parts of the sky.

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The reaction time in the event of a missile attack could go from 2 minutes to 60 seconds with wind farms in the way, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson wrote in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. They were accompanied by a schematic drawing of the wind farms casting a shadow behind them in which missiles and cruise missiles would stay undetected.

Dutch military faces a tough mission: finding space to prepare for war

The perceived threat clearly comes from Russia, with Jonson pointing out that the proximity to the heavily militarized Russian exclave of Kaliningrad was important in this context.

Experts speaking to Defense News for this story said wind farm radar interference is a known issue. And some expressed concern that as more and more wind farms are built, the effects could get worse unless countermeasures are put in place.

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Radar interference can impede air traffic control, weather forecasting, homeland security, and national defense missions, U.S. Department of Energy spokesperson wrote in an email to Defense News, while also stressing that the vast majority of wind projects  pose no significant impacts to radar missions.

Radar performance

There are a number of ways that wind turbines, and especially large groups of them, can mess with the readings from a radar system. For one, they can show up on the screen because, just like any other object, they bounce back the electromagnetic waves that radar relies on. The fact that they are moving  the blades are spinning, and the turbines can change orientation  can make it more difficult for analysts to filter out the noise and find actual threats in the skies.

With the wingtips rotating at a speed of up to 370 kilometers per hour (around 230 mph), they move fast enough for doppler radars to sense them as moving objects, resulting in a false positive on an operators screen.

Benjamin Karlson leads the Wind Turbine Radar Interference Mitigation program at the American Sandia National Laboratories. His team has tested various concepts at mitigating the problem, he said, but theres no silver bullet. Radar-absorbent coating is expensive and leaves the problem of a blind spots; temporary shutoffs lead to losses for the operators of wind farms; and infill, or fallback, radars are but costly workarounds.

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Governments and private companies have been aware of the issue for decades, with the topic first being presented to the U.S. Congress in 2006. Considerable research has occurred in both the U.S. and U.K.

In the United States, the communication between the developers and the federal agencies has grown over the years, said Karlson. The Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, the countrys weather service NOAA and others all have a stake in approving new wind farm developments. Despite these hurdles, Karlson said he wasnt aware of a single case where a wind farm proposal had to be denied outright, though adjusting the placement of individual turbines, or tweaking their dimensions, is a more common practice.

Most potential conflicts are dealt with through minor and routine mitigation measures in the federal project evaluation process, the Department of Energy said in a statement.

Radar systems vary greatly so what might work for one can be completely ineffective on another. Over-the-horizon radars, for example, might be especially affected by offshore wind farms. As the name suggests, these systems have a much greater range than other radars, which are generally limited to the line of sight of the antenna and so cannot see past the curvature of the earth.

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The longer-range variants bounce their beams off the ionosphere layer of the atmosphere before the waves travel back close to the surface  where wind farms can get in the way and may completely block out the signal. There is no way of mitigating that aside from not building turbines, said Karlson.

In his announcement, the Swedish defense minister did not specify what radar systems signals the country was concerned about blocking, and Karlson said that there was not enough information to make an educated guess.

Additionally, the wind farms could also lead to reduced intelligence-gathering capabilities and disrupt sensors used to detect submarines, Jonson said in his announcement. Altogether, the construction would have unacceptable consequences for Swedish security.

Clearly, the Swedish government thinks there is a big concern, said Karlson.

Energy requirements

Simultaneously, wind energy presents a crucial pillar in the clean energy transition, a topic that has gained exceptional pertinence in a Europe starved for energy since the Russian war in Ukraine. Traditionally, Europe obtained a large part of its energy from Russia, which controls vast oil and gas reserves and over decades built a network of pipelines to European countries to sell its hydrocarbons at a competitive price. While the green-energy transition predates the war, it has been turbocharged by it: Russia has used its leverage over European energy supply as a leverage and a weapon in its hybrid warfare, while European leaders have rushed to ween their countries off of Russian gas and oil.

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According to the Swedish Energy Agency, the supply of electricity in Sweden is stable. Simultaneously, however, the government agency warned that Sweden will have rising electricity prices as a direct result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The planned wind farms would have had the potential to contribute significantly to Swedens renewable energy production, with the rejected plans seeing turbines stretching all the way from the Aland Islands along the east coast down to Oresund.

While the government blocked the construction of the 13 proposed wind farms in the Baltic, it also greenlit the construction of the Poseidon wind farm off the countrys western  NATO-facing  coast, with a maximum of 81 turbines producing up to 5.5 terawatt hours per year.

Swedens government has committed itself to double the countrys annual electricity production in the next twenty years, in anticipation of higher consumption. A buildup of the countrys nuclear power capacity is supposed to bear the brunt of this burden, though critics have pointed out that demand is expected to increase faster than new power reactors can go online.

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Similar trade-offs between wind farm construction and radar visibility have had to be made in other European countries. The British and French ministries of Defense have objected to developments over similar concerns, and various other government agencies across the continent have issued guidelines for distances that should be maintained between wind farms and different types of radar stations.

Both energy independence and climate change have increasingly entered the realm of national security in national government across Europe and the world, with leaders seeing them as integral parts of their countries defense and prosperity. The Swedish governments decision points the spotlight on one dimension of this interaction that has, until now, flown under the radar.
The News

Donald Trump is pushing Republicans to let him steer his top staffers around the Senate confirmation gauntlet  a controversial strategy that would face serious obstacles, despite his partys deference to him.

Trump waded into the race for Senate Republican leader on Sunday by calling for the candidates to go along with recess appointments, a mechanism for approving executive-branch nominees that carries its own set of restrictions. And even though all three GOP senators seeking to become majority leader quickly entertained Trumps terms, they would likely find those limitations to be risky in practice.

The biggest hurdle to Trumps hopes: Taking the recesses that are required to even make a recess appointment. For years now, senators in both parties have scheduled short pro forma legislative sessions every few days in order to block presidents from making recess appointments. The Supreme Court found in 2014 that the Senate must be out of session for 10 days for a president to make recess appointments.

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So if Republicans wanted to scrap the short sessions or recess as soon as Trump takes office in January and open the door to recess appointments, they would have to accept a 10-plus-day delay to any progress on Trumps first-100-days agenda.

Not to mention that there are several pitfalls involved in even trying to recess the Senate for an appointment to avoid the confirmation process. While it takes only a simple majority vote to recess, Democrats could offer amendments to any recess resolution, effectively creating an indefinite delay. Republicans could stop that, but theyd need 60 votes  meaning more than a half-dozen Democratic supporters.

Republicans could also try to shut down Democrats objections by changing precedent for Senate recesses, a smaller-scale version of the nuclear option that both parties have employed to weaken the filibuster in the past. That would almost certainly invite Democrats to exploit any changes the GOP makes next year as soon as they manage to retake power.



Trump has another unprecedented option if he wants to rely on recess appointments: He could try to use his constitutional power to force an adjournment. He threatened to do just that in 2020 during the pandemic, as the Senate stayed away from Washington for weeks, but ultimately begged off. That approach would likely invite legal challenges.

Burgesss view

If Trump wants his nominees confirmed by whats likely to be a 53-seat Republican majority, he may just want to trust his partys next Senate leader to do that through the regular system, whether its current GOP whip John Thune, former whip John Cornyn, or Sen. Rick Scott.

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Theres a critical question underpinning Trumps litmus test here: Republicans only need 50 votes to confirm nominees for his full term or for lifetime positions in the federal bench, so why would he need recess appointments, anyway?

One possible answer is that Trump is considering nominees he isnt sure can win 50 out of 53 Republican votes.

Recess appointments do allow presidents to skirt the Senates laborious confirmation process, but they come with drawbacks: They are temporary, unpaid and offend senators sensibilities by appearing to undercut the legislative branchs independence.

Its possible for the Senate to get to work on Trumps Cabinet picks starting on Jan. 3 when Republicans take over  and his threats to do recess appointments could make Democrats more amenable to speedy votes on Jan. 20. If the Senate digs in on confirmations, it can move more than a dozen of them per week. The only exception is for Supreme Court, appeals court and cabinet nominees, which have more required time for debate than lower-level nominees.

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Heres another way of looking at the recess appointments conundrum: Trump would need 50 votes to change the rules and make them easier  but hed also need 50 votes to simply confirm any individual nominee who might require a rules change.

In other words, he might find it more efficient to work through the regular confirmation rules and avoid rabbit holes, both procedural and legal.
In the weeks after Democrats lost their House majority in 2022, party leaders in New York  the epicenter of the implosion  jockeyed hard to deflect blame.

If only they had fought so ferociously before Election Day, critics joked.

This year, that same state party is being cast in a different role  the lead in a complicated but largely successful story that ends with New Yorks perennially blundering Democratic operation picking off Republican incumbents in the US House and helping to depress GOP gains in what could be a Washington trifecta come January.

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CNN has yet to project the House majority, but New York Democrats have at the very least played a critical role in keeping the GOPs House margins narrow so far, in what turned out to be disastrous year for the party around the country. Donald Trump is, once again, the president-elect, and Republicans have flipped the Senate.

But even that has been overshadowed by the countrys broader shift toward Trump and the emergence of his MAGA movement as the kind of multicultural, working-class coalition Democrats pine for.

New York fared about the same as other traditionally deep-blue states at the top of the ticket. Vice President Kamala Harris easily outpaced Trump, winning by about 12 points, but her final margin of victory was dramatically lower than Joe Bidens 23 points only four years ago, which was consistent with Hillary Clintons 2016 showing.

Trump increased his advantages in parts of the state that supported him in the past, profited from low Democratic enthusiasm in liberal areas, and feasted on swing voters discontent in parts of New York City and its suburbs  enough to make him the first Republican since George H.W. Bush in 1988 to win Nassau County, on Long Island.

Trumps surge in Gotham

The picture was no less bleak for Democrats in New York City, where Trump improved on his past performances in nearly every neighborhood, from its most progressive enclaves to more traditionally conservative outer-borough turf. It was no fluke, either. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a moderate Democrat who scorned party liberals during his 2021 campaign, performed best in many of the same areas.

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Recently indicted on federal corruption charges, Adams has seen his approval ratings plummet to historic lows. But it was not his criticism of the Biden administrations handling of the border or his open disdain for progressive activists that set off the backlash.

Eric Adams problems right now are not a rejection of Eric Adams ideology at all  its an objection to rampant corruption and criminality, Democratic strategist Alyssa Cass said. But they still like what he has to offer.

His tough-on-crime message, which shared more with Trumps than Bidens (or that of Harris once she entered the race), has also remained a winner. Crime is trending down in the city, and around the country, but statistics dont tell the full story, Republican City Council member Joe Borelli told CNN.

Say whatever you want about the crime rate, the toothpaste is behind the glass, Borelli said, referencing retailers like Target and CVS that still keep everyday items like shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant behind a barrier in their stores.

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The backlash against Democrats was evident across the five boroughs.

In Brooklyn, Democratic state Sen. Iwen Chus loss to Republican challenger Steve Chan was especially tough for many in the party to stomach. In 2022, Chu became the first Asian woman elected to the state Senate. But Chans fierce opposition to city plans for a homeless shelter in the district  coupled with his vocal appreciation for Trump, his disdain for the far left and a consistent message that crime is up despite a national downward trend  carried him to a clear general election victory.

Walking through Bensonhurst days after his election, Chan, a retired police sergeant, told CNN that public safety and the economy were dominating factors in his race.

People are fed up in South Brooklyn, Chan said. People are fed up in the Bronx. From corner to corner of New York City, we saw Republicans gain traction in voter sentiment, and its all because of the quality of life; their wallets are hurting as well and theyre speaking out in volumes.

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Born in Hong Kong, Chan said the districts large immigrant population, made up of Asian Americans, Latinos and some Eastern Europeans, sees a difference between themselves and recently arrived migrants.

Immigrants like myself and my friends in this neighborhood  and were all immigrants  they understand what Donald Trump is saying, Chan said. The fact that we are even pooled with the new wave of migrants is kind of an insult to the migrants of yesteryears who came and built a life for themselves. They understand that President Trump is not talking about them.

That argument popped up across the city, in some of its most diverse areas. Asked about Trumps support from Latino men and his increasing strength with Black male voters, Brooklyn-born House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries suggested to NY1 on Wednesday that he was not surprised.

I think that people have been feeling economically distressed for decades, certainly in many communities of color, Jeffries said. And weve got to do a better job of transforming that economic reality.

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State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist poised to challenge Adams in next years mayoral primary, said national Democratic Party leadership needed to feel the heat.

I think Tuesday was a referendum on the economy, especially for working-class voters and for working-class New Yorkers, Mamdani told CNN. And it is enraging that the Democratic Party allowed Donald Trump, of all people, to present himself as the candidate who would make Americans lives more affordable and would bring peace back to the world.

But even as Democrats in the city  much like many others around the country  mourned and stewed over their losses, they maintained their dominance in the state Legislature. The hotly contested US House races outside New York City also delivered incongruously good news.

Democrats blaze a new path in the suburbs

In the suburbs and in a key Central New York district, Democratic challengers flipped three seats won by Republicans in 2022. Rep. Tom Suozzis victory, after winning a special election last year to replace Republican former Rep. George Santos, takes the number up to four. And in the Hudson Valley, Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan was reelected by more than 13 points, up from a margin of just over a point two years ago, bulldozing a prized Republican recruit.

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Republicans had been making gains, especially in the suburbs, since 2021, when a red wave hit local Democrats on Long Island. Republicans then flipped four House seats in 2022, cueing an existential crisis for some state Democratic leaders.

The organization had operated under the thumb  and for the benefit  of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for a decade before his resignation in 2021. Absent that leader, the party seemed to lack direction. And despite the many warning signs, Democratic candidates in 2022 seemed unprepared or unwilling to address anger over inflation, cost of living, crime, immigration and border security.

They paid dearly.

Even New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, atop the ticket for the first time after being Cuomos running mate in 2018, came within about 6 points of losing to her Republican challenger, then-Rep. Lee Zeldin. Cuomo won by more than 23 points four years earlier. (The Republican nominee he defeated, Marc Molinaro, was among the GOP House victors in 2022.) Shortly before this years elections, chatter about a potential primary challenge to Hochul in 2026 bubbled up.

Rep. Pat Ryan, a Democrat from New York, speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on August 22, 2024. - Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images

This year, though, both the Democratic party infrastructure and its closest allies  at least on paper  managed to turn the page, or at least briefly set aside old ideological grievances.

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Hochul, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeffries launched a battleground state-style coordinated campaign that opened about 40 offices in swing districts and hired nearly 100 new staffers  revamping what the party in a postelection memo called a moribund operation.

Ryan, part of a short list of Democrats to consistently win tough elections over the past three years, eased past GOP challenger Alison Esposito in his Hudson Valley district despite being considered one of the partys more vulnerable incumbents.

The New York state coordinated (campaign) was a night and day, huge difference maker for us, Ryan told CNN. We didnt really have any of that last time. This time we had six field offices, over a dozen full-time organizers, a campus organizer, a Latino constituency organizer. A lot of that field work and organizing work showed.

Ryan also emerged with a warning for Democrats as they reenter the political wilderness.

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If youre using words like moderate or progressive, youre missing the whole f**king point. Its not ideological, Ryan said. Its really about who is fighting for the people and who is empowering and enabling elites.

The same brand of ideologically agnostic politics that has lifted Ryan also benefited a new outside group called Battleground New York, which was formed by a coalition of labor and progressive organizations. Its aim was to create the kind of massive field operation the party itself never seeded. The group ended up raising more than $11 million  and won four of the five House races it played in.

Battleground fit into an overall Democratic ecosystem that came out of the shortfalls of 2022, spokesperson Eric Koch said. We worked in conjunction with partners at the state party, House Majority PAC and others to create a really strong ecosystem that (nearly) wiped out the sort of fluke Republican class of 2022.

Koch and others also credited Biden and Harris for helping New York Democrats win back those seats. Bidens part, they said, came in his decision to drop out. Harris was mostly applauded for running a do-no-harm-style campaign that, as many of her close allies have said, insulated the party from even deeper down-ballot losses.

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She knew she had to build a coalition that ranged from Dick Cheney to AOC. So she was saying, We need a lethal fighting force. We need to protect Ukraine and Israel. We need to be a leader in the world, former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. All very middle-of-the road, strong Republican things that meant the messaging was much more in line with how our voters feel.

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President Joe Biden will see out his term knowing that President-elect Donald Trump -- a man he fought desperately hard to unseat in 2020 and called a "genuine danger to American security" -- will succeed him.

Foreign policy has been central in Biden's long political career. It will likewise form a major chunk of his legacy, as will the two wars -- Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Middle East conflagration sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack -- that erupted during his term.

Now less encumbered by political calculations -- for himself or for Vice President Kamala Harris -- and with only two months until Trump's second inauguration, the outgoing president may have one last window to wield the power of the Oval Office in both theaters.

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But with Trump looming above the outgoing Biden-Harris administration, American allies and enemies may be hesitant to engage with the outgoing administration.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden arrives at New Castle, Delaware, on Nov. 2, 2024. (Annabelle Gordon/Reuters)

European nations, for example, are already shifting focus to how best to court Trump, Leslie Vinjamuri of the British Chatham House think tank told ABC News.

"All these European leaders are very quickly reaching out," she added. "They're congratulating him. They want to talk with him. They want to work with him, because they understand that the stakes are extremely high and they clearly feel that by talking with him, they have an ability to influence policy and the outcome."

"What they don't want to do is to be seen to be making a deal with Joe Biden that undercuts whatever it is that Trump is going to do," Vinjamuri added.

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"It's a very tricky position to be in, because if anything's visible that cuts across what he wants to do, you as a leader risk being punished."

MORE: Trump takes calls from growing list of world leaders following election victory

Those at the top of American politics know that foreign policy success can accelerate careers and define legacies. Former President Richard Nixon infamously undermined President Lyndon B. Johnson's efforts to negotiate an end to the Vietnam War during the 1968 election campaign for fear it would reduce his chances of victory.

Though he has already secured his second term, Trump appears unlikely to help the Biden administration with any foreign policy "wins" in its closing days.

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"There's a lot of uncertainty and room for maneuver -- it's highly unpredictable," Vinjamuri said.

Russia and Ukraine

Russia's war on Ukraine has dominated much of Biden's presidency. He will leave office with Moscow's forces holding large parts of Ukraine and still advancing, even if slowly and at huge cost.

"I think that now Biden can be much more decisive in support of Ukraine, especially when he sees that Trump will be the next president," Oleksandr Merezhko -- a member of Ukraine's parliament and the chair of the body's foreign affairs committee -- told ABC News.

"Biden has his hands completely untied," Merezhko added. "Now Biden is thinking about his legacy."

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"He might even try to take some decisions which will make irreversible changes in support of Ukraine -- for example, he might lift all the restrictions on the use of the Western weapons on the territory of Russia," Merezhko said. "And he might start the process of inviting Ukraine to join NATO."

Merezkho acknowledged that progress on the NATO front might be ambitious. "Yes, he doesn't have much time," he said. "But he -- with [National Security Adviser] Jake Sullivan and [Secretary of State] Antony Blinken -- might do something creative to help Ukraine."

It appears unlikely that Biden's final months will bring Kyiv any closer to NATO membership. Ukrainian leaders are still pushing for an invitation to join the alliance despite fierce opposition from Russia -- and hesitance among key alliance members. Allies have repeatedly said that "Ukraine's future is in NATO," but even top officials in Kyiv acknowledge this cannot happen amid war with Moscow.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump is pictured with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York City, on Sept. 27, 2024. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

The outgoing president may at least be able to ring fence much-needed funding for Kyiv.

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Matthew Savill of the Royal United Services Institute think tank in the U.K., said Biden "might choose in his last months in office to use the remainder of the funding available for support to Ukraine under Presidential Drawdown Authority, amounting to over $5 billion."

The Pentagon has already committed to rolling out new funding packages between now and January totaling some $9 billion. "That is consistent with how we've been doing this in the past," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told journalists last week. "It's something that we've done on a pretty regular, almost weekly, basis."

Biden has also reportedly already decided to allow non-combat American defense contractors to work in Ukraine to maintain and repair U.S.-provided weaponry.

Yehor Cherniev -- a member of the Ukrainian parliament and the chairman of his country's delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly -- told ABC News that deeper sanctions on "Putin's inner circle" are on Kyiv's wish list, along with the delivery of all previously allocated aid, commitments for more, plus the end to restrictions on Western weapon use inside Russia.

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Trump has suggested he would quickly end Russia's invasion by threatening to cut off military aid to Kyiv unless it agrees to hand Moscow direct or indirect control of swaths of occupied territory in the south and east of the country.

As such, his election has raised concerns in Ukraine of an imminent sellout.

Merezhko, though, stressed the unpredictability of the president-elect. "Trump might become even more critical of Russia to show that all suspicions about him are groundless," he said.

"We know that Trump loves his country and seeks to protect its interests in accordance with his vision," Cherniev said. "Therefore, we are confident that the U.S. will not leave us alone with Russia, since this is not in the interests of the U.S. and the free world."

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"However, much will depend on Putin's willingness to make concessions and compromises," he added. "If the Russian dictator does not show due flexibility, I think Trump will increase his support for Ukraine."

MORE: World reacts to 2024 presidential election results

As to potential tensions between Trump and Biden in the coming months, Merezhko said, "Competition between them will continue."

"For us, it would be better if they compete amongst themselves on who will do more for Ukraine."

European nations, meanwhile, will be bracing for Trump while hoping to influence the president-elect's take on the war.

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Vinjamuri, of the Chatham House think tank, said Europeans will also be working closely with the Biden administration "to put in place everything that they can to keep Europe and Ukraine in as good a place as possible before Jan. 20, when Trump comes in and tries to negotiate a peace deal."

"That means that getting Ukraine in the best position on the ground, because when you start negotiating a peace, a lot of what gets locked in is based on what land people hold," she said.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are pictured in Fasano, Italy, on June 13, 2024. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

The Middle East

The Biden administration's pre-election Middle East diplomatic push does not appear to have made significant breakthroughs in either Gaza or Lebanon. Fierce ground fighting and devastating Israeli airstrikes continue on both fronts, with the toll of civilian dead and displaced growing ever larger.

The regional war began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack, which killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel and saw around 250 taken back to Gaza as hostages. Israel's military response in the strip has killed some 43,600 people and injured more than 102,000, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Israel's airstrike and ground campaign in Lebanon has killed more than 3,000 since Oct. 8, 2023, Lebanese health officials say.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu replaced Defense Minister Yoav Gallant -- one of his prime political rivals and an advocate for a cease-fire deal -- on the eve of the U.S. election, reinforcing his position and entrenching his government's commitment to what he has called "total victory."

Hafed Al-Ghwell, senior fellow and executive director of the North Africa Initiative at the SAIS Foreign Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins University, told ABC News he has little expectation of peace during Biden's final months. "I don't think he has any incentive to do anything," Hafed said.

"In the case of Israel and Palestine, Biden has taken not just a political stand but an ideological one, and there is no sign that he is going to change that," Hafed added. "He has called himself a Zionist, and he had ample opportunity to stop this war. Even when the United Nations proposed a resolution to end the occupation, he didn't support it."

PHOTO: A person walks near a congratulatory billboard for President-elect Donald Trump, following the 2024 U.S presidential election, in Jerusalem on Nov. 7, 2024. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

"It would be really controversial for an outgoing president to make any major decisions," he continued.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu will be confident in the new White House's backing in his suppression of Palestinian and Lebanese groups, as well as in his wider showdown with Iran.

Netanyahu "probably feels like he has a free run," Vinjamuri said. "Even if Biden tried to push him, I'm not so sure he would be responsive, because he knows that Trump is now coming into office."

Hafed suggested Netanyahu's domestic concerns, too, will be driving his policy in the coming months. "He knows that the minute this war stops, the Israeli public won't want him around," he said. "So, he will continue the war in Lebanon and probably threaten Iran, knowing he will have the full support of Trump."

PHOTO: A Palestinian woman carries a child past the rubble of houses destroyed in by the Israeli military offensive in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Nov. 6, 2024. (Hatem Khaled/Reuters)

Burcu Ozcelik at RUSI said the extent of Trump's influence over Netanyahu tops "a complex list of unknowns."

"Trump in recent weeks indicated that he was prepared to give Israel freer rein, provided that the war ended by the time he entered office," he added.

Those living in the region will be left grappling with the fallout, Hafed continued. "For the people of the Middle East, Biden's legacy is one of a bloodbath," he said. "The region is bitter and battered."

ABC News' Luis Martinez contributed to this article.

Why Trump's imminent return might scuttle Biden's last plays in foreign wars originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
You'll definitely need a coat  and maybe a stocking cap  before heading out the door Monday morning; Michigan is in for a cool, windy Veterans Day, with overcast skies throughout the region.

Some parts of the state could see wind gusts up to 55 mph, the National Weather Service said this morning. The high winds and cool temperatures come as cold fronts pass through the region: One front passed through Sunday evening bringing rain and storms, and another will pass Monday afternoon, according to the weather agency.

Sunday night's storms brought a tornado warning for the Ithaca area, although there were no immediate reports of damage.

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Here's what to know about today's windy conditions.

Will it be windy in Detroit on Monday?

Expect mild, breezy conditions in the Detroit area Monday, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake. The region is set for highs in the mid 50s with a slight chance of rain. Temperatures will drop overnight to lows in the 30s or high 20s.

Expect winds to pick up in the early afternoon, with wind gusts up to 30 mph possible, the weather agency said.

The region will see stronger winds in the late afternoon and evening, with potential wind gusts up to 35 mph. Winds will then weaken overnight, per the NWS.

More: November on the Great Lakes is deadly. The Edmund Fitzgerald and many others bear witness

How windy will it be in west Michigan?

In west Michigan, wind gusts could reach peaks between 35 to 45 mph Monday, according to the NWS in Grand Rapids.

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Expect winds to pick up in the morning, with gales expected in the afternoon and evening, per the weather agency. The region will see a cool Monday, with highs ranging from the high 40s to the mid 50s. Cloudy skies are expected, along with a chance of scattered showers.

Will it be windy in Lansing today?

Lansing is set for a similar outlook, with the forecast predicting a windy and overcast day, according to the NWS in Grand Rapids.

Expect wind gusts peaking up to 35 to 45 mph in the area, per the weather agency. Look for highs in the low 50s, with clouds and a chance of scattered showers.

More: When will Michigan winter begin? Here's what NOAA, AccuWeather, Old Farmer's Almanac say

How windy will it be in the Upper Peninsula?

Expect blustery conditions across much of the Upper Peninsula Monday, according to the NWS in Marquette. A wind advisory is in effect across the region, and wind gusts could reach up to 55 mph. Winds are set to taper off overnight.

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Monday will be cold across the Upper Peninsula, with highs ranging between the upper 30s and upper 40s, per the weather agency. There will be a chance of light lake-enhanced rain and snow showers. Prepare for possible power outages and travel difficulties for high profile vehicles, according to the NWS.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Veterans Day will be windy in Michigan, weather service says
Ryan Borgwardt, who was reported missing in August, is now believed to be alive "someplace in Europe"

Facebook Ryan Borgwardt Ryan Borgwardt

A Wisconsin father who police believe staged his own disappearance was in contact with a woman from Uzbekistan and took out a life insurance policy before vanishing.

Ryan Borgwardt has not been seen by his family or authorities since August, when deputies responded to a missing persons call and found his vehicle and trailer in Green Lake County, Wisc., county Sheriff Mark Podoll said in a press conference aired by WFRV.

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When authorities searched Green Lake, Podoll told reporters, a capsized kayak was found. The next day, searchers found Borgwardts fishing rod and tackle box in the lake. Inside the box was the missing mans license.

Borgwardt, a married father of three, according to WBAY, was not located, leading to a 54-day search that involved search dogs and diving teams, Podoll said.

Related: Missing Father of 3 Faked His Disappearance in Kayak Accident and Fled to Europe: Authorities

But the search went in another direction on Oct. 7, after Podoll said police had learned that Borgwardts name had been checked by Canadian authorities a day after he was reported missing.

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"That was something we didn't expect," Podoll said.

The sheriff said a search of Borgwardts laptop led authorities to discover that he had replaced his hard drive and deleted his internet browser history the day he vanished. Authorities later found that Borgwardt had taken photos of his passport, moved funds to a foreign bank account, changed his email and communicated with a woman in Uzbekistan.

Podoll added that months before disappearing, Borgwardt had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy.

"Due to these discoveries of the new evidence, we were sure that Ryan was not in our lake," Podoll said.

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Authorities now believe that the missing father is "someplace in Europe."

Podoll thanked everyone who assisted with the lake searches, which included a volunteer search-and-recovery organization called Bruce's Legacy, which conducted its own nearly month-long search.

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.

They thought that their dad was drowned, Podoll said of Borgwardts children. A day ago, they found out that he wasnt.

The sheriff also thanked Borgwardts wife, calling her one strong lady."

Ryan, if you are viewing this, I plead that you contact us or contact your family," the sheriff said. "We understand that things can happen, but theres a family that wants their daddy back.


MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A conservative prosecutor's attorney struggled Monday to persuade the Wisconsin Supreme Court to reactivate the state's 175-year-old abortion ban, drawing a tongue-lashing from two of the court's liberal justices during oral arguments.

Sheboygan Countys Republican district attorney, Joel Urmanski, has asked the high court to overturn a Dane County judges ruling last year that invalidated the ban. A ruling isn't expected for weeks but abortion advocates almost certainly will win the case given that liberal justices control the court. One of them, Janet Protasiewicz, remarked on the campaign trail that she supports abortion rights.

Monday's two-hour session amounted to little more than political theater. Liberal Justice Rebecca Dallet told Urmanski's attorney, Matthew Thome, that the ban was passed in 1849 by white men who held all the power and that he was ignoring everything that has happened since. Jill Karofsky, another liberal justice, pointed out that the ban provides no exceptions for rape or incest and that reactivation could result in doctors withholding medical care. She told Thome that he was essentially asking the court to sign a death warrant for women and children in Wisconsin.

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This is the world gone mad, Karofsky said.

The ban stood until 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide nullified it. Legislators never repealed the ban, however, and conservatives have argued the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe two years ago reactivated it.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit challenging the law in 2022. He argued that a 1985 Wisconsin law that prohibits abortion after a fetus reaches the point where it can survive outside the womb supersedes the ban. Some babies can survive with medical help after 21 weeks of gestation.

Urmanski contends that the ban was never repealed and that it can co-exist with the 1985 law because that law didnt legalize abortion at any point. Other modern-day abortion restrictions also dont legalize the practice, he argues.

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Dane County Circuit Judge Diane Schlipper ruled last year that the ban outlaws feticide  which she defined as the killing of a fetus without the mothers consent  but not consensual abortions. The ruling emboldened Planned Parenthood to resume offering abortions in Wisconsin after halting procedures after Roe was overturned.

Urmanski asked the state Supreme Court in February to overturn Schlippers ruling without waiting for a lower appellate decision.

Thome told the justices on Monday that he wasn't arguing about the implications of reactivating the ban. He maintained that the legal theory that new laws implicitly repeal old ones is shaky. He also contended that the ban and the newer abortion restrictions can overlap just like laws establishing different penalties for the same crime. A ruling that the 1985 law effectively repealed the ban would be anti-democratic, Thome added.

It's a statute this Legislature has not repealed and you're saying, no, you actually repealed it, he said.

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Dallet shot back that disregarding laws passed over the last 40 years to go back to 1849 would be undemocratic.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin filed a separate lawsuit in February asking the state Supreme Court to rule directly on whether a constitutional right to abortion exists in the state. The justices have agreed to take the case but haven't scheduled oral arguments yet.

___

This story has been updated to correct the Sheboygan County district attorney's first name to Joel.
An Israeli emergency team member battles a fire at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, northern Israel, on Nov. 11, 2024. (JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Monday it struck a rocket launcher in southern Lebanon after a barrage of 90 rockets crossed into the country from Lebanon, injuring three people.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that Hezbollah militants in Lebanon fired approximately 80 projectiles within five minutes at the Krayot, a cluster of towns north of Haifa, and the Galilee region.

"Most of the projectiles were intercepted, and fallen projectiles were identified in the area," the military said, adding that two explosive drones from Lebanon were also intercepted in the Galilee area.

A few minutes later, another barrage of 10 rockets targeted the Western Galilee and Krayot, with some landing in open fields, the IDF noted.

Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported that strikes were identified in at least nine locations, injuring a 17-year-old boy, a 52-year-old man, and a 75-year-old man. Another man sustained injuries while rushing to a shelter.

Israel's National Fire and Rescue Authority reported that rockets set fire to several vehicles, with one projectile striking an apartment and another hitting a bus stop, causing damage.

Throughout Monday, a total of about 175 rockets have been fired by Hezbollah forces at northern Israel, according to the IDF. 

A man battles a fire at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, northern Israel, on Nov. 11, 2024. (JINI via Xinhua)

Israeli emergency team members battle a fire at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, northern Israel, on Nov. 11, 2024. (JINI via Xinhua)

An Israeli emergency team member battles a fire at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, northern Israel, on Nov. 11, 2024. (JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Nov. 11, 2024 shows a house on fire in a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, northern Israel. (JINI via Xinhua)

An Israeli emergency team member works at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, northern Israel, on Nov. 11, 2024. (JINI via Xinhua)

Israeli emergency team members battle a fire at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, northern Israel, on Nov. 11, 2024. (JINI via Xinhua)
In November 2022, Jillaine St. Michel was 20 weeks pregnant with her second child when an ultrasound revealed that her baby had serious developmental and genetic conditions that made it unlikely to survive the pregnancy. She and her husband were devastated, and decided that an abortion would be the most compassionate choice for their family. But they lived in Idaho at the time, which has one of the strictest abortion bans in the country. The couple contacted several abortion clinics outside of the state and they were eventually able to get an appointment at a clinic in Seattle, Washington because of a cancellation.

I didnt feel like I was able to properly grieve our situation and our experience because we had to deal with the logistics of everythingfinding a hotel room, finding a rental vehicle, paying for the procedure out-of-pocket, St. Michel, 38, says. In the time of one of the worst situations you can imagine, having to put on your logistics hat and try to figure out how to make it happen was really sad.

Now, St. Michel is one of seven plaintiffs in a lawsuit over Idahos law, as part of her effort to find a purpose in what was the most painful experience of her life, she says.

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The trial begins in an Idaho court on Nov. 12 after the lawsuit was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights in September 2023 on behalf of women who had experienced serious pregnancy complications but were denied abortions in the state. Idahos abortion ban has some limited exceptions, including for survivors of rape or incest who have reported the crime to law enforcement and are in the first trimester of their pregnancy, or if an abortion is necessary to prevent the pregnant persons death. The lawsuit asks the court to clarify and expand what situations qualify as medical emergency exceptions under the states ban, arguing that the current law is vague and leaves medical providers uncertain about when they can provide abortion care or if they will be penalized under the states law.

The trial for Adkins v. State of Idaho comes on the heels of the 2024 election, which dealt a mixed hand for reproductive rights advocatesalthough seven states passed ballot measures meant to protect abortion access, similar measures failed in three states, and the country reelected former President Donald Trump, who has taken credit for the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization that overturned the constitutional right to abortion.

The women who are filing this lawsuit have endured unthinkable suffering because of these bans, and state officials need to answer to these women in a court of law and take responsibility for the impact of the laws that they have passed, says Gail Deady, senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights U.S. Litigation Program and lead attorney on the case.

James Craig, the attorney representing the state of Idaho in the case, deferred questions to the spokesperson for the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, who declined to comment on the pending litigation. Craig has previously argued that the states abortion ban is not vague, telling the Idaho Capital Sun that all thats required is for the treating physician to make a good faith medical judgment that providing an abortion is necessary to prevent the death of a pregnant woman.

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St. Michel later became pregnant again and gave birth to her second child, a boy, about nine months ago. She and her husband ended up moving with their two children to Blaine, Minnesota in July, partly because of their abortion experience. I just couldnt have imagined raising a daughter and her being exposed to that type of narrative, right? That a woman does not get to make a decision about her bodyor heaven forbid, she faced something similar someday, St. Michel says. It just felt like [an] unnecessary risk to take to remain in the state.

Being denied care

There are seven plaintiffs in the case, including four women who were denied abortion care, two medical providers in the state, and a professional membership organization of Idaho medical providers. The lead plaintiff is a 32-year-old woman named Jennifer Adkins, who lives in Caldwell, Idaho.

Adkins says she and her husband were overjoyed when they learned she was pregnant with their second child in February 2023. But when she was 12 weeks along, doctors told Adkins that her ultrasound indicated that her baby likely had Turner syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition, as well as several other conditions. Doctors told Adkins that her baby was unlikely to survive, and that, even if she didnt experience a miscarriage, there was a high chance that she would develop a life-threatening condition, like edema or preeclampsia, if she continued the pregnancy. Because of Idahos near-total ban, Adkins wasnt able to get an abortion in her home state.

We were told that our baby wasn't going to survive the pregnancy, and that the longer I stayed pregnant, the sicker I could become and that was putting my life and my health at risk, Adkins says. We already had a toddler to consider, and we had so many things to consider, and not being able to access that care was really scary.

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Adkins started calling abortion clinics as soon as she got home from the doctors office. It was really challenging to be making these phone calls while also still processing the fact that my baby was going to die and trying to cope with that while still moving forward and trying to find access to a clinic that could take me, she says.

Ultimately, Adkins and her husband received financial assistance from two abortion funds and were able to travel to Portland, Oregon to receive care. They both had to take time off work, drive out of the state, and ask family members to watch over their son.

In the moment, I was really trying to stay strong because I knew I was on a timeline; I knew that not only the longer I stayed pregnant, the more sick I could become, but I also knew that the longer I stayed pregnant, the harder it would be to access abortion care because I would be further and further along in my pregnancy, Adkins says.

She says she was privileged to have had the resources that eventually allowed her to get an abortion, and felt compelled to join the lawsuit to try to prevent others from having the same experience.

The fight in Idaho and beyond

The outcome of the lawsuit could clarify whether women like St. Michel or Adkins will be able to receive abortion care in their home state.

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It isnt the first time the Idaho law has been litigated: the Biden Administration sued the state in 2022 over its near-total ban, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that Idaho hospitals receiving federal funds can temporarily provide emergency abortions when patients are experiencing serious risks to their health. While the ruling was a partial win for the Biden Administration, Deady says that not all situations are covered under this rulingfor instance, some fatal fetal condition diagnoses or situations where a pregnant persons fertility is threatened.

These exceptions in these bans are unclear; they use non-medical language that is confusing to doctors, Deady says. We are asking courts to put an end to this chaos and to give doctors clarity on when they can perform abortions, and we are trying to save lives because, as we have seen, these extreme abortion bans have already resulted in death in the United States.

Read More: Emergency Doctor Worries Louisianas New Classification for Abortion Meds Could Be Life-Threatening

Since the Dobbs ruling, many advocates, patients, and medical providers have been challenging state abortion restrictions in court. The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed similar lawsuits in Tennessee and Oklahoma, both of which have banned abortion in nearly all situations.

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Advocates and medical providers have expressed concern and outrage over how restricting abortion can prevent people from receiving critical medical treatment. ProPublica has reported on multiple women who died after being denied care in life-threatening situations in states that have restricted or banned abortion.

About four months ago, Adkins gave birth to her second childa baby boy. Her pregnancy went relatively smoothly, but the entire time was filled with a lot of anxiety and a lot of concern, she says, because she knew firsthand how difficult it would be if something went wrong again. Many doctors have moved out of the state since the Dobbs ruling; about 55% of the states high-risk obstetricians have left Idaho, according to a report released in February.

St. Michel gave birth to her now nine-month-old son in Idaho, but while she was pregnant, she worried about the possibility of experiencing complications again.

Nobody should have to go through their pregnancy wondering, How am I going to flee somewhere else? Who is willing to take me in? Who is willing to provide medical care for me? That shouldnt be even a thought that crosses your mind when youre pregnantyou should just feel like you have confidence in the state that you live in that you can access proper medical care when needed, St. Michel says.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Women will soon fill four of these seven seats, the first time the majority of Kentucky Supreme Court justices have been women. (Getty Images)

Kentuckys next Supreme Court is shaping up to be a historic one for women.

Deputy Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert will become Kentuckys chief justice in January. (Administrative Office of the Courts photo)

With the election of Kentuckys first Black female justice, Pamela Goodwine, women will hold four of the courts seven seats. Additionally, the court will be led by the first female chief justice, Deputy Chief Justice Debra Lambert, starting in January.

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As of earlier this year, 17 states have female majorities on their supreme court benches, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice. Alaska was also poised to gain a female majority after seven women sought a seat on its Supreme Court this summer.

Goodwines election also makes her the first woman in history who will serve at every level of Kentuckys judiciary branch: district court, circuit court, appeals court and the Supreme Court. . She said in a statement to the Kentucky Lantern that the milestone reminds me of the women who came before me, paving the way through hard work, determination and resilience, often overcoming significant obstacles to reach their goals.

Their struggles paved the way for our successes today, and it is our duty to continue their legacy and to forge a path for others as well, Goodwine said. Throughout my life, education and career, I have faced what many described as insurmountable challenges, but I dont give up on my dreams when things get hard. I simply work harder to make my dreams come true.

Women outnumber men in law schools

Two previous female justices  Sara Walter Combs and retired Janet Stumbo  both say the new majority of women on the high court is a reflection of the increase in women in the legal profession.

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In 2016, women for the first time made up the majority of students in the nations law schools, according to the American Bar Association, which says the change came slowly. In 1963, only 4% of first-year law students were female, rising to 20% in 1973, 39% in 1983 and 44% by 1993.

In Kentucky last year women made up the majority of law students at the University of Louisville (53%) and Northern Kentucky University (55%). Female and male enrollment were about even at the University of Kentucky in 2023-24 with 203 women and 206 men enrolled in the law school.

Judge Sara Walter Combs

Combs was the first woman to serve on Kentuckys Supreme Court after being appointed by Gov. Brereton Jones in 1993. She now serves on the Kentucky Court of Appeals. When she began taking law classes at night at the University of Louisville, she said she was one of very few women in her law class.

When I started my work career, I was a teacher, and the one thing that women could do, predominantly in that period of our history, was to teach or to be a nurse, Combs said. Well, theyre still wonderful professions; its just a matter that now there are more options for women beyond those two choices, and I think the more options we have, the better, because we all have different talents.

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While she was reluctant to to tie gender and competency to one another, Combs applauded the women on the Kentucky Supreme Court.

They have good legal minds, they have a great work ethic, theyre collegial, theyre everything that a good judge should be. They just happen to be women, Combs said. Im delighted that they havent been held back because of that fact, but I would prefer to emphasize the fact of their competence rather than their gender.

When asked if the majority of women could be a sign of increasing diversity on the bench in the future, Combs said a diverse pool of judges is needed to review cases.

I hope it does, because our social problems are very diverse in nature and origin, and I think their solution will require some diversity of approach to how we solve these problems, she said.

Change takes time

Stumbo, who was the first woman elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in 1993 and retired from the Court of Appeals in 2017, said that diversity on the bench  in terms of race and gender  is a change that happens over time. Kentucky judicial candidates are required to be a licensed attorney for some time before seeking election. A district judge requires two years while the Supreme Court requires eight years.

Retired Justice Janet L. Stumbo stands beside her portrait, painted by artist Tona Barkley, following a dedication ceremony Dec. 6, 2023. The portrait joined others of justices in the corridors of the second floor of the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort. (Photo by Brian Bohannon)

The composition of the bar has changed greatly, Stumbo said. The number of women who are lawyers, the number of minorities who are lawyers, has increased dramatically, and thats the way well see more diversity on the bench.

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Stumbo said that the majority of female justices shows that the electorate in Kentucky is also more accepting of women being in these high-ranking roles.

Theres definitely more work to be done, but women are succeeding and succeeding in ways that are getting them recognized as fine litigators and tenacious litigators and people that youre proud to have representing you, Stumbo said.

Judge Goodwine speaks to supporters at her election night watch party in Lexington Nov. 5, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes)

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Women would have won a majority of Kentucky Supreme Court seats no matter how the Nov. 5 election turned out. Goodwines opponent also was a woman, Lexington attorney Erin Izzo.

Goodwine echoed those sentiments. She said that each justice on the court carries unique perspectives and experiences and that its imperative that younger generations see themselves reflected in the highest levels of the judiciary. She said that many have expressed gratitude to me for being a trailblazer helping to forge a path for others to follow in my footsteps in their chosen profession, and that increases my drive and dedication to ensure that our justice system reflects our community.

This new chapter for our court affirms the progress we have made and also challenges us to move forward with purpose and conviction, Goodwine said. We honor the legacy of our forerunners by continuing to uphold the principles of fairness, justice and equality for all. It is a responsibility I take to heart, and I look forward to working with my esteemed colleagues to protect the rights and uphold the dignity of everyone in our state ensuring that the Kentucky Supreme Court is a beacon of justice for all.

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Donald Trump's border czar: Thomas D. Homan will serve as the incoming administration's new handler of immigration and the southern border. The former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin," the president-elect wrote on Truth Social.

Homan, throughout his time at ICE in 2017 and 2018, was a chief architect of the family separation policy, which involved separating children and parents who had crossed the border together so that parents could be criminally prosecuted. In 2018, Homan said the Department of Justice ought "to file charges against the sanctuary cities" and "hold back their funding."

When 60 Minutes' Cecilia Vega told Homan last month that one estimate "says it would cost $88 billion to deport a million people a year," Homan replied: "I don't know if that's accurate or not."

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"Is that what American taxpayers should expect?" continued Vega.

"What price do you put on our national security? Is that worth it?" responded Homan.

"Is there a way to carry out mass deportation without separating families?" pressed Vega.

"Of course there is," responded Homan. "Families can be deported together."

Homan last year defended the old family separation policy by declaring that actually families "chose to separate themselves" when they violated the law.

This new round of mass deportations will be a "humane operation," Homan claimed on Fox News yesterday. "It's going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They're good at it." Given Homan's defense of the family separations the first time around, it's not clear what he considers to be "humane" or whether that is out of step with the American public.

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"You concentrate on the public safety threats and the national security threats first," Homan told Fox, claiming that many terrorists slipped into the country under President Joe Biden. This emphasis on violent criminals (some of whom have surely been let in, but are relatively few in number) is an attempt to whitewash what is actually planned for Trump's second term: workplace raids for low-wage workers whose only crime is simply crossing into the country in the first place, who have in many cases tried to pursue legal pathways to firm up their status but have few options available.

This type of raid has not happened under the Biden administration, but Homan says they will resume after January 20, when Trump returns to office.

Such crackdownslike the 2018 raids that targeted meat processing plants in Ohio or the 2019 wave targeting chicken processing plants in rural Mississippican throw entire communities into disarray, screwing up their economies and leaving tons of vacant job openings at the workplaces ransacked by immigration enforcers.

Scenes from New York: Relevant to the above, but a bit of a New York tangent.

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"President [Donald] Trump's [deportation] plan is going to be a cost savings for the American people," Tom Homan told Fox. "Because this administration is paying for free airline tickets all over the country, free hotel rooms at $500 bucks a night, free education, free medical care, and that's in perpetuitythey're paying $500 bucks a night for a hotel room in New York City, meanwhile there's empty ICE beds at $127 dollars a night! So President Trump's plan is going to save taxpayers money over time."

Homan's numbers are exaggerated, but the point is at least partly fair. The budgetary commitments get more disturbing the deeper you dig: The city comptroller's office reports, as of last year, that the city Department of Homeless Services (which also handles asylum seekers awaiting court dates) is contracting with some three dozen hotels, being paid daily rates of $55$385 per day. Our mayor, Eric Adams, has started a "reticketing" program, in which migrants may request one-way plane tickets, either domestic and international, and have them paid for by taxpayers, as part of an initiative to get illegal immigrantswho are costly to taxpayers because of the city's right-to-shelter consent decree (which now terminates after 30 days)out.

The governments of Texas and Florida are, of course, not fiscally innocent, having spent a fair chunk of change busing migrants to New York, Sacramento, Chicago, and Martha's Vineyard as stunts to get blue-state liberals to start shouldering some of the welfare cost.

The thing that's perhaps hardest to swallow about how much taxpayers have been forced to pay for: To what degree does this politically sabotage the case for increasing legal immigration quotas? When immigrants are seen as welfare mooches, not productive members of society and the workforce, there's surely more political will behind deportation squads.

QUICK HITS

I am very excited for the relaunch of Just Asking Questions. We're starting fresh on a separate YouTube channel, which you can subscribe to here. If you watch the show, you know the types of guests we have on: Glenn Greenwald, Stella Assange, Mary Katharine Ham, Dave Smith, Jesse Singal, Mike Solana, Ford Fischer, Nate Silver, Vivek Ramaswamy, Trent Horn, Bryan Johnson, Michael Moynihan, Bob Murphy, Kyla Scanlon. That cool dude from the Cajun Navy. Klaus Schwab's coauthor (lol) who I definitely pissed off. Over the next few months, we have a lot more big and unexpected guests planned, so it's worth subscribing since we're getting the boot from the main Reason YouTube channel!

we're relaunching our show, Just Asking Questions (cc @TheAbridgedZach) on a separate youtube channel. it's going to be bigger and better than before. subscribe. pic.twitter.com/zIrzgAnyX6  Liz Wolfe (@LizWolfeReason) November 8, 2024

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat, just won re-election to her seat in a rural red district in Washington. She has some choice words for her own party: "The fundamental mistake people make is condescension. A lot of elected officials get calloused to the ways that they're disrespecting people."

"About a week after the September debate, Mr. Trump started spending heavily on a television ad that hammered Ms. Harris for her position on a seemingly obscure topic: the use of taxpayer funds to fund surgeries for transgender inmates. 'Every transgender inmate in the prison system would have access,' Ms. Harris said in a 2019 clip used in the ad," per The New York Times. "But the ad, with its vivid tagline  'Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you'broke through in Mr. Trump's testing to an extent that stunned some of his aides."

"The incoming Trump administration would in theory be able to replace heads of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on day one, at least on an interim basis," reports Bloomberg. "Both of those officials are crucial to the process to propose and enact the new regulations, and banks are already seizing the moment to begin advocating for appointments seen as more friendly to the industry."

Interesting:

Well then! Trump announces on Truth Social he will "not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation" pic.twitter.com/aKZuYd2yx9  Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) November 9, 2024

Call me cynical, but the land acknowledgements were never actually for Natives in the first place; they were a way of signaling to other upper-middle-class progressives.

Land acknowledgements from now on should acknowledge that Native Americans voted against the ppl who do land acknowledgements. https://t.co/UEE1g8EsVE  Alice (@AliceFromQueens) November 11, 2024

The post Workplace Raids appeared first on Reason.com.
UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11)  Veterans Day is Monday, and PIX11 News is highlighting the story of a local World War II vet who has spent his life serving his country and community.

At 99 years old, Theodore Dixon has lived through nearly a century of American history.

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Born in Manhattan in 1925, Dixon eventually moved to Virginia where he was raised. After high school, he faced a pivotal life moment when his mother urged him to enter the Navy and serve his country during World War II.

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I was the oldest one and she wanted somebody in the family to go to war to defend the country, so they picked me, Dixon said. It was the greatest experience that I ever had.

Dixon faced the harsh realities of racial discrimination, serving in a segregated unit on a battleship as a cook  a job he said he was limited to based on his skin color. He eventually rose through the ranks, stepping into combat on the front lines. A harrowing experience that sticks with him to this very day, as he grapples with PTSD.

Anytime you kill a human you take a little bit away from yourself, said Dixon. Id go in my tent, get on my knees, and ask the Almighty to forgive me.

Newark opens Veterans Services Office: A lot of us that suffer in silence

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After the war, Dixon returned to his hometown New York City. As he embraced the community, his neighbors affectionately dubbed him the Mayor of the Upper West Side where he now resides. Its a place where hes known for bringing his neighbors together and fostering peace.

Whatever theyre trying to do politically, socially, psychologically. Somewhere, I can help them to make it easier rather than going and killing somebody. Lets let everybody talk. See what they got to say, he said.

Over the summer, Dixon was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame  an honor reserved for vets who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. As he reflects on his legacy, he hopes to leave a lasting impact on those who cross his path  inspiring everyone around him to lead with kindness.

Keep your love alive, you cant go wrong, said Dixon.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
CLINTON, Md. (DC News Now)  The fierce World War II Battle of the Bulge is approaching its 80th anniversary.

Historians consider it to be the most significant and deadliest battle by American forces during World War II, denying Adolf Hitler his last chance at victory.

DC News Now caught up with a local WWII Purple Heart veteran, Darrell Bush, for the DC News Now: Veterans Voices special. Based in Maryland, Bush fought on the frontlines of the Battle of the Bulge and lived to tell his tale.

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Hes welcomed like the war hero he is at his local favorite restaurant, Texas Ribs & BBQ, in Clinton, Maryland. His photo lines the wall, honoring those who gave so much to preserve Americas freedoms.

You know, I never thought Id make it, said Bush. But Im here.

The retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. is turning 99 years old in a restaurant full of staff and locals who are forever grateful for his service. A humble man, you would never know that 80 years ago, he confronted evil and won.

Seven of us out of 132 lived, but you never hear about the story like that, he said. Nobodys ever told the story.

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After a successful invasion by the Allied forces on D-Day in WWII, Hitler launched a counter-offensive in December 1944. He sent 30 German divisions to bulge through thinly-held American lines in Belgium, where Darrell served as an infantryman.

So we stopped him, and Battle of the Bulge was worse than the D-Day, Bush noted. We fought pretty hard in the Battle of the Bulge, but you dont hear much about the Battle of the Bulge.

For 40 days, Bush fought with the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne under frigid conditions and intense firefights to stop Hitlers last chance at victory.

They would not give up, they fought til they died. Battle of Bulge was one of the worst. We lost more men in Battle of the Bulge than Gettysburg did. We lost a lot of people, he said.

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The Americans suffered 75,000 casualties.

Virginia National Guard member rises to social media stardom

Bush recalled when, one day, he tried to save two fellow soldiers.

The two guys I saved were two scouts, like me, he said. They got hit very badly, and I went on and brought them back. I carried each one of them back. One had his hand blown offwrapped him up pretty good. Then I went back in and got another guy. Thats when I got shot.

He was struck five times by enemy fire.

All around my body and one through my helmet. I had a Bible in my pocket, and something hit me. I dont think it was a bullet; I think it was shrapnel. Knocked me down anyway, he said.

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Bush had a metal-covered Bible in his pocket the day he earned a Purple Heart.

The Bible saved my life, he said.

The military sent his Purple Heart and a bullet that struck him to his wife back home, Dorothy.

I didnt know if he was living or dead, but somehow I knew inside of me he was still alive, said Dorothy. I never gave up.

Dorothy said she prayed for Bush every single day of the war.

On Dec. 26, help came Bushs way when General George S. Pattons Third Army defeated the Nazi advance.

You know, if it happened again, Id go right back in again to help save the county. I want to be free. I want everybody else to be free. I know I was fighting for my country, Bush said.

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He fought and served for several months, even after the war ended, until he finally got his chance to board a ship back home in 1946.

Back in Maryland, he said he feels blessed that he made it home to his wife. The couple has now been married for 81 years.

I thank her very much for what she did, he said.

I still love him like I always did, said Dorothy. Im so happy. Im so grateful hes 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A sizable chunk of land within Grand Teton National Park may finally become the property of the federal government. For years, Wyoming officials have debated what to do with the Kelly Parcel, a 640-acre portion of the park that has remained state property. Some of them argued that the land should be auctioned off to the highest bidder, potentially resulting in private development in the middle of a national park.

Last week, the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners moved to preserve the parkland, approving the parcels sale to the U.S. Department of the Interior for $100 million. The group of five state officials, including Governor Mark Gordon, voted 3-2, overriding the concerns of fellow board members who argued the state should wait to make a final decision.

Even now, an ongoing dispute over land management in Wyoming could thwart the deal. But Gov. Gordon applauded the boards decision.

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This is an iconic parcel, and we have been given a unique opportunity for it to join Grand Teton National Park in perpetuity while protecting current hunting and grazing uses, Gov. Gordon said. I am also excited that these proceeds can be used to substantially add to the States portfolio of lands and minerals.

The Kelly Parcel (in blue) takes up some prime real estate within the borders of Grand Teton National Park; (image/Wyoming Office of State Land and Investments)

Political Timing

Wyoming officials have long argued over what to do with the Kelly Parcel. But last weeks presidential election created some new urgency.

During a 3-hour meeting last Thursday, the board heard from several state officials, some of whom advocated for waiting to negotiate a new deal with the incoming Trump administration. Others, like Wyoming State Senator Mike Gierau, argued its better to move forward now.

Voting on this proposal today allows all the pressure to go to our friends in Washington, said Gierau, whose state district includes Grand Teton National Park. It pushes them, because they know, too, whats been discussed today about how money can evaporate as one administration morphs into another. Thats important.

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While some of Wyomings early lawmakers had opposed the creation of Grand Teton National Park, some of them later realized that preserving the land for posterity was the right idea, Gierau said. He referenced documentarian Ken Burns, who called the national parks Americas greatest idea.

Today, you have the opportunity to affirm Americas greatest idea, Gierau told the board. I urge you to do so.

Not everyone on the board agreed, however. Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming superintendent of public instruction, voted no on the sale. She argued for a trade deal instead of an outright sale, and wanted to table the discussion for a later decision.

I want to protect the Kelly Parcel from development, Degenfelder said on Thursday. I do want the best deal for Wyoming, and this is the most valuable piece of property Wyoming has ever had. To me, we cant sell Wyoming short.

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But, further delay could endanger the funding that makes the sale possible, said Grand Teton National Park Foundation President Leslie Mattson. The foundation has raised $38 million since March 2023 to help the federal government with the purchase. After 15 years of debate over the land parcel, Mattson said postponing the deal could result in a loss of funding.

If this transaction gets delayed, I think were in real jeopardy of losing that funding, given tax year planning for many of our donors, who expect to provide funding before the 31st of December, Mattson told the board on Thursday. That money isnt fulfilled to our organization; it could go elsewhere to other organizations across the country and wont be used to fund public education in Wyoming.

Backpacking in the Grand Tetons; (photo/Sean McCoy)

Sale Still Not Finalized

While technically state land, the Kelly Parcel lies within the Grand Teton National Park boundary. Its recognized as crucial wildlife habitat for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn, as well as sage grouse. Its also important for ungulate migrations.

In 2022, the property was appraised at $62.5 million. Wyoming will receive $100 million for the parcel, with $62.5 million paid by the federal government and the remainder coming from private philanthropy through the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Revenue from the sale could generate an additional $64 million in investment income over the next decade, according to the Wyoming governors office.

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But theres at least one more hurdle to push the deal over the finish line.

The Wyoming Legislature approved the $100 million sale last year  but with a condition. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must reconsider its Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, a controversial update to federal land management in Wyoming. State officials criticized the conservation-heavy plan for limiting energy extraction, WyoFile reported.

Unless the BLM revises its preferred alternative for managing 7.3 million acres of land in southwestern Wyoming, Gov. Gordon wont be able to finalize the sale of the Kelly Parcel.

Most speakers at Thursdays meeting encouraged the board to expedite sale of the Kelly Parcel, however. That includes Rob Wallace, an Interior Department appointee during the first Trump administration. If delayed, the $62.5 million that the National Park Service will pay for the land could easily be used elsewhere in the country, Wallace argued.

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If we cant close the deal quickly, these other greedy hands are going to pull that money away and take them to their own park, Wallace said.

The post Wyoming Votes to Sell Land to Grand Teton National Park; Hurdles Remain appeared first on GearJunkie.
Theres a new lawsuit out of Sean Diddy Combs camp..and surprisingly, its not yet another one directed toward the mogul himself.



According to official documents from the New York federal court obtained by USA Today, Diddys bodyguard Joseph Sherman sued Thalia Graves, who named Sherman in a September lawsuit that alleged that he and Diddy viciously raped a woman in 2001.

His attorneys are reportedly calling Graves allegations utterly false and untrue, while also claiming that he stopped working with Combs in 1999, two years before the alleged events took place in Graves lawsuit.

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The suit claims that Graves and her lawyers are trying to blackmail Sherman, saying that she and the team, made outrageous, disgusting, and life-altering statements...without any regard for the truth. The statement also adds, Joseph Sherman has never met Thalia Graves, let alone raped her.

Shermans lawsuit claims that he has now suffered severe reputational harm, emotional distress, and financial damages, while also claiming that Graves messaged him directly, asking him to offer false testimony against Sean Combs in exchange for being left out of the legal proceedings.

As The Root reported, Graves lawsuit was filed in September as one of many suits coming Diddys way, with Graves serving as the 11th plaintiff to come forward with a lawsuit against him alleging sexual assault. The suit alleges that during the summer of 2001, she was lured by both men, was given a laced drink and woke up bound and restrained.

The suit adds that Graves was allegedly brutally sexually abused by the men, claiming she suffered burns on her private areas and bruises over her face and wrists. She also allegedly learned that the incident was filmed and shared to multiple men.

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The news of this lawsuit came days after his highly publicized arrest in New York City. The 55-year-old rapper was arrested on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and sex trafficking, and is currently being held at the The Metropolitan Detention Center.

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JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The YMCA of Broome County is looking to the public for help as it hosts its annual community gathering.

The YMCA is hosting its Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the West Family Branch, located at 740 Main Street in Johnson City. The meal draws in hundreds of people in need each year. All are welcome to attend.

In addition to the free meal, the YMCA is also offering free coats, scarves, hats, gloves, and boots of all sizes to those who need them. The Y is accepting donations of gently used of new items. Donations will be accepted at either branch until the day of the event.

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New Yorker editor David Remnick criticized Jeff Bezos in a new interview for killing The Washington Posts endorsement of Vice President Harris less than two weeks before the election.

The decision not to endorse was announced less than two weeks before the election, spurring resignations from the Posts editorial board and condemnation from many voices in Democratic politics and the media.

Remnick, who used to work at the Post, weighed in on the controversy in an interview with Statuss Oliver Darcy published Sunday.

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If Jeff Bezos had said, two years ago, that he thought the editorial page should get rid of endorsements  all of them  you could argue the case one way or another, Remnick said.

But to do it just days before an election, when a threatening demagogue was the favorite to win the election and your editors had prepared an endorsement of his opponent and you smothered it  well, that is an act that has a very different fragrance.

The Washington Post reported that a Harris endorsement had already been written when Bezos personally decided to block it.

Bezos, who also owns Amazon, defended his decision to break with more than 35 years of tradition in an op-ed one week before the election. He said his goal was not to advance his own business interests, as many have speculated, but instead to uphold the Posts reputation at a time when trust in the media is eroding.

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What presidential endorsements actually do is create a perception of bias, Bezos wrote. A perception of non-independence. Ending them is a principled decision, and its the right one.

I would also like to be clear that no quid pro quo of any kind is at work here. Neither campaign nor candidate was consulted or informed at any level or in any way about this decision. It was made entirely internally, Bezos added.

The decision from Bezos came as the Post is going through a rocky leadership transition under CEO Will Lewis and struggling to reverse falling readership and revenues. The outlet reportedly lost tens of thousands of subscribers over the endorsement decision.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to go after media outlets, including television networks, that he perceives as damaging him or showing favor to his opponents. Yet his first administration saw many media outlets experience a Trump bump in their readership and finances.

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Remnick told Darcy he was concerned about the media business being at a low point as Trump was returning to office.

We have to find new ways to make these institutions, the best of them, work. But I dont think thats an excuse for capitulation to power, 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 The Hill.
Donald Trump assembled the biggest, most diverse GOP coalition in decades while running further to the right on immigration, crime, and culture than perhaps any major-party presidential candidate in US history.

Trump inveighed against unchecked illegal immigration in harsh and lurid terms  and picked up Hispanic voters.

Trump pledged to reverse "a brutal plague of bloodshed, crime, chaos, misery and death in our land"  and won more young voters.

Trump famously dethroned the Republican establishment in 2016, and now has crushed underfoot its theory of how to forge a GOP future in an increasingly diverse country.

Trump may win the most electoral votes of a Republican since George H.W. Bush in 1988.

In the 1980s, America was roughly 80% white, and Hispanics and Asians were less than 7% and 2% of the population, respectively.

Now, Hispanics and Asians are 19.5% and 6.4%, while whites have declined to 75% of the population.

We've long been told these changes are a herald of doom for the Republican Party, and the GOP can only survive by softening its edges.

This was the admonition of the famous "autopsy" commissioned by the Republican National Committee after Mitt Romney's loss to Barack Obama in 2012.

According to that report, the divisive policies and tone of Romney's GOP  yes, the resolutely polite, earnest and scrupulous Mitt Romney  were dooming the party to demographic extinction.

To win Hispanics, the autopsy insisted, Republicans "must embrace and champion comprehensive immigration reform," the establishment's favorite euphemistic phrase for a mass amnesty.

"It does not matter," it maintained, "what we say about education, jobs or the economy; if Hispanics think we do not want them here, they will close their ears to our policies."

And the party's tone had to change. The autopsy intoned that "we must emphasize during candidate trainings, retreats, etc., the importance of a welcoming, inclusive message."

The same applied to young voters: "The RNC must more effectively highlight our young leaders and fundamentally change the tone we use to talk about issues and the way we are communicating with voters."

Given what we now know, the autopsy could have said, "To thrive in the future, the party needs to find a forceful, charismatic leader in his late 70s who often speaks in vivid, crude terms, and sounds a lot like Pat Buchanan on the issues."

According to the exit polls, Trump won Latino men and males ages 18 to 29, while also gaining among Asians and black men and holding his big edge among whites without college degrees.

Once Trump established working-class credibility on economics, the door was open to gains among Latino and African American men who are patriotic, culturally conservative, and uninterested in being considered members of a victim group.

These voters aren't easily offended, so Trump's mode of communication doesn't bother them.

As for young men, many are disaffected by a progressive elite that considers them inherently hateful and privileged and favors policies to disadvantage them.

The Biden-Harris border policies, the progressive tolerance for urban disorder, the push to implement a radical trans agenda, and the priorities of woke identity politics struck so many voters as so completely mad that Trump had permission to say or do anything in opposition.

It wasn't so much Trump who made the idea of mass deportation mainstream as the Biden-Harris insistence on creating a border crisis and denying that it was happening.

Also, a crucial backdrop for Trump's success was the broader economic discontent, as well as Joe Biden's sheer unpopularity.

All is flux, so perhaps 2024 won't be replicable, but, for now, Trump has shown that demographics isn't destiny.

His right-wing populism has made inroads among a broad range of voter groups, while Kamala Harris  an emblem of progressivism's cultural obsessions  picked up among college-educated whites and among seniors.

Who looks like the future now?

(COMMENT, BELOW)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C, front) speaks during the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)

RIYADH, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia hosted on Monday an extraordinary summit here in its capital, during which leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world denounced Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon and issued a collective demand for an immediate ceasefire.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the summit, which the Saudi Press Agency reported was aimed at reinforcing previous regional efforts against what he termed "reprehensible Israeli attacks" on Palestine and Lebanon.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people, calling on the international community to prioritize global peace and security by halting Israel's activities in the region.

The crown prince also urged pressure on Israel to respect the sovereignty of Iran and cease hostile actions on Iranian territories.

At the summit, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi warned that the region is at a "critical crossroads," highlighting the toll on civilians in the Gaza Strip and condemning any efforts to displace Palestinians or render Gaza uninhabitable.

Jordan's King Abdullah II reiterated that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace. He condemned the year's violence in Gaza, citing extensive civilian casualties and destruction as violations of international law.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of implementing a sustained strategy to annex Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and advocated for coordinated international legal action on alleged war crimes.

The Riyadh summit follows a previous gathering in November 2023, underscoring regional concerns over Israeli actions in Palestinian and Lebanese territories.

Other regional leaders, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and more, joined the talks, highlighting broad support from Arab and Islamic countries for Palestinians and Lebanese amid the current crisis. 

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi attends the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attends the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)

This photo shows a scene during the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks during the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati attends the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. (SPA via Xinhua)
A judge in the YSL RICO trial has apologized for saying the N-Word in open court during a recent hearing in the case.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker expressed her regret for not taking the time to read over a social media post submitted as evidence before reading it to the courtroom.

I was reading out loud and basically saying it as my eyes were going over it for the first time ever, she said in her explanation, which surfaced in a clip on social media. I read out the word n-i-g-g-a-s which I hope that was not offensive to anyone  it was certainly not meant to be offensive to anyone.

Young Thug

Whitaker, the third and final judge to preside over the YSL RICO trial following the recusal of judges Ural Glanville and Shakura L. Ingram, insisted that her usage of the word was a mistake and that the term isnt part of her own lexicon.

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I do not use that word, she added. I should have been looking first before I said it out loud to edit whether there were any offensive words. Shannon Stillwell, one of the defendants in the case, can be heard in the clip telling Judge Whitaker that no offense was taken regarding her verbal mishap.

Young Thug recently struck a plea deal with Judge Whitaker and the prosecution that resulted in his release from prison. The agreement is part of a 40-year sentence that includes a five year prison sentence commuted to time served, 15 additional years of probation, and a backloaded 20-year sentence if he were to violate the terms of his sentence.

Young Thug was originally facing 120 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Young Thug

I appreciate that you do realize how much of an impact you have on people, Whitaker told Young Thug during his sentencing, urging him to use his platform to denounce gang violence and other criminal activity.

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Its past your neighborhood. Its worldwide. And having come up from where you came up from  and living in and around that  you know that gangs are damaging to our community Even if you choose to continue to rap, you need to try to use your influence to let kids know thats not the way to go.

See footage of Judge Whitakers apology here.

Young Thug

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By Lewis Jackson

(Reuters) -Hundreds of people on Monday set out on a nine-day march to New Zealand's capital of Wellington in protest over legislation that would reinterpret a treaty at the heart of race relations in the Pacific country.

Convoys of cars and marchers set off after a dawn ceremony at Cape Reinga, in the country's far north, and will stage rallies in towns and cities as they move south, according to Eru Kapa Kingi, spokesperson for Toitu Te Tiriti or Honour the Treaty.

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While the march, or hikoi, was sparked by the bill currently before parliament, organisers hope it will ignite a broader conversation about New Zealand's relationship to Maori, he said.

"This is to build a hunger not just with Maori but also people in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to properly understand the people of this country and what happened to Indigenous people," he said.

The Treaty of Waitangi, first signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Maori chiefs, lays down how the two parties agreed to govern. The interpretation of clauses in this document guides legislation and policy today.

Introduced by New Zealand's centre-right government last week, the Treaty Principles Bill, would enshrine a narrower interpretation of the treaty in law. Decades of interpretation by the courts and a separate Maori tribunal have tended to expand Maori rights and privileges.

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Associate Justice Minister David Seymour said last week the bill would allow the important political and constitutional questions raised by the treaty to be decided in parliament instead of the courts.

His ACT New Zealand party won 8.6% of the vote in last year's election and argues non-Indigenous citizens are disadvantaged by policies designed to uplift Maori, who are over-represented in many measures of social and financial disadvantage.

While the bill will almost certainly fail, its introduction has inflamed racial tensions in New Zealand where Maori make up about 20% of the country's 5.3 million people.

The protest will hold a large rally in New Zealand's largest city Auckland on Wednesday before travelling down the country to reach Wellington next Tuesday. Organizers expect tens of thousands of protesters to participate by the time it gets to Wellington.

(Reporting by Lewis Jackson; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presided over a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters, where it was decided to improve the country's air defence network and increase the number of mobile fire groups to counter Russian drones.

Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram

Quote: "[I've] held the meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters. [We've] heard a report on further strengthening of air defence. We decided to increase the number of mobile fire groups in the regions that are priority targets for Russian terror. The implementation of previous decisions of the Headquarters on the best preparation and equipment of mechanised infantry forces continues."

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Details: Zelenskyy also heard a large detailed report by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

The President also announced the decision of the Commander-in-Chief to significantly strengthen the most difficult sectors of the front line  Kurakhove and Pokrovsk fronts.

According to reports, Ukrainian soldiers in Russia's Kursk Oblast continue to hold off a nearly 50,000-strong Russian group outside Ukraine.

At the Headquarters meeting, there was also a report on a comprehensive programme to combat Russian guided aerial bombs, with the President noting that "there are promising technological solutions."

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There was also an update on the present status of Ukraine's missile programme, specifically the creation of its own guided bombs. Reports were made on three-year contracts signed with manufacturers of drones and other weapons.

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Ukrainian defence forces are holding back 50,000 Russian soldiers on the Kursk front, preventing them from fighting on Ukraines territory.

Source: Zelenskyys evening address

Details: The Ukrainian president received a detailed report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the frontline situation, particularly regarding the Kurakhove front and Kursk Oblast.

Quote: "There, our soldiers are holding back a fairly large grouping of Russian troops  50,000 of the occupiers army personnel, who, due to the Kursk operation, cannot be deployed to other Russian offensive directions on our territory. We greatly appreciate the bravery of all our warriors, every unit involved in these battles."

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By Hyunjoo Jin

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's ruling party introduced legislation on Monday to give chipmakers subsidies and an exemption from a national cap on working hours, to tackle potential risks from measures threatened by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.

The semiconductor industry is critical for the trade-dependent economy, Asia's fourth biggest, with chips making up 16% of total exports last year.

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Last week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned of the risks stemming from Trump's threat of steep tariffs on Chinese imports that could prompt Chinese rivals to slash export prices and undercut Korean chip firms overseas.

The ruling party's bill comes as chipmakers like Samsung Electronics also brace for growing competition from rivals in countries such as Taiwan and China.

Shares of Samsung and SK Hynix extended losses on Tuesday on concerns about Trump's potential tariffs and U.S. restrictions on AI chip sales to China.

The bill will help Korean companies fend off challenges as China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States give subsidies to manufacturers amid a semiconductor trade war between China and the U.S., one of the bill's sponsors, lawmaker Lee Chul-gyu, said in a statement.

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However, the legislation is likely to face an uphill battle to gain approval from the liberal opposition party, which controls a majority in parliament, said Greg Noh, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities.

Under the bill, some employees involved in research and development will be allowed to work longer hours, waiving a labour law that limits weekly hours worked to a maximum of 52.

This month, Samsung's labour union opposed such a move, saying the company was trying to blame the law for its "management failure".

Last month, Samsung apologised for its disappointing profit, having lagged rivals TSMC and SK Hynix in tapping booming demand for artificial intelligence chips.

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In October, Trump threatened to scrap federal chip subsidies for Taiwan's TSMC, South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix and others, in favour of import tariffs.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul; Additional reporting by Jihoon Lee and Hyonhee Shin in Seoul; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Sonali Paul)
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RAMALLAH, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian authorities on Monday condemned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's remarks about the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency, said in a press release that Smotrich's remarks confirmed that the Israeli government intends to finalize its plans to control the West Bank by 2025, and that it is not content with its "crimes" in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.

Rudeineh noted that the Palestinian presidency holds Israeli authorities fully responsible for the consequences of these "dangerous policies," which are pushing the region toward a "full-scale explosion."

In a statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates referred to the Israeli finance minister's remarks as a direct result of international failure.

The failure to implement UN resolutions on the Palestinian issue and those calling for an end to the killings encourages Israel to continue its "crimes and violations," which aim to "eliminate" the Palestinian cause and undermine the possibility of a two-state solution, it said.

The statement called for a firm U.S. and international response to these positions through a UN Security Council resolution granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations.

The ministry also said that imposing "deterrent" international sanctions on Israel, its leaders, settlement figures, and "terrorist" elements would be crucial in stopping Israel's "encroachment" on the rights of the Palestinian people.

Smotrich on Monday said Donald Trump's election as the next U.S. president created an opportunity to extend Israel's sovereignty over the West Bank, according to Israeli media. 
PRAGUE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The "Nihao! China," a promotion event for Chinese tourism, was recently held at Prague Airport to strengthen tourism exchanges between China and the Czech Republic.

The conference, organized by the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic and Hainan Airlines and co-organized by the Czech Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents, attracted more than 40 Czech travel agencies.

Hao Hong, the Chinese embassy's counselor for culture and tourism, outlined measures introduced by the Chinese government over the past two years to ease travel for foreign tourists. These include digital payment systems, optimized visa and customs policies, accelerated restoration of international flights, and improved comprehensive services for inbound tourism.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Czech Republic, Hao emphasized that this event would promote tourism cooperation, deepen mutual understanding, and strengthen friendly relations between the two nations.

Also at the conference, Peng Wei, director of the consular and administrative office at the Chinese embassy, introduced the policies and procedures for Czech citizens to apply for Chinese visas. Hainan Airlines' Prague office emphasized their direct flights between Beijing and Prague, which was launched at the end of June.

According to the Czech Tourism Authority, Chinese tourist arrivals surged 121 percent in the third quarter of this year, the highest among several countries, including Israel (40 percent), Turkey (25 percent), Saudi Arabia (23 percent), and Canada (20 percent), thanks to new direct flights.

Attendees, especially the representatives of Czech travel agencies, said the event provided valuable insights into China's tourism facilitation measures, encouraging them to actively promote travel to China. 




VILLANOVA, Pa. (Nov. 11, 2024)Villanova University has announced the appointment of Ariella Robbins as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, effectively immediately. This appointment is the result of a national search led by a committee of faculty, staff, students and administrators. Robbins has served as the Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Villanova since the retirement of Terry Nance, PhD, in December 2023. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Vice President for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University.

Our focus centered on finding an individual who believes in the Augustinian values and mission of our University, who understands the changing landscape of higher education, and who will be a champion of equity and inclusion for all Villanovans, said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President. Within an impressive group of applicants, Ariella quickly distinguished herself as a collaborative, passionate and energetic leader with the qualities and experience critical for this position. I look forward to working with Ariella.

In her new role, Robbins will be a member of the Universitys leadership team and play a critical role in providing a vibrant and equitable campus experience for all members of the Villanova community. Key responsibilities include ongoing collaboration and support of inclusive recruitment processes for students, faculty and staff; working to create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive campus culture; and providing pedagogical training opportunities for faculty and staff.

I am truly honored and excited for this new role and the opportunity to work closely with Father Peter and University leadership to continue Villanovas commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, said Robbins. As we continue to traverse an evolving landscape, it is important to remain steadfast in our commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive community where all members thrive. The work of diversity, equity and inclusion empowers us to live out our Augustinian Catholic values of truth, unity and love each and every day.

During her tenure at Villanova, Robbins has been instrumental in establishing and expanding institutional diversity, equity and inclusion goals, including the development of comprehensive equity and justice curricula for faculty and staff. She led a partnership between the Universitys Office of Human Resources and the Villanova Initiative to Support Inclusiveness and Build Leaders to plan and facilitate Hiring for Villanovas Future training for employees serving on search committees. Robbins also established Employee Resource Groups to provide support and engagement to faculty and staff. She now leads the Universitys Aequitas Committee, charged with continuing to actively engage the campus community on effectively incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives into future campus experiences.

Robbins earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mansfield University and a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Development in Higher Education from California State University at Long Beach. She is a frequent speaker and presenter at national conferences on higher education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is an experienced DEI consultant and instructor. Robbins is also a member of the National Conference Leadership Committee for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six collegesthe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nations top universities, Villanova supports its students intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.
The opposition Tisza Party aims to achieve "not only a regime change but a new Compromise", party leader Peter Magyar said in a statement sent to MTI on Sunday.

"Whatever they do ... they know that it is over; they know that Tisza, together with millions of Hungarians, will take the country back step by step and brick by brick to build a peaceful and fair, European and liveable Hungary," the statement said.



"Tisza says no to divisions between Hungarians, an opposition between the provinces and Budapest, or between the elderly and young ... it will say no to corruption, propaganda, and inciting to hatred," the statement said, and called for "unity, reconciliation, and a new regime change."



Meanwhile, Menczer slams Tisza for 'speculating' on senior Fidesz voters' death

"It is disgusting that (people) in the Tisza Party wish for the death of pensioners," Tamas Menczer, the communications director of the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance, said on Facebook on Saturday.



Menczer quoted Gyorgy Rasko, a supporter of the opposition party as saying on social media that "Tisza will benefit from the fact that many seniors, to the tune of hundreds of thousands, will no longer be voting at the next election."



"It is not true that Rasko ... would wish for the death of old people," Tisza leader Peter Magyar told MTI, adding that agricultural economist Rasko had not been nominated by Tisza in last summer's municipal and EP elections, nor was he a party member.



MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only

Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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New Delhi: Equity mutual funds witnessed a record inflow of Rs 41,887 crore in October, marking a surge of over 21 per cent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis, fuelled by robust investments in thematic funds.

This also marks the 44th consecutive month of net inflow in the equity-oriented funds, highlighting the ever-increasing appeal of mutual funds among investors, data with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) showed on Monday.

"October's numbers are indeed phenomenal, especially given the backdrop of a steep market correction. While earlier this year, equity inflows were buoyed by strong market performance, October marked a stark reversal.

"The 5-6 per cent drop in both the Sensex and Nifty was one of the sharpest in recent years, similar to what we last saw in March 2020. Despite this, retail investors have shown remarkable resilience, with inflows exceeding Rs 40,000 crore," Santosh Joseph, Co-founder and CEO of Germinate Investor Services, said.

Overall, the mutual fund industry witnessed an inflow Rs 2.4 lakh crore in the month under review, after an outflow of Rs 71,114 crore in September.The huge inflow was due to investments to the tune of Rs 1.57 lakh crore into debt schemes.

The industry's net assets under management rose to Rs 67.25 lakh crore last month from Rs 67 lakh crore in September.

As per the data, equity-oriented schemes witnessed an inflow of Rs 41,887 crore in October, as compared to Rs 34,419 crore in September.

Before this, equity schemes saw an inflow of Rs 40,608 crore in June.

Within the equity schemes, sectoral thematic attracted investors with the highest net inflows of Rs 12,279 crore during the month under review. However, flow in the segment was less compared to Rs 13,255 crore in September.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday exuded Indias confidence in its relationship with the United States by saying that a lot of countries are nervous after the US elections, but honestly, we are not one of them. The foreign minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong rapport with successive US Presidents, noting his ability to build solid relationships with leaders ranging from Barack Obama to Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Jaishankar was addressing an event in Mumbai when he was asked about the impact of the recent presidential election in America on Indo-US ties, to which he replied, The Prime Minister was among the first three calls I think that President Trump took. He further lauded the PMs ability to naturally forge relationship, When he first came to DC, Obama was the president, then it was Trump, then it was Biden. So, you know, for him, there's something natural.

The External Affairs Minister underscored Indias stance that, unlike many other countries, India is not concerned about the recent outcome of the US presidential elections.

"And I think, the changes in India have helped as well. I know today a lot of countries are nervous about the US. Let's be honest about it. We are not one of them," Jaishankar added.

This comes after Donald Trump's re-election to the White House on November 5, where he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a notable comeback after his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden.

Following the Republican candidates victory, Prime Minister Modi spoke with Donald Trump by telephone on November 6, extending warm congratulations on his re-election as President and on the Republican Partys success in the Congressional elections.

(With ANI inputs)
RANCHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the ruling JMM-led coalition of converting Jharkhand into a 'dharmashala' for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators. Adityanath, who addressed four rallies on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of polling, said a double-engine government was needed in Jharkhand for "treatment" of mafia, stone pelters and those spreading anarchy and creating disturbances in festivals.

"Jharkhand has been converted into a 'dharmashala' for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators who have been given free rein to spread anarchy," he claimed. Addressing an election rally at Bhawnathpur in Garhwa, the BJP leader said, "Batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to safe rahege (If divided, we will be wiped out; if united, we will remain safe)." Adityanath alleged that the JMM-led government in Jharkhand fuelled corruption, anarchy and looting of natural resources.

In an apparent reference to the families of Hemant Soren, Lalu Prasad and the Gandhi family, he alleged that three families in Ranchi, Patna and Delhi indulged in loot and corruption for their own prosperity. "Natural wealth is being plundered under the JMM-led regime, labourers are forced to migrate from Jharkhand and farmers are committing suicide," the UP chief minister alleged.

He said a double-engine government was needed in Jharkhand for "giving tickets to stone pelters and mafioso to Yamraj's home" on the lines of UP.

"People are not being allowed to celebrate festivals peacefully under the JMM-led regime in Jharkhand," he alleged. He claimed that the BJP is the "only party that can guarantee the country's security and pride, women's empowerment and employment to youth".

Addressing another rally in Hussainabad in Palamu district, Adityanath said, "Hussainabad should be renamed as 'Ram Nagar'." During Ram Mandir construction, they used to threaten that Ram Mandir will lead to blood bath, I used to say not even a mosquito will be killed, he said claiming that UP has prospered during his regime.

We faced insults in Kashi, Matura when we were divided. Ek rahenge to safe rahenge, he said. "Jharkhand's daughters are under threat due to 'Love Jihad' and only BJP can give a befitting reply to it," Aditynath said. Crime against women increased in five years while sand, cattle, forest and land mafia were active in Jharkhand under JMM-led dispensation, he alleged.

The BJP alone under PM Modi can give the guarantee of daughters safety in Jharkhand, he said urging them to reject the JMM-led alliance which could not kick out infiltrators, Bangladeshis and Rohingyas from Jharkhand. The BJP leader alleged that the JMM-led alliance never respected Hindu Aastha' and had no respect for Birsa Munda and Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The ruling coalition considered tribals as their vote and property banks, he claimed. Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand assembly will be held on November 13 and 20, while votes will be counted on November 23.
RANCHI: Curtains came down on Monday on campaigning for 43 of the total 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand going to the polls on November 13 during the first phase of elections. Star campaigners of both the NDA and INDIA bloc including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi and others canvassed for their respective party nominees during the campaigning.

A total of 1.37 crore voters out of the total 2,60 crore are eligible to participate in the voting on November 13. Altogether 683 candidates - 609 men, 73 women and a third gender person - are in the fray in 43 seats, Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said. Out of the 43, 17 seats are reserved for general, 20 for scheduled tribes and 6 seats for scheduled castes.

A total of 15,344 polling stations have been set up for the first phase of elections. Out of them, 12,716 booths are located in rural areas and 2,628 booths in urban areas. Kumar said all preparations for voting have been completed and on Monday, polling personnel have been sent to 194 polling stations. Polling personnel will be sent to the 31 remaining booths on Tuesday.

In the first phase, voting will be held on November 13 from 7 am to 5 pm. However, in 950 booths, the voting time will end at 4 pm, though people standing in the queue at that time will be able to vote. The responsibility of the entire voting process at 1,152 polling stations will be in the hands of women, Kumar said, adding that 24 booths will be manned by handicapped people.

He said since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, a total of Rs 179.14 crore worth of illegal material and cash has been seized.

Till Monday, 54 cases have been registered for violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Both the NDA and INDIA bloc pulled out all the stops to ensure their victories in the upcoming elections with the former concentrating on infiltration, corruption and scams while the latter focused on tribal rights and welfare issues and how they were being harassed.

Prime Minister Modi did a mega road show in Ranchi on Sunday which attracted huge crowds. Apart from PM and other senior leaders, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who is BJP's election co-in-charge and several CMs of the saffron party-ruled states did intensive campaigning. JMM executive president and state Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife and JMM legislator Kalpana Soren addressed multiple rallies.

Key factors that are likely to influence the election include the BJP's central welfare schemes and the arrest and subsequent bail of Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ruling alliance claims the arrest was politically motivated, as Soren was detained in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land fraud.

In the 2019 assembly elections, the contest was close, with the JMM winning 30 seats and the BJP securing 25, down from 37 in 2014. The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance won a comfortable majority with 47 seats. Currently, the strength of the assembly stands at 74, with the JMM-led ruling alliance comprising 44 members  26 from the JMM, 17 from Congress, and one from RJD.
TUNIS, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia's National Guard announced on Monday that it had dismantled a human trafficking network involved in smuggling undocumented migrants, arresting five individuals in the operation.

The raid, carried out in Ben Arous province near the capital Tunis, uncovered a network transporting African migrants from sub-Saharan countries. The migrants were moved from the western province of Kasserine to the southeastern province of Sfax, where they were waiting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.

The National Guard did not disclose the timing of the operation or the nationalities of the suspects but confirmed that four of them were already wanted on various charges. Five vehicles were seized during the operation, and the suspects are currently in custody, awaiting legal proceedings.

Tunisia, located at the northern tip of Africa, remains a major transit point for illegal migration to Europe.

In a separate operation, the National Guard arrested six individuals, including two women, in Sfax for their involvement in a drug trafficking network. Authorities seized cocaine, two vehicles used for smuggling, and cash. The arrested individuals have been referred to the relevant authorities for legal procedures. 
A massive search operation continued Monday in the dense forests of Jammu & Kashmirs Kishtwar district as security forces combed the area for terrorists responsible for the death of an elite para commando. The search, which has been ongoing for over four days, intensified following the death of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of the Armys 2 Para unit, who was killed in a gunfight with terrorists in the Keshwan area on Sunday.

Security forces launched the encounter when joint search parties from the army and police intercepted the terrorists around 11 a.m. Sunday. Fierce firing exchanges had continued for over four hours, an official stated, adding that, aside from the fatality of the para commando, three other soldiers sustained injuries. Despite the intense firefight, the terrorists managed to evade capture, and no further contact was established after the encounter.

Officials believe that three to four terrorists, suspected of killing two village defense guards (VDGs) in Ohli village, remain holed up in the Keshwan area. Thick foliage and the challenging topography of the area pose a significant obstacle, but the security forces are determined to track and neutralize the terrorists, officials said.

The encounter follows the brutal killing of two civilians, Nazir Ahmad and Kuldeep Kumar, both VDGs from Ohli village, who were abducted and murdered by the terrorists. Their deaths have stirred anger and grief in Kishtwar, where hundreds attended their funeral, and the town observed a complete shutdown in protest.

The recent surge in terrorist activity in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, and Udhampur has raised alarms among security forces. These foreign mercenaries, active for several months, have engaged in a series of attacks on military, security forces, police, and civilians before retreating into the densely forested areas, making them difficult to apprehend.
JAMMU: After carrying out deadly attacks in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch over the past three years, terror activities spread to six other districts in the Jammu region this year, killing 44 persons, including 18 security personnel and 13 terrorists, security officials said on Monday. Though the Pir Panjal districts of Rajouri and Poonch witnessed a considerable drop in terror activities in 2024 compared to the previous years, the series of incidents in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu from April-May onwards have caused concerns for the security agencies.

To counter the threat and thwart the attempts of Pakistan-based handlers to spread terror in the peaceful areas, officials said the army in close synergy with the police and the central armed police forces (CAPFs) have launched relentless operations in the vulnerable regions, especially in the dense forests.

As per official data, Doda, Kathua and Reasi districts recorded nine killings each this year followed by Kishtwar (five), Udhampur (four), Jammu and Rajouri (three each), and Poonch (two). The deceased included 18 security personnel and 13 terrorists, the officials said, adding that among the 14 civilians killed by the terrorists, seven were pilgrims returning from the Shiv Khouri temple while three were village defence guards (VGDs).

While the pilgrims were killed in an attack on their bus which also claimed the life of the local driver and conductor, the VDGs were shot in Udhampur and Kishtwar districts. Seven security personnel lost their lives in terror incidents this year in Kathua, five in Doda, three in Kishtwar, two in Poonch and one in Udhampur, the officials said, adding that three terrorists were killed in a two-day long operation in Akhnoor sector of Jammu region in October, four in separate encounters in Doda, two each in Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri.

The Rajouri-Poonch belt, which like other parts of Jammu region were almost cleared of terrorism over a decade ago, witnessed deadly terror attacks mostly targeting army vehicles since October 2021, resulting in the death of more than 100 persons, including 47 security personnel and 48 terrorists, besides seven civilians.

Rajouri accounted for 19 deaths in 2021, 14 in 2022 and 28 in 2023. Likewise, Poonch recorded 15 deaths in 2021, four in 2022 and 24 in 2023, the officials said quoting the data. They said the footprints of the security forces have been increased in many areas where they were earlier reduced or completely withdrawn due to the improved security situation over the years.

Night patrolling has also been intensified across the region, especially in the border villages, to check infiltration of terrorists from across the border, the officials said. They added that public outreach in the form of medical camps and other welfare measures under 'Operation Sadbhavana' (goodwill), including frequent interaction with the elders and the youth, have also recorded a manifold increase.
Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly Polls 2024 LIVE: Maharashtra and Jharkhand are gearing up for Assembly elections in November 2024. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set Maharashtra's single-phase election for November 20, while Jharkhand will hold its polls in two phases on November 13 and November 20. Monday marks the deadline for Maharashtra candidates to withdraw nominations, with vote counting for both states scheduled for November 23.

Maharashtras 288-seat Assembly has seen recent political upheavals. Eknath Shinde became chief minister after splitting from Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena to join the BJP. While the BJP initially won 122 seats in 2014, a realignment led to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which remained in power until Shindes takeover in 2022.

Currently, the BJP, contesting 148 seats as part of the Mahayuti alliance, is urging dissident members to withdraw independent nominations, warning of disciplinary actions, including potential bans on future re-entry.

In Jharkhand, 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. In the last Assembly polls, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) won 30 seats, the BJP took 25, and Congress secured 16.
Maharashtra Election 2024: Weeks ago, when Devendra Fadnavis was asked about the CM face of Mahayuti, he hinted towards Eknath Shinde sitting beside him. A day ago, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that while Eknath Shinde is the present Chief Minister, the three Mahayuti partners will sit together after the polls to decide the CM candidate. Addressing a rally in Sangli last week, Amit Shah claimed that the public wants to see the 'return of the Mahayuti and Fadnavis'.

The BJP has left the 'Maharashtra CM face question' open-ended with its allies NCP and Shiv Sena maintaining a balanced stand. The subtle messaging from the BJP leaders has hinted at a change of leadership post-polls if the Mahayuti wins the election. The BJP has maintained that the party with the most seats will play 'big brother' role and is likely to get the CM post.

Fadnavis is still the primary choice for the Chief Ministerial post in the BJP ranks and file while the Shiv Sena has maintained that Shinde will continue to remain the CM face. On the other hand, Ajit Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is more cautious in its approach when it comes to the CM post. NCP state chief Sunil Tatkare said, The larger issues like CM, etc are best left to the top leadership after the elections."

Fadnaviss growing support for the top position appears to come from two main factors. First, many believe that Maharashtra undertook significant, bold measures for the states welfare under his leadership from 2014 to 2019. Additionally, there is a strong sentiment among party members and within the RSS that he was unfairly asked to step down as CM in 2022 to bring the Sena into the NDA. If the BJP regains power independently, they feel that Fadnavis should not have to make such a sacrifice again.

The BJP is trying hard to reverse its fortune in the assembly elections and not repeat a dull performance like the Lok Sabha elections. While Fadnavis may be the leading candidate for the top position, the BJP will need to secure the largest share of seats within the Mahayuti alliance to ensure its choice is accepted by its coalition partners.
HYDERABAD: Tension flared up in a village in Telangana's Vikarabad district on Monday after some villagers protesting the acquisition of their lands for a proposed 'pharma village' allegedly attacked the vehicles of the district authorities.

The incident occurred in Lagacharla village during a public hearing on the proposed 'pharma village'.

Television visuals showed a group of locals raising slogans and arguing with District Collector Prateek Jain and other officials over the land acquisition issue. The Collector was surrounded by protesters but managed to board a vehicle. The crowd chased the officials' vehicles, pelting it with stones, and damaging the windows.

The proposed 'pharma village' involves setting up pharmaceutical units in the area.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on labeling it as mere "eyewash and sharply criticized the Delhi police for inadequately enforcing the firecracker ban in the capital, stating that only seizing raw materials falls short of comprehensive action. The top court questioned the Delhi governments delay in enforcing the firecracker ban, noting that the ban order was issued well before October 14.

"The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Prima facie, we are of the view that no religion promotes any activity that promotes pollution or compromises with health of the people," PTI quoted the bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih.

The court further instructed Delhi Police to set up a dedicated unit to enforce the firecracker ban and to hold local police heads accountable for implementing the order issued by the Delhi government on October 14.

The bench ordered the Delhi Police Commissioner to submit a report by November 25, detailing whether all firecracker manufacturers had been formally notified of the ban. The court also requested information on measures taken to prevent the online sale of firecrackers. The apex court instructed the Delhi police commissioner to promptly notify all stakeholders of the ban and ensure a halt to firecracker sale and production.

The Supreme Court noted that the Delhi police had not treated the order with adequate seriousness.
SriLankan Airlines has unveiled a new ad promoting 'The Ramayana Trail,' offering viewers a tour of Sri Lanka's iconic sites connected to the ancient Hindu spiritual book Ramayana. The ad also highlights the island's rich cultural heritage, inviting tourists to explore its historic landmarks.

Sri Lankan Airlines shared a post on X and said, "Relive the epic of The Ramayana Trail. Embark on a journey through Sri Lanka's legendary landscapes with Sri Lankan Holidays, offering a fully customized experience tailored just for you. Every step of your adventure is designed to bring out the grandeur and glory in the ancient tales when you explore the real-life locations of the mythical sites."

Relive the epic of The Ramayana Trail



Embark on a journey through Sri Lankas legendary landscapes with SriLankan Holidays, offering a fully customized experience tailored just for you. Every step of your adventure is designed to bring out the grandeur and glory in the ancient pic.twitter.com/jctUhc4JKn  SriLankan Airlines (@flysrilankan) November 8, 2024

People Response

The people have massively reacted in the comment section. One user said, "I was planning a trip to Tokyo with friends next year. But this advertisement made me to change my plans to Sri Lanka now."

Another user said, "Im thrilled to see the revival of the Ramayana tourism project in Sri Lanka!"

What Is In The Ad

The SriLankan Airlines shared a more than five-minute video that starts with a grandmother narrating the story of Ramayana to her grandson from a children's book. As the curious child asks where the demon king Ravana took Sita after abducting her, she transports him back in time, explaining that the places in the Ramayana are real and today, we know Lanka as Sri Lanka.
Air India-Vistara Merger: The nearly 10-year-old Vistara is set to bid adieu to the skies as the well-regarded full-service carrier will operate its last domestic and international flights as an independent airline late on Monday night. Vistara flight UK 986 will fly from Mumbai to Delhi and UK 115 will fly from Delhi to Singapore. It will be the last time that the flight code 'UK' will be dotting the firmament and from Tuesday onwards, Vistara flights will have the new code 'AI2XXX'.

Interestingly, when the airline commenced operations on January 9, 2015, it was the other way around as the maiden flight operated from Delhi to Mumbai. An official on Monday said Vistara's last flights on domestic and international routes are scheduled to be UK 986 and UK 115, respectively. UK 986 is to depart at around 2250 hours from Mumbai to Delhi and UK 115 is to leave Delhi for Singapore at about 2345 hours.

"Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey and showering us with your #VistaraLove. We will forever cherish these memories. Please follow @airindia for all the latest updates," Vistara said in a post on X.

A joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore, Vistara will be merged with Air India, following which Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged entity.

The merger will also mark the second major consolidation wave in the country's fast-growing civil aviation space after 2006-2007. Post Vistara merger -- also Tata Group's second significant airlines integration after AIX Connect was combined with Air India Express in October -- there will be only Air India as a full-service Indian carrier.

In 2006-07, Indian Airlines merged with Air India and Air Sahara merged with Jet Airways. During the same period, Air Deccan was amalgamated with Kingfisher Airlines.

With a fleet of 70 planes, Vistara operates around 350 flights daily and various initiatives to integrate the systems, people and other elements of the two full service airlines have been progressing since the announcement of the merger in November 2022.

Fleet & Flights

The enlarged Air India will have a fleet of 208 planes operating on 103 domestic and 71 international routes. It will be flying to 49 domestic and 42 international destinations, according to an official. More aircraft, including wide-body ones, will be joining the fleet in the coming months.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Friday said the merger will strengthen SIA's multi-hub strategy, allowing it to continue participating directly in India's large and fast-growing aviation market.

In-flight Experience

Last month, Vistara Chairman Bhaskar Bhat said the integrated entity will share the best practices of the two airlines and the livery of Vistara will stay for some time.

Amid concerns in certain quarters on whether Vistara passengers will continue to get the same services as now since Air India, which is in the transformation phase, has been facing various service issues, it has been repeatedly emphasised that "Vistara in-flight experience is not going away" post-merger.

In a message sent to Vistara customers last month, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said they can continue to enjoy the same world-class fleet, exceptional service, and familiar faces under the new code 'AI2XXX'.

"With the merger on the horizon and the changes that come with it, we wanted to assure you that your Vistara in-flight experience is not going away. You can continue to enjoy the same world-class fleet, exceptional service, and familiar faces under the new code AI2XXX," he had said.

Maharaja

Loss-making Air India, under the government ownership, was also known for its iconic 'Maharaja' emblem. Tata Group took back the ownership of the full service airline in January 2022. Post the merger, the vintage 'Maharaja' will be retained through the frequent flyer programme of the integrated entity.

"The existing members of Club Vistara will be seamlessly transferred to Air India's Flying Returns program. With this merger, Flying Returns will also evolve into an all-new avatar 'Maharaja Club'," Air India said last month.

Investments

SIA will make an additional investment of Rs 3,194.5 crore in Air India post-Vistara merger. The airline, on Friday, said its consideration for the merger comprises the 49 per cent interest in Vistara and Rs 20,585 million (Rs 2,058.5 crore) in cash in exchange for a 25.1 per cent equity interest in the enlarged Air India.

"SIA's additional capital injection is expected to be Rs 31,945 million (equivalent to SGD 498 million), based on Tata's funding to Air India to date. This will occur after the completion of the merger and within November 2024 through subscription to new Air India shares.

"Future capital injections will be considered based on Air India's requirements and available funding options," it said.

Issues

While most of the elements related to the merger have been addressed in the last nearly two years, there are still some issues that remain. A section of Air India pilots is unhappy that there are different retirement age limits.

At Air India, which was owned by the government since the 1950s and came into the Tata fold in 2022, the retirement age for pilots and other staff is 58 years, whereas at Vistara, which started flying in 2015, it is 60 years.

Also, there are some concerns related to the seniority of pilots at Air India post-merger.
Chennai: The Tamil film industry is mourning the death of veteran actor Delhi Ganesh, who passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday night due to health issues.

Superstar Rajinikanth paid tribute to his friend by sharing a message on his X account: "My friend Delhi Ganesh is a wonderful man. Amazing actor. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."

Tamil actor Karthi also expressed his grief on X, saying, "Saddened by the demise of Delhi Ganesh sir. His iconic roles in numerous films and his ability to bring unforgettable characters to life on screen will forever be etched in the history of Tamil cinema. You will be deeply missed, sir."

Saddened by the demise of Delhi Ganesh sir. His iconic roles in numerous films and his ability to bring to life, unforgettable characters on screen will forever be etched in the history of Tamil cinema. You will be deeply missed sir.  Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) November 10, 2024

Actor and TVK President Vijay added his condolences, stating, "The news of Delhi Ganesh's demise due to ill health is saddening. His sudden passing is a shock to the Tamil film industry after he played various roles in over 400 films across more than 40 years. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family and friends."

_____ ______ ____. ______ _____ _______ ________ ________ ______ ______, _____ __________. 40 ____________ _____ 400 ______ _______ _______________ __ ________ _________________ _________ __________ _____ ______ _____, _______ _______________ _____________. ____ ______ _______  TVK Vijay (@tvkvijayhq) November 10, 2024

Veteran actor S Ve Shekar posted on X, "Dear DELHI GANESH MY SINCERE PRAYERS FOR YOUR GOOD SOUL TO ATTAIN SATHGADHI. OHM SHANTHI. YOU WILL BE LIVING IN THIS DIGITAL MEDIA. OHM SHANTHI."

Dear DELHI GANESH MY SINCERE PRAYERS FOR YOUR GOOD SOUL TO ATTAIN SATHGADHI. OHM SHANTHI. YOU WILL BE LIVING IN THIS DIGITAL MEDIA. OHM SHANTHI pic.twitter.com/Dr8g6ftRgB  S.VE.SHEKHER__ (@SVESHEKHER) November 10, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness over the actor's passing.

He wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of the illustrious film personality, Thiru Delhi Ganesh Ji. He will be fondly remembered for the depth he brought to each role and for his ability to connect with viewers across generations. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

Deeply saddened by the passing of the illustrious film personality, Thiru Delhi Ganesh Ji. He was blessed with impeccable acting skills. He will be fondly remembered for the depth he brought to each role and for his ability to connect with viewers across generations. He was also_  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2024

Karthi, accompanied by his father Sivakumar, visited Ganesh's residence to pay their respects on Sunday morning.

Actor Sriman, who also shared a close bond with the actor, remembered Ganesh as a "versatile actor" and expressed his grief, saying, "Physically we will miss you, but your performance and your screen presence will live forever. Miss you sir."

Notable directors such as Suresh Krissna, who worked with Ganesh in several films, shared their sorrow following the news of his death.

"Delhi Ganesh Sir's passing is a profound loss," Krissna wrote, adding, "From working together with KB Sir to his remarkable roles in films like 'Aahaa', 'Sangamam', and 'Baba', he was both a phenomenal actor and a dear friend. He will forever live on in my films and in the legacy of our cinema."

Ganesh's exceptional contributions to Tamil cinema were widely recognized. He received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for his performance in 'Pasi' (1979) and was honoured with the prestigious Kalaimamani award in 1994 by then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

In the later stages of his career, Ganesh also ventured into television and short films, continually engaging audiences with his unique style.

His cameo as Alfred Pennyworth in the short film 'What If Batman Was from Chennai' was especially well received, showcasing his ability to bring depth to even the smallest of roles.

Ganesh's funeral will take place on Monday, November 11. As fans, colleagues, and the entire film industry come to terms with his loss, the actor's legacy remains intact in the many characters he immortalized on screen.
US President-elect Donald Trump has engaged in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to avoid any escalation in the Ukraine war, according to a report from the Washington Post on Sunday. The call, reportedly held from Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last Thursday, comes just days after his unexpected election win over Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.

Earlier, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, a call joined by Trumps notable billionaire backer, Elon Musk. Zelensky described the conversation as excellent, emphasizing that he and Trump had agreed to "maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation."

Meanwhile, the current administration under Democratic President Joe Biden has confirmed plans to expedite aid to Ukraine, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noting that the White House aims to strengthen Ukraines position both on the battlefield and at the negotiation table. Sullivan confirmed that this approach would include the allocation of the remaining $6 billion in funding for Ukraine.

The Russian government, for its part, has reacted cautiously but positively to Trumps outreach. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Sunday, saying, The signals are positive... At least hes talking about peace, and not about confrontation. During his campaign, Trump had vowed to end the Ukraine war swiftly, though he has not detailed his approach.

Trumps allies have frequently criticized US financial support for Ukraine, claiming it contributes to a so-called "pro-war nexus" involving defense contractors and foreign policy advocates. Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr., added fuel to this rhetoric by sharing an Instagram post Saturday with a caption pointed at Zelensky: POV (point of view): Youre 38 days from losing your allowance.

Any swift peace agreement would likely require Ukraine to cede some territory to Russia. Bryan Lanza, a former Trump adviser, remarked on Saturday that Kyiv would need to give up any aspirations of reclaiming Crimea, which Russia occupied in 2014. Lanza clarified that he was not speaking on behalf of Trump but stressed that the US priority should be peace and to stop the killing.

Zelensky, however, has consistently rejected territorial concessions, warning that meeting Moscows demands would embolden the Kremlin to further aggression. This sentiment is shared among Ukraines European allies and weapons suppliers, including Britain and France, who are concerned about potential unilateral moves by Trumps administration.

The Post further reported that Trump briefly addressed the sensitive issue of land in his conversation with Putin, without revealing specifics. The president-elect also reportedly reminded Putin of the substantial US military presence in Europe and expressed a desire for ongoing discussions to resolve the conflict.

Recent moves from both sides of the conflict hint at efforts to establish leverage for potential negotiations. This past weekend saw a surge in drone attacks, with Russia launching 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, according to Zelensky. Russia, in turn, reported downing 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow.

With Trumps inauguration on January 20, his approach to the Ukraine conflictespecially his skepticism over ongoing financial support for Kyivcould signal a new chapter for the nearly three-year war.
PRAGUE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Prague Airport said on Monday that it handled 10.9 million passengers during this year's summer season from April to October, an increase of 14.5 percent year-on-year.

"This brings us closer to our record performance in 2019, when we handled over 12 million passengers over the summer. We expect to reach this level in the next summer season," Jiri Vyskoc, executive director of air business development at the airport said in a statement.

Foreign visitors increasingly choosing the Czech Republic as their destination. During the summer season, the majority of arriving passengers, or 2.8 million, were foreign travelers, accounting for 53 percent of inbound tourists.

Meanwhile, the share of foreign travelers in arrivals rose by four percentage points year-on-year during the period. The most frequent travelers flying into the Czech Republic are from the UK, Italy and France.

"The growing share of foreign inbound travelers is playing a significant role in the Czech Republic's tourism recovery after the coronavirus pandemic," Vyskoc said, adding that the airport aims to expand existing range of air services, especially direct flights from long-haul destinations.

Direct flights between the capital cities of China and the Czech Republic officially resumed at end of June this year, with China's Hainan Airlines providing three weekly flights between Beijing and Prague.

According to the Czech Tourism Authority (CzechTourism), it recorded the highest year-on-year increase among travelers from China (121 percent), Israel (40 percent), Turkey (25 percent), Saudi Arabia (23 percent) and Canada (20 percent) during the third quarter of this year, thanks to the direct flights from these distant destinations. 
Canadian journalist Terry Milewski on Sunday condemned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led governments stance on the Khalistan issue, labeling it as hypocritical and a national disgrace. He also dismissed claims that Australia Today was blocked, explaining that the issue stemmed from an ongoing business dispute between Facebook and Canadian regulators.

In an interview with ANI, Milewski voiced strong concerns over Canadas handling of Khalistani separatism, stating, I have been saying for 20 years that Canada has been hypocritical in its approach to the Khalistani menace. He further remarked, The Khalistan issue, as its been treated by Canada over the years, has been a national disgrace.

On reports claiming television network Australia Today being banned across Canada during EAM S Jaishankars visit to Australia, Milewski clarified, It hasn't been blocked, it hasn't been banned, it hasn't been censored. Australia Today is an excellent publication. They serve the Indian diaspora in Australia very well. They and their supposed defenders have been fooled," he said.

Milewski also denounced the recent Khalistani attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, blaming Canadian politicians for failing to counter the rise of Khalistani separatism over the past four decades.

"This is extremely disturbing, and it arises from the utter folly of Canadian politicians over 40 years," he stated. He further warned, "It is an open aggression by Khalistanis aimed at Hindu temples in this case, and it is extremely worrying.

Notably, there have been rising diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Canada has alleged India's role behind the killing of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist designated by India. New Delhi has strongly denied the charge, calling it absurd and motivated.

Recently, the ties further deteriorated following the Khalistani attack on Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton.

(With ANI inputs)
A plan by Lahores city district government to rename Shadmans Fawara Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk has been shelved following objections from a retired military officer, according to official documents submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC), Dawn reports. The report, cited by Dawn, comes from the Metropolitan Corporation of Lahore, which details that the Dilkash Lahore Committee, on December 5, 2012, proposed renaming various roads, chowks, and underpasses in the city, including changing Fawara Chowk Shadman to Bhagat Singh Chowk. Following this decision, a government advertisement sought public feedback on the proposal.

However, some objections surfaced, leading the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation to file a writ petition in the LHC, asking to proceed with the renaming. In 2018, the court directed the government to address the foundations application in line with legal requirement, the report said.

Documents now submitted to the court, as reported by Dawn, indicate that retired Commodore Tariq Majeed intervened, submitting an awareness brief to the government in response to the foundations petition. He dismissed Bhagat Singhs legacy, describing him as a criminal rather than a freedom fighter.

Majeed argued that Singhs image as a revolutionary is based on a forged story and asserted that Singhs actionsspecifically, his role in the killing of a British police officerdisqualify him as a freedom hero. According to Majeed, Bhagat Singh was an enemy of Pakistans Islamic ideology and had no role in the freedom struggle of the subcontinent.

The veteran also suggested that the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation is working against Pakistans ideology, urging the government to ban it for promoting fake propaganda. He argued that if the LHC had sought accurate historical details, the foundations petition would have been dismissed outright.

These remarks were attached to the official documents submitted to the LHC on Friday, in response to a contempt petition filed by the foundations chairman, Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi. Qureshi seeks contempt proceedings against the Punjab chief secretary for not acting on the 2018 court directive to process the renaming request.

Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza has adjourned the hearing until January 17, 2025, due to the absence of the petitioners counsel. Meanwhile, the city district government, relying on the veterans statement, has requested the court to dismiss the contempt petition.

As per media reports initially cited by Dawn, then-District Coordination Officer Noorul Amin Mengal initially directed the city government in September 2012 to rename Shadman Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk, a decision that now remains mired in legal and ideological controversy.
Much rattled, Mohammed Alloush, a Palestinian man from Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, rushed to his relatives' house on Sunday to see what had happened after it was attacked by the Israeli army. Upon his arrival with dozens of his neighbours, Alloush was shocked to find the house, once alive with more than 50 residents, completely destroyed, Xinhua news agency reported. "We heard cries for help from beneath the rubble. Some were still alive. I must help and rescue them," Alloush told Xinhua with a breaking voice.

However, neither Alloush nor any other responders have any tools in hand. "We are forced to dig with our bare hands to help the injured and pull out the dead as possible as we can," said the 35-year-old father of four, holding the body of a child in his arms. "The situation is very dangerous here, as the Israeli army may strike the house again, but we have to race against time to rescue as many as we can," he said.

Alloush said he and his neighbors have to bury the dead in place, and transfer the injured to the Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals, which have been out of service, with donkey carts. Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli army killed at least 36 members of Alloush's family in an attack on their house in Jabalia refugee camp, according to locals and medical sources.

The attack was part of Israel's ongoing large-scale military offensive in the area starting from Oct. 5, which aims to kill the remnants of Hamas and prevent it from regrouping in the territory, the Israeli military has claimed. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza, said the Israeli military forced the Civil Defense teams to leave the area and sieged many locals inside their houses.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 43,603, with injuries up to 102,929, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday.

In northern Gaza, the Israeli offensive has killed more than 1,800 people, wounded about 4,000 others, and left hundreds missing, apart from destroying all local hospitals, the Hamas-run government media office said Monday in a press statement.

Meanwhile, rescue operations are difficult in Gaza City, even with the presence of the Civil Defense services. On Saturday night, the Israeli army killed at least five Palestinians in an attack on a house of the al-Khour family in the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood west of Gaza City.

"It was very hard for the ambulances and Civil Defense to reach the area quickly, so I decided to use my hands to rescue the survivors and pull out the dead to bury them in the early morning," 25-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Doghmosh told Xinhua.

Doghmosh said he and his friends used the flashlights on their mobile phones to see clearly through the rubble so that they could pull out the casualties as soon as possible. "All the time, we are in a race against death, war, and time. So, we have to take the mission into our own hands and help each other as best we can," he said.
Russia on Monday denied reports from US media claiming that President-elect Donald Trump had spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his election victory last week. There was no conversation... This is completely untrue, it is pure fiction, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated during a daily press briefing in Moscow.

The Russian Presidents Press Secretary questioned the credibility of the US media publications that reported the alleged conversation, earlier in the day. "This (shows) the most obvious example of the quality of the information that is now being published, sometimes even in fairly respected publications," Peskov remarked, as quoted by Russia's Tass news agency.

Washington Post had reported late Sunday that Trump had phoned Putin from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, marking what was supposedly his first call to the Russian leader after his decisive win over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. The report claimed that during the conversation, Trump had urged Putin to avoid any escalation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict and expressed interest in further discussions with Moscow to ease tensions and end the war.

The US publication also suggested that Trump highlighted the substantial American military presence in Europe, implying his intention to leverage this influence in resolving the Ukraine crisis. The report echoed Trumps campaign pledge to end the war, a promise that resonated strongly with his supporters.

The alleged call reportedly left Ukrainian officials surprised, with Kyiv stating they had no prior knowledge of any Trump-Putin communication.

However, Russia has firmly dismissed these claims, casting doubt on the reliability of the information presented by American media. The Kremlins refutation underscores the uncertainty surrounding Trump's approach to US-Russia relations and his role in the Ukraine conflict as he prepares to take office.
US President-elect Donald Trump has firmly closed the door on former Ambassador Nikki Haley, announcing she will not be part of his new administration. Trump made the statement on Truth Social, where he also noted that former Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo would not be included in his team. I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation, Trump posted on Truth Social, the social media platform he launched after being banned from X (formerly Twitter).

Despite ruling out roles for Haley and Pompeo, Trump expressed his appreciation for their past service, saying, I very much enjoyed and appreciated working with them previously, and would like to thank them for their service to our Country.

While closing the door on Haley and Pompeo, Trump hinted that another Indian American, Vivek Ramaswamy, could have a future in his administration. Speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump praised Ramaswamy, calling him very smart and indicating he would be part of something thats going to be really big. Trump didnt specify the role but added, Were gonna pick the right one, suggesting Ramaswamy could lead one of the big monsters in government.

Haley, who made history as the first Indian American in a cabinet role when Trump appointed her as the US Ambassador to the United Nations, resigned from that position after two years and has since focused on building her base beyond South Carolina, where she previously served as governor. Her run for the Republican presidential nomination ended when she became the last candidate to withdraw and endorse Trump, an endorsement that came with criticisms of his tone and conduct.

Although she offered to campaign for Trump, she wasnt invited to join his rallies. In a last-minute op-ed in *The Wall Street Journal*, Haley endorsed Trump with a mix of support and critique, acknowledging policy alignment with Trump while criticizing his conduct on January 6, 2021. She noted that, while moderates like much of what he did as President and agree with most of his policies, they dislike his tone and cant condone his excesses.

Ramaswamy, a successful pharmaceutical entrepreneur, also ran against Trump for the partys nomination but ended his campaign early, emerging as a vocal supporter of the President-elect. At a recent rally, he even likened Trump to George Washington, saying, I had to compete with this guy, and I thought it was going to be easy, but it wasnt. He was nasty. He was quick. Hes smart as hell. Trump applauded Ramaswamy for his sharpness and resilience in debates, where Ramaswamy made significant attacks on Haley over her stance on US aid to Ukraine.

Despite media speculation about a senior position, Ramaswamy may consider running for Ohios governorship in 2026 rather than joining the Trump administration.

Pompeo, once speculated for a cabinet role in Trumps new administration, was likely ruled out due to a perceived lack of loyalty, despite his endorsement of Trump. Pompeo had previously criticized Trump for retaining classified documents after his term endeda controversy that has drawn legal action against Trump. Both Pompeo and Haley support aid to Ukraine, a position at odds with Trumps more neutral stance on the conflict, as he has claimed he would quickly end Russias invasion.

With Trumps cabinet still in the works, the exclusion of Haley and Pompeo reflects a shift in his approach, while Ramaswamys potential role underscores the president-elects focus on loyal newcomers over established allies.
MEXICO CITY, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and five injured in an armed attack Sunday night at a bar in the municipality of Cuautitlan Izcalli, in the central State of Mexico, local authorities said Monday.

The attack on the bar "Bling Bling," located in the town of San Francisco Tepojaco, "is an isolated event" with no similar precedents in the municipality, the municipal government said in a statement.

"In light of the regrettable events that occurred Sunday night, in the town of San Francisco Tepojaco, the Municipal Government of Cuautitlan Izcalli reports it is fully cooperating with the Attorney General's Office of the State of Mexico, the Federal Government and the Government of the State of Mexico to carry out the corresponding procedures and guarantee the safety of the citizens," the statement added.

The attack occurred 24 hours after a similar incident in central Queretaro state that saw an armed group attack a bar, killing at least 10 people and wounding 13 others.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday confirmed at a press conference that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the attack in Queretaro. 
People are seen during the launch of a new digital filter application to reconstruct damaged ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Egypt launched on Monday a new digital filter application to reconstruct damaged ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Dubbed the Interactive Mobile Application to Promote Egyptian Antiquities, the project uses virtual reality technology to show how the selected uncomplete items originally looked thousands of years ago.

The Instagram filters, designed by technology giant Meta and overseen by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, started with some ancient artifacts, including a rock statue of ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamun, Ali Abdel-Halim, director general of the Egyptian Museum, told Xinhua.

He added that the project aims to promote and protect Egyptian culture by taking advantage of modern social media platforms.

The official noted that the project also aims to allow visitors to virtually view damaged statues and artifacts in their full form by scanning a barcode installed under each statue.

"This experience is also meant to boost cultural tourism in the country that is rich in historical heritage and monuments," Abdel-Halim said.

In recent years, Egypt has witnessed several major archeological discoveries, launched a number of new museums, and renovated many archaeological monuments to preserve its ancient heritage and boost tourism, a main source of the country's hard currency. 

A visitor is seen during the launch of a new digital filter application to reconstruct damaged ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People are seen during the launch of a new digital filter application to reconstruct damaged ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

The Egyptian Museum is illuminated during the launch of a new digital filter application to reconstruct damaged ancient Egyptian artifacts in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

A person views an artifact through a cell phone with a new digital filter application to reconstruct damaged ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
AMMAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Foreign Ministry on Monday denounced recent remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as "extremist, inciting, and racist," following his call for the imposition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

In a statement, the ministry condemned Smotrich's advocacy for expanding settlement construction, which it described as a direct violation of international law and an infringement on Palestinian rights to an independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah reiterated in the statement Jordan's categorical rejection of such rhetoric, emphasizing that Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian territories under occupation.

He underscored that these statements, alongside Israeli settlement activities, represent a clear breach of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemns measures aimed at altering the demographic and geographic character of occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

Resolution 2334, along with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, maintains that all Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal. The ministry added that these opinions affirm the illegality of Israel's occupation and settlement policies, as well as any annexation efforts.

Qudah called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations by pressuring Israel to cease military actions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, de-escalate violence in the West Bank, and provide necessary protections to Palestinians. 
VIENTIANE, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Lao capital Vientiane is expecting an influx of tourists and a consumption boom during the annual That Luang festival from Monday to Friday.

The festival features some of Laos' most iconic and longstanding traditions and is hugely popular among visitors because of the colorful pageantry on display.

"The That Luang festival is one of the biggest and most colorful celebrations in Laos, and I believe that people nationwide look forward to this joyful and meaningful event," Somsamai, a vendor selling traditional handicrafts at the festival, told Xinhua.

"Besides domestic tourists, I also think that the festival is a good occasion for foreign visitors to visit Laos, as they can immerse themselves in a splendid traditional Lao atmosphere and experience Laos' culture and customs," she added.

Apart from being a tourist draw, the festival serves to preserve some of the country's finest traditions, and is an annual reinforcement of long-held customs that are dear to the Lao people, Viengphone Keokhounsy, director of Vientiane's Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, told a press conference recently.

The highlights of the festival are the wax castle procession and almsgiving to monks. The wax castle procession will take place on Thursday, and the final day of the festival will feature almsgiving in the morning.

"The That Luang festival is a big and important event and people from all over the country come to worship at the stupa and join in the activities. The festival also provides a platform for local artisans and producers to showcase their goods, promote Lao culture, and support the local economy," said Manivanh, a food vendor at the festival.

As well as the homage paid to the stupa itself, there will be a street fair selling products from local and international vendors.

"One of the best things this year is a free bus service for everyone wishing to attend the festival, which helps reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents during the festival," said Pakaiyfa, a 22-year-old student.

The Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise will provide a free bus service during the festival, operating on nine routes from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. local time.

The That Luang festival is one of the most important religious festivals in Laos. Its main religious activities include traditional wax castle procession and almsgiving. 
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Many of the South African companies taking part in the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) have secured some trade and investment opportunities, the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) said Monday.

The seventh CIIE took place in Shanghai, China, from Nov. 5 to 10. The DTIC sponsored 35 companies to take part in the expo and showcase their products.

In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the South African enterprises are confident that the trade leads will soon result in concrete deals.

The CIIE is a platform created to provide an opportunity for companies from all over the world to showcase their production capabilities at the event, but most importantly to potential buyers of goods and services. On display at the South African stands were a variety of products, including wines, jewellery, agricultural and agro-processed products, bags and other services such as engineering, among others, according to the statement.

Siphamandla Kumkani, director of export promotion and marketing at the DTIC who led the South African business delegation to the CIIE, said he is pleased with the results.

"The companies have performed exceedingly well. One of the key features of the CIIE is that one gets an opportunity to meet companies from different regional blocks. Many of our companies have received bankable trade and investment leads," said Kumkani.

"It is our view that the event is getting bigger every year and provides huge business for not only small and medium companies but also emerging exporters," he added.

Abednico Mkhari, founder and director of NTGR Engineering, an award-winning multidisciplinary engineering company in South Africa, said his company signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint venture with a major Chinese company for the construction of a road in Tanzania.

"We are now finalizing finer details of our agreement," he said. "We are obviously very happy that our participation in the CIIE has enabled our company this significant opportunity."

Garron Arendse, international commercial manager at Rhodes Food Group of South Africa, said participating in the CIIE has allowed his company to find new opportunities for potential expansion into the Chinese markets.

"The interactions at the CIIE allowed us the opportunity to gain knowledge into the Chinese market environment, pricing trends, understanding what is in demand," he said. 
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America is great once again! Donald Trump wins, the Senate has gone to the Republicans and, as I write this, the House might stay with Republicans too. Just as with Trump's experience in Butler, Pennsylvania, we Americans have dodged the bullet. Thank Heavens! But amidst all the political warfare this week (which the Left will undoubtedly continue long after election day) it's easy to forget about the day which honors our heroes of actual war, Veterans Day. Veterans Day originally began as Armistice Day, which is commemorated every year on November 11 to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at 11:00 am the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. Near the end of the war remembrance poppies soon sprang up. A remembrance poppy is an artificial flower worn to commemorate their military personnel who died in war. Remembrance poppies are produced by veterans' associations, which exchange the poppies for charitable donations used to give financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the armed forces. These poppies were inspired by the war poem, In Flanders Fields and promoted by Moina Michael. Anna Guerin, a French teacher and humanitarian, established the first "Poppy Days" to raise funds for veterans, widows, orphans and liberty bonds, as well as charities such as the Red Cross. Her idea was for all World War I Allied countries to use artificial poppies, made by French widows and orphans, as an emblem for remembering those who gave their lives during the World War I and, at the same time, creating a method of raising funds to support the families of the fallen and those who had survived, thereafter. Today, the Remembrance Poppy encompasses all conflicts that have occurred since. References to war and poppies in Flanders can be found as early as the 19th century, in the book The Scottish Soldiers of Fortune by James Grant. The opening lines of the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields" refer to Flanders poppies growing among the graves of war victims in a region of Belgium. The poem is written from the point of view of the fallen soldiers and in its last verse, the soldiers call on the living to continue the conflict. The poem was written by Canadian physician John McCrae on 3 May 1915 after witnessing the death of his friend and fellow soldier the day before and was first published on 8 December 1915 in the London-based magazine Punch.

In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields, the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

, Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

In the United States, the Veterans of Foreign Wars conducted the first nationwide distribution of remembrance poppies before Memorial Day in 1922. The poppy was named the official flower of the American Legion in September of 1920, although the legion only began their own national distribution program of remembrance poppies in 1924. The American Legion Auxiliary distributes crepe-paper poppies and then requests a donation, around Memorial Day and Veterans Day (National Poppy Day, the Friday before Memorial Day).

As a kid I remember seeing them being worn extensively at this time of year. We don't see them as much these days. Maybe people think it's just too old fashioned or hokey. I say let's bring them back into style. What a sweet way to remember those brave souls who gave their all to keep us free.

We might also wear them this year as a tribute to Donald Trump, who has rescued our country from the destructive forces of the Democrat Left.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
Outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth (front), also leader of the government's coalition the Alliance Lepep or the People's Alliance, casts his ballot at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

PORT-LOUIS, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Mauritians are going to the polls Sunday to elect the 70 members of the National Assembly, the country's unicameral parliament.

According to the country's electoral commission, a total of 1,002,857 voters registered on the electoral roll are expected to cast their votes in the 340 polling stations spread across the country. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m., local time, and are due to close at 6 p.m.

Voters will directly elect 62 members of the National Assembly, while the eight "best losers" will be appointed to fill the 70 seats in Parliament for a five-year term.

Outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, as leader of the government's coalition the Alliance Lepep or the People's Alliance, will seek reelection, while former Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, leader of the opposition coalition, l'Alliance du Changement or the Alliance of Change, will make every effort to regain his place in the Cabinet.

The results of the elections are expected Monday. The president of the majority party (or alliance) will be appointed Prime Minister afterward. 

Outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth (C), also leader of the government's coalition the Alliance Lepep or the People's Alliance, waits to vote at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Mauritian former Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam (R), also leader of the opposition coalition, l'Alliance du Changement or the Alliance of Change, is pictured at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A staff member explains voting procedures to a voter at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A staff member checks voters' information at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Mauritian former Prime Minister Paul Raymond Berenger casts his ballot at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

People fill in their ballots at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A man fills in his ballot at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

People wait to vote at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Mauritian former Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam (C), also leader of the opposition coalition, l'Alliance du Changement or the Alliance of Change, casts his ballot at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

People wait to vote at a polling station in Vacoas-Phoenix of Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP29, is expected to provide clear pathways for developing countries to access funds for loss and damage caused by climate change, a South African official said Monday.

COP29 is taking place under the theme "In Solidarity for a Green World" in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov. 11 to 22. South Africa's Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) Executive Director Crispian Olver said COP29 is expected to "practically" address the operating, financing, and resourcing of the Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28.

"It is essential that negotiators at COP29 do not fail the people that are impacted most by climate change, particularly those that do not have the means to deal with the impacts of climate change or recover from climate-related disasters that impact their lives, livelihoods, and communities," said Olver.

The official said the PCC expects COP29 to garner pledges for the Loss and Damage Fund and build on the 700 million U.S. dollars that have already been pledged, stressing that the international ambition should remain focused on limiting global warming to a rapidly closing target of 1.5 degrees Celsius pre-industrial levels, to avoid wide-scale, frequent harm to the planet.

"COP29 comes at the end of a deadly year characterized by natural disasters and severe weather events, with significant impacts on lives and livelihoods in large parts of Africa, exacerbating existing inequalities, including poverty and unemployment and exacerbating humanitarian crises in conflict zones," he said.

"For many citizens of the world, including the Sudanese and Palestinians that have been displaced by war, or do not have access to basic resources and services, floods, poor rainfall, and high temperatures have exacerbated already unbearable conditions," he said.

COP29 is expected to push for more ambitious climate finance commitments, ensuring resources for developing countries to implement robust climate actions and meet critical targets, he added. 
DHAKA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh exported goods worth 4.13 billion U.S. dollars in October, which was more than 20 percent higher than the same month a year ago, according to the latest official data on Sunday.

Of the total earnings, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data showed the country's income from ready-made knitwear and woven garment items surged over 22 percent to 3.3 billion dollars during the cited period.

The EPB data showed that Bangladesh's total exports in the first four months of the current 2024-25 fiscal year (July 2024-June 2025) reached 15.79 billion dollars, up around 11 percent year on year.

Bangladesh has set its export target in the 2024-25 fiscal year at 50 billion dollars, including 40.48 billion dollars from ready-made garment products. 
PHNOM PENH, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has been providing support for Cambodia's Fisheries Administration (FiA) to install 1,600 Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) units on marine fishing vessels by the end of 2025, according to an FAO press release on Monday.

FiA recently deployed 800 units on medium and large-scale marine fishing vessels, and planned to deploy another 800 units in 2025 in the coastal provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Kampot and Kep, the press release said.

Funded by the European Union (EU), the VMS units are solar-powered and do not require any external electricity connection.

"This is the second phase of the VMS roll-out for Cambodia and the units are installed on trawl vessels and other active fishing gear vessels greater than 12 meters in length," the press release said.

It added that the second-generation VMS unit is an improvement from the first phase where 125 VMS units were deployed to test the VMS system and functionality for vessels greater than 18 meters.

"This VMS system provides benefit to fishers, for example if the vessel encounters problems, their last known location can be used to support any search effort and it is free of charge for installation," the press release said.

The project is aimed at supporting sustainable marine fisheries management, it said, adding that it will help Cambodia achieve a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive freshwater and marine fishery that will contribute to food security and poverty reduction. 
JAKARTA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Following a China visit in his first foreign tour right after being elected Indonesian president in March, Prabowo Subianto is again in Beijing this week, choosing China as the first country to visit after taking office.

The visit speaks volumes about the great importance he attaches to developing relations with China and demonstrates the high level and strategic nature of China-Indonesia relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his talks with Prabowo on Saturday.

In recent years, closer collaboration between China and Indonesia has produced enormous benefits for the people of both countries, which, under the guidance of the two countries' leaders, is set to reach new milestones amid deepening mutual trust.

"China is willing to work with the new Indonesian government to build on past achievements, promote building a community with a shared future with regional and global influence, and continue to write a new chapter of seeking self-improvement via solidarity, and boosting coordination and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation among major developing countries," Xi said.

SPEEDING UP DEVELOPMENT

In October 2023, Xi and former Indonesian President Joko Widodo jointly inaugurated the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway, which has since become a hallmark of high-quality China-Indonesia cooperation.

"It was amazing," said Rengga Arista, a driver for the HSR, recalling his first ride on the high-speed train running at 350 km per hour.

Thanks to the guidance from Chinese instructors, he has now mastered the skills required to drive high-speed trains. "I'm very proud of what I've achieved," Arista said.

According to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, a joint venture between Chinese and Indonesian enterprises that operates the HSR, the railway has transported over 5.79 million passengers in its first year, including 300,000 international travelers from 159 countries.

The railway has boosted the cultivation of local talent. Over the past year, 45,000 local technicians have received training in high-speed rail technology, including engineering, welding, and machinery, with support from the Chinese side.

The high-speed rail line has also invigorated local economies along its route. Once surrounded by rice paddies, Tegalluar Station in Bandung is now bustling with new businesses as residents set up food stalls and retail shops.

Among them is Siti Fatimah, who started a small kiosk at her 18-square-meter home near the station. "I had no income before I opened this shop. Now I can even earn more than my husband," she told Xinhua.

Driving along the route, Arista has witnessed the daily changes. "I'm increasingly confident in President Xi's vision of developing an economic belt around the HSR."

COMBATTING POVERTY

Poverty reduction has been a critical topic in discussions between Xi and Prabowo.

During their talks in Beijing this April, Xi said China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia to reduce and eradicate poverty.

Prabowo said the new Indonesian government stands ready to strengthen the alignment of the two countries' development strategies and push for more cooperation in poverty alleviation, which would benefit both peoples.

Both sides will adhere to the philosophy of people-centered development, agricultural and rural revitalization and modernization, and continuously improve the well-being of the two peoples, according to a joint statement released on Saturday on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and the China-Indonesia community with a shared future.

In September, over a dozen Indonesian village chiefs visited Beijing and southwest China's Sichuan Province to learn from the country's experience of poverty alleviation.

Launched in 2019, the program has become a reputable grassroots platform for experience-sharing.

"I can feel the farmers' genuine joy and hospitality at the harvest festival," said Danton Ginting Munthe, an official of the Indonesian Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration, as he toured a harvest festival in the suburbs of Beijing.

"China's approach of comprehensive participation in rural development by the government, businesses, universities and farmers is something we can definitely learn from," he said.

Ujang, a village head from Sukabumi city in West Java province, appreciated the two leaders' attention to poverty reduction.

"I hope the two countries will continue strengthening cooperation in fields like agriculture and regional economic development," he said.

NURTURING FUTURE TALENT

At a recent job fair in Jakarta, crowds of local students eagerly lined up to look for job opportunities at Chinese companies operating in Indonesia.

"I hope my language skills will give me an edge and help me find a job that matches my major," said Eris Septiyani, a university student who has learned Chinese for over a year.

"As more Chinese companies invest in Indonesia, learning Chinese can help my career," he said.

According to the joint statement released on Saturday, both countries will encourage more students to study in each other's country and provide various kinds of scholarships.

Djauhari Oratmangun, Indonesian ambassador to China, noted that the leaders of the two countries have frequently discussed collaboration in vocational education. He believed that as more Indonesian and Chinese universities establish partnerships, more cooperation opportunities will emerge in education and people-to-people exchange.

In Jakarta and Surabaya, Indonesia's two largest cities, young people are flocking to language centers and online courses to hone their Chinese skills.

Xaviera, 20, is one of them. She started learning Chinese three years ago and is now studying at Henan Polytechnic University in China.

"Living in China is both convenient and safe. I've made many friends here, and my understanding of China has deepened," said Xaviera, an enthusiastic lover of Chinese culture and history.

She believes that young people are key to developing Indonesia-China relations.

"I hope more young Indonesians will learn Chinese and that Chinese youth will also learn about Indonesian culture," she said. "Only by understanding each other can we bridge gaps and foster a sense of belonging in each other's countries." 
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a scene of a multi-vehicle accident in West Java, Indonesia, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Photo by Firman/Xinhua)

JAKARTA, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A fatal multi-vehicle accident that occurred Monday afternoon in Purwakarta regency in Indonesia's West Java province killed at least one person and injured eight others, the provincial police said.

According to preliminary report, the collision occurred on a toll road connecting West Java to Jakarta, at around 3:30 p.m. local time.

According to police, the crash was possibly triggered by a semi-trailer truck whose brakes failed, causing it to collide fatally with more than 15 vehicles ahead.

"One was killed, and eight others were injured. Officers will update the case," West Java police chief Akhmad Wiyagus told reporters.

Videos circulating online show multiple vehicles piled up and some heavily damaged, with rescuers seen helping evacuate individuals from the wreckage.

Deadly road accidents are common in the Southeast Asian country mainly due to overloading, poor road conditions, or reckless driving. 

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a scene of a multi-vehicle accident in West Java, Indonesia, on Nov. 11, 2024. (Photo by Firman/Xinhua)
NEW DELHI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 militants were killed in a gunfight with government forces Monday in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, officials said.

The gunfight broke out in Borobekra sub-division of Jiribam district, about 231 km west of Imphal, the capital city of Manipur.

Reports said two paramilitary troopers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were wounded in the stand-off. 
MOSCOW, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Russia will not tolerate the permanent presence of non-Black Sea naval forces in the region, said Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin and chair of the Maritime Collegium, on Monday.

"The West must clearly understand that Russia remains firm in its stance on the Black Sea, and we will not allow our position in the region to be weakened," Patrushev told local media.

He warned that Moscow will not tolerate the permanent naval presence of non-riparian states in the region in violation of the Montreux Convention.

Patrushev said that Russia maintains its position "as one of the world's leading naval powers" with the country's fleet confidently carrying out all its duties, primarily nuclear deterrence.

He recalled that not long ago, two Russian strategic submarines completed an under-ice journey of over 4,000 nautical miles from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet.

"Such operations are particularly significant in the context of the revision of the national nuclear doctrine," Patrushev noted.

Under the Montreux Convention signed in 1936, naval vessels of non-riparian countries must notify Turkey in advance about their passage through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles straits, which connect the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. The treaty limits their stay in the Black Sea to 21 days and grants Turkey permission to cut off transit of military vessels during wartime, except for those that return to their bases. 
by Xinhua writer Yang Shilong

NEW YORK, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- As former U.S. President Donald Trump has made his comeback, experts call for a balanced U.S. approach in handling China-U.S. relations as well as constructive engagement despite expected challenges.

U.S. foreign policy is likely to become "more rambunctious, perhaps even more acerbic," Denis Simon, a long-time U.S.-China relations specialist and former Executive Vice Chancellor at Duke Kunshan University, told Xinhua in an interview.

"I see the U.S. moving away from some of its traditional commitments and core principles as it becomes more inward focused, more protectionist, and more techno-nationalist," he said.

"The implications for U.S.-China relations are considerable," he added.

Simon expressed concern over the incoming Trump administration's perception of China's rise, especially in the technology sector, noting that it "needs to be building bridges rather than operating with a zero-sum mentality."

"The U.S. can save itself the huge costs that would result from battling China across key issues by adopting a mutually beneficial path," Simon said. "Mutual respect, greater cross-cultural sensitivity, and enhanced reciprocity can lead to win-win outcomes."

Elizabeth Economy, a senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, has shared similar concern on Foreign Affairs magazine, saying that the United States must prioritize practical cooperation on global issues like climate change and pandemic prevention.

"U.S. policymakers need to understand that near-term stabilization in relations with China is not a compromise of U.S. interests, but rather a step toward achieving them," she wrote.

Economy argued that reducing inflammatory rhetoric and fostering a functional diplomatic relationship will be essential in sustaining the world's most important bilateral relationship.

Sourabh Gupta, a senior Asia-Pacific international relations policy specialist from the Institute for China-America Studies, has discerned potential in some of Trump's more protectionist policies.

Encouraging onshore Chinese foreign direct investment could revitalize American manufacturing, particularly in regions that need job growth, he said.

"This approach could offer a win-win situation," Gupta said, outlining how Trump's policies could create U.S. manufacturing jobs while providing Chinese investors access to the American market.

The relative lack of focus on China during the 2024 election campaign may give the incoming administration more room to shape policy as challenges arise, said Robert Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation.

"This relative unimportance is a good thing," he told Xinhua, suggesting that it allows the new Trump administration greater flexibility in developing pragmatic China policies.

Kuhn set out a three-pronged strategy for stabilizing relations: respecting mutual "red lines" to avoid needless provocation; identifying shared interests for cooperation on global issues, such as fighting illegal drugs, organized crime, epidemics, artificial intelligence risk and climate change; and allowing diplomatic efforts time to de-escalate tensions.

"The Chinese and American people would support it. The peace and prosperity of the world would depend on it," said Kuhn.

In a July commentary titled "Questioning the presumption of a U.S. 'consensus' on China policy" on the Brookings Institution's website, experts warned that how the U.S.-China relationship evolves will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global stability in the 21st century.

"In light of those stakes, the United States needs as expansive and inclusive of a debate as possible over the way forward, not one that stays confined within the lines of a supposed consensus," they wrote.

"The stakes are too high for a limited conversation; the U.S. needs as broad and inclusive a debate as possible about the way forward," they added. 
Press Release

November 11, 2024 CHIZ SAYS PH SHOULD PREPARE AHEAD OF TRUMP'S RETURN TO WHITE HOUSE The Philippines "must be one step ahead" of whatever policy shifts that US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to implement once in office. The call was made by Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero who said that "beyond sending congratulatory words," the government should start "drawing up scenarios in the Trump era and preparing a response to each." "Donald Trump is a major macroeconomic assumption," Escudero said, referring to premises government use in forecasting economic performance in a fiscal year. "From trade to security to immigration, what he said he plans to do, some on day one of his administration, would certainly impact us," Escudero said. If Trump pushes through with his pronouncement to carry out the greatest mass deportation in US history, "then how many of the estimated 300,000 vulnerable Filipinos will be in the first wave of expulsion?" Escudero asked. To illustrate his point, Escudero said even if only one percent of the 300,000 would be removed from the American soil, it would require 10 big airplanes. "How will his plan to erect high tariff walls affect our economy given the fact that almost $1 in every $7 of our export earnings come from our trade with the United States?" Escudero raised. "Kung dahil sa kanya lalakas ang dolyar, ano ang epekto nito sa atin kung ang dulot nito ay ang paghina ng piso? Siguradong lolobo ang halaga ng ating foreign debt," the Senate chief pointed out. He added the even with Trump's proposed pivot on the diplomatic front will reduce global tensions and settle wars, "these wins will still impact our fiscal position." "The inconvenient truth is cheaper oil will reduce tax collections on oil upon which government spending on social programs is pegged, Escudero said. He said another important aspect of the US-PH relations that should be revisited by the Philippine side is the military alliance boosted by the Biden administration. "On the security front, will a second Trump administration be hawkish or dovish against China? Dapat handa tayo kung sakaling may bagong posisyon ang Washington," the Bicolano lawmaker said. He said Trump has loudly telegraphed to the whole world what he would do if American voters would decide to bring him back to the White House. "Hindi naman sikreto ang mga ito kasi pinangalandakan niya sa kampaya at ang mga ito pa nga ang nagpapanalo sa kanya." So having known these in advance, the Senate leader said "there is no reason for the Philippine government to be caught flatfooted and stand helpless as the ground beneath it caves in."
Description

On November 11th, Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas is proud to honor Veterans and Active-Duty military by offering a credit of up to $30! This will be available during business hours on Veterans Day. Have your Military ID available and enjoy! This is available at the Long Island, NY location.
Realty Income (NYSE: O) is a boring company, which is something that conservative dividend investors should find very attractive. That's because this "boring" company happens to offer a hefty 5.6% dividend yield. It is a great sleep-well-at-night investment selection.

To back that statement up, check out these three reasons to love this high-yield real estate investment trust (REIT).

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1. Realty Income is large and diversified

Realty Income is a net lease REIT, which means that its tenants are responsible for most property-level operating expenses. But it owns single-tenant assets, so this actually means there's a fair amount of risk at each property. That risk is mitigated by the fact that Realty Income owns more than 15,400 properties. It is one of the largest REITs in the world.

Image source: Getty Images.

It is also one of the most diversified REITs in the world. Although the U.S. market is the largest in the portfolio, Realty Income invests across eight countries. It has been expanding that list as it reaches further and further into the European market.

Adding to that, Realty Income also spreads its portfolio across different property types, with the heaviest exposure to retail and a smaller position in industrial assets. It also has a fairly large "other" category, where it invests in property types like casinos and vineyards. Diversification helps to limit risk, but it also provides the REIT with additional levers to pull for growth.

2. Realty Income is financially strong

The biggest testament to Realty Income's financial strength is probably its three-decade-long streak of annual dividend increases. You simply can't achieve that kind of consistency without a strong foundation and a solid business model.

However, there's more to look at here. For example, the adjusted funds from operations (FFO) payout ratio is roughly 75%, which means there's plenty of room for adversity before a dividend cut would be on the table.

The dividend, meanwhile, is sitting atop an investment-grade-rated balance sheet. This is where the company's size comes back into play. Being financially strong and large generally affords Realty Income greater access to capital markets than its peers. So it can raise the money it needs to support its business and dividend fairly easily -- a competitive advantage that shouldn't be overlooked.

3. Realty Income is executing well

The long history of annual dividend increases has already been noted as a sign of a strong and successful business. But there are others that should be considered, too. For example, Realty Income's occupancy is solidly above the occupancy of the average REIT in the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC). Even during the Great Recession, occupancy didn't fall below 96%. This is a very strong portfolio.
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Huawei Technologies asked a U.S. judge to dismiss much of a federal indictment accusing the Chinese telecommunications company of trying to steal technology secrets from U.S. rivals and misleading banks about its business in Iran.

In a Friday night filing in federal court in Brooklyn, Huawei said there was no proof of a conspiracy, calling the charge part of the Department of Justice's "ill-founded" China Initiative to prosecute people and companies with ties to China.

Huawei said several charges concerned activities outside the United States, while the bank fraud counts rested on a "right to control" theory of fraud that the U.S. Supreme Court rejected last year in an unrelated case.

"The government has approached Huawei as a prosecutorial target in search of a crime," said Huawei, which has pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.

Based in Shenzhen, Huawei operates in more than 170 countries and has about 207,000 employees.

A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Breon Peace in Brooklyn declined to comment on Monday. Huawei's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Begun in 2018, the case led to the detention in Canada of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, whose father founded the company. Charges against her were dismissed in 2022.

The China Initiative began in 2018 during President-elect Donald Trump's first administration, and was intended to address Beijing's alleged theft of intellectual property.

Four years later, the Biden administration ended the program after critics said it amounted to racial profiling and created a climate of fear that chilled scientific research.

The U.S. government has restricted Huawei's access to American technology since 2019, citing national security concerns. Huawei denies it is a threat.

The case is U.S. v. Huawei Technologies Co et al, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 18-cr-00457.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
LONDON (Reuters) - Collapsed cryptocurrency company FTX is suing Binance and its former CEO Changpeng Zhao, alleging that $1.8 billion was "fraudulently transferred" by FTX management to Binance and its executives.

The lawsuit relates to Binance's sale of its stake in Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX, which it acquired in 2019 but then negotiated to sell back to FTX in July 2021.

According to the lawsuit, FTX's Alameda Research division directly funded the share repurchase using tokens which had a then fair market value of $1.76 billion. Alameda, the lawsuit alleges, was insolvent at the time of buying the shares and could not therefore afford to fund the transaction and it should not have been allowed to proceed.

"By this lawsuit, the Plaintiffs seek to recover, for the benefit of FTXs creditors, at least $1.76 billion that was fraudulently transferred to Binance and its executives at the FTX creditors expense, as well as compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at trial," the administrators for the FTX estate said in a filing made on Sunday in the U.S. state of Delaware.

A Binance spokesperson said: "The claims are meritless, and we will vigorously defend ourselves."

Zhao, known as "CZ", could not immediately be reached for comment.

The lawsuit is the latest battle between FTX and Binance.

FTX was one of the largest cryptocurrency firms in the world before it collapsed in late 2022.

Arch-rival Binance, then led by Zhao, was set to come to its rescue and buy FTX's non-U.S. unit as it struggled to stay afloat in November 2022, before Binance withdrew its offer.

FTX founder Bankman-Fried was sentenced in March this year to 25 years in prison for stealing $8 billion from customers. He has appealed the conviction.

Zhao was sentenced to four months in prison earlier this year, after pleading guilty to violating U.S. laws against money laundering at the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.

(Reporting by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes; Editing by Susan Fenton)
(Photo: Port of Vancouver)

Unlike the lockout that has shut down Canadas west coast container imports, contract talks held over the weekend between British Columbia maritime employers and their longshore union were over almost before they began.

The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association and International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 met separately Saturday with a federal mediator in an effort to resolve a contract dispute involving 700 union forepersons at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

Vancouver is Canadas top gateway for containerized imports.

[Saturday] evening the BCMEA and ILWU Local 514 met with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) in Vancouver, the employers posted on their website. The parties met separately with the FMCS and, based on the discussions that transpired, there was no progress made. On that basis, the FMCS concluded the mediation, and no further meetings are scheduled.





Container lines and terminal operators represented by the BCMEA on Nov. 4 locked out 700 forepersons represented by ILWU Local 514 after the union rejected the employers final contract offer.

Longshore forepersons, also called walking bosses, supervise other workers and manage loading operations in port facilities. In addition to wages and other contract issues, the union is balking at the introduction of automation in port operations.

The lockout has stalled an estimated $800 million worth of trade moving through British Columbia ports each day, and comes at the same time as a strike by union dockworkers at the Port of Montreal, Canadas second-busiest container hub.

While carriers initially had their vessels wait at anchor, it is expected that liner operators will divert services to Seattle-Tacoma and other West Coast ports as the stoppage drags on.





Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

Related coverage:

Lockout looms in Montreal port labor dispute

East Coast port contract talks to resume

Lockout stalls more container ships outside western Canada ports

The post Lockout continues as British Columbia port labor talks break up appeared first on FreightWaves.
One of the most popular ways to invest in stocks is to buy a broad-based index fund like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO). It's a great way to make sure you invest across a wide number of companies and never miss out on big trends that have the power to drive stock market gains for years to come.

The biggest trend driving the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) higher right now is artificial intelligence (AI). And the index is full of great companies that are seeing their stock prices skyrocket as investors pile into these big tech names like Nvidia, Alphabet, or Meta Platforms. If you own the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, you own a good chunk of each of those names in your portfolio.

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But if the Vanguard ETF is all you own, you're missing out on an incredible AI semiconductor stock that isn't in the S&P 500. Due to the criteria for inclusion in the index, investors who focus strictly on indexing probably don't have any exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM). The good news is, it's not too late to add shares to your portfolio.

Image source: Getty Images.

The most important chip manufacturer in the world

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, is the largest chip foundry in the world. It commands over 60% of global spending on chip manufacturing.

And there's good reason for that. TSMC's capable of producing the most advanced chip designs in the world. So when a company like Nvidia, Alphabet, or Meta has a design for a new AI chip, they ask TSMC to actually make it for them.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said TSMC is "the world's best ... not by a small margin, it's the world's best by an incredible margin." While he said his company could use another fab to make its chip designs, he explained they'd get lower performance at a higher cost.

TSMC has a wide variety of big customers. Both Meta and Google use TSMC to manufacture their AI accelerator chips, which power their data centers for large language model training. Apple notably trained its Apple Intelligence model using Google's TPU chips, which are manufactured by TSMC. Not to mention, Apple is one of the foundry's largest customers, using TSMC chips across its entire lineup of devices.

TSMC's massive market share creates a virtuous cycle. Since it receives so much more business from chip designers, it ends up with a lot more revenue that it can reinvest in research and development. That enables it to maintain a solid technology lead, ensuring its processes stay one step ahead of its closest competitors. That, in turn, wins it more business in the future from companies like Nvidia looking to build the most advanced chips.
HONG KONG (AP)  Businesses and consumers in China found the annual Singles' Day shopping festival less attractive this year amid a sluggish economy, forcing e-commerce firms to look abroad for growth.

Online service provider and e-commerce platform Alibaba started the now-famous event on Nov. 11, 2009, offering attractive discounts to entice shoppers to spend more. The extravaganza, also known as Double 11, has since expanded to other platforms in China  like JD.com and Pinduoduo  and abroad.

It has long been regarded as a barometer of consumer sentiment.

While Singles Day was previously a one-day event, shopping platforms in China now kickstart the festival weeks ahead to drum up sales volume. Even some brick-and-mortar stores join the festival by launching sales campaigns and hanging promotional banners and posters in the hopes of luring shoppers.

But amid Chinas lagging domestic economy, dragged down by a real estate crisis and deflationary pressures, consumers no longer go all out during the shopping extravaganza.

Meanwhile, e-commerce platforms grappling with a slowing domestic market have turned to overseas markets to seek new growth, offering promotions like global free shipping and allowing merchants to sell worldwide with ease.

Alibaba, for example, said in a blog post on its Alizila site that some 70,000 merchants saw sales double with global free shipping. In markets like Singapore and Hong Kong, new customers also doubled, the e-commerce company said.

Since the festival began in late October, I have only spent a few hundred yuan on daily necessities, said Wang Haihua, who owns a fitness center in the capital, Beijing.

Wang said that the prices offered on e-commerce platforms during Singles Day are not necessarily cheaper than usual. Theyre all tricks and weve seen through it over the years, she said.

Zhang Jiewei, a 34-year-old who runs a barber shop in the city of Xian, echoed Wangs sentiments, saying that he no longer trusts Singles Day promotions as some merchants tend to raise the usual prices before offering a discount, giving consumers the illusion they are getting a deal.

I used to buy a lot two or three years ago and I even purchased a mobile phone (during Singles Day), he said. However, following the coronavirus pandemic, he stopped because of lower income.

I am not going to buy anything this year, Zhang said.

Some experts say that Beijings recent stimulus measures have had little impact on boosting consumer confidence.

People are not interested in spending and are cutting back on big-ticket items, said Shaun Rein, founder and managing director of China Market Research Group in Shanghai. Since October 2022, the weak economy means that everything has been on discount year-round, 11.11 is not going to bring in more discounts than the month before.
Press Release

November 11, 2024 Three things we need to do to get ready for the Trump Administration With Donald Trump's return to the White House imminent, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Imee R. Marcos calls on the Philippine government to brace for substantial shifts in U.S. policies, particularly those that could impact immigration, defense, and geopolitical interests. "Let's not wait for the hammer to fall--prepare now," Marcos says, emphasizing the importance of taking early steps to protect the welfare of Filipinos and the country's stability. 1. Protect Undocumented Filipinos Over 200,000 undocumented Filipinos are now under threat of mass deportations, a fervent campaign promise. "We need a plan for these families who may be forced to come home," Marcos warns. The senator highlighted the urgency of preparing expanded reintegration programs, including skills training, livelihood support, and direct assistance for deportees, from DSWD, DOLE, and DFA. The Senator pointed out that based on the 2025 National Expenditure Program, the DSWD has only sufficient funding for 4,152 distressed and undocumented overseas Filipinos next year, while last year, the DFA was able to assist only 72, 206 overseas Filipinos using the Assistance to Nationals Fund and the Legal Assistance Fund. "What will happen if the number of distressed overseas Filipinos suddenly triples? Are the government agencies prepared to rapidly and adequately respond to their needs?", remarked Marcos, noting that this scenario was likely not taken into account in the preparation of the 2025 National Expenditure Program. 2. Prioritize our Self Defense Capability Marcos underscores that the Philippines can't afford to rely solely on foreign allies or powers for defense. The government should take steps to fast-track the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) initiative, a program aimed at manufacturing defense equipment locally and lessening dependence on foreign suppliers. "In the end, no matter how many and how strong our allies are, we can only depend on ourselves, the Filipinos, to defend the Philippines," Marcos insists, calling for immediate allocations for SRDP and urging that defense equipment acquisitions include technology transfers and local manufacturing or assembly. 3. Lead a New ASEAN Consensus on U.S.-China Relations The senator emphasized the Philippines' need to take a leadership role in ASEAN and foster strengthened partnerships within the region to manage potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy. "Now is the time to step up in ASEAN, to strengthen our relations with our neighbors and engage regional powers, so that our interests are safeguarded," she said. Senator Marcos pointed to Europe's urgent reassessment of its stance on Ukraine, tariffs, and other policies likely to be influenced by changes in the U.S. administration, suggesting that ASEAN should follow suit. She also stressed the importance of renewing dialogue and consultation with all Asia-Pacific neighbors, including China. Given the Philippines' close ties with the U.S., she argued, it is uniquely positioned to lead these discussions and to facilitate the formation of a new ASEAN consensus on US-China relations. For concerns where there is no unified ASEAN stance, such as the issues in the West Philippine Sea, the senator suggested that the Philippines should consider initiating bilateral discussions with each claimant. 'There is no other way to maintain peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea but to talk to each claimant,' Marcos asserted. "The Philippines must act now to secure our people, strengthen our defenses, and ensure we're prepared for any shifts in global dynamics," Marcos concludes. "The world is changing fast, and we can't afford to be caught unprepared."
After a chip manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) was found inside a Huawei processor, the U.S. Department of Commerce has ordered the company to halt shipments of advanced chips to Chinese customers, according to a report in Reuters.

Huawei faces significant trade restrictions from the U.S., so the pause on shipments is supposed to allow the government to determine whether other companies are diverting chips to Huawei.

TSMC reportedly notified affected customers that it will be halting shipments starting Monday. The advanced chips being targeted are often used for artificial intelligence applications  an area where the U.S. has already been restricting chip exports from companies like Nvidia.

In a statement provided to Reuters and other publications, TSMC said it is committed to complying with all applicable rules and regulations, including applicable export controls.
Deribit-listed BTC options at $90,000 and $100,000 strikes have been sold to dealers, according to Amberdata.

The rally may lose steam if prices reach those levels.

As bitcoin's {{BTC}} ongoing price surge gives off an aura of invincibility, one force threatens to slow the ascent above $90,000, potentially keeping the cryptocurrency rangebound above the said price level.

The force is of market makers or dealers  entities responsible for providing liquidity to the order book, profiting from the bid-ask spread while constantly striving to maintain a market-neutral exposure.

Those making the bitcoin options market on crypto exchange Deribit currently appear to have a significant positive "gamma" exposure at the $90,000 and $100,000 strike options. In simple terms, it means traders/investors have sold options at these levels, leaving market makers, who are always on the opposite side, with a large chunk of long positions.

When market makers have long or positive gamma exposures, they tend to buy the underlying asset when its price is falling and sell on the rise to keep their net exposure direction neutral. This hedging acts as a volatility dampener, restricting price swings.

In bitcoin's case, it means market makers will likely trade against the market direction between $90,000 and $100,000, thereby keeping prices rangebound, assuming other things being equal.

"We see a lot of traders owning [buying] optionality up to the $90K handle for Nov 29th and Dec 27th. But the $90k-$100k+ range has been sold to dealers," Amberdata's Director of Derivatives, Greg Magadini, said.

"Should the market get there, we might see prices struggle, unless sentiment shifts further bullish," Magadini added.

Dealers are stuffed with positive gamma at the $90,000 strike options expiring at the end of November and December. (Amberdata, Deribit)

Options are derivative contracts that give the purchaser the right but not the obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price at a later date. A call gives the right to buy and the put option confers the right to sell.

Gamma is one of the critical options "Greeks," measuring how much the price of an option accelerates when the underlying asset's price moves. The net gamma exposure determines how aggressively an options market maker needs to buy or sell the underlying asset to keep overall exposure neutral.

Bitcoin is currently changing hands just above $82,000, just 8% away from the crucial $90,000 level, according to CoinDesk data.
Welcome to Court Crawl, Colorado Politics' roundup of news from the third branch of government.
This March, 14 federal judges traveled to Israel to meet with government officials and learn about last year's terrorist attack and kidnapping that ignited a war in Gaza, with Colorado's Timothy M. Tymkovich among the delegation.
The Secretary of State has ordered a recount in state House District 19, a contest in which the Republican, former state rep. Dan Woog of Erie, defeated his Democratic opponent, Jilliare McMillan of Longmont, by 109 votes.
A member of Colorado's second-highest court suggested last month that lawmakers clarify whether defendants are only supposed to be eligible for compensation when they are innocent of the specific crime they were convicted of, even if there is evidence their conduct still amounted to a different crime.
U.S. Space Force Officer Training Course students assigned to the 319th Combat Training Squadron listen during a lecture at Peterson Space Force Base on Sept. 11. OTC is the Space Forces new initial leader development course created to produce a multidisciplinary officer corps with a broad understanding of mission concepts and a foundational baseline to synchronize effects across the range of Space Force operational missions.
A previous parade cancellation and a week full of heavy snowfall did not stop Colorado Springs from celebrating Veterans Day on Saturday.

The "In Their Honor Veterans Parade" drew hundreds of residents downtown, despite lingering chilly temperatures left over from the snowstorm that wrapped up Saturday morning. The event was pushed back an hour earlier in the week to allow additional time for snowplows to clear the route.

After a shocking cancellation in early October for the originally planned parade, it was revived in less than four days by the same organization that hosts the downtown St. Patricks Day Parade  Colorado International Events.

One of the organizers, John O'Donnell, said it was a "chaotic" five weeks getting everything set up last minute, giving a shoutout to his wife, Carol, for all her administrative assistance along the way.

"We haven't slept for five weeks," O'Donnell said Friday afternoon with a light laugh.

The O'Donnell's originally hosted the annual Veterans Day Parade in Colorado Springs from 1993 to 1999. Then the parade was taken over by Colorado Springs Veterans Day Inc. in 2000, with only two cancellations since, this year and 2020 due to the pandemic.

The parade this year was called off due to "lack of participation," with only 51 entries confirmed. However, the revived event drew an incredible turnout, with 125 organizations comprising 117 entries as of Tuesday afternoon.

"I couldn't have planned it any better," O'Donnell said. "Let's just say the response was impressive."

Ahead of the parade start time, Jack Quinn's Irish Pub hosted a reception where organizers and city officials gave brief comments before heading out to find a spot along the route.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade spoke briefly, highlighting how the city is constantly honoring its veterans, not just on holidays.

"If I got $1 for every time I hear from a military service member, active or veteran who says, 'we love this community and this community honors us,' I think I'd be a rich person right now," Mobolade said. "That's just a testament of who we are."

President and CEO of Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Johnna Reeder-Kleymeyer also gave a small speech, thanking the members of the community that made Saturday's parade possible.

"Our community spirit is what makes this community different," Reeder-Kleymeyer said. "We are a unique community that is dedicated to our veteran population and to our military installations."

The streets started to fill up with parade-goers well ahead of the actual start time. Thanks to the city for clearing all the snow leftover from the massive storm that rolled through, roads and sidewalks were clear and ready for attendees. Officials made jokes about the snow needed to be hauled away in dump trucks after overnight accumulations.

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Several attendees were emotional while awaiting the start of the parade, especially Army veteran Tony Bruszewski and his wife, Diana, who shed a few tears when asked about the importance of celebrating Veterans Day.

"It is so important for us to remember and honor these guys because if we don't, who's going to stand up and protect us when we need it?" Tony said, holding back tears. "This is all volunteer and we need to be there just to let them know that we appreciate continuing to carry the torch for those of us who did before."

Six-year Navy veteran Josh Hays also lined up early with his wife, Nicholle, and spoke with The Gazette about the importance of respecting those who made the biggest sacrifice for the county.

"We both come from families that have veterans," Josh said. "It's about respecting the people that aren't here because they paid the ultimate price, honoring them."

Several others in attendance, both at Jack Quinn's and along the parade route, agree that Colorado Springs is one of the most patriotic cities in the nation and holding Saturday's parade was a necessity.

"We were just identified as the third most patriotic city in America, but that's not good enough for me, I want number one, we want to be number one," City Council President Randy Helms said. "We all came together and said, we cannot let this (the parade) fail."

The parade itself was a success, leaving attendees walking away with smiles across their faces. There was a sense of community in the air, with strangers thanking others for their service all down the street.

The Air Force Academy Band and 4th Infantry Division Army Band at Fort Carson led the parade down Tejon Street, performing together. Several high school bands appeared throughout the parade.

Between 600 and 800 ROTC and Junior ROTC cadets came out to march in the parade, drawing lots of cheering and clapping from the sidewalks. The grand marshal for this years parade was the Lt. Gen. David Miller from the U.S. Space Command.

One organization marching in the parade special to O'Donnell was the Canadian contingent from NORAD, which had a little over 100 members showing up Saturday, handing out Canadian flags.

"They are our North American partners in NORAD, and I think it's time the community could see (that.) I'm very pleased with them participating, and I hope everybody cheered them on," O'Donnell said.

Many thanks were given to the O'Donnell's Saturday, from city officials to residents on the street. The past five weeks may have been exhausting; O'Donnell is glad to have helped the community in a time of need.
Many people have heard the term 'Snowball Earth', a theory suggesting Earth was covered nearly or completely in ice and snow 700 million years ago.

Now, geologists have uncovered strong evidence from rocks in Colorado that massive glaciers covered Earth down to the equator and transformed the planet into an icicle floating in space.

The study, led by the University of Colorado Boulder, and its proponents posit that from approximately 720 to 635 million years ago, Earth was a 'Snowball Earth', researchers from CU Boulder said in a release Monday.

According to the study, and for reasons still unclear, a runaway chain of events radically altered the planets climate, including temperatures plummeting and ice sheets forming several miles thick, creeping over every inch of Earths surface.

This study presents the first physical evidence that Snowball Earth reached the heart of continents at the equator, Liam Courtney-Davies, lead author of the new study and a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Geological Sciences at CU Boulder said.

The team will publish its findings this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Co-authors include Rebecca Flowers, professor of geological sciences at CU Boulder, and researchers from Colorado College, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Colorado's connection to the study focuses on the Front Range Mountains, in particular one southern Colorado fourteener, aka, America's Mountain.

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Today, these features poke up from the ground in a few locations along the Front Range, most notably around Pikes Peak.

"On the slopes, a series of rocks nicknamed the Tavakaiv, or Tava, sandstones hold clues to this frigid period in Earths past," Courtney-Davies said.

To the untrained eye, they might seem like ordinary-looking yellow-to-brown rock running in vertical bands less than an inch to many feet wide.

For geologists, these features have an unusual history.

To study the history, the researchers used a dating technique called laser ablation mass spectrometry, which zaps minerals with lasers to release some of the atoms inside. They showed these rocks had been forced underground between about 690 and 660 million years ago  likely from the weight of huge glaciers pressing down above them.

Courtney-Davies said the study will help scientists understand a critical phase in not just the planets geologic history, but also the history of life on Earth. The first multicellular organisms may have emerged in oceans immediately after Snowball Earth thawed.

You have the climate evolving, and you have life evolving with it. All of these things happened during Snowball Earth upheaval, he said. We have to better characterize this entire time period to understand how we and the planet evolved together.

Research isn't done either. If such features formed in Colorado during Snowball Earth, they probably formed in other spots around North America too.

We want to get the word out so that others try and find these features and help us build a more complete picture of Snowball Earth, Courtney-Davies said.
These days, Armenia and Armenians around the world are in mourning. Exactly four years ago, on the night of November 10, 2020, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, was forced to sign a trilateral ceasefire agreement. I remember clearly how national hysteria erupted in Armenia at that time. Pashinyan was hunted by angry crowds of citizens who wanted to hold him accountable for the collapse of the myths they had lived by for more than a quarter of a century.

Pashinyan managed to escape, though his office was looted. During this period, Ararat Mirzoyan, now Armenias Foreign Minister, also came under attack. The protesters refused to accept that Pashinyan had saved many Armenian soldiers by agreeing to surrender. For years, the Armenian public had been told stories about the "invincibility" of Armenian soldiers, allegedly praised by ancient historians like Herodotus and Pliny the Younger.

Meanwhile, protests broke out in Yerevan, with participants accusing the international community of allowing Azerbaijan to liberate most of its temporarily occupied territories. Looking for logic in such reasoning was as futile as searching for a black cat in a dark room. But this is precisely the mindset that dominated Armenian society at the time.

Armenians were also furious at Russia, accusing it of failing to send troops to fight Azerbaijan on Azerbaijani soil. Of course, such an intervention was never going to happen, but explaining that to Armenians was like trying to convince them that two plus two equals four! They preferred to believe that this military-political debacle was the fault of others, not their own.

That was four years ago. And what is happening now? Today, Armenia is experiencing a period of collective soul-searching, with people openly expressing regret and blaming their current government. Many, especially those from the Dashnak Party and the "Karabakh clan," are quick to criticize the government. They claim that official Yerevan is gradually giving in to Azerbaijans demands. This, however, is a manipulative narrative. We have not seen any amendments to the Armenian Constitution, which still includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Moreover, we have not witnessed official Yerevan renouncing the OSCE Minsk Groups involvement in the peace process.

On the contrary, Armenia is actively arming itself, preparing for a new conflict with Azerbaijan. This is why Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a warning to Armenia and its supporters, urging them to halt the militarization of Armenia and pointing out the potential consequences of continuing such a provocative policy.

Aliyevs demand was perfectly reasonable, yet it was met with resentment in Armenia, both from the government and opposition. This brings me to an interesting point Id like to share: recent scientific research has called into question the old adage that a monkey, typing randomly on a keyboard for long enough, would eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare.

Two Australian mathematicians have debunked the "infinite monkey theorem." They showed that even if every chimpanzee in the world were given the entire lifespan of the universe, they "almost certainly" would never produce Shakespeares works. The researchers calculated that if a monkey typed one key per second on a 30-key keyboard (with letters and common punctuation marks), the time it would take to replicate Shakespeare's works would exceed the lifespan of the universe. According to their study, the probability of a monkey randomly typing the word "bananas" in its lifetime is only about 5%.

This research got me thinking about Armenia's collective mindset. I wonder what the probability is that Armenian society will ever begin to realistically assess its situationnot as individuals, but as a nation. In reality, the truth is simple.

Yes, Azerbaijan didnt just defeat the current Armenian government; it defeated the Armenian army, which has been built up since the countrys independence. Azerbaijan triumphed over the global Armenian diaspora, which involved a large network of politicians from the United States, Russia, and France. Many media outlets in these countries were openly anti-Azerbaijani. But in the end, all their efforts amounted to "monkey labor."

Azerbaijan achieved its goals during the 44-day war and later restored its full sovereignty and territorial integrity, culminating in last years one-day anti-terrorist operation in the Karabakh region. This outcome was determined by the strategic vision of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. It is a guarantee that, in the future, Azerbaijan will continue to secure victories over Armenia and the global Armenian lobby, no matter who leads Armeniawhether it is the Prime Minister, the President, or the Defense Minister.
Chinese, Indonesian presidents pledge joint efforts to build community with shared future

Xinhua) 08:00, November 11, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. Xi held talks with Prabowo in Beijing on Saturday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Beijing on Saturday, expressing the readiness to work with the new Indonesian government to continue promoting self-improvement, solidarity and win-win cooperation among major developing countries.

Prabowo is in China for a state visit at the invitation of Xi.

Xi noted that Prabowo visited China in his first overseas trip right after he was elected in March and chose China as the first country to visit after taking office, which speaks volumes about the great importance he attaches to developing relations with China and demonstrates the high level and strategic nature of China-Indonesia relations.

Xi went on to point out that the adherence to strategic autonomy, mutual trust, mutual assistance, win-win cooperation, fairness and justice represents not only a summary of the experience in developing bilateral ties over the past decades, but also an important principle that should be followed for ensuring the sustained and stable development of bilateral relations in the future.

"China is willing to work with the new Indonesian government to build on past achievements, promote building a community with a shared future with regional and global influence, and continue to write a new chapter of seeking self-improvement via solidarity, and boosting coordination and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation among major developing countries," said Xi.

Xi stressed that the two sides should consolidate higher-level strategic mutual trust, increase high-level exchanges and cooperation between governments and legislative bodies and at the sub-national level, strengthen exchanges of governance experience, firmly support each other in exploring modernization paths suited to their national conditions, and firmly support each other in upholding respective core interests and major concerns.

Xi called on the two sides to further improve the layout of strategic cooperation and foster cooperation regarding the "five pillars" of politics, economy, people-to-people and cultural exchange, maritime affairs and security.

Xi urged the two sides to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, continue to operate well the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, advance cooperation on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project, strengthen cooperation in such areas as digital economy, advanced manufacturing and the circular economy, carry out joint maritime development, and continuously deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation.

China is also ready to work with Indonesia to build more projects for the benefit of the people, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in poverty reduction, medicine, grain cultivation and fisheries, provide support for the training of scientific personnel and the development of vocational education in Indonesia, and introduce more facilitation measures to expand personnel exchanges, Xi said.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the next year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, Xi noted, adding that as major developing countries, emerging markets and major members of the Global South, China and Indonesia should jointly champion the Asian values featuring peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration, enrich the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit with the imperatives of the new era, lead countries in the Global South to unite and strengthen themselves, and steer global governance in a fairer and more equitable direction.

China is ready to carry out closer multilateral strategic coordination with Indonesia, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefit all, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Xi said.

Prabowo said that under the complex and volatile international situation, Indonesia hopes to work with China to further strengthen all-round strategic coordination, become closer comprehensive strategic partners, and build a community with a shared future that has regional and global influence.

Indonesia is willing to continue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with China, improve the "five pillars" cooperation framework, and strengthen all-round cooperation throughout the industrial chains in infrastructure, energy minerals, medicine, agriculture, housing, joint maritime development, food security and poverty reduction, he added.

Prabowo said Indonesia unequivocally adheres to the one-China principle, and firmly supports China in its efforts to maintain development and stability in Xinjiang. He also expressed appreciation for China in upholding fairness and justice on the Palestinian question.

Indonesia follows an independent and non-aligned foreign policy, and will not join any military alliance or "exclusive bloc" against a third party, Prabowo said, adding that the country is willing to enhance coordination with China in such multilateral frameworks as the G20, to make positive contributions to safeguarding the common interests of the Global South and promoting a multi-polar world.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as joint development, blue economy, water conservancy and mineral resources.

The two sides issued a joint statement on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and the China-Indonesia community with a shared future.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. Xi held talks with Prabowo, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Saturday. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. Xi held talks with Prabowo, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Saturday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. Xi held talks with Prabowo, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Saturday. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. Xi held talks with Prabowo, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Saturday. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. Xi held talks with Prabowo in Beijing on Saturday. After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple documents on bilateral cooperation. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Rachel Gabel is a longtime agriculture writer and the assistant editor of The Fence Post Magazine.
State Rep. Gabe Evans, left, the Republican challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo in Colorado's tossup 8th Congressional District, are pictured on the campaign trail. The race has come down to the wire, with the candidates trading the lead as county clerks continue to count votes days after the Nov. 5, 2024, election.
A runner circles Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs as 14,115-foot Pikes Peak is covered in snow Monday, March 18, 2024. Four to five feet of snow fell on the mountain over the two-day storm that hit the Colorado Springs area last week. Temperatures returned into the 50s on Monday. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
One of the key national trends to Donald Trump winning a second term as president was chipping away at voter gains made by President Joe Biden in the seven swing states during the 2020 election.

Forsyth and Guilford counties, where urban Democrats typically outvote suburban Republicans, showed slight ballot increases for Trump.

However, Vice President Kamala Harris was unable to build upon Bidens performance in both counties.

That was an eye-opening development considering both counties are Democratic strongholds, along with Durham, Mecklenburg and Wake counties, that are all critical to any Democratic statewide success.

The voting percentages for Trump in both counties were remarkably similar even though he ran against three Democratic opponents.

For Forsyth, Trump received 42.8% vs. Kamala Harris, 42.3% vs. Biden and 42.6% vs. Hillary Clinton.

For Guilford, Trump received 38.3% vs. Harris. 37.7% vs. Biden and 38.1% vs. Clinton.

Yet, that meant Trump received 1,289 more votes in Forsyth and 1,316 more in Guilford.

Even though she won comfortably with 55.6% in Forsyth and just under 60% in Guilford, Harris drew 995 fewer votes than Biden in Forsyth and 3,052 fewer than Biden in Guilford.

Political scientists and analyst said that given how pivotal urban counties are to Democrat statewide candidates, Harris needed to significantly expand her vote totals from Bidens to offset Trumps strength in rural and most suburban counties.

In terms of Harris performance overall in North Carolina, she appears to have suffered some of the same problems that affected her nationally, said John Quinterno, principal with South by North Strategies Ltd., a Chapel Hill research company specializing in economic and social policy.

While she performed well in many of the places she needed to, she didnt perform well enough relative to Joe Biden in 2020, particularly combined with lower voter turnout.

Harris, at 22, won three fewer counties than Biden and two fewer than Clinton.

By comparison: in Durham County, Harris had 2,001 fewer votes than Biden, while Trump gained 48; in Mecklenburg County, Harris had 3,152 fewer votes than Biden, while Trump gained 7,986; in Wake County, Harris had 4,513 more votes than Biden, while Trump gained 8,120.

That pattern of smaller margins for Harris in counties she needed to win, and larger margins for Trump in his areas of strengths, enabled to win North Carolina by a greater margin than he did in 2020, Quinterno said.

New congressional realities

Forsyth and Guilford voters, particularly Democrats, experienced their first doses of reality for the four gerrymandered congressional districts that will be in effect  barring a successful court challenge  through at least the 2030 election.

Before the Republican super-majority gained in 2023 court approval of the 2024 congressional map, all of Guilford and most of Winston-Salem were represented by Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning in the 6th District.

Most of the suburban parts of Forsyth were represented by Rep. Patrick McHenry in the 10th District.

The 2024 map split the counties into four House districts: Forsyth still in the 6th and 10th; and Guilford sharing the 6th, as well as in the 5th and 9th.

With the compactness of the 6th now a memory, it also diminished Forsyth and Guilford Democratic voters ability to have an influential say with their representatives.

Manning said in explaining her decision not to run for re-election that these maps dont acknowledge that the Triad is a region with shared interests, concerns and needs.

The following are the compositions of the four districts:

* 5th: The northwest section and much of urban Greensboro is in the district with Republican incumbent Virginia Foxx that also gained all of Rockingham and Stokes counties in lieu of the Forsyth suburban areas. The district stretches to the Tennessee and Virginia borders.

* 6th: Kernersville, Walkertown and the southern Forsyth border with Davidson and Davie are in the 6th, along with southwest Guilford and High Point, all of Davidson, Davie and Rowan counties and about 20% of Cabarrus.

* 9th: The rest of Guilford, in the shape of a backward C or as Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake, described as a lobster claw, is in the 9th that includes most of the northern, east Greensboro and the vast majority of the southern Guilford portions.

Also in the district is all of solidly Republican Alamance, Hoke, Moore and Randolph counties and about 55% of a purple Chatham County and about 20% of rural northwest Cumberland County.

* 10th: Winston-Salem and western Forsyth is in the 10th District, along with solidly Republican counties Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Yadkin.

Chaudhuri said the map splitting municipalities in urban cities, such as Greensboro and Winston-Salem, weakens those voters voices, particularly with Black voters.

The congressional maps unnecessarily pack the states most urban and most diverse communities, diminishing their voting power even though these are the very same areas where populations have grown, Chaudhuri said.

The district results

As expected, the 6th was won easily by Republican Addison McDowell, who faced Kevin Hayes of the Constitution Party.

In Forsyth, McDowell won by a 68% to 32% margin, along with an overall 69.2%-30.8% margin of victory.

In the 5th, Democrat Chuck Hubbard emerged out of Guilford with a 65.4% to 34.6% margin over Foxx. The 87,619 votes he received represented 54.3% of the 161,302 votes he received in total.

However, Foxx won handily overall by a 59.5% to 40.5% margin even with losing Watauga County by a 54.3% to 45.7% margin.

Foxxs margins of victory in the remaining GOP-leaning counties in the 5th were: Alexander 80.2%-19.8%; Alleghany 76.4-21.6% Ashe 71.8%-28.2%; Caldwell 77%-23%; Rockingham 68.5%-31.5; Stokes 79.8%-20.2%; Surry 77.2%-22.3%; and Wilkes 78.7%-21.3%;

In the 9th, GOP Rep. Richard Hudson defeated Democrat Nigel Bristow by a 56.4%-37.9% margin.

Of the six counties in the district, only Cumberland went for Bristow. Guilford voters backed Hudson by a 54.7% to 41.5% margin.

In the 10th, Republican Pat Harrigan defeated Democrat Ralph Scott by a 57.7% to 38% margin.

Forsyth voters went 57.8%-36.9% for Scott, the only county out of six he won. The 78,880 votes Scott gained in Forsyth were 51.7% of his overall total of 152,401.

Trump, Robinson support

One of Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons main supporters in the last 10 weeks of the governors race was Ken Raymond, chairman of the Forsyth Republican Party.

Robinson lost by a 54.8% to 40.2% margin to Democrat Attorney General Josh Stein in the most lopsided governors race of the 21st century.

In the controversial Sept. 19 CNN report, the cable network indicated that Robinson used the name minisoldr when he wrote that he was a Black Nazi and that he not only supported a return of slavery but that he also wanted to own slaves.

The story also said Robinson wrote that he liked to watch transgender porn. The comments were made on the porn website Nude Africa between 2008 and 2012.

Trump, who once called Robinson Martin Luther King on steroids, chose to ostracize him following the CNN report. Robinson also had endorsements withdrawn by the Republican governors of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

I think a major contributing factor to Mark Robinsons loss is that the North Carolina GOP allowed the media and the Democrats to divide us, Raymond said.

We cannot win statewide elections if were divided, and the accusations against Mark Robinson did just that.

Raymond said that even though Robinson was a MAGA acolyte, Republicans viewed his bombastic and controversial campaign rhetoric different that from Trump.

Both were accused of scandalous and outrageous behavior, Raymond said.

But the RNC and Republicans around the country supported and rallied around Donald Trump. Not all North Carolina Republicans rallied around Mark Robinson.

Meanwhile, Forsyth Democratic chairwoman Jenny Marshall credits Steins victory to showing the people of North Carolina honor, dignity and public service are honorable attributes in our elected leaders.

Where I was on the other hand, Mark Robinson came across self-centered and self important.

I dont think Robinsons race impacted the other Council of State races. They had issues all of their own.

The separation over the final 10 weeks of Robinson from the Trump and fellow Council of State candidates showcased that voters have viewed his troubles as exclusively of his own making, as opposed to being a referendum on the rest of the Republican ticket, said Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi, an economics professor at Winston-Salem State University.

Swing state sweep

Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll and a university professor, cautioned about a week before Election Day that just because most polls show the swing states as tight doesnt mean there couldnt be an Electoral College victory similar to Bidens 306 to 232 margin in 2020.

Trump will have a 312-226 victory over Harris once he is declared the winner in Arizona.

It would not be surprising to see most of the swing states break in the same direction, Husser said on Oct. 27.

Though the margin of victory could be 2% or less in each state, the final Electoral College results not be close at all. Either Trump or Harris could win the lions share of those undecided voters and end up with a 3% to 5% win.

With Arizona (Trump up 5.9%) still undeclared as of Friday morning, Trump won the other swing states of Georgia (5.3 percentage point win), Michigan (1.5%), Nevada (3.5%); North Carolina (3.4%), Pennsylvania (2%) and Wisconsin (0.8%).

On Friday, Husser said the data I was seeing made me expect Trump to win at least five of the seven swing states, enough for Trump to win the White House.

In terms of polling, Husser said the difficulty in reaching Republican-leaning voters, particularly men, would lead polls to underestimate Trump by 1% to 3%.

That level of error is acceptable in terms of polling accuracy.

But a 2% extra break for either side had high potential to make a very close election seem not close at all when counting Electoral College votes.

Husser said Republicans did very well in early voting in North Carolina relative to Democrats.

Trumps polling numbers in the swing states were better than they had been in 2016 or 2020. He had a slight lead in the polling averages in the majority of the swing states.

Other factors shifting the election in Trumps direction was most voters thought the country was on the wrong track, Husser said.

The economy continued to be the top issue on a large portion of voters minds, and Trump was leading Harris on economy voters.

Husser said early voting also indicated that voter turnout would not be depressed in the Republican-leading Hurricane Helene disaster region.
1. Wallis and Futuna: France's Remote Pacific Outpost

" " Wallis and Futuna. benjamin brial / Shutterstock

Our journey takes us next to the French overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna, a group of volcanic islands in the South Pacific.

Though it may not be a sovereign country, it is an important part of France's global footprint. The name comes from the two main islands in the archipelago: Wallis Island and Futuna Island.

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These islands were originally settled by Polynesians over a thousand years ago, but they became a French protectorate in the 19th century. Wallis and Futuna are small and remote, influenced by their Polynesian roots and French governance.

While the islands aren't often in the global spotlight, they are a fascinating example of how colonial history has shaped modern identities.

2. Western Sahara: A Land in Limbo

" " Western Sahara. Kypros / Getty Images

Moving south to North Africa, we find Western Sahara, a disputed territory with a complicated past. Officially, it's known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, but not all countries recognize it as a sovereign state.

The name "Western Sahara" is fairly straightforward, describing its geographical location on the western edge of the Sahara Desert. But this disputed territory located between Morocco and Mauritania has been at the center of a long-standing conflict.

The area has a rich history dating back to ancient times, and its modern political situation became even more complex following Spain's decolonization of the region in 1975.

Today, Morocco claims Western Sahara, but the Indigenous Sahrawi people, represented by the Polisario Front, seek independence. Despite this ongoing dispute, Western Sahara has its own government-in-exile and maintains control over certain parts of the region.

It's a place where history, politics and culture collide in a fascinating but contentious way.

3. Western Ukraine: A Region with a Complicated History

" " Western Ukraine. Anna Om / Shutterstock

While not a country, Western Ukraine is a region worth mentioning. Its culture and history are deeply influenced by its geographical position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Throughout history, Western Ukraine has been part of various empires, including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Soviet Union.

It's a place where history runs deep; today, Western Ukraine is an integral part of modern Ukraine, with cities like Lviv standing as cultural hubs for the country.
The peak national body representing Australias mobile telecommunications industry, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has welcomed the release of draft reforms to the Commonwealth telecommunications powers and immunities framework for a period of community consultation.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (the LIFD) and the Telecommunications Code of Practice 2021 (the Code).

AMTA says that if enacted, these revisions will improve the performance and accelerate the deployment of the latest mobile and fixed line telecommunications network infrastructure.

If enacted the proposed reforms include:

Increasing dimensions of solar panel arrays from 12.5m2 to 50m2, thereby improving the resiliency and energy consumption of telecommunications facilities, particularly in regional areas.

from 12.5m2 to 50m2, thereby improving the resiliency and energy consumption of telecommunications facilities, particularly in regional areas. Promotion of co-location and tower sharing with an increase of co-location volume from 25% to 50% as a low-impact facility in residential and township areas.

with an increase of co-location volume from 25% to 50% as a low-impact facility in residential and township areas. Bridging a gap in powers and immunities with inclusion of cabling and conduit on bridges as a low impact facility; and,

as a low impact facility; and, Increasing satellite dish sizes from a maximum of 1.8m to 2.4m in diameter in Rural and Industrial areas, and from 1.2m to 1.8m in diameter in commercial and residential areas.

AMTA notes that throughout 2023 and 2024, it has actively advocated for the needs of its members that implement national mobile and fixed infrastructure, making submissions and representations to the Minister and Department on the need for these reforms - and also made the case for reform during the ACCCs Regional Mobile Infrastructure Inquiry and the House of Representatives Inquiry into co-investment in multi-carrier regional mobile infrastructure.

AMTA fully supports the proposed revisions. The changes will enable the carriers to undertake these activities with immunity from some State and Territory legislation, including council planning regulations," AMTA CEO, Louise Hyland, said.

AMTA, on behalf of the Australian mobile telecommunications industry, welcomes these necessary reforms. If implemented, the changes will encourage network investment so that mobile telecommunications networks, national fixed line networks and subscriber connections can continue to meet the needs of modern Australia.

These seemingly modest changes will be transformative, enabling mobile telecommunications companies to respond to consumer demand more effectively by installing telecommunications facilities to augment existing networks, and expediting the transition towards standalone 5th generation technology, Hyland concluded.
COMPANY NEWS: Logicalis, a leading global digital managed services provider, has become the first global Cisco partner to launch Cisco Extended Detection and Response (XDR) as a Managed Service (MXDR).

This global service forms part of the recently launched Intelligent Security portfolio and increases Logicalis' proactive threat-hunting capabilities worldwide. It provides advanced visibility into cyberattack chains, AI-driven automation, and global threat intelligence data.

In addition to the global threat-hunting scale offered by Cisco MXDR, Logicalis is also one of a small group of Microsoft partners to have achieved verified Global MXDR Partner status.

Logicalis' MXDR services are managed through its global network of Security Operations Centres (SOCs). Armed with the most up-to-date global threat intelligence, they ensure rapid detection, analysis, and response across a customer's digital fabric 24/7.

The global launch of Cisco MXDR follows Logicalis' most significant security investment to date, including a 30% increase in talent at its EMEA SOC to support the growing demand for managed security services. In collaboration with Cisco and educational institutions in Lisbon, Logicalis runs a Cybersecurity Academy to grow and nurture talent in-house.

Commenting on the launch, Toby Alock, CTO, Logicalis, says: "We're extremely proud to be the first partner offering Cisco MXDR globally as part of the expansion in our managed security services. As security threats escalate against a backdrop of the global skills shortage, we focus on removing both these headaches from our customers. Through our SOC, they can leverage industry-leading expertise and solutions tailored to their digital environment through one unified platform.

Our commitment to developing our partnerships and ongoing investment ensures our customers have access to unparalleled security solutions wherever and whenever needed, building their defences against bad actors."

We are very excited about the value Cisco and Logicalis are able to bring to our shared customers with their new MXDR offer, said Andrew Sage, Vice President,

Global Partners and Distribution Sales, Cisco. With Cisco XDR built into Logicalis global service, we are able to provide our mutual customers with an improved ability to quickly and effectively identify and respond to security threats.

Joao Martins, CEO of Logicalis Portugal, highlighted the importance of choosing Portugal to host the EMEA SOC: "The implementation of the EMEA SOC in Portugal is a recognition of the excellence of our local operations and the quality of our resources. This strategic investment positions us at the forefront of addressing growing cybersecurity needs. With our Global CIO Report 2024 revealing that 83% of CIOs faced cyberattacks in the past year, Logicalis' Security services are crucial in helping our clients tackle cyber threats with confidence."

About Logicalis

We are Architects of Change. We help organisations succeed in a digital-first world. At Logicalis, we harness our collective technology expertise to help our clients build a blueprint for success, so they can deliver sustainable outcomes that matter.

Our lifecycle services across cloud, connectivity, collaboration and security are designed to help optimise operations, reduce risk and empower employees.

As a global technology service provider, we deliver next-generation digital managed services, to provide our clients with real-time visibility and actionable insights across the performance of their digital ecosystem including reliability, user experience, security, economic performance and sustainability.

Our 7000+ Architects of Change are based in 30 territories around the globe, helping our 10,000+ clients across a range of industry sectors, create sustainable outcomes through technology.

Logicalis has annualised revenues of $1.8 billion, from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa. It is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with revenues of over $5.5 billion.
The Pearcey Foundation today announced Michael J. Biercuk, CEO and founder of Q-CTRL, as the recipient of the 2024 NSW Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award was presented at an event in Sydney last night by Mark Englund, the 2022 NSW award recipient.

Professor Michael J. Biercuk is a global science and technology innovator building the greenfield quantum technology industry. He founded Q-CTRL in 2017, now a global business leading the development of quantum infrastructure software, delivering unique technology to accelerate the pathway to the world's first useful quantum computers. Q-CTRL now has 130 employees globally, secured $168 million in funding and is surpassing benchmarks for practical quantum applications.

LEFT : Michael J. Biercuk, CEO and founder of Q-CTRL

Michael was first nominated for this award in 2021, so we are delighted to see his upward trajectory continuing three years later, said Benjamin Chong, partner at Right Click Capital and chair of the NSW Pearcey judging committee.

He took a risk in founding Q-CTRL, a risky venture in a nascent industry. Michael is also an inspiration to his peers as an advocate for Australias role in the quantum field and through his educational efforts to make quantum computing accessible to everyone through Q-CTRLs Black Opal interactive online learning platform.

The Pearcey NSW Entrepreneur Award is presented to an outstanding individual who has "taken a risk, made a difference and is an inspiration to others" in the NSW ICT industry. The process draws on nominations from the public and the Pearcey Foundation network. Selection is made in consultation with past award recipients to ensure the continued integrity and quality of this peer-based recognition.

About Michael J. Biercuk

Michael J. Biercuk, CEO and founder of Q-CTRL, is one of the worlds leading experts in quantum technology. Michael serves as professor of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technology at the University of Sydney. In 2017, he founded Q-CTRL based on research he led at the universitys Quantum Control Lab.

Q-CTRL is dedicated to helping researchers realise the true potential of quantum hardware, from quantum sensing to quantum computing. In quantum computing, the Q-CTRL team is known for its efforts in reducing hardware errors caused by environmental noise. Computational errors are considered a major obstacle in the development of useful quantum computers and sought-after breakthroughs in science and industry.

Q-CTRL is funded by some of the worlds leading venture capital firms, including Silicon Valley-based Sierra Ventures and Sequoia Capital, SquarePeg Capital, Data Collective, Horizons Ventures, and Main Sequence Ventures. The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has opened global offices in the U.S., Germany and the U.K.

Michael completed his masters degree and Ph.D. in physics at Harvard University and his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he held a research fellowship in the Ion Storage Group at NIST Boulder and later served as a technical consultant to DARPA, the premier research funding agency in the U.S., helping steer government investments in quantum information and next-generation computer architectures.

Michael speaks with clarity and authority about science and technology and is adept at making physics accessible to a lay audience. He is a regular contributor to both the technical literature and popular media and is a TEDxSydney and SXSW speaking alumnus.

Michael is also an avid collector of mechanical watches, and has spoken at events including Dubai Watch Week and TEDxSydney on the links between high horology and the most advanced research in quantum technology.

As the NSW Pearcey Award recipient, Michael will represent the territory in the Pearcey National Awards to be held on 19 November 2024 in Brisbane.

For more information about previous NSW Pearcey Entrepreneur Award recipients, go to https://www.pearcey.org.au/awards/state/nsw.

Other State Awards

ACT Awards: Ian Croser and David Gaul, founders of CEA Technologies, were the recipients of the 2024 ACT Chief Minister's Pearcey Award. More details on PRWire here.

Queensland Awards: the 2024 Pearcey Awards Gala Dinner will be hosted in Brisbane on 19 November 2024. The event will present the Qld ICT Entrepreneur Award, National Entrepreneur Award, Hall of Fame and Pearcey Medal, and celebrate the 75th anniversary of CSIRAC. More event details at https://www.pearcey.org.au/awards/state/qld.

South Australian Awards: nominations can be submitted at https://www.pearcey.org.au/awards/nominations/state-nomination-form.

Tasmanian Awards: nominations can be submitted at https://www.pearcey.org.au/awards/nominations/state-nomination-form.

Victorian Awards: the award was presented to Chris Piastri, co-founder and CTO of HP Tuners. More details on PRWire here.

Western Australian Awards: Peter van der Made, founder of BrainChip, was the recipient of the 2024 Western Australian Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award was presented as part of the 33rd annual WAITTA INCITE Awards, Western Australias longest running Tech Awards program. More details on PRWire here.
GUEST OPINION: Throughout 2024, some of Australias biggest companies have been in the spotlight due to anti-competitive behaviour. Coles and Woolworths were called out for a sneaky pricing strategy. And in the aviation industry, Qantas is being urged to sell Jetstar in order to create a fairer and more accessible aviation industry.

If you dig a little deeper, its clear that Australias business landscape is dominated by a handful of powerful players across major industries. Its not just supermarkets and aviation, its banking, telco and shipping, too. The monopolies in our ecosystem are resulting in market inefficiencies, which leaves everyday Australians to bear the brunt of higher prices, fewer choices, and lower service quality.

So, how can we create a more competitive landscape? It starts with addressing monopolies and ends with open access.

Big businesses should pave the way for greater competition

Monopolies dont just happen overnight. When large corporations control market entry and essential infrastructure, it limits opportunities for smaller players, particularly in regional areas. Oftentimes, these areas are already at a disadvantage due to their non-metro location while being dealt higher prices due to limited access.

In the logistics industry, Australia Post is abusing its market dominance in rural and regional Australia to protect its 95% market share in these locations. It's no surprise that Lateral Economics found the open access concept could result in a total net benefit of $1.5 billion over the 10-year study period. Meaning, Australia Post should strongly consider opening up its network as alongside consumers, LPOs and other carriers, its profits would also benefit from the scheme.

Already this year, communities like St Kilda, Campsie, Kew, Lambton and Rockdale have been affected by Australia Posts decision to shut shop on some of their branches. This move not only cut postal services for consumers but left local businesses without critical infrastructure to conduct their business, such as sending parcels. For this reason, opening up key infrastructure, like Australia Posts network, to private enterprises (such as smaller, independent couriers) will create a fairer business ecosystem, giving these businesses greater access to the services they need to thrive.

No innovation, no competition

Competition and innovation go hand-in-hand. When industries embrace new ideas, they not only drive business growth but also consumer benefits. Take the National Broadband Network (NBN) as an example. By opening its infrastructure to multiple providers within the same industry, the government initiated a chain of events leading to improved telco services and accessibility across the country. While the NBN isn't free from criticism, other industries  especially those operating in regional areas  can still use it as a great example to learn about the power of open access.

Australias shipping industry is yet to experience the innovation and benefits that come with open access. With 84% of SMBs saying more competition and access to affordable shippers are key to growth, overcoming Australia Posts invisible monopoly will unlock legacy networks while modernising its operations through new technology.

The path forward

Transforming the cycle of functional monopolies in Australia necessitates a cultural shift in our approach to regulating and engaging with large corporations.

As we've seen with the NBN, open access can spark innovation and ultimately better competition and services. If Australian monopolies and duopolies do the same, it will boost competition, give people more options, and improve access across the economy. This is particularly true for regional-based SMBs that are already at the receiving end of this.

Instead of being a government-sponsored competitor driving up prices while independent community post offices go broke, we believe Australia Post could become a foundation for an entirely new ecosystem for delivery services, similar to what we see in other advanced nations. Australia could follow the path of the USPS in America who already implement workshare arrangements in the best interest of the nation. Not only would it bring prices down for all, but it would bring more business to struggling regional and remote post offices and their communities.
Nearly 40 per cent of 16-18-year-olds are accessing artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, according to a new report from world-leading online safety company Qustodio.

The report, titled Apps through the Ages, is based on anonymous app and online tool usage from 19,000 Australian families with children aged between 7-18. The new research reveals how children are interacting with apps over time.

Because the ChatGPT app was not released until mid-2023, the report focused exclusively on uptake of the OpenAI website, investigating how many children accessed the chatbot across its landmark year to gauge how popular artificial intelligence really is among young Australians.

It found that almost 2 in 5 (39 per cent) of 1618-year-olds are already using ChatGPT, with 30 per cent of 1315-year-olds also using the OpenAI tool. The report also shows that a small number of younger children are starting to experiment with OpenAI, with 16 per cent of 10-12-year-olds accessing the platform, and five per cent of 7-9-year-olds.

Although younger children are starting to dabble in the technology, once they enter their teenage years they increasingly become aware of the tool and more begin to use it, said Yasmin London, global online safety expert for Qustodio by Qoria. At this age, teens are more likely to interact with the technology frequently, using it for tasks rather than simple experimentation like younger users.

This is despite the terms and condition of OpenAI all but restricting access to its tools and services.

Parents may not realise that there are age restrictions for OpenAI. Children under 13 arent allowed, and those aged 13-17 are only meant to be able to access them with parental consent, said London. Yet without measures to enforce these restrictions, young users are accessing these AI tools freely, often without their parent's awareness, or the risks and the requirements in place to protect them.

Regardless, in coming years, Open AI platforms will only become more popular with youth as tools like ChatGPT and other AI-capable platforms become more accessible.

The education sector now has the difficult task of teaching children how to use AI respectfully and safely, while also ensuring young people are protected from the many security and privacy concerns that come with artificial intelligence, said London. AI can be a very valuable resource in the educational environment when implemented positively and with limits. It is essential to prepare students for the current and future digital world, helping them understand the benefits and risks of AI.

Qustodio experts offer a series of tips to ensure a positive relationship between this technology and educational outcomes:

Establish clear boundaries and limits , both in educational and family environments.

, both in educational and family environments. Develop critical thinking and monitor for over-reliance. The focus should be on technology as a support tool for young people, rather than the immediate go-to source of information.

The focus should be on technology as a support tool for young people, rather than the immediate go-to source of information. Support safe exploration and creativity : AI can be a catalyst for innovative ideas through the creation of photos or videos that can help students see things differently.

: AI can be a catalyst for innovative ideas through the creation of photos or videos that can help students see things differently. Privacy and protection : it is important that AI tools ensure the safety of students, with established preventative measures to protect the personal information of minors. To do this, it is necessary to learn about how these tools collect, store, and use data.

: it is important that AI tools ensure the safety of students, with established preventative measures to protect the personal information of minors. To do this, it is necessary to learn about how these tools collect, store, and use data. Digital responsibility: consistent education and updates to policies are essential for schools now to promote safe and responsible use of these tools, ensuring they avoid negative or harmful consequences such as cyberbullying, identity theft, fraud, or misinformation.

Educators, parents and even children often worry that tools like this encourage cheating on exams, shortcuts to creativity and can be used maliciously resulting in outcomes like deepfakes and bullying, but the reality is that teens will soon be graduating into a workforce where AI skills will be required, not simply preferred, said London. Parents and educators must find ways to help young people navigate and build their capability with this new technology as they graduate into the workforce because its here and its not going anywhere.

Report Methodology

To reveal app habits and use of AI on mobile and desktop devices of Australian kids, Qustodio by Qoria conducted research from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The report ranks applications in terms of popularity (percentage of users) and time spent (average minutes per day) throughout the year, while AI tools are ranked in terms of popularity only (percentage of users accessing) during the same period.

To learn more about the report and findings, please download the full Apps Through The Ages report here: LINK

About Qustodio

Qustodio is the world leader in online safety and digital wellbeing for families. Since 2012, we have provided a cross-platform solution for families and schools, helping over 6 million families protect children from online harm, while promoting healthy digital habits and awareness. Available in over 180 countries in 8 languages, our digital wellbeing tools help families and schools live and navigate smarter in an increasingly connected world. In 2022, Qustodio became part of the Qoria group, protecting every child's digital journey through a world-class collaboration between schools, parents, and educators in cyber safety.
A Nebraska Supreme Court decision last month in a Box Butte County case will result in a change at the Lancaster County jail in how consecutive jail terms are calculated, resulting in nearly two dozen people here serving more time in jail before their releases.

In a split decision, a majority of the Supreme Court affirmed a Box Butte County District Judge's decision finding that county jail good time credit, which excludes the first 15 days, applies to each sentence imposing confinement.

In other words, an inmate who is sentenced to a year in jail on each of three misdemeanor convictions would have to serve 45 days in jail before beginning to earn credit for good time, which cuts the rest of the sentence in half.

That's not how the Lancaster County Department of Corrections had been doing it as of Oct. 31, when the decision came out.

Instead, the jail on the western edge of Lincoln considered three terms together to be one sentence, meaning after 15 days  not 45  the inmate would be getting day-for-day credit for the rest of his or her term.

The Supreme Court in Samuel Mullins' case said the appeal presented one legal issue: "Where an individual is sentenced to consecutive terms in a county jail, arising from separate sentences in separate cases, does the first 15-day period specified in the county jail good time statute apply only at the commencement of the first sentence or at the commencement of each sentence?"

The majority found that the statute applies separately to each sentence to the county jail. And it affirmed Box Butte District Judge Derek Weimer's judgment finding that the jail was right.

Mullins  who had been sentenced to two terms of 30 days  would have to serve 30 days total before earning credit for good time.

He had filed a complaint asking the judge to review the jail's decision.

"Mullins contended that for any continuous period of county jail confinement, only one first-15-day period should be excluded from earning credit for good time," according to the decision.

His attorney, Bell Island, asserted that the proper calculation was to subtract the 15 days from the aggregate sentence of 60 days.

The jail's calculation meant Mullins had to serve eight more days in jail.

Mullins' appeal got the attention of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, which submitted a friend of the court brief weighing in on the issue.

Attorney Spike Eickholt argued the statute doesn't specify that a term of confinement is limited to an individual case, or an individual count.

"It refers simply to confinement, which in its ordinary meaning means the duration or time in which a person is in the custody of a jail," he wrote in the brief.

Eickholt said a sentence is determined by the court as punishment for a crime, but good time is determined by jail officials as a reward for good behavior.

The majority rejected the idea, saying they were persuaded that the Legislature intended county jail good time to differ from state prison good time, which doesn't have a first-15-day exclusion.

On his last day in the position before retiring, Chief Justice Mike Heavican offered a dissent, joined by Justice Stephanie Stacy.

"If significant work must be done to discover whether a statute is unambiguous, that statute is probably ambiguous," he wrote, calling the majority's attempt to conclude otherwise "Sisyphean."

Heavican said that because the statute could be interpreted to apply to a person's aggregate sentence, ambiguity should be resolved in the defendant's favor.

Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Chris Turner said the court's holding would "necessitate a modification of the calculation of good time credit" for some inmates serving sentences at the Lancaster County Department of Corrections.

"Our office will continue to review and advise Corrections on the full implications of (the) decision by the court," Turner told the Journal Star last week.

In the week that passed since the decision, the jail completed an audit to review the jail credits of those serving sentences at the jail as of Oct. 31.

On Friday, Brad Johnson, the director of the county jail in Lincoln, said after going through all the individuals within their facility, they found 23 people who are going to have their release dates changed, adding a collective 304 days more jail time.

Individually, he said, the smallest change was six days, and the largest was 32.

Johnson said he would be writing letters to those folks to explain about the change in release dates, which followed the Supreme Court decision, and to let them know they can contact their attorneys with questions.

If they're frustrated, he said he understands, he would be, too.

Johnson said they made an opinion and clarified the issue, "and we're going to have to comply."

"It is what it is," he said.

Johnson said he hasn't yet talked with jail administrators across Nebraska about the decision, but he thinks they have been busy with similar audits. He thinks most calculated good-time credit on consecutive sentences the same way the Lancaster County Department of Corrections did up until Oct. 31.

Asked about the decision, which will mean some people who her office represented will have to serve more time in jail, Lancaster County Public Defender Kristi Egger respectfully expressed frustration with the majority's "verbal gymnastics."

She said the majority's refusal to look to legislative materials, like committee reports and floor debates, "does a disservice to all the legislative effort that went into trying to equalize the amount of credit to be given at county jails."

"At a time when the jails are full and the cost of housing people in custody is higher and higher, and when it is obvious that the Legislature was trying to do something to give appropriate credit where credit was due by changing the good time statute, the majority opinion in Mullins misses the mark," Egger told the Journal Star.
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Join us for a conversation with Fazlur Rahman, a hematology-oncology physician and author of Our Connected Lives. In this episode, we explore how Fazlurs journey from physician to patient transformed his understanding of empathy. He reflects on the importance of personal connection in medicine, the impact of a lack of empathy on both doctors and patients, and the need for medical education to include the humanities to foster compassionate care. This episode dives deep into the role empathy plays in improving patient outcomes and doctor-patient relationships.

Fazlur Rahman is a hematology-oncology physician and author of Our Connected Lives.

He discusses the KevinMD article, From doctor to patient: a life-changing lesson in empathy.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome Fazlur Rahman. Hes a hematology oncology physician. His KevinMD article is an excerpt from his book Our Connected Lives. The excerpt is titled From Doctor to Patient: A Life Changing Lesson in Empathy. Fazlur, welcome to the show.

Fazlur Rahman: Thank you. Thank you for having me, Kevin.

Kevin Pho: So, before we talk about your book and article, just briefly share your story and journey.

Fazlur Rahman: Well, I was born in what is now Bangladesh, and, you know, I had all kinds of trouble, like so many other people at the time. I was trained in Dhaka, and then I came to New York 55 years ago as a young man and trained at Long Island Jewish Hospital and Queens General Hospital.

Thats where I did my internship. We did internships in those days, internship and junior residency. After that, I came to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where I completed my senior residency and fellowship. After the fellowship, I had to decide what to do in my life. Due to circumstances, I wanted to be in academics, so I came to West Texas. You could say it was either a choice or acquired fate, and it worked out well with the help of my wife, R.I.A.R.A.

Over the years, I practiced cancer medicine, hematology, and oncology for 35 years. In between, I wrote my views on what I saw as a physician and what I observed about medical ethics, bedside medicine, IVF, CPR, and some of the most significant papers in the world. These include The Guardian Weekly, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, and Newsweek, among others. I also wrote personal essays, like those in the Harvard Review.

These writings were to express my own feelings and what I learned from my patients, along with my experiences. All these things were done in between my practice. I wrote two books; this is the second one. The first one, The Temple Road: A Doctors Journey, is about my growing up. The second one is about the stories of my patients, what I learned from them, how they dealt with me, and how I dealt with them. Each patient in the book makes a point. That summarizes my life.

Kevin Pho: Your latest book is titled Our Connected Lives, and you shared an excerpt from it titled From Doctor to Patient: A Life Changing Lesson in Empathy. For those who havent read your excerpt, can you tell us what this particular story is about?

Fazlur Rahman: The story is about how, as an internist, you understand taking care of patients. One thing I like about your podcast is that many policy makers are not as patient-oriented but more business-oriented. You understand this.

After practicing for 35 years, I had a hiking accident and fractured my right ankle badly, requiring detailed surgery. I recall a paraphrased quote by Susan Sontag: when you are born, you are born with two citizenshipsthe citizenship of the well and the citizenship of the sick. Suddenly, I shifted from the citizenship of the well to that of the sick.

I thought I knew quite a bit about empathy after practicing for so many years and reading about it, but I did not fully understand it until I became a patient. I didnt comprehend the depth of ithow essential it is to understand a patients anguish, difficulties, and inner struggles. That was the basis for writing the article, which is a chapter of my book titled Empathy Matters in Medicine.

Kevin Pho: You mentioned that when you became a patient and had to undergo a procedure to fix your ankle, you were surprised by how important empathy was, even though you are a cancer physician yourself. What exactly surprised you?

Fazlur Rahman: The point is that science is the basis of medicine, but science alone cannot solve everything. You cant feel a persons anguish or their difficulties through science alone. The surgeon who treated me saw me as a technical challenge, which he successfully addressed. But is that enough? Thats the point.

It felt impersonal, as though I was just a case of a fractured ankle and not a person with a fracture. That realization probably prompted me to write this piece. It was surprising that, while he addressed the technical aspects of my care, there was a disconnect in recognizing the human being attached to that ankle.

Kevin Pho: What would you have liked to see from a patients standpoint? In an ideal world, what would you have liked from your orthopedic surgeon?

Fazlur Rahman: I would have liked the doctor to touch me, to touch my ankle, and to engage with me and listen to my concerns in detail. Even after surgery, a little more detailed follow-up would have been appreciated. I understand that no one has an endless amount of time; I was a busy physician too. But listening doesnt take a lot of time. I would have liked him to spend a bit more time listening to my concerns.

The word empathy is often used now, but Ive been writing about it for a long time, even before it became so prominent. I tell medical students and residents to read Ward No. 6, one of the best short stories Ive encountered, about a doctor who becomes a patient in the same hospital ward and realizes how insensitive he was to his patients.

Fazlur Rahman: In Ward No. 6, the doctor, who was initially insensitive to his patients, ends up being treated the same way when he becomes a patient. While hes on his deathbed, he reflects on how he ignored the needs of his patients for 20 years and wonders why he didnt realize it sooner. It might sound philosophical, but the essence is this: taking time and showing genuine interest in the person, not just the disease, is crucial.

Kevin Pho: Why do you think doctors today are less empathetic compared to before? Youve practiced for decades. Do you feel its more challenging for doctors now to show empathy to their patients?

Fazlur Rahman: Yes, absolutely. Im retired now, but I can share my perspective. Back in our time, bedside medicine was very important. Today, while technology has improved patient care and quality of life, surveys still show that patients feel dissatisfied. About 70 percent of patients indicate that doctors dont show personal touch as much anymore.

This change is partly our fault as doctors. We accepted every new demand placed on us without pushing back. During my time, hospital or clinic administrators worked with physicians for the sake of patient care. Now, many of my younger colleagues and friends face a different reality. Administrators run the show, setting quotas for the number of patients that must be seen and measuring productivity. These metrics can be manipulated to appear as if quality care is provided when it isnt necessarily so.

Administrators push for high production and incentives. One of your recent guests talked about rewarding doctors who save money while delivering good care. While that idea has merit, its more complicated in practice because quality care criteria can be misrepresented to fit a particular narrative. The health care system has become very bureaucratic and administration-heavy, whether for-profit or nonprofit.

There was an article in The New York Times last year about a large hospital chain where the CEO was making a 1.2 million dollar salary while patients appointments and treatments were being cut due to outstanding bills. The profit motive has become a big issue, and its challenging to maintain a balance. Health care isnt like Walmart; while some profit is necessary for growth and sustainability, excessive profit can be harmful. That excess profit motive has caused many of these issues.

Kevin Pho: You wrote in your excerpt that including humanities in medical education can nurture empathy. Can you elaborate on how the humanities can foster compassionate care?

Fazlur Rahman: Absolutely. While science is vitalyou need CAT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and now AIscience alone wont make you understand the patients emotional struggles. Humanities provide a different perspective. Reading stories like Ward No. 6 or poems like Raymond Carvers What the Doctor Said can be eye-opening.

The humanities can make you realize that you, too, could be in the patients position. Arts, literature, and even visual arts can reveal what science cannot. With the current demands in medical school focusing on science, the inclusion of medical humanities is even more crucial. I worry that as technology and AI continue to advance, we may lose that human connection in medicine. Humanities can help maintain that connection.

One medical school I advise, the University of Texas at San Antonio Medical School, incorporates medical humanities effectively. Many medical schools are now including these aspects, but it should be more integral to the curriculum.

Kevin Pho: With the advent of technology, AI, and time constraints, how can doctors maintain empathy amid all these pressures? What are specific ways they can sustain empathetic care in todays world?

Fazlur Rahman: Thats an excellent question, and there isnt a simple answer. To start, we need legislative changes that address systemic issues in medicine. This can help provide doctors with more time to spend with their patients. Hospital administrators and policy makers need to understand that while this might sound idealistic, its essential for better patient care.

Medicine is still a noble profession where you can make a decent living while helping people. Few careers allow you to do this consistently. However, young medical students who enter the field are influenced by the hospital culture that prioritizes profits and productivity, which can shift their mindset.

Selecting the right kind of medical students who enter the field not just for prestige or money, but out of genuine care, is vital. Medicine, to me, was always a calling, not just a profession. I mention this in my book, Our Connected Lives, which details caring for cancer patients in rural Texas. Even though the patients were in rural areas, their suffering was the same as anyone elses, only differing in the support they had.

Administrators and legislators need to rethink their approach, not solely relying on policies but also changing the mindset of the entire health care system. Training also plays an essential role. Good mentors and teachers can significantly impact medical students and residents. My mentor at Dhaka Medical College, Professor S. M. Bob, exemplified this. He believed that healing starts with a reassuring presence at the patients bedside and genuine empathy. While I didnt always succeed in embodying this, its crucial for teachers to instill this mindset in future doctors.

Kevin Pho: You mentioned that you wrote for the Houston Chronicle addressing some of these issues years ago. Can you tell us more about that?

Fazlur Rahman: Yes, I wrote articles about these systemic issues, including one for the Houston Chronicle when the ACA debate was prominent. Ive always believed that we need to train doctors properly, integrate the humanities, and reevaluate policies to ensure we prioritize patient care.

Fazlur Rahman: Training doctors with the right mindset is crucial. Including humanities in medical education, as I mentioned earlier, helps bridge the gap between medical science and the human experience. We need to remember that technology, AI, and bureaucracy should serve one purpose only: patient care. If we lose sight of that, we risk becoming disconnected from the very people we aim to help.

Kevin Pho: Were talking to Fazlur Rahman, a hematology oncology physician and author of Our Connected Lives. Were discussing an excerpt titled From Doctor to Patient: A Life Changing Lesson in Empathy. Fazlur, lets end with some take-home messages for the KevinMD audience.

Fazlur Rahman: Thank you, Kevin. My take-home message for doctors, especially new ones and medical students, is to remember why you entered this profession. I encourage them to read Ward No. 6 and Raymond Carvers poem What the Doctor Said to gain a deeper understanding of patients experiences. Always remember that all the technology, AI, and advancements we have are tools meant to serve patient care.

If youre a patient, especially a cancer patient, try to go to your doctors appointment with your most pressing concerns written downthree key questions, for example. This helps focus the conversation, especially since doctors often have limited time. And for caregivers, please remember to take care of yourselves. You cant help your loved ones effectively if youre not well yourself.

Lastly, doctors should learn about end-of-life care. With the 85-plus age group being the fastest-growing demographic, we will increasingly need to understand and address end-of-life issues compassionately.

Kevin Pho: Fazlur, thank you so much for sharing your insight and perspective. Thanks again for coming on the show.

Fazlur Rahman: Thank you, Kevin. It was a pleasure.
Sometimes in life, we experience feelings of desperation, uncertainty, confusion, or curiosity.

I was desperate and wanted to explore my options regarding employment after completing two fellowships, one in oncology and the second one in palliative care.

I dont have many opportunities in my city due to the limited number of oncology centers. So I started considering other centers, especially in the surrounding cities.

I was thinking about the nearest city, which is just a two-hour drive from my city. That city has very few oncology facilities, but I have been considering two to three hospitals there.

There is a slight difference in the cultures of the two cities. But both of them are still in the same country, so why should I get worried?

I have friends there. I had no issues with accommodation, so I prepared my documents and arrived. The environment is different, and the people are too, but its a second home to me. I love so much about that area and those people.

I have several friends in that area, including one who has been with me since first grade. We are very close, and her parents live in Islamabad. I visit them frequently, and we have a strong bond.

My friends were thrilled to see me. Most of them work in gynecology and radiology and didnt have much information about oncology options over there, apart from knowing that there are three centers in the area.

The people there are so hospitable, generous, and extremely cheerful. My friends were so happy, and many of them came from different hospitals to see me.

I told them about my plans to submit my resume, and a friend of mine opened her cupboards and brought all of her suits because she thought my clothes were not good enough.

I selected a blue suit because blue is my favorite color. She ironed it for me, another friend straightened my hair, and another friend did my makeup because, according to them, you have to look extraordinary when going to an interview.

When I visited the first hospital, my experience was extremely positive. The staff were very professional and skilled at their work. However, as a young doctor starting my career, I felt it was important to explore employment opportunities at other hospitals as well.

A lot of people had recommended a top private hospital in the city, even though it only had two oncologists. I arrived at the hospital at nearly 1 p.m. The physician assistant informed me that the head of department (HOD) had left for a lunch and prayer break, and I would have to wait.

At 3 p.m., the senior oncologist returned. He was tall and quite elderly, definitely over 70 years old. His response was encouraging. He asked me about my educational background, basic details about my city, and told me to immediately submit my resume. He guided me to the HR department, which was located in another building outside the hospital premises.

I felt relieved after his response.

I also met the second oncologist, who was around 70 years old. Both of them seemed to be quite experienced and must be good at their jobs, I assume.

The second doctor was somewhat hesitant and advised me to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of moving to another city. He asked me to think about the potential challenges I might encounter with finding a place to live, transportation, and adjusting to a new environment. He emphasized that relocating to a new city was a significant decision, especially since I had never lived away from home before.

He raised valid concerns and expressed his reluctance to go through the rigorous process of hiring a registrar only for them to leave soon after, citing a similar past experience. He also asked for my name and noted it down, along with my contact number.

After sharing his concerns, he offered me tea and reassured me that he would welcome me as a registrar if I could manage, with no reservations about selecting me for the role.

I remember that day very well. The weather was pleasant, and I was in a good mood. When I stepped out of the OPD, I saw that it was raining heavily outside. So, I decided to wait for a while before heading to HR to submit my resume. I thought it was important to submit my resume first and then think about other things later.

It was evening time, and many nurses were leaving the hospital while others were arriving for their duties. As I was observing this, I noticed the HOD, whom I had met earlier, coming towards me. He signaled for me to go to him.

He asked, Kaaghaz jama karva diye apne? (Did you submit your resume?)

I told him that it was raining heavily, so I was waiting for the rain to slow down before going to HR. He said, OK.

Then he asked me, Kabhi becha hai khud ko? (Have you ever sold yourself?)

I couldnt understand him. I looked at him questioningly.

He asked me the same question again. This time, I understood what he meant, but I didnt know how to respond.

I said, Naheen. (No)

He then asked, Shaadi hui hai? (Have you gotten married?)

Again, I replied, Naheen. (No)

He followed up with, Koi mangni wagera? (Are you engaged or anything?)

He asked, Larkay yahan ke achay hen ya wahan ke? (Are the boys here better or there?)

I told him, Wahan ke. (The boys there)

I interrupted him by asking, Aap kyun pooch rahe hen? (Why are you asking me all this?)

He ignored my question.

He said, To kya waja hai aap khud naheen karna chahti? (Whats the reason? Dont you want to get married?)

I replied, Main kyun nahi karna chahungi, ho jaye gi jab Allah chahy ga. (Why wouldnt I? It will happen when its meant to be!)

He said, To aap koshish karen na! Ap to MashaAllah khoobsurat hen. Chalen aap CV jama karwayen. (So you should try yourself then! You are pretty! Lets get your CV submitted.)

I left the hospital, took a rickshaw, and went back to the girls hostel. I didnt have any plans to submit my resume to that hospital anymore. When I reached the hostel, I was filled with mixed emotions. I wasnt sure what I was feelinganger, sadness, humiliation, or just disappointment.

When I told my friends what had happened, they were also shocked. I was just curious if people in their city were this heartless, or if it was standard practice to ask every young female physician these types of questions.

One friend mentioned that its common to be asked personal questions about engagement and marriage at work, but they had never heard such words from seniors. It was unbearable to be asked such questions so openly, especially by someone over 70 with more professional experience than my age.

Many of them cursed him, and I was just wondering if I was at fault somewhere. I asked my friends, Do I look like a slut? Was the lipstick weird? Was the eyeliner the problem? I thought the shalwar kameez had full sleeves, and the clothes were modest; Im not sure what went wrong.

People may think that girls who consider employment opportunities in other cities are shameless/characterless, but it is not their fault if they are unable to find a suitable job, right? Who wouldnt prefer a nice job near her family?

A friend joked to cheer me up by saying, Please dont wear blue next time!

It got me thinking about how long well continue to tell our daughters how to dress while neglecting to teach our sons about respecting women. It shouldnt matter which community, city, or country she comes from. I believe if I had been from the same city as him, or a well-known tribe or an influential family, or shared the same ethnicity, he would have treated me with more respect.

I cant stop thinking about all those female patients with breast and gynecological cancers who were receiving treatment from him because there was no female oncologist in that area. I feel deeply saddened for those patients.

I was upset for a day or two, but my friends did their best to cheer me up. We explored the entire city, tried out various eateries, and indulged in lots of kebabs and karahis. Their efforts made me laugh a lot, and I enjoyed every single day.

Before leaving, I was confused about whether I should apply to the third hospital or not. I was also worried about what I should change about myself this time. Then I thought, why should I change myself? I went to the last interview the way I was, with the same hair and in the same blue dress.

This visit is a memorable one for me. The consultant over there listened to me very patiently, although there was no seat for a registrar there. He assured me that it was OK that I was a little worried and uncertain about my future. He told me, I understand. I have been through this phase. You are so talented. You are gonna do just fine. Trust me!

I will always remember how he encouraged me. Even though there were no available positions at the time, he still accepted my CV and reassured me that he would consider me. He made me feel like a genuinely concerned senior who wished me good luck and success.

Its interesting how we often complain about the lack of female physicians and criticize women for wasting their degrees by becoming housewives. Yet, when a woman tries to pursue a challenging specialty or is career-oriented and ambitious, we immediately push her back. Our society seems to have a double standard. On one hand, it encourages us to do our best, but when we grow up to be non-submissive adults and challenge the norms, the older generation sees us as a competitor or threat.

I believe young doctors, especially women, should discuss the reputation of a hospital or the team they will be working with beforehand, so they can avoid disappointment or wasting their time. I dont want to feel like Dora the Explorer again.

I know that the one who provides sustenance for an ant inside a rock will also provide for me from wherever he chooses. I dont need to be discouraged by such experiences after undergoing years of extensive studies or rigorous training. I was more interested in working there because I believe that female physicians should prioritize areas where they can be most helpful and make a greater contribution.

Young physicians, especially women, often have similar experiences. I refuse to stay silent about the challenges that female physicians face. The discrimination they experience is completely unfair and cruel.c

I am aware that young physicians often feel uncertain, fearful, and confused when considering their job prospects. Even if senior doctors cannot offer them assistance, they should still treat them with more respect. There may come a time when the senior doctors will fall ill and rely on their junior colleagues.

Damane Zehra is a radiation oncology resident in Pakistan.
Like him or not, Bruce Springsteens albums have served as the soundtrack to our lives, writing songs that are a reflection of ourselves, challenging our assumptions, and helping us make sense of our messy, chaotic lives. People from all walks of life and from all over the world have found meaning in his music. So, it was no surprise that several months prior to the 2024 presidential election, while on his world tour, Springsteen dusted off a song he hadnt played since 2014: Long Walk Home.

He introduced the song to European and Canadian audiences saying the song was about a prayer for his country. The prayer reflects Springsteens response to political events  the song was recorded in 2007 during his dissatisfaction with the George W. Bush administration  and the long walk home was a symbol for a hoped-for return to the ideals that Springsteen saw his country representing, when he was young. The most poignant lines in the song are:

You know that flag, flyin over the courthouse

Means certain things are set in stone

Who we are, what well do and what we wont

Springsteen typically concluded Long Walk Home with the hopeful remark, See you on the high ground. That was before the results of the election were known. Now, with Donald Trump as our next president, one thing seems certain. Nothing will be set in stone, and there will be no permanence for the next four years, at least not in health care, assuming Trumps second term in office is like his first term, which was characterized by significant turbulence for government health care programs.

Not all of the health care trends predicted during Trumps next term will be directly attributable to him, but they will occur on his watch alongside his broader agenda of deporting undocumented immigrants, imposing huge tariffs, replacing civil service employees with party partisans, and punishing his enemies.

Ive looked back on the past (as Springsteen often has) and considered the present. Id like to offer 20 key predictions of the future of health care, deriving many from the pundits and powerful in our field. Im making these forecasts randomly, and they clearly have overlapping themes and (dire) consequences.

1. Pseudoscience and antiscience aggression  ignoring the practice of evidence-based medicine in favor of unproven, fad treatments

2. Public health setbacks  ranging from removing fluoride from the water supply to restricting reproductive health access to easing vaccine mandates (the specter of polio making a return is truly scary)

3. Weaken Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act  creating more uninsured Americans based on concepts of a plan

4. Political creep  putting politicians and other unqualified loyalists into crucial health policy positions

5. Brain drain  removing talented health experts from government

6. Rearrange key agencies  dismantling many offices and transferring staff

7. Focus on deregulation  reversing or modifying existing policies

8. Spread misinformation  confusing the public with untrue and untested medical theories

9. International implosion  withdrawing support for the World Health Organization and Paris Agreement on Climate Change

10. Silence critics  muzzling those who would speak up for medicine, science, health, and data

11. Protect corporate interests  strengthening the for-profit health care sector via market competition

12. Big pharma gains  failing to reign in high drug costs

13. Gonzo health journalism  increasing misinformation, misinterpretation, and crazy-making hysteria spread by disreputable media sources

14. Economic spiral  continuing to spend more per capita than any other country on health care

15. Moral failure  obfuscating honest, transparent, and ethical decision-making

16. Death to DEI  furthering the marginalization of minorities resulting in greater health disparities

17. Innovation inertia  granting fewer government contracts to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing, stifling creative entrepreneurs from coming forward with good ideas

18. Loss of academic freedom  fearing retribution, being cancelled, or suffering professional repercussions for speaking woke

19. Health care leadership  selecting toxic agency leaders and policy advisors who are not subject to Senate confirmation

20. Decentralized control  potentially creating a more fragmented health care system

One of Bruce Springsteens more personal and optimistic songs, Better Days, was recorded on a solo effort in 1992. Springsteen wrote: With a young son and about to get married (for the last time) I was feelin like a happy guy who had his rough days rather than vice versa. Also in 1992, in an interview with the New York Times, Springsteen commented, Ive always believed that people listen to your music not to find out about you but to find out about themselves.

Personally, Ill be immersed in Springsteens music over the next four years, seeking the strength and resilience to persevereand Ill pray for a better health care system.

Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is the author of several books on narrative medicine, including Medicine on Fire: A Narrative Travelogue and Story Treasures: Medical Essays and Insights in the Narrative Tradition.
World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in France on June 28, 1919.

However, fighting had stopped seven months earlier with an armistice, or an agreement to stop fighting, between the Allied nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

The date, November 11, is now remembered as Veterans Day, a holiday to thank and honor all who served in the United States military.

The celebration first started on November 11, 1919, as Armistice Day. At the time, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson said the day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys service and with gratitude for the victory The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says there were plans to observe the day with parades, public meetings, and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

In 1926, the U.S. Congress officially recognized November 11, 1918, as the end of World War I. And in 1938, the body passed legislation to make the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday. Known as Armistice Day, it was a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I.

After American involvement in World War II and the Korean War, at the urging of veterans organizations, Congress changed the law in 1954 to call it Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The date for Veterans Day was changed in 1968 with the signing of the Uniform Holiday Act. With the law, Congress intended to create a three-day weekend for Americans by moving the holiday to a Monday in November. Many states and veterans organizations did not agree with this decision. They continued to celebrate the holiday on November 11, leading to confusion. So, Congress returned the holiday to its original date.

Many Americans are confused about Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the other holiday honoring military service, which is observed on the last Monday in May.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says that both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day is set aside as a day for remembering and honoring those who died in the service of their country. For most Americans, it also marks the unofficial start of summer and a popular weekend for vacationing.

Veterans Day is largely intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, living or dead, and in wartime or peace.

To ensure that people remember Veterans Day, the U.S. Congress passed, and President Barack Obama signed the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act in 2016. The law called on the people of the United States to observe a two-minute national moment of silence on Veterans Day at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time across all states and territories of the United States.

Im Mario Ritter, Jr.

Hai Do wrote this report for VOA Learning English.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

solemn adj. done in a serious and respectful way

gratitude n. a feeling of thankfulness

original adj. what existed first before a following event

intend v. to mean to do something; to do something with the idea of having an identifiable effect

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Fashion designer Andre Tan said that the creamy color and the shade of bitter chocolate will be the most fashionable this winter. He decided to demonstrate them by combining them in his HOLLYWOOD collection, which he created in collaboration with fashion influencer Liudmila Lutsuk.

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According to the designer, the emphasis in modern looks should be on warm and natural colors, which has become a trend in recent years. Exclusively for OBOZ.UA, Andre Tan showed the perfect combinations in the outfits.

"For the new collection, we chose the shades of butter and dark chocolate because these colors symbolize elegance and restraint combined with warmth and comfort. The shade of butter adds tenderness to the image, making it easy to combine with other colors, while dark chocolate is a classic accent that always adds structure and sophistication to the image," said the fashion designer.

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Andre Tan also described the most important shades to pay attention to. However, for his HOLLYWOOD collection, he chose the tones of butter and dark chocolate.

"Winter 24/25 is the time for natural and warm shades that add softness to the winter wardrobe. In particular, pay attention to colors reminiscent of cinnamon, beige, and caramel shades that create a cozy effect. I also recommend turning to deep shades of wine, olive, and graphite  they are perfect for winter looks and add personality to them," said Andre Tan.

Moreover, he added that neon shades have become "too aggressive" for modern trends, so they should be hidden away in the closet.

"Instead of bright shades, I would advise you to pay attention to multi-layered looks with soft and muted colors that can be safely combined, creating visual harmony in each look," the fashion designer explained.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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15:28 Each temple must get 100 foreigners for Kumbh: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said some anti-nationals were trying to divide the society for their vested interests and stressed the need for people to understand the seriousness of their intentions and unite to defeat them. The unity and integrity were important to make India a... Read more >

14:59 Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi given 14 page questionnaire An accountability court in Rawalpindi handed over a 14-page long questionnaire to former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the PS190 million settlement case, Geo News reported. As per Geo News, the questionnaire contains 79 questions related to the reference... Read more >

14:46 Jharkhand is now dharmshala for Rohingyas: Yogi Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday accused the JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand of converting the state into a 'dharmshala' for Rohingyas and Bangladeshi infiltrators.Adityanath said a double-engine government was needed in Jharkhand for treatment of mafia, stone pelters and... Read more >

14:23 Is Delhi India's dengue capital? Cases swell to... The national capital has registered 4,533 number of dengue cases and three deaths from the beginning of this year, according to the Vector-Borne Diseases (VBD) report of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Delhi recorded a total of 9,266 cases of Dengue in 2023 while the death toll was... Read more >

14:10 MBA student killed in road rage incident in Ahmedabad A 23-year-old student of a prominent business school in Ahmedabad was stabbed to death allegedly by an unidentified driver of a car after an argument over rash driving, police said on Monday. The incident took place at around 11.30 pm on Sunday when two students of the Mudra Institute of... Read more >

13:31 Living pollution-free is fundamental right: SC Calling it a mere eyewash, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Delhi police for failing to comprehensively implement the firecracker ban in the national capital and only seizing raw materials. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih therefore directed the... Read more >

13:28 Truck rams into bus carrying pilgrims from Maharashtra, 38 injured An apple-laden truck rammed into a bus carrying pilgrims from Maharashtra here, injuring 38 passengers, police said on Monday. The accident occurred around 1 am when the bus carrying more than 50 pilgrims was coming from Kalyan in Maharashtra. Among the injured were several women,... Read more >

13:23 Did rape accused Prajwal Revanna just get bail? The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a bail plea of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who faces charges of rape and sexual assault. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma rejected the plea and observed that Revanna is a very influential person. Appearing for... Read more >

13:01 The Woman Who Lost Everything Uninhabited houses in Wayanad When the landslide hit, Sruthi's house was washed away, along with its inhabitants. She lost her entire family and some relatives. All she had left for a close confidante was her fiance Jenson. Days after the landslide and the loss of her family, Jenson died in a road accident that also left... Read more >

12:58 Parties who don't work need religion: Riteish@Latur People claim their religion is in danger, but it is their party that is in danger, and they are praying to save it, Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh has said while campaigning for his brother and Maharashtra Congress leader. The actor was campaigning in Latur for his younger brother,... Read more >

12:32 'I take inhaler every day due to Delhi pollution' As the national capital continues to battle with alarming level of pollution and resultant health issues, doctors criticised the Delhi administration for the situation. Speaking to ANI, Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery at Medanta Hospital, expressed his... Read more >

12:03 Swati Maliwal case: Why Bibhav moved court again Accused in the alleged assault case of Swati Maliwal and a close aide of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Bibhav Kumar recently filed a revision petition challenging the cognizance of the charge sheet filed against him.The petition is currently pending before the Tis Hazari... Read more >

11:34 Kejri bail, Art 370... CJI Khanna's landmark cases India's 51st Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has his imprint on several landmark judgements such as upholding the sanctity of EVMs, abrogation of Article 370, scrapping the electoral bonds scheme and granting interim bail to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Hailing... Read more >

10:58 WB prof found dead in U'khand hotel with throat slit A 44-year-old professor of Jadavpur University in Kolkata was found dead at a hotel in Uttarakhand with his hand and throat slit. According to multiple reports, police have said Mainak Pal may have died by suicide.Pal, who is survived by his wife, daughter and parents, had travelled to... Read more >

10:26 Markets decline in early trade amid unabated foreign fund outflows Benchmark sensitive indices Sensex and Nifty fell in early trade on Monday as continuous foreign fund outflows, disappointing quarterly earnings and weak trends from Asian markets dented investors' sentiment. Forex traders said the volatility in the equity market is likely to continue as the... Read more >

10:09 Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st CJI Justice Sanjiv Khanna assumes charges as the CJI at the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan. President Droupadi Murmu administers the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna. PM Modi is in attendance along the with the government's top brass. CJI Chandrachud demitted office last... Read more >

09:56 Search ops underway in forests in J-K's Kishtwar to flush out terrorists File pic Security forces continued their search operation in the dense forests of Keshwan and adjoining areas in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Monday, a day after an Army officer died in a gunfight with terrorists holed up in the area. The security personnel have been scouring the forest... Read more >

09:43 Clouds of World War III looming: RSS chief Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday that in light of the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, there is a sense that the threat of a third world war is looming.We all feel the shadow of a third world war emerging, with discussions on whether it might begin in... Read more >

09:40 Maharashtra polls: Congress suspends 28 rebel candidates The Maharashtra Congress on Sunday suspended 28 rebel candidates for six years for anti-party activity. These candidates from 22 assembly constituencies are in the fray for the November 20 elections against the official nominees of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Prominent leaders who... Read more >

09:36 ISKCON faces criticism for holding Rath Yatra in US Despite assuring the Odisha government and Puri's Gajapati Maharaja that it would not hold an untimely Rath Yatra outside India, ISKCON has organised a 'chariot parade' in Houston in the United States.The parade, featuring a replica of Lord Jagannath's 'Nandighosa' chariot without the deities of... Read more >

09:06 Our ancestors did jihad...: Owaisi's dig at Fadnavis All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi has targeted Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis over his vote jihad remarks, claiming the Bharatiya Janata Party leader's (ideological) ancestors wrote love letters to Britishers instead of fighting against them.During a public... Read more >

09:00 Indian American fundraiser of Democratic Party receives racists messages, An Indian American fundraiser of Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party has been receiving racist and threatening messages on his phone asking him to leave the county and go to India. You claim that you are doing what's best for Americans, but you aren't doing anything for... Read more >
China on Friday approved a 6 trillion yuan ($839 billion) plan to help local governments refinance their mountains of debt, in the latest push to rev up growth in the worlds second largest economy.

The plan will be implemented over the next three years, Xu Hongcai, vice-chairman of the National Peoples Congresss financial and economic committee, said at a news conference Friday.

Finance minister Lan Foan estimated that the hidden debt of local governments was 14.3 trillion yuan ($2 trillion) at the end of 2023. Hidden debt refers to debt that has not been disclosed publicly.

Lan said 2 trillion yuan would be allocated each year from 2024 to 2026 to help local governments resolve their debts. He estimated that the amount of hidden debt will drop to 2.3 trillion yuan ($320.9 billion) by the end of 2028.

Officials also said Friday that the ceiling to issue special bonds will be raised to 35.52 trillion yuan ($4.96 billion) from 29.52 trillion yuan ($4.12 billion) for local governments.

Lan said that the implementation of such a large-scale replacement measure indicates a fundamental shift in Chinas approach to debt restructuring and said that Chinas government debt risk was controllable.

Analysts have called for bold, multi-trillion-yuan measures to reinvigorate the worlds second largest economy, which has yet to bounce back fully from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local government debts have ballooned partly due to high spending and low tax revenues during the pandemic, but also due to a downturn in the property industry, since sales of land use rights, a key source of local government revenue, have sagged.

The central bank loosened restrictions on borrowing in late September, sparking a stock market rally, but economists say the government needs to do more to ignite a sustained recovery. Government officials have indicated that could come at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, which must give official approval to any new spending.

The economy has shown signs of life in the past two months. Purchase subsidies offered to people who trade in old cars or appliances for new ones helped auto sales rebound in September. A survey of manufacturers turned positive in October after five straight months of decline, and exports surged 12.7% last month, the largest increase in more than two years.

For most of the year, the ruling Communist Party appeared more focused on addressing long-term structural issues with the economy rather than short-term ones. Previous steps to boost the economy were piecemeal, seemingly aimed at keeping the economy afloat rather than sparking a robust recovery.

In recent weeks, the party has signaled a growing concern about the economys sluggishness as it tries to meet its goal of achieving growth of around 5% this year. The central banks monetary easing was followed by government pronouncements that it still has ample funds to pump into the economy.

Still, the longer-term goals of transforming China into a high-tech and green energy economy seem likely to remain the chief aims of the Communist Party, which doesnt face election pressures like the ones that toppled the Democrats and swept Donald Trumps Republicans to power in America this week. KEN MORITSUGU & ZEN SOO, MDT/AP
Though many potential customers visited the 2024 China (Macau) International Automobile Exposition, very few deals were inked, several exhibitors told the Times.

The Exposition took place at the Cotai Expo at the Venetian Macao over the weekend.

Many people are coming, seeing the cars, and asking questions. But at the end of the day, they are mostly window shopping, a representative in charge of the local branches of several international car brands told the Times.

We made almost no sales over the weekend. [] I believe there is a clear contraction of the market caused by recent government policies.

It has become much more expensive to own a car in Macau in the past few years, and while the car prices are actually the same or even lower, the expenses of keeping a car, particularly parking, have increased a lot, said an exhibitor.

Another sales representative from a multi-brand concessionaire in Macau humorously commented, The [coffee shop brand] outside is making a lot more money than us this weekend, for sure, noting the sectors current poor circumstances.

The highlight of this years expo continued to be the electric mobility (EVs) and the mainland manufacturers, with the Chinese brands presenting their latest models and developments in the EV market.

Japanese manufacturers were also well represented in the exhibition areas.

But unlike the Chinese and some European manufacturers, Japanese brands exhibited hybrid and extended-range EVs.

Covering 65,000 square meters, the event hosted over 100 automotive brands from 20 countries and regions.
The governments new health center at the Macau New Neighborhood in Hengqin was unveiled Saturday, spanning 1,000 square meters and is staffed by seven medical professionals sourced from the citys health centers.

According to Health Bureau director Alvis Lo, the team includes two doctors, two nurses, two pharmacists, and one nursing assistant.

Given the nature of cross-border services, specialized training in mainland medical laws and emergency first aid will be provided.

In its initial phase, the center will follow the operational model of the Macau Health Center, offering adult health care, womens health care, childrens health care, and non-appointment outpatient services.

Lo said it is expected to serve between 60 to 70 patients daily.

For patients needing specialist follow-up, referrals will be made to Conde S. Januario Hospital or Macau Union Hospital.

In emergencies, patients will initially be taken to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Hengqin Hospital.

Further treatment can be arranged based on the patients preferences, including possible transfer back to a hospital in the Macau SAR if feasible.

The Guangdongs Food and Drug Administration has approved over 290 types of Macau SAR medications for use in designated medical institutions within the district.

According to Lo, the official inauguration and launch of the health center in Hengqin represents a new practice of the One country, two systems principle in the realm of healthcare, as well as a concrete demonstration of integration within the context of national development.

The official emphasized the profound historical significance of this endeavor, as it marks the first time the Macau government has directly operated and managed a mainland medical institution.

Meanhile, on the same day, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific and Industrial Park for Guangdong-Macao Cooperation (GMTCM Park) celebrated the inauguration of the Hengqin-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Themed Cultural Street.

The Cultural Street, part of GMTCM Park, spans approximately 94,900 square meters and houses a variety of commercial activities, including high-end medical treatment, recreational care, traditional Chinese medicine brands, retail and catering.

Key attractions include the Hengqin Pien Tze Huang Museum, the Beijing Tong Ren Tang Experiment Complex, and the Health100 Digital and Intelligent TCM Health Management Center.

According to a government statement, future plans aim to enhance collaboration in industry, academia, and research, promoting the industrialization and global expansion of traditional Chinese medicine while supporting Macaus economic diversification. Staff Reporter
The Macau Journalists Association (AJM) has voiced serious concerns about the escalating restrictions on press freedom in the city, calling on the government to withdraw unnecessary reporting limitations.

This plea comes as the region prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its handover from Portugal to China.

In a statement released last week, the AJM highlighted several recent incidents that illustrate a troubling trend in the erosion of press freedom.

We are witnessing a systematic preclusion of various media outlets from covering government-hosted events, said the AJM.

This is achieved through an attendance registration system that effectively screens out journalists and deprives them of their right to report.

The association said this practice contradicts the rights enshrined in Macaus press law, which guarantees journalists freedom to access information sources.

Events such as the opening ceremony of the Judicial Year 2024/2025 and press conferences by the Executive Council have seen selective media participation, limiting coverage to only a few pre-approved outlets.

This is not just about access; its about transparency and fairness in reporting, said the MJA.

The governments justification for these restrictions has been criticized as unconvincing by the AJM.

Officials have cited limited resources and seats at events as reasons for excluding certain journalists.

The Macau Cultural Centre has over 1,000 seats, yet we see only a dozen journalists allowed at briefings, the association noted.

Moreover, the assosciation recalled that there have been reports of local media being pressured to retract articles under political duress.

One case noted by the AJM involved an opinion piece published during the recent chief executive election campaign, which was reportedly withdrawn following external pressure.

This kind of interference is not only unacceptable but also undermines the integrity of journalism in Macau, said the association.

As Macau approaches its 25th anniversary of its handover, the AJM is urging the incoming Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, to foster better relations with the press and uphold constitutional freedoms.

We call on the Chief Executive-elect to engage openly with journalists and respect our legally protected rights, the statement read.

We believe that this would be an important opportunity for Macau to prove to the world its success in implementing One country, two systems.

The AJMs concerns are echoed by international organizations that monitor press freedom.

Reporters Without Borders has previously noted, The environment for journalists is increasingly hostile.

Considering these developments, the AJM has called for immediate action from the government.

It has demanded clarity on policies about media access and has urged officials to abandon practices that hinder journalistic work.

Attendance registration should facilitate coverage, not obstruct it.

The association also highlighted a trend where press releases replace traditional press conferences, limiting opportunities for reporters to ask questions directly.

This shift reduces journalists to mere conduits for government messages rather than active participants in public discourse, remarked the association.

The time has come for our government to reflect on its relationship with the media, said the AJM. We urge them to recognize that a free press is essential for a healthy democracy. Staff Reporter
The judge overseeing Donald Trumps 2020 election interference case canceled any remaining court deadlines Friday while prosecutors assess the the appropriate course going forward in light of the Republicans presidential victory.

Special Counsel Jack Smith charged Trump last year with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. But Smiths team has been evaluating how to wind down the two federal cases before the president-elect takes office because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Trumps victory over Vice President Kamala Harris means that the Justice Department believes he can no longer face prosecution in accordance with department legal opinions meant to shield presidents from criminal charges while in office.

Trump has criticized both cases as politically motivated, and has said he would fire Smith within two seconds of taking office.

In a court filing Friday in the 2020 election case, Smiths team asked to cancel any upcoming court deadlines, saying it needs time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan quickly granted the request, and ordered prosecutors to file court papers with their proposed course for this case by Dec. 2. ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP
* Health Hub 101

 Govt unveils new health center in Hengqin, marking historic first for mainland operations

* Automobile Show | Good visitation, but few deals inked

* gaming industry workers are enjoying stable salaries, with a median monthly income of MOP21,000 reported in the third quarter

* Journalist association urges govt to lift reporting restrictions

* Beijing approves $840B plan to refinance local government debt, boost slowing economy

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Monday, November 11, 2024  edition no. 4602
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged to maintain close ties with China during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Saturday, his first overseas stop since he took office three weeks ago.

Subianto is seeking to strengthen relations with China, Indonesias largest trading partner and one of its most important foreign investors. This is his second visit to Beijing this year, following a visit in April as president-elect, the first overseas trip he made after winning the Indonesian presidential election in February.

Indonesia considers China not only as a great power but as a great civilization, Subianto said at the meeting, adding that the two countries had had close relations for centuries. Therefore, I think it is only natural that now in the present situation, geopolitical and geoeconomic, that Indonesia and China have become very close partners and in many, many fields.

Xi vowed support for Subiantos administration, thanking him for chosing to visit China first and saying he believed Indonesia will adhere to an independent development path, continue to make new achievements in the journey of achieving national prosperity and national rejuvenation, and play an important role on the international and regional stage.

Earlier on Saturday, Subianto met with other top Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, who is chairman of the National Peoples Congress and considered the No. 3 official in the ruling Communist Party.

Subianto is on the first stop on a multi-country tour. He is scheduled to visit four other nations, including the U.S. and the U.K., suggesting that Indonesia will continue its longstanding stance of neutrality between Beijing and Washington. He is scheduled to meet U.S. President Joe Biden and expected also to meet president-elect Donald Trump early next week.

Subianto, 73, is a wealthy ex-general with ties to both Indonesias popular outgoing president and the countrys dictatorial past. He presented himself as heir to the immensely popular President Joko Widodo, the first Indonesian president to emerge from outside the political and military elite. Subianto vowed to continue the modernization agenda that has brought rapid growth and vaulted Indonesia into the ranks of middle-income countries.

Indonesias economic ties with China flourished during Widodos decade in office. China became Indonesias largest trading partner and plowed billions into major infrastructure projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, which opened last October, and Cirata, Southeast Asias largest floating solar power project, on a reservoir in West Java, 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the capital, Jakarta.

The two leaders presided over the signing of various agreements on fishing, mining, housing and import and exports. Subianto said during the meeting with Xi that he will later preside over the signing of over $10 billion worth of deals during a meeting between Chinese companies and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. DAKE KANG, BEIJING, MDT/AP
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two laws on Friday reaffirming the extent of his countrys maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea, angering China, which claims the hotly disputed waterway almost in its entirety.

Chinas foreign ministry said it summoned the Philippines ambassador to China to lodge a stern protest. The ministry condemned the move as an attempt to solidify the illegal ruling of the South China Sea arbitration case through domestic legislation.

Confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and naval forces in the disputed sea passage have spiked alarmingly since last year. That has sparked fears that the United States  Manilas longtime treaty ally  may get drawn in a major conflict.

The laws, called the Philippine Maritime Zones act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes act, were signed by Marcos in a nationally televised ceremony attended by top military and national security officials. They further cement Manilas rejection of Chinas claims to virtually the entire sea passage, and stipulate jail terms and stiff 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, Marcos said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the move seriously infringes on Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

China strongly condemns and firmly opposes it, she said.

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 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Philippine officials said.

Those zones include the countrys Exclusive Economic Zone, a 200-nautical-mile 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 recognized 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.

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.

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.

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. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP
Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in the eastern city of Valencia on Saturday to demand the resignation of the regional president in charge of the emergency response to last weeks catastrophic floods that left more than 200 dead and others missing.

A group of protestors clashed with riot police in front of Valencias city hall, where the protestors started their march to the seat of the regional government. Police used batons to beat them back.

Regional leader Carlos Mazon is under immense pressure after his administration failed to issue flood alerts to citizens cellphones until hours after the flooding started on the night of Oct. 29.

Many marchers held up homemade signs or chanted Mazon Resign! Others carried signs with messages like You Killed Us! Upon arrival at the regional government seat, some protesters slung mud on the building and left handprints of the muck on its facade.

Earlier on Saturday, Mazon told regional broadcaster A Punt that there will be time to hold officials accountable, but that now is time to keep cleaning our streets, helping people and rebuilding.

He said that he respected the march.

Mazon, of the conservative Popular Party, is also being criticized for what people perceive as the slow and chaotic response to the natural disaster. Thousands of volunteers were the first boots on the ground in many of the hardest hit areas on Valencias southern outskirts. It took days for officials to mobilize the thousands of police reinforcements and soldiers that the regional government asked central authorities to send in.

In Spain, regional governments are charged with handling civil protection and can ask the national government in Madrid, led by the Socialists, for extra resources.

Mazon has defended his handling of the crisis saying that its magnitude was unforeseeable and that his administration didnt receive sufficient warnings from central authorities.

But Spains weather agency issued a red alert, the highest level of warning, for bad weather as early as 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning as the disaster loomed.

Some communities were flooded by 6 p.m. It took until after 8 p.m. for Mazons administration to send out alerts to peoples cellphones.

Mazon was with Spains royals and Socialist prime minister when they were pelted with mud by enraged residents during their first visit to a devastated area last weekend.

Sara Sanchez Gurillo attended the protest because she had lost her brother-in-law, 62-year-old Candido Molina Pulgarin. She said his body was found in a field of orange trees after he was trapped by the water in his home in the town of Cheste, west of Valencia.

She wanted Mazon to go, but also had harsh words for the countrys leaders.

Its shameful what has happened, Sanchez said. They knew that the sky was going to fall and yet they didnt warn anyone. They didnt evacuate the people. We want them to resign!

The central government should have taken charge. They should have sent in the army earlier. The king should have made them send it in. Why do we want him as a symbolic figure? He is worthless. The people are alone. They have abandoned us.

The death toll stood at 220 victims on Saturday, with 212 coming in the eastern Valencia region, as the search for bodies goes on.

Thousands more lost their homes and streets are still covered in mud and debris 11 days since the arrival of a tsunami-like wave following a record deluge. PAOLO SANTALUCIA & JOSEPH WILSON, VALENCIA, MDT/AP
Australias states and territories on Friday unanimously backed a national plan to require most forms of social media to bar children younger than 16.

Leaders of the eight provinces held a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss what he calls a world-first national approach that would make platforms including X, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook responsible for enforcing the age limit.

Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians, Albanese told reporters. The safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority.

The government leaders had been discussing for months setting a limit, considering options from 14 to 16 years of age.

While Tasmania would have preferred 14, the state was prepared to support 16 in the interests of achieving national uniformity, Albanese said.

The legislation will be introduced into Parliament within two weeks, and the age ban would take effect a year after it passes into law, giving platforms time to work out how to exclude children. The government has yet to offer a technical solution.

The delay is also intended to allow time to address privacy concerns around age verification.

The main opposition party has given in-principle support to the 16-year age limit since it was announced on Thursday, suggesting the legislation will pass the Senate.

The minor Greens party was critical, saying the ban would prevent the emergence in Australia of future child environmental activists like Swedens Greta Thunberg.

More than 140 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.

Critics say most teenagers are tech savvy enough to get around such laws. Some fear the ban will create conflicts within families and drive social media problems underground. ROD McGUIRK, MELBOURNE, MDT/AP
UK universities are among the most prestigious in the world, but visa restrictions mean they are now attracting fewer international studentstaking a heavy toll on their finances.

The restrictions are compounding problems caused by the UKs departure from the European Union four years ago.

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Almost 760,000 foreign students were enrolled in British universities in 2022, making Britain the second most popular destination after the US, in a highly competitive market.

Most come from India, then China and Nigeria.

But last year, the number of student visas fell by 5 percent. Between July and September, student visa applications slumped 16 percent compared to the same period last year.

The decline is a major cause of concern for higher education institutions since foreign students pay far more in fees than British students.

Leo Xui, 20 years old and from China, began studying population and health sciences at University College London in September.

Its good for my career, he said of enrolling abroad. Thinking ahead to when he will return to China, he added: I will be able to apply for a foreign company.
The German government has fallen. The dispute over the draft budget for 2025 was the coup de grace. For months, the ruling coalition of social democrats (SPD), Greens and liberals (FDP) struggled to find a solution to the economic crisis, as Germany faces its second consecutive year of recession. Despite this, the government was unable to unite and decide on an approach. Those in power are divided over the question of whether the time is right for a general attack on the working class and the poor.

[Originally published in German at derkommunist.de]

A draft document by the now former Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) was leaked  allegedly unintentionally  in which he attacked the economic and financial policies of his coalition partners. He made a fundamental change in economic policy a condition for his party to remain in the coalition. The SPD and the Greens refused. As a result, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) dismissed the Finance Minister, thus sealing the fate of the coalition government.

Companies clamour for subsidies

The government's failure shows the true depth of the crisis of capitalism in Germany. According to the German Economic Institute, government investment in infrastructure needs to reach at least 600 billion over the next ten years in order to remain competitive. Healthcare and rearmament are left out of this calculation. The state is also expected to invest hundreds of billions in the military over the next decade. Who is going to pay for all this?

The plans in the draft budget  which has now brought down the government  provided for investments of 81 billion. The majority of this, however, was not to be channelled into environmental development or infrastructure, but into increasing equity in Deutsche Bahn and investments in the stock market, in order to cushion the increase in pension contributions.

FDP gets out the axe

Lindners document proposes a plethora of cuts / Image: Olaf Kosinsky, Wikimedia Commons

The FDP knows who it wants to pay for all this. Lindners document proposes a plethora of cuts. For example, the FDP wants to cut the unemployment benefits and money for asylum seekers, increase the retirement age and abolish the limit on daily working hours. In addition, rates of sick leave are too high in Germany compared to international standards, according to their document. In other words, the liberals also wanted to take an axe to sick pay.

In addition, the FDP wants to withdraw all new regulations such as the Collective Labour Agreement and the Supply Chain Act, which would mean further attacks on workers rights. In doing so, they want to save money by cutting staff in the state bureaucracy. The FDP also proposes tax breaks for the bosses, and abandoning Germany's targets for climate change and renewable energies. Subsidies, meanwhile, should only be given out to certain specific companies.

Capital was delighted  SPD and Greens were not

The bosses were delighted with the former Finance Minister's proposals. Stefan Wolf, head of the bosses union Gesamtmetall, praised the plans as very good in view of the German economys drastic situation. Friedrich Merz  chairman of the right-wing Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and candidate for chancellor  also had warm words for the FDPs plans. In fact, some of the proposals were taken verbatim from motions that the Christian Democratic parliamentary group had tabled in the Bundestag over the past two years. As the traditional party of big business, the CDU knows what the economy wants.

But the SPD and the Greens were not willing to play along. Even without the coalitions premature end, campaigning for the regularly scheduled elections in autumn 2025 would soon have begun. The Social Democrats immediately rejected the FDPs plans in their entirety. As a reformist labour party, the SPD cannot launch a blatant attack on the working class without alienating its voters. The Greens are also trying to score points among their voters by appealing to social and climate concerns.

The SPD and the Greens both wanted to finance their plans without any major attacks on the masses. However, due to Germanys constitutional limit on state borrowing, the necessary investments cannot be funded solely through debt. This is where the coalition parted ways. Capital wants the government to relax the state debt limitations  which would require an amendment to the constitution  while at the same time pursuing a policy of savings and cuts. The party that embodies precisely this approach is the CDU.

What will new elections bring?

Chancellor Scholz is planning for new elections in March 2025, and aims to remain in power as a minority government in the meantime, in order to pass legislation on pensions and stabilising the economy. However, Merz has offered the CDU's support for these plans on the condition that Scholz immediately calls a vote of confidence in the government. If this failed, new elections would then be held within 60 days. Representatives of big business, as well as the smaller opposition parties AfD and BSW, are also in favour of an immediate end to Scholz's minority government.

According to current polls, the likeliest result of an election right now would be a Grand Coalition of the CDU and SPD with Merz as chancellor. This would be the best option for capital. In order to carry out its attacks, it must keep the working class quiet. The SPD, with its roots in the trade unions and social organisations, could sell the upcoming cuts as a necessity to save democracy. The CDU, meanwhile, has ruled out a coalition with the Greens. A Grand Coalition would currently be the only way to form a government without the participation of the AfD.

The CDU and SPD are already united in their isolationist asylum policy, support for increasing armament and repressive domestic policy. After the stabbing in Solingen earlier this year  carried out by an individual with suspected ties to Islamic State  the coalition's attempt to expand the state's security powers failed only because of the opposition of the FDP. The government recently passed a resolution against anti-Semitism together with the CDU and AfD. Anyone who questions Israel's right to exist will face harsh penalties under a Grand Coalition government. Both the SPD and the CDU support the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. They want to assert the interests of German imperialism by playing a leading role within the EU, including militarily. The current rearmament is intended to serve this purpose.

No way out of the crisis

The coalition government was a government of crisis from the outset. The same will apply to a Grand Coalition and all future governments. The crisis in the German economy cannot be solved under capitalism. The ruling class and every government  regardless of its composition  face a hopeless situation. Even if they continue to take on debt, it will have to be repaid at some point. Under capitalism, this can only be done by attacking the working class.

The coalition government was a government of crisis from the outset / Image: European Parliament, Flickr

The capitalists sell these attacks as a necessary evil to stop deindustrialisation, which would result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. But companies have not been investing for decades and will not do so now, no matter what incentives the state provides.

Even if the working class is forced to tighten its belt, better times are ruled out on a capitalist basis. The system is in a deep crisis worldwide. All over the planet, we are seeing how the struggle for markets is intensifying due to global overproduction. Wars and protectionism are an expression of this.

Germany will not be able to hold its own in competition with big players like the USA and China. The ruling class is trying to rely on the EU, but this ultimately consists of nation states that are in competition with each other. The decline of German capitalism is unstoppable.

Vote for revolution!

In the upcoming elections, there is no party that represents the interests of the working class. With its behaviour in the regional government negotiations in Brandenburg and Thuringia, BSW has already proved that it is prepared to make rotten compromises in order to get to the state feeding trough. The Left Party is once again giving advice on how best to save the rotten status quo. In terms of its programme, the AfD stands for the same attacks on workers as the FDP and CDU. At the same time, it is undermining the common struggle of the working class through its divisive rhetoric around race, gender, sexuality and religion.

Anyone who really wants to fight against the AfD, Scholz, Merz etc. and the system they all stand for must build the Revolutionary Communist Party. There will be countless opportunities to do so. Billions and billions of euros are being channelled into desperate attempts to rescue the ailing economy, into barbaric wars and weapons that only bring misery. At the same time, the living standards and democratic rights of the masses are constantly under attack. For ever broader sections of the population, the only real choice will therefore become apparent: revolution.
South Africas public electricity company, Eskom, has issued a stark warning to Johannesburg, threatening scheduled power cuts if the city fails to settle its debt, amounting to several hundred thousand euros.

This warning has sparked concern, prompting a meeting set for Monday, November 11, between Minister of Electricity Rhosiento Rhamorhopa and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. Their goal: to avert an Eskom-imposed blackout.

The standoff between Eskom and the city has escalated, with both sides assigning blame. Eskom is demanding the city clear its debt, while city officials argue that Eskom is overcharging, claiming the demand amounts to several billion South African rand. Eskom, however, is resolute in its push for payment and has warned of a power cut in Decemberright in the middle of the citys festive seasonif the situation remains unresolved.

In a public statement, Johannesburgs administration condemned the potential cut, calling it harmful to residents and businesses and appealing for constructive dialogue while hinting at the possibility of legal action. Although large-scale power cuts have been frequent in South Africas recent past, they have been absent for over five months as the country works through its energy crisis. The city is determined to avoid further disruptions and maintain this progress.
Linhas Aereas de Angola officially launched commercial flights between Luanda and Cabinda on Sunday, November 10, operating out of Doutor Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport. The inaugural flight from Luanda to Cabinda transported 92 passengers, marking a significant step in enhancing connectivity within Angola.

The airline has scheduled four daily flights between the two provinces, underscoring the high demand on the Luanda-Cabinda route, which is currently the busiest domestic route for the national carrier. The aircraft used for this route has a seating capacity of 120, comprising 12 executive seats and 108 economy seats, with an anticipated outbound cargo capacity of 490 kilograms.

During the launch event, Angolas Minister of Transport, Ricardo de Abreu, highlighted that eastern provinces would be next to benefit from expanded flight services as part of the ongoing transportation development plan. The initiative aligns with efforts to improve regional accessibility and support economic growth through enhanced domestic air travel options.
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has formally launched his campaign for the position of African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson. The election to choose a successor for Chads Moussa Faki Mahamat is scheduled for the AU summit in February 2025. Odinga shared his vision and policy agenda with the media in Addis Ababa, outlining his goals for the organization if elected.

In a speech that covered various topics, Odinga highlighted his priorities, including a focus on economic development, enhancing intra-African trade, and tackling climate change, with particular attention to large-scale continental infrastructure projects. Known as a champion of pan-Africanism, Odinga emphasized the need for stronger standards among AU member states, stating, What we need are basic minimum standards that must be upheld for a country to retain Union membership. The African peer review mechanism exists, but its crucial that we take its reports seriously, implement recommendations, and strengthen democracy.

Aiming to conclude his political career with distinction, the five-time Kenyan presidential candidate must now convince 54 member states of his readiness, at age 80, to take on a potential four-year term, renewable once. Odinga faces three competitors in this electoral bid: Djiboutis Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Mauritiuss Anil Gayan, and Madagascars Richard Randriamandrato.

Raila Odinga is supported in his candidacy by his political opponent, President William Ruto.
On the weekend of November 9 and 10, Russia hosted senior officials from around 50 African countries in Sochi for a Russia-Africa ministerial Conference. In a message delivered by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, President Vladimir Putin pledged Russias full and continuous support to African nations across various sectors, including sustainable development, counter-terrorism, epidemic response, and food security. The Russian President expressed hopes to deepen all Russian-African ties, building on the two previous Russia-Africa Summits held in 2019 and 2023.

Lavrov noted ongoing progress in Russian-African cooperation despite what he described as artificial obstacles created by the collective West, referring to the United States and its allies. The conference follows Octobers BRICS summit in Kazan, where Putin aimed to demonstrate that Western isolation and sanctions efforts have been ineffective. Russian messaging, particularly on social media, has promoted the idea of a fairer world order and criticized Western neocolonialism in Africaa message that resonates with some African leaders. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, speaking on the sidelines of the conference, remarked that Russia is not a colonial power and has historically supported African nations in resisting colonial systems.

Russias influence in Africa has grown in recent years, particularly through mercenary groups such as Wagner and its successor, Africa Corps, which Moscow claims provide advisory support to local governments in the Sahel and Central African Republic. This influence has been paired with a decline in French presence in these regions. In 2023, Russia delivered over $5 billion in arms to Africa, as reported by Rosoboronexport, the Russian state-owned arms exporter.
Chad officially accused Sudan of supporting and arming rebel groups with the aim of destabilizing Chad, according to a statement from the Chadian Government in NDjamena. Foreign Minister Abdraman Koulamallah criticized Sudans alleged subversive activities, accusing it of backing terrorist groups in the region to threaten Chads stability.

The Chadian government voiced particular concern over a Zaghawa rebel group led by Ousman Dillo, the brother of opposition figure Yaya Dillo Djerou, who was killed by the Chadian army. These actions have rekindled longstanding tensions between the two countries; in 2008, a similar Sudan-based Zaghawa rebellion launched an offensive against Chad, forcing former President Idriss Deby Itno to rely on French support to retain power. Debys death during a 2021 rebellion led his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, to the presidency. He was officially elected President in 2024.

Chads stance comes amid heightened tensions, with reports that Sudan recently hosted meetings with exiled Chadian rebels, including General Mahamat Nour Abdelkerim. Relations have worsened as both nations accuse each other of destabilization attempts. In late October, Chad refuted allegations of involvement in Sudans conflict following claims that it was supplying arms sourced from the United Arab Emirates.

Chads military reported heavy fighting on November 9 against a faction of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. According to a November 10 press release, 96 militants were neutralized, while 17 Chadian soldiers were killed and 32 others injured. President Mahamat Idriss Deby subsequently held a security meeting before departing for Saudi Arabia to attend the Arab-Islamic summit.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to an estimated 20,000 to 150,000 deaths, according to medical sources, and has displaced over 10 million people, fueling one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region, according to the United Nations.
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Cartoon illustrates the research. Credit: Isaac Rodriguez, UC Riverside.

In drug discovery, targeted protein degradation is a method that selectively eliminates disease-causing proteins. A University of California, Riverside team of scientists has used a novel approach to identify protein degraders that target Pin1, a protein involved in pancreatic cancer development.

The team reports in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that it has designed agents that not only bind tightly to Pin1 but are designed to cause its destabilization and cellular degradationa finding that could pave the way for new cancer therapies. The title of the paper is "Targeted Degradation of Pin1 by Protein Destabilizing Compounds."

Led by Maurizio Pellecchia, a professor of biomedical sciences in the UCR School of Medicine, the team found that the degraders, which were made in the lab, act like "molecular crowbars" that open up the structure of Pin1, rendering it less stable.

"This 'molecular crowbar' strategy is potentially a promising method in drug discovery and pharmacology," said Pellecchia, who holds the Daniel Hays Chair in Cancer Research at UCR.

"Our agents targeting Pin1 not only potently bind to Pin1 but also destabilize it and this destabilization leads to its degradation across various human cancer cell lines. This strategy could offer an additional pathway for developing agents that can more effectively target and degrade harmful proteins."

The researchers' interest in studying Pin1 was two-fold. They wanted to identify potent molecules that could degrade Pin1. They also wanted to study the role of Pin1 in the crosstalk between pancreatic cancer cells and the tumor microenvironmentmacrophages and cancer-associated fibroblastswhere Pin 1 is also expressed.

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are cells that play a key role in the development and progression of tumors.

Pin1 is a fast-acting enzyme involved in many cellular processes and implicated in the formation of tumors. It is overexpressed in many tumors and its deficiency significantly suppresses cancer progression. Its expression level is much higher in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in pancreatic cancer cells.

"Pancreatic cancer is particularly difficult to treat because a highly fibrous tissue covers pancreatic cancer cells," Pellecchia said.

"As a result, it is difficult for treatments to reach the pancreatic cancer cells effectively. We want to understand the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and pancreatic cancer cells. We believe Pin1 may play a major role in this cross talk."

Pellecchia explained that if his team can kill cancer-associated fibroblasts through Pin1 inhibition, then it is possible that pancreatic cancer cells will be more susceptible to anticancer agents.

The difficulty until now, Pellecchia said, has been how to obtain potent and selective Pin1 inhibitors that can penetrate cancer-associated fibroblasts and/or cancer cells and, at the same time, block the function of Pin1, possibly eliminating Pin1 altogether by inducing its degradation.

"Our molecular degrader, the 'crowbar,' opens up the structure of Pin1, its target," Pellecchia said. "We are excited about this mechanism because we believe it's unique and could be applicable to other drug targets. Inducing its cellular degradation is a much more effective way to counteract the activity of an overexpressed oncogenic enzyme than simply inhibiting it."

Pellecchia is collaborating with researchers at the City of Hope. The effort will assess how well the molecular degraders Pellecchia's team identified inhibit cancer-associated fibroblasts in patients affected by pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.

"Our collaboration would like to see if we can administer these agents to pancreatic cancer patients or other patients that develop peritoneal metastasis, which is often associated with cancer-associated fibroblast activity," Pellecchia said. "Ultimately, we hope to develop our agents into novel cancer therapeutics in this collaboration."

According to Pellecchia, it may be possible for pharmaceutical companies to develop therapeutics that can cause both destabilization of the target and its degradation.

"This is a new potential target modality for future drugs," he said. "Also, Pin1 inhibitors that can cause Pin1 degradation very effectively could have a major impact in a number of cancers, and not just pancreatic cancer, because of their effect on cancer-associated fibroblasts."

Pellecchia was joined in the research by Giulia Alboreggia, the first author of the paper, and Parima Udompholkul, who work in his laboratory; and Isaac Rodriguez and Gregor Blaha. Rodriguez works in Blaha's laboratory.
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Emile Miango, de 2 anos de edad y paciente con viruela simica, el 4 de septiembre de 2024, en un hospital en Kamituga, Congo. Credit: AP Foto/Moses Sawasawa, Archivo

Cases of mpox in the region of Congo where a new and more infectious variant was first detected appear to be "plateauing," the World Health Organization said on Monday, even as the virus continues to increase in other areas of the country, as well as in Burundi and Uganda.

A report by the U.N. health agency said the number of mpox infections "shows a general rising trend," but that they may have plateaued in South Kivu, where the more infectious form of mpox was first identified to be spreading earlier this year among sex workers and miners in the gold mining town of Kamituga.

WHO acknowledged that testing is still not widespread, making it difficult to understand how exactly the virus is spreading.

According to data from last week, Congo reported fewer than 100 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases, down from nearly 400 in July. In recent weeks, experts say that infections appear to be stabilizing, offering a chance for health authorities to definitively stamp out the outbreak.

So far, about 50,000 people in Congo have been immunized against mpox. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 3 million vaccines are needed to stop the outbreak.

Last week, Africa CDC's director Dr. Jean Kaseya said the continent was "still in the acute phase" of the mpox epidemic, with 19 countries affected. He warned that without more resources, the virus could become a global threat.

A health worker attends to a mpox patient, at a treatment center in Munigi, eastern Congo, Aug. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, file

WHO said the Burundi outbreak is also being driven by the newer variant, which causes less severe symptomsmeaning people who are infectious may not realize they are spreading it. In the last two weeks, Burundi has reported more than 200 new mpox cases every week, mostly in children and young adults.

In Uganda, which reported 100 new cases last week, WHO said the virus is spreading mostly through sex, with the vast majority of cases in adults.

Mpoxpreviously known as monkeypox because it was first seen in research monkeysis spread primarily through close skin-to-skin contact with infected people or their soiled clothes or bedsheets. It often causes visible skin lesions that could make people less likely to be in close contact with others.

In August, WHO declared the rapid spread of mpox in Congo and elsewhere in Africa to be a global health emergency. To date, Africa has reported more than 46,000 suspected cases, including 1,081 deaths.

WHO said it would convene an expert meeting on Nov. 22 to determine if mpox still constitutes an international emergency.

Last week, Britain announced the first instance of the more infectious kind of mpox spreading beyond Africa. It identified mpox in a person who had recently traveled to Africa and in three of their household contacts. All the individuals are currently being treated in two London hospitals.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Two measures of patient well-being, designed for use in busy clinical settings, are described in a Perspective piece in a supplement to Medical Care.

The piece describes perspectives and research surrounding well-being and whole-person outcomes and measurements, which was the focus of a recent VA State of the Art (SOTA) conference on this topic. The conference was part of the ongoing effort in VA to move towards a "Whole Health" approach which focuses on what matters most to the veteran.

"In recent years there has been a growing call for health care providers to expand their primary focus beyond treating disease to addressing the needs of the whole person," the developers of the tools note. "Yet health care providers have received little guidance regarding which well-being measures are best suited to the clinical context or how these measures may be best applied to enhance clinical practice."

In response to this problem, Dawne S. Vogt, Ph.D., a research scientist at the National Center for PTSD within the VA Boston Health care System and a professor of psychiatry at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and colleagues in the Veterans Health Administration created two assessment tools: Well-Being Signs (WBS) and Well-Being Brief (WBB).

Well-being signs can guide treatment planning

The WBS can be self-administered or administered by a clinician in less than one minute. On scales of 0 to 10, the patient indicates how often they have participated in the roles and activities that are most important to them, functioned their best in those endeavors, and were fully satisfied with how things are going in those aspects of their lives.

Information from the WBS can prompt discussion between a patient and a health care professional about how treatment plans may be designed and/or modified to best optimize the patient's well-being and whether additional support may be needed to address areas of lower well-being. Psychometric testing is complete and the WBS is now available.

The Well-Being Brief is more in-depth but still efficient

The WBB is a self-administered measure that can be completed in about six minutes and is used to evaluate four areas in which the patient may benefit from support that extends beyond medical care:

VocationHow well an individual is doing in their vocational pursuits, including their involvement, functioning, and satisfaction with regard to paid work, education and training experiences, and caregiving activities.

FinancialHow well an individual is doing with regard to their financial circumstances, including their ability to meet basic needs for food and shelter, transportation, and legal needs and their ability to prepare for their financial future.

HealthThe extent to which individuals are experiencing good health states, are engaging in health-promoting behaviors, and perceive that their health and health care access allows them to live their lives as they wish.

SocialThe extent to which individuals have social ties, function well in their social interactions, and are satisfied with their relationships with intimate partners, friends, and family and their broader community.

The WBB was designed to inform referrals to professionals and programs that support well-being. For example, it can identify patients who would benefit from career counseling, financial-management support, or counseling to improve their social relationships.

Dr. Vogt and her colleagues say that although they have only just begun to explore how well-being measurements can be used in clinical care, "we are optimistic that attending to the well-being of the 'whole person' can better meet patients' needs and improve health care outcomes."

More information: Dawne Vogt et al, Using Well-Being Measurements to Enhance Clinical Practice, Medical Care (2024). DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000002072 Journal information: Medical Care
Belt and Road cooperation between China, Peru benefits the world

Xinhua) 08:12, November 11, 2024

The Annual Meeting on Pragmatic Cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Framework between Peru and China is held in Lima, Peru, Nov. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Over the years, the Belt and Road Initiative has promoted practical cooperation, and become an important driving force for the good of China and Peru, Latin America and the world at large.

LIMA, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- An annual meeting on practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was held here in Peru's capital Friday, focusing on new opportunities available within the framework.

The event was jointly organized by the China Economic Information Service of Xinhua News Agency, Peru's Andina News Agency and the China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. Attendees had an in-depth discussion on bilateral cooperation under the BRI framework and future development.

Over the years, the BRI has promoted practical cooperation, and become an important driving force for the good of both countries, Latin America and the world at large.

Peru is one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations and a comprehensive strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China. It is also the first Latin American country to sign a package of free trade agreements with China.

Since China and Peru signed the memorandum of understanding on BRI cooperation in 2019, bilateral cooperation has achieved fruitful results, with increasingly close collaboration in economy, trade, finance, culture and other fields.

Thanks to the cooperation, Peruvian alpaca dolls have enjoyed tremendous popularity in China, and Peruvian blueberries, grapes, avocados and other agricultural products are also widely welcomed by Chinese consumers.

China has been Peru's largest trading partner and largest export market for 10 consecutive years. The fruitful practical cooperation between the two countries embodies the common aspiration of the two peoples for joint development and shows bright prospects for future cooperation.

The booth of Warmpaca is pictured during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

Both China and Peru have a rich history and a splendid civilization, and the people of the two countries, though thousands of miles apart, share a strong friendship and similar ideas.

Peru is one of the Latin American countries where Chinese immigrants first arrived and settled in large numbers. In recent years, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly close, with more and more Chinese tourists visiting Peru. The Congress of Peru in May designated Feb. 1 as the "Peru-China Fraternity Day."

At present, BRI cooperation has entered a new stage of high-quality development, which will inject fresh impetus into the joint efforts by China, Latin America and other countries from the Global South toward modernization.

Take the Chancay Port project, a landmark project of the two countries' BRI cooperation, as an example. It will not only help Peru improve its shipping efficiency but also effectively promote the development of its science and technology and industrialization.

The project has created 1,300 direct jobs and about 8,000 indirect jobs for locals. After completion, the port will become a new maritime hub connecting Latin America and Asia.

Looking ahead, the two countries are expected to continue to join hands in exploring new opportunities within the BRI framework. The cooperation between China and Peru will contribute to mutual prosperity in both countries, Latin America, and the world at large.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Integrative analysis of multi-modal profiles from 21 AML patients linked venetoclax resistance to prior venetoclax treatment, elevated levels of CD36, and increased activity of cell proliferation and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways. Credit: University of Zurich

Researchers from the Tumor Profiler consortium have combined single-cell multi-omics and functional profiling for 21 AML patients to reveal resistance mechanisms to the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax and identify emerging treatment vulnerabilities.

Molecular and functional profiling technologies ("Multi-OMICS") open new doors for personalized medicine. The Tumor Profiler study is a collaboration between Swiss universities, hospitals and industry with the goal to assess the clinical relevance of in-depth tumor profiling.

In a recent study from the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arm of the Tumor Profiler, published in Nature Communications, researchers demonstrated that multi-OMICS profiles can be generated in a clinically meaningful turnaround time and are highly informative of treatment resistance and sensitivity.

In this study, they analyzed samples from 21 AML patients and combined up to nine OMICS methods to examine cellular drug responses and individual cell DNA, RNA, and proteins. They found that prior venetoclax exposure was associated with weaker response to this drug and accompanied by characteristic molecular changes. These changes were also observed in some venetoclax-naive patients whose cells nevertheless did not respond to this treatment ex vivo.

This analysis uncovered venetoclax resistance mechanisms and pointed towards potential alternative treatments targeting the resistance-associated molecular pathways. For instance, high levels of the protein CD36 in resistant cells were linked to ex vivo responses to a new immunotherapy. This study underscores the power of advanced profiling techniques in uncovering drug resistance mechanisms and identifying alternative treatment options for AML patients.

More information: Rebekka Wegmann et al, Single-cell landscape of innate and acquired drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53535-4 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Polyclonal-to-monoclonal transition in human sporadic polyps. Credit: Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08133-1

In a study published in Nature, researchers led by Prof. Hu Zheng from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with their collaborators, demonstrated a new model of early evolution in the transition of tumors from polyclonal to monoclonal, and elucidated the mechanisms of intercellular communication and the interaction underlying the polyclonal origin of tumors.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Gaining insight into the origins and evolution of precancerous lesions is vital for preventing their progression to malignancy.

According to the classical clonal evolution theory, tumors originate from a single cell that undergoes continuous clonal expansions. However, this study reveals that tumors arise from multiple cells, supporting a polyclonal origin model.

Researchers, utilizing a base editor-enabled DNA barcoding system, meticulously mapped the single-cell phylogenies in mouse models of intestinal tumorigenesis, triggered either by inflammation or Apc mutation. By analyzing a staggering 260,922 single cells from normal, inflamed, and neoplastic intestinal tissues, they uncovered a striking pattern: numerous independent lineages were observed undergoing parallel clonal expansions within individual lesions.

This polyclonal origin suggested that colorectal precancers may arise from multiple distinct cellular lineages working cooperatively in the earliest stages of cancer development.

The finding was further corroborated through genomic analyses of human samples. In a study of sporadic colorectal polyps, researchers found that 29% of the samples (30 out of 102) exhibited this polyclonal origin through bulk whole-exome sequencing. The results indicated an evolutionary transition from a polyclonal phase to a monoclonal one, with monoclonal lesions representing a more advanced stage of tumorigenesis.

This study sheds light on the origins and evolution of intestinal precancerous lesions, paving the way for improved strategies to prevent the malignant transformation that can lead to colorectal cancer.

More information: Zhaolian Lu et al, Polyclonal-to-monoclonal transition in colorectal precancerous evolution, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08133-1 Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A Northeastern University professor says public health experts are concerned that vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is setting the stage for confusion about childhood vaccination scheduleseven among parents who wish to have their children immunized.

In worst-case scenarios, guidance by Kennedy, who may play a key health role in the second Trump administration, will lead to outbreaks of measles and other preventable childhood diseases, says Neil Maniar, director of Northeastern's master of public health program.

"If we move in a direction where we are going to significantly reduce utilization of vaccines, we run the risk of some of these vaccine preventable diseases having a resurgence," he says.

"And that could put us back many years in terms of the public health progress we've made with regard to vaccination and eradication of disease."

There's a vaccination schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designed to ensure children are getting the right vaccinations at the right time.

"Some of these vaccinations are given in multiple doses," he says. "One of the things that is of concern is the possibility of vaccination schedules being interrupted if there's a significant shift in policy."

If vaccinations go from being required to optional, there's a higher chance they will be skipped or not given at all, Maniar says.

"Other things may take priority over getting that vaccination," he says. "Or parents may say, 'You know what? I'm going to learn more, but I don't have time right now to learn more about this. So I'll wait a while.'"

Kennedy told news reporters he wouldn't prevent children from being vaccinated but would make it a matter of parental choice.

"People ought to have choice, and that choice ought to be informed by the best information," he said.

"So I'm going to make sure scientific safety studies and efficacy are out there, and people can make individual assessments about whether that product is going to be good for them," Kennedy said.

Currently, most public schools require that children be immunized with exceptions usually restricted to religious reasons.

While fully vaccinated children will be protected against measles and other diseases covered by immunizations, children who are just starting their vaccination schedules are more at risk of contracting the illnesses, Maniar says.

He says children and adults with health issues that put them at risk of lowered immunity are also at risk.

"Vaccines are important for a number of reasons," Maniar says.

"At an individual level, the vaccines help to either prevent illness or to reduce the severity of illness," he says.

"More broadly, at a community level, vaccines are really important because once you reach a critical threshold of individuals who are vaccinated, you reach herd immunity with regard to a range of different vaccine preventable illnesses."

It's one reason why people seldom hear about outbreaks of measles in the U.S. these days.

"(Herd immunity) helps keep diseases like measles and other vaccine preventable diseases in check," Maniar says.

Childhood vaccination adherence averages about 72% in the U.S., according to the State Health Access Assistance Center, with Iowa having the highest rate at 87.9% and West Virginia running the lowest at 56.6%.

Rates also varied by ethnicity, being highest among whites at 75.5% and lowest among Blacks at 66.5%.

If vaccination rates drop, "We're going to have not just variations in herd immunity but we're going to have outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases," Maniar says.

He says Kennedy's call for scientific safety and efficacy studies on vaccines belies the existing facts.

"There is a very rigorous process that is the foundation of vaccine development and approval," Maniar says. "All of the vaccines that are on the market right now have been shown to be safe and effective."

"That doesn't mean that there are no side effects. We see that with any kind of medical treatment," he says. But "we have always based this on evidence."

In talking about dismantling public health agencies, Kennedy is sowing further distrust in institutions that serve the public and spreading misinformation, Maniar says.

Not prioritizing childhood vaccination may mean it's less likely that public health institutions run under the Trump administration will make an effort to reach all communities, including communities of people who don't speak English or who are otherwise marginalized, Maniar says.

And that's an issue since children of color and children in impoverished communities already have lower immunization rates.

"We are going to widen the disparities that already exist around vaccinated rates," Maniar says.

"There are many layers of risk that are associated with moving from a required vaccine schedule to an optional vaccine schedule that are not fully being appreciated now."

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Natalie Holt sees reminders nearly everywhere of the serious toll a years-long syphilis outbreak has taken in South Dakota. Scrambling to tamp down the spread of the devastating disease, public health officials are blasting messages to South Dakotans on billboards and television, urging people to get tested.

Holt works in Aberdeen, a city of about 28,000 surrounded by a sea of prairie, as a physician and the chief medical officer for the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service, one of 12 regional divisions of the federal agency responsible for providing health care to Native Americans and Alaska Natives in the U.S.

The response to this public health issue, she said, is not so different from the approach with the coronavirus pandemicfederal, state, local, and tribal groups need to "divide and conquer" as they work to test and treat residents. But they are responding to this crisis with fewer resources because federal officials haven't declared it a public health emergency.

The public pleas for testing are part of health officials' efforts to halt the outbreak that has disproportionately hurt Native Americans in the Great Plains and Southwest. According to the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center, syphilis rates among Native Americans in its region soared by 1,865% from 2020 to 2022over 10 times the 154% increase seen nationally during the same period.

The epidemiology center's region spans Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The center also found that one in 40 Native American and Alaska Native babies born in the region in 2022 had a syphilis infection.

The rise in infections accelerated in 2021, pinching public health leaders still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.

Three years later, the outbreak continuesthe number of new infections so far this year is 10 times the full 12-month totals recorded in some years before the upsurge. And tribal health leaders say their calls for federal officials to declare a public health emergency have gone unheeded.

Pleas for help from local and regional tribal health leaders like Meghan Curry O'Connell, the chief public health officer for the Great Plains Tribal Leaders' Health Board and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, preceded a September letter from the National Indian Health Board, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that advocates for health care for U.S. tribes, to publicly urge the Department of Health and Human Services to declare a public health emergency.

Tribal leaders said they need federal resources, including public health workers, access to data and national stockpile supplies, and funding.

According to data from the South Dakota Department of Health, 577 cases of syphilis have been documented this year in the state. Of those, 430 were among Native American peoplemaking up 75% of the state's syphilis cases, whereas the group accounts for just 9% of the population.

The numbers can be hard to process, O'Connell said.

"It's completely preventable and curable, so something has gone horribly wrong that this has occurred," she said.

The Great Plains Tribal Leaders' Health Board first called on HHS to declare a public health emergency in February. O'Connell said the federal agency sent a letter in response outlining some resources and training it has steered toward the outbreak, but it stopped short of declaring an emergency or providing the substantial resources the board requested. The board's now months-old plea for resources was like the recent one from the National Indian Health Board.

"We know how to address this, but we do need extra support and resources in order to do it," she said.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can result in life-threatening damage to the heart, brain, and other organs if left untreated. Women infected while pregnant can pass the disease to their babies. Those infections in newborns, called congenital syphilis, kill dozens of babies each year and can lead to devastating health effects in others.

Holt said the Indian Health Service facilities she oversees have averaged more than 1,300 tests for syphilis monthly. She said a recent decline in new cases detected each monthdown from 92 in January to 29 in Septembermay be a sign that things are improving. But a lot of damage has been done during the past few years.

Cases of congenital syphilis across the country have more than tripled in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2022, 3,700 cases were reportedthe most in a single year since 1994.

The highest rate of reported primary and secondary syphilis cases in 2022 was among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native people, with 67 cases per 100,000, according to CDC data.

O'Connell and other tribal leaders said they don't have the resources needed to keep pace with the outbreak.

Chief William Smith, vice president of Alaska's Valdez Native Tribe and chairperson of the National Indian Health Board, told HHS in the organization's letter that tribal health systems need greater federal investment so the system can better respond to public health threats.

Rafael Benavides, HHS' deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, said the agency has received the letter sent in early September and will respond directly to the authors.

"HHS is committed to addressing the urgent syphilis crisis in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and supporting tribal leaders' efforts to mobilize and raise awareness to address this important public health crisis," he said.

Federal officials from the health department and the CDC have formed task forces and hosted workshops for tribes on how to address the outbreak. But tribal leaders insist a public health emergency declaration is needed more than anything else.

Holt said that while new cases seem to be declining, officials continue to fight further spread with what resources they have. But obstacles remain, such as convincing people without symptoms to get tested for syphilis. To make this easier, appointments are not required. When people pick up medications at a pharmacy, they receive flyers about syphilis and information about where and when to get tested.

Despite this "full court press" approach, Holt said, officials know there are people who do not seek health care often and may fall through the cracks.

O'Connell said the ongoing outbreak is a perfect example of why staffing, funding, data access, and other resources need to be in place before an emergency develops, allowing public health agencies to respond immediately.

"Our requests have been specific to this outbreak, but really, they're needed as a foundation for whatever comes next," she said. "Because something will come next."

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
No one knows who will be targeted: N.J.s Indian community fears ICE raids

Undocumented Indian immigrants, some of whom have overstayed their visas, are anxious about the possibility of being detained and deported by ICE.
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for constitutional amendments to prevent individuals from using the courts to block government projects.

Speaking during a church service in Kakamega on Sunday Atwoli urged the President to consider altering specific sections of the constitution to ensure smoother execution of government initiatives.

I want to tell the president, we will help him, but the battle he has is big. First, he should help us amend the Kenyan constitution. When the president wants to introduce a project to assist us, people go to court to stop it. We must help him, and he will help us in many things.

Atwoli further emphasized the need to revisit constitutional provisions that hinder the governments ability to fulfill its promises.

Lets go back to our current constitution and look at those sections. There are some that will hold him back until the five years are over, Atwoli said at the event attended by President William Ruto.

Whenever you want to introduce a project, some people rush to court to block it, even though its a national government initiative. Yet, if someone kills you today, they go to court, get bond, and brag about it.

Atwoli also affirmed that the Western Kenya region is now fully aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration and warned those attempting to sow division that they will be arrested.

I assure the president that here in Western, we are all now inside the government, and anyone on the outside, we will arrest them. I said, if someone is sitting on the government security council, which oversees the countrys security, and goes outside to speak about internal matters, they must be arrested. Because when this country faces problems, it is women, children, and workers who suffer the most, and we must have laws to protect them, he added.

President Ruto, speaking at the Inaugural Supreme Court Conference last week, urged the courts to consider the manifestos that led voters to elect his administration before making decisions that could halt government projects.

He also called on the Judiciary to be more considerate, as several court rulings have delayed the implementation of key government initiatives.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has filed an appeal to overturn a High Court ruling that allowed Wilson Nashon Kanani, a City Hall employee, to retain assets worth KES 643 million.

The EACC expressed its dissatisfaction with the decision, requesting the Court of Appeal to set it aside entirely. The agency had previously sought for the assets to be forfeited to the state.

The ruling, issued last Thursday by Justice Nixon Sifuna, lifted an order that had frozen the assets and funds in five bank accounts owned by Kanani and his wife.

The judge accepted the couples explanation regarding how they acquired the wealth, concluding that there was no evidence to suggest the assets were obtained through corrupt practices.

The respondents have satisfactorily explained that the assets were acquired genuinely, and there is no evidence on record indicating Mr. Kanani engaged in corruption, the judge stated.

The EACC had argued that Kanani, while in a public office, misappropriated revenue intended for Nairobi County by channeling it through accounts held by his and his wifes private companies. The commission raised concerns about several unaccounted-for assets, which included land, vehicles, and significant sums of cash.

Among the assets under scrutiny are a Nairobi flat valued at KES 6.5 million, a house in Busia worth KES 11.2 million, and land in Naivasha valued at KES 3.5 million. Additionally, the EACC reported that Kanani acquired four high-end motor vehicles over five years: a Toyota Land Cruiser V8, a Mercedes Benz E 300, a Mercedes Benz E350, and a Toyota Alphard.

The commission also investigated Kananis bank accounts and found that between January 2016 and October 31, 2022, he received a total of KES 506 million in deposits.

Despite these findings, Justice Sifuna pointed out that the only evidence linking Kanani to alleged corruption was a criminal conviction, which was later appealed and overturned.

The judge also disagreed with the EACCs claim that Kananis salary was too low to justify his wealth. A diligent public officer who invests his money will likely accumulate more assets than an executive who spends his otherwise large salary on leisure and indulgence, the judge remarked.

In its appeal notice, the EACC emphasized that the ruling posed a significant setback in the fight against corruption. The commission warned that upholding the decision would establish a dangerous precedent that could reverse progress in recovering public funds and assets stolen by corrupt officials.

EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi described the judgment as a disturbance to the legal principles governing the recovery of stolen public assets.

By disturbing the established legal principles and standards, the judgment potentially reverses the jurisprudential gains that Kenya has so far made in the recovery of public funds and assets stolen by corrupt public officials, Ngumbi said.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially appointed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as its new deputy party leader.

The party confirmed Kindikis appointment on Monday during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

According to Cecily Mbarire, UDAs National Chairperson, the NEC acknowledged that due to recent resolutions in the National Assembly, a Senate vote, and the application of certain constitutional provisions, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua can no longer serve as Deputy Party Leader.

Articles 75 (3) and 145 (7) of the Kenyan Constitution, alongside Article 8.2.19 of the UDA Party Constitution, mandate Gachaguas departure from this role. Consequently, the NEC resolved to appoint H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, EGH, as Deputy Party Leader effective immediately.

Following his appointment, Kindiki committed to supporting President William Ruto in achieving the UDAs agenda for Kenya. He highlighted the significance of unity across the nation, saying, I will carry out the responsibilities entrusted to me by the party to assist the President in achieving the partys agenda and serving all members.

Expressing gratitude, Kindiki noted, It gives me pleasure today, as I thank the party and Almighty God for the privilege to assist this party as deputy party leader. The last few weeks have been momentous as we navigated the constitutional and judicial steps leading to this transition.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja dismissed rumors claiming there was a plot to remove Moses Wetangula as National Assembly Speaker.

Speaking at a church service in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Sakaja assured the public that there were no such plans and urged those eyeing the position to abandon their ambitions.

I was concerned when I heard the rumors about Wetangula. Wetangula is here to stay as the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sakaja stated, adding, Those hoping to take his seat should stop. We must not be a country that always brings people down.

The service, which was attended by President William Ruto, also saw speeches from other leaders, including Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, Governor Fernandes Barasa, and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka.

Sakaja also took the opportunity to thank Acting Interior CS Musalia Mudavadi for his leadership and collaboration with the President. He further urged all Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority, explaining that the scheme would address long-standing healthcare challenges.

Sakaja emphasized that registration would ensure the allocation of resources to health facilities and a consistent supply of medication for patients.
Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra take selfies during the breaks in the performance in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

The Philadelphia Orchestra wrapped up its China tour on Sunday evening in Haikou, Hainan Province, after giving its second and final performance in the country's southernmost capital city.



From Oct. 31 to Nov. 10, the U.S. assemble held nine concerts in Beijing, Tianjin, Chengdu and Haikou as China and the United States celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

It was the first time for the orchestra to play in Haikou in the tropical island province of Hainan, as well as in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province which is known as the hometown to giant pandas.

"We are delighted to perform in Haikou," said Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, describing it as "a history-making moment."

"Every piece of music has been specially selected for the performances we're giving in China, and I think the audiences in Haikou will greatly enjoy these beautiful pieces of music that we chose," Tarnopolsky added.

As the first American orchestra to visit China after the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Philadelphia Orchestra embarked on a historic tour in 1973 that marked a thaw in China-U.S. cultural exchanges.

In the more than five decades that followed, the orchestra has toured major Chinese cities more than 10 times, strengthening the emotional and cultural bonds between the two peoples.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Philadelphia Orchestra brought the magnificent "Sound of Philadelphia" to an excited audience in Haikou.

Besides two concerts, the orchestra also organized various activities, including music exchanges with students and faculty at Hainan University, and a pop-up performance at the city's landmark Wormhole Library.

"It's been a very busy day, but I know a lot of the musicians went out into the beautiful nature here. It's so incredibly lush and gorgeous," said Marin Alsop, principal guest conductor.

"Music can express thoughts and ideas that words alone cannot express. Music can bring people together," said Tarnopolsky. "The more we make music together in front of audiences or with other people, the better our world will be. And that's what the Philadelphia Orchestra is celebrating."

As the first American orchestra to visit Hainan, the Philadelphia Orchestra opens a new chapter in cultural exchange for the island province.

Hainan has been building a free-trade port, and at the same time expanding international trade and cultural exchanges around the world, aiming to become a globally recognized cultural and tourism destination.
Calligraphy and seal-carving art works by 200 prominent artists from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are being exhibited at the 2024 Cross-Strait Chinese Character Culture & Art Festival, which opened on Saturday in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

The event, running until Dec. 3, also features an exhibit showcasing creative works centered on Chinese characters by young people, and an art carnival with the participation of 18 calligraphy and seal-carving groups, celebrating the charm of Chinese characters and traditional Chinese culture.

The festival stands not only as a feast of artistry but also a valuable opportunity for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to collaborate on cultural preservation and promote people-to-people exchanges, said Liu Chao-shiuan, chairman of the Foundation of Chinese Culture for Sustainable Development, in his opening remarks.

"Chinese characters are a symbol and carrier of the culture shared by the two sides of the Strait. By using them as a bridge, we hope to unleash the dynamics of traditional culture in artistic exchanges," Liu said.

The event is co-hosted by the Taiwan-based Foundation of Chinese Culture for Sustainable Development and the mainland-based Chinese National Academy of Arts. Since 2010, it has been held alternately between Taiwan and the mainland.

In a video message, Zhou Qingfu, president of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, said that the festival is not only a cultural gathering but also a moment of connection.

"Through this event, we deepen our mutual understanding and trust and become closer. Let us continue to pass on our artistic traditions, promote mutual understanding, and advance Chinese culture together," Zhou said.

This year's exhibition features art works by 100 artists from the mainland and another 100 from Taiwan, all inspired by the theme of the historical period of the Three Kingdoms.

The two sides of the Strait should together bear the responsibility of passing on the art of Chinese characters, which is an essential part of Chinese cultural heritage, said Huang Zhi-yang, a calligrapher and dean of the College of Humanities and Arts at Huafan University in Taiwan.

"Through exchanges like this, artists from both sides can appreciate each other's creations, inspire each other, and grow together," he added.

The event also exhibits 100 outstanding works by young people aged 12 to 25, of which 60 come from Taiwan and 40 from the mainland.

Lu Chi-hui, a high school senior who has studied calligraphy for nearly 10 years, won an award for excellence with her submission.

"My favorite calligrapher is Chu Suiliang, and I'm looking forward to seeing his inscriptions in Xi'an (in northwest China's Shaanxi Province) someday," she said. "Today people mainly type on phones, so there are fewer opportunities to write by hand. In the future, I'd love to become a calligraphy teacher and contribute to the preservation of calligraphy."

In addition to the exhibitions, the opening day featured an art carnival where 18 calligraphy and seal-craving clubs and traditional stationery stores across Taiwan offered interactive experiences such as brush-making, seal carving, water-based printing, handwritten couplets, and ink rubbings. Many locals brought their children to experience this traditional form of culture.

Other events included a demonstration with calligraphers showcasing their craft live and a forum focusing on the development of Chinese character art in modern society.
Domestic stock markets continued their downward trend on Monday, as the bears pulled markets down continuously. The Nifty 50 index opened with a decline of 60 points, or 0.25 percent, at 24,087.25 points, while the Sensex opened at 79,312.13 with a decline of 174 points, or 0.22 percent. Experts stated that Indian markets may continue to see outflows as the U.S. markets have become an attractive destination for investment following Trump's return. Trump's pro-business policies are driving the U.S. markets. The earning downgrades are also affecting the markets. "The sustained rally in the US markets which have taken the Dow and S&P 500 above 40000 and 6000 respectively is no longer a tailwind for Indian markets. Expectations that tax cuts promised by Trump and his pro-business policies will boost corporate earnings in the US are driving the rally. In India, in contrast, worse-than-expected earnings downgrades for FY25 are weighing on stock prices favouring the bears in the near-term. FIIs may continue to sell and move money to the US which has outperformed India so far this year" said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. In the sectoral indices, except for Nifty Pharma, Nifty Consumer Durables, and Nifty Healthcare, all other indices opened with a decline on Monday, strengthening the selling pressure. In the Nifty 50 list, 14 stocks opened with advances, while 33 declined during the early trading session. In the quarterly announcements today, ONGC, Hindalco Industries, Britannia Industries, NMDC, UPL, Jubilant Foodworks, and Hindustan Copper are some of the major companies set to announce their second-quarter performance for FY 2025. The selling trend by FPIs has dragged down the major Indian indices, the Nifty 50 and Sensex, both of which have dropped by around 8 percent since the beginning of this selling spree in October. According to National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) data, FPIs offloaded equities worth a significant Rs 19,994 crore in just the first five trading sessions of November last week. "The Nifty formed a small negative candle on the daily chart, indicating ongoing consolidation. The index remains in a choppy short-term trend, and technical analysis suggests a weak bias for the near term. Support for the Nifty is seen around 24,000, with a potential retest of 23,800 if the downside prevails" said Varun Aggarwal, MD, Profit Idea. Other Asian markets also faced selling pressure on Monday, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng declining by more than 2.6 percent, South Korea's KOSPI index down by more than 1 percent, the Nikkei 225 index down by 0.39 percent, and Taiwan's weighted index down by 0.68 percent. (ANI)
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 11: Pritika Engineering Components Ltd.(NSE - PRITIKA), one of the leading manufacturers of precision machined components for the tractor and automotive sectors in India, is pleased to announce Unaudited Q2 & H1 FY25 results. Consolidated Key Financial Highlights: Key Financial Highlights Q2 FY25 * Total Income of Rs 32.03 Cr, YoY growth of 40.59% * EBITDA of Rs 5.28 Cr, YoY growth of 74.52% * EBITDA Margin of 16.48%, YoY growth of 318 BPS * Net Profit of Rs 1.64 Cr, YoY growth of 78.20% * Net Profit Margin of 5.11%, YoY growth of 108 BPS * Diluted EPS (Rs) of Rs 1.24, YoY growth of 63.16% Key Financial Highlights H1 FY25 * Total Income of Rs 54.92 Cr, YoY growth of 23.97% * EBITDA of Rs 8.89 Cr, YoY growth of 54.33% * EBITDA Margin of 16.19%, YoY growth of 318 BPS * Net Profit of Rs 2.58 Cr, YoY growth of 39.87% * Net Profit Margin of 4.70%, YoY growth of 53 BPS * Diluted EPS (Rs) of Rs 1.96, YoY growth of 28.10% Q2 FY25 Key Highlights: * The company has announced the issuance of right shares aggregating upto Rs49.90 crore to fund its expansion into railway and defence component manufacturing. * The company has announced a stock split, reducing the face value of each equity share from Rs10 to Rs5. GREEN SHOOTS IN TRACTOR INDUSTRY: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. which is one of the largest client of Pritika Engineering has in it's Q2FY25 Presentation mentioned that H2FY25 tractor industry is expected to grow in double digits. Upon the Financial Performance, Harpreet Singh Nibber, Managing Director of Pritika Engineering Components Limited said, "We are pleased to report a robust performance in Q2 FY25, highlighted by a significant increase in revenue of 40.59% year-over-year, reaching Rs32.03 crore. Our EBITDA surged by an impressive 74.52%, with margins expanding by 320 basis points to 16.48%, reflecting our continued focus on operational efficiency. Net profit also showed strong growth, rising by 78.20% to Rs1.64 crore, demonstrating the resilience of our business and the value we are creating for our stakeholders. In addition to our financial performance, we have recently embarked on several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening our market position. Our commitment to enhancing product quality and expanding our footprint is already yielding positive results. As we continue to execute on our strategic priorities, we remain confident in our ability to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value for our shareholders." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], November 11: In today's fast-paced digital world, staying ahead requires more than just innovation--it demands foresight, agility, and a relentless focus on outcomes. Few individuals exemplify this approach as well as Waseem Afzal, the driving force behind Platformance.io, a growth technology platform that is revolutionising the digital advertising landscape in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and beyond. With over two decades of experience spanning pivotal roles in major global companies, Waseem has built a career centred on transformation. His work is grounded in the belief that measurable outcomes--not vanity metrics--are what truly drive success in today's digital economy. Waseem Afzal's Journey: A Vision for Digital Transformation Waseem's journey through the ever-evolving media and advertising industries has been one of constant transformation. His career includes key roles at Omnicom Media Group, where he oversaw the shift to digital across multiple channels, and at ByteDance/TikTok, where he played a crucial role in accelerating monetization efforts across the METAP (Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan) region. These experiences shaped his approach to advertising technology, giving him the insight and expertise to guide businesses through the complexities of the digital space with clarity and purpose. As a thought leader, Waseem recognized early on that the traditional advertising model, driven by metrics like clicks and impressions, was insufficient. The digital ecosystem was ripe for a more results-driven approach--one that focused on tangible outcomes, such as increased sales, leads, and customer engagement. This belief became the foundation for Platformance.io, a platform designed to help brands cut through the noise and deliver real, measurable business results. "I've always been driven by transformation," Waseem shares. "The digital space is dynamic, and the businesses that succeed are the ones that stay ahead by focusing on outcomes, not just data points." The Birth of Platformance.io: A Mission to Simplify Digital Advertising Founded just 22 months ago, Platformance.io was born from a desire to simplify the complexities of digital advertising while driving tangible growth for clients. Waseem launched the platform with a single, powerful goal in mind: to make digital advertising more effective and accessible for brands. From the outset, he and his team at Platformance focused on delivering results--not just in terms of clicks or likes, but in ways that directly impacted their clients' bottom lines. "We wanted to go beyond the noise," Waseem explains. "Businesses need more than just metrics--they need measurable success. Whether that's driving sales, capturing leads, or enhancing customer engagement, our focus has always been on outcomes." Platformance.io has since grown into a full-service digital growth platform, providing end-to-end solutions for brands looking to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. With its comprehensive omnichannel approach, the platform helps businesses navigate the complexities of programmatic media, affiliate marketing, and influencer-driven campaigns, all while maintaining a laser focus on driving real business growth. Platformance 2.0: A New Era for Digital Growth The launch of Platformance 2.0 marked a significant turning point in the company's journey. With a sleek new website available in both English and Arabic, Platformance.io is expanding its reach, particularly in Saudi Arabia, a rapidly growing market for digital advertising. This bilingual approach demonstrates Waseem's commitment to serving a broader audience while tailoring his services to the specific needs of the local market. "Saudi Arabia is a dynamic, fast-moving market," Waseem says. "Our new site reflects our readiness to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored specifically to this region." The redesigned website is part of a broader effort to align the platform with the needs of businesses in the MENA region, while also expanding its global footprint. With a focus on being faster, smarter, and more relevant than ever before, Platformance 2.0 is built to help brands stay ahead in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. What Sets Platformance.io Apart: Delivering Real Results Unlike many digital platforms that focus on vanity metrics like impressions and clicks, Platformance.io stands out for its commitment to delivering tangible business outcomes. Every aspect of the platform is designed to help brands grow--whether that means driving more traffic to their websites, increasing sales, or improving customer retention. "At Platformance, we believe in growth that matters," Waseem explains. "Clicks and likes don't pay the bills. What we care about, and what our clients care about, are the results that truly impact their business." One of the ways Platformance achieves this is by offering a complete omnichannel solution, connecting businesses with the right audiences through programmatic media, affiliates, and a network of influential creators. By handpicking trusted suppliers and publishers, the platform ensures that businesses reach high-quality traffic, leads, and sales, all while reducing inefficiencies and cutting out unnecessary middlemen. This curated network of partners is just one of the reasons why Platformance has become a leader in the digital advertising space. By eliminating fraud and maintaining one of the lowest ad fraud rates in the region (under 6%), the platform offers businesses a unique advantage over their competitors. Agility and Speed: The Core of Platformance.io's Success In the fast-paced world of digital advertising, the ability to move quickly and adapt to changing market conditions is essential. Waseem has built Platformance with this agility in mind, ensuring that his team can scale up rapidly and respond to new opportunities as they arise. "Speed is everything in the digital age," Waseem says. "Our team's ability to adapt and move quickly is what sets us apart, and it's how we help our clients stay ahead of the curve." This agility is particularly important as the platform expands into new markets, including Saudi Arabia. By leveraging advanced ad technology and a scalable infrastructure, Platformance is able to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital landscape, delivering results faster than many of its competitors. Looking to the Future: What's Next for Platformance.io With the launch of Platformance 2.0, Waseem Afzal has positioned the company for even greater success in the years to come. The platform's focus on outcomes, agility, and innovation has already earned it a strong reputation among businesses across the MENA region, and the future looks bright as it continues to expand its global reach. For Waseem, however, this is just the beginning. His vision for Platformance goes far beyond digital advertising--he sees the platform as a catalyst for real business growth, helping brands navigate the complexities of the digital world and achieve success in ways they never thought possible. "We're more committed than ever to helping our clients grow," Waseem says. "Platformance 2.0 is just the start. There's so much more to come." As Platformance.io continues to evolve, it remains focused on one simple goal: delivering results that matter. In a world where businesses are constantly bombarded with data, Waseem and his team are proving that growth isn't just about clicks or impressions--it's about driving real, measurable success. For more information on Platformance.io and its innovative digital growth solutions, visit the company's newly redesigned website and discover the future of digital advertising. (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)
Speaking at the India-Russia Business Forum in Mumbai, Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar said by 2030 India-Russia bilateral trade will cross USD 100 billion. He said, "Our bilateral trade is today at USD 66 billion. This makes the goal of reaching USD 100 billion by 2030 more than realistic. The balance of trade however needs urgent redressal since it is so one-sided. It is imperative that non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments are speedily addressed for this to happen. The India-Eurasian Economic Union trade-in goods negotiations commenced in March this year. We need to vigorously take it forward." The minister outlined ten critical areas of development that signal a promising trajectory for strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries. Highlighting the vision set forth by the leaders of India and Russia, Jaishankar underlined opportunities for deeper economic engagement, aiming for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership by 2030. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of accelerating negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty to bolster investor confidence. Mutual settlement of trade in national currencies has been prioritized amid global financial shifts. Special Rupee Vostro Accounts have been set up as an effective mechanism, and Jaishankar stressed the need for a more balanced trade supported by these currency settlements. The May 2024 bilateral agreement on Authorized Economic Operators between Indian and Russian customs authorities has made a positive impact on trade facilitation and ease of business, according to Jaishankar. He emphasized the continued development of the three major connectivity corridors -- the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Maritime Route -- which are vital for enhancing logistical networks between the two nations. He said, "The three connectivity initiatives between us, as mentioned by the First DPM as well - INSTC, Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor and the Northern Maritime Route - all need continued attention, if we are to realize full potential." Beyond trade, he also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in sectors such as education and film, which he sees as instrumental in forging a broader cultural and economic bond between India and Russia. He said, "A growing Russian appreciation of Make In India as a program to deepening business will certainly help take forward our cooperation in many many domains. Importance of non-economic domains, such as education and film as contributions to a larger societal but also Economic connect between us." Jaishankar underscored that these developments are in line with the leaders' vision for a robust economic partnership, reflecting the goals of the Annual Summit. He revealed that work on a Programme of Economic Cooperation till 2030 is already underway, tasked with creating a sustainable framework for growth. While expressing optimism, Jaishankar acknowledged some challenges, including banking and payment-related issues, logistical hurdles in shipping, insurance and reinsurance, and market access. He urged both governments to focus on creating solutions that would address these concerns to meet the comfort levels of businesses engaged in bilateral trade. (ANI)
One day, Confucius ascended Mount Tai, only to find that the world had already perished countless times. Yet, in the end, after all the hardships, he did encounter a future China. This is a narrative contained in the renowned short story "It Dwarfs All Peaks Under My Feet," crafted by Jia Liyuan, an associate professor at Tsinghua University, who writes under the pseudonym Feidao.

In this story, Jia seeks to express that within the cyclical nature of history, even in times of war and chaos like the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770-221 BC), people are also in pursuit of "Tao," or "truth."

Mount Tai, located in Confucius' home province of Shandong in the east of China, is a listed UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site and a symbolic emblem of Chinese civilization. Over the past 2,000 years, emperors have regarded the act of offering sacrifices at Mount Tai as the highest honor of their lifetimes. This place is also where Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism intersect and blend.

From Nov. 8 to 10, Taishan College of Science and Technology held a science fiction carnival at the foot of this mountain, attracting hundreds of science fiction writers from home and abroad.

The Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards (FFSFA) were given to outstanding writers, translators, publishers, teachers, artists, media professionals and others, in recognition of their contributions to promoting the influence of science fiction.

The best novel award went to Tianrui Shuofu's "We Live in Nanjing," which tells the story of a group of ordinary Chinese who use modern technology to save the future Earth.

Award winners made their way to Dai Temple at Mount Tai, a sacred site where ancients once paid homage to the divine. From there, they ascended to the mountain's peak, engaging in a dialogue on the fusion of traditional Chinese culture with cutting-edge science and technology. They explored strategies to address the pressing issues confronting modern humanity, such as environmental degradation, runaway technology and the scourges of hunger and war.

Following China's hosting of the World Science Fiction Convention last October, the Mount Tai event took the country's sci-fi craze to a new height.

Over 100 sci-fi writing contests were held nationwide last year, offering prizes totaling more than 44 million yuan (about 6.2 million U.S. dollars), which were supported by either the government or enterprises. The annual output value of China's sci-fi industry, which includes publishing, games and movies, exceeded 110 billion yuan in 2023.

Jia said that the surge in popularity of science fiction in China is truly remarkable. This year commemorates the 120th anniversary of the inception of Chinese science fiction. When esteemed author Lu Xun and his contemporaries introduced the genre to China at the turn of the previous century, they aspired for it to broaden the intellectual horizons of the populace and to ignite new aspirations.

Like many fields, this genre had traditionally been monopolized by the West, however, it is now becoming a vibrant "soft power" and being exported from China to the rest of the world.

"The Three-Body Problem" has sold tens of millions of copies worldwide and has been adapted into a Netflix television series -- with its fans including Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg.

Yang Ping, a key organizer of the event at Mount Tai, stated that the burgeoning popularity of science fiction in China is a reflection of the nation's economic and technological advancements. Yang himself is a sci-fi writer known for covering subjects such as cyberpunk and Mars exploration.

China is constantly promoting the development of artificial intelligence, implementing lunar and Martian exploration programs, and has vowed to realize the strategic goal of building a strong country in science and technology by 2035. These efforts have stimulated the imagination of writers, Yang said.

Liu Cixin's novels have erected a towering peak, and Chinese science fiction writers must continue to climb higher, he added.

Unlike government-sponsored events such as the China Science Fiction Convention, the FFSFA was set up by a private enterprise, China New Business School Group, which is committed to investing in education. At present, the group operates three private universities featuring a total of more than 100,000 students. Taishan College of Science and Technology is one of these universities.

"I aspire to cultivate the holistic youth of the new era, who will not only acquire knowledge and skills but also evolve into well-rounded individuals capable of envisioning, uncovering and crafting the novelties of our world," said Peng Hongbin, chairman of the group. This vision encapsulates his philosophy of "perfect education," and within this framework, science fiction holds a distinctive position in stimulating the aforementioned capabilities.

Peng has established a "Science Fiction Academy" to encourage students to read and write sci-fi stories and even make sci-fi films. When he founded and staged the first FFSFA in 2023, he decided to move the sci-fi awards venue to Mount Tai the following year, and use the ladder of science and imagination to "ascend to the sky."

Zhang Fan, founder of the Science Fiction Academy, said sci-fi is an art about tomorrow. Through this genre, writers and artists are not only able to express their free imagination concerning unknown worlds, but can also bravely face various possible future scenarios and uncertainties.

Professor Wu Yan from the Southern University of Science and Technology, a winner at the FFSFA, said that science fiction offers young people a glimpse into the future. "In this era, those who can envision the future hold the advantage. As China ascends on the global stage, the Chinese people possess both the right and the capability to shape the future narrative," Wu noted.
PNN Mumbai (Maharastra) [India], November 11: Mangal Compusolution Limited is a comprehensive IT hardware solutions provider, specialized in both the rental and sale of IT equipment, proposes to open its Initial Public Offering on November 12, 2024, aiming to raise Rs 16.23 Crore with shares to be listed on the BSE SME platform. The issue size is Up to 36,06,000 equity shares at a face value of Rs 10 each. Equity Share Allocation * Non-Institutional Investors - 17,10,000 Equity Shares* Retail Individual Investors - 17,10,000 Equity Shares* Market Maker - 1,86,000 Equity Shares The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized for Capital Expenditure and for general corporate purpose. The issue will close on November 14, 2024. The Lead Manager of the issue, Jawa Capital Services Private Limited, leverages a wealth of experience accumulated over many years in the industry. Their comprehensive expertise and deep understanding of market dynamics position them effectively steering the issue towards a successful resolution. The Registrar to the Issue is Kfin Technologies Limited. Pathik Desai, Managing Director of Mangal Compusolution Limited expressed, " With the launch of our IPO, we are taking a significant step toward expanding our capabilities and further enhancing our ability to deliver innovative IT hardware solutions. With our extensive years of experience and a diverse portfolio, we have built strong, lasting relationships with our customers. The proceeds from this IPO will enable us to enhance our product offerings, expand our customer base, and unlock new growth opportunities. We believe this will further enable our clients to benefit from the latest in IT equipment." Anoop Kumar Gupta, Director of Jawa Capital Services Private Limited said, "We are pleased to support Mangal Compusolution Limited on this exciting IPO journey. With a solid track record of 13 years in the IT hardware solutions industry, the company has established a reputation for quality, flexibility, and customer-centricity. The funds raised through this IPO will play a vital role in expanding their product range and reaching a broader customer base, strengthening their position in a rapidly evolving market. As the demand for flexible and scalable IT infrastructure solutions rises, the company is well-positioned to meet the needs of businesses seeking cost-effective, high-quality technology solutions. We believe strong management team, combined with its established customer relationships and expanding portfolio, positions it well for future success. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to achieve new milestones. About Premium Plast Limited: Mangal Compusolution Limited is a provider of comprehensive IT hardware solutions, specializes in both the rental and sale of a wide range of IT equipment, while also offering end-to-end IT services. With a focus on empowering businesses through top-tier IT hardware, Mangal offers an extensive inventory that includes servers, laptops, desktops, projectors, workstations, router-switches and other essential accessories. The Company caters to the diverse needs of both small and large enterprises, offering customized IT configurations and rental solutions. In addition to rentals, Mangal provides new and pre-owned IT equipment, supported by on-site setup, deployment, maintenance, technical support and resolution of hardware issues In FY24, The Company achieved a Revenue of Rs 2,088.58 Lakhs, EBITDA of Rs 1,181.52 Lakhs & PAT of Rs 385.80 Lakhs. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Manipal (Karnataka) [India], November 11: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence, deemed to be University, one of India's leading research focused educational institution, concluded its 32nd Convocation Ceremony on 10th November with an inspiring final day at KMC Greens. The event celebrated graduates' achievements and honored their commitment to academic excellence. This prestigious event gathered esteemed faculty, distinguished guests, and families to honor the academic accomplishments of the students. Ceremony took place over three days, from 8th of November till 10th of November. The chief guests for each day respectively were Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC; Dr. Indrajit Bhattacharya, Director General, National Institute of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (NIRA), New Delhi; and Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research & Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The convocation facilitated the graduation of 5767 MAHE students over the three-day event. Among the university delegates were Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust; Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor; Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice-Chancellor; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor (Technology & Science); Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences); Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr P Giridhar Kini, Registrar; and Dr Vinod V Thomas, Registrar, Evaluation. They were also accompanied by the heads of all the MAHE institutes. Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC, addressed the students and guests on the 1st day of the convocation. He said, "During my visit to the university, I witnessed remarkable innovations across departments, from cutting-edge research to entrepreneurial efforts. Institutions like MAHE play a vital role in shaping future leaders who will face significant global challenges, from rapid population growth to environmental sustainability. By 2050, our global population will approach 10 billion, with every individual striving for access to clean energy, safe water, nutritious food, and effective healthcare. These demands will place immense strain on our resources, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. For instance, India alone has only 4% of the world's freshwater supply, with nearly 80% allocated to agriculture. Addressing food and water security requires reducing our dependency on key crops, encouraging sustainable practices, and finding innovative ways to meet our rising energy needs. I am confident that the qualities I see in our students today-lifelong curiosity, problem-solving ability, and commitment to ethical leadership-will guide them in tackling these challenges. Together, they will contribute to building a world that is secure, sustainable, and prosperous for all." Chief guest for the second day of the convocation, Dr. Indrajit Bhattacharya, Director General, National Institute of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (NIRA), New Delhi, said, "Reflecting on change, fifty years ago, I wished for the transformation of modest local markets-and today, AI-driven platforms like Amazon and Swiggy take them to new heights. The journey of technological evolution mirrors the industrial revolutions, from steam engines to cyber-physical systems. Now, AI holds transformative power akin to fire, set to add $15 trillion to the global economy and create millions of jobs by 2030. The mantra is clear: AI won't take your job, but those who know AI might. Embrace AI to enhance productivity for you and your team. Generative AI (GenAI) is especially promising. By synthesizing and analyzing vast data-text, images, molecular structures-it drives new efficiencies, and boosts precision in fields like healthcare, with innovations like Brainsight AI helping diagnose tumors and dementia. It's vital, however, to embrace AI responsibly. This means upholding data quality and addressing risks like bias, misinformation, and data privacy. Ethical AI, grounded in fairness and accountability, is key to global efforts such as the GPAI and initiatives that call for responsible innovation. As PM Modi advocates, global standards must ensure AI serves humanity's good. Education, too, transforms through AI, which powers adaptive learning, interdisciplinary research, and advances across smart manufacturing, quantum computing, and AI-driven cybersecurity. Emerging roles in GenAI require skills in prompt engineering and LLMOps to manage large language models and fine-tune AI outputs. The future is a creation, not a happenstance. Take inspiration from those who came before-leaders like Marc Andreessen who see AI as a force for human augmentation. For a prosperous India, align with the 5Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. Engage thoughtfully, practice digital hygiene, and pursue ethical practices. Ultimately, remember that your education shows in your behavior. Cultivate your mind with positive affirmations and ethical choices, and create a destiny guided by innovation and integrity." Chief Guest, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research & Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), addressing the students and the entire gathering on the final day said, "I would like to congratulate each student present here and their parents for standing with them throughout their journey. I would also like to advise the students here to take care of themselves first. Taking care of yourself is essential because, without self-care, you cannot make the impact you envision or take responsibility in any meaningful way. No matter the goals you are pursuing, the most important investment you can make is in yourself. Success, fulfillment, and peace begin with that commitment. Consider each of us has an appointment with our potential, our purpose, and our goals. But to truly meet that appointment, we need to nurture ourselves, build our resilience, and stay mindful of our well-being. Imagine 2047 as a peak moment in your life, where you stand at the summit of all you have set out to achieve. How will you arrive there if you don't begin with strong foundations today? Your future itself depends on how you prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health now. As you make your way toward the heights of your aspirations, don't just chase titles, achievements, or milestones; be mindful of the journey. Value those who support you, engage in experiences that truly fulfill you, and take the time to appreciate who you are. Reflect on what makes you uniquely capable and beautiful, because that confidence will help guide you through life's challenges. Remember, your time, energy, and well-being are precious assets. Just as you would invest in building skills or growing your career, take time to invest in yourself. Understand your worth, believe in your values, and make decisions that reflect the kind of person you want to be. At the end of the day, the foundation you lay today will shape the legacy you leave behind. So, go forward with this in mind: prioritizing yourself is not selfish, it's necessary. Embrace each opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be present in each moment. The journey to success is not a race but a path you build through balance, self-respect, and dedication. When you nurture yourself, you set the stage to meet each challenge, each opportunity, and each success in a way that's authentic and sustainable." Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, "Today marks a historic moment as we honor our graduates for their extraordinary achievements and perseverance. At MAHE, we are committed to nurturing not only academic brilliance but also the values of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. As you embark on this next phase of life, carry these values forward-strive for excellence, stay curious, and remember that true success is found in service to others. We believe in your potential to shape a better future. Go forth with confidence, uphold the highest standards, and make your alma mater proud. Congratulations to you and your families!" During the convocation, Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, "As we close this memorable convocation ceremony, we honor not only the academic achievements of our students but also their resilience, adaptability, and enduring passion for growth. This celebration reflects the commitment each graduate has shown, even amidst unprecedented challenges. At MAHE, we strive to inspire curiosity, innovation, and integrity, and I am immensely proud of how our students have embraced these values. As they move forward, I am confident they will contribute meaningfully to society, carrying the reputation of MAHE with them. Congratulations to all our graduates and their families!" Dr Giridhar Kini P, Registrar, MAHE, commented, "As we bring this extraordinary convocation ceremony to a close, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this day special. To our honored Chief Guest, dedicated faculty, supportive families, and, most of all, to our resilient graduates-thank you for your unwavering dedication. Today is not merely a culmination, but the beginning of new journeys, as our graduates step forward to make a lasting impact. Congratulations to each one of you; may you carry MAHE's values with pride and purpose into the future." Concluding the ceremony, Dr Cherian Varghese, Director PSPH, Manipal extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to dignitaries, parents, college faculties, students, press and media representatives, and everyone else gathered. On Day 1, Melin Mathew pursuing B.Sc Nursing from MCON, Manipal and Manaswi P S from MSIS, Manipal pursuing Master of Engineering - ME, were awarded the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal in 2024 for their exceptional contributions and achievements in their respective fields. On Day 2, Adline Siona Rebello pursuing M. Sc. Molecular Biology & HG from MSLS, Manipal; Samraggi Patra, pursuing BA Media & Communication from MIC, Manipal; and Jeevithka K M pursuing MSc. (Biostatistics) from PSPH, Manipal, were awarded with the medal. On Day 3, Arnav Agrawal pursuing B. Tech Computer Science and Engineering from MIT Manipal; Shetty Trasha pursuing B. Sc Perfusion Technology from MCHP, Manipal; Janet K Joy pursuing MBBS from KMC Mangalore and Mrunmayee Rahul Nerlikar pursuing MBBS from KMC Manipal, were awarded the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal in 2024 for their exceptional contributions and achievements in their respective fields. These accolade honors their commitment to academic excellence and exemplary performance across diverse disciplines, reflecting MAHE's dedication to fostering talent and excellence in higher education. Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) welcomed all the dignitaries and Dr Ankitha Shetty, Assistant Professor, DOC, MAHE, Manipal was the master of ceremony on the final day of convocation. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent. (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)
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 11: The UK is a preferred international destination for 89% of Indian businesses, according to new research. But while mid-market businesses recognise the opportunities the UK offers, a key barrier to trade and investment is a restrictive immigration and visa regime. Also, the need for detailed business documentation and proof of economic contribution' is posing a challenge for investors. With a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK yet to materialise, visa specialists point to the self-sponsorship system as a solution. The scheme was pioneered by British legal firm A Y & J Solicitors and has allowed overseas businesspeople to start ventures in the UK in a wide range of sectors including research, IT, construction, logistics and food production. Self Sponsorship has been growing in popularity since several commonly used business visa routes were cancelled as part of an overhaul of British immigration. Yash Dubal, director of A Y & J Solicitors, has helped facilitate over 140 Self Sponsorship applications. He says it is the only option available for many smaller investors. "Many Indian businesses are keen to invest in the UK but there are limited visa options for them, particularly those who are serious about setting up an independent small business in the UK," he said. "Self Sponsorship is proving to be a lifeline for these people. The system has helped entrepreneurs from all over the world who otherwise would not have been able to bring their skills and investment to the UK. They have established IT businesses, food manufacturing businesses, research and development companies and renewable energy ventures." Under the Self-Sponsorship system, overseas entrepreneurs legally establish UK limited companies from abroad and then sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker visa to work in a role that qualifies under the Skilled Worker route. According to the Grant Thornton research, almost all (92%) of the Indian businesses surveyed said an FTA with the UK would encourage them to explore opportunities in this market. Earlier this year Grant Thornton issued its India meets Britain Tracker, developed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry in the UK. It identified a record 971 Indian-owned companies operating in the UK, up from 954 in 2023. These companies had a combined revenue of 68.09 billion (an increase from 50.5 billion in 2023). They employed 118,430 people, up from 105,931 in 2023, and paid 1.17 billion in corporation tax, compared with 944 million in 2023. The tracker also identified 100 Indian businesses in the UK growing at a rate of 10% or more. The tracker also highlighted that a free trade deal between India and the UK has the potential to increase bilateral trade to more than $100 billion by 2030. The biggest sector in terms of number of Indian companies in the UK is technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), followed by engineering and manufacturing and pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Foreign direct investment (FDI) from India created over 8,000 new jobs in 2023, during which there were 118 Indian FDI projects in the UK, according to figures from The Department for Business and Trade. Trade in goods and services between the UK and India in 2023 was 39 billion, an increase of 4.8% on the previous year. As a result, India is currently the UK's 12th largest trading partner, accounting for 2.1% of total UK trade. The FTA has the potential to increase bilateral trade to more than $100 billion by 2030 and create new employment opportunities. The India meets Britain Tracker also highlighted visa frictions as a barrier to growth, specifically the salary threshold increase for the ICT visa, now known as the Senior or Specialist Worker visa. In April 2024 this rose from 45,800 to 48,500. Indian businesses report that this is making it difficult to bring in talent to address the shortage in tech skills in the UK. Possible alternative visa routes for tech workers who do not meet the minimum salary requirement include the India Young Professionals Scheme and High Potential Individual visa. Dubal continued: "With so much potential investment and such interest in locating business activity in the UK, it makes sense to address immigration concerns in trade negotiations. These reports prove that there is work to be done to reduce friction of movement. But even if that doesn't happen, Self Sponsorship is proving a simple and effective lifeline for smaller investors, entrepreneurs and SMEs to take advantage of the UK market." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], November 11: Easyrewardz, a leading provider of cloud-based CRM and loyalty platforms, has partnered with Loyyal, an innovator in blockchain-powered loyalty solutions. This collaboration is set to redefine the loyalty landscape by introducing enhanced point conversion capabilities and offering unique, experiential redemption options, giving customers more flexible and engaging ways to use their loyalty points. The collaboration will integrate Loyyal's Points Exchange platform with Easyrewardz Loyalty Management System (LMS) to bring new level of rewards and experiences to India's BFSI sector, allowing financial institutions to deliver meaningful customer experiences that drive deeper engagement. The partnership will also leverage expansion opportunities in the GCC and African region, focusing on markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and African nations, where demand for sophisticated loyalty programs continues to rise. Gunjan Kumar, Chief Revenue Office of Loyyal, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, "We believe that the future of customer loyalty lies in innovation and adaptability. This partnership with Easyrewardz is a vital step toward that vision. By combining Loyyal's robust loyalty infrastructure with Easyrewardz deep market understanding, particularly in the BFSI sector, we can offer businesses a comprehensive solution that not only meets their current needs but also equips them to navigate the evolving landscape of customer engagement. This partnership marks the beginning of a new era of customer-centric loyalty programs, where the focus is not just on transactions, but on fostering meaningful, long-lasting relationships." The partnership aims to create additional growth opportunities for both companies by establishing them as channel partners. Together, Easyrewardz and Loyyal will promote each other's services, collaborate on marketing initiatives, and offer cross-platform solutions that amplify customer loyalty and engagement. This partnership will enable Easyrewardz to leverage Loyyal's network of merchants and points exchange partners in India to its clients and prospects in the GCC and African region through a redemption catalog and the Loyyal Points Exchange platform. Soumya Chatterjee, CO-Founder & CEO of Easyrewardz, highlighted the broader impact of this collaboration, saying, "At Easyrewardz, we have always been committed to creating exceptional customer experiences by understanding and anticipating the needs of businesses. Our partnership with Loyyal will not only allow us to deepen our presence in the BFSI sector but also open doors to new possibilities in the GCC and African region. By integrating Loyyal's innovative Points Exchange platform into our existing loyalty infrastructure, we're able to expand our reward offerings. Together, we will reshape the way businesses approach loyalty, focusing on delivering exceptional value and driving sustainable growth for our clients across industries." This partnership is set to deliver significant benefits for businesses by enabling them to adopt more flexible, personalized, and data-driven loyalty programs. With the ability to engage customers at multiple touchpoints and simplify redemption processes, the combined expertise of Loyyal and Easyrewardz will offer unparalleled loyalty solutions that foster deeper customer relationships and generate long-term value. Anjum Rastogi, CMO & Business Head - BFSI at Easyrewardz, stated, "Our commitment to delivering exceptional CVP drives us to constantly elevate the loyalty experience. Our partnership with Loyyal significantly strengthens our rewards portfolio, enabling exclusive offers and mile conversion options with leading international airlines, hotel chains, and luxury lifestyle brands. Together, we're empowering our partners to deliver premium loyalty solutions seamlessly integrated into an expansive rewards ecosystem--setting a new standard for affluent customer engagement and fostering long-term loyalty." As industries increasingly focus on retaining loyal customers and nurturing brand advocates, this partnership positions Loyyal and Easyrewardz at the forefront of innovation, offering businesses the tools and strategies they need to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving loyalty landscape. About Loyyal Loyyal is renowned for its innovative Blockchain-as-a-Service platform, designed to empower the loyalty industry with rapid growth and scalability at the lowest possible cost. The Xpand Point marketplace leverages blockchain technology to deliver a secure, transparent, and efficient loyalty points exchange platform. For more information, please visit www.loyyal.com for PR-related queries contact Janis.dsouza@loyyal.com. About Easyrewardz Easyrewardz is an industry-agnostic, cloud-based CRM & Loyalty platform that enables seamless omnichannel customer experiences. Leveraging innovative ways to engage new customers and retain existing ones via advanced technology, Easyrewardz is empowering businesses to embrace digital transformation and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Easyrewardz has more than a decade experience in managing BFSI, Retail and B2B loyalty & CRM programs to provide a seamless & rewarding experience to their customers, enabling consistent engagement. More than 180 brands, including RBL Bank, Kotak Bank, J&K Bank, Bajaj Finserv, IIFL, Muthoot Fincorp, Bata (India & APAC), BESTSELLER, The Belgian Waffle, The Body Shop, Levi's, Soch, Senco, and Motherhood Hospitals have trusted Easyrewardz to create brand markers and delight customer. For more information, please visit www.Easyrewardz.com. 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)
PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 11: Hyderabad based Raghu Vamsi Group, a Tier One manufacturer of high precision and hi-critical components, sub-assemblies, and systems for global OEMs like Boeing, GE Aviation, Honeywell, Rolls Royce, Collins Aerospace, Halliburton, Eaton, Cytiva etc. Celebrated its successful 100% acquisition of PMC Group, a leading UK-based precision machining company specializing in components for the Oil & Gas industry. The acquisition of PMC Group represents a strategic step forward in Raghu Vamsi Group's vision to enhance its global footprint and expand its capabilities by moving up the value chain in providing high-precision products and solutions to critical industries worldwide. PMC Group's expertise in precision machining, coupled with Raghu Vamsi Group's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad, will foster greater synergies in product innovation and cater to a wider segment of high precision products, delivering advanced engineering solutions for the Oil & Gas sector and beyond. The combined strengths of India & UK will provide a cost-efficient & high precision solution for customers. PMC Group brings over 35 years of rich experience & deep knowledge in Critical manufacturing capabilities, supplying to Global Oil & Gas OEMs like SLB, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Expro, Tech FMC, One Sub Sea etc. The Group employs around 100 employees and has a revenue of INR 180 Crore with manufacturing capabilities of complex parts and assemblies in Nickel Alloys up to 6 meters in length. The announcement was made at a special event attended by key industry stakeholders, including the Deputy High Commissioner of the UK to India, Gareth Wynn Owen, Shri Jayesh Ranjan - Special Chief Secretary (ITE&C) and Industries & Commerce Telangana, Shri Praveen PA - Director, Aerospace & Defence, Telangana, Dr. S.K. Jha - C&MD, MIDHANI and Dr. L. Rama Krishna, Scientist-G, ARCI. Delighted at the acquisition, Mr. Vamsi Vikas, MD of Raghu Vamsi Group, said: "We are thrilled to welcome PMC Group into the Raghu Vamsi family. We are excited that this acquisition now combines our manufacturing strengths with PMC Group's expertise in precision machining and helps expands our global footprint and cater to a wider segment of high precision products. Our portfolio will also grow beyond our traditional Aerospace & Defence to include Oil & Gas sectors with an entry into growing European markets." The Deputy High Commissioner of the UK to India, Mr. Gareth Wynn Owen, also spoke at the event, highlighting the significance of the acquisition as a positive development for UK-India business relations. "This acquisition is a prime example of the growing collaboration between the UK and India in advanced manufacturing and technology. We look forward to seeing how this partnership enhances both companies' positions in the global market," said Gareth Wynn Owen. Shri Jayesh Ranjan - Special Chief Secretary (ITE&C) and Industries & Commerce Telangana said, "This acquisition is a highly strategic milestone, being the first of its kind between Raghu Vamsi, an Indian MSME and PMC, a renowned UK-based precision manufacturing group with roots tracing back over 100 years. It serves as a prime example of how Indian industries can expand their global footprint and compete at the highest levels. I am also pleased to note the active support of major Indian PSUs like MIDHANI and ARCI, who are supplying specialized raw materials and advanced engineered coatings, thereby fostering a local ecosystem capable of meeting global demand while maintaining the highest standards of quality. It is truly inspiring to witness a Hyderabad-based MSME transforming into a multinational company, marking a historic moment in our journey." Raghu Vamsi Group's world-class manufacturing facilities, bolstered by advanced engineering capabilities, already support critical programs for Indian Defence and Space Research Labs. With this acquisition, the company aims to expand its portfolio to cater to the evolving needs of global OEMs, offering cutting-edge solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and precision. About Raghu Vamsi Group: Raghu Vamsi Group has carved a space for itself in the Aerospace & Defence industry world- wide over the past two decades since its inception in the year 2004. The Company and its subsidiaries have gained the trust and built lasting relationships over these years by delivering High Precision Engineering Components and Sub-Assemblies to some of the largest Global Corporations. Today Raghu Vamsi Group is AS 9100 D and NADCAP Approved consortium of Companies engaged in the Design, Development, Manufacturing and Exporting of High Precision Engineering Components and Sub-Assemblies for Aerospace, Defence, Space, Industrial, Medical, Oil & Gas, Energy and UAV's employing more than 800 in the group. About PMC Group: PMC Group is a UK-based precision machining company that specializes in manufacturing high-quality components for the Oil & Gas sector. With decades of experience, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for key players in the industry, providing critical components that meet stringent quality standards. They are world renowned for producing choke valve components, finishing of hard surfaces, including flats, rounds and spheres and manufacturing complex components in exotic alloys including Inconel, MP35N, K500 and K400 Monel, Toughmet, etc. PMC Group has been in the business for more than 35 years with deep knowledge in Critical manufacturing capabilities, supplying to Blue Chip Oil & Gas OEMs like SLB, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Expro, Tech FMC, One Sub Sea and employing around 100 employees and a revenue of over 180 Cr. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Istanbul [Turkey], November 11: ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has debuted the industry's first AI-powered full-stack FWA solution, the ZTE Nebula AI FWA Solution. Guided by its upgraded product philosophy, AI-powered GIS 2.0, this solution was introduced at its first-ever ZTE Devices User Congress focused on FWA & MBB. This event, themed "Better 5G, Better AI", gathered respected guests, industry thought leaders, global operators, and experts to discuss opportunities and challenges in the FWA & MBB industry. Bai Keke, Vice President of ZTE and General Manager of Mobile Internet, ZTE Mobile Devices, emphasized the importance of integration of AI & 5G to meet the growing demand for FWA & MBB. "The FWA market is expected to reach 38.7 million units by 2028, with 5G FWA comprising 72% of this demand. We continually explore AI's potential to address the challenges faced by operators and users. We will keep enhancing our GIS 2.0 product philosophy through AI, driving innovation in FWA & MBB to maintain global leadership." ZTE ' s new FWA & MBB product philosophy: AI-Powered GIS 2.0 At this event, ZTE officially introduced its upgraded product philosophy, AI-powered GIS 2.0, which stands for Green, artificial Intelligence, and Security. GIS 2.0 integrates advanced AI technology to optimize network performance by learning from user behavior, categorizing over 4,000 applications, improving bandwidth efficiency by 20% and reducing network congestion by 30%. With GIS 2.0, ZTE sets a new benchmark in delivering faster, smarter, and more secure FWA & MBB solutions. A standout feature of GIS 2.0 is the AI-powered Super Antenna utilizing ZTE's in-house phase scanning and switching technology, which boosts network speed by 20% in areas with weaker signals. On the security front, GIS 2.0 uses AI to detect and block cyber threats including illegal data, viruses, and potential hacker threats in real-time, while its Child Guardianship feature ensures safer online environment for children. Another key component of GIS 2.0 is its AI-based Smart Cloud Platform, which enables operators to manage FWA & MBB devices more efficiently, reducing the need for on-site support and improving service efficiency. The industry's first AI-powered full-stack FWA solution and 5G+AI product innovations At the event, ZTE debuted the Nebula AI FWA Solution, the industry's first AI-powered full-stack FWA solution. It introduces six AI-driven features: AI Multi-Scenario Application, AI QoS Management, AI Voice Control, AI Application Recognition, AI Children Protection, and real-time AI Network Optimization. These features enhance user experience and network security, establishing new standards for intelligent networking. ZTE also launched its AI-powered 5G FWA and MBB series, featuring the G5 Ultra and G5F models. ZTE G5 Ultra, the world's first AI-powered flagship FWA device, is fully equipped to support 5G-Advanced, delivering peak data rates of up to 19Gbps. It features tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and dual 2.5G ultra-high-speed network ports for exceptional connectivity. With built-in AI voice control, intelligent QoS management, and a 13dBi smart beam-switching antenna, it automatically optimizes internet performance for activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing, delivering an enhanced, secure, and seamless user experience. ZTE G5F, the world's first AI-powered outdoor FWA ready for 5G-Advanced, is the flagship model of ZTE's fifth-generation FWA series. It delivers peak speeds of 10Gbps and features sub-6GHz and mmWave NR DC for enhanced dual-band coverage. With 13dBi antennas and 2.5G PoE network ports, it ensures reliable, high-speed outdoor connectivity, ideal for applications like cloud gaming and 4K streaming. ZTE has solidified its position as a global leader in FWA & MBB, with over 1,000 patents and partnerships with more than 130 operators worldwide, delivering over 250 million units globally. ZTE has the comprehensive product lineup, from chips to devices, spanning sectors such as home, travel, vehicle, and IoT, all within its Full-Scenario Intelligent Ecosystem 3.0. ZTE's continued innovation delivers cutting-edge, high-speed connectivity for all, driving the future of intelligent networking. MEDIA INQUIRIES:ZTE CorporationCommunicationsEmail: ZTE.press.release@zte.com.cn (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 11: The fulcrum of modern super-speciality healthcare services is reaching out to where the services are most needed. Rich or poor, from city or town or village, educated or uneducated, skilled or semi-skilled... health emergencies spare none. India is among the few countries with the most advanced super-speciality healthcare services. However, these facilities are urban-centric while 67 per cent of the country's population still lives in small towns and villages. As most super-specialist doctors and their support systems are available only in metros and major cities, there is a visible gap between the need and feed of super-speciality healthcare services in India. The comprehensive solution to bridge this gap is Hyderabad-based Rxpert Super Specialty e-Clinics, run by a team of enthusiastic healthcare professionals with decades of domain experience. General practitioners in small Indian towns and villages in both public and private healthcare facilities provide the best medical services to their ability, but certain chronic cases call for the timely intervention of super-speciality doctors. Conventionally, those rural patients who require super-speciality services are advised by their family physician to visit the city to consult the super-specialist doctors, which may force the patients to travel many miles. However, 8 out of 10 such patients do not undertake the city travel due to many reasons like not having time, not being able to arrange the funds immediately or not having anyone to accompany them to the city. As a result, they keep changing the doctors locally and aggravate their problems beyond any possibility of treatment. Even if a patient from a small town or a village is willing to visit a super-specialist doctor in the city, he will not know who the best doctor is or have no idea how much the treatment would cost. Further, a major chunk of their money goes into non-medical expenses like travel, food, and stay in the city. This establishes the need for Rxpert Super Specialty e-Clinics through which the family physician of the patient can put his patient to a super-specialist doctor directly from his chamber, without the patient having to travel to the city. Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics is a comprehensive consultation platform where each patient has his/her permanent electronic medical record (EMR) that can be simultaneously accessed by both general physician and specialist doctor. Along with the real- time vitals, doctors can store the entire medical history of the patients, including the diagnostic reports and digital prescriptions in this EMR. With the convenience of referring to EMR while on video conversation, the specialist doctor will not miss any significant part of the patient's medical history. As the patient is presented to the super specialist doctor by the patient's family physician, it is easy for the super specialist doctor to have any real-time physical examination done on the patient through the family physician. This makes the patient feel like being physically taken to the city-based super-specialist doctor. Usually, rural patients who travel to the city to consult a super-specialist doctor do not necessarily have to be hospitalised and undergo a medical procedure on the very first visit. They are often advised with initial medication therapy, before any major medical procedure or surgery. With Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics, this first visit by the patient to the super specialist doctor can be done without having to travel to the city. Thus, Rxpert will help these patients cut down on one visit to the city. Patients may travel to the city only when it is necessary for a major diagnostic procedure or surgery. Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics services are currently available in select towns and villages in Telangana and Karnataka. More than 30,000 patients have already availed of the super-speciality services through this well-designed technology platform. Promoters are planning for the expansion of services to other states, by joining hands with enthusiastic like-minded professionals from the quarters of corporate hospitals, healthcare investors, NGOs and healthcare conglomerates. For further details, please contact: Lakshmoji Tejomurtula Founder Director Rxpert Super Speciality e-Clinics lakshmoji@rxpert.net (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) delegation in Delhi on Monday. The delegation comprises 11 officials of the Board of Directors of AIIB from 9 different constituencies, senior representatives of the AIIB Management and AIIB staff visiting India for the Board group visit, said Ministry of Finance. Key purpose of the AIIB Board visit India is to provide the Board of Directors a holistic insight into the AIIB's ongoing and planned investments in its member countries and provide an opportunity to engage with the government, private sector and other stakeholders. Appreciating the AIIB on its remarkable growth over the past nine years, the Union Finance Minister underlined India's strong macroeconomic fundamentals and its demonstrated leadership in creating and harnessing the power of digital public infrastructure, the Ministry of Finance said. The Union Finance Minister, who is also Governor of the AIIB Board, stated that AIIB should broaden its investment in priority sectors of climate adaptation and resilience, infrastructure development, energy security, and urban development and extend support for India's next-generation reforms. She also stressed the importance of continually incorporating finance plus and budget plus elements in AIIB's project design and implementation. Sitharaman mentioned that India's experience of digital transformation can serve as a model for other countries seeking to harness digital solutions for inclusive growth and also India's rich experience of disaster management, which can be of value to several vulnerable economies. The Union Finance Minister stressed on the fact that India has a lot to offer in terms of sectoral best practices and AIIB should develop an institutional mechanism to facilitate transfer of knowledge and technology from India to other similarly placed countries. Sitharaman further suggested that AIIB should strive for greater provision of innovative financial tools and models and scale up its efforts for private capital mobilisation and assured the AIIB of India's full support and cooperation in this regard and added that India could act as a sandbox for AIIB's piloting of innovative financing models and technologies. The Union Finance Minister encouraged AIIB to continue participating in the ongoing work on strengthening and reforming MDBs in line with the recommendations of the Independent Expert Group established under India's G20 Presidency, including the call for MDBs to work together as a system for greater impact and scale. Sitharaman pointed out that India remains committed to governance reforms in MDBs to ensure that MDBs are 'fit for purpose' to address contemporary challenges while remaining inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members, particularly of Low-Income Countries (LICs). Prior to the meeting, the delegation visited the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project being financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AIIB and the New Development Bank (NDB). The delegation will also visit other project sites in Bengaluru and interact with leading technology sector representatives. The delegation also participated in a roundtable discussion with other multilateral and bilateral agencies and project implementing agencies of India to facilitate a robust exchange of information and experiences focussing on India's development priorities, investment landscape and operational challenges while exploring further opportunities for collaboration and investment. (ANI)
The trailer of Neeraj Pandey's directorial 'Sikandar Ka Muqaddar', featuring Tamannaah Bhatia, Avinash Tiwary, and Jimmy Shergill, was launched today in Mumbai. Director Neeraj Pandey spoke about his upcoming project and what is special about the title. He shared that it is a reflection of his love and admiration for Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar'. He said, "It's a play on a film that I grew up on, and loved it. And I think our entire generation sort of loved that film. And it's in a way a tribute, in a way an ode to that particular film, but nothing to do in terms of genre." Sikandar Ka Muqaddar weaves a complex narrative involving a heist, a police officer's unwavering instincts, and a pursuit spanning 15 years, promising an intense, adrenaline-fuelled drama. Avinash Tiwary, Rajeev Mehta, Divya Dutta, and Zoya Afroz also feature in the film. The project is written and directed by Neeraj Pandey, with Vipul Rawal contributing to the screenplay. On talking about the casting of the film, he said, "I'm very proud of the fact that I've come across some brilliant actors in my journey, right from my first film to now. It doesn't matter if they're debuting or they're veterans. The ability to surrender to the material that we are approaching them with, that's what makes these films what they are. There is a lot of effort that goes before you land on set. You do readings with your actors and we had readings with all three of them and Rajiv bhai individually. And they were really primed and prepped to land on the set and just deliver what's asked of them. It can only happen when you are prepared to that degree. Everybody was on their toes." Tamannaah shared her working experience in the film, while. "I've always played different kinds of characters and... I think I mostly did them in the South Indian films, and I didn't get an opportunity to do it in Hindi films..." On working with her co-stars, she shared, "After working with Avinash, I felt that he is a very effortless actor. When I am with him in a scene, I don't realise that he is speaking his dialogues. And he internalises a lot. He performs beautifully. And I had whatever screen space I had with Jimmy, I think he's magnetic actually on screen. And I love watching how he can just intimidate without really doing much. So that was fun to watch as an actor." Jimmy opened up about his character and said, "Neeraj is such an amazing director. He's a friend of mine. I read the script and then we had a lot of discussions about things and everything and how he was looking at it and all that. And then finally the dialogue draft came and I was excited. I said this is going to be a little more interesting. And after that, I think we all worked hard and enjoyed a lot." The film features Tamannaah Bhatia as Kamini Singh, Jimmy Shergill as Jaswinder Singh, Avinash Tiwary as Sikandar Sharma and Rajiv Mehta as Mangesh Desai. The trailer begins with a call alerting the organisers of a diamond show of an impending theft, with the criminals supposedly equipped with AK-47s. Kamini Singh, who appears to be an exhibition staffer, informs visitors that red solitaires have been stolen. Jaswinder Singh, a tough cop, asks about the value of the red solitaires, which Mangesh Desai estimates to be between Rs50 and Rs60 crore. Using his "instinct," Jaswinder captures everyone and begins interrogating them harshly. Kamini, clearly frustrated, informs Sikandar, "Hum yaha se dur jayenge, to hi peecha chutega is sab se." Sikandar is offered an opportunity to move to Abu Dhabi, which he accepts. But even there, he cannot escape Jaswinder, who continues to chase him. At the end of the video, Jaswinder tells Sikandar, "Tumhari biopic ka title hai Sikandar Ka Muqaddar aur uska director hu mai". Check out the trailer. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCOaPpySX1H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The crime drama, directed by Neeraj Pandey, will premiere on Netflix on November 29. (ANI)
As the Bollywood musical drama film 'Rockstar' clocked 13 years since its release, actress Sanjana Sanghi took a moment to reminisce how the film changed her life. Taking to her Instagram on Monday, Sanjana, who played the role of Manday, shared a special post and looked back at her time in the movie and posted a picture of 'Rockstar'. The caption of her post read, "our 11*11*11 anniversary | The day that changed the course of my life, forever. 13 years later, sitting here having my morning chai in my home in Mumbai, staring at this stunning first print poster up in my living room, from the day of Rockstar's release - before I rush off to set. Little Mandy may never have been able to visualise this for herself. To Rockstar, and the most precious people & memories it has given me, forever & ever." https://www.instagram.com/p/DCN80dRSE35/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 'Rockstar' is a Bollywood musical drama film directed by Imtiaz Ali and released in 2011. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri in lead roles. The story revolves around Janardhan Jakhar, played by Ranbir, a young man from Delhi who dreams of becoming a rockstar like his idol, Jim Morrison. He undergoes a transformation and adopts the persona of Jordan when he meets Heer Kaul, played by Fakhri, a free-spirited girl with whom he falls in love. The movie portrays Janardhan's journey as he navigates through love, heartbreak, and fame in pursuit of his musical ambitions. It explores themes of passion, self-discovery, and the sacrifices one makes for their art. 'Rockstar' is renowned for its soulful music composed by A R Rahman, which includes chart-topping songs like 'Sadda Haq' and 'Nadaan Parindey. 'The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and music, earning several awards and nominations. (ANI)
An exhibition reviewing 40 years of China's contemporary ink paintings is underway in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, featuring works from 51 artists.

Visitors view ink paintings at the "1985-2024: Forty Years of Contemporary Ink in China" exhibition in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Nanjing University of the Arts]

"1985-2024: Forty Years of Contemporary Ink in China," funded by the 2024 China National Arts Fund Dissemination, Exchange, and Promotion Project, runs through Nov. 23 at the Art Museum of the Nanjing University of the Arts. The exhibition has drawn steady crowds since its Nov. 2 opening.

The show, hosted by the Nanjing University of the Arts and the Annual Review of China Contemporary Ink Painting Organizing Committee, traces the evolution of contemporary Chinese ink painting from the 1985 New Wave Art Movement. It presents four decades of artistic development and innovation in Chinese art.

Works on display at the "1985-2024: Forty Years of Contemporary Ink in China" exhibition. [Photo courtesy of Nanjing University of the Arts]

According to organizers, the selection of artists and works for the exhibition was rigorous. Each piece needed to demonstrate innovative use of the medium, show the artist's progression from traditional to contemporary styles and maintain cultural relevance while bridging historical and modern approaches.

Contemporary Chinese ink painting has emerged as a distinctive force in Chinese art, and this exhibition celebrates its long-term achievements. The works combine traditional Chinese techniques with modern global influences, exploring relationships between brushwork, ink, paper and materials. The exhibition also showcases multimedia interpretations of Chinese symbols, aesthetics and philosophy, offering a modern perspective on Chinese culture.

Organizers, artists and guests gather at the opening of the "1985-2024: Forty Years of Contemporary Ink in China" exhibition. [Photo courtesy of Nanjing University of the Arts]

Organizers say the exhibition aims to create a platform for mutual learning and exchange between Chinese artists and the global art community through visual expression that transcends language barriers.
Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur is gearing up for the sequel to his 1983 classic 'Masoom'. The director recently shared an exciting update about 'Masoom 2', revealing that the script is finalized and production is set to begin in early 2025. During a conversation with ANI, Kapur reminisced about an amusing incident during his travels that gave him a sense of serendipity regarding the project's future. "The script is ready, and I will start shooting from February-March. I was traveling from Dubai to Delhi, and I realized I had left the 'Masoom 2' script on the plane seat," Kapur recalled during a conversation with ANI. "But I got it back, and a flight attendant wrote me a note saying that Masoom was a very good film, and this one will be just as good. So, see, it came back even after being left behind--there must be something to it. It's destiny," the filmmaker said. The sequel promises a fresh storyline while retaining the core values that made the original 'Masoom' so beloved. Kapur confirmed that the star-studded cast will include Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpayee, and Kaveri, among others. Reflecting on the inspiration behind revisiting the story, Kapur shared, "At that time I was very new to the industry, a complete naive, and I really want to know how did I do it." While he's excited to bring the sequel to life, Kapur also took time to discuss the changing landscape of creativity in the age of AI. On whether technology like AI stifles artistic expression, he pointed out, "If you start depending on it, you'll become lazy. Where does creativity come from? From fear... There are many drives for human beings--fear, love, faith, and hope. Can you ask AI to talk about hope? It can write about hope, but it can't hope itself." Kapur elaborated on the importance of human emotion in storytelling, emphasizing that "AI cannot fall in love, and to be creative, you have to fall in love. You have to feel pain, not just describe pain." In a lighter moment, Kapur humorously recounted how his cook once claimed to have written a script for 'Mr. India 2' using ChatGPT. "One day, my cook told me he had written a script for 'Mr. India 2'. I said, 'Wow, that's great! Where did you get it from?' He said, 'ChatGPT, sir.' The story was very good, but I told myself, 'You'll need to write it better.' So, AI provokes you to be better. If ChatGPT writes every story, then what am I for?" On the much-anticipated 'Paani', Kapur noted that while the project remains on hold, he plans to focus on 'Masoom 2' first before turning his attention to it. Fans of Shekhar Kapur can look forward to 'Masoom 2', a new that promises to evoke the same emotional depth and sincerity that made its predecessor a timeless classic. (ANI)
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the American period biographical thriller film, 'The Imitation Game', starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. On this occasion, the makers are going to bring the film to the audience on the OTT platform The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing, who decrypted German intelligence messages for the British government during World War II. Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Charles Dance, and Mark Strong appear in supporting roles. "I talked to people who had known him during his Manchester days and they all said how extraordinarily kind he was, polite and diffident. He didn't often make direct eye contact, but when he did, you felt bathed in a very humane, intrigued, witty and rather lovely personality," said Benedict in a press note. He played Alan Turing in the film. "He was very focused and often deemed to be in his world, in his line of thinking, in his own thought pattern and he would do some very eccentric things, but he was very open about them. He was a remarkable human being, a very kind soul, a very benign, slightly gauche, but a very doggedly determined, single-minded human being of extraordinary talent and ability. The tragedy of his life is not only that it ended so early, but that he was persecuted in a time of intolerance for his sexuality," he added. Actress Keira Knightley impressed the audience with her performance as Joan Clarke. She spoke about the bond between Joan and Alan and said, "It felt like a very important story to tell. It's quite extraordinary that you could spend six years of your life doing something like that and then never speak of it again. Alan and Joan were great friends. These are some of the people who helped to win the Second World War." 'The Imitation Game' was released theatrically in the United States on November 14, 2014. 'The Imitation Game' is available on Lionsgate Play. (ANI)
He said that a fund of Rs 5 crores has been allocated for this initiative.

"I am announcing that the state government will bear the full educational expenses of the children of firecracker factory workers who lost their lives in accidents, from primary school to higher education," CM Stalin said.

"The assistance will be decided at the district level, and Rs 5 crore has been allocated for this scheme," he added.

During his two-day visit to Virudhunagar district, Stalin, who inspected safety measures at a private fireworks factory on Saturday, directed regular and periodic safety checks to prevent further accidents.

Virudhunagar, a rain-shadow district, is known as the hub of fireworks manufacturing in the country and has frequently witnessed fatal accidents.

On Sunday, CM Stalin also inaugurated the newly constructed Virudhunagar District Collector's Office and launched several development projects worth Rs 101 crores to benefit the district. (ANI)
Senior Congress leader Ravinder Sharma on Sunday expressed his deep sorrow over the recent encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Kishtwar district, in which a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Army was killed. Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, "It is very unfortunate that Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar has been martyred, and three other para jawans have been injured in the same area. In another incident, two Village Defense Committee (VDC) members, Nazeer Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, were kidnapped and killed by terrorists in Kishtwar." Sharma criticized the government's claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, describing the recent incidents as deeply concerning. "The government of India is making hollow claims of normalcy, stating that after Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory, terrorism has been controlled. These incidents indicate that terrorism has, in fact, increased significantly in Jammu over the past year and a half, compared to the last two decades," he claimed. Sharma said that the government should respond to the nation's queries on why the conditions in Jammu Kashmir had worsened. "The entire law and order situation is under the control of the Home Ministry. The government should respond to the nation's questions about why the situation has worsened. It is their responsibility to enhance security and protect the people. While we stand united in the fight against terrorism, it is the government's duty to create a framework to defeat it," Sharma added. Earlier on Sunday, a JCO of the Army was killed in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar. In a post on X on Sunday, the Army's White Knight Corps said that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps and all ranks honoured the sacrifice of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). "Sub Rakesh was part of a joint CT (counter-insurgency) operation launched in the general area of Bhart Ridge area of Kishtwar district on November 9, 2024. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief," it added. (ANI)
The three-day literary extravaganza, Abhivyakti 4.0, an initiative by the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), concluded on a note of positivity and resilience with on Sunday, with former diplomat Navtej S Sarna and celebrated author Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai sharing their insights on the trials and tribulations of writing as an intellectual pursuit. The day's proceedings started with a keynote address by Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai, this was followed by Lt General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C, Western Command, releasing 'General's Jottings,' a book by Lt General Kamaljit Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd). Dr Pillai in his keynote address shared his views of different aspects of book writing and also emphasized the need for developing a reading habit to be a good writer. "Each of us has a story to tell and we need to know how to tell that story. India is a country that is reading in multiple languages but the books that are being read are mainly text books. So, we have the opportunity to make people read non-text books as well," said Dr Pillai. In his conversation with senior journalist Vipin Pubby; Sarna, India's former Ambassador to the United States, shared his thoughts on different dimensions of creative writing in reference to his noted works - 'The Exile' and 'Crimson Spring'. Admitting the dilemma of writing historical fiction, Sarna said: "Distorting or not distorting facts is a challenging proposition. I have been very careful about details. I have used fiction only to fill in the gaps." Sarna said, "Many things are not known about Udham Singh. Don't distort history. Be true to history. Dates have to be true." Sarna also spoke about Maharaja Duleep Singh, the youngest son of Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharani Zinda, the central theme of his novel 'The Exile'. A lively panel discussion on 'Rekindling the Habit of Reading' moderated by journalist Soni Sangwan, saw panelists Ajay Jain, Vandana Palli and Saguna Jain dwelling upon challenges and opportunities of inculcating the habit of reading among today's youngsters. Moderated by Ambreen Zaidi, a panel discussion on 'Digital Narratives: Storytelling in the Age of Screens' brought experts such as Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, Gunjan Mishra, Amrinder Maan and Maj Nithi CJ (Retd) together, delving deep into the subject and challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Shuchi Katiyar, Regional President AWWA, proposed the vote of thanks. The grand closing ceremony of Abhivyakti 4.0 also saw a medley of regional dances by cultural troupe of NZCC, Patiala. (ANI)
Congress on Sunday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of posting a misleading advertisement on social media that contained false information about the leaders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Indian National Congress (INC), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Congress claimed that the advertisement violated the Model Code of Conduct and other electoral laws. It alleged that the leaders of JMM, INC, and RJD were being "portrayed in a negative and false light," with the intent of "propagating false and baseless narratives against them." The complaint specifically referred to an advertisement posted on Facebook on November 9, 2024. Congress claimed that the ad was in blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct and other electoral laws. "We are writing to you with respect to an advertisement published by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Official Facebook Handle for the State of Jharkhand i.e., "BJP4Jharkhand." On a prima facie viewing, the advertisement published by the BJP4Jharkhand page is in blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct and other electoral laws," the complaint read. "In the said advertisement published on 09.11.2024, false allegations and statements are being ascribed to leaders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Additionally, theleaders are being portrayed in a negative and false light, with the sole intent of propagating false and baseless narratives against them," it added. "In the said advertisement BJP had first tried to use actors who resemble the leaders of JMM, INC and RJD. Consequently, the advertisement has tried to raise several blatantly false allegations against the leaders of the JMM, INC and RJD. One of the allegations is that these leaders are Anti-Adivasi' (against the tribals) who are banding together under the garb of being Pro-Adivasis to ultimately serve their own personal agendas. A clip of the advertisement is annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE - A Frther. a transeribed," the complaint read. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, shared a copy of four-page complaint letter on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "A complaint has just been lodged with the Election Commission on a most disgusting ad relating to Jharkhand put out by the BJP officially. It not only brazenly and blatantly violates the ECI's Model Code of Conduct, it is also an act of serious criminality." https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1855633703420186674 "We hope the ECI will act immediately and pursue this matter to its logical conclusion," the Congress leader wrote in a post. The elections for the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, with the results to be counted on November 23. (ANI)
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Monday said that he has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressing concerns on behalf of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agents and policyholders over the issue of recent policy restructuring. "I have raised concerns to Hon'ble Finance Minister regarding recent policy changes by LIC, which negatively impact millions of agents and policyholders, especially in rural and low-income communities. Urgent intervention is needed to protect their livelihoods and ensure accessible life insurance," Tagore said on X. In the letter dated November 5, Tagore said that the changes in LIC policies are "troubling" and have the potential to affect the livelihood of "approximately 14 lakh LIC agents and millions of policyholders." Tagore raised six major concerns in the letter, stating that the recent amendments introduced on October 1, 2024, by the LIC will have an impact on Rural and Low-Income Groups since the new policy restructuring demands the policyholders to pay more premium rates and increased the minimum sum assured to Rs 2 lakh. Teh MP from Virudhnagar in Tamil Nadu pointed out that the policy changes will also impact the commission rates for LIC agents which was fixed as per the Insurance Act of 1938. "Despite multiple requests from the agents, there has been no increase in commission rates, even though IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) allowed for increases through Gazette Notifications in 2013, 2017, and 2020. However, LIC failed to implement. The new policies further reduce the commission," the letter read. Tagore also registered his apprehension over the reduced bonus and benefits for LIC policyholders and the reduced age limit to 50 for the popular policy, calling it a "regressive move." "This will have a direct impact on the ability of agents to produce new business, as many potential policyholders will now fall outside the eligibility criteria for the plans they once had access to," Tagore wrote in the letter addressed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Finally, Tagore argued that the "clawback commission" policy introduced by the LIC was objectionable, saying that agents were held responsible for surrenders of policies are were required to repay the commission they had earned. "This is unfair, as the commission is an integral part of the premium, and agents should not be penalised for the policyholders' decisions...I urge you to reconsider the policies that adversely affect both agents and policyholders and take corrective action to ensure that LIC can continue to fulfil its mandate of providing accessible and affordable life insurances to all sections of society," Tagore wrote. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday addressed a public meeting in Mumbai to campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Nalasopara Assembly, Rajan Naik and party candidate from Vasai Assembly, Sneha Dubey. Speaking at the public meeting, CM said, "There is a feeling of belongingness in the Sanskrit of the hills. That feeling keeps us together." He said that certainly the blessings of the "god-like people of Uttarakhand" would be given to the BJP candidate. The Chief Minister urged the people to make BJP candidate Rajan Naik from Nalasopara Assembly and BJP candidate Sneha Dubey from Mumbai Vasai victorious with huge votes. He said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the respect of India has increased. Today India is becoming the India that gives direction to the world. Earlier governments were immersed in corruption." The Chief Minister said that the work of the Ahmedabad Mumbai Bullet Train is going on at a fast pace. "Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Maharashtra Government has worked to take this state forward by running many important schemes. Underground trains are being expanded all around Mumbai. The train from Mumbai to Lalkuan has started. A train will also be run from Mumbai to Kotdwar," CM Dhami said. He said that with their blessings, the public will send the BJP candidates from Nalasopara and Vasai assemblies to the assembly by making them victorious. "We have to keep away from the nepotism party and save them from corruption and appeasement," he said. The Chief Minister said that the people of Congress and alleged that the "Maha Vikas Aghadi gang" are constantly insulting women. "Anti-women policies are clearly visible in the opposition parties. Congress has always opposed Sanatan. They have even called Sanatan dengue and disease. The Ram temple for which we struggled day and night, was mocked by Congress. Shiv Sena founder Late Bala Saheb Thackeray ji always participated enthusiastically in the movement for the construction of Ram temple. But his sons joined hands with him who were always against the Ram temple," CM Dhami said. He said that the Uttarakhand government organized a Pravasi Sammelan and today, the state is constantly moving forward. 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)
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused Justice Michael D'Cunha, who is investigating procurement of PPE kits by the erstwhile BJP government in Karnataka in the 2020 Covid pandemic, of being an as an agent, saying "Justice Michael D'Cunha, you are a judge, not an agent." The John Michael D'Cunha Commission report has recommended prosecution of the then Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and Minister for Health and Family Welfare B Sriramulu over the purchase of 3 lakh PPE kits from Chinese firms. Speaking at a public meeting on Sunday organized by BJP candidate Bharat Bommai in Shiggaon, Joshi said "Justice Michael D'Cunha has always been against them. Why did he have to release an interim report during election time? What has this government been doing for one and a half years? This drama has been enacted to divert public attention during elections. There is no substance in this. " Further attacking Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he said, "Mr Siddaramaiah, you claimed to have embezzled Rs 90 crore rupees, not Rs 190 crore, in the Valmiki scandal. However much a crow eats, it remains a crow. Such tactics won't cover up the accusations against you". Joshi said that the D'Cunha Commission released an interim report without issuing a notice to Yediyurappa or Ramulu. He further stated that the High Court has declared Siddaramaiah guilty of the MUDA scam but, no court has ever asked Yediyurappa to resign. "Don't you feel any shame? In Shiggaon, you question Basavaraj Bommai saying he hasn't given a single house. He has built new houses in Shiggaon-Savanur. Have you given even one house?" Joshi asked. The Union Minister said the incumbent government has increased the price of milk and alcohol. The CM said that the Waqf notice has been withdrawn. According to the Supreme Court ruling, any property for Waqf must be a donation or come from the government. However, the Congress government has been issuing Waqf notices even on farmers' land. The CM Siddaramaiah must respond to the court order. Joshi claimed that a Muslim flag had been hoisted at Shiggaon Santhe Maidan, which was never seen before. "Is there no one here to question this? They too, will raise a saffron flag at the ground. To stop this, Bharat Bommai must be elected. Under the guise of Waqf, they are trying to seize the people's land. They are devouring the land of poor Muslims," he added. "We will investigate all lands that have been given under Waqf in the form of sale deeds or donation letters. We assure you that not an inch of your land will be lost to Waqf " he asserted. In response to Joshi's comments, Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Mr Joshi Pralhad has defamed Justice Michael D'Cunha by calling him an agent. A judge who is well known for his integrity and honesty." He further accused Union Minister Joshi of "clearly" violating the law and is liable to be prosecuted for his slanderous and cheap comments. "A Central Minister is intimidating a Public Servant who is at present discharging his duties as the head of the enquiry commission into Covid irregularities," the Karnataka Minister added. "I hope the Commission files a complaint against this arrogant statement by Mr Joshi," he added. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the demise of Wing Commander (Retired) MB Ojha who passed away on Sunday. MB Ojha, who passed away on Sunday at 89, his body will be cremated at Mahadev Shamshan Ghat today at 11:30 am. In a post on X, CM Sai posted and said, "Humble tribute to the brave son of Mother India.The news of the demise of Wing Commander MB Ojha ji, the pride of our Chhattisgarh, who participated in the wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971, is sad." "When 90,000 soldiers of the Pakistani Army surrendered in the 1971 war, MB Ojha was also a direct witness to the surrender. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and to provide strength to the bereaved family and their well-wishers," he added. Wing Commander Ojha (retired) was a witness to the surrender of 90,000 soldiers of the Pakistani Army in the 1971 war. On December 16, 1971, was the day when Pakistan signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, following a 13-day India-Pakistan War. With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force. The creation of Bangladesh was a devastating event for West Pakistan, the aftershocks of which continue to this day. Along with the physical fall of Dhakha, Pakistan was also defeated psychologically. The two-nation theory, that Muslims of the subcontinent formed a nation, was demolished. For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. Because of this, December 16 is commemorated nationwide as "Vijay Diwas" to honour India's triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 were injured during the war of 1971. (ANI)
China Southern Airlines has launched a bonded aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, boosting the aggregation of airport-related industries and promoting high-level opening up in the region.

Located in the Urumqi area of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone in the regional capital Urumqi, the base, the first such facility in Xinjiang, was inaugurated on Friday.

The bonded MRO service will leverage the Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (UDIA) to handle aircraft MRO from around the world, capitalizing on high technology, low costs and high efficiency, said Han Wensheng, general manager of the company.

As the company's first bonded aircraft MRO business in China, it will extend the aviation MRO industry chain, attract more people and logistics to gather in Xinjiang, and help develop a new "bonded+" mode in foreign trade, better serving the construction under the Belt and Road Initiative, said Han.

Also on Friday, Xinjiang put into use a public bonded warehouse allowing overseas airlines to store and manage aviation materials together, enhancing the MRO efficiency and emergency response speed.

With the gradual improvement of the aviation industry chain, Xinjiang's airport-related economy has flourished, significantly increasing the air cargo import and export volume in Urumqi.

As of September, the UDIA had opened international passenger routes from Urumqi to 20 destinations in 16 countries including Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.

The construction of Terminal 4, the largest single building in the airport's expansion project, is underway. Once completed, it will be able to handle 48 million passengers and 550,000 tonnes of cargo and mail annually, further invigorating airport-related economic development.
PM Modi also appreciated the efforts he has made towards the development and empowerment of Nagaland.

In a social media post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Birthday greetings to Shri Neiphiu Rio Ji, the Chief Minister of Nagaland. He is at the forefront of numerous efforts to further develop Nagaland and empower the people. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life. @Neiphiu_Rio"

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1855810548568633675

Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh also extended birthday greetings to the Nagaland Chief Minister and wished for his good health and long life.

"Best Birthday wishes to Sh @Neiphiu_Rio, CM, #Nagaland. May you be blessed with good health and long life," Singh posted on X.

Neiphiu Rio, is the founder of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a major regional party in the political domain of Nagaland. He is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Nagaland. He has served as Chief Minister of Nagaland for three terms from 2003-08, 2008-13 and 2013-14, making him the only Nagaland Chief Minister to have served three consecutive terms. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing affection towards Uttarakhand by emphasising the need to preserve all the dialects and traditions of the state. CM Dhami said that the Prime Minister has emphasized the preservation of all the dialects of Uttarakhand including Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari, as well as appealed to the migrants to maintain ties with their village and preserve their traditional style Tibari houses. The Chief Minister said that the state government will move forward by considering the nine requests of the Prime Minister as the basic mantra of development. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi made nine requests public about Uttarakhand in his address on State Foundation Day, out of which five requests were addressed to the people of Uttarakhand, while four requests were addressed to the tourists and pilgrims coming here," CM Dhami said. CM Dhami said that now the Uttarakhand government is going to make policies based on the Prime Minister's requests. "It is clear from this that the Prime Minister has a special affection for Uttarakhand in his heart, so the government will work on all the requests of the Prime Minister through public cooperation," he said. The Chief Minister said that the government is already giving special incentives for the production of regional dialect films for the preservation of dialect languages. He said that to promote folk culture, the government is providing assistance to various fairs, Igas and Harela festivals are now being celebrated with great pomp. "Similarly, the government is encouraging people to register their traditional tibari houses in homestays. To strengthen the attachment of migrants to Uttarakhand, the government has also started organizing the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Sammelan from this year. Now all these programs will gain further momentum with the address of the Prime Minister," he said. Dhami said that PM Modi has also appealed to plant trees under the name of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. "After the Prime Minister's appeal, the state government will give more impetus to this campaign, just now plantation was done on a large scale on Harela festival in Sawan, due to which the green cover in Uttarakhand is expected to increase. Similarly, the government will launch a comprehensive campaign in order to maintain the cleanliness and purity of natural water in Uttarakhand in line with the Prime Minister's appeal. For this, the streams, naulas, and small rivers of Uttarakhand will be specially protected," he said. Dhami said that the Prime Minister has also warned tourists about the dangers of single-use plastic in the mountains. "The state government has already made solid arrangements for plastic waste disposal in the four Dhams, along with this, the effort to return plastic waste through QR code on the Yatra route is also bearing fruit, after the Prime Minister's appeal, there will be awareness among tourists about this. Similarly, as per the Prime Minister's request, stalls of women's self-help groups are being set up on the Yatra route so that tourists can buy more and more local products," he said. The Chief Minister said that he has appealed to the travellers to follow the traffic rules for safe traffic in the mountains, and also asked them to take care of the sanctity of the Dhams, it is expected that the dignity of the Dhams will remain intact. Earlier on Saturday on the occasion of Uttarakhand Foundation Day, CM Dhami extended his greetings and wishes to the people of the state. He said that the state has created a special identity by setting new dimensions of progress in the last 24 years. (ANI)
An elephant calf sustained injuries in a suspected bomb explosion at the Udanti-Sitandi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Director Varun Jain, on Monday informed that they had received information about a large amount of blood in an area designated for elephant herd. An anti-poaching team conducted the probe and discovered that the blood stains were spread across six kilometres at least, Jain said, adding that the injured calf was merely five to six years old. "From the area near Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, we received information that a large amount of blood was spotted in an area where the herd of elephants was roaming. When the anti-poaching team conducted the probe, we traced the blood stains for foot marks for 6-7 km. We realised that it was an elephant that was injured. Through drone visuals, our staff spotted an elephant calf which is 5-6 years old," the Director of the Wildlife Refuge said. The calf was injured and its jaw was swollen and it sported an injury in its leg, Jain said, adding that they recovered the remains of the potassium bomb from the area. "Its jaw is swollen up and there is injury in its leg as well. We also found the remaining potassium bomb. From this, it can be assumed that the (elephant) calf got injured either by chewing on the bomb or stepping on it. We have called a doctor team from Raipur, dog squad has also been called," he said. "We are looking for a hunter. We have declared a Rs 10,000 reward for those who give any information regarding the hunters. We have also given a complaint to the Police regarding the explosive item. We were only able to trace the injured calf till now. Through a thermal drone, we will find out the extent of the injury. We will tranquilise the calf if required (to provide treatment). We have asked permission for the same," Jain said. The Reserve Director said that it was a common practice among hunters to place the potassium bombs to hunt wild boars. "However, we will have to find out the intent whether it was meant for the elephant or the wild boar," he said. (ANI)
Coming down hard on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks on Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said on Monday that it is the "DNA" of Congress, which is anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan. Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla also questioned Congress over Kharge's remarks on sadhus. "This is the true philosophy and DNA of Congress which is anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan. Therefore, Congress is now saying that those who wear 'gerua' and saffron, the clothes of a sadhu should not come into politics but will they ever say this about Maulana and Maulvi? This is the same Congress that spoke about 'saffron terrorism', and 'Hindu terror'...they will never say such things about other faiths, it shows how Congress hurt the Hindu faith for votes of their votebank...they consider 'batoge toh katogey' as communal and vote jihad as secular," the BJP spokesperson said. On Sunday, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, while speaking at an election rally in Maharashtra, took a jibe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath without taking his name and said that many of the leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians and some have even become chief minister as well. Speaking at the Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan', the Congress President also slammed Adityanath for his recent 'batoge toh katogey' (If we divide, we will be cut), a slogan calling for Hindu unity, and accused him (Yogi) of spreading hatred. "Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear 'gerua' clothes and have no hair on their heads...I would say to the BJP, either wear white clothes or if you are a sanyasi wear 'gerua' clothes, then get out of politics. On the one hand, you wear 'gerua' clothes and on the other hand, you say 'batoge toh katogey'...They are spreading hatred among the people and trying to divide them...," Kharge said. Further coming down on the BJP, Kharge said, "BJP is coming up with new slogans these days. I just want to ask is there any danger in the country? If the country is in danger, it is from BJP-RSS. Because these are the people who talk about division and killing from morning to evening. We have always tried to keep the country united. Indira Gandhi ji was martyred for keeping the country united." Maharashtra polls are scheduled for November 20 and counting will be held on November 23. As the elections for the 288 seats in the Assembly approach closer, the political battle between the two major alliances, the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), intensifies. (ANI)
Calling the Jharkhand Assembly polls, a very "peculiar election", Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pratul Shahdeo said on Monday that the people of the state want to vote out the "most corrupt" government in the history of Jharkhand. Speaking to ANI, Pratul Shahdeo also alleged that the Jharkhand government-led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren has let down the people of the state. "This is a very peculiar election. More than the ruling alliance or us, the people of Jharkhand want to vote out the most corrupt government in the history of Jharkhand. The Hemant Soren government has disappointed them. He promised them 25 lakh jobs in five years, and stipends to graduates and post graduates, but nothing was delivered. Moreover, this government has huge scandals against its name, be it coal scam, stone scam and the latest age scam," he said. He also asserted that the BJP will be very close to getting a majority in the first phase itself. "People are fed up. We will be very close to the majority figure of 41 seats in the first phase," the BJP leader said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a road show in Ranchi. He also held two rallies in Bokaro and Gumla, where he slammed Congress and its allies for "attempting to create a divide between SCs, STs, and OBCs." He also said that Congress and its allies "can't see Adivasis on top," and have kept Jharkhand backward. PM Modi, launching a scathing attack on the JMM and Congress alliance, during his rally in Bokaro, said, "BJP-led government is needed in Jharkhand to drive out infiltrators." He alleged that both Congress and JMM were attempting to create a divide between SCs, STs, and OBCs saying they enjoyed power by creating divisions. "Everyone needs to stay alert and aware of the major conspiracy by JMM and Congress. They can do anything for power," he said. Notably, Congress on Sunday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of posting a misleading advertisement on social media that contained false information about the leaders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Indian National Congress (INC), and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Congress claimed that the advertisement violated the Model Code of Conduct and other electoral laws. It alleged that the leaders of JMM, INC, and RJD were being "portrayed in a negative and false light," with the intent of "propagating false and baseless narratives against them." The elections for the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, with the results to be counted on November 23. (ANI)
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a brief ceremony on Monday. Khanna has been part of benches in the Supreme Court that heard important judgments including upholding the abrogation of Article 370. CJI Khanna was also part of the bench that scrapped the electoral bonds scheme passed in the Parliament earlier. Khanna took the oath in English, in the name of God, bearing his allegiance to the Constitution of India ensuring that he will perform the duties of his office without fear or favour, affection or ill will. The event was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and several other Union Cabinet ministers, who graced the occasion with their presence. Justice Khanna, who has served as a judge in the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, succeeds former CJI DY Chandrachud. Khanna will serve a six-month term as the 51st CJI. In addition to the judges, the function was also attended by other legal luminaries, government officials, and key political figures. The participation of retired judges, including retired Chief Justices, adds a layer of respect and tradition, acknowledging the contributions of former members of the judiciary while also emphasizing the collaborative and collegial nature of the Indian legal system. The Government of India recently issued a formal notification appointing Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the next Chief Justice of India, effective from November 11, 2024. The Ministry of Law and Justice, in its notification, confirmed that the President, under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, has appointed Justice Khanna to the highest judicial post in the country. Justice Khanna, who was born on May 14, 1960, began his legal career in 1983 by joining as an advocate with the Delhi Bar Council. He has experience in a wide range of legal fields, including constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, commercial law, and environmental law. Justice Khanna also worked as senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, representing the National Capital Territory of Delhi. On his last working day, outgoing Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, became emotional as he reflected on his tenure, saying, "There is no greater feeling than being able to serve those in need." In his heartfelt farewell speech on Friday, CJI Chandrachud shared his journey from being a law student seated in the back row to presiding over the Supreme Court. He expressed the honour of serving the nation and highlighted how each day in office offered opportunities for both professional growth and personal development. (ANI)
A search operation by security forces is currently underway in the Saranwan area of Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir to nab terrorists, a day after an Army jawan was killed during an encounter here. Reinforcements are being sent to the encounter site as the situation in the area remains tense. On Sunday, an Army jawan, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar was killed in action during an encounter with terrorists in the Kishtwar district. In a post on X on Sunday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps and all ranks honoured the sacrifice of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF). The post read, "Sub Rakesh was part of a joint CT (counter-insurgency) operation launched in the general area of Bhart Ridge area of Kishtwar district on November 9, 2024. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief." According to Jammu and Kashmir police, the gunfight erupted in the Keshwan area on November 10, with three to four terrorists believed to be trapped in the area. Meanwhile, Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh yesterday paid tribute to the army jawan, Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, who lost his life during a gunfight between the security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. In a post shared on X, Captain Amarinder Singh honoured the army jawan and prayed for the speedy recovery of the three injured soldiers. "Saluting the bravery of Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in Jammu and Kashmir fighting terrorists. Heartfelt condolences to his family & loved ones. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Praying to Waheguru ji for the speedy recovery of the 3 injured soldiers," Captain Amarinder Singh posted on X. (ANI)
Haryana Chief Minister's Press Secretary Praveen Atreya on Monday accused Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala of telling "lies" and misleading farmers in the state. "Surjewala must understand that lies are not the basis of politics," he said. "Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala tried to mislead the farmers of Haryana by telling a lie. Randeep Singh Surjewala should understand that politics cannot run based on lies. I believe that the way the farmers and the people of Haryana defeated Congress in the (assembly) elections, the Congress leaders are in shock and frustrated. Perhaps, this is the reason why Randeep Surjewala is trying to mislead the people of Haryana and the farmers by telling lies continuously," Atreya said in a self-made video. Atreya's remarks against Congress leader Surjwala come after the latter questioned the decision of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. "Randeep Surjewala asked some questions to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. First of all, Randeep Surjewala should understand the work that the Chief Minister of the state is doing today in the interest of farmers, he proved this the day he took charge as Chief Minister. For example, when there was less than average rainfall, he immediately transferred a bonus of Rs 2,000 per acre to the accounts of the farmer brothers. This is his thinking in the interest of farmers," the Press Secretary to Haryana CM said. A few weeks earlier, Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday called out the Bhartiya Janata party for issuing an order regarding the farmers burning stubble and even "denying a Minimum support price for them". "On the very first day of the formation of the Haryana government, the BJP government issued an order to abolish the MSP of farmers. On one hand, an FIR will be registered against the farmer for burning stubble and on the other hand, the farmers' crop will not be purchased at MSP for 2 years. This is a direct anti-farmer conspiracy of the BJP government led by Nayab Singh Saini because farmers did not vote for the BJP in Haryana...Is this not a direct conspiracy to abolish MSP through the backdoor?" Surjewala said. (ANI)
Ahead of the Joint Parliamentary Committee's (JPC) scheduled meeting on Monday to hear the views of various stakeholders on the 'Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Bhubaneswar, the Chairman of the JPC Jagdambika Pal said that 16 delegations have expressed their desire to appear before the committee today. Pal said, "Today also JPC will meet in Bhubaneswar, in which 16 delegations have expressed their desire to appear before the JPC, which includes High Court lawyers, Islamic scholars, Odisha government officials, various social and minority organizations. I hope good suggestions will come and the entire JPC will consider them. We have covered Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, now we have to cover Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata." Reacting to the opposition boycotting the JPC panel's study tour he said that the purpose of JPC meetings in the states is to give suggestions on Amendment and to listen to them. "They are coming in large numbers. This is not a matter of politics. If the JPC is meeting all stakeholders and has done 25 meetings in Delhi and travelling to states ot is to have more participants who can give suggestions. The opposition is making it an issue. We are listening to people who could not travel to Delhi," he added. BJP MP and member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, Aparajita Sarangi said that they will listen to the key stakeholders from all across Odisha. Sarangi said, "We are going to listen to the key stakeholders from all across Odisha and more than 16 organisations have come forward and they'll be placing their views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Five members would remain present, including the chairperson and we will have an extensive hearing." Earlier on Sunday, Pal dismissed allegations of impropriety and defended the study tours by him and other committee members. Stating that not every committee member needs to be present during the meetings and study tours as they might have other commitments, he told ANI, "Even during Parliament sessions, it never happens that all MPs are present during every debate of every session... The purpose of the study tour of the JPC is not if all members are present or not. The purpose is to give the administration, waqf board, minority commissions and all stakeholders of the state it visits, a chance to be heard." JPC member and Congress MP Jaiwaid criticised the study tours on Sunday. When we saw that our opinions were not being considered, we were left with no other option but to boycott it, so we are not participating in any tour. I think out of 31 members, 12-14 (are not participating). So, when 1/3rd of the members are not there, what is the use of it? You have to hear both types of opinions," he told ANI. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pradeep Bhandari on Monday came out heavily on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks on Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and accused the party of being "anti-Hindu", adding that it objects to everything associated with 'Sanatana Dharma'. Bhandari further accused Kharge of using terms like "saffron terrorism" during the UPA rule. Speaking to ANI, Pradeep Bhandari said, "Mallikarjun Kharge has hatred towards Sanatana Dharma, he hates saffron that's why he used terms like saffron terrorism during Congress rule. Congress has a problem with each and everything that is associated with Sanatana Dharma." "They are upset with the fact that PM Narendra Modi's 'Ek rahenge to safe rahenge', slogan has been accepted by society.... What Kharge said shows that Congress is an anti-Hindu party, anti-Sanatan party...who wants to do appeasement of their Muslim votebank," he added. Earlier in the day, reacting to similar issue, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the "DNA" of Congress is "anti-Hindu" and "anti-Sanatan". Poonawalla also questioned Congress over Kharge's remarks on sadhus. "This is the true philosophy and DNA of Congress which is anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan. Therefore, Congress is now saying that those who wear 'gerua' and saffron, the clothes of a sadhu should not come into politics but will they ever say this about Maulana and Maulvi?" Poonawalla said. "This is the same Congress that spoke about 'saffron terrorism', and 'Hindu terror'...they will never say such things about other faiths, it shows how Congress hurt the Hindu faith for votes of their votebank...they consider 'batoge toh katogey' as communal and vote jihad as secular," the BJP spokesperson added. On Sunday, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, while speaking at an election rally in Maharashtra, took a jibe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath without taking his name and said that many of the leaders live in the guise of 'sadhus' and have now become politicians and some have even become chief minister as well. Speaking at the Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan', the Congress President also slammed Adityanath for his 'batenge toh katenge' (If we divide, we will be cut) -- a slogan calling for Hindu unity -- and accused the Uttar Pradesh CM of spreading hatred. "Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear 'gerua' clothes and have no hair on their heads...I would say to the BJP, either wear white clothes or if you are a sanyasi wear 'gerua' clothes, then get out of politics. On the one hand, you wear 'gerua' clothes and on the other hand, you say 'batoge toh katogey'...They are spreading hatred among the people and trying to divide them...," Kharge said. Further coming down on the BJP, Kharge said, "BJP is coming up with new slogans these days. I just want to ask is there any danger in the country? If the country is in danger, it is from BJP-RSS. Because these are the people who talk about division and killing from morning to evening. We have always tried to keep the country united. Indira Gandhi ji was martyred for keeping the country united." (ANI)
The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) takes place in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. [Photo by Zheng Liang/China.org.cn]



The China International Import Expo (CIIE) continues to strengthen global trade connections as it marks its seventh year, drawing participants from across the world to Shanghai.

"It's incredible how much has changed since my first visit to the China International Import Expo," said Hon Jia Xin, manager of the Lifestyle & Life Sciences Section at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. Hon, who attended the inaugural expo six years ago, returned as Malaysia took its place as a Guest Country of Honor at the event.

Malaysia's initial participation focused primarily on high-tech and service sectors within industry pavilions. "Back then, we only had industry players from certain sectors," she recalled, adding, "This year, we brought a diverse range of sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods, sustainable products, services, and e-commerce."

"China has been our largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years," Hon emphasized. "By participating in expos like the CIIE, we hope to further boost and enhance trade between our countries," she added.

The CIIE has served as a vital platform for Malaysian companies over the past seven years, enabling them to showcase their products and services while strengthening trade partnerships.

The expo's growth was evident in its numbers, with 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions participating this year. While 186 exhibitors, including Fortune 500 companies, had maintained their presence across all seven editions, the event continued to attract newcomers, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Among the first-time participants was Elizabeth Kalambo, CEO of Sisalana (Tanzania) Company Limited. "We've been trading through a middleman who would come to Tanzania and then take products to China. Now, we're here to meet our clients directly," she said, expressing optimism about expanding her company's global reach through the expo.

Elizabeth Kalambo, CEO of Sisalana (Tanzania) Company Limited, introduces products at the Tanzania National Pavilion of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2024. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]



Similarly, Manuel Garibay, manager of industrial sales at Royal Ridge Fruits, was another newcomer aiming to discover fresh business opportunities.

Reflecting on his experience at the expo, Garibay shared, "I think it was a great success. It's been one of the best trade shows we've attended in China. We're excited about the connections we've made and what we can achieve over the next few months and potentially years," Garibay said.

Garibay was impressed by the volume of potential buyers approaching their booth in the opening days. "It was a pleasant surprise; we didn't expect this level of success," he added.

Manuel Garibay, manager of industrial sales at Royal Ridge Fruits, at the American Food and Agriculture Pavilion of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Nov. 9, 2024. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]



Royal Ridge Fruits, which specializes in premium dried, frozen and fresh fruit processing, joined the expo through an initiative by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

"We work closely with them, and they invited us to join the expo. Next year, we plan on having our own booth and setup, given this year's success," Garibay said. He also highlighted the potential of the Chinese market, emphasizing its large population and rapidly growing middle class, which means more disposable income and a greater demand for its products.

The American Food and Agriculture Pavilion, returned for its second year, following its debut in 2023.

The pavilion hosted its opening ceremony on Nov. 6 and set a new record by signing deals worth $815 million on the first day, surpassing the previous year's total. The pavilion's exhibition area expanded to more than 240 square meters, reflecting growing U.S. interest and participation.

Elisa Duan, trade specialist of the International Marketing Program at the Washington State Department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of the Chinese market for Washington State's agricultural exports.

"Washington exports a wide range of agricultural products to China, including wheat, potatoes, apples and cherries," she said.

In 2023, China was the state's largest market, with exports totaling $11 billion, representing 18% of Washington's total goods exports.

In addition to Royal Ridge Fruits, Duan brought dairy products company Darigold to this year's expo. These companies aim to expand their Chinese market presence through the CIIE. "The expo is a great opportunity to promote local agricultural products and create more export opportunities through government support," Duan said.

Assessing the expo's impact, Duan expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, noting interest from Chinese supermarkets and e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, with more opportunities anticipated.

Duan said she intended to bring more companies to next year's expo, focusing on helping SMEs enter the Chinese market. "The CIIE is an important trade platform that helps promote trade relations among countries," Duan said.
Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) or Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of betraying Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. He also expressed confidence on Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance winning 160 to 170 seats. Reacting to the statement made by Union Home Shah during an election rally in Mumbai, Raut accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah of betraying and selling Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. "You praised him a lot once. But Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi betrayed Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. Tell us about that. You sold Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena. First, you bought it and then you sold it to (Eknath) Shinde. You have no right to utter the name of Balasaheb Thackeray. We know who Balasaheb Thackeray is (for us). We also know what you are. You sold our party to an individual like Eknath Shinde who had nothing to do with the formation of Shiv Sena. You sold it to him because he could break off our MLAs. There is no need to show this fake love," Raut said. Meanwhile, taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) campaign during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Raut said that the surveys shouldn't be trusted because a survey had come out during Lok Sabha polls where they said BJP would win more than 400 seats. "We (MVA) will win 160-170 seats...Don't trust the surveys that are coming in. A similar survey had come out during Lok Sabha elections too, it said '400 paar' for PM Modi," said Raut. Raut's reaction comes after Union HM Shah challenged Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to ask Rahul Gandhi to praise Savarkar and Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. "I want to ask Uddhav Thackeray from this stage. Can he ask Rahul Gandhi to say something good about Veer Savarkar? Can any Congress leader speak something to honour Balasaheb Thackeray? This is an internal (ideological) difference. People of Maharashtra should take note of such contradictions in the MVA alliance," Shah said while addressing an election rally in Mumbai. Shah also accused Thackeray of being with those leaders who opposed the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and insulted Veer Savarkar. "Uddhav ji, I can't decide where you sit. But I want to tell you that you're sitting with those who opposed the abrogation of Article 370. You're sitting with those who opposed the construction of Ram Janambhoomi temple. You're sitting with those who speak ill of Savarkar. You're sitting with those who opposed CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and UCC (Uniform Civil Code)," the Union Home Minister said. (ANI)
In the wake of rise in the incidents of firing and snatching in the national capital, senior officials of Delhi Police on Monday went to the ground to review the security measures. Senior police officials, including DCPs reviewed the police pickets and instructed them to remain alert in all kinds of situations. Police pickets are additional police officers deployed to specific locations to maintain law and order or for security. Notably, for the past few days, several cases of firing and snatching for extortion have been reported in Delhi. In the latest development, the officials of Delhi police said that a jeweller in the Rohini area alleged that he received extortion calls from an individual who claimed to be a member of the criminal Kala Jathedi gang while earlier, a Delhi-based music producer received an extortion call of Rs 5 crore from a caller who identified himself as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldi Brar Gang, said the police. On November 9, Delhi Police apprehended three juveniles involved in the murder of 22-year-old Nadeem alias Bobby and a subsequent firing incident in the area of Jyoti Nagar and Welcome in North East Delhi. The trio was apprehended within hours of the incidents, which occurred on Saturday. On November 6, an incident of firing took place outside the Raj Mandir Hyper Market in the Meera Bagh area under the limits of Police station Paschim Vihar West. On the same day, three bike-borne miscreants opened several rounds of fire at a motor workshop in the Dinpur area of Najafgarh, Delhi Police said. Two days before the Paschim Vihar West firing incident, three people with muffled faces and riding on a two-wheeler fired several rounds at a plywood shop and fled the spot in Delhi's Nangloi area, police said. (ANI)
Odisha's commitment to promoting millets on Monday took centre stage at the ongoing International Millet Conference, with Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo highlighting the state's leadership in the initiative. Speaking to ANI, Deo emphasised efforts made by the Odisha government in millet promotion, noting that the state launched the Millet Mission last year and is now hosting a two-day international conference. "The International Millet Mission seminar is underway...Prime Minister Modi has been advocating the promotion of millet across the country. Odisha was the frontrunner last year, starting the Millet Mission, and this year we are hosting the International Millet Conference over two days," he said. The conference has brought together farmers, agricultural experts, scientists, and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) to discuss the future of millet production and consumption. Deo also pointed to the active participation of Odisha's Chief Minister, government officers, and prominent figures such as Ramesh Chand from the Planning Commission and MS Swaminathan. He said that the discussions will play a crucial role in advancing the millet mission and promoting healthy eating practices across the state. Meanwhile, Odisha's Agriculture Secretary, Arabinda Padhee, discussed the growth of the state's agricultural sector, particularly its higher-than-average crop growth. "Professor Ramesh Chand informed the House that the growth percentage of Odisha's crop sector is higher than the national average. However, we also have huge potential in the fisheries and animal resources sectors," Padhee said. He also outlined plans to boost these sectors, adding, "We have huge potential to reach growth levels in these areas." Padhee highlighted the Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management Program, which utilises soil moisture to grow pulses and seed crops, benefiting soil health, climate resilience, and nutritional outcomes. Earlier in the day, Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand reported that the growth rate of Odisha's crop sector was double that of the national average, with livestock growth 33 per cent higher than the national rate. "In the last 10 years, we have seen a clear change in Odisha's agriculture. The crop sector growth rate in Odisha is double the national average, and livestock growth is 33 percent higher. However, Odisha's livestock sector remains the only one where growth lags behind India's," said Chand, a member of the National Institution for Transforming India (Niti Aayog). Chand further suggested that Odisha should aim to accelerate agricultural growth to at least six per cent, as seen in states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. "I have given five to six suggestions today, and I hope the state will take action on them," he added. (ANI)
People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti urged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to look into the "abrupt dismissal" of government employees without due process. In a letter dated November 10, Mufti stated that addressing these injustices is urgent as she cited the situation of a "dedicated Tehsildar" who allegedly faced dismissal under Article 311, arrest under UA(P)A and years of incarceration before the courts ultimately acquitted him of all charges. She said that he passed away in October this year due to cardiac arrest following this ordeal. "The abrupt dismissal of government employees without due process-a pattern that started since 2019 has left many families devastated and, in some cases, destitute. During a recent visit to the family of Nazir Ahmad Wani in Bellow, Pulwama, I witnessed firsthand the painful consequences of such actions," the letter mentioned. "His grieving family, his wife and five children-now confront not only the emotional loss but also significant bureaucratic delays in securing his pension and entitlements. The dismissal of individuals like Wani, without formal inquiry or a chance for defence, affects more than the individuals; it strains their families and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for all government employees in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing these injustices is urgent," the letter read. She proposed the establishment of a review committee that can systematically reassess such cases. "Conduct fair and thorough reviews of each case, allowing affected individuals or their families to present their side. Prioritise support for families in dire need, like Wani's, ensuring swift financial relief and processing of entitlements," the letter stated. "Develop clear guidelines to prevent similar injustices in the future, mandating full inquiry and legal oversight before any dismissal action. Nazir Ahmad Wani's case serves as a sombre reminder of the far-reaching impact of administrative overreach. I urge us to take prompt and decisive action to correct these wrongs, bringing not only relief but also justice to those enduring such hardship," it added. (ANI)
The Supreme Court asked the Delhi High Court on Monday to hear bail plea of activist Gulfisha Fatima, one of the accused in Delhi riots case in February 2020, on the date fixed, unless there are exceptional circumstances. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma refused to entertain a bail plea filed by Fatima and asked High Court to hear on November 25, the next date of hearing before it, her bail plea. "We are not inclined to entertain the present plea. We request the High Court to take up the bail plea on next date as it is pointed out that she is incarcerated for four years and seven months. It is requested that the bail application may be heard on the date fixed unless there are extraordinary circumstances," said the bench. Earlier, the apex court disposed of a similar writ petition filed by co-accused Sharjeel Imam requesting the High Court to decide the bail application soon. At the outset of the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Fatima, apprised the bench regarding delay in trial and long incarceration of the petitioner. "The matter gets adjourned when the board reaches it (before the High Court). What is the point of keeping someone in for four years and seven months in jail? She is a lady, aged 31 years. No question of a trial beginning," said Sibal. However, the bench asked why she has approached the apex court under Article 32 and dismissed the plea while asking the High Court to hear the matter on the next date of hearing. An MBA graduate, Fatima was arrested by Delhi Police on April 11, 2020 and later charge-sheeted. She has been charged with several provisions of the Indian Penal Code as well as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). (ANI)
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the plea related to the alleged demolition drive in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat on Monday. A bench of justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan adjourned the hearing till December 2 after the Gujarat Government submission that they will reply to the petitioner plea. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for Gujarat Government said that they are filing the reply and it will be filed by today. Thereafter the top court posted the matter in December. The top court was hearing Summast Patni Musslim Jamat petition filed through advocate Anas Tanwir which sought to initiate contempt proceedings against Gujarat authorities for wilful and deliberate contravention of the Order dated September 17. The Gujarat Government earlier assured the top court that the lands, where demolitions of structures conducted in Gir Somnath, would not be allotted to any third parties till the next date of hearing. Besides Jamat, Auliya-e-Deen Committee, Junagadh has also filed the plea challenging Gujarat High Court order refusing to stay the demolition drive in the Somnath. The Supreme Court in the early hearing refused to stay the demolition but clarified that if they find there is contempt of its order in this matter then it will not only send the alleged erring officials to jail but also order to restore the structure. On September 17 the top court directed that till the next date of hearing, there shall be no demolition anywhere across the country without seeking leave of this court. However, on September 17 the court clarified that its order would not be applicable if there is an unauthorized structure in any public place such as road, street, footpath, abutting railway line or any river body or water bodies and also to cases where there is an order for demolition made by a Court of law. The organisation said that Gujarat authorities have carried out an early morning illegal demolition of centuries old Muslim religious places of worship including mosques, eidgahs, dargahs, mausoleums and residential places of Mutawallis of the said dargahs on 28.09.2024 without issuing any notices for such demolition and without granting any opportunity of hearing. (ANI)
The Tihar jail authorities informed the Delhi High Court on Monday that separatist leader and convicted Yasin Malik ended his hunger strike on November 8, 2024, and is being provided with the necessary medical treatment in accordance with jail rules. The respondent authorities including the Centre and others also opposed the petition filed by convicted separatist leader Yasin Malik, who sought admission to AIIMS due to his alleged deteriorating health. The respondents requested additional time to review the medical status report submitted by the jail authorities before filing a response. The court of Justice Jasmeet Singh after noting the submissions, scheduled the next hearing for November 18. In the meantime, it directed the jail authorities to ensure that Malik receives appropriate medical care in accordance with the jail manual. The lawyer representing Yasin Malik expressed dissatisfaction with the rescheduling of the hearing, stating that the legal team will visit Malik at Tihar Jail at 2 pm today to verify the claims made by Tihar authorities that Malik ended his hunger strike on November 8, 2024. The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre, the Director General of Tihar Jail, and other relevant authorities in response to a plea filed by convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik. Malik claims he has been on a hunger strike since November 1 due to the alleged denial of necessary medical treatment. After considering the submissions, the court sought a medical status report of Malik from the concerned jail superintendent. In the interim, the court directed the jail authorities to ensure that Malik receives the required medical treatment in compliance with jail rules. Convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, currently imprisoned at Tihar Jail in Delhi, has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court, stating that he has been on a hunger strike since November 1. Malik 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 seeks direction from the Tihar Jail Authority to produce records of his medical treatment. He seeks 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. Earlier this year, Yasin Malik had also approached the Delhi High Court, claiming inadequate medical treatment and citing serious cardiac and kidney issues. 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)
In a scathing attack on Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that the way Champai Soren was humiliated and removed from the Chief Minister post, is not just an insult to him but to the entire tribal community. Addressing a public rally here today, Shah said, "Champai Soren has been loyal for so many years, standing with Hemantji, but how he was humiliated and removed is not just an insult to Champai Soren but an insult to the entire tribal community. The main issue was that Champai Soren stated that corruption should stop, but the JMM was not willing to end it." He dropped a bombshell, alleging that a staggering amount of cash was seized from a Congress leader's residence, overwhelming 27 counting machines. Specifically, Rs 30 crore was confiscated from Alamgir Alam's house, raising questions about the source of these funds. "At Alamgir Alam's house, 30 crore rupees were seized. Whose money is this? All this money was sent by Modi ji for the people of Jharkhand, which Hemant Soren's government devoured. Make a BJP government, and all these people will be behind bars," he said. The Union Home Minister further accused CM Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government that committs scams regularly. "They (JMM-Congress-RJD) committed a scam of 1,000 crore rupees in MGNREGA, a land scam of 300 crore rupees, committed a mining scam of 1,000 crore rupees, and a liquor scam worth thousands of crores. This is a government that commits scams. On one side, the INDIA alliance works to make their workers millionaires, while Modi ji is working to make our sisters 'Lakhpati Didi' (self-reliant with wealth)," he said. He also asserted that if the BJP comes into power in the state, then strict action will be taken against paper leak perpetrators. "In Hemant Soren's government, there was corruption, and exam papers were leaked. After the BJP government comes into power, we will turn these paper leakers upside down to teach them a lesson," Shah said. "In Maharashtra, Congress has promised to provide reservation to Muslims. If they do this, they will have to reduce the reservation for Adivasis and Dalits. Will the people of Jharkhand accept this? Don't worry; we won't let anyone touch the reservation for Adivasis, Dalits, and backward classes," he added. Shah also alleged that when Champai Soren raised the issue of infiltration, Hemant Soren told him to resign from his ministerial position. "The population of Adivasis is declining, while infiltrators are increasing. If the BJP government is formed, we will eliminate infiltration completely. We will bring a law where, if an infiltrator marries a tribal girl, the woman's land cannot be transferred in his name," Amit Shah said. The Jharkhand Assembly elections are set to be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats. (ANI)
Janata Dal Secular on Monday strongly condemned the "racist remarks" made by Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan for Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. JD(S) on its social media handle X, shared a video where Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan while an election campaign in Channapatna by-polls purpotedly makes disparging remarks against the former chief minister terming him as "Kala Kumaraswamy." In a social media post on X, the official handle of JD(S) wrote, "Housing Minister @BZZameerAhmedK used racial slurs during Channapatna by-election campaign. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was insulted by Jameer Ahmed Khan as "Kala Kumaraswamy" (Black Kumaraswamy) in Urdu. By this they have racially insulted the black people and committed racial discrimination. Apart from that, these words of racial hatred coming from the mouth of Jameer Ahmed, who has uplifted a community and encouraged people to deteriorate the peace and order in the society, are unforgivable crime." https://x.com/JanataDal_S/status/1855855420516020401 The party criticised the "racial slurs" by the Minister and demanded his resignation. The party also demanded the state Home Minister G Parameshwara and Ramnagar district police to immediately take appropriate legal action against minister Jameer Ahmed for "racial abuse, racism and trying to disturb peace in the society." The tweet added, "The Secular Janata Dal Party demands that the Home Minister @DrParameshwara and @spramanagara Ramnagar district police immediately take appropriate legal action against minister Jameer Ahmed for racial abuse, racism and trying to disturb peace in the society. Mr. @kharge and @INCIndia president of National Congress should get the resignation of this racist Jameer first if he can maintain morals for the party. @INCKarnataka." Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also condemned the remarks. In a post on X, he said :I strongly deplore Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed calling Union Minister & Ex CM of Karnataka Sh. Kumaraswamy as 'Kaalia Kumaraswamy'. This is a racist remark, same as Rahul Gandhi's adviser calling South Indians look like Africans, North East as Chinese, North Indians as Arabs." The JD(S) reposted Rijiju's remarks stating, "The nation vehemently condemns the disgraceful and racially charged remarks by Zameer Ahmed against HD Kumaraswamy. This kind of hateful language marks a new low in political discourse and has no place in a civilized society. We demand accountability from leaders who choose divisive attacks over constructive dialogue." The bypolls on Shiggaon, Sandur and Channapatna is scheduled for November 13 and the results for the respective seats will be announced on November 23. These seats were vacant after resignation of the respective candidates. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inspected JC Mill, closed over decades and took detailed information about the mill from the officials concerned on Monday. Speaking to ANI, CM Yadav said that JC mill was quite an old case in which the state government was also a party, hence they decided that the government's decision should be in the interest of labourers. The Chief Minister also stressed the government was constantly working for the better future of the employees/labourers working in various mills across the state. "Our government wants to take along all the sections of the society, including the poor, labourers, backward classes. Our government stands in the interest of the labourers. JC mill is a very old case in which the state government is a party, so we decided that our decision should be in the interest of the labourers," CM Yadav told ANI. The chief minister also highlighted that the issue of JC Mill was quite old but the people and labourers were hopeful even today and the state government would not break anyone's hope. "The government's sentiment is in favour of the labourers, we should fulfil that commitment by helping them. It is a very old matter when the industry was set up, but even today the people are hopeful about it. The government will not break anyone's hope," the CM said. He further emphasised that he would personally look after it and present the view before the High court that they want to settle and find a solution keeping the interest of all. "I am going to see it myself and we are presenting the same view in the High Court that we want to settle and want to find a solution keeping in mind the interest of all the parties associated with it," CM Yadav said. The Chief Minister has taken a proactive administrative step in favour of about 5,000 workers, within 15 days of assuming the office by resolving a long-standing issue of the Hukumchand Mill, Indore. The state government recently negotiated a settlement package endorsed by all stakeholders, including courts, labour unions, and mill workers, among others. (ANI)
Chinese consumers have exhibited robust purchasing power for high-quality and intelligent products containing innovative technologies during the Singles Day shopping extravaganza.

Experts said this has played a vital role in promoting the recovery of consumption and shoring up economic growth in the country.

Major Chinese e-commerce platforms have extended the promotional period, and adopted a simple and more pragmatic approach by canceling presale campaigns this year.

Instead, direct price cuts have become the preferred strategy to attract price-conscious customers and bolster sales during China's biggest online shopping event.

Experts also said that unlike in the past, when record-smashing gross merchandise volume, or GMV, through discount-led sales had come to characterize the 11-11 or Double Eleven promotional campaign, chasing high GMV is no longer the focus now.

Chinese shoppers are becoming more rational and carefully reviewing their needs, with an emphasis on the quality and value of commodities, they added.

Data from Tmall, Chinese tech heavyweight Alibaba Group's business-to-customer platform, showed that in the first four hours after the shopping carnival officially kicked off at 8 pm on Oct 21, 174 brands saw their sales surpass 100 million yuan ($14 million).

During this period, the turnover of more than 12,000 brands surged over 100 percent year-on-year and the sales of nearly 6,000 brands skyrocketed more than 500 percent compared with the same period last year.

The transaction volume of Apple Inc's products on Tmall exceeded 1 billion yuan within five minutes, while sales of domestic smartphone brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Vivo all surpassed 100 million yuan in the first four hours of the promotional event, according to Tmall.

Consumers preferred to snap up bargains via livestreaming on e-commerce platforms, with sales from some top-tier livestreamers on Taobao Live, Alibaba's livestreaming arm, surpassing 100 million yuan within a short period.

JD, another major Chinese e-commerce player, has launched a subsidy campaign worth 10 billion yuan, and given discounts for commodities included in the consumer goods trade-in program, such as home appliances and computers. It has also stepped up efforts to upgrade supply chains and logistics services.

JD said it recorded a double-digit year-on-year growth in transaction volume, orders, and user numbers between 8 pm on Oct 14, when its promotional gala opened, and 9 pm on Oct 31.

More than 16,000 brands saw their sales surge over threefold year-on-year, while the number of brands exceeding 100 million yuan in turnover increased over 400 percent compared with the same period last year. More than 17,000 merchants witnessed their order volumes soar over five times from a year earlier.

New users who bought apparel and cosmetics via JD's online marketplaces skyrocketed over 140 percent year-on-year, while JD's livestreaming channel saw a 245 percent year-on-year increase in order volumes.

Consumer electronic devices witnessed robust growth during the shopping extravaganza.

The transaction volume of gaming laptops rose 120 percent year-on-year during the shopping spree, and AI smartphones and 4K projectors experienced 100 percent growth in turnover, while the sales of AI learning devices and 3D printers surged over 10 times from the same period last year, JD said.

Furthermore, a series of products that represent scientific and technological innovations achieved by Chinese enterprises have been made available on e-commerce platform Taobao. These products cover fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, new energy and quantum technology.

For example, consumers can directly purchase the country's independently developed AS700 civil manned airship and enjoy discounts. The airship can be used for sightseeing, emergency rescue and geophysical exploration of the skies, among other things.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday lashed out at Congress party and its president Mallikarjun Kharge over the latter's remarks against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said that BJP was for justice for all and appeasement to none. "The people who shed tears for in the Batla House case, where a terrorist was dead. Sonia Gandhi shed tears for that terrorist. BJP is for justice for all and appeasement to none. This is our policy always and because they are seeing the bad dream of their defeat, they are talking all such nonsense," said Joshi. Kharge had on Saturday accused the BJP and its leaders of giving provocative speeches and trying to mislead people by diverting their attention from real issues. He was in Nagpur to hold an election campaign for the upcoming assembly polls. "They are giving provocative speeches and trying to mislead people by diverting their attention from the real issues. You should directly ask for votes. Why are you provoking people? Ask for votes on the basis of work (done). Some say that if we get divided, we will be killed (batenge to katenge)," Kharge said, adding that they are the killers of Mahatma Gandhi. Kharge also sparked a row over his remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath. Although he didn't take his name, Kharge said that many of the leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians and some have even become Chief Ministers. "Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear 'gerua' clothes and have no hair on their heads...I would say to the BJP, either wear white clothes or if you are a sanyasi wear 'gerua' clothes, then get out of politics. On the one hand, you wear 'gerua' clothes and on the other hand, you say 'batoge toh katogey'...They are spreading hatred among the people and trying to divide them...," Kharge said. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday said that being anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan was in the Congress' DNA. Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla also questioned Congress over Kharge's remarks on sadhus. "This is the true philosophy and DNA of Congress which is anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan. Therefore, Congress is now saying that those who wear 'gerua' and saffron, the clothes of a sadhu should not come into politics but will they ever say this about Maulana and Maulvi? This is the same Congress that spoke about 'saffron terrorism', and 'Hindu terror'...they will never say such things about other faiths, it shows how Congress hurt the Hindu faith for votes of their votebank...they consider 'batoge toh katogey' as communal and vote jihad as secular," the BJP spokesperson said. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court issued notice to National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea of Rameez Ahmad Lone on Monday. Division bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma issued notice to NIA and sought response. The court has listed the matter for hearing on January 15, 2025. He is alleged cadre of ISIS. His bail plea was dismissed by the trial court on September 28, 2024. He has challenged the order of trial court. The NIA registered a case in June 2021. Rameez Ahmad Lone was arrested by NIA on July 11, 2021, along with two ISIS cadres in ISIS Voice of Hind (VOH) case -- Umar Nisar and Tanveer Ahmad Bhat. The case was registered under sections 124A, 153A, 153B of IPC and sections 17, 18, 18B, 38, 39 &40 of UA(P) Act 1967 in connection with the conspiracy of the proscribed terrorist organization ISIS to radicalize and recruit impressionable youth in India to wage violent jihad against the Indian State. It was stated by the NIA that ISIS terrorists operating from various conflict zones along with ISIS cadres in India, by assuming pseudo- online identities, have created a network wherein ISIS related propaganda material is disseminated for radicalizing and recruiting members to the fold of ISIS. It is alleged that an India-Centric online propaganda magazine 'the Voice of Hind' (VOH) is published on monthly basis with an aim to incite and radicalize impressionable youth. The NIA had earlier conducted searches at the premises of the arrested accused and recovered large number of incriminating documents, multiple digital devices and T-shirts with ISIS logo. Preliminary examination of the seized material and examination of the accused persons revealed that they are active cadres of ISIS and have been using the cyberspace to propagate inciting material by the online magazine (VOH), the agency had said. The NIA submitted their chargesheet on January 6, 2022 against 11 persons describing their role in crime. Three accused were mentioned as absconding. It was submitted that the role of Rameez Ahmed lone and Tanveer Ahmed Bhatt became the members of ISIS and took oath and allegiance to practice and follow the ideology and directives of banned terrorist organization in a forest of Pulwama Anantnag, South Kashmir in 2017. It is submitted that the allegations that Rameez Ahmed Lone used to give shelter to active member and terrorist of banned ISIS in his house at Chak Mohalla, Anantnag does not hold any legal stand because, the prosecution has failed to bring on record the neighbour and adjoining family members as witness on record with their statements to alleged and say that any outsidestranger or terrorist and active members of ISIS were stayed at the house of appellant Rameez Ahmed before his arrest. Therefore, this allegation of prosecution does not prove their fair investigation, rather the same is tainted and false and does not attract any crime under UA(P) Act against the appellant, the plea said. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday afternoon arrived at the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri for her two-day visit to Darjeeling, during which she will attend some programmes. "...I have some programmes there. We are going to Darjeeling for two days... By-elections are being held on 6 seats here... We work for the people. We will continue to work like this in the future as well ...," CM Banerjee told reporters. Bypolls for West Bengal's six assembly seats--Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai and Madarihat will take place on November 13 with results to be declared on November 23. All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) in a post on social media platform X said on Monday, "With the recent 6 bypolls approaching, Smt. @MamataOfficial emphasised the unwavering support of Ma,Mati,Manush for our candidates." She urged the public to stand with the Joraphool candidates--leaders who have consistently worked for their communities and will continue to prioritise their welfare, it added. "This is not just a vote for a candidate, but a vote for progress, development, and the well-being of the people," read the post. https://x.com/AITCofficial/status/1855909260275687546 The AITMC also shared a video, with CM Mamata Banerjee requesting the people from these regions to vote for the party. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress on Monday alleged that ahead of bypolls in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party's leaders are making polarising speeches aimed at "dividing the country" and urged the Election Commission to put a stop to such activities during the time period when the Model Code of Conduct is imposed. Speaking to ANI, TMC leader and West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja said that they met with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer today and raised the issue. "We met the Chief Electoral Officer today over a very serious issue. It is serious because BJP and BJP leaders give speeches for dividing the country, dividing the people, dividing society and inciting communal riots. There are by-elections at six places in Bengal. On November 9 in Bankura district, in his speech, LoP Suvendu Adhikari dragged religion and caste. An attempt was made to create divides between the tribals and the backward, between Hindus and Muslims. He also dragged Bangladesh into the elections," Panja said. The by-polls were necessitated after the MLAs from these constituencies won in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Monday instructed Delhi University to begin the counting of votes for the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) elections by November 26, provided that all public and private properties defaced during the election campaign are cleaned and repainted within a week. The bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also directed the Delhi University and students to file a report confirming the restoration of the properties within 10 days. The Court was hearing a petition filed by Prashant Manchanda, who raised concerns over the defacement of public and private properties during the DUSU elections. On the last date of the hearing, the Delhi High Court expressed displeasure with several candidates from the recent DUSU elections, emphasizing the need for them to act as role models. The court summoned the students after incidents of road barricading and reckless driving during the campaign. Court directed them to help restore the sanctity of Delhi University. In a directive, the court ordered each candidate to take responsibility for cleaning their respective colleges. Counsel for the candidates asserted that efforts were already underway to improve campus conditions, while university representatives confirmed ongoing cleanup initiatives. The Delhi High Court previously noted that the candidates expressed remorse for their actions and committed to removing posters, hoardings, banners, and graffiti from Delhi University and other areas in the city. The court directed them to file short affidavits, including photos as proof of their cleanup efforts, and to undertake beautification initiatives on both the North and South campuses. They must also provide an assurance that they will refrain from such activities in the future. The court had previously suspended the counting process due to concerns over these violations. On September 26, the Delhi High Court had allowed Delhi University to proceed with its elections scheduled for September 27. However, the court suspended the counting of votes until it is assured that defacement is removed and public property is restored. (ANI)
An FIR has been registered at the cybercrime police station in Ranchi for violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) guidelines over a video posted on a social media handle of the BJP's Jharkhand wing. The Election Commission had on Sunday received a complaint from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh regarding "false and misleading videos" posted by 'BJP 4 Jharkhand' on its official social media handle. The Congress leader had said that a complaint has just been lodged with the Election Commission "on a most disgusting ad relating to Jharkhand put out by the BJP officially". "It not only brazenly and blatantly violates the ECI's Model Code of Conduct, it is also an act of serious criminality. We hope the ECI will act immediately and pursue this matter to its logical conclusion," Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X on Sunday. It was alleged that the video with baseless allegations is unduly influencing the voters and discouraging people from supporting parties opposed to BJP in Jharkhand assembly polls. Sources said FIR no 176/24 dated 10.11.2024 has been filed at the Ranchi cybercrime police station for violation of MCC guidelines and extant legal provisions Additionally, the cybercrime police station Ranchi, in a letter dated 10.11.2024, requested social media platforms to remove the objectionable posts under Section 69(A) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hit out at BJP, saying that the party's campaign is "devoid of issues" and focused solely on "communal polarization". "The INDIA coalition's campaign in Jharkhand is centred around our government's achievements in the last five years and our seven guarantees - ranging from enhanced food rations to honorariums for women and new degree colleges in each block. We are focused on our governance and our vision for a just, inclusive, and prosperous Jharkhand," he wrote on X. "The BJP's campaign is devoid of issues and focuses solely on communal polarisation. It is an indictment of the Union Government's performance that after ten years in power, the BJP is seeking votes only on religious polarisation. The non-biological PM has failed miserably to fulfil the promises he made to the state over the past ten years. Worse, he has denied almost Rs 1.4 lakh crore, which is legitimately due to Jharkhand on account of coal royalty," the Congress leader added. Jairam Ramesh said the people will reject BJP in the assembly polls. "On November 13th and 20th, the people of Jharkhand will vote decisively for continuity, communal harmony, social justice, and self-dignity. They will reject the wholly negative and disgusting campaign of the BJP," he said. The first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held on November 13 and the second phase on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. (ANI)
Sanjeev Sanyal, economist and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, on Monday termed illegal immigration a global issue which has huge implications on politics, security, and the country's demographics worldwide. Speaking at a seminar in JNU, Sanyal calls for an "honest discussion" and data-driven studies on the impacts of illegal immigration. He was the chief guest at a seminar at JNU. The seminar was organised by JNU where an interim report prepared by TISS faculty on illegal immigration in Mumbai was presented. Sanyal highlighted the global relevance of the issue. "Elections are being fought on the topic of illegal immigration, whether we like it or not," he stated. "It is now a global issue. It is a topic that is debated, it is an issue that drives electoral politics both ways, and it is an issue that I think ultimately needs to be honestly discussed. One of the real problems has been that, due to certain misplaced political correctness, this issue has not been discussed seriously, particularly in academia, where it was considered a topic that was to be sort of brushed under the carpet. But I think the time has come to have an honest discussion on this matter," Sanyal added. He went on to say that the distinction between legal and illegal migration is crucial. "The question is, is it legal or not?" Sanyal noted. "This does matter, because changing demographics, particularly by those who do not have a stake in the system, particularly by those who want to change the character of the places to which they migrate, is something we need to have an honest discussion about." Drawing on historical examples, Sanyal warned of the consequences of unchecked demographic changes, referencing how cities like Lahore and Karachi have shifted dramatically since the partition, with Hindu and Sikh populations declining. "As we speak, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian minorities are facing daily persecution in Bangladesh," he added, highlighting the regional urgency of the issue. During the three-hour seminar, speakers which included JNU VC Santishree D Pandit, and TISS Pro Vice-Chancellor Shankar Das elucidated the grave danger of illegal immigration. Das is the principal investigator of the report titled "Illegal Immigrants to Mumbai Analysing Socio-economic and Political Consequences." The focus was largely on illegal Muslim immigration from Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries. JNU VC Santishree Pandit echoed the concerns around illegal immigration, urging the audience to recognize the potential risks posed by unregulated migration. "Please remember, let us not be in a state of denial," she said, stressing that unchecked immigration could undermine constitutional rights, especially for women and marginalized communities. "The constitutional rights and women's rights given by Babasaheb Ambedkar to India will be at stake because those who come in do not accept that constitution. They want their own law above the Constitution of India." Pandit urged young intellectuals to understand the depth of Ambedkar's views on migration and communal harmony. Quoting from Ambedkar's work Pakistan or the Partition of India, she highlighted his advocacy for structured migration policies to ensure societal balance. "Please stop garlanding him and start reading him," she advised, calling on citizens to honor Ambedkar's legacy by safeguarding his vision of India's inclusive, constitutional framework. TISS Pro VC Shankar Das highlighted how immigration pressures India's economic and social fabric, pointing to threats to infrastructure, population dynamics, and cultural identity. "It's a great concern for the nation, especially for its economic opulence, population dynamics, health, and other amenities," Das said, expressing concern about the risks posed to language and culture. She noted that illegal immigration is not simply an economic issue but may also involve radicalization risks. "There is a huge nexus between agents in India and Bangladesh," she stated, mentioning that some agents may be linked to unregistered NGOs or faith-based organizations. Bharat also drew parallels with Western Europe's experience, where immigration has led to social unrest and challenges to local livelihoods, citing examples from the UK, France, and Germany. The interim report was also presented during the seminar. The report by TISS examines the socio-economic and political effects of illegal immigration to Mumbai, focusing on challenges to infrastructure, public services, and social cohesion. The study by TISS reveals critical findings on the impact of illegal immigration in Mumbai. It highlights overcrowded slums, where an influx of illegal immigrants has put immense pressure on public services like healthcare, education, sanitation, and infrastructure, limiting access for local residents. It also reports that competition from immigrants has led to lower wages and job displacement for locals, especially in sectors like construction and domestic work. Social tensions have increased, with issues such as communal conflicts, security risks, and strained law enforcement in immigrant-dense areas. Additionally, demographic shifts, including a projected decrease in the Hindu population and an increase in the Muslim population by 2051, point to significant cultural and political implications. (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the state-wide procurement of groundnut, soybean, urad, and moong at minimum support prices from Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha district, according to an official release. Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), purchases will be conducted over 90 days at over 160 centers across the state to ensure fair prices for farmers' produce. More than 3.70 lakh farmers have registered for this, the release stated. Addressing the event, CM Patel stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always been a strong supporter of farmers, initiating several welfare schemes aimed at their prosperity. He highlighted the Prime Minister's belief that with sufficient water, electricity, fertilizers, and fair crop prices, farmers can eliminate hunger worldwide. CM Patel also emphasised the PM's efforts to empower Gujarat's agriculture. He noted that water from the Narmada River has been made accessible to fields for irrigation, 75 Amrit Sarovar have been constructed in each district, and wells have been developed under the 'Catch the Rain' initiative. "Additionally, adequate electricity for farmers has been ensured under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership. These successful initiatives have contributed to Gujarat's unprecedented agricultural growth over the past 23 years." CM Patel highlighted. CM stated that the state's irrigated area has expanded to 62 lakh hectares, and agricultural production has reached Rs2.7 lakh crore. Speaking about natural farming, the CM mentioned that the PM Modi is promoting a shift towards natural farming. The CM commended the efforts of Governor Acharya Devvrat, which have led to positive outcomes in natural farming in Gujarat. CM Patel urged all farmers present to adopt natural farming practices to conserve water, preserve soil, and protect crops from diseases. The CM also extended New Year greetings to everyone present and reiterated the importance of contributing to building a Viksit Gujarat thereby paving the way for a Viksit Bharat@2047. During the event, the Chief Minister presented cheques for various schemes to farmers of the district, the release stated. At the event, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel conveyed his gratitude to the CM for inaugurating the state-wide procurement at minimum support prices for farmers. Raghavji Patel acknowledged that under CM Bhupendra Patel's leadership, the state government is deeply committed to the welfare of farmers. The Minister highlighted the Prime Minister's goal to double farmers' incomes and mentioned several central government schemes being implemented to support farmers. He also noted that minimum support prices for various crops are declared to benefit farmers, with transparent procurement plans ensuring timely payments. The Minister further emphasized that Gujarat has made remarkable progress in agriculture, largely due to initiatives like the 'Krushi Mela' (Agriculture Fair) launched by then-CM Narendra Modi, which have significantly enhanced the financial well-being of the state's farmers. The minister also mentioned the assistance provided by the CM to support farmers during crises such as heavy rainfall, praising the CM's consistent commitment to their welfare. Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture, Farmer Welfare, and Cooperation Department, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the state government's commitment to maximizing benefits for farmers through the latest technology and various schemes. For the 2024-25 period, the central government has announced the following minimum support prices: Rs6,783 per quintal for Groundnuts, Rs8,682 for Moong, Rs7,400 for Urad, and Rs4,892 for Soybean. The procurement will continue for 90 days across all 160 centers statewide, the release stated. The event was attended by Sabarkantha District Panchayat President Bharti Patel, Member of Parliament Shobhana Baraiya, Rajya Sabha MP Ramila Bara, MLAs Ramanlal Vora and V.D. Zala, District Collector Ratan Kanwar Gadhvicharan, MD of Agro Industries Dipen Shah, District Development Officer Harshad Vora, along with numerous local leaders and a large gathering of farmers. (ANI)
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday accused the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of spreading misinformation by peddling a "fake narrative" around an old, doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "Like I was telling you now, fake narrative is peddled by leaders of Congress and Maha Vinash Aghadi again and again through their trolling ecosystem. We received information just now that an old video of Amit Shah regarding reservation, which was proved to be completely fake and morphed, regarding which an FIR has also been lodged. Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's party tried to run an old, fake narrative once again; they are so dejected, they can see their defeat so clearly," Goyal said. The Union Minister said that the Mahayuti allaince work for every section of the society and urged the STs, Dalits and everyone else to not get lured in by these attempts of "Maha Vinash Aghadi". "Under the leadership of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi, Mahayuti-NDA is the only unit that thinks about every section of society. It has strengthened reservations and ensured that OBCs should get their right and honour. I urge STs, Dalits and everyone else to not get lured in by these attempts of Maha Vinash Aghadi," he said. Goyal expressed confidence that as long as PM Modi and BJP are in the country, reservations will not be scrapped. "I condemn Maha Vinash Aghadi for its attempt to spread its stale lies among people. People of Maharashtra will not be lured in. People of the state are completely with Mahayuti. They believe that if there is any threat to reservations, it is because of Rahul Gandhi, because of Congress and Maha Vinash Aghadi...Nobody in the country has the strength to scrap reservations. As long as there is PM Modi, as long as there is even worker of he BJP, reservations will not be scrapped from this country," he said. The Union Minister exuded confidence in winning the Maharashtra Assembly polls with a thumping majority and said that people do not trust the false promises of "Maha Vinash Aghadi". "Mahayuti government is what the people want. Mahayuti is going to win Maharashtra with a thumping majority. People do not trust the false promises of Maha Vinash Aghadi. Public has understood that a party that can insult even its founder Balasaheb Thackeray - who had said that he would shut down his party but not join hands with Congress, a man that can reject the Hindutva sentiments for its ambitions, for the desire of CM post, for establishing his son. The entire idea of Shiv Sena was demolished in 2019. People do not trust such a party anymore," Goyal said. Assembly elections in the state 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)
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday asked the security grid to take strong steps and change their policy in the wake of the recent terror attacks in the Union Territory. Dy CM Surinder Kumar highlighted that thousands of leaders and workers of the ruling National Conference have been killed for the sake of peace. "We are saddened. The government will never tolerate this...We want peace in J-K. National Conference has always made sacrifices for this peace. Thousands of our leaders and workers have been killed. So, the National Conference wants to strengthen this country, J-K and the Constitution of India...," Dy CM Kumar told reporters while condemning the terror attacks. "We would want these deaths to be the last. So, the security grid will have to contemplate and change its policy. They will have to take strong steps and we condemn this," Dy CM Kumar added. Deputy CM was speaking to reporters on the Kishtwar encounter and the recent killing of two Village Defence Guards in Kishtwar. Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar of 2 Para (SF) lost his life during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Sunday. Two Village Defence Guards were abducted and killed by terrorists in Kishtwara on Thursday evening. Their bodies were retrieved from a forest area of Ohli Kuntwara in Kioshtwara on Friday. The duo were identified as Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, both residents of the Kuntwara area in Kishtwar. There has been a surge in terror attacks in recent months in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. On Saturday evening, one terrorist was neutralised during a joint anti-terror operation by police and forces in the Sopore area of Baramulla. 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. (ANI)
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena on Monday had approved the recruitment of 1463 healthcare professionals, including 701 nurses and 762 paramedical staff, on an outsourced basis in order to address the shortage of personnel and improve Delhi's public healthcare infrastructure. According to the press note, the recruitment was done through public sector undertakings such as ICSIL, NICSI, BECIL, HLL, etc. by individual hospitals against direct recruitment quotas and relaxation in Recruitment Rules (RRs) in respect of the specified mode of recruitment. The decision comes in light of the recommendations of the Dr SK Sarin Committee, constituted after the High Court of Delhi's observations on healthcare on February 13 this year. The High Court pointed towards the inadequacy of the health infrastructure and availability of hospital beds and had directed the Delhi Government to file a status report as to how it plans to ensure that the medical infrastructure keeps pace with the city's population. Further, the Court had also raised the issue of a shortage of manpower. The Court states that "the provision of quality medical services is crucial for the health and well-being of any city and to ensure a robust public health system is an obligation of the state under Article 47 read with Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This Court is of the view that huge investments along with structural reforms in the functioning of government hospitals, without entering into a blame game, are the need of the hour to overcome years of neglect and apathy, which can only be done if there is a consensus on measures to be adopted both in the short and long term." Accordingly, the High Court had setup a committee of experts and the Dr Sarin Committee, tasked with optimising healthcare resources in Delhi's hospitals, identified a critical shortage of nursing and paramedical staff as a major obstacle to providing quality healthcare services. To address this issue, the Committee recommended engaging outsourced agencies for the immediate deployment of these essential personnel. (ANI)
China releases baselines of territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao

Xinhua) 08:15, November 11, 2024

BEIJING, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao, which is a natural step to lawfully strengthen marine management and is consistent with international law and common practices, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Sunday.

The spokesperson said that Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory. In accordance with international law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the Chinese government delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao.

The so-called "Philippine Maritime Zones Act" aims to further solidify the illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea in the form of domestic legislation and illegally include 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 spokesperson added.

"This move severely violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea," the spokesperson said, adding that China firmly opposes it and will continue to do everything necessary in accordance with law to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A Long March-7 Y8 carrier rocket carrying cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-7 blasts off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Tianzhou-7 cargo craft, tasked with carrying supplies for China's space station, separated from the station combination at 4:30 p.m. Sunday (Beijing Time) and switched to independent flight, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).



The cargo craft will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere in a controlled manner soon. Most of its components will burn up and be destroyed during the process, while a small amount of debris will fall into designated safe waters in the South Pacific, the CMSA said.

The CMSA has planned a total of two cargo supply missions in 2024, including Tianzhou-7 and Tianzhou-8.

Tianzhou-7 was launched on Jan. 17 from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan. Tianzhou-8 has been rescheduled for mid-November due to the impact of Super Typhoon Yagi on Wenchang.
The Election Commission on Monday rejected Trinamool Congress' allegation of delay in responding to its complaints regarding violation of Model Code of Conduct and said it had acted "promptly' on the two representations received by it. The Trinamool Congress had complained of "inaction" over its complaint about "CAPF personnel intimidating voters" and West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar "insulting the State emblem and police". In a letter to Derek O'Brien, the poll panel said it received request seeking appointment for AITC delegation to discuss issues relating to upcoming bye-elections in West Bengal on November 8 at 5.17 pm, by an email but it did not mention any issues that were required to be discussed. The poll panel said a reminder of this request was received through email on November 9 at 9.57 am and this also neither specified any issue nor enclosed any representation. "While the Commission was waiting to receive the representation or to know the subject matter of the meeting, a delegation of AITC came to the Commission office on November 9 and handed over two representations at 1457 hrs. Accordingly, the Commission gave AITC time for personal hearing on November 11 2024 at 3.30 pm, vide email," the poll panel said. "Acting promptly on both the representations dated 9th November 2024, the Commission directed the CEO to first address the urgent issue regarding force deployment," it added. The Election Commission said West Bengal CEO convened meeting of the State Level Force Deployment Committee along with State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and the State CAPF Coordinator on Sunday, within 20 hours of receipt of representation at Election Commission's office in New Delhi and it was decided that each QRT including those led by Company Commander of CAPF, will include an ASI/SI-level state police personnel. "Directions have been issued by CEO accordingly to SPNO (ADG legal, West Bengal) and State CAPF Coordinator on 10th November itself, much before your letter," the poll panel said It said Sukanta Majumdar has been issued a notice to him for giving his reply. "It is surprising that even after the prompt action by the Commission...within 20 hours of receipt of AITC's representations, there has been unwarranted comments of delay. As such, this Commission rejects your allegations regarding inaction and delayed response as completely baseless, devoid of facts and misleading," the letter said. Bypolls for West Bengal's six assembly seats will take place on November 13 with results to be declared on November 23. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken a dig at the Congress party and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren stating it is unfortunate to say that the latter are hungry for power and they never spoke about Birsa Muda who made such a great contribution. CM Yadav remarked while addressing a public gathering in Chinia, Jharkhand's Garhwa district on Monday as a part of the election campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Even during the difficult times of British rule, Birsa Munda did a great work from the land of Jharkhand but it is unfortunate to say that Congress and Hemant Soren are hungry for power; they never talked about Birsa Munda's contribution. Congress never thought for him," the CM said. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the PM gave a clarion call to celebrate Birsa Munda Jayanti across the country on November 15. The chief minister further highlighted that the upcoming state assembly poll was not just an election but a religious battle. "This election is not just an election, it is a religious battle. We have to fight this battle. The people of Jharkhand should decide that this is the time for Sanatan Dharma, the right time and a time of a challenge. The biggest challenge is that when you look around your own house, Bangladeshi intruders have come around your lands. Who is supporting these Bangladeshi intruders? The Congress party and Soren are silent on the issue because of hunger for votes," CM Yadav alleged. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. A total of 2.6 crore voters are eligible to participate, including 1.31 crore male and 1.29 crore female voters, as well as 11.84 lakh first-time voters and 66.84 lakh young voters. In the 2019 assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 seats, and the Congress won 16 seats. In 2014, the BJP won 37 seats, JMM won 19 seats, and Congress won just 6 seats. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that if BJP is voted in power in Jharkhand, a law will be brought to prevent transfer of land to "infiltrators" even if they marries tribal women. Addressing a public rally in Tamar, Shah said, "The illegal immigrants are taking up the jobs meant for tribals of the state... The infiltrators are dangerous for our daughters, our resources, and our land... When we form the government, we will bring a law which will prohibit the immigrant from registering tribal land in his name, even if he marries tribal girl. We will make the immigrant give back the acquired land." Amit Shah accused Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren of vote bank politics and said "Bangladeshi infiltrators" were coming to the state. The Home Minister also assured voters of taking strict action against the Bangaldeshi infiltrators if they voted in power. "Trust us; we (BJP) do what we say. I promise you today that we will pick out all the infiltrators who have entered Jharkhand," Shah said. Shah said a BJP government will work towards making Jharkhand a very prosperous state. Earlier today, Shah launched a scathing attack on Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and said the way Champai Soren was humiliated and removed from the Chief Minister post, is not just an insult to him but to the entire tribal community. "Champai Soren has been loyal for so many years, standing with Hemantji, but how he was humiliated and removed is not just an insult to Champai Soren but an insult to the entire tribal community. The main issue was that Champai Soren stated that corruption should stop, but the JMM was not willing to end it." The Jharkhand Assembly elections are set to be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats. (ANI)
On November 12, the President will visit the Aviary and the Government Engineering College and NIFT Campus at Daman, according to the President's Secretariat.

On November 13, the President will visit NAMO Medical Education & Research Institute, Silvassa and interact with the students and faculty of various educational institutions.

Subsequently, she will inaugurate Zanda Chowk School and address a public function at Silvassa. On the same evening, she will also visit INS Khukri Memorial. (ANI)
All seven BJP MPs have moved the Delhi High Court, urging the court to direct the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Department of Health and Family Welfare to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The plea seeks a direction from the Delhi High Court for the Delhi Government to take all necessary steps to ensure that residents of Delhi are provided access to healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), on par with the residents of other Union Territories and States. The plea states that the petitioners are seven elected representatives from the NCT of Delhi to the 17th Lok Sabha. In addition to their roles as lawmakers, the petitioners are also concerned residents of Delhi who are advocating for the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the region. The petition states that the issue arises from a promise made by the Government of NCT of Delhi in the 2020-2021 Budget Speech to implement the AB-PMJAY. However, the petitioners contend that this commitment has been rendered ineffective due to the government's failure to take the necessary actions. This inaction, the plea asserts, amounts to a violation of Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) of the Constitution of India. The plea further highlights that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), launched on September 23, 2018, as part of the Central Government's Ayushman Bharat Scheme, is the world's largest health assurance initiative. It provides a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization through a network of Empanelled Health Care Providers (EHCP), targeting vulnerable households and families. As of October 2024, thirty-three (33) States and Union Territories (UTs) have implemented AB-PMJAY, with the State of Odisha also considering its adoption, as reported in the news in September 2024. However, the NCT of Delhi remains the only Union Territory where this essential healthcare scheme has not been implemented, leaving underprivileged beneficiaries in Delhi uniquely deprived of access to this vital health coverage, the plea read. (ANI)
Amid ongoing tensions between the BJP and Congress ahead of the elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Monday strongly condemned Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, suggesting that Kharge is not a true Hindu. Krishnam questioned Kharge's religion, saying that no Hindu can disrespect Saints and Mahatmas. He stated that Kharge's actions don't align with Hindu values and that he should clarify whether he is Hindu or not. Krishnam said that the kind of statements he is giving, it seems that he is irritated with the Sanatanis. Speaking with ANI, Acharya Pramod Krishnam said, "From his name. Mallikarjun Kharge seems to be Hindu. But his actions don't make it seem that he is Hindu. He should first say who he is, whether he is Hindu or not. No Hindu can disrespect Saints and Mahatmas. The manner in which he is making statements, it seem that he is irritated by Sanatana." Accusing Kharge of "disrespecting" Hindu saints, Acharya Pramod Krishnam said, "Anyone who is against Sanatana, is against India." He further said that India is a 'Rishi Pradhan' country, and making "shallow comments" on UP CM doesn't suit the senior Congress leader. "He is such a senior leader, disrespect to Hindus saints, to Sanatana, to saffron - this doesn't behove him. This is a 'rishi pradhan' country. Hindus will not disrespect Hindu saints...Making such shallow comments on Yogi Adityanath doesn't suit Mallikarjun Kharge." On Sunday, Congress National President Kharge, speaking at an election rally in Maharashtra, made an indirect reference to Yogi Adityanath without naming him. Kharge criticized leaders who, in his view, "live in the guise of sadhus" and have become politicians. He also took a dig at Adityanath's slogan calling for Hindu unity, accusing him of spreading hatred. Kharge said, "Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear 'gerua' clothes and have no hair on their heads... I would say to the BJP, either wear white clothes or if you are a sanyasi, wear 'gerua' clothes, but then get out of politics. On the one hand, you wear 'gerua' clothes and on the other hand, you say 'batoge toh katogey'... They are spreading hatred among the people and trying to divide them." Further slamming the BJP, Kharge added, "BJP is coming up with new slogans these days. I just want to ask, is there any danger in the country? If the country is in danger, it is from BJP-RSS. These are the people who talk about division and killing from morning to evening. We have always tried to keep the country united. Indira Gandhi ji was martyred for keeping the country united." (ANI)
Ashok Kumar Pansari, Chancellor of Assam Royal Global University (RGU), has been conferred with the `Outstanding Educator of the Year 2024' Award for excellence in Education under the Chanakya National Award Series. The award, recognizing Dr. Pansari's extraordinary contributions to the field of education, was presented at the 18th Global Communications Conclave held in Mangalore recently. The award was received by RGU's Vice Chancellor, Professor YSR. Murthy, on behalf of Pansari from Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Power, New and Renewable Energy Sources. Welcoming this award, VC, RGU, Professor Murthy said,, "This award is a fitting recognition of Dr. Ashok Pansari's painstaking efforts over the last two decades. He is truly an institution builder having established the DPS, Guwahati in 2003, followed by the Royal Group of Institutions in 2009, Royal Global School in 2012 and the Assam Royal Global University in 2017. He has created excellent educational opportunities in the North Eastern Region which has been facing developmental challenges for the past many decades. He has been able to stem the exodus of students from the region to other parts of the country in search of quality education, often facing hardships in the process." Professor Murthy further said, "Under Dr. Pansari's visionary leadership, RGU has turned into a hub of educational excellence, creating opportunities for thousands of students in the Northeast. The enrolment of over 12,000 students from KG upwards till Ph.D. in these institutions is transforming the region and is immensely contributing to nation-building." Pansari's recognition underscores RGU's status as an institution dedicated to quality education and holistic development. His commitment has not only enhanced educational standards but also fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity in the region. The Assam Royal Global University is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to research and innovation. The university offers a diverse range of programmes across disciplines, fostering a learning environment that emphasises critical thinking, practical application, and academic rigour. The award presentation was part of a conclave-themed 'Reconnect,' which featured 11 thought-provoking panel discussions by communication experts, thought leaders, and officials from Europe and the Gulf. The discussions covered topics like Government PR and Enhancing Public Engagement, the Gig Economy and its Impact on PR and communications, Reconnecting through stories from around the World, managing digital media use, and whether humans and machines have a future together. For the first time, PRCI organized an exclusive Vice Chancellors Round Table Meet, where ten VCs including the VC of The Assam Royal Global University came together to discuss the `Future of higher education--reconnecting with innovation'. The Public Relations Council of India (PRCI), the organization which instituted the award, is a leading body promoting high standards in PR, communication, and media. With 59 chapters across India and 8 international chapters under the World Communications Council, PRCI's Chanakya Awards celebrate outstanding contributions in various fields and to society at large. Born in 2004, PRCI organized its 17 Global Communication Conclaves in Jaipur, Pune, Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Goa. Over 500 communication practitioners and decision-makers from top-performing industries and organizations in India and worldwide gathered to discuss and deliberate the latest developments, ideas, and best practices in PR and communication at the conclave from 8-9 November 2024. (ANI)
Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar was a resident of Barnog village, Chhamyar Panchayat, in the Nachan Assembly Constituency of Mandi district. Naib Subedar Kumar lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister Sukhu said the nation will forever honour the ultimate sacrifice of this brave soldier.

He further extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family members and prayed for the peace of the departed soul, it added.

Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri also said that the nation and the state would always be indebted for the selfless and supreme sacrifice of this brave son.

He prayed the almighty to bless peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss, read the release. (ANI)
Political tensions in Himachal Pradesh escalated as the controversy over an incident involving samosas during the CID programme which was meant to serve Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu continued to fuel heated exchanges. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been relentless in its criticism of the Congress government, while Sanjay Awasthi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) in the Sukhu government, has retaliated, accusing the BJP of distorting the facts to defame the state. Awasthi also alleged that the previous government has done corruption and mis utilization of funds during the "Jan Manch Programme". Awasthi also criticized the previous government's expenditures, highlighting that lavish spending of Rs 16,261 crore on the Jan Manch initiative was poorly managed. He cited a range of alleged misappropriations, including Rs 6 crore on bread alone, delayed financial commission payments of R 1,420 crore, is yet to be released to the state from the Union government. "The rent for buses and DA payments were announced but were never given to employees ,and funds were never used appropriately," he said. Addressing the media on Monday at the secretariat in Shimla, Awasthi defended the Congress government's performance, asserting that under CM Sukhu's leadership, efforts to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant and efficient have been central. Awasthi said, "In the two-year tenure of the Congress government, the Chief Minister is trying to make Himachal self-reliant by changing the system." He accused the opposition of eroding the state's democratic culture, stating, "The role of the opposition in the past two years has hurt the democratic tradition of Himachal." Awasthi highlighted that during these two years, the Congress government has not faced a single corruption allegation, claiming this as a hallmark achievement of their administration. He contrasted this with the BJP's record, remarking, "This is the first government in which not a single leader has been accused of corruption in two years." He added that during the BJP's tenure, the party's current president was forced to resign amid corruption charges. With the samosa incident making headlines, Awasthi accused the BJP of attempting to destabilize the current government. "Today, the BJP has no issue and is trying to mislead the people of the state. They are polluting the clean environment of Himachal Pradesh, disgracing the state across the country," he said, defending CM Sukhu from any connection to the incident, explaining, "The Chief Minister has nothing to do with this incident. If anything happens within a department, the department itself takes action. But seeing the Chief Minister's popularity, the BJP is working to destabilize this permanent government." Awasthi also took aim at the BJP's previous administration, questioning their financial decisions, notably the high spending associated with events such as the Investor Meet. "BJP spent 19 crores in the name of the Investor Meet. Not only that, 6 crores worth of phulkas were lost in Jan Manch, and it was not even investigated," he claimed, implying that these expenditures had placed a financial burden on the state without yielding positive outcomes. The Congress leader also targeted Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan, a former Congress member now aligned with the BJP. He said that Mahajan had "just worn saffron robes" while building his political identity with Congress. "Today, he has gone to the Bharatiya Janata Party and is doing the same there too," Awasthi remarked, adding, "Those who live in glass houses do not throw stones at others' houses." The exchange has highlighted the intense political rivalry in Himachal Pradesh, with both parties leveraging every opportunity to influence public opinion. The controversy surrounding the samosa incident has now become a symbol of broader political tensions, as each side seeks to position itself as the true defender of Himachal's integrity. (ANI)
The accused has been identified as Sabir (50), a resident of Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh.

The victim narrated the ordeal to her mother, who, later, approached the police station and filed a complaint The incident took place on October 11 at Factory sector-3, Bawana, Delhi when the mother had gone to work.

The complainant (35) alleged that her 5-year-old daughter had been sexually assaulted, police said.

A case was registered on October 25 based on the statement of the complainant.

The accused was booked under section 65 (2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

"The case was difficult to crack because we have only one clue i.e. name of the accused. For the last 15 days, our team has been conducting raids at industrial areas of Bawana, Delhi, Noida, Jhansi, Mahoba, and Kanpur (UP). Ultimately our team succeeded to nab him from the forest area of Hamirpur, UP," police said.

The accused was working as a casual labourer in the factory and lived next to the victim, police said.

Further Investigation of the case is going on, they added. (ANI)
The 2024 Modern Governance Forum, themed "Public Governance and Global Cooperation in the Age of Intelligence," convenes in Tsinghua University, Beijing, Nov. 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Tsinghua University]



The 2024 Modern Governance Forum, held on Nov. 9 in Beijing, brought together experts and scholars from both home and abroad to tackle issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and global public governance.

Themed "Public Governance and Global Cooperation in the Age of Intelligence," the forum aimed to provide insight and solutions to foster a fairer global governance system amid rapid advancements in AI.

The forum was hosted by Tsinghua University and organized by Tsinghua's School of Public Policy & Management (SPPM), with support from the Chinese Public Administration Society (CPAS). Xue Lan, distinguished professor of arts, humanities and social sciences at Tsinghua University, presided over the forum's opening event.

Li Luming, president of Tsinghua University and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the forum's role as a platform for academic exchange, the sharing of governance best practices and the cultivation of global cooperation, contributing innovative perspectives and solutions to the modernization of governance systems.

Li spoke about AI as a primary driving force behind a new wave of technological and industrial progress, while acknowledging AI's unprecedented challenges to both social and economic development. He expressed hope that the forum would yield valuable insights for AI governance and promote the building of a shared future for mankind.

Li Baorong, president of CPAS, stressed the essential role of institutional frameworks in enhancing the national governance system and capability. He referenced the Resolution of CPC Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance the Chinese Modernization that was adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. This resolution highlights the importance of strengthening institutional building as well as enhancing top-level design and overall planning.

Li also underscored China's dedication to global cooperation, citing key initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. These efforts, he emphasized, offer valuable perspectives and solutions for deepening global collaboration and advancing human civilization.

Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, discussed the future of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the era of AI-driven technology, which aligns with China's goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. He advocated for the building of a renewable-centered energy system and called for intensified innovation to advance a safe, green, efficient and integrated intelligent NEV network.

Wan also stressed the importance of international cooperation in the NEV sector, noting that countries face similar challenges and obstacles with industrial transformation. He encouraged the global exchange of knowledge and experience in areas like market governance, regulatory frameworks and addressing customer needs.

The forum later split into two sessions: "Application of Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance and Challenges" and "Global Governance and Cooperation in the Smart Age." These two sessions were presided over by Peng Zongchao, professor at Tsinghua SPPM and secretary of the CPC Tsinghua SPPM Committee, and Zhu Xufeng, dean of Tsinghua SPPM. Notable speakers at the two sessions were Jiang Xiaojuan, professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and former deputy secretary-general of the State Council; Yu Jianxing, professor at the School of Public Affairs of Zhejiang University; Danny Quah, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore; Irina Bokova, former UNESCO Director-General and honorary fellow of the World Academy of Art & Science; Tam Yiu-chung, vice president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies; Zheng Yongnian, dean of the School of Public Policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; and Yan Jinming, dean of the School of Public Administration and Policy at Renmin University of China.

During the closing remarks, Zhu Xufeng summarized the forum's topics, noting that intelligent technologies are reshaping people's lifestyles and exerting a far-reaching impact on governments' management models, decision-making processes and public service systems. He affirmed that the forum offers valuable academic insights as well as practical strategies to modernize public governance and deepen global cooperation in the age of intelligence.
Igal Bagwal festival is widely celebrated in Uttarakhand, after 11 days of Diwali. It is also called Budhi Diwali.

PM Modi was wearing a traditional Uttarakhand cap and greeted with Sadhus and Saints present at the residence of Baluni.

On the occasion PM Modi, worshipped the Tulsi plant, lit the Igas flame and performed Aarti.

PM Modi also extended greetings to all the countrymen and wished for happiness, prosperity and well-being.

"Many congratulations to all the countrymen including my family members of Uttarakhand on the occasion of Igas festival! Today in Delhi, I also got the privilege of participating in this festival at the residence of Anil Baluni ji, Lok Sabha MP from Uttarakhand. I wish that this festival brings happiness, prosperity and well-being in everyone's life," PM Modi wrote on X.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1856020034755404262

Igaas festival honours the Goddess Nanda Devi and celebrates harvest, fertility, and prosperity.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated and wished the people of the state on Igas festival/Old Diwali.

In his message issued on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that our folk culture and tradition are the identity of Devbhoomi. He said that the folk culture and folk tradition of any state is the soul of that state, this also includes the festival of Igas. Our folk festivals and rich cultural heritage work to provide vibrancy in social life. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Monday quashed an FIR lodged against businessman Ashneer Grover, and his wife Madhuri Jain Grover for the alleged offences of cheating and forgery. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh after considering the plea moved by Madhuri Jain Grover and others, quashed the FIR lodged by the Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in 2023. Following this, another bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the Bureau of Immigration to cancel the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against Ashneer Grover and his wife. Madhuri Jain Grover and others filed a plea seeking the quashing of the FIR lodged under Sections 406, 408, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the EOW Police Station, New Delhi. It was submitted that the petitioners and the complainant arrived at a settlement on September 30. Senior advocate Mohit Mathur had appeared before Justice Chandra Dhari Singh and submitted on behalf of the petitioners that all the disputes between the complainant M/s Resilient Innovations Private Limited and the accused persons, namely, Madhuri Jain Grover, Ashneer Grover, Deepak Jagdishram Gupta, Shwetank Jain and Suresh Jain have been settled and prayed for some time to file an affidavit regarding the compliance of the terms of the settlement agreement. After the FIR was quashed, the coordinate bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the authorites to cancel the LOC in their records. Ashneer Grover and Madhuri Jain Grover had challenged the order of LOC issuance. Advocate Giriraj Subramanium appeared for Grovers. The High Court was informed that the FIR of EOW, pursuant to which LOC was issued has been quashed by the Delhi High Court today. Justice Narula noted that the Counsel for the parties apprised the Court that the afore-noted FIR has now been quashed through the decision of this Court rendered today. Although the copy of the order is not available as of now, however, the afore-noted fact is not disputed by the counsel for the parties. "In light of the fact that the underlying FIR has been quashed, the LOC issued by the Bureau of Immigration, in the opinion of the Court, would not survive," Justice Sanjeev Narula said in the order passed on November 11. "Accordingly, the present petitions are disposed of with a direction to the Respondents to cancel the LOC against the Petitioners in their records," Justice Narula ordered. Ashneer Grover and his wife had challenged the Look Out Circular issued against them by the Bureau of Immigration at the instance of Delhi Police, Economic Offences Wing in view of the investigation against the Petitioners arising from FIR registered at Police Station, EOW under Sections 406, 408, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120B IPC. (ANI)
Ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora emphasised the importance of Maharashtra's progress, stating, "If Maharashtra moves forward, India will move forward". Milind Deora also criticised the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for allegedly "hindering every good work of this government", referring to the initiatives by the ruling Mahayuti government. "Every seat is important in this election. The idea is to ensure that Maharashtra and Mumbai move forward and the progress we have achieved in the last two years continues at the same pace. Our aim is to defeat the speedbreaker politics of the opposition, who are unnecessarily trying to obstruct every good work of this government. If Mumbai moves forward, Maharashtra will move forward and if Maharashtra moves forward, India will move forward," Milind Deora told ANI. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde also took a dig at the MVA over their poll assurances for the assembly polls in Maharashtra and alleged that they spread fake narratives during the Lok Sabha polls. "People of Maharashtra will not believe in their (Maha Vikas Aghadi) assurances now. The way they gave assurances in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana and after coming to power, they did not fulfil even one assurance, similarly, they are bringing similar assurances in Maharashtra today. I want to tell the people to stay away from these assurances. The way they spread fake narratives in Lok Sabha polls, but I think that the people of Maharashtra are intelligent, they will ignore such people and will form the Mahayuti government again in Maharashtra," Shinde told reporters in Thane. The Mahayuti alliance comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. It is up against Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises of Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Maharashtra will go to polls on November 20 with votes being counted on November 23. In the last two elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in Maharashtra, winning 105 seats in 2019 and 122 seats in 2014. (ANI)
A day after Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), and a team from the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested the main shooter in the Baba Siddique murder case along with four other accused, ADGP (Law & Order), STF Uttar Pradesh, Amitabh Yash also confirmed the arrest in a press conference on Monday. The arrest was made on Sunday from Nanpara in UP's Bahraich in joint operation by UP STF and Mumbai Crime Branch. "STF UP and Crime Branch Mumbai have arrested the main shooter in the Baba Siddique Murder case. Four other accused have also been arrested along with them...All the accused have been arrested from the Nanpara area...The planning of the murder was done on Snapchat...Further investigation is underway by the Mumbai Crime Branch...," said ADGP (Law & Order), STF Uttar Pradesh, Amitabh Yash. According to the UP STF, the main accused identified as Shiva Kumar was arrested while he was trying to flee Nepal. For now, all accused are being brought to Mumbai. A team comprising 6 officers and 15 personnel conducted the operation. In addition to Shiva Kumar, four others--Anurag Kashyap, Gyan Prakash Tripathi, Akash Srivastava, and Akhileshendra Pratap Singh--were arrested for allegedly assisting in Shiva Kumar's escape and sheltering him, as well as helping him in his attempt to flee to Nepal. According to a statement by the Uttar Pradesh STF, the shooters involved in the crime have confessed that the murder was carried out under the orders of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently imprisoned. The shooters reportedly admitted to receiving logistical support from Shubham Lonkar and Mohammad Yaseen Akhtar, who helped coordinate the hit. The main accused also confessed that he talked to Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother Anmol, several times through a social media app. "In exchange for the murder of Baba Siddique, I was told that after the murder you will get ten lakh rupees and you will keep getting something every month. Shubham Lonkar and Yaseen Akhtar gave us weapons, cartridges, SIM and mobile phones for the murder," said Shiva in his statement to UP STF. "After the murder, the three shooters were given new SIM and mobile phones to talk to each other. For the last several days, we were doing recce of Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai and on getting the right time on the night of 12-10-2024, we killed Baba Siddiqui," he added further. Notably, Siddique (66) was shot dead by three gunmen in Mumbai's Bandra area on October 12. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday warned the public of the state that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was "conspiring" to stop the Gruhalakshmi scheme, a state initiative providing Rs 2,000 per month to women. Speaking to the media, Shivakumar responded to statements made by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. He said, "Deve Gowda has given out a message that the BJP was conspiring to discontinue guarantee schemes." "It is not in the destiny of the Opposition parties to stop our guarantee schemes. We are giving out monthly Gruhalakshmi allowance to ease the burden of millions of families. The BJP and JDS are conspiring to stop the scheme, people need to be careful," Shivakumar added. Ahead of Karnataka's by-elections on November 13, Shivakumar expressed confidence in Congress's prospects, asserting that the people of Karnataka have shown strong support for Congress's guarantee schemes. He stated, "The Congress party will win all three seats this time. Despite BJP's conspiracies, people will support the Congress party just as they did in the assembly elections." Speaking about the by-elections in Karnataka, scheduled to be held on November 13, Shivakumar exuded confidence in Congress' victory. "The people of Karnataka have embraced our governance and our guarantee schemes. The Congress party will win all three seats this time. Despite BJP's conspiracies, people will support the Congress party the same they supported the party in the assembly elections," Shivakumar said. Asked about the Prime Minister's allegation of collecting Rs 700 crore in the Excise department, Shivakumar said, "This is a baseless allegation. Some people have misled him. The Chief Minister has challenged the PM that he would quit politics if the allegation is proven. What else is needed?" Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka has looted Rs 700 crore from liquor sellers in the state for Maharashtra assembly polls. While addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Akola, PM Modi said, "Wherever Congress forms government, that state becomes an ATM for the Congress' royal family. These days, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have become their ATMs." "In the name of elections in Maharashtra, they have looted Rs 700 crore from liquor sellers in Karnataka. You can imagine the loot once they win the elections," the Prime Minister added. Deputy CM Shivakumar, responding to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's allegations that Justice Michael D'Cunha was behaving like an agent of the Congress government, said that BJP is "doing vendetta politics." Asked about Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's allegation that Justice Cunha was behaving like an agent of the Congress government, he said, "Everything will be fine if a report favours them, but they are against the report if it doesn't. It is the BJP which is doing vendetta politics." Pralhad Joshi has accused Justice Michael D'Cunha, who is investigating the procurement of PPE kits by the erstwhile BJP government in Karnataka in the 2020 Covid pandemic, of being an agent, saying "Justice Michael D'Cunha, you are a judge, not an agent". The John Michael D'Cunha Commission report has recommended the prosecution of the then Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and Minister for Health and Family Welfare B Sriramulu over the purchase of 3 lakh PPE kits from Chinese firms. Asked about Wayanad by-poll, Shivakumar said, "Priyanka Gandhi's victory in Wayanad is certain. Even the Opposition leaders have expressed their support for her and they would like to see her as the MP. It is a one-sided election." Wayanad, traditionally a Congress stronghold, will see a contest between Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of Congress facing Navya Haridas of the BJP and Sathyan Mokeri of the Left alliance in the upcoming by-poll on November 13. This election was scheduled after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, choosing to retain Rae Bareli following his victory in both constituencies in the General Elections earlier this year. (ANI)
Vistara's last flight from Odisha took off for Delhi on Monday night, marking the end of the airline's operations from the state ahead of its merger with Air India. The flight, UK 782, departed from Odisha's Biju Patnaik International Airport at 8.30 pm, and landed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at 10.55 pm. This flight was one of the final departures before the full merger of Vistara with Air India. Ahead of its merger, Vistara thanked passengers for their continued support. "Thank you for being part of this unforgettable journey and showering us with your #VistaraLove. We will forever cherish these memories. Please follow @airindia for all the latest updates," Vistara said in a post on X. Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will fully merge with Air India, which is also owned by Tata Group. To ensure a seamless transition for customers, the airlines have made comprehensive arrangements on the ground. After the merger, Vistara flights will be operated by Air India and identified by a special four-digit Air India code starting with the digit "2." For example, flight UK 955 will become AI 2955, making it easier for customers to identify Vistara flights on the Air India website after November 12. Vistara's routes and schedules will remain unchanged, and the in-flight experience, including products and services, will continue to be offered by the same crew. Air India has allocated additional resources across various touchpoints in India and is collaborating with partner airports to facilitate the transition. Measures include help desk kiosks at curbside areas before terminal entry in hub and metro city airports. Additional support includes customer service staff in "How may I assist you?" Air India x Vistara-branded T-shirts, who will guide customers with old Vistara tickets to help desks or Air India support staff. Vistara's airport ticketing offices and check-in terminals will progressively transition to Air India. Advisory notices will be displayed on self-service kiosks, guiding passengers to select Air India for check-in for Vistara flights under the AI2 code starting November 12. At international airports, customer support staff in branded T-shirts will be available, and signage will be posted near check-in desks to assist customers. Additionally, customers contacting the Vistara call center will be automatically redirected to Air India representatives to ensure a seamless experience during the transition. Over the past few months, 270,000 customers who had booked Vistara flights have been migrated to Air India and informed of the change. Furthermore, over 4.5 million Vistara loyalty program members are being integrated into Air India's loyalty program. The unified Air India offers customers greater connectivity, with access to over 90 domestic and international destinations and 800 more through codeshare and interline partners. Air India's narrow-body fleet is also undergoing upgrades, with new aircraft being delivered, legacy aircraft refitted with new interiors, and Vistara's catering now extended to Air India. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday called for a united effort to change the state government in Jharkhand ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. The UP CM was addressing a public rally in Jharkhand's Daltonganj. Referring to the foiling of a conspiracy by the INDIA Alliance, Yogi said that the people of Jharkhand would neither tolerate nor accept the current government and would work together to change the state's corrupt administration. He highlighted ongoing struggles in the state, particularly the issue of "roti, beti, maati," referring to immigrants registering tribal land in their names after marrying tribal women. "The enthusiasm among the people and their determination to foil the conspiracy of the INDIA Alliance--Congress, JMM, and RJD--makes it clear that Jharkhand has decided, 'Na sahenge, na kahenge, ekjut hokar, Jharkhand ki bhrasht sarkar ko badlenge.' This is the need of the hour because Jharkhand is facing major issues related to roti, beti, and maati," he said. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that if the BJP is voted to power in Jharkhand, a law would be brought to prevent the transfer of land to "infiltrators" even if they marry tribal women. Addressing a public rally in the Tamar constituency, Shah said, "The illegal immigrants are taking up the jobs meant for tribals of the state... The infiltrators are dangerous for our daughters, our resources, and our land... When we form the government, we will bring a law that will prohibit the immigrant from registering tribal land in his name, even if he marries a tribal girl. We will make the immigrant give back the acquired land." Shah further launched a scathing attack on Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and said the way the former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren was humiliated and removed from the post was not just an insult to him but to the entire tribal community. "Champai Soren has been loyal for so many years, standing with Hemantji, but how he was humiliated and removed is not just an insult to Champai Soren but an insult to the entire tribal community. The main issue was that Champai Soren stated that corruption should stop, but the JMM was not willing to end it," Shah said. The Jharkhand Assembly elections are set to be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. In the previous assembly election, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won 30 seats, the BJP won 25 and Congress won 16 seats. (ANI)
In a week-long joint operation, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security forces recovered 29 weapons, Improvised Explosive Device (IED), ammunition and other war-like stores (WLS) from several districts of Manipur, the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Monday. Security forces recovered weapons, Improvised Explosive Device (IED), ammunition and other war-like stores from both the hill and valley regions from Imphal West, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi. Bishnupur, Tengnoupal and Kakching districts of Manipur, the ministry added. As per the release, acting on specific information regarding the presence of arms and ammunition in general areas of Samukom Village in Tengnoupal District, Assam Rifles along with Manipur Police launched a coordinated search operation on 04 November 2024 and recovered two large Pompi guns, grenades, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), explosive material, ammunition and other war-like stores. In general area Uyok, Bishnupur district one 7.62mm SLR rifle, one .303 rifle, two Single Bore Barrel (SBBL) guns, one 9mm pistol, grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered in a joint operation led by Assam Rifles. From Thingom area of Yangoi Lambi, Imphal West District Assam Rifles recovered one 9mm carbine machine gun, one grenade launcher, one 9mm pistol, grenades and ammunition on 08 November, the ministry said. "On Nov 9, one .303 Rifle, two Pistols, six 12 Bore Single Barrel Rifles, One .22 Rifle and ammunition recovered from L Khonomphai village Jungles in Sangaikot of Churachandpur district and one 5.56mm INSAS Rifle, one point 303 rifle, two SBBL guns, two 0.22 pistols, two improvised projectile launchers, grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores from S Choungoubung and the Maohing of Kangpokpi district," the ministry said. On Nov 10, a joint team of Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and BSF launched an intelligence-based operation to recover arms and ammunition from general area Utangpokpi in Kakching District and recovered one 0.22 Rifle, ammunition and other war-like stores. "The recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation and disposal. The successful recovery of these warlike stores highlights the seamless cooperation between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and other law enforcement agencies, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the security and safety of the region," it added. (ANI)
Indian students have expressed concerns following Canada's recent decision to end its fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program. The program, which allowed eligible students to obtain study permits more quickly, has been a popular choice for those seeking to study in Canada. This abrupt move has left many aspiring students worried about their academic future. A Chandigarh resident, who plans to study in Canada, voiced her concerns, saying, "I was trying to go to Canada but the situation is that Canada has stopped the visa. That was not right because many Indian population want to go abroad for studies and the politics that is being used in this is also wrong." "It's not right to stop visas midway. There are so many opportunities and dream jobs we will miss out on," she added. She also blamed political interference for the decision, adding, "Politics should not interfere." Visa counselor Rahul Arora also expressed concerns, saying that this will negatively impact students' ambitions and dreams. "This decision will definitely have a negative impact. I think that the children's ambitions and dreams of going forward and studying, the dreams that they have been trying for years, will be hit by that. And I think that this is an adverse decision for both the countries," he said. The SDS, a popular program launched in 2018, offered faster processing for students from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, and others. It was abruptly ended on November 8. The Nigeria Student Express (NSE) for Nigerian students has also been discontinued, though applications submitted before the deadline will still be processed under the SDS and NSE. "The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. The SDS was eventually opened to legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam," said a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The government has said that it is "committed to giving all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits." "Canada's goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience," the statement by IRCC added. Following this development, future applicants will be required to go through Canada's regular study permit processes, which will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in the country. This move comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, following allegations of India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, which India has denied. (ANI)
Following Donald Trump's victory in the United States presidential election, Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu said that Washington under Trump's leadership will not abandon Taiwan due to its semiconductor prowess, as reported by Taiwan News. While addressing the Globe and Mail interview, Wu said, "Trump wants to make America great again. I think without Taiwan, he cannot make America great again. He needs the semiconductors made here," Wu said. He pointed out that Taiwan produces more than 60 per cent of the world's semiconductor chips and more than 90 per cent of the most advanced chips." In response to Trump's previous remarks about forcing Taiwan to pay more for US military assistance, Wu said Taipei has nearly doubled its defence budget in the past eight years. There is also a backlog of US weapons Taiwan previously ordered that has yet to be delivered, the deputy foreign minister said. According to Taiwan News, Taiwan would be open to buying more advanced weapons such as the F-35 fighter jet if the US made it available, Wu said. He believes the US under Trump would still act to protect its interests in case a conflict broke out in the Taiwan Strait. Wu said Taiwan's strategy can be described as a "not today" policy. This approach keeps Chinese leader Xi Jinping thinking, "every day when he wakes up that today is not the day to invade Taiwan." Meanwhile, China has increased its provocative incursions around Taiwan by 300 per cent since May, US Commander of Pacific Air Forces General Kevin Schneider said, adding that issues in the region may put to test the administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, as reported by Taipei Times. The General also said that China's tactics are just not reserved to China, but they show to the world that China achieves their goals, Taipei Times reported. "Whether it's coming into the air defence identification zone [ADIZ] or crossing the centre line within the Taiwan Strait, since the inauguration [of president William Lai], we have seen a 300 per cent increase in those air activities," Schneider told NBC News, Taipei Times quoted. From May to November last year, Chinese aircraft intruded into Taiwan's ADIZ 335 times, Ministry of National Defence data showed. At the same time this year, China entered the airspace at least 1,085 times, as per Taipei Times. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], November 11 (ANI/WAM): Following the directive of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian has mobilised urgent relief supplies for people directly affected by the conflict in Lebanon. The relief material provided by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, totals 192 metric tonnes. Transportation by land allows for a larger volume of supplies to be efficiently dispatched. A convoy comprising 27 trucks, funded by Dubai Humanitarian's Global Humanitarian Impact Fund, commenced the operation on 4 November. The mission aims to ensure swift and organised distribution of aid to distressed communities in Lebanon as the approaching winter heightens the need for accelerating humanitarian interventions. "Guided by the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai stands firmly by Lebanon in its time of need. This aid convoy, a powerful symbol of partnership and compassion, reflects our collective commitment to alleviating suffering and bringing hope to communities facing unprecedented challenges," said His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Chairman of Dubai Humanitarian. Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR's Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries stated: "We are grateful for the UAE's ongoing humanitarian efforts demonstrated through today's shipment. This is another significant step in our shared vision with partners in the UAE, such as Dubai Humanitarian. This timely support includes essential relief items that address the urgent needs of displaced families in Lebanon. As they prepare to face the upcoming harsh winter, after losing their homes' safety and warmth." The government of Lebanon estimates that more than 1.2 million people have been displaced due to the escalating conflict and intensified Israeli airstrikes, mainly from South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut's densely populated southern suburbs. Humanitarian requirements are going up sharply and there is a need for urgent funding to respond adequately to the situation on the ground, those involved with relief efforts say. Available resources are far from sufficient to help everyone in need, with access to safe shelters, healthcare, cash assistance, protection services, and psychosocial support becoming priority aspects of the relief operations. (ANI/WAM)
Amman [Jordan], November 11 (ANI/WAM): The 6th International Festival of Jordanian Dates opened today in the Jordanian capital under the patronage of King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Jordanian Minister of Agriculture, Engineer Khaled Al-Hanifat, the representative of the Festival's Patron, said the event confirms the depth of the strong relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He thanked Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, for his continuous support of the event The Festival reflects the protocol signed in Amman, on the 26th of February 2024, by the Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan, the General Secretariat of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Jordan Dates Association, in cooperation with regional and international organisations. It's organised by the Award's General Secretariat in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture and the Jordan Dates Association. The minister noted that date palm cultivation in Jordan is deeply rooted in history, with evidence indicating its ancient significance. He added that the city of Aqaba, for example, was known for date palm cultivation as far back as 3,000 BCE. "This sector has increasingly attracted private sector interest, particularly due to Jordan's geographical advantages for the cultivation of the Medjool variety. Investment in the date palm sector has now reached nearly half a billion dollars, supporting around 10,000 jobs, approximately 40% of which are held by women." The event opened in the presence of Hamad Abdullah Al Matrooshi, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the UAE in Amman, and Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation. The opening ceremony was also attended by a number of representatives of international organisations, members of the diplomatic missions in Jordan, and many researchers, farm owners, date producers, and companies in Jordan. Abdelouahhab Zaid expressed pride in the achievements of the International Festival of Jordanian Dates during his opening address. He highlighted this success as a testament to the enduring cooperation and historical ties between the two brotherly nations, nurtured under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and King Abdullah II. In his address at the festival's opening ceremony, Eng. Anwar Haddad, Chairman of the Jordan Dates Association, extended his gratitude to the United Arab Emirates, represented by the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, for their successful organisation of the festival. He noted the festival's success over the past six years, highlighting the steady expansion of Jordan's date palm cultivation, which now covers 45,000 dunums in the Jordan Valley. A documentary was screened during the ceremony detailing the achievements of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation over the past seventeen years (2007-2024). The film illustrated the Award's alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing its contributions to food security and sustainable development at national, regional, and international levels. The winners of the 6th International Festival of Jordanian Dates were recognised at the end of the opening ceremony. (ANI/WAM)
Sharjah [UAE], November 11 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the dinner held on Sunday, in celebration of the Kingdom of Morocco as the guest of honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which took place at the Al Nabooda House in the Heart of Sharjah area. Upon his arrival, he was received by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication of Morocco, along with several senior officials, heads, and directors of government departments, as well as guests of the Sharjah International Book Fair. During the event, the Ruler of Sharjah delivered a speech welcoming the attendees and guests of the Sharjah International Book Fair, considering it a joyful day. Sharjah Ruler received greetings from His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco and expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Morocco for the valuable gifts, documents, knowledge, and heritage it brought to Sharjah, describing these documents as having opened their eyes to things they had never encountered before. For his part, Mohammed Mahdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, delivered a speech in which he said: "The opening of the Sharjah International Book Fair was a moment of success and happiness for all of us. As we have come to expect from our brothers in the Emirate of Sharjah, it was marked by an amazing organization and significant attendance, which continues to attract participants and visitors. We, for our part, have spared no effort to ensure that the celebration of the Kingdom of Morocco as the guest of honour is a bright point in this flourishing cultural edifice." The Ruler of Sharjah and the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco exchanged gifts and commemorative plaques and took group photos. (ANI/WAM)
US President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first phone conversation between the two leaders since Trump won the election, The Washington Post reported. The US daily, on Sunday (local time) citing its sources, said that Trump took the call from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and during the conversation advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine. Neither the White House nor the Kremlin have officially confirmed this information. During the call, the Preseident-elect reminded Putin of Washington's sizable military presence in Europe, the Washington Post stated citing a person familiar with the call. During his election campaign, Trump promised to immediately settle the Ukrainian conflict but did not say how he was planning to do this. According to the newspaper, Trump said privately that he would support an agreement where Russia kept some of the liberated territories and during the phone call with Putin, he had briefly touched upon the issue of territories. The US daily noted that the Ukrainian government was informed about the call and it did not object to it as the Kyiv officials understood that Trump would discuss the matter with Putin. Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the Russian president is open to dialogue with Trump, however, in his words, nothing concrete could be said about it as of yet, Russian state media reported. Also speaking at Thursday's plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin congratulated Trump on winning the presidential election, adding that he saw nothing wrong with calling Trump. Trump, told NBC that he had not yet spoken with the Russian leader but believed such a call was highly likely. On Sunday, US President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House aims "to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table." Sullivan also said on CBS News that President Biden and President-elect Trump will meet in the Oval Office on Wednesday. "The first and most important message will be that President Biden is committed to the peaceful transfer of power and to a responsible handoff from one president to the next, which is in the best tradition of our country and has been for the last 240 years. And then they will go through the top issues, both domestic and foreign policy issues," Sullivan told CBS News. "Including what is happening in Europe and Asia and the Middle East. And the President will have the chance to explain to President Trump how he sees things, where they stand and and talk to President Trump about how President Trump is thinking about taking on these- these issues when he takes office," the White House National Security advisor said. (ANI).
The Russian embassy in Sri Lanka rejected the fake news being circulated claiming that Sri Lanka's bid to join the BRICS grouping has been rejected. Sharing the clarification on the social media platform, X, the Russian Embassy in Colombo released a press statement regarding the issue, and said the Russian BRICS Chairship welcomed Sri Lanka's interest. "The Embassy noticed the misleading article regarding the Sri Lanka's bid for BRICS membership which was published in the "Sunday Island" on November 09, 2024". "The Embassy would like to highlight that Sri Lanka has applied to join BRICS. The Russian BRICS Chairship welcomed Sri Lanka's interest", the press statement noted. The Russian Embassy further informed that Sri Lanka's application would be considered by BRICS in due course of time, along with full consultation and consensus. The application would be considered along with the bids of numerous other countries who have also applied. Notably, various countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS grouping in recent times. These include nations like Malaysia and Thailand amongst others. "The local media reports that Sri Lanka's application has been rejected are wrong," the Russian Embassy added. https://x.com/RusEmbSriLanka/status/1855441868592705997 The 16th BRICS Summit took place in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to October 24. BRIC, as a formal grouping, started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006. The grouping was formalized during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in 2006. The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia's Yekaterinburg in 2009. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers' meeting in New York in 2010. South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. A further expansion of BRICS took place in 2024 with five new members - Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. In a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, it was expressed that the expansion of BRICS with the addition of new members last year has added to its inclusivity and agenda for the global good. India has routinely expressed great faith in multilateral institutions such as BRICS. "India values the close cooperation within BRICS which has emerged as an important platform for dialogue and discussion on issues concerning the global developmental agenda, reformed multilateralism, climate change, economic cooperation, building resilient supply chains, promoting cultural and people to people connect, among others," PM Modi had earlier noted. (ANI)
INSV Tarini is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition under the name, Navika Sagar Parikrama II.

The details of the historic expedition were shared on X by the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy.

https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1855632907638911330

INSV Tarini was flagged off from Goa on October 2 and the duo of Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A, covered 4900 nautical miles (9074 km) in 38 days, encountering challenging weather conditions & rough seas", the Navy spokesperson noted.

The officers were warmly received by dignitaries, including the Consul General of India at Perth, the Defence Advisor from Canberra, the Secretary of the Indian Navy Sailing Association (INSA), representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, along with members of the media and Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia.

Indian Navy emphasized that the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, "underscores #India's commitment to fostering stronger relationships with international maritime communities & sustainable & inclusive global engagement".

The Navika Sagar Parikrama II is an ambitious circumnavigation voyage which will include stops at four major ports worldwide. The two-women crew expedition continues the Indian Navy's legacy of INSV Tarini's first circumnavigation. It is a shining example of promoting gender equality, sustainability, and global maritime cooperation.

The expedition serves as an ambassador of India's rich maritime heritage.

As INSV Tarini prepares for its next leg, this milestone underscores the strength, skill, and resilience of the Indian Navy's women sailors and reaffirms India's dedication to sustainable and inclusive global engagement.

The call by INSV Tarini is among the many calls that the Indian Navy is making to promote maritime security. The recently concluded call to Nacala Port in Mozambique by INS Gharial and INS Suvarna to Port Louis in Mauritius.

The call comes at the heels of the recently concluded state visit by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Australia.

India and Australia share warm and friendly ties across various sectors. As INSV Tarini makes a call to Freemantle, Australia, India is currently hosting the 3rd Edition of AUSTRAHIND Exercise between the two countries in Pune, Maharashtra. (ANI)
In a sudden upswing of violence between Russia and Ukraine, both the warring nations unleashed hundreds of attack drones, AlJazeera reported. As per AlJazeera analysts Moscow and Kyiv are attemoting to gain leverage before January, when US president-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end the war. On November 10, CNN reported that Russia and Ukraine engaged in a significant escalation of drone strikes, with Moscow launching 145 drones. Ukrainian forces also launched a drone strike on Russian territory, with 34 drones headed towards Moscow, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. The Defence Ministry further said that Russia's air defences shot down all of the drones over the Moscow region between 7 am and 10 am on Sunday. The governor of the Moscow region said that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were shot down over the Moscow regions of Ramenskoye, Kolomna and Domodedovo, Andrey Vorobyov. Meanwhile, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first phone conversation between the two leaders since Trump won the election, The Washington Post reported. The US Daily, on Sunday (local time) citing its sources, said that Trump took the call from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and during the conversation advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine. Neither the White House nor the Kremlin have officially confirmed this information. During the call, the Preseident-elect reminded Putin of Washington's sizable military presence in Europe, the Washington Post stated citing a person familiar with the call. Notably, during his election campaign, Trump promised to immediately settle the Ukrainian conflict but did not say how he was planning to do this. According to the newspaper, Trump said privately that he would support an agreement where Russia kept some of the liberated territories and during the phone call with Putin, he had briefly touched upon the issue of territories. (ANI)
As the Maldives celebrated its 56th Republic Day on Monday, President of India Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to President Mohamed Muizzu, his government, and the people on the occasion. In a post on X, the High Commission of India said, "On the occasion of 56th Republic Day of the Maldives, President of India Droupadi Murmu extended warm greetings to President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, the Government & the friendly people of Maldives." https://x.com/HCIMaldives/status/1855861362435797335 Maldivian President visited India earlier in October this year, marking a pivotal moment in reinforcing the bonds of friendship, trust, and partnership between both the countries. Following Muizzu's state visit to India in October, the Maldives decided introduce the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), a digital public infrastructure developed by India, into its financial system. This decision was endorsed by Muizzu's cabinet and reflects the Maldivian President's aim to expand digital infrastructure, enhance financial inclusion, and improve transaction efficiency. The introduction of UPI, along with India's commitment to sharing expertise in digital and financial services, aligns with Muizzu's economic vision for his nation. The Maldivian administration will establish a consortium, with TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited as its leading agency, to oversee the rollout of UPI in collaboration with banks, telecom firms, and other key players. An interagency team, led by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and including officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Maldives Monetary Authority, will coordinate efforts to implement this framework effectively. During Muizzu's October visit, India also launched RuPay cards in the Maldives, aimed at facilitating payments for Indian tourists and Maldivians visiting India. This step is part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral digital cooperation, marking a new era in financial connectivity between the two nations. India and the Maldives share a long-standing, multifaceted relationship rooted in common cultural, linguistic, and economic ties. Under India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, the Maldives plays a strategic role in the Indian Ocean Region, with both nations committed to maintaining regional stability and security. (ANI)
The Russian Embassy in India is set to open the Russian Business Center on November 12, at the initiative of the Business Council for Cooperation with India and the Synergy Corporation, New Delhi. The Russian Embassy highlighted that the main objectives of opening up the Centre are to develop business ties between India and Russia, promote export cooperation between the two countries and provide a platform for interaction between business communities. The Centre will include a co-working space for events, regional business missions, forums, seminars, and conferences, while the centre specialists will provide analytical support and advice on various issues. The opening ceremony of the Business Centre will be attended by the Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, and Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department of External Economic and International Relations of Moscow City, Sergey Cheremin. Manturov is currently on a visit to India is set to participating in the plenary session of the Russian-Indian Business Forum in Mumbai today where the focus will be on expanding economic and business cooperation between the two nations, the Russian Embassy in India stated. The bilateral relationship has remained strong and stable over more than 75 years. The India-Russia partnership has been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world in the contemporary era with a shared commitment to a multipolar world and continues to expand beyond the traditional areas of military, nuclear and space cooperation. In the past two years, the bilateral trade has expanded significantly, far exceeding the target of USD 30bn set earlier for 2025. There are discussions on ways to increase exports from India as well by developing new models of cooperation. Several connectivity initiatives are also increasingly central to the bilateral cooperation, especially the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor. Moreover, both countries remain committed to strengthening cooperation in the development of the Russian Far East region and working together in research, logistics and training in the Arctic region. There is a synergy between Russia's pivot to the East, its resources and technology and India's own flagship initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. (ANI)
The Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, Paank, has raised urgent concerns over the extrajudicial killing and the worsening human rights situation in Balochistan. In a post on X, Paank highlighted the severe human rights violations in Balochistan during the month of October, which included 110 enforced disappearances across 15 districts, six extrajudicial killings, increased military aggression, abductions, forced migration, and a violent crackdown on protesters, with widespread detentions in both Balochistan and Karachi. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1855682208188559434?t=pwFTa1GHQNnHRFIu6DCYtQ&s=08 Recently, Paank raised serious concerns following the abduction of six Baloch civilians by the Pakistani security forces in the past three days. According to a post on the social media platform X, Paank noted that the incidents, which occurred between November 5 and November 7, have sparked widespread outrage amongst human rights activists and local communities. The group is calling on Pakistani authorities to immediately release the detained individuals and put an end to the practice of enforced disappearances. Paank also identified the six individuals who have reportedly been abducted by Pakistani forces in various regions of Balochistan. The group emphasized the urgency of addressing these abductions and ending the widespread pattern of enforced disappearances in the region. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1854857881931194417?t=EbvekVHBwiS8005DvXWtdw&s=08 Human rights violations in Balochistan have been a significant and ongoing issue for decades. In Pakistan's Balochistan province, ethnic Baloch people have long alleged systematic discrimination, marginalisation, and a denial of political autonomy. The Pakistani state has been accused of forcibly suppressing Baloch nationalist movements, with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture of activists, journalists, and civilians. The Pakistani military, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary forces have been implicated in these abuses, with Baloch insurgents and pro-independence groups often targeted in the name of counter-insurgency. In addition to violence, the people of Balochistan face widespread economic underdevelopment despite the region's rich natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. This economic disparity, along with limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, fuels discontent among the Baloch population. (ANI)
An exhibitor poses for a selfie at the booth of China during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Foreign leaders and industry heads gathered in Shanghai for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). As the world's first national-level import-themed trade exhibition, the CIIE provides strong evidence of China's opening up to the world. Built around the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," it puts a premium on development opportunities between China and 152 countries, regions and organizations.



Through the platform, participating companies can showcase their top-tier products, deepen market access, and benefit from China's rising demand for cutting-edge commodities. Zhang Tongyang, general manager of the Zambia-based Mpundu Wild Honey who is attending the event, said: "A great many small businesses from Africa are also keen to utilize the CIIE to access the Chinese market, but independent participation is a hurdle for them. That's why we've decided to lend our support, bringing their products to the expo to be showcased together."

Here's why it matters.

Against the backdrop of rising protectionism, the CIIE stands as a beacon of trade liberalization and open investment, allowing foreign businesses to compete for influence and expand their footprint in China. Sectors such as energy, consumer goods, agriculture, trade and advanced materials provide diverse options for companies to pursue growth and adapt to consumer needs in China. In recent times, demand for cutting-edge products has clearly been on the rise, while the CIIE finalized nearly $79 billion in trade deals in 2023. By showcasing hundreds more signature products and technology offerings this year, businesses can compete for market influence and promote value-addition in promising sectors.

China's high-quality opening up has focused on shared opportunities for countries across the region and around the globe. Through the CIIE, China is actively living up to that vision. For instance, this year's expo features booths from over three dozen least developed countries, alongside a record 297 Fortune Global 500 companies. Equal participation underlines China's belief in forging dynamic trade and investment relations with partner states across development stages.

For foreign firms and investors, the CIIE offers a glimpse into China's fast-growing market. From automotives to dedicated zones for health products and high-end manufacturing, the expo demonstrates a diversity of market demand in the world's second-largest economy. An overwhelming majority of foreign firms have already signaled their confidence in China's business environment, creating space for more collaborations in promising fields such as new materials. Merck Group, one of Germany's top innovation brands, is among the many companies looking to strengthen their long-term investments in China and benefit from the CIIE's new materials exchange.

It is well-known that trade and investment cannot materialize in isolation. To the CIIE's credit, it focuses on international economic exchanges, with around 100 dialogue events and conferences taking place on the sidelines. These productive exchanges can play a critical role in helping exhibitors deepen their market presence in China, given the CIIE's track record of facilitating new commercial facilities, manufacturing plants, as well as R&D centers. The opportunities this year are even more abundant, with hundreds of competitive products and technologies making their debut.

Moreover, China's green transition is pulling more international firms into its orbit. "I strongly agree with the theme [New Era, Shared Future] as it envisions a sustainable and more decarbonized future that requires collaborative efforts from governments, enterprises, customers, partners and the entire supply chains," said Christian Bruch, president and CEO of Siemens Energy AG.

The CIIE's belief in a truly sustainable future has also reaped important dividends for foreign investors as well as the Chinese market. Numbers speak for themselves: In its past six iterations, the CIIE has helped launch 2,500 commodities, services and technological offerings, and reached an aggregate intended turnover in excess of $420 billion. These are remarkable figures for a platform that launched just six years ago, promoting market opportunities for local businesses and multinationals alike.

The CIIE is also a vital learning platform for small-scale enterprises. In order for them to effectively penetrate the Chinese market, it is essential to understand investment opportunities and dominant business trends. Since the CIIE brings the most relevant product ranges into the open, small-scale enterprises have reason to adapt. Exhibitors from across the world can showcase their competitive products across renewables, fintech, new energy vehicles, agriculture and other sectors. For budding enterprises, business partnerships and exposure can support market access.

Interestingly, the focus on "new quality productive forces" is a reflection of China's economic trajectory. It refers to China's innovation-led development vision, which utilizes swift technological progress to boost high-quality economic growth. The CIIE has taken a landmark step by promoting sustainable development on the back of these forces. Marine engineering, biotech and cutting-edge agricultural technologies are fields that can complement China's new growth engines, and promote economic growth through "frontier technologies." As China pledges to further open up its massive market, there is no shortage of high-tech opportunities for foreign firms.

These are promising signs for hundreds of industry-leading companies at the CIIE. Investment in China's new quality productive forces is already on the rise, encouraging industry leaders to push for more competitive products in the smart manufacturing space. Foreign firms are also better positioned to pursue collaborations with official stakeholders, business counterparts and budding enterprises on shared objectives, such as the transition to clean energy.

For some of the world's least developed countries, this year's CIIE serves as cause for market optimism. After all, China offered dozens of exhibition spaces to these countries in a bid to streamline African products into its market. This should be seen as a valuable extension of Chinese policy objectives. Another such example of this approach can be seen in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Action Plan (2025-2027), where Beijing committed to developing a "green channel" for quality agricultural produce.

By facilitating "open sharing," the CIIE furthers China's desire for equal, non-discriminatory and mutually beneficial trade in an increasingly polarized world. "World economic recovery still awaits more impetus while countries need to address different problems on their development path. Cooperation is needed to promote world economic growth, for which China is making its due contribution," said Chinese Premier Li Qiang in his keynote address.

The CIIE is making tangible contributions to China's high-quality opening up. Through sizeable participation, cutting-edge innovations and rich industrial exchanges, China is offering up a compelling defense of its increasingly globalized market.

The author is a foreign affairs commentator, author and recipient of the Fulbright Award.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators in Taiwan have introduced a bill aimed at tightening restrictions on Chinese nationals holding public office, as per local media. Under the proposed legislation, Chinese nationals would be required to provide proof of renouncing their People's Republic of China (PRC) citizenship if they wish to serve in Taiwan's government, military, or other public institutions, Taipei Times reported. Lawmakers Puma Shen, Wang Ting-yu, and Michelle Lin say the bill aims to strengthen Taiwan's national security by preventing potential infiltration by Chinese operatives. Currently, under Article 20 of the Nationality Act, individuals seeking public office in Taiwan must hold only Republic of China (ROC) citizenship. While Chinese nationals are required to reside in Taiwan for a minimum of 10 years to become eligible for certain public roles, and for 20 years for intelligence or military roles, there is no explicit requirement for them to renounce their PRC citizenship. This exception, legislators argue, undermines the act's prohibition on dual nationality and creates a security risk, reported Taipei Times. The new amendment would mandate that Chinese nationals renounce PRC citizenship if they wish to hold public office, organise political parties, or serve in Taiwan's intelligence and military agencies. "Individuals with foreign nationality who wish to hold public office in Taiwan must first renounce their original nationality to prove their loyalty to Taiwan," Shen said. "China is clearly a hostile country, yet current regulations do not explicitly require Chinese to renounce their Chinese citizenship to hold public office." The legislators have also suggested parallel changes to the Act Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macau. Their proposal would require citizens from Hong Kong and Macau to reside in Taiwan for at least 10 years and to provide proof of renunciation of their original citizenship before they can run for or hold public office, serve in the military, or form political parties in Taiwan, Taipei Times reported. "The regulations for Hong Kong and Macau should align with the rules for China," Shen stated. Highlighting Taiwan's security concerns, Lin emphasised that "China is infiltrating Taiwan by any means necessary and is clearly a hostile force, so there must be clear regulations that those who wish to hold public office must first renounce their original citizenship." (ANI)
US President-elect Donald Trump has named Tom Homan, who was the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in his last administration will be in charge of the nation's borders. "I am pleased to announce that the former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation's Borders ("The Border Czar"), including, but not limited to, the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security," Trump said in a post on Truth Social late Sunday, as reported by CNN. Trump during his presidential campaign against his Democratic rival Kamala Harris had said that he would run the largest deportation programme in the history of the United States and vowed to deport all illegal immigrants. The president-elect in his social media post said that there's "nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders" and that Homan "will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin." There are an estimated around 14-15 illegal immigrants in the United States. In a recent interview on CBS' "60 Minutes," Homan was cited as saying that "families could be deported together" when asked about Trump's pledge on mass deportations. As per a CNN report, Homan a career law enforcement officer served as the public face of the first Trump administration's aggressive efforts to step up immigration enforcement before retiring in 2018. He served temporarily in the role from the beginning of the Trump administration, despite never being confirmed by the Senate, because he had already been the deputy in line for the job. Homan also oversaw an immigration system that placed a record number of immigrant children in US custody. In September 2017, Homan said at a public event that his agency would arrest undocumented people who came forward to care for the children, something previous administrations avoided. (ANI)
Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao, the retired founder of United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), has declared his intention to sue senior Chinese officials for sanctions imposed against him due to his outspoken support for Taiwan's independence Voice of America (VOA) reported. Tsao, one of Taiwan's wealthiest individuals, has been sanctioned by China's Taiwan Affairs Office, which accused him of being linked to the "Black Bear Academy" -- an organisation allegedly promoting separatism and endangering cross-strait relations. However, Tsao strongly rejected these allegations, stating that the sanctions were part of China's broader attempt to suppress the lawful political views of those supporting Taiwan's independence. The businessman emphasised that China's move was aimed at silencing the voices of pro-independence advocates in Taiwan. Tsao announced that he would file a lawsuit in Taiwan against Song Tao, head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, and the office's spokesperson, Chen Binhua, reported VOA. While Tsao's lawyer, Cheng Wen-lung, acknowledged that Taiwan's courts cannot exercise jurisdiction over Chinese officials and that enforcement would be impossible without their physical presence on the island, he emphasised the symbolic nature of the lawsuit. "We have to do this legally. Taiwan is in a difficult spot, but we have to work hard. You cannot do anything," Cheng stated. In addition to the Taiwanese legal action, Tsao is also considering suing these Chinese officials in the United States under the Alien Tort Claims Act, which allows foreign nationals to sue for violations of international law, VOA reported. The sanctions came at a time of growing tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Recently, China conducted a large-scale military exercise near Taiwan, which it described as a warning to "separatist acts" and any moves toward Taiwan's independence. This escalation in military activity has further strained relations between Taiwan and China, which has vowed to take strong measures against any moves that might push Taiwan closer to declaring independence. (ANI)
An accountability court in Rawalpindi handed over a 14-page long questionnaire to former Pakistan PM Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the 190 million settlement case, Geo News reported. As per Geo News, the questionnaire contains 79 questions related to the reference provided to the couple for their final statements under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 of Pakistan. Their counsel, Salman Safdar, received the questionnaire in both of their presence during the last hearing. Khan and Bibi were directed to submit their response to the Court today. In a copy of the questionnaire available to Geo News, it was observed that the court asked the PTI founder whether he and his associates illegally obtained "monetary benefits", which include land measuring 458 kanals, and, in return, facilitated the "illegal and dishonest transfer/adjustment of 171.159 million out of 190 million, meant for the State of Pakistan". According to Geo News, the court while citing evidence said co-accused Shahzad Akbar, former special assistant on accountability "in-connivance and active knowledge" of Imran deceptively floated a note dated December 2, 2019, to the deposed Prime Minister. Seeking his response, the court stated, "The note contained misrepresented information, implying that funds frozen in the UK were to be surrendered to the State of Pakistan, mischaracterising of land purchase agreement as a fine and knowingly misrepresented that Supreme Court account was being operated for the benefit of State of Pakistan", as per Geo News. The Accountability Court also noted, "It is in the evidence that the jailed politician, being a Prime Minister, dishonestly instructed for placing the note as additional agenda without prior circulation in violation of rules of business, 1973 despite the fact that your co-accused Mirza Shahzad Akbar with your active connivance and under your influence had already dishonestly and for ulterior motive signed and submitted the confidential deed to the National Crime Agency UK on Nov 11, 2019". Geo News observed that the court also sought his response regarding the December 3 cabinet meeting, in which the note was presented and Imran insisted on approving paragraph 10 of the note without allowing any discussion on the additional agenda. During the November 7 hearing, lawyers for Khan and Bibi completed the cross-examination of the last and 35th witness at Adiala jail, taking the reference conclusion to the final stage. After cross-examination of a total of 35 witnesses in the reference, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) lawyers said that they did not want to present any further evidence. Cross-examination of the last witness began on July 30 and continued for 20 hearings over three months. Also, Bushra Bibi's lawyer, Usman Gul, completed the cross-examination in 14 hearings. Geo News reported that the '190 million case', as per charges accuses Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi of allegedly adjusting PKR 50 billion, (which was 190 million at the time), sent by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government as part of the agreement with a property tycoon. Subsequently, Khan got approval for the settlement with the UK crime agency from his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the details of the confidential agreement. It was decided that the money would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the tycoon. According to the NAB officials, the PTI founder and his wife obtained land worth billions of rupees from the property tycoon, to build an educational institute, in return for striking a deal to give legal cover to the property tycoon's black money received from the UK crime agency. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, elaborated on India's global approach on Monday, and said that it is not 'transactional' but is rather aimed at developing long-term partnerships with other countries. The Foreign Minister was delivering remarks at the India-Russia Business Forum where he highlighted 10 points of convergence for taking the relationship of the two countries forward. During his speech, Jaishankar reminded that the Business Forum commences barely 3 months after the Annual Summit between President Putin and PM Modi in Moscow and another cordial interaction during the BRICS summit in Kazan last month. "Those occasions have provided a strategic direction, whose economic dimension we seek to realize through this gathering", EAM noted. He highlighted that as the world is moving towards greater multi-polarity, it becomes essential to devise appropriate methods of cooperation to keep up with the times. Jaishankar said, "We have a long history of strong convergence and deep friendship allows us to make the best of both factors. That the two economies are so complementary is also a key consideration. A partnership between an India that has an 8 per cent growth rate for multiple decades ahead, and a Russia that is a key natural resources provider and a major technology leader, will serve both of them and the world well". Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had referred to India as "a natural ally of Russia" at the Valdai Discussion Club. Jaishankar said that there are 10 key developments the two countries must focus on. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1855863720078897647 The EAM gave a call to take up the trade between India and Russia to 100 billion dollars by 2030, and along with it, vigorously taking forward the India-Eurasian Economic Union trade. Increasing cooperation in the Russian Far East was emphasised by the Foreign Minister, which was also discussed during the Annual Summit in Moscow this year. He further highlighted another critical aspect of the relationship, which is to ultimately create a better trade balance with national currency settlements. Jaishankar also gave a call for continued attention to the three important connectivity projects the two countries are working on. These were also highlighted by the First Deputy PM of Russia in his speech. These include the INSTC, Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor and the Northern Maritime Route. "A growing Russian appreciation of Make In India as a program to deepen business will certainly help to take forward our cooperation in many many domains," he told the gathering. Speaking about the longstanding economic partnership between the two countries, he added, "We are all aware of the complementary nature of our respective economies. If we recognize that fully, then it also follows that our approach is not transactional but aimed at building long-term partnerships". "In energy domains such as oil, gas, coal or uranium, India will always be a major player in the international markets. This applies as well to the demand for fertilizers of various kinds. Constructing a mutually beneficial arrangement will help us both address the volatility and the uncertainty of our times," Jaishankar further said. He gave a call to the leaders gathered to come up with mutually workable solutions for the benefit of both partner countries. The bilateral relationship between India and Russia has remained strong and stable over more than 75 years. The India-Russia partnership has been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world in the contemporary era with a shared commitment to a multipolar world and continues to expand beyond the traditional areas of military, nuclear and space cooperation. (ANI)
In a video message, the EAM announced the launch of the event. "I am delighted to launch the 5th Bharat ko Jaaniye Quiz".

He said that the quiz is an endeavour of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen the connection with our diaspora and to engage with all those who are keen to learn about India.

He said, "It (Quiz) affords an opportunity for people to explore India in a meaningful way, learning about its culture, ethos, history, achievements and even aspirations".

Jaishankar added, "This online quiz is open to members of the Indian diaspora and to foreigners. 30 lucky winners will be invited by the Ministry of External Affairs for an immersive two-week tour of India. Come, participate in the quiz and join the incredible India journey".

In recent times, the Government of India has actively engaged in connecting the diaspora to their roots in India.

The Ministry of External Affairs has been undertaking various programs such as the Know India Programme, Global Pravasi Rishta Portal and the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana.

Such initiatives help in establishing a three-way relationship between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and the Indian Diaspora.

According to the details shared by the Indian Embassy in France, the quiz is open to participants aged 14-50. The quiz has two categories namely one for the Non-Residential Indians (NRI) and one for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).

Details were also shared on the social media handles of Indian embassies, consulates and high commissions.

https://x.com/IndiaembFrance/status/1855888968929124428

These efforts are in line with PM Modi's call to foster deeper ties with the diaspora, whom he has often described as "living bridges".

The quiz can be taken on the website, https://bkjquiz.com. (ANI)
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), urged Tibetans in exile to deepen their historical understanding of Tibet and its current challenges in order to strengthen their connection to the Tibetan cause. Addressing people at the Kalimpong Tibetan settlement during his ongoing tour to engage with Tibetan communities, Sikyong emphasised the importance of recognising Tibet's geopolitical significance, particularly its vital river systems and environmental challenges. During his visit, Sikyong addressed students and highlighted the critical role of Tibet's history in shaping the community's struggle for autonomy. He noted the need for Tibetans to cultivate a stronger bond with their heritage and culture to preserve their identity amid mounting challenges. Sikyong also visited key Tibetan institutions, including the Tibetan Mentseekhang, the Tibetan Old Age Home, and the Kalimpong Tibetan Opera Association. At a gathering of approximately 200 Tibetan residents, he reflected on the community's journey into exile, honouring the sacrifices of past generations and acknowledging the role of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in establishing Tibetan settlements and schools in India. Sikyong further discussed the evolution of the middle way approach, a policy aimed at preserving Tibet's culture and seeking genuine autonomy under Chinese rule. This approach, particularly after the Chinese Cultural Revolution, advocates for peaceful Sino-Tibetan dialogue, and remains central to the Tibetan community's efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet issue. He expressed concern over the increasing restrictions imposed by China on Tibet, which have strained family relationships and reduced the number of Tibetans seeking exile. Sikyong also observed that these restrictions have negatively affected Tibetan monasteries and schools abroad. Reflecting on the broader geopolitical context, Sikyong noted China's weakened economic position following the pandemic and rising youth unemployment, which may present new opportunities for Tibet's advocacy. He underscored the importance of building global alliances with Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Hong Kong activists, and pro-democracy Chinese movements to enhance Tibet's international appeal. Sikyong warned that without a deep understanding of their own history, Tibetans risk losing their cultural identity and the legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's efforts, urging the community to prioritise preserving this knowledge for future generations. (ANI)
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has raised serious concerns about the lack of basic infrastructure, including freedom of speech, poor internet connectivity, and restricted media access in the Pakistan-occupied regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. The party highlighted the failure of the Pakistan government to provide essential services to residents, despite the local population paying taxes and contributing billions of dollars in remittances annually, bolstering Pakistan's economy. Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan, the central spokesperson for UKPNP, pointed out that these regions remain underdeveloped, with residents still being denied basic human rights, leading to ongoing suffering. He criticised the dilapidated infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads that have resulted in frequent accidents and fatalities. According to Khan, the government's corrupt practices and political favoritism in the allocation of development projects have contributed to a lack of professionalism in both the education and healthcare sectors, further exacerbating the conditions in the region. Khan also expressed frustration over the poor internet services in the region, despite the introduction of 2G mobile services in 2005, following intense pressure from the United States and other Western nations. He lamented that the internet speed in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is much slower compared to other regions of Pakistan, and that government-imposed "internet firewalls" continue to throttle internet speeds, making communication difficult and restricting access to vital information. He pointed out that the lack of proper mobile and internet services during the 2005 earthquake made rescue operations significantly harder, as international teams were unable to reach victims efficiently. The UKPNP has appealed to the Pakistan government to upgrade the region's infrastructure, including the introduction of high-speed internet services and 5G mobile connectivity, to improve the living conditions of the people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. (ANI)
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan Police has reportedly arrested two suspected drug dealers, for their involvement in the distribution of illegal substances around Karakoram International University (KIU). According to a report by Pamir Times, authorities have recovered 400 grams of hashish and 31 grams of crystal meth, commonly known as ice, which have now been seized for legal processing. These recent arrests underscore the ongoing challenge of drug abuse within educational institutions. Pakistani media have repeatedly highlighted the growing concern, attributing the rise in drug use to several interconnected factors: the breakdown of law and order, easy access to illegal substances, widespread poverty, and limited employment opportunities. In May, a report titled "Drug Abuse and Campuses" by the Pakistani media outlet Dawn raised an urgent alarm about the rising use of drugs in educational institutions. The report emphasised the severity of the issue, stating: "The use of drugs in educational institutions is alarming. The pace at which it is spreading is even more concerning--almost frightening. The number of teenagers using drugs on campuses is both frustrating and worrisome. Society can no longer afford to live in denial. We must wake up to this grim reality and take action before it is too late. The first step is to acknowledge the problem and understand what is happening and why." The report further noted that Pakistan's youth are under extreme stress, particularly in relation to academics and career pressures. They live with the constant fear of falling behind in an increasingly competitive world. In an attempt to cope with these pressures, many turn to smoking, followed by recreational drugs. Over time, what begins as a way to escape stress often leads to addiction, with many young people becoming habitual users. Another critical factor identified in the report was the widespread availability of drugs, particularly near educational campuses. This situation highlights a failure on the part of local administrations, provincial and federal governments, and law enforcement agencies--especially the police. The easy access to illegal substances around schools and universities is a glaring issue that exacerbates the problem, reported Dawn. The report called for immediate action, urging the government and relevant authorities to take strict measures to combat the drug menace. Furthermore, it stressed the need for parents to remain vigilant about their children's activities and to educate them on the dangers of drug addiction and its long-term effects on their well-being. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], November 11 (ANI/WAM): The UAE national domain .ae has achieved 347,000 registrations reflecting the demand and confidence in it by companies, individuals and businesses. These domains are managed by the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, which is working constantly to improve the services and provide the latest technologies to ensure the security and effectiveness of the domains. The UAE national domain name (.ae) is one of the vital elements in promoting the digital infrastructure of the UAE. It contributes significantly to strengthening the country's digital identity and supporting the digital economy. It is considered a symbol of trust and credibility for business owners, individuals and businesses, as it validates the status of their activities, and increases their chance for digital visibility and access to local and international customers. In order to improve the user experience, the National Domain Registry in the UAE launched several features, including the "Name Ideas" service, which suggests domain names for aspiring registrants with the help of generative artificial intelligence. Companies and individuals are required to provide a simple description of their business activity and the AI tool will suggest domain names that reflect their business. The service, which is the first of its kind in the region, has achieved more than10,000 visits since its launch in 2023. In addition, the .ae domain has attracted major registered companies, bringing the total number of accredited registrars to 26. Commenting on these improvements, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General of the Information and Digital Government Sector, said, "As a result of the continuous efforts and improvements by TDRA, the UAE national domain (.ae) remains an ideal choice for companies and individuals seeking to enhance their digital presence and achieve growth in a competitive digital market." He added, "The UAE national domain (.ae) is more than just an internet domain name. It reflects the UAE's commitment to strengthening its digital economy and providing new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike". (ANI/WAM)
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Israel's military and Shin Bet internal security agency said on Sunday that they had killed Muhammad Abu Sakhil, head of operations for the Islamic Jihad militant group, in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

The commander was targeted in "a precise strike" by the Israeli Air Force on Saturday, according to a joint statement. "Abu Sakhil operated in a command and control center embedded within a compound that previously served as the Fahd Al-Sabah School in northern Gaza," the statement added.

Israeli security forces described Abu Sakhil as "a significant figure" in Islamic Jihad, responsible for planning and coordinating attacks, including joint operations with Hamas against Israeli civilians and troops in Gaza.

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, often referred to simply as Islamic Jihad, is a militant group primarily operating in the Gaza Strip. Founded in 1981, it is the second-largest armed group in Gaza after Hamas.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) representative Abdullah Fadil appealed to the Pakistan government for immediate efforts to reduce air pollution as 11 million children are in danger after breathing toxic air in the Punjab province of Pakistan. According to a report by Dawn, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Punjab has crossed 400 in seven districts with Sialkot recording 774. Due to the poor air quality, schools have been closed until November 17 and the locals have been exempted from visiting public parks, zoos, playgrounds and museums. These measures are taken to reduce public exposure to smog, the Dawn reported. The UN Fund in Islamabad also stated that the poor air quality broke records in Lahore and Multan. This hazardous air hospitalised many people including dozens of children in the province. Fadil, the Fund's representative in Pakistan, said, "I am extremely concerned about the well-being of young children who are forced to breathe polluted, toxic air. Over 11 million children under five years of age are exposed to this smog in the worst-affected districts." The Dawn reported that Fadil further expressed his grief and said, "Before these record-breaking levels of air pollution, about 12 per cent of deaths in children under five in Pakistan were due to air pollution." He highlighted that the rise in "extraordinary smog" will have adverse effects on children as well as pregnant women. He emphasised, "When pregnant women are exposed to polluted air, they are more likely to give birth prematurely, face respiratory issues, and their babies may have a low birth weight. We cannot afford to let our babies breathe toxic air. We cannot let the health, education and well-being of millions of children suffer." He appealed to the Pakistan government to take immediate action as it is the right of every child to breathe clean air. (ANI)
The Indian Navy's Kalvari Class Submarine, INS Vela, made a port call at Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of its deployment on November 10. Sharing a post on X, the Indian Navy wrote, "Indian Navy's Kalvari Class Submarine - INS Vela, recently made a port call at Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of her deployment. The submarine was ceremonially received by the Defence Advisor in Colombo." The Indian Navy further said that the visit aligns with India's SAGAR initiative and emphasised that the visit bolsters "friendship, cooperation, and interoperability" between India and Sri Lanka. "This visit symbolises the strengthening of India - Sri Lanka maritime ties, fostering friendship, cooperation, and interoperability between the two nations, Sri Lanka and India. This visit aligns with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, emphasising collective regional security and growth," the post further said. Notably, INS Vela, a submarine serving in the Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo on Sunday on a formal visit, the Sri Lankan Navy said. The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions. INS Vela is a 67.5m long submarine with a crew of 53 and it is commanded by Commander Kapil Kumar. During the submarine's stay in Colombo, its crew is expected to participate in activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen camaraderie between the two navies, the Sri Lankan Navy added. In addition, personnel of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to visit the submarine to take part in an awareness programme on its operational features. Moreover, the crew members of the submarine are expected to explore some of the tourist attractions in the country. Concluding the official visit, INS Vela will depart the island on November 13. Notably, India and Sri Lanka have a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction and the relationship between the two countries is more than 2,500 years old. Trade and investment have grown and there is cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defence, according to the Consulate General of india in Sri Lanka's Hambantota. (ANI)
PM Modi in his wishes said that he looks forward to working closely with Dr. Ramgoolam to further strengthen their "unique partnership."

Sharing a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Had a warm conversation with my friend @Ramgoolam_Dr, congratulating him on his historic electoral victory. I wished him great success in leading Mauritius and extended an invitation to visit India. Look forward to working closely together to strengthen our special and unique partnership.

Notably, people in Mauritius cast their ballots in the parliamentary election on Sunday. The polls opened at 7 am (03:00 GMT) and closed at 6 pm (14:00 GMT) in the 12th election since independence from the United Kingdom in 1968.

The elections were held to choose legislators for the 62 seats in parliament, from a list of 68 parties and five political alliances.

On Monday, Pravind Jugnauth, the incumbent prime minister of Mauritius, conceded defeat in the parliamentary election, saying his political alliance is headed for a major loss, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

"L'Alliance Lepep is heading towards a huge defeat. I have tried to do what I can for the country and the population. The population has decided to choose another team. I wish good luck to the country," Jugnauth told reporters on Monday.

The 77-year-old Ramgoolam is the son of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, who served as Prime Minister between 1995 and 2000 and from 2005 to 2014.

On Sunday, Ramgoolam voiced optimism that his bloc would secure victory and told the reporters, "We are heading towards a big victory tomorrow. The people are waiting for this liberation," Al Jazeera reported.

Notably, India has close and longstanding relations with Mauritius, an island nation in the Western Indian Ocean, anchored in shared history, demography and culture. A key reason for the special ties is the fact that Indian-origin people comprise nearly 70% of the island's population of 1.2 million. (ANI)
Expressing gratitude, Pardeshi said that he looks forward to contributing to the advancement of India-Turkey relations in the coming months.

Sharing a post on X, Pardeshi wrote, "A great honour to pay a courtesy call on Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi, @PMOIndia before proceeding to Turkiye as the next Ambassador of India. Look forward to contributing sincerely to advancing India-Turkey relations in the coming months."

Notably, on September 20, Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Turkey, the Ministry of External Affairs had said.

There are deep historical connections between India and Turkey. The first exchange of diplomatic missions between the Ottoman Sultans and the Muslim rulers of the subcontinent dates back to the years 1481-82, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

According to the Embassy of India in Ankara, high-level bilateral exchanges include the visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to India to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi from September 9 to 10, 2023 during which a bilateral meeting was also held between PM Modi and President Erdogan on the sidelines of the Summit.

Discussions took place on bilateral cooperation potential in areas like trade and investment, defence and security, civil aviation, and shipping. President Erdogan paid a state visit to India in 2017. Besides high political level engagements, President Erdogan was conferred an honorary degree by Jamia Milia Islamia University during the visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G20 Summit held in Antalya in November 2015. (ANI)
Following a ban on the social media handles and pages of The Australia Today in Canada, the outlet on Monday reaffirmed its dedication to sharing diverse Australian multicultural and global Indian diaspora stories with its readers. The Australia Today provides news, analysis and opinions from Australia which are focused on multicultural communities and the Indian subcontinent. Sharing a post on X, The Australia Today wrote, "The Australia Today remains committed to bringing diverse Australian multicultural stories and global Indian Diaspora perspectives to our readers, and we look forward to continued engagement with our Canadian audience, albeit through other accessible channels beyond Meta's platforms. We hope that all stakeholders can work towards ensuring that important news content is accessible to everyone without barriers." The Australia Today further said that another news outlet known for "anti-India reporting and Khalistan propaganda," remains accessible in Canada on both Facebook and Instagram. The news outlet said, "Considering that another news outlet, known for its alleged anti-India reporting and Khalistan propaganda, remains accessible on both Facebook and Instagram in Canada, our logical conclusion was that there was selective blocking of our content on the platforms. To date, The Australia Today has not received any official notification or email from Meta regarding specific restrictions applied to our Facebook or Instagram pages." The outlet in a statement further said that they learnt about the accessibility of their Facebook and Instagram pages in Canada after publishing an interview with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "We acknowledge the recent statement from the Canadian Foreign Ministry and would like to clarify that we first learned that users in Canada were unable to access our Facebook and Instagram pages shortly after publishing our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. Before this, we were not aware of any issues regarding the accessibility of 'The Australia Today' content in Canada on Meta platforms," The Australia Today said. Notably, Canada blocked the outlet's social media handles and pages shortly after it aired a press conference of EAM 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 November 7, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lambasted Canada for its "hypocrisy towards freedom of speech" following the blocking of 'The Australia Today' in the country. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], November 11 (ANI/WAM): The 11th edition of the annual Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate (ADSD) began today in Abu Dhabi under the title of "The Illusion of Stability: A World in Flux." Organised by the Emirates Policy Center (EPC), the two-day event focuses on evolving global strategic trends amidst influential shifts in world security, emerging alliances, rising militarisation and the shifting roles of great powers, with special emphasis on the persistent instability in the Middle East. The conference opened with a panel dedicated to the UAE, highlighting the nation's future roadmap plan on sustainability, economic diversification, technological advancement and innovation. Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, highlighted in his keynote speech the urgent need to integrate humanitarian perspectives into the strategic decision-making process, emphasising that the lives and dignity of people, especially vulnerable groups, should be at the forefront of political considerations. He emphasised the UAE's vision under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote political solutions, dialogue, and de-escalation in the Middle East. He pointed out the severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan, stressing the UAE's commitment to providing humanitarian support and advocating for peace and stability in these regions. Dr. Gargash called for a collective Arab response to address regional crises and reiterated the UAE's commitment to the Palestinian cause, advocating for a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Dr. Gargash highlighted three critical priorities for Lebanon: distributing humanitarian aid, electing a president, and supporting state institutions, particularly the Lebanese army, to enforce national sovereignty. For Sudan, he underscored the need for a ceasefire, a political process towards a civilian-led government, and humanitarian support, while safeguarding Sudan's territorial sovereignty. On the situation in the Middle East, Dr. Gargash stressed the importance of collaborative action and a comprehensive approach to achieving stability in the region. "At a critical juncture for the Middle East, there is an urgent need for compassion, dialogue, and collaborative action. He stated that the UAE, under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, remains committed to humanitarian support, political solutions, and de-escalation efforts. "The UAE calls for cooperation to foster a more stable future and warns against further polarisation and conflict." Dr. Gargash underpinned the crucial role of the United States, especially during current crises, but noted that "a shift in strategy is needed", emphasising that U.S. leadership should integrate humanitarian concerns with strategic interests rather than resort to reactive and fragmented policies. With a new American administration taking office, Dr. Gargash said that the UAE stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensure regional security and stability, noting that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has congratulated President-Elect Donald Trump, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to a strategic partnership with the US. The UAE aims to become a global hub for innovation, leveraging advancements in AI, technology, and sustainable energy, Dr. Gargash stated, highlighting the UAE's strategic partnership with the US, especially in technology, space, and climate action. "The UAE is actively participating in international platforms like the G20 and BRICS to support global peace, sustainable development, and economic collaboration," he added. Concluding his speech, Dr. Gargash urged for a multifaceted approach that balances political realities with humanitarian considerations, advocating for good governance, economic development, and opportunities for youth. He stressed that politics should aim to improve the lives of ordinary people, with a focus on collaboration and sustainable development to achieve a stable and prosperous future for the region. For her part, Dr. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President of the Emirates Policy Center, emphasised that the 11th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate is taking place amidst significant global and regional transformations, pointing to Donald Trump's victory in the US elections and the evolving American foreign policy amid intense global competition. She noted that the first day of the forum discussed several critical geopolitical issues, including the rivalry among great powers, the role of key players in Asia, and the emergence of so-called "middle powers" in the region, alongside Russia and the Ukraine crisis. Al-Ketbi added that the forum also addresses vital topics such as transport routes and logistics corridors, which are becoming increasingly important amid international competition over rare minerals. Discussions extend to maritime security in the Red Sea and the challenges posed by Houthi threats to maritime navigation. Furthermore, she highlighted that the forum is examining the impact of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon on regional stability, alongside discussions on the future of the Palestinian state. The forum also underscores the UAE's role in a world marked by crises and conflicts, with the country being a hub of opportunities and growth, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and knowledge transfer, thanks to its robust economy under confident and visionary leadership. Al-Ketbi concluded by noting that the forum gathers a distinguished group of speakers and experts from around the world, including participants from the Arab world, Asia, Europe, and Africa. (ANI/WAM)
The Shehbaz Sharif-led government is evaluating a set of civil service reforms that were initially developed and approved under the Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, but largely went unimplemented. The reform agenda, which the Imran Khan administration's Task Force on Civil Service Reform crafted after extensive consultations with over 3,000 participants across 68 sessions, aimed to modernise Pakistan's bureaucracy through structural, procedural, and incentive-based changes, The News International reported. Led by Ishrat Husain, the Task Force on Civil Service Reform laid out a comprehensive plan targeting various aspects of the bureaucracy, including the recruitment process. One major proposed change to the existing Central Superior Services (CSS) examination structure included introducing a preliminary screening test, cluster-based exams specific to various domains, psychometric evaluations, structured interviews, and increased automation within the system. Despite these recommendations, the PTI government did not implement this overhaul of the CSS framework. The Task Force also advocated for an improved training regimen, which involved dividing mid-career and senior management courses into general management and specialised training. While this aspect of the training scheme was implemented, the broader proposal to reorganise specialised training institutions and make training mandatory for ex-cadre and non-cadre civil servants was left unaddressed. Regarding performance management, the Task Force sought to shift from the subjective Annual Confidential Report (ACR) system to an objective Performance Evaluation Report (PER) with clearly defined goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). While the PTI administration introduced performance agreements between the Prime Minister and ministers, the new evaluation system for civil servants was not widely implemented, even though relevant proformas were developed, reported The News International. Another significant reform that was introduced under the PTI government but later reversed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was the mandatory retirement of underperforming officials after 20 years of service. This change was upheld by the High Court, but the subsequent PDM government chose to reinstate the previous system. In terms of compensation, the Task Force recommended the monetisation of various perks such as housing, transport, and allowances for officers from grade 17 to 22. Additionally, it suggested that annual salary increments should be based on individual performance ratings rather than a standard increment for all. However, these recommendations were not implemented during the PTI tenure. To enhance expertise within federal ministries, the Task Force proposed the recruitment of technical experts and advisers through an open and competitive process. While the government partially implemented this proposal, only a limited number of appointments, including the recent hiring of an IT secretary from the private sector, have been made. Under the PTI government, and following the Task Force's advice, the selection process for CEOs and Managing Directors (MDs) of 62 public sector organisations was completed through an open, merit-based approach, resulting in the appointment of 16 expatriate Pakistanis as heads of various organisations, reportedly yielding positive outcomes. For pension reform, the Task Force recommended transitioning from a defined benefits plan to a defined contribution plan for new entrants, a proposal that has now been implemented by the current government. Additionally, the Task Force proposed creating equal opportunities for advancement by requiring public servants in Grade 19 to pass a public service examination before moving to higher grades within the Federal Secretariat. Selected candidates would then be assigned to one of four ministry clusters--Economic, Social Sector, Technical, or General Management. However, this proposal was not approved under the PTI administration, The News International reported. As the current government revisits these proposals, there remains an opportunity to bring transformative changes to the civil service that were initially envisioned but left unfulfilled. (ANI)
A high-level delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam, led by Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Member of the 15th National Assembly, visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi on Monday. According to a release, upon arrival, Thang and his colleagues were warmly welcomed by BJP's National General Secretary Tarun Chugh. "A delegation from Communist Party Of Vietnam headed by HE Mr Nguyen Xuan Thang visited BJP HQ. Discussions with @tarunchughbjp focused on party structure, ideology, & grassroots implementation of Modi govt schemes, strengthening CPV-BJP ties & future collaboration," BJP's Foreign Affairs Department said in a post on X. In a post on X, Tarun Chugh highlighted the deep ties between India and Vietnam rooted in shared history and expressed commitment to strengthen this partnership for inclusive growth and regional cooperation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I was delighted to welcome Prof Dr Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Member of the 15th National Assembly, and the Vietnamese delegation to BJP headquarters today. The bond between India and Vietnam is deep, rooted in shared history and a vision for progress. Under PM @NarendraModi Ji's visionary leadership, we are committed to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of both our nations, with a focus on inclusive growth and regional cooperation," Chugh said. In his address, Tarun Chugh spoke to the Vietnamese delegates about the deep history and legacy of the BJP, noting that "every brick of this party is filled with our ancestors' patience, faith, and extreme hard work, making this office akin to a temple for us." Chugh reflected on the BJP's roots stretching back over 75 years and its critical role in India's struggle for independence. He outlined the guiding principles of the BJP, stating, "Our party works on the principle of 'Nation First, Party Second, Self Last.' Our mission is to continuously work with a focus on Antyodaya--reaching out to the individual at the last mile. With this commitment, our Prime Minister and the BJP are driven by the core values of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas." Chugh emphasized that this principle guides the BJP's dedication to inclusive growth and service to all citizens. Chugh also highlighted the longstanding friendship between India and Vietnam, marked by shared cultural, traditional, and bilateral ties, as well as India's ongoing support for Vietnam in semiconductor development, the release said. He went on to elaborate on the organizational structure and various divisions of the BJP, mentioning the 'NaMo App' and the Prime Minister's popular 'Mann Ki Baat,' both of which have seen remarkable success and popularity in nationwide outreach. Chugh further noted the BJP's unprecedented membership growth, with over 20 million active members and more than 108 million members joining through the ongoing membership drive, making it the largest membership initiative for any political party in the world. Chugh also emphasised on the Act East Policy driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meant to strengthen and bolster Indian economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian countries, especially with Vietnam. Nguyen Xuan Thang expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and acknowledged the strengthening ties between India and Vietnam, which have grown significantly under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. He emphasized the importance of the visit in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations, the release said. This visit reaffirms the commitment between India and Vietnam to strengthen their historic bonds, advance shared values, and build a strong foundation for continued collaboration and partnership, it added. (ANI)
The event, a consular camp, was scheduled to take place on November 17, where Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs could renew essential life certificates.

The temple administration issued a statement on Monday, saying, "Please be advised that the Life Certificate Event scheduled at Brampton Triveni Mandir by the Indian Consulate on November 17, 2024, has been cancelled. This is due to official intelligence from Peel Regional Police, stating that there is an Extremely High and Imminent Threat Level of violent protests."

The authorities appologized to the community members, stating, "We apologize to all community members who were depending on the event. We are deeply saddened that Canadians now feel unsafe coming to Hindu Temples in Canada."

"We call on Peel Police to address the threats being circulated against Brampton Triveni Mandir and provide security guarantees to the Canadian Hindu Community and the general public," the temple administration added.

Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre is a spiritual place for the gathering of all Hindus and like-minded people gather to participate in Puja, Kirtan, Sewa and Pravachan.

On November 3, an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, near Toronto, witnessed a "violent disruption". The incident sparked widespread criticism in and outside Canada.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the "deliberate attack" on Hindu temple in Canada and said that "cowardly attempts to intimidate" Indian diplomats were appalling and New Delhi expects Canadian authorities to ensure justice and uphold rule of law.

"I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," PM Modi said on X.

The ties between India and Canada took sharp downturn following Canadian leaders making allegations without providing evidence about an assassination on their soil. (ANI)
In a rare find, the Japanese Mint Bureau has acquired 15 boxes containing 500,000 ceramic coins. Previously thought to have been destroyed, these coins offer a unique opportunity to study wartime manufacturing processes during World War II.

The coins were discovered in August 2023 by representatives of Shofu Inc., who unexpectedly found them in a warehouse used to store dental equipment. Amongst ordinary ceramic items, they located 15 boxes filled with these rare coins. This discovery has generated considerable interest among historians and numismatists.

These "phantom coins," a hidden treasure for decades, were believed to have been destroyed after the war. Their rediscovery makes the 500,000 coins now held by the Japanese Mint incredibly valuable. While they no longer hold monetary value, they serve as important historical artifacts from World War II.

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A representative from the Mint stated that they can now investigate the manufacturing of ceramic coins during that period. The coins were never issued because the war ended, rendering them worthless. But soon, they will be brought to life in a new exhibit as a rediscovered hoard.

500,000 out of 15 million ceramic coins recovered

During the war, metal was scarce and prioritized for military use. Subsequently, officials authorized the production of 15 million ceramic coins in Kyoto, Seto, and Arita, renowned centers of the pottery industry. However, when Japan surrendered, the need for these coins vanished and they were ordered to be destroyed.

But somehow, by a stroke of luck, fifteen boxes of these rare coins were saved, stored away, or simply forgotten. For 80 years, the wooden boxes remained undisturbed in a warehouse. The reddish coins inside might resemble gaming chips, but they are official coins that were manufactured but never circulated.

There are unexpected things in expected places, a Shofu representative commented.

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According to a press release, the Mint acquired approximately 500,000 1-sen ceramic coins after Shofu representatives discovered fifteen wooden boxes filled with this unique wartime currency.

The coins have the same diameter as a DVD, 15 millimeters, and feature a cherry blossom on one side and Mount Fuji on the other  two iconic symbols of Japan.

The Mint considers this a valuable acquisition, even though one sen is worth less than a cent.

The coins will soon be on public display

The Mint issued an official statement acknowledging the acquisition and thanking Shofu for turning over the coins. In return, Shofu received one hundred of the coins as a token of appreciation.

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"We hope that the recent discovery of so many ceramic coins will lead to new discoveries about the circumstances surrounding currency manufacturing at the end of the Pacific War," they stated.

"In the future, we plan to conduct a detailed investigation into the condition of the discovered ceramic coins while also referring to materials remaining in the Mint's collection, which we hope will shed more light on the manufacturing conditions at the time."

Soon, the coins will be exhibited at the Mint Museum and will even go on tour to its Saitama and Hiroshima branches.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned with his cabinet on Monday ahead of a parliament vote later the day to select the country's next prime minister following the general election last month.

Cabinet ministers of the Ishiba administration submitted letters of resignation en masse at a cabinet meeting Monday morning.

As the ruling bloc of LDP and Komeito holds less than a majority in the House of Representatives, Monday's vote is likely to head to a runoff between Ishiba and major opposition Constitutional Democratic Party leader Yoshihiko Noda.

It will mark the first runoff in nearly 30 years.
Nov. 10 (UPI) -- An American woman who was traveling in Hungary was killed in Budapest last week allegedly by a man she met on vacation, police said.

Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old native of New York who went by Kenzie, went missing Nov. 4 about 10 p.m. local time after dining at the restaurant Barack et Szilva Etterem in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest, friends and family members said online.

After leaving the restaurant, Michalski went to a nightclub called Szimpla Kert, from which she sent photos to her friends and family members before disappearing. She never returned to the Airbnb rental at which she was staying.

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Budapest police said in a news release that investigators scoured surveillance cameras and found that Michalski had been in several nightclubs with a suspicious man who was found Nov. 7 and arrested at an apartment he had rented.

The man's identity was not provided by Budapest police, but he was described as a 37-year-old from Ireland.

Michalski apparently met the man in one of the nightclubs and agreed to go back to his apartment where they "had gotten intimate" before she was killed, police said.

"The suspect then tried to remove the traces of the murder; he cleaned his apartment and hid her body in a wardrobe while he went to get a suitcase," police said in the news release.

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"He then put the girl's body in the suitcase, then rented a car and set off toward Lake Balaton with the suitcase in the trunk. He hid his victim in a wooded area on the outskirts of Szigliget, then drove back to Budapest, where he was arrested."

Police said they later discovered that the man had searched online for terms including, "do pigs really eat dead bodies" and "removing rotting meat smell."

The man allegedly confessed to the killing, but claimed her death was an accident, and can be seen leading police to the location of her body in video released by investigators.

"We are currently on our way to Budapest holding a light for our daughter Mackenzie," her father posted on social media. "Words can't express how grateful we are for the tremendous response to her cause and the countless people helping to find her."
Britains wind generation is set to plummet to virtually zero this week as Ed Miliband presses ahead with plans to increase the nations reliance on renewable energy.

Much of the UK has seen zero hours of sunshine this month, and the first part of this week will see already-light winds hit fresh lows in many areas, according to Met Office forecasters.

The dark and windless weather comes as Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, fly to the UN climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, to pledge massive cuts in UK greenhouse gas emissions.

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They are expected to pledge to cut CO2 emissions by 240m tonnes, or 60pc of their 2022 levels, by 2035.

They will also confirm plans to decarbonise the UK electricity system by 2030, by ending the use of the UKs 32 main gas-fired power stations.

Sir Keirs speech, expected on Tuesday, coincides with a record dunkelflaute spell of low winds and sunshine that have already slashed output from renewables.

Wind speeds are expected to fall again this week, making gas more essential than ever to keep the lights on.

Many of our weather stations have recorded zero sunshine so far this month, said a Met Office forecaster. Its very unusual.

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Those weather stations are spread across the southern UK, with zero sunshine readings from Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, Ross on Wye, near the Welsh borders, St Athan, west of Cardiff, Liscombe in Devon and Wittering, near Peterborough.

The Met Office said: Monday and Tuesday will see unusually light winds. Theres an area of high pressure across the UK and Europe which makes for very settled and calm weather.

Weather readings and forecasts have become increasingly important for UK power generation because of growing reliance on wind and solar.

Over the last week solar generated just 0.7pc of the nations electricity and wind just 10.6pc, according to grid data.

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By contrast, on sunny and windy days renewables have generated more than 87pc of UK power needs.

Neso, the UKs National Energy System Operator, which runs the grid, expects the UK to have its first periods of complete decarbonisation, when no gas is needed, in 2025.

However, such data also underscore the problem of intermittency, with the grid needing some means of supplying low carbon power all the time, not just when the wind is blowing.

Mr Miliband said the UKs willingness to pledge such massive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions was a sign of climate leadership.

He said: The only way to protect our children and future generations is by leading global climate action. At the Cop29 climate talks, we will work with other countries to step up ambition on tackling the climate crisis.

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GOP businessman Dave McCormick slightly widened his lead over Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey in the vote count this past weekend, but the 18-year incumbent Democrat and his allies remained steadfast in insisting the election outcome isn't clear.

The Associated Press last week declared McCormick the winner of the pivotal race, and the Republican has already made celebratory appearances on Fox News and delivered a victory speech to supporters. Still, Casey and other Democrats arent ready to give up, arguing that too many provisional and overseas and absentee ballots remain outstanding at this point.

More: McCormick continues victory lap in Pa.'s US Senate race, while Casey refuses to concede

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Ive said it before, and Ill say it now. It's a beautiful day to count every vote, Casey posted on X Saturday.

However, McCormick gained a bit of ground Saturday and Sunday and was leading Casey by about 40,000 votes by Monday morning. That puts him about 0.58 percentage points ahead of the incumbent and above the 0.5-point threshold for triggering an automatic statewide recount.

The Pennsylvania Secretary of State estimated Thursday that about 100,000 ballots then remained uncounted, and Casey's campaign says many of them are from blue-leaning parts of the commonwealth. The New York Times, CNN and NBC still havent called the race in McCormicks favor, they note.

The Democrat's team also points to complaints that McCormick filed last week over provisional ballot canvassing in Philadelphia as evidence the GOP challenger himself recognizes the election fight isnt over.

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Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer still hasnt extended a Senate orientation invitation to McCormick, believing the election results arent yet certain, according to Politico. The decision was condemned by GOP politicians, who are turning up the pressure on Democrats to accept McCormick as Pennsylvanias next senator.

What happened to all the demands that our leaders accept the outcome of the elections? Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, wrote on X.

Bethany Rodgers is a USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania capital bureau investigative journalist.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: McCormick slightly widens lead over Casey in Pa's US Senate race count
Donald Trump Jr said there is no place in his fathers administration for war hawks amid growing signs the president-elect will follow through on plans to bring a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Mr Trump Jr, who has taken an increasingly prominent role in Republican politics, backed calls to keep neocons and war hawks out of the White House after his father earlier ruled out a return for two prominent pro-Ukraine voices.

Retweeting a post from a Right-wing comedian that said: We need maximum pressure to keep all neocons and war hawks out of the Trump administration he responded: Agreed... Im on it.

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The president-elect is in the process of selecting his Cabinet and hiring thousands of federal workers to staff his administration when he returns to power in January.

Donald Trump Jr has suggested he is already working to help keep neocons and war hawks out of his fathers Cabinet - Joe Raedle/Getty Images

On Saturday, Mr Trump announced that he would not appoint Mike Pompeo, the former CIA director, or Nikki Haley, his former UN ambassador, to his new Cabinet.

Both have expressed strong support for the US supplying Ukraine with the weapons it needs to hold off Russia.

Questions remain as to how the incoming president will address the conflict, with Mr Trump repeatedly insisting that he will end it in 24 hours.

He has not explained how he plans to do so, although he has surrounded himself with vocal critics of Americas support for Ukraine, including his running mate JD Vance.

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The incoming vice-president argued against Joe Biden providing billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine following its invasion by Russia in February 2022.

I gotta be honest with you, I dont really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another, Mr Vance said, shortly after the invasion.

In an opinion piece for the Financial Times earlier this year, he said Europe needed to stand on its own two feet with regards to defence of the continent.

As the American defence budget nears $1 trillion per year, we ought to view the money Europe hasnt spent on defence for what it really is: an implied tax on the American people to allow for the security of Europe, he wrote

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Nothing in recent memory demonstrates this more clearly than the war in Ukraine. There is frankly no good reason that aid from the US should be needed.

Credit: donaldjtrumpjr/Instagram

Mr Trump Jr, who successfully lobbied his father to select Mr Vance, could also have a major role in the Trump administration come January.

Over the weekend, he appeared to mock Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, over losing his American allowance when his father returns to the White House.

In a post on Instagram on Saturday, Mr Trump shared a video of Mr Zelensky looking unhappy alongside Donald Trump with the caption: POV: Youre 38 days from losing your allowance.

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Mr Trump has previously suggested he could stop military aid being sent to Ukraine, complaining that Mr Zelenskys requests for assistance never end. He said in September: We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal.

Elbridge Colby, a Trump ally who is tipped for a return to the White House, said on Sunday that the incoming president would bring... an end to the Ukraine War and making sure our Nato allies step up.

Mr Colby, a former Pentagon official, posted a video on social media of Mr Trump speaking in July 2023, in which he declared it would be completely unhinged to allow Ukraine into Nato at this point.

Credit: TrumpDailyPosts/X

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Critics say Mr Trumps proposed end to the conflict would play into Russias hands.

Natos top military official has warned that Mr Trump will hurt America if he allows Vladimir Putin to win in Ukraine.

Admiral Rob Bauer said Ukraine was of strategic importance to the US, and warned that North Koreas entry into the war on Russias side was a problem for America.

Adml Bauer made an appeal for the US to remain engaged in the Ukraine war, saying: [The conflict is] connected to the rules-based international order [and to] the heart of Europe.

It is connected to the ambitions of Russia, and indirectly, the ambitions of China.

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I cannot imagine that it is in the interest of the United States to allow Putin to come out of this conflict as a winner.

Adml Bauer, who as chairman of Natos military committee is the main link between the alliances forces and its political leaders, commands no troops of his own, but is one of the most influential military officers in the alliance.

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In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, he previously suggested that Mr Trumps idea of a 24-hour peace plan for Ukraine needed to be viewed through a wider aperture.

The fact that Russia and China have allowed North Korea to change from being the most isolated country in the world with a large set of UN Security Council resolutions against it  supported by Russia and China  they are now, suddenly, a player. That is a problem for the US.

The Kremlin has welcomed what it said was Mr Trumps openness to a deal that could bring an end to the war.

The signals are positive, said spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Trump during his election talked about how he perceives everything through deals, that he can make a deal that can lead to peace.

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Last week, it was reported that Mr Trump is considering a plan that would freeze the conflict on the current front lines, with European peace-keepers deployed to an 800-mile buffer zone.

In his first term, Mr Trump threatened to pull the United States out of Nato, calling on European nations to increase their own spending on defence rather than rely on the protection of America.

Russia has amassed some 50,000 troops including North Korean soldiers in an attempt to push Ukrainian forces out of its Kursk border region.

They have been attacking Ukrainian positions with missile strikes and artillery fire, but have not yet begun a major assault there, US officials said.

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Ukrainian officials say they expect an attack involving the North Korean troops in the coming days.

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The claim: Harris won every state that doesnt require voter ID, no states that require it

A Nov. 7 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) includes an image of an electoral map and a claim of a pattern in the presidential election results.

Kamala won EVERY SINGLE state that doesnt require voter ID, reads on-screen text in the image, which is a screenshot of a post on X, formerly Twitter. She didnt win a SINGLE state that requires it. Its insane that this is just being ignored.

The post was liked more than 800 times in a day. Other versions of the claim circulated widely on Instagram, Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.

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More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: False

The claim is wrong on both counts. Vice President Kamala Harris won numerous states with voter ID requirements. President-elect Donald Trump also won states that do not require most voters to provide identification.

Colorado, Rhode Island among states with strict voter ID laws

Trump swept swing states to defeat Harris in the Nov. 5 election, securing a second presidency four years after he was voted out of office.

But the contrast between the states won by Trump and Harris, as presented in the social media posts, is inaccurate. Harris did not win every state without voter ID requirements, and she did win states with such measures in place.

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She won Rhode Island and Colorado, for example, which both require voters to present identification when voting in person. Rhode Island requires that ID include a photo, but Colorado does not.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024; Atlanta, Ga; Vice President Kamala Harris points toward Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a presidential campaign rally on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Georgia State Convocation Center in Atlanta, Ga.

The vice president also won New Hampshire, which requires photo ID but allows individuals without one to either have their identity confirmed by a designated official or fill out an affidavit and have their photo taken in order to vote, according to the New Hampshire Secretary of States Office.

Harris also won both Delaware and Virginia, which require voters to present a valid form of ID but allow individuals without identification to fill out or sign a form to vote, according to the states' respective election offices.

Fact check: Colorado election law isn't in effect, wouldn't give 'all our votes' to Trump

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Additionally, Harris didnt win every state without widespread voter ID requirements.

Pennsylvania, for example, only requires people to provide an ID if theyre a first-time voter or are voting at a new polling place, according to the commonwealths website. Trump was declared the winner of its critical 19 electoral votes early Nov. 6.

Individuals dont have to provide any form of identification when they vote in Nevada if the states verification process is able to match the information on their voter registration form with other records, according to the Nevada Secretary of States Office. The Associated Press called the state for Trump on Nov. 9.

Nevada on Election Day approved a ballot question in support of amending the state constitution to require voters to provide photo ID, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The measure cannot be implemented unless it is approved in the 2026 election.

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USA TODAY has debunked an array of claims related to Harris campaign, including false assertions that a video shows a Haitian man describing a plot to vote for Harris multiple times, that Turnout the Vote paid people $200 to vote for Harris and that a dot by Harris name on a Kentucky ballot invalidated votes for any other candidate.

USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

The Australian Associated Press also debunked the claim.

Our fact-check sources:

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Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here.

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harris won several states that require ID to vote | Fact check
Off the coast of Chile and Peru, along the entire western length of South America, the seafloor takes a sharp, steep plunge deep into the Pacific Ocean. Known as the Chile margin, the region is defined by three tectonic plates sliding underneath the continental plate of South America.

This process generates some interesting activity. At the junctions where the plates meet, volcanic activity bubbles up from below the seafloor, infusing the deep ocean with warmth and chemicals. And where such hydrothermal activity runs rampant, so too does an entire ecosystem, far beneath the waves.

From aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor (too), a team of marine scientists led by Jeffrey Marlow from Boston University in the US, Patricia Esquete from the University of Aveiro in Portugal, and Eulogio Soto from the Universidad de Valparaiso in Chile, has ventured to explore these ecosystems, mapping the diversity and distribution of marine life that swarms the depths below.

The 55-day expedition commenced on 11 October, and already the wealth of data is jaw-dropping. And, as part of their data collection, the researchers are obtaining spectacular videos of sights usually off-limits to humans, using the remotely-operated underwater vehicle, SuBastian.

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"As marine organisms die, they sink to the seafloor, where they are buried in the sediment  decomposing and enabling the slow buildup of methane. Eventually, the gas escapes upward through cracks and fissures, forming methane seeps," the Institute explains.

"Tiny single-celled organisms, chemosynthetic microbes, convert methane into energy to grow, forming carbonate rocks in the process. These seeps are known to be essential habitats, and the microbes consuming methane ensure this greenhouse gas remains locked in the seafloor and out of our atmosphere."

Since the expedition is still underway, science results may be some time away yet, but we are being treated to some of the videos. An incredible compilation hints at much more treasures to come.

Highlights include a seafloor absolutely teeming with spider crabs; Lamellibrachia tubeworms so abundant they form a reef-like structure around which entire food webs thrive; skates, sea stars, and anemones; and a mother Gonatus onyx squid, carrying her eggs around on a membrane like a blanket, which after months of careful incubation is shaken vigorously to help her young hatch and swim free.

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A separate video posted to Instagram shows a polychaete worm rippling along the seafloor, its bristles shimmering with iridescence. These invertebrates are extremely diverse and fill important ecological roles, serving as predator, prey, and clean-up crew for ocean detritus.

The expedition is set to continue until 5 December. Until then, the researchers will look for previously undiscovered seeps and vents, with a focus on the region called the Chile Triple Junction. This is the point at which the Nazca and Antarctic plates are subducted beneath the South American plate.

Where the two former plates meet a ridge runs perpendicular to the subduction zone; it's the only place in the world where an ocean ridge is being subducted beneath a continental plate. This means even more ocean life discoveries await in some of the ocean's most dynamic geophysical environments.

You can follow along with the expedition on the Schmidt Ocean Institute's YouTube and Instagram pages.

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Backspace Marketing is expanding its local SEO services with a specialized Google My Business (GMB) optimization initiative. Designed to enhance visibility for small businesses in regional markets, this new service aims to improve how businesses appear in local searches, meeting the growing demand for targeted local search strategies. Through strategic GMB optimization, Backspace Marketing empowers small businesses to capture more nearby customers and stand out in competitive local landscapes.

Why Local SEO Matters for Small Businesses

Local SEO is essential for connecting small businesses with potential customers who are searching nearby for specific products or services. By optimizing for local searches like coffee shop near me or best dentist in [city], small businesses can boost visibility exactly where it matters. Through effective GMB optimization, Backspace Marketing helps small businesses increase foot traffic, attract new customers, and strengthen their local presence.

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A well-optimized GMB profile is one of the most significant factors in local search rankings. Backspace Marketings approach involves ensuring each clients GMB profile is fully completed and meets Googles standards. This involves verifying that essential details like name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent and accurate across all platforms. Incomplete or inconsistent information can harm local search rankings, so Backspace focuses on establishing a reliable and professional online presence for each client.

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Backspace Marketing strategically selects categories and attributes for each GMB profile, enhancing search relevance. These elements allow Google to understand the primary services a business offers, increasing the likelihood of appearing in searches for those services. By selecting specific categories and attributes (like wheelchair accessible or free Wi-Fi), Backspace ensures clients reach audiences who are looking for exactly what they offer, increasing the precision of local targeting.

Enhancing Visual Appeal and Customer Engagement with Photos

High-quality photos are an effective yet underutilized component of GMB profiles. Backspace Marketing encourages clients to upload engaging images of their storefront, popular products, or well-designed interiors to create a positive first impression. Studies show that profiles with engaging photos generate higher user interactions, making it more likely that customers will visit or choose a business over competitors. By prioritizing visual appeal, Backspace helps businesses make a memorable impact in search results.

Consistency Across Platforms as a Key to SEO Success

Consistency of information across platforms is foundational to local SEO success. Backspace Marketing emphasizes NAP consistency across all online listings, which helps build trust with Googles algorithms and ensures a cohesive online identity. Discrepancies in business information can negatively impact local search rankings, so Backspace supports clients in maintaining accurate, up-to-date details across all digital profiles, reinforcing their credibility.

Managing Reviews to Strengthen Local SEO

Customer reviews play a critical role in GMB profiles by enhancing credibility and influencing search rankings. Backspace Marketing advises clients on best practices for managing and responding to reviews, as active engagement helps build trust both with customers and Googles algorithms. Reviews act as social proof, attracting new clients who value previous customer experiences. By fostering positive reviews and responding to feedback, Backspace assists clients in building a robust local presence.

Utilizing GMB Insights for Continuous Improvement

To optimize each GMB profile over time, Backspace Marketing uses GMB Insights, which track customer interactions like searches, calls, and website clicks. These analytics provide valuable information about local user behavior, guiding ongoing optimization. With a data-driven approach, Backspace ensures clients profiles stay relevant and competitive, adapting to evolving local trends and customer preferences.

Google My Business Best Practices for Small Businesses

To fully benefit from GMB, small businesses can implement the following best practices:

Choosing Relevant Categories: Selecting categories that align closely with core services helps increase visibility for targeted searches.

Regular Updates: Keeping profiles current with new photos, seasonal hours, or special offers improves engagement.

Managing Q&A: Addressing customer questions promptly builds trust and improves profile attractiveness.

Encouraging Customer Reviews: Positive reviews not only boost rankings but also appeal to potential customers.

By following these strategies, businesses can optimize their GMB profiles to enhance local search performance and build stronger connections with nearby customers.

Conclusion

Backspace Marketings new GMB initiative highlights its commitment to improving local visibility for small businesses through strategic SEO practices. By focusing on profile completeness, visual engagement, and consistent information, Backspace enables clients to make a meaningful impact in their communities and succeed in regional markets.
Jamal Simmons, the former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris, called for President Joe Biden to step down, allowing Harris to become the first female President of the United States.

Speaking on CNNs State of the Union, Simmons praised Bidens tenure, saying, Joe Bidens been a phenomenal president; hes lived up to so many of the promises hes made. Theres one promise left that he could fulfill, being a transitional figure.

He could resign the presidency in the next 30 days, make Kamala Harris President of the United States.

Itd turn tables on Trump, keep Kamala from presiding over January 6 and make it easier for the next woman to run, he said.

When host Dana Bash asked Simmons about Harris chances of being nominated to the Supreme Court, he reiterated his call for Harris as president.

This is something within Joe Bidens control. If he did it, it would, again, fulfill his last promise and give Kamala Harris a chance to be the 47th President of the United States of America. It would disrupt all of Donald Trumps paraphernalia, right? Hed have to rebrand everything. And make it easier for the next woman president not have to hold all that weight of being the first, Simmons said.

Former Harris staffer Jamal Simmons suggested a way the vice president can still become president. (CNN screenshot)

This suggestion comes in the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election, in which former President Donald Trump won against Vice President Harris, the Democratic candidate, by securing victories in twelve key swing states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025.
American pop megastar Taylor Swift won four awards at the 2024 MTV European Music Awards on Sunday night, outshining many of the biggest industry names at the ceremony in Manchester.

In a pre-recorded message, the 34-year-old, who won best artist and best live artist, expressed sadness for not being able to attend the event.

In the same vein, South African sensation Tyla clinched the prestigious Best Afrobeats award over Nigerias Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems.

This historic win was just one of three awards Tyla took home, making her the first African artist to achieve such a feat at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Tyla is the first African artiste to win three awards in one night at the MTV EMAs.

She won the Best Afrobeats Award, Best R&B Award, and Best African Act Award at the 2024 MTV EMAs.

The results for the 2024 MTV EMAs were disclosed on the organisers official account on X.

For the shows 30th anniversary, the MTV Europe Music Awards returned to the UK, with Manchesters Co-op Live serving as the official venue for musics biggest global celebration on Sunday, 10 November.

Reacting to her win, Tyla quoted a tweet from the organisers and thanked her fans, posting, Thank you Tygers once again! ???? Yall are insane!

Tylas name was surprisingly omitted in the full 2025 Grammy nominations announced on Friday.

Earlier in July, Tyla was named Best New Artist at the BET Awards 2024, beating Ayra Starr and Asake to the award.

Tylas debut single, Water, catapulted her to global fame and earned her several accolades, including the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in February 2024.

2024 MTV EMAs Biggest Wins

Voting opened with Taylor Swift leading the pack with seven nominations, including Best Artist, Best Video, Best Pop, and Biggest Fans.

Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter followed closelyeach with five nominations across categories such as Best Song, Best Video, and Best Artist.

People reports that other top contenders with four nominations each included Ayra Starr, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Lisa, and first-time nominees Chappell Roan and Tyla.

Kehlani and Tinashe were among the 19 nominees up for their first-ever MTV EMA nomination.

The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) is an annual awards ceremony established in 1994 by MTV to celebrate and honour achievements in the music industry, specifically targeting European audiences.

The event is modelled after the iconic MTV Video Music Awards but focuses on European and global artists, recognising music across various genres and regions.

Each year, the awards are held in a different European city, making it a cultural and music highlight, with past locations including Berlin, Paris, and London.
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to letters from friendly personages from all walks of life in Brazil recently, encouraging them to continuously contribute to the China-Brazil friendship.

In his reply, Xi said that he is glad to see that the China-Brazil friendship has been passed on from generation to generation, adding that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Brazil have marched forward hand in hand, sharing weal and woe, and have forged a friendship spanning mountains and oceans.

China is willing to work with Brazil to enrich the friendship between the two countries in the new era, make China-Brazil relations a good example of solidarity, coordination, common development and mutual benefit among major developing countries, and make greater contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind, Xi said.

He said Brazilian friends are welcome to visit China more often and experience for themselves the myriad sights of Chinese modernization.

He voiced hope that people from all walks of life in the two countries will play a positive role in promoting the continuous development of China-Brazil relations and making the China-Brazil friendship flow unceasingly like the Yangtze River and the Amazon River, Xi added.

Recently, Enrique Teixeira, former deputy mayor of Campinas, Sao Paulo State, and more than 100 friendly personages from the Brazil-China Friendship Association, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo State University, and the Copacabana Fort Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro wrote to Xi respectively, thanking the Chinese government, enterprises and universities for their contributions to China-Brazil friendly exchanges and the improvement of local people's livelihood.
By Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced that the education tax revenue for 2024 has hit N1.5 trillion.

TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono made the disclosure at the meeting of heads of TETFund beneficiary institutions in Abuja on Monday.

He said the figure is what the fund has made over the years, attributing the achievement to the increase in education tax from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent. The increasing the education tax last year from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent represented a significant stride for TETFund.

This change culminated in a record-breaking education tax collection of approximately N1.5 trillion so far this year. It reinforces the governments dedication to strengthening Nigerias educational framework.

The revenue generated from the education tax plays a significant role in maintaining and improving the infrastructure of our institutions, enhancing academic programmes, and promoting accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

We now enter the 2025 budget cycle with a stronger foundation, one that allows us to enhance our impact across the countrys tertiary institutions.

Echono said the meeting with heads of tertiary institutions was a shared commitment to establishing a harmonious working relationship with relevant stakeholders, fostering an environment where efforts can be aligned to reposition TETFund for optimal performance.

As Heads of TETFund beneficiary institutions, you play a pivotal role in actualising the mandate of the Fund. It is crucial that we engage constructively to set a clear course for the Funds direction and operational priorities.

TETFunds purpose is to empower our nations human capital, addressing the urgent need for capable, skilled professionals across all sectors, he said.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Gwarzo, in his speech, stressed the importance of strengthened accountability and transparency in managing TETFund disbursements.

We must be reminded that the future of Nigerias educational system is in our hands. As leaders, we bear the responsibility of ensuring that our institutions remain beacons of learning, innovation, and integrity.

Todays interactive engagement is an opportunity to build on the strides we have made, to reflect on areas that need improvement, and to chart a way forward that will strengthen not only our individual institutions, but the entire Nigerian educational system, he said.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, in his remarks, stressed the importance of tertiary education to the growth and development of any nation.

He said, In Nigeria, our higher education sector is not just an academic pursuit; it is a social, cultural, and economic lifeline. The universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country play a central role in providing access to quality education and preparing the youth for the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive global economy.

He said the Committee is deeply committed to ensuring that institutions are adequately supported and funded. This is why TETFund remains a critical partner in realising the aspirations of the Nigerian government in the education sector.

However, while TETFund has made remarkable strides in advancing the course of tertiary education, we must acknowledge that there are still numerous challenges to overcome.

These include inadequate infrastructure, lack of modern teaching facilities, inadequate research funding, and the need for continuous capacity building for both academic and non-academic staff.

As we embark on the 2025 intervention cycle, it is crucial that we work together, across all levels of government and within the institutions themselves, to ensure that these interventions are effectively utilised and reach the intended outcomes.

He said the 2025 intervention guidelines present an exciting opportunity for stakeholders to continue making progress in addressing the identified challenges and to foster greater engagement and collaboration between TETFund, the National Assembly, and the heads of tertiary institutions.

The success of our education system is not just dependent on funding but also on effective partnerships, he said.
Morocco has reaffirmed in Sochi (Russia) that there can be no peace or prosperity in Africa without the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African states.

Addressing the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, convening in the Black Sea city of Sochi Nov.9-10, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita also called for the respect of neighborliness between African States.

His remarks are seen as a message to the Algerian regime which shelters, arms and funds a separatist group with links to terrorist networks and Iran-backed militias, threatening regional peace and stability. Algeria is using the Polisario separatists to undermine Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory.

The Moroccan minister, who availed the opportunity of the Sochi conference to send Algeria these strong messages, deplored that some African States unilaterally and without any form of legitimacy position themselves as alleged leaders of the continent, but in reality are acting to serve their national agendas. It is clear that the ministers comments are alluding to Algeria and South Africa, without naming them.

Moroccos top diplomat also spoke about the royal Vision for advancing partnerships and development in Africa and cited in this regard the Rabat Atlantic African States Process, the Royal Atlantic initiative for the Sahel and the strategic Nigeria-Morocco African Atlantic gas pipeline project.

The minister highlighted the royal African policy which is based on a human-centered approach, solidarity-based and South-South cooperation and win-win partnership.

On the sidelines of the Sochi conference, Bourita held a meeting with Russian peer Serguei Lavrov. Talks focused on bilateral relations, and on regional and international issues of common interest.
Mauritania, as current chairman of the African union, has called for the creation of an international Fund for the protection and preservation of African heritage under the supervision of UNESCO, which is the center of expertise in this area.

The call was launched by Mauritanian Minister of Culture & Arts, Hussein Ould Medou, during his participation, as representative of the presidency of the African Union, in the meeting of G20 Culture ministers, held in Salvador, Brazil.

Mr. Ould Medou stressed the crucial importance that the President of the African Union gives to the values of global and climate justice by defending the issues of the African continent and striving to strengthen its representation at the global level, whether within the G20 or UN bodies, in addition to what he called bringing the continents climate concerns to various global forums and calling for the protection of African heritage in light of climate and security challenges, such as in the BRICS, UN and Paris conferences.

The Minister welcomed the obtaining of a permanent representation of the African Union within the G20, considering that todays world is an unfair world for the groups that integrate it, and unfair for the land that carries it, reason why the rotating president of the African Union called for carrying the concerns of the African continent and working for a greater representation worthy of its status and greater attention to its heritage in recognition of its authenticity and awareness of the challenges facing African heritage, whose protection can only safeguard the heritage of humanity as a whole.
Moroccos foreign minister Nasser Bourita highlighted the Kingdoms south-south cooperation approach in Africa as evidenced by the Atlantic Initiative, that was launched by King Mohammed VI to give access to the ocean and global trade to landlocked Sahel states.

Bourita was speaking at a Russia-Africa partnership forum in Sochi hosted by the Russian government.

Bourita also highlighted the importance of the gas pipeline that will link Morocco to Nigeria as well as Moroccos co-development actions in Africa.

Morocco is the second African investor in the continent, where its leading private and public sector firms have been operating for decades in areas ranging from banks to farming, fertilizers, education, real-estate, infrastructure and health.

Speaking to Russian and African leaders in Sochi, Bourita recalled the Kings plea for a paradigm shift towards Africa, by focusing on a human-centered approach and win-win partnerships with the continent.

What Africa truly needs are structuring projects for human and social development, said Bourita, adding that Africas best partner is the one who knows better than others how to support its momentum, address its gaps, and enhance its potential.

On the sidelines of the forum, Bourita and Lavrov held talks on issues of common interest.
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Saudi Arabia is hosting this Monday an Arab-Islamic emergency summit aimed at addressing the intensifying crisis in Palestine and Lebanon. The summit is gathering leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world, with discussions expected to focus on Israels military actions and escalating violence in the Palestinian and Lebanese territories.

Moroccos King Mohammed VI is represented at the summit by Head of the Government Aziz Akhannouch who arrived Sunday evening in Riyadh. The Moroccan delegation also includes Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

The Summit was preceded by the preparatory ministerial meeting, with the participation of Arab and Islamic member States, including Morocco.

This Summit builds on the Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, as Arab and Islamic leaders recognize the urgent need for unified efforts and a collective stance to address the dangerous and unprecedented developments in Gaza and the rest of the Palestinian territories as well as in Lebanon, and the repercussions of this war on regional security and stability that require solidarity and coordination of positions among member States.

For the Monday summit, key priorities include halting the aggression, protecting civilians, providing support to the Palestinian and Lebanese people, unifying positions, and exerting pressure on the international community to take decisive steps to end the ongoing attacks and establish lasting peace and stability in the region.

Arab and Islamic countries all agree on the need to halt the aggressions and to revive the peace process to ensure a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, and support the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
San Francisco mayor London Breed conceding her loss last week. Photo: Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Last week, two prominent female Democrats from San Francisco were defeated, but one of those stories was lost in the maelstrom following Donald Trumps victory over Kamala Harris. On the same day the citys former district attorney became the first Democratic presidential candidate in 20 years to lose the popular vote, the citys mayor, London Breed, was turned out of office as well. She was the first San Francisco mayor in nearly three decades to fail to win a second term; her replacement will be political outsider Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune.

There are surface-level comparisons to draw between Harris and Breed. They are both Black women who lost to wealthy white men. They both tacked to the political center to try to survive. They both were undone, in part, by forces beyond their control.

Breeds defeat, though, offers discomfiting lessons for big-city Democrats across America, especially as it becomes clear that Trump made tremendous gains in the working-class, nonwhite neighborhoods that the Democratic Establishment has long taken for granted. Breeds undoing does not bode well for Eric Adams, who seems destined to be a one-term mayor after his federal indictment in September. Adams, of late, has tugged closer to Trump, but even with the sudden reddening of New York City, that is unlikely to save him in a metropolis that has grown weary of his incompetence.

What Adams and Breed share, beyond identity, is a past commitment to fear-mongering and an inability to rectify what ails their cities most. Thanks in part to Breeds own declarations, enough San Franciscans bought into a frothing media narrative that crime there was out of control. (Retail thefts and carjackings were a challenge, but not of the sort that ever made San Francisco one of the nations crime epicenters.) Breed tacitly supported the recall of Chesa Boudin, the progressive San Francisco district attorney, in 2022, believing this would somehow bolster her own political fortunes. What she didnt understand is that she wouldnt be spared even if she helped defeat him. Once Boudin was removed from office, voters began to understand that a district attorney alone couldnt solve homelessness or a drug crisis. A mayor  an executive  would need to help clean up the Tenderloin and make it so housing could be affordable for the locals who arent tech elites.

The greater story here is one of vision, or lack thereof. Both Adams and Breed embody this Democratic deficit, but it can also be applied to Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, and Gavin Newsom, the governor of California. In the Trump era, Republicans have developed their own versions of utopia. The free state of Florida. The gun-toting Texan dream. Low taxes, minimal regulations, tough borders, and, during the pandemic, an absence of COVID restrictions. Whether you agree with the policies or not, these places represent a substantive vision of red-state governance. And their leaders are popular. Ron DeSantis remains revered in Florida. Greg Abbott could probably stay governor of Texas until hes dead.

No equivalent exists in the Democratic Party. Josh Shapiro, the first-term governor of Pennsylvania, might come closest, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, if she werent term-limited, could probably run successfully again. Although vanquished as a vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz has been a popular governor of Minnesota. Still, what is the image of Democratic governance today? Decades ago, it was the New Deal and Great Society legacies, a robust, muscular government functioning as a force for good. Major infrastructure projects came with this  new roads, bridges, parks, electric grids, and cities that were, for their time, modern marvels. Tangible goods were delivered to the masses. More left-wing executives were no different. So-called sewer socialism reigned in Milwaukee, where the Socialist Party mayor, Daniel Hoan, remained in power for 24 years, chasing graft from municipal politics and bolstering numerous public works.

Today, local governments in the U.S. are frequently rife with bloat and inefficiency; the can-do spirit often seems dead. Consider New York, where the Metropolitan Transportation Authority wastes enormous sums of cash and routinely blows past deadlines on public-transportation projects. In European and Asian cities, subway grids are perpetually expanded, and its no great feat to add a new line to another stretch of the city. In New York  and virtually every other locality, Republican- or Democrat-run alike  public-transit growth rarely happens, and when it does it takes many decades. California is feebly building a high-speed rail line that, in a country like Japan, would probably have been finished decades ago.

Republican governance ultimately promises less: DeSantis and Abbott arent pining for any New Deal revival, and their spirits are fundamentally libertarian. Democratic governance promises more, and if it cant deliver, the GOP vision wins.

Life in New York City and California is extremely expensive. Its hard enough to rent, and affording a house is virtually impossible for anyone whos not earning a comfortable income deep into the six figures. Taxes are high. A voter has a right to ask what they actually get in return for all this money theyre spending. It was one thing in the 20th century, when both states were relatively affordable, a one-bedroom in lower Manhattan or North Beach no great bother. Conservatives are as much to blame for this cost-of-living crisis, furiously opposing new housing construction almost everywhere. Democrats and Republicans, meanwhile, long ago partnered to destroy single-room occupancy housing in cities across America, seeding a street-homelessness crisis that wont fade away. Even if the COVID-era crime spike is now abating, residents of Democrat-run cities do resent that their government is not making their rent cheaper or their commutes easier. Some working-class locals believe Democrats have cared more about the migrants than them.

Missing is an adept communicator who can make the vigorous case for Democratic governance and demonstrate why it provides a better a way of life. Few are excited for the leadership in either New York or California. Hochul lacks charisma and barely won reelection against a Trump Republican. Adams is slated to be on trial next April and could end up in prison  either way, the one-time Biden of Brooklyn is highly unlikely to win another term. Like Breed, the mayor of Oakland was forced out over crime concerns. Newsom seems like a surefire presidential candidate, but hell have to sell the California dream to the rest of America. Its still a lovely state with an unparalleled coastline, but one where anyone who is not a millionaire cannot comfortably own a home. California, where Skid Row and the Tenderloin are awash with the drug-addicted homeless and local governments have struggled mightily to get them treatment and safe places to live.

Since Democrats are in charge in these places, they must prove they can solve these crises. They must prove the benefits are worth the cost. If they cant, it should come as no surprise when neighborhoods redden and voters demand new leadership.
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

In 2024, as he did in 2016, Donald Trump campaigned heavily on immigration, deploying violent and graphic rhetoric about migrant crime and vowing to enact mass deportation efforts beginning on day one of his presidency. One key figure in achieving these dark goals will be Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who Trump named on Sunday as his new border czar.

Ive known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin, Trump wrote on TruthSocial.

During his brief tenure leading ICE, Homan quickly became known as a hardliner on immigration who embraced the administrations family-separation policy as a way of deterring illegal border crossings. Homan made it clear during a speech at the Republican National Convention this summer that his stance on the issue has never wavered. As a guy who spent 34 years deporting illegal aliens, I got a message to the millions of illegal aliens that Joe Bidens released in our country in violation of federal law: You better start packing now. Youre damn right. Cause youre going home, he said.

In a series of recent interviews, Homan laid out what mass deportations would look like under a Trump presidency.

Homan has said the government will focus on people who pose a threat to public safety and national security, but indicated that those categories could expand. Hes also said that workplace raids and the mass arrests at job sites that ended under the Biden administration have to happen.

During an appearance on CBSs 60 Minutes in October, he rejected the idea that such actions were racist in nature and said that talk of concentration camps holding detainees was overblown.

"I hear a lot of people say, 'The talk of a mass deportation is racist. It's threatening to the immigrant community,'" says Tom Homan, Trumps former acting director of immigration enforcement. He argues it should only be threatening to the illegal immigrant community. pic.twitter.com/IsU7yrcxIb  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 27, 2024

During Trumps first term, thousands of immigrant children were separated from their families while the administrations policy was enforced. Homan was asked on 60 Minutes whether there was any way to conduct mass-deportation operations in the country without separating parents from their children. The incoming border czar signaled that an even stricter policy could be enacted down the line. Of course there is. Families can be deported together, he said.

And when asked if the American-born children of undocumented immigrants could be subject to deportation under a Trump administration, Homan did not close the door on that possibility. Their parent absolutely entered the country illegally, had a child knowing he was in the country illegally. So, he created that crisis, he said.

Though allies of Trump like Stephen Miller have suggested that the administration will utilize the military and National Guard to conduct its deportation efforts, Homan has pushed back on that, saying the operation will be conducted by members of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. Theyre good at it. They all have Fourth Amendment training. They know what they can and cant do legally, he said on Fox News Sunday.

Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance has previously said that the administration should start with deporting 1 million people who are in the country illegally. But a report from the American Immigration Council estimates that it could cost $88 million to remove that many people on a yearly basis. Homan has insisted that mass deportations would ultimately save the country and taxpayers money over the years.

By selecting Homan as one of his first staffing decisions, Trump is making it clear that his immigration agenda is top of mind. For months, Homan signaled his intention to return in a second Trump administration to finish the job that he started. Trump comes back in January, Ill be on his heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen, he said in July, per Semafor. They aint seen shit yet. Wait until 2025.
Photo: Getty Images

Republicans are set to take control of both chambers of Congress in January as President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. But the extent of the partys power in the U.S. Senate was unclear for weeks following the election due to the outstanding race in Pennsylvania. Initially, Democratic senator Bob Casey held off from conceding to his Republican challenger Dave McCormick citing outstanding ballots, though several news outlets called the race in McCormicks favor. But on November 21, Casey announced that he had called McCormick to officially concede after Pennsylvania completed its initial round of counting in its statewide recount. Heres where the race stands.

What happened?

On November 7, the Associated Press called the race in favor of McCormick while other major news outlets like the New York Times and CNN had yet to declare a winner. (The frequently reliable Decision Desk, however, has also deemed McCormick victorious.) Despite the APs call, Casey, the three-term senator, held off on conceding, citing the slim margin between him and McCormick and has been adamant about waiting for every vote to be counted.

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, Casey said following the APs call.

Initially, the Casey campaign pointed to a statement from Al Schmidt, the states secretary of state, who said on November 7 that there were an estimated 100,000 ballots remaining to be processed. In addition to Election Day votes, the outstanding votes include provisional, military, and overseas ballots. In a November 11 press release, the campaign noted that provisional ballots broke overwhelmingly for John Fetterman in 2022 at a larger margin than Casey currently needs to overtake McCormick. Fetterman would later go on to win his Senate seat over his Republican challenger Mehmet Oz.

Where does the count stand now?

According to official state-election returns, McCormick leads Casey by a little more than 16,000 votes, a difference of less than a percentage point. The slim figure was enough to trigger a statewide recount of the race after Casey did not waive his right to the process. Notably, McCormicks 2022 primary race against Oz also fell into recount territory, though it was not enough to change the results in his favor. Historically, recounts rarely change the outcomes in races, per a study from FairVote.

With the tight margin, the campaigns have begun to fight over the few outstanding ballots remaining. On November 8, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the McCormick campaign had filed a lawsuit seeking to challenge tens of thousands of provisional ballots from Philadelphia, a traditionally blue city, as well as a request for a Republican observer for the processing of those ballots. The judge denied McCormicks observer request, prompting his team to pull the other lawsuit, which it could later refile, per WHYY.

The McCormick campaign has also filed multiple lawsuits intended to block the counting of undated mail ballots after Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, and Centre county officials decided to accept them despite a series of court rulings that barred their counting, per the Inquirer. On Friday, McCormick officially sued Philadelphias Board of Commissioners following their move. On Monday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that ballots with date errors should not be counted in the race.

What are the campaigns saying?

While Casey awaited the complete vote tally, McCormick declared victory and began making the rounds in cable interviews as Pennsylvanias new senator-elect. This election and the incredible mandate that President Trump has and the support that I have is a recognition that we need to shake things up. No incrementalism. We need to bring about real change, he said in an interview with Fox News on November 10.

McCormick also attended orientation events in Washington for new members of the Senate after he was initially not extended an invitation owing to his race not being called. Many of his Republican colleagues denounced the lack of an invite as a partisan snub from outgoing Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer. Dave McCormick is the senator-elect and Senator Schumers move to not allow him to participate in orientation this week is disgusting. They did the same thing to me after I beat a Democrat in 2018. We have to fight this! Florida senator Rick Scott wrote on social media Sunday. AP called it. Dave won, Casey must concede NOW.

For weeks, Casey appeared determined to hold out until the very last vote, despite his narrowing path to victory. On Thursday, the senator issued a statement officially conceding the race to McCormick. This race was one of the closest in our Commonwealths history, decided by less than a quarter of a point. I am grateful to the thousands of people who worked to make sure that every eligible vote cast could be counted, including election officials in all 67 counties, he said.
Ask a Cool Person Where we ask stylish individuals with particular, exacting, or simply exceptional taste to tell us about the things theyre actually buying. Read more here. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

By living in a small New York City apartment  a one-bedroom that I converted to twoIve learned to Tetris my familys belongings into cabinets and closets just so to make things fit. Still, its not easy: With a school-age child, it often feels like a tsunami of stuff  papers, foam swords, shoes  washes into my home each week. In an attempt to regain control of the chaos (and because Im a writer with a niche writing about small-space living), I called on fellow New Yorkers who are also living small (or who professionally help those who do) and asked them: What are your small-space essentials? Their answers include many picks from Ikea and Japanese manufacturers, but to my delight, many of these suggestions are stylish or colorful things Id want to have out on display.

Furniture

Gothic Cabinet Craft Captains Bed - Queen From $689 When I asked interior designer Gunnar Larson about his favorite things in his home, he pointed to a piece of furniture I adore as well: Gothic Cabinet Crafts simple wood storage bed with built-in dresser-style drawers. Ive used them in multiple projects and also in my own home, he says. The quality is amazing, and I love the finish-color options. A bed with drawers is a great way to maximize the space in small bedrooms (common in older buildings) without adding extra furniture pieces. From $689 at Gothic Furniture Buy

West Elm Mid-Century Twin Bunk Bed $1,799 $1,799 Larson mentioned another way to use the space under a bed: a bunk or loft bed. We recently upgraded to this West Elm bunk bed from our kids previous tree-house-vibe bunk bed, which was fun, but to be honest, a bit bulky for our small space, he says. The blue colorway is his favorite. $1,799 at West Elm Buy

Hovet Mirror $129 $129 Large wall mirrors are a must-have for small spaces because they reflect light and create the illusion of more space, says Manhattan-based interior designer Rebecca Frye Jones, who strategically employs mirrors to visually expand spaces and amplify natural light. Jones says this nearly six-foot-tall budget model from Ikea is the best value out there, and it has endured in her tiny apartment for years. Ive added it to my personal wish list after living for nearly ten years without being able to see my whole outfit. $129 at Ikea Buy

Lighting

Noguchi Akari 1A $175 $175 Its so hard to find great, beautiful lamps that also emit natural, warm lighting, says Christene Barberich, who pens the newsletter A Tiny Apt and lives in Brooklyn. This smaller-scale Noguchi Akari 1A was one of the first nice things I bought when we moved to our little apartment, and turning it on every evening when the sun sets has become a ritual that makes me feel instantly soothed. Barberich says she loves that it also doubles as sculptural art. It has this grand-gesture effect, making any dull corner into a moment, she adds. (As a small-space dweller who also owns and loves an Akari lamp, I second this pick. Save the box so you can fold it flat again when you move!) $175 at Noguchi Buy

Schoolhouse Isaac Plug-In Sconce - Short Arm $399 $399 Jones sings the praises of plug-in wall sconces as a fantastic space-saving solution for small apartments because they free up valuable floor and surface space. Jones has often used them next to beds or in a living room for task lighting because theyre easy to install  no hardwiring required. Plus, you can take them with you if you end up moving. These candy-colored models from Schoolhouse are among her favorites. $399 at Schoolhouse Buy

Visual Comfort Primitive Swing Arm $329 $329 Interior designer Adnan Anwar is also enthusiastic about plug-in sconces, but his tastes lean a little more traditional. I keep coming back to this sconce, he says of the Visual Comfort model, which he has used in his Manhattan apartment and clients homes. Having sconces versus bedside lamps in a small bedroom often allows me to fit in two small nightstands, which feels more balanced and luxurious than a single one. Anwar cautions that there are a lot of brass swing-arms on the market, but the Wayfair dupes consistently miss the mark. However, these, he says, feel so luxurious and sturdy for the price. I will be devastated if this is ever discontinued! $329 at Visual Comfort Buy

Wall-Mounted Storage

Besta Wall-Mounted Cabinet Combination $121 Any small-space expert will encourage you to take advantage of wall space for storage. Lisa Lu, a public relations pro and self-described interiors enthusiast, lives in a studio in Chelsea and made use of hers by installing Ikeas basic Besta cabinets at ceiling height along one wall of her apartment. They provide extra storage for my off-season wardrobe, and because they are white, they blend into the wall so you barely notice they are there, she says. $121 at Ikea Buy

Movable Storage

Ikea Pax / Bergsbo $350 $350 Tyler Moore, best known as The Tidy Dad and the author of the forthcoming book Tidy Up Your Life, lives in a railroad apartment in Manhattan with his wife and three kids. He says that Ikeas Pax wardrobes have been essential for his family in their circa-1914, lacking-in-closets building. We have one set up as an entryway cabinet, one in our playroom as a toy-rotation cabinet, and three in the bedroom our daughters share, he says. The system is fully customizable with drawers, shelves, baskets, and hanging rods  at a fraction of the cost of custom closet systems. $350 at Ikea Buy

Elfa Utility Large Wire Over the Door Rack - White $146 $146 Jeanie Engelbach, the founder of Apartmentjeanie, a design and professional organization service in New York City, recommends the Elfa over-the-door organizer because it has metal baskets that can be repositioned to fit your exact needs. Its intended for the pantry, but we integrate these into all kinds of closets, especially entry closets where it stores seasonal accessories and dog-walking necessities, says Engelbach. In adult bedrooms, the white-painted metal rack holds accessories; in a laundry closet, it corrals cleaning supplies; and in a kids room, its full of toys. Engelbach adds that the over-the door option is very renter-friendly because its easy to take down when you leave. $146 at The Container Store Buy

Yamazaki Rolling Storage Cart $145 $145 Yamazakis slim rolling cart, which fits into particularly tight spots, is a favorite of a few different experts. Whether its beside the bed, between appliances, or in the bathroom, the narrow five-inch-wide design makes it ideal for organizing toiletries, cleaning supplies, or pantry essentials, says Moore. Larson adds, Yamazaki is the best at pretty much everything it makes. $145 at Amazon Buy $145 at The Yamazaki Home Buy

Paper Shelves Rack $60 $60 Modeled after commercial steel racks but scaled down and made from colorful, heavy-duty paper, these racks are ideal for organizing within a pantry or closet, says Barberich. If the bright colors arent your vibe, the rack is also available in ivory. Theyre small in scale, so think of them as shelves for your shelves. $60 at MoMA Design Store Buy

Odds and Ends

Uchino Air Waffle Bath Towel $89 $89 Cattano says shed love these soft, lightweight, and quick-drying towels no matter where she lived, but theyre especially well suited to a tiny apartment because they take up less space than a regular cotton towel. Also important in my small space is that theyre beautiful, says Cattano. I keep mine folded and stacked on an open shelf in my bathroom in full view. $89 at Uchino Buy

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Praise be. Love this energy. Now if they actually followed through and not crumble bc ~jakey or some other bs. Do not centre them in your life.



Edited at 2024-11-11 08:18 am (UTC) Praise be. Love this energy. Now if they actually followed through and not crumble bc ~jakey or some other bs. Do not centre them in your life.

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I am one of those searches. I am lucky to live in a relatively safe country, started living alone after breaking up with my cheating exbf, and I was ready to really stop looking for a male partner, the cheating broke me as I am a very naive and trusting person. I am off the apps but I am in two of those "are we dating the same guy" groups for my location, and the posts are crazy, guys with wives and babies creating premium accounts so that they can hide themselves locally, guys being abusive and physically violent, guys who lovebomb and then ghost, a whole spectrum of shitty behaviors being documented.



Honestly sometimes I feel bad about the abuse of privacy on some of the posted men's lives, but I also wish I was part of these groups years ago so that I could have made more informed choices.



It's also great to see how women working together to create a better dating scene has real life repercussions. One of the guys that was reported as being violent was a DJ, these reports ended up leading to a bigger discussion about the nightclub where he was a regular, and the club started getting dozens and dozens of reports of women being drugged, groped, assaulted, etc in the facilities, which created a whole discussion and the club ended posting that they were going to create an awareness team and stopped working with that DJ among other improvements.

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Your post reminded me of a comment or tweet I read where men are threatened by women banding together because we always create safe, informative spaces for each other. I'm glad that these groups have been very helpful!

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I'm part of a 'pussy pile' group and just being able to vet about every person I meet through them? My twenties would have been so much easier.

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where do i find groups like this? i could've used one too

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i'm in one of those groups locally too, and it's so disheartening how often physically abusive guys end up in there. a woman will post a picture of a guy saying something like, "i just started talking to him and he seems so sweet, anything i should know before we go on a date?" and his ex will comment that he was physically abusive to her. a couple of times i've even seen the commenter include his arrest report or other documentation.



i just went to the group actually to scroll through it a bit and the 3rd or 4th post today was exactly like that. a woman posted a picture of a guy and his ex commented that he's currently awaiting trial for hitting her. and he's just out there on the dating apps like nothing happened.



and it's not like a court can mandate that someone who's struck their partner get prohibited from dating, not to mention all the men who commit violence against their partners and face zero legal repercussions for it, so groups like this are really the only way women can find out this info before getting trapped in the relationship

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A reminder that the 4B movement is transphobic, they openly identify as TERFs and only have an interest in supporting cis women.

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I feel like transphobia exists or rears it's head in any forms of feminist movements, I don't think it's an inherent thing, but whenever you have something that's focused on women, you're going to have terfs in the space.



I think the rules of 4B transcend the actual movement. South Korea in and of itself is quite trans phobic, so this isn't a shocker. But, I think it can be done well elsewhere.

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Sure, but this movement was literally founded on Womad/radical feminist Korean forums, those four basic tenets that make up the name are easy to co-opt but why cherrypick ideology from a group that actively harasses pregnant women/women with children, or that protested against transwomen getting into a woman's university?



No feminist movement is perfect of course, and if women are rallying to be celibate or shun men then go for it! But why attach yourself to a named movement that exists within a specific context while trying to ignore that context?

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Are you basing this off of that one twitter page? That person is not a leader in 4B, 4B doesnt have leaders in the west.

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it has strains of transphobia, girl-bossing, & hyperindividualism. largely, the movement is nothing radical nor is it collective in any sense. it actively moves against it by shunning parents & children, sex workers, building communities of care, etc. this is probably why its so attractive to western liberal women.

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The view of mental health is also less than stellar iirc

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Why are you being down voted, you're right lol

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No one is checking credentials. It isn't 4B + 1Hatetranswomen. You can do 4B and love transwomen.

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I support most radical feminist movement, so I'm all for this.



I will however mention that I saw a TikTok from a Black woman who urged any woman seriously considering this to make sure they're strapped since men do not like women telling them what they aren't going to do. So, if y'all will be participating, stay safe.

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I would generally consider myself less gun-friendly than your average leftist/progressive, but current times are so utterly bizarre that I really cannot judge the women I'm seeing online consider buying their first gun. Couldn't be me personally, guns scare the shit out of me, but I can understand why they're so afraid.

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No, I'm with you.

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I agree. I think we should at least carry pepper spray though

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Honestly, consider getting some firearms education. I felt somewhat similarly but understanding the mechanics, how to handle them, firearm safety, AND general familiarly over time I feel a lot less afraid and empowered. If you live in the US, you might as well use that particular bit to your advantage.

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yep. I'm all for this movement, but I can't get over that one post after the election results going "women threatening sex strikes LMAO as if you have a say". Men are fucking FOUL and cannot be trusted.

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It actually would not surprise me if gun control laws happened because women started arming themselves more, and that would scare men.



I remember reading (might have been on ONTD tbh) that one of the reasons the government really started trying to destroy the Black Panthers was because they realised that, oh shit, the BP has guns too because the 2nd amendment lets them. Is it true? Honestly I didn't look further, all my history profs are shaking their heads, but knowing the US govt...

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Yeah, that's my thinking.



And at the same time, it feels like a no win situation as I'm confident the cops will side with a male perpetrator.

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I think more women need to take self defense classes. I've been thinking about it for years but always thought I was being a bit paranoid.

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The "Why can't I join just because I have a boyfriend/husband?" responses I've seen to 4B have me kinda sorta actively seething, almost as much as the western (typically white...) "feminists" getting all up in knots with their "Yeah but Korean feminists are BAD and MEAN, actually only WESTERN feminism has it right! They don't even like makeup or porn! " takes.



I think 4B is a cool idea. Voluntary celibacy until men get their act together is a lot more logical than the "political lesbianism" of the 2nd wave (namely, the fact you can't choose your way into being a lesbian and to suggest so delegitimizes it as a real sexuality). My only issue with it is the fact I do not think men are CAPABLE of getting their act together as a group, so lmao but hey, if some of the girlies wanna be optimistic and believe men can do better, why not?



Also, here's your daily reminder you can fully be a radical feminist or a student of radical feminist theory without being trans-exclusionary, and the transphobic tradwives should not be considered the face of the movement, particularly since most of them identify as ANTI-FEMINIST and could not name a radical feminist figure or scholar if their lives depended on it lmao.



Edited at 2024-11-11 09:50 am (UTC)

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Trad wives as a movement is so crazy to me. It ignores actual history to prove a point. And it acts like people wouldn't want to make their food all the time if they had the means to do so. There are so many food influencers that make everything from scratch but they aren't Trad wives but they do the same things. Absolutely wild.

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These are people who either never spoke to their grandmothers, or whose grandmothers never felt free enough to speak on their experiences during the era these numbskulls love to romanticize. When I was like 10 years old I will never forget my grandmother telling me "Whatever you do, never get married to a man. Find a handsome one and make use of him for shacking up, but never be his slave."

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What's extra funny is that they make huge amounts of money, usually more than their husbands. So they're not even really being "tradwives".

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Thank you for this comment, especially the reminder that radical movements do not have to be trans-exclusionary. I feel like I'm losing my mind at some of the reactions to the IDEA of adopting 4B. It's become clear to me that a lot of women find sex with/being partnered to men the main way they assure themselves of their value. Not only can they not conceive this isn't true for all women, they're also threatened at delegitimizing heteropatriarchal arrangements as normative.

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Sorry, I haven't really been following this (though I've heard of the 4B and 6B SK movement) but by "trans exclusionary" do you mean no sex with only cis men? As in trans men are excluded?

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My last relationship ended 14 years ago and I decided I just could not be bothered with men anymore. Its like having a giant gross lazy child in the house and I hate it.



Having said that, Ive always been very solitary and never cared whether I was in a relationship or not, so it was pretty easy for me to nope out of that stuff.

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Same!!! I'm not raising a man-child. I have my own problems. Just me and my furbabies. Men can go eat a bag of dicks.

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Isnt it amazing how something that licks itself clean with its own saliva is still less gross than a man.

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my last relationship ended 3-4 years ago with him cheating on me and I haven't dated seriously since then. tbh I'm more and more considering 4B because my experiences on dating apps haven't been great and at some point you have to stop and wonder what is this for exactly? so I can care for 2 people instead of just looking out for myself? so I can center a man instead of me?

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at some point you have to stop and wonder what is this for exactly? so I can care for 2 people instead of just looking out for myself? so I can center a man instead of me?



This is the thing. I'm bisexual but I literally do not have the energy a man requires of me lol currently, working as much as I do, I don't have the energy required for ANYTHING serious with anyone, but particularly with men there's some degree of "puppy training" required even from the most well-behaved ones (even our cool male friends who always vote left & believes in abortion proooobably don't load the dishwasher very often, or pick up after themselves without being asked or...), and I genuinely cannot talk myself into it. It's just so not worth it.

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Loving your energy in this post.

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exactly this, I'm also bi but have never had luck with the ladies so at this point I'm just tired and don't have energy for anything. I have enough problems on my own without adding someone else's but especially a man's

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Same. I'm bi, too. To be fair both m/f relationships have been difficult for different reasons but I'm tired of babysitting men (even the decent ones).



I have my own place and I don't want to share it and end up emotional nurse-maid/housekeeper to a dude.



My next relationship will probably be a woman again. I have zero trust in men nowadays and in this new political climate? Hard no.

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I've been unwittingly following this for almost my entire adult life. Once you completely decenter men from your existence, it's amazing how much energy you have to invest in yourself and your experiences, career and familial relationships/friendships. Even though I'm very much attracted to the male body, I won't be wasting my one and only life seeking a male partner. Too much risk for too little reward.



I wish the best for all (non-Trumper) women in the US. I can definitely understand why searches for this are blowing up.

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I love the idea of this on its surface. Im all for the notion of you think Im trapped in a room with you, what you dont realize is that youre trapped in a room with me.



But what would be better is helping women trapped in relationships with their MAGA abuser get out.

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Friends with benefits

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I just got out of a relationship that lasted a few months and even halfway into it I told a friend that if the relationship ended I didnt think I felt like trying to find another boyfriend. And she got all no dont give up!!! But its hard to see the point of dating men and it feels like every year it gets worse.



Ive run into the problem that any man I meet is either lowkey helpless and expects a woman to replace his mother, or hes been independent for so long that he bails the first time he has to compromise or be inconvenienced for the sake of his girlfriend. Its hard to find a man whos a fully developed adult who also has the capacity to actually navigate a relationship.



At a certain point I feel like all Id be missing out on is sex but even thats no guarantee. More and more men are struggling to orgasm or even maintain erections so I find that sex gets more and more rough & uncomfortable. Recently I was hanging out with a few of my friends and we were all women in our early 30s and all of us were dating men who couldnt finish. Some guys will just say its not gonna happen so lets just focus on you but then others (like the guy I was dating) will need you to get in some uncomfortable position and get awkwardly thrusty and it just made me lose interest.

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Porn, particularly the gonzo style shit that's be big for the last ~10-15 years has ruined sex for everybody tbh. I mean, I can't say that personally since I never existed in the pre-porno world, but sooo many studies have been done showing declining sexual satisfaction in relationships with heavy porn consumption and people under 40.

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Yeah most guys Ive been with wont really be transparent about how often they watch it, but I do remember the first guy I dated who consistently couldnt orgasm admitted that he wanted to watch it less often and wasnt able to.



Also apparently plastics/microplastics screw with your hormones and have been linked to ED so thats swell 

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A lot of men and boys (!!!!!) who have been caught with child sexual abuse media have used the excuse that they needed their porn to get more and more extreme in order to orgasm. It's extremely fucked up.

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Ugh, your second paragraph really hits home hard right now. I've had the same thoughts as you re: ditching the idea of dating altogether as it only gets worse and worse and isn't worth it. I also have a lot of single / aroace female friends who unlike yours don't tell me not to give up, but actually tell me to do so lol. But... I'm just not thriving as much alone. I've been single for most of my life, yet despite all the hassle and bullshit, the times when I had someone I was doing the best. I also don't have a close, loving family to fill that gap in companionship... and I hate that for me. I honestly feel lost. Interesting to hear that the sex issues seem to be quite prevalent as I've also come across this, but never heard anyone talk about it in a broader context. I was positively shocked that the last person I was seeing transparently talked about his struggles, so that we could figure out what worked best for both of us. My previous boyfriends were too ashamed to admit anything, or would make me feel like it was my fault -.-

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Sometimes I do wonder if I just got really lucky with a man who has never not once seen me as someone to make his life easier just because Im a woman. Ive made it very clear up front that I expect 50/50 and he has always lived by that.

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How does it feel like to be God's favorite

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Same. I was on dating websites before the apps came out and I truly think that that was the last of the good men out there. My friends send me screenshots of the messages they get and I cannot fucking fathom the audacity to be so entitled. Men aint shit.



Edited at 2024-11-11 09:15 pm (UTC)

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Semi related, I wonder if we'll see a continued swing to the right with the differences in the right and left when it comes to having kids. People on the right seem obsessed with having 6 kids while a lot on the left wont have any. And then with the right also being into homeschooling I dont know how many of those kids will end up with different views than they were taught. I feel like I'm going to see this country continue to get more conservative as I age and I hate that.

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Fucking Idiocracy, right here. I hate that the movie is turning into a documentary.

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As world leaders gather in Azerbaijan's capital for the annual United Nations climate conference to plan transitioning away from fossil fuel, policymakers will also address the unforeseen obstacles the green transition might bring.

One such scenario is playing out in Pakistan, where soaring electricity prices have made Pakistan's state-owned power supply among the most expensive in South Asia and pushed cash-strapped households and businesses to find relief from rising costs and rolling blackouts by using low-cost Chinese solar panels.

But the flood of ultracheap solar power -- which has seen Pakistan acquire $1.4 billion worth of Chinese-made solar panels and become the world's third-largest buyer in the first half of 2024 -- also risks exacerbating Pakistan's battered power sector, with a debt exceeding $9 billion and falling grid consumption that could move it toward a new fiscal crisis.

For Nasar Khan, a small business owner from the northern town of Yar Hussain, the switch to solar has eased the sky-high electricity costs that have strained his finances in recent years. The green energy source has lowered his monthly bill by nearly a third, close to what he paid five years ago before a spike in prices triggered by soaring global commodity prices. Those savings, he says, have caught the eye of his neighbors and even his cousin, on whose house he is helping to install Chinese-made solar panels.

"The state power rates have become unaffordable for consumers," Khan told RFE/RL. "Everyone who can [afford to] is now trying to switch to solar."

Khan and his neighbors in Yar Hussian are hardly the only ones. Across the country of 240 million people, shimmering blue panels dot the rooftops of cities and cover factory buildings as the mass adoption of solar panels sweeps Pakistanis looking to blunt the impact of soaring state energy tariffs.

While this may be good news for the environment and global efforts to adopt cleaner forms of energy production, the shift could bring new headaches for the government as demand for energy from the state power grid shrinks and Islamabad juggles its tenuous financial outlook with the corresponding drop in revenue.

Kaiser Bengali, an economist who worked as an adviser to the chief minister of Pakistan's southeastern Sindh Province, says the influx of Chinese panels has sparked an episode of "circular debt" where those left reliant on the expensive state power grid need to choose between saving money to switch to solar or refuse to pay their bills -- which could, in turn, spark a cascade of unpaid debt from one government company to another.

"[This] means there is a water-supply company that is providing water to us and, of course, they use power, because water has to be pumped," Bengali told RFE/RL. "But if people don't pay their water bills then the water company can't pay the electricity company. And because the electricity company is using gas, they can't pay the gas company, and so on."

Consumption of electricity from the national grid fell by 10 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year amid rising electricity prices and this decrease could deepen as Islamabad faces pressure to increase electricity prices in budget-balancing moves to repay a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).



Pakistanis Looking Off Grid



Against this backdrop, Pakistanis are adapting however they can.



It's not clear exactly how many people are switching to solar panels as an alternative source of electricity. Some households have opted for simple set-ups for their own needs, while others have invested large sums in hopes of selling the energy to the national grid.



Abrar Khan, from the Swabi district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, says he has been fitting solar-panel systems on houses and businesses for 20 years, but the energy crisis and falling trust in the government's ability to resolve it has triggered a major uptick in installations.



"Domestic and industrial users were fed up with high rates and frequent power outages," he told RFE/RL. "This is why this year and the past year the demand for solar systems has increased enormously."

The roots of Pakistan's power-sector crisis go back decades but picked up steam in 1994 when Islamabad offered lucrative deals to foreign investors to build power plants as the government and its rapidly growing population pursued economic growth.



Called independent power producers (IPPs), these operators secured liberal provisions from the government in the form of sovereign-backed, dollar-indexed returns and commitments to pay for even unused electricity.



Financing mostly flowed to the coal-fired or gas-fueled plants, which left electricity prices largely tied to fluctuations in the global market for fossil fuels, with power tariffs in Pakistan more than doubling in the past three years alone.



The government also scaled-back subsidies and passed the capacity payments made to power producers to consumers, a bane for large sections of society in a developing country like Pakistan where roughly 40 percent of the population lives below the UN-defined poverty line.

Industrial groups complain that energy costs are double those of businesses in India and Bangladesh, and some factories have been forced to shut down.



"Whoever's business is surviving -- [and] I am among them -- it's because of using these solar-energy systems," Ijaz Bacha, a factory owner and spokesman for the marble industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, told RFE/RL.



Marble processing is a major industry in the province, and Bacha says between 30 percent and 40 percent of manufacturers there have gone out of business in the past two years.



Bacha says the electricity bill for his facility has dropped significantly since he switched to solar, with his monthly bill going from 2 million rupees ($7,300) to 1.2 million rupees ($4,300). He adds that those savings have kept his business afloat but were only possible thanks to a 25 million rupee ($90,000) investment, a sum many Pakistani business owners would have difficulty raising.



"I believe that in the next year, the majority of the industries [in Pakistan] will switch to solar because survival is impossible without it," Bacha said.

Grappling With Uncertainty

In navigating the intertwined debt and energy problems, consumers say they're dealing with policy whiplash.



In 2017, Pakistan started a system for "net metering" where people can sell excess electricity produced by their solar panels back to the national grid. But in March, the government indicated it wanted to end the net-metering policy to meet IMF criteria for state spending as it tries to stabilize its economy.

Despite concern from the federal government, the provincial governments of Punjab -- home to more than half of the country's population -- and Sindh (more than 50 million people) are now offering free or subsidized solar panels to help low-income households.



The federal government is also renegotiating debts, with the hope of stabilizing the grid and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.



Pakistani Energy Minister Awais Leghari told the Financial Times in September that the government was renegotiating with Chinese and domestic investors over power-sector debts and exploring ways to privatize certain companies.



But the minister also expressed concern that the continued interest and use of solar panels risks making the grid "unaffordable" due to a sustained loss of paying customers.



"Demand is shrinking off the grid. That's a big concern for us," he said.

By RFE/RL

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When President-elect Donald Trump threatened European exporters with tariffs on everything ahead of the elections, there were probably many in Europe hoping he would never get back into the White House. Now that this is a fact, the tariffs are a matter of negotiationsand those may well involve a lot more U.S. LNG.

The United States is currently running a trade deficit of $240 billion with Europe, per Reuters. The biggest exporters to the U.S. are Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Sweden, according to Eurostat, accounting for the bulk of that trade deficit. The United States is the EUs biggest trade partner, and oil and natural gas are among the top U.S. imports into Europe.

Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he disapproves of this state of trade affairs and that Europeans will pay a big price for it unless they start importing more American goods. To this, Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire suggested that Europe might strike back by reducing its intake of U.S. LNG, interfering with Trumps plans for higher oil and gas production.

This could have been a potential course of action for Europe in a reality where it was not dependent on imported energyand where the U.S. was not its biggest LNG supplier. In 2023, the United States accounted for close to half of Europes total imports of liquefied natural gas, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported in February this year.

Related: Trump Wins: Here Are the Implications for the Energy Sector

The number, 48%, was an increase from 44% in 2022 and just 27% in 2021. The war in the Ukraine really spurred U.S. LNG exports to Europe and capacity expansion projects. This year, however, growth has been muted, with the EIA reporting that net natural gas exports from the country remained essentially flat on the year during the first half.

The almost absent growth was a result of several things. First, Europe had another relatively mild winter, and gas remained in storage. Second, Germanythe largest gas consumer on the continentcontinued to deindustrialize, with its shrinking economy affecting energy demand in general and gas demand specifically. Third, summer is trough demand season in Europe when it comes to gas. Winter, on the other hand, is a very different season. Winter is when Europe consumes the most gasand coal.

Reuters Maguire suggested that the European Union is moving away from gas altogether because of its high price, which end consumers can hardly bear for any sustained period of time, and which has prompted industrial consumers to reduce their demand as well. He pointed out that high prices and the economic slowdown caused a 20% decline in European LNG imports this year. Then he went on to suggest that Europe might decide to impose tariffs on U.S. energy imports.

According to the latest signal from the EUs top executive official, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, this is not about to happen. In fact, von der Leyen suggested just days after the elections that Europe could boost its purchases of U.S. liquefied gas.

Common interests are, for example  this is one topic that we touched upon, I would not say discuss  it's the whole topic of LNG, the head of the European Commission told media last week, as quoted by AFP. Saying that Europe still buys a lot of gas from Russia, von der Leyen then asked, Why not replace it by American LNG, which is cheaper for us and brings down our energy prices.

Of course, the reason that Europe is still buying so much Russian gas is that it is cheaper than U.S. gas. Nevertheless, since it is politically sensitive, EU officials have been looking for ways to change thatand the most obvious choice has been U.S. LNG since other large exporters either have limited capacity for export growth or, in the case of Qatar, prefer long-term contracts that European governments try to stay away from in light of their transition ambitions.

So, Trump has signaled that he wants the U.S. to produce more natural gas and that he also wants to export more goods in general to Europe. Europe, for its part, has signaled via its top executive official that it would be happy to take in more U.S. gasnot that it has much of a choice. It would certainly be a challenge for U.S. gas producers to redirect their LNG flows from Europe to Asia should Europe decide that U.S. LNG is too pricey, as Reuters Maguire suggests in his commentary. Yet it would be much more challenging for Europe to find another gas supplier comparable to the U.S. in terms of output size that is not Russia. In fact, this would be impossible.

Essentially, U.S. LNG producers and European gas importers are stuck with each other. The relationship is not one of equals, but it is a mutually beneficial one, so both sides have reason to want to maintain it. Tariffs wont make Europeans like Trump more, but they will likely make them buy more American LNG, regardless of price. Of course, this has a whole host of other implications for the European economy and its growth prospects, as well as its long-term LNG purchasing power but that may be a question for another presidential term.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The warming relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran could have significant implications for regional security and stability.

The visit comes amidst a backdrop of shifting political dynamics in the Middle East, including the recent election of Donald Trump.

The Chief of Staff of Saudi Arabia's armed forces made a rare visit to Iran, signaling a strengthening of ties between the two countries.

The general chief of staff of Saudi Arabia's armed forces, Fayyad al-Ruwaili, met his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Baqeri, in Tehran during a rare visit on November 10.

Iran's official IRNA news agency said they discussed the development of defense diplomacy and bilateral cooperation without offering any details.

Iranian media said Baqeri had discussed regional developments and defense cooperation with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman al-Saud last year.

Ruwaili is only the second high-profile Saudi official to travel to Tehran since Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations after seven years following Chinese-brokered talks in March 2023. Previously, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan visited Iran in June 2023.

Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia severed ties with Shi'a-dominated Iran in 2016 after its diplomatic compounds in Tehran and Mashhad were attacked by protesters over Riyadh's execution of Shi'ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

The trip comes days after the election of Donald Trump, whose second term as U.S. president begins in January. He has pledged to bring peace to the Middle East, where U.S. ally Israel is engaged in wars against Iranian-backed groups in Gaza and Lebanon.

Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said the timing of the trip was significant because it comes as various countries are preparing for a second Trump presidency.

He said the Saudis' decision to send their top military official to Tehran "is a signal that they are committed" to the detente process that started last year and that "they don't want Trump's election to jeopardize the recently improving relations with Iran."

Separately, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman on the phone and discussed expanding bilateral relations, according to Pezeshkian's office.

Trump had good relations with Persian Gulf Arab states in his first tenure in office and worked on normalizing relations between Arab states and Iran's archfoe, Israel.

Saudi Arabia has not normalized relations with Israel but Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is said to have discussed the possibility of normalization with Saudi Arabia since 2021.

In another sign of warming relations, Saudi Arabia announced last month that it held military drills with Iran in the Sea of Oman.

By RFE/RL

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Indias fuel exports to Europe have soared this year to make India the biggest exporter of refined oil products to the EU as Indian refiners are capitalizing on a loophole in the EU sanctions against Russia, Finland-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said in its monthly analysis.

Russia has now become Indias single largest crude oil supplier. Indian refiners are processing cheap Russian oil and exporting the petroleum products to the EU, whose sanctions  while prohibiting imports of crude and refined products directly from Russia  do not specify bans for the origin of the crude processed by non-Russian exporters of fuels to the EU.

Capitalising on the refining loophole, India has now become the biggest exporter of oil products to the EU, CREAs analysts said in their monthly snapshot of the Russian energy trade.

During the first nine months of the year, exports to the EU from the Jamnagar, Vadinar, and new Mangalore refineries in India  which are increasingly reliant on Russian crude  jumped by 58% compared to the same period of 2023, according to data collected by the CREA.

The surge in EU imports of fuel from India is further amplifying the fact that EU Member States continued imports are expanding the refining loophole, and Russian revenues from crude exports to third countries, the center said.

As India is raising its fuel exports to the EU, it also continues to boost imports of Russian crude oil as Russia continues to be the single largest crude supplier to the worlds third-biggest oil importer.

In September, India was estimated to have imported about 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude from Russiawhich accounted for around two-fifths of Indias total September crude oil imports of about 4.7 million bpd, according to tanker data from industry sources reported by Reuters.

India will not change its energy policy to buy oil and gas at the lowest possible price and will continue to purchase cheaper Russian crude supply, Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Reuters earlier this year.

If an entity is not under sanctions, there is no question I will buy from the cheapest supplier, the minister said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Indonesia and China have signed strategic cooperation agreements in critical minerals in total bilateral deals worth $10 billion encompassing green technology, food security, and mineral resources.

The agreements were signed this weekend at the Indonesia-China Business Forum in Beijing, which was the first overseas visit of newly inaugurated Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

We aspire to strengthen our cooperation with China, which has solidified its unparallel global position, Subianto said at the forum.

We welcome more investment and are committed to creating a favorable investment climate, offering the best facilities and comprehensive support to our brothers and sisters from China, the president added.

As part of the strategic corporate deals, Chinese battery materials producer GEM reached an agreement with nickel producer PT Vale Indonesia to build a high-pressure acid leaching plant in Central Sulawesi in Indonesia.

The project is expected to process lateritic nickel ore from a mining area of PT Vale Indonesia and convert it into mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) products containing nickel and cobalt that meet market standard specifications.

As China aims to further develop its electric vehicle and battery industry, Indonesia, the worlds biggest nickel producer, can help with the supply of the critical mineral.

For its part, Indonesia, the largest economy in the Southeast Asian bloc, looks to develop its EV production capabilities as demand grows. The government hopes to be producing 13 million electric motorcycles and 2.2 million electric cars by the end of the decade.

Indonesia has a well-established metals and minerals industry, with huge nickel reserves. Nickel is a vital component of EV battery production and sourcing it locally can help cut manufacturing costs.

Indonesia, the worlds biggest nickel miner, has been looking to develop nickel processing industries and ultimately produce batteries for EV manufacturers and is eager to attract foreign companies for those ventures.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Indonesia is not recognizing Chinas claims over large areas in the disputed South China Sea, the southeast nations Foreign Ministry said on Monday, clarifying that it has not effectively accepted the Chinese claims as interpreted in an earlier declaration.

Indonesias newly inaugurated Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto picked China for his first overseas visit this weekend, during which China and Indonesia signed strategic cooperation agreements in critical minerals in total bilateral deals worth $10 billion encompassing green technology, food security, and mineral resources.

The countries have also agreed to establish maritime cooperation.

However, the release of a Chinese statement that the countries have also reached a common understanding on joint development in areas of overlapping claims prompted Indonesias Foreign Ministry to issue a statement today to make clear that the cooperation will also be implemented within the framework of the laws and regulations of each country.

The long-running dispute in the South China Sea involves territorial claims by China as well as Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, and Malaysia. China has territorial claims to about 90% of the South China Sea, which has put it at odds with its neighbors. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea erupted after Beijing laid a sweeping claim to sovereignty over the seahome to an estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil.

In todays statement, Indonesia emphatically said that Nothing in the cooperation may be construed in any way as a recognition of the "9-Dash Line" claim which China has over most of the South China Sea.

Indonesia maintains its well-known position that the claim lacks an international legal basis and is tantamount to undermining the UNCLOS 1982. Therefore, the cooperation shall, under no circumstances, affect Indonesia's sovereignty, sovereign rights, or jurisdiction in the North Natuna Sea, the Southeast Asian countrys Foreign Ministry said.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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QatarEnergy has signed an agreement to buy a 23% working interest in a concession agreement offshore Egypt from the blocks operator Chevron, the state firm of Qatar said on Monday.

QatarEnergy will acquire 23% of the North El-Dabaa (H4) Block in the Mediterranean from Chevron, which will retain a 40% interest in the concession. The other partners on the block are Woodside with a 27% interest and Tharwa Petroleum Company, an Egyptian state company, with a 10% interest.

The H4 Block lies about 10 kilometers (6.1 miles) offshore the Egyptian Mediterranean shore at water depths ranging between 100 and 3,000 meters (328 - 9,842 ft).

We look forward to the drilling of the first exploration well on this block and to a successful and promising outcome, said QatarEnergys president and CEO, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, who is also Qatars Minister of State for Energy Affairs.

This is yet another expansion for QatarEnergy in exploration blocks internationally.

In Egypt, where Western companies including Chevron plan more investments, QatarEnergy signed earlier this year a farm-in agreement with ExxonMobil to acquire a 40% participating interest in two exploration blocks offshore Egypt, while Exxon as operator will retain the remaining 60% working interest.

The Qatari company is also boosting its presence in exploration hotspots such as Namibia, South Africa, and Suriname.

In March this year, TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy expanded their efforts to explore for oil and gas in the Orange Basin offshore Namibia by acquiring a nearby license in the basin in South African waters. Following completion of the transaction, TotalEnergies will hold a 33% participating interest in Block 3B/4B and assume operatorship, while QatarEnergy will hold a 24% stake.

Then in July, QatarEnergy signed an agreement with Chevron to buy a 20% working interest in a production-sharing contract for block 5 offshore Suriname. The operator of the block, Chevron, will retain a 40% interest, while Paradise Oil Company, an affiliate of Surinames national oil company Staatsolie, will own the remaining 40%.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Russia may be considering the creation of a massive state oil company by combining current state assets Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, and private Lukoil, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources.

According to the report, the mechanism discussed is for Rosneft to absorb the two smaller companies, which would result in the worlds second-largest oil company by output, right after Saudi Aramco.

Rosneft alone is currently pumping an average of some 3.5 million barrels daily, per Rystad data cited by the Wall Street Journal. Gazprom Neft produces close to 2 million bpd, and Lukoil pumps just over 2 million bpd.

The report cited a Rosneft official as dismissing the information from the sources as false, saying that the report may be aimed at creating competitive market advantages in the interests of other market participants. A Lukoil spokesman told the Wall Street Journal that the company was not on merger negotiations with any parties as this would not be in the interest of the company.

The WSJ noted in its report that all three oil companies are subject to U.S. sanctions and a hypothetical combination could boost their resilience to these sanctions, according to the unnamed sources.

Revenues from oil and gas sales still make up a substantial part of Russias budget income but the government is working to reduce that by stimulating other industries. A few years ago, oil and gas revenues made up 35-40% of Russias budget revenues, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said last month, adding that this share is set to drop to 27% next year and to 23% in 2027.

In the latest sign of why such a reduction in the share of oil and gas revenues is important, Bloomberg estimates suggested that Russias oil and gas export revenues had declined by 29% on the year in October. The decline was a result of lower market prices for crude oil.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Weak demand in China will lead to lower supply from the worlds top crude exporter, Saudi Arabia, to the worlds largest crude importer in December, trading sources told Reuters on Monday.

The drop in Saudi supply would come despite the fact that the Kingdom has reduced its official selling prices (OSPs) for crude loading in December for Asia.

December will see a second consecutive month of lower Saudi deliveries to China, estimated at a total of 36.5 million barrels. This would be down from 37.5 million barrels expected this month, and 46 million barrels in October, according to trade data compiled by Reuters.

The Saudi crude oil supply to China next month would also be the lowest monthly volume since July, as Chinese state-owned giants PetroChina, Sinopec, and Sinochem are expected to lift fewer cargoes from the Kingdom.

Aramco, the Saudi state giant, last week reduced the price of its crude that will be loading for Asia in December.

Saudi Arabias flagship crude grade, Arab Light, saw its OSP cut by $0.50 per barrel, to $1.70 a barrel above the Dubai/Oman benchmarks, from which Middle Eastern exporters price their crude for the Asian markets.

The Kingdom also slashed the OSPs of all its grades loading for AsiaArab Extra Light, Super Light, Arab Medium, and Arab Heavy, although the reductions in the heavier grades were lower than those for the lighter crudes.

Chinese crude oil imports have been underwhelming this year, with October marking the sixth consecutive month in which cargo arrivals have lagged behind the imports in the same months of 2023, official Chinese data showed last week.

Reduced capacity at a PetroChina refinery and continued weak demand from Chinas independent refiners, the so-called teapots, weighed on the imports into the worlds top crude importer in October.

Weaker-than-expected Chinese demand may have been the reason why the OPEC+ group delayed the beginning of the easing of its production cuts to January 2025, from December 2024, although the cartel and its allies did not give a specific reason for the decision.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Senegal could soon announce a $2.7-billion commitment to its internationally-backed program to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels if the party of the current president and prime minister-appointee wins this weekends parliamentary elections.

It will probably be rapidly after the election if Prime Minister Sonko has a majority, Remy Rioux, the chief executive of Frances state development bank, Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), told Bloomberg in an interview published on Monday.

Senegal, a country in West Africa, is one of several developing nations that have agreed the so-called Just Energy Transition Partnership with wealthier developed countries.

In June 2023, Senegal and the international partners group (IPG) comprising France, Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada launched the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The program is aimed at mobilizing and supporting investments to help Senegal achieve universal access to energy and consolidate a low-carbon, resilient, and sustainable energy system.

International partners and multilateral development banks were expected to mobilize $2.7 billion (2.5 billion euros) in new and additional financing over an initial period of 3 to 5 years, starting in 2023, to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy.

Senegals internal politics have so far hindered the country from committing investments. Former president Macky Sall saw his party lose the presidential election earlier this year, and a new president was appointed, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Senegal is heading now to parliamentary elections on November 17, which are widely expected to be won by the party of Ousmane Sonko, who was appointed PM by Faye.

Expectations are that with Sonko, Senegal would commit to the 2.5 billion euros of funding for the energy transition. An announcement could come as early as COP29 in Azerbaijan later this month.

While Senegal is looking to reduce emissions, it is also on track to see the first LNG shipment from a major gas and LNG project operated by BP early next year.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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U.S. natural gas futures jumped over 10% to $2.94/MMBtu in Mondays trading session after production disruption in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Hurricane Rafael. According to the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), 482,790 barrels of oil and 310 million cubic feet of natural gas, representing more than 25% of oil and 16% of natural gas output, were still shut in.

Further, two drilling vessels were displaced while 37 out of 371 manned platforms (around 10%) remained evacuated. Total production losses in the U.S. have so far reached 2.07 million barrels of oil and 1.12 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Rafael has been downgraded to a tropical storm after making landfall in the Gulf as a major hurricane; however, the US National Hurricane Center has warned it could linger in the central Gulf before shifting south and southwest early in the week.

In its October short-term energy outlook (STEO), the EIA forecast Henry Hub spot prices would average $3.06/MMBtu in 2025. On a quarterly basis, the EIA predicted in the October STEO that Q4 2024 Henry Hub spots prices would average $2.81/MMBtu, and $3.16/MMBtu in Q1 2025, dipping lower in Q2 and then up to $3.35/MMBtu in Q4.

Meanwhile, European natural gas futures surged to 43.8 per megawatt-hour, their highest level in one year, driven by colder weather forecasts. Lower temperatures have increased heating demand, with Europes gas reserves being depleted at a faster rate. According to Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) data, EU gas storage is now at 93% capacity, lower than typical for this time of year. In contrast, a year ago, Europes gas stores were nearly full. On the supply side, the continents gas flows have increased slightly, supported by higher exports from Norway coupled with deliveries from Russia via Ukraine. Europes LNG imports have jumped 17% month-on-month, driven by pre-winter restocking efforts.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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A pipeline explosion at a natural gas complex operated by Petroleos de Venezuela (PdVSA) in the country's Eastern Monagas state has left at least three people injured, Reuters has reported.

The explosion comes just a month after more than 20 people were left with burns after a large fire at a crude storage tank in the country's Western region, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the countrys crumbling energy infrastructure after years of sanctions.

Two weeks ago, Reuters reported that PdVSA and its joint ventures exported an average of 947,387 bpd of crude and fuel in October, 21% over the previous month and the highest monthly figure since early 2020.

The large production increase came despite new sanctions announced by the Biden administration. Back in July, the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) eased some sanctions on Venezuela but retained sanctions on PdVSA.

OFAC issued a new license allowing certain transactions related to the export or re-export of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Venezuela until July 8, 2025. However, transactions with the state-owned oil and natural gas company in which PdVSA has a 50 percent or greater interest, remain prohibited under the sanctions imposed by various executive orders.

Trump is expected to be tougher on Venezuela and Iran. Irans oil exports have seen a strong rebound under the Biden administration with the U.S. and its allies hoping to strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran after the Trump administration scuttled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal of 2015.

Under former President Donald Trump, Iranian oil production tumbled from 3.8 million barrels per day in early 2018 to less than 2 mb/d in late 2020; in contrast, production has surged under Biden to 3.2 mb/d.

However, commodity experts at Standard Chartered have predicted that actions by OPEC+ are more likely to determine the near-and mid-term oil price trajectory. StanChart says the latest announcement by OPEC strengthens the case that the pace of tapering will be market-dependent and not automatic as traders fear. This realization is likely to have driven the latest oil price rally.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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CIIE turns international exhibits into commodities

Global Times) 08:30, November 11, 2024

Visitors browse products and take photos at the LEGO booth in the consumer goods exhibition area at the 7th CIIE in Shanghai on November 7, 2024. The exhibition spans over 80,000 square meters, featuring more than 700 companies from more than 70 countries and regions. (Photo: Li Hao/GT)

"Exhibits become commodities" and "commodities become explosions" are among the main functions of the China International Import Expo (CIIE). During the 7th CIIE, held in Shanghai, the expo has become a strong bridge helping a number of international goods enter the vast Chinese market.

Experts noted that the expo has had a spillover effect, which helps optimize the allocation of global resources and promotes the upgrading of the domestic consumption structure.

Enterprises from New Zealand were active participants in the fair. In a livestreaming activity during the expo, a host introduced a number of goodies including fresh milk powder, honey and wine from the country. Through on-site sampling, consumers can taste the unique flavor of New Zealand's food.

About 60 New Zealand companies attended the fair this year. It's very impressive and inspiring to see how China is innovating to reach markets and audiences in a new way via livestreaming, Peter Crisp, CEO of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, said in a report with China Media Group.

Fonterra, the global dairy leader from New Zealand, said it was introducing more than 10 new products, with some products locally innovated to cater to local taste preferences, at the CIIE, according to a statement sent to the Global Times by the company.

"The South African avocado has a rich and creamy taste, with some butter or nutty flavors," anchors from domestic e-commerce platform Tmall said when introducing the South African delicacy to consumers.

This was the first time that South African avocados are being shipped to China, and the crop was a star product of this year's fair. Within 10 minutes, the livestreaming studio completed nearly 1,000 orders. In other words, domestic consumers can already taste the African flavor before this year's CIIE is over.

"The CIIE has always been an important platform for us to launch new sets of products to Chinese consumers, and a great place to invite people of all ages to experience a true LEGO play experience. Since the first session of the fair in 2018, we have launched 29 new products here, including 19 sets inspired by traditional Chinese culture," Paul Huang, a senior vice president of LEGO Group and general manager of LEGO China, said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Sunday.

The fair creates new opportunities for brand building for LEGO, as we are able to introduce and showcase the latest playful experiences to Chinese consumers, Huang noted.

In order to help exhibitors expand in the domestic market, Shanghai has set up a "6 days + 365 days" trading service platform. Through bonded displays and trading and other measures to actively promote the exhibits into commodities, the city has introduced more than 350,000 kinds of exhibits, with imports amounting to more than 450 billion yuan ($62.68 billion), said Zhu Min, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

"Through the expo, Chinese consumers can buy goods from all over the world, and some new emerging approaches, including e-commerce, have further amplified the spillover effect of the fair," Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Wang noted that as a high-level opening platform, the CIIE has continued to introduce global high-quality products into the domestic market, thereby generating multiple "chemical reactions." That is to say, the expo not only helps optimize the allocation of global resources and promote the upgrading of the domestic consumption structure, but also boosts the integration and development of the global industrial, innovation, and value chains.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the 7th CIIE attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. Among all participants, 186 enterprises and institutions have attended all seven sessions of the expo, while many others are new faces exhibiting for the first time.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
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:

Dr. Bright Alozie with hand-written petitions and a copy of the book, African Voices in Ink. Credit: Bright Alozie

Who writes history? It depends on who you read. Dr. Bright Alozie of Portland State University considers himself a historian of ordinary voices. His newly published book explores petitions and the trend of petition writing by Igbo individuals to British officials in colonial southeastern Nigeria to gain a sense of what it was like to live under colonial rule. Using a "history from below" approach, he eschewed elite sources in favor of centering the 'voices' of petitioners.

The book, published in 2024 by Rowman & Littlefield, is called "Petition Writing and Negotiations of Colonialism in Igboland, 18921960: African Voices in Ink". Through a careful reading and rigorous analysis of thousands of petitions, Alozie shows what this genre of letter writing tells us about broader colonial society and how Igbo individuals influenced colonial decision-making, using the language of rights and justice to navigate the colonial system.

Born in Nigeria, Alozie is an assistant professor in Black Studies at PSU whose core research focuses on colonial and postcolonial Africa and the African diaspora. He has always been interested in how African communities resisted, negotiated, and generally interacted with the colonial state.

Growing up in Nigeria and hearing stories about the colonial period, I was always fascinated by how much agency was omitted from traditional colonial narratives.

"As a child, I always listened to my grandmother. She experienced the Aba Women's War of 1929 (erroneously called the Aba Women's Riots by the British in order to downplay the women's opposition to colonial rule), which was the first successful, all women-led revolt against British colonialism in West Africa. She told me those stories. I was really fascinated then. Later, as a researcher, I had the privilege of interviewing her and getting deeper insights into accounts such as this," Alozie said.

These first-hand stories from his grandmother and others spurred Alozie on to see what else he could find. In search of more original sources, he traveled to each one of the four main national archives in Nigeria. He went to the national archives in Ghana. He explored national archives and libraries in England, and delved into institutions and archives here in the United States as well.

The search eventually led him to uncover over 4,000 petitions from people in Igboland, all articulating the individual and collective needs and concerns of their writers. This was a very rich but unexplored body of letters; many of the documents that he found had never even been opened. In sorting through them, over time and with a magnifying glass, he learned to decipher the different styles of handwriting and even came to recognize certain professional petition writers who wrote frequently on others' behalf.

What struck me the most was that these petitions were not passive documents at all. They represented a form of agency and resistance.

Knowing their audience, the petitioners framed their demands in ways that the colonial authorities would understand, using words that were used to justify colonial rule like justice, rights, and equity.

Interwoven strands of social, political, and gender history

The book is organized into specific topics and time periods, exploring the history of petition writing as well as ideas around land rights and ownership, gender identity and equality, conflict, economic development, and welfare.

There is also a chapter devoted to letters from incarcerated individuals, and another to petitions from men and women who were conscripted to serve in the First and Second World Wars. In his book, Alozie successfully extracts a sociopolitical and gender history of colonial Igboland through a study of petitions.

"By understanding the historical roots of these issues, we gain valuable insights into current global conversations around decolonization, around human agency, around social justice. So for me it was also kind of a personal mission, because the history I am researching resonates today," Alozie said.

In World War II, Nigeria contributed an estimated 100,000 conscripts to the Allied victory, along with vast amounts of resources. During the postwar economic boom, and especially after the 1948 signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Alozie noticed a change in the tone of petitions as people showed more awareness of their rights. This demonstrated how global events also shaped petition writing during this period.

"It was very beautiful to see how the tone changed from being too humble, and begging, to saying: Look now, this is a negotiation. We have given you resources. We have given you our time. We have killed, we have died on the battlefield for you. Now you have to repay us."

A second book from Alozie, tentatively titled "Roots and Routes, Black Voices, and Oregon Stories: A History of African Immigrants in Oregon, 1970-2024," is already on the horizon: his next work will focus on African immigrants in Oregon and their voices.
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Spectra of both flares of AT 2022dbl. Credit: Lin et al.

When a star moves around a supermassive black hole (SMBH) in a close elliptical orbit, it gets partially tidally disrupted every time it reaches the pericenter, emitting a series of luminous flares, known as a partial tidal disruption event (pTDE).

A research team from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) recently discovered another outburst of a previous TDE, AT 2022dbl, and confirmed that it's highly likely caused by a SMBH repeatedly tidally disrupting the same star, making it the first spectroscopically confirmed repeating pTDE. Their work was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

When a star is tidally disrupted and accreted by a black hole, it produces a strong electromagnetic flare, which typically brightens rapidly to its peak within a few tens of days and then gradually fades over several months to years. In recent years, a few TDE candidates have been observed to rebrighten several years after the initial event.

These are considered candidates for repeating pTDE events, where the black holes only partially disrupt and accrete the stellar material each time. However, the confirmation of repeated pTDE is complicated because it requires proof that only one star is involved, as multiple independent TDE could also produce similar flares. Previous candidates lack strong observational evidence beyond light curves, and thus have not been widely accepted by the scientific community.

In the hope of discovering repeated pTDEs and by conducting timely observations, the research team began to focus on follow-up light curves of known TDEs. In January 2024, upon detecting the rebrightening of AT 2022dbl, the team immediately triggered multi-wavelength photometric monitoring by the Swift satellite and the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO).

They also obtained a high-quality early spectrum of the repeated flare using the Hale telescope at the Palomar Observatory (P200), ultimately confirming that the repeated flare originated from a TDE.

More interestingly, the spectrum of this flare showed emission line features indicative of overabundant nuclear synthesis elements from the star's interior, which were strikingly similar to those observed in the previous flare of AT 2022dbl, suggesting that the flares likely originated from the disruptions of the same star.

Based on the observation data, the research team concluded that this "unlucky" star might have been pulled out of a stellar binary by the black hole and captured into a highly eccentric elliptical orbit. It undergoes repeated tidal disruptions and "feeding" each time it passes close to the black hole.

This research suggests that repeated pTDEs might not be uncommon and that some previously discovered conventional TDEs might actually be repeated pTDEs, which are often overlooked in studies on optical TDEs. This finding is significant for redefining the statistical population and physical processes of optical TDEs.

Additionally, this study underscores the importance of long-term, high-cadence multiband monitoring of TDEs. It is worth mentioning that TDEs are one of the core scientific targets of the Wide Field Survey Telescope (WFST), jointly constructed by USTC and the Purple Mountain Observatory. The research team expects to discover more similar events using WFST, thereby advancing our understanding of TDEs.

More information: Zheyu Lin et al, The Unluckiest Star: A Spectroscopically Confirmed Repeated Partial Tidal Disruption Event AT 2022dbl, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2024). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad638e Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters
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Credit: Mathias Reding from Pexels

British workers are increasingly pessimistic about salary levelsprompting them to seek greater flexibility and balance from their jobs instead, new research suggests.

The research was undertaken by former Twitter Vice President (EMEA) and Bayes Business School Honorary Visiting Professor, Bruce Daisley, and Early Studies, a creative research studio.

Bruce, who founded the Make Work Better newsletter, said, "Increasingly, workers feel that working hard at their job will not deliver their long-term goals in life. They are therefore prioritizing jobs that offer more of what they want todaynamely flexibility and work-life balance.

Employers should be cautious before removing any of that flexibility.

The key findings to emerge from interviews with 450 British workers include:

There is growing pessimism around the impact of work on participants' lives: While 58% of those under 30 believe that work will provide them with long-term financial security, a third disagree. This is a significantly more pessimistic take than with older adults who started their careers in a different era.

There is also a big disparity in expectations around job security, with most young people expecting it to decline.

Flexible working tops the wish list of most workers, particularly for women workers

Asked what employers misunderstand about their needs, most chose the importance of work/life balance and flexibility.

The historic role of work as a source of social connection and friendship for many people appears to be declining, with only 32% of respondents enjoying such social benefits

"Work-life balance" is the most important factor in job satisfaction at present but participants expect salary levels to overtake that at some pointand money is already the key attraction for people under 30.

Participants said that a toxic work environment is the factor most likely to cause them to leave work. (Poor work-life balance, feeling undervalued or unrecognized and burnout were also major reasons for quitting).

Asked what would boost their employer's productivity, workers largely pointed to higher salaries

Asked what aspect of work dominates their job-related conversations with friends, most said the hot topic was high workloads; although many men said they or their friends felt that their work was repetitive and mundane.

Professor Andre Spicer, dean of Bayes Business School, said, "The survey paints a concerning picture of the contemporary workplaceone where employees lack social connections, feel overwhelmed with workload, in need of mental health support and financially insecure.

"Addressing this is a big leadership challenge. It will require organizations to create workplaces which facilitate connection and give employees flexibility to balance their work and life, while ensuring they have at least some degree of stability. Achieving this in a volatile and uncertain economy is a tough ask.

"The survey also takes on the issue of whether workers would become more productive if they were simply paid more. The participants said they would and there is some evidence for that belief.

"While average wages have been fairly flat for decades, productivity has grown at a faster pace. Workers need to see they are getting a benefit from improvements in productivity. Researchers do tend to find that firms with high levels of pay are well-managed and enjoy higher productivity."

Alfred Malmros, co-founder of Early Studies and a former CMO of Google Ideas, said, "There are few things more personal than work, but we all want to believe we have a healthy distance to it. When asking people about others, we ironically get more personal and reflective.

"In this study we were amazed to see how traditional gut responses, like salary and career progression were circumvented, and deeper human needs surfaced as equally important."
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Credit: CC0, Pixabay

For the first time, an endangered black-footed ferret named Antonia that was cloned from cryogenically-preserved tissue has given birth to two kits.

It's a mouthful; and a technological breakthrough.

But Ronald Sandler, a professor of philosophy and director of the Ethics Institute at Northeastern University, says that the birth doesn't mean biotechnology can replace traditional conservation practices.

"None of this is a substitute for the more traditional conservation practices like habitat protection, limits on taking, pollution remediation, etc. It's just another tool for species that are already very at-risk," says Sandler, who has analyzed the ethics of the black-footed ferret cloning program. "This is last-ditch, emergency effort kind of stuff."

The black-footed ferret is one of America's most endangered mammals and was considered extinct until a small population was discovered in Wyoming in 1981. Strategies including captive breeding, reintroductions and habitat protection have helped restore the wild population to more than 300 animals.

That population, however, had gone through a population bottleneck that resulted in inbreeding and a lack of genetic diversity. Cloning, using genetic material cryopreserved decades ago from a different population, is intended to help address that problem.

Sandler says the cloning program took a big step with the recent birth.

The first black-footed ferret that was successfully cloned, Elizabeth Ann, could not have offspring.

Antonia, like Elizabeth Ann, also is a product of what is called cross-species or interspecific cloningthe egg and surrogate were domestic ferrets.

Moreover, the birth may have implications for species beyond ferrets, for example the northern white rhinoceros.

"It's the first project to show that you might be able to use cryopreserved tissue cloning to be able to introduce new genetic material into an at-risk population," Sandler says. "You have at-risk species, and if you can bank some of their tissue, then later on there's a chance we can use that tissue to help restore the species."

However, there are a few caveats.

The kits are not going to be released into the wild ferret population.

"There's a lot to do to make sure that they're healthy, that they can reproduce, that there's not going to be any kind of detrimental effects," Sandler says. "There's a number of generations before the confidence is high enough that they're going to be not detrimental to the population, and then they'll probably be very slowly and carefully integrated into the population."

There are also some important philosophical questions to be considered.

"I think the bigger picture here is thinking about the ways in which biotechnology in conservation opens up new possibilities of not only conserving species, but possibly facilitating adaptation," Sandler says.

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Other questions include what is the value of cloning an endangered species if there is no habitat for it to live in due to urbanization, climate change or other anthropogenic causes?

Take the northern white rhino, another species Sandler has considered, and a species with only two existing animals.

"Maybe their populations could be rebuilt, and that would be very interesting and scientifically amazing, but it's not real conservation unless you also protect their habitat and you're able to put them back into that habitat," Sandler says. "Otherwise it's just kind of a curiosity, it's like a sideshow or they're just in a zoo. It's like a museum."

In short, while Antonia's offspring represent an important "step" in a new tool toward restoring endangered species, there's a lot more to consider.

"As amazing as the technological advances are, it's important not to lose sight of the goals of conservation and the importance of conservation generally," Sandler continues. "We shouldn't get overly distracted by the 'wow' of the technology and lose sight of the importance of conservation practice."

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
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The study found that partisan selective exposure is significantly stronger in the US compared to Japan and Hong Kong, highlighting the influence of cultural and political contexts on media consumption behaviors. Credit: Tetsuro Kobayashi

In our digital age, with easy access to a vast array of information, one would think that readers would naturally be exposed to a wide range of perspectives. However, the opposite seems to be happening, especially in countries like the United States (US), where people often seek out news that reinforces their existing beliefs and avoid content that challenges them.

This tendency, known as partisan selective exposure, has been linked to increasing divides and tensions between different ideological groups. But is this behavior unique to the US, or is it a universal phenomenon driven by common psychological tendencies?

To answer this, a cross-national study was conducted by Professor Tetsuro Kobayashi from the School of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University accompanied by Ling Liu from Waseda University, and Zhifan Zhang from Pennsylvania State University.

The study examined how news consumption differs among individuals in the US, Japan, and Hong Kong. Their work was published online on October 10, 2024, in Communication Research.

Sharing their motivation for the study, Kobayashi explains, "Since political communication research is predominantly US-centric, there is a tendency to apply American findings directly to the Asian context. Our study challenges such a tendency and demonstrates the importance of conducting research that is specifically tailored to the Asian context."

The researchers created mock news websites that presented participants with political and non-political headlines, giving them the option to select stories that either matched or contradicted with their political beliefs. They also analyzed the time spent on reading those articles.

The findings revealed that while Americans were more likely to choose news supporting their views, this behavior was less pronounced in Japan and Hong Kong.

"In the US, this selective exposure is fueled by several factors," explains Kobayashi. "The country has a highly polarized and emotionally divided political environment, and many news outlets have clear political leanings."

Over time, informational "echo chambers" facilitated by selective exposure can intensify political differences, fueling division and making it more difficult for people with opposing views to have meaningful conversations.

In contrast, Japan's political climate is less polarized, and its news outlets are generally less partisan. Because these "echo chamber" tendencies are weaker, opposing groups may benefit from a more balanced flow of information, fostering a political climate that is less divided. Hong Kong presents a more complex case due to its unique political and media environment, but selective exposure there is still weaker than in the US.

"Our research challenges the assumption that selective exposure is just a natural human tendency driven by psychology," adds Kobayashi. "Beyond the desire to avoid cognitive dissonance, our results suggest that the media and political environment of a country play a critical role in shaping how individuals engage with news."

This raises important questions about how to design online and offline environments to encourage people to engage with a wider range of viewpoints, which could help reduce political polarization.

Understanding why this behavior is more common in some countries than others can help guide efforts to improve the way people consume news. We hope this study paves the way for more advanced research tailored to Japan.

More information: Tetsuro Kobayashi et al, Is Partisan Selective Exposure an American Peculiarity? A Comparative Study of News Browsing Behaviors in the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong, Communication Research (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00936502241289109 Journal information: Communication Research
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A subadult male elephant seal can be seen near sea lions in October 2024. Subadult elephant seals and sea lions frequently intermingle at rookeries along Peninsula Valdes in Argentina. Close contact between pinniped species may have facilitated the spread of HPAI in 2023. Credit: Ralph Vanstreels, UC Davis

The sounds of barking elephant seals are again in the air along the breeding grounds of Peninsula Valdes, Argentinabut it's quieter. Almost exactly a year after a massive outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza killed more than 17,000 elephant seals, including about 97% of their pups, scientists estimate that only about a third of the elephant seals normally expected here returned.

"It's beautiful to walk the beaches now and hear elephant seals again," said Marcela Uhart, director of the Latin America Program at the UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center within the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. "At the same time, we're walking among piles of carcasses and bones, and seeing very few elephant seal harems, so it's still disturbing."

A study, published in the journal Nature Communications and co-led by UC Davis and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina provides evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission during the 2023 outbreak.

It found that H5N1 spread efficiently among marine mammals. The outbreak in elephant seals was a stepping stone amid the first transnational spread of the virus in these species, extending across five countries in southern South America.

The study's genomic analysis further found that, upon entering South America, the virus evolved into separate avian and marine mammal clades, which is unprecedented.

"We're showing the evolution of H5N1 viruses that belong to genotype B3.2 over time since their introduction in South America in late 2022," said virologist and co-leading author Agustina Rimondi of INTA and currently also with Robert Koch Institute.

"This virus is capable of adapting to marine mammal species, as we can see from the mutations that are consistently found in the viruses belonging to this clade. Very importantly, our study also shows that H5 marine mammal viruses are able to jump back to birds, highlighting the need for increased surveillance and research cooperation in the region."

Elephant seal carcasses line the beach at Punta Delgada in Argentina on Oct. 10, 2023 following an outbreak of HPAI avian influenza that killed about 97% of all pups born that year. Credit: Ralph Vanstreels, UC Davis

Elephant seal census

The Wildlife Conservation Society in Argentina (WCS Argentina) estimated the population of returning elephant seals as part of a decades-long monitoring project.

"We were totally appalled by the dramatic impact of the epidemic of avian influenza on this population," said co-author Valeria Falabella, WCS Argentina director of coastal and marine conservation. "It is likely that more than half of the reproductive population died due to the virus. It will take decades before the numbers are back to the 2022 population size."

Falabella said the epidemic reversed decades of conservation efforts for the species, adding that most of the adult males and many of the most experienced and fertile females have not returned.

Tracking and monitoring the virus among elephant seals is a collaborative effort. As WCS Argentina conducts its census, Uhart and colleagues from UC Davis document and sample every animal that dies for signs of H5N1, and Rimondi and colleagues test and sequence them at the Institute of Virology, INTA.

Scientists survey a seabird colony for signs of HPAI outbreak in early October 2024. This colony was heavily affected in 2023, particularly the terns. Staying vigilant to detect signs of disease is critical for early detection of HPAI cases in wildlife. Credit: Marcela Uhart, UC Davis

So far, no elephant seals have tested positive this breeding season. Yet lingering questions remain from last year's outbreak. For instance, scientists do not know if the virus was transmitted by aerosol, saliva, feces or other means, or if surviving animals have built resistance via protective antibodies. Such questions remain highly relevant.

Over the past year, the virus has been widespread in wild birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with recent cases reported among dairy and poultry workers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the first H5N1 case in swine in the United States on Oct. 30. There is no known human-to-human spread of H5N1.

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A virus' journey

The current variant of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b began to cause problems at a global scale in 2020. While humans confronted the COVID-19 pandemic, H5N1 began killing tens of thousands of seabirds in Europe before moving to South Africa. In 2021, it entered the United States and Canada, threatening poultry and wild birds, and spread to South America in late 2022.

By February 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in Argentina for the first time, affecting poultry primarily in inland central Argentina for five months.

By August 2023, after two months of no outbreaks in poultry, the virus appeared in sea lions at the tip of South America off the Atlantic coastline of Tierra del Fuego island. From there, it moved swiftly northward, with deadly results, first for marine mammals and later for seabirds.

On occasion, elephant seals breed among sea lions. Here, an adult male elephant seal and a female with her black-coated pup in the background, are surrounded by sea lions in October 2024. Dynamics of contact and beach sharing between these species was disrupted in 2023 during the massive HPAI outbreak in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina. Credit: Ralph Vanstreels, UC Davis

In October 2023, following outbreaks in sea lions, the study authors surveyed the breeding colony of elephant seals at Punta Delgada along the coast of Peninsula Valdes, recording unprecedented mass mortality. Test results confirmed that HPAI H5N1 was present in the seals, as well as in several terns that died at the same time.

The authors said continued monitoring and investigation is critically important to better understand the virus' evolution. Its increased flexibility to adapt to new hosts could have global consequences for human health, wildlife conservation and ecosystems.

More information: Marcela M. Uhart et al, Epidemiological data of an influenza A/H5N1 outbreak in elephant seals in Argentina indicates mammal-to-mammal transmission, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53766-5 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

European marine researchers are calling for an urgent improvement and standardization of ocean monitoring. The call is also addressed to the international community, which gathers in Baku starting today (Nov. 11) for the UN Climate Change Conference COP29.

To preserve the ocean as a partner in the fight against climate change, it is imperative that its state is comprehensively monitored. This is the message of two reports that describe the main gaps and challenges in Europe, but also outline solutions to improve monitoring and protection of the oceans.

The papers, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, are a result of the EU project EuroSea, coordinated by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany.

A healthy ocean is fundamental to much of what makes up our lives. It provides us with oxygen and food, provides habitats for countless species, and acts as a buffer against climate change by absorbing large amounts of CO 2 and excess heat.

But the ocean is facing serious threats. Pollution, acidification, overfishing, and increasing warming are undermining its ability to stabilize the climate. To preserve the ocean as a climate partner, it is therefore essential to monitor its condition as comprehensively and effectively as possible.

Gaps in ocean observation: Technological and financial shortfalls

Members of the EU project EuroSea have reviewed ocean observation in Europe. Their two recent reports, "Urgent gaps and recommendations to implement during the UN Ocean Decade" and "Towards a sustained and fit-for-purpose european ocean observing and forecasting system," identify the main gaps in monitoring marine biodiversity, invasive species, and ocean phenomena such as warming and sea level rise. Many of these gaps are due to technological shortcomings or insufficient funding.

"We urgently need a more sustainable and effective ocean observation system to track changes in the state of the ocean and to mitigate the effects of climate change," says Dr. Toste Tanhua, chemical oceanographer at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel and leader of the recently completed EU project EuroSea, on which the reports are based.

He himself is attending the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, which starts today, to lend his voice to the issue of ocean observation at the international level. At the Ocean Pavilion, in which GEOMAR is a partner this year, he will speak on a panel on the participation of non-scientific actors, such as sailors, in ocean observation.

In their position papers, the scientists stress the need to improve data collection, use innovative technologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and more autonomous devices, and strengthen international cooperation. A key recommendation is to secure long-term funding and establish central coordination bodies to ensure the long-term effectiveness of ocean observation.

"The recommendations we have developed together are aimed at the scientific community as well as policy makers and industry," says Dr. Tanhua. "The challenges are great, but the solutions we propose provide a clear course of action. We need to generate as much information as possible to better understand and protect marine ecosystems.

"This is a very important building block in efforts to mitigate the climate crisis. Observation alone will not reduce the effects of climate change, but it will enable us to understand and propose appropriate measures. After all, you can only manage what you can measure!"

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Recommended actions to improve ocean observation

For example, the reports recommend the development of comprehensive programs to monitor marine biodiversity. In particular, the use of innovative technologies such as eDNA could help detect invasive species at an early stage and improve data collection.

The use of autonomous devices (e.g., Argo floats and sensors) should be increased to validate data from satellites and improve observations of the deep ocean. This is particularly important for extremely cold regions that are difficult to access.

In addition, common measures for monitoring eutrophication indicators such as nutrient concentrations and oxygen levels should be developed to better monitor and reduce the negative impact of human activities on the marine environment.

In regions with high nutrient inputs, the use of autonomous sensors should be promoted. These systems will allow continuous monitoring of algal blooms and ocean acidification.

The reports also call for increased cooperation between countries and stakeholders to harmonize monitoring strategies and facilitate data sharing.

Recommendations for ocean observation coordination and management

Increased cooperation between different countries and stakeholders is recommended to harmonize monitoring strategies and facilitate data exchange. Coordination requires a single entity responsible for the management and strategic planning of ocean observing activities. This structure would promote efficiency and facilitate collaboration across countries and disciplines.

To ensure that ocean observation systems are sustainable and can be continuously updated, a funding strategy for long-term observation programs should be developed. "Our research funding structures support knowledge generation, but not monitoring," explains Dr. Abed El Rahman Hassoun, lead author of the first position paper.

"To close this gap, we need cross-sectoral collaboration and co-funding between different ministries. This is a problem we see not only in Germany, but also in other EU countries."

More information: Abed El Rahman Hassoun et al, The European Ocean Observing Community: urgent gaps and recommendations to implement during the UN Ocean Decade, Frontiers in Marine Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1394984 Toste Tanhua et al, Towards a sustained and fit-for-purpose European ocean observing and forecasting system, Frontiers in Marine Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1394549 Journal information: Frontiers in Marine Science
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Climate governance is dominated by men, yet the health impacts of the climate crisis often affect women, girls, and gender-diverse people disproportionately, argue researchers ahead of the upcoming 29th United Nations Climate Summit (COP29) in Azerbaijan.

In an article published in The Lancet Planetary Health, a team of researchersincluding several from the University of Cambridgeargue that much more needs to be done to mitigate the impacts of climate change on women, girls and gender-diverse individuals.

Focusing specifically on the intersection between climate change, gender, and human health, the researchers call on countries to work harder to ensure there is gender equity within their delegations to climate conferences and to ensure climate strategies identify gender-specific risks and vulnerabilities and address their root causes.

As the world prepares for COP29, concerns about gender representation and equality have reignited following the initial appointment of 28 men and no women to the COP29 organizing committee in January 2024.

The effects of climate changefrom heavy rains, rising temperatures, storms and floods through to sea level rises and droughtsexacerbate systemic inequalities and disproportionately affect marginalized populations, particularly those living in low-income areas.

While the specific situation may be different depending on where people live or their social background (like their class, race, ability, sexuality, age, or location), women, girls, and gender minorities are often at greater risk from the impacts of climate change. For example, in many countries, women are less likely to own land and resources to protect them in post-disaster situations, and have less control over income and less access to information, resulting in increased vulnerability to acute and long-term climate change impacts.

They are also particularly at risk from climate-related threats to their health, say the researchers. For example, studies have linked high temperatures to adverse birth outcomes such as spontaneous preterm births, pre-eclampsia and birth defects.

Extreme events, which are expected to become more likely and intense due to climate change, also take a severe toll on women's social, physical, and mental well-being. Numerous studies highlight that gender-based violence is reported to increase during or after extreme events, often due to factors related to economic instability, food insecurity, disrupted infrastructure and mental stress.

Dr. Kim Robin van Daalen, a former Gates Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge, and researcher at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), said, "Given how disproportionately climate change affects women, girls and gender minoritiesa situation that is only likely to get worsewe need to ensure that their voices are heard and meaningfully included in discussions of how we respond to this urgent climate crisis. This is not currently happening at anywhere near the level it needs to."

The team summarized the inclusion of gender, health and their intersection in key decisions and initiatives under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and analyzed gender representation among representatives of Party and Observer State delegations at COPs between 19952023. Progress has been slow, they say.

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They highlight how previous scholars have consistently noted that emphasis remains mainly on achieving a gender 'number-based balance' in climate governance, over exploring gender-specific risks and vulnerabilities and addressing their root causes. They also discuss how there remains limited recognition of the role climate change has in worsening gendered impacts on health, including gender-based violence and the lack of safeguarding reproductive health in the face of climate change.

Although the situation is slowly improving, at COP28, almost three-quarters (73%) of Party delegations were still majority men, and only just over one in six (16%) showed gender parity (that is, 4555% women). In fact, gender parity has only been achieved in the 'Western European and Other' UN grouping (which also includes North America, Australia and New Zealand).

Based on current trends, several countriesparticularly those in the Asia-Pacific and Africa regionsare expected to take at least a decade from COP28 before reaching gender parity in their delegations.

Dr. Ramit Debnath, former Gates Cambridge Scholar and now an Assistant Professor at Cambridge, said, "The urgency of climate action, as well as the slow understanding of climate, gender, and health connections, is cause for concern. Institutions like the UNFCCC must recognize these disparities, design appropriate methods to improve gender parity in climate governance, and keep these representation gaps from growing into societal and health injustices."

Beyond ensuring that their voices are heard, more equitable inclusion of women has consistently been suggested to transform policymaking across political and social systems, including the generation of policies that better represent women's interests.

Previous analyses of 49 European countries revealed that greater women's political representation correlates with reduced inequalities in self-reported health, lower geographical inequalities in infant mortality and fewer disability-adjusted life-years lost across genders.

Similar positive findings have been reported related to environmental policies, with women's representation in national parliaments being associated with increased ratification of environmental treaties and more stringent climate change policies. For example, women legislators in the European parliament and US House of Representatives have been found to be more inclined to support environmental legislation than men.

Dr. Ronita Bardhan, Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge, said, "Achieving equitable gender representation in climate action is not just about fairnessit's a strategic necessity with significant co-benefits. We can shape climate policies and infrastructure that address a broader spectrum of societal needs, leading to more inclusive solutions enhancing public health, social equity, and environmental resilience."

While the researchers' analyses focused on achieving gender balance, studies on women's involvement in climate governance suggest that increased representation does not by itself always lead to meaningful policy changes. Even when formally included, women's active participation in male-dominated institutions is often constrained by existing social and cultural norms, implicit biases and structural barriers.

Dr. van Daalen added, "If we're to meaningfully incorporate gender into climate policy and practice, we need to understand the risks and vulnerabilities that are gender-specific and look at how we can address them and their root causes at all phases of program and policy development.

"But we also need to resist reducing women to a single, homogenous group, which risks deepening existing inequalities and overlooks opportunities to address the needs of all individuals. It is crucial to recognize the diversity of women and their embodiment of multiple, intersecting identities that shape their climate experiences as well as their mitigation and adaptation needs."

The team also highlights that gender-diverse people face unique health and climate-related risks due to their increased vulnerability, stigma, and discrimination. For example, during and after extreme events, transgender people in the United States report being threatened or prohibited access to shelters.

Similarly, in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa, gender-diverse individuals often face discrimination, mockery, and exclusion from evacuation centers or access to food. Yet, say the researchers, there are major gaps in knowledge about the health implications of climate change for such groups.

More information: Kim Robin van Daalen et al, Bridging the gender, climate, and health gap: the road to COP29, The Lancet Planetary Health (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00270-5 Journal information: The Lancet Planetary Health
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The Radiation Detected Resonance Ionisation Spectroscopy setup, located downstream of the UNILAC accelerator, rotating target wheel and velocity filter, SHIP. Credit: University of Liverpool

University of Liverpool researchers are part of an international research collaboration that has shed light on what happens at the extremes of neutron and proton numbers, in search of where the periodic table of chemical elements ends.

In a study published in the journal Nature, the research team provide insight into the structure of atomic nuclei of fermium (element 100) and nobelium (element 102) with different numbers of neutrons.

Elements at the end of the periodic table do not occur naturally and must be produced through a combination of accelerator-driven nuclear reactions or reactor-breeding mechanisms to be studied.

Using laser spectroscopy, the team were able to measure the nuclear radius of several isotopes of nobelium and fermium.

Unlike lighter regions of the nuclear chart, where upward kinks are observed crossing shell closures, the trend across a key neutron number is shown to be smooth. This indicates that nuclear shell effects due to a few nucleons have a reduced influence as the so-called superheavy elements are approached, and the nuclei behave more like a deformed liquid drop.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool's Department of Physics, Professor Bradley Cheal and Dr. Charlie Devlin, contributed to the nobelium experimental activities of the study.

This involved the operation of laser equipment to probe nobelium atoms and measure their atomic hyperfine structure. A key isotope was produced from the decay of lawrencium atoms that were captured from a beam of nuclear reaction products and pulse-heated off a catcher filament, resonantly ionized and then identified by their characteristic alpha decay fingerprint. The researchers' view of the context led to the suggestion of combining the two studies into one high-impact publication to address a common theme.

Professor Cheal, who is also the co-spokesperson for the nobelium experiments, said, "A perennial question in nuclear physics is to ask what happens at the extremes of neutron and proton numbers and where the periodic table may end. This study provides new answers to this.

"Here at Liverpool, we played an important role in the nobelium experiments that form part of this study. This work combined our expertise in laser spectroscopy, a method traditionally limited to radioactive isotopes of naturally occurring elements, with a track record at specialist facilities capable of producing the heaviest elements."

The research builds on earlier work involving Professor Cheal published in Nature in 2016, which reported laser spectroscopy being performed on nobelium for the first time.

In the intervening period, this has allowed not only studies of nuclear structure, but also the atomic structure, including a precise determination of the ionization potential of this element which has no primordial isotopes.

More information: Jessica Warbinek et al, Smooth trends in fermium charge radii and the impact of shell effects, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08062-z Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Evelin Weber and her neighbors fled their Malibu homes as the deadly Woolsey Fire tore across the California coast in 2018. Ever since, haunted by fears of another blaze, she's spent $300,000 on fireproofing her house.

Weber installed a fire hydrant outside her $4 million home, built a new turnaround for firetrucks in her driveway, planted fire-resistant plants and cleared brush. She and her husband also founded the Malibu Foundation to provide financial help for Woolsey victims and offer education on fire prevention and preparation.

"I'm living in panic like four or five months out of the year now," she said. "The risk of fire is too high and the risk will continue to get higher."

Her investment underscores a harsh new reality in California: wildfire readiness is quickly becoming a financial necessity. As the state braces for its biggest insurance overhaul in decades, rising premiums are a given. Fire mitigation is likely to be one of the few levers property owners can reach for to get a break on premiumsor to secure or maintain coverage at all. Regulators say boosting preparedness has never been a bigger priority.

"It's actually been an afterthought for decades and now it is front and center for us," said Michael Soller, a spokesperson at the California Department of Insurance, which is poised to finalize the market revamp by year-end. "Everything that we're doing, every single change that we're making through the sustainable insurance strategy, all put wildfire safety at the center."

Insurance pain

California experienced its deadliest and most destructive wildfire year in 2018, and millions more acres burned in 2020 and 2021. After a relative respite in 2022 and 2023, this year brought new devastation in terms of acres burned.

Insurers such as Allstate, USAA and State Farm have been sending out non-renewal notices to customers or leaving California altogether, citing state-imposed limits on rate increases and the increasing cost of fires.

To coax companies back to a state long known for consumer-friendly rules, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara plans to open the door to higher rate increases by allowing the use of forward-looking catastrophe models and accounting for reinsurance costs. At the same time, state officials want to make it easier for homeowners who invest in wildfire safety to receive larger savings.

California already requires insurers to provide discounts to homeowners who take steps to protect their properties. But as part of the regulatory changes, pricing will also factor in community-scale wildfire risk, potentially spurring more widespread investment in mitigation. Policyholders in the riskiest areas will benefit most, Soller said.

One big catch: The price tag

A full retrofit of a typical 2,000-square-foot (186-square-meter) home in California involves installing new windows, enclosing eaves and replacing wooden decks or roofs, and the cost can easily soar to $40,000, according to a report earlier this year by researcher Headwaters Economics.

In extreme cases, the cost can reach $100,000. While cheaper measures such as clearing brush can also make a difference, simply installing flame-resistant gutters and replacing flammable mulch can still run as high as $15,000.

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Camp fire

In the town of Paradise, where 90% of local structures were destroyed in the 2018 Camp fire, many homeowners lack the money to make even minor improvements given the financial strain from rebuilding. Despite federal grants and a broad-based settlement with PG&E Corp. that covered that fire and two others, the town has only partially rebuilt.

"A lot of people aren't able to landscape because it's so expensive," said Jen Goodlin, executive director at the Rebuild Paradise Foundation, which helps finance mitigation.

Insurance discounts are often too paltry to provide significant savings to consumers, said Carmen Balber, executive director of the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog.

"Most insurance companies aren't giving people meaningful mitigation discounts and that means discounts as an incentive to mitigate aren't working," Balber said.

State Farm last month implemented a 0.1% break for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas who install fire-resistant vents, multi-pane windows and clear combustible materials. For a policyholder paying an annual premium of about $13,788, that would amount to savings of $14.35, according to filings.

Even more substantial upgrades such as replacing a roof could result in only a 6% discount. But even customers who take all 12 of the state's wildfire-prevention steps can't get more than 10%.

"Wildfire mitigation discounts are one part of a wide range of potential discounts State Farm offers to eligible policyholders to help them manage risks and lower the cost of insurance," said Tom Hartmann, a spokesman for the insurer. "We encourage our customers to check with their local State Farm agent to learn about the full range of discounts that may be available to them."

Government support

State and federal grants, tax incentives or legislative action probably will also be needed, said Karen Collins, vice president of property and environment at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, a trade group. "It's going to take a holistic set of incentives," she said.

But two bills to bring relief to consumers who can't get insurance despite hardening their homes failed in the legislature this year. Both initiatives aimed to reduce premiums by requiring companies to factor mitigation into their underwriting guidelines or catastrophe models when setting rates.

"Insurance companies need to take into account these large-scale mitigation efforts," said state Senator Josh Becker, a Democrat from the San Francisco Bay Area who authored one of the bills. "They wanted to make so many changes, watering down the bill that would've made it useless. It's something we're going to need to come back to."

For now, more Californians are investing in protecting what for many is their most valuable asset. At Komodo Fire Systems, a startup selling eco-friendly fire retardant, sales to homeowners doubled over the past year.

"It's not a substitute for vegetation management and defensible space clearing," said Komodo's Rob Latham, a former firefighter. But with customers willing to ramp up spending to buttress their homes, "the interest is through the roof."

2024 Bloomberg News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Correlative cryo-/liquid phase imaging of graphene liquid cells. Credit: Advanced Functional Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202416938

In Nijmegen, Netherlands, researchers have installed the world's first microscope capable of live imaging of biological processes in such detail that moving protein complexes are visible. This new microscopic technique was developed by researchers led by Nico Sommerdijk from Radboud university medical center. As a demonstration of this innovative technique, Sommerdijk is now showcasing how arterial calcification begins.

Previously, researchers faced a choice. They could use a microscope to examine material in detail down to the molecular level, but only in frozen, motionless samples. Alternatively, they could observe living, moving material, but with far less detail. Radboudumc researchers have developed a technique that combines both approaches. This opens up various new possibilities for the future, such as visualizing how the COVID-19 vaccine enters a cell or capturing the initial stages of arterial calcification.

The related study is published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.

There were many technical challenges.

"If you want to see protein complexes in such fine detail, you need an electron microscope," explains Nico Sommerdijk, Professor of Bone Biochemistry at Radboudumc. "But the electron beam used can damage the biological material and the surrounding fluid, which is undesirable when you want to observe natural processes in the material over extended periods."

The solution is to apply a protective layer around the material to minimize damage from the electron beam. This can be achieved with graphene, an ultra-strong substance composed of a single layer of carbon atoms.

"But as soon as you apply it, the biological process you want to capture starts immediately," Sommerdijk explains. "And then you have to quickly reach the microscope, locate the right spot in the tissue, and set up the microscope. This process takes at least half an hour, and sometimes the process is already over by then."

Arterial calcification

Sommerdijk and his team devised a method to address all these challenges. They apply a layer of graphene around the tissue and freeze it immediately, pausing biological processes. Then, using a light microscope, they identify the specific area in the tissue they want to visualize. Only after determining the correct orientation is the material placed in the new electron microscope, which can perform measurements in liquid. In this setup, the material is warmed, reactivating the biological processes, which are then directly visualized on a nanoscale.

As an example of what the new technique can reveal, Sommerdijk and his team now show how calcium deposits in a form that may lead to calcification of the arteries and aortic valve.

Ph.D. candidate Luco Rutten explains, "If there's too much calcium phosphate in the blood, a particular protein in the body can bind to it, preventing it from precipitating. The kidneys then clear it out. Under the microscope, we see that these proteins form tiny spheres with calcium phosphate, which can still be broken down. But these spheres can also grow larger, causing calcium phosphate to turn into calcified deposits, which can no longer be broken down."

This may contribute to calcification in the body.

Heart valve on a chip

Currently, no treatment exists for calcified aortic valves other than complete valve replacement.

"We still don't fully understand what exactly happens with this type of calcification, which is why there are no medications yet," says Sommerdijk.

He aims to further study this with the new microscope. In this project, he plans to develop a "heart valve on a chip." Initially, this will be a model of a healthy valve, into which he will then introduce calcification. This project will begin in 2025.

More information: Luco Rutten et al, A CryotoLiquid Phase Correlative Light Electron Microscopy Workflow for the Visualization of Biological Processes in Graphene Liquid Cells, Advanced Functional Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202416938 Journal information: Advanced Functional Materials
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Credit: Manuela Lozano/University of Aberdeen

Scientists from the University of Aberdeen have attached tiny "backpack" type trackers to hummingbirds in the Andes in a bid to learn more about their movements.

Researchers have teamed up with the Chingaza National Park in Colombia, in addition to the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, Queen's University Belfast and the University of Washington in the United States, for the project to help inform the park's plans of expanding the park and connecting to other nearby protected areas.

Previously, it has been impossible to collect movement data for hummingbirds and other small animals in the area, however the team were able to set up an automated radio telemetry grid at 3,300 m above sea level in the Andes of Colombia.

This technology generates fine resolution and continuous location estimates for individual animals, resulting in millions of datapoints that provide information on species' habitat requirements, movement patterns and seasonal occurrence, all of which are important to inform landscape-level management practices that avoid local extinctions. The findings of the study are published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.

Cristina Rueda Uribe, a Ph.D. candidate from the University's School of Biological Sciences, said, "We are very excited to have successfully implemented a system that is giving us a unique insight into the movements of hummingbirds and other small animals endemic to high mountain ecosystems of the Andes.

"The transmitters we attached to the hummingbirds are tiny! They weigh only 0.35g because the largest birds are only around 1214g. We use a harness that goes around their wings and chest, so the tag sits on their back like a backpack. The tag has a solar panel and will transmit signals for the rest of their lifetime, whenever the sun is shining the panel is activated.

"Through this, we have been able to obtain information on foraging routines, home ranges and seasonality. This information increases our understanding about biodiversity in tropical mountains and is also useful to protect these species, as well as their key ecosystem roles as pollinators, in the face of ongoing climate and land-use change.

"Our system is the first to use automated radio signals to track movement in high mountain ecosystems of the Andes, and it is one of only a few that has been attempted in wild landscapes where terrain and vegetation are challenging.

"Its success is due to a huge international collaborative effort between scientists, designers, drone pilots, park rangers, and field ornithologists. This is such an important step forward as the system is mainly focused on tracking hummingbirds and revealing movement patterns that are key for their role as plant pollinators, in ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to changes in climate and land use.

"I am also excited that this project has motivated local management to use technology for conservation, and it has also inspired researchers to adapt this technology in other locations. We are now helping our collaborators to establish a similar grid in lowland forests in the Amazon region."

More information: Cristina RuedaUribe et al, Tracking Small Animals in Complex Landscapes: A Comparison of Localisation Workflows for Automated Radio Telemetry Systems, Ecology and Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70405 Journal information: Ecology and Evolution
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Mouth of Tijuana River. Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Rickbramhall. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Researchers Jeff Crooks and Stephany Garcia checked the minnow traps left at the murky mouth of the Tijuana River on a sunny October morning.

They didn't expect any catches. They haven't had any for months. The estuary at the southern edge of California, which borders Mexico, has been too polluted with untreated wastewater and sedimentation spilling over from Tijuana.

"We didn't even take our fish finder that day," Garcia said last week. "I remember the days when I could see the bottom of the riverbed and fish jumping out of the water. I even saw a sea lion one time. In recent years, the water just started to become more turbid."

But then, something unexpected happened. They found an opaleye inside one of the traps.

That was an exciting moment for researchers at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve who have been monitoring the estuary's health for years and are part of multi-agency efforts to restore the coastal wetland.

"Opaleyes are more marine fish," said Crooks. "So, this is showing that the species is coming in and using it as a nursery."

There's a connection, he added, between the small fish's presence and the Reserve's new preliminary findings about alarming dissolved oxygen levels in the water.

Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen present in water. The higher it is, the better the water quality and the more oxygen available for fish and other aquatic organisms.

According to measurements from 2009 to 2023, the number of times low dissolved oxygen levels were detected significantly spiked in 2022 and peaked in 2023. Researchers have observed long periods of hypoxia, in which oxygen levels are severely low (less than 23 milligrams of oxygen per liter of water), or anoxia, meaning no oxygen or less than 0.2 mg/L.

"We've been monitoring dissolved oxygen in the water continuously since like 1996, so we have a good sense of what oxygen should look like there," said Crooks. "But what we're seeing is two or three days in a row of zero oxygen at some of these sites."

What's causing this: increases in sewage flows. Last year, the amount of wastewater in the river exceeded 44 billion gallons, the most on record in the last quarter-century.

"Sewage is organic matter and it needs oxygen," said Crooks. "And when there's way too much organic matter, the oxygen demand in the water is incredibly high."

The sewage, he added, is also serving as a fertilizer for plants and they're absorbing available oxygen, further slowing down water flow.

"Part of what's happening is that the plants are doing very well," said Crooks. "The marsh vegetation looks pretty good, right? I mean, sewage is fertilizer."

The only other time researchers saw low oxygen levels in recent times was during the 2016 El Nino event, which kept the ocean and freshwater from their normal tidal circulation. This blocked the river mouth with sand and created a stagnant pool that killed wildlife, including dozens of leopard sharks.

Researchers at the Reserve also detected long periods of hypoxia conditions this year.

During one week in August, when the total volume of sewage-contaminated water in the river was 304 million gallons, one of their data logging stations measured hypoxia conditions for most of the week, "which is very detrimental to marine life," said Crooks.

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And it is unhealthy for humans, too, said Rachel Smith, a marine scientist at UC Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute.

Researchers at the institute were using the Tijuana River estuary as a model for restoring the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar. The restoration project is part of a long-term effort to compensate for marine life lost due to operation of the now-shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, according to the institute's website.

But this year, with pollution and sewage odors at their worst, researchers decided to swap the Tijuana Estuary with Los Penasquitos Lagoon as a reference site.

"Our staff, they're in the estuary up to their chest in the water and also the mud," said Smith. "Over the last two years, we've noticed that, in terms of the sewage, it's gotten a lot stinkier and just a lot more. We were a lot more worried about the safety of our staff."

Smith said the hope is to return to the Tijuana River estuary in the future because it's a "beautiful area, and it's also an important reference site for us, because it's so close by to a lot of our other reference sites."

The estuary is one of the few intact salt marshes remaining. More than 90% of wetlands in Southern California have been lost because of development and other land use changes, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. It has also long been considered a vital breeding, feeding, resting and nesting ground for more than 370 species of birds.

The UCSB institute found that the number of fish per unit area and the number of different fish species at Tijuana Estuary dropped precipitously from 2021 to 2023 compared to three other wetlands in Southern California. For example, fish density dropped from more than 15 per meter squared in 2021 to less than five in 2023, according to a 2023 San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Mitigation Program report.

Fish, crab, snail and clam populations took a nosedive over the past couple of years, said Crooks. It's unclear how many species have left the estuary or have died as a result of pollution.

"We do see dead fish but fish can also swim around and some, like clams, don't move at all, and others, they may not be able to reproduce," he said. "So, I think it's a combination of things. My guess is towards the river mouth, things are a little better because dilution is the solution."

There is some good news.

Researchers recorded a slight improvement in dissolved oxygen levels in the water last month, just a few weeks after Mexico fixed PBCILA, a pump that helps divert millions of gallons of polluted water daily from the Tijuana River and sends it to wastewater treatment plants.

The average daily sewage flows dropped from about 45 million gallons to about 6 million gallons. Shortly after, South County residents reported a drastic reduction in noxious sewage-related odors that keep them up at night.

During a week in October, when the total volume of sewage-contaminated water in the river was 44 million gallons, hypoxic conditions were seen 26% of the time, compared to 95% of the time during a week in August, with 304 million gallons of polluted water.

"To be clear, 26% of the time is still very concerning, but it does demonstrate a response of the estuary to decreased flows, with the hope that further decreases in flows would improve conditions more," said Crooks.

Officials on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border responsible for wastewater infrastructure say they are working with a level of urgency to complete construction projects as soon as possible.

In San Diego, the International Boundary and Water Commission broke ground on a long-awaited project to repair and expand a treatment plant that serves as a backstop for Tijuana. It's expected to be completed in no less than five years. Mexico expects to finish by the end of this year a major overhaul of a broken plant that has for years dumped untreated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean.

Though several other efforts are needed to plug Tijuana's leaky system, the two projects should eliminate about 90% of sewage flows reaching South County shorelines.

Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing a petition sent by San Diego County residents and elected officials asking the federal government to evaluate whether the polluted Tijuana River Valley may be eligible for Superfund designation.

2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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0.25-2.5 keV XMM-Newton/EPIC (pn+MOS) X-ray light curves of eRO-QPE2. Credit: Pasham et al., 2024.

An international team of astronomers has inspected long-term evolution of quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs) from a QPE source designated eRO-QPE2. The study found that QPEs from this source are remarkably stable over the investigated period of over three and a half years. The finding was reported November 1 on the pre-print server arXiv.

QPEs are defined as short, high amplitude quasi-periodic X-ray bursts over a stable flux level, originating near the central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in galactic nuclei. They are observed as increases in the X-ray count rate over a quiescent level, and recur quasi-periodically.

The name QPE was chosen to differentiate them from the gentler, quasi-sinusoidal modulation of the standard quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs).

Discovered in 2021 with the eROSITA instrument on the Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma (SRG) spacecraft, eRO-QPE2 is a QPE source at a redshift of 0.0175, associated with the galaxy 2MASX J02344872-4419325.

Follow-up observations of eRO-QPE2 with ESA's XMM-Newton satellite have revealed that it exhibits QPEs with intrinsic luminosities oscillating between approximately 0.12 and 1.2 tredecillion erg/s in the 0.52-keV band. The mean dispersion of the rise-to-decay duration of these eruptions was measured to be about 27 minutes, with a peak-to-peak separation of around 2.4 hours and a duty cycle of 19%.

Now, a new study conducted by a group of astronomers led by Dheeraj Pasham of MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts, provides more insights into the evolution and properties of quasi-periodic eruptions from eRO-QPE2.

"In this work, we studied the long-term evolution of eRO-QPE2 using XMM-Newton data taken between August 2020 to February 2024, i.e., a temporal baseline of 1,277 days or 3.5 years," the researchers wrote.

Pasham's team found that eRO-QPE2 is remarkably stable over the entire 3.5-year observation period in its eruption peak luminosity, eruption temperature, quiescent temperature, and quiescent luminosity. Moreover, the mean recurrence time of QPEs, calculated to be 2.35 hours, was found to be constant between 2022 and 2024, with a hint of a decay of approximately six minutes between August 2020 and June 2022.

By comparing eRO-QPE2 to other known systems experiencing quasi-periodic oscillations, the astronomers note that this stability is in contrast with the known sample of QPEs as they usually showcase declines in eruption and quiescent flux over comparable observation periods.

Furthermore, given the relatively short QPE recurrence time, eRO-QPE2 has undergone more cycles than these other systems, which underlines its unusual stability.

Trying to explain the origin of the eruptions of eRO-QPE2, the authors of the paper assume that it may be a low-mass (about 0.18 solar masses) white dwarf being partially tidally stripped by a black hole with a mass at a level of 230,000 solar masses. However, further studies are required in order to provide more evidence supporting this hypothesis.

More information: Dheeraj Pasham et al, Alive and Strongly Kicking: Stable X-ray Quasi-Periodic Eruptions from eRO-QPE2 over 3.5 Years, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2411.00289 Journal information: arXiv

 2024 Science X Network
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A malnourished emperor penguin appeared on a beach in Australia, thousands of miles from its home in Antarctica. Wildlife experts rescued the bird and took it to a rehabilitation center.

A beachgoer at "a popular tourist beach in Denmark, Western Australia," noticed the out-of-place emperor penguin on Friday, Nov. 1 and alerted wildlife experts, the region's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said in a news release shared with McClatchy News on Nov. 8.

Carol Biddulph, an "experienced local seabird rehabilitator," arrived to check on the lost penguin. Photos show the 3-foot-tall black and white bird standing on the sandy beach.

"The bird sort of turned at an angle and I could see its backbone protruding and I thought this bird is well undernourished," Biddulph said in an interview shared with the release. "Between the condition of the bird and the activity that might have happened on the beach the following day, I thought it was best to bring the bird in."

"Getting it back to the car was quite a challenge," she said. "We got it into a carrier, a large canvas pet carrier, nice and soft, and got it into the car."

Biddulph took the bird home to her "dedicated penguin enclosure," she said. There, the penguin was weighed and treated. A local vet and department officials also helped with the animal's care.

"I've never had to deal with a large penguin like this before," Biddulph said. "They've always been a lot smallerour local little penguins."

Emperor penguins are the world's largest penguins, known for their iconic looks and "stately demeanor," according to Britannica. They typically live on the ice shelves of Antarctica, thousands of miles from Australian beaches.

Experts aren't sure how the emperor penguin that arrived in Western Australia "got so lost," 9News, an Australian outlet, reported. Officials hope to get the male bird, nicknamed Gus, back home.

"Never in my wildest thoughts would I have thought I'd ever have an emperor penguin to care for," Biddulph said. "It's just amazing. It's just such a privilege to be part of this bird's journey."

Denmark, Western Australia, is on the southwestern tip of Australia and the opposite side of the country from Sydney.

2024 The Charlotte Observer. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

SpaceX has a pair of launches on tap Monday from its two launch pads on the Space Coast that could lift off within four hours of one another.

First up is a Falcon 9 on the Koreasat-6A from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A targeting a window that runs from 12:07-4:07 p.m. and backup opportunities from 12:06-4:06 p.m. on Tuesday. The payload is a communications satellite for South Korean company KT SAT Corporation Ltd. headed for geosynchronous transfer orbit.

This is the 23rd mission for the first-stage booster, which will aim for a recovery return to nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Landing Zone 1. If it lands, it will become the first SpaceX booster to successfully make 23 landings. Two previous boosters launched 23 times, but one blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion.

SpaceX warned that one or more sonic booms may be heard across parts of Central Florida, which would occur about eight minutes after liftoff.

"There is the possibility that residents of Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions," the warning stated.

The second launch on tap is a Falcon 9 on the Starlink 6-69 mission with 24 of SpaceX's internet satellites set for liftoff from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40 at 4:02 p.m. during a window that runs through 7:44 p.m.

The launch was scrubbed from a Sunday attempt because of poor weather in the booster recovery area.

The first-stage booster for this mission is making its 12th flight and will aim for a recovery landing downrange in the Atlantic on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas.

Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a 70% chance for good conditions for the KSC launch, which improves to 90% in the event of a 24-hour delay, and forecasts an 80% chance for good launch conditions for the Cape Canaveral launch, which also improves to 90% in the event of a delay until Tuesday.

These would be the 77th and 78th launches from the Space Coast in 2024, with all but five coming from SpaceX.

The time between the two Space Coast launches, if they remain close to four hours apart, would not best SpaceX's company record between its KSC and Canaveral pads, which was set on Dec. 28, 2023, when a Falcon Heavy launch from KSC was followed by a Falcon 9 at Cape Canaveral in 2 hours and 54 minutes.

Even that has not beaten the all-time record on the Space Coast for shortest times between launches, which came during four Gemini program missions that flew in 1966. Those featured double launches from two different pads on what was then Cape Kennedy.

Those sent up crew in the Gemini capsule on Titan rockets about 100 minutes after Atlas boosters had sent up Agena Target Vehicles with which they would rendezvous in space.

The record remains the two launches from Gemini 11, which sent up astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon from Launch Complex 19 only 97 minutes and 25 seconds after the Agena launch from Launch Complex 14, just over a mile to the south.

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Like the Earth, the sun likely has swirling polar vortices, according to new research led by the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR). But unlike on Earth, the formation and evolution of these vortices are driven by magnetic fields.

The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, have implications for our basic understanding of the sun's magnetism and the solar cycle, which could in turn improve our ability to predict disruptive space weather.

The new research also paints a picture of what we might expect to see at the solar poles during future missions to the sun and provides information that could be useful in planning the timing of such missions.

"No one can say for certain what is happening at the solar poles," said NSF NCAR senior scientist Mausumi Dikpati, who led the new study. "But this new research gives us an intriguing look at what we might expect to find when we are able, for the first time, to observe the solar poles."

Supercomputing resources for the research were made available on NSF NCAR's Cheyenne and Derecho systems.

In the simulations, a tight ring of polar vortices forms at around 55 degrees latitude, the equivalent of Earth's Arctic circle. After forming, the vortices head toward the poles in a tightening ring, shedding vortices as the circle closes, eventually leaving only a pair of vortices directly abutting the poles before they disappear altogether at solar maximum. How many vortices form and their configuration as they move toward the poles changes with the strength of the solar cycle. Credit: UCAR

A mystery at the sun's poles

The likely presence of some kind of polar vortices on the sun does not come as a surprise. These spinning formations develop in fluids that surround a rotating body due to the Coriolis force, and they have been observed on the majority of planets in our solar system.

On Earth, a vortex spins high in the atmosphere around both the north and south poles. When those vortices are stable, they keep frigid air locked at the poles, but when they weaken and become unstable, they allow that cold air to seep toward the equator, causing cold air outbreaks in the midlatitudes.

NASA's Juno mission returned breathtaking images of polar vortices on Jupiter, showing eight tightly packed swirls around the gas giant's north pole and five around its south. The polar vortices on Saturn, seen by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, are hexagonally shaped at the north pole and more circular in the south. These differences offer scientists clues into the makeup and dynamics of each planet's atmosphere.

Polar vortices have also been observed on Mars, Venus, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn's moon, Titan, so in some ways, the fact that the sun (also a rotating body surrounded by a fluid) would have such features may be obvious. But the sun is also fundamentally different from the planets and moons that possess atmospheres: the plasma "fluid" that surrounds the sun is magnetic.

How that magnetism might influence the formation and evolution of solar polar vorticesor whether they form at allis a mystery because humanity has never sent a mission into space that can observe the sun's poles. In fact, our observations of the sun are limited to views of the face of the sun as it points toward Earth and only offers hints at what might be transpiring at the poles.

A ring of vortices tied to the solar cycle

Since we have never observed the sun's poles, the science team relied on computer models to fill in the blanks about what solar polar vortices might look like. What they found is that the sun is likely to indeed have a unique pattern of polar vortices that evolves as the solar cycle unfolds and depends on the strength of any particular cycle.

In the simulations, a tight ring of polar vortices forms at around 55 degrees latitudethe equivalent of Earth's Arctic circleat the same time that a phenomenon called the "rush to the poles" begins.

At the maximum of each solar cycle, the magnetic field at the sun's poles disappears and is replaced with a magnetic field of opposite polarity. This flip-flop is preceded by a "rush to the poles" when the field of opposite polarity begins to travel from about 55 degrees in latitude poleward.

After forming, the vortices head toward the poles in a tightening ring, shedding vortices as the circle closes, eventually leaving only a pair of vortices directly abutting the poles before they disappear altogether at solar maximum. How many vortices form and their configuration as they move toward the poles changes with the strength of the solar cycle.

These simulations offer a missing piece to the puzzle of how the sun's magnetic field behaves near the poles and may help answer some fundamental questions about the sun's solar cycles. For example, in the past, many scientists have used the strength of the magnetic field that "rushes to the poles" as a proxy for how strong the upcoming solar cycle is likely to be. But the mechanism for how those things might connect, if at all, is not clear.

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The simulations also offer information that may be used for planning future missions to observe the sun. Namely, the results indicate that some form of polar vortices should be observable during all parts of the solar cycle except during the solar maximum.

"You could launch a solar mission, and it could arrive to observe the poles at completely the wrong time," said Scott McIntosh, vice president of space operations for Lynker and a co-author of the paper.

The Solar Orbiter, a cooperative mission between NASA and the European Space Agency, could give researchers their first glimpse of the solar poles, but the first look will be close to the solar maximum. The authors note that a mission designed to observe the poles and to give researchers multiple, simultaneous viewpoints of the sun could help them answer many long-held questions about the sun's magnetic fields.

"Our conceptual boundary now is that we are operating with only one viewpoint," McIntosh said. "To make significant progress, we must have the observations we need to test our hypotheses and confirm whether simulations like these are correct."

More information: Dikpati, Mausumi, A magnetohydrodynamic mechanism for the formation of solar polar vortices, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2415157121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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A prototype trash compactor to be tested aboard the International Space Station, planned for 2026. Credit: Sierra Space

Astronauts on the International Space Station generate their share of garbage, filling up cargo ships that then deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere. Now Sierra Space has won a contract to build a trash compactor for the space station. The device will compact space trash by 75% in volume and allow water and other gases to be extracted for reclamation. The resulting garbage blocks are easily stored and could even be used as radiation shielding on long missions.

Called the Trash Compaction and Processing System (TCPS), plans are to test it aboard the International Space Station in late 2026.

Sierra Space said this technology could be critical for the success of future space explorationsuch as long-duration crewed missions to the moon and Marsto handle waste management, stowage, and water reclamation.

"Long-term space travel requires the efficient use of every ounce of material and every piece of equipment. Every decision made on a spacecraft can have far-reaching consequences, and waste management becomes a matter of survival and mission integrity in the vacuum of space," said Sierra Space CEO, Tom Vice, in a press release.

"We're addressing this challenge through technological innovation and commitment to sustainability in every facet of space operations. Efficient, sustainable, and innovative waste disposal is essential for the success of crewed space exploration."

NASA said that currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), common trash such as food packaging, clothing, and wipes are separated into wet and dry trash bags; these bags are stored temporarily before being packed into a spent resupply vehicle, such as the Russian Progress ship or Northrup Grumman's Cygnus vehicle. When full, these ships undock and burn up during atmospheric re-entry, taking all the trash with it.

A sample trash tile, compressed to less than one-eighth of the original trash volume, was produced by the Heat Melt Compactor. Credit: NASA

However, for missions further out, space trash will have to be managed and disposed of by other methods, such as jettisoning the trash into spacewhich doesn't sound like a very eco-friendly idea. Additionally, wet trash contains components that may not be storable for long periods between jettisoning events without endangering the crew.

Plus, there's currently no way for any water to be reclaimed from the "wet" waste. The TCPS should be able to recover nearly all the water from the trash for future use.

TCPS is a stand-alone system and only requires access to power, data, and air-cooling interfaces. It is being designed as simple to use.

Sierra Space said the device includes an innovative Catalytic Oxidizer (CatOx) "that processes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous byproducts to maintain a safe and sterile environment in space habitats."

Heat and pressure compact astronaut trash into solid square tiles that compress to less than one-eighth of the original trash volume. The tiles are easy to store, safe to handle, and have the addedand potentially very importantbenefit of providing additional radiation protection.

Sierra Space was originally awarded a contract in 2023, and in January 2024 they completed the initial design and review phase, which was presented to NASA for review. Sierra Space is now finalizing the fabrication, integration, and checkout of the TCPS Ground Unit, which will be used for ground testing in ongoing system evaluations.

Based on the success of their design, Sierra Space was awarded a new contract to build a Flight Unit that will be launched and tested in orbit aboard the space station.

NASA said that once tested on the ISS, the TCPS can be used for exploration missions wherever common spacecraft trash is generated and needs to be managed.
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A barred owl in Baton Rouge. Photo by John Hartgerink. Credit: John Hartgerink

Novel research published in Ornithological Applications has revealed noteworthy insights into how barred owls (Strix varia) interact with urban environments, with implications for both wildlife conservation and urban planning.

This study, conducted by a team of biologists from Louisiana State University and other institutions, highlights the connection between owl habitat selection and an urban landscape, underscoring the broader ecological and socio-economic impacts of urban landscapes.

Key findings

Day vs. night habitat use: Barred owls' home ranges were significantly larger at night than during the day, indicating different habitat needs between their active and resting periods. The research emphasizes that preserving green spaces in urban areas can have profound effects on nocturnal and diurnal wildlife.

Energy efficiency in preferred habitats: Owls expended less energy in their preferred nocturnal habitats, suggesting that these areas provide higher-quality resources.

Affluent neighborhoods attract barred owls: Barred owls in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, showed a marked preference for habitats in affluent neighborhoods, supporting the "luxury effect"the tendency for wealthier areas to harbor greater biodiversity.

Implications for urban design: The study advocates for providing and protecting habitat for barred owls to keep this important species, other forest-associated species, and the ecosystem services they provide present and functioning in urban areas. The study also advocates for the equitable distribution of green spaces in cities, especially in less affluent areas, to promote biodiversity throughout the urban landscape.

The importance of studying the entire diel cycle

This research highlights the need to study the entire diel cyclethe full 24-hour periodin animal ecology, rather than focusing solely on their active phases. For example, while owls are typically active at night, understanding their behavior during the day, when they are resting, is equally important for a complete picture of their habitat needs.

This approach can be likened to inferring human priorities by only tracking their activities during work hours and neglecting what happens at home during the evening and night. Just as human well-being is shaped by both work and home life, animal survival and fitness are influenced by both active and inactive periods. By examining these patterns holistically, scientists can develop more effective conservation strategies.

Co-author Sabrina Taylor releases a tagged barred owl. Credit: Vitek Jirinec

Capturing the owls: A hands-on learning experience

The research team faced unique challenges in capturing barred owls. The team deployed a variety of strategies, including a stuffed owl toy named Judas.

"Judas was supposed to lure territorial owls into our nets," explains co-author Dr. Vitek Jirinec. "He was hit a few times, but most owls weren't fooled. We had better success with a broadcast of owl calls next to 12-meter (40-foot) tall nets."

Dr. Jirinec recalls the experience as both thrilling and humbling, stating, "Most of my previous experience comes from working with small songbirds, but these owls are a different kind of beast who can make use of their sharp beaks and claws, if one is not careful."

As proof, he has photographic evidence of his hands, torso, and head.

Once captured, the owls were fitted with GPS and accelerometer loggers, allowing the team to track their movements and energy expenditures with high precision. This data collection was important in revealing the differences in owl behavior and habitat use across the landscape, shedding light on how these predators navigate their environment.

Co-author Eliza Stein releases a tagged barred owl. Credit: Vitek Jirinec

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A collaborative effort during challenging times

Co-author Dr. Sabrina Taylor reflects on the collaborative nature of the project: "This study was a truly rewarding experience that brought together graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and even community members. We wouldn't have been able to undertake an extra research project to learn about this local species without the collaboration of many people."

The combination of advanced technology, hands-on fieldwork, and community collaboration made this research possible, resulting in findings that could influence how urban spaces are designed in the future to better accommodate both wildlife and human residents.

This research not only advances our understanding of urban ecology but also highlights the socio-economic disparities in environmental quality. As cities expand, the findings underscore the importance of designing urban landscapes that support biodiversity and offer equitable access to green spaces for all residents.

More information: Vitek Jirinec et al, Home ranges, habitat selection, and energy expenditure of Strix varia (Barred Owls): Understanding the full diel cycle matters for enhancing urban landscapes, Ornithological Applications (2024). DOI: 10.1093/ornithapp/duae038
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Almost nine out of 10 voters who supported Donald Trump for US President believe that America's values, traditions and future economic prosperity are under threatdouble the number of Kamala Harris supporters.

This is according to new data from Cambridge University's Political Psychology lab, who worked with YouGov to conduct an opinion poll of US voters shortly before the election.

Some 89% of Trump voters agree that "American values and beliefs are being undermined and cherished traditions are under threat" compared to 45% of Harris voters.

Moreover, 87% of Trump voters agree that jobs in the US are "insecure right now and future prosperity is under threat" compared to just 39% of those who supported Harris.

Trump voters also scored higher, on average, than Harris voters in brief psychological tests for levels of authoritarianism, as well as for Social Dominance Orientation: a preference for hierarchy within social groups.

"A lot of media attention focuses on the specific things Trump says and whether they are truthful," said Dr. Lee de-Wit, head of Cambridge's Political Psychology lab.

"Our results highlight that part of Trump's appeal is in the values he communicates, and the way in which he manages to respond more directly to the sense of threat perceived by many US voters," de-Wit said.

"These findings may help explain why Democrat attacks on Trump supporters resonated so strongly, from Clinton's 'basket of deplorables' to Biden's 'garbage' comment, because far more of Trump's base see their country's values and jobs as under threat already."

De-Wit points to recent research suggesting that voters in the UK are more likely to support candidates whose values and attitudes align with their ownan effect that outstrips left-right identification.

Both Democrat and Republican leaders repeatedly stated that a victory by the other side is dangerous for America, including in the closing arguments of the campaign.

Polling suggests that this resonated with the electorate. Large majorities in both camps felt their "way of life would be under threat" if the opposing candidate won (74% of Trump voters; 68% of Harris voters), suggesting high levels of mutual distrust.

"Psychological research suggests that across any population you will find that people respond differently to threat, whether perceived or real, and that their reactions are related to underlying psychological characteristics," said de-Wit.

For this reason, the Cambridge team asked voters to respond to scales measuring authoritarianism, as well as Social Dominance Orientation.

People who score highly on authoritarianism are concerned about enforcing in-group norms and respecting legitimate authority.

Meanwhile, those high in Social Dominance Orientation care about the position of their in-group in relation to other groups. "They are sensitive to status, and often view the world as divided into winners and losers. They can be triggered by the idea that their group is slipping down the social and economic hierarchy."

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Trump voters scored significantly higher than Harris voters for both characteristics.

De-Wit says these results are consistent with the work of Dr. Karen Stenner, another political psychologist. "Stenner describes perceived threat as a trigger for an 'authoritarian dynamic'. When a group's norms are under threat, they seek safety through greater conformity, punishment for norm breakers and the authority of a strong leader."

De-Wit and colleagues say this may partly explain why the famous "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan plays so well with Trump voters, with 97% agreeing that "Americans should make our country great again," compared to only 42% of Harris voters.

"The words themselves invoke a perceived loss of status which would matter for those high in Social Dominance Orientation, while the sense of a shared mass movement that has grown up around MAGA would be appealing to those high in authoritarianism," said de-Wit.

While the MAGA slogan proved divisive across the voting public, Democrat slogans such as Harris' statement that Americans have "much more in common than what separates us" were viewed favorably by a majority of Trump (80%) and Harris (86%) voters alike.

"The broadly positive response across the board to the 'more in common' slogan suggests the Democrat appeal to unity was a popular one," said de-Wit. "Perhaps Democrats need to better understand how to speak to the real or perceived threats people face."

The statement that "Americans should put country over party," used by some Republicans, including former Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, to explain why they were endorsing a Democrat, polled even better: 89% of both Harris and Trump supporters agreed with the slogan.

De-Wit points out that the two Democrat slogans that got over 80% in both camps are compatible with at least moderate levels of authoritarianism, as "more in common" reassures those who dislike division and "country over party" is an appeal to loyalty, albeit to a wider in-group.

De-Wit added, "From Brexit to Trump, it is clear that those seeking to understand the dynamics of modern politics need to look beyond traditional political labels of left and right, and conventional demographics.

"We need to understand why some voters are feeling so threatened, and clearly, politicians need to think deeply about how to respond to those threats."

More information: University of Cambridge Political Psychology Lab US fieldwork - 23rd to 25th October 2024
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Extreme weather is contributing to undocumented migration and return between Mexico and the United States, suggesting that more migrants could risk their lives crossing the border as climate change fuels droughts, storms and other hardships, according to a new study.

People from agricultural areas in Mexico were more likely to cross the border illegally after droughts and were less likely to return to their original communities when extreme weather continued, according to research this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Across the globe, climate changecaused by burning fossil fuels such as coal and natural gasis exacerbating extreme weather. Droughts are longer and drier, heat is deadlier and storms are rapidly intensifying and dumping record-breaking rain.

In Mexico, a country of nearly 130 million people, drought has drained reservoirs dry, created severe water shortages and drastically reduced corn production, threatening livelihoods.

Researchers said Mexico is a notable country for studying the links between migration, return and weather stressors. Its mean annual temperature is projected to increase up to 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2060, and extreme weather is likely to economically devastate rural communities dependent on rain-fed agriculture. The U.S. and Mexico also have the largest international migration flow in the world.

Scientists predict migration will grow as the planet gets hotter. Over the next 30 years, 143 million people worldwide are likely to be uprooted by rising seas, drought, searing temperatures and other climate catastrophes, according to a U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.

The new migration research comes as Republican Donald Trump was reelected to the U.S. presidency this week. Trump has called climate change a "hoax" and promised mass deportations of an estimated 11 million people in the U.S. illegally.

Researchers said their findings highlight how extreme weather drives migration.

Filiz Garip, a study researcher and professor of sociology and international affairs at Princeton University, said advanced nations have contributed far more to climate change than developing countries that are bearing the brunt.

Migration "is not a decision that people take up lightly ... and yet they're being forced to make it more, and they're being forced to stay longer in the United States" as a result of weather extremes, Garip said.

The researchers analyzed daily weather data along with survey responses from 48,313 people between 1992 and 2018, focusing on about 3,700 individuals who crossed the border without documents for the first time.

They looked at 84 agricultural communities in Mexico where growing corn was dependent on weather. They correlated a person's decision to migrate and then return with abnormal changes in temperature and rainfall in their origin communities during the May-to-August corn growing season.

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The study found communities experiencing drought had higher migration rates compared to communities with normal rainfall. And people were less likely to return to Mexico from the U.S. when their communities were unusually dry or wet. That was true for recent U.S. arrivals and people who had been there longer.

People who were better off financially were also more likely to migrate. So were people from communities with established migration histories where friends, neighbors or family members who previously migrated could offer information and help.

These social and economic factors that influence migration are well understood, but Garip said the study's findings underscore the inequities of climate adaptation. With extreme weather events, not everybody is impacted or responds in the same way, she said, "and the typical social and economic advantages or disadvantages also shape how people experience these events."

For Kerilyn Schewel, codirector of Duke University's Program on Climate, Resilience and Mobility, the economic factors highlight that some of most vulnerable people aren't those displaced by climate extremes, but are rather "trapped in place or lacking the resources to move."

Schewel, who was not involved in the study, said analyzing regions with migration histories could help predict where migrants will come from and who is likelier to migrate because of climate shocks. In "places where people are already leaving, where there's a high degree of migration prevalence, ... that's where we can expect more people to leave in the future," she said.

The survey data used from the Mexican Migration Project makes this study unique, according to Helene Benveniste, a professor in Stanford University's department of environmental social sciences. Migration data of its scale that's community specific is "rarely available," she said in an email. So is information about a person's full migration journey, including their return.

The finding that return migration decisions were delayed by weather stress in origin communities is "important and novel," said Benveniste, who studies climate-related human migration and was not involved in the study. "Few datasets enable an analysis of this question."

But increased surveillance and enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border make returning homeand moving back and forthmore difficult, said Michael Mendez, assistant professor of environmental policy and planning at the University of California, Irvine. And once undocumented migrants are in the U.S., they often live in dilapidated housing, lack health care or work in industries such as construction or agriculture that make them vulnerable to other climate impacts, he said. Mendez was not involved in the study.

As climate change threatens social, political and economic stability around the world, experts said the study highlights the need for global collaboration around migration and climate resilience.

"So much of our focus has been, in a way, on the border and securing the border," said Schewel from Duke. "But we need much more attention to not only the reasons why people are leaving, but also the demand for immigrant workers within the U.S."

More information: Julia Li Zhu et al, Weather deviations linked to undocumented migration and return between Mexico and the United States, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400524121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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A prehistoric artwork depicting a wooly rhino at Chauvet Cave. Credit: Inocybe via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

A team of geologists, paleontologists, and mammoth fauna studies specialists, affiliated with several institutions in Russia, has found evidence that a woolly rhino found in the Siberian ice back in 2020 had a fatty hump on its neck. Their findings are published in Quaternary Science Reviews.

Cave drawings made by ancient people in parts of Europe and Russia depict examples of the ancient woolly rhinocerosan extinct species of rhino that was distantly related to the modern rhino. But researchers have been perplexed by the hump drawn on the creature's neck. Bones and the mummified remains of woolly rhinos never showed any sign of a hump.

Thus, despite the apparent accuracy of other animals drawn on the same walls, scientists had doubts. Such doubts, it appears, will have to be put to rest as the woolly rhino specimen found in 2020 definitely had a hump.

Humps, the researchers note, are common in creatures that live in cold placesthe fat that constitutes them can serve as an energy source during harsh winters when it is cold and food is hard to find.

The rhino under study by the team was discovered in 2020, in Yakutia, Siberia, along the banks of the Tirekhtyakh River. It had been kept in a freezer since. The researchers on this new effort were allowed to take it to their lab for study. The work involved visual analysis, and after defrosting the specimen, they were able to study it more closely.

The research team found evidence that the rhino was approximately 4 years old when it died, which meant it was not yet an adult. Dating placed it to approximately 32,000 years ago. They also noted that it was in exceptionally good conditionat least half of it. The other half had been torn away prior to freezing, likely by an animal that found it dead.

The team also noted that one of its two horns was unique in that it was shaped like a blade and was sharp. Most interesting, though, was the fatty hump, which rose up to 13 centimeters from the place where the neck met the shouldersthe first such physical evidence of a hump in the woolly rhino.

More information: Gennady G. Boeskorov et al, Reshaping a woolly rhinoceros: Discovery of a fat hump on its back, Quaternary Science Reviews (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2024.109013 Journal information: Quaternary Science Reviews

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As several families cross the Ewaso Ngiro River, a female elephant responds to her calf's distress call. Credit: George Wittemyer/Colorado State University.

Habitat loss and poaching have driven dramatic declines in African elephants, but it is challenging to measure their numbers and monitor changes across the entire continent. A new study has analyzed 53 years of population survey data and found large-scale declines in most populations of both species of African elephants.

From 19642016, forest elephant populations decreased on average by 90%, and savanna elephant populations fell on average by 70%. In combination, populations declined by 77% on average. The study compiled survey data from 475 sites in 37 countries, making it the most comprehensive assessment of African elephants to date.

Declines were not uniform across the continent, with some populations disappearing completely and others showing rapid growth. Colorado State University Professor George Wittemyer, one of the architects of the study and chair of the scientific board of Save the Elephants, said that identifying success stories where elephant populations are stable or increasing could help with their conservation.

"The context and the solutions at different sites can be quite different, but there are examples where people are effectively managing and protecting these populations," Wittemyer said. "It helps to have a contextually relevant model for elephant conservation, and we've got that in a lot of different places."

A mother elephant leads her calf away from danger in northern Kenya. Credit: George Wittemyer/Colorado State University.

The study, "Survey based inference of continental African elephant decline," published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, modeled site-level elephant density rather than numbers because the survey area was not constant over time for most survey sites. A clear trend toward smaller populations emerged.

"This paper shows the scale of the declines and how widespread they are across the continent," Wittemyer said. "It shines a light on how quickly even something as big and noticeable as elephants can just disappear."

Not simple arithmetic

Elephants may be big and noticeable, but counting them is complicated and resource intensive. Surveys of savanna elephants are done by spotters in planes, and forest elephants must be counted on foot. Drones aren't yet capable of the long flights over remote areas necessary to survey elephants, and processing drone imagery is also resource intensive.

An elephant family comforts their calf during an afternoon nap under a tree in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya. Credit: George Wittemyer/Colorado State University.

Africa is more than three times the size of the United States, and each African country has its own wildlife management policies and political system. Some places survey regularly, and others not at all. Existing surveys were conducted through careful logistical planning and resource investment.

"We were really happy to bring all of that data together and leverage it, given the effort and care taken to collect it," Wittemyer said.

As elephant populations declined, some protected spaces were condensed and survey borders changed. To compensate for shrinking survey areas and gaps in data, the study authors had to use places with good information to estimate population change for nearby places with less information. They looked at site-based trends to get a picture of the overall distribution of trends.

"The strength of our approach is that we were able to infer these trends, even in places where the data were extremely poor, in a way that allowed the results from each survey site to be compared," said co-author Charles Edwards, a research scientist with CEscape consultancy services.

"Understanding how and where trends are different across the range of a species is arguably more important for their conservation than an overall change in abundance, which may only reflect change in the largest populations."

Savanna elephants are surveyed by spotters in planes. A new study found large-scale declines in African elephants in the first continent-wide analysis of population survey data. Credit: George Wittemyer/Colorado State University.

"It's not a metric of the number of elephants left on the continent," Wittemyer added. "It's an assessment of how each population is doing, and they're generally not doing great."

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Shifting distribution

The study examined how African elephants fared by species and region. In the war-torn Sahel region of northern Africa, elephant populations have been decimated. Eastern and central Africa generally saw declines from ivory poaching as well as from human population growth and wilderness conversion crowding out elephants.

However, elephants are thriving in parts of southern Africa, particularly in Botswana, where populations have been protected and sustainably managed.

The authors said that the study's comprehensive assessment of the status of African elephants is fundamental to management decisions like knowing where to invest limited funding and capabilities to best protect elephants.

An elephant family forages together during the rainy season. Credit: George Wittemyer/Colorado State University.

"The overall story is one of decline, but we're focusing on long-term stability of the species," Wittemyer said. "I think we can do that in a bunch of places, but not all places."

Co-authors of the study are Kathleen Gobush (University of Washington), Fiona Maisels (Wildlife Conservation Society and University of Stirling), Dave Balfour (Nelson Mandela University) and Russell Taylor (WWF Namibia).
Update, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11: State Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today issued the following statement concerning Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's appointment as the next Ambassador to the United Nations: Id like to congratulate my good friend, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, on being chosen as the next Ambassador to the United Nations. This is a richly deserved honor and great news for the North Country. She has been an excellent partner in government and Ive enjoyed being able to work with her on the national security and economic issues our constituents face. I know that shell be a powerful voice for our national security interests, just as she was a strong voice for her constituents in the House of Representatives.

Update, 4:30p.m., Nov. 11: House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement: I am truly honored to earn President Trump's nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate.

President Trumps historic landslide election has given hope to the American people and is a reminder that brighter days are ahead - both at home and abroad. America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek.

The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries. I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trumps restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations.

I will forever be grateful to my beloved constituents in New York's 21st Congressional District for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work my very hardest to serve and give them a voice at the highest levels of Congress. Ten years ago, Upstate and North Country voters took a chance on a young, first-time, unknown candidate who very few believed could win. I was proud to be the youngest woman elected to Congress at the time and to earn their overwhelming vote of confidence in six general elections.

Thank you to my colleagues in the House for entrusting me to serve as House Republican Conference Chair as a part of your leadership team. I am proud of my strong record as a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the Education and Workforce Committee, as well as the legislative and constituent services results my office successfully delivered to our district.

Thank you to the hardworking families, small businesses, farms, law enforcement officers, military families, veterans, seniors, and local elected officials whom I have worked so closely with on behalf of our communities. And most especially, thank you to my extraordinarily dedicated staff in the District and Washington offices for serving our constituents tirelessly for the past decade.

My family and I are excited for this next chapter in New York and Washington to work hard to serve our country on President Donald Trump's team.

No matter where this journey takes us, Upstate New York - the cradle of the American Revolution - will always be my heart and home."

What's next?

Since President-elect Donald Trump has chosen local Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as his ambassador to the United Nations, what might this look like for her recently re-elected seat in New Yorks 21st District?

The Congresswoman is currently House Republican Conference Chair. She was first elected to Congress in 2014, at 30, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress; she later became the youngest woman to serve in House leadership, the Associated Press reported.

Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter, Trump said in a statement Monday announcing his pick for ambassador.

Stefaniks office did not immediately respond for a request for comment Monday morning, Veterans Day.

The congressional seat, if Stefanik is to accept the position once Trump is inaugurated in January, would then need to be filled by a special election once Stefanik resigns from her position in Congress.

Local party leaders from the congressional district would select candidates to run in the special election.

Stefaniks recent Democratic challenger for the 21st district, Paula Collins, has said she would be interested in running as the Democratic nominee in a special election for NY-21.

I have expressed my desire to the Democratic committee chairs that I would be interested in running, Collins said in a phone interview Monday morning. But, really it still remains a hypothetical until its done. They cant even begin to parse that. Im hopeful that since I was the last candidate to run, and that I had had already announced my bid for 2026, that they would then ask me to run.

Collins said she is hopeful that a special election could be a good opportunity for Democrats.

Yes, I am interested in running, but its really not up to a candidate to throw their hat in the ring, Collins said. Its up to the local Democratic party leaders to choose a candidate.

Collins said that while she has called for Stefanik to resign from office, that Stefanik becoming the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. could pose other challenges.

I think we need to be very aware that there is a darker agenda by putting Elise Stefanik in this role, Collins said. Elise Stefanik will likely recommend to Congress that they defund or limit funding for the U.N., and start to limit the role of the United States at the U.N., which would be consistent with Trumps desire to pull out of NATO. So although people of NY-21 will rejoice at getting rid of Stefanik, I think we need to going into this with our eyes wide open that this could be really bad for our country.

The Associated Press contributed to this news article. CNN first reported that Trump had offered the job to Stefanik, and he first confirmed it in a statement to the New York Post.
Veterans Day came early for John Deere employees and special guests on Friday.

John Deere World Headquarters hosted a Veterans Day celebration Friday morning. John Deere and Rock Island Arsenal employees were joined by a few special guests inside Deere's auditorium, where the Rock Island High School choir kicked off the celebration by singing the national anthem.

Lt. Gen. Mark Landes, service commander of First Army on the Arsenal, acted as the keynote speaker for the event, drawing a parallel between the roles John Deere and First Army play.

"I have to tell you, the (sergeant) of headquarters asked what the world John Deere and the United States Army have in common, and I've been spending some time thinking about that question," he said.

Landes said there were a few obvious answers. Both are top employers in the area and recruit high-level employees. And both wear green, he said, earning a chuckle from the crowd.

"We support (and) we conduct dangerous but utterly essential work every time our troops deploy to an increasingly volatile world where they risk life and limb," he said. "Labor statistics show farming is also one of the most dangerous vocations, and the work each of you do helps the American farmer work faster, better and safer."

He went to on say statistics show every US farmer feeds about 155 people. When the farm crisis struck in the 1980s, farmers committed to feeding the country while their own families struggled.

"That old adage 'For God and Country' has long been applied to the field of battle, and it can also ring true to the field of corn and soybeans," Landes said.

Just less than 1% of the nation choose to serve in the military, and just more than 1% choose to farm. Although the numbers are small, the sacrifices are big and each do so for their country, and their communities.

"The bottom line is that the ultimate beneficiary of what each of us does is our fellow American citizen," Landes said. "We get dirty (and) we take big risks so they don't have to."

All Deere employees present who served were asked to stand for recognition and later received a coin as a "thank you" for their service.

Two special guests sat in the back and received a standing ovation: Henry Langrehr and Henry Wood, both veterans of World War II.

Langrehr, who celebrated his 100th birthday last week, was a paratrooper in World War II and landed behind enemy lines on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

The Clinton native was among hundreds of paratroopers who dropped into Normandy at the peak of chaos, Landes said. A fellow paratrooper was hung up on a church steeple, but Langrehr managed to crash through the roof of a French greenhouse.

He was eventually captured and held as a prisoner of war with a fellow soldier until the pair decided to make a break for it. Langrehr killed a German soldier in hand-to-hand combat, commandeered his weapon and made his way back to Allied lines.

This past June, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Langrehr returned to France to visit the greenhouse he crashed through.

Wood, of Taylor Ridge, was part of a unit that liberated a concentration camp. A month later his unit came under fire and Wood's arm was hit by shrapnel, just below the elbow.

Wood eventually ended up at a hospital in England where he underwent numerous operations. In June 1945 he returned to the United States, where he underwent rehab in Oklahoma and was honorably discharged from the Army right before Christmas.

Wood returned home to Illinois and farmed the family land, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. The arm injury continued to plague him, especially after long days of bailing hay, but Wood fought through it and never gave up.

Landes said the sacrifices made and examples set by the veterans who have come before had set the standard for service.

"In an increasingly dangerous world, my greatest hope is that our current generation of service members will rise to the occasion just as sure as our greatest generation did," Landes said. "I want to close this morning with one final answer to that sergeant's question about what John Deere and the Army have in common: Both of us give our people a chance to grow, take pride in the profession and to serve others, and in doing so, we create opportunities for good people to accomplish extraordinary things."
Laughter, music and delicious aromas were in the air at Keneseth Beth Israel for the start of the 16th annual Richmond Jewish Food Festival on Sunday.

The day painted a stark difference from two months ago when the synagogue became a place of mourning after the death of former community member Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, in Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Wounded and abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, during the Reim music festival in Israel, he was held hostage for nearly 11 months until his body was recovered from a tunnel on Aug. 31.

The festival returned this year after taking a hiatus following the Hamas attack on Israel last year.

Its normally in January, so it would have been a couple months after, and we just thought it was inappropriate to have a festival right after the attack on our brethren in Israel, said Chuck Lessin, president of Keneseth Beth Israel.

Lessin says the switch to November helped avoid conflicts with the weather.

We met some of the folks from the other food festivals in town, and the advice was pick a better time of the year and just stick with it. So now its always going to be around Veterans Day, and we moved it from the Jewish Community Center, where its been for the past few years, back home here to the synagogue. We have more space under these tents, we make all the food in this building, and so its more convenient, Lessin added.

Festivalgoers could enjoy potato latkes, matzah ball soup, hot corned beef, stuffed cabbage, falafel and chicken shawarma. Food stations and tables were situated under a large, white tent in the synagogue parking lot.

Rabbi Dovid Asher stood toward the head of the food line, greeting attendees and handing out trays.

I find it to be very inspiring when all these volunteers come together to be part of something bigger than themselves to try to build community. Theres so much going on in the world right now, and we get to break bread with each other and get to know each other a little bit. So the food festival goes a long way, Asher said.

The two-day festival runs with the help of about 400 volunteers, 200 daily, including both Jewish and non-Jewish community members, children, parents and more.

Diane Goldberg, one of the festivals founders, had originally planned to take a step back this year after having a torn rotator cuff, but couldnt resist the opportunity to be involved with her community. She reminisced on seeing the community grow along with the festival.

A few years ago, there was a video of me holding twins when they were newborns. Well, they are now 11 years old, and there are runners for the festival. So everybodys got a job and theres something for everybody, Goldberg said. I would say, if you go out in that tent, half the people who are volunteering arent Jewish. They just find its a fun activity to do.

The event gave Richmonds Jewish community a reason to gather and celebrate. Lessin says the past year has been tough with antisemitism on the rise.

Its painful. We live a block from here. Ive lived here my entire life. Nobody, until recently, had ever said a word to me. Now we have cars (driving by) when we walk to synagogue, where people are telling me Heil Hitler, Lessin said.

We know that most people in the world are good and a lot of those people are out here today, and we are thrilled to have them  lots of people that live in the neighborhood and a lot of people that drove 20, 30 miles to get here.

Everybody loves good Jewish food. Everybody loves ethnic food. It doesnt matter what it is. Its been very, very exciting to sort of bring it back and to be able to, again, interact with all of our neighbors, Lessin added.

The Jewish Food Festival will continue on Monday as takeout only from noon to 9 p.m.
Cancun police arrest suspect wanted for murder, attempted murder and violent robbery of city bus

Cancun, Q.R.  A man who is being charged with the attempted murder of a Cancun police officer is also being held for murder and the robbery of a city bus. On November 1, Lazaro N was shot twice by a Cancun police officer during his arrest when he grabbed one of the arresting officers and threatened to kill her.

Lazaro N, seen here in the grey t-shirt, grabbed a female officer during his arrest and threatened to kill her.

He was transferred to hospital under police guard for the two gunshot wounds and recently discharged. Police say he remains in their custody, now in Cancun prison.

According to the State Attorney General (FGE), Lazaro N is facing murder charges that date back to 2020 for the shooting death of a woman.

The now detained person identified as Lazaro N, is accused of events that occurred on August 2, 2020 in the irregular colony El Porvenir when he shot the victim causing injuries that took her life. The motive for the homicide was an argument when both were intoxicated, they reported.

He is also facing attempted murder charges for grabbing a female police officer and threatening to kill her during his arrest for the violent robbery of passengers on a city bus.

On November 1, a Cancun police officer shot Lazaro N in his left knee and right leg when, during his arrest from a motorcycle on a public street, he grabbed one of the arresting officers around the neck and threatened to kill her.

The subject was injured when he grabbed a female police officer by the neck and threatened to kill her in an attempt to evade justice after allegedly, together with another male, committing violent robbery against the passengers on a city bus, the FGE said.

Police were waiting at the hospital when Lazaro N was discharged. He was taken into custody on an arrest warrant.
Ejidos continue Puerta al Mar road block in Felipe Carrillo Puerto

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R.  A group of Felipe Carrillo Puerto ejidos continue to block a section of road in a land protest. The group are using a dump truck to prevent passage on a section of the newly constructed Puerta al Mar road.

The edijos are disputing ownership of a piece of that land they say belongs to Expo Maya, land that they own.

On November 4 personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) arrived with heavy machinery to being the construction of a 200-room military base. However, a group of ejidos protested saying they own that land. When Sedena failed to stop construction, the group blocked highway access to the land.

The ejido group have prevented access to the Puerto al Mar road, a road being constructed by Sedena that will allow Felipe Carrillo Puerto residents direct beach access.

Ejido Commission President Edilberto Chan Beh says they will stay in place until there are talks with federal officials. As long as there is no dialogue, we will remain here day and night, he said.

According to Chan Beh, Mayor Mary Hernandez, has always been invited to their assembly meetings, however, she has shown disinterest.

The disputed land was secured last week.

On Friday, elements of the National Guard, Mexican Army, Police and the State Attorney Generals Office secured the land being built on by Sedena. Yellow tape was placed around the property which is now being investigated for legal ownership.
Mexico has very cordial conversation with President-elect Donald Trump

Mexico City, Mexico  President Claudia Sheinbaum says she had a very cordial conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. She says they talked about the good relationship there will be between the two countries.

We had a very cordial call with President-elect Donald Trump in which we talked about the good relationship that there will be between Mexico and the United States, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo posted on her social media.

At her morning Las mananeras del pueblo (The Peoples Morning Talks) press conference at the National Palace, Sheinbaum said a formal letter of congratulations had already been sent to Trump.

The letter of congratulations was sent after Vice-president Kamala Harris publicly recognized Trump as winner of the November 5, U.S. elections.

I congratulated him once Vice President Kamala Harriss recognition of Trump as the winner of the U.S. election was made public, so there was no need to wait for the electoral college procedures since he had already been recognized. We congratulated him and there will be a good relationship, Sheinbaum said.

Trump won the November 2024 U.S. elections. Photo: The Whitehouse

I express my most sincere congratulations to Donald Trump, who won the presidential election of the United States of America. On behalf of Mexico, we acknowledge the American people for their democratic exercise during their election day, Sheinbaum Pardo said.

I am certain that we will continue to work together in a coordinated manner, with dialogue and respect for our sovereignties, to advance the broad bilateral agenda that links us, she added.
Ive got two friends who swear that 15 minutes into any episode of The Wire, without seeing the credits, they could tell whether or not that episodes screenwriter was Richard Price. Priceauthor of the novels Clockers (nominated for a 1992 National Book Critics Circle award, pretty much unprecedented for crime fiction) and Lush Lifeis widely considered one of the best writers of dialogue around. Even amid the other masters of street talk who wrote for The Wire, his patter stood out. Its fast and often funny, so that you barely notice how much its telling you about the characters and their world.

Take this exchange from Prices new novel, Lazarus Man, in which two cops question a man who handed a bank teller a robbery note, only to take it back and wait for the cops to show up. It takes a while for the rookie to realize what the perp is up to:

Hey, guy, Bobby said, as he finally figured it out, if all you wanted was three hots and a cot why didnt you just go to

Mary looked away, praying he wouldnt finish the sentence and come off like a tourist from Kokomo. And to his credit, he didnt, couldnt bring himself to get the words homeless shelter out of his mouth.

Yeah, see? Tony G crowed. You cant even say it.

Unfortunately, this means that Price novels have grown fewer and further between than those of authors less adept at writing screenplays. Now, at last, we have Lazarus Man, Prices endearing, vibrant portrait of a Harlem neighborhood and its residents in the aftermath of the collapse of an apartment building. Its gratifying to see this master of urban storytelling resisting the lure of Hollywood long enough to publish another rich novel of New York City life. (Although, hey, HBO: We need a second season of The Outsider, that top-notch Stephen King adaptation and Cynthia Erivo vehicle for which Price was the showrunner.)

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The year is 2008. The Lazarus of the title is Anthony Carter, a 42-year-old mixed-race man pulled out of the rubble by rescue workers 36 hours after the building came down. Other significant characters in this ensemble piece include Felix Pearl, a young photographer from upstate roaming the streets with his Nikon, looking to capture something indelible. Theres Mary Roe, a police detective reassigned to Community Affairs (where the overarching thrust of the job was basically to calm people down) because of a phobia about crossing state lines. And theres Royal Davis, a mortician on the verge of bankruptcy who sends his 12-year-old son to the scene of the collapse to hand out business cards.

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As in Lush Life, which began with a small-time murder but quickly grew to include the entire Lower East Side, Price is more interested in the ripple effects of the initial shocking incident than in the incident itself. Lazarus Man features a vivid description of the scene, as Felix wanders through a near-impenetrable grey-white cloud, lousy with unknown particulates and reeking of what smelled to him like a mix of hot tar, cement dust, and burning trasha stink that anyone in lower Manhattan on 9/11 will recognize as one of the most indelible memories of that day. Later, Anthony will become a local celebrity and discover a previously unknown gift for public speaking. Mary will search for the husband of a woman who died in the collapse. Royal will struggle to avoid selling out to his brothers in California, who inherited shares of their fathers funeral home and want to sell the building in a hot real-estate market. (It took me a while to realize that this might be the best outcome for Royal, since the economy is about to crash.) There will be romances and street beefs and breakups and parents worrying about their kids in a neighborhood where they can all too easily wind up as collateral damage in a gang shooting.

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To forestall any disappointment, however: What readers wont get is the sort of propulsive plot previously found in Prices novels. Threads of mystery run through the book, and Prices account of Marys police work in search of the missing husband has the ring of scrupulous accuracy to it, in her dogged schlepping from check-cashing shop to corner bodega to city property record archives in pursuit of the least glamorous kinds of clues. Something is up with Anthony, who seems equally exhilarated by and fearful about his own resurrection story and the sense of mission it has brought to his idling midlife. But the resolution of these story threads isnt the driving force of the novel, the way it would be for a TV series with cliff-hangers hammered out in a writers room. Instead, the book gives Price room to offer up the texture of a beloved place (he lives in Harlem) and the people who make it unforgettable.

Rather than his earlier thrillers, Lazarus Man bears a closer resemblance to James McBrides Deacon King Kong, also an ode to a New York neighborhood on the brink of gentrification, where project and town-house residents mingle and the deadly clashes among young men break mothers hearts and threaten to spill over into the general population. The pleasures of this novel come not from suspense but from the preternatural precision and authenticity of Prices eye and prose. He can nail down a minor character with breathtaking economy, like one of the originals who hang out on the stoop of Felixs building across the street from the collapse, a lone wolf named Trip Dash, stepping out, as thin as a home-rolled reefer, all sunglasses and cigarettes and war stories about the street back in the day.

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Mary ducks away from the collapse scene, and by the time she gets back, she notes that an Arabic vendor wearing a full-length thobe and a kufi had already set up shop, standing over a velvet-topped folding table displaying an assortment of rosaries, Jesus fish buttons and thin copper-plated cross necklaces, a square of cardboard taped to a lamppost over his head, announcing, 1 FOR 15, 2 FOR 30, 3 FOR 40, YOU PICK. That image is so New York that just reading it is liable to make you start walking at twice your normal speed and asking perfect strangers how much they pay for rent. Occasionally, Price flaunts his research, as with a detailed account of how a pro like Royal handles the pickup and transport of a slightly overripe corpse. But mostly he makes it look effortless, the work of a writer who has soaked up the city from every pore and describes it as fluently as the rest of us breathe.

Some might call Lazarus Man grittyespecially when Price clocks the cooked-diaper-smelling stairs of an old tenementbut the novel has a surprisingly tender heart. Even its abrasive and self-deluded characters remain lovable in their own way, and they accord one another a remarkable amount of grace. Before the collapse, people on Felixs block got woken up at dawn every morning by an enormous, intellectually disabled man nicknamed Green Mile, wordlessly ululating like a titanic flute until his eighty-year-old mother finally made it out of their walk-up building to bring him back upstairs. Green Mile dies in the collapse, and at the neighborhood memorial, a cheer goes up when his name is read. Not to say that his neighbors were nonstop hearts and flowers toward each other, Felix thinks, but no one ever passed judgment on you for just being who you naturally were. And thats what Felix cherished about his neighborhood more than anything else. Lazarus Man is a novel that will make you cherish it tooand the return of a novelist who truly does it justice.
This post contains spoilers for Season 5, Episode 9 of Yellowstone.

The first episode of the second half of Yellowstones fifth season doesnt make you wait long. Seconds into Sundays Desire Is All You Need, Beth (Kelly Reilly), the faithful daughter of the Dutton ranching family, races up to her fathers house in her fast little car. She rages at the edge of some crime-scene tape, begging a state trooper to let her in. But its not until her brother Kayce (Luke Grimes)the land commissioner of the state of Montana, a former SEAL, and a straight-up murderer of many Dutton family enemiesshows up to help her push right past the officer that these two loyal siblings learn the truth: Montana Gov. John Dutton has died, via a gunshot wound to the head, in the bathroom of his residence.

Kevin Costner has played John Dutton, the beleaguered patriarch of showrunner and empire-builder Taylor Sheridans dreams, since 2018. In the past couple of years, news about the push-and-pull between Costner and Sheridan over filming schedules became never-ending, culminating in Costners final June 2024 decision to exit the series. Yellowstone fans have known that this was comingwe just didnt realize it was going to happen so soon. Among some annoyed viewers, Taylor Sheridan did John Dutton dirty in the very first scene to get back at Kevin Costner has gained traction as a concept. Wow, talk about lazy and petty writing, said one fan on X. Taylor Sheridan is a twat and has to be brought to the train station pronto! (The train station is where the cowboys on the Yellowstone ranch tell Dutton family enemies theyre going, right before they shoot them in the head and toss them off a remote cliff. Just so you know, for the next time you see a train station reference on a bumper sticker, to give that vehicle some room.)

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Seeing people fighting over whether Sheridans Hollywood ego or Costners Hollywood ego deserves blame for the breakdown here is pretty hilarious. Scientists could study this matter for years and never come to a resolution. One thing that speaks against this Duttons bad death is Sheridans revenge theory is the fact that you dont see Costners face as the camera fixes on the body on the bathroom floor, sparing the actor some indignity in his characters demise. As Kayce barges past yet more police into the roomone thing about the Duttons: They will always find a wayyou glimpse a big splash of blood at head height on the tiles of the bathroom wall, then a gun on the floor. When Beth goes to see the body, against Kayces advice, she looks down and sees her fathers hands, which a crime-scene tech is, with a delicacy that reads as tenderness, scanning with an instrument to check for gunshot residue. (This moment is classic Yellowstone: The show is all bombast, screaming and scheming, then offers a little moment that breaks your heart.)

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The tech finds that residue, and the official storyGov. Dutton died by suicidesolidifies. That he was expected at impeachment hearings that morning adds some credence, although, as Kayce says to another police officer later in the episode, nothing about John Dutton would have led anyone to believe that he would do that to himself. Without buying too much into the often-retrograde beliefs regarding who dies by suicide in this great nation, it is true that, narratively speaking, John Dutton was a survivor: He had colon cancer in Season 1, had a ruptured ulcer in Season 2, and was shot multiple times in Season 3. The guy was the Look miserable and squint into the sunset stoically type; that was kind of his thing. So what would have compelled this governor trying to keep his way-too-big ranch together to end it like this?

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Luckily for the people angry about the idea that their John Dutton might have died this way, fairly quickly we learn through flashback that this death was not at his own hand but was instead the fruit of yet another plot against the Duttonsthis one, successful. Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), the familys estranged adopted son (and attorney general of the state), was mixed up with a real operator, a fixer named Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri), who made the call to order the assassination to further certain political goals that would be easier to achieve with Jamie as governor. Uncovering how much Jamie knew about this will be part of the action of Part 2 of this season.

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Look on the bright side, Dutton mourners. The rest of Season 5and next, if Yellowstone sticks around (a sixth season is currently under discussion)will be a big Jamie-vs.-Beth battle, with Kayce, who has always been sympathetic to Jamie, in the middle. Youre supposed to support Beth, because Jamie is a villain in this series, more cosmopolitan and lawyerly than any other Dutton and never comfortable on the ranch. (Yellowstone believes that blood will out.) A key part of the Jamie-vs.-Beth backstory is that Jamie helped Beth get an abortion when they were teenagers, but he did so by taking her to a free clinic on a reservation so that the family wouldnt suffer the publicityonly the clinic also sterilized Beth, something Jamie knew but didnt tell her for years. This earned him her eternal enmity, and Kelly Reilly the chance to say things like Im going to tell my husband that you ripped his child from my womb! with maximum Beth fire. (This is classic Yellowstone melodramaand classically muddled Yellowstone politics.)

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In the real world, Jamie, who symbolizes the outside forces of urbanity and progress that are threatening the ranch, wins. The threat of him and the modernity that he represents winning is omnipresent. Every Dutton-aligned character on the show has a monologue at some point or another about the inevitability of it. In the back half of this episode, Rip (Cole Hauser), the ranchs head cowboy and Beths husband, gives us a new one, out on the range in Texas with his cowboys: In 30 years from now, nobodys gonna be doing this, nobody. All this country you see will be wind farms and solar farms and well be getting our beef from Brazil after they burn off the rainforest. Yesif Yellowstone has the courage of its convictions, Jamie will win the whole game. The chance of that is still worth watching, even if this shows token movie star has been officially put out to pasture.
In the new thriller Heretic, from A Quiet Place directors Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, Hugh Grant plays the conniving Mr. Reed, a man who poses as a religious seeker eager to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church, or Mormon church, colloquially) in order to lure two young women into his house. There he entraps the sister missionaries (the more commonplace male missionaries are called elders) in a terrifying game of gotcha about the history of religion and faiths place in it. The tension of the film builds around a series of lectures about belief Reed delivers to the young women as he forces them further and further into his house of horrors.

Heretics chief contribution to the thriller genre is this use of mansplaining as horror. For the first hour of the film, its main creep factor comes from a building feeling many women, both religious and not, will recognize. The women find themselves on the receiving end of an intellectual monologue from a man they do not know, and through their intentional glances to one another and ever-tightening smiles, we see them struggle to decide how to extricate themselves safely. The film interrogates the too-familiar tendency of women to remain courteous even in the face of red flags, one that has prompted legions of true-crime fans to argue women must fuck politeness for their own safety.

But the movies horror also turns on the unique history of Mormonism and the cultural position of its young, bright-eyed, and faithful devotees, one that hits close to home for Mormons who have served missions or may someday send their sons and daughters off on them. The film makes it clear that our sister-missionary heroines are vulnerable long before they enter Mr. Reeds house, raising hard questions about the religion that has put them in harms way.

Sister Paxton, played by Chloe East, is the greener of the two missionaries and laments in the opening scene that she has not yet converted anyone on her mission. Her more experienced mission companion, Sister Barnes, played by Yellowjackets Sophie Thatcher, is a later-in-life convert to the church who is originally from Philadelphia. She promises theyll get a baptism.

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As they move about the cold Colorado town they are posted in before they make their way to Mr. Reeds house by bicycle, they spot a group of teenage girls. When the teens clock the missionaries, they ask for a photo. As they pose for a selfie, the teens suddenly pants Sister Paxton, pulling down her skirt and exposing her LDS temple garments in the middle of town. They mock her magical underwear as they run away laughing.

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Barnes and Paxton hardly acknowledge this humiliation before continuing their journey to meet the evenings target investigator, a term Mormons use to describe people interested in converting to the church. With a determination not to think too hard about the incident, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton knock on Reeds door. They introduce themselves and he invites them into the house to talk about their religion. They hesitate, explaining that they cannot come into the house unless there is a woman present. He assures them his wife is inside and has just put a blueberry pie in the oven that hed love to share with them.

Thats how the women find themselves in Reeds living room, against their better judgment. Before long, Reed asks if he can raise a delicate, uncomfortable subject. Nervously, the sister missionaries tell him they wont know until he asks. He asks them their personal views about the historic Mormon practice of polygamy. They answer his question: Paxton finds the idea of sharing a husband repulsive. Barnes has a more nuanced take, a standard apologists view that the practice was once necessary to the growth of the church but is no longer part of the Heavenly Fathers Plan. Then Reed shares his thoughts about polygamya view common among critics of the church that it was contrived by the churchs founder, Joseph Smith, to legitimize his adultery after he was caught by his wife Emma Smith in an affair with a teenager. Barnes and Paxton nod and smile awkwardly as they realize Reed knows far more about their religion than he let on, and note his supposed wifes continuing absence.

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To their credit, it does not take long for them to drop the politeness. When Reed leaves the room, they agree to leave. They plan to go without saying goodbye or even collecting their coats. But Reed has already secretly ensured that the door they came through will not open again. They confront him about his lies, but soon realize they have no choice but to stay and entertain his monologues while looking for some way to escape.

The LDS church has objected to Heretics portrayal of its missionaries. Director of media relations Doug Andersen told Utahs ABC affiliate that Heretic portrays the graphically violent treatment of women and runs counter to the safety and well-being of our communities. On Nov. 4, days ahead of the films release, the LDS church also issued a news release called How the Church of Jesus Christ Keeps Missionaries Safe. They link out to a missionary handbook that advises missionaries to Leave immediately if you or your companion feels uncomfortable about a location, person, or situation (including a teaching situation). Listen to spiritual promptings.

Despite instructing missionaries in sound safety principles like situational awareness (and less sound ones like obedience), none of the specific rules the church details in the release or handbook would have saved the movies heroines from Mr. Reeds at first friendly overtures. It is this reality, Heretics close attention to the churchs actual protocol, that raises tender questions for Latter-day Saints about the risks and rewards of proselytizing missionaries, particularly in a society less and less enthusiastic about religion.

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Proselytizing missions have been part of the LDS church since its earliest days, with its first official mission established in England in the late 1830s. Early missionaries tended to be older men, often middle-aged and already married (sometimes to more than one wife), with powerful positions in the church. The modern, just-out-of-high-school LDS missionaries of today didnt emerge until after World War II. In 1950, the church recommended men go on a mission at age 20, after two years of college or military service, the idea being that though they were young, they should have some real-world experience outside their family homes to prepare them for what they might encounter. By the 1970s the minimum age for men was 19, and for women 21.

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While the church stresses that all missionary service is voluntary, it has always treated missions as more voluntary for women. In 2012 the then-president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thomas S. Monson, announced at the churchs semi-annual General Conference in Salt Lake City that the minimum age for young men would be lowered from 19 years old to 18 years old, and for young women, from 21 years old to 19 years old.

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In the initial weeks after the 2012 announcement, applications for missions surged, according to church offices, from an average of 700 to 4,000 per week. Many young women who had not previously considered missions began to do so. By 2013, the church says, the number of female full-time missionaries had risen from 15 percent of the churchs active missionaries to 24 percent, and they may now be between one-third and one-half of total missionaries.

Church rules and policies around missions have also changed. In recent years, the church has drastically loosened restrictions on their dress requirements, allowing sister missionaries to wear pants in certain cases, and on missionaries use of technology to communicate.

Missionaries can use social media to contact potential investigators and to keep in touch with their friends and family back home. When my own peers were going on missions in the early 2000s, they were only allowed to call home twice a year, on Mothers Day and Christmas. Now, staying in frequent contact with family is listed as one of the churchs recommendations to missionaries for staying safe.

I asked a former sister missionary, Sarah Allred (my cousins wife), if she ever felt unsafe on her mission in Ontario from 2013 to 2014. I definitely had some uncomfortable situations, but I dont think Id say unsafe in an extreme sense, she said. Sister missionaries arent allowed to be in a house alone with a man, so that rule helped. I told her that in Heretic, the missionaries reiterate this rule, but Mr. Reed hoodwinks them into believing his wife is inside the house and will be joining them shortly.

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Ah, she said. I can see that working well, actually. Allred, who has since resigned from the LDS church, said the pressures to teach and convert could have made her ignore the rule in a moment like that. Putting your own welfare/safety second to a righteous pursuit is a common theme throughout Mormonism. Its hard to put your safety at the forefront while on your mission. We had to report our number of lessons and baptismal rates to our district leader and would get chastised if we didnt have enough.

According to the churchs missionaries past and present, threats they encounter in various parts of the world can vary wildly based on geography, political context, and chance, but missions can be both terrifying and truly dangerous, from extreme weather conditions to armed robberies, sexual harassment, and assault. Some consider facing these dangers to be character-building and even faith-building experiences.

Related From Slate Theres a Reason Hugh Grant Makes Such a Good Villain Read More

Others have sought reform. Amy Stark told the Salt Lake City ABC affiliate she was sexually assaulted on her mission in Italy, and says that when she reported it, mission leaders blamed her for not obeying their rules. When she returned from her mission to attend Brigham Young University, she launched an informal survey to gauge how common sexual assault and harassment are for missionaries. Of about 300 respondents, Stark found the majority had been harassed or assaulted on their missions or knew someone who was. She has shared her findings with church officials.

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Near the end of Heretic, Mr. Reed boasts that his elaborate plan to trap the women worked because he could predict their every move before they came in the house. He could do that, he claims, because their behavior has been dictated by the organized religion they belong to. In the end, the violence, anti-religious rhetoric, and R rating will mean most active followers of the LDS church are unlikely to see Heretic for themselves. But it is important for those who wont see it to know that the film does not endorse Reeds worldview. He is, indisputably, the movies villain.

Heretics sympathies lie instead with the sister missionaries, the young people walking around our cities with an earnest interest in conversation and connection that may not be matched by those they encounter. Fortunately, LDS missionaries are unlikely to encounter many Mr. Reeds in the world. But other threats are real and numerous. Perhaps the worst danger these missionaries face is a refusal to acknowledge the danger at all.
Earlier this month, world leaders gathered in Paris to mark the centennial of the armistice that ended World War I. Scores of articles and essays accompanied these events, discussing the war and the moment the guns fell silent. They included images of poppies and trenches and quoted lines from war poets. But for many Europeans, especially those in central and Eastern Europe, peace in any meaningful sense of the term did not come in November 1918.

From the vantage of Paris, the bloody and pointless war, as Slates Rebecca Onion recently described it, did indeed appear to be over with the signing of the armistice. But if we turn to the east, everything about the war looks much different. There, the Great War morphed into smaller conflicts. Empires collapsed; civil wars, border wars, revolutions, and anti-Semitic pogroms broke out; paramilitaries and militias formed; wartime emergency legislation and blockades remained in effect; refugees were on the move, people starved, and POWs languished in captivity. In short, millions of central, eastern, and southeastern Europeans fought or died long after the November 1918 armistice, and the war failed to end, as historian Robert Gerwarth puts it.

This long First World War was certainly bloody, and we can and should argue about the destructive effects of nationalism for the history of Europe. But it was hardly pointless. Given that these conflicts led to the creation of independent states in these shatterzones of empires and that great power politics continued its disruptive influence in a revamped postwar form, World War I in this region is central for understanding 20th-century European and global history and even provides some insights on developments in contemporary Europe.

The experiences of these conflicts and their legacy profoundly shaped the rest of the 20 th century.

Unlike the stationary front lines and trenches on the Western Front, the war in the east was one of movement. The Russian Empire advanced west, only to be pushed back in mid-1915 even farther than where they started as the German and Austro-Hungarian armies advanced eastward. These campaigns produced millions of casualties and approximately 6 million POWs, which easily dwarfed the number of soldiers held in captivity in the west. The violence and repression that characterized the occupation regimes established in Eastern and southeastern Europe between 1914 and 1918 were preludes to more radical occupations of the region later in the century.

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The fighting on the Eastern Front also produced millions of refugees, many of whom fled to urban centers like Budapest and Vienna or deep into the Russian interior to avoid the expansive front lines. Already displaced from their homes, these refugees became the target of political attacks as military and material conditions deteriorated. Many of those uprooted were Jewish, and they became increasingly vulnerable to persecution because of the political and geographical transformations that would follow the armistice.

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Paradoxically, the Central Powers of Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary, which ended up being on the losing side of the overall conflict, were the victors on the battlefield in the east. The punitive treaties of Brest-Litovsk and Bucharest ceded huge swaths of territory and natural resources to them as the Russian Empire plunged into revolution and civil war. But then the tide of the war in the west and, perhaps more importantly, the home front turned, and by the time the peace conference in Paris began in January 1919, the empires that had dominated the political geography of central and Eastern Europe were no more.

In place of the German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian, and Ottoman empires emerged countries that were newly independent and shrunken (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria), brand-new or newly independent (Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia), reconstituted (the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia), enlarged (Romania) or resurrected (Poland).

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But the transition wasnt easy or peaceful. Newly established national militaries, militias, and paramilitaries engaged in battles over territory and borders into the early 1920s. The Second Polish Republic, for example, went to war more than six times, with every one of its neighbors, between 1918 and 1921. Hungarys territorial lossesover two-thirds of its prewar territorysparked renewed war in 1919 and continued to influence Hungarian politics and foreign relations through World War II and even beyond. Despite attempts by political leaders and their dutiful historians to define these smaller conflicts as their own distinctive, national wars, local populations seem to have generally believed that these struggles were fundamentally linked to the Great War.

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These regional conflicts over future state boundaries were arguably less violent than the internal struggles that raged for the hearts, minds, and souls of these countries. Liberal and social democratic revolutions broke out in autumn of 1918 in Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary and seemed to signal the victory of liberalism and social democracy in the region. By the winter of 191819, political radicals, buoyed by the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, found an opportunity to solve the inequalities that had ravaged their societies before and during the war. In Germany, uprisings broke out in early 1919 in Berlin and Munich, pitting revolutionary socialists and Communists against radical nationalist, anti-Semitic, and anti-Communist volunteer militias known as Freikorps. After the German government re-established order, the Freikorps moved to the Baltic countries, where they terrorized local communities, killing Communists and Jews without consequence.

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The story is similar in Hungary. After the failure of the democratic government to secure better treaty terms in Paris for the beleaguered country, Communists modeling themselves on the Russian Bolsheviks took power in March 1919 and established the Hungarian Soviet Republic. The most successful of the Communist revolutions that took place outside of Russia lasted 133 days, implementing radical social reforms and waging a renewed war with its neighbors.

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But in the end, it too failed, collapsing when Romanian troops, supported by the U.S., Great Britain, and France, invaded Budapest in August and helped install a violent and anti-Semitic counterrevolutionary government. A far cry from principles of democratic governance espoused in Paris during the Versailles peace conference, Hungarys leaders could nevertheless count on the Western powers for at least tacit support of their Christian National state because of its commitment to anti-communism. Right-wing paramilitary groups were active in Hungary into the 1920s, subjecting the country to a white terror campaign of retribution.

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The experiences of these conflicts and their legacy profoundly shaped the rest of the 20th century. These states, often regarded as marginal to the history of Europe, served as the front lines of global conflicts in World War II and the Cold War. After all, it was Eastern Europe that fueled the Nazis dreams of expansion and where the first anti-Semitic legislation of the post-1918 eraa 1920 law limiting Jewish students access to universities in Hungarywas passed. It was expansion into Eastern Europe that enabled the Soviet Union to become a global superpower in the second half of the 20th century, and it was the collapse of state socialism in Eastern Europe and the USSR that ended the bipolar standoff, not some imagined global victory of capitalism over communism.

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As we consider contemporary developments in the region, such as the rise of illiberalism and nationalism and the antipathy expressed toward the European Union by the governments of Law and Justice Party in Poland or Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz in Hungary, thinking about the legacy of the unknown war in the east might be helpful.

The recent attacks on the press, civil society, and academic institutions, including my alma mater, Central European University, in the very countries once considered the success stories of post-Communist transition is a vivid reminder that state building involves entire populations, takes a long time, and is not something that can be imposed from the outside.

The more recent rise of nationalism and ethnic conflict in the region can, at least partially, be attributed to the brutal process of unmixing populations that began in 1918, often with the approval of western powers. And recalling past foreign interventions, revolutions, and treaties that dismembered countries and produced vulnerable minorities across the region during and after World War I isnt just about exploiting narratives of victimization or grievance by cynical politicians.

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Pretending that developments in Eastern Europe are the result of the supposed backward and inferior character or culture of the people living in the powder keg of Europe, a persistent popular myth that largely goes uncontested, wont make these genuine challenges owing to distinctive histories go away.

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But even as we consider why central and Eastern Europe have mattered so much to the great powers, and certainly before we deploy the region simply as the worlds canary in the coal mine for the growth of illiberalism that affects those of us who live in powerful countries, its important to remember that what happens in Eastern and central Europe affects real people whose lives, experiences, and history are worth remembering even though theyre complicated and difficult for outsiders to fully grasp.

Many of the questions these wars after the war opened up in 1918 are still on the table in many of the countries of the region today: what does it take to build democracy, how to be independent while still vulnerable, and how to be a nation in an era of unequal globalization. But in the end, perhaps the most urgent ones are what does it mean to be overlooked, and what happens when we privilege only the perspective from Paris?
When Donald Trump finally spoke during this weekends celebration of the end of World War I, he did a boilerplate job. On Sunday, at the Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial near Paris, Trump praised the Marines who fought through hell to turn the tide of the war. He told the assembled listeners that through their sacrifice, [the Marines] ascended to peace in heaven, and added, It is our duty to preserve the civilization they defended, and protect the peace they so nobly gave their lives to secure one century ago. Sure, goodthe president got it together to speak. But this is the wrong way to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I. A better way would be to reckon with the fact that, as Slates Jack Hamilton said on Twitter, WWI is really the OG modern war in terms of sending off massive amounts of young people to die for no real or clear purpose.

The conflict that became known as the Great War had obscure and complex roots in empires and alliances. If its hard to explain its causes without putting students to sleep, its even harder to recount the way the war was conducted in a manner that gets its full scale across. A recitation of the conflicts manifold horrors calls forth every bit of historians creativity, lest the reader zone out on so much death. Millions of people killed, miles of trenches, even more miles of barbed wire, the legions of disabled and widowed and orphaned. Its all too much, and too meaningless, given the lack of a true difference in ideology between combatants and (contemporary atrocity propaganda aside) the absence of a real villain to battle.

Writing in the New Yorker, Adam Hochschild ended his review of some recent commemorative books on the armistice with a story of what happened on the last day of fighting, when everyone knew the end was coming but kept fighting anyway, for no political or military reason whatever. Hochschild describes the experience of the troops of the American 92nd Divisionblack soldiers, led by white officers, often Southerners resentful of being given such commands. These troops were sent into German machine-gun fire and mustard gas a half-hour before the armistice was meant to take effect. The division recorded 17 dead that day. Why? The war, Hochschild writes, ended as senselessly as it had begun.

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After all that suffering, what good did the war do? The effects of the conflict on Europe are well-known: desperation, poverty, resentment, the advent of fascism, more war. (Hochschild: It is impossible to imagine the Second World War happening without the toxic legacy of the First.) Stateside, we exited our own briefer involvement in the conflict into some of the worst racial violence of the early 20th century. During the war, more than 6,000 dissidents who publicly criticized the draft had been arrested under the Espionage Act of 1917 and Sedition Act of 1918, and this erosion of civil liberties continued in the postwar period.

How, then, to commemorate a useless war that shouldnt have happeneda black hole in history? In an interview on the blog Ethics & International Affairs, given when we were beginning this anniversary period back in 2014, historian Mary Dudziak said that World War I should be commemorated by remembering the way the American people were deeply engaged with questions of war and peacea contrast to today, when one of the most unfortunate aspects of contemporary war politics is that most Americans seem content to leave the issue to leaders and experts.

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Indeed, some of the writing for and against American intervention in the war is indelible. In 1917, the young progressive journalist Randolph Bourne, who stood against American involvement until the endeven as his mentors, including John Dewey, reversed their earlier opposition, and the magazines he had written for one by one refused to publish him or foldedwrote a scathing polemic denouncing growing liberal and intellectual support for American intervention. The pacifist is roundly scolded for refusing to face the facts and for retiring into his own world of sentimental desire, Bourne wrote.

But is the realist, who refuses to challenge or criticize facts, entitled to any more credit than that which comes from following the line of least resistance? The realist thinks he at least can control events by linking himself to the forces that are moving. Perhaps he can. But, if it is a question of controlling war, it is difficult to see how the child on the back of a mad elephant is to be any more effective in stopping the beast than is the child who tries to stop him from the ground.

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We could look back at the way people in Europe and the United States responded to the war after it ended to see how they perceived its meaning. Some artists and writers responded to their war experiences by breaking decisively, in form or in theme, with 19th-century cultural traditionsespecially those that venerated abstract concepts like duty and honor when describing conflict. Brutal art like Englishman Wilfred Owens poem Dulce et Decorum Est and the German painter Otto Dixs The Trench (I cant link you to an image of that one, because the painting was later destroyed by the Nazis for being degenerate) stripped away every bit of pomp, circumstance, and patriotism from the experience of war.

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How, then, to commemorate a useless war that shouldnt have happeneda black hole in history?

In the United States, the war stoked pacifist sentiment. Over time, historian John Kinder writes, millions of Americans came to believe that the Great War had served no redeeming purpose whatsoeverother than to remind them why future conflicts needed to be avoided. Kinders book on the place of the disabled veteran in public conversations about the war has an unsettling chapter on the way pacifist groups used images of maimed men to mobilize anti-war sentiment in the 1920s and 1930s. Perhaps these documents are the ones that we should revisit on the centenary of such a horror. We now see, as Kinder points out, that their explicit nature was exploitative and demeaningbut in their forcefulness, the images show how serious some people were about peace, after this useless war came to a close.

The content and style of these pacifists ads, posters, and books were blunt and bloody, to the point of extremely poor taste. (Eager to debunk wars romance, Kinder writes, peace groups believed that no sane young man would ever rush off to war if he truly grasped the mutilation and long-term suffering awaiting him.) Pacifist photo books sold in Europe and the United States in the 20s and 30s gathered the worst images of battlefield casualties. Ads and posters, most notably those produced by the publicity-savvy group World Peaceways, which was very effective in its efforts to get these images into mainstream media, showed the worst of those injuries in full. A poster created by a student participating in a contest meant to recruit young people to the pacifist cause depicted a soldiers face in the very moment a bullet goes through his eye, as his helmet spins off and his gloved hand flies up in protest. The posters slogan: Oh Godfor What!

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But the bigger shock I experienced on encountering these documents is the realization that these ads ran in big publications, and the photo books sold well. As Kinder writes, the peace movement World War I inspired in this country was a real force right up until Pearl Harbor. The war against Hitlerthe good warwiped American pacifism off the map for decades, especially because some small number of American anti-interventionists proved to be fascist sympathizers.

Later, the youth movements of the 1960s revived the tradition in protesting the war in Vietnam. But reading, and looking at, these documents, you realize that Dudziak is correct: Our contemporary pacifist movement and our conversation about the very nature of war and peace are now absurdly minimalist in comparison. When liberals on Twitter respond to Trumps failure to show up at the first round of armistice commemorations with pious platitudes about the troops, remembering, and sacrifice, it feels like weve lost more than we can even remember.
Anyone who voted against Kamala Harris last Tuesday to protest the Biden-Harris administrations policy on the war in Gaza may soon feel the pangs of buyers remorse.

The first qualms might have come on Friday, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Yechiel Leiter to be Israels new ambassador to the United States. Leiter is a prominent writer and activist in Israels settler movement. He advocates formally annexing the West Bank, the illegally occupied territory from which Israelis have steadily and forcibly displaced many Palestinians.

As both men have admitted, Donald Trump and Netanyahu have talked several times in the past few weeks. It is unlikely that Netanyahu would have appointed Leiter without getting a green light from Trump.

Like many settlers, Leiter grew up in the United States, where he joined Rabbi Meir Kahanes Jewish Defense League, which was founded in the late 1960s initially to quell antisemitism but eventually grew into a radical organization calling for the violent expulsion of Palestinians from all of Israel. At one point, the U.S. declared the JDL to be a terrorist organization; Kahane, who emigrated to Israel in 1971, was too radical even for his host country, which arrested him 62 times over the next decade. (One of his books, written in jail, was called They Must Gothey being Arabs in Israel.) He was assassinated in Brooklyn in 1990 by an Egyptian American.

Related From Slate What Trump Really Means When He Says He Would End the War in Gaza Quickly Read More

Leiter has never been charged with any violent activity. An article this past week in the left-leaning Israeli newspaper Haaretz calls him a thoughtful and respected writer with a deep understanding of American politics. However, the same article notes that by appointing Leiter, Netanyahu is making his intentions extremely clear: His focus is on annexation, not normalization. The move signals that the prime minister believes Trump will support him in that focus, not only in the West Bank but also in parts of Gaza.

Trump has been saying for a long time now that Netanyahu should finish the fighting in Gazanot by signing a peace deal but by winning the war, and doing so quickly, preferably before Inauguration Day.

In conversations with Muslim leaders in Michigan, Trump said he was for peace in the Middle Eastbut how he accomplishes this seems reminiscent of Richard Nixons plan for peace in Vietnam, which helped him win the 1968 presidential election but turned out to be bombing the North Vietnamese into submission. (The bombing was ferocious, but the enemy didnt submit.)

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In Trumps case, the plan amounts to letting Israel bomb, invade, and occupywhatever it takes, as the president-elect later said. In the last days of the campaign, he said President Biden had put too many restraints on Israel. When Sen. Chuck Schumer, one of the most pro-Israel members of Congress, criticized Israels behavior in the war, Trump said he was acting like a Palestinianand he didnt mean it as a compliment.

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Netanyahu also said this past week that he and Trump see eye to eye on Iran. During his first go-around as president, Netanyahu persuaded Trump to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, which had been signed by President Obama and five other world leaders in 2014. A few weeks ago, after Iran attacked Israel with missiles, Trump said Israel should hit the nucleari.e., it should respond by destroying Irans nuclear facilities. President Biden persuaded Netanyahu to launch a proportional retaliation, which he did, destroying Iranian missile factories, aircraft, and air-defense sites.

These last targets were most important, as their destruction left much of Irans critical infrastructureenergy and some nuclear sitesexposed. Irans Ayatollah Khamenei recently said he would deliver a crushing blow to Israel in response to that attack. He might want to reconsider. Even Biden told him that if he did, the U.S. would not hold Israel back this time. Trump would outright encourage Netanyahu to do his utmostand maybe even send the U.S. Air Force to help.

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Despite Trumps clear favoritism toward Israel and utter disregard for the Palestinians, an exit poll indicated that just 20 percent of Muslim Americans voted for Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday. Slightly more, 21 percent, voted for Trump, while 53 percent voted for the protest candidate, Jill Stein. In Michigan, just 14 percent of Muslims voted for Harris. In Dearborn, Michigan, where many Muslims are concentrated, 42 percent voted for Trump, 36 percent for Harris, and 18 percent for Stein.

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By contrast, back in 2020, Biden beat Trump among Michigan Muslims, 6917. There are about 240,000 Muslims in Michiganjust about 2.5 percent of its 10 million people overall. Harris lost the state on Tuesday by about 78,000 votes. In other words, though it wouldnt have mattered in the overall election, the war might have cost the Democrats Michigans 15 electoral votesdespite the fact that Trumps position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is, was, and always has been tilted far more sharply toward Israel.

It is possible that Trumps extra pressure could push the regions antagonists in a conciliatory direction. Shortly after the election, Qatars leaders said they would expel Hamas political spokesmen, who have been lounging in the small oil-rich countrys capital, Doha, since before the war began. Whether this spurs Hamas to get more serious in cease-fire negotiationsor, for that matter, whether the Doha contingent has any influence over the militias fighters in Gazais hard to say. For the moment, Netanyahu still sees total victory, including the elimination of Hamas as a political and military force in Gaza, as his goal.

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Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, reached out to Trump soon after the election, saying he hoped the two could achieve peace in the region. Abbas sent his message, along with congratulations, through Tiffany Trumps father-in-law, a prominent Lebanese American businessman who had campaigned for the president. However, Abbas has long ago lost all leverage with other Palestinian groups in the Middle East.

The once-and-future American president probably is keenly interested in facilitating normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, seeing it as a continuation of the Abraham Accords, which his son-in-law Jared Kushner helped engineer in his first term and which formalized the Jewish states ties to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. However, the Saudis have said normalizationwhich they also very much wantis impossible without an end to the fighting in Gaza and real negotiations toward a Palestinian state. Netanyahu opposes even discussions about the latter; it is unclear how much Trump would insist on it as a condition for his continued friendship with the prime minister.

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Trumps reemergence may further deter Irans leaders from firing more missiles at Israel. It may even spur them to make diplomatic overtures on broader issues; Irans currency, the rial, already in dismal shape, dropped precipitously the day after the American election. However, Netanyahu has never welcomed any such moves from Iran, even during the period of the nuclear deal, when they seemed genuine. Sources in Trumps entourage say that he is likely to restart the maximum pressure policy of his first termthough that had little effect except to compel the Iranians to restart their nuclear program, which they had begun to dismantle.
Kvet Nguyen, a Slovak artist and writer of Vietnamese descent, captures the beauty and complexity of living between cultures in her work and storytelling.

Kvet Nguyen, a visual artist, journalist, and writer, uses her art to explore themes of identity, belonging, and multiculturalism. She initially studied politics in Banska Bystrica but discovered her true passion in photography. She is currently a PhD student at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VSVU) in Bratislava.

In 2017, Kvet left Slovakia for the first time to study in the UK, still trying to figure out who she truly was. The most important thing was the starting point, says this young artist. According to Nguyen, the main challenge minorities face is the pressure to fit into the majority, which often leads to a struggle to fully accept ones roots and a sense that part of ones identity is missing.

Her book Vsetko co nas spaja ("All That Unites Us") reflects on her own experiences as a Vietnamese Slovak, delving into the intersections of culture, language and personal heritage. In this heartfelt narrative, Nguyen unpacks the challenges and beauty of growing up between two worlds, highlighting universal themes of family and self-discovery.

Nguyen's work has garnered attention for its authenticity and sensitivity, capturing the often-overlooked experiences of immigrant communities in Central Europe. Her stories resonate with readers of all backgrounds, emphasising empathy, resilience and the search for connection across cultures.
Baking doesnt have to be a profession; it can be driven by passion and a desire to preserve tradition, say sisters Helena Matkovicova and Anna Eglova.

The scent of freshly baked pastries  warm and flaky, filled with sweet jam, creamy cottage cheese, or a hint of cinnamon  instantly evokes the comforts of home. It is the aroma of generations past, of grandmothers who fill kitchens and hearts alike with treats made to be shared.

Sisters Helena Matkovicova and Anna Eglova did not think that one day their pastries, known as Zavodske osusky, would be added to UNESCOs list of intangible cultural heritage. Puff-pastry buns in the shape of stars with various sweet fillings are a traditional treat at weddings in the village of Zavod, in the Zahorie region of western Slovakia.

The bakers of osusky, Matkovicova and Eglova, who are both pensioners, had traditional Zavod pastry at their own weddings. However, they revealed to The Slovak Spectator that nowadays osusky are baked for almost any celebration, whether it is a birthday, a name day, or simply as a treat for the family. "Now we bake them quite often, but in the past, they were purely wedding pastry," Eglova explains.

Sisters Helena Matkovicova and Anna Eglova speak with The Slovak Spectator in one of their homes. (source: Iryna Uias)

However, the sisters have never baked osusky for profit; its a hobby theyve embraced, one they love and are happy to spend time on. Yet they have never turned anyone down: "When someone from the family came by, like my cousin, and she was having a wedding or christening and asked if we could bake them, of course wed bake them  why not?" Eglova says, adding that more people started joining in over time.

Its in their family: the recipe for the traditional osusky was passed down to them from their mother, as well as from other aunts in the village. The sisters then worked together on refining the recipe.

"In our childhood, times were different, and education wasnt accessible to everyone," recalls Eglova, so together with her sister, they found their passion in baking. Our mother was skilled in both cooking and baking, and she pushed us in that direction, shares Matkovicova, adding that whenever their mother had to go out, she would assign them tasks to prepare meals. When the sisters would push back, she would say, Whatever you make, thats what well eat, and they learned, Matkovicova recalls.

The bride distributes wedding pastry to watching children 1949. (source: ludovakultura.sk)

When osusky were baking, I would help out; if our mother couldnt be there, she would send me, Eglova recalls of her experience learning to bake. When their mother went to knead dough, theyd suddenly hear their father calling, Come here, wash your hands, roll up your sleeves, and start kneading. If you dont know how, youll learn. And gradually, they did learn.

Slovakias intangible cultural heritage is recognised by UNESCO

The UNESCO list is updated every year, and anyone can apply to have a traditional element of folk culture included, explains Alexander Krajcir, owner of Dom 1890. Dom 1890, with the year in its name reflecting its origins, is a civic association founded in Zavod by Krajcir and his family. Krajcirs great-grandmother once lived in the eponymous house, and his family has restored it as authentically as possible, preserving its original appearance to maintain its historical authenticity.

It was Dom 1890 and the Zavodzan Folklore Ensemble who submitted the application to have Zavodske osusky listed by UNESCO. We developed the project, and UNESCO reviewed it for half a year, or even a full year. It took quite a while because there are many applicants. This year four were selected, and we were among them, Krajcir says, describing the application process.

The Matkovicova-Eglova sisters then filmed a video of themselves preparing Zavodske osusky, baking the traditional pastries using five kilograms of ingredients.

The osusky recipe is quite old; according to oral tradition, the pastries appeared on wedding tables as early as the 19th century. They were likely inspired by Viennese cuisine, as local housewives from Zavod commonly spent time working in Austria.

The sisters, however, are open to sharing their recipes, which is why they have shared the osusky recipe with readers of The Slovak Spectator, so their craft wont disappear. Theyve experienced instances where a friend refused to give them a recipe, saying Art isnt for sale. However, the sisters understand that they wont be around forever, so they are writing history with their now-famous osusky. In September, Eglova celebrated her 85th birthday  and she still loves baking.

As time flies, the recipe for osusky improves

Nowadays, Zavodske osusky are baked with a star on top, but originally there was only a small indentation made with a champagne cork, Matkovicova and Eglova explain. "Into the indentation they used to add cottage cheese and a raisin  that was it. Thats how our grandmothers used to bake them with the bakers. But now, Eglova says, times have changed."

Sisters Helena Matkovicova and Anna Eglova demonstrate how Zavodske osusky are prepared. (source: web Dom 1890)

When the egg yolks were too pale, the sisters noticed another housewife had added a vanilla powder called Zlaty Klas to give the dough a nice, rosy color  though this was not in the original recipe. Oil was also one of the main ingredients in the original recipe, but the sisters discovered that homemade duck, goose or pork fat worked better for osusky.

So, they began to use fat and butter instead of plain cooking oil. Another secret to making the best osusky is to knead the dough to just the right consistency  not too soft, not too firm  so the sisters knead it by hand.

For weddings, the sisters would knead the dough in a large trough, bigger than a kitchen table, working with 15 to 20 kilograms until it was perfectly smooth. While the sisters were kneading, another person would manage the oven. Wed ask, Whos on oven duty? and someone would quickly volunteer, I am! All right, youre in charge, they recall with a smile. There were usually five to seven people, and they worked for half a day.

Zavodske osusky filled with jam, 2019. (source: Pater Vrablec)

We also must keep an eye on the oven, though  sometimes we forget, and they come out a bit darker. But dont worry, theyll still get eaten, they laugh. We say: If you eat the burnt ones, youll be beautiful.

Young people today are also interested in having this tradition at their weddings. Two years ago, the sisters baked osusky for a wedding in the nearby town of Malacky. The other pastries they ordered elsewhere were left over, but our osusky were all gone, they recall with a smile.

Dough:

1kg of semi-coarse flour (can be half, mixed with smooth flour)

300g of butter

2 egg yolks

1 serving of Zlaty Klas vanilla pudding powder (optional)

2 packets of vanilla sugar

60g of yeast

1 litre of milk

300g of granulated sugar

Salt

A small amount of lemon peel

Fillings:

Jam filling: 2 tablespoons of plum jam

Cottage cheese filling:

1/2 kg of cottage cheese (lumpy variety)

A pinch of salt

Granulated sugar to taste

1 egg

Lemon zest

Vanilla

1/4 stick of butter

Raisins
Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. The Slovak experience may offer some hints of what to expect from the second Trump presidency.

If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk.

The similarities between Trump and Fico

By the time you are reading this, you have very likely grown sick and tired of post-US-election commentaries welcoming you to the strongmens world, as Donald Trump is set to assume the position once dubbed leader of the free world. For those of us who have lived in Slovakia this past year, much of what Trump is likely to do as Americas 47th president is not going to come as a surprise.

After the election results came in last Wednesday, government politicians left no doubt that the Fico-led coalition sees its own image reflected in the criminally convicted president-elect.

He represents a big story of a man who needed to overcome many obstacles, including an attempt on his life, interim Speaker of Parliament Speaker Peter Ziga, a former Smer government minister who is now one of the faces of the Hlas party, wrote after having congratulated Trump on his election victory and before expressing the belief that the good relations between Slovakia and the US will continue.

An assassination attempt is not the only thing Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and president-elect Trump have in common. They both based their campaign on framing the criminal cases against them as witch-hunts. They have both supported the idea of peace in Ukraine that involves Slovakias giving up large chunks of its territory to the Russian aggressor. They both have no scruples about using disinformation if it serves their political aims, and they are both willing to hand government positions to conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers.
After several months of delays, former foreign affairs minister and unsuccessful presidential candidate Ivan Korcok announced on Monday that he has joined the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS).

Korcok, who won over 1.2 million votes in the second round of the presidential race in April, had been courted by multiple opposition parties, SaS and Demokrati.

"I had many other options regarding what to do with my political capital. I didn't want to experiment. I want to support an entity that, in the next election and in the long term, will be a truly dominant, pro-democratic, pro-European, and a modern force that will move our country forward," stated Korcok, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

According to PS chair Michal Simecka, who announced Korcok's joining, the latter will not be a main leader, but a part of an ambitious plan to make the party a country-wide movement with reach even beyond its current bastions. According to Simecka, the plan is to "defeat PM and Smer chair Robert Fico, win the next election in 2027 and form the best government for the future of Slovakia", with Korcok preparing an election programme. The party has already launched a billboard campaign in the traditional bastions of Smer and aims to appeal to moderate Hlas voters as well.

By joining PS, Korcok wants to continue working in the interest of Slovakia and its citizens first and foremost, stop the decline of the country, and contribute to creating an alternative following the next election. He claims that people are apathetic and learning to cope with it.

"I don't want to idly standby," he said, adding that he wants to return the hope and trust people placed in him during the presidential election. In addition, Korcok will also cover foreign affairs and European politics within the party.
The ceremony took place at the site where an RAF bomber was downed 80 years ago, during World War II.

Scores of attendees wearing red poppies of remembrance paid silent tribute to the sacrifice of service personnel past and present at a moving ceremony near Bratislava on Sunday, November 10.

The event, known as Remembrance Sunday, originally began in Britain and Commonwealth countries as a way to mark those who fell in the First World War. It takes place on the second Sunday in November, nearest to the date of the armistice that ended the war at 11am on November 11, 1918. Similar events have since spread worldwide to other countries, including Slovakia, to mark the sacrifice of all military and civilian personnel affected by conflict.

The ceremony by the River Danube in Cunovo, which was organised by the British Embassy, took place at a memorial to a Royal Air Force (RAF) bomber crew who lost their lives in a mission over Slovakia 80 years ago, in October 1944.

The service, which was attended by a Slovak Army honour guard and military band, culminated in a performance of the Last Post by a Slovak Army bugler, followed by two minutes silence.

Wreaths were then laid by British Ambassador Nigel Baker and representatives of the Slovak Armed Forces and Slovak Ministry of Defence, and by representatives of the Embassies of the United States, Ireland, Australia, Poland, Hungary and Cyprus.

Civilian attendees were also encouraged to leave small wooden crosses marked with poppies in personal acts of remembrance. By the end of the ceremony, dozens of the wooden crosses were spread across the grass in front of the memorial.

The Slovak and British flags being held by a Slovak Army honour guard at the remembrance ceremony in Cunovo on November 10. (source: John Skelton)

The RAF Memorial at Cunovo. (source: John Skelton)

In public remarks, Ambassador Baker recalled the words of former US President Theodore Roosevelt from a 1910 speech applauding the man in the arena who acts rather than criticising.

The ambassador paid tribute to those who, he said, keep us safe; and continue to defend our freedom and our democracy while working side by side within NATO to prevent the recurrence of war. In our different ways, our countries support Ukraine, because their security is our security. And no one understands that better than Ukraines neighbours.

Those attending the ceremony wore red poppies, a symbol of remembrance that recalls the flowers that grew on the battlefields of Flanders, on the western front, and elsewhere in World War One.

John Skelton, a British expat who lives in Banska Bystrica and who attended the Sunday service in Bratislava, will deliver lectures this week to audiences in central Slovakia on the significance of Remembrance Day and the symbolism of red poppies.

He will speak to students from three local schools at the cinema in Slovenska Lupca on November 12 at 11.00, and then deliver two lectures at the State Library in Banska Bystrica on November 14 at 09.00 and 10.30.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241111/death-toll-from-israeli-strike-on-suburb-of-damascus-rises-to-7---syrian-defense-ministry-1120848453.html

Death Toll From Israeli Strike on Damascus Suburb Rises to 7 - Syrian Defense Ministry

Death Toll From Israeli Strike on Damascus Suburb Rises to 7 - Syrian Defense Ministry

Sputnik International

The number of people killed in an Israeli air strike on Syrian Set Zaynab neighborhood south of Damascus has increased to seven, including women and children, the Syrian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

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Earlier in the day, a source in the Syrian medical service told Sputnik that five people had lost their lives, and 25 others were injured in the Israeli attack. This area is home to a significant Shiite population, and many pilgrims from Iran visit the region to pay their respects at the numerous Shiite shrines. Last week, Israel struck the same neighborhood, but at that time no one was killed.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241111/scholz-trump-had-phone-conversation-on-sunday-agreed-to-work-together-1120848004.html

Scholz, Trump Had Phone Conversation, Agreed to Work Together

Scholz, Trump Had Phone Conversation, Agreed to Work Together

Sputnik International

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election, held phone talks on Sunday and agreed to work together to "return peace" to Europe, Western media reported citing a German government spokesperson.

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"The chancellor emphasized the German government's willingness to continue the decades of successful cooperation between the two countries' governments. They also agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe," the spokesperson said as quoted by Reuters. Donald Trump, who had already served as US President after the 2016 election, won the presidential election on November 5. He became the first politician in the United States since the 19th century to return to the White House after a four-year hiatus. Trump's victory was announced by all leading media outlets involved in vote counting: the Associated Press, Fox News, CNN, NBC, ABC, and CBS. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris addressed supporters and announced that she would concede, while incumbent US President Joe Biden spoke with Trump and congratulated him. The Electoral College from the states must vote for candidates 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 inauguration will take place on January 20.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241107/trump-peace-plan-outlined-by-wsj-has-minimal-chance-of-being-realized-without-tweaks---analyst-1120808238.html

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Area native and Vietnam veteran Chuck Jay says that every life is a good life.

There's no bad days, and when you get to age 80 like me, when you get out of bed in the morning and can swing your feet out and hit the floor, it's a good day.

Jay lived on a farm in Mitchell, the youngest of six, but his family soon moved to Scottsbluff where he spent the rest of his juvenile years.

Im a Bearcat. A Bearcat now living in Gering, Jay said, with a laugh.

When he graduated high school at 17 in the early 1960s, most boys at that age knew another draft was on the horizon.

Rather than wait for a draft card and be told where to go, Jay enlisted in July 1963, which gave him the opportunity to choose to go into the United States Air Force.

After enlisting in Denver, he attended boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

That was going into Hades, Jay said of San Antonio in July. I told one of my enlistee friends from Denver, Why in the world did we go in July? Why didn't we wait till September, when it started to cool down?

He ended up staying at Lackland until September, waiting on his security clearance. Once it finally came through, Jay traveled to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver for intelligence training and then spent seven months at Glasgow Air Force Base in Montana, with a B-52 wing.

Jays time in Montana  complete with top secret clearance  was spent working as a part of the Chrome Dome. The Chrome Dome, according to Jay, was six Air Force Bases across the top United States, Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, Glasgow Air Force Base in Montana, Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan.

These bases were constantly armed with B-52s and nuclear weapons during the Cold War Era.

We made the maps they flew for their (pilots), Jay said. We planned the bomb runs for them, and then they studied them.

He received two more security clearances while stationed at Glasgow, and he stayed there until May 1966 when he received orders to go to Vietnam. He was sent home because his superiors werent sure just when hed make the trip.

I was home 56 days before they sent me, Jay said. Then I went to Vietnam in July of 1966, and got back to Scottsbluff on July 4 of 1967.

Before he was able to set foot in country, he  and all U.S. soldiers  had to get a series of 21 shots.

I got a bunch in Montana when I left, Jay said. I went to advanced combat training in California and got ready to ship out from San Francisco and they were checking my shot record and said, Youre not up to date.

After six more shots, he was allowed to fly out of San Francisco, Saigon bound.

Jay and his fellow soldiers were flown commercial on airlines like Pan Am.

The pilot came on the intercom and said, Gentlemen, because were all military and won't be back for a while, how about we take a little buzz around San Francisco? he said. So he flew out around San Francisco, and then they played the song I Left My Heart in San Francisco.'

They refueled in Hawaii and refueled in Guam so they wouldnt be on the ground too long in Vietnam.

As their civilian planes prepared to land them into Saigon  where the big base was  an F4C Phantom would arrive as an escort.

The pilot says, Gentlemen, were going in hot, which means were going in under fire, Jay said. But when we stopped, we didnt turn off the engines. They opened the doors and we had to vacate the plane as fast as possible.

The same thing happened when he left the country.

I never saw one of those (passenger planes) stand on their tail and go up that fast, Jay said. The pilot hit it as hard as he could, because you were actually taking fire going out.

Despite being shot at, monsoon season and jungle rot, as well as the dangers of Agent Orange, Jay calls his time in the service great.

I served with a lot of good guys, he said. I met a lot of people, a lot of kids from everywhere. Vietnam was different, though. There's things you see there that you shouldn't have seen, that nobody should see.

When the time came for Jay to come home, he asked his discharging sergeant what his chances about being redeployed to Vietnam were if he reenlisted.

The answer? Within six months.

I had a broken leg (from Vietnam), Jay said. When I came home, the discharging sergeant said, As soon as your leg heals, you'll be back.

After two tours, Jay didnt think he wanted to go again.

I was 23 years old when I came back home, he said.

In 1969, he and his wife, Kathy, married.

His military status when he returned was considered reserve, inactive-active.

So I could have been called back at any time to go back in, Jay said. I couldnt leave the states for five years. Couldn't go to Canada. I couldn't go anywhere.

His military service was more than just a way to choose which branch and direction he wanted to go in. For Jay, military service is about dedication to ones country.

On my dad's side of the family, we had 26 boys, Jay said Only one didn't serve and thats because he couldnt, medically. I think we all owe the country something.

Jay and his wife eventually had two daughters and family became his main priority.

We have friends that go to Arizona for vacation, he said. My friend asked, When are you guys going to start coming to Arizona? I told him, When you pry my wife away from the grandkids.

Jay and his wife would call their daughter and ask for grandkid sleepovers.

I wouldn't trade those for anything for the world, he said.
Summary: Special audits under the GST framework are designed to address specific discrepancies in taxpayer records and are conducted by professionals appointed by the Commissioner under Section 66 of the CGST Act, 2017, and Rule 102 of the CGST Rules, 2017. This provision enables officers to request audits if there are concerns about incorrect values or irregularities in input tax credits claimed. Courts have clarified these audits in several cases, emphasizing fair procedures and full consideration of taxpayer submissions. For example, in Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India, the court found unsigned audit documents invalid and ruled that taxpayer responses must be duly considered to uphold natural justice. Similarly, Future Generali Insurance and Malaysia Airlines Berhad cases highlighted the need for authorities to thoroughly review explanations provided by taxpayers before finalizing audit findings. The Tata Motors case further reinforced that special audits should not be executed mechanically but should involve a thoughtful evaluation of taxpayer replies. Courts underscore the importance of complete documentation, transparency, and giving taxpayers fair opportunities to address issues. Through these rulings, it is evident that adherence to these principles is crucial to avoid legal challenges and ensure that audits achieve their intended purpose without unduly burdening taxpayers.

Introduction

Special audits under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act serve as a crucial mechanism for the authorities to dig deeper into a taxpayers financial records when discrepancies are suspected. Unlike routine audits, special audits are initiated under specific circumstances and are conducted by professionals nominated by the Commissioner. This article explores the legal provisions governing special audits under GST and examines various judicial interpretations to understand the practical implications and issues arising from these audits. Under the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017, and the corresponding CGST Rules, 2017, special audits are primarily governed by:

Section 66 of the CGST Act, 2017: This section empowers an officer, not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner, to direct a registered person to get their books of accounts audited by a chartered accountant or a cost accountant nominated by the Commissioner. The audit is ordered when the officer believes that the value declared is incorrect or the input tax credit (ITC) claimed is not within normal limits.

This section empowers an officer, not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner, to direct a registered person to get their books of accounts audited by a chartered accountant or a cost accountant nominated by the Commissioner. The audit is ordered when the officer believes that the value declared is incorrect or the input tax credit (ITC) claimed is not within normal limits. Rule 102 of the CGST Rules, 2017: This rule outlines the procedural aspects of a special audit, which includes the issuance of Form GST ADT-03 to direct the audit and Form GST ADT-04 to inform the taxpayer of the audit findings.

Judicial Interpretations and Key Case Laws

Courts have dealt with various issues surrounding special audits under GST, offering crucial insights into how these provisions are applied in practice. Below are some notable case laws highlighting different issues:

1. SAMSUNG INDIA ELECTRONICS PRIVATE LIMITED vs. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

In this case, Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. challenged a special audit order issued under Section 66 of the CGST Act, 2017. The company contended that the audit order and related documents were unsigned by the proper officer, which they argued to render them legally invalid. Additionally, Samsung claimed that the proper officer did not adequately consider their detailed reply to the discrepancies identified in the audit. The key issues in this case were:

Whether the issuance of unsigned audit-related documents is legally valid.

Whether the proper officers failure to consider the taxpayers reply constitutes a violation of the principles of natural justice.

The court ruled in favour of Samsung India, holding that the unsigned audit documents were indeed legally problematic, as they did not conform to the statutory requirements. Moreover, the court found that the proper officer failed to adequately consider the petitioners detailed reply, violating the principles of natural justice. The audit order was set aside, and the matter was remanded for fresh consideration, with instructions to the authorities to ensure proper documentation and fair evaluation of the petitioners submissions.

2. FUTURE GENERALI INDIA INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED vs. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (ST)

Here, Future Generali India Insurance Company was subjected to a special audit due to discrepancies between its turnover as declared in its Profit & Loss account and the turnover reported in its GSTR-9 return. The company argued that these discrepancies were due to its Pan India operations, where certain transactions were attributed to different states under GST, leading to variances in the reported turnover. Issues framed here were:

Whether the discrepancies in turnover reporting were sufficiently explained by the taxpayer.

Whether the special audit findings were justified in light of the explanations provided by the taxpayer.

The court sided with Future Generali, finding that the assessing officer had not adequately considered the companys explanation regarding its Pan-India operations and the allocation of turnover across states. The court emphasized that proper consideration of the taxpayers submissions is essential in special audits. Consequently, the special audit findings were set aside, and the matter was remanded for a fresh audit, with directions to take the taxpayers explanations into account.

3. MALAYSIA AIRLINES BERHAD vs. COMMISSIONER OF DELHI GOODS AND SERVICES TAX DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND TAXES & ANR.

In this case, Malaysia Airlines Berhad was subject to a special audit under the GST. The airline company argued that the special audit report was incomplete and did not take into consideration the detailed explanations and replies they had submitted. The company contended that this incomplete audit report led to an unfair assessment of tax liabilities. Here, the key issues were:

Whether the special audit report was complete and adequately considered the taxpayers submissions.

Whether the audit findings were justified in light of the alleged incomplete consideration of the taxpayers responses.

The court ruled in favour of Malaysia Airlines, finding that the special audit report was indeed incomplete and did not adequately incorporate the taxpayers detailed submissions. The court noted that a thorough and unbiased audit process is essential to ensure justice. The court set aside the audit findings and remanded the case for a fresh audit, instructing the authorities to ensure that all relevant submissions from the taxpayer were fully considered.

4. FUTURE GENERALI INDIA INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED vs. GOODS AND SERVICE TAX OFFICER & TATA MOTORS LIMITED VERSUS GOODS AND SERVICE TAX OFFICER

Tata Motors Limited was issued a Show Cause Notice by the GST Officer based on findings from a special audit conducted under Section 66 of the CGST Act. The SCN included allegations such as late filing of GSTR-1, inaccurate declaration of turnover, discrepancies between GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, excessive input tax credit (ITC) claimed, and unreported GST liabilities under reverse charge. The key issues in this case were:

Whether the GST Officer properly considered the detailed reply submitted by Tata Motors before issuing the impugned order.

Whether the special audit report was applied mechanically without due application of mind by the Proper Officer in issuing the SCN.

Whether the impugned order was sustainable in law considering the alleged lack of proper consideration of Tata Motors response.

Here, the court found that the Proper Officer did not apply their mind to the detailed reply submitted by Tata Motors, as the impugned order merely stated that the reply was not satisfactory without providing any reasoning or consideration of the merits of the reply.

The court held that the failure to consider the Petitioners reply, or to request further clarification or documentation if needed, was a violation of the principles of natural justice.

The impugned order was deemed unsustainable and was set aside by the court.The court remitted the SCN back to the Proper Officer for re-adjudication, instructing that a fresh, reasoned order be passed after considering any additional reply submitted by Tata Motors and after providing an opportunity for a personal hearing.

Key Takeaways from Judicial Interpretations

Fairness and Transparency: Courts have consistently emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in the conduct of special audits. Tax authorities are required to provide taxpayers with adequate opportunities to present their cases and must consider these submissions judiciously.

Courts have consistently emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in the conduct of special audits. Tax authorities are required to provide taxpayers with adequate opportunities to present their cases and must consider these submissions judiciously. Proper Documentation: The validity of documents issued during a special audit, such as audit reports or directives, is critical. Unsigned or incomplete documents can render the audit process legally vulnerable.

The validity of documents issued during a special audit, such as audit reports or directives, is critical. Unsigned or incomplete documents can render the audit process legally vulnerable. Consideration of Taxpayers Explanations: Special audits often lead to the identification of discrepancies in tax returns or financial statements. However, courts have stressed the importance of considering the taxpayers explanations and justifications before arriving at any conclusions.

Special audits often lead to the identification of discrepancies in tax returns or financial statements. However, courts have stressed the importance of considering the taxpayers explanations and justifications before arriving at any conclusions. Limits on Retrospective Application: While special audits can uncover past discrepancies, applying findings retrospectively, especially in the absence of clear evidence of fraud or suppression, has been frowned upon by courts.

Conclusion

Special audits under GST play a vital role in ensuring compliance and protecting revenue. However, as highlighted by various judicial rulings, the process must be carried out with due diligence, fairness, and transparency. The legal framework provides clear guidelines for conducting special audits, but it is the judicial interpretations that offer a more refined understanding of how these audits should be executed. Tax authorities must adhere to these principles to avoid legal challenges and ensure that audits serve their intended purpose without causing undue hardship to taxpayers.

****

Author: Sahi Bajaj | Final year law student | UPES, School of Law, Dehradun
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 view of St. Peter's basilica during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

The Vatican and Microsoft on Monday unveiled a digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica that uses artificial intelligence to explore one of the world's most important monument's while helping the Holy See manage visitor flows and identify conservation problems.

Using 400,000 high-resolution digital photographs, taken with drones, cameras and lasers over four weeks when no one was in the basilica, the digital replica is going online alongside two new on-site exhibits to provide visitorsreal and virtualwith an interactive experience.

"It is literally one of the most technologically advanced and sophisticated projects of its kind that has ever been pursued," Microsoft's president Brad Smith told a Vatican press conference.

The project has been launched ahead of the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee, a holy year in which more than 30 million pilgrims are expected to pass through the basilica's Holy Door, on top of the 50,000 who visit on a normal day.

"Everyone, really everyone should feel welcome in this great house," Pope Francis told Smith and members of the project's development teams at an audience Monday.

The digital platform allows visitors to reserve entry times to the basilica, a novelty for one of the world's most visited monuments that regularly has an hours-long line of tourists waiting to get in.

Images of St. Peter's Basilca are projected on a screen during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

But the heart of the project is the creation of a digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica through advanced photogrammetry and artificial intelligence that allows anyone to "visit" the church and learn about its history.

The ultra-precise 3D replica, developed in collaboration with digital preservation company Iconem, incorporates 22 terabytes of data, Smith said.

The images have already identified structural damage and signs of deterioration, such as missing mosaic pieces, cracks and fissures invisible to the naked eye, with a speed and precision far beyond human capabilities.

Francis has called for the ethical use of AI and used his annual World Message of Peace this year to urge an international treaty to regulate it, arguing that technology lacking human values of compassion, mercy, morality and forgiveness were too great.

A photographer takes pictures during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Images of St. Peter's Basilca are projected on a screen during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

An image of St. Peter is projected on a screen during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

A model St. Peter's basilica is displayed during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Images of St. Peter's Basilca are projected on a screen during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, right, and Microsoft's vice-Chairman and President Brad Smith unveil the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" during a press conference at the Vatican, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Images of St. Peter's Basilca are projected on a screen during the preview to the press of the exhibition 'Petros eni', which is part of the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" at the Vatican, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, right, and Microsoft's vice-Chairman and President Brad Smith unveil the project "St. Peter's Basilica: AI-Enhanced Experience" during a press conference. at the Vatican, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

On Monday, he thanked the Microsoft team and basilica workers responsible for the project and marveled at how modern technology was helping spread an ancient faith and preserve a piece of world patrimony, which celebrates the 400th anniversary of its consecration in 2026.

"This house of prayer for all peoples has been entrusted to us by those who have preceded us in faith and apostolic ministry," he told Smith and the delegation. "Therefore, it is a gift and a task to care for it, in both a spiritual and material sense, even through the latest technologies."

Smith declined to give a price tag for Microsoft's investment in the project, saying only it was "substantial" and was borne of Francis' initiative in 2018 to bring tech companies together to promote ethnically minded AI.

He said Microsoft had done similar AI projects at Mont Saint-Michel in France and Ancient Olympia, in Greece.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Burma (Myanmar) has continued even as the countrys military junta has lost control and territory to armed resistance groups, according to a report last week by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

The situation in Burma continues to deteriorate as the military junta loses control while ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are consolidating territory and establishing parallel government structures, the report stated. These escalating conflicts negatively affect conditions for freedom of religion or belief.

The Burmese military and the ruling State Administration Council (SAC), which had lost stable control of about 86 percent of the countrys territory and 67 percent of its population by March, have targeted religious leaders and sites in efforts to maintain authority, according to the report.

Parallel models of governance providing public services have emerged in some areas controlled by resistance elements. At the same time, the pro-democracy National Unity Government (NUG) has received broad popular support for rebuilding the country as a peaceful, multiethnic state, though many ethnic minorities are concerned that the NUG is dominated by members of the Bamar Buddhist majority.

The NUG has made some efforts to include minority representation, such as the appointment of an ethnic Rohingya, Aung Kyaw Moe, to a ministerial post, as it has appealed for international recognition as the legitimate government of Burma, the report stated.

The Burmese military has targeted religious leaders in order to intimidate ethno-religious minorities, according USCIRF. In April the regime released the Rev. Hkalam Samson, a Kachin Baptist Convention leader sentenced in April 2023 to six years in prison on fabricated charges of terrorism, unlawful association and inciting opposition, along with 3,300 prisoners but rearrested him within 24 hours, according to the report. Authorities released him again in July.

Denomination members attribute the detention of leaders such as Pastor Samson to the militarys effort to intimidate and coerce the Kachin Baptist Convention and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Attacks on religious leaders committed by unknown assailants are not investigated, the report stated. On March 18, 2024, gunmen shot a Kachin Baptist pastor in Mogaung Township. On April 12, two masked individuals shot a Catholic priest during Mass at St. Patricks Church in Mohnyin village in Kachin State.

The military on June 19 shot and killed a senior Buddhist monk in Mandalay Region, Bhaddanta Muninda Bhivamsa, allegedly mistaking his vehicle as belonging to resistance forces, the report noted.

It is unclear whether the monk was intentionally targeted, it stated.

The SAC has targeted church buildings and other religious sites, including Buddhist monasteries, in its attacks, according to USCIRF. Conflict since the military coup of February 2021 has destroyed more than 220 church buildings nationwide, including potentially up to 100 Catholic ones in Kayah state, through December, the report stated.

Attacks on houses of worship continued in 2024, the report stated. On Aug. 15, a SAC airstrike targeting a church killed 11 civilians, including two children, and severely injured 11 others in Kyeintali Town, Gwa Township, Rakhine state.

Military airstrikes on May 11 and 12 destroyed homes and both a Catholic and a Baptist church in Tonzang Township in Chin State, according to USCIRF. In January, the military burned down a Catholic church in Ye-U Township, Sagaing Region. Military airstrikes on Feb. 5 struck a village church and damaged other buildings, including a school in Demoso Township, Kayah state.

On June 8, military airstrikes targeted a Buddhist monastery in Sagaing Township, Sagaing Region, killing 13 people, including three Buddhist monks, the report stated.

While Buddhists opposed to the regime have been targeted, the SAC continues its policy of Bamar-Buddhist nationalism.

This nationalism has historically targeted ethno-religious minorities such as Chin and Kachin Protestants and other Christians, Karenni Catholics and the predominantly Muslim Rohingya, the USCRIF report stated.

As part of this Bamarization policy, the military previously constructed Buddhist pagodas in prominent places and wherever it established military outposts, the report stated. Ethnic armed organizations in Christian-majority areas express confusion on how best to manage these Buddhist structures in the absence of a local Buddhist population, according to the report.

Burmas population is 87.9 percent Buddhist, 6.2 percent Christian, 4.3 percent Muslim, 0.8 percent animist and 0.5 percent Hindu, according to the CIA Factbook.

While ethnic armed organizations have gained control in areas of some states and regions since Oct. 23, government forces still have considerable power to target religious minorities.

The military juntas aerial superiority enabled it to target resistance groups, including religious communities that support these groups, even as the resistance has made advances on the ground, the USCIRF report states.

Different Chin communities, which are predominantly Christian, in December 2023 established a new Chinland constitution and governing structure pledging secular governance, in contrast with the Buddhist-nationalist governance model of the SAC. Even in some areas cleared of the Burmese military, however, stability has remained elusive: Tensions erupted in May between groups associated with the Chinland Council and other Chin state ethnic organizations such as the Zomi Revolutionary Army, the report noted.

Potential conflict between various ethnic organizations within Chin state could prevent the return of Chin and Zomi peoples who fled, in part, from religious persecution perpetrated by the Burmese military, it stated.

Similarly, in some parts of Kachin state where the Burmese military remains, minority religious communities are vulnerable especially as the KIA attempts to assert control.

The instability in Kachin state has heightened vulnerabilities for Christian minority communities and members of the Buddhist majority in the region whose communities, houses of worship, and religious leaders the Burmese military may target for their support of the resistance, the report stated.

In Rakhine state, where the rebel Arakan Army (AA) of the predominantly Buddhist, Rakhine ethnic minority has continued to consolidate control, the AA as well as the Burmese military appear to have destroyed Rohingya villages and towns, the report noted.

Refugees

Violence since 2021 has led to an increase in internal displacement; as of September, at least 3.4 million people were internally displaced across Burma, according to the report.

The conflict has sparked new waves of refugees, including from other ethnic and religious minority communities such as Chin, Kachin, and Karenni communities, the report noted, adding that violence also has pushed more Burmese to flee the country and prevented repatriation of refugees who fled before the coup.

There may be as many as 40,000 Burmese nationals residing in Indias Mizoram state, more than 8,000 in Manipur state, and more than 5,000 in New Delhi; the majority are Chin and Zomi Christian communities who have fled in part due to religious persecution by the Burmese military, the report stated.

Besides Bangladesh and India, the largest concentrations of refugees from Burma are in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia  countries that are not parties to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, the report stated.

Reports from members of the Chin and Zomi communities in Malaysia  many of whom fled Burma due to the militarys targeting of their religious community  indicate the authorities prevent those unable to receive refugee registration from accessing public services such as education, USCIRF reported.
Two strong earthquakes measuring 5.9 and 6.8 on the Richter scale surprised the Cuban population on Sunday, Nov. 10. Cities in different regions in the southestern part of the island, which were close to the epicenter, reported collapsed buildings. As of this moment, no fatalities have been reported yet. But it only adds to the suffering of a population that experienced storms and blackouts, as Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition, reported earlier.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 6.8 magnitude earthquake had its epicenter located 40 kilometers from Bartolome Maso, in the province of Granma, located in the eastern region of the island. The origin of the earthquake had a depth of only 12.8 kilometers. The information was confirmed by the National Center for Seismological Research of Cuba (CENAIS). Although the epicenter was in the sea, no tsunami warning was issued.

???? Terremoto en #Cuba: Afectada la ESBU Juan Vitalio Acuna por el efecto de los sismos en la manana de este domingo 10 de noviembre 2024, en Pilon, Granma. Aun se suenten replicas, informo Evaristo Pardo Fonseca con estas imagenes. pic.twitter.com/OplUnzTaKo  Alberto Arego (@albertoaregocu) November 10, 2024 ">

The ESBU (Urban Basic Secondary School) Juan Vitalio Acuna was affected by the effects of the earthquakes on the morning of this Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Pilon, Granma. Aftershocks are still being felt, freelance journalist Evaristo Pardo Fonseca reported on the social network X.

State newspaper Granma said no deaths had been immediately reported but the quake had been felt across the Caribbean island.

There is fear in the streets. My house suffered damage to the structure of the living room wall, said Pastor Andre Wanton Roca, from Santiago. There is desperation in the streets, especially among people who live in buildings. There are many people sleeping in the parks, he added.

Cuba's population has been affected by a series of blackouts, and recently Hurricane Rafael - a Category 3 hurricane - passed over the island.

From Havana, communicator Sandy Cancino, a member of the Evangelical League of Cuba church, told Diario Cristiano, We are living through a crisis without parallel in the history of our nation.

Cancino added that his congregation is beginning to distribute aid among those affected. On the twelfth we will be leaving for the Far East, to distribute food aid there... as well as things necessary to rebuild roofs and so on.

Previously, Cuban pastor Yarrian Sierra asked believers around the world to pray for Cuba, not only for the restoration of basic services, but also for the spiritual strength of Christians on the island. Please pray for the nation of Cuba. Please pray for the Cuban people. Please pray for the Cuban churches. And I especially ask you to pray for those whom God has been pleased to put as shepherds of his flock in this land.

He also expressed his hope that despite the difficulties, faith in God remains a beacon of light for Cubans. Although we appear to be a ghost island, an island forgotten by everything and everyone, God has not forgotten Cuba.

Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
Updated Referee, David Coote, has been suspended by the Premier League pending an investigation into desparaging comments he allegedly made on video about former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp.

In the video, which is unverifed but is being treated by PGMOL as genuine and has been circulating on social media today, Coote discusses Klopp's reaction to his officiating of a match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020.

In the minute-long clip, Coote is shown calling Klopp "arrogant", a German cunt and his Liverpool team shit following a 1-1 draw.

Coote, who has also been suspended by Uefa pending the investigation is an admitted Notts County fan and is therefore barred from refereeing games involving either of the Nottingham clubs.

To add to his woes, The S*n are now reporting that there is a video clip of Coote snorting a white powder through a rolled-up banknote while at Euro 2024 this past summer.
13/11/2024

Updated While The Friedkin Group await the green light from the various regulatory bodies in the UK to proceed with their takeover of Everton, they continue to grapple with instability at AS Roma.

This past weekend, owner Dan Friedkin felt compelled to sack Ivan Juric, the man brought in only weeks ago to replace club legend Daniele de Rossi who was himself fired after a poor run of results either side of the close season.

De Rossi's dismissal led to strong protests from Roma fans, with the club's more hardcore supporters staging boycotts and delayed walk-ins to the stadium aimed at signalling their displeasure at their Houston-based overlords.

With Juric having reportedly been informed by Friedkin of his sacking by phone before he could get to the dressing room for his post-match talk to the team, TFG are now looking to hire the fifth manager of their four-year tenure as Roma's owners, having got rid of Jose Mourinho almost a year ago.

Following reports that ex-Toffees boss Frank Lampard was in the frame, report suggested that he was not being considered, with TFG turning to former Chelsea and Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri instead.

The Liverpool Echo carry a number of translated quotes from the Italian press on Juric's departure, including those imploring TFG to be more visible in the Italian capital and that, "Roma cannot be managed from a plane".

The group remain hopeful that their buy-out of Farhad Moshiri's majority shareholding at Everton can be completed by next month.

 Read the full article at romapress

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